Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
“A nation cannot be an empire and a democracy at the same time.” - Statement made by Congressman John Conyers at the Rosa Parks funeral in Detroit.
1. THE ROSA PARKS FUNERAL IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN:
The funeral of Deaconess Rosa Parks is taking place as I draft these comments.
I am reminded that the legacy of Rosa Parks belongs to the nation and to the world, but she was an AME first. She was a life-long member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. AME parents, family and friends nurtured her. AME pastors provided her a spiritual foundation. I am sure that her pastors over the years, prior to her valiant stand in not giving up her seat on the bus in Montgomery, had no idea of the of significance of their ministry to Rosa Parks. Her Sunday School teachers, the stewards and trustees who influenced her life had no idea that she was going to be the person she became. The bishops and presiding elders, whose sermons she heard most certainly laid a foundation of courage that must have undergirded her spirit when she refused to give up her seat on the bus. She knew that she was going to be arrested and go to jail, but that did not deter her; Rosa Parks was committed to selfless service and personal courage. I believe that one’s religious foundation is significant in one’s life and behavior and it follows that the footprint of the African Methodist Episcopal Church on the life of Deaconess Rosa Parks influenced upon her positively.
The comments of the clergy, federal, state, and local government officials were encouraging and made me proud to be an AME. I was encouraged to see and hear Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram, President of the Council of Bishops read the scripture lesson and to see other AMEs participating in the service. I was pleased to see so many leaders from all over the United States honor this great woman who was nurtured I the African Methodist Episcopal Church. It was nice of Bishop Charles H. Ellis III to open his church for the funeral and I appreciate the acknowledgements to him and his congregation at Greater Grace Temple Church. However, I am disappointed that the African Methodist Episcopal Church was not more prevalent in the Detroit funeral service. However, having said that, I felt better after Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick took the time to acknowledge our Senior Bishop, the Right Reverend Philip R. Cousin, Sr. and the African Methodist Episcopal Church. I am also appreciative of Minister Louis Farrakhan for acknowledging Bishop Cousin and the clergy.
To Rosa Parks the AME Church says, “Well done Deaconess Parks. You have talked the talk and walked the walk and you have made us proud.”
The funeral service is still in progress and the Reverend T. D. Jakes has just finished.
It is press time, I am still waiting to hear Bishop Cousin, and I know that he will speak a Word from the Lord. I will report on that with the next issue of The Christian Recorder Online
2. OFFICERS OF THE CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION
Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr.
Commission Chairman
Post Office Box 8
Killarney, Florida 34740
Jesse L. Burns, Jr.
President
3200 North West 67th Place
Gainesville, Florida 32605
Thomas E. Green
1st Vice President
659 North Carolina Street
Mobile, AL 33603
Johnny W. Tellis
3rd Vice President
1116 Laon Lane
Desoto, TX 75115
Gloria DeVeaux-Cobb
Assistant Recording Secretary
7909 Skylark Drive
Columbia, SC 29209
Joe Ezell
Treasurer
22456 Glendale
Detroit, MI 48235
Roosevelt M. Mitchell
ChaplainPost Office Box 1457
Summerton, SC 29148
Florence J. Warren
Director of Lay Activities
1407 Nun Street
Wilmington, NC 21404-5449
Eileen S. Warner
Director of Public Relations
Post Office Box 7682
Tallahassee, FL 32314
Weldon Shuman
2nd Vice President
11 Ayreshire Street
Montana, Cape Town 7490
Republic of South Africa
Laurene McMillan
Recording Secretary
2655-56 Odin Street
New Orleans, LA 70122
Doris M. Bell
Corresponding Secretary
254 Blackman Road
Nashville, TN 37211
Darwin K. Eldridge
Financial Secretary
4651 St. Paul Road
Woodlawn, TN 37191
Frank L. Gilyard, Sr.
Historiographer
4500 Sefranka Road
Temple, PA 19560
Fred J. Stuart
Parliamentarian
3520 Crestwald Street
Los Angeles, CA 90043
James Brown
Director of Young Adults
4504 Megan Road
Florence, SC 29505
3. MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD:
Dr. Katheryn M. BrownPresident Emeritus
287 Barfield Avenue, SW
Atlanta, GA 30301
Mrs. Billie D. Irving
Advisor to the President
918 Sutton Hill Road
Post Office Box 41495
Nashville, TN 37204
Dr. Richard Allen Lewis
Consultant, CLEDC
1134 11th Street,
N.W. Washington, DC 20001
Tyrone Presley
Chairman of the Board, CLEDC
320 Quaker Ridge Drive
Daytona Beach, FL 32019
Mr. James L. Williams
President Emeritus
1840 Fancis Street
Jacksonville, Florida 32209
Mrs. Fannie E. Clayton
Treasurer, CLEDC
1434 North Elgin Avenue
Tulsa, OK 74106
Mrs. Annette Jones
Advisor to the President
5422 2nd Street, NW
Washington, DC 20011
Dr. Joseph C. McKinney (Deceased)
onsultant of the CLEDC
Board
3042 Nash Place, SE
Washington, DC 20020
Mr. David WardDirector, CLEDC
4 Ramsgate Road
Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
4. HOMECOMING SUNDAY - ST. MARK AME CHURCH INVITES ALL FORMER MEMBERS AND FRIENDS TO SPECIAL WORSHIP SERVICE:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin. On Sunday, November 20, 2005, St. Mark AME Church invites former members to renew old acquaintances and, hopefully membership, during the church's Homecoming Sunday. The special day will take place during the morning worship service, starting at 11 a.m. Former members are asked to send messages of inspiration and congratulations to the church for publication.
Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant will be the guest preacher. Dr. Bryant is the Supervisor of Missions for the 5th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. She is the wife of Bishop John R. Bryant, Prelate of the 5th Episcopal District.
St. Mark recently celebrated 136 years of serving the Milwaukee community. St. Mark offers several community outreach programs-both spiritual and secular-through its Lovell Johnson Quality of Life Centers. Programming includes an after school tutoring program, a food, clothing & shelter component, alcohol and drug abuse services, family life services, health programs, evangelism ministry and training, legal aid services, senior citizens programs, an environmental component and sociological services, which developed a HIV/AIDS training manual. As the oldest African American church in the city, St. Mark has touched the lives of thousands upon thousands of Milwaukee residents. “The idea of Homecoming is to bring together current and former members in a reunion-like atmosphere to celebrate their common origins and the impact of St. Mark,” says the church’s pastor, Rev. Darryl Williams. Pastor Williams also said, “I hope to forever etch upon the minds of those who will be attending, the rich witness of St. Mark A.M.E. Church and it is my desire to rekindle that witness into the future.”
For more information about the homecoming, contact Pastor Darryl Williams at (414) 562-8030.
5. PODCASTING OR “GODCASTING” IS AN EXAMPLE OF TECHNOLOGY FOR THE EARLY 21ST CENTURY:
Churches are moving to podcasts via Blogs that are like radio shows, and they go on for an hour or more and can be accessed free from a person’s computer. Video streaming can also be used. Tape recordings, CDs will be outdated. My friend, Dr. Burks Oakley II, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of Illinois said, “Godcasting is the next big thing for the church. Here is the website for a local church in Urbana –
http://www.thevineyardchurch.us/ .
Note the link to online sermons.
http://www.thevineyardchurch.us/resources/onlinesermons.htm
As Dr. Jon Udell, University of Wisconsin points out, “The time for widespread podcasting is upon us:
> The Internet is pervasive.
> Broadband is now widespread, making it easier to "consume large media objects."
> Multimedia PC's are commonplace.
> iPods and other portable MP3 players are becoming the equivalent of transistor radios.”
One can just salivate with the notion of church folks downloading worship services in their MP3 player and listening to the service while exercising or going about their daily routines. The Blogger sites let you put all of your church information out for everyone to see and you can change and update as needed on your computer. No more expensive recording equipment and young people already know how to access the information. - And another thing I will say it again; the technology and the information age are upon us. It is not coming; it is here and the technology we have now is being constantly updated.
Every one of our churches should have a Website. Every bishop, presiding elder, pastor and all of our members, who can afford to do so, should have an email account and be connected to the Internet. Technology should be seen as an evangelism tool.
6. FROM THE AFRO-AMERICAN NEWSPAPER, BALTIMORE, MARYLAND:
Harvard is offering free tuition for students who have a family income below $40,000. If you are a mentor or have nieces and nephews who might be interested, please give them this information. If you know anyone/family earning less than $40K with a brilliant child near ready for college, please pass this along. Info: Financial Aid Office: 617-384-8213, or visit Harvard’s financial aid Web site at: http://adm-is.fas.harvard.edu/FAO/prospective_applicants.htm .
7. THE CHURCHES AND THE CHURCH: WHY ECCLESIOLOGY MATTERS:
Thomas F. Best
As alien as the word might seem at first sight for the average person, "ecclesiology" is actually at the heart of the life of every Christian community. The answers that "ecclesiological" questions obtain in the churches influence the daily life of the faithful and set the course of the search for Christian unity.
George and Ann, young parents, ask themselves: "Should we bring our new-born baby girl to be baptized? Or should we wait, and let her decide for herself whether she wants to belong to the church?"
Ruth goes with her friend Sarah to Irene's church. Ruth is unable to receive the Lord's Supper because her church and Irene's church are not in communion. "I'm confused," she says. "If we share a common baptism into Christ, why can't we take communion together?"
Perhaps without realizing it, these Christians are asking ecclesiological questions - questions about what the church is, and what it is for in this world.
Ecclesiology is, simply put, how a church understands itself, how it organizes its own life, and how each church relates to other churches and to the world. Ecclesiology is also about the limits of the church: what are the beliefs, or behaviours, which put a person outside the church?
The ecumenical movement rests on ecclesiological convictions: one is that the churches' unity in Christ is greater than all the differences in belief, and all the tragedies of history, which divide them. Another is that Christ wills that this unity must be both visible and effective (John 17:20-21).
Thus, whenever there are divisions between the churches - when they cannot worship or take communion together, or recognize each other's ministries, when their common witness and service in the world is impaired - it is ecclesiological questions, which must be asked, and ecclesiological answers, which must be given.
- A bit of history
It is hardly surprising, then, that the ecumenical movement has wrestled with issues of ecclesiology from its very beginning.
As the churches sought a basis for their common confession, witness and service, they first practiced a "comparative ecclesiology". The convictions of each church were laid out, and similarities and differences noted as a basis for mutual understanding.
This was the basis for the famous "Toronto Statement" of 1950, which stressed the role of the World Council of Churches as a place where differing - even sharply differing - ecclesiologies could meet for dialogue and cooperative mission and service.
Eventually there was a seismic shift to a method of "convergence". The ecclesiological comparisons were set in the perspective not just of the present and past, but also of the future: the discussions now aimed at ensuring that the churches, as they moved into the future, would be drawing closer together rather than moving further apart.
For this, a new depth of dialogue was required. It was no longer enough to note ecclesiological differences - whether infant or "adult" baptism is practised, whether women can be ordained to the ministry of word and sacrament. It became necessary to identify the moment when difference becomes division, to name the causes of division, and to work together to overcome them.
- On the threshold of a radical shift
We forget how radical a development the modern ecumenical movement is: churches, which for 150, or 500, or 1000 years have lived and worshipped apart are now, increasingly and irreversibly, doing those things together.
This has affected how many churches understand themselves: as truly a part of the body of Christ, completely church in themselves but incomplete without the other churches. Thus, the common experience of the churches has become part of the "raw material" for ecclesiology.
This has consequences! We may now be on the threshold of another shift, the most dramatic of all: to an ecclesiology - a basic understanding of the church and its mission - developed by the churches together rather than separately.
Such an ecclesiology would start from, rather than end at, the fact that the churches are one in Christ. It would draw deeply on the experience of each church, but also on the ecumenical experience of the churches in confessing, witnessing, serving, and (where possible!) worshipping together rather than separately.
And it would challenge each church to ask: does our own self-understanding serve the unity of the church? How much of our own ecclesiology was developed to justify, and maintain, our separation from other churches? How do we make the unity that we have, more visible and effective?
The World Council of Churches' (WCC) 9th Assembly in Porto Alegre next February will wrestle with a statement on ecclesiology. Produced by the WCC's Faith and Order Commission, this tries to state, in a concise yet substantial way, what the churches can say together about the church.
The statement is offered for adoption by the Assembly, not as the "final" or definitive statement on the church but as a basis for reflection on what bonds the churches together - and on what threatens to divide them.
It is no accident that it is called "An invitation to the churches", for it calls them to a renewed and deeper dialogue. It calls them to be the one church, to make visible in the Spirit the unity given them by God in Christ. And yes, it challenges them to address their divisions openly, to name them and to work to overcome them.
> Doing the right thing
Some years ago, I heard a story that makes it plain why ecclesiology - how each church understands itself and its relation to other churches - is crucial for Christians, for the churches, and for the ecumenical movement.
It was about an elderly parishioner in Ghana, whose village was fed by the priest of a neighbouring village during a famine. When the famine was over, she went to the neighbouring village to thank the people there for what they had done.
But when she attended the priest's church to greet and thank him personally, she was unable to take communion because their respective churches did not agree on some points. So the woman went to her bishop and asked the following question:
"How can we share the material food which keeps us from starving, and not share the spiritual food which Christ himself offers us? I think when Christ comes again, he will feed us himself - and then he will do what is right!"
"Ecclesiology" is about the churches doing "what is right". It is about the churches being "what is right", being the one church, confessing, worshipping, witnessing and serving together with one heart.
Rev. Dr Thomas F. Best, a pastor of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) from US, is the director of the WCC Faith and Order Commission.
8. THE NINTH WCC ASSEMBLY: PRAYING FOR A TRANSFORMED WORLD:
The 9th assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC) will be held in Porto Alegre, Brazil, from 14-23 February 2006. Its theme is a prayer: "God, in your grace, transform the world".
The first WCC assembly of the 21st century, it will gather up to 3,000 church leaders and ecumenical representatives from nearly every Christian tradition around the world. As such, it will be one of the broadest global gatherings of its kind.
WCC assemblies are often turning points in the life of the World Council, and this one is expected to leave its mark on ecumenical history. Deliberations will focus on issues such as the future of the ecumenical movement, the churches' commitment to economic justice as well as their witness to overcoming violence, and the challenges faced in the midst of religious plurality.
In Porto Alegre, members of the ecumenical family will be able to gather around the assembly at a Mutirão, a Portuguese word that means coming together for a common purpose. Made up of workshops, exhibitions and cultural celebrations, this part of the assembly programme will offer opportunities for members of the wider ecumenical movement to gather, reflect and celebrate together.
This is the first WCC assembly to be held in Latin America, and it is being hosted by the National Council of Christian Churches in Brazil (CONIC) on behalf of churches throughout the region. Pre-assembly events for youth and for women will be held from 11-13 February.
Assembly website: www.wcc-assembly.info
Opinions expressed in WCC Features do not necessarily reflect WCC policy. This material may be reprinted freely, providing credit is given to the author.
Additional information: Juan Michel,+41 22 791 6153 +41 79 507 6363 media@wcc-coe.org
9. CHURCHES UNITING IN CHRIST SEEKING A DIRECTOR:
Churches Uniting in Christ (CUIC) is currently seeking a Director. CUIC is a relationship among nine Christian communions that have pledged to live more closely together in expressing their unity in Christ and to combat racism together. The Director is the primary staff of CUIC, serving as the coordinator in helping the member churches discern their direction in this relationship, both as an enabler to its growth and as an interpreter of its vision. Candidates for this position should possess a strong passion for Christian unity and an understanding of the history of the Consultation on Church Union (COCU) and the unique nature of CUIC. Candidates would need a demonstrated commitment to overcoming racism and promoting social justice as an essential aspect of the church’s mission. Strong skills in administration, communication and leadership are essential. Advanced degree in theology or related field, and a minimum of five years of experience in ecumenical ministry are required.
