THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (8/7/08)

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

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

1. EDITORIAL – MINISTRY HAS TO BE MORE THAN RAISING MONEY:

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

The culture of any church needs a reordering and a radical change when “raising money” becomes the primary focus of ministry.

It is important for pastors and local church officers to reflect upon ministry and the mission of their local churches as well as the Mission and Purpose of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Often pastors seem to feel that the focus of their ministry is raising the budget and keeping the local church afloat. And, of course they are concerned about their salaries, about keeping the lights on, the utilities paid, the presiding elder assessments, the annual conference budget, and repairs to the local church. In fact, oftentimes, raising money becomes the focal point of ministry, so much so, that programs are planned, not around evangelism or spiritual growth, but how much money can be raised.

Revivals should be a spiritual event, but for many churches, revivals have become a fund-raising event. A guest preacher is invited based upon the size of his or her congregation, how many folks they can bring with them, and how much money they can raise. In many churches, Men’s Day and Women’s Day are competitive fund-raising events as are Homecoming, Friends and Family Day, Usher Day, Choir Day, Youth Day, Pastor’s Appreciation Day and a whole lot of other days.

I suspect that the focus upon money impedes church growth. The focus upon money can make it appear that pastors and officers are hustling the membership. I have heard pastors give an appeal for people to tithe with the caveat that if they didn’t tithe, God was “going to get them” and something bad might happen to them if they did not tithe, or that they would miss a blessing if they did not tithe.

This past Founder’s Day, I had the privilege to preach at Mount Herman AME Church in Fort Lauderdale where the now Bishop John F. White was the pastor. I was impressed with an announcement in the church’s bulletin entitled, “The Bible teaches us how to give.”

The announcement clarified what the Bible says about giving. The first of the three points in the announcement said that Christians are responsible for giving on a regular basis – weekly, monthly, or whenever a person receives income.

The second point emphasised that the Bible says a lot about priorities and that loving and thanking God with our financial offerings should come first and that giving first, is a sign of trust that is much more important than the amount we give.

I found the third point interesting because so often pastors and stewards think everyone is at the same spiritual level; they are not.

The third point in the announcement was powerful and “cuts to the soul” of stewardship.

The third point asked the question, “How much should a person give - 5%, 10%, 20%, or 50%? A statement in the announcement said that the biblical guideline is tithing (giving 10%), but went on to say that the specific percentage was not as important as making a commitment. The announcement encouraged members to start the commitment process by committing any percentage of their income with which they were comfortable and then to gradually grow towards and beyond a tithe. The announcement closed by encouraging members to follow through on their commitment by setting aside whatever their decided percentage every time they received income and were encouraged to offer their pledge to God with joy and thanksgiving. The focus was not on the amount or the percentage, but on the commitment.

In the parable of the Talents (Matthew25), the master commended the servant who took the two talents and doubled the talents, and he also commended the servant who had five talents and increased them to ten talents with the words to both servants, “Well done good and faithful servant, you have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.” The master commended servants for their faithfulness. They were faithful in the use of the talents that were committed to them.

When we focus upon the money that we raise as the measure of our ministry, we take the focal point of ministry off God; and the center of ministry becomes focused on how much money was raised or how much money was not raised.

When churches focus upon ministry that meets the needs of people, the community and worldwide missions, studies show that the money will follow.

Understanding how money works is probably a “science” because some pastors and congregations know how to fund their ministries with little effort; but it appears that other pastors and congregations don’t have a clue on how to effectively fund their programs.

There is a method that results in successful stewardship that results in vibrant ministry programs. Vibrant ministry programs can be found in small churches, in large churches, in inner city churches, in rural churches and in suburban churches. Pastoral leadership, follower-ship and following biblical and sound administrative principles make the difference. Effective ministry is not achieved without hard word, extensive planning and more planning, and strong leadership.

Most of us are uncomfortable with beggars, even though we help them; and church members are uncomfortable with preachers and stewards who beg Sunday after Sunday. Preachers and stewards who have to beg may not have developed an effective stewardship strategy for their ministry. And as an aside, we need to stop complaining about what we don’t have; complaining does not inspire people, it discourages people.

It may be that additional training is needed. If a church finds itself stuck in financial paralysis, it might be time for the pastor, along with the church leadership to ask the presiding elder or the presiding bishop to provide training for the local church or even for the presiding elder district. There should be no shame in asking for help. Too often, many pastors feel that they have to “run the race alone”; and they shouldn’t have to do so. Every community has resources and being “educated” is knowing where to find help.

There are bigger ministry issues in which we should be involving our churches, such as HIV/AIDS, family issues, crime, youth and children issues, issues around foreclosures, joblessness and unemployment, high fuel costs, excessive high school dropout rates, especially of black Americans; excessive numbers of incarcerated black Americans; global issues such as violence in Rwanda; ending genocide in Darfur; and the pandemic of HIV/AIDS in Sub-Sahara Africa. Local churches in the United States should be concerned and commit themselves in helping the Connectional Church in providing educational and religious materials in the indigenous languages of our members in Episcopal Districts 14-20; that might be a great project or some of your youth groups.

Ministry is huge and expansive and it should be more than “getting our praise on” or “getting a whoop” at the end of a sermon. Ministry is larger than, “Didn’t Reverend really preach!”

Ministry is bigger than the choir and choir practices, bigger than the usher board or what colors we are going to wear.

All of us need to re-read the Mission and Purpose of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and commit ourselves to it. Bishops, General Officers, Connectional Officers, Chaplains, Presiding Elders, Pastors, Stewards, Trustees, Sunday School teachers, members both young and old need to read it and understand it and collectively live it.

If we, with commitment and faithfulness, even in these austere times, fulfilled the Mission and Purpose of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the money would come and we probably wouldn’t have to beg for it because ministry is more than raising money.

2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:

- To the Editor:

RE: General Conference Coverage

Congratulations on a job well done. I was there but I really enjoyed reading the daily reports online. The daily reports kept everyone informed from the Pre-General Conference Activities to the banquet and up to the Consecration Service, the assignment of bishops, and the Adjournment.

Even now you are still reporting about the 48th Quadrennial 2008 General Conference Session.
The photo of Senator Barrack Obama where the bishops of the AME Church were laying hands on him in prayer is an excellent way to “close the curtain” on the General Conference.

I really appreciate all of your hard work at the General Conference; “Hats off to you.” The African Methodist Episcopal church is very blessed to have Dr. Calvin Sydnor IIII as Editor of The Christian Recorder.

Mrs. Patricia W. Clark
Union Bethel AMEC
New Orleans, Louisiana

3. ADVICE FOR YOUNG PREACHERS FROM A RETIRED PREACHER:

I would like to share these ideas with the young pastors who may enter the pastoral field blindly and starry-eyed.

- Be punctual for all activities.

- Never find it necessary to tell your members who the pastor is.

- Never mount the pulpit with your physical complaints, such as, “I am not feeling well today; I had to go to the doctor yesterday.” It will seem as an excuse for being unprepared.
- Never preach a “mad sermon” and never preach when you are angry about something; get somebody else to preach.

- Never use the pulpit to scold and fuss, do that in your official board meeting if necessary.

- When you enter the pulpit for worship never leave the pulpit until the benediction has been pronounced, unless there is a dire necessity; attend to your personal needs before entering the pulpit.

- Never threaten members during your worship service with your power and authority.

- Do not mention to your members what you have heard; rumors are like fires they spread quickly.

- Do not talk about what you said to a member the other day, because even if you don’t mention his or her name, people will already know you are talking about.

- Have a sense of humor, but don't be foolish. Your humor should be related to what you are preaching about. In other words your humor should have some relevancy to the sermon and to the spiritual moment.

- Keep this in mind: you become the pastor of people when they let you. You may be the preacher, but being a pastor is far deeper than preaching.

- Finally, do not be a copy-cat, be yourself; spend time in meditation, prayer and preparation.

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

Editor’s Note: These are great reminders for seasoned clergy too. Thanks you for sharing them.

3. PAYNE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY CELEBRATES BISHOP VINTON R. ANDERSON’S RETIREMENT AFTER SERVING TWENTY YEARS AS CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF PTS:

On November 13, 2008, we will celebrate Bishop Vinton R. Anderson’s retirement after serving twenty years as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Payne Theological Seminary. As part of one of the supporting districts and member of the Board, we are extending an invitation to all African Methodists to join in this celebration.

In an effort to honor Bishop Anderson and his commitment to Payne Theological Seminary, we are planning two exciting activities. First, we will host a celebration luncheon during the Payne Theological Seminary Board meeting to celebrate Bishop Anderson and his work as Chair in support of the Board of Trustees. Second, it is our intent to raise $50,000.00 to contribute to the Payne Endowment Fund in honor of Bishop Anderson. This contribution will serve as a living legacy of his commitment to the institution.

