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. THE CELEBRATION FOR THE 125TH AME PUBLISHING HOUSE ANNIVERSARY WAS AWESOME:
The Pearl Street AME Church, Jackson, Mississippi Choir and the Tennessee Annual Conference Choir sang the worshippers happy at the 125th AME Publishing House Anniversary worship service that was held on Friday evening, August 10, 2007 at Greater Bethel AME Church. The Reverend Michael D. Broadnax, Sr. is the pastor of Greater Bethel. Dr. Johnny Barbour is the Secretary-Treasurer of the AME Sunday School Union.
The Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram delivered a dynamic sermon entitled, “If I Could Turn Back the Hands of Time” taken from Daniel 3:14.
Fifteen active and retired bishops were present for the celebration: Bishops Frederick Hilborn Talbot, Frank Curtis Cummings, Henry A. Belin, Jr., Richard A. Chappelle, McKinley Young, Robert Vaughn Webster, Zedekiah L. Grady, Garnett Henning, William P. DeVeaux, Sr., Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Gregory G. M. Ingram, Carolyn Tyler Guidry, David R. Daniels, Samuel L. Green, Sr., and E. Earl McCloud
Eight General Officers were present: Doctors Dennis C. Dickerson, Richard Allen Lewis, Clement W. Fugh, Johnny Barbour, Jr., George W. Flowers, Jerome V. Harris, Daryl B. Ingram and Calvin H. Sydnor III.
Two Connectional Officers were present: Mr. Jesse Burns, President of the Connectional Lay Organization and Dr. Shirley Hopkins Davis who represented the Women’s Missionary Society.
Music was provided by the Tennessee Annual Conference/Pearl Street Combined Choirs, directed by Mr. Sam. E. Robinson, Mr. Samuel Johnson, Mr. Clarence Johnson and Mr. Jimmie James.
The celebration will culminated at 10 a.m. August 11 at The A.M.E. Church Sunday School Union campus with the dedication of the Annex at 512 Eighth Ave. South, Nashville. Bishops and General Officers participated in the Friday worship service and the Saturday morning dedication of the Annex.
The presence of ministers and laity from across the connection made for a memorable event.
Dr. Phyllis Qualls Brooks did a Herculean job helping Dr. Barbour and his staff to coordinate the events of the celebration.
2. GEORGIA STATE PROFESSOR ASA GRANT HILLIARD III, PROFESSOR, AFROCENTRISM PROPONENT DIES IN EGYPT:
Editor’s note: The following is a tribute to Dr. Hilliard’s life by the Reverend Vetrel Smith.
Professor Asa Grant Hilliard III was very special to me and to many, many other people. Besides he and his wife at one time, being members of St. Mark AME on Campbellton Road in Atlanta (they may still be on the roll), mentored me while I was in seminary. He gave a series of guest lectures in a theology course I took at the Interdenominational Theological Center.
I worked in his home library the summer of 1997 cataloging all of his books on Africa and Africans in the Diaspora. I cataloged over 700 on Egypt alone. His brilliant wife, Patsy Jo was my mayor in East Point and I worked on her re-election campaign with their daughter Robi and was acquainted with all of their children. Under her leadership as mayor, the city saw phenomenal growth in housing and in retail development. Dr. Hilliard shared excerpts of his book SBA: The Reawakening of the African Mind prior to it being published and gave me several books including one on A.M.E. History. My heart goes out to his wonderful family. Dr. Asa Hilliard certainly had a beautiful mind and spirit. He will be greatly missed.
I wanted to share this because I thought his being an A.M.E. that his passing should be acknowledged in our AME publications. I am also sharing this because I am grieving and need to find ways to express my grief. Please forgive me for the imposition.
Rev. Vetrel Smith
3. AME PASTOR INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN JOHN EDWARDS’ CONFERENCE CALL OF FAITH LEADERS:
Rev. Granville W. Reed, III, Pastor of Mt. Olive AME Church, Jacksonville, FL was invited to participate in a conference call of Faith Leaders by Presidential Candidate, Senator John Edwards. Senator Edwards’ Moral Agenda is a highlight of his campaign. The agenda included raising the minimum wage to $9.50 per hour by 2012, halting global warming, guaranteed Universal Health Care for the 45 million uninsured Americans, addressing the crisis in Darfur, and rebuilding the Gulf Coast with locally built infrastructure and bringing back displaced residents.
Pastor Reed suggested that while he supported an increase in minimum wage, the target should be a living wage, which would enable workers to meet the financial needs of most families. He pointed out that the proposed minimum wage would not lift them above the poverty level. His suggestion was well received and supported by others and Senator Edwards Campaign Staff.
4. THE 11TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT HOSTS OUTSTANDING CHRISTIAN EDUCATION CONGRESS:
By: Annette Cabral
CED Central District Director
The Eleventh Episcopal District Christian Education Congress was held July 2, 2007 through July 5, 2007 in Orlando, Florida at the Shingle Creek and Resort. Bishop McKinley Young and Dr. Dorothy Young, Episcopal Leaders were the hosts. Over 1200 persons were in attendance.
Services began on Monday, July 2, 2007 with the Communion Service and the Reverend Henry Belin, III, pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Harlem was the guest preacher.
The winner for the Golf Tournament was the Reverend Lorenzo Laws. Proceeds were donated to Edward Waters College.
On Tuesday, July 3, 2007, the Rev. Charles Graham, the Rev. Charles Cloy and Dr. Dorothy J. Young were the instructors for the morning physical fitness training.
Bishop Young’s Seminar empowered the congregation. Bishop David R. Daniels of the 14th Episcopal District preached a dynamic sermon.
The Christian Education Congress concluded on July 5, in a spiritual atmosphere of camaraderie and fellowship. We acknowledge our daughter and son in ministry, from the Central District of the South Conference of the Eleventh Episcopal District. The Reverend Edrena Houston Brown, M.A.C.E., is a candidate for Secretary/Treasurer for Christian Education 2008, was in attendance and campaigning among the many laity and ministerial supporters and The Rev. Dr. John Frank White, Sr., a Candidate for Episcopal Honors for 2008, Pastor of Mount Hermon A.M.E. Church, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. To God Be the Glory!
5. CARE 2007 AT BETHEL CHAPEL AME CHURCH IN COLUMBIA, TENNESSEE:
*Rev. Trent L. Ogilvie
Columbia, TN – Bethel Chapel AME Church invites the community to Church Anniversary Revival Experience 2007 (CARE 2007). This exciting revival is scheduled for August 19-21, 2007 with special music and powerful preaching. CARE 2007 begins on Sunday, August 19, 2007 at 3 p.m. with the Church Anniversary Service. The revival continues Monday, August 20th and Tuesday, August 21st at 7 p.m. nightly.
“CARE 2007 promises to be a life changing revival where prayers are released and blessings are received. This is especially for those who are hurting and looking for a change in their life through Jesus Christ.,” said Rev. Trent Ogilvie, Pastor of Bethel Chapel AME Church.
The guest revival preacher is the Rev. Roderick Dwayne Belin, Pastor of Kairos Community AME Church in Antioch, Tennessee. He is an emerging national leader with a global vision to ensure that more of God’s people will reach their full potential and fulfill their holy and divine purposes. His ministry has touched many lives through his innovative teaching, effective outreach efforts and empowering others where he has served.
With over 20 years of service in Christian ministry, Rev. Belin has traveled across the United States, to Jamaica, W.I.; Trinidad; the Dominican Republic; London, England; Nigeria; Turkey; and the Republic of South Africa where he preached, counseled, facilitated workshops and ministered in song.
Rev. Belin has established a relevant mission that serves to meet the emergent needs of a diverse community through holistic ministry based on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. One of the fastest growing and progressive churches in the region, his congregation is seeking to be the church for which Christ will return; places where you will find love, mutuality, and respect for all people. An uncompromising man of God, Rev. Belin has brought new ideas and approaches in pursuit of traditional ideals to make a difference in the lives of others.
CARE 2007 will feature dynamic preaching and special musical guests at each service. This promises to be a blessed time of spiritual renewal and revival for all who attend. Bethel Chapel AME Church is located at 1125 South Glade Street in Columbia, TN. At Bethel Chapel we are “Building a New Church” One Soul at a Time.”
*Rev. Trent L. Ogilvie
togilvie@bellsouth.net
6. TURNER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY ALUMNI PREPARES FOR PRESIDENT JACOBS' RETIREMENT:
The Alumni Association of Turner Theological Seminary will honor President Daniel W. Jacobs for over 20 years of service as the President/Dean for Turner on Tuesday, February 5, 2008.
The Alumni are soliciting support for the Souvenir Journal in his honor. Contact Reverend Vetrel Smith, Chair-Public Relation /Souvenir Journal Advertisement for further information via email at vetrel@mindspring.com or (615) 579-5133 cell or visit the Alumni Association of Turner Theological Seminary at www.turnerseminary.com/Alumni/alumni_home.htm and download advertisement document.
Upcoming Events:
- Executive Board and Standing Committees Chair Meeting--October 9, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. TTS Murph Board Room
- President Miller, Preaching at ITC for Chaplains Recognition Service--November 13, 2007 at 11:00, ITC Chapel
- Turner Theological Seminary 114th Founders' Day Convocation, February 5th- 7th, 2008
- President Jacobs' Retirement Celebration Banquet, Tuesday, February 5, 2008 at Saint Phillips AME Church, Atlanta Georgia, Rev. George Moore, Sr., Pastor.
Submitted by
Rev Joanne Bedford
Correspondence Secretary
7. FAVORITE SON RETURNS HOME:
Payne Chapel A.M.E. Church in Duquesne, Pennsylvania, pastored by the Rev. Samuel W. Chambers, welcomes back to his roots the Rev. Dr. Dennis C. Dickerson to preach at the Steward Annual Day. Rev. Dickerson spent his early years as an active member of Payne Chapel. Payne Chapel, known as the little church on the hill, was founded in 1891 and has had a long history of excellent pastors. Rev. Dickerson was nurtured and tutored during his youth by the Rev. Rubin C. Eberhardt and the Rev. Dr. Robert H. Reid. It was well known back then that one day young Dickerson would become a man of distinction. As a pastor, historiographer, professor, and author; he has made the members of Payne Chapel and the Duquesne community proud.
Dr. Dickerson’s sermon was taken from Genesis 11:1-8, with a focus on verse 4, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth." The Tower of Babel brought humankind together but for all the wrong reasons. Another passage was taken from Genesis 28:18-19, “Early the next morning Jacob took the stone he had placed under his head and set it up as a pillar and poured oil on top of it. He called that place Bethel.” Bethel means, “house of God.”
July 15, 2007 is a day we shall all remember as Rev. Dickerson asked the thought provoking question “Are You Building a Babel or a Bethel?” His message is particularly timely because we as a church have been raising money for a number of years to build a new edifice. We are making the human error of concentrating on whether the building is large enough, does it have sufficient parking, and will the kitchen be state of the art. We have forgotten to ask ourselves “Why are we building?” He went on to provide key characteristics to distinguish between Babel and Bethel which we must keep in mind as we go forth in our church ministry.
If you are building a house of Babel, there is a sense of self-sufficiency, superficiality, and self-centeredness. This becomes a house of the people having a social address instead of a house of God. On the other hand, building a house of Bethel entails creating an atmosphere that welcomes God down to man, knowing I can do all things through Christ, and believing without a doubt that salvation exists. The church becomes a place where sinners are saved and the brokenhearted are welcomed. It is truly a house of God and not a house of man.
This was a spirit-filled service, and by the end, we knew that through Rev. Dickerson God reached down and communicated to his people.
8. THE FIRST ANNUAL DR. ROBERT E. MORAN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION WEEKEND:
Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1358 south Boulevard, Baton Rouge, where the Reverend Dr. Herman o. Kelly, Jr. is the Pastor, will celebrate the First Annual Dr. Robert E. Moran Christian Education Weekend.
The weekend will be celebrated with a seminar presented by Dr. Clement Fugh, General Secretary and Chief Information Officer of African Methodist Episcopal Church, entitled, "The information age of the black church." Dr. Fugh’s presentation will be presented on Saturday, September 15, 2007 at 10 am--registration is a $5.00 donation. On Sunday the annual Christian Education Day will be celebrated with Dr. Fugh preaching at 11 am.
For further information contact the church office at 225-344-6931
9. ALTERNATIVE MINISTRIES FOR THE ORDAINED IN THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
By G. L. Champion, Sr.
Throughout our “Zion”, hundreds of licentiates are placed in the Class of Admissions by the Board of Examiners of the Annual Conference and presented with only one category from which to choose to fulfill their calling in Christ Jesus: the Pastoral Ministries. Whether those who acknowledge their calling into ordained ministry feel led by the Holy Spirit to go into other ministries, or not, too fulfill their calling such as: Evangelism, Urban, Prayer and Healing, Prison or Christian Education Ministries, the Board of Examiners only stresses preparation training and ordination for pastoral ministries.
The truth of the matter is that all those God “called” to preach, God did not “call” to pastor. When we force the pastoral ministry upon those who are “called” to other needed ministries, God’s Kingdom and our “Zion” are not being completely served and we bring un-fulfillment to the lives of those who are “called”.
The time has now come in this juncture of the history of our “Zion” (the AME Church) for us to establish alternative ministries to the pastorate for the ordained ministers. A list of alternative ministries in several categories should be given licentiates in the first year Class of Studies within each Annual Conference that has been approved by the Presiding Bishop. The Licentiates may then prayerfully choose the specific category and/or ministry they feel the Holy Spirit is leading them. The Board of Examiners will then design a curriculum to train and equip them for their specific calling in Christ Jesus, along with other requirements before recommending a person’s election and ordination to be a Deacon.
The following is my suggestion of ministries according to seven categories from which licentiates can choose. Each ministry will be defined according to mission, objectives, responsibilities and accountability.
A. Pastoral Category
1. Mission Pastor
2. Station Pastor
3. Senior Pastor
4. Associate Pastor
5. Church Planter
B. Prison Ministry
1. Ministry to Inmates
2. Ministry to Families of Inmates
3. Ministry for Inmate’s Re-entry into the Community
C. Urban Ministries Category
1. Ministry to Urban Youth
2. Ministry to the Homeless and Unemployed
3. Ministry to Substance Abuse Victims
4. Ministry to AIDS and H. I. V. Victims
5. Ministry to Unwed Mothers and Juvenile Youth
D. Christian Education Ministries Category
1. Director of Christian Education in a Local Church
2. Director of Christian Education for a District Conference
3. Director of Scouting Programs
4. Director of After School Ministry
5. Principal of a Church Academy
6. Director of Senior Housing and Ministry
E. Evangelism Category
1. Street Evangelism
2. Radio and T. V. Evangelism
3. Revivalist
4. Conference Evangelistic Instructor
5. Prayer and Healing Ministry
F. Church Music Ministry Category
1. Director of Church Music (a Local Church)
2. Director of Church Music (conference director)
3. Recording Artist
4. Director of a Church Orchestra
5. Director of Liturgical Dance
G. The Chaplaincy Ministry Category
1. Chaplaincy to the Armed Service
2. Chaplaincy to Hospitals and Nursing Homes
With your vote and support in the forthcoming General Conference in St. Louis, I would have an opportunity to administrate alternative ministries to fulfill the ministry of those who have been called.
10. THE REV. DR. LEROY ATTLES CELEBRATES A 30 YEAR LEGACY AT ST. PAUL AME CHURCH IN CAMBRIDGE:
CAMBRIDGE MA - The Rev. Dr. LeRoy Attles, Pastor of the St. Paul AME Church in Cambridge, is being honored and recognized for his 30 years of ministry to the St. Paul AME Church and the Boston and Cambridge communities at large. A yearlong celebration is being planned beginning on Sunday, September 9, 2007 at 4:00 PM with a 30th Anniversary Celebration Service at the St. Paul AME Church, 39 Bishop Allen Drive in Cambridge.
Being a pastor for 30 years and leading one of the largest African Methodist Episcopal Congregations in the New England District is an unusual occurrence in the AME church. Most pastors are moved after seven or eight years from one church to another. Rev. Dr. LeRoy Attles' longevity at St. Paul AME is of historical proportion and the yearlong celebration will bring together many prominent individuals in recognition and appreciation of the significant impact that this man of faith has had on a diverse group of people and communities. Joining him and participating on the Steering and Honorary Committees are the Honorable Governor Deval Patrick, Senator Diane Wilkerson, Cambridge Mayor Kenneth E. Reeves, Boston Ministerial Alliance, Cambridge Black Pastors, Rev. Liz Walker, Mr. Carl Barron, Harvard Law Professor Charles Ogletree, Jr., Princeton University Professor Cornel West, Northeastern Law School Professor David Hall, nationally recognized housing advocate Phillip Mangano of the US Interagency Council on Homelessness, and many others. This gathering of renowned and distinguished guests speaks volumes about Rev. Attles' ministry, character, and integrity giving reason and purpose for the St. Paul AME Church congregation to come together in celebration for an entire year.
