Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
“A nation cannot be an empire and a democracy at the same time.” - Statement made by Congressman John Conyers at the Rosa Parks funeral in Detroit.
Service members’ lives lost in Iraq (11/4/05): 2037, and rising daily!
1. THE 2005 SCHOLARSHIP LINK:
http://www.blackexcel.org/200-Scholarships.html
Editor’s note: Please get the word out to our young people and parents. “Better to try and fail than to not try at all.” The dollars for education are out there, but you have to find the dollars and apply. God provides food on trees, in the ground and in the waters, but someone has to pick the fruit from the trees, cultivate and harvest the crop, or throw out the nets or the fishing pole.
2. THE ROSA PARKS FUNERAL (PART 2):
I am sorry to say that I never did see and hear Bishop Cousin’s eulogy and for that, I was saddened. I really wanted to hear it, but with a seven and one-half-hour funeral one has to be a TV or Internet video aficionado to hang in there that long. To the seven hour and one-half-hour funeral add two and one-half-hors for the interment.
Bishop Vinton R. Anderson shared with me that he had seen and heard Bishop Cousin on C-SPAN and that the eulogy was well-delivered and to the point and that Deaconess Rosa Parks deserved all of the laudatory comments. I was so proud of all of the positive comments and commendations given to a fellow AME.
As much as I liked the service and enjoyed the four hours I watched, there were some things that were troubling to me and that might just be my problem and perhaps no one else was even bothered by it. I just felt that our leadership was slighted and that protocol and good manners were not held to the highest standards. I have nothing against Reverend Charles H. Ellis III and am certainly appreciative of his generosity for offering his church as the site for the Rosa Parks’ funeral. But, I was offended and cringed on the inside when speaker after speaker acknowledged Bishop Ellis and Greater Grace Temple Church and did not acknowledge our Senior Bishop, the Right Reverend Philip Cousin and the other AME Bishops who attended the funeral. I understand that there were about five or six AME Bishops who attended the funeral in Detroit and they should have been afforded introductory courtesy such as, “…Bishop Cousin, Senior Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and to the bishops of the AME Church…” I suspect that Bishop Cousin is too much of a gentleman, as are the other bishops who attended the funeral to mention this issue, and maybe they were not bothered by it. I was, and so, it is my problem.
I am wondering how those protocol oversights could happen. Reverend Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, T. D. Jakes, and even Louis Farrakhan received prominent recognition and a generous panning of their images on the screen and our Senior Bishop shown when the camera is panning someone else. Rosa Parks was a life-long AME. She was a deaconess and had been a Sunday School teacher and served as a stewardess. AME ministers and laypersons spiritually nurtured her, so how could the leadership of Rosa Parks’ Church not be prominently recognized?
I believe that it happened for several reasons. The people who were the coordinators and planners of the funeral failed to pay attention to details, the leadership of Grace Temple was not apprised of the AME protocol, or “the moment” got away from them. Most of us get nervous in a large crown and big events. I do not believe, and I hope that the protocol oversight was not intentional. Having said that, I would hope that if we have a similar experience in the future that planners and leaders will do what is necessary to “cover all of the protocol bases.” I have made protocol blunders and it is easy to “blow it.” And, that is a reason we should all practice before “the final event,” even as it relates to worship. In the Army prior planning is called, “pre-execution checks.”
The appreciation of practice or pre-execution checks should be the standard for from the top to the bottom of an organization and should be the standard in our Church. Have you ever been to a worship service or a program, even on the Connectional level, when participants are stopped at the altar or stage because someone failed to count the number of participants and the number of chairs on the pulpit of the dais? That happens because someone failed to make pre-execution checks.
I suspect that may have happened at the Rosa Parks funeral and I, would not want that to happen again. I want our bishops and leaders to be treated in a first-class manner; they are real bishops and worthy of the honor that should be given to them.
As I said, I have blown protocol and when I have, it was because I was nervous, or I failed to write the order of protocol where I could refer to it.
So, I have decided to list a generic protocol list that can be cut out and placed in a safe place, or placed on the lectern and on the pulpit. This list is prepared for a Connectional setting. We will do one done for the annual conference setting. If someone has already done the work, please feel free to share.
Order of Protocol
Primary –
Senior Bishop
President of the Council of Bishops
President of the General Board
Bishops (Active and Retired)
Episcopal Supervisors
General Officers (and their spouses)
Retired General Officers (and their spouses)
Connectional Officers
Secondary (if going down the list)
President, Connectional Lay Organization
President, Connectional Women’s Missionary Society
Presidents and Deans of Seminaries, Colleges and Schools
Members of the Judicial Council
Chaplains
Editor’s comment: There may be some adjustments or rearrangements needed as there are folks who know more about protocol, but this is a start. After I receive all of the corrections, I will post a final list one of next week’s editions of The Christian Recorder.
3. A SOBERING VETERAN’S DAY
By Bernice Powell Jackson
Last week a young man whom I met in a church in Florida several years ago came to mind. He had his own small business (I cannot remember if it was a lawn care or computer service business) and he had joined the reserves to earn extra cash to support his family as his business grew. He had just been called up for active duty when I talked with him. He was prepared to fulfill his obligations. But he knew that his fledgling business could not survive his long period of absence and his family would be forced to survive on his military earnings and those of his wife.
That soldier’s story has been replicated thousands of times in thousands of communities across the nation over the past three years. When the nation passed the milestone of 2,000 American soldiers killed in Iraq, it was a sobering reminder of the ultimate sacrifices made by young men and women at the behest of their commander-in-chief and for us all. That number is small compared to the losses of Viet Nam, Korea or either of the World Wars. Yet, it is huge to each and every family and each and every community from which these service men and women come.
In this war, reservists and National Guard members who have been called into active duty are paying a high price, with a quarter of the deaths coming from these two categories. Many of them were well-known and valued in their communities, including police officers and fire fighters, teachers and farmers. Many of these soldiers and reservists are now on their second tour of duty in Iraq. The New York Times recently ran an article telling the story of a young father who returned home for the birth of his child only to return to Iraq for his third tour of duty where he was killed. At least one estimate predicted that all troops will have completed three tours of duty by next spring. Will we then require them to return to Iraq for a fourth tour of duty? If not, where will we get more troops? What happens to those National Guard and reservists who have been kept in active duty under the stop loss provision even though they have fulfilled their contracts and more? What happens to those businesses, those farms, those communities which have done without those called up to active duty for three years now? With no indication of when American troops might be coming home, we must assume that many more soldiers will die during the months ahead of us.
This Veterans Day will be a sobering one, not only for the families that have lost loved ones, but also for those 15,000 families of soldiers injured in the war. Soldiers struggling with lost limbs, with burns, those who have been blinded or left paralyzed by the war. Then there are those struggling with mental illness caused by the trauma of war. Some of them will need months of help to overcome these physical and mental impairments; some will never be the same.
Americans continue to support our troops in many ways. But more and more Americans are coming to the conclusion that we are paying too high a price for a war for which the American people have been given no truthful, legitimate reason. More and more Americans are disturbed about un-bid or unsupervised contracts going to politically connected corporations for work in the re-building of Iraq. More and more Americans are disturbed that there is no exit strategy even being discussed, let alone shared. More and more Americans are coming to the conclusion that the war in Iraq has only nurtured a new breed of terrorists who are killing Iraqi civilians and American soldiers every day.
We owe it to our troops to support them and their families. We owe it to our nation to ask difficult questions about this war and to demand truthful answers. This is a sobering Veterans Day for us all.
4. THE WAYS OF GOD'S GRACE:
By Naamah Kelman
Reflections on the theme of the WCC 9th Assembly: God, in your grace, transform the world
More articles and free photos at www.wcc-assembly.info
"God, in your grace, transform the world" is a prayer that, in principle, could express the yearning of people from different religions. In the following article, Rabbi Naamah Kelman from Jerusalem reflects on the theme of the upcoming World Council of Churches 9th Assembly from the point of view of the Jewish tradition.We look to God for the strength, wisdom, and courage to change the world. We pray to God to renew our hope and nourish our spirits so that we might be able to be partners in transforming the world. We reach to God to feel love and comfort, so that when we have failed to change our world, we might be able to try again.We, of the three monotheistic faiths - Judaism, Christianity, and Islam - share a God of compassion and justice. And these two must go together. Compassion without justice may heal us, but will not mend nor move us toward where we need to go. Justice without compassion might fix the wrong, but will not give us the ability to hold on to each other. We serve a God who can move us, heal us, inspire us, and compel us.In the Jewish tradition, we cling to two key pillars that hold us up. They are creation and redemption. Creation is both the original act of the creation of the world, and the ongoing idea of renewal; renewal of the soul and renewal of the world. Redemption is the original act of exodus from slavery, and the ongoing hope for a redeemed world.While God is the source for these transformative powers, we must become partners with God to ensure the ongoing forces of renewal and redemption in the world.On the weekly Sabbath, these two forces are brought together. We are commanded to rest, not to relax, in order to find the energies to return to a new week and the world with the force of creation and redemption. Maybe this week, we can heal our family, community, and neighbourhood. Even better, maybe we can reach out beyond our familiar frameworks and seek the other.Has there ever been a time in human history that we did not yearn for God's grace? Do we need it as much as ever? Yes!Today the scale of events is terrifying. Global connections have turned us into a world village. But technology has unleashed healing powers and powers of destruction as never before. We cannot keep up with the amount of terrible catastrophes facing humanity. It makes us numb with fear. Yet we also feel helpless in the face of poverty, disease, violence, and corruption. God's grace fights despair!> The audacity of acting like GodThe theme of the 9th Assembly of the World Council of Churches next February reminds me of that wonderful Jewish parable about how we must act like God. Of course, as soon as the rabbis say this, they gasp at their audacity. How can we humans be like God?So, they answer: just as God visits the sick, we too must visit the sick. We learn this because God "appears before Abraham" in Genesis 18, shortly after he underwent circumcision. So, the rabbis deduce that Abraham is recuperating and God has come to "call".The rabbis seek scriptural proof-texts that God feeds the hungry, clothes the naked (Adam and Eve in the garden), consoles the mourners, etcetera, and therefore, we must walk in God's ways. These are the ways of God's grace.Of course, the most powerful proof-text comes from Genesis 1:27. The text makes it very clear that we were created in God's image, all of us. I must treat you as if you represent God's image on earth. But, no one has a monopoly on suffering, just like no one has a monopoly on holiness. We join hands as God's representatives on this glorious earth.So, indeed, we start with those near us in pain and suffering, and we spread our work. Justice according to our prophets is also our mission. Care for the orphan, the widow, those most helpless in our societies. Build an equitable world.We turn to God in prayer and in action to fill the world with God's grace. Let us renew creation every day; let us bring redemption closer in every way.[719 words](*) Naamah Kelman, the first woman rabbi to be ordained in Israel, is director of educational initiatives at the Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem and board member of Rabbis for Human Rights. She is also active in the areas of religious pluralism, Jewish feminism, peace and inter-faith work.
5. CHURCH WORLD SERVICE PAKISTAN EARTHQUAKE VILLAGE NOW HAS MOSQUE AND WATER SUPPLY:
NEW YORK / ISLAMABAD - Nov 3 - The Church World Service tent village in earthquake-stricken Pakistan now has a functioning mosque; its own dependable supply of clean drinking water; latrines; and an out-patient medical facility. New relief parcels, including health kits, kitchen sets, and utensils are being distributed in the camp, located in the village of Bisyan in North West Frontier Province.
These operations continue even as CWS and other agencies wait and hope for desperately needed funding to continue assisting survivors of the devastating October 8 earthquake.
Church World Service, the humanitarian relief agency supported by 36 denominations and communions, also is preparing to open a separate cooking area for the growing number of families-averaging eight children and adults--housed in the camp.
Scores of patients already have been treated at the CWS camp clinic, which is supported by a larger hospital run by the Diocese of Peshawar. With eight latrines already in service at the tent village, CWS plans to open 42 more over the next few days.
The CWS psychosocial team is using Eid al-Fitr, the celebration that ends the month of Ramadan, to help bring a sense of normality and festivity to still vulnerable families. Gifts and sweets are being distributed as part of the holiday celebrations. The team also has produced a series of radio spots scheduled to air for two weeks, beginning this week. The informative spots are aimed at reassuring people who may be feeling vulnerable as a result of the disaster about their own inner resilience and their ability to cope.
So far, CWS has distributed shelter kits to serve 27,167 individuals. The Pakistan Humanitarian Forum reports that many people have asked for tin sheets so that they can construct family shelters based on their individual needs. Some people still are reluctant to come down from the hills to tent villages for fear of having their livestock or the remains of their homes looted in their absence.
More than 20,685 individuals in the areas of Battagram, Shangla and Balakot have been fed with CWS-provided food packages. Another 100 tents were airdropped into a village in Balakot on October 30, but the combined total of tents expected to be delivered by the end of November still may fall some 100,00 to 200,00 tents short of the number needed. CWS staffers also are concerned that government helicopters might be grounded because of lack of funds.
Contributions to support earthquake survivors may be sent to:
Church World Service
Southern Asia Earthquake--#6979
P.O. Box 968
Elkhart, IN 46515
Contributions may also be made online, or by calling 800.297.1516, ext. 222.
Media Contacts:
Lesley Crosson, CWS/New York, 212-870-2676; lcrosson@churchworldservice.org Jan Dragin (24/7), 781-925-1526; jdragin@gis.net
6. FUNERAL ARRANGEMENT:
Dr. Dorothy Adams Peck, Immediate Past Connectional W.M.S. President, lost her Brother, Carlton Z. Adams, M.D. Sr. (Surgeon) on Sunday, October 30, 2005. Dr. Adams did three Overseas Sojourners Mission Trips for The Women's Missionary Society, two in West Africa and one in Haiti. He was instrumental in setting up the First Class of WMS "Cross Cultural Training Programs." Dr. Adams the pioneering South Georgia Native became Sacramento's first black surgeon.
Arrangements for:
Dr. Carlton Z. Adams
DATE:
Saturday, November 5, 2005
Time: 11:00 A.M.
Place: Our Lady of the Assumption Church
5057 Cottage Way
Carmichael, CA
Funeral Home:
Morgan Jones Funeral Home
4200 Broadway
Sacramento, California 95817-3498
Phone: (916) 452-4444
FAX: (916) 452-4449
In lieu of flowers, the family recommends contributions to one or more of the following education charities:
· Carlton Adams Scholarship Fund at Fisk University of Nashville
· Morris Brown College of Atlanta
· Continuing Academic and Cultural Enrichment Program (CACEP) of Waycross, which may be sent in care of the family, or Waycross Mayor John Fluker, or Mr. Clarence Billups of Concerned Services, Inc.
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Inez G. Adams and Family
1712 Woodacre Court
Carmichael, California 75608
(916) 483-8364
Or:
Dr. Dorothy Adams Peck
4001 Haden Avenue
West Palm Beach, Florida 33407
(561) 845-1941
Email: dadamspeck@aol.com
Please keep this family in your prayers.
Humbly Submitted
Mrs. Marva Campbell, M.S.A. Conference President
South Florida Conference
11th Episcopal District
7. BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action Clergy Family Information Center
Mrs. Ora L. Easley - Administrator Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
(Nashville, Tennessee Contact) Phone: (615) 837-9736 Fax: (615) 833-3781
(Memphis, Tennessee Contact) (901) 578-4554 (Phone & Fax)
Please remember these families in your prayers.
8. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of the Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement
Archive of The Christian Recorder Online from 2004-2016; Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
11/02/2005
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (11/2/05)
Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
“A nation cannot be an empire and a democracy at the same time.” - Statement made by Congressman John Conyers at the Rosa Parks funeral in Detroit.
1. THE ROSA PARKS FUNERAL IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN:
The funeral of Deaconess Rosa Parks is taking place as I draft these comments.
I am reminded that the legacy of Rosa Parks belongs to the nation and to the world, but she was an AME first. She was a life-long member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. AME parents, family and friends nurtured her. AME pastors provided her a spiritual foundation. I am sure that her pastors over the years, prior to her valiant stand in not giving up her seat on the bus in Montgomery, had no idea of the of significance of their ministry to Rosa Parks. Her Sunday School teachers, the stewards and trustees who influenced her life had no idea that she was going to be the person she became. The bishops and presiding elders, whose sermons she heard most certainly laid a foundation of courage that must have undergirded her spirit when she refused to give up her seat on the bus. She knew that she was going to be arrested and go to jail, but that did not deter her; Rosa Parks was committed to selfless service and personal courage. I believe that one’s religious foundation is significant in one’s life and behavior and it follows that the footprint of the African Methodist Episcopal Church on the life of Deaconess Rosa Parks influenced upon her positively.
