6/09/2016

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (06/9/16)


The Right Reverend T. Larry Kirkland - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder

The 50th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference, July 6-13, 2016
May is Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

-- Massacre of Emanuel 9, June 17




1. TCR EDITORIAL - MY TRIBUTE TO THE REVEREND DR. JOHNNY BARBOUR, JR.

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

I have known the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr. for 50 years!  Well, not really, I personally got to meet and know him 12 years ago when I became the 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder.  If I first met him 12 years ago, how can I say that I have known him for 50 years?  I am glad you asked!

Fifty years ago I was appointed to my first pastoral charge in the Kentucky Annual Conference and my best friend was the Reverend Charles Derrick Brice who hailed from Chicago, by way of Mississippi.  Of course the sixties was “smack-dab” in the Civil Rights struggle and pastors and laity were in constant discussions about what was going on in the deep south and about the struggles in the inner cities. 

The Reverend Charles Brice used to always bring up the name of the Reverend Johnny Barbour, Jr.  The Reverend Charles Brice had the highest respect for Johnny Barbour and what made it so impressive was the fact that at that time, Charles Brice, Johnny Barbour and I were all in our twenties.

Young preachers have admiration for older preachers, so when a young preacher admires and respects another young preacher, it says something!

I remembered the name, “Johnny Barbour” down through the years.  The Reverend Brice mentioned other preachers, but one could tell he had the highest respect for Johnny Barbour.

When I met the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr. in 2004, the first thing I said was, “I know you, but you might not know me.  The Reverend Charles Brice talked about you ad infinitum.”  There was no way in the world I could forget the name, “Johnny Barbour” because Charles Brice mentioned him so many times.

The interesting thing is that I came to understand the Reverend Charles Brice’s admiration of the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour because I quickly came to admire him.

I learned so much from my friend, Johnny Barbour, Jr. Whenever I sat in his office; I learned a lot about the AME Church and much more. He taught me about many things.

He taught me how to save money.  I wish he or someone could have gotten to me years earlier, but later is better than never. He taught me to save left-over change, save one dollar coins and two-dollar bills.  Dr. Barbour said, “You would be surprised how much money you can save and have available when you need it.”  I discovered that he was absolutely correct. 

Dr. Barbour taught me about the importance of annual physical exams. He would announce, “I am going to Jackson for my physical.  Have you had your physical?” When I was in the Army, an annual physical was required, but the five years I had been out of the Army, I really had not had a physical. 

Our conversation, his question and his encouragement caused me to arrange getting a medical and dental exam. He had simply concluded that conversation with, “Calvin, you need to get a physical.”  I went home that day and told my wife, the Reverend Dr. Charlotte Sydnor, that we were going to schedule our medical and dental exams – and we were going to stay on top of it.  And, we have done so!

Dr. Johnny Barbour also taught me about prayer, especially among friends.  I have believed in prayer all my life. Sometimes, we preachers pray for everyone else, but sometimes we fail to pray for each other. It might be that we, preachers, think clergy can pray for themselves or we might think to pray for a colleague when it involved something serious.

Dr. Johnny Barbour and I would be talking in his office about many things that involved our families, the AME Church or some medical challenges faced by someone we knew.  And, sometimes, just when I was getting ready to leave his office, Johnny would say, “Let’s have a word of prayer.” For me those times we prayed for each other were powerful!  We seemed to know when each other needed prayer.

He taught me something about true friendship.

A connectional meeting was held in St. Louis and Johnny had flown and I had driven (after 86 parachute jumps, I am still fearful of flying, and moreso as I have gotten older).  The non-stop flight from Nashville to St. Louis is about an hour or less; driving takes five hours.  As the meeting was ending, Johnny said, “Calvin, you drove by yourself from Nashville?” I responded, “I did; it only took about five hours.”  Johnny had a round-trip ticket, but he said, “I will ride back to Nashville with you so you won’t have to drive by yourself.”  I was so touched by his compassion in not wanting me to drive alone and his willingness to sacrifice time out of his busy schedule to ride back from St. Louis to Nashville. I got to know him well on the drive from St. Louis to Nashville. 

Everybody knows Dr. Barbour loves cars, but he once kept me company on a drive to and from Nashville to Atlanta in my Mini-Cooper. 

Dr. Barbour is a great counselor.  He has a calming demeanor and a good listening ear, especially when I shared problems and challenges with him, but I always left his office and his presence with calmness in my spirit!

Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr. is the superb President/Publisher of the AME Sunday School Union. He was, and still is, a master pastor, outstanding teacher, superb local and connectional church administrator, par excellence and a man of God. He is a faithful husband, father, grandfather, uncle and committed friend.

The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr. is intelligent, insightful, spiritual, and always carries himself in a professional manner. He is always prepared, has something to say, and when he speaks, bishops, general officers, connectional officers, presiding elders, pastors and laity listen.

I feel honored to know the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr. as a pastor, colleague, mentor, personal confidant and friend.

Once you meet the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr. you will never forget him!

He loves his wife, Clara, his two grandchildren, his son, daughter-in-law and all his relatives and extended family members!

Appended below are some of his wise thoughts, which I call, “Barbourisms.”

Barbourisms

-- To confirm the Stewards, the people at the Quarterly Conference have to vote.  The presiding elder cannot confirm the Stewards with some ceremonial words and some kind of blessing.  A vote has to be taken to confirm the Stewards.  The members of the church have to be involved.

-- Just because we have done something in the AME Church a certain way for many years, doesn’t make it right!

-- Pastors should not say, “My steward board” or “My church”; it’s “Our steward board” and “Our church.” 

-- The Steward Board does not belong to the pastor. 

-- A pastor labors years working to get to the pinnacle of ministry, but it only takes minutes, seconds or a bad decision to derail ministry.

-- A derailed ministry has a negative impact upon a preacher’s family and especially, children.

-- Advice to pastors, “Don’t let a dead man / woman kill your ministry.”

-- A pastor who is not generous and gracious in sensitive situations might discover that he or she is “putting a nail in the coffin” of his or her ministry.

-- A pastor should be gracious in acceding to the wishes of his or her parishioners when it comes to funerals and weddings.

-- Don’t kill your ministry by being in such a rush on Sunday mornings; take the time to greet your parishioners after the close of worship.

-- A word to young and old preachers, “Don’t let neglect kill your ministry.”

-- Don’t let your failure to visit your sick and shut-in members kill your ministry.

