Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
1. THE EDITOR’S CORNER:
I have been out of the office all week. I am now back in Nashville, Tennessee.I was waiting for the correct answers to the questions asked in The Christian Recorder Online and I am not certain if the questions were too hard or if the members of the clergy and adult laity might be afraid that I would post their names if they gave incorrect answers. I would not post the names of persons who respond with incorrect answers. If I hadn’t been looking for questions to post, I would not have been able to answer some of my own questions. Finding questions to post has motivated me to read more about our Church.
Remember, “Not knowing the answers to some of the questions is not shameful, but continuing in ignorance is shameful.” Let’s all of us make a concerted effort to know our Church. I was going to ask some biblical and theological questions… Do I dare? And, certainly you may search your books or go to the Internet to find the answers to the questions. Or you may ask knowledgeable people who may be able to help you. I will give the questions a couple of days rest.
Thirteen yearold Stephen Green has answered correctly again! He’ll soon have free subscriptions to all of the periodicals. Congratulations to Stephen Green who answered all the questions 1-3(youth) and 2 of the adult questions.
(1) Supervisor Claytie Davis served in the U.S. Army.
Editor’s Note. Supervisor Donovan Guidry also served for many years in the military service.
(2) Supervisor Stan McKenzie has the record for Most Free Throws in a quarter and he played for the Portland Trailblazers, the Baltimore Bullets, the Phoenix Suns, and the Houston Rockets.
(3) Bishop T. M. D. Ward stands for Bishop Thomas Myer Decatur Ward. Bishop Decatur Ward Nichols is named after him. (4). Three bishops born in PA: Bishops Thomas M.D. Ward, Benjamin W. Arnett, and Josiah H. Armstrong.
Editor’s Comment: Bishop Benjamin T. Tanner, and Bishop Philip Cousin were also born in Pennsylvania. I certainly thought that someone from the Fourth Episcopal District would have come up with Bishop Cousin’s name. Of course Bishop Richard Allen was also born in Pennsylvania.
The question, “Which elected official of the AME Church was born in the 8th Episcopal District, served the Church only in the 8th Episcopal District, ran for election from the 8th Episcopal District and that person was elected at the General Conference the second time that person ran for office? was answered by one person, who was from the Eighth Episcopal District. The answer correct is Dr. Johnny Barbour.
2. DR. DEBRA GRANT DEVELOPED HOLY HUSH - A CALL TO PRAYER AND FASTING:
The Purpose: To achieve the Spirit of Christ in our homes, on our jobs, in our communities and in the body of Christ as we seek unity and opportunities to exercise the fruit of the Spirit.
The Plan: To abstain from any negative words, talk and conversation for the next 30 days.
The Promise: “You will keep in perfect peace whose mind is steadfast...” Isa. 26:3
WEEK ONE - “Do not speak manner evil to or about others…” Ephesians 4:29-32
Day One: A day of separation – Prayer & Meditation
Day Two: I will abstain from cursing & using hurtful words.
Day Three I will abstain from untruthfulness to and about others.
Day Four I will abstain from screaming and yelling at others.
Day Five: I will abstain from arguments and gestures that condescend.
Day Six: I will abstain from gossip.
Day Seven Pray & Journal
WEEK TWO - “Do not criticize and judge others.” Romans 14:1-4
Day One: A day of separation - Prayer & Meditation
Day Two: I will abstain from discouraging others.
Day Three: I will abstain from condemning self & others.
Day Four: I will abstain from passing judgment on self & others.
Day Five: I will abstain from complaining about things I cannot change.
Day Six: I will abstain from criticizing family, friends and the church.
Day Seven: Pray & Journal
WEEK THREE – “Don’t be a stumbling block or obstacle.” Romans 14:13-14
Day One: A day of separation – Prayer & Meditation
Day Two: I will abstain from coveting what belongs to others.
Day Three: I will abstain from blaming others for my mistakes.
Day Four: I will abstain from rejecting others.
Day Five: I will abstain from accusing others for my misfortunes.
Day Six I will not cause another to stumble or fall.
Day Seven Pray & Journal
WEEK FOUR – “Commit your way unto the Lord.” Psalm 37:5
Day One: A day of separation – Prayer & Meditation
Day Two: I will confront my issues in prayer.
Day Three: I will allow myself to feel pain to begin my healing.
Day Four: I will forgive my self & others as I seek forgiveness.
Day Five: I will the fruit of the Spirit ( Love, Joy, Patience, Peace, Kindness, Self-control, and Temperance).
Day Six: I will keep my attitude positive and move in a positive direction.
Day Seven: Pray & Journal
Editor’s Note: This is a great family or congregational fast if you are strong enough to follow it. I tried, but I am going to try again!
3. THE GLOBAL CORNER – THE FIFTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:
- Namibian Midyear “Restored God’s Altar!”
Rev. Willem Simon Hanse
Namibian’s from all walks of life met for the Midyear Convocation 2005 at the Ebenezer AME Church, Katutura from 3-6 March 2005 with the Rt. Rev. Samuel L Green Sr., Bishop of the 15th Episcopal District presiding. The air was thick with expectancy, because the marketing of the Midyear Convocation, including full-colour posters and media announcements on the private and public broadcasters, made it clear that the African Methodist Episcopal Church was not going to do business as usual with the launch the God First Evangelistic Crusade in the Namibian capital, Windhoek.
The Spirit of the Lord was already visible in the hospitality extended by the Rev. Victor Helu and people of the Ebenezer. The royal red carpet was rolled out for the delegates and visitors. The host church left no stone unturned to make arrangements smooth and did everything in their power to make life easier for those of us arriving from smaller towns and rural areas outside Windhoek.
The Rev. Neels J Simon, Presiding Elder of the Gibeon District, conducted the Devotion of the Business Session on Thursday, 3 March 2005 @ 18h00 at the St. Andrews AME Church, Khomasdal. He focused the meeting on the biblical theme that we must collectively and individually seek God First and all other things will be given unto us.
The reports of the Presiding Elders were carried, reflecting good and accountable stewardship. Thanks be to our God that over 75% of the projected budget income was raised irrespective of the bad economic situation due to delayed rains. The Presiding Elders offered firm commitment that outstanding budgetary items will be fully covered at the 48th Session of the Annual Conference later in the year.
The Midyear Convocation was characterised by 5 outstanding Evangelistic Crusade Services and 4 inspirational Evangelistic Crusade Workshops. When Bishop Green announced the vision of the Crusade at the 47th Session of the Annual Conference held during September 2004, it was already crystal clear to many of us that we had to prepare for a Florida-tornado. That Conference’s Commissioning Sermon, A Fresh Anointing already hinted that Namibian AME’s are going to be nourished with a fresh anointment at the promised Crusade.
The Evangelistic Crusade preachers and teachers were (1) Rev. Dr. James Wade, the Director of Church Growth and Development, who preached about Moving to a New Place, (2) Rev. Marcus Green, pastor of Allen Temple AME Church in Columbus, GA, who preached about Making a U-turn for Christ and that only 3 steps are needed to make that u-turn: the first for the Father, the second for the Son and the third for the Holy Ghost, (3) Rev. Dana L Crawford, pastor of Mt. Zion AME Church in Oakland, Fl, who preached about Maximizing your Potential, and again (4) Rev. Dr. James Wade who returned to emphasised the Power of Prayer, and finally (5) Bishop Samuel L Green Sr. who delivered a very classic-Green inspirational sermon from 1 Kings 18:30b “…and he repaired the altar of the Lord that was broken.” The sermon received a standing ovation throughout as the bishop was moving the worshippers to a new spiritual level, boldly proclaiming that dignity will be restored to the altar of God.
The meeting ended with the reading of pastoral appointments, whereby the Rev. Daniel Schmidt has been appointed to St. Peter’s AME Church, Maltahöhe and the Rev. Neels J Simon was appointed Presiding Elder of the Keetmanshoop District.
We thank God for the spirit-filled leadership of Bishop Samuel L Green, Sr. as time is no longer wasted on administrative routine, but teaching and preaching elements supersede everything at these meetings. We thank God for our clergy, laity, missionaries and youth for the attendance and for making a resounding success of Midyear Convocation 2005. May the Lord’s name be praised, all the time, everywhere!
Publicity Report submitted by the Rev. Willem Simon Hanse, Pastor of the St. James AME Church, Dean of the Namibian Board of Examiners and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Namibia.Windhoek, Namibia.
- The African Methodist Episcopal Church - The Fifteenth Episcopal District:
The Rt. Rev. Samuel L Green Sr., – BishopRev. Dr. Hendrik Witbooi – Advisor
Presiding Elders: Rev. Dr. Andreas Biwa, Rev. William A Balie, Rev. Paul Fredericks + Rev. Neels J Simon.
Office of the Administrative Assistant: Rev. Dr. Andreas BiwaP O Box 798, Keetmanshoop, Namibia, Tel. +264 81 127 8124
- The African Methodist Episcopal Church Fifteenth Episcopal District Remains United:
Christian greetings are extended to readers in the blessed and wonderful Name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus the Christ. Together with other churches in the Christian Church we exalt and magnify the name of Jesus, shouting Hosanna in the Highest, as we prepare for Christ to ride into our hearts. May the spirit of Palm Sunday be forever on our lips.
Connectionalism
Recent unfortunate developments within the Namibia Annual Conference are misconstrued as threatening the unity of the African Methodist Episcopal. This missive serves to inform and confirm that members of the Namibia Annual Conference still affirm Connectionalism as manifested in the present configuration whereby Namibia is part of the 15th Episcopal District under the leadership of Bishop Samuel L Green, Sr. . During the 2000 – 2004 quadrennial, the Namibia Conference, at its AJC Preparatory Meetings, have affirmed our membership and the said affirmation was conveyed to the just concluded African Jurisdictional Council and the 47th Session of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Against this background, we are sensitizing all members of the AME Church in Namibia that “false prophets” are spreading messages all over this country that the Namibia Annual Conference is preparing to leave the Connection. This is devoid of any truth and is hereby rejected with the contempt it deserve. The rank-and-file of the AME Church members are hereby advised to refrain from attending any so-called information meetings called to discuss disaffiliation from the AME Church Connection.
Pastoral Appointments
The bishop of the 15th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church has revoked the pastoral appointments of the Reverends Hendrik /Gariseb (St. Peter’s AME Church, Maltahohe) and the Petrus Simon Moses Kooper (Immanuel AME Church, Hoachanas) at the closure of the Midyear Convocation 2005 held at the Ebenezer AME Church on Saturday, 5 March 2005. The Reverend Hendrik /Gariseb has also been suspended as the Presiding Elder of the Keetmanshoop District. Consequently, the Rev. Daniel Schmidt has been appointed to St. Peter’s AME Church, Maltahohe and the Rev. Neels J Simon has been appointed Presiding Elder of the Keetmanshoop District. All administrative necessitating these changes will be dealt with at the 49th Session of the Namibia Annual Conference to be held at the Bethel Memorial AME Church, Luderitz from 24-28 August 2005. Until this conference, the Reverends PSM Kooper and Hendrik /Gariseb remain silenced and suspended from performing any ministerial privileges.
End
“And now abideth faith, hope, charity; these three, but the greatest of these is charity.” May the God of peace, love and joy bless you and yours abundantly.
Rev. Dr. Hendrik Witbooi
Consultant to the Bishop 081 124 4003
Rev. Dr. Andreas Biwa Presiding Elder & AA081 127 8124
Rev. Neels Johannes Simon Presiding Elder 081 284 9231
Rev. Paul FredericksPresiding Elder
Rev. William A Balie Presiding Elder 064-20 4430
Bro. Alfred Goliath, PresidentNamibia Lay Organization081 128 9727
Signed hard copy available upon request from Rev. Dr. Andreas Biwa081 127 8124Namibian Midyear “Restored God’s Altar!”
4. THE 93rd SESSION OF THE SOUTH GEORGIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
Monday: WMS service at 9:00 a.m.. Mrs. Sandra Lewis, Conference President. The Rev. Bruce L. Francis was the Missionary Day preacher. The business session and elections were held after the morning worship service.
Tuesday’s : Opening Worship was held at First United Methodist Church, downtown Valdosta. The Rev. George Vereen, pastor of St. John, Valdosta, delivered the opening sermon. Over 50 visiting clergy from the Sixth Episcopal District were in attendance. Bishop DeVeaux organized the 93rd. Session of the South Georgia Annual Conference after lunch. T
he Lay Organization presented Spoken script presentation on the founding of the AME Church and the court case that ensued upon Richard & Sarah Allen, Absalom Jones and other's leaving St. George Methodist Episcopal Church.
Bishop DeVeaux heard reports from the pastors of the Thomasville-Bainbridge District.
Wednesday: Bishop heard the remaining reports from Thomasville-Bainbridge District and several pastoral reports from the Albany-Valdosta District. The reports from both Presiding Elders' Districts were good and well received by the Bishop and Conference.
The Noon Day Preacher was the Rev. Dr. Kenneth C. Williams, pastor of St. Thomas, AME, Thomasville, GA. Bishop DeVeaux heard more reports from Albany-Valdosta District. Rev. Mary C. Grooms was the preacher for the Women In Ministry service. A combined Male Chorus provided the music. The service well attended.
DEVOTIONAL: GOING FORWARD WITH GOD:
So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. (Galatians 5: 16, 22-25)
God is telling His disciples that the “Fruit of the Spirit” is produced in our lives as we “live by the Spirit.” To live by the Spirit is to be controlled by the indwelling Holy Spirit as we yield to and depend on Him each day of our lives. James, the half-brother of Jesus asks, “Can a fig tree bear olives?” (James 3: 12a) The type of the tree determines the fruit of a tree. The fruit is the product of the nature of the tree. No matter how hard one may try, one cannot get olives from a fig tree. So it is with the Fruit of the Spirit. This fruit can only be produced when the nature present in the believer is that of the Holy Spirit.
While in Summerlin, Nevada, I had the privilege of spending time with a man of God who truly exhibits the fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. His Christ-like nature led me to ask God to “Please help me to bear the fruit of the Spirit more prominently in my life.” God’s response was confirmed by a daily devotional and the passage of scripture listed above. I realized that I was not to focus on attempting to bear the fruit of the Spirit in my life. I am to focus on my relationship with God. By doing so, the fruit will be produced.
“So”, you’re asking, “How do I focus on my relationship with God so my life will bear the fruit of the Spirit?” I’m so glad you asked!
By accepting Christ as Savior in the forgiveness of my sins. Jesus died so we might have new life, a new start, and a clean slate. This newness is present in us allowing the Holy Spirit to dwell in every believer.
“Have you ever asked Christ to come into your life and forgive you of your sins?” By asking the now indwelling Spirit to fill me – to be in control as I yield to and depend on Him each day (Ephesians 5: 18) By cultivating my relationship with God through proper:
- Watering – prayer (Philippians 4: 4-7). “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanks giving, present your requests to God.”
- Feeding – study, sermons, books (Matthew 4: 4). “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
- Sunlight – good works (Matthew 5: 14-16). “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
- Pruning – scripture (Hebrews 4: 12-13). “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”By doing the above, we are inviting the Holy Spirit to have His way so our lives can be lived in the Spirit, bearing fruit.
Pastor Jim Moody
5. HOMEGOING SERVICES FOR MRS. ANNA MAE WADE
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Anna Mae Wade, mother of Reverend Dr. Robert C. Wade, Presiding Elder of the Camden-Trenton District, New Jersey Annual Conference.
The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements. Services will be held Monday, March 14, 2005
Funeral Service - 12 Noon
St. John Baptist 2
025 West Central Boulevard
Orlando, Florida 32805
Phone: (407) 422-5725
Condolences may be sent to:
Presiding Elder & Mrs. Robert C. Wade & Family
c/o Postell's Mortuary
811 North Powers Drive
Orlando, Florida 32818 I
nterment: Washington Park Cemetery
2700 Bruton Boulevard
Orlando, Florida 32802
Please remember the Wade family in your prayers during this time of their bereavement.
6. FUNERAL NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Marian Sawyer, mother of Reverend Frances Benson, pastor of John Wesley A.M.E. Church, Dover, Delaware. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing - Friday, March 11, 2005
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
St. Paul A.M.E. Church
103 West Mispillion Street
Harrington, DE 19952
Funeral - Saturday, March 12, 2005
Service - 11:00 a.m.
St. Stephen Episcopal Church
Raughley Hill Road
Harrington, DE 19952
Condolences may be sent to:
Rev. Frances Benson
142 W. Milby Street
Harrington, DE 19952
Home: (302) 398-8561
or
Fax condolences to (302) 284-8848, in c/o Mrs. Doris Palmer, Wednesday to Friday
For direction to St. Paul A.M.E. Church or St. Stephens Episcopal Church, please call Mrs. Doris Palmer, (302) 331-9354; (cell) or Rev. Benson.
Please remember the Benson family in your prayers during this time of their bereavement.
7. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs. Priscilla Hunt, beloved sister of Presiding Elder Samson M. Cooper,Pittsburgh District, Pittsburgh Annual Conference, and aunt of Dr. Gerald Cooper and Rev. Kevin Cooper passed and will be eulogized on Wednesday, March 9, 2005.
Viewing: 6-7 p.m. The services: 7 p.m.
Brown Chapel AME Church
2804 Alms Place
Cincinnati, OH 45206
513-281-1189
The Committal service will take place on Thursday, March 10, 2004, at the Smithfield Cemetery at 2 p.m.
Condolence may be sent:
c/o Brown Chapel AME Church
2804 Alms Place
Cincinnati, OH 45206
or to:
Presiding Elder Samson Cooper and Family
Park Lane Apartments - #12035700 Bunkerhill Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15206(412) 441-9240
Please remember the family in your prayers.
8. ALL BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY SISTER ORA L. EASLEY:
Ora L. Easley, President
CONN-M-SWAWO +PK'S
Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
(Nashville, TN Contact)Phone: (615) 837-9736
Fax: (615) 833-3781(Memphis, TN Contact)(901) 578-4554 (Phone & Fax)
WEB SITES
http://www.amemswwpk.org/
http://www.connmswawo3.com/
CONN-M-SWAWO + P.K.'S June 2005 Events
Archive of The Christian Recorder Online from 2004-2016; Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
