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. BREAKING NEWS!
A federal judge in Jacksonville, Florida heard arguments Thursday, but made no decision on whether to let Edward Waters College remain accredited. Edwards Waters College is suing the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SAC) that stripped its accreditation. Bishop McKinley Young is quoted as saying, "We're not going to be stomped into the ground, disrespected…"
Edward Waters College is one of our great institutions of higher learning. Four private historically black colleges have lost accreditation since 1994.
Read an account in the link below of the news coverage in this morning’s edition of The Florida Times-Union.
http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online
/stories/030405/met_18126136.shtml
2. EDITOR’S CORNER:
We have had persons to attempt to answer the questions posed in this venue. We hope that more of you will “take a shot “at answering the questions. Don’t worry; I will not be posting the names and answers of incorrect questions. Let’s have some fun. The answers can be found in books that can be purchased from the AME Publishing House, telephone (800) 648-8724; in the Discipline, The A.M.E. Church Review, telephone number (615) 248-0905, The Christian Recorder (800) 648-8724 and the Internet. We also invite responses from our youth.
Typically, I would like attempted responses back within 24 hours, unless it is an unusually hard question. You may reply to: chsydnor@bellsouth.net
Today’s Questions - Know your Church!
Please give your full name, address and telephone number with your responses.
Youth Questions:
(1) Name the Episcopal Supervisor who served as a soldier in the United States Army.
(2) Name the Episcopal Supervisor who played professional basketball. Which teams did he play for and what basketball record does he hold?
(3) What do the initials stand for in Bishop T. M. D. Ward's name? Which elected official in the AME Church was named after him?"
(The youth who correctly answers all three questions within 24 hours will receive a copy of Bishop Nichols’ book: The Upward Journey: A Centenarian's Chronicle - Personal Stories of Bishop Decatur Ward Nichols, Revered Clergyman of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, or a subscription to the AME periodical of his or her choice)
Adult Questions:
(1) Which elected official of the AME Church was born in the 8th Episcopal District, served the Church only in the 8th Episcopal District, ran for election from the 8th Episcopal District and that person was elected at the General Conference the second time that person ran for office?
(2) Name three bishops, other than Richard Allen, who were born in Pennsylvania.
(3) What do the initials stand for in Bishop T. M. D. Ward's name? Which elected official in the AME Church was named after him?
(The person who correctly answers all three questions within 24 hours will receive a copy of Bishop Nichols’ book: The Upward Journey: A Centenarian's Chronicle - Personal Stories of Bishop Decatur Ward Nichols, Revered Clergyman of the African Methodist Episcopal Church or a subscription to the AME periodical of his or her choice)
If you can’t find the answers in about 5 – 10 minutes, please call (800) 648-8724 and ask which books you need to purchase so that you can reacquaint yourself with the history of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. There is no shame in not knowing. The shame is in not doing anything about what you don’t know.
3. THE BLACK CHURCH WEEK OF PRAYER FOR THE HEALING OF AIDS MARCH 6-12, 2005:
The Black church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS is observed around the world. It focuses on HIV/AIDS and the impact it will have without prevention education and compassionate care efforts from all segments of the community, including the faith communities.
The Week of Prayer begins on the first Sunday in March and continues for seven days (March 6-12) in African American communities across the country as well as in Africa and the Caribbean. The Black Church Week of Prayer is a vehicle for spiritual renewal and transformation, and HIV prevention education for every individual and faith community that participates. The purpose of the Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS is to bring National attention to the role the Black churches are playing in the AIDS crisis. It paves the way for continuous mobilization and education for the implementation of AIDS prevention and support programs in our churches.
In Oklahoma, AME churches who are members of The African American Faith Community for AIDS Prevention (AAFCAP) will participate in several Ecumenical events to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and the organization’s programs. For more information about the Coalition, visit the website at www.aafcap.org
Mrs. Saundra Lucas
Davis Chapel AME Church
Oklahoma Conference-
12th Episcopal District
4. THE REVEREND DR. CLYDE W. ODEN, JR., ENCOURAGES US TO OPEN THE LINKS BELOW AND READ ABOUT HIV/AIDS:
The challenge of HIV/AIDS is facing our people and our world. The burden of HIV/AIDS is ours, first. It is unacceptable for us to approach the HIV/AID epidemic from a parochial perspective; rather we should approach it from a global perspective. HIV/AIDS is not just another issue. The HIV/AIDS epidemic is our issue.
This is for the Black Church, the “Week of Prayer” for the healing of AIDS.
http://www.unaids.org/unaids_resources/
HomePage/images/AIDSScenarios/
AIDS-scenarios-2025_section1_en.pdf
Daily HIV/AIDS Recent Reports - Kaisernetwork.org
The Rev. Dr. Clyde W. Oden, Jr.
Senior Pastor
Bryant Temple A.M.E. Church Los Angeles, CA
5. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:
Dr. Sydnor,
I enjoyed reading your Editor's Corner about "If I were starting my ministry over again.” Your points are right on target as Pastors and their families’ need some "me" time to refresh, reflect, and to rejuvenate themselves. And so it is with each of us as we all should step back from the rush and grind of our daily lives and take it easy. Let us be reminded that the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.
Thanks,
The Reverend Beverly T. Goines
St. James AME Church
Memphis, TN
Dear Editor -
More of us should accept your priorities as our own. Thanks for the focus on a needed discipline. Pray that I might move in that direction. The Reverend Sidney W. Williams, P.E.
Editor’s comment:
I would add this to my list of, If I were starting my ministry over again: “I would, from the beginning of my ministry, contact a trusted financial planner and develop an investment portfolio and a college fund for my children.”
- Dear Rev. Editor,
Can't resist this opportunity to check in with you once more, this time about your Priorities list. Naturally, I read this with focus on my own husband's years of ministry. So much of what you said struck home. For instance, it took a lot of years for us to realize that he/ I / we NEEDED time away from the stress of ministry. I finally had to take that over and "dictate" -- according to what I observed about his schedule, feelings, difficulty of duties at a given time -- that we make a point to get away for a few days. He soon learned to agree with me. :-) Even two to three nights away mid-week could yield such a blessing. He'd come back ready, willing, and able to put out all the little "brush fires."
Here is what I would like to share about my husband: C. B. Johns read the Holy Bible through every single year of his life, starting with somewhere during his college years. He died at age 78, so that's a mighty lot of reading, if you ask me!!! During his last 10 years or so he would complete the full reading of The Bible in LESS THAN A YEAR and start another version immediately. He read scads of different versions in his lifetime and studied constantly. The Bible was God's Word and it was his main ministry "tool"; it was his life.
Even when we started going on cruises, he always had religious reading with him and it was nothing for him to come home with a new sermon or two, completed. For him, this was a part of his "vacation." I couldn't understand this at first, but I finally did. He was reading and preparing under different circumstances. If he could read a while and look up and see God's beautiful ocean waves passing by or some beautiful scenery from the stateroom window, and then get back to his writing, was that not a "difference" from how he usually wrote? It took me a while, but I finally understood. To each his, or her own.
In addition to all this, though, he certainly knew how to enjoy life and take advantage of all God put in his path to learn about and to love. We particularly spoke about how fortunate we were to be able to learn first hand about our wonderful world which included God's natural wonders (waterfalls, mountains, valleys, glaciers, Grand Canyon, etc.) AND the marvelous projects that God had allowed man to create (Panama Canal, Hoover Dam, huge towers, etc.). As we traveled a bit, these things came to mean so much to us. God was, indeed, EVERYWHERE!
Okay, on to something else. I haven't commented on your editorials and other information included in your Online Edition and the hard copy "CR". I have a young church friend (one of the "daughters" I've collected) who told me how very grateful she was to you for your articles regarding colors used in the pulpit and the meanings of each at their time of use. I've been meaning to tell you about that. Further, I find that I am so eager now to read your on-lines. I can hardly wait to open them because I know there will be something interesting and timely for my consumption. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! My ambition now is to eventually get to all the back editions that appeared online before I subscribed recently.
May God continue to bless you as you perform this service for His people. You are a blessing to us and I hope that you can continue this work for a long, long time.
Jeanette T. Johns
Editor’s Note:
Jeanette Johns is author of the book about Bishop Nichols: The Upward Journey: A Centenarian's Chronicle - Personal Stories of Bishop Decatur Ward Nichols, Revered Clergyman of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
6. I RECEIVED THIS NOTE OF THANKS LAST NIGHT FROM THE REVEREND SHELDA HERRING AND THOUGHT THAT THIS WOULD BE AN ENCOURAGEMENT FOR ALL OF OUR READERS. THIS PRAYER IS ENTITLED, “THANKING GOD”:
Dear GOD:
I want to thank You for what You have already done.
I am not going to wait until I see results or receive rewards,
I am thanking you right now
I am not going to wait until I feel better or things look better,
I am thanking you right now
I am not going to wait until people say they are sorry or until they stop talking about me,
I am thanking you right now.
I am not going to wait until the pain in my body disappears,
I am thanking you right now.
I am not going to wait until my financial situation improves,
I am going to thank you right now.
I am not going to wait until the children are asleep and the house is quiet,
I am going to thank you right now.
I am not going to wait until I get promoted at work or until I get the job,
I am going to thank you right now.
I am not going to wait until I understand every experience in my life that has caused me pain or grief,
I am going to thank you right now.
I am not going to wait until the journey gets easier or the challenges are removed.
I am thanking you right now.
I am thanking you because I am alive.
(Author unknown)
Archive of The Christian Recorder Online from 2004-2016; Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
3/04/2005
3/03/2005
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE (3/3/05)
Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
EDITOR’S CORNER:
I review my ministry on a regular basis and this morning I looked at my list of priorities of, “If I were Starting My Ministry Over Again” list, and re-prioritized it.
If were starting my ministry over again today, these would be my priorities:
Priority One: I would commit to pray, that is to talk with God each day before talking with anyone else. I would awaken with the prayer, “In the Name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
Priority Two: I would commit to read the Word of God, with comprehension and focus, every day before reading anything else. I would fix it in my mind that “feeding” on the Word of God is as important as eating natural food because the Word of God is food for my soul. . I would develop a daily disciplined time for devotion and spiritual formation. The Word of God before the newspaper or the television news programs.
Priority Three: I would spend more time each week with my family, especially my wife and children.
Priority Four: I would take a Sabbatical rest every week. I would take time out for “me.” I would also give myself several days of “retreat,” several times a year where I would spend time with “me.”
Priority Five: I would periodically attend worship services, alone or with my family, where I could sit in the congregation, without recognition, and be “fed,” even if I had to visit a church where no one knew me.
Priority Six: I would insist that my wife spend several days of retreat away from the family several times a year where she could spend time with” herself,” and I would take care of the kids. She could spend time alone or with friends. My wife needs a “break” from the stress of ministry and from the stress of the home.
Priority Seven: I would take a family vacation, without preaching, several times a year. The family needs a rest from the stress of ministry.
Priority Eight: I would develop the discipline of daily journaling. In a sense, journaling is connected with the prayer priority. Journaling helps one to develop the discipline of putting your thoughts down in writing.
Priority Nine: I would start out in ministry by setting up a physical training program. I would do some physical exercise, at least, several times a week, i.e., jog, walk, join the YMCA or some other athletic facility.
Priority Ten: I would schedule annual physicals and dental care. I would be more intentional in finding a medical doctor, dentist, podiatrist, and someone in the area of mental health. I now know that I, and my family, need regular medical care.
Priority Eleven: I would understand the church meetings, i.e., and especially, General Conferences and Annual Conferences are not vacations!
Priority Twelve: I would fast at least one meal a week and periodically for more lengthy times.
Priority Thirteen: I would be intentional in reading books, in addition to reading the Bible. I would commit myself to read at least a chapter from some worthy book each day, beyond the required or usual reading for sermon preparation. I now understand that if I am going to preach relevant sermons and to be a relevant pastor I need to be well-read.
Priority Fourteen: I would find a hobby and devote time to it.
Priority Fifteen: I would develop healthy eating habits.
Priority Sixteen: I would remember that education is an ongoing activity. I would be more intentional in taking advantage of learning opportunities, workshops, retreat and conferences.
Priority Seventeen: I would remember that lay members also love the church. I would not be so quick to “eliminate” or shun those who do not agree with me. My philosophy would be, “Thank God for the ones who agree with me because they would be and encouragement to me, but I would also thank God for those who disagree with me because they are the ones who keep me “sharp” and keep me in prayer.
Priority Eighteen: I would trust more, be more open, and develop friendships with laypersons. I now know that it’s alright for them to get to know me as a person and I now know that when they get to know “me,” their loyalty will not dissipate. Familiarity does not always breed contempt.
