Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
To see the various language postings (English, Portuguese, Spanish, French and Dutch) go to the side panel on the right side of The Christian Recorder Online http://www.the-christian-recorder.org/tcr-online/ under “Previous Posts” and click on the language and the date of the issue you wish to read
1. LETTER FROM THE REVEREND PAULO ROBERTO DA SILVA WHO LIVES IN BRAZIL:
Subject: Request of information
Apucarana, Julho, 20, 2005
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor, III
Editor, The Christian Recorder
I am writing you because I have read information, about the History of African Methodist Episcopal Church and in this reading, I could know about the Christian Recorder Magazine I would like to know if it is possible for me to receive some models of this magazine and at the same time if I could receive it frequently.
My name is Paulo Roberto da Silva I am an African-Brazilian preacher and I coordinate a Christian Ministry about racism in Brazil, where it is the second biggest African population. I must tell you that we, Christian Negroes, are beginning to search for a new identity.
So, we need your prayers. Do you think that we can count on African Methodist Episcopal Church? I would really love to know your opinion about this question. I am sure that you will send me your answer. So, I will hope it as soon as possible.
Friendly
Reverend Paulo Roberto da Silva
Address for communication:
Reverend Paulo Roberto da Silva
Rua: Pedro Xavier, 61 - Jd America
CEP: 86805-270 - Apucarana - Pr
E-mail: paullorobertosilva@bol.com.br
The Editor’s Response:
Reverend Paulo Roberto da Silva –
I would invite you to subscribe to The Christian Recorder Online. There is no cost for doing so. I will subscribe you and all that you will need to do is to acknowledge that you want to be subscribed to The Christian Recorder when you receive an email from us asking if you want to subscribe to The Christian Recorder. The Christian Recorder Online is published regularly and, in addition to English, is published in Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, and French. To see the various language postings (English, Portuguese, Spanish, French and Dutch) simply go to the side panel on the right side of The Christian Recorder Online http://www.the-christian-recorder.org/tcr-online/ under “Previous Posts” and click on the language and the date of the issue you wish to read. For your information, we also have the capability to publish in German, Italian, Russian and Swedish.
I know that the African Methodist Episcopal Church would be interested in developing a relationship with you and are interested in establishing congregations in Brazil. The Presiding Bishop of the Sixteenth Episcopal District is the presiding prelate of your area, which also includes, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Great Britain and Europe, is the Right Reverend Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Email: GirlBishop122@aol.com. I believe that she is working to establish congregations in Brazil. The Reverend Dr. Dennis Dickerson, Email: WhhButler@cs.com , the historiographer if the African Methodist Episcopal Church has also done some missionary explorations in Brazil.
And, to answer your question directly, you can count of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. We are a Church that grew as a result of reaching out beyond the walls of the local church and beyond the borders of the United States. Most of the bishops presiding in Africa were born in Africa. We do not see ourselves as a colonial church, rather we see ourselves as a global church and in full partnership with our constituencies around the world.
2. RECOMMENDED READING FOR ALL, AND A MUST READ FOR CANDIDATES GOING BEFORE BOARDS OF EXAMINERS:
The article written by Bishop Vinton Anderson, entitled, “’Under Our Own Vine and Fig Tree’: Sunday Morning Worship in the African Methodist Episcopal Church,” pages 109 – 123, from the book, Worship Understanding, Practice, Ecumenical Implications Today, Editors Thomas F. Best and Dagmar Heller. Faith and Order Paper No. 194. WCC Publications, Geneva. The ISBN for the book: ISBN 2-8254-1405-0
3. NEWS FROM AROUND THE AME CHURCH:
- Happy Birthday to the Reverend Dr. Diane Johnson:
-Columbia, SC - Shiloh AME Church, annual revival beginning at 11 a.m. Sunday with the Rev. Elaine J. Eskew, pastor; other preachers, 12:30 p.m., the Rev. Jerome Washington; 2 p.m. The Rev. Thomas Sligh and the Rev. Kay Sligh of Philadelphia. (The State.com)
- Columbia, SC- Bethel AME will have a clothing and school supplies giveaway, 10 a.m. to noon Saturday in the Clothes Closet, located in the gym of the church located at , 819 Woodrow Street. Clothes are available for entire family. The clothing and school supplies giveaway is sponsored by Women’s Missionary Society. (The State.com)
- Columbia, SC – Bethel AME Church will conduct a Back to School Youth Revival. Monday through Wednesday at 7 p.m. Theme for the revival, “The Time is Now -- Young Raise Up.” The revivalist is the Rev. Tony Lee, youth pastor, Ebenezer AME Church, Fort Washington, Maryland. Free dinner will be served at 6 p.m. prior to each service. 819 Woodrow St. Call the Rev. Schrendria Robinson, (803) 779-0138 for more details. (The State.com)
- Lone Star, South Carolina. "The Good Hope Picnic" will be held next weekend, August 12-14. "The Picnic" will hold its jubilee celebration, marking its 90th year in the Lone Star community. .Festival activities will conclude at 11 a.m. Sunday with a Family and Friends Day worship service at Haynes Chapel AME Church. (The Times and Democrat newspaper)
4. NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD:
- John H. Johnson, 87, found what became the world's largest African American publishing company - Ebony and Jet magazines, died Monday at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. He had congestive heart failure.
