1. SIGN UP FOR THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE:
Please sign-up at http://www.the-christian-recorder.org/ if you wish receive the Christian Recorder Online. It takes less than a minute.
If you are not on the mailing list, the way to access the Christian Recorder Online: http://www.the-christian-recorder.org
2. THE EDITOR'S TEMPORARY MAILING ADDRESS:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The Christian Recorder
P.O. Box 3185
Hampton, VA 23663
3. THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH:
4. THE AME/WIM WEBSITE: www.amewim.org.
5. MORE AME NEWS: www.ameherald.com
6. REMINDER:
When submitting articles please spell-check and, very importantly, correctly spell the names of the persons listed in your articles. Also use the correct titles for the persons in your articles, i.e., if you use title of one, use title for all the persons listed in your article. I have no way of knowing if a person is a "reverend" or not.
7. DR. BILL DICKENS, CHURCH SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT OF BETHEL AME CHURCH, TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA WRITES, "HURRICANES, HEROES, AND HOPE":
The changing weather patterns in Florida over the last month have caused many of us to think a lot about hurricanes. Several years ago, actor Denzel Washington portrayed the Miami based boxer, Reuben “Hurricane” Carter. The most dominant college football team in the country bears the nickname ‘Hurricanes’. Even some popular bars and restaurants will offer their patrons a mellow libation called a ‘Hurricane Drinks’. At least, this is what I’m told since I happen to be a teetotaler.
Changing atmospheric conditions in the tropics and the Atlantic Ocean cause most of us to focus our attention on the wind-patterns meteorologists refer to as hurricanes. Over the last month, Florida has received unwelcome visitors by the name of Bonnie, Charley, Frances, Ivan and probably next, Jeanne or Karl. Who invited these guests? What is the purpose of their visits? Why can't they just leave us alone?
The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is the key Federal agency that tracks, monitors and conducts extensive research about the behavior of hurricanes. It is through the monitoring activities of NOAA that cities and communities can receive advanced notification about the pending arrival of hurricanes thus allowing for some type of orderly preparation and if need be, evacuation.
It is important to emphasize that NOAA is not in the business of hurricane prevention only hurricane preparation. Once the NOAA computer models project the probable path of the storm, residents can use this information to determine how best to protect their loved ones and private property.
What, can the Bible provide to help our understanding of hurricanes and offer some semblance of hope? A survey of the Scriptures would show that the term hurricane does not appear in the text. That would make sense because the official usage of the term didn’t appear in Western literature until 1555 long after the Bible was canonized. But, we know that the essential characteristics of hurricanes occurred long before 1555. If we use the word whirlwind or the dual occurrence of strong wind and rain as proxies, we find many references to “hurricanes” in the Sacred Text. The following passages are good references for hurricane research...
(More)
(Read the rest of this article in The Christian Recorder)
8. THE REVEREND JASON CURRY, DEAN OF THE CHAPEL AT FISK UNIVERSITY WANTS TO KNOW HOW HE / WE CAN SEND MONEY TO THE 16TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT. CHAPLAIN JASON IS AN AME ITINERANT ELDER:
How can we send money or food or clothing items?
The Reverend Jason Richard Curry, M.Div.
Dean of the Chapel and Lecturer in Philosophy and Religion
Fisk University
1000 17th Avenue North
Nashville, Tennessee 37208
(615) 329-8582
jcurry@fisk.edu
9. NEWS FROM THE TENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:
- Conference Opens With A Surge
Prepared by the Rev. Salatheia Bryant-Honors
Texas Annual Conference Reporter
The Rt. Rev. Gregory G.M. Ingram opened the 138th session of the Texas Annual Conference by introducing the theme “To the Tenth Power!”
The theme was a rallying cry voiced throughout the duration of the conference.
From the opening service until the closing, the theme, “To the Tenth Power,” accented every aspect of the Annual Conference that ran from Sept. 14- Sept. 18. Bishop Ingram said, “The challenge for us is to venture beyond the comfort and complacency of our self-imposed limitations."
“The theme speaks to the empowerment that will come to the Tenth through the obedience to the word and will of God for our lives. It symbolizes getting the body of Christ operating to the fullest. If we do all to the Tenth power our return will be unspeakable.”
Change was the order of the day as the newly appointed Episcopal leader reminded Conference members that God has called them to make a difference in the world.
And there were noticeable changes – some large and small – throughout the week. In keeping with the “To the Tenth Power” theme Bishop Ingram allowed 10-minute breaks and meetings started 10 minutes after the hour.
Additionally, the opening worship service was held at night rather than during the day. And members were pleasantly surprised when one day Bishop Ingram provided bottled water and soft drinks to Annual Conference attendees. Conference members applauded the new energy.
“I love it,” said delegate Barbara Kirby. “I’ve been going to conferences a long time and I’ve never felt anything like this. It (the theme) personalized us.”
Col. Leroy Jones, a member of Payne Cathedral of Faith in Houston, added that the theme acted as a call to work. “It’s different and it’s a challenge for us,” he said.
Bishop Ingram also shared his ten principles for the Tenth District, which he calls a divine compass that should be used to guide the spiritual growth and development of pastors and members.
By learning and living these principles, the Tenth Episcopal District will witness a new dimension of grace and greatness in Kingdome building, according to his written material. The ten principles are: Purpose, Passion, Performance, Partnership, Policy, Procedure, Protocol, Perseverance, Praise, and Prayer.
Bishop Ingram was elected and consecrated a bishop in the A.M.E. Church in 2000. He served his first Episcopal assignment in the 15th Episcopal District, which is comprised of Angola, Namibia and a great portion of South Africa.
Bishop Ingram was granted an opportunity to share his vision for the Tenth District live on local radio station Gospel 1360 A.M.
The radio Interview was arranged by the Gulf Coast Ministerial Alliance.
The Rev. Hunt Harris, pastor of Evangelist Chapel, is the president of the organization.
Retired Bishop Robert Thomas, Jr., who delivered the ordination sermon and is Bishop Ingram’s father in the ministry, told conference members to prepare to see Bishop Ingram’s creativity at work. “You are going to see some great things. You are going to see some innovative things,” said Thomas.
- Brother Eugene Gray, 99, and still going
By Rev. Salatheia Bryant-Honors
Texas Annual Conference Reporter.
When a doctor told Bro. Eugene Gray, more than 30 years ago, that he needed to undergo a serious operation he quickly gained an appetite for the church.
Until then, Gray admits he sporadically attended church. He especially attended service on his motherÂ’s birthday because it seemed to make her happy. But the doctorÂ’s news lit a fire under him that hasnÂ’t stopped burning.
“I didn’t want to take the operation without my name being on the church rolls,” said Gray. “I went back to church and I’ve had my feet to the fire every since.”
And that fire has burned now for decades. The man who once had a spotty church attendance record is now called a stalwart member of St. James in Wharton. Gray proudly declares that he hasnÂ’t missed an Annual Conference since 1967. And during the conference roll call Gray once again stood, quoted a Bible verse and answered present as a delegate for two churches.
A broad smile came to his gentle face when Bishop Ingram graciously gave him $100 and shared kind words with him. He received a standing ovation from the conference on his longevity.
But Gray remained modest. “I feel like I’m so wonderfully blessed and I wonder if I’m worthy of it,” said Gray of Bishop Ingram’s acknowledgment of him. At 99, Gray still lives an active life. While he doesn’t do much walking – it tires him out – he still tools around near his house on his bicycle and he still drives. The feisty nonagenarian recently purchased a 2000 Oldsmobile. He lives in Wharton, Texas on the same street as the church. His motto is: “Use What You’ve Got.” And he loves cats.
Rev. Linda Smith said she remembers when Gray visited her at home, encouraging her to attend the church. She applauds him for his dedication. “I remember Bro. Gray saying to me, ‘young lady we not only need your money but we need your presence.’ He’s wonderful. He’s really stayed there for St. James,” Smith said. “He’s the pillar. He is a good example for us to endure.”
Gray has held many offices in the small church including Sunday School Superintendent and Steward; however, his best activity is the annual cotton-picking program, which is a big to-do at St. James. During the program Gray dons the standard cotton-picking attire, including a red handkerchief around his neck and a tattered sun hat on his head.
Gray calls himself a Methodist from birth. The African Methodist Episcopal Church is all he has ever known, but Gray says he can feel at home in any church, in any denomination.
He isnÂ’t the only one in his family blessed with long life. One of his sisters is 90 and another is 100. Gray wants to live to see 100 and after that, he says, heÂ’ll try for 101.
- Inaugural Gathering of Texas Conference Women
Rev. Salatheia Bryant-Honors
Texas Annual Conference Reporter
The Rev. Dr. Jessica Ingram hosted the Texas Annual ConferenceÂ’s first Gathering of Women. More than 300 women attended the service that included powerful praise moments and a life-changing teaching by Rev. Jessica Ingram.
For many the service offered an opportunity to worship God uninhibited and in the company of sisters only. There they freely danced, shouted and wept as the room was filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit. Some women said they received release and renewal.
Sis. Stacy Dawson, first lady of St. Paul-Greenspoint and host church of the Annual
Conference, said the teaching prompted her to pursue goals that she had once put off.
“I thought it was awesome. You got the word in a professional way,” said Mrs. Dawson. “It was a totally different experience. Some people were getting convicted.”
Other women added that it was spiritually therapeutic and directional.
“I was very comfortable in the atmosphere,” said Mary Virginia Russ, a member of Wesley Chapel in Houston. “I gathered a lot of information that I can start using now.”
Rev. Jessica’s subject was “Thinking big for a change.” Her points were:
1. Learn to think a whole thought through. On the other side of the thought, she said, is a bigger blessing.
2. Develop the ability to think thoughts that will advance you rather than pull you down.
3. Hang with women who are thinkers because they will provoke you to think.
4. Have a thinking place and carve out some thinking time.
5. Keep a journal.
6. Think in the morning what you want to accomplish in the day and at night think of what you want to accomplish the next day.