Priority Nineteen: My daily mantra would be to “Pray, read the Bible, love the flock” - on good days and bad days; – every day! I understand that the shepherd’s job is to lead and feed the flock – lead every single one of them and feed all of them!
Priority Twenty: I would remember and the poem, “Only a Minute!
”We only have a minute,
Sixty seconds in it,
It's forced upon us,
We can't refuse it,
We didn't seek it, and we didn't choose it
But it is up to us to use it
Give account if we abuse it.
Suffer if we lose it.
It is a tiny little minute, but eternity is in it!
I would attempt to make the best of each day, living it as, “This is the Day that God has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.”
THE FLAG
Aboard the USS SHREVEPORT (LPD-12)
2002
North Arabian Sea
Today, the entire crew had the opportunity to have their picture taken with the flag. The Captain even made an announcement to the crew on the 1MC (ship’s intercom), encouraging us to do so. Many Sailors had already taken his advice and had posed for individual and group photos so I thought it best to have a personal one as well. I needed to change, though, from my work coveralls into my Service Dress Blue uniform. It would not only make for a good picture but was the appropriate decorum for a pose with the Stars and Stripes.
The flag was on display in Damage Control Central or DC Central, as Sailors know it. DC Central was the place where the ship’s firefighters were based. I got dressed—ribbons, shiny brass, shoes, and all—and made my way three decks down from my Stateroom to DC Central. When I reached the hatch (door) at the front of the office, I noticed two hooks were embedded in a steel beam that ran the length of the overhead (ceiling), which suspended the flag. The stripes ran vertically and the field of stars was positioned at the upper left side. There was a Petty Officer seated at a desk nearby who was designated as “Flag Watch” for this afternoon. The Captain created this Watch to provide ‘round the clock security for the flag.
“Are you here for a picture, Sir?” the Petty Officer asked. “Yes, I am.”“Well, Sir, the digital camera is being used at a pinning ceremony in the Wardroom right now. It should be back soon. Why don’t you have a seat in the meantime?”“OK.”
I took a seat on the bench and rested my cover by my side. I found myself starring at the flag looking it over closely to see if I could detect something distinctive. It was an American flag, no doubt about that, and it seemed to be four feet in width and nine feet in length. The longer I stared I began to get a “response” but too faint to satisfy my search for meaning. So, I arose and approached it believing that perhaps handling it would allow me to connect with its symbolic essence.
To the touch, I could detect that it was made of nylon except for the off-white canvas border at the top and the stars, each one sharply embroidered and equidistant, neatly arranged in the background of blue. Early in life, I learned that the flag represented my identity as an American, though not the sole representation but nonetheless an inescapable one.
I began to ponder the most outstanding memories that I have had with the flag over the course of my life. I believe that my initial encounter with the flag was in the first grade when I learned to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. When I was ten, I purchased my very first flag, which was an old 48-star one at a garage sale (It’s probably worth something today). By the sixth grade, I had met the “pain” of the flag; history classes taught that African-Americans hadn’t received their freedom along with the Declaration of Independence. It was granted almost ….
(Read the complete article in The Christian Recorder)
THIRTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT RETREAT:
The Thirteenth Episcopal District WMS / Clergy/Clergy Spouses will be held April 22—23, 2005 at the Sheraton Music City Hotel, 777 McGavock Pike, Nashville, Tennessee. Retreat Registration: $40.00 due by April 1, 2005.
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
EDITOR’S CORNER:
I review my ministry on a regular basis and this morning I looked at my list of priorities of, “If I were Starting My Ministry Over Again” list, and re-prioritized it.
If were starting my ministry over again today, these would be my priorities:
Priority One: I would commit to pray, that is to talk with God each day before talking with anyone else. I would awaken with the prayer, “In the Name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
Priority Two: I would commit to read the Word of God, with comprehension and focus, every day before reading anything else. I would fix it in my mind that “feeding” on the Word of God is as important as eating natural food because the Word of God is food for my soul. . I would develop a daily disciplined time for devotion and spiritual formation. The Word of God before the newspaper or the television news programs.
Priority Three: I would spend more time each week with my family, especially my wife and children.
Priority Four: I would take a Sabbatical rest every week. I would take time out for “me.” I would also give myself several days of “retreat,” several times a year where I would spend time with “me.”
Priority Five: I would periodically attend worship services, alone or with my family, where I could sit in the congregation, without recognition, and be “fed,” even if I had to visit a church where no one knew me.
Priority Six: I would insist that my wife spend several days of retreat away from the family several times a year where she could spend time with” herself,” and I would take care of the kids. She could spend time alone or with friends. My wife needs a “break” from the stress of ministry and from the stress of the home.
Priority Seven: I would take a family vacation, without preaching, several times a year. The family needs a rest from the stress of ministry.
Priority Eight: I would develop the discipline of daily journaling. In a sense, journaling is connected with the prayer priority. Journaling helps one to develop the discipline of putting your thoughts down in writing.
Priority Nine: I would start out in ministry by setting up a physical training program. I would do some physical exercise, at least, several times a week, i.e., jog, walk, join the YMCA or some other athletic facility.
Priority Ten: I would schedule annual physicals and dental care. I would be more intentional in finding a medical doctor, dentist, podiatrist, and someone in the area of mental health. I now know that I, and my family, need regular medical care.
Priority Eleven: I would understand the church meetings, i.e., and especially, General Conferences and Annual Conferences are not vacations!
Priority Twelve: I would fast at least one meal a week and periodically for more lengthy times.
Priority Thirteen: I would be intentional in reading books, in addition to reading the Bible. I would commit myself to read at least a chapter from some worthy book each day, beyond the required or usual reading for sermon preparation. I now understand that if I am going to preach relevant sermons and to be a relevant pastor I need to be well-read.
Priority Fourteen: I would find a hobby and devote time to it.
Priority Fifteen: I would develop healthy eating habits.
Priority Sixteen: I would remember that education is an ongoing activity. I would be more intentional in taking advantage of learning opportunities, workshops, retreat and conferences.
Priority Seventeen: I would remember that lay members also love the church. I would not be so quick to “eliminate” or shun those who do not agree with me. My philosophy would be, “Thank God for the ones who agree with me because they would be and encouragement to me, but I would also thank God for those who disagree with me because they are the ones who keep me “sharp” and keep me in prayer.
Priority Eighteen: I would trust more, be more open, and develop friendships with laypersons. I now know that it’s alright for them to get to know me as a person and I now know that when they get to know “me,” their loyalty will not dissipate. Familiarity does not always breed contempt.
Priority Nineteen: My daily mantra would be to “Pray, read the Bible, love the flock” - on good days and bad days; – every day! I understand that the shepherd’s job is to lead and feed the flock – lead every single one of them and feed all of them!
Priority Twenty: I would remember and the poem, “Only a Minute!
”We only have a minute,
Sixty seconds in it,
It's forced upon us,
We can't refuse it,
We didn't seek it, and we didn't choose it
But it is up to us to use it
Give account if we abuse it.
Suffer if we lose it.
It is a tiny little minute, but eternity is in it!
I would attempt to make the best of each day, living it as, “This is the Day that God has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.”
THE FLAG
Aboard the USS SHREVEPORT (LPD-12)
2002
North Arabian Sea
Today, the entire crew had the opportunity to have their picture taken with the flag. The Captain even made an announcement to the crew on the 1MC (ship’s intercom), encouraging us to do so. Many Sailors had already taken his advice and had posed for individual and group photos so I thought it best to have a personal one as well. I needed to change, though, from my work coveralls into my Service Dress Blue uniform. It would not only make for a good picture but was the appropriate decorum for a pose with the Stars and Stripes.
The flag was on display in Damage Control Central or DC Central, as Sailors know it. DC Central was the place where the ship’s firefighters were based. I got dressed—ribbons, shiny brass, shoes, and all—and made my way three decks down from my Stateroom to DC Central. When I reached the hatch (door) at the front of the office, I noticed two hooks were embedded in a steel beam that ran the length of the overhead (ceiling), which suspended the flag. The stripes ran vertically and the field of stars was positioned at the upper left side. There was a Petty Officer seated at a desk nearby who was designated as “Flag Watch” for this afternoon. The Captain created this Watch to provide ‘round the clock security for the flag.
“Are you here for a picture, Sir?” the Petty Officer asked. “Yes, I am.”“Well, Sir, the digital camera is being used at a pinning ceremony in the Wardroom right now. It should be back soon. Why don’t you have a seat in the meantime?”“OK.”
I took a seat on the bench and rested my cover by my side. I found myself starring at the flag looking it over closely to see if I could detect something distinctive. It was an American flag, no doubt about that, and it seemed to be four feet in width and nine feet in length. The longer I stared I began to get a “response” but too faint to satisfy my search for meaning. So, I arose and approached it believing that perhaps handling it would allow me to connect with its symbolic essence.
To the touch, I could detect that it was made of nylon except for the off-white canvas border at the top and the stars, each one sharply embroidered and equidistant, neatly arranged in the background of blue. Early in life, I learned that the flag represented my identity as an American, though not the sole representation but nonetheless an inescapable one.
I began to ponder the most outstanding memories that I have had with the flag over the course of my life. I believe that my initial encounter with the flag was in the first grade when I learned to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. When I was ten, I purchased my very first flag, which was an old 48-star one at a garage sale (It’s probably worth something today). By the sixth grade, I had met the “pain” of the flag; history classes taught that African-Americans hadn’t received their freedom along with the Declaration of Independence. It was granted almost ….
(Read the complete article in The Christian Recorder)
THIRTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT RETREAT:
The Thirteenth Episcopal District WMS / Clergy/Clergy Spouses will be held April 22—23, 2005 at the Sheraton Music City Hotel, 777 McGavock Pike, Nashville, Tennessee. Retreat Registration: $40.00 due by April 1, 2005.
3/02/2005
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE (3/2/05)
Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
1. EDITORIAL:
The African Methodist Episcopal Church has a rich history and an endearing legacy. The Church has it genesis in the rejection of the status quo and of being treated as second-class citizens. Bishop Richard Allen was a man who did not acquiesce to the prevailing social and religious winds that were blowing against equal treatment for all of God’s people. All of the blacks did not leave St. George Methodist Episcopal Church and a significant number remained with the Methodist Episcopal Church. They accepted the status quo. But those who left, our forefathers chose to stand up for their belief that they were equal partners in the Kingdom of God and they rejected second-class treatment. And, it wasn’t long afterwards that the Church began to establish institutions of higher learning. We were a church that valued education. The AME Church is steeped in a rich history!
The African Methodist Episcopal Church has as its foundation, the Bible as the Word of God, and the ministry of caring for all of God’s people. Richard Allen and those who followed him to Bethel were courageous and had the wherewithal to take a stand against racial and religious prejudice.
The AME Church, valued education and that is evident when one reads about the ministry of Bishop Daniel Payne who insisted and led the Church to make provisions for a trained clergy. We were a Church that focused upon evangelism and carrying the Gospel message to “all the world.” Read the evangelistic ministry of Bishop Henry McNeal Turner and Bishop Paul Quinn.
We are a Church steeped in intellectual and spiritual pursuit. Look at the writings of retired and active bishops and General Officers. Read the works of Bishops Joseph Gomez, Eugene Hatcher, John Hurst Adams, Vinton R. Anderson, John Richard Bryant, Vashti Murphy McKenzie, and General Officers John P. Collier, Jr., A. Lee Henderson, Robert H. Reid, Jr., Jamye Williams Coleman, George L. Champion, and Dennis Dickerson and other leaders in the Church; not to mention the AMEs in academia who have written scholarly articles and who have participated in scientific research. The rich history and legacy of the AME Church is ongoing and is continuing today.
We have bishops who are trying to bring change and are trying new ways of doing things and modeling accountability. We need to affirm them. I have heard a number of people say and write that they feel that the AME Church is “on the right track” and that they are excited. I, too, am excited!
But, I am saddened when I hear unfounded criticism about what the Church has failed to do, and what the Church is failing to do today; and how people are leaving and going to other churches. People are leaving and moving from church to church because we live in a mobile society. But people are coming into the Church; and that’s what we need to be celebrating.
AME Churches that are adjusting to the changes in society are growing while those who are resistant to change are stagnant or showing a decrease in membership. People today are hungry for the Word and relevance in worship. People are excited about a Church that meets the needs of youth.
Conversely, people are tired of the same old sermons and the same old songs; where preachers haven’t developed fresh relevant sermons. People are tired of listening to choirs that haven’t rehearsed and Sunday School teachers who haven’t prepared their Sunday School lessons. People are tired of pastors coming to business meetings without an agenda and talking about the same of stuff for two hours or more. People are tired of church folk fussing over money and other trite issues that keep churches in an uproar. People are tired of Quarterly Conferences that “bore to the bone” and tired of the same old annual conferences that leave people exhausted and physically spent by the time the appointments are read. So, there is room for change and improvement. I know that we can and I know that we will!
