4/01/2016

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (04/01/16)


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

-- Pentecost - Sunday, May 15, 2016
The 50th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference, July 6-13, 2016

-- Massacre of Emanuel 9, June 17

1. TCR EDITORIAL – A LITTLE THIS AND THAT:

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

The AME Church has done so much for so many!  I am concerned that we share in the blessings of the AME Church, but many of us seem to take the AME Church for granted and perhaps are not appreciative of the blessings we have received by being a part of this great denomination. 

My hope is that all of us should be able to articulate the great contributions of the church.

I want to share some of the great things I know and have experienced being an AME.

The AME Church made it possible for me, and a lot of other folks down through the years, to go to college.  I went to Wilberforce with about $300, if that much. Any other school would have sent me packing back home.

I am also indebted to the Church (with the capital “C” implies AME Church) for my spiritual foundation.  I thought I had the smartest pastors on the planet with the Rev. T.S. Clements, the Rev. Jesse Owens and the Rev. B.C. Burton. The churches I grew up in were small to medium-sized churches, but those churches were led by dedicated men and active congregations with committed laity.

When I got to Wilberforce University with probably less than the $300 I claimed I had, one of my first purchases was a Wilberforce University sweatshirt. I was a university student!

I now appreciate the dedicated professors, who, as I look back on it, probably were not among the highest paid faculty members.  I fondly remember Miss Jackson and Miss Askew, tough professors who demanded quality work and were not afraid to fail students who couldn’t or wouldn’t do college-level work. 

The Church laid the foundation for my seminary education, successful pastoral ministry in both the civilian and military sectors and successful matriculation at the U.S. Army Command and Staff College and the prestigious U.S. Army War College.

My point is the foundation laid at Wilberforce University and later Cheyney State College (now University); both HBCUs provided me confidence and laid my academic foundation.

Seminary was a “piece of cake.” I successfully competed with fellow students who had graduated from the so-called top-tiered universities.  I discovered my high school guidance counselor told me a lie when she opined that I probably couldn’t succeed at a majority institution.  I did extremely well, as I know many of you reading this, did extremely well also.  

Graduates of Wilberforce and Cheyney went on to seminary, medical schools, law schools and other professional graduate institutions. And, many of us got started before Affirmative Action.  Not only did the Church prepare us for our professions and life, but blessed us in ways that enabled us to be able to send our children to college.  So it all started, for many of us, with the AME Church

That was then, this is now

The AME Church has a rich history, but it also has a rich presence today.

For instance, The Christian Recorder can be read in 80 Languages. Have you ever seen The Christian Recorder in Arabic, Swahili, Amharic, Chinese, Haitian Creole, Danish, Dutch, French, Spanish or Portuguese? 

You can click on the link Click Here on the top of this page and cut and paste any article or the entire text of The Christian Recorder and select the language you want to see or read.

The simplest way to see or read The Christian Recorder in another language is to go to http://tcr-online.blogspot.com/ and just above my photo, under Language Resources, select the language and the entire text of The Christian Recorder will appear. 

A little this and that

The Christian Recorder is the oldest Black publication in continuous use in the United States since 1852; and I suspect in the world.

The Christian Recorder Online began in 2004 and is the first official denominational newspaper to be published online of any denomination.

The Connectional AME Church is among the leaders in the use of technology.  The then Rev. Dr. Clement W. Fugh (now Bishop) was instrumental in embracing technology and his successor, the Rev. Dr. Jeffery Cooper has carried technology to a new and exciting level. Several bishops have also strategically utilized technology.  Since 2012, there is less paper at connectional meetings and the demise of paper at the 50th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference will be significant.  

The weak links as I see them are pastors who are reluctant to embrace technology and as a result the local churches they pastor are reticent in embracing technology. Economic restraints perceived or real inhibit local churches’ willingness to embrace technology.

I am amazed at preachers who still say, “I only use my cellphone to make telephone calls.”  That statement alone tells me that those preachers have no understanding and an unwillingness to learn about technology. They are out of touch with the millennial generation and it just might be the lack of the use of technology might be one of the reasons for the absence of millennials in some of our congregations.

It’s not only the lack of the use of technology, but the behavior of pastors to do the same behaviors as pastors did years ago, e.g., long drawn out sentences, preachy voice, religious babble and worn-out clichés.

Ever notice millennials talk real fast?  Millenials are used to action, not long drawn out religious monotone, which worked when I was growing up. We loved the way preachers’ voices changed when they prayed and we learned to change our voices too.  But, I am not sure the millennial generation buys into “ancient traditions.”  My observation is that millennials want authentic worship, spiritual depth and for people to be their authentic selves.    

A little more of this and that

I am concerned that “we” observe other “folks’” traditions, but we let important dates pass without comment.  We are big on July Fourth, Independence Day, even though “we” were held in the bondage of slavery.

We celebrate Valentine’s Day when it has nothing to do with the liturgical calendar or the AME Church, yet there are AME churches that vigorously celebrate Valentine’s Day rather than Founder’s Day. I do not understand that.

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day is a holiday that commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas in June 1865. An earlier announcement made by President Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves in some of the slaveholding states, but the real day that should make “us” shout is December 6, because on December 6, 1865, the Thirteenth Amendment was ratified by Congress, which freed all of the slaves.

It’s alright to celebrate the national holidays, but “we” should also celebrate “our” holidays; the special days in the life of black men and women who were held in bondage for almost 250 years.

Well, thank you for bearing with me on a “little bit of this and that!”
  
2. NEWS AROUND THE AME CHURCH:

-- Tornado hits St. Paul AME Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma

St. Paul AME Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma was severely damaged by a tornado last night. Please pray for the Reverend R. Charles Smith and the congregation. Two weeks ago we celebrated the burning of the mortgage with the congregation.

Bishop Samuel Green, Presiding Prelate of the 12th Episcopal District

--St. Luke AME celebrates new stamp

The St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church, 300 Oak St., Donaldsonville, gathered at the U.S. Post Office to commemorate the issuance of the...

-- The Rev. Clarence Hawkins, 1937-2016

The Rev. Clarence A. Hawkins Sr., one of Kent County’s leading citizens, died in his sleep Monday, March 28. He was 79 years old.


-- Sandra Bland Family Worship at AME Church in Prairie View, TX

Hope African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church is pleased to welcome Mrs. Geneva Reed-Veal, mother of Sandra Bland, and other family members…


3. THE CLERGY FAMILY INFORMATION CENTER:

The Clergy Family Information Center is a global online email notification ministry, its MISSION, an online conduit of Compassion and Caring. The ministry is a component of the Commission on Social Action of the African Methodist Episcopal Church; Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, Commission Chair, Mrs. Jackie DuPont Walker, Director, Consultant and Mrs. Ora L. Easley is the Administrator of The Clergy Family Information Center. The ministry sends email notifications globally to thousands of members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church from Episcopal Districts 1-20.  The ministry is a seven-day a week and holidays endeavor reaching across continents and oceans.