The comments of the clergy, federal, state, and local government officials were encouraging and made me proud to be an AME. I was encouraged to see and hear Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram, President of the Council of Bishops read the scripture lesson and to see other AMEs participating in the service. I was pleased to see so many leaders from all over the United States honor this great woman who was nurtured I the African Methodist Episcopal Church. It was nice of Bishop Charles H. Ellis III to open his church for the funeral and I appreciate the acknowledgements to him and his congregation at Greater Grace Temple Church. However, I am disappointed that the African Methodist Episcopal Church was not more prevalent in the Detroit funeral service. However, having said that, I felt better after Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick took the time to acknowledge our Senior Bishop, the Right Reverend Philip R. Cousin, Sr. and the African Methodist Episcopal Church. I am also appreciative of Minister Louis Farrakhan for acknowledging Bishop Cousin and the clergy.
To Rosa Parks the AME Church says, “Well done Deaconess Parks. You have talked the talk and walked the walk and you have made us proud.”
The funeral service is still in progress and the Reverend T. D. Jakes has just finished.
It is press time, I am still waiting to hear Bishop Cousin, and I know that he will speak a Word from the Lord. I will report on that with the next issue of The Christian Recorder Online
2. OFFICERS OF THE CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION
Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr.
Commission Chairman
Post Office Box 8
Killarney, Florida 34740
Jesse L. Burns, Jr.
President
3200 North West 67th Place
Gainesville, Florida 32605
Thomas E. Green
1st Vice President
659 North Carolina Street
Mobile, AL 33603
Johnny W. Tellis
3rd Vice President
1116 Laon Lane
Desoto, TX 75115
Gloria DeVeaux-Cobb
Assistant Recording Secretary
7909 Skylark Drive
Columbia, SC 29209
Joe Ezell
Treasurer
22456 Glendale
Detroit, MI 48235
Roosevelt M. Mitchell
ChaplainPost Office Box 1457
Summerton, SC 29148
Florence J. Warren
Director of Lay Activities
1407 Nun Street
Wilmington, NC 21404-5449
Eileen S. Warner
Director of Public Relations
Post Office Box 7682
Tallahassee, FL 32314
Weldon Shuman
2nd Vice President
11 Ayreshire Street
Montana, Cape Town 7490
Republic of South Africa
Laurene McMillan
Recording Secretary
2655-56 Odin Street
New Orleans, LA 70122
Doris M. Bell
Corresponding Secretary
254 Blackman Road
Nashville, TN 37211
Darwin K. Eldridge
Financial Secretary
4651 St. Paul Road
Woodlawn, TN 37191
Frank L. Gilyard, Sr.
Historiographer
4500 Sefranka Road
Temple, PA 19560
Fred J. Stuart
Parliamentarian
3520 Crestwald Street
Los Angeles, CA 90043
James Brown
Director of Young Adults
4504 Megan Road
Florence, SC 29505
3. MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD:
Dr. Katheryn M. BrownPresident Emeritus
287 Barfield Avenue, SW
Atlanta, GA 30301
Mrs. Billie D. Irving
Advisor to the President
918 Sutton Hill Road
Post Office Box 41495
Nashville, TN 37204
Dr. Richard Allen Lewis
Consultant, CLEDC
1134 11th Street,
N.W. Washington, DC 20001
Tyrone Presley
Chairman of the Board, CLEDC
320 Quaker Ridge Drive
Daytona Beach, FL 32019
Mr. James L. Williams
President Emeritus
1840 Fancis Street
Jacksonville, Florida 32209
Mrs. Fannie E. Clayton
Treasurer, CLEDC
1434 North Elgin Avenue
Tulsa, OK 74106
Mrs. Annette Jones
Advisor to the President
5422 2nd Street, NW
Washington, DC 20011
Dr. Joseph C. McKinney (Deceased)
onsultant of the CLEDC
Board
3042 Nash Place, SE
Washington, DC 20020
Mr. David WardDirector, CLEDC
4 Ramsgate Road
Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
4. HOMECOMING SUNDAY - ST. MARK AME CHURCH INVITES ALL FORMER MEMBERS AND FRIENDS TO SPECIAL WORSHIP SERVICE:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin. On Sunday, November 20, 2005, St. Mark AME Church invites former members to renew old acquaintances and, hopefully membership, during the church's Homecoming Sunday. The special day will take place during the morning worship service, starting at 11 a.m. Former members are asked to send messages of inspiration and congratulations to the church for publication.
Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant will be the guest preacher. Dr. Bryant is the Supervisor of Missions for the 5th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. She is the wife of Bishop John R. Bryant, Prelate of the 5th Episcopal District.
St. Mark recently celebrated 136 years of serving the Milwaukee community. St. Mark offers several community outreach programs-both spiritual and secular-through its Lovell Johnson Quality of Life Centers. Programming includes an after school tutoring program, a food, clothing & shelter component, alcohol and drug abuse services, family life services, health programs, evangelism ministry and training, legal aid services, senior citizens programs, an environmental component and sociological services, which developed a HIV/AIDS training manual. As the oldest African American church in the city, St. Mark has touched the lives of thousands upon thousands of Milwaukee residents. “The idea of Homecoming is to bring together current and former members in a reunion-like atmosphere to celebrate their common origins and the impact of St. Mark,” says the church’s pastor, Rev. Darryl Williams. Pastor Williams also said, “I hope to forever etch upon the minds of those who will be attending, the rich witness of St. Mark A.M.E. Church and it is my desire to rekindle that witness into the future.”
For more information about the homecoming, contact Pastor Darryl Williams at (414) 562-8030.
5. PODCASTING OR “GODCASTING” IS AN EXAMPLE OF TECHNOLOGY FOR THE EARLY 21ST CENTURY:
Churches are moving to podcasts via Blogs that are like radio shows, and they go on for an hour or more and can be accessed free from a person’s computer. Video streaming can also be used. Tape recordings, CDs will be outdated. My friend, Dr. Burks Oakley II, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of Illinois said, “Godcasting is the next big thing for the church. Here is the website for a local church in Urbana –
http://www.thevineyardchurch.us/ .
Note the link to online sermons.
http://www.thevineyardchurch.us/resources/onlinesermons.htm
As Dr. Jon Udell, University of Wisconsin points out, “The time for widespread podcasting is upon us:
> The Internet is pervasive.
> Broadband is now widespread, making it easier to "consume large media objects."
> Multimedia PC's are commonplace.
> iPods and other portable MP3 players are becoming the equivalent of transistor radios.”
One can just salivate with the notion of church folks downloading worship services in their MP3 player and listening to the service while exercising or going about their daily routines. The Blogger sites let you put all of your church information out for everyone to see and you can change and update as needed on your computer. No more expensive recording equipment and young people already know how to access the information. - And another thing I will say it again; the technology and the information age are upon us. It is not coming; it is here and the technology we have now is being constantly updated.
Every one of our churches should have a Website. Every bishop, presiding elder, pastor and all of our members, who can afford to do so, should have an email account and be connected to the Internet. Technology should be seen as an evangelism tool.
6. FROM THE AFRO-AMERICAN NEWSPAPER, BALTIMORE, MARYLAND:
Harvard is offering free tuition for students who have a family income below $40,000. If you are a mentor or have nieces and nephews who might be interested, please give them this information. If you know anyone/family earning less than $40K with a brilliant child near ready for college, please pass this along. Info: Financial Aid Office: 617-384-8213, or visit Harvard’s financial aid Web site at: http://adm-is.fas.harvard.edu/FAO/prospective_applicants.htm .
7. THE CHURCHES AND THE CHURCH: WHY ECCLESIOLOGY MATTERS:
Thomas F. Best
As alien as the word might seem at first sight for the average person, "ecclesiology" is actually at the heart of the life of every Christian community. The answers that "ecclesiological" questions obtain in the churches influence the daily life of the faithful and set the course of the search for Christian unity.
George and Ann, young parents, ask themselves: "Should we bring our new-born baby girl to be baptized? Or should we wait, and let her decide for herself whether she wants to belong to the church?"
Ruth goes with her friend Sarah to Irene's church. Ruth is unable to receive the Lord's Supper because her church and Irene's church are not in communion. "I'm confused," she says. "If we share a common baptism into Christ, why can't we take communion together?"
Perhaps without realizing it, these Christians are asking ecclesiological questions - questions about what the church is, and what it is for in this world.
Ecclesiology is, simply put, how a church understands itself, how it organizes its own life, and how each church relates to other churches and to the world. Ecclesiology is also about the limits of the church: what are the beliefs, or behaviours, which put a person outside the church?
The ecumenical movement rests on ecclesiological convictions: one is that the churches' unity in Christ is greater than all the differences in belief, and all the tragedies of history, which divide them. Another is that Christ wills that this unity must be both visible and effective (John 17:20-21).
Thus, whenever there are divisions between the churches - when they cannot worship or take communion together, or recognize each other's ministries, when their common witness and service in the world is impaired - it is ecclesiological questions, which must be asked, and ecclesiological answers, which must be given.
- A bit of history
It is hardly surprising, then, that the ecumenical movement has wrestled with issues of ecclesiology from its very beginning.
As the churches sought a basis for their common confession, witness and service, they first practiced a "comparative ecclesiology". The convictions of each church were laid out, and similarities and differences noted as a basis for mutual understanding.
This was the basis for the famous "Toronto Statement" of 1950, which stressed the role of the World Council of Churches as a place where differing - even sharply differing - ecclesiologies could meet for dialogue and cooperative mission and service.
Eventually there was a seismic shift to a method of "convergence". The ecclesiological comparisons were set in the perspective not just of the present and past, but also of the future: the discussions now aimed at ensuring that the churches, as they moved into the future, would be drawing closer together rather than moving further apart.
For this, a new depth of dialogue was required. It was no longer enough to note ecclesiological differences - whether infant or "adult" baptism is practised, whether women can be ordained to the ministry of word and sacrament. It became necessary to identify the moment when difference becomes division, to name the causes of division, and to work together to overcome them.
- On the threshold of a radical shift
We forget how radical a development the modern ecumenical movement is: churches, which for 150, or 500, or 1000 years have lived and worshipped apart are now, increasingly and irreversibly, doing those things together.
This has affected how many churches understand themselves: as truly a part of the body of Christ, completely church in themselves but incomplete without the other churches. Thus, the common experience of the churches has become part of the "raw material" for ecclesiology.
This has consequences! We may now be on the threshold of another shift, the most dramatic of all: to an ecclesiology - a basic understanding of the church and its mission - developed by the churches together rather than separately.
Such an ecclesiology would start from, rather than end at, the fact that the churches are one in Christ. It would draw deeply on the experience of each church, but also on the ecumenical experience of the churches in confessing, witnessing, serving, and (where possible!) worshipping together rather than separately.
And it would challenge each church to ask: does our own self-understanding serve the unity of the church? How much of our own ecclesiology was developed to justify, and maintain, our separation from other churches? How do we make the unity that we have, more visible and effective?
The World Council of Churches' (WCC) 9th Assembly in Porto Alegre next February will wrestle with a statement on ecclesiology. Produced by the WCC's Faith and Order Commission, this tries to state, in a concise yet substantial way, what the churches can say together about the church.
The statement is offered for adoption by the Assembly, not as the "final" or definitive statement on the church but as a basis for reflection on what bonds the churches together - and on what threatens to divide them.
It is no accident that it is called "An invitation to the churches", for it calls them to a renewed and deeper dialogue. It calls them to be the one church, to make visible in the Spirit the unity given them by God in Christ. And yes, it challenges them to address their divisions openly, to name them and to work to overcome them.
> Doing the right thing
Some years ago, I heard a story that makes it plain why ecclesiology - how each church understands itself and its relation to other churches - is crucial for Christians, for the churches, and for the ecumenical movement.
It was about an elderly parishioner in Ghana, whose village was fed by the priest of a neighbouring village during a famine. When the famine was over, she went to the neighbouring village to thank the people there for what they had done.
But when she attended the priest's church to greet and thank him personally, she was unable to take communion because their respective churches did not agree on some points. So the woman went to her bishop and asked the following question:
"How can we share the material food which keeps us from starving, and not share the spiritual food which Christ himself offers us? I think when Christ comes again, he will feed us himself - and then he will do what is right!"
"Ecclesiology" is about the churches doing "what is right". It is about the churches being "what is right", being the one church, confessing, worshipping, witnessing and serving together with one heart.
Rev. Dr Thomas F. Best, a pastor of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) from US, is the director of the WCC Faith and Order Commission.
8. THE NINTH WCC ASSEMBLY: PRAYING FOR A TRANSFORMED WORLD:
The 9th assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC) will be held in Porto Alegre, Brazil, from 14-23 February 2006. Its theme is a prayer: "God, in your grace, transform the world".
The first WCC assembly of the 21st century, it will gather up to 3,000 church leaders and ecumenical representatives from nearly every Christian tradition around the world. As such, it will be one of the broadest global gatherings of its kind.
WCC assemblies are often turning points in the life of the World Council, and this one is expected to leave its mark on ecumenical history. Deliberations will focus on issues such as the future of the ecumenical movement, the churches' commitment to economic justice as well as their witness to overcoming violence, and the challenges faced in the midst of religious plurality.
In Porto Alegre, members of the ecumenical family will be able to gather around the assembly at a Mutirão, a Portuguese word that means coming together for a common purpose. Made up of workshops, exhibitions and cultural celebrations, this part of the assembly programme will offer opportunities for members of the wider ecumenical movement to gather, reflect and celebrate together.
This is the first WCC assembly to be held in Latin America, and it is being hosted by the National Council of Christian Churches in Brazil (CONIC) on behalf of churches throughout the region. Pre-assembly events for youth and for women will be held from 11-13 February.
Assembly website: www.wcc-assembly.info
Opinions expressed in WCC Features do not necessarily reflect WCC policy. This material may be reprinted freely, providing credit is given to the author.
Additional information: Juan Michel,+41 22 791 6153 +41 79 507 6363 media@wcc-coe.org
9. CHURCHES UNITING IN CHRIST SEEKING A DIRECTOR:
Churches Uniting in Christ (CUIC) is currently seeking a Director. CUIC is a relationship among nine Christian communions that have pledged to live more closely together in expressing their unity in Christ and to combat racism together. The Director is the primary staff of CUIC, serving as the coordinator in helping the member churches discern their direction in this relationship, both as an enabler to its growth and as an interpreter of its vision. Candidates for this position should possess a strong passion for Christian unity and an understanding of the history of the Consultation on Church Union (COCU) and the unique nature of CUIC. Candidates would need a demonstrated commitment to overcoming racism and promoting social justice as an essential aspect of the church’s mission. Strong skills in administration, communication and leadership are essential. Advanced degree in theology or related field, and a minimum of five years of experience in ecumenical ministry are required.
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, curriculum vita, contact information and references to
CUIC Director Search Committee
c/o The Right Reverend C. Christopher Epting
815 Second Avenue
New York, NY 10017
All inquiries will be treated in a confidential manner. Competitive salary and benefits. Women and persons of color are encouraged to apply. Deadline for receiving curriculum vitas is December 20, 2005.
- Churches Uniting In Christ Director Position Description
Summary: The Director is to the primary staff of CUIC, serving as the coordinator in helping the CUIC churches discern their direction in this relationship, both as enabler to its growth and as an interpreter of its vision, working with the representatives of the churches.
Responsibilities and Tasks
- Helping the churches to honor their covenant relationship, through the work of the Coordinating Council, task forces, and the churches direct relationships with one another
- Helping to shape the ongoing vision of CUIC and opportunities for a visible witness of the Churches to the world
- Providing Administrative oversight and implementation of the Coordinating Council and task forces meetings and work
- Preparing for and monitoring of the budget, in consultation with the Coordinating Council
- Initiating and maintaining communication with and between the CUIC churches, Coordinating Council, Task Forces and the public arena
- Enabling working relationships with the Heads of Communion and other key personnel in the CUIC churches, in partnership with ecumenical officers
- Nurturing positive relationships with Observers, Partners in Mission and Dialogue and churches interested in exploring membership and/or a relationship with CUIC
- Serving as primary administrator of the CUIC office and directing all other CUIC staff
Qualifications
The Director would possess a strong passion for Christian unity and an understanding of the unique nature of CUIC. The Director would possess a commitment to overcoming racism and promoting social justice as an essential aspect of the church’s mission. The person would have a demonstrated administrative capacity. The Director would have the ability to communicate and interpret the vision of CUIC in both speaking and writing. The person will have imagination, energy and creativity in implementing the expectations of this position.
Theological education with a M.Div. or equivalent is required. A minimum of 5 years of experience in ecumenical ministry is helpful.
Accountability
The Director is accountable to the Coordinating Council and an annual review will be completed in accordance with the Personnel Policy.
Compensation
Salary range of $60,000- $65,000 with benefit package of full pension and health care.
Approved by Coordinating Council –October 6, 2005
Editor's comment: Someone from the AME Church should apply for this postion.
10. FUNERAL SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS:
For The Reverend Brian Spann, Pastor of Alexander Memorial AME Church, Atlanta North Georgia Conference, 6th Episcopal District African Methodist Episcopal Church, Bishop William P. DeVeaux, Presiding Bishop.
FUNERAL:
Thursday, November 3, 2005
1:00 PM
St. Paul AME Church
1540 Pryor Road S.W.
Atlanta, GA 30315
404-622-9711 (Phone)
404-627-4188 (Fax)T
he Reverend Thomas Bess, PastorServices entrusted to:
Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home, Inc.
4347 Flat Shoals Parkway
Decatur, GA 30034
404 - 294-5500 (Phone)
404 - 294-5017 (Fax)
Condolences may be sent to his spouse:
Mrs. Laurie Spann
3561 Lochwolde Lane
Snellville, GA 30039
70-981-7368 (Phone)
11. BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action Clergy Family Information Center
Mrs. Ora L. Easley - Administrator Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
(Nashville, Tennessee Contact) Phone: (615) 837-9736 Fax: (615) 833-3781
(Memphis, Tennessee Contact) (901) 578-4554 (Phone & Fax)
Please remember these families in your prayers.
12. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of the Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
“A nation cannot be an empire and a democracy at the same time.” - Statement made by Congressman John Conyers at the Rosa Parks funeral in Detroit.
1. THE ROSA PARKS FUNERAL IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN:
The funeral of Deaconess Rosa Parks is taking place as I draft these comments.
I am reminded that the legacy of Rosa Parks belongs to the nation and to the world, but she was an AME first. She was a life-long member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. AME parents, family and friends nurtured her. AME pastors provided her a spiritual foundation. I am sure that her pastors over the years, prior to her valiant stand in not giving up her seat on the bus in Montgomery, had no idea of the of significance of their ministry to Rosa Parks. Her Sunday School teachers, the stewards and trustees who influenced her life had no idea that she was going to be the person she became. The bishops and presiding elders, whose sermons she heard most certainly laid a foundation of courage that must have undergirded her spirit when she refused to give up her seat on the bus. She knew that she was going to be arrested and go to jail, but that did not deter her; Rosa Parks was committed to selfless service and personal courage. I believe that one’s religious foundation is significant in one’s life and behavior and it follows that the footprint of the African Methodist Episcopal Church on the life of Deaconess Rosa Parks influenced upon her positively.
The comments of the clergy, federal, state, and local government officials were encouraging and made me proud to be an AME. I was encouraged to see and hear Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram, President of the Council of Bishops read the scripture lesson and to see other AMEs participating in the service. I was pleased to see so many leaders from all over the United States honor this great woman who was nurtured I the African Methodist Episcopal Church. It was nice of Bishop Charles H. Ellis III to open his church for the funeral and I appreciate the acknowledgements to him and his congregation at Greater Grace Temple Church. However, I am disappointed that the African Methodist Episcopal Church was not more prevalent in the Detroit funeral service. However, having said that, I felt better after Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick took the time to acknowledge our Senior Bishop, the Right Reverend Philip R. Cousin, Sr. and the African Methodist Episcopal Church. I am also appreciative of Minister Louis Farrakhan for acknowledging Bishop Cousin and the clergy.
To Rosa Parks the AME Church says, “Well done Deaconess Parks. You have talked the talk and walked the walk and you have made us proud.”
The funeral service is still in progress and the Reverend T. D. Jakes has just finished.
It is press time, I am still waiting to hear Bishop Cousin, and I know that he will speak a Word from the Lord. I will report on that with the next issue of The Christian Recorder Online
2. OFFICERS OF THE CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION
Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr.
Commission Chairman
Post Office Box 8
Killarney, Florida 34740
Jesse L. Burns, Jr.
President
3200 North West 67th Place
Gainesville, Florida 32605
Thomas E. Green
1st Vice President
659 North Carolina Street
Mobile, AL 33603
Johnny W. Tellis
3rd Vice President
1116 Laon Lane
Desoto, TX 75115
Gloria DeVeaux-Cobb
Assistant Recording Secretary
7909 Skylark Drive
Columbia, SC 29209
Joe Ezell
Treasurer
22456 Glendale
Detroit, MI 48235
Roosevelt M. Mitchell
ChaplainPost Office Box 1457
Summerton, SC 29148
Florence J. Warren
Director of Lay Activities
1407 Nun Street
Wilmington, NC 21404-5449
Eileen S. Warner
Director of Public Relations
Post Office Box 7682
Tallahassee, FL 32314
Weldon Shuman
2nd Vice President
11 Ayreshire Street
Montana, Cape Town 7490
Republic of South Africa
Laurene McMillan
Recording Secretary
2655-56 Odin Street
New Orleans, LA 70122
Doris M. Bell
Corresponding Secretary
254 Blackman Road
Nashville, TN 37211
Darwin K. Eldridge
Financial Secretary
4651 St. Paul Road
Woodlawn, TN 37191
Frank L. Gilyard, Sr.
Historiographer
4500 Sefranka Road
Temple, PA 19560
Fred J. Stuart
Parliamentarian
3520 Crestwald Street
Los Angeles, CA 90043
James Brown
Director of Young Adults
4504 Megan Road
Florence, SC 29505
3. MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD:
Dr. Katheryn M. BrownPresident Emeritus
287 Barfield Avenue, SW
Atlanta, GA 30301
Mrs. Billie D. Irving
Advisor to the President
918 Sutton Hill Road
Post Office Box 41495
Nashville, TN 37204
Dr. Richard Allen Lewis
Consultant, CLEDC
1134 11th Street,
N.W. Washington, DC 20001
Tyrone Presley
Chairman of the Board, CLEDC
320 Quaker Ridge Drive
Daytona Beach, FL 32019
Mr. James L. Williams
President Emeritus
1840 Fancis Street
Jacksonville, Florida 32209
Mrs. Fannie E. Clayton
Treasurer, CLEDC
1434 North Elgin Avenue
Tulsa, OK 74106
Mrs. Annette Jones
Advisor to the President
5422 2nd Street, NW
Washington, DC 20011
Dr. Joseph C. McKinney (Deceased)
onsultant of the CLEDC
Board
3042 Nash Place, SE
Washington, DC 20020
Mr. David WardDirector, CLEDC
4 Ramsgate Road
Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
4. HOMECOMING SUNDAY - ST. MARK AME CHURCH INVITES ALL FORMER MEMBERS AND FRIENDS TO SPECIAL WORSHIP SERVICE:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin. On Sunday, November 20, 2005, St. Mark AME Church invites former members to renew old acquaintances and, hopefully membership, during the church's Homecoming Sunday. The special day will take place during the morning worship service, starting at 11 a.m. Former members are asked to send messages of inspiration and congratulations to the church for publication.
Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant will be the guest preacher. Dr. Bryant is the Supervisor of Missions for the 5th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. She is the wife of Bishop John R. Bryant, Prelate of the 5th Episcopal District.
St. Mark recently celebrated 136 years of serving the Milwaukee community. St. Mark offers several community outreach programs-both spiritual and secular-through its Lovell Johnson Quality of Life Centers. Programming includes an after school tutoring program, a food, clothing & shelter component, alcohol and drug abuse services, family life services, health programs, evangelism ministry and training, legal aid services, senior citizens programs, an environmental component and sociological services, which developed a HIV/AIDS training manual. As the oldest African American church in the city, St. Mark has touched the lives of thousands upon thousands of Milwaukee residents. “The idea of Homecoming is to bring together current and former members in a reunion-like atmosphere to celebrate their common origins and the impact of St. Mark,” says the church’s pastor, Rev. Darryl Williams. Pastor Williams also said, “I hope to forever etch upon the minds of those who will be attending, the rich witness of St. Mark A.M.E. Church and it is my desire to rekindle that witness into the future.”
For more information about the homecoming, contact Pastor Darryl Williams at (414) 562-8030.
5. PODCASTING OR “GODCASTING” IS AN EXAMPLE OF TECHNOLOGY FOR THE EARLY 21ST CENTURY:
Churches are moving to podcasts via Blogs that are like radio shows, and they go on for an hour or more and can be accessed free from a person’s computer. Video streaming can also be used. Tape recordings, CDs will be outdated. My friend, Dr. Burks Oakley II, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of Illinois said, “Godcasting is the next big thing for the church. Here is the website for a local church in Urbana –
http://www.thevineyardchurch.us/ .
Note the link to online sermons.
http://www.thevineyardchurch.us/resources/onlinesermons.htm
As Dr. Jon Udell, University of Wisconsin points out, “The time for widespread podcasting is upon us:
> The Internet is pervasive.
> Broadband is now widespread, making it easier to "consume large media objects."
> Multimedia PC's are commonplace.
> iPods and other portable MP3 players are becoming the equivalent of transistor radios.”
One can just salivate with the notion of church folks downloading worship services in their MP3 player and listening to the service while exercising or going about their daily routines. The Blogger sites let you put all of your church information out for everyone to see and you can change and update as needed on your computer. No more expensive recording equipment and young people already know how to access the information. - And another thing I will say it again; the technology and the information age are upon us. It is not coming; it is here and the technology we have now is being constantly updated.
Every one of our churches should have a Website. Every bishop, presiding elder, pastor and all of our members, who can afford to do so, should have an email account and be connected to the Internet. Technology should be seen as an evangelism tool.
6. FROM THE AFRO-AMERICAN NEWSPAPER, BALTIMORE, MARYLAND:
Harvard is offering free tuition for students who have a family income below $40,000. If you are a mentor or have nieces and nephews who might be interested, please give them this information. If you know anyone/family earning less than $40K with a brilliant child near ready for college, please pass this along. Info: Financial Aid Office: 617-384-8213, or visit Harvard’s financial aid Web site at: http://adm-is.fas.harvard.edu/FAO/prospective_applicants.htm .
7. THE CHURCHES AND THE CHURCH: WHY ECCLESIOLOGY MATTERS:
Thomas F. Best
As alien as the word might seem at first sight for the average person, "ecclesiology" is actually at the heart of the life of every Christian community. The answers that "ecclesiological" questions obtain in the churches influence the daily life of the faithful and set the course of the search for Christian unity.
George and Ann, young parents, ask themselves: "Should we bring our new-born baby girl to be baptized? Or should we wait, and let her decide for herself whether she wants to belong to the church?"
Ruth goes with her friend Sarah to Irene's church. Ruth is unable to receive the Lord's Supper because her church and Irene's church are not in communion. "I'm confused," she says. "If we share a common baptism into Christ, why can't we take communion together?"
Perhaps without realizing it, these Christians are asking ecclesiological questions - questions about what the church is, and what it is for in this world.
Ecclesiology is, simply put, how a church understands itself, how it organizes its own life, and how each church relates to other churches and to the world. Ecclesiology is also about the limits of the church: what are the beliefs, or behaviours, which put a person outside the church?
The ecumenical movement rests on ecclesiological convictions: one is that the churches' unity in Christ is greater than all the differences in belief, and all the tragedies of history, which divide them. Another is that Christ wills that this unity must be both visible and effective (John 17:20-21).
Thus, whenever there are divisions between the churches - when they cannot worship or take communion together, or recognize each other's ministries, when their common witness and service in the world is impaired - it is ecclesiological questions, which must be asked, and ecclesiological answers, which must be given.
- A bit of history
It is hardly surprising, then, that the ecumenical movement has wrestled with issues of ecclesiology from its very beginning.
As the churches sought a basis for their common confession, witness and service, they first practiced a "comparative ecclesiology". The convictions of each church were laid out, and similarities and differences noted as a basis for mutual understanding.
This was the basis for the famous "Toronto Statement" of 1950, which stressed the role of the World Council of Churches as a place where differing - even sharply differing - ecclesiologies could meet for dialogue and cooperative mission and service.
Eventually there was a seismic shift to a method of "convergence". The ecclesiological comparisons were set in the perspective not just of the present and past, but also of the future: the discussions now aimed at ensuring that the churches, as they moved into the future, would be drawing closer together rather than moving further apart.
For this, a new depth of dialogue was required. It was no longer enough to note ecclesiological differences - whether infant or "adult" baptism is practised, whether women can be ordained to the ministry of word and sacrament. It became necessary to identify the moment when difference becomes division, to name the causes of division, and to work together to overcome them.
- On the threshold of a radical shift
We forget how radical a development the modern ecumenical movement is: churches, which for 150, or 500, or 1000 years have lived and worshipped apart are now, increasingly and irreversibly, doing those things together.
This has affected how many churches understand themselves: as truly a part of the body of Christ, completely church in themselves but incomplete without the other churches. Thus, the common experience of the churches has become part of the "raw material" for ecclesiology.
This has consequences! We may now be on the threshold of another shift, the most dramatic of all: to an ecclesiology - a basic understanding of the church and its mission - developed by the churches together rather than separately.
Such an ecclesiology would start from, rather than end at, the fact that the churches are one in Christ. It would draw deeply on the experience of each church, but also on the ecumenical experience of the churches in confessing, witnessing, serving, and (where possible!) worshipping together rather than separately.
And it would challenge each church to ask: does our own self-understanding serve the unity of the church? How much of our own ecclesiology was developed to justify, and maintain, our separation from other churches? How do we make the unity that we have, more visible and effective?
The World Council of Churches' (WCC) 9th Assembly in Porto Alegre next February will wrestle with a statement on ecclesiology. Produced by the WCC's Faith and Order Commission, this tries to state, in a concise yet substantial way, what the churches can say together about the church.
The statement is offered for adoption by the Assembly, not as the "final" or definitive statement on the church but as a basis for reflection on what bonds the churches together - and on what threatens to divide them.
It is no accident that it is called "An invitation to the churches", for it calls them to a renewed and deeper dialogue. It calls them to be the one church, to make visible in the Spirit the unity given them by God in Christ. And yes, it challenges them to address their divisions openly, to name them and to work to overcome them.
> Doing the right thing
Some years ago, I heard a story that makes it plain why ecclesiology - how each church understands itself and its relation to other churches - is crucial for Christians, for the churches, and for the ecumenical movement.
It was about an elderly parishioner in Ghana, whose village was fed by the priest of a neighbouring village during a famine. When the famine was over, she went to the neighbouring village to thank the people there for what they had done.
But when she attended the priest's church to greet and thank him personally, she was unable to take communion because their respective churches did not agree on some points. So the woman went to her bishop and asked the following question:
"How can we share the material food which keeps us from starving, and not share the spiritual food which Christ himself offers us? I think when Christ comes again, he will feed us himself - and then he will do what is right!"
"Ecclesiology" is about the churches doing "what is right". It is about the churches being "what is right", being the one church, confessing, worshipping, witnessing and serving together with one heart.
Rev. Dr Thomas F. Best, a pastor of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) from US, is the director of the WCC Faith and Order Commission.
8. THE NINTH WCC ASSEMBLY: PRAYING FOR A TRANSFORMED WORLD:
The 9th assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC) will be held in Porto Alegre, Brazil, from 14-23 February 2006. Its theme is a prayer: "God, in your grace, transform the world".
The first WCC assembly of the 21st century, it will gather up to 3,000 church leaders and ecumenical representatives from nearly every Christian tradition around the world. As such, it will be one of the broadest global gatherings of its kind.
WCC assemblies are often turning points in the life of the World Council, and this one is expected to leave its mark on ecumenical history. Deliberations will focus on issues such as the future of the ecumenical movement, the churches' commitment to economic justice as well as their witness to overcoming violence, and the challenges faced in the midst of religious plurality.
In Porto Alegre, members of the ecumenical family will be able to gather around the assembly at a Mutirão, a Portuguese word that means coming together for a common purpose. Made up of workshops, exhibitions and cultural celebrations, this part of the assembly programme will offer opportunities for members of the wider ecumenical movement to gather, reflect and celebrate together.
This is the first WCC assembly to be held in Latin America, and it is being hosted by the National Council of Christian Churches in Brazil (CONIC) on behalf of churches throughout the region. Pre-assembly events for youth and for women will be held from 11-13 February.
Assembly website: www.wcc-assembly.info
Opinions expressed in WCC Features do not necessarily reflect WCC policy. This material may be reprinted freely, providing credit is given to the author.
Additional information: Juan Michel,+41 22 791 6153 +41 79 507 6363 media@wcc-coe.org
9. CHURCHES UNITING IN CHRIST SEEKING A DIRECTOR:
Churches Uniting in Christ (CUIC) is currently seeking a Director. CUIC is a relationship among nine Christian communions that have pledged to live more closely together in expressing their unity in Christ and to combat racism together. The Director is the primary staff of CUIC, serving as the coordinator in helping the member churches discern their direction in this relationship, both as an enabler to its growth and as an interpreter of its vision. Candidates for this position should possess a strong passion for Christian unity and an understanding of the history of the Consultation on Church Union (COCU) and the unique nature of CUIC. Candidates would need a demonstrated commitment to overcoming racism and promoting social justice as an essential aspect of the church’s mission. Strong skills in administration, communication and leadership are essential. Advanced degree in theology or related field, and a minimum of five years of experience in ecumenical ministry are required.
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, curriculum vita, contact information and references to
CUIC Director Search Committee
c/o The Right Reverend C. Christopher Epting
815 Second Avenue
New York, NY 10017
All inquiries will be treated in a confidential manner. Competitive salary and benefits. Women and persons of color are encouraged to apply. Deadline for receiving curriculum vitas is December 20, 2005.
