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. PRESS RELEASE FROM THE COUNCIL OF BISHOPS 9/3/05):
World attention has been drawn to the devastation along the Gulf Coast of the United States, standing in awe of the primal power of Hurricane Katrina. Thousands of families have been displaced, hundreds of persons presumed dead, and multitudes more who are emotionally and pragmatically wounded from the economic legacy of the storm.
Like so many religious and socially aware organizations, the African Methodist Episcopal Church, guided by the Council of Bishops, is responding to this crisis with dispatch and Christian concern for the multitude of people affected by this horrendous natural disaster. Our response seeks to be comprehensive and holistic, with an understanding that such care must be a long-term commitment. Through the Office of Global Witness and Ministry, we are cooperating with organizations who offer immediate and emergency assistance with financial support, goods and services appropriate for the specific needs of each affected community. Many of our congregations have already responded by using their facilities as temporary shelters and food service sites. We also propose licensed counseling for persons profoundly affected by this disaster.
The bulk of our financial resources, however, will be directed through a special response committee with stringent accountability measures in place to ensure public confidence for the purposes intended. This task force will operate through the office of the bishop of the Eighth Episcopal District (Louisiana and Mississippi) the Rt. Rev. C. Garnett Henning, the office of the bishop of the Ninth Episcopal District (Alabama), the Rt. Rev. T. Larry Kirkland, and the office of the bishop of the Eleventh Episcopal District, the Rt. Rev. McKinley Young. We believe that this gesture will make certain that persons on the very low end of the economic and social spectrum will not be overlooked or forgotten.
For the present, we are appealing to AMEC congregations throughout our vast connection, to begin receiving offerings for hurricane relief this Sunday, September 4, 2005 (continuing through the end of the month) earmarked for hurricane relief. Over the past 12 months, the AME Church has raised substantial funds for hurricane relief in Florida, Alabama and the Caribbean, as well as for Tsunami relief. In addition to monetary benefaction, additional resources consisting of dried goods, food, water and personal items will likewise be received across the connection and shipped to the appropriate agencies on the ground in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Addresses for receipt of these goods are listed below.
Offerings are to be sent to the Episcopal Districts offices and forwarded to the Department of Global Witness and Ministry. A special Response Committee will analyze, evaluate and recommend disbursements to the affected areas. The Response Committee consists of Bishops Philip R. Cousin, Gregory G. M. Ingram, Richard Allen Chappelle in their capacities as senior bishop, president of the Council of Bishops, and president of the General Board, along with the presiding bishops of the affected areas, Mrs. Jamesina Evans as president of the Women’s Missionary Society, Mr. Jesse Burns as president of the Connectional Lay Organization, Dr. Clement Fugh, Mr. Richard Allen Lewis, and Dr. George F. Flowers as executive director of Global Witness and Ministry. Reports of our work will be made to the church at the usual intervals and intermittent reports (no less than quarterly) through the organs of the church.
Additionally, the Council of Bishops is considering measures to support pastors and their families whose congregations are without capacity to support the ministry. The Council is also appealing to creditors to be sensitive to persons who have been devastated by this historic and horrific natural disaster.
Our prayers are with the families who have known the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. We stand firm with those affected with tangible support and meaningful encouragement. We are reminded that we are our brothers and sisters’ keepers. Lest we forget, we are called to “do unto others as we would have them do unto us” if we were similarly situated.
In the Eighth District, the addresses where supplies and support materials can be brought to serve as distribution sites for other assistance units are:
Pearl Street African Methodist Episcopal Churchc/o Rev. Samuel Boyd2519 Robinson Rd. Jackson, MS 39209(601) 352-6087
Allen AME Churchc/o Rev. Bland Washington6175 Scenic Hwy. Baton Rouge, LA 70802(225) 357-8110
In the Ninth District, the addresses where supplies and support materials can be brought to serve as distribution centers for other assistance units are:
Daniel Payne College
c/o Ninth Episcopal District
2101 Daniel Payne Drive
Building 2
Birmingham, AL 35214
St. Stephen AME Church
c/o The Rev. Harrison Wilson
2707 Josephine Street
Mobile, AL 36607
Ward Chapel AME Church
c/o The Rev. Michael Hinson
809 Philpot Ave.
Selma, AL 36702
Editor’s Comment: Please pass the word and tell your fellow AMEs and pastors who may not have access to the Internet about what the Church is doing in the effort to assist persons who have been affected by Hurricane Katrina.
2. A MESSAGE FROM DR. GEORGE F. FLOWERS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, THE OFFICE OF GLOBAL WITNESS AND MINISTRY:
After Hurricane Katrina made three direct hits to land: the Gulf of Mexico, Florida, (the southeastern Gulf Coast embracing) Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. Much of New Orleans and a great part of Mississippi are under water. Total deaths count is 55 as we write this NEWS FLASH. Residents in New Orleans and Mississippi lost everything and are being told by the authorities to remain in the shelters as a safe haven.
1. The African Methodist Episcopal Church is making a concerted effort to assist and aid the people of the affected areas: (Eighth District) Louisiana and Mississippi, (Ninth District) State of Alabama and (Eleventh District) South Florida and the Panhandle area. WE ARE CALLING UPON EVERY AME TO RESPOND. No amount of money is too small or too large…every dime will be accounted for and will be reported to the Council of Bishops, General Board, at connectional meetings, and Church at-large with accountability provided on the Official AMEC Website and in The Christian Recorder.
2. As Executive Director of Department of Global Witness and Ministry (Missions), I have spoken with GWM Commission Chair Bishop Richard F. Norris, Bishop William P. DeVeaux, Bishop C. Garnett Henning and Editor John W. P. Collier about the urgency of this situation. The chair, Bishop Norris has contacted the President of the Council of Bishops and the Council through the Department of Global Witness and Ministry and the Connectional Women’s Missionary Society and they have put into place a plan for immediate assistance to these areas.
3. We are asking all AME’s please do not give money or other resources through other organizations outside of the AME Church. Let us use the Church system as a protocol to our giving.
4, Emergency items needed immediately include: Baby diapers, adult depends, baby formula, bottle water and juices, under-garments and clothing for children and adults, men and women toiletries, non-perishable goods. The Department of GWM will be happy to help provide transportation to some of the outline areas.
5. The Executive Director, Dr. Flowers is on his way to the affected areas. The Rev. George Brown, Jr, Pastor St. Peter’s AME Church, North Charleston, South Carolina, the Rev. Phil Flowers, pastor of Bethel AME Church, St. Matthew, South Carolina and Dr. Pam DeVeaux, Episcopal Supervisor of the Sixth Episcopal District, are accompanying him. Dr. Flowers is planning additional trips.
6. The Department of GWM will work closely with other partners in bringing relief efforts to the people of these storm driven areas and will report directly to the Bishop’s Council, General Board and Church at-large
7. Due to the enormous phone calls from across the AME Church, individual contributions may be sent to and made payable to: “Global Missions, AME Church” and sent to, 1587 Savannah Highway, Suite A, Charleston, SC 29407. Please put “Katrina Relief” somewhere on your check.
8. Person desiring to volunteer and go to the areas affected by the hurricane should contact Dr, Flower’s office via email, telephone or letter. That information appears below.
Office of Global Witness and Ministry
George F. Flowers, Executive Director
1587 Savannah Highway, Suite A
Charleston, SC 29407
(843) 852-2645/2646 (Office)
(843) 297-0503 (week-end only)
E-mail: gwmame@bellsouth.net
9. The AME Command Centers for Operation Katrina Disaster Aid Relief are as follows:
Pearl Street African Methodist Episcopal Churchc/o Rev. Samuel Boyd2519 Robinson Rd. Jackson, MS 39209(601) 352-6087
.
Allen AME Church
c/o Rev. Bland Washington6175 Scenic Hwy. Baton Rouge, LA 70802(225) 357-8110
Daniel Payne College
c/o Ninth Episcopal District
2101 Daniel Payne Drive
Building 2
Birmingham, AL 35214
Telephone: 205.791-1908
St. Stephen AME Church
c/o The Rev. Harrison Wilson
2707 Josephine Street
Mobile, AL 36607
251. 479- 3053
Ward Chapel AME Church
c/o The Rev. Michael Hinson
809 Philpot Ave.
Selma, AL 36702
334 874 7255
Coordination for sending supplies and support materials may be coordinated and sent directly to one of the Command Centers listed above.
