Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
THE DISCIPLINES ARE READY:
Copies of The 2004 Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church have been published. The cost of an individual copy of The Discipline is $27.00 plus $3.00 shipping and handling.
You may purchase Disciplines from your Episcopal District or directly from the AMEC Publishing House, 500 Eighth Avenue South, Nashville, Tennessee 37203-4181. To order by telephone using a credit card, call (615) 256-5882 or 800-648-8724.
1. THANK YOU FROM BISHOP AND SUPERVISOR STAN MCKENZIE:
Our sincere gratitude, and thanks for each of you for your caring and sharing with us during the loss of brother, Robert McKenzie. The Homegoing Service was spirited and well attended.
Our sincere thanks to the many AME Churches that sent flowers and shared other expressions of love.
Again, please accept our heartfelt thanks and thank you for being the Connectional family that you are. We were comforted by your remembrances.
God bless.
Bishop and Supervisor Stan McKenzie
2. THIRTEENTH EPISCOPAL SENT EIGHT 18-WHEELERS IN SUPPORT OF KATRINA VICTIMS:
The 13th Episcopal District has dispatched eight 18-wheelers to our neighbors to the south in the gulf coast states (Katrina)...Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
All the trucks were jammed packed with supplies. We started out with three 18-wheelers, but were blessed to acquire eight large trucks from this great district. We indeed have "stepped up to the plate," and will continue to do so.
3. LETTER TO THE EDITOR:
To the Editor
I hope there is something being done in each Episcopal District to help churches respond to the needs of the churches and the pastors who were adversely affected by Hurricane Katrina. I feel that funds need to go directly to those ministers who have lost their lost salaries, experienced downsized memberships, and whose churches suffered structural damaged.
Please keep the church informed. I am concerned about St. Paul, AME in New Orleans whose pastor is Reverend Crayton (the spelling of the last name may be incorrect).
Thanks,
Angie Cox
4. AROUND THE AME CHURCH:
Thornbury AME Church, 646 Cheyney Road, Cheyney, held it Homecoming Service on Sunday on Sept. 25. Friends and members who have been at Thornbury from 1930 to 2005 were asked to attend.
The Rev. Edward Payne delivered the sermon at 11 a.m. 3 p.m. the Rev. Michael M. Green of Renewed Hope AME church in Philadelphia spoke for the afternoon worship service.
Editor’s note: I attended Thornbury AME Church as a child. I went to boarding school at Sunnycrest Farm for Negro Boys, as a child and attended Fannie J. Coppin Laboratory School at the then Cheyney State Teachers College..
5. A BLESSED WORSHIP EXPERIENCE AT WESLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY: A GENERAL OFFICER OF THE AME CHURCH WAS THE PREACHER:
On Sunday, September 25, 2005, I was privileged to attend the Homecoming Worship Service at Wesley United Methodist Church here in Lexington, Kentucky where the Reverend Dr. Clement W. Fugh was the guest preacher. The theme for the day was, “We Are Expecting a Miracle” and we were all miraculously blessed by Dr. Fugh’s expertise in exegetics. “Exegetics” is a term I learned from the Reverend Dr. Robert A. Strode.
Anyway, Reverend Dr. Clement W. Fugh in his suave, debonair and calm manner proceeded with his text coming from I Corinthians 1:1-9. His subject was taken from verse 9, “God Is Faithful.”
I cannot begin to do justice to his sermon by trying to quote excerpts from it. We got the message. Dr. Fugh shared Paul’s description of the church and the fact that all of God’s children have a testimony. He went on to explain that we should know who we are in Christ, that we are known by our love for each other. The kind of love that Paul defines in his letter to the church at Corinth is the model of love we should have. Dr. Fugh assured us that God is able and, most of all. God is faithful.
At the end of the sermon, based on the dynamic deliverance and the inspiring, uplifting and enlightening message there was no doubt that even though Dr. Fugh may be the General Secretary and CIO of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, he is somebody’s preacher.
It is amusing to me, how a quiet, calm, reserved, composed person can be so stirred up by the Holy Spirit that they have the entire church standing on their feet, hanging onto every word and basking in the joy of knowing a Faithful God that never fails us, no matter what.
The Reverend Dr. Fugh preached, as I have never heard him preach. Kudos to Dr. Fugh for the wonderful message, for allowing God to use him to stir us up, to feed our hungry souls and giving us the opportunity to focus on the faithfulness of God.
God Bless the Reverend Dr. Fugh, Alexia, Marcia, Joseph and the AME Church.
Respectfully submitted,
Doris J. Coffey -Kentucky Conference
Reporter to the Christian Recorder
6. THE RESOLUTION OF THE 138TH SESSION OF THE KENTUCKY ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
The 2005 Kentucky Annual Conference was held at Saint John African Methodist Episcopal Church, Frankfort, Kentucky on September 13 – 17. The Rt. Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie is the Chief Pastor of the 13th Episcopal District, Brother Stan McKenzie is the Supervisor of Missions and the Reverend Ralph E. Johnson is the Presiding Elder of the Lexington District/Kentucky Annual Conference. The Reverend Dr. Robert A. Strode, Host Pastor
The Committee on Resolutions begs leave to present the following report.
Whereas…
The Momentous 138th Session of the Kentucky Annual Conference convened on September 14, 2005 at Saint John African Methodist Episcopal Church in Frankfort, Kentucky at the call of our magnetic and enterprising Chief Pastor, the Rt. Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie, together with our remarkable Supervisor of Missions, Brother Stan McKenzie…
Whereas…
The tone of the Conference was set by our pre-conference activities, beginning with a special welcome that only Saint John, Frankfort could provide, leading us into an energizing day of learning, worshipping and Kingdom business, beginning with the Women’s Missionary Societies’ Prayer Breakfast and the President Emeritus of Kentucky State University, Dr. Mary L. Smith’s message, “Serving in a Godly Spirit”; the WMS noon day messenger, Sister Doris J. Coffey of Saint Paul, Lexington, continued with the theme, “Serving for the Purpose of Godliness”; and our own first lady of the Lexington District, Sister Patricia Johnson, delivered the message “You can still have Joy!” Along with the Minister’s Institute, which included Dr. Jimmy Kirby of the Lexington Theological Seminary, challenging us to consider why we believe what we believe, and Bishop Kenneth Ulmer, of Faithful Central in Los Angeles, Californians’ “lecture” from the Hampton Minister’s Institute, forcing us to reconsider Biblical Economic Advancement; the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor, III, General Officer, Editor of the Christian Recorder and member of the Kentucky Annual Conference, who advised us on what he would do if he were just starting out in ministry today; and finally Bishop McKenzie’s motivating “A.M.E. 101”, the expectations for a “High Time” at this Annual Conference was set, and we were ready to be taken to the NEXT level…
Whereas…
Our Presiding Prelate called the 138th Session of the Kentucky Annual Conference to order, and called the roll. The business of the church “flowed like a river”, bringing us moments of Great Joy, periods of sadness as well, but which brought a blessing to Er’body! Our Chief Pastor kept us on a vigilant path, making sure that everything was done lawfully, but never forgetting grace too! Each day started in Prayer, and ended in Praise! Our connectional theme “Living Well” became our battle cry during the Conference Institutes led by Sisters Sheila D. Pressley of Eastern Kentucky University and Vivian Lasley-Bibbs of Kentucky State University. The Pastor’s Reports gave us a positive glimpse into what God is doing throughout the Kentucky Annual Conference, and the Committees’ Reports charged us to continue doing what the church is suppose to be doing: Go into the Prisons, work diligently to make our nation a better place to live... keep the church Alive!...
Whereas…
The Glory and Power of the Most High God poured itself out upon the Kentucky Annual Conference when The Reverend William C. Jenkins preached our pace setting Annual Sermon, "Finish What You Start!"; Then the Nehemiah Nation came forth in full force, and the Reverend Ralph B. Smith did not disappoint with the message, “The Steps of a Good Man are Ordered by the Lord!” At Thursday noonday, the Reverend Wanda Ryan kept the fire burning with, “Wake Up! Grow Up! And Get Up!” and the Lay Witness Night speaker, Representative Derrick Graham utilized the Lay Organization’s theme, “Laity Sowing Seeds Beyond the Wall!” And, didn't you feel the stirring of the Holy Ghost as our Young People shared with us their gifts and praise, as the Reverend Don Garner charged us to, “Just Shake, Shake, Shake!”…
Whereas…
The Conference was blessed to elect and ordain a new Itinerant Deacon in the person of the Reverend William K. Leach, and a new Local Elder for Saint Paul, Lexington, in the person of the Reverend Linda M. Brown; both bring their own exciting, fresh talents to the work of growing the Church; and the Reverend Linda T. Martin, Presiding Elder of the West Kentucky Annual Conference, graced us with her presence, and inspired us with the Ordination Sermon “Fresh Water from an Old Well!"…
Whereas…
We are glad to report the change of status of the Reverend Barry Frazier from local orders to his original Itinerant orders, “‘cause he sho’ is a trav’lin preacher!”...
Whereas…
At the Mid-Year Convocation in March of 2005, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie commissioned the creation of the 13th Episcopal District’s web site, to be an online sanctuary and resource reservoir for African Methodists throughout Kentucky, Tennessee and our worldwide connection. We are GLAD to report at this, the 138th Session of the Kentucky Annual Conference that the 13th Episcopal District light is shining on the World Wide Web. Though a work in progress, the web site is now, and will continue to be, our best headquarters for the most current, and up-to-date, information that the 13th Episcopal District has concerning it's happenings and resources. WWW.13thAME.COM is a reality. The 13th is alive and online!
Whereas…
A recognizable dimness hovered over the Conference as we remembered the homegoing of Brother Blaine Cummins, a licentiate and supply pastor of the Kentucky Annual Conference, whose warm presence, sweet spirit and heart of gold will be forever missed. Though our Heavenly Father decided to draw Brother Blaine a little closer to Himself, we will always be thankful that God allowed him to touch our lives. Let's continue our prayers and support of his dear wife and children, who must continue in his stead…
Whereas…
Other heroes of the faith have been called home this Conference year, namely The Rt. Reverend Decatur Ward Nichols, the 59th elected and consecrated Bishop of the church and formerly the oldest living Bishop in all of Methodism; The Rt. Reverend Cornelius Egbert Thomas, the 99th elected and consecrated Bishop of the Church; Dr. Joseph C. McKinney, Retired General Officer and former Treasurer of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Servants of God… the Lord’s gifts to African Methodism, who gave their all and will never, be forgotten…
Whereas…
A great soldier of the church has requested, due to his deteriorating health, to be taken off the front lines of Pastoral warfare. Though this Annual Conference has approved his request for superannuation, let us not forget, that the Reverend Frederick E. Hale, Jr. has dedicated over 33 years of his life to God and African Methodism. His place in our history and as a viable and effective resource is immeasurable. His pastoral ministry may be in abeyance, but his preaching and teaching ministry is only enhanced by this season of suffering that he is passing through, and the positive influence of his pastoral ministry will always be regarded with High Commendations…
Whereas…
We've been given our Marching Orders… the way has been made clear… our Bishop, the Visionary Vashti, Magnificent Murphy, Moving-Ahead McKenzie has been to the top of the mountain and brought us a Word from God, asking, “What is the Motive of our Ministry?” A question meant for Er’body! Both Clergy and Lay were provoked to understand the real reason for committed service. We have been charged, and it is time to get going with the “going crowd!
Therefore, let it be resolved…
Pastor Robert Strode, Sister Shelby Strode, the congregation and community of Saint John African Methodist Episcopal Church of Frankfort, Kentucky are to be given the Highest Commendations, for they hosted this 138th Session in the finest fashion, literally destroying any obstacle that stood in their way of making us feel Highly Favored! Truly, they went above and beyond, making Bishop and Supervisor McKenzie, Presiding Elder and First Lady Johnson, and every Pastor, Minister, Delegate, Honored Guests, Visitors, and Er’body!-else who walked through their doors feel welcome and at home. May God continue to establish their way and bless abundantly their every step.
And, Let it also be resolved…
That the Kentucky Annual Conference is Moving Forward! We're going to the Next Level! We've been charged up for the work and are ready to do a new ‘thang’! Our Bishop and Supervisor have taken the lead! Our Presiding Elder and First Lady are working with us! The issuance of BELIEVE grants to Saint Andrew, Winchester and Saint John, Frankfort, are evidence that the church is giving back and providing resources to help our local churches and congregations to do ministry. We recognize that we can't be the same ol’ Church, we must take risks, we must get out of our comfort zone, we've gotta take what we got to the people who NEED what we've got! The Success will be measured by our Faith, so let the Kentucky Annual Conference declare, “WE BELIEVE!” We Believe - God will give us the increase. We Believe - that God will give us results. We Believe - that God will give us everything that we need! “Without Faith It Is Impossible to Please God!” (Hebrews 11:6) In the Kentucky Annual Conference, it's HARVEST TIME! And, WE BELIEVE!
Let it finally be resolved…
That when all was said and done, when the appointments were read and all were glad, grateful and satisfied; and when we have adjourned "Sine Die!", that we have decided to “Finish What We Started! That our steps are ordered by the Lord! We understand it's time to “Wake Up! Grow Up! And Get Up!” and we're going “Beyond the Walls” to “the Well” to get the work done! “What is the Motive of our Ministry?” If it's the Will of God… we're going to go places! It's TIME for Er’body in the Kentucky Conference to ROLL ON! LIVE WELL! And, BELIEVE!
Humbly submitted, this, your committee on resolutions: To God Be the Glory!
Pastor William R. T. Hale, Chairperson
Sister Doris Coffey – Saint Paul, Lexington
Sister Ruth Bryant – Saint Peter, Harrodsburg
Sister Doretha Sanders – Bethel, Campbellsville
Sister Mary Ann White – Mount Zion, Frazier
7. THE MEDIA/PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE REPORT OF THE 138TH SESSION OF THE KENTUCKY ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
We, the committee on Media/Public Relations, who’ve been charged with enlightening the Conference about an exciting new ‘thang’ in our Episcopal District, beg leave to submit the following report:
At the Mid-Year Convocation in March of 2005, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie commissioned the creation of the 13th Episcopal District’s web site, to be an online sanctuary and resource reservoir for African Methodists throughout Kentucky, Tennessee and our worldwide connection. We are GLAD to report at this, the 138th Session of the Kentucky Annual Conference, that the 13th Episcopal light is shining on the World Wide Web. Though a work in progress, the web site is now, and will continue to be, our best headquarters for the most current, and up-to-date, information that the 13th Episcopal District has concerning it's happenings and resources.
- If you want to see a calendar with the happenings of our Episcopal District and all the Conference events too, visit http://www.13thame.com/
- If you want to download the information and application packet so that you or your church can apply for a BELIEVE grant? Visit www.13thAME.com
- If you want to find links to our A.M.E. universities, seminaries, connectional departments or even those other Episcopal Districts? Visit http://www.13thame.com/
- If you want to chat with other members of our connection, and share the vision of what BELIEVING in GOD can do, visit http://www.13thame.com/
- If you are traveling to another area and need to find a church where you can hear the preacher say, “I was glad when they said unto me, let us go to the House of the Lord!” visit http://www.13thame.com/
http://www.13thame.com/is a reality. It is up, it's running, and it is the place you want to “be,” to read about our history, check-out pertinent news from our Bishop’s office, find other A.M.E. Churches throughout our entire connection, or just to see if your pretty ‘mug’ made it in the Photo Gallery! Soon you will even be able to purchase 13th District materials and resources from our online e-Shop!
To submit your pertinent information, up-to-date Conference Event Calendars, and/or digital photos you want to share of the Thirteenth’s great moments, then email: webmaster@13thAME.com
You may send information to: 13th Episcopal District Webmaster – 418 Pershing Avenue – Lockland, OH 45215
We can accept documents and photos in most formats, and pending approval from the Bishop’s Office, your contribution will help to make our online endeavor a successful enterprise that we can all be proud of, and use as a positive resource in our local ministries.
The committee recommends that all local congregations of the Kentucky Annual Conference place the Thirteenth Episcopal District Web address (URL) in their Sunday Bulletins/Worship Programs:
http://www.13thame.com/
Let our churches and your communities know we are visible, relevant and ready for this new Information Age. Make these online resources available to our people and those we are trying to minister too. Give our ‘folk’ another resource for being ‘in the know’ so they won't have any more excuses for not knowing.
“The 13th is alive and online!”
Humbly Submitted, Your Committee on Media/Public Relations:
Pastor William R. T. Hale, Pastor Kenneth J. Golphin, Sister Doris Coffey and Brother William White
8. TEXAS TYLER DISTRICT LAY ORGANIZATION WELCOMES ENTERTAINER:
The Tenacious Tyler District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is preparing for an exciting new Conference year. On Saturday, December 3, 2005, the Tyler District Lay Organization of the A. M. E. Church will host its First Annual Lay Banquet. The banquet will be held at the Ramada Conference Inn in Tyler, Texas. The banquet will start at 5:10 p. m. Tickets for this event are $30.00 per person and there are a limited number of tickets.
The speaker for the evening will be Actor, Singer, Composer, Producer, and Minister Rev. Dr. Clifton Davis. He played the Rev. Rueben Gregory on the popular NBC television series, “AMEN.” He starred in “The Melba Moore & Clifton Davis Show” and “That's My Mama.”
Dr. Davis has appeared in such films as “Any Given Sunday” with Jamie Foxx & Al Pacino, “Kingdom Come” with L. L. Cool J & Jada Pickett Smith, “Max Keeble’s Big Move.” His Broadway appearances include “Hello Dolly,” “Jimmy Shine,” with Dustin Hoffman and “Look to the Lilies.” He received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a musical in 1972 as one of the stars of Broadway’s Tony Award-winning hit musical, “Two Gentlemen of Verona.”
On Christian television, Davis hosts C. A. T. S. (Christian Artist Talent Search) on INSP Television. He is the host of “Backstage Pass” on TBN, and he ministers for “Praise the Lord” on the TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network).
The Tyler District Lay Organization looks forward in welcoming the Reverend Dr. Clifton Davis and you to our exciting event.
For more information about this event and for tickets call Mr. Tommy Myers 903-545-1905, Delanda S. Johnson 903-489-2329, Vanessa Tatum 903-631-7513, and Mavis Muse 903-566-5558.
Submitted by Delanda S. Johnson
Guest Writer
9. EVANGELISM WORKSHOP TO BE CONDUCTED AT WAYMAN CHAPEL, GEORGETOWN, KENTUCKY:
Wayne Johnson from the Church of the Nazarene, who is very knowledgeable on the subject of evangelism (Local and World Wide), will conduct an Evangelism workshop for one hour beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Wayman Chapel AME Church, 321 Chambers Avenue, Georgetown, KY 40324 on Saturday, October 22, 2005.
In Christian brotherhood
The Rev. Antonio Q Stuckey
PREACHERSTUCKEY@aol.com
10. BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Regretfully we share news of the passing of the Reverend Miriam Nakapizye, (WIM) who was a Pastor in Zimbabwe the 20th Episcopal District and was currently on transfer to her home district 17th Episcopal District in Zambia.
Reverend Nakapizye passed on Saturday, September 24, 2005 in Kasompe area of St Thomas AME Church at the home of her baby sister in the city of Chingola. Funeral gathering has been shifted from Chingola to Chililabombwe to her parent’s residence. Funeral arrangements are pending.
Submitted by:
The Rev Royd Mwandu - Senior Pastor
St Thomas AME Church
82-14th Street, Nchanga South
P O Box 11125
Chingola, Zambia
17th Episcopal District –
The Rt. Rev Paul J. M. Kawimbe - Bishop
11. 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.
12. 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