- Churches Uniting In Christ Director Position Description
Summary: The Director is to the primary staff of CUIC, serving as the coordinator in helping the CUIC churches discern their direction in this relationship, both as enabler to its growth and as an interpreter of its vision, working with the representatives of the churches.
Responsibilities and Tasks
- Helping the churches to honor their covenant relationship, through the work of the Coordinating Council, task forces, and the churches direct relationships with one another
- Helping to shape the ongoing vision of CUIC and opportunities for a visible witness of the Churches to the world
- Providing Administrative oversight and implementation of the Coordinating Council and task forces meetings and work
- Preparing for and monitoring of the budget, in consultation with the Coordinating Council
- Initiating and maintaining communication with and between the CUIC churches, Coordinating Council, Task Forces and the public arena
- Enabling working relationships with the Heads of Communion and other key personnel in the CUIC churches, in partnership with ecumenical officers
- Nurturing positive relationships with Observers, Partners in Mission and Dialogue and churches interested in exploring membership and/or a relationship with CUIC
- Serving as primary administrator of the CUIC office and directing all other CUIC staff
Qualifications
The Director would possess a strong passion for Christian unity and an understanding of the unique nature of CUIC. The Director would possess a commitment to overcoming racism and promoting social justice as an essential aspect of the church’s mission. The person would have a demonstrated administrative capacity. The Director would have the ability to communicate and interpret the vision of CUIC in both speaking and writing. The person will have imagination, energy and creativity in implementing the expectations of this position.
Theological education with a M.Div. or equivalent is required. A minimum of 5 years of experience in ecumenical ministry is helpful.
Accountability
The Director is accountable to the Coordinating Council and an annual review will be completed in accordance with the Personnel Policy.
Compensation
Salary range of $60,000- $65,000 with benefit package of full pension and health care.
Approved by Coordinating Council –October 6, 2005
Editor's comment: Someone from the AME Church should apply for this postion.
10. FUNERAL SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS:
For The Reverend Brian Spann, Pastor of Alexander Memorial AME Church, Atlanta North Georgia Conference, 6th Episcopal District African Methodist Episcopal Church, Bishop William P. DeVeaux, Presiding Bishop.
FUNERAL:
Thursday, November 3, 2005
1:00 PM
St. Paul AME Church
1540 Pryor Road S.W.
Atlanta, GA 30315
404-622-9711 (Phone)
404-627-4188 (Fax)T
he Reverend Thomas Bess, PastorServices entrusted to:
Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home, Inc.
4347 Flat Shoals Parkway
Decatur, GA 30034
404 - 294-5500 (Phone)
404 - 294-5017 (Fax)
Condolences may be sent to his spouse:
Mrs. Laurie Spann
3561 Lochwolde Lane
Snellville, GA 30039
70-981-7368 (Phone)
11. BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action Clergy Family Information Center
Mrs. Ora L. Easley - Administrator Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
(Nashville, Tennessee Contact) Phone: (615) 837-9736 Fax: (615) 833-3781
(Memphis, Tennessee Contact) (901) 578-4554 (Phone & Fax)
Please remember these families in your prayers.
12. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of the Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement
11/01/2005
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (11/1/05)
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. A TRIBUTE TO DEACONESS ROSA PARKS FROM THE CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH:
Mr. Jesse L. Burns, President
Bishop Samuel Lawrence Greene, Sr., Chairperson
(Gainesville, Fla.) There is no tribute more significant than the declaration that someone lived his or her faith every day. That one phrase describes Rosa Parks – She lived her faith every day!
The church of Richard and Sarah Allen was founded on the principles of self-help, self-reliance, and self-determination. When a laywoman confessed her calling to preach, and Bishop Richard Allen realized that the world was not ready for that boldness, he did the right thing by allowing her to tag along and use her talents. Soon her message spoke for her and her gender was secondary.
Rosa Parks seemed to have caught the spirit of Richard Allen, and while making her statement to a world that was not quite ready for her actions, she ever so strategically tunneled her way into our hearts and spirits. All of the terms – quiet strength, strong silent one, etc go a long way in describing her, but let me add my twist~~~
Deaconess Rosa Parks, a proud Stewardess in the African Methodist Episcopal Church for many years, possessed holy boldness! She brought renewed definition to a church with a rich legacy, and to lay persons who seek to find their places in the faith movement. “One does not have to seek attention or fame,” I am sure she would advise. “If you just do what you are called to do, then the rest will be orchestrated by God,” I am sure she would conclude. “And, if (wo)man does not understand where you are going, go on anyway…..God has equipped you for whatever you will face,” she would finally advise.
Rosa Parks was one of us – a layperson. Rosa Parks’ life was a model for us – faithful Christian, prayer warrior, advocate & crusader for human rights, surrogate mother – using the village to raise the child. She could see what others were blinded to, long before the vision was made plain.
As the president of the Connectional (International) Lay Organization of her beloved African Methodist Episcopal Church, I join the throngs in saluting Rosa Parks’ life work and rejoicing that she has found peace beyond all understanding in her last journey – into eternal life.
Submitted by Bro. Jesse L. Burns, President
The Connectional Lay Organization
African Methodist Episcopal Church
2. REFLECTIONS FROM THE ROTUNDA - ROSA PARKS
Elder Michael W. Dyson,
Associate Pastor Prentis Park Worship Center (SDA)
Portsmouth, Virginia
31 October 2005
Our family, my wife, our two sons, and I traveled from southeastern Virginia to Washington, D.C. to pay our last respects to Rosa Parks. When wee arrived in Washington, we did not know where the line began. As we pulled near the Capital building, we saw, by our count, thousands of people. It was only 7:30 pm Sunday evening and the early darkness and cool weather reminded us that we were in the fall season of the year.
We were on a mission to show our respects to, and walk past the Civil Rights’ icon, Rosa Parks, lying in state at the Capital building. Observing the expressions on the faces in the crowd, they shared our determination to pay last respects to the woman who “fired the first shot” in the modern Civil Rights’ Movement. All of us were there to be a part of a significant moment in time that was larger than any of us. We were not only witnesses, but also participants to a historical moment. The line flowed as far as the eye could see culminating at the foot of the U.S. Capital building.
Our mission began three and a half hours earlier and two hundred mile away in Chesapeake, Virginia. When we first heard that the body of Rosa Parks would be flown to the nation’s capital to lie in state, we knew a blessed opportunity had been given to us.
As the parents of two teenage boys, my wife and I wanted to give them a life history lesson that would endure the ages. At the same time we could render our most personal and proper respect to an icon of the Civil Rights’ struggle by standing in line with so many others to simply say, thank you and good-bye.
After parking our car at Union Station, we walked rapidly through the crisp air of the evening towards the lights and the dome of the Capital building. With each step, we took in the natural beauty of this familiar city, while following others who had come to pay their last respects and we soon found our place at the end of the line.
Many were dressed as though they were going to an evening church service, yet others looked as though they were off to the shopping mall. Children in strollers bundled up under blankets and toddlers being carried on the shoulders of their parents. Black, white, red, yellow, brown, young, old, and those of various cultures standing together in line representing a snapshot of the melting pot of America. People amassed collectively standing for what would be hours, all with a common purpose of getting close to the one that had sparked a movement by firmly remaining seated on the bus and refusing to succumb to the indignity of discrimination by giving her seat to a white man.
As the hours ticked away, the slow, forward movement of the crowd did not seem to lessen its determination. After a long time, a couple trucks pull up loaded with 10 or twelve portable restrooms. We heard the whispers of people agreeing to hold each other’s places while they made a mad dash for “relief.”
Conversations were heard in the lines between people who might not have had anything to do with each other under normal circumstances, yet in this place, racial barriers blended. Blacks, whites, and other ethnic groups sharing in quiet conversations about each other’s lives and more importantly, how their lives had been impacted by the life of Rosa Parks.
Behind me was a white man, a father with two young daughters who he said he wanted them to see this historic event. The temperature began dropping and the cool night air settled around the crowd. My two boys left the line to go for hot chocolate and a snack, bringing back some for my wife and I. I gave my cup to the father behind me who thankfully accepted and gave the warm drink to his two young girls.
We were all there on a mission. At that moment, it seemed to me that this crowd was seeking something to not only unify us, but also heal us as a nation. To that end it seemed even more fitting that Mrs. Rosa Parks was able, even in death, to continue the struggle and maybe, just maybe, the day will come when all of us can sing that great Negro spiritual, “Free at last, free at last, thank God Almighty, we are free at last.”
3. THE STRADFORD’S SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE AT THE MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA ROSA PARKS MEMORIAL SERVICE:
We were uniquely blessed as members of the First African Methodist Episcopal Church, Atlanta, Georgia to observe the cooperative works of the Commissions on Social Action and Office of Ecumenical & Urban Affairs before, during and after memorial services at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, Montgomery, Alabama. Bishop E. Earl McCloud Jr. provided comfort to the family, friends and worshippers attending the memorial service.
The Reverend Joseph Rembert and the St. Paul AME family welcomed us warmly, loved us, fed us and cheerfully received prayer for their charge to “carry out the spirit of the original Free African Society.” The Rt. Reverend T. Larry Kirkland preached the liberating Gospel of Jesus the Christ. This charge applies to every local station of African Methodism.
However, we are concerned that roles and responsibilities of our sister churches were not clearly defined through ecumenical channels and, at times, the prayers of a grieving family were subordinate to civic agendas. To proceed in decency and order, a comprehensive ecumenical and social actions strategy will be essential to our facilitation of the Christian worship experience.
The Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute has called for a 381-day commemorative demonstration, which begins December 1, 2005. We believe that this social action represents a timely opportunity for holistic healing throughout The Temporal Economy of Free Africans.
We have added to this document the names of connectional officers who might avail themselves for local leadership opportunities. We look forward to discussing with you and Bishop Tyler-Guidry objectives and measurable outcomes for AME Church participation in this historic opportunity for kingdom building through our effective use of communications resources, proactive evangelism, and cooperative economic development.
God bless and keep you
Eric Stradford
Stephanie Walker Stradford
4. SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, PHASE IV: ‘THE PROMISE’ WILL BE CELEBRATED IN MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN:
Saturday Night Live Phase IV will be held Saturday, November 19, 2005, at 5:00 p.m.-1616 W. Atkinson Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53206.
Saturday Night Live is a contemporary service that is especially designed for youth and young adults to show and give their full expression and affection for their faith in Jesus Christ through Praise and Worship.
The Young People’s Division of St. Mark A.M.E. Church hosts this program. All proceeds from this event will go to all of the Episcopal Districts in the A.M.E. Church that were affected by Hurricane Katrina. Master of Ceremonies is Titus Jones, “T. J.” of Vessels of Honor Church.
The following area guest choirs and groups will participant in this month’s Saturday Night Live:
The Wisconsin State Youth Choir
St. Mark AME Church Praise Dancers
Bethel AME Church Praise Dancers
Mrs. Serita Campell & Brand New Divine Faith
Mt. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church Youth Choir
Brother Ky “Eric” Powell & United N’ Worship
The Anointed Angels & Company
Tasha Turner with A’Dream & Company
Rufus King High School Gospel Choir
University of Wisconsin Whitewater Gospel Choir
Submitted by Diante Harris, Telephone (414) 562-8030
5. OVERCOMING VIOLENCE IS AN ECUMENICAL TASK FOR WHICH SPIRITUALITY IS A RESOURCE, KOBIA TELLS US AUDIENCE:
"Violence does not recognize differences between Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox or Pentecostal. Violence is our common plague, and non-violent love, peace, justice and reconciliation are our common calling," Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia told participants in a 27-29 October international conference in Boston, USA.Sponsored by the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in cooperation with the WCC and the Boston Theological Institute, the conference focused on "Violence and Christian spirituality".Setting out reasons why overcoming violence is "an eminently ecumenical task," the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary observed that the Council's goal in declaring the 2001-2010 Decade to Overcome Violence" (DOV) has been "not so much to eradicate violence as to overcome the spirit, the logic and the practice of violence by actively seeking reconciliation and peace".Referring to various faces of violence, from global terrorism and the war on terrorism, political conflict and war to interpersonal and domestic violence, Kobia went on to focus on resources for peace.One such resource is inter-religious dialogue, Kobia said. He cautioned, however, "Dialogue is not and can never serve as an ambulance in a sudden crisis or conflict. It is more like a prophylactic medicine, which when often and regularly used, will sustain health even in difficult situations."For Kobia, an equally powerful resource for peace is a spirituality that "inspires and shapes our individual and joint actions". Believing "that prayer and contemplation together form the foremost discipline for overcoming violence," he emphasized that "the Orthodox traditions have much to offer" in this area."There is the deeply rooted and long-standing vision in Orthodox faith and life for a spirituality of holistic peace, integrating creation, human life and the Trinity, working together for salvation and reconciliation," Kobia concluded.The full text of Samuel Kobia's speech is available on the Decade to Overcome Violence website at:http://www.overcomingviolence.org/This material may be reprinted freely.Additional information: Juan Michel,+41 22 791 6153 +41 79 507 6363 media@wcc-coe.orgNote: The World Council of Churches is a fellowship of churches, now 347, in more than 120 countries in all continents from virtually all Christian traditions. The Roman Catholic Church is not a member church but works cooperatively with the WCC. The highest governing body is the assembly, which meets approximately every seven years. The WCC was formally inaugurated in 1948 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Its staff is headed by general secretary Samuel Kobia from the Methodist church in Kenya.
6. HAPPY HEALTHY HOLIDAYS:
Source: American Cancer Society, 2005
Did you know that Americans gain an average of one pound between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day? That may not seem like a lot, but researchers say that for most people the weight never comes off. Over the years, those pounds add up.
Organizing a healthy holiday office party is one way to help put a chill on winter weight gain. Here are some tips:
- If your office is having a potluck, be sure to include salad, fruits and vegetables on the sign-up list.
- Having a catered affair? Select entrees and side dishes that are nutritionally-balanced.
You can find a variety of healthy recipes, as well as nutrition guidelines that can help prevent cancer, on the American Cancer Society’s Web site at www.cancer.org .
7. INVEST IN A CANCER-FREE FUTURE
Source: American Cancer Society, 2005
Nearly nine million Americans with a history of cancer are alive today. Compared to other things you may have heard about cancer, this is encouraging news. So many cancer survivors are alive today for one reason: because millions of people across the country commit to ending cancer by donating their time and money to fighting the disease.
Each year, individuals come together because they want to make a difference in their communities. They want to help people facing cancer and their families get the support, information, and hope they need. By investing in a cancer-free future, you are
- Funding the search for a cancer cure
- Educating the public about cancer prevention and early detection
- Advocating for quality health care for everyone
- Supporting those facing the disease
This year, when you are doing your holiday shopping, make a donation in someone’s honor to the American Cancer Society. You can show that person you care by investing in a cancer-free future, and you can help continue the progress in the fight against cancer. For more information, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org .
8. HOLIDAY SEASON REMINDERS:
Source: American Cancer Society, 2005
- Has someone you love been touched by cancer? This holiday season give a gift that saves lives and helps support those dealing with cancer by making a donation to the American Cancer Society. Call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org to find out how.
-The holidays are a joyous time for family and friends, but they can also be stressful and tiring. Give yourself a boost by paying special attention to your health. Eat healthy foods, get plenty of exercise, and don’t use tobacco. To find out more about staying healthy during the holidays, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or www.cancer.org.
- If someone in your family is dealing with cancer during the holidays, contact the American Cancer Society for suggestions on how to ease the burden of the disease so your family can enjoy the season. Call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
- Quitting smoking isn’t easy, and if you’ve recently quit, the stress of the holidays can make it even tougher to stay quit. For tips on how to get through the holiday season without tobacco, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or www.cancer.org.
- More than 1.3 million people will be diagnosed with cancer this year. And, because cancer doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed, but family and friends as well, the American Cancer Society has resources available for anyone who needs them 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org
9. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Dr. Dorothy Adams Peck, Immediate past Connectional WMS President, lost her brother Carlton Z. Adams, Sr., MD (Surgeon) on Sunday, October 30, 2005.
Dr. Carlton Z. Adams did three overseas Sojourners Mission Trips for the Women's Missionary Society (two in West Africa and one in Haiti). He was instrumental in setting up the first class of WMS "Cross Cultural" Training Programs.
Condolences may be sent to the Adams Family:
1712 Woodacre Court
Carmichael, California 75608
Or to:
Dr. Dorothy Adams Peck
4001 Haden Avenue
West Palm Beach, Florida 33407
FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS ARE INCOMPLETE
Humbly submitted,Mrs. Marva Campbell
MRS. PresidentSouth Florida Conference
10. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with sadness that I have to inform you and the broader AME family of the passing away of the mother of the Reverend Gert Didloff. She passed away on Friday, 28 October 2005. The Reverend Didloff is the Director of the Cape Annual Conference Board of Christian Education in the Fifteenth Episcopal District and pastor of Ebenezer and Mt. Carmel AME Church in the Cape Annual Conference (South Africa).
We solicit your prayers for the bereaved family, as they have to grapple with the loss of their dear mother.
The funeral service starts at 10:00 am Saturday, 05 November 2005 at Hunter Temple AME Church, Paarl - the Reverend William N. Ross is the Pastor. Condolences can be send to the Reverend Didloff: Gdidloff@pgwc.gov.za
Regards, Reverend Nathan M. Titus
Please remember these families in your prayers.
11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Regretfully we share news of the passing of The Reverend Brian Spann, spouse of Mrs. Laurie Spann and Pastor of Alexander Memorial AME Church, Atlanta North Georgia Conference, 6th Episcopal District, African Methodist Episcopal Church, Bishop William P. DeVeaux, Presiding Bishop.
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Laurie Spann
3561 Lochwolde Lane
Snellville, GA 30039
770-981-7368 (Phone)
Or to:
Alexander Memorial AME Church
287 Augusta Avenue Atlanta, GA 30315
404-627-4429 (Phone)
Funeral arrangements are incomplete.
Please remember the family in your prayers.
12. BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action Clergy Family Information Center
Mrs. Ora L. Easley - Administrator Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
(Nashville, Tennessee Contact) Phone: (615) 837-9736 Fax: (615) 833-3781
(Memphis, Tennessee Contact) (901) 578-4554 (Phone & Fax)
Please remember these families in your prayers.
13. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of the Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
1. A TRIBUTE TO DEACONESS ROSA PARKS FROM THE CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH:
Mr. Jesse L. Burns, President
Bishop Samuel Lawrence Greene, Sr., Chairperson
(Gainesville, Fla.) There is no tribute more significant than the declaration that someone lived his or her faith every day. That one phrase describes Rosa Parks – She lived her faith every day!
The church of Richard and Sarah Allen was founded on the principles of self-help, self-reliance, and self-determination. When a laywoman confessed her calling to preach, and Bishop Richard Allen realized that the world was not ready for that boldness, he did the right thing by allowing her to tag along and use her talents. Soon her message spoke for her and her gender was secondary.
Rosa Parks seemed to have caught the spirit of Richard Allen, and while making her statement to a world that was not quite ready for her actions, she ever so strategically tunneled her way into our hearts and spirits. All of the terms – quiet strength, strong silent one, etc go a long way in describing her, but let me add my twist~~~
Deaconess Rosa Parks, a proud Stewardess in the African Methodist Episcopal Church for many years, possessed holy boldness! She brought renewed definition to a church with a rich legacy, and to lay persons who seek to find their places in the faith movement. “One does not have to seek attention or fame,” I am sure she would advise. “If you just do what you are called to do, then the rest will be orchestrated by God,” I am sure she would conclude. “And, if (wo)man does not understand where you are going, go on anyway…..God has equipped you for whatever you will face,” she would finally advise.
Rosa Parks was one of us – a layperson. Rosa Parks’ life was a model for us – faithful Christian, prayer warrior, advocate & crusader for human rights, surrogate mother – using the village to raise the child. She could see what others were blinded to, long before the vision was made plain.
As the president of the Connectional (International) Lay Organization of her beloved African Methodist Episcopal Church, I join the throngs in saluting Rosa Parks’ life work and rejoicing that she has found peace beyond all understanding in her last journey – into eternal life.
Submitted by Bro. Jesse L. Burns, President
The Connectional Lay Organization
African Methodist Episcopal Church
2. REFLECTIONS FROM THE ROTUNDA - ROSA PARKS
Elder Michael W. Dyson,
Associate Pastor Prentis Park Worship Center (SDA)
Portsmouth, Virginia
31 October 2005
Our family, my wife, our two sons, and I traveled from southeastern Virginia to Washington, D.C. to pay our last respects to Rosa Parks. When wee arrived in Washington, we did not know where the line began. As we pulled near the Capital building, we saw, by our count, thousands of people. It was only 7:30 pm Sunday evening and the early darkness and cool weather reminded us that we were in the fall season of the year.
We were on a mission to show our respects to, and walk past the Civil Rights’ icon, Rosa Parks, lying in state at the Capital building. Observing the expressions on the faces in the crowd, they shared our determination to pay last respects to the woman who “fired the first shot” in the modern Civil Rights’ Movement. All of us were there to be a part of a significant moment in time that was larger than any of us. We were not only witnesses, but also participants to a historical moment. The line flowed as far as the eye could see culminating at the foot of the U.S. Capital building.
Our mission began three and a half hours earlier and two hundred mile away in Chesapeake, Virginia. When we first heard that the body of Rosa Parks would be flown to the nation’s capital to lie in state, we knew a blessed opportunity had been given to us.
As the parents of two teenage boys, my wife and I wanted to give them a life history lesson that would endure the ages. At the same time we could render our most personal and proper respect to an icon of the Civil Rights’ struggle by standing in line with so many others to simply say, thank you and good-bye.
After parking our car at Union Station, we walked rapidly through the crisp air of the evening towards the lights and the dome of the Capital building. With each step, we took in the natural beauty of this familiar city, while following others who had come to pay their last respects and we soon found our place at the end of the line.
Many were dressed as though they were going to an evening church service, yet others looked as though they were off to the shopping mall. Children in strollers bundled up under blankets and toddlers being carried on the shoulders of their parents. Black, white, red, yellow, brown, young, old, and those of various cultures standing together in line representing a snapshot of the melting pot of America. People amassed collectively standing for what would be hours, all with a common purpose of getting close to the one that had sparked a movement by firmly remaining seated on the bus and refusing to succumb to the indignity of discrimination by giving her seat to a white man.
As the hours ticked away, the slow, forward movement of the crowd did not seem to lessen its determination. After a long time, a couple trucks pull up loaded with 10 or twelve portable restrooms. We heard the whispers of people agreeing to hold each other’s places while they made a mad dash for “relief.”
Conversations were heard in the lines between people who might not have had anything to do with each other under normal circumstances, yet in this place, racial barriers blended. Blacks, whites, and other ethnic groups sharing in quiet conversations about each other’s lives and more importantly, how their lives had been impacted by the life of Rosa Parks.
Behind me was a white man, a father with two young daughters who he said he wanted them to see this historic event. The temperature began dropping and the cool night air settled around the crowd. My two boys left the line to go for hot chocolate and a snack, bringing back some for my wife and I. I gave my cup to the father behind me who thankfully accepted and gave the warm drink to his two young girls.
We were all there on a mission. At that moment, it seemed to me that this crowd was seeking something to not only unify us, but also heal us as a nation. To that end it seemed even more fitting that Mrs. Rosa Parks was able, even in death, to continue the struggle and maybe, just maybe, the day will come when all of us can sing that great Negro spiritual, “Free at last, free at last, thank God Almighty, we are free at last.”
3. THE STRADFORD’S SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE AT THE MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA ROSA PARKS MEMORIAL SERVICE:
We were uniquely blessed as members of the First African Methodist Episcopal Church, Atlanta, Georgia to observe the cooperative works of the Commissions on Social Action and Office of Ecumenical & Urban Affairs before, during and after memorial services at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, Montgomery, Alabama. Bishop E. Earl McCloud Jr. provided comfort to the family, friends and worshippers attending the memorial service.
The Reverend Joseph Rembert and the St. Paul AME family welcomed us warmly, loved us, fed us and cheerfully received prayer for their charge to “carry out the spirit of the original Free African Society.” The Rt. Reverend T. Larry Kirkland preached the liberating Gospel of Jesus the Christ. This charge applies to every local station of African Methodism.
However, we are concerned that roles and responsibilities of our sister churches were not clearly defined through ecumenical channels and, at times, the prayers of a grieving family were subordinate to civic agendas. To proceed in decency and order, a comprehensive ecumenical and social actions strategy will be essential to our facilitation of the Christian worship experience.
The Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute has called for a 381-day commemorative demonstration, which begins December 1, 2005. We believe that this social action represents a timely opportunity for holistic healing throughout The Temporal Economy of Free Africans.
We have added to this document the names of connectional officers who might avail themselves for local leadership opportunities. We look forward to discussing with you and Bishop Tyler-Guidry objectives and measurable outcomes for AME Church participation in this historic opportunity for kingdom building through our effective use of communications resources, proactive evangelism, and cooperative economic development.
God bless and keep you
Eric Stradford
Stephanie Walker Stradford
4. SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, PHASE IV: ‘THE PROMISE’ WILL BE CELEBRATED IN MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN:
Saturday Night Live Phase IV will be held Saturday, November 19, 2005, at 5:00 p.m.-1616 W. Atkinson Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53206.
Saturday Night Live is a contemporary service that is especially designed for youth and young adults to show and give their full expression and affection for their faith in Jesus Christ through Praise and Worship.
The Young People’s Division of St. Mark A.M.E. Church hosts this program. All proceeds from this event will go to all of the Episcopal Districts in the A.M.E. Church that were affected by Hurricane Katrina. Master of Ceremonies is Titus Jones, “T. J.” of Vessels of Honor Church.
The following area guest choirs and groups will participant in this month’s Saturday Night Live:
The Wisconsin State Youth Choir
St. Mark AME Church Praise Dancers
Bethel AME Church Praise Dancers
Mrs. Serita Campell & Brand New Divine Faith
Mt. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church Youth Choir
Brother Ky “Eric” Powell & United N’ Worship
The Anointed Angels & Company
Tasha Turner with A’Dream & Company
Rufus King High School Gospel Choir
University of Wisconsin Whitewater Gospel Choir
Submitted by Diante Harris, Telephone (414) 562-8030
5. OVERCOMING VIOLENCE IS AN ECUMENICAL TASK FOR WHICH SPIRITUALITY IS A RESOURCE, KOBIA TELLS US AUDIENCE:
"Violence does not recognize differences between Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox or Pentecostal. Violence is our common plague, and non-violent love, peace, justice and reconciliation are our common calling," Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia told participants in a 27-29 October international conference in Boston, USA.Sponsored by the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in cooperation with the WCC and the Boston Theological Institute, the conference focused on "Violence and Christian spirituality".Setting out reasons why overcoming violence is "an eminently ecumenical task," the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary observed that the Council's goal in declaring the 2001-2010 Decade to Overcome Violence" (DOV) has been "not so much to eradicate violence as to overcome the spirit, the logic and the practice of violence by actively seeking reconciliation and peace".Referring to various faces of violence, from global terrorism and the war on terrorism, political conflict and war to interpersonal and domestic violence, Kobia went on to focus on resources for peace.One such resource is inter-religious dialogue, Kobia said. He cautioned, however, "Dialogue is not and can never serve as an ambulance in a sudden crisis or conflict. It is more like a prophylactic medicine, which when often and regularly used, will sustain health even in difficult situations."For Kobia, an equally powerful resource for peace is a spirituality that "inspires and shapes our individual and joint actions". Believing "that prayer and contemplation together form the foremost discipline for overcoming violence," he emphasized that "the Orthodox traditions have much to offer" in this area."There is the deeply rooted and long-standing vision in Orthodox faith and life for a spirituality of holistic peace, integrating creation, human life and the Trinity, working together for salvation and reconciliation," Kobia concluded.The full text of Samuel Kobia's speech is available on the Decade to Overcome Violence website at:http://www.overcomingviolence.org/This material may be reprinted freely.Additional information: Juan Michel,+41 22 791 6153 +41 79 507 6363 media@wcc-coe.orgNote: The World Council of Churches is a fellowship of churches, now 347, in more than 120 countries in all continents from virtually all Christian traditions. The Roman Catholic Church is not a member church but works cooperatively with the WCC. The highest governing body is the assembly, which meets approximately every seven years. The WCC was formally inaugurated in 1948 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Its staff is headed by general secretary Samuel Kobia from the Methodist church in Kenya.
6. HAPPY HEALTHY HOLIDAYS:
Source: American Cancer Society, 2005
Did you know that Americans gain an average of one pound between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day? That may not seem like a lot, but researchers say that for most people the weight never comes off. Over the years, those pounds add up.
Organizing a healthy holiday office party is one way to help put a chill on winter weight gain. Here are some tips:
- If your office is having a potluck, be sure to include salad, fruits and vegetables on the sign-up list.
- Having a catered affair? Select entrees and side dishes that are nutritionally-balanced.
You can find a variety of healthy recipes, as well as nutrition guidelines that can help prevent cancer, on the American Cancer Society’s Web site at www.cancer.org .
7. INVEST IN A CANCER-FREE FUTURE
Source: American Cancer Society, 2005
Nearly nine million Americans with a history of cancer are alive today. Compared to other things you may have heard about cancer, this is encouraging news. So many cancer survivors are alive today for one reason: because millions of people across the country commit to ending cancer by donating their time and money to fighting the disease.
Each year, individuals come together because they want to make a difference in their communities. They want to help people facing cancer and their families get the support, information, and hope they need. By investing in a cancer-free future, you are
- Funding the search for a cancer cure
- Educating the public about cancer prevention and early detection
- Advocating for quality health care for everyone
- Supporting those facing the disease
This year, when you are doing your holiday shopping, make a donation in someone’s honor to the American Cancer Society. You can show that person you care by investing in a cancer-free future, and you can help continue the progress in the fight against cancer. For more information, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org .
8. HOLIDAY SEASON REMINDERS:
Source: American Cancer Society, 2005
- Has someone you love been touched by cancer? This holiday season give a gift that saves lives and helps support those dealing with cancer by making a donation to the American Cancer Society. Call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org to find out how.
-The holidays are a joyous time for family and friends, but they can also be stressful and tiring. Give yourself a boost by paying special attention to your health. Eat healthy foods, get plenty of exercise, and don’t use tobacco. To find out more about staying healthy during the holidays, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or www.cancer.org.
- If someone in your family is dealing with cancer during the holidays, contact the American Cancer Society for suggestions on how to ease the burden of the disease so your family can enjoy the season. Call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
- Quitting smoking isn’t easy, and if you’ve recently quit, the stress of the holidays can make it even tougher to stay quit. For tips on how to get through the holiday season without tobacco, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or www.cancer.org.
- More than 1.3 million people will be diagnosed with cancer this year. And, because cancer doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed, but family and friends as well, the American Cancer Society has resources available for anyone who needs them 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org
9. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Dr. Dorothy Adams Peck, Immediate past Connectional WMS President, lost her brother Carlton Z. Adams, Sr., MD (Surgeon) on Sunday, October 30, 2005.
Dr. Carlton Z. Adams did three overseas Sojourners Mission Trips for the Women's Missionary Society (two in West Africa and one in Haiti). He was instrumental in setting up the first class of WMS "Cross Cultural" Training Programs.
Condolences may be sent to the Adams Family:
1712 Woodacre Court
Carmichael, California 75608
Or to:
Dr. Dorothy Adams Peck
4001 Haden Avenue
West Palm Beach, Florida 33407
FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS ARE INCOMPLETE
Humbly submitted,Mrs. Marva Campbell
MRS. PresidentSouth Florida Conference
10. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with sadness that I have to inform you and the broader AME family of the passing away of the mother of the Reverend Gert Didloff. She passed away on Friday, 28 October 2005. The Reverend Didloff is the Director of the Cape Annual Conference Board of Christian Education in the Fifteenth Episcopal District and pastor of Ebenezer and Mt. Carmel AME Church in the Cape Annual Conference (South Africa).
We solicit your prayers for the bereaved family, as they have to grapple with the loss of their dear mother.
The funeral service starts at 10:00 am Saturday, 05 November 2005 at Hunter Temple AME Church, Paarl - the Reverend William N. Ross is the Pastor. Condolences can be send to the Reverend Didloff: Gdidloff@pgwc.gov.za
Regards, Reverend Nathan M. Titus
Please remember these families in your prayers.
11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Regretfully we share news of the passing of The Reverend Brian Spann, spouse of Mrs. Laurie Spann and Pastor of Alexander Memorial AME Church, Atlanta North Georgia Conference, 6th Episcopal District, African Methodist Episcopal Church, Bishop William P. DeVeaux, Presiding Bishop.
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Laurie Spann
3561 Lochwolde Lane
Snellville, GA 30039
770-981-7368 (Phone)
Or to:
Alexander Memorial AME Church
287 Augusta Avenue Atlanta, GA 30315
404-627-4429 (Phone)
Funeral arrangements are incomplete.
Please remember the family in your prayers.
12. BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action Clergy Family Information Center
Mrs. Ora L. Easley - Administrator Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
(Nashville, Tennessee Contact) Phone: (615) 837-9736 Fax: (615) 833-3781
(Memphis, Tennessee Contact) (901) 578-4554 (Phone & Fax)
Please remember these families in your prayers.
13. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of the Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement
10/31/2005
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (10/31/05)
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (10/31/05)
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. HONOR THY MOTHER - "ROSA PARKS, QUIET STRENGTH, AND WILL OF STEEL":
By Stephanie and Eric Stradford
October 31, 2005, Montgomery, AL – Three girls stood ominously in the shadows of the 8,000 or so visitors who dropped by St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church here. Only a few of us actually saw them, even though millions more watched via live television. We gazed into the wooden coffin for a last look at the church deaconess whose place in history will forever be marked by something a nation failed to achieve.