The primary function of the ministry is to inform e-mail recipients of deaths occurring within the families of God’s called servants, from our church leadership, of bishops, general officers, judicial council, connectional officers, presiding elders, pastors, ministerial staff and their families, to the families of the AME Church endorsed chaplaincy, presidents and deans of the AME Seminaries, Universities and Colleges.

The verification process precedes the posting of email notifications. Deliberate care and sensitively is exercised with each notification to avoid the posting of erroneous bereavement notifications and or service information. Many follow-up letters of sympathy are emailed to bereaved families with email addresses or e-cards are sent.

***An attempt is made by The Clergy Family Information Center to verify every bereavement notices posted via family or the funeral home establishment; therefore, follow-up information, updates and addendums are only posted at the request of Presiding Bishops, unless the deceased is denominational church leadership or from Districts 14-20.

Necrology "Date Listings" connotes the date of posting of Bereavement Notices by the office of the Clergy Family Information Center.

Congratulatory Announcements:

Congratulatory announcements are posted each Friday, that we might share the "Joyful Moments", the "Good News” of clergy family graduations-high school and above; academic achievements-high school and above; the birth of PK’s, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of ministers; birthday celebrations, 70 years and above, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, etc; weddings of ministers, PK’s, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of ministers; wedding anniversaries-25th, 30th, 35th, 40th, 45th, 50th and above, and noteworthy achievements; providing opportunity for commendations, congratulations and well wishes to be extended to the clergy families who are praising God for the Joy of significant milestones reached in their lives.

Other Notifications Posted:

Prayer requests received from the Bishops, Episcopal Supervisors and the General and Connectional Officers

Bereavements affecting the leadership of the Connectional Lay Organization and Women's Missionary Society

Bereavements within the staffs of Episcopal District Offices and Offices of General Officers

Statements of gratitude as a courtesy for the immediate families of the church leadership who receive voluminous outpourings of sympathy when experiencing a family loss or enduring health challenges

- Eblasts received from the Social Action Commission affecting the lives of the A.M.E. Church constituency

- Eblast, alerts and announcements at the request of the Bishops of the Church

- Eblast at the request of the Supervisors Council

- Eblast at the request of the Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer

- Eblast at the request of the General Secretary, Chief Information Officer

Graduation announcements received from the presidents and deans of AME Church institutions of higher education

The Following are not posted by the Clergy Family Information Center:

- For profit advertisements (patrons, ad requests, event tickets, sale of books, pamphlets CD’s, or DVDs)

- Bereavement Notice - No photos of deceased family members (A link may be placed to a webpage with pictures).

- Congratulatory Announcements - No photos / images of graduations, weddings, births, books written, etc. (A link may be placed to a webpage with pictures).

No Campaign announcements

Thank you, The Administrator

*The 2015 Annual Report of the Administrator, Mrs. Ora L. Easley, to the Commission on Social Action/General Board:   Click Here    

4. GENERAL CONFERENCE SCOOTER RENTAL RATES:

As we prepare for the upcoming 50th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference, it is the goal of the Office of the General Secretary to ensure you feel prepared.  This monthly newsletter will offer important tidbits and resources along this journey to Philadelphia, PA!

We are on our way to Philly...are you ready? 

With July fast-approaching, we wanted to offer you some helpful information as you continue to prepare to attend the 50th Quadrennial Session:

Scooter Rentals Rates:
- $65 per day
- $270 for 7 days
- $330 for July 5 – 13, 2016

Reservations can be made online at: http://locations.scootaround.com/AMEC

Individuals may also call (888) 441-7575 and mention the “AMEC 50th   Quadrennial Session of the General Conference” to receive the group rate.

5. 1ST EPISCOPAL DISTRICT BICENTENNIAL SOCIAL JUSTICE FORUM, FRIDAY-APRIL 8, 2016:

The Bicentennial Social Justice Forum entitled, "A General Conference of Freedom's Prophet's: AMEs Reworking Trails to Freedom" will be held Friday, April 8, 2016 - 8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.  Mother Bethel AME Church - Philadelphia, PA. 

Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
419 S. 6th Street at Lombard Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Donation: Admission Free of Charge

Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram, Host Presiding Bishop
The Rev. Dr. Jessica K. Ingram, Episcopal Supervisor
The Rev. Mark Kelly Tyler, Ph.D., Host Pastor

Reenactment of the First General Conference:

April 8, 2016, will mark exactly 200 years since the first General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church was called into session. The AME Church, incorporated during this conference, became the world’s first African American denomination. A host of visionary thinkers have been invited to participate in a provocative social dialogue during this forum that will encompass the pressing matters of today while looking back at the juncture of the AME Church formation through historical perspective.

The Rev. Jennifer S. Leath, Ph.D., Forum Chair

Schedule:
8:30 a.m. Opening Devotions
Welcome
9:30 a.m. Historical Perspective

• Slavery
• AME History of Women in Ministry
• Yellow Fever
• Black Churches and Justice
10:45 a.m. Break
11 a.m. Gospel Performance – Traditional
11:30 a.m. Keynote Address
12:30 p.m. Lunch
1:30 p.m. Contemporary Perspective
• Mass Incarceration
• Gender and Sexuality
• Poverty, Race and Illness
• Black Churches and Justice
3:15 p.m. Gospel Performance – Contemporary
3:45 p.m. Break
4 p.m. Local and/or AME Response Panel
5:45 p.m. Break
6 p.m. Bishops Respond
7:30 p.m. Closing
Presenters:

Dr. Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham, Victor S. Thomas, Professor of History and of African American Studies, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts

Dr. Richard S. Newman, Edwin Wolf, 2nd Director, The Library Company of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Dr. Albert J. Raboteau, Henry W. Putnam, Professor of Religion, Emeritus, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey

The Rev. Dr. William D. Watley, Pastor, Saint Philip AME Church - Atlanta, Georgia

Vernon Jordan (Moderator), Senior Counsel, Akin Gump

The Rev. Dr. Jamal-Harrison Bryant, Pastor, Empowerment Temple AME Church, Baltimore, Maryland

Dr. Anthea Butler, Associate Professor of Religious Studies and Africana Studies, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Rev. Dr. Dennis C. Dickerson, James M. Lawson, Jr. Professor of History, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee

Dr. M. Joycelyn Elders, Former U. S. Surgeon General

Bishop Yvette A. Flunder, Founder and Pastor, City of Refuge United Church of Christ

The Rev. Stephen A. Green, National Director NAACP Youth and College Division


For additional Information, please contact:

First District Plaza
3801 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Office: (215) 662-0506

6. HONORING A LIVING LEGEND – THE REVEREND DR. E. E. COATES:

Episcopal Supervisor Claytie Davis
                             
The Reverend Dr. E. E. Coates was honored at Wesley African Methodist Episcopal Church in Houston, TX on March 20, 2016.  The Reverend Coates was celebrated for his pastoral leadership at Wesley for 37 years.  He served from 1965 until his retirement in 2002 as the pastor with the longest tenure at Wesley.

The Reverend Coates has been a powerful singing preacher for 62 years and has mentored almost 40 sons and daughters in the ministry.  This long list of preachers includes the Rev. Dr. Leo Griffin Wesley’s current pastor and the late Bishop Sarah Davis, the 126th elected and consecrated Bishop of the AME Church.  A connectional pastor, the Rev. Coates not only pastored 14 Churches across the states of Kansas, Missouri, Wyoming and Texas, he served on the Episcopal Committee for many years and earned the respect and admiration of AME’s throughout the connection.

Accompanied by his daughter Lucille, son Robert and other family members, the Rev. Coates was greeted by a throng of parishioners and well-wishers, filling the church including his sons and daughters in the ministry.  On this occasion Episcopal Supervisor Claytie Davis gave a tribute to the Rev. Coates reminding everyone that, “Rev. Coates is the reason I am an AME.”  Supervisor Davis along with his wife the late Bishop Sarah Davis joined Wesley and the AME Church under the pastoral leadership of the Rev. E. E. Coates.

The Rev. Coates was honored with a musical and pictorial tribute highlighting his pastoral leadership and dedicated community service.  Under Rev. Coates’ leadership Wesley built the first affordable housing project in Houston as well as established Federal AME (FAME) Credit Union to serve the banking needs of its parishioners and the greater Houston area.

During the Rev. Coates 37 years as pastor, Wesley grew to become the largest AME church in the Tenth Episcopal District.  

The pictorial tribute was accompanied by a musical medley of “Coates Classics” -  I Trust In God, Precious Lord, 'Tis the Old Ship of Zion and O’ Lord, I’m Your Child sung by choir members who served under Pastor Coates.

The crowd erupted in applause and praises to God for the Rev. Coates and gave him a standing ovation as he was presented to the great cloud of witnesses in the waiting congregation. Pastor Leo Griffin bestowed more honor upon Rev. Coates by presenting him with a love offering and a plaque as an expression of Wesley’s continued love and appreciation for him.

Pastor Griffin also presented the Rev. Coates with proclamations from U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and the mayor of Houston, the Honorable Sylvester Turner.  The proclamations lauded the Rev. Coates for his public service and social activism. The celebration continued with a reception in his honor.  

Wesley honored the Rev. Coates as a “living legend” and expressed to this wonderful servant of God that “We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 1:3.

7. AME COLLEGE CORNER - MESSAGE TO THE YOUTH:

*The Reverend Miesha Fernell Osborne

For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall [31] but those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, they run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind" (Isaiah 40: 30-31 Message Bible).


To the many young people within the AMEC, please know that God did not forget about you; God was and still is intentional on including you within this full classroom called life.  Although complicated, troublesome, and rewarding--it is important for you to know that you were intended to live, grow, be, do, multiply, and rein victorious--as God's children.

Unfortunately, it is us adults who tend to get all caught up in making a living, surviving, sustaining, and providing--that we forget that even you too are striving to do the very same things that we are.  Forgive us if we somehow twisted God's intended purpose with busyness and work that we distorted the importance of you trying to be you.  Forgive us if we distorted doing God's will with our wrong actions that we darkened the ability for you to see God at home and in our communities.   Forgive us if we chose to inconvenience convenience and pushed our adult issues unto you and later attempted to discipline you if you did not act/speak/dress/ your age.  Forgive us if we ignored that you too get tired of neglect, ignorance, generational curses; that we adults failed to self-check, and now involuntary passed down unto you that has now become your mimicked bad habits.  And now, you are the issue, you are the angered; you are the drama-filled ratchets, the loose cannons, thugs, gangstas, the everything else, but your birth given name.   You lash, you stash, you crash, and you bash.  You are tired.

Young people, it is important that you know that God intentionally created each one of you with a purpose on purpose.  As a result, Jesus too is intentional to also include the importance of the youth. Let's take a look during his three years of ministry.  Wasn't it a young boy who had the five loaves of bread and two fish that Jesus used to feed the hungry? Didn't Jesus use the living examples of youth to the adults as to how the minds/hearts should be that of a young person to get into heaven?  Didn't Jesus explicitly tell his disciples to let the children come to him?

God is here for you too! At school, at home, when you are with your friends when you are by yourself--God is here for you too, you are not excluded but included in God's blessings.  Really, you are the blessing.  Regardless of what is going on around you and whatever or whoever is your present challenge; it is important for you to know God can provide to you the very strength that you need to take the next step, do the next deed and even think the next thought.  You age does not distance you from God/ in fact, it draws you closer to God because your earnest prayers and concerns do not go unheard to God's ears or heart.  You are considered and those very things that we adults may drop the ball on, please know that God is to help you and allow for you to learn from our mistakes and hopefully you too will not do the same as we did.   Hopefully, you will see that everything and every day of your life is intended to draw you closer unto God--not unto materials, not to decided to be God and end your life or others. It is all designed to work out for your good if you first depend on God.  Then, all things will work out for your good--you will have the strength needed to make it through and you will soar and not fail. 

You have an intended purpose because God was intentional with creating you on purpose for a purpose.

*The Reverend Miesha Fernell Osborne is the Minister to the Youth at Mt. Calvary AME Church in Towson, Maryland

8. PRAYER VIGIL FOR EASTER BOMBING VICTIMS IN PAKISTAN:

Irvine, CA (March 30, 2016) – Christ Our Redeemer AME Church, the largest Black church in Orange County and the Orange County Newport-Mesa-Irvine Interfaith Council held a prayer vigil for the victims of a terrorist attack on innocent Christians and Muslims in Islamabad, Pakistan on Easter, at 2 p.m. (PT) Wednesday, March 30, 2016. The vigil was held at Christ Our Redeemer AME Church, 45 Tesla, Irvine, CA.

Women and children were intentionally targeted by terrorists on Easter, the highest Holy Day for Christians. There were over 69 people killed in Islamabad, Pakistan according to a local government spokesman. “The AME Church is fully aware of the pain of violence in a religious setting. Mother Emmanuel AME Church was intentionally targeted by a terrorist on June 17, 2015. Sacred sanctuaries must be kept safe!” says the Rev. Mark Whitlock, Senior Minister of Christ Our Redeemer AME Church.

The Newport Mesa Interfaith Council and the Pakistani community led by Farrah N. Khan were the primary organizers of the prayer vigil. She and many other clerics attended.

About COR Church:

Christ Our Redeemer AME (“COR”) Church was founded by five people on the University of California, Irvine campus.  COR Church is now the largest predominately African-American church in Orange County with over 3,300 multi-racial members

9. BLACK WOMEN’S LIVES MATTER - “DOMESTIC VIOLENCE”:

Many Women’s lives are deeply affected by un-equal power relationships between men and women and by conventional expectations about “domesticity’ as well as by the actualities of their responsibilities for the care of children and the home in which they live.

When women experience violence from a husband or partner, the violence may be intimately connected with those expectations and realities.

If they then have to leave home because of the violence, their problems are compound by their “domesticity” and lack of access to financial resources and by the homelessness legislation, which has been changed to make its use as a point of entry to permanent accommodations much more restricted. In addition to the violence they have experienced, the loss of home is in itself an element in the complex nature of trauma that women in a violent relationship suffer.

This is compounded further for themselves and their children by the uncertain period they spend waiting for the possibility re-housing if they leave.

We can as WMS Family Life partner with World Vision U.S. to help empower our domestic  violence infected homes by providing needed items  such  as   women  and children’s clothing, books, and toiletries to over 2.2 million families.


The Challenge:

Our goals as Missionary women should be to reduce family HOMELESSNESS and improve the systems that respond to families experiencing housing CRISIS across the Connectional AME Church.  Homelessness has a profound impact on children’s health and education as well as parents’ ability to find a job and stay employed.

Domestic Violence can be physical, emotional, sexual, verbal, and financial. Domestic Violence is traumatic to children who witness it. Domestic Violence is not a safe meeting, and it usually will not stop without the help of an “out-side agency, such as the Police and the Courts.

*Opal Ware-Johnson, Ph.D, Family Life Commissioner, Chairperson, Connectional Women’s Missionary Society, AME Church.

10. ST. JAMES AME CHURCH. ATLANTIC CITY, NEW JERSEY CELEBRATES 140TH ANNIVERSARY:

The Rt. Rev. Gregory G.M. Ingram, Presiding Prelate of the First Episcopal District, delivered the keynote address at the 140th Anniversary Gala of St. James AME Church at the beautiful Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club in Galloway Township on Saturday, November 22 with a capacity crowd in attendance. The 140th Anniversary Committee, headed by Sis. Elaine Milan, Brenda Burroughs and Heather Meads, worked diligently to produce this stellar occasion attended by several dignitaries including Rev. Dr. Larry E. Dixon, Atlantic City District Presiding Elder; Mrs. Adrienne A. Morris, an official in the Connectional Women’s Missionary Society; Atlantic City Mayor Donald A. Guardian; Fourth Ward councilman, William Marsh, a Steward at St. James; Third Ward Councilman-elect, Kaleem Shabazz and several clergy.  The theme of the “Evening of Elegance” was “Honoring Our Legacy: Embracing Our Future.”

St. James, which has been led by some outstanding Pastors, was founded in 1875 by the Rev. Jeremiah Pierce, who was assigned to fulfill that task by Bishop James A. Shorter, the ninth elected and consecrated Bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.  The church was originally called Bethel, but its name was changed to St. James in 1884.   Throughout the years St. James was known as the first African-American Church in Atlantic City, but with the closing of so many local houses of worship, it is now the oldest church in the City.  It has stood as a beacon of hope for those who seek comfort and solace in Jesus Christ.  Among its major accomplishments are having the first Deaconess Board in the East, which was organized in 1919, provision of the first church transportation in Atlantic City and the ownership of Bright’s Villa, an affordable housing complex in Atlantic City.

The Rev. Zina Burton Thompkins, daughter of the longest serving Pastor of St. James, the late Rev. Horace E. Burton, served as Mistress of Ceremonies and Brother David Allmond, Steward, served as the companion Master of Ceremonies. After the stately processional, Steward Barbara Bowe presented the dais guests.  Following the opening hymn, the Rev. Joseph Robinson delivered the Invocation, and Licentiate Rhonda Hart read the Scripture.  Sister Yvonne Jordan, chairman pro tem of the Steward Board, gave the Welcome, followed by the Occasion by Sister Heather Meads, Trustee and one of the event’s co-chairpersons.

Dr. Juanita J. High, a Steward and member of St. James for over 70 years, gave a very informative St. James Historical Presentation, highlighting the remarkable accomplishments of the dedicated Pastors who have served St. James since its founding.   Perhaps, the most poignant moment of the evening was the moving video pictorial Memorial Tribute, featuring the St. James members who were called to glory in the last 10 years.  This presentation brought tears to the eyes of many of the attendees as their members and loved ones who had transitioned into Heaven were memorialized.

Rev. Carolyn Montague blessed the food, after which the group enjoyed a scrumptious meal with a choice of steak, salmon or chicken.  One could feel the spirit of joy in this atmosphere where church members and their friends came together to reflect upon the past, appreciate the present and contemplate the future. 

The Rev. Dr. Larry E. Dixon, Presiding Elder of the Atlantic City District, presented the Rt. Rev. Gregory G.M. Ingram, Presiding Prelate of the First Episcopal District, speaker of the evening.  Before Bishop Ingram spoke, the St. James 140th Anniversary Choir rendered a stirring selection, “Psalm 23”.  Bishop congratulated the church upon its paying tribute to its history, stressing the importance of appreciating our legacy.  He emphasized that one of the strengths of the African Methodist Episcopal Church was its recognition of and attention to its history.  He noted that the AME Church lives in the future, but stands on the shoulders of our forbearers and is second to none in its accomplishments.  He recognized the Pastors, the laity, other pulpit staff and members of the congregation who have demonstrated their love for St. James by their many contributions.  Bishop Ingram’s remarks were received with a standing ovation.

A special highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards to the members of the congregation who were ninety plus years or over.  Sister Elaine Milan, Steward and another of the event’s co-chairpersons, introduced the presenters of the award recipients.  Rev. Bernice Prescott presented the Jeremiah H. Pierce Award, named for the Church’s founder, to Rev. Gussie M. Beaman, the longest serving member of the pulpit staff. Sister Gloria Spencer, Trustee, presented the Rev. William R. Fickland Award, named in memory of the Pastor, who in 1899 built the first parsonage on the lot between the Church and Bay Street, to Sis. Willa Mae Stewart, an original member of the Hostess Club.   Sister Gloria Pettiford, president of the Stewardess, presented the  Rev. James T. Rex Award, named for the Pastor under whose administration from 1884-1887, the name was changed from Bethel to St. James A.M.E. Church, the church was incorporated and the church was moved from Baltic Avenue to its present location at New York and Arctic Avenues. The award was presented in absentia to Sis. Helene Boucree, a snazzy dresser.    Sister Ericka Chapman, Trustee, had the honor of presenting the Rev. Theophilus E. Harper Award, named for her beloved grandfather, who pastored St. James during its glory days from 1948-1955 and who appointed the first women to the Steward and Trustee Board, to her loving grandmother Sis. Callie. O. Harper, former treasurer of the Connectional Missionary Society and First Lady of St. James.   Sis Yvonne Allmond, Trustee, presented the Rev. Roscoe C. Henderson Award, named for the Pastor who served from 1955-1958, when people came from near and far to hear him recite the Decalogue with his strong, powerful voice, to Sis. Gertha Motley, long-serving member of the Stewardess Board.  Sister Alma A. Walker, Steward, presented the Rev. Henry A. Hildebrand Award, named for the Pastor who served from 1958-1964 and purchased the current parsonage at 1253 Monroe Avenue and completed the Annex, to Sis. Gwendolyn Croudy, Vice President of the Senior Choir.  Latha Gilliam, Esq., Trustee, presented the Rev. James Kenny Baldwin Award, who pastored from 1964-1972, and organized the Hostess Club, bought the property from 101 to 107 N. New York Avenue adjacent to the Church and purchased the Bright’s Villa housing Complex to provide affordable housing to Atlantic City residents, to Sis. Agnes Coleman, a member of the former Busy Bee Club.          Bro. Harvey Marshall, Trustee, presented the Rev. William Lamar Cody Award, named for the Pastor who served from 1972 to 1980 and who enabled St. James to be among the first churches to provide transportation for its members with the purchase of a station wagon and the Generation of the Spirit Choir and the Cody Starlites, to Sis. Cecelia Joyce, former secretary of the Lay Organization and Senior Choir.   Sister Margaret J. Burton, former First Lady and widow of the Rev. Horace Edward Burton, Sr., the longest serving St. James Pastor, presented the Rev. Horace E. Burton Award to Sister Vernon Blackwell.   During his 20-year tenure from 1981 until 2001, he installed an electric chair lift, purchased property on New York Avenue for church expansion and initiated the Annual Feeding the Community on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Sister Blackwell is a Stewardess and designer of beautiful knit products. Brother William Marsh, Steward and Atlantic City Councilman, presented the Rev. Dr. James Coaxum, III Award, named for the current Pastor assigned in April 2007, who has mesmerized the congregation with the extraordinary preaching  and who has organized many ministries including Youth Praise Dancers, Sons of Allen, Male Mentoring and promoted community outreach with the Food Pantry, Choices After-School Program, Fitness Ministry, Coaxum’s Divas, St. James Development Corporation, Feeding Our Friends and Family and Friends Weekend., to Sis. Mildred Montague, a member of the Tyree-Delaney Missionary Society.

Sister Brenda L. Burroughs, Steward, Church Treasurer and one of the event’s co-chairpersons, presented the Life Members, those who have been members for fifty years or more.  The persons are: The Rev. Gussie Beaman, Sister Doris Brown, Sister Shirley Brower, Sister Ruth Corbitt,     Sister Gwendolyn Croudy, Brother Latha Gilliam, Sister Florence Green, Sister Wilhelmina Harris, Dr. Juanita J. High, Sister Dorothy Hughey, Sister Gloria Jenkins, Sister Yvonne Jordan, Sister Cecelia Joyce, Bro. Rudolph Kyles, Sister Mary Kyles, Bro. Harvey Marshall, Sister Sarah Miller, Sister Dorothy Moore, Sister Gertha Motley, Sister Gloria J. Pettiford, the Rev. Bernice Prescott, Sister Lillian A. Rhone, Sister Willa Mae Stewart, Sister Patricia Thomas, Sister Alma A. Walker, Sister Marie Williams, Sister Barbara Woodall and Brother Henri Yarbrough, Sister Yvonne Allmond, Sister Geneva Burroughs and Brother Gary Coar were also recognized for being affiliated with St. James for fifty years.    

The Rev. Dr. James Coaxum, III unveiled a rendering of a new church, a manifestation of his vision for the future.   He stated that now that we have honored our past, it is time to embrace our future.

Following these presentations Sister Shirley Moore, a member of the Finance Commission, introduced dignitaries and special guests. Sister Yvonne Jordan presented a plaque to the Rev. Dr. Coaxum.

Soloists for the evening were Sister Rosa Roderick and Brother Aaron Woodall.  After remarks by the three chairpersons and the Rev. Coaxum, the Rev. Bernice Prescott brought the “Evening of Elegance” to a close by pronouncing the Benediction.

Written by Dr. Juanita J. High, St. James A.M.E. Church, Atlantic City, New Jersey

11. SUPERB RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS AND LOCAL CHURCHES:

The Nethymnal website is a wonder resource for hearing how hymns are arranged. I encourage musicians, especially those who may not read music to peruse the website. You can subscribe if you wish to received regular information about church music

For instance, for next year, 200 great Easter Hymns featured on NetHymnal; http://nethymnal.org/top/easter.htm.   

Nethymnal has several electronic platforms:


The NetHymnal Team:


12. ALBANY STATE UNIVERSITY SEIZING THE OPPORTUNITY TO CHANGE:

Dr. Art Dunning

With the impending consolidation of Albany State University and Darton State College, the Albany community is in the midst of profound change. We must not lose sight of our primary goal: creating a better quality of life for future generations. We have the opportunity to come together to champion a consolidation that will greatly benefit Southwest Georgia.

We are at the point that many communities were decades ago – impacting our future by advancing higher education. The majority of students at ASU and DSC come from Southwest Georgia.  We cannot ignore the facts about our region. There are more families living in poverty in the 2nd Congressional District than in any other district in Georgia, according to a report by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia. We are ranked one of the poorest areas in the nation and anticipated population growth over the next 15 years is in the negative. In addition, low-enrollment and insufficient resources continue to threaten the progression of both institutions. By leveraging resources, preserving the assets and strengths of both institutions and creating new academic offerings that address the economic and workforce needs of the region, Albany can become the college town that is meant to be. Healthy dialogue and active participation in consolidation related matters is a start.

The new Albany State University has the ability to serve nearly 9,000-plus students.  A larger, single university will attract students from throughout the Southern United States, creating a robust and vibrant intellectual and economic center. This is imperative if we are ever going to entice students to make Southwest Georgia their home after graduation. 

Several years ago, I was asked to speak to economic and academic leaders in Lake Bled, Slovenia, a small area in Central Europe. As I discussed the political, social, and economic changes in the southern United States from 1865 to 1965, the plight of two distinct American cities came to mind, that of Birmingham, Ala., and Atlanta. Birmingham, Ala., once recognized as a leading industrial center, gained a reputation as a community resistant to the immense changes of the 1960s. Atlanta, on the other hand, approached the changes from an economic development perspective and eventually became the economic capital of the Southeastern United States

Significant changes will be made in the next few months, as we continue the journey through consolidation to a bigger and better Albany State University. Change can be very difficult, but in the end it is the only thing that makes us grow. Let’s decide to approach this change in a way that positively strengthens our region for future generations. 

*Dr. Art Dunning is president of Albany State University.

13. THE TRUTH IS THE LIGHT:
*The Reverend Dr. Charles R. Watkins

Biblical Text: John 1:12-13 (KJV): But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” 

Beloved, it is a fact that whether our family lives in complete peace or not, they are still our second most precious possession from God.  

We work very hard even when relationships are most volatile in an effort to make things work. The truth of the matter is we realize that family is precious. Truly God’s Word affirms it when we are challenged to, “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the earth.”  The word of God admonishes us, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it” and “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.”  Paul drove these points home to the Colossians to set the record straight as it relates to God’s standards for the family.

The Truth is that, family is so precious that the Bible urges folk to stay married even if unequally yoked. 1 Corinthians 7:14 says, “For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband” The point is God counts family precious.

There is a family more precious than our own. That is the family of God. This family we call God’s family is made up of saints who have been empowered by God Himself to become His sons and daughters. It’s a spiritual adoption process. From the moment of our confession of faith, we are accepted to become the family tree Jesus calls the Vine. We actually become one of His branches. We simply enter into a contract guaranteeing: “I am His; and He is mine!”

We are in fact twice-born saints of God and we carry proof of our adoption as sons of God. Through John God speaks to us about this whole adoption process, warning us that in order for us to understand what our adoption is; we must first understand what it is not.

Adoption is “not of blood” as our relationships with our earthly family members are our blood relatives. We share the same bloodline with our earthly family.  No one can dispute our relationship to our mother, father, or our brothers and sisters.

The point is that is not how God births us into His family. It is true that we are birthed by blood however; it is not by our own blood. It is the blood of Jesus that confirms our relationship to God. Jesus says, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No man cometh unto the Father but by me.” (John 14:6). 

Adoption is not “of the will of the flesh”. We need to know that the God we serve is not moved to adopt us because of our good intentions. God is not moved to adopt us due to our modest appearance, charming influence, honest demeanor, or our kind actions. He is not concerned with our noble efforts, dedicated devotions, sacrificial giving, or our inspired singing. In fact adoption has nothing to do with our personal conduct. 

What can wash away our sins? Only Jesus can lift us from the gutter, redeem our souls, free us from Satan’s grip, and make us whole again. Only the Blood of Jesus!

God is clear on the fact that adoption is not “of the will of man.” That means no person can save us. The church can’t save us. We can sit on the mourner’s bench and beg God to open our heart but it won’t save us because we cannot choose to save ourselves. We have to choose Jesus!

Paul said, “My heart’s desire and prayer for Israel is that they might be saved… for Christ is the end of the law for righteousness….” (Romans 10:1) But Paul also said, “…there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. (Romans 10:12) God’s desire is that every man, woman and child would be part of His family.

The truth of the matter is we can be chosen to hold a host of titles in the church but unless we are born of the blood, it’s just a title. It won’t get us adopted, because we can fool some of the people, but we can’t fool God!!

God will choose us if we are washed in the blood of His Son. If we are washed in the blood, the Bread of life adopts us. His mercy is sufficient to erase our past, to fortify our present and certify our future.

Once we are adopted into God’s family there is no amount of trials or tribulations that can cause us to lose our place. Jesus said in John 15:5, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

*The Reverend Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr., is the pastor of Morris Brown AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina

14. GETTING TO ZERO: “DOING IT” (PART II):

*Dr. Oveta Fuller

- Launch of “Doing It”

In January 2016, to address the continuing issue of HIV/AIDS in the USA that is especially high among black Americans, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched another campaign “Doing It” as part of the Act against AIDS national strategy (1). “Doing It” seeks to implement HIV testing in the USA as part of routine annual healthcare for all persons. 

If one understands the unnecessary perils or consequences of not getting tested, getting tested for HIV to always know one’s infection status just makes sense.

Who is responsible for what people know? Who is responsible for what people do with HIV/AIDS as a preventable virus infection and AIDS as a manageable chronic disease?

This week we explore why we, members and leaders of the AMEC, are responsible.

Why is a new campaign needed?

This new “Doing It” initiative focuses on making a test for infection with HIV a part of regular health care. We have advocated this since the start of the G20 column.

Routine HIV testing of each person has benefits. Besides that most people would know their HIV infection status, such would remove the stigma or judgment that often is associated with getting an HIV test. It would remove the idea that a person is testing for HIV infection because he or she must have been exposed from behaviors that allow contact with HIV through sexual intercourse, contact with blood or possibly from needles in IV drug use. It means that both a 40-year married couple and an 18 year old would automatically be screened for presence of antibody to the virus or HIV proteins or genetic material. 

Getting an HIV test using saliva, blood or urine should be like determining blood pressure or getting a temperature reading at the start of a medical appointment.  Everyone should be tested. Everyone should be “Doing It”. Then no fingers can be pointed to speculate about why.

To appreciate the reasoning behind the “Doing It” campaign from the CDC, let’s revisit prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the USA.

HIV among women

Less we think a change in addressing HIV is not needed, look at the recent stats in the USA (2). First, let’s focus on women in this March 2016 International Women’s Month.

In 2014, of every 4 people living with HIV/AIDS one is female. Another way to look at this is that three fourths (75%) of the people living with HIV/AIDS in the USA are males and one fourth is female.

Women get HIV mainly from heterosexual sex (87%) and from IV drug use (23%). Clearly women get infected with HIV mainly from men who are infected. A person, who is the receiver in a sexual encounter, whether through vaginal, anal or oral sex, has a higher risk of HIV infection. Women, by anatomical nature, are the recipients in sexual engagement. Women are a higher risk of HIV infection.

The only way to know if one is infected is to get an HIV test. Women should embrace the “Doing It” campaign.

Fact:  At the end of 2013, 61% (131,504) of women who are known to be HIV positive are African American, 17% are white and 17% are Hispanic/Latina.

Yes, HIV is present in the African American community at disproportionate levels than our 13% of the USA population.

Fact: Some good news is that the numbers for 2013 represent a 42% reduction in the number of new HIV infections detected among African American women. We would like to believe that this is a real reduction in exposure to HIV rather than a decrease in detection of infection. This good news indicates that multiple efforts and initiatives to inform the black community of the risk and preventions of HIV/AIDS have increased testing and led to decreased actions that expose one to the virus.

Bravo! Education that leads to effective action works, especially sustained effective action to get info, get tested and get treated for HIV/AIDS! This is good news for the health and well-being of African American females.
Fact: There is more good news. Of the women diagnosed with HIV infection, 84% were connected to anti-retroviral therapy (ART) within 3 months of the HIV+ diagnosis. Such critical linkage to healthcare increases the chances of controlling HIV infection and lowers progression to AIDS. Good news indeed!

An unfortunate finding, however, is that only 55% of these who start ART remained in medical care. Only 37% stayed on ART. In the USA 1,859 females died of HIV/AIDS in 2013. This is unacceptable at a time when we have proven ways of preventing infection and blocking virus destruction of the immune system. We can do better.

--To be continued in the next issue

*The Rev. Dr. Fuller is currently on Sabbatical leave from the University of Michigan and will submit her column as her schedule permits. 

15. iCHURCH SCHOOL LESSON BRIEF FOR SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2016 -

*Brother Bill Dickens

Introduction

April 3, 2016 is the Second Sunday of Easter. 

Amazing Grace" is a classic Christian hymn published in 1779, with words written by the English poet and clergyman John Newton (1725–1807).  The hymn can be found in the AME Hymnal on No. 226.  Newton wrote the words from personal experience. He grew up without any particular religious conviction, but his life's path was formed by a variety of conflicts, contradictions and coincidences resulting from his own personal stubbornness and selfishness. Prior to accepting God’s call as a preacher he was a seaman and became involved in the trans-Atlantic slave trade.  In 1748, a violent storm battered his vessel off the coast of County Donegal, Ireland, so severely that he called out to God for mercy, a moment that marked his spiritual conversion. He continued his slave trading career until 1754 or 1755, when he ended his seafaring altogether and began studying Christian theology.

In 1787, Newton wrote a tract supporting the campaign, "Thoughts upon the African Slave Trade." It graphically described the horrors of the African Slave trade and his role in it. He later joined William Wilberforce in the campaign for abolition of the Slave Trade. In February 1807, when the act to abolish the Slave Trade finally became law, John Newton, nearly blind and near death, "rejoiced to hear the wonderful news."  Once again, like his near death seafarer experience, John Newton can sing with conviction – "Amazing Grace." 

The Adult AME Church School Lesson for April 3, 2016 paints a clear picture about amazing faith and amazing grace.  Like John Newton, the key character can see the amazing power of God conditional on his personal faith. 

Let’s see how faith and grace work as compliments in our spiritual odyssey. 

Bible Lesson (Faith in Action)

Dr. Luke develops the concept of amazing faith in Chapter 7: 1-10.  The Bible lesson is a continuation from Chapter Six since our erudite physician opens Chapter Seven by saying Jesus travels to Capernaum after giving his sermon on the mount.  Upon arriving in Capernaum Jesus is confronted with an issue that warrants His attention.  An unnamed military leader has a servant who is critically ill.  Dr. Luke describes the military leader as a centurion.  Two facts are clear.  Fact one, the military leader cares greatly about his servant’s health status.  Fact two, the military leader is a man of influence and respect.  The title of centurion implies he has 100 soldiers who directly report to him and faithfully carryout his orders.

Despite his military credentials, the centurion counts himself unworthy to approach Jesus and dispatches some of the Jewish elders to inquire about Jesus’ help. The elders explain to Jesus that the centurion is a model citizen who has also generously supported the building of a synagogue.  When Jesus meets the centurion the commanding officer acknowledges Him as Lord even though he is a Roman citizen.  The officer reiterates his request to heal his loyal servant.  He further adds that if Jesus will simply say the word, his servant will be healed.  The officer draws a parallel by indicating when he says a word, his subjects respond; no questions asked.  The centurion has faith, like the woman with an issue of blood for 12 years, that a spoken word from Jesus will bring healing to the servant.  Jesus offers a rare compliment about the officer’s faith.  Because of the centurion’s unconventional faith his servant was healed.

Bible Application

The month of March is a great time if you enjoy college basketball.  The NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments provide the dual experience of the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.  Underdogs frequently upset a higher seeded opponent largely due to amazing shots at or near the end of the game.  Last week Syracuse University (a ten seed) overcame a 16 point deficit in the second half to defeat the University of Virginia (a one seed) 68 – 62 to advance to the Final Four.  Syracuse only scored 21 points in the first half.  Many commentators gave Syracuse no chance of overcoming such a large deficit.  In the jargon of sports the Orangemen were, “left for dead.”  Much to the surprise and chagrin of the experts, Syracuse did not quit and their faith in each other allowed the Virginia lead to dwindle until they regained the lead and won the game!  It was an amazing game, but what was more amazing was the display of faith in the talents of the Syracuse players.  "Winners never quit and quitters never win."  This is not only an important lesson in sports but in our faith walk as well.  QED

*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

16. MEDITATION BASED ON PHILIPPIANS 4:4-13:

*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby

I’m writing this meditation in the midst of what could most kindly be called an “interesting” political season leading up to the Presidential election in November. 

The leading candidates in one party are taking the usual political jabs at each other, but are more focused on how they would make public policy and address the needs of the nation and its citizens.  The leading candidates in the other party are swapping rude and profane insults on everything from their truthfulness to their wives to their intelligence to their physical anatomy, but are saying very little about how they would make public policy.

What’s interesting is that the candidates trying to win by tearing each other down are gaining more media attention than the candidates who are actually talking about what they’d do as President!

That isn’t surprising, because our present-day culture focuses more on what’s sensational, controversial and negative than on what’s substantial - that’s why some people who are devotees of “reality” TV talk shows and melodramas like “Scandal” and “How to Get Away with Murder” seldom pay attention to news broadcasts.

Our human tendency to focus on the negative instead of the positive not only makes for bad politics - it can also influence our personal well-being.  Too many good people endure troubled days and sleepless nights because we focus on our burdens, frustration and obstacles and fail to see life’s simple but powerful and substantial blessings.

When we take the time, however, to walk by faith and not by sight and consider the often overlooked things that God does for us, we’ll have a new perspective on our lives.  We can thank God for waking us up each day, thank God for providing for us, protecting us and putting up with us and joyfully realize that when we look at the “balance sheet” of our lives, our good days outweigh our bad days.

Take the time each day to pause - even in the midst of life’s cares and concerns - to count your blessings.  You can then look beyond sensational problems, find substantial peace of mind, and face each day saying with one hymn writer, “Many things about tomorrow I don’t seem to understand, but I know Who holds tomorrow and I know Who holds my hand.” 

*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby is the Presiding Elder of the Beaufort District of the South Carolina Annual Conference of the Seventh Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church

17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

The Third Episcopal District Office is saddened to inform you of the homegoing of Brother Paul Dykes, the husband of the Rev. Regina Ragin-Dykes, the pastor of New Life African Methodist Episcopal Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The arrangements are as follows: 

Viewing:

Thursday, March 31, 2016 --4 - 8 p.m.
Nazarene Baptist Church
7053 Hamilton Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15208

The Rev. Rickey Burgess, pastor

Homegoing Celebration:

Friday, April 1, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.
Saint James African Methodist Episcopal Church
444 Lincoln Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15206

Telephone: (412) 441-9706
Fax: (412) 661-1676

The Rev. Rodrecus Johnson, Jr., officiating
The Rev. Dr. Eric L. Brown, Presiding Elder, Allegheny-Scranton District, eulogist

Final arrangements Entrusted to:

Spriggs and Watson Funeral Home
720 N. Lang Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15208

Telephone: (412) 243-8080
Fax: (412) 243-2614

Cards and expressions of sympathy can be mailed to:

The Rev. Regina Dykes
170 Broadcrest Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15235
Telephone: (412) 983-9351

18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We sorrowfully share news of the passing of Mrs. June Mac Sisco, the aunt of Mrs. Nona Freeman, wife of the Rev. Ronald L. Freeman, Sr., pastor of St. Luke AME Church in Daugherty, VA.  Mrs. June Mac Sisco passed on Thursday, March 24, 2016. 

Homegoing Service:

Thursday, March 31, 2016 at 1:00 p.m.
Bethel AME Church
Spanards Neck Road
Centerville Maryland

The Rev. Terri Grady, pastor

Condolences may be sent to:
Nona Freeman
305 Little Kidwell Ave.
Centreville, Maryland. 21617


Please keep Rev. & Sister Freeman in prayer!

19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of the Rev. Deborah Thomas Dennie, PhD.  The Rev. Dr. Dennie was a retired Itinerate Elder in the West Tennessee Annual Conference, currently serving as an Associate Minister at New Tyler AME Church in Memphis, Tennessee where the Rev. Darrell K. Scott serves as pastor.

As a trailblazer in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Rev. Dr. Dennie was the first female clergy person of many accomplishments. She was the first female clergy person to pastor a major charge (Avery Chapel) in the 13th Episcopal District, elected President of the West Tennessee Minister’s Alliance, appointed West Tennessee Conference Trustee, elected as delegate to the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, appointed as Dean of Third Year Studies of the Board of Examiners of the West Tennessee Conference and elected as a Connectional Officer for the Women in the Ministry serving alongside the Rev. Dr. Sandra Blair.  Rev. Dennie also, held the position, Judicial Liaison for the 13th Episcopal District Women in Ministry.

The Reverend Dr. Deborah Ann Thomas Dennie, with grace and at peace, exchanged her residence from this earthly dwelling on Friday March 25, 2016.

Professional Services are provided by:

Serenity Memorial Garden
1622 Sycamore View Road
Memphis, TN 38134

Telephone (901) 379-0330

Services for the Rev. Dr. Deborah Thomas Dennie, PhD:
Viewing: Friday, March 31, 2016, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Funeral Services:

Saturday, April 2, 2016, 11:00 am
St. John AME Church
4862 Millbranch Road
Memphis, Tennessee

The Rev. Ivy Hudson Cortez, host pastor
The Rev. Linda Thomas-Martin, Presiding Elder, South Memphis District, West Tennessee Conference, officiant
 
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

Mrs. Deidre Dennie Pledge
7043 Miller's Glenn Way
Memphis, Tennessee 38125


20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Aline Hayes Wortham.  Mrs. Wortham was the widow of the Rev. Willie W. Wortham, who was the pastor and built Freedman Chapel AME Church in Decaturville, Tennessee.  Other pastorates of her husband were St. Mark AMEC – Parsons, Tennessee; Hollow Rock AMEC, Long Chapel AMEC-Jackson; and St. Paul – Fulton.  Mrs. Wortham passed on March 26, 2015.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Aline Hayes Wortham:

Friday, April 1, 2016
Visitation:  10:00 a.m.
Funeral: 1:00 p.m.
New Greater Bethel AMEC
148 Cartmell
Jackson, Tennessee

The Rev. Sabrina Transou, pastor
The Rev. Elaine Gordon, Pastor of Ward AMEC Peoria, Illinois, eulogist

Interment: Highland Memorial Gardens
Jackson, Tennessee

Professional Services are entrusted to:

Hardeman County Funeral Services, Inc.
109 South Porter Street
Bolivar, Tennessee 38008

Telephone: (731) 658-7473


Survivors: The Rev. Maxine Wortham, Local Elder, Ward Chapel AMEC, Peoria, Illinois, daughter and Mr. Willie Wortham, son

Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

The Rev. Maxine Wortham
131 Boone Street
Jackson, Tennessee 38301

Or

6908 N. Michele Lane
Peoria, IL 61614

21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We solicit your prayers on the passing of Mr. Charlie Calvin Sr., father of the Rev. Charletta C. Robinson, pastor of Bethel AMEC (Panama City, Fl.).

The funeral arrangements are as follows:

Monday, April 4, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.
T. S. Warden Mortuary/ Chapel
4315 Main Street
Jacksonville, Florida 32206
Telephone: (904) 765-1234.  FAX: (904) 765-1549.
Email:  ts@tswarden.com    
Website: www.TSWarden.com

Please FAX or Email all resolutions directly to the funeral home.

Burial:

National Cemetery
Jacksonville, Florida
Monday, April 4, 2016

Condolences may be sent to:

Mrs. Leevater Calvin
9713 Sibbald Road
Jacksonville, Fl. 32208

The Rev. Charletta C. Robinson
706 Hamilton Ave.
Panama, City 32391

22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

The Third Episcopal District sadly announces the passing of the Reverend Calvin James Bush, Itinerant Elder, former pastor of Mt. Zion, Brownsville, Pennsylvania and associate minister at Bethel, Pennsylvania.  We unite in prayer with his family in the loss of their loved one.
 
Memorial Service will be held Saturday, March 26, 2016 at 1:00 p.m.

Love Missionary Baptist Church
1005 Angola Road
Swanton, OH 43558

Pastor Clark K. Morgan, Officiant

Final Arrangements Entrusted to:

Caring Cremation Services
1511 West Central Avenue
Toledo, OH 43606

Telephone: (419) 377-0359
Fax: (419) 474-7503

23. 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




24. 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/


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