Bishop Richard Franklin Norris - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder – Since 1852
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder – Since 1852
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
September is "National Ovarian Cancer Awareness" Month
Editor's Reminder: You do not need a computer to send and receive email or to access the Internet; you just need a smart phone.
September is "National Ovarian Cancer Awareness" Month
Editor's Reminder: You do not need a computer to send and receive email or to access the Internet; you just need a smart phone.
1. EDITORIAL –SISTER JONES AND SISTER SMITH WANT CLARIFICATION ON “MINISTRY REQUIRES STRATEGY AND LEADERSHIP” PART 2:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
I thought I was finished the conversation because we had been on the telephone talking about “strategy” a long time when Sister Smith asked, “What about leadership?” And went on to say, “To do all that you laid out about strategy, takes pastoral leadership. We have been on the phone for a long time and if you need to get back to work, I believe that we can wait to read your response in The Christian Recorder. Isn’t that right Sister Jones?” Sister Jones responded, “Of course!”
But, in my mind, I was not finished with the conversation
I explained that I wanted to finish our conversation and share some of my thoughts about “leadership” because I feel strongly about pastoral leadership; and I believe the AME Church needs to focus more on pastoral leadership. Universities, colleges, seminaries, global corporate organizations and the military are focusing on leadership as a necessary attribute for effective leading of organizations. Let me share a few points about leadership.”
Leadership is needed in the AME Church
Sometimes it seems that some preachers are more focused upon preaching; and even the politics of the church, than on leadership. I wonder if churches that struggle and those who fail to meet their budgetary obligations suffer from a lack of effective leadership.
When a person accepts the call to ministry and becomes ordained, that person is assumed to be “fully qualified” and the assumption is that person is prepared to lead a congregation. They move from one role - laity to another role - the ordained clergy.
Leadership
First, let me say, that it takes “thick-skin” to be a leader and one has to have an especially “extra thick-skin” to be a pastoral leader, because as exciting as the ministry can be, there is also a “dark-side” of ministry. Pastors are expected to handle the “dark-side” of ministry in a “Christian-like manner” no matter how belligerent the situation. Pastors are expected to love and affirm his or her harshest critics.
I think about bishops and pastoral appointments. A pastoral appointment makes one person happy; and 10 others disappointed and angry. With every decision a leader makes, some people are happy and others are unhappy. Leaders are almost always in an environment of conflict, which is why it is important for leaders to be astute in conflict resolution.
The reality is that in every pastorate, there will be good days and bad days. The preacher who is looking to be liked by everyone and who is looking to serve in a conflict-free environment should just go to Orlando, Florida and get a job at Disney World.
what makes the ministry more difficult is that a pastoral appointment of an Itinerant Elder in an AME Church, which requires an undergraduate and a graduate degree, will most likely be a low-paying pastoral appointment. But, having said that, those of us who have, and are going through the ordination process, already know that salaries of pastors are relatively low compared to other professionals.
Teambuilding
The ministry is about building a team. The pastoral ministry is not a “catch as catch can” profession and it is not a profession that “just anybody can do.” Effective leaders must know how to build teams; that’s what ministry is all about, teamwork.
Teamwork is time-consuming and a “strategy” is need when building a team. One of the most effective ways to build a team is personal contact; getting to know the members of the team. Meetings in the pastor’s study and in the homes of parishioners are a good start; but a meeting in a relaxed social environment is how leaders get to know their team members. Breakfast, lunch or dinner engagements are excellent teambuilding opportunities. Effective leaders understand the need to be flexible and creative.
All of the meetings don’t have to be at the church
When I was in the Army, I had a subordinate chaplain who worked for me at Fort Hood and his people always seemed upbeat. One day he invited me to one of his off-post luncheon meetings. I accepted and asked where the luncheon meeting was going to be held and with a broad smile he said the luncheon meeting was going to be held at the 7/11 Store because they had a sale on “Big Gulps (a large drink)” and a hotdog for 99 cents. Ten members of the brigade chaplain staff met at the 7/11 Store. It was hilarious and we all had a great time. The point I am trying to make is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money going to Ruth’s Steakhouse for a meeting. Gather up some of the folks and “carve out a corner” at McDonalds, Burger King or one of the other inexpensive fast food establishments. Another idea is when having a meeting at the church after the folks get off work; pick up a bucket of cooked chicken and a couple of quarts of string beans at the neighborhood supermarket. People are more relaxed while taking care of business when they are eating and fellowshipping; especially if they didn’t have to prepare the food or have to pay for it.
Decisionmaking
Leadership demands good decisionmaking. Leaders make decisions! But before decisions are made, effective leaders take the time to get all of the facts and get consensus.
Excellent leaders get consensus and know the importance of taking the time to get “buy-in” from those he or she leads. Effective leaders take the time to insure that everyone on the team understands the tasks at hand. Getting consensus takes time and patience. People have to get “on-board” and sometimes it takes a long time to get consensus of all of the team-members.
Thesis, antithesis, synthesis
Effective pastoral leaders are not threatened by disagreement because they know that opposition can be a good thing. Pastors who “stack” the steward board with people they like are short-changing the ministry. There should always be what I call, an “opposite voice” like an op-ed in journalism. Leaders need to hear the “other side of issues” – thesis, antithesis and hopefully, synthesis. Of course leaders hope that opposition is done appropriately and constructively. We have all seen and experienced inappropriate opposition.
Programs benefit when all sides of issues are considered. A good leader will insure that an “opposite voice” is a part of the team. An “opposite voice” gives the pastor-leader an opportunity to understand all the issues and helps give the pastor the ability to make appropriate decisions.
To press the point; people are appointed or selected for board membership on the corporate level, in educational institutions, in business and in government based upon what they can “bring to the table.” People are not appointed because they are nice “gals and guys.” Some individuals are appointed because of the financial resources they can bring to the organization; other people are selected because of their influence, their expertise or knowledge; others are appointed because of their power in the community or other salient factors that will benefit the organization.
People selected by the pastor to serve on the steward board or those persons nominated to be on the trustee board should meet, not only the disciplinary standard, but other standards that would benefit the local church. It might be a good idea to ask a person why he or she wants to be on the steward board or why he or she wants to be a trustee.
The pastor who doesn’t take charge
Good things don’t “just happen” and success does not “just happen.”
Effective strategic planning takes effective leadership. Local churches without good leadership do ministry in an aimless, arbitrary, desultory, erratic, haphazard, helter-skelter, hit-or-miss, catch-as-catch-can, “let’s do it the way we have always done it” and hope for the best ministry.
Popularity
I suspect that some pastors and some of the local church leaders fail to provide effective leadership and some pastors lead by their exuberant personalities; not by their leadership abilities. Some pastors will do everything they can to avoid conflict because they want to be liked by everyone. Personality-driven ministry is not enduring; it works only as long as the leader is well-liked.
Actually healthy conflict is good for an organization.
Effective leaders risk rejection
Good leadership takes courage and requires the leader to take risks and sometimes leaders risk rejection. No matter how good a leader is, there are those who reject leadership. Every organization has members who are “fighters” and who reject leadership. Remember, every decision makes some people happy and makes others unhappy.
Competence, patience, decisionmaking and planning
Leadership requires competence and patience. Effective leaders facilitate goal-setting and provide supervision. Leaders know the importance of making sound and timely decisions; and leaders understand the importance of good problem-solving, decisionmaking, and planning.
Pastoral leadership is a process by which the pastor influences the leadership team and the congregation to accomplish objectives; and directs the local church in a way that makes it a more effective organization that meets the needs of the local congregation and the community it serves. In other words, pastoral leadership is a process whereby the pastor influences the church leadership and the congregation to achieve common goals; which presupposes that the pastor has a strategic sense of the mission of the connectional and local church; and the needs of the community. Effective pastors provide direction and leadership.
Education, education and more education
Outstanding pastors develop themselves through a never-ending process of continuing education, self-study, training, and experience. Effective pastoral leaders know who they are and whose they are; and they know their own strengths and weaknesses. An effective leader who builds a team knows when to delegate and to whom to give responsibility. Effective leaders are always in a posture of learning. They study the Bible, take courses and collaborate with their colleagues.
Direction and distance
Effective leaders know the importance of building a team. When the team is assembled, the effective leaders trust the team and the team-leaders.
Outstanding leaders give “direction and distance.” The leader sets forth the vision, gives the task and then gives distance so that the team can accomplishes the assigned tasks.
An effective leader does not stand over or “shadow” the team.
A steward pro-tem or a person appointed as a pro tem of the trustee board should be capable of handling routine meetings. The pastor does not need to be at a trustee meeting when the discussion is about changing light bulbs or a discussion about needed repairs at the church.
The pastor gives direction and gives the folks distance so they can function. Without distance, the local church leadership remains dependent; and they never learn to function as a team.
The team
It's important for pastors to follow the rules of the Bible and The Discipline and not take shortcuts. Some pastors appoint their friends and cronies and that's not a good thing. Coaches of winning athletic teams win because they utilize the best athletes on the team. They do not field the team with the players they like. Teams cannot be successful unless they use the best players possible. Pastors should choose the best persons possible for leadership positions in the church.
Playing by the rules is also a fairness issue. Effective leaders are fair. Leaders should not play “favorites.”
When pastors select stewards, they should do so based upon the best practices possible to be certain that the persons selected are capable and willing to fulfill the duties of the position.
When pastors are planning to nominate persons to be elected as trustees perhaps the question should be asked, “Why do you want be a trustee? What can you bring to the trustee board?”
“Too many cooks spoil the broth”
In a small church of 50 persons, there would be no need to have 19 trustees and 19 stewards. More is not always better; sometimes less is better than more.
No shortcuts
Outstanding leaders focus on following the rules of The Discipline when selecting or nominating officers. Following the rules of The Discipline lessens the opportunity for criticism. For instance, a pastor who takes a shortcut in filling the board of trustees says, “These are names of people I'd like to serve on the trustee board; let’s save time and vote on them” opens him or herself for criticism. The Discipline should be followed as it relates to the election of trustees: twice the number of persons needed and then take the time to have an election.
When pastors select stewards and they are confirmed by the Quarterly Conference, presiding elders should follow the rule of The Discipline. Presiding elders so not have the authority to say, “By the power invested in me, I appoint the following persons as stewards.” The members of the quarterly conference should be given the opportunity to vote and confirm the stewards named by the pastor. When the rules of The Discipline are followed, there cannot be the criticism that the leader is “playing favorites” or “playing loose” with the rules of The Discipline.
I am going there
Good leaders build teams and teams are not built and sustained by sermons and by encouraging congregations to “get their praises on.” A spirit-filled sermon is a good thing and “getting our praises on” is a good thing, but teambuilding and leadership requires other skill-sets; that we, I suspect, in the AME Church, are not developing in our pastoral leadership teams, as intentionally as we should.
Strategy and leadership are important attributes in building a strong congregation. When churches fail to meet their spiritual and financial obligations, it’s an indication that one or both, strategy and/or leadership are absent.
Sometimes one or both are absent because of incompetence or failure to see their importance and at other times, one or both are absent because the pastor and /or the leadership of the congregation just doesn’t give a darn!
The philosophy of “functioning week to week and hoping for the best” is not effective ministry; rather it is a formula for failure and frustration.
Success is measured
Pastoral leaders understand that their success is not measured by who they think they are or how good a job they think they are doing; they understand that their success is affirmed and measured by the leaders and members of the congregation.
A deep breath
I took a deep breath and asked, “Are y’all still there? I didn’t mean to go on and on.” Sister Smith and Sister Jones responded in tandem, “We are still here!”
I thought that I was finished, but Sister Smith said, “We know that you were I the military and you have given us a lot to think about, but if you could capsulate the great information you have shared?”
I responded, “I think the Army Core Values works perfectly for the Church and it’s instilled in all soldiers; enlisted and officers and certainly emphasized to all leaders. Here is the AME-izing of the Army Core Values.”
The core values are for all of the members of our Zion, but I am really thinking now about the pastoral leadership. The core values include Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage.
Loyalty is an important attribute. We need to be loyal, first to God, to the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the bishops of the Church, the leadership under which we all serve. Pastors should be loyal.
Duty involves being men and women of our vows, fulfilling our obligations. We should faithful to the ministry that we are called to serve. As pastoral leaders we should always do what is morally and professionally right. Pastoral leaders should give 110% and we should not have to be told what to do. Duty involves taking initiative and taking responsibility.
Respect is treating people as they should be treated. Pastors should treat everyone with respect, whether they agree with the pastor’s program or not.
Selfless Service making the ministry a high priority and doing what is right and putting the responsibilities of ministry above your own self-interests. Selfless Service is doing what is right because it is right. Selfless Service is pastors being more concerned about “the promise” rather than “the package” – the financial package.
Honor is simply living up to the values of ministry. Honor is our moral compass and living up to what is required of us as AME clergy as it relates to character and personal conduct. And in the words of someone, “Character is what you do when no one is looking.”
Integrity is always doing what is right and telling the truth. Men and women of the cloth must always be persons of integrity
Personal Courage is the willingness to take risks and to face danger and to do the right thing because it’s right. Personal courage is the ability to put fear aside and to do the right thing because it is right. Personal courage is preaching the Bible and preaching against sin, even our own sins; even though people don’t want to hear the hard biblical messages. Personal courage is standing up for what is right, regardless of the consequences. Courageous pastors are willing to look critically at the ministry, consider new ideas, and have the courage to change what needs to be changed.
Finally
Sister Jones said, “Thank you and we appreciate your time. Ministry does require ‘strategy and leadership!’” Sister Smith chimed in, “Amen. Now, we had better let the Editor get back to work.” I agreed.
And, with that, we ended our conversation.
2. AROUND THE AME CHURCH:
- The Rev. Silvester Beaman, Pastor of Bethel AME Church in Wilmington, Delaware prayed the Opening Prayer for the U.S. Senate on Thursday, September 22, 2011. The Rev. Silvester Beaman, pastor of Bethel AME Church in Wilmington Delaware.
Submitted by the Rev. Melvin E. Wilson, President, AME Ministerial Alliance of NY & Vicinity (mew@ameminallianceny.org); 57 Congregations, 250 Ministers, 46,000 Members; Website: www.ameminallianceny.org
- The AME-SADA Fifth Founders' Awards Gala was held on Wednesday, September 21, 2011, 6:00 p.m. at the Marriott Crystal Gateway Hotel, 1700 Jeff Davis Hwy in Arlington, Virginia.
- Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Supervisor Connie Richardson, and Mrs. Jacqueline DuPont Walker were among the many AME leaders in the Rose Garden, front row, as President Obama spoke on the Jobs Bill and the deficit.
- Video footage of Paul Quinn College students’ "Trash to Treasure" protest
More than 75 students from Paul Quinn College marched alongside Highland Hills residents to protest the city’s proposed measure to move trash to the southern sector of Dallas. Please see the video link below and feel free to share it.
Click Here: http://www.youtube.com/user/PQCWritersHub?feature=mhum
**Submitted by Ashley Harris, Manager, Office of College Communications, Paul Quinn College
3. UNBELIEVABLE AME STORIES:
- “Most Sundays, our pastor comes in the sanctuary about half-way into the worship service.
- A person making the annual conference report referred to our Zion as the "African-American Methodist Church," not once, but twice; so it wasn't a slip of the tongue!
- “Our pastor does not give an offering.”
4. VIDEO OF BISHOP RICHARD ALLEN HILDEBRAND'S MESSAGE TO THE REV. DR. FLOYD FLAKE:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_FXqRN6OxA&feature=player_embedded
Retired Bishop Richard A. Hildebrand, the 88th Consecrated and Elected Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is an amazing person! He looks so young, still speaks with a strong voice and with authority. God is blessing him. He was unable to attend the Rev. Dr. Floyd Flake’s celebration at Allen Cathedral in New York City, so he had a video-taped presentation prepared and forwarded the video-clip that could be viewed by the Flakes, the members of Allen Cathedral and the world.
We are pleased to be able to share Bishop Hildebrand’s video-clip to the subscribers and readers of The Christian Recorder.
Attached, and appended below, is the congratulatory video message of Bishop Richard Allen Hildebrand.
Bishop Richard A. Hildebrand's congratulatory message to the Rev. Floyd Flake was uploaded to the internet on Friday, September 16, 2011.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_FXqRN6OxA&feature=player_embedded
5. CHRISTIAN EDUCATION MESSAGE DELIVERED AT TURNER MONUMENTAL AME CHURCH IN ATLANTA, GEORGIA:
Mrs. Barbara Dunn-Price
Christian Education is an integral part of the life of the church; it touches every aspect of the church. Christian Education should be celebrated in every AME Church.
Christian Education Day was celebrated at Turner Monumental AME Church is Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 18, 2011. The Rev. Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III was the guest preacher.
Christian Education
Christian Education Day is set aside in the AME Church to recognize the importance of a functioning Christian Education Department. This is not a “one person's” job; it takes many people working at different levels and different capacities to facilitate true growth. "Equipping Saints for the Work of Ministry” taken from Ephesians 4:11-13 was theme chosen by Turner Monumental AME Church.
I have chosen from those verses to focus upon teachers, because teachers are called upon to equip the saints for the work of service by helping others gain a firm foundation in faith from the Word of God.
Christian Education is not just planning workshops, or teaching a new members’ class. Christian Education is a process that begins in the cradle and ends in the grave.
Christian Education is not a "quick fix" program; one that is observed during the hours of 10:00 a.m. -11:00 p.m. on Sunday mornings. Christian Education is a 24/ 7/ 365-days activity that continues throughout our lives.
Christian Education starts in the home and “Sunday” is one of the wheels that keeps Christian Education turning.
Many people are calling for change. They want to retire the old and bring in the new. Change is necessary and some things need to be upgraded, but some things should remain the same, such as teaching our young boys and girls to say grace before eating, "Thank God for the food we eat…"; and teaching them to say their prayers before going to bed: "Now I lay me down to sleep…"
Our children should be taught the Lord's Prayer to let our young people know that they can petition “Our Father who art in Heaven” at any time; at any place; even in school while sitting at their desks. The Ten Commandments should be taught to teach them the supremacy of god and how to relate to their parents and to others. They should be taught about Jesus so they understand the importance of “Do unto others as you want them to do unto you” and “Love the Lord your God with all your heart…” We need to teach them the Twenty-third Psalm so that they will know that “The Lord is truly their shepherd” and that those two powerful brothers "Goodness and Mercy" will follow them all the days of their lives.
The Beatitudes are powerful tools , and a good road map- “Blessed are the meek; Blessed are the pure in heart, Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness…”
Christian Education is a serious process and what is learned and taught on paper should be put into practice.
Christian Education should teach us to love and care unselfishly for each other and being Christian and Christ-like should be our aim.
We need leaders who know the Word of God and can transmit God’s Word to others, in both words and deeds. The words of the poem “I'd rather see a sermon…” is apropos:
I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day;
I'd rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way.
The eye is a better pupil, more willing than the ear;
Fine counsel is confusing, but example is always clear,
And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds,
For to see a good put in action is what everybody needs.
We should allow the Holy Spirit to empower us, to equip God's people for compassionate care of one another.
Christian Education should be lifting Jesus! As teachers, that is our gift, our purpose, our calling, our intention, and our goal!
Mrs. Barbara Dunn-Price
Turner Monumental A.M.E. Church
Atlanta, GA
6. LET'S CELEBRATE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION WEEK - SEPTEMBER 18 - 25, 2011:
*Sister Amanda Johnson
May God's Richest Blessings Be Yours Again Today!
As the CED Week continues to unfold so does the information and appreciation of Christian Education continue to be disseminated. So far, we have shared the history of Christian Education; looked briefly at the CED Calendar and what should be going on throughout the Conference Year; addressed the Ministries of Christian Education; suggested some Worship Resources to be used in the planning of this upcoming Sunday’s Worship Service to highlight Christian Education Week as it comes to a celebratory climax, and offered some directions of how to begin to plan the year of Christian Education through the Church Seasons.
Now we taken the position that the Pastor and the Christian Education Leadership should support the challenge of embracing the positive aspects of change as reflected in the quadrennial theme, “Great past, Greater Future: An Incredible Call to Serve,” and focus on the work of the Department with the understanding that “. . . greater works shall you do . . .” (John 14:12).
Today we talk of further strengthening the support of your Christian Education Department structure and teaching ministry by the development and distribution of leadership. The Pastor is not only the administrative head of the Local Church, but also the leader of its educational work. Effective Christian Education requires a Pastor who is committed to teach. The Pastor must make a commitment to place Christian Education at center stage of the Local Church for inward growth and outward witness.
To that end, we note the following:
- Every Local Church should develop a Christian Education Department.
- A careful study in the Christian education needs of the Local Church should be conducted and a means for meeting those needs be determined.
- The Church School, the Young People’s Division, the Missionaries, The Lay Organization, and all authorized Departments and Ministries should be supplied with adequate and appropriate literature and proper equipment prepared and approved by the Christian Education Department.
- Appropriate Days are to be overseen and observed.
- Proper observance of Advent, Founder's Day, Easter Day, Children’s Day, Allen Jubilee Week in February, and Christian Education Week in September should be emphasized and celebrated.
Likewise, there should be a Director of Christian Education in the Local Church who has been nominated by the Pastor and confirmed by the Quarterly Conference. That person should be a member of the AME Church.
Along with the Pastor and the directions of the Quarterly Conference, the CED Director of the Local Church should have the direction and supervision of all religious and educational interests of that Local Church. They shall make adequate provisions for meeting the growing needs of religious life through worship, study, social action, evangelism, missions and recreational activities. They should make recommendations of procedures and source materials for the effective work in the total field of Christian Education.
But let us not forget the Church School which must be incorporated as an integral part of the Local Church and its Christian Education Department. Few organizations have the universal appeal to different generations as does the Church School. Part of the job of the Church School is to teach the basic fundamentals of the Christian faith and remember what God has done for us, His people of faith as well as His people as a nation. Thus we need the Church School Superintendent, appointed by the Pastor and confirmed, whose mission is to recruit, train, evaluate, and assist in the placement of instructors and staff members of the Church School with the student’s personality, level of understanding and needs.
The Roles of Responsibility discussed herein are awesome. They require sacrifices of time and sometimes the caring out of assignments and work of others. The Local Church needs the Pastor, the Director of Christian Education, and the Church School Superintendent to work together within the process and procedures defined in the AME Church Book of Discipline. We at the Local Church level all have persons who exhibit those characteristics and qualities: including dedication, determination, biblical scholarship, willingness to be trained and give training, administrative skills, social skills and grace, are loving and understanding, and sometimes willing to travel.
So JOIN US in Christian Education as we challenge you to look among the membership of your Local Congregations and identify those persons who want to serve and let their lights shine!
See the attachments to help begin the Local Church's process!
*Sister Amanda Johnson is the West Kentucky Christian Education Director
7. THE EIGHTH SESSION OF THE NORTH TEXAS CONFERENCE:
By: Delanda S. Johnson
On Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2011; Presiding Prelate Rt. Rev. Gregory G. M. Ingram called the 8th Session of the North Texas Conference to order with the Conference Secretary calling the names of each pastor to answer roll call.
The Conference was hosted by the Rev. Juan Tolliver (St. Paul A. M. E. Church, Dallas, Texas) and Presiding Elder James W. Ford.
The business session of the conference called for reports to be given by Presiding Elder Rev. James W. Ford (Dallas District) and Presiding Elder Darrell G. Caldwell, Sr. (Tyler District).
Bishop Ingram set aside time for Dr. Clement Fugh to speak to the congregation. Fugh is running for AMEC Bishop in 2012. Dr. Fugh currently serves as the General Secretary and Chief Information Officer of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He has more than 30 years of experience as pastor to congregations in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Ohio.
