Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
1. MAKE A NEW YEARS RESOLUTION! "2007" - SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
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2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
To the Editor:
I have a question and comment I would like for you to consider publishing for your online Recorder subscribers. Why can't we allow each mainland Episcopal District to host the General Conference? I find it simply amazing that neither the 7th District, 9th District nor the 12th District have hosted the GC in recent memory, if ever. The justification for their exclusion has typically been based on the belief that neither of these Districts have the requisite hotel space and convention facilities to accommodate the General Conference. These two rationales are urban legends and logistically erroneous. If anyone has ever visited Charleston, SC, Birmingham, AL or Oklahoma City, OK you know these great cities host activities far bigger than the General Conference. Having the GC in historic Charleston would allow many AME members to visit Allen University in nearby Columbia, SC. The state of South Carolina is home to more AM E churches than any state in the United States. Shouldn't that count for something? Oklahoma City is actually the most central location in the US thus reducing travel time for participants coming from either the West Coast or the East Coast. I find it remarkable at how we talk so much about "inclusiveness" and fairness yet we exclude these excellent venues from consideration as future GC sites. If it was up to me, the GC in 2020 would be held in the Sooner State of Oklahoma.
Bill Dickens
Editor’s comment: Since we are a global Church, why limit holding a future General Conference to the U.S. mainland? Let’s think globally and look at a General Conference being held in the Caribbean or on the continent of Africa. Maybe not now, but we ought to be thinking about it.
3. THE GLOBAL CORNER - GREETINGS FROM THE RWANDA CONFERENCE- AN APPEAL FOR HELP:
Greetings to my bishop, the Right Reverend Paul Kawimbe
We have received a call this morning from the Rev. Kulu of Eastern Congo District telling us about the catastrophic situation that our members there are experiencing.
Six of our AME Churches in Kivu North are experiencing trouble due to tribal wars in Massisi and Rutshuru. The members left their regions and are refugees in their counties in other zones. About 1,500 AME Members are suffering.
Please we call up on our AME religious leaders to assist them in any way you can. The AME refugees are in need of clothing, Sheets (Bedding), food and medicines,
Please help.
Meanwhile, we are busy in preparing the conference. We expect to hear from you soon.
May God bless you.
On behalf of the Bishop's Administrative Assistant for our Conference
The Rev. Felix, the Conference Secretary
4. EVENTS FOR THE NEW YEAR 2007 AROUND THE CONNECTIONAL CHURCH:
Rev. Edrena Houston Brown, M.A.C.E.
Christian Recorder, Staff Writer
- Dr. Dennis Dickerson, AME Historiographer/Executive Director, Department of Research and Scholarship and Editor of The A.M.E. Church Review was appointed to an endowed chair at Vanderbilt University; as of January 1, 2007 he is the James Lawson Professor of History.
- The Rev. Dr. James Miller, Pastor of DuPage A.M.E. Church will be the guest speaker for The MLK Ecumenical Community Service at Wheaton College, Edmond Chapel on Monday, January 15, 2007 at 7:00 p.m., Over 2,000 persons are expected to be in attendance, college students, community leaders and the members of the community.
- Pastor James H. Russell and the Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church, Panama City, Florida of the 11th Episcopal District will sponsor a New Year's Eve "Community Gospel Explosion" on December 31, 2006 featuring the Brooklyn All Stars of Brooklyn, New York at 4:00 p.m., at Greater Bethel AMEC located at 706 Hamilton Avenue, Panama City, Florida 32401. For further information please call (850) 785-9612.
- The Rev. Thomas Brown, Pastor of Union Bethel A.M.E. Church, New Orleans, Louisiana will be the guest evangelist for the Stewardship Revival at DuPage A.M.E. Church, Isles, Ill. in the Fourth Episcopal District. January 24-26, 2007. Come and be blessed!
- The Reverend Dr. Daniel W. Jacobs, Sr., President of Turner Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center, Atlanta, Georgia announces the 113th Founders' Day Convocation. Rev. Ellis I. Washington, Pastor of St. Matthew A.M.E. Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania of the First Episcopal District will be The Preacher of the Hour for the Alumni Worship Service.
Bishop C. Garnett Henning will deliver the closing sermon on February 8, 2007. The Founders' Day celebration will commence on February 6-8, 2007 at the Interdenominational Theological Center, Atlanta, Georgia and Flipper Temple A.M.E. Church, Atlanta, Georgia where The Rev. Augusta Hall, M.Div., serves as Pastor.
Registration is $100.00. For further information please call (404) 527-0080.
- Founders' Day celebration for the Second Episcopal District, Presiding Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Presiding Prelate will convene on February 22-24, 2007 at Saint Joseph's A.M.E. Church, Durham, North Carolina. Rev. Phillip R. Cousin, Jr., Host Pastor.
- The Rev. Gregory G. Groover Sr., pastor of Historic Charles Street AME Church in Boston and a community leader, who was active in the city's search for a new schools superintendent, will be named the newest member of the Boston School Committee. Before his appointment as pastor of Historic Charles Street, Rev. Groover was pastor of the Bright Temple A.M.E. Church in South Bronx from 1987 - 1994, where his work was recognized in the book "Amazing Grace" by Jonathan Kozol.
- A.M.E. University Wilberforce Choir of the Third Episcopal Church, Bishop Robert Vaughn Webster, Presiding Prelate and the Rev. Dr. Floyd Flake, serves at the President of Wilberforce University, will be Featured on upcoming motion picture soundtrack of the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the Slavery Act in the US. The upcoming release of the film Amazing Grace, based on the story of William Wilberforce who championed the abolition, music inspired by The Motion Picture, Amazing Grace soundtrack will be released January 23, 2007 and the film will make its first debut, February 23, 2007 in theatres.
- The Second Annual Lay Organization Anniversary of the North District of the 11th Episcopal District, South Conference will be held on Sunday, January 28, 2007 at 4:00 p.m., at Saint Paul A.M.E. Church, Delray Beach, Florida. Mrs. Denise Holmes, President, Rev. Dr. Waymon Dixon, Host Pastor, Rev. Dr. Raymond Heastie, Presiding Elder. Come and be blessed!
- The Annual Layperson of the Year Banquet will be held at Saint Phillip A.M.E. Church, Decatur, Georgia of the Atlanta Georgia Conference Lay Organization will held on January 12, 2007 at 7:00 p.m., donations for tickets are $35.00 per person.
- Allen Temple A.M.E. Church, 2101 North Lowe Street, Tampa, Florida, Rev. Willie J. Cook, Sr., M.Div., Pastor will celebrate an Ecumenical Worship Service in honor of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King on Monday, January 15, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. The Community is cordially invited to attend.
- The Reverend Dr. LeRoy Attles, Sr. will be the speaker for the Martin L. King "Prayer Breakfast" at Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church, Boston MA., at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 15, 2007.
- The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III will be the speaker for the Chattanooga, Tennessee Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration that will be held at 3 p.m. at the New Enon Baptist Church, Chattanooga, Tennessee.
* If you are interested in publishing your events, please submit your events to; ebrown49@hotmail.com
- The African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC) Allen’s Temple, Flagstaff, St. Michael celebrated and enjoyed Kwanzaa for the first time in Barbados on Wednesday 27th Dec, 06. The Presiding Elder of Barbados and Grenada, the Rev. Anthony Parris spoke of the self-determination of the founder of the AME Church, Richard Allen and Richards’ other colleagues who did not give up the fight and struggle back in 1787 to form the AME church.
The Rev. Dr. Dudley Trotman, pastor of the Allen’s Temple, congregation and visitors were all well-informed by Mrs. Gill-Barnett and her husband Mr. Val Barnett of the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa that has to be practiced throughout the year, these principles being, Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Co-operative Economics, Purpose, Creativity and Faith. Drum call was done by Caroline Sobers Minister in Training. Certificates of Honor were presented to the Rev. E. Brewster, the Rev. E. Small, Mrs. Linda Small, Mrs. Edith Nurse, Veta Best, Marcell Boxill, Wesley Smith, and F. Carter the stalwarts of the church for their steadfastness, dedication and self-determination in keeping the church on course during its difficult periods over the last decade.
The coming year marks the 200th anniversary of abolition of the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade, significantly it also marks the 220th anniversary of the church which played a pivotal role in challenging the Slave Trade as its founder members were born into slavery.
Buddy Larrier
Public Relation Officer
5. A YOUNG ADULT LEGISLATIVE AGENDA FOR 2008:
With the arrival of 2007, attention across the Connection will turn to the preparations for the 48th General Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. An important part of planning for the General Conference will be the series of Convoys, beginning in February at which ideas for legislation and church reform will be discussed. Foremost among these discussions should be how to integrate more effectively young adults into the decision-making process of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Examining the status of young adults in the hierarchy of the AME Church yields many bright spots. All churches, circuits and stations are required to send a young adult representative to the District Conference. Every Annual Conference is mandated to send at least one young adult delegate (ages 18-30) to the General Conference. Additionally, current interpretation of the law regarding the composition of the General Board instructs that one member of each Episcopal District delegation must be a young adult*. The Laymen’s Organization elects young adult delegates at the Conference and Episcopal levels to its Biennial Convention and the Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) has embarked on the Young Women’s Initiative. Most notably, the Connectional President and Director of the Young People’s Department (YPD) of the WMS are members of the General Conference.
The existence of these positions and initiatives shows that the AME Church values Young Adult involvement in its affairs. The young adult voice, however, is missing at the heart of African Methodism—the Annual Conference. In the State of the Church Address at the 2005 General Board Meeting in Dallas, TX, Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle, Sr., expressed concern that young adults were being elected as delegates to the General Conference without having participated in the work of the Annual Conference. As a remedy for this situation, Bishop Chappelle suggested that every church be required to send—in addition to the adult delegate—a young adult delegate to the Annual Conference. This idea is in keeping with established AME Church practice of including young adult delegates to the District and General Conferences and will enable young adults to be better prepared for service to the Church. Additionally, I submit that the Conference YPD President should be a member of the Annual Conference. As previously stated, both the Connectional YPD Director and President are members of the General Conference; yet only the Conference YPD Director is currently a member of the Annual Conference.
The addition of young adults at the Annual Conference level is vital to the current and future functioning of the AME Church if it is to be inclusive. Bishop Chappelle’s concerns regarding the future of the Church are warranted, and only by actively including young adults in our governing processes can we hope to make progress and successfully pass the baton on to future generations. By making the Conference YPD President a member of the Annual Conference and sending a young adult delegate from every charge, the AME Church gives the church of tomorrow an opportunity to learn from and serve with the leaders of today.
*2004 Doctrine and Discipline references: General Board- pg. 156, General Conference- pg. 206, District Conference-pg. 228, Laymen’s Organization- pg. 401
John Thomas III is a member of St. John AME Church (Nashville, TN- 13th Episcopal District). He serves on the General Board and is the official Spanish translator for the 16th Episcopal District. He is an alumnus of Morehouse College and will be graduated with the Master’s degree in Public Affairs from Princeton University in June 2007.
6. THE SONS OF ALLEN OF ST. PAUL A.M.E. CHURCH JACKSONVILLE TAKE ON AN OUTREACH PROJECT WE CALL “THE BICYCLE MISSION”:
Sister Angela Surcey Garner, St. Paul AMEC/11th District’s Media Team
Saint Paul A.M.E. Church in Jacksonville, FL, where The Reverend Marvin C. Zanders, II is the Senior Pastor, was blessed with many bicycles donated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office this year. The Sons of Allen, led by Pastor Zanders, the President, Brother Faheem Rasheed, and Steward, Brother Albert Buckner, chose this project during the summer, with prayers the bicycles would be ready for distribution by Thanksgiving and Christmas. One Saturday afternoon, the Sons of Allen assembled outside in the parking lot with all of the bicycles, particularly the ones that needed repair, and there was food for everyone. Our Shepherd, Pastor Zanders, and our East Conference Lay President, Brother Joseph S. Coppock, Sr., also members of the Sons of Allen, were there to help get the ball rolling on this mission. Two members of the Women of Allen, Sisters Deborah Limbric Rasheed and Christine Garner Atkinson, also our East Conference Lay Director of Public Relations, were also on hand to assist the men.
After eating delicious chicken, potato salad, and drinking cold beverages, the Sons of Allen were ready to work. Each member selected a bicycle, determined the problems and repaired them. The ladies were the test riders and there was one youth, Brother Ollie Collins, V, who also assisted with test rides. As each bicycle was refurbished, it was tested for safety. There were original problems like broken or disassembled chains, disconnected brakes, missing pedals, loose handlebars, missing or loose seats, flat tires and other problems they could repair during a complete restoration. The Sons of Allen worked very hard, long hours to get these bicycles ready for distribution.
Before sunset that Saturday, most of the bicycles were repaired and ready to go. We stored them until youth who were to receive them were selected. During the Holiday Season, beginning with Thanksgiving, we announced the bicycles were ready and began to distribute them. After sending permission slips to the homes of the youth that requested them, the parents returned the slips signed with their approval. Each week since Thanksgiving, we’ve blessed many of our youth with newly refurbished bicycles. We are blessed by their joy and the gratitude from our youth and their parents. It is St. Paul’s mission to “share Christ and meet needs”; this project is a good example of carrying out that mission.
We hope to obtain more bicycles this year to share with others. Until then, the Sons of Allen will continue to schedule Saturdays to complete repairs on the few bicycles we have left. This project brings the men’s ministry together in fellowship and service. What a blessed way to work together in preparation for sharing with others. The Sons of Allen exemplified leadership and teamwork in bringing this project to fruition. And yet, there’s room for more; all of our men should get involved. There’s a place for you in the Sons of Allen Men’s Ministry.
7. THE GLOBAL CORNER - 18TH DISTRICT SPONSORS INAUGURAL STUDENT SUMMER SCIENCE INSTITUTE:
The buzzing sound of excitement was heard in classroom B-2 at Seifka High School, Maseru, Lesotho, December 18-22, 2006. These sounds were being made by 21 energetic, secondary and high school students from the 18th Episcopal District Schools. The Summer Science Institute students (twelve boys and nine girls) represented five of the A.M.E. secondary and high schools: Boitelo, Maruthane, Johnson-Baker, Serutle, and Gregg Memorial.
These summer student-researchers were recommended by their headmasters to attend the inaugural Summer Science/Math Institute for Students. The Science/Math Institute was sponsored by the 18th District where the Right Reverend Sarah F. Davis is the Presiding Prelate. The 18th District provided room and board scholarships for the students. The institute was facilitated by Dr. Carol T. Mitchell, Associate Professor at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska - U.S.A. (who also happens to be the twin sister of Bishop Sarah.)
The purpose of the Summer Science Institute was to involve secondary and high school students in laboratory experiences that supported the theoretical science information they had learned from lectures and readings in textbooks at their schools. Since equipment and materials are virtually nonexistent at the students’ homes schools for these types of experiences, Dr. Mitchell brought materials from the U.S. so that students could conduct experiments involving chemistry, biology and physics. Additionally, mathematics investigations involving design, measurement and other applications were included in the week-long institute.
On the first day of the institute the student-researchers were presented with their own laboratory jackets which were gifts from the College of Education at the University of Nebraska – Omaha, Teacher Education Department and staff workers at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Students wore their laboratory jackets proudly each day of the institute.
Students were engaged in experimentations and problem-solving activities throughout the week. Work included using the periodic table of elements to understand the reactivity of elements. Students were shown some of the elements such as iron, zinc and copper. Students said that they had read about these elements but had never seen the elements nor performed experiments with them. Students made models of compounds using toothpicks and marshmallows. Examples of models made by the students were: methane, water, carbon dioxide, sodium chloride and others. Different types of chemical reactions were completed. Other investigations included phase change, pressure, and indicators. One of the favorite investigations of the students was using a special indicator paper to do finger printing.
Thirty minutes each afternoon the students and Dr. Mitchell sat under a big tree near the classroom getting to know each other. The students taught Dr. Mitchell words and phrases in their native language. In addition to learning science and math, the time spent under the tree was used to discuss qualities of leaders and leadership; to learn about careers in science and math, and the requirements necessary to pursue further studies after high school.
The final event of the Summer Institute was a problem-solving competition where students applied science and mathematics concepts to design and construct a parachute. Students were challenged to design the parachute and determine the materials that would give them the best competitive descending time. Students worked for three afternoons testing different designs and parachute materials.
Students enjoyed the math and science work despite the fact that this was their summer vacation. Students reported to Classroom B-2 every morning at 8:00 AM and departed at 3:30 PM. One student said, “This institute must be extended to maybe two weeks.” Another student said, “This institute was really important to me because my knowledge is improved...please come to us again to continue with this course.”
The closing ceremony on Friday included a presentation by the Institute’s student president, Lerka Semela. Semela spoke on behalf of the students as he shared with the Secretary of Education, Paulina Mokhosi and Bishop Sarah Davis all that the students had learned during the week. The other officers who also presented were: Khomong Thebe, vice president, Lebohang Ralesekele, secretary and Tseliso Kesi, communications coordinator. Dr. Mitchell presented the students with a science book, periodic tables, and personalized book marks.
Bishop Sarah, Education Secretary Mokhosi and Dr. Carol have already begun to discuss plans for the 2007 Summer Science Institutes and the need to extend the time of number of class sessions.
8. THE GLOBAL CORNER - FIRST SUMMER MATH/SCIENCE INSTITUTE FOR THE 18th DISTRICT A.M.E. SCHOOL TEACHERS - A GREAT SUCCESS:
Maseru, Lesotho was the site of the first Summer Math/Science Teacher Institute, December 14-16, 2006. Nine mathematics and science teachers (four Primary; four Secondary; and one High School) spent two and a half days studying science and mathematics at the Sefika High School. The institute was facilitated by Dr. Carol T. Mitchell; associate professor of science education at the University of Nebraska – Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska – U.S.A. Participating teachers represented four Provinces Moholong, Maseru, Mafeteng, and Butha Buthe. The Institute was coordinated by Secretary of Education Paulina Mokhosi. The Right Reverend Bishop Sarah F. Davis is the Presiding Prelate of 18th Episcopal District.
The purpose of the three day Math/Science Institute for Teachers was to focus on increased student involvement and achievement in mathematics and science by focusing on teaching/learning strategies and a variety of assessments. The teaching/learning strategies included inquiry, constructivism, learner differences, and assessment.
The institute work included science teaching attitude survey, National Science Teachers Association Science Standards, inquiry, and investigations for science, mathematics, and reading. Learner differences and appropriate assessments were also a part of the institute.
Teachers completed a science attitude survey about science and teaching science. This information was used to help teachers determine their level of comfort with science and teaching science. This was important for elementary teachers who teach all subjects and science. The next phase of the work included an introduction of the National Education Standards as presented by the National Science Teachers Association. Basic sciences concepts were identified and related to the concepts that local standards’ test identify. Other areas of focus for the three day work included inquiry, content in mathematics, chemistry, biology, and K-6 science.
Investigations were a major part of the three day institute. Examples of the work included a cube problem on inquiry, measurement investigation, analysis of data, and identification of an equation for the graph. Graphing techniques for primary, secondary and high school students were explored.
Teachers were required to complete four readings from science journals. These were used as a springboard for discussions and investigations related to inquiry, learner differences, and assessment. The articles were from the Science and Children journal published by the National Science Teachers Association.
Other work completed by the institute teachers included consideration for learner differences, learning styles, multiple intelligences and appropriate strategies to accommodate students most effectively.
Teachers worked collaboratively in grade level groups (primary, secondary and high school) to complete investigations, determine concepts and appropriate assessments for the concepts.
Dr. Mitchell used the constructivist approach as she facilitated the institute. Falling balls, dancing raisins, inflating balloons, and the unquenchable candle were all used to explain science concepts.
The Institute ended with teachers giving presentation to facilitator, Dr. Mitchell; the Secretary of Education, Paulina Mohkasi; and The Right Reverend Bishop Sarah F. Davis, Presiding Prelate, 18th Episcopal District about their learning gains during the institute and what they would take away from the experience.
A primary teachers said, “I have learned so much and I would come back again.” Another teacher said, “I expected to be taught difficult things which would not help in my daily work. But what I gained is of a great importance.” A primary teacher said, “The workshop should take at least a week. Three days are not enough for this important lesson.” Finally, a high school teacher commented, “I can certainly be improved by practicing the five E’s (engage, explain, explore, and extend with evaluation taking place at each step). Although it looks time consuming, but I predict the results would be excellent.”
Participating teachers were presented lab coats, commemorative book markers, a book (Science Matters). Selected teachers received a science journal, science book, and lab materials. The lab coats were gifts from the College of Education at the University of Nebraska Omaha.
This was Dr. Mitchell’s second visit to the 18th District. In October, 2005, she conducted two Science/Math Workshops during the Educator’s Conferences in Lesotho and Swaziland. The inaugural Institute participating teachers and their schools were: Francis Laleru (Moruthane A.M.E. Secondary School); Rev. Tseliso Malealea (Johnson-Baker High School); Metsabello Molonyane (Johnson Baker A.M.E. High School); Mamohlaoli Lewaneka (Serutle A.M.E. Secondary School); Madi Buseng Pitso (Serutle A.M.E. Secondary School); Mamotse Mosoeu (Makhaoba Primary School); Limakatso Nketsi (Morifi Primary School); Hopolang Khesa (Lebopo Primary School); Evodia Malakane (Makhoaba Primary School).
9. VILLAGE RECEIVES TOYS, SUPPLIES 45TH SUSTAINMENT BRIGADE SOLDIERS OPEN HEARTS, ADOPT LOCAL COMMUNITY:
Sgt. Kevin McSwain
MOSUL, Iraq—Soldiers from the 352nd Corps Support Battalion delivered toys and school supplies to a Christian village during a humanitarian mission in December a week before Christmas.
The 352nd, a battalion assigned to the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), visited Pishabur, a small village near the Syrian border and passed out gifts to children.
The company currently supports the 25th Infantry Division for logistical missions.
“We received donations from friends and family in the United States,” said Chaplain (Capt.) Mark Cisco, battalion chaplain and an Itinerant elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, “and we gave out soccer balls, toys, and baby beanies.”
The humanitarian mission occurred just in time for the season of giving, and he said this would not have been possible if so many people didn’t sacrifice their time.
“It took a long time to coordinate this particular mission,” he said. “We wanted to deliver the gifts before Christmas, and if it wasn’t for our families back home working hard, this would not have been possible.”
The goal of the mission was to promote community relations and show citizens of the village that service members are here to help.
“Community relations are very important to our mission,” said Maj. Danny Robles, executive officer for the 352nd. “We are showing the people in this village that we are here to help them, and hopefully they will cooperate during future missions in their area.”
Cisco said the choice to visit this village was not by chance. A liaison, a contractor who lives in the area, talks to the local leaders and picks what village service members will visit.
“We coordinate these missions with the help of the local leaders and people of influence in the community,” he said.
“They tell us what problems they are having in their village and we do what we can to help them.”
Khaled Yago Murkus, the elected official of Pishabur, said he was honored to have service members visit his village.
“This is a very special day in the history of our village,” he said. “Many people here have dreamed of the day they would be able to meet an American Soldier. This was like a dream come true, and we hope this will not be the last time.”
Murkus said coalition forces helped them reclaim the Christian village after losing it more than 50 years ago. He said the village has been around for more than 400 years and has been destroyed and rebuilt four different times.
“We have had a hard time here in the past because of our beliefs,” he said. “But with the help of coalition forces, we were able to reclaim our land and rebuild our village.”
The mission was not only helpful to the people in the village; service members were able to experience a part of Iraq they fight to protect but rarely get to see.
“This was also a good time for the Soldiers of the battalion to take time out from their regular job and actually see what kind of affect they have on the local population,” Robles said.
He said Soldiers are able to volunteer for these missions in addition to their regular duties, and he feels it is an experience every service member should be able to enjoy.
“Missions like this help Soldiers see a purpose for being here in Iraq,” Robles said. “It gives service members the chance to make a difference in an individual’s life.”
Editor’s note: Chaplain Mark B. Cisco, D. Min. is the Chaplain, 352 Corps Support Battalion, deployed to Mosul, Iraq and is an African Methodist Episcopal Church minister.
Chaplain, Mark B. Cisco is originally from Liberia, West Africa and is now an American Citizen.
He is a graduate of the Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary (LBTS) and Turner Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC). Chaplain Cisco also holds graduate degree in counseling and psychological Services from Clark Atlanta University and a Doctor of Ministry from Turner Theological Seminary at the ITC.
He is currently in Iraq serving as the Chaplain of the 352 Corps Support Battalion. He is directly responsible for over one thousand soldiers and is the pastor of leading Gospel congregation on the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Mosul, Iraq.
Chaplain Cisco has coordinated two humanitarian missions for the Children of Iraq. The first humanitarian mission was held on 6 December for the Iraqi School Children in down town Mosul, Iraq; and the second humanitarian mission was implemented on 18 December for a local village in Northern Iraq.
Chaplain Cisco expects to return to the United States in early June 2007. He will be happy to visit your school, community, church and share his pastoral ministry in Iraq. His e-mail address is Mark.Cisco@us.army.mil
Chaplain Cisco is married and has three children.
10. STATE HEALTH COMMISSIONER COMPLETES TERM, RETURNS TO MEMPHIS:
The Rev. Kenneth Robinson, M.D.
Memphis, TN
December 21, 2006
“For the last four years, I have been commuting between my home and church in Memphis, and my work at the Department of Health in Nashville,” Robinson said. “Recently, I informed the Governor of my desire to return to Memphis full-time; first, to my wife Marilynn, and also to my life and work in and with the congregation, communities and systems I serve there.”
On December 20, Governor Bredesen formally announced the upcoming transition of Dr. Robinson from the Administration, at the end of the term on January 19, 2007.
In an expanded statement, Robinson said, “It has been a privilege and a blessing for me to have had the opportunity to serve the citizens of Tennessee as Governor Bredesen’s Commissioner of Health during his very successful first term. With his support, this has also been a particularly productive four years for the Department of Health, during which the Department’s budget has increased by $131 Million, with 460 new employee positions. The Department’s 3500 employees have given leadership to the public and to State government, creating a culture of consciousness for improving the historically poor health status of our citizens.
It is indeed extraordinarily unusual for a governor to incorporate several major Public Health issues into the centerpiece of his agenda, so I leave exceptionally pleased that Governor Bredesen has adopted the prevention of obesity and diabetes, and infant mortality reduction, as major Administrative initiatives. I trust that my early articulation of our state’s low-ranking health status, and his early and ardent roll-out of “Better Health: It’s About Time!” helped to pave the way for his expanded focus today on personal behavior change, community-based coalitions and partnerships, interagency collaborations; and on the need to engage in data-driven redirection of state resources.
I’m confident that Governor Bredesen will continue to focus the state on the epidemic of obesity in children and adults, the burden of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, the prevalence and devastating impact of adolescent pregnancy, the pall of infant mortality, and the shameful racial and ethnic disparities that magnify these issues for minorities in the state. Again, I cannot adequately express my personal gratitude for these four years.”
Statement from Governor Phil Bredesen about Commissioner Robinson:
"Kenneth Robinson leaves a very strong legacy at the Department of Health and I want to thank him for his service to our state. From the first year of this administration, Kenneth has been a champion of better health outcomes for all Tennesseans, especially among our young people, underserved communities and minority communities."
Rev. Dr. Robinson is certain to remain active and highly visible as he has been for the last 25 years in matters involving public health, the elimination of racial health disparities, and access to care for minorities, the poor and uninsured. However, his primary role will once again be at the helm of his progressive church, St. Andrew AME, in South Memphis. When he accepted Governor Bredesen’s invitation into the Cabinet in 2003, it was with the agreement that he would remain at St. Andrew as Pastor, albeit in a reduced capacity. For four years, he has continued to lead the church with the invaluable support and presence of his Co-Pastor – his wife, Marilynn, and a strong management team at the church. He has been in the pulpit every Sunday. St. Andrew recently dedicated its new Worship and Ministry Center, an $8.8M capital expansion project with a 1000-seat sanctuary, an educational wing for the church’s associated charter school, new administrative and ministry offices, and space for community events and congregational fellowships.
“With Governor Bredesen’s overwhelming re-election mandate, and his demonstrated commitment to address several of the issues that were also top priorities for me at the Department of Health, it’s a good time to leave the administration, confident of the Department’s future focus.
It’s also a great time to be back in Memphis, allowing me to focus my efforts on the new growth opportunities afforded by our expanded worship and ministry facilities at St. Andrew. I will be more readily accessible to my members, staff and programs at the church, and more available for the many civic roles I relish renewing in the city. Indeed, my strengths as Health Commissioner were the products of decades of ministry; from building bridges and developing public-private partnerships, from tapping assets and resources to empower families and communities, and from creating systemic approaches to holistic health in communities like South Memphis. I’m both pleased to have had the chance to take these methodologies to scale statewide, while also being particularly excited now about the prospects for the extension of our reach and work at St. Andrew.
I cannot thank my wife, Rev. Marilynn S. Robinson, enough; for her patience, keen insight and advice, ubiquitous presence, and exemplary leadership at St. Andrew during the time of my reduced involvement. While useful for having kept me in touch, E-mail and PDAs clearly pale in comparison to the value she’s added as an exceptional, hands-on Co-Pastor. The prospect of continuing to serve alongside her, and of being at home every night, is the greatest aspect of having completed my term as Commissioner.”
11. A SUMMARY OF TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ACCOMPLISHMENTS UNDER AME, THE REVEREND KENNETH S. ROBINSON, M.D., COMMISSIONER:
The First Term of Governor Phil Bredesen
January, 2003 - January, 2007
The Tennessee Department of Health:
· Executed, on time, the Governor’s charge to deliver expanded primary care services into 48 County Health Departments, exceeding The Department’s own projections; and efficiently administered other components of the Governor’s Safety Net plan, including new contracts with 24 Community Health Centers operating in over 80 sites. Historically provided critical safety net funding to over 60 faith-based and community-based clinics with the capacity to expand services to uninsured adults.
· Added substantially to the Governor’s MethFreeTN initiative, by successfully securing a disproportionately large, $17.8 Million federal grant (of a total $50 Million federal appropriation) to enhance the delivery of recovery services across the state; with The Department now being cited by the federal government as the most successful grantee in fulfilling HHS’ current priority for this funding stream.
· Executed a massive expansion of the State’s preparedness infrastructure, excelling in the associated state rankings; particularly notable because of Congress’ displeasure with many other states’ utilization of appropriated federal preparedness funding.
· Worked with THA and our state’s EMS network to implement a vital Hospital Resource Tracking System to facilitate disaster communications and triage.
· Successfully countered the prevailing public panic when the nation’s influenza vaccine supply was unexpectedly truncated, and provided at that time sound counsel to the Governor against following some of his peers’ articulated intent to use investigational, international vaccines.
· For the first time, met the Department’s CMS targets for timely investigations of complaints against healthcare facilities on behalf of the most aged and frail of our citizens; successfully prosecuted hundreds of health provider offenders, received national recognition for improving our statewide immunization rates, elevated our cancer registry to heights and standards not previously seen by the federal government, far exceeded the federal government’s goals for screening older, underserved women for breast and cervical cancer, and provided access to treatment for compulsive gamblers.
· Resolved audit findings which had been outstanding for years, and developed a model for State department internal audit procedures.
· Implemented significant enhancements in our information systems and health informatics capabilities, resulting in increased Departmental efficiency, paperless filing of documents and vital records, and expanded web-based services providing public on-line access to data; for instance, ensuring that birth certificates can now be ordered in every County Health Department.
· Provided multilingual resources to increasingly diverse ethnic populations within the state, received new federal funding for facilitating healthy communities of color, gained recognition by the Southeast Regional Office of Civil Rights for our exemplary Title VI compliance efforts, published a landmark report on the health status of Populations of Color, and sponsored an Administration bill establishing the Office of Minority Health in statute, appropriately institutionalizing this function within the work of the Department.
· Followed the Governor’s model for increasing diversity in appointments and contracting, and instituted a major Department-wide approach to Hiring for Diversity, resulting in a 16% increase in representation of minority employees across the Department, and an employee base which more closely resembles the population of the State, and the population we serve.
· Implemented several, substantial service expansions under contract with the Bureau of TennCare, to address the John B consent decrees; performing all the EPSDT screens for children in state custody, operating TennCare’s Outreach/Call Center, and providing on-site, school-based preventive dentistry for 60,000 children a year.
· Expanded the screening of every newborn infant in the state to over 45 metabolic disorders, placing Tennessee at the national forefront of comprehensive newborn screening programs; this year identifying disorders or disease in 126 infants whose timely diagnosis and treatment will considerably improve or perhaps save their lives.
· Built exceptional interdisciplinary public/private partnerships with the healthcare industry; to promote patient safety, to address Tennessee's problem of high usage of prescribed controlled substances, to decrease unintentional deaths, suicides and homicides, and to keep Tennessee prepared for natural or man-made mass casualty events.
· Targeted existing funding to better address the prevention of adolescent alcohol and drug use, and adolescent pregnancies.
· Expanded Home Visiting programs to every county - a best practice for reducing infant mortality and child abuse - and competed successfully for a CDC grant to establish a Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) - a statewide population-based survey of new mothers’ behaviors, attitudes and experiences, designed to provide data to reduce adverse birth outcomes, such as pre-maturity, low birthweight and infant mortality.
· Created a national model for a functional and productive interface between Public Health and the Faith Community, through the institution of faith-based health promotion curricula, multi-county interfaith-Public Health teams, media and web-based resources, and contractual partnerships with a wide range of major intermediaries in the faith community ministering to people of color.
12. A.M.E. PREACHER, REV. DR. MARVIN L. CRAWFORD ATTENDING PHYSICIAN PRONOUNCES DEATH OF "THE GODFATHER OF SOUL" THE LATE JAMES BROWN:
Rev. Edrena Houston Brown, M.A.C.E.
Christian Recorder, Staff Writer
The Illustrious Reverend Dr. Marvin L. Crawford, M.D., M.Div., Pastor of Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, Lithonia, Georgia of the Sixth Episcopal District, was the Attending Physician for The Legendary Godfather of Soul the late Mr. James Brown. According to Dr. Crawford he stated that; "Mr. Brown was admitted to Crawford Long Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday, December 23, 2006. He died as the result of an acute coronary syndrome, congestive heart failure on Monday, December 25, 2006 at 1:45 a.m., Christmas Day."
Dr. Crawford was sought by The Advisor and Caretaker long time family friend, Mr. Andre Moses White, The Advisor of James Brown Enterprises, Co-Owner of The Sentinel Bulletin, Atlanta, Georgia and Stock Holder and Board Member of Wayfield food store Chain of Atlanta, Georgia. Mr. David Cannon, President of James Brown Enterprises was also present on Saturday, December 23, 2006 while admitting Mr. James Brown to Crawford Long Hospital.
When asked Dr. Crawford about the last moments, as he shared with Mr. Brown as his attending physician on the day of December 25, 2006? Dr. Crawford shared that; "He was resting comfortable on the bed and he responded kindly as always. At the moment I got the news he was in distress, I could only think we are about to see one of the miracles greatest icons, transcending back to his Maker."
According to Mr. Andre Moses White, Advisor for Mr. Brown, on December 24th "Mr. Brown was feeling better, but the Lord called him home on December 25, 2006. Mr. Brown was God's Man, a Saved Man and a Good Man. I believe God gave him a cup of life and Mr. Brown did feel it. His last advertisement published in the Sentinel Bulletin before his death was "Let's Keep Christ in Christmas and he died on Christmas Day.”
Because of Rev. Dr. Marvin L. Crawford's profound and high quality of professional experience in the medical field expressed by, Mr. White; “We could have not asked for a better doctor than Dr. Crawford. He was attentive to Mr. Brown around the clock and assisted in any possible manner that he could and also prayed with Mr. Brown in doing God's work."
As a highly respected internal medicine physician across the United States, the A.M.E. Connectional Church and in the community, Dr. Crawford is noted for his ability to implement spiritually into patient care and is one of the nation’s authentic experts in this area. Crawford is noted for assisting in the development of the Morehouse School of Medicine curriculum on spirituality and medicine which was one of the first programs in the nation with a media release in over 400 newspapers and other sources.
He is a graduate of Albany State University, where he graduated magna cum laude and pursued his medical training at the University Of Iowa College Of Medicine, while also preparing for ordination in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Crawford completed a residence program in Internal medicine at the Medical College of Georgia and later received the Master’s In Divinity with honors from Turner Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center, Atlanta, Georgia.
Dr. Crawford is a physician at Crawford Long Hospital, Atlanta Medical and Teacher at Grady Teaching Hospital and Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.
13. THE IRAQ WAR AND AMERICA’S ECONOMIC IMPERIALISM:
*Dr. Manning Marable
Several weeks ago, with much media fanfare, the James Baker-Lee Hamilton Committee submitted to President George W. Bush its long-awaited, bipartisan report on the U.S. war in Iraq. On balance, the report provided Bush with a face-saving strategy for pulling out all U.S. combat forces by the beginning of 2008. The Baker-Hamilton report favors an increase of U.S. advisers being embedded inside Iraqi troops, and direct negotiations with regional powers Iran and Syria.
Bush, however, almost immediately distanced himself from key proposals in the Baker-Hamilton report. He now seems prepared to flagrantly flaunt his contempt for the majority of American voters, who purged both the Senate and House of their Republican majorities last November. Why does Bush defy public opinion by pursuing this unpopular war?
The answer lies not in America’s need to “combat Islamic terrorism,” but in the economic necessity for the United States to control international markets and valuable natural resources, such as petroleum. Bush’s economic strategy is that of “neo-liberalism” – which advocates the dismantling of the welfare state, the abolition of redistributive social programs for the poor, and the elimination of governmental regulations on corporations.
In a recent issue of the New York Times (December 5, 2006), Professor Thomas B. Edsall of Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism astutely characterized this reactionary process of neo-liberal politics within the United States in these terms: “For a quarter-century, the Republican temper – its reckless drive to jettison the social safety net; its support of violence in law enforcement and national defense; its advocacy of regressive taxation, environmental hazard and pro-business deregulation; its ‘re-moralizing’ of the pursuit of wealth – has been judged by many voters as essential to America’s position in the world, producing more benefit than cost.”
One of the consequences of this reactionary political and economic agenda, according to Edsall, was “the Reagan administration’s arms race” during the 1980s, which “arguably drove the Soviet Union into bankruptcy.” A second consequence, Edsall argues, was America’s disastrous military invasion of Iraq. “While inflicting destruction on the Iraqis,” Edsall observes, “Bush multiplied America’s enemies and endangered this nation’s military, economic health and international stature. Courting risk without managing it, Bush repeatedly and remorselessly failed to accurately evaluate the consequences of his actions.”
What is significant about Edsall’s analysis is that he does not explain away the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq and current military occupation as a political “mistake” or an “error of judgment.” Rather, he locates the rationale for the so-called “war on terrorism” within the context of U.S. domestic, neo-liberal politics. “The embroilment in Iraq is not an aberration,” Edsall observed. “It stems from core [Republican] party principles, equally evident on the domestic front.”
The larger question of political economy, left unexplored by Edsall and most analysts, is the connection between American militarism abroad, neo-liberalism, and trends in the global economy. As economists Paul Sweezy, Harry Magdoff and others noted decades ago, the general economic tendency of mature capitalism is toward stagnation. For decades in the United States and Western Europe, there has been a steady decline in investment in the productive economy, leading to a decline in industrial capacity and lower future growth.
Since the 1970s, U.S. corporations and financial institutions have relied primarily on debt to expand domestic economic growth. By 1985, total U.S. debt – which is comprised of the debt owed by all households, governments (federal, state and local), and all financial and non-financial businesses, reached twice the size of the annual U.S. gross domestic product. By 2005, the total U.S. debt amounted to nearly “three and a half times the nation’s GDP, and not far from the $44 trillion GDP for the entire world,” according to Fred Magdoff.
As a result, mature U.S. corporations have been forced to export products and investment abroad, to take advantage of lower wages, weak or nonexistent environmental and safety standards, and so forth, to obtain higher profit margins. Today about 18 percent of total U.S. corporate profits come from direct overseas investment. Partially to protect these growing investments, the United States has pursued an aggressive, interventionist foreign policy across the globe. As of 2006, the U.S. maintained military bases in fifty-nine nations. The potential for deploying military forces in any part of the world is essential for both political and economic hegemony.
Thus the current Iraq War is not essentially a military blunder caused by a search for “weapons of mass destruction,” but an imperialist effort to secure control of the world’s second largest proven oil reserves; Bush also invaded Iraq because it was the first military step of the Bush administration’s neo-conservatives (such as Paul Wolfowitz, now head of the World Bank) to “remake the Middle East” by destroying the governments of Iraq, Iran and Syria.
*Dr. Manning Marable is Professor Public Affairs, History, and African-American Studies at Columbia University, New York City. “Along the Color Line” appears in over 400 publications internationally, and is available at www.manningmarable.net .
14. THE LAST SIN EATER BASED ON THE BEST-SELLING NOVEL BY FRANCINE RIVERS IN THEATERS FEBRUARY 16TH :
“Expertly done . . . original and touching”- Phil Boatwright, Baptist Press
“A wonderful job” – Paula Parker, Buddyhollywood.com
“A Strong Redemptive Theme” – The Dove Foundation
CENTURY CITY, Calif.– A young girl begins a journey to seek out the one man who can save her soul in The Last Sin Eater, coming to theaters on February 16, 2007. “Enlightening while entertaining” (Baptist Press), The Last Sin Eater, explores a community in the Appalachians that practice the belief that a human “sin eater” can discharge the dead of their sins and a young girl preoccupied by her own sense of guilt and mortality, driven to uncover the truth behind the long held tradition. Directed by Michael Landon Jr. and starring Academy Award Winner and Emmy Nominee Louise Fletcher and two-time Golden Globe Nominee Henry Thomas, The Last Sin Eater is based on the award winning novel by Francine Rivers. The Last Sin Eater, marketed by Fox Faith and distributed by The Bigger Picture, can be seen in theaters in more than 128 U.S. and Canadian cities, showing on over 500 screens. Locations and theater information are available at FoxFaithMovies.com.
Local CBA retailers including Family Christian Stores, Lifeway Stores, Berean Christian Stores, Mardel and a number of significant Christian retailers are offering specially priced movie tickets, distribution of Bible study guides and other in-store activities. Fox Faith is making discussion guides, clip DVD’s, and other materials available to its network of more than 90,000 churches, ministries, youth groups, and others organizations for grass roots peer-to-peer marketing.
Synopsis:
When a mysterious man "absolves" her grandmother's sins by eating bread and wine at her grave, 10-year-old Cadi wants the same redemption---while she's still alive! But in her quest for deliverance she uncovers a dark secret that threatens to divide her family. What will happen when the two face each other---and the One who can truly save them based on the award winning novel by Francine Rivers.
About Fox Faith and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
Fox Faith is the newly created faith-based label from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC. Fox Faith was created to provide compelling entertainment to the Christian audience as well as those seeking quality, inspirational and spiritual entertainment. Additional information about specific titles and programs can be found at www.foxfaith.com and www.foxfaithmovies.com.
A recognized global industry leader, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC is the worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox film and television programming on VHS and DVD as well as video acquisitions and original productions. Each year the Company introduces hundreds of new and newly enhanced products, which it services to retail outlets – from mass merchants and warehouse clubs to specialty stores and e-commerce – throughout the world. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC is a subsidiary of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, a News Corporation company.
For screener and artwork requests,
Visit www.foxpressroom.com or contact
Elliott Wallach 509.323.0111
Elliott@edifymedia.com
CONTACTS:
Elliott Wallach
Edify Media, Inc.
509.323.0111
15. THE SIXTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT CALENDAR:
- February 5-7, 2007- GDC Meeting, Cape Town, South Africa
- February 14-18, 2007 - The Dominican Republic Annual Conference, Mission David A.M.E. Church, Las Terranas, Dominican Republic; the Rev. Jamie Coplin, pastor/ co-host P. E. (809) 529-5832; the Rev. Abraham Rodriguez Jones, Co-Host Presiding Elder
- February 22-25, 2007 - The Haiti Annual Conference, Port Au Prince, Haiti; St. Paul A.M.E. Church, the Rev. Joel Mehu, host pastor/presiding elder; the Rev. Jean Joel Maurice, co-host presiding elder, sister Elvire Douglas, Administrative Assistant, tel: (509)407-4158
- March 1-7, 2007 - Dr. James Wade and Team, AMEC Department of Church Growth & Development, Evangelistic Crusade, Hickman's A.M.E. Church, Grenada, West Indies
- March 22-25, 2007 - The Guyana/Suriname Annual Conference, Nieuw Nickerie, Republic of Suriname, Shiloh A.M.E. Church, the Rev. Andrew C. Morris-Grant, host pastor/ presiding Elder.
- March 26-April 8, 2007 - Break & Travel Days
- April 1, 2007 - Bishop Tyler Guidry preaching at Shorter A.M.E. Church -Denver, CO
- April 11-15, 2007 - The Virgin Islands Annual Conference, Grady A.M.E. Church, 631 Sunny Acres, St. Croix; the Rev. Jocelyn T. Dowdye, host pastor, 340 778-1099; the Rev. Louis A. C. Davis, host presiding elder, (340) 277-6613
- April 18-22, 2007 - The Jamaica Annual Conference, St. John A. M. E. Church, Palmer's Cross, Clarendon, Jamaica; the Rev. Newton Dixon, host pastor; the Rev. Lebert A. Dawkins, the Rev. Barrington S. Lawrence, the Rev. Lenora Thompson-Prince, co-host presiding elders, Tel. (876) 960-5673
- May 3-6,2007 - The London/Holland Annual Conference, Grady AME Church, Amsterdam, Holland; the Rev. M Dube, Host Pastor, the Rev. Rudolph U. Aaron, host presiding elder tel. 44-0208-844-1747
- May 7-13 Break Week
- May 16-19, 2007 - The Windward Islands Annual Conference, Sealy Memorial A.M.E. Church, St. Michael, Barbados; the Rev. Anthony Parris, host pastor/co host presiding elder; the Rev. Wayne Anthony, co-host presiding elder (868) 680-9772
- May 21-22, 2007 - The 16th Episcopal District Planning Meeting/Dedication of Episcopal Residence, Chapel of Christ Our Redeemer AME Church, Kingston, Jamaica; the Rev. Clarence Turpin, host pastor
For Information about travel to any of the scheduled meetings in the 16th Episcopal District please contact: Ms Celestine Palmer at cwpalmer16thdist@aol.com or the Rev. Stephanie Butler at: info@stephaniebutler.com
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Homegoing services for the late, Rev. Carlis (Buck) Law, associate pastor of Mt. Pisgah A.M.E. Church, Webster, Florida, will be held on Saturday, December 30, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at Mount Pisgah A.M.E. Church.
The Rev. Dr. George L. Champion, Sr., will deliver the Eulogy, The Rev. J. V. Williams, Pastor and the Rev. LeRoy Kennon serves as the Presiding Elder.
Rev. Law is the husband of Mrs. Matron Law of Webster, Florida and the brother-in-law of Retired Pastor, Rev. I. F. Mitchell, Sr., of DelRay Beach, Florida.
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Matron Law
Mt. Pisgah A.M.E. Church
812 N. W. 8th Street
Webster, Florida 33597
Submitted by: Rev. Edrena Houston Brown
Christian Recorder, Staff Writer
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs. Minnie Tatum, sister-in-law of the Reverend Linda Brown, a Local Elder at Historic Saint Paul in Lexington, Kentucky died on Sunday, December 17 in Bronx, New York. Mrs. Tatum was the sister of the Reverend Brown's husband, Milton Brown.
Service arrangements:
Wake:
Thursday, December 28, 2006
3 pm -8 pm
Butler United Methodist Church
Bronx, New York
Viewing:
Friday, December 29, 2006
9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Home Going Worship
10:00 a.m.
Butler United Methodist Church
Bronx, New York
Condolences may be sent to:
Mr. Milton and Rev. Linda Brown
C/o Historic St Paul AME Church
251 North Upper Street
Lexington, KY 40507
Home phone: 859/543-2411 (Mr. Milton Brown and Rev. Linda Brown)
Email condolences to: Demples4@juno.com
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The homegoing services of Rev. Joseph Oliver, associate minister responsible for Community Development Outreach will be held Tuesday, January 2, 2007.
11:00 AM
Ward AME Church
1177 W 25th Street
Los Angles, CA 90007
213/ 747-1367 - voice
213/ 748-6251 - fax
Rev. C. Dennis Williams, D. Min - Pastor
pastor-williams@wardame.com - email or
jdupontw@aol.com - Public Relations Commission
Condolences may be sent to his wife, –
Mrs. Jacqueline Oliver
3122 W 43rd Place
Los Angeles, CA 90008
323/ 294-7077
Submitted by:
Mrs. Jackie DuPont Walker, ConsultantSocial Action Commission
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action
Mrs. Ora L. Easley, Administrator
Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936
Fax: (615) 833-3781
Cell: (615) 403-7751
20. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; 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.
Archive of The Christian Recorder Online from 2004-2016; Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
12/27/2006
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (12/27/06)
Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
There is an account going around the Internet implies that the Watch Night Services in black communities is traced back to gatherings on December 31, 1862, also known as "Freedom's Eve" when blacks came together in churches and private homes all across the nation to await the news that the Emancipation Proclamation was going to become law and that black folks have gathered in churches annually on New Year's Eve ever since, praising God for bringing us safely through another year.
The story is heartwarming, but there is more to the story. And yes, today the Watch Night Service is held in a lot of black churches and the Emancipation piece is certainly factual and the service is a significant part of our black American heritage, but it didn't begin in 1862; it began many years prior to that date.
The Watch Night Service reportedly began with the Moravians in Germany and was picked up by John Wesley who incorporated the service in Methodism. The first Watch Night service in America was probably held at St. George Church in Philadelphia where Richard Allen was a member. To say that the Watch Meeting services began in the mid-1800 is a myth. It is certain that Richard Allen celebrated Watch Meeting night services at St. George Church.
Originally, Watch Night services were held to deepen the spiritual life of the Methodists and Wesley, himself explained in his Journal that watch Night services in England were generally held between 8:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. on the Friday nearest the full moon "so that participants walked safely home through moonlit streets." In 19th Century Philadelphia the Methodists continued the practice of watch-night services on New Year's Eve. The newly-formed AME Church members celebrated Watch Meeting Night services.
2. THE SEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT’S 2006 CENTRAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
From Monday October 9th to Friday October 13th the 7th District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, which encompasses the entire state of South Carolina, convened in Orangeburg for its 2006 Central Annual Conference. This week long event was held at Butler Chapel AME Church located at 5225 North Road in Orangeburg, SC. The Central Conference is comprised of the Orangeburg, Manning and Wateree Districts, with 18 churches in Orangeburg, 23 in Manning and 22 in Wateree. This 83rd session makes it the youngest of six annual conferences.
The Seventh Episcopal District has been blessed by the visionary leadership of the spirit filled team of Bishop Preston Warren Williams II and Dr. Wilma Delores Webb-Williams. Together they have taken the great state of South Carolina to higher heights and deeper depths of spiritual growth and transformation, accomplished through the power of love and faith which stems from the heart of compassion. We express thanks and appreciation to our hosts, Butler Chapel AME Church and its gracious leader Rev. Dr. George E. Hicks, the officers and wonderful members for hosting the 2006 Central Annual Conference and for providing an exceedingly well organized environment. We also express appreciation and gratitude to our co-host, Williams Chapel AME Church, for its effective leader Rev. Dr. Juenarrl Keith, the officers and outstanding members for opening and closing this conference with a high level of efficiency and hospitality.
Saturday, October 7, the Central Conference held their “Youth Summit” with approximately 500 young people in attendance. The youth were engaged with many fun-filled and educational activities including a Tail Gate party sponsored by the Sons of Allen. All young people were invited to attend SC State University’s football game.
The pre-conference activities commenced with the Debs and Masters Celebration at Butler Chapel AME Church in Orangeburg, SC. The 11 Masters and 16 Debs looked marvelous as they were introduced and highlights of their academic and community service achievements were announced. The Allenites, Sub-Debs and Sub-Masters were equally dazzling as they performed their congratulatory tributes. The 2006 DMC Honoree was Mrs. Shirley G. Frederick who has served the Central Conference and the Seventh Episcopal District in various capacities for 9 years. Mrs. J. Felita Grady-Davis, Episcopal DMC Commissioner, recognized and praised all participants for a job well done!
Monday morning, the Women’s Missionary Society convened at Butler Chapel to conduct business. Delegates were elected to attend the 2008 Quadrennial which will be held in St. Louis, Missouri. The missionaries then held their annual luncheon at The Garden Room in Orangeburg, SC, during which a Sarah Allen Torchlighters Ceremony was held to recognize the following Torchlighters: Sister Minnie Jenkins, Sister Pauline Nelson and Sister Ruth Washington. Mrs. Bernice Sanders, WMS Episcopal Supervisor, awarded these lovely ladies their Torchlighter cape and certificates.
Monday evening, the Sons of Allen gave a soul stirring rendition of, “God Is!” These brothers lifted up their hands and voices from the theme, “Ministering Beyond the Walls.” They told us through song that God would heal the land, and the entire congregation was on their feet. The men then rendered a rousing rendition of, “I’m Going Home on the Morning Train,” as they prepared the way for the speaker, Dr. Andrew Hugine, President of South Carolina State University. Dr. Hugine’s topic was, “Ministering Beyond the Walls: The Responsibility of Men,” supported by Romans 12:4-8. Dr. Hugine encouraged our men to use their leadership abilities to address the needs of the disadvantaged, educate our children, and touch the lives of young black males.
The opening convocation took place on Tuesday morning at Williams Chapel AME Church. The Board of Examiners class on 3rd year studies led the morning devotion with power and anointing and the conference was then called to order and organized by the Right Reverend Preston Warren Williams II, presiding prelate of the Seventh Episcopal District and President of the Council of Bishops. Bishop Williams called for a recommendation for Conference Secretary, and Presiding Elder Robert B. Cooper recommended Rev. Rufus Gaymon, with Rev. Stanley Rivers to assist him. The following persons were elected as marshals: Rev. Dr. Albert Jones, Rev. Willie Brown, Sister Rosa Montgomery, Rev. P. Mixon, Rev. John G. Davis and Bro. Oger Guess. The Finance Committee and Judiciary Committees were formed, the Central Conference Trustees were elected and the boundaries of the conference were set for Butler Chapel and Williams Chapel AME Churches. Bishop Williams wanted both churches to know how important they were to the success of this annual conference. He applauded Rev. Dr. Keith and the Williams Chapel family for their willingness to share in co-hosting the Central Annual Conference, and stated that it takes more than one church to host an annual conference and make it successful.
The annual conference opening worship service was led by Host Presiding Elder Robert B. Cooper. The annual conference sermon was preached by Rev. Melvin Capers, pastor of historic Liberty Hill AME Church in Summerton, from the subject, “A Time to Celebrate” drawn from Psalm 126:3, “The Lord hath done great things for us wherefore we are glad.” Electricity was in the air and the crowd was on their feet as he told the capacity congregation that we must talk about how the Lord delivered us, share the joy we feel on the inside, and always remain happy in the Lord by keeping our eyes on Jesus. Rev. Capers closed under the anointing of the Holy Ghost stating, “I don’t know about tomorrow – but we can celebrate right now because we know who holds tomorrow and who holds our hand, and his name is Jesus!”
The afternoon session opened with devotion by pastors and the Wateree District, under the leadership of Elder Robert B. Cooper, read their reports and concluded with the victory song, “We Are Climbing Jacobs Ladder.” The Orangeburg District followed with their reports, opening by paying homage to the honor of their deceased Presiding Elder Willie J. Baxter.
Tuesday evening, the Women’s Missionary Society performed to the glory of God through the theme, “Fulfilling Our Mission: God’s Word, God’s Will, God’s Way.” This service was presided over by Sister Bessie Cleckly, Chairperson of the Commission on Christian Social Action. The Central Conference WMS Choir gave us a soul-stirring, hand clapping, foot stomping rendition of, “What If God Is Not Pleased With Our Praise?” The missionary service was graced with the presence of Mrs. Bernice Sanders, WMS Episcopal President, who commended Sister Katheleen Simmons for her hard work and dedication this past year as Central Conference Missionary President. She continued by thanking Sister Bessie Cleckly for carrying on the work of missions in the Central Conference after Sister Simmons’ relocation. Mrs. Sanders saluted the Central Conference WMS for a job well done!
Mrs. Abbiegail Hugine, First Lady of South Carolina State University, was the WMS speaker for the missionary Night in Mission service. She spoke from the subject, “Fulfilling Our Mission: God’s Word, God’s Will, God’s Way,” with a particular focus on education. After Mrs. Hugine’s dynamic message, the choir sang a powerful rendition of, “Order My Steps!” The Central Conference WMS was on their feet and everyone’s souls were on fire for Jesus! Sister Cleckly then made presentations to various individuals who have added to the WMS’ success in 2006.
Dr. Wilma D. Webb-Williams, WMS Episcopal Supervisor, greeted the missionaries with words of encouragement and wisdom, saying she felt no ways tired! She stated, “There is much to do and we can’t get weary in well doing!” Sister Bessie Cleckly, WMS Acting President, presented Bishop Williams with a check for $17,000 dollars for Allen University and $3,000 for Youth Corps Missions. Bishop Williams offered thanks and appreciation for the work the Central Conference WMS is doing and continues to do.
Wednesday morning began with a spirit filled devotion service led by members of the Board of Examiners classes. The Orangeburg District’s pastoral reports were read under the leadership of Acting Presiding Elder Rev. Dr. Juenarrl Keith. Dr. Keith received accolades from Bishop Williams and Rev. Rufus Gaymon on his exemplary leadership as the acting presiding elder of the Orangeburg District after the passing of Presiding Elder Willie Baxter. Bishop Williams then turned Sister. Attiya Giles loose on the congregation to take us to another spiritual level through her anointed singing of, “Order My Steps!” This song may become our Zion’s battle cry for the upcoming year!
Wednesday afternoon began with devotion by pastors and students from the Board of Examiners classes, and continued with the Manning District pastoral reports under the leadership of Elder Malachi Duncan. The spirit was high as we prepared for the noonday sermon. Our worship leader was Rev. Jacquelyn Hurston of the Wateree District with visiting pastors assisting. The service was preached by retired Bishop Richard Allen Hildebrand – one of Bishop Williams’ spiritual fathers. Bishop Hildebrand preached a powerful expository sermon taken from Psalm 27, “The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear?”
Wednesday evening, the Youth Witness Night opened in spectacular style as St. John AME Church blessed us with a spirit-filled dance routine. This high energy, breathtaking experience was presided over by Mr. Dontravian Frederick. The theme for this year’s conference was the acronym, “Krunk for Christ: Knowledge, Repentance, Understanding, New Covenant and Kingdom of God, For Christ.” The evening was outstanding and the talent exceptional as the young people performed, worshipped and praised to the glory of God!
Thursday morning began with devotion from pastors who were assisted by Board of Examiners students, under the anointing of the Holy Spirit as Rev. Ralph Brown let the Lord use him through a heart felt rendition of, “I Won’t Complain!” The session continued under the banner of “Christian Education” with Sister Kabrina Bass, Episcopal CED Administrator, highlighting the success of Youth Leadership as well as Christian Education in having gotten various teachers and superintendents certified.
Our first workshop was presented by Sister Lula Cleckly on “Infant Mortality.” She informed us that the two primary causes of premature deaths are significant pre-maturity and low birth weight, and offered us various preventive measures against infant mortality. The workshops continued with a presentation on Medicaid Part D, “The Missing Pieces to the Health Care Coverage Puzzle,” by Arnold Collins and Terry Davenport of the Perform RX health company. Mr. Collins explained Parts A, B, C, and D of the program and went into detail about the new Part D portion of Medicare (1-800-722-0013). Dr. Ila McFadden, Coordinator from the SC Dept. of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), gave a presentation on pandemic flu. Dr. McFadden stressed the seriousness and probability that this flu will occur in this country and provided information on the necessary precautions, preventions and treatment for this devastating epidemic.
Thursday’s noonday service was presided over by Rev. Norvell Goff Sr., Pastor of Reid Chapel AME Church in Columbia, SC. We were graced by the Allen University choir which sang a powerful selection entitled, “A Change Has Come Over Me.” The congregation could barely contain themselves as praises broke out all over the sanctuary! Rev. Dr. Charles E. Young, President of Allen University, then stepped forward and electrified the conference as he preached from the subject, “Make a Decision to Live,” taken from 2 Kings 7:1-4. Rev. Young closed by exhorting us to stop worrying about our enemies, for we serve a God who sits high and looks low and God will make a way! After hearing such an inspiring message, the Central Conference answered Bishop Williams’ call to support Allen University by raising nearly $100,000 dollars. The annual conference series total for all six conferences equaled $400,000 dollars.
After lunch we began with devotion led by Rev. Ralph Brown of the Manning District along with Board of Examiners students. We continued with a Christian education workshop entitled, “The ISIS Project: Intimate Sessions for Informed Sexuality for Women,” presented by Sister A. Marie Goff, WMS Health Coordinator and First Lady of Reid Chapel AME Church. Sister Goff informed us that South Carolina is ranked 6th nationally for cervical cancer. She told us that cervical cancer is 100% preventable and encouraged us to pass the word. Simultaneously, the men attended a presentation on prostrate cancer by Dr. Willie Heggins II.
Thursday evening’s Lay Witness Night was presided over by Sister Mary F. Mack, President of the Wateree District under the theme, “He has shown us what is good and what does the Lord require of us, but to do good, love mercy and walk humbly with why God,” taken from Micah 6:8. Rev. Felix Jordan, Pastor of Heyward AME Church in Wateree, stood in the gap for the speaker who got lost, and preached from Psalm 121 from the subject, “Time to Look Up: To God be the Glory!”
Friday began with devotion from the Board of Examiners students. The ordination service followed and Rommie Williams and Bernard Richburg were elected for ordination as Itinerant Deacons. The worship leader, Rev. Stanley Rivers of Emmanuel AME Church in Orangeburg, paved the way for our preacher of the hour, senior Presiding Elder Alonzo Middleton, President of the Council of Elders. Elder Middleton proclaimed the word of God to the congregation in a powerful voice citing Numbers 18:19 and Matthews 18:19. He urged all students to read the 2004 Discipline, beginning on page 87 and study the rules of pastors on page 108 in order to know how to be a “tasteful” pastor. Elder Middleton, full of wisdom, closed by exhorting us to,” Stay on the battlefield for our Lord!” Communion was conducted by Rev. Seawright, candidate for the 2008 episcopacy, and Bishop Williams concluded the ordination service by singing, “His Eye is On the Sparrow.”
Rev. Helen Zeigler, Superintendent of the Church School, and the church school participants glorified God through a lesson entitled, “Prayer Makes the Difference,” referenced from 1 Samuel 7:3-13. A memorial service, presided over by Rev. Dr. John Washington, was also held to pay respect to Presiding Elder Willie James Baxter of the Orangeburg District and Rev. W. David Shepherd Jr., whom God called from labor to reward.
The 2006 Central South Carolina Annual Conference was graced with the presence of Bishops Frederick Calhoun James, Zedekiah Grady, Richard Allen Hildebrand and David Daniels, General Officer George F. Flowers, a host of presiding elders, visiting pastors and friends. The conference is thankful for the spiritual guidance and great love of our Episcopal leadership team, the Right Reverend Preston Warren Williams II and Dr. Wilma Delores Webb-Williams, for we are better equipped to move forward with renewed enthusiasm, revived spirits, invigorated minds and a deeper determination to carry out the missions to which God has called each of us. The Central Conference will never be the same, for our dynamic Episcopal leaders have made the clarion call for us to brave into the deep waters of commitment, dedication and servant hood, and we have responded triumphantly! We will no longer take a back seat or a back step, for we have come too far in the name of Jesus!
Elder Willie Baxter has been truly missed, and although he has gone on to claim his reward, we the Central Conference of South Carolina say once again, “Farewell Elder Baxter! We love you but God loves you best!”
Butler Chapel and Williams Chapel AME Churches, under the leadership of the Rev. Dr.’s George H. Hicks and Juennarl Keith, respectively, are to be commended again for the high level of attention and courtesy shown to the members of this conference. We are eternally grateful and appreciative for their warmth and hospitality as they worked in unison to make our stay in the great city of Orangeburg, SC a memorable experience!
3. EAST CONFERENCE ANNUAL LAY WITNESS WORSHIP SERVICE 2006:
“Laity Sowing Seeds Beyond the Walls: An Agenda of Ministry and Service”
Sister Angela Surcey Garner, 11th District’s Media Team
We celebrated a Spirit-filled “Service of Praise and Adoration” on Thursday night, October 26th, at Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church in Gainesville. The Reverend George Champion was the Host Pastor. Our gracious hosts were delightful and receptive throughout the Conference. The Worship Leader for the evening was our East Conference Lay President, Brother Joseph S. Coppock, Sr. of St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Jacksonville, Reverend Marvin C. Zanders, II, pastor. Many persons attended our Worship Service and we are always blessed by the presence of our Presiding Prelate, Bishop McKinley Young and his beautiful wife, Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young, our Episcopal Supervisor. The stage was set for a fabulous celebration.
Our devotion was beautiful as the Call to Worship was read by the President of the Alachua-Central District, Sister Phillis Filer and the Lay Hymn, our standard Hymn of Praise, was lined by Brother Freddie Matthews, Director of Lay Activities for the South Jacksonville District. The Reverend George Champion, Host Pastor of the East Conference, led a powerful Invocation of prayer and praise to God. We were blessed with the musical voices of the Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church Choir, Gainesville, The Reverend Hudson Williamson, Pastor, as they beautifully rendered the Anthem – a medley of “All Hail the Power” and “Oh Lord I Give You Praise.” After the scripture and Introit, our Lay Litany was led by Sister Jacqueline Bryant, Lay Assistant Recording Secretary of the East Conference. The Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church choir blessed us with a spiritual – “I Still Have Joy”, before the Host Lay President, Brother Aaron Jones, extended greetings to all of the Lay, our visitors and guests. We certainly felt welcomed at Greater Bethel in Gainesville. Mt. Olive’s Choir rocked the congregation with the gospel – “Holy Ghost Power!” Most of us were on our feet allowing the Holy Spirit to move through us in the Sanctuary. It was powerful testimony for the upcoming message.
Our Bishop, The Right Reverend McKinley Young, was introduced by the Presiding Elder of the Alachua-Central District, The Reverend Joseph Sanchez. After Bishop Young extended greetings to the 11th District’s Lay Organization, he recognized our Connectional President, Brother Jesse Burns and our Episcopal President, Sister Marian Bacon White, and thanked all who attended. Bishop Young introduced our messenger for the evening, Sister Peggy Rice Johnson, East Conference Director of Lay Activities, St. Andrew AME Church, Jacksonville Beach, The Reverend Oliver Simmons, pastor. He told us of their interactions and how he came to know her. He concluded his introduction by reminding us, “She is a truly gifted child of the King.”
Sister Peggy began with the protocol which she so eloquently renders each time she does it. After prayer, she read Revelation 1 describing each of the churches in that chapter. She asked the question, “What Church Do You Serve?” As she began her message, Sister Peggy also asked, “How do you serve?” She urged us to “go beyond the walls to give love.” Saying we must “stow love, show love and sow love, loving our brothers and sisters as we love ourselves.” She reminded us that the mission of the church is not to socialize but to evangelize. As Sister Peggy compared the churches in Revelation to our churches today, we were convicted by the similar actions of present day congregants. She told us, “Being in the family of Christ gives us opportunity for connection with the Holy Spirit.” She also reminded us, “The church is a site of cooperation – we should all work together, remembering discipleship, leadership, stewardship and fellowship.” She also encouraged clergy and lay to preach stewardship in addition to tithing. Sister Peggy concluded with these points: “God gives you a testimony – acknowledge Christ, believe in Him, every man will receive his reward; To walk in gentleness is to use the power God gave us; Help those who are downtrodden; Joy comes from trusting God – The joy of the Lord is our strength; Leave here challenged to go beyond the walls; we must live well to sow well using good, productive seed.” Sister Peggy Rice Johnson received a standing ovation for her powerful and very direct message. We were all blessed by it and surely gained knowledge and encouragement to truly “go beyond the walls” for service to God.
Our worship service concluded with very eloquent expressions and remarks by our leadership. Brother Joseph S. Coppock, Sr., East Conference President, Sister Marian Bacon White, 11th District Lay President, Brother Jesse L. Burns, Connectional Lay President, and our Bishop, The Right Reverend McKinley Young, thanked all for attending the Lay Witness. Bishop Young expressed his gratitude for all of the hard work the Lay Organization does and complimented Sister White on continuous jobs well done through our district branch. Our gracious hosts prepared a nice reception for our visiting guests and officers in the dining room. The night ended with fellowship throughout the congregation. We are prepared and more encouraged to “go beyond the walls” for ministry and service. There’s a place for you in the A.M.E. Church’s Lay Organization.
4. CLERGY OF THE WEEK: REV. DR. HARRY L. SEAWRIGHT AND UNION BETHEL AMEC RECEIVES 1.5 MILLION FOR UPCOMING COMMUNITY CENTER TO ENRICH THE LIVES OF FAMILIES:
Reverend Edrena Houston Brown, M.A.C.E., Christian Recorder, Staff Writer
The Reverend Dr. Harry L. Seawright a Visionary, preacher, pastor, author, administrator, scholar, builder and servant of God has completed another spiritual and successful year in ministry.
A native of Swansea, South Carolina he is the youngest of eight children of the late Mr. Joe Nathan and the late Mrs. Mary L. Seawright. He is the husband of Reverend Sherita Moon Seawright and the proud father of Shari Nicole and Harry Matthew and the grandfather of Cameron Isaiah.
A young innovated Pastor and outstanding leader in the community, of the Second Episcopal District and the Connectional A.M.E. Church, best describes Rev. Dr. Seawright among his many attributes. As a Faithful and seasoned Pastor, he has allowed God to prepare him from the grassroots of the Seventh Episcopal District and has journeyed from South Carolina to the Second Episcopal District where he presently served as Pastor of Union Bethel A.M.E. Church, Brandywine, Maryland under the leadership of The Illustrious Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr., Presiding Prelate.
When asked Pastor Seawright what are his views on enhancing the productivity of the Black Family, What can the church do to strengthen the ties of the Black Family as a connectional church? He stated; "We have been issued a $1.5 million in a bond bill from the State of Maryland to build an 80,784 square foot Union Bethel Community Recreation Center. Union Bethel plays a significant role in the black community. We have purchased over 55 acres of land, houses, apartment buildings, renovating an old drug store to house our second worship service location, daycare center, kindergarten and banquet facility." On the Connectional level, we can do the same type of things to provide the Black Family with the necessities of jobs, education, social, recreational, economical programs and activities to promote a sense of community for the Black Family. We will then have a 5-star ministry for a 5-star People of Evangelism, Empowerment, Education, Economics and Expansion.
Dr. Seawright is extremely involved in mentoring Black males at Union Bethel and the progress of that ministry is most productive. Dr. Seawright related that; "The mentoring of the Black Male has always been apart of my ministry. Gideon's Army - The Men's Ministry of Union Bethel has a very strong presence in the life of the church. They have a monthly men's fellowship and a yearly retreat. The Prison Ministry visits over 5 correctional facilities in the area and continues to give inmates and family members support. As you can see, there is a positive progression of the men's ministry of Union Bethel A.M.E. Church.
He is a spiritual Builder in building families and restoring the biblical principles in maintaining family ethics and morals as a motivator of people. A Builder of churches, community outreach offices and is involved highly in community development projects. Well respected among his colleagues and the State of Maryland Ministerial and citizens' advisory committee are excited and supportive of Rev. Dr. Seawright's in his upcoming candidacy for Episcopal Service as a Candidate for Episcopal Service for 2008.
Dr. Seawright accepted the call to ministry in 1976 and was admitted to the South Carolina Conference by Bishop Frank Madison Reid, II. He was ordained an Itinerant Elder by Bishop John Hurst Adams in April 1981 and has served over 30 years of extraordinary pastoral service to the African Methodist Episcopal Church and over 20 years at Union Bethel A.M.E. Church, Brandywine, Maryland.
When asked when did he receive he receive his calling by God to pursue a higher calling of ministry as a Bishop in the A.M.E. Church and what was it like? Pastor Seawright explained; "This has been the most amazing experience in my life. Early one Sunday morning I heard the voice of God, loud and clear, as He called me to Episcopal Service. It was Pentecostal Sunday! It was not my timing, but God's timing to over 30 years in ministry and 25 years as a pastor... I had to be obedient and accept God's calling on my life. As a child of sharecroppers, I stand on the shoulders of my parents... from Swansea, South Carolina. I am a fourth generational AME. I know today, the God I serve does not make any mistakes I gladly accept this call on my life. It's a wonderful feeling.
Rev. Dr. Seawright has three earned degrees, The Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Benedict College, Columbia, South Carolina, a Master of Divinity and a Doctorate of Ministry from Howard University, Washington, D.C. in equipping to better serve the People of God.
He is presently serving as the Treasurer, Washington Annual Conference, Treasurer of the Second Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church, Member of the Board of Examiners of the Washington Annual Conference, Served as Chief Accountant in the A.M.E. Church Finance Department for 12 years under the leadership of the late Dr. Joseph C. McKinney and has served as a delegate to the General Conference since 1996. Instructor of Homiletics for the Washington Conference Board of Examiners and serves as the Chair of the Presiding Elder Goodwin Douglas' Salary and Upkeep Committee.
The author of three publications, he is a community leader and a member of many community and civic organizations.
Congratulations, Rev. Dr. Harry L. Seawright, or being nominated as "Clergy of the Week" as an outstanding and leading Pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
*If you are interested in nominating a clergy, layperson or Pk for clergy of the week, please submit your letter of request to; ebrown49@hotmail.com
*Rev. Edrena Houston Brown, M.A.C.E. is a staff writer for the Christian Recorder
5. OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE SUMMER OF 2007 IN SCOTLAND, INDIA, SOUTH AFRICA AND TAIWAN:
Memo for all members of the Churches Uniting in Christ, of which the AME Church is a member.
Our goal is to study the impact of globalization on the church and how the church is responding. We predominately do this through study tours that look at the local, regional and global issues of a nation in relation to the church.
We are currently offering four opportunities for the summer of 2007 in Scotland, India, South Africa and Taiwan. On the home page, click the button for Tours in Progress. Our programs in Dunblane with the Scottish Churches House and in India with the Ecumenical Christian Center look particularly good.
Information about The Institute for Global Church Studies (IGCS) can be found online at http://www.igcsstudytours.org/
The Rev. John Kenyon, Founder/Director
The Institute for Global Church Studies
PO Box 1024
Aguada, PR 00602
787-868-4556
Submitted by the Right Reverend E. Earl McCloud, Jr., Ecumenical Officer and Endorsing Agent for the AME Church
6. ST LUKE AME IN HARLEM RECOGNIZED FOR ITS WORK FOR THE COMMUNITY:
Click here or paste in your browser window:
http://wcbstv.com/video/?id=94849@wcbs.dayport.com
7. ARE YOU AT RISK FOR GLAUCOMA?:
You have a greater risk for glaucoma if you:
.. Have family members with glaucoma (a brother, sister, parent, or child)
.. Are ages 50 or older
.. Are very near-sighted
.. Use steroid medications
.. Have been told you have high eye pressure
.. Have had past eye injuries
Your race may also increase your risk!
African Americans are three times more likely to have glaucoma than Caucasians. But they are only half as likely to be treated for it. African Americans between ages 45 and 65 are up to seventeen times more likely to go blind from glaucoma than Caucasians in the same age group. Hispanics are also at a higher risk for glaucoma than Caucasians.
Here’s a simple test you can take to see if you are at risk for glaucoma.
My Glaucoma Risk
Circle only one score in each category. Add them up to find out your risk level.
Family History
My parent or child has glaucoma - 2
My brother or sister has glaucoma - 4
My parent and brother or sister has glaucoma - 4
There is no known glaucoma in my family - 0
Race
I am white/Caucasian - 0
I am Hispanic - 1
I am black/African American - 3
Age
I am younger than 40 years old - 0
I am 40 to 49 years old - 1
I am 50 to 59 years old - 2
I am age 60 or older - 3
Add the circled numbers from each category together. Put your total here: ___
If your score is 4 or more, you are at increased risk for glaucoma. You should get a glaucoma exam right away.
To see if you are eligible for a referral for a glaucoma eye exam, call the
Glaucoma Eye Care Program, 1-800-391-EYES (3937), open 24 hours a day, year-round
For more glaucoma information visit these websites:
The Glaucoma Research Foundation: http://www.glaucoma.org/
The Glaucoma Foundation: http://www.glaucomafoundation.org/
Medem: http://www.medem.com/
Submitted by Dr. Miriam Burnett
Author is EyeCare America who has given permission to use it in any modification.
8. THE AME CHURCHES ARE BUILDING A MODEL FOR FAMILY CAREGIVNG IN NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE:
* James E. Taylor, Ph.D.
It is well known that Black churches continue to be an important institution to the health and survival of Black people. Less is known about the nature and extent of A.M.E churches ministry to family caregivers in our congregations. When I speak of family caregivers I am discussing anyone who provides assistance to someone else who needs it to maintain an optimal level of independence. Put another way, a caregiver is a person who cares for someone who is ill, incapacitated, or disabled. Because families provide the majority of care, they are referred to as “family caregivers”. However, caregivers may be informal (non-professional, not hired) and formal (professional) persons. Informal caregivers probably have not been trained to administer care and may be a relative (family member) or friend to the person receiving care. Formal caregivers provide care in such places as the home, medical centers, nursing homes, hospices and the like.
Historically, African Americans face greater health problems and when they are blessed to have a long life, they may not have the financial resources to pay for needed health care. Instead of living in a nursing home or an assisted living residence, they often rely on family members or loved ones to care for them in their homes. Often, these caregivers are not well informed about available resources and how to locate services to help their ill family members.
In 2003 I received a grant from the University Faculty and Creative Activity Committee of MTSU to conduct a study entitled “Family Caregivng and Public Policy…An Exploratory Study” during the spring and summer of 2003. For the study interviewed several members of my church the Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church in Nashville, who expressed their interest in having their church, establish a family caregiving ministry in their church.
Three years later during the spring of 2006 I wrote a short proposal I presented to Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, who because of her responsibilities as chief prelate for A.M.E. Churches in Tennessee and Kentucky approved my proposal to study how to best establish caregiving ministries in 14 churches in Nashville. MTSU has granted me a year sabbatical to work with the churches to develop a faith based caregiving model. My work officially begins on January 1, 2007. I want to develop a model for other A.M. E. Churches that want to start their own family caregiving ministries.
Searching for A.M.E. Churches with caregiving ministries
St. Andrew, Memphis, TN, where Dr. Kenneth Robinson, as pastor, has an excellent caregiving ministry, coordinated by Mrs. Imogene Stansbury. There may be other A.M.E. Churches with similar caregiving programs or activities. If you know of any A.M.E. family caregiving programs, please send me information about them as soon as possible.
* James E. Taylor, Ph.D is assistant professor at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), Murfreesboro, Tennessee, telephone 615-898-4059; email Address: jetaylor@mtsu.edu
9. THE SEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT’S 2006 PIEDMONT ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
From Monday October 2nd to Friday October 6th the 7th District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, which encompasses the entire state of South Carolina, convened in Abbeville for its 2006 Piedmont Annual Conference. This week long event was held at St. James AME Church located at 205 Henry McNeil Turner Street in Abbeville, SC.
The Piedmont Conference is comprised of the Greenville and Abbeville-Greenwood Districts. This 96th session makes it the fourth oldest of six annual conferences.
At the close of last year’s 95th session of the Piedmont South Carolina Annual Conference held at Friendship AME Church in Clinton, SC, during the disciplinary questions Rev. Judy M. Richardson, pastor of historic St. James AME Church on Henry McNeal Turner Street in Abbeville, SC stood to invite the conference to be housed in the recently renovated sanctuary. The conference overwhelmingly voted to accept this gracious invitation and to once again return to a sacred location in our conference. 365 days later the conference converged on the grounds of St. James and the city of Abbeville to fellowship, learn and be renewed. Let history reflect that this is the first time in the history of the Piedmont Conference that a female pastor hosted an annual conference.
Our Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Preston Warren Williams II, the newly invested president of the AME Council of Bishops, instituted a new concept for the series of annual conferences – the “Youth Summit.” The goal of this summit is to under gird youth from ages 6 - 15 with fundamental Christian education under one roof. From September 29 to October 1, 2006, under the leadership of Rev. Charles R. Watkins, Piedmont Conference Christian Education Director, and Mrs. Margaret Wilson and Ms. Sarah Williams, presiding elder district CED Directors, more than 425 young people received instruction on the Pentateuch and the Bishops of the Church, among various other areas of study. Abbeville High School will never be the same because of the AME Youth Summit that took place there. Thank you to Bishop Williams and his Christian education staff for implementing an idea whose time had come.
Another pre-conference activity was the Debutante and Masters Ceremony held on Sunday, October 1st. Thanks to the assistance of Long Cane AME Church, where the DMC ceremony was held to accommodate the huge number of debutantes and masters and the mighty host who witnessed the ceremony. Bishop Williams made note of the fact that there were just as many masters as there were debutantes. We send our commendations to Mrs. Ella Gadsden Richburg, DMC Commissioner, and Rev. Charles R. Watkins, Co-commissioner.
Bishop Williams shared dialogue with the leaders of the city and county of Abbeville, including State Representative Paul Agnew. This helped to fulfill the bishop’s vision of the AME Church as a stronger and more viable entity in the community. The component leaders of the conference visited several service agencies in the area to assess the community’s needs and to offer assistance as directed by Bishop Williams and the annual conference.
On Monday, October 2nd, the Women’s Missionary Society held its annual meeting at Long Cane Church to receive reports from the officers and elect delegates and alternates to the upcoming Quadrennial Convention. Dressed in a sea of white, the missionaries conducted the business of the conference under the supervision of Dr. Wilma D. Webb-Williams, Episcopal Supervisor, and Ms. Vallery C. Smith, WMS Piedmont Conference President.
Monday night belonged to the men of the conference. The Sons of Allen worshipped at St. James Church with the Abbeville Greenwood District Sons of Allen Choir, the Mt. Zion All-Male Chorus, and the Poplar Springs Male Choir providing a tremendous ministry of music for this inspirational service. The highlight of this service was the preaching of the gospel by Rev. Arthur L. Raven, pastor of Jefferson Chapel AME Church in Anderson, SC. Rev. Raven preached from the subject, “Encouraging Yourself in the Lord,” from (I Samuel 30). We commend the SOA conference coordinator, Rev. Melton Aiken for the outstanding worship service.
Again Long Cane Church facilitated the Piedmont Conference’s capacity-crowds who were ready to hear the preachers answer the roll, worship during the annual opening convocation and hear the annual sermon on Tuesday morning, October 3rd. The combined choirs of St. James and Long Cane lifted the service to a higher spiritual dimension with their melodious voices. And just when we thought we could not get any higher, the Lord used the annual sermon preacher like never before. It is very rare that the annual sermon preacher gets to preach in the pulpit he or she preaches from all conference year long. Rev. Dr. Julius Melvin Johnson preached from Genesis 28: 1 - 16 on the subject, “When Heaven Touches Earth.” Many visitors attended the conference and supported the work of the conference with their generous giving.
Tuesday afternoon began the business sessions for the conference, which took place at our host church, St. James. At each business session, the president of the conference, Bishop Williams, gave sound advice, many pats on the back and very little rebuke. This 96th session of the Piedmont Conference saw a “teaching” Bishop Williams. No one will soon forget the Bishop’s lessons on tithing, which he seemed to emphasize during the pastor’s reports; nor his story of how the community assisted him with his marriage to Mother Williams, which highlighted how the laity can both teach the clergy and learn from the clergy; nor his admonition that no excuse was good enough to neglect the young people from the Youth Summit experience. Bishop Williams skillfully demonstrated the gifts that elevated him to the Episcopacy.
Tuesday night the WMS’s sea of white angels returned to St. James’ sanctuary to hold their annual “Night in Missions” celebration. This was no ordinary affair, because the featured speaker was the Supervisor of the Seventh Episcopal District WMS, Dr. Wilma Delores Webb-Williams. Dr. Williams’ message was taken from the theme, “Recharging to Fulfill Mission Paths of Christ, Church and Community.” Dr. Williams told the conference that recharging one’s self was necessary and that we must never give up the ongoing mission journey. The choir angels, also known as the WMS Choir, sang to the glory of God. Again, Sister Vallery Smith championed another stellar worship service.
Wednesday’s noonday service was a high time in the name of the Lord because a son of the soil, Rev. Dr. James F. Miller, pastor of DuPage AME Church, in the suburbs of Chicago, IL, whose late father was born and raised approximately 13 miles from St. James in Cokesbury, SC, preached a mighty word. He reminded us not to lose Jesus. Again, many visitors graced the conference with their presence.
Just before the Wednesday dinner break, Bishop Williams summoned the people of the Piedmont to respond to the clarion call to support our beloved Allen University. The conference responded in part because of our historic partnership with Allen. Allen was begun in Cokesbury, SC in 1870 and moved to Columbia some years later. Let it be known to all that although the Piedmont is small, we believe in supporting the causes of the church and our school. Between Wednesday and Thursday afternoon’s call, this small conference raised more than $67,000 dollars for Allen University. According to Bishop Williams, the Piedmont comes in 2nd for annual conference funds raised for Allen thus far.
Wednesday night was reserved for the youth of the conference. Their service placed emphasis on Jesus, hearing Him, growing in His likeness and following His lead. An awesome array and display of the talented youth included the conference YPD choir, a step team, and our youth telling us “Deal” or “No Deal” when it comes to life situations and our Sunbeam and Allen Stars displaying what it really means to be a Christian. High commendations are extended to Sister Misty Nance Gause, YPD Director, and Bro. Bric Williams, YPD President, for leading our young people in the green and white agenda.
Thursday, the annual conference series is devoted to Christian Education. To that end, the conference participated in workshops focused on the purpose of the church, cervical cancer for females and prostate cancer for males. To add to the day, Rev. Dr. Charles E. Young, President of Allen University, and the AU Choir visited the conference. The choir sang great spirituals, arrangements to hymns and a moving gospel selection. Dr. Young preached a powerful word from Mark 2, “Faith in the Face of Jesus.” The conference was clearly blessed by the preaching and moved by the singing.
On Thursday afternoon the Ministers’ Spouses, adorned in black, red and green, held their annual luncheon at the Dutch Oven in Abbeville Square and reelected Sister Barbara Jones as its president to serve another conference year.
Thursday nights are dedicated to the organized laity of the conference. The conference Lay Organization sought the speaking skills Mrs. Marie Hamburg Artis, a daughter of the Piedmont conference, a native of Kings Chapel AME Church in Pendleton, SC and a present member of Williams Chapel AME Church in Orangeburg, SC. Mrs. Artis’ timely and forthright message on “The Sower” was well delivered and well received. Music was rendered by the Flat Rock and Cypress Chapel AME Churches, both in Abbeville. We commend conference Lay President, Mrs. Pearlena Morton for an outstanding service.
Friday’s noonday service was powerfully preached by Rev. Rhudene Toomer, pastor of Elisha AME Church in Silverstreet, SC, referencing Revelations 3: 14 – 22 and from the subject, “What Type of Church Are We?”
The closing service for this 96th Session of the Piedmont Annual Conference was held at Long Cane AME Church, and our Bishop sought the preaching abilities of one of his sons in the ministry, Rev. Mark Pierson, Pastor of Bethel AME Church in Augusta, GA; a church where our Bishop previously pastored. Rev. Pierson powerfully preached from the subject, “A Composite of the Church,” utilizing the scriptural text of Acts 6:2.
The 96th Session of the Piedmont Annual Conference will undoubtedly go down in history as the best conference to date. The fellowship was connecting, the worship was magnetizing, the teaching was edifying and the spirit was elevating!
The host pastors, Rev. Judy and Rev. Cornell Richardson, and the congregation of St. James AME Church are to be commended and profusely thanked for their excellent hosting during this entire week. At every turn, no need went denied. St. James was genuine, warm and accommodating. We must also recognize the assistance of Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Julius M. Johnson and the Long Cane AME Church family for opening their doors to us and making our stay in the city of Abbeville a comfortable one. We bless God for both pastors and both churches and rise to offer you applause for a job well done.
We thank the presiding elders, pastor and people of the Piedmont Conference, including the component groups and leaders, for making this conference a most inspirational one. Without the people of the conference, there would be no Piedmont Annual Conference. We offer to our conference leaders a rising vote of thanks!
We sincerely appreciate the leadership and guidance of the president of this annual conference, the Right Reverend Preston Warren Williams II and the Episcopal Supervisor, Dr. Wilma Delores Webb-Williams. Our Episcopal leadership team has positioned this conference to be a bright shining star within the Seventh Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Bishop William’s “outside-of-the-box” thinking, his teaching, his love and his concern for the church and all of the people of God is evident in the way he has conducted the affairs of this conference. Dr. Williams’ gentle and nurturing demeanor encourages us all to do better, to be better and to serve better. We are extremely fortunate and blessed to be led by two people whom God has sent to us. We offer them both a rising vote of thanks for all they are, all they have done, and all they continue to do.
10. “IT’S TIME FOR AN UPGRADE IN THE A.M.E. CHURCH”:
W. E. B. Dubois once stated that “the A.M.E. Church is the greatest Negro institution in the world.” This comment by Dubois was made during the early 1900’s when Bishops such as Turner, Payne, and Quinn had been constantly speaking out against the injustices that were being perpetuated against black people. The A.M.E. Church does indeed have a rich history and legacy.
As I have been observing the debates online pertaining to whether the terms “senior pastor” or “minister” should be used in our church, my mind recalls an Annual Conference after my ordination as an Itinerant Deacon. Bishop John Hurst Adams made the comment, “that all persons within the board of examiners should be called brothers and sisters until ordination as a deacon.” In many instances I believe that many of pastors are attempting to become so contemporary that we are neglecting to consult The Discipline for direction. The structure that was put into place by Bishop Richard Allen is very valuable and I believe it can still work today. However, as a young theologian I do believe that as we periodically upgrade our computer systems we need to also upgrade some of our methodologies in the AME Church.
It is clear that many pastors are not speaking to the issues of our day. For me it is a pity and shame when our pastors exert more energy for a one week annual conference than they do for fifty one weeks of ministry. By observing some annual conferences it appears that some pastors strive so hard to be the “big fish” for one week that they are even willing to use political schemes to implement fear to exhibit who the lead pastor is. And in many instances when you hear that a pastor’s report on conversion and accessions; they have not added anything to the growth of the local or connectional church besides their budget. At this point you will then hear comments such as numbers are not important which is absurd to me. If numbers are not important then why would the book of Acts go through all that trouble to mention the exact number that had been saved by Peter on Pentecost? It is time for us to change our methods in the AME Church from being so political to being more productive. Martin L. King, Jr. stated that, “Jesus gave him the message, but Gandhi gave him the method” to addressing the issues of the 60’s.
We must realize that we still preach and teach Jesus but our methods do not have to stay the same. The changing of our methods does not neglect the message of the cross. We are no longer fighting for a seat on the bus or a seat at the lunch counter because in many areas, we own both.
We are now dealing with sexism, classism, and racism, even among our own race. In order to deal with these present-day issues the preaching moment has to be relevant with proper exegesis in order to spread the message of Christ. “Ain’t he alright,” won’t he do it, and “Say yes,” without substance, will not do it anymore. We must realize that whooping and hollering without sound exegesis is simply "jackleg preaching."
Allow me to be clear, I love "whooping" and I do it only after I have delivered a solid word. My father in the ministry, Bishop Samuel L. Green Sr. is one that demonstrates every time he preaches that "whooping" still works and can save souls but it has to be done with biblical support and that is why he made me go to school so that I would rightly divide the word of God. If some of us put as much time in sermon preparation as we do in attempting to destroy other pastors' ministry, gossiping, and politicking for a title then our church’s can’t help but to grow.
In the past six months, over sixty new persons have joined Grater Jordan Chapel AME Church. I am not boasting on anything great that I have done. But I am boasting on the power of the Holy Ghost and relevant preaching. Greater Jordan Chapel is located 15 mile east of Macon, Georgia, in an area that has been referred to as, rural. This ministry stands as a testimony that you do not have to be positioned in a major city to experience phenomenal growth. But just as people will travel for a good meal they will do the same for a good worship experience and church home. The sixty persons who have joined were not AMEs. They are professionals, factory workers, drug dealers and users. They all say they came to the church because of good worship and solid preaching. By the way the worship style at Greater Jordan Chapel is not traditional. On Sunday, December 17, 2006, the sermon was entitled, “From the Ghetto to the Palace.” The sermon dealt with Jesus questionable birth, hometown, and poverty issues (foxes have holes). The introduction of the message consisted of a crash course on psychology with Sigmund Freud’s model of the Id, Super ego, and Ego. I focused on Freud’s super ego model which stresses that we are all products of our environment. To argue against that notion, I used Will Smith’s new movie. “The Pursuit of Happyness,” along with Jesus story. Because the message was so relevant, seven people joined the church, five of whom are candidates for baptism, but more importantly all who were assembled now believe that regardless of their genesis, their lives can still turn out to be very productive.
It’ Time for an upgrade in our church not because the system has failed, but because we want to remain relevant and productive.
Please take the time to see what God has done for Greater Jordan Chapel by visiting our web site at http://www.greaterjordanchapelame.org/
Ronald L. Slaughter
Pastor, Greater Jordan Chapel A.M.E. Church
Haddock, Georgia
E-Mail- ronaldslaughter@hotmail.com
11. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
Congratulations are extended to Mr. Andrew Cousin, the proud son of Presiding Elder Steven A. Cousin, Presiding Elder of the Kansas City District of the Kansas/Nebraska Annual Conference of the 5th Episcopal District and Mrs. Sybil Henderson of Bristol, Pennsylvania.
Mr. Cousin, graduated with honors on Saturday, December 16, 2006 earning the Bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
He is the step-son of Mrs. Linda Childress-Cousin and Mr. Lorenzo Henderson and the grandson of Senior Bishop, The Right Reverend Phillip Robert Cousin, Sr. and Episcopal Supervisor, Dr. M. Joan Cousin of the 4th Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church.
Congratulatory messages may be emailed to:
Presiding Elder Steven Cousin: eldersteve@kc.rr.com
Or Bro. Steven A. Cousin, Jr. sacousin@gmail.com
Or Dr. M. Joan Cousin, grandmother: mjoancousin@aol.com
Congratulations from your family, friends and your classmates.
Submitted by the Reverend Edrena Houston Brown
12. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
On Saturday, December 9, 2006 Alex Randolph Harper, son of Rev. Gilbert Harper, Sr., Pastor of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, Roanoke, Virginia, graduated from Averett University in Danville, Virginia with a major in Global Marketing with a Management Concentration.
Congratulatory messages may be emailed to: Revgharp2@cs.com
13. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
Rev. W. T. Washington, who has completed 52 years of service as a pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, serving in the 12th Episcopal District is retiring from the pastorate. The East Northeast Conference is having a Congratulatory Booklet prepared and program for him on January 6, 2007 at New Bethel A. M. E. Church in Stuttgart, Arkansas.
Congratulatory messages may be emailed to Mrs. Piccola Washington, President 12th Episcopal District M-SWAWO: washingtor@sbcglobal.net (his spouse)
14. EPISCOPAL FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are sad to announce the death of Dr. Mae Kendall, the sister-in-law of Bishop Gregory and Rev. Jessica Ingram. Dr. Kendall was married to Charles Kendall, the brother of the Rev. Dr. Jessica Ingram. Dr. Kendall died on Thursday evening, December 21, 2006, one day before her birthday.
Dr. Kendall was a member of First Congregation UCC Church in Atlanta, Ga. Dr. Kendall was a well known educator and a retired Professor of Clark College. She is the author of the autobiography of the Paschal Brothers.
The Memorial Service will be held:
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
11 a.m.
