Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
NEWS ALERT -
FIFTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT CONTRIBUTES TO HURRICANE KATRINA FUND:
Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr., Supervisor Ava SB Green, Presiding Elders, Pastors and the Local Congregations of the 15th Episcopal District (Angola, Namibia, Queenstown, Eastern Cape, Kalahari and Cape Annual Conferences) raises Rand 73,000 which equals $11,500.00 USD to support the African Methodist Episcopal Church's Katrina Relief Fund.
A cashier's check was mailed to Mr. Richard Lewis' office to be forwarded to Dr. George Flowers.
As the Bishop of the 15th, I am proud of the sacrifice these caring and loving members of African Methodism have made, as they struggle with the economic challenges and disparities within their own countries. We are family! To God be the Glory, for the great things He has done.
1. SIXTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT ALERT:
Once again, the Caribbean islands are being threatened by the newest tropical storm- Alpha!
Please pray for the people of Haiti and the Dominican Republic as you prayed for those in the path of Hurricane Wilma. Please pray that Alpha will by-pass them.
Thank you,
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry
2. BISHOP WILLIAM DEVEAUX REPORTS THAT THE CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION CONTRIBUTES TO MORRIS BROWN COLLEGE:
Please report that another $25,000.00 came to Morris Brown College from the Connectional Lay Organization.
Bishop W. Philips DeVeaux, Sr.
Presiding Prelate
Sixth Episcopal District
3. THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH MINISTERIAL ALLIANCE OF LOS ANGELES AND VICINITY CALLS FOR A TIME OF REMEMBRANCE IN MEMORY OF STEWARDESS ROSA PARKS:
In the simple act of being seated
A young seamstress, Stewardess in African Methodism, human rights advocate, challenged the whole world to stand for freedom and justice.
We have sustained a great loss in the passing of Sister Rosa Parks. She means so much to all of us. Long before her act of liberation on that day in Montgomery, she had been an advocate for human rights. She worked diligently to bring about Justice, in her community of Montgomery, through the varied agencies of the community and her church.
We thank our God in Christ, for her life. We pray that others too will take heart by Rosa Parks acts, and believe that they too are difference makers. Today, we cannot imagine the fear and anxiety that may have resided within her and the fear experienced by her family on, and after those days of, December 1st, 1955, in Montgomery. We know that oppressed people do not easily obtain freedom and justice. We praise our God for her fortitude to stand up against the vicissitudes of racism and classism.
Within the ranks of African Methodism, we love her, as does the world who knows of her. We pay homage to her life and faith, having her name placed this past July 2004, as apart of the sacred ceremony of the Consecration of Deaconesses - Mothers of the Church - in African Methodism. The Bishops of African Methodism, exhort those being consecrated {and everyone present} to see and embrace examples such as Mary the mother of Jesus Christ; they also call the name of Sister Rosa Parks, mother of the Civil Rights Movement in America, as an example in these days, as a lady of Faith & Service, for all to reflect upon and embrace.
We call upon all members of the World Community, the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and all devotees of Freedom and Justice, to take time now and thank God in Christ for Sister Rosa Parks. We further ask that Churches all over America, and especially African Methodist Churches, to set aside a special time this fifth Sunday of October 2005, and the first Sunday of November 2005, as times to Remember, Reflect, and Revive, as inspired by the life and works of Sister Rosa Parks.
We simply say to God in Christ Jesus, “thank you for Sister Rosa Parks. We praise you for the gift of her life in our life!”
Grace and Power:
Pastor Leslie R. White
President; A. M. E. Church Ministerial Alliance of Los Angeles & Vicinity.
4. A TRIBUTE TO STEWARDESS ROSA PARKS:
Reprint - Why Am I A.M.E? (Part III)By the Reverend Kyle C. GibsonSenior Pastor Bethel AME Church, Moore Haven, Florida"The reason I am A.M.E. is because of the rich legacy this great church holds. All one has to do is take a look at many of the historical events that have taken place in African American History since 1787 and you will find that the African Methodist Episcopal Church has played a major part."
"Fourteen years later, on December 1, 1955, a mild mannered seamstress from Montgomery, Alabama by the name of Rosa Parks made the momentous decision not to give up her seat to a white man. She was tired from a long days work and she was tired of debilitating effects of Jim Crow. Mrs. Parks was arrested, but this decision helped to change the course of black history. As a result, a boycott was called on December 5, the day of Mrs. Park’s trial. Over the next 382 days, the boycott cost the city thousands of dollars in fares. On November 13, 1956, the United States Supreme Court declared that Alabama’s state and local laws requiring segregation on buses unconstitutional. For this action, many have called Rosa Parks the “Mother of the Civil Rights Movement.” I stand here proud to say to you that Rosa Parks is a proud member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church."These are just some of the proud reasons why I love this church. I have only shared a few reasons with you thus far.Please read more in the Christian Recorder for the final article of this series “Why Am I AME”
Submitted by Brother Eric and Sister Stephanie Stradford
5. ANSWER TO THE QUESTION ABOUT AME BISHOPS WHO WERE MEDICAL DOCTORS:
Brother Stephen Green came closest to naming the four bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church who were physicians, followed by Sister Gwen Morris. It was a hard question and I am going to send both of them the book that gives the answer, A Liberated Past: Explorations in AME Church History by Dr. Dennis Dickerson.
Stephen Green answered, Evans Tyree, Cornelius Shaffer, William Vernon, and John Johnson. Gwen Morris answered John Albert Johnson, 34th Bishop – Elected 1908, and Cornelius Thaddeus Shaffer, 29th Bishop – Elected 1900. For their valiant efforts, they will receive the prize
Name four elected and consecrated AME Bishops who were medical doctors. The Correct answer: Evans Tyree, Charles S. Smith, Cornelius Shaffer, and John Albert Johnson.
Editor’s note: The laity has answered almost all of the questions asked in this venue. By far the person who is the preeminent scholar in AME History is fourteen year old, Stephen Green.
6. PRAYER REQUEST FROM MOZAMBIQUE:
There are four reasons that encouraged me to write to ask for your help.
First: I believe that, prayer “moves mountains” and that “Prayer Changes Things”
Second: God is good and God hears and answers our prayers.
Third: We are a family and care about each other.
Fourth: You are the best prayer warriors of the world.
I am asking the AME Church to lift me in prayer. My job is at risk and my contract is expiring in about a week. My manager is doing his best to find a new position for me.
Please put me in your daily prayer schedule.
Yours in God’s service
Dionisio Joao Mazuze
Coca Cola, Sabco mocambique
Performance Finance
tel: 258 21 400190
fax;258 21 400375
cell:258 82 3551600
av. OUA nº 270 P.O.Box 1441
Email: dmazuze@ccs.co.za
Email alternative: dmazuze@yahoo.com
7. KINDNESS SHOWN THROUGH MOUNT ZION A.M.E. LEADING THE WAY IN KATRINA EFFORTS:
The devastation of Hurricane Katrina has permeated the minds of many people, and as a result, lives have been permanently changed in the wake of this disaster. Some have been affected through their connection to relatives and friends. Others have been affected by sheer virtue of being human. In the wake of so many disasters that have recently afflicted the nation, people have grown to unconsciously love and sympathize with those who have been impacted by these unfortunate situations.
Many religions—Christians, Jews, and Muslims to name a few, had a desire to ban together to help those who have suffered. In the intertwining of these religions, a common theme has been reached: the will and desire to do all that is humanly possible to help those who have been victimized.
Just as thousands upon thousands of churches have come together across the nation, churches in New Brunswick, New Jersey have collaborated with the City of New Brunswick along with America’s Second Harvest to obtain aid for Katrina victims. On Monday, September 12, the City of New Brunswick held a press conference to discuss anticipated efforts to assist the people in need. Mount Zion A.M.E. Church, under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Hooper, was one of the leading churches in the New Brunswick area who assisted the hurricane victims. “I believe that this is a great opportunity for city government and faith-based organizations to come together and make a difference in the lives of the people we serve. We must continue to work together for the uplifting of mankind,” stated Rev. Dr. Hooper.
In collaboration with the city’s appeal, Mount Zion A.M.E. was available to collect the requested non-perishable food items and other supplies and was one of the locations that housed the items until they were ready to be shipped. To date, 28 boxes were packed and shipped from Mount Zion to an A.M.E. church in Houston, TX. In addition, Rev. Dr. Hooper, on behalf of Bishop Richard F. Norris, bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church First Episcopal District, collected and sent a special benevolent offering to provide assistance for many victims.
It has been said that keeping the faith in such turbulent times may be difficult but it is necessary. It is evident, that the kindness shown throughout the nation, the cities, and the church community has made a world of difference to those who were once classified as victims but now are survivors!
Written by: Antoinette S. Johnson
Photos by: Bert Robinson
Mount Zion A.M.E. Church
39 Morris Street/Hildebrand Way
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
(732) 249-8476
www.mountzioname.org
8. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE WOMEN’S MISSIONARY SOCIETY 2005 ANNUAL CONVENTION:
The theme “NEW VISION, NEW DIRECTION, NEW SPIRIT” was very obvious to the more than 1,100 registered delegates who attended the Southern California Conference (SCC) Women’s Missionary Society Annual Convention October 4-5, 2005 at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Los Angeles, California under the dynamic leadership of our Episcopal Supervisor, Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant, Episcopal President, Ms. Norma J. Cook, and SCC WMS President, Mrs. Lessie Thompson.
Approximately 200 SCC missionaries dressed in white and wearing colorful scarves of their local societies, boarded buses and were transported to the Carl G. Nielson Youth Park located at 6000 Will Rogers Street to begin the “March for the Healing of the Nation”. Congresswoman Maxine Waters of the 35th District of California joined Episcopal President Cook and SCC WMS President, Thompson, in the one-mile march into the convention site.
The Convention was opened with Devotions led by the Worship Director Mrs. Karyn Young-Lowe. A panel discussion “Let the Healing Begin” was presented. Topics and panelists were HIV/AIDS – Ms. Allison Stradford, District 3rd Vice President, Political – Mrs. Yvonne R. Jones, a Workers’ Compensation Judge for the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board in Santa Monica, CA), Family Life – Mrs. Traci Weatherspoon, who works with the Student Nutrition Services to integrate nutrition education at Carver Elementary School in Los Angeles, CA and Spiritual – Mrs. Denise Hunter, the first female President of FAME Corporations and First Lady of First A.M.E. Church, Los Angeles, under the leadership of the Rev. John J. Hunter.
Preceding the capping ceremony, District 2nd Vice President Dianne Freeman, spoke on “What It Means to be a Missionary.” Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant, Ms. Norma Cook and Mrs. Rosie Jones, 3rd Vice President of SCC WMS capped approximately 193 new missionaries. New members responded by repeating “God being my helper, I am ready and willing” when asked by the Episcopal Supervisor “are you ready and willing to meet the challenges that await you as missionaries?”
Mrs. Jones presided during the Tanner Turner Memorial Service, which memorialized the 16 members of the SCC WMS who passed away during the 2004-2005 Conference Year in “A Salute to Our Sisters” ceremony.
Episcopal Supervisor Bryant presented certificates to 21 new Cleo B. Love Hall of Recognition recipients during an impressive ceremony.
President Thompson was presented with a bouquet of long stemmed red roses after being acknowledged by Episcopal Supervisor Bryant for her commitment, dedication and excellent leadership of the SCC WMS.
Episcopal Supervisor Bryant introduced the delegation who will be traveling to Zambia April 7-17, 2006 and asked for the financial support of the SCC WMS to ensure that all who want to travel to Zambia will be able to do so.
Registration and Credentials committee reports were presented by the SCC WMS Registration Chairperson, Mrs. Betty Ludgood, who reported 1,120 persons registered and the SCC WMS Secretary, Ms. Artrina Hines, reported 487 credentials verified.
A single vote was cast by Mrs. Charlotte Ned, to elect the following uncontested officers: Mrs. Dessie Dantzler, Worship Director, Mrs. Lessie Thompson, President, Mrs. Hermia Shegog-Whitlock, 1st Vice President, Mrs. Anita Moore, 2nd Vice President, Mrs. Rosie Jones, 3rd Vice President, Ms. Artrina Hines, Recording Secretary, Mrs. Cecelia Huggins, Assistant Recording Secretary, Ms. Monique Redmon, Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. Audrey Fletcher, Treasurer, Mrs. Saundra Charleston, Parliamentarian, Mrs. Theresa Lawrence, Historiographer/Statistician, Mrs. Toni Simmons, Y.P.D. Director and Mrs. Carolyn Barnes, Promotion & Missionary Education Director, and Members at Large: Mrs. Joann Thomas, Mrs. Beverly Drinkard, Mrs. Katie Johnson, Mrs. Kewana Marie Coleman and Mrs. Janice Allen.
During the Missionary Witness Night, missionaries and their guests sat and watched in amazement as the SCC WMS drama production, “Blessed Women of God” Lord, We’re Available to You” unfolded before their very eyes. 1st Vice President Hermia Shegog-Whitlock and Worship Leader Karyn Young-Lowe wrote the script for the drama production. NAACP Image Award winning choreographer, Tyna Andrews served as Artist Director. The production consisted of SCC WMS members presented as Women of Faith – The Shunammite Woman, The Crooked Woman, The Woman with the Issue of Blood, and the Virgin Mary, Women of Service – Ruth, Women of Courage – Debra, and Mary the Mother of Jesus (at the Temple and Cana), and Women of Purpose – Mary & Martha of Bethany and Mary the Mother of Jesus (at the Cross). Singing by the SCC WMS New Vision Choir, music by the New Direction Musicians and dancing by the New Spirit Dancers was beautifully portrayed in presenting the theme of this Conference Year.
President Thompson convened the Executive Board Meeting of the SCC WMS on Wednesday, October 5, 2005 at 8:00 a.m. Our Episcopal President, Ms. Norma J. Cook and 3rd Vice President, Ms. Allison Stradford, attended.
On Wednesday, October 5, 2005 during the Annual Conference WMS Hour of Power, the Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant, Episcopal Supervisor focusing on the theme of “Reclaiming the Biblical Mandate” Reconciliation, preached the Ministry of The Word.
I would like to take this opportunity, as the Public Relations Chair to thank President Lessie Thompson for her entrusting me to do this awesome task of public relations and her constant inspiration to me in my journey.
Submitted by Gwen Morris,
Public Relations Chair
SCC WMS
9. EBENEZER MEN’S SEASON 2005, STATE OF BLACK AFFAIRS FEATURING HARVARD LAW SCHOOL’S PROFESSOR CHARLES J. OGLETREE, JR. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2005, 7 – 9 P.M.:
Is Integration Working?
Professor Charles J. Ogletree, Jr., is Vice Dean of Clinical Programs at Harvard Law School and Executive Director of the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race and Justice. He has been recognized by Savoy Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential Blacks in America; by Black Enterprise as a legal legend among America's Black lawyers; and by the National Law Journal as one of the 100 Most Influential Lawyers in America.
In, “All Deliberate Speed: Reflections on the First Half-Century of Brown v. Board of Education” Charles J. Ogletree discusses the judicial system, the legal challenges to affirmative action, and the issue of reparations. Informed by brilliant insight and first-hand experience, “all deliberate speed” compellingly traces the history of race and integration in American society, and will promote debate and reconsideration for years to come.
"Charles Ogletree is the public intellectual who best embodies and enacts the great legacy of Thurgood Marshall and A. Leon Higginbotham, Jr. His powerful book is a grand testament to his intellectual sophistication, moral passion and political integrity."
-Cornel West, Princeton University
Professor Ogletree will sign his book, “All Deliberate Speed: Reflections on the First Half-Century of Brown v. Board of Education”
The Book can be purchased for $12. The Retail price is $15.95 and the paperback Edition includes three new chapters!
http://www.alldeliberatespeed.com/
http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/people/ogletree/
Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church
7707 Allentown Road • Fort Washington MD 20744 • (301) 248-8833
The Rev. Dr. Grainger Browning, Jr., Senior Pastor,
The Rev. Dr. Jo Ann Browning, Co-Pastor
The Rev. Eugene Marriott, Minister to Men,
The Rev. Marcus Washington, Asst. Minister to Men
10. SEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT’S 2005 AME SOUTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
From Sunday September 18th to Friday September 23rd the 7th District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, which encompasses the entire state of South Carolina, convened in Summerville for its 2005 South Carolina Annual Conference. This weeklong event was held at St. James AME Church at 1831 Jedburg Road, Summerville, SC 29483 (843.688.5719). Approximately 4000 AME church clergy and delegates attended this Conference during which various committees address 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 South Carolina Conference is comprised of the Charleston, Edisto and Beaufort Districts. This 142nd session makes it the oldest of six annual Conferences. With 28 churches in Charleston, 33 in Edisto and 28 in Beaufort the South Carolina Conference contains nearly 25,000 AME members and with 634 churches throughout South Carolina, the 7th Episcopal District contains over 200,000 AME members statewide.
The South Carolina Conference serves as home to Mother Emmanuel AME Church on Calhoun Street in Charleston, which is one of the oldest AME churches in South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida and is considered the AME’s Mother Church of the South. 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 South Carolina Annual Conference Resolution:
“Let the people praise Thee, o’ God; let all the people praise Thee.” We are praising God for the 142nd session of the South Carolina Annual Conference with our Presiding Prelate Bishop Preston Warren Williams II and Mother Wilma D. Webb-Williams, and hosted by Rev. Eddie and Barbara Gaston Jr. and the St. James AME church family.
Whereas: the morning started with the customary roll call of pastors and organization of the conference.
Whereas: the opening worship convocation and celebration of Holy Communion began with Elder John Randolph presiding.
Whereas: the congregation sang “And Are We Yet Alive” for the opening hymn.
Whereas: Rev. Kelly Spann used as his scripture Judges 6:23-24 and his subject was “Looking for Peace”.
Whereas: Rev. Spann told us that the book of Judges has a three-fold purpose: 1. Bridge the historical gap between the death of Joshua and Israel’s promise; 2. Show the moral and political degradation of people who neglected their religion; and 3. Show the need of the people to be in unity.
Whereas: he told us how God called Gideon out of his fear to deliver Israel. He left us with three points: 1. God does not want any scary soldiers in his army; 2. God does not want you to look down to your feet because he wants you to have a vision to prepare for the future; and 3. God will allow you to walk among your enemies so get ready. God is about to do a new thing and he will fight your battles. When he moves, you move just like that!
Whereas: we were all stirred to be about our Father’s business and answer His call. Just like Gideon, we are going to blow our trumpets of victory!
Whereas: communion service was conducted and we were dismissed.
Whereas: the afternoon business session began with the election of the conference committees. The Charleston district read their reports.
Whereas: the Bishop concluded the session at 18:10. The morning session will reconvene at 08:00 with the final reports of the Charleston district reports. The Beaufort district will then read their reports followed by the Edisto district.
Whereas: The Women’s Missionary Society began their Night in White missions program.
Whereas: the choir processional set the tone of the service as they encouraged us to get all excited, tell everybody that Jesus Christ is here.
Whereas: the opening selection of “God is Worthy” let us know who was in charge of the service.
Whereas: the connectional theme of “Fulfilling our Mission: God’s word, God’s will, God’s Way” was expounded upon by the speaker of the evening Ms. Anne Welch.
Whereas: Ms. Welch let us know that if we can help someone along the way, then our living is not in vain.
Whereas: she stated that the Christian life must be lived in relation to God and others. She stated that God has something for each of us to do. We may feel inadequate but God will supply what we need.
Whereas: we must live our lives sacrificially and we must commit ourselves to serve. We must remember God’s promise that He will be with us.
Whereas: Ms. Welch used the symbol of the butterfly as a model of how resurrection has life stages. The butterfly begins as a caterpillar and then transforms. We must allow transformation within us so that we may serve and complete our mission and fulfill God’s word.
Whereas: Wednesday’s business session began with the conclusion of the reading of the Charleston district reports. The Bishop stressed how we must ready our congregation for the 21st century. We must diversify our programs to address the needs of all people.
Whereas: the Beaufort district read their reports.
Whereas: we prepared for the worship service with the Rev. Randolph Miller presiding.
Whereas: the Beaufort district choir led the congregation in singing “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing” and prayer by Rev. Rodella Burns.
Whereas: the choir stirred the congregation with their selection of “Fix it Jesus”.
Whereas: Rev. Brenda Thornhill brought a message from Luke 22:39-42 emphasizing verse 42 with a subject of “Doing the Will of God”.
Whereas: Rev. Thornhill let us know that there are times in our life that we want the cup to pass from us. Some of us do not want the will of God in our life because we want to do what we want to do.
Whereas: Rev. Thornhill let us know that God’s will is something we have to do. To follow God’s will is an act of love. The will of God should be the foundation of the life of every believer.
Whereas: when we do the will of God, we establish a divine relationship with God. We must do three things with the will of God: 1. we must submit to it; 2. we must commit to it; and 3. we must obey it.
Whereas: the church was put on notice that in all we do, God is in control and He gets the glory.
Whereas: the afternoon Business Session began with the reading of the Edisto district reports, which were received by Bishop Z. L. Grady.
Whereas: the Business Session ended with the return of Bishop Williams. The Business Session will reconvene at 08:30. We were dismissed.
Whereas: the Youth Witness Night with the theme of “Generational Leaders-Warriors for Christ” began with the processional of young people singing, “We are Soldiers” while dressed in camouflage.
Whereas: the young people were definitely on fire as the Holy Spirit moved throughout the service. Somebody tell the Devil that our young people "mean business" and that he does not stand a chance. They are definitely on the battlefield for God.
Whereas: the young people made presentations to three mission projects, which included two families affected by Hurricane Katrina.
Whereas: Rev. J.P. Harrison asked all the young people to stand. He used Romans 3:23 as a basis for his pledge of repentance for the young people.
Whereas: Thursday’s business session began with the final reports read from the Edisto district. We then prepared for the Christian Education Workshops.
Whereas: Dr. Lovett Weems Jr. spoke on Transformative Leadership - Who are God’s Leaders? He taught us that all of us are God’s leaders regardless of who were are, our sex, color, or social status in the context of the Wesleyan model of multiple leadership.
Whereas: Dr. Weems let us know that God is in the leader-making business and that we must discover our divine potential. He let us know that we must see people as God sees them through their divine potential so that the body will be actively engaged.
Whereas: God is calling us to be Christian leaders everyday. We must work the ministry God has placed within us.
Whereas: Dr. Lovett Weems presented the second workshop on Transformative Leadership - What Do God’s Leaders Do? Dr. Weems let us know that leadership is about change. We have a belief in God who has been present in the past and is still with us. We cannot become what we need to be by being what we are.
Whereas: Dr. Weems pointed out that leaders do not need to know all the answers but they do need to come with the questions. God’s leaders must pray for His guidance and put them in the posture to hear from God. Leaders need to earn people’s trust. Just like Nehemiah, leaders need to have a vision and not lose heart.
Whereas: Dr. Weems encouraged us not to get weary in well doing and to keep on serving.
Whereas: we prepared for our Hour of Power Worship Service. The Edisto district choir led the congregation with the singing of “My Hope is built on Nothing Less.”
Whereas: the choir sang, “Can’t Nobody Do Me like Jesus” and sparked the fire within the congregation.
Whereas: Dr. Charles Young, President of Allen University, made the appeal for us to continue to support Allen.
Whereas: Dr. Young preached out of the depths of his soul from the subject “Keeping the Right Company” with a scripture reference of Matthew 16:13-17. Dr. Young let us know it is important to mind the company you keep. He made the point that it is a Biblical truth because it is included in the theology of the Resurrection in I Corinthians 15.
Whereas: Dr. Young told us about three groups of people of which we need to be suspicious: 1. The Misinformed, 2. The Uninformed, and 3. The Informed. He let us know that we need to be in the company of the informed because not only do they have information, they also have revelation.
Whereas: Dr. Young let us know that in all things we need to get wisdom because that is the most important thing.
Whereas: the afternoon workshop session began with a talk by the Berkeley County Supervisor, Mr. Rozier. He wanted us to be aware of predatory lending in the form of check cashing places. He related a story of a young man he knew that was entangled with these types of business. He states that we need a usury law in South Carolina so that the interest rate could be regulated and that would put the check cashing places out of business.
Whereas: Mr. Joe Benton with the Department of Juvenile Justice presented the topic of Transformative Ministry-Youth Focus. Mr. Benton stated that this is the first partnership the Department of Juvenile Justice has had with a church.
Whereas: Mr. Benton presented statistical data on juvenile referrals by counties in South Carolina. We need to work with our children because they are overrepresented in the statistics. We must be the village for our children. We must come against those things that are trying to destroy our children. Harambee!
Whereas: the second workshop was presented by Rev. Reginald C. Morton with the topic of Transformative Bible Study-Living Well: Health and Wholeness.
Whereas: Rev. Morton asked us how could we do ministry beyond the walls if we are not living well? We must present ourselves as living sacrifices. We must also submit ourselves to God and allow Him to restore us.
Whereas: Rev. Morton stated that we must have joy to perform our ministry. God gives us permission to rest. We need to find another day for our Sabbath where we spend time reflecting on God’s goodness.
Whereas: Rev Morton stated that we are doing our ministry for God and that we must take that ministry to the community. Most of all we must have God’s love evident in our life to have meaningful ministry. We need to make a commitment in making this conference year different. Let us do ministry God’s way.
Whereas: we were dismissed from the afternoon session and prepared for the lay witness night celebration with the theme of “Sowers of Good Seeds”.
Whereas: Mrs. Genell Jefferson Tarte spoke on the subject of “Being Sowers of God’s Seeds”. We must sow good seeds as God has sown seeds in our life. It is not our responsibility to worry about whether the seed takes root because God will take care of the rest. She used the parable of "The Sower" as our example.
Whereas: Friday’s business session began with a scripture reading of Hebrews 9 by Rev. Carolyn Davis and an explanation by the Bishop in letting us know that we should let Christ rule in our lives.
Whereas: the Board of Examiners presented the candidates for admission and ordination.
Whereas: the Committees on Abandoned Property and Presiding Elders Salary presented their reports.
Whereas: the Bishop did the customary passing of character for the pastors.
Whereas: Rev. Clarence Rivers presided over the memorial service for General Officer Rev. Dr. Alonzo Holman and Rev. Jesse Townsend Sr. We then prepared for the ordination service.
Whereas: Bishop Frederick C. James delivered the ordination message. His scripture reference was from Matthew 16:13-18 with emphasis on verse 15 and his subject was “What Do You Know about Jesus?
Whereas: Bishop James stated that he was sure the candidates for ordination had knowledge about many things such as church history, AME polity, AME doctrine, and different types of sermons but the most important thing is what they know about Jesus.
Whereas: Bishop James let the candidates know that wherever Jesus stopped, he set up seminary for his disciples and a hospital for his followers. He went about teaching and healing. Jesus even set up a cafeteria for his followers with the feeding of the five thousand. Jesus met the needs of his people.
Whereas: you must know that Jesus will do the same today. You must put your trust in Him. Jesus knew who he was. Jesus knew what his father said about him. He knew what the prophets said about him. But, what do you say; do you know him?
Whereas: you must put on the mind of Christ. Of all the messages you will preach, preach that Jesus is real and that he lives.
Whereas: Bishop James left the candidates with three main points: 1. Preach Jesus the name high over all; 2. Preach victory; and 3. Preach glory.
Whereas: we entered into the Church School Session led by Ms. Theresa Gibson who turned into the hands of the presenter Minister Alexander. The subject of the lesson was “The Time for Courage” and the key verse was Acts 4:29. We must be committed to share our faith. We must be like Jesus and be a holy servant.
Whereas: we have been predestined by God and we must be holy so that we can have the anointing of the Holy Spirit. We must serve God with boldness.
Whereas: Ms. Gibson summarized the lesson telling us that we need to love one another as God commands.
Whereas: the closing worship service began with Elder John H. Gillison presiding. The choir and the congregation sang the opening hymn, “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing”.
Whereas: the Bethel AME Church Choir blessed the congregation with their selection of “There is None Like You”. The fire was kindled.
Whereas: Bishop Z. L. Grady introduced the speaker of the evening Rev. Christopher Smith pastor of Bethel AME Church Ridgeville. The choir led the congregation in the singing of the sermonic hymn “My Hope is Built...”
Whereas: Rev. Smith read from the scripture of Luke 15:17-19 and spoke from the subject of “We Fall Down but We Get Up”.
Whereas: Rev. Smith gave us three points to ponder about the prodigal son: 1. Everything was human about the young man; he was typical. 2. His own desires, actions, and foolishness caused him to fall down. 3. After he realized that he fell down, he got up.
Whereas: Rev. Smith let us know that the young man represents all of us at one point in our lives when we left the godly principles that our parents taught us. We wanted what we wanted no matter what we had to sacrifice.
Whereas: Rev. Smith admonished pastors that there will be members in their congregation who will be similar to the prodigal son but do not cast them out. He told us we needed to come to Ridgeville to hear the conclusion of the matter.
Be it finally resolved that the 142nd session of the South Carolina Annual Conference will go down in history as one of the most informative and spiritual sessions we have experienced. To Bishop Preston Warren Williams II and Mother Wilma D. Webb-Williams, thank you for your vision, your care and concern about us. To Rev. and Mrs. Eddie Gaston and the members of St. James AME Church in the Cooperstore area of Jedburg South Carolina, thank you for the marvelous hospitality and services rendered. We will not forget our stay here and the wonderful way in which you entertained.
Written by the South Carolina Conference Committee on Resolutions
Article submitted by:
Benjamin Harrison
Public Relations Director
7th District AME Church
Tel 803.935.0500
Cell 803.528.7104
HarrisonAMEMedia@aol.com
11. BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We received word today, (October 24, 2006) of the passing of one of the GREAT symbols of freedom in these United States, in the person of MRS. ROSA PARKS.
We owe the very progress achieved in the 50's and 60's for civil rights to Rosa Parks! Her arrest catapulted Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. into world history and ignited the modern civil rights movement.
Rosa Parks, a faithful laywoman in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, serving as a Deaconess at the time of her death, exemplified true Christian virtual and commitment.
The Commission on Social Action of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is committed to preserving the legacy of Rosa Parks as we approach the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of her arrest. Her legacy of service and commitment to personal justice will be the inspiration for us to continue to struggle to maintain the freedoms gained by her efforts, and to fight to eliminate those injustices that remain in our society.
Rosa Parks - citizen extraordinaire!
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action
The African Methodist Episcopal Church
12. DR. DENNIS DICKERSON INFORMS US ABOUT STEWARDESS ROSA PARKS’ CHURCH MEMBERSHIP:
Mrs. Parks was a member of St. Matthew AME Church in Detroit
13. THE MONTGOMERY ADVERTISER REPORTS IN TODAY’S ISSUE THAT ROSA PARKS TO LIE IN STATE IN MONTGOMERY:
Civil rights activist Rosa Parks will lie in state in Montgomery, before her body is flown back to Detroit for funeral services. According to the Detroit Free Press, Parks body will lie in state at St. Paul AME Church, 706 E. Patton Ave., on Saturday and Sunday. St. Paul was Parks’ home church when she lived in Montgomery. Parks will return to Detroit where her body will lie in state at the Museum of African American History on Tuesday, from 6 a.m. to midnight. Her funeral will be held Wednesday, Nov. 2 at Greater Grace Temple in Detroit, but the times are still being finalized.
Extracted from the Montgomery Advertiser e-edition
14. BROTHER ERIC AND SISTER STEPHANIE STRADFORD PROVIDE ROSA AND RAYMOND INSTITUTE WEBSITE:
Here is the website for the Rosa and Raymond Institute in Detroit. www.rosaparks.org. We ask your continued prayer for our friend and colleague Elaine Steele, and Mrs. Parks' family.
God bless and keep you
Stephanie and Eric Stradford
www.TheEnterpriZe.com
15. BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We extend our heartfelt love and to the family of Rev. Patricia Carroll, a faithful Itinerant Elder of the Fifth Episcopal District, Southern California Conference, who previously pastored First AME Church in Palmdale, California as long as her health permitted. In recent years, she served as associate minister of Allen Chapel AME, Riverside.
Funeral Service:
Wednesday, October 26, 2005, at 1:00 p.m.
Emmanuel Temple CME Church
17288 Stoddard Wells Road
Victorville, California 92394
Rev. James E. Markham, Pastor
Rev. Janice Davis
Mortuary
Desert View Funeral Home and Memorial Park
11500 Amargosa Road
Victorville, California 92392
760-244-0007
Expressions of Sympathy to:
Rev. Fred Carroll and Family
15958 Escorza Lane
Victorville, California 92394
Also to her mother at the same address
c/o Mrs. Dorothy Williams
Please remember the family in your prayers.
16. BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: Bishop Sarah Frances Davis
bishopsarah@leo.co.ls
18th Episcopal District
African Methodist Episcopal Church
Cathedral Circle
Maseru 100 Lesotho
Southern Africa
Monday, October 24, 2005
We have just spoken with Presiding Elder Solomon J. Nxumalo and were told that his mother passed on yesterday, Sunday, October 23, 2005.
We ask your prayers for Presiding Elder Nxumalo and his family. Tentatively, the funeral service has been scheduled for Saturday, October 29, 2005, in Mbabane, Swaziland.
Your expressions of condolence may be sent via e-mail to Presiding Elder Nxumalo at solomonj@realnet.co.sz
Thanking you in advance...
Bishop Sarah
Please remember the family in your prayers.
17. DEATH NOTICE UPDATE:
Due to Hurricane Wilma, the double funeral for Martha Elizabeth Gay- Nicholson and Mildred Beatrice Gay- Wade, Sisters of the "late" Rev. S. L. Gay of the 11th Episcopal District and the "late" Rev. Benjamin Gay, former Presiding Elder of the Sixth Episcopal District scheduled for Monday, October 24th has been rescheduled and will be held on Tuesday the 25th, conditions permitting.
11:00 A.M.
St. Paul A.M. E. Church
1892 N.W. 51st Terrace
Miami, FL 33142
Rev. Michael K. Bouie, Pastor
18. BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Regretfully we share news of the following:
Martha Elizabeth Gay- Nicholson and Mildred Beatrice Gay- Wade, Sisters of the "late" Rev. S. L. Gay of the 11th Episcopal District and the "late" Rev. Benjamin Gay, former Presiding Elder of the Sixth Episcopal District.
The Double funeral service is scheduled for Monday, October 24th at 11:00 A.M.
St. Paul A.M. E. Church
1892 N.W. 51st Terrace
Miami, FL 33142
Rev. Michael K. Bouie, Pastor
Services Entrusted to:
Range Funeral Home
5727 NW 17th Avenue
Miami, FL 33142
Funeral Services were held on Thursday, October 20, 2005 at Bethel AME Church, 200 Regan St., Greensboro, NC 27401 for Mr. Walter Strong, the husband of Mrs. Nellie Strong and the father of the Rev C. Jessel Strong, Pastor of St. John AME Church, St. Louis, MO and the father-in-law of Mrs. Arvella Strong (5th Episcopal District).
The home address for Mrs. Nellie Strong:
2324 Brandt Village
Greensboro, NC. 27455
Reverend and Mrs. C. Jessel Strong may be contacted at (336) 282-5150.
Condolences may be sent c/o of St. John AME Church (address below).
St. John AME Church1908 N. Kings HighwaySt. Louis, MO 63113314-361-8236 (Phone)
Please remember the families in your prayers.
19. 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.
20. 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
