6/02/2005

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE (6/2/05)

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. AME LUNCHEON AT THE HAMPTON UNIVERSITY MINISTERS’ CONFERENCE:

The 2005 AME Luncheon at the Hampton University Ministers’ Conference will be held at the Radisson Hotel, 756 Settlers Landing Rd. • Hampton, VA, 23669, Telephone (757) 757-727-1271 on Thursday, June 9 at 1:30 p.m. The Radisson is adjacent to the Campus and as you leave the campus, proceed left on Settlers’ Landing and it is the tall building on the left after you cross the bridge.

We will be served the Executive Buffet which includes full salad bar of Garden Salad, marinated Vegetables and Pasta Salad and Potato Salad, Warms Rolls and Butter. The Entrees will be Southern Fried Chicken and Sliced Top Round of Beef with two side dishes of Green Beans Almondine and Oven Roasted Potatoes. The dessert will be what the hotel calls a Dessert Theatre (multiple desserts). Iced tea and coffee service will be provided at no additional cost.

The cost of the luncheon will be $20 which includes the luncheon plus gratuity and taxes (Actually the total came to $21.17 but Bishop Bryant agreed that we could round it off to $20). There will be a full compliment of waiters to provide service for our luncheon.

Let’s make the luncheon a memorable AME occasion as it has been in years past. .

2. A "NEW" CONGREGATION FOR AN OLD CHURCH:

A new congregation publicly launched in Bamberg, South Carolina. The congregation of Mount Zion African Methodist Church, Garnett, South Carolina recently purchased the Church Sanctuary, Educational Building and lot formerly known as Bamberg Presbyterian Church located at 67 Elm Street, Bamberg, South Carolina under the leadership of the Rev. and Mrs. Joseph U. Grant III.

This extended worship center is now known as: Grant Chapel African Methodist Church.

We extent you an invitation to a unique worship service where you are welcomed to become a part of a body of believers that reflects cultural and artistic diversity. A church that develops the creative gifts and promotes the fulfillment of God inspired vision for the life of each parishioner. A church where we believe and trust through the presence of the Holy Spirit your lives will be transformed.

Mt. Zion A.M.E Church, Garnett and Grant Chapel A.M.E. are a part of the Seventh Episcopal District under the leadership of The Rt. Rev. Preston Warren Williams II and Mother Wilma Delores Webb-Williams.

3. NEWS FROM PAYNE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY– THE “CHAPLAIN AND MRS. DAVID R. BROWN MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES FUND SCHOLARSHIP”

On Friday May 27th, the Reverend Joseph Pridgen was awarded the Ministry Opportunities Fund Scholarship during the 2005 Payne Theological Seminary Graduation Service. Reverend Pridgen is the son of the Reverend Conrad Pridgen, who is a pastor in the Washington Conference, Second Episcopal District.

Chaplain and Mrs. David R. Brown established the Ministry Opportunities Fund Scholarship two years ago at Payne Theological Seminary. This scholarship is awarded to the student that possesses the highest grade point average after their first year of studies.

The two previous award recipients were also present at the graduation service: the Reverends Lethea Still and Irma Croom from the Third and Eleventh Episcopal Districts respectively. Reverend Still has maintained academic excellence throughout her seminary training, graduating at the top of her class, while Reverend Croom has maintained a 4.0 grade point average and expects to graduate in May of 2006.

Reverend Joseph Pridgen received an award in the amount of $3000.00 through the scholarship fund.

4. THE CHRISTIAN DEBUTANTE-MASTER COMMISSION BOARD MEETING:

By Connectional Officer Loretta Hill (Reprinted A.M.E. Herald)

The Christian Debutante-Master commission held its annual Executive Board Meeting and Retreat in Memphis, Tennessee May 20-22, 2005 at the Radisson Inn Airport Hotel. Bethel AME Church served as the host church. The Rev. lmella Starks-Umoja is the pastor. Sister Gloria Ward, host Episcopal District DMC Commissioner and her committee hosted the event elegantly and those in attendance appreciated the graciousness of the host committee.

Bishop Vashti McKenzie Presiding Bishop of the 13th Episcopal District and Episcopal Supervisor Stan McKenzie were in attendance along with, Mrs. Yvonne Parks, WMS Supervisor from the 8th Episcopal District. The Rev. Dr. Daryl B. Ingram, Executive Director/Secretary Christian Education Department, presiding elders, pastors, Episcopal District MC, Conference and local DMC Commissioners; guests and friends also were in attendance.

All attendees received a beautiful red cloth tote bag with the DMC logo printed on the bag. There were many nice gifts in the tote bags, educational literature and souvenir journal. The Local Health Department nurses provided health education literature and provided blood pressure screening. Nurses also led exercises for the group during workshop sessions. A welcome reception and orientation were held Friday evening. The Executive Board Meeting followed the reception.

Attendees worked late into the night, brainstormed and discussed many issues regarding the DMC. Saturday began with prayer and praise walk in the park. A Prayer and Praise Breakfast followed. The breakfast and workshop sessions were held at Bethel A.M.E. Church. Participants from across the connection recited prayers-tenacity-the ant; innocence-sheep; courage-spider; self knowledge-monkey; integrity-lion/tiger; unity-boldness protection.

Bishop McKenzie and supervisor Stan McKenzie and Rev. Dr. Daryl Ingram greeted the attendees. Workshops topics included Focusing on the Vision, DMC History and Structure: God must be first, spiritual preparation, know thyself, mission and vision statement, setting goals, nurturing and training young people.

The meeting also emphasized, accepting change, and organizing a new DMC Leadership, along with tips for team leaders.

The group conducted a riding tour and visited the Memphis Child Advocacy Center and donated over 100 teddy bears to the agency. Lunch was held at the Isaac Hays Restaurant.

On Saturday evening, the attendees wore red (our DMC Color) for the Ruby and Pearl Dinner Theater. A wonderful evening of singing, acting, praise dancing, a touch of jazz, awards presentations, delicious food and oldies but goodies was shared by all. Gloria Ward served as toast mistress. Lovie Jacocks, Conference DMC Commissioner greeted the participants warmly and distributed many souvenirs and gifts to all in attendance. Loretta Hill thanked everyone for their time and hard work.

The Executive Board Meetings were long but productive. Many suggestions and plans were discussed. We look forward to the continued growth of the DMC.
The retreat ended with a Light to Freedom Service on Sunday morning. This service concluded with a commitment to go and help others seek God's Amazing, abundant love and power. The group departed to “serve a waiting community.”

The attendees completed an evaluation form and everyone agreed the meeting was an inspirational, energizing and educational Board Meeting and Retreat.

We will return to our respective districts and put what we learned here into action.
We look forward to more people participating in the DMC as we claim and retain our young people in this great Church of Allen.

5. THE FIVE FINGERS’ PRAYER:

(Author unknown)

1. Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a "sweet duty."

2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.

3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.

4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger; as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.

5. And lastly comes our little finger; the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others.

6. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Mrs. Alfreda Tate, passed away May 30, 2005. She is the widow of late Rev. James M. Tate, Jr., who pastored Trinity AME Church, Springfield, OH. She is the sister-in-law of Rev. P. Robert Tate, Presiding Elder, Youngstown District and Geraldine M. Tate, 3rd District M-SWAWO president.

The Arrangements: Calling Hours:

At the Funeral Home - Thursday, June 2, 2005; 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

At the Church - Thursday, June 2, 2005; 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. and Friday, June 3, 2005 - 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Funeral Service: Friday, June 3, 2005 11:00 a.m.
Trinity African Methodist Episcopal Church
554 Selma RoadSpringfield, OH 45506
Phone: 937-325-1372
Rev. Dwight Smith, Pastor
Porter-Qualls Funeral Home, Inc.
823 S. Yellow Springs Street
Springfield, OH 45506

Phone: 937-325-1447 or 1-800-972-9799 - FAX: 937-325-1744
Condolences can be sent to the Church or Funeral Home.
Email condolences can be sent to: gmtatept@msn.com

Please remember the family in your prayers.

7. FUNERAL NOTICE

We regret to inform you of the passing of Sis. Bernice Mungen, sister of Gloria Cartwright. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

Funeral - Friday, June 3, 2005
Service - 9:00 a.m.
Pilgrim A.M.E. Church
612 17th Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
Church: 202-396-8582/9514
Fax: 202-396-1987
Condolences may be sent to : Family of Bernice Mungenc/o Pilgrim A.M.E. Church at the above address and fax number

Please remember the family of the deceased in your prayers.

8. FUNERAL NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Reverend Raymond Thompson, Sr., pastor of St. James AME Church, Manalapan, New Jersey (New Brunswick District).

The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

Viewing - Friday, June 3, 2005
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 4, 2005
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Mt. Pisgah A.M.E. Church
354 Forrest Street
Jersey City, NJ 07304

The Rev. Reginald McRae, Pastor
201-435-3680
Funeral Service- Saturday, June 4, 2005, 9:00 a.m.
Mt. Pisgah AME Church
Same address as above
Condolences may be sent to:

Mrs. Esther Thompson
147 Bayview Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 07305

Please remember the Thompson family in your prayers during this time of their bereavement.

9. FUNERAL NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Deaconess Ethel Edward Hunter. She was the grandmother of Nolan Jones and mother of the late Elnora Jones.

The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

Viewing - Monday, June 6, 2005; 10:00 a.m. - 11 :00 a.m.
Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church
419 Richard Allen Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19147

The Rev. Jeffrey N. Leath, Pastor
215-925-0616
Funeral - Monday, June 6, 2005
Service - 11:00 a.m.

Mother Bethel AME Church
Same address as above
Condolences may be sent to:
The family of Deaconess Ethel Edward Hunter
c/o Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church
Same address as above I
nterment - Chelten Hills Cemetery

Please remember the Hunter family in your prayers during this time of their bereavement.

10. ALL DEATH AND FUNERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS RECEIVED FROM THE CLERGY FAMILY INFORMATION CENTER:

Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry - Chair, Commission on Social ActionCONN-M-SWAWO+PK'S

Mrs. Ora L. Easley - Administrator

Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
(Nashville, TN Contact) Phone: (615) 837-9736
Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936Fax: (615) 833-3781
(Memphis, TN Contact) (901) 578-4554 (Phone & Fax).