Big Bethel A.M.E. Church
206 Auburn Ave NE
Atlanta, Ga. 30303
The Rev. Gregory Eason, Senior Pastor
The Rev. Dwight Andrews, Officiating
Professional Services are entrusted to:
Carl M. Williams Funeral Home
492 Larkin St. SW
Atlanta, Ga. 30313-1208
404.522.8454
Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to her husband, Charles Kendall (the brother of Rev. Jessica)
2626 Lisa Dr. SW
Atlanta, Ga. 30311
Home Telephone: 404.969.7469
Or to:
The Right Reverend G. M. Ingram
Rev. Dr. Jessica Kendall Ingram
4927 Holly Tree Drive
Dallas, TX. 75287
Cell Numbers:
Rev. Jessica: 313.806.8180
Bishop Gregory: 248.752.6559
Email: Journeyministry@aol.com
We ask that you lift Charles Kendall in your prayers. He is recovering from heart surgery and is presently on dialysis
15. GENERAL OFFICER FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We announce the passing of Mrs. Antoinne Moore, the niece of Dr. Johnny Barbour, Secretary-Treasurer Sunday School Union.
A Memorial Service will be held in memory of Mrs. Antoinne Moore:
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
1:00 p.m.
Peoples Funeral Home Inc.
886 N Farish St.
Jackson, Mississippi 39202 Phone: (601) 969-3040
Fax: (601) 355-4707
Condolences may be sent to:
Dr. and Mrs. Johnny Barbour, Jr.
185 Bristol Blvd.
Jackson, Mississippi 39204-3507
Telephone: (601) 506-0929
Email: amecinfo@edge.net
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs. Edwena L. Edwards went to be with the Lord on December 20, 2006. Mrs. Edwards was a former Connectional Officer, having served as Secretary and Historiographer/Statistician of the Women's Missionary Society. She was a Life Member of the WMS and active on all levels in the AME Church.
FUNERAL SERVICE:
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
1:00 P.M.
Allen Temple AME Church
917 22nd Street, North
Bessemer, AL 35020
Ph. 205-428-5961
Professional Services entrusted to:
Chambers Funeral Home
2527 9th Ave.
Bessemer, AL 35020
Ph. 205-425-5235
Expressions of sympathy may be sent c/o the family of Mrs. Edwena L. Edwards to the addresses above.
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Rev. W. C. Ervin Jr., father of the Rev. W. C. Ervin, III, Presiding Elder, Greater Dallas District, Tenth Episcopal District, African Methodist Episcopal Church passed away at 9:35 am this morning (December 24, 2006) at Georgetown Memorial Hospital, Georgetown, South Carolina. He was 91 years old.
Service arrangements:
Funeral Services
2: 00 pm
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church
Pastor: The Rev. McNeal Evans
8203 Thurgood Marshall Highway (Hwy 527)
Andrews, S.C. 29510
Phone: (843) 221-5530
Wake Services
6 pm-7 pm, Friday, December 29, 2006
Mc Knight Funeral Home
Director: the Rev. Walter J. Mc Knight
406 Ashland Street
Andrews, S.C. 29510
Phone: (843) 264-5655
Condolences may be sent to:
Presiding Elder and Rev. Betty Ervin
4347 S. Hampton Road, Suite #150
Dallas, Texas 75232
Office: (214) 333-7775
Fax: (214) 333-7705
Cell: (843) 325-1638
or
Revwcerviniii@aol.com
Submitted by the Rev. Dr. Sherryl A. Matlock-Pastor
St. James A.M.E. Church, Denton, Texas
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Richard Allen McFadden, the Uncle of Reverend Kyle "K. C." Gibson Senior Pastor of New Bethel AME in Vero Beach, Florida passed away on December 20, 2006. He was the son of the Late Reverend Nathaniel McFadden of the 11th Episcopal District, a 34 year employee of the Polk County School Board and a life long AME. He leaves behind a sister Joan McFadden Gibson, a brother Steven McFadden Cooper and a host of other friends and family. Mr. McFadden was a member of New Bethel AME in Lakeland Florida, Rev. Pearce Ewing, pastor.
Service arrangements:
Funeral:
Friday, December 29, 2006
11:00 a.m.
New Bethel AME Church
2122 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave
Lakeland, Florida
Phone: (863) 687-1995
Professional services entrusted to:
H. W. Oldham Funeral Home1537 Kettles AvenueLakeland, FL 33805-3633
Phone: (863) 683-2419Fax: (863) 688-0200
Contact Information for expressing sympathy:
Rev. Kyle Gibson
Phone (772) 643-5777
Email: KC2020Vision@aol.com
Submitted By:
Rev. Edrena Houston Brown
Christian Recorder, Staff Writer
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The passing of Brittany Kiera Boone, the daughter of Rev. and Mrs. Tony Boone, Pastor and First Lady of New Covenant A.M.E. Church, Charlotte, N.C.
Service Arrangements:
Funeral
Friday, December 29, 2006
11:00 A.M.
Wake 10:00 A.M.
Ebenezer A.M.E. Church
7707 Allentown Road Ft. Washington, MD 20744 Phone: (301) 248-8833
Dr. Grainger Browning, Pastor
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Rev. and Mrs. Tony Boone
C/o Ebenezer A.M.E. Church
7707 Allentown Road Ft. Washington, MD 20744
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action
Mrs. Ora L. Easley, Administrator
Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936
Fax: (615) 833-3781
Cell: (615) 403-7751
21. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; 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.
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
WE WISH YOU A BLESSED NEW YEAR!
1. EDITORIAL – THE WATCH MEETING NIGHT SERVICES HAS BEEN AN AME TRADITION:There is an account going around the Internet implies that the Watch Night Services in black communities is traced back to gatherings on December 31, 1862, also known as "Freedom's Eve" when blacks came together in churches and private homes all across the nation to await the news that the Emancipation Proclamation was going to become law and that black folks have gathered in churches annually on New Year's Eve ever since, praising God for bringing us safely through another year.
The story is heartwarming, but there is more to the story. And yes, today the Watch Night Service is held in a lot of black churches and the Emancipation piece is certainly factual and the service is a significant part of our black American heritage, but it didn't begin in 1862; it began many years prior to that date.
The Watch Night Service reportedly began with the Moravians in Germany and was picked up by John Wesley who incorporated the service in Methodism. The first Watch Night service in America was probably held at St. George Church in Philadelphia where Richard Allen was a member. To say that the Watch Meeting services began in the mid-1800 is a myth. It is certain that Richard Allen celebrated Watch Meeting night services at St. George Church.
Originally, Watch Night services were held to deepen the spiritual life of the Methodists and Wesley, himself explained in his Journal that watch Night services in England were generally held between 8:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. on the Friday nearest the full moon "so that participants walked safely home through moonlit streets." In 19th Century Philadelphia the Methodists continued the practice of watch-night services on New Year's Eve. The newly-formed AME Church members celebrated Watch Meeting Night services.
2. THE SEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT’S 2006 CENTRAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
From Monday October 9th to Friday October 13th the 7th District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, which encompasses the entire state of South Carolina, convened in Orangeburg for its 2006 Central Annual Conference. This week long event was held at Butler Chapel AME Church located at 5225 North Road in Orangeburg, SC. The Central Conference is comprised of the Orangeburg, Manning and Wateree Districts, with 18 churches in Orangeburg, 23 in Manning and 22 in Wateree. This 83rd session makes it the youngest of six annual conferences.
The Seventh Episcopal District has been blessed by the visionary leadership of the spirit filled team of Bishop Preston Warren Williams II and Dr. Wilma Delores Webb-Williams. Together they have taken the great state of South Carolina to higher heights and deeper depths of spiritual growth and transformation, accomplished through the power of love and faith which stems from the heart of compassion. We express thanks and appreciation to our hosts, Butler Chapel AME Church and its gracious leader Rev. Dr. George E. Hicks, the officers and wonderful members for hosting the 2006 Central Annual Conference and for providing an exceedingly well organized environment. We also express appreciation and gratitude to our co-host, Williams Chapel AME Church, for its effective leader Rev. Dr. Juenarrl Keith, the officers and outstanding members for opening and closing this conference with a high level of efficiency and hospitality.
Saturday, October 7, the Central Conference held their “Youth Summit” with approximately 500 young people in attendance. The youth were engaged with many fun-filled and educational activities including a Tail Gate party sponsored by the Sons of Allen. All young people were invited to attend SC State University’s football game.
The pre-conference activities commenced with the Debs and Masters Celebration at Butler Chapel AME Church in Orangeburg, SC. The 11 Masters and 16 Debs looked marvelous as they were introduced and highlights of their academic and community service achievements were announced. The Allenites, Sub-Debs and Sub-Masters were equally dazzling as they performed their congratulatory tributes. The 2006 DMC Honoree was Mrs. Shirley G. Frederick who has served the Central Conference and the Seventh Episcopal District in various capacities for 9 years. Mrs. J. Felita Grady-Davis, Episcopal DMC Commissioner, recognized and praised all participants for a job well done!
Monday morning, the Women’s Missionary Society convened at Butler Chapel to conduct business. Delegates were elected to attend the 2008 Quadrennial which will be held in St. Louis, Missouri. The missionaries then held their annual luncheon at The Garden Room in Orangeburg, SC, during which a Sarah Allen Torchlighters Ceremony was held to recognize the following Torchlighters: Sister Minnie Jenkins, Sister Pauline Nelson and Sister Ruth Washington. Mrs. Bernice Sanders, WMS Episcopal Supervisor, awarded these lovely ladies their Torchlighter cape and certificates.
Monday evening, the Sons of Allen gave a soul stirring rendition of, “God Is!” These brothers lifted up their hands and voices from the theme, “Ministering Beyond the Walls.” They told us through song that God would heal the land, and the entire congregation was on their feet. The men then rendered a rousing rendition of, “I’m Going Home on the Morning Train,” as they prepared the way for the speaker, Dr. Andrew Hugine, President of South Carolina State University. Dr. Hugine’s topic was, “Ministering Beyond the Walls: The Responsibility of Men,” supported by Romans 12:4-8. Dr. Hugine encouraged our men to use their leadership abilities to address the needs of the disadvantaged, educate our children, and touch the lives of young black males.
The opening convocation took place on Tuesday morning at Williams Chapel AME Church. The Board of Examiners class on 3rd year studies led the morning devotion with power and anointing and the conference was then called to order and organized by the Right Reverend Preston Warren Williams II, presiding prelate of the Seventh Episcopal District and President of the Council of Bishops. Bishop Williams called for a recommendation for Conference Secretary, and Presiding Elder Robert B. Cooper recommended Rev. Rufus Gaymon, with Rev. Stanley Rivers to assist him. The following persons were elected as marshals: Rev. Dr. Albert Jones, Rev. Willie Brown, Sister Rosa Montgomery, Rev. P. Mixon, Rev. John G. Davis and Bro. Oger Guess. The Finance Committee and Judiciary Committees were formed, the Central Conference Trustees were elected and the boundaries of the conference were set for Butler Chapel and Williams Chapel AME Churches. Bishop Williams wanted both churches to know how important they were to the success of this annual conference. He applauded Rev. Dr. Keith and the Williams Chapel family for their willingness to share in co-hosting the Central Annual Conference, and stated that it takes more than one church to host an annual conference and make it successful.
The annual conference opening worship service was led by Host Presiding Elder Robert B. Cooper. The annual conference sermon was preached by Rev. Melvin Capers, pastor of historic Liberty Hill AME Church in Summerton, from the subject, “A Time to Celebrate” drawn from Psalm 126:3, “The Lord hath done great things for us wherefore we are glad.” Electricity was in the air and the crowd was on their feet as he told the capacity congregation that we must talk about how the Lord delivered us, share the joy we feel on the inside, and always remain happy in the Lord by keeping our eyes on Jesus. Rev. Capers closed under the anointing of the Holy Ghost stating, “I don’t know about tomorrow – but we can celebrate right now because we know who holds tomorrow and who holds our hand, and his name is Jesus!”
The afternoon session opened with devotion by pastors and the Wateree District, under the leadership of Elder Robert B. Cooper, read their reports and concluded with the victory song, “We Are Climbing Jacobs Ladder.” The Orangeburg District followed with their reports, opening by paying homage to the honor of their deceased Presiding Elder Willie J. Baxter.
Tuesday evening, the Women’s Missionary Society performed to the glory of God through the theme, “Fulfilling Our Mission: God’s Word, God’s Will, God’s Way.” This service was presided over by Sister Bessie Cleckly, Chairperson of the Commission on Christian Social Action. The Central Conference WMS Choir gave us a soul-stirring, hand clapping, foot stomping rendition of, “What If God Is Not Pleased With Our Praise?” The missionary service was graced with the presence of Mrs. Bernice Sanders, WMS Episcopal President, who commended Sister Katheleen Simmons for her hard work and dedication this past year as Central Conference Missionary President. She continued by thanking Sister Bessie Cleckly for carrying on the work of missions in the Central Conference after Sister Simmons’ relocation. Mrs. Sanders saluted the Central Conference WMS for a job well done!
Mrs. Abbiegail Hugine, First Lady of South Carolina State University, was the WMS speaker for the missionary Night in Mission service. She spoke from the subject, “Fulfilling Our Mission: God’s Word, God’s Will, God’s Way,” with a particular focus on education. After Mrs. Hugine’s dynamic message, the choir sang a powerful rendition of, “Order My Steps!” The Central Conference WMS was on their feet and everyone’s souls were on fire for Jesus! Sister Cleckly then made presentations to various individuals who have added to the WMS’ success in 2006.
Dr. Wilma D. Webb-Williams, WMS Episcopal Supervisor, greeted the missionaries with words of encouragement and wisdom, saying she felt no ways tired! She stated, “There is much to do and we can’t get weary in well doing!” Sister Bessie Cleckly, WMS Acting President, presented Bishop Williams with a check for $17,000 dollars for Allen University and $3,000 for Youth Corps Missions. Bishop Williams offered thanks and appreciation for the work the Central Conference WMS is doing and continues to do.
Wednesday morning began with a spirit filled devotion service led by members of the Board of Examiners classes. The Orangeburg District’s pastoral reports were read under the leadership of Acting Presiding Elder Rev. Dr. Juenarrl Keith. Dr. Keith received accolades from Bishop Williams and Rev. Rufus Gaymon on his exemplary leadership as the acting presiding elder of the Orangeburg District after the passing of Presiding Elder Willie Baxter. Bishop Williams then turned Sister. Attiya Giles loose on the congregation to take us to another spiritual level through her anointed singing of, “Order My Steps!” This song may become our Zion’s battle cry for the upcoming year!
Wednesday afternoon began with devotion by pastors and students from the Board of Examiners classes, and continued with the Manning District pastoral reports under the leadership of Elder Malachi Duncan. The spirit was high as we prepared for the noonday sermon. Our worship leader was Rev. Jacquelyn Hurston of the Wateree District with visiting pastors assisting. The service was preached by retired Bishop Richard Allen Hildebrand – one of Bishop Williams’ spiritual fathers. Bishop Hildebrand preached a powerful expository sermon taken from Psalm 27, “The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear?”
Wednesday evening, the Youth Witness Night opened in spectacular style as St. John AME Church blessed us with a spirit-filled dance routine. This high energy, breathtaking experience was presided over by Mr. Dontravian Frederick. The theme for this year’s conference was the acronym, “Krunk for Christ: Knowledge, Repentance, Understanding, New Covenant and Kingdom of God, For Christ.” The evening was outstanding and the talent exceptional as the young people performed, worshipped and praised to the glory of God!
Thursday morning began with devotion from pastors who were assisted by Board of Examiners students, under the anointing of the Holy Spirit as Rev. Ralph Brown let the Lord use him through a heart felt rendition of, “I Won’t Complain!” The session continued under the banner of “Christian Education” with Sister Kabrina Bass, Episcopal CED Administrator, highlighting the success of Youth Leadership as well as Christian Education in having gotten various teachers and superintendents certified.
Our first workshop was presented by Sister Lula Cleckly on “Infant Mortality.” She informed us that the two primary causes of premature deaths are significant pre-maturity and low birth weight, and offered us various preventive measures against infant mortality. The workshops continued with a presentation on Medicaid Part D, “The Missing Pieces to the Health Care Coverage Puzzle,” by Arnold Collins and Terry Davenport of the Perform RX health company. Mr. Collins explained Parts A, B, C, and D of the program and went into detail about the new Part D portion of Medicare (1-800-722-0013). Dr. Ila McFadden, Coordinator from the SC Dept. of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), gave a presentation on pandemic flu. Dr. McFadden stressed the seriousness and probability that this flu will occur in this country and provided information on the necessary precautions, preventions and treatment for this devastating epidemic.
Thursday’s noonday service was presided over by Rev. Norvell Goff Sr., Pastor of Reid Chapel AME Church in Columbia, SC. We were graced by the Allen University choir which sang a powerful selection entitled, “A Change Has Come Over Me.” The congregation could barely contain themselves as praises broke out all over the sanctuary! Rev. Dr. Charles E. Young, President of Allen University, then stepped forward and electrified the conference as he preached from the subject, “Make a Decision to Live,” taken from 2 Kings 7:1-4. Rev. Young closed by exhorting us to stop worrying about our enemies, for we serve a God who sits high and looks low and God will make a way! After hearing such an inspiring message, the Central Conference answered Bishop Williams’ call to support Allen University by raising nearly $100,000 dollars. The annual conference series total for all six conferences equaled $400,000 dollars.
After lunch we began with devotion led by Rev. Ralph Brown of the Manning District along with Board of Examiners students. We continued with a Christian education workshop entitled, “The ISIS Project: Intimate Sessions for Informed Sexuality for Women,” presented by Sister A. Marie Goff, WMS Health Coordinator and First Lady of Reid Chapel AME Church. Sister Goff informed us that South Carolina is ranked 6th nationally for cervical cancer. She told us that cervical cancer is 100% preventable and encouraged us to pass the word. Simultaneously, the men attended a presentation on prostrate cancer by Dr. Willie Heggins II.
Thursday evening’s Lay Witness Night was presided over by Sister Mary F. Mack, President of the Wateree District under the theme, “He has shown us what is good and what does the Lord require of us, but to do good, love mercy and walk humbly with why God,” taken from Micah 6:8. Rev. Felix Jordan, Pastor of Heyward AME Church in Wateree, stood in the gap for the speaker who got lost, and preached from Psalm 121 from the subject, “Time to Look Up: To God be the Glory!”
Friday began with devotion from the Board of Examiners students. The ordination service followed and Rommie Williams and Bernard Richburg were elected for ordination as Itinerant Deacons. The worship leader, Rev. Stanley Rivers of Emmanuel AME Church in Orangeburg, paved the way for our preacher of the hour, senior Presiding Elder Alonzo Middleton, President of the Council of Elders. Elder Middleton proclaimed the word of God to the congregation in a powerful voice citing Numbers 18:19 and Matthews 18:19. He urged all students to read the 2004 Discipline, beginning on page 87 and study the rules of pastors on page 108 in order to know how to be a “tasteful” pastor. Elder Middleton, full of wisdom, closed by exhorting us to,” Stay on the battlefield for our Lord!” Communion was conducted by Rev. Seawright, candidate for the 2008 episcopacy, and Bishop Williams concluded the ordination service by singing, “His Eye is On the Sparrow.”
Rev. Helen Zeigler, Superintendent of the Church School, and the church school participants glorified God through a lesson entitled, “Prayer Makes the Difference,” referenced from 1 Samuel 7:3-13. A memorial service, presided over by Rev. Dr. John Washington, was also held to pay respect to Presiding Elder Willie James Baxter of the Orangeburg District and Rev. W. David Shepherd Jr., whom God called from labor to reward.
The 2006 Central South Carolina Annual Conference was graced with the presence of Bishops Frederick Calhoun James, Zedekiah Grady, Richard Allen Hildebrand and David Daniels, General Officer George F. Flowers, a host of presiding elders, visiting pastors and friends. The conference is thankful for the spiritual guidance and great love of our Episcopal leadership team, the Right Reverend Preston Warren Williams II and Dr. Wilma Delores Webb-Williams, for we are better equipped to move forward with renewed enthusiasm, revived spirits, invigorated minds and a deeper determination to carry out the missions to which God has called each of us. The Central Conference will never be the same, for our dynamic Episcopal leaders have made the clarion call for us to brave into the deep waters of commitment, dedication and servant hood, and we have responded triumphantly! We will no longer take a back seat or a back step, for we have come too far in the name of Jesus!
Elder Willie Baxter has been truly missed, and although he has gone on to claim his reward, we the Central Conference of South Carolina say once again, “Farewell Elder Baxter! We love you but God loves you best!”
Butler Chapel and Williams Chapel AME Churches, under the leadership of the Rev. Dr.’s George H. Hicks and Juennarl Keith, respectively, are to be commended again for the high level of attention and courtesy shown to the members of this conference. We are eternally grateful and appreciative for their warmth and hospitality as they worked in unison to make our stay in the great city of Orangeburg, SC a memorable experience!
3. EAST CONFERENCE ANNUAL LAY WITNESS WORSHIP SERVICE 2006:
“Laity Sowing Seeds Beyond the Walls: An Agenda of Ministry and Service”
Sister Angela Surcey Garner, 11th District’s Media Team
We celebrated a Spirit-filled “Service of Praise and Adoration” on Thursday night, October 26th, at Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church in Gainesville. The Reverend George Champion was the Host Pastor. Our gracious hosts were delightful and receptive throughout the Conference. The Worship Leader for the evening was our East Conference Lay President, Brother Joseph S. Coppock, Sr. of St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Jacksonville, Reverend Marvin C. Zanders, II, pastor. Many persons attended our Worship Service and we are always blessed by the presence of our Presiding Prelate, Bishop McKinley Young and his beautiful wife, Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young, our Episcopal Supervisor. The stage was set for a fabulous celebration.
Our devotion was beautiful as the Call to Worship was read by the President of the Alachua-Central District, Sister Phillis Filer and the Lay Hymn, our standard Hymn of Praise, was lined by Brother Freddie Matthews, Director of Lay Activities for the South Jacksonville District. The Reverend George Champion, Host Pastor of the East Conference, led a powerful Invocation of prayer and praise to God. We were blessed with the musical voices of the Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church Choir, Gainesville, The Reverend Hudson Williamson, Pastor, as they beautifully rendered the Anthem – a medley of “All Hail the Power” and “Oh Lord I Give You Praise.” After the scripture and Introit, our Lay Litany was led by Sister Jacqueline Bryant, Lay Assistant Recording Secretary of the East Conference. The Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church choir blessed us with a spiritual – “I Still Have Joy”, before the Host Lay President, Brother Aaron Jones, extended greetings to all of the Lay, our visitors and guests. We certainly felt welcomed at Greater Bethel in Gainesville. Mt. Olive’s Choir rocked the congregation with the gospel – “Holy Ghost Power!” Most of us were on our feet allowing the Holy Spirit to move through us in the Sanctuary. It was powerful testimony for the upcoming message.
Our Bishop, The Right Reverend McKinley Young, was introduced by the Presiding Elder of the Alachua-Central District, The Reverend Joseph Sanchez. After Bishop Young extended greetings to the 11th District’s Lay Organization, he recognized our Connectional President, Brother Jesse Burns and our Episcopal President, Sister Marian Bacon White, and thanked all who attended. Bishop Young introduced our messenger for the evening, Sister Peggy Rice Johnson, East Conference Director of Lay Activities, St. Andrew AME Church, Jacksonville Beach, The Reverend Oliver Simmons, pastor. He told us of their interactions and how he came to know her. He concluded his introduction by reminding us, “She is a truly gifted child of the King.”
Sister Peggy began with the protocol which she so eloquently renders each time she does it. After prayer, she read Revelation 1 describing each of the churches in that chapter. She asked the question, “What Church Do You Serve?” As she began her message, Sister Peggy also asked, “How do you serve?” She urged us to “go beyond the walls to give love.” Saying we must “stow love, show love and sow love, loving our brothers and sisters as we love ourselves.” She reminded us that the mission of the church is not to socialize but to evangelize. As Sister Peggy compared the churches in Revelation to our churches today, we were convicted by the similar actions of present day congregants. She told us, “Being in the family of Christ gives us opportunity for connection with the Holy Spirit.” She also reminded us, “The church is a site of cooperation – we should all work together, remembering discipleship, leadership, stewardship and fellowship.” She also encouraged clergy and lay to preach stewardship in addition to tithing. Sister Peggy concluded with these points: “God gives you a testimony – acknowledge Christ, believe in Him, every man will receive his reward; To walk in gentleness is to use the power God gave us; Help those who are downtrodden; Joy comes from trusting God – The joy of the Lord is our strength; Leave here challenged to go beyond the walls; we must live well to sow well using good, productive seed.” Sister Peggy Rice Johnson received a standing ovation for her powerful and very direct message. We were all blessed by it and surely gained knowledge and encouragement to truly “go beyond the walls” for service to God.
Our worship service concluded with very eloquent expressions and remarks by our leadership. Brother Joseph S. Coppock, Sr., East Conference President, Sister Marian Bacon White, 11th District Lay President, Brother Jesse L. Burns, Connectional Lay President, and our Bishop, The Right Reverend McKinley Young, thanked all for attending the Lay Witness. Bishop Young expressed his gratitude for all of the hard work the Lay Organization does and complimented Sister White on continuous jobs well done through our district branch. Our gracious hosts prepared a nice reception for our visiting guests and officers in the dining room. The night ended with fellowship throughout the congregation. We are prepared and more encouraged to “go beyond the walls” for ministry and service. There’s a place for you in the A.M.E. Church’s Lay Organization.
4. CLERGY OF THE WEEK: REV. DR. HARRY L. SEAWRIGHT AND UNION BETHEL AMEC RECEIVES 1.5 MILLION FOR UPCOMING COMMUNITY CENTER TO ENRICH THE LIVES OF FAMILIES:
Reverend Edrena Houston Brown, M.A.C.E., Christian Recorder, Staff Writer
The Reverend Dr. Harry L. Seawright a Visionary, preacher, pastor, author, administrator, scholar, builder and servant of God has completed another spiritual and successful year in ministry.
A native of Swansea, South Carolina he is the youngest of eight children of the late Mr. Joe Nathan and the late Mrs. Mary L. Seawright. He is the husband of Reverend Sherita Moon Seawright and the proud father of Shari Nicole and Harry Matthew and the grandfather of Cameron Isaiah.
A young innovated Pastor and outstanding leader in the community, of the Second Episcopal District and the Connectional A.M.E. Church, best describes Rev. Dr. Seawright among his many attributes. As a Faithful and seasoned Pastor, he has allowed God to prepare him from the grassroots of the Seventh Episcopal District and has journeyed from South Carolina to the Second Episcopal District where he presently served as Pastor of Union Bethel A.M.E. Church, Brandywine, Maryland under the leadership of The Illustrious Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr., Presiding Prelate.
When asked Pastor Seawright what are his views on enhancing the productivity of the Black Family, What can the church do to strengthen the ties of the Black Family as a connectional church? He stated; "We have been issued a $1.5 million in a bond bill from the State of Maryland to build an 80,784 square foot Union Bethel Community Recreation Center. Union Bethel plays a significant role in the black community. We have purchased over 55 acres of land, houses, apartment buildings, renovating an old drug store to house our second worship service location, daycare center, kindergarten and banquet facility." On the Connectional level, we can do the same type of things to provide the Black Family with the necessities of jobs, education, social, recreational, economical programs and activities to promote a sense of community for the Black Family. We will then have a 5-star ministry for a 5-star People of Evangelism, Empowerment, Education, Economics and Expansion.
Dr. Seawright is extremely involved in mentoring Black males at Union Bethel and the progress of that ministry is most productive. Dr. Seawright related that; "The mentoring of the Black Male has always been apart of my ministry. Gideon's Army - The Men's Ministry of Union Bethel has a very strong presence in the life of the church. They have a monthly men's fellowship and a yearly retreat. The Prison Ministry visits over 5 correctional facilities in the area and continues to give inmates and family members support. As you can see, there is a positive progression of the men's ministry of Union Bethel A.M.E. Church.
He is a spiritual Builder in building families and restoring the biblical principles in maintaining family ethics and morals as a motivator of people. A Builder of churches, community outreach offices and is involved highly in community development projects. Well respected among his colleagues and the State of Maryland Ministerial and citizens' advisory committee are excited and supportive of Rev. Dr. Seawright's in his upcoming candidacy for Episcopal Service as a Candidate for Episcopal Service for 2008.
Dr. Seawright accepted the call to ministry in 1976 and was admitted to the South Carolina Conference by Bishop Frank Madison Reid, II. He was ordained an Itinerant Elder by Bishop John Hurst Adams in April 1981 and has served over 30 years of extraordinary pastoral service to the African Methodist Episcopal Church and over 20 years at Union Bethel A.M.E. Church, Brandywine, Maryland.
When asked when did he receive he receive his calling by God to pursue a higher calling of ministry as a Bishop in the A.M.E. Church and what was it like? Pastor Seawright explained; "This has been the most amazing experience in my life. Early one Sunday morning I heard the voice of God, loud and clear, as He called me to Episcopal Service. It was Pentecostal Sunday! It was not my timing, but God's timing to over 30 years in ministry and 25 years as a pastor... I had to be obedient and accept God's calling on my life. As a child of sharecroppers, I stand on the shoulders of my parents... from Swansea, South Carolina. I am a fourth generational AME. I know today, the God I serve does not make any mistakes I gladly accept this call on my life. It's a wonderful feeling.
Rev. Dr. Seawright has three earned degrees, The Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Benedict College, Columbia, South Carolina, a Master of Divinity and a Doctorate of Ministry from Howard University, Washington, D.C. in equipping to better serve the People of God.
He is presently serving as the Treasurer, Washington Annual Conference, Treasurer of the Second Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church, Member of the Board of Examiners of the Washington Annual Conference, Served as Chief Accountant in the A.M.E. Church Finance Department for 12 years under the leadership of the late Dr. Joseph C. McKinney and has served as a delegate to the General Conference since 1996. Instructor of Homiletics for the Washington Conference Board of Examiners and serves as the Chair of the Presiding Elder Goodwin Douglas' Salary and Upkeep Committee.
The author of three publications, he is a community leader and a member of many community and civic organizations.
Congratulations, Rev. Dr. Harry L. Seawright, or being nominated as "Clergy of the Week" as an outstanding and leading Pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
*If you are interested in nominating a clergy, layperson or Pk for clergy of the week, please submit your letter of request to; ebrown49@hotmail.com
*Rev. Edrena Houston Brown, M.A.C.E. is a staff writer for the Christian Recorder
5. OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE SUMMER OF 2007 IN SCOTLAND, INDIA, SOUTH AFRICA AND TAIWAN:
Memo for all members of the Churches Uniting in Christ, of which the AME Church is a member.
Our goal is to study the impact of globalization on the church and how the church is responding. We predominately do this through study tours that look at the local, regional and global issues of a nation in relation to the church.
We are currently offering four opportunities for the summer of 2007 in Scotland, India, South Africa and Taiwan. On the home page, click the button for Tours in Progress. Our programs in Dunblane with the Scottish Churches House and in India with the Ecumenical Christian Center look particularly good.
Information about The Institute for Global Church Studies (IGCS) can be found online at http://www.igcsstudytours.org/
The Rev. John Kenyon, Founder/Director
The Institute for Global Church Studies
PO Box 1024
Aguada, PR 00602
787-868-4556
Submitted by the Right Reverend E. Earl McCloud, Jr., Ecumenical Officer and Endorsing Agent for the AME Church
6. ST LUKE AME IN HARLEM RECOGNIZED FOR ITS WORK FOR THE COMMUNITY:
Click here or paste in your browser window:
http://wcbstv.com/video/?id=94849@wcbs.dayport.com
7. ARE YOU AT RISK FOR GLAUCOMA?:
You have a greater risk for glaucoma if you:
.. Have family members with glaucoma (a brother, sister, parent, or child)
.. Are ages 50 or older
.. Are very near-sighted
.. Use steroid medications
.. Have been told you have high eye pressure
.. Have had past eye injuries
Your race may also increase your risk!
African Americans are three times more likely to have glaucoma than Caucasians. But they are only half as likely to be treated for it. African Americans between ages 45 and 65 are up to seventeen times more likely to go blind from glaucoma than Caucasians in the same age group. Hispanics are also at a higher risk for glaucoma than Caucasians.
Here’s a simple test you can take to see if you are at risk for glaucoma.
My Glaucoma Risk
Circle only one score in each category. Add them up to find out your risk level.
Family History
My parent or child has glaucoma - 2
My brother or sister has glaucoma - 4
My parent and brother or sister has glaucoma - 4
There is no known glaucoma in my family - 0
Race
I am white/Caucasian - 0
I am Hispanic - 1
I am black/African American - 3
Age
I am younger than 40 years old - 0
I am 40 to 49 years old - 1
I am 50 to 59 years old - 2
I am age 60 or older - 3
Add the circled numbers from each category together. Put your total here: ___
If your score is 4 or more, you are at increased risk for glaucoma. You should get a glaucoma exam right away.
To see if you are eligible for a referral for a glaucoma eye exam, call the
Glaucoma Eye Care Program, 1-800-391-EYES (3937), open 24 hours a day, year-round
For more glaucoma information visit these websites:
The Glaucoma Research Foundation: http://www.glaucoma.org/
The Glaucoma Foundation: http://www.glaucomafoundation.org/
Medem: http://www.medem.com/
Submitted by Dr. Miriam Burnett
Author is EyeCare America who has given permission to use it in any modification.
8. THE AME CHURCHES ARE BUILDING A MODEL FOR FAMILY CAREGIVNG IN NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE:
* James E. Taylor, Ph.D.
It is well known that Black churches continue to be an important institution to the health and survival of Black people. Less is known about the nature and extent of A.M.E churches ministry to family caregivers in our congregations. When I speak of family caregivers I am discussing anyone who provides assistance to someone else who needs it to maintain an optimal level of independence. Put another way, a caregiver is a person who cares for someone who is ill, incapacitated, or disabled. Because families provide the majority of care, they are referred to as “family caregivers”. However, caregivers may be informal (non-professional, not hired) and formal (professional) persons. Informal caregivers probably have not been trained to administer care and may be a relative (family member) or friend to the person receiving care. Formal caregivers provide care in such places as the home, medical centers, nursing homes, hospices and the like.
Historically, African Americans face greater health problems and when they are blessed to have a long life, they may not have the financial resources to pay for needed health care. Instead of living in a nursing home or an assisted living residence, they often rely on family members or loved ones to care for them in their homes. Often, these caregivers are not well informed about available resources and how to locate services to help their ill family members.
In 2003 I received a grant from the University Faculty and Creative Activity Committee of MTSU to conduct a study entitled “Family Caregivng and Public Policy…An Exploratory Study” during the spring and summer of 2003. For the study interviewed several members of my church the Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church in Nashville, who expressed their interest in having their church, establish a family caregiving ministry in their church.
Three years later during the spring of 2006 I wrote a short proposal I presented to Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, who because of her responsibilities as chief prelate for A.M.E. Churches in Tennessee and Kentucky approved my proposal to study how to best establish caregiving ministries in 14 churches in Nashville. MTSU has granted me a year sabbatical to work with the churches to develop a faith based caregiving model. My work officially begins on January 1, 2007. I want to develop a model for other A.M. E. Churches that want to start their own family caregiving ministries.
Searching for A.M.E. Churches with caregiving ministries
St. Andrew, Memphis, TN, where Dr. Kenneth Robinson, as pastor, has an excellent caregiving ministry, coordinated by Mrs. Imogene Stansbury. There may be other A.M.E. Churches with similar caregiving programs or activities. If you know of any A.M.E. family caregiving programs, please send me information about them as soon as possible.
* James E. Taylor, Ph.D is assistant professor at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), Murfreesboro, Tennessee, telephone 615-898-4059; email Address: jetaylor@mtsu.edu
9. THE SEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT’S 2006 PIEDMONT ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
From Monday October 2nd to Friday October 6th the 7th District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, which encompasses the entire state of South Carolina, convened in Abbeville for its 2006 Piedmont Annual Conference. This week long event was held at St. James AME Church located at 205 Henry McNeil Turner Street in Abbeville, SC.
The Piedmont Conference is comprised of the Greenville and Abbeville-Greenwood Districts. This 96th session makes it the fourth oldest of six annual conferences.
At the close of last year’s 95th session of the Piedmont South Carolina Annual Conference held at Friendship AME Church in Clinton, SC, during the disciplinary questions Rev. Judy M. Richardson, pastor of historic St. James AME Church on Henry McNeal Turner Street in Abbeville, SC stood to invite the conference to be housed in the recently renovated sanctuary. The conference overwhelmingly voted to accept this gracious invitation and to once again return to a sacred location in our conference. 365 days later the conference converged on the grounds of St. James and the city of Abbeville to fellowship, learn and be renewed. Let history reflect that this is the first time in the history of the Piedmont Conference that a female pastor hosted an annual conference.
Our Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Preston Warren Williams II, the newly invested president of the AME Council of Bishops, instituted a new concept for the series of annual conferences – the “Youth Summit.” The goal of this summit is to under gird youth from ages 6 - 15 with fundamental Christian education under one roof. From September 29 to October 1, 2006, under the leadership of Rev. Charles R. Watkins, Piedmont Conference Christian Education Director, and Mrs. Margaret Wilson and Ms. Sarah Williams, presiding elder district CED Directors, more than 425 young people received instruction on the Pentateuch and the Bishops of the Church, among various other areas of study. Abbeville High School will never be the same because of the AME Youth Summit that took place there. Thank you to Bishop Williams and his Christian education staff for implementing an idea whose time had come.
Another pre-conference activity was the Debutante and Masters Ceremony held on Sunday, October 1st. Thanks to the assistance of Long Cane AME Church, where the DMC ceremony was held to accommodate the huge number of debutantes and masters and the mighty host who witnessed the ceremony. Bishop Williams made note of the fact that there were just as many masters as there were debutantes. We send our commendations to Mrs. Ella Gadsden Richburg, DMC Commissioner, and Rev. Charles R. Watkins, Co-commissioner.
Bishop Williams shared dialogue with the leaders of the city and county of Abbeville, including State Representative Paul Agnew. This helped to fulfill the bishop’s vision of the AME Church as a stronger and more viable entity in the community. The component leaders of the conference visited several service agencies in the area to assess the community’s needs and to offer assistance as directed by Bishop Williams and the annual conference.
On Monday, October 2nd, the Women’s Missionary Society held its annual meeting at Long Cane Church to receive reports from the officers and elect delegates and alternates to the upcoming Quadrennial Convention. Dressed in a sea of white, the missionaries conducted the business of the conference under the supervision of Dr. Wilma D. Webb-Williams, Episcopal Supervisor, and Ms. Vallery C. Smith, WMS Piedmont Conference President.
Monday night belonged to the men of the conference. The Sons of Allen worshipped at St. James Church with the Abbeville Greenwood District Sons of Allen Choir, the Mt. Zion All-Male Chorus, and the Poplar Springs Male Choir providing a tremendous ministry of music for this inspirational service. The highlight of this service was the preaching of the gospel by Rev. Arthur L. Raven, pastor of Jefferson Chapel AME Church in Anderson, SC. Rev. Raven preached from the subject, “Encouraging Yourself in the Lord,” from (I Samuel 30). We commend the SOA conference coordinator, Rev. Melton Aiken for the outstanding worship service.
Again Long Cane Church facilitated the Piedmont Conference’s capacity-crowds who were ready to hear the preachers answer the roll, worship during the annual opening convocation and hear the annual sermon on Tuesday morning, October 3rd. The combined choirs of St. James and Long Cane lifted the service to a higher spiritual dimension with their melodious voices. And just when we thought we could not get any higher, the Lord used the annual sermon preacher like never before. It is very rare that the annual sermon preacher gets to preach in the pulpit he or she preaches from all conference year long. Rev. Dr. Julius Melvin Johnson preached from Genesis 28: 1 - 16 on the subject, “When Heaven Touches Earth.” Many visitors attended the conference and supported the work of the conference with their generous giving.
Tuesday afternoon began the business sessions for the conference, which took place at our host church, St. James. At each business session, the president of the conference, Bishop Williams, gave sound advice, many pats on the back and very little rebuke. This 96th session of the Piedmont Conference saw a “teaching” Bishop Williams. No one will soon forget the Bishop’s lessons on tithing, which he seemed to emphasize during the pastor’s reports; nor his story of how the community assisted him with his marriage to Mother Williams, which highlighted how the laity can both teach the clergy and learn from the clergy; nor his admonition that no excuse was good enough to neglect the young people from the Youth Summit experience. Bishop Williams skillfully demonstrated the gifts that elevated him to the Episcopacy.
Tuesday night the WMS’s sea of white angels returned to St. James’ sanctuary to hold their annual “Night in Missions” celebration. This was no ordinary affair, because the featured speaker was the Supervisor of the Seventh Episcopal District WMS, Dr. Wilma Delores Webb-Williams. Dr. Williams’ message was taken from the theme, “Recharging to Fulfill Mission Paths of Christ, Church and Community.” Dr. Williams told the conference that recharging one’s self was necessary and that we must never give up the ongoing mission journey. The choir angels, also known as the WMS Choir, sang to the glory of God. Again, Sister Vallery Smith championed another stellar worship service.
Wednesday’s noonday service was a high time in the name of the Lord because a son of the soil, Rev. Dr. James F. Miller, pastor of DuPage AME Church, in the suburbs of Chicago, IL, whose late father was born and raised approximately 13 miles from St. James in Cokesbury, SC, preached a mighty word. He reminded us not to lose Jesus. Again, many visitors graced the conference with their presence.
Just before the Wednesday dinner break, Bishop Williams summoned the people of the Piedmont to respond to the clarion call to support our beloved Allen University. The conference responded in part because of our historic partnership with Allen. Allen was begun in Cokesbury, SC in 1870 and moved to Columbia some years later. Let it be known to all that although the Piedmont is small, we believe in supporting the causes of the church and our school. Between Wednesday and Thursday afternoon’s call, this small conference raised more than $67,000 dollars for Allen University. According to Bishop Williams, the Piedmont comes in 2nd for annual conference funds raised for Allen thus far.
Wednesday night was reserved for the youth of the conference. Their service placed emphasis on Jesus, hearing Him, growing in His likeness and following His lead. An awesome array and display of the talented youth included the conference YPD choir, a step team, and our youth telling us “Deal” or “No Deal” when it comes to life situations and our Sunbeam and Allen Stars displaying what it really means to be a Christian. High commendations are extended to Sister Misty Nance Gause, YPD Director, and Bro. Bric Williams, YPD President, for leading our young people in the green and white agenda.
Thursday, the annual conference series is devoted to Christian Education. To that end, the conference participated in workshops focused on the purpose of the church, cervical cancer for females and prostate cancer for males. To add to the day, Rev. Dr. Charles E. Young, President of Allen University, and the AU Choir visited the conference. The choir sang great spirituals, arrangements to hymns and a moving gospel selection. Dr. Young preached a powerful word from Mark 2, “Faith in the Face of Jesus.” The conference was clearly blessed by the preaching and moved by the singing.
On Thursday afternoon the Ministers’ Spouses, adorned in black, red and green, held their annual luncheon at the Dutch Oven in Abbeville Square and reelected Sister Barbara Jones as its president to serve another conference year.
Thursday nights are dedicated to the organized laity of the conference. The conference Lay Organization sought the speaking skills Mrs. Marie Hamburg Artis, a daughter of the Piedmont conference, a native of Kings Chapel AME Church in Pendleton, SC and a present member of Williams Chapel AME Church in Orangeburg, SC. Mrs. Artis’ timely and forthright message on “The Sower” was well delivered and well received. Music was rendered by the Flat Rock and Cypress Chapel AME Churches, both in Abbeville. We commend conference Lay President, Mrs. Pearlena Morton for an outstanding service.
Friday’s noonday service was powerfully preached by Rev. Rhudene Toomer, pastor of Elisha AME Church in Silverstreet, SC, referencing Revelations 3: 14 – 22 and from the subject, “What Type of Church Are We?”
The closing service for this 96th Session of the Piedmont Annual Conference was held at Long Cane AME Church, and our Bishop sought the preaching abilities of one of his sons in the ministry, Rev. Mark Pierson, Pastor of Bethel AME Church in Augusta, GA; a church where our Bishop previously pastored. Rev. Pierson powerfully preached from the subject, “A Composite of the Church,” utilizing the scriptural text of Acts 6:2.
The 96th Session of the Piedmont Annual Conference will undoubtedly go down in history as the best conference to date. The fellowship was connecting, the worship was magnetizing, the teaching was edifying and the spirit was elevating!
The host pastors, Rev. Judy and Rev. Cornell Richardson, and the congregation of St. James AME Church are to be commended and profusely thanked for their excellent hosting during this entire week. At every turn, no need went denied. St. James was genuine, warm and accommodating. We must also recognize the assistance of Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Julius M. Johnson and the Long Cane AME Church family for opening their doors to us and making our stay in the city of Abbeville a comfortable one. We bless God for both pastors and both churches and rise to offer you applause for a job well done.
We thank the presiding elders, pastor and people of the Piedmont Conference, including the component groups and leaders, for making this conference a most inspirational one. Without the people of the conference, there would be no Piedmont Annual Conference. We offer to our conference leaders a rising vote of thanks!
We sincerely appreciate the leadership and guidance of the president of this annual conference, the Right Reverend Preston Warren Williams II and the Episcopal Supervisor, Dr. Wilma Delores Webb-Williams. Our Episcopal leadership team has positioned this conference to be a bright shining star within the Seventh Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Bishop William’s “outside-of-the-box” thinking, his teaching, his love and his concern for the church and all of the people of God is evident in the way he has conducted the affairs of this conference. Dr. Williams’ gentle and nurturing demeanor encourages us all to do better, to be better and to serve better. We are extremely fortunate and blessed to be led by two people whom God has sent to us. We offer them both a rising vote of thanks for all they are, all they have done, and all they continue to do.
10. “IT’S TIME FOR AN UPGRADE IN THE A.M.E. CHURCH”:
W. E. B. Dubois once stated that “the A.M.E. Church is the greatest Negro institution in the world.” This comment by Dubois was made during the early 1900’s when Bishops such as Turner, Payne, and Quinn had been constantly speaking out against the injustices that were being perpetuated against black people. The A.M.E. Church does indeed have a rich history and legacy.
As I have been observing the debates online pertaining to whether the terms “senior pastor” or “minister” should be used in our church, my mind recalls an Annual Conference after my ordination as an Itinerant Deacon. Bishop John Hurst Adams made the comment, “that all persons within the board of examiners should be called brothers and sisters until ordination as a deacon.” In many instances I believe that many of pastors are attempting to become so contemporary that we are neglecting to consult The Discipline for direction. The structure that was put into place by Bishop Richard Allen is very valuable and I believe it can still work today. However, as a young theologian I do believe that as we periodically upgrade our computer systems we need to also upgrade some of our methodologies in the AME Church.
It is clear that many pastors are not speaking to the issues of our day. For me it is a pity and shame when our pastors exert more energy for a one week annual conference than they do for fifty one weeks of ministry. By observing some annual conferences it appears that some pastors strive so hard to be the “big fish” for one week that they are even willing to use political schemes to implement fear to exhibit who the lead pastor is. And in many instances when you hear that a pastor’s report on conversion and accessions; they have not added anything to the growth of the local or connectional church besides their budget. At this point you will then hear comments such as numbers are not important which is absurd to me. If numbers are not important then why would the book of Acts go through all that trouble to mention the exact number that had been saved by Peter on Pentecost? It is time for us to change our methods in the AME Church from being so political to being more productive. Martin L. King, Jr. stated that, “Jesus gave him the message, but Gandhi gave him the method” to addressing the issues of the 60’s.
We must realize that we still preach and teach Jesus but our methods do not have to stay the same. The changing of our methods does not neglect the message of the cross. We are no longer fighting for a seat on the bus or a seat at the lunch counter because in many areas, we own both.
We are now dealing with sexism, classism, and racism, even among our own race. In order to deal with these present-day issues the preaching moment has to be relevant with proper exegesis in order to spread the message of Christ. “Ain’t he alright,” won’t he do it, and “Say yes,” without substance, will not do it anymore. We must realize that whooping and hollering without sound exegesis is simply "jackleg preaching."
Allow me to be clear, I love "whooping" and I do it only after I have delivered a solid word. My father in the ministry, Bishop Samuel L. Green Sr. is one that demonstrates every time he preaches that "whooping" still works and can save souls but it has to be done with biblical support and that is why he made me go to school so that I would rightly divide the word of God. If some of us put as much time in sermon preparation as we do in attempting to destroy other pastors' ministry, gossiping, and politicking for a title then our church’s can’t help but to grow.
In the past six months, over sixty new persons have joined Grater Jordan Chapel AME Church. I am not boasting on anything great that I have done. But I am boasting on the power of the Holy Ghost and relevant preaching. Greater Jordan Chapel is located 15 mile east of Macon, Georgia, in an area that has been referred to as, rural. This ministry stands as a testimony that you do not have to be positioned in a major city to experience phenomenal growth. But just as people will travel for a good meal they will do the same for a good worship experience and church home. The sixty persons who have joined were not AMEs. They are professionals, factory workers, drug dealers and users. They all say they came to the church because of good worship and solid preaching. By the way the worship style at Greater Jordan Chapel is not traditional. On Sunday, December 17, 2006, the sermon was entitled, “From the Ghetto to the Palace.” The sermon dealt with Jesus questionable birth, hometown, and poverty issues (foxes have holes). The introduction of the message consisted of a crash course on psychology with Sigmund Freud’s model of the Id, Super ego, and Ego. I focused on Freud’s super ego model which stresses that we are all products of our environment. To argue against that notion, I used Will Smith’s new movie. “The Pursuit of Happyness,” along with Jesus story. Because the message was so relevant, seven people joined the church, five of whom are candidates for baptism, but more importantly all who were assembled now believe that regardless of their genesis, their lives can still turn out to be very productive.
It’ Time for an upgrade in our church not because the system has failed, but because we want to remain relevant and productive.
Please take the time to see what God has done for Greater Jordan Chapel by visiting our web site at http://www.greaterjordanchapelame.org/
Ronald L. Slaughter
Pastor, Greater Jordan Chapel A.M.E. Church
Haddock, Georgia
E-Mail- ronaldslaughter@hotmail.com
11. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
Congratulations are extended to Mr. Andrew Cousin, the proud son of Presiding Elder Steven A. Cousin, Presiding Elder of the Kansas City District of the Kansas/Nebraska Annual Conference of the 5th Episcopal District and Mrs. Sybil Henderson of Bristol, Pennsylvania.
Mr. Cousin, graduated with honors on Saturday, December 16, 2006 earning the Bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
He is the step-son of Mrs. Linda Childress-Cousin and Mr. Lorenzo Henderson and the grandson of Senior Bishop, The Right Reverend Phillip Robert Cousin, Sr. and Episcopal Supervisor, Dr. M. Joan Cousin of the 4th Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church.
Congratulatory messages may be emailed to:
Presiding Elder Steven Cousin: eldersteve@kc.rr.com
Or Bro. Steven A. Cousin, Jr. sacousin@gmail.com
Or Dr. M. Joan Cousin, grandmother: mjoancousin@aol.com
Congratulations from your family, friends and your classmates.
Submitted by the Reverend Edrena Houston Brown
12. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
On Saturday, December 9, 2006 Alex Randolph Harper, son of Rev. Gilbert Harper, Sr., Pastor of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, Roanoke, Virginia, graduated from Averett University in Danville, Virginia with a major in Global Marketing with a Management Concentration.
Congratulatory messages may be emailed to: Revgharp2@cs.com
13. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
Rev. W. T. Washington, who has completed 52 years of service as a pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, serving in the 12th Episcopal District is retiring from the pastorate. The East Northeast Conference is having a Congratulatory Booklet prepared and program for him on January 6, 2007 at New Bethel A. M. E. Church in Stuttgart, Arkansas.
Congratulatory messages may be emailed to Mrs. Piccola Washington, President 12th Episcopal District M-SWAWO: washingtor@sbcglobal.net (his spouse)
14. EPISCOPAL FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are sad to announce the death of Dr. Mae Kendall, the sister-in-law of Bishop Gregory and Rev. Jessica Ingram. Dr. Kendall was married to Charles Kendall, the brother of the Rev. Dr. Jessica Ingram. Dr. Kendall died on Thursday evening, December 21, 2006, one day before her birthday.
Dr. Kendall was a member of First Congregation UCC Church in Atlanta, Ga. Dr. Kendall was a well known educator and a retired Professor of Clark College. She is the author of the autobiography of the Paschal Brothers.
The Memorial Service will be held:
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
11 a.m.
Big Bethel A.M.E. Church
206 Auburn Ave NE
Atlanta, Ga. 30303
The Rev. Gregory Eason, Senior Pastor
The Rev. Dwight Andrews, Officiating
Professional Services are entrusted to:
Carl M. Williams Funeral Home
492 Larkin St. SW
Atlanta, Ga. 30313-1208
404.522.8454
Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to her husband, Charles Kendall (the brother of Rev. Jessica)
2626 Lisa Dr. SW
Atlanta, Ga. 30311
Home Telephone: 404.969.7469
Or to:
The Right Reverend G. M. Ingram
Rev. Dr. Jessica Kendall Ingram
4927 Holly Tree Drive
Dallas, TX. 75287
Cell Numbers:
Rev. Jessica: 313.806.8180
Bishop Gregory: 248.752.6559
Email: Journeyministry@aol.com
We ask that you lift Charles Kendall in your prayers. He is recovering from heart surgery and is presently on dialysis
15. GENERAL OFFICER FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We announce the passing of Mrs. Antoinne Moore, the niece of Dr. Johnny Barbour, Secretary-Treasurer Sunday School Union.
A Memorial Service will be held in memory of Mrs. Antoinne Moore:
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
1:00 p.m.
Peoples Funeral Home Inc.
886 N Farish St.
Jackson, Mississippi 39202 Phone: (601) 969-3040
Fax: (601) 355-4707
Condolences may be sent to:
Dr. and Mrs. Johnny Barbour, Jr.
185 Bristol Blvd.
Jackson, Mississippi 39204-3507
Telephone: (601) 506-0929
Email: amecinfo@edge.net
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs. Edwena L. Edwards went to be with the Lord on December 20, 2006. Mrs. Edwards was a former Connectional Officer, having served as Secretary and Historiographer/Statistician of the Women's Missionary Society. She was a Life Member of the WMS and active on all levels in the AME Church.
FUNERAL SERVICE:
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
1:00 P.M.
Allen Temple AME Church
917 22nd Street, North
Bessemer, AL 35020
Ph. 205-428-5961
Professional Services entrusted to:
Chambers Funeral Home
2527 9th Ave.
Bessemer, AL 35020
Ph. 205-425-5235
Expressions of sympathy may be sent c/o the family of Mrs. Edwena L. Edwards to the addresses above.
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Rev. W. C. Ervin Jr., father of the Rev. W. C. Ervin, III, Presiding Elder, Greater Dallas District, Tenth Episcopal District, African Methodist Episcopal Church passed away at 9:35 am this morning (December 24, 2006) at Georgetown Memorial Hospital, Georgetown, South Carolina. He was 91 years old.
Service arrangements:
Funeral Services
2: 00 pm
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church
Pastor: The Rev. McNeal Evans
8203 Thurgood Marshall Highway (Hwy 527)
Andrews, S.C. 29510
Phone: (843) 221-5530
Wake Services
6 pm-7 pm, Friday, December 29, 2006
Mc Knight Funeral Home
Director: the Rev. Walter J. Mc Knight
406 Ashland Street
Andrews, S.C. 29510
Phone: (843) 264-5655
Condolences may be sent to:
Presiding Elder and Rev. Betty Ervin
4347 S. Hampton Road, Suite #150
Dallas, Texas 75232
Office: (214) 333-7775
Fax: (214) 333-7705
Cell: (843) 325-1638
or
Revwcerviniii@aol.com
Submitted by the Rev. Dr. Sherryl A. Matlock-Pastor
St. James A.M.E. Church, Denton, Texas
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Richard Allen McFadden, the Uncle of Reverend Kyle "K. C." Gibson Senior Pastor of New Bethel AME in Vero Beach, Florida passed away on December 20, 2006. He was the son of the Late Reverend Nathaniel McFadden of the 11th Episcopal District, a 34 year employee of the Polk County School Board and a life long AME. He leaves behind a sister Joan McFadden Gibson, a brother Steven McFadden Cooper and a host of other friends and family. Mr. McFadden was a member of New Bethel AME in Lakeland Florida, Rev. Pearce Ewing, pastor.
Service arrangements:
Funeral:
Friday, December 29, 2006
11:00 a.m.
New Bethel AME Church
2122 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave
Lakeland, Florida
Phone: (863) 687-1995
Professional services entrusted to:
H. W. Oldham Funeral Home1537 Kettles AvenueLakeland, FL 33805-3633
Phone: (863) 683-2419Fax: (863) 688-0200
Contact Information for expressing sympathy:
Rev. Kyle Gibson
Phone (772) 643-5777
Email: KC2020Vision@aol.com
Submitted By:
Rev. Edrena Houston Brown
Christian Recorder, Staff Writer
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The passing of Brittany Kiera Boone, the daughter of Rev. and Mrs. Tony Boone, Pastor and First Lady of New Covenant A.M.E. Church, Charlotte, N.C.
Service Arrangements:
Funeral
Friday, December 29, 2006
11:00 A.M.
Wake 10:00 A.M.
Ebenezer A.M.E. Church
7707 Allentown Road Ft. Washington, MD 20744 Phone: (301) 248-8833
Dr. Grainger Browning, Pastor
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Rev. and Mrs. Tony Boone
C/o Ebenezer A.M.E. Church
7707 Allentown Road Ft. Washington, MD 20744
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action
Mrs. Ora L. Easley, Administrator
Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936
Fax: (615) 833-3781
Cell: (615) 403-7751
21. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; 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.