Elaine Steele, co-founder of the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute of Detroit “willed” or “hoped for” an image of Mother’s value. The late Dr. C. DeLores Tucker spoke will into being in 1990 when the nation ceremoniously anointed and appointed Dr. Rosa Parks the Mother of the Modern Day Civil Rights Movement. “I thought that lady died a long time ago,” said a grocery store employee. “I hadn’t heard anything about her in years.”
The little known American Value, “quiet strength” is not likely to be traded on the NASDAQ, legislated in the statehouse, or even judged by the unworthy. This American value sat on a pew in church, then on a bus, and now among the saints honored on All Saints Day—that little known value that follows the Eve of All Hallows.
The Rt. Reverend T. Larry Kirkland, presiding bishop of AME Churches across Alabama joined Pastor Joseph “Joe” Rembert to comfort a nation of mourners in our clumsy attempt to honor thy Mother. The Rt. Reverend Carolyn Tyler Guidry, chair of the AME Church’s Commission on Social Actions joined hands with Dr. Joseph Lowry, President Emeritus, Southern Christian Leadership Conference, The Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Founder and President, Rainbow/Push Coalition, and NAACP Chief Executive Officer Bruce S. Gordon, for a moment of prayerful empowerment—prayer changes things.
“We shall overcome,” the familiar “fight song” for American Civil Rights still sings of an unborn hope. There is still no guarantee of “Voting Rights” for African Americans even today. Ideals and practices of oppression inbred in sons of the confederacy fester still beneath an unleveled playing field. The thought of revisiting the 381 day Montgomery Bus Boycott haunts the empowered as well as the oppressed on this Eve of All Hallows. Alabama Governor Robert Riley perhaps set the tone for the nation when he ordered all flags in Alabama to be flown at half-mast. “We shall overcome,” though not yet real, is becoming a shared value for a lot more folks.
The “quiet strength” witnessed during Mother Park’s transition revisits a deferred American value and forces our nation to the "table of reconciliation." Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Jr. Ecumenical Officer of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Commission on Social Actions committed themselves and their access to 3.5 million historically disadvantaged Americans to a 381-day timeline for healing America. “The Commission on Social Action of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is committed to preserving the legacy of Rosa Parks as we approach the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of her arrest. Her legacy of service and commitment to personal justice will be the inspiration for us to continue to struggle to maintain the freedoms gained by her efforts, and to fight to eliminate those injustices that remain in our society,” said Tyler-Guidry.
Pastor Joe Rembert and St. Paul AME Church, Montgomery is already ushering in the 50th Anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott through their nearly flawless valuation of “quiet strength.” Brother Harvey Monroe “stewarded” the St. Paul AME family as they “carried out the spirit of the Free African Society.”
Thousands stood with the lady who sat in Mother’s seat. Elaine Steele was but a 16 year old when she met Mother Parks at the Stockton Sewing Company in Detroit. Her seat of honor was most appropriate.
Three young girls came quietly just after midnight. “No one knows who they were or from where they came,” said Mark T. Kerrin, President, ESPWorld SecureNet, Mrs. Parks’ personal bodyguard. “She was maybe 7 or 8 years old. She stood with two other young ladies as the last visitors,” he said. “She looked back as she walked past a pew where Mrs. Parks had sat in worship. “The three walk out of the sanctuary and into the night. No one saw where they went,” said Pastor Rembert. “No one knew who they were.”
Like the lady who sat on a bus, their quiet moment ushered in a spirit of reconciliation for empowered and disenfranchised Americans alike.
The movement is simply to Honor Thy Mother. The socioeconomic action is a 381-day timeline starting December 1, 2005 in recognition of the 50th anniversary of Mrs. Parks' arrest and the Montgomery Bus Boycott. This commemoration will also celebrate her life's work with young people through the Rosa & Raymond Parks Institute for Self-Development.
Submitted by Brother Eric and Sister Stephanie Stradford
Free African Society
FAS2,
2. LETTER TO THE EDITOR:
Dear Editor
I was happier than David was when he was invited to the house of the Lord on Saturday morning, when I was on my way to Manhica - 70 km from my home in Maputo. I was going to Manhica for the memorial service of Sister Amelia’s brother who died six months ago. He was a member of the William Philips DeVeaux AME Church, where I am Pastor.
It was a rainy and I had purchased “Savana,” a seminary, newspaper. The trip was so quiet and peaceful and I had a refreshing time reading the newspaper.
In that experience, I found something that filled me with joy when I turned to the last page of Savana, there was a picture of a woman on the bus, that was the only picture on that page I read the title and there was a amazing thing in that title. It said, “The mother of Civil Rights Movement died this week.”
He reporter made a brief comment about mother Rosa Parks, but in my heart, I felt something different. An old man who sat by me saw me smiling, and, asked, “Did you know her?” I said no.
The man didn’t respond and kept quiet for a long period, and I surmised that there must have been something going on in his mind, because it is not everyday on a bus or train that a persons sees a young man looking at a picture of an old woman, and in this case, seated on a bus, smiling. I hoped that he did not think that I was not in my right mind.
Five minutes after his question I turned to him proudly I said, “The woman in the picture was a member of my Church!”
It occurs to me, “Yes, there was something that we have in common, no matter where we live and that is, we are AMEs.
Dionisio Joao Mazuze
Coca Cola, Sabco Mocambique
Performance Finance
tel: 258 21 400190
fax;258 21 400375
cell:258 82 3551600
av. OUA nº 270 P.O.Box 1441
email: dmazuze@ccs.co.za
email 2: dmazuze@yahoo.com
3. BISHOP JOHN HURST ADAMS AND DR. DOLLY DESSELLE ADAMS’ VISIT TO LIBERIA:
On Friday, August 19, 2005, SN Brussels Airline Flight – touched down at the Roberts International Airport (RIA) Liberia, and among the passengers disembarking were retired senior Bishop of the AME Church, the Rt. Rev. John Hurst Adams and his wife Dr. Dolly Desselle Adams. They were visiting Liberia as the guests of Bishop and Mrs. David R. Daniels, Jr., presiding prelate of the 14th Episcopal District, Liberia Annual Conference, Dr. Levi B. Zangai, President of AME University, and the AME University faculty staff and students.
The arrival of Bishop and Dr. Adams to Liberia was unique in many ways. First, this was their first visit to Liberia and the 14th Episcopal District, since Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr., was assigned as the presiding prelate to the 14th Episcopal District. Second, Dr. Dolly Desselle Adams arrived in Liberia on her birthday, and they spent their 49th Wedding Anniversary in Africa, thus breaking an old family tradition. Third, Bishop Adams delivered the Sixth Commencement Convocation Address of the AME University, where both he and his wife, Dr. Dolly D. Adams were given honorary doctoral degrees. The visit of Bishop and Dr. Adams commenced with a Thanksgiving Service on Friday, August 19, 2005.
On Sunday, August 21, 2005, Bishop and Dr. Adams were given a surprise reception in honor of their 49th Wedding Anniversary and to honor Dr. Dolly D. Adams’ Birthday celebration in Africa. Bishop and Mrs. David R. Daniels, Jr. the AME Church family, President Levi B. Zangai and the AME University family, hosted the reception.
The Adams’ were thrilled by the cultural performances and a Christian dance group comprised of kids and speeches.
During the occasion, Dr. Adams was gowned Honorary Chief by the AME University, and both Bishop Adams and his wife were showered with many gifts, as an expression of the love, admiration, and appreciation from all of the components of the Church, including the AME University family and Bishop and Mrs. David R. Daniels, Jr. Among the many dignitaries who graced the occasion were His Excellency Wesley Momo Johnson, Vice Chairman, national Transitional Government of Liberia, Dr. Charles Clarke, Member of the national Transitional Legislative Assembly, and the Mayor of the City of Monrovia, the Honorary Ophelia Hoff-Saytumah.
The trip to Liberia continued on Tuesday, August 23, 2005 with their participation in the Sixth Commencement Convocation of the AME University. During the commencement, the degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred on the Rt. Rev. John Hurst Adams, and the degree of Doctor of Humanity was conferred on Dr. Dolly Desselle Adams.
Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr., Chairman, AMEU Board of Trustees and the Administration of the AME University climaxed the Adams’ visit with a sumptuous luncheon in their honor.
Bishop and Dr. Adams expressed delight in being able to visit Liberia and said that they had no regrets in spending their 49th Wedding Anniversary in Liberia. They expressed their pleasure at the superb work being done by Bishop and Mrs. Daniels and promised to partner with them and the 14th Episcopal District.
Bishop Dr. John Hurst Adams declared himself an alumnus of the AME University and said that in matters relating to the AME University, he will speak “like a lion and not like a rabbit.”
Bishop and Mrs. Adams left Liberia on Wednesday, August 24, 2005, bringing to an end, a very cordial visit.
Submitted by the Reverend Tarkolo Miller
4. THE 14th EPISCOPAL DISTRICT AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH REVISED DEDICATION CELEBRATION SCHEDULE FEBRUARY 12 - MARCH 1, 2006 IN MONROVIA, LIBERIA, WEST AFRICA:
I. Sunday, February 12- Friday, 17: Pre-dedication Citywide Revival Bethel AME Church;
II. Sunday, February 19: Arrival of Overseas Guests from the United States;
III. Sunday – Tuesday, February 20-21: Rest and Relaxation Day for the Guest (to recoup from travel fatigue);
IV. Wednesday, February 22: Arrival of Honored Overseas Guests from the United States of America;
V. Thursday, February 23: Dedication of Bishop Richard F. Norris Administration Building Headquarter of the 14th Episcopal District with Bishop Richard F. Norris – Chief Celebrant at 10:30 AM;
Formal Welcome Reception & Luncheon for Guests at 12:00 Noon;
Formal Worship Service with Bishop John R. Bryant as Preacher at 5:00 PM;
VI. Friday, February 24: Induction of Dr. Levi B. Zangai, President of AME University and the Lunching of AMEU Endowment Fund, with Bishop C. Garrett Henning, Sr. as Preacher and Bishop Vashti M. McKenzie as Chief Celebrant at 9:30 AM;
Induction Luncheon & Cultural Event for Honored Guests at 2:00 PM;
Free time for Rest and Relaxation at 4:00 PM;
VII. Saturday, February 25: Half-day work at Jordan Agricultural Institute soon, to be Agricultural College for AME University at 7:30 AM (Please bring your jeans along with working clothes/shoes);
VIII. Sunday, February 26: All Bishops and General Officers will be assigned to preach at varies AME Churches in the Liberia Annual Conference at 9:00 AM;
IX. Sunday, February 26: Dedication of “Hatcher, Henning, Norris Human Resource Center” Bishop Philip Cousin, Sr., Senior Bishop of the AME Church, will be the Preacher and Chief Celebrant of the Dedicatory Service at 12:30 PM;
X. Sunday, February 27: Departure of our Honored Overseas Guests for the United States;
XI. Wednesday, March 1: Departure of our honored overseas guests for the United States.
5. UPDATE ON SEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT AME CHURCH/DJJ PARTNERSHIP:
Almost four months ago, Monday July 11th 2005 Bishop Williams’ 7th District of the AME Church signed a historic Memorandum of Agreement with Governor Mark Sanford’s South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) whereby these two organizations partnered in a collective effort to provide South Carolina's at-risk youth with support and services designed to maximize their potential as positive and productive members of the larger South Carolinian society.
"One of the direct aims of our AME Church is to reach the people of God who are most in need in our society,” states presiding Bishop Preston Warren Williams II. "The Beauty of this agreement is that it extends beyond cultural boundaries and across generational lines to uplift the young people of South Carolina. Furthermore, in connecting divine faith with economic support the 7th District of the AME Church and the SC DJJ will improve the lives of many of our community's families here in South Carolina and ultimately throughout the nation and world."
The Memorandum of Agreement proposed the following efforts:
1. The 7th Episcopal District, which encompasses over 600 churches statewide, will assist the DJJ in creating additional After School Centers for at-risk youth throughout South Carolina with a particular focus on rural areas.
2. One full-time and one part-time DJJ staff member from the DJJ Division of Community Services will work directly with the AME Bishop's Office to assist in the coordination of all joint ventures as well to chair an advisory council of AME and DJJ officials.
3. The 7th Episcopal District will assist in the recruiting of between 5 to 7 volunteers from each of the six AME Districts throughout the state who will work with the DJJ staff in the guidance of youth who are on probation or parole.
4. The 7th Episcopal District will assist the DJJ in obtaining funds to create new and augment existing delinquency programs and services.
Since the signing of that agreement Joe Benton has been placed as the full-time liaison to the 7th District AME Church to plan and coordinate activities that will positively affect the lives of South Carolina’s at-risk youth. To date the AME - DJJ partnership has helped to recruit 30 new Auxiliary Probation Officers from AME churches in Charleston, Orangeburg, Greenville, York, Florence and Richland counties. These officers will carry caseloads while working closely with DJJ staff. Progress is also being made in opening additional teen after school centers at AME churches throughout South Carolina. Mr. Benton is also developing an advisory council of AME and DJJ representatives.
For more information contact:
Joe Benton
803.935.0500
Submitted by:
Benjamin Harrison
Public Relations Director
7th District AME Church
Tel 803.935.0500
Cell 803.528.7104
Fax 803.935.0830
HarrisonAMEMedia@aol.com
6. THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER QUIZ:
All three questions must be answered fully within 24 hours of the posting of this issue.
The Challenge
- Name four bishops who were the sons of General Officers
- Name four General Officers who served in two different General Officer positions
- Names the General Officers and their positions who were elected to the Episcopacy.
The Prize: The book about Bishop D. Ward Nichols authored by Jeanette T. Johns, a retired librarian from Farmingdale, NY entitled, “The Upward Journey: A Centenarian's Chronicle.”
Previous winners can select a one-year subscription to any AME periodical. Winners subscribed to all of the periodical will be given additional choices of books in the AMEC Bookstore.
7. SAINT JAMES AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH IS HOSTING A WOMEN’S NIGHT REVIVAL:
On Friday, November 4, 2005, 7:00 p.m., Saint James African Methodist Episcopal Church is hosting a Women’s Night Revival. The theme for this uplifting, empowering, spirit filled service is “The Bold, the Beautiful and the Blessed Woman of God.”
We have invited three anointed women of God to bring forth the word of God. If you are a woman or a man, you will find these messages to be poignant, pertinent, and positive. (Yes, we are making this service open to everyone who desires to hear the word of God.)
Listed below are the topics and speakers of the worship service.
The Bold Woman of God
Sister Doris Coffey
Exhorter at Historic Saint Paul A.M.E. Church, Lexington, Kentucky
The Beautiful Woman of God
Evangelist Roselyn Hendrickson
Associate Minister at Bethel Harvest Church, Lexington, Kentucky
The Blessed Woman of God
Reverend Veta Steward
Associate Minister at Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church, Lexington, Kentucky
If you have any questions please contact Reverend Antonio Q Stuckey at (home) 859- 231-9435 or (cell) 859-221-7101.
In Christian Fellowship
Reverend Antonio Q. Stuckey and the members of Saint James A.M.E Church
Cynthiana, Kentucky.
8. SEARCHES UNDERWAY FOR TWO NCC COMMUNICATION POSTS:
Your help is requested to find outstanding candidates for two positions on the Communication Commission's staff in New York. The posts are for Technical Services Manager and Director of Media Relations and Web Editor. Both have an application deadline of November 28. Hopefully, the successful candidates will be on the job early in 2006.
We thank several Commission committee chairs -- Ed Cimafonte (Episcopal Church), Paul Edison-Swift (ELCA), and John Brooks (ELCA) -- for their help in shaping the descriptions on which the searches are based.
These and other employment opportunities with the Council are on the web at http://www.ncccusa.org/jobs/jobshome.html. Please forward these position descriptions to persons you feel would make strong contributions to our work together.
9. RELIGIOUS PUNDITS:
Protestants Give Ever-Smaller Share of Income to Church Causes
Debra E. Blum, in the current issue of Chronicle of Philanthropy, reports that Protestants are donating a smaller and smaller share of their after-tax incomes to churches. That finding is from a new report by Empty Tomb, an Illinois religious research group, based on data collected annually by the NCC for our Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches. It includes giving patterns of nearly 30 million Protestant church members.
The report says, "The main decline has come in the form of gifts to church-run charitable activities, which, as a percentage of take-home pay, dropped to a 36-year low. An analysis of 146,000 Protestant congregations shows that in 2003 -- the latest year for which data are available -- church members gave an average of 2.6 percent of their income to churches, marking the second year of decline."
Church members gave, on average, just under $683 each to their churches in 2003, a drop from the previous year, after adjusting for inflation. Of the total contribution, the amount earmarked to meet a congregation's own financial needs, such as building maintenance and salaries, edged up slightly. Congregation members gave an average of 0.38 percent of their incomes to "benevolences," or gifts to support church-related missions, education, and social services. That proportion is the lowest share since data collection began in 1968, when church members gave 0.66 percent of their incomes for church-run charitable programs.
"The canary in the coal mine is gasping," says Sylvia Ronsvalle, co-founder of Empty Tomb. She points out that the decline in church giving as a share of income and, particularly, the drop in support for activities outside the church may be troubling trends for the entire nonprofit world. Religious groups receive the biggest share of all donations each year.
She says one indicator that churches may not be focusing enough on a key philanthropic value -- altruism -- is a shift over the past century away from spending church donations on efforts abroad. Empty Tomb's own survey of 28 Protestant denominations found that for every dollar donated to a congregation, denominations spent two cents on overseas missions. Similar data from the 1920s, Empty Tomb's report says, show denominations spending seven cents on every dollar on such efforts.
"It looks like philanthropy is being reinterpreted as giving to things that benefit you," Ms. Ronsvalle says, "not to things outside yourself, things that demonstrate true altruism."
Further data from the study is on the web. Copies of the report, "The State of Church Giving Through 2003," are available for $28 each, plus shipping charges, from
Empty Tomb,
301 North Fourth Street,
P.O. Box 2404,
Champaign, Ill. 61824-2404;
(217) 356-9519.
10. WORLD METHODIST EVANGELISM INSTITUTE ANNOUNCEMENT25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS IN 2007
We are extremely pleased to announce and invite all Methodists/Wesleyans worldwide to participate in our Institute's 25th Anniversary Celebrations in 2007 in three ways below. This is the next worldwide evangelism celebration following the 2006 World Methodist Conference in Korea. In 25 years, we have trained evangelists in over 120 countries. Join us in this celebration.
ATTEND THE EIGHTH INTERNATIONAL EVANGELISM SEMINAR IN ATLANTA IN 2007.
All worldwide Methodist/Wesleyan conferences and districts are invited to send lay and clergy delegates to the upcoming World Methodist 8th International Evangelism Seminar in Atlanta, from June 19-27, 2007. Three hundred world evangelists and world leaders are expected. CEU credits for pastors and academic credit for seminary students will be available. Please advertise this conference to your district pastors and lay persons. Registration forms will be sent out later.
ORGANIZE PRE-SEMINAR AND/OR POST-SEMINAR EVANGELISTIC MISSIONS IN JUNE 2007
Methodist/Wesleyan conferences/districts in the United States are invited to organize pre- and post-seminar evangelistic missions and invite one or more of our 8th International Evangelism Seminar evangelist(s) to come and preach/teach in evangelistic events in their region, either June 15-18, 2007 or June 28-July 2, 2007. We envision, for example, that UMC, AME, NAZARENE, CME, FREE METHODIST, AME ZION, WESLEYAN annual conferences could together organize such missions in their city/region, and fully sponsor the invited 8th international Methodist/Wesleyan evangelist(s). Click here to register interest or you may reply by email.CHURCHES SPONSOR INTERNATIONAL EVANGELISTS
Individual North American Methodist/Wesleyan churches and members also have the option to sponsor international evangelists coming to this 8th International Evangelism Seminar. It will be a time of great excitement, evangelism training, witnessing, preaching, and learning with the world Methodist family. These sponsoring churches/individuals may or may not invite their sponsored evangelists to come and preach/teach in their churches. Interested churches/individuals may click here or reply to this email.
If you or members of your conference/district/church have further questions about this time of celebration please contact us by return e-mail at wmei@emory.edu or by fax at 404-727-5236, or click here to request further information. We will gladly contact you directly.
We pray for you and your ministry.
Dr. Winston O. R. WorrellDirectorWorld Methodist Evangelism Institute of the World Methodist Council1703 Clifton Road, F-3, Atlanta, GA 30329Tel. 404-727-6344, Fax. 404-727-5236
Website: www.wmei.wsFax: 404-727-5236
11. BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Sarah Rhoades. She was the sister of Rev. David Randolph, pastor of Bethel AMEC, Kennett Square and Rev. Rachel Scott, retired pastor of Wesley AMEC, Swarthmore. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing – Monday, October 31, 2005
9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Mt. Zion Greater Harvest Ministry IND #2
2501 North Market Street
Wilmington, DE 19802
Funeral – Monday, October 31, 2005
Service – 11:00 a.m.
Mt. Zion Greater Harvest Ministry IND #2
See above address
Dawn S. Christopher, Prophet
Phone: 302-762-5651 ext. 3
Condolences may be sent to:
Ms. Gwen Rhoades (daughter)
5336 Wakefield Street
Philadelphia, PA 19144
Please keep the family of Mrs. Sarah Rhoades in your prayers.
12. BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Regretfully we share news of the passing of Sis. Ulma McCormick (widow of the late Dr. B. L. McCormick) on Wednesday, October 26, 2005.
Sister McCormick was a dedicated and faithful member of Baker Chapel AME Church, Fort Worth, Texas where Dr. McCormick was Pastor for more than 25 years.
Funeral:
Wednesday, November 3, 2005
11:00 AM
Baker Chapel AME Church
1050 East Humbolt Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
(817) 336-5326 (Phone)
(817) 334-8857 (Fax)
Rev. Walter R. McDonald, Pastor
Funeral services have been entrusted to:
Historic Baker Funeral Home
301 East Rosedale Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
(817) 332-4468 (Phone)
(817) 339-1443 (Fax)Condolences may be sent c/o of the Family of Mrs. Ulma McCormick to the above addresses.
Or
The Family of Mrs. Ulma McCormick
1312 Illinois Avenue
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
(817) 336-1951 (Phone)
Please remember the family of Sis. McCormick in your prayers.
13. A KENTUCKY ANNUAL CONFERENCE ICON, EMMA M. GARNER, HAS PASSED:
GARNER, Emma M., 87, widow of Charles L. "Chris" Garner passed on Thurs., Oct. 27, 2005, at St. Joseph Hospice Care Center. She was a native of Fayette County, born Dec. 8, 1917 to the late Reece and Lue Ella Miller. She attended Lexington Public Schools, a 1935 graduate of Douglas High School. She was Salutatorian and last living member of her senior class. She joined St. Paul AME Church at an early age under Rev. George A. Singleton and served faithfully until her health declined. She served her church in many capacities; Superintendent of Sunday School (27 years), President of Missionary Society (9 years), Area Chairman No. 3 of the Kentucky Conference (13 years), Life Member of Missionary Society, Vice President Senior Usher Board, Treasurer Stewardess Board No 3, Layman Organization, and twice a delegate to the General Conference. She was also a member of the Church Women United, American War Mothers Dora Miller Chapter, a founding member and President of Zeta Amicae, in addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by a daughter Evelyn. She leaves to cherish her memory six children; Helen White of Lexington, KY, Barbara Gamer of Harvey, LA, Charles L. Garner, Jr. of Louisville, KY, Thelma (William) Emerson, III of Lexington, KY, Teresa (Roy) Coleman of Gretna, LA, and Beverly (Gary) Jones of San Diego, CA.; twelve grandchildren; Alvinus (Carman White, Jr., Stephanie (Calvin) Samuels, Jeannette (Charles) Jackson, Keith (Kristie) Garner, Kimberly (Albert) Terhune, Andre (Rhonda) White, Denise Emerson, Tihisha (Troy) Rawlings, Tameel (David) Benders, Kareem Garner, Damaja Jones, Bianca Jones, Thirteen great -grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, two brothers; Charles (Anna) Miller, and Robert (Carrie) Miller, two sisters; Helen Shelby and Nancy Miller all of Lexington, KY, a host of cousins, nephews, nieces and friends, and many adopted children. Visitation Tues. Nov. 1, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at St. Paul AME Church, 251 N. Upper St. Memorial Services Weds., Nov. 2 at 1:00 pm. Smith & Smith in charge of arrangements.
Editor’s Note: I have known Sister Garner since 1966 when I went to my first pastoral appointment in 1966 at Shorter Chapel AME Church in Paris, Kentucky. Her smile and encouraging words were an inspiration to my wife, the Reverend Charlotte Blake Sydnor and me.
14. BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action Clergy Family Information Center
Mrs. Ora L. Easley - Administrator Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
(Nashville, Tennessee Contact) Phone: (615) 837-9736 Fax: (615) 833-3781
(Memphis, Tennessee Contact) (901) 578-4554 (Phone & Fax)
Please remember these families in your prayers.
15. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of the Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement
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. HONOR THY MOTHER - "ROSA PARKS, QUIET STRENGTH, AND WILL OF STEEL":
By Stephanie and Eric Stradford
October 31, 2005, Montgomery, AL – Three girls stood ominously in the shadows of the 8,000 or so visitors who dropped by St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church here. Only a few of us actually saw them, even though millions more watched via live television. We gazed into the wooden coffin for a last look at the church deaconess whose place in history will forever be marked by something a nation failed to achieve.
Elaine Steele, co-founder of the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute of Detroit “willed” or “hoped for” an image of Mother’s value. The late Dr. C. DeLores Tucker spoke will into being in 1990 when the nation ceremoniously anointed and appointed Dr. Rosa Parks the Mother of the Modern Day Civil Rights Movement. “I thought that lady died a long time ago,” said a grocery store employee. “I hadn’t heard anything about her in years.”
The little known American Value, “quiet strength” is not likely to be traded on the NASDAQ, legislated in the statehouse, or even judged by the unworthy. This American value sat on a pew in church, then on a bus, and now among the saints honored on All Saints Day—that little known value that follows the Eve of All Hallows.
The Rt. Reverend T. Larry Kirkland, presiding bishop of AME Churches across Alabama joined Pastor Joseph “Joe” Rembert to comfort a nation of mourners in our clumsy attempt to honor thy Mother. The Rt. Reverend Carolyn Tyler Guidry, chair of the AME Church’s Commission on Social Actions joined hands with Dr. Joseph Lowry, President Emeritus, Southern Christian Leadership Conference, The Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Founder and President, Rainbow/Push Coalition, and NAACP Chief Executive Officer Bruce S. Gordon, for a moment of prayerful empowerment—prayer changes things.
“We shall overcome,” the familiar “fight song” for American Civil Rights still sings of an unborn hope. There is still no guarantee of “Voting Rights” for African Americans even today. Ideals and practices of oppression inbred in sons of the confederacy fester still beneath an unleveled playing field. The thought of revisiting the 381 day Montgomery Bus Boycott haunts the empowered as well as the oppressed on this Eve of All Hallows. Alabama Governor Robert Riley perhaps set the tone for the nation when he ordered all flags in Alabama to be flown at half-mast. “We shall overcome,” though not yet real, is becoming a shared value for a lot more folks.
The “quiet strength” witnessed during Mother Park’s transition revisits a deferred American value and forces our nation to the "table of reconciliation." Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Jr. Ecumenical Officer of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Commission on Social Actions committed themselves and their access to 3.5 million historically disadvantaged Americans to a 381-day timeline for healing America. “The Commission on Social Action of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is committed to preserving the legacy of Rosa Parks as we approach the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of her arrest. Her legacy of service and commitment to personal justice will be the inspiration for us to continue to struggle to maintain the freedoms gained by her efforts, and to fight to eliminate those injustices that remain in our society,” said Tyler-Guidry.
Pastor Joe Rembert and St. Paul AME Church, Montgomery is already ushering in the 50th Anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott through their nearly flawless valuation of “quiet strength.” Brother Harvey Monroe “stewarded” the St. Paul AME family as they “carried out the spirit of the Free African Society.”
Thousands stood with the lady who sat in Mother’s seat. Elaine Steele was but a 16 year old when she met Mother Parks at the Stockton Sewing Company in Detroit. Her seat of honor was most appropriate.
Three young girls came quietly just after midnight. “No one knows who they were or from where they came,” said Mark T. Kerrin, President, ESPWorld SecureNet, Mrs. Parks’ personal bodyguard. “She was maybe 7 or 8 years old. She stood with two other young ladies as the last visitors,” he said. “She looked back as she walked past a pew where Mrs. Parks had sat in worship. “The three walk out of the sanctuary and into the night. No one saw where they went,” said Pastor Rembert. “No one knew who they were.”
Like the lady who sat on a bus, their quiet moment ushered in a spirit of reconciliation for empowered and disenfranchised Americans alike.
The movement is simply to Honor Thy Mother. The socioeconomic action is a 381-day timeline starting December 1, 2005 in recognition of the 50th anniversary of Mrs. Parks' arrest and the Montgomery Bus Boycott. This commemoration will also celebrate her life's work with young people through the Rosa & Raymond Parks Institute for Self-Development.
Submitted by Brother Eric and Sister Stephanie Stradford
Free African Society
FAS2,
2. LETTER TO THE EDITOR:
Dear Editor
I was happier than David was when he was invited to the house of the Lord on Saturday morning, when I was on my way to Manhica - 70 km from my home in Maputo. I was going to Manhica for the memorial service of Sister Amelia’s brother who died six months ago. He was a member of the William Philips DeVeaux AME Church, where I am Pastor.
It was a rainy and I had purchased “Savana,” a seminary, newspaper. The trip was so quiet and peaceful and I had a refreshing time reading the newspaper.
In that experience, I found something that filled me with joy when I turned to the last page of Savana, there was a picture of a woman on the bus, that was the only picture on that page I read the title and there was a amazing thing in that title. It said, “The mother of Civil Rights Movement died this week.”
He reporter made a brief comment about mother Rosa Parks, but in my heart, I felt something different. An old man who sat by me saw me smiling, and, asked, “Did you know her?” I said no.
The man didn’t respond and kept quiet for a long period, and I surmised that there must have been something going on in his mind, because it is not everyday on a bus or train that a persons sees a young man looking at a picture of an old woman, and in this case, seated on a bus, smiling. I hoped that he did not think that I was not in my right mind.
Five minutes after his question I turned to him proudly I said, “The woman in the picture was a member of my Church!”
It occurs to me, “Yes, there was something that we have in common, no matter where we live and that is, we are AMEs.
Dionisio Joao Mazuze
Coca Cola, Sabco Mocambique
Performance Finance
tel: 258 21 400190
fax;258 21 400375
cell:258 82 3551600
av. OUA nº 270 P.O.Box 1441
email: dmazuze@ccs.co.za
email 2: dmazuze@yahoo.com
3. BISHOP JOHN HURST ADAMS AND DR. DOLLY DESSELLE ADAMS’ VISIT TO LIBERIA:
On Friday, August 19, 2005, SN Brussels Airline Flight – touched down at the Roberts International Airport (RIA) Liberia, and among the passengers disembarking were retired senior Bishop of the AME Church, the Rt. Rev. John Hurst Adams and his wife Dr. Dolly Desselle Adams. They were visiting Liberia as the guests of Bishop and Mrs. David R. Daniels, Jr., presiding prelate of the 14th Episcopal District, Liberia Annual Conference, Dr. Levi B. Zangai, President of AME University, and the AME University faculty staff and students.
The arrival of Bishop and Dr. Adams to Liberia was unique in many ways. First, this was their first visit to Liberia and the 14th Episcopal District, since Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr., was assigned as the presiding prelate to the 14th Episcopal District. Second, Dr. Dolly Desselle Adams arrived in Liberia on her birthday, and they spent their 49th Wedding Anniversary in Africa, thus breaking an old family tradition. Third, Bishop Adams delivered the Sixth Commencement Convocation Address of the AME University, where both he and his wife, Dr. Dolly D. Adams were given honorary doctoral degrees. The visit of Bishop and Dr. Adams commenced with a Thanksgiving Service on Friday, August 19, 2005.
On Sunday, August 21, 2005, Bishop and Dr. Adams were given a surprise reception in honor of their 49th Wedding Anniversary and to honor Dr. Dolly D. Adams’ Birthday celebration in Africa. Bishop and Mrs. David R. Daniels, Jr. the AME Church family, President Levi B. Zangai and the AME University family, hosted the reception.
The Adams’ were thrilled by the cultural performances and a Christian dance group comprised of kids and speeches.
During the occasion, Dr. Adams was gowned Honorary Chief by the AME University, and both Bishop Adams and his wife were showered with many gifts, as an expression of the love, admiration, and appreciation from all of the components of the Church, including the AME University family and Bishop and Mrs. David R. Daniels, Jr. Among the many dignitaries who graced the occasion were His Excellency Wesley Momo Johnson, Vice Chairman, national Transitional Government of Liberia, Dr. Charles Clarke, Member of the national Transitional Legislative Assembly, and the Mayor of the City of Monrovia, the Honorary Ophelia Hoff-Saytumah.
The trip to Liberia continued on Tuesday, August 23, 2005 with their participation in the Sixth Commencement Convocation of the AME University. During the commencement, the degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred on the Rt. Rev. John Hurst Adams, and the degree of Doctor of Humanity was conferred on Dr. Dolly Desselle Adams.
Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr., Chairman, AMEU Board of Trustees and the Administration of the AME University climaxed the Adams’ visit with a sumptuous luncheon in their honor.
