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. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
“Profanity is the linguistic crutch of the inarticulate.”
- “Thought for the Day” given by Sister Gabrielle Garner at Shorter Chapel AME Church, Franklin, Tennessee on Sunday, November 27, 2005. The Reverend Charlotte Ann Blake Sydnor is the pastor.
2. THE SPECIAL FREE KATRINA EDITIONS OF THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER HAVE BEEN DELIVERED TO THE EPISCOPAL DISTRICTS:
The Special “Free” Editions of The Christian Recorder have been delivered to all of the Episcopal Districts for distribution to every AME household. This is the first time that this has been done. The President of the Council of Bishops and Chair of Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram, with the Bishops of the Church wanted every member to know how the AME Church responded to the Katrina catastrophe and directed that the information be published in The Christian recorder and distributed to the membership free of charge. In response to the directive of the Episcopacy, the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour published 60,000 copies of The Christian Recorder.
Every AME family should receive a copy of the Special Edition of The Christian Recorder.
3. ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ASKED SEVERAL WEEKS AGO:
Name four elected and consecrated AME Bishops who were medical doctors.
Bishop Evans Tyree,
Bishop Charles S. Smith
Bishop Cornelius Shaffer
Bishop John Albert Johnson
Four General Officers who served in two different General Officer positions:
Dr. Howard Gregg
Dr. John R. Hawkins
Dr. E. A. Adams
Dr. A. S. Jackson
4. NEW QUESTION TO BE ANSWERED WITHIN 24 HOURS OF THE POSTING OF THIS EDITION:
Name in which General Officer positions the four General Officers above served.
5. THE EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT “PREPARING YOUTH FOR THE NEXT STEP IN AFRICAN METHODISM”:
Under the leadership of our Episcopal Leaders Bishop C. Garnett Henning, Sr., Mrs. Yvonne Henning-Parks, Episcopal Supervisor and Mrs. Tanya G. Morris, Episcopal CDMC Commissioner, as the Christian Debutante-Master Commission, “Prepares their Youth for the Next Step in African Methodism.” During the Conference year 2005 the 8th District CDMC was fortunate to have seven Conference Commissioners are very enthusiastic, passionate, outgoing and energetic and willing to go the extra mile to see that the young people of the 8th District are equipped not only socially but have a deeper relationship with God and the church.
The North Louisiana Conference kicked off the first major event of the Conference year with their 2nd Annual Empowerment Retreat in February 2005. At this event over 80 young people gathered for a day filled with workshops on Self-Defense, Health & Hygiene, Study Skills, College Planning and a Town Hall Meeting (where they discussed Sex, Dating, Parents, Gangs, etc). Also, on February 20, 2005, the Connectional Julma B. Crawford Memorial Scholarship annual scholarship drive was held. During this time, each local church was asked to collect a special offering that was sent to the Connectional CDMC Scholarship Committee Chairperson. These funds will be presented to scholarship applicants who meet the criteria of the scholarship during the Connectional Dedication Ceremony that will be held during the General Conference in St. Louis, MO in 2008. The 8th District raised over $100 towards the scholarship. During the last General Conference in 2004, Alice Waters of the East Mississippi Conference and Demarcus Haywood of the Central North Mississippi Conference were recipients of the Connectional Scholarship.
On May 20-22, 2005, a few of the 8th District Commissioners and the Episcopal Supervisor traveled to the Connectional CDMC Executive Board Meeting/Retreat that was held in Memphis, Tennessee.
A welcome reception and orientation was held Friday evening. The Executive Board Meeting followed the reception. Attendees worked late into the night, brainstormed and discussed many issues regarding the DMC. Saturday began with prayer and praise walk in the park. A Prayer and Praise Breakfast followed. Bishop Vashti McKenzie, Supervisor Stan McKenzie, Rev. Daryl Ingram and Mrs. Gloria Ward, host Commissioner greeted everyone. Workshops included Focusing on the Vision, DMC History and Structure, and DMC Team Leadership. Afterwards, the group went on a riding tour, visited the Memphis Child Advocacy Center, and donated over 100 teddy bears to the agency. On Saturday evening, there was a sea of red at the Ruby and Pearl Dinner Theater. It was a wonderful evening of singing, acting, praise dancing; all shared a touch of jazz, awards presentations, delicious food and oldies but goodies. We look forward to the 2006 Executive Board Meeting/Retreat to be held in the 12th Episcopal District.
The summer ended with Christian Education Congress that was held at Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, Mississippi. Under the direction of Rev. Douglas Taylor, Episcopal Christian Education Director Chair and Ms. Myrtis Johnson, Episcopal Christian Education Director, the congress was spirit filled from beginning to end. Opening night the CDMC Commissioners on all levels served as ushers. They were dressed in their red suits with white CDMC stoles, as they greeted guest and members into the worship service. During the rest of the Congress, the CDMC conducted workshops: Dance Workshops facilitated by Mrs. Rhalanda Jackson, (Shreveport District CDMC Commissioner) and CDMC Commissioners and works workshop by Mrs. Tanya G. Morris, (Episcopal CDMC Commissioner). On two nights of the Congress, a sea of red covered the auditorium as those young people in the DMC throughout the District served as ushers during the Congress.
During the series of Annual Conferences all of the Dedication Ceremonies were breath-taking, they started with the
Mississippi Conference – On Sunday, August 21, 2005 under the direction of Mrs. Audreye Hall, five young adults were presented. During this ceremony 15 Allenites, Sub-Debutantes and Sub-Masters also participated in the ceremony at they paid tribute to the honorees.
East Mississippi Conference – “In the Midst of it All,” it was truly for them, an appropriate ceremony, in light of the hurricane that hit the 8th District a week prior to the ceremony. Under the direction of the newly appointed Conference CDMC Commissioner, she was still determined to hold their Dedication Ceremony, Sunday, September 4, 2005, at New Bethel in Jackson, Mississippi. The ceremony was the highlight of the Conference as seven young adults dedicated their lives to serving others. Also, 11 Allenites and 10 Sub-Debutantes and Sub-Masters participated in the ceremony.
Northeast West Mississippi Conference – “It’s your Choice,” was the theme for the 2005 Class of Debutantes and Masters. This ceremony was held at Edwards Chapel in Coldwater, Mississippi, under the direction of Mrs. Ethel Tucker as they celebrated their 30th Annual Dedication Ceremony. Seven Debutantes and Masters dedicated their lives to a higher Christian service on Sunday, September 11, 2005.
Central North Mississippi Conference – On Sunday, October 2, 2005 under the direction of Mrs. Mamie Myers, one beautiful young Debutante dedicated her life to Christian service during their 13th Annual Dedication Ceremony. Also, 40 Allenites, Sub-Debutantes and sub-Masters participated in this glamorous event.
North Louisiana Conference - presented six dashing young Masters and a beautiful young Debutante. Following the theme “Stepping out on faith, guided by the light, ready to do God’s work.” (2 Thessalonians 1:2, 11), the Rev. Josephine Franklin, delivered a powerful message to the young people entitled, “Step in the Name of Love.” It was truly an elegant evening. The event was held at the Southern University –Shreveport ballroom under an arch of red and white balloons and strolled down a red-laced aisle as they were formally introduced into Christian society.
Central Louisiana Conference and Louisiana Conference - These dedication ceremonies were postponed until a later date because of the Hurricane Rita in the Central Louisiana Conference and Hurricane Katrina in the Louisiana Conference. Please keep these Conferences in your prayers.
The Commissioners would like to thank the parents and leaders of the district for their continued support, as the Eighth Episcopal District continues to “Prepare Young Adults for the Next Step in African Methodism.”
Article Submitted by Sister Tanya G. Morris
8th District CDMC Commissioner
P. O. Box 36362
Birmingham, AL 35236
6. U.S. CONGRESSIONAL TEAM VISITS AME UNIVERSITY:
“Purpose Driven” is how one could surmise the revitalization and construction of the once Hatcher Hall now renamed the "Hatcher-Henning-Norris Human Resource Center of the AME University in Monrovia, Liberia.
Under the visionary leadership of Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr., a $1 million dollar grant was secured to fund the restoration of the university. The funds were donated by the Government of the United States through its Ambassador to Liberia in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The historic visitation brought together leaders from the United States to view the ongoing construction project. Included in the delegation were Senator Lincoln Chafee and Congressman Donald Payne among others. The Reverend Ronnie E. Brailsford, pastor of Bethel AME church of Columbia, South Carolina, scheduled dedication of the Rehabilitation project for February 20-27, 2006, which will be preceded by a week of revival. A delegation of the Council of Bishops will attend this historic event headed by the Senior Bishop, the Right Reverend Phillip R. Cousin.
7. BISHOP DANIELS IS SOLICITING DONATIONS FOR FURNISHINGS FOR THE "HATCHER, HENNING, NORRIS HUMAN RESOURCE CENTER":
Greetings in Jesus' Precious Name.
I am in the United States trying to do several things for the 14th Episcopal District. I am in search for the furnishings of "Hatcher, Henning, Norris Human Resource Center" the new building under renovation/construction now fro AME University in Monrovia Liberia.
Any information on how to get the items below will be very helpful.
We need the following for the Fourteenth Episcopal District:
1. 1000 banquet chairs for the 1000 seat auditorium in the new building that is under construction.
2. 3000 arm chairs for classrooms in the new building.
3. New and used electric generators.
4. Office furniture for the new offices in the building.
5. New or used 15-passenger vans in good running condition and or new or used trucks, pick up trucks, or larger buses etc.
Again, I thank you for all you do for others.
God bless you.
Peace, Love, Power and Happiness,
Bishop David Rwhynica Daniels, Jr.
8. The 11th EPISCOPAL DISTRICT of the AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, SERVING THE STATE OF FLORIDA AND THE BAHAMAS
CELEBRATES THEIR 130th SESSION OF THE EAST CONFERENCE
By Angela Surcey Garner
The South Jacksonville District at St. Stephen A.M.E. Church, The Reverend Michael L. Mitchell, Pastor and Mrs. Cordelia Mitchell, First Lady graciously hosted the East Conference of the 11th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, under the leadership of Bishop McKinley Young, Presiding Prelate and Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young, Episcopal Supervisor. Parking is usually a challenge at all host sites, but there was ample parking with four lots available. The attendants were gracious, friendly and very helpful. They also showed care and concern as Security Guards by waiting for persons who exited the church at night, to get safely into their cars.
This session of the East Conference alluded to a new era in the A.M.E. Church; a “changing of the guards” as such, with preachers sending forth God’s Word in awesome and very powerful ways! The days of staunch, quiet and guarded praise and worship are over. It is a new day in the A.M.E. Church! This Conference was full of high-spirit as each worship service built upon the previous one. Sister Rose Anderson, First Lady of the Alachua-Suwannee District, where her husband, The Reverend Damone Anderson is the Presiding Elder, used these words: “It was a full week of high praise from the beginning until the end. The Spirit of the Lord was definitely present! If someone didn’t feel the Holy Spirit moving, something is wrong with that person, because He was there – all in our midst!”
On Saturday, October 29, the Young People’s Division (YPD) conducted their business and held elections under the leadership of Sister Khama Rogers, First Lady of Mt. Tabor A.M.E. Church in Lake City, where Reverend Rashard Rogers is the Pastor. The East Conference continued on Sunday, October 30 with the Debutantes and Masters Ceremony (DMC) under the leadership of Sister Patricia Coppock Shehee, DMC Conference Director and member of St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Jacksonville, The Reverend Marvin C. Zanders, II, pastor. Those youth chosen to be Debutantes and Masters were introduced to the program attendants with style and grace as each demonstrated their abilities prescribed by the leaders and disciplines of the DMC Commission. It was, as always, a very beautiful ceremony.
The Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) of the 11th Episcopal District, led by our Episcopal Supervisor, Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young, celebrated their annual “Night in White” through high-spirited worship and praise to God on Monday, October 31, 2005. The host First Lady, Mrs. Cordelia Mitchell, made sure that all went well. The WMS held their Convention, comprised of business meetings, elections and a luncheon during the day. But Missionaries of all kinds, The WMS, Stewardesses, Deaconesses, and other women of God, wear all white on this night to celebrate God’s blessings. Many members of the WMS also included scarves and stoles in royal blue draped over their suits, as royal blue and white are their colors. The first level of St. Stephen contained pews full of people all over the Sanctuary, as we entered in – prepared for high-spirited praise and worship.
Our Worship Leader for the evening was The WMS’s Conference President, Dr. Cora H. Reed, member of St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Jacksonville. Dr. Reed led the service with all of the electricity that is in the 11th Episcopal District. One of her tasks was to introduce the Episcopal President., Sister Melvin Morgan, who would in turn, introduce our Episcopal Supervisor, the very lovely, smart, hard-working and caring Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young.
During her report to the Conference, Dr. Young informed us that there are 1,123 members of the WMS on the Conference roll including 95 new members. Together, they gave over 15,000 hours of service and raised over $109,000 for missions and disaster relief. Of their many projects, the WMS participated in “Project Moses” – creating safe places for small babies against SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), they worked with rape crisis centers, Church Women United Prison Ministries, elderly home care, as well as caring for our youth, were among the many ways the WMS made their presence known. Dr. Young also encouraged all to become Red Cross Volunteers as she recognized those who had already committed themselves to that work. Dr. Young’s report was informative as we learned how the WMS responds immediately when called upon to work – prepared and always ready.
The East Conference Choir was outstanding throughout the Conference! When they soulfully sang “The Lord Will Make a Way,” there were more people on their feet singing and praising God than there were sitting, but all felt the soul-stirring rendition of that song as many rose to applaud the power of God working through the choir. Before the Sermonic Hymn was sung, The Reverend Joseph Sanchez, Presiding Elder of the Central Jacksonville District, introduced our speaker.
Our preacher for the evening was The Reverend Glenn Dames, Pastor of Mt. Pisgah A.M.E. Church in Starke. His sermon was taken from Luke 5:1-11 and set the tone for the week. It was evident that God was totally in control of our Conference; Reverend Dames’ sermon title was most appropriate: “Simon says, Follow the Leader” – and lead he did! He urged us to “launch out into the deep, meet people where they are, forget what you think you know, trust in God, let Him use you, learn how to worship and praise Him, then follow the leader, let God be with you.” Reverend Dames was the lead engine that pulled the next engine out of the train station; the cargo was heavy this week. It took two engines just to move it! The train continues to Conference opening worship.
The East Conference officially opened for business on Tuesday, November 1st at 10 a.m. Our day began with devotion led by The Reverend Marcius O. King, Pastor of St. Matthew A.M.E. Church. Rev. King, Brother Jeffrey Dove and two other pulpit participants led “Nearer my God to Thee”, livened the congregants in the Sanctuary up with “No Doubt”, and before a soul-stirring prayer, we sang, “Father I Stretch my Hands to Thee.” Bishop McKinley Young, our leader, entered and greeted everyone. All rose to welcome Retired Bishop Richard Hildebrand to the East Conference. We are honored by his presence whenever he is able to attend. After the business meetings each day, we prepared for a blessed night of worship.
The atmosphere was filled with excitement as many arrived early to have good seats. By 7 p.m., the Sanctuary was filled with Clergy and Lay, including the balcony. The Saint Paul A.M.E. Church Mass Choir gathered for prayer and fellowship before sharing the choir stand with The Saint Stephen A.M.E. Church Mass Choir. All of the members of St. Stephen were extremely gracious and helpful throughout the week. We felt at home in their midst as our Pastor would preach the Opening Worship sermon. St. Stephen’s Praise Team kept the train rolling through. Our Worship Leader for the evening was The Reverend Dr. Robert L. Mitchell, Presiding Elder of the South Jacksonville District. After St. Stephen’s Mass Choir led two powerful songs, they allowed St. Paul’s Mass Choir to take the seats behind their Pastor as we all prepared to receive God’s Word through His anointed one.
The St. Paul A.M.E. Church Mass Choir ushered in the presence of the Holy Spirit with “Glorious is the Name of Jesus”, then livened things up with “One More Day”, led by Sister Bessie. As the congregants were into high praise and worship, Sister Alicia stepped to the microphone to lead “Safe in His Arms”, and the choir backed her up with powerful voices singing glorious praises to God. The band consisted of the leader, Brother Kirk Williams on the keyboards, Eugene, our soulful saxophonist, lead and bass guitarists, Cassius and Jimmy, Elijah, our drummer, and visiting trumpeter, Zsanelle Teamer; the choir was directed by Sister Deborah Limbric Rasheed. St. Paul’s Mass Choir definitely opened the door of praise and worship as their Pastor, The Reverend Marvin C. Zanders, II, walked right in as the engine who would lead the train through the Conference.
Pastor Zanders’ message was taken from Psalm 34:19 as he used for a title, “You Had to Go Through it.” He explained that “life is full of adversities. To understand them, one must know that trouble is inevitable, innumerable, indiscriminate, and may injure you but will not destroy you. Having salvation does not excuse you from trouble. You may be “hit but not halted!” Pastor Zanders concluded by telling everyone about “an available refuge” – Jesus the Christ. “As we remain faithful, God remains faithful and will deliver us from all unrighteousness, if we trust Him to do His part, in His time.” It was a most appropriate annual sermon in which the power of the Holy Spirit was manifested through Pastor Zanders’ message. Most of the congregation stood to their feet in support and praises to God for such an anointed and powerfully delivered sermon. The engine moved through the station and headed to the Sons of Allen’s Witness the following night.
The Sons of Allen lift the men of the A.M.E. Church. Our Worship Leader was Brother Nathaniel Glover who did an excellent job of presiding over the program. He took a moment to say to everyone, “It has been a pleasure and honor to have been your Worship Leader tonight.” We were also blessed by good singing from the East Conference Sons of Allen Choir who sang, “I’m Truly Blessed” and “Hold On, the Storm’s Passing Over.” They ushered in the presence of the Holy Spirit before The Reverend Dr. George L. Champion began his powerful sermon entitled, “Connected”; taken from Luke 5:18-25. He spoke of our men being, “disconnected, detached from hope and saving grace, cursed by ‘driving while black’, black on black crime, drugs; some are playing ‘the blame game’, claiming to do things ‘after awhile’, saying they’re too old, or not in the in-crowd – all diseases that keep our men from becoming connected.” In the scripture, four men helped a man on a mat get to the feet of Jesus. Dr. Champion called them, “The Hook-up Team.” He also gave the four men names: “Brother Somehow, who won’t accept the status quo. Churches need these brothers. They are brothers of hope, but along the way they got tired, so Brother Jesus Can Do It, had to step in. For all the miracles Jesus performed, He is the one to bring you through. Then, there’s Brother Anyhow, who saw the crowds but was determined to get to Jesus, he sees the confusion but views the mission, doesn’t say I might, but I will – he has that anyhow faith; finally, Brother Let’s Do It, who doesn’t talk much, but gets busy doing.” Dr. Champion concluded this very powerful sermon by saying, “If you are connected, grab a corner, bring me in to Jesus!”
As Pastor Zanders led the worship in giving, he said there was a “Revival going on the East Annual Conference!” And, he was surely right! Each service was powerfully blessed with the presence of the Holy Spirit. It was evident by the many congregants praising God from hearing His word through His chosen vessels. Even the devotions each morning were highly spiritual. On this night also, The Reverend Dr. Oswald P. Bronson, President of Edward Waters College, who had been called out of retirement, was presented with a plaque honoring him for the many years he has dedicated to education. This grand night ended in fellowship before departure, as we did after each service.
Thursdays of the East Annual Conference are always special to me. The morning service is the Celebration of Word, Ordination and Sacrament and the evening service is the Lay Witness. One of the most beautiful ceremonies is the Ordination. The Bishops, Presiding Elders and Elders enter in their beautiful robes with all of the elegant pomp and circumstance that surrounds God’s men and women of His Word. The Deacons (ordained ministers) and Licentiates (licensed to preach, on trial, but not yet ordained as ministers) follow, eager to be where the Elders are in their walk with God. This was a record-breaking ceremony as 11 Deacons were ordained as Elders, 2 Licentiates were ordained as Deacons, and 6 persons were accepted on trial as Licentiates.
The East Conference Choir blessed us first with “Glory Glory, Hallelujah, Since I Laid My Burdens Down,” and after the presentation of and collect for the Deacons and Elders, the Choir ushered in the presence of the Holy Spirit with “Order My Steps.” Sister Faye Diamond directed them and the soloist sang with the power of God as the singing of that song soulfully touched the congregants.
Our preacher for the Celebration was The Right Reverend Paul Kawimbe, from Zambia, who is the Presiding Prelate of the 17th District of the A.M.E. Church (Africa). Bishop Kawimbe’s sermon title was, “The Recipe to the Work of God,” taken from 1 Chronicles 15:11-19. He expounded upon four things to remember when doing God’s work: 1) Do the work of God Biblically; God has prescribed a certain way, do things His way; 2) Do God’s work and handle His ministry with joy! The joy of the Lord is your strength! 3) Do it sacrificially – if there is no pain, there is no sacrifice; 4) Do it fervently – use the zeal and fire God gives you to carry out His work. Bishop Kawimbe concluded his sermon by saying, “This is God’s ministry! God has given it to us to do things His way – surrender to the will of God.” The sermon was most appropriate for the service of Word, Ordination and Sacrament as the content spoke to all Elders, Deacons, Licentiates and Laypersons. We all have a charge to keep and Bishop Kawimbe’s “Recipe to the Work of God” was an outstanding set of rules to live by in ministry.
The Act of Ordination and Service of Communion followed. This record-breaking Ordination service was blessed by the presence of 3 Bishops: Bishop Hildebrand, Bishop Young, and Bishop Kawimbe and all of the Presiding Elders of the East Conference: The Reverend Dr. Robert L. Mitchell, The Reverend Joseph Sanchez, The Reverend O. C. Williams, and The Reverend Damone Anderson. There were several Elders available as seven hands are placed on the newly ordained ministers’ heads to bless them in their new walk with God. It is always a beautiful and spirit-filled service. The Deacons ordained were Brother Linton Cason and Sister Lateria Watson who were presented to Bishop Young by The Rev. Dr. George Champion. The Elders ordained were: The Reverends Michael Baker, Emory Berry, Albert Bivins, Emmett Bright, James Graham, Gregory Jones, Martin Kohn, Nathaniel Robinson, Doris Sherman, Sandra Stevens, and Godfrey Taylor; they were presented to Bishop Young by The Reverend Marvin C. Zanders, II. The sharing of elements was orderly and beautiful as the Bishops, Presiding Elders, newly ordained Elders and their immediate families, the ministers of the Conference, then the congregation was served. We are truly “Living Well” in the electrifying Eleventh District! After lunch and a brief business meeting, we prepared our hearts for the Lay Witness Worship Service that evening.
The Lay Witness Worship Service was entitled, “A Service of Praise and Adoration.” It was surely that and more! Our Worship Leader for the evening was the President of the Alachua-Suwannee District, Sister Phillis Filer, who was high-spirited and led the worship service with much praise and adoration. The invocation, given by the Host Pastor, The Reverend Michael Mitchell, was extremely powerful, spirit-filled and brought the Holy Ghost FIRE down to envelop our souls. After such a powerful, sermonic prayer, the congregants were worshipping and praising God as if He were standing right in front of them! The choral response, “Because of Who You Are,” gave credence to Reverend Mitchell’s sermonic prayer and caused many to shout and praise God even more!
The East Conference Choir blessed us with an Anthem, “The Wonders of His Works”, which was exceptionally done, a Spiritual, “Guide my Feet”, was both spiritual and soulful; the harmony was well blended and beautiful – the choir sounded like angels; then the Gospel, “I’m Going With Jesus All the Way,” got everyone into the choral praise. They surely blessed our souls with well-chosen songs and excellent, beautifully sung music throughout the Conference.
Our preacher for the evening was The Reverend Hudson Williamson, Pastor of Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church in Gainesville, FL. His message was taken from Acts 2:41-47 and entitled, “What Does It Take?” Reverend Williamson’s message was powerful and one of instruction; something that ALL ministry leaders needed – Clergy and Lay. Because God called every one of His children to ministry, all in the Sanctuary could benefit from such an anointed message. He reminded us to, “talk up each other, have the Word of God in you, live according to His Will, impress God (not people) by what you do; leave things better than you found them when you go into the ministry God has chosen for you, put all selfishness behind you, do the work God called you to do. Remember that no church is perfect.” His main points were: 1) It takes the preaching and teaching of the proclaimed Word of God; 2) It takes people who are saved, changed and converted; 3) It takes people who have one common agenda; 4) It takes Evangelism; go from door to door to take God’s Word; “we need to go out and bring them in!” Rev. Williamson concluded his powerful, teaching sermon by saying that “we must commit ourselves to doing God’s Work.”
The service was wonderful from beginning to end! Before the Doxology and Lay Benediction, the final remarks and expressions were offered by Brother Joseph Coppock, East Conference Lay President; Sister Marian Bacon White, 11th Episcopal District Lay President; Brother Jesse L. Burns, Connectional Lay Organization President; and Bishop McKinley Young, Presiding Prelate of the 11th Episcopal District. As Sister White gave her remarks, she mentioned that The East Conference had representation from all six of the Districts.
The night ended with a small reception upstairs in the dining room attended by the Presidents and their guests. The menu included Swedish meatballs, chicken drumettes, "angeled" eggs (I have a problem with the word "deviled" when it is something I like to eat; I also realize it’s just a mind thing), which the eggs were called after I “suggested” the name change to the gracious young lady who was serving us. Also, a gigantic fruit plate and cake were so good! The punch even had ice cream in it! Everything was delicious and though the night was late, our hosts were very kind, gracious, accommodating and pleasantly receptive of the excitement, laughter and high spirit in their dining room. The St. Stephen Family was the most wonderful host throughout the Conference – they made everyone feel comfortable and at home; the general feeling was, “mi casa es su casa.”
We made it to the last day. Having hosted the East Conference at our church a couple of years ago, I could relate to the excitement of the final day, especially when most things seemed to have gone right at least 90% of the time. The morning consisted of a final business session, which was short because Bishop Young completed most of the business daily, in a timely, but thorough manner. We have learned and shared much this Conference year. Our Bishop “makes it plain;” there is no guessing about what could or should be during the business meetings. But, at the same time, he is caring, gracious and very humorous at times – God chose the perfect Bishop to replace the now retired, but still loved and missed, Bishop John Hurst Adams.
The latter morning and afternoon consisted of the annual Memorial and Retirement Services. The former Presiding Elder of the Central Jacksonville District, my Elder, The Reverend Thomas B. DeSue, who was elevated to the position of Administrative Assistant to the Bishop under The Right Reverend John Hurst Adams, entered into retirement this year. Elder DeSue led the Central Jacksonville District with style, grace and class; those traits carried over to his new position in the Bishop’s office. He has taught us much about the workings of the A.M.E. Church, and though it is a “new day” in our church, with new forms of worship and praise, the values instilled in us by Elder DeSue will live on forever if we continue to project those values in our ministries and use them to teach and train our leaders, youth and new members.
The annual Model Church School began promptly at 6:00 p.m. It always precedes the closing service. The Reverend William Lamar IV, Conference Superintendent and Pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church, Tyler St., Jacksonville, presided over this session of Church School. The lesson was taken from Acts 9:3-18 and entitled, “Paul Becomes a Follower.” The Reverend Ronald Rawls did an excellent job of explaining why we all should become good followers. The main point was, “There is no authority anywhere that God has not put in place, so when we fight against the plan or authority of God, we are actually fighting against God; don’t fight a losing battle, trust God’s plan.” Brother Samuel Hunter, Episcopal Superintendent, led the remarks about Church School and The Reverend Alicia Scott-Ford, Conference Assistant Superintendent and Pastor of St. James A.M.E. Church in Orange Park, gave the closing remarks. She reminded us, “As we walk this Christian journey, trust God because He is leading so we don’t need our own eyes. God speaks and makes it clear who He is – trust God, follow Him.”
The Closing Convocation was upon us. The excitement was so thick; one could reach out and grab it! The sanctuary was prepared for the overflow of congregants as Rev. Mitchell made a final check on the additional chairs along the main aisle. As the Clergy and other Congregants entered, all of those seats were filled, as were most of the seats in the balcony. After the Processional to “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty,” we were blessed by the formal A.M.E. devotion concluded with a powerful and spiritual prayer by The Reverend Marcius O. King, Pastor of St. Matthew A.M.E. Church. After the Choral Response, The East Conference Choir sang one of my favorite Anthems, “Lift Up Your Heads O Ye Gates,” soprano solo led by Sister Wilson of Historic Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, and the entire Anthem was beautiful and flawless! The choir again received a standing ovation. After the scripture lesson, preface to and summary of the Decalogue, and The Gloria Patri, the choir again blessed us with, “I Will Sing Hallelujah, O Lord,” and it too, was sung melodiously! Throughout the Conference, this choir has been outstanding and awesome in God’s hands.
After the choir sang “I Am Yours,” The Reverend O. C. Williams, Presiding Elder of the North Jacksonville District, presented the Bishop’s Presenter, The Reverend Dr. Robert L. Mitchell, Presiding Elder of the South Jacksonville District, who would present our illustrious Presiding Prelate of the 11th Episcopal District, The Right Reverend McKinley Young, our preacher for the evening. The Sermonic Hymn was most appropriate and definitely bearing mention at this point; “How Great the Wisdom” – look at the words to this Hymn when you have time, sing it, feel the Holy Spirit working inside of you; it is a most majestic song, one of perfect choice to present our Bishop and his sermon.
After establishing Protocol, Bishop Young said “thank you” to many persons before he soulfully sang, “I’m Going to Trust in the Lord.” The choir and congregation joined him as he sang a couple of verses and the refrain with his very clear and beautiful voice; we were blessed by his singing. Bishop Young’s scripture was taken from the Gospel of John, who he referred to as “the mouthpiece of the Master,” 12:20-22. He entitled his sermon, “Sir, We Would See Jesus!” During Bishop’s sermon, he reminded us, “The people are coming to be pointed in the direction of Jesus, there is only one! It is bigger than we are! It is all about Jesus! We are entrusted to be the people who stand at the gap, receive the attention but deflect it from you to Jesus! Spend time in God’s word, for at the feet of Jesus, you learn how to praise Him!” Bishop Young concluded his sermon by telling us, “Our responsibility is a challenge: We must find ways to tell the story of Jesus, to keep people coming to us and engage those people in following Christ; our job is to tell people HOW to see Jesus! All is well, when I see Jesus!” Bishop Young preached a most powerful sermon-giving honor to God Who is the head of all of our lives.
After the Invitation and Worship through Giving, including the Offertory Response, we went directly into the Commissioning Service as we sang “A Charge to Keep I Have.” Before Bishop and Dr. Young made their presentations, Bishop Young gave a small summary of how much was collected from each Conference within the electrifying 11th Episcopal District for disaster relief. He reported a total of $213,652.12! What a blessing! The 11th District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church gave $100,000 to Florida and The Bahamas; the A.M.E. Church as a whole, collected over $1,762,000 for disaster relief alone! Bishop also informed us that the A.M.E. Church gives 1.3 million dollars a year to Edward Waters College and the 11th District gives EWC $1,000 a quarter. This is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to giving. The Women’s Missionary Society, led by our wonderful Episcopal Supervisor, Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young presented Bishop Young with a check for $10,000 towards disaster relief. Then, Bishop Young distributed checks, with a little assistance from the Accountant of our district, The Reverend Marvin C. Zanders, II, to the various organizations that participated in the East Conference Witness Services, St. Stephen A.M.E. Church as our host, and gave $4,000 to the 17th District over which Bishop Paul Kawimbe presides. The A.M.E. Church is a loving, giving ministry and there is still room for more.
As the Conference came to a close, Bishop Young issued the appointments. Most of our churches were blessed to keep their current Pastors for another year. This is an “edge of the seat” experience every year as each congregation grows to love their pastor and his or her family. Because as an Itinerant Elder, he or she can be moved to another A.M.E. Church at any time – which is like taking a shepherd from his or her sheep, if the pastor has established a relationship of love with the people God entrusted to him or her. The A.M.E. Church teaches God’s Word, love, togetherness, family values, giving as worship and blessings, and so much more. This year’s Conference has been one of the most high-spirited, electrifying, powerful experiences ever. I believe my Pastor said it best, “We had a Revival going on in the East Conference this year!” I look forward to next year as we will remain prayerful this new conference year and strive to reach others for Christ. There is a place for you in the African Methodist Episcopal Church!
9. SISTER SAUNDRA LUCAS REMINDS US THAT DECEMBER FIRST IS WORLD AIDS DAY:
Dec 1 is World AIDS Day. Please show your support to those infected and affected. This year's theme is "Keep the Promise". He cares for all of His children and we can do no less!Saundra
Saundra Lucas - slucas52@sirinet.net
10. AME PASTOR’S SON STARS IN BASKETBALL AT CONNECTICUT COLLEGE:
Christian Mosley, the son of Rev. and Mrs. Rufus Mosley, Bethel AME Church, Eastville, VA is a star player for Connecticut College. Anyone who has ever attended the closing session of the Virginia Annual Conference would remember Reverend Rufus Mosley and his creative reading of the Annual Conference Resolutions.
Sophomore Christian Mosley scored a game-high of 20 points, propelling Connecticut College (1-0) to a 78-53 victory over Eastern Nazarene College (0-2) Saturday night. Mosley shot a perfect 6-for-6 from three-point range and was 7-for-8 from the floor.
Congratulations to the Mosley family.
11. MILES COLLEGE PRESIDENT DIED LAST WEEK:
The Reverend Dr. Albert Sloan, President of Miles College, died last Friday and will be funeralized in Birmingham, Alabama on this Thursday.
12. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
We joyfully welcome Brianna Noel Reynolds to the world! Brianna is the daughter of Leon and Rokisha Reynolds, and the granddaughter of Reverend Ronald and Helen Boykin, Pastor and First Lady of First AME Church of Manassas, Virginia.
Pastor D. B. WilsonGreater Bethel AME Church"The church where God resides and love abides"
Submitted by the Clergy Family Information Center
13. NEWS FROM THE WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES:
> World AIDS Day at the Ecumenical Centre, 1 December, Geneva, Switzerland"Don't turn your back on AIDS. Keep the promise" is the central slogan of this year's World AIDS Day events being organized at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva by UN organizations, Geneva-based ecumenical organizations - the World Council of Churches, Lutheran World Federation, World YWCA and Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance - diplomatic missions, and the International School of Geneva. The events will include conferences, films, exhibits, information booths, an ecumenical worship service in the Ecumenical Centre chapel, a candlelight march and a torchlight parade.The slogan lifts up what is seen as today's major AIDS challenge: to "keep commitments to stop AIDS at all levels: personal, community, organization, governmental".
> Kobia speaks at AIDS event in Bern - Medicines for Africa, 1 December, Bern, Switzerland25,000 petitions calling on the Swiss government, pharmaceutical industry and churches to make a far greater effort to ensure African populations access to anti-retroviral treatments are to be presented to government, business and church representatives on 1 December in Bern at 18:00.With the slogan, "Africa needs medicines. Now!", events outside the Swiss parliament building will include the lighting of 8000 candles laid out in the shape of Africa, a public interview with World Council of Churches general secretary Samuel Kobia; and presentation of the petitions. Representing the Swiss Protestant and Catholic churches, Rev. Thomas Wipf and Bishop Amédé Grab will explain the positions of their respective churches on this issue. The petition campaign was jointly organized by the Bethlehem Mission Immensee and Swiss Interchurch Aid (EPER).
> WCC to host Indigenous caucus to UN, 3-4 December, Geneva, SwitzerlandThe WCC will host Indigenous leaders participating in a caucus at the 11th session of the working group on a draft United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Meeting at the WCC headquarters before the session, some 150 caucus participants from all parts of the world will review the progress of the draft declaration, and work towards a common strategy during the session, which takes place in Geneva from 5 - 16 December 2005.It is hoped that the draft declaration will be finalized at the session, and thus be ready for submission to the General Assembly for final approval.
> Latin American workshop on small arms and violence, 5-7 December, Buenos Aires, Argentina"For churches promoting peace: violence and peace in Latin America and the Caribbean" is the title of a regional church workshop to take place in Buenos Aires, Argentina, 5-7 December 2005. It will consider case studies on small arms and urban violence in Brazil and Argentina, the militarization of Colombia's long-running civil conflict, and the impact of violence on women, youth and Indigenous communities. Participants will work on a peace curriculum for church and school use. The workshop, which comes on the eve of the 2006 Latin America focus of the WCC's Decade to Overcome Violence, is sponsored by the Latin American Council of Churches (CLAI) and the WCC Commission of the Churches on International Affairs.
> Day of prayer on trade, 11 December (Sunday), worldwideChurches around the world are being asked to make Sunday 11 December a day of "prayerful support" to the Geneva-based Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance's efforts to promote "trade for people" at the World Trade Organization's (WTO) upcoming (13-18 December) Ministerial Conference in Hong Kong. EAA is offering worship materials on trade and human rights for incorporation into regular worship services on that day. The aim is to "raise awareness of the WTO negotiations and the impact global trade has on us all". The materials touch in particular on the right to health and the right to food.
> Ecumenical women's forum on life-promoting trade, 12-14 December, Hong KongAround 60 women working for economic justice in their communities and feminist economists from all regions will participate in an ecumenical forum on life-promoting trade scheduled to coincide with the WTO's upcoming Ministerial Conference in Hong Kong. The forum will focus on "two critical WTO agreements where the stakes for women are particularly high: the Agreement on Agriculture (AOA) and the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS)". It will draw up an action plan as well as an ecumenical women's letter to WTO director-general Pascal Lamy and the trade ministers of WTO member countries.
The forum is being organized by 12 international, Hong Kong and Swiss church-based organizations including the World Council of Churches.
14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mr. Shaw was the brother of our Seventh Episcopal District MSWAWO President, Mrs. Lula Shaw Cleckley and Reverend Minnie Shaw Frierson of the 4th Episcopal District.The funeral is scheduled for: 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, November 29, 2005Rock Hill A.M.E. ChurchVance, South Carolina
803-496-7020 (Phone)
The funeral service is entrusted to:
Simmons Funeral Home907 Russell Street, NW
Orangeburg, South Carolina 29115
(803) 534-2646 (Phone)
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Lula Shaw Cleckley and Family
1746 Drexel Lake Drive
Columbia, SC 29223
(803) 787-5769 (Phone)
Email: Lulacleckley@aol.com
Or to:
Rev. Minnie Shaw Frierson and Family
1952 Hyde Park Drive
Detroit Michigan 48207
(313) 259-4403 (Phone)
Please remember the family in your prayers.
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES:
Regretfully we share news of the following:
The passing of Mr. Arthur Knew, the youngest and final brother of Mrs. Christene H. Chambliss, President of the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women and spouse of Retired U.S. Navy Captain Carroll R. Chambliss.
Funeral Arrangements:
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Third Baptist Church
620 N. Grand Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63103
Viewing: 10:00 AM
Funeral Service: 11:00 AM
Rev. J. Hoffman, Pastor
Condolences may be sent to the family of Mr. Arthur Knew c/o of the church address above or to:
Mrs. Christene H. Chambliss and Family
200 N. Pickett Street # 708
Alexandria, VA 22304
(703) 823-2616 (Phone)
(703) 823-3441 (Fax)
Email: cchambliss1@comcast.net
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES:
The Reverend A. E. English, age 102, of the Macon Georgia Conference passed on Tuesday, November 22, 2005.
Funeral Services:
Monday, November 28, 2005
1:00 p.m.
Greater Turner Tabernacle African Methodist Episcopal Church
1104 Third Street
Macon, GA 31201
912-743-4932 (Phone)
The funeral service is entrusted to:
Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel Inc.
607 Kaigler Street
Oglethorpe, Georgia 31068 (478) 472-6118 (Phone)
Interment:
Oglethorpe City Cemetery
Memorial Drive
Oglethorpe, GA
Condolences may be sent to the family of Rev. A. E. English c/o of the church address.
Submitted by,
Mary J. Marshall, President
Macon Conference MSWWA
Please remember these families in your prayers.
17. 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.
18. 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
