Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
1. EDITORIAL - BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor, III
The Christian Recorder is the oldest existing black periodical in America, and the only one in the United States whose existence dated before the Civil War. It had its genesis in the Christian Herald, which was established by the General Conference that was held in Philadelphia in 1848. The Christian Herald was a published weekly and subscribers paid one dollar and fifty cents a year.
The name of the Christian Herald was changed to The Christian Recorder at the Ninth Quadrennial Session of the General Conference that was held in 1852 in New York City. The first issue was published and disseminated on July 1, 1852. The first editor of The Christian Recorder was the Reverend M. M. Clark, who was one of the first college graduates in the A.M.E. Church. Clark was a graduate of Jefferson College and was considered to be one of the best-educated men in the A.M.E. Church. He wrote that the Recorder’s focus would be religion, morality, science and literature and it was to treat all geographical areas of the A.M.E. Church equally.
In 1864 John M. Brown was elected to succeed Elisha Weaver as editor but declined to serve due to his missionary duties in the wartime south. He was later elected and consecrated as the 11th bishop of the A.M.E. Church.
The Christian Recorder focused on religious news, but a lot of the paper was devoted to secular news. Articles were written about education, voting rights, equality, and other secular issues that affected the lives of black Americans. The Christian Recorder was a forum to address slavery, classism, as well as racism. Articles were written by black women and about black women, and the paper also addressed issues related to families.
The Christian Recorder was a strong and vocal opponent to slavery. It repeatedly addressed the biblical and moral issues of slavery and encouraged and nurtured black consciousness. Following the Civil War, the Recorder encouraged its readers to be diligent in protecting their families from whites who wanted to harm the newly freed slaves and regularly addressed the issue of families separated by the evils of slavery and published articles that tried to provide information that would assist in the reuniting of family members.
The Christian Recorder has been a faithful voice for the disenfranchised and the oppressed. The publication addressed various issues confronting the black community and has been an advocate for justice and equal rights. During Reconstruction, it advocated education for all citizens and was an activist for higher education and especially for an educated ministry.
The Christian Recorder has always been faithful to and a voice for the African Methodist Episcopal Church and black Americans. It was an anchor for the African American community and its columns were blessed with remarkable contributions in the form of essays, editorials, poetry and articles on various subjects that were relevant and timely. The Christian Recorder has provided its readers with a wealth of information that benefited the soul as well as the mind. The Recorder has been a ministry to the readers of the African Methodist Episcopal Church from its beginning to the present time.
The Western Christian Recorder came into existence at the General Conference in Columbus, Ohio in 1890. Dr. J. Frank McDonald was its first editor. Other editors include Dr. J. D. Barksdale and Dr. J. H. Wilson.
In 1882, Bishop Henry McNeil Turner founded the Southern Recorder. Editors who served include Bradwell, R. M. Cheeks, G. E. Taylor, M. S. Bryant, G. W. Allen, J. H. Claybourne, E. C. Hatcher, and S. L. Jones.
The Western and Southern Christian Recorders were established because the Church was growing and the constituents in the West and the South wanted more news about their regions. A woman, M. A. McCurdy, served as the editor of the Southern Christian Recorder.
The Christian Recorder continues to serve the African Methodist Episcopal Church in local communities and around the world.
Editors of The Christian Recorder
1. Molliston Madison Clark 1852-1854
2. Jabez Pitts Campbell (8th Bishop) 1854-1860
3. Elisha Weaver 1861-1864
4. *A.L. Stanford 1861
5. James Lynch 1866-1867
6. Elisha Weaver 1867-1868
7. Benjamin Tucker Tanner (18th Bishop) 1868-1884
8. Benjamin Franklin Lee (20th Bishop) 1884-1892
9. Henry Theodore Johnson 1892-1909
10. Richard Robert Wright, Jr. (57th Bishop) 1909-1936
11. George Arnett Singleton 1936-1944
12. David Norris 1944-1950
13. Fred Hughes 1950-1960
14. Benjamin Julius Nolen, Sr. 1960-1964
15. Lawrence Sylester Odom, Sr. 1964-1966
16. Benjamin Julius Nolen, Sr. 1966-1973
17. A. Lewis Williams 1973-1976
18. Robert H. Reid, Jr. 1976-1996
19. Ricky Spain 1996-2004
20. Calvin H. Sydnor, III 2004- Present
* A. L. Stanford served several months during Elisha Weaver’s tenure.
2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL ISSUES:
- To the Editor:
- Re: Editorial - We need the Decalogue today more than ever; preachers, don’t eliminate the Decalogue:
Sometimes change is needed.
I belong to one of those churches going through "changes" with a "young minister" and, it's because of that young minister that I became more involved in our church. Senior citizens make up approximately 75 percent of our congregation and treat me, along with anyone else under the age of 50, like a child. People I grew up with, recited the Decalogue, the Doxology, the Gloria Patri and The Apostles Creed, know them just as well as they know their own names.
The people that know them best are the people mourning the loss of them from Sunday morning services. They are also the people breaking each and every one of them, before they even leave the sanctuary! So, if you believe the learning and repeating of these liturgical rubrics will serve our young people better than hearing them preached weekly during solid Sunday morning sermons or, by viewing spirit filled people, living the word and not just regurgitating it, then God Bless us all.
V. M. Motley
Bethel, Huntington NY
- To the Editor:
Re: Editorial - the guidelines of anointing with oil as found in James 5:14:
I read your thoughts on anointing with oil in the last print edition of the Recorder, and they mirror mine. I would, however, add my two cents worth. Jesus never said that we should anoint with oil, but when He gave sight to a man who was born blind (John 9:1-12), He spit in the dirt, made a mud pack, put it on the man's eyes and then told him to go and wash it off - He followed a medicinal tradition of his time as a physical and symbolic part of the healing process.
I think that action by Jesus supports the idea that James' reference to the "oil" was not a sacred requirement, but a nod to the use of the accepted medicinal traditions of his day as a physical and symbolic part of the healing process. If he were writing today, James might well tell the church in 5:14 of his epistle, "Those who are sick should call the elders of the church to bring them the prescription medicine they can't afford to pay for on their own and pray over them in the name of the Lord" or "They should call the elders of the church to pray over then and then take them to the doctor for diagnosis and treatment." In any event, James 5:15 makes it plain as to the true source of healing - "the prayer of faith will make the sick person well."
While there's no bottle of olive oil stashed in the pulpit lectern at Morris Brown, I do know and respect the fact that many of our clergy have borrowed the practice of anointing with oil from the Pentecostal tradition. We might do well, however, to view it in the same way that we should view the water that we use in the Sacrament of Baptism - as an "outward sign of an inner change" that symbolizes the true baptism of the Holy Spirit. When we fail to do that, then we end up with members of the church seeking "re-Baptism" because they were either Baptized by sprinkling as children or Baptized by sprinkling as adults and "didn't get wet enough!"
Those who hold to that mindset, which is overly influenced by tangible demands for the affirmation of God's power, cheapen their faith, overlook the power of prayer, and can easily get confused and believe that healing comes by way of the oil and not by the power of God, which is activated by the effectual and fervent prayer of the righteous.
(The Rev.) Joe Darby.
3. THE CHRISTIAN INDEX, THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE CME IS NOW ONLINE:
The Christian Index, the official publication of the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church, like the AME Church, now has an online presence, which began in August 2006. Dr. Kenneth Jones is the editor of The Christian Index. Visit The Christian Index Online at http://www.thechristianindexonline.blogspot.com/.
The Christian Recorder staff wishes Dr. Jones and the Christian Index God’s blessing and much success. We share the words Dr. Jones wrote in the first edition of The Christian Index Online:
Finally, We're On our Own!
Welcome to the first posting of The Christian Index Online. For some time now, I have been thinking about how to increase the presence of The Christian Index, the official publication of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, on the World Wide Web. Although currently The Index's official site can be found on http://www.c-m-e.org/, there has remained a need for the Church's official organ to have a place where CME's and others can offer immediate feedback on matters that affect the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Moreover, from time-to-time, there will be news items of an immediate nature with respect to its importance in the life of the average CME. And another reason I wanted The Index to be more visible online was because I am very impressed with the progress of a blog site maintained by my counterpart and friend in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Dr. Calvin Sydnor, the editor of The [AME] Christian Recorder.
So here we are. The only thing I ask is that everyone please be patient as we start this new venture. I have no idea how much time and effort it will require to maintain the site, deliver the physical version of The Index, and meet other obligations. Your prayers and input are heavily solicited.
4. TALK ABOUT PRESCRIPTIONS:
Submitted by Sister Gwen Williams
From the October focus from the Health Commission
“Talk about Prescriptions Month” is an observance that promotes the safe and effective use of medications.
Things you can do:
Brown Bag Day-- Take all of your medications, prescribed and “over the counter” medications to either your pharmacist, physician or other health professional to check how they interact with each other, expiration dates and harmful side effects.
Remember the 3-Rs for safe medication use:
Risk - Recognize that all medications (prescription and non- prescription) have risk as well as benefits, talk to your health care provider.
Respect - Respect the power of your medication and the value of medicines’ proper use.
Responsibility - Take responsibility for learning about how to take each medicine safely by knowing:
- The name of the medicine and what it is suppose to do.
- How to take the medicine and for how long.
- What food, drinks and other medicines or activities to avoid while on the medicine.
What are the side effects and what to do should they occur? How will they interact with other prescriptions or over the counter and home remedies?
Medicines are used to preserve health and independence every day of the year, so communicate about your medicines year round.
5. BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH:
Submitted by Sister Gwen Williams
From the October focus from the Health Commission
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women; men can also develop breast cancer.
White women are diagnosed more frequently than women of color (due to lack of early screening). Black women are more likely to die from breast cancer according to the American Cancer Society. Every woman is at risk for breast cancer and the risk increases with age.
Risk Factors:
- Over 40 -
- Family history of breast cancer, siblings, mother or daughter
- Never been pregnant
- Started menses before age 12
- Started menopause after age 50
- History of benign breast disease that required a biopsy
Not all women with one or more risk factors will develop breast cancer and women without risk factors may develop breast cancer. All diagnoses of breast cancer do not lead to death, early detection is the key.
Support the, “Y Me” Campaign and encourage a loved one to have a mammogram.
National Mammogram Day is October 20th.
A mammogram is the best way to detect breast cancer, detecting it while it is treatable.
Mammogram should begin at age 18-38 and be done yearly at age 40 or over, persons 65-75 should have exams every two years unless an abnormality is detected, then yearly.
Breast Self Exam
Men and women should begin Breast Self Exams between the age of 18-20 to detect and prevent breast cancer.
Pre-menopausal women should check their breast one week after their period. Post-menopausal women and men should pick a date they can remember and do monthly checks.
Look for the following:
- Pocking of skin on breast and around nipple.
- Patches that are red or pink or normal in color but pores stand out any place on the breast that feels lumpy like a pea or that is thicker and harder than the rest of the breast; unusual discharge or bleeding or crusting from the nipples.
If you have any of the signs contact your health care provider as soon as possible
The Health Commission has a partnership with the Sister Care program an organization that is conducting a long term study of women 35-74, whose sister(s) had breast cancer. This study is an attempt to understand how women's genes and their environment influence their risk for breast cancer.
Tell your friends about the study, volunteer to speak at Breast Cancer Support Groups.
For more information contact MS. Kim Varner, Telephone: 877- 4Sister.
Remember National Mammogram Day is October 20, but don't wait for a special day, be checked soon.
Sister Gwen Williams
6. EPISCOPAL LEADERS OF FAITH AND COMMITMENT, BISHOP MCKINLEY YOUNG AND DR. DOROTHY JACKSON YOUNG JOURNEYS TO SERIES OF ANNUAL CONFERENCES:
The Reverend Edrena Houston Brown
Christian Recorder, staff writer
The series of annual conferences in the 11th Episcopal District are underway as the excitement of the clergy congregates, missionaries, youth and laity awaits the arrival for another exciting and enriched new conference year. The Episcopal Leaders of Bishop McKinley and Dr. Dorothy Young are providing spiritual leadership that exemplifies their faith and commitment to the district. The Eleventh Episcopal district is growing to another level of service in ministering to the church and communities. During their tenure, Bishop Young has restored the accreditation of Edward Waters College, Jacksonville, Florida where The Rev. Dr. Oswald P. Bronson, serves as President. Bishop Young has enhanced the advertising media of Evangelism and Outreach for the 11th Episcopal District and has brought clarity to the understanding of Faith and Order in the Board of Examiners. Bishop Young, ecclesiastical leader and scholar, has generated a profound esteem for liturgical development in the overall worship experiences of African Methodism.
Episcopal Supervisor, Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young, a talented and trained professional in the medical field is implementing throughout the Missionary Society “The Project Moses” program which assist families and parents in the prevention of Crib death found among infants. Educational prevention and training of Crib death is being provided throughout the conference and cribs are donated to families in need of Cribs for their infants.
The Florida Conference and Central Florida conferences were blessed. As the Itinerary continues of Bishop and Dr. Young, they will travel to the South Florida Conference on September 23-29, 2006 at Historic Payne Chapel A. M.E. Church, West Palm Beach, Florida. The Reverend Dr. Raymond G. Heastie serves and the presiding elder of the wonderful North District and the Reverend Samuel Sullivan, M. Div., is the Host Pastor. Associate Presiding Elders are; The Reverend John Bodison of the Miami District and the Reverend Jimmy J. Thompson of the Fort Lauderdale District of the south Conference.
The Journey of conferences will continue throughout the Eleventh Episcopal District comprising Florida and the Bahamas through the month of December 2006.
7. THE GLOBAL CORNER - THE REV. DR. CLAUDETTE ANDERSON COPELAND & DESTINY MINISTRIES OF SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS CAME AND MINISTERED IN BOTSWANA:
The blessings recently showered on the 18th District began last year. In May, 2005 an e-mail from the Reverend Dr. Claudette Copeland to Bishop Sarah indicated that a group of women from San Antonio wanted to come to the 18th District in 2006 for missions and fellowship. Dr. Copeland stated that in lieu of her annual women’s conference season, she would plan for a trip to the 18th District in the September time frame.
The rest is history…on September 7, 2006, 73 persons (69 women and 4 men) stepped off a bus from Johannesburg onto the grounds of Gabion, Botswana with the founder of Destiny Ministries, the Reverend Dr. Claudette Anderson Copeland. Accompanying Dr. Claudette and the women of Destiny Ministries, was Bishop David M. Copeland of New Creation Christian Fellowship and spouse of Dr. Claudette. Bishop Copeland and three other brothers who came on this mission journey also participated in the ministry that took place in Botswana from September 8 – 10, 2006.
Upon their arrival Thursday evening, September 7th, the group was greeted at a Welcome Reception sponsored by Debswana Diamond Company. Churches of various denominations from Botswana that came out to greet the sojourners included: African Methodist Episcopal, United Congregational Church of South Africa, Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Seven Day Adventist, Christ Healing Church, Apostolic Church, and others. Many from the local community and government were also on hand to welcome the Copeland’s and Destiny Ministries to Gaborone. The reception program was a brief one with prayer, singing, greetings, fellowship and a wonderful menu. Bishop Sarah introduced Reverend Dr. Copeland who introduced Bishop Copeland and Destiny Ministries to Botswana. There was lot of picture taking, filming and great fellowship before the evening ended and the guests were taken to the Gaborone Sun Hotel for their stay during their four days in Botswana.
On Friday morning, the group headed to the rural ministry site in the Lentsweletau community. This was a one and a half hours drive from the hotel in Gaborone. The mission for Friday was to minister to girls, young adult women and mature women. Approximately 200 women came from all denominations in the community. There was a group of 10 pastors from the community who came to make sure our guests had everything they needed. The 200 women and girls were initially divided into four groups for an agenda of teaching, singing, praying and open discussions. The focus was on women’s issues: health, well being, relationships (God and human), and roles women play; HIV/AIDS – prevention, cure, and care; purpose and values of women. Once the group sessions were completed many small groups fanned out and one-on-one sessions were seen taking place. Dr. Walker, medical doctor, and the nurses with Destiny Ministries were busy from the opening of the Destiny Clinic in the church until it was time to return to the hotel. Breast exams, blood pressure and diabetes tests were offered and in great demand. Several were able to receive referrals for further exams because of these initial screenings. What a day of rejoicing we all had for what God was doing in this community. We ended the day at the Chief’s Kraal for prayer. The month of September is Prayer month in Botswana for HIV/AIDS. The Council of Churches team of Pastors from five different communions of faith served as program participants with Presiding Elder Reverend M. M. Moruakgomo who served as the Worship Leader. Destiny Ministries was invited to share two songs for the service. Before returning to the hotel several persons went to the hospital to pray with patients there.
Saturday morning, September 9th, we all left for Lobatse which was an hour from the hotel by bus. Today’s emphasis was ministering to youth and young children. There were close to 600 persons on site at the M. Joan Cousin Empowerment Centre for Women and Youth where we set up two tents, used Ball Temple AME Church and St. Theresa Catholic Church and its church grounds. Cluster groups were also situated under trees and an outdoor covered pavilion. Today’s breakout groups numbered seven (7). The focus Saturday was teaching and dialogue on issues of HIV/AIDS, loving one’s self, learning how to protect your body, and lessons from Scripture. Lots of games and singing and demonstrations were used in making the lessons more meaningful and establishing rapport among all the groups. The Destiny Clinic was set up again at the M. Joan Cousin Center and Dr. Walker and the nurses examined the young women’s breasts and taught them how to perform self-breast exams. Blood sugar tests were also given to all who requested them (including the men).
Sunday’s Valedictory (farewell) Service for our ministry sojourners was held at Motswedi-wa-Botshelo Chapel AME Church, where the Reverend Mpho M. B. W. Moruakgomo is Pastor and Presiding Elder. The Reverend Dr. Claudette Anderson Copeland was the guest preacher that everyone had been waiting to hear. Invitations had been sent out weeks in advance and three tents were set up on the grounds of Motswedi Sunday morning. If you came much later than 10:30 a.m., you were challenged to find a parking space or a seat. Those in attendance included guests from many different communions of faith. The Seven Day Adventist Church choir marched in with the Motswedi AME Church’s choir singing “We’re Marching to Zion!” You knew from the time the processional started that the service was going to go higher, for the Spirit of the Lord was in the service from the beginning to the end.
Dr. Claudette preached from James 1:14 -24, stressing the need to “Hold on to Your Faith.” She said, “With faith there is always hope!!!” Dr. Claudette and her interpreter moved up and down the aisle preaching and demonstrating the message as if they had ministered together before. Before she finished her “Hold on to Your Faith” proclamation, she presented Bishop Sarah with a replica of a check in the amount of $ 72,000.00 which Destiny Ministries gave to purchase an SUV for the 18th Episcopal District. Bishop Sarah cried, shouted and testified of the goodness and faithfulness of God as she received the gift with much joy.
The other wonderful part of this special service was the awarding of the 18th District’s “Order of Sarah Allen Award” to the Honorable Dr. Margaret Nnananyana Nasha, by Bishop Sarah. The Honorable Dr. Margaret is a fighter for the poor and the marginalized. Her work in spearheading the fight for the rights of the children and their welfare marks the vivid example of the spirit of humanity and Christian mission. In celebrating the Honorable Dr. Margaret Nasha, the 18th District also presented her with a check in the amount of P 10,000.00 ($ 2000) to use as she deemed appropriate.
The blessings continued to come! Bishop David Copeland presenting bottles of anointing oil to all pastors in the service and then pledged $15,000.00 (USD) to the M. Joan Cousin Empowerment Center for the daily feeding of orphans and vulnerable children who come to the Center. The first $2300+ was presented at the time of the announced pledge. How true it is that our God supplies our every need according to His riches! The people gave shouts of thanksgiving and praise for what God was doing.
Bishop David and Reverend Dr. Claudette and Destiny Ministries left Botswana Monday morning headed to Cape Town and more mission work. Many declared when leaving… “We will be back!” Dr. Claudette Copeland and Destiny Ministries, and Bishop David Copeland will long be remembered in Botswana and the 18th District for their loving presence, the giving of their time, talent, and treasure. Truly they made a difference in the lives of all the people and the communities that they visited. We praise God for sending them to the 18th and to Botswana. May God continue to bless them and their ministries is our prayer.
8. SUMMARY OF ACTIONS OF THE 36TH GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE CHRISTIAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL (CME) CHURCH:
The 36th General Conference of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church was held June 24-July 2, 2006 in Memphis, Tennessee.
The following is a summary of actions of the CME General Conference, compiled by the Reverend Amariah McIntosh, the Kentucky Region and used with permission of Dr. Kenneth Jones, Editor, The Christian Index, the Official Publication of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.
General Conference Summary:
- Adopted the Quadrennial Theme: “From Good to Great: The Jesus Challenge.”
- Passed the character of all active and retired bishops.
- Retired with honor Bishops Marshall Gilmore and Charles Helton.
- Elected Thomas Brown, Sr. and Kenneth Carter the 54th and 55th bishops, respectively.
- Rejected the creation of local diocese and Diocesan Bishops.
- Approved the Strategic Plan of the CME Church.
- Kept the 10th Episcopal District intact.
- Created a new department, The General Department of Ministry to Males and elected Leo Pinkett the first General Secretary of the Department.
- Approved the reports of all General Officers and Commissions.
- Re-elected all incumbent General Officers.
- Elected the Judicial Council Class of 2006: Dr. Godwin Umoette and Rev. Roland Johnson (clergy); Dr. Barbara Boyd and Bernard Snell (lay). Alternates: Dr. Phillip Bryant and Rev. Roy Reid (clergy) and Barbara Nichols and Carter Curtis (lay).
- Received the reports of the College Presidents and Heads of Institutions.
- Approved a new mathematical formula for computing Connectional Assessments and changed the term from Assessments to Apportionments.
- Approved the 2007-2010 Quadrennial Budget.
- Changed the title of the General Secretary of Finance to General Secretary of Finance and Chief Financial Officer.
- Rejected a change in the name Department of Christian Education to Department of Christian Formation and Nurture.
- Changed the number of days of General Conference from nine to seven effective with the 2014 General Conference.
- Rejected allowing a Young Adult to be elected an alternate delegate to the General Conference and a study to limit the number of consecutive times a person may run as a delegate to the General Conference.
- Rejected the automatic election of Regional and District Lay Leaders as delegates to the General Conference.
- Rejected allowing lay members to nominate Stewards.
- Rejected allowing Lay Leaders to interpret the Discipline and chairing the local church Budget Committee.
- Allowed a petition for declaratory judgment to be automatically referred to the Judicial Council after 60 days.
- Rejected a change in the provision to remove local church officers.
- Rejected mandatory first-aid training for ushers.
- Rejected elimination of the 30% head count.
- Rejected allowing Local Elders to be delegates to Annual and General Conferences.
- Rejected a change in the definition of a ‘member in good standing.
- Rejected a change in the name of the Committee on Ministerial Examination.
- Rejected a change in the structure of the Lay Council.
- Approved allowing all registered Lay delegates to be voting delegates at the National Lay Institute.
- Rejected the establishment of a Pastor-Members Relations Committee and Pastor-Church Relations Committee.
- Approved changes in the reporting and composition of the CME Board of Chaplains.
- Approved editorial changes to the Women’s Missionary Council’s Constitution.
- Approved including an emphasis on the family in the Social Creed.
- Approved the process of selecting an interim Regional Lay Leader.
- Rejected a restructure of the District Conference, office of Presiding Elder and Quarterly Conference.
- Approved giving priority to persons with special needs when a host hotel cannot accommodate all General Conference delegates.
- Approved the electronic recording of the General Conference business sessions.
- Approved the name change of the Oklahoma-Muskogee Region to the Oklahoma Region.
- Rejected engaging a professional event planner for CME events.
- Rejected allowing retired ministers to move their membership to the local church.
- Rejected a language change regarding proper clerical vestments for Local Deacons.
- Rejected the issuing of a Certificate of Priestly Orders to unordained persons.
- Rejected a language change regarding the duties of Traveling and Local Deacons.
- Rejected a change in the term “Preacher in Charge” to “Senior Pastor.”
- Approved with changes requests for educational requirements for Deacons and Elders. (Encourage completion of degrees, but not mandatory.)
- Rejected a request for a Connectional Moving Day, but established a Transitional Review Committee to oversee the orderly transition of pastors moving to and from a charge.
- Approved requiring background checks and psychological assessments on ministers, suggesting partnering with other denominations to assist in the process and encouraging an annual health assessment of all itinerant ministers.
- Rejected a program for conflict resolution for pastors and congregations.
- Approved strategies to assist foreign missions in moving to self-sustainability.
- Approved the establishment of a connectional Emergency Relief Fund.
- Changed the mileage reimbursement to be equal to the standard IRS rate.
- Increased the per diem to $50 per day.
- Approved our continued financial membership and affiliation with the National Council of Churches, Pan-Methodist Commission, World Methodist Council, Churches Uniting in Christ, World Council of Churches, and Bread for the World.
- Authorized all levels of the church to create a Cultural Diversity and Ecumenical Awareness Task Force, for the purpose of fostering, developing, and integrating dialogue and working relationships with other faith communities.
- Approved the forming of partnerships on every level of the church to provide increased awareness on the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
- Approved the consideration of a National Signage Project for rural churches.
- Approved advocating policies, procedures, and regulations related to immigration reform.
- Approved the CME Church taking a public stance against the war in Iraq.
- Required all churches to have a written Emergency Action Plan in the case of natural disaster, terrorism or pandemic.
- Approved banning smoking from all CME properties or any other facility where a CME Church service and/or business is being conducted.
- Approved requiring every CME minister in seminary to complete at least one unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE).
- Approved printing the Book of Discipline in large print.
- Rejected the creation of a Financial Board of Directors.
- Rejected limitations on Connectional Loans by the College of Bishops.
- Rejected a salary increase to $115,000 for bishops.
- Sustained the 2006 General Conference action changing the geographical designation from Conference to Region.
- Ratified the newly created Arkansas Region and approved the Region’s boundaries.
- Approved the split of the Eastern Region (Nigeria) into two regions.
- Approved the creation of a new CME Hymnal.
- Approved the words “holy, catholic” and “communion of saints” be in lower case letters.
- Approved providing for alternative rituals for baptism, Holy Communion and marriage be included in the next printing of the Book of Ritual.
- Approved a recommendation by the Department of Personnel Services to revise the Sexual Harassment Policy.
- Added language to the Social Creed affirming marriage between a man and a woman and forbidding any CME clergy from performing same sex marriages or bless same sex unions. In addition, added language to the Social Creed that calls us to identify and prevent sexual harassment and sexual misconduct in all forms.
9. AME PITTSBURGH BUSINESS, SOCIAL AND FRATERNAL LEADER PASSES:
Taylor Thompson, 86 years old, founding president of Thompson’s Electric Company, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, respected business, civic, social, fraternal leader, and U.S. Army World War II veteran, died on Sunday, September 10, 2006. Mr. Thompson started Thompson’s Electric Company in 1951 in the Hill District of Pittsburgh and in 1972 relocated the business to the Brentwood Whitehall area of Pittsburgh.
Mr. Taylor Thompson was born November 1, 1919 in Forest, Mississippi to the late Hezekiah Thompson and the late Georgia Jones. He departed this life on Sunday, September 10, 2006 at the Kindred Hospital, Oakdale, Pennsylvania. He accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of St. Stephen A.M.E. Church, Forest, Mississippi, where he served as Sunday School Superintendent at the age of 15.
He attended the Forest, Scott County Training School (for Coloreds); Mississippi worked in the carpentry shop, the saw mill and continued his education.
In November 1941, he joined the U.S. Army and served faithfully in World War II and was honorably discharged in October 1945. His tour of duty included Africa and Italy where he served in the trucking unit, hauling ammunition, gasoline, food and prisoners. He returned to finish his high school education at T.J. Harris Senior High School, Meridian, Mississippi in 1946. He entered Hampton Institute, studying electronics and completing his work in 1948. Taylor moved to Pittsburgh and received his certification at the Pittsburgh Trade School for television, electrical and electronics. He was employed in Homestead as a juke box repairman.
In 1949, he married Rosie Hale of Aberdeen, Mississippi in Homestead and thus, they began their life together. By 1951, Taylor founded the Thompson’s Electric Company at 2408 Wylie Avenue in the Pittsburgh Hill District. At that time his company was involved in the appliance repair business. While developing the service repair business, he began to add new electrical appliances and accessories as a way of increasing business. This continued until 1959 when Thompson’s Electric Company evolved into the only minority distributor of Zenith radios and televisions in the Pittsburgh area.
In the late 1960’s Thompson Electric Company began to examine new product lines which would enable them to reach a broader base of customers. During this period Thompson’s gradually made the transition from service and repair to a complete wholesale/retail electrical supply business. When this transition was complete, in 1973, they moved to facilities on Saw Mill Run Boulevard in the South Hills area of Pittsburgh and restructured the business into a corporation. This incorporation under the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, established the flexible structure necessary to do business with a wide range of corporations and government agencies.
Over the years, Thompson Electric Company developed customers in all sectors of the economy. As Taylor Thompson always said, “We’re proud of what we have here, but we don’t want anyone to think that we have it made. We still need new customers to help us to continue to succeed and grow”. This statement is true of any business. Those that aspire to grow and improve are always developing. Those that are satisfied with the status quo are actually declining.
Taylor Thompson was a respected business, civic, social and fraternal leader.
He was Steward Emeritus of Bethel A.M.E. Church Pittsburgh, Past President of the Business and Professional Association of Pittsburgh Inc.; past president of the National Business League, Pittsburgh Chapter; Past Commander of Sergeant William H. Carney, Post No. 46, Veterans of Foreign Wars and life member of the VFW of the United States; Past Chairman of the Board of the Student Consultants Project, University of Pittsburgh; a member of the St. Cyprian Consistory No. 4; member of the North Side Lodge, No. 124 I.B.P.O.E. of W. Pittsburgh; past National Aide-de-Camp of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (1975-1976); Charter Member of the Electronic Service Dealers Association of Western Pennsylvania (1957).
He was also past Imperial Deputy of the Oasis of Pittsburgh of Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of North and South American Jurisdictions Incorporated; past Potentate of Sahara Temple No. 2 A.E.A.O.N.M.S.; past Treasurer of Pittsburgh Coordination Council, under direction of the Allegheny Conference; Past Master of Golden Star Lodge No. 143 F&AM - PHA; and Past President of National Alliance of Television and Electronic Service Association, Pittsburgh Chapter.
He was Past President of the Brentwood-Whitehall Chamber of Commerce; and member of the Brentwood-Whitehall Kiwanis Chapter; appointed Regional Vice-President of the National Business League representing New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey; elected to Who’s Who Among Black Americans, 1975-1976 and past chairman of the Pittsburgh Regional Minority Purchasing Council, Input Committee.
Taylor was preceded in death by his sister, Willie Vera Nicholas Streeter, daughter Norma Jean Thompson and granddaughter, Marissa Hassain
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Rosie H. Thompson, his children the Reverend Dr. Taylor T. Thompson, pastor of St. John AME Church, Cleveland, Ohio, and daughter-in-law Dr. Barbara Jean Hunter Thompson; Bobby A. Hassain, and daughter-in-law Roslyn L. Hassain, Esquire and daughter Betty J. Thompson. His grandchildren Pia Butler, Cortlandt G. Thompson, Becca A. Hassain, and great granddaughter Shakiera, and a host of family and friends.
Submitted by the family,
Rev. Dr. Taylor T. Thompson
216-214-6886 cell phone
412-833-3852 Home
10. MUSEUM DAY 2006 - FREE ENTRY TO MUSEUMS NATIONWIDE:
Free entry available to museums around the country on Saturday, 30 September 2006, as part of the Smithsonian-sponsored Museum Day. You have to download the Museum Day Card to gain free entry for 2 people. Visit the site for the card and the list of participating museums (by state). For those in the DC area who are used to free museums, here is your chance to visit some of the museums in Baltimore without paying a fee (including the Maryland Science Center).
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/articles/what-is.php
On September 30, 2006, for one day only, museums across the country will join the Smithsonian Institution in its long-standing tradition of offering free admission to visitors. How Does The General Public Participate? Download the Museum Day Card.
For answers to any questions, please contact us at museumday@si.edu.
If the link to the Museum Day card doesn't work, paste this into your browser: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/files/md_card.html
11. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICES:
- The Rev. and Mrs. Eugene E. (Jewel) McAshan celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on Saturday, September 2, 2006 at the Marriott Islandia Hotel, Islandia, NY with approximately 250 persons in attendance. Their four children and eleven grandchildren were all a part of the wedding. Jewel’s original Maid of Honor and Bridesmaids were back for the celebration. Rev. McAshan's Best Man and Groomsmen were all Wilberforceans. The Rt. Rev. Richard F. Norris, Presiding Bishop of the First Episcopal District officiated as they repeated their vows.
Congratulatory messages can be sent to:
JD2EEMc4@aol.com
Rev. and Mrs. Eugene E. McAshan
1 Arthur Street
Copiague, NY 11726
631-841-0386
- Senedra S. Moore received her License as a Registered Nurse on Saturday, September 9, 2006. She graduated from Henderson State University May 13, 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Senedra is the daughter of the Rev. and Mrs. Cornelious L. Hollinshed of Hot Springs, Arkansas, pastor of Pine Grove and Mt. Vernon A.M.E. Churches, Magnolia, Arkansas, Twelfth Episcopal District, West Arkansas Conference.
Email congratulatory messages can be sent to: vhollinshed@arkansaslegalservices.org
12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: jdupontw@aol.com
Please receive this report about the death of Thedford Winston Dupont, son of the Rev. King Solomon Dupont (deceased Presiding Elder of the 11th Episcopal District) and brother of "Jackie" Dupont-Walker (Social Action Commission Consultant)
Survived by wife (Bertha) daughters - Cassandra and Monica with three grandchildren
Services to be held Friday, September 22, 2006 at 11 AM
St. Paul AME Church
825 Dover Road
Midway, Florida
850/ 539-0930
The Rev. Dr. Carolyn Brooks, Pastor
Mortuary: Madry Memorial Funeral Chapel
For mail
PO Box 874
Quincy, FLA. 32353
For deliveries
55 Madry Court
Quincy, FLA. 32351
850/ 875-2665 - voice
850/ 627-2885 - fax
gm2441@comcast.net - email
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Family of Thedford W. Dupont
c/o Sistah "Jackie" Dupont-Walker
1621 Wellington Road
Los Angeles, CA 90019
Email: jdupontw@aol.com
Cell: 213/ 494-9493
FAX: 323/ 734-5003
13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: Gmabelbrown@aol.com
We regret to announce the passing of Mr. Marvin Fogle; the brother of Rev. Manuel Fogle, pastor of St. Matthews AMEC in the Manning District of the 7th Episcopal District.
Service Arrangements:
Funeral services
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
1:00 PM
Greater Friendship AME Church
3669 Tee Vee Road
Santee, SC 29142
803-845-2567 Phone
Services are entrusted to:
Jenkins Funeral Home
1696 Russell Street
Orangeburg, SC 29115
803-534-2522
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Rev. & Mrs. Manuel Fogle
119 Milwaukee Court
Santee, SC 29142
803-854-3601
Submitted by: Gwendolyn Brown
14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE
From: 1wim@htcomp.net
I regretfully announce that Rev. Marva Bywaters, Pastor of Petra A.M.E. Church in Houston, Texas (Texas Annual Conference) went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 10, 2006.
Service Arrangements Held:
Wake: Friday, September 15, 2005 (6:00 P.M.)Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church
Rev. Dr. Ruben Braziel, Sr.-Pastor
3208 Washington Avenue
Houston, Texas 77088
Ph: (713)862-8718
Homegoing Service
Saturday, September 16, 2006 (12 P.M. Noon)
Wesley Chapel A.M.E. Church
The Rev. Dr. Leo Griffin-Pastor
2209 Dowling Street
Houston, Texas 77003
Ph: (713) 659-6682
Condolences may be sent to:
Ms. Billie Garner (Sister)
4919 LaBranch Street
Houston, Texas 77004
Ph: (713)522-4775
Professional Services were entrusted to
McCoy and Harrison Funeral Home
4918 Martin Luther King Blvd.
Houston, Texas
Ph: (713) 659-7618
Submitted by,
The Rev. Dr. Sherryl A. Matlock-Pastor
St. James A.M.E. Church
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: mrscampbell@hotmail.com
Sadly we announce the home going of Mrs. Helen Verdell Tucker Golden. Mrs. Golden is the sister of Sister Gwendolyn Tucker Jenkins of the Eleventh Episcopal District of the AME Church, South Conference. Sister Gwendolyn Jenkins is the spouse of Presiding Elder C. E. Jenkins (Retired)
Funeral Service:
Date: September 20, 2006
Time:2:00 p.m.
Place:
Mt. Hermon AME Church
2245 W. Bunche Park Dr.
Miami Gardens, FL 33054
Tel: 321-(305) 621-5067
Service Entrusted to:
Royal Funeral Service Chapel
17475 N.W. 27th Ave.
Miami Gardens, FL 33054
(305) 625-6818
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Gwendolyn T. Jenkins
2403 Dunbar Ave.
Melbourne, FL 32901
Phone: (321) 727-3418
Fax (321) 722-0970
Submitted by,
Mrs. Marva Campbell,
South Conference MSA President
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action Mrs. Ora L. Easley, Administrator
Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936
Fax: (615) 833-3781
Cell: (615) 403-7751
Please remember the bereaved families in your prayers.
17. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of the Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement
Archive of The Christian Recorder Online from 2004-2016; Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
9/15/2006
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (9/15/06)
Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936
Fax: (615) 833-3781
Cell: (615) 403-7751
Please remember the family in your prayers.
18. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of the Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
WARNING: DO NOT EAT FRESH BAGGED SPINACH BECAUSE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF E-COLI BACTERIA. GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS TELL AMERICANS NOT TO EAT IT AND TO THROW AWAY ANY BAGGED SPINACH THAT YOU HAVE!
1. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL ISSUES:
Re: The Kentucky Annual Conference
To the Editor:
Ahhhhh, the magic of 2006 communications devices. This is truly "hot-off-the-press" reporting! It must be interesting to see the male Supervisor interacting in the role that previously belonged exclusively to females. How times change. And Bishop McKenzie seems to be bringing some feminine-type compassion to her role. Nice gesture to give that offering to the small church for Conference Claims.
Jeanette Johns
Author, The Upward Journey
2. THE GLOBAL CORNER -PUBLICITY REPORT OF THE 51ST SESSION OF THE NAMIBIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE HELD AT BETHEL MEMORIAL AME CHURCH LUDERITZ:
The Rev. Willem Simon Hanse
The coastal town of Luderitz was a beehive of activities, as the 51st Session of the Namibia Annual Conference met under the spirit-filled leadership of Bishop Samuel L Green SR from 24-29 August 2005.
Whereas this was the 51st Session, clergy, delegates and observers were welcomed and entertained at the 5-star Nest Hotel on Tuesday, 23 August 2005 by the historic Bethel Memorial AME Church, Luderitz to their 75th Anniversary Banquet. The humble beginning of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is deeply rooted in this harbour town, where people from all over the world met and worshipped long before the historic 3 July 1946 mass exodus-event.
The Conference Women’s Missionary Society met on Wednesday, 24 August 2005 for their pre-conference Convention. Women, attired in the missionary uniform, were seen around town as early as 07h00, indicating to the inhabitants of this dusty and windy town that the African Methodist Episcopal Church is doing business in their town. Mother Anna Leah Taseb, Conference Branch President, led women with dignity and it was especially gratifying that almost all stations have reported in full. The Rev. Leslie Leukes blessed the Convention’s Night in White Service with an outstanding sermon on Christian Womanhood. The social welfare project of the Conference Branch, under the leadership of Mother Katherine E /Goagoseb (Conference PME Director) handed over stationary donations for use by the most needy children school in select schools in all Missionary Areas.
On Thursday, 25 August 2005 it was not business as usual. Earlier clergy and delegates were pleasantly surprised in their post office boxes when the Conference Booklet reached everybody almost two months in advance. When we met for the first business session, Bishop Green again surprised us with the distribution of Conference Journals containing all Pastoral, Literary and Committee Reports. And the Rev. Johannes J Schmidt added spice when he entertained the worshippers with the Ministry of the Word, with his annual sermon titled “the Gospel of the 2nd Chance!” The woman who committed adultery was brought to Jesus, in order to trap him. Instead of applying the law blindly, Jesus instructed this woman to go and sin no more! Hallelujah!
The Presiding Elders and Pastoral Reports went smooth, and the conference was delighted with pastors sharing news about how the Lord Jesus had blessed them during the past year under review. All in all, about N$ 200 000-00 was raised during this week. In terms of quality and quantity, this Conference was a super blend of both, and the timely teaching moment interventions of the Bishop were both educational and entertaining.
The Rev. C. P. Hill retired, in order to support her ill-husband. The biblical phrase, “whilst these go let others come”, manifested when the Mrs. Anna Topnaar and Mr. Petrus J Van der Westhuizen were admitted on trial. The Rev. Johannes Isaack was ordained a Local Deacon and the Reverends Penias E Topnaar and Salomon Jacobs were ordained Itinerant Deacons. The Conference voted 51 in favour, nil opposing and 8 abstaining, that the Reverends Hendrik /Gariseb and Petrus S M Kooper be expelled from the Connection.
The Hoachanas East AME Church has been renamed the Exodus AME Church, and the Purity AME Church has been renamed the Hendrik Witbooi Tabernacle AME Church.
Other preachers at the conference were Rev. C P Hill, who delivered a splendid spirit-filled Memorial Sermon, and Rev. Jakobus Rooinasie preaching Emmaus Walk. The Rev. Adam Carelse, visiting pastor and presiding elder from the Cape Annual Conference, and who also serves as the Accountant of the 15th District, preached a very powerful ordination sermon. Choosing the Apostle Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians, he admonished the candidates that their calling and ordination was a gift from God and that the Holy Spirit will empower them for the holy work that awaits them. The icing on the cake came from the prelate himself, and Bishop Samuel L Green SR took us with him to the top of the mountain with the Commissioning Sermon, “It is not Yours!” The text was taken from 2 Chronicles and inspired the Conference that the Battle is not ours, but the Lord’s, and that with the Lord on our side, there is nothing to be confused and afraid of. In the bishop’s own words, he was uplifted by the high number of attendance, the positive reports and the spirit-filled atmosphere of peace and love of God that reigned supreme in all meetings. If there was any winner at this Conference, it was the African Methodist Episcopal Church and Satan has lost again. We went home inspired, recharged and re-energized for the new church year.
Midyear Conference 2006 will be held at the St. James AME Church, Mariental (Rev. W S Hanse) during 23-25 March 2005, and the Annual Conference 2006 will be held at the St. Peters AME Church (Rev. D Schmidt) at the call of the Bishop. God be with you till we meet again! Soli Deo Gloria!
Articled has been authored by the Rev. Willem Simon Hanse, who serves the AME Church as Secretary of the Global Development Council,
Dean of Namibia Conference Examiners and pastor of St James AME Church, Mariental, P O Box 50278, Bachbrecht, Windhoek, Namibia
+264 81 122 5048
African Methodist Episcopal Church
Fifteenth Episcopal District
Namibia Annual Conference
3. THE GLOBAL CORNER -THE PUBLICITY REPORT OF THE 52ND SESSION OF THE NAMIBIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE HELD AT THE ST. PETER’S AME CHURCH, MALTAHÖHE FROM AUGUST 31ST – SEPTEMBER 3RD, 2006:
For African Methodism, the quadrennial is at midpoint. Given that Quadrennial Missionary Convention elections are scheduled this year and the election of the General Conference delegation in 2007, the 52nd Session of the Namibia Annual Conference was attended by an all-time high record of delegates and visitors.
It was at the St. James AME Church, Mariental that people met on Monday August 28, 2006 en route to Maltahöhe. The occasion was the inauguration and dedication of the St. James Trust Youth Centre, which offers a Soup Kitchen, an ICT Learning Centre as well as Study Aid and Recreational Programs. The St. James Trust Youth Centre is the brainchild of the Rev. Willem Simon Hanse, whereby an underused church hall was remodelled and programs launched valued at more than N$ 100 000 (about $ 14 200 US).
The Annual Convention of the Conference Board of Christian Education was the first pre-conference activity that was ‘Called to Worship’ by the Rev. Albert E Biwa, the BoCE Director, on Tuesday August 29, 2006 at 09h00. The Rev. Leslie Leukes based his sermon on 2 Kings 17:1-10 challenging the delegates and visitors to select today a man of your choice and the preacher urged the convention-goers to choose “Jesus, the Son of Man”. It was a moving sermon in which worshippers were presented with the tract record of Jesus. The Convention commended the Rev. A E Biwa for a job well done, especially 100% reports from all churches in the Namibia Annual Conference. Brother Steven Hendrik Isaack, a member of the St. James AME Church and a Director in the Office of the Prime Minister addressed the BoCE Convention on the Namibian Government’s “Vision 2030 and the Role of the Church”. There was general consensus that the AME Church had been a trailblazer in the national liberation struggle and that it has a meaningful role to play in the development plans of our young Nation.
On Tuesday August 30, 2006 the whole village of Maltahöhe was all ‘black’, not because of the lack or shut down of electricity, but because more than 250 missionary mothers and youth came out in full force in the black regalia of the WMS. It was evident that only the ‘early birds’ would get some seating for the opening ceremony of the Annual Conference the following day, because the WMS Convention was packed to capacity. Mrs. Isabella Swartbooi and Mrs. Lydia Zaahl were elected as delegate and alternate to the Quadrennial Missionary Convention 2007, and the YPD’ers elected Sister Amoline Keister and Bro. Ismael Petrus /Goagoseb as delegate and alternate respectively. Bishop Samuel L Green SR pledged that he will ensure that Bro. /Goâgoseb do attend the Convention.
The 52nd Session of the Namibia Annual Conference commenced on Thursday August 31, 2006 with the Rev. Daniel Schmidt, host pastor, calling us to worship. The Rev. Paul Fredericks was on fire with the Annual Sermon titled, “The Word of God brings Life!” Inspirational sermons were preached with conviction by Bro. Charles Pieter (Lay Witness), Rev. A E Biwa (Emmaus) and Rev LaTanya Warren Floyd (Ordination), the latter from the 11th Episcopal District. The Commissioning Sermon on Sunday was powerfully delivered by the Rev. Shane Apollus, visiting Presiding Elder (Piketberg) from the Cape Annual Conference, on the title “Don’t Leave Without Him!”
Some of the important decisions that were taken included:
1. Rietoog AME Church has been renamed Dawid Gariseb Memorial AME Church,
2. Bethesda AME Church has been renamed Jonas Topnaar Memorial AME Church,
3. The missionary point at Karasburg has been added to the pastoral charge of Thomas AME Church, Grunau,
4. The missionary points at Rosh Pinah and Oranjemund (mining towns) have been added to the pastoral charge of Zion AME Church, Aus,
5. The Reverends Samuel /Howeseb and Fritz /Gariseb, both local deacons) were dropped from the Conference Roll at the request of their local churches since they left without certificates,
6. The Annual Conference, Winter Rally and Episcopal Planning Meeting sustentation amounts have been increased to N$ 200-00 per person, and all other weekend meetings to N$ 100-00 per person,
7. The Special Quadrennial Travel Fund was reconsidered in the light of the latest decision of the Bishop’s Council and General Board to uphold the decision on 35% cur of General Conference delegations, and this allocation has been renamed Namibia Development Fund with the understanding that the printing of the AME Nama Word Hymnal, 2nd edition will be its first priority.
8. Approval was granted for the Namibia Annual Conference to sign the Black Economic Empowerment project known as Offifiya with Old Mutual, Mutual and Federal and Nedbank with special emphasis on the upliftment of women.
9. The Missionary Areas have now been replaced by the President’s council in line with new WMS Constitution,
10. The Missionary Institute will be replaced with the Women’s Convocation,
11. The YPD Road Shows will be reintroduced in the new church year,
12. Three itinerant deacons (Reverends Anna Topnaar, Ronnie Persendt and Andries H Bloodstaan) and one local deacon (Reverend Jonas Tâseb) were ordained,
13. The Diamond Jubilee Historical Booklet, authored by the Rev. Willem Simon Hanse, was launched and well received, and
14. Two new Presiding Elders were appointed (Reverends Willem Simon Hanse and Daniel Schmidt).
In conclusion, I would like to offer some personal reflections on the 52nd Session of the Namibia Annual Conference. To start with, last year we succeeded in organising the Conference Journal, inclusive of all the pastoral and literary reports. This year, the Bishop proved that ‘we ain’t seen nothing yet’ and a printed conference bag inclusive of not only the Conference Journal but also campaign material of the Rev. Andrew Lewin were distributed to all clergy, delegates and conference officers. We salute Bishop Samuel L Green SR for the leadership provided so far, in which he walks the extra mile to change our traditional way of doing conference. Previously, committee members would meet at the seat of the conference and prepare reports, but since Bishop Samuel L Green Sr got to be appointed Presiding Prelate of the 15th Episcopal District, the entire office and conference administration has been overhauled.
The pastoral reports have been termed ‘praise reports’ and a whole lot of mindset change has taken place over the past 3 years. Whereas clergy used to lament their trials and tribulations over the past year under review, clergy are now challenged to give testimony about the goodness of the Lord, of how God has enabled you to rise above the challenges of pastoral ministry.
The Bishop also conducted an interface with the clergy. A special closed-door session took place, in which the bishop encouraged the clergy to raise their concerns without any fear of intimidation or victimisation. I must admit that I was impressed with the high sense of dignity and sophistication wherewith clergy alerted the prelate about their personal and collective issues.
With these loaded personal reflections, I believe that the eye has not seen and the year has not heard and the mind has not yet conceived the blessings the Lord has in store for the 15th Episcopal District and the Namibia Annual Conference through the person and office of Bishop Samuel L Green Sr. May God grant him wisdom and prosperity in all he do, and may the bishop lead us to higher grounds.
Submitted by the Rev. Willem Simon Hanse
Presiding Elder of the Hoachanas District
4. THE GLOBAL CORNER - THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH REMAINS UNITED:
The Church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord;
She is His new creation by water and the word;
From heav’n He came and sought her to be His holy bride;
With His own blood He bought her and for her Life He died.
In African Methodism it is the practise that Presiding Elders have the privilege of making recommendations for pastoral appointments, but it is the right (and duty) of the bishop to make the pastoral appointments. Furthermore, we must also understand that the Presiding Elder position is not an Order in the African Methodist Episcopal, but rather an Office. The African Methodist Episcopal Church has only two Orders, namely the Deaconate and Elder. Hence, it is the prerogative of the Bishop to elect Elders of his choice as Presiding Elders and we must also understand that Presiding Elders served at the behest of the Bishop.
At the beginning of the current church year the Rev. Hendrik /Gariseb has unilaterally and against the advice of his fellow Presiding Elders illegally called an AME Church Conference meeting at St. Peter’s AME Church. He was totally insubordinate to his seniors and went ahead with the meeting that was poorly attended by any standards. Instead of using the platform positively when the bishop enquired from him about this issue, he was rude with the bishop and displayed utter disrespect for the Order and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The bishop referred him to the Ministerial Efficiency Committee and filed the following charges against him:
1.1.1. Insubordination
1.1.2. Sowing seeds of discord
1.1.3. Showing disrespect to the office of Bishop assigned to the Fifteenth Episcopal District, and
1.1.4. Violating the Ordination Vows of the Elder Order.
During the Midyear Convocation 2005 the Rev. Hendrik /Gariseb absented himself, without apology, from the meeting of the Presiding Elders with the Bishop. There was no pastoral report from St. Peter’s AME Church. Moreover, the Presiding Elder report blanks of the Keetmanshoop District were left in the hands of Rev. Sam S Herero, who is a Deacon.
When he arrived late the following day, he, together with s small select group, refrained from attending any Worship Services until the Closing Worship Service. Before the start of the Noonday Service on Day 2, the bishop invited him to address the Presiding Elders and even made it clear to him that the bishop would want to give a private platform to discuss all his problems. The Reverend Hendrik /Gariseb left that meeting without any remorse and without taking the lifelines thrown to him by the bishop.
The Rev. Hendrik /Gariseb arrived on time for the Closing Worship Service of the Midyear, but he did not inform his fellow-Presiding Elders about any of his intentions. When prayers were done before this Service it was very evident that Rev. Hendrik /Gariseb, knowing his past tract record of disrespect to the bishops of this Church, was about to do something irresponsible. Your Presiding Elders were, therefore, not surprised at what he did. Whilst the bishop was busy reading the Holy Word, he stood up, disrespectfully tried to disturbed the bishop’s spirit by delivering a letter, of which only he knew the content. Also, the fact that the letter was prepared and not written at the spur of the moment, says a lot about Rev. Hendrik /Gariseb’s attitude towards his seniors. He staged a very unpleasant walk-out whilst the bishop was preaching, followed by his relatives and sympathisers.
The worshippers, however, remained spirited throughout the sermon and we thank God that His Messenger stood firm in the pulpit and delivered the Word with power and conviction. And it was not by chance but it was divine providence that the sermon was titled, “Restoring the Altar of God!” At the closure of the Service, the Bishop was left with no alternative and did the right thing by relieving the Rev. Hendrik /Gariseb from his assignment to the St. Peter’s AME Church and the Keetmanshoop Presiding Elder District and suspending him of all pastoral rights and privileges.
The African Methodist Episcopal Church hereby announce that the Rev. Hendrik /Gariseb and the Rev. Petrus Simon Moses Kooper have been suspended from pastoral duties without any rights and privileges until the 58th Session of the Namibia Annual Conference scheduled to take place at the Bethel Memorial AME Church, Luderitz from 24-28 August 2005. In line with the judicial process of the African Methodist Episcopal Church charges have been formulated and filed against the Rev. Hendrik /Gariseb and the Rev. Petrus Simon Moses Kooper, and they have been informed accordingly. Their continuous defiance of the Order and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is viewed in a very serious light. Hence, all members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church are hereby encouraged to refrain from attending meetings and worship services called by the Rev. Hendrik /Gariseb and the Rev. Petrus Simon Moses Kooper under the name and pretext of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The suspended Rev. Hendrik /Gariseb and Rev. Petrus Simon Moses Kooper have not only disrespected the name and integrity of Bishop Samuel L Green SR and that of the African Methodist Episcopal Church but are also involved in a misinformation campaign as if they are at the receiving end of the bishop’s wrath for speaking out against the Connection and the Episcopacy. We have taken note that AME archive material is being quoted out of context to justify their ill-conceived cause. It must be stated categorically clear that the suspension of the Rev. Hendrik /Gariseb and the Rev. Petrus Simon Moses Kooper has no linkage to the ongoing reformative process within the AME Church.
The recent misguided media coverage about a looming split within the African Methodist Episcopal Church is devoid of any truth. The leaders and members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Namibia remain faithful, loyal and committed members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church connection as part of the 15th Episcopal District under the leadership of Bishop Samuel L Green SR.
We wish to sensitize all institutions in the Republic of Namibia that the Rev. Hendrik /Gariseb and the Rev. Petrus Simon Moses Kooper, in lieu of their suspension, are no longer in good and regular standing and are not to represent or speak on behalf of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Their suspension means that they have been silenced until they appear before the Ministerial Efficiency Committee of the Namibia Annual Conference and answer to the charges filed against them.
And now, may the Grace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, the Love of God the Father and the sweet Communion of the Holy Spirit, rest, abide and rule.
Bishop Samuel L Green Sr.
The Rev. Dr. Hendrik Witbooi, Consultant
The Rev. Dr. Andreas Biwa, Presiding Elder
The Rev. William A Balie, Presiding Elder
The Rev. Paul Frederick, Presiding Elder
The Rev. Willem Simon Hanse, Dean
The Rev. Neels J Simon, Presiding Elder
The Rev. Albert E Biwa, BoCE Director
President Alfred Goliath, Lay
President Anna L Tâseb, WMS
The Rev. Jakobus A Gertze, Conference Secretary
The Rev. Johannes J Schmidt, Ministerial Efficiency
The Rev. Jonas !Nakhom, Ministerial Efficiency
The Rev. Hans Isaak, Ministerial Efficiency
The Rev. Jonas Nakhom, Ministerial Efficiency
5. THE GLOBAL CORNER - PRESIDING ELDER’S STATEMENT ON THE RECENT ARTICLE IN THE “NEW ERA, ALLAFRICA.COM” AND “THE AME TODAY” DISCUSSION BOARD ON THE FOUNDING OF THE NEW AME CHURCH:
The Namibia Annual Conference of the Fifteenth Episcopal District
We greet the readers in the wonderful name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
The said church was started by expelled clergy of the Namibia Annual Conference in the 15th Episcopal District. The former two clergy (Hendrik /Gariseb and Petrus S M Kooper) were expelled at the recommendation of the Ministerial Efficiency at the 51st Session of the Namibia Annual Conference. The clergy were charged for sowing seeds of discord, showing disrespect to the Office of Bishop assigned to the Fifteenth Episcopal District, and violating the Ordination Vows of the Elder Order. After extensive deliberations, the members and delegates voted in favour (51), against (0) and abstained (8) that the two clergy be expelled from the AME Church. Without any remorse or appeal the two brothers left and made further malicious and slanderous public statements about the African Methodist Episcopal Church where they had reached the point of no return.
Their new church is mostly made of their relatives, friends and well-wishers and the 52nd Session of the Namibia Annual Conference held at the beginning of this month dropped other two local deacons (Fritz /Gariseb and Samuel /Howeseb) at the requests of their local churches from which they had withdraw without certificate. The ‘damage’, if any, to the AME Church has been minimum and the legacy of the AME Church spreads forth like a wild veldfire.
In conclusion, the AME Church has been operational within Namibia since it was reported to late President Paul Kruger in South Africa at the turn of the last century. The AME Church has been acknowledged by both colonial and independent Governments and its pastors (including expelled clergy) have been appointed as Marriage Officers and Commissioners of Oath for the past six decades in Namibia. On the allegations that the AME Church has never been registered with any of the Namibian authorities, we want to inform the rank and file that we had even incorporated the AMECDI in year 2002 with the Namibian Ministry of Trade and Industry and our number is 2002/241. One of the expelled clergy used to be the chairman of this Initiative.
We want to rest this case by thanking God for the sterling leadership of Bishop Samuel L Green, Sr. During the past three years, he has proven himself as a compassionate but firm leader, in whose leadership collective leadership took precedence above selfish individual interest. We salute Bishop Samuel L Green for keeping the AME Church in Namibia intact and that the legacy of Richard Allen, Petrus Andreas Jod, Zacheus Thomas and many other unsung heroes of African Methodism is now properly safeguarded for many generations still to come. To God be the glory!
And now, may the Grace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, the Love of God the Father and the sweet Communion of the Holy Spirit, rest, abide and rule.
The Rev. Dr. Hendrik Witbooi, Consultant to the Bishop
The Rev. Dr. Nicholas Charles Christians, Consultant to the Bishop
The Rev. Dr. Andreas Biwa, Presiding Elder of the Keetmanshoop District
The Rev. William A Balie, Presiding Elder of the Windhoek District
The Rev. Neels J Simon, Presiding Elder of the Gibeon District
The Rev. Willem Simon Hanse, Presiding Elder of the Hoachanas District
The Rev. Daniel Schmidt, Presiding Elder of the Lüderitz District
6. THE ILLUSTRIOUS SENIOR BISHOP PHILIP R. COUSIN, SALUTES A.M.E. STUDENTS, COLLEGES, UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGE PRESIDENTS IN OBSERVANCE OF HBCU WEEK:
Rev. Edrena Houston Brown, M.A.C.E.
Christian Recorder, staff writer
The National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week, 2006 is officially observed September 10 –16, 2006 in a recent proclamation by President George W. Bush. HBCU Week is designed to provide HBCUs in assisting students in achieving their dreams and educational aspirations, in meeting the challenges of campus enrollment, fundraising and other challenges targeted during HBCU week. Because of the many significant contributions that Black Institutions of Higher Education have made HBCUs, which has prepared many productive students and community leaders in their churches, schools, and communities throughout the world, we celebrate this historic week.
Bishop Philip R. Cousin, Sr., at the age of 24 served as the President of Kittrel in North, Carolina. Presently this Scholar and Noteworthy Achiever in the area of Education, serves as the Senior Bishop of the A.M.E. Church and the Ninety-Six Elected Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1976. He is the Presiding Prelate of the Fourth Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church. He acknowledges that, Because of the Divine Plan of God, Bishop Richard Allen and the many forefathers of our A.M.E. Colleges and Universities, we are able to enjoy the blessings of these persons. As we celebrate this commemorative week of HBCU, special recognition is extended to these individuals for their wisdom, knowledge and understanding, in having Faith in God for enhancing the VISION for the African Methodism. We are grateful to the students enrolled in the African Methodist Episcopal (HBCUs), Alumni, and Chairman of Boards, Faculty, Supporters, College, University and Seminarian Presidents for your day to day commitment of Excellence. In a recent survey, of all HBCUs enroll, 14 percent of all African American students in higher education, although they constitute only three percent of America’s 4,084 institutions of higher education.
Bishop Cousin is known as a Renown National Leader, Administrator, Teacher, Preacher and a Scholar in the area of Higher Education. He served as the Former President of The National Council of Churches for Christ in USA, in 1983 –1988 and presently serves on numerous boards and Commissions of Education. His concern and commitment to education is a major focus with special emphasis on Ministerial Education. Bishop Cousin supports HIV/AIDS Education in America and Africa in further educating the community and the Fourth Episcopal District, in serving children and adults through educational programs. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Central State University, Master of Divinity degree, Boston University and the Doctorate of Ministry Degree from Colgate-Rochester Divinity School.
Bishop Cousin will continue to promote HBCUs commitment in Higher Education, during his series of Annual Conferences in the A.M.E. Church.
On behalf of the entire constituency of African Methodism, Bishop Cousin acknowledges a special tribute to all HBCUs and Historically Black Colleges, Universities and Seminaries of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
7. THE KENTUCKY ANNUAL CONFERENCE SETS THE STANDARD FOR THE THIRTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:
The Kentucky Annual Conference is being held at St. James AME Church, Danville, Kentucky
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie is leading the team magnificently. Supervisor Stan McKenzie stands tall and is working diligently with the missionary person and with all of the members of the Annual Conference.
Presiding Elder Ralph Johnson has done a great job teaching at the Thursday morning Ministers' Institute.
The Conference began with the Ministers' Institute on Tuesday with excellent teaching on church administration by the Rev. Dr. Frederick Wright, pastor of Quinn Chapel AME Church, Cincinnati, Ohio. The training was insightful and relevant.
The pastoral reports are taking place now and it is an emotional experience to listen to the reports of the small churches and their dedicated pastors. The small-church pastors with two or three members are just as enthusiastic about their reports as the pastors are with the larger churches. And most encouraging is the encouragement to all of the churches and their pastors by Bishop McKenzie. She just advised that the offering taken up at today's "Hour of Power" will be given to one of the smaller churches to help with its Conference obligation.
The AME Church is indeed doing the work of ministry and we appreciate the Episcopal leadership.
This article was prepared on the editor’s Blackberry mobile phone at the Thursday morning session of the Kentucky Annual Conference.
Additional news: The Reverend E. Holmes Matthews is being superannuated.
8. THE MEMBERS OF THE KANSAS NEBRASKA CONFERENCE AND NORTHWEST MISSOURI CONFERENCE VOTED TO POSSIBLY MERGE INTO ONE CONFERENCE:
The members of the Kansas Nebraska Conference and Northwest Missouri Conference voted to possibly merge into one conference. In order to officially take such action on the merger, the General Conference must vote in 2008. The Proposed Midwest Annual Conference consists of 80 churches in the western region of the State of Missouri, and the entire state of Kansas and Nebraska.
Bishop John R. Bryant, the presiding prelate of the Fifth Episcopal District asked both conferences to operate as one but keep separate operations until it is officially acted upon at General Conference. There are three presiding elders that make up the Proposed Midwest Annual Conference: Presiding Elder Donna F. Roberson, Presiding Elder Steven Cousin, and Presiding Elder Theodore R. Evans, Sr.
This past week history was made when both conferences held annual conference jointly in the Jack Reardon Convention Center in Kansas City, Kansas. The Convention was packed daily. Bishop Bryant preached a soul stirring message at the closing service, entitled "The Way to Greatness is on the Road to Service", scripture Mark 9:33. Bishop Bryant's sermon focused on the importance of providing service in this Christian journey, and with service comes greatness.
An official website is now in operation to see current events in both conferences: http://www.kansascitydistrict.org/ . The website is designed by Presiding Elder Steven Cousin of the Kansas City District.
The Proposed Midwest Annual Conference will be in held in Metropolitan Kansas City, September 10-15, 2007.
Attached is the resolution for our conference, please publish. Along with the information noted above.
Thank you in advance for your attention in this matter. If you have any questions, call me at 816-506-9058.
Rev. Eraina Aseme
Director of Public Relations
Rev. Marilyn Robinson
Co-Director of Public Relations
9. THE 2006 “COME IN FROM THE STORM” EVANGELISTIC CRUSADE:
Rev. Dr. Letitia Williams-Watford
For the second consecutive year, St. Peter AME has endeavored to collaborate with pastors, churches, ministries, and persons of influence to bring meaningful evangelistic outreach to our neighboring community. “Come in from the Storm Crusade 2006” was slated for August 10-11 under the big tent at the corner of Rosa Parks and Wade Street. While both nights of this event were spiritually satisfying, Friday night brought its own unique circumstance, even challenge.
We “came in from the storm!”
On Friday night, at 6:00 p.m. the bottom of the sky fell out! Thunder and lightening flashed. The leader of the guest music ministry phoned to say their van was sitting in traffic on the interstate. And, the power failed on streets all around the tent.
Nothing to do but trust God!
Surely a harvest would be reaped from the months of planning and preparation. Through mud, muck and mosquitoes!
Praise God! The rain stopped at 7:03 p.m. By 7:15 the cars began to roll in, and folks were streaming in on foot from every direction—through the mud, muck and mosquitoes! Clearly, those in need of blessings—both spiritual and/or material blessing would not be denied this night.
An anointed evening
From the opening moments, the audience was electrified--first, by the Gospel Rap of King Wes and Company and then by Rev. F. J. McCullough and the praise team from Payne Chapel AME Church, Birmingham, Alabama.
By the time the director of the AMEC Department of Church Growth and Development, Dr. James Wade, took the pulpit, God had shown up and we knew God was about to show out! It’s all GOD when folk get “slain in the spirit” — in the mud!
Free Groceries! & School Stuff!
Much gratitude is extended to our many collaborators for helping make it possible for us to extend material outreach to dozens of folk who truly stood in need of the free food and school supplies given away nightly. Undoubtedly, many believed these were their primary motivations for coming to the Crusade.
The people left with so much more than groceries and school supplies! Yokes were broken, bodies and minds were healed, and above all souls were saved!
St. Peter AME Church is located at 512 Liberty St., Montgomery, AL 36108. Dr. Letitia Williams Watford is the pastor. Leo Brock, Sr. is Presiding Elder. The Right Reverend T. Larry Kirkland is Presiding Bishop.
Dr. Watford, Pastor St. Peter, Montgomery
10. CAREER OPPORTUNITY - THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF THE CHURCHES OF CHRIST IN THE USA JOB DESCRIPTION:
Associate General Secretary for Administration and Finance
The National Council of Churches is the leading ecumenical organization among Christians in the United States. It encompasses 35 member communions including Protestant, Anglican and Orthodox communions, African-American denominations and historic peace churches. The Council serves as both a convener and voice for a faith constituency of almost 50 million people and over 100,000 congregations in all 50 states. It is organized around five program commissions and does extensive work in research, Bible translation, Christian education, theological and interfaith dialogue, witness through the media, and advocacy around issues of social justice and public policy.
Position Description:
To provide executive leadership as the Chief Financial Officer for financial and business management of the NCCCUSA in support of its mission and functions as defined by the Council’s Governing Board, and to develop the administrative and financial systems for strengthening the Council’s services for its membership and mission functions.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Serve as Chief Administrator of the Council including management of its offices, and the functions of procurement, human resources and development.
- Serve as the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Council, with responsibility for the operation of its financial and business services.
- Manage the organizational culture with updated analytical and financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting capabilities appropriate to present fiscal realities, and financial planning capabilities that will enable continued growth and development for the Council.
- Serve as primary staff to the Administration and Finance Committee of the Governing Board with responsibility for financial planning, annual budget, annual audit, monitoring income and expenses, and fiscal stability of the Council.
- Serve as primary staff to the Human Resources Committee, and the Bible Translation and Utilization Committee.
- Supervise the work of the controller and all financial and business services staff.
- Relate as peer to fiscal officers and staff in NCCCUSA member communions, to Church World Service fiscal officers and to partners and supporters
- Maintain an environment of fiduciary responsibility, fiscal accountability and managerial excellence as a means of enhancing the confidence of the Governing Board and member communions in the viability of the Council.
- Perform other duties and exercise other responsibilities as directed by the General Secretary, the Governing Board, or the Administration and Finance Committee.
- Serve as a member of senior staff teams formed to plan, support and manage Council initiatives.
Minimum Qualifications:
- The individual should have ten years experience as a financial administrator in a non-profit agency, demonstrating the qualities of sound judgment, management and problem-solving creativity, ability to work flexibly and effectively with diverse individuals in a complex organizational setting, and a comprehensive understanding of administrative and financial operations.
- An understanding of the opportunities and challenges of the National Council of Churches and its denominational constituency.
- Experience in a denominational office, or a local and regional council of churches.
- Experience working with boards, endowments and fund accounting.
- Experience in providing supervision skills with exempt and non-exempt staff.
Location: This position will be based in the NCC New York headquarters. Some travel will be expected.
Reports to: The General Secretary
Please send a cover letter, resume, and a writing sample to:
Associate General Secretary for Administration & Finance Search, Attn: Joan Gardner, National Council of Churches, 475 Riverside Drive, Rm. 812, New York, NY 10115. jgardner@ncccusa.org No calls please.
The National Council of Churches is an equal opportunity employer. For more information about the Council go to http://www.ncccusa.org/.
*** It is required that in order to be considered for this position a candidate must be a member in good standing of one of the NCCC constituent communions.
