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. THE WOMEN’S’ MISSIONARY SOCIETY ANNOUNCES A SPECIAL WORKSHOP THAT WILL BE HELD AT THE 2006 WMS EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING:
The Isis Project- A National Program Of The Balm In Gilead, Inc.
Sponsored by The Commission on Christian Social Action
Who should attend: Persons who are interested in starting or enhancing a Health Care Ministry in the local church! (Space is limited to 100 persons)
When: Friday, January 27, 2006 from 2 - 4 pm
The Presenters
Lucille C. Norville Perez, M.D.
Dr. Perez is the National Health Director, Health Advocacy Division of the NAACP. In August 2001, Dr. Perez was elected as the 102nd president of the National Medical Association (NMA), the nation's oldest and largest professional scientific organization representing the country's 37,000 African American physicians. Previously, Dr. Perez served as the Associate Director of the Center for Substance Abuse and Prevention (SAMHSA/DHHS). A widely sought after lecturer, Dr. Perez's has received numerous honors, including a Congressional Black Caucus Special Achievement Award and a Distinguished Service Award from the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
The Reverend Dr. Susan Newman
The Reverend Dr. Susan Newman is Minister of Peoples Congregational United Church of Christ, Washington, D. C. and serves the District Government as the Special Assistant to the Mayor for Religious Affairs. She is an inspirational, motivational, and humorous speaker whose soul stirring, thought-provoking insights on healthy relationships from a spiritual perspective are garnering nationwide attention and acclaim. Hailed by Ebony Magazine as one of the Top Black Women Preachers in America, Dr. Newman has moved audiences throughout the United States, Switzerland and Ghana to hallelujahs and social action.
Her book, Oh God! A Black Woman’s Guide to Sex and Spirituality (Random House, 2002) proposes a new sexual ethic for women of faith. This groundbreaking book has been hailed by spiritual, academic, and community leaders and has brought a new blueprint for sexual and spiritual health and balance to millions of women and men. Her latest book, Your Inner Eve, brings the power of truth, warmth of wit and humor, and the essence of heart and soul to light in a way that will help every woman rediscover and reaffirm the Divine with herself.
Tamika Felder
Tamika Felder is a cervical cancer survivor and activist. At the age of 25, Tamika was diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer and underwent a radical hysterectomy. In January 2005, Tamika created Tamika and Friends, a nonprofit organization designed to raise awareness about cervical cancer and its link to the human papillomavirus. She travels the country on her mission of HPV and cervical cancer awareness and is currently producing an awareness campaign that includes a documentary film, public service announcements, and town hall forums - all funded from her own efforts. Tamika's story was featured in the June 2003 issue of Essence Magazine. In January 2004, Tamika partnered with the National Council of Negro Women to register over 100 women to get their annual pap test along with HPV testing for Cervical Cancer Awareness month. She has participated in numerous initiatives, including serving as Community representative for the President's Cancer Panel (September 2003) and acting as a survivor spokesperson for the Lance Armstrong Foundation.
2. THE CONNECTIONAL HEALTH COMMISSION WANTS YOU TO SAVE THIS DATE! - JUNE 23 – 27, 2006:
The Connectional Health Commission 2nd Leadership Training will be held June 23-27, 2006 at the Embassy Suites in Charleston, South Carolina.
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All Health Directors on all levels and Connectional groups, prevention specialists and interested persons are invited to attend.
Put it on your calendars now!
Submitted By Sister Gwendolyn Williams
3. LIKE MANY OF YOU, I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH GREAT PASTORS AND MENTORS:
I want to thank God for the great pastors and presiding elders who were mentors to me. They all were inspirational and impacted upon me as a person and upon my ministry.
Bishop Frederick D, Jordan, gave me my first pastoral appointment and mentor
The Rev. T. S. Clements, my first model for ministry (pre-teen, teen and adult)
The Rev. A. Earl Jordon, planted the seed for ministry
The Rev. Jesse F. Owens, my father in the ministry
The Reverend D. M. Owens, Presiding Elder who licensed me
The Rev. B. C. Burton, pastored me through the ordination process
The Rev. C. E. Blake, my father-in-law, friend, and mentor for ministry
The Rev. Charles D. Brice, my friend in ministry
The Reverend J. Pater Ashworth, model for ministry
The Reverend H. Ralph Jackson, mentor and encourager for my ministry
The Reverend H. L Starks, mentor and encourager for ministry
The Reverend Willie K. Marshall, my first Presiding Elder as a pastor
The Reverend Gaddy, Presiding Elder
The Rev. Howard S. Clark, mentor and supporter
The Reverend W. W. Reid, preaching mentor and modeled friendship.