On behalf of the Endowment Tribute Committee, we extend this invitation to every member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church to join this celebration. Be sure to save this date so that you can be a part of this great celebration and our efforts to strengthen the financial foundation of Payne Theological Seminary.

Serving the Kingdom and God’s People,

Bishop A. J. Richardson
Endowment Tribute Co-Chair

Vivienne Anderson
Endowment Tribute Co-Chair

For further information, please call Marilyn Hatcher at 937-376-2946 ext 224 or email mhatcher@payne.edu


4. AME-INDIA PRAYER REPORT FOR JUNE- JULY 2008:

*The Rev. Sarah Peddiny and the Rev. Abraham Peddiny

We thank God for making it possible, for AME-India to officially become an integral part of global AMEC, at the General Conference 2008. It was "a dream come true" for many of us who had been earnestly praying for this development. It was indeed a divine act of mercy, accomplished by the untiring efforts of our beloved Bishop John Bryant and Supervisor Rev. Cecilia Williams. Hats off to them!!! It is a feather in their cap in terms of achieving to extend the boundaries of AMEC to the corridors of Asia. This is indeed a milestone in the history of AMEC.

We are now proud to say that we belong to the Fifth District of AMEC and are under the leadership of Bishop T. Larry and Supervisor Mary L. Kirkland.

AME- India takes this opportunity to CONGRATULATES Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath, Bishop Julius H. McAllister Sr., and Bishop John F. White for being elected to the office of Bishops, to lead the church into greater heights. AME-India also CONGRATULATES Dr. Clement W. Fugh, Dr. Harold R. Mayberry, Dr. Johnny Barbour Jr., Dr. George F. Flowers, Dr. Jerome V. Harris, Dr. Richard Allen Lewis, Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Dr. Benjamin F. Edwards, Dr. Priscilla J. Green, Dr. Rosemarie Rhodes-Miller, Dr. Patricia M. Mayberry, Rev. Francine A. Brookins, Rev. Granville W. Reed III, Dr. James T. Golden for being elected to their respected offices. AME-India promises to pray for extra divine grace upon all the above mentioned dignitaries as they render their services to the growth and development of AMEC globally.

We also want to thank God for making it possible for Rev. Minnie Sarah, Presiding Elder, AME-India to be able to represent us at the General Conference and return back home safely. This was also another accomplishment of Bishop John and Rev. Cee and we sincerely thank them for all their tireless efforts.

We praise God for God's faithfulness in the past two months and for all that God has done though the ministry of AME in India.

Pastor Sam Paul informs that a lady named Vimala was suffering from multiple sicknesses, having undergone two surgeries. Her lungs were out of function. Since she was bedridden for a long time she had bedsores that were deep and infected. When Pastor Sam came to know about it, he spared time to go and pray for the lady everyday morning for the last two months. Now she is been healed completely and making sincere efforts to live life normally. This is God's doing and we praise God for this. Please pray for Ms. Vimala's salvation as Pastor Sam continues to minister to her.

He also reports that for the past two week the church had been earnestly praying for the backsliders and as an answer to the sincere prayers many of them have started coming to church. Indeed prayer changes people and situations. Please pray for the members to restore their first love to the Lord God our Saviour.

Evangelist David a member of Pastor Sam's church met a cancer patient, who was in a very advanced stage; he was a follower of Hindu religion. Mr. David went to share the gospel with him but suddenly the patient got up and went inside the house, so Mr. David was preparing to leave; suddenly the man came back and apologized for abruptly walking away, because he could not bear the pain in the affected part of his body. He expressed the desire to listen what Mr. David had to share, which culminated in the person saying his prayer of confession and prayer of salvation. Just after a week of this incident the person succumbed to the killer disease. He died as a believer in the Lord. Praise the Lord. God's ways are marvelous.

Pastor Sampat and Shanti Samuel report that seven people (i.e. Mr. Damu, Mr. Velu, Mr. Selvakumar, Mr. Dhanraj, Mr. Ruthma, Ms. Parvati and Ms. Selvi) had been planning to burn down his church. But they were reached by the Gospel and now they are coming to the church. Please pray for their salvation and spiritual growth. Last month after a Sunday service when the congregation was coming out of the church, the thatched roof came down and three members had minor injuries. Praise God for the protection and please pray for the church to be able to build their church.

Pastor Samuel from Kancheepuram informs that last month on 16th and 19th a team from his church visited 20 villages in the surrounding area with the gospel. Then in one village they staged a playact entitled as "Heaven & Hell", 200 people witnessed it. In the end some people came forward for prayer and some others showed interest to know more about Jesus. Pastor Samuel also reports that Mr. Babu, Ms. Amudha and Ms. Geeta are three new seekers who are coming to the church regularly and they want to accept Christ against the wishes of their family members. Please pray for their safety and salvation.

Pastor Joshua reports that Mr. Swamikannu and Mrs. Vijaya, both from Hindu background have accepted the Lord Jesus and have undergone the Christian teaching. They are now ready to be baptized. He also reports of Mr. Manjunath (a Hindu) who was possessed by the spirit has been made free in the name of Jesus and comes to church regularly. The other new comers to the church are Ms. Kokila (Hindu), Denzil (Catholic) and Priya (Hindu). Priya has been suffering from Breast Cancer and she has spent a lot of money on medication to of no avail, now she comes to church with faith that God would heal her. Please pray for her healing. Ms. Lakshmi Muthu, also a Hindu does not have any children and she comes to church by faith for a miracle. Please uplift her in your prayers and also for her salvation. NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD. Pastor Joshua also requests prayer for the new cell group in Austin town, Bangalore.

Pastor Samuel Ramachandran from Tranquebar reports that he has eight new members in his church. One among them is Mrs. Nagamma, (a Hindu) who used to often get headache and giddiness, she was planning to commit suicide, one night she had a vision in which she was asked to go to a church. She obeyed and her problems are gone in a jiffy. She's been healed. The Lord's ways are marvelous. Please pray for her salvation and also for the other new comers.

Pastor C. Daniel from Mullapudi request prayer for Mr. Nazeer (48) who is suffering with Paralysis for two years, his wife Padma comes to church for prayer, for the healing of her husband.

Pastor Cheeranjivi of Kodur requests prayer for Desamma (27) who has been possessed with evil spirit for seven years; please pray for her deliverance and for her whole family to come to have faith in Jesus.

Pastor D. Gopi of Lingeswara Nagar requests prayer for Mr. Mani (32) and Mrs. Lokeswari (28) who were married nine years ago but they have no children. They were worshippers of lord Venkateswara (a famous Hindu deity of this region), now they believe in Christ Jesus. The Lord has to do a miracle in their lives.

Pastor C. Subbamma of Thimmapuram requests prayer for Mrs. Aruna (28) who is carrying but when she went for medical check-up, doctors are told her that the baby is not in the right position. Please pray for safe delivery.

Pastor Daniel Jeyaraj of Puttur requests prayer for Mrs. Padma whose husband is troubling her for attending the church. Padma is from the Mudaliyar community (one of the higher castes) who accepted Jesus through our ministry. (It is to be noted that there are too few converts from this particular caste, because conversion is a taboo for them and the converts are excommunicated.)

Pastor S. Stephen Raj of Kakavedu requests for prayer for Mr. Babu (47) who is ailing from heart disease for last 10 years. He had stroke very recently. The members of his family say that if Babu is healed, his whole family would accept Jesus Christ.

Pastor J. Lokesh of VSS Puram requests prayer for Govida Rajulu (58) who met with an accident on 13th April 2008 and lost his two legs. Their family members are in great distress, and they need to be comforted with power of the Holy Spirit.

Pastor Paul Dooraisamy of Nagari requests prayer for Mr. Sundar, Mr. Anandan and Mr. Jyothi the three young people who opposed the gospel some years back, are now responding to the gospel. Praise the Lord.

Pastor M. Raniamma of Krishnasamudram requests prayer for Mr. Kanaka Raj whose entire family attempted suicide due to severe economic problems. They need the peace of Jesus.

With much concern we request you for prayers for peace in India as professional terrorists are trying to cause panic and communal disturbance in the country. Two metro cities, Bangalore in the south and Ahmedabad in the western part of India witnessed serial bomb blasts last week. By God's grace 24 bombs that were planted in another city named Surat were cited by common people and later defused. The whole country is in the grip of terror. We need your prayers.

We thank you for your valuable prayers for us. God bless you all.

*The Rev. Sarah Peddiny and the Rev. Abraham Peddiny
Presiding Elders, AME-India

For any further information please write to us at ameindia07@gmail.com

5. KNIGHTS MONUMENTAL AME CHURCH EXTENDS INVITATION FOR ALL TO ATTEND ITS REVIVAL:

The Rev. Phillip A. Bannamon and members of Knights Monumental AME Church, located at 224 Red Oak Road, Stockbridge, GA 30281, are requesting your presence at our revival on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 through August 22, 2008. Services will begin each night at 7 pm. Our theme for the week is "God's Chosen People Proclaiming the Excellency of Jesus Christ."