- Peter Jennings, long-time anchor for ABC News (for more than 40 years) died Sunday. He was 67.
- Gas prices are at the highest levels ever. The price for regular gas is expected to reach $2.50 a gallon by the end of the week.
- The Army Times, in an editorial in its 8 August 2005 issue, reports that, “Senior White House and Pentagon officials apparently have made a conscious decision to publicly cease using the phrase ‘global war on terrorism.’ Now, the new spin has America engaged in a ‘global struggle against violent extremism.’”
- The government has made contingency plans for repositioning troops in the event of a terrorist attack in the United States. Crude oil prices have increased because to the terrorist threats in Saudi Arabia, Britain, and the United States.
- The Shuttle Discovery has landed safely.
5. PASTOR BRINGS YOUTH TO CHURCH AFTER RENOVATING TRINITY AFRICAN METHODIST CHURCH; THE NEW REVEREND SEEKS TO GUIDE ACTIVE MEMBERS.
By Santiago Esparza
DETROIT -- There ought to be a sign in front of Trinity African Methodist Episcopal Church that states, "No Slackers Allowed."
The Rev. Cecelia Greene Barr celebrates one year as pastor of the church at 16th Street and West Grand Boulevard this week and she is looking for worshippers who want to be active in the church. She has no need for people who show up for Sunday service and try to blend in and hide.
Greene Barr, 43, of Commerce Township has a high-octane personality and has spent much of the past 12 months trying to get the 75-year-old church organized.
She has overseen a $150,000 renovation of the church basement, brought organization to the church's administration and officials and ramped up efforts to make young adults feel more a part of the church.
"If you want to hide in the congregation, this is not the church for you," she said. "I am interested in a relevant ministry."
The 80 or so members of her church agree. They helped to raise the funds needed for the renovations, which included an updated kitchen, new rest rooms and bringing the building up to code.
When Green Barr came to the church, she was like a whirlwind, making sure that church officials knew their responsibilities and were properly trained, that records were accurate, and that the renovation project, which was started by the previous pastor, was on track.
She turned heads by setting up detailed requirements for those participating in Bible studies. The students had to read outside materials and be prepared to take exams on them. Greene Barr, a former teacher, said she wanted to guide them, not lecture them.
"They have to do their reading ahead of the time," she said. "I am not going to lecture to them. That is boring."
It took a while for the philosophy to catch on. Her first Bible study session was attended by five people.
"And I think they came so the new pastor would not be discouraged," she said laughing.
Tyran Davis, a 20-year-old church member who led a men's day program for the church, missed that first study session because he was ill. He has regularly attended the sessions since then even though he was initially shocked by the requirements.
"I did not think I would like that, but I did," the Detroit resident said. "She likes things to be organized, which is not a problem."
National AME church officials decide every year whether a pastor stays with a particular congregation, or is reassigned. Before Greene Barr, the Rev. Garfield Johnson served for about five years and the Rev. Daniel S. Jackson for 35 years.
This is Greene Barr's first assignment. She was ordained a deacon in 1996 and a church elder in 1998. She said she stayed busy as a guest evangelist and working in a traveling ministry as she waited to be assigned her own church.
She said it was important for her to hit the ground running when she was given her assignment. She wanted to finish the work her predecessors had started.
"We need a pastor like that," church trustee Ruthie Walker of Auburn Hills said. "The more the pastor is motivated, the more we will be motivated."
Walker has worshipped at the church for more than two decades and served as trustee for 12 years. She said longtime Trinity members at first were not sure what to make of Greene Barr's approach. But they quickly warmed to the pastor and want her to stay on.
"She is going in a new direction and that is great," Walker said.
Cheryl Davie, a church steward and Davis' aunt, said Greene Barr's youth is infectious.
"When they are young, they bring a young spirit," she said.
Davie especially likes when her pastor speaks at churches of other denominations. She said the experience is fun and educational for those who make the visit with Greene Barr, a native of Chapel Hill, N.C.
"You get a chance to mingle with different people with different concepts," Davie said. "It is interesting."
Now that the basement renovation is complete, church officials are looking at expanding.
The building does not have enough room for regular classes, such as Sunday school.
"At some point, we would need to expand," Greene Barr said. "My church does not have any classroom space. If we wanted to put in a computer lab, we couldn't because there is no room."
On March 13, she will be honored for one year of leadership at the church. Greene Barr prefers to praise the work of the congregation raising money for the church renovations.
"It was just old and needed renovations," she said. "Now it is bright and a pleasant place to be."
Saying thanks Trinity African Methodist Episcopal Church will honor the Rev. Cecelia Greene Barr for one year of leadership at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. March 13 in the church, 6516 16th St. For information, call (313) 897-4320.
Editor’s note: The article above appeared in The Detroit News and was written by Santiago Esparza. The article is reprinted with permission from The Detroit News (Vince McCraw).
6. THE AME CHURCH USED TO DEAL WITH FOLKS WHO SPREAD RUMORS AND DISCORD ABOUT THE CHURCH:
Recently, and from time to time, we receive and hear about rumors of discord I the church. Historically, rumors and perceptions or misconceptions seem to get more active the closer we got to General Conference. I am currently reading, History of the African Methodist Episcopal Church by Daniel A. Payne, D. D., LL.D. and on page 28 it records a resolution that was passed at the Annual Conference for the Baltimore District that met on April 19, 1819, “that no minister or preacher belonging to the African Methodist Episcopal Conference, or any member, local or traveling, shall write any letter or letters or communications, verbally, or by any other way whatsoever, that will have the bearance of raising discord or hardness in the Connection,” as well as another to the effect “that ways and means shall be entered into by the Conference to prevent any member or members of the Annual Conference of taking part with any person or persons evading the Discipline of the said African Methodist Episcopal Church or Churches; or shall be found guilty of sowing discord, or raising schisms, tattling or tale-bearing, so that the Church or Society may suffer injury by the strife of such persons or persons, the Elder shall call him or them to trial; if found guilty, the Elder shall silence him or them until the setting of the Annual Conference, then the Elder shall deliver the charge to the Conference, in writing, and the Conference shall deal with the said offender according to the Discipline.”
Editor’s note: I wonder if any of our churches silence errant members today. The last time that I witnessed the silence of a member, who happened to be a minister, was in the sixties at Bethel AME Church, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. The pastor was the Reverend B. C. Burton. I recall that the silenced member attended church regularly, but did not speak. Reverend Burton did not back off the silence, but I am not sure about the outcome of that situation. My recollection is that the person (and I do remember the person’s name because I went to elementary school with the son) stopped coming to Bethel, Bryn Mawr.
7. WOMEN’S DAY AT ST. JAMES AME CHURCH, MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE:
The women of St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church, 600 North Fourth St., Memphis, TN, will celebrate Women's Day 2005 on Sunday, August 14, 2005 . The 10 a.m. morning service will feature as guest speaker Rev. Cora Alston, Pastor of Faith Church, Nashville, TN. With the theme, "Women Coming out of Their Hiding Places," the key scripture comes from Luke 13:10-13. "And when Jesus saw her, he called, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity."
Women's Day activities began on Saturday, August 6 with a "Chat and Chew" featuring open discussions with the women of the church giving mature and seasoned advice to the young ladies of St. James. Discussion topics included "Carrying Yourself around Young Men", "Respecting Others, Especially Your Elders", "Being a Role Model", "Caring for Yourself Inside and out", and 'Developing a Professional Image." Lunch was served and each participant received a special souvenir bag.
On Friday, August 12, the women of St. James come together for a "Sweet Hour of Prayer" to pray for our church, our Pastor, our city, our nation, and ourselves. On Saturday, August 13, the women will sponsor the play "Mock Wedding" featuring our own talented youth in an outstanding theatrical effort.
A special feature of Sunday’s Women’s Day is the program book dedicated to the women of St. James who have passed on. The booklet also includes a “Walk Down Memory Lane” section to give memorials and to honor other friends and family members. As a tribute to the great women of St. James, Sister Beverly T. Goines wrote an original poem.
The St. James Woman
You love the Lord; it shows in all you do.
You love your church; I know this is true,
Your anchor holds and grips the solid rock.
You are on a Christian journey that cannot be stopped.
The work you've done is everlasting, I know;
Your love for St. James will forever show.
We dedicate this day to the lives you touch.
Thank you, St. James Woman, for doing so much.
To the St. James Woman, stand tall and free.
A St. James Woman you will forever be.
A St. James Woman is all A.M.E. from the heart;
The St. James Woman is a Christian from the start.
Chairperson for Women's Day is First Lady Sis. Brenda Reid; co-chair is Sis. Beverly T. Goines. Rev. Walter Winstead Reid Jr., is Pastor.
8. BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Regretfully we share the following notice from the Eighth Episcopal District concerning the funeral arrangements for Mr. James Lawrence Denson.
Funeral:
Thursday, August 11, 2005, 11:00 a.m.
Union Bethel AME Church
2321 Thalia Street
New Orleans, LA 70113
(504) 525-5317
Rev. Thomas B. Brown, Pastor
Bishop C. G. Henning, Sr., Officiating
Funeral Services entrusted to:
Louisiana Undertaking Co. 1449 North Claiborne Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 945-2145
Bobby Francis, President
effery Jenkins, Managing Director
Condolences may be sent to his wife, Mrs. Fannie Denson, c/o of Union Bethel AME Church or to the address below.
Contact Information:
Mrs. Fannie Denson
35 E. Rue Chardonnay
Kenner, LA 70065(
504) 471-3036 (phone) T
Thanks,
Courtney Johnson
Office Assistant
8th Episcopal District
Bishop C. Garnett Henning, Sr., Presiding Bishop
Please remember the family in your prayers.
9. 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.
10. 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
