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Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
1. THE EDITOR’S CORNER:
Bishop Anderson reminds us that there was a 1992 amendment to our Motto, “God Our Father * Christ Our Redeemer * Man Our Brother” with the change, “God Our Father * Christ Our Redeemer * Humankind One Family.” Have we updated the motto that originated with Paul Quinn or are we staying with the original motto?
Another question that is not related to the AME Church, “Why does the United Methodist Church have a burning cross (cross with a flame) as a symbol? One could be reminded of a burning cross at a Ku Klux Klan or racist rally. I am sure the UMC symbol of the cross and the flame has no connection to America’s dark past, but I am just curious.
2. BISHOP RICHARD FRANKLIN NORRIS PREACHES AT GRANT A.M.E. CHURCH CHESILHURST, NEW JERSEY
The Occasion of the Church’s Dedication of the Newly Renovated Parsonage
By Carolyn A. Mann
“By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.”
Proverbs 24:3-4 (NIV)
As Grant A.M.E. Church celebrated the dedication of the newly renovated parsonage on July 3, 2005, members reflected on the past, present and what they hope the future will bring.
The 11 a.m. service began with the clarion call to worship by Pastor Rassmann. In attendance was the Presiding Elder of the Atlantic City District, Richard T. Druid, and with his unique style presented our Presiding Prelate of the First Episcopal District.
Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, Presiding Prelate aroused the congregation at the 11:00 AM morning worship service as he spoke on the topic “Excelling under Siege …because God never fails to deliver us.”
In his opening remarks, Bishop Norris praised the leadership of Rev. Lynda T. Rassmann for not only being the shepherd of the flock at Grant, but also for her outstanding leadership in the Atlantic City District, New Jersey Conference Level of the AME Church and her outreach as the State’s Program Director of New Jersey Human Development Corporation (NJHDC)-Project Rebuild, a family strengthening program which targets African American Families who are dealing with various health related issues, behavioral risks, and communication breakdowns within the family.
Bishop Norris articulated, “We find ourselves in difficulty because we are ambiguous for what we stand for.” He further stated, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., said it best, when he stated, ‘that we should stand for something or we'll fall for anything.’ Today, we are excelling under siege…because God never fails to deliver us. The Christian Church’s faith “is now in a precarious situation because of what is happening in society; there is an onslaught of attacks on the Church; the devil is busy and the traditional family is being threatened. Bishop Norris added that Christians must remain vigilant, trust in and wait on God, and always remember that righteousness exalts a nation and its people.”
Reverend Lynda T. Rassmann echoed her sentiments on this glorious occasion many times, as she gave her accolades to the hardworking and supportive officers and church family that brought us from where we were to where we are now.
Rev. Rassmann continues to increase awareness and educate houses of worship through her powerful, spirit-filled messages throughout the State of New Jersey on the devastating effects that HIV/AIDS has on its victims, families and communities.
Rev. Rassmann was received into the ministry during the time that she was a member at St. Luke AME Church, Egg Harbor City, New Jersey under the pastoral leadership of The Reverend Kathryn M. Nixon and licensed to preach in 1982 by the late Presiding Elder Nathaniel L. Burgess. Rev. Nixon’s presence on this day was filled with gratitude to God as she witnessed this milestone in her “daughter’s” continued accomplishments and service in God’s vineyard.
After the well-received powerful message and service, Bishop Norris, Mother Norris, Presiding Elder Druid, Rev. Rassmann, Brother William Rassmann, Ministerial Staff, The Honorable Arland Poindexter, Mayor, Borough of Chesilhurst, political officials, (Council Woman – Lila White Robinson and Michael Amos, Council Person), officers, members, and guests, proudly processed from the church for the dedication of Grant’s parsonage which is located across from the church at Fourth and Washington Avenues, Chesilhurst, New Jersey. During the ceremony, Mayor Poindexter presented the key to the City of Chesilhurst to Bishop Norris.