Continuing with the kickoff celebrations in September, St. Paul will host a Revival and Empowerment Breakfast with guest speaker the Rev. Dr. Floyd H. Flake, Senior Pastor of the Greater Allen AME Cathedral of New York and President of Wilberforce University in Ohio. Rev. Flake is a former U.S. Congressman and has founded a 600-student private school with his wife Elaine and various commercial and social service enterprises. The Revival will be held on Thursday and Friday, September 13th and 14th at 7:00 PM at the Christian Life Center, 85 Bishop Allen Drive in Cambridge. The Empowerment Breakfast will be held on Saturday, September 15th at 8:00 AM. Tickets for the breakfast are $20 and can be purchased at the St. Paul AME Church Christian Life Center Monday through Friday between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM or after the 8:15 and 10:45 AM Sunday Worship Services.
Everyone is welcome to attend. St. Paul AME Church is located at 37 Bishop Allen Drive. The Christian Life Center is located at 85 Bishop Allen Drive. For more information on these and upcoming events, call 617-661-1110 or go to www.st-paul-ame.org.
11. UNRELATED BUSINESS INCOME TAX:
Orletta E. Caldwell
Typically, revenue received by a religious organization is tax-exempt. I write “typically” because there are instances when the revenue received by a religious organization is subject to “Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT)” According to the IRS, UBIT is “income from a trade or business, regularly carried on, that is not substantially related to the charitable, educational, or other purpose that is the basis of the organization's exemption.” The religious organization must file a 990T the 15th day after the 5th month of the organization’s tax year if the gross income is greater than $1000. The organization will be taxed at the corporate rate.
For example, if a church rents out their fellowship hall for private gatherings, the revenue does not fall under the guidelines of the Internal Revenue Service for tax exemption. The church will simply have to pay the necessary taxes on the revenue from the rentals. Please note: It is NOT illegal to rent out the fellowship hall to private entities. However, it is illegal not to file taxes for the revenue received from these unrelated funds. Another example, if the church rents or charges a fee to a private organization or the public to park, then again the church must file a 990T.
As always for your specific issue, you should contact a CPA or your attorney. For general information, consult the Tax Guide for Churches and Religious Organizations or myself at ocaldwell920@gmail.com.
12. NEWS AROUND THE CHURCH:
Rev. Edrena Houston Brown, M.A.C.E.
Presiding Elder Jimmy James Thompson of the Central District, South Conference of the Eleventh Episcopal District will celebrate the Elder’s Appreciation Service on Sunday, August 19, 2007 at Mount Pleasant A.M.E. Church, Hollywood, Florida at 5:00 p.m., the community is cordially invited to attend.
Reverend Dr. Frank Madison Reid, III, host pastor and the Bethel A.M.E. Church, 1300 Druid Hill Avenue Baltimore, Maryland, will observe its Holy Convocation and Crusade on August 27 -30, 2007 at 12:00 noon daily and 7:30 p.m., nightly. For further information call (410) 523-4273.
13. HAVE FAITH:
By: Tamika Stafford
“Tamija”
Why is it that we, as parents, often do not support our children in the careers they have chosen for themselves? We often encourage them to think about something more realistic just because we do not believe their choices are unrealistic.
When I was about 16 years old during dinner, I asked my granny why she didn’t move to California when she had the opportunity, so we could have a better opportunity to do what we wanted to do.”
She responded, “Well what is it you want to do in California?”
My response was, “I want to be a write and be an actress in the screenplay that I planned to write.”
Everyone at the table just looked as if I was speaking another language, and finally my granny said, “Girl, please, you will never make it.”
It seemed like everyone at the table agreed with her, except my mom cause she told granny not to discourage my aspirations because I could do whatever I set my mind to do.
I don’t believe my granny was trying to hurt me but in actuality she did, and I never followed my dreams.
I believe that one of our biggest problems, as black people, is that we always say that we have faith in Jesus, but we tend to never tell each other to have faith in themselves and their dreams.
Rather, we knock our kids down, and then lift them up; and that’s where we are often failing our children.
We should give our young people all our attention when they are telling us what they want to be in life, instead of brushing them off because we think they talk too much or tell them that a particular career is impossible for them to be successful in. We should not encourage them to choose a career more realistic. We should encourage them to work hard to fulfill their dreams. If we did that, we wouldn’t have to worry as much about some of them going to the streets or hooking up with gangs, looking for love in unusual places, doing drugs, and drinking alcohol for the attention, love, and support that they are lacking at home and in the community.
If we don’t encourage our children and their dreams, no one will; so when my baby girl tells me that she wants to be a model, then so be it. I am going to encourage her to be the next Tyra Banks and as long as we both have faith then it just might happen.
We all make our own decisions in life and we have to face the consequences, but think about it, when you have nothing but negative people around you, what happens? Everyone surrounded by negative energy often takes on a negative attitude and often incorporates a negative mind-set.
If we ever want to be considered as equals in this country and get the respect that many of our people died for us to have, we must become equals in our homes and communities.
It seems to me that some of us are so stuck in the slave mentality that it’s scary and it’s rubbing off on our children. Our attitudes make them feel like failures before they have an opportunity to pursue their dreams and aspirations.
If we want to see more blacks winning Oscars, being in the magazines as models or writers, and even in the White House, we need to stick together, be supportive, and push our children to their highest capabilities.
When my granny wanted me to see her reality instead of mine, I always had my mom in my ear saying, “Reach for the stars baby; the stars are there for the taking and they are all yours.”
Everyone is not as fortunate to have a mother like mine so don’t only encourage your child but any child who seems to be lacking the support, encouragement, and guidance at home. If we encourage each other and especially our youth, we will prosper and maybe more of our children will have faith and pursue their dreams.
14. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICES:
- We are pleased to announce the 99th Birthday Celebration of Mrs. Lillian Thomas Simmons. Mrs. Simmons, formerly a daughter of the A.M. E. Church parsonages was born in Madisonville, Louisiana. She is the daughter of the late Rev. Joseph Louis Thomas, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana who pastored for 35 years.
She is a former member of Mt. Olive AME Church, Slidell, Louisiana and St. Paul AME Church in New Orleans.
Following Hurricane Katrina, at the age of 98, she relocated to Dallas (Grand Prairie) Texas to an assisted living home where she lives alone, caring for herself. Mrs. Thomas is the Aunt of the Rev. Frederick LeRoy Fields of Greater Mt Zion AME Church of Pearlington, Mississippi and St. James AME Church of Picayune, Mississippi. She is also, the Aunt of Mr. Venson and Maxine Fields of Anderson Chapel AME Church, Wichita Falls, Texas.
- A Retirement Celebration For Presiding Elder, Rev. Dr. and Mrs. J. Leander Byrd, Pensacola District, Florida Conference, 11th Episcopal District on Friday, August 24, 2007 at New Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1401 Old Bainbridge Road in Tallahassee. Bishop A. J. Richardson will participate in the celebration
Congratulatory messages can be sent to:
Rev. Dr. and Mrs. J. Leander Byrd
3717 Suffolk Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32309
850 893-4312
pettybyrd@yahoo.com
- The Reverend Dr. A. D. and Mrs. Marion W. Hughes Tyson, Jr., celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary on August 9, 2007.
The couple was feted at a backyard barbeque celebration in their honor, hosted by their Children, the Rev. Albert Tyson III, Rev. Margaret, and Dr. Frederick, on Saturday, August 11, 2007, at the couple's home in Warren, OH. More than 100 well-wishers gathered from across the continental United States to share in this celebration with Rev. and Mrs. Tyson, Jr. Others who may have a desire to commend the Tyson's on what the Lord has done may communicate with them:
Rev. Dr. and Mrs. A. D. (Marion) Tyson, Jr.
8401 Squires Lane
Howland Township, OH 44484
330-856-3373
atyson1155@aol.com or mwt1158@aol.com
- The Reverend Dr. William W. Easley, Jr., pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee and Mrs. Ora L. Easley (Administrator of the AMEC Clergy Family Information Center) will observe their 40th wedding anniversary on Tuesday, August 21, 2007. Rev. and Mrs. Easley were married on August 21, 1967 at Lee Chapel A.M.E. Church, Nashville, Tennessee.
Congratulatory messages may be sent to the Rev. Dr. W.W. Easley, Jr.: WEasleyjr@aol.com or to Sister Ora L. Easley: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
- Dr. and Mrs. Dennis C. Dickerson (Historiographer/Executive Director, Research and Scholarship of the African Methodist Episcopal Church) celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary on Monday, August 6th. The Dickerson's were blessed to celebrate their joy with all their children, grandchildren and son-in-law during a three-day cruise to the Bahamas.
Congratulatory messages may be sent to:
Dr. Dennis C. Dickerson: WhhButler@cs.com
Mrs. Mary A. E. Dickerson: marydickerson@comcast.net
- Ms. Lula Marie Martin will be graduating from Tennessee State University, Nashville, Tennessee, on Saturday, August 11, 2007 with a Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy.
Lula is the daughter of Presiding Elder Linda Thomas Martin, Louisville-Paducah District, West Kentucky Conference and the Rev. Elmer S. Martin, pastor, Brown's Chapel A.M.E. Church, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Congratulatory wishes can be sent to:
Ms. Lula Marie Martin
5242 Edmondson Pike, #106
Nashville, TN 37211
E-mail Congratulatory Messages to:
praisinivy@yahoo.com
Lula Marie Martin
Loupaddistrict@aol.com
Rev. Linda Thomas Martin, Presiding Elder
Louisville-Paducah District, West Kentucky Conference
Submitted by P.E. Linda Thomas Martin
15. PRAYER REQUESTS:
- We solicit your prayers for the mother of Sister Anna Johnson, 13th
District Lay President. She is in Central Baptist Hospital in Lexington, KY, in very serious condition.
Submitted by Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie
- We solicit your prayers for Presiding Elder Andrew B. Lewin of the Cape Peninsula East District. The Presiding Elder had heart surgery and thanks be to God, he is currently doing fine.
Get well messages can be emailed to Presiding Elder Andrew B. Lewin: abglewin@taurenz.co.za
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Rev. Dr. Jacob "Jake" Arthur Holmes, Sr. died Sunday, August 5, 2007. He was the husband of Mrs. Edith Reynolds Holmes and the father of Mrs. Edith Arthuretta Holmes-Anderson and Dr. Jacob Arthur Holmes, Jr. Dr. Holmes' services to the AMEC included: Episcopal Committee, Judicial Council (Vice-Chair.), General Board; Presiding Elder - Spartanburg District (Columbia SC Conference) and Mt. Pleasant District (Palmetto SC Conference); Pastor - Bethel AMEC, Columbia, SC (43 years); Faculty and Board of Trustees - Allen University, Columbia, SC.
The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements:
Friday, August 10, 2007
Visitation/Viewing: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Leevy's Funeral Home and Friendly's Funeral Home
1831 Taylor Street
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 771-7799
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Viewing: 11:00 AM - 12:00 Noon
Celebration of Life Service: 12:00 Noon
Bethel AME Church
819 Woodrow Street
Columbia, SC 29205
Phone: (803) 779-0138
Fax: (803) 779-7243
Rev. Dr. Ronnie E. Brailsford, Sr., Pastor
Funeral home:
Leevy's Funeral Home
1831 Taylor Street
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 771-7799
Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Edith Holmes-Anderson
104 Eastbranch Road
Columbia, SC 29223
Phone: (803) 699-0069
Fax: (803) 699-0367
Email: edith@holmeshealthcare.org
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The brother-in-law of Rev. Dr. Taylor T. Thompson and Dr. Barbara H. Thompson of St. John AME Church, Cleveland, Ohio, Mr. Nathaniel Mullins passed on Wednesday, August 1, 2007.
Mr. Mullins will be funeralized on Saturday, August 4, 2007 at 1 p.m.
Services will be held at:
Faith Memorial Chapel Funeral Services
600 Ninth Avenue N
Bessemer, AL 35020-5367
Phone: (205) 425-8437
Fax: (205) 425-8707
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Kay Mullins and Family
804 Owens Avenue
Bessemer, AL 35020
Or
The Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Taylor Thompson
P.O. Box 613
Berea, Oh 44017-0613
216-214-6886
Please keep the family in your prayers.
Submitted by,
Rev. Dr. Taylor T. Thompson
revttthomp@aol.com
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The passing of The Reverend Karen L. Young, Assistant Pastor of Allen Chapel AME Church in Silver Spring, MD (Burtonsville) on Thursday, August 09, 2007. Reverend Karen L. Young is the wife of The Reverend Dr. Baron D. Young, Pastor of Allen Chapel AME Church.
Service arrangements for The Reverend Karen Young are as follows:
Monday, August 13, 2007
Gathering of the People: 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Memorial Service: 10:00 a.m.
Repast: Immediately following Service
Ebenezer A.M.E. Church
7707 Allentown Road
Ft. Washington, MD
301/248-8833
Professional services are entrusted to:
Strickland Funeral Service
6500 Allentown Rd
Temple Hills, MD 20748
(301) 449-0400
Messages of sympathy may be sent to:
Reverend Baron Young, Pastor
Allen Chapel AME Church
14130 Old Columbia Pike
Burtonsville, MD 20866
301-879-5715
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of The Reverend Karen L. Young to the Allen Chapel AME Church Building Fund:
Checks should be made payable to Allen Chapel AME Church and mailed to:
Allen Chapel AME Church
14130 Old Columbia Pike
Burtonsville, MD 20866
Attn: Treasurer
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs. Jean Murphy, formerly of the South Florida Conference, 11th Episcopal District passed on Tuesday, August 15, 2007. Mrs. Jean Murphy served as the Worship Director of the West Coast Conference Women's Missionary Society. She was a former pastor's spouse and the cousin of the Rev. and Mrs. Rubin E. Ancrum, pastor and first lady of Greater Mt. Zion AME Church in Sebring, Florida.
Service arrangements for Mrs. Jean Murphy:
The viewing:
Monday, August 20, 2007
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Greater Mt. Zion AME Church
870 North Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
Sebring, Florida 33870
Funeral Services:
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
1:00 p.m.
Greater Mt. Zion AME Church
870 North Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
Sebring, Florida 33870
Cards for the family can be mailed to:
Miranda J. Mack (daughter)
P. O. Box 4067
Sebring, Florida 33871,
Email expressions of sympathy to: blancheancrum@hotmail.com
Professional services are being provided by:
Epps Mortuary Inc.
626 N. Dr. MLK, Jr. Blvd.
Lake Wales, Florida 33853
Phone: (863) 678-3777
Fax: (863) 676-5642
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Sister Amanda Riley, the mother of the Rev. Orell Riley went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 7, 2007. Rev. Riley is the pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Bartlesville, Oklahoma in the Tulsa District, Central Northeast Oklahoma Conference.
The Funeral arrangements are as follows:
Tuesday, August 14, 2007 at 11:00 a.m.
Thankful Baptist Church
608 W. Allegheny Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19132
Phone: 215-229-5024
Condolences may be forwarded to:
Rev. Orell Riley
4715 N. Cincinnati Place
Tulsa, OK 74126
Anita Brannon
12th Episcopal District Headquarters
P. O. Box 147
Little Rock, AR 72203
501-375-4310
501-375-0306 - FAX
21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We sympathize with Mrs. Jacqueline Carnow, the first lady at Elizabeth Chapel AME Church, Lansdowne (15th Episcopal District) whose mother passed.
Email condolences to comfort her, and her family to: elizabethchapel@telkmsa.net
Please be in prayer for these families in the Fifteenth Episcopal District.
22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action
Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
E-mail: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936
Fax: (615) 833-3781
Cell: (615) 403-7751
23. 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
8/08/2007
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (8/8/07)
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. NOTICE FOR ALL CANDIDATES FOR BISHOP, GENERAL OFFICER OR JUDICIAL COUNCIL:
To process your application, please send, or have the following items sent to the office of the General Secretary/CIO at 500 Eighth Avenue, South, Nashville, TN 37203:
1. Have the Health Department or Department of Vital Statistics from your birth County or State send directly to the Office of the General Secretary/CIO a certified copy of your birth certificate. Xerox copies that you have on hand are not acceptable.
2. Submit a copy of your Elder’s Ordination Certificate. Make certain that the Presiding Bishop’s name and the Annual Conference are legible
3. Request from your present Presiding Bishop a letter to be sent to the General Secretary indicating that your present place of service and stating that you are in good and regular standing in your Annual Conference. Lay persons must submit a letter from your Pastor stating that you are in good standing in your local church.
4. Submit a copy of your College and seminary Diploma(s).
5. Submit a recent photograph (black and with glossy).
Deadline for submission is June 4, 2008
Be encouraged in your aspirations.
Editor’s note: Dr. Fugh emphasizes that all candidates must follow the protocol as stated above. Announcing your candidacy in various public venues does not certify that one is a candidate. A telephone call to the General Secretary cannot certify a candidate telephonically. The protocol above is the only way one can be a certified candidate at the 2008 General Conference.
2. PEARL STREET AME CHURCH, JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI CHOIR TO SING AT GREAT BETHEL AME, NASHVILLE FOR 125TH AME PUBLISHING HOUSE ANNIVERSARY:
Jackson's Pearl Street African Methodist Episcopal Church choir will sing at the 125-year celebration of the A.M.E. church's Sunday School Union at 7 p.m. Friday at Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church, 1300 South St., Nashville. The A.M.E. church's Sunday School Union is the oldest black religious publishing house in the country. The celebration will culminate at 10 a.m. Aug. 11 at the A.M.E. Church Sunday School Union Building, 500 Eighth Ave. South, Nashville. For details, call (615) 256-5882.
The Keynote Sermon will be delivered by the Rt. Reverend Gregory G.M. Ingram, presiding prelate of the 10th Episcopal District and chair of the Commission on Publications.
The Dedication of the Annex, 512 Eighth Avenue, South will be held on Saturday, August 11 at 10 a.m.
3. THE 2007 WMS QUADRENNIAL:
*Mr. John Thomas III
“There is no place like home.” Thousands of AME youth from around the world journeyed “home” to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from July 16-20, 2007 for the 16th Quadrennial Convention of the Young People’s and Children’s Division (YPD) of the Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) of the African Methodist Episcopal Church with the theme “Jesus, I’m Loving Him!”. Under the capable leadership and guidance of Bishop Richard F. Norris (Host Prelate and Chairman of the Commission of Global Witness and Ministry), Mother Mary Norris (Host Supervisor), Rev. Dr. George F. Flowers (Director, Global Witness and Ministry)., Mrs. Paulette Cryer (Connectional YPD Director), and Mr. Emile Gauthier-Washington (Connectional YPD President), the youth of Richard and Sarah Allen truly shone.
Although participants began arriving on Friday July 13, the first structured activity was a worship service at Mother Bethel on Sunday July 15 with Rev. Jeffrey Leath preaching a dynamic sermon entitled “Standing in the Need of Mercy” (Luke 10:36-37). Afterwards, the Connectional YPD Leadership and the early arrivals toured historic Philadelphia via bus. The official Opening Worship service Monday July 16 showcased the rich musical tradition of African Methodism from anthems to contemporary praise songs—including a stirring rendition of “God Our Father, Christ Our Redeemer, Man our Brother”— sung by the First Episcopal District Youth Choir. Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah, President of the Council of Bishops and Presiding Prelate of the 20th Episcopal District, delivered an inspiring message: “When People Do Not Take You Seriously”. (Luke 24). The evening concluded with a sumptuous welcome reception sponsored by the First Episcopal District.
The Quadrennial began in earnest on Tuesday July 17 following the Monique Gonzales Memorial Service. After the roll call and Credentials Committee report, Bishop David Daniels, Jr., Presiding Prelate of the 14th Episcopal District, gave the keynote address regarding international development and the work of the AME Church in West Africa. After the business session, numerous activities were held including Skill shops for the Mother’s Sunbeams, the Allen Star Spelling Bee, Bible Bowl preliminary rounds, and a Model United Nations Simulation. The evening featured the Class of 2007 High School and College Graduate ceremony with participants recognized across the connection for their academic achievements. Dr. Calvin Mackie, renowned speaker and inventor, inspired the audience through his story of overcoming struggles from having poor educational background to surviving Hurricane Katrina. The night ended with a business session featuring reports from Districts 14-20. All District reports and a majority of the Officer reports were via Microsoft PowerPoint™—a technological innovation enhancing the experience while maintaining punctuality.
On Wednesday July 18, the day opened with a “Hip Hop Bible Study” conducted by Rev. Anthony Reed. Presentations were delivered until the special “Black and White Affair” lunch which recognized the participation of Districts 14-20 and fundraising endeavor to create an educational fund for those Districts. Rev. Darius Thomas of Greater Allen Cathedral, New York was the featured speaker. The afternoon business was filled with officer reports and the second Bible Bowl preliminary round. Rap icon LL Cool J (member of Allen Cathedral, New York) greeted the YPDers and briefly discussed tithing and hip-hop. The YPD Graduation ceremony honoring “OPDers” leaving the organization and Directors with 8/9 years of service took place in the evening. Rev. Matthew Watley (a Past Connectional YPD President) charged the honorees to be vigilant with the message “God Says Stand Up” (John 2).
Thursday July 19 started with the final Bible Bowl matches resulting in the 10th District as champions and the 6th District as runners-up. Entrepreneur Gail Perry Mason addressed the Convention sharing words of wisdom on financial stewardship. The Quadrennial’s attention turned to the election process at the conclusion of the business session. After days and nights of intense campaigning and caucusing worthy of the General Conference, the delegates heard from the candidates and voted. The delegates and observers demonstrated outstanding decorum and command of parliamentary procedure during the lengthy election process (which included machine changes and a nullified ballot for 2nd Vice President). With the elections completed, the assembly recessed to the closing session. A Connectional Leadership Symposium was also held for selected YPDers featuring financial training and dialogue with the Bishops and others persons regarding leadership experiences. The last item of business was a resolution adopted urging the WMS to maintain the YPD leaving age at 26. The installation service proceeded as planned with recognition and appreciation enthusiastically expressed for the outgoing Executive Board and the continued service of Mrs. Cryer. The Convention was capped with “An Evening of Entertainment” featuring violinist Mr. Daniel Davis (7) and gospel artist Tye Tribett and Greater Anointing. In addition to ministering the spiritual and musical needs of the audience, the event also served as a fundraiser for Districts 14-20.
The 16th YPD Quadrennial Convention will go down in history as a successful spirit-filled endeavor. The “decent and orderly” fashion of transacting business, the enthusiastic participation and presence of YPDers from all corners of the Connection, and the spirit filled worship experiences are proof positive that AME youth are continuing to “Grow, Glow, and Go for Christ”. The Connectional Church at all levels must continue to nurture these jewels of our Zion to ensure that they will take their proper place as heirs to the legacy of Richard Allen.
Elected Connectional YPD Officers 2007-2011
President Mr. Reginald Cleaver, Jr. (12)
1st Vice President Mr. Doug Bynum (2)
2nd Vice-President Mr. Brian Alexander Tukes (6)
3rd Vice-President *
Recording Secretary Ms. Erica Austin (4)
Asst. Recording Secretary Ms. Tia Fortune Thomas (1)
Financial Secretary Mr. Trey Swinton (7)
Communications Secretary Ms. Shadé A. Hyche (9)
Parliamentarian Mr. John Corrodon (16)
Historiographer/Statistician Mr. Wendell T. Robinson, Jr. (3)
Worship Director Ms. Angelica Rucker (5)
Editor of YPD Newsletter *
Assoc. Editor of Newsletter *
* New office created by Constitutional Amendment to be filled by the Connectional Executive Board pending ratification of the YPD Constitution by the 2008 General Conference.
The Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) of the African Methodist Episcopal Church transformed Philadelphia—the “City of Brotherly Love”—into a magnet of Christian activism during the 16th Quadrennial Convention held from July 20-25, 2007. Using the theme “Soaring on a Legacy of Service: Our Global Imperative” (Isaiah 40:31), the followers of Sarah Allen soared under the leadership and support of Bishop Richard F. Norris (Host Prelate and Chairman of the Commission of Global Witness and Ministry), Mother Mary Norris (Host Supervisor), Rev. Dr. George F. Flowers (Executive Director, Global Witness and Ministry), and Mrs. Jamesina M. Evans (Connectional WMS President).
The Quadrennial Convention officially opened Saturday July 21 morning with a spirit filling morning worship service led by the Episcopal Fathers and Mothers. The endless sea of white-garbed missionaries in the Philadelphia Convention Center auditorium was a tangible witness to the presence and power of the daughters of Sarah Allen. During the service, President Evans presented $2000 to Districts 14-20 (totaling $14,000) raised during the YPD Quadrennial as a gesture of missionary commitment. Bishop James L. Davis, Presiding Prelate of the 19th Episcopal District, delivered a prophetic message with the topic “A Ministry that Prolongs Life” (Luke 7:11-15, 17). After the Connectional Leadership Luncheon, the opening business session began with the Tanner Turner Memorial Service entitled “Footprints in the Sands of Time” under the direction of Ms. D’Juana Duncombe. After a lengthy debate regarding the Credentials Committee, the delegations were properly seated and officers began their reports. (It should be noted that there were more Life Members than elected Delegates for all but one of Districts 1-13 with several having a Life Member to Delegate ratio of over 2 to 1). The evening ended with a Welcome Reception hosted by the First Episcopal District.
Sunday July 22 began with “A Worship Experience to Eradicate HIV/AIDS in Our Lifetime”. Bishop Sarah F. Davis, Presiding Prelate of the 18th Episcopal District, preached a touching sermon “The Issue of Blood” (Mark 5:21-24). After the service, the business of the Quadrennial session continued with District reports. The Districts wore specific uniforms transforming the Convention Center into a kaleidoscope of color. The President’s luncheon took place with television and film writer/producer Ms. Andrea Wiley as the speaker. The entertainment also included dance and musical performances highlighting the global reach of African Methodism. After lunch, the Quadrennial experienced “Sometimes They Cry”—a moving monologue performance by actress Sheryl Lee Ralph dealing with the struggles of living with HIV/AIDS. The evening was capped with the First District Banquet.
Monday July 23 started with the introduction of Affiliated and Ecumenical Partnerships. Various persons including Elnora P. Hamb (President, Women’s Missionary Council of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church), Else Adjali (Vice-President, World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women), Gail Mengel (President, Church Women United), and Don Williams (Bread for the World) visited the Quadrennial attesting to the WMS’s legacy of Christian partnership for social action. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) sent representatives to discuss the WMS partnership in the Campaign to end Fistula—a birth canal injury that often goes untreated in developing countries. AME Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (D-Michigan) delivered an inspiring Keynote Address calling the WMS to continued political activism on the eve of the 2008 United States Presidential elections. In the evening, the Convention Hall became a sea of red in honor of President Evans as she read her report. Later debate ensued on proposed amendments to the WMS Constitution. While there were several parliamentary mishaps, the spirited level of discussion was undeterred. Adjustments were made to ease the organization of Societies for small congregations and the functioning of the Conference Branch. The most passionate debate occurred regarding the YPD age, yet the WMS honored the resolution presented by the YPD and the age remained unchanged. Adjustments, however, were made to the age requirements for office so that candidates must be between 13 to 22 years to run for Connectional office and less than 25 years to contest office at any other level. A resolution regarding funding for the YPD was not acted upon.
Governor Ed Rendell (D-Pennsylvania) and Michael Nutter (Democratic nominee for mayor of Philadelphia) addressed the Quadrennial convention later in the evening. The session ended with an impromptu recognition of numerous long-lived members of the WMS from across the Connection including Lily Boyd (13), AME Logan (12), Ruth Akins (12), Janice Boarden (8), Rachel Jenkins (7), Martha Green (2), and Mrs. Cole (16). Several of these distinguished nonagenarians and centurions had been in attendance at all 16 Quadrennial Conventions. The recognition of the senior members of the WMS progressed into the evening with the “Dreamgirls” joint Life Member and Young Women’s Initiative (YWI) Event. This evening of talent was hosted by Supervisor Stan McKenzie of the 13th Episcopal District and featured various live excerpts from the acclaimed Broadway Musical and movie of the same name. The evening ended with another business session featuring District reports.
Tuesday July 24 opened with reports from the Missionaries-on the-Move (MOM) and Dollars of Love initiatives. In addition to their monetary collections over the quadrennium, five busloads of MOM participants visited Philadelphia shelters in an outreach effort during the Quadrennial Convention. The election of officers composed the order of business for the afternoon meeting. Although the office of 1st Vice-President was the only openly contested office, campaigning was none the less spirited. During the report of the Nominating Committee it was observed by Retired Supervisor Dr. Dolly Adams that several candidates had served as Connectional Officers in excess of 16 years and were ineligible for reelection per the WMS Constitution. The Nominating Committee reconvened and stated the years of office for the various candidates confirming that Missionary Magazine Editor Dr. Rosa M. Baxter could not run. Dr. Baxter gracefully stepped aside while agreeing to continue her work until the confirmation of a successor. She received the grateful thanks of the Quadrennial Convention and special commendations expressed by the 6th and 9th Episcopal Districts. The election proceeded to go smoothly with all but one office filled by voice vote per the WMS Constitution. Dr. Shirley Hopkins Davis (8) decisively won the office of 1st Vice-President against Dr. Henrietta S. Attles (1). The evening was capped with the Quadrennial Extravaganza featuring Retired Supervisor Beverly Adams Thomas, Connectional WMS Director of Worship Mrs. Barbara McNeely-Bouie (2) and the Philadelphia Dance Company.
The final day of the Quadrennial, July 25, started with a Bible study focusing on Isaiah presented by Dr. Marianne Dyson and continued with recognitions and awards from several WMS components including Missionary Magazine subscription prizes. The following resolutions were presented to the Convention by the Resolutions Committee chaired by Fifth District Supervisor Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant:
- Establishment of Archives for the WMS
- Commendation to Rev. Dr. Gloria White Hammond (1) for Work in Darfur
- HIV/AIDS
- Environmental Justice
- AME presence in India
- Security and Stability in Somalia
- Multi-National Women’s Development Forum
- Hip-Hop Generation
- Short Term Multi-District Mission Initiative
In a true demonstration of the missionary spirit, at least $25,000 was raised to aid the work in Darfur of Dr. Hammond. The meeting closed with the installation of officers, Sending Forth Ceremony, and the Missionary Benediction.
The 16th WMS Quadrennial Convention will be remembered for its missionary spirit and Christian witness. The daughters of Sarah Allen truly soared as they demonstrated to the world their continued call towards Christian ministry and fellowship. The WMS has a strong legacy on which it continues to build and it is hoped that it will continue to go forward doing the work of God through the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Elected Connectional WMS Officers 2007-2011
President Mrs. Jamesina M. Evans (5)
1st Vice-President Dr. Shirley Hopkins Davis (8)
2nd Vice-President Dr. Bella G. Parker (4)
3rd Vice-President Mrs. Passion Nhekairo-Musa (20)
Recording Secretary Mrs. Cheryl Jones (10)
Asst. Recording Secretary Mrs. Elvira Y. Douglas (16)
Corresponding Secretary Mrs. Betty Lindsey (12)
Treasurer Dr. Ginger A. Parker (11)
Director of YPD Mrs. Paulette Cryer (7)
Editor, The Missionary Magazine *
Assoc. Editor, The Missionary Magazine Mrs. Violet Lodi (19)
Promotion and Missionary Education Director Mrs. Corinne W. Thomas (2)
Parliamentarian Mrs. Peola H. McCaskill (2)
Historiographer/Statistician Mrs. Adrienne A. Morris (3)
Director of Worship Mrs. Barbara McNeely-Bouie (11)
Member-At-Large Ms D’Juana Duncombe (9)
* Office will be filled by the Executive Board due to ineligibility of candidate at time of election. Underline denotes newly elected officer.
The author especially thanks the delegations from the 13th and 16th Episcopal Districts for their fellowship and assistance during the YPD and WMS Quadrennials. The author also acknowledges the contributions of Dr. Rosa M. Baxter (6) and the WMS Quadrennial Media & Public Relations Committee to these articles.
*Mr. John Thomas III graduated this year with a Master of Arts Degree from Princeton University and will continue his graduate studies at the University of Chicago where he will be working on his Ph.D in history.
4. THE 16TH QUADRENNIAL CONVENTION OF THE WMS ADOPTS COMPREHENSIVE RESOLUTIONS:
The Rev C. Phyllis Gearring-Anderson
At the closing session of the historic Quadrennial Convention President Jamesina Evans presiding; 9 (nine) vision – shaping, action oriented resolutions were adopted for the in coming quadrennium.
The Resolutions Committee chaired by the Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant, Supervisor of the 5th Episcopal District embraced Matthew 5:14 as their text, “You are the Light of the world.”
A summative report of the resolutions follows. For the complete text, consult the Connectional office.
Resolution 1: Establishment of Archive for WMS Thirteenth Episcopal District.
Author – Dr. Sylvia Ross Talbot, former Supervisor
Resolution 2: Commendation to Rev. Gloria White Hammond for her sacrificial and Courageous Missionary Initiatives on behalf of the persecuted Christians in Sudan. Donations and Pledges totaling $25,000 was received for her work with “My Sister’s Keeper.”
1st Episcopal District
Jewel McAshan President, Presenter
Mary Norris, Episcopal Supervisor
Resolution 3: HIV/AIDS
To promote testing, education, awareness and services for those infected with of affected by HIV/AIDS.
Fourth Episcopal District
Dr. Joann Cousin, Supervisor
Resolution 4 Environmental Justice
To promote awareness and activism concerning the ecological conditions of African, African American and people of color world-wide. To target environmental racism and its impact. We call the WMS to a “Moratorium of Excess”
Submitted by: Dr. Pam DeVeaux, Episcopal Supervisor 6th; Dr. Coretta McMillon Howell, 6th Resolutions Chair, Co Sponsors; Dr. Yvonne Parks Episcopal Supervisor 8th; Mrs. Melonie Thibodeaux, Chair Resolutions 8th; Mrs. Irene Daniels, Episcopal Supervisor 14th; Supervisor Patricia Russell McCloud, Office of Ecumenical and Urban Affairs; the Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant Episcopal Supervisor 5th
5. READER RESPONSES TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
- To the Editor:
I am extremely grateful to read you comments and thoughts regarding the acquisition of credible credentials as a prerequisite to service in ministry in our great church. I am a seminary student, work full time and care for my family and sometimes see the challenge overwhelming. Your words have been an encouragement to me.
Rev. Ellsworth Tolliver
- To the Editor:
Thanks for tackling “the two big sins” of clergy. “Doctors” are now a “dime a dozen,” but pastors are hard to find.
Vinton Anderson.
6. ALLEN UNIVERSITY’S ACCREDITATION SUCCESSFULLY REAFFIRMED BY THE SOUTHERN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES & SCHOOLS (SACS):
Allen University in Columbia, S.C. has operated for the past ten years as a fully accredited four-year liberal arts university. This June 2007, Allen’s accreditation was successfully reaffirmed by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools (SACS). This reaffirmation of accreditation will last 10 years until 2017, and signifies the University’s present trajectory of tremendous growth and progress.
Historical Overview
With many of its buildings registered as early twentieth century historic landmarks, Allen University blends the tradition of a well preserved historic campus, with the technology of recently renovated and newly constructed state-of-the-art facilities. Erected in 1881, Allen University’s Arnett Hall is the oldest building in South Carolina built by African Americans, and Allen’s campus is home to 6 buildings registered as national historic landmarks, more than any historically black college or university in America.
Present View
Allen has recently completed the restoration of the Chappelle Administration Building; the city of Columbia is contributing one million dollars to the renovation of Chappelle Auditorium; Gibbs Hall has been completely renovated; the Old Waverly Good Samaritan Hospital is being converted into an Academic Resource Center; construction and retrofitting have begun on the old Food Lion store which will now house the Student Development
Center; and construction has begun on a new state-of-the-art 480-bed student dormitory to be completed January 2009.
Future Vision
Allen has begun plans for the construction of a Living and Learning Center that will serve as a dormitory for 200 students, a cafeteria for 400 students, a Counseling Center, and a Health & Wellness Center for January 2008; a Leadership Development Center which will be placed in the center of campus that will house a Learning Resource Center, a Reading and Writing Center, and a Research and Technology Center for September 2008; and a Student Residential Life Center which will include a 700 bed dormitory and a Student Convenience Complex which will house stores that provide students with products essential to campus life, as well as facilities where they can recreate and socialize in a clean and safe environment for January 2009.
Strategic Growth Program
Allen University has committed to the investment of tens of millions of dollars toward the fulfillment of its Strategic Growth Program, whose end result is the betterment of every aspect of university life. From the increase of its students and faculty, the advancement of its academics and administration, to the augmentation of its facilities and finances, Allen University is poised for excellence in the new millennium.
National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Program
Through the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Program, Allen University has been granted several million dollars to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics to minority high school students. Allen is ever-seeking to broaden the scope of its scholarship opportunities and to support the largest number of qualified applicants for general admission.
Contact –
Patrick Inyangetor, Ph.D.
Chairman of the Division of
Mathematics and Natural Sciences
(803) 376.5933
nnsa@allenuniversity.edu
Quality Enhancement Program (QEP)
Through the Quality Enhancement Program each student who enters Allen
University receives personalized support and services designed to improve their composition skills and enhance their overall academic performance. The goal of the program is to strengthen each student’s learning throughout the University by improving their written communication skills through new uses of current on-site technology.
School For Professional Adults (SPA)
Allen University has recently established The School for Professional Adults which is specifically designed for working adults. The program offers adult learners the opportunity to pursue undergraduate degree programs in Religion or Business Administration, and offers flexible schedules and services that support evening and weekend programs.
Contact –
Kimberly J. Pennamon, M.A.
Director of School for Professional Adults
(803) 376.5787
kpennamon@allenuniversity.edu
Business Administration Program
Allen University has recently expanded its traditional Business major for both undergraduate and adult students and now offers four new Business Administration concentrations in Real Estate Development, Banking and Finance, Accounting, and Organizational Management.
Contact -
Walter C. Howard, Ph.D.
Vice President of Academic Affairs
803.376.5780
whoward@allenuniversity.edu
7. NORTHEAST OKLAHOMA CONFERENCE LAY ORGANIZATION WILL HOST A BENEFIT DINNER THEATRE FOR SHORTER COLLEGE:
*Jackie Weary
The Central Northeast Oklahoma Conference Lay Organization will be hosting a benefit Dinner Theatre for Shorter College, Little Rock, Arkansas, Friday, September 14, 2007, 7:00 PM at the Radisson Inn-Airport, Tulsa, Oklahoma during the 131st Session of our Annual Conference.
Shorter College is one of our Historically Black Colleges and we are striving to keep hope alive and give students who normally would not be able to go to college based on ACT and SAT scores an opportunity to prove themselves otherwise and attend a school of Higher Learning. Contracts have been made with Henderson State College in Arkadelphia, Arkansas and Paul Quinn College in Dallas, Texas so that students can transfer and all credits be accepted. To God Be the Glory!
Funds raised will help pay tuition and keep food pantry stocked so that the students will have nourishing food while attending school. Please help us keep hope alive by assisting students in continuing their education. Donations for tickets are $75.00, full table - $750.00 or a half table at $375.00. For those of you who will not be able to attend, tickets will go to Youth/YPD who will not be able to purchase tickets. Please help us in this endeavor. Please send donations to:
Mary Russell-Treasurer
P O Box 263
Taft, OK 74463
*Sister Jackie Weary (jw1059@aol.com) is the President, Lay Organization
Central Northeast Oklahoma Conference
8. ST. PAUL AME CHURCH OCALA, FLORIDA CELEBRATES THE “100 MEN MARCH”:
It was truly the day the Lord had made. The sky was clear and blue with no gray to be seen anywhere. It was designated a special day in the life of the church at St. Paul AME Church on Tucker Hill, Ocala Florida. The “100 Men March” was significant for the men of the church to celebrate their manhood and the role models they are and ought to be in the community. Sunday, July 29, 2007 was historic. These faithful men in Ocala were determined to be the leaders God intended. Their mission was to be strong in their faith and strong in their convictions.
The worship service was spearheaded by the Sons of Allen and the Men’s Ministry which included members of Greek Fraternities, Masonic Orders and a guest Male Chorus as worship participants. It was a day that the Lord had made! As it should, processional sounded the worship service with “Come We that Love the Lord…..We’re Marching to Zion” as well as the hymn of praise, which was “Rise Up O Men of God”. It was then that the tone for the morning was set!
The uniqueness of the celebration for St. Paul AME Church, Ocala, Florida is the leadership. Pastor Joy Gallmon, the first female pastor recognizes the need for a strong male presence in any congregation and honored the request of the men of faith to share this day with the community. The City of Ocala was called to worship by the church on Tucker Hill. Pastor Gallmon and the members of St. Paul AME Church left nothing to chance and invited the Presiding Prelate of the 11th Episcopal District, Bishop McKinley Young to deliver the morning message. He gave his text from Luke 5:17-26 and preached a sermon entitled, “Remarkable Men of Faith”. Bishop Young carefully told the story of Jesus teaching the Pharisees and lawyers and described him as a creative, sincere and authentic teacher. He explained that Jesus respected all and treated everyone the same and there we no gap in the way he lived. Luke’s Gospel in chapter 5 continues with the story of a paralytic whose friends carried him on a mat to the house where Jesus was teaching. Due to size of the crowd, the men were not able to enter through the door. Bishop Young went to say that these friends were remarkable because they helped the cripple by climbing to the roof of the house, removing the tiles and lowering the paralytic through the roof. These friends were extraordinary because they went beyond the ordinary so that Jesus could heal their friend. Bishop Young described the men as remarkable in their actions.
He gave more examples of remarkable men (people) such as Church School teachers, who encouraged their students to be anything they wanted to be. These persons “planted trees that provided shade that they would never set under, but paved the way for others”. Bishop Young asked the congregation, what had they done to help persons to see Jesus. He gave a roll call of “remarkable” people like Mary McLeod Bethune, Richard Allen, the Apostle of Freedom, and Dr. Martin Luther King, all remarkable in their cause to provide for the common good.
Bishop Young invited the congregation to look at the example of the paralytic’s friends who he called “remarkable men of faith” and asked that they provide opportunities for our young people to be what God intended.
The service was indeed a blessing to those present. The “march” called the men of St. Paul AME Church on Tucker Hill in Ocala Florida to…“be what God has ordained and destined them be for the up building of the Kingdom of God!”
9. NEWS AROUND THE AME CHURCH:
- The Reverend Ammie Davis Miller, (Lieutenant, USN), the Command Chaplain at the Marine Corps Air Station in Beaufort, South Carolina and President of the Alumni Association of Turner Theological Seminary will be the guest preacher at Saint Paul A.M.E. Church - Ashland City, Tennessee.
Service time is 11 o’clock on Sunday, August 12th. Saint Paul Church is located just 20 minutes from downtown Nashville, off Ashland City Highway (Hwy 12) at 105 Turner Street (turn right at the KFC/Taco Bell and Advanced Auto Parts stores). For more information please call Saint Paul A.M.E. Church, 615-792-4171 or email vetrel@mindspring.com
Submitted by the Reverend Vetrel Smith
Class of '99
- Friends and Family Day will be celebrated at Shorter Chapel AME Church, 255 Natchez Street, Franklin, Tennessee on Sunday, August 12. The theme is “We are Family.” Dinner will be served at the Shorter Chapel / Bazelia S. Harris Community Life Center prior to the afternoon 3 p.m. worship service. The Reverend Charlotte B. Sydnor is the pastor.
- The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Shorter Chapel / Bazelia S. Harris Community Life Center will be held on Friday, August 10 at 12 noon. The Chamber of Commerce will conduct the ceremony. The Shorter Chapel / Bazelia Life Center was dedicated by Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie in May. The building is a new facility that is making an impact upon the Franklin community.
10. ST. MARK MILWAUKEE ANNUAL BAZAAR AND BACK-TO-SCHOOL RALLY:
The Geraldine Bradford Missionary Society and the Christian Education Department of St. Mark A.M.E. Church, combines its ministries to sponsor the Annual Bazaar and the Annual Back-to-School Rally on Saturday, August 18, 2007, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The “Back-to-School Rally” will be held at the Lovell Johnson Quality of Life Center #2, located at 1530 W. Atkinson Ave. (across the street from the main church building.) The rally will start at 10:00 a.m. and end at 12:00 p.m.
The Bazaar will be held in Ezekiel Gillespie Fellowship Hall (lower level of the church), 1616 W. Atkinson Ave. The public is invited to attend this family festival. Activities for the Back-to-School Rally include–fun games, free school supplies, clown/face painting and more.
The Bazaar includes a fashion show at 1:30 p.m. as well as vendors, arts and crafts, boutiques, “Like Nu Clothing,” homemade bakery, door prizes, dinner, snacks and beverages, old fashion homemade ice cream, fresh squeezed lemonade, plus much, much more! Food will be available from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Carry outs available.)
Tickets can be purchased at the door for a donation of one dollar. Funds raised from this event will be used for the St. Mark Community Food Pantry. Both facilities are handicapped accessible. Please bring your family and friends and share in this fun-filled festival! Contact the church office (414) 562-8030 for additional information. Rev. Darryl R. Williams, Pastor.
Submitted by Ursula Milton
11. A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO BROTHER JAMES PRUITT:
Just a quick note to let you know of the special Tribute/Appreciation Service for our marvelous and much beloved Minister of Music, Brother James Pruitt. The service is scheduled for this coming Sunday afternoon August 12, 2007, beginning at 4:00 PM at Johnson Chapel located at the corner of Second and Bristol in the heart of Santa Ana, California. At that time we will come together to celebrate, not only the past five years during which Brother Pruitt has so faithfully and ably served our congregation, but also the forty-three (43) years of dedicated service that he has given to Ministry of Music both within our Zion and beyond.
During this lifetime of service, Brother Pruitt has repeatedly and skillfully utilized his considerable God-given gifts and talents to musically bring out the very best in others whenever and wherever he has been called upon to serve. On Sunday afternoon we will attempt in some small way, to say a simple "thank you" to this wonderfully gifted servant of God for that lifetime of labor
Those of you who know James Pruitt may be aware that, over the past year or so, Brother Pruitt has weathered considerable storms with regard to his health. I am pleased to report that these health challenges, while certainly serious, have neither broken his spirit nor prevented him from continuing to do that which he loves and has been divinely called and equipped to do. It is truly our hope and our prayer here at Johnson Chapel that God would bless us in such a way as to allow James Pruitt to continue to touch our heats and minister to our spirits as only he can, for many seasons to come. But these recent health challenges have served as a reminder to us all of the importance of not taking one another for granted, and giving flowers while one is still able enjoy them. That is the spirit of our gathering on Sunday, and we invite you to be present with us if you are in the Southern California area.
If for some reason you are not able to be with us, we invite to complete the attached form with your words of encouragement and tribute to him that can be included in a memory book that will be presented to him. You mail e-mail the form back to me at the above email address (pastor_myke@yahoo.com) or directly to the Church (johnsonchapel@yahoo.com).
You may of course also send a financial blessing to him that will communicate your love and appreciation for him. Checks should be made payable directly to James Pruitt and may be mailed to the Church Office at the following address:
Johnson Chapel AME Church
PO Box 3715
Santa Ana, CA 92703
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday if you are in Southern California or receiving your Memory Book Form and/or gift for Brother Pruitt by return mail. May the Lord richly bless you for your kindness!
Submitted by the Rev. Michael Barta
Senior Pastor
12. STUDY OF HISTORY IS NOT DEAD AND DRY, SAYS DR. MARK TYLER:
Thank you for making these few lines available to share my passion for preserving the history of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC) with the readership of the Christian Recorder. Unfortunately, too many people in our society regard the study of history as a dead and dry science. However, the study of the history of the AMEC is not dead nor is it dry. In fact, it is the story of God’s saving activity among a people, often with their backs against the wall. One cannot tell the story of African Methodism in the United States, Africa, and beyond without telling the story of God continually bringing us out safely.
The problem with spiritual amnesia is made clear in the Book of Judges. Throughout the book, the people of God continue to find themselves in trouble because they forget. When they forget, they worship strange new gods, they adopt the wicked ways of their neighbors, and they become powerless over their enemies. Each time they forget their own divine history, they are led into disobedience and rebellion. Yet, they are saved by remembering. Whenever they remember to call on the name of the Lord, their God, they are delivered. Forgetting leads to destruction, yet remembering leads to salvation. Mr. Editor, this is a word for African Methodism.
In order that we might remember, I am running for the office of Historiographer of the AMEC. If elected in 2008 at the General Conference, with God’s help, I plan to implement the following program:
1. Build the Official Archives of the AMEC to house our most important documents, including a special holding for the papers of our Bishops, General Officers, Pastors, Laity, and other notable persons
2. Commission the most exceptional scholars to write the most current volume of the History of the AMEC
3. Produce a DVD/VHS series documenting the history of the AMEC that will be available for use in New Member Orientation, Black History Month, and for other appropriate usages
4. Make the AME Review available in an online format
5. Create an ongoing dialogue with scholars concerned with the history of the AMEC
Many of the problems we face in our Church today can be tied directly to our collective amnesia. Maybe, we are so ready to preach the newest and latest theology from what we’ve seen on television simply because we’ve forgotten that before prosperity theology, we believed in a theology of Black Liberation (that would ultimately lead to a greater prosperity for all the people, not just the pastor!). When we forget, we rely more on fundraising than tithing. When we forget, we close our doors to hurting communities and become selective on whom we seek as new members. When we forget, we run the risk of rebelling against God and being alienated from God’s power.
But when we remember that we have not come all this way by ourselves, but that it was by the strong hand of God, then God becomes an active agent on our behalf. When we remember to call on God, our pews will fill again. When we remember to call on God, we won’t be reliant on the fish fry and the chicken dinner to bring us out. When we remember to call on God, people will have to compete for parking spaces in the lot and seats in the pews. If we, as a denomination, are to remain relevant and effective in this new millennium, we must remember to call on the name of the Lord!
If the AMEC elects me as the next Historiographer, I won’t forget!
Mark Kelly Tyler, Ph.D.
Candidate for the office of Historiographer, 2008
Pastor, Macedonia AMEC, Camden, New Jersey
TYL94@aol.com
856-365-3840
13. THE POWER OF PRAYER:
By: Delanda S. Johnson
On Sunday, July 29, Johnson Chapel AME Church in Malakoff experienced the magnificence, awesome, and powerful message of Rev. Juan Tolliver. Rev. Tolliver is the Pastor of St. Paul AME Church in Dallas, Texas.
He came with questions to the congregation, “Do you really know how to pray and do you know the reasons behind your prayer?”
In Rev. Tolliver’s message, he explains that God wants us to express our feelings. God doesn’t want us to fake our relationship with Him, but He wants us to talk to HIM.
Tolliver went to say that we must be very careful in what we pray for.
“When you come to God in pray, you should be coming to Him not just wanting something from Him, but you should be praying because He is our Heavenly Father,” said Tolliver.
“If you recall in the Bible, Jesus feed five thousand with on two fish and five barley loaves. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead and turned water into wine; all of these things were through the power of prayer,” said Tolliver.
Tolliver stated that we must not give up on prayer, but know the praying will change things.
When you pray, you must know what you mean when you are talking to the Lord. One may think that the length, texture, tone, etc., of our prayers is what God is looking and/or listening for, but it is the sincerity of our prayer.
Tolliver said, “You must not let anything or anyone stop you from communicating with God in prayer. Ask yourself this question, “Do you let anything distract you while you are praying?”
“If you answer is yes, then you must understand that there should be nothing in the way to stop you from praying. However, when God teaches you how to pray, then you will honor God first.
Tolliver stated that your burdens belong to the Lord, so when you pray don’t pick up your problems; just know that God will fix it.
“If you pray, why worry? If you worry, why pray?” said Tolliver.
14. FUND FOR THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION INVITES CONGREGATIONS TO APPLY FOR GRANTS:
Deadline: October 15, 2007
The Fund for Theological Education (http://www.thefund.org/) is a national advocate for excellence and diversity in Christian ministry and theological scholarship. To help congregations identify and nurture the next generation of leaders for the church, the fund is offering competitive grants for grassroots programs that cultivate a sense of Christian vocation and the call to ministry among youth.
The grants are awarded through the fund's Calling Congregations initiative, a national ecumenical effort to encourage and equip churches to play a leading role in the vocational discernment of young men and women and to increase the number of gifted young people considering ordained ministry as a profession. The Lilly Endowment, Inc. (http://www.lillyendowment.org/) funds the initiative.
Grants are made to congregations and are intended to support the "culture of call" within congregations. However, grants may include support for activities that foster partnerships between the congregation and campus ministries, theological schools, camps, denominational bodies, and other congregations in strengthening the congregation's capacity to nurture vocation and the call to ministry.
FTE will award $200,000 in total grants over three years, beginning in 2007. Grants will range from $5,000 to $12,000 each.
Program information and application forms are available at the fund's Web site.
RFP Link:
http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/10008304/thefund
For additional RFPs in Religion, visit:
http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_religion.jhtml
15. SEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2007 ANNUAL CONFERENCES:
The Rt. Reverend Preston Warren Williams II, Presiding Prelate
Dr. Wilma D. Williams, Supervisor
THE PALMETTO CONFERENCE
97TH SESSION
August 20-24, 2007
Morris Brown A.M.E. Church
13 Morris Street
Charleston, SC 29403
843-723-1961
Rev. Joseph Darby, Host Pastor
Rev. Charles Graves, Host Presiding Elder
Rev. Allen W. Parrott, Associate Presiding Elder
Rev. Rosalyn Coleman, Associate Presiding Elder
THE NORTHEAST CONFERENCE
116TH SESSION
August 27-31, 2007
Mt. Pisgah A.M.E. Church
217 W. Bartlette Street
Sumter, SC 29150
803-775-3844
Rev. M. Charmaine Ragin Whittleton,
Host Pastor
Rev. Robert L. McCants, Host Presiding Elder
Rev. William Smith, Jr., Associate Presiding Elder
Rev. Robert B. Cooper, Associate Presiding Elder
THE COLUMBIA CONFERENCE
130TH SESSION
September 10-14, 2007
Bethel A.M.E. Church
819 Woodrow Street
Columbia, SC 29205
803-779-0138
Rev. Dr. Ronnie E. Brailsford, Sr., Host Pastor
Rev. Sandy W. Drayton, Host Presiding Elder
Rev. James R. Glover, Associate Presiding Elder
Rev. Joseph Postell, Associate Presiding
THE SOUTH CAROLINA CONFERENCE
144TH SESSION
September 17-21, 2007
Mother Emmanuel A.M.E. Church
110 Calhoun Street
Charleston, SC 29403
843-722-2561
Rev. Joseph Darby, Host Pastor
Rev. John Randolph, Host Presiding Elder
Rev. John H. Gillison, Associate Presiding Elder
Rev. Samuel Myers, Associate Presiding Elder
THE PIEDMONT CONFERENCE
98TH SESSION
October 1-5, 2007
Allen Temple AME Church
109 Green Avenue
Greenville, South Carolina 29601
864-233-4191
Rev. Samuel McPherson, Host Pastor
Rev. Jonathan J. Baker, Host Presiding Elder
Rev. Oscar A. Klugh, Associate Presiding Elder
THE CENTRAL CONFERENCE
84TH SESSION
October 8-12, 2007
Williams Chapel A.M.E. Church
1198 Glover Street
Orangeburg, SC 29115
803-826-6410
Rev. Caesar R. Richburg, Host Pastor
Rev. Dr. Juenarrl Keith, Host Presiding Elder
Rev. Malachi Duncan, Associate Presiding Elder
Rev. Clementa Pinckney, Associate Presiding Elder
SEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT
POST-CONFERENCE PLANNING MEETING
November 8 - 10, 2007
Florence Civic Center
Florence, SC
Rev. Robert B. Cooper, Host Presiding Elder
Rev. Robert L. McCants, Associate Presiding Elder
Rev. William Smith, Associate Presiding Elder
16. THE 2007 TWELFTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:
The Rt. Reverend Richard Allen Chappelle, Sr., Presiding Prelate
Dr. Barbara Jeanne Chappelle, Supervisor
Oklahoma Annual Conference
September 4, 2007
WMS Convention
September 5-9, 2007
Avery Chapel A.M.E. Church
1425 No. Kelham* Oklahoma City, OK 73117
Church Phone: (405) 424-3331
Pastor’s Phone: (405) 514-2003
The Reverend Isaac N. Hudson, Jr., Host Pastor
The Reverend Edward E. Davis, Host Presiding Elder
The Reverend Lonnie Johnson, Associate Presiding Elder
Central Northeast Oklahoma Conference
September 11, 2006
WMS Convention
September 12-16, 2007
Vernon A.M.E. Church
307-311 North Greenwood *Tulsa, OK 74120-1038
Church Phone: (918) 587-1428
Pastor's Phone: (918) 430-1183
The Reverend Michelle K. T. Moulden, Host Pastor
The Reverend Dennis J. Hampton, Host Presiding Elder
The Reverend Pollie W. Ragsdale, Associate Presiding Elder
East Northeast Arkansas Conference
September 25, 2007
WMS Convention
September 26-30, 2007
Bethel A.M.E. Church
2403 East Barton * West Memphis, AR 72301
Church Phone: (870) 732-3446/(870) 732-9660
Pastor’s Phone: (501) 224-6473
The Reverend Mary V. Williams, Host Pastor
The Reverend Lewie A. Norful, Host Presiding Elder
The Reverend Napoleon Davis, Jr., Associate Presiding Elder
Central Arkansas Conference
October 9, 2007
WMS Convention
October 10-14, 2007
St. John A.M.E. Church
1117 West Pullen * Pine Bluff, AR 71601
Church Phone: (870) 535-3760
Pastor’s Phone: (870) 535-3123
The Reverend W. R. Norful, Sr., Host Pastor
The Reverend Thomas G. Allen, Host Presiding Elder
The Reverend Clarence Reynolds, Associate Presiding Elder
South Arkansas Conference
October 23, 2007
WMS Convention
October 24-28, 2007
Pilgrim Rest A.M.E. Church
522 North Bailey* Monticello, AR 71655
Church Phone: (870) 367-6530/(870) 367-2647
Pastor's Phone: (870) 535-2605
The Reverend Kent Broughton, Host Pastor
The Reverend James R. Hooper, Host Presiding Elder
The Reverend Samuel L. Arnold, Associate Presiding Elder
West Arkansas Conference
November 6, 2005
WMS Convention
November 7-11, 2007
Visitors Chapel A.M.E. Church
319 Church Street *Hot Springs, AR 71901
Church Phone: (501) 623-2795
Pastor’s Phone: (501) 661-1543/(501) 940-9404
The Reverend Clarence Guy, Host Pastor
The Reverend Clarence V. Boyd, Sr., Host Presiding Elder
The Reverend Thomas W. Adair, Associate Presiding Elder
Arkansas Conference
November 13, 2007
WMS Convention
November 14-18, 2007
Union A.M.E. Church
1825 South Pulaski Street * Little Rock, AR 72206
Church Phone: (501) 374-3528
Pastor’s Phone: (501) 376-4685
The Reverend Randolph W. Martin, Sr., Host Pastor
The Reverend Eugene Brannon, Host Presiding Elder
The Reverend Charles M. Cleaver, Sr., Associate Presiding Elder
District Planning Meeting
December 6-8, 2007
Bethel A.M.E. Church
600 North Cedar Street
North Little Rock, AR 72114
Church Phone: (501) 374-3685
Pastor’s Phone: (501) 568-3437
The Reverend James Thomas, Host Pastor
The Reverend Charles M. Cleaver, Sr., Host Presiding Elder
The Reverend Eugene Brannon, Associate Presiding Elder
17. THE 2007 18TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:
The Rt. Reverend Sarah F. Davis, Presiding Prelate
Brother Claytie Davis, Jr., Episcopal Supervisor
August 22, 2007
WMS Convention
August 23 - 26, 2007
Botswana Annual Conference
Mochudi AMEC
Mochudi, Botswana
Reverend Godfrey Jankie, Host Pastor
August 29, 2007
WMS Convention
August 30 - September 2, 2007
Mozambique Annual Conference
Methodist Church
Beira Mozambique
Reverend Andre’ Massumuane, Host Pastor
October 10, 2007
Swaziland WMS Convention
October 11 - 14, 2007
Swaziland Annual Conference
Labotsibeni Memorial AME Church
Manzini, Swaziland
Reverend Paul M. Mavundla, Host Pastor
October 17, 2007
AME Schools Annual Educators’ Conference
Swaziland
October 24, 2007
WMS Convention
October 25 - 28, 2007
NE Lesotho Conference
Qachs’s Nek, Lesotho
Tiisetsong AME Church
Reverend I. S. Morahanye, P.E., Host
October 31, 2007
Lesotho WMS Convention
November 1 - 3, 2007
Lesotho Annual Conference
Maseru, Lesotho
Agnes Ball AME Church
Reverend I. L. Mohato, Host Pastor
December 5, 2007
Bishop and Presiding Elders’ Conference
Gaborone, Botswana
December 6, 2007
3rd Annual Prayer Conclave
Gaborone, Botswana
December 6 - 8, 2007
2007 Planning Meeting
Gaborone, Botswana
Reverend M. M. Moruakhomo, P.E., Host
December 31, 2007
City-Wide Watch Night Service
F. C. James Center Auditorium
Maseru Lesotho
18. EPISCOPAL FAMILY NEWS:
Dr. Wilma D. Williams, Supervisor of the 7th Episcopal District and wife of Bishop Preston Warren Williams, II, Presiding Bishop of the 7th Episcopal District, is being admitted to Jewish Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky on today, August 7th, for a short period.
Get well cards and well-wishes for Supervisor Wilma D. Williams can be sent to:
Jewish Hospital
200 Abraham Flexner Way
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 587-4011
Or to:
233 Holliday Road
Columbia, SC 29223
Submitted by:
Richard Lewis, Sr.
Treasurer/CFO Finance Department A.M.E. Church
19. EPISCOPAL FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We share the passing of the Reverend William Reid Wilkes, Jr., the eldest and only remaining son of Bishop William Reid Wilkes, Sr., 69th Elected and Consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The Funeral Service Celebrating the Life and works of Rev. Wilkes was held at 11:00 AM Friday, August 3, 2007 at Allen Temple A.M.E. Church, 1625 Simpson Rd. NW. The Rev. Dr. Claude R. James, pastor officiated. Bishop William P. DeVeaux was the eulogist.
Rev. Wilkes also taught religion at Morris Brown College. A graduate of Clark College, Rev. Wilkes was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. Those who cherished his memory includes his wife, Mrs. Marian Brown Wilkes, children, Pamela Wilkes Craft (Guy), William R. Wilkes, III, Reginald Wilkes (Anina), and Michelle Wilkes, grandchildren, Marion J. Slaton, Reina Wilkes, Caroline Wilkes, Warren Wilkes, Olivia Wilkes, and Amber Wilkes, several other relatives, members of various congregations, colleagues and friends.
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to announce the passing of the Reverend Elmer Snell, Local Elder at Anderson Chapel A.M.E. Church in Killeen, Texas on Sunday evening.
Service arrangements held:
Funeral:
Friday, August 3, 2007
12:00 Noon
Anderson Chapel A.M.E. Church
1002 Jefferies Avenue
Killeen, Texas 76543
254.690.5030 - phone
254.690.6453 - fax
www.andersonchapel.org
The Reverend William M. Campbell, Jr. - Senior Pastor
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Adalee Snell
1207 Arkansas Avenue
Killeen, TX 76541
Memorial gifts may be made to:
Sponsor a Child Association
Feed the Children
Submitted by:
The Rev. Dr. Sherryl A. Matlock-Pastor
St. James A.M.E. Church
Denton, Texas
21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Reverend Willa C. Martin, the mother of the Reverend Dr. Victoria Martin-Banks of Stockbridge, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on July 31, 2007. Reverend Martin-Banks is the pastor of Knights Monumental A.M.E. Church of the South Atlanta District.
Funeral Arrangements Entrusted to:
Creal Funeral Home
1940 Seventh Avenue South
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
727-896-2602
727-821-9486(fax)
The Funeral will be held on
Saturday, August 11, 2007 at 12:00 noon
Saint Mark A.M.E. Church
2401 Fifth Street South
St. Petersburg, FL 33705
Pastor Keturah Pittman
727-823-6666
No Fax
Condolences may be forwarded to:
The Martin family
7689 Lakeshore Court
Riverdale, GA 30296
22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to announce the passing of Mrs. Maxine Keyton, former director of the Augusta Georgia Conference YPD. Mrs. Virgil Maxine Fryer Curtis-Keyton entered into rest on Saturday, August 4, 2007.
Arrangements for Sister Maxine Keyton:
Family Visitation:
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Kinsey & Walton Funeral Home
3618 Peach Orchard Road
Augusta, GA 30906
(706) 790-8858
Funeral:
Thursday, August 9, 2007
11:00 a.m.
Butler Creek AME Church
Augusta, GA
The body will lie in at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of the funeral. Immediately after the service, she will be taken to the Mt. Tabor AME Church in Keysville, GA for burial.
23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mr. James Margerum, the brother of Reverend George Moore, Sr. went home to be with the Lord on August 4, 2007. Reverend Moore is the pastor of Saint Philip A.M.E. Church of the East Atlanta District in Atlanta, Georgia.
Homegoing Service: Thursday, August 9, 2007 at 11:00 AM
Walston Clark Funeral Directors LLC
412 Bern Street
North Carolina 28560
Phone: (252) 637-7746
Fax: (252) 637-5153
Please send condolences to either:
Walston Clarks Funeral Home
412 Bern Street
New Bern, North Carolina 28560
Phone: (252) 637-7746
Fax: (252) 637-5153
Or
Saint Philip A. M. E. Church
240 Candler Road SE
Atlanta, GA 30317
404-371-0749
Please remember the family in prayer.
24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mother Bernice Hicks Tooks, the sister of Dr. Anna Burnett Graham, 12th Episcopal District General Board Member, Strategic Planning Member and Past President of the 12th Episcopal District WMS, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, August 3, 2007. Mother Tooks was an Alumna of Shorter College.
Please note the following arrangements:
Viewing:
Friday, August 10, 2007
6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Myers Mortuary
845 Washington Blvd.
Ogden, UT 84404
Phone: 801-399-5613
Fax: 801-399-5624
Funeral:
Saturday, August 11, 2007
11:00 AM
Second Baptist Church
227 27th Street
Ogden, UT 84401
Reverend Charles Petty, officiating
Condolences and Acts of Kindness may be sent to:
Dr. Anna Burnett Graham
515 West University
Magnolia, AR 71753
You may contact her via cell phone until Sunday, August 12, 2007.
Cell: 870-949-2459
Home: 870-234-0840
25. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action
Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
E-mail: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936
Fax: (615) 833-3781
Cell: (615) 403-7751
26. 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
1. NOTICE FOR ALL CANDIDATES FOR BISHOP, GENERAL OFFICER OR JUDICIAL COUNCIL:
To process your application, please send, or have the following items sent to the office of the General Secretary/CIO at 500 Eighth Avenue, South, Nashville, TN 37203:
1. Have the Health Department or Department of Vital Statistics from your birth County or State send directly to the Office of the General Secretary/CIO a certified copy of your birth certificate. Xerox copies that you have on hand are not acceptable.
2. Submit a copy of your Elder’s Ordination Certificate. Make certain that the Presiding Bishop’s name and the Annual Conference are legible
3. Request from your present Presiding Bishop a letter to be sent to the General Secretary indicating that your present place of service and stating that you are in good and regular standing in your Annual Conference. Lay persons must submit a letter from your Pastor stating that you are in good standing in your local church.
