Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor ”
The Editor has been invited to preach the Ordination Sermon for the Delaware Annual Conference on Friday. The Delaware Annual Conference is being held at Mt. Zion AME Church, Dover Delaware. The Right Reverend Richard F. Norris is the Presiding Prelate of the First Episcopal District. ”
1. THE SEVENTH DISTRICT’S 2006 INVESTITURE INVITATION:
- Bishop & Mrs. Preston Warren Williams, II
Lives That Teach
On June 25-29, 2006, for the first time in the more than two hundred year history of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, a presiding Bishop of the Seventh Episcopal District will be invested as President of the Council of Bishops. The Right Reverend Preston Warren Williams, II, who was consecrated as the 119th Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, will now become Chairman of the board that governs the twenty Episcopal Districts of the global African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Therefore, a warm-hearted welcome is extended to all members and friends of the AME family to come join us in the sunny nation state of South Carolina and partake in this truly momentous occasion. The Investiture event will take place from Sunday June 25th to Thursday June 29th and will be centered around the Charleston Airport Convention Center in North Charleston, South Carolina.
Since being appointed to govern the Seventh Episcopal District in July of 2000, Bishop Preston Warren Williams, II and Mother Wilma Delores Webb-Williams have led lives that teach, encourage and equip the Saints for ministry and salvation. They have worked diligently and faithfully to uphold the glowing torch of African Methodism throughout the continent of Africa and now back into the southern states of America, which are their childhood roots.
A grass roots preacher, in his first year Bishop Williams physically visited 552 of 634 AME Churches throughout South Carolina. A lettered theologian, his top priority for the New South is education. A spiritual shepherd to millions, in July of 2005 Bishop Williams partnered with the Department of Juvenile Justice in a collective effort to provide South Carolina's at-risk youth with support and services designed to maximize their potential as positive and productive members of society. A champion of education, in August of 2005 Bishop Williams and Carl Anderson of the South Carolina House of Representatives successfully lobbied for the passing of a Teen Mentoring Program which now pays teenagers to tutor younger children. A guardian of all young people, throughout the summer of 2005, Bishop Williams teamed up with the Department of Social Services and provided 800 underprivileged children throughout South Carolina each day with a free state sponsored summer lunch.
Bishop Williams is Chairman of the Board at Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina, and a member of the Governing Board at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC.
In the merciful and matchless name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, all are invited and welcome to the 2006 Meeting of the General Board & Council of Bