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. AN IMPORTANT RECURRING MESSAGE FROM DR. JEROME HARRIS FOR PREACHERS AFFECTED BY HURRICANE KATRINA:
Dr. Jerome V. Harris, Executive Director of the AMEC Department of Annuity Investment and Insurance has arranged with the annuity investment vendors, Symetra Insurance Company and American Express, to process requests for "Hardship" annuity withdrawals on an EXPEDITED basis for those participants affected by Hurricane Katrina.
All participants assigned to the Eighth (Mississippi and Louisiana), Ninth (Alabama) and Eleventh (Florida) Episcopal Districts are eligible for expedited hardship annuity withdrawals. In an effort to provide more immediate financial assistance to persons in these devastated areas, expedited payments can now be made and received in as soon as 24 hours, depending on the mode of distribution, i.e. Direct Bank Transfer, US Mail, etc. The normal withdrawal process usually requires approximately 3 - 4 weeks, so our pastors and their families are blessed, in this time of difficulty, with the expedited arrangement.
Participants desiring to avail themselves to this process should contact the AMEC Department of Annuity Investment and Insurance directly at (901) 527-2006 or by Email at amec_des@bellsouth.com
2. ANSWER ALL OF THE QUESTIONS BELOW, RELATED TO BISHOP JOSEPH GOMEZ AND WIN ONE COPY OF THE DOCTRINE AND DISCIPLINE OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 2005:
Editor’s note: We have not had questions in a long time, so I am making this one hard in light of the prize, The 2005 AME Discipline. All of the questions must be answered correctly. I must receive correct answers not later than 12 noon, Monday, October 10, 2005. These questions are for those serious about the history of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
a. On which Caribbean island was Bishop Joseph Gomez born?
b. What other AME Bishop, a cousin of Bishop Gomez, was born on the same Caribbean Island?
c. What was the full name given to Bishop Gomez when he was born?
d. Which AME Church did young Gomez join upon his arrival in the United States?
e. Who was the pastor of that church that young Joseph attended when he arrived in the United States?
f. When (month and year) did Joseph Gomez leave his home to attend Wilberforce?
g. Where and what was the name of Joseph Gomez’s first pastoral assignment?
h. Where and what was the name of Joseph Gomez’s first American charge?
i. When was Joseph Gomez elected and consecrated a bishop?
3. DR. DOROTHY JACKSON YOUNG, EPISCOPAL SUPERVISOR OF THE 11th EPISCOPAL DISTRICT, SPEAKS AT ST. PAUL A.M.E. CHURCH, JACKSONVILLE:
– By Sister Angela Surcey Garner
Secretary of the 11th District’s Media & Public Relations Ministry
The Women of Allen of St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Jacksonville, FL, where The Reverend Marvin C. Zanders, II is the Pastor, celebrated their 40th Anniversary on Sunday, September 25th at 4 p.m. in the Sanctuary of the church. Their President, Dr. Helen Jackson, and The Women of Allen were elegantly adorned in purple suits, portraying the beauty and grace of their organization. The theme of the evening was, “Women Keeping the Dream Alive.” Dr. Young certainly was the perfect person to speak from their theme, as she is truly, a woman who is keeping the dream alive. She was escorted by her husband, Bishop McKinley Young, who is the Presiding Prelate of the 11th Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church, which includes the state of Florida and the Bahamas.
The atmosphere was one of class and style as the Women of Allen received their guests. Male members of The S. S. Morris Usher Board handed each person a worship bulletin, beautifully created in purple and gold with their logo, a purple rose with gold leaves, strategically placed on each of the pages. It featured a rich historical background of their organization and an extremely impressive bio of Dr. Young. She is a Registered Nurse who is the Episcopal Supervisor of the Women’s Missionary Society and Clergy Spouses, and has done much work for God and His church locally and internationally. Dr. Young has provided much leadership in Africa and abroad to help increase the knowledge of the A.M.E. Church, and is responsible for the training and education of many persons throughout many districts of the church.
After the standard welcome, devotion and occasion were cordially completed, Dr. Cora Reed, Conference President of the Women’s Missionary Society, introduced Dr. Young. Dr. Reed did an excellent job of reiterating the very extensive bio of Dr. Young, but included and expounded upon her very important jobs as Episcopal Supervisor, wife, mother, grandmother (recently assisting in the delivery of a first grandchild by one of their daughters, then traveling to assist in the delivery of a second grandchild a few days later), church and community activist. Preceding Dr. Young’s message, a very beautiful and testimonial solo, “Jesus, There’s Just Something About That Name,” was led by Mrs. Rosemary Anderson, wife of Presiding Elder Dr. Damone Anderson, who accompanied her on the piano.
As Dr. Dorothy Young began to speak, she mentioned that she was nervous, but one could not tell because she spoke with grace, clarity and assuredness of her message theme: “Women Keeping the Dream Alive.” I was captivated by her pleasant but persuasive tone. She held the attention of everyone in the Sanctuary as her speech drew everyone into her message. As her Biblical base, she spoke of the first woman to keep the dream alive as the woman who had so much faith in Jesus, that he would heal her child possessed of a demon by only speaking the words. Though she was shunned by those around her, she didn’t give up until Jesus blessed her and healed her child. She then spoke of the first African American woman to earn a degree from Wilberforce University as she urged her listening and captivated audience to “build altars of remembrance in holding on to the past, while envisioning and developing our future.” Dr. Young’s basic message throughout her speech alluded to many persons saying, “Help me,” and reminded us that God’s mission is to all people. One of these persons was the next woman who dared to keep the dream alive, Mother Rosa Parks, who took her stand with charity and clarity. This Deaconess of the A.M.E. Church was not only physically tired, but her soul was tired and she trusted God to make a change that not only affected her, but the entire world. She too, was a woman who kept the dream alive.
As Dr. Young concluded her message, she spoke of the Women of Allen as a group of women who are “living obedient, undivided lives, making a difference in the lives of other women.” She spoke of dreams being hopes or aspirations, directing us to search our hearts regarding the dreams for our congregation. She spoke of the Women’s Missionary Society as those who have been “called from a familiar past to an unknown future.” Dr. Young reminded some and informed others that one “must be dedicated to work in the Kingdom of God,” and that “a call to commitment is a call to work.” She received a standing ovation from the entire audience as she took her seat. The president, Dr. Helen Jackson, and the vice-president, Sister Avis Sweet, presented Dr. Young with gifts and gave her a beautiful, symbolic, purple glass rose with a little vase.
This very wonderful celebration concluded with a reception in the Proctor Center following the service. The Dining Hall was beautifully decorated with purple tablecloths topped with fine china tea services on each table. The snacks were served on a buffet table decorated with several uniquely styled candles shaped like tulips. Everyone enjoyed the fellowship as they ate finger sandwiches, little cookies, sweet snacks, nuts and drank punch. Some were blessed to enjoy a slice of cake as well. This was a very memorable celebration and all in attendance were blessed by Dr. Young’s message, which was truly in line with the theme: “Women Keeping the Dream Alive.”