4. Submit a copy of your College and seminary Diploma(s).
5. Submit a recent photograph (black and with glossy).
Deadline for submission is June 4, 2008
Be encouraged in your aspirations.
Editor’s note: Dr. Fugh emphasizes that all candidates must follow the protocol as stated above. Announcing your candidacy in various public venues does not certify that one is a candidate. A telephone call to the General Secretary cannot certify a candidate telephonically. The protocol above is the only way one can be a certified candidate at the 2008 General Conference.
2. PEARL STREET AME CHURCH, JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI CHOIR TO SING AT GREAT BETHEL AME, NASHVILLE FOR 125TH AME PUBLISHING HOUSE ANNIVERSARY:
Jackson's Pearl Street African Methodist Episcopal Church choir will sing at the 125-year celebration of the A.M.E. church's Sunday School Union at 7 p.m. Friday at Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church, 1300 South St., Nashville. The A.M.E. church's Sunday School Union is the oldest black religious publishing house in the country. The celebration will culminate at 10 a.m. Aug. 11 at the A.M.E. Church Sunday School Union Building, 500 Eighth Ave. South, Nashville. For details, call (615) 256-5882.
The Keynote Sermon will be delivered by the Rt. Reverend Gregory G.M. Ingram, presiding prelate of the 10th Episcopal District and chair of the Commission on Publications.
The Dedication of the Annex, 512 Eighth Avenue, South will be held on Saturday, August 11 at 10 a.m.
3. THE 2007 WMS QUADRENNIAL:
*Mr. John Thomas III
“There is no place like home.” Thousands of AME youth from around the world journeyed “home” to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from July 16-20, 2007 for the 16th Quadrennial Convention of the Young People’s and Children’s Division (YPD) of the Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) of the African Methodist Episcopal Church with the theme “Jesus, I’m Loving Him!”. Under the capable leadership and guidance of Bishop Richard F. Norris (Host Prelate and Chairman of the Commission of Global Witness and Ministry), Mother Mary Norris (Host Supervisor), Rev. Dr. George F. Flowers (Director, Global Witness and Ministry)., Mrs. Paulette Cryer (Connectional YPD Director), and Mr. Emile Gauthier-Washington (Connectional YPD President), the youth of Richard and Sarah Allen truly shone.
Although participants began arriving on Friday July 13, the first structured activity was a worship service at Mother Bethel on Sunday July 15 with Rev. Jeffrey Leath preaching a dynamic sermon entitled “Standing in the Need of Mercy” (Luke 10:36-37). Afterwards, the Connectional YPD Leadership and the early arrivals toured historic Philadelphia via bus. The official Opening Worship service Monday July 16 showcased the rich musical tradition of African Methodism from anthems to contemporary praise songs—including a stirring rendition of “God Our Father, Christ Our Redeemer, Man our Brother”— sung by the First Episcopal District Youth Choir. Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah, President of the Council of Bishops and Presiding Prelate of the 20th Episcopal District, delivered an inspiring message: “When People Do Not Take You Seriously”. (Luke 24). The evening concluded with a sumptuous welcome reception sponsored by the First Episcopal District.
The Quadrennial began in earnest on Tuesday July 17 following the Monique Gonzales Memorial Service. After the roll call and Credentials Committee report, Bishop David Daniels, Jr., Presiding Prelate of the 14th Episcopal District, gave the keynote address regarding international development and the work of the AME Church in West Africa. After the business session, numerous activities were held including Skill shops for the Mother’s Sunbeams, the Allen Star Spelling Bee, Bible Bowl preliminary rounds, and a Model United Nations Simulation. The evening featured the Class of 2007 High School and College Graduate ceremony with participants recognized across the connection for their academic achievements. Dr. Calvin Mackie, renowned speaker and inventor, inspired the audience through his story of overcoming struggles from having poor educational background to surviving Hurricane Katrina. The night ended with a business session featuring reports from Districts 14-20. All District reports and a majority of the Officer reports were via Microsoft PowerPoint™—a technological innovation enhancing the experience while maintaining punctuality.
On Wednesday July 18, the day opened with a “Hip Hop Bible Study” conducted by Rev. Anthony Reed. Presentations were delivered until the special “Black and White Affair” lunch which recognized the participation of Districts 14-20 and fundraising endeavor to create an educational fund for those Districts. Rev. Darius Thomas of Greater Allen Cathedral, New York was the featured speaker. The afternoon business was filled with officer reports and the second Bible Bowl preliminary round. Rap icon LL Cool J (member of Allen Cathedral, New York) greeted the YPDers and briefly discussed tithing and hip-hop. The YPD Graduation ceremony honoring “OPDers” leaving the organization and Directors with 8/9 years of service took place in the evening. Rev. Matthew Watley (a Past Connectional YPD President) charged the honorees to be vigilant with the message “God Says Stand Up” (John 2).
Thursday July 19 started with the final Bible Bowl matches resulting in the 10th District as champions and the 6th District as runners-up. Entrepreneur Gail Perry Mason addressed the Convention sharing words of wisdom on financial stewardship. The Quadrennial’s attention turned to the election process at the conclusion of the business session. After days and nights of intense campaigning and caucusing worthy of the General Conference, the delegates heard from the candidates and voted. The delegates and observers demonstrated outstanding decorum and command of parliamentary procedure during the lengthy election process (which included machine changes and a nullified ballot for 2nd Vice President). With the elections completed, the assembly recessed to the closing session. A Connectional Leadership Symposium was also held for selected YPDers featuring financial training and dialogue with the Bishops and others persons regarding leadership experiences. The last item of business was a resolution adopted urging the WMS to maintain the YPD leaving age at 26. The installation service proceeded as planned with recognition and appreciation enthusiastically expressed for the outgoing Executive Board and the continued service of Mrs. Cryer. The Convention was capped with “An Evening of Entertainment” featuring violinist Mr. Daniel Davis (7) and gospel artist Tye Tribett and Greater Anointing. In addition to ministering the spiritual and musical needs of the audience, the event also served as a fundraiser for Districts 14-20.
The 16th YPD Quadrennial Convention will go down in history as a successful spirit-filled endeavor. The “decent and orderly” fashion of transacting business, the enthusiastic participation and presence of YPDers from all corners of the Connection, and the spirit filled worship experiences are proof positive that AME youth are continuing to “Grow, Glow, and Go for Christ”. The Connectional Church at all levels must continue to nurture these jewels of our Zion to ensure that they will take their proper place as heirs to the legacy of Richard Allen.
Elected Connectional YPD Officers 2007-2011
President Mr. Reginald Cleaver, Jr. (12)
1st Vice President Mr. Doug Bynum (2)
2nd Vice-President Mr. Brian Alexander Tukes (6)
3rd Vice-President *
Recording Secretary Ms. Erica Austin (4)
Asst. Recording Secretary Ms. Tia Fortune Thomas (1)
Financial Secretary Mr. Trey Swinton (7)
Communications Secretary Ms. Shadé A. Hyche (9)
Parliamentarian Mr. John Corrodon (16)
Historiographer/Statistician Mr. Wendell T. Robinson, Jr. (3)
Worship Director Ms. Angelica Rucker (5)
Editor of YPD Newsletter *
Assoc. Editor of Newsletter *
* New office created by Constitutional Amendment to be filled by the Connectional Executive Board pending ratification of the YPD Constitution by the 2008 General Conference.
The Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) of the African Methodist Episcopal Church transformed Philadelphia—the “City of Brotherly Love”—into a magnet of Christian activism during the 16th Quadrennial Convention held from July 20-25, 2007. Using the theme “Soaring on a Legacy of Service: Our Global Imperative” (Isaiah 40:31), the followers of Sarah Allen soared under the leadership and support of Bishop Richard F. Norris (Host Prelate and Chairman of the Commission of Global Witness and Ministry), Mother Mary Norris (Host Supervisor), Rev. Dr. George F. Flowers (Executive Director, Global Witness and Ministry), and Mrs. Jamesina M. Evans (Connectional WMS President).
The Quadrennial Convention officially opened Saturday July 21 morning with a spirit filling morning worship service led by the Episcopal Fathers and Mothers. The endless sea of white-garbed missionaries in the Philadelphia Convention Center auditorium was a tangible witness to the presence and power of the daughters of Sarah Allen. During the service, President Evans presented $2000 to Districts 14-20 (totaling $14,000) raised during the YPD Quadrennial as a gesture of missionary commitment. Bishop James L. Davis, Presiding Prelate of the 19th Episcopal District, delivered a prophetic message with the topic “A Ministry that Prolongs Life” (Luke 7:11-15, 17). After the Connectional Leadership Luncheon, the opening business session began with the Tanner Turner Memorial Service entitled “Footprints in the Sands of Time” under the direction of Ms. D’Juana Duncombe. After a lengthy debate regarding the Credentials Committee, the delegations were properly seated and officers began their reports. (It should be noted that there were more Life Members than elected Delegates for all but one of Districts 1-13 with several having a Life Member to Delegate ratio of over 2 to 1). The evening ended with a Welcome Reception hosted by the First Episcopal District.
Sunday July 22 began with “A Worship Experience to Eradicate HIV/AIDS in Our Lifetime”. Bishop Sarah F. Davis, Presiding Prelate of the 18th Episcopal District, preached a touching sermon “The Issue of Blood” (Mark 5:21-24). After the service, the business of the Quadrennial session continued with District reports. The Districts wore specific uniforms transforming the Convention Center into a kaleidoscope of color. The President’s luncheon took place with television and film writer/producer Ms. Andrea Wiley as the speaker. The entertainment also included dance and musical performances highlighting the global reach of African Methodism. After lunch, the Quadrennial experienced “Sometimes They Cry”—a moving monologue performance by actress Sheryl Lee Ralph dealing with the struggles of living with HIV/AIDS. The evening was capped with the First District Banquet.
Monday July 23 started with the introduction of Affiliated and Ecumenical Partnerships. Various persons including Elnora P. Hamb (President, Women’s Missionary Council of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church), Else Adjali (Vice-President, World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women), Gail Mengel (President, Church Women United), and Don Williams (Bread for the World) visited the Quadrennial attesting to the WMS’s legacy of Christian partnership for social action. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) sent representatives to discuss the WMS partnership in the Campaign to end Fistula—a birth canal injury that often goes untreated in developing countries. AME Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (D-Michigan) delivered an inspiring Keynote Address calling the WMS to continued political activism on the eve of the 2008 United States Presidential elections. In the evening, the Convention Hall became a sea of red in honor of President Evans as she read her report. Later debate ensued on proposed amendments to the WMS Constitution. While there were several parliamentary mishaps, the spirited level of discussion was undeterred. Adjustments were made to ease the organization of Societies for small congregations and the functioning of the Conference Branch. The most passionate debate occurred regarding the YPD age, yet the WMS honored the resolution presented by the YPD and the age remained unchanged. Adjustments, however, were made to the age requirements for office so that candidates must be between 13 to 22 years to run for Connectional office and less than 25 years to contest office at any other level. A resolution regarding funding for the YPD was not acted upon.
Governor Ed Rendell (D-Pennsylvania) and Michael Nutter (Democratic nominee for mayor of Philadelphia) addressed the Quadrennial convention later in the evening. The session ended with an impromptu recognition of numerous long-lived members of the WMS from across the Connection including Lily Boyd (13), AME Logan (12), Ruth Akins (12), Janice Boarden (8), Rachel Jenkins (7), Martha Green (2), and Mrs. Cole (16). Several of these distinguished nonagenarians and centurions had been in attendance at all 16 Quadrennial Conventions. The recognition of the senior members of the WMS progressed into the evening with the “Dreamgirls” joint Life Member and Young Women’s Initiative (YWI) Event. This evening of talent was hosted by Supervisor Stan McKenzie of the 13th Episcopal District and featured various live excerpts from the acclaimed Broadway Musical and movie of the same name. The evening ended with another business session featuring District reports.
Tuesday July 24 opened with reports from the Missionaries-on the-Move (MOM) and Dollars of Love initiatives. In addition to their monetary collections over the quadrennium, five busloads of MOM participants visited Philadelphia shelters in an outreach effort during the Quadrennial Convention. The election of officers composed the order of business for the afternoon meeting. Although the office of 1st Vice-President was the only openly contested office, campaigning was none the less spirited. During the report of the Nominating Committee it was observed by Retired Supervisor Dr. Dolly Adams that several candidates had served as Connectional Officers in excess of 16 years and were ineligible for reelection per the WMS Constitution. The Nominating Committee reconvened and stated the years of office for the various candidates confirming that Missionary Magazine Editor Dr. Rosa M. Baxter could not run. Dr. Baxter gracefully stepped aside while agreeing to continue her work until the confirmation of a successor. She received the grateful thanks of the Quadrennial Convention and special commendations expressed by the 6th and 9th Episcopal Districts. The election proceeded to go smoothly with all but one office filled by voice vote per the WMS Constitution. Dr. Shirley Hopkins Davis (8) decisively won the office of 1st Vice-President against Dr. Henrietta S. Attles (1). The evening was capped with the Quadrennial Extravaganza featuring Retired Supervisor Beverly Adams Thomas, Connectional WMS Director of Worship Mrs. Barbara McNeely-Bouie (2) and the Philadelphia Dance Company.
The final day of the Quadrennial, July 25, started with a Bible study focusing on Isaiah presented by Dr. Marianne Dyson and continued with recognitions and awards from several WMS components including Missionary Magazine subscription prizes. The following resolutions were presented to the Convention by the Resolutions Committee chaired by Fifth District Supervisor Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant:
- Establishment of Archives for the WMS
- Commendation to Rev. Dr. Gloria White Hammond (1) for Work in Darfur
- HIV/AIDS
- Environmental Justice
- AME presence in India
- Security and Stability in Somalia
- Multi-National Women’s Development Forum
- Hip-Hop Generation
- Short Term Multi-District Mission Initiative
In a true demonstration of the missionary spirit, at least $25,000 was raised to aid the work in Darfur of Dr. Hammond. The meeting closed with the installation of officers, Sending Forth Ceremony, and the Missionary Benediction.
The 16th WMS Quadrennial Convention will be remembered for its missionary spirit and Christian witness. The daughters of Sarah Allen truly soared as they demonstrated to the world their continued call towards Christian ministry and fellowship. The WMS has a strong legacy on which it continues to build and it is hoped that it will continue to go forward doing the work of God through the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Elected Connectional WMS Officers 2007-2011
President Mrs. Jamesina M. Evans (5)
1st Vice-President Dr. Shirley Hopkins Davis (8)
2nd Vice-President Dr. Bella G. Parker (4)
3rd Vice-President Mrs. Passion Nhekairo-Musa (20)
Recording Secretary Mrs. Cheryl Jones (10)
Asst. Recording Secretary Mrs. Elvira Y. Douglas (16)
Corresponding Secretary Mrs. Betty Lindsey (12)
Treasurer Dr. Ginger A. Parker (11)
Director of YPD Mrs. Paulette Cryer (7)
Editor, The Missionary Magazine *
Assoc. Editor, The Missionary Magazine Mrs. Violet Lodi (19)
Promotion and Missionary Education Director Mrs. Corinne W. Thomas (2)
Parliamentarian Mrs. Peola H. McCaskill (2)
Historiographer/Statistician Mrs. Adrienne A. Morris (3)
Director of Worship Mrs. Barbara McNeely-Bouie (11)
Member-At-Large Ms D’Juana Duncombe (9)
* Office will be filled by the Executive Board due to ineligibility of candidate at time of election. Underline denotes newly elected officer.
The author especially thanks the delegations from the 13th and 16th Episcopal Districts for their fellowship and assistance during the YPD and WMS Quadrennials. The author also acknowledges the contributions of Dr. Rosa M. Baxter (6) and the WMS Quadrennial Media & Public Relations Committee to these articles.
*Mr. John Thomas III graduated this year with a Master of Arts Degree from Princeton University and will continue his graduate studies at the University of Chicago where he will be working on his Ph.D in history.
4. THE 16TH QUADRENNIAL CONVENTION OF THE WMS ADOPTS COMPREHENSIVE RESOLUTIONS:
The Rev C. Phyllis Gearring-Anderson
At the closing session of the historic Quadrennial Convention President Jamesina Evans presiding; 9 (nine) vision – shaping, action oriented resolutions were adopted for the in coming quadrennium.
The Resolutions Committee chaired by the Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant, Supervisor of the 5th Episcopal District embraced Matthew 5:14 as their text, “You are the Light of the world.”
A summative report of the resolutions follows. For the complete text, consult the Connectional office.
Resolution 1: Establishment of Archive for WMS Thirteenth Episcopal District.
Author – Dr. Sylvia Ross Talbot, former Supervisor
Resolution 2: Commendation to Rev. Gloria White Hammond for her sacrificial and Courageous Missionary Initiatives on behalf of the persecuted Christians in Sudan. Donations and Pledges totaling $25,000 was received for her work with “My Sister’s Keeper.”
1st Episcopal District
Jewel McAshan President, Presenter
Mary Norris, Episcopal Supervisor
Resolution 3: HIV/AIDS
To promote testing, education, awareness and services for those infected with of affected by HIV/AIDS.
Fourth Episcopal District
Dr. Joann Cousin, Supervisor
Resolution 4 Environmental Justice
To promote awareness and activism concerning the ecological conditions of African, African American and people of color world-wide. To target environmental racism and its impact. We call the WMS to a “Moratorium of Excess”
Submitted by: Dr. Pam DeVeaux, Episcopal Supervisor 6th; Dr. Coretta McMillon Howell, 6th Resolutions Chair, Co Sponsors; Dr. Yvonne Parks Episcopal Supervisor 8th; Mrs. Melonie Thibodeaux, Chair Resolutions 8th; Mrs. Irene Daniels, Episcopal Supervisor 14th; Supervisor Patricia Russell McCloud, Office of Ecumenical and Urban Affairs; the Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant Episcopal Supervisor 5th
5. READER RESPONSES TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
- To the Editor:
I am extremely grateful to read you comments and thoughts regarding the acquisition of credible credentials as a prerequisite to service in ministry in our great church. I am a seminary student, work full time and care for my family and sometimes see the challenge overwhelming. Your words have been an encouragement to me.
Rev. Ellsworth Tolliver
- To the Editor:
Thanks for tackling “the two big sins” of clergy. “Doctors” are now a “dime a dozen,” but pastors are hard to find.
Vinton Anderson.
6. ALLEN UNIVERSITY’S ACCREDITATION SUCCESSFULLY REAFFIRMED BY THE SOUTHERN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES & SCHOOLS (SACS):
Allen University in Columbia, S.C. has operated for the past ten years as a fully accredited four-year liberal arts university. This June 2007, Allen’s accreditation was successfully reaffirmed by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools (SACS). This reaffirmation of accreditation will last 10 years until 2017, and signifies the University’s present trajectory of tremendous growth and progress.
Historical Overview
With many of its buildings registered as early twentieth century historic landmarks, Allen University blends the tradition of a well preserved historic campus, with the technology of recently renovated and newly constructed state-of-the-art facilities. Erected in 1881, Allen University’s Arnett Hall is the oldest building in South Carolina built by African Americans, and Allen’s campus is home to 6 buildings registered as national historic landmarks, more than any historically black college or university in America.
Present View
Allen has recently completed the restoration of the Chappelle Administration Building; the city of Columbia is contributing one million dollars to the renovation of Chappelle Auditorium; Gibbs Hall has been completely renovated; the Old Waverly Good Samaritan Hospital is being converted into an Academic Resource Center; construction and retrofitting have begun on the old Food Lion store which will now house the Student Development
Center; and construction has begun on a new state-of-the-art 480-bed student dormitory to be completed January 2009.
Future Vision
Allen has begun plans for the construction of a Living and Learning Center that will serve as a dormitory for 200 students, a cafeteria for 400 students, a Counseling Center, and a Health & Wellness Center for January 2008; a Leadership Development Center which will be placed in the center of campus that will house a Learning Resource Center, a Reading and Writing Center, and a Research and Technology Center for September 2008; and a Student Residential Life Center which will include a 700 bed dormitory and a Student Convenience Complex which will house stores that provide students with products essential to campus life, as well as facilities where they can recreate and socialize in a clean and safe environment for January 2009.
Strategic Growth Program
Allen University has committed to the investment of tens of millions of dollars toward the fulfillment of its Strategic Growth Program, whose end result is the betterment of every aspect of university life. From the increase of its students and faculty, the advancement of its academics and administration, to the augmentation of its facilities and finances, Allen University is poised for excellence in the new millennium.
National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Program
Through the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Program, Allen University has been granted several million dollars to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics to minority high school students. Allen is ever-seeking to broaden the scope of its scholarship opportunities and to support the largest number of qualified applicants for general admission.
Contact –
Patrick Inyangetor, Ph.D.
Chairman of the Division of
Mathematics and Natural Sciences
(803) 376.5933
nnsa@allenuniversity.edu
Quality Enhancement Program (QEP)
Through the Quality Enhancement Program each student who enters Allen
University receives personalized support and services designed to improve their composition skills and enhance their overall academic performance. The goal of the program is to strengthen each student’s learning throughout the University by improving their written communication skills through new uses of current on-site technology.
School For Professional Adults (SPA)
Allen University has recently established The School for Professional Adults which is specifically designed for working adults. The program offers adult learners the opportunity to pursue undergraduate degree programs in Religion or Business Administration, and offers flexible schedules and services that support evening and weekend programs.
Contact –
Kimberly J. Pennamon, M.A.
Director of School for Professional Adults
(803) 376.5787
kpennamon@allenuniversity.edu
Business Administration Program
Allen University has recently expanded its traditional Business major for both undergraduate and adult students and now offers four new Business Administration concentrations in Real Estate Development, Banking and Finance, Accounting, and Organizational Management.
Contact -
Walter C. Howard, Ph.D.
Vice President of Academic Affairs
803.376.5780
whoward@allenuniversity.edu
7. NORTHEAST OKLAHOMA CONFERENCE LAY ORGANIZATION WILL HOST A BENEFIT DINNER THEATRE FOR SHORTER COLLEGE:
*Jackie Weary
The Central Northeast Oklahoma Conference Lay Organization will be hosting a benefit Dinner Theatre for Shorter College, Little Rock, Arkansas, Friday, September 14, 2007, 7:00 PM at the Radisson Inn-Airport, Tulsa, Oklahoma during the 131st Session of our Annual Conference.
Shorter College is one of our Historically Black Colleges and we are striving to keep hope alive and give students who normally would not be able to go to college based on ACT and SAT scores an opportunity to prove themselves otherwise and attend a school of Higher Learning. Contracts have been made with Henderson State College in Arkadelphia, Arkansas and Paul Quinn College in Dallas, Texas so that students can transfer and all credits be accepted. To God Be the Glory!
Funds raised will help pay tuition and keep food pantry stocked so that the students will have nourishing food while attending school. Please help us keep hope alive by assisting students in continuing their education. Donations for tickets are $75.00, full table - $750.00 or a half table at $375.00. For those of you who will not be able to attend, tickets will go to Youth/YPD who will not be able to purchase tickets. Please help us in this endeavor. Please send donations to:
Mary Russell-Treasurer
P O Box 263
Taft, OK 74463
*Sister Jackie Weary (jw1059@aol.com) is the President, Lay Organization
Central Northeast Oklahoma Conference
8. ST. PAUL AME CHURCH OCALA, FLORIDA CELEBRATES THE “100 MEN MARCH”:
It was truly the day the Lord had made. The sky was clear and blue with no gray to be seen anywhere. It was designated a special day in the life of the church at St. Paul AME Church on Tucker Hill, Ocala Florida. The “100 Men March” was significant for the men of the church to celebrate their manhood and the role models they are and ought to be in the community. Sunday, July 29, 2007 was historic. These faithful men in Ocala were determined to be the leaders God intended. Their mission was to be strong in their faith and strong in their convictions.
The worship service was spearheaded by the Sons of Allen and the Men’s Ministry which included members of Greek Fraternities, Masonic Orders and a guest Male Chorus as worship participants. It was a day that the Lord had made! As it should, processional sounded the worship service with “Come We that Love the Lord…..We’re Marching to Zion” as well as the hymn of praise, which was “Rise Up O Men of God”. It was then that the tone for the morning was set!
The uniqueness of the celebration for St. Paul AME Church, Ocala, Florida is the leadership. Pastor Joy Gallmon, the first female pastor recognizes the need for a strong male presence in any congregation and honored the request of the men of faith to share this day with the community. The City of Ocala was called to worship by the church on Tucker Hill. Pastor Gallmon and the members of St. Paul AME Church left nothing to chance and invited the Presiding Prelate of the 11th Episcopal District, Bishop McKinley Young to deliver the morning message. He gave his text from Luke 5:17-26 and preached a sermon entitled, “Remarkable Men of Faith”. Bishop Young carefully told the story of Jesus teaching the Pharisees and lawyers and described him as a creative, sincere and authentic teacher. He explained that Jesus respected all and treated everyone the same and there we no gap in the way he lived. Luke’s Gospel in chapter 5 continues with the story of a paralytic whose friends carried him on a mat to the house where Jesus was teaching. Due to size of the crowd, the men were not able to enter through the door. Bishop Young went to say that these friends were remarkable because they helped the cripple by climbing to the roof of the house, removing the tiles and lowering the paralytic through the roof. These friends were extraordinary because they went beyond the ordinary so that Jesus could heal their friend. Bishop Young described the men as remarkable in their actions.
He gave more examples of remarkable men (people) such as Church School teachers, who encouraged their students to be anything they wanted to be. These persons “planted trees that provided shade that they would never set under, but paved the way for others”. Bishop Young asked the congregation, what had they done to help persons to see Jesus. He gave a roll call of “remarkable” people like Mary McLeod Bethune, Richard Allen, the Apostle of Freedom, and Dr. Martin Luther King, all remarkable in their cause to provide for the common good.
Bishop Young invited the congregation to look at the example of the paralytic’s friends who he called “remarkable men of faith” and asked that they provide opportunities for our young people to be what God intended.
The service was indeed a blessing to those present. The “march” called the men of St. Paul AME Church on Tucker Hill in Ocala Florida to…“be what God has ordained and destined them be for the up building of the Kingdom of God!”
9. NEWS AROUND THE AME CHURCH:
- The Reverend Ammie Davis Miller, (Lieutenant, USN), the Command Chaplain at the Marine Corps Air Station in Beaufort, South Carolina and President of the Alumni Association of Turner Theological Seminary will be the guest preacher at Saint Paul A.M.E. Church - Ashland City, Tennessee.
Service time is 11 o’clock on Sunday, August 12th. Saint Paul Church is located just 20 minutes from downtown Nashville, off Ashland City Highway (Hwy 12) at 105 Turner Street (turn right at the KFC/Taco Bell and Advanced Auto Parts stores). For more information please call Saint Paul A.M.E. Church, 615-792-4171 or email vetrel@mindspring.com
Submitted by the Reverend Vetrel Smith
Class of '99
- Friends and Family Day will be celebrated at Shorter Chapel AME Church, 255 Natchez Street, Franklin, Tennessee on Sunday, August 12. The theme is “We are Family.” Dinner will be served at the Shorter Chapel / Bazelia S. Harris Community Life Center prior to the afternoon 3 p.m. worship service. The Reverend Charlotte B. Sydnor is the pastor.
- The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Shorter Chapel / Bazelia S. Harris Community Life Center will be held on Friday, August 10 at 12 noon. The Chamber of Commerce will conduct the ceremony. The Shorter Chapel / Bazelia Life Center was dedicated by Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie in May. The building is a new facility that is making an impact upon the Franklin community.
10. ST. MARK MILWAUKEE ANNUAL BAZAAR AND BACK-TO-SCHOOL RALLY:
The Geraldine Bradford Missionary Society and the Christian Education Department of St. Mark A.M.E. Church, combines its ministries to sponsor the Annual Bazaar and the Annual Back-to-School Rally on Saturday, August 18, 2007, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The “Back-to-School Rally” will be held at the Lovell Johnson Quality of Life Center #2, located at 1530 W. Atkinson Ave. (across the street from the main church building.) The rally will start at 10:00 a.m. and end at 12:00 p.m.
The Bazaar will be held in Ezekiel Gillespie Fellowship Hall (lower level of the church), 1616 W. Atkinson Ave. The public is invited to attend this family festival. Activities for the Back-to-School Rally include–fun games, free school supplies, clown/face painting and more.
The Bazaar includes a fashion show at 1:30 p.m. as well as vendors, arts and crafts, boutiques, “Like Nu Clothing,” homemade bakery, door prizes, dinner, snacks and beverages, old fashion homemade ice cream, fresh squeezed lemonade, plus much, much more! Food will be available from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Carry outs available.)
Tickets can be purchased at the door for a donation of one dollar. Funds raised from this event will be used for the St. Mark Community Food Pantry. Both facilities are handicapped accessible. Please bring your family and friends and share in this fun-filled festival! Contact the church office (414) 562-8030 for additional information. Rev. Darryl R. Williams, Pastor.
Submitted by Ursula Milton
11. A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO BROTHER JAMES PRUITT:
Just a quick note to let you know of the special Tribute/Appreciation Service for our marvelous and much beloved Minister of Music, Brother James Pruitt. The service is scheduled for this coming Sunday afternoon August 12, 2007, beginning at 4:00 PM at Johnson Chapel located at the corner of Second and Bristol in the heart of Santa Ana, California. At that time we will come together to celebrate, not only the past five years during which Brother Pruitt has so faithfully and ably served our congregation, but also the forty-three (43) years of dedicated service that he has given to Ministry of Music both within our Zion and beyond.
During this lifetime of service, Brother Pruitt has repeatedly and skillfully utilized his considerable God-given gifts and talents to musically bring out the very best in others whenever and wherever he has been called upon to serve. On Sunday afternoon we will attempt in some small way, to say a simple "thank you" to this wonderfully gifted servant of God for that lifetime of labor
Those of you who know James Pruitt may be aware that, over the past year or so, Brother Pruitt has weathered considerable storms with regard to his health. I am pleased to report that these health challenges, while certainly serious, have neither broken his spirit nor prevented him from continuing to do that which he loves and has been divinely called and equipped to do. It is truly our hope and our prayer here at Johnson Chapel that God would bless us in such a way as to allow James Pruitt to continue to touch our heats and minister to our spirits as only he can, for many seasons to come. But these recent health challenges have served as a reminder to us all of the importance of not taking one another for granted, and giving flowers while one is still able enjoy them. That is the spirit of our gathering on Sunday, and we invite you to be present with us if you are in the Southern California area.
If for some reason you are not able to be with us, we invite to complete the attached form with your words of encouragement and tribute to him that can be included in a memory book that will be presented to him. You mail e-mail the form back to me at the above email address (pastor_myke@yahoo.com) or directly to the Church (johnsonchapel@yahoo.com).
You may of course also send a financial blessing to him that will communicate your love and appreciation for him. Checks should be made payable directly to James Pruitt and may be mailed to the Church Office at the following address:
Johnson Chapel AME Church
PO Box 3715
Santa Ana, CA 92703
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday if you are in Southern California or receiving your Memory Book Form and/or gift for Brother Pruitt by return mail. May the Lord richly bless you for your kindness!
Submitted by the Rev. Michael Barta
Senior Pastor
12. STUDY OF HISTORY IS NOT DEAD AND DRY, SAYS DR. MARK TYLER:
Thank you for making these few lines available to share my passion for preserving the history of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC) with the readership of the Christian Recorder. Unfortunately, too many people in our society regard the study of history as a dead and dry science. However, the study of the history of the AMEC is not dead nor is it dry. In fact, it is the story of God’s saving activity among a people, often with their backs against the wall. One cannot tell the story of African Methodism in the United States, Africa, and beyond without telling the story of God continually bringing us out safely.
The problem with spiritual amnesia is made clear in the Book of Judges. Throughout the book, the people of God continue to find themselves in trouble because they forget. When they forget, they worship strange new gods, they adopt the wicked ways of their neighbors, and they become powerless over their enemies. Each time they forget their own divine history, they are led into disobedience and rebellion. Yet, they are saved by remembering. Whenever they remember to call on the name of the Lord, their God, they are delivered. Forgetting leads to destruction, yet remembering leads to salvation. Mr. Editor, this is a word for African Methodism.
In order that we might remember, I am running for the office of Historiographer of the AMEC. If elected in 2008 at the General Conference, with God’s help, I plan to implement the following program:
1. Build the Official Archives of the AMEC to house our most important documents, including a special holding for the papers of our Bishops, General Officers, Pastors, Laity, and other notable persons
2. Commission the most exceptional scholars to write the most current volume of the History of the AMEC
3. Produce a DVD/VHS series documenting the history of the AMEC that will be available for use in New Member Orientation, Black History Month, and for other appropriate usages
4. Make the AME Review available in an online format
5. Create an ongoing dialogue with scholars concerned with the history of the AMEC
Many of the problems we face in our Church today can be tied directly to our collective amnesia. Maybe, we are so ready to preach the newest and latest theology from what we’ve seen on television simply because we’ve forgotten that before prosperity theology, we believed in a theology of Black Liberation (that would ultimately lead to a greater prosperity for all the people, not just the pastor!). When we forget, we rely more on fundraising than tithing. When we forget, we close our doors to hurting communities and become selective on whom we seek as new members. When we forget, we run the risk of rebelling against God and being alienated from God’s power.
But when we remember that we have not come all this way by ourselves, but that it was by the strong hand of God, then God becomes an active agent on our behalf. When we remember to call on God, our pews will fill again. When we remember to call on God, we won’t be reliant on the fish fry and the chicken dinner to bring us out. When we remember to call on God, people will have to compete for parking spaces in the lot and seats in the pews. If we, as a denomination, are to remain relevant and effective in this new millennium, we must remember to call on the name of the Lord!
If the AMEC elects me as the next Historiographer, I won’t forget!
