4/22/2005

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE (4/22/05)

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 will be departing for Harare, Zimbabwe on Monday, April 25, 2005 with Dr. George Flowers to attend the Global Development Council. I am taking my laptop and will attempt to post The Christian Recorder Online from Harare.

- I am going to post some hard questions that I would like answered by the readership of The Christian Recorder Online.

- More snippets about what our bishops are doing that the Editor has picked up. - The Right Reverend Vashti McKenzie, Presiding Prelate of the Thirteenth Episcopal District visited 18 churches in the West Kentucky Conference last weekend. The previous week she visited all of the Churches in the Kentucky Annual Conference.

2. MINISTRIES IN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION MEETING:

The Ministries in Christian Education is being held in at the Marriott Airport Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee. Bishop Robert V. Webster is the Chair for the Christian Education Commission. The Reverend Dr. Daryl Ingram is the Executive Director. It began on Wednesday, April 20th and will conclude on Saturday, April 23rd. The opening worship service was held on Thursday evening with singing provided by the Greater Bethel AME Church, Nashville choir. The Greater Bethel choir is a testimony that Nashville is Music city USA.

Bishop Robert V. Webster, Chair, Christian Education Commission; Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, host bishop; and Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle, President of the General Board and most recently named by Ebony Magazine as one of the 100 most influential Black leaders in the United States attended the opening worship service. Six of the Church’s General Officers also were attendance; General Officers Dennis Dickerson, Clement Fugh, Richard Lewis, George Flowers, Calvin H. Sydnor III, and Daryl Ingram, along with retired General Officer , Dr. Kenneth Hill, now a presiding elder in the East Tennessee Conference. Thirteenth Episcopal Supervisor, Stan McKenzie was also in attendance along with the officers of the Christian Education Commission. The General Officers, present and absent each contributed $100 in the offering. No one asked for that amount, the General Officers just wanted to model stewardship and giving as a demonstration of ministry.

The preacher of the hour for the opening worship service was the Reverend Marvin Zanders, pastor of St. Paul AME Church, Jacksonville, Florida. What a sermon! His text was taken from St. Mark 9:14 ff and his text was, “Why the Church Couldn’t Help.” The preacher defined the church as a ”gathered crowd around Jesus.” He pointed out that people attend church for the same reasons that people gathered around Jesus. As Jesus, and sometimes the disciples, responded to the needs of the crowd, so we must respond to the needs of those who attend our worship services. The text tells of the account when the disciples could not assist those who came to them, even though an earlier text commends them for their ministry on another occasion. The preacher lifted up reasons whey the disciples couldn’t help. One of the reason might have been that they thought their anointing was permanent and if they could bring about healing one time then they could do the same ministry all of the time. The preacher told us that we have to stay connected to Jesus and stay connected to prayer. He further pointed out that we have to have an ongoing relationship with Jesus. The preacher was awesome.

I left that service thinking that we AMEs have some of the best preaching in the world!

Bishop Webster closed the service with comments about Christian Education and its importance and the importance of the Church to reach out to the men in our community and to support the Sons of Allen.

3. THE WESLEY THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, WASHINGTON, DC AT THE SEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT RETREAT:

The Seventh Episcopal District under the dynamic leadership of the Rt. Rev. Preston W. Williams, II and Mother Wilma D. Williams brought the Wesley Theological Seminary to clergy and lay in South Carolina. Students had the opportunity to participate in three days of intense study and spiritual reflection. The theme for the Institute was “Partners in Mission and Ministry: The Seminary and the Church”. The session started Wednesday, April 13, 2005, Bishop Preston Williams opened the session with a message of purpose and direction. Bishop Williams emphasized the importance of clergy and lay coming together in the work of ministry. Bishop Zedekiah L. Grady brought a word of greeting and encouragement to the gathering of over 900 individuals. Dr. David McAllister-Wilson, the president of Wesley Theological Seminary delivered a powerful message describing the partnership between the church and the seminary.

