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 AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH MOURNS THE PASSING OF MRS. CORETTA SCOTT KING:
The African Methodist Episcopal Church mourns the passing of Mrs. Coretta Scott King.
The Right Reverend Philip R. Cousin, the Senior Bishop and presiding prelate of the 4th Episcopal District said, “America will miss Mrs. Coretta Scott King. She had a vision and she had the wherewithal to keep the vision alive. As the ‘Mother of the Civil Rights’ Movement,’ all Americans will miss her. Mrs. King was a model citizen, an American icon, and a Christian witness. The African Methodist Episcopal Church will miss her.
The Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram said, “Mrs. Coretta Scott King was a powerful and respected person in her own right. She persevered in the face of adversity. She exemplified family values and demonstrated the reality of, “It takes a village to raise a family.” She raised her family, and at the same time kept the legacy of her husband alive. She was a transformer, a translator and a transition. She exuded strength and character and was a model citizen for humanity. She could have given up, but she did not, and for her example, we are grateful. The African Methodist Episcopal Church will miss her.
The Right Reverend Richard Allen Chappelle, presiding prelate of the 12th Episcopal District and the President of the Council of Bishops said, “Mrs. King was a warrior for peace and justice. She was a lighthouse for civil, women’s, and human rights. She kept the King legacy focused and kept the dream alive. She was a woman of courage, vision, passion and a Christian witness. She was a woman of character and commitment. America will miss her and the African Methodist Church will miss her.”
Dr. Dennis Dickerson, Historiographer and Executive Director of the Department of Research and Scholarship commented, “Those who maintain commitment to nonviolent social change are grateful and appreciative to Mrs. Coretta Scott King for maintaining that legacy left by her husband.
She died on Monday night, January 30, 2006 at a rehabilitation center in Mexico. Mrs. King was more that an icon in the Civil Rights’ Movement, she was considered the “Mother of the Civil Rights’ Movement.” Though she was the widow of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, she was influential and respected as person for her contributions to civil and human rights. A Headline in The Tennessean newspaper says, “Coretta Scott King ’kept marching.” The lead-in to the article said, “She became a symbol in her own right of the struggle for peace, brotherhood.”
Coretta Scott was born in Heiberger, Alabama, and raised on a farm by her parents in Perry County, Alabama. She grew up under the oppression of segregation and Jim Crow laws. White children rode buses to their all-white schools. Coretta walked to her all-black school. She did not let the circumstances of her birth nor the economic income of her family stifle her motivation for learning. She was a model student as evidenced by her being the valedictorian of her class when she graduated from Lincoln High School. She received a scholarship to Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio and as an undergraduate, took interest in civil and human rights. As a student at Antioch College, she joined the NAACP, and volunteered in several organizations that dealt with race relations and civil liberties. She graduated from Antioch with a B.A. in music and education and won a scholarship to study concert singing at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Massachusetts.
It was in Boston that she met Martin Luther King, Jr., who was a theology student at Boston University. They were married on June 18, 1953. She completed her degree in voice and violin at the New England Conservatory and in September 1954, Coretta and her husband moved to Montgomery, Alabama, where Martin Luther King Jr. had accepted an appointment as pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church. And, the rest is history – the Montgomery bus boycott, sit-ins, marches, bombings, jailing, her husband’s Nobel Peace Prize, attacks by dogs and fire hoses, Bull Conner, George Wallace, the March on Washington, the assassination of her husband. Through it all, Mrs. Coretta Scott King maintained dignity. She raised her children, led the campaign to establish the multimillion-dollar King Center for Nonviolent Social Change, endured criticism from persons far and near, and continued to fight for civil and human rights and to expand and enlarge her husband’s legacy. The Reverend Dr. Andrew Young, former mayor of Atlanta and a colleague of Dr. King in describing Mrs. King said, “She was a woman born to struggle and she has struggled and she has overcome.”
On April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, and she was left to raise four young children. In spite of her loss, she concentrated her energies on fulfilling her husband’s dream of nonviolence and equal rights for all persons.
She formed the Full Employment Action Council in 1974. The Full Employment Action Council was a broad coalition of over 100 religious, labor, business, civil and women's rights organizations dedicated to a national policy of full employment and equal economic opportunity; Mrs. King served as Co-Chair of the Council. She traveled all over the world on goodwill missions to advance the cause of justice and human rights. She has been an inspiration to U. S. Presidents and foreign heads of state.
One of her crowning accomplishments was the Act of Congress establishing her husband’s birthday, January 15, as a national holiday in the United States.
The Kings had four children: Yolanda Denise; Martin Luther, III; Dexter Scott; and Bernice Albertine. Mrs. Coretta Scott King was 78 years old.
The King family issued a statement following her death stating: "We appreciate the prayers and condolences from people across the country."
Funeral arrangements are pending.
2. GLOBAL CORNER PRAYER REQUEST:
The Connectional Second-Vice Lay President, Brother Weldon Schumann is going for an operation on his throat on Wednesday, 02 February 2006 at 16h00, we at the Cape Annual Conference Lay and Family ask for your Prayer.
May God bless you.
Bishop Wilfred Jacobus Messiah
3. FIND OUT IF YOU QUALIFY FOR THE EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT (EITC):
The IRS wants those who qualify for the EITC. They are trying to help you find out if you are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit. Talk to your tax preparer, or go to www.irs.gov/eitc and have the EITC Assistant walk you through each eligibility requirement.
qualify for the EITC.
The Internal Revenue Service may be reached online: www.irs.gov/eitc or call (800).TAX-1040.
4. ADDENDUM – REFERENCE, THE REV. DR. JESSICA KENDALL INGRAM TO HOST INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S CONVOCATION 2006 IN DALLAS, TEXAS:
The date of the International Women's Convocation 2006 will be held Aug. 16-Aug 19 2006 in Dallas, Texas.
5. CONNECTIONAL CHRISTIAN DEBUTANTE-MASTER COMMISSION ANNOUNCES ANNUAL RED AND WHITE DAY:
The Connectional Christian Debutante-Master Commission Announces their
Annual Red and White Day to support the Julma B. Crawford Memorial Scholarship Fund. The event will be held on February 19, 2006.
The funds raised will go toward the Julma B. Crawford Memorial Scholarship Fund. Scholarships will be awarded to applicants who meet the criteria at the 2008 General Conference during the Connectional CDMC Ceremony.
Please send all contributions to:
Mrs. Gloria Ward
Connectional CDMC Scholarship Chairperson
1600 Dunmoor Rd
Memphis, TN 38114
Telephone: 1-901-743-5550
Bishop Robert Webster – Commission Chair
Rev. Daryl Ingram – Executive Dir. Of Christian EducationMrs. Loretta Hill – CDMC AdministratorMrs. Gloria Massey Ward – Host Commissioner
Submitted by Sister Tanya Morris
Rocky Ridge Elementary
Secretary/Registrar
2876 Old Rocky Ridge Rd.
Hoover, AL 35243
205-439-2900(Work)/205-439-2901(Fax)
Email: tmorris@hoover.k12.al.us
6. MANY AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS ARE NOT APPLYING FOR SCHOLARSHIP AID:
Even if you do not have a college-aged child at home, please share this with someone who does, pass the scholarship information on to anyone and everyone that comes to mind. Though there are a number of companies and organizations that have donated monies for scholarship use to African Americans, a great deal of the money is being returned because of a lack of interest.
Take the initiative to get your children involved. There is no need for money to be returned to donating companies because we fail to apply for it.
Please pass this information on to family members, nieces, nephews, friends with children etc. We must get the word out that money is available. If you are a college student or getting ready to become one, you probably already know how useful additional money can be.
Our youth really could use these scholarships. Thanks!
Search the Web and you will find credible leads to great scholarship opportunities.
7. BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION - SPRING CHAPEL AME CHURCH - GRAND JUNCTION, TENNESSEE:
Each Sunday during the month of February, Spring Chapel AME will celebrate 'Moments in Black History'. Our theme is 'Remember the past, Reflect on the present and Reach for the future'.
The Black History Celebration will take place during at the 11:00 a.m. Worship service.
Our Special guests include:
February 5, 2006 –
The Reverend Arthur McKinnie & New Hope MB Church, Hickory Valley, Tennessee
February 12, 2006 -
The Reverend Jerry Epperson & Long Chapel AME, Jackson, Tennessee
February 19 2006 -
The Reverend Chris Chapman & New Prospect CME, Grand Junction) and
February 26 2006 - (The Reverend James Perry & Bowden Hill CME, Saulsbury, Tennessee
Spring Chapel is located at 2445 Park Swain Road, Grand Junction, Tennessee.
The Reverend Shelda D. Herring is Pastor/Spiritual Leader.
For more information, contact Shirley Mason (731) 764-2818.
8. SPECIAL BLACK HISTORY MESSAGE FROM THE DESK OF PASTOR HERRING:
In the words of J. H. Thon, “Do what you can, give what you have, only stop not with feelings; carry your charity into deeds, do and give what costs you something.”
As people of color, be determined not to go quietly in a corner, or fade in the night, but do all we can to encourage someone to be all that they can be. Let us be that “Wind beneath someone’s Wing.”
Remember we are laborers together with God. (I Cor. 3: 9). Leave some good work behind you that shall not be lost when you are gone. Do some useful deeds that bring glory to God, spread some good will, and peace on earth among others.
9. A “GREAT RECIPE” SUBMITTED BY THE REVEREND SHELDA HERRING:
Fold two hands together, And express a dash of sorrow.Marinate it overnight, And work on it tomorrow.Chop one grudge in tiny pieces, Add several cups of love.Dredge with a large sized smile, Mix with the ingredients above.Dissolve the hate within you, By doing a good deed.Cut in and help your friend, If he/she should be in need.Stir in laughter, love and kindness, From the heart it has to come.Toss with genuine forgiveness, And give your friends some.The amount of people served, Will depend on you.It can serve the whole wide world.If you really want it to!
(Author unknown)
10. THE WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES’ TRIBUTE TO CORETTA SCOTT KING:
Coretta Scott King was an extraordinary woman who lived an extraordinary life during an extraordinary time. A devoted wife and mother, she was also a gifted musician, a dedicated human rights activist and leader in the movement for non-violent social change in her own right.
As the wife of Dr Martin Luther King, Jr., Coretta Scott King was often seen at Dr King’s side in marches and demonstrations across the nation. As Dr King’s wife, she endured the threats to her family and herself with him. Few will ever forget the picture of her veiled silhouette at Dr King’s funeral, with her daughter in her lap.
But after Dr King’s assassination, Mrs. King became a leader in the movement for non-violent social change, insisting that Dr King’s legacy not be forgotten and setting up the King Center for Non-Violent Social Change in Atlanta. She spoke around the world about the power of non-violence to confront racism and other oppressions. She spoke out on behalf of women and the poor not only in the US, but also in the world. She worked tirelessly to see that Dr King’s birthday be named a national holiday in the US and then insisted that it not be seen as a day off from work, but rather as a day of service, honouring a man whose life was dedicated to service.
Mrs. King was a wise woman, whose wisdom was often sought after by the world’s leaders as well as civil and human rights activists, and, of course, by her family and friends. She was a devoted Christian, who lived a life of faith and devotion to “doing justice, loving kindness and walking humbly with God.” The world is a better place because Coretta Scott King lived and because she led. She leaves a great legacy and a challenge for us all to work for an end of violence and hatred in our world.
With all good wishes and prayers,
Yours sincerely,
The Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia
11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: clinton@1stdistrict-ame.com
We regret to inform you of the death of the Rev. L. Margaret Outerbridge. Rev. Outerbridge was a member of St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church (Bermuda Annual Conference). She was 2005 graduate of Turner at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta Georgia. At the time of her death (Thursday, January 26, 2006) she was part of the Transition into Ministry Internship at Charles Street African Methodist Episcopal Church, under Rev. Dr. Gregory G. Groover, Sr.
Funeral arrangements are as follows:
Viewing:
Saturday, February 4, 2006
St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church
41 Wilkinson Avenue
Bailey's Bay, Bermuda
7:00 p.m.
Funeral:
Sunday, February 5, 2006
St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, Bermuda
Corner of Court & Victoria Streets
Hamilton, Bermuda
3:00 p.m.
Condolences can be sent to:
St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church
Email: stjohname@ibl.bm
Fax: 441-293-0087
Phone: 441-293-8606
St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church
Email: stpaulame@ibl.bm
Fax: 441-292-9247
Hotel Accommodations:
Grotto Bay Beach Resort
11 Blue Hole Hill,
Hamilton Parish, Bermuda
441-293-8333
$80.00 per person + tax
Group name: St. John AME Church
12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Pansy Ervin, mother of the Reverend Dr. Gwyndolyn Allen. Dr. Allen is the pastor of Mount Sinai African Methodist Episcopal Church, in Harrisburg, PA. Mrs. Ervin was called home on Sunday, January 29, 2006.
The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Services for:
Mrs. Pansy Ervin
Friday, February 3, 2006
Viewing from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m.
Funeral Services at 1:00 p.m.
Location of Services:
Mount Sinai AME Church
2334 Highland Avenue
Harrisburg, PA. 17109
717-232-0667
The Reverend Dr. Gwyndolyn Allen, Pastor
Condolences May Be Sent To:
The Reverend Gwyndolyn Allen
1033 South 17th Street
Harrisburg, PA. 17103
717-233-6448 telephone and fax
knewness@netzero.net
Wallaca Funeral Directors, Inc.
106 Agnes Street
Harrisburg, PA. 17104
717-939-9950
717-939-9952 - FAX
13. 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.
14. 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
