Bishop T.
Larry Kirkland - Chair, Commission on Publications
Mark
and Save Date in your Calendars:
July Is Faith-Based Wellness, Health,
Nutrition & Fitness Month
1. TCR
EDITORIAL – THE RULES OF ETHICS AND ETIQUETTE SHOULD BE FOLLOWED BY
CLERGY AND LAITY - PART
2:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
Judging from the feedback I
received from the recent editorial, “The Rules of Ethics and Etiquette
Should be Followed by Clergy and Laity, Part 1” it seems that ethics and
etiquette are issues that are important to clergy and laity, even today.
In the fifties and sixties,
ministerial ethics was an important subject that was addressed repeatedly in the
board of examiners’ sessions and in theological seminaries. Pastors across
denominations wanted young preachers to know the rules of ministerial ethics
and etiquette and the protocol of how preachers were expected to treated each
other and how they should relate to the laity.
I don’t remember much about
etiquette and ethics for the laity, but, at least in the AME Church, there were
rules for the laity also.
Let me address a few
I don’t want to beat up on
musicians, but musicians and choir members are such an important part of local
church ministry and we hear of so many things about choirs and instances of
choirs’ refusal to practice.
Musicians and choir members' rules of etiquette
The choir is an important ministry. Some people join a church
because they are influenced by the choir or they like the way the choir sings.
Some people leave churches because of the behavior of
choirs. The bottomline is that choirs are important to the life and growth of
local churches. It is important for choir members to understand that their
actions are an important part to the life of the church.
Choir etiquette
Choir members should arrive at worship before the hour of
worship and be on time; and let me say again - “To be early is to be on time, on time is late, and late is unacceptable!”
Choir members who arrive late are distractions to worship.
Choir members who can’t arrive on time should sit in the pews. Choir members
who can’t remain until the benediction should sit in the pews.
Choir members should not chew gum, eat candy, talk, and grin
and make faces during the worship service.
The president of the choir or the musician should maintain
discipline and decorum in the choir area. Choir members are just as important
to the liturgy of worship as the pastor. Sometimes people are motivated to
accept Jesus Christ in their lives because they were influenced or touched by a
choral selection. And, let’s face it, some people join a church because of the
choir and not because the pastor or the sermon. Choir members should always be
spiritually-focused in worship and not do things that distract worshipers.
Choir members are under the immediate supervision of the
choir director or musician, but ultimately under the supervision of the pastor.
Choirs should not attempt to control the tempo of the worship service.
Choir members should be dressed uniformly if the pastor has
made the decision that they should do so. If not in robes, uniform color
coordination.
Parishioners who decide to participate in the ministry of
music should commit themselves to attending all scheduled choir practices.
Etiquette of Church Musicians
When I refer to church musicians I am referring to choir
directors, pianists, organists, guitarists, drummers and other musicians.
Church musician should always be on time for worship
services. Church musicians should arrive
at the place of worship before the hour of worship and be on time - “To be early is to be on time, on time is
late, and late is unacceptable!”
There are few things as distracting as musicians arriving
late for worship and setting up their musical instruments during worship.
Musicians who routinely arrive late should be terminated.
Choir directors and
musicians should not be deciding which songs will be sung during the worship
service. Hymns and choir selections should be selected and decided upon before
Sunday worship.
Choir directors
and musicians should familiarize themselves with the African Methodist
Episcopal liturgy; and most especially the AME Communion ritual.
Musician should
not try to manipulate worship by trying to “make something happen” in worship
by playing the so-called, “Pentecostal shout chords.”
Choir directors
and musician should study and master their craft. Books and the internet are
full of valuable information that would help musicians to become more
proficient. What choir directors and
musicians, whether they play by music or my ear don’t know; can learn;
especially, if they are getting paid.
A brief digression
Let me digress
because I have seen too many musicians who play by ear, say they cannot play
the Communion liturgy. Learning to play the Communion musical portions takes a
little study and determination.
The only thing a
person playing by ear needs to do is to learn the chord numbering system, which
is probably the first course in music theory.
Here is a quick lesson to help one play the AME Communion liturgy.
The first “Amen”
after the General Confession is simply chords, 5 and 1; as are the “Amens”
after the First and Second Collects. The
four-fold “Amen” after the Prayer of Humiliation is simply chords (with each
syllable) 5, 1, 1, 4, 4, 1, 5, 1. So, in the key of “G,” which is the key the
“Amens” are written in, the 5 chord is “D,” the 1 chord is “G,” and the 4 chord
is “C.” To make the 5 chord prettier,
make it a 57 chord.
Choir directors
and musicians should be committed to remaining until the end of the worship,
i.e., that is until the benediction and all musician duties have been
accomplished and musician should be committed to remain in the sanctuary during
the sermon and during the entire worship service.
Ideally, pastors
should give musicians the sermon texts, hymns and other information needed by
church musicians two weeks in advance and if not two weeks at least before the
choir practice prior to the Sunday worship.
Musician should
take time to learn how to coordinate the music with the sermon text or the
liturgical season. (Of course the pastor has some responsibility in sharing
with the musician the biblical text and the liturgical emphasis that the pastor
would like to musician to follow).
Musicians should
always remember that the pastor is in charge of worship. A musician should never “sit down” on the
pastor in worship as a way to dampen worship.
Musicians should
be committed to the block of time for pre-service functions, worship service,
and post-worship responsibilities.
Musicians and
pastor should agree on the block of time musicians are expected to be present
on their posts. For an 11 a.m. service musicians should be expected to arrive
at the church not later than 10:30 a.m. and allowing 2 hours for the worship
service, plus post service activities (1/2 hour after the benediction), say
10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and in this scenario the musician should understand
that he or she is being paid for 3 hours work on Sunday. If the worship service is longer, than adjust
the time accordingly. At a minimum, musicians should plan to arrive in time to
play a prelude and remains to play a postlude.
Musicians are
expected to remain alert and refrain from day-dreaming, engaging in
conversation with choir members during the worship service, and especially
during the Communion Service.
Musician should
learn how to play hymns, gospel songs and spirituals and should be committed to
practice. Musicians should learn to create special arrangements of religious
music, especially if they are being paid.
Musician must be courageous and
stand up for what is right. They should not allow choir members to sing even
when they fail attend choir practice and should not allow choir members to sing
when choir members arrive after the worship service has begun; and they should
not sanction choir members “who have to
do” to leave worship services early.
Musician should insist and demand
that choirs rehearse.
Etiquette
for Ushers
In the Old Testament, ushers were identified as
"doorkeepers" or "gatekeepers,” so ushers have been around for a
long time.
In most AME Churches ushers have many duties. They greet
people entering the sanctuary, and in progressive churches, the duties of
ushers have been expanded and ushers greet people in the parking lot.
Ushers direct and seat parishioners and guests, collect
offerings, distribute bulletins, and alert pastors when other clergy attend
worship services and they notify the appropriate individuals if problems arise.
In many churches, the ushers are the “face” of the local
church because ushers are the first persons - parishioners and guests meet when
they attend worship; ushers are the first ones to leave a lasting “first
impression” on guests.
Ushers should be carefully approved and selected because
they have an important ministry. Ushers are just as important to the life of
the local church as the music program.
Ushers should function with
precision and precision takes practice. Those persons who serve on the usher
board should be committed to practice. Ushers should be committed to rehearse
and practice their craft.
Ushers should be trained to know
when to allow parishioners into the sanctuary. Ushers should know how to direct
parishioners during offerings and Holy Communion.
Ushers should plan to arrive
30-minutes prior to worship. Ushers should be on time; and let
me say again - “To be early is to be on
time, on time is late, and late is unacceptable!”
The duties of ushers do not end
with the benediction; their duties end when everyone has exited the sanctuary.
Ushers should “police” the sanctuary and remove discarded bulletins, trash and
other items from the pews. The sanctuary should always be in readiness for
praise and prayer, which means that the sanctuary should always be clean and in
order.
If an usher board wanted
to be progressive and “ahead of their game,” they would assign ushers to greet
parishioners in the parking lot to help parishioners and guests park their
vehicles and make their way to the sanctuary. The number of ushers serving
outside would be based upon the size of the church. In a small church, one
person would be sufficient.
At a minimum, ushers
should greet people at the door with a welcoming spirit and a warm smile and
should assist parishioners as they depart the sanctuary.
Ushers are responsible
for distributing bulletins and other notices. Ushers should not be folding
bulletins as parishioners are entering the sanctuary and arriving for worship.
Adult ushers
should be committed to train and mentor junior ushers.
Announcements etiquette
I am not keen on announcements
because many of those who read the church announcements do so in such a way as
a distraction to worship. If announcements are read in the worship service,
they should be presented in ways that do not disrupt the flow of worship and
announcements should never turn into a business meeting.
If announcements are read, they
should be read with clarity and decorum and never from the pulpit.
All announcements should be
approved by the pastor before worship and ideally before Sunday. No
announcements should be accepted from parishioners in the congregation. And no,
“Does anyone else have announcements?”
Announcements should last no longer
then a few minutes.
Ideally, all announcements should
be placed in the bulletin and, it is my opinion that announcements should not
be read because in this day and age, everyone should be able to read.
Announcements from other churches
should not be read in our worship services, especially if the announcements
have nothing to do with the local church or AME ministry; announcements from
other denominations should be posted on a bulletin board designed for community
activities.
Announcements that last 15 – 20
minutes do not enhance worship; long announcements give parishioners excuses to
arrive late and to check emails on their smartphones.
The etiquette of welcoming guests
Guest should be welcomed warmly
and made to feel welcome.
Guests should never be embarrassed
or “put on the spot” by asking them directly which church they are members of;
some of them may not be members of churches. Welcome those who are not members
of churches in such a way that they might want to be members of your church
Etiquette is everybody’s
responsibility – from the pulpit and the choir loft to the pews all the way to
the narthex and to the front door and even to the end of the parking lot and
the sidewalk or the road or street.
Etiquette is not a Sunday morning or church activity, etiquette should be a 24/7/365 activity.
2. ERRATA:
Sentence in July 6, 2013 Issue of TCR Online read: “Later on the evening
of June 24th, the 16th Episcopal District presented the
Investiture Service for Bishop James Levert Davis with the theme: ‘Mission
Possible.’” Sentence should have been, “Bishop
Sarah Frances Taylor Davis” instead of James Levert Davis.
3. MORRIS BROWN
COLLEGE FILES $20 MILLION REORGANIZATION PLAN IN GEORGIA COURTS:
Thursday, June 27, 2013, attorneys for Morris Brown College
submitted a $20 million dollar plan to the Georgia Federal Bankruptcy Courts
designed to keep Morris Brown’s campus intact by selling some of its property
and paying its debt.
FD LLC, the parent company to the Family Dollar chain of
stores, has offered a $20 million dollar deal that is double the $10 million
amount that Atlanta City Mayor Kasim Reed offered to Morris Brown College. The $20 million plan would make FD LLC a
partner in the school's recovery by purchasing some of its property and
settling its outstanding debt while the school seeks re-accreditation.
The deal would pay off Morris Brown's creditors with $7.5
million. Another $7.5 million would be used for FD LLC to purchase Middleton
Twin Towers dormitory; Jordan Hall; a portion of Herndon Stadium; and a parking
lot located between Mitchell Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. The other $5 million would go toward Morris
Brown's operating costs after bankruptcy, which is key in the school’s quest
for new accreditation from Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and
Schools.
On August 1, 2013, Morris Brown’s attorneys will defend the
school’s $20 million dollar reorganizational plan in Georgia’s Federal
Bankruptcy Courts.
Submitted by Mr. Benjamin Harrison, Communications Director,
6th District AME Church
4. RETIREMENT
CELEBRATIONS HELD FOR PRESIDING ELDER JAMES E. F. LAWRENCE:
By Sister Angelena Spears
Philadelphia Conference Reporter
Trios of retirement celebrations were held this spring for
Presiding Elder James E. F. Lawrence, of the South Philadelphia District of the
Philadelphia Annual Conference. They culminated
on Saturday, April 13, when members of the district gathered at the First
District Headquarters in Philadelphia to show appreciation for his leadership.
Presiding Elder Lawrence officially retired on June 8 at the
closing day of the Bishop’s Planning Meeting, which took place two weeks after
the close of the Philadelphia Annual Conference.
The keynote speaker for the luncheon was none other than
Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram, who described Elder Lawrence as ‘one of the
humblest men he had ever met.’ The
Bishop added, ‘When you let someone else toot your horn – the sound goes twice
as far.’
Prior to the retirement luncheon, a special worship service
was held on Thursday, April 11 at Morris Brown AME Church, followed by a
concert on Friday, April 12 at Hickman Temple AME Church.
