11/21/2014

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (11/21/ 2014)


The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder

-- Advent begins Sunday, November 30, 2014, and ends Wednesday, December 24, 2014
-- Christmastide, Christmas Eve - January 5, 2015
-- Epiphany, January 6 - Sundays after Lent through February 15, 2015
-- Lenten Season: Ash Wednesday, February 18 - Saturday, April 4, 2015.
-- Easter Sunday: April 5, 2015

1. TCR EDITORIAL – MORE FOR WHICH TO BE THANKFUL:

Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder

I am thankful for so many things, especially at this time of the year. The U.S. observance of Thanksgiving, followed by the liturgical seasons of Advent and Christmas, just makes my heart glad.

Sometimes I meet people who exclaim, “I won’t complain,” to which I lightly respond, “Everybody can find something to complain about!”  And, it seems that so many people complain about so many things. I usually tune out complainers and am not bothered by them and usually don’t give them a second thought. 

There is an exception to tuning out complainers.  The exception is when I hear AMEs complain about the AME Church and even when I hear parishioners of other denominations complain about their churches. I know that we are all “people with feelings and opinions” and I know that people have strong feelings about their “houses of worship.” Wars have been fought, religious groups have been decimated, denominations established, ministries have gone off-track, and lives have been destroyed because of parishioners’ dissatisfaction.

I won’t complain and there are a couple of thing for which I am thankful.

I am particularly thankful in a special way for the African Methodist Episcopal Church this week.  This past week (November 17, 18), I attended CONVO XVI in Nashville, Tennessee. “CONVO XVI” is “CONVO 16” for those who are not familiar with Roman numerals, which I suspect schools are not teaching; apparently not even the rudiments of the Roman numeral system. Several months ago, I heard someone refer to CONVO XVI as “CONVO X-V-I.”  I thought they were kidding, when it occurred to me that they were not thinking Roman Numerals.

Let me get back on-track

CONVO XVI met on Monday and closed out on Tuesday at noon.  The General Conference Commission met on Tuesday afternoon and closed out on Wednesday before noon. I am thankful because we held two meetings at one location; one meeting after the other. Both meetings were inspiring and informative.

Bishop James L. Davis is the Chair of the CONVO Committee. He was assisted by Bishop Clement W. Fugh and Bishop Vashti M. McKenzie.  Bishop Jeffrey L. Leath was the host for the CONVO XVI and the General Conference Commission Meeting.

The breakout groups dealt with the topics: “AME Church Big Vision”; “Mission and Ministry”; “Church Growth and Evangelism”; and “Governance."  All of the groups were high energy and highly motivated to deal with the issues and challenges.  (See follow-on article written by Mr. John Thomas entitled “Report from CONVO XVI.”) 

The bishops, general officers, connectional officers, clergy and laity, not only attended the breakout groups, but were actively engaged in the discussions.

The General Conference Commission Meeting was informative and work of the Commission has already begun, not only for the 50th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference, but also for the 51st and the 52nd Quadrennial Sessions of the General Conference. (In this issue, see TCR article # 3 written by Ms. Anita Rankin entitled, “The African Methodist Episcopal Church is Planning Ahead.

I am thankful because the AME Church prepares ahead and “takes care of business!” 

My real thanks this past week

My real thanks this past week was the keynote speaker, the Rev. Dr. Monica Coleman. She was absolutely on-target and informative.  I wish every AME could have heard her presentation. And, I especially wish every pastor could have heard her presentation.

The response to the Keynote address was given by Ms. Tasion Kwamilete a member of First AME Church in Oakland, California. Ms. Kwamilete’s response was excellent and I wish every member of the Greatest Generation (born between 1930 – 1945) and older Baby Boomers could have heard her excellent response to the keynote speaker.

Both presenters were superb and set the tone and inspired the conversation in each of CONVO XVI breakout groups. (See follow-on article written by Mr. John Thomas entitled “Report from CONVO XVI”) 

Dr. Coleman spoke about the definition of African Methodism, not by worship and liturgy, but by practices and attitudes. She pointed out that churches fall into several categories: mega-church, emergent church and small churches.

Here is what I heard: Mega churches are those churches with membership exceeding 2000 parishioners. People who view themselves as part of the emerging church are not defined by their theological beliefs or denominational boundaries. 

Churches with memberships of around 200 or less are defined as small churches.  She believes that most AME churches fall into the category of small churches and some mega churches.  She then outlined the needs and characteristics of mega church ministry and small church ministry and made a plea for the need for the restructure of theological education. Mega-churches require strong administrative skills and the ability of working with diverse staffs. She also pointed out that mega-churches sometimes function similarly whether they are of Baptist, Pentecostal or even AME origin. Their worship is more similar and the worship may not be as denominationally-focused as small churches. Parishioners who gravitate to mega-churches do so for a reason and a mega-church meets their spiritual needs. 

People who attend small churches also attend for reasons that meet their spiritual needs.  Generally, people who gravitate to small churches do so for the intimacy, fellowship and the relationships. 

Pastoral ministry must be attuned to local church ministry.

My take-away on Dr. Coleman’s presentation is that a pastor needs to know the needs of the congregation and be sensitive to those needs. It might be that a pastor who tries to pastor a small church as he or she would pastor a mega-church could meet with congregational resistance. So this is where theological seminaries need to restructure their courses of study; not only in terms of mega-church versus small church ministry, but ethnic–focused ministry needs as well. 

Pastoring a black church versus pastoring a white church is a different ball-game; “one size does not fit all.”  This also brings to my mind that the AME Church needs to take more oversight and control of where our applicants for ministry receive their training.

After hearing Dr. Coleman’s presentation, I would recommend every pastor of a small congregation research everything he or she can find about the characteristics and needs of small congregations and to refocus and re-course the focus of ministry as needed. I have observed some small church pastors mimic mega-church and televangelists worship styles.

Well, I will have more to write about this. I have been motivated to read-up on the issues of ministry to different-sized congregations.

I am thankful for the keynote address and the response to the keynote address.  Dr. Monica Coleman and Ms. Tasion Kwamilete were excellent presenters.  