I said all of the above to say this: "Those who fail to learn from history are destined to repeat the failures of it." We need to insure that we continue to learn from our founder, Richard Allen, and from the zeal of the fathers and mothers of our Zion. Certainly we need to keep the Bible in the center of our faith, but we also need to re-read and to be saturated in the history of our great denomination. We need to insure that the morals, values and faith of our ancestors are "living still in spite of dungeon, fire and sword.” Our hearts should still “beat high with joy whenever we hear that glorious word!” We should learn from our history! We should be steeped in our history! We can do that by supporting the Church by "thought, word, and deed." We need to support our Church periodicals, every single one of them!.
For the past several days, I have been putting in some questions in The Christian Recorder Online. If you didn’t know the answers to the questions or couldn’t find the answers in less than five minutes, you need to rediscover your history and your denominational heritage. You need to “crack the books” and do some study.
Here is a question: Name three bishops, who were born in the same state and served in the same Episcopal District when they were elected at the same General Conference.
Here is another question: Name three bishops other than Richard Allen who were born in Pennsylvania.
You may not have the answers on the "tips of your fingers," but you ought to be able to find the answers and about 5-10 minutes. If you are having trouble, than you need to subscribe to the A.M.E. Church Review and /or order some books from the A.M.E. Publishing House. Call 800-648-8724 and order some books for yourself and for your church and encourage your members to read them; and read them yourself!
2. EDITOR’S CORNER
The trivia question posed yesterday was answered correctly by Sister Ruth Ann Bryant, St. Peter AMEC, Harrodsburg, Kentucky.
Question: Who was the first elected Bishop of the AME Church?
Answer: Daniel Coker. He was instrumental in the establishment of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He planted churches in the city of Baltimore. He was elected and declared the Bishop-elect on the 9th of April 9, 1816. He resigned the next day and deferred to Richard Allen.
Bishop Richard Allen was the first elected and consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Something I found out in my conversation with Dr. Dennis Dickerson
I am the 20th elected Editor of The Christian Recorder
3. HERE IS A WEBSITE WHERE YOU CAN FIND THE WORDS AND HEAR THE GREAT HYMNS OF THE CHURCH:
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/index.htm#lk
4. NOTE OF THANKS FROM THE FAMILY OF BISHOP DECATUR WARD NICHOLS
The expressions of sorrow and sympathy, care and concern, following the death of Bishop Decatur Ward Nichols have been almost overwhelming. In view of the fact that it is virtually impossible to write each individual, this message comes to say “Thank you!” to all.
The fact that twenty-one Bishops, seven General Officers, and countless numbers of ministers from near and far, and hundreds of other friends were able to come to the homegoing service did much to ease our pain and suffering.
“Papa Nick” lived to be 104 years old. Not bad for a mere mortal! We who survive him have no complaints. We are privileged to be his family. Clearly, the legend of “Papa Nick” will liven many stories and the legacy of Bishop Decatur Ward Nichols will be long-lasting.
Sioux Nichols Taylor and the entire Nichols family
5. BISHOP VASHTI MURPHY WILL BE IN A 2-NIGHT REVIVAL IN BIRMINGHAM BEGINNING TONIGHT:
St. John AME Church, Downtown Birmingham, will host the Fresh Anointing Revival on March 2 and 3, 2005 at 6:45 p.m. nightly. Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate of the 13th Episcopal District will be the Fresh Anointing Revival Preacher at St. John African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church, 708 15th Street North Birmingham, Alabama Wednesday March 2nd and Thursday, March 3rd 6:45 p.m. nightly.
The Fresh Anointing Revival will conclude on Thursday night, March 4 with an evening of worship featuring Birmingham’s own Eric Essix on, at 7 p.m. For more information contact the church office at 205-251- 3764.
Submitted (3/1/04) by Nicole Slater Ministerial Staff, St. John AME Church
6. ANOTHER SCAMS STORY:
About two weeks ago on a Wednesday night following Bible study, Bethel Chapel AME Church received a call from a man asking to speak with the Pastor. I came to the phone and introduced myself. He said that his name was Rev.? and that Bishop Richardson wanted him to call the church because a lady and her family were relocating from Dallas, Texas to Columbia, Tennessee. He stated that, “Bishop Richardson had given her a letter of transfer from her church in Texas to Bethel in Columbia." He went on to say that "she was a musician and had three kids." I was suspicious so I asked him the name of her church and why Bishop Richardson gave a letter of transfer instead of the pastor. He hesitated and then said that he was calling on Bishop Richardson's behalf and hung up. I tried to dial *69 to get the phone number he was calling from, but the number was blocked. The man never asked for any money, but I could tell something was not right from the very beginning of the conversation. I have not received any other calls since that time.
Rev. Trent Ogilvie, Pastor
Bethel Chapel AME Church
Columbia, Tennessee
7. TURNER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ELECTS NEW PRESIDENT
Submitted by the Reverend Kyle C. Gibson
On February 1, 2005 The Reverend Ammie L. Davis of the 8th Episcopal District took over as the new President of the Turner Theological Seminary National Alumni Association. Reverend Davis followed Reverend Dr. Debra Grant who did not seek to serve an additional term. Reverend Davis was born on Christmas Day in 1965 to Mrs. Thelma Butler and Mr. Charles Lee Davis, the second child of seven brothers and sisters.
As a youth, she joined Zion Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Hattiesburg, Mississippi where she was active in the Young People’s Department.
Reverend Davis graduated from Forrest County Agricultural High School in 1983 where she earned a basketball scholarship to Clark Memorial Junior College. After two years of studies at Clark College, she transferred to William Cary College on a basketball scholarship where she remained until enlisting in the United States Navy in 1988.
Reverend Davis served her country as Hospital Corpsman, Emergency Medical Technician, Physical Therapy Technician and member of the All Navy, All Marines and All Armed Forces Women’s Basketball Team. While in the Navy, Reverend Davis completed her Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration and Human Resource Management from Southern New Hampshire University. After fourteen and one-half years of enlisted service, Reverend Davis was commissioned in the United States Navy Reserves in April of 2002. In August 2002, Reverend Davis graduated from the Navy Chaplains School in Newport Rhode Island.
Reverend Davis was ordained an Itinerant Deacon and Elder in 2000 and 2002 respectfully by Bishop Cornal Garnett Henning, Sr., Presiding Prelate of the 8th Episcopal District.
In May of 2004, she graduated with honors from Turner Theological Seminary of the Interdenominational Theological Center. While a student at Turner Theological Seminary, she was elected to serve as President of the Turner Fellowship, inducted into the International Society of Theta Phi and Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and College. While serving as President, this woman of God remolded the student’s lounge and created the Turner Store. Her major accomplishment while President of the Turner student body was the establishment of the Charles Hurley James Resource Center and Computer Lab. In addition to all of these accomplishments, she acquired over $10,000 in funding to furnish the lab.
Currently, Reverend Davis is the Senior Pastor of Turner Chapel A.M.E. Church in Columbus Mississippi, serves as a trustee for her conference and Turner Theological Seminary. She a member of the Board of Examiners, 8th Episcopal District AME/WIM Public Relations Representative (Mississippi), an Instructor at Bonner Campbell Institute, and has recently begun a certificate program for the Interdenominational Theological Center at her local church. In addition, Reverend Davis currently serves on the Strategic Planning Team of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. On September 15-18, 2005, Reverend Davis will be host pastor for the North East West Mississippi Annual Conference.
Reverend Ammie L. Davis has an aggressive agenda for the National Alumni Association to assist in the growth and development of Turner Theological Seminary. With Reverend Davis at the helm of the Alumni Association, the legacy of Turner Theological Seminary will continue to make major contributions to the African Methodist Episcopal Church and to the religious community around the globe.
(The Reverend Kyle C. Gibson is the pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Moore Haven, Florida)
8. THE THIRTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT MIDYEAR CONFERENCE:
The 13th Episcopal District Mid-year Conference will be held March 17 – 19 at Quinn Chapel AME Church, Louisville, Kentucky. The Theme of the conference is, “Revive us Again.” Preachers will include the Rev. Dr. William Watley, pastor, St James AME church, Newark, New Jersey; Bishop John Hurst Adams.
All District and Conference leaders are asked to read the book, Good to Great by Jim Collins prior to coming to Mid Year Conference. Mr. Hugh Marriott, from Mt. Moriah AME Church - New York, NY, will facilitate the discussion of the book during the Mid Year Plenary sessions.
Editor's Comment: The book, Good to Great is a a great book! A great sermon can be extraced just from the title. Many of us are satisfied with "good"and that keeps us from being "great!" Tell me that won't preach! Read the book! Come on out to Louisville and join in on the discussion!
9. AME ENDORSED CHAPLAIN DAVID BROWN HAS AN ENTRY POSTED ON THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS WEBSITE:
AME Chaplain, Lieutenant Commander David Brown has entry from his Enduring Freedom (war) journal posted on the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) website.
http://www.arts.gov/national/homecoming/submissions/brown.html
9. REMINDER:
There is a $35.00 for color pictures that appear in The Christian Recorder (hardcopy). Black and white pictures are free. If you email pictures with articles and you want us to use color pictures, please indicate that to us and forward the color separation fee of $35.00 per picture.
10. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Regretfully we share news of the passing of Rev. Cheryl Lewis, associate minister at Mt. Zion AME Church, Long Green, Maryland, Dr. Joan L. Wharton, Pastor.
Reverend Cheryl Denise Johnson Lewis (December 8, 1958 - February 26, 2005)
Saturday, March 5, 2005
Family Hour 9:00 a.m. Service of Celebration 9:30 a.m.
Epworth United Methodist Church
600 Warren Road
Cockeysville, Maryland 21030
Service of Tribute
Friday, March 4, 2005
5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.March Funeral Homes
4300 Wabash AvenueBaltimore, Maryland 21215
Interment
Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens, 200 East Padonia Road, Timonium, Maryland 21093
Immediately following the Homegoing Service
Rev. Dr. Joan L. Wharton
Mt. Zion AME Church
"I can do all things through Christ who gives me the strength."
God Bless!
Ora L. Easley, President
CONN-M-SWAWO +PK'S
Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
(Nashville, TN Contact)Phone: (615) 837-9736
Fax: (615) 833-3781(Memphis, TN Contact)(901) 578-4554 (Phone & Fax)
WEB SITES
http://www.amemswwpk.org/http://www.connmswawo3.com/
CONN-M-SWAWO + P.K.'S June 2005 Events
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
1. EDITORIAL:
The African Methodist Episcopal Church has a rich history and an endearing legacy. The Church has it genesis in the rejection of the status quo and of being treated as second-class citizens. Bishop Richard Allen was a man who did not acquiesce to the prevailing social and religious winds that were blowing against equal treatment for all of God’s people. All of the blacks did not leave St. George Methodist Episcopal Church and a significant number remained with the Methodist Episcopal Church. They accepted the status quo. But those who left, our forefathers chose to stand up for their belief that they were equal partners in the Kingdom of God and they rejected second-class treatment. And, it wasn’t long afterwards that the Church began to establish institutions of higher learning. We were a church that valued education. The AME Church is steeped in a rich history!
The African Methodist Episcopal Church has as its foundation, the Bible as the Word of God, and the ministry of caring for all of God’s people. Richard Allen and those who followed him to Bethel were courageous and had the wherewithal to take a stand against racial and religious prejudice.
The AME Church, valued education and that is evident when one reads about the ministry of Bishop Daniel Payne who insisted and led the Church to make provisions for a trained clergy. We were a Church that focused upon evangelism and carrying the Gospel message to “all the world.” Read the evangelistic ministry of Bishop Henry McNeal Turner and Bishop Paul Quinn.
We are a Church steeped in intellectual and spiritual pursuit. Look at the writings of retired and active bishops and General Officers. Read the works of Bishops Joseph Gomez, Eugene Hatcher, John Hurst Adams, Vinton R. Anderson, John Richard Bryant, Vashti Murphy McKenzie, and General Officers John P. Collier, Jr., A. Lee Henderson, Robert H. Reid, Jr., Jamye Williams Coleman, George L. Champion, and Dennis Dickerson and other leaders in the Church; not to mention the AMEs in academia who have written scholarly articles and who have participated in scientific research. The rich history and legacy of the AME Church is ongoing and is continuing today.
We have bishops who are trying to bring change and are trying new ways of doing things and modeling accountability. We need to affirm them. I have heard a number of people say and write that they feel that the AME Church is “on the right track” and that they are excited. I, too, am excited!