The Reverend J. E. Newell, Presiding Elder during my early years
The Reverend Roscoe Pierson, Lexington Theological Seminary
And, a host of others, too numerous to mention. This list started with my pastors, but the other names just surfaced in my mind. I thank God for how they influenced my life
Editor’s note: Send a list of your mentors to The Christian Recorder: chsydnor@bellsouth.net
4. SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES ABOUT THE MOURNERS OR MOANERS’ BENCH:
This message is for our older readers as I am certain that our younger readers will not know anything about the “moaners’ bench,” or is it “mourners’ bench.”
If anyone can remember your experiences, please share them with The Christian Recorder. Was it called a "moaner's bench" or a "mourner's bench".
It would be Interesting to learn what happened in various churches. Please be sure to give the city (town) and state where your experience happened.
5. DR. DENNIS DICKERSON, HISTORIOGRAPHER AND EDITOR OF THE A.M.E. CHURCH REVIEW TO BE THE MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. OBSERVANCE SPEAKER AT THE SCARRITT-BENNETT CENTER:
The Scarritt-Bennett Center will host its Annual Soul Food Luncheon Buffet featuring Southern-Style Comfort Foods.
The service celebrating the contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will be in the Wightman Chapel on January 18, 2006 at 10-11 AM
The speaker will be featuring Dr. Dennis Dickerson, an ordained minister and General Officer in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and Professor of History at Vanderbilt University.
The Belmont School of Music Chamber Choir and Belmont United Methodist organist Gayle Sullivan will provide music. Co-sponsored by the Upper Room and the General Board of Discipleship, this event is free and open to the public.
A Soul Food Luncheon will be served immediately following the service in the Susie Gray Dining Hall. The cost for the meal will be $12 per person; call 615.340.7500 for reservations.
6. ST. MARK A.M.E. CHURCH, MILWAUKEE TO CELEBRATE THE LIFE AND WORKS OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin. On Sunday, January 15, 2006, St. Mark AME Church celebrates the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by recognizing the contributions of local community supporters, Lucinda Gordon and Dr. Ruben K. Harpole.
The Dr. King celebration will take place during the 11:00 a.m. worship service. The guest speaker is Rev. Walter Reid, retired AME pastor of Trinity AME Church, Lansing, Michigan. The public is invited to come and join in the celebration and remembrance of Dr. King.
St. Mark AME Church is located at 1616 W. Atkinson Avenue. For more information, please contact Roy C. Hill, at (414) 562-8030. The Reverend Darryl R. Williams is the Pastor.
7. SEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT’S SONS OF ALLEN SPONSOR COLLEGE SUPPORT BANQUET:
Former NFL Player and Educator addresses African-American Christian Men’s Group
Under the auspices of The Right Reverend Preston Warren Williams, II, the Presiding Prelate of the Seventh District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Mt. Olive AME Church’s Men’s Missionary Group, the Sons of Allen, sponsored its Third Annual College Support Banquet. According to John Abraham, President of the group, “This year’s banquet was one of our best yet.” The keynote speaker was Mr. Ronnie Burgess, who has the distinction of having played in the National Football League. Also, an accomplished life long educator, Mr. Burgess previously served as Principal of Myrtle Beach High School and currently serves as Principal of Saint James High School for the Horry County School District.
Mr. Burgess spoke concerning the high level of values required of our young men and women in today’s society and particularly addressed the need for African-American men to make a concerted effort to ensure equality in our educational system. He stated that, “Equality begins and ends with learning.” He also commented that if our young people are effectively to compete in today’s society we must set high standards and maintain a strong and steady pace in leading and directing our youth.
Mr. Burgess encouraged all of the young people at the banquet to establish a clear career plan and work hard towards making that plan a reality. He wisely advised them to create a best-case scenario “plan A” as well as an alternate plan in the event that things do not work out. On a personal note, Mr. Burgess shared that he was in the midst of a very promising NFL career when an injury forced his early retirement. Because he had a secondary plan, he was able to shift gears and move on with his life. All who were present found Mr. Burgess’s presentation enlightening and inspiring.
In 2006, the Mt. Olive Sons of Allen plan to sponsor several events including a "Boys to Men" rap sessions for local church and community youth, a community outreach initiative and The Second Annual Summer Golf Tournament.
The Reverend Roger L. Washington, Presiding Pastor of Mt. Olive AME Church, stated that, “This Third Annual College Support Banquet holds special significance because our African-American men, in spite of being profiled, marginalized, criticized and stereotyped by the larger society, must continue to step up in building a better tomorrow. African-American men and women are too often portrayed in less then favorable terms by the local and national media. In recognizing these and other challenges, it is significant that we take note of the Sons of Allen’s commitment towards supporting our young men and women as they strive to obtain higher education.”
The Annual College Support Banquet ensures that children who are in need can turn to a support system specifically designed to help them. There is additional Sons of Allen support in collaboration with the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice aimed towards mentoring at-risk youth.
This is a personal invitation to all churches, pastors, preachers, youth ministers, community leaders and members to take a stand and share this information with the members of your churches and community as we encourage and support our youth.
Together we can make a difference.
Persons interested in supporting the Sons of Allen College Support Banquet may call 843.448.5541 or mail financial contribution to Sons of Allen, 1108 Carver Street, Myrtle Beach, SC, 29577.
Written by:
Bennie J. Swans, Jr. & Benjamin Harrison
Submitted by:
Benjamin Harrison
Public Relations Director
7th District AME Church
Tel 803.935.0500
Fax 803.935.0830
HarrisonAMEMedia@aol.com
8. AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY HELPS UNTANGLE THE WEB OF CANCER INFORMATION ONLINE:
Source: American Cancer Society February 2005
For the more than 1.3 million people expected to be diagnosed with cancer this year, the Internet will be a key resource for finding critical information about their disease. Many of these online users will start by typing the keyword “cancer” into a standard search engine only to pull up hundreds of thousands of sites about cancer. Where do they go from here?
The American Cancer Society encourages Internet users to rely on Web sites from credible organizations to ensure that they are getting the most up-to-date and accurate information. The Society considers its Web site, www.cancer.org, an important extension of the Society’s mission to provide lifesaving information to the public. The site has been recently expanded to include an interactive online cancer resource center, containing in-depth information on every major cancer type. Also through the resource center, visitors can order American Cancer Society free publications, gain access to recent news articles, and find additional on- and off-line resources relating to the specified cancer type.
The cancer information on the Society’s Web site is written and reviewed by a team of health and medical professionals. A literary professional translates medical terminology into lay language to ensure that the information can be easily understood. Information is reviewed and updated at least once a year, or immediately if a major development occurs.
Visitors to www.cancer.org can also access the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Survivors Network (CSN), which offers a variety of opportunities to learn about cancer and interact with others who have experienced cancer. CSN users can read discussions from people with similar cancer backgrounds and can participate in online conversations to share experiences. The site also offers users the ability to build their own Web page or search books, articles, Web sites and support groups.
The American Cancer Society’s Web site is made possible in part by support from donations to Relay for Life in your community. For more information, visit www.cancer.org.
§ Looking for cancer resources on the Web? The American Cancer Society’s Web site, www.cancer.org, is loaded with information about cancer. But, the site also offers much more. Check it out at www.cancer.org.
§ Hearing the words “You have cancer” can be frightening. But, there is no need to make the journey alone. The American Cancer Society provides numerous resources and programs to assist those with cancer. Call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org to contact someone who understands.
§ The National Cancer Information Center puts a wealth of cancer information at your fingertips. Specially-trained Cancer Information Specialists can answer your questions whether you are a cancer patient, cancer survivor, a loved one of someone with cancer or just curious about the disease. Call 1-800-ACS-2345 any time day or night to learn how our Cancer Information Specialists can help.
§ The amount of health information on the Internet can be overwhelming. Thankfully, the American Cancer Society makes finding useful cancer information easy. When you visit www.cancer.org you will find the most reliable, up-to-date cancer information available. Visit www.cancer.org to learn how your American Cancer Society can help you or someone you love.
§ The American Cancer Society knows the value of reliable information. That is why we strive to provide the latest cancer facts to anyone who needs them. Call 1-800-ACS-2345 or log on to www.cancer.org anytime, day or night. Knowing the facts about cancer could save your life and the lives of those you love.
9. WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES: “POLITICIANS NEED CLEAR ETHICS GUIDELINES”:
New York, January 4, 2006 -- Lobbyist Jack Abramoff's decision to cooperate with federal investigators in what is being called Washington's biggest ethics scandal in recent memory has sent tremors throughout the capital.
None of this is surprising, said the General Secretary of the National Council of Churches USA, but it could have been avoided if Congress had adopted "a universally accepted and enforceable code of ethics."
The Rev. Dr. Bob Edgar called on religious leaders -- including those on the religious right -- to demand Congress to begin working on those ethical guidelines now.
Edgar called on Dr. James Dobson to join in such a call Sunday night (Jan. 8) when he addresses millions of his followers on the Justice Sunday III broadcast.
"As a Christian minister and a former member of Congress," Edgar said, "I am convinced that a universally accepted and enforceable code of ethics -- not just promises and empty words -- is the best assurance that we the people will be honestly served, and that politicians will be led away from the moral pitfalls of unchecked temptation."
Edgar made it clear that religious leaders are not calling for a code of ethics out of a sense of moral superiority.
"Our ancient scriptures make it clear that sin is a basic flaw in the human character, correctable only by humble obedience to God and adherence to God's law. The New Testament makes it clear that 'all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.'"
"In these treacherous times," Edgar said, "the sinful have included politicians, industrialists, judges, attorneys, and, yes, ever servants of the church. As dismayed as we are by the behavior of politicians who flocked to Jack Abramoff's bountiful trough, church persons know we are not qualified to cast the first stone against them."
But, religious leaders do call for "a strict and comprehensive set of ethical guidelines that can be agreed to by politicians, government officials and public servants of both parties at every level of government.
The full text of Edgar's statement follows:
Jack Abramoff's admission in federal court Tuesday that he is guilty of conspiracy, tax evasion and mail fraud may be creating tremors among Washington officials -- Democrat and Republican -- with whom he has been entangled. But, it comes as no surprise to people of faith.
Our ancient scriptures make it clear that sin is a basic flaw in the human character, correctable only by humble obedience to God and adherence to God’s law. The New Testament makes it clear that "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." In these treacherous times, the sinful have included politicians, industrialists, judges, attorneys, and, yes, even servants of the church. As dismayed as we are by the behavior of politicians who flocked to Jack Abramoff's bountiful trough, church persons know we are not qualified to cast the first stone against them.
What we do call for, however, is a strict and comprehensive set of ethical guidelines that can be agreed to by politicians, government officials and public servants of both parties at every level of government. As a Christian minister and a former member of Congress, I am convinced that a universally accepted and enforceable code of ethics -- not promises and empty words -- is the best assurance that we the people will be honestly served, and that those politicians will be led away from the moral pitfalls of unchecked temptation.
The scandal now developing in Washington calls for a bipartisan commitment to reform. Whatever is done must transcend party and transcend ideological points of view. I call on all religious leaders to join together to insist that Congress must undertake the immediate drafting and implementation of bold, comprehensive and cleansing ethics guidelines.
I call on my friend, Dr. James Dobson, to take advantage of his platform this Sunday, when he addresses millions of faithful persons during Justice Sunday III to join with us in publicly demanding that Congress take this step toward ethical reform.
One of the reasons such egregious scandals by our elected officials are possible is that politics and greed have conspired to prevent the formation of ethical guidelines. Common Cause, a non-partisan public advocacy group, has advocated ethics reform legislation that would slow the revolving door between Congress and the lobbying industry, strengthen lobbying disclosure requirements, and curb the excesses in privately funded trips and gifts for Members of Congress and their staffs. There may other proposals worth looking at, but this would be a good place to begin.
The Abramoff Scandal in Washington is a clear signal that the time to begin is now. With the Prophet Amos we pray: "Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream." [Amos 5:24 NRSV]
_____
The National Council of Churches USA is composed of 35 Protestant, Anglican, Orthodox, historic African American and peace communions representing 45 million Christians in 100,000 local congregations in the United States.
Contact NCC News: Philip E. Jenks, 212-870-2252, pjenks@ncccusa.org; or Leslie Tune, 202-544-2350, ltune@ncccusa.org
10. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of the Aunt of the Rt. Rev. Wilfred Jacobus Messiah and the Reverend Paul Joseph Messiah.
Mrs. Elizabeth Cele departed this life on the December 31, 2005. She was the sister of the late Presiding Elder Paul Johannes Messiah.
Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, January 8th at 2:00 P.M. at St. Peter's A.M.E. Church, Kylemore, Stellenbosch.
Condolences can be sent to:
wjmessiah2004@yahoo.com
Or to the home of
Bishop Messiah
23 Herte Street
Peerless Park North
Kraaifontein, Cape 7570
Tel. 011 27 21 987 4825
11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: reverendrevball@hotmail.com
We thank God for the cards, support, and contributions we received concerning the death of our father, Willie Eugene Ball, on Dec. 27, 2005.
Now we need your prayers more than ever. Gregory Ball, Jr, the only son of the Reverend Gregory Ball tragically died on Monday, January 2nd in Baltimore, Maryland. Funeral services for the late Gregory Ball, Jr. (son of Rev. Gregory Ball, Pastor of Brown's A.M.E. Church Smithfield, VA) are as follows:
Viewing of the body:
Monday, January 9, 2006
3:00 - 7:00 PM
Homegoing Service:
Tuesday, January 10, 2006 at Noon Both services will take place at:
Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church
20 West Montgomery Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
Eulogist: Bishop Adam J. Richardson Presiding Bishop of the 2nd Episcopal District
Rev. Charles Baugh, Pastor
Phone: 410-783-0190 (Please call before faxing)
Funeral arrangements entrusted to:
Wesley Chavis Funeral Home
2007 Eastern Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21231
410-342-7400 (office)
410-342-4797 (fax)
We know God will see us through this very difficult time. In lieu of flowers we ask contributions be made to:
The Gregory Ball Jr. Memorial Fund
c/o Atlantic Financial Federal Credit Union
40 Schilling Rd. Hunt Valley, MD 21031
Acct. # 2001330-ID #01
OR
Bown's A.M.E. Church
655 Main Street
P.O. Box 99
Smithfield, VA 23431
If you send contributions to this address, please make checks payable to Brown's African Methodist Episcopal Church. In the memo section please note: Gregory Ball Jr. Memorial Fund
Thank you again and may God Bless.
Rev. and Mrs. Gregory Ball, Sr.
6 Madrone Place
Hampton, VA 23666
757-838-0685
Email: reverendrevball@hotmail.com
12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: 1wim@htcomp.net
The Rev. Mary Miller, Pastor of Lee Chapel A.M.E. Church-Brownwood, Texas, stepfather, (Rev. Lawrence Sculark) passed.
Rev. Sculark's Homegoing Service will be held Saturday, January 7, 2006, at 11 A.M. at United Baptist Church in Cleveland, Mississippi.
United Baptist Church
1101 Martin Luther King Dr.
Cleveland, Mississippi 38732
Ph: (662) 843-3120
Rev. Sculark's remains have been entrusted to Eddie Robinson FuneralHome.
Eddie Robinson Funeral Home
1126 Fox Street
Grenada, Mississippi 38901
Ph: (662) 226-3123
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Evie Sculark
P. O. Box 227
Rome, Mississippi 38768
Ph: (662) 345-6594
13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Sister Scharlotte Rhodes the sister of Rev. Joanie Walker-Nickerson passed.
Service Arrangements for Sister Rhodes:
Wake: Thursday, January 5, 2006
7:15 P.M.
Golden Gate Funeral Home
110 E. Pleasant Run
Dallas, Texas 75146
Ph: (972) 218-7232
Sis. Rhodes Homegoing Service will be at 11 A.M., Friday, January 6, 2006, at Golden Gate Funeral Home in Dallas, Texas.
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Joanie Walker-Nickerson
6324 Forest Knoll Trail
Dallas, Texas 75232
Ph: (214) 375-2145
14. CLERGY FAMILY 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.
Archive of The Christian Recorder Online from 2004-2016; Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
