10/13/2005

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (10/13/05)

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 cared for and 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 email:
amec_des@bellsouth.com


2. QUESTIONS ANSWERED AND 2005 BOOK OF DISCIPLINE PRIZE IS CLAIMED:

- Brother Robert C. Sherrod, Louisville, Kentucky answered the questions correctly on Sun 10/9/2005 2:37 PM:

a. On which Caribbean island was Bishop Joseph Gomez born?

Answer: ANTIGUA

b. What other AME Bishop, a cousin of Bishop Gomez, was born on the same Caribbean Island?

Answer: Rt. Rev. William Benjamin Derrick, the 23rd Bishop

c. What was the full name given to Bishop Gomez when he was born?

Answer: Joseph Antonia Guminston Gomes

d. Which AME Church did young Gomez join upon his arrival in the United States?

Answer: Bethel AME Church, New York City NY

e. Who was the pastor of that church that young Joseph attended when he arrived in the United States?

Answer: The Rev. Dr. Reverdy Cassius Ransom, The 48th elected and consecrated bishop in the AME Church.

f. When (month and year) did Joseph Gomez leave his home to attend Wilberforce?

Answer: October 1911

g. Where and what was the name of Joseph Gomez’s first pastoral assignment?

Answer: Bethel AME Church, Shelly Bay, Bermuda

h. Where and what was the name of Joseph Gomez’s first American charge?

Answer: Bethel AME Church, Detroit, MI

i. When was Joseph Gomez elected and consecrated a bishop?

Answer: 1948

Robert C. Sherrod 2107 West Oak Street Louisville KY 40210-1419

3. WOMEN TO CELEBRATE THE BLESSING OF GIVING BIRTH AT
WOMEN’S GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2005:

By Rev. Maxine L. Thomas

While media statistics indicate that domestic violence increases during pregnancy and also in high percentage results in the death of both mother and baby at the hand of her abuser, a Women’s Conference sponsored by “Sisters Keeping the Covenant” is set for Friday, November 18 thru Saturday, November 19, 2005 at the First District Plaza, 3801 Market Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which will highlight women carrying to full term and giving birth.

Titled, Women’s General Assembly 2005, “AND SHE SHALL BRING FORTH,” and using Luke 1:31 as a scriptural foundation, the conference will aid in the process of women identifying that which God has placed in them as God moves them to the place of giving birth to the vision, and further, how to nurture and care for that which is born of God for the edifying of the church and for the expansion of God’s glorious kingdom. Women’s General Assembly 2005 will provide a forum for all women, regardless of race, denominational affiliation, or economical status, for spiritual renewal, restoration, healing, and revival.

The Conference will open on Friday, November 18th at 7 P.M. with a “Water Breaking” Praise Shower which will feature “The Birth Day Choir,” the Daughters of Shabach Dance Ministry of Baltimore, MD, New Covenant Praise Band of Philadelphia, PA, and the Voices of Africa Choral Ensemble of Philadelphia.

A dynamic panel discussion entitled, Women in the Office—“Birthing in the Natural what is Born of the Spirit will highlight the events to be held on Saturday, November 19th. Also, “Breathtaking” workshop topics include, “Formed in Secret, Fashioned for His Service,” “How Can a Woman Cleanse Her Ways,” “Getting Through the Process to Get to the Promise,” “Push Until You Birth the Promise,” “Cut Those Cords and Take Up Your Cross,” “Out of Your Belly and Into a Blessing,” “After Birth, Then What,” “Drip Drop, Rain On Me,” God Saw Me Before I Saw Myself,” “If You Can Release the Baggage, God Will Enlarge Your Borders,” “Cradle Me, But Don’t Crowd My Space,” and “Past Due By Our Standard, But In Step With God’s Plan.”

Women’s General Assembly 2005 will also have available a Labor Room, where women will be able to PUSH (Pray Until Something Happens) with the assistance of a team of intercessory prayer warriors.

For your pampering needs, there will be available complimentary upper body massages, facial makeovers and much more on “All That’s Nice Avenue.” “Healthy Ever After Highway” will feature mini lectures on health and nutrition, breast health, and HIV awareness. Take care of your shopping needs at the beautifully decorated “Birth Day Wonder Land,” where you will find fabulous fashions at a fabulous price, exquisite black art for sale, and much more!

The culminating event of the conference will be a Birth Day Celebration, which will open with Birth Day Party Praise and ascend to full dilation, as Rev. Maxine L. Thomas, founder and Executive Director of Sisters Keeping the Covenant, and Assisting Director Rev. Dr. Henrietta Scott Fullard, will preach a dual message.

"Sisters Keeping the Covenant" is a healing and restorative ministry for all women and sets its aim at providing forums for biblical teaching, and life changing worship experiences through Women’s General Assemblies and other seminars and programs.

Rev. Maxine L. Thomas has coordinated Women’s Conferences for more than a decade and continues to channel her efforts and prayers into presenting forums where women will encounter the presence of God through Holy Ghost Bible preaching and teaching, as well as receive pampering, enjoy the fellowship and bond of sisterhood, and celebrate the unique and special gift of womanhood. Rev. Maxine is the Connectional Director of Ministries for Women under the Department of Church Growth and Development for the AME Church; the Editor of the First District Flame Newspaper; the Assistant Pastor of Morris Brown AME Church in Philadelphia, where her husband of 17 years is the dynamic pastor; a Christian author of devotional books for women; former radio talk show host; the founder, producer and host of Adonai Christian Talk Show; a Christian columnist for various publication; a loving and devoted wife; and the mother of three brilliant and beautiful daughters, Tricia, Traci, and Trina.

Rev. Dr. Fullard is currently the visionary Presiding Elder of the Jamaica Long Island District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and is the distinguished first woman Presiding Elder of the Philadelphia District where she served prior to being assigned to her current district. Dr. Fullard is a former educator and high school principal in the New York School System and she is currently the Campus Minister of York College in NY, NY serving a community of over 5,000 scholars. She is the former pastor of Bethel AME Church in Arverne, NY where her inspired efforts saved the church from closing and where she instituted a feeding program that serviced hundreds throughout the week in the Arverne community. She is a member of many religious and civic boards and is the President of the South Queens Clergy Alliance. Her efforts in kingdom building continue to unfold as she continues to avail herself to serving the needs of her presiding elder district, the need for providing substantive ministry that is revealed in spiritually based programs, and service oriented projects.

The conferences that Rev. Maxine have coordinated have been graced by the sound of the trumpet, the sweet melody of a harp, the voice of gospel recording artist, Valerie Boyd, the presence of Miss New Jersey who graced the conference with a guest appearance on “Beauty Boulevard,” and a panel of professional women in leadership who shared both the blessing and burden of their success. As God’s Spirit has moved, women have been slain under the power of the Holy Ghost, lifted in spiritual jubilation, and have stood still in God’s most holy presence.

The host church for Women’s General Assembly 2005 is Mt. Tabor AME Church in Philadelphia, PA where the Rev. Martha Lang is the esteemed and dedicated pastor. The presentation of this gathering is a combined effort of the pastors and churches of the various Philadelphia and New York Conferences of the AME Church, and a collaborative intervention of support rendered by women’s ministry workers of varied denominations throughout the east coast region.

For more information and or to register and attend, please contact Rev. Maxine L. Thomas at 215-763-4707.

4. SEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT’S 2005 AME COLUMBIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE:

From Sunday September 11th to Friday September 16th the 7th District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, which encompasses the entire state of South Carolina, convened in Columbia for its 2005 Columbia Annual Conference. This weeklong event was held at Emmanuel AME Church located at 2130 Barhamville Road in Columbia. Between 3000 to 4000 AME church clergy and delegates attended this Conference during which various committees addressed issues such as: The State of the Church and Country, Family Life, Christian Education, Temperance, Evangelism, Women's and Youth Ministries, Social Action, and Prison and Hospital Ministries.

The Columbia Conference is comprised of the Columbia, Lancaster and Newberry-Spartanburg Districts. This 128th Session makes it the second oldest of six annual conferences. With 30 churches in Columbia, 34 in Lancaster, and 30 in Newberry-Spartanburg the Columbia Conference contains nearly 25,000 AME members and with 634 churches throughout South Carolina, the 7th Episcopal District contains nearly 200,000 AME members statewide.

The city of Columbia serves as the capital of the 7th Episcopal District, the seat of Allen University, and home of the Episcopal Residence. The Annual Conference is where the entire church body comes together to assess what has been accomplished during the previous year and set goals for the upcoming year.