3. THE REVEREND EUGENA BOWSER TAPPED TO PROVIDE MINISTRY IN THE GULF REGION FOR KATRINA DISASTER VICTIMS:
The Reverend Eugena "Gena" Bowser, newly ordained Itinerate Elder of the Virginia Annual Conference and presently serving as Chaplain at the Sentara Hospital in the Trauma/Organ Donation Unit in Norfolk Virginia has been asked to go to the Gulf region, as part of a 100-member team with doctors and nurses to provide emergency medical care to Disaster survivors. She and one other Chaplain will be bussed with a military caravan this week. Tentative plans are to set up a tent hospital at New Orleans Airport. Reverend Bowser is also pursuing the Doctor of Ministry degree, with an emphasis in Clinical Pastoral Care at United Theological Seminary in Dayton Ohio.
Please keep her and all of the other volunteers in your prayers as they minister in very challenging times.
Joy and Peace
Valerie
4. AME CHAPLAIN DAVID BROWN WILL LEAD NAVY RELIEF EFFORT IN BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI:
I just got word this morning that I am going ashore in Biloxi, MS to head up relief support effort from our ship. Sixty-seven Sailors will spend the day attending to whatever critical situations that need supporting. Please pray for safe travel as well as safekeeping as we do our work ashore.
Take care and God bless you!
Chaplain David Brown
5. NEWS FROM AROUND THE AME CHURCH:
- The Rev. Grainger Browning Jr. ministered to victims of the hurricane and their loved ones at Ebenezer AME Church, Fort Washington, Maryland. More than 100 men, women and children stepped forward for prayer. "We come today because we at the altar are hurting. Some have relatives they have not heard from," said Browning, pastor at Ebenezer AME Church. "Give them strength when they are weak. Let them know you are still in the center."
- AME Churches across the United States, throughout the Caribbean, and all over Africa, prayed for the victims of Katrina. Many are struggling to understand the devastation of Katrina and are praying for spiritual strength and physical resources to help them deal with the catastrophe.
- Strong media reports about what some of our AME Churches are doing in support of Katrina range from Charles St. Street, Boston, Ebenezer, Fort Washington, Maryland, Bethel AME in Miami, Mt. Zion AME in Dover, Delaware, Quinn Chapel, Chicago, Hemmingway Memorial AME Church in Baltimore Maryland, and Allen Chapel AME Church in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
6. THE REVEREND GARY MOSS PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR KATRINA VICTIMS FROM HIS “A.M.E. DEBT-FREE & PROSPEROUS LIVING BIBLICALLY BASED SERIES”:
In my effort to provide even more financial assistance to victims of hurricane Katrina, please note the following:
GKM has 2000 AME Debt-Free Series available. The series shares with readers how they can organize and plan their lives for God. Beginning Monday, September 12, 2005 GKM will donate $5.00 for every unit sold to the African Methodist Episcopal Church Hurricane Katrina relief fund.
A check will be forwarded as outlined by the Bishops’ Council and will be for the, "African Methodist Episcopal Church Hurricane Relief Fund".
Reverend Gary Moss pastors Faith Community AME Church, Elgin, Illinois said, “The congregation had a slide show of the hurricane events and it truly touched the Faith's congregation. We donated money to the 4th Episcopal District relief fund but I believe there is more GKM, Inc. can do.”
The GKM has 2000 AME Debt-Free Series is advertised in the print edition of The Christian Recorder and if all of the units are sold, GKM will contribute $10,500.00 to the relief fund through the AME Church.
Rev. Garry Moss
7. WEBSITE FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO OFFER THEIR HOMES FOR KATRINA VICTIMS:
I am writing to share a website http://www.hurricanehousing.org/ where people may go to offer their homes or other facilities to house refugees from Hurricane Katrina. You simply go to the website and enter the appropriate information (where you are located, how many people you can host, etc.). While they are hoping to get a large response from people within 300 miles of the affected areas, there are people listed as far as Ohio and Michigan.
Thank you for the continuing coverage about how our church is responding. May we all continue to be in prayer for our people.
Peace,
Mila P. Cooper
8. $500 GRANTS HELP CHURCHES PROVIDE HURRICANE RELIEF:
Stephanie and Eric Stradford
FAS2, Atlanta, GA, September 3, 2005 – Bishops of the worldwide African Methodist Episcopal Church met this week on a church-wide response in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The Power of One, prayed for by supporters of this year’s Millions More Movement, is impacting the work and worth of churches around the world.
Church leaders posted guidance for local churches, seeking to be comprehensive and holistic, with an understanding that such care must be a long-term commitment. “Our prayers are with the families who have known the devastation of Hurricane Katrina,” stated Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram, President of the AMEC Bishop’s Council. “We stand firm with those affected with tangible support and meaningful encouragement. We are reminded that we are our brothers and sisters’ keeper. Lest we forget, we are called to “do unto others as we would have them do unto us” if we were similarly situated,” he said.
Philanthropist Evelyn Walker Armstrong advocates accountable giving to meet human needs, be it through the church or through accountable service organizations. Her small family foundation, funded mostly by “widow’s mite,” has been nudging church leaders toward cross-denominational cooperation. The J.D. and Laurena Walker Foundation today launched a giving campaign that helps churches directly help a neighbor in need. Known mostly for scholarships through THE ANNUAL YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS, the foundation is offering $500 grants to churches that directly aid families displaced by Hurricane Katrina. A limited number of grants are available on a first come basis.
One displaced family escaped the devastating jaws of Katrina only to be entangled in red tape. Entrepreneur Myles Cooper loaded MyreCorp, Inc.’s human capital assets into a Humvee and drove some 1400 miles to join relatives in Denver, CO. “Katrina did not turn us into victims,” said Cooper. “We went to the Red Cross here and they told us we drove too far to get help. We weren't seeking a hand out…just a good neighbor who will help us stand on our own," he said.
Cooper and his highly enterprising family are among thousands who will show up at church on Sunday. Although the local Red Cross failed to meet their needs individually, the International Committee of the Red Cross hosts an on-line service to help families connect to family members. Perhaps the help as well as the helpers will be blessed through the test. It takes government, enterprise, social service and communities of faith working together to sustain “one nation under God.”
“The bulk of our financial resources will be directed through a special response committee with stringent accountability measures in place to ensure public confidence for the purposes intended,” stated Bishop Ingram. Our Office of Global Witness and Ministry is cooperating with organizations who offer immediate and emergency assistance with financial support, goods and services appropriate for the specific needs of each affected community."
Church leaders have asked congregations to begin receiving offerings for hurricane relief this Sunday, September 4, 2005 (continuing through the end of the month) earmarked for hurricane relief. National Baptists have likewise felt the nudge toward a national long-term strategy to assist their member churches in centralizing National Hurricane Disaster Relief.
“Over 500,000 of our membership that has been affected and displaced due to hurricane Katrina,” said Dr. Charles W. Noble, Sr., Chairman National Baptist Convention USA, Inc, Housing Commission and our member churches have always contributed to their local Red Crosses and other charities when their local communities have been impacted.” The National Baptist Convention USA, Inc will hold their Annual General Body Convention, September 5-9, 2005 here in Atlanta, Georgia, marking the 7th anniversary of the Million Youth Movement.
The Black church’s official position has been both prompt and substantive. “We believe that this gesture will make certain that persons on the very low end of the economic and social spectrum will not be overlooked or forgotten,” stated the AME Council of Bishops. Special task force operations in Louisiana are being coordinated from the Eighth Episcopal District Office of Bishop C. Garnett Henning. The Ninth Episcopal District Office of Bishop T. Larry Kirkland is coordinating needs and resources in Alabama. The Eleventh Episcopal District Office of Bishop McKinley Young is coordinating relief efforts in Texas.
“Many of our congregations have already responded by using their facilities as temporary shelters and food service sites. We also propose licensed counseling for persons profoundly affected by this disaster. Thousands of families have been displaced, hundreds of persons presumed dead, and multitudes more who are emotionally and pragmatically wounded from the economic legacy of the storm.
Over the past 12 months, the AME Church has raised substantial funds for hurricane relief in Florida, Alabama and the Caribbean, as well as for Tsunami relief,” stated Bishop Ingram. In addition to monetary benefaction, additional resources consisting of dried goods, food, water and personal items will likewise be received across the connection and shipped to the appropriate agencies on the ground in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.
