THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (8/1/08)

Bishop Richard Franklin Norris - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor, The Christian Recorder

1. EDITORIAL – THERE ARE SOME EVENTS THAT YOU CANNOT CELEBRATE – PART II:

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

Last week I mentioned that I had received two interesting messages.

The first was a graduation announcement that was not from an accredited institution; rather it was from, what some would consider, a degree mill. The second interesting email I received involved canned or mail order sermons.

Preparing sermons Sunday after Sunday is a rewarding, but at the same time, an enormous time-consuming chore. Preparing sermons Sunday after Sunday is hard work, if pastors take the time to prepare thought-provoking and theologically sound sermons.

Last week, I received a Website that offered to teach preachers how to preach and offered ministers “ready to preach” sermons and I wondered how many preachers succumbed to the temptations to order their sermons online. And, for those preachers who are not online, it’s just as easy and tempting to go to one of the religious book stores and purchase books of “ready to preach” prepared sermons; some of the sermons don’t have to be rewritten because a preacher can just print from a disc or cut them out of the book.

I recently saw that a preacher who had cut the pages out of a book and had even pasted parts of a newspaper article on a sheet of paper and preached his heart out. I thought to myself, “I know that he didn’t just cut a page out of a book!” I got distracted from the sermon and stood up to get a closer look and “sho’ nuf,” he had cut the pages out of a book.

I don’t think that it’s legitimate to steal sermons from the Internet or steal sermons from books. Teresa Fry Brown writes, “One lacks homiletical integrity, authority, creativity, character, calm, and spirituality if one's entire preaching life is stolen.” Dr. Brown is correct and preachers should resist the temptation to “steal” sermons.

Where does a preacher get ideas for sermons, week after week? Is it legitimate to preach canned sermons or to lift sermons off of the Internet? I don’t think so.

I do think that it’s legitimate for preachers to exchange ideas about how to handle biblical texts and to find out how other preachers have developed particular texts. I have been at annual conferences and other AME meetings and have listened to preachers talk about preaching and have gotten a lot of great sermon ideas. I have asked for and received sermons from preacher friends to see how they developed a text and have sent sermons to preacher friends so they could see how I handled a text. I have even been in a “pinch” and I know other pastors who have been in a “pinch” and have told, or been told, “Use it, refine it or whatever; just use it to the glory of God.” I have had telephone conversations with preachers who shared with me how they handled a text and I got excited and took notes like I was in a homiletics class.

I guess in a sense, “There is nothing new under the sun,” but sermon preparation, on a regular basis, should be a personal thing where the preacher allows the Holy Spirit to be a part of the message. There is no greater joy in ministry than homiletically preparing sermons, using biblical, secular, experiential, and shared sources and delivering the message to a congregation anxiously waiting to hear a Word from the LORD. And, when external sources are used it is appropriate to credit the source; as a matter of fact it reinforces the preacher’s integrity when he or she does so.

Not long ago, I heard a lay person, who said that she had written a poem that she wanted to recite. She recited one of the lesser known Maya Angelou poems. When she finished, she received a round of applause and I wanted to stand up and say, “You didn’t write that poem, Maya Angelou wrote that poem.”

I heard a preacher, in his sermon, relate about one of his experiences in China and we all knew that he probably had never been out of North Carolina. After the service, I asked him how did he like the food in China, and responded that he had never been to China. I guessed that he didn’t relate my question with his statement in “his sermon” about his experience in China.

Sermons off of the Internet and out of books stifle homiletical creativity; even though they make bold promises such as, how to put a sermon together; how to exegete a text; how to put together a sermon at the last minute; what to do when you don't have much time to prepare a sermon; and the promise, if you subscribe, to provide complete sermon manuscripts and related PowerPoint presentations. Preachers who succumb to the temptation will lose the ability to prepare sermons.

Watching too many televangelists can asphyxiate creativity; a preacher risks sounding like the televangelists that he or she most often listens to, instead of projecting their persona in the message.

Sermon titles can also be canned. I went on the Web to find some of the more exciting sermon titles: "The Hand That Rocks The Cradle" - Exodus 2:1-3; "Raiders Of The Lost Ark" - Exodus 25:10, 21-22; "What Goes Around, Comes Around" - Numbers 32:23; "Seven Days Without Jesus Makes One Weak" - Psalms 27:4; Good News from the Graveyard (Easter Sunday); "The Theology Of Kneeology" - Jeremiah 33:3; "Three Men on Fire For God" - Daniel 3:24-30; "Let Go and Let God" - Matthew 16:24; "When The Church is on Fire, You'll Smell the Smoke" - Philippians 3:13-14; and "Stop Whining and Start Shining" - Hebrews 12:12-17.

Preachers are not the only ones to get caught up in plagiarizing from the Internet; Bible study leaders, preachers and laity, are tempted to “lift” inappropriately from the Internet. I saw a wonderful Bible study guide with the preacher’s name as the author that was completely lifted from the Internet.

Some things cannot be celebrated and a canned Internet sermon is one of them; as are canned Internet Bible study guides and sermons from books.

If you choose to go there, cite the source and you will look like a scholar and we can celebrate that!

2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:

- To the Editor:

I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the excellent coverage that we received during the general conference in St. Louis. You will never know how much my family and friends appreciate the coverage and regular updates. It is my hope that god continues to bless you and the work you do on behalf of the church.

David Vaughn, Jr. and Family
St. John AME Church
Pine Bluff, Arkansas

3. 2008 GENERAL CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS:

General Conference Commission
Chair: Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram
Co-Chairs:

Bishop Samuel L. Green Sr., Co-Chair
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Co-Chair
Bishop Frederick H. Talbot, Co-Chair

Compilation Committee

Chairs:

Bishop Cornal Garnett Henning, Chair
Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, Co-Chair
Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram, Co-Chair
Bishop James L. Davis, Co-Chair
Bishop Philip R. Cousin Sr., Co-Chair
Bishop Robert V. Webster, Co-Chair

General Board

President: Bishop William Philips DeVeaux

Vice Presidents:

Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, 1st
Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson Jr., 2nd
Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, 3rd

Commissions and Chairs:

Statistics and Finance – Bishop Preston Warren Williams II
Annuity Investments and Insurance – Bishop McKinley Young
Christian Education – Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie
Publications – Bishop Richard Franklin Norris
Global Witness and Ministry – Bishop James Levert Davis
Church Growth and Development – Bishop Wilfred Jacobus Messiah
Ministry and Recruitment – Bishop Sarah Frances Davis
Health – Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson
Global Development – Bishop Paul J. M. Kawimbe
Economic Development – Bishop David R. Daniels
Retirement Board – Bishop Julius Harrison McAllister Sr.
Lay Organization – Bishop Cornal Garnett Henning
Social Action – Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry
Women In Ministry – Bishop Jeffrey Nathaniel Leath
Seminaries, Universities, Colleges & Schools – Bishop John Franklin
White

Women In Ministry President: The Reverend Kimberly L. Detherage, Esq.

Christian Debutante and Master Commission: Mrs. Gloria Massey Ward, Commissioner

*The information listed above was extracted from the Official AMEC Website: http://www.ame-church.com/

4. AME YOUNG ADULTS WORKED ACTIVELY AND PROACTIVELY AT THE 48TH QUADRENNIAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE:

One of the most notable aspects of the General Conference was the increased visibility of young adults. "The Daily Report," sold at the GC, which was started by the late Rev. A. Lewis Williams noted that young adults were present quietly observing the General Conference and running the booths with the youth active in Camp AME. But the Young Adults of the Church just didn't watch the General Conference; they were an integral part of it. From manning the registration desk to hosting revivals and managing several campaigns, Young Adults were an integral part of the 48th Quadrennial Session. An example of this involvement was the Bishop's Candidate Forum.