Reverend Rassmann acknowledged the presence of Mrs. Naomi Evers –Lynch, daughter of the late Maxine Monroe Evers and her brother, the late Morgan Evers, for their family’s monetary contributions and ornate furnishings for the parsonage.
The dedication service concluded with Bishop Norris, Mother Mary Ann Norris, First Episcopal District Supervisor, Pastor Rassmann, First Man, William Rassmann, Ministerial Staff and special guests feasting on a scrumptious dinner that was hosted by the Stewards and Trustees of Grant.
2. THE FOURTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2005 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:
The Right Reverend Philip R. Cousin, Sr., Presiding Bishop
August 11-14, 2005
CANADIAN ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Holiday Inn Select 519-966-1200
Windsor Ontario Canada
Host: Tanner AMEC, Windsor
519-363-3817
August 15-21, 2005
MICHIGAN ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Hyatt Regency 313-593-1234
Dearborn, Michigan
Host: Oak Grove AMEC, Detroit
September 12-18, 2005
ILLINOIS ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Holiday Inn Select 217-422-8800
Decatur, Illinois
Host: St. Peter AMEC, Decatur
September 19 -25, 2005
INDIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Hilton North 317-849-6668
Indianapolis, Indiana
Host: Robinson Community AMEC
Indianapolis- 317-283-3783
October 3-9, 2005
CHICAGO ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Holiday Inn Conference Center 708-747-3500
Matteson, Illinois
Host: Mayo AMEC, Matteson
708-503-1400
October 20-22, 2005
2005 4TH DISTRICT PLANNING MEETING
Crowne Plaza O’Hare
5440 North River Road
Rosemont, Illinois (Chicago)
847-671-6350
For additional information:
400 East 41st Street - Suite 114 –
Chicago, Illinois 60653-0539
Office: 773.373.6587
Fax: 773.373.8356
Email: 4thadministrator@sbcglobal.net
Website: http://fourthdistrictame.org/
3. GREATER ALLEN MEN’S MINISTRY- “PREPARING & SERVING THIS PRESENT AGE”:
Male Chorus
Men’s Fellowship
Sons of Allen
Church School Men’s Class
Annual Men’s Day
*Paul/Timothy Mentoring Ministry
*Male Usher Board
*The Master’s Men ~ Adult Men
*Boyz to Men ~Middle School & High School
*Saving our Sons (SOS) ~Elementary
*To Be Announced
It has been discovered that over 75% of the church in America is comprised of women. There is always the question, “Where are the men?” If the men of the church are absent, what message is being conveyed? Does it convey a message that men are not needed? If the men are absent, what does it say about the relevance of today’s message to the man? In order to overcome male absenteeism, this ministry offers itself to enhance the relationship with God that men need to be Christian role models. This ministry has the mandate of preventing the surge of populating prisons; it has the mandate of not promoting promiscuity; it has the mandate of encouraging education, family values, community responsibility, and above all, a personal relationship with God.
Objective – The Greater Allen Men’s Ministry will seek to serve, encourage, and nurture male relationships among the males of the congregation and the community. This will be fundamental to the teachings of Holy Scripture. This ministry will function as a service to all aspects of manhood. It will seek to promote Christ, Christianity, and Christian living. It will operate under the guise of the local church as well as respecting the denominational doctrine and discipline. But, most important, it seeks to help Christian men to become priests, protectors, and providers of their home, in the church, and in the community. This ministry is designed to keep Christian men from becoming absent fathers, neglectful men, disrespectful to women, and members of the justice system. Therefore, any male can participate in any of the activities of this ministry.
Structure – The Greater Allen Men’s Ministry will be a consortium of male groups that are specifically designed for the activity of the men of the church. Each group will have its function and will act accordingly. It will be expected that each member of each group will participate so that the ministry will fully reach its objective. Therefore, each member has a responsibility of carrying his own load. Hint to the wise: do not take on more than what you can handle.
5. ALLEN UNIVERSITY READING INITIATIVE TRAINS CHURCH-BASED
VOLUNTEERS TO IMPROVE READING SKILLS OF SOUTH CAROLINA CHILDREN:
COLUMBIA, S.C.–July 29, 2005–Allen University will conduct the first of two training sessions for volunteers seeking to help South Carolina’s students improve their reading proficiency on tomorrow, July 30, 2005.
At tomorrow’s session, which begins at 10 a.m. in the atrium of Adams Gymnatorium, volunteers in the new Allen University Reading Initiative will receive training and materials from experts in the fields of reading, nutrition and social work. Those experts include Traci Young Cooper, 2001 S.C. Teacher of the Year, and Dr. Christine Boone, Fulbright Scholar.
Those volunteers who complete the training will become “master trainers” who will be able to go back into their own communities to train others to aid students in their reading proficiency. The volunteers were recruited from 14 African Methodist Episcopal Churches along the I-95 corridor.
The Allen University Reading Initiative was developed to initiate, support, and evaluate church-based reading programs that enhance the reading proficiency of students in grades one through eight.
The Initiative was created under a partnership between Allen University, the Seventh Episcopal District of the AME Church, and Parents and Adults Inspiring Reading Success (PAIRS) – a project of South Carolina’s daily newspapers administered by the S.C. Education Oversight Committee.
For additional information, contact Jason Darby at (803) 376-5749 or jdarby@allenuniversity.edu.
6. THE PHILADELPHIA SOUTH DISTRICT CHURCH SCHOOL CONVENTION WAS “OFF THE HOOK”:
By Angelena Spears
The Philadelphia South District Church School Convention was less than an hour into its program when Presiding Elder Dr. Charles H. Lett, Sr. labeled it as being “off the hook.” By the time the two-day event was over, people everywhere were saying it was one of the most spirit-filled church school conventions they had ever attended.
The convention was held (June 24 and 25) at Mount Zion, Norristown (PA) under the leadership of the South District’s Church School Superintendent, Sister Jean Adams, of Wesley, Swarthmore, and her assistant, Sister Shirley Richards, of Morris Brown, Philadelphia.
The Friday night service was precluded by a delicious dinner served by the host church. Immediately after dinner, there was a procession into the sanctuary led by the choirs and followed by the church school superintendents and students from the 17 churches in the district. Each church school marched into the sanctuary holding their banners high and then laying them upon the altar. It did not take long before there was standing room only in the church and ushers were lining the aisles with extra chairs.
The Holy Spirit seemed to be everywhere as the choirs sang and the praise dancers leaped into the air with praise. The two choirs were Anointed Praise from Mount Zion, Norristown and Essence of Joy from Wesley, Swarthmore. Elder Lett’s son-in-law, Bryant Martin, Sr., directed anointed Praise. The eight-member praise dance team was also from Mount Zion.
The Rev. Alberta Jones from Wesley delivered a dynamic sermon. Her text was taken from James 1:19-25 and her title was “Just Do It.” She challenged the young people to be more than just “readers” of the word, but willing to apply the teachings to their lives. She related her message to the fact that she has many cookbooks in her home. She said that because she has so many cookbooks, many people might assume that she was an excellent cook. Then she said the truth is that she merely likes to read the cookbooks and look at the pictures. She said that to be a good cook, one needs to do more than just read the books; one has to follow the directions. Similarly, to be good Christians we have to do more than read the Word; we have to follow its directions, Rev. Jones said.
After the powerful and down-to-earth message, four young people came forward to give their lives to Christ.
During his closing remarks on Friday night, Elder Lett thanked Sister Adams and Richards for their dynamic leadership of the South District Church School. He also recognized special guests including Sis. Jeanne Chavious, the Philadelphia Conference Church School Superintendent, and acknowledged Sister Lorrraine Council, the host superintendent, and the Rev. Kanice D. Johns, the host pastor.
Elder Lett also recognized his wife, Mrs. Sylvia Lett, and noted that all three of his children and his grandson, were in attendance.
The Saturday morning service began early at 8 a.m. with a bountiful continental breakfast and registration. After the meditation, each of the church schools presented a short skit based upon the convention’s theme, “Spread the Seed.” Sister Richards explained that the conference theme was a complement to the workshop theme in February, which was “You Plant the Seed” – based on Matthew 13 (the Sower).
Each church school student had been encouraged to plant seeds in February and to bring the flowers to the convention to display their growth.
After the skits, Elder Lett gave coins to children who could answer questions and recite scripture. He and Sister Lett also gave a one-dollar coin to every child who brought their flower to the convention.
Marlena Spells, the Philadelphia Conference’s Youth of the Year, was a special guest on Saturday morning. Marlena will be a senior at Pennwood High School in Lansdowne this fall, and is a member of Shorter, Morton (PA). She read the essay she submitted to win her title and also recited a poem she had written.
The convention ended with a picnic at the local Elmwood Park. The host church grilled hot dogs, hamburgers and sausages – with all the trimmings. A big hit with the children was the Rita’s Water Ice. In addition to the great food, there were plenty of activities, including tennis, volleyball; horseshoes, jump-rope and hula-hoop – and the children took full advantage of the playground equipment at the park. The beautiful weather was the perfect backdrop for this convention that Elder Lett had so correctly penned as being “off the hook.”
Written by: Angelena Spears
Philadelphia South District Reporter
Member – Bethel, Reading
Phone 610-678-0108
Cell: 1-484-651-5968
7. THE CHAPLAINS’ CORNER - SAILING INTO THE GULF OF MEXICO:
Journal Note for 24 July 2005
We finally made our way past the storm and past Key West, Florida into the Gulf of Mexico. The waters in the gulf at this time of year range between 85-88 degrees, which is very warm and comfortable. On the surface, their color is a deep, azure blue that has a brilliant sparkle like a sapphire in direct sunlight. It is crystal clear too; from the front of the ship, one can peer down through the water and see the pale, red bulb of the ship’s bow, which extends some sixty to eighty feet below the water line.
Medical Emergency!
The entire ship was conducting a training exercise when all of a sudden a medical emergency was called over the 1MC (Ship’s intercom). At first, I thought that it was only part of the drill but when they called for the ship’s medical team to prepare the Intensive Care space for an actual casualty, I knew that someone was very badly hurt. As it turned out, there was a sailor who was critically injured by some heavy machinery five decks down, almost at the bottom of the ship. It was impractical to move him all the way up to the medical deck for treatment so the doctors and hospital corpsman treated him right there. Unfortunately, his injuries were so profound that he could not be resuscitated. He was pronounced dead shortly after 2 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
He was nineteen years old. But, most sailors are about that age when they die; either by accident or in combat, they normally die young and quick. The Armed Forces is inherently dangerous, something that every member of our all-volunteer force understands. This sailor’s death, though, still left the most of the crew in a state of shock and grief, particularly those who were in his work division. It was a profoundly sad moment onboard ship.
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD)
CISD is a stress management tool that is utilized by the Navy to help sailors who have been involved in a traumatic event to help them cope with the after affects. It begins with a structured, individual sharing by group members. Each member is asked to respond to this question: “What part did I play in the trauma/event/ accident?” One by one, each participant shares strictly, what he or she did during the event, which allows for the pressure of pent-up emotions to subside slowly. Once every participant has had the opportunity to share, then he or she is asked, “How do you feel right now?” The answers can range from sad to angry, hurt to numb and even helpless. What we discovered is that most sailors took the time to share their experience in the accident and their feelings about the death. The Catholic chaplain, who is also known as “Father Mike,” held a debriefing with the sailors and medical personnel who were immediately present at the scene of the accident. The debriefing I conducted consisted of members from the deceased sailors’ work division.
Sunday Worship
All worship services are conducted in the ship’s chapel, which has a comfortable seating capacity of forty people. Now, I realize that number may seem small but you have to keep in mind that this vessel was built as a Navy warship and not a church. It is primary design and function is in support of military operations anywhere in the world. It has to house 3,000 personnel, store the berthing areas, food, fuel, and material to support that number as well as numerous aircraft with their respective maintenance spaces.
Another challenge is conducting ministry towards the church’s “missing” demographic of people, which is single men and women between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five years of age. About 75% of the crew falls into this age group and they are attracted to genuine presence leading to authentic relationship, which culminates in commitment to the Lord. Simply put, they want to know/see/experience that your faith, behavior and belief are congruent and for real. Then they will open up, connect with what you preach, and teach, which, by God’s grace, will lead them into a saving relationship with Jesus. This paradigm cuts against the traditional one, which proposes, “Come to church and worship.” It is almost as if they will only respond if the church comes to them first; i.e. “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14).
Praise the Lord! My very first worship service aboard ship went very well. Twenty-nine people came to the chapel to for the service. From that number, we will seek to build an active core fellowship of believers.
Port Visit: Ingleside, Texas
We were just about a day’s journey away from our first port visit in Ingleside, TX. It would be what is known as a working port. That is, there would be opportunities for liberty but the primary goal of the visit would be the on-load of material, equipment, aircraft and personnel. During our last evening at sea, I offered the following prayer:
In-Port Ingleside
Let us pray
Gracious God, we want to thank you this evening for bringing us to the brink of our port visit in Ingleside, TX. Though Ingleside will be a working port, you have allowed our time there to be sprinkled with opportunities for recreation and leisure.
We want to thank you for the total team effort from that it took from the crew that has contributed to being thus far along the journey. Thank you for the work and Watch Standing during Flight Operations, in the Forward and Aft Engine Rooms, the Bridge, Combat Systems; in the Ammunition Magazines, Mess Decks and Wardroom: indeed all throughout the ship.
Thank you for our Captain, for the wisdom and grace that you have placed upon her. Continue to surround her with advisors that will fortify her judgment as she balances the tension between the blessing and burden of command.
O Lord, we pray for your mercy while in-port Ingleside. Help us to be safe and smart, caring for each other's wellbeing as shipmates always do.
In your Strong Name we pray, Amen.
Next Entry: News from Ingleside, Texas
8. WILBERFORCE UNIVERSITY BALTIMORE CHAPTER ALUMNI ASSOCIATION:
Baltimore, Maryland - The Greater Baltimore Chapter, Wilberforce University Alumni Association held its Annual Green and Gold Breakfast at The Forum Caterers, 4210 Primrose Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, May 7, 2005.
Guests were treated to a pre-breakfast of assorted fruits, bagels, and pastry as they entered the Ballroom. The Breakfast was delicious as only the Forum Caterers can serve. The Master of Ceremonies for the Breakfast was Mr. Raymond V. Haysbert, Sr., ’48. Mr. Haysbert was introduced by J. Wayman Henry, Jr., ‘62.
The Program theme this year was “Growing with Expectancy and Excellence.” In anticipation of the celebration of Wilberforce University’s founding one hundred and fifty years, our emphasis was placed on our heritage and proud tradition, which was presented this year by Mr. George K. David, III, Class of 1943. Offering the Greetings was Lt. Col. (Ret) Monroe Manning, Class of 1953, and The President of the Greater Baltimore Chapter. The Reverend Juretha Joyner-Maiden, Class of 1988, gave the Invocation/Blessing. Mr. Jonathon Scott, Enrollment Management Officer from Wilberforce University presented the audience with the State of the University. Three significant points were raised. (1) The University, which had over $3,000.000 in debt in 2000, was now operating in the black, with a surplus; (2) There has not been an increase in student tuition cost the last three years. (3) The accrediting body, North Central Association, during its spring visit, gave glowing reports on Wilberforce University. Dr. Floyd H. Flake is doing an outstanding job as the President of the University.
An outstanding local artist, Ms. Mia Miatas, rendered music.
The Presentation of Awards
Ms. Antonia presented the Daniel Alexander Payne Award to the Reverend Howard C. Wright, Pastor of Grace A.M.E. Church, Catonsville, MarylandWorkman, ‘ 73; The Community Service Award was presented to Mr. Jesse J. Shanks, Sr., a Harford County, Maryland activist by Mrs. Barbara Shingler; and The Visionary Award to Mr. David I. Owens, Coach at St. Francis Academy, Baltimore, Maryland, Head of Metropolitan Baltimore Tennis Academy by Mrs. Carla Hopkins. ’88.
Highlights of the Breakfast were the testimony of two current students, who are now sophomores at the University who told prospective students and parents of their first year experiences on the campus. It was all-positive and they indicated that they could not wait to get back to Campus in August to begin their second year. They were Mr. Matthew Shepherd and Mr. Brandon Holmes, both members of Grace A.M.E. Church, Catonsville, Maryland.
Mrs. Ruth Manning ’53 administered Door Prizes and it appeared that everyone was a winner.
Out of town guests included Mrs. Ruby Smith Marshall ’61 and her husband, Mr. Oliver Smith from the South Jersey Chapter, Wilberforce Alumni.
The Chairperson for the Breakfast was Mrs. Carlene Curry-Henry ’61 who thanked the supporters and the Honorees and solicited their support for Wilberforce University and future fundraising activities.
Submitted by J. Wayman Henry, Jr.
Date: June 16, 2005 Telephone: (410) 467-1352
9. BALTIMORE CONFERENCE LAY ORGANIZATION:
Baltimore, Maryland – Cambridge, Maryland was the site for the Baltimore Conference Lay Organization Retreat. This took place during the weekend of May 13-14, 2005. Bethel A.M.E. Church, Cambridge, Maryland served as the host. The Retreat was under the direction of the Conference Director of Lay Activities, Sister Erica McClammy, Esquire. The Retreat began on Friday, May 13, 2005 with Registration. It was followed by Devotions, the welcome and overview of the weekend activities. The purpose of the BCLO’s first Lay Institute and Retreat is to prepare a course of action for the BCLO for the 2005-2006 Conference year, providing information and training to local laypersons in developing and maintaining effective local lay organizations. It is perhaps noting that 10 % of the attendees came to the Retreat with the sole purpose of understanding how to form a local lay organization as they came from churches that had no organized body. DOLA McClammy discussed the Core Values of the Lay Organization and empowering facts about the Baltimore Conference Lay Organization.
The afternoon consisted of Breakout sessions to include:
- Starting a Lay Organization in your Church
- Successful Recruitment and Retention Strategies
- Conference By-Laws meeting with the Presidents
- Preparing Young Adults Directors
- Church and Community Wealth through Economic Development
- Social Action for the Laity
- Health and Wellness
- Getting the Word Out (effective public relations strategies)
Following the Afternoon Sessions, the Bethel A.M.E. Church Lay Organization provided the Retreat attendees to an old fashion Eastern Shore Dinner with all the trimmings. The Health and Wellness Committee presented a film on dieting and health care after the dinner, which was very informative.
Day 2, Saturday, May 14, 2005 began with a Continental Breakfast and Devotions led by our Chaplain, Sister Carolyn Hayman. We were welcomed to the City of Cambridge by one of the three African American City Commissioners, the Honorable LaShon M. Brooks, who is a member of the Lay Organization of Bethel A.M.E. Church, Cambridge, Maryland. Commissioner Brooks gave the attendees a brief history of the City, its problems, its successes and implored us to go back to our cities, townships and villages to "Sow Seeds beyond the Walls of our Churches" and to work in our various communities. The Facilitators and Reporters presented workshop Reports to the body. All of the reports were received enthusiastically. Sister McClammy presented Host President, Mr. George LeCompte for remarks and he presented his pastor, the Rev. Alan Gould who praised the conference for coming to Cambridge for this Retreat. He Announced that Bethel, Cambridge, Maryland will be the host to the 190th Session of the Historic Baltimore Annual Conference in the spring, 2006. Sister McClammy presented The President of the Baltimore Conference Lay Organization, Brother J. Wayman Henry, Jr. President Henry thanked and congratulated the convener of this Retreat, Sister McClammy and her committee, the President of the Local Lay for logistical support, the facilitators and their reporters and all the attendees He indicated that he would take the recommendations back to the Executive Board for action and look forward to the publication and dissemination of our Plan. DOLA McClammy called for evaluations and wrap-up. The Retreat ended with a song, prayer and the Lay Benediction. We are grateful to the continuing support of our Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Adam J. Richardson, our Presiding Elders, The Rev. Earle M. Brooks and The Rev. Ernest Montague, and our President, J. Wayman Henry, Jr.
Contact Person: Jacqueline Thomas
Acting Director, Public Relations, BCLO
410-744-5512
10. THE COLLEGE CORNER: “KNOWLEDGE IS POWER”:
The message appended below was delivered Brother Craig Robinson at the Missouri Annual Conference Branch Women’s Missionary Society Gospel Fest. The Gospel Fest is a fund- raising event for the Dykes/Frederick Scholarship which is a scholarship provided by the missionaries
It has become evident with major advancements in society that it is becoming difficult for one to move up in a carrier field if they do not hold a college degree. Added incentive is giver to people who receive post baccalaureate degrees by raising salary promotion in a company. For these reasons and many others, it is essential that everyone consider attending college. But, Brother Craig what about the high cost of a college education. I am glad you asked. Yes College is becoming very costly but do not let that keep you from getting a college education. There are organizations like the Missouri conference Brach Women’s Missionary Society That provide Scholarships so that we can afford to go to college. I am one such recipient of the Missouri Black College Expo Scholarship, which is another organization run by the W.M.S. Those monies made it a little easier to pay for College. There is so much that College has to offer. College will equip you with knowledge that can carry you in the real world. To quote one of Mrs. Joyce Wade’s favorite quotes, “knowledge is power”.
Knowledge is power at college as we study to show ourselves approved unto God as a workers unashamed earning degrees and diplomas. But, knowledge is also important in Life. The bible declares in Hosea 4:6 (NIV) “my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge“. There are some things that we must know in order to survive in College for those of you who are in college are soon to be there, at you elementary schools, at home and in the world in general so that we can survive. I have three things then I will be through.
1. Know Yourself. – Know what makes you tick. What you like and what you dislike. No your limits examine yourself to see how far you will go in certain situations. Why do I need to know myself? I am Glad you asked. You get to know yourself so that no body else can tell you who you are. In my freshmen year at Morehouse College different people tried t tell me who I was but I knew my self and did not accept what they had to say about me because it was lower that what I really am. In knowing whom you are also know "whose you are." You belong to Jesus Christ. You are a valuable child of God. We were bought at a high price that cost Jesus his life. Don't you forget that? When the call you out of your name or misinterpreted who you are. You say, "Excuse me, you don't know my value; I am God's Child."
2. Know who your friend’s are- Every one smiling in your face and dapping you up is your friend. Some folk are up to no good. There is such a thing as guilt by association. Their mess might jump off on you and you end up getting in trouble. Look around at who hangs around you and see if that friendship is helpful or hazardous to your health. Remember what Paul says to the Corinthians “Bad Company Corrupts good character”.
3. Finally, Above all these things make sure you get to know the man who has all power. Power to open blind eyes, power to put running in crippled feet, power to put music in deaf ears, and shouts of joy in mute mouths. Get to know the man who look past everything that we have done to displease God and said Father forgive them for they know not what they do. Get to know the man who shook off death, saved our souls and came back with all power in his hands. When you know Jesus, your knowledge becomes real power. When you know, your Redeemer lives, you will believe what he says and you will receive power when the spirit comes upon you. And, you will witness, and you will over come, and you will succeed in Jesus name.
In closing listen to the words of Jesus as he speaks t the children of Israel in the gospel of John 8:32 “If you hold to my teaching (Love the Lord you God, and love you neighbor as your self) then you are really my disciple. Then you will know the truth (real knowledge) and the truth will set you free”.
