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 SEMINAR ON CHURCH GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT MET IN BIRMINGHAM:
Approximately 250 persons gathered in Birmingham, Alabama on January 17-20, 2006 for the 19th Annual Seminar on Church Growth and Evangelism. The Reverend Dr. James C. Wade is the Executive Director of the Department o f Church Growth and Development. The Right reverend Preston Warren Williams II is the Commission Chair. Preachers and laity attended the seminar and the folks gathered in worship room, in the vendors’ space, and in the hotel lobby. The Fish Market restaurant, not far from the hotel, was also a favorite gathering place.
The endorsed military, Veteran Affairs, and federal prison chaplains of the African Methodist Episcopal Church also met at the call of the Right Reverend E. Earl McCloud, Jr. Endorsing Agent and Ecumenical Officer of the AME Church. The Reverend Leotis Strong is the President of the AME Chaplains Association.
The opening worship service was spiritual and the ministers and laity from Georgia were in full force as they waited expectantly for their Episcopal leader to deliver the opening sermon. The praise team led the congregation in praise and thanksgiving as we sang, “We Loft Our Hands in the Sanctuary.” The Reverend Ronald Slaughter gave the invocation, the reverend T. Eric Nathan read the Old Testament lesson, and Chaplain Aimee Davis Miller read a selection from the New Testament. The Reverend Dr. Wesley Reid led the congregation in the reading of the Decalogue, after which “Rejoice,” the liturgical dance ministry from New Tyler AME Church lifted the worship experience to a high level with their interpretive dance ministry. The Reverend Carolyn Brailsford who provided special music throughout the seminar provided special music. She has a Spirit-filled voice and infectious presence.
The worship service was filled with warmth by the presence of Bishops, Philip R. Cousin, T. Larry Kirkland, Richard A. Chappelle, William Philips DeVeaux, DeVeaux, E. Earl McCloud, Zedekiah Grady, and Frank C. Cummings. Bishop Preston Warren Williams was not physically present because he recently had surgery and was unable to attend the Seminar. Though he was not physically at the seminar, Bishop Williams’ presence permeated the seminar. His presence was felt in all of the acknowledgements and particularly in the words on his behalf read by the Right Reverend Zedekiah Grady. Bishop Grady informed the seminar participants that Bishop Williams was doing nicely, wanted to be there, felt that he could have traveled there, but was obedient to his doctor who wants him to take it easy and to let the healing process “run its course.”
The following active and retired General Officers were present at the Seminar: Drs. Clement W. Fugh, Johnny Barbour, Jr., George F. Flowers, Jerome V. Harris, Daryl B. Ingram, James C. Wade, Jamye Coleman Williams, Robert H. Reid, Kenneth H. Hill, George L. Champion, Sr, and yours truly, Calvin H. Sydnor III. Connectional Officers were also present.
Bishop Grady’s Comments on behalf of Bishop Preston Warren Williams II
“To Senior Bishop Philip R. Cousin and to my ecclesiastical brothers and sisters, the bishops of the Church; to the Rt. Reverend Preston Warren Williams, Chair of the Department of Church Growth and Development, to the General Officers, and to the Connectional Officers, all presiding elders, pastors, and laypersons of the Church of Allen, I greet you in the Joy of Jesus Christ, for certainly, it is because of His goodness, His grace, and His mercy that we have the opportunity to gather once more as those committed to the mandate of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to “Go our into all of the world and preach the gospel, baptizing all nations…”
Bishop Williams asked me to fill in for him because he is under his doctor’s orders, not to travel. He is mending and asks that you pray for him.
We recognize hat even in 2006, there are still souls to be saved, there are still lives to change, there are folks who do not know how to live and treat their neighbors as they treat themselves.
We do have a tremendous opportunity today as we gather here in Birmingham, Alabama, a place of particular history, a special place in the life of our people, a place where, we, as a race organized against the tyranny of segregation and oppression, marched, and died for basic civil rights and the right to vote, and the birthplace of Rosa Parks, and the starting place of the ministry of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
How fitting then, that we are able to gather here to be spiritually fed and to rededicate our lives as servant leaders. We will hear the word of God preached several times this week. We will be led in engaging workshops and will observe innovations in worship. We will do this simply to the glory of God.
It is our hope then, that we will leave this place and that we will be rejuvenated, regenerated and rededicated to the call that so many of us answered quite a while ago. Let us go from this place ready to tell all of our young people that they are fearfully and wonderfully made. Let us leave here ready to go into neighborhoods deemed unsafe know that those imprisoned by violence outside their doors still need to hear the world of God. Let us go from this place committed to helping some young man or young women get their lives back on track after being released from some correctional facility. Let us leave here knowing that we can help victims of domestic violence, let us leave here knowing that we can bring up children who know and live the Lord. Let us leave here know that we can educate those children. Let us leave Birmingham know that we can teach our congregations to tithe. Let us leave here knowing that we can get our folks to vote. Let us depart from this place with the faithfulness of Abraham, the brashness of Jacob, the dedication of Timothy, the zeal of Paul, and the courage and conviction of Richard Allen, Henry McNeil Turner, Daniel Payne and Paul Quinn. Let us leave here knowing that there is nothing too hard for God. ‘The work is all divine.’”
The right Reverend T. Larry Kirkland followed Bishop Grady’s comments.
Bishop T. Larry Kirkland’s Welcome to the Seminar attendees
“Greetings be to you in the name of our lord and savior, Jesus Christ.
Welcome to Birmingham, Alabama, Headquarters of the 9th Episcopal district of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and host city for the 2006 AME Conference on Church Growth and Evangelism.
You are indeed in a city that is both modern and historic. It is no accident that the city of Birmingham is known as “The Magic City,” for it contains some of the best of everything that you need to have a blessed and fulfilling experience during your stay here during this week of spiritual enhancement. -
Historically speaking, the state of Alabama is the cradle of the modern civil rights movement of the 20th century, where God moved to demonstrate that the power of love and nonviolent resistance to evil is greater than the power of hate.
It was here that Rosa Parks, a member of St. Paul AME Church in Montgomery stood up for America by sitting down on a segregated bus in a seat reserved for a white man.
It was in this very city a few blocks from here four little girls gave their lives during the bombing incident at 16th Street Baptist church.
It was here that midnight riders became so vicious with their attacks that one community became known as “Dynamite Hill” and the city itself became known as “Bombingham,” instead of Birmingham.
It was here that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr stood down Eugene “bull” Conner across the street at Kelly Ingram Park facing police dogs and fire hoses and later wrote his famous “Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” explaining why a ‘line had to be drawn in the sand’ and freedom demanded “now.”
My brothers and sisters, you have come to consecrated ground.
So, we welcome you to the home of former AME Church Treasurer, Dr. A. G. Gaston, the home of Nat King Cole, the home of Jessie Owens, the adopted home of Booker T. Washington, George Washington Carver, Coretta Scott King, Ralph David Abernathy, the famous Tuskegee Airmen, baseball great, Willie Mays, the legendary ‘Brown Bomber’ of boxing Joe Louis, baseball great Hank Aaron and current Secretary of State for the United States, Condoleezza Rice.
We are proud to be in a city known for its formidable Black mayors, the legendary Richard Arrington and current Host mayor Bernard Kincaid.
This is an AME kind of place. It is our heritage to be on the vanguard of service to our people by meeting their needs spiritually and tangibly as stated in our mission statement. We are called “to serve the present age.”
You will find every attraction, amenity or service that you might possibly want or need somewhere within the city, ranging from: dining to entertainment, to sports, to healthcare at Birmingham’s world-class teaching and research hospitals. The AME Church’s Daniel Payne College campus, as well, has joined in partnership with Cooper Green Hospital to form the metro-center medical complex to serve the pre-natal and post-natal needs of black mothers in our community.
For those of you with shopping in mind, Birmingham has it. There are major malls on all ends of the city that can handle all of your shopping needs. The Riverchase Galleria Mall on south 1-65 and 1-459 is a city unto itself, complete with its own hotel in the center of the mall.
Five points south straight down 20th street (known as “Birmingham Green”) will make you think you are in the nation’s capitol at Georgetown with its fine restaurants, coffee houses boutiques and almost anything of that nature
You can imagine.
For the culturally minded, there are museums, art galleries, a planetarium, the southern research institute, the University of Alabama Birmingham complex (the state of
Alabama’s largest employer), and last but certainly not least is the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, which contains exhibits and video re-enactments of the famous events Memorializing the Alabama Civil Rights Movement. Welcome one and all.”
After the welcomes and all of the singing, the seminar attendees was ready for the Word of the Lord and what a mighty word! The Right Reverend William Phillips DeVeaux, Sr. preached a dynamic sermon entitled, “The Soul of and Evangelist.” He took his text from II Corinthians 4: 13-17. He shared with the congregation the need for evangelists to be courageous, be able to endure hardships and must know the power of the Resurrection and have a commitment to the call for ministry. Bishop pointed out that we are called to the service of God and that we are the recipients of those who served before us and especially those who suffered in spreading the gospel.
The Senior Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Right Reverend Philip R. Cousin, delivered the Communion Service sermon. The singing was magnificent and uplifting. At one point, Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle said that the service was too “high church” and he attempted to guide the service more a more evangelistic expression.
The Right Reverend Frank C. Cummings presented the preacher of the hour and he did that in a moving way. It is encouraging to feel the depth of one’s feeling as friend speaks about a friend. The congregation could feel the sincerity of Bishop Cummings as he introduced his friend, the Right Reverend Philip R. Cousin.
Bishop Cousin preached a dynamic sermon entitled, “The Vision through Hope.” He took his text from Isaiah 43:18-19. He asked the question, “What happens when the sun doesn’t shine in your ministry?” He encouraged those in ministry to look for, and find a vision of hope. He told us to understand that God promises a “new thing” and preachers must not live in a “no vision reality.” Bishop Cousin went on to say that many of our churches have become “ecclesiastical mausoleums” where dead folk live. He encourage us to know that the same God, the same Holy Ghost power “over there” at other churches, is present in our churches. Preachers and laity alike have to have a vision and the belief that God can yet do a new thing. We should not be discouraged when we face conflict and rejection. The bishop went on to say that, he had lived long enough to see mean folk change and gave a word of encouragement that God’s Arm is long enough to lift us up.
The people were brought to their feet as Bishop Cousin “put the icing on the cake.” Bishop Chappelle could smile because the sermon was a powerfully evangelistic sermon.
Holy Communion was celebrated and “a morning and an evening was the first day” of the 19th Annual Seminar on Church Growth and Development. “And God saw that it was good.”
Editor’s note: Hopefully, a more in-depth article about the 19th Annual Seminar on Church Growth and Evangelism will be received from the staff of that department.
2. THE YOUNG PEOPLE’S CORNER - “MY THOUGHTS ON THE STANDARDIZED ACHIEVEMENT TEST”:
By John Foster Jr.
(John Foster, Jr. is an 18 year-old graduating senior at Alexander High School in Douglasville, Georgia. He also serves as junior usher and Church School member at St. Philip African Methodist Episcopal Church in Savannah, Georgia where his father – Rev. Dr. John Foster – serves as senior pastor)
To many, the new Standardized Achievement Test (SAT) may seem very intimidating: the institution of higher-level math problems, longer reading passages, and the addition of an essay. In reality, there is no need to worry; the new SAT in many ways is similar to the old one, in the way that you can prepare for it. First, let us compare the two.
The old SAT consisted of two sections, Math and Verbal, each were scored on a scale of 200-800 (for a total of 1600), and was a total of three hours long. Each Math and Verbal section had 13-35 questions on it, and was 15-30 minutes in length. One section of the SAT was experimental. The Verbal section consisted of sentence completions, analogies, and critical reading, each type of question, especially sentence completion and analogy, required a facility with vocabulary. The Math section consisted of five-choice questions, four-choice quantitative comparisons, and grid-ins. The Math section, although being more subject-oriented than the Verbal, still did not require knowledge beyond a Sophomore Geometry Class. Many critics would say that this SAT depended too much on thinking skills and not so much on retention skills. This would lead to; you guessed it, the creation of the new current SAT.
The current new SAT is a radical revamping of the old SAT. The much loathed analogies and Quantitative Comparisons were removed, the verbal was renamed “Critical Reading”, the Writing and Essay sections were taken from the SAT II and put into this one. For those abstract thinkers, the new math section is bad news: higher-level math questions have been added to include material from Junior Algebra II. The New SAT is 3 hours and 45 minutes in length, and now consist of two experimental sections, up from one on the old one. Each section will still be scored on 200-800 scale (the essay will be scored on a scale of 0-12, and will be averaged into your writing score). Therefore, people will stop calling the nerdy quiet kid in the back of the class “Mr. 1600” and now will start calling him “Mr. 2400.” Each Math, Verbal, and Writing section will still consist of 13-35 questions, each 15-35 minutes in length, and there will be an independent essay section of 25 minutes.
Despite all these radical changes though, the New SAT is just as "coachable" as the old one. Kaplan, Princeton Review, College Board etc, are all selling prep books for the New SAT, so that says something about the persistence of the test’s “coachability” across revisions. You can take prep classes as well. You may also prepare for the new SAT online. There are various websites available including http://www.kaplain.com/, http://www.princetonreview.com/, and http://www.collegeboard.com/. So, go ahead, gear yourself up for the newest section of “The Big Test.”
I, myself, have had a chance to experience both worlds of the SAT. I took the old version of the SAT twice, in November of 2004 and January of 2005. The only problem I had with the verbal section was with analogies, which I found to be too abstract and time consuming for a speedy test-taker such as myself. The math section on the old one is comparable in difficulty to the math section on the new one. I did however; find the Quantitative Comparison section to be a little pestering.
I took the new one only once, in October of this past year. I actually welcomed the addition of the Writing Section and Essay, since I considered that to be my strength. I actually welcomed the removal of analogies and Quantitative Comparisons, since I disliked those types of problems with a passion. The removal of analogies made the Verbal (now called “Critical Reading”) considerably easier for me; the math section was not that much different. Although the test was nearly four hours long, I kept a cool manner.
John Foster Jr. was recently admitted to Hampton University, Hampton, VA. He has received a 4-year full-tuition scholarship and will attend Hampton University beginning Fall 2006.
3. THANK YOU MESSAGE FROM MRS. CONNIE SPEIGHTS RICHARDSON, SUPERVISOR OF THE SECOND EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:
Dear AME Church Family:
In the various seasons of our life, it becomes clearer how much Christian love, fellowship and support means. I write this message to share my sincere thanks and appreciation to persons throughout the AME Connection who extended various expressions of compassion to my family.
Last year included several unexpected challenges including my illness and subsequent recovery as well as the death of my mother, Mrs. Sarah Baker Speights. I am most appreciative of the comfort I received through the prayers, cards, calls, emails, telegrams, flowers and other gifts. Your demonstration of caring was helpful and timely. Please know that I am eternally grateful for every act of kindness extended to my family and me.
Philippians 1:3, 4 expresses my thoughts, "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making requests with joy.”
Most sincerely,
Connie Speights Richardson
4. THE GLOBAL CORNER – A TESTIMONY AND AN EXAMPLE FOR COMMITMENT:
Zackie Achmat is the National Chairperson of the Treatment Action Campaign, an advocacy group for HIV treatment in South Africa. Some few years ago, his health was reported to have deteriorated – at almost a defining moment of living with AIDS. He refused taking antiretroviral, which he advocated for and even brought them into the country without permission. Even the former President, Tata Nelson Mandela, had to intervene cajoling him to take ARVs. He refuse, not because he didn’t trust ARVs to help him or disrespected the world’ statesmen, but he simply needed done was that government would make ARV treatment accessible to hundreds and thousands of people who needed it most. Today, South Africa is providing ARV treatment, albeit slow in doing so. Briefly, he tells his story here below.
Rev. Teboho G. Klaas
National Director: HIV/AIDS Programme
South African Council of Churches
9th Floor, Khotso House
62 Marshall House, Johannesburg 2001
Tel: +27 11 241 7811/2/6
Fax: +27 11 838 4818 or +27 11 492 4818
Mobile: +27 82 412 2960
Email: tgk@sacc.org
++++++++++++++
Dear All
My CD4 count has increased from 201 when I started ARV therapy on 5 September 2003 to 626 on 5 January 2006. My viral load is undetectable. Physically I am fitter than I have been in 20 years despite a heart attack last year. I have had no further ARV side-effects since the peripheral neuropathy from stavudine – I am doing really well on AZT/lamivudine and nevirapine.
Thanks to every TAC activist who has made this possible for me and tens of thousands of people in South Africa.
Zackie Achmat
5. AN INNOVATIVE VOICE IN THE NINTH DISTRICT:
The Reverend Frederick Joseph McCullough’s ascension to the pulpit of Payne Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Birmingham, Alabama on the first Sunday of December 2005 was indeed a present of joy for the congregation. After the Planning Meeting of the Ninth Episcopal District in November 2005, Bishop T. Larry Kirkland addressed the members of Payne Chapel and gave them optimistic hope that the arrival of their newly appointed pastor would be by the first Sunday of December who would be anointed, capable, and ready to take this great congregation to another level in the Titusville community. “Stand still and wait on the Lord, see His salvation manifest among you… I leave you in the charge of your proficient Presiding Elder, the Reverend Dwight E. Dillard of the South Birmingham- Huntsville District until December 4, 2005.”
When Sunday morning came, the Reverends Frederick Joseph McCullough and Courtnee Mills-McCullough along with Presiding Elder Walters Daniels of the South Atlanta District arrived from the Sixth Episcopal District to Birmingham, Alabama the “magical, miraculous city” of the Ninth Episcopal District accompanied by Bishop T. Larry Kirkland and Supervisor Mary Kirkland, Presiding Elder Dwight E. Dillard, and District Coordinator Christine Dillard. It was a new day of reckoning for Payne Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church and the Titusville community.
The Reverend McCullough preached from Isaiah 6:1-8 and used as his subject, “Send Me, I’ll Go.” He emphasized 4 R’s we need to become useful for God’s Kingdom purposes, “Recognize How Great God Is, Realize How sinful we are, Receive God’s Forgiveness and Respond to God’s Call.
Reverend McCullough’s sermon pointed out that God empowers us to do the work of the kingdom. This work of the kingdom is the work of representing God to others. We cannot extend the forgiveness of God to others until we have received the forgiveness of God ourselves. We are not equipped to bring the burning coal that will cleanse someone else until it has touched us and cleansed us. The painful cleansing process was necessary before Isaiah could fulfill the task to which God was calling him. Before we accept God’s call to speak for him to those around us, we must be cleansed as Isaiah was, confessing our sins and submitting to God’s control. Letting God purify us may be painful, but we must be purified so that we can truly represent God, who is pure and holy.
He pointed out that there is one more thing that has to happen before we become useful to God. We must respond to the call of God. We must respond with, Isaiah’s statement, “Here Am I, Send Me”
We must step up. When God says, “Go!” we go. The sermon was both poignant and prophetic and Rev. McCullough’s sermon was right on-time and he continues this prophetic zeal every Sunday.
Payne Chapel’s new pastor, a leader who takes initiative and ready to lead the people to new challenges. The churches foundation has been shaken from their complacency of a good church to the manifestation of God’s great church. Rev. McCullough believes that the aspirations of a Great Church are within reach. "What God can't do cannot be done," he said. "If we have the faith, God has the power, Go Forth.”
Rev. McCullough is a drum major for the Lord, with a sociable, easygoing manner, and powerful preaching style that draws congregants to their feet, especially when he breaks out in song. He freely dispenses jokes, hugs, and details about his personal life; straight talk about inner church workings, in contrast to the more reserved traditional ministers.
He often says, "Go Forth." In over a month of traveling I-20 from Atlanta to Birmingham, Rev. McCullough has taught, informed, and refreshed the members in a leadership conference and Church Conference. His skilled innovative voice articulated pertinent biblical, doctrinal, and financial facts of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. “Preparing people for a Prepared Place” is the vision of Payne Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church. We are at the forefront of some very exciting things at Payne under the leadership of the Reverend Frederick Joseph McCullough who will lead the church to reach a contemporary world by equipping us to hold on to the traditions that are relevant, but change some of our methods of ministry to reach the global world.. As he first preached, “When hope dies you need a mission in the world. You need to get your focus off yourself, your problems, and what is wrong in your world, and focus on what God is doing in the world. You need to see the bigger picture and get on board with God’s eternal purposes.”
6. THE REV. DR. JESSICA KENDALL INGRAM TO HOST INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S CONVOCATION 2006 IN DALLAS, TEXAS:
By Rev. Salatheia Bryant-Honors
The Rev. Dr. Jessica Kendall Ingram, Episcopal Supervisor of the Tenth Episcopal District, will host the International Women's Convocation 2006 this summer in Dallas, Texas.
Since 1985 Rev. Jessica, as she is affectionately called in the Tenth District, has been calling women together for special spiritual-enrichment experiences that have been life-changing.
The 2006 convocation is designed to bring more than 2,000 women from the United States, Africa, Canada, Europe and the Caribbean together in one location for a divine experience.
Rev. Jessica calls the convocation, “Divine Expectations.”
"God instructed me to tell women to come to Dallas expecting to be blessed beyond measure. God has assured me that every expectation that you have of him will be met," she said. "You can expect to be changed through the preached word; you can expect to be delivered from those forces that have hindered you; you can expect for the praise and worship to take you to a new dimension."
The convocation will be packed with spiritual and personal development workshops designed to build up the mind, body and spirit of women from all walks of life, every hue and cross denominational lines.
The convocation will include powerful teaching and preaching from more than 30 preachers. The convocation promises to have something for everyone including a 200-voice convocation choir, South African praise team, liturgical dancers and an international cultural night. Gospel recording artist Karen Clark-Sheard will also perform during the convocation.
Early bird registration for the event runs through March 15. Early registration is $210. Regular registration is $240.
The convocation will be held at the Hilton (formerly the Wyndam) Anatole Hotel in Dallas. Room rates are $125/single or double; $145/ triple or quad.
Convocation preachers and workshop facilitators include the Rev. Dr. Jo Ann Browning, the Rev. Brenda Little, the Rev. Dr. Claudette Copeland, and the Rev. Dr. Renita Weems. The Honors Luncheon will recognize five outstanding women in our Zion who have been trailblazers. The luncheon will honor Bishops Sarah Davis, Carolyn Guidry and Vashti Murphy McKenzie, the Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant and Dr. Jayme Williams Coleman. The speaker for the luncheon will be Patricia Russell-McCloud.
Rev. Jessica said the convocation will offer sisters an opportunity to connect with other sisters and give them a fresh encounter with God.
"You can expect to meet sisters and connect with them from across the world. You can expect a miracle in your life and you can expect to leave this International Women's Convocation living in Divine Expectations each day," said Rev. Jessica.
For more information, or to receive a registration brochure call: 214-333-2642 or E-mail ADMIN@AMEC-10THDIST.ORG
7. NORTHWEST MISSOURI CONFERENCE PART OF CONTINUING EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP WITH SAINT PAUL SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY:
At the 2005 Planning Meeting of the Fifth Episcopal District, Bishop John R. Bryant received the Theological Education Report, which included the initial recommendations of the Theological Education Liaison presented by the Rev. Sakena Young-Scaggs.
One of the recommendations put forth in the report was that “current pastors and ministers should be encouraged to utilize and be equipped with information on continuing education programs and projects which are accessible to them both in their regions and nationally.” The Rev. Robert Shaw, pastor of Allen Chapel (Kansas City, MO) and president of the Methodist Ministers’ Fellowship (MMF) of Greater Kansas City, Missouri, along with the Rev. Sherri E. Wood-Powe, pastor of Sterling Chapel (Lee’s Summit, MO) and chair of the Continuing Education Partnership between the MMF and Saint Paul School of Theology (Kansas City, MO) were already on course. With the Rev. Wood-Powe serving as the liaison, Rev. Shaw met with Dr. Myron McCoy (president of Saint Paul School of Theology) and a continuing education partnership established. This partnership provides an “Opportunity for clergy, ministers-in-training, and laity to sharpen their skills so they can effectively serve this present age,” stated Rev. Shaw.
The inaugural event of the partnership will take place on February 15, 2006. Dr. William B. McClain, Mary Elizabeth McGehee Joyce, Professor of Preaching, Wesley Theological Seminary (Washington, D.C.) will lecture on Vital Preaching and Worship Today. This lecture will allow persons attending to not only sit at the feet of one of this country’s acclaimed preaching academicians, but it will also provide clergy with the opportunity to learn and dialogue in areas of foremost importance to ministry – preaching and worship.
Submitted by the Rev. Sherri E. Wood-Powe on behalf of the NWMO Conference Publicity Committee
8. THIRTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT FOUNDER’S DAY 2006:
The 13th District Founder’s Day celebration will be held Thursday, February 9, 2006 – Saturday, February 11, 2006 at Greater Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1300 South Street, Nashville, Tennessee. The Rev. Michael Broadnax will be our host pastor.
Blocks of rooms have been reserved at the following hotels.
1. The Courtyard Marriott, – HOST HOTEL, 901 West End Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee, Room rate is $104/night. Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-245-1959. Reservation deadline is 1-23-2006 to receive special group rate.
2. Holiday Inn Express, 920 Broadway, Nashville, Tennessee, Room rate is $89/night. Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-465-4329. Reservation deadline is 1-24-2006 to receive special group rate.
3. Hampton Inn – Vanderbilt, 1919 West End Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee, Room rate is $99/night. Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-HAMPTON or dialing the hotel directly at 615-329-1144. Reservation deadline is 1-20-2006 to receive special group rate.
When making reservations remember to request the 13th Episcopal District Founder’s Day Meeting for the A.M.E. Church rate.
9. SAINT PAUL AME CHURCH, VALDOSTA, GEORGIA CELEBRATES FOUNDER’S DAY AND BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH DYNAMIC PREACHING:
We invite you to share with us as we celebrate the Founding of the AME Church and Black Heritage (History) Month. Saint Paul will do so by engaging in its second annual “’Sistas’ of the Word Preaching Explosion.”
The following dynamic preaching women will proclaim the Word of the Lord during this month:
February 5, 2006, the Rev. Jacqueline D. Smith, Presiding Elder of the Albany-Valdosta District, at 11:00 AM
February 12, 2006: the Rev. Sarah Sims Billups, Pastor of Ebenezer AME Church, Greensboro, GA at 11:00 AM
February 19, 2006: the Rev. Elizabeth Yates, Pastor of Greater Tanner AME Church, Quincy, Fl. at 8:00 AM & 11:00 AM
February 26, 2006: the Rev. Maria Mallory White, Associate Minister, New Mt. Zion AME Church, at 11:00 AM
Peace, Blessings, & Power,Pastor B. L. Francis
10. COMING TO PBS IN FEBRUARY IS THE FOUR PART SERIES, “SLAVERY AND THE MAKING OF AMERICA,” PRODUCED BY DANTE JAMES, AND NARRATED BY MORGAN FREEMAN:
Coming to PBS on February 9 and on February 16 from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., is the four part series, “Slavery and the Making of America,” produced by Dante James, and narrated by Morgan Freeman.
Dante is an incredible filmmaker who has produced many award-wining films among them biographies on Marian Anderson and A. Philip Randolph. He worked with the late great filmmaker Henry Hampton at Blackside and was the executive producer of Hampton's last series entitled, This Far by Faith: African American Spiritual Journeys. Slavery and the Making of America tell the story of slavery from the point of view of the enslaved. The series recognizes the strength, humanity, and dignity of the enslaved and redefines them as pro-active freedom fighters not passive victims. There are also two web sites for the series.
http://www.pbs.org/slavery
http://www.slaveryinamerica.com
In the past, Slavery in America has featured several noted African American biographies, including Richard Allen.
http://www.slaveryinamerica.org/narratives/bio_richard_allen.htm
It is essential to inform friends, family and encourage them to watch.
If we can create a large audience for this important series, PBS will be encouraged to produce and air more programs that address the African-American experience. Remember, Black History is American History! Submitted by Stephanie and Eric Stradford
11. OIL COMPANIES TO REPORT HUGE EARNINGS:
Starting this Wednesday, Jan. 25, the world's major oil companies will report huge earnings increases for 2005. ConocoPhillips reports Wednesday; Chevron, Friday; ExxonMobil on Monday, Jan. 30; Royal Dutch Shell, Thursday, Feb. 2; and British Petroleum on Tuesday, Feb. 7.
Editor Sydnor has joined the Society of Professional Journalist (SPJ) and as a member has been invite to participate in a tele-seminar scheduled for this Thursday, Jan. 26, to brief journalists on the surge in oil company profits and the world market forces pushing earnings skyward. The tele-seminar is aimed at reporters, editors and producers who cover business, energy and related issues.
Editor Sydnor believes the economy impacts the Black American community, in general and specifically, the AME community and as my sister-in-law, the Reverend Cheryl Blake Hoskins says, “you can’t eat if you are not sitting at the table.” The Editor plans to represent the African Methodist Episcopal Church in as many areas as possible.
Editor Sydnor also is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ)
12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Final arrangements for the Rev. J. R. Williams:
"Servant of God Well Done Rest from Your Employ"
Wake: Thursday, January 26, 2006, 6:00 P.M.-9:00 P.M.
St. Peter A.M.E. Church, 4730 Margaretta
St. Louis, Missouri 63115
Tel: 314-381-3345 FAX No. 314-381-7877
Email: STPETERAME@MSN.COM
Family Hour: Friday, January 27, 2006, 10:00 A.M.-11:00 A.M.
St. Peter A.M.E. Church, 4730 Margaretta
St. Louis, Mo. 63115
TEL: 314-381-3345
FAX: 314-381-7877
Funeral Services
Friday, January 27, 2006, 11:00 A.M.
St. Peter A.M.E. Church
4730 Margaretta
St. Louis, Mo 63115
TEL: 314-381-3345 FAX NO.: 314-381-7877
E-MAIL: STPETERAME@MSN.COM
Mortuary: Austin Layne Mortuary
7239 W. Florissant
St. Louis, Mo 63136
Tel: 314-381-6900
FAX: 314-381-5475
http://www.laynemortuary.com/
Condolences can be sent to:
Mrs. Helen R. Williams
4217 Shreve Ave.
St. Louis, Mo 63115
TEL: 314-385-6481
Submitted By: Presiding Elder Linda Thomas-Martin
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate
Thirteenth Episcopal District
African Methodist Episcopal Church
13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: Bishop Wilfred Jacobus Messiah,
wjmessiah2004@yahoo.com
Presiding Bishop Twentieth Episcopal District
It is with deep regret that the 20th Episcopal District announces the passing of the Rev. Dolly Vengesayi on Sunday 22nd January 2006.
Rev. Vengesayi was the former Episcopal YPD Director for the 17th Episcopal District. Rev. Dolly was ordained an Itinerant Deacon at the First Session of the Northeast Zimbabwe Annual Conference 2004 by the Rt. Rev. Wilfred J. Messiah and was the distinguished Pastor of Forbes/Vengesayi Chapel - Harare, Zimbabwe.
She leaves to mourn her husband, Brother Wingfield T. Vengesayi, her church family and the entire 20th Episcopal District. Her burial will take place on Wednesday January 25, 2006.
We solicit your prayers for the Vengesayi family.
"What then shall we say of these things, if God be for us, who then shall be against us."
Bishop Messiah
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
