The Right Reverend 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
Thought for the Week:
“Work
for a Cause - Not for Applause
Live Life to Express - Not to Impress
Don't Strive to Make Your Presence
Noticed - Just Make Your Absence Felt”
(Author Unknown)
TCR EDITORIAL – INTENT TO
KEEP THIS SHORT:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The
Christian Recorder
It is my intent to write a short editorial because this issue of
The Christian Recorder Online is long
with important information about the 2014 General Board / Bishops’ Council Meeting,
the outbreak of Ebola in West Africa and other important issues. As I have said
and have heard preachers over the years say, “Today’s sermon won’t be long…,”
“This editorial won’t be long…”
The Ebola Virus is spreading quickly and our episcopal leadership,
pastors, and leaders in the local church need to be aware of the significance
of the Ebola outbreak.
The General Board Meeting
A lot of information was shared at the 2014 General Board
Meeting.
I was asked the question, “Do you think the information and
business acted upon at the general Board Meeting get disseminated to pastors
and laity in the episcopal districts or do the members of the General Board
just go back to their home districts and keep the information to themselves.”
The questioner continued, “Have you ever heard a formal General Board
after-action report given to an annual conference or episcopal district?”
Before I could answer, the questioner said, “You are taking too
long to respond; so I will answer the question for you! No! You haven’t heard a
formal after-action report from a General Board Meeting because the Commission
members attend the General Board Meeting, go home and act as if nothing
happened and no one requires them to make a formal report or to disseminate the
report in writing to all the members of their episcopal districts. You may have
heard a bishop mention a couple of points, but that’s it! Thank God we got The Christian Recorder
Online, FaceBook and email for the bit of information we get. The only thing we
got heretofore was a comment here and there in bits and pieces.”
A lot of business is transacted at the General Board Meetings
and the 2014 General Board Meeting was no different.
We learned about the situation at Wilberforce and we laud Bishop
McKinley Young for being transparent about Wilberforce’s accrediting challenges
(issues reported in General Board Meeting articles below).
We received an update on Morris Brown College and the financial
struggles of the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) of which Turner
Theological Seminary is a constituent member (issues reported in General Board
Meeting articles below).
The subscription challenges of The Christian Recorder and our other AME Church periodicals were
discussed (issues reported in General Board articles below). Parishioners, for
the most part, are not subscribing in large numbers, to our periodicals.
Applicants for the ministry, local preachers, and church officers are not
subscribing to our periodicals. Pastors need to read our periodicals in order
to keep abreast of what is happening in our Zion and to get ideas for ministry.
A “good news” item that I suspect most of our members are not
aware of because no one told them is that there is now an electronic version of
The Doctrine and Discipline of the
African Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012 that can be purchased on Kindle
and other electronic book platforms.
The electronic version of The
Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012 can
be ordered from www.amazon.com or click on the link below:
I have ordered mine and a number of persons who attended the
General Board Meeting ordered their electronic version.
But many of those who do not read The Christian Recorder Online, still won’t know that The Doctrine and Discipline of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012 – can now be purchased electronically
because they will not be privileged or avail themselves of the opportunity to
receive a formal after-action report about the General Board proceedings.
The result will be that we will not have enough people
purchasing the electronic version because they won’t know that the opportunity
to do so exists. The negative result is that the Church loses revenue because
people are not informed and many don’t read our periodicals.
Even when the information is published in our periodicals, our
people, including clergy and aspirants for the ministry, are not knowledgeable
about what’s available because they are not subscribed to our periodicals.
There are so many things that happened at the General Board
meeting (issues reported in General Board Meeting articles below).
I stated in the first sentence that my intention was to keep this
editorial short because this issue is packed with information about the General
Board Meeting and other issues that should be read by AMEs all over the world.
Oh well…
This issue is longer than I intended and I have fallen into the
same trap that preachers fall into when they promise the congregation, “… the
sermon will be short” and proceed to preach for 40, 50 minutes or an hour!
As some of the young people say, “My bad…!”
2. READER RESPONSE
TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
-- To the Editor:
Re: General conference 2016
Greetings in Jesus' Name.
Can somebody assist me with the exact dates for the general
conference 2016 as well as names of hotels nearer the venue? I want to attend
for the first time in my life and I am therefore preparing well in advance.
The Rev. Mogeru Morewane
TCR Editor’s Comment: A handout given to the General Board
members by Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram lists the dates for the 2014 General
Conference: July 6 – 13, 2016. The handout says the 10 hotels near the
Pennsylvania Convention Center. The rate-range of contracted hotels is from
$140 - $180 per night. The Observer housing block will officially open to all
Observers on October 1, 2015 (first come, first serve basis).
-- To the Editor:
RE: Letter from AME Chaplain in Afghanistan
I want to extend a special thanks and appreciation for your
continued support to my ministry in the chaplaincy. I received the box of AME
literature the AMEC Sunday School Union and Dr. Barbour sent me. The box also
had copies of The Christian Recorder that featured my story. My command team is
very proud to see their chaplain on the front page of The Christian Newspaper;
they each took a copy.
We are wrapping up things to come home in the next 45 to 60 days.
We closed one of our JCOPs today and moved almost one hundreds Soldiers to Camp
Marmal and in a little over two weeks we will close another camp. There is
"light at the end of the tunnel."
Kindly keep my battalion in your prayers for safe transition and
return home. I sent you a copy of my July 2014 Newsletter, I am not sure as to
whether you received it attached to my last email. May God richly bless you for
all you do for his people.
CH (CPT) (OF-2) Samuel D. Siebo
1-41IN BN, UMT OIC
Camp Marmal, AFG
3. THE COUNCIL OF
BISHOPS’ STATEMENT ON THE TRANSITION OF BISHOP VINTON RANDOLPH ANDERSON:
The Council of
Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church mourns the transition of
Bishop Vinton Randolph Anderson, the 92nd Bishop, on 9 July
2014. Bishop Anderson, elected to the
episcopacy in 1972, was a distinguished pastor, writer, ecumenist, liturgist
and leader in African Methodism and throughout the world.
Tributes and
accolades will follow in due season. We
now assume the place of quiet and prayer where faith ministers to us with grace
as we reflect on our colleague, friend, father and mentor. We solicit the prayers of the Church for Mrs.
Vivienne Anderson and Family.
Trusting in the
promised comfort of God, we look beyond the horizon of mortality and bid peace
to one of the fathers of our Zion as he has stepped into eternity.
Jeffrey N. Leath
128th
Bishop
President
The Council of
Bishops
The
African Methodist Episcopal Church
4. MESSAGE OF
THANKS FROM JUDGE GWENDOLYN BRIGHT, DAUGHTER OF MRS. VIDA MAE BRIGHT:
I
wish to thank the African Methodist Episcopal Church family for all of the
prayers, thoughts, acts kindness and comforting words in memory of the passing
of my mother, the late Vida Mae Bright, the widow of Bishop John D. Bright, Sr.
My
mother passed on June 24, 2014. Her
Homegoing Service was July 1, 2014 at Mother Bethel AME Church during which she
was eulogized by Bishop Jeffery Leath, Presiding Prelate of the 13th
Episcopal District; with Words of Comfort presented by Bishop Richard Norris,
Presiding Prelate of the 7th Episcopal District; and Bishop Gregory
G.M. Ingram, Presiding Prelate of the 1st Episcopal District.
It
was a beautiful service and the family is humbled and greatly appreciative of
the support of our AME Church family.
A
link to an article in the Philadelphia
Tribune with her Obituary:
Messages
of Condolence:
Thank
you,
Judge
Gwendolyn Bright, Daughter
5. THE 2014 COUNCIL OF BISHOPS PUBLIC STATEMENT:
June 25, 2014
June 25, 2014
The Council of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
was convened in the annual session on Monday, June 23, 2014 in Nashville,
Tennessee at the Sheraton Music City Hotel. The following statement is
presented to the Church on the actions and concerns of the Council of Bishops.
Discipleship
Discipleship
We continue to be excited by, and committed to, our quadrennial
focus on discipleship. The Council encourages continued prayer, study and
practice. Let us be good disciples as we make disciples in every place.
General Conference Funding
General Conference Funding
The Council of Bishops concurs with the General Board in
requesting the collection of additional funds to support the 2016 General
Conference which equals a total of 4% of one year’s budget allocation for
Districts 1-13.
Anvil
Anvil
We proudly present to the Church a new volume of The Anvil. We
encourage support of the sale of The
Anvil. We express appreciation to Bishop Vashti Murphy
McKenzie for her creativity and tenacity in generating another marvelous
publication. We are happy to share that the Irene B. Reid AME Church, in
Monrovia, Liberia is the recipient of this year's grant from the proceeds of The Anvil sales.
Bicentennial Celebration
Bicentennial Celebration
There is a significant, inclusive plan to help us honor our 200
years of existence as a denomination. We thank Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram for
his extensive planning and preparations. We urge the Church to support
the ensuing months of remembering, envisioning and praising God for our
heritage.
On Education
On Education
We applaud the dedicated efforts to respond to the goal of
education taken by persons involved with institutions of higher education
around the world. We are concerned and committed to the welfare of
current students, and their families, in AME affiliated schools.
We celebrate with the various schools which have not only rendered innovative and quality services to students and communities, but we also applaud those which have been successful in garnering the support of philanthropic support of their mission.
In the Case of Morris Brown College
We celebrate with the various schools which have not only rendered innovative and quality services to students and communities, but we also applaud those which have been successful in garnering the support of philanthropic support of their mission.
In the Case of Morris Brown College
We express our continued support for the ongoing mission in
education of Morris Brown College. While there is no desire to abandon
Morris Brown College in the journey of survival, we support the recovery of The
AME Church funds invested under unusual circumstances to maintain a firm
financial position for the denomination.
An Advisory Committee in Cooperation with Payne Theological Seminary
An Advisory Committee in Cooperation with Payne Theological Seminary
We agreed to form an Advisory Committee to address the topic of
the financing of seminary education in connection with a Lily Endowment funded
study through Payne Theological Seminary.
The Interdenominational Theological Center
The Interdenominational Theological Center
We agreed to support the financial campaign of the
Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) in recognition of our vital link
to the ITC for Turner Theological Seminary. Donors are invited to help us
fulfill our pledge over the next 24 months.
On Health
On Health
We agreed to support the annual calendar of health concerns as
developed by the AMEC Health Commission. We urge the Church to minister
to congregants and the broader community in addressing those conditions which
affect our communities in epidemic proportions.
Missions
AME-SADA
Missions
AME-SADA
We endorse the continued appeal for support of AME-SADA on the
third Sunday of May in 2015 and 2016.
Partnership with the USDA
Partnership with the USDA
We acknowledge a cooperative relationship with the US Department
of Agriculture especially in the area of feeding programs for children.
Social Concerns
Through our Social Action Commission; we -
*Reaffirm our support of the Affordable Care Act, and continue our efforts to ensure the uninsured in our families, congregations and communities.
*Call upon the US Congress to pass legislation extending unemployment benefits to millions who have been unemployed for more than a year.
*Call upon the US Congress and each of the states which have not yet done so, to increase the federal and state minimum wage, so that employees who work will be able to support themselves, and their families.
*Call upon the US Congress to pass the President’s legislation to address repayment of college loans.
*In light of increased gun violence and deaths, call upon the US Congress to pass legislation requiring background checks before gun purchases, and oppose recently passed legislation in Georgia, approving guns to be carried in public places, including churches.
*Call upon House Speaker John Boehner to post for a vote in the House, Immigration Reform legislation passed by the Senate.
*Reaffirm our opposition to “Stand Your Ground” laws and continue efforts to have them repealed and/or amended.
*With 20% or more than 46 million Americans in poverty, including one out of every five children, were affirm our opposition to federal and state budget cuts to SNAP (Supplemental Nutritious Assistance Program) known as food stamps, and urge funding be restored.
*We applaud our students at Payne and Turner Theological Seminaries, and join with them and others in supporting Prisoner Re-entry Programs and legislation at federal and state levels.
*We affirm our support of the administration’s efforts to address Global Warming, and environmental acts which are polluting our waters, air and food, damaging nature, causing sickness and death and undermining our planet.
*We applaud courts, in Wisconsin and Ohio, for ruling unconstitutional legislation which seeks to suppress votes of minorities; and, we urge courts in other states which have passed voter suppression measures to likewise rule them unconstitutional; we also call upon Congress to pass the Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2014.
We call upon and urge each of our pastors and churches to make September 15th, the kick-off of a campaign to increase voter turnout in our congregations and communities in the upcoming November elections.
*We congratulate the Rev. Cornell Brooks, Esquire, an itinerant elder in the AME Church, upon his election as the National President of the NAACP, and we ask all of us to lift him in prayer as he assumes leadership of the nation’s oldest civil rights organization.
*We continue to be in prayer and urge every effort be made to rescue and return to their homes and families the more than 200 girls kidnapped in Nigeria; moreover, we reaffirm our opposition to exploitation and human trafficking anywhere.
*We renew our concern about developers from outside Africa who exploit the wealth of Africa with no benefit to the people of the continent, especially Central and West Africa.
*We call upon the United States and European nations to lift sanctions against Zimbabwe which are crippling and harming the people and exacting no consequence upon the political leadership.
*We congratulate The Honorable Peter Mutharika, newly elected president of Malawi, and lift him in our prayers as he assumes leadership of one of the poorest countries in the world.
*The Council strongly renews our call for the nations of the world, and particularly the United Nations, to intervene to end the genocide and slaughter taking place in the Sudan where millions are dying and being tormented.
*We express our opposition to renewed US involvement in Iraq, which is engaged in a civil war and sectarian violence. We believe this matter must be resolved by the Iraqi people themselves, and we express our support for withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan by the end of this year.
With devotion to the call of Christ and the commitment to serve, we are
The Council of Bishops
Social Concerns
Through our Social Action Commission; we -
*Reaffirm our support of the Affordable Care Act, and continue our efforts to ensure the uninsured in our families, congregations and communities.
*Call upon the US Congress to pass legislation extending unemployment benefits to millions who have been unemployed for more than a year.
*Call upon the US Congress and each of the states which have not yet done so, to increase the federal and state minimum wage, so that employees who work will be able to support themselves, and their families.
*Call upon the US Congress to pass the President’s legislation to address repayment of college loans.
*In light of increased gun violence and deaths, call upon the US Congress to pass legislation requiring background checks before gun purchases, and oppose recently passed legislation in Georgia, approving guns to be carried in public places, including churches.
*Call upon House Speaker John Boehner to post for a vote in the House, Immigration Reform legislation passed by the Senate.
*Reaffirm our opposition to “Stand Your Ground” laws and continue efforts to have them repealed and/or amended.
*With 20% or more than 46 million Americans in poverty, including one out of every five children, were affirm our opposition to federal and state budget cuts to SNAP (Supplemental Nutritious Assistance Program) known as food stamps, and urge funding be restored.
*We applaud our students at Payne and Turner Theological Seminaries, and join with them and others in supporting Prisoner Re-entry Programs and legislation at federal and state levels.
*We affirm our support of the administration’s efforts to address Global Warming, and environmental acts which are polluting our waters, air and food, damaging nature, causing sickness and death and undermining our planet.
*We applaud courts, in Wisconsin and Ohio, for ruling unconstitutional legislation which seeks to suppress votes of minorities; and, we urge courts in other states which have passed voter suppression measures to likewise rule them unconstitutional; we also call upon Congress to pass the Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2014.
We call upon and urge each of our pastors and churches to make September 15th, the kick-off of a campaign to increase voter turnout in our congregations and communities in the upcoming November elections.
*We congratulate the Rev. Cornell Brooks, Esquire, an itinerant elder in the AME Church, upon his election as the National President of the NAACP, and we ask all of us to lift him in prayer as he assumes leadership of the nation’s oldest civil rights organization.
*We continue to be in prayer and urge every effort be made to rescue and return to their homes and families the more than 200 girls kidnapped in Nigeria; moreover, we reaffirm our opposition to exploitation and human trafficking anywhere.
*We renew our concern about developers from outside Africa who exploit the wealth of Africa with no benefit to the people of the continent, especially Central and West Africa.
*We call upon the United States and European nations to lift sanctions against Zimbabwe which are crippling and harming the people and exacting no consequence upon the political leadership.
*We congratulate The Honorable Peter Mutharika, newly elected president of Malawi, and lift him in our prayers as he assumes leadership of one of the poorest countries in the world.
*The Council strongly renews our call for the nations of the world, and particularly the United Nations, to intervene to end the genocide and slaughter taking place in the Sudan where millions are dying and being tormented.
*We express our opposition to renewed US involvement in Iraq, which is engaged in a civil war and sectarian violence. We believe this matter must be resolved by the Iraqi people themselves, and we express our support for withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan by the end of this year.
With devotion to the call of Christ and the commitment to serve, we are
The Council of Bishops
6.
REFLECTING ON THE 2014 GENERAL BOARD MEETING NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE:
*Dr. Willie C. Glover
After viewing "AMEs Connecting around the World" on
Facebook, I thought it important to officially respond to some current issues
being discussed concerning actions raised during the 2014 General Board
meeting.
The Connectional Lay Organization's President is an
"ex-officio" member of the General Board and does have a voice but
not a vote. My responsibilities at the General Board includes
presenting the Annual Report of the work and complete audit of the finances of
the Organization to the Lay Commission of the General Board and a summary to
the entire Board. For the fifth year we
submitted "an unqualified" financial report. This is the highest rating given in accounting
audits.
It was a joy to hear of the $4.4 million dollars contributed to
Paul Quinn College by a Texas Philanthropist and devastating to hear the news
concerning Wilberforce University, my beloved Alma Mater. Immediately, I offered the expertise of the
Connectional Lay Organization and myself to the Interim President and Presiding
Bishop of the Third Episcopal District.
The need is for $14 million dollars by December 2014. The Lay Organization donated at our last
Biennial $50,000 Dollars and the Connectional Lay Economic Development
Corporation (CLEDC) previously has an outstanding loan to Wilberforce for
$100,000.
The news of Morris Brown College was received with mixed
emotions. The court has ruled to award
$14 million dollars in the sale of the school.
The main debtor, the AME Church should receive the funds loaned to the school
along with several other entities who are owed money. The property is valued at more than $30
million dollars. Is politics at play
here? The Connectional Lay Organization
donated $25,000 to assist Morris Brown to operate recently.
I was disappointed that the Board was silent on several crucial
issues including the 4% increase based on District assessments to help finance
the 2016 General Conference. This
results in a million dollars a day to operate the convention. It passed without a dissenting vote.
I did gain the floor concerning the "covenant" agreement
of the three Bishops elected from Africa and questioned the legality of the
document. This discussion was tabled
until the next General Board meeting. On
behalf of the Lay Organization, the issue was raised concerning the absence of
the Lay Resolution passed at the 2012 General Conference calling for
transparency and no new programs in Episcopal Districts especially Presiding
Elders Districts. The resolution was not
in the minutes.
Overall, the work of the General Board was comprehensive and
actions were in the best interest of the Church. My constructive criticism was and is that
elected Board members, Lay and Clergy, are not vocal enough in doing the
business of the Church.
We congratulated Bishop Jeffrey Nathaniel Leath invested as the
President of the Council of Bishops and pledged our support.
May God bless the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the
Connectional Lay Organization -
*Dr. Willie C. Glover is the Global President of the Connectional
Lay Organization
7. RECENT 4% INCREASE
FOR 2016 GENERAL CONFERENCE:
*Brother
Clayton Gay
I
have been an AME for 72 years (baptized Jan 1942) at the same church except for
my time with the US Army deployed overseas.
I
like the structure and organization, but I have some major concerns about our
budgetary process and how we take into consideration the financial stresses
that some of our churches are experiencing and our leadership appearing to not
show any concern about the local membership plight of trying to meet the
additional requirements and the pressure put on local pastors to meet these
requirements or face some concerns as to their next assignments. We in our
local church just recently experienced an increase in our Episcopal budget from
$63,000 to $78.000 and now we are going to be assessed an additional 4%
assessment to fund the 2016 General Conference.
We
have been asked to go green and take advantage of the increased technology
available, but I fail to see full utilization of this technology because we
still have many meeting that require travel and expensive expenditures for our
members and District. My question is why we don’t take advantage of tele
conference of some of our various meetings with travel being held to a minimum
along with meals and hotel stays. We have this capability but we are not using
it to its fullest.
In
regard to the 4% budgetary increase for the 2016 General Conference, why don’t
we solicit corporate sponsorship rather than the 4% budgetary increase on our
local district and churches. Corporations, I feel will support this effort due
to the historical significance associated with the 2016 Conference and most
Corporations are flush with cash. I have been informed where this approach was
used the event ran in the black.
Why
don’t we take into consideration the financial distress that some of our local
churches are experiencing with budgetary increases, operations expenses,
salaries and in some instances substantial outstanding mortgage balances, an
example of this is my church has an outstanding mortgage of over $1 million
dollars.
The
leadership of our Church need to face the fact that our younger generation do
not have the same passion and commitments that we elder members have when it
comes to our Church and we are steadily passing on to glory , so we need to
find ways to handle our finances in a way to handle our “wants” and meet our
needs in a more conservative manner to avoid any potential financial difficulties, we need to use zero base budget
procedures which means that we need to justify why we spend on certain
expenditures.
*Brother
Clayton Gay is a Steward and Treasurer of his local Church and is a licensed
CPA since 1976
8. THE GENERAL BOARD
MEETING 2014:
*The
Rev. Velma E Grant, MDiv, ThM
General
Board 2014, its pre-activities and activities started and concluded in
Nashville, Tennessee June 22-25, 2014. This report, from an observer’s
viewpoint will highlight the highs, lows and general observations of this
international conference.
The
organized AME Women in Ministry evening service was the first worship service
to kick off the international gathering of AME members, friends and visitors.
Those gathered that Monday evening included many active and retired bishops of the
church, members of the AME WIM Connectional Executive Board, WIM officers and
members from across the Connection, Presiding Elders, clergy, laity and of
course the many individuals seeking Episcopal and General Officer positions in
2016. Times and perhaps people certainly have changed because the church (hotel
meeting room) was filled to capacity so unlike other times when WIM coordinated
a worship service. One might also speculate that the capacity crowd of
worshippers now understands that a WIM service is for everyone and not just for
females, and that female preachers can preach to all genders, ages and
ethnicities.
AME
WIM President Kimberly Detherage along with her Executive Board members, served
as worship participants for the night’s service. The Rev. Detherage introduced
Bishop Clement Fugh, AME WIM Commission Chair, “as a servant leader who
empowers, instructs and guides and a strong supporter of WIM” even prior to his
Episcopal tenure.
Prior
to introducing the preacher for the night, Bishop Fugh stressed the
appropriateness of the worship service before the official start of General
Board business. Bishop Fugh remarked, “It seems right we should put God first
and know what our week here is about.” He encouraged the worship attendees to
pause for centering and reflection. In his closing remarks, he also encouraged
all to celebrate the life and memory of Bishop Sarah Frances Taylor Davis.
General
Officer and AME Historiographer, the Rev. Dr. Teresa L. Fry Brown was the
preacher for the night, and the preacher certainly did not disappoint those in
attendance. Dr. Fry Brown used Matthew 15: 21-27 as the night’s pericope and
the sermon title “Use Your Own Words!” The homiletics professor taught that
words have power and that words communicate, persuade as well as interrupt. She
also cautioned against using words that erase someone’s humanity or words that
objectify anybody’s humanity. Dr. Fry Brown had more than just “a Word from the
Lord” the good Rev had “many Words from the Lord.” Although the woman in the
text was not assigned a name, the Rev. Dr. Fry Brown thought that it was
important to assign a name to the woman. Hence, the name ‘Sister Phoenicia” was
assigned to this woman who used her voice and did not whimper in her discussion
with Jesus. Even though Jesus initially did not answer the woman and “the
disciples acted like overactive armor bearers,” the woman used the language of
Jewish faith in her communication with Jesus.
Sister
Phoenicia used her own words to procure what she needed from Jesus and Dr. Fry
Brown encouraged the church to “use your own words… God says use the words that
I give you…all God says is to open your mouths and use your own words...if we
don’t use our words, souls will not be saved, lives will not be saved.. God wants
more than hash tag (#) tee shirts…use
your own words, tell God what you need…there is a word that everybody needs…the
word that is eternal, the saving word….You are not ecclesiastical puppets
waiting for someone else to speak for you…I can’t give you your words….use your
own words…”
Certainly,
the individuals throughout the General Board sessions that followed Monday’s
sermon used their own words to communicate the situations, dire and otherwise of
the church. Tuesday morning’s session started with a morning inspiration from
the Rev. Jimmy J. Thompson who energized the General Board and observers with
the mediation “I’ve Got This!(?). The
Rev. Thompson’s early morning inspirational message set the tone for the
official opening of the 2014 General Board meeting as it appeared that General
Board members were alert, present (at least for the roll call) and ready to
handle the business of the AME Church.
Bishop
Adam J. Richardson, General Board President, called the meeting to order,
instructed the AME CIO, the Rev. Dr. Jeffery B. Cooper to call the roll, a
quorum was established and the events and discussions for the day followed.
Bishop Richardson quipped after the roll call “one of these days we will swipe
our card and that will answer the roll.”
Even though such is not a reality now, technology will certainly ensure
that such will become a reality in the future.
The church definitely needs to utilize technology to not only function
effectively and efficiently but also as a means of curtailing unnecessary
expenses and be fiscal stewards of resources.
Bishop
Richardson introduced a number of bishops who addressed the General Board,
including Bishop John Bryant (senior bishop), Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath (host and
President of the Council of Bishops), Bishop Richard Norris and Bishop Vashti
McKenzie. Bishop Bryant in his remarks said that the baton is being passed and
the AME Church is still in good hands. He shared two events that he considered
“sunshine” moments in the life of the church. One event was the benevolent
donation to Paul Quinn College of $4 million (?). The news of such a large
single donation was certainly a highlight of the General Board meeting. The
other sunshine event was the ecumenical celebration of Pentecost spearheaded by
Bishop James L. Davis. The celebration service, in a stadium filled to capacity
of individuals from all denominations in the state of Alabama was truly a
joyous and unifying occasion. Bishop Bryant continued to share that in regards
to the AME Church “we are old but not worn out and the best is yet to come.”
Prior
to Board members and observers departing to attend the various Commission
Meetings, it was evident that there was still a concern about the Commission
Meeting assignments. General Board members are usually assigned to two or three
Commissions that unfortunately meet simultaneously. This scheduling has made it
virtually impossible for the representatives to attend all the meetings that
they are assigned to represent their respective Districts. Typically these
representatives have to make a choice to attend the meeting that they deem more
important which conversely implies that the other Commission Meetings are not
important. After some discussion and maneuvering by meeting planners the
schedule was slightly altered to eliminate some simultaneous meetings and
afforded the representatives an opportunity to fulfill their duties more
efficiently. This scheduling conflict certainly needs to be addressed (not saying
that it is the fault of the meeting planners). It is important because all
Commissions need adequate representation and no Board member should have to
make a determination as to which Commission meeting is more important.
Women In Ministry
Commission Meeting
Information
shared in the Women in Ministry Commission Meeting revealed the following: 51%
of WIM are bi-vocational; 13% are Presiding Elders; 95% are ordained as
Itinerants; 2% are ordained as Locals; 2% are Licentiates; 1% is
Exhorters/Evangelists; 24% grew up in the AMEC; 60% are seminary graduates;
less than 1% pastor first or second churches in their respective Conferences.
Readers may draw their own conclusions from the above data but it is apparent
that females despite achieving the required educational training are still
under represented in leadership positions in the AMEC. Based on this data
sample of 417 respondents as of June 8, 2014, leadership roles in the Presiding
Elder and top tier churches are still elusive to qualified female members of
the church. While it is always news worthy and a cause for celebration when
women achieve these ranks, it is still obvious that there is much more work
ahead of the church in terms of being equitable and fair. How much progress has
the AMEC achieved in its 200 plus year legacy if the door is still shut to
women and if there is intentional resistance to the advancement of qualified
women in leadership roles.
The
2016 General Conference will be the 50th Quadrennial meeting of the
Church and with a number of Episcopal and General Officer slots soon to be
vacated because of age requirements it will be interesting to see if the church
of Richard and Sarah Allen is really committed to equity and justice.
What
will the history books record about this historic meeting? Will the record
reflect the church’s triumph over sexism and discrimination or will the history
records reflect that the more things change the more they remain the same? In
the words of the distinguished retired General Officer, Dr. Jayme Coleman
Williams, “We want more; more major assignments, more presiding elders E and
more bishops…the time is now for women to be given greater opportunities in
African Methodism.”
Requesting
more representation or inclusion is by no ways seeking a means to exclude those
that have been previously afforded the opportunities simply because of their
gender. The request is only seeking that
the church honors those that are called by and have responded to the request of
God to work as laborers in the vineyard of ministry on all levels without
partiality or exclusion.
Commission on
Seminaries, Universities, Colleges & Schools
Although
Paul Quinn College received a substantial benevolent financial donation that
will enable the college to provide scholarships for students or assist with
operating cost, it is obvious that the other colleges and universities are in a
crisis. At the commission meeting,
retired episcopal supervisor, Ernestine B. Henning donated $10, 000 to AME
University on behalf of retired Bishop Garnett Henning. Bishop Henning is the
founding Bishop of AMEU which according to a representative “enrolls 3,400
students, serve a different market, a market recovering from civil war, a
market where students are hungry for knowledge.”
Observing
the meeting of the Commission on Seminaries, Universities, Colleges and Schools
in Higher Education revealed that this is an area of utmost importance to the
AMEC and its members. The room filled with Commission members as well as
observers keenly listened to the report of the Chair of the Commission, Bishop
Preston Warren Williams II.
Bishop
Williams fulfilled the mandate of approved General Conference 2012 Bill No.
CC-09-07, which called for the assessment of all AME colleges / universities
and requested that a report of the findings be presented to the General Board.
The compiled report consisted of the site visits to the seven domestic schools
that responded to an initial 21-point questionnaire. According to the report,
nineteen AME institutions received the questionnaire. Out of the nineteen, only
seven domestic and one international institution submitted a response. One
wonders if those institutions that did not respond in a timely manner will be
afforded another opportunity to do so or if the non-response will result in any
sanctions from the AMEC.
Not all of the findings or discussions at the
Commission meeting can be listed here due to time and space constraints.
However, some common areas that need attention based on the site visit and
discussion with the seven institutions include – ongoing need for Board
development and support; various infrastructures needs which require immediate
attention; turnover in faculty and staff; student retention and need for
financial resources.
Readers’
first need to commend Bishop Williams and his committee members on undertaking
such a daunting task then there needs to be some serious dialogue and decision
to be enacted in regards to our beloved institutions of higher learning. What
are the real issues behind the failure of the institutions that were started
generations ago by those with minimal final resources or education? Is it
apathy across all levels, is it a lack of commitment across all levels, and is
it maladministration or lack of administration? What are the hard-core
decisions that need to be made based on the dire situations of the
institutions? Is the AMEC capable of sustaining these institutions in the
decades ahead, keeping up with technology and the changing time and needs of
the future generation? Is it time to shift gears and perhaps strive to educate
our children at an earlier age rather than post high school education? Is it
time for a new model of leadership utilizing the gifts and skills of
individuals and moving away from prior models that placed individuals on boards
or committees because of their pastoral rank or assignment? Sometimes it is
hard to say goodbye to yesterday but that is the only way that we can greet a
brand new day.
Investiture/Council of
Bishops Worship Service
The
2014 General Board Worship Service was in stark contrast to the 2013 General
Board Worship Service. While the 2013 service exuded an international flair not
only because of the island location outside of the continental United States,
the 2014 service exuded a “high church” atmosphere. The only noticeable
international flair was the fact that the preacher was not from North America
but from the continent of Africa. Please note that this is a personal
observation and not a critique.
During
the investiture portion of the service, Bishop Jeffrey Nathaniel Leath was
installed as the President of the Council of Bishops. Bishop Leath participated
in this portion of the service holding in hand what appeared to be a Bible,
Hymn Book and the book of Discipline (?), which were reminiscent of a candidate
undergoing the Board of Examiners process. He dutifully accepted his charge and
responsibilities as the new head of the Council and expressed gratitude for
being allowed to serve in the AMEC.
During this portion of the service, it was quite appropriate and fitting
to see Supervisor Claytie Davis as well as the twin sister of the late Bishop
Sarah Frances Taylor Davis on stage and participating in the investiture
proceedings.
Following
the investiture portion of the service, Bishop Leath in his new role introduced
the preacher for the hour. In the introduction or mini sermon, Bishop Jeffrey
N. Leath challenged the hearers to expect more than a lecture. He said that a
text printed on paper is no longer a lecture and posed the question to the
congregation “are you ready for an experience or dying for a lecture?” The
congregation was ready for an experience that night from the Lord via the
preached Word.
Bishop
Paul J. M. Kawimbe, the 121st elected and consecrated Bishop of the
AMEC was the preacher for the service. He used I Chronicles 13: 5-12 as his
text with the title “How to do God’s Work!” Bishop shared his endeavor to bake
a birthday cake for his wife in 1995 but realized that he had omitted one key
ingredient from the finished product. He had left the baking powder out of the
batter and realized that although his intentions were good; omitting a key
ingredient was a recipe for disaster or failure.
The
Bishop challenged the congregation to (1) Do God’s work biblically; (2) Do
God’s work joyfully; (3) Do God’s work sacrificially and (4) Do God’s work
fervently.
In
his sermon Bishop Kawimbe preached that “there is too much world in the
church…we need to be on the threshing floor where our politics can die and God
can be glorified…sacrifice is something that has left the institution, we are
living in the time of prosperity…cheap ministry is powerless, it cannot bless
people of God, cannot glorify God, sacrifice is a painful thing…people are
looking for a church where they can say ‘I was glad when they said unto me’…our
young people are leaving the church, no they are going somewhere else where
they can find some life…when you lose your zeal your ministry is
affected…people leaving the church, it is something that we are not doing the
right way.. You don’t have to manipulate them…when you are going through some
situations don’t look down, look to God…”
Bishop
Kawimbe used his own words to remind the AMEC and those viewing via the
internet that even with the best intentions the church will fail if critical
ingredients are not administered in the day to day lives of people and
operations of God’s church.
On
Wednesday, the morning meditation or “old school” preaching was delivered by
the Rev. Henry Elmore Green, Jr. followed by singing of the hymn “Standing on
the Promises of God.” Presiding Bishop A.J. Richardson then proceeded with the
morning business, which consisted of hearing the reports from the various
Commissions.
The Commission on
Publications
The
Commission on Publications gave their report which included a directive to
encourage others to subscribe to the various AMEC publications.
The
recommendation passed by the General Board that all honorably retired pastors
receive complimentary subscriptions to The
Christian Recorder.
Commendations
extended to the Rev. Dr. Johnny Barbour, the Rev. Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III and
the Rev Dr. Teresa L. Fry Brown who work tirelessly to make the print and
online publications relevant in a technological-driven society.
The
Women In Ministry (WIM) Commission gave their report which included some of the
above data as well as upcoming events and objectives of WIM. It must be noted
that Bishop Richardson in his usual humorous demeanor remarked that “pretty
soon we’ll need a commission of men in ministry.” The humorous tidbit may have
some implications or may be perceived by some in the following manner: (1) it
might imply that soon in the future men might be the minority in ministry and
will need an advocate or (2) this is an implicit way of stating that there is
no existing present need for Women in Ministry. Regardless of the perception or
implication, men in ministry have nothing to fear even if their numbers move
from majority to minority.
After
the Global Witness and Ministry presentation, whose chair is Bishop Vashti
McKenzie; Bishop Richardson stated “I am one proud AME with so many missions
across the world.” The church is truly at work at home and abroad (no
disrespect meant to the churches not in the continental USA). The other
Commissions made their various reports without much discussion except the
report of the Commission on Higher Education. Several actions occurred which
included Bishop Garnett Henning remarks to the General Board. Bishop Henning
thanked the AMEC and bishops assigned to the 14th episcopal district for their
commitment to AME University in Liberia, Africa. The retired bishop said, “It
is not an ending work but will take continuous work.” It is apparent that all
of the AMEC academic institutions will take continuous work, a work where tough
and perhaps heart-wrenching decisions will need to be made.
The
final business of the General Board meeting included discussion centered on the
upcoming 2016 General Conference celebration slated to convene in the birthplace
of African Methodism, Philadelphia. It was discussed that there will be a
registration discount available for those with AME membership cards and of
course there was a discussion centered on the cost of operating the upcoming
General Conference.
There
was a lengthy discussion surrounding the bankruptcy proceedings and future
existence of Morris Brown College. Bishop Williams and representing attorney
Mr. R. Hicks explained the process and the decision making surrounding the
legal issues affecting the college. Retired Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry
explained to the General Board and the observers present that Bishop Williams
was facing a host of challenges. Morris
Brown College is in a prime location that is desired by other
business/political entities that have perhaps stymied past negotiations and
possible ventures that would benefit the college. The AMEC was reassured that financial
donations/assistance would be returned to the AMEC since it would be listed as
a prime creditor on the bankruptcy documents.
Observing
the 2014 General Board revealed a number of things (1) there are people that
love the AMEC, are willing to work for the church and want the best for the
church; (2) there are critical issues that need to be addressed if the church is
to survive; (3) there are mindsets and mentalities that need to change if the
church wants to remain relevant in the lives of future generation. Finally, in
the words of the new president of the Presiding Elders Council, the Rev. Dr.
Earl H. Ifill, “I am AME by choice and proud to be AME.” With AMEC pride, let
us all work together with divine instruction, loving/serving God and each
other.
*The
Rev. Velma E Grant, MDiv, ThM is the President of Women In Ministry of the
Sixth Episcopal District and an Associate Pastor at First Saint Paul AME Church
in Lithonia, Georgia
9. REPORT FROM THE 2014
ANNUAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL BOARD AND COUNCIL BISHOPS:
*John Thomas III
From June 24-25, 2014 AME clergy and lay leaders gathered in
Nashville, Tennessee for the Annual Meeting of the General Board and the
Council of Bishops. Under the leadership of Bishop Adam Jefferson
Richardson, Jr., President of the General Board and Bishop Jeffrey Nathaniel
Leath, Sr., President of the Council of Bishops and Host bishop, the various
departments, agencies and Episcopal Districts of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church gathered to give the annual stewardship report of their
departments. In addition to the
breakfasts sponsored by CONN-M-SWAWO+PKs and Payne and Turner Theological
Seminaries, the Connectional Presiding Elders’ Council held their
elections. The Connectional Women In
Ministry also held a worship service prior to the opening of the General Board
Meeting.
The opening plenary session was called to order promptly at 9
a.m. on June 26th by Bishop Adam J. Richardson. The devotion was conducted by members from
the 11th Episcopal District with a brief homily from the Rev. Jimmie
Thompson.
After the roll call, the assembly was addressed by Senior Bishop
John R. Bryant who motivated the gathering and said that while there may be
some unpleasant news at the meeting, we would also hear about “sunshine” and we
as the AME Church should be encouraged.
Host Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath extended greetings and reflected,
with pride, on the geographic diversity of the 13th Episcopal
District.
Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, 1st Vice President of
the General Board, acknowledged the various leaders and dignitaries of the
Connectional AME Church.
Bishop Vashti M. McKenzie presented “The Anvil” and stated that
the Council of Bishops has decided give US$10,000 from to proceeds to the 14th
Episcopal District. Bishop Clement W.
Fugh gratefully received the donation and will use the gift to help repair
Irene B. Reid AME Church in Monrovia, Liberia, the first AME Church one sees
upon entering Liberia.
Bishop McKenzie also notified the General Board that Paul Quinn
College had received the largest gift in its history: US$4.4 million dollars
from Mr. Trammell S. Crow.
Ms. Marcia Fugh Joseph and staff from the General Secretary and
Treasurer introduced an AME membership card that will be used to gather more
data about the denomination in hopes of securing sponsorships for Connectional
activities.
Later on the evening of June 24th, the Investiture
Service for Bishop Jeffrey Nathaniel Leath, Sr. was held.
At the beginning of the service, the Connectional leadership, in
white robes, processed through a corridor of clergy from the 13th
Episcopal District to the strains of the anthem, “Lift up Your heads.”
The formal investiture was performed at the beginning of the
service with a memorial moment for Bishop Sarah Frances Davis who died during
her tenure as President of the Council of Bishops. Additionally, located Bishop E. Earl McCloud,
Jr. acted as bearer of the medal of office.
The Thirteenth Episcopal District Choir rendered a wide range of
musical selections and Bishop Paul Kawimbe, Presiding Prelate of the 19th
Episcopal District, preached the sermon, “How to Do God’s Work” taken from I
Chronicles 13:5-12.
Wednesday June 25th was devoted to the closing
Plenary Session and the Commission reports.
The morning meditation was given by the Rev. Henry Green III of
the 11th Episcopal District.
Adopted recommendations
are listed below
The Nominating Committee Report was approved making Bishop
Richard F. Norris the new President of the General Board from 2015-2017. Bishop
McKinley Young, Presiding Prelate of the 3rd Episcopal District will
serve as the Chair of Church Growth and Development as the replacement for the
late Bishop Sarah Frances Davis.
While not action items, the assembly was notified of two key
issues impacting AME educational institutions:
1) Wilberforce University is in critical need of US$31 million
to maintain its accreditation with the regional accrediting agency. US$14 million must be raised by
November.
2) All Interdenominational Theological Center constituent
denominations have been asked to give donations to restore the school to
solvency. The AME contribution will be handled at a later date this year.
3) The Morris Brown sale
is in its final stages. The AME Church has the status of senior secured
creditor and most of the money invested to secure the property will be recouped.
The General Board and Council of Bishops will next convene in
2015 in New Orleans, Louisiana with Bishop Julius McAllister, Sr., Presiding
Prelate of the 8th Episcopal District serving as the host.
Recommendations approved
by the General Board:
Commission on Statistics
and Finance, Bishop John R. Bryant, Chair
Connectional Church
The Episcopal Districts raise 4% of their Annual Budget for to
defray the costs of the 2016 General Conference.
Episcopal Districts and
agencies
The 10th Episcopal District be allowed to continue to
raise funds to assist Paul Quinn College.
CIO
The General Board will encourage all AME’s to be “informed
AME’s” by purchasing The Doctrine and
Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012 online education
immediately.
Endorse the new AME Membership Card for use as a marketing
branding effort and demographic data collection method for our Church.
That the General Board will go on record encouraging every
bishop in every Episcopal District to encourage every pastor to complete their
pastoral reports via the online AMEC Data Management System.
Commission on Church
Growth and Development, Bishop McKinley Young, Chair
- Include a young adult track at the evangelism seminar and
encourage each Episcopal District to support and send at least one young adult
lay person and one young adult clergy person on a “scholarship,” which will
help episcopal districts grow.
- That a global forum be established with an intergenerational
platform, extending from the local to the connectional levels and on the
connectional level, the connectional intergenerational gatherings will be held
in conjunction with connectional meetings so not to add any further expense to
Episcopal Districts.
- Encourage people across the connection to join one of the many
prayer lines that are established at the connectional, episcopal, area, and
local levels and include church growth and development on those prayer lines
and in personal prayers.
- The commission encourages pastors and laity to attend the
evangelism training and certification to be held January 7-9, 2015 in Little
Rock, Arkansas.
Commission on Christian
Education, Bishop John F. White, Chair
Recommendations:
- That the revised Church School and Christian Education Program
be approved as training for all Church School personnel and Church educators.
- That each Church School initiate a Young Adult class using iStudyGod Lessons written by the
Department of Christian Education
- That Christian educators at each level and congregants signup
for the Daily Spiritual Vitamins,
which are received by registering their email addresses with the Department of
Christian Education
- That Episcopal Districts will support TEACH, Inc. as a non-profit
partner with the Department of Christian Education for character, resource, and
leader development
- That each Church School be encouraged to subscribe to The Journal of Christian Education
- That Church School teachers be encouraged to complete the
Revised Church School Certification Program by June 2016
- That the “Cost of
Discipleship” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer be the focused-reading for the
connection this year.
Commission on Social
Action, Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, Chair
- Reaffirm our support of the Affordable Care Act, and continue
our efforts to ensure the uninsured in our families, congregations and
communities. For the recently insured encourage them to continue paying
premiums to retain their insurance.
- Reaffirm our opposition to “Stand Your Ground” laws and
continue efforts to have them repealed and/or amended. Explore supporting NAACP
legal defense fund with filing of an amicus brief.
- We reaffirm our opposition to federal and state budget cuts to
the Supplemental Nutritious Assistance Program (SNAP) and urge restored funding
because 20% or more than 46 million Americans are in poverty, including 1 out
of every 5 children.
- We applaud our students at Payne and Turner Theological
Seminaries, and join with them in initiating The Covenant Project to “Eradicate
Mass Incarceration.” Legislation is needed at the local, state, and national
levels.
- We applaud courts in Wisconsin and Ohio, which have ruled unconstitutional,
legislation, which seeks to suppress the votes of minorities and urge the
courts in other states that have passed voter suppression measures to rule the
voter suppression laws unconstitutional. We also call upon Congress to pass the
Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2014.
- We issue a call to action for the midterm election, Nov 4,
2014, and join with AME-V Alert in kicking off voter education, mobilization
and registration with “Let’s Get out the Vote Sunday” - September 14,
2014.
Commission on
Publications, Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, Sr., Chair
Recommendations:
-
That the hardcopy of The Christian
Recorder subscription be given gratis, until death, to all honorable
retired AME Itinerant Elders. The recommendation was voted upon and passed by
the General Board that all honorably retired pastors receive complimentary
subscriptions to The Christian Recorder.
- That bishops, presiding elders, pastors and laity aggressively
support and require all persons involved in the ministry of the church and all
applicants for ministry, including itinerant elders, local elders, local
deacons, licentiates, exhorters and deaconesses, to be required to subscribe to
The Christian Recorder.
- That bishops, presiding elders, pastors and laity aggressively
encourage stewards, trustees, and other officers who serve in leadership
positions in the local church to subscribe to The Christian Recorder.
- Timely submission of hard and digitized or scanned copies of
books, pamphlets, historical documents, pictures, meetings, individual church
histories, pastoral biographies and service records, conference histories and
minutes to the Department, which will assist the AME Historiographer in
compiling a more comprehensive general church history and facilitate of efficient
responds for requests for information.
Note: Individual family genealogies are not kept in the office of
Historiographer.
- Donation of individual collections of papers, books, awards to
the Department of Research and Scholarship will assist in building the archives
and formal letters of donation, recognition and inventoried receipts will be
given to each donor and notice of donation will be published in The A.M.E. Church Review.
- Quarterly conference calls and webinars on identification,
collection and preservation of historical data will be held quarterly
- A continued collection and centralization of functional
digitized data base of archival materials from around the world.
- Proposed naming of the AME Distinguished Scholar’s Guild in
honor of Bishop John Hurst Adams for his initiation of the groups formation and
formative scholarly contributions to African Methodism and the larger society
and in honor of Dr. Jayme Coleman Williams for her life of service to the AME
Church, distinguished career as Editor of The
A.M.E. Church Review and perennial emphasis on AME Church scholarship. The proposed name is the “Adams-Coleman
Williams AME Scholars Guild.”
- That the entire AME Church be encouraged to order and use the
AME literature and supplies from the AMEC Sunday School Union. Literature and
products can be ordered online: www.amecpublishinghouse.com.
- Reminder that the use of the Anvil, Cross, and the lettering
African Methodist Episcopal (AME) is the registered service trademark of the
African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC).
This trademark cannot be used for commercial purposes other than by the
AMEC Sunday School Union. Permission to use this trademark must be approved by
the AMEC Sunday School Union.
Commission on Seminaries,
Universities, Colleges and Schools, Bishop Preston Warren Williams, Chair
No recommendations.
Commission on Ministry and Recruitment, Bishop Julius H.
McAllister, Sr., Chair
Recommendations:
- Affirm and include a process of discernment to offer mentoring
to those “called to ministry” and support them in identifying their vocational
direction in either lay or ordained ministry and in their areas of passion and
service.
- Appoint or assign persons for campus ministry.
- Provide internship sites for our seminary students and other,
sharing ministerial vocational opportunities.
- Develop biblical models of ministerial and vocational
discernment that can be used throughout the connection.
Commission on Health,
Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah, Chair
Recommendations:
- Adopt and support the Connectional Health Commission calendar
at all levels
- Link episcopal district websites to www.AMEChealth.org for online health
calendar and ongoing health information and resources.
- Ensure a Health Commission Director is in place at all levels
and in all Episcopal Districts to promote health calendar activities, programs
and resources available from community partners. Encourage participation in the
monthly conference calls held on the last Friday of each month at 2 p.m. and 8
p.m. (U.S. Eastern Time)
- Promote the annual July Faith-Based Wellness, Health,
Nutrition and Fitness month established by the CHC in partnership with The
Association of Black Cardiologist, Prostate Cancer Awareness Network, Heart and
Soul Magazine and Health Monitor Magazine.
- Support the annual July Faith-Based Wellness, Health, Nutrition
and Fitness month in the African Methodist Episcopal Church theme: “Let’s Move
and Create a Healthy Plate.”
Support the last weekend of July Annual Faith-Based Wellness,
Health, Nutrition and Fitness Program. On Saturday and Sunday of the last weekend
in July, pastors and churches are encouraged to host walks, health screenings,
healthy food contests, jogging suit and sneaker day, sermons and Bible study
focused on health and wellness.
- Promote the dissemination of the Connectional Health Commission
- AME Health Monitor Magazine, a free publication, which offers a reader
appreciation giveaway
- Request bishops and episcopal supervisors submit "health
and wellness" quotes to the Connectional Health Commission - AME Health
Monitor Quarterly Magazine
- Support the free distribution of the AME Health Monitor
Quarterly Magazine to local churches by providing addresses of local churches
through the Office of the Chief Information Officer.
- Register Healthcare Professionals to work during the 2016 General
Conference
Commission on Annuity
Investments and Insurance, Bishop James L. Davis, Chair
Recommendations:
- That mandatory participation in the AME Church retirement and
insurance plans be required in all episcopal districts at each annual conference
and mid-year reporting periods in accordance with The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church-
2012
- Due to the high volume of returned checks received by the
Department, all funds submitted to the department must be in guaranteed funds
(cashier’s checks, certified checks or money orders).
- That the enrollment
status of all assigned pastors be verified with the Department prior to funds
being remitted to the department on their behalf.
- That all participants ensure that personal contact and
beneficiary information is accurate and up-to-date in department records at all
times.
- That all pastors be encouraged to enroll in the Social
Security Program and particularly those under 50 years of age.
Commission on Global
Witness and Ministry, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Chair
No recommendations.
Commission on Global
Development, Bishop Paul J.M. Kawimbe, Chair
- Encourage the Global Development Council (GDC) to increase
economic development.
- Organize the GDC Economic Development Team to monitor related
activities that impact development potential and report
- Set up and conduct regular leadership training events at the
sites of Global Development Council and Executive Board and utilize the general
officers and connectional departments as resource persons
Commission on Economic
Development, Bishop David R. Daniels, Chair
- That the AME Church seriously considers owning a rubber farm
in Liberia.
- That the composition will follow the AME Church protocol and
representation from the Economic Development Commission.
Commission on Women in
Ministry, Bishop Clement W. Fugh, Chair
No recommendations
Commission on the Lay
Organization, Bishop William P. DeVeaux, Sr., Chair
Recommendations:
- That all members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
subscribe to the Connectional Lay Organization Publication, We Speak, and the online newsletter [http://www.connectionallay-amec.org]
to remain current and aware of activities of the Lay Organization on all
levels.
- That the resolution of the Lay Organization, presented to and
approved by the delegation of the 2012 General Conference be included in The Doctrine and Discipline of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012
Special Committee on
Strategic Planning, Bishop Vashti M. McKenzie, Chair
No recommendations.
*John Thomas III is a Ph.D. Student in the Department of Political
Science at the University of Chicago and a member of the General Board.
10. RETIRED SUPERVISOR,
VIVIENNE ANDERSON WITH A CRYSTAL LUNCHEON FIT FOR A QUEEN:
*Mrs. Toni M. Tobias
On May 3, 2014, The
Priscilla Baltimore Fellowship Hall of St. Paul AME Church in St. Louis,
Missouri was transformed into a Crystal Ballroom to honor our regal supervisor,
and member, Mrs. Vivienne Anderson. Mrs.
Anderson is a renowned figure in the work of missions around the world. She and her husband, retired Bishop Vinton
Randolph Anderson, are loved and respected in all of African Methodism, but
this was HER day.
The Minnie Ross Simms
Women’s Missionary Society wanted to pay homage to our mentor, advisor,
spiritual leader, and role model in an elegant fashion. The missionary sisters decorated each table
with white linens, beautiful china and flatware, and crystal goblets of every
description. The head table was adorned
with china, gold, and silver and an imported crystal chandelier was above their
heads, sparkling like Mrs. Anderson’s beautiful smile. A red carpet was laid down the center aisle
of the beautifully decorated tables for our royal couple to enter. The room looked even more elegant as Bishop
and Mrs. Anderson strolled hand in hand down the red carpet to their place of
honor. Mrs. Priscilla Baltimore herself
must have been proud.
The room was filled with Missionaries, clergy, Anderson family
members and friends from near and far. We gathered to show love to one who has
taught, loved and nurtured so many. The
two Presiding Elders of the Missouri Conference, Elder Brenda J. Hayes, and
Elder Edmond E. Lowe, Sr. were the emcees of the program. The guests were welcomed by the Local
president, Toni M. Tobias. Maestro
Daeryl “Scooter” Booker and the Music Staff of St. Paul opened the program with
song.
There were tributes from conference missionary presidents, past
and present; St. Louis City officials; Wilberforce Alumni; clergy; and a
special musical tribute to Mrs. Anderson by her sons. During the meal, beautiful fashions were
modeled by members of the YPD and other young ladies who are members of St.
Paul. The fashions were from “Boutique
Calla Lily” owned by Mrs. Dahlia Spencer also a St. Paul member. Special gift baskets were presented to Mrs.
Anderson. The final tribute was a scroll
in the form of a plaque with the names of Bishops, Episcopal Supervisors,
Clergy, family, and friends inscribed with gold letters and presented to Mrs.
Anderson by First Lady Gail Booker.
At the end of the celebration, Mrs. Anderson rose to speak. She told us that she was overwhelmed by the
attention paid to her. She thanked the
Missionaries for their kindness and thoughtfulness. She said, “You transformed the church hall
into a fairyland, and topped it off with sentiments that I will forever
cherish.”
Pastor Spencer Lamar Booker gave the closing tributes. Mrs. Anderson was then surrounded by so many
who wanted to pay personal tributes and tell her how much they loved and
appreciated her. In her written response
to the St. Paul Missionaries she wrote, “If I have contributed anything at all
to your desire to serve and to love, then all the praise belongs to our Lord
and Savior, Jesus Christ. Blessings to
all of you.”
The Minnie Ross Simms
Women’s Missionary Society of St. Paul AME Church in St. Louis, Missouri
are so proud to have served with Mrs. Anderson and we pray that this luncheon
in her honor expressed to her how much we appreciate her leadership, her
advice, and her beautiful spirit.
*Mrs. Toni M. Tobias is the local President of The Minnie Ross Simms Women’s Missionary
Society
11. BRYANT TEMPLE AME
WELCOMES VETS AT ITS AMERICAN LEGION’S POST 109:
*Cora Jackson-Fossett
Congregation makes history
with first church-based Posts in the country!
Two years ago, a few military veterans who attend Bryant Temple
A.M.E. Church approached Pastor Clyde W. Oden, Jr., requesting to open an
American Legion Post on the campus.
The unique request would actually fulfill Dr. Oden’s vision to offer
tailored community outreach to vets.
Working closely with member Robert Miller and other congregants,
Dr. Oden’s dream became reality with the establishment of the American Legion
Bryant Temple A.M.E. Church Post 109 in May 2012.
Reflecting on the accomplishment, Dr. Oden said, “The fact that
we were perhaps the first Black church to ever do this was a challenge, rather
than an obstacle.
“I always wanted Bryant Temple to be known as a church friendly
to military veterans and there was no better way to make that happen than to
have as an American Legion Post as part of our ministry,” he said.
Since opening, Post 109 has exploded in membership and
activities, according to Miller, who served as the founding Post Commander.
“This ‘new’ Post now is the fastest growing American Legion Post
in District 24 and has the sixth fastest growth in percentage increase in the
entire State of California,” he noted.
“The Legion’s programs
range from honoring veterans to providing services to the jobless and homeless
to comforting the wounded and advocating for more rights and services for
veterans.
“Youth-oriented services include scouting, scholarships and
athletic events. These are all important
features of the American Legion and we wanted to have a presence in the
community and in the faith community,” explained Miller. “Our Post sponsors
youth trips to Dodger and Angel baseball games and to UCLA women’s basketball
games. We are also a regular participant
in the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Kingdom Day parade,” added Pastor
Oden.
Citing additional achievements, Pastor Oden shared, “Post 109
just elected Ruth Harris as its new Commander making her the first female to
lead a Post in California and we are excited to witness her breaking that
‘glass ceiling’!”
Also, the Post was recently honored by the American Legion’s
Department of California for its scouting programs. The unit earned awards for the Best
All-around Scouting Effort, Post Chartering Outstanding Cub Pack, Post
Chartering Outstanding Troop and Post Chartering Outstanding Girl Scout
Unit. In addition, former Commander
Miller received the Outstanding District Chairman award.
“The vision is being realized,” said Pastor Oden. “We are
reaching out to those men and women who have served our country, and providing
them with a loving faith community that not only welcomes their membership, but
honors their service to our nation.”
The pastor’s affinity for military veterans stems from his
childhood experiences.
“I am a Navy brat. My
father was a career member of the U.S. Navy where he first served in the
segregated military. The options for a
Black man joining the service in the 1930s was to be a steward ‘servant’ or
cook ‘servant’ to other enlisted men and officers,” he recalled.
“By the time my father retired 26 years later, he had ascended
to the highest level for an enlisted person and he taught his children respect
for those who had or were serving our nation.
“Eventually, the military got it right in terms of respecting
all persons regardless of race, gender and sexual orientation.”
As the U.S. prepares to celebrate Independence Day, Dr. Oden
observed, “I am grateful to have lived long enough to see the election and
re-election of President Barack Hussein Obama.
However, my heart is heavy for what is still the plight of the majority
of African Americans and other people of color in this country.
“It is with mixed emotions that I see the celebration about the
Independence of the United States, and I still see the prisons, jails,
detention centers and skid rows filled with people of color.
“I can’t celebrate with enthusiasm until I can see a way clear
to empty our prisons, detention centers and homeless encampments of our
people.”
To learn more about services offered for veterans and youth at
American Legion Bryant Temple A.M.E. Church Post #109, call (323) 293-6201.
*Cora Jackson-Fossett is the Religion Editor for the Los Angeles
Sentinel newspaper and a member of Brookins Community AME Church.
12. FIRST-HAND REPORT ON
INSPIRES UNITY AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:
*Sherman S. Williams, Jr.
I recently took a week-long trip to Jackson, Mississippi with
about 40 or so other young people. The trip was to take part in the Mississippi
Freedom Summer 50th Anniversary Conference, wherein activists and organizers
from all across the country came together to share their insights and
perspectives about those seminal moments that gave rise to the Civil Rights
movements of the 1960s. We had the chance to learn from elders who were
actually a part of the Freedom Rides, as well as many others who had indelible
roles in the formation of SNCC, the NAACP, and many other Civil Rights
organizations.
The reason I was able to take part in such a monumental and
historic event was due to my involvement with a group called the Ohio Student
Association (OSA). This group was formed by James Hayes and Stuart McIntyre,
two people I previously had contact with in high school and college. Through
hearing about their exploits on Facebook, I decided to start attending meetings
with my twin sister. We both eventually started helping out with organizing
various community events and rallies, trying to form our niche in the
organization. I eventually found further opportunity to get involved by volunteering
my time with the Freedom Schools program.
The Freedom Schools project is called "Ubuntu," which
is an African proverb meaning "I am because we are." It emphasizes
the tenets of unity and community involvement. The program is designed to be an
extension of the mission of the Freedom Schools first initiated by Civil Rights
workers during the Freedom Summer of 1964, which were temporary, free
alternative schools intended to organize African American communities and
educate the youth in order to achieve social, political, and economic equality.
I am very excited to be working with a group of very bright and curious high
school students. Despite the challenges, the experience is very rewarding. The
teens I am teaching actually got the chance to accompany OSA members on our
trip to Mississippi, and I acted as one of their chaperons.
This was the first trip where I was out of state for almost a
week, and let me say it was exhausting, both physically and emotionally! We
left at around 7:00 am on Sunday, and arrived in Jackson at 10:30 pm (CT). The
drive there took around 14 hours including stops. When we arrived, the high
schoolers were checked into the dormitories at Jackson State University, a
relatively small but very beautiful campus. The other OSA members stayed in a
hotel about 10 minutes away. I, of course, stayed in the dorms due to my
obligation to watch over the teens. There were many other organizations sharing
the facilities, so there was no lapse of excitement for the teens to get
involved in. Once we arrived, though, everyone was so tired that we all
immediately went to bed and chose to explore the campus at a later time. We all
knew we had a long week before us and that sleep would be a luxury.
The First Day
Monday morning we started our day at 7:30 sharp and caught a bus
to Tougaloo College to attend a plenary session to kick off the conference.
There was something surreal about the campus. A historical black college, the
campus was filled with beautiful willow trees, surrounded by expansive forests,
and decorated by many historical academic buildings, some preserved, some still
used. We made our way to the gymnasium, the largest building on campus, to see
the opening ceremony. The room was filled with people young and old, ranging
from seasoned Civil Rights veterans to fresh-faced young organizers waiting to
make their marks. The ceremony began with people representing each organization
speaking about their respective causes, and once that was done we split off to
have lunch. After they fed us some soul food, we spent the rest of our time
going to "break-out sessions," which were essentially different
presentations to give further insight into the various causes organizations
were championing. We were to choose 3 to attend from a total of 12 sessions. I
went to a session about the prison-industrial complex, one about the rights of
immigrants and undocumented citizens, and one about the school to prison
pipeline. Each session I attended was quite informative, and I got to meet a
lot of new people with vastly differing opinions. Once we were done with our
sessions, our OSA group met back up and boarded our bus to go back to our
respective facilities. Back on JSU campus the high schoolers all met once more
to debrief about the long day before being allowed the rest of the night to
have free time and explore the campus. Though it was only the first day and
everyone was exhausted, most of the kids were enthusiastic about how the day
went, despite the academic challenges the breakout sessions presented. Many
felt that the sessions were not designed for them, but they responded to the
challenge by asking lots of questions and being patient. I was so proud of
them.
The Preparation
Tuesday was a continuation of Monday's events, with more breakout
sessions and more good food. Toward the end of the day, however, we attended a
"teach-in" at a local church that would prepare us for the next day's
civil rights tour. We watched a documentary about the events that led to the
murder of three Civil Rights workers - James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and
Michael Schwerner, who were traveling to Meridian, MS to set up a Freedom
School and help register local black residents to vote. We learned the
back-story and then heard from some of the speakers in the film, including Dave
Dennis, Rita Schwerner (Michael's wife), and Julia Chaney (sister of James
Chaney). This was such a valuable session, and the Q&A following the film
really set the tone for the day to follow.
The Experience
Wednesday, the day I was waiting for. This was the day we spent
on tour. We visited some of the sites we learned about Tuesday evening. We
traveled to Philadelphia, and then to Meridian, MS. We spent time at Mt. Zion
United Methodist Church, where the 3 Civil Rights workers planned to set up
their school. There was a very poignant commemoration to the workers just
outside the building, with makeshift graves adorned by crosses and a historical
plaque revealing their story. We saw the site where they were murdered, and
traveled along the road where family of some of the murderers still stay and
remain active in the community. Afterward, we traveled through Meridian to see
more of the town. It was such a sobering experience, and indeed it was surreal
to realize that within just a few short generations Jim Crow laws brutalized
and divided the community, and a few short generations before that our
ancestors worked the very fields we drove past. We truly were standing on
ground zero of the Civil Rights movement. Once we were done in Meridian, we
spent time in Philadelphia and stopped at a theater (I forget the name), and
got to unwind to live music, a gospel choir, and several speakers, including
the mayor of Philadelphia, James Young, the first black mayor of the city.
After the wonderful presentation, we got back on the bus with smiles on our
faces, but there was an air of sadness; perhaps it was our collective
processing of what we had just seen in Meridian. Everyone was quiet and
contemplative, and certainly ready to rest.
Thursday involved less travel. We went back to spending our time
at Tougaloo for more breakout sessions. This was only half of our day, though.
The rest of our day we spent with the Youth Congress, which involved a
presentation from the various youth organizers from the Freedom Side Collective
with anchor states in Ohio, Mississippi, Texas, and Florida. This developed
into a series of meetings through which the members were able to plan out
future actions and trips, and come up with important questions to ask the elder
Civil Rights workers who were off facilitating their own presentations. At the
end of the day, a few select elders were invited to a round table discussion
with many of the young Freedom Side Collective members to discuss some major
points of discussion they came up with throughout the day and to generally
present ideas for how generations can intersect and work together to keep
moving forward. We heard from several people, including Marshall Ganz, who was
instrumental in Cesar Chavez's movement for farm workers' rights, as well as
coming up with the grassroots organizing model for Obama's 2008 presidential
campaign, and Marian Edelman, founder and president of the Children's Defense
Fund.
Friday was an eventful day to be sure. We were allowed to sleep
in a bit since the first thing on our agenda did not begin until 1:00 pm. The
high schoolers were so thrilled! We all got plenty of sleep and found breakfast
for ourselves, and then we would rendezvous at Tougaloo prior to our next event.
This was the day we traveled to Canton, Mississippi to rally for the workers at
the Nissan plant. As it stands right now, the workers have no ability to
collectively bargain for their rights. This means no union, low wages, and
inexcusable conditions. We boarded several buses and vans, and parked them
along the road as we got to the plant. We were met by several dozens of
striking workers, and we chanted and we hollered in the sweltering humidity. We
heard inspirational words from several Nissan workers, the president of the
NAACP, movie star Danny Glover, and several others. The highlight of the rally
was when a delegation of 10 students, accompanied by a few workers and Danny
Glover marched into the plant with a petition demanding a contract for collective
bargaining rights. They were met by the head of security who stated no one was
available to accept the petition, but Mr. Glover refused to accept that answer
and demanded to speak face to face with a head manager, who eventually and
reluctantly took the petition. The delegation marched back out front to meet
back with the crowd and eventually the rally ended, everyone feeling one small
step closer to ensuring better labor conditions for those hard working Nissan
employees. The rest of our day was less taxing. We had the chance to clean up
and refresh before going back out to attend a block party just outside of JSU
campus. There was great food, plenty of music, and an open mic where many
people shared poetry, songs and speeches.
Reflection
Saturday was our day of reflection and relaxation. We had
several lighthearted sessions to debrief on our experiences during the week.
After those sessions, some of our teenagers came together to present some of
their experiences to the older OSA members. They spoke about how they were able
to process the trip to Meridian, about some of the wisdom they took from the
elders, and a bit about some of their challenges with the breakout sessions. We
were all so happy to hear from them, especially since for a majority of the
trip it seemed like they were sort of in the background, following our lead and
listening without always getting the chance to provide input. It was a big step
for them, and they even laid out some of their plans to step into larger roles
within our organization. Their goal right now is to plan a day trip to King's
Island for the younger members as a chance to bond. They are also helping to
plan retreats, fundraisers, and presentations to give to their classmates about
the need for more political awareness among today's youth. For many older
members their presentation came as a pleasant surprise, given how long the days
were and that at times it seemed that they were flat out not paying attention.
It really brightened my day to know that the younger students were indeed
affected by the experiences we had been through.
As Saturday came to a close, with other conference attendees
going to a banquet to conclude the conference, OSA instead went to a buffet.
Though we would have loved to attend the banquet, we did not have the funds to
attend since there was an admission of $100 per person prior to. I don't think
anyone really minded, though. We ate well. I had frog's legs, gumbo, all the
fried shrimp and catfish I could eat, hush puppies, greens, beans and rice, and
lots of fresh squeezed lemonade. I still can't believe I had the stomach for
all that.
We would depart early Sunday morning, so we all decided to stay
up as late as we could so we could try to sleep through the long bus ride back.
We had a dance party, watched a bunch of movies, and had long talks about our
intense week. Once the morning came, we got back on the bus and made the trip
back.
I have never had an experience quite like what I just went
through. It truly was profound, defining, and transformative. I only hope to
continue building on what I have learned.
*Sherman S. Williams, Jr. is a 2013 graduate of The Ohio State
University with a Bachelor's Degree in Human Development and Family Science. He
has volunteered this summer to help teach and facilitate an 8-week program on
community organizing, Civil Rights history, and civil engagement.
13. NEWS FROM THE POTOMAC
DISTRICT OF THE WASHINGTON CONFERENCE:
*The Rev. Aisha Karimah
Innovative and transformative thinking were the focus of the
Potomac District Preacher’s Leadership luncheon led by the Presiding Elder Dr.
Ronald Braxton from the Potomac District of the Washington Conference. The Rev.
Barbara Glenn, Pastor of First AME Church, Gaithersburg, MD introduced the
Presiding Elder as a visionary of the “progressive Potomac District” who is
both a wise and positive man of God. Over 100 Pastors and ministers attended
the luncheon held at the historic Metropolitan AME church and hosted by
Metropolitan’s Senior Pastor, The Rev. William Lamar IV.
The Presiding Elder said the “faith will not change” but the
“church must change.” He encouraged the pastors and ministers to bring
together our gifts and talents to build the Potomac District to reach beyond
their congregations and broaden outreach to an increasingly diverse
community. Dr. Braxton shared his vision which included creating
a 501(c) 3 to assist churches and their ministries; creating a grant
writing unit for programs to develop ministries, e.g. prevention of
homelessness for foster children once they have graduated from high school;
creating a website for the Potomac District; and, identifying sources of
revenue to fund these ideas. Dr. Braxton also established a committee chaired
by the Rev. Tony Lee, Pastor of The Community of Hope AME Church to mentor
itinerate elders interested in forming new churches. There were over 28
itinerant elders in attendance who are not pastoring.
The Presiding Elder provided an opportunity for the pastors and
ministers to ask questions and share their concerns. Responding to the
exchange of ideas, the Rev. Charles Brown, who is on the ministerial staff
at Greater Mt. Nebo AME Church, Mitchellville, MD, expressed a heartfelt “thank
you” to the Presiding Elder for his boldness, spirit, love and passion for
the AME Church. He pledged his support and reemphasized the need for many
more venues as this on a regular basis.
The Rev. Dr. Marie Phillips Braxton, First Lady of the Potomac
District and the Presiding Elder's partner in ministry for over 35 years
pledged their support and availability to all clergy of the Potomac District.
The lunch meeting ended with a group photograph taken in the
historic sanctuary of Metropolitan AME Church.
*The Rev. Aisha Karimah, Associate Minister, Metropolitan AME
Church in Washington, DC
14. UNIQUE SEND-OFF FOR
DONALD AND CAROLYN BENTLEY:
*Mrs. Jeanette T. Johns
Bethel AME Church, Huntington, New York. Carolyn and Donald;
Donald and Carolyn; they are a couple; they are a team, and this particular
weekend was to be “ALL ABOUT THE BENTLEYS”!
The weather was absolutely perfect! There was a tent, chairs and tables, and even
a Porta-Potty for everyone’s comfort. The area had been appropriately decorated
with colorful “Aloha” posters, grass coverings, and other greetings by Victoria
and Leonard Motley, Ruthanne and Alvin Cooley, and Liz Etheridge. There were
enough people walking around in authentic muu-muus and colorful Hawaiian shirts
that it would make you think you were in Honolulu or on the island of Maui. But
we were not in Hawaii at all. We were enjoying the spacious property at the
home of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Edwards and her mother, Mrs. Dolores Thompson,
First Vice-President of the New York Conference Lay Organization in Dix Hills,
Long Island, NY. For further convenience of our guests, our church van had
become a “shuttle bus”, operated by Leonard Motley and Ulysses Spicer.
The occasion was a Luau planned in honor of Donald and Carolyn
Bentley, long time members of Bethel A.M.E. Church, Huntington, NY where the
Rev. Larry D. Jennings, Sr. serves as pastor. Recently retired, they will be
re-locating to North Chesterfield, VA soon and this was the first of two events
that would give them lasting memories from Bethel.
The Committee assigned by the pastor designated Dolores Thompson
and Rodney Marve as Co-Chairs with Victoria Motley and Jennifer White
assisting. They came to the conclusion that it would take a full weekend to
properly acknowledge the excellent service of The Bentleys to God and to the
church. It was decided that there would be a Luau on Saturday, followed by a
Worship Service dedicated to them on Sunday.
Saturday:
Upon entering the festivities each guest was greeted with the
traditional colorful Hawaiian lei being draped around the neck. They also
received a 4 ¼ x 5 ½ inch booklet titled, “All about the Bentleys”, the idea of
which was conceived by Jeanette T. Johns. She wrote the booklet, which has a
beautiful picture of The Bentleys on its cover, and it was printed
professionally by Kevin Spearmon. Additional copies were later given to The
Bentleys to be distributed to their relatives, friends, co-workers, etc.
The Speakers:
As we gathered and began to fellowship, Victoria Motley prepared
to start the formal part of the program. She introduced the occasion and then
opened it to those who wanted to voice expressions of thanks to The Bentleys.
Speakers were Ercel Williams and William Tyson, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity; a
spokesperson for the NY Conference YPD; a spokesperson for Delta Sigma Theta
Sorority, Rosie Chatman, Carolyn’s co-worker; Quetta Latimer, Bethel’s Trustee
Board; Regina Perrett, Bethel’s YPD; Ulysses Spicer, Bethel’s Steward Board;
and Rev. Dr. William R. Spencer, Legislator of the 18th District of Suffolk
County. The Rev. Spencer served in the pulpit of Bethel for many years under
the leadership of Bethel’s late pastor, the Rev. Clarence B. Johns, Jr. and
still holds Bethel and its members close to his heart.
The Memory Book:
Members of Bethel, both past and present, as well as others had
submitted writings containing their experiences and well-wishes to be placed in
the Memory Book. This was a three-ringed binder with clear plastic sheet
protectors for the written pages. Each page was typed by Jeanette T. Johns or
Cynthia Marve, then decorated by Elizabeth Etheridge and/or Cynthia Marve and
placed into a sheet protector to preserve it for many years of handling and
enjoyment by The Bentleys and their friends. The binder was then covered and
decorated by Elizabeth and she presented the book to The Bentleys. The cover
beautifully represented the Luau / Aloha theme of the day.
This portion of the program was closed out by the Rev. and Mrs.
Jennings, followed by a group picture around the pool, directed and taken by
Joe Turner, Sr., local photographer, well-known for his excellent work and
carefully-prepared albums.
The Luau’s Roasted Pig:
It was time to eat. There was an announcement: “Jamaican food
over here; American food over there.” The variety offered plenty for everyone.
Star of this show was “The Pig”. Kevin Spearmon had driven miles to the farm
and carefully selected the 90-pound pig. He seasoned and prepared it for the
grill on Saturday and then solicited the help of a couple of neighbors to help
him load up everything for transporting. If he had been in Hawaii, he would
have dug a huge hole in the ground and started roasting it the night before,
attending it carefully all night long. However, Kevin had his own very modern
equipment – a special grill called “La Caja China Roasting Box” and lots of
charcoal, plus a table for displaying it properly. Once in place at the
destination, the grilling took place from 9:30 A.M. and finished around 3:00
P.M. Kevin had performed this task previously for his Family Reunions and was
heartily approved for the task, and he did not disappoint. Again, you would
have thought you were at a Luau in Hawaii.
Our pastor had a joyous time carving that pig and Kevin served it until
there was nothing left but the snout.
It was a totally enjoyable afternoon right up to the end of the
event. The kitchen / clean-up crew were especially important. After keeping
things running smoothly in the kitchen all afternoon, Ruthanne Cooley, Yvette
Stone, Elizabeth Etheridge, Quetta Latimer, Jennifer White, and Jennifer Jordan
performed the end-of-the-day tasks with smiling faces, sending us all home with
Luau-happiness.
Donald and Carolyn:
Donald and Carolyn are natives of Tuskegee, Alabama and have
been friends “forever”. They are thought
of as a couple and as a team. Their marriage must have been “in the plan”
because their love for each other survived when they finally separated long
enough to attend different colleges. Carolyn went to Tuskegee University in her
home town and Donald went to Hampton University in Hampton, VA. Shortly after
their graduation, they were married and have been married for 43 years. They
have two children and four grandchildren. Daughter, Angela is teaching in Abu
Dhabi, United Arab Emirates and son, Brian, is an auto salesman in
Fredericksburg, VA.
Having earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering
Donald had a 40-year career with Lockheed Martin Corporation (formerly Sperry
Rand Corporation) based in Uniondale, NY. During this time the company moved
him many times to various parts of the country and also to Spain. Carolyn once
said that whenever she got their new home settled to the point of hanging all
the curtains, they would be called upon to move again. So when they got to
Huntington she decided not to hang curtains. Apparently that worked because
they have been in their Huntington home for over 25 years.
Carolyn is a nurse with a Master’s Degree in Nursing
Administration from University of Phoenix (online) and is employed at the
Veterans Administration Hospital in Northport. Through the years she has had so
many members of Bethel as patients that she says sometimes they could “have
church” when the gentlemen showed up in numbers on certain days. Those patients
were fortunate to have the special attention and professional services of such
a caring, efficient nurse.
Now she has reached the time when she will be able to enjoy her
retirement years in a new location with her husband who has already retired.
She can now feel free to hang curtains all over her new house.
Donald is a member of the Tabernacle Choir, Men’s Choir, Lay
Organization President, Steward Board Vice-Chairman, Finance Committee,
Building Fund Committee Treasurer, and the Jessie L. Johnson Scholarship
Committee. In the Community he is a Life Member of the NAACP, a Life Member of
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and is a member of his chapter’s mentoring programs in
Central Islip and North Babylon.
Carolyn serves as our Church Clerk, President of The Jessie L.
Johnson Scholarship Committee and has chaired many major events during her
years at Bethel. In the community she is
a member of the Mid-Island Business and Professional Women and Delta Sigma Theta
Sorority, Inc. She served as President
of her sorority’s Alumni Chapter of Suffolk County. In connection with this
service-oriented sorority she was leader of Delta Youth, an organization she
founded for Bethel’s children.
Carolyn and Donald are avid golfers with trophies to prove it.
At Bethel, this couple obviously functions as a “team” as they
have exhibited their ability to work together in Bethel, especially with the
children of the church. In past years it was commonplace to see them
develop seasonal programs and plays,
complete with elaborate costumes and scenery, and they always made themselves
available for those all-important rehearsals and shuttling children back and
forth in the church van or in their own vehicles. They have both served as
Sunday School teachers and Donald has been Director of the Youth Choir.
Together, they have led and participated in all activities
related to our children. For many years
Donald has been President of the Young People’s Department (YPD) at Bethel.
Through this organization he and Carolyn have transported and chaperoned the
children to meetings and conventions all over the First Episcopal District and
introduced them to many areas of life that will be helpful to them as they approach
adulthood. In addition, Donald has served as coach of various sports, Cub Scout
Master and Den Leader.
Donald says that The Bentleys believe in the wise saying, “It
takes a village to raise a child”. This is one of the many reasons that we, as
members of their Bethel Family, will miss their presence so very much.
Sunday:
With Rodney Marve as Worship Leader, the service was upbeat,
lively, and joyful to match the personalities of The Bentleys. It was requested
that The Bentleys be seated on the front pew during the segment devoted to
them. As it was opened to people who wanted to speak, it was such a pleasure to
hear approximately 10 people share their stories and deliver their heartfelt
thank-you messages of appreciation. Donald had helped one member move on a
cold, snowy day – he had saved the young son of one member from drowning –
Carolyn had seen that a member’s husband received royal treatment while a
patient in her hospital – people had benefitted from her advice and counsel –
her shoe collection had been admired by more than one person. There were such
interesting stories of personal events that had happened just because The
Bentleys are who they are. Without the opportunity this occasion offered, we
might never have known all of these things. The Bentleys both spoke,
acknowledging that it is a very nice feeling to know that people are so
grateful for their service. By the time this portion was over, there were
tissues in use everywhere; “hardly a dry eye in the house”.
Rodney had received a special request from Dolores Thompson to
sing “I Don’t Know about Tomorrow,”
so he sang that before she spoke, delivering the final talk and thanking her
Committee members for excellent cooperation and service.
The Perfect Ending:
Winding up the entire segment devoted to The Bentleys was a song
by Jeannie Marve and her mother, Cynthia.
This was a song from the hit Broadway show, “Wicked.” Jeannie explained
that as she was listening to it one day, it occurred to her that these words
express the way that Bethel members feel about the Bentleys:
“I’ve heard it said that
people come into our lives for a reason …
But I don’t know if I believe that’s true,
But I know I’m who I am today because I knew
you …
Who can say if I’ve been changed for the
better,
But because I knew you, I have been changed
for good …
It well may be that we
will never meet again in this lifetime.
So, let me say before we
part:
So much of me is made from
what I learned from you.
You’ll be with me like a
handprint on my heart …
And now whatever way our
stories end
I know you have rewritten
mine by being my friend …
But now it’s time to bless
some others now
With your kindness, your
compassion, and your love.
Who can say if I’ve been
changed for the better.
I do believe I have been
changed for the better
And because I knew you, I
have been changed for good.”
What an excellent choice! What an appropriate way to end Bethel,
Huntington’s tribute weekend, “All about the Bentleys!”
*Mrs. Jeanette T. Johns is the author of The Upward Journey – A
Centenarian’s Chronicle – Personal Stories of Bishop Decatur Ward Nichols…
15. WORKERS IN "THE CHAPEL" VINEYARD:
*Sister
Michelle Chenault
The Rev.
Stephanie M. Gudger and the congregation of Shorter Chapel AME Church in Paris,
Kentucky have been busy laboring in the "vineyard." In April, we
hosted our 3-day Spring Revival and held a service of The Seven Last Words. The
Reverend Stephanie M. Gudger was a guest preacher for the "Fruits of the
Spirit" service held at Wayman Chapel AME Church in Georgetown, Kentucky.
We held Resurrection Worship, had our quarterly meeting with the Presiding
Elder, the Reverend Dr. Robert A. Strode, and were guest at St. Matthew AME
Church, Midway, Kentucky for their Men's Revival.
In May,
we held Missionary Day, celebrated Mother's Day, and were guests at St. Peter
AME Church in Harrodsburg, Kentucky for their Women's Revival. We also attended
the 13th District Lay Banquet in Lexington, Kentucky, held a fish fry and bake
sale, and were guests for Women's Day at Wesley United Methodist Church in
Georgetown, Kentucky.
In June,
We had Youth Day, held the 2-day 13th District Church School Convention, and
celebrated Father's Day.
We had
Usher Board Day and our afternoon guest was Zion Baptist Church in Paris, Kentucky.
During
morning worship, we had one person, Brother Jamie Nolen, who accepted Christ;
one person, Sister Angela Holt, to rededicate her life back to Christ; and one
person, Sister Rachel French, who acknowledged her “call to the ministry!”
We ended
the quarter with a joint service at St. John AME Church in Frankfort, Kentucky
for their Women's Day.
God is
doing amazing things at "The Chapel." He continues to bless us each
and everyday. To God Be the Glory!
*Sister Michelle
Chenault is a steward and the reporter for Shorter Chapel AME Church
16. BETHEL, HUNTINGTON
PASTOR STARTS SIXTH YEAR OF MINISTRY:
*Mrs. Jeanette T. Johns
The Rev. Larry D. Jennings, Sr. starts his sixth year at Bethel
AME Church, Huntington on Long Island, NY.
Following his recent appointment he, his wife, Mrs. Valerie
Jennings, and their son, Larry D.
Jennings, Jr., who is the percussion musician at Bethel, were welcomed
back by the officers and members of the congregation; among them were the
Liturgical Dancers who participated in worship that morning.
Bethel was founded in 1843 and is the oldest AME Church on the
North Shore of Long Island. It is an outstanding beacon of the community. Many descendants of the original founders are
members of the church.
*Mrs. Jeanette T. Johns is the author of The Upward Journey – A
Centenarian’s Chronicle – Personal Stories of Bishop Decatur Ward Nichols…
17. WILBERFORCE
UNIVERSITY HAS A LOT OF WORK TO DO TO SATISFY ITS ACCREDITING BODY:
The board of trustees of the Higher Learning Commission of the
North Central Association has issued a “show-cause order” to historically Black
Wilberforce University in Ohio. A show-cause order is a procedural order that
requires an institution to present its case as to why its accreditation should
not be withdrawn. The university has until December 15, 2014 to respond and a
committee will visit the Wilberforce campus in February to see if its concerns
have been addressed.
In a letter to Wilma Mishoe, interim president of Wilberforce
University, the commission raised a large number of concerns about management,
financial stability, and campus facilities. Specifically, the commission noted
an accumulated debt of $9.7 million in the university’s operating fund resulting
from four straight years of operating deficits. Also, the commission noted $23
million in debt and said the university is “has been in technical default on
the requirements of these bonds.” The commission also stated that “the campus
had extensive evidence of significant deterioration and deferred maintenance
that indicated an unsafe and unhealthy environment for the campus community.”
The commission stated that “the University Board does not
function effectively to oversee the institution or its operations” and that
“the University administration does not function effectively to help the
University realistically meet its challenges.”
18. A PROCLAMATION OF
CELEBRATION INCOMING 29TH INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT OF ALPHA KAPPA
ALPHA SORORITY, INCORPORATED:
Jerry
Turner, Jr.
Mrs. Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson, the International First Vice
President of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is the incoming 29th
International President of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
The 31st chapter of Proverbs gives the attributes of
a good woman. “Who can find a virtuous
woman? For her price is far above rubies; She riseth also while it is yet
night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens; She
stretched out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the
needy. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of
kindness; her children arise up, and call her blessed; Many daughters have done
virtuously, but thou excel lest them all.
Favour is deceitful, and
beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give
her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.” Those verses describe Mrs. Dorothy Buckhanan
Wilson.
Resolution:
Whereas, we the
members of St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church, recognize and celebrate
the election of our dear Sister and member Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson as the 29th
International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Whereas, Mrs.
Buckhanan Wilson, has been a member of St. Mark AME church for over three
decades and has been a part of several activities and events for the local
church. Her involvement and her time, talents and treasure have enhanced St.
Mark AME Church. Her leadership and guidance is in the spirit of the first
Missionary of the AME Church our founder’s spouse—Mother Sarah Allen.
Whereas, it is quite
fitting that Mrs. Buckhanan Wilson a life-long member of the AME Church, which
runs through her family lineage, would be an International Leader of the oldest
African-American Sorority on this side of heaven. She is a member of the oldest church in the
city of Milwaukee and the oldest black denomination, the African Methodist
Episcopal Church which was founded in 1787 and incorporated in 1816.
Whereas, Sister
Dorothy will be the Sixth AME woman to serve as the International President of
the oldest Greek-Letter organization established by African American
college-trained women.
She joins the ranks of several AME women that are members of
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. that have been trailblazers of National and
International trailblazers:
- The late Rt. Rev. Sarah Francis Davis, Presiding Bishop, 16th
Episcopal District ,Vice President of the World Methodist Council; The Late
Mrs. Julia B. Purnell, 16th International President Alpha Kappa
Alpha Sorority Inc. and 7th National President, The Links, Inc.; The
Late Dr. Mary Shy Scott, 23rd International President, Alpha Kappa
Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Dr. Eva Evans, 24th International President of
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Dr. Dolly D. Adams, Former AME Episcopal
Supervisor, 8th National President of the Links and Former National
President of Black Women’s Agenda; The late Dr. Wilhelmina S. Lawrence, 4th
International President Women’s Missionary Society of the AME Church and past
President of the North American Area of the World Federation of Methodist
Women; Mrs. Delores L. Kennedy Williams, 5th Elected International
President of the Women’s Missionary Society of the AME Church and Former
National President of Black Women’s Agenda; Ms. Michelle Crockett, Past
National President of the National Council of Urban League Guilds; Dr. Patricia
Russell McCloud, AME Episcopal Supervisor and Former President of The Links,
Inc.; and Mrs. Carolyn House Stewart, Esquire, 28th International
President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
Now Therefore, we the
members of St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin,
along with the 2.5 Million members of the global African Methodist Episcopal
Church, salute our dear member as she goes to the Queen City of Charlotte,
North Carolina to secure one of the greatest honors and be regarded as an
International leader that will continue a legacy of sisterhood, leadership and
service.
The African Methodist Episcopal Church was started in the spirit
of Christ –Centered living with an emphasis of serving the masses through
social, educational and spiritual justice.
We proclaim and dedicate July 2014 as the month of Dorothy
Buckhanan Wilson – A legacy of Servant Leadership to change lives and build a
better world.
You may build great cathedrals large or small,
You can build skyscrapers grand and tall,
You may conquer all the failures of the past,
But only what you do for Christ will last.
Remember only what you do for Christ will last.
Remember only what you do for Christ will last,
Only what you do for Him will be counted at the end;
Only what you do for Christ will last.
Joyfully Submitted by:
The Board of Stewards
The Board of Trustees
The St. Mark AME Church Family
The Rev. Darryl R. Williams, Pastor
The Rev. Walter Bauldrick, Presiding Elder
The Rt. Rev. Jeffrey N. Leath, President, AMEC Bishops’ Council
The Rt. Rev. John Richard Bryant, Senior Bishop and Presiding
Prelate
19.
CIVIL RIGHTS JUBILEE MEREDITH MARCH AGAINST FEAR:
*The Rev. Willie Washington, Sr
Fifty (50) years ago on July 2, the 88th
Session of the United States Congress passed the Landmark Civil Rights
Bill of 1964. The intent of this Bill was to enforce rights black people
already had. The new law opened many doors to black people in the northern
States. However, the passing of the new law did not matter to many of the
southern States, especially the state of Mississippi. In Mississippi,
things continued to exist as they were before the Law was passed into
legislation.
For the next two years, waves of fear
imposed by white hate groups flooded the lives of many blacks in
Mississippi. Black people in Mississippi who sought to exercise their
civil rights through voting, entering public establishments, and choosing to
attend public schools, colleges, and universities of their choice were
discouraged from doing so by brutal fear tactics that for many blacks ended in
their death.
In 1966 one man in Mississippi decided to
do something. His name is James Meredith. Having integrated the University
of Mississippi in 1962, he began a “Walk against Fear” in June 1966 that was to
go from Memphis, Tennessee to Jackson, Mississippi. His reason for
walking was to prove to black people in Mississippi that a black man could
walk along a state highway in Mississippi without fear. After walking for
about eighteen (18) miles along Highway 51, he was shot by a white man on June
6, 1966 outside of Hernando, Mississippi.
A few days later, the Rev. Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr. and his organizations came to Mississippi. They arrived in
Grenada, Mississippi on June 14, 1966. A march was held that went through
the City to Bell Flower Missionary Baptist Church. On June 16, the Marchers
arrived in Greenwood, Mississippi where Stokely Carmichael slid down a bank and
joined them. At a meeting in the park in Greenwood, Mississippi, the
stoic Stokely Carmichael first shouted the words "Black
Power." The phrase, first uttered in Greenwood, Mississippi by
Stokely Carmichael, would traverse the World. The Marchers arrived at
Green Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Belzoni, Mississippi on June 19, 1966.
On June 21, 1966, the Marchers arrived at Oak Grove AME Church in Benton,
Mississippi. On June 23, 1966, the Marchers arrived in Canton, Mississippi at
Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. It was in Canton, Mississippi that they
were met with as much, if not more, resistance than Selma, Alabama. Those
cities and churches comprised the "Freedom Trail" in Mississippi.
In recognition of this Public and Historic
event, MMC planned a program in honor of Mr. James Meredith to celebrate
the Jubilee of the Civil Rights Bill and to commemorate the his Walk Against
Fear that evolved into the March Against Fear during the Summer of 1966.
The program included a brief pilgrimage, testimonials, a keynote
speaker, and remarks by VIP's, including Mr. James Meredith. The keynote
speaker at each program was the Rev. Willie Washington, Sr., Pastor, China
Grove AME Church in Madison, Mississippi.
*The
Rev. Willie Washington, Sr. is the pastor of China Grove AME Church in Madison,
Mississippi
HHS awards $83.4 million to train new primary care providers:
Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell
today announced $83.4 million in Affordable Care Act funding to support primary
care residency programs in 60 Teaching Health Centers across the nation. The
funding will help train more than 550 residents during the 2014-2015
academic-year, increasing the number of residents trained in the previous
academic year by more than 200 and helping to increase access to health care in
communities across the country.
Created by the Affordable Care Act, the Teaching Health Center
Program expands residency training in community-based settings. Residents will
be trained in family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and
gynecology, psychiatry, geriatrics, and general dentistry.
“The Affordable Care Act supports the training of new primary
care physicians through the Teaching Health Center program,” Secretary Burwell
said. “Today’s announcement demonstrates the continued growth of this program
to help prepare even more physicians to provide primary care in communities
across the country.”
Today’s awards expand the number of states with Teaching Health
Centers from 21 to 24. Teaching Health Centers are located in a variety of
settings, including urban, rural, and tribal communities, and serve diverse
populations.
“This program not only provides training to primary care medical
and dental residents, but also galvanizes communities,” said HRSA Administrator
Mary K. Wakefield, Ph.D., R.N. “It brings hospitals, academic centers, health
centers, and community organizations together to provide top-notch medical
education and services in areas of the country that need them most.”
A list of awards (asterisk indicates new awardees) is available
at www.hrsa.gov/about/news/2014tables/teachinghealthcenters/.
For information on the Teaching Health Centers program, visit http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/grants/teachinghealthcenters/index.html.
To learn more about the Affordable Care Act, go to www.hhs.gov/healthcare.
20. SOUTH CAROLINA STATE
UNIVERSITY PLACED ON ACCREDITATION PROBATION:
The Southern Association of Colleges and School’s Commission on
Colleges has placed South Carolina State University in Orangeburg on
accreditation probation. The university was placed on warning status a year ago
due to financial concerns and problems with the university’s governance. After
a review this spring, the accrediting agency found that the university was
deficient in eight areas: financial resources, financial stability, control of
finances, student financial aid, organizational structure, governance,
qualified academic and administrative officers, and control of sponsored and
external funds.
The university is facing a $13.6 million budget deficit and sought
an emergency aid package from the state. But lawmakers only provided $6 million
in loans to the university. The university’s financial problems have come about
in part due to a more than 30 percent drop in enrollments since 2007.
The university has one year to fix its problems or it will face
a second year of probation. If the issues have not been addressed sufficiently
at the end of the second year of probation, the commission could strip the
university of its accreditation. Students attending educational institutions
without accreditation are not eligible for federal financial aid. About 80
percent of the students at South Carolina State University receive federal Pell
Grant awards.
Read More: http://www.jbhe.com/2014/06/south-carolina-state-university-placed-on-accreditation-probation/
21. THE 11TH
EPISCOPAL DISTRICT SCHEDULE OF ANNUAL CONFERENCES:
Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr.
Mrs. Connie S. Richardson, Episcopal Supervisor
September 9 – 12, 2014
Florida Annual Conference
September 8, 2014
WMS Annual Convention
St. Philip AME Church
Monticello, Florida
The Rev. Julius W. Tisdale, Host Pastor
Bethel AME Church
501 W. Orange Avenue
Tallahassee, FL
The Rev. Dr. Julius H. McAllister, Site Host Pastor
The Rev. Dr. Carlton L. Taylor
September 23 – 26, 2014
Central Annual Conference
September 22, 2014
WMS Annual Convention
Mt. Olive AME Church
2525 West Church Street
Orlando, Florida
The Rev. Dr. Mark E. Crutcher, Host Pastor
And Acting Host Presiding Elder
October 7 – 10, 2014
South Annual Conference
October 6, 2014
WMS Annual Convention
Payne Chapel AME Church
Hilton Palm Beach Airport Hotel
150 Australian Avenue
West Palm Beach, Florida
The Rev. Henry E. Green, III, Host Pastor
The Rev. Jessie Harvin, Jr., Host Presiding Elder
October 21 – 24, 2014
West Coast Annual
Conference
October 20, 2014
WMS Annual Convention
Bethel AME Church
Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront Hotel
333 1st Street, South
St. Petersburg, Florida
The Rev. Bryant A. Fayson, Host Pastor
The Rev. Jerome L. Denmark, Host Presiding Elder
November 4 – 7, 2014
East Annual Conference
November 3, 2014
WMS Annual Convention
Historic Mt. Zion AME Church
Omni Hotel
245 Water Street
Jacksonville, Florida
The Rev. Pearce Ewing, Sr., Host Pastor
The Rev. Tony D. Hansberry, Sr., Host Presiding Elder
November 12 – 16, 2014
Bahamas Annual Conference
November 11, 2014
WMS Annual Convention
Robinson-Morris AME Church
Nassau, Bahamas
The Rev. Howard F. Williamson., Host Pastor
The Rev. Dr. Ranford A. Patterson, Host Presiding Elder
November 12 – 16, 2014
Eleventh District
Planning Meeting
November 20 – 21, 2014
The Rosen Hotel
Orlando, Florida
22. THE 2014 13TH
EPISCOPAL DISTRICT SCHEDULE OF ANNUAL CONFERENCES:
Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath
Susan J. Leath, MD, Episcopal Supervisor
September 17-21. 2014
The 147th
Session of The Kentucky Annual Conference
The 134th
Session The West Kentucky Annual Conference
Young’s Chapel AME Church
1039 South 16th Street
Louisville, KY 40210
Telephone: 502.587-0087
The Rev. Kenneth A. Golphin, Host Pastor
The Reverend Kenneth Hill, Ph.D., Host Presiding Elder
September 24-28, 2014
The 114th
Session
The East Tennessee Annual
Conference
Shorter Chapel AME Church
402 Southwest Atlantic Street
Tullahoma, TN 37388
Telephone: 931.393-3028
The Reverend Fred Blackwell, Host Pastor
The Reverend Ralph E. Johnson, Host Presiding Elder
October 9-12
140th Session
The West Tennessee Annual
Conference
St. James AME Church
600 North 4th Street
Memphis, TN 38107
The Reverend Michael D. Broadnax, Host Pastor
The Reverend C. Robert Finch, Host Presiding Elder
The Reverend Linda F. Thomas Martin, Associate Presiding Elder
October 16-19
147th Session
The Tennessee Annual
Conference
Greater Ebenezer AME
Church
131 Edmondson Ferry Road
Clarksville, TN 37040
Telephone: 931.648-0881
The Reverend Alexander Gatson, Host Pastor
The Reverend W. Antoni Sinkfield, Host Presiding Elder
The Reverend Walter W. Reid, Jr., Associate Presiding Elder
23. THE
FOLLOWING PERSONS WERE ELECTED BISHOPS OF THE CHRISTIAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL
CHURCH:
The Rev. Dr. Bobby Best, pastor of Metropolitan CME Church in
Houston, Texas
The Rev. Dr. Marvin Frank Thomas, Dean of the Philips School of
Theology at the Interdenominational Center in Atlanta, Georgia
The Rev. Dr. Charles J. King, Jr., Presiding Elder of the
Cincinnati, Dayton and Indianapolis District of the Ohio/Central Indiana
Region, 2nd Episcopal District of the CME Church
General
Officers:
Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield
General Secretary of Christian Education
Dr. Jeanette L. Bouknight
Executive Secretary
Dr. Clifford L. Harris
General Secretary of Lay Ministry
Dr. Tyrone Davis
General Secretary of Personnel Services
Dr. Roderick Lewis
General Secretary of Publication Services
Dr. Leo C. Pinkett
General Secretary, Ministry to Men
The Rev. Dr. Ore L. Spragin, Jr.
Editor, The Christian Index
The Rev. Dr. Faith A. Allen
Department of Evangelism
Dr. Victor Taylor
Department of Finance
24.
NAACP TO HOST 105TH ANNUAL NATIONAL CONVENTION IN LAS VEGAS JULY 19TH
-23RD:
Convention to Reflect on 50 Years of Civil Rights History and
Highlight the Current Fight for Voting Rights, Criminal Justice Reform,
Economic Opportunity, Education Equality & More
(LAS VEGAS) –The NAACP
announced it will host its 105th Annual Convention in Las Vegas, NV from July
19th – 23rd. This year’s convention
theme is “All In for Justice & Equality” and will focus on securing black
turnout for the 2014 mid term election, pushing back on voter suppression
efforts and the ongoing struggles for criminal justice reform, voting rights,
economic opportunity and education equality, and much more. Click here to see the schedule of events;
click here to register for press credentials.
"We are excited to hold this year's convention in Las
Vegas," said NAACP Chairman Roslyn M. Brock. "In this pivotal
election year, it is especially important for us to address voter suppression
and the challenges facing communities of color and the nation as a whole. As we
tackle important issues like health care, economic opportunity, education and
civic engagement, we know that we cannot fully recover as a nation unless we
are courageous, stand in solidarity and get out the vote. The NAACP will
continue to educate, mobilize and agitate to create an informed and engaged
populace and continue the work in ensuring every American has unfettered access
to the ballot box."
This convention occurs in a year of important civil rights
anniversaries and milestones, including the 50th Anniversary of the Civil
Rights Act, 60th Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, and the 50th
Anniversary of Freedom Summer. It also
occurs on the heels of the Supreme Court decision on affirmative action in the
Schutte Case, as well as the devastating decision in Shelby v. Holder, which
invalidated Section IV of the Voting Rights Act.
"The civil rights anniversaries this past year reminds us how
far we have come, and how far we still have to go,” said NAACP Interim
President & CEO, Lorraine C. Miller.
“As we honor the contributions of heroes like Thurgood Marshall, Dorothy
Height and Maya Angelou, we also continue to address the new Jim Crow of mass
incarceration and the old Jim Crow of voter suppression. NAACP members and
partners have never been content to simply memorialize historic icons; in fact,
we are inspired and energized by their example for the work that lies ahead.”
Citing increased voter diversity, the NAACP also battled new
attacks on equal access to education, healthcare and economic opportunity that
affect the lives of African Americans.
This year’s convention speakers include well-known as well as the
next generation of civil rights leaders, elected officials, faith leaders,
actors and community activists.
“The NAACP is still the most influential and relevant voice in the
fight for social justice,” stated NAACP Vice Chairman Leon Russell. “We still face several challenges and we must
continue to set the tone for those who believe that the struggle for a greater
nation must continue. Our Convention must also re-emphasize the importance of
civic engagement as we move into off year elections. The ability to cast an
unfettered ballot that is actually counted is perhaps our greatest challenge.
We thank the Tri State/State Area Conference President Jeanetta Williams for
marshaling the support of all of our units in Idaho, Nevada and Utah to insure
the success of this convention. We are particularly grateful to the Las Vegas
Branch of the NAACP for working with us to host this 105th Annual
Convention. Our mission is to define the civil rights agenda for this century,
just as we have done since our founding.”
“The future of voting rights and equal access to education is
being threatened; but our national and state conferences must hold strong,”
said NAACP Tri State Conference President of Idaho, Nevada and Utah, Jeanetta
Williams. “This year’s convention is essential as we map out strategies to
continue to fight attacks on our civil rights. We will join with others across
the country to protect rights most sacred in our democracy. As one nation, we
must be all in for justice and equality.”
“We in the Las Vegas Branch of the NAACP are pleased to welcome
and privileged to host the 2014 NAACP National Convention,” said Frank Hawkins,
NAACP Las Vegas Branch President. “As we continue the fight for equality and
social justice for all Americans, our Branch and the Las Vegas community extend
every hospitality and want to ensure a positive and meaningful experience for
all members and participants.”
In addition to the primary convention schedule, the NAACP’s Youth
& College Division will host workshops, luncheons and forums throughout the
week. Emerging youth from across the nation will be featured in the annual
Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) competition
beginning July 17. Students will compete in 26 categories including sciences,
humanities, performing arts, visual arts, and business over the course of the
event. Famous ACT-SO alumni include musician Kanye West, actress Jada
Pinkett-Smith, filmmaker John Singleton and comedian Anthony Anderson.
AVOID
SUMMERTIME TAX SCAMS:
Ah, summertime! Warm days, rest and recreation and…tax scams.
Thieves don’t stop victimizing unsuspecting taxpayers with their scams after
April 15. Identity theft, phone and phishing scams happen year-round. Those
three top the IRS’s ‘Dirty Dozen’ list of tax scams this year. Here’s some
important information you should know about these common tax scams:
a. Identity Theft. Identity
thieves steal personal and financial information to commit fraud or other
crimes. This can include your Social Security number or bank information. An
identity thief may file a phony tax return to claim a fraudulent refund. The
IRS has a special identity protection page on IRS.gov. It has many resources
you can use to reduce your risk of becoming a victim. The page can also tell
you what steps to take if you are a victim of identity theft and need help.
This includes how and when you should contact the IRS Identity Protection
Specialized Unit.
b. Phone Scams. In these
scams, thieves pose as the IRS and call would-be victims with one goal in mind:
to steal their money. Callers will tell you that you owe taxes and demand
immediate payment. They will tell you that you must pay the bogus tax bill with
a pre-loaded debit card or wire transfer. The callers are often abusive and threaten
arrest or deportation. They may know the last four digits of your Social
Security number. They also rig caller ID to falsely show that the call is from
the IRS.
Keep in mind that if a
person owes taxes, the IRS will first contact them by mail, not by phone. The
IRS doesn’t ask for payment with a pre-paid debit card or wire transfer. If you
owe, or think you might owe federal taxes and you get one of these calls, hang
up. Call the IRS at 800-829-1040. The IRS will work with you to pay what you owe.
If you don’t owe taxes, call and report the incident to the Treasury Inspector
General for Tax Administration at 800-366-4484.
c. Phishing Scams.
Criminals use the IRS as bait in a phishing scam. Scammers typically
send emails that purport to come from the IRS. They often lure their targets
with a false promise of a refund or the threat of an audit. They may also set
up a phony website that looks like the real IRS.gov. These phony sites often
have the IRS seal and other graphics to make them appear official. Their goal
is to get their victim to reveal personal and financial information. They use
the information they get to steal identities and commit fraud.
The IRS doesn’t contact
people by email about their tax account. Nor does the agency use email, social
media, texting or fax to initiate contact or ask for personal or financial
information. If you get an email like this, do not click on a link or open any
attachments. You should instead forward it to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov. For
more on this topic visit IRS.gov and select the ‘Reporting Phishing’ link at
the bottom of the page.
Don’t let tax scams take the fun out of your summer. Be alert to
phone and phishing email scams that use the IRS as a lure. Visit the genuine
IRS website, IRS.gov, for more on what you can do to avoid becoming a victim
and how to report tax fraud.
25.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET A NOTICE FROM THE IRS:
Each year the IRS mails millions of notices. Here’s what you
should do if you receive a notice from the IRS:
1) Don’t ignore it. You can respond to most IRS notices quickly
and easily. And it’s important that you reply promptly.
2) IRS notices usually deal with a specific issue about your tax
return or tax account. For example, it may say the IRS has corrected an error
on your tax return. Or it may ask you for more information.
3) Read it carefully and follow the instructions about what you
need to do.
4) If it says that the IRS corrected your tax return, review the
information in the notice and compare it to your tax return.
If you agree, you don’t need to reply unless a payment is due.
If you don’t agree, it’s important that you respond to the IRS.
Write a letter that explains why you don’t agree. Make sure to include information
and any documents you want the IRS to consider. Include the bottom tear-off
portion of the notice with your letter. Mail your reply to the IRS at the
address shown in the lower left part of the notice. Allow at least 30 days for
a response from the IRS.
5) You can handle most notices without calling or visiting the
IRS. If you do have questions, call the phone number in the upper right corner
of the notice. Make sure you have a copy of your tax return and the notice with
you when you call.
6) Keep copies of any notices you get from the IRS.
7) Don’t fall for phone and phishing email scams that use the IRS
as a lure. The IRS first contacts people about unpaid taxes by mail – not by
phone. The IRS does not contact taxpayers by email, text or social media about
their tax return or tax account.
For more on this topic visit IRS.gov. Click on ‘Responding to a
Notice’ at the bottom left of the home page. Also see Publication 594, The IRS
Collection Process. You can get it on IRS.gov or call 800-TAX-FORM
(800-829-3676) to get it by mail.
26. THE TRUTH IS THE
LIGHT:
*The Reverend Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr.
Based on Biblical Text: Matthew 7:24: Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will
liken him unto a wise man, which buildeth his house upon a rock”
The Bible tells us in the seventh chapter of the Gospel
according to Matthew, “All those who listen to my instructions and follow them
are wise, like a man who builds his house on solid rock. Though the rain comes
in torrents, and the floods rise and the storm winds beat against the house, it
won’t collapse, for it is built on rock.” The Gospel warns us further, “But
those who hear my instructions and ignore them are foolish, like a man who
builds his house on sand. For when the rains and floods come, and the storm
winds beat against the house, it will fall with a mighty crash.”
Jesus warns us that our house will not stand on a “sand plan.”
No matter how beautiful or ornate our house will be vulnerable to every storm
that arises if it is built on an unstable, unpredictable and unreliable
foundation.
Whether we realize it or not, all of us are working on a
building. Each of us is preparing, at this very moment, to spend eternity
somewhere. The “old saints” remind us that we are “sending timbers.” Depending
on how we respond to the Master’s structural directions will determine which
house we will end up in. Depending on how we respond to the Master’s structural
directions will determine where we will spend eternity.
In the 7th Chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, we find he
concludes his warning to every Christian believer. In chapter 6, we are warned
against trusting in riches because scripture tells us, “Where your treasure is,
there will your heart be also.” In the
same chapter we are warned against the concept of being double minded. We are
admonished that, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one
and love the other; or else he will hold on to the one and despise the other.
Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
We find in chapter 6 of Matthew’s Gospel a warning against the
spirit of worry and anxiety. “Take no thought as to what ye shall eat, or what
ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on.” We are reminded that
our “Heavenly Father knows exactly what we have need of.” God knows, the Bible
promises and God will supply all of our needs “According to His riches in
glory.”
Interestingly, it is in chapter 7, verses 1 thru 5 that we find
a warning against the sin of “mote hunting” or “spec finding.” It seems that
then just like now there are some among us who love to hunt mote and find
specs. Apparently there has never been an appropriate season for either as the
Bible says, “Why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but
considereth not the beam that is in thine own eye?” In other words we are
warned to mind our own business. Before we worry about the dirt in someone
else’s house, we should sweep off our own porch. The list goes on and on, as we
are warned against the sins of disobedience. Our text is the conclusion warning
us of the importance of the foundation on which every believer should ensure
they build their house.
It is important that we understand the similarities of these two
buildings in question. Both of the buildings had some things in common. Let us
assume that both builders were skilled carpenters that knew what it took to
build a house. It would then be fair to conclude that it was not the case that
one was a more professional builder than the other. Both builders were just as
skilled as the other as it pertained to constructing a house. Secondly, let us
also agree that both men saw a need to have a house. The Bible declares that
both men heard and both houses were constructed.
Both houses were exposed to the same storm. One house stood and
the other did not. One house was able to weather the storm and the other house
did not. One house survived the elements of nature and the other house did not.
One house weathered the troubling wind and rain and the other house did not.
Clearly then, a house is able to withstand the forces wrought
against it if it is in fact built on a solid foundation! Nothing can endanger
the hope of our house if our house is built on a solid foundation. Nothing can
destroy our sanctity, our peace, our security or our salvation if we build our
house on the solid rock.
On the other hand, if our house is not built on the rock there
will be nothing to under gird it when the winds of trouble begin to blow. If our house is not built on the rock there
will be nothing to prevent it from falling when the storms come and there will
be no barrier between us and the winds of despair that will trouble us. If our
house is not built on the rock there will be no support to prevent our fall.
Nothing will keep our house from tumbling down if we build our house on a “sand
plan.”
Our text points out that the greatest difference between the
wise builder and the foolish builder was the fact that wise builder heard and
obeyed the Master. The wise builder heard and obeyed, the foolish builder heard
and did not obey.
Far too many times we hear but we do not always obey. Some it
seems are intent to do it their way anyhow. However, when it comes to God they
are standing on dangerous ground. We hear that the wages of sin is death but we
don’t always obey. The wise man heard and obeyed but the foolish man heard and
did not obey.
We are challenged to understand that when Jesus says whosoever,
it means everybody. Whosoever takes in everybody and leaves no one out.
“Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them I will liken him unto a
wise man.” He admonishes us that if we hear and do, “I will call you wise.”
Conversely, “if you hear and do not do, I’ll call you foolish.”
We must understand that it is not sufficient to merely hear the
Gospel we must obey the Gospel. We must not only hear the Gospel we must also
do something with the Gospel in our lives. The Lord is seeking someone who will
do more than enjoy His Word. The Bible declares that God is looking for some
doers of the Gospel and not just hearers of the Gospel. Jesus said, “If any man
would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow
me.” In other words, if you are going to follow you have to do something. If
you are going to come after me, don’t just hear me, do what I say do. The Lord
is seeking those who will hear His Word and then do what the Word says do.
The text says that the wise man heard and then obeyed building his
house on the rock. What is the Rock that the wise man built on? The rock is the
Chief Cornerstone, the stone the builders rejected. The rock is Jesus the
Christ. Jesus Christ is the Solid Rock, the only firm foundation.
Jesus challenges us that when we build it, build on the Rock.
When we build it, build it on the Solid Rock. Build our marriage and our
ministry on Christ the Solid rock. Build our expectations, our desires, our
hopes, our dreams on Christ. Build our house on Christ the Solid Rock. “On Christ
the Solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.”
*The Reverend Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr. is the pastor of
Morris Brown AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina
27. GETTING TO ZERO:
STOPPING EBOLA VIRUS IN WEST AFRICA- AN AMEC ALERT:
*Dr. Oveta Fuller
Since first recognized as Ebola virus in March 2014, the current
epidemic in three different countries of West Africa has resulted in 518 deaths
and 801 cases of Ebola infection as of July 8, 2014. This is an additional 25
deaths and 50 new cases reported since July 3.
It is the largest ever outbreak of Ebola virus that still is not
controlled at four months into the epidemic. It is “an unprecedented event”
according to Dr. Anthony Fauci, the Director of the National Institute for
Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID of the NIH).
Take Home Message: This
strain of Ebola virus can be up to 90% fatal (the current fatality rate is
64.6% in the West Africa epidemic). It can be stopped only by preventing
further transmission and by supportive care of those infected.
Ebola virus is transmitted NOT by air or aerosols. It is
transmitted by touching tissue and direct contact with bodily fluids or objects
from an infected person. Barrier nursing
techniques (see below) are critical to avoid virus transmission.
The ONLY controls for Ebola virus transmission are isolating
those infected, knowing what to do to avoid the virus and using known barrier
and isolation precautions with those who are sick or deceased.
Fear, panic and mistrust are major factors in transmission.
Ebola virus spread continues in the West Africa outbreak as family members care
for those who are sick or pay the customary respect to those who have died.
Health care providers, family members and morticians (or those who clean or
dress bodies), must understand and use needed precautions to avoid infection
with the frequently fatal virus.
AMEC Alert
This alert is to help AMEC clergy and leaders, officers and
members to get a clear understanding of critical actions required to stop Ebola
virus. Three major points are:
This is a serious and currently uncontained, unprecedented virus
infection.
There has never been an Ebola virus outbreak before in West
Africa. The 2014 epidemic has confirmed cases and deaths in 3 different
countries at once- in Guinea, Sierra Leon and Liberia. “Porous” borders between
these countries are crossed often by family members and for commerce. This
allows people who are infected to go to new areas before they know they are
sick, or to seek care from family members located in different areas when they
feel sick.
The Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa (801 cases and 518
deaths) is occurring in urban areas- in capital cities, instead of only in more
rural areas as in previous epidemics. Typically in rural areas, people who are
sick are more easily isolated and quarantine conditions are easier to set up by
health officials.
Fear of the virus, mistrust of health officials and
misconceptions of where the virus and sickness come from or how illness spreads
lead to exposure and new infection.
Standard barrier and isolation methods established by the World
Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) eventually contained previous epidemics. The strategy that includes
disease isolation centers and control of direct contact with those who are sick
so far is NOT working. This is in part due to the urban nature of the epidemic
and frequent movement of people across the borders of countries in West Africa.
Familiar social and cultural customs that usually are comforting
and are a high priority among family members and communities can increase Ebola
virus spread. Virus mainly is transmitted by family and community members and
healthcare personnel as they care for those who are sick or perform rituals for
those who die from Ebola virus infection.
Avoid being close to persons who are ill or deceased. For caregivers, health workers or morticians,
safe direct contact requires protective gloves, simple barrier masks and
avoidance of splashing liquids. (A link to a CDC manual developed for Africa is
http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/prevention/index.html)
Seek counsel on how to use guidelines under conditions of your
local area.
Clergy such as bishops, presiding elders, ministers, church
officers, ministerial alliances, mission workers and youth group leaders are
KEY resources in taking the message throughout communities of how to control
exposure to Ebola virus and what to look for as early signs of infection.
Here is a link on barrier protection and isolation:
A summary of barrier
nursing techniques includes:
- wear protective clothing (such as masks, gloves, gowns, and
goggles)
- use infection-control measures (such as complete equipment
sterilization and routine use of disinfectant)
- isolate Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever (HF) patients from contact
with unprotected persons.
The goal is to avoid contact with the blood or secretions of an
infected patient. If a patient with Ebola HF dies, it is critical to prevent
direct contact with the body or contact with clothing and bedding of the
deceased patient.
Clergy and community leaders should know guidelines developed by
CDC, in conjunction with the World Health Organization to help prevent and
control the spread of Ebola HF. The resource found at this link
http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/abroad/healthcare-workers.html
is entitled Infection Control for Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers in the African
Health Care Setting. The manual describes how to:
- recognize cases of viral hemorrhagic fever (such as Ebola HF)
- prevent further transmission in health care setting by using
locally available materials and minimal financial resources.
About Ebola virus and its
Hemorrhagic Fever (HF) illness
Ebola virus was discovered in 1976 in the Democratic Republic of
Congo (DRC), formerly Zaire. It has
caused 16 disease outbreaks, typically in rural communities of central Africa.
Of more than 3,000 reported cases there are over 1,600 deaths since its
discovery.
The natural environmental source (reservoir) of Ebola virus
likely is fruit bats. Bats spread the virus mainly to primates such as monkeys,
chimpanzees, gorillas, forest animals and humans.
Humans are not natural hosts for survival of the virus, but are
incidental or dead-end hosts. The virus can spread from bats to humans, from
primates to human or from human to human by direct contact with tissue or
fluids.
Symptoms of Hemorrhagic Fever (HF)
Ebola and several other similar viruses cause hemorrhagic fever
(HF).
Disease symptoms from Ebola virus infection typically appear in
7-10 days, but this can range from 2-20 days from initial contact with a source
of virus. Often direct contact with a dead or sick animal, or a sick or
deceased person, is a recognized source of infection.
Sudden onset of flu-like symptoms- fever, muscle ache, headache,
stomach pain and a sore throat- are similar to symptoms of many common
infections. Other early indications of Ebola virus infection can be rash,
hic-cups, chest pain, red eyes or difficulty in breathing.
Symptoms quickly progress to uncontrollable vomiting, diarrhea,
loss of kidney and liver function and internal and external bleeding. Body
fluids contain high levels of infectious virus. Direct contact with any of
these fluids or with objects that have these fluids (fomites) must be avoided
in order to prevent new infection.
The virus reproduces rapidly in a wide range of human tissues
and is highly contagious. Without
supportive care, death often occurs within 8-10 days due to loss of fluids,
major organ dysfunction and shock.
Diagnosis, Treatment and
Care
There is no cure, vaccine or specific treatment for Ebola virus
infection. The major care is to provide support for people who are sick through
additional oxygen and hydration and treating any complicating infections.
All Ebola illness should be immediately reported to the nearest
clinic or health official. The person who is ill should be isolated and
supportive care provided in a care center using barrier-nursing protections.
Diagnostic tests by health officials are available to confirm
Ebola virus presence. However, early and progressive symptoms and possible
contact with a source of exposure in epidemic areas are highly predictive of
infection. Limited treatments have been explored only in animals.
There are five known types of Ebola virus. The current West
Africa epidemic is caused by the most virulent (deadly) Zaire strain.
Virus Control and
Importance of Containment
Avoid contact with bodily fluids of those who are sick or
deceased and isolating patients are critical for control of Ebola virus epidemics.
Previously, Ebola epidemics were stopped by focused efforts of
officials and community members to isolate persons who are sick and isolate
whole communities that surround the persons, their family or other contacts.
Healthcare and morticians must use special protective gear to prevent possible
contact with virus.
In past epidemics, a factor in control of Ebola virus is more
easy isolation in rural areas of infected people who quickly feel too sick to
travel. When Ebola virus infection is recognized, isolation or quarantine
methods immediately are put in place. These methods contain virus in the
recognized, defined locations. Such methods eventually have controlled virus
spread in outbreaks since 1976.
The 2014 West Africa epidemic brings both known old challenges
and new challenges not faced previously.
Some of these challenges
include:
- fast-spread of a highly fatal virus strain
- infection of people who are highly mobile and of people in
urban centers
- lack of adequate healthcare infrastructure and trained
personnel
- a general lack of understanding and a high level of fear in
communities
- practice of the expected cultural customs of care, rituals and
grieving norms
- regional travel through, among and outside of West African countries
Dr. Peter Piot, a microbiologist who is co-discoverer of Ebola
as a disease, in a recent CNN interview expressed concern about Ebola virus in
West African countries.
He states, “This is a mega-crisis in which a state of emergency
likely will be needed to contain the disease.” In addition to concerted efforts
by health officials and assistance by media to get out information and
education, “getting control of this may mean bringing out the military to help
with quarantine of people in affected areas and with limiting travel of people
in the three countries and in additional 7-8 bordering countries.”
In a 2014 connected world with ongoing Ebola virus infection in
urban areas, mass transit that includes accessible air travel and the context
of cultural customs for care of sick family members or rituals for the
deceased, Dr. Piot stated “there is no time to lose.”
He is saying that we must take every available measure to stop
Ebola virus spread. This includes engaging use of networks of informed
religious leaders as an untapped resource.
What does this mean outside of West Africa?
This is not the scenario in the fictitious movies Outbreak or
Contagion. With strategic action now, we hope to not be headed to spread of
Ebola virus outside of West Africa. However, informed action is needed.
Religious leaders can help in general understanding of how to prevent Ebola virus spread and help
to build trust of health officials by community members.
This 2014 epidemic in West Africa is a situation where control
methods and means of containment used previously so far are NOT working to stop
Ebola virus spread.
Education, intent and focused diligence to strictly follow
guidelines as possible are required especially in the three countries where
people are affected. Surveillance of illness and deaths by health officials
also in neighboring or nearby countries is necessary.
Community mobilization ideally includes religious leaders and
networks of such leaders (e.g. the AMEC in the 14th Episcopal District and
nearby areas) who have access and influence in communities.
For those not in West Africa, be alert about travel to this
region. The current CDC Alert Level 2 does not restrict travel or trade in this
area. The alert level does include “taking precautions to avoid virus contact
and staying informed.”
What can be done? Prayer is always in order. Pray for those who
are sick, those who have lost loved ones and those who work in the trenches in
communities to help limit and end this unprecedented epidemic.
Sources accessed and useful resources:
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-28216763
- (recent WHO update)
www.who.int/csr/don/2014_07_03_ebola/en/
- (recent WHO update)
www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs103/en/
- (practical information)
www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/index.html
- (about Ebola)
About the author:
The Rev. Dr. A. Oveta Fuller is a tenured professor in
Microbiology and Immunology and Associate Director of the African Studies
Center at the University of Michigan. An Itinerant Elder in the African
Methodist Episcopal Church, she is a former pastor and 2012-13 J. William
Fulbright Scholar to Zambia. She works with community partners for HIV/AIDS
elimination and teaches a course, “What Effective Clergy Should Know about
HIV/AIDS.” Contact Info: Email:
fullerao@umich.edu, Phone: 734 647-3830
28. ARTICLE RELATED TO
THE EBOLA OUTBREAK:
--Ebola
outbreak closes United Methodist health center:
*By Phileas Jusu
July 10, 2014
MANJAMA, Sierra Leone (UMNS)
The United Methodist Health Center in Manjama, near Bo City, was
quarantined July 4 following the deaths of two Ebola-infected children who were
found at the center.
"The health center will remain closed until the period of
quarantining is over and until the District Health Management Team gives
clearance before we can resume our normal operations," said Beatrice
Gbanga, United Methodist health coordinator for the Sierra Leone Annual
Conference.
The two children reportedly were brought to the center from the
Kailahun District by their grandmother after their parents died of Ebola. The
Kailahun District has recorded the highest deaths since the disease entered
Sierra Leone in late May.
One of the children, only known as Fatmata, died on the evening
of June 30. The children were discovered by Sierra Leone Ministry of Health and
Sanitation officials following a tip based on the severity of their conditions.
Blood samples taken from nine members of staff and relatives
have been confirmed negative, Gbanga said.
The samples were immediately taken to the Kenema Government
Hospital, which has a viral laboratory equipped to quickly test for the deadly
hemorrhagic fever, Gbessay Saffa, a Bo Ministry of Health Ebola surveillance
official, told United Methodist News Service.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health, through the Bo district team,
has provided chlorine for the health center and fumigated the entire area
including the quarters where the infected children stayed.
"We are also closely monitoring those who were directly
involved in daily interactions with the children until the end of the 21 days
incubation period," Gbanga added.
Help is arriving
Two more World Health Organization-hired experts in Infectious
Disease Control have arrived in Sierra Leone to build the capacity of local
health workers in case management, laboratory and surveillance, according to
information from the Ministry of Health and Sanitation.
The experts also will focus on helping the health ministry
establish centers in other districts that have not yet reported cases of Ebola
and strengthen the observation units established throughout the country, local
media outlets reported.
Ebola surveillance officers are looking in the community for
anyone who had contact with the infected children, including anyone who has
shared a handshake, exposure to fluids from an infected person, direct bodily
contact such as sleep with the infected person or other bodily contact with an
infected person either dead or alive.
"Considering all I have outlined, about 22 people had
contact with the children while they stayed at the Manjama Health Center,"
Saffa said.
Educating communities
The main modes of transmission are people caring for sick
relatives at home and people attending funerals of victims, according to the
World Health Organization.
The BBC reports that the World Health Organization said 50 new
cases of Ebola have been reported in West Africa since July 3. The total number
of deaths since the epidemic began in February is 518, with 844 confirmed
cases.
Guinea reported two deaths since July 3 but no new cases. Sierra
Leone accounted for 34 of the new cases and 14 deaths, while Liberia reported 16
new cases and nine deaths.
Key to containing the epidemic is educating communities about
how the disease is spread, WHO officials said.
The incubation period for Ebola is between two to twenty-one
days. Ebola and malaria share similar early symptoms of high fever and
vomiting. The sick children who later died from Ebola at the center were first
treated for malaria.
Saffa said there was panic in the village June 30 when Ministry
of Health surveillance officials appeared in the village and some villagers
went into hiding because they heard that Ministry of Health officials were
going to “arrest” all those who had contact with the children.
