1/30/2006

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (1/30/06)

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 OPENING WORSHIP SERVICE OF THE CONNECTIONAL WOMEN’S MISSIONARY SOCIETY WAS A CELEBRATION:

The Missionaries gathered in Cincinnati, Ohio at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on January 25 – 28, 2006. The Bishops of the Church, General Officers, Connectional Officers, presiding elders, pastors, laity and friends and missionary colleagues from the African Methodist Episcopal Zion and Christian Methodist Episcopal churches, joined them.

The evening worship celebration of the Connectional Women’s Missionary Society was indeed a celebratory event. About a 1000 worshippers gathered for the opening worship service that was held on Wednesday evening. The dignity and liturgical elegance of the Communion Service was African Methodism at its best. Bishop Daniel Payne would have been proud. The Third Episcopal District Choir was professional in their musical renditions of hymns, Negro spirituals, and gospel music. Refreshingly, a men’s chorus from the 3rd Episcopal District Choir rendered a selection at the Women’ Missionary Society meeting. The musical selections were superb, enhanced by the sound system, which worked without glitches and it was evident that the Connectional Women’s Missionary and district coordinators of the event had performed all pre-execution checks. It was a great lesson in how “a meeting should be conducted.”

Most of the Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church were present and marched in the with the leadership of the Connectional Women’s Society. The Episcopal order of the processional as the choir and congregation sang, “Thine is the Glory” was led by Bishop Zedekiah L. Grady followed by Bishops Sarah Frances Davis, Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Paul Jones Mulenga Kawimbe, Wilfred Jacobus Messiah, Gregory Gerald McKinley Ingram, Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Richard Franklin Norris, Adam Jefferson Richardson, Theodore Larry Kirkland, Cornal Garnett Henning, McKinley Young, Richard Allen Chappelle, John Richard Bryant, Robert Vaughn Webster, and Philip Robert Cousin, Sr.

The Call to Worship and the invitation to worship was extended and led by the Right Reverend Philip Robert Cousin, Senior Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and Presiding Prelate of the Fourth Episcopal District. All of the bishops took part in the worship liturgy. Mrs. Barbara P. Lowe and Dr. Bella G. Parker participated by reading the Old Testament and Epistle scripture lessons. Mrs. Jamesina M. Evans, Connectional WMS President gave words of greeting and welcome. Ms Cheryl T. Jones read the announcements. General Officers present for the opening service were, Richard Allen Lewis, Clement W. Fugh, Johnny Barbour, Jr., George F. Flowers, Daryl B. Ingram, Calvin H. Sydnor III and Retired Officer General Robert H. Reid, Jr.

The preacher of the hour was the Right Reverend Robert Vaughn Webster who preached a powerful sermon entitled, “The God of a Second Chance” with his text taken from II Kings 20:1-15. Bishop Webster started out asking the question, “Who will be able to stand on our shoulders?” He went on to say, “Boys and girls today, need shoulders to stand on.”

He then went on to explain that Hezekiah was good king who did what was right in the sight of the Lord (II Kings 18:3-8). (Editor’s note: Only three other Judean kings are commended for doing right in the sight of God: Asa (I Kings 15:11, Jehoshaphat (I Kings 22:43, and Josiah (II Kings 22:2). Bishop Webster explained that Hezekiah received strength by turning his face to the temple and praying to the Lord. Hezekiah turned his face away from Isaiah as he prayed to the Lord. The preacher described Hezekiah as a man who believed, “Prayer changed things.”

Bishop Webster went on to say, “Fasting is never complete without prayer; hope is not complete with out prayer; Bible study is not complete without prayer, and worship is not complete without prayer.” Bishop Webster explained that prayer consists of adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and petition. He went on to say, “The mission of the church is not geographical, it should be Christological, or Christ centered. We should be as concerned about the person next door as we are about the persons living in a foreign land. The church is all about what is outside of the doors of the church.”

Bishop Webster chastised preachers for riding around with their car windows rolled up. He told the preachers “to put the car windows down so that you can see and feel the oppression in our communities.” He added, “Preachers need to visit the courtrooms and get to know the judges because our relationship with justice system might result in more equitable sentences for the poor.” He also wanted preachers to know that “It’s not in the building that you purchase or build, but in the souls that you save.”

The preacher exhorted the congregation to spend more time on our knees and if we pray, without ceasing, God will hear our prayers and answer our prayer as he did when he added years to Hezekiah’s life.