The theme for the very well attended luncheon was “Thanks
for the Memories.”
It was an opportunity for all of the presiding elders of the
Philadelphia Annual Conference, as well as guest presiding elders, pastors and
their spouses, members, family and friends to come together (from near and far)
to thank Presiding Elder Lawrence and his wife, Sister Mitzi Lawrence, for the
blessing they have been to the South District.
Those in attendance also included former Philadelphia Mayor
Wilson Goode who thanked Presiding Elder Lawrence for his commitment to the
Amachi program – a program that works with children of incarcerated
parents. Under Presiding Elder
Lawrence’s leadership, the district’s Sons of Allen Organization has taken a
lead mentoring role with this program.
At the conclusion of the luncheon, Presiding Elder Lawrence
thanked everyone for their support and said, “As a result of you, I am who I am
… It is because of your prayers and support.”
Presiding Elder Lawrence and his wife, Sister Mitzi
Lawrence, arrived in the South District in June of 2008. Prior to that he had
served as presiding elder of the Western New York District of the New York
Annual Conference – a position he had held since 2003.
Elder Lawrence entered the ministry in 1968. His first pastoral assignment was Union AME
Church in Warwick, New York. Over the
years he has served as the pastor of numerous churches throughout New York
State, including Long Island, Albany, Buffalo, Tuckahoe, Yonkers and Harlem.
He and his wife, Mitzi, plan on staying in the Philadelphia
area.
He was chosen by Bishop Ingram to preach the Annual Sermon
at the Philadelphia Annual Conference.
He chose as his sermon title, “Thanks for the Memories,” and preached
dynamically from his favorite Bible verse: Joshua 1:5b, where God tells Joshua,
“As I was with Moses, I will be with you…”
Elder Lawrence says this verse means so much to him because
“It is a witness that God does, indeed, keep His promises to His people.”
The Rev. Janet Sturdivant, the former pastor of Asbury AME
Church in Chester, Pennsylvania, was named as the new presiding elder for the
district. The other presiding elders who
serve in the Philadelphia Annual Conference are: the Rev. Charles H. Lett, Sr.;
the Rev. Jocelyn K. Hart; and the Rev. Lawrence Henryhand.
5. HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF:
On May 17, 2013,
with 28 other students, Rev. E. Anne Henning Byfield, Presiding Elder of the
North District, Indiana Annual Conference graduated from Payne Theological
Seminary Wilberforce, Ohio with her second Master of Divinity Degree. She led the class with academic honors
graduating Summa Cum Laude and received the faculty academic achievement award
for sustained and exemplary academic excellence. Of the 28 graduates, she was the only
graduate to receive the Summa Cum Laude academic distinction.
Her personal
motivation of spiritual transparency and mutuality in leadership led to the
selection of her senior thesis, supervised by Professor Dr. Charlie Brown,
entitled “The Journey to Ethical Leadership.”
Her thesis analyzed
four factors that Dr. Samuel Dewitt Proctor modeled in his book, the Moral
Odyssey and applied these factors to church leadership. These factors included the learner’s moral
incubator, key events and values in the learner’s transition to adulthood,
emerging adult moral commitments and developing Christian morality in
leadership. Henning Byfield explored the dynamics of these factors as they
apply to current Christian leaders and the impact that these factors now have
on the church. The paper continues her
work on excellence in Christian leadership.
History repeated
itself in Henning Byfield’s Payne Seminary experience because in earning her
first Master of Divinity degree she had also received straight A’s in every
class. While pursuing her academic studies at Payne in earning the second
Master of Divinity Degree, she simultaneously pursued the completion of her
Doctor of Ministry degree at Ashland Theological Seminary in Ashland Ohio. She has now completed the doctoral classroom
hours and the approval of her doctoral thesis proposal. She is in the research and the dissertation
completion stage. These academic pursuits
demonstrate her stellar academic strength, fortitude and tenacity.
In October 2012,
while accomplishing her dual academic pursuits, she published a mental health
resources manual for the Fourth Episcopal District at the direction of Bishop
John R. Bryant, Senior Bishop, and the Rev. Dr. Cecilia Williams Bryant, Senior
Episcopal Supervisor. She also completed
a leadership training model called AME 101, along with other leadership tools
that she presented at the North Indiana District planning meeting. Several others forums and districts have
adapted parts of this model to prepare their leaders for leadership roles.
She is presently the
capable presiding elder of 25 churches, including Faith AME Church a new
racially and culturally church plant in the fall of 2012.
The completion of
her academic and leadership pursuits represent the excitement about Henning
Byfield’s own consistency and excellence in leadership.
6. THE HERBERT L.
EDDY SCHOLARSHIP FUND PROVIDES BLESSINGS AND PRAISE FOR THE CLASS OF 2013:
*The Rev. Ken Whitley
This time each year AME churches from Massachusetts, Rhode
Island, and Connecticut come together for what has become a high school
graduation tradition. The churches come
together to honor graduates who earned a Herbert L Eddy Scholarship, named
after the Presiding Elder of the Boston Hartford District. The annual program provides financial
assistance for graduates who are going on to further their academic or
vocational education. The fund’s
chairperson, the Rev. Dannie Mae James-Green, pastor of Bethel AME in Lowell
Massachusetts is quick to point out that partial scholarships are available for
graduates who apply and are active in their Boston-Hartford District
congregations.
The district connection is intentional about investing in
the future of our young people. This
year despite heavy rain the churches came together on Friday, June 7, 2013 for
a 7:00 p.m. program at Bethel Springfield where the pastor is the Rev Angelo
Dawson. The program had a central theme, “A Celebration for the Perseverance of
Our Youth.” The program also included
musical selections by our district-wide men’s choir, the Sons of Allen. Derick Seldon, a 2011 recipient of the HLE
scholarship, who is now entering his junior year, shared his perspective on
what it takes to succeed in college.
Finally Presiding Elder Eddy shared words of encouragement. Food and fellowship was provided by the host
congregation, which was served at the conclusion of the excellent program.
This year, twelve students received scholarships: Kelley
Bradford from Bethel New Bedford, Thomas A. Lytle from Bethel Bloomfield, Amber
Oates from Grant Boston, Alana Sheldon from Bethel Bloomfield, Robert Dixon
from Grant Boston, Natasha McClammy from Bethel New Haven, Aspen Releford from
Bethel Norwich, Tiana Sheldon from Bethel Bridgeport, Perry Higgins from Bethel
Bloomfield, Lezlie McEachern from Bethel New Haven, Kiana Robinson from Charles
Street Boston and Raymond Sizeman from Bethel New Haven. This year’s graduates have varied interest. Some will study business. Some are interested in broadcasting. Some will study the culinary arts. One student is going into the graphics and
photography field. Another is going into
pre-law and several are interested in medicine.