Deadline: October 10, 2006
The Right Reverend E. E. McCloud submitted this information. The AME Church is a NCCC constituent member
11. BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES ON THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF THE LATE REV. JOHANNES METUSALACH NOETEB LAID TO REST AT THE EXODUS AME CHURCH, HOACHANAS ON SUNDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER 2006:
Translated + rearranged by the Rev. Wilem Simon Hanse, Presiding Elder of the Hoachanas District from the detailed Obituary Statement delivered by Mr. Neels Cooper hoachanasamec@yahoo.com
The village of Hoachanas was a beehive of activity last Saturday and Sunday (9+10 September 2006) when more than a thousand people flocked to the Noeteb family residence and the Exodus African Methodist Episcopal Church to funeralise “the last man standing” in the Kai//Khau Traditional Authority, the late Rev. Johannes Metusalach !Noeteb.
The late Rev. Noeteb was born on 10 August 1919 at Hoachanas and baptized in the German Rhynish Missionary Society on 10 October 1920 by the late German missionary E Luof. He completed Grade 2, which was the highest academic grade obtained in the German missionary schools at that time and entered the job market as farm worker in 1934. Together with Johannes Gurubeb, Frans !Nakhom, Simon Jantze, Jonathan Demas and many others, he fought in the 2nd World War, but the German government is still to honour the promises made to these and other Nama soldiers. During 1946 he was part of the adult members who broke away from the Rhynish Missionary Society and joined the African Methodist Episcopal Church. His first marriage to late Katrina Nâmes was solemnized on 26 October 1946 in the AME Church, and after her death, he got married Martha Lukas on 17 July 1967.
It is said that the late Rev. !Noeteb took much pride in the motto of the AME Church, God our Father, Christ our Redeemer and Man our Brother, and this motto was mostly part of his greetings when he preached. He, at an early age, understood the “philosophy of self help” which was proclaimed and practiced by the AME Church. This was evident in the large stock of cattle he used to possess as a youngster, and the generous livestock donations he made periodically to the AME Church at Hoachanas.
During the early 1950, the fresh winds of national liberation that blew across Namibia also affected him and he became vocal on many political and socio-economic issues that affected the people of Hoachanas. When Headman Mattheus Kooper, whom he served as personal assistant and spokesman died, he was elected the undisputed leader of the Kai-//Haun people of Hoachanas. In 1977, he represented his people at the meeting of Nama chiefs called by the Rev. Dr. Hendrik Witbooi at Gibeon, and joined the SWAPO Party together with his people.
When he organized and started the AME Private Community School at Hoachanas propagating and introducing the use of English as medium of instruction, he became the focal point of the apartheid South African government and its security apparatus. The decision to join the SWAPO Party offended the colonial administration so much that he was periodically detained. On 24 April 1978, he was one of those traditional and community leaders who were detained under proclamation AG 26 of 1978 and kept in solitary confinement at Gobabis. Only later did he realise that he was not the only detained, but that the Rev. Dr. Hendrik Witbooi, the late Frans Kambangula, the late Daniel Tjongarero, the late Mokganeti Thlabanelo and many others had also be detained the same day but at their respective places. A lot of hardship followed and he also lost employment as government’s institutional worker at Hoachanas. After independence, the Namibian Government awarded the Bravery Medal (Bronze) to the late Rev. Noeteb on 26 August 2002. At another opportunity, he displayed his courage and convictions by informing the Founding Father of the Nation, President Sam Nujoma, that people do not survive from certificates and awards, but that government should introduce job creation programs and projects to benefit the community of Hoachanas.
The Rev. Noeteb had been a faithful member of the Immanuel AME Church, Hoachanas since 1946. It was this church who recognized his leadership potential and he was ordained a local deacon by Bishop Robert Thomas JR on 1 October 1989, but he was amongst the dissatisfied group of people who withdrew from the Immanuel AME Church and joined the Hoachanas East circuit in 1998. Several attempts by the former pastor of Immanuel AME Church, who was last year expelled from the African Methodist Episcopal Church, to have the late Rev. Noeteb stripped of his ordination status were unsuccessful. The Namibia Annual Conference confirmed his deaconate status with this circuit, which was renamed Exodus AME Church in memory of the people’s mass transfer of membership from the Immanuel AME Church to Hoachanas East circuit.
At the Memorial Service that was held the Saturday evening, the Rev. Willem Simon Hanse, presiding elder of the Hoachanas District, paid tribute from Psalm 90:1-12, elevating the Rev. J. M. Noeteb as the ‘Moses of Hoachanas and the Kai//Hau people’ and as a man who had seen the mighty works of God the same Moses had seen the mighty works in the liberation episodes of Israel. In the Sunday Funeral Celebration, the Rev. Dr. Andreas Biwa, the presiding elder of the Keetmanshoop and the administrative assistant of the Bishop, paid tribute to the leadership qualities of the late Rev. !Noeteb and also brought the official statement of sympathy on behalf of Bishop Samuel L Green Sr and the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The detailed obituary was delivered by Mr. Neels Cooper, with the support of Ms. Sina Noetes. The Eulogy by the Rev. William A Balie, the immediate past presiding elder of the Hoachanas District, was based on Psalm 23:1-2. The burial ritual was presided over by the Rev. Dr. Hendrik Witbooi, one of the two Special Consultants of Bishop Samuel L Green Sr in the Namibia Annual Conference. The other Consultant is the Rev. Dr. Nicholas Charles Christians from Keetmanshoop. Long live the sacred memory of the Rev. J. M. Noeteb.
12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regretfully announce the passing of Mr. Jimmie Lee Goodwin, Jr. on September 11, 2006. Mr. Goodwin is the brother of Rev. Angelia Walker and brother-in-law of Rev. Sam J. Walker, Pastor of St. Luke AME Church, Birmingham, AL.
FAMILY HOUR
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Taylor's Funeral Home
7 PM - 8 PM
FUNERAL SERVICE
Friday, September 15, 2006, 1 PM
Gaines Chapel AME Church
921 10th Avenue
Phenix City, AL 36867
Rev. Sam J. Walker. Eulogist
Condolences may be sent to:
The Goodwin Home
1021 14th Avenue
Phenix City, AL 36867
Professional Services Entrusted to:
Taylor's Funeral Home
1514 5th Avenue
Phenix City, AL 36867
(334) 298-0364
Clarence Taylor, Director
13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs. Viola Stephenson the wife of late Presiding Elder Don Stephenson of the Kansas-Nebraska Conference died on September 9, 2006. Mrs. Viola Stephenson was a former WMS Conference Branch President of the Kansas-Nebraska Conference.
Service Arrangements for Mrs. Viola Stephenson:
Funeral
Saturday, September 16, 2006
11:00 a.m.
Trinity AME Church
2201 N. 5th Street
Kansas City, Ks. 66101
913-621-2306 Phone
Rev. Fran Cary, Pastor of Trinity AME Church will officiate.
Services entrusted to:
Thatchers Funeral Home
1520 N. 5th St.
Kansas City, Kansas 66101
913-321-1211
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Son - Versie Stephenson
8029 Flora Ave.
Kansas City, Missouri 64118
816-213-6953 Phone
Daughter - Patricia Lange
816-436-4200 Phone
Submitted by: Margaret A. Riley
Local WMS President, Trinity AME Church
14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Veronica (Cotton) Reuben, the Daughter of the Rev. Thomas H. and Sharon H Van Leer of Woodbury, Minnesota passed on Monday morning, September 11, 2006, from injuries resulting from a car accident in Atlanta, GA.
Veronica Reuben was a faithful member of Mother St. James AME Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Both she and her children were active and an integral part of Mother St. James AME Church in Minneapolis, MN. Veronica leaves 5 Children (Jazzlyn 14, Ashlyn 12, Triplets-Aryon, Ariyon, Aniyah (2 years old on September 5, 2006).
Service arrangements:
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Family Hour and Viewing: 10:00 am
Home going Service: 11:00 am
St. James AME Church
624 West Central Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55406
651-227-4151 Phone
651-767-0758 Fax
Rev. Marchelle Hallman, pastor of Mother St. James AME, Eulogist.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to:
The Veronica (Cotton) Reuben Fund
Contribution may be sent to:
The Veronica (Cotton) Reuben Fund
c/o Mother St. James AME Church
3600 Snelling Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55406
612-721-4566 Phone
Respectfully,
The Rev. Thomas & Sharon Van Leer and the Veronica Reuben Family
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mr. Stanley Eugene Frost, the brother of the Reverend Charles (Evelyn) Frost passed.
Service Arrangements:
Family Hour:
Thursday, September 14th
7:00 p.m.
Hardy Funeral Home
2408 MLK Drive.
Little Rock, AR
Funeral Service:
Friday, September 15, 2006
11:00 a.m. at the Funeral Home
Condolences may be sent to the family.
c/o Rev. Charles Frost
29 Creekridge Circle
North Little Rock, AR 72120
Or via Email: AMEpreacher2002@yahoo.com
Anita Brannon
Please remember the bereaved families in your prayers.
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Services for Mr. Taylor Thompson, father of the Rev. Dr. Taylor T. Thompson, pastor of St. John AME Church Cleveland, Ohio, Betty Thompson (Pittsburgh) and Bobby Hassain (Pittsburgh) will be Saturday, September 16, 2006. Brother Thompson was a long time member of Bethel AME Pittsburgh and served on the steward board. He was also the retired founder and president of the Thompson Electric Company, founded in 1951. He leaves to mourn his passing his wife, Mrs. Rosie H. Thompson, children and family.
Wake 9 a.m.
Masonic Services 10 a.m.
Homegoing Service 11 a.m.
Services at:
Bethel AME Church
The Rev. James McLemore, Pastor
2720 Webster Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Fax 412-683-5743
Office 412-683-2160
Arrangements by:
Samuel J. Jones Funeral Home
2644 Wylie Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Office 412-621-9644
Fax 412-621-2972
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Rosie H. Thompson and Family
993 Surrey Woods Drive
Bethel Park, PA. 15102
412-833-3852
Or Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Taylor T. Thompson
P.O. Box 613
Berea, Ohio 44017-0613
216-214-6886
Or email revttthomp@aol.com
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936
Fax: (615) 833-3781
Cell: (615) 403-7751
Please remember the family in your prayers.
18. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of the Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement
