1. MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR:
You did not receive any news from the Christian Recorder Online last week. This is a long edition because I am putting a week's news into one mailing.
I was in the middle of receiving our household goods and unpacking boxes at our new home in Nashville last week. The one thing that I did not find was my computer! We still have a lot of boxes to unpack, so I am certain that it is there somewhere.
We are back in Hampton and my wife, the Reverend Charlotte Sydnor will be moving to Nashville next week and I will be going down on the weekends until such a time as I am released from Hampton University, either November 15th or the end of the Semester, December 21, 2004. We are hoping for November 15th.
2. NOTE FROM THE EDITOR:
The following is a response, written by Sister Sandra Jefferson, to a recent editorial in The Christian Recorder, entitled, "Is he whining or is he prophesying?"
3. WHINING OR PROPHESYING?
I was also born into the African Methodist Episcopal Church. I am very proud of this fact, I do not mind telling people about it, and it's wonderful heritage. I was a little upset when I first heard of the Reverend Dr. Reid's article in the Baltimore Sun, but then I read it.
We are people of God and our actions should be above board at all times. It doesn't really matter what man sees or believes, it is what God sees and how we are going to be judged by our actions. I agree with Reverend Dr. Reid, if there is a problem with the bureaucracy of our church, WE NEED TO CHANGE IT!
My problem with Reverend Dr. Reid's publication in the Baltimore Sun is that he attacks the church in public. I feel that he should have not only addressed the problem in the correct forum, but he should have chosen a better time-frame to air this problem due to the fact that there was some type of discrepancy with the bishop's election in which he was involved.
I also agree with The Reverend Jamal-Harrison Bryant, Reverend Dr. Reid's article would have probably been much more accepted by the African Methodist Episcopal Community if he had some type of solution for these problems that have been bought to light. It is very easy to come up with negative criticism, but a sincere criticism comes with some sort of solution.
I feel Reverend Dr. Reid is a very intelligent, committed man of God. I heard him preach in Houston some years back and have watched him on television, and have read one of his books. He has wonderful ministries in his church and in the city of Baltimore. He and his wife seem to be admired by all races of people in the State of Maryland (I have family and friends who speak very highly of Reverend Dr. Reid). I would be very disappointed to see Reverend Dr. Reid leave the African Methodist Episcopal Church because we need a man of his caliber, but he just needs to re-assess his priorities and help make our church a stronger force of God.
Written by Sister Sandra Jefferson,
Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church
The Reverend Idotha Battle, Pastor
531 W. Warren
Kingsville, Texas 78363
4. BISHOP VASHTI MCKENZIE ISSUES AN AME CALL TO VOTE 2004:
The 2004 Presidential Election is critical to the progress, production and prosperity of our nation. The future is in the hands of those who exercise their right and privilege to vote. Every vote is important and every vote will count in this election.
There are a lot of grassroots intimidation and scare practices being reported nationwide. Inform our members that there will be a Voter’s Rights Hotline starting October 14 thru November 2, 2004. Attorneys will be available to take calls when voters are denied their right or to report illegal intimidation activities. The nationwide toll-free number is (866) Our-Vote or 1 (866) 687-8683. More information is available on the Internet at http://www.unity04.net/.
Sunday, October 31, 2004 is being designated Protect Our Vote and Our Voice Day. Voters should be encouraged in all of our congregations to:
- Locate your polling place prior to Election Day!
- Vote on Election Day!
- Vote Early!
- Every vote counts! Your vote Counts!
- If denied your vote call Voter’s Rights Hotline: (866) 687-8683
- Report scare tactics to Voter’s Right Hotline: (866) 687-8683
- Call four people to go vote on Tuesday, November 2, 2004
- Buddy Check before the polls close check with family members, neighbors and friends to see if they voted.
- Be sure that members on sick and shut- in lists and college students vote via absentee ballots.
- Elderly or impaired members are provided transportation either via church van or individual volunteers.
This is an important AME Call to Action! We must guard against those persons and organizations that desire to suppress our vote and our voice. Our forebears fought long and hard for us to vote. Let's do them proud and "Lift Every Voice and Sing" through the ballot box on November 2, 2004!
5. THE REVEREND T. HANSBERRY ASKS:
If it is the desire for a congregation to send clothing and other items to the 16th Episcopal District, what is the process? Thanks. TDH
6. REMINDER TO VOTE MESSAGE FROM BISHOP CAROLYN TYLER GUIDRY
AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
BISHOP CAROLYN TYLER GUIDRY (323) 574-4332
Chair, Social Action Commission AME Church
October 15, 2004
7. AME CHURCH KICKS OFF VOTER MOBILIZATION FOR 2004 ELECTION
(Los Angeles, CA
The African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME), a 217-year-old international body, has kicked off its AME V-Alert campaign for 2004 in the summer of 2003.
The Council of Bishops endorsed the work and voter registration was begun in 49 states, the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands, spearheaded by the connectional Lay Organization (CLO). Now in the final stretch of Election Campaign season, Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, chair of the AME Church’s Social Action Commission challenges the sons and daughters of African Methodism to follow the example of CLO President Jesse Burns who received the torch begun in Philadelphia when Richard Allen and other freed Africans claimed not only their freedom from slavery, but their right to economic self-sufficiency and self-determination.
Our Council of Bishops led by Bishop Vashti McKenzie and our Senior Bishop Philip R. Cousin have called for support of the AME V-Alert movement. I join with her, and my colleagues, remembering that in Mississippi, where I was born, there appeared to be little knowledge that slavery had been abolished. In my early years, voting was a life-threatening event. Now, we must remind our young that it is their time to make a difference," says Bishop Guidry.
It is no accident that God led our Church's leadership to give me this opportunity to serve to stimulate social action among our 6,000 congregations. I start with Election 2004! On November 2, 2004, we must be a formidable force in our communities, voting, insuring that at least five other people vote, providing transportation to the polls, volunteering to work at the polls, networking with other groups, and trouble shooting for those who are being intimidated and denied access to the polls and in general providing information, Bishop Guidry urges.
If you need assistance, go to the Lay Organization website at amec-connectionallay.org and the AME Church website at http://www.ame-church.com/
The mission of the AME Church's voter mobilization is to INSPIRE, ENCOURAGE, and create a sense of urgency for a strong voter turnout in the states, cities, towns, communities and neighborhoods where the churches are planted for ministry. It is GOOD STEWARDSHIP and consistent with the AME commitment to self-help, self-reliance, and self-determination
8. A REMINDER TO VOTE FROM BROTHER ERIC AND SISTER STEPHANIE STRADFORD - BISHOPS CALL ON AMEs TO VOTE
I don't know where my candidate stands on key issues.
I am a U.S. citizen living outside of the U.S.
I am on travel and don't have time to register to vote
FAS2, October 12, 2004 -- The Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church have issued a Call To Vote, stating, "The 2004 Presidential Election is critical to the progress, production and prosperity of our nation." The future is in the hands of those who exercise their right and privilege to vote. Every vote is important and every vote will count in this election.
According to the Federal Election Commission, in 2004, each major party received $14.924 million in public funds for their conventions, and the parties' general election nominees were eligible to receive $74.62 million in public funds.
The grants for the major parties' conventions and general election nominees are adjusted each Presidential election year to account for increases in the cost of living. The major parties are each entitled to $4 million (plus cost-of-living adjustments) to finance their national Presidential nominating conventions. The major party nominees may each be eligible for a public grant of $20 million (plus a cost-of-living adjustment) for campaigning in the general election.
In a published AME Call to Action, Church leaders advised members to guard against those persons and organizations that desire to suppress our vote and our voice. Our forebears fought long and hard for us to vote. Let’s do them proud and Lift Every Voice and Sing through the ballot box on November 2, 2004
There are a lot of grassroots intimidation and scare practices being reported nationwide. Inform our members that there will be a Voter’s Rights Hotline starting October 14 thru November 2, 2004. Attorneys will be available to take calls when voters are denied their right or to report illegal intimidation activities. The nationwide toll-free number is 1 (866) Our – Vote or 1 (866) 687-8683. More information is available on the Internet at www.unity04.net
Sunday, October 31, 2004 is being designated Protect Our Vote and Our Voice Day.
9. "AND THE WALLS CAME TUMBLIN' DOWN" WATTS CHURCH BREAKS GROUND ON $30 MILLION MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT
LOS ANGELES - (October 5, 2004) - In a scene reminiscent of the Biblical account of Joshua in Jericho, nearly 200 dignitaries, community leaders and Watts residents blew whistles during a moving ceremony Oct. 4, signaling a large bulldozer to destroy an unsightly abandoned building. And the walls came tumblin' down!
Soon the South Los Angeles community ravished by riots in the 1960s and 1990s will undergo its largest redevelopment in more than 20 years: a $30 million mixed-use development named "Imani Fe."
Among the whistleblowers was a "proud" Los Angeles Mayor James Hahn."It's a great day for America. It's a great day for Los Angeles. It's a great day right here in Watts," Hahn said, flanked by some of the most influential leaders of the City and of African Methodism. Addressing the noontime crowd on a warm autumn afternoon, Hahn underscored his commitment to "increase the availability, affordability and quality of housing in Los Angeles." He also commended the efforts of Grant Housing and Economic Development Corporation, the non-profit arm of Grant African Methodist Episcopal Church of Watts and the developer for the project.
The $12 million initial phase will create 65 multi-family, four-bedroom apartments and approximately 1,500 square-feet of community space. The remaining $18 million is proposed for senior living accommodations and enough commercial space for a family-style restaurant, a financial institution and offices for several small businesses.
The development encompasses 2.4 acres of land adjacent to the 2,000-member Church - purchased with the help of a $2 million Community Block Grant from the federal government. Imani Fe is being built with a $12 million California tax credit allocation. "This groundbreaking is a celebration of the interfacing, the interlocking and the collaboration between city, government and non-profit organizations," explained the Rev. Leslie R. White, pastor of Grant A.M.E. Church of Watts since 1994. "We are working toward better housing and enterprise being brought into this community."
The Rt. Rev. John R. Bryant, presiding prelate of the Fifth Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church (the 14 states West of the Mississippi River) applauded the concept."I am excited about the bulldozers and the trucks and the construction crews," said Bryant, who is in town to lead an annual conference of metro-Los Angeles A.M.E. Churches. "I am excited that young boys and girls will pass down the street and see building taking place in their community. That will speak louder than anything else that we can say to them. (READ THE COMPLETE ARTICLE WITH PICTURES IN THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER)
10. THE INVESTITURE OF THE RIGHT REVEREND VASHTI MCKENZIE
The invitation:
The honor of your presence is requested at the investiture
banquet of Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, President of the
Council of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal
Church, Monday, December 6, 2004 at the Gaylord's Opryland
Resort and Convention Center, 2800 Opryland Drive,
Nashville, Tennessee at 7 clock p.m.
The courtesy of a reply is requested by November 21, 2004.
11. COMPOSITION OF THE NEW North Texas Conference
The 47th (2004) General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church passed a resolution to re-district the 10th Episcopal District conferences reducing from seven (7) to four (4) conferences.
The NEW Conferences are:
- Texas
- Southwest Texas
- North Texas
- Northwest Texas
The Presiding Elder Districts/Conferences are:
- North Houston - Texas
- South Houston - Texas
- Austin-Capital - Southwest Texas
- San Antonio - Southwest Texas
- Tyler - North Texas
- Greater Dallas - North Texas
- Paul Quinn - Northwest Texas
- Greater Fort Worth - Northwest Texas
Therefore, during the Eighth-Eighth Session of the 0ld North Texas Conference and the 126th Session of the old Northeast Texas Conference the conferences conducted a joint Annual Conference resulting in the merger of the two (2) conferences into the New North Texas Conference with two Presiding Elder Districts: The Greater Dallas District and the Tyler District.
posted by rev al paris @ 10:00 AM
12. 88th SESSION OF THE NORTH TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE DALLAS, TEXAS, OCTOBER 13, 2004 FORWARDED BY THE REVEREND ALTON PARIS:
12.a The NEW North Texas Conference OPENS!!!!
The NEW North Texas Conference opened under the able leadership of Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram and Episcopal Supervisor, The Rev. Dr. Jessica Kendal Ingram at 7:10 PM Tuesday, October 12 as the strains of that great hymn of the Church "And Are We Yet Alive" resounded through the halls of the Adam's Mark hotel in downtown Dallas.
Presiding Elder W. C. Ervin III set the tone as Worship Leader for the Opening Worship. The Processional marched in to the Hymn "All Hail The Power" led by the Conference Choir, Stewardesses, Ministers, Presiding Elders and Bishop Ingram. The Conference Choir lifted our hearts and spirits to the top of the mountians as they put heart soul and mind into their singing.
Our Preacher for the evening was The Reverend Darrell Caldwell. pastor of the Greater Garth Chapel AME Church of Dallas. Pastor Caldwell preached form the topic "Can These Bones Live" from the text, Ezekiel 37:1-8. The choir of Greater Garth Chapel was magnificent as they praised God with us.The preacher declared that indeed these bones can live when the "wind" of the Holy Spirit "blows on them. He promised to take us from the Valley of Dry Bones to the Cross of Jesus. Indeed the preacher kept his promise. Did not our hearts burn as the preacher spoke with us along the way. The spirit-filled worship closed with Holy Communion, Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram, Chief Celebrant. Click on the following link for a complete schedule of the Conference: http://www.amec-10thdist.org/.
12.b Wednesday Morning Session - 9:10 AM
The morning session began at 8:30 AM with the devotion led by the 4th year minister's class. At 9:10 AM, Bishop Ingram called to order the first business session of the conference. Bishop directed the Secretaries of the Conference, Reverend Mittie Muse and Reverend Elliott Lambert to call the roll of the official members of the conference. The roll was called and corrected.
Two transfers presented themselves for transfer from the 5th District. Bishop tabled their transfer until he has had the opportunity to talk with Bishop John R. Bryant concerning the standing in the 5th district.
Two transfers from Southwest Texas Conference to the North Texas Conference were announced and approved by the Bishop. They were, Presiding Elder W.C. Ervin III and Reverend Betty Bryant Ervin. Bishop called for the organization of the conference:The following persons were recommended by the Presiding Elder's and elected by the conference.
- Secretary Rev. Mittie C. Muse, Sr.
- Assistant Secretary Rev. Velma Coleman
- Statistician Sis. Sharon Toussaint
- Marshals Revs. T.J. Miles, Delphine Vasser, Austin Wright and Deborah Clarice Jackson
- Reporters Rev. Alton E. Paris and Sis. Merdis Buckley
- Finance Committee Revs. James Ford, John Holmes, Darrell Caldwell, Sis. Beverly Nuttall, and Sis. Vanessa Tatum
- Comference Trustees Revs. Derwin Harris, Alton E. Paris, Charles Franklin, Ella Mae McDonald, William O. Kelly, Fred Blair, Beverly Freeman, E.L. Mullen, Sis. Bobby Foreman, Sis. Sandra Richardson, Bro. Preston Brown, Sis. Bertha Davis and Sis. Nancy Jackson Rev. Ray Charles Emmanuel suggested that Bro. Preston Brown be added to the list.
- Ministerial Efficiency Committee: Revs. R. Charles Williams, Joe Robbins, Jackie Prim, Cecil Youman, and Mark Jackson
- Judiciary Committee: Revs. Krishon Gill, LaVerne Reed, Elliott Lambert, Frederick Lewis and Kennen Jackson
The first four rows of the two middle sections of the room were designated as the bars of the conference.
Bishop announced that Rev. Dr. Juan Tolliver would be the speaker for the hour of power and asked the Rev. William Campbell to serve as worship leader. The session was adjourned at 11:37 a.m.
12.c The Hour of PowerWednesday - 12:10 p.m.
Praise and Worship Service North Texas Conference - Ministerial Students
Invocation Rev. Dr. Ida Baker
Scripture - Isaiah 47:10 Rev. Marshall Hobbs
Benevolent Offering ($796.95) Rev. Eddie Reed
Presentation of Speaker Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram
Sermonic Selection Sis. Merdis Buckley
Rev. Dr. Juan Tolliver preached a very powerful message entitled "When You Think You Are All Dat"! (Isaiah 47:10)
Bishop thanked the participants for the program and asked the Rev. Daryl Ingram to introduce the visitors to the conference:
- Presiding Elder Merrell Johnson, Sis. Ruby Johnson, Presiding Elder Alfred Baker, Rev. Dr. Ida Baker, Presiding Elder J.R. Mitchell, Rev. Darrell Turner, Rev. Walter McDonald, Rev. Dr. Gregory Kimble, Presiding Elder Ida Kenner, Bro. Bennie Kenner, Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Mims, Rev. Dr. George Johnson, Rev. Eddie Reed, Jr. Rev. Dr. Marshall Hobbs, Sr., Rev. Dr. Leonard Alfred, Sis. Theresa Jackson, Sis. Samantha Kendall, Sis. Carol Bowe
Bishop asked the conference to pray for Rev. George Johnson who is on standby to be deployed to Afghanistan. The session was adjourned for lunch.
12.d Afternoon Session - 2:50 PM
The afternoon session began with the Board of Examiners (BOE) candidates in charge of devotion. After the devotion that was led by the Admissions ministerial class (Bro.Lonnie Newman, Bro. Mittie Muse Jr., Bro. James Mosby, and Sis. Joreaner Stimpson), Bishop Ingram presided over the second business session of the conference.
Bishop began the afternoon session with a workshop on "Worship that Attracts". The workshop was presented by the Reverend Dr. Jessica Kendall Ingram. At the end of the workshop, after a period of questions and answers by the conference on worship, Bishop called for the Board of Examiners report.
Reverend Michael E. Bell, Sr., Chairman of the Board of Examiners addressed Bishop Ingram and the conference. He further presented the Reverend Beverly S. Freeman to read the board's report.
The following persons were presented on the class on admissions:
Sis. Vivian Ann Buckley, Sis. Ruby Lee Hughes, Bro. James Anthony Mosby, Bro. Mittie C. Muse, Jr., Bro. Lonnie R. Newman, Bro. Dan Pride, Sis. Joreaner Perriatt Stimpson and Sis. Laresa Renee Tyson (see BOE report for more details). It was moved by Rev. R. Charles Williams and second by Rev. Mark Jackson that these persons be admitted on trial to the North Texas Annual Conference and passed to the first year studies. The motion carried.
The following persons were recommended to be passed from first year studies to second year studies: Sis. Valerie Anderson, Sis. Shelia Marie Collins, Sis. Angela Monique Dunham, Bro. Raymond Jackson, Sis. Mary Miller, Bro. Fredrick Moss, Bro. Sylvester D. Patton III, and Sister Rochel Taylor.
The BOE further recommended that Bro. Raymond Jackson be elected and ordained Itinerant Deacon in the African Methodist Church and passed to the Class of Third year studies. It was moved by Rev. R. Charles Williams and seconded by Rev. LaVerene Reed. The motion carried.
The following persons were recommended to be elected and ordained Itinerant Deacons in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and Passed to the Class of Third Year Studies: Sis. Merdis Buckley, Bro. Marlon Jones, Sis. Cynthia Cole and Sis. Alvis Douglass. It was moved by Rev. R. Charles Williams and seconded by Rev. Fredrick Lewis. The motion carried.
The BOE recommended that the Revs: Monigo Hallie, Vernon Warren and Michael Waters be passed to the class of Fourth Year Studies. It was moved by Rev. Delphine Vasser and seconded by Rev. Ella McDonald. The motion carried.
The BOE recommended that the Revs: Celestine Loftis, Deborah Clarice Jackson, Etta East Anderson, Raymond Jackson and Horace Charles be elected and ordained Itinerant Elders in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The BOE also recommended that Rev. Mari Darrough after having received a Baccalaureate Degree from an accredited institution of higher learning be elected and ordained Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The BOE also recommended that Rev. Richard Calvert, who did not attend any classes, be retained in the Fourth Year Studies.
The BOE also recommended that the Rev. Hershel Hughes be elected and ordained a Local Elder in the Greater Dallas District Conference. It was moved by Rev. Michael Bell and seconded by Rev. Mark Jackson. The motions carried.
The BOE acknowledges that the following persons have satisfactorily completed the subject matter as it relates to the BOE's required by The Discipline of the AME Church for Order of Elder and are awaiting completion of their degree and psychological evaluation to be elected and ordained an Itinerant Elders in the AME Church. They are Revs: Kenneth Adams, Samuel Baker, Felicia Burns, Yasmin Y. Christian, Tawn Dean, Jo Ann Donaldson, Michael Donaldson, Kenneth Franklin, Edward Hunt, LaNita Rainwater, Larry Samuels Sr., Willie L. Timmons, Ernestine Davis and Johyne Wright. After questioning these candidates by Bishop Ingram, it was decided that Rev. Kenneth Franklin should be presented for ordination. It was moved by Rev. Michael Bell and seconded by Rev. Delphine Vasser that Rev. Kenneth Franklin be elected and ordained an Itinerant Elder in the AME Church.
Bishop asked the BOE to confer with Rev. Helen Chandler and determine her status in the conference and file a supplemental report on Thursday to the Conference. Bishop stated the Conference would sit aside some funds to assist the BOE in their work on Saturday.
Bishop announced that the conference would receive the Conference Trustee Bpard report, Ministerial Efficiency Committee report and the Presiding Elder Salary and Upkeep report first thing in the morning business session. He also stated that we would celebrate Paul Quinn Day and have a workshop on "Money Matters". He also announced that Rev. Denny Davis, Pastor of St. John Missionary Baptist Church, would be our men's night preacher. The session adjourned.
Thursday Night Session - 7:10 PM
This time was set aside to honor the Men of the conference. The Rev. Denny Davis of St. John Missionary Baptist Church (One Church, three locations) of Grand Prairie, Texas, electrified the conference with soul stirring message entitled "How to live in the Overflow of God's Blessing". The scripture was found in St. John 6:5-13. The session was adjourned.
13. KING GEORGE REDUX, A LAMENT PSALM, BY REV. DR. TOM CARPENTER, PASTOR, ST. PAUL A.M.E. CHURCH, TUCKERMAN, ARKANSAS, VISITING PROFESSOR OF EDUCATION, LYON COLLEGE:
O Lord, My God, why hast Thou forsaken me?Why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? It is only through your greatness that we were brought out of the Land of Egypt, Out of the House of Bondage that we might praise Your Holy Name! O Lord, for without your guiding hand we would have drowned in the sea, We would have been overtaken by Pharaoh's chariots and captured by Pharaoh's men. God's hand upon the staff parted the sea that we might receive the law, Cross the Jordan and climb Zion's Mountain to that point on earth where Your Kingdom on Earth is closest to the one Thou hast prepared for us in Heaven.
Glorious things are spoken of you God, and we give You all the honor and all the praise and all the glory for surely You have brought us a mighty long way. Now God, we live in a world full of toils and snares, Greedy corporations have raped and pillaged the land over which You gave us dominion and stewardship. Big business rules and seeks to mine and drill amidst the pristine beauty of the earth without regard for the life You placed there. Unfettered enterprise rules supreme and corporate officers steal from their own companies that the little people will lose their investments. This corrupt pustule manipulated the power supplies and stole the electricity of the nation for the enrichment of a few. The working people lost their pensions; the poor pay more for utilities. O God, we have the biggest stick in the world, Verily, verily! I cry! No matter that weapons of mass destruction are not found. Our King leaves his ranch in Texas to ride to the four corners of the earth and proclaim his power. Smaller nations tremble at the sight of him and the bombs and implements of war and destruction he may unleash against them if they do not bow to his will. He demands fealty to his every command and claims You are on his side. He has forgotten that it is You who will judge among the nations and rebuke many people.
O God where is the justice? Where were You in the millennium when we needed you? Where were you God when the votes were counted, but not all the votes? Where were you God when the ballot boxes of African American precincts were dropped in Biscayne Bay? Where were you God when the ballots were printed on offset lines and chads not to be counted among the refugees from New York who never voted anything but Row B in their lives. Where were you God among the judges of King father and Ronald Reagan when they anointed king without the votes?
But Lord, I cry out to You in the morning with my first breath, before my coffee, before my breakfast. God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob, send us a new king. One who will walk among us as the common people. One who will walk in truth and justice for all. One who will preserve life instead of take it. O God, send us a new king who will be dedicated to peace among all Your peoples. O God in all Your majesty You are the only one we love and We will give You all the honor, and all the praise and all the glory, For surely You have brought us, a mighty long way.
14. REFLECTIONS FROM THE REVEREND WILLIAM SMITH ON THE RETIREMENT BANQUET FOR REV. WILLIAM F SCRUGGS:
One of my older members at Jones Chapel Church Mrs. Ollie Mable Kittrell Aiden, age 94, blind for years, a double amputee, died early in the morning hours of Sat., Oct. 2, 2004. The funeral was held at Jones Chapel Church at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 8, 2004. AME Pastors Talvin Barner, James G. McKissack, and Leland Webster carried out their assigned tasks. Then the rush was on to head up Interstate 65 to the Cool Springs, East Exit and locate the Ball Room of the Embassy Suites. (Normally, on Fridays, I enjoy Chinese food and the company of my helpmate, Willa; just the two of us.)
Then by 9:00 p.m., it's bedtime for the recent blood pressure pill taker. Preachers like Anna Robinson and Talvin Barner encouraged me to get out of my normal routine and hang out with the AME's. I prayed and prayed, finally, the Lord spoke to me through the Mrs. Faye E. Walker and then I spoke to Willa. Our schedules were adjusted and we sailed on to witness all of the things people had to say about my presiding elder and it was not at his funeral service.)
Sister Willa and I attended the retirement banquet for the Reverend William Forrest Scruggs, Presiding Elder of the South Nashville District of the Tennessee Conference of the 13th Episcopal District. I dare to think what it would have been like if the tickets or seating arrangements were coordinated in any other fashion. Sisters Billy Irving, Faye Walker, other staff members and hostesses did well in handling the crowd. Dr. Clement Fugh seems to be a pro when it comes to getting the program started and keeping it flowing. The microphone worked and then the good Doctor disabled it. The Embassy Suite staff member came to the rescue. Mrs. Jessee Scruggs molded Bill Scruggs well. They've been married for over 65 years.
It was kind of Bishop Henry A. Belin, Jr (my former pastor) to make the remarks that he did. Then one of the highlights of the night for me was to hear Dr. Jayme Coleman Williams. The Governor of Tennessee sent a communique. One of the Justices of the Tennessee Supreme Court, Judge Burch. Senators and Representatives in the Tennessee State Legislature made comments about Scruggs. A lady representing the Williamson County and Franklin Chamber of Commerce.
General Officer, Dr. Johnny Barbour spoke longer than three minutes. Since Scruggs renovated a building for the Sunday School Union, Barbour was entitled to talk longer. Mrs. Reginald Brock, Mrs. Mary White, and others made presentations. Mrs. Sarah Beasley, Mrs. Brenda Merritt, Brother Fred Francis and Bro. Sam Robinson exercised their vocal skills. Sister Leona Duncan provided accompaniment to Sister Merritt, and Sister Beasley tested this writer's skill at even finding the on switch to Fred Fracis elaborate Digital Musical keyboard.
Presiding Elder John Madison of the West TN Conference passed the medallion for the President of the Presiding Elder's Council for the 1.3th Episcopal District to Rev. William F. Scruggs to wear until this coming Wednesday. The Rev. Reginald Brock has served for 12 years as the pastor to The Scruggs duo. Brock stated that W F Scruggs never overstepped his bounds by pulling rank on the local pastor. The food was good! I noticed people using their forks and knives to cut their Cornish hens. Just give me a fork; the rice that was stuffed in that little bird was what I was after then the meat. One way to get me to a table is to have rice!! Willa had lemon pie and she puckered up. I want to know who set me up. They've put me on a diet and in front of me there was this chocolate something? A lady told me that I should not have eaten that chocolate. I did get to speak to Mother Lucinda Belin but Bishop Belin was covered up.
After waiting and almost having to take a number, I was able to speak to the honoree. Bill Scruggs, known for his generosity, did not put anything in my hand! Dr. Williams mentioned to me that she reads my emails and she did not even suggest that I use spell check. I like Supervisor Stan McKenzie and the 117th elected and consecrated Bishop of the AME Church, Rev. Vashti Murphy McKenzie. (Somewhere I read that it was Vashti Murphy Smith McKenzie). This Bishop stood up, spoke up, prayed and we were out of there.
It's the morning after; I'll call my cousin Florende to remind her to join Willa and I for the Annual Rotary Club Fish from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. at a cost of $ 7.00. When I retire in ten years, get ready to eat fish, hush puppies, slaw, beans, tea and ice cream for desert. The tickets will not be $7.00. Be Blessed!