The Young Adults of the Connectional Lay Organization sponsored the Bishop's Candidate Forum on Tuesday evening for the Young Adult delegates and Alternates. For the first time in General Conference history, over 20 candidates were gathered in one place to entertain questions from the "Joshua Generation". When asked about the Forum, Connectional Young Adult Lay Organization Representative Brent Shepard commented: "We wanted to give the candidates an opportunity to tell us their stances on issues important to them and show that Young Adults are active participants in the life of the Church."

Moderating the panel were Connectional YPD President Reginald Cleaver and 2nd District Lay Organization Young Adult Representative Starr Battle.

The Candidates answered challenging questions from the audience on a wide-range of topics from the accountability of bishops to young adult retention programs. One young adult delegate from the 2nd Episcopal District commented, "I'm glad that I was able to come to the Forum. I came with one perception and left out with one totally different." Another Young Adult delegate commented, "The Forum challenged me to reevaluate certain candidates I had been considering and reevaluate some I hadn't."

The Forum ended with remarks from Connectional Lay Organization President Jesse Burns stating his pride in the young adults for making this effort and exhorting them to continue to pursue their role as the AME Church of tomorrow and today.

A "seasoned" Observer remarked, "I wonder why other organizations didn't think of this. I learned so much from the Young people. They really are taking charge." Forum coordinator John Thomas III from the 13th District stated, "We hope that candidates will realize that we not only care about free food and slogans, but about the substance of those offering themselves for the office of bishop." The young adults decided not to formally endorse a candidate.

The Young Adults of the Connectional Lay Organization are extremely grateful for the support and assistance of the AME Finance Department and their staff gave in helping to make the event possible. We are also appreciative of the assistance of the Richard Allen Young Adult Council (RAYAC).

The Young Adults of the Connectional Lay Organization thanks those candidates who took time out of their busy schedules to participate.

The following candidates participated:

Presiding Elder Wayne J. Anthony
The Rev. James E. Arnell
The Rev. Ronnie E. Brailsford, Sr.
The Rev. Ronald Eugene Braxton
The Rev. Diane L. Burl
The Rev. Kelvin T. Calloway
The Rev. Phillip R. Cousin, Jr.
The Rev. Ann Lightener-Fuller
The Rev. Debora Grant
The Rev. Reginald Jackson
The Rev. Jeffrey Leath
The Rev. Andrew B. G. Lewin
The Rev. Willie Ray Norful, Sr.
The Rev. Wesley I. Reid
The Rev. Daniel L. Simmons, Sr.
The Rev. George W. Tyler
The Rev. Albert D. Tyson, III
The Rev. Isaiah J. Waddy
The Rev. John F. White
The Rev. Stafford J. Wicker

Submitted by the CLO Young Adults:
John Thomas III (13th)
Brent Shepard (10th)
Starr Battle (2nd)

5. WHO SAID YOUNG PEOPLE ARE NOT ACHIEVING:

Something special happened at Bethel AME Church in Springfield MA on June 22, 2008. The New England Annual Conference of the 1st Episcopal District celebrated achievement in education. Host Pastor Terry Hassell and the Bethel AME Springfield Church family welcomed the 7th Annual Herbert L. Eddy (HLE) Scholarship program for the Boston-Hartford District’s graduating high school seniors.

Graduates were the center of attention during a special afternoon worship service. The Rev Ron McCune, pastor of Bethel AME Church Bloomfield Connecticut delivered the message, “A Word in Tough Times.” He challenged everyone to endure hardship like a good soldier in God’s army. The service also included several ministries from Bethel Bloomfield. The Bethel Choir, a youth JAM Liturgical Dance Ministry, MIME Ministry, and a solo liturgical dance from Bethel Stamford blessed those who attended the worship service. Graduates participated in almost every facet of the worship service.

Each year the Boston-Hartford District’s Herbert L. Eddy Scholarship program honors graduating high school seniors. This year’s applicants wrote essays on the subject, “What do I hope to accomplish by completing my education?” Awardees received partial scholarships to further their education. The Presiding Elder and his wife were excited by the graduates’ presentations.

The Rev Dani Mae James Green is the chairman of the HLE Scholarship Committee. Presiding Elder Herbert L. Eddy and his wife, the Rev Amelia Eddy, presented a certificate to the scholarship recipients.

Presiding Elder Eddy believes it is important to encourage the youth because the youth are the future of our church and our local, state and national leaders of tomorrow.

Nine recipients received scholarship awards. The Scholarship recipients are headed to various colleges and universities around the country: Onyx Olivia Anderson will be attending Spelman College; Erica Nicole Baganza will attend the University of New Haven; Takela Talicia Blackmon will attend Morgan State University; Joshua Matthew Carolina will attend Lincoln Technical Institute; Anthony Lawrence Durant will attend Northeastern University; Chelsea Little Hughes will attend Clark Atlanta University; Crystal Annakay Reid will attend the University of NH; Shantal Nyree Rhodes will attend Housatonic Community College; and Skylar Alana Webster will attend the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

7. BREAKING NEWS: THE 2009 ANNUAL CHURCH GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR WILL BE HELD IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA; NEW EVANGELIST CERTIFCATION PROGRAM:

The 2009 Annual Church Growth and Development Seminar will be held January 6-9, 2009, in Jacksonville, Florida, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The theme of the 2009 Annual Seminar Is "Returning to the Biblical Mandate to Witness and Evangelize Your Community" (The World). Dr. James Wade says, “Stabilizing and growing our local churches is dependent upon training and commitment to the biblical mandate of evangelism.” (Acts 1:8)

The Department of Church Growth and Development introduces the new Evangelist Certification Program which is designed to specifically train individuals to do 21st Century Evangelism.

- The Basic Evangelism Certification Program will equip individuals with the necessary foundational skills to evangelize in their local communities and give people the hope an eternal relationship with God through the Lord Jesus Christ. *The Evangelism Certification program for pastors will equip pastors with the skills to educate and prepare their congregations to do purposeful evangelism. Our congregants must learn the value of persuading others to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.

- The Evangelism Certification program for the laity will provide the skills to engage in 21st Century evangelistic activities. The laity of the AME Church will learn to share their faith.

- The Evangelism Certification program for church planters will equip individuals with specialized church planting strategies. The growth of our Zion is dependent upon new church plants.

*Evangelism Certification for Children and Youth workers is designed to equip individuals with strategies for Children and Youth evangelism. Our children and youth must learn to value the written word of God and how to share it with their friends.

8. MINISTRY LEADER’S WORKSHOP LED BY THE REV. DR. JAMES F. MILLER:

The Lay Organization of First AME Church, Oklahoma City, recently sponsored a Ministry Leader’s Workshop June 19-21, 2008. The workshop was held for active and prospective church officers.

The Rev. Larry Banks, Pastor of First AME started off as facilitator the first night, June 19th. He covered issues in the local church and the members were given an opportunity to express their thoughts on how to move the church forward. the Rev. Dr. James F. Miller, author of “Go Build a Church”, and pastor of DuPage AME church, Lyle. Il was the special guest facilitator. Rev. Miller focused his sessions of the workshop on Personal and Congregational Spiritual Growth and the Seven Paths to Your Best Ministry Now, which were Chapters 8 and 9 of his book.

Presiding Elder Lonnie Johnson of the Oklahoma City District and Presiding Elder Ed Davis of the Lawton Oklahoma district attended the workshop.

A worship service was held on Friday night with Rev. Miller as the guest speaker. A reception and book signing was held immediately following the worship service.

Each workshop participant received a Certificate of Completion, given out by the Rev. Larry Banks and Lay president, Crystle Gabriel.

Rev. James F. Miller is an inspiring and committed teacher and leader. The pastor and members of First AME expressed their delight in having him as a facilitator.

Ms. Crystle Gabriel, First AME Church, Oklahoma City

10. SO PROUD OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH AND THE 13TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:

Exhorter Doris Coffey

The 48th Session of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in St. Louis, Missouri has come and gone; and we, the laity, are still basking in the glow and reverence of the performance of the Chair and Bishop of the tenacious Thirteenth Episcopal District, the Right Reverend Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie.

Our hearts and souls were made glad and filled with pride at the magnificent manner in which Bishop Vashti presided as the chair of the entire General Conference. It was as though “E. F. Hutton” were in our very presence, for when Bishop Vashti McKenzie spoke, everybody listened.

So Proud - to be a part of the Lay Delegation of the 13th Episcopal District who wish to go on record saying this was one of the most spiritual and blessed General Conferences we have had the privilege of attending. For the most part we actually acted like Christians representing Christ - The spirit of the Lord was present, especially during the Worship Services as the preached Word went forth in such messages as:

“It’s Time to Sweep the House” – Bishop John H. Bryant – Luke 15:8;
“The Glory of the Cross” – Bishop Zedekiah LaZett Grady – Galatians 6:14; and “Now, Therefore, Arise” – Bishop Phillip R. Cousin, Sr.
So Proud - of the Episcopal Address, which was enlightening and encouraging concerning the future and the issues we face in today’s world.

The Quadrennial Theme for 2008-2012: ‘The African Methodist Episcopal Church’ Great Past - Great Future - An Incredible Call to Serve infers that there is hope and much work to be done. The wisdom that was passed on to the “Joshua Generation” from the Fathers and Mothers of African Methodism was well received and is the pattern for our future if taken to heart.

So Proud – To have Bishop McKenzie and Supervisor Stan returned to the 13th Episcopal District for four more years of labor in the Master’s vineyard; which has already begun with the Christian Education and Leadership Convocation, July 22 – 24, 2008, where Bishop Vashti preached her first sermon to the district since her return – “No Matter What” from the 55th Psalm – she asked the question “What would you do if you could not fail?”. This reporter admits that she is biased – she loves to hear Bishop Vashti preach – still it was heart rendering, soul stirring, thought provoking and spiritually awakening to hear Bishop preach with such zeal, zest, power and conviction, it was as though she couldn’t stop. “What would you do if you could not fail? What change would you make if you were to succeed?”

So Proud – While we the Laity of the 13th Episcopal District are cognizant that pride is sinful, and we ought not think more highly of ourselves than others – we are spiritually proud, abundantly grateful, eternally joyful, positively hopeful, consistently prayerful, eagerly anticipating and willingly ready to “work the works of him that sent us” under the prodigious and proficient leadership of the Right Reverend Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie and Supervisor Stan McKenzie. Welcome Back to the Thirteenth Episcopal District. May God Bless Us All!

Through the eyes and heart of a Lay Person and Licensed Exhorter –

Sister Doris J. Coffey
St. Paul AME Church - Lexington
Reporter for the Kentucky Conference- Lexington District

11. TV ONE BROADCASTS DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION:

Be a witness to history and join TV One for its unprecedented coverage of the 2008 Democratic National Convention (DNC). Live, primetime broadcasts will air on TV One on August 25th, 26th, 27th and 28th, from 8-11 p.m. (Eastern Time).

This year’s convention will be the first that features live coverage by a television network with a primarily black audience.

Veteran journalists Joe Madison and Arthur Fennell will co-anchor the gavel-to-gavel broadcast, live from the Pepsi Center, seasoning video from the pool feed with occasional interviews from newsmakers on the convention floor. Rotating talent from the late-night show will provide regular cut-ins on the gavel-to-gavel coverage.

Show regulars include political analyst Roland Martin, civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton, celebrity chef G. Garvin, actor Hill Harper, comedian Sheryl Underwood, publisher Jamie Foster Brown and fashion expert Paul Wharton.

While other networks focus strictly on the hard news angle, TV One will capture this history-making event from multiple points of view. This is a format designed to turn heads, sway opinion and get viewers talking…and laughing. Each show will bring convention highlights to life – all through the eyes of an eclectic and sometimes controversial mix of guest panelists, pundits and field correspondents.

The lively cross talk highlights the funny and off-beat moments that occur on the convention floor, as well as the unique and compelling “people stories” that take place outside the confines of the convention hall. Our show regulars and invited guests eloquently capture the collective soul of the community and reflect the personality and politics of TV One’s audience and viewers.

12. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICES:

- Christian Emmanuel Mosley is a 2008 graduate of Connecticut College located in New London, CT. Connecticut College is among the most selective private liberal arts colleges in the nation. Christian received a BA in Psychology. While attending Connecticut College, Christian was a point guard for the Camels Basketball team.


- Charity Nicole Mosley Foreman successfully defended her dissertation on July 10, 2008. Charity will graduate from Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi with a PhD in Chemistry on August 2, 2008. While enrolled in the doctoral program, Charity attended Pearl Street African Methodist Episcopal Church in Jackson, Mississippi. We are grateful to Dr. Samuel Boyd, Jr., Pastor and First Lady Gloria Boyd and the members of Pearl Street A.M.E. Church for their love and support these past four years.

Charity Nicole Mosley Foreman and her husband Lindley M. Foreman, III will reside in Texas.

Christian Emmanuel Mosley and Charity Nicole Mosley Foreman are the blessed children of the Reverend Rufus L. Mosley, Jr., Secretary of the Virginia Annual Conference, 2nd Episcopal District and Exhorter Danita Wood Mosley.

Congratulatory messages can be sent to: rufmosley@yahoo.com

- The African-American Pulpit selected the Rev. John F. White II, Pastor of New Mt. Zion AME Church, Tallahassee, Florida, as one of the Top 20 Under 40 to Watch Preachers. His Sermon “A Good Day to Cry” was published in the Summer 2008 Edition.

The Rev. Maria Mallory White, Associate Minister of New Mt. Zion AME Church is the new Co-Executive Editor for the African-American Pulpit. Her first issue will be the Winter 2009 Edition.

Congratulatory messages may be sent to Revjwhite2@aol.com and Revmaria@aol.com

13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Sharing with regret news of the passing of Mr. Lawrence F. Robinson, the brother of the Reverend John Cager, III, pastor of Bethel AME Church, Fontana, CA. Lawrence F. Robinson passed on Thursday, July 24, 2008 at the age of 58.

The funeral service has been held.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to NAMI Urban Los Angeles http://www.namiurbanla.org/ .

Other expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

The Rev. John Cager, III and family
Bethel AME Church
16262 Baseline Street
Fontana, CA 92335
Phone: 909-350-9401

Email expressions to: kinetteandjohn@sbcglobal.net

14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Sharing with regret news of the passing of Mr. James A. Branson, the uncle of Dr. Sheila E. Harris, pastor of Quinn Chapel AME Church, Chattanooga, Tennessee and the Rev. Fred Harris, pastor of Bethel AME Church, Stanford, Kentucky and the Rev. Sylvia A. Harris, pastor of Historic Allen Chapel AME Church, Kansas City, KS.

The funeral service has been held.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

The family of James A. Branson
4171 Webb Road
Chattanooga, TN 37146
Phone: 423-855-5835

Email expressions to: h4sheila@bellsouth.net

15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Mr. Harold Grant, who was the brother of the Reverend Howard Grant, Presiding Elder of the Newark District, New Jersey Conference. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

The funeral service has been held.

Condolences may be sent to:
Rev. Howard Grant
96 Harper Avenue
Irvington, NJ 07111

16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

It is with great sadness that we share news of the passing of the Reverend Claiborne Jones (Itinerant Elder, Retired) Jackson-Meridian District, East Mississippi Conference, Eighth Episcopal District, on Thursday, July 24, 2008.

