Bishop T.
Larry Kirkland - Chair, Commission on Publications
The
Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The
Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder
February:
Black
History Month
March:
Women’s
History Month
Mark
and Save Date in your Calendars:
Jarena
Lee Birthday – February 11
Richard
Allen birthday – February 14
Easter
Sunday – March 31, 2013
AME
Church Connectional Day of Prayer – April 13, 2013
Pentecost
Sunday May 19, 2013
General
Board Meeting - June 22-26, 2013
Bishop
Sarah F. Davis Investiture – June 24, 2013
1. TCR EDITORIAL - "WOMEN
INSPIRING INNOVATION THROUGH IMAGINATION: CELEBRATING AMEC WOMEN IN MINISTRY”
(WIM):
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III,
The 20th Editor, The
Christian Recorder
We are approaching March, which each year, in the United States
has been designated as Women’s History
Month and I was hoping that we could have at least one issue in March
devoted to and written by women.
Episcopal Supervisor, Dr. Cecelia Bryant made the suggestion for a March
women’s issue in 2004. We did it once
and I am not sure if we followed through since.
I would like to dedicate an entire issue written by women and devoted to
women’s issues.
The U.S. national theme for 2013 is "Women Inspiring Innovation Through Imagination: Celebrating Women in
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics."
In a take-off from the U.S. national theme for Women’s History
Month, I am announcing that The Christian
Recorder theme will be "Women
Inspiring Innovation Through Imagination: Celebrating AMEC Women In Ministry”
(WIM).
The African Methodist Episcopal Church has a lot to celebrate
with so many accomplishments by the global AME Church and by members of the AME
Church in Episcopal Districts 1- 20 and in the AMEC endorsed chaplaincy.
The AME Church should be especially proud of the accomplishments
of our women in ministry.
We were the first historically black Methodist denomination to elect
a women bishop in the person of Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie in 2000. We should be proud that the AME didn’t settle
for tokenism by being satisfied with electing one woman bishop, but the African
Methodist Episcopal Church came back and elected two more women bishops in the
persons of Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry and Bishop Sarah Frances Taylor Davis in
the follow-on General Conference in 2004.
I am certain that the actions of the AME Church encouraged and
precipitated the election of women bishops in the AME Zion and the CME
Churches.
We have also elected women general officers in the persons of
Dr. Jamye Coleman Williams and Dr. Paulette Coleman and at the 2012 General
Conference elected Dr. Theresa Frye Brown as the Historiographer / Editor of The A.M.E. Church Review.
Women serve as connectional officers and serve as members of the
Judicial Council and function at all levels of the African Methodist Episcopal
Church. Women serve as presiding elders, pastors and in positions of leadership
in local churches.
Women have been serving as leaders in the Church since the
beginning of African Methodism; if not in a de
jure capacity; certainly in a de
facto capacity.
We are proud of our accomplishments, but there is still a lot of
work to be done. Women in ministry continue to face many challenges. Women in ministry have faced problems from
the time Jarena Lee shared her call and commitment to preach the Gospel with
Richard Allen. Richard Newman’s book, Freedom’s
Prophet goes into great detail about their relationship. Newman writes,
“Allen and Lee’s first meeting did not go well.” It may not have started well, but Richard
Allen became an ardent supporter of the ministry of Jarena Lee. Sarah Allen was also a supporter of the
Jarena Lee’s ministry. Newman reports that Sarah Allen was the first person to
purchase Jarena Lee’s spiritual biography.
“The Reverend” Jarena Lee preached the Gospel and laid the
foundation for women in ministry. She faced obstacles inside and outside of the
AME Church, but she remained faithful, diligent and committed to ministry.
Women in ministry face
challenges today
We have come a long way, but we have a long way to go. The
connectional church did not succumb to tokenism in becoming satisfied with
electing one female bishop; today, we have two active female bishops and one
retired female bishop.
Episcopal districts and annual conferences would do well to
follow the example of the connectional church and reject tokenism as the norm
for assigning women pastors. Women are among our most educated clergy. Women
know they have to be better and they are; they stand “head and shoulders” with
male clergy across the 20 episcopal districts and in the AME Church endorsed
chaplaincy.
When “plum” pastoral appointments need to be filled, women
should always be in the mix, but too often only the names of male clergy are
mentioned. Fully prepared women clergy should not be expected to be sent to the
“hinterlands” because they are women.
Clergy, both men and women, who complete all of their
educational requirements for ministry, expect to be treated as professionals on
every level. Trained clergy members,
today, have more options than some of the less-trained pastors of years past;
and they are less likely to tolerate unprofessionalism.
In the era after the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and
Voting Rights Act of 1965, organizations discovered the importance of race
relations training to help organizations create more colleague-friendly and
work-productive environments. And later, as organizations became more
sensitized about women's issues, diversity training was routinely provided at
all levels. Race relations and diversity awareness training was needed because
organizations could not assume that their organization would function with
universal sensitivity and compliance by all members of the organization.
Members of the organization had to be trained. It was equally important for
leaders to be trained and in compliance with racial and gender equality because
respect and the absence of conflict in the workplace increases productivity.
It’s never too late
It’s not too late for gender-equality training in the African
Methodist Episcopal Church; and I think it’s much needed.
Training should always begin with the leadership. And, if formal
gender-sensitive/equality training has not been done, gender equality training
should begin with the bishops of the church. Follow-on training should be held
for presiding elders, general officers, connectional officers, pastors and
laity.
The AME Church cannot nor should it assume that everyone
understands gender-related issues and the nuances of the increased numbers of
women in ministry. If formal diversity and gender-equality training has been
done across the connection, it needs to be done again and again. There is still
the perception, which is a reality in the minds of those who have the
perception; that women are treated differently.
Women clergy are still being addressed as “honey,” “darling,”
“sweetheart,” “baby,” “Mrs.,” “miss” and “sister.” Some clergy and laity have difficulty
rendering the same respect to women as they do to men, which is indicative of
the need for gender-sensitive/equality training.
A male pastor would very rarely be called, “mister,” “honey,”
“darling,” “sweetheart,” or “baby.” When
male preachers are called “out of title,” they are most often called, “doctor”
or “bishop.”
Not on the connectional level, but we still have worship
services on various levels where women are not included as worship leaders; and
in some annual conferences women have not preached the annual sermon.
Almost always, when significant pastoral appointments are being
considered, women pastors are not considered in the mix; and that behavior is
indicative of the need for gender-sensitive/equality training.
Minority groups often take on behaviors that are detrimental to
their emotional and psychological wholeness; and one of those behaviors is
self- hatred and a “their ice is colder” mentality. I am still amazed that some
women could be struggling with small, often dysfunctional, congregations and
other women clergy, instead of helping a struggling female pastor, seem to be
more comfortable attaching themselves to churches pastored by men, which is an
indication that gender-sensitive/equality training is needed. Gender-sensitive/equality training is need
for both males and females, if the pastoral workplace is going to be a “level
playing field.
Gender-sensitive/equality training is essential because,
generally, there are differences in the way men and women function; and it’s
true for the profession of ministry. Denominational leaders need to be
intellectually and emotionally aware of the differences and colleagues and
parishioners need to be aware of the differences.
I suspect, from anecdotal observation, that women are more
detailed and less likely to leave things “hanging.” Some women might be more
sensitive, but many women because of their challenges of navigating “the
male-dominated system” might be “tougher” than men. And, here I have reached my
level of competence and women who are experts in the areas of behavioral
science, interpersonal and gender relations could better address the issues of
the differences between women and men.
One thing for sure
Women know, if they want to be successful, that they have to be
better than average when they are functioning in a male-dominated system.
My prophecy
The day has not arrived, but there will be a time in the near
future when a church will send word to a bishop, “Send us a woman pastor, we
don’t want a male pastor.”
The day will come when women will equally share power with the
male leadership of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
2.
TWO (2) IMPORTANT
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS: (1) No more paper Social Security checks
Recommend pastors, local church officers and others check with senior citizens and remind them that there will be no more paper Social Security checks – Direct Deposits or Debit card.
(2) Beware of Bogus IRS Emails:
The IRS receives thousands of
reports every year from taxpayers who receive emails out-of-the-blue claiming
to be from the IRS. Scammers use the IRS name or logo to make the message
appear authentic so you will respond to it. In reality, it’s a scam known as
“phishing,” attempting to trick you into revealing your personal and financial
information. The criminals then use this information to commit identity theft
or steal your money.
The
IRS has this advice for anyone who receives an email claiming to be from the
IRS or directing you to an IRS site:
- Do not reply to the message;
- Do not open any attachments. Attachments may contain
malicious code that will infect your computer; and
- Do not click on any links in a suspicious email or
phishing website and do not enter confidential information. Visit the IRS
website and click on 'Identity Theft' at the bottom of the page for more
information.
Here
are five other key points the IRS wants you to know about phishing scams.
(1). The
IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email or social media channels
to request personal or financial information;
(2). The
IRS never asks for detailed personal and financial information like PIN
numbers, passwords or similar secret access information for credit card, bank
or other financial accounts;
(3). The
address of the official IRS website is www.irs.gov.
Do not be misled by sites claiming to be the IRS but ending in .com, .net, .org
or anything other than .gov. If you discover a website that claims to be the
IRS but you suspect it is bogus, do not provide any personal information on
their site and report it to the IRS;
(4). If
you receive a phone call, fax or letter in the mail from an individual claiming
to be from the IRS but you suspect they are not an IRS employee, contact the
IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to determine if the IRS has a legitimate need to contact
you. Report any bogus correspondence. Forward a suspicious email to phishing@irs.gov;
(5). You
can help the IRS and other law enforcement agencies shut down these schemes.
Visit the IRS.gov website to get details on how to report scams and helpful
resources if you are the victim of a scam. Click on "Reporting
Phishing" at the bottom of the page.
3. MAKE YOUR PLANS TO ATTEND BISHOP SARAH F. DAVIS’ INVESTITURE CELEBRATION:
The Investiture Celebration will be held on Monday, June
24, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.
The Investiture Celebration will be held conjunction with
the General Board Meeting that will be held in Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies
on June 22-26.
Express your love by purchasing a souvenir journal advertisement:
Full Page Gold, Full Page Silver, Full
Page Bronze, 1/2 Page Color, 1/4 Page Color, Patron or Sponsor.
Advertisement prices can be obtained from www.investiture2013.com
Go online NOW for additional information and to submit your
advertisement. Get full details on the
Investiture Worship Service, hotel accommodations and travel. www.investiture2013.com.
Brief
Narrative Invitation
Bishop Sarah and Supervisor Claytie Davis cordially invite
you to join them and the 16th Episcopal District Family, Monday evening, June
24, 2013 in a worship-filled celebration of her elevation to be President of
the Council of Bishops. This historic
occasion will be held at the beautiful Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Jamaica.
The excitement within the 16th District is
electrifying and contagious as we anticipate the Connectional Church coming
back to Kingston after some 35 years.
You do not want to miss this praise and worship experience celebrating
the faithfulness of God in the life and ministry of Bishop Sarah Davis.
4.
MESSAGE MEMO TO ALL DEGREE HOLDERS FROM RETIRED BISHOP FREDERICK H. TALBOT,
M.DIV., S.T.M., D.MIN:
From: Bishop Frederick H. Talbot, Innovator/Coordinator,
D.Min. /S.T.D. Survey
Subject: Completion of Report and Proposed Plans
Date: February 15, 2013
Salutations in the name of the Triune God, Creator,
Redeemer and Sanctifier!
The final draft of the Report of the Survey is being
printed at the AME Publishing House as I write.
Let me share with you the proposed plans attendant upon this production.
As you know, this production has not been funded or
supplemented by any grants from any source, denominational or public. It has been from its inception a voluntary
self-help effort taken on my own initiative and with the full support of my
spouse and many of you. With this in
mind, it is therefore my expectation that all participants would equally bear
the cost of this production and the entailing costs for administration,
sustained over the last two years. I am
confident that you will understand and appreciate these facts and would be
willing to do so. In fact, I do believe
also that each will be convinced that this production was worth our collective
investment, and for that reason my vision has always remained undaunted.
I am, therefore, asking each participant to make a
contribution of at least $50 to cover the cost of printing and administration.
This is urgent. Each participant will then receive a copy of the Report sent
directly from the Publishing House.
Additional copies at the cost of $25.00 each which includes shipping and
handling may be ordered by mailing the request with money order or check to me
at: P.O. Box 843, Brentwood, TN
37024-0843. All checks and money orders should be made payable to
“D.Min. Survey AMEC.” Bishop Jeffrey N.
Leath has agreed to be one of the signatories for this account which will be
established at a local bank.
Complementary copies will be sent to each of the seminaries
you have attended. With the
commemoration of the 200th anniversary of our denomination in mind, I shall
propose that seminaries consider awarding tuition grants as incentives to
qualified candidates from our denomination wishing to pursue studies for the
D.Min. or S.T.D. degrees. Bishop S. L.
Green, Sr., President of the Council of Bishops and Bishop J.R. Bryant, Senior
Bishop, have agreed to be signatories of this letter to the seminaries. The details of implementing the proposed
tuition grants can best be arranged in each district by the Bishop and D.Min
Coordinator.
Thanks again for your splendid level of cooperation. In the words from the sacred poem by Richard
Allen; “Arise! There is no rest for you!”
P.O. Box 843, Brentwood, TN 37027-4362
615-221-9673
5. THE
2013 - 5TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT MIDYEAR CONVOCATION:
The
5th Episcopal District Midyear Convocation will be held on March 6 -
8, 2013 at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel at the Airport, 6101 West Century
Boulevard in Los Angeles, California.
The theme is “Rebuilding the Walls – Hand Me Another Brick!” taken from
Nehemiah 2:17. The Rev. Mark Whitlock, Jr., pastor of Christ Our Redeemer AMEC,
Irvine, California is the host pastor and
the Rev. Benjamin Hollins is the host Presiding Elder. Bishop Theodore
Larry Kirkland, Sr. is the Presiding Bishop of the 5th Episcopal
District.
The
2013 Mid-Year Convocation Presenters/Preachers:
Wednesday,
March 6, 2013
9:30
a.m. Faith in a Facebook Age
Presenter:
Bill Duke, Founder & CEO of Duke Media
12
Noon Hour of Power
Preacher:
The Rev. Timothy Tyler, Pastor of Shorter Community AME Church, Denver,
Colorado
7:00
p.m. Opening Worship Service
Preacher:
Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, Presiding Prelate of the 11th
Episcopal District, AME Church
Thursday,
March 7, 2013
9:00
a.m. - Fundraising: “Raising God’s Money in Bad Times”
Presenter:
Ronald D. Hubbard, USC Associate Dean for Corporate & Foundation Relations
12
Noon - Hour of Power
Preacher:
The Rev. Carolyn Baskin-Bell, Pastor of Rose of Sharon AME Church, Norwalk,
California
7:00
p.m. - Worship Service
Preacher: Bishop Noel Jones, Pastor of City of Refuge,
Gardena, California
Friday,
March 8, 2013
12
noon - Hour of Power
Preacher:
The Rev. J. Edgar Boyd, Pastor of First AME Church, Los Angeles, CA
The
Ministries and Components of the 5th Episcopal District will also be
in session.
For
room reservation contact Sheraton Hotel at 310.642.1111
For
additional information contact Christ Our Redeemer AME Church at 949.955.0014
or visit our website at www.corchurch.org or http://www.amec5th.net.
6.
2ND EPISCOPAL DISTRICT - FOUNDER'S DAY
February 14th has long held a special place in both the
hearts and minds of all in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, as we
annually take a moment to reflect on the founding of our ministry and the birth
of our uniquely appointed mission to spread the gospel. For the members of the
2nd Episcopal District though, February 14, 2013, served not merely as a moment
of commemoration of the courage of Bishop Richard Allen and his contemporaries,
but as a poignant opportunity to celebrate the best and the brightest in the
church; both those who have done and achieved through their works, and those
who have prepared themselves to boldly grasp the reigns of leadership and serve
as the guiding forces of the next century of the ministry.
Both a celebration and a working conference, addressing key
areas of importance as the district moves forward, one might have been forgiven
if they stopped by the Raleigh North Hilton, Raleigh, NC, on Thursday evening
and thought they had walked into a revival. A standing room only crowd of 800+
participants welcomed Presiding Prelate, Bishop William P. DeVeaux, Episcopal
Supervisor Dr. Pam DeVeaux and AMEs from throughout the Mid-Atlantic region to
a celebration of song and sermon powerful enough to rival that of any church
congregation.
Amidst music, occasion and an amazing outpouring of faith,
a portion of the first evening’s service was set aside to recognize 20
individuals, 10 laypersons and 10 ministers from throughout the 2nd District,
whose ongoing work and lives have made an indelible impact upon both the church
and the larger outside community as well. This group, dubbed 2nd District AME
Living Legacies, served as a visceral reminder to everyone present that the
breadth and scope of what they do for others and the church is both
immeasurable and worthy to be praised.
Among those recognized for their impact on the AME Legacy
was a single individual, Brother Ernest Green of Metropolitan AME, Washington
DC. God, in God’s inimitable wisdom, blessed Green with the noble and awesome
burden of being one of the ‘Little Rock Nine’ – a group whose simple gesture of
integrating an Arkansas high-school forced a disinterested America, of the
1950’s, to cast critical eyes on who we really were as a nation. Green, in
humble yet resilient remarks, noted growing up in the AME tradition prepared
him for his journey, as the Founders themselves brought to fruition a
‘liberation theology’ when they walked out of St. George’s Church, in the face
of blatant discrimination. Mr. Green’s poignant words, tracing his path from
youth to a man who has inspired none other than Nelson Mandela, led to a
standing ovation - serving notice to all assembled that the legacy of Bishop
Allen, Absalom Jones, and the original members of the church, is still alive
and well in those who call her home.
The unenviable task of following Mr. Green fell to the
powerfully eloquent Reverend Dr. Calvin Sydnor III, Editor of The Christian Recorder, keynote speaker
for the event, who noted that honoring the 2nd District ‘Living
Legacies’ also reminds us of the importance of ‘giving flowers to the living,’
by recognizing their importance to us now.
He implored the church, and her ministers, to rekindle the fire of their
faith and be vigilant in keeping “the fire” burning. Drawing from Leviticus 6:13 (NLV) “Keep the
Fire Burning; Keep the Prayer Wheel Turning.” Dr. Sydnor tasked those in the 2nd
Episcopal District, and the AMEC at large, to consider their fiduciary
responsibility and stewardship, ensuring the next generation is prepared to
build, protect and secure it in the face of modern influences.
Elegant and emphatic in his charge, Dr. Sydnor threw down
an ecclesiastical gauntlet for future clergy to accept. But, if any one questioned whether there were
worthy candidates in the wings to move our nearly 300-year-old institution into
the future, they were immediately answered when four young AMEs, traveled from
throughout the country, to stand in the pulpit on a cool Friday night for
“Young Prophets Speak.”
Awe Inspiring. Dynamic. Marvelous. Amazing. Transfixing.
Down right Fabulous!
With a boldness borne of youth and an acute intelligence
derived from masterful study, four young ministers [each of whom grew up in the
YPD] mesmerized an audience of close to a thousand. Engaging a congregation of
laypersons, clergy and invited scholars among others of note: Sequoia Boone
(Spelman College), Stephen Green (Morehouse College), Khalis Lemons (Youth
Pastor, Empowerment Temple AME) and Eddie Scott (Wilberforce University)
expounded respectively on the subjects of hope, peace, joy and love-- in a
collective voice so powerful that no one wanted to sit down.
According to Bishop DeVeaux, bringing together and
showcasing the supremely talented young clergy is a testament to both the AMEC
itself and one of the high purposes of his time over the next several years as
the 2nd District’s leader. He stated,
“The rest of my ministry is to expose gifted young people – lay and clergy. The
Lord has richly blessed me, and that’s my blessing to the rest of the church
world.”
For the 2nd Episcopal District, Founder’s Day 2013 served
as much more than a day of remembrance and reflection on how far we’ve come in
300 years. It allowed us the unique opportunity to focus a well-deserved light
not merely on the legacy of the AME Church, but also on the impact and
relevance it sustains even now…and the supremely brilliant future it awaits.
7. A LEGEND IN HIS TIMES - THE REV.
EMMANUEL HEZEKIAH TERRELL JR.:
*The Rev.
Dr. Rebecca Rivka
The Rev.
Emmanuel Hezekiah Terrell Jr. will retire from the pastoral ministry of the
historic new St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church in Virginia Beach,
Virginia at the Virginia Annual Conference convening May 1 -3, 2013 in Newport
News, Virginia at the Marriott City Center.
The Rev.
Emmanuel Hezekiah Terrell Jr. has been a true servant of Jesus Christ in
joining the edict of second Timothy 2:15 “study to show thyself approved unto
God a workman that need if not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
The pastor
has endured “hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” (II Timothy 2:3) and
he has purged “himself and has been “a vessel unto honour, sanctified… for the
master's use, and prepared unto every good work.” (II Timothy 2:21.
The Rev.
Emmanuel Hezekiah Terrell Jr. is the son of the Rev. Dr. E. G. and the Mrs.
Charlesetta Terrell. The Rev. Terrell’s father, the Rev. Dr. E. G. Terrell
served faithfully in each of the five annual conferences of the Second
Episcopal District. Under his pastorate in the North Carolina Annual
Conference, the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church Greensboro was
constructed.
For 57
years, the Rev. Emmanuel Hezekiah Terrell, Jr. has passionately extolled the
gospel of Jesus Christ our Lord. He was licensed to preach in 1956 at Young’s
Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Louisville, Kentucky and admitted
to the Washington Annual Conference in 1957 and ordained an Itinerant Deacon
under the Missionary Rule in 1958.
The Rev.
Jarrell was elected and ordained an Itinerant Elder in 1960.
The Rev.
Emmanuel Hezekiah Terrell Jr. began his pastoral ministry as the pastor of the
Brunswick Charge in the Washington Annual Conference. He also pastored Seaton
Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church in Maryland.
He was
transferred to the Virginia Annual Conference and was assigned to the Browns
Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church in Smithfield Virginia.
Other
pastorates include St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Danville,
Virginia and New Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church in Nassawadox,
Northampton County, on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.
In May 1974
he was appointed to St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church (Davis Corner)
in Norfolk Virginia by Bishop Henry W. Murph and commissioned to build a new
edifice.
The Rev.
Emmanuel Hezekiah Terrell, Jr. and the new congregation at St. John enjoyed an
immediate intimacy and set out on the marvelous task of building a new African
Methodist Episcopal Church in Virginia Beach Virginia – get free.
In
scriptural preparation for the enormous feat, Pastor Terrell and the people of
St, John AME Church read from the scriptural text of Numbers 14 each Sunday
(the unbelief of Israel at Kadesh-barnea, which contributed to the failure of
the Israelites to enter the Promised Land of Canaan). The scriptural reference
served as a motivational warning to inspire St. John to keep the faith, not
wavering in any aspect of the work of the St. John ministry. Pastor Terrell and
the congregation, with the help of Almighty God would construct, liquidate the
debt and move into a new edifice – debt-free from the $25,000 purchase of land
in 1975 to the groundbreaking ceremony conducted by Bishop John Hurst Adams in
1981. The church intensified its efforts toward completion of the new
sanctuary.
In Rev.
Terrell’s grateful words “By God’s grace, mercy and love, we marched
triumphantly into our new sanctuary on the fifth Sunday in August 1982 –
debt-free.” Bishop John Adams dedicated the sanctuary.
A
multipurpose building and atrium were subsequent additions dedicated by the
Right Rev. Vinton R Anderson.
For 39
years, the Rev. Emmanuel Hezekiah Terrell, Jr. has manned the pulpit at new St.
John African Methodist Episcopal Church “waltzing and tangoing” with the word
of God, converting sinners, electrifying Saints, and executing the Pauline
charge: “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke,
exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.” II Timothy 4:2.
Pastor
Terrell has a formidable record of having served under 9 presiding prelates of
the African Methodist Episcopal Church: Bishop Frank Madison Reid, Sr., (the
61st Elected and Consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church);
Bishop George W Baber (63rd) ; Bishop Henry W Murph, (86th); Bishop John Hurst
Adams, (87th), Bishop H. Hartford Brookins, (91st); Bishop Frederick C. James,
(93rd); Bishop Vinton R Anderson, (92nd); Bishop Adam J. Richardson Jr,
(115th)and Bishop William P DeVeaux (113th).
In his
phenomenal tenure as pastor of new St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church,
the Rev. Emmanuel Hezekiah Terrell Jr. organized volumes of AME departmental
and “beyond the sanctuary” ministries. The congregation annually enjoyed
out-of-state travels. Significant among them were black history tours to
Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey; youth ventures to Canada, Niagara Falls,
and Disney World, Sea world, Universal Studios, MGM Studios, Epcot Center and
animal kingdom.
There were
Congregational travels to California and Texas via, commercial airlines.
Seniors and
retirees enjoyed exciting monthly luncheons prepared by the Pastor Terrell;
annual retreats to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for seasonal shows; Yuletide
shopping; and seminars on will-preparation and living-wills; and other
festivities.
A preaching
pastor of true AME character, giving evidence to a highly original sort of
intelligence will be superannuated. A rhetorician – the preachers’ preacher and
the teachers’ teacher; the Rev. Terrell will echo the last line of John
Milton’s poem, On His Blindness: “They also serve who only stand and wait.”
Finally, a
faithful servant to his faithful Lord, the Rev. Emmanuel Hezekiah Terrell, Jr.
can stand and truly explain the immortal words of the Apostle Paul:” I have
fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord,
the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto
all them also that love his appearing.”II Timothy 4:7-8).
When the
Virginia Annual Conference convenes in 2014, there will be one noticeable void
in the pastors’ procession – the Rev. Emmanuel Hezekiah Terrell Jr.
The Rev.
Emmanuel Hezekiah Terrell Jr. known in religious circles as “sage on the stage”
and “the Christian mystic in African Methodism” will be retired.
*The Rev.
Dr. Rebecca Rivka is a member of the ministerial staff of New St. John African
Methodist Episcopal Church, Virginia Beach Virginia
8.
FREE REGISTRATION FOR THEME SELECTED FOR THE 50TH QUADRENNIAL
SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE:
Be
a Part of the 2016 General Conference…Let Your Voice Be Heard
When the 50th Quadrennial Session of the General
Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church convenes in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania in 2016, it will be an historic experience for the venerable church
of Richard Allen. For one fortunate
attendee with a creative mind, it will also mean being a part of that history.
The General Conference Commission will give one free
registration to the person who proposes the theme that will be selected for the
50th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference.
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Chair of the Media and
Branding Committee for the conference said, “The theme is critical for setting
the tone for the work of the conference.”
She added, “Whoever submits the winning entry will have something to
talk about for years to come as the church comes back home to celebrate its 200th
birthday.”
The 50th Quadrennial Session of the General
Conference is going to be one of major significance for the African Methodist
Episcopal Church. The conference will take place July 6-13, 2016 in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The church
celebrates the Bicentennial— its 200 year birthday - an “once-in-a-lifetime
event.”
Bishop Samuel L. Greene, Sr., President of the Council of Bishops
said, “The 50th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the
African Methodist Episcopal Church will be a celebration which will accentuate
the greatness of our Zion. This
Bicentennial milestone is an opportunity to reflect on the basic beliefs and
tenants upon which our founding parents established the African Methodist
Episcopal Church. I encourage every AME
member to share in this exciting moment by submitting a suggestion for a theme
and/or logo for this historical celebration.
Get excited and share your thoughts as we recognize how far we have
come, impacting the world and changing lives.”
Bishop John R. Bryant, Senior Bishop of the A.M.E. Church
explained the General Conference will be a celebration of advancement for the
denomination and the nation.
“The African Methodist Episcopal Church is very proud of its
legacy of being the oldest historically black denomination in the western
hemisphere,” said Bishop Bryant. “Our event to celebrate our 200th birthday
will take place at the site of our first General Conference in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, the city of brotherly love. The African Methodist Episcopal
Church was birthed in a nation that still practiced slavery. The progress that
the nation has made in racial equality is made clear by the fact that the
President of this nation on the occasion of our 200th Birthday is an African
American, President Barack Obama.”
Just as the nation celebrates Independence Day, on July 4,
the occasion ushers in this great event of the 50th Quadrennial of the General
Conference, in the city that cradles independence and pride. The Connectional AME Church will continue the
celebration with service to kingdom building in the City of Brotherly (and
sisterly) love. “Celebrated as the birthplace of democracy and first Capitol of
the United States, Philadelphia is also the treasured home of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church, where our founder, Bishop Richard Allen, built the
denomination’s first church, Mother Bethel,” said Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram.
