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. A TRIBUTE TO DEACONESS ROSA PARKS FROM THE CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH:
Mr. Jesse L. Burns, President
Bishop Samuel Lawrence Greene, Sr., Chairperson
(Gainesville, Fla.) There is no tribute more significant than the declaration that someone lived his or her faith every day. That one phrase describes Rosa Parks – She lived her faith every day!
The church of Richard and Sarah Allen was founded on the principles of self-help, self-reliance, and self-determination. When a laywoman confessed her calling to preach, and Bishop Richard Allen realized that the world was not ready for that boldness, he did the right thing by allowing her to tag along and use her talents. Soon her message spoke for her and her gender was secondary.
Rosa Parks seemed to have caught the spirit of Richard Allen, and while making her statement to a world that was not quite ready for her actions, she ever so strategically tunneled her way into our hearts and spirits. All of the terms – quiet strength, strong silent one, etc go a long way in describing her, but let me add my twist~~~
Deaconess Rosa Parks, a proud Stewardess in the African Methodist Episcopal Church for many years, possessed holy boldness! She brought renewed definition to a church with a rich legacy, and to lay persons who seek to find their places in the faith movement. “One does not have to seek attention or fame,” I am sure she would advise. “If you just do what you are called to do, then the rest will be orchestrated by God,” I am sure she would conclude. “And, if (wo)man does not understand where you are going, go on anyway…..God has equipped you for whatever you will face,” she would finally advise.
Rosa Parks was one of us – a layperson. Rosa Parks’ life was a model for us – faithful Christian, prayer warrior, advocate & crusader for human rights, surrogate mother – using the village to raise the child. She could see what others were blinded to, long before the vision was made plain.
As the president of the Connectional (International) Lay Organization of her beloved African Methodist Episcopal Church, I join the throngs in saluting Rosa Parks’ life work and rejoicing that she has found peace beyond all understanding in her last journey – into eternal life.
Submitted by Bro. Jesse L. Burns, President
The Connectional Lay Organization
African Methodist Episcopal Church
2. REFLECTIONS FROM THE ROTUNDA - ROSA PARKS
Elder Michael W. Dyson,
Associate Pastor Prentis Park Worship Center (SDA)
Portsmouth, Virginia
31 October 2005
Our family, my wife, our two sons, and I traveled from southeastern Virginia to Washington, D.C. to pay our last respects to Rosa Parks. When wee arrived in Washington, we did not know where the line began. As we pulled near the Capital building, we saw, by our count, thousands of people. It was only 7:30 pm Sunday evening and the early darkness and cool weather reminded us that we were in the fall season of the year.
We were on a mission to show our respects to, and walk past the Civil Rights’ icon, Rosa Parks, lying in state at the Capital building. Observing the expressions on the faces in the crowd, they shared our determination to pay last respects to the woman who “fired the first shot” in the modern Civil Rights’ Movement. All of us were there to be a part of a significant moment in time that was larger than any of us. We were not only witnesses, but also participants to a historical moment. The line flowed as far as the eye could see culminating at the foot of the U.S. Capital building.
Our mission began three and a half hours earlier and two hundred mile away in Chesapeake, Virginia. When we first heard that the body of Rosa Parks would be flown to the nation’s capital to lie in state, we knew a blessed opportunity had been given to us.
As the parents of two teenage boys, my wife and I wanted to give them a life history lesson that would endure the ages. At the same time we could render our most personal and proper respect to an icon of the Civil Rights’ struggle by standing in line with so many others to simply say, thank you and good-bye.
After parking our car at Union Station, we walked rapidly through the crisp air of the evening towards the lights and the dome of the Capital building. With each step, we took in the natural beauty of this familiar city, while following others who had come to pay their last respects and we soon found our place at the end of the line.
Many were dressed as though they were going to an evening church service, yet others looked as though they were off to the shopping mall. Children in strollers bundled up under blankets and toddlers being carried on the shoulders of their parents. Black, white, red, yellow, brown, young, old, and those of various cultures standing together in line representing a snapshot of the melting pot of America. People amassed collectively standing for what would be hours, all with a common purpose of getting close to the one that had sparked a movement by firmly remaining seated on the bus and refusing to succumb to the indignity of discrimination by giving her seat to a white man.
As the hours ticked away, the slow, forward movement of the crowd did not seem to lessen its determination. After a long time, a couple trucks pull up loaded with 10 or twelve portable restrooms. We heard the whispers of people agreeing to hold each other’s places while they made a mad dash for “relief.”
Conversations were heard in the lines between people who might not have had anything to do with each other under normal circumstances, yet in this place, racial barriers blended. Blacks, whites, and other ethnic groups sharing in quiet conversations about each other’s lives and more importantly, how their lives had been impacted by the life of Rosa Parks.
Behind me was a white man, a father with two young daughters who he said he wanted them to see this historic event. The temperature began dropping and the cool night air settled around the crowd. My two boys left the line to go for hot chocolate and a snack, bringing back some for my wife and I. I gave my cup to the father behind me who thankfully accepted and gave the warm drink to his two young girls.
We were all there on a mission. At that moment, it seemed to me that this crowd was seeking something to not only unify us, but also heal us as a nation. To that end it seemed even more fitting that Mrs. Rosa Parks was able, even in death, to continue the struggle and maybe, just maybe, the day will come when all of us can sing that great Negro spiritual, “Free at last, free at last, thank God Almighty, we are free at last.”
3. THE STRADFORD’S SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE AT THE MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA ROSA PARKS MEMORIAL SERVICE:
We were uniquely blessed as members of the First African Methodist Episcopal Church, Atlanta, Georgia to observe the cooperative works of the Commissions on Social Action and Office of Ecumenical & Urban Affairs before, during and after memorial services at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, Montgomery, Alabama. Bishop E. Earl McCloud Jr. provided comfort to the family, friends and worshippers attending the memorial service.
The Reverend Joseph Rembert and the St. Paul AME family welcomed us warmly, loved us, fed us and cheerfully received prayer for their charge to “carry out the spirit of the original Free African Society.” The Rt. Reverend T. Larry Kirkland preached the liberating Gospel of Jesus the Christ. This charge applies to every local station of African Methodism.
However, we are concerned that roles and responsibilities of our sister churches were not clearly defined through ecumenical channels and, at times, the prayers of a grieving family were subordinate to civic agendas. To proceed in decency and order, a comprehensive ecumenical and social actions strategy will be essential to our facilitation of the Christian worship experience.
The Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute has called for a 381-day commemorative demonstration, which begins December 1, 2005. We believe that this social action represents a timely opportunity for holistic healing throughout The Temporal Economy of Free Africans.
We have added to this document the names of connectional officers who might avail themselves for local leadership opportunities. We look forward to discussing with you and Bishop Tyler-Guidry objectives and measurable outcomes for AME Church participation in this historic opportunity for kingdom building through our effective use of communications resources, proactive evangelism, and cooperative economic development.
God bless and keep you
Eric Stradford
Stephanie Walker Stradford
4. SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, PHASE IV: ‘THE PROMISE’ WILL BE CELEBRATED IN MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN:
Saturday Night Live Phase IV will be held Saturday, November 19, 2005, at 5:00 p.m.-1616 W. Atkinson Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53206.
Saturday Night Live is a contemporary service that is especially designed for youth and young adults to show and give their full expression and affection for their faith in Jesus Christ through Praise and Worship.
The Young People’s Division of St. Mark A.M.E. Church hosts this program. All proceeds from this event will go to all of the Episcopal Districts in the A.M.E. Church that were affected by Hurricane Katrina. Master of Ceremonies is Titus Jones, “T. J.” of Vessels of Honor Church.
The following area guest choirs and groups will participant in this month’s Saturday Night Live:
The Wisconsin State Youth Choir
St. Mark AME Church Praise Dancers
Bethel AME Church Praise Dancers
Mrs. Serita Campell & Brand New Divine Faith
Mt. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church Youth Choir
Brother Ky “Eric” Powell & United N’ Worship
The Anointed Angels & Company
Tasha Turner with A’Dream & Company
Rufus King High School Gospel Choir
University of Wisconsin Whitewater Gospel Choir
Submitted by Diante Harris, Telephone (414) 562-8030
5. OVERCOMING VIOLENCE IS AN ECUMENICAL TASK FOR WHICH SPIRITUALITY IS A RESOURCE, KOBIA TELLS US AUDIENCE:
"Violence does not recognize differences between Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox or Pentecostal. Violence is our common plague, and non-violent love, peace, justice and reconciliation are our common calling," Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia told participants in a 27-29 October international conference in Boston, USA.Sponsored by the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in cooperation with the WCC and the Boston Theological Institute, the conference focused on "Violence and Christian spirituality".Setting out reasons why overcoming violence is "an eminently ecumenical task," the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary observed that the Council's goal in declaring the 2001-2010 Decade to Overcome Violence" (DOV) has been "not so much to eradicate violence as to overcome the spirit, the logic and the practice of violence by actively seeking reconciliation and peace".Referring to various faces of violence, from global terrorism and the war on terrorism, political conflict and war to interpersonal and domestic violence, Kobia went on to focus on resources for peace.One such resource is inter-religious dialogue, Kobia said. He cautioned, however, "Dialogue is not and can never serve as an ambulance in a sudden crisis or conflict. It is more like a prophylactic medicine, which when often and regularly used, will sustain health even in difficult situations."For Kobia, an equally powerful resource for peace is a spirituality that "inspires and shapes our individual and joint actions". Believing "that prayer and contemplation together form the foremost discipline for overcoming violence," he emphasized that "the Orthodox traditions have much to offer" in this area."There is the deeply rooted and long-standing vision in Orthodox faith and life for a spirituality of holistic peace, integrating creation, human life and the Trinity, working together for salvation and reconciliation," Kobia concluded.The full text of Samuel Kobia's speech is available on the Decade to Overcome Violence website at:http://www.overcomingviolence.org/This material may be reprinted freely.Additional information: Juan Michel,+41 22 791 6153 +41 79 507 6363 media@wcc-coe.orgNote: The World Council of Churches is a fellowship of churches, now 347, in more than 120 countries in all continents from virtually all Christian traditions. The Roman Catholic Church is not a member church but works cooperatively with the WCC. The highest governing body is the assembly, which meets approximately every seven years. The WCC was formally inaugurated in 1948 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Its staff is headed by general secretary Samuel Kobia from the Methodist church in Kenya.
6. HAPPY HEALTHY HOLIDAYS:
Source: American Cancer Society, 2005
Did you know that Americans gain an average of one pound between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day? That may not seem like a lot, but researchers say that for most people the weight never comes off. Over the years, those pounds add up.
Organizing a healthy holiday office party is one way to help put a chill on winter weight gain. Here are some tips:
- If your office is having a potluck, be sure to include salad, fruits and vegetables on the sign-up list.
- Having a catered affair? Select entrees and side dishes that are nutritionally-balanced.
You can find a variety of healthy recipes, as well as nutrition guidelines that can help prevent cancer, on the American Cancer Society’s Web site at www.cancer.org .
7. INVEST IN A CANCER-FREE FUTURE
Source: American Cancer Society, 2005
Nearly nine million Americans with a history of cancer are alive today. Compared to other things you may have heard about cancer, this is encouraging news. So many cancer survivors are alive today for one reason: because millions of people across the country commit to ending cancer by donating their time and money to fighting the disease.
Each year, individuals come together because they want to make a difference in their communities. They want to help people facing cancer and their families get the support, information, and hope they need. By investing in a cancer-free future, you are
- Funding the search for a cancer cure
- Educating the public about cancer prevention and early detection
- Advocating for quality health care for everyone
- Supporting those facing the disease
This year, when you are doing your holiday shopping, make a donation in someone’s honor to the American Cancer Society. You can show that person you care by investing in a cancer-free future, and you can help continue the progress in the fight against cancer. For more information, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org .
8. HOLIDAY SEASON REMINDERS:
Source: American Cancer Society, 2005
- Has someone you love been touched by cancer? This holiday season give a gift that saves lives and helps support those dealing with cancer by making a donation to the American Cancer Society. Call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org to find out how.
-The holidays are a joyous time for family and friends, but they can also be stressful and tiring. Give yourself a boost by paying special attention to your health. Eat healthy foods, get plenty of exercise, and don’t use tobacco. To find out more about staying healthy during the holidays, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or www.cancer.org.
- If someone in your family is dealing with cancer during the holidays, contact the American Cancer Society for suggestions on how to ease the burden of the disease so your family can enjoy the season. Call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
- Quitting smoking isn’t easy, and if you’ve recently quit, the stress of the holidays can make it even tougher to stay quit. For tips on how to get through the holiday season without tobacco, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or www.cancer.org.
- More than 1.3 million people will be diagnosed with cancer this year. And, because cancer doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed, but family and friends as well, the American Cancer Society has resources available for anyone who needs them 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org
9. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Dr. Dorothy Adams Peck, Immediate past Connectional WMS President, lost her brother Carlton Z. Adams, Sr., MD (Surgeon) on Sunday, October 30, 2005.
Dr. Carlton Z. Adams did three overseas Sojourners Mission Trips for the Women's Missionary Society (two in West Africa and one in Haiti). He was instrumental in setting up the first class of WMS "Cross Cultural" Training Programs.
Condolences may be sent to the Adams Family:
1712 Woodacre Court
Carmichael, California 75608
Or to:
Dr. Dorothy Adams Peck
4001 Haden Avenue
West Palm Beach, Florida 33407
FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS ARE INCOMPLETE
Humbly submitted,Mrs. Marva Campbell
MRS. PresidentSouth Florida Conference
10. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with sadness that I have to inform you and the broader AME family of the passing away of the mother of the Reverend Gert Didloff. She passed away on Friday, 28 October 2005. The Reverend Didloff is the Director of the Cape Annual Conference Board of Christian Education in the Fifteenth Episcopal District and pastor of Ebenezer and Mt. Carmel AME Church in the Cape Annual Conference (South Africa).
We solicit your prayers for the bereaved family, as they have to grapple with the loss of their dear mother.
The funeral service starts at 10:00 am Saturday, 05 November 2005 at Hunter Temple AME Church, Paarl - the Reverend William N. Ross is the Pastor. Condolences can be send to the Reverend Didloff: Gdidloff@pgwc.gov.za
Regards, Reverend Nathan M. Titus
Please remember these families in your prayers.
11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Regretfully we share news of the passing of The Reverend Brian Spann, spouse of Mrs. Laurie Spann and Pastor of Alexander Memorial AME Church, Atlanta North Georgia Conference, 6th Episcopal District, African Methodist Episcopal Church, Bishop William P. DeVeaux, Presiding Bishop.
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Laurie Spann
3561 Lochwolde Lane
Snellville, GA 30039
770-981-7368 (Phone)
Or to:
Alexander Memorial AME Church
287 Augusta Avenue Atlanta, GA 30315
404-627-4429 (Phone)
Funeral arrangements are incomplete.
Please remember the family in your prayers.
12. 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.
13. 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