Saffa said that their team had to allay the fears of the
villagers and tell them they did not have the resources to test everyone. He
said they were going to wait and observe the identified persons for the
incubation period of 21 days and only those who would show the symptoms would
be tested.
"The only way the United Methodist Church can help us is to
liaise with us to continue to monitor the cases. The problem we have with the
disease is that people often hide their relatives when they become infected.
That is how these children were stolen from Kailahun when their parents died of
Ebola," Saffa said.
UMC response
The United Methodist Church launched an Ebola Emergency Response
Plan on June 27 in the face of the outbreak. The area of concentration is the
Kailahun District. The church effort involves treatment, prevention and public
education.
"We are very concerned about this unfortunate situation in
our health facility and the Manjama Community and will do our level best to
minimize further infection of people," Gbanga said.
"I am afraid that we are very likely to have more cases
here in the Bo area following this development,” Saffa said, "because once
one is in regular contact with an Ebola patient for over one week, there is a
high tendency that one would catch the disease."
If any of the contacts shows symptoms and test positive in the
coming 21 days, it will be the first confirmed case of the presence of Ebola in
southern Sierra Leone; implying that the disease has moved from the eastern
boarder district of Kailahun to the south which is less than 300 kilometres
away from the capital Freetown.
Gbanga said the health facility at Manjama would remain closed
because there is no assurance now that the lone nurse who normally attends to
patients is not infected herself. "We are, in addition, thinking of
testing all the staff of Manjama Health Center in the coming days," she
said.
Most of the patients who go to the Manjama health center are
pregnant women, children and lactating mothers and are among the rural poor
from the surrounding villages.
The Ebola epidemic has already forced the relocation of a United
Methodist pastor from a new mission area in eastern Sierra Leone.
*Jusu is a communicator for The United Methodist Church in
Sierra Leone.
**Used with permission of the Untied Methodist News Service
29. iCHURCH SCHOOL LESSON
BRIEF FOR SUNDAY, JULY 13, 2014 -
Lust, Lies & Love I
Corinthians 6:11-20:
Bill Dickens, Allen AME Church, Tacoma, Washington
In the early 70s the popular R&B group the Isley Brothers
recorded a song with the title – “It’s Your Thing, Do What You Want to
Do." The song was somewhat a musical
manifesto for the subsequent movement in the US called “Free Love.”
Free love is a social movement that rejects marriage, which is
seen as a form of social and financial bondage. The “Free Love” movement's
initial goal was to separate the state from sexual matters such as marriage,
birth control, and adultery. It claimed that such issues were the concern of
the people involved, and no one else.
According to this concept, the free unions of adults are legitimate
relations which should be respected by all third parties whether they are
emotional or sexual relations. In addition, some free-love writing has argued
that both men and women have the right to sexual pleasure without social or
legal restraints. In the Victorian era, this was a radical notion. Later, a new
theme developed, linking free love with radical social change, and depicting it
as a harbinger of a new anti-authoritarian, anti-repressive sensibility.
The Adult AME Church School Lesson for July 6, 2014 provides a
critical counter-response to the “Free Love” philosophy.
Paul’s prescriptive outline about love, lust and marriage may
appear counter-intuitive to the unbeliever but for the believer it represents a
clear moral framework for sexual ethics.
The church at Corinth was influenced by the sexual philosophy
articulated by Greco-Roman thinkers.
With lax regulations on sexual activity, many Greek citizens saw nothing
wrong with promiscuity, prostitution, homosexuality or serial divorce patterns. Paul responded to the Corinthian philosophy
of sex by reminding believers that sexual impurity represents a violation of
our oneness with the body of Christ.
Since Christ is holy our earthly temples should also be holy.
Therefore Paul encourages Christians to eschew illicit sexual
acts which have the effect of not only morally corrupting one’s own body but
more importantly contaminating the Body of Christ. It is therefore inappropriate for a Christian
to engage in sexual relations with anyone outside of his/her marital
contract. Such relations violate our
covenant relationship with Christ. The
lies of the free love movement are captured in the practice that no one should
be held accountable for actions by private, consenting adults. Godly service however recognizes the
importance of personal responsibility.
Instead of singing the tune of the Isley Brothers we should be singing
the tune of "Nearer My God to Thee."
*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.
30. MEDITATION BASED ON
MATTHEW 6:25-34:
*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby
I have done my share of travel by air these past few weeks,
including flights to and from Charlotte, North Carolina and Nashville,
Tennessee. Like most air travelers, I
was prepared to endure the aggravating but necessary ritual of airport
security, which usually involves removing your shoes and jacket, emptying your
pockets and having a vaguely embarrassing full body scan.
A funny thing happened, though, when I entered the security
checkpoint for my trips to and from Nashville.
The TSA agent examined my ID and Boarding Pass, told me that I was
“pre-checked” and sent me to a shorter line, where I had to take off no clothing
and only went through a regular metal detector.
I was surprised and intrigued, because I hadn’t applied to the
Transportation Security Administration for “trusted traveler” status. I later called Southwest Airlines to ask what
happened and was told that as a fairly frequent flyer and one of their “Rapid
Rewards” members, the TSA reviewed my booking information and pre-cleared me
without my having to do anything on my own - I got an unexpected blessing.
My boarding security experience last week reminded me of what
the Lord does for us every day. All of us want the best in life, set goals,
make plans and do our best to make them come true. Sometimes they do and sometimes they don’t,
but we can’t let our moments of failure restrict our hopes, stifle our dreams
or crush our spirits.
We’d do well to remember that the God who made us also knows us
better than we know ourselves and knows what we need and when we need it. God has a way of stepping into our lives and
bringing us unexpected blessings that we never imagined, never planned or
worked for, and - by our knowledge and logic - often really don’t deserve.
Take the time to plan for life’s eventualities and for security
and well-being for you and for those that matter the most to you, but keep your
heart, soul, mind and life open for God to step in and bless you in
unimaginable and unanticipated ways.
You’ll find new reasons for thankfulness each day and be able to join in
the words of the hymn that says, “All I have needed Thy hand hath provided,
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.”
This Meditation is also available on the Beaufort District’s
Website: www.beaufortdistrict.org
and on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/BeaufortDistrictAMEC
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
31. EPISCOPAL FAMILY
CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS:
-- Bishop Frederick and
Dr. Sylvia Talbot celebrate 56 years of marriage
Retired Bishop Frederick H Talbot, the 90th elected
and consecrated bishop of the AME Church and retired Episcopal Supervisor, Dr.
Sylvia R. Talbot will observe the 56th anniversary of their marriage
on July 11th, 2014 – since July 11, 1958.
For God’s mercies still endure, ever faithful, ever sure!
-- Former Episcopal
Supervisor, the Rev. Rosalynn Kyle Brookins Meeting the Needs of the Community
Under the dynamic leadership of former Episcopal Supervisor, the
Reverend Rosalynn Kyle Brookins and the “2 Hearts Beat As One" Marriage
Ministry, Walker Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church in Los Angeles,
California, hosted its first annual Community Health Fair. There were 32
community stakeholders and two elected Officials, Councilman Curren Price and
Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer, in attendance.
An array of services were provided such as: Pepperdine
University under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis, provided mental
health screening; Good News Korean Church provided immunization; Black Women
for Wellness, healthy eating demonstration Brand New Day - Cover California; St.
Vincent Hospital - Vision, Bio-Data-glucose testing; Ruby House - shelter for
women and children, Break-the-Cycle, (domestic violence), Free-N-One drug and
alcohol program; F. A. M. E. Los Angeles Foster Care Services, SCLC, El Santa Niño-Tae
kwon do demonstration for (Special Needs) WIC, HEAD START, not to mention that
there were more than 300 bags of groceries given to the community – “Taking
back the community one step at a time using the holistic approach.”
Congratulatory messages can be emailed to:
The Rev. Rosalynn K. Brookins: revrosalynnbrookins@gmail.com
Or mailed to:
Walker Temple AME Church
2525 Trinity St
Los Angeles, CA 90011
Telephone: (213) 747-7454
32. EPISCOPAL FAMILY BEREAVEMENT
NOTICE:
Home Going Service Arrangements for Bishop Vinton R. Anderson:
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Viewing: 9:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Celebration of Life Service: 11:00 a.m.
St. Paul AME Church
1260 Hamilton
St. Louis MO 63112
The Rev. Spencer Lamar Booker, Pastor
Presiding Elder Edmund Lowe
Bishop Theodore Larry Kirkland, Sr- Presiding Prelate, 5th
Episcopal District
Services are entrusted to:
Austin-Layne Mortuary
7239 W Florissant Ave
St Louis, MO 63136
314-381-6900
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Vivienne L. Anderson
22 West Sherwood Dr.
St. Louis, MO 63114
(314) 427-2711
Sons - Vinton, Jr, Jeffrey, Carlton, Kenneth
Close Cousin - Retired Presiding Elder Malcolm Eve of Bermuda
Submitted by: Mrs. Jackie DuPont Walker, Director, Commission on
Social Action
The Rev. Spencer Lamar Booker, Pastor, St. Paul AME Church, St.
Louis, MO
Other logistical Information will be Forthcoming.
33. EPISCOPAL FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with Christian Sympathy that we share the passing of Mrs.
Shirley Ann Cummings Carson, the niece of Bishop Frank C. Cummings. She was a
faithful member of St. Matthew A.M.E. Church in Birmingham, Alabama.
Mrs. Carson was the mother of Ms. Shirley Marisa Carson and the
niece of Bishop Frank C. Cummings.
Funeral Services will be held:
Wednesday, July 9, 2014; 11 a.m.
Saint Paul A.M.E. Church
300 4th Court North
Birmingham, Alabama 35204
Telephone: 205.251.9438
The Rev. Ronald D. Sterling, Pastor
The Rev. James Eddie, Officiant - Saint Matthew AME Church,
Birmingham
The Rev. Chris Walker, Eulogist - Saint Paul AME Church,
Eastlake
Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be sent:
Ms. Shirley Marisa Carson
217 15th Avenue West
Birmingham, Alabama 35204-2016
Or
Bishop Frank C. Cummings
4118 Paran Pines Drive N.W.
Atlanta, Georgia 30327-3902
Services Entrusted To:
Smith and Gaston Funeral Home
102 6th Avenue Southwest
Birmingham, Alabama 35211
Telephone: 205.322.3581
Fax: 205.322.4868
Interment:
Zion Memorial Gardens
501 Tarrant Huffman Road
Birmingham, Alabama 35217
Telephone: 205.833.0128
34. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Ms. Rowena Robin
Brown, of Ewing, New Jersey, who slept peacefully away on Friday, June 27,
2014. She was the sister of Mrs. Prudence Hope Wade and brother in law of the
Reverend Dr. Robert C. Wade, Presiding Elder and Consultant of the
Camden/Trenton District in the New Jersey Conference. The following information
has been provided.
Services will held Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Viewing - 9:00 a.m.
Service - 11:00 a.m.
Shiloh Baptist Church
340 Reverend S. Howard Woodson, Jr. Way (Calhoun Street)
Trenton, New Jersey 08618
Telephone: 609-695-2448
Fax: 609-695-7756
The Rev. Darrell L. Armstrong, Pastor/Officiant
The Rev. Darnell K. Wise, Eulogist
Interment:
Greenwood Cemetery Mausoleum
1800 Hamilton Avenue
Hamilton, New Jersey 08619
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to
Presiding Elder and Mrs. Robert C. Wade & the Brown Family
3 Boyd Court
Florence, New Jersey 08518
Telephone: 609. 499-0473
Fax: 609. 499-0573
Email:
35. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Ms. Michelle Wallace, the niece of the Rev. Troy Thomas and the
Rev. Dr. Maxine Thomas, Pastors, St. Paul AMEC, Lexington, KY, transitioned
from earth's sorrows to heaven's joys on Sunday, June 29, 2014.
Michelle Wallace, the daughter of the Rev. Mary Johnson, a Local
Elder, Empowerment Temple, Baltimore, Maryland was a talented, beautiful young woman.
She had a tremendous faith in God and was an inspiration to all. She was
diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago at the age of 24. She kept her faith
in God and she encouraged and inspired us with her courage and determination.
She graduated from college in May as she accomplished her goal in spite of her
health challenges.
Visitation:
Monday, July 7th at 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Empowerment Temple AME Church
4217 Primrose Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21215
Funeral Services:
Immediately following the visitation.
The Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant, pastor of Empowerment Temple will be
the Eulogist.
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Dr. Maxine Thomas: ExhaleMLT@aol.com
36. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mr. Charles Roberts,
Sr. of Sylvania, GA. Mr. Roberts entered
into eternal rest Monday, June 23, 2014 at Candler Hospital.
Mr. Roberts is the brother of Mrs. Mirriam Cooper, Area
Consultant of the Wateree District, Central Conference, brother of the Rev.
Jonathan C. Roberts, pastor of Bethel AME Church, Marion District, Northeast
Conference, and brother-in-law of the Rev. Dr. James S. Cooper, Presiding Elder
of the Wateree District, Seventh Episcopal District.
Please note the following:
Visitation;
Friday, June 27, 2014 - 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sylvania Funeral Home of Savannah, Inc.
102 Owens Industrial Dr.
Savannah, GA 31405
Homegoing Celebration
Saturday, June 28, 2014 at 12:00 noon
Greater Bethel AME Church
214 Railroad St.
Sylvania, GA 30467
Telephone: (912) 564-5996
The Rev. Benny Wilkie, Eulogist
The Rev. Dr. James S. Cooper, Presiding
Funeral Director
Sylvania Funeral Home of Savannah, Inc.
102 Owens Industrial Dr.
Savannah, GA 31405
Telephone: (912) 236-6300
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to
Mrs. Mirriam R. Cooper
P.O. Box 10309
Columbia, SC 29207
The Rev. Jonathan C. Roberts
1261 Lake Circle
Orangeburg, SC 29115
37. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
This communication comes to share the news of the passing of Mr.
Cory Dylan Charles, the son of the Reverend and Mrs. Horace Charles, pastor of
Greater Lee Chapel AME Church, El Dorado, Arkansas..
Arrangements for Mr. Cory Charles:
Friday, June 27, 2014
Visitation: 9:00 a.m.-10:55 a.m.
Celebration of Life, 11:00 a.m.
The Church at Bethel's Family
14442 Fonmeadow Drive
Houston, TX 77035
Telephone: (713) 729-0125
Arrangements have been entrusted to:
Troy E. Smith Professional Services
9013 Scott Street
Houston, TX
Telephone: (713) 734-8769
Condolences may be sent to:
The Reverend and Mrs. Horace R. Charles
2284 Smackover Highway
El Dorado, AR 71730
(501) 247-9212
38. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with heartfelt sadness that the passing on of the
Brother-in-law of the Rev Mark Pietersen of Sims Chapel Idas Valley
Stellenbosch in the Cape Peninsula East District, Jason Pietersen is shared.
The Homegoing celebrations will be on Saturday 28th as follows:
9 a.m. at the family home, 57 Rustenberg Road Idas Valley
11 a.m. at the Trinity Methodist Church - 47 Bloekom Avenue Idas
Valley.
Messages of Condolence:
Gurshon Pietersen: gurshonpietersen@ovi.com
The Rev. Mark Pietersen: Marche.pietersen@gmail.com
39. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT:
It is with sincere love and sympathy for the Reese and Roberts'
family, members of New Zion Hill African Methodist Episcopal Church in Thomson,
GA, that we report the death and burial of Sister Emma Mae Reese, a lifetime
member of New Zion Hill AME Church,
Sister Reese was the mother of Brother Jimmy Roberts, Local
Preacher (Licentiate) of New Zion Hill AME Church, who labors diligently
alongside the Pastor, with the Youth Ministry.
Sister Reese' spirit returned to God on Thursday, June 26, 2014
and her body was returned to the dust on Tuesday, July 1, 2014. She was
remembered in a beautiful Celebration of Life Service, as family and friends
gathered to celebrate her life, remember her legacy, and be reminded of our own
frail existence. Retired Presiding Elder, Ella Samuels, Pastor of New Zion
Hill, was the eulogist.
Her husband, five children, several grandchildren, great
grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends survive Sister Reese.
Condolences may be sent to:
Brother Jimmy Roberts and Family
C/o New Zion Hill AME Church
Post Office Box 1397
Thomson, Georgia 30824
New Zion Hill is located in the Sixth Episcopal District where
The Rt. Rev. Preston Warren Williams, II is the Presiding Prelate and on the
Augusta-Wrens District where The Rev. Bertram Smith is the Presiding Elder.
D. T. Brown Funeral Home of Thomson, Georgia was in charge of
funeral arrangements.
*The Reverend Ella Mae Samuels, Pastor of New Zion Hill AME
Church, Presiding Elder, Retired, Augusta-Athens District
40. CONNECTIONAL LAY
OFFICER FAMILY NOTICE:
Mrs. Pearline Clark, the sister of Doris Bell - Assistant
Recording Secretary for the Connectional Lay Organization was funeralized
Sunday, June 29th at 3 p.m. from the Wright Funeral Home in Oxford, North
Carolina.
Please continue to keep Doris and her family in your Prayers.
Cards and Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Doris Bell
1129 Banbury Lane
Brentwood, TN 37027
41. CONNECTIONAL LAY OFFICER
FAMILY NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the Passing of Mr. Miga Michael
Mosetlhe, father of Brother Kgosi Monaisa, Immediate Past President - 19th
Episcopal District, which occurred on Thursday July 10th, 2014 after a long
illness.
He will be laid to rest on Saturday, July 19th 2014 in his home
town of Itsoseng, in the North West Province of South Africa. We ask that you keep Brother Monaisa and his
family in your prayers.
Expressions of Sympathy may be addressed to:
Brother Kgosi Monaisa
Email: kgosi.monaisa@sasol.com
42. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
Web page: http://www.amecfic.org/
Telephone: (615) 837-9736 (H)
Telephone: (615) 833-6936 (O)
Cell: (615) 403-7751
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220
43. 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.
Did someone you know pass
this copy of The Christian Recorder to you? Get your own copy HERE: http://www.the-christian-recorder.org/
Click Here: Guidelines
for Submitting Articles to TCR
*You have received this
message because you are subscribed to
The Christian Recorder
Online
Forward to Friend
Copyright © 2014 The
Christian Recorder, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this
email because you are a current subscriber to The Christian Recorder
Our mailing address is:
The Christian Recorder
500 Eighth Avenue, South
Nashville, TN 37203-7508
Add us to your address
book
Unsubscribe from this
list Subscribe / Update subscription
preferences