7. Think that your past does not have to blackmail your future.
8. Think that you are more than you are right now.
Rev. Jessica has scheduled quarterly praise and worship services for the women of the Tenth District. The schedule is as follows:
- Dec. 3, 2004 5 p.m. Dallas at Sensational St. Paul, Theme: “Showing Mary” Rev. Dr. Renita Weems will be the speaker.
- March 6, 2005 5 p.m. Forth Worth at Baker Chapel, Theme: “Girlfriends-Together Again” Rev. Dr. Elaine Flake speaker.
- May 1, 2005 5 p.m. Houston at Wesley, Theme: “My Mother, My Daughter, My Sister” the Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant, Thelma Bryant-Davis, and the Rev. Quintalyn Phillips are the speakers.
- Aug. 7, 2005 5 p.m. Austin at Grant Worship Center Theme: “When I grow Old, I shall Wear Purple!” The speaker is still undetermined.
11. A WORD FROM THE REVEREND DR. TONYA SPELLMON:
Meeting the Needs of God's people one person at a time being motivated and
anointed only by Christ who strengthens me.
12. THE REVEREND DR. RONALD BRAXTON ASKS TWO QUESTIONS:
Mr. Editor,
You are making vast and quick improvements. Indeed, you are the man for the job. Two questions:
1. If I register for online C. R. will I still get the paper (hard copy)?
2. Does my paid subscription through the Annual Conference cover online subscription?
The Reverend Ronald Braxton
13. COMMENT FROM THE EDITOR
Dr. Braxton - Thank you for your kind words.
Reference question # 1` - Whether or not you register online, you will get your paper copy if you have paid your $26.
Question #2: The online subscription is free. Your paid subscription at the Annual Conference covers just your hard-copy paper subscription.
The Christian Recorder now has two venues: (1) Hard-copy paper as we have always had it ($26) and now (2) the online edition (free).
14. BROTHER HERRINGTON
I guess that this will be the end of a good journey together. I have enjoyed them thoroughly. I have asked you to register many people on your list serve which you have and they all have said that they enjoyed it. As an UMC I have found your discussions pretty good. Now that you have turned this into a cash website I will have to make a parting until some other time. I am very happy for you with your new assignment and wish you the best in Nashville.
Richard Herrington, Jr.
15. COMMENT FROM THE EDITOR:
Brother Herrington - Thanks for your kind words. I have a question: When did the Christian Recorder Online become a "cash website?" Who is getting the money? No one! It's free. Hard to believe that we can do this for free? It's technology! The AME Church is getting on the cutting edge of technology! I invite you to stay with us. This won't "cost you a dime." I do invite you to subscribe to, The Christian Recorder. A subscription to The Christian Recorder is $26. You will read great editorials and exciting articles. The AME Publishing House and The Christian Recorder staffs are "second to none."
16. FUNERAL NOTICE
First Episcopal District
African Methodist Episcopal Church
First District Plaza - 3801 Market Street - Suite 300
Philadelphia, PA 19104
The Right Reverend Richard F. Norris, Presiding Bishop
Office: 215 - 662-0506
FAX: 215-662-0199
Date: September 22, 2004
To: Mrs. Ora Easley, Conn-M-Swawo
From: Bishop Richard F. Norris
Subject: Homegoing of Rev. Phillip Loman
We regret to inform you of the passing of Rev. Phillip Loman. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements:
Funeral - Friday, September 24, 2004
Funeral - 11:00 a.m.
St. Paul AME Church
30 West King Street
Waynesboro, PA 17268
Church Tel: 717-765-8111
Rev. Jahkimmo Smith, Pastor
Viewing - Thursday, September 23, 2004
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Grove- Bowersox Funeral Home
#50 South Broad Street
Waynesboro, PA
Condolences may be sent to the family:
Family of Rev. Phillip Loman
114 Eden Avenue
Waynesboro, PA 17268
Please remember the Loman family in your prayers during this time of their bereavement.
God Bless!
Ora L. Easley
615) 837-9736 Phone
(615) 833-6936 Voice Mail
(615) 833-3781 Fax
17. INSPIRATIONAL MOMENT, "YOUR MOMENT TO SHINE" FROM RALPH MARSTON:
No matter how many times you may have fallen short in the past, you can go positively forward right now. No matter how often you've chosen a path that has led you astray, you can now choose to move straight ahead.
Do not be dismayed by what has already come to pass. For now you can choose to live the best of your possibilities.
Don't waste a lot of time being disappointed by the shortcomings in your past. Now is your opportunity to move beyond them.
Whatever has been, has been and is finished. What is to be, is yours now to choose. Now is the moment that you can influence. Now is the time to take positive action.
Get up and go forward from whatever may have happened before. Now is truly your moment to shine.
-- Ralph Marston