We are looking forward to a powerful revival during this week. The following ministers will be the revivalist for the evening:

Wednesday, August 20, 2008 - the Rev. Bruce Francis, Macedonia AME Church, Rex, Georgia

Thursday, August 21, 2008 - the Rev. Stafford J. N. Wicker, Antioch AME Church, Stone Mountain/Conyers, Georgia

Friday, August 22, 2008 - the Rev. Spencer Booker, New Grant Chapel AME Church, East Point, Georgia

The Rev. Edie Scott, Chairperson
Revival Committee

On Sunday, August 24, 2008, we will be celebrating Lay Day with Annette Curry, President Atlanta North Georgia Conference as the guest speaker. Services will begin at 3:30 pm.

Please come out and help us celebrate with the theme: "Unity in the Body of Christ."

Brother Samuel Humphrey, President
Knights Monumental Lay

*Submitted by Sister Mildred E. Reed, Secretary, Knights Monumental AME Church, Stockbridge, Georgia

6. HEAR EVANGELIST LOUISE PATTERSON FOR WOMEN’S DAY AT ST. JAMES AME CHURCH:

Evangelist Louise Patterson of Bountiful Blessings Church of God in Christ will be the keynote speaker for the 2008 Annual Women’s Day celebration at St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Evangelist Patterson is the wife of the late Bishop G. E. Patterson of the Church of God in Christ. You are invited to join us for a Holy Ghost, spirit-filled worship experience as Evangelist Patterson brings a Word from the Lord.

What: Annual Women’s Day Celebration
When: Sunday, August 10, 2008, 10 a.m.
Where: St. James AME Church
600 North Fourth St., Memphis
Telephone: 901.525.2017

Sister Cheryl Ford, Women’s Day Chair
Sister Gwen Foxx, Co-Chair
The Rev. Walter Winstead Reid Jr., Pastor

7. A RECAP OF A MAGNIFICENT EVENT:

On Saturday May 10,2008, "The Men of Quinn" hosted an incredibly spirit filled prayer breakfast in the church fellowship hall that inspired men from the age of four to the age of 93, unmarried men to those who have celebrated as many as 63 years of marriage. There were young men who were great grandchildren and those with 14 grandchildren. They came from across the street to as far as 200 miles away to share in an experience that exhilarated all who ventured in.

Our guest speaker, the incomparable Gale Sayers, Chicago sports icon and business man extraordinaire captivated the audience with his message “Dance for GOD". His incredible testimony driven by the move of The Holy Spirit over took the room and left every man there blessed beyond their wildest imagination and indelibly touched with his words about God's love implanted in their hearts.

It truly was a memorable occasion for one and all, highlighted when one brother gave his hand to Pastor Moody and gave his soul to God when the doors of the church were opened. The fellowship reached a crescendo and as we closed with prayer brothers embraced each other, in recognition of being affected by the sheer awesomeness of the experience.

8. BIBLE TOOLS FROM CHRISTIANITY.COM:

http://bible.christianity.com/
http://beta.biblestudytools.com/

The team at Christianity.com has recently taken the private beta version of our new Bible Study Tools live and I want to invite you to explore fearlessly! Kick the tires – dive in and take a look around! And let us know what you think. Bible Study Tools is a FREE groundbreaking new interactive way of studying the Bible online and we want to seek your help in getting the word out.

If you like what you see, help us spread the news and invite others to create their own Bible study! I would be more than happy to set up an interview for you with one of our developers so that you can get an inside look of the creation of the New Bible Study Tools. We also have several video demos found in our Helps Section that will guide you through creating your own personal online study bible!

Here’s what you can do with Bible Study Tools:

- Highlight and underline your favorite Bible verses

- Take and save personal "margin" notes about your Bible study journey

- Explore 29 different Bible translations and compare them side by side with our split panel screen

- Search a comprehensive library of additional study helps and resources including commentaries, dictionaries, lexicons, concordances, reading plans, and more

- Read devotionals from your favorite pastors and authors including Chuck Swindoll, Max Lucado, Charles Stanley, John Piper, and more

If you are looking for a FREE resource to help you dig into the Bible….

If you want to know God's Word better and see a dramatic impact in your life…

If you want Bible study resources and teaching you can really trust from some of the most respected pastors and theologians…

If studying the Bible has been intimidating and you are looking for a place to start…

Then Bible Study Tools is for YOU!

Remember, I’m here to help you explore our exciting new resource so feel free to contact me at anytime!

Ms. Kristie Rutzel

9. FOR NASHVILLE AREA RESIDENTS - HOUSING FORECLOSURE RESCUE SUMMIT:

You are invited to the Housing Foreclosure Summit that will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2008 at Fifteenth Avenue Baptist Church, 1203 9th Avenue North from 9:00 a.m. – 12 noon.

Foreclosure Rescue Scams:

“Get Your Head Out of the Sand”
Foreclosure Prevention Counseling
Credit and Mortgage 101
How to Repair Bad Credit
How to Read Your Credit Report
When Is Refinancing Right For You?

Please come and bring two or three of your neighbors.

Submitted by Representative Brenda Gilmore

10. GLOBAL CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE "HIV-COMPETENT" CHURCHES:

Representatives of ecumenical organizations meeting in advance of the 17th International AIDS Conference in Mexico City vowed to launch a global campaign to help churches become competent in dealing with the HIV and AIDS pandemic.

A first step will consist of a set of education and advocacy materials jointly produced in time for the World AIDS Day 2008, to be marked on 1 December. They will be accompanied by a tool-kit aimed at enabling groups and communities to assess the quantity and quality of their response to HIV and AIDS.

Partners in the campaign will be the Ecumenical HIV and AIDS Initiative in Africa (EHAIA), Churches United Against HIV and AIDS in Southern and Eastern Africa (CUAHA), and the newly created International Network of Religious Leaders Living with or Personally Affected by HIV and AIDS (INERELA+). Other key church-related agencies are expected to join in.

The agreement was reached during the "Faith in Action Now!" ecumenical conference sponsored by the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance. Bringing together over 500 representatives of church and church-related organizations, it took place in Mexico City immediately before the 3-8 August International AIDS Conference.

The concept of "HIV-competent church" relates to the ability of a given faith community to deal with the challenges posed by the HIV and AIDS pandemic in an appropriate and compassionate manner. An HIV-competent church staunches the spread of HIV, improves the lives of those living with and affected by it, mitigates the impact of HIV and ultimately restores hope and dignity.

HIV-competence encompasses both inner and outer competencies, explains Dr Sue Parry, EHAIA regional coordinator for Southern Africa. Inner competency exists when a church becomes aware of the impact and consequences of the pandemic and accepts the responsibility to respond to it. Outer competency involves building theological and institutional capacity to do it and requires leadership, knowledge and resources.

"An HIV-competent church is able to build up a new community of God. A community that recognizes and responds to the social challenges that contribute to HIV and has leaders who can break free from unhelpful traditions and cultures - to overcome HIV," says Bishop Dr Johannes Ramashapa, Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa.

"We all strive to develop a church fully informed on what HIV and AIDS is; which acknowledges people living with HIV as an integral and precious part of the congregation", emphasizes Karuna Roy, coordinator of the Synodical Board of Health Services in the Church of North India.

The International AIDS Conference in Mexico City is being attended by over 20,000 participants from the academic, scientific and medical communities, as well as from business, government, faith and civil society organizations, together with positive people's networks. Over 33 million people are living with HIV worldwide. The 2008 conference theme is "Universal Action Now".

Ecumenical conference "Faith in Action Now!" website (including video and audio footage): http://iac.e-alliance.ch

11. THE ELEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2008 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:

The Right Reverend McKinley Young, Presiding Prelate
Dr. Dorothy Young, Episcopal Supervisor

Florida Conference
August 23-29, 2008
Bethel AME Church
511 Woodland Drive
Pensacola, FL 32503
(850) 434-3881
The Rev. Dr. Mark Crutcher, Host Pastor
The Rev. James H. Davis, Host Presiding Elder

Central Conference
September 6-12, 2008
Allen Chapel AME Church
580 George W. Engram Blvd
Daytona Beach, FL 32120
(386) 255-1195
The Rev. Nathan Mugala, Host Pastor
The Rev. James O. Williams, Host Presiding Elder

South Conference
September 20-26, 2008
Mt. Hermon AME Church
17800 NW 25th Ave
Miami Garden, FL 33056
(305) 621-5067
The Rev. Henry E. Green, Jr., Host Pastor
The Rev. Jimmy J. Thompson, Host Presiding Elder

West Coast Conference
October 4-10, 2008
New Bethel AME Church
2122 M.L. King Ave
Lakeland, FL 33805
(863) 687-1994
The Rev. Pearce Ewing, Host Pastor
The Rev. F. Bernard Lemon, Host Presiding Elder

East Conference
October 18-24, 2008
Greater Grant Memorial AME Church
5533 Gilchrist Rd
Jacksonville, FL 32219
(904) 764-5992
The Rev. Tony D. Hansberry, Host Pastor
The Rev. Dr. Robert L. Mitchell, Host Presiding Elder

Bahamas Conference
November 5-9, 2008
Mother Bethel AME Church
Savannah Sound, Eleuthera
The Rev. George Clark, Host Pastor
The Rev. Howard Williamson, Presiding Elder

Post Conference Planning Meeting
November 20-22, 2008
Hilton, located in the Walt Disney World Resort
1751 Hotel Plaza Boulevard
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Phone: (407) 827-3873
Fax: (407) 560-2108

12. THE THIRTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2008 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:

The Right Rev. Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate
Mr. Stan McKenzie, Episcopal Supervisor

Kentucky Annual Conference
August 19 - 23, 2008
St. Peter AME Church
225 W. Lexington St.
Harrodsburg, KY 40330
Ph. 859-734-9996
The Reverend Ralph Boyd Smith, Host Pastor
The Reverend Kenneth Golphin, Host P.E.

West Kentucky Annual Conference
September 9-12, 2008
Burks Chapel A.M.E. Church
635 Ohio St.
Paducah, KY 42003
Ph. 270-442-5565
The Reverend Rita Story, Host Pastor
The Reverend Ralph Johnson, Host P.E.

Note: The West Kentucky Annual Conference will close on Friday, September 12th

East Tennessee Annual Conference
September 23-27, 2008
Bethel A.M.E. Church
2460 Parkview
Knoxville, TN 37914
Ph. 865-522-6396
The Reverend Johnny Watson, Sr, Host Pastor
The Reverend Kenneth Hill, Host P.E.

West Tennessee Annual Conference
October 7-11, 2008
Saint James A.M.E. Church
600 4th St.
Memphis, TN 38107
Ph. 901-525-6017
The Reverend Walter W. Reid, Jr., Host Pastor
The Reverend Robert C. Finch, Host P.E.
The Reverend Linda Martin, Assoc. P.E.

Tennessee Annual Conference
October 21-25, 2008
St. Peter A.M.E. Church and Clarksville Area Churches
519 Franklin St Clarksville, TN 37040
Ph 931-647-4703
The Reverend Dennis D. Lawson, and area pastors, Host Pastors
The Reverend Robert Keesee, Host P.E.
The Reverend Troy Merritt, Assoc. P.E.

13th District Planning Meeting
November 6-8, 2008
St. Paul A.M.E. Church
251 N. Upper St.
Lexington, KY 40507
Ph. 859-255-7945
The Reverend Troy Thomas, Host Pastor
The Reverend Kenneth Golphin, Host P.E.

13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Condolences to the Rev. Everett Rucker, Jr., pastor of Christ Our Redeemer A.M.E. Church, and his wife and family in the homegoing of his father, Brother Everett Rucker, Sr.

View/Sign Guest Book:
http://www.legacy.com/Tennessean/Guestbook.asp?Page=GuestBook&PersonID=114532510

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

The Rev. and Mrs. Everett Rucker, Jr.
Christ Our Redeemer AME Church
1280 N. Keeowee Street
Dayton, Ohio 45404
Phone: (937) 224-7867

14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of Mrs. Minnie Grant, the mother of the Reverend James Grant, a retired minister in the Southern California Conference, Fifth Episcopal District.

Mrs. Minnie Grant was blessed to have lived 105 years.

Service arrangements for Mrs. Minnie Grant:
Family Visitation:
Sunday, August 3, 2008
3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Hicks Mortuary
(Address below)

Celebration of Life Service:
Monday, August 4, 2008
11:00 a.m.

St. John Holy Trinity AME Church (Palmdale)
9543 E. Avenue Q10
Littlerock, CA 93543
Phone: (661) 944-1225
Rev. Mary Jamison Polk, Pastor

Professional services entrusted to:
Hicks Mortuary
8837 E Palmdale Boulevard
Palmdale, CA 93552
Phone: (661) 944-4595
Fax: (661) 944-6513

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Rev. and Mrs. James Grant
303 West Merrill Avenue, Apt. 303
Rialto, Ca. 92376
Phone: 909-874-7955

15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of a beloved Itinerant Elder, the Reverend Charles A. Lattany III, who served the connectional AME Church as the Worship Leader/Liturgist, an elected office of the Connectional Music Committee. He also served faithfully in the Second Episcopal District, Washington Conference, as the Music Director for the Capitol District where the Reverend Goodwin Douglas serves as the presiding elder; and servant-member of the ministerial staff and Minister of Music at Hemingway Memorial AME Church - District Heights, MD; the Reverend Samuel E. Hayward, III, Senior Pastor; the Right Reverend Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr., Presiding Bishop, Second Episcopal District.

The Rev. Charles A. Lattany III was indeed a man of faith and courage and loved by everyone who knew him. He will truly be missed. Please keep the Lattany family in your prayers.

The service arrangements for The Reverend Charles A. Lattany III are as follows:

Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Receiving Friends:
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Celebration of Life Service:
11:00 a.m.

Reid Temple AME Church
11400 Glenn Dale Boulevard
Glenn Dale, MD 20769
Phone: (301) 352-0320

Eulogist: The Reverend Lester Lattany
(Brother of the Reverend Charles A. Lattany III)

The Reverend Dr. Lee P. Washington, Pastor

Professional services provided by:
Pinckney-Spangler Funeral Home
524 Eighth Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
Phone: (202) 544-7720
Fax: (202) 544-7722

Friday, August 8, 2008
Receiving Friends:
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon

Celebration of Life Service:
12:00 Noon

Hall Jones & Brown Funeral Home Incorporated
2005 G Street
Brunswick, GA 31520
Phone: (912) 265-3855
Fax: (912) 265-0044

Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Lattany Family
2716 Millvale Avenue
Forestville, MD 20747
(Phone) 301-967-3646

Email condolences may be sent to: LL33SG@aol.com

16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

This message announces the passing of Mrs. Josephine Ashworth on Saturday, August 2, 2008. Sister Ashworth was a Life Member of the Women's Missionary Society and the widow of the Late Reverend John P. Ashworth III, a former pastor and presiding elder in the 13th Episcopal District.

Service arrangements for Mrs. Josephine Ashworth:

Thursday, August 7, 2008
Family visitation:
11:00 a.m.

Funeral Service:
12:00 Noon

Greater Bethel AME Church
1300 South Street
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: (615) 256-1509
Fax: (615) 726-8534

The Reverend Michael D. Broadnax, Sr., Pastor will be the eulogist for the Homegoing Celebration.

Professional services are being handled by:

Lewis & Wright Funeral Directors
2500 Clarksville Hwy
Nashville, TN 37208
Phone: (615) 255-2371
Fax: (615) 255-4926

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

Mr. John P. Ashworth IV and family
6961 Stone Run Drive
Nashville, TN 37211-8537
(615) 331-8832

17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

This message announces the passing of Sister Bernice Bundage on July 28, 2008. Sister Bundage was a member of Payne Cathedral of Faith AME Church in Houston, Texas and was the widow of the late Reverend A. J. Bundage, a long time pastor in the 10th Episcopal District (North Texas and Texas Annual Conferences).

Homegoing Celebration has been held.
Monday, August 4, 2008, 10:00 A.M.

Condolences may be sent to:

The Bundage Family
C/O Payne Cathedral of Faith A.M.E. Church
2701 Lee Street
Houston, Texas77026

18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

This message announces the passing of Brother Alexander Williams, father of the Reverend R. Charles Williams, pastor of Bethel AME Church, Greenville, Texas (North Texas Conference-Tyler District).

The Homegoing Celebration for Brother Alexander Williams was held on Saturday, August 2, 2008 at the Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church in Sparkman, Arkansas.

Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. R. Charles Williams
604 North Vine St.
North Little Rock, AR 72114

19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

This message announces the passing of Sister Minnie Patton, grandmother of the Reverend Sylvester D. Patton, III, pastor of New Jerusalem AME Church, Dallas, Texas (North Texas Conference-Greater Dallas District).

The Rev. Patton eulogized his grandmother during a Homegoing Celebration held on Thursday, July 17, 2008 at the Reed's Chapel AME Church in Youngstown, Ohio.

Condolences may be sent to:

The Rev. Sylvester D. Patton, III
6615 Tyree Street
Dallas, Texas 75209
214 366-3001 Church/Fax
972 971-9498 Mobile

20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We are sad to announce the passing of Sister Fannie Mae Lewis on June 28, 2008. Sister Lewis was the mother of the Reverend Charlie Mae McDonald, Pastor of Greater Johnson Chapel AME Church, Ferris, Texas (Northwest Texas Annual Conference-Greater-Fort Worth District).

The Homegoing Celebration for Sister Lewis was held on July 3, 2008 at the Zion Hill Baptist Church in Marlin, Texas.

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

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 (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.