15. THE MIRACLE ON WASHINGTON BOULAVARD:
Wayman Memorial A.M.E. Church1305-07 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21230 410-727-8626
Rt. Rev. Adam J. Richardson, Presiding Bishop Rev. Dr. Louis-Charles Harvey, Presiding Elder Rev. Courtney D. Canty, Pastor
MEN'S DAY REVIVAL 2004 Theme: Brethren, Be Strong, Courageous And Do It With GOD! I Chronicles 28:20 OCTOBER 18-22, 2004
MONDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2004 - REV. ROBERT HODGES, PASTOR of ALLEN A.M.E., BALTIMORE, MD
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2004 - REV. HAROLD B. HAYES, PASTOR, HUNTER MEMORIAL A.M.E., SUITLAND, MD
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2004 - REV. WENDELL O.E. CHRISTOPHER, PASTOR, MT. MORIAH A.M.E., ANNAPOLIS, MD
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2004 - REV. DR. HARRY SEAWRIGHT, PASTOR, UNION BETHEL A.M.E., BRANDYWINE, MD
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2004 BISHOP KENNETH COLE LION OF JUDAH PRAISE TEMPLE, BALTIMORE, MD
SERVICES BEGIN AT 7:30 PM NIGHTLY!!
16. DR. JASON DARBY FORWARDED THIS MESSAGE WITH A GREAT ARTICLE.
Editor's Note: To read the article, open the link immediately, it is about to expire!I read an interesting article on the front page of this morning's edition of the Wall Street Journal that I thought you (and my father, Rev. Joe Darby, pastor of Morris Brown AME in Charleston, SC) might find interesting enough to share with readers of The Christian Recorder.
The article is entitled "Spirited Debate: Dancing in Church Splits Congregations" and addresses the rising rift in opinion on praise dancers in Black Protestant congregations. http://online.wsj.com/wsjgate?subURI=%2Farticle%2F0%2C%2CSB109770949087844809%2Demail%2C00%2Ehtml&nonsubURI=%2Farticle%5Femail%2F0%2C%2CSB109770949087844809%2DIhjeoNolaR3npyuaICHcKmAm5%2C00%2Ehtml
The link will be active for WSJ non-subscribers for the next seven days. I've also attached a PDF of the story for your personal use. However, it is copyrighted and cannot be shared/reprinted with others.Jason Darby
Director of Marketing & PR
Allen University <<dancing splits congre#EB151.pdf>>
17. BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden death of Rev. E.C. Faniel, Jr., pastor of St. John A.M.E. Church (Ft. Mitchell), Phenix City, Alabama who passed away on Saturday, Oct 16, 2004.
Arrangements are pending.
Condolences ma be sent to his daughter, Ms. Rita Faniel:
c/o
St. John AME Church
Highway 165
Ft. Mitchell, AL 36856
334-855-4970
or to:
Ms. Rita Faniel & Family
100 7th PL.
S. Phenix City AL 36867
Please keep the Faniel family in your prayers.
Prayerfully submitted,
Kim Marshall, 9th District President
God Bless!
Ora L. Easley, President
Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
CONN-M-SWAWO +PK'S
Leadership Planning Retreat
December 3-5, 2004
Embassy Suites Hotel
Hot Springs Springs, Arkansas
WEB SITES
http://www.amemswwpk.org
http://www.connmswawo3.org
18. HERE IS THE FIFTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT PRAYER WARRIORS' LIST. I WONDER WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IN OUR ZION IF EVERY DISTRICT HAD A PRAYER CHAIN:
We're praising God for a safe return from the Southern California Annual Conference held last week (Oct. 3 - Oct. 10, 2004) in Carson, California. We very much appreciate your fervent prayers. As a result of King JESUS listening to our joint prayers and cries for direction, we were graced with outstanding, powerful and anointed preaching (Bishop Ernestine Cleveland Reems, Rev. Brenda Hayes, Rev. C. Dennis Williams, Rev. H. B. Charles, Rev. Johnnie Carlisle, Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry and of course, a piercing and convicting sermon from our own Bishop John R. Bryant).
In addition, Prayer Warriors, there were those who gathered in Prayer Chapel Room 206 every day. On October 7, twelve (12) fervent Prayer Warriors met at 7:30 a.m. in "Upper Room 206" for a praise and prayer session so powerful, the presence of the Lord was truly felt! What a time! What a time we had in calling on the powerful name of JESUS! Women in Ministry, Women's Missionary Society (Tuesday Night of Dancing and Singing the Book of Revelation)
Opening Night on Wednesday, Sons of Thunder, Lay Witness Night (Play), YPD Program (Program) -- all of these events set the Conference on fire! Again, we thank you so much for unceasing prayer.
We thank God for Rev. Leslie White and the Grant AME Church family for hosting with such love and Holy Ghost anointing! We certainly felt the love of God in everything they did! Again, we praise God for the prayer covering!