But, I am saddened when I hear unfounded criticism about what the Church has failed to do, and what the Church is failing to do today; and how people are leaving and going to other churches. People are leaving and moving from church to church because we live in a mobile society. But people are coming into the Church; and that’s what we need to be celebrating.
AME Churches that are adjusting to the changes in society are growing while those who are resistant to change are stagnant or showing a decrease in membership. People today are hungry for the Word and relevance in worship. People are excited about a Church that meets the needs of youth.
Conversely, people are tired of the same old sermons and the same old songs; where preachers haven’t developed fresh relevant sermons. People are tired of listening to choirs that haven’t rehearsed and Sunday School teachers who haven’t prepared their Sunday School lessons. People are tired of pastors coming to business meetings without an agenda and talking about the same of stuff for two hours or more. People are tired of church folk fussing over money and other trite issues that keep churches in an uproar. People are tired of Quarterly Conferences that “bore to the bone” and tired of the same old annual conferences that leave people exhausted and physically spent by the time the appointments are read. So, there is room for change and improvement. I know that we can and I know that we will!
I said all of the above to say this: "Those who fail to learn from history are destined to repeat the failures of it." We need to insure that we continue to learn from our founder, Richard Allen, and from the zeal of the fathers and mothers of our Zion. Certainly we need to keep the Bible in the center of our faith, but we also need to re-read and to be saturated in the history of our great denomination. We need to insure that the morals, values and faith of our ancestors are "living still in spite of dungeon, fire and sword.” Our hearts should still “beat high with joy whenever we hear that glorious word!” We should learn from our history! We should be steeped in our history! We can do that by supporting the Church by "thought, word, and deed." We need to support our Church periodicals, every single one of them!.
For the past several days, I have been putting in some questions in The Christian Recorder Online. If you didn’t know the answers to the questions or couldn’t find the answers in less than five minutes, you need to rediscover your history and your denominational heritage. You need to “crack the books” and do some study.
Here is a question: Name three bishops, who were born in the same state and served in the same Episcopal District when they were elected at the same General Conference.
Here is another question: Name three bishops other than Richard Allen who were born in Pennsylvania.
You may not have the answers on the "tips of your fingers," but you ought to be able to find the answers and about 5-10 minutes. If you are having trouble, than you need to subscribe to the A.M.E. Church Review and /or order some books from the A.M.E. Publishing House. Call 800-648-8724 and order some books for yourself and for your church and encourage your members to read them; and read them yourself!
2. EDITOR’S CORNER
The trivia question posed yesterday was answered correctly by Sister Ruth Ann Bryant, St. Peter AMEC, Harrodsburg, Kentucky.
Question: Who was the first elected Bishop of the AME Church?
Answer: Daniel Coker. He was instrumental in the establishment of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He planted churches in the city of Baltimore. He was elected and declared the Bishop-elect on the 9th of April 9, 1816. He resigned the next day and deferred to Richard Allen.
Bishop Richard Allen was the first elected and consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Something I found out in my conversation with Dr. Dennis Dickerson
I am the 20th elected Editor of The Christian Recorder
3. HERE IS A WEBSITE WHERE YOU CAN FIND THE WORDS AND HEAR THE GREAT HYMNS OF THE CHURCH:
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/index.htm#lk
4. NOTE OF THANKS FROM THE FAMILY OF BISHOP DECATUR WARD NICHOLS
The expressions of sorrow and sympathy, care and concern, following the death of Bishop Decatur Ward Nichols have been almost overwhelming. In view of the fact that it is virtually impossible to write each individual, this message comes to say “Thank you!” to all.
The fact that twenty-one Bishops, seven General Officers, and countless numbers of ministers from near and far, and hundreds of other friends were able to come to the homegoing service did much to ease our pain and suffering.
“Papa Nick” lived to be 104 years old. Not bad for a mere mortal! We who survive him have no complaints. We are privileged to be his family. Clearly, the legend of “Papa Nick” will liven many stories and the legacy of Bishop Decatur Ward Nichols will be long-lasting.
Sioux Nichols Taylor and the entire Nichols family
5. BISHOP VASHTI MURPHY WILL BE IN A 2-NIGHT REVIVAL IN BIRMINGHAM BEGINNING TONIGHT:
St. John AME Church, Downtown Birmingham, will host the Fresh Anointing Revival on March 2 and 3, 2005 at 6:45 p.m. nightly. Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate of the 13th Episcopal District will be the Fresh Anointing Revival Preacher at St. John African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church, 708 15th Street North Birmingham, Alabama Wednesday March 2nd and Thursday, March 3rd 6:45 p.m. nightly.
The Fresh Anointing Revival will conclude on Thursday night, March 4 with an evening of worship featuring Birmingham’s own Eric Essix on, at 7 p.m. For more information contact the church office at 205-251- 3764.
Submitted (3/1/04) by Nicole Slater Ministerial Staff, St. John AME Church
6. ANOTHER SCAMS STORY:
About two weeks ago on a Wednesday night following Bible study, Bethel Chapel AME Church received a call from a man asking to speak with the Pastor. I came to the phone and introduced myself. He said that his name was Rev.? and that Bishop Richardson wanted him to call the church because a lady and her family were relocating from Dallas, Texas to Columbia, Tennessee. He stated that, “Bishop Richardson had given her a letter of transfer from her church in Texas to Bethel in Columbia." He went on to say that "she was a musician and had three kids." I was suspicious so I asked him the name of her church and why Bishop Richardson gave a letter of transfer instead of the pastor. He hesitated and then said that he was calling on Bishop Richardson's behalf and hung up. I tried to dial *69 to get the phone number he was calling from, but the number was blocked. The man never asked for any money, but I could tell something was not right from the very beginning of the conversation. I have not received any other calls since that time.
Rev. Trent Ogilvie, Pastor
Bethel Chapel AME Church
Columbia, Tennessee
7. TURNER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ELECTS NEW PRESIDENT
Submitted by the Reverend Kyle C. Gibson
On February 1, 2005 The Reverend Ammie L. Davis of the 8th Episcopal District took over as the new President of the Turner Theological Seminary National Alumni Association. Reverend Davis followed Reverend Dr. Debra Grant who did not seek to serve an additional term. Reverend Davis was born on Christmas Day in 1965 to Mrs. Thelma Butler and Mr. Charles Lee Davis, the second child of seven brothers and sisters.
As a youth, she joined Zion Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Hattiesburg, Mississippi where she was active in the Young People’s Department.
Reverend Davis graduated from Forrest County Agricultural High School in 1983 where she earned a basketball scholarship to Clark Memorial Junior College. After two years of studies at Clark College, she transferred to William Cary College on a basketball scholarship where she remained until enlisting in the United States Navy in 1988.
Reverend Davis served her country as Hospital Corpsman, Emergency Medical Technician, Physical Therapy Technician and member of the All Navy, All Marines and All Armed Forces Women’s Basketball Team. While in the Navy, Reverend Davis completed her Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration and Human Resource Management from Southern New Hampshire University. After fourteen and one-half years of enlisted service, Reverend Davis was commissioned in the United States Navy Reserves in April of 2002. In August 2002, Reverend Davis graduated from the Navy Chaplains School in Newport Rhode Island.
Reverend Davis was ordained an Itinerant Deacon and Elder in 2000 and 2002 respectfully by Bishop Cornal Garnett Henning, Sr., Presiding Prelate of the 8th Episcopal District.
In May of 2004, she graduated with honors from Turner Theological Seminary of the Interdenominational Theological Center. While a student at Turner Theological Seminary, she was elected to serve as President of the Turner Fellowship, inducted into the International Society of Theta Phi and Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and College. While serving as President, this woman of God remolded the student’s lounge and created the Turner Store. Her major accomplishment while President of the Turner student body was the establishment of the Charles Hurley James Resource Center and Computer Lab. In addition to all of these accomplishments, she acquired over $10,000 in funding to furnish the lab.
Currently, Reverend Davis is the Senior Pastor of Turner Chapel A.M.E. Church in Columbus Mississippi, serves as a trustee for her conference and Turner Theological Seminary. She a member of the Board of Examiners, 8th Episcopal District AME/WIM Public Relations Representative (Mississippi), an Instructor at Bonner Campbell Institute, and has recently begun a certificate program for the Interdenominational Theological Center at her local church. In addition, Reverend Davis currently serves on the Strategic Planning Team of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. On September 15-18, 2005, Reverend Davis will be host pastor for the North East West Mississippi Annual Conference.
Reverend Ammie L. Davis has an aggressive agenda for the National Alumni Association to assist in the growth and development of Turner Theological Seminary. With Reverend Davis at the helm of the Alumni Association, the legacy of Turner Theological Seminary will continue to make major contributions to the African Methodist Episcopal Church and to the religious community around the globe.
(The Reverend Kyle C. Gibson is the pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Moore Haven, Florida)
8. THE THIRTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT MIDYEAR CONFERENCE:
The 13th Episcopal District Mid-year Conference will be held March 17 – 19 at Quinn Chapel AME Church, Louisville, Kentucky. The Theme of the conference is, “Revive us Again.” Preachers will include the Rev. Dr. William Watley, pastor, St James AME church, Newark, New Jersey; Bishop John Hurst Adams.
All District and Conference leaders are asked to read the book, Good to Great by Jim Collins prior to coming to Mid Year Conference. Mr. Hugh Marriott, from Mt. Moriah AME Church - New York, NY, will facilitate the discussion of the book during the Mid Year Plenary sessions.
Editor's Comment: The book, Good to Great is a a great book! A great sermon can be extraced just from the title. Many of us are satisfied with "good"and that keeps us from being "great!" Tell me that won't preach! Read the book! Come on out to Louisville and join in on the discussion!
9. AME ENDORSED CHAPLAIN DAVID BROWN HAS AN ENTRY POSTED ON THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS WEBSITE:
AME Chaplain, Lieutenant Commander David Brown has entry from his Enduring Freedom (war) journal posted on the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) website.
http://www.arts.gov/national/homecoming/submissions/brown.html
9. REMINDER:
There is a $35.00 for color pictures that appear in The Christian Recorder (hardcopy). Black and white pictures are free. If you email pictures with articles and you want us to use color pictures, please indicate that to us and forward the color separation fee of $35.00 per picture.
10. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Regretfully we share news of the passing of Rev. Cheryl Lewis, associate minister at Mt. Zion AME Church, Long Green, Maryland, Dr. Joan L. Wharton, Pastor.
Reverend Cheryl Denise Johnson Lewis (December 8, 1958 - February 26, 2005)
Saturday, March 5, 2005
Family Hour 9:00 a.m. Service of Celebration 9:30 a.m.
Epworth United Methodist Church
600 Warren Road
Cockeysville, Maryland 21030
Service of Tribute
Friday, March 4, 2005
5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.March Funeral Homes
4300 Wabash AvenueBaltimore, Maryland 21215
Interment
Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens, 200 East Padonia Road, Timonium, Maryland 21093
Immediately following the Homegoing Service
Rev. Dr. Joan L. Wharton
Mt. Zion AME Church
"I can do all things through Christ who gives me the strength."
God Bless!
Ora L. Easley, President
CONN-M-SWAWO +PK'S
Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
(Nashville, TN Contact)Phone: (615) 837-9736
Fax: (615) 833-3781(Memphis, TN Contact)(901) 578-4554 (Phone & Fax)
WEB SITES
http://www.amemswwpk.org/http://www.connmswawo3.com/
CONN-M-SWAWO + P.K.'S June 2005 Events
3/01/2005
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE (3/1/05)
Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on PublicationsThe Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., PublisherThe Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER CELEBRATES WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH!
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER CELEBRATES WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH!
1. THE EDITOR’S CORNER:
Just a reminder, there is a $35.00 for color pictures that appear in The Christian Recorder (hardcopy). Black and white pictures are free. If you email pictures with articles and you want us to use color pictures, please indicate that to us and forward the color separation fee of $35.00 per picture.
2. THE REVEREND GILBERT HARPER SHARES - SCAM ARTIST TRIED BUT FAILED AT MT. ZION AME, ROANOKE, VIRGINIA:
“These scam artists tried it with me but got nowhere. The person that called the church after Sunday worship about 2 months ago identified himself as Rev. Davis of Philadelphia and said that he was with Bishop Richardson. I asked him why Bishop Richardson was in Philadelphia and he got real confused and hung up. A few days later the same voice called my home number and said that he was a (AME) pastor in Atlanta and that he was with Bishop Richardson and he had his niece on the other line. I questioned him. I asked him if Bishop Richardson was his bishop and his response was "isn't he everybody's bishop. When he attempted to connect the niece, the phone was disconnected. I was trying to see how far he was going, but I've not heard back from them.”
The Rev. Gilbert Harper
Mt. Zion AME Church
3. OKLAHOMA CITY STUDENT ACCEPTED INTO “PEOPLE TO PEOPLE” ACADEMIC PROGRRAM:
Kentrell Pierson, a student at St. John Christian Heritage Academy, has been accepted into the People to People World Leadership Forum. Kentrell will join a select group of students in Washington, D.C., March 20th-27th, to earn high school credit while studying leadership and exploring some of our nation’s most prominent monuments and institutions.
From Capitol Hill to the Smithsonian Institute, and from Colonial Williamsburg to the National Museum of American History, Kentrell will examine the characteristics of American leadership during times of national challenge and prosperity. Forum delegates will also participate in small-group discussions and exercises to experience first-hand how successful leaders develop strategies, make decisions, build consensus, and foster change.
Kentrell was nominated and accepted for the honor based on outstanding scholastic merit, civic involvement and leadership potential.
The program is coordinated by People to People Student Ambassador Programs to fulfill the vision Dwight D. Eisenhower had for fostering world citizenship when he founded People to People during his presidency in 1956. Kentrell is a member of Avery Chapel AME Church, where the Reverend Dr. Lonnie Johnson is his pastor. Kentrell serves the church as Junior Church School Superintendent, YPD member, Choir member, Junior Usher Board member, and Sons of Allen member. His hobbies include: playing golf, chess, and video games, reading books, and scientific experiments.
Have a wonderful day
Efia N. Pierson
4. BETHEL, HUNTINGTON, NY OBSERVES “HEALTH AWARENESS SUNDAY”:
Submitted by Jeanette T. Johns
February 27 was declared “Health Awareness Sunday” by Pastor Michael D. Washington. In preparation for this observance Pastor Washington met with a representative of the American Heart Association and also secured materials prepared especially for the Black population regarding Diabetes. During the morning service a member of the Steward Board, Sis. Victoria Motley presented a talk which emphasized the major indicators that one is at-risk for Diabetes which affects a disproportionate number of Blacks, many of whom are not even aware that they are victims of this insidious disease.
When it was time for the preached Word, Pastor Washington introduced the speaker for the day, Rev. Dr. William R. Spencer, Jr., a member of Bethel’s Ministerial Staff. Rev. Dr. Spencer’s medical specialty is Pediatric Otolaryngology and in addition to his practice his duties include lecturing as a Professor, while his religious duties include preaching as a minister. On “Health Awareness Sunday” Bethel members were privileged to see both styles in action. Bethel is fortunate to have this Man of God in their midst as he has previously delivered health-related sermons to this congregation. Last year’s message relating to Diabetes is well-remembered by the members of Bethel and they were eagerly looking forward to what he had to share with them on this particular occasion.
Rev. Dr. Spencer’s text was “What About Me?” and he spoke from Luke 22:39-46 and Luke 23:39-43. Interspersed within his message there were also references to Romans 12:1 - I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service, and 3 John 2 - Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth..
Rev. Dr. Spencer related that his young son, Robbie, becomes jealous when his father spends time with his younger sister, Hannah, or their baby sister, Ava Reese. No matter how much time he spends with Robbie, whenever his dad spends time with the girls, Robbie says, “What about ME?” Not only children, but adults seek attention. Like Robbie, we all need attention. Who can drive the fanciest car? Who can display the most “bling-bling”? Even in church we sometimes notice that after a testimony is given, another member will get up and try to give a better, stronger testimony. And with the Academy Awards ceremonies only hours away, he said that even the stars are competing as to who can wear the fanciest dress. People everywhere seem to be asking “What about ME?”
A more important thing, says Dr. Spencer would be to ask “What about OTHERS?” The greatest blessing is not taking care of your own needs but caring for the needs of others. And if we could think, “What about JESUS?” that would be even better. If we could think in terms of “not my will but thine be done”, this would please God.
Proceeding with the theme, “What About ME?” Rev. Dr. Spencer stated that we should strive to make God, not man, notice us. And one of the best ways to do this is to simply present your body as a living sacrifice. It was at that point that Rev. Spencer moved smoothly into the health phase of his sermon. Emphasizing the benefits of diet and exercise, he stated that in order to be effective we must make lifestyle changes that we can work with. Success depends upon making small changes that will eventually become habit and thus become permanent changes in your life. Regarding such diet changes he says, “If you go to McDonald’s every day and have two Big Macs, next time have just one Big Mac. Or you can just hold the French fries. Small lifestyle changes are what will make the difference.” Likewise, exercise must be on a continuous basis in order to achieve the desired effect, so it is best to choose an activity that you will be willing to repeat daily or several times a week.
Another important subject covered by Rev. Spencer was how to handle stress in our lives. He explained that God, in His wisdom, made our bodies in quite remarkable fashion. For instance, blood vessels that are blocked 70-80% will continue to function; however, stress will cause swelling around those vessels rendering them 100% blocked. It is up to us to manage the stress in our lives so that this will not happen. Smoking and drinking add stress to the body. He admonished the members to curb those habits and to tackle that job in small steps. About smoking he said, “If you now smoke 20 cigarettes a day, cut it back to 19 and move on from there.”
During the course of his sermon, Rev. Dr. Spencer related to his listeners a very personal story regarding a 17-month-old patient. A tonsillectomy had been performed on the baby and although Rev. Dr. Spencer’s surgery had been done exactly right, other factors came into play and the baby became very ill. It developed into a life-threatening situation and he was gravely concerned about the baby’s welfare. For two weeks this doctor-minister was painfully distressed by the baby’s circumstances. After explaining in great detail the day-by-day occurrences that affected him so personally, he told how he had turned wholly to prayer, knowing that he had done all that he could possibly do for the child. “Prayer changes things” was his thought. His prayer asked God to prepare him to deal with whatever happened to the child while also asking that He deliver the child back to his family. “Thy will be done”, were his final words. The hair-raising details of this medical/spiritual encounter were relayed in an unusually forthright way. From the comments heard throughout the congregation and the number of tissues that were forced into use, it was clear that his entire church family was placed in the position of experiencing the agony and pain felt by this caring and loving physician.
The preacher concluded by saying that in order to give God our best bodies we must eat right, exercise right, and take the stress out of our lives. We must do all we can with those tasks, remembering that we can’t do it all by ourselves. We are to do our very best and realize that we need to be in constant prayer about taking the best care of our bodies. We must constantly seek God’s help. The thief on the cross turned to Jesus and asked for help. He said, “What about ME?” And Jesus said to him, “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” The preacher for the day urged that if we believe that “Prayer changes things” and we seek God’s help, today could be the day for the beginning of important life changes for each of us.
Rev. Dr. Spencer has expressed his interest in sharing his medical expertise with other churches in the area by conducting seminars or lectures on various medical topics. Surely, God must be pleased with the way in which His servant is utilizing his God-given skills.
Following this dramatic and compelling sermon, those in attendance were invited to further participate in “Health Awareness Sunday” activities. “Body and Soul” is a 12-14 week program designed especially for African-American churches. The goal of the program is to encourage church members to eat more fruits and vegetables in order to reduce their risk of cancer and other diseases. At the close of the service, Bethel members gathered in the Lower Auditorium where a Mini-Health Fair was in progress. They were given an opportunity to sign a pledge to work with this program in an effort to improve their individual lifestyles as related to health issues. Also, there were neatly packaged materials relating to various health issues for members to take home and peruse as they contemplate various ways to implement ideas for health improvement. These were distributed by Bethel members Carolyn B. Bentley and Marian Hendrickson, both nurses by profession. A representative of the American Heart Association was present to give blood pressure examinations and advice as needed. Further information will be supplied to the church periodically by “Body and Soul” in order to help members achieve the desired changes in their lifestyles. Also, in the future there will be opportunities for Diabetes examinations conducted by Bethel’s resident health professionals.
In observing “Health Awareness Sunday” Bethel took advantage of several available community resources. Each community across the nation probably has people and facilities that are anxious to supply current health information. Bethel, Huntington recommends that these be sought out and utilized to the fullest in order to help God’s people maximize their efforts toward better health.
(Read more in The Chrsitian Recorder)
5. MARCH 12 PRAYER BREAKFAST HONORS SERVICE AND SACRIFICE; KICKS OFF 2005 MEN'S CONFERENCE ACTIVITIES:
LOS ANGELES - (February 28, 2005) - In his sermon, "The Drum Major Instinct," the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., said "If you want to be important - wonderful. If you want to be recognized - wonderful. If you want to be great - wonderful. But recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. That's a new definition of greatness."
Dr. King's poignant words are especially true of the men and women who are being recognized for their great service and sacrifice during the 2005 Men's Conference sponsored by the Grant A.M.E. Church of Watts.
Junelle Moore and Navy Chief Petty Officer (Ret.) Walter Woods have prepared hearty meals for the less fortunate of Watts for more than 10 years; Dexter Moon was the principle planner and catalyst of the 80th Session of the Southern California Annual Conference; Ron Nagai was instrumental in liaising between the mayor's office and the Grant Economic Housing and Economic Development Fund; and 11-member Stewardess Board of Grant plays a pivotal role in the worship experience each Sunday.
"Dr. King was absolutely right," explained the Rev. Leslie R. White, pastor of Grant A.M.E. Church. "You only need 'a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love' to be that servant. And that is what makes these honorees so special: their awesome sacrifice and service to the community by putting others before themselves. Dr. King would surely be proud."
* Junelle Moore - A native Texan, Moore is a 30-year veteran of law enforcement in the County of Los Angeles and is the Vice-President of Grant's Brotherhood ministry. Along with Woods, Moore serves nearly 100 needy residents and senior citizens a four-course meal each first Sunday.
* Navy Chief Petty Officer (Ret.) Walter Woods - Woods served during World War II, the Korean Conflict and completed two tours during the Vietnam War before retiring with 24 years of service in 1968. Nearly 20 years later he retired from the U.S. Postal Service as Supervisor of Mail Delivery in Venice.
* Dexter Moon - This 2002 "Grant Man of the Year" is no stranger to organizing important events. Moon served as a past organizer of the Fifth Episcopal District Mid-Year Convocation, coordinator of three charity golf tournaments (Golfing for Higher Learning) to raise funds for Grant's Scholarship program and, most recently, coordinator of the 80th Session of the Southern California Conference that made history as the first in African Methodism to broadcast via the Internet.
* Ron Nagai - Nagai Senior Project Manager in the Mayor of Los Angeles'Office of Economic Development. Nagai was instrumental in helping GHEDC secure the monies necessary to begin construction on the $30 million Imani Fe development. The project, the largest development of its type in South Los Angeles in more than two decades, boasts 65 multi-family four-bedroom apartments and is scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2005.
* Stewardess Board - The 12-member Stewardess Board is responsible for serving Holy Communion, assisting with baptism, tending the altar during the invitation to Christian Discipleship and serve as role models for the women of the Church. They have been very supportive of the men's ministry.
The great servants will be honored Saturday, March 12 at 9 a.m. during the Men's Conference Prayer Breakfast at the Sheraton Hotel, 12725 Center Court Drive in Cerritos. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for youth (age 12 andyounger) and include a delicious breakfast and spirit-filled preaching by the Rev. John J. Hunter, pastor of First A.M.E. Church, Los Angeles.
According to Prayer Breakfast planner Don Scott, the prayer breakfast is the perfect way to kick off the 2005 Men's Conference, themed "There's hope for men...hope for boys...hope for today."
"The Prayer Breakfast is going to set the stage for the entire Conference,"Scott said. "Those in attendance are sure to leave inspired and encouraged that regardless of the situation, there is always hope."
The Conference continues on Saturday, March 19 with a fun-filled afternoon of video, board and card games, and food and fellowship on the lower level of the Church centering around the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. The preaching and teaching follow on Sunday, March 20 at both the 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. services and again Monday through Thursday, March 21 through 24 at 6:30 p.m. nightly.
For Prayer Breakfast tickets or for more information about the 2005 Men's Conference, contact the Church office at (323) 564-1151 or visit the Church Web site, www.GrantAMEChurch.org.
6. ANNUAL MEN'S CONFERENCE OFFERS HOPE; FEATURES PRAYER BREAKFAST, "MARCH MADNESS" GAME DAY, WORSHIP SERVICES AND LIFE-CHANGING MESSAGES FROM SOUGHT-AFTER SPEAKERS:
LOS ANGELES - (February 28, 2005) - In a community ravished by poverty, hopelessness and despair, there is an institution offering a viable alternative to the status quo.
Grant A.M.E. Church of Watts is offering hope: "hope for men...hope for boys...hope for today." That's the theme of the 2005 Men's Conference, the tenth installment of the popular men's ministry, which includes worship services, a prayer breakfast, and this year, a "March Madness" game day.
Featured speakers are Bishops John R. Bryant and Samuel L. Green, and the Revs. John J. Hunter and Aaron J. McCleod.
"We've assembled an anointed cadre of speakers, teachers and ministers of the liberating Gospel of Jesus," explained the Rev. Leslie R. White, pastor of Grant and the impetus behind the Conference. "We believe that older men, young men and our boys who are maturing toward manhood will be enriched and empowered through this conference."
The conference kicks-off with a spirit-filled Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, March 12, at the Sheraton Hotel, 12725 Center Court Drive in Cerritos from 9 a.m. to noon, and continues on Saturday, March 19 with fun-filled afternoon of video, board and card games, and food and fellowship on the lower level of the Church centering around the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.
The preaching and teaching follow on Sunday, March 20 at both the 8 a.m. and11 a.m. services and again Monday through Thursday, March 21 through 24 at 6:30 p.m. nightly. A 100-voice Men's Chorus, under the direction of musical mastermind Theresa Jones, will minister through song, along with a special presentation by holy-hip-hop rapper, TripLL-H.
Conference organizer and Church trustee Ron Edison is confident that the array of activities will appeal to men and women of all ages.
"From the inclusion of youth in our theme to the addition of the game day to our conference schedule, we are prayerful that God will speak to the men and women of Watts," Edison added. "We need for God to show them that there is hope for today. They don't have to become a statistic, but instead they can be counted in the number of God's faithful and elect children."
And faithful men of God have been selected to proclaim His Word.
Before being elected Bishop in 1988, Bryant shepherded congregations in Massachusetts and Maryland and earned a reputation as an anointed preacher and adept leader. Recently, the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson jokingly described Bryant as a "Pentecostal Baptist preacher in exile," a humorous reference to Bryant's powerfully unique preaching style.
The Los Angeles resident is presently the presiding prelate of the largest Episcopal District of African Methodism, geographically speaking, with oversight of all A.M.E. Churches west of the Mississippi River.
Bryant's cohort, the Rt. Rev. Green, was elected Bishop in 2004 and was appointed to the Fifteenth Episcopal District, which comprises South Africa.There Green draws upon his inspirational pastoral experience at St. Mark A.M.E. Church in Orlando where the congregation grew from less than 200 parishioners to more than 3,600 in under eight years.
As with the Black community of the U.S., South Africa has been severely impacted by the incidence of HIV/AIDS, poverty and political oppression. The situation requires a unique approach to be effective in ministry. That concept is not new to Green, considering while at St. Mark he implemented several specialized ministries to meet the needs of the congregants, including a church credit union, a child enrichment center and a ministry for the hearing impaired.
Bryant and Green are the speakers for the worship services at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., respectively, on Sunday, March 20.
Green teams with Harvard-educated preaching dynamo Aaron McCleod for teaching and preaching, Monday through Thursday, March 21 through 24, at 6:30 p.m. nightly.
An associate minister at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, McCleod is a law student at the University of Iowa College of Law, and a Thurgood Marshall Fellow and Chair of the campus' chapter of the National Black Law Student Association. McCleod's jurist doctorate will be his second terminal degree; the first is the master's of divinity from the Harvard Divinity School, where he focused on leadership, public policy and community-based ministry.
Like McCleod, John J. Hunter earned his baccalaureate degree from Morehouse College with aspirations of a career in law, and like Bryant, Hunter is the son of a legendary Bishop of the A.M.E. Church. Moreover, like Jesus, Hunter believes he has been anointed to preach "good news to the poor...recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
In November 2004, Hunter was reassigned from First A.M.E., Seattle - the oldest congregation established by African-Americans in the Pacific Northwest - to the pastoral charge of First A.M.E., Los Angeles - the oldest congregation established by African-Americans in California's largest city.Hunter's experience in Seattle as chair of both the FAME Housing Corporation and FAME Family and Child Development Center with five sites across the city, and service as an adjunct professor of theology at Seattle University, is proving invaluable as he now leads the Fifth District's largest congregation.
Keynote speaker Hunter and the Men's Chorus of FAME, Los Angeles are certain to leave the 300 expected guests at the prayer breakfast inspired and encouraged.
For Prayer Breakfast tickets or for more information about the 2005 Men's Conference, contact the Church office at (323) 564-1151 or visit the Church Web site, www.GrantAMEChurch.org.
7. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES:
The Reverend Archie C. Griffin, Sr. died at Health Care at Sanderfur Place,Chattanooga, Tennessee, on the night of Sunday, February 27, 2005. He was a Superannuate of the East Tennessee Annual Conference of the 13th Episcopal District, a former pastor of St. Paul AMEC, Chattanooga, TN, and a former Presiding Elder in the East Tennessee Conference.
The Family will receive friends on Wed. March 2, 2005, from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. at Frankland-Strickland Funeral Home, Chattanooga, TN. The Funeral Service is scheduled for 12:00 Noon Eastern Standard Time at Warren Chapel AMEC, 503 N Market Street, Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Rev. Charlene Boone, Pastor
Eulogist, Bishop Vashti M. McKenzie
Burial: National Veterans Cemetery, Chattanooga, TN
He was the father of these AME Ministers:
Rev. Etta Garth our pastor in Owensboro, KY
Rev. Archie C Griffin, II our pastor at Berry Chapel-Lynchburg, TN
Rev. Verissa Cora Griffin Stovall, an Associate Minister at Bethel AMEC, Chattanooga, TN
The late Rev. Phillip Bruce Griffin, Sr., who died in 2004
Arrangements are being handled by:
Franklin-Strickland Funeral Home
1724 McCallie Avenue
Chattanooga, TN 37404
Phone: 423-267-2654 Fax: 423-265-9997
Condolences may be sent to his wife: Mrs. Georgia Griffin
2168 Shepherd Rd
Chattanooga, TN 37421
Phone: 423-894-9789
8. LICENTIATE BLAINE CUMMINGS FUNERAL:
The services for Licentiate Blaine Cummings will be held Thursday, March 3, 2005 at 2:00 at Saint James AME Church in Cynthiana, KY.
Condolence Messages may be sent:
Sister Vesta Cummins
128 Federal Drive
Cynthiana, KY 41031
859-235-9551
Ware Funeral Home
846 US Hwy 27 North
Cynthiana, KY 41031
859-234-4000
St. James AME Church
312 West Pleasant Street
Cynthiana, KY 41031
9. ALL BEREAVEMENT NOTICES ARE SUBMITTED BY:
God Bless!Ora L. Easley, President
CONN-M-SWAWO +PK'S
Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
Phone: (615) 837-9736Fax: (615) 833-3781
WEB SITES
http://www.amemswwpk.org/CONN-M-SWAWO + P.K.'S Home Page
http://connmswawo3.com/AME Church Clergy Family Forum
http://connmswawo3.com/membership.htmlCONN-M-SWAWO + P.K.'S Membership Listing
Please remember these families in your prayers.
God Bless!
2/28/2005
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE (2/28/05)
AME ALERT! AME ALERT! AME ALERT! AME ALERT! AME ALERT!
UPDATE FROM BISHOP ADAM JEFFERSON RICHARDSON:
I have another meeting in the morning with the police. They have concluded that the "crime" they can investigate (for the sake of legal protocols and cooperation with other police agencies) is "identity theft." This is the most sinister operation I have witnessed in a long time. We have gotten calls from various parts of the 2nd, 5th, and 13th Districts. I am sure there are others.
If your readers will alert me, I will pass on their information to the police here so that they can begin the connection with other agencies around the country. The reason a crime like this one is so difficult to investigate and prosecute is precisely why the FBI said they could not touch it: the crimes are all local, though they are occuring all over the country. That means that wherever the money was transferred from, that would be the place where the case would have to be prosecuted -- IF the perpetrators are ever caught.
Again,thanks for your assistance.
Bishop Adam Jeffereson
Your replies may be sent to chsydnor@bellsouth.net
UPDATE FROM BISHOP ADAM JEFFERSON RICHARDSON:
I have another meeting in the morning with the police. They have concluded that the "crime" they can investigate (for the sake of legal protocols and cooperation with other police agencies) is "identity theft." This is the most sinister operation I have witnessed in a long time. We have gotten calls from various parts of the 2nd, 5th, and 13th Districts. I am sure there are others.
If your readers will alert me, I will pass on their information to the police here so that they can begin the connection with other agencies around the country. The reason a crime like this one is so difficult to investigate and prosecute is precisely why the FBI said they could not touch it: the crimes are all local, though they are occuring all over the country. That means that wherever the money was transferred from, that would be the place where the case would have to be prosecuted -- IF the perpetrators are ever caught.
Again,thanks for your assistance.
Bishop Adam Jeffereson
Your replies may be sent to chsydnor@bellsouth.net
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE (2/28/05)
Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
1. HAVE YOU, YOUR CHURCH, OR ANYONE YOU KNOW BEEN SCAMMED? BISHOP RICHARDSON AND THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH IS ASKING FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE AND FOR YOUR VIGILANCE IN NOT BEING A VICTIM OF SCAM ARTISTS USING THE COVER OF THE AME CHURCH. CHRISTIAN RECORDER READERS MAY REPLY TO chsydnor@bellsouth.net:
Dr. Sydnor and Dr. Fugh,
Greetings in HIS great name. I need to enlist your help in sending an alert regarding a scam being perpetrated in my name across the entire connection. I am meeting with authorities and it would help to have an idea about the magnitude of the scam: who has been victimized and for what amount; who has been targeted and where they are located. It is a vicious ploy and we need to stop it before anyone else is victimized. There are too many legitimate needs to which we could respond than to be turned off by the sinister needs of social leeches. The sad thing is that I suspect that the perpetrators are AMEs or former AMEs (perhaps even a ring of pastors). They (he and she) know too much about us (our organization and personnel).
The Christian Recorder and email network, and the AME Website of the General Secretary, would be helpful in identifying the extent of the damage and persons who have been contacted by the scam artists. More than a month ago, Dr. Fugh made an announcement on the official website, but there have been numerous "contacts" and "hits" since then and several persons have sent money thinking that they were being helpful.
It's an old scam. I was contacted while still the pastor of Bethel, Tallahassee. At the time, more than eight years ago, it was Bishop Z. L. Grady's "niece" who was allegedly moving to Tallahassee with three children, a major job promotion, who would be joining our church the following Sunday, but whose car broke down en route and needed roadside assistance to the tune of $800. That amount should have been sent via Western Union.
Now, the scam artists are not only using my name, but they have also begun to identify themselves as me. That's called identity theft.
Let's see if we can't get responses from persons who have been burned by the scam -- using my good name and sponging off of the goodwill of good pastors who were attempting to do a good deed. Perhaps "victims" would be forthcoming so that we can determine the damage that has been done. Other persons who were suspicious about the ploy and did not respond should also let me know so that we can determine the potential damage that may have been accomplished.
We need their names, location (city and state), and the amount of money involved. If they were only contacted but did not respond, we need that information also. We need the same information (name, city, state) and the amount requested. If they sent money by Western Union, it would be helpful if we had a copy of the transaction, or at least the date and location of the transaction. If they have filed a police report, we need the date and the name of the police department.
We have always said that the AMEC has the best network in the world. Let's see if we can use our network to help one another by stopping the further victimization of our churches and pastors.
Yours in His Service,
Adam J. Richardson
Bishop
2. THE EDITOR’S CORNER:
- The Winners:
Sister Delores Kennedy-Williams and the Reverend Dr. Sidney Williams won for answering the question about the most recent General Conference when no bishops were elected. Sister Kennedy-Williams answered, the General Conference of 1904 when no bishops were elected. A General Officer was elected. Reverend Williams “pulled one out of the bag” and reminded us that there was a called meeting of the General Conference in 1946 that was held in Little Rock, Arkansas. No bishops were elected and two bishops were expelled and one bishop was suspended.
The winner for the high school / middle school question was Stephen Green, age 12, a student at Lakeview Middle School in Winter Garden, Florida.
Stephen also took the initiative and answered correctly the question posed to seminarians / applicants for ministry who are going through the Conference Course of Study. Stephen Green, a 12 year old, is commended for his study of African Methodism. Our long-time readers might remember the article written by Stephen’s brother, Adam, who wrote about the youth retreat at St. Mark AME Church in Orlando.
The question about the “Four Horsemen” of the AME Church for College / young adults was correctly answered by Kendra Golphin, 18 year old freshman at Wilberforce University.
Sister Kennedy-Williams and P.E. Williams won a copy of Bishop Nichols’ book written by Jeanette T. Johns. Stephen won one-year subscriptions for The Christian Recorder and The A.M.E. Church Review and Kendra won a subscription for the subscription for The A.M.E. Church Review.
The questions and the correct answers are appended below.
- High school / middle school question: Where was Bishop Allen born, Philadelphia or Delaware? Answer: Bishop Richard Allen was born in Philadelphia.
Here is where I received my Information:
http://earlyamerica.com/review/spring97/allen.html
- College age / young adult question: Who were the “Four Horsemen” of the African Methodist Episcopal Church? Write a brief synopsis of each of their ministries.
Answer: The “Four Horsemen” of the AME church were: Richard Allen, William Paul Quinn, Daniel A. Payne, and Henry M. Turner.
Richard Allen- was the founder and the 1st Bishop of the AME church. He was ordained in 1799. In 1794 Richard Allen's black smith shop was dedicated as a church. Richard Allen was consecrated as its first Bishop at the General Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 10, 1816.
William Paul Quinn- The fourth Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He was ordained a deacon in 1818 then ordained an elder in 1838. He pastored in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Illinois. He became the Senior Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church may 9, 1849.
Daniel A. Payne- The sixth Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Bishop Payne was ordained an elder in the Lutheran Church in 1837. He pastored churches in Washington, New York and Baltimore. During his tenure, he presided over the 1st, 3rd, 2nd, and 7th Districts. He organized the South Carolina Conference in 1865, and founded Wilberforce University in 1856 where he became the first Black President of a college in America. Payne served as the President of Wilberforce University for 13 years.
Henry M. Turner- The twelfth Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Bishop Turner was first licensed to preach in the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1860 and an elder in 1862. He organized A.M.E. Churches all over the state of Georgia. Bishop Turner served as a Presiding Elder in Georgia. He was elected the Business Manager of the Publication Department. He founded the Southern Christian Recorder, the Voice of Missions and the Women's Christian Recorder.
- Question for seminarians and applicants for ministry who are going through the Conference Course of Study: Which bishop never held an annual conference, nor ordained a minister; but continued to minister like other ministers? He was the only bishop to resign. Answer: Bishop Edward Waters
Heartfelt congratulations to all of our winners!
Trivia Question: Who was the first elected bishop of the AME Church?
Whoever gives the best account of the election will have his or her answer printed in The Christian Recorder Online and in the hardcopy of The Christian Recorder. Please answer in your own words.
The winner will receive a free copy of The Romance of African Methodism by George A. Singleton.
3. THIRTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT CELEBRATES AN UNFORGETTABLE FOUNDER’S DAY:
Memphis, Tenn. – The 13th Episcopal of the AME Church celebrated Founder’s Day in Memphis Feb. 10-12, at St. Andrew AME Church, pastored by the Reverend Dr. Kenneth S. Robinson who is also the Commissioner of Health for the State of Tennessee. The Reverend John E. Madison, Sr., Presiding Elder of the South Memphis District and the Reverend Robert Finch, Presiding Elder of the North Memphis District, set the stage for an unforgettable Founder’s Day. They, along with their pastors and laity, rolled out the “red carpet” for Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, presiding prelate for the 13th Episcopal District along her husband, Supervisor of Missions Stan McKenzie. Bishop McKenzie is the first female elected and consecrated bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and is the President of the Council of Bishops and Brother Stan McKenzie is the first male Episcopal Supervisor.
“Founder’s Day is the season for us to drink again from the wells of our heritage,” Bishop McKenzie said proudly, and went on to say, “We dip our cups deep into the rich waters of AME achievements. We are refreshed by the courage of those who launched out into the deep treacherous waters of institutional building. It is a time to revisit out traditions and create new ones for the 21st century.”
The Founder’s Day theme, “Believe, Renew, Resource, Rebuild, Regimen and Results,” was the spiritual backdrop for the three-day celebration that attracted huge crowds who were excited and anxious to follow the vision and to “Believe” what God had revealed to their Episcopal leader that greater works could be done in the Thirteenth Episcopal District.
The first order of business for Founder’s Day was the Presiding Elders’ Institute conducted by Bishop McKenzie, followed by a luncheon in St. Andrew’s newly renovated Family Life Center. A representative from Works, Inc., a non- profit corporation under the umbrella of St. Andrew’s ministry, made a presentation on “How to assists ministries with government funds for community development.”
Founder’s Day officially opens
Later that evening, Dr. Floyd Flake, senior pastor of the 18,600-member Greater Allen AME Cathedral of Jamaica, New York, preached a jubilant opening worship service about “What Do You Do When You Get What You Ask For?” The soul-stirring message focused on five sisters who prayed and finally received their inheritance in Joshua, chapter 12, after being a part of a great legacy from the descendants of Joseph.
Shelby County Mayor A. C. Wharton welcomed the congregation and presented Bishop McKenzie and Pastor Flake with gifts from Shelby County. Memphis Mayor W. W. Herenton met with Bishop McKenzie and Supervisor Stan McKenzie on Friday.
The Founder’s Day Activities included early morning prayer sessions, exercise in St. Andrew’s gymnasium and nutritious meals served by St. Andrew’s. Bishop McKenzie said, “We need to renew our bodies with exercising and walking” and reminded the Thirteenth District, “The cross is both horizontal and vertical. We are promoting healthy eating habits and healthy spiritual habits.”
The Reverend Ronald L. Owens, retired Army Chaplain and now, pastor of Bethel AME Church in Augusta, Georgia, conducted a powerful workshop on how to establish cohesive, healthy relations with God and collegial relations with each other. Workshop participants engaged in dialogue about conflict resolution and problem-solving techniques. “We will have conflicts in the church,” Dr. Owens said and went on to explain, “They can come about as a result of our different gifts.”
Preaching, praise and dance were an integral part of Founder’s Day. An Hour of Power started at noon Friday. Rev. W. Antoni Sinkfield, pastor of St. John AME Church in Nashville, delivered a thought-provoking message, “Reaching for Grapes, Living like Grasshoppers, and Dealing with Giants.” On Friday night, the Reverend Jonathan Weaver, pastor of Mt. Nebo AME Church in Bowie, Maryland, spoke out prophetically in his sermon entitled “Under Protective Custody.” He graphically illustrated that the righteous suffer afflictions but the Lord delivers the righteous and helps them to navigate their way through difficulties. The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the Editor of The Christian Recorder preached the sermon about the “Women with the Issue of Blood” entitled, “Hit and Miss.” He pointed out that sometimes we want to “touch the hem of the Master’s garment” without accountability. Founder’s Day featured glorious praise music nightly from St. Andrew’s choir and praise-dancers. The “Men in Motion” led an explosive, dramatic, dance routine with banners, evoking sustain applause the congregation. The musical rendition of, “The Best is Yet to Come” was inspiration for Presiding Elder Madison’s introduction of Bishop McKenzie’s vision who said, “The best is not yet to come, but is already in progress.”
Ministry in action
On Saturday morning, the Nehemiah Nation, a men and young adult ministry, journeyed to Palestine AME Church in Memphis, pastored by Reverend Quinton Smith to help make improvements on the church’s structure. A group of 50 men repaired the roof, painted, raked leaves, and made other repairs. The outreach sparked enthusiasm when Bishop McKenzie, dressed in her Nehemiah Nation attire, witnessed the work in progress. Bishop McKenzie coined The Nehemiah Nation after the Prophet Nehemiah, because he was a praying man of God who brought about spiritual revival by rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. “Men are the walls of our communities – protecting, providing safety and security,” she said.
Using innovative outreach methods to impact people with the Gospel, Bishop McKenzie, has established the Nehemiah Nation, School of the Prophets, an institute for continuing education for the Thirteenth Episcopal District clergy, AME Pages, AME Works Day, and Believe, Inc.
Bishop McKenzie meets the Memphis media
In the weeks leading up to Founder’s Day, Presiding Elder Madison and Presiding Elder Finch, served notice on the City of Memphis that the AME’s, were coming to Memphis to celebrate Founder’s Day with its history-making, first female elected and consecrated bishop and the first male Episcopal Supervisor. Bishop McKenzie was the guest on live radio and television talk shows. Callers and well-wishers on the “Janice Fullilove Show,” praised Bishop McKenzie for her faith and courage in answering her “call from God.” Local newspapers published exclusive feature articles about the Thirteenth District Founder’s Day and Bishop and Supervisor McKenzie. Presiding Elder Madison was quoted in The Commercial Appeal saying “History is being made with Bishop McKenzie and she’s shepherding a rebirth in our Church.” Presiding Elder Finch told one newspaper, “We are learning how to resolve conflicts within our local churches and turn to one another for help as a result of Bishop McKenzie’s leadership; we are discovering how to be good AME’s.”
From St. Andrew to St. James
The Founder’s Day celebration made a swift transition from South Memphis to North Memphis with a 10 a.m. service at St. James AME Church, pastored by the Reverend Walter W. Reid, Jr. Three television stations sent their crews to get one final interview before Bishop McKenzie graced the pulpit.
Bishop McKenzie spoke from Psalm 37:18 - 19. Her dynamic preaching and biblical exegesis exhorted the congregation to praise God in spite of what they might be going through. The congregation, erupting in shouts of praise, included Memphis Judge Earnestine Dorse, the Sorors of Delta Sigma Theta, and the renowned Memphis fashion designer, Barbara Perkins.
After the worship service, Presiding Elder Madison and his wife, Mrs. Willie Ann, led a speeding convoy that escorted Bishop McKenzie and her entourage across Interstate I-240 for another Founder’s Day service in Parsons, Tennessee.
Submitted by Patricia Rogers, Memphis area public relations agent
4. DEVOTIONAL: GOING FORWARD WITH GOD: YOUR PART COUNTS:
For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body – whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free – and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where should the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. (I Corinthians 12: 13-14, 17-18 NIV)
The passage above informs us that God has established an important role for each part of the body to play in His plan of redemption. Frequently when we think of the roles we play in the body of Christ, we describe them as member of the usher board, missionary society, official board, Sunday school, Lay organization, or clergy of some level. These descriptions are related to the parts we play in the formal structure of our churches. But, what about the spiritual parts we play as part of the body of Christ?
I Corinthians chapter 12 describes the body as many parts. The parts of the body described here are spiritual parts. The Church goes forward with God as the Holy Spirit manifests Himself in individual believers. These manifestations occur in three dimensions outlined by scripture…
Submitted by the Reverend James Moody, Quinn Chapel, Chicago, Illinois
(Read the complete article in The Christian Recorder)
Subscribe to the hardcopy Christian Recorder and receive it in the mail. You may call 800-648-8724 and make your payment using your credit card.
Or, you may send $26.00 check or money order for a one-year subscription to:
The Christian Recorder
512 8th Avenue South
Nashville, Tennessee 37203-4181
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
1. HAVE YOU, YOUR CHURCH, OR ANYONE YOU KNOW BEEN SCAMMED? BISHOP RICHARDSON AND THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH IS ASKING FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE AND FOR YOUR VIGILANCE IN NOT BEING A VICTIM OF SCAM ARTISTS USING THE COVER OF THE AME CHURCH. CHRISTIAN RECORDER READERS MAY REPLY TO chsydnor@bellsouth.net:
Dr. Sydnor and Dr. Fugh,
Greetings in HIS great name. I need to enlist your help in sending an alert regarding a scam being perpetrated in my name across the entire connection. I am meeting with authorities and it would help to have an idea about the magnitude of the scam: who has been victimized and for what amount; who has been targeted and where they are located. It is a vicious ploy and we need to stop it before anyone else is victimized. There are too many legitimate needs to which we could respond than to be turned off by the sinister needs of social leeches. The sad thing is that I suspect that the perpetrators are AMEs or former AMEs (perhaps even a ring of pastors). They (he and she) know too much about us (our organization and personnel).
The Christian Recorder and email network, and the AME Website of the General Secretary, would be helpful in identifying the extent of the damage and persons who have been contacted by the scam artists. More than a month ago, Dr. Fugh made an announcement on the official website, but there have been numerous "contacts" and "hits" since then and several persons have sent money thinking that they were being helpful.
It's an old scam. I was contacted while still the pastor of Bethel, Tallahassee. At the time, more than eight years ago, it was Bishop Z. L. Grady's "niece" who was allegedly moving to Tallahassee with three children, a major job promotion, who would be joining our church the following Sunday, but whose car broke down en route and needed roadside assistance to the tune of $800. That amount should have been sent via Western Union.
Now, the scam artists are not only using my name, but they have also begun to identify themselves as me. That's called identity theft.
Let's see if we can't get responses from persons who have been burned by the scam -- using my good name and sponging off of the goodwill of good pastors who were attempting to do a good deed. Perhaps "victims" would be forthcoming so that we can determine the damage that has been done. Other persons who were suspicious about the ploy and did not respond should also let me know so that we can determine the potential damage that may have been accomplished.
We need their names, location (city and state), and the amount of money involved. If they were only contacted but did not respond, we need that information also. We need the same information (name, city, state) and the amount requested. If they sent money by Western Union, it would be helpful if we had a copy of the transaction, or at least the date and location of the transaction. If they have filed a police report, we need the date and the name of the police department.
We have always said that the AMEC has the best network in the world. Let's see if we can use our network to help one another by stopping the further victimization of our churches and pastors.
Yours in His Service,
Adam J. Richardson
Bishop
2. THE EDITOR’S CORNER:
- The Winners:
Sister Delores Kennedy-Williams and the Reverend Dr. Sidney Williams won for answering the question about the most recent General Conference when no bishops were elected. Sister Kennedy-Williams answered, the General Conference of 1904 when no bishops were elected. A General Officer was elected. Reverend Williams “pulled one out of the bag” and reminded us that there was a called meeting of the General Conference in 1946 that was held in Little Rock, Arkansas. No bishops were elected and two bishops were expelled and one bishop was suspended.
The winner for the high school / middle school question was Stephen Green, age 12, a student at Lakeview Middle School in Winter Garden, Florida.
Stephen also took the initiative and answered correctly the question posed to seminarians / applicants for ministry who are going through the Conference Course of Study. Stephen Green, a 12 year old, is commended for his study of African Methodism. Our long-time readers might remember the article written by Stephen’s brother, Adam, who wrote about the youth retreat at St. Mark AME Church in Orlando.
The question about the “Four Horsemen” of the AME Church for College / young adults was correctly answered by Kendra Golphin, 18 year old freshman at Wilberforce University.
Sister Kennedy-Williams and P.E. Williams won a copy of Bishop Nichols’ book written by Jeanette T. Johns. Stephen won one-year subscriptions for The Christian Recorder and The A.M.E. Church Review and Kendra won a subscription for the subscription for The A.M.E. Church Review.
The questions and the correct answers are appended below.
- High school / middle school question: Where was Bishop Allen born, Philadelphia or Delaware? Answer: Bishop Richard Allen was born in Philadelphia.
Here is where I received my Information:
http://earlyamerica.com/review/spring97/allen.html
- College age / young adult question: Who were the “Four Horsemen” of the African Methodist Episcopal Church? Write a brief synopsis of each of their ministries.
Answer: The “Four Horsemen” of the AME church were: Richard Allen, William Paul Quinn, Daniel A. Payne, and Henry M. Turner.
Richard Allen- was the founder and the 1st Bishop of the AME church. He was ordained in 1799. In 1794 Richard Allen's black smith shop was dedicated as a church. Richard Allen was consecrated as its first Bishop at the General Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 10, 1816.
William Paul Quinn- The fourth Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He was ordained a deacon in 1818 then ordained an elder in 1838. He pastored in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Illinois. He became the Senior Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church may 9, 1849.
Daniel A. Payne- The sixth Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Bishop Payne was ordained an elder in the Lutheran Church in 1837. He pastored churches in Washington, New York and Baltimore. During his tenure, he presided over the 1st, 3rd, 2nd, and 7th Districts. He organized the South Carolina Conference in 1865, and founded Wilberforce University in 1856 where he became the first Black President of a college in America. Payne served as the President of Wilberforce University for 13 years.
Henry M. Turner- The twelfth Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Bishop Turner was first licensed to preach in the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1860 and an elder in 1862. He organized A.M.E. Churches all over the state of Georgia. Bishop Turner served as a Presiding Elder in Georgia. He was elected the Business Manager of the Publication Department. He founded the Southern Christian Recorder, the Voice of Missions and the Women's Christian Recorder.
- Question for seminarians and applicants for ministry who are going through the Conference Course of Study: Which bishop never held an annual conference, nor ordained a minister; but continued to minister like other ministers? He was the only bishop to resign. Answer: Bishop Edward Waters
Heartfelt congratulations to all of our winners!
Trivia Question: Who was the first elected bishop of the AME Church?
Whoever gives the best account of the election will have his or her answer printed in The Christian Recorder Online and in the hardcopy of The Christian Recorder. Please answer in your own words.
The winner will receive a free copy of The Romance of African Methodism by George A. Singleton.
3. THIRTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT CELEBRATES AN UNFORGETTABLE FOUNDER’S DAY:
Memphis, Tenn. – The 13th Episcopal of the AME Church celebrated Founder’s Day in Memphis Feb. 10-12, at St. Andrew AME Church, pastored by the Reverend Dr. Kenneth S. Robinson who is also the Commissioner of Health for the State of Tennessee. The Reverend John E. Madison, Sr., Presiding Elder of the South Memphis District and the Reverend Robert Finch, Presiding Elder of the North Memphis District, set the stage for an unforgettable Founder’s Day. They, along with their pastors and laity, rolled out the “red carpet” for Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, presiding prelate for the 13th Episcopal District along her husband, Supervisor of Missions Stan McKenzie. Bishop McKenzie is the first female elected and consecrated bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and is the President of the Council of Bishops and Brother Stan McKenzie is the first male Episcopal Supervisor.
“Founder’s Day is the season for us to drink again from the wells of our heritage,” Bishop McKenzie said proudly, and went on to say, “We dip our cups deep into the rich waters of AME achievements. We are refreshed by the courage of those who launched out into the deep treacherous waters of institutional building. It is a time to revisit out traditions and create new ones for the 21st century.”
The Founder’s Day theme, “Believe, Renew, Resource, Rebuild, Regimen and Results,” was the spiritual backdrop for the three-day celebration that attracted huge crowds who were excited and anxious to follow the vision and to “Believe” what God had revealed to their Episcopal leader that greater works could be done in the Thirteenth Episcopal District.
The first order of business for Founder’s Day was the Presiding Elders’ Institute conducted by Bishop McKenzie, followed by a luncheon in St. Andrew’s newly renovated Family Life Center. A representative from Works, Inc., a non- profit corporation under the umbrella of St. Andrew’s ministry, made a presentation on “How to assists ministries with government funds for community development.”
Founder’s Day officially opens
Later that evening, Dr. Floyd Flake, senior pastor of the 18,600-member Greater Allen AME Cathedral of Jamaica, New York, preached a jubilant opening worship service about “What Do You Do When You Get What You Ask For?” The soul-stirring message focused on five sisters who prayed and finally received their inheritance in Joshua, chapter 12, after being a part of a great legacy from the descendants of Joseph.
Shelby County Mayor A. C. Wharton welcomed the congregation and presented Bishop McKenzie and Pastor Flake with gifts from Shelby County. Memphis Mayor W. W. Herenton met with Bishop McKenzie and Supervisor Stan McKenzie on Friday.
The Founder’s Day Activities included early morning prayer sessions, exercise in St. Andrew’s gymnasium and nutritious meals served by St. Andrew’s. Bishop McKenzie said, “We need to renew our bodies with exercising and walking” and reminded the Thirteenth District, “The cross is both horizontal and vertical. We are promoting healthy eating habits and healthy spiritual habits.”
The Reverend Ronald L. Owens, retired Army Chaplain and now, pastor of Bethel AME Church in Augusta, Georgia, conducted a powerful workshop on how to establish cohesive, healthy relations with God and collegial relations with each other. Workshop participants engaged in dialogue about conflict resolution and problem-solving techniques. “We will have conflicts in the church,” Dr. Owens said and went on to explain, “They can come about as a result of our different gifts.”
Preaching, praise and dance were an integral part of Founder’s Day. An Hour of Power started at noon Friday. Rev. W. Antoni Sinkfield, pastor of St. John AME Church in Nashville, delivered a thought-provoking message, “Reaching for Grapes, Living like Grasshoppers, and Dealing with Giants.” On Friday night, the Reverend Jonathan Weaver, pastor of Mt. Nebo AME Church in Bowie, Maryland, spoke out prophetically in his sermon entitled “Under Protective Custody.” He graphically illustrated that the righteous suffer afflictions but the Lord delivers the righteous and helps them to navigate their way through difficulties. The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the Editor of The Christian Recorder preached the sermon about the “Women with the Issue of Blood” entitled, “Hit and Miss.” He pointed out that sometimes we want to “touch the hem of the Master’s garment” without accountability. Founder’s Day featured glorious praise music nightly from St. Andrew’s choir and praise-dancers. The “Men in Motion” led an explosive, dramatic, dance routine with banners, evoking sustain applause the congregation. The musical rendition of, “The Best is Yet to Come” was inspiration for Presiding Elder Madison’s introduction of Bishop McKenzie’s vision who said, “The best is not yet to come, but is already in progress.”
Ministry in action
On Saturday morning, the Nehemiah Nation, a men and young adult ministry, journeyed to Palestine AME Church in Memphis, pastored by Reverend Quinton Smith to help make improvements on the church’s structure. A group of 50 men repaired the roof, painted, raked leaves, and made other repairs. The outreach sparked enthusiasm when Bishop McKenzie, dressed in her Nehemiah Nation attire, witnessed the work in progress. Bishop McKenzie coined The Nehemiah Nation after the Prophet Nehemiah, because he was a praying man of God who brought about spiritual revival by rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. “Men are the walls of our communities – protecting, providing safety and security,” she said.
Using innovative outreach methods to impact people with the Gospel, Bishop McKenzie, has established the Nehemiah Nation, School of the Prophets, an institute for continuing education for the Thirteenth Episcopal District clergy, AME Pages, AME Works Day, and Believe, Inc.
Bishop McKenzie meets the Memphis media
In the weeks leading up to Founder’s Day, Presiding Elder Madison and Presiding Elder Finch, served notice on the City of Memphis that the AME’s, were coming to Memphis to celebrate Founder’s Day with its history-making, first female elected and consecrated bishop and the first male Episcopal Supervisor. Bishop McKenzie was the guest on live radio and television talk shows. Callers and well-wishers on the “Janice Fullilove Show,” praised Bishop McKenzie for her faith and courage in answering her “call from God.” Local newspapers published exclusive feature articles about the Thirteenth District Founder’s Day and Bishop and Supervisor McKenzie. Presiding Elder Madison was quoted in The Commercial Appeal saying “History is being made with Bishop McKenzie and she’s shepherding a rebirth in our Church.” Presiding Elder Finch told one newspaper, “We are learning how to resolve conflicts within our local churches and turn to one another for help as a result of Bishop McKenzie’s leadership; we are discovering how to be good AME’s.”
From St. Andrew to St. James
The Founder’s Day celebration made a swift transition from South Memphis to North Memphis with a 10 a.m. service at St. James AME Church, pastored by the Reverend Walter W. Reid, Jr. Three television stations sent their crews to get one final interview before Bishop McKenzie graced the pulpit.
Bishop McKenzie spoke from Psalm 37:18 - 19. Her dynamic preaching and biblical exegesis exhorted the congregation to praise God in spite of what they might be going through. The congregation, erupting in shouts of praise, included Memphis Judge Earnestine Dorse, the Sorors of Delta Sigma Theta, and the renowned Memphis fashion designer, Barbara Perkins.
After the worship service, Presiding Elder Madison and his wife, Mrs. Willie Ann, led a speeding convoy that escorted Bishop McKenzie and her entourage across Interstate I-240 for another Founder’s Day service in Parsons, Tennessee.
Submitted by Patricia Rogers, Memphis area public relations agent
4. DEVOTIONAL: GOING FORWARD WITH GOD: YOUR PART COUNTS:
For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body – whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free – and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where should the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. (I Corinthians 12: 13-14, 17-18 NIV)
The passage above informs us that God has established an important role for each part of the body to play in His plan of redemption. Frequently when we think of the roles we play in the body of Christ, we describe them as member of the usher board, missionary society, official board, Sunday school, Lay organization, or clergy of some level. These descriptions are related to the parts we play in the formal structure of our churches. But, what about the spiritual parts we play as part of the body of Christ?
I Corinthians chapter 12 describes the body as many parts. The parts of the body described here are spiritual parts. The Church goes forward with God as the Holy Spirit manifests Himself in individual believers. These manifestations occur in three dimensions outlined by scripture…
Submitted by the Reverend James Moody, Quinn Chapel, Chicago, Illinois
(Read the complete article in The Christian Recorder)
Subscribe to the hardcopy Christian Recorder and receive it in the mail. You may call 800-648-8724 and make your payment using your credit card.
Or, you may send $26.00 check or money order for a one-year subscription to:
The Christian Recorder
512 8th Avenue South
Nashville, Tennessee 37203-4181