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:
- The Associated Press featured a story about an AME minister and his wife who were arrested and charged with arson in Summerville, SC on Tuesday for burning their church building down. The New York Times and other newspapers picked up the story and released an article yesterday. I mention it because it’s in the media and certainly our prayers go out to the Bethel AME Church family in Summerville. This has to be a trying time for the pastor and his wife, that congregation and the surrounding community. Keep them in your prayers remember that person(s) are innocent until proven guilty.
- More of the account of my visit to Johannesburg, South Africa and Harare, Zimbabwe to attend the Global Development Council and a little historical background about the Global Development Council
To pick up where I left off, we arrived at the International Airport of Harare at about 9 p.m. local time and were met by Bishop Messiah. We were taken to the Harare Sheraton Hotel where we were met by Episcopal Supervisor, Mother Carol Messiah. Our rooms were ready after getting settled in our rooms and after attending the welcome reception, we retired for the night.
Bishops Wilfred Messiah, James Davis, Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Samuel Green, and Sarah Davis had a late night meeting to finalize the agenda for the GDC that was going to have its opening session on Wednesday morning.
The ministerial and lay leadership from the overseas Districts 16 – 20 had arrived and were ready to do the work of the Church as it relates to global ministry.
Wednesday morning, April 27th was beautiful. Sunrise arrived early and after a breakfast of eggs, bacon, baked beans, fresh bread and coffee, we moved to the first session of the Global Development Council. There were about 100 participants at the GDC meeting.
The bishops, General Officers, Connectional Officers and Episcopal Supervisors were introduced and presented to the GDC participants. Bishop James Davis chaired the opening session of the meeting and conducted the organizational business of the GDC and eloquently handled the election of officers. Bishop Wilfred Messiah was unanimously elected to be the chair of the GDC for the next two years.
A little historical background of the GDC
As a way of explaining the mission of the GDC, I am extracting some of the information from a handout that was distributed at the conference.
The GDC is concerned about Global witness and development in Africa, the nations of the Caribbean, South America, the British Isles, and Europe.
In the 1980-1984 Quadrennium, bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church began to address the multiple stress points emanating from Africa. There was a concern about the lack of Africans that had been elected to the Episcopacy. Also there apparently there were concerns with the Article of Religion as to how it addressed allegiance to civil authority, especially allegiance to the government of the United States.
The 1996 Doctrine and Discipline of the AME Church provided for the formation of a commission to determine the programmatic opportunities and timelines for maximum development in Episcopal Districts 14 – 19 (now 20). “In 1997, the Council of Bishops authorized the Right Reverend Harold Ben Senatle, senior bishop in Africa, to call a historic all-Africa summit to address continental commonalities and concerns. The first meeting was held in Johannesburg and included the participation and leadership of Bishops C. Garnett Henning, Richard Allen Chappelle, Sr. and Adam J. Richardson, Jr. who were serving in Africa, and Bishops Donald G. K. Ming and McKinley Young who were serving districts in the United States.
The Africa Jurisdictional Committee (AJC)
Another summit was held in March 1999 in South Africa. Out of that summit was “birthed” the Africa Jurisdictional Committee (AJC) which produced a document, the Africa Jurisdictional Authority Bill (AJC Bill), which was referred to the annual conferences in Africa.
A third summit was held in Mafikeng, South Africa. The AJC Bill was approved by the African Episcopal Districts and subsequently, with minor amendments, at the 2000 General Conference. The bishops who were assigned to Africa, Bishops Adam J. Richardson, Richard F. Norris, Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Gregory G. M. Ingram and Preston W. Williams, along with retired Bishop, H. B. Senatle and C. Garnett Henning, the chair of the Commission on Africa Development, continued to work diligently.
Name changed from the Africa Jurisdictional Committee to the Global Development Council
At the 2004 General Conference, the name of the Africa Jurisdictional Authority was changed to the Global Development Council to represent “the global interest of he Church’s ministry beyond the borders of the United States.” The GDC has been challenged to provide equitable development for the life and leadership opportunities of its members and ministries in Africa, the nations of the Caribbean, South America, the British Isles and Europe.
The mission of the GDC is to implement the mission and purpose of the AME Church; establish opportunities for developing clergy and lay leadership in the church; unite all AME Churches in Africa, the nations of the Caribbean, South America, the British isles, and Europe; determine the potential resources of he AME Church, develop and implement programs for the maximum development of the congregations; promote economic development and health initiatives; secure for members in the global community, opportunities for service in the ministry of governance; promote deeper understanding, collaboration, and cohesion among the AME Churches in Africa, the nations of the Caribbean, South America, the British Isles, Europe, and Canada with those of the United States.
Among the membership of the GDC are all of the active and retired bishops; general officers, connectional officers and field representatives, members of the General Board, supervisors and presidents of episcopal auxiliaries and organizations residing and serving in GDC episcopal districts.
The GDC is directed to hold biennial meetings and the Executive Board, which includes all of the bishops serving in Africa and the presiding bishop of the Sixteenth Episcopal District, is to meet annually.
The first Session
The GDC chair, Bishop Wilfred Messiah, gave the participants an opportunity to share their concerns and a spirited discussion ensued. It appeared that there was a perception that the AME Church in the United States should be doing more to assist the overseas districts. That went on for a while and appeared to be gaining some momentum when Bishop Davis went to the podium and acknowledged what he was hearing about what the participants were saying about the need for more assistance from the districts in the United States. He went on to say that the direction of the dialogue, in his opinion, was going against the grain of the historical and spiritual foundation of the African Methodist Episcopal Church; that we have always been a church in struggle and with economic constraints, but that never hindered our growth and spiritual focus. He observed that in the discussions that he heard about what was not being done, but nothing about the Holy Spirit’s work in the life of the Church. He was taken back that no one had mentioned what God could do or what God was doing. And following his line of thinking, Sister Passion A. N. Musa, the 20th Episcopal District President and Connectional 3rd Vice President of the Women's Missionary Society of AME Church, gave a passionate affirmation of what Bishop James Davis’ comments by encouraging the participants to accept the biblical principles of tithing and went on to say that the GDC participants in that room had the resources to bring about change in the overseas districts. In a moving and passionate voice, Sister Musa encouraged the participants to embrace, for themselves and to encourage others to tithe and to seek a deeper spiritual underpinning. One could feel the “Sweet, Sweet Spirit” in that place.
We broke for lunch on a high note. (To be continued)
In the next edition of The Christian Recorder Online I will share the great comments of Bishops Wilfred Messiah, Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Sam Green and Sarah Davis and some of the other participants.
2. KAIROS COMMUNITY AME CHURCH, 4605 NOLENSVILLE PIKE, NASHVILLE TENNESSEE 37211 CELEBRATES PENTECOST:
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
I am writing to share with you how God is blessing us in the establishment of the Kairos Community Church and to invite you to join us on Pentecost Sunday, May 15, 2005 as we celebrate the opening of this great church.
The first AME Church to be planted in Nashville since 1911, Kairos Community Church has been worshiping together since February 13, 2005 and we have now grown to 25 members. We are planted in southeast Nashville, a very vibrant and diverse community. This area is experiencing tremendous growth and economic development.
The church building is prominently located on a very busy and vital street for this area of the city. We are currently leasing this church building and we have an option to purchase. The facility includes a sanctuary with seating capacity of 900, 3 furnished offices, 1 furnished conference room, 7 furnished classrooms, a fully functional kitchen and a fellowship hall equipped with tables and chairs to accommodate 200. This building provides us with a tremendous opportunity to minister to our community. We look forward with eager anticipation to the continued growth of the ministry.
Join us on Sunday May 15, 2005 as we celebrate. I will be preaching in our morning worship celebration at 9:30 a.m. and the Chief Pastor of the 13th District, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie will be preaching in our Pentecost Celebration at 6:30 p.m. I would love to see you there. We will be blessed by your prayers and enriched by your presence.
Partner with us as we seek "to meet the emergent needs of a diverse community through holistic ministry based on the Gospel of Jesus Christ." THE TIME IS NOW!!!
Passionately yours,
Roderick Dwayne Belin
615,332-3320
Fax: 615.332-3324
WWW.KAIROSCOMMUNITYCHURCH.ORG
3. HISTORIC ST. JOHN A.M.E., CLEVELAND, OHIO CELEBRATES 175TH ANNIVERSARY:
St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church located at 2261 E. 40th St. is the oldest African American Church in Greater Cleveland. St. John A.M.E. Church was founded in 1830 by the Rev. William Paul Quinn. The present location was purchased December 3, 1907 with Rev. Ira Collins as the pastor. The church was built at the cost of $55,000.00. The deal was reported to have been the largest real estate transaction by “Negroes” during the period.
St. John A.M.E. is 175 years old and was organized in 1830 with a membership of six. By 1945, its membership numbered 3,100 people.
A glance into past history of St. John A.M.E. reveals in 1848, the members purchased a lot for $300.00 on Bolivar St. east of Erie St. on the site of the Pick Carter Hotel (Carter Apartments). This location was considered the outskirts of the city. According to the 1848 city directory, there were 15 members. The church building was named Bolivar St. AME church and was built at the cost of $400 with a debt of $200. In 1863, property for a second church was purchased on Ohio Street. The church was known as the Ohio Street AME Church (1862-1878). In 1877, due to a fire that partly destroyed the church, the membership decided to move to a new location on Erie Street (now E. 9th St.). It was at this time that the church was renamed St. John AME Church even though many members referred to as “Old Erie Street Church”. Rev. Ira A. Collins was the minister.
In 1893, St. John suffered another fire at the Erie St. Church. Services were held in Giessen Hall at Central and Woodland. In 1907, under the administration of Rev. Ira A. Collins, land was purchased on Dec. 3, 1907 to build the present building located at 2241 E. 40th St.
In 1908, the cornerstone was laid; the new church was built for the sum of $55,000.00. A parade of uniformed bodies of Negro lodges of the city led by Phillegans Full Brass Band took place beginning at 24th street marching to 40th and Central. The Masons had charge of the corner stone laying and Bishop Derrick was the featured speaker. The event was of considerable significance to Cleveland Negroes since it was the first time in Cleveland’s history that Negroes erected a costly brick building for their worship.
Marian Anderson gave her first concert in Cleveland at St. John. The Rev. William Paul Quinn, the fourth bishop of the A.M.E. was responsible for organizing the A.M.E. denomination in 1830. The Rev. Richard Allen founder of the A.M.E. church was the first Bishop, elected and consecrated in 1816.
On Oct. 7, 1974, St. John A.M.E. Church was designated a Cleveland Historic Landmark and St. John was also placed on the National Register of Historical Places in 1982. In February 1995, the church was added to the African American Heritage Trail Tour (site No. 7) of historic places in the city of Cleveland.
St. John AME Church has been a part of the foundation in the community and the city of Cleveland. In 2008, our present building will be 100 years old. With new homes being constructed in the community, the new Pastor of St. John AME Church, Rev. Dr. Taylor T. Thompson’s goal is to renovate the church to a new shining light on Fortieth Street, going forward as the new St. John AME Church of the 21st Century, operating a seven day a week ministry and serving the greater Cleveland community.
Youth Ministry and YPD Luncheon and Fashion Show
Saturday, May 7, 2005, the youth ministry and YPD will be presenting a Mother’s Day Weekend luncheon and fashion show at St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church, 2261 E. 40th Street and Central, Cleveland, Ohio, 12 noon to 3 p.m. All are welcome; donations will be received at the door.
Children’s Retreat – Friday, May 13, 2005
Our children’s and youth ministry will host an overnight retreat for our children at St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church, 2261 E. 40th Street and Central, Cleveland, Ohio on Friday, May 13th. We will be involved in learning and sharing about our God in a Christian setting. If you would like for your children to be involved, please see Sister Gladys Richardson or call the church office for registration material
Women’s Missionary Society Weekend
The WMS has Mrs. Shirley Reed of Washington, D.C., past Connectional Recording Secretary of the WMS and author of a book and materials on developing a strong missionary society. Mrs. Reed will be our guest workshop leader on Saturday, May 14th from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church, 2261 E. 40th Street and Central, Cleveland, Ohio. It is an excellent opportunity for the men and women to share in this workshop on missionary work. “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.” (Matthew 9.37) Please join us and note men can be affiliate members of the WMS. Praise the Lord
The Honorable Stephanie Tubbs Jones at St. John AME
On Sunday, May 22, 2005, Congresswoman Jones will be the guest speaker at St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church, 2261 E. 40th Street and Central, Cleveland, Ohio celebrating the Annual Women’s Day, at the 10:45 a.m. service. She is the first African American woman elected to the United States House of Representatives from Ohio and is now serving in her fourth term. Please join us. For more information, please call 216-431-2560
Pentecost Evangelistic Revival – June 6-7, 2005, 7 p.m.
Monday and Tuesday Night, June 6th and 7th, the Rev. Dr. Frank Madison Reid, III, pastor of Bethel AME Church, Baltimore and international evangelist, seen weekly on the TV cable Word Channel, will be our guest preacher at St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church, 2261 E. 40th Street and Central, Cleveland, Ohio. We look forward to a Hallelujah time in the Lord! “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come ... they were all filled with the Holy Spirit!” (Acts 2.1-4) Join us in revival and evangelistic outreach.
For more information, please call 216-431-2560.
Rev. Dr. Taylor T. Thompson, Pastor
Holy Communion to help unify United Methodist Church
May 4, 2005
4. THE CHAPLAINS CORNER:
- A Message from Deployed AME Chaplain, Lt Col, USAF Oledia F. Bell:
I pray that this e-mail finds all you and your families well. Although I am still on deployment I know that annual conference is here. It has been my practice to attend annual conference or send a report every year since coming on active duty in 1988.
Thank you all for your prayers on behalf of my family and the troops deployed here to Baghdad, Iraq. It is still a dangerous place to be and praise God my tour is almost complete. I am thankful that I am a part of this great Church of Allen. We pray for a Spirit-filled time in the LORD at all of the Annual Conferences in the Second Episcopal District and especially the Virginia Annual Conference, which is meeting this week and for everyone, may God rain down showers of blessings.
Please give my kindness regards to the Second Episcopal District’s Virginia Annual Conference, “Thank you for giving me wings!”
Very Respectfully,
OLEDIA F. BELL, Ch, Lt Col, USAF
Group Chaplain
447th Air Expeditionary Group/HC
Baghdad International Airport, Iraq
DSN (Miliatry and government telephones): 318-453-0204
- Chaplain Glenda Jennings Harrison selected to attend Duke University
- I imagine I was experiencing so much turmoil spiritually because the enemy knew God was getting ready to bless me real good. The Chaplain Corps has selected me to attend Duke University this fall to work on a M.Th degree in the area of Ethics. Please have my AME family to pray for me as I've been out of seminary for over 10 years. Be that as it may, since God has opened the door obviously I'm equipped enough to walk through. I have attached an article for publication and I'm praying for my AME church as we continue to be a beacon of light to the world.
Blessings,
Chaplain Glenda Jennings Harrison
Article for the Chaplain’s Corner
“Don’t Give Me Anymore Excuses”
“Your crown has been bought and paid for, all you must do is put it on your head.” James Baldwin
Excuses, excuses, excuses…one excuse after another; sounds like a broken record doesn’t it? I meant to put the car in the shop this afternoon, but something came up. I definitely need to take leave, but I have too much work to do. I really want to work on another degree, but I’m getting up in age. The myriad of excuses we often find to avoid doing the things we need to do plague many of us, yet all of us do it from time to time.
How many times have you found yourself looking for a reason not to do what you know you must? What is it that prevents you from putting your hand to the plow? What are you afraid of, and what do you lack? Do you have a plan of action, or is it hard for you to make a plan?
Many of us are excuse driven. Many of us are unable to make things happen and we wonder why the opportunities of life pass us by so frequently. As we begin to ponder these questions we must remember that we are a designer original and we were bought with a price.
Ours is to discover the uniqueness of who we are. We do this by embracing a dialectical process, which seeks to uncover our particular talent, that special gift, which is our ticket to success. As we walk about this journey, we must view it as the first episode of a long-running series. Each experience doesn’t’ have to be detrimental to our existence, because all of us have gleaned some lessons in life already.
When we feel we are flying solo, it is important to gain a clearer understanding by paying particular attention to our surroundings. Instead of watching that basketball game, or “As the World Turns” we need to turn on the Discovery Channel and take note of lessons nature can teach us. In fact, according to the book of Proverbs, there are four creatures on earth that “are exceedingly wise” – The ant, the badger, the locust and the spider.
An examination of these four creatures gives us a much-needed understanding of the harmful effects of excuse making. For example, the ant is concerned with preparation. There must be food for the harvest to provide for the welfare of the colony throughout the winter. Therefore, an excuse would ultimately threaten the colony’s existence and an excuse cannot be tolerated.
The badger is considered a mammal of little strength, and in its wisdom is cognizant that safety is an important issue. Accordingly, the badger builds its home wisely, up high and between rocks. Protection is the key to life for the badger. No excuses can be tolerated. Unlike the honeybees who are led by the queen, the locusts are without leadership, therefore in order for them to survive it is necessary that they cooperate and travel in an orderly fashion. In so doing, this guarantees their existence.
Again, any excuse to the contrary cannot be tolerated. Finally, the spider the most cunning of all the insects is fearless and bold. It can build a web anywhere, at anytime and under any conditions. The spider exhibits no fear as it resides in places of authority where excuses are not tolerated.
The challenge is presented, the examples made plain. What is your response? Will you continue to say “woulda, shoulda, thought I coulda?” Or, will you prepare like the ant; build wisely like the badger; seek support from those who share your goals like the locust and stand fearless and with assurance like the spider? Do you know that you were bought with a price? Do you realize that “you,” yes, that’s correct; “you” are to God a priceless treasure of humanity - a treasure for whom excuses cannot be tolerated? Now go forth and make a difference.
Chaplain Glenda Jennings Harrison
5. NEWS FROM THE UNITED METHODIST NEWS SERVICE:
By Deborah White*
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS)--A growing interest in Holy Communion can unify and revitalize the United Methodist Church, said leaders of an international conference focusing on the sacrament.
The conference, "Teaching the Sacrament - Improving the Practice," was held at the United Methodist Board of Discipleship in Nashville, Tenn. It attracted more than 100 clergy and other church leaders from as far away as Singapore, Canada and Alaska.
The April 26-28 conference was the first offered since the denomination's top legislative body, the General Conference, adopted a 16-page study of Holy Communion as the church's official, interpretive statement on the sacrament during its 2004 session. The study, "This Holy Mystery: A United Methodist Understanding of Holy Communion," clarifies the tradition, theology and practice of Holy Communion.
The General Conference, the denomination's top legislative body, "unleashed a growing interest in communion," said the Rev. Daniel T. Benedict Jr., a staff executive with the Board of Discipleship's worship section.
United Methodist congregations are encouraged to move toward a richer sacramental life, including weekly celebration of the Lord's Supper. A seven-session study edition of "This Holy Mystery" was introduced to the conference participants. It includes commentary and guidelines for study groups.
During the opening worship service, participants prayed for a new sense of mystery and grace and for the Holy Communion table to become a uniting place.
"This is a very important moment in the life of our church," said retired Bishop Joseph Pennel, now a professor at Vanderbilt Divinity School, Nashville, Tenn. "We need teaching around Holy Communion because this is one place people - month after month - can have the experience without knowing the meaning."
With so many expressions of United Methodism today, Pennel asked, "Could it be that baptism and Holy Communion might be practiced in such a way that it will hold us together? We're at a time when we need to consider what to teach, how to teach and what to do."
Many United Methodist clergy need to improve how they preside at the communion table, Pennel and other leaders said.
In a workshop titled "Presiding with Grace and Freedom," Benedict coached participants in leading Holy Communion smoothly, reminding them that their actions signify "receiving the richness of God." They discussed rhythm, tonality, continuity, flow, emotion, showing hospitality, gestures, formality and informality. "If we're awkward and embarrassed, they will be awkward and embarrassed," he cautioned.
Benedict said that even if styles of ministry are different, there should be unity in the practice of Holy Communion. "It's when we trivialize it . . . when we are excessive about innovation and creativity, we're on thin ice," he said.
During the workshop, the Rev. Jim Doepken, pastor of Girdwood (Alaska) Chapel United Methodist Church, said Holy Communion in his one-room church is informal, but he uses the full liturgy. "You can be liturgical but down home or laid back as well," he said.
United Methodists are interested in the sacraments, but are also confused by them, said the Rev. Gayle Felton, principal author of "This Holy Mystery."
"The purpose of this week is to try to help us move from confusion to clarity," she said. "We have a lot of the former and not a great deal of the latter."
The intent of "This Holy Mystery" is not to lay down an authoritarian formula, but to provide guidance and direction, she said. "Also it might move us from apathy to enthusiasm. We have de-emphasized sacraments. The road to recovery is to recover our heritage - become Wesleyan again."
In a panel discussion about moving to a richer and more frequent communion, retired Bishop Kenneth Carder advised participants to have patience as congregations increase the frequency of Holy Communion from every month or every quarter to every week. "It involves creating a new culture," said Carder, now a professor at United Methodist-related Duke Divinity School, Durham, N.C.
The Rev. Joseph Daniels, pastor of Emory United Methodist Church in Washington suggested, "Jump into it and teach as you go." He led his congregation into offering Holy Communion on a weekly basis last summer. The impact has been profound, including a more unified congregation and an increase in attendance, he noted.
"The very act of communion, the sacrament itself, forces us to break down the barriers," Daniels said. "It's all because we have placed emphasis on the table."
Clergy have taken an active role in moving churches to weekly communion, noted the Rev. Mark Stamm, a professor at United Methodist-related Perkins School of Theology, Dallas. Stamm is involved with the Order of Saint Luke, an organization dedicated to liturgical study and education.
The Rev. Valerie Bridgeman-Davis, a professor of preaching and worship at Memphis (Tenn.) Theological Seminary, called for prophetic leadership. "We often are so scared about pushing people. People are willing to do more than we give them credit for," she said.
In the closing session, Carder said there is a connection between Holy Communion and accounts in the Gospel of Luke about Jesus eating meals. "He eats with tax collectors and sinners," Carder said. "Jesus' life around the table is a challenge … and a source of help. God's justice, generosity and joy are prevailing values. That new world dawns at the table, is celebrated around the table, nurtured at the table and empowered around the table."
"This Holy Mystery" Carder said, "seeks to respond to critical issues raised in Luke about who is in charge, who is host, who is invited and how we are to behave."
The Holy Communion table is a continuation of the many tables Jesus and the disciples shared, he said. "What He said about other tables comes to fruition at this table. Look at all the dinners Jesus attended and see how he turned the tables," Carder said, sparking an enthusiastic reaction from the participants.
Carder emphasized the importance of including poor people at Holy Communion. "You can't have sacramental renewal if the poor aren't present," he said. "When we gather at the table, it is the meal in the new order of things, especially when we are coming with all of God's children."
*White is associate editor of Interpreter Magazine and Interpreter OnLine.
News media contact: Deborah White News (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
6. ARTIST J. MORRIS METZE TO UNVEIL “GLORY TO GOD, GUARDING OUR LEGACY”:
Columbia, S.C. - A Columbia artist, minister and college student is set to unveil a limited series art print that analyzes and celebrates the 218-yea-old African Methodism movement.
The Reverend J. Morris Metze will unveil “Glory to God, Guarding our Legacy” on Saturday, May 14, at 11 a.m. at Saint Paul African Method Episcopal (AME) Church, 835 Kennerly Road, Irmo, S. C. Metze is an assistant pastor at Saint Paul and a senior business administration major at Allen University.
The art print depicts a cross and anvil, surrounding by African mosaics with children’s hands “reaching from the abyss.” The cross and anvil are traditionally used in the emblem of the AME domination. They represent the location of the first AME house of worship in a former blacksmith shop in the late 18th Century Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
According to the artist, “This work of art may be just the most significant work produces in the 218-year history of African Methodism.”
Each church throughout our Connection should have one for their narthex, fellowship hall or pastor’s study, “Metze added. And, the print is suitable to hang in a professional office or home.”
The event will also feature a pre-publication review of the unpublished book, “Letters to Saint Paul,” and the debut of a new work of sacred music, “You are Welcome. Want-a You Come.” Metze created both the book and sacred music. Allen University English Professor John Preacher will conduct the book review. The sacred music will be debuted by Relda Ogleton, who also transcribed the piece. The performance will be followed by a message from Metze, entitled, Glory to God, Guarding our Legacy.” The event will be officiated by the Rev. Dr. William Smith, Jr., Presiding Elder of the Columbia District of the AME Church.
An exhibit of other works of art by Metze will be on display until 7 p.m. in the church’s educational building. The artist will be on hand to sign and number the limited edition prints. Following the May 14th event, the print may be viewed and purchased at Cokesbury Books and Church Supplies, 2730 Broad River Road, Columbia, S.C.
For additional information, contact J. Morris Metze at (803) 407-2316 or email JMMetzeConsultin@AOL.com
7. FUNERAL NOTICE:
Mrs. Earnestine Watson, mother of Rev. Moses Green (12th district) will be funeralized on Saturday, May 7, 2005, 12:00 noon at the Bethel A.M.E. Church, West Memphis, Arkansas 2403 East Barton, West Memphis, Arkansas 72301.
Arrangements are with the wolf brothers’ funeral home, 128 so. 7th Street, West Memphis, Arkansas 72301, 870-735-5855.
Thank you,
Anita Brannon
12th District Office Manager
Please remember the family in your prayers.
8. FUNERAL NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Gretchen Morton, grandmother of Rev. Jocelyn Hart, who is the pastor of St. John AMEC – Niagara Falls. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Funeral – Friday, May 6, 2005
Service – 11:00 a.m.
Vermont Avenue Baptist Church
1630 Vermont Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20009
Fax: 202-667-1492
Condolences may be sent to:
Rev. Jocelyn Hart
C/o Vermont Avenue Baptist Church
1630 Vermont Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20009
Please remember the Hart family in your prayers during this time of their bereavement.
9. FUNERAL LOCATION CHANGE:
The funeral service for Rev. Thomas R. Jones on Thursday May 5, 2005 was moved to New Psalmist Baptist Church which is located at 4501 Old Frederick Avenue, Baltimore Maryland 21229 410-945-3000. The wake was from 10:30 AM-11:30 AM and the funeral service was to follow.
--
Rev. Dr. Joan L. Wharton
Mt. Zion AME Church
"I can do all things through
Christ who gives me the strength
10. ALL FUNERAL AND 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