2005 Columbia Annual Conference Resolution:

To the Right Reverend Preston Warren Williams II, Presiding Prelate of the Seventh Episcopal District, Mrs. Wilma Deloris Webb-Williams, Supervisor of the Women’s Missionary Society and the Ministers’ Spouses, Widows and Widower’s Alliance, Presiding Elders and members of the 128th session of the Columbia, South Carolina Annual Conference,
Greetings,

To God be the glory for another spirited and sometimes humorous Columbia Annual Conference under the dynamic leadership of Bishop Preston Warren Williams II and Mrs. Wilma Deloris Webb-Williams. We thank God for their vision of community outreach, emphasis on Christian education, and for the unrelenting work, accomplishments and renewed direction of this 128th session of the Columbia Annual Conference by way of the following resolution:

Whereas, the Columbia Annual Conference convened on September 11, 2005 at Emmanuel AME Church 2130 Barhamville Road, Columbia, South Carolina 29204.
Whereas, enlightened by the pre-annual conference Debs and Masters Showcase on Sunday September 12, 2005 under the excellent leadership of Mrs. Wilhelmina Broughton and the Reverend Antonio Bonner, as the finest in the Columbia District were crowned.

Whereas, the mandate from Jesus to “go into all the world” was demonstrated by the various components of our church as they visited numerous public service agencies throughout the Columbia area.

Whereas, the Sons of Allen presented unto us a wonderful and spiritual worship experience as men from across the district came together with blended voices. We were inspired by the awesome sermon brought by the Reverend Rubin Smalls, entitled “Overcoming Your Handicap” taking his text from Mark 10:46-52.

Whereas, Bishop Williams officially opened the Columbia Annual Conference on Tuesday September 13, 2005 at 8:30 am. The Reverend Pamela Jacob, Conference Secretary, called the roll and all were present and accounted for.

Whereas, the Columbia Annual Conference was organized by our proficient leader Bishop Preston Warren Williams II and boundaries of the conference were established. We were led into a lively worship experience as the Columbia Conference choir sang melodious songs. We were enlightened and energized by Reverend Leroy Cannon in his sermon entitled, “Get in the Boat and Stay in the Boat” as he delivered our opening sermon taking his text from Matthew 22: 25. Reverend Cannon reminded us that, “if you stay in the boat, God will take care of you.”

Whereas, the afternoon session began with pastoral reports from the Newberry-Spartanburg District under the leadership of Presiding Elder Rosalyn Coleman. The pastors proudly shared their reports and the work of the district.

Whereas, on Tuesday night the Columbia Conference branch of the Women’s Missionary Society, under the leadership of Sister Wilhelmina Broughton, President, called us to a night of mission: we were profoundly blessed by Mother Deloris Webb-Williams, as she delivered a motivating and challenging message entitled, “Empowerment of Women”, using as a scripture Luke 24:44-49. Mother Williams effectively drove home the importance of missionaries being empowered to do God’s work.

Whereas, the conference opened Wednesday with devotion, followed by the business session. The pastors and delegates of Lancaster District under the leadership of Presiding Elder James R. Glover enthusiastically presented their reports and informed the conference of the work of the district.

Whereas, the conference enjoyed a midday worship service heightened by the powerful soul-stirring message delivered by the Reverend Dr. Betty Clark from John 4:7, entitled “Broken but Alive.” Dr. Clark very skillfully preached with the underlying message to the church that brokenness is a human but repairable condition remedied by the healing hand of God.

Whereas, the conference enjoyed the evening with the Youth Witness Program presented by way of the theme “Purpose Driven Youth” with the skit entitled “The Seven Deadly Sins”, dramatically concluded with a liturgical dance called “A Sinner’s Prayer” performed by the Conference Praise Dancers. Bethel AME and the Columbia Conference Youth Choirs under the leadership of Rev. Carolyn Brailsford rendered Songs.

Whereas, the conference opened Thursday with devotional service followed by the business session. The Columbia District under the leadership of Presiding Elder William Smith Jr. passionately submitted their reports and informed the conference of the work of the district.

Whereas, Christian Education Day was packed with creative, insightful, relevant and useful information.

Whereas, our presenters, the Reverend Marty L. Henderson, gave an informative workshop on the 21 irrefutable laws of leadership from a Biblical perspective. Reverend Reginald C. Morton gave a presentation using the quadrennial theme, “Living Well”, emphasizing physical fitness, prevention and restoration. Chaplain Addison Burgess presented the qualifications for becoming chaplain in the armed forces. Mr. Joe Benton gave a workshop on Transformative Ministry Youth Focus. He gave statistical data on juvenile defenders by counties and racial breakdown.