The Annual Conference moved forward with the “Hour of Power.” The speaker for this message was the Rev. Ella McDonald. Her subject was, “I Don’t Look Like What I’ve Been Through.” Her text was based on Genesis 42:8, which tells the story of Joseph. She stressed how much Joseph’s brothers hated him. The Rev. McDonald stated that people will not like you and hate you for no reason. She commented that Joseph had faith in God; even though he knew that his brothers hated him. She stated that Joseph still had love for his brothers, even though they hated him, wanted him dead, threw him in a pit, and sold him into slavery. “What man meant for evil, God used for good. Joseph’s brothers ended up going to him for help” said Rev. McDonald. She told the congregation to never give up on their dreams.
The conference business sessions moved forward with Presiding Elders Ford and Caldwell giving their reports on their Districts.
Bishop Ingram gave high praise to his Executive staff for their hard work and a job well done. Though this is Bishop Ingram’s last conference, he stated that this would be the best conference ever.
Bishop Ingram turned the meeting over to his wife, the Episcopal Supervisor, the Rev. Dr. Jessica Kendall Ingram. Even though this was going to be her last session to teach for the North Texas Conference, this was going to be her best one ever.
The Rev. Dr. Ingram taught a session on, “Is God Manifested in Our Worship?” Rev. Jessica explained that true worship of God is not an option for those of us who have been washed in the “Blood of Jesus.” She stated that worship is a divine command/demand from God.
The Rev. Dr. Jessica asked the question, “When gathering on Sunday morning or other designated times, is God being manifested in our worship?” Or are we guilty of having many “worship blockers” - a lack of respect for the sanctuary, sermons preached without spiritual preparation and study, music that doesn’t edify God, and going to church for socializing rather than worshipping. She stated that we must move into the manifestation of God’s presence in our worship; it requires an understanding of true worship. True worship is “authentic worship; which always produces the experienced presence of God; and people’s lives are changed in God’s Presence.”
The election of delegates was held on Thursday, September 15, 2011.
The Ordination and Retirement service was held on Friday, Sept. 16, with the Rev. Dr. John Hunter, Senior Pastor of First AME Church, Los Angeles, California as guest preacher.
Sister Monica Burks was ordained as Deacon and the Rev. Mittie C. Muse, Jr. was ordained as a Itinerant Elder.
On Saturday, Sept. 17, Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram gave is final sermon to the North Texas Conference. Bishop Ingram stated that he has worked with some wonderful people and that he would miss Texas. Bishop Ingram’s sermon came from Psalm 23. The theme for his sermon was “ Surely.” He stated that if you recall that the 23rd Psalm was written by King David. He asked, “Who was David? What manner of man was David?” Bishop Ingram pointed out that in spite of David’s shortcomings, God used him and David never failed to go to God for forgiveness; David was a man after God’s own heart. David loved God and he consulted God in all that he did. However, the flesh was weak, but David never forgot about God.” Bishop Ingram reminded the congregation that no matter what you go through, the Lord will take care of you.
The service ended with Conference Secretary, the Rev. Jackie Prim giving her report. The total funds raised during this last Conference under the leadership of Bishop Ingram, was $3 million dollars and $16 million dollars in properties.
Bishop Ingram read the appointments for the pastors and the Rev. I. B. Wells, Jr. returned to Johnson Chapel AME Church in Malakoff.
The Rev. Fredrick V. Moss returned to Allen Chapel AME Church in Athens.
8. OPEN HOUSE FOR TECHNICAL CAREER INSTITUTES (TCI) COLLEGE’S NEW EXTERNAL SITE AT A HARLEM CHURCH:
Open house and ribbon cutting for Technical Career Institutes (TCI) College’s new external site at a Harlem church – room for more students
Harlem, September 16, 2011: There will be a ribbon cutting and open house showcasing TCI College of Technology’s new “External Site” at St. Luke AME Church located at 1854 Amsterdam Avenue on Monday September 26, 2011 at 4 PM. Approximately 100 students are currently enrolled at “TCI at St. Luke” and take college level courses taught by TCI faculty in the church’s administration building. The site has room for more students and the college hopes that the ribbon cutting ceremony and open house will attract new college students. “We are happy that so many of our neighbors have taken advantage of this unique opportunity to expand their knowledge and learn new skills,” says Rev. Melvin Wilson, the church’s pastor. As the nation’s unemployment rate continues to swell, St. Luke AME Church in Harlem, NY
(http://www.stlukeamenyc.org) and TCI College of Technology (http://www.tcicollege.edu) teamed up to help provide students access to higher education. TCI is providing students with a laptop computer so they are able to perform work online, in class, and at home. Each classroom is equipped with state of the art teaching equipment such as Smartboard projectors that students and teachers are able to utilize. The learning center will have resources available including desktop computers, a small library and professional staff. Dr. John McGrath, CEO of TCI College, commented, “I am delighted that TCI has opened a new site in Harlem which provides day and evening classes for students seeking to enhance their academic qualifications which provides them the opportunity to improve their lives.” “TCI at St. Luke” is open to High School graduates and GED students.
In addition, “TCI at St. Luke” offers students a unique program where non-High School graduates can earn college credits if they can pass a federally approved ‘Ability to Benefit’ examination. TCI College of Technology has the unique distinction of being founded by the Nobel Prize winner, Guglielmo Marconi, who was the co-winner of the Nobel Prize in physics in 1909. The founding of the college by a celebrated scientist remains a fundamental part of the College’s identity. TCI is the second largest two-year private college in the New York Metropolitan area. TCI provides 21 Associate Degree programs in day and evening sessions to over 4,300 students, which includes both traditional, college-age and older students. For the past several years, an annual survey published by Community College Week, the independent newspaper of community, technical and junior colleges, has ranked TCI among the top three colleges nationwide in the number of engineering-related two-year degrees conferred. TCI is accredited by both the New York State Board of Regents and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
For more information and enrollment information, contact Julia Daboin at (212) 870-1353. The media is invited to the open house and ribbon cutting of TCI College at St. Luke on Monday September 26th at 4 PM. For more information contact Leslie Patterson-Tyler at Leslie@TylerMadePR.com; (609) 247-2632
9. QUINN CHAPEL AND BLACK CONTRACTORS WIN BRONZE HARD HAT AWARD:
The Cosmopolitan Chamber of Commerce to present award at its annual Evening with Friends Gala, Friday, October 14, 2011 at Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel.
Chicago, IL, September 21, 2011: The Cosmopolitan Chamber of Commerce, Chicago’s oldest African-American Chamber will break tradition at its 2011 Annual Evening with Friends Gala by presenting the Bronze Hard Hat award to a construction project instead of an individual or construction company. The 2011 recipient will be the Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church Restoration project.
Annually, the Cosmopolitan Chamber awards the Bronze Hard Hat to an individual or organization that has made significant contributions to advance the efforts of minorities in the industry. This year, the award selection committee believes the Quinn Chapel AME Restoration Project deserves the honor because of the church’s historical significance to our community and its commitment to use primarily Black Contractors for the project.
Accepting on behalf of the construction project will be the Rev. James Moody, Pastor of Quinn Chapel AME, Mr. John Gay, and president of Jaqcorp, the project manager and Mr. Edward McKinney, president of Black Contractors United. Quinn Chapel AME Church is Chicago’s oldest African-American congregation located at 2401 South Wabash Ave. The church was started in 1844, just 7 years after the incorporation of the City of Chicago. In addition to being Chicago’s oldest African-American Church, the Quinn Chapel Sanctuary, a national land mark built in 1891, is the oldest building in Chicago, built, financed and maintained by African-Americans.
For the past 10 years, under the leadership of Pastor James Moody, the church has been engaged in a meticulous restoration effort. The Pastor and congregation are striving to update building mechanical, electrical and heating systems while preserving the fine architectural detail that makes Quinn Chapel such a beautiful place of worship.
Mr. Edward McKinney, President of Black Contractors United, although not a member of the church, shares the Pastor and Church’s passion for this project. He has been at the forefront of encouraging black contractors to come and work on the Quinn Restoration project. He and many of his fellow contractors are either significantly reducing their costs and/or volunteering time and resources to the project. The Chicago Urban League is also helping with the project through its construction training program. Workers from the training program were instrumental in completing the most recent phase of the project, the stripping, and staining of woodwork back to its original 1891 stain.
In selecting this project to receive the Bronze Hard Hat award, the selection committee wants to shine a bright light on a project where the Black Church and Black Business are working together for the improvement of the community. The chamber would like the Quinn Chapel Restoration effort to spark a community wide restoration effort towards the goal of restoring African-American Businesses in Chicago back to former prominence when many of the large Black Businesses were members of the Chamber and based here in Chicago.
Other Awardees for the 2011 Evening with Friends Gala include:
Corporations of the Year:
State Farm Insurance Company and PNC Bank
Public Service Award:
Phillip Jackson, Executive Director, The Black Star Project
Eloise Johnson Award
The Rev. Charles Jenkins, Pastor, Fellowship Baptist Church
Founders’ Award
Don Jackson Founder, Chairman and CEO, Central City Productions, Inc.
Special Recognition Award
Donovan Pepper, Vice President Walgreens
Evening With Friends Gala
Friday, October 14, 2011 Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel
VIP Reception 5:30 PM - Gala 7:00 PM
10. INTERNATIONAL AND FAITH COMMUNITIES UNITE TO END HUNGER:
By Bishop Don DiXon Williams
Word Count: 500
September 15, 2011
With the signing of the debt-ceiling deal in August, lawmakers made great—albeit temporary—strides toward protecting domestic and international programs for vulnerable people. Unfortunately, programs such as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), Head Start, and development assistance are still at risk as lawmakers work to reduce our nation’s deficit and balance the budget.
In September, members of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction—or “Super Committee”—met to start determining how to conquer the nation’s looming deficit. International and church communities have joined forces to ensure that programs for hungry and poor people around the world aren’t cut in the process. For the next few months and beyond, we urge Congress to take a balanced approach to deficit reduction and ensure that funding for key programs remains intact.
Why is this important? Here is some context: There are nearly 1 billion hungry people in the world, two-thirds of whom live in just seven countries—Bangladesh, China, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, and Pakistan. Hunger and poverty pose huge challenges around the world as governments of developing countries struggle to maintain political stability, attain economic stability, and secure a seat at the table among international decision makers.
Rep. Howard Berman (D-CA), ranking member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, said recently, “It is unconscionable that people are still living under plastic tarps in Haiti … and that millions of dollars have gone missing in Iraq and Afghanistan.” Cutting programs that are vital to people in need without addressing underlying problems will get us nowhere. We have to modify our approach to helping developing nations escape poverty. We must ensure that our foreign aid reaches the right people and is effective.
Some people believe foreign assistance is a luxury we cannot afford, but it is really about helping developing countries get on a path toward self-sufficiency. As Rep. Berman stated, “Aid is not a gift. The U.S. provides foreign assistance because it defends our national interests.” I’d like to take that statement a step further and say that it is our Christian responsibility to care for our brothers and sisters—whether around the corner or across the ocean. They are suffering, and it is our moral imperative to do something about it.
So what can you do? Speak up. Your voice is more valuable now than ever when it comes to the needs of vulnerable people. Proverbs 31 tells us to “Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute. Speak out, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Tell Congress you think safety-net and foreign assistance programs should be left alone in the budget debates. Learn more about this effort and join the fight to end hunger by visiting www.bread.org/hunger/budget/.
Bishop Don DiXon Williams is racial/ethnic outreach associate at Bread for the World, and bishop of ecumenical and political affairs at United Way of the Cross Church of Christ, Danville, VA.
11. 2011 CLERGY AGE TRENDS REPORT SHOWS MORE OLDER AND YOUNGER CLERGY:
TCR Editor’s Note: The figures listed are for the United Methodist Church. I would be curious as to how the data in the AME Church matches with the data below.
WASHINGTON, DC – The Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary has released its annual Clergy Age Trends in the United Methodist Church report. This year’s report, prepared with assistance from the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits, shows an increase in the number of both older and younger clergy. Conversely, the percentage of middle age elders has shrunk dramatically over the past decade. Also of note, older clergy between the ages of 55 and 72 constitute the largest share of clergy in history, and the median age of elders remains at a historic high of 55.
Highlights of the 2011 Report
Older Clergy Constitute Largest Share of Clergy in History
- Elders between ages 55 and 72 comprise 52 percent of all active elders, the highest percentage in history. One year ago this group reached 50 percent for the first time ever. This age cohort represented only 30 percent of active elders as recently as 2000. Previously their percentage of the total was even lower.
- The median age of elders remains at 55 in 2011, the highest in history, reached first in 2010. The median age was 50 in 2000 and 45 in 1973.
The Percentage of Middle Age Elders Continues to Shrink
- The percentage of elders aged 35 to 54 continues to shrink, from 65 percent of all active elders in 2000 to 43 percent in 2011.
The Number of Young Clergy Continues to Grow Slowly but Steadily
- There are more young elders, deacons, and local pastors than ten years ago.
- The numbers and percentages of young elders and local pastors grew slightly in 2011. Young deacons declined very slightly after growing much faster than elders and local pastors for several years.
Full Report Available for Download
Much more information is available in the complete Clergy Age Trends report, which is available for free download at
http://www.churchleadership.com/research/um_clergy_age_trends11.htm?id=ca1.
Of particular interest to many are the average and median ages of elders by conference. Also, the report features a breakdown by conference of young, middle age, and older clergy for elders, deacons, and local pastors.
The Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary is pleased to provide this report as a service to the church.
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The Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary seeks to advance the understanding of Christian leadership and promote the effective and faithful practice of Christian leadership in the church and the world. The center is building a new vision for church leadership grounded in faith, informed by knowledge and exercised in effective practice. The center seeks a holistic understanding of leadership that brings together theology and management, scholarship and practice, research and application. The Lewis Center serves as a resource for clergy and lay leaders, congregations and denominational leaders. Through teaching, research, publications and resources, the center supports visionary spiritual leaders and addresses key leadership issues crucial to the church’s faithful witness. http://www.churchleadership.com
12. THERE’S MORE IN STORE FOR YOU:
The Rev. Delishia Boykin
“As far as I am concerned, God turned into good what you meant for evil. He brought me to the high position I have today so I could save the lives of many people.” – Genesis 50:20 New Living Translation
My brothers and my sisters, there has been one question that theologians have debated for centuries and Christians often become absorbed trying to comprehend – Why do bad things happen to good people? I encounter so many people on a daily basis that seek a real life answer to this question because no matter how much they have tried to do the right thing, sometimes evil is what they get in return.
Truthfully, I have wondered myself (yes even the pastor) because I have seen countless numbers of people that have shown the utmost love for God and others, yet someone comes along and seeks to destroy them. And yes, in our faith we believe that regardless of the issue, God will work it out and we will understand it better by and by. Yet the question remains… How do you explain that to a woman that has been raped? Or to a child that has been molested? Or a Christian that has been the subject of unjust and unfair treatment? Some things are easy to say, but difficult to carry out.
Yesterday, I was in a session with a teenage girl that has suffered abuse. She realizes that it is not her fault, and she is proceeding on with her life but there is one question that lingers on in her mind- Why Me? To minister to her, I shared a synopsis of the story of Joseph, which she is now reading for empowerment.
Joseph was the favored son in his family. His father loved him so much; he gave him a specialized garment made just for him. He often showered his favor upon this dear son and to top it all off – God gave Joseph dreams to be able to see the future and how he would be elevated. Needless to say, when Joseph’s brothers heard this, they were upset and jealous. They staged a traumatic event to finally rid themselves of the issue Joseph represented for them. They abandoned their brotherhood, left Joseph all alone and told the father he was no longer alive. The entire plot was pre-meditated, and for a season they thought they won this battle they assumed for themselves.
Over time, however, a famine hit the land and they had to go to leadership to try to get some help. Guess who had to help the starving familial adversaries? You guessed it right – Joseph. And he did it with fashionable style and in abundance. He showered love upon them even after they exercised hatred against him for no reason at all. After which, these brothers returned to apologized, and Joseph replied to them, “As far as I am concerned, God turned into good what you meant for evil. He brought me to the high position I have today so I could save the lives of many people.”
Dear friend, we can become distracted in life by spending unnecessary time reflecting on the evil that other people have done in our lives. Please do not misunderstand me – I do not minimize it at all. I have been there! I know it hurts you to your core, I know that it is unfair and I know you do not deserve it but greater than all of that, you must realize God has a perfect plan concerning you and it’s not over until God says it’s over.
Joseph did not give up even when he went through the pit or the prison, and as a result God brought him to the Palace. While he was in the palace, God even blessed Pharaoh’s house because of Joseph’s presence. Regardless of what evil you may face today as a result of other people or the adversary himself, keep these three things in mind:
God is with you
Joseph made it through difficult circumstances because the Almighty God was with him wherever he went. Remember King David recorded in the Psalms, wherever he went God was there – in the earthly realm, in Heaven or in the world beneath – God was there. (Psalm 139) Likewise, in the positive and negative moments of life, you must know, understand and believe that God is with you. He has promised “I will never leave you or forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:15b) As you walk throughout this day, remember that God is with you and there is a power that is resident with the presence of God.
Your circumstance does not define you
Everyone has had difficult moments, made mistakes and experienced misfortune or failure at some point in life. However, it is not the situation that defines you – it is what lies inside of you. I know the world will try to make us think our misfortune is our destiny, but the devil is a liar and a deceiver too!
Joseph was sold into slavery – but he didn’t give up. He was mistreated because of a moral decision, but he didn’t give up. He was hated by the brethren, but he did not give up. He did not give up and he could not give up because God had already shown him his destiny.
The brothers could hate him, but they could not steal or alter his destiny. The baker could forget him, but he could not steal or alter his destiny. Potiphar’s wife could falsely accuse him, but she could not steal or alter his destiny. It is all in the hands of God.
That’s why we must always be careful when we talk about a child of God – you may know where they are but you do not know where they are going! As I have heard numerous times, God moves in mysterious ways, his wonders to perform.
When Joseph’s brothers saw him again, they did not see the hated brother that was abandoned, what the saw was the man who was able to provide sufficient resources to sustain their lives. Ultimately, Joseph rose above the negative and he was defined when God pronounced the benediction on his life. You too are not defined by what has happened in your past or what may be the case today – you will be known by what God is preparing you for – the ultimate place God will place you in life. So what should you do? Hold on, help is on the way!