And as always as it relates to AME Meetings

I was thankful for having attended CONVO XVI and the General Conference Commission meeting because I saw friends and acquaintances, many of whom attend most of the connectional meetings, but I am also thankful because I had an opportunity to meet people I had not met.

Members of the AME Church know how to fellowship and CONVO XVI and the General Conference Commission meeting were no different.

Everyone was engaged and for that I am thankful.

I want to wish everyone a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!

TCR Editor’s Note: We will not be publishing a regular issue of TCR Online next week.  We will be posting TCR News Breaks as appropriate.

2. REPORT FROM CONVO XVI:

John Thomas III

From November 17-18, 2014 over 200 AME clergy and lay leaders assembled in Nashville, Tennessee for CONVO XVI.  Under the leadership of Bishop James L. Davis (Chair of the CONVO Committee) and Bishop Clement W. Fugh (Chair, Legislative Committee of the Council of Bishops), the attendees began a process whose goal is to form strategies and legislation (where needed) to address pressing concerns affecting the AME Church at all levels of the Connection. The theme for the 2014 CONVO was “Let’s Do It Together and Let’s Do It Now” based on Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NLT).

The meeting opened with devotions led by the AMEC General Officers residing in the 13th Episcopal District - The Rev. Dr. Kenneth Hill, Retired General Officer; Dr. Paulette Coleman, Retired General Officer, and Dr. Richard A. Lewis, Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer.  The Rev. Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III (the 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder) provided the morning meditation taken from Psalm 46:10, Philippians 4:4, Matthew 6:34 with the focus text Psalm 118;24, Subject: “Calm Down, Shut up, and Quit Trippin’!”
 
Words of greeting were given from Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath (President of the Council of Bishops and Host Bishop), Bishop John R. Bryant (Senior Bishop), Bishop Vashti M. McKenzie (Chair, Strategic Planning) and Bishop Clement. W. Fugh.   Bishop Davis provided words about the theme and the desire that the denomination come together across viewpoints and stakeholder groups to retool African Methodism for the future.

Dr. Monica A. Coleman presented the CONVO Keynote Address.  As an ordained itinerant Elder in the 5th Episcopal District and an Associate Professor at Claremont-McKenna Graduate School of Theology, she embodied the bridging of process and practice that the CONVOs are to epitomize.  Dr. Coleman superbly presented on the subject, “Postmodern African Methodism: Proposals for Viability and Vivacity.”   Three key concepts were interrogated and challenged: 1) How we do church 2) How we do ministry 3) How we believe.  Various topics were covered including appropriate church size, reaching the unchurched, and interrogating our theology. 

Dr. Coleman encouraged us to define African Methodism not as worship/liturgy, but through practices and attitudes: Spiritual Discipline, Small Groups, Justice, Education, Needs Meeting, and Global Consciousness.  

Ms. Tasion Kwamilele of the 5th Episcopal District provided a poignant response entitled “Where do We Go from Here” based on Luke 9:23.  Melding several points from the keynote address, she encouraged attendees to curate, innovate and demand change.  Ms. Kwamilele closed with an inspirational spoken word piece reminding the AME Church that our primary mission is to spread the gospel and not to maintain our structure.

The afternoon session featured break-out groups along four lines: 1) AME Church Big Vision 2) Mission and Ministry 3) Church Growth and Evangelism 4) Governance.  Attendees self-selected their group and discussions were lead by pre-assigned conveners.  The evening session was devoted to a report from the Council of Bishops’ Summit in Atlanta, GA concerning AME institutions of higher education.   A recommendation was presented on the establishment of an AME system of higher education.  This concept is in its early stage and several insightful and probing questions were raised.  At the close of the session, the attendance shifted to Wilberforce.  A letter from Retired General Officer Dr. Jamye Coleman Williams exhorting the denomination to do its best to save the school set the tone for the discussion.  Chancellor of Wilberforce University Bishop McKinley Young outlined the situation and need prompting numerous spontaneous gifts of support.

The Tuesday morning session began with the morning mediation led by the 9th Episcopal District.  The Rev. Mashod Evans delivered the morning meditation taken from Genesis 22:32 with the subject, “Between a Rock and Hard Place.”

Tuesday morning the various working groups reported and laid out their recommendations.  These reports will be made available online after processing by the CONVO Recording Committee.  At the seat of the CONVO, approximately $38,000 dollars were raised to meet funding requirements by the December 15th deadline imposed by the school’s accrediting agency to show cause as to why the school’s accreditation should continue. Bishop Young stated that approximately $350,000 in total has been raised and all efforts are needed to save Wilberforce University.  The meeting closed with Bishop Fugh setting up the next CONVO as an arena for concrete legislation to be addressed.  Notably, both Senior Bishop John Bryant and CONVO Chair James Davis apologized to the laity assembled for their apparent lack of inclusion in the planning process and indicated that they would be more deeply embedded in the future CONVO deliberations. 

In addition to CONVO, meetings of the General Conference Commission, the General Board Executive Committee and the Commission on Statistics and Finance were held.

The Bishops and Episcopal Supervisors led the meditation service on Wednesday morning. They prayed for the church and for those who went forward for special prayer. It was an awesome experience to see the episcopal leaders leading the group in prayer.

*John Thomas is a Ph.D student at the University of Chicago.

3. THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH IS PLANNING AHEAD:

Ms. Anita Rankin

-- The 51st and 52nd Quadrennial Sessions of the General Conference are being planned

The 51st Quadrennial Session of the 2020 General Conference will be held in Orlando, Florida on July 8 – 15, 2020:

Planning Update for 2020 GC:

The 2020 General Conference will be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Ample space will be available to host the General Conference.  The General Conference Package includes 5 core hotels which will house most of the conference delegates and visitors. Most of the contracted hotels are connected to the Convention Center by Sky Walk. To date of the five hotels in the package, 2 contracts have been signed.

The 52nd Quadrennial Session of the General Conference is also being planned. To date one proposal from Kansas City, Missouri has been received. Other cities preparing proposals include: Indianapolis, Indiana; Louisville, Kentucky; Charlotte, North Carolina; Cincinnati, Ohio: New Orleans, Louisiana; Nashville, Tennessee (Opryland); and possible Atlanta.