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, curriculum vita, contact information and references to
CUIC Director Search Committee
c/o The Right Reverend C. Christopher Epting
815 Second Avenue
New York, NY 10017
All inquiries will be treated in a confidential manner. Competitive salary and benefits. Women and persons of color are encouraged to apply. Deadline for receiving curriculum vitas is December 20, 2005.
- Churches Uniting In Christ Director Position Description
Summary: The Director is to the primary staff of CUIC, serving as the coordinator in helping the CUIC churches discern their direction in this relationship, both as enabler to its growth and as an interpreter of its vision, working with the representatives of the churches.
Responsibilities and Tasks
- Helping the churches to honor their covenant relationship, through the work of the Coordinating Council, task forces, and the churches direct relationships with one another
- Helping to shape the ongoing vision of CUIC and opportunities for a visible witness of the Churches to the world
- Providing Administrative oversight and implementation of the Coordinating Council and task forces meetings and work
- Preparing for and monitoring of the budget, in consultation with the Coordinating Council
- Initiating and maintaining communication with and between the CUIC churches, Coordinating Council, Task Forces and the public arena
- Enabling working relationships with the Heads of Communion and other key personnel in the CUIC churches, in partnership with ecumenical officers
- Nurturing positive relationships with Observers, Partners in Mission and Dialogue and churches interested in exploring membership and/or a relationship with CUIC
- Serving as primary administrator of the CUIC office and directing all other CUIC staff
Qualifications
The Director would possess a strong passion for Christian unity and an understanding of the unique nature of CUIC. The Director would possess a commitment to overcoming racism and promoting social justice as an essential aspect of the church’s mission. The person would have a demonstrated administrative capacity. The Director would have the ability to communicate and interpret the vision of CUIC in both speaking and writing. The person will have imagination, energy and creativity in implementing the expectations of this position.
Theological education with a M.Div. or equivalent is required. A minimum of 5 years of experience in ecumenical ministry is helpful.
Accountability
The Director is accountable to the Coordinating Council and an annual review will be completed in accordance with the Personnel Policy.
Compensation
Salary range of $60,000- $65,000 with benefit package of full pension and health care.
Approved by Coordinating Council –October 6, 2005
Editor's comment: Someone from the AME Church should apply for this postion.
10. FUNERAL SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS:
For The Reverend Brian Spann, Pastor of Alexander Memorial AME Church, Atlanta North Georgia Conference, 6th Episcopal District African Methodist Episcopal Church, Bishop William P. DeVeaux, Presiding Bishop.
FUNERAL:
Thursday, November 3, 2005
1:00 PM
St. Paul AME Church
1540 Pryor Road S.W.
Atlanta, GA 30315
404-622-9711 (Phone)
404-627-4188 (Fax)T
he Reverend Thomas Bess, PastorServices entrusted to:
Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home, Inc.
4347 Flat Shoals Parkway
Decatur, GA 30034
404 - 294-5500 (Phone)
404 - 294-5017 (Fax)
Condolences may be sent to his spouse:
Mrs. Laurie Spann
3561 Lochwolde Lane
Snellville, GA 30039
70-981-7368 (Phone)
11. BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action Clergy Family Information Center
Mrs. Ora L. Easley - Administrator Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
(Nashville, Tennessee Contact) Phone: (615) 837-9736 Fax: (615) 833-3781
(Memphis, Tennessee Contact) (901) 578-4554 (Phone & Fax)
Please remember these families in your prayers.
12. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of the Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement
Archive of The Christian Recorder Online from 2004-2016; Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