Editor’s Note: Brother Craig is a rising sophomore at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia.
11. THE THIRTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT RECEIVES KUDOS FOR ITS YOUTH CONGRESS:
Once again, I would like to re-iterate the fact that this Christian Education Congress by far was one of the best Congress’ we have experienced in a long time. The youth are still coming up to me and asking me if they can get those CD’s we had for the "Hip Hop Holla," as well as some of the sermons that were delivered. The young people of the District have been asking for youth oriented events and for social events planned for them, each night in the schedule, and this was the first time that their requests have been implemented.
I believe that this was a turning point, not only our district, but for the AME Church as well, because we are losing many of our youth to churches that cater to youth needs. I had young people haring with me about how excited they were about the Education and Ministry Congress. I am so looking forward to next year’s Congress and hope it will be even better.
Montez A. Bell
Connectional Technology Chairperson
AME YPD
http://www.ameypd.com
12. DISCIPLES OF CHRIST ELECT SHARON E. WATKINS AS GENERAL MINISTER AND PRESIDENT – JULY 26, 2005:
For immediate release from http://www.disciples.org/GA05/watkinsrelease.htm
PORTLAND, OREGON (Disciples News Service) – July 26, 2005 – A highpoint in the proceedings of the 2005 General Assembly occurred when Sharon E. Watkins was elected General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Following a resounding affirmative vote, Watkins, 51, walked to the platform amid cheers and applause and said, “We are a church whose time has come. We have so much to share, and we must be bold and courageous in sharing our story.”
Watkins becomes the seventh general minister and president of the 750,000-member denomination, and the first woman to head the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ.) She succeeds Wm. Chris Hobgood and will serve out of the denomination’s general offices in Indianapolis, Ind.
“Today is not about me,” said Watkins, addressing the more than 3,000 representatives in the plenary session after she was elected. “It's about all of us joining together and letting God work with us and through us…so that we can ultimately share God’s love with others.”
Watkins has served as Senior Minister of Disciples Christian Church in Bartlesville, Okla. for the past eight years. The ordained minister said she believes her experience and passion for the work of local congregations will have a positive impact in her role as General Minister and President. She also embraced the growing diversity of the church and noted that it contributed to the strength of the denomination.
“God is calling us to sing a new song,” she said. “Sometimes we will sing different notes, and sometimes there will be discord, but when we all blend together we will be blessed and God will be glorified.”
In announcing Watkins to the General Assembly, LaTaunya Bynum, chair of the Search Committee said, “Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins exemplifies the faithful leadership we seek. She is thoughtful, gentle and clear in her convictions. She models for us faithful leadership.”
“The actions of the Assembly today affirm the work of the Search Committee and show that the Spirit of the Lord is upon us,” said Charisse Gillett, Moderator of the church.
Watkins will be formally installed Wednesday evening during the General Assembly’s closing worship services at the Oregon Convention Center.
Watkins holds a doctor of ministry degree from Phillips Theological Seminary, a master’s of divinity from the Yale Divinity School, and a bachelor’s degree in French and economics from Butler University.
She is married to Richard (Rick) H. Lowery, Professor of Old Testament at Phillips Theological Seminary. They have two children, Bethany and Christopher.
13. BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Homegoing service for Mrs. Bessie Williams was held on Wednesday, July 27, 2005, at Wrights Chapel AME Church in Memphis, Tennessee.
Mrs. Bessie Williams was the mother of the Reverend Irene Booker, Pastor of Mt. Pisgah AME Church in Memphis, Tennessee and the Reverend Willie Williams, the Pastor of Mt. Sinai AME Church in Arlington, Tennessee.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
everend Irene Booker
2167 Albany StreetMemphis, TN 38108
901-550-0359 (Phone)
Reverend Willie Williams
215 Oakwood
Arlington, TN 38002
Please remember the family in your prayers.
14. 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.
15. 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