Submitted by Sister Angela Surcey-Garner, Secretary
The Eleventh Episcopal District's Media & Public Relations Ministry
The Rt. Reverend McKinley Young, Presiding Bishop
4. PASTOR MARVIN C. ZANDERS, II WILL DELIVER GOD’S MESSAGE ON
OPENING NIGHT OF THE EAST CONFERENCE IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA:
By Angela Surcey Garner
The 130th Session of The East Conference opens on Tuesday, November 1, 2005 at Saint Stephen A.M.E. Church in Jacksonville, FL. The Reverend Marvin C. Zanders, II, Pastor of Saint Paul A.M.E. Church in Jacksonville, FL, will preach the opening sermon at the 7 P.M. Worship Service. This energetic and anointed man of God has delivered dynamic messages and preached powerful sermons all over the United States. In addition to the many churches and other places he has delivered God’s messages, Pastor Zanders spoke in Indianapolis, Indiana last year at the A.M.E. Church’s General Conference, to a congregation of over 10,000 people from all over the world. His sermon, “An Atmosphere for Miracles”, received standing ovations and glorious shouts of spiritual acclamation throughout the Indianapolis Convention Center Auditorium. This anointed man of God is surely the excellent choice for speaker of the opening Worship Service of The East Conference, as his messages are Biblically based with a contemporary twist. Pastor Zanders preaches God’s Word as it is written in the Bible, but delivers understanding through words and phrases that are led by God, allowing his message to reach persons of all ages. If you have never attended an opening night service of the East Conference, or if you always attend, prepare to hear God’s Word through His chosen man in a way you have never heard before. Do not miss the opening Worship Service of the East Conference this year. You certainly do not want to miss the powerful, uplifting sermon Pastor Marvin C. Zanders, II will preach. You will remember his sermon for a long time.
Submitted by Sister Angela Surcey-Garner, Secretary
The Eleventh Episcopal District's Media & Public Relations Ministry
The Rt. Reverend McKinley Young, Presiding Bishop
5. A PROVERB STATED EBONICALLY:
- I came across the proverb below in an email sent by Sister Angela Surcey-Garner:
"Be what you is, not what you ain't.
'Cause if you is what you ain't, you ain't what you is." Jeff Easter
6. AROUND THE AME CHURCH:
The Rev. Dr. Michael Carson Reassigned
After 14 years as pastor of Historic Wayman Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Kokomo, Indiana, the Rev. Michael Carson, has been appointed to Union Memorial AME Church in Benton Harbor, Mich.
7. THE WEST KENTUCKY ANNUAL CONFERENCE WEBSITE:
http://www.13thame-wky.org/default.htm
The purpose of eNewsletter is to communicate events and activities that occur in the West Kentucky Conference as they happen. In the future, we share many of the events and activities at the 125th session of the West Kentucky Conference byway of summary reports and activities.
8. UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE WEST KENTUCKY ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
- The Lay organization of Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church will hold their annual Lay Day, October 9, 2005 at 11:00 A.M. Theme Laity's Agenda of Ministry and Service In the Total Program of Quinn Chapel and the Community. The guest speaker is Sister Anna Johnson, 13th District Lay President. The church location is 1901 West Muhammad Ali, Louisville, KY. (502) 583-0324. To learn more, please E-mail:quinname@bellsouth.net
- The Brotherhood of Greater St. James AME, Louisville, Kentucky will sponsor a men's prayer breakfast at 10:00 A.M. October the 22, 2005. All men are invited contact person is Brother James Leavell. The church location is 2100 West Oak Street, 502-778-6107.
9. GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT SAVING LIVES:
Each year, the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout draws attention to the deaths and chronic diseases caused by smoking. And throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, many state governments responded by banning smoking in workplaces and restaurants, raising taxes on cigarettes, limiting advertising, discouraging teen cigarette use, and taking further actions to counter smoking.
Those states with strong tobacco control laws are now reaping the fruits of their labor in markedly lower smoking rates and fewer people dying of lung cancer, according to a 2003 report in Cancer Causes and Control.
The study found lung cancer death rates among adults age 30-39 were lower and falling in most states that had a strong anti-tobacco program. In states with weak tobacco control, lung cancer rates were higher and climbing.
Today, an estimated 46 million US adults smoke. Tobacco use can cause lung cancer, as well as other cancers, heart disease, and respiratory disease. Smoking is responsible for one in three cancer deaths and one in five deaths from all causes. Another 8.6 million people are living with serious illnesses caused by smoking.
Fortunately, the past 25 years have seen tremendous strides in changing attitudes about smoking, in understanding the addiction, and in learning how to help people quit.
For more information, visit the American Cancer Society’s Web site at www.cancer.org for resources to help you quit, improve your health or get involved in the Great American Smokeout. You can also call your American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345.
Source: American Cancer Society, 2005
10. HELPING A SMOKER QUIT: DO’S AND DON’TS:
Do respect that the quitter is in charge. This is their lifestyle change and their challenge, not yours.
Do ask the person whether he or she wants you to call or visit regularly to see how he or she is doing. Let the person know that it is okay to call you whenever he or she needs to hear encouraging words.
Do help the quitter get what she or he needs. Examples of popular tobacco substitutes are hard candy to suck on, straws to chew on, and fresh veggies cut up and kept cold in the refrigerator.
Do spend time doing things with the quitter to keep his or her mind off smoking. For example, go to the movies, take a walk to get past a craving (what many call, a "nicotine fit").
Do help the quitter with a few chores, some child care, cooking, whatever will help lighten the stress of quitting.
Do celebrate along the way—quitting smoking is a BIG DEAL!
Don't take their grumpiness personally during his or her nicotine withdrawal. The symptoms will pass in about two weeks.
Don't offer advice. Just ask how you can help with the plan or program they are using.
The American Cancer Society offers support and information for smokers who want to quit. For more information, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
Source: American Cancer Society, 2005
11. FUNERAL FOR DR. HENDERSON DAVIS:
Dr. Henderson Davis of Indianapolis, Indiana - Retired Historiographer of the A.M.E. Church passed on October 5, 2005. Our sympathy to Dr. Elmira Davis his wife, and to his Children - Martha, Venita, Lydia and Henderson, Jr., Grandchildren and all of his family.
Service Arrangements:
VISITATION
Friday, October 14, 2005
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Allen Chapel AME Church
629 East 11th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
317-638-9963 (Phone)
317-638-4936 (Fax)
FUNERAL
Saturday, October 15, 2005
11:00 AM
Allen Chapel AME Church
629 East 11th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
317-638-9963 (phone)
317-638-4936 (Fax)
Bishop Philip R. Cousin, Sr., Eulogist
Services entrusted to:
Lavenia, Smith and Summers Funeral Home
5811 E. 38th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46218
317-547-5814 (Phone)
317-547-5098 (Fax)
Send condolences to:
Dr. Elmira Davis and Family of Dr. Henderson S. Davis
3773 Manor Court
Indianapolis, IN 46218
317-546-9654 (Phone)
In lieu of flowers, you make contributions to the Dr. Henderson S. Davis Scholarship Fund.
Send contributions to:
3773 Manor Court
Indianapolis, IN 46218
12. FUNERAL SERVICE:
Mrs. Mozella Jackson Preston
Funeral Services were held for Mrs. Mozella Jackson Preston on October 4, 2005, at Turner Memorial AME Church, Washington, DC. Mrs. Mozella Jackson Preston, a Retired Musician, Director, Teacher and preacher's kid was responsible for organizing, at the request of Bishop John Hurst Adams, the Washington Conference choir.
Mrs. Mozella Jackson Preston was a musician and educator for more than 50 years. Her son Melvin Ivy and two grand children survive her.
Submitted by:
Peola H. Mccaskill
peolah@erols.com
13. BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Rev. Jesse Davis, Presiding Elder of the West Birmingham-Tuscaloosa-Greensboro District. Presiding Elder Jesse Davis passed away on October 5, 2005.
Funeral Arrangements are as follows:
Service:
Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 12 Noon
St. Mark AME Church
2715 18th Street
Tuscaloosa, AL 35405
Church Phone: (205) 759-2321
Church Fax: (205) 752-0183
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Mary Davis & Family
3707 12th Street E
Tuscaloosa, AL 35404
or
Rollins Mortuary
2701 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Phone: (205) 259-4202
Fax: (205) 759-9749
Please keep Mrs. Mary Davis and 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