Bishop and Dr. Adams expressed delight in being able to visit Liberia and said that they had no regrets in spending their 49th Wedding Anniversary in Liberia. They expressed their pleasure at the superb work being done by Bishop and Mrs. Daniels and promised to partner with them and the 14th Episcopal District.
Bishop Dr. John Hurst Adams declared himself an alumnus of the AME University and said that in matters relating to the AME University, he will speak “like a lion and not like a rabbit.”
Bishop and Mrs. Adams left Liberia on Wednesday, August 24, 2005, bringing to an end, a very cordial visit.
Submitted by the Reverend Tarkolo Miller
4. THE 14th EPISCOPAL DISTRICT AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH REVISED DEDICATION CELEBRATION SCHEDULE FEBRUARY 12 - MARCH 1, 2006 IN MONROVIA, LIBERIA, WEST AFRICA:
I. Sunday, February 12- Friday, 17: Pre-dedication Citywide Revival Bethel AME Church;
II. Sunday, February 19: Arrival of Overseas Guests from the United States;
III. Sunday – Tuesday, February 20-21: Rest and Relaxation Day for the Guest (to recoup from travel fatigue);
IV. Wednesday, February 22: Arrival of Honored Overseas Guests from the United States of America;
V. Thursday, February 23: Dedication of Bishop Richard F. Norris Administration Building Headquarter of the 14th Episcopal District with Bishop Richard F. Norris – Chief Celebrant at 10:30 AM;
Formal Welcome Reception & Luncheon for Guests at 12:00 Noon;
Formal Worship Service with Bishop John R. Bryant as Preacher at 5:00 PM;
VI. Friday, February 24: Induction of Dr. Levi B. Zangai, President of AME University and the Lunching of AMEU Endowment Fund, with Bishop C. Garrett Henning, Sr. as Preacher and Bishop Vashti M. McKenzie as Chief Celebrant at 9:30 AM;
Induction Luncheon & Cultural Event for Honored Guests at 2:00 PM;
Free time for Rest and Relaxation at 4:00 PM;
VII. Saturday, February 25: Half-day work at Jordan Agricultural Institute soon, to be Agricultural College for AME University at 7:30 AM (Please bring your jeans along with working clothes/shoes);
VIII. Sunday, February 26: All Bishops and General Officers will be assigned to preach at varies AME Churches in the Liberia Annual Conference at 9:00 AM;
IX. Sunday, February 26: Dedication of “Hatcher, Henning, Norris Human Resource Center” Bishop Philip Cousin, Sr., Senior Bishop of the AME Church, will be the Preacher and Chief Celebrant of the Dedicatory Service at 12:30 PM;
X. Sunday, February 27: Departure of our Honored Overseas Guests for the United States;
XI. Wednesday, March 1: Departure of our honored overseas guests for the United States.
5. UPDATE ON SEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT AME CHURCH/DJJ PARTNERSHIP:
Almost four months ago, Monday July 11th 2005 Bishop Williams’ 7th District of the AME Church signed a historic Memorandum of Agreement with Governor Mark Sanford’s South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) whereby these two organizations partnered in a collective effort to provide South Carolina's at-risk youth with support and services designed to maximize their potential as positive and productive members of the larger South Carolinian society.
"One of the direct aims of our AME Church is to reach the people of God who are most in need in our society,” states presiding Bishop Preston Warren Williams II. "The Beauty of this agreement is that it extends beyond cultural boundaries and across generational lines to uplift the young people of South Carolina. Furthermore, in connecting divine faith with economic support the 7th District of the AME Church and the SC DJJ will improve the lives of many of our community's families here in South Carolina and ultimately throughout the nation and world."
The Memorandum of Agreement proposed the following efforts:
1. The 7th Episcopal District, which encompasses over 600 churches statewide, will assist the DJJ in creating additional After School Centers for at-risk youth throughout South Carolina with a particular focus on rural areas.
2. One full-time and one part-time DJJ staff member from the DJJ Division of Community Services will work directly with the AME Bishop's Office to assist in the coordination of all joint ventures as well to chair an advisory council of AME and DJJ officials.
3. The 7th Episcopal District will assist in the recruiting of between 5 to 7 volunteers from each of the six AME Districts throughout the state who will work with the DJJ staff in the guidance of youth who are on probation or parole.
4. The 7th Episcopal District will assist the DJJ in obtaining funds to create new and augment existing delinquency programs and services.
Since the signing of that agreement Joe Benton has been placed as the full-time liaison to the 7th District AME Church to plan and coordinate activities that will positively affect the lives of South Carolina’s at-risk youth. To date the AME - DJJ partnership has helped to recruit 30 new Auxiliary Probation Officers from AME churches in Charleston, Orangeburg, Greenville, York, Florence and Richland counties. These officers will carry caseloads while working closely with DJJ staff. Progress is also being made in opening additional teen after school centers at AME churches throughout South Carolina. Mr. Benton is also developing an advisory council of AME and DJJ representatives.
For more information contact:
Joe Benton
803.935.0500
Submitted by:
Benjamin Harrison
Public Relations Director
7th District AME Church
Tel 803.935.0500
Cell 803.528.7104
Fax 803.935.0830
HarrisonAMEMedia@aol.com
6. THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER QUIZ:
All three questions must be answered fully within 24 hours of the posting of this issue.
The Challenge
- Name four bishops who were the sons of General Officers
- Name four General Officers who served in two different General Officer positions
- Names the General Officers and their positions who were elected to the Episcopacy.
The Prize: The book about Bishop D. Ward Nichols authored by Jeanette T. Johns, a retired librarian from Farmingdale, NY entitled, “The Upward Journey: A Centenarian's Chronicle.”
Previous winners can select a one-year subscription to any AME periodical. Winners subscribed to all of the periodical will be given additional choices of books in the AMEC Bookstore.
7. SAINT JAMES AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH IS HOSTING A WOMEN’S NIGHT REVIVAL:
On Friday, November 4, 2005, 7:00 p.m., Saint James African Methodist Episcopal Church is hosting a Women’s Night Revival. The theme for this uplifting, empowering, spirit filled service is “The Bold, the Beautiful and the Blessed Woman of God.”
We have invited three anointed women of God to bring forth the word of God. If you are a woman or a man, you will find these messages to be poignant, pertinent, and positive. (Yes, we are making this service open to everyone who desires to hear the word of God.)
Listed below are the topics and speakers of the worship service.
The Bold Woman of God
Sister Doris Coffey
Exhorter at Historic Saint Paul A.M.E. Church, Lexington, Kentucky
The Beautiful Woman of God
Evangelist Roselyn Hendrickson
Associate Minister at Bethel Harvest Church, Lexington, Kentucky
The Blessed Woman of God
Reverend Veta Steward
Associate Minister at Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church, Lexington, Kentucky
If you have any questions please contact Reverend Antonio Q Stuckey at (home) 859- 231-9435 or (cell) 859-221-7101.
In Christian Fellowship
Reverend Antonio Q. Stuckey and the members of Saint James A.M.E Church
Cynthiana, Kentucky.
8. SEARCHES UNDERWAY FOR TWO NCC COMMUNICATION POSTS:
Your help is requested to find outstanding candidates for two positions on the Communication Commission's staff in New York. The posts are for Technical Services Manager and Director of Media Relations and Web Editor. Both have an application deadline of November 28. Hopefully, the successful candidates will be on the job early in 2006.
We thank several Commission committee chairs -- Ed Cimafonte (Episcopal Church), Paul Edison-Swift (ELCA), and John Brooks (ELCA) -- for their help in shaping the descriptions on which the searches are based.
These and other employment opportunities with the Council are on the web at http://www.ncccusa.org/jobs/jobshome.html. Please forward these position descriptions to persons you feel would make strong contributions to our work together.
9. RELIGIOUS PUNDITS:
Protestants Give Ever-Smaller Share of Income to Church Causes
Debra E. Blum, in the current issue of Chronicle of Philanthropy, reports that Protestants are donating a smaller and smaller share of their after-tax incomes to churches. That finding is from a new report by Empty Tomb, an Illinois religious research group, based on data collected annually by the NCC for our Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches. It includes giving patterns of nearly 30 million Protestant church members.
The report says, "The main decline has come in the form of gifts to church-run charitable activities, which, as a percentage of take-home pay, dropped to a 36-year low. An analysis of 146,000 Protestant congregations shows that in 2003 -- the latest year for which data are available -- church members gave an average of 2.6 percent of their income to churches, marking the second year of decline."
Church members gave, on average, just under $683 each to their churches in 2003, a drop from the previous year, after adjusting for inflation. Of the total contribution, the amount earmarked to meet a congregation's own financial needs, such as building maintenance and salaries, edged up slightly. Congregation members gave an average of 0.38 percent of their incomes to "benevolences," or gifts to support church-related missions, education, and social services. That proportion is the lowest share since data collection began in 1968, when church members gave 0.66 percent of their incomes for church-run charitable programs.
"The canary in the coal mine is gasping," says Sylvia Ronsvalle, co-founder of Empty Tomb. She points out that the decline in church giving as a share of income and, particularly, the drop in support for activities outside the church may be troubling trends for the entire nonprofit world. Religious groups receive the biggest share of all donations each year.
She says one indicator that churches may not be focusing enough on a key philanthropic value -- altruism -- is a shift over the past century away from spending church donations on efforts abroad. Empty Tomb's own survey of 28 Protestant denominations found that for every dollar donated to a congregation, denominations spent two cents on overseas missions. Similar data from the 1920s, Empty Tomb's report says, show denominations spending seven cents on every dollar on such efforts.
"It looks like philanthropy is being reinterpreted as giving to things that benefit you," Ms. Ronsvalle says, "not to things outside yourself, things that demonstrate true altruism."
Further data from the study is on the web. Copies of the report, "The State of Church Giving Through 2003," are available for $28 each, plus shipping charges, from
Empty Tomb,
301 North Fourth Street,
P.O. Box 2404,
Champaign, Ill. 61824-2404;
(217) 356-9519.
10. WORLD METHODIST EVANGELISM INSTITUTE ANNOUNCEMENT25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS IN 2007
We are extremely pleased to announce and invite all Methodists/Wesleyans worldwide to participate in our Institute's 25th Anniversary Celebrations in 2007 in three ways below. This is the next worldwide evangelism celebration following the 2006 World Methodist Conference in Korea. In 25 years, we have trained evangelists in over 120 countries. Join us in this celebration.
ATTEND THE EIGHTH INTERNATIONAL EVANGELISM SEMINAR IN ATLANTA IN 2007.
All worldwide Methodist/Wesleyan conferences and districts are invited to send lay and clergy delegates to the upcoming World Methodist 8th International Evangelism Seminar in Atlanta, from June 19-27, 2007. Three hundred world evangelists and world leaders are expected. CEU credits for pastors and academic credit for seminary students will be available. Please advertise this conference to your district pastors and lay persons. Registration forms will be sent out later.
ORGANIZE PRE-SEMINAR AND/OR POST-SEMINAR EVANGELISTIC MISSIONS IN JUNE 2007
Methodist/Wesleyan conferences/districts in the United States are invited to organize pre- and post-seminar evangelistic missions and invite one or more of our 8th International Evangelism Seminar evangelist(s) to come and preach/teach in evangelistic events in their region, either June 15-18, 2007 or June 28-July 2, 2007. We envision, for example, that UMC, AME, NAZARENE, CME, FREE METHODIST, AME ZION, WESLEYAN annual conferences could together organize such missions in their city/region, and fully sponsor the invited 8th international Methodist/Wesleyan evangelist(s). Click here to register interest or you may reply by email.CHURCHES SPONSOR INTERNATIONAL EVANGELISTS
Individual North American Methodist/Wesleyan churches and members also have the option to sponsor international evangelists coming to this 8th International Evangelism Seminar. It will be a time of great excitement, evangelism training, witnessing, preaching, and learning with the world Methodist family. These sponsoring churches/individuals may or may not invite their sponsored evangelists to come and preach/teach in their churches. Interested churches/individuals may click here or reply to this email.
If you or members of your conference/district/church have further questions about this time of celebration please contact us by return e-mail at wmei@emory.edu or by fax at 404-727-5236, or click here to request further information. We will gladly contact you directly.
We pray for you and your ministry.
Dr. Winston O. R. WorrellDirectorWorld Methodist Evangelism Institute of the World Methodist Council1703 Clifton Road, F-3, Atlanta, GA 30329Tel. 404-727-6344, Fax. 404-727-5236
Website: www.wmei.wsFax: 404-727-5236
11. BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Sarah Rhoades. She was the sister of Rev. David Randolph, pastor of Bethel AMEC, Kennett Square and Rev. Rachel Scott, retired pastor of Wesley AMEC, Swarthmore. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing – Monday, October 31, 2005
9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Mt. Zion Greater Harvest Ministry IND #2
2501 North Market Street
Wilmington, DE 19802
Funeral – Monday, October 31, 2005
Service – 11:00 a.m.
Mt. Zion Greater Harvest Ministry IND #2
See above address
Dawn S. Christopher, Prophet
Phone: 302-762-5651 ext. 3
Condolences may be sent to:
Ms. Gwen Rhoades (daughter)
5336 Wakefield Street
Philadelphia, PA 19144
Please keep the family of Mrs. Sarah Rhoades in your prayers.
12. BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Regretfully we share news of the passing of Sis. Ulma McCormick (widow of the late Dr. B. L. McCormick) on Wednesday, October 26, 2005.
Sister McCormick was a dedicated and faithful member of Baker Chapel AME Church, Fort Worth, Texas where Dr. McCormick was Pastor for more than 25 years.
Funeral:
Wednesday, November 3, 2005
11:00 AM
Baker Chapel AME Church
1050 East Humbolt Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
(817) 336-5326 (Phone)
(817) 334-8857 (Fax)
Rev. Walter R. McDonald, Pastor
Funeral services have been entrusted to:
Historic Baker Funeral Home
301 East Rosedale Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
(817) 332-4468 (Phone)
(817) 339-1443 (Fax)Condolences may be sent c/o of the Family of Mrs. Ulma McCormick to the above addresses.
Or
The Family of Mrs. Ulma McCormick
1312 Illinois Avenue
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
(817) 336-1951 (Phone)
Please remember the family of Sis. McCormick in your prayers.
13. A KENTUCKY ANNUAL CONFERENCE ICON, EMMA M. GARNER, HAS PASSED:
GARNER, Emma M., 87, widow of Charles L. "Chris" Garner passed on Thurs., Oct. 27, 2005, at St. Joseph Hospice Care Center. She was a native of Fayette County, born Dec. 8, 1917 to the late Reece and Lue Ella Miller. She attended Lexington Public Schools, a 1935 graduate of Douglas High School. She was Salutatorian and last living member of her senior class. She joined St. Paul AME Church at an early age under Rev. George A. Singleton and served faithfully until her health declined. She served her church in many capacities; Superintendent of Sunday School (27 years), President of Missionary Society (9 years), Area Chairman No. 3 of the Kentucky Conference (13 years), Life Member of Missionary Society, Vice President Senior Usher Board, Treasurer Stewardess Board No 3, Layman Organization, and twice a delegate to the General Conference. She was also a member of the Church Women United, American War Mothers Dora Miller Chapter, a founding member and President of Zeta Amicae, in addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by a daughter Evelyn. She leaves to cherish her memory six children; Helen White of Lexington, KY, Barbara Gamer of Harvey, LA, Charles L. Garner, Jr. of Louisville, KY, Thelma (William) Emerson, III of Lexington, KY, Teresa (Roy) Coleman of Gretna, LA, and Beverly (Gary) Jones of San Diego, CA.; twelve grandchildren; Alvinus (Carman White, Jr., Stephanie (Calvin) Samuels, Jeannette (Charles) Jackson, Keith (Kristie) Garner, Kimberly (Albert) Terhune, Andre (Rhonda) White, Denise Emerson, Tihisha (Troy) Rawlings, Tameel (David) Benders, Kareem Garner, Damaja Jones, Bianca Jones, Thirteen great -grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, two brothers; Charles (Anna) Miller, and Robert (Carrie) Miller, two sisters; Helen Shelby and Nancy Miller all of Lexington, KY, a host of cousins, nephews, nieces and friends, and many adopted children. Visitation Tues. Nov. 1, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at St. Paul AME Church, 251 N. Upper St. Memorial Services Weds., Nov. 2 at 1:00 pm. Smith & Smith in charge of arrangements.
Editor’s Note: I have known Sister Garner since 1966 when I went to my first pastoral appointment in 1966 at Shorter Chapel AME Church in Paris, Kentucky. Her smile and encouraging words were an inspiration to my wife, the Reverend Charlotte Blake Sydnor and me.
14. BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action Clergy Family Information Center
Mrs. Ora L. Easley - Administrator Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
(Nashville, Tennessee Contact) Phone: (615) 837-9736 Fax: (615) 833-3781
(Memphis, Tennessee Contact) (901) 578-4554 (Phone & Fax)
Please remember these families in your prayers.
15. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of the Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement