Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
Today's foreign language editions will follow this posting.
1. THE EDITOR'S CORNER:
Well, The Christian Recorder Online published its first foreign language edition. The responses have been positive and we are encouraged. We will have to determine the best approach, i.e., send a single issue with all of the languages (if the Webmaster says that is workable) or to send each language edition separately as we did this past Saturday. I would appreciate your feedback and suggestions. I suspect that I, and those who submit articles should keep idiomatic expressions to a minimum as they “get lost” in translation (and I have already broken the rule). In other words, we need to think globally. The world is getting smaller and in the words of Thomas L. Friedman, “The World is Flat.” The foreign language editions of The Christian Recorder should also help our students who are taking the foreign languages of the editions that we are publishing. Appended below is a letter received concerning our first foreign language edition:
Letter to the Editor:
I received THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE IN PORTUGUESE (7/21/05) forwarded by Bishop Sarah, our Bishop
I am Dionisio Mazuze, pastor of Francis Asbury and William P. DeVeaux A.M.E Church in Maputo, Mozambique (18th Episcopal District)
In my name particularly and in the name of the all Mozambique Annual conference, we say, thank you, from the deepest of our heart.
I believe this is an answer of our long time cry and prayer, because as St. Paul says in Roman 10.14, “How then shall they call upon him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe on him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without one who preaches?”
Your idea is being received with gratitude here in Mozambique; I took a copy to my Presiding Elder, the Rev. Jose Sevene yesterday. He also is excited and told me that he also is going to collaborate with us by helping me to edit and even to translate to our native languages. So, please when you send us the issues please send with the English version it will make our job very easy.
Mozambique Annual Conference is an annual conference that is in the process of growing. We have a demand for materials, like books newspapers, magazines and workshops to help the preachers, stewards, members, etc. to develop their skills and knowledge about the Church and other things useful to our members and community in this mission that God gave us.
I would like to congratulate you for your initiative, and believe your initiative is a very useful idea.
About the “readability of the Portuguese” as you said, let me be truthful for you, it has some mistakes and that’s normal as you often use English to communicate, but don’t worry I am going to, (if you allow me (smile….) to edit it when I receive it and then I am going to distribute it to members of our church here in Mozambique. And, I will send you back the edited edition. But, unfortunately, I am not going to this week because I am very busy in my job. But the next one I will edit for you and you might want to put it in the hardcopy Christian Recorder.
May God bless you and your family
The Rev. Dionisio Mazuze
dmazuze@ccs.co.za
+258 82 355 1600
Maputo, Mozambique
2. THE 29TH BIENNIAL SESSION OF THE CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION:
The 29th Biennial Connectional Lay Organization is still in session in Houston, Texas. It is a big meeting. As the Connectional President, Dr. Jesse Burns exclaimed, “The AME Church is not dying, it’s alive.” Bishop Gregory G. M. Gregory, introduced by Bishop Samuel Green, preached the opening sermon. He used as a subject, “Focusing on What Matters.” His text was taken from Mark 8: 22- 26. He told us that many of us are out of focus and that it is no wonder that many of our churches are out of focus. He revealed that God is doing a new thing and we need to be ready to do a new thing. Bishop Ingram went on to say that, in many instances, people are not coming to our churches because we are out of focus. He went on to chastise us that if God came into many of our churches, we would not recognize God. The AME Church is a great church, but it is time that we reinvent the AME Church. We need to envision what the church will look like in 15 – 20 years and to prepare for the changes that will take place. He cautioned that, “The Church needs a paradigm shift and that reinvention need not be scandalous, and in fact reinvention and shifting the paradigm might be invigorating.” Bishop Ingram said that the AME Church needs to get excited again, rid ourselves of dead churches, empty pews, and to “slay some of the dragons of traditionalism.” In the text, Jesus called the man back for a second touch after Jesus determined that his sight was out of focus and Bishop Ingram said that perhaps Jesus is calling back an out-of-focus AME Church for a second touch. He went on to say that, many of the clergy and laity need a second touch from the Master. It was a relevantly prophetic message.
The Lay Biennial had its election, only one office was contested, and that was the office of Connectional Recording Secretary. The incumbent and two other persons ran for that position and Sister Laurence McMillan, the incumbent, easily won reelection.
The laymen are organized and are running an efficient meeting. AMEs are somebody and as the Senior Bishop, the Right Reverend Philip Robert Cousin said, “The AME Church is far from dead!”
3. THE 48TH QUADRENNIAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE:
The next Quadrennial Session of the General Conference will be held in St Louis, Missouri, July 11 – 18, 2008.
4. REMINDER – THE NEW SUBSCRIPTION RATES BEGIN ON AUGUST 1, 2005:
The Christian Recorder - $36.00; Individual copies of The Christian Recorder will cost 1.50
The A.M.E. Church Review - $25.00; individual issues will cost $5.00
The Voice of Missions - $$25.00
The Journal of Religious Education - $25.00
The Secret Chamber - $25.00
5. INNOVATIONS FOR THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
Sister Faith White, a member of Ebenezer AME Church, Charleston, SC suggested several innovations:
A Youth Column - YPD Speaks
Technology Information Column
A Legal Column
We need assistance in the areas noted above.
6. THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE:
- If you wish to subscribe to The Christian Recorder Online, go to http://www.the-christian-recorder.org/
- If you wish to look at previous issues of The Christian Recorder Online, go to http://www.the-christian-recorder.org/tcr-online/
7. LETTER TO THE EDITOR:
Dear Dr. Sydnor,
I am curious as to whether or not the AMEC has an assessment instrument in place (or one in the works) that evaluates members in terms of their "spiritual fitness" to hold leadership positions. For lack of a better word, how does the AMEC prevent homosexuals, drug-addicts (not recovering), alcoholics (not recovering), adulterers (not just one moment of weakness), etc. from rising up through the ranks to become a local officer, pastor or eventually a bishop or general officer?
If there were such an instrument in place that were in line with the policies of the AMEC, which was given to every new member, convert, transfer member, etc. and placed in their file, could not that document be used as a basis for denying the request/desire of an individual who seeks to become an officer or a pastor?
Perhaps, with all of the legalities that abound in today’s society, this is not possible or feasible. But, how and where do we as a church begin? Or, are we destined to be subject of the next scandal such as the one the Episcopal Church has recently undergone?
Your comments or those from other individuals are most certainly welcome.
8. BISHOP E. EARL MCCLOUD HONORED IN CLIO, ALABAMA AS “HOMETOWN HERO”:
Written by Margrete Simmons, Director of Publicity, Ozark-Troy District
There was a sweet spirit throughout the town of Clio, as the South Alabama Conference celebrated “Bishop E. Earl McCloud Day” on Sunday, May 15 at the honoree’s home church, St. Peter African Methodist Episcopal Church, Reverend Russell Jones, Pastor. At the invitation of Host Presiding Elder Willis N. Huggins of the Ozark-Troy District, and Presiding Elder David E. Reddick of the Dothan-Eufaula District, pastors, ministers, and members of the South Alabama Conference of the Ninth Episcopal District of the AME Church as well as community leaders packed the church to join in the celebration services in honor of this beloved “Hometown Hero.”
Bishop McCloud, Ecumenical Officer and the 127th elected and consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, delivered the message during morning worship services of the St. Peter congregation. Also returning home was the honoree’s sister, Mrs. Rosa McCloud Baxter, Editor of The Missionary Magazine, the official organ of the Women’s Missionary Society of the AME Church. Bishop McCloud’s beloved nephews and other friends also attended the services. Words of tribute were read on behalf of those who could not attend the celebration, including Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, Presiding Prelate of the Ninth Episcopal District of the AME Church (State of Alabama) and members of the Alabama congressional delegation. Presiding Elder W. G. Treadwell of the Phenix City District greeted Bishop McCloud as the representative of the Ninth Episcopal District Board of Presiding Elders. Presiding Elder Ralph Neal of the Tuskegee District was also on hand. Reverend Nathaniel Copeland, Pastor of Nichols Chapel AME Church in Phenix City, Alabama, brought greetings on behalf of the ministers of the Ninth Episcopal District. Speaking on behalf of Governor Bob Riley was the Reverend James Arnell, Pastor of St. John AME Church in Montgomery. Also among the afternoon celebrants were church and civic leaders, including Honorable Jack Pelfry, Mayor of Clio, former school teachers, family and friends. Mrs. Doris Thomas relayed the well wishes of state representatives who could not attend the services. The St. Peter Mass Choir provided down-home gospel music for the services.
Last summer at the AME Church’s 2004 General Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana, this Dothan native and nephew of Retired Presiding Elder J. F. McCloud, was elected to the office of Bishop. He currently serves in the vital role of Ecumenical Affairs Officer of the AME Church, exhibiting remarkable skill as a spiritual ambassador for the church.
Bishop McCloud served as the pastor of First A.M.E. Church in Atlanta (formerly Hunter Hills A.M.E. Church) for more than eleven years. He also served as pastor of St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Fairfield AL from 1982-1989, following his service in the U.S. Army from 1974-1982. During the ministry of Pastor McCloud, more than 2,000 persons joined the A.M.E. Church. In addition to his gift of anointed delivery of God's Word, he has been called a "teacher, par excellence," and is known as an outstanding manager and developer of human resources. His prison ministry was featured on a CBS religious documentary. Perhaps Bishop McCloud's greatest contribution is his ability to empower others that they might maximize their gifts and talents to the glory of God. He has been actively involved in his community and is a member of several civic and professional organizations including Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (life member) and the NAACP (life member). A prepared messenger of God, Bishop McCloud holds a Doctor of Ministry Degree (1991) from United Theological Seminary, Dayton, OH; Master of Divinity (1988) from Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta; MBA (1984) from Webster University in St. Louis, MO; and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Tuskegee Institute, Tuskegee, AL. He is married to Attorney Patricia Russell-McCloud, a professional orator and author.
After the shower of gifts, resolutions, and words of tribute, a Southern Feast was served in the church’s dining hall. In his selfless service to God’s church, Bishop McCloud has brought great honor upon himself, his family, the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and his hometown, Clio, Alabama.
Submitted by Presiding Elder Willis N. Huggins, Presiding Elder
Ozark-Troy District, South Alabama Conference
Ninth Episcopal District
Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, Presiding Prelate
9. SEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2005 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:
The Right Reverend Preston Warren Williams, II, Presiding Bishop
The Palmetto Conference
August 22-26, 2005
Greater St. Luke A.M.E. Church
78 Gordon Street
Charleston, SC 29403
843-723-4498
The Rev. L. T. Baker, Host Pastor
The Rev. Allen W. Parrott, Host Presiding Elder
The Rev. Alonzo Middleton, Associate Presiding Elder
The Rev. Sandy W. Drayton, Associate Presiding Elder
The Northeast Conference
August 29-September 2, 2005
Union Station A.M.E. Church
945 South Main Street
Sumter, SC 29150
803-775-8200
The Rev. Friendly J. Gadson, Host Pastor
The Rev. Robert L. McCants, Host Presiding Elder
The Rev. Charles J. Graves, Associate Presiding Elder
The Rev. Theron E. Shields, Associate Presiding Elder
The Columbia Conference
September 12-16, 2005
Emmanuel A.M.E. Church
2130 Barhamville Road
Columbia, SC 29204
803-254-5064 Church 803-854-5067 Pastor
The Rev. Timothy Cokley, Host Pastor
The Rev. William Smith, Host Presiding Elder
The Rev. Rosalyn Coleman, Associate Presiding Elder
The Rev. James R. Glover, Associate Presiding Elder
The South Carolina Conference
September 19-23, 2005
St. James A.M.E. Church
1831 Jedburg Road
Summerville, SC 29483
843-688-5719
The Rev. Eddie Gaston, Jr., Host Pastor
The Rev. John Randolph, Host Presiding Elder
The Rev. John H. Gillison, Associate Presiding Elder
The Rev. Samuel Myers, Associate Presiding Elder
The Piedmont Conference
October 3-7, 2005
Friendship A.M.E. Church
1118 South Bell Street
Clinton, SC 29325
864-833-0130
The Rev. Charles R. Watkins, Jr., Host Pastor
The Rev. Jonathan J. Baker, Host Presiding Elder
The Rev. Oscar A. Klugh, Associate Presiding Elder
The Central Conference
October 10-14, 2005
Union A.M.E. Church
390 Old River Road
Elloree, SC 29047
803-826-6410
The Rev. Dr. John E. Washington, Host Pastor
The Rev. Willie J. Baxter, Host Presiding Elder
The Rev. Malachi Duncan, Associate Presiding Elder
The Seventh Episcopal DistrictPost-Conference Planning Meeting
November 17-18, 2005
Allen Temple A.M.E. Church
109 Green Street
Greenville, SC 29601
864-233-4181 Church 864-268-1704 Pastor
The Rev. Caesar R. Richburg, Host Pastor
The Rev. Jonathan Baker, Host Presiding Elder
10. THE CHAPLAINS’ CORNER - JULY 22, 2005 ENTRY FROM CHAPLAIN BROWN’S SEA JOURNAL:
Checking aboard USS BATAAN (LHD-5)
USS BATAAN (LHD-5) is a multi-purpose assault ship that is home ported in Norfolk, VA. It has a crew of over 1,200 sailors and twice that number whenever we embark our full compliment of United States Marines. This class of ship was billeted for two chaplains, one Catholic and one Protestant. Together, my colleague and I are tasked with the pastoral care of all the Sailors and their family members from the Mighty Warship BATAAN.
“Respect the steel”: it is the first unwritten rule aboard any naval vessel. Since all vessels are about 95% steel, it is incumbent upon you to realize that it is much stronger than your head, hands, knees and shins. Therefore, one must walk slowly through passageways, up and down ladders, and keep your balance as the ship sways back and forth. Steel is so utterly unforgiving that one simple lapse of judgment could cause serious injury or worse. Once you get used to your shipboard surroundings, then you could get around in a normal fashion. As for me, it had been almost three years since I had been on a ship so I was being extremely cautious with all my steps, walking, climbing and keeping balanced.
Underway for PANAMAX-05
PANAMAX-05 stands for Panama Exercise 2005. It is a multi-national exercise tailored to the defense of the Panama Canal involving armed forces from Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Honduras, Panama, Peru and the United States and observers from Mexico, Canada, El Salvador, Uruguay, France and Costa Rica. The BATAAN will serve as the command and control platform for the multinational force conducting the exercise. Surface, air, special operations and mine countermeasures forces will also deploy from BATAAN It has taken many months of preparation on an international level to coordinate all the forces that will be participating in the exercise.
Our ship got underway on 20 July steaming south for the Caribbean Sea. With the actual commencement of the exercise several weeks away, the crew would have plenty of time to conduct its underway training routine.
Daily Prayer Meeting
One staple that I immediately employ aboard ship is the Daily Prayer Meeting. When I arrived, my predecessor had a daily Bible Study in the mid-morning, which he conceded was poorly attended. I knew that a prayer meeting was “easier” to attend from prior experience; one could just come as they are without any preparation. The first prayer meeting no one showed up but the Holy Spirit and me. That is OK, though. It has always been my practice to pray regardless of who does/ does not show up. So, I took the time to pray silently for the ship, for my family, for the believers on the ship, the entire ministry: all the things that God laid on my heart at that moment.
The next day things were different. Three sailors showed up and we began the prayer meeting. We sang, shared testimonies, some cried and others prayed silently. I was just conducting the closing prayer and said “Amen” when another sailor came into the chapel and sat down. I politely announced to her that the meeting was over and but that she could stay behind and pray silently. Before I could finish those words, two more sailors came in for the meeting. I began to sense the meeting was not over just because I said “Amen.” God was not through with HIS prayer meeting yet. The testimonies shared by the “late-comers” were bold, full of the anointing and thoroughly encouraging. We concluded the meeting with hearts overflowing with joy
Dodging the storm
We were making good time heading south when Tropical Storm Franklin just “popped up”, causing us the ship to change its course. Our ship was a large vessel; stable and strong; weighing hundreds of thousand of tons, it takes a lot of energy to move it. However, our ship, like any other vessel that floats, is subject to the power of the wind, water and sky. So, it was normal procedure to avoid or evade tropical storms and hurricanes.
Evening Prayer at Sea
Naval tradition holds that the chaplain delivers an evening prayer while the ship is underway. The evening prayer is delivered over the 1MC, which is the ship’s intercom system, to the crew at 2155 hrs (9:55 p.m.). In my mind, the evening prayer was God’s moment to reach the entire crew. Tonight, I was afforded that privilege and the following is the text of the prayer that was offered:
Let us pray
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.
Blessed are the people he has chosen for His own
All wise and everlasting God, we pray for safe steaming en route to PANAMAX. We understand that this exercise will include the participation of many nations: Argentina, Panama, Columbia, Dominican Republic, just to name a few. There will be various cultures, languages and ethnicities, all quite competent and professional fighting forces.
Undoubtedly, it is our people, our training, and our hardware that makes us so outstanding in such an exercise. But, let it also be said that the trait, which sets us apart, is that we place our trust in you. Let all our allied participants come away with the impression that we are a people of faith, values and virtue; a people who not only love freedom but also understand that it is a gift from your hand; one that is well-worth preserving and defending.
O God, we trust you with our lives, livelihood and loved ones. In doing so, we declare that you are our God and we are your people.
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.
Blessed are the people he has chosen for His own.
Amen.
11. SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION FROM THE REVEREND JOHN DANDRIDGE:
Knoxville College down in East Tennessee did something unheard of this week. It reduced its tuition from $5,000 to $1,400 per student, including room, board and books! And, that is not all.All a student needs is $600 for the enrollment deposit. The other $800 can be paid in four monthly installments of $200 each. The college says the program is funded by corporate sponsors, and guarantees a college education where students graduate debt free. Enrollment requirements include a high school diploma and a 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. However, if your student has below a 2.0, and is certain that they are college material; they may be considered provided they get three letters of recommendation.I called the college at 865-524-6500 and substantiated that this offer is legitimate, and students, both in-state and out-of-state, are eligible to attend. There is a list of options on the college's Web site to explain how students can work their way through, even though they are on this type of scholarship.
Knoxville, a historically Black college, was founded in 1875 as part of the missionary effort of the United Presbyterian Church. It has had its problems in the past, but was recently reconstituted. It offers such majors as biology, business, chemistry, communications, computer science, psychology and sociology. Check it out. This is a great opportunity for any student who is looking for a way to go to college right away.
12. FULBRIGHT DIVERSITY OUTREACH:
I was appointed to work on diversity outreach for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program - www.fulbrightonline.org/us . The Fulbright grant is awarded to U.S. citizens to complete an independent study or English teaching assistantship abroad. I am writing in hopes that you help me communicate with your church members and participants to spread the word on the existence of Fulbright. We are targeting a number of Black and multi-racial Churches, CONN-M-SWAWO and the African Methodist Episcopal Church to help increase the number of minority applicants. We invite leaders and potential applicants to visit our website at http://www.imakenews.com/fulbright/index000079718.cfm
Didier Sylvain Project Officer,
Fulbright Student Program Outreach Institute of International Education
809 United Nations Plaza New York, New York 10017
Phone: (212) 984-5382 Fax: (212) 984-5325
13. HOTEL INFORMATION FOR THE KENTUCKY ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
Hotel accommodations for the Kentucky Annual Conference have been blocked at the Holiday Inn (host hotel) and Hampton Inn. The room blocks are in the name of St. John AME Church for September 14 through 16. These rooms will be held until August 23, 2005, at the rates listed below.
Please contact the hotel and request a room from the St. John AME block. You will be required to confirm the room in your name for the conference. If you give the hotel you credit card number the room will be held until your arrival otherwise the room will be held until 6 p.m. the date of arrival.
Holiday Inn Capital Plaza Hotel
405 Wilkerson Blvd.
Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
(502) 227-5100
Room rate: $74.37 (Single or Double) including tax
Restaurant on site
Hampton Inn
1310 U.S. Highway 127 S
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 223-7600
Room rate: Single $77.63 including tax
Double $89.51 including tax
(Continental Breakfast provided and restaurants around the hotel.)
If you have any questions or need additional information please contact Courtney L. Carter @ (502) 848-0892 home, (502) 229-9980 cell, or e-mail clcarter12104@hotmail.com.
14. THE PASTOR’S CORNER - NAKED WITHOUT SHAME
18The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” 19Now the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. 20bBut for Adam no suitable helper was found. 21So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s rib and closed up the place with flesh. 22The Lord God made a woman from the rib He had taken out of the man, and He brought her to the man. 25The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame. (Genesis 2: 18- 22, 25)
God created humankind to live naked and to feel no shame. This standard is to be reflected in the relationship between a husband and wife, human beings with one another, humankind and nature, Christ and His Church, and between all humankind and God.
To be naked is to live a life requiring nothing be concealed. Our lives can be open, revealed, and uncovered, no secrets, nothing hidden, all can be exposed. Being able to live such a life would afford us the joy of living without shame. We would experience no feelings of guilt or remorse. We wouldn't be haunted by anguish or anxiety over past behavior. Some media organizations might go out of business because of the absence of situations that bring about disgrace, embarrassment, dishonor, indignity, or humiliation. We'd have to find something new to report.
“Naked Without Shame” is God’s standard for our relationships. In marriage, (Ephesians 5: 21-33) we would enjoy mutual submission to the image of God in each other. In the human community, (Ephesians 4: 1-17) we could thrive as a unified body growing together. In nature, (Genesis 1: 26-31) we would be in harmony with the earth that was given by God to humankind. We would treat it as its Creator would. In the Church, (Ephesians 5: 21-33) Christ’s sacrifice for the church would be honored by the church’s reverence for Christ. Between God and us, (Genesis 1: 26-28) those created in God’s image would reflect God’s presence in creation.
Breaking God’s standard of living “Naked Without Shame” results in both concealment and shame (Romans 3:23). Whenever God’s standard is broken, something dies. In marriage, (Genesis 3: 16) we experience the loss of love and respect. In the human community, (Genesis 3: 20) we lose regard for each other and for the value of the human life. In nature, (Genesis 3:21) nature is prostituted for our purposes. In the Church, (Genesis 3:22) we lose our moral authority and social relevance as we refuse to submit to the Christ who died to form the church. Between God and us, (Genesis 3:22-24) humankind is separated from God and God’s purpose for our lives is lost.
God’s original standard has been broken (Genesis 3: 1-24). Our pride, (who I think I think I am) results in us making coverings for ourselves (Genesis 3:1-7). We view ourselves as equals to or above God to achieve our own desires. We're plagued by our own delusions, suffering from an unwillingness or inability to accept and effectively manage reality.
God, the Father sent Jesus Christ, the Son to restore to all humankind to the state of living naked and feeling no shame. Christ is the Source of our reconciliation and restoration. We were powerless to reconcile ourselves and Christ sacrificed Himself for us (Romans 5: 6-11). He saved us from God’s wrath for our having broken God’s standard. Christ has restored God’s standard and reconciled us to God.
Accept Jesus as Savior. Proverbs 3: 5-7 gives us a template for restoring God’s standard for relationships – Living Naked Without Shame.
1. Proverbs 3: 5 - Trust God. Depend and rely on the stability of God. David describes trust as “I was cast upon you; from my mother’s womb you have been my God.” (Psalm 22: 9-10) The picture is one of us looking to God as the source of our identity. Pride is conquered as I accept the identity given to me by an Almighty God.
2. Proverbs 3: 6 - Acknowledge God. Know God personally, and be in fellowship with God. God desires to clear obstructions from your path and enable you to go forward. God doesn't call us to be successful; God calls us to be faithful.
3. Proverbs 3: 7 – Reverence God. This is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom. Wisdom is knowledge applied according to the mind of God. We are able to effectively deal with life by the wisdom and power of God operating in us.
God has reopened the door for us to live “Naked Without Shame.” As we choose to trust, acknowledge, and reverence God as our Creator, Redeemer, and Judge we walk through that door toward living a life that is “Naked Without Shame.”
Pastor James Moody
Quinn Chapel, Chicago
15. BEREAVEMENT NOTICE – 11TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:
Regretfully we share news of the passing of Mrs. Barbara J. Jackson, the beloved and dedicated YPD Director of the 11th Episcopal District on Monday, July 18, 2005.
Mrs. Barbara Jackson was the spouse of the Reverend Charles Jackson, Pastor of Hurst Chapel AME in Orlando, Florida and the sister of Bishop E. Earl McCloud of the Office of Ecumenical & Urban Affairs of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The Celebration of Life Service for Mrs. Jackson was held on Thursday, July 21, 2005, at St. Mark AME Church in Orlando, Florida.
Bishop McKinley Young, Presiding Bishop of the 11th Episcopal District was the Eulogist. Condolences can be sent to:
The Reverend Charles Jackson & Family
3998 Southlake Orlando Parkway
Orlando, FL 32808
(407) 578-9783 (FAX) (407) 292- 7375 (phone)
16. BEREAVEMENT NOTICE - 15TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ
I am saddened to have to inform you of the passing of the mothers of two of our sisters in Christ.
The Mother of the Cape Town District Sunday School Superintendent passed on yesterday afternoon. Lucinda Oliver's mother, member of Robinson Chapel, Bonteheuwel was hospitalized, and after the doctors gave up hope, was about to be transported home by the Rev. Willem Burger yesterday afternoon when she passed on to glory.
This morning, in the early hours, we also learned of the passing of the mother of Charlene Jordaan, the Secretary to Bishop Green and member of Richard Allen, Elsies River. Juffrou Iris Hendrick, (Aunty I, as we know her) the wife of the late Rev. Hendricks, was also hospitalized and passed on while in their care.
We pray that the good Lord will comfort, strengthen and guide these two families in their times of bereavement.
Once again, I think it would be appreciated if our brothers and sisters could in some meaningful way show support to these two families in their respective times of personal grief.
Charlene can be contacted at 951 8193, or 082 479 5175 and Lucinda can be contacted at 448 2282 (w) or 695 2275 (h) the local dialing code being 021
May God bless you and remember we are all borrowed to this earth for a while and each should be working at and with their eyes on our future homes in glory.
Regards
Nigel Titus
Please also be informed of the sad loss of the sister of the Rev. Vernard E. Bailie and what I was not informed of previously is that Luncinda Oliver also lost her father a few days before her mother passed.
Please keep them in your prayers and offer some support.
Regards
Nigel
Please remember these families in your prayers.
17. BEREAVEMENT NOTICE – 17TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT!
The Rwanda Annual Conference
P. O. BOX 1679
Kigali/Rwanda
The Right Reverend Paul J. M. Kawimbe, Presiding Bishop
Regretfully we share news of the passing of the beloved Pastor Joshua Ndeze, and Operations manager of our Saving and Credit Union - COOPEC INTERA on Sunday, July 24, 2005, after a short illness.
The Celebration of Life Service for Pastor Joshua Ndeze will be held on Tuesday, July 26, 2005, at the Kayove Pentecostal Church.
Condolences can be sent to:
The Reverend Edouard Ngendahayo
The General Administrative Assistant to the Bishop
Rwanda Annual Conference
17th Episcopal District
(250) 08506700 (phone)
and to:
The Reverend Felix Uwamahoroth,
Chairman of the Board of Directors of Saving and Credit Union-INTERA
Rwanda Annual Conference
17th Episcopal District (250) 08485253 (phone)
Please remember the family in your prayers.
The Rev. Edouard Ngendahayo Rwanda Annual Conference
18. BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action Clergy Family Information Center
Mrs. Ora L. Easley - Administrator Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
(Nashville, Tennessee Contact) Phone: (615) 837-9736 Fax: (615) 833-3781
(Memphis, Tennessee Contact) (901) 578-4554 (Phone & Fax)
Please remember these families in your prayers.
19. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of the Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement.
Archive of The Christian Recorder Online from 2004-2016; Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
