1. BROTHER ADAM GREEN, AGE 14, SHARES WITH US THAT THE YOUTH OF ST. MARK AMEC, ORLANDO IS WORKING TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION IN THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH AND THE COMMUNITY:
The Youth Council of St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church, Orlando, Florida is made up of dedicated youth who want to develop their spiritual attributes and to encourage members in the Church and in the community. The Youth Council provides opportunities for fellowship, spiritual enrichment, Christian study for the youth and adults, which they hope will encourage congregational unity.
Members of the Youth Council are between the ages of 12 and 18.The criterion of becoming a member includes current activity in the youth ministry and a display of Christian maturity. The Youth Council has representation from every age, gender, and ethnic category in membership of our church. The theme for the Youth Council is, "For God, by Youth, and to the World." The rules of the organization state, "The Members of the council shall always stay open- minded, slow to anger and Christian exampling.
This past summer, the Council conducted a retreat as a result of the inspiring leadership of the Right Reverend Samuel Green, newly elected bishop, who was the pastor of the congregation. St. Mark Youth Supervisors planned for a fall retreat.
As the Youth Council looked for someone to chair the event, Adam Green, age 14, "stepped up to the plate" and accepted the task. Under God’s vision and prophecy he was to be responsible for the retreat planning, scheduling, registration, and location. He, and the Council were the sole leaders of the event. The retreat had fifty-one registrants who decided to accept the call to be transformed. The retreat theme was, “Tomorrow Transforming Today,” taken from Romans 12:2, which states:
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will."
The retreat was held in Brooksville, Florida on October 29-31, 2004 after a weeklong study through a devotional and challenge that was written and developed by young Adam Green. Other leaders of the retreat were, the Reverend Henry E. Green, Jr., Brother Samuel L. Green, Jr., and Sister Marcia Cotton who spoke with "power and anointing" to the young people. The schedule was comprised of two worship services, an open discussion on social issues, four workshops, a "sin-burning" service and loads of fun and games. The lessons on Christian living, praise and worship, decisions and "have Christian youth become ashamed." The sermons entitled, "Nuck if you are Buck" and "Ready to transform," sparked the minds of the youth and this writer believes that the retreat was a first step in preparing the youth of St. Mark to change and focus their lives upon God.
The highlight of the retreat was the "sin-burning" service. The service began on Saturday night when the youth wrote intimate letters of confession to God including their unrighteousness and sins. Later in the service, they threw their letters in the fire and watched them burn away while the participants were in a prayer circle around the bonfire. The Lord brought the "people of tomorrow" to a point of worship and transformation at that service.
Despite the condemnations of this generation by society and the world, God showed the Orlando community that Christian youth are still in God's hands. Thanks and glory to God over 70% of those attending the retreat was led to rededication and conversion to Christ on that weekend. God did instantaneously, what "ABC takes seven days to do for a home and several surgeries for a body." God gave the youth an "Extreme Makeover."
- Submitted by Adam Green
2. EDITOR'S NOTE:
A fourteen-year old member of our Zion wrote the article above. He is to be commended for the work he is doing and the timely manner that he submitted his article. Thank you, Brother Adam Green! I invite other young people to submit articles to The Christian Recorder.
3. OP-ED WRITTEN BY THE REVEREND DR. JOE DARBY THAT RAN IN THE COLUMBIA, SC STATE PAPER ON NOVEMBER 10, 2004:
Armstrong Williams, in The State of November 4, 2004, spoke of the need to restore the tenets of faith and morality in our culture, noted the reported role that faith and morality played in the 2004 general election, and said that in addition to the duties of his office, George W. Bush should spend some time, “reminding the country that indifference to moral striving will be the slow undoing of all we have gained.”
Mr. Williams shared his concerns about same sex marriage, eroding family values and criminal violence, and noted that America, like the Roman Empire, has become consumed with material wealth and personal pleasure. I share Mr. Williams’ concern about faith and morality in America, but my concerns go beyond those noted in his column and extend to the basic tenets of every major faith group. When one goes beyond the dividing lines of theology, polity and religious practice, three things undergird all true expressions of faith - respect for the Creator and the work of the Creator, respect and care for others that is equal to respect and care for one’s self, and active respect, care and concern for those in need and those cast aside by society.
Mr. Bush spoke with great zeal during his first term of office against what many would describe as “sins of the flesh,” but was notably silent on other issues of faith and morality. Faith and morality require America to use its strength to better the lives of those in need at home and abroad, to not be an international bully that gets grudging cooperation and support from other nations who fear American retribution against those who dissent or disagree. Faith and morality require displaying positive regard and respect for all humankind, even those who do not share one’s political views or vision of “good” religion. Faith and morality means seeing that the political process is not hijacked by narrow minded, reactionary demagogues who deal in half truths for political gain and create divisive litmus tests for patriotism and spirituality. Faith and morality require positive stewardship of what has been given by the Creator, not the destruction of environmental resources for sheer economic gain.
Faith and morality require seeing to the well being of children and families in the United States as well as in Iraq. Faith and morality means seeing that all children and families have equal access to health care, education, economic opportunity and equal justice and equal representation under the law. Faith and morality means celebrating and respecting the cultural mosaic of America, not showing cultural or racial favoritism while blithely claiming to be “color blind.”
Mr. Williams is right - America must rediscover its moral compass, but that requires more than pious pronouncements by a President who promised four years ago to be “a uniter and not a divider.” America must rediscover its moral compass, but doing so goes beyond market economics, for the market cannot decide in a moral manner who sails, who swims and who sinks.
The recovery of morality in America is a task not just for the President of the United States, but a task to be shared by all Americans, regardless of faith or lack thereof. We have to talk and listen to each other without a “my way or the highway” attitude. We have to commit to acts of personal and corporate morality that intermingle justice, equity and mercy, and not just spout hollow religious verbiage that sometimes serves as a convenient and pious smokescreen for other more selfish agendas. We have to speak out against those who use religious extremism to terrorize, demean or harm others in America or abroad, whether those religious extremists be Muslims, Christians or Jews.
If America is to avoid going the way of the Roman Empire, we have to recover our care, respect and concern for the Creator, for all creation and for all humankind. If we fail to do so, then the words of Alexis de Tocqueville quoted by Mr. Williams will become tragically prophetic: “America is great because America is good - and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.”
4. THE 84TH SESSION OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE, TWELFTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT, AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH RESOLUTION, OCTOBER 13 - 17, 2004 - RESOLUTION:
Whereas, all roads across the Central Arkansas Conference lead to St. James A.M.E. Church, Camden, Arkansas, for the reporting of our stewardship for this conference year.
Whereas, this 84th session of the Central Arkansas Annual Conference welcomed Bishop, Richard Allen Chappelle, Sr. and Mother Barbara Jean Chappelle back to the Twelfth Episcopal District and especially to the Central Arkansas Annual Conference for another four years.
Whereas, The Women’s Missionary Society Annual Day, the precursor to the opening of the conference under the leadership of the capable, carrying, compassionate, compelled and committed president, Mrs. Thelma Y. Denton. She reported that this conference year began with planning and setting five objectives for this year:
1. Increase membership
2. To award a youth scholarship in the amount of $1500.00
3. To establish mini health fairs at the conference and at other meeting, focusing on diseases common to Black / African American people.
4. To award stipends of $150.00 to mission pastors at the annual conference.
5. To show appreciation to Life Member
To God Be the Glory all of the objectives were completed!
Whereas the Night- in - White was spirit filled. The Missionaries presented a skit “Are You Guilty of Not Fulfilling your Mission?” When the judge in the skit rendered her verdict, she explained that God gives every one a talent that can be used for Kingdom Building,
Whereas, The opening Worship Service was electrifying and Holy Ghost filled. The Reverend Michael Washington delivered a soul-searching sermon entitled, "Alone, but for God.” His text was taken from I Samuel 22:1-7 and from Psalm 142:34. Rev. Washington asked the question, “ Have you ever felt alone, forsaken, or cast aside, but somehow you made it anyway?"
Whereas, The educational night was informative and reflective of activity at Shorter College past and present. Dr. Cora Mc Henry gave a Power Point presentation of what Shorter is doing this year. Mrs. Mildred Avery gave reflection on her days as a student at Shorter.
Whereas, the Central Arkansas Conference Shorter College Alumni and Friends Association set in motion at the close of the 83rd Session to raise $5,000 to be presented at this Annual Conference. The Alumni Association presented Dr. Cora McHenry, President of Shorter College a check for $3,500 and an additional $774.00 was raised for Shorter College from the congregation making, a grand total raised for Shorter College in the amount of $4274. Oh What a Night!
Whereas, Presiding Elder Curley Roberts gave reflection of his days at Jackson Theological Seminary in which he recalled his days under the late Rev. Dr. Rufus K. Young in Homiletics. Rev. Young would start his class on time at 6:oo p.m. and would talk the whole period (6:00 p.m. –8:00p.m.) and then ask for questions. Needless to say the question and answerer went on for two hours or longer, and someone would look at the clock and say, "It's 10 o'clock!" Rev. Young would say, “Let us pray and we will see you on Wednesday.”
Whereas, Thursday morning Conference at Study General Conference delegate gave reflection and observations on the 47th session of the General Conference.
Whereas, the Noon Day service demonstrated the essence of the Black Church in days gone by. The Rev. Eddie Ray Moore, pastor of Macedonia Camden stood "four squares and took charge of the pulpit." He offered up a down-home message that warmed the coldest heart entitled, “Trust In The Lord” taken from I Kings17: 1-6; 18:17-18. Rev. Moore charged us to put our trust in God and not in man or material things.
Whereas, The Son’s of Allen filed into church singing “ We are Soldiers in the Army.” The Sons of Allen presented Community Service awards to Mr. Ray Johnson, St. Andrew, Pine Bluff; Mr. Calvin Langel, (Youth) Bethel Camden; and to Mr. Cecil McDonald; St. James Camden. This was the first year that C.A. C. Son’s of Allen recognized a youth. The Son’s of Allen made a special presentation to Shorter College in the amount of $300.
Whereas, The Sons of Allen in their report to the conference stated that they had not reached their goal for Shorter College. The goal was to present Shorter with $500. Bishop Chappelle gave them $200 and they were able to meet their goal.
Whereas, With the contribution from the Sons of Allen and the Education Night offerings, the Central Arkansas Conference presented Shorter College with a donation of $4774. To God Be the Glory!
Whereas, on Friday during the study session, the question was raised about why women preachers not accepted in some Baptist Churches. It was pointed out that there appears to be scripture to support their doctrinal stance against women in ministry. Bishop Chappelle explained that people sometimes use scripture to justify their own point of view and he further pointed out that there are women who are pastors of Baptist Churches in Arkansas.
Whereas, the Noon Day Service was another Holy Ghost-filled service. The Rev. Hazel Linton, pastor of St. John Fordyce, Arkansas, brought a word from the gospel of Matthew 11:2-3 with the focus text found in Luke 7:17. Her sermon was entitled, “Are You The One?” She assured us that, "Jesus is the one."
Whereas, the laymen annual “lay night took us back to that old time worship where the song were in four part harmony. The Allen Temple Church Choir lifted up song of Zion that filled our hearts. The Rev. Gregory C. Nettles brought a word form the Lord. His sermon was entitled, “The Role of the Kingdom” taken from I Corinthians 3:1-10.
Whereas, the Ordination Service was high in the Sprit. The Rev. Napoleon Davis, Presiding Elder of the Stuttgart Forest City District filled our hearts as he spontaneously sang, “Nearer My God To Thee,” reflecting the soulful sound of the late Sam Cook and the Soul-Stirrers.
Whereas, when it was time for the sermon, the Reverend Magnus W. T. Scott, Presiding Elder of the Tulsa District explained, “How to Restore Broken Nets” taken from Matthew 4:1-8.
Whereas, there were three persons elected and ordained Itinerant Deacon: the Rev. Darrell Howell, the Rev. Dianne Smith, the Rev. La-Nell Ross and one person ordained Itinerant Elder, the Rev. Felton Walker. One person was admitted into Conference, Sister Juanita Smith.
Whereas, the YPDers "rocked the house" as they shared the message that we can be Christian and have fun. Chesela Wilson in a stand-up comedy act let us know that “the old people need to lighten up and praise God."
Whereas, Presiding Elder Roberts and the St. James family are due high honor and great praise for their hard work in making Conference attendees feel at home. They did not leave a stone unturned to accommodate the 84th Session of the Central Arkansas Conference and that it was the place to be!
Whereas, the special resolution committee made several recommendations relative to voting and emphasizing that every member of the Central Arkansas Conference has the responsibility to go into the "highways, hedges and byways" to bring as many person as possible to worship services in the local churches in order that they might hear the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ and to receive the warm fellowship of our congregations. Church growth is the continuous goal of the Church.
- The state of the country is in shambles when one considers the war in Iraq where the insurgents have terrorized the citizen and wreaked havoc on the United States Armed Forces; we realize only God can solve this problem. We must pray for the leadership of our nation and the world and for the troops. It is a very serious war with troops losing their lives almost daily by suicide car bombings, the beheading of prisoners or hostages, murdering of adults and children, and terrorist attacks on various other countries of the world The U.S. Army is yet mobilizing 5,600 former soldiers called Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) from a rare pool to send to Iraq and Afghanistan next year. About 4,400 soldiers will be released from duty soon. The Numbers of troops preparing for war and dying in this war is increasing.
- Each of us prays mightily for the state of our country, especially for the leadership of the nation and the world; for the troops, their families and friends; and for the deceased soldiers, their families and friends. Prayer changes things, but God expects us to do our part in helping to solve some of our own problems, by registering to vote and going to the polls and to vote our convictions.
Whereas, the Central Arkansas Annual Conference was blessed with visitors from across the Twelfth Episcopal District that included:
The Rev. Leodis Strong, Sixth Episcopal District, the Rev. Lonnie Johnson Oklahoma City, the Rev. Michelle T. Moulden, Lawton Oklahoma, the Rev. Willie and Mrs. Jackie Weary, Tulsa Oklahoma, Mrs. Linda Jo Jones, Episcopal District Coordinator of Debutante Master Commission, Oklahoma City, the Rev. Magnus W. T. Scott, Presiding Elder Tulsa District, the Rev. Diane Burl, Jonesboro, Arkansas, The Rev. Lewie A. and Mrs. Alice Norful, Wynne, Arkansas, the Rev. Herschel and Mrs. Letha Richardson, Jonesboro, Arkansas, the Rev. Aleta Pearson, Marianna, Arkansas, the Rev. Tyrone A. Broomfield, Crossett, Arkansas, the Rev. Larry M Banks, the Rev. Angela B. Piggee, Hope, Arkansas, the Rev. James Highsmith, Fordyce, Arkansas, the Rev. Tom W. Scott, Pine Bluff, the Rev. Alonzo Freddie III Malvern, Arkansas, the Rev. Isaiah Walker, Chidester, Arkansas, the Rev. Shirley Renix, Blevins, Arkansas, Mrs. Johnnie Blackman, McGhee, Arkansas, Presiding Elder Thomas and Mrs. Adair, Magnolia District, the Rev. James Giles, Arkadelphia, Arkansas, the Rev. C.V. Boyd Presiding Elder Hot Spring District, Mrs. Birdie Boyd, Dr. Anna B. Graham, Magnolia Arkansas, the Rev. Randolph Martin, Little Rock, the Rev. Richard Sutton West Arkansas Conference, Presiding Elder Eugene Brannon, Little Rock District, the Rev. Nolan Watson, Little Rock, Judge Jim Gunter, Arkansas Supreme Court Justice, the Rev. Marcus H. Elliott, Presiding Elder North Little Rock - Fort Smith District.
Whereas, the Central Arkansas closing worship was a spirit-filled Holy Ghost Service. Bishop Chappelle's Sermon topic was entitled, “Treasure, Trinkets, or Trash” taken from II Corinthians 4:7
Therefore Be It Resolved, that the members of the 84th Session of the Central Arkansas Conference left well informed, spirit-filled and ready to begin the work for the new Conference Year 2004-2005
Humbly Submitted,
Rev. Norma J. Gillom.
Rev. Hazel J. Linton
Evangelist Marinda Tuner
Mrs. Freddie Sims
Mrs. Elnora Lee Bradford
Mrs. Daisy McDonald
Mrs. Juanita K. Charles, Reporter to Church Press
5. KENTUCKY ANNUAL CONFERENCE LAY ORGANIZATION WEBSITE:
Website: http://www.kylay.com/
6. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Regretfully we share news of the Homegoing of Mrs. Hattie Miller of the Washington Conference, Second Episcopal District. Mrs. Miller was a Pastor's Widow and Life Member of the Women's Missionary Society of the AME Church.
Service Arrangements:
Friday, November 19, 2004
Turner Memorial AME Church
7201 16th Place
Hyattsville, MD 20783
(301) 408-0750 (Phone)
301-408-0753 (Fax)
Reverend Daryl Walker, Pastor
Condolences may be sent to the family of Mrs. Hattie Miller
c/o Turner Memorial AME Church
Turner Memorial AME Church
7201 16th Place
Hyattsville, MD 20783
(301) 408-0750 (Phone)
301-408-0753 (Fax)
Please remember the family in your prayers.
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
7. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with much sadness that we share the following: Reverend Wiley Wright, Pastor of S.A. Cousin Memorial Temple, Opa-Locka, Florida, passed on Monday, November 15, 2004.
Reverend Wright is the husband of our dear sister, Mrs. Mildred Wright.
All acts of kindness may be sent to Mrs. Mildred Wright.
Mrs. Mildred Wright
16040 N.W. 18th Court
Opa-Locka, FL 33054
Phone: 303-621-7509
Services
Date: The Service was held on November 20, 2004
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Place: Mt. Hermon A.M.E. Church (Pastor Henry Green)
2245 West Bunche Park Drive
Opa-Locka, FL 33054
Phone: 305-621-5067
Mt. Hermon A.M.E. Church
Opa Locka, FL
Potier Funeral Home was in charge
317 N.W. 6th St.
Pompano Beach, FL 33064
Phone: 954-943-0944
Please keep this family in your prayers.
Submitted by,
Mrs. Marva Campbell, President
South Florida Conference Ministers' Spouses Alliance
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, Arkansas
WEB SITES
http://www.amemswwpk.org/
http://www.connmswawo3.org
Date: Thu, 18 Nov 2004 21:51:19 EST
From: Amespouses1@aol.com Add To Address Book
Subject: BEREAVEMENT NOTICE: 11th Episcopal District
To: Amespouses1@aol.com
Subject: Clergy Funeral Announcement, South Florida Conference
Date: 11/18/2004 6:30:55 PM Central Standard Time
From: mrscampbell@hotmail.com
To: Amespouses1@aol.com
"Online Clergy Family Connection"
8. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with much sadness that we share the following: Reverend Wiley Wright, Pastor of S.A. Cousin Memorial Temple, Opa-Locka, Florida, passed on Monday, November 15, 2004.
Reverend Wright is the husband of our dear sister, Mrs. Mildred Wright.
All acts of kindness may be sent to Mrs. Mildred Wright.
Mrs. Mildred Wright
16040 N.W. 18th Court
Opa-Locka, FL 33054
Phone: 303-621-7509
Funeral Arrangements
Services
Date: November 20, 2004
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Place: Mt. Hermon A.M.E. Church (Pastor Henry Green)
2245 West Bunche Park Drive
Opa-Locka, FL 33054
Phone: 305-621-5067
Calling Hours:
Friday: November 19, 2004
Time: 6-9:00 p.m.
Mt. Hermon A.M.E. Church
Opa Locka, FL
Potier Funeral Home In charge
317 N.W. 6th St.
Pompano Beach, FL 33064
Phone: 954-943-0944
Please keep this family in your prayers.
Submitted by,
Mrs. Marva Campbell, President
South Florida Conference Ministers' Spouses Alliance
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, Arkansas
WEB SITES
http://www.amemswwpk.org/
http://www.connmswawo3.org
9. ERRATA:
The Reverend Brandon A. Davis posts the following correction reference the 13th Episcopal District Planning Meeting: "I just wanted give you the correct spelling for "Rev. Anthony Singfield" it is, Rev. W. Antoni Sinkfield."
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