-- Advice Dr. Johnny Barbour’s father gave to him: My Daddy said, “It takes a long time for a minister who starts at the bottom pastoring small congregations and moving from church to church and then getting to the first church on the district – that doesn’t happen overnight; but one indiscretion, one moral misjudgment and the fall from the top to the bottom can be instantaneous.”

-- It takes longer to get from the bottom to the top than it does to get from the top to the bottom.

Truly wise thoughts from a wise man!

To God be the Glory for causing our paths to meet and for his long and faithful service to God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and to the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

2. NEWS AROUND THE AME CHURCH:

--Woodfork Chapel celebrates 152 years

Woodfork Chapel AME Church has been located on Lipscomb Street since the early 1960s but dates to around the end of the Civil War...


3. DONALD TRUMP ATTACKS KAPPA ALPHA PSI FEDERAL COURT JUDGE GONZALO P. CURIEL ON HIS MEXICAN HERITAGE:

Judge Curiel received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Indiana University in 1976 and his Juris Doctor from the Indiana University School of Law in 1979. He is a Nupe and crossed through the founding chapter of the fraternity, the Alpha Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. in 1974.

This is an excerpt from a post that his fraternity brother, Michael Gordon wrote about him on Facebook.

“Gonzalo Curiel was one of our students at Indiana University and a member of Alpha Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity which had been founded at Indiana University in 1911. Gonzalo was beginning as a student at Indiana University Law School at that time. It is a rather long and complicated story behind this, but the gist of it is that I, a brand new professor at Indiana University and Gonzalo, he and I only, formed a committee of two persons, to organize and apply for a Charter, for the first time in its history; an Alumni Chapter of the fraternity, right there in Bloomington, Indiana, in order to provide more and direct counseling, advising, and more accountability for undergraduates at our very first chapter in the nation. That was in 1977, and I became the very first President of that new chapter, president in our fraternity, the president is called “Polemarch” and I was appointed by the Province Polemarch as the Alpha Chapter Faculty Advisor.”

Not only is Judge Curiel a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, he crossed through the fraternity’s Alpha Chapter in early 1970s and is a charter member of the Bloomington (IN) Alumni Chapter.


4. PROPOSED LEGISLATION FOR THE GENERAL CONFERENCE

Bill No: TBD

Title: Reestablishment of the First Educational District

Reference: The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 1948, Page 280, Item 254 and Page 282, Item 257 #3

Intent: To reestablish the former First Educational District, comprising the First, Third, Fourth, Fifth and Thirteenth Districts, with the addition of the Second District. Originally the First, Fourth, Fifth, and Thirteenth were episcopal districts without an educational institution.  The Second District, at the time of the establishing of the First Educational District in 1948, had Kittrell College, which no longer exists.  The First Educational District was to divide its financial support between Wilberforce University and Payne Seminary.

Rationale: In 1863 when Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, Bishop Daniel Alexander Payne purchased from the Methodist Episcopal Church—on faith for $10,000—Wilberforce University.  This act on behalf of the African Methodist Episcopal Church made Wilberforce University the oldest private coeducational African American institution of higher learning and Bishop Daniel Alexander Payne the first black college president. Long regarded as the “Crown Jewel” of African Methodism, Wilberforce University counts among its graduates 26 of the 130 elected and consecrated bishops, numerous outstanding ministers and prominent laypersons. Currently, Wilberforce University, as with so many other private Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), is facing declining enrollments, deferred maintenance, financial straits.

Insert at the appropriate place in the 2016 Discipline:

The First Educational District, to comprise the First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth and Thirteenth Episcopal Districts shall be reestablished and its financial support to higher education shall be equally divided between Wilberforce University and Payne Theological Seminary.

Submitted by:  Dr. Jamye Coleman Williams

5. DR. JAMYE COLEMAN WILLIAMS: A PASSION FOR EDUCATION & JUSTICE:            

Alice Bernstein

Dr. Jamye Coleman Williams, educator, activist, and leader in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, was the guest speaker on March 2nd at Harvard University’s Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations. At age 97, Dr. Williams is a vibrant, contemporary woman who has fought for equality in education and civil rights. The diverse audience of young and old included teenage freshmen, graduates, faculty, and guests, and the distinguished educator Dr. McDonald Williams (age 98), who is her husband. Hearing her speak, I thought of these words written by the great American philosopher and poet, Eli Siegel, founder of Aesthetic Realism:

“[A person] will not be fully human until he [or she] is interested in justice with great intensity and with the comprehensiveness which does not wish to miss any of its forms…. Where something is wrong in the outside world, we should oppose it not only because it has affected us inconveniently, but because the idea of not opposing injustice, the sense of personal shame in permitting what is evil anywhere, makes one not like oneself.”

Dr. Williams’ rich life has been spent opposing injustice in many important ways. In her talk she discussed her work 1) as an educator for over 48 years in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); 2) as a civil rights activist in the 1950s-60s; and, 3) in the AME Church.
       
She was introduced by Dr. S. Allen Counter, one of her earliest students, now a professor of neurobiology at Harvard. He described how crucial HBCUs were before the civil rights movement--and beyond--as the only opportunity for higher education accessible to black students. And, in the rare instances where black men and women were able to attend white colleges, they were denied jobs as teachers there when they graduated. Meanwhile, he noted that ironically, this injustice led to the employment of these highly educated and dedicated black teachers at HBCUs.  Dr. Counter expressed his gratitude for having been a student at an HBCU--Tennessee State A&I (now TSU)--and he was clearly moved to host his dear professor as guest speaker.

Education & the AME Church—Then and Now

Dr. Williams began her talk by asking young scholars to commit themselves “to careers in academe, which truly, sure enough needs you.”  While telling further of her talk, I’ll also add some instances of what she’s said elsewhere, including conversations we have had because of my work as a journalist and civil rights historian, work informed by my study of Aesthetic Realism.  She makes clear throughout her talk that her interest in justice isn’t over; and that she continues to ask for more from herself—and others. 
          
There is a maxim by Eli Siegel which I believe expresses the large way every person should be seen: “Every person now alive is a culmination of history.”  It is certainly true about Dr. Williams, whose life has been deeply affected in particular by events in American history as far back as the 1700s and the brutality of slavery, as well as events in the 20th and 21st centuries that she witnessed and participated in. She was born in 1918 in Louisville, Kentucky, and later earned a B.A. with honors in English from her beloved alma mater Wilberforce University in Ohio. Later she lived and taught in Tennessee and Georgia. 

And because the AME church is one of the big forces in her life—her father and brother were AME ministers—she told some history of this church and its unflagging activism for higher education and economic justice for over 200 years.
       
The AME church is the oldest African American religious denomination in America. It arose from the Free African Society organized in 1787 by freemen protesting against slavery and racial segregation in houses of worship. In 1816, the AME was formally organized in Philadelphia, largely through the work of a former slave who bought his freedom, Rev. Richard Allen.  In 1856, just before the Civil War, the AME church established its first college—Wilberforce, in Ohio—and has stood firmly ever since for education as the key to equal opportunity. Dr. Williams pointed out to her audience that one of the teachers at Wilberforce was W.E.B. DuBois; the first black awarded a PhD by Harvard University.
       
She expressed pride in having taught the humanities to thousands of students at 5 HBCUs, 4 of which are AME colleges, and being “part of their educational experience.” Among her many students who would later become notable in their fields are: opera singer Leontyne Price, Grammy-winning gospel singer Bobby Jones, Olympic gold medalist Wilma Rudolph; and, in addition, 8 students of hers became AME bishops, 3 became college presidents, 2 became seminary presidents, and others went on to careers in medicine, engineering, government, and law. 
      
She is fervent about the need for HBCUs to survive, against the odds today, when “soaring budgets and diminishing resources,” make it hard for black colleges to withstand the “brain drain” caused by recruitment of promising black students by well-endowed colleges. In 2010 she spoke on the theme, “Education Determines Our Dreams and Destiny,” to an interdenominational gathering of ministers, educators and leaders, to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King and the 28th anniversary of the national holiday in his name.  Calling it “a sad time,” when poverty, unemployment, and rising college costs, severely threaten HBCUs, she stressed with great intensity that equality of educational opportunity is a crucial “avenue for our youth [to] realize their dream and destiny” when “more of our young men are in prison than in college.“ 
       
At Harvard, she urged the students there, so fortunate in their access to knowledge, to “combat the obstacles to parity in education for African Americans.”  When Jamye Williams says “Thank God for the black college,” it is a statement that takes in her whole life, and it is meant!

Civil Rights: The Fight between Contempt and Respect

My work as an historian of civil rights led to my knowing Dr. Williams and attending her talk.  We were introduced by two of our mutual friends, retired AME Bishop Frederick C. James of South Carolina, and Mrs. Rosetta Perry, publisher of the Tennessee Tribune.  They—and now Dr. Williams--are among the 200 men and women nationwide whom I’ve interviewed for “The Force of Ethics in Civil Rights” oral history project. The project aims to preserve little known history of the struggle for justice, and to meet the urgent need in America to understand the cause and answer to racism, explained by Aesthetic Realism. 
       
The moment-to-moment ethical fight in every human being, Eli Siegel taught, is between contempt—“the addition to self through the lessening of something else” and respect—wanting to know and be fair to the world and people.  It is the desire for contempt that is the cause of racism and every human injustice. In The Right of Aesthetic Realism to Be Known, Chairman of Education Ellen Reiss wrote:

“[T]he fight, Shall I see the world and people with contempt or respect? Is the fight within every individual right now; it is our constant, inward, personal civil war.”

The persons interviewed for “The Force of Ethics in Civil Rights” are distinguished by the fact that in difficult, dangerous, and sometimes life-threatening situations, they chose to fight for justice and made America better, stronger, more ethical. Their lives are evidence that the desire to know and be fair to others—to be ethical—has power and makes for the greatest self-respect.

In her talk, Dr. Williams spoke of her civil rights activism—and gave what she called “dramatic snapshots,” of working for 40 years on the Executive Committee of the NAACP (her husband McDonald was vice president) and with local youth councils in colleges, fighting injustice that threatened not only their own but others’ lives. She worked with well-known leaders, including Martin Luther King, John Lewis, James Lawson, and Thurgood Marshall—and others hardly known now. Some of them were lawyers representing victims of racist violence, students arrested at sit-ins to desegregate eating places, and anyone whose stand against Jim Crow led to attempts to discredit, bankrupt, destroy their livelihoods, and even end their lives.

One such person was Z. Alexander Looby, the Nashville Movement’s leading lawyer.  She vividly described “an event that solidified the black community, on April 19, 1960,” when his home was bombed. The blast, felt several miles away, broke 140 windows at nearby Meharry Medical College (HBCU) injuring some students. (Thankfully, the Looby’s were unharmed, having been warned of the bomb threat.) A spontaneous protest march began at TSU with several hundred and grew to 3,000 with students in schools and colleges joining along the way, including Jamye Williams, her husband, and their daughter Donna. The march, conducted in complete silence, reached the courthouse steps—and was about to change history.

She gave a riveting eyewitness account of the historic confrontation with Nashville’s Mayor Ben West and one of the student leaders, Diane Nash. The bombing protest, and so many events in the years leading up to it, made for an ethical breakthrough. Ms. Nash courageously asked the Mayor the question straight: “Do you recommend that the lunch counters be desegregated?” and the Mayor answered clearly, ever so surprisingly “Yes!” and it led to what Jamye Williams called, “a death knell to the continued white opposition to the desegregation of public accommodations.”  Nashville had led the way to desegregation in the South.  And, in 1995,” Dr. Williams said, “exactly 35 thirty-five years after Diane Nash posed that crucial question…on the morality of segregation, another Mayor—Philip Bredesen—on the same spot in front of the courthouse, in the presence of civil rights activists, including an older Diane Nash, dedicated a plaque commemorating that historic day with the words from the Old Testament prophet Joshua: “And the people shouted with a great shout so that the walls fell down.”
         
Writing about Jamye Williams’ life and work, I’ve thought often about this principle, central in Aesthetic Realism, “All beauty is a making one of opposites, and the making one of opposites is what we are going after in ourselves.”  I respect the way she is trying to put together the opposites of erudition and passion, bravery and caution, courage and sympathy. I feel these sentences from Eli Siegel’s essay, “A Woman Is a Oneness of Aesthetic Opposites," are a beautiful and true understanding of all women, and can be seen as commenting on her life. About the opposites, Hard and Soft, he wrote: 

"Often a determination comes to women which can hold its own with that of Napoleon or a boulder in a city park. And women are also pitying, sympathetic, moved to give up their notions because of the plight of another."

The AME Church Today

Her talk ended with a discussion of what Dr. McDonald Williams has proudly described as his wife’s “fierce advocacy for women in ministry, particularly in the bishopric.”  And in what she related next we see the determination “which can hold its own with that of Napoleon or a boulder in a city park.”
       
In a discussion after her talk, two women students, Cary Williams and Doni Lehman, asked about challenges Dr. Williams faced particularly as a woman, and her experience with the challenges of other women.
       
Replying, she reflected on her efforts which led to the election in 2000 of the first female bishop of the AME Church after 187 years: 

''In our church, the majority of members and the majority of seminary enrollees are women. So it is not fair to deny them full inclusion. It's sort of like the civil rights battle…. People just don't want to relinquish power without a fight.
       
“We decided it was time to have a female bishop. It was not easy and it was not pretty.… I had taught 8 of the bishops, and I would go to each one and say, ‘It’s time for us to elect a woman to the bishopry and I need your help.’ They would tell me, ‘I’ll pray over it.’ So I wrote a resolution … to include a woman to be elected. As you can imagine, there was pandemonium.…. But this propelled the organization to finally elect a woman bishop, Vashti Murphy McKenzie. (Note: Two other women were elected in following years.)”

And she continued with undiminished determination about her future work:

“In 2016 [the church] will be 200 years old as a formal organization. We’re going to Philadelphia in July. …Right now the AME church has one woman bishop—one of the women died and the other is retired. So if we don’t elect someone in 2016, when 2020 comes and Bishop McKenzie retires, we will have a bench of male bishops. Now that is unacceptable in 2016."

The evening concluded with a surprise as Dr. Counter presented an award of appreciation to Jamye Coleman Williams for her innumerable contributions to education, social involvement of the AME Church, and intercultural relations.

It was moving to see students rising to surround her and to express their   appreciation—many eager to have pictures taken with her.
       
Dr. Williams once told me she had taught the poetry of Eli Siegel in classes on contemporary American poets, and mentioned having recently bought his second volume of poetry, Hail, American Development. I told her of a poem in it about Martin Luther King, which I love and have written about, and asked if she’d like me to recite it. She eagerly said yes:

Something Else Should Die: 

A Poem with Rhymes by Eli Siegel

In April 1865
Abraham Lincoln died.
In April 1968
Martin Luther King died.
Their purpose was to have us say,
     
Some day:
Injustice died.

“Beautiful—how beautiful, and moving,” she said. I agree. And I know the study of Aesthetic Realism will bring us closer to that day described in the final lines of this poem.

Alice Bernstein is a journalist, Aesthetic Realism Associate, and historian for “The Force of Ethics in Civil Rights,” the oral history project of the not-for-profit Alliance of Ethics and Art. 

6. MOTHER CHURCH OF GEORGIA GETS NEW PASTOR:

On April 1, 2016, at the 151st Session of the Old Georgia Annual Conference, held at the St. James AME Church in Savannah, Georgia, Bishop Preston Warren Williams II, the 119th elected and Consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, appointed Reverend Dr. Bernard Clarke the 42nd pastor of the Mother Church of African Methodism in the State of Georgia, St. Philip Monumental AME Church.

Dr. Clarke made history as well, becoming the first Savannah born minister to be appointed to a full pastorate at Monumental. (The late Rev. Peola W. Scott, also a Savannahian and only female pastor in the church’s history, served an interim appointment of 6-8 months in 1988.)

The congregation is elated to have Dr. Clarke as our new pastor; and his wife, Antoinette, two daughters, LaToya and Amber and son, Jordan as our first family.
       
Members of the congregation rejoiced in the Lord, and said, “To God be the Glory! Great things He has done!”

Submitted by Johnnie M. Perkins, Sr.

7. REQUEST “YES” VOTE ON “THE BISHOP SARAH FRANCES DAVIS COVENANT KEEPERS AND INTERCESSORS” LEGISLATION:

To: The Bishops, Delegates, Alternate Delegates, Laity and all members of the 50th Quadrennial of The African Methodist Episcopal Church

From: Exhorter Danita W. Mosley 2nd Episcopal District Prayer Life Ministry & Jubilee Prayer Team 2016

Date: June 3, 2016

For the past 4 years, the Jubilee Prayer Team has been praying and interceding for unity, supernatural breakthroughs for Districts 1-20 of the African Methodist Episcopal District.

We, the members of the Jubilee Prayer Team, believe God for minds, hearts, and doors to be opened as we journey to Philadelphia.

We are standing on Numbers 14:28 “Say unto them, as truly as I live, saith the Lord, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you.”  We have been praying for souls to be saved, restored, delivered, revived and raised up to continue the work of God’s Disciples.

We the members of the Jubilee Prayer Team are asking the Bishops, delegates, and alternate delegates to please give “The Bishop Sarah Frances Davis Covenant Keepers and Intercessors” legislation a “Yes” vote to pass in recognition of the late Bishop Sarah Frances Davis’ unwavering life and ministry as “The Praying Bishop!”

It is our prayer that the Blood of Jesus cover you with wisdom, peace, unity and love.

God’s Humble Servant,

Exhorter Danita W. Mosley

8. NEW SENTENCING REFORM MEASURE RELEASED - ACT NOW:

Recently senators from both sides of the aisle stood together as they announced new enhancements to the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act. The changes are designed to broaden even further the bi-partisan support this measure has enjoyed since its initial introduction last fall.

SRCA furthers justice by:

• Reducing mandatory minimums for non-violent drug offenses
• Severely restricts use of solitary confinement on juveniles
• Improve recidivism reduction programs like job training, education, drug rehab, and faith based programming
• Improving accuracy of FBI background files used by employers during screening

These measures are important first steps on the road to reforming a justice system that relies too much on warehousing people, targets communities of color unfairly, and focuses on punishment rather than restoration.

Contact your Senator now to tell them to support SRCA as a first step towards justice.


9. JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL TO RECOGNIZE THE PITTSBURGH'S HISTORIC AFRICAN AMERICAN ICONIC LEADERS:

Pittsburgh, PA (BlackNews.com) – All are invited to attend the Pittsburgh's Bicentennial Celebration and Juneteenth Festival on June 17-19.

The City of Pittsburgh is celebrating it's 200 year of incorporation and will highlight this years celebration with a recognition of African American freedom and liberty throughout the United States (Juneteenth is the official holiday in the African Americans community celebrating the end of Slavery, generally held on June 19th each year).

The local organization, Stop the Violence-Pittsburgh, has organized the Juneteenth Event from June 17th - 19th.  Pittsburgh's Juneteenth Festival is named in honor of one of the City's foremost and prominent African American political leader, Martin R. Delany (1812-1885). Mr. Delany was an Abolitionist, Doctor, first Black admitted to Harvard Med School, Editor, Inventor and the first line Major of the U.S. Army, appointed by President Abraham Lincoln, who advocated African American nationalism and self-reliance.

One key event of the Juneteenth Festival will be a re-enactment of the 1870 Jubilee of Freemen Parade. The original Jubilee Parade was based on the ratification of the 15th Amendment granting African American males the Right to Vote. This original Parade was a national event organized by Leaders of Bethel AME Church
The re-enactment Parade will start on June 18th, 9 a.m. with a memorial service at St. Benedict the Moor Church.

For more details about the event visit: www.PittsburghBlackLegacy.com

10. EMANUEL AME CHURCH CHARLESTON DECLARES VICTORY IN THE VALLEY:

Emanuel AMEC Charleston schedule of programs & events for 1-year anniversary of tragedy

June 17, 2015 is etched in our memories as the day that 9 Christian martyrs were senselessly murdered exercising their faith in prayer.  Now known as the Emanuel 9, we are reminded that we must be vigilant to end gun violence that snuffs out lives daily across this country. 

One year later, Charleston braces to remember and recommit.  Let us pray for and act with the Seventh Episcopal District.

Do what you can, where you are because senseless gun violence is at your back and front doors.  Help make it go away - We can do this!

Our part includes voting in the upcoming series of elections - It matters who make laws!!

The Agenda for the 9 Days of remembering is below. 

-- “Victory in the Valley” Calendar will commemorate the Mother Emanuel Nine and Honor the Families, Survivors & Church Members:
 
Cities all over the world are planning commemorative programs and events for the first-year anniversary of the June 17, 2015 tragedy at Emanuel AME Church (EAMEC), 110 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC, 29401.

Several organizations (churches, the public library, houses of worship and others) have partnered with the AME Churches of South Carolina, Mother Emanuel, the city of Charleston and others to provide opportunities for youth and people of all ages to engage in meaningful dialogue about unity among all races.

The when, what and where for June 15-26 are listed in date order to assist those planning to participate from near and far. 
The why: “Victory in the Valley” programming is designed to remember the lives of the victims while honoring their families, the survivors and members of Mother Emanuel. Ticketed events are noted with double asterisks (**).

Wednesday, June 15th at 6:00 p.m.
Ecumenical Bible Study (Part I) led by the Rev. Dr. Betty Deas Clark and the Rev. Anthony Thompson. EAMEC, 110 Calhoun St. in Charleston, SC, Call (843)722-2561 for more information.

Thursday, June 16th at 1:00 p.m.
Senior Citizens Luncheon sponsored by South Carolina Representative Jenny Horne, EAMEC / Fellowship (**)

Friday, June 17th at 10:00 a.m.
An Ecumenical Service Remembering the Mother Emanuel Nine and Honoring the Survivors & Members of Mother Emanuel AME Church sponsored by the Right Reverend Richard Franklin Norris, Presiding Bishop of the Seventh Episcopal District and the College of Charleston, T. D. Arena, 301 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC. RSVP by June 9, 2016 at (803) 935-0500. Ticket holders only

Friday, June 17th from 4-5:30 p.m.
After Charleston: Commemoration, Healing and Hope
This is a culminating service for members of the church, leaders in Charleston, and city leaders from across the country.  EAMEC - Public Event

Friday, June 17th at 6:00 p.m.
Charleston Community Supper sponsored by Second Presbyterian Church of Charleston at 342 Meeting Street / Charleston, SC 29403 / Public Event

Friday, June 17th at 7:00 p.m.
After Charleston: The Sacred Space
This is an event designed for individuals to experience the sacred space of Mother Emanuel for a time of worship, prayer and reflection. Worship Leaders: Will Reagan of United Pursuit, Freddy Washington of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir and Worship Leaders of Charleston Sponsored by Mother Emanuel; After Charleston, Civilitas Group, 1Charleston, the Cathedral Church of St. Luke and St. Paul and New Metropolitan. EAMEC / Public Event

For real-time event details: Twitter: @aftercharleston; Facebook: Facebook.com/AfterCharleston

Friday, June 17th at 9:30 p.m.
After Charleston: The Activation. This is an event designed for individuals to participate in a summit and mixer designed to equip them to become active in the pursuit of unifying the city of Charleston. The event will include music infused with the insight of some notable national figures. Locations: TBD

Sponsored by Mother Emanuel, After Charleston, Civilitas Group, 1Charleston, the Cathedral Church of St. Luke and St. Paul. 

Saturday, June 18th at 7:30 a.m.
Prayer Breakfast hosted by South Carolina State Senators Margie Bright Matthews and Marlon Kimpson. Francis Marion Hotel / 387 King Street / Charleston, SC 29403 / Public Event. Reservations are requested due to limited seating. Please RSVP to vtresvant@gmail.com

Saturday, June 18th from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Samaritan’s Feet sponsored by EAMEC & Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated / Buist Academy, 103 Calhoun St. / Charleston, SC 29401 / Registration is required for school-aged children to receive free socks and tennis shoes at http://wach.com/news/local/events-will-mark-anniversary-of-charleston-church-shooting-06-06-2016 . 

Saturday, June 18th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
A Walk of Unity and Thanksgiving sponsored by EAMEC and the Hate Won’t Win Movement / Begin walk at Marion Square at 11:00 a.m. (overflow at Wragg Square); End walk at Gaillard Center Lawn (95 Calhoun St.). To register for the walk visit www.hatewontwinmovement.com. Release of doves: unity & healing ceremony at 11:30 a.m.

Mother Emanuel Tree Dedication Ceremony at 12:30 p.m. with keynote speaker the Rev. Dr. Bernice King and the Rev. Shirley Caesar performing

Saturday, June 18th from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Mother Emanuel Quilt Exhibition at 85 Calhoun St. / Charleston, (The Arch Building)

Sunday, June 19th at 8:00 a.m.
Service of the Bells led by St. Michael’s Episcopal Church

Sunday, June 19th at 9:30 a.m.
Worship Service with the Rev. Dr. Betty Deas Clark at EAMEC / 110 Calhoun St. / Charleston, SC 29401

June 20th - 25th
Love Week is all about compassion, selflessness and service.

Monday, June 20th from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Borough House Tour at 35 Calhoun St. / Charleston, SC 29401

Tuesday, June 21st from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Putting People to Work Career Fair sponsored by EAMEC with Spherion Staffing Services & Representative Wendell Gaillard at EAMEC / 110 Calhoun St. / Charleston, SC 29401

Tuesday, June 21st
International Day of Kindness / for everyone – everywhere / information will be posted online at www.emanuel@emanuelamechurch.org.

Wednesday, June 22nd from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Project Cool Breeze Distribution sponsored by EAMEC and Representative Wendell Gaillard at

Wednesday, June 22nd at 6:00 p.m.
Ecumenical Bible Study (Part II) led by the Rev. Dr. Betty Deas Clark and the Rev. Anthony Thompson at EAMEC

Thursday, June 23rd from 8:00 a.m. to 12 Noon
Habitat for Humanity sponsored by EAMEC and St. Michael’s Episcopal Church at the Pope Francis House

Thursday, June 23rd from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Calling All Colors sponsored by EAMEC / for 12-14 year old children / a celebration of multiculturalism at EAMEC

Friday, June 24th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Voices from the Valley, Racial Justice Panel at EAMEC
                                                        
Saturday, June 25th from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Youth Basketball Tournament for 8-15 year old children co-sponsored by EAMEC and the city of Charleston’s Recreation Department, Arthur Christopher Community Center, 265 Fishburne St., Charleston

Saturday, June 25th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Adopt-a-Neighborhood / sponsored by EAMEC and St. Michael’s Episcopal Church / Location: TBD

Saturday, June 25th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
“Morning Grace: Coming Home to Mother” – Grand Finale / Gospel Concert featuring  jazz and gospel vocalist Ann Caldwell as Mistress of Ceremonies, the Lowcountry Voices and other guest artists at EAMEC

Saturday, June 25th from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Candlelight Vigil at EAMEC and Service of the Bells led by St. Michael’s Episcopal Church

Sunday, June 26th
Mayor John Tecklenburg, Mayor of the city of Charleston (Charleston, SC) has proclaimed this day as Mother Emanuel and Survivors Day in the city of Charleston.

To find a listing of other programs and events sponsored by other entities, visit the city of Charleston’s Office of Cultural Affairs’ website at www.charlestonarts.org/about-cultural-affairs-charleston.

Attendees should bring as few personal items as possible as you will go through airport-like security. Cameras and purses are permitted. No large bags, sharp objects, umbrellas, liquids or signs will be allowed at the events.

AME Social Action Commission
Bishop Reginald T Jackson, Chair
Mrs. Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker, Director

11. THE NORTH DISTRICT:

The Macon North District is part of the Sixth Episcopal District under the leadership of Bishop Preston and Dr. Wilma Delores Webb Williams.  We held our annual district conference on November 5-6, 2015.

This year’s theme was, “Leadership Matters:  Laying the Foundation for Successful Church Growth.”  The Conference was held at the Williams Chapel AME Church, Forsyth, Georgia and hosted by Pastor, the Rev. Selena Clark.

The District Conference was opened by our Worship Leader, the Rev. Esther K. Powers, who serves as the Christian Education Director of the Macon Georgia Conference and the pastor of Mathlama AME Church in Morrow, Georgia.

November is the month where many in our country celebrate the lives and sacrifices of our Veterans.  We were honored to have Veterans and “Soldiers in the Army of the Lord” through our district conference worship services. 

Thursday night, Army Veteran and the District Presiding Elder Benjamin Ridley opened the service.  From the pulpit where he pastored over 36 years ago, Elder Ridley delivered another amazing and timely message from Luke 23:39-43 - "God Can Save Anyone, Anytime and Anywhere." 

He followed up on his lesson Friday morning using the other accounts from Matthew, Mark and Luke.  During Friday’s Hour of Power, the Rev. Dr. John Foster shared with us “How to Reach the Masses” from Luke 15:31-32.  To further lessons on our conference theme, we had dynamic presentations from gifted speakers.

We wrapped things up with a fantastic dinner set up to honor the veterans on our district.  The YPDers of Williams Chapel AME Church served during the dinner.  Ninety veterans were given special recognition with Certificates of Appreciation. 

The worship leader was the Rev. Ezekiel Powers, a veteran from Mathalama AME Church.

The speaker on Friday evening was retired Army veteran, the Rev. Dr. Johnny L. Cook of Greater Allen Chapel AME Church in Macon, Georgia.  He spoke from the text, Luke 2:4-7; sermon topic, “No Room for Love.”  

Overall, the District Conference was an experience with teaching and preaching.  We are grateful to God for our Presiding Elder Benjamin and Sister Dorothy Ellis Ridley, Area Consultant, as our leadership team for the Macon North District.

12. THE TRUTH IS THE LIGHT:

*The Reverend Dr. Charles R. Watkins

Based on Biblical Text: Romans 4:20: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God

Sometimes we need to ask the question, “How well do we take care of our faith?” Think about it, we take care of our hair, our nails, and our pets. We are meticulous about our cars, electronic toys, and our golf clubs. But really, how well do any of us take care of our faith?

If faith is the “substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen,” it makes sense that we would care for the substance and the evidence that will carry us toward the things we hope for. The New English Version translates, “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” The truth of the matter is that kind of faith does not just happen, it has to be nurtured.

The fact is that faith is nothing more than belief in a promise. Folk in biblical times were certain of that promise. They were confident that God would do exactly what He promised. That is the essence of faith.

The concept of Christianity is really quite simple. The concept of Christianity is faith. We faithfully believe there is God who sits high and looks low. We live by faith in His promise to be our provider, our sustainer, our healer, our direction and our light in darkness.  When we are faithful, we live as if God will keep His promise. When we apply our faith, we conduct our lives as if God is who God says God is, and God will do what God says God will do! Living by faith is taking God at God’s Word. The question for us is, “How firm is our faith?”

The Bible is filled with promises for believers. So then, living by faith requires that we become familiar with those promises. It would be encouraging and even nourishing to our faith if we would take time to review God’s promises. We could begin by taking time to scan the list of promises from forgiveness, to protection, to our relationship with God, and the promise of Eternal Life. Reviewing God’s promises can help bolster our faith.

Consider this; the circumstances surrounding us right now have nothing to do with whether or not God loves us. The extent to which God loves us was settled over 2,000 years ago with the sacrifice of God’s Son on the cross of Calvary.

The truth is we have to learn to take care of our faith. Why, because if we want blessings from God, nothing can fetch them down but faith. Our prayer will not be answered unless it is the earnest prayer of a man or woman who believes. Faith is the invisible wire that links earth and heaven. If that wire is not connected how can we receive the promises of God?

“How firm is our faith?” Firm faith is believing God when it looks bleak and even when we are in trouble. Firm faith trusts God when we are surrounded by the enemy. The truth is, firm faith believes and trusts God even when all the conditions around us say that we should be frightened, or scared, or disappointed.

We can keep our faith firm by feeding it a daily diet of healthy scripture. We can keep our faith firmed up by remaining faithful to the worship experience and applying our bible knowledge to our daily living. This is the way we feed our faith! “How firm is our faith?

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

13. GETTING TO ZERO: FROM THE REAL AFRICA:

*The Rev. Dr. Oveta Fuller


*The Rev. Dr. Oveta Fuller is currently on Sabbatical leave from the
University of Michigan and is currently in Africa and will submit her column as her schedule permits.  She is the incoming Director, African Studies Center Associate Professor Dept Microbiology and Immunology University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Michigan

14. iCHURCH SCHOOL LESSON BRIEF FOR SUNDAY, JUNE 12, 2016 - LISTEN UP! -  ZEPHANIAH 3:6-8:

*Brother Bill Dickens

Key Verse:  (God) said, "If only you would fear me, if only you would take my instructions to heart.' Then their houses would not have been torn down. I have chastened them, but they were eager to corrupt everything they were doing." Zephaniah 3:7

Introduction

When I was growing up one of my favorite sit-coms was Gomer Pyle.  The comedy depicted the travails of a bumbling, naïve new Marine recruit adjusting to his new life under the strict commands by an unrelenting drill sergeant.  Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is a 246-square-mile (640 km2)   United States military training facility in Jacksonville, NC. The base's 14 miles (23 km) of beaches make it a major area for amphibious assault training, and its location between two deep-water ports (Wilmington and Morehead City allows for fast deployments. 

In American culture Camp Lejeune is where young men and women get their initial experience knowing how to become a marine.  The initiation begins with the close contact between the sergeant and the new recruit (like Gomer Pyle).  The sergeant articulates a set of instructions that the new recruit is expected to follow, without exceptions.  The sergeant makes a series of demands with high expectations.  The new recruits can only say:  Yes Drill Sergeant!!!  If they listen carefully they understand their specific duties and responsibilities and began to make progress in becoming one of the few and the proud, a Marine. 

The Adult AME Church School lesson for June 12, 2016 focuses on the importance of believers cultivating sharp listening skills.  The nation of Judah showed selective hearing in their relationship with God.  Zephaniah explained the causes and consequences of selective hearing.  Let's see below.

Bible Lesson

Zephaniah continues the message about God's wrath towards the inhabitants of Judah.  Last Sunday we examined "The Day of the Lord" when the judgment will culminate in destruction.  This Sunday we look at the specific reasoning for the dispensation of judgment.  In verse 6 the prophet reaffirms that God will depopulate the nation and leave the city's infrastructure in shambles.  Why? The leaders and the residents choose not to hear the evil they have committed over and over. In verse 7 God is depicted as a Deity who is willing to give his people the "benefit of doubt."  God expresses the view that the lawbreakers in Judah will fear Him and accept instruction in correction for their sinful habits.  God keeps open the possibility that his chosen people will be rational and do the right thing in following Him.  However, the last sentence in verse 7 dispels any sense of "rational religion" for Judah.  They merely resort to their favored position of disobedience.  Given Judah's inflexible mindset, God informs the prophet in verse 8 that He will now take action and provide punishment befitting of a serial lawbreaker.  Destruction and judgment are the only appropriate actions towards Judah.

Bible Application

Why are we hard of hearing?  Parents instruct their teenage children to exercise caution and care once they receive their driver's license.  Many kids still engage in reckless fast driving and consuming alcohol and drugs under the wheel. 

June is a popular month for it represents many young boys and girls attending prom activities.  Again, the instructions from the parents are to have fun but do not engage in activities that may result in violent behavior. 

Despite this advice, many kids do the exact opposite and have fun that too often results in shootings or fights in the dreaded "after prom" events.  Like God in the book of Zephaniah parents want the best for their kids.  However, too often we tend to think they are not listening to the sage advice being provided. 

If we would listen to wise counsel we could avoid bad outcomes.  The Biblical story of Solomon's son Jeroboam is a reminder about what happens when we listen to the wrong advice.  Jeroboam chose to ignore the sound advice of his elder counselors and embrace the immature advice of his cohorts which led to the fall of Israel. 

We need to listen to the right counsel and reject the false counsel.  We need to listen more and talk less.  The popular saying is true: God gave us two ears and one mouth because He wanted us to listen twice as much as we talk.  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

15. MEDITATION BASED ON JOHN 9:1-9:

*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby

I was blessed this week to eulogize a great lady - Mrs. Fannie Phelps Adams.  Mrs. Adams was a career educator who spent thirty years shaping young minds and lives at Booker T. Washington High School in Columbia, South Carolina.  She was also a ninety-eight year resident of Columbia’s Wheeler Hill Community, where I spent the first twelve years of my life and was a loyal and active member of Saint James AME Church who helped to shape my spiritual foundation.

Much could be said - and was said - about her at her homegoing service, but a story from my high school years epitomizes her spirit.  I grew up in the days when corporal punishment in schools was still permissible and was doled out at Booker T. by a man named Ralph Stevenson.  When one of my exuberant classmates went too far in the wrong direction in Algebra Class, our teacher said, “That’s it - I’m sending you to Mrs. Adams.”  My classmate said, “Can’t you just send me to Mr. Stevenson? A couple of lashes from his belt will hurt less than the lecture I’ll get from Mrs. Adams!”

Mrs. Adams was soft-spoken and never sought the spotlight, but her words and her spirit spoke to her determination to improve the lives of others.  She was respected not only at Booker T., but also in the larger community and in the corridors of community influence.  She spoke softly, but she made a difference by living her religion and modeling good religion in a way that impacted others.

I offer her example to you in a world where many seek power, popularity and fame by any means necessary.  It’s easy for the best of us to seek personal affirmation by pushing life’s doors open in ways that draw attention to us and lead us to get our way, but our doing so can often leave us disappointed, wounded, let down and insulted when those around us don’t follow us or sing our praises.

We’d do well to remember that the Christ who died so that we might live, never sought to draw attention to himself and never said, “I am the Christ.”  Jesus simply did His work, and His work changed lives and changed our world.  When we humbly walk in His footsteps, we can do what Fannie Phelps Adams did and find acclaim not by having our way, but in doing God’s will.

Step away from life’s quest for popularity and power and find your personal affirmation in simply doing God’s will.  When you do, you’ll make a difference and change things for the better, saying with Mrs. Adams and with the words of a timeless hymn, “Be not dismayed when people don’t believe you; He’ll understand and say, “well done.’”  Rest well, Mrs. Adams.  Your work speaks for you.

*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

16. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS:

-- Impending Nuptials of the Reverend Dr. Timothy E. Tyler and Dr. Nita Mosby Henry

We are happy to announce the impending nuptials of the Reverend Dr. Timothy E. Tyler and Dr. Nita Mosby Henry at Shorter Community AME Church in Denver, Colorado on June 25, 2016 at 1:00 p.m.

Dr. Timothy Tyler is the pastor of Shorter Community AME Church. Dr. Nita Mosby Henry, a native of Atlanta, Georgia, is the Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Chief Inclusion Officer for Children's Hospital of Denver.

We pray God's blessing on their marriage and ministry

Congratulatory expressions can be emailed to:

Dr. Timothy Tyler: drtyler1911@aol.com

-- Dr. Darryl Jacob Narcisse earned a Medical Degree from San Juan Baustista School of Medicine

Dr. Darryl Jacob Narcisse earned a Medical Degree on the Twenty-Seventh of May, Two-Thousand and Sixteen, from San Juan Baustista School of Medicine at the Thirty-Seventh Commencement Ceremony in Santruce, Puerto Rico.  Dr. Narcisse had to become fluent in Spanish to complete his degree in Escuelade de Medicina.

Darryl Jacob is the son of the Rev. Margaretta Smith Narcisse, MDiv, an Itinerate Elder in the Fifth Episcopal District and Associate Dean of Students at St Paul School of Theology Leawood, Kansas, and the Rev. Darryl Joseph A. Narcisse an Itinerate Deacon in the AME Church and a Guidance Counselor for Midwest Psychological Services Kansas City, Missouri.

Darryl Jacob is a past Conference Branch YPD President of the former Northwest Missouri Annual Conference and a past Fifth Episcopal District YPD First Vice President. He is the grandson of CAPT. Morris Jacob Smith, Ret. and Sister Freddye Mae Smith, past Conference Branch WMS President of the former Northwest Missouri Annual Conference, and a Connectional WMS Life Member.

Congratulations may be sent to:

Dr. Darryl Jacob Narcisse, MD at
dnarcisse86@gmail.com

Or email to: freddyems@yahoo.com

-- Twin brothers Tony DeMarco Hansberry II and Tyler Sloan Hansberry recently earned their Bachelor’s degrees from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, Tallahassee, Florida

Twin brothers Tony DeMarco Hansberry II and Tyler Sloan Hansberry recently earned their Bachelor’s degrees from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, Tallahassee, Florida.  Tony graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry on December 11, 2015.  Tyler graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science on April 30, 2016.  Both will attend graduate school at FAMU in fall 2016.  Tony will pursue a Master’s in Chemistry and eventually plans to enroll in medical school with the goal of becoming a trauma surgeon.  Tyler will pursue a Master’s in Environmental Science and eventually plans to pursue joint JD/PhD degrees with the goal of becoming an environmental lawyer.

The Reverend Tony D. Hansberry and Mrs. Kathi S. Hansberry, Presiding Elder and Consultant of the Suwannee-North “Jacksonville” District of the 11th Episcopal District, are grateful to God and consider themselves blessed to be the parents of these young men.  

Congratulatory acknowledgements may be sent to:

Tony Demarco Hansberry II: tonyhansberry@yahoo.com  
Tyler Sloan Hansberry: tylerhansberry@yahoo.com  
Consultant Kathi Sloan Hansberry: kshans2@aol.com  
Presiding Elder Tony DeMarco Hansberry: elderhansberry@aol.com   

17. EPISCOPAL FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We sadly announce the passing of Ms. Deborah Ellen Stokes, the daughter of the late Bishop Rembert Edwards Stokes and Dr. Laura Nancy Phillips Stokes. 

The Third Episcopal District is saddened to announce the passing of Ms. Deborah Ellen Stokes the daughter of the late Bishop Rembert Edward Stokes, 98th Elected and Consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and former President of Wilberforce University.  Ms. Deborah Stokes passed from labor to reward on Tuesday June 1, 2016.

The Celebration of Life Services is as follows:

Viewing: Thursday, June 9, 2016; 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Homegoing Services: 11:00 a.m.

Holy Trinity AME Church
1230 Wilberforce Clifton Road
Wilberforce, OH   45385

Telephone: (818) 470-9717
 
Interment:

Massies Creek Cemetery
Cedarville 
Greene County, Ohio
 
Condolences may be sent to:

Funeral Arrangements Entrusted to:

House of Wheat Funeral Home
2107 N. Gettysburg Avenue
Dayton, OH  45406
Telephone: (937) 274-1693

Dr. Nancy P. Stokes
7847 Lois Circle
Apt. 205
Centerville, OH  45459

Telephone: (937) 436-7347
Daughter's email: celestemcdermott@hotmail.com 

18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

This comes to inform you that the Reverend Michael Stewart, former pastor of St. Luke AME Church in Hensley, Arkansas who died on Tuesday, May 31, 2016.  The Reverend Stewart is the son of the late Presiding Elder Frank Stewart and Mrs. Ola Stewart. His local membership was at St. Andrew AME Church, Little Rock where the Reverend Joyce Campbell serves as pastor.

He is survived by his spouse, Mrs. Princess Stewart, 4 children, his mother and siblings.

Arrangements have been entrusted to:

Premier Funeral Home
1518 S Battery St,
Little Rock, AR 72202

Telephone: (501) 376-4800

A celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday, June 8, 2016, 12:00 Noon at Bethel AME Church, 815 West 16th Street with Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr. as the eulogist.   Interment will be at the Sand Hill Cemetery in Little Rock.

Condolences may be shared with the family:

Mrs. Princess Stewart
8219 Alvin Lane
Little Rock, AR  72227

Telephone: (501) 313-8307

19. 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




20. 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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