Mark Kelly Tyler, Ph.D.
Candidate for the office of Historiographer, 2008
Pastor, Macedonia AMEC, Camden, New Jersey
TYL94@aol.com
856-365-3840
13. THE POWER OF PRAYER:
By: Delanda S. Johnson
On Sunday, July 29, Johnson Chapel AME Church in Malakoff experienced the magnificence, awesome, and powerful message of Rev. Juan Tolliver. Rev. Tolliver is the Pastor of St. Paul AME Church in Dallas, Texas.
He came with questions to the congregation, “Do you really know how to pray and do you know the reasons behind your prayer?”
In Rev. Tolliver’s message, he explains that God wants us to express our feelings. God doesn’t want us to fake our relationship with Him, but He wants us to talk to HIM.
Tolliver went to say that we must be very careful in what we pray for.
“When you come to God in pray, you should be coming to Him not just wanting something from Him, but you should be praying because He is our Heavenly Father,” said Tolliver.
“If you recall in the Bible, Jesus feed five thousand with on two fish and five barley loaves. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead and turned water into wine; all of these things were through the power of prayer,” said Tolliver.
Tolliver stated that we must not give up on prayer, but know the praying will change things.
When you pray, you must know what you mean when you are talking to the Lord. One may think that the length, texture, tone, etc., of our prayers is what God is looking and/or listening for, but it is the sincerity of our prayer.
Tolliver said, “You must not let anything or anyone stop you from communicating with God in prayer. Ask yourself this question, “Do you let anything distract you while you are praying?”
“If you answer is yes, then you must understand that there should be nothing in the way to stop you from praying. However, when God teaches you how to pray, then you will honor God first.
Tolliver stated that your burdens belong to the Lord, so when you pray don’t pick up your problems; just know that God will fix it.
“If you pray, why worry? If you worry, why pray?” said Tolliver.
14. FUND FOR THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION INVITES CONGREGATIONS TO APPLY FOR GRANTS:
Deadline: October 15, 2007
The Fund for Theological Education (http://www.thefund.org/) is a national advocate for excellence and diversity in Christian ministry and theological scholarship. To help congregations identify and nurture the next generation of leaders for the church, the fund is offering competitive grants for grassroots programs that cultivate a sense of Christian vocation and the call to ministry among youth.
The grants are awarded through the fund's Calling Congregations initiative, a national ecumenical effort to encourage and equip churches to play a leading role in the vocational discernment of young men and women and to increase the number of gifted young people considering ordained ministry as a profession. The Lilly Endowment, Inc. (http://www.lillyendowment.org/) funds the initiative.
Grants are made to congregations and are intended to support the "culture of call" within congregations. However, grants may include support for activities that foster partnerships between the congregation and campus ministries, theological schools, camps, denominational bodies, and other congregations in strengthening the congregation's capacity to nurture vocation and the call to ministry.
FTE will award $200,000 in total grants over three years, beginning in 2007. Grants will range from $5,000 to $12,000 each.
Program information and application forms are available at the fund's Web site.
RFP Link:
http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/10008304/thefund
For additional RFPs in Religion, visit:
http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_religion.jhtml
15. SEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2007 ANNUAL CONFERENCES:
The Rt. Reverend Preston Warren Williams II, Presiding Prelate
Dr. Wilma D. Williams, Supervisor
THE PALMETTO CONFERENCE
97TH SESSION
August 20-24, 2007
Morris Brown A.M.E. Church
13 Morris Street
Charleston, SC 29403
843-723-1961
Rev. Joseph Darby, Host Pastor
Rev. Charles Graves, Host Presiding Elder
Rev. Allen W. Parrott, Associate Presiding Elder
Rev. Rosalyn Coleman, Associate Presiding Elder
THE NORTHEAST CONFERENCE
116TH SESSION
August 27-31, 2007
Mt. Pisgah A.M.E. Church
217 W. Bartlette Street
Sumter, SC 29150
803-775-3844
Rev. M. Charmaine Ragin Whittleton,
Host Pastor
Rev. Robert L. McCants, Host Presiding Elder
Rev. William Smith, Jr., Associate Presiding Elder
Rev. Robert B. Cooper, Associate Presiding Elder
THE COLUMBIA CONFERENCE
130TH SESSION
September 10-14, 2007
Bethel A.M.E. Church
819 Woodrow Street
Columbia, SC 29205
803-779-0138
Rev. Dr. Ronnie E. Brailsford, Sr., Host Pastor
Rev. Sandy W. Drayton, Host Presiding Elder
Rev. James R. Glover, Associate Presiding Elder
Rev. Joseph Postell, Associate Presiding
THE SOUTH CAROLINA CONFERENCE
144TH SESSION
September 17-21, 2007
Mother Emmanuel A.M.E. Church
110 Calhoun Street
Charleston, SC 29403
843-722-2561
Rev. Joseph Darby, Host Pastor
Rev. John Randolph, Host Presiding Elder
Rev. John H. Gillison, Associate Presiding Elder
Rev. Samuel Myers, Associate Presiding Elder
THE PIEDMONT CONFERENCE
98TH SESSION
October 1-5, 2007
Allen Temple AME Church
109 Green Avenue
Greenville, South Carolina 29601
864-233-4191
Rev. Samuel McPherson, Host Pastor
Rev. Jonathan J. Baker, Host Presiding Elder
Rev. Oscar A. Klugh, Associate Presiding Elder
THE CENTRAL CONFERENCE
84TH SESSION
October 8-12, 2007
Williams Chapel A.M.E. Church
1198 Glover Street
Orangeburg, SC 29115
803-826-6410
Rev. Caesar R. Richburg, Host Pastor
Rev. Dr. Juenarrl Keith, Host Presiding Elder
Rev. Malachi Duncan, Associate Presiding Elder
Rev. Clementa Pinckney, Associate Presiding Elder
SEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT
POST-CONFERENCE PLANNING MEETING
November 8 - 10, 2007
Florence Civic Center
Florence, SC
Rev. Robert B. Cooper, Host Presiding Elder
Rev. Robert L. McCants, Associate Presiding Elder
Rev. William Smith, Associate Presiding Elder
16. THE 2007 TWELFTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:
The Rt. Reverend Richard Allen Chappelle, Sr., Presiding Prelate
Dr. Barbara Jeanne Chappelle, Supervisor
Oklahoma Annual Conference
September 4, 2007
WMS Convention
September 5-9, 2007
Avery Chapel A.M.E. Church
1425 No. Kelham* Oklahoma City, OK 73117
Church Phone: (405) 424-3331
Pastor’s Phone: (405) 514-2003
The Reverend Isaac N. Hudson, Jr., Host Pastor
The Reverend Edward E. Davis, Host Presiding Elder
The Reverend Lonnie Johnson, Associate Presiding Elder
Central Northeast Oklahoma Conference
September 11, 2006
WMS Convention
September 12-16, 2007
Vernon A.M.E. Church
307-311 North Greenwood *Tulsa, OK 74120-1038
Church Phone: (918) 587-1428
Pastor's Phone: (918) 430-1183
The Reverend Michelle K. T. Moulden, Host Pastor
The Reverend Dennis J. Hampton, Host Presiding Elder
The Reverend Pollie W. Ragsdale, Associate Presiding Elder
East Northeast Arkansas Conference
September 25, 2007
WMS Convention
September 26-30, 2007
Bethel A.M.E. Church
2403 East Barton * West Memphis, AR 72301
Church Phone: (870) 732-3446/(870) 732-9660
Pastor’s Phone: (501) 224-6473
The Reverend Mary V. Williams, Host Pastor
The Reverend Lewie A. Norful, Host Presiding Elder
The Reverend Napoleon Davis, Jr., Associate Presiding Elder
Central Arkansas Conference
October 9, 2007
WMS Convention
October 10-14, 2007
St. John A.M.E. Church
1117 West Pullen * Pine Bluff, AR 71601
Church Phone: (870) 535-3760
Pastor’s Phone: (870) 535-3123
The Reverend W. R. Norful, Sr., Host Pastor
The Reverend Thomas G. Allen, Host Presiding Elder
The Reverend Clarence Reynolds, Associate Presiding Elder
South Arkansas Conference
October 23, 2007
WMS Convention
October 24-28, 2007
Pilgrim Rest A.M.E. Church
522 North Bailey* Monticello, AR 71655
Church Phone: (870) 367-6530/(870) 367-2647
Pastor's Phone: (870) 535-2605
The Reverend Kent Broughton, Host Pastor
The Reverend James R. Hooper, Host Presiding Elder
The Reverend Samuel L. Arnold, Associate Presiding Elder
West Arkansas Conference
November 6, 2005
WMS Convention
November 7-11, 2007
Visitors Chapel A.M.E. Church
319 Church Street *Hot Springs, AR 71901
Church Phone: (501) 623-2795
Pastor’s Phone: (501) 661-1543/(501) 940-9404
The Reverend Clarence Guy, Host Pastor
The Reverend Clarence V. Boyd, Sr., Host Presiding Elder
The Reverend Thomas W. Adair, Associate Presiding Elder
Arkansas Conference
November 13, 2007
WMS Convention
November 14-18, 2007
Union A.M.E. Church
1825 South Pulaski Street * Little Rock, AR 72206
Church Phone: (501) 374-3528
Pastor’s Phone: (501) 376-4685
The Reverend Randolph W. Martin, Sr., Host Pastor
The Reverend Eugene Brannon, Host Presiding Elder
The Reverend Charles M. Cleaver, Sr., Associate Presiding Elder
District Planning Meeting
December 6-8, 2007
Bethel A.M.E. Church
600 North Cedar Street
North Little Rock, AR 72114
Church Phone: (501) 374-3685
Pastor’s Phone: (501) 568-3437
The Reverend James Thomas, Host Pastor
The Reverend Charles M. Cleaver, Sr., Host Presiding Elder
The Reverend Eugene Brannon, Associate Presiding Elder
17. THE 2007 18TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:
The Rt. Reverend Sarah F. Davis, Presiding Prelate
Brother Claytie Davis, Jr., Episcopal Supervisor
August 22, 2007
WMS Convention
August 23 - 26, 2007
Botswana Annual Conference
Mochudi AMEC
Mochudi, Botswana
Reverend Godfrey Jankie, Host Pastor
August 29, 2007
WMS Convention
August 30 - September 2, 2007
Mozambique Annual Conference
Methodist Church
Beira Mozambique
Reverend Andre’ Massumuane, Host Pastor
October 10, 2007
Swaziland WMS Convention
October 11 - 14, 2007
Swaziland Annual Conference
Labotsibeni Memorial AME Church
Manzini, Swaziland
Reverend Paul M. Mavundla, Host Pastor
October 17, 2007
AME Schools Annual Educators’ Conference
Swaziland
October 24, 2007
WMS Convention
October 25 - 28, 2007
NE Lesotho Conference
Qachs’s Nek, Lesotho
Tiisetsong AME Church
Reverend I. S. Morahanye, P.E., Host
October 31, 2007
Lesotho WMS Convention
November 1 - 3, 2007
Lesotho Annual Conference
Maseru, Lesotho
Agnes Ball AME Church
Reverend I. L. Mohato, Host Pastor
December 5, 2007
Bishop and Presiding Elders’ Conference
Gaborone, Botswana
December 6, 2007
3rd Annual Prayer Conclave
Gaborone, Botswana
December 6 - 8, 2007
2007 Planning Meeting
Gaborone, Botswana
Reverend M. M. Moruakhomo, P.E., Host
December 31, 2007
City-Wide Watch Night Service
F. C. James Center Auditorium
Maseru Lesotho
18. EPISCOPAL FAMILY NEWS:
Dr. Wilma D. Williams, Supervisor of the 7th Episcopal District and wife of Bishop Preston Warren Williams, II, Presiding Bishop of the 7th Episcopal District, is being admitted to Jewish Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky on today, August 7th, for a short period.
Get well cards and well-wishes for Supervisor Wilma D. Williams can be sent to:
Jewish Hospital
200 Abraham Flexner Way
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 587-4011
Or to:
233 Holliday Road
Columbia, SC 29223
Submitted by:
Richard Lewis, Sr.
Treasurer/CFO Finance Department A.M.E. Church
19. EPISCOPAL FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We share the passing of the Reverend William Reid Wilkes, Jr., the eldest and only remaining son of Bishop William Reid Wilkes, Sr., 69th Elected and Consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The Funeral Service Celebrating the Life and works of Rev. Wilkes was held at 11:00 AM Friday, August 3, 2007 at Allen Temple A.M.E. Church, 1625 Simpson Rd. NW. The Rev. Dr. Claude R. James, pastor officiated. Bishop William P. DeVeaux was the eulogist.
Rev. Wilkes also taught religion at Morris Brown College. A graduate of Clark College, Rev. Wilkes was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. Those who cherished his memory includes his wife, Mrs. Marian Brown Wilkes, children, Pamela Wilkes Craft (Guy), William R. Wilkes, III, Reginald Wilkes (Anina), and Michelle Wilkes, grandchildren, Marion J. Slaton, Reina Wilkes, Caroline Wilkes, Warren Wilkes, Olivia Wilkes, and Amber Wilkes, several other relatives, members of various congregations, colleagues and friends.
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to announce the passing of the Reverend Elmer Snell, Local Elder at Anderson Chapel A.M.E. Church in Killeen, Texas on Sunday evening.
Service arrangements held:
Funeral:
Friday, August 3, 2007
12:00 Noon
Anderson Chapel A.M.E. Church
1002 Jefferies Avenue
Killeen, Texas 76543
254.690.5030 - phone
254.690.6453 - fax
www.andersonchapel.org
The Reverend William M. Campbell, Jr. - Senior Pastor
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Adalee Snell
1207 Arkansas Avenue
Killeen, TX 76541
Memorial gifts may be made to:
Sponsor a Child Association
Feed the Children
Submitted by:
The Rev. Dr. Sherryl A. Matlock-Pastor
St. James A.M.E. Church
Denton, Texas
21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Reverend Willa C. Martin, the mother of the Reverend Dr. Victoria Martin-Banks of Stockbridge, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on July 31, 2007. Reverend Martin-Banks is the pastor of Knights Monumental A.M.E. Church of the South Atlanta District.
Funeral Arrangements Entrusted to:
Creal Funeral Home
1940 Seventh Avenue South
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
727-896-2602
727-821-9486(fax)
The Funeral will be held on
Saturday, August 11, 2007 at 12:00 noon
Saint Mark A.M.E. Church
2401 Fifth Street South
St. Petersburg, FL 33705
Pastor Keturah Pittman
727-823-6666
No Fax
Condolences may be forwarded to:
The Martin family
7689 Lakeshore Court
Riverdale, GA 30296
22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to announce the passing of Mrs. Maxine Keyton, former director of the Augusta Georgia Conference YPD. Mrs. Virgil Maxine Fryer Curtis-Keyton entered into rest on Saturday, August 4, 2007.
Arrangements for Sister Maxine Keyton:
Family Visitation:
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Kinsey & Walton Funeral Home
3618 Peach Orchard Road
Augusta, GA 30906
(706) 790-8858
Funeral:
Thursday, August 9, 2007
11:00 a.m.
Butler Creek AME Church
Augusta, GA
The body will lie in at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of the funeral. Immediately after the service, she will be taken to the Mt. Tabor AME Church in Keysville, GA for burial.
23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mr. James Margerum, the brother of Reverend George Moore, Sr. went home to be with the Lord on August 4, 2007. Reverend Moore is the pastor of Saint Philip A.M.E. Church of the East Atlanta District in Atlanta, Georgia.
Homegoing Service: Thursday, August 9, 2007 at 11:00 AM
Walston Clark Funeral Directors LLC
412 Bern Street
North Carolina 28560
Phone: (252) 637-7746
Fax: (252) 637-5153
Please send condolences to either:
Walston Clarks Funeral Home
412 Bern Street
New Bern, North Carolina 28560
Phone: (252) 637-7746
Fax: (252) 637-5153
Or
Saint Philip A. M. E. Church
240 Candler Road SE
Atlanta, GA 30317
404-371-0749
Please remember the family in prayer.
24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mother Bernice Hicks Tooks, the sister of Dr. Anna Burnett Graham, 12th Episcopal District General Board Member, Strategic Planning Member and Past President of the 12th Episcopal District WMS, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, August 3, 2007. Mother Tooks was an Alumna of Shorter College.
Please note the following arrangements:
Viewing:
Friday, August 10, 2007
6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Myers Mortuary
845 Washington Blvd.
Ogden, UT 84404
Phone: 801-399-5613
Fax: 801-399-5624
Funeral:
Saturday, August 11, 2007
11:00 AM
Second Baptist Church
227 27th Street
Ogden, UT 84401
Reverend Charles Petty, officiating
Condolences and Acts of Kindness may be sent to:
Dr. Anna Burnett Graham
515 West University
Magnolia, AR 71753
You may contact her via cell phone until Sunday, August 12, 2007.
Cell: 870-949-2459
Home: 870-234-0840
25. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action
Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
E-mail: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936
Fax: (615) 833-3781
Cell: (615) 403-7751
26. 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.