4. NEWS AROUND THE AME CHURCH:

-- Written by Cora Jackson-Fossett (Religion Editor), LA Sentinel

With health costs rising, it is critical for so many of our church family ... Jr., of Christ Our Redeemer A.M.E. Church in Irvine, who invited Peter V. Lee...


-- Thanksgiving Comes Early for Tallahassee Residents in Need


-- Police Draw Ire with Arrests before Missouri Jury Decision


5. THE REV. MARTHA A. LANG HONORED AT MOUNT TABOR AME CHURCH’S 83RD ANNIVERSARY:

By Sister Jeanne Chavious
First Episcopal District Church School Superintendent and member of Mt. Tabor

Mt Tabor AME Church, 971 N 9th Street, Philadelphia, celebrated their 83rd Anniversary on Saturday, November 8.  The anniversary celebrations included a banquet honoring the ministry of the church’s former pastor, the Rev. Martha A. Lang and her late husband, E. Larry Lang.  Rev. Lang served as the pastor of Mt. Tabor for over 30 years, up until her death earlier this year. .

Presiding Elder Jocelyn K. Hart preached the Anniversary Banquet message, "Built on a Firm Foundation." Presiding Elder Hart reminded the church that no matter who is the pastor -- God gives the increase.  The banquet was held at the First Episcopal District Banquet Room at 3801 Market Street in Philadelphia.  The program also featured the Mt. Tabor Mime (Youth) Ministry, and a dramatic rendition of Paul Robeson by Master Shahaad Mapp and a solo by Jhayda Washington.

Mt. Tabor AME Church was founded in 1931 by the Rev. A. Stanley Jarrett.  Twelve pastors followed him in the ministry at Mt. Tabor which was located in a garage converted into a church at 22nd and Master Street in Philadelphia.  With the appointment of the Rev. Martha Lang 31 years ago, the life of the church changed.  She led the church in the purchase of the Historic Ukrainian Baptist Church located at 961 N 7th Street in Philadelphia.  The church grew from 14 to over 600.  The final mortgage was settled in 2013.  

The Rev. Lang died on January 30, 2014 after saying she completed her assignment.  She was followed in the pastorate by the appointment by Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram of the Rev. Albert Johnson.  The Rev Johnson has already won the love of the people by his shepherd’s heart and spirit filled preaching.

The Rev Albert Johnson preached Mt. Tabor's Sunday Morning Anniversary message.  His sermon title was "The Relevancy of The Church,’ based on Luke 4:14-21.  This powerful message asked the questions, "What are we about?  Are we doing the things God would have us do? And Where is the Church?"  He reminded everyone that God expects us to do something, to tell people the Good News and to talk about Jesus.  The Holy Spirit led the Rev. Johnson to this scripture, which was a favorite scripture of the Rev. Lang.

The anniversary celebration culminated on Sunday, November 9 after the morning worship service, with the unveiling of the Rev Lang's portrait and the renaming of the Mt. Tabor Cyber Village in honor of the Rev. Martha A. Lang.  It shall be called the "Martha A. Lang Cyber Village Senior Housing."

During this special dedication service, the Rev. Albert Johnson officiated. Judee Bavaria, President and CEO of Presbyterian Inspired Life and State Representative Curtis Thomas gave reflections on the work of Rev Lang.  Mrs. Bavaria remembered her first meeting with the Rev Lang and the Rev Mary Moore as organized, decisive, with a vision to provide modern housing for persons 55 years and older.  The Rev Lang looked like an angel, but she was a woman on a mission. State Rep. Curtis Thomas reported how Cyber Village is having an impact on upgrading other senior housing in the City of Philadelphia.  Cyber Village was the first senior housing development in Pennsylvania with a green roof, computer access to every resident with computer classes and a lap top computer for every unit.  It is a beautiful residence in Northern Liberties section of the city, due to the planning and oversight of the Rev Lang and her special touch.

Master Joshua Matthews recited the Rev Lang's favorite poem, Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s "How Do I Love Thee.” Mrs. Yetta Baldwin gave inspiring remarks in honor of her parents, the Rev Martha and E. Larry Lang. The weekend festivities were chaired by Sister Lisa Matthews and were witnessed by the Lang family members, community leaders, and citizens, church members and Cyber Village residents.

6. THE 7TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS:

The Rev. Dr. Sandy W. Drayton, Presiding Elder, Georgetown District, Palmetto Annual Conference
The Rev. Rosalyn G. Coleman, Presiding Elder, Columbia District, Columbia Annual Conference
The Rev. Joseph Postell, Presiding Elder, Lancaster District, Columbia Annual Conference
The Rev. Dr. M. Charmaine Ragin, Presiding Elder, Newberry-Spartanburg District, Columbia Annual Conference
The Rev. Dr. Norvel Goff, Sr., Presiding Elder, Edisto District, South Carolina Annual Conference
The Rev. James R. Glover, Sr., Presiding Elder, Orangeburg District, Central Annual Conference

The Rev. St. Julian Snider, Calvary AME (North Charleston), Mt. Pleasant District, Palmetto Annual Conference
The Rev. Iris Johnson Brown, Ebenezer/Mt. Zion (Mt. Pleasant), Mt. Pleasant District, Palmetto Annual Conference
The Rev. Frank M. Moses, Moncks Corner AME (Moncks Corner), Mt. Pleasant District, Palmetto Annual Conference
The Rev. Anya Leveille, New Emmanuel AME (Jamestown), Mt. Pleasant District, Palmetto Annual Conference
The Rev. Richard Harkness, Olive Branch AME (Mt. Pleasant), Mt. Pleasant District, Palmetto Annual Conference
The Rev. Earl Harris, St. Phillip AME (Huger), Mt. Pleasant District, Palmetto Annual Conference
The Rev. Hope Coleman, Tibwin AME (McClellanville), Mt. Pleasant District, Palmetto Annual Conference
The Rev. Alfred Darby, Bethlehem AME (Johnsonville), Kingstree District, Palmetto Annual Conference
The Rev. Rebecca Evans, St. Mark AME (Bonneau), Kingstree District, Palmetto Annual Conference
The Rev. Brenda Blackstock, Allen Chapel AME (Georgetown), Georgetown District, Palmetto Annual Conference
The Rev. Eric S.C. Manning, Bethel AME (Georgetown), Georgetown District, Palmetto Annual Conference
The Rev. McNeal Evans, Dickerson AME (Georgetown), Georgetown District, Palmetto Annual Conference
The Rev. Joann Howard, Friendship/St. Mary AME (Annie Village), Georgetown District, Palmetto Annual Conference
The Rev. Roger Washington, Mt. Lebanon AME (Andrews), Georgetown District, Palmetto Annual Conference
The Rev. Phil Flowers, Mt. Zion AME (North Santee), Georgetown District,   Palmetto Annual Conference
The Rev. Harvey Doctor, St. John AME (Pawleys Island), Georgetown District, Palmetto Annual Conference
The Rev. Brian Swinton, St. Mary AME (Pawleys Island), Georgetown District, Palmetto Annual Conference
The Rev. Sandra Ladson, St. Michael AME (Georgetown), Georgetown District, Palmetto Annual Conference
The Rev. Patrick Staggers, Trinity AME (Hemingway), Georgetown District, Palmetto Annual Conference

The Rev. Dr. Krystal Sears, Bethel AME (Darlington), Florence-Dillon District, Northeast Annual Conference
The Rev. Obie Madison, St. Paul AME (Claussen), Florence-Dillon District, Northeast Annual Conference
The Rev. Dr. Albert Jones, Bethel AME (Brittons Neck), Marion District, Northeast Annual Conference
The Rev. Leslie Lovett, Mt. Olive AME (Myrtle Beach), Marion District, Northeast Annual Conference

The Rev. James Stokes, Moores AME (Edgefield), Columbia District, Columbia Annual Conference
The Rev. Harry L. Wilson, Spring Hill AME (Gilbert), Columbia District, Columbia Annual Conference
The Rev. Cary Grady, Reid Chapel AME (Columbia), Lancaster District, Columbia Annual Conference
The Rev. Ronald McFadden, Bethany (Jonesville), Newberry-Spartanburg District, Columbia Annual Conference
The Rev. William Hammond, Pleasant Grove AME (Pomaria), Newberry-Spartanburg District, Columbia Annual Conference

The Rev. Johnny Robinson, Calvary (Johns Island), Edisto District, South Carolina Annual Conference
The Rev. Curtis Fludd, Mt. Zion (Garnett), Beaufort District, South Carolina Annual Conference
The Rev. Alford Buckner, Mt. Zion (Round O), Beaufort District, South Carolina Annual Conference
The Rev. Bernard Johnson, Greater St. Mark AME (Adams Run), Beaufort District, South Carolina Annual Conference
The Rev. Clinton Hall II, Trinity AME (Round O), Beaufort District, South Carolina Annual Conference

The Rev. Raye T. Nelson, Fairview AME (Clinton), Greenville District, Piedmont Annual Conference
The Rev. Henry Borbor, Mt. Vernon AME (Laurens), Greenville District, Piedmont Annual Conference
The Rev. Samuel Etheredge, St. Peter AME (Abbeville), Abbeville-Greenwood District, Piedmont Annual Conference

The Rev. Dr. Charles McLamore, Emmanuel AME (Cope), Orangeburg   District, Central Annual Conference
The Rev. James Stukes II, Shiloh AME (Elloree), Orangeburg District, Central Annual Conference
The Rev. Robert China, Sr., Historic Liberty Hill AME (Summerton), Manning District, Central Annual Conference
The Rev. Brenda Thornhill, Bethel AME (St. Matthews), Wateree District, Central Annual Conference
The Rev. Timothy Taylor, Mt. Zion AME (Elloree), Wateree District, Central Annual Conference
The Rev. Joseph Brown, Sr., Greater Mt. Pisgah AME (St. Matthews), Wateree District, Central Annual Conference

**Submitted by Mrs. Cynthia L. Neal, Office Manager, The Seventh Episcopal District on behalf of Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, Presiding Prelate of the 7th Episcopal District

7. NAACP COMMENDS PRESIDENT OBAMA’S EXECUTIVE ACTION ON IMMIGRATION:

November 21, 2014

(Baltimore, MD) – Yesterday, President Barack Obama used his executive power to begin the process towards comprehensive immigration reform. President Obama’s plan allows undocumented immigrants who are parents of U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents to legally live and work in the country for a period of three years. He also expanded the pool of undocumented immigrants brought to the country as children who are eligible for protected status. The plan also makes it easier for foreign workers trained in high-tech fields to enter, and stay in, the country. Lastly, it refocuses the nation's entire immigration enforcement apparatus on a much smaller pool of immigrants — those with criminal records, ties to terrorist organizations or gangs and people who crossed the border in the past year.

From Cornell William Brooks, NAACP President & CEO:

“We applaud President Obama for using his executive power to begin the process of making our immigration system more fair and just. The depth of the need for this type of decisive action by the President is matched by the diversity of the problem. The NAACP has stood firmly for immigrants’ rights for decades, and we are pleased that millions of immigrants will have an opportunity to live in our country and contribute to our economy and society. From Haiti to Honduras from Senegal to St. Croix, family members hoping to reunite with loved ones and refugees working to build a new life in the United States deserve our attention. In addition to being one of the fastest growing immigrant groups, immigrants from African countries are among the most educated, with higher degree attainment than native born Americans.  We remain committed in our fight for advocating on behalf of Americans and those seeking legal citizenship. And we call on Congress to finish what President Obama started by passing bipartisan comprehensive legislation that establishes an immigration system that protects all U.S. workers and guarantees the safety and security of our nation without compromising fundamental civil rights, human rights and civil liberties.”

About the NAACP

Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities.  You can read more about the NAACP’s work and our five “Game Changer” issue areas here.

8. TOM JOYNER FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES APPLICATIONS FOR 2015 'FULL RIDE' SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM:

-- Graduating High School Seniors Can Win Full Scholarship to a Black College –

The Tom Joyner Foundation

Dallas, TX (BlackNews.com) -- The Tom Joyner Foundation® announced the 'Full Ride' scholarship program that will cover all the expenses of one student planning to attend a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the fall of 2015.

"The cost of a college education isn't getting any cheaper," said Tom Joyner, chairman of his Foundation and host of the top-ranked nationally syndicated radio show. "So, I want to help a graduating high school senior with a chance to attend a black college to pursue their dreams."

Past Full Ride Scholars have impressive backgrounds, including last year's winner the first winner, Titus Zeigler, who was a top student at Atlanta's Henry W. Grady High School. The future trauma surgeon was a member of the Junior ROTC program, tutored kids at a local middle school and volunteered for the Atlanta Food Bank. Britney Wilson, a native of Brooklyn, N.Y., who graduated from Howard University, and she is now in her second year of law school at the University of Pennsylvania. Cheyenne Boyce of Detroit is now a senior at Spellman College, where she is an international relations major who is fluent in Japanese.

Students will receive full tuition and stipends for up to 10 semesters to cover on-campus room and board and books. Students must meet the required academic standards each semester to renew the funds each year. Graduating high school seniors can apply for the scholarship by going to the Tom Joyner Foundation website at www.tomjoynerfoundation.org to complete the application. Students must have their schools mail their transcripts and recommendations to the Foundation at P.O. Box 630495, Irving, TX 75063-0495.

To be eligible, students must meet the following criteria:

1) A United States Citizen

2) Current high school seniors attending school in the United States (applicant must be anticipating completion of high school degree in the spring of 2015).

3) Minimum high school grade point average of 3.50 (on a 4.00 grade scale, excluding home school studies) and Minimum SAT score of 2100 (combined math essay and verbal score) or ACT score of 30.

4) Applicants must apply and be accepted to an HBCU by July 1, 2015.

5) Applicants must have demonstrated leadership abilities through participation in community service, extracurricular, or other activities.

The applications must be postmarked no later than January 16th, 2015. Interviews will occur in April 2015.

Founded in 1998, the Tom Joyner Foundation has raised more than $65 million to help keep students enrolled in black colleges. It has assisted more than 29,000 students and worked with more than 100 HBCUs. You can learn more at www.tomjoynerfoundation.org

9. 2015-16 YEAR ARMY ROTC SCHOLARSHIPS:

For those who are high school seniors, have a high school senior, or know of one, the following information may prove very helpful in gaining and affording entrance to the college of their choice.  There are available scholarships, but you need to start now!  The deadline to begin the online application process is 10 January 2015.  You will need to create a GOARMY account.  The application process must be completed not later than 27 February 2015.  The ROCKS, Inc. is prepared to assist you.  Do not wait!  Please Read below.

The ROCKS, Inc. can assist in a limited number of 4-year Army ROTC scholarships to qualified prospective candidates attending Historically Black College/Universities (HBCU) and all other schools having ROTC programs.  To review the requirements and obtain other information, please visit: http://www.goarmy.com/rotc/high-school-students/four-year-scholarship.html

IMPORTANT:  If you elect to take advantage of assistance from The ROCKS, Inc., you will need to submit the following NOT LATER THAN 5 January 2015 to:  ROCKSROTC@aol.com

Full Name:
Mailing Address:
Telephone Number:
Email Address:
High School:
High School GPA:
SAT or ACT scores:

Colleges you have been accepted to or have applied to:  

The ROCKS, Inc. will send this information to U.S. Army Cadet Command.  The latter will communicate directly with the candidate to gather necessary additional information, such as official high school transcripts.

Special Considerations:

Students who have already applied for a scholarship and their applications are in the Cadet Command database are not eligible to reapply for ROCKS Scholarships.

These scholarships are designed to assist in recruiting high school students to increase enrollment in ROTC.

They are not to be used for on-campus recruiting.

The overall goal is to improve diversity in the Army.

Note: Your attention is invited to the addendum (pages 3 and 4) for more information on the overall process.

Point of Contact for additional information: 

The ROCKS, Inc., ATTN: MG (Ret) B. S. Bagby
7700 Old Branch Avenue, Suite A202
Clinton, MD 20735 

OR


Telephone: 571-218-8347

Deadline to start online application is 10 JANUARY 2015, with application completed by 27 February 2015.

Listing of HBCUs

The following colleges and universities offer Army ROTC or facilitate a local satellite ROTC unit for a host institution:

Alabama A&M University
Alcorn State University
Bowie State University
Central State University
Elizabeth City State University
Florida A& M University
Fort Valley State University
Grambling State University
Hampton University
Howard University
Jackson State University
Lincoln University (Pennsylvania)
Lincoln University (Missouri)
Morgan State University
Norfolk State University
North Carolina A&T State University
Prairie View A&M University
Saint Augustine's College
South Carolina State University
Southern University and A&M College
Tuskegee University
Virginia State University
West Virginia State University

Guide to the Army ROTC Scholarship process

(A Cadet Command Document)

ROTC Scholarships provide full financial assistance for College tuition and mandatory education fees (or room and board).  Additionally scholarship winners receive tax free subsistence allowance for up to 10 months a year from $300 to $500 per month and $1200 annually for textbooks, classroom supplies, and equipment.

 Students apply for an ARMY ROTC Scholarship online between 1 June and 10 January, at http://www.goarmy.com/rotc/high-school-students/four-year-scholarship.html

In order to be eligible to apply for the 4 Year scholarship, students must meet the following minimum criteria: (Note these are minimums they are not the scores of the average winner)

Minimum               
GPA: 2.5 High School GPA       
Age: 17-26   
SAT: 920 (Math and Critical Reading)       
ACT: 19 (Composite Score)      
Civil Conviction: Explain any infractions and be granted a waiver       

Students must also complete the following in order to be considered for a scholarship:

1) All applicants must self report their high school Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), College Board scores (SAT/ACT), age, and U.S. Citizenship.

2) When completing the application students will be asked for the email address of their Guidance Counselor and a high school PE teacher or coach.

3) An email will be sent to the guidance counselor asking for information such as class rank and types of classes the applicant has taken.  Also an email will be sent to PE teacher or high school coach requesting they give the applicant the Physical Fitness Assessment and report the results to Cadet Command.

4) The applicant must send a copy of his or her SAT or ACT scores and a copy of their transcripts to Headquarters Cadet Command in order to continue through the process to the scholarship interview.  Once they receive the interview instructions from Cadet Command, the applicant will have the option to schedule an interview at a local university Army ROTC program or at a university Army ROTC program of their choice.  

5) When the applicant attends the interview, the interviewer will take an assessment of the applicant’s height and weight.  These measures must be taken in street clothes and         without shoes.

6) The purpose of the interview is to assess the applicant’s potential as an Army officer.

7) Once the applicant completes all the requirements of the scholarship application, their file will be evaluated by a board of Army officers, who are current Professors of Military         Science. These officers will assemble in October, January, and March, during a typical school year, to review scholarship prospects’ files.

8. Each student can achieve a possible 1400 Whole Person total points during the scholarship evaluation process.  The Whole Person Score is a total merit based score         comprised of:

a)  250 points for ACT/SAT score;
b)  200 points for Scholar/Athlete/Leader evaluation based upon athletic,   scholastic, and leadership achievements;
c)  200 points from the Interview;
d) 150 points from the Physical Fitness Assessment;
e)  250 points from the Cadet Background and Experience Form (CBEF),      which the applicant fills out as part of the online application process;
f)  350 points are awarded by the board members when the applicants’ files        are complete.

9) Students’ scores are then placed on an order of merit list (OML), in descending order, of their Whole Person Score. Based upon available scholarship funds, Cadet Command then determines how many scholarships to offer for that scholarship board. 

10) Applicants are informed they won a scholarship when they receive a letter from Cadet Command indicating they were selected. Once an applicant receives a letter from Cadet         Command, they must respond within 30 days indicating their decision to accept the offer and indicate what school they plan to attend.

11) Applicants who are not offered a scholarship from that particular board will remain on the order of merit list and will automatically be considered for a scholarship offer when the next scholarship board meets. Once all the boards are completed, applicants who are not selected for a scholarship will receive a letter by mid-April, at the latest, stating they were not selected and should seek out ROTC scholarships opportunities at the college they are attending.

12) Prior to scholarship benefits being paid, all scholarship recipients must pass a Department of Defense Medical Review Board (DODMERB) medical examination and the APFT. Applicants should respond promptly to all physical requirements and ensure they are training for the physical fitness test events.     

10. THE TRUTH IS THE LIGHT

*The Rev. Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr.

Based on Biblical Text: Mark 9:38-40: “And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. But Jesus said, forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is on our part.”

God created us as one. God created one people in His image, one humanity. God then watched from His heavenly vantage point as we, fallen from grace, began to divide ourselves. God watched then as people divided themselves by territory, social standing, custom and belief. People grouped according to common beliefs and formed new nations.

Not much has changed as we are still dividing ourselves. We divide ourselves by race, nationality and age. We divide ourselves by career choice. We group according to our profession and many times our perceived social status. We form alliances that amass like interests. Truckers form unions. Folk in agriculture form co-ops. Physicians and Dentists form associations and boards. Folk who love to read form book clubs. College students break off into sororities and fraternities.

Our religious beliefs are a common area of division among us. In many neighborhoods we find groups claiming they are Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Zen or New Age. Even among Christians we find Methodist, Baptist, Episcopalian, Pentecostal and Lutheran. We can’t agree and we can’t get along; we can’t be unified, so we divide. It is much easier to divide than it is to find common ground and remain together.

There is a human need for cliques, clubs, organizations and associations. Groups formed around careers, customs or common interests can be self-fulfilling. They can also advance common goals. Folk enjoy getting together with the other folk in the neighborhood to share in a common interest. Those who don’t enjoy the same thing stay home. They probably form another clique, those who don’t do what the other folk do.

The questions that arise, particularly for Christians are: “How does God feel about our denominational division?” Is it ok that we divide ourselves according to religious practices? Shouldn’t we unite in common worship? Does God approve of our division?

We find in our text, the disciple John asks the same questions, possibly for the first time in Christian history. The disciples had been ministering in town, and they came across a man who was casting out demons in Jesus name. This did not sit well with the disciples, because the man was not one of them. They had a problem with the man because he was not part of their inner circle, he had not been taught by nor had he been ordained by their leader, Jesus Christ, to represent Him.

As far as the disciples were concerned, their way was the only way. So John chastised the man, and accused him of being an imposter. John was so sure of his righteous position that he didn’t hesitate to tell Jesus about the incident.

John told Jesus about the incident because he felt guilty about his rebuke of the man. However, he was more than surprised at Jesus’ response. Jesus told the disciples to be tolerant and used the account of John’s rejection to lay down some rules.

Jesus very simply said, “Don’t forbid the man to serve me. Receive him! Let him minister! If he is not against me, he is for me” With that terse reply, Jesus laid down the rules for tolerance of our Christian brothers and sisters of other denominations.

Jesus wants us to understand that we are not to position ourselves as a judge of others who do not speak evil of Him. We are admonished that we are not the only righteous group. In other words, we are not an exclusive club and we are not the only chapter. Jesus said, “other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.” 

Though we are divided by denominational or racial differences, Jesus Christ is the common thread that unites us. None of us is called to judge another’s faith. That duty is Jesus’ alone. Jesus knows His sheep, and they know Him. Each follower has an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd. Jesus warned his disciples, and us, that we are to judge his followers only by what they do in His name. If a person does not speak evil of Jesus, we must tolerate and accept them as a fellow believer. We may not agree with every other denomination’s practices, but Romans 15:1 charges us to bear the infirmities of the weak. We bear them, they bear us, and so we bear each other!

We falsely judge each other using carnal standards such as appearance, education, credentials, and labels. However the only assessment we are permitted to make is a spiritual one. And our spiritual assessment is whether a fellow believer represents Jesus Christ as Lord. 

We must understand that we are never to deny anyone who is for Jesus the right to serve Jesus. Jesus said “He that is not against us is on our part.” In other words they are “on our side”, or for us.  Jesus also said in Matthew 10:40, “He that receiveth me, receiveth him that sent me.”  As Christians, we need only observe a person’s attitude toward Jesus and His church. If the believer is for Jesus, then they are a fellow believer and we must embrace them. To stand against Jesus’ followers is to stand against Him! To mistreat His followers is to mistreat Him! To speak evil of His followers is to speak evil of Him.

As Christians, we are only permitted to observe another’s actions. If we find a person or persons to be divisive, unforgiving, or displaying a lack of belief, then we can rightly reject them and their ministry as being against Jesus. However if we observe that a person or persons have a spirit of love, joy, peace, forgiveness, oneness, and that they worship Jesus, we have no right to deny them the opportunity to serve the Lord.

Finally, it is not our divisions that hinder the growth of Christianity but rather it is our jealousy toward one another. It is our jealous nature that triggers strife, division, hurt and pain. We are warned that our jealousy must be bridled as it only serves to shame us and ruin our image as the church of Jesus Christ. Mean spiritedness and jealousy impedes our mission and paralyzes our ministries. Our evangelistic work is not a competition between factions, fraternities, or fellowships. Evangelism must be a concerted effort on the part of Christians, of all denominations, and all races. Our common work is to lift the name of Jesus, and spread His gospel through all nations. And it will take all of us to accomplish Jesus’ Great Commission.

*The Rev. Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr. is the pastor of Morris Brown A.M.E. Church in Charleston, S.C.        


11. iCHURCH SCHOOL LESSON BRIEF FOR SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2014 – A NEW BEGINNING - EZEKIEL 47:13–23:

*Bill Dickens

It is not uncommon for people to seek out new adventures.  Sometimes home is not what it’s all “cooked up” to be.  Leaving the nest can be beneficial from both a personal and professional perspective.  The Church School Lesson for November 23, 2014 looks at the new start for the post-exilic Jews.  Ezekiel provides careful instruction how this new start or beginning should take place.

Ezekiel 47:13-23 The Allocation of land

“Thus says the Lord Yahweh, ‘This shall be the border by which you will divide the land for inheritance according to the twelve tribes of Israel. Joseph shall have portions (i.e. two portions). And you will inherit it, one as well as another, concerning which I lifted up my hand to give it to your fathers, and this land will fall to you for an inheritance.’”

God was here reiterating to the exiles that He would restore what they had lost, and God then outlined in the following verses, the land that was to be theirs; all they had to do was take it. The land was to be split equally between the tribes – “‘one as well as another.”’  Joseph’s inheritance was to be split into his sons, Ephraim and Manasseh for this purpose, and Levi had no portion (Ezekiel 44:28 - apart of course from the portion mentioned in Ezekiel 44:4-5). Thus the number twelve was maintained. Yahweh had sworn (lifted up His hand) that it would be theirs, and theirs it would be. It was their inheritance.

The fact that the land was to be split equally, and to some extent without regard to previous tribal portions, or tribal numbers, is also an indication that it is not to be taken literally. Add to this that the tribes are split into a group of seven, indicating the divine perfection of the event, and a group of five, indicating conformance with the covenant, and the case is even more certain.

Life Application

Forty acres and a mule refer to a 19th century economics reparation concept in the United States for agrarian reform for former enslaved African American farmers, following disruptions to the institution of slavery provoked by the American Civil War. Many freedmen believed they had a moral right to own the land they had long worked as slaves, and were eager to control their own property. Freed people widely expected to legally claim 40 acres of land and a mule after the end of the war, long after proclamations such as Sherman's Special Field Orders, No. 15 and the Freedmen's Bureau Act were explicitly reversed.

Sometimes life leaves people needing a new beginning. What is available to make that happen? Ezekiel tells the people that God restored the Israelites and the aliens among them with an inheritance of new land, signifying a new start. Peter says that God through Jesus Christ can redeem and give those who believe in God a new beginning, with the temple as a place in which people can gather and support one another.


*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 African Methodist Episcopal Church

12. MEDITATION BASED ON GALATIANS 3:21-28:

*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby

21 Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. 22 But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.

Children of God

 

23 Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. 24 So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. 25 Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.

26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:21-28, (NIV)


One of my most insightful life experiences occurred in the mid 1980s when I was pastor of Pine Grove AME Church in Columbia, South Carolina - a church that was near a number of State Correctional Institutions.  A middle-aged husband and wife - who came to Columbia to visit their incarcerated son and who also happened to be white - arrived in town before visiting hours, decided to find a place to worship in the meantime, and chose to visit Pine Grove.

When they walked up to the front door while I was standing there waiting for worship to begin, I saw them and said, “May I help you?”  They explained why they happened to be there, I welcomed them, and they went in and had a delightful time in worship.  The experience was positive, but it later made me ask myself why - in a church in a growing suburban area that had lots of black visitors each week - did I ask those two rare white visitors, “May I help you?”

That humbling experience made me more appreciative of the blessing of diversity, less judgmental or suspicious of those who don’t look like me but who share my faith, and more open to the new possibilities for learning and understanding that spring to life when we let God guide us.

Remember my insightful life experience in this world, where so many people build walls of division instead of bridges to foster unity because of fears based on race, class, culture, political mind-set and economic status, people who sometimes handle their own insecurities, failings and fears by judging and blaming those that they see as “different.”

We’d do well to remember that we’re all “wonderfully made” children of the God Who made us, Who knows us better than we know ourselves and Who can bless all of us to achieve, excel and be well in spite of life’s challenges and trials, regardless of who we are, how we look or what we own.

Take the time, in a world of division, distrust and suspicion, to celebrate what retired AME Bishop Frederick C. James once called “the diversity of our unity and the unity of our diversity.”  We can then stop judging, stop striving to “outdo” others, lay our fear and distrust aside, celebrate our blessings, reach out to all of God’s children and celebrate the grace and power of the God who led those who dealt with the pain of American slavery to say, “He’s got the whole world in His hands.”

This Meditation is also available as a Blog on the Beaufort District’s Website: www.beaufortdistrict.org


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

13. GENERAL OFFICER FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENT:

-- The Rev. Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III and the Rev. Dr. Charlotte Sydnor are proud grandparents

- Grandson 2nd Lieutenant Corey Sydnor graduated from U.S. Army Air Assault School at Fort Campbell, Kentucky on Wednesday, November 12, 2014. He completed Jump School as a Paratrooper in 2012 at Fort Benning. He is a Cum Laude graduate of Morehouse College and is the son of Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor IV and Mrs. Joanna Wells Sydnor.

- Grandson, Antoine Smith is a sophomore at Westerville South High School (Westerville, Ohio) and has a cumulative GPA of 3.6. He is on the varsity basketball team. He is 6'6" tall. He is the son of Mr. Antoine Smith and the Rev. Dr. Gloria Lynn Sydnor Smith. Antoine is a member of Bethel AME Church in Columbus, Ohio where the Rev. Dale B. Snyder, Sr., is the pastor.

- Granddaughter, Amara Sydnor has a cumulative GPA of 4.0 at Mother of Mercy High School in Cincinnati Ohio.  She is the daughter of Mr. Christopher Sydnor and Mrs. Doretha Jennings Sydnor

- Grandson Antonio (Tony) Smith has been nominated for the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists Award of Excellence for Outstanding academic achievement, leadership potential and determination to serve humanity in the field of medicine. Tony was nominated as a Delegate representing Westerville South High School (Westerville, Ohio) & the State of Ohio at the Congress of Future Medical Leaders in Boston, Massachusetts June 2015. Tony is a freshman and has a cumulative 3.7 GPA. He is on the high school basketball and football teams. He is 6'41/2'' tall. He is the son of Mr. Antoine Smith and the Rev. Dr. Gloria Lynn Sydnor Smith.  Tony is a member of Bethel AME Church in Columbus, Ohio where the Rev. Dale B. Snyder, Sr., is the pastor.

Congratulatory Messages may be sent:

The Rev. Dr. Gloria L Smith: gloriasmithlaw@aol.com  
Mr. Christopher E. Sydnor: chris.sydnor@yahoo.com 
The Rev. Dr. Charlotte B. Sydnor: cbsydnor@aol.com   

14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of the Rev. Rufus Smith of Baltimore, MD.  Reverend Smith died on Thursday, November 13, 2014.  The Rev. Rufus Smith is the brother of the Rev. Dr. William Smith, Jr., Presiding Elder of the Marion District, Northeast Annual Conference of the Seventh Episcopal District.

Please note the following:

Celebration of Life for Reverend Smith:

Saturday, November 22, 2014 at 10:30 a.m.
First Apostolic Church
2700 East Caroline Street
Baltimore, MD

Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to: 

The Rev. Dr. William Smith, Jr.
Post Office Box 6255
Florence, SC 29502

15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Rosa M. Gaston of Winnsboro, South Carolina.  Mrs. Gaston is the mother of the Rev. Eddie Gaston, Jr., Presiding Elder of the Manning District, Central Annual Conference of the Seventh Episcopal District.

Please note the following:

Homegoing Celebration:

Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 1:00 p.m.
Mt. Zion AME Church
324 Honeybee Circle
Winnsboro, SC 29180

Telephone: (803) 635-0062

Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:

The Rev. and Mrs. Eddie Gaston, Jr.
229 Canabarry Circle
Summerville, SC 29483

16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the transition of Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth McKissack, the mother of the Reverend James G. McKissack, Itinerant Elder, Superannuate of the Tennessee Annual Conference.

Sarah Elizabeth McKissack age 89 of Nashville transitioned from this earthly life to eternal life on Thursday, November 13, 2014  She was preceded in death by her parents, William (Mary Frances) Caldwell; husband, James McKissack; daughter, Willa Jean Jenkins; son, Robin McKissack; brothers, James & William Caldwell.

Survived by daughters, Peggy (William) Prowell, Velma Prowell, Mary McEwen, Betty McKissack, & devoted daughter, Tyowanna McKissack; sons, Rev. James McKissack, Leon & Rafael McKissack, and devoted sons, William & Cedric "Lil Cee" McKissack; brother, Thomas Caldwell; sister, Lena (Kenneth) Brown; sisters-in-law, Anna Caldwell, & Esterlene McKissack; 28 grandchildren; 35 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Public Viewing Tuesday Nov. 18, 2014 from 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (family present 6:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.) in the  Highland Hills Chapel, 2422 Brick Church Pike, Nashville, TN.

Visitation Wednesday Nov. 19th from 11 a.m.-12:00 Noon with funeral to follow at Eastside Church of Christ, 2518 Gallatin Rd. Nashville TN, with Brother Floyd Hughes, Min. & Bro. Elvis Williams, Eulogist. Burial will be in the Pinecrest Memorial Gardens, Columbia, TN.

17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

The Reverend Raphael Allen, pastor, passed from labor to reward on Saturday, November 15, 2014 after an extended illness.  The Rev. Florence Weaver Pitts (a.k.a. Honey, Skipper, and Ma Pitts) served as the associate minister of Greater Turner Chapel AME Church of the West Atlanta District (Atlanta North Georgia Conference). The Rev. Pitts and her loving ministry and spirit-filled presence will be missed by her family, friends, church family, and community. Thank you for your prayers for the family.

Wake: Friday, November 21st 6-7 p.m.
Location: Alfonso Dawson Mortuary
3000 MLK Jr. Drive, SW
Atlanta, GA 30311
404-691-3810

Celebration of Life Services: Saturday, Nov.  22nd at 12:00 Noon. 
Location: Greater Turner Chapel AME Church
4650 Cascade Road, SW
Atlanta, Georgia 30331
404-609-0023

Eulogist, Reverend Dexter Redding
Officiating, Pastor Raphael Allen

Condolences may be sent to:

Mr. Richard Pitts (son)
554 East Kildars Avenue
Atlanta, GA  30318


Or

Ms. Mary Wright (sister)
2233 Jones Road, NW
Atlanta, GA  30318


18. BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:

Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
Email: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net    
Web page: http://www.amecfic.org/  
Telephone: (615) 837-9736 (H)
Telephone: (615) 833-6936 (O)
Cell: (615) 403-7751




19. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:

The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend T. Larry Kirkland; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of The Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement.

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