Your circumstance is temporary, but your relationship with Almighty God is eternal.
The power of God will perform a mighty act
Although Joseph was left for dead, that was not the plan of God. Others may plan your failure or demise, but God has a greater plan for you. His plan is that you prosper, have hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) God used Joseph’s situation to elevate him and to bring blessings to even his adversaries through an act of redemption and reconciliation.
You may not see it or fully understand it, but I promise you right now that God is working out your situation for the good. (Romans 8:28) Please don’t give up or give in because God is going to use the power of transformation to convert all intended evil into good. No weapon formed against you shall prosper, because you are MORE than a conqueror through Christ Jesus, our Lord. Amen!
Let us pray. Dear God, I reverence you and worship you for this day and the gift of life. I know you have the perfect plan for my life and you will order my steps. While I do not always understand why you allowed negative things to happen in my life, I am encouraged that each issue has made me wiser, stronger and better. I believe in your power of transformation, and I seek your divine power in my life today. I trust you now that every evil thing will be converted for my ultimate good. Help me to not become bitter, but to grow in your love and mirror your image in the name of Jesus, Amen.
*The Rev. DeLishia Boykin is the pastor of Grant AME Church of Chesilhurst, New Jersey and the author of the national bestseller “Positioned for a Breakthrough”
13. MID-WEEK MEDITATION ~BASED ON PSALM 121:
This week’s Mid-Week Meditation is actually a “first-of-the-week meditation,” since I’ll be in Washington, DC this Tuesday through Thursday.
I’ll be flying there and back, and beyond the reality of being in a pressurized tube hurtling through the air at a few hundred miles an hour a couple of miles above the earth, I like flying - especially on a cloudy day. I like taking off in dreary weather, ascending through the clouds, and reaching an altitude where the plane is above the clouds and the sun is shining brightly in crystal clear air.
That aerial experience always reminds me of why it’s so good to love the Lord. There’s an old expression where I grew up…“If you haven’t had trouble in your way, just keep on living.” All of us run into clouds of disappointment, stress, confusion and uncertainty sooner or later. Storm clouds in our lives are a part of the human condition, but that’s not what matters. What matters is that the God we serve can lift us above life’s cloudy, stormy times so that we can, as a hymn by C.A. Tindley says,” live in the sunshine” and see our blessings clearly.
Whether your life gets cloudy this week or not, look to the Lord. Let Christ be the light of your life when your way is clear and when your way is cloudy and confusing, for Jesus can lift you up. You’ll then have a better view of life and see comfort, encouragement, hope and joy, regardless of the situation, and clearly understand why King David of Israel said when he reflected on how he made it through his cloudiest and most stormy times, “I will lift up my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.”
If this has been a blessing to you, feel free to share it!
Get Ready for Sunday!
Join us for Worship at 8 am and 11 am on September 25. The Combined Choir, Male Chorus, Young Adult Choir and Mime Ministry will offer praise.
Sunday’s Scripture Lessons are:
Jeremiah 2:1-9
Revelations 2:1-7
John 21:15-19
Sunday’s Sermons are:
8 a.m. - “Do You Really Love Jesus?”
11 a.m. - “Is Your Love Still Strong?”
See YOU in church, and have a great week!
14. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENT:
The Rev. Margaretta Smith and the Rev. Darryl Narcisse, pastors of the Historic Saint Paul AME Church in Independence, Missouri, joyfully announce the 55th Wedding Anniversary of their parents Retired Captain Morris Jacob and Mrs. Freddye Mae Smith. Mrs. Freddye Smith is the former Conference WMS President of the (former) Northwest Missouri Annual Conference.
Congratulatory messages for Captain Morris and Mrs. Freddye Smith may be emailed to: stpaulamecindependence@gmail.com
15. EPISCOPAL FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to announce the death of Mr. Lloyd Bolling, the Uncle of retired Episcopal Supervisor, Dr. Sylvia Ross Talbot.
“As I share the news of the death of another uncle, Lloyd Bolling, I ask that the Church keep my family in prayer as we celebrate a long life well-lived. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at St. Andrew and Holy Communion Church in South Orange, NJ. His spouse, Antoinette Bolling, my mother's sister, died in January of this year.”
Sylvia R. Talbot
Contact Information for Dr. Sylvia Ross Talbot:
240 Ashington Court
Brentwood, TN 37027
Phone: (615) 221-9673
Email: srtalbot@comcast.net
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Brother E. Larry Lang. He was the husband of the Rev. Martha A. Lang, pastor of Mt. Tabor AMEC in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Brother Lang and the Rev. Martha A. Lang co-founded the City Wide Interdenominational Christian Training Institute (CWICTI), a well-known school in Philadelphia for ministers and church leaders. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing and Funeral - Friday, September 30, 2011
Viewing - 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Funeral - 10:00 a.m.
Mt. Tabor AME Church
961-71 North 7th Street
Phone: 215-574-1310/1311
Fax: 215-574-1312
The Rev. Martha A. Lang, Pastor
The Rev. Vernard R. Leak, Eulogist
Presiding Elder of the Philadelphia District
Expressions of Sympathy can be sent to:
The Rev. Martha A. Lang
1233 W. Jefferson Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Reverend Webbie Rogers passed last evening, September 21, 2011. The Rev. Webbie Rogers is a retired minister of the Tennessee Annual Conference. His last pastorate was Salters Chapel AME Church, Waverly, Tennessee. He is the father of Mrs. Cathy Rogers Norfleet and the father-in law of the Rev. Jeffery Norfleet, Sr., pastor of McGavock Chapel AME Church, Charlotte, Tennessee.
Expressions of sympathy and condolences can be sent to:
The Rev. and Mrs. Jeffery Norfleet, Sr.
1346 Gipson Drive
Clarksville, TN 37043
(931) 645-9420 - Home
(931) 801-9855 - Cell
Email: waynejsr@aol.com
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
Web page: http://www.amecfic.org/
Phone: (615) 837-9736 (H)
Phone: (615) 833-6936 (O)
Cell: (615) 403-7751
BLOG: http://ameccfic.blogspot.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMEC_CFIC
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220
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.
