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 REVEREND WILLIAM F. SCRUGGS GIVEN THE LEGEND AWARD BY THE WILLIAMSON COUNTY-FRANKLIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:
The Reverend William F. Scruggs, retired Presiding Elder of the South Nashville District of the Thirteenth Episcopal District, was honored last night at a gala event attended by 500 persons. The event was held at the Marriott Hotel in Cool Springs, Tennessee. Reverend Scruggs was completely surprised by the award. The Chamber of Commerce made sure that he was going to be there by scheduling him to do the invocation. He and Mrs. Scruggs had no idea that he was going to be honored. The following was the award citation:
“The Reverend William F. Scruggs attended Franklin City Schools, Tennessee State University, Indiana University School of Religion, the Nashville School of law and Pearl Vocational School of Business.
In 1940, this man married Jessie Marie Patton. That same year he helped build the Tuskegee Army Flying School that produced the famous Tuskegee Airmen. A year later he was in the service of the United States Army, seeing duty in England, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany.
With World War II behind him, he launched a tireless devotion and dedication to the AME Churches, including Franklin’s Limestone Primitive Church and those he built in Nashville, Columbia, Murfreesboro, Waverly and Erin.
His life has been one of finding timed to address needs. In the effort to make classrooms open to children of all colors, he chaired the Civil Rights Committee for desegregation of schools in Franklin, and he helped promote the building of subdivisions for blacks in Franklin and Columbia. He was among the many who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King in Memphis.
This man’s strong character and sense of right and wrong have not gone without notice. In 1981, the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity named him Citizen of the Year, Business Minority Recognition Day honored him in 1995, and there was acclaim from the Jefferson Street United Merchants Partnership in 2003. He has been recognized by the Limestone Primitive Church, and a street in Rolling Meadows subdivision here in Franklin bears his name.
In 2004, he retired as AME Presiding Elder; however, he has continued to be an active person, and his concern for community, pride of country and service to God continue, along with his deep respect for family.
The Chamber has been honored by this man’s service on its board of directors and commends him for his contributions.
It is a pleasure to recognize the Reverend William F. Scruggs with this presentation of the “Legend Award.”
His wife Jessie and daughter Wilma are with him here tonight.”
Editor’s note: On behalf of the Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram, Chair, Commission on Publications, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher, congratulations to the Reverend William F. Scruggs, retired Presiding Elder of the South Nashville District of the Thirteenth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
2. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:
Dr. Sydnor:
I received my Christian Recorder this week. I need to impress upon you the importance of correcting the Judicial Council information. I am the President of this body. I am the voice of the Judicial Council. The Secretary is Rev. Franklin Breckenridge. All petitions are sent to him. Rev. Granville Reed, III is the Assistant Secretary. He also receives petitions on behalf of the Council. The manner in which you continue to list us is extremely misleading. Once again, I propose we be properly listed as follows:
Atty Patricia Mayberry-President
Atty Priscilla Green-Vice President
Rev. Franklin Breckenridge-Secretary
Rev. Granville Reed, III-Asst Secretary
Dr. J. B. Flowers-Treasurer
Rev. Leeomia Kelly-Chaplain
Atty Rosemarie Rhodes-Miller-Member
Atty Benjamin Edwards-Member
Rev. Vonciel Jones Hill-Member
Editor’s Comment: Your letter will help us to make the corrections.
- Dr. Sydnor, I have to let you know that your remarks on the Itinerancy were inspirational to say the very least. The challenge of leaving our comfort zones and going where we are sent takes a lot of faith. As one who feels the call to pastor, I needed that lift. Thank you for your words and your testimony. Also, thank you for the way in which you responded to the good bishop. Keep up the good work!
Blessings,
The Reverend Donald Garner
- Dear Editor Sydnor,
I commend you for taking the Christian approach to the Grace Ministries situation that has saddened my Zest to reach out to help others. This past week has transported tremendous light on the area of participation in ecumenical ministry.
I pray that The AME bishops, episcopal supervisors, general officers, presiding elders, elders, deacons, and the church-at-large realizes no AME elder in good standing and of high integrity of being children of the King as well as members of our Connectional church, would bring harm to our Church or themselves knowingly in any form or fashion.
As we transcend into broadening our horizons let us create larger channels of combinations to aid one another from stepping into questionable areas of ministry.
May God bless you in your great efforts to continue to create a positive avenue for us to communicate across the globe of Christian Brothers and Sister and African Methodism.
Sincerely,
TRS Concepts in Ministry
The Reverend Dr. Tonya R. Spellmon, D. Min
3. THE GLOBAL CORNER - A MESSAGE OF THANKS FROM THE REV. ROYD MWANDU, CHINGOLA, ZAMBIA, AFRICA:
Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Allow me to disclose my sincere appreciation to the whole connectional AME Church for the kind generosity of Professor Bill Dickens, The Clergy and membership of Bethel AME Church in Tallahassee, Florida. Having made a public request on the online AME Today to USA based AME Churches to consider sending their second hand literature and material, Professor Bill Dickens responded by saying “consider it done.” He single handedly took it upon himself to mobilize material and never rested until he saw to it that my church was assisted. I am glad to inform you all that, yesterday, Tuesday, March 29, 2005, I had the honor of receiving a package by FEDEX weighing 25 lbs containing the following brand- new items for St Thomas AME Church:
- The Improved Adult Teacher Church School, Spring Quarter 2004. March, April May – Qty 20
- Junior Church School Quarterly, Spring Quarter 2004. March, April May – Qty 20
- Senior Church School Quarterly, Spring Quarter 2004. March, April May – Qty 20
- Sunday Church School T-Shirts – Qty 23
The T-Shirts will be given distributed to the St. Thomas AME Church School members to be used during the 2005 Annual Convention to be hosted by Quinn Chapel AME Church. I have forthwith decided to share by distributing the Sunday School booklets with all churches in my Presiding Elder’s District known as “Copper belt West.” This will be officially done at the seat of the forth coming District Conference to be held from April 14-16, 2005 to be hosted by Holy Temple AME Church, in Chingola Zambia. This will be the first time the whole PE district will use indigenous AME Church material for learning and teaching in Sunday Church School. My Presiding Elder, the Rev. M P P. Mwenya as well as my Bishop is the Rt. Rev Paul J M Kawimbe have been informed about this development and are excited about the whole plan. Apart from St Thomas AME Church, the following churches will benefit from this precious gift pack from Bethel AME Church in Tallahassee, Florida.
1) St Thomas AE Church – Rev. Royd Mwandu (Distributing)
2) Allen Temple AME Church – Rev. J Mwenyo
3) St Paul AME Church – Rev. Mwewa
4) Jordan AME Church – Rev. Kombe
5) Luansobe AME Church – Rev. Kombe
6) Chambishi AME Church – Rev. C Ilunga
7) Brookins AME Church – Rev. Amigo Mwansa
8) Quinn Chapel AME Church – Rev. W Walima
9) Kabundi AME Church – Rev. E Mwansa
10) Noah Temple AME Church – Rev. Mwaba
11) Emmanuel AME Church – Rev. J Lengwe
12) Holy Temple AME Church – Rev. J Lengwe
On behalf of St Thomas AME Church, I am glad to welcome Bethel AME Church in Tallahassee, Florida for joining a list of friends of St Thomas AME Church in Chingola Zambia, Africa. Other Churches that have partnered with my Church are St. Paul Community A.M.E. the Rev. Denise Rogers is pastor, Bethel AME Church in Dallas Texas as well as Metropolitan AME Church in Austin Texas, The Rev N Jordan Mkwanazi, Senior Pastor. All our churches listed above are in dire need of effective partnership and adoption. Pastors do not have appropriate gowns and look like cluster of “rainbows” when meeting in conferences. Indeed, you can make a difference.
To Professor Bill Dickens and the Pastor of Bethel AME Church, Tallahassee Florida, the Presiding Elder and Bishop I say, may God continue to bless and keep you. We appreciate you for you true “Missionary Spirit.” I am appealing to more and more churches to sign up for operation Queen Esther spearheaded by Rev. Denise Rodgers. This is a sure way of adding value to all overseas districts and will promote Spirit of true “Connection” in the AME Church.
Kind regards
The Rev. Royd Mwandu
St Thomas AME Church
82-14th Street,
Nchanga South
P O Box 11125
Chingola
ZAMBIA, Africa
4. MID-YEAR CONVOCATION IN LOUISVILLE REVIVES 13TH DISTRICT:
Louisville, KY – The 13th Episcopal District held its Mid-Year Convocation March 17 -19 at Quinn Chapel AME Church in Louisville, Kentucky. Presiding Elder Linda Thomas-Martin and Rev. Dr. Pedro Basdin, pastor of Quinn Chapel, hosted the three-day event. They set the stage for an unforgettable convocation revival.
Presiding Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie arrived along with her husband, Supervisor of Missions, Stan McKenzie. She was bubbling with great anticipation to continue to promote her vision and agenda –“You’ve God to Believe,” and her convocation theme, “Revive Us, AGAIN!”
The bishop and the supervisor met with Louisville’s top city officials, Mayor Jerry E. Abramson and Police Chief Ron White. “We want to partner with those in leadership positions to make a difference in the communities where our churches are,” Bishop McKenzie says. Mayor Abramson presented her with a key to the city. However, Bishop McKenzie was just fulfilling scripture by accepting the key. She knows that God has given her the keys to the kingdom, and he opens doors that no man can shut.
A grand opening worship and communion service took place Thursday night. Dr. William Whatley, pastor of St. James AME Church in Newark, New Jersey, cracked a few jokes at the beginning of a two-night preaching revival, but was serious as a heart attack when he took his text from St. Matthew 5:14-16. He spoke from the depths of his soul from the subject “You Are the Light of the World.”
“I’m amazed at this one truth,” Dr. Whatley said with strong religious convictions. “God has a vision for our lives – a vision of light. God believes we can be light despite our hang-ups and idiosyncrasies.” On Friday night, he preached about “What it Means to be the Salt of the Earth.”
A Friday morning plenary was conducted by Hugh Marriott of Mt. Moriah AME Church in New York. He lead a discussion from the best-selling book, Good to Great by author Jim Collins, which focused on how to collectively move from being good churches, good pastors and good lay members- to great churches, great pastors and great lay members.
The Rev. Charlene Boone, pastor of Warren Chapel AME Church on Chattanooga, Tennessee preached a soul-stirring, evangelistic sermon entitled, “I Want Something Even with My Issues.” She took her stand and ran with the Word as fast as a horse in the Kentucky Derby.
Her text came from Mark 5:25, about the woman who had spend all of her resources to be free of her sufferings. “Issues are all around us,” Rev. Boone said. We all have issues. We seem to want to hide from folks when we know we have issues. She pointed out that there are issues in the church, issues with our children, our marriages – issues with gender, race, health, and even wealth. She even made referenced to high-profile people with issues, including pop star Michael Jackson, actor Robert Blake, NBA superstar Kobe Bryant, Little ‘Kim,’ President Bush and alleged murderer, Bryant Nichols.
Philanthropist Charlie and Bettye sponsored a luncheon at the elegant, membership Jefferson Club for Bishop McKenzie and her “Believe Board Members.” They dined on an exclusive entrée with all the trimmings. Prior to the luncheon, Bishop McKenzie conducted an interview with the editor from the metropolitan newspaper, The Courier-Journal. The next morning she graced the front page of the metro section, urging churches to assist and improve communities that are struggling economically.
Bishop McKenzie practices what she preaches. She led a Saturday morning march from Quinn Chapel with the men and young adults of the Nehemiah Nation to nearby Asbury Chapel AME Church. They painted and cleaned the church and made much needed improvements. In addition, a donation from sales of the Nehemiah Nation’s logo shirts and caps went to Asbury Church to help them financially.
Retired senior Bishop John Hurst Adams preached during the closing worship service at noon on Saturday. His sermon, “Tears Do Talk” included a lot of imagery and illustrations. “Tomorrow is Palm Sunday,” Bishop Hurst said with a loud voice that echoed throughout the sanctuary. “When Jesus approached Jerusalem he wept for it,” he said. “They brought a dumb man to Jesus and all he could do was to point to his mouth. He couldn’t talk. He couldn’t tell Jesus what he wanted.”
Bishop Adams explained that Jesus understood what he could not say. “Life is so heavy,” he added. “Burdens are so big. Language has no words to embrace your predicament and your tears speak. Maybe it was Louisville. Jesus observes what is going on and he cries.” He wrapped up his sermon on a high note for his listeners to be a faithful watchman and endure sufferings. “Sacrifice perhaps even the cross,” he concluded.
On Palm Sunday, Bishop Vashti McKenzie, made her triumphant entry into the pulpit of Quinn Chapel, similar to the way Jesus did with his triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The palms were scattered throughout the sanctuary. An anxious crowd of parishioners, including some of the bishop’s Delta Sigma Theta Sorors and Louisville’s Chief of Police, waited patiently for her entry. Her arrival was a few minutes late, but she was right on time with her message entitled, “It Doesn’t Make Sense, But It Works.”
She asked the question, “Are you living the life you expected you would be living five, ten, 20 or 30 years ago? She focused on her text from Isaiah 54: 2-3. “Sing, O barren woman,” she shouted. “The women were summons to sing. They sang when the grapes matured. They sang expressing grief and sorrow. Now God wants you to sing a new song.”
Bishop McKenzie preached parishioners out of their seats. “Why would God tell a barren woman to get ready to get pregnant?” She answered her own question, “Because she’s pregnant with possibilities. God has found out that you are ready for the greater blessing. God has been trying and testing you. You are about to burst loose.”
The preacher down in her spirit erupts. She twists and she turns. “Somebody ought to praise God up in here. Restoration is on the way. The season of lack and famine is over. You can sing a song of praise and victory.”
5. MINISTRIES IN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION MEETING, NASHVILLE, MUSIC CITY USA, WELCOMES YOU TO THE ANNUAL MINISTRIES IN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION TRAINING & PLANNING MEETING:
Theme: Nurturing Christians for 21st Century
The Rev. Marvin Zanders, Opening Worship Preacher
Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield, Teaching Moment Leader
The Rev. E. Ann Byfield, Closing Worship Preacher
Bishop Robert V. Webster, Chair, Commission on Christian Education
Dr. Daryl B. Ingram, Executive Director
Where: Marriott Airport Hotel, 600 Marriott Drive, Nashville, TN 37214
For room reservations call: 800.770.0555, or 615.889.9300
Rate: $105 per night for Single, Double, Triple
Cut off date: April 1, 2005
Parking: Complimentary
Airport Transportation: Complimentary to hotel
Registration: $125 before April 1, 2005; $150 after April 1, 2005
Christian Education Motto: Light, Freedom, Truth, Light to see the truth,Freedom to make it known.
Schedule (Subject to change)
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
3:00 – 7:00 PM Registration
7:00 PM Welcome Fellowship
Thursday, April 21, 2005
8:00 – 9:00 AM Registration
8:00 AM Newcomer
:00 AM Morning Devotions & Study
10:00 AM Plenary Session
11:00 AM Workshops A
12:00 HN Lunch
2:00 PM Plenary Session
3:00 PM Workshops B & C
5:00 PM Dinner
7:00 PM Opening Worship Service
Friday, April 22, 2005
8:00 AM Chat with the Director
9:00 AM Morning Devotions & Study
10:00 AM Teaching Moment
11:00 AM Workshops
12:00 HN Lunch
2:00 PM Plenary Session
3:00 PM Ministries Meetings & Workshops
5:00 PM Dinner
7:00 PM Plenary SessionSaturday, April 23, 2005
9:00 AM Ministries Meetings & Workshops
11:00 AM Ministries Report
12:00 HN Closing Worship Service
6. SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE FATHER OF EPISCOPAL SUPERVISOR PAM DEVEAUX:
Date: 3/29/2005 10:29:06 PM Central Standard Time
From: jwill05@emory.edu To: Amespouses1@aol.com
A memorial service will be held for Mr. Jesse Morris, 98 year old father of Dr.Pam DeVeaux, and father-in-law of Bishop William P. DeVeaux, on Friday, April1, 2005, at 11 a.m. at:
People's Independent Church of Christ
5856 West Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA
Flowers may be sent to the church for the service.
Donations will be given toMr. Morris' church.
Dr. "Pam" is with her sister, Ms Yvonne Simpson
601 Loyola Dr. Carson, CA 90746
310-719-9504 (phone)
7. DEATH NOTICE:
The Reverend Michael D. Washington, Pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church, Huntington, NYannounces with regret the death of Mrs. Mamie Kay Spencer, mother of the Reverend Dr. William R. Spencer, Ministerial Assistant. An edition of "The Christian Recorder Online" included an article detailing Rev. Dr. Spencer's sermon regarding Bethel's "Health Awareness Sunday." The full article will appear in the next hardcopy edition of The Christian Recorder.
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Dr. William R. Spencer
23 Ft. Salonga Road
Centerport, NY 11721-1603
Mrs. Spencer's death occurred quite suddenly on March 26th. As God would have it, Rev. Dr. Spencer had visited her just the week before to celebrate her 60th birthday. Please keep The Spencer Family in your prayers during this period of extraordinary bereavement.
8. FUNERAL NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Aleane White. She was the wife of the late, retired Rev. A. McNeil White, Presiding Elder in the Philadelphia Conference of the First Episcopal District. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing - Saturday, April 2, 2005
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
St. Matthew AME Church
57th & Summer Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19139
The Rev. Ellis L. Washington, Pastor
Funeral - Saturday, April 2, 2005
Service - 10:00 a.m.
St. Matthew AME Church
Rev. George T. Sims, Officiating Minister
Condolences may be sent to:
Family of Mrs. Aleane White
c/o St. Matthew AME Church
57th & Summer Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19139
Burial - Ivy Hill Cemetery
Congleton Funeral Home, Funeral Director
Please remember the White family in your prayers during this time of their bereavement.
9. DEATH NOTICE:
Please be in prayer for my brother and sister-in-law, Alfred and Shirley Ogden, my niece (Taneita) passed away on last evening, she was 27, cause of death is unknown as of now...she lost her vitals while at the hospital. Arrangements are pending! Alfred and Shiley Ogden8768 Falcon Trace DriveJacksonville, FL 32222
Forwarded by the Reverend Keith A. Ogden
135 Hill Street
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 254-4646 Office (828) 350-8025
Direct Line (828) 242-8357 Mobile
www.hillstreetbaptistchurch.org
9. ALL DEATH NOTICES AND FUNERAL INFORMATION IS RECEIVED FROM:
Ora L. EasleyEmail: Amespouses1@aol.com
(Nashville, TN Contact)
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Fax: (615) 833-3781
(Memphis, TN Contact)
(901) 578-4554 (Phone & Fax)
CONN-M-SWAWO +PK'SWEB 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