The sermon prepared the congregants for Holy Communion. We celebrated the Lord’s Supper and concluded the service with a wonderful repast that was adequately staffed.

2. THE JOINT INSTITUTE FOR MINISTERS:

The Joint Institute for ministers of the 8th ,10th , and 12th Episcopal Districts will be held April 17-20, 2006 at the Clarion Hotel Shreveport, 1419 East 70th Street, Shreveport, Louisiana 71105, Telephone 318-797-9900; / FAX 418-798-0833.

Ask for Joint Institute for Ministers - AME Church
$72.00 per night (1-4 occupants)

3. THE TWELFTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT (ARKANSAS AND OKLAHOMA) FOUNDERS DAY CELEBRATION:

The 12th Episcopal district, along with the African Methodist Episcopal Church is celebrating the church’s 219 years as an organized denomination and of its founder, the Right Reverend Richard Allen.

The public is cordially invited to attend the worship celebrations.

February 12, 2006

Vernon AME Church
311 North Greenwood
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74120

Keynote Speaker

Reverend Roger Alford


February 19, 2006
St. John AME Church
1117 West Pullen
Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71601

Keynote Speaker
Reverend Chestine Sims

The public is invited.

For further information contact:
Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle, Presiding Prelate- 501-375-4310
Ann Gilkey, PR Director- 501-835-6382
Rev. Charles Frost, CS Coordinator-501-834-1092

4. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FIRST QUARTERLY CONFERENCE FOR THE SOUTH JACKSONVILLE FLORIDA DISTRICT CLUSTER:

The December 20, 2005 First Quarterly Conference for the South Jacksonville Florida Cluster was held in Hastings Florida at Mt. Zion AME Church, the Reverend Lorenzo Law is the pastor. Presiding Elder Robert Mitchell, accompanied by his wife, Dorothy Mitchell, presided over the meeting.

Other churches in attendance from the St. Augustine, Florida area were, St. Paul AME, Pastored by the Rev. Oliver Simmons, St. Luke AME, Pastored by the Rev. Vivian Smith Fountain, Hurst Chapel AME, Pastored by the Rev. Mattie Taylor.

Thirty stewards were confirmed, with more to be confirmed later. Brother George C. Smith of Mt. Zion was granted a license to preach in the AME denomination. Brittany Laws, daughter of Rev. Lorenzo and Gertie Laws of Mt. Zion, was recognized as the President of the District Y.P.D. Mention was made of the AME slogan: “There’s a Place for You in the AME Church.” It was also mentioned that the District Conference would be held in February (9-10), at St Paul AME, 85 ML King Avenue, in St. Augustine.

The Reverend Hermon Fountain’s appointment as local Elder was noted. The Rev. Fountain, the husband of the Rev. Vivian S. Fountain of St. Luke, also provided melodious music for the conference. Earlier, Rev. Mattie Taylor of Hurst Chapel offered a very moving prayer.

During the announcements, it was mentioned that Bishop McKinley Young had appointed a Higher Education Commission. A goal of this commission is to fund a four-year scholarship to Edward Waters College in Jacksonville.

Presiding Elder Mitchell led the closing hymn, “What a Fellowship.” The Rev. Oliver Simmons offered the Benediction and blessing of the food.

The Rev. Laws and the congregation of Mt. Zion provided a bountiful repast. A warm time of fellowship followed this productive and orderly gathering.

Submitted by Kathleen H. Smith
St. Paul AME Church, St. Augustine, Florida

5. THE HAMPTON UNIVERSITY MINISTERS CONFERENCE:

A message from the Reverend Dr. Timothy Boddie

The Registration has begun. If you would like brochures mailed out to you please call my office and request them. Call 757-727-5340 or 757-728-6601 and Ask for Kendra or Tammy.
Peace and blessings,

6. THE THIRTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT IS PLANNING TO CHARTER A BUS TO THE HAMPTON MINISTERS’ CONFERENCE AND PROVIDE HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS:

Travel Hampton, Virginia and return on a deluxe motor coach.

Accommodations will be provided at the Comfort Inn Newport News, VA, which is approximately 10 – 15 minutes from Hampton University and includes a deluxe continental breakfast each morning http://www.blogger.com/www.choicehotels.com, simply follow the link for Comfort Inn in Newport News, Virginia. Accommodations for the duration of the Conference are:

Single - $616
Double - $393
Triple - $319
Quad - $285

The price of the hotel room increases on a daily basis, so we need to move fast. Please share this info with your constituencies.

Submitted by the Rev. Tyronda Howse Burgess
Executive Aide to Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie

7. IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE VISION OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.:

Antoinette S. Johnson

It was truly a celebration! On Monday, January 16, the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was commemorated at Mount Zion A.M.E. Church in New Brunswick, NJ for the First Annual New Brunswick Faith-Based Collaborative Ecumenical Program. The program was the first of its kind held in the New Brunswick area and was spearheaded by Mount Zion’s exuberant pastor the Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Hooper. The Keynote Speaker was Rev. Reginald T. Jackson, executive director of the Black Ministers Council of New Jersey and he is the pastor of St. Matthew A.M.E. Church in Orange, New Jersey.

The pulpit was filled to capacity with an impressive group of ministers representing many different faiths, and service began with praise and worship provided by the Suydam Street Reformed Church from New Brunswick. Attendees received a welcomed treat by experiencing the praise and worship in both English and Spanish. Program participants included: Rev. Susan Kramer-Mills, pastor of First Reformed Church; Rev. Kevin E. Taylor, pastor of Unity Fellowship Church; Mr. Kevin Kelly, St. Peter’s The Apostle RC Church; The Sacred Heart Church Choir; Mr. Mario Vargas, director of neighborhood initiatives, New Brunswick Tomorrow; The Unity Fellowship Church Choir; Rev. Harroldean Ashton, vicar of St. Albans Episcopal Church; The Mount Zion A.M.E. Mass Choir; Rev. Vicente Martinez, pastor of Suydam Street Reformed Church; and Rabbi Daniel Fellman, Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple. The worship leader was the Rev. Dr. Hooper. Also in attendance were Middlesex County Freeholder Blanquita B. Valenti and Mr. Jeffrey Vega, president of New Brunswick Tomorrow.

Throughout the service, the Sacred Heart Church Choir who sang an outstanding refrain of “Psalm 46” as well as a memorable rendition of “When I Look Back over My Life” sang by the Unity Fellowship Church Choir blessed worshippers.

As music and praise filled the sanctuary, worshippers waited in anticipation of the keynote address, which was delivered with much conviction by Rev. Jackson. The sermon, “Why We Can’t Wait,” adapted from a publication of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was very moving and powerful. As stated by Rev. Jackson, “It was thought [by those on the other side of the plight] that Rev. Dr. King, Jr. was pushing too hard and moving too fast for the equality of African Americans.” Those heavily affected by discrimination and racism could not sit by and “wait” for those who are the most powerful in the world to decide when Blacks, Browns, and the poor would achieve equality.

Rev. Jackson also informed the audience that Rev. Dr. King profoundly and prophetically spoke about discrimination not necessarily being based upon the color of one’s skin but it would be based upon economics. “In the next century, discrimination will not be based upon race, it would be based upon economic factors, whoever doesn’t have education in this technological age will not be able to stand in this society,” – Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Additionally, Rev. Jackson informed the audience that even though New Jersey is the wealthiest state in the nation it is also the third poorest in the nation. Astoundingly, almost 40% of residents in New Jersey live in poverty and 30% of African Americans are living in poverty with the hospital emergency room being the only access to health care. Essentially, being poor [black, brown, and white] is equivalent to being powerless. “Without a good education, the civil rights act will not help much, and there are too many people getting rich off of our pain and suffering, stated Rev. Jackson.” The odds against becoming successful without an education are high. To that fact, African Americans currently have a 50% drop out rate for those entering the 9th grade subsequently making it difficult to become successful without a good education. Education is being looked upon as a privilege instead of a civil right. All should be given the same access to a quality education but that is not happening.

As the sermon approached its ending, Rev. Jackson drove his points home by having attendees take a look into the future concerning what the church could do in the midst of all of the civil rights challenges being faced. In order for people to reach justice and equality, the priorities of the church need to change. Pastors should focus on preparing their congregants to live fruitful lives on earth and to fight for peace, justice and equality because “if there is no justice there is no peace,” stated Rev. Jackson. Also, today’s Pastors need to decide whether they want to be prophets or puppets and should not let political leadership dictate how they conduct themselves pertaining to community involvement, leadership in the church, etc. Too many pastors are being placed on pedestals in order to be kept in their place. “If you are on a pedestal, you cannot move to far without falling off,” stated Rev. Jackson. Lastly, if we are faithful, we need to know nothing is accomplished without struggle. Struggle is a necessary ingredient in accomplishing anything.

Rev. Jackson has certainly laid the foundation with his powerful points of the lingering inequality that minorities and the poor have faced yesterday and today. “He has challenged us to move out of our comfort zones,” stated Rev. Dr. Hooper.

Too many believe that the civil rights movement is over due to the blood, sweat, and tears that people have endured. Undoubtedly, the movement is not over. The love for self was the foundation to keeping the movement strong and unmovable. As the program ended, Rev. Vicente Martinez profoundly stated, “Was not Jesus an extremist for love? What kind of extremist will we be – for love or hate?” Certainly many accomplishments have been made, however much work is still left to be done. In realizing and living Dr. King’s dream, the service ended with Black, White, and Hispanic hand-in-hand singing a moving rendition of “We Shall Overcome.” Remember his vision. Love is the key

8. 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 Aug. 16-Aug 19 2006 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 held Aug. 16-Aug 19 2006 and 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

9. "HBCU CONNECT" SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION:

We have just updated our scholarship guidelines and we are now accepting applications for our 2006 HBCU Scholarship program. For details please go
to: http://www.blogger.com/www.hbcuconnect.com/scholarships.html

For a listing of even more scholarships targeted to African Americans and HBCU Students, visit our online Scholarship Database at:
http://www.blogger.com/www.hbcuconnect.com/cgi-bin/scholarships.cgi

Please, even if you do not need a scholarship, please let, as many people know about this opportunity as you can. Thanks for being a member!

Sincerely,

William R. Moss III,
President & CEO
http://www.blogger.com/www.HBCUConnect.com

750 Cross Pointe Rd.
Suite Q
Columbus, Ohio 43230
614.864.4446 (office)
215.893.5398 (fax)

10. FREE NURSING PROGRAM AT UNIVERSITY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (UDC):

If you know of anyone between 18-28 years old, interested in the nursing field, University of the District of Columbia (UDC) is offering FREE tuition, FREE books, a $250 monthly stipend, and guaranteed job placement as a nurse at Providence Hospital upon graduation (it's a 3 year program) with a starting salary of $40,000. The program is recruiting new students now! Please contact Ms. Beshon Smith, (202)266-5481 or email Bsmith@urbanalliance.org

11. THE CHOSEN WOMEN OF GOD CONFERENCE 2006:

On behalf of the members of Mt. Zion AME Church in Deland, Florida where the Rev. Grandville Anderson is the Pastor; it is our delight to announce the Chosen Women of God Conference 2006! Theme: Women Standing In Unity! Eph. 4:12.

The conference dates are Friday, February 17 thru Sunday, February 19, 2006.
Friday "Ladies, Get Your Praise On" Night Out Worship Service!
Saturday "Life Changing Sessions":
(1) Teens on the Scene Youth Talk Session!

(2) Let us do It Christ Way! Young Adult Session

(3) I am a Women and I deserve to be treated Like One!

(4) Me and My Big Mouth!

A "Faith Talk" Luncheon by Sister Jackie Weary
Sunday "Women's Day Services":
11 a.m. the Rev. Dr. Ellen Jones Guest Preacher!
4 p.m. Bishop Julia Whitehurst-Wade Guest Preacher!!!!

Continental Breakfast, Lunch, Door Prizes, Entertainment and more!
We hope that you can join us in this wonderful celebration! Men, do not feel left out, you are absolutely invited too!

For more information please contact: The Rev. Dr. Lisa Jones at 407-341-8757 or by email: mtzionamedeland@bellsouth.net or chaplainlmjones@yahoo.com. Church phone: 386-736-1578.

The Church Address: 935 South Adelle Avenue Deland, Florida 32720

12. NEW FILM EXPLORES THE PASSION OF THE BLACK CHURCH:

"The Second Chance" Brings Faith to the Streets

Nashville, TN (BlackNews.com) - Same faith; same city; different worlds! That is the message of the movie, The Second Chance, being released in 35 key markets on Friday, February 17. The Sony Pictures release, with veteran stage actor and playwright, Jeff Obafemi Carr, focuses on a seldom-discussed topic: diversity on Sunday morning!

"Beyond issues of color, this movie catches the differences of mission that can separate or unite," said Bishop T. D. Jakes.

As Jake Sanders, Jeff Carr makes moviegoers feel the heartbeat of the bold, street-smart pastor of an inner-city church that reaches people where they hurt. Jake confronts the real-world problems of racism, prostitution, drugs, violence, economic disparity and how ministry tackles these harsh realities. GRAMMY and Dove recording artist Michael W. Smith costars as Ethan Jenkins, the unorthodox, Gucci shoe-wearing white associate pastor of a suburban mega-church who is sent to work with Jake at The Second Chance Community Church.
When Jake takes Ethan on a tour of his hood, Ethan's false impressions become the basis for their finding the common ground of their dedication.

Lisa Arrindell Anderson (Clockers; Madea's Family Reunion) gives a capable, satisfying performance as Jake's wife, Amanda.

"This film embraces the empowering gift of our diversity," commented Dr. Floyd Prude, Jr., pastor of a Midwestern black church. "I'm confident that the faith community will use this picture as a tool to open a dialogue that has been too long coming."

Steve Taylor directs The Second Chance from an original screenplay co-written with Chip Arnold and Ben Pearson. Executive producers are Ben Howard and Michael Hagerty. The Provident Films project was shot entirely on location in Nashville, Tennessee. With drug references, its rated PG-13. Additional markets will be added in March.

To view the trailer and/or to find local showings nearest you, visit http://www.thesecondchancemovie.com/

Jeff Obafemi Carr's web site is: http://www.jeffobafemicarr.com/

13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

From: Dr. William Smith, Jr., Presiding Elder
Seventh Episcopal District, Columbia SC

Our heartfelt love and prayers are extended to the Lucas family as we deeply regret announcing the passing of Mrs. Jessie Lee Lucas who passed away on Monday, January 23, 2006. She is the mother of the Rev. Tabitha Lucas Miller, pastor of Greater Hopewell AMEC (7th Episcopal District, AMEC).

The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

Funeral Service:

Sunday, January 29, 2006 - 2:00 pm

Old Kingston Missionary Baptist Church Prattville, Alabama, telephone (334) 361-9447, the Rev. Mitchell Brown, Liturgist

Funeral Home:

Phillips Riley Funeral Home
2284 West Fairview Avenue
Montgomery, AL 36108

(334) 263-0477

Condolences may be sent to:
Family of Mrs. Jessie Lee Lucas
1308 County Road 21
North Prattville, AL 36067

or

The Rev. Tabitha Lucas Miller
1208 Dothan Road
Columbia, SC 29210

Cell: (803) 530-3342

Please remember the Rev. Tabitha Lucas Miller and family in your prayers!

14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Marshall Mitchell. He was the brother of Rev. Jacovas Mitchell, who is the pastor of Turner Memorial AME Church (Manhattan District, New York Annual Conference).

The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

Funeral - Saturday, January 28, 2006
Service - 1:00 p.m.

Morris Brown A.M.E. Church
13 Morris Street
Charleston, SC 29403

The Rev. Joseph A. Darby, Pastor
Phone: 843-723-1961
Fax: 843-723-6320

Condolences may be sent to: The Rev. Jacovas Mitchell and family c/o Fielding Funeral Home, 122 Logan StreetCharleston, SC 29403

Fax: 843-722-8795

Please keep Rev. Jacovas Mitchell and the family in your prayers.

15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

From: w.hanse@parliament.gov.na
Bishop Samuel Lawrence Green, Sr, Presiding Bishop
Fifteenth Episcopal District

This missive comes to inform you that the Rev. Andreas van der Westhuizen, a Superannuated Preacher of the Namibia Annual Conference has passed on to be with the Lord last night. The Rev. Van der Westhuizen, aged 77 years, has pastored the following churches in Namibia: St. Johns AME Church, Walvisbay; D. D. Memorial AME Church, Rehoboth, Silo AME Church, Tsumispark; and the founder of the present-day St. Andrews AME Church, Khomasdal. He retired from the active ministry in 1987, when Bishop Henry A Belin presided over the Namibia Annual Conference.

The provisional memorial and funeral arrangements are as follows:

Friday 27 January 2006 at 19h00: Opening Memorial Service at the Iris Street residence, Khomasdal, Sunday 29 January 2006 at 15h00: Official Memorial Service at the Iris Street residence. Khomasdal, Wednesday 1 February 2006 at 19h00: Ecumenical Memorial Service at the St. Andrews AME Church, Khomasdal, Thursday & Friday 2-3 February 2006 at 19h00: Family Memorial Services at the Iris Street residence, Saturday 4 February 2006 at 19h00: Final Memorial Service at the Iris Street residence, and Sunday 5 February 2006 at 09h00:

Funeral Service from the St. Andrews AME Church, Khomasdal.

Inquires can be directed to:

The Rev. Betty Schroder
St. Andrews AME Church
Tel. +264 81 259 5918

Alternatively:

The Rev. Charles D Fredericks (nephew) Mt. Nebo AME ChurchTel. +264 81 296 2985

Or:

Mrs. Magdalena Boois (daughter) Tel. +264 61 215890+264 81 262 5299

16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

The days of sorrow have come upon our family once again. This time God called Joseph Chavours, Sr. to His glory. He was the father of Payne Memorial AME's First Lady Cynthia Gainey, Payne Memorial AME - 209 South King Road - Holland, Ohio 43258.

He grew up in Racine, Wisconsin and moved to Carbondale, Illinois where his last days were spent battling cancer. The Funeral Home and date where the memorial for Joseph A. Chavours, Sr. will be:

Riggin-Pillatsch Funeral Home
322 N. Division
Carterville, IL 62918 S

aturday, January 28, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. If you are sending flowers to the funeral home, order through Weller Florist in Carterville, IL. 1-800-806-6735 or send them to our address at:

Rev. and Mrs. ReLoy F. Gainey, Sr.
1762 Tecumseh St.
Toledo, Ohio 43607

(419) 242-5009

United in Christ,
The Rev. ReLoy F. Gainey, Sr., pastor Payne Memorial AME, Holland, Ohio

17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

From: mrscampbell@hotmail.com

Our prayers are extended to the Wallace and Smith family.

Sister Ardena Smith, passed Saturday, January 21, 2006. She is the mother of the Rev. Patricia Wallace, pastor of Harvest A.M.E. Church, Pahokee, FL (11th Episcopal District, South Florida Conference).

Funeral Service:

Saturday, January 28, 2006 - 11:00 am

Harvest A.M.E. Church
825 Larrimore Road
Pahokee, Florida

Church: (561) 924-4263
Fax: (561) 924-7343

Funeral Home:

Taylor Smith and West Funeral Home
900 SW Avenue 'E'
Belleglade, FL 33430

(561) 996-3048

The family is requesting in lieu of flowers that donations be given to:

Hospice of West Palm Beach County (In memory of):

Mrs. Ardena Smith 5300 'E' Avenue
West Palm Beach, FL 33407

(561) 848-5200

Family Contact Person:

The Rev. Patricia Wallace
P.O. Box 410
Pahokee, FL 33476

(561) 924-7030

Please keep this family in your prayers.

Submitted by Mrs. Marva Campbell, President
South Florida Conference Ministers Spouses Alliance

18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE- UPDATED ADDRESS:

From: Presiding Elder Linda Thomas-Martin

Reference the late Reverend J. R. Williams:

New address and telephone number for condolences to be sent to Helen Williams widow of Reverend J. R. Williams.

Mrs. Helen Williams
Embassy Suites-Airport Hotel
11237 Eagle Drive
St. Louis, MO 63044

Suite 310
314-739-829 (Phone)

19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

The passing of Mrs. Gertie Robinson Coleman Auguste the sister of Rev. Edsel F. Robinson, Sr., former Presiding Elder of the Augusta-Athens District, Augusta Georgia Conference, Sixth Episcopal District.

Arrangements for Mrs. Gertie Robinson Coleman Auguste:

Viewing Monday, January 30, 2006
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Sidney A. Jones Funeral Home
124 West Park Avenue
Savannah, Georgia 31401

912-234-7226 (Phone)
912- 234-6074 (Fax)

Funeral:

Tuesday, January 31, 2006
12:00 Noon

Taylor Chapel AME Church
107 Darling Street
Savannah, GA 31401

912-964-5704 (Phone)

Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. and Mrs. Edsel Robinson, Sr.
3322 Raburn Dr. SW
Atlanta, GA. 30311

Email condolences: maepearlie@mindspring.net

The Rev. and Mrs. Edsel Robinson, Sr. are currently staying at the Masters Inn in Savannah, GA.

Contact Information:

912- 354- 8560 (Hotel Phone Number); 404- 316 - 1091 (Cell)

Peace, Blessings & Power,
Pastor B. L. Francis

Please remember the Robinson family in your prayers.

20. 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.

21. 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.