In today’s world true success is a result of hard work and
support from others. Symbolizing years
of encouragement, training and support, parents of our graduates stood behind
their teens as the graduates knelt for prayer.
*The Rev Ken Whitley is an associate minister at People's
AME Church in Chelsea Massachusetts
7. THE REVEREND H. CHARLES FARRIS A
SERVANT OF JESUS CHRIST:
A servant of
Jesus Christ in the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) has served the
Desert Mountain Conference for ten years as Presiding Elder over the
Phoenix-Albuquerque District.
Through the righteousness
of our God and Savior Jesus Christ he has received a precious faith that is
exercised in carrying out his responsibility to bring souls to the Lord and
establish new churches in his district for Kingdom building. Two things
that have brought him joy over the past year have been to witness five
young people join the AME church and be baptized during his 2012 District
Conference and advancing the work of mission churches. New church starts in
Arizona are Tabernacle Community, Fountain of Life, Mount Moriah, New St. John,
Greater Koinonia; and, Powerhouse Fellowship in New Mexico. Of these churches, three have already come
into the AME Church denomination with another following close behind and a new
church start on its heels, Harvest of Joy. Presiding Elder Farris didn’t stop
there in church growth and development.
In 2013, he led the effort through the Phoenix-Albuquerque District
Men's Fellowship to raise $1,000 each to aid two older mission churches (Harbert
Chapel and Howard Chapel) in urgently needed building
repairs. Of these two churches, Howard Chapel AME Church is featured below
as they strive to rebuild their walls, the roof too, as the congregation
expands in numbers above 100 members.
Presiding Elder
H. Charles Farris service in God’s ministry has taken him from the Pacific
Ocean to the Mississippi River spanning five conferences: Missouri,
Northwest-Missouri, Kansas-Nebraska, Southern California, and Colorado. Presiding Elder Farris first served in the
Colorado Conference as an Itinerant Elder, and he plans to retire from active
ministry in the year 2013 from the same conference that is now renamed the
Desert Mountain Conference.
8. “SOMEWHERE, SOMEWHERE……….:
Small Churches
& Accomplishments”
I have been
extremely hesitant to respond to the request to write a short article about the
ministry at Howard Chapel AME Church.
Hesitant because the requested brief article is supposed to be about
“small churches” and their “accomplishments”.
But because ministries exist in an environment in which labeling
controls the ascription of meaning and value to things, situations and even
sometimes humans, I hesitate. I believe that for a Church to allow itself to be
labeled a “small church” is to invite and accept the material, psychological
and most importantly, theological implications of such label, externally
imposed. A little more than a cursory reflection on how proceedings at most
church conferences are managed will highlight these albeit subtle but firm
ascription processes. Be it as it may, I write briefly and with humility about
the ministry at Howard Chapel AME Church, Gallup. I must begin by acknowledging
the incredible multi-faceted support including financial Howard Chapel has
received from my Presiding Elder Dr. H. Charles Farris of the
Phoenix/Albuquerque District, especially the constant recognition of our
efforts and much valued verbal encouragements.
Howard Chapel
known locally as the Church of the Homeless, the Poor and the Marginalized, has
been considered a small church for decades. It has been a “pit stop” for some
pastors seeking greener pastures and an after-thought for the Connectional
Church, long before I was blessed with a commission to it about fifteen years
ago. Even though the size of the dilapidated church building appropriately
situated in a blighted neighborhood has not changed, I do not, have not and
cannot see Howard Chapel as a “small church” for the reasons stated in the
previous paragraph and also, for the following. Worship services follow the
traditional AME order of service and are spirit-filled. Even though there is no
choir, voices are raised high as hymns from the AME Hymnal are sung in the
Navajo and the English languages. Similarly, fervent prayers are said in Navajo
and English. I am absolute in my belief that the Holy Spirit in all its
attributes which is ever so present at Howard Chapel is not a miniature version
of the Holy Spirit present in huge churches and cathedrals. Stated differently,
it is a blessing to know that the Holy Spirit present in huge churches and
Cathedrals is the same ever-present Holy Spirit that presides at Howard Chapel
every Sunday. Howard Chapel therefore cannot be a “small church”.
God, the
Magnificent, has and continues to bless Howard Chapel which now has some 100
members, of which about 97 are homeless. Attendance at Sunday worship service
averages about 80 members. Every Sunday after worship service the Church serves
about 110 hot lunches to a standing room only crowd in its small Fellowship
Hall. To alleviate this condition, two pews from the Choir section have been
moved to the Fellowship Hall to accommodate the over flow. Those Sundays when
attendance exceeds 80, about 150 hot lunches are served and members eat in the
sanctuary and in the hallways to mitigate the crowdedness. Howard Chapel
distributes clothing and groceries to members every Sunday. A closet and the
spaces on and under pews in the Sanctuary serve as shelves for left over
clothing and storage for groceries. In the midst of all these, Howard Chapel
has developed a unique “ministry within the ministry”. Because our membership
population is unique, requests for private/individualized prayers for specific
issues, such as alcoholism, loss of faith, homelessness, drug addictions,
domestic violence, sicknesses, yearning to return home to family, depression,
loneliness, divorce, etc., have increased exponentially. In order to
accommodate these prayer requests, members return to the sanctuary after lunch
for individualized prayer/counseling sessions. These highly emotional
individualized prayer/counseling and private sessions are conducted by the
Pastor or the Associate Minister. Sometimes, the service of an interpreter is
required because some members prefer discussing very personal issues in the
Navajo language. The potential for this mini-ministry within the ministry to
flourish is immeasurable.
Finally, quite a
few of the members are veterans therefore providing transportation to
appointments at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Albuquerque is
irregular but a permanent aspect of the Howard Chapel ministry. Similarly,
requests for transportation to job sites or to Albuquerque to search for work
or for other reasonable reasons will increase as the weather gets warmer.
Howard Chapel’s commitment to respond to these transportation needs to the best
of its ability continues.
These are not
“accomplishments”. Somewhere in the Old Testament and in the Gospels of Matthew
and Luke such activities for and with the homeless and the poor are emphasized
and strongly suggested that it remain the center of Christian life and
ministry. Howard Chapel is trying to respond to that charge.
Please join us in
our prayers as we fervently ask Almighty God to increase our average church
attendance from 80 to 100. Our commitment to the homeless and the poor is
solid. Enough food to feed and clothes to clothe, God will provide. Our love
for the Lord and for each other is abundant. The Holy Spirit presides, always.
God bless you.
The Reverend
Shiame Okunor, PhD is the pastor of the Church of the Homeless, the Poor and
the Marginalized in Gallup, New Mexico
9. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA MAYOR SPEAKS AT
AME CHURCH:
Mayor of Nation’s
Capitol the Honorable Vincent C. Gray was speaker at Christ Our Redeemer AMEC
(DC) for Civic and Social Engagement Sunday- Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness,
Pastor
Washington, DC
May 26, 2013: Mayor of the Nation’s Capitol, The Honorable Vincent C. Gray was
speaker at Christ Our Redeemer AMEC (DC) for Civic and Social Engagement
Sunday- Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness serves as Pastor
Mayor Gray spoke
with clarity about Civic and Social Engagement between the government and the
church. He outlined his priorities for the District of Columbia. They were,
Employment – 8.5 % from 14.5%; Education – District has number one program in
the nation for 3 year old and plans to put more money in District of Columbia
Public School; Affordable housing- one hundred million dollars set aside in new
budget. The Mayor announced that the District has in excess of one billion
dollars. He also stated that the District is no longer majority African
Americans from 75% down to 45%.
The Mayor was
adamant about the District obtaining Statehood and budget autonomy from the US
Congress, that, Taxation without Representation is unacceptable. He called on
all churches to become more engaged in Civic and Social issues and reminded the
congregation about the historical involvement of the church in community
affairs.
Also in
attendance was Minister Leslie W. Malachi, Director African American Ministers
Leadership Council, Rev. Dr. Agorom Dike, President Caribbean African Clergy
Association CACA, Bishop William Asare, Vice President CACA among other
elected, civic and community leaders.
Prior to service
after Church School a workshop was held regarding Breast Cancer in the African
American community.
Dr. Holness
serves on the Mayor’s Interfaith Council and says that, “while there are
serious challenges that lie ahead in the District, particularly the issue of
gentrification with God’s help the people will prevail. We are in a global
community and our concerns are more common than not.”
10. WHY ARE THERE SO MANY BLOOD CLOTS IN
THE LIFE LINE?:
*The Rev. Eraina
M. Ross-Aseme, D. Min
We as AMEs have
heard The Budget referred to as the “life line” of the Church. In my opinion, that statement is so every
true. Without the financial resources to operate the ministries of the Church,
the mandate of reaching out and sharing the Good News would be even more
challenging. The Budget flows throughout
the Connection Church that ultimately extends to the Districts, Conferences and
local churches. Many of us have
experienced from our own personal affairs that the economy is not what it used
to be. In spite of the current
challenges in the economy our personal affairs and Christian affairs do not
match up.
As mentioned in
an earlier article the was published in The Christian Recorder a few months ago
regarding the Budget of the African Methodist Episcopal Church being in line
with the Great Commission and that we as believers should be engaged. Oftentimes what happens the disbursements of
funds from the local church for the budget feels certain tugs or pulls when the
financial matters of the church are not what they should and resentfulness,
anger, frustration and weariness set in.
These ranges of emotions are caused by the blood clots in the life line;
these blood clots are known as situational clots in the local church.
Before it is time
to disburse the financial responsibility to the Connectional Church; a series
of conditions that are formed limits the flow of financial responsibilities to
the Connectional Church. For starters it goes back to leadership both the
clergy and laity. The accumulations of conditions slow down the Life Line
causing problems in other parts of the body.
The structure of the A.M.E. Church is designed where the local church
makes plans to do ministry. When the lack of planning is present situational
clots began to form in the body. If
these conditions are not addressed quickly they can travel to other parts of
the body preventing the current flow of ministry to flourish in the body of
Christ.
The body of
Christ must be willing to plan for the future for the betterment of the local
church and the community. The
effectiveness of the ministry is seeking the needs of the community. These needs should stimulate and encourage
the church members to do ministry in utilizing their skills and talents while
generating new insights of their spiritual journey. Pursuing the needs of the community through
the vision set forth by the local church is keen. While keeping the flow of resources for the
local church to do ministry; the operations of the church must be handled
properly. However, what seems to be a
trend in some of the local churches; clergy and church members have become
complacent of the condition of the local church. A phone call is made to the local church but
no dial tone or an operator from a phone company answers and says, “You have
reached a non-working number, please try your call again.” Presiding Elders call for meetings and
excuses are made as to why his/her pastor cannot attend the meeting. Several church members make excuses why they
cannot tithe but will criticize others when a program is planned to raise funds
for the local church.
These situational
clots formed in the body of Christ are constantly fed with organic manners
which causes growth of the clot endangering the body of Christ. These approaches of being self-satisfied with
the condition of the body of Christ will eventually deaden the enthusiasm of
others wanting to richly serve the Lord through the needs of the
community. The driving forces that
appear to be contributing to the organic manners causing situational clots is
the lack of accountability, idleness, direction, dedication and commitment to
the church.
When the believer
fully understands their life with Christ; paying the Budget is another level in
ministry to reach the world for Christ.
The realization of the believer serving Christ is that the situational
clots will be minimized and/or eradicated.
We do realize some situational clots are necessary for the church to
grow healthy. It is the undesired situational clots that leave scars in the
body of Christ that takes a while to recover from. The preparation of the Pastor
and laity can fulfill the desired outcome of paying the Budget in taking full
responsibility of the local church on all levels, in every organization,
auxiliary and ministry.
Therefore, the
hope that Jesus gives us is that He went to the cross and shed blood for
sinners such as you and me. Because
Christ died on the cross, He has made a way for sinners to redeem themselves
and get rid of the junk that is clogging the Life Line of the church. The stroking out of churches cannot
continue. The head of the church is
Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is Alive!
As a result the
believer in the church is nudge by the Holy Spirit to find their purpose and
calling in ministry. If the sign of a
condition is present in a believer the desire to press forward is spiritually
discerned, and the effects of the condition is eliminated. With an increase
prayer life, and frequently reading the Word of God, the means of getting
resources to support the Budget will be easier.
The ease will come because the believer can identify how the Christian
is to: “Go you therefore, and teach all
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost.” Matthew 28:19. Begin now,
in seeking the Lord for a fresh anointing of your stewardship to the church.
In Christ’s
Service,
*The Rev. Dr.
Eraina M. Ross-Aseme is the pastor of Cain Grant A.M.E. Church in Kansas City,
Missouri
11. NEARER TO THEE:
Horace Jones
Members of the
AME who strive to lead more perfect lives in the fashion of the Jesus Christ, requires
each of us to grow spiritually and to reach out and encourage others to pursue
Christ-like lives.
Many of us have
attended the same church since birth, baptized, married and buried loved ones
there.
The church is the
center of our existence with pastors charged with educating and inspiring us to
become better Christians. We are expected to tithe (10%) to assist our Church
to support itself and to meet its monthly expenses.
There are 2.4
million AMEs and surprisingly, 90% or more are likely to die without a will;
without a will, a person is most likely is unable to leave a monetary gift to
his or her church. When tithing members die without a will their churches loses
income.
It is my hope
that AME parishioners begin to view church as a business, as well as a
religious institution.
From a business
perspective, each parishioner is a shareholder and when economic times are
good, tithes and offerings are in a better position to help maintain a church’s
financial obligations. Conversely, when the
economy is not good, we may be required to provide funds beyond tithes and
offering.
Our churches have
monthly financial obligations that include utility bills, mortgages and other
expenses that parishioners are responsible for maintaining.
A will affords
each of us the opportunity to assist our denomination even after death. Gifts left to Churches through wills have
been used in other churches for years and evidence of the effectiveness of
parishioners making their churches beneficiaries in their wills is
evident.
In my area, white
church campuses include private primary schools, day care centers,
assistant-living facilities and even gymnasiums. Those added facilities were
made possible because many of their members included their churches in their
wills. Those amenities are designed to keep congregation members’ lives focused
around the church. The more a church is
incorporated into everyday life, the stronger the members are spiritually and
emotionally.
The same
amenities are a possibility in our churches as well and it begins with each
member having a will prepared and naming their church as a beneficiary.
The purpose of a
will is to identify all the assets accumulated during one’s lifetime and lists
individuals or beneficiaries who will receive those assets. A person can list
his or her church as a beneficiary.
Legacy Planning
is a company dedicated to preparing African Americans wills for a nominal fee,
as long as they include their respective church as a beneficiary.
In addition,
Legacy Planning also provides members with a living will and power of
attorney.
Members who have
their estate plans done on-site will also receive a free tee-shirt, have their
names included on our donor’s board page and receive recognition from their
local pastor.
Visit our website
today and sow a seed in the AME Church and allow our company to assist you at www.legacy-planning.net. Here is an
opportunity to show your appreciation to your church.
*Andy Jones is
the CEO of Legacy Planning, Inc., a company that seeks to assist the AME Church
in increasing parishioners to get wills.
The company provides wills, power of attorney and living will at a
reasonable rate so long as the member leaves a monetary gift to his or her
local church.
12. PEW FORUM FYI: PUBLIC ESTEEM FOR
MILITARY STILL HIGH, CLERGY IN THE MIDDLE, LAWYERS AT THE BOTTOM:
- Clergy not at
the top of the poll
Americans
continue to hold the military in high regard, with more than three-quarters of
U.S. adults (78%) saying that members of the armed services contribute “a lot”
to society’s well-being, according to findings from a survey by the Pew
Research Center. That’s a modest decline from 84% four years ago, the last time
Pew Research asked the public to rate various professions. But the military
still tops the list of 10 occupational groups, followed closely by teachers,
medical doctors, scientists and engineers. A solid majority of the public says
each of those occupations contributes a lot to society.
By contrast, the
survey finds that just 37% of Americans think the clergy contribute “a lot” to
society, about the same as in 2009. Regular churchgoers tend to be more
positive about ministers, priests and other clergy members. But even among
adults who say they attend religious services at least once a week, only about
half (52%) rate clergy in general as contributing “a lot” to society, while 29%
say the clergy make “some” contribution, and 11% say the clergy contribute “not
very much” or “nothing at all.”
For ratings on
other occupations, including artists, journalists, business executives and
journalists, and a breakdown of views by religious affiliation, frequency of
worship service attendance, gender, age, race and political party, see the full
report: http://www.pewforum.org/Other-Demographics/Public-Esteem-for-Military-Still-High.aspx.
If you have any
questions about this analysis or would like to schedule an interview with one
of our researchers, please contact Liga Plaveniece at communications@pewforum.org or call 202.419.4562.
Pew Research
Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life
1615 L Street,
NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC
20036
Telephone:
202.419.4562
www.pewforum.org
Twitter @pewforum
Facebook.com/pewforum
13. SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ARE OUT
THERE:
The Coca-Cola Scholars
Foundation supports over 1,400 college students each year, with annual
scholarships of $3.45 million, through two nationally recognized programs. With
the 25th class in 2013, the Foundation will have provided over 5,250 Coca-Cola
Scholars with more than $51 million in scholarships.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship is
an achievement-based scholarship awarded to 250 high school seniors each year.
Fifty of these are four-year $20,000 scholarships; 200 are four-year $10,000
scholarships. Students are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve, and
their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and
communities.
To qualify,
students must be current high school (or home-schooled) seniors attending
school in the United States (or select DoD schools); U.S. Citizens; U.S.
Nationals; U.S. Permanent Residents; Temporary Residents (in a legalization
program); Refugees; Asylees; Cuban-Haitian Entrants; or Humanitarian Parolees;
Anticipating completion of high school diploma at the time of application;
Planning to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution;
and carrying a minimum 3.00 GPA at the end of their junior year of high school.
14. GETTING TO ZERO: UNPACKING THE 2011
HIV REPORT - PART 1:
*Dr. Oveta Fuller
The HIV
Surveillance Report, 2011 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC),
www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/surveillance/resources/reports
has the most up-to-date information on HIV diagnosis and AIDS cases and deaths
in the USA and its dependent territories. These are from 2008-2011 as reported
to the CDC by June 30, 2012. There are charts, tables and a commentary that
highlights HIV/AIDS trends. It is worthwhile reading.
Two striking
findings from the 2008-2011 results are: (1) the epidemic seems to have
stabilized in the USA, and (2) African Americans (AA), who are 12% of the
population, represent 44% of HIV diagnosis and AIDS cases. What do these mean
to TCR readers, the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC) and our family,
friends and congregations?
Overall Rate of
HIV Infection Stable in the USA
The analyses
determine if numbers increase, decrease or remain relatively the same for
2008-09, 2009-10 and 2010-11. Good news of sorts is that overall for new
diagnosis of HIV infection; the total numbers were about the same at the end of
2009, 2010 and 2011. In previous reporting periods (2007), actual numbers based
on better reporting prompted CDC scientists to revise the long used annual USA
estimate of ~40,000 new HIV infections/year up to >55,000 new infections/year.
In 2011, a total
of 49,273 persons in the USA were officially diagnosed with HIV infection. Some
32,052 (not necessary the same persons) were diagnosed as having progressed to
AIDS.
Almost 50,000
newly identified HIV infections are of high concern. The overall number of new
HIV infections did not increase beyond the 2007 level of ~55,000/year nor
decrease below the previous annual estimate of ~40,000/year. The report concludes that the number of newly
diagnosed HIV infections is “stable overall in the USA population.”
A
disproportionate HIV/AIDS impact
The 2011 report
is of critical concern to members and leaders of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church (AMEC). Why? Of the new HIV infections diagnosed in 2010, 44%
were among African Americans (AA). According to the 2010 census, AAs are 12% of
the US population. In 2010, 21% of new diagnosed HIV infections were among
Hispanics who are 16% of the US population.
Each life matters.
Understand that HIV/AIDS, which may have been initially misconceived as “a gay
white man’s disease”, now disproportionately affects persons of color in the
USA. Understand that at least 65% of the persons diagnosed with HIV infection
in 2010 are persons of color.
These findings
emphasize accuracy of the “Heightened National Response to the HIV/AIDS Crisis
among African Americans” issued in March 2007.
This alert, in part, triggered HIV rapid testing and counseling on site
at the 2008 AMEC General Conference and the Council of Bishops’ statement that
encouraged members to actively address HIV/AIDS prevention and care.
What do these
mean?
The 2011 report
is a retrospective view. In 2013, some in AA communities are more engaged, are
mobilizing testing, care and support, and are more generally aware about
HIV/AIDS. A hope, as a tangible result, is that new HIV infection transmissions
and AIDS diagnoses have decreased or at least remained stable (not increased as
in previous years) even for persons of color.
In July 2013, is
there major progress in reversing HIV infection trends? Are we increasing links
to medical care so to delay progression to AIDS and stop deaths from
AIDS-related complications?
A CDC Newsletter
article from May 2009 is on target still. It stated, “As you already know all
too well, the burden of HIV in African American communities is staggering.
Here—in the United States— (if recent trends continue) CDC estimates that 1 out
of every 16 black men will be diagnosed with HIV during their lifetimes; 1 in
16. And 1 in 30 black women will be
diagnosed with HIV. These statistics are certainly alarming and underscore the
need for all of us to do more to fight the further spread of HIV and its
effects on our communities.”
“We cannot allow this
crisis to continue. Today we have many more opportunities than ever before to
‘Act against AIDS’ and to reduce the disproportionate burden that black men,
women, and young adults bear.” [Please note: For 2008-2011, new HIV infection
diagnoses increased for people ages 20-29.
The highest rates of increase of HIV diagnosis were in ages 20-24
(36.4%) and 25-29 (35.2%). By combining
this with understanding that 44% of new infections are among AAs, we can
surmise that “AA young adults bear an unacceptable high burden of HIV/AIDS.”
The newsletter
goes on to say, “There is hope amid the crisis. There is a growing network of
black leaders, organizations, and individuals who are committed to our nation’s
Heightened National Response to the HIV/AIDS Crisis among African Americans
(HNR). HNR partners continue to lead, finding innovative ways to spread HIV and
AIDS prevention messages throughout the country.”
Yes in 2013,
there is hope - a twinkle of light in the saga of HIV/AIDS. The Christian
Recorder is committed to spreading a message to bring about sustained effective
HIV/AIDS prevention and elimination.
Annual
Conferences in all AME districts are pending. An immediate high impact action
is to include on-site HIV counseling and rapid testing during at least one day
(Wednesday and/or Saturday suggested) for those attending conference events and
people in the surrounding communities. Government, public and some private
agencies and organizations will come to your location (usually at no cost),
bring the kits and equipment and provide trained personnel to perform on-site
testing for those you prepare for the important health screening.
This is one
highly effective way each conference and its leaders can mobilize towards zero-
zero new HIV infections, zero new AIDS diagnosis, and zero stigma and
discrimination towards persons who live with HIV/AIDS.
Some helpful
resources for planning at the conference, district or local church level can be
found at: http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/links.htm
*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.
15. iCHURCH SCHOOL
LESSON BRIEF FOR SUNDAY, JULY 14, 2013 - DEDICATION OF THE TEMPLE - EZRA
6:13-22:
*Bill Dickens, Allen AME Church, Tacoma, Washington
Basic Need
How often have we heard the expression, “I dedicate this
song to so and so.” Or, “I dedicate this
book to my favorite aunt.” A high school
football team, still grief-struck caused by the untimely passing of a player
will “dedicate the season in the memory of their teammate”. We dedicate people, places, causes and a
myriad of things. Our need to dedicate
people or inanimate objects reflects our sense of connecting to a person of
object. However, do we really mean what
we say when we make such public announcements?
The Adult Church School Lesson for Sunday provides a blueprint for how
dedications should be conducted.
Hopefully we will come away with a better understanding to be doers of
dedication rather than just hearers of dedication.
Basic Lesson
The Bible lesson comes from the Book of Ezra Chapter 6
13:22. This section describes a sacred
moment in Jewish history. Ezra, granted
permission by the Persian King Cyrus, has returned to his homeland and begun
construction of the Great Temple in Jerusalem.
Ezra is humbled at the opportunity to restore this part of history for
many of his post-exilic Jewish compatriots.
With the help of his fellow prophets Haggai and Zechariah, the Temple is
rebuilt on the third day of the month of Adar.
Sensing the significance of what has been accomplished, Ezra encourages
praise, worship and singing and a dedication of the magnificent building. It’s important to note that before the
dedication, Ezra makes sure his co-builders understand the decision to rebuild
(verses 13-15). Once people decide to
rebuild they must be determined to see the project thru. Rebuilding the Temple meant having the will
to see the completion of the project. (Verses 16-19) Decision and determination are the
prerequisites to dedication. Ezra can
now dedicate the Temple as a sign that the building holds special spiritual
significance. We seek God’s consecrated blessing that the Temple or any sacred
object will be set aside for His Glory and Honor. (Verses 19-22)
Basic Application
Pages 550-577 of the 2008 AME Discipline describe a wide
range of dedication activities sanctioned by our church. These dedications include: house, hospital,
church, educational building, cornerstone, musical organ and a parish
house. The AME Church recognizes the
importance of these inanimate objects as vessels for God’s Will. The officiating officer reminds the audience
that our possessions are possible only by the Grace of God hence, it is only
just that we dedicate, i.e. consecrate, these possessions for service to
God. This is precisely the idea Ezra
conveyed in Chapter 6 with the rebuilding of the Temple. Christians understand that the Temple is not
just limited to a building or edifice. With the gift of salvation provided
through Jesus the Christ, we can rejoice and dedicate our “temple” which has
been rebuilt by the Holy Spirit. Like
Ezra’s followers we can give God thanks for re-building our temple and for that
we can rejoice!
*Brother Bill Dickens is currently the Church School Teacher
at Allen AME Church in Tacoma, Washington.
He is currently a member of the Fellowship of Church Educators for the
AME Church.
16. MEDITATION BASED
ON I PETER 1:1-7:
I had the pleasure this Fourth of July of watching my two
sons do an excellent job of “grilling out” while I relaxed and offered words of
supervision and encouragement. Watching
them do what I can humbly say that I taught them to do reminded me of my first
unsupervised effort at “grilling out” almost forty years ago.
I poured plenty of charcoal into the grill, saturated it
with lighter fluid, lit what blazed up to be a very impressive fire and
proceeded to do the cooking when the fire died down. The end result, to my surprise, was partially
cooked and had the distinct taste and smell of lighter fluid. I later learned from a more experienced
barbecue chef that you don’t start cooking as soon as the fire dies down - you
wait until the charcoal is covered with white ash, which means that it’s then
hot enough to do what’s expected.
Sufficient heat makes a major difference.
What I learned about “cooking out” after my initial fiasco
carries over into our daily lives, for life gets “hot” for all of us sooner or
later. Life’s aggravations, demands,
stresses, disappointments and unexpected difficulties can easily leave all of
us feeling beaten down, burdened, burnt out, confused and desperate for relief.
When we look back at our lives, however, we sometimes
realize that life’s “hottest” times are the times when we rise to the occasion,
do our best and overcome life’s challenges.
Perhaps that’s because when life gets too hot for us to handle on our
own, God steps in, tempers us and transforms the heat in our lives from a
source of discouragement into a source of determination. When we look back at our lives, we often see
that we actually did our best in our most heated and demanding times.
Bear that in mind when life’s demands turn up your spiritual
thermostat. Don’t just wilt, grow faint
and buckle in the heat. Turn to the One
True God who delivered Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego from a fiery furnace in
the Biblical Book of Daniel, for God will still do for us what God did for
them. God didn’t save them from the fire
- God strengthened, encouraged, delivered and stood with them in the midst of
the fire.
Get Ready for Sunday, and have a great day in your house of
worship!
*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby is the Presiding Elder of the
Beaufort District of the South Carolina Annual Conference of the Seventh
Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
17. EPISCOPAL FAMILY
CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENT:
-- Stephen A. Green
will be delivering the Keynote Address on Youth Night…
Stephen A. Green will be delivering the Keynote Address on
Youth Night at the National NAACP Convention in Orlando, Florida, July 15,
2013. Stephen, a rising senior at Morehouse College presently serves as the
President of the Morehouse Chapter of the NAACP and State President of the
Georgia Youth and College Division.
Stephen is the son of Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr. (12th
Episcopal District) and Dr. Ava S.B. Green.
Submitted by Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr.
18. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Brother Augustus
Scott, the father of the Rev. Deborah Y. Scott, pastor of Greater St. James AME
Church in Gary, Indiana. Brother Augustus Scott's services are as follows:
Friday: July 12:
2013. Viewing is from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00
a.m. The homegoing service is 11:00
a.m. All services will be held at
Christ Baptist Church, 4700 E. 7th Ave, Gary, Indiana.
Telephone: 219.938.5504.
Condolences may be sent to the Rev. Deborah Scott at
spsalm23@aol.com.
Services entrusted to:
Smith Bizzel & Warner
4209 Grant St.
Telephone: (219) 887 - 1852
Fax: (219) 887 - 7620
19. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Sister Vella
Brown, on Friday, July 5, 2013. She was the beloved sister of the Rev. Mandella
P. Smith, pastor of New Saint James AME Church in Jacksonville, Florida; and
the sister-in-love of the Rev. Johnny J. Smith, pastor of Saint Paul AME Church
in Gainesville (Windsor Community), Florida both serving on the Alachua Central
District, East Conference of the 11th Episcopal District.
The Following information has been provided regarding the
funeral arrangements:
Funeral Services:
Saturday, July 13, 2013 at 11:00 a.m.
Mount Hermon A. M. E. Church
401 N. W. 7th Terrace
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311
(954) 463-6309
Wake: Friday, July 12, 2013 at Mount Hermon AME Church
5:00-8:00 p.m.
Services Entrusted To:
McWhite Funeral Home
3501 West Broward Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Telephone: 954-584-0047
The Rev. Mandella and the Rev. Johnny Smith may be reached
at (786) 512-9555; (305)389-8913; or email: revmpsmith@aol.com
20. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Nancy
McClellan, on July 9, 2013. She was the beloved mother of the Rev. Laverne
McClellan, the pastor of St. Stephen AME Church in the Atlantic City District
of the New Jersey Annual Conference. The following information has been
provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing: Saturday, July 13, 2013, from 9:00 a.m. until the
time of the service.
Funeral Service: Saturday, July 13, 2013 at 11:00 a.m.
Adams-Perfect Funeral Home
1650 New Road
Northfield, NJ 08225
Telephone: 609-641-0065
Fax: 609-641-7919
Eulogist: The Rev. Milton Hendricks, Faith Baptist Church,
Pleasantville, NJ
Interment:
Laurel Memorial Park
Tilton Road
Pomona, New Jersey
Cards, expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Luther C. McClellan
708 E. Chip Shot Lane
Galloway, NJ 08205
609-748-8653
Or
The Rev. Laverne C. McClellan
612 London Court II
Egg Harbor Township, NJ
08234
Telephone: 609-377-5096
21. 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
22. 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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