Celebration of Life Service for the Rev. Claiborne Jones:
Friday, August 1, 2008
2:00 p.m.
New West Point Missionary Baptist Church
709 Wayne Street
Waynesboro, MS 39367

Funeral services provided by:
McDonald and Son Funeral Home
303 Spring Street
Waynesboro, MS 39367
Phone: 601-735-4337
Fax: 601-735-4758

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

Mrs. Linda Williams (Daughter)
112 Claiborne Jones Road
Waynesboro, MS 39367-7754
Phone: (601) 671-3740
Cell: 601-381-4118

17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Caroline A. P. Wakia, the wife of Rev. G. K. Wakia of the Liberia Annual Conference, Fourteenth Episcopal District. Mrs. Caroline A. P. Wakia was a life member of the WMS and past President of the Liberia Annual Conference Minister Spouses, Widows and Widowers Association.

Funeral Services will be held on August 9, 2008 in Monrovia, Liberia, West Africa.

Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to: rwysayma@aol.com

Submitted by Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr.

18. 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

19. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:

The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Richard Franklin Norris; 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 CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (7/24/08)

Bishop Richard Franklin Norris - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor, The Christian Recorder

1. EDITORIAL – THERE ARE SOME EVENTS THAT YOU CANNOT CELEBRATE – PART 1:

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

I received two interesting messages this week.

One of the messages was a graduation announcement. Now, graduation announcements are usually occasions for celebration and joy because a graduation is usually a culmination of rigorous academic, and in the case of ministry, rigorous theological class work. Graduations represent sacrifice and sometimes represent “sweat and blood.” So, I usually love to celebrate graduation announcements, but I couldn’t celebrate the graduation announcement I received because the graduation announcement was not from an accredited institution; rather it was from, what some would consider, a degree mill.

Now, I understand that the circumstances of some prospective students that prohibit them from uprooting their lives, giving up employment and relocating their families to a distant campus; and added to that, some of our churches fail to pay livable salaries after accredited degrees are earned.

Some would argue that an unaccredited education is better than no education. I don’t agree with that in the case of AME Clergy. But I would agree with “any education beats, no education” in the case of non-AMEs; frankly independent and congregational churches can make their own rules. The reason I can’t agree with the “any education beats, no education” is because The Discipline states that an applicant for ministry in the AME Church “must be a graduate of a Seminary accredited by the Association of Theological Schools or similar agencies.” If you are AME Clergy or prospective AME clergy; that’s the rule of The Discipline.

I personally do not understand why AME clergy or prospective AME Clergy can ethically and knowingly violate the rule of The Discipline and expect people to celebrate their violation.

If it’s distance or online learning that motivates individuals to matriculate at an unaccredited institution, then that makes it even worse, because the AME Church has two institutions that offer online learning , Payne Theological Seminary and Turner Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC), as well as a number of accredited seminaries that offer opportunities for online learning.

So why would a person matriculate at an unaccredited institution? Why would an AME clergy or prospective AME Clergy choose an unaccredited institution over an AME institution? I would suspect they choose the easier route so they can get some academic initials behind their names. Others are fascinated with the use of the term, “doctor” in front of their names; so they sell their academic and theological integrity for “thirty pieces of silver”; and, the sad thing about it is that laity sees the fraud for what it is - a fraud.

The Rev. Dr. Joseph Darby story tells the story about the man who came to the Palmetto Conference Board of Examiners with a degree from Oxford. When someone asked, "Oxford in England," he responded, "No, Honolulu!" He shared another story of the prospective applicant for ministry who came before the Board of Examiners with a seemingly "genuine" diploma for his M.Div. degree from ITC that he somehow finished in one year. When someone commended him on that amazing feat, he whipped out another diploma and said, "Thanks, I got my D.Min this year too!" Those stories would be funny if they weren’t true.

Dr. Darby’s experiences with degree mills are similar to mine; “Xeroxed degrees or degrees from bogus institutions, some of which advertise themselves as "accredited." He went to explain that a lot of degree mills are "Bible Schools" set up by independent churches that accredited themselves or team with similar institutions to form their own accrediting agency; and they make a lot of money.

At Hampton University, when I was the director of the Religious Studies Program, I had a prospective professor who applied to teach the course, Pentecostalism,” but in his cover letter he misspelled Pentecostalism, not once, but four times; he never spelled the term correctly. I did not hire him. Universities have to be vigilant in the fight to expose those who apply with fraudulent credentials. The problem of bogus degrees is not just in ministry, it’s a problem in academia also.

Ministers who are satisfied with fraudulent credentials are not good witnesses for the church, for the ministry or for the Body of Christ. Those who take the fraudulent credentials’ route are choosing the “broad road”; they are choosing the easy way of getting initials behind their names or the term, “doctor in front of their names, rather than a solid theological and academic learning experience that can be celebrated. The church does not celebrate frauds.

The second interesting email I received involved bogus or mail order sermons, but this editorial turned out longer than anticipated, so I will continue this editorial and discuss mail order sermons in the next issue.

2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:

- To the Editor:

RE: Coverage of the General Conference

Congratulations on your well-deserved re-election as the Editor of The Christian Recorder.

I was in attendance at the General Conference from July 2 through July 11th. Although I witnessed the actual events I still appreciated timely reports and breaking news regarding same. I have printed out each of your text messages/emails to include in a loose leaf notebook containing other General Conference documents. These will serve as permanent documents of General Conference events made at or near the time of actual occurrence.

It is so rewarding to see key leaders in the AME church utilize technology effectively to keep us informed and to facilitate church business and worship services. The application of technological advances at General Conference to the registration, legislation, reporting and election processes, made all the difference.

Loretta Moore

- To the Editor:

RE: Coverage of the General Conference

I wish to say thank you so much for all the report i have been receiving from you, i have been struggling to subscribe to The Christian Recorder Online for long time. I eventually subscribed and was able to witness the miracle that happened with our daily coverage of the General Conference. You are the greatest i have ever known when it comes to accurate reporting.

Before the delegates could even get back with the news; my church back home at South Africa already had the news about what happened at the General Conference.

Keep up the good work.

The Reverend Shadrack Ditabeng Kgonothi
C.G Henning Sr. Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church
261 Ramokonopi East Katlehong
Marriage Officer / Counsellor BD 33789
Commissioner of Oaths

Cell: +27 73 316 9088; +27 72 301 7984

Email: rev.kgonothi@hotmail.com

3. DEPARTMENT OF GLOBAL WITNESS AND MINISTRY NEWS ALERT: DR. GEORGE F. FLOWERS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:

Hurricane Dolly was a Category -2 storm with high winds and water, but Dolly did not cause any extreme misfortune or calamity to the members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, according to Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram, the presiding prelate of the Tenth Episcopal District and local representatives in South Texas.

I am in daily communication with our partner, CWS Disaster and Relief Team and we are ready to go if needed to the area, to assist hurricane victims.

Further, I was in dialogue with Bishop Ingram several days before and after the storm; and his assessment is that the AME Churches in the area were not expected to be adversely affected by the hurricane.

Let's thank God for his power and his mercy!

Dr. George Flowers
Secretary-Treasurer, Department of Missions
(Global Witness and Ministry)

4. ORIENTATION PREPARED AND DELIVERED BY DR. JAMYE COLEMAN WILLIAMS ON JULY 3, 2008 TO THE DELEGATES ATTENDING THE 48TH QUADRENNIAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE THAT WAS HELD IN ST. LOUIS:

The Importance of Being a Delegate Jamye Coleman Williams
The 48th Session of the General Conference is for me a very special one as I look back over the years. This is the 17th General Conference in which I have been in attendance, dating back to 1940 when we were small enough to meet in a church-Ebenezer AME Church, Detroit, MI. This is the 12th General Conference at which I have been a delegate from 1964 in Cincinnati to this the year of 2008. So I come with nostalgia, with memories, and with hopes. It is about our hopes that I will share a few thoughts.

Our history and legacy are so significant that we should ever try to build on the successes and achievements of past generations. We cannot, however, rest on those laurels. It is a new day-a new century. Times have changed dramatically. We cannot then conduct the affairs of the Church as if time has stood still. We who represent the Moses generation must understand the perspective of the Joshua generation, and vice versa.

At this General Conference my hope is that we realize that it is primarily a legislative body. It is the body which deals with the critical concerns, the serious issues, and the difficult problems that confront the Church. It is, therefore, necessary that there be leaders among us who will be willing to take a position and have the courage to stand up and be counted. A constant complaint in lobby conversations is that today we do not have as many floor leaders as has been the case in past generations. The title of a recent book by Marvin A. McMickle is an appropriate question at this time, in this place-Where Have All the Prophets Gone? We miss some of the voices of the past who did not maintain silence in the face of controversy nor neutrality in the face of conflict. I recall among them three of my former Wilberforce students-Ulysses Hughey, James Oxley, and Woody Hall.

As a layperson let me speak directly for a moment to the laity; please remember that you are a most important entity of the Church. I challenge you as delegates to look carefully at every issue, analyze every problem, and decide logically and prayerfully on a course of action. I must remind you that you are free, unencumbered, not financially dependent upon the Church, and accountable only to God.

When we are called upon to vote on an issue, I would also remind you that your vote is yours. It does not belong to anyone else. You-and you alone-have the right to choose on what and for whom you cast your ballot. I urge you to be thoughtful and prayerful as you exercise this precious right. Through the years men and women have fought and died for the right to vote.

After the Civil War black men fought for this right. The suffragists fought for it. The civil rights advocates fought and died for equal rights, including the right to vote. Be willing to vote your conscience.

Finally, I urge you to realize our rich heritage is worth preserving; our commitment to the Great Commission is worth implementing; our allegiance to our Church is worth sustaining. We must not allow the divisions among us to interfere with our duty to God and His Church. We must continue to have faith-a faith that I heard Rev. Jeffrey Cooper of the Sixth District describe as "faith no matter what."

It's really not about us as individuals. It is not about us if our concern is for the "me-ism" that permeates the world. It is about some of us who will try to do the right thing and always be on the right side of history.

May God bless each of you and bless this 48th Session of the General Conference of our great African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Dr. Jamye Coleman Williams was a longtime educator and is a retired General Officer of the African Methodist Episcopal Church

5. MORRIS BROWN AMEC IN CHARLESTON DEALS WITH CHANGING DEMOGRAPHICS:

Dr. Joseph Darby

I can relate to this. When I was young in ministry and visited Morris Brown in the early 1980's, the surrounding neighborhood was 100% African-American. Today, most of our neighbors are young white professionals and white college students, and the property values have skyrocketed - raging gentrification. One of the "hats" I wear is as the chair of a nonprofit that builds affordable housing in downtown Charleston. We've begun to shift more toward rental rather than owner occupied, because "affordable housing" in peninsular Charleston has become something of an oxymoron.

Some of that hereabouts results from sheer greed by white developers, but some of "us" have been complicit. When the white folks initially fled to the suburbs, we followed them and the farther out they went; the more anxious we were to follow. When they went as far as they could and the cities left behind were in shambles, they restored them and moved back in, escalating property values to the point that most of us couldn't follow them back! As a result, some older urban black residents can no longer afford to bring their aging property up to code or to pay insanely increased property taxes, so they sell out and move. Many of their children who grow up and move to other cities are more that willing to sell the "old homestead" for some quick and attractive money when the old folks pass away. Some of the local churches are working on coming together to help folks repair their property and pay their property taxes.

We also see the problem locally with some formerly rural areas. What used to be "black folks' country land" when the 20th century rolled in because it was swampy and malaria prone is now valuable lakeside or oceanfront property. We have regular battles with folks who want to decimate old black communities and either relocate or build over black graveyards.

At Morris Brown, we've changed our outreach strategy to deal with the current demographic reality. A lot of our marketing emphasizes our "entire community church" role to appeal to those across the greater Charleston area. We're also not "writing off" our white neighbors. We do an annual neighborhood canvas to acquaint them with the church, and we see that they receive notice of all of our community friendly initiatives - like our "Unity Day" - a health fair and carnival that serves as our annual "gift" of fun, fellowship and information to the community.

While (to paraphrase Trinity UCC in Chicago) we're unashamedly Christian and unapologetically African-Methodist, the modest results have been encouraging. White attendees no longer raise an eyebrow among the members and are visible almost every week, four white members have joined in the last six years and are active in the life of the church - one of them is a Class Leader who just answered the call to ministry in the African Methodist Episcopal Church - there is hope!

6. THE FALLOUT OF BECOMING SUCCESSFUL:

*The Rev. N.T. Pitts

When one considers that he/she has become successful two things occur, the retardation of ambition and boredom. When boredom sets in people do some crazy and destructive things such as excessive spending buying things they don’t need, committing suicide violently or suicide by the installment plan, which means drinking themselves to death or overuse of drugs. Three words come to mind, success, succeeding and successful. Succeeding is ongoing but successfulness is terminal. When you consider yourself as being successful that implies that there is nothing else left to be done. Where can you go when you have been everywhere? What is there left do when you have done everything?

What can you buy when you have bought everything?

After a person has reached the top of Mt. Everett he does not remain there with the same enthusiasm he arrived. He cannot go any higher. His ambition to climb is retarded. How do you determine when you are successful? At what point can a person conclude that he/she has become successful?

Becoming successful should never be a goal, but rather being able and capable of succeeding is preferred. As I stated before succeeding is ongoing.

During my tenure as a pastor I succeeded, but I hesitate to claim that I was successful, simply because there was much more to be done. Therefore I never arrived at the “summit of success”.

So likewise, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say we are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do. Luke 17:10.

There are those of us who feel that when one is able to own several expensive automobiles and clothes, build a multi-level house with numerous bathrooms, a pool and own a luxurious boat we are considered successful. We call it conspicuous consumption.

However I have seen too many, after reaching such a level, destroy themselves mentally, socially and morally.

King Nebuchadnezzar made the fatal mistake claiming successfulness, Daniel 4:30-37.

I leave this question with you, how and when do you determine you have become successful?

*The Rev. N.T. Pitts is a retired pastor living in Eatonville, Florida

7. “REMEMBER THAT YOU WERE STRANGERS” A SEMINAR ON RACE, MIGRATION, MULTIPLE OPPRESSIONS AND BEING A PART OF THE BODY OF CHRIST:

The Rev. Cheryl L. Green

Globalization has forced migration which has led to a systemic increase in racial and ethnic tension, often exacerbated by myths, stereotypes and prejudices perpetuated by the media and others who aim to revive organized white nationalism (the US is a nation of, by and for whites).

Struggles around affirmative action, welfare, healthcare, employment, education and other policies demonstrate that the many divisions addressed and/or alluded to during the Civil Rights movement in the United States were not healed. In fact, they grow more complex and tense in the 21st century.

In an effort to begin deconstructing the misinformation and miscommunication and build bridges between African, African-American, Afro-Latino(a) and Hispanic/Latino(a) communities, a seminar will be held August 14-16, 2008, Sixth Grace Presbyterian Church, 600 E. 35th Street, Chicago IL. The Rev. Cheryl L. Green, Administrative Assistant, Department of Church Growth and Development AME Church, member of the Chicago Annual Conference, 4th Episcopal District and candidate for Doctor of Ministry degree, Memphis Theological Seminar is the Seminar Convener.

This seminar is designed to enable assembled groups to engage in constructive, spiritually empowered and collaborative dialogue. Education will be the stimulus to resist the systems, structures, institutions and/or policies that continue to dehumanize and demoralize the aforementioned groups in and outside the Body of Christ.

Mr. Ben Jealous, President/CEO elect, NAACP will serve as the keynote speaker on Thursday morning, The Honorable James Evans, Mississippi State Representative is a workshop facilitator. The Rev. Kelvin Sauls, Nashville TN., will present on “History of Race and Racism in the United States.” The Rev. Dr. James C. Wade, Executive Director, Department of Church Growth and Development will serve as a workshop facilitator for clergy and will be the guest preacher on Friday evening.

The seminar registration fee is $50.00 which includes seminar materials and onsite catered meals. Pre-registration is strongly recommended.

For additional information and/or registration, please contact Rev. Cheryl Green at (773) 322-3849 or cheryl@newcomm.org.

8. ST. PAUL A.M.E. CHURCH IN MACON, GEORGIA PARTICIPATES IN CNN BLACK AMERICA VIDEO:

St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Macon, Georgia where the Rev. Ronald L. Slaughter is the senior pastor is pleased to announce its participation in the CNN Black in America Video Story. The video story is in conjunction with Soledad Obrien's report that will air nationally July 23 and 24, 2008. The videos are available online at http://www.cnnblackinamerica.com/ or http://www.saintpaulame.org/. When using the St. Paul website to view the videos simply click on the CNN video excerpt link below the baby picture to the left of the screen. St. Paul was excited to be a representative of the AME Church and believe you will be pleased with our representation when you view the videos.

Submitted by the Rev. Ronald L. Slaughter
ronaldslaughter@hotmail.com

9. DISTANCE LEARNING MAKES EDUCATION MORE AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE:

Editor’s Note: Read the article below carefully. This is what the AME Church needs to copy. With rising gasoline prices and expenses, the Conference Course of Study can be done more uniformly online. Every applicant for ministry all over the world takes the same core courses.

A UMNS Report
By Vicki Brown*
Online classes for local pastors in the United States, theology classes in Europe, and a master's in business program in Mozambique are under way or will be by September.

Partnerships formed by the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry with other agencies, annual conferences, seminaries and Methodist educational institutions around the world are now bearing fruit, said the Rev. Mary Ann Moman, staff executive in the board's Division of Ordained Ministry in Nashville.

"All these efforts mean more educational opportunities in Europe, Africa and even in the United States," Moman said. "We are using technology to fulfill the mission of The United Methodist Church to prepare a new generation of Christian leaders for the church and the world, not just the church in the United States."

Students registered July 12 for the first distance-learning classes offered by Africa University's first satellite campus in Maputo, Mozambique. Classes for candidates to become licensed local pastors in the United States go online Aug. 1, a joint project of the board and United Methodist Communications. And 15 students are enrolled for the first semester of the Methodist e-Academy in Europe, which starts in September.

"Distance education is one piece of our efforts to increase access to Christian education around the world. We are taking classrooms to the places where people are desperately in need of education," said the Rev. Jerome King Del Pino, top staff executive of the board. "All of these new programs-online Course of Study, the Methodist e-Academy, and the distance learning projects in Africa, Europe and the U.S.-required partnerships that reflect a new commitment of United Methodists to work together.

"The project in Mozambique, for instance, highlights how the Methodist Global Education Fund for Leadership Development can pull together resources from many places to educate a new generation of Christian leaders," Del Pino said.

"This developing capacity will provide educational opportunities across the global connection of The United Methodist Church in a way never before possible," said the Rev. Larry Hollon, top staff executive of United Methodist Communications in Nashville. "What was only a dream a few years ago is taking concrete form. This is an exciting beginning, and more is yet to come."

Classes in Europe

David N. Field, coordinator of the Methodist e-Academy, said as of early July, 15 students were enrolled from Finland, Russia, Ukraine, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Albania, Macedonia, Serbia, France and Hungary.

"We are expecting more enrollments in the next month. The courses will be offered in English and German," he said. The course material is being developed by a team from various European countries, plus one American.

Classes are being offered in Methodist history, doctrine, ethics, and ecclesiology. Theological education is available in Europe, but much of that is at state-run colleges and universities, so it does not include classes related to Methodist history, doctrine and polity, Moman said.
Field said the classes in Europe will make use of video lectures being produced by Wesley Theological Seminary. The U.S. seminary worked with representatives of the United Methodist Theological Schools in Europe to videotape lectures for the classes.

Field said there are no plans right now to develop videos in Europe, although the possibility of some form of video conferencing is being explored. Online discussions by means of a discussion board are an integral part of the program.

Field said the two major challenges have proved to be fundraising and publicity.

"At this stage we have raised substantial funds, but we still require more as most of our students come from Eastern European countries and do not have the resources to pay even relatively modest fees," Field said. "We are presently looking at creative new ways to address this problem."
Beaming from Africa University

In Africa, the Mozambique Distance Learning Project is housed in the offices of the Mozambique Annual Conference. The classroom has 20 new computers, with plans for future expansion. Classes from Africa University will be beamed to the Maputo site via VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal), a two-way satellite ground station with a dish antenna.

The project is a collaborative effort with the Methodist University of São Paulo, Brazil, and the Board of Higher Education and Ministry. Funding comes from the Methodist Global Education Fund for Leadership Development.

The first degree program being offered is an executive MBA in the faculty of management and administration. Seven applicants have been accepted to the program for the first classes. The program coordinator is Gabrielle Clemente, who was in Maputo on July 12 with a team from Africa University for student registration and orientation. Once the program is under way with this first class, Clemente will begin intensive student recruitment.

Stronger Course of Study

The classes are a huge undertaking that "moves beyond the classical theological education done in a school," said the Rev. Robert Kohler, a staff executive at the board. "Classes will be far more widely available, and anybody anywhere in the world can sign up and take a class if they know the language."

Kohler said the online Course of Study offerings are eventually expected to replace the correspondence course that local pastors take now, and a distance-education component can be added to every class offered at a Course of Study school.

"Online courses and other distance-education opportunities will strengthen the entire Course of Study program by providing an educational environment that will significantly change the learning process," he said.

With the correspondence course, the students complete all the work and mail it in, while the online classes will allow professors to give feedback as course work is completed, said Cheryl A. Hemmerle, a technical training specialist for United Methodist Communications. She said registration will still be handled by the Board of Higher Education and Ministry. Hemmerle said there are also future plans for online discussions groups among Course of Study students.

In 2007, 121 people applied for the five-year Basic Course of Study correspondence program. The classes can also be taken on campus at regional Course of Study schools at eight United Methodist seminaries or at 15 extension Course of Study schools.

For more information about the Course of Study, contact Lynn Daye at ldaye@gbhem.org or (615) 340-7416, or visit http://www.gbhem.org/ . To view the Course of Study online pages, visit: http://moodle.courseofstudy.org/moodle/index.php

10. THE 12TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT IMPORTANT DATES:

The Right Reverend Samuel L. Green, Presiding Prelate
Dr. Ava S. B. Green, Episcopal Supervisor

~Important Church Calendar Dates~

12th District Christian Education Congress
July 21-24
Southern Arkansas University
Magnolia, AR

Lay Annual Meeting
July 31 - Aug 2
Vernon AME Church
Tulsa, OK
The Reverend Michelle Moulden, Host Pastor
The Reverend Pollie Ragsdale, Host Presiding Elder

Church Growth Workshop
August 29

Bishop Sam’s Birthday
August 31

11. THE 12TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2008 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SERIES:

The Right Reverend Samuel L. Green, Presiding Prelate
Dr. Ava S. B. Green, Episcopal Supervisor


Oklahoma Conference WMS
September 9

Oklahoma Annual Conference
September 10-14
Allen AME Church - Oklahoma City, OK
The Reverend Harvey Potts, Host Pastor
The Reverend Edward E. Davis, Host Presiding Elder

Central Northeast Oklahoma WMS
September 16

CNE Oklahoma Annual Conference
September 17-21
St. John AME Church - Tulsa, OK
The Reverend Marcellus Fields, Host Pastor
The Reverend Roger Alford, Host Presiding Elder

Rest Week
September 22-28

East Northeast Arkansas WMS
October 7

ENE Arkansas Annual Conference
October 8-12:
New Bethel AME Church - Stuttgart, AR
The Reverend Tom W. Scott, Host Pastor
The Reverend Johnny Kelley, Host Presiding Elder