The Host Bishop of the General Conference, Bishop Ingram
added, “In 2016, the First Episcopal District will serve as the host of our
Bicentennial as the world recognizes us as the oldest denomination in America
founded by persons of color. The Celebration of our 200th Year will include a
myriad of ceremonies, parades, concerts and special exhibitions to pay tribute
to our founder and many contributions members of our denomination have made
around the world. It will also mark the historic 50th General Conference of
African Methodism as we cast the vision of priorities for the next four years,
review and propose new legislation, and elect General Officers and Bishops.”
Because of this momentous occasion, clergy and laity are
invited to participate in selecting the theme for the General Conference. According to Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie,
“This is the third time the AME Church has invited the membership to suggest
the theme that is scripturally based.”
This project gives everyone an opportunity to ‘let your voice be heard.’
Dr. Richard Lewis, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of
the AME Church said, "We are excited about the upcoming General Conference
in 2016, which is just over 40 months from February, 2013. As we celebrate the 50th Quadrennial in Philadelphia,
which has such historical significance for the AME Church, the place where we
started in 1816, it is noteworthy that both clergy and laity have the
opportunity to participate by submitting a theme. Planning is crucial,
preparation is critical and your contributions are paramount."
This past summer the theme for the 2012 General Conference
was “Exalting Christ to Impact the World” based on St. John 12:32.
Other past themes include:
1996 “Refocusing Our
Heritage, Reassessing the Present, Re-envisioning the Future”
2000 “Awakened to Serve
Christ, Church and Community”
2004 “A 21st
Century Church, Serving the Never Changing Christ”
2008 "Equipping
the Saints, Empowering the People, Transforming the World”
Interested individuals should email their suggestions to the
Chief Information Officer, REVJBC@aol.com, Dr. Jeffery
B. Cooper by 5 p.m. (CST) on Wednesday, March 20, 2013.
The winning entry will be selected by the Executive
Committee of the General Conference Commission and the Council of Bishops. The winner will be announced in The Christian Recorder print and online
issues. In addition to the AME recognition, the selected winner will receive
one free registration to the 2016 General Conference. Be a Part of
History…Participate!
Note:
Only members of the AME Church are allowed to participate.
*Submitted by Dr. Phyllis Qualls-Brooks, 13th
Episcopal District in collaboration with the Rev. Salethia Honors, 10th
Episcopal District and Mrs. Billie D. Irving, 13th Episcopal
District.
9.
FEBRUARY 21, 2013 --
BISHOP SAMUEL L. GREEN, SR. HONORED BY THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRATIC BLACK CAUCUS:
Tuesday evening, February 19, 2013,
before over 500 attendees, Bishop Samuel Lawrence Green, Sr., the 125th
Elected and Consecrated Bishop and President of the Bishops’ Council of the
African Methodist Episcopal Church, was presented the President’s Award by the
Arkansas Democratic Black Caucus. The
Caucus’ 9th Annual King Kennedy Dinner was held at the Metroplex Event
Center in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Bishop Green was recognized for his
leadership in the 12th Episcopal District, the connectional Church
of Allen, as well as for the successes of Shorter College. Bishop Green was one
of three recipients this year, namely, Dr. Ronda Henry-Tillman (a surgical
oncologist specializing in women’s oncology at the University of Arkansas
Medical School (UAMS) Medical Center), and Richard L. Mays, Sr., Esq., (the
senior and founding partner of Mays, Byrd, & Associates, P.A., specializing
in the areas of corporate law and public finance, personal injury, government
affairs and business law/contracts).
In his acceptance speech Bishop
Green referenced the melodious voice of the mockingbird. He noted that the mockingbird sings through
the darkness of the night, and it ceases singing at dawn; thus, God makes it
possible for us to sing through all adversity, knowing that there is a dawn in
our horizon and a better day ahead.
The 12th District is
proud of our leader, Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr.
10.
CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF SERVICE:
Friday, November 9, 2012, the Connectional Lay Organization
(CLO) celebrated the 100th Anniversary of its founding in 1912. This
historic culminating Centennial Celebration was held in the Family Life Center
of the largest A.M.E. Church in the 6th Episcopal District, Saint
Philip AME Church located at 240 Candler Road, South East, Decatur, Georgia,
USA, where The Rev. Dr. William Watley is pastor. Numerous AME officials,
clergy, lay leaders and members traveled from around the world to convene in
Atlanta, Georgia to celebrate 100 years of the spirit, mission and service of
the AME Church’s Connectional Lay Organization.
As part of the Centennial Celebration, there was a Time
Capsule Planting Service held in St. Philip’s garden area where numerous CLO
historical documents and artifacts were sealed for twenty-five years in a
capsule for future generations to open and explore. AME Church and CLO
officials took turns covering the capsule with dirt, including: Dr. Paulette
Coleman and Mr. William “Bill” Ayers, CLO 100 Co-Chairs; Bishop William P.
DeVeaux Sr., CLO Commission Chairman; Bishop Preston W. Williams II, Presiding
Prelate, 6th Episcopal District; Bishop Samuel L. Green Sr., Presiding Prelate,
12th Episcopal District; retired Bishop Frank C. Cummings; Dr. Willie C.
Glover, CLO President; Dr. Richard A. Lewis, CFO, Connectional AME Church; Dr.
Jayme Coleman Williams, retired General Officer; and Mrs. Edith B. Cartledge,
CLO Director of Lay Activities.
Following the Time Capsule Planting Service, a dinner was
held in St. Philip’s Marcia H. Moss Fellowship Hall. Bishop Preston W. Williams
II, Presiding Prelate, and Ms. Gloria Byrd, 6th District Lay Organization
President, welcomed everyone to the great state of Georgia, which Bishop
Williams fondly refers to as, “The empire state of African Methodism.” General
Officer Dr. Richard Lewis lifted everyone’s spirits by singing a heartfelt
rendition of “It Is Well with My Soul.” Greetings were offered by Mrs. Barbara
C. Campbell, President of the C.M.E. Church, Connectional Lay Council. Mr. Bill
Ayers read congratulatory letters from Mayor Kasim Reed, who congratulated the
CLO on their 100 years of service and commitment and welcomed the Centennial
Celebration to the city of Atlanta, and from Governor Nathan Deal, encouraging
AME’s to explore and enjoy the many attractions throughout the state of
Georgia. Bishop William P. DeVeaux Sr. and Dr. Willie C. Glover addressed the
attendees, speaking of the historic power and purpose of the Connectional Lay
Organization’s past 100 years, as well as its future plans to continue its
proud legacy of service to the A.M.E. Church and the global communities of the
world.
At 7:00 p.m., the Connectional AME Music and Christian Arts
Ministry presented a concert featuring numerous artists representing music,
dance, theater and drama. The St. Philip AME Church Choir opened the event
singing several songs that set the tone for an evening of high praise. St.
Philip’s Holy Dance Ministry soared through several choreographed pieces which
included youth, adult, solo and group performances. The featured artist of the
evening was Darryl "Scooter" Booker and the Voices of Kansas City,
who closed the show with a set of songs filled with the power and anointing of
the Holy Spirit.
This historic Centennial Celebration focused on the
advancement of the Connectional Lay Organization’s scholarship programs, global
disaster relief funds, and overall program of lay witness, leadership training
and advocacy which have served as its cornerstone for 100 years. The mission of
the AME Church is to minister to the spiritual, intellectual, physical,
emotional and environmental needs of all people by spreading Christ’s
liberating gospel through word and deed. The AME Church Lay Organization’s
mission is to teach and train the laity to support the total program of the AME
Church through a systematic and regular study of AME polity and theology, and
apply that program in service to the global communities.
Dr. Willie C. Glover stated, “Our centennial year is a time
to give thanks, reflect, celebrate, evaluate, and reposition ourselves for
greater service to the church and the world.”
The Connectional Lay Organization operates as a vital force to create a
love and appreciation of the history and principles of African Methodism;
stimulate and educate laity in the total program of the AME Church; encourage
financial support of the programs of the church; participate in the governance
of the church; advocate for social justice; and support scholarships and
enhancements for institutions of higher education.
The AME Church’s support of higher education dates back to
1844. The scholarship programs of the Connectional Lay Organization have served
as some of the means to assist young people throughout the world in obtaining a
college education. Bi-annually, the CLO awards two scholarships to deserving
students: The Jamye Coleman Williams – Joseph Columbus McKinney Scholarship,
and The J.D. Williams Scholarship.
As the CLO celebrates 100 years of service, it seeks to
elevate the level of the education of young people by raising awareness of the
importance of higher education; ensuring success at the secondary level so
students are prepared for higher education; enhance mentoring to ensure that
young people graduate from high school; combat the alarming drop-out rate;
assist in the improvement of scoring on the SAT; and offer training sessions on
secondary and higher education for both students and parents.
Another way the CLO supports the programs of the AME Church
is through its disaster relief efforts. Disasters such as those in Haiti, New
Orleans, and Malawi devastate people’s lives by displacing them from their
homes with no food, shelter, or clean drinking water. Members of the
Connectional Lay Organization make monetary contributions and visit the
effected areas to help restore the areas to suitable human living conditions.
Three highly successful events which took place during this
year long Centennial Celebration were: August, 2011, a CLO 100 Kick-Off
Luncheon was held at the 32nd CLO Biennial Session in Detroit, Michigan;
December, 2011, a CLO 100 Leadership Summit was held in Lusaka, Zambia; and
July, 2012, a CLO 100 Breakfast was held at the 49th Session of the
AME Church General Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, where the CLO 100
Committee raised over $50,000 for its scholarships and worldwide disaster
relief funds.
After 100 years, the AME Church’s Connectional Lay
Organization continues in its mission of lay witness, leadership training, and
advocacy coupled with ministering to the social, spiritual, and physical
development of the communities it serves.
11.
WE CELEBRATE – GIVE THANKS AND PAY SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO RICHARD ALLEN:
By Mrs. Adrienne A. Morris
At the Historic Call of Rev. Dr. Wilton E. Blake, I.,
Presiding Elder of the Cincinnati District in a statement of pride,
acknowledged it a profound privilege to serve the African Methodist Episcopal
Church.
The Cincinnati District, South Ohio Conference, Third
Episcopal District (under the dynamic leadership of Bishop McKinley Young,
Presiding Prelate of the African Methodist Episcopal Church) celebrated the 253rd
Anniversary of the birth of Richard Allen with a special tribute.
The Clergy of the Cincinnati District proudly processed to
“All Hail the Power,” Host Pastor, the Rev. Elmer S. Martin of Brown Chapel
A.M.E. Church, Cincinnati, Ohio, serving as Worship Leader offered the Call to
Worship.
With an air of spiritual pride, we joined in the singing of
“Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
The Rev. Emma Drummer Barnes, (Granddaughter of the Rev.
Charles E. Drummer, Sr.) prayed an inspirational prayer, after which we were
favored with a “Celebratory Instrumental Medley” (from the Past to the Present)
featuring Mrs. Geneva Woods, Quinn Chapel AME Church, Forest Park, Ohio.
Scriptural Readings were presented by Mrs. Clara Godhigh,
South Ohio W.M.S. President, Old Testament, Malachi 31:13-18 and Miss Tarah
Taylor, Youth Leader, Bethel AME Church Lockland, Ohio, New Testament Romans
12:9-21.
Musical Selections were rendered by The Anointed Choir,
Allen Temple A.M.E. Church, Cincinnati, Ohio, under the direction of Mr. Kevin
Holland.
The occasion of Founder’s Day was historically chronicled by
Mr. Michael Goss, (nephew of the Rev. Dr. U. A. Hughey).
Mrs. Bertha Thomas, Treasurer, Third District Lay
Organization, led our Founder’s Day Litany.
Representing the Young People, Mr. Michael Smith, South Ohio
Y.P.D. President, graciously presented Presiding Elder Wilton E. Blake, I., who
presented our Preacher of the Hour.
The Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church Choir, Forest Park, Ohio also
favored us with Musical Selections as they set the spiritual tone for their
Pastor.
In his own style, the Rev. Dr. Frederick A. Wright, Pastor,
Quinn Chapel AME Church, Forest Park, Ohio, Eloquent Pulpiteer, Anniversary
Preacher and Connectional Leader, really “Took It to the Next Level” as he
delivered the Spoken Word, using his God given Gifts and Talents. We are Truly Proud of Our Own!
Following Dr. Wright’s powerful, preaching moment; the Rev.
Kevin Cooper extended the Invitation to Christian Discipleship.
We concluded our Grand Founder’s Day Celebration with a
“Musical Tribute to Richard Allen.”
Using his Artistry of Musical Genius, Mr. Everett Moore, penned and
scored, “A Tribute to Richard Allen.”
Mr. Moore is the Minister of Music at Quinn Chapel AME Church, Forest
Park, Ohio.
Founder’s Day Celebration Attendees included:
The Pastors and Clergy of the Cincinnati District included,
Mrs. JoAnn K. Blake, First Lady; the Rev. Elbert E. Matthews, Presiding Elder
Emeritus, Cincinnati District and Mrs. Reva Matthews; the Rev. Jermaine Armour,
Presiding Elder AME Zion Church; Mrs. Rosa Cummings, Widow of Presiding Elder
Virgil Cummings; Mrs. Jennifer Wright, First Lady, Quinn Chapel AME Church;
Mrs. Patrician Martin, Host First Lady, Brown Chapel AME Church and Faithful
Congregants across the Cincinnati District and Dedicated Ushers.
Staff Members:
Mrs. Adrienne A. Morris, Administrative Assistant; Mrs.
Crystal E. Harris, Sunday School Institute Dean; the Rev. Dr. Karen Schaeffer,
3rd Episcopal District
Christian Education Director; Mr. Terry Payne, Director of Hospitality; and the
Rev. Emma D. Barnes, Technical Advisor.
The Historic Observance ended with a “Richard Allen
Birthday” Repast, hosted by the Brown Chapel Culinary Staff.
“We give Thanks for our Legendary Historic Past; we give
Thanks for the Gifts of the Present and We Pledge to give our Youth a
Substantive Foundation for the Future”
12.
VOTING RIGHTS ACTION - SECTION 5: DO WE
STILL NEED SECTION 5:
Supreme
Court will hear arguments on February 27, 2013
By SIStah "Jackie" Dupont-Walker
Action Alert from the AME Church Social Action Commission
The Supreme Court will hear arguments that "all is
well" and that certain protections are no longer needed to insure that
every American can exercise his/her right to vote. That same morning, and perhaps coincidentally,
US House Speaker Boehner has scheduled the unveiling of the statue of Mother
Rosa Parks in Statuary Hall on the US Capitol.
At first, I was incensed that either occurrence would not be
given the full attention of this nation, all those who cherish our freedoms,
and especially the persons of African descent who still carry the torch that
Rosa Parks lit. Then, God revealed to
me, that God is still using Rosa Parks (a lifelong AME laywoman) to speak
quietly to her people. Yes, she is
calling her people - of all colors and ethnicity - to Washington, DC to
celebrate the hard fought victory of having her legacy portrayed in Statuary
Hall, and drawing attention to the hearing just across the street at the
Supreme Court, where another injustice must be stopped. What does the scripture say in Genesis 50_20
- "You plotted evil against me, but God turned it into good, in order to
preserve the lives of many people who are alive today because of what
happened." (NRSV) or (The Message) “Don’t you see, you planned evil against
me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right
now—life for many people."
So we hearken unto those words and..... Join in the Rally on the steps of the Supreme
Court. Pray mightily as the NAACP Legal
Defense Fund (led by Sherrilyn Ifill - another AME laywoman with a storied AME
name) argues OUR case before the Justices of the Supreme Court. Formerly a professor at the University of
Maryland before taking the helm of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund
last month, as its 7th President and Director-Counsel, Ms. Ifill
noted in a recent interview that she began her career handling voting rights
cases for the fund. In her AME life, Sherrilyn Ifill is a member and
Co-Director of the Children’s Choir at Mt. Calvary African Methodist Episcopal
Church in Towson, Maryland. And, like
Esther, God has Rosa Parks in place for such a time as this!
Visit www.ame-sac.com to get
updates. Visit www.naacpldf.org/
for more details about the upcoming Shelby vs. Holder case being argued on Feb
24th. Read the article below for an
excellent perspective on the question at hand: Do we still need Section 5 of
the Voting Rights Act?
(Article from Black Politics on the Web, 2-20-2013)
From
Black Politics on the Web
Bishop Reginald Jackson, Chair, The Social Action Commission
Sistah Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker, Director
13.
CELEBRATING GOD FOR THE LEGACY OF AFRICAN METHODISM: EVIDENCE OF FRUIT AND HIGHLIGHTS
FROM THE INDIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE FOUNDER’S DAY:
*The Rev. Shonda Nicole Gladden
The Fourth Episcopal District Indiana Annual Conference
clergy and lay, young and seasoned, women, men and children of all ages
gathered at Allen Chapel AME Church in Indianapolis, IN on Sunday February 10,
2013 for a historic celebration of Founder’s Day. The air was filled with worshipful gratitude
to God as well as nostalgic remembrances of Bishop Richard Allen’s commitment
to social justice, innovation and determination of spirit that fueled a
corporate sense of pride in the legacy and current state of African Methodism.
Presiding Elder E. Anne Henning Byfield, host Presiding
Elder, served as the worship leader for the night. Her dynamic and energetic worship presence
was contagious. Beginning with the
upbeat doxological moment, the service incorporated all of the traditional
liturgical elements of a high church experience; however the service was
infused with newness as portions of the liturgy were slightly modified. A hallmark of this worship experience was the
intentional incorporation of multigenerational and contemporary worship
styles. This approach made way for Holy
Ghost fire from start to finish.
Throughout the main sanctuary, balcony, and overflow rooms
of the historic Allen Chapel, one could hear extemporaneous shouts of praise
and thanksgiving throughout the night.
Nestled between selections by the glorious voices of the more than one
hundred member Indiana Conference choir, led by Conference Music Director,
Sister Delen Williams, and the award winning performance quality of the members
of the Conference band, several dance ministries offered their bodies as
instruments of praise. A women’s and
girls dance ministry featured women and girls through the Indiana Annual
Conference and a multi-ethnic group of young boys, members of the newly planted
Faith AME Church in Fishers, ushered the congregation into the presence of
God. The mime ministry incorporated praise
dance, step and congregational encouragement to Donnie McClurkin’s “I’m Walking
in Authority.” When asked about the
highlights of the night, the Rev. Nichele Washington, the Pastor of Faith
Church Fishers, said “immediately following the boys mime team, a challenge was
issued to the men of the conference to get up and move for the cause of Christ.
A highlight in the worship service for me was watching Bishop Bryant and other
men from the conference respond to Presiding Elder Byfield's challenge. They
danced unashamedly and I believe God was greatly glorified in their praise.”
Every Conference, and many local churches, throughout
African Methodism hosts Founder’s Day worship experiences in the Fourth
Episcopal District, “the Indiana Conference is the mother conference and we
enjoy having the Conference-wide celebration of Founder’s Day on the Sunday
closest to Bishop Allen's birth,” according to Presiding Elder Byfield. It was a time for clergy and lay members
alike to minister together. Indiana
Annual Conference Lay President, Sister Annie Robinson remarked “the highlight
for me was the unity of the Laity and Ministers together on one accord in
spirit and our history retold/shared through the scripture by our Episcopal
Leader, Bishop John.” The Rev.
Washington, added, “Founder's Day is always an awesome opportunity for the
churches in our Conference to come together. This year was special for me
because I witnessed several new AME's experience Founder's Day for the first
time. With eyes filled with wonder, one member stated that they had never
experienced this kind of service before.”
Experiences like this one are “part of the DNA of African
Methodism” remarked the Rev. Dr. Allan Aubrey Boesak, one of the recipients of
this year’s Legacy Awards. The Rev.
Boesak, a former anti-apartheid activist who was instrumental in the liberation
of South Africa, is a visiting professor at Christian Theological Seminary for
the spring semester. He has frequented
services with AMEs across the globe, especially in his native South Africa and
gave testimony that this experience was so Spirit filled that “when [he] closed
his eyes [he] thought he was back home in South Africa!” The Rev. Boesak was accompanied by his wife,
Elna when Bishop Bryant presented him with an award of distinction. The Rev. Boesak’s work in South Africa
closely resembles the work of Bishop Richard Allen in the United States. Both were guided by faith in God to speak out
against racially motivated discriminatory practices, the Rev. Boesak against
South Africa’s apartheid regime and Bishop Allen against the United States
institution of slavery and subsequent Reconstruction practices of
segregation. Rev. William L. Gary, the
host Pastor of Allen Chapel said “because of his shared history, deep appreciation
for and understanding of the legacy of African Methodism, choosing Dr. Boesak
as one of the recipients of the Legacy Award showed great insight.”
The second Living Legacy Award recipient was Episcopal
Supervisor the Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant. The Rev. ‘C’ was an obvious choice because of
her continued work in furthering the mission of African Methodism, especially
for her countless contributions to educating communities and eradicating
violence against women in the United States and abroad. The Rev. Nichele Washington said the Rev. ‘C’
“is another worthy recipient. She possesses a passionate zeal for the nations
and an authentic missionary spirit. Her travels have caused the lives of many
to be radically changed for the better and it is always a privilege to have her
presence in Indiana for Founder's Day.”
Sister Annie Robinson, who has had the privilege of accompanying Rev. C
on a missionary trip to Trinidad, agrees.
She said “Rev. C. is an excellent choice as she is truly a living
example of this award by her missionary work in the states and in other
countries.”
One of the highlights of the night was when Senior Bishop
and Presiding Prelate of the Fourth Episcopal District, Bishop John R. Bryant
preached a sermon entitled “A History of Fruitfulness,” using Mark 11:12-13 as
the scriptural foundation. The heart of
the sermon focused on answering questions like “what pleases Jesus?” “What
turns Jesus on?” As he preached, he
challenged the Pastors and congregants of the Indiana Annual Conference to
actively minister to their local communities in ways that would give evidence
of fruitfulness similar to the way Bishop Quinn did in establishing churches in
Indiana. Perhaps the greatest highlight
of the night was the fruit of the preached Word: three young people gave their
lives to Christ following the sermon.
Throughout the times of prayer, praise, proclamation and
presentations, the Indiana Annual Conference certainly celebrated God for the
life and legacy of Bishop Richard Allen, but celebrations like this don’t just
happen; this evening of worship was the fruit of weeks of prayer, planning,
coordination and organization. The host
pastor, Rev. William L. Gary said he “was delighted and honored to have been
the host of our Founder's weekend. To stand and sing together with churches
from around the Indiana Conference, "The Churches One Foundation"
gave me a strong sense of belonging to something bigger than my ministry at
Allen. The worship was well attended, preaching was top notch and the dancing
and singing crossed generational lines. It represented a strong church with
great potential.” When asked about the
work that went into this year’s celebration, Presiding Elder Byfield said,
“While Presiding Elder Sumner and I work hard to make it a time of celebration,
I give credit to God and to the fine members of the Indiana Annual Conference-
clergy and lay.”
*The Rev. Shonda Nicole Gladden is the Pastor of Bethel AME
Church in Lafayette, IN.
14.
PAUL QUINN COLLEGE A FINALIST FOR THE “2013 RETOOL YOUR SCHOOL CAMPUS IMPROVEMENT
GRANT” PROGRAM FOR HBCUS:
The
Home Depot Reveals the Finalists for the 2013 Retool Your School Campus
Improvement Grant Program for Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Paul Quinn College competes for up to $50,000 in Grants and Encourages
Alumni and the Community to Vote as the School Vies for Grants for Sustainable
Campus Improvements
New York, NY– February 20, 2013 – Paul Quinn College has been announced as a
finalist in The Home Depot’s 2013 RETOOL YOUR SCHOOL campus improvement grant
program. Designed to reinvigorate Historically Black Colleges and Universities
(HBCUs), finalists are competing for $225,000 in grants for on-campus
improvements and are now asking their communities and the public to help them
win. From February 18, 2013 to April 15, 2013, supporters can visit
www.retoolyourschool.com to vote for Paul Quinn’s sustainable campus
improvement project. One $50,000 Tier 1 major grant, twelve Tier 2 $10,000
minor grants and one $25,000 Campus Pride for the school receiving the most
online votes and social media activity, as assessed by The Home Depot, will be
awarded. The Home Depot® will announce the winners on May 3, 2013.
To apply for the Retool Your School grants, HBCUs were
required to submit Letters of Intent that include brief descriptions of their
potential projects via the “Retool Your School” website by February 11, 2013.
The campus improvement projects for which Paul Quinn has applied include
student housing renovations, energy-efficient water fountains, and eco-friendly
restroom renovations. Applicants that provided their Phase 1 proposals by the
deadline were able to continue and submit full proposals for Tier I, Tier II
and Campus Pride campus improvement grants. During the online voting period,
which is currently underway; consumers are able to view descriptions of project
proposals and can cast one vote per day for their favorite HBCU. Following the
online vote, a panel of distinguished judges will also evaluate each school’s
proposal. Tier I and Tier II projects will be judged based on the number of
votes posted to the website, as well as the judges’ evaluation of the relevance
to the proposal requirements as listed on the website and application. Entrants
must highlight how each project will make a lasting, positive impact on their
campus. Special attention will be given to schools that pitch eco-friendly
plans. The winning schools will be determined based on a combination of online
votes and the judges’ evaluations. The awarding of the Campus Pride grant will
be based on the number of votes and social media activity the winning school
receives.
Paul Quinn faces stiff competition from finalist schools in
Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland,
Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee,
Texas, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. Texas residents,
Paul Quinn alumni, friends and family should visit www.retoolyourschool.com
to vote and are also encouraged to spread the word through social media
using the hashtag #PaulQuinnRYS2013 on Twitter and Instagram.
For more information and updates on The Home Depot “Retool Your School” grant program or to vote online
visit www.retoolyourschool.com. Online voting will end on April
15, 2013, at 11:59 pm EST.
About
Paul Quinn College
Paul Quinn College, the 2011 HBCU of the Year, is a private,
faith-based, four-year liberal arts-inspired college founded by and affiliated
with the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
About
The Home Depot®
The Home Depot is the world's largest home improvement
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15.
WILL THE AME CHURCH SAVE WILBERFORCE?
By Dr. Ibram Rogers
I grew up in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. My father,
Rev. Larry Rogers, served for a time under Rev. Floyd H. Flake at Greater Allen
A.M.E. Cathedral in Queens, New York. Aside from being woken up before dawn so
my father could make 6 a.m. service, I have fond memories of that church and
the pastorate of Flake, Wilberforce University’s former president.
It is not my intention to rehash, defend or oppose Flake’s
presidency. As a historian of Black higher education, I want to rehash the fond
origins of Wilberforce in Ohio. It is the first truly historically Black
college or university—established by Black people for Black people and run by
Black people. In 1856, Cincinnati Methodists originated the school, which
primarily served the mulatto children of slaveholders until the Civil War
clogged the pipeline. Enmeshed in debt, school officials appealed to the AME
church. With Bishop Daniel A. Payne leading the way as the nation’s first Black
college president, the Wilberforce we know and love was transferred to AME
control in 1863.
Wilberforce has now been in the hands of the AME church and
the Black community for 150 years. It is again enmeshed in debt—$29 million.
But will the AME church save the institution, like it saved it 150 years
ago?
The reports coming out of Ohio are breaking my heart. As Diverse
reported yesterday, enrollment has declined by almost 200 students in two
years. The college’s net worth is a mere $5.5 million. Depreciation has dropped
the value of the buildings and equipment by an astounding 40 percent to $17.7
million. President Patricia Hardaway, who sadly declined to speak to Diverse,
received a no-confidence vote from the faculty in 2011. Campus police cars are
not being maintained for adequate use, forcing officers to use their own cars.
The graduation rate is a meager 32 percent. Students are eerily notified after
participating in commencement that they did not complete graduation
requirements.
Seemingly, the only beacon of light still shining at
Wilberforce aside from its glorious history is the activism of students. In the
fall, 337 students—more than two-thirds of the student body—issued an
ultimatum: drastic changes or they withdraw by the fall of 2013. Their
constructive pressure today is as robust as ever.
This historic institution is hemorrhaging before our eyes.
Will the AME church continue to sit back and let it suffer, let it die? Where
are the voices of the AME bishops?
Apparently, a collection is taken up for AME colleges every
year at the AME church’s annual conference, which is good, but not nearly
enough. Wilberforce needs an international grassroots fundraising campaign
spearheaded by AME central, touching every AME church and member in the world.
According to one unofficial source, the worldwide AME membership is roughly 2.5
million, and who knows how many non-members regularly attend the approximately
7,000 AME congregations.
Love offerings should be taken up at every AME church,
every Sunday for Wilberforce (and Morris Brown) until solvency is reached.
Wilberforce needs constructive pressure and money, not destructive ridicule
from empty pockets. Is it possible for every AME member to contribute one
dollar? Is it possible for every church to contribute $100, $500, or $1,000
depending on the size? Is it possible for offerings to be taken up at the
thousands of churches in affiliated Methodist denominations?
I have often been told, scholars have often said, from
W.E.B. Du Bois (who received his first job at Wilberforce) until our era that
the AME church is the greatest African American institution. Great institutions
save their most prized possessions. There are few AME possessions more prized
than Wilberforce University.
Dr. Ibram H. Rogers is an assistant professor of Africana
Studies at University at Albany — SUNY. He is the author of The Black Campus
Movement: Black Students and the Racial Reconstitution of Higher Education,
1965-1972. Follow on Twitter at @DrIbram
Read
More: http://diverseeducation.com/article/51309/
16. U.S. EMBASSY ZAMBIA PODCAST
INTERVIEW WITH DR. A. OVETA FULLER FULBRIGHT, AMEC ITINERANT ELDER:
February 20, 2013
The Rev. A. Oveta Fuller, Ph.D. is an Itinerant Elder of the
African Methodist Episcopal Church and the “Getting
to Zero” columnist for The Christian
Recorder. Click on “Audio MP3” box below to hear interview.
Dr. Fuller has extensive experience researching molecular
mechanisms of human pathogenic viruses and how these viruses cause disease.
Most recently, Dr. Fuller has also focused her research on preventive medicine
and medical education through the use of a science-based HIV/AIDS intervention
through religious leader networks to actively address infectious disease health
disparities. A major objective of this community-based research is to build
capacity of clergy and religious leaders to take biomedical research advances
into their community organizations and link science and medical based
understanding with group and individual actions. A representation of the
medical prevention research can be found on the Africa page of the UMMC
website:
Whilst in Zambia, she will be affiliated to the Copperbelt
University School of Medicine, the University of Zambia School Of Medicine, and
other organizations such as research and faith-based institutions.
Current Research Interests Include:
· Infectious disease health disparities
· HIV/AIDS prevention and management
· Preventive medicine and medical education
· Molecular biology of human pathogenic viruses
Listen Now:
Read
more and view video interview:
About the
Rev. A. Oveta Fuller, Ph.D.
The Rev. Dr. A. Oveta Fuller is an Associate Professor in Microbiology
and Immunology at the University of Michigan Medical School and Adjunct Faculty
at Payne Seminary. She served as pastor of Bethel AME Church in Adrian, MI for seven
years before primarily focusing on global HIV/AIDS ministry. Currently, she
serves at Brown Chapel AME Church in Ypsilanti, Michigan in the 4th
Episcopal District while continuing HIV/AIDS research in parts of Zambia and
the USA.
TCR Editor’s
Note: Thanks to Dr. Fuller for lifting up the AME
Church in the interview!
17.
GETTING TO ZERO: AN AIDS-FREE GENERATION:
By Dr. A. Oveta Fuller
Politicians make speeches. Some are better at it than
others. President Barack Obama is one of the best.
The 2013 State of the Union address from President Obama
included the goal of “an AIDS-free generation.” The speech occurred in a week
when community partners are planning on-site details of a key validity study
for an HIV/AIDS intervention in the Copperbelt province of Zambia. The “Trusted
Messenger Intervention” (TMI) provides science-based understanding of HIV and
AIDS especially for clergy leaders so they can mobilize to effectively engage
with available community resources.
Speaking of “an AIDS-free generation” in a State of the
Union address represents real progress in hopes for stopping HIV/AIDS.
Biomedical and clinical advances along with policy and
socio-behavioral developments provide a pinpoint of light at the end of a long
tunnel. Visions of “an AIDS-free generation” and “Getting to Zero” can become
reality.
Biomedical and clinical research has revealed some of how
HIV reproduces and how it leads to AIDS. Over thirty types of anti-retroviral
(ARVs) drugs have been developed. Each interferes with a step in virus
replication. Clinical trials with ARVs affirm that, even without a vaccine or
an absolute cure, we have the means to get to no new infections, no new AIDS
cases and eventually, an AIDS-free generation.
What are some of the findings with ARVs? What is required
to move towards the end of AIDS?
Providing one or more ARVs during pre-natal care for HIV+
women can reduce the chance of virus transfer from mother to child from about
50% with no treatment to less than 5%. Infection with HIV of infants at birth
or in breast milk drops if ARVs are taken at least one month before and one
month after childbirth. In developed and developing countries, Preventing
Mother to Child Transmission (PMCT) drastically reduces the number of children
who are exposed to virus from an HIV+ mother. PMCT is important in envisioning
an AIDS-free generation.
Medically guided use of multiple ARVs in anti-retroviral
drug therapy (ART), or highly active anti-retroviral treatment (HAART), can
halt progression to AIDS. It can prevent onset of opportunistic infections
(OI’s) so HIV/AIDS becomes a chronic, rather than a fatal disease. This
requires consistent medical care, attention to balanced food intake, regular
exercise, managing stress, preventing microbe exposure and diligent adherence
to ART or HAART. Although perhaps the most well-known, Magic Johnson is not the
only person who lives productively with HIV/AIDS.
Recent study results show that consistent compliance with
ART by people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), use of the ABCs to prevent virus
exposure and effective education can decrease levels of HIV circulating within
a community. There is less chance of virus encounter from sexual contact or
contact with blood or blood products through intravenous needles.
It makes sense. Less circulating virus with awareness of
preventing exposure reduces the number of encounters that could allow new
infection. A PLWHA that consistently controls viral level with ART (keeps the
virus load low and CD4 immune cells high), is healthier and less infectious.
Less circulating virus means less new infections or re-infection with a
different HIV strain.
Perhaps the most promising for feasibility of an AIDS-free
generation is called “Treatment as Prevention” (TAP). Recent clinical study results show that high
compliance to ART for a person who is HIV+ along with use of an ARV by a
faithful sex partner can decrease by up to 90% the chance of virus transfer
from the HIV+ person to their HIV- partner. Success with treatment to prevent
virus transfer occurred for study participants in developed and developing
countries, in a range of cultures, and for both opposite and same gender
partners.
For stopping HIV/AIDS, these recent developments add to
impact of male circumcision, availability of female condoms and development of
other physiological barriers, needle sharing programs, campaigns for
abstinence, delay in starting sexual activity for teens, and continuous
education in high virus transfer areas such as in transportation corridors, in
the sex industry or on college campuses. These interventions are complemented
by recognition of how socio-economic factors affect the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
Multiple interventions make possible a strategy called
“Combination Prevention.” Now there are enough different approaches to allow an
individual or a community to choose the most relevant approaches that will
bring about control of HIV/AIDS in their locale.
Combination Prevention makes sense. It makes sense to use
whatever works among the proven educational, socio-behavioral or
biomedical-based interventions to reduce circulating virus levels associated
with new HIV infections and progression to AIDS.
A combination of strategies that may be effective to
address HIV transmission in one community or for one individual may differ for
other communities or individuals in different circumstances. Combination
Prevention advocates use of ARVs as part of a customized multi-faceted approach
to stop HIV/AIDS.
How do we “Get to Zero” or bring to reality “an AIDS-free
generation” as stated in President Obama’s address? Each person, including
clergy and religious leaders has a role to play. Stay informed so to eliminate
myths, misconceptions and lack of knowing. Talk to others about what is
learned. Get tested and model HIV counseling and testing as the necessary and
smart health choice.
These actions are especially effective coming from
influential pastors, clergyperson and officer leaders. In 2013 and beyond,
still we are charged to serve well as trusted messengers in our communities.
18.
MEDITATION BASED ON ISAIAH 40:21-31:
*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby
Anyone who’s ever dealt with a computer “bug” knows the value
of good antivirus software that can detect and block malicious things designed
to either hijack or mess up your computer - unless you make the mistake of
choosing to download those things yourself.
I did so years ago, when I found an innocent looking
website that offered expensive software absolutely free. I tried to download and install that free
software but never managed to do so.
When I was done trying, however, I discovered that my home page had been
changed to an “X Rated” site with a new search option, saw strange ads popping
up that offered to speed up my computer or give me free coupons and other
fantastic deals, and found that my computer’s speed was slowed to a crawl. I also got emails from friends letting me
know that they were sorry to hear via email that I was stranded in Paris,
France and offering to send money to help me get home!
I told the technician who helped me to “de-bug” my computer
the next day that my antivirus software hadn’t worked as advertised, but he
said, “Reverend, it worked perfectly.
The first time you clicked on “I agree” while trying to get free
software, you gave permission for all of that bogus stuff that messed up your
computer to bypass your antivirus software, download, install itself and invade
your e-mail address book.” I spent a
long day and more than a few dollars getting my computer straightened out, and
also got a reminder of one of the facts of life - that there’s no such thing as
“something for nothing.”
The essence of what happened to me isn’t unique, because
all of us sometimes long for “something for nothing.” We all sometimes seek shortcuts, disregard
rules and spend time, money and effort pursuing what seems to be an easy path
to a “sure thing,” only to find out that the “sure thing” was an illusion and
that we’ve wasted time, money and effort on “something for nothing” that was
actually costly and disappointing.
“Something for nothing” may be a worldly illusion, but the
God who created us brings concrete blessings and peace of mind when we patiently
trust in Him. When we end our quest for
breaks and shortcuts in life and patiently put ourselves in God’s hands, we’ll
find new assurance, new well-being, new strength and new joy - not in our time,
but in God’s time.
We may have to work and wait for what we want, but we’ll be
assured that God knows and meets our every need, and we’ll travel life’s roads
not seeking “something for nothing,” but saying about God what those who were
freed from the chains of American slavery first said - “He may not come when
you want Him, but He’s right on time.”
If you are in the Charleston, South Carolina area, join us
on the Fourth Sunday in February for Church School at 8:45 a.m. and for Worship
at 10 a.m. We’ll celebrate Afrocentric Dress Day and NAACP Day, and the
Combined Choir, Mime Ministry and Young Adult Choir will offer praise.
Sunday’s Scripture Lessons are:
Amos 5:18-24
James 1:19-25
Matthew 23:23-26
Sunday’s Guest Speaker is the Reverend Phillip Taylor of
Walterboro, South Carolina, former President of the Colleton County Branch of
the NAACP and present Chairman of Colleton County Council.
*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby is the pastor of Morris Brown
AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina
19.
GENERAL OFFICER AND CHAPLAIN FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS:
--
Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart Law Firm has opened an Orlando Office with
Attorney Derek E. Bruce, Shareholder
Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart Law Firm with offices from
Jacksonville to the Keys has opened an Orlando office with Attorney Derek E. Bruce,
Shareholder and other Lawyers who will focus on government affairs, corporate
law and land use. Attorney Bruce was one of the founding principals of Perez,
Bruce and Jonasen LLP. Gunster was established in 1925 and employs more than
160 lawyers and 200 support staff whose statewide strategy was to introduce a
full-service firm presence in the Orlando market by joining with a team which
brings a balance of diverse clients and strong community involvement. Attorney Bruce is the son of the late General
Officer/Presiding Elder Y. B. Bruce and Mrs. Gloria S. Bruce.
Congratulatory messages can be sent to Dbruce@gunster.com
or brucegs@bellsouth.net.
--
Chaplain David Brown has been named as the Project Officer for a video
documentary being sponsored by the United States Marine Corps
Chaplain David Brown has been named as the Project Officer
for a video documentary being sponsored by the United States Marine Corps. The
documentary is entitled "Rising Warriors" and it will seek to capture
the inspiring story of Wounded Warriors as they recover and reintegrate back
into the military or civilian life.
As Project Officer, Chaplain Brown is responsible for composing
the projects' mission and vision statement, storyboard draft and script
revisions, budget acquisition, and logistical coordination. He will accompany a
camera crew from Headquarters Marine Corps Combat Camera to film at these
locations: San Diego, CA; Ramstein, Germany; San Antonio, TX; and Jacksonville,
NC.
The film is being produced for a television audience and
will be marketed to channels such as Arts & Entertainment Network, Public
Broadcast System, and The Military Channel. It is expected to be aired in May
2013.
Chaplain Brown is currently assigned as the Assistant
Deputy Chaplain of the Marine Corps and he is stationed at the Pentagon in
Washington, D.C.
Congratulatory responses can be emailed to:
Chaplain David Brown: davidbrown60088@yahoo.com
--
Women Chaplains in the Military are celebrating 40 Years of Service; Chaplain
Glenda Jennings Harrison is highlighted
Women Chaplains in the Military are Celebrating 40 Years of
Service; Chaplain Glenda Jennings Harrison is highlighted in a video
presentation on "Why I Chose Navy Chaplaincy," which will be on
display for a year at the Women's Military Memorial Museum on March 4, 2013.
The video presentation will highlight Women Chaplains across the armed forces
and Chaplain Glenda Jennings Harrison was selected to represent the Navy.
An open invitation; You’re Cordially Invited to an Exhibit
Opening and Reception
Celebrating 40 Years of Women Chaplains: A Courageous
Journey of Faith and Service
Monday, March 4, 2013
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Women In Military Service for America Memorial
Gateway, Arlington National Cemetery
The Women’s Memorial Foundation in partnership with the Military
Chiefs of Chaplains is pleased to announce the formal opening of “Celebrating
40 Years of Women Chaplains: A Courageous Journey of Faith and Service”, a new
special exhibit at the Women’s Memorial. The exhibit tells the story of the
scores of women, beginning in 1973, who answered God’s call to minister to the
nation’s military members and their families in times of war and peace. With
images, artifacts and personal stories of spiritual and military life, the
exhibition offers a glimpse into this amazing legacy of women’s service and
commitment to God and country.
The event is free and open to the public and light
refreshments will be served. Please RSVP by February 25 by clicking here to
access our online reservation form (or by pasting
www.womensmemorial.org/ChapEventRSVP.html
into your browser).
For more information about the event, please contact
Chaplain (Maj.) Robin Stephenson-Bratcher by calling 202-767-5900 or emailing robin.stephensonbrat@navy.mil
or by visiting the events page on the Women’s Memorial website. Attendees will
have the opportunity to obtain a 40th Anniversary Commemorative Coin at the
event for a $5 donation (cash or check only).
Event attire is UOD/business attire and Service Dress for
participants.
The Women’s Memorial is readily accessible by METRO (Blue
Line) and paid parking is available.
Brig. Gen. Wilma L. Vaught, USAF (Ret.)
President, Women's Memorial Foundation
Chaplain Harrison encourages support of the Women in
Chaplaincy, by visiting the Women's Memorial Museum located at Arlington
National Cemetery when visiting the DC area.
Congratulatory responses can be emailed to:
Chaplain Glenda Jennings Harrison: glenda.harrison@navy.mi
20.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mrs. L. Alyce Ingram,
104 Years Old, the Mother of the Reverend David E. Reddick, Presiding Elder of
the Dothan-Eufaula District, Southeast Alabama Conference, 9th
Episcopal District, AME Church and Mrs. Byllye Avery.
The following information has been provided regarding
funeral arrangements.
Services Entrusted to:
James Graham Mortuary
3631 Moncrief Road
Jacksonville, Florida 32209
(904) 766-0436
Viewing will be at:
James Graham Mortuary
Sunday, February 24, 2013
2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Celebration of Life for Mrs. Ingram
Monday, February 25, 2013
11:00 a.m.
Saint Paul AME Church
6910 New King's Road
Jacksonville, Florida
The Rev. Dr. Marvin C. Zanders, II, Pastor
The Rev. Dr. James Proctor, Eulogist
Committal Service:
Rest lawn Cemetery
Jacksonville, Florida
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Reverend & Mrs. David E. Reddick
2800 Quail Cove
Enterprise, Alabama 36330
Telephone: (334) 347-8360
21.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mrs. Thelma B. Hearst,
the mother of the Rev. Dr. Stanley Hearst, Sr., Pastor of Bethel AME Church,
Moorestown, NJ, and the Grandmother of the Rev. Stanley Hearst II, Pastor of
St. Paul AME Church in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania.
The following information has been provided regarding
funeral arrangements.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Viewing – 9:00 am –
11:00 am
Funeral Service – 11:00 a.m.
First Baptist Church of Darby
925 Summit Street
Darby, PA 19023
Telephone: 610-586-0179 or 610-461-9508
The Rev. Dr. Raymond A. Merriweather, Pastor
Service entrusted to:
Julian V. Hawkins Funeral Home
5308 Haverford Avenue
Box 9431
Philadelphia, PA 19139
Phone: 215-476-5433
Interment:
Mt. Lawn Memorial Park
Sharon Hill, PA
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. Dr. Stanley Hearst, Sr. and the Rev. Stanley
Hearst II
188 Rockland Avenue
Moorestown, NJ 08057
Fax to: Bethel AME Church
512 N. Church Street
Moorestown, NJ 08057
Telephone: 856-235-3152
Fax: 856-231-6734
22.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Elease S.
McKinney the sister of the Rev. Clinton Stancil, Senior Pastor of Allen Chapel
AME Church in Kansas City, Missouri. Mrs. McKinney passed on February 13, 2013.
Services for Elease S. McKinney:
Saturday, February 23, 2012, 1:00 pm
Greater Faith Missionary Baptist Church
501 NE 1st Avenue
Mulberry, FL 33860
Eulogist: The Rev. Clinton Stancil
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. Clinton Stancil and the Rev. Christine Stancil
5811 Blue Hill Road
Kansas City, MO 64110
Or
The Rev. Clinton L. Stancil, Pastor
Allen Chapel AME Church
5811 Blue Hill Road
Kansas City, MO 64110
Telephone: (816) 921-2151
23.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to announce the transition of Mrs. Minnie
Baker, mother of the Rev. Linnell Baker, Jr., pastor of Carey Temple AME Church
of Chicago, Illinois.
The arrangements are as follows:
The funeral was held on Monday, February 18, 2013 at Carey
Temple AME Church in Chicago.
Messages of condolences may be sent to:
Jo Ann Hawkins White, Administrator
Fourth Episcopal District - African Methodist Episcopal
Church
5627 South Michigan, 3rd Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60637
Office telephone: 773.955.9825
FAX: 773.955.9840
24.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with regret that we announce the passing of Ms. Myra
Lynne Matlock on Monday afternoon, February 11, 2013. Myra was the younger sister of the Rev. Dr.
Sherryl Matlock, Pastor, "Historic" Allen Chapel AME Church, Fort
Worth, Texas.
The Homegoing Celebration was held on Saturday, February
16, 2013 at First Baptist Church in Grandview, Texas.
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Dr. Sherryl Matlock
P. O. Box 40339
Fort Worth, Texas 76140
Telephone: (817) 296-1849
Email: 1wim@htcomp.net
25. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND
CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
Email: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Web page: http://www.amecfic.org/
Phone: (615) 837-9736 (H)
Phone: (615) 833-6936 (O)
Cell: (615) 403-7751
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMEC_CFIC
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220
26. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend
T. Larry Kirkland; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the
Editor of The Christian Recorder, the
Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those
who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you
during this time of your bereavement.
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