Now on another note, since we have been out for a week, we would like to request urgent prayer for the following long overdue prayer requests. However, before we begin, please note another praise report below:
Praise Report No. 2 Subject: Versie Goff Date:10/4/2004 9:43:37 AM Pacific Standard Time From:GMcClenton@amctheatres.com. Just wanted to thank each of you for your prayers. Mom (Versie Goff) is doing fine and is recuperating. Please continue to keep her and our family in your prayers.She had a light stroke with very minimal damage and is now being treated for aspiration pneumonia. Both are expected with post polio syndrome patients.
Prayer Request No. 1 Saints, please pray for Sudonna Moss Logan's Mom who suffers from a stroke. Please pray for her continued restoration as well as the strength of Sudonna and Rev. Dr. Lewis Logan.
Prayer Request No. 2 Sondra Mitchell Williams a member of the WMS Dance Team and member of Bethel AME, San Diego, CA had surgery on this Monday, October 11, 2004 at 6:45 a.m. at Scripps Memorial, Lajolla for an ascending aortic aneurysm. We believe God has brought her through already and Sondra is on her way to total recovery and restoration! Saints, please continue to pray - by HIS stripes we are healed! Amen!
Prayer Request No. 3 Please fervently pray for Phyllis Anderson's Mother, Flora Gearring who is hospitalized. She is a member of St. Luke AME in Chicago, IL. Phyllis Anderson is the wife of Rev. Carey Anderson, Pastor of St. Paul AME Church, Wichita, KS. Prayer
Request No. 4 Please pray for the wife of Rev. Keith Richardson (First AME Santa Monica) who was hospitalized during the Southern California Annual Conference this past Sunday. Please lift up Reecie for a divine touch from the Father! Amen!Prayer Request No. 5Continue to pray for Enola Washington who was moved from Highland Convalescent to ICU at St. Bernadine's Hospital, San Bernardino, CA. Saints, she is having a very difficult time. Please touch and agree with us that God will hear our cries for divine intervention and His healing touch! Amen!
Prayer Request No. 6 Subject:Amber Prayer Request Date:10/11/2004 7:41:40 PM Pacific Standard Time From:Alive4HisGloryAmber Alert Prayer Request: Dear Intercessors, this prayer request came from one of our Thursday morning intercessors. We must continue to stand in the gap for families and family values. Violence in the homes is on the rise; divorces are running rampant. We must be that voice crying out unto our God with repentance; praying for restoration and reconciliation in the families. Be Blessed.
Rosemary Saffold Committed Servant-Friend My husband and I just spent Sat. morning Oct. 9, 2004 down at arraignment court with my sister in-law. Her questioning her husband lead to violence, she was taken to the hospital examined and released. He was arrested.This type of living has become the norm in our day and time only because a lot of it is not reported and not spoken of in our families where the men would step up and make a "man be responsible for his action." My heart is heavy because this sickness is destroying us. Please pray that God will strengthen her and that she will seek God for what she needs to do with her life.
Please pray that my brother in-law will seek in-house treatment that is longer then 30 days and their faith will grow stronger in the Lord. God's bondservant Pauline H. LaPaughPs. I thank God for the prayer line!!!!!
Prayer Request No. 7O Saints/Prayer Warriors, we must pray powerfully for a young lady. Her name is Travayana Murray. She is 15 years old and is being physically abused by her boyfriend, Jonathan. Saints, please pray for her Mother, Yvette who is having great difficulty separating the two. Please pray for God to break the stronghold of depression and poor self-image this young lady possesses. We know God is able! Intercessors, let us apply Luke 10:19! Amen! "Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions,and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall injure you."Savior, we come calling on You for Travayana. Father God, remove that strong man; that strong hold in the name of JESUS! We together pray that by the blood of the Lamb, the redeemed family of Christ will surround Travayana with a fortress of love and prayer. In the Name of JESUS, burst through Travayana's inner bondage of self-hate and depression. Allow her to encounter Your living water to sustain and nourish her. Father, we (1,000 in number) shall remain steadfast in prayer until the Murray Family, her Mother Yvette and others are freed from hidden family negative structures. In the name of JESUS (strong man) set her free! Allow her to experience a holy, wholesome life in YOU! In the name of JESUS, we come against the enemy. Satan, you have no power over this child of God! We bind this stronghold before anything more can penetrate her life with darkness. We say together "Let go" in the name of JESUS! ! Prayerfully yours, Prayer Warriors of All Episcopal Districts and Denominations, Humbly serving a Great Delivering God, Dorisalene Hughes, Pray-er Warrior17. SENDING NEWS TO THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE:
If you want to send articles to The Christian Recorder or to The Christian Recorder Online, send them directly to me at chsydnor@erols.com
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21. THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL
CHURCH:
www.ame-church.com
22. AME SPOUSES WEBSITES:
http://www.amemswwpk.org
http://www.connmswawo3.org
23. THE AME/WIM WEBSITE: www.amewim.org
24. WEBSITE FOR THE AMEC CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION:
http://www.amec-connectionallay.org/home.htm