Additionally, the Council of Bishops is considering measures to support pastors and their families whose congregations are without capacity to support the ministry. The Council is also appealing to creditors to be sensitive to persons who have been devastated by this historic and horrific natural disaster.
Local Church Assistance Grants
Churches requesting a $500 grant from The J.D. and Laurena Walker Foundation may address email correspondence to president@youthusa.org. Members of the displaced family must be registered with the International Committee of the Red Cross.
9. WHY NOT MORRIS BROWN COLLEGE AND EDWARD WATERS COLLEGE AS A PARTICIPATING INSTITUTION FOR DISPLACED KATRINA AFFECTED COLLEGE STUDENTS?:
It is my understanding that Morris Brown College and Edward Waters College are currently operating at less than capacity. Why not allow Katrina displaced students from Dillard U., Xavier U and Tulane to enroll at AME supported universities? I think tuition could be set at 50% of what the students used to pay at their respective colleges. This would be a win-win outcome for all parties involved and serve as a fulfillment of the 8-Point AME Mission Statement. I would really like to know from the Bishops Council why this recommendation is NOT theologically sound or fiscally responsible.
Bill Dickens
Bethel AME Church
Tallahassee, FL
10. NAACP MOBILIZES MEMBERS, BUSINESSES FOR KATRINA DISASTER RELIEF:
Directs branches to set up command centers to offer assistance; Calls on government agencies to use all resources to help victims of Hurricane Katrina
NAACP President travels to Gulf Coast to rally additional support
Bruce S. Gordon, President & CEO, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), today expressed both concern and commitment regarding the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the efforts of the public and private sectors to address critical health and safety issues. “The NAACP is leveraging all of its assets and doing everything it can to support the heroic efforts of the health and safety workers on the ground in the region. We also will be relentless in ensuring that the government will more adequately address the unique issues confronting a disproportionate amount of poor African-Americans affected by the hurricane.”
NAACP units in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama have been ordered to help in any way possible. Gordon said the NAACP is also working to have additional buses go to New Orleans to take victims out of the city and with the National Association of Black Owned Hotels to provide hotel rooms. In addition, the NAACP has secured contributions of emergency supplies for distribution in the flood areas.
The NAACP has also partnered with the National Baptist Convention, the National Newspaper Publishers Association and American Urban Radio in an effort to raise funds and to keep our community and the public informed about NAACP efforts. Gordon said, “We should keep in mind that this is the first stage in our efforts to aid the victims. The NAACP is in this for the long haul.”
The NAACP has established a disaster relief fund to raise money to assist the storm victims. Contributors may make a donation online at http://www.naacp.org/. Checks should be made out to the NAACP Disaster Relief Fund and mailed to the following address: NAACP, Disaster Relief Fund, 4805 Mt. Hope Drive, Baltimore, MD 21215.
Gordon further commented that the purpose of the relief fund is to provide immediate assistance to hurricane victims. “I am calling on NAACP staff and members to work with authorities to help provide shelter, food, clothes and medicine to victims of this natural disaster.”
All of the contributions will be used to benefit victims in the affected areas, except 10 percent or less needed for administration of the program. “Our goal is to extend a helping hand to our brothers and sisters in their time of need,” said Gordon. “We want to give them hope and to help restore their sense of dignity and well-being.”
Gordon also called on the federal and local governments to “utilize any and every resource available” to help the hurricane victims in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. In addition to government agencies, he said organizations that are skilled in emergency relief such as UNICEF should also be called on for assistance.
“Changes need to be brought about in the flood stricken states `by any means necessary,’” said Gordon. “I join others in my outrage that American citizens are not getting all of the assistance they need during this emergency. These victims need far greater and better care, and we are working to get it for them.” Gordon said he has been in contact with senior level White House officials to urge a greater relief effort and to offer NAACP assistance.
Gordon will be traveling to Biloxi, Miss., on Saturday, September 3, and to New Orleans, La., on Sunday, September 4.
Contact: NAACP Office of Communications 410-580-5125
11. PREACH, BROTHER!
Both of my sons, who like to talk about my "prehistoric" taste in music, have tried long and hard to sell me on contemporary artists. They both count Kanye West as one of their favorites, and I have been guardedly pleased with his work myself. As I write this column, however, brother West has just become one of my favorite contemporary artists. That is not just because of his creativity, but also because of what he said on NBC television on September 2, 2005.
You see, NBC staged one of the first televised relief efforts for the survivors of Hurricane Katrina on September 2, with an impressive array of American music’s notables pitching in. It was a carefully scripted event, as such, things tend to be - accentuating the "positives" and ignoring the "negatives" of the catastrophic situation. Brother West, however, went off-script and kept it real. Rather than just reading what was prepared for him from the electronic teleprompter, he spoke from his heart of how the media had portrayed all "looters" in New Orleans as African-Americans, spoke of how the government seemed to be ignoring some of those in need along lines of race and class, and managed to say on network television that "George Bush doesn't like black people" before the network cut away from him, tried to save face and later issued a statement disavowing his comments.
I found brother West’s comments to be a frank and refreshing departure from what we usually get from "notable" black folks today. I grew up in the days of the civil rights movement, when personalities ranging from Hank Aaron to Harry Belafonte took to the streets and marched for freedom, and when politicians like Adam Clayton Powell and Shirley Chisholm and clergy like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. put their careers, livelihood, popularity and lives on the line to speak truth to power. They clearly understood that the blessings of popularity and power came with the responsibility to speak up for those who were victimized by racial prejudice.
When one "fast forwards" to the present time, however, that kind of commitment is often lacking. When asked why he was not more politically active, one retired professional athlete (who shall mercifully remain nameless here, but who sells a lot of shoes with his name on them) said, "Conservative Republicans buy sneakers too." When one examines the work of many of today’s African-American elected officials and "leaders," one can find a lot of rhetoric and a lot of "safe" community outreach activities, but very little in the way or words or deeds to possibly put them at odds with the "powers that be" that they consider to be their patrons and supporters from beyond the African-American community. Too many of our "leaders" today hesitate to use their positions to make a difference, and simply do what is safe and acceptable. Too many of our "leaders" today make a great show of their ethnic identity, while being careful not to go too far, lest they run afoul of those from whom they crave "acceptability."
I appreciated what brother West said and did, because he literally "put his money where his mouth is" to have his say. A quick check of the internet shows that he already ticked some folks off, and may be headed for the same "popularity pit" that The Dixie Chicks were cast into when they dared to say that our going to war in Iraq was a bad idea. I hope that he has no regrets, because he did what authentic African-Americans in positions of influence should still do - say what needs to be said, without worrying about who does or does not like it.
I plan to go out and buy one of Kanye West’s CD’s tomorrow, and I hope that those who read this will do the same. His music may not be what I would call "old school," but his heart, intent and courage definitely qualify. I also hope that other African-American entertainers, elected officials and clergy will learn from him and follow his lead. There is no shame in losing a few bucks or a bit of "majority favor" for saying what needs to be said. The real shame is in holding your peace and "playing the game" out of concern for personal well being when you ought to know better.
Submitted by the Reverend Joseph A. Darby, Senior Pastor, Morris Brown AME Church, Charleston, SC
12. 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION, FIRST AME CHURCH, MANASSAS, VA:
“A Call to Worship,” Answering the Call to Worship, Praise and Service since 1985,
Psalm 122:1-9
The First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Manassas Virginia was established in 1985 as a mission work of the Washington Annual Conference, under the leadership of Bishop John Hurst Adams, then Presiding Prelate of the Second Episcopal District. The FAME Family will celebrate 20 Years of Blessings in the Manassas Community.
Preachers for September include, Bishop John Hurst Adams, Bishop Vinton R. Anderson, and Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson.
Other speakers include the Reverend Gregory Edmunds, pastor of St. Paul AME Church, Raleigh, North Carolina, the Reverend Jay Gamble, Hunter Memorial AME Church, Suitland, Maryland, and the Reverend Dr. Frank Madison Reid, Bethel AME, Baltimore.
Anniversary Month Activities
Valerie Gary Bell
General Chairperson
13. WARD A.M.E. CHURCH BREAKS THE SILENCE ABOUT DISPARITIES WITH PRAYER VIGIL FOR VICTIMS OF HURRICANE KATRINA:
Los Angeles, CA., Sept. 2, 2005.- - Ward African Methodist Episcopal Church is calling the community to join in PRAYING and ACTION breaking the silence in response to the disparities and responding to the devastation in Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida and Alabama as well as situations here in Los Angeles..
In announcing a Special Prayer Vigil being held at Ward A.M.E., 1177 West 25th St., Los Angeles on Sunday, September 4th, at 6:00 PM, The Rev. Sylvester Laudermill, Jr., pastor of the historic congregation, expressed concern over conditions in the South as well as the Southland.
“Ward A.M.E. Church has special ties to the Gulf Coast, including members who call the area home and have families and friends there. Several of the young people who grew up in our church attend colleges throughout that area. Bishop C. Garnett Henning, a former pastor of Ward, is Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church’s 8th Episcopal District that covers Louisiana and Mississippi, while Bishop T. Larry Kirkland presides over the 9th Episcopal District in Alabama.
“Bishop Henning delivered a prophetic message last Sunday at Ward, entitled, ‘Don't Be Defeated by Defaulting. In talking with my friend this morning, he shared personal observations of conditions in New Orleans, and Mississippi, and confirmed the slow delivery of emergency services to people of color. This blatant apathy is compounded by media coverage of hurricane victims, with footage of violent, homeless Black looters juxtaposed against gentile White landowners.
The A.M.E. Church in Mississippi and Louisiana, led by Bishop Henning, has opened shelters in Jackson, MS, Baton Rouge and Shreveport, LA. There is a critical need for baby diapers, adult Depends, formula, water, fruit juice, undergarments for men, women and children, and non-perishable goods. The AME Church is on the ground reaching the far and remote places. We are calling the people of Southern California to help. These items and donations will be distributed in collaboration with the American Red Cross.
“We encourage the community to call Ward A.M.E. toll free at (866) 7UPLIFT (787-5438), and add the names of their family members and loved ones in the Gulf Coast unaccounted for since the Hurricane – and we pledge to help you get some answers. We will continue adding names to the list until 5:00 PM on Sunday. At 6:00 PM we will begin the Prayer Vigil read each name, and distribute copies to those in attendance.
“We invite all people of faith from the Greater Los Angeles area and beyond, to join us Sunday evening in praying for our brothers and sisters in the Gulf Coast, and taking action as the Spirit directs – fully anticipating God will heal, strengthen, and provide all their needs.
“Other activities on Sunday evening will include recruiting volunteers to join the A.M.E. team traveling from across the nation to help rebuild.
“We will also address disparities confronting us: Economic, shown in the response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina; Education, as demonstrated by the crisis at Crenshaw High School and Compton College; and in Health, as evidenced by the plight of Martin Luther King Jr. Hospital, in Los Angeles.
“On Sunday, September 4, we will break the deafening silence, bring people of good will together to raise our collective voices and make a difference. We invite everyone from all over the Greater Los Angeles area and beyond, to join in breaking the silence in prayer and action. “
Submitted by “Sistah” Jackie DuPont Walker
14. ST. JOHN A.M.E. CHURCH HELD LEGACY WEEKEND:
On July 23 – 24, St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church (the mother church of African Methodism in the state of Tennessee) held its inaugural Legacy Weekend honoring its senior most senior members for their years of service and contributions to the life of the church. The seeds for this weekend were planting during the church’s June Vision Casting Seminar conducted by the Pastor of St. John, the Rev. W. Antoni Sinkfield. Pastor Sinkfield shared how we, as a society, often neglect and forget our senior citizens. He felt that we should express our gratitude and appreciation to our seniors for being such pivotal players in the history of St. John A.M.E. Church. A luncheon was suggested to honor these very important persons to St. John.
Upon the formation of a Legacy Honors Committee, it was determined that it would be better to celebrate the church’s seniors for an entire weekend. First, it was important to create a title that was significant for this occasion, thus the title Legacy Weekend was selected. Seventy-five years old was the age for membership into this exclusive and illustrious group. There are twenty-eight St. John Seniors who fall into this category. For one month, these persons were interviewed, photographed, and solicited for photographs of their past in St. John. The goal of this task was to gather a wealth of history and create ways to share it with the members of St. John during the Legacy Weekend. The collection of this information was a substantial task, but it was priceless. The Legacy Members enjoyed sharing their personal lives with the committee, and it was a joy for each committee member to learn more about this group of persons who helped to make St. John what it is today. There were several WOW moments during this endeavor.
The two events planned for the weekend were the Saturday luncheon and the presentation of gifts during the worship service hour on Sunday morning. The colors chosen for the weekend were purple and gold. Beautiful invitations were mailed to the honorees announcing the Legacy Weekend events. They were purple and gold (with matching envelopes) and were adorned with stars. Honorees were allowed to invite a guest to the luncheon, which was held in our Fellowship Hall on Saturday, July 23, 2005. Prior to the luncheon, there was a short program in the sanctuary highlighted by the singing of songs and by the wonderful reminiscing moments offered by Mrs. Tommie Dawson, one of our Legacy members. She sat in one of the pulpit’s “big” chairs and spoke to the congregation about the “way it was.” Her presentation was both very charming and insightful. An ensemble was formed (primarily made up of the sons and daughters of the honorees) to render the music. These were obviously some very proud moments for both our honorees and their families.
The Fellowship Hall was decorated with purple and gold balloons and matching tablecloths. The centerpieces were personal gifts donated to each honoree by the Legacy Committee Members. The gifts were in purple decorated bags. A wonderful montage of the Legacy Members photos was created that illustrated their lives through various generations. This display initiated wonderful conversation, laughter, and fellowship among our honorees. It was fun and challenging for the other church members present as they tried to match the honorees to their young pictures. This day ended on this kind of note and we felt that the honorees were very pleased.
Sunday gave the church membership the opportunity to extol our Legacy Members in a corporate setting. Each honoree was pinned with a boutonnière or corsage. Each one was escorted to their reserved seating as their biography was read aloud to the church body. Applause, standing ovations, and cheers were afforded each honoree as they strolled down the aisle. You could feel the love and the pride for these people throughout our church. Our pastor, the Rev. W. Antoni Sinkfield, preached the most appropriate and powerful sermon entitled “What Will Our Legacy of Faith be?” and he praised God for our Legacy Member’s long years of service. A powerful moment came at the end of the sermon when Pastor Sinkfield came from the pulpit and addressed them as they sat together in reserved seating. He looked intently at each of them and told them how important they have been to the life of St. John, and how they have laid a solid foundation for the rest of us to build upon. The church gave them a standing ovation. Lastly, each honoree was presented with an acrylic double picture frame that had a picture of St. John on one side and their current picture on the other side. Underneath the picture of the church is etched these words:
“With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation. Psalm 91:16
Legacy Weekend
St. John A.M.E. Church
July 23-24, 2005
At the end of the service a group picture was taken. The members of St. John received a very nice booklet that contained the picture, biography, and telephone number of each honoree.
Ralph Holmes – Coordinator
Lola Pope, Mercedes Lytle – Committee
Michael & Cynthia Evans – Photography
Charlotte West, Ilaine Newby, Paula Holmes – Printing
Henderson Catering Service – Caterer
Carter’s Florist - Florist
15. DEATH NOTICE CORRECTION:
Regretfully we share news concerning the Katrina Hurricane related death of Mrs. Clara Barbour’s uncle and her uncle’s mother. Mrs. Clara Barbour is the wife of Dr. Johnny Barbour, Publisher, AMEC Publishing House.
Please keep Sister Clara, Dr. Johnny Barbour and all of the victims of Katrina in your prayers.
His home address in Mississippi:
Dr. Johnny / Clara Barbour
185 Bristol Blvd.
Jackson, MS 39204
Please remember the family in your prayers
16. FUNERAL NOTIFICATION:
We solicit your prayers for Mrs. Debra Sims, the wife of the Reverend Chestine Sims, and for her family. Debra's father, Mr. Elijah Gipson, passed away.
FUNERAL SERVICES:
Friday, September 9, 2005
11 A.M.
Greater Ward Chapel AME Church
3606 West 6thPine Bluff, Arkansas 71601
Condolences may be sent to the contact address below.
Contact InformationMrs. Debra Sims
1101 South Hemlock St.
Pine Bluff, AR 71603
870-534-5144
17. 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.
18. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram and all of us at the AMEC Publishing House offer our condolences and prayers to the Sims family and to Mrs. Clara and Dr. Johnny Barbour and family. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with them during this time of their bereavement. Our prayers go out to all of hose who lost loved ones in the Katrina Hurricane disaster.
Archive of The Christian Recorder Online from 2004-2016; Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