Rest Week
October 13-19

Episcopal Supervisor’s Birthday
October 18

Central Arkansas WMS
October 21

Central Arkansas Annual Conference
October 22-26:
St. James AME Church - Camden, AR
The Reverend Clarence Reynolds, Host Pastor/Presiding Elder

Rest Week
October 27 - November 2:

South Arkansas WMS
November 4:

South Arkansas Annual Conference
November 5-9
Gates Chapel AME Church - Crossett, AR
The Reverend Gregory Nettles, Host Pastor
The Reverend James R. Hooper, Host Presiding Elder

West Arkansas WMS
November 11

West Arkansas Annual Conference
November 12 – 16:
Bethel AME Church - Malvern, AR
The Reverend Richard Sutton, Host Pastor
The Reverend Clarence V. Boyd, Sr., Host Presiding Elder

Arkansas Conference WMS
November 18

Arkansas Annual Conference
November 19-23:
Bethel AME Church - Little Rock, AR
The Reverend James Thomas, Host Pastor
The Reverend Thomas G. Allen, Host Presiding Elder

12th Episcopal District Planning Meeting
December 11-13:
Place TBA

12. THE NINTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2008 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:

The Right Rev. James L. Davis, Presiding Prelate
Mrs. Arelis Beevers Davis, Episcopal Supervisor

ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
September 3-7, 2008
September 3, 2008 The WMS Conference Branch Annual Meeting
Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church
130 West 4th Street
Prattville, AL 36067
Ph. 334-365-7962
The Reverend G. L. Townsend, Host Pastor
The Reverend Letitia Williams-Watford, Host P.E.
The Reverend Leo E. Brock, Sr., Assoc. P.E.

SOUTH ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
September 10-14, 2008
September 10, 2008 The WMS Conference Branch Annual Meeting
Saint Paul A.M.E. Church
P. O. Box 791
Troy, AL 36081
Ph. 334-566-3311
The Reverend Vernon McLeod, Host Pastor
The Reverend Willis N. Huggins, Host P.E.
The Reverend David E. Reddick, Assoc. P.E.

EAST ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
September 17-21, 2008
September 17, 2008 The WMS Conference Branch Annual Meeting
Washington Chapel A.M.E. Church
2508 Old Montgomery Rd.
Tuskegee Institute, AL 36088
Ph. 334-727-4821
The Reverend W. E. Marshall, Host Pastor
The Reverend Thomas E. Crossley, Host P.E.
The Reverend Ralph Neal, Assoc. P.E.

NORTH ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
October 1-5, 2008
October 1, 2008 The WMS Conference Branch Annual Meeting
Saint Luke A.M.E. Church
2801 21st Avenue, North
Birmingham, AL 35234
Ph. 205-252-3717
The Reverend Horace J. Fitchard, Jr., Host Pastor
The Reverend Dwight E. Dillard, Host P.E.
The Reverend Albert L. Hyche, Assoc. P.E.

CENTRAL ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
October 8-12, 2008
October 8, 2008 The WMS Conference Branch Annual Meeting
Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church
410 Martin Luther King Street
Selma, AL 36702
Ph. 334-874-7897
The Reverend James Jackson, Host Pastor
The Reverend W. T. Lesueur, Host P.E.
The Reverend E. A. Rouse, Assoc. P.E.

WEST ALABAMA CONFERENCE
October 15-19, 2008
October 15, 2008 The WMS Conference Branch Annual Meeting
Bethel A.M.E. Church
1524 Avenue D., Ensley
Birmingham, AL 35218
Ph. 205-780-4393
The Reverend Gloria Hall, Host Pastor
The Reverend Myers Hawkins, Jr., Host P.E.
The Reverend Truman A. Reynolds, Assoc. P.E.

13. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:

The Reverend Betty Bryant Ervin (10th Episcopal District) will celebrate her Birthday on Monday, July 21, 2008. We are grateful for how God has blessed “Rev. Betty” over the years. For those who know of her chronic Sickle Cell medical challenges and the many related medical conditions; each birthday is the "Celebration of a Miracle."

Birthday messages can be sent to:

Rev. Betty Bryant Ervin
1759 Northampton Trail
Lancaster, Texas 75134
Phone: 214-773-1577

Email birthday messages for Rev. Betty Bryant Ervin can be sent to: Revwcerviniii@aol.com

Submitted by:
W.C. Ervin III

14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Sharing with regret news of the passing of Mrs. Naomi Nadine Parks Fry, mother of Rev. Dr. Teresa L Fry Brown, Associate Professor of Homiletics and Director of Black Church Studies at Emory University in Atlanta, GA and Sister Richelle Fry Skinner, Fifth Episcopal District YPD Director. Mrs. Naomi Nadine Parks Fry passed on July 1, 2008.

The funeral has been held.

Condolences may be forwarded to:
Dr. Teresa L. Fry Brown
1080 Palmer Road
Lithonia, GA 30058
678-526-0002
678-526-0003
Email: rev_drt@bellsouth.net

Or

Mrs. Richelle Fry Skinner
2040 Ogden
Denver, CO 80205
Email: RLFPRO226@aol.com

15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

The Third Episcopal District sadly announces the passing of Mr. Gathen Walker Dews, Jr., the father of the Reverend Gayle R. Simmons and father-in-law of the Reverend Michael L. Simmons, pastor of Payne Chapel AME Church, Hamilton, Ohio. Mr. Dews passed on Sunday, July 13, 2008.

Expressions of Sympathy and Condolences may be sent to:

Mrs. Judy Ann Dews (Spouse)
417 North Mechanic Street
Lebanon, Ohio 45036
513 932-9153

Or

The Reverend Gayle R. and Reverend Michael L. Simmons
4223 Old Osprey Circle
Miamisburg, Ohio 45342
(937) 859-3285
Email: grdsimmons@yahoo.com and Mlsimmons6@aol.com

The Rt. Rev. C. Garnett Henning, Presiding Bishop
Third Episcopal District AME Church

16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

The Namibia Annual Conference of the 15th Episcopal District under the leadership of Bishop Wilfred Jacobus Messiah hereby announces the passing on of the Reverend Hans Damaston Isaak to eternal glory on Monday, 14 July 2008.

The Reverend Hans Damaston Isaak (age 54) was an itinerant elder, assigned as senior minister to Hendrik Witbooi Tabernacle AME Church, Wanaheda. He was a ministerial delegate to the 48th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church that was held in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.

The late Reverend Hans Damaston Isaak is survived by his wife Anna, 3 daughters, 1 son, 2 grandchildren, in-law family and the extended Isaak family in the African context.

The Funeral and Memorial Services for the Rev. Hans Damaston Isaak has been held.

Messages of condolences can be sent to:

Valerie Isaaks - Bible Society of Namibia valerie.isaaks@nambible.org.na

Or to:

Presiding Elder Willem Simon Hanse - 081 122 5048
hansews@iway.na

The Rev. Johannes Isaack - 081 204 4759

Mother Elisabeth Lucia Skrywer - 081 2383064

Sister Valerie Dorothea Isaaks - 081 269 5379

17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE FOR THE REVEREND HANS DAMASTON ISAAK IN THE KHOEKHOEGOWAB (NAMA LANGUAGE):

Namibiab di Konferensies, 15ǁî Episkopale ǀKharib, Biskop Wilfredt J Messiab di ǂgaeǂguis ǃnaga hâs ge nē ǀgaub ai ǀamo ǂkhaisib ǁga hâ ǁgau ǁgâuǁarus ǁKhāǁkhā-aob, Hans Damaston Isaak disa ra ǂanǂan.

Hans D Isaak ge ǃnarima ra ǁkhāǁkhā-aob, ǂguro ǃereamsa ūhâb ase, Hendrik Witbooi Tabernakel AME Kerkheb di ǂgaeǂgui-ao go iba. ǁÎb ge 48ǁî Hoaǃnā-aixa ǂnûs, AME Kerkheb dis, haka-kurikorobe ra hâs hîa St. Louis, Missouris, ǃnâ USAb ǃnâ, 4-11 ǂKhoesaob dis kōse go hâ is ǃaroma ǁkhāǁkhā-aon ǂnûǁkhaeba-aose go sîhe hâ i. ǁÎb di hoara ûiǁaeb di ǁhapos “Kerkheb di Kaisiba” sī mûs disab ge Eloba 54ǀa kurigu ǀkha go dīǀoaǀoa. ǁNāpab ge sī ǀaesen tsî ǀaeǁgâus ǃnâ ge ǃnaoǂgāhe. Eloba da ge māǂgaoxa gagas tsî ǂkhâǃnâs, Biskop Samuel L Greeni dis hîab ǁîba nē ǃnubu ǀaeb di ǁaerob ǃnâ gere mās ǃaroma ra gangan.

St. Louisa xu Atlantas ǃnâ-ū, Johannesburgs, Suid Afrikab ǃnâ ǂnôasa-ū ǀAeǁgams ǁga hâ ǁarus di daob ge ǁî-aitsama ge buruxa i. Elob ge aitsama ǁîb di ǀkhomxaǂgaosib ǃnâ ge ǂhaiǂhaisen tsî da ge Eloba Hans Isaak ge ûib ǃnâ ǁîb khoexakhoen ǀkha Mantaxtsē, 14 ǂKhoesaob dis ai 2008, ǀhaoǀhaohe ǁkhā i ǃkhais ǃaroma ra gangan. Sao ra ǁgoagab ge Eloba ǃgāb âb di ǃgaes tsî āsa ǁnâu tsî ǁîba hui tsî ge ǂgai-oa, ǀHomsi ǁGâusa ǃoa, ǁîb di ǃhūbaisi tarasa xu, Gaogu di gaob dîǂams ǃoa.

ǁŌǂoa go ǁKhāǁkhā-aob Hans Isaak ge ǁîb taras, Annas, ǃnona (3) tareǀgôadi, ǀgui (1) axab, ǀgam (2) ǁnurisara, ǀuisan tsî khoraǂuisa Isaak ǀaokhoen Afrikab dina ra ǁōǃgau.
ǂHanusises ge ǂguro tsâbaǁhaoǃoabasa Sontaxtsē, 20 ǂKhoesaob dis ai 16h00, Isaak-oms tawa, Okuryangavas ǃnâ nî dīhe.
Wunstaxǃoe, 23 ǂKhoesaob dis ais ge soros ǀkha hâ ǃoabasa 18h00 Ebenezer AME Kerkheb tawa nî dīhe.
ǀUni ǃgôasib tsî ǂâiǂâisens ǃoabas, ǂnûǂkhais dis ge Satertaxǃoe, 26 ǂKHoesaob dis ai, 17h00 omts tawa nî tsoatsoa. ǁKhōs di ǃoabas nî hâ ǃkhaib ge garu a ǁaeb ǃnâ nî ǂanǂanhe. Hoaraga ǁKhāǁkhā-aon ge ǂnū tsarigan nî ǂgaeǂgā ǃkhaisa ra ǂganhe. ǁKhāti WMS tsî YPDs tsîn ge ǀoasa sarab ân ǃnâ nî hâ ǃkhaisa ra ǂganhe. ǁNaeǃnandi tsî gowa-aon tsîn ge ǀnai ǁgâitoasa ǂhaweb ais nî ǃoabasa dīhe xui-ao ǁaeb mâ hîan nî ǁîn di ǃâde māǂgā ǃkhaisa ra ǂganhe. ǃNurimâisens ǃaroma 081 122 5048 tamas ka io 081 269 5379 tawa ǁkhami re.
ǁKhōs di ǃoabas ge Sontaxtsē, 27 ǂKhoesaob dis ai, 09h00 nî tsoatsoa ǃoabas ǀkha Biskop Wilfredt J Messiab di ǂgaeǂguis ǃnaga nî dīhe. ǁKhawan ge ǁkhāǁkhā-aona ǂnū tsariga ǂgaeǂgāsa ra ǂganhe. ǁKhā ǂgans ge WMS tsî YPDs ǁga hâ, ǀoasa sarab ǃnân nē ǁkhōsa nî ǁhao ǃkhaisa.
ǁKhōǃoabas di ǂhaweb ge ǀnai dītoahe hâ tsî da g era ǂgan î-i tā khoe-e toxoba ǂhaweb ai mâihes di ǂgan-i ǀkha hā.
ǃNāsa ǃgāsasib ǃaroma sao ra ǃgôade ǁkhami re:
Danaǁkhāǁkhā-aob Willem Simon Hanseb – 081 122 5048
ǁKhāǁkhā-aob Johannes Isaack – 081 204 4759
ǁGûs Elizabeth Lucia Skrywers – 081 238 3064
ǃGâsas Valerie Dorothea Isaaks – 081 269 5379

18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We are saddened to share news of the passing of Bryan Hatchett, nephew of Mrs. Delphine D. Hatchett-Moss; the wife of Reverend Garry Moss, Pastor of Faith Community AME Church, St. Charles, IL. Bryan Hatchett passed away after being shot on July 13, 2008 at 4:30 P.M. in Memphis, TN. Bryan was the victim of a carjacking.

The Funeral Service for Bryan Hatchett has been held.

Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

The Rev. and Mrs. (Delphine) Garry Moss
Faith Community AME Church
761 N. 17th Street, Ste. 103
St. Charles, IL 60174
Telephone: 847-289-5000
Email: pastorgmoss@faithcommunityame.org

19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Announcing with regret the passing of Mrs. Allean Pearson, age 90. Mrs. Allean Pearson, the mother-in-law of Reverend Aleta G. Pearson (12th Episcopal District) passed on Saturday, July 12, 2008. Please remember the spouse of Reverend Aleta G. Pearson, Mr. Willie Pearson and the family in your prayers during their time of bereavement.

The funeral service for arrangements for Mrs. Allean Pearson has been held:
Messages of Condolence may be sent to:

Email: Aletapears@bellsouth.net


20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

The California Conference of the Fifth Episcopal District is saddened to announce the passing of The Reverend Earl Anderson on Sunday, July 20, 2008 in Stockton, California.

During his stellar and committed 42-year pastoral ministry he served seven congregations in three Conferences (California, Pacific Northwest, Missouri) throughout the Fifth District. In October, 2002 he ended his pastoral ministry upon retirement from Gregg Chapel, St. Louis, Missouri. Following retirement, he continued to serve the Lord through various alternative ministries. He is remembered for his unwavering love of the Lord and commitment to family and a legion of friends cultivated throughout his lifetime.

He leaves to celebrate his life his devoted wife of 54 years, Arsie L. Geeter Anderson, three sons, grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends.

Service arrangements for Rev. Earl Anderson:

Visitation:
Thursday, July 24, 2008
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Ebenezer AME Church
132 Stanislaus Avenue
Stockton, CA 95210

Funeral Service:
Friday, July 25, 2008
11:00 a.m.
Ebenezer AME Church
132 Stanislaus Avenue
Stockton, CA 95210
Rev. Donna Davis, Pastor
Rev. Patricia Colvin, Officiating

Condolences/expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

Mrs. Arsie Anderson & Family
1721 Bonaire Circle
Stockton, CA 95210
Telephone: (209) 478-5158
arsieanderson@sbcglobal.net

Reverend Booker T. Guyton, Sr.
Presiding Elder
Oakland-San Joaquin District

The Rt. Rev. Theodore Larry Kirkland
Presiding Bishop, 5th Episcopal District

21. 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

22. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:

The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Richard Franklin Norris; 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.