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3. BISHOP VASHTI MCKENZIE'S ISSUES AN "AME CALL TO ACTION!":
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, President of the Council of Bishops, Bishop Gregory Ingram, Secretary, Bishop Phillip R. Cousin, Senior Bishop.
The Council of Bishops is issuing an "AME Call to Action" on behalf of our brothers and sisters devastated by a series of hurricanes in Districts 9, 11 and 16. An unusually active hurricane season has led to the loss of many lives, great destruction of churches, personal property, power outages, businesses closing, or severely impaired.
The Southeastern portion of the United States and the Caribbean has had more than enough wind and rain. Still, this past weekend, Hurricane Jeanne blew into the Bahamas and slammed into Florida dumping tons of rain, eroding beaches, bringing down power lines with more than one million people without power. Homes have been flooded from high water storm surges in low-lying areas. And, the hurricane season is not over yet! The hurricane season does not end until November.
The Sixteenth District
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry returned after viewing the devastation to report that many AME’s are without shelter, food and fresh water. More than 88 AME families are homeless and one pastor and family of eight are still reported missing. Haiti, Dominican Republic and Jamaica were the hardest hit. The AME church in Grenada was completely destroyed.
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry will be returning soon hoping to receive funds for the District's rebuilding efforts. Please forward donations:
The Sixteenth Episcopal District of the AME Church
1968 West Adams Blvd., Suite 314
Los Angeles, California 90018-3515.
General Officer George Flowers, Global Missions also just recently returned from the 16th District. He took much needed medical supplies to the Richard Hildebrand Clinic in Haiti. He indicates that the greatest help so far in that region has come from the
International Red Cross and the Church World Service.
Dr. Flowers indicated that non-perishable items and other goods might need to come in later weeks to the Caribbean. Significant ports of entry areas are still blocked. There are goods still sitting on docks for the lack of help and in some places it is not safe to travel yet. Monetary donations are the best form of help at this time.
The Eleventh District
Bishop McKinley Young reports that in Florida some churches have sustained severe damage, blown roofs, damaged siding, shingles and windows. More than one million homes are still out without power and the newest hurricane exasperates the situation.
Bishop Young indicates that the Bahamas sustained great damage and needs the most help at this time. The Reverend John White, Sr. has been named the chair of the disaster relief effort for the 11th Episcopal District. Contributions may be sent to:
The Disaster Relief Fund,
11th Episcopal District Office,
101 East Union Street, Suite 301
Jacksonville, Florida 32202.
The Ninth Episcopal District
Bishop T. Larry Kirkland states that the Mobile, Montgomery and surrounding areas have been the hardest hit in the 9th Episcopal District. A few churches have sustained damage along with extensive loss of personal and real property. The clean-up effort on the Gulf Coast is on-going, with many just returning to their homes or having power restored before Hurricane Jeanne came along this weekend.
The Reverend James Rouse is one of the chairs for the relief effort. Donations may be sent to
9th Episcopal District Office
2101 Daniel Payne Drive, Building 2,
Birmingham, Alabama 35214.
The Council of Bishops urges all members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church to respond to this "AME Call to Action." Here is an opportunity to demonstrate the Love of God towards those who are in dire need! The majority of the presiding bishops are requesting disaster relief funds to be brought to Mid-Year Conferences and Planning Meetings.
AME Call to Prayer
African Methodist Episcopal churches all over the world are asked, not only to act, but also to pray! All pastors are asked to lift up prayer for the victims of Hurricanes Bonnie, Charley, Frances and Jeanne (and any subsequent hurricanes) in their worship services each Sunday until the end of the 2004 hurricane season. In every worship opportunity, pray that the Lord says, “Peace Be Still” to hurricane force winds and rains! Pray that storms will pass over to the North Atlantic far away from islands and the large landmasses. Let us, as AMEs “touch and agree” in prayer for the safety, security and recovery of our brothers and sisters.
“If my People who are called by my name should humble themselves and pray…” Together, we can demonstrate the strength of our concern for one another. Let us put "feet to our faith and teeth into our plans of action" to help the victims ravaged by this series of serious storms.
4. PRAISE REPORT FROM THE SIXTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT
On September 16 at 7:00 p.m., Saint Paul A.M.E., Valdosta, GA. served as the host church for the Sixth Episcopal Districts Lay Convention Worship and Communion Service. The Lay delegation throughout the Sixth District were present in strong numbers despite the threat of inclement weather brought on by Hurricane Charley. Our Presiding Prelate, Bishop William Phillips DeVeaux preached a powerful message entitled, "Grown Up Christians." The Lay members from Georgia have been talking about that sermon! The Presiding Elders, Pastors and the Lay organization of the South Georgia Conference were pleased to have been afforded the opportunity to host one of Bishop DeVeaux's first preaching engagements in the Sixth Episcopal District.
Saint Paul A.M.E. Church's 138th Church anniversary held on September 19th was a blessed success.
We are pleased to announce that the Reverend Maria Mallory White preached a powerful sermon entitled "The Invincible Institution." Reverend Maria allowed the Lord to use her in a mighty way. At the afternoon service we were blessed to have Pastor John F. White, II, and the New Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, Tallahassee, Fl. as our guests. The worship service was high in the Spirit, and the preaching was dynamic. Pastor White preached from the subject, "Strange Path to Power."
Several elected city officials and candidates for office this election year were present for the afternoon service including the mayor of Valdosta who presented Pastor Bruce Francis with the Key to the City of Valdosta.
5. SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION PROVIDED BY BROTHER ERIC AND SISTER STEPHANIE STRADFORD:
Gates (Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation) Millennium Scholars program will select 1000 students per year. The scholarship supports the costs of attendance (books, tuition, fees, and living expenses), and can be renewed each year during the Scholars undergraduate program.
The award is renewable for graduate study for those scholars who choose one of the five graduate programs: math, science, engineering, education or library science. Students are eligible if they are African-American, American Indian, Asian Pacific Islander or Hispanic, citizen of the US, 3.3 GPA, will enter an accredited college or university as full time in the fall of 2005, leadership abilities, etc. The deadline is January 14, 2005.
If you have questions, contact 1-877-690-4677 or email at info@gmsp.org or visit http://www.gmsp.org.
"Boloka Tumelo = Keep the Faith"
Stephanie and Eric Stradford
Youth Achievers Internationale of the National Heritage Foundation
Youth Achievers USA
www.youthusa.org
6. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Regretfully we share news of the passing of Mrs. Annie L. Harris, the mother of Dr. Jerome V. Harris, Executive Director, Department of Employee Security, African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Funeral Arrangements:
Friday, October 1, 2004 - 1:00 PM
St. Johns AME Church
807-9 Madison Avenue
Montgomery, AL 36104
334-265-4136 (Phone)
Rev. James Arnell, Pastor
Messages of condolence may be sent to Dr. and Mrs. Harris c/o the church or to the office address below:
Dr. and Mrs. Jerome V. Harris
(Mailing Address) P.O. Box 1857
Memphis, TN 38101
(Street Address) 280 Hernando Street
Memphis, TN 38126
Phone: (901) 527-2006
or 1-800-992-6327
Fax: (901) 527-2007
Information Received from:
The Office of The General Church Secretary/CIO
African Methodist Episcopal Church
Please remember the Harris family in your prayers.
God Bless!
Ora L. Easley
615) 837-9736 Phone
(615) 833-6936 Voice Mail
(615) 833-3781 Fax
7. THE REVEREND DR. GREGORY KIMBLE'S MOTHER DIED ON SEPTEMBER 26, 2004. PLEASE KEEP THE KIMBLE FAMILY IN OUR PRAYERS:
I am writing to inform you that my mother has completed her life journey due to living with breast cancer. She died on Sunday, September 26, 2004 at 10:30 p.m. She died ready to meet her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The funeral arrangements are pending, but will probably be at Historic Allen Chapel AME Church in Fort Worth, Texas where I serve as senior pastor.
8. THE REVEREND DR. DIANE H. JOHNSON INVITES "WHOMSOEVER WILL":
Reverend Dr. Diane H. Johnson and the Jerusalem A.M.E. Church Family cordially invite "whomsoever will" to join us in celebrating our Sixth Pastor and Church Anniversary during our Anniversary Banquet on October 17th at 4 p.m. under the theme, "United in Purpose. " The Banquet will be held in the Community Center on Andrews Air Force Base in Camp Springs, MD. We are blessed to have as our guest preacher, the Right Reverend Carolyn Tyler-Guidry, Presiding Prelate of the 16th Episcopal District and 123rd elected and consecrated bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Tickets are $35 and must be purchased in advance because of our location on Andrews AFB. Please contact the Anniversary Committee at 301-877-1772 or by email at RevDrDHJ@aol.com for further information. If you cannot attend, please pray for us, and the people of the 16th District who are seeking to recover from the devastation of the recent hurricanes.
Rev. Dr. Diane H. Johnson
9. EXTRACT FROM THE AME LAY WEBSITE PROVIDED BY BROTHER JAMES SMITH:
29th Biennial Session
Connectional Lay Organization
African Methodist Episcopal Church
July 17th - 23rd, 2005
Hilton Americas of Houston, Texas
The Hilton Americas-Houston is conveniently located; it sits right next to the Toyota Center (Houston Rockets home court) and is down the street from Minute Maid Park (Houston Astros home field). The downtown trolley system picks up right at the hotel's front door and takes guest to the MetroRail, which in turn can take you to the Museum District, Reliant Stadium and Astroworld.
- The Cafe', offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, is located in the lobby
- Spencer's Steak and Chophouse is also located on lobby level
- The Skyline Grill, for lunch and dinner, on the 24th Floor of the hotel with a magnificent view of the Houston skyline, is the Hilton's "showcase" restaurant
- Three Lounges
- 24 Hour Room Service
- 2 Boutique Shops
- Skyline Spa and Health Club
- Room Rate is $120.00 per night
- Hotel will accommodate the convention banquet
- Hotel will accommodate all convention vendor activities
- The host church has been named: WESLEY CHAPEL AME, Reverend Leo Griffin, pastor
10. A MESSAGE FROM THE REVEREND DR. LESLIE WHITE, GRANT AMEC, LOS ANGELES:
Good Day to All:
I pray that you are doing well. The 80th Session of the Southern California Conference, is marching on. We are looking forward to a good time in the Lord. There is a letter coming to you by snail mail, that has good information, and I had the Worship Bulletin information for/from our printer, so that participants may have a heads up. Those who are on the Internet I wanted to send it this way also. Hopefully all Worship participants will see your assignment and be prepared. If you see errors please feel very free to contact me by e-mail, or phone: 323-564-1151. But look for your snail mail.
The Robe attire for those worship services; we wear robes: Wednesday, wear that robe of yours that is special colorful, bright, and gives much glory to the Lord. If you do not have one of them, Black is always in order. Saturday, we wear Black Robes. Sunday we are in White Robes.
I now want to admit to an attempt to make all other preachers/pastors/everyone, just a little tempted, who are not members of the Southern California Conference. I know that many of you are not members of the Southern California Conference, though indeed some may want to be, but I wanted to just give you a glimpse of "how we do it" on the Westside and on the West Coast!!!!!!! Hopefully, it will bring a smile to your face, about your denomination on the West Coast. Further, I pray that you will also include us in your prayers, that we have a refreshing and empowering Annual Conference. Transitions impact our entire church, and there is naturally stress upon our great body of Christ. So I on behalf of countless others seek your prayers, for the continued growth of the church and the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ our Lord!!!! We thank God in Christ, that Bishop John Richard Bryant, and Rev. Dr. Cecelia Bryant are at the helm of this great and diverse district!!!!!!! Please keep them lifted in prayer!!!!
Please know that you are "sho' 'nough" welcome to visit this great Annual Conference. Please see the attachments. I have included with Web Sites where the Cyber-Broadcast in real time {live} shall be found, of our Annual Conference. The Link shall be operable on October 1, 2004 and continue to October 31, 2004. All Worship Events and Business Sessions, shall be Cyber - Broadcasted. For those who are in the language that is streaming. The Sunday Concert, at Grant Church, all events in the Main Community Hall of the Carson Community Center - Monday - Saturday, the Youth Night Celebration on Saturday, at Grant Church, and the Closing Commissioning Worship Service, shall be Cyber-Broadcasted {streaming} for your viewing pleasure and inclusion.
Grace & Power;
Leslie R. White
Attachment: Annual Conference Letter.doc (38k bytes) Open
Attachment: Closing Service 10-10-04.wpd (48k bytes) Open
Attachment: Men's Night Service.wpd (22k bytes) Open
Attachment: Opening Service.wpd (31k bytes) Open
Attachment: Ordination Worship.wpd (18k bytes) Open
Attachment: Second Draft Room Schedule.doc (62k bytes) Open
Attachment: Vision Statement.wpd (12k bytes) Open
EDITOR'S NOTE:
The West Coast does it big! I know that they are going to have a grand Conference and I hope that we will be sent daily updates that can go out in the Christian Recorder Online and in the AME Herald and our other AME news sharing groups.
11. ST. JAMES AME CHURCH, DANVILLE, KENTUCKY WILL HOST THE LAY FIFTH SUNDAY SERVICE:
St. James AME Church, Danville, Kentucky, where the Reverend William Jenkins is the pastor will host the next Kentucky Conference Lay Fifth Sunday Services at 4:00 pm on Sunday, October 31, 2004 at 4:00 pm.
The 13th District Lay Organization President Loretta Matthews has copies of the Connectional Lay Study Guides for the nominal cost of $15.00. Anyone who would like to get a copy please contact Loretta Matthews. All local Lay Organization should have at least one (1) copy for their Director of Lay Activities.
AME V-Alert 2004
There is a document attached that can be used local so that we as members of the AME church help mobilized to get the voters registered and get voters to the polls for the upcoming election. Our right to vote was struggle for and died for by our ancestors. We need to exercise our rights and encourage others to do the same.
Kentucky Conference Lay Organization
Website: http://www.kylay.com/
Email: kylay@iglou.com
