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. EDITOR’S CORNER:
- My visit to Harare, Zimbabwe and Johannesburg South Africa
I returned from my visit to Harare, Zimbabwe where I attended the Global Development Council (GDC) and Johannesburg, South Africa yesterday. I have to say that the GDC meeting and interacting with the bishops, ministers, and laity was an awesome experience. To see some of our churches and to speak with pastors is something that I need to share with our readership as well as the engaging conversation I had over lunch with several of our overseas bishops. I am going to get this issue out now, but I am working on my trip report which I hope to have ready for tomorrow’s issue. The Reverend Dr. George Flowers, our most capable Secretary of Global Witness and Missions was my travel partner and travel mentor. I refer to him as “most capable” because it was quickly apparent to me that he knows his overseas territory and has the respect of the Episcopal, ministerial, and lay leadership from across the overseas districts. Bishops Wilfred Messiah, James Davis, Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Samuel Green, and Sarah Davis were the Episcopal representatives in attendance, along with General Officers George Flowers and yours truly. Connectional Officers present were, a wonderful lady who Dr. Flowers introduced to me as, “Mother Precious” (I will have her full name by tomorrow’s issue) and Brother Weldon Shuman, 2nd Vice-President of the Connectional Lay Organization. Episcopal Supervisors present were Carol Messiah, Donovan Guidry, and Claytie Davis. Bishop Messiah was elected as the chair of the GDC. And, the sermon by the Right Reverend Sarah Davis was magnificent.
I am going to stop right here and do a full report of the GDC and my visit to South Africa and Zimbabwe in the next issue of The Christian Recorder.
- Here is a question: When (what year) was the first AME Hymnal published and who were the compilers? I need the precise answer to my question within 24 hours of the posting of this edition of The Christian Recorder Online.
Prize: Subscription to any AME periodical
2. INFORMATION REGARDING THE HAMPTON UNIVERSITY MINISTERS’ CONFERENCE:
Go to http://www.hamptonu.edu/ and then click on “Calendar of Events” after which you will click on “Ministers Conference” or email:
ministersconference@hamptonu.edu
The HU Ministers Conference will be held on June 5-10, 2005. The AME Luncheon will be held at the Radisson Hotel, within walking distance of the campus, on Thursday, June 9, 2005 at 1:30 p.m.
3. SISTER LAURA C. EVERETT PROVIDES SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION:
The Massachusetts Council of Churches is offering seven full scholarships to qualified seminarians, theology students and recently ordained clergy to attend the Northeast Ecumenical Institute, of which we are a co-sponsor with three Roman Catholic religious orders. The scholarships will be given to stimulate and encourage new ecumenical leadership. If you know of any seminarians or recently ordained clergy who might be interested, I'd appreciate if you sent this their way and post this in your papers. We are really making a concerted effort to help folks attend who might not be able to otherwise and also reach out to potential ecumenists. I've included below the Website for the Massachusetts Council of Churches that gives a brief introduction to the institute, application, registration form, and institute agenda. They can also all be obtained on our webpage at http://www.masscouncilofchurches.org/.
Thank you kindly and please feel free to contact me with any questions,
In God's Peace,
Laura C Everett
E-mail: council@masscouncilofchurches.org for additional information
The Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Council of Churches has authorized the granting of scholarships using funds from an offering given at the MCC’s Annual Meeting and the Hope for the Future Fund. A sub-committee of the MCC Board will select the recipients.
4. THE CHAPLAINS CORNER:
- Chaplain David R. Brown will make his Annual Chaplain Report at the Virginia Annual Conference.
Chaplain David R. Brown is a native Cranford, New Jersey. He is an ordained Itinerant Elder within the African Methodist Episcopal Church and has served as a pastor within the church for three years prior to Active Duty. He has been a Navy Chaplain for over nine years and is presently serving as a Staff Chaplain at the Naval Station Norfolk Chapel in Norfolk, Virginia.
Chaplain Brown has earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia and a Master of Divinity degree from the Proctor School of Theology of Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia. He is currently enrolled as a student in the Marine Corps Command and Staff College Distant Education Program (CSCDEP), which is a seminar course held at the Joint Forces Staff College in Norfolk, VA. He is expected to complete the course requirements towards Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) I in June 2005.
Listed Below is A Chronology of the Significant Billets Served:
· 2002-Present: Naval Station Norfolk, VA.
· 2000-2002: USS SHREVEPORT (LPD-12), Norfolk, VA.
· 1998-2000: Naval Training Center Great Lakes, IL.
· 1995-1998 Third Battalion, Seventh Marines - Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, CA.
Chaplain Brown’s military awards are as follows:
Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2); Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon (2), Fleet Marine Force Ribbon, National Defense Medal (2); Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal (Afghanistan), Global War on Terror Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2).
Chaplain Brown has been married to his wife, the former Rayna Turner of Richmond, VA, for eleven years and together they have a son, Jonathan, and reside in Chesapeake, VA.
Dear Bishop Richardson,
Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ! By the grace and mercy of God, I am pleased to offer this tenth report to the Virginia Annual Conference as a Navy Chaplain. I would like to begin by extending a warm welcome, or as we say in the Navy, “Welcome Aboard!” to you and Mrs. Richardson. Also praise God for the love and support that I continually receive from my wife, Rayna, and my son, Jonathan. They are truly “the wind beneath my wings” and I am blessed to have them in my life.
Here is a brief synopsis of the ministry over the past conference year:
Present Assignment
I am currently assigned to Naval Station Norfolk, VA, which is the largest naval base in the world. Naval Station Norfolk is referred to as “shore duty” in that there is a miniscule chance that personnel assigned to the naval station will ever deploy. However, my primary task is to provide for the spiritual and pastoral care needs of those who are impacted by deployment, the Sailors, Marines and family members of the naval station. In this supporting role, I participate in conduct worship services, administration of the sacraments, counseling, deployment preparation, and official military and civic ceremonies.
Local Ministry
Being assigned to Naval Station Norfolk allows me to be an active participant within the local church. My family and I are affiliate members of Lee’s Chapel AME Church in Chesapeake, where the Rev. Horace B. Cross is the pastor. Two years ago, Pastor Cross appointed me as the director of Youth/Young Adult Ministry to help restart a dormant Young People’s Department (YPD). My first course of action was to form a youth advisory council from the laity, with one member being from the Women’s Missionary Society (WMS). Mrs. Pam Harris, the member of the advisory council from the WMS, was later appointed as the Director of the YPD and is doing a superb job with our youth. Additionally, Pastor Cross allows me to preach every Fourth Sunday as my schedule permits.
Another highlight of the local ministry was an invitation I received to preach a revival. The Reverend Emmanuel Wasson, III, pastor of Holy Trinity AME Church in Las Vegas, NV, extended the invitation to preach a three-service revival at his church. This invitation to preach a revival was the very first one that I had received since becoming a minister in the AME Church in 1987. The theme scripture was Matthew 28:18-20, “The Great Commission”, which spawned these three sermon topics: “I’ve Got The Power”, “Carry Out Your Orders”, and “What More Do You Need To Know?” I’m pleased to report that God brought revival to Holy Trinity.
Scholarships
Praise God! This is the third year that my wife and I have been able to offer a scholarship to a deserving seminary student at Payne Theological Seminary. The scholarship we have established is called the Ministry Opportunities Fund, which is awarded to the seminarian who has the highest grade point average at the end of their first year of studies. On the evening of May 27th, I am planning to be present at the graduation ceremony to award at this year’s scholarship in the amount of $3000.00.
My wife and I have also established a scholarship at the Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University. The name of the scholarship is the Rev. Julia W. McCargo Memorial Scholarship for Women in Ministry. The scholarship is awarded to the top female student who possesses the highest grade point average after her first year of studies. Last year’s award was in the amount of $4000.00. This year, we intend to do something different: make the award of the scholarship $2000.00 and establish a book voucher account for AME students at the seminary’s bookstore. With this act, we’ll be able to support more students than ever.
AME Chaplain’s Association
I began the past conference year as the President of the AME Chaplains Association. It was a distinct privilege to be the representative for over 50 endorsed AME Chaplains serving in the Armed Forces, Veteran’s Administration, Federal Bureau of Prisons South African National Defense as well as our retired colleagues.
During my tenure as president, we have been able to increase the visibility of chaplains throughout the church. We have accomplished this through publishing articles in the Christian Recorder, the AME Herald, filing reports from the CONVOS and attending church seminars and conferences.
I relinquished my position as president at the 2004 General Conference in Indianapolis, IN and was elected as the Historiographer of the AME Chaplain’s Association.
Future Assignment
I have received orders to report to the USS BATAAN (LHD-5) in July, which shall conclude my tour at Naval Station Norfolk. The BATAAN is a multi-purpose amphibious assault ship and it’s primary purpose is to transport United States Marines and their aircraft, vehicles and other equipment to an area of operations for off-load and employment (war fighting). I will be the Lead Protestant Chaplain responsible for the pastoral care needs of over 3,000 Sailors, Marines and family members. Please pray for my family and me as we embark upon this professional transition.
In summary, it’s been an outstanding year in ministry. To God be the glory!
Respectfully submitted,
D. R. BROWN
Lieutenant Commander, U. S. Navy
Chaplain Corps
- Beneath It All – Spirituality – Chaplain John Wesley Morrison, CHC, USN:
"The longest journey is the journey inward."- Dag Hammarskjöld"
Occasionally one sees strange things at sea. The wind, the tide and surface ice will all move in one direction, but sailing majestically in the opposite direction will be an iceberg. How can this be? The reason is not hard to find. We see only a small part of an iceberg - just the tip. Deep down in the water, underneath it all is the base controlled by more powerful, deeper currents.
For human beings, I believe "spirituality" is the powerful deeper current that is within each of us, effecting and directing how we cope with and react to the challenges and blessings of everyday living.
Spirituality can be defined in many ways, meaning something different to each of us, but most notably, spirituality isn't just something people find in a church, temple, mosque, or synagogue. Spirituality isn't necessarily synonymous with religion. Spirituality simply affirms that we have three types of existence: the body, the mind, and the soul. The body is pretty easy to understand. The mind is becoming more so. However, the soul is the toughest part of us to comprehend.
In a practical sense, spirituality can be said to embrace the sweet mysteries of life, those aspects outside the realm of science and intellect: faith, trust, love, truth, compassion, as well as HONOR, COURAGE, and COMMITMENT (the U.S. Navy’s Core Values). Employing spirituality in our everyday lives and working to positively strengthen it in us can even help carry the benefits of traditional medical care beyond its physical limits.
One way of understanding spirituality is through the quality of our relationships. Most importantly, spirituality is concerned with our ability, through our attitudes and actions, to relate to ourselves, to others (family, friends, shipmates, neighbors), and to a Higher Power – GOD. By daily maintenance of a spiritual routine or discipline, many learn to live a spiritual way of life - moving away from fear, self-pity, resentment, and dishonesty, to a life based on trust, gratitude, acceptance and integrity.
So how's your "personal" readiness in the arena of life (self-esteem, relationships, attitude, worldview)? What kind of feedback are you getting from "the one in the mirror" that knows and has to daily deal with the innermost depths of your being?
Just a couple of days before he was assassinated Mahatma Gandhi shared these words which have greatly influenced my own personal spiritual program: "I've learned too... Keep my words positive - words become my behaviors; Keep my behaviors positive - behaviors become my habits; Keep my habits positive - habits become my values; and Keep my values positive - values become my destiny!"
As a Navy Chaplain, I am excited to have an opportunity to journey with men and women bound together in service to our Nation. However, what brings me the most challenge and the most satisfaction is that I get to mix-it-up spiritually with folks from diverse backgrounds, and beliefs. As chaplain I get to engage men and women from the aspect of the Divine - that which makes each and every one of us the unique jewel of great price to our Creator.
I believe within each of us is the signature of a Creator whose love and concern is without bounds. Finding and recognizing this "sacred signature" within is not a destination - it is a way of living that directs the strong powerful currents deep down within us all.
I pray God’s richest blessings upon each of you and trust you will not just profess a faith but walk the spiritual path God has provided exclusively for you.
"…with an attitude of gratitude…"
Chaplain John Wesley Morrison
5. MEDITATION – “GOING FORWARD WITH GOD, RESTORED BY HIS SPIRIT:
1The word of the Lord came to the prophet Zechariah. 2“The Lord was very angry with your forefathers. 3“Return to me,” declares the Lord Almighty, “and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty. 5“Where are your forefathers now? And the prophets, do they live forever?” 6Then they repented and said, “The Lord Almighty has done to us what our ways and practices deserve, just as He determined to do.” (Zechariah 1: 1-6)
The prophet Zechariah, whose name means “Yahweh Remembers,” was used by God to call God’s people to repentance and to encourage the people to finish rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. God desired to restore His people, and their restoration required restoration of their relationship with God. For it was the word of God spoken through Zechariah that we know that it is, “’Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” (Zechariah 4: 6)
The prophet begins his message of encouragement and restoration with a call to repentance. I John 1: 5 – 2: 2, reminds us that true repentance is about recognizing and accepting God’s standard for our lives. As we walk in the light (v.7) of God’s way we are restored to fellowship with other believers and experience continual cleansing from sin.
True repentance requires that we confess our sins (v. 9). To confess sin is to say the same thing God says about sin. So many of the practices and attitudes accepted by believers today reflect what society says but ignore God’s standard for our lives. Gambling, sexual sins, greed, destructive words, and addictions are just a few of the things that are widely accepted in society, yet they break our fellowship with God.
But we have an advocate, Christ Jesus (2:1-2). He speaks in our defense before the Father. He stands right beside us. His sacrifice is the satisfaction of the sentence against us. And when we confess, forgiveness and fellowship in the family of God is restored.
God’s concern for His people and their restoration is deep and unfailing. God not only restores our relationship with Himself but he also sends His Holy Spirit to guide us in our daily lives and empower us to obey follow Him every day.
Pastor James Moody
Quinn Chapel, Chicago
6. PASTOR JAMAL BRYANT, SENIOR PASTOR OF EMPOWERMENT TEMPLE RECENTLY APPEARED ON TRINITY BROADCASTING NETWORK:
Pastor Jamal Bryant appeared on TBN on April 26 at 10 p.m., EDT. Pastor Jamal Harrison is the pastor of Empowerment Temple, 4217-4221 Primrose Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215, telephone: 410-225-3494, Web: http://www.empowermenttemple.org/
7. THE REVEREND DR. GRANGER BROWNING TO PREACH FOR CHICAGO AREA AME CHURCHES:
On May 23-25, 2005 the AME Churches of Chicago will conduct a revival series of meetings featuring Dr. Grainger Browning of Ebenezer AME of Fort Washington, Maryland. Please be a prayer warrior and pray for the following:
1. A fresh and enduring move of the Holy Spirit in the AME Church in the City of Chicago and Vicinity, bringing us to a “Time of Repentance, Restoration, and Empowerment.”
2. For God to prick the hearts of members and ministers in the AME Church, resulting in record attendance of the upcoming revival events.
3. The anointing of the Holy Spirit on our preacher, the Rev. Dr. Grainger Browning, as he delivers the word of God to the people of God.
4. Souls to be saved, delivered, and transformed by the power God moving on us during the revival event.
God has not forgotten us. It is His desire to bring restoration and empowerment to His church through the work of His Holy Spirit. True restoration will be accomplished, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit.”
Pastor James Moody
Quinn Chapel, Chicago
8. PRAYER REQUEST FOR A NEW CHURCH PLANTING:
Good Afternoon all you beautiful people!!
Please join me in prayer tomorrow for the Yuma church plant, Christ Is King AME Church.
My Mom and her group of senior prayer warriors have prayed and “the big guns” have already been fired;”I have now come to run the play.”
Tomorrow another prayer warrior and I will be in Yuma praying from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. California Time (PST). Will you please pray and join us in prayer: That:
1. God will call those who are to participate in the ministry: the unsaved, the back-slidden, new Christians, established Christians, people hungry for God, and those looking to interact with God in new and creative innovative ways
2. God will call those with an array of gifts to give to and participate in the ministry: people with a servant-hearts, those with the gifts of administration, business and finance, music, worship & praise, helps, tithers, generous givers, computer “geeks,” elder and child care workers, construction workers, and those with strong spiritual and committed leadership.
3. Favor with the city and current church leaders
4. Final details with the radio ministry, webpage, and newspaper get worked out
5. Confirmation of in which Community Center to hold the initial church services.
If I may also add a personal prayer request:
I will be beginning a Doctoral program in August; I don't have “one dime” to put toward the tuition and travel expenses; please pray that I will receive a 100% scholarship and that God will open the windows of heaven and pour me out a blessing that I will not have room enough to receive it.
I know that my God is faithful,
May God Continue to Bless You,
Villa White
9. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Regretfully we share the news of the passing of Rev. Thomas R. Jones, retired pastor of the Baltimore Conference, husband of Brenda Jones. Rev. Thomas R. Jones passed Friday morning, April 29th. The funeral will be on Thursday, May 5th, 2005 at Grace AME Church, 671/2 Winters Lane, Catonsville, Maryland at 12:00 Noon. The wake is at 11:00 AM. Please keep the family in prayer.
Rev. Dr. Joan L. WhartonMt. Zion AME Church"I can do all things through Christ who gives me the strength."
j.l.wharton@att.net
10. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Regretfully we share news of the passing of Mrs. Ruby Kirkland Jones, sister of Bishop Theodore Larry Kirkland, Presiding Bishop of the Ninth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Ruby Kirkland Jones, the elder sister of Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, passed this morning, Friday, April 29th.
Pending funeral arrangement details will be forthcoming.
Messages of condolence may be sent to:
Bishop Theodore Larry Kirkland & Family
2101 Daniel Payne Drive
Building 2Birmingham, AL 35212
205-791-1908205-791-1905 – FAX
11. FUNERAL NOTICE:
We regret to inform you that retired Rev. Oliver Thomas passed away on Friday, April 22, 2005. He was a pastor in the New Jersey Conference.
The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Funeral - Wednesday, April 27, 2005Service - 11:00 a.m.
Stiney's Funeral Home
P. O. Box 543
Hardeeville, South Carolina 29927
Elder Raymond J. Hamilton, Funeral Director
Condolences may be sent to: Mrs. Julia Thomasc/o Stiney's Funeral Home at the above address Fax no.: 843-784-6629
Please remember the Thomas family in your prayers during this time of their bereavement.
12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Presiding Elder Walter Daniels of the South Atlanta District of the Atlanta North Georgia Conference of the Sixth Episcopal District recently lost his step-father, Mr. Wessell McCloughin of Windsor, Connecticut.
The service was held on Saturday, April 23, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. at Connecticut Valley Church of Christ. Condolences can be sent to the following:
Mrs. Frances McCloughin (Bereaved wife/mother of PE Daniels @ 89 years of age/married 42 years)
No. 6 Amy Drive
Windsor, Connecticut 06095
860-219-0269or
Presiding Elder Walter & Shirley Daniels
5225 Cascade Road, SW
Atlanta, GA 30331
404-472-3028
For more information, contact:
B. B. Calloway
SED Office Administrator
770-220-1770770-220-9996(fax)
www.sixthepiscopaldistrict.org
13. ALL BEREAVEMENT NOTICES PROVIDED BY:
Sister Ora L. Easley
Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
(Nashville, TN Contact) Phone: (615) 837-9736
Fax: (615) 833-3781
(Memphis, TN Contact) (901) 578-4554 (Phone & Fax)
Archive of The Christian Recorder Online from 2004-2016; Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