The Dean of the Institute, Dr. William McClain, Mary Elizabeth Joyce Professor of Preaching and Worship, gave focus and clarity to an overflow of attendees. The distinguished faculty for the institute were Dr. Cynthia Belt, Adjunct Professor of Preaching and Worship; Senior Pastor, New Beginnings United Methodist Church, Severna Park, Maryland; The Reverend Herbert Sylvester Coleman, II, Director of Discernment and Enlistment for Ministry; National Chaplain/Trainer, Disciple Bible Study, Nashville, Tennessee; Dr. Denise Dombkowski Hopkins, Professor of Hebrew Bible Leader; Author of Journey Through the Psalms, Wesley Ministry Network; Dr. Reginald Lee, Professor of Preaching and Worship and Wesley Studies Anderson Theological Seminary, Anderson, Indiana; Senior Pastor, New Hope United Methodist Church, Anderson, Indiana; Dr. James Cecil Logan, Professor of Evangelism and Systematic Theology, Emeritus; and Dr. Lovett H. Weems, Jr., Distinguished Professor of Church Leadership, Executive Director; The G. Douglass Lewis Center for Church Leadership, Washington, D.C.
Students participated in break-out session in the following course offerings:

- Dr. Lovett Weems, Jr.:” Leadership and Community Relations”
- The Rev. Herbert Coleman, II: “Transformative Bible Study”
- Dr. Cynthia Belt: “Keeping It Real With Youth and Young Adults”
- Dr. James C. Logan: “Methodist Evangelism, Then and Now”
- Dr. Reginald Lee: “Growing Established Congregations”
- Dr. Denise Dombkowski Hopkins: “The Old Testament for the 21st Century Church”

Bishop Williams arrived armed with vitality and a new bold agenda for Christian Education, Theological Training and Church Growth. The Annual conference series was the introduction to in-service training for clergy and lay together. Dr. McClain and Dr. Leah G. Fitchue, President, Payne Theological Seminary, traveled to the six Annual Conferences and electrified the attendees, resulting in a cry for additional training.

The partnership continues during the 2005 Leadership Conference, the Annual Conference Series and the Payne Theological Institute.

4. GLOBAL WITNESS AND MINISTRY NEWS:

Dr. George Flowers took a mission trip to the 19th Episcopal District to attend the Mid-Year Convocation. The convocation was held on the campus of R. R. Wright Seminary April 4-9, 2005. Dr. George L. Champion served as one of the preachers and resource teacher. Mother Arelis B. Davis traveled with the Executive Director of Missions to South Africa. The Mid=Year theme was: “Equipping the Saints for Ministry.” Bishop James L. Davis had a marvelous beginning for his first mid-year convocation!

Dr. George Flowers and Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III will attend the first meeting of the Global Development Council (GDC) that will be held in Harare, Zimbabwe. They will leave Atlanta, Georgia on Monday, April 25, 2005. The council will convene at the Sheraton Hotel of Harare on April 27-28. Bishop James L. Davis is the convener and Bishop Wilfred Messiah is the host. All of the overseas bishops will be in attendance.

5. CONNECTIONAL HEALTH COMMISSION LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP:

Health Directors all levels, Parish Health Directors and Health Coordinators are invited to attend the Connectional Health Commission Leadership Workshop. There is no registration fee.
The workshop is being held at the site of General Board/ Bishop's Council at the Wyndham Anatole Hotel, Dallas TX. June 26, 2005 at 4:00 p.m. Contact: Gwendolyn Butler Williams, telephone (504) 482-6053 / (504) 482-3051; email gwen8614@bellsouth.net; or mail - 8200 Palm

6. THE 133RD SESSION OF THE NEW JERSEY ANNUAL CONFERENCE: “WALKING WORTHY OF THE CALLING WITH WHICH WE ARE CALLED”

The 133rd Session of the New Jersey Annual Conference was held at Mount Zion AME Church, New Brunswick, NJ. A beautiful edifice, Mt. Zion is central to many hotels and restaurants as well as most of the churches in the New Jersey Conference which allowed it to accommodate the thousands who were in attendance from March 28 – April 3, 2005. Unanimously, participants felt that Bishop Richard F. Norris did a phenomenal job with all administrative and organizational aspects of the conference this year. “The conference was run with expertise and love. Our Bishop carried the business of the conference with such poise, that we were amazed at his ability to handle all of the business of the conference in a timely matter,” said Host Pastor, Rev. Joseph A. Hooper of Mount Zion.

The kick-off to the New Jersey Annual Conference began with the exciting annual Good Friday service entitled, “The Seven Last Words.” The sermons presented focused on the moments leading up to Christ’s crucifixion, his death upon the cross, and his resurrection. “When life gets unbearable, when the bottom seems to fall out, and when there’s no hope for tomorrow He’ll keep you in the palm of his hands,” stated Bishop Richard F. Norris during his sermon. The service was a powerfully spiritual transition to the conference and helped worshipers and participants to focus on God and accomplish the business of the church.

The pre-conference activities began with Evangelists Day which was held on Monday, March 28 followed by the Women’s Missionary Society Annual Day on March 29, which were well attended events. The conference was held March 30
– April 2. There were devotions, worship services, and business sessions conducted by various departments in the conference during the day, afternoon, and evening.

At the closing service held Sunday, April 3, pastors throughout the New Jersey Conference were appointed to their charges for the 2005-2006 Conference Year. The next conference year is slated to be even more productive and exciting as this past year. Pastors are certain to be re-energized and ready to embark upon this new conference year with a fresh anointing to undertake the job that God has called them to do!


Written by: Toni Johnson
Photos by: G. Lawrence Farmer
Mount Zion A.M.E. Church
39 Morris Street/Hildebrand Way
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
(732) 249-8476

7. HUNDREDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE GET A TASTE OF THE REAL WORLD AT AN ANNUAL CONFERENCEIN THE FIRST EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:

Young people by the hundreds converged upon the steps of Mount Zion AME Church in New Brunswick for fellowship and celebration at The New Jersey Conference YPD (Young People’s Division) Annual Day held on Saturday, April 9, 2005. They conducted themselves in a manner which was nothing short of outstanding. The meeting was well organized and included business sessions for the young people as well as workshops tailored for their various age groups. “For me to witness the sea of Forest Green and White uniforms is truly a testament of how the YPD leadership is setting a direction of unity and strength guiding our youth to Grow, Glow and Go for Christ!,” stated Yvonne Johnson, Host Local YPD Director.

“Abstain from gangs and anything associated with gangs,” was the message given by Mr. Allen Mitchell, a New Jersey Gang Prevention Specialist from the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission. Mr. Mitchell has a wealth of information pertaining to gangs and the Juvenile Detention system in New Jersey. In essence, the compelling workshop he presented was about children making the right choices because rebellion can end up in a loss of freedom.

They need to be very careful about the style of dress that they choose as well as with whom they spend their time. The workshop was a real world look into the harsh reality of what it is like to live in a maximum security detention center for teens. Many adults that were in attendance were alarmed by not only the amount of boys that become anesthetized with this type of lifestyle, but the girls too. Children and adults alike were informed that it is very important to keep the lines of communication open for the safety of the children and to keep God above all things in their lives.

Other scheduled workshops were presented by Rev. Tammy Mitchell, “Did you do your Christian Homework?” Gloria Jenkins, “Poetry in Motion,” Valerie Hendon, “Peer Pressure,” and Mt. Zion’s own Eloise Jacobs, “Beautiful Butterflies.” The workshops were tailored for the ages 2-11.

Blessings from Heaven came from a phenomenal sermon delivered by Lic. Carolyn Cavaness, New Jersey Conference YPD President and member of the Israel Memorial A.M.E. Church, Newark, NJ. The sermon, “Facing Your Giants,” touched on many key points pertaining to children facing big situations and not having fear in facing those situations. Ms. Cavaness referred to the story of David and Goliath and how each one of us has something big to face in our lifetime. Essentially, the children were informed that they should not let fear hinder them from accomplishing what they need to in their lives.

The New Jersey Conference YPD Choir, under the direction of Rev. Malcolm Guyton, once again did a wonderful job singing the songs of Zion. They will be making their concert debut at Mt. Zion AME, New Brunswick soon. In addition, talent shone through in the step team from North Stelton AME as well as Mt. Zion’s own up and coming talent Master Aaron Williams an accomplished Trumpet player at the tender age of 11!

The YPD has made many accomplishments throughout the conference year. Some of those include: donations of food to food banks and clothing to homeless shelters, visitation to nursing homes and children’s hospitals, promotion of literacy programs, toys for tots, donation of personal items to women’s shelters, various volunteer efforts, 98.7 KISS FM coat drive, a border babies project, fundraiser for HIV/AIDS, and the list goes on and on!

There will be many more projects that the YPD will become involved with over the 2005-2006 Conference Year. Stay tuned for more of those exciting events as the year progresses!

The YPD is a division of the African Methodist Episcopal Church Women’s Missionary Society.

Written by: Toni Johnson
Mount Zion A.M.E. Church
39 Morris Street/Hildebrand Way
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
(732) 249-8476


8. BROTHER MALCOLM E. GLOVER SELECTED TO ATTEND CLINTON SCHOOL INAUGURAL CLASS:

Malcolm E. Glover, the son of Mrs. Brenda L. and the Reverend Arthur B. Glover, pastor of Falls Road A.M.E. Church Baltimore, Maryland, Washington Annual Conference has been selected to attend the inaugural class of the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service, William Jefferson Clinton Library in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Malcolm Glover will graduate from Florida A & M University on April 30, 2005, Magna Cum Laude.

Malcolm is also the Nephew of Presiding Elder James R. Glover, Seventh Episcopal District, Lancaster District, Columbia Annual Conference

Former President Bill Clinton and Dean David Pryor released the names of the inaugural class members of the new University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service in Little Rock on Monday. The class includes 16 men and women with diverse academic and service backgrounds from around the nation and the world. Students will begin coursework in August.

The students were chosen after more than 75 interviews with selected applicants to the presidential school following an extensive candidate review process.

“The students in the first class of the Clinton School of Public Service are exceptional people who have already demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of people in their communities and the world," President Clinton said. "The diversity of their backgrounds and experiences will contribute to what I believe will be an outstanding educational environment."

UACS Dean David Pryor who formerly served as an Arkansas lawmaker, governor, U.S. congressman, and U.S. senator said, “We could not be more pleased that this outstanding, talented class includes five students with Arkansas ties. Some of these Arkansans, among the state’s best and brightest, have left the state for opportunities elsewhere, but they’ll be reconnecting with their state while earning their master of public service degrees. We expect great things from all the students in the class.”

Among the Inaugural class members is Malcolm E. Glover, 22, of Tallahassee, Fla., a director of public relations in the University Honors Program at Florida A&M University, a historically black institution. He is interested in studying urban revitalization and affordable healthcare in Arkansas. Glover initiated fundraising efforts that sent a student delegation and monetary aid to poverty-stricken areas in São Paulo, Brazil, and is developing a service project that will allow Florida A&M students to send humanitarian aid to the working poor in São Paulo. A broadcast journalism major originally from Bowie, Maryland., Glover formerly served as an intern and production assistant on the MSNBC program “Hardball” and as a computer technician and administrative aide at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in Crystal City, Virginia.

The class size is consistent with inaugural class sizes at other presidential schools such as the Lyndon Baines Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas and the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, Clinton School Associate Dean Tom Bruce said.

“The LBJ School began with fewer than 15 students and the Kennedy School began with 24. The LBJ School now enrolls approximately 300 students, and the Kennedy School has about 900 students in its many courses and programs,” Bruce said.

The Clinton School of Public Service offers a 36-credit hour Master of Public Service (MPS) degree, with courses being offered at historic Sturgis Hall, formerly the Choctaw Railway Station, adjacent to the William J. Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock. The Roy and Christine Sturgis Trust in Dallas gave $4.5 million to renovate the 1899 train station.

The students will arrive early in August for an intensive week-long introduction to the program. Classes will begin Aug. 22 and will be held at Sturgis Hall through the fall. Students will carry out a group public service project in Arkansas the following spring. A subsequent summer internship will give them an introduction to national or international public service, and they will conclude their master’s degree program by carrying out individual public service or capstone projects that are designed to begin the next phase of their leadership careers.

During their studies, students also will take courses at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, which are all parent campuses for the School. Likewise, the Clinton School will offer educational enhancement to the three campuses through speakers who appear at the School and other programs. Faculty from all three campuses has cooperated extensively in planning the School’s curriculum and activities.

Beginning in 2006, the School plans to offer a 13-hour Certificate in Public Service, and it also will offer a series of conferences, workshops and seminars for targeted audiences and for the general public throughout the year.

9. SISTER SIOUX NICHOLS TAYLOR WRITES, CONCERNING PRO-CHOICE

To be Pro-Choice is simply to agree that a woman has a fundamental right to exercise control over her own body. She has the right to make decisions about the formation of her family and to have full reproductive and health options. A woman’s right to choose is a personal decision, involving the woman, her family, and her doctor. Legislators, other governmental officials, nor any other “outsider” should have the right to intrude. Family planning and birth control are both intrinsic components with respect to a woman’s right to choose. The greater the availability of family planning services, the fewer unintended, unwanted pregnancies and the fewer abortions.

Abortion is clearly not a method of contraception. Rather, it is a medical procedure which may be necessary due to the physical and/or mental health of the mother, rape, or some other traumatic malady.

In a master stroke of manipulation, powerful policy-making officials have prepared legislation which referred to the fetus as a “child”, thus pitting it against the pregnant woman. In my judgment, if the fetus were to become the “primary patient”, the pregnant woman would be reduced to the position of incubator!

The now infamous photo of President Bush signing the so-called “Partial-Birth Amendment”, surrounded by applauding white men and not a single woman or minority in the picture, speaks to the fact that women are caught in a web where men in position seek to control their bodies and limit their rights. It is interesting to note that the “Partial-Birth Amendment” was found to be unconstitutional, even by the existing conservative Supreme Court in view of the failures to promise any exceptions which would preserve the health of the mother. While some people believe that life begins with conception, others believe, as I do, that ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­living tissue within the womb is a part of the woman’s body until it reaches the stage when it becomes able to live independently. A fetus is a fetus is a fetus!

Without a doubt, a woman’s right to choose is in peril. Currently, the Supreme Court narrowly supports Roe vs. Wade, the 1973 decision which made abortions legal. Nevertheless, limitations on access to reproductive health care have been significantly increased by the Bush administration. For all the progress women have made over the years, true equality remains an unrealized goal. If we safeguard every woman’s right to manage her own fertility, then we empower her to take control of her future and invite her to be an integral part of the social, economic, religious, and political life of the community. We must say “NO!” to the decimation of women’s rights. Nothing less will do.

In my judgment, the A.M.E. church has a real opportunity to support women in their fight for justice, freedom, and equality. The challenge is clear. In the words of Susan B. Anthony, “Failure is impossible”.

Editor’ note: Sioux Nichols Taylor is a Licensed Master Social Worker who has been a practicing professional for more than 40 years. She serves in leadership roles on a myriad of Boards and Councils of relevant Human Service agencies and organizations, including the Board of New York State Chapter, National Organization for Women and the New York Chapter’s Political Action Committee, National Association of Social Workers. She is President of her local Lay Organization at Allen Temple A.M.E. Church, Mt. Vernon, Rev. Anthony Mitchell, Pastor, and a member of its Board of Trustees. She is also a member of the Board of Trustees for the New York Annual Conference of the A.M.E. Church. Through the years, she has been quite visible at A.M.E. conferences and gatherings as the faithful traveling companion of her father, Bishop Decatur Ward Nichols, who died recently at the age of 104.

Sioux Nichols Taylor was the recipient of the 2005 “Women Who Changed America Award” from Westchester Community College.

She presents this message for your thoughtful consideration.

10. THE THIRTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT - WE BELIEVE!

April 15-17, 2005 Presiding Elder Linda Faye Thomas-Martin and the Louisville-Paducah District hosted our Episcopates Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie and Supervisor Stan McKenzie. Our BELIEVE Tour of Churches ignited as far south as Greater Taylor Chapel AMEC, Franklin, KY (Reverend Donzella Lee, Pastor) and concluded at Embry Chapel, Elizabethtown, KY (Reverend Jeff Ellis, Pastor). We are so grateful to our visionary leadership team for their guidance and inspiration during our district visitation. Witnessing history in the making as the first female Presiding Elder of the 13th Episcopal District and the first female Bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church set the churches on fire. Every congregation was so excited and honored to have Bishop McKenzie and Supervisor Stan visit their churches. Members of St. Paul, Louisville, KY, (Reverend Gene Gallon, Pastor) and St. Paul, Woodburn, KY, (Sister Valeria Smith, Pastor) stated that this was the first time in their church history that a Bishop thought enough of their churches to come and visit them. Bishop McKenzie said to us that “The BELIEVE Tour of Churches goal is to visit every church to pray and fellowship so that we become familiar with where our members worship, work, and witness. “

As the McKenzie’s, arrived they greeted everyone with a holy kiss and hug as they always do. They reemphasized to each church that if we BELIVE, He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him, and announcing the “Set the House on Fire” Revival in the 13th Episcopal District May 13-14, 2005. The “Set The House on Fire” Revival will start Friday, May 13, 2005 @ 7:30 PM at Quinn Chapel AMEC, 744 Charles Avenue, Lexington, KY 40508, (Reverend E. Holmes Matthews, Pastor). On Saturday, May 14, 2005 AT 12 Noon services will be held at KAIROS Community AMEC, 4506 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211, (Reverend Roderick Dwayne Belin, Pastor). The Reverend Dr. Walter Malone, Jr., Pastor of Canaan Christian Church, Louisville, KY, is the revivalist.

In the midst of digging new wells she encouraged everyone to join them at Kairos Community African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, (Reverend Roderick Dwayne Belin, Pastor, M.Div.), the first AME Church to be planted in Nashville since 1911. On Sunday, May 15, 2005 at 6:30 P.M. We will be celebrating the official opening of Kairos Community Church and Pentecost Sunday. This will be a day to celebrate hope, a hope evoked by the knowledge that God through His Holy Spirit is at work among His people. Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie will deliver the message.

Addressing the Board of Examiners, Bishop McKenzie challenged the students to complete seminary, and prepare themselves with the knowledge and skills needed to have a successful ministry. She stated that, “A Doctor goes to medical school, a Lawyer must goes to law school, and the Board of Examiners are there to prepare us for what to come.” She shared her wisdom with the class, and how she had to prioritize in order to become an effective minister.

Bishop McKenzie and Supervisor Stan also recruited young adults to participate in the Gospel Hip-Hop Ministry led by Sister Vashti Jasmine McKenzie, and the Afternoon at the Apollo (Talent Search) at the Christian Education Congress, Galt House Hotel, Louisville, KY, July 19-22, 2005. Our erudite, Supervisor Stan McKenzie, presented each church with a historical book on the Women’s Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The members were so honored just to be in their presence.

WE BELIEVE that under the dynamic leadership of Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie and Supervisor Stan McKenzie the 13th Episcopal District will begin the process of rebuilding and restoring itself. All praises to God for shining upon our district and blessing us with Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie. While traveling the district she visited sixteen churches in one weekend, Quinn Chapel AMEC, Louisville, KY (Reverend Dr. Pedro Basden, Pastor), Young’s Chapel AMEC, Louisville, KY (Rev. Jermaine Wilson, Pastor), Asbury Chapel AMEC, Louisville, KY (Reverend Kenneth Love, Pastor), Bethel AMEC, Shelbyville, KY (Rev. Wallace Gunn, Pastor), Taylor Chapel AMEC, Bowling Green, KY (Rev. A.J. Holman, Pastor), Ward’ s Chapel AMEC, Scottsville, KY (Rev. Tobias Pace, Pastor), St. Paul, Owensboro, KY (Rev. Etta Garth, Pastor), Trinity AMEC, Louisville, KY (Rev. David Chavous, Pastor), Gtr. St, James AMEC, Louisville, KY (Rev. Jr. R. Williams, Pastor), New Covenant Community AMEC, Louisville, KY (Rev. Alvin Herring, Pastor), and St. John AMEC, Louisville, KY (Reverend Frank Price, Pastor). “What A Mighty God We Serve”! The district visitation left the people inspired and more motivated than ever before to rebuild the walls of the 13th Episcopal District.

Thanks be to God for the vision, vitality, and vigilance of our Episcopates Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie and Supervisor Stan McKenzie. “Eyes have not seen nor ears heard all that the Lord has in store for the 13th Episcopal District”. FOR WE BELIEVE !

Submitted by Sister Lula Martin

11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Please pray for God's comforting touch for the pastor of St. Mark AME, Topeka, Kansas. The Rev. Andrew Rollins' Father went from labor to reward.

The Homegoing Celebration arrangements for Pastor Rollins' father are as follows:
MR. ANDREW ROLLINS, of Kansas City, Kansas

Homegoing April 17, 2005
VISITATION: Wednesday, April 27, 2005
3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Thatcher's Funeral Home
1520 N. 5th Street
Kansas City, Kansas

FUNERAL:

Thursday, April 28, 2005
10 o'clock a.m. S
t. Mary-St. Anthony's Catholic Church
615 N. 7th Street
Kansas City, Kansas

Contact person: Mr. LaVert A. Murray, Kansas City, Ks.
(913) 573-5730

Loretta W. Moore,Steward,
St. Mark's AMEC
Topeka, KS God

Bless!Ora L. Easley
Email: Amespouses1@aol.com (
Nashville, TN Contact) Phone: (615) 837-9736Fax: (615) 833-3781
(Memphis, TN Contact) (901) 578-4554 (Phone & Fax)

12. SUBSCRIBE TO AME CHURCH PERIODICALS:

Subscribe to The Voice of Mission, $20.00 annually:

Dr. George F. Flowers
Charleston Executive Park
1587 Savannah Hwy, Suite A
Charleston, SC 29407
Telephone: (843) 852-2645 or (843) 852-2646

Subscribe To THE A.M.E. Church Review, $22.00 annually:

Dr. Dennis Dickerson
P.O. Box 22031
Nashville, TN 37202
Telephone: (615) 248-0905

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The Christian Recorder512 8th Avenue SouthNashville, Tennessee 37203-4181
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