Bishop Williams presented the President of Allen University a conference gift of thirty-two thousand four hundred dollars ($32,400.00).

Whereas, our Noonday Service started on a high note, the conference choir rendered songs that were moving and stimulating; songs that Bishop Williams coined “corn field ditties” that will put clapping in your hands and stomping in your feet.

Whereas, Dr. Charles E. Young, President of Allen University, reported that the current enrollment is six hundred plus, with hopes of increasing the student enrollment to seven hundred. The administration building is currently undergoing retrofitting. Dr. Young further stated that Allen University has received a 4 million dollar pledge towards a student-housing complex and a five-year plan is in place to move Allen University to the next level.

Whereas, Dr. Charles E. Young, preached to us from the subject, “Setting the Record Straight”, on stewardship, fellowship and worship. Taking his text from Psalms 24, Dr. Young commanded our attention as he delivered a powerful sermon.

To God be the glory for the great things he has done.

Whereas, on Thursday evening, the Columbia Lay Conference Witness entertained us with soulful singing and praise. The speaker of the hour, Dr. Pam Simmons, Chairperson in the English Department- Allen University, challenged us with the message, “Reclaiming the Lost.

Whereas, the Allen University football team attended the lay celebration.
Whereas, on Friday, September 16, 2005, Morning Session opened with the culmination of pastoral and conference committee reports. The Board of Examiners presented the candidates for admission: Hymin Ethredge, Darlene Madison, Timothy Taylor, Mary A. Hall, Albert Johnson, and Wayne Pratt.

Whereas, on Friday September 16th, we began the day with devotion by the licentiates at 8:00 pm and following the Presiding Prelate gave opening remarks and then had Dr. Daniel Jacobs of the Turner School of Theology at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, GA preside over the conclusion of the Columbia District‘s pastoral reports.

Whereas, the committee members of the conference gave the literary reports, namely: the State of the Church and the Country, Christian Education, Family Life and Church Growth. These reports provide the members of the conference with information and recommendations to enhance our lives in and out of the sanctuary.

Whereas, the Columbia Conference received the report of the Ministerial Efficiency Committee, with the request of the Reverends Joseph Brown, Jr. And, William Brunson to retire from Parish Ministry. The conference accepted their requests and we celebrate their victory for Christ through Parish Ministry.

Whereas, the Committee on Presiding Elders Support was given with the recommendation that the Presiding Elders receive an immediate 9% increase in compensation with an annual increase of three percent every year thereafter.

Whereas, the Board of Examiners offered that Lemetis A. Johnson, Ernest E. Yarborough, Darlene Madison, Timothy Taylor, and Tymone Etheridge be admitted to the Columbia Conference in pursuit of itinerant orders and Mary H. Hall and Wayne K. Pratt, be admitted in pursuit of local ministerial orders. And, on candidate: the Rev. Moses Rembert was submitted for ordination as an Itinerant Elder. The Board of Examiners, under the leadership of the Presiding Elders and Chair, the Rev. Ronnie E. Brailsford, was commissioned for another year.

Whereas, the conference was greeted by special guests Linda Yarrell and Lisa Samuel of NBSC. V.V. Reid School presented the conference with $1,500.00 for relief in the storm-ravaged areas of the gulf coast.

Whereas, the disciplinary questions were asked by our Presiding Prelate, the Rt. Reverend Preston Warren Williams II, determining that the 129th session of the Columbia Annual Conference will be held at Miller Chapel AME Church - Newberry, SC.

Whereas, the characters of the ministers in the conference were passed.

Whereas, the Midday “Hour of Power” opened with the Rev. Ronnie E. Brailsford serving as worship leader. The service opened with the singing of the hymn, “How to Reach the Masses”, lined by Rev. Izora Adamson. Rev. Robert China took us to the throne of grace in prayer and the choir led us in glorious songs of praise and thanksgiving. Rev. Novell Goff presented our Presiding Prelate, Bishop Preston Warren Williams II, to the congregation. Bishop introduced our speaker, Rev. Cesar Richburg of Allen Temple Greenville. Rev. Richburg preached with power and deliverance coming from Romans 4:17-21. He spoke from the sermon title “From Dead End to Deliverance”, reminding us that we have to learn to wait on the lord.

Whereas, we were blessed to witness and participate in the ordination of Rev. Moses Rembert.

Whereas, we witnessed the Church School presentation on the subject “A Lame Man Healed”, found in the scriptures in Acts chapter 3, verses 1-16. Reverends Eric Dent, Robert L. China, Stephen Singleton and Larie Weeks presented and taught the relevant lesson on healing, miracles and the fruit of the spirit.

Whereas, Rev. Robert L. China led the Committee on Memorials in our service of remembrance as we reflected on the lives and ministries of Reverends Ervin Holmes, Willie Pringle and J.C. Roache.

Whereas, substantial monetary donations were made to several public service agencies and various components have pledged ongoing support through volunteer services and supplies.

Whereas, we have witnessed the Closing Worship Service of the Columbia Annual Conference, and have bathed our spirits in the music of the Emmanuel AME Church Choir, and we have heard the preaching of the Rev. Dr. Daniel Jacobs, who preached to our souls, spirits and circumstances, from the Biblical text found in Corinthians 5:17-20, from the subject, “We are Ambassadors for Christ”.

Through these events, we have celebrated the salvation of Jesus Christ, experienced the substance of Jesus Christ and therefore, we look forward to the start of a new conference year, and the challenges of the great opportunity to bring more souls into the kingdom, and give service to the community and the world at large.

Whereas, we the members of the Columbia Annual Conference give words of thanks, gratitude, admiration, appreciation and encouragement to the Emmanuel church family, including the host pastor - the Reverend Timothy Cokely, Mrs. Cokely and the staff and volunteers of this pristine and apt church family for their hospitality, their patience and indulgence to assure that we were comfortable, well fed, well served and at home for this week of conference activities.

Whereas, we acknowledge the insight and innovation of our leader and reverent father in God, the Right Reverend Preston Warren Williams II, and our spiritual mother and nurturer, Sister Wilma Webb-Williams, and therefore we offer our thanks to them. And we offer our service to the church by way of their leadership and resolve that this 128th session of the Columbia Annual Conference holds the light high for all of African Methodism to see, and for all of the kingdom of God to note, that through Christ, we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength and able bodies to do his work.
Be it resolved, that the spirit of Jesus - the Christ - has preserved us for his best that is yet to come, and this conference has given us the appropriate launching place for ministry and service for another year.

We therefore, request the members of this conference to rise as one in affirmation of our hosts, our conference leaders and our Episcopal leadership and clap our hands in praise for what God has done with us, to us and through us - this week, as an act of faith for the future of our Zion and all of our members to be proud members of the kingdom of God through the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Written by:
The Columbia Conference Resolution Committee
Submitted by:
Benjamin HarrisonPublic Relations Director7th District AME ChurchTel 803.935.0500;
Cell 803.528.7104HarrisonAMEMedia@aol.com

7. AROUND THE AME CHURCH:

- Dr. Robert Reid, retired Editor of The Christian Recorder preached at St. Paul AME Church, Cleveland, Ohio on Sunday, October 9, 2005

- The Reverend Dr. Jo Baldwin, a noted author, along with others, was ordained on Saturday, October 8, 2005, at the 131st Session of the Central North Mississippi Annual Conference, Greenville/Vicksburg District. Rev. Baldwin was elected and ordained an Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, at Travis Chapel AMEC, Vicksburg, Mississippi.

8. WISDOM OF MAYA ANGELOU:

* I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

* I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.

* I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.

* I've learned that "making a living" is not the same thing as "making a life."

* I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

* I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back.

* I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.

* I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.

* I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

* I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.

* I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

Maya Angelou

9. DR. HENDERSON DAVIS FUNERAL ANNOUNCEMENT:

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 contribute to the Dr. Henderson S. Davis Scholarship Fund.

Send contributions to:
3773 Manor Court
Indianapolis, IN 46218

10. BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

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

11. 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.

12. BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Reverend Vernal Alford, Jr. He was the retired pastor of Allen AME Church, Cape May (New Jersey Conference). The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

Viewing - Friday, October 14, 2005
11:30 a.m.
Bethel A.M.E. Church
200 Regan Street
Greensboro, North Carolina 27401

Funeral - Friday, October 14, 2005
Service - 12:00 noon
Bethel A.M.E. Church

See above address
Rev. Norman W. Handy, Pastor
Phone: 336-273-5268
Fax: 336-273-1888

Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Georgia Alford c/o Bethel AME Church
200 Regan StreetGreensboro, N.C. 27401

Please keep the Alford family in your prayers.

13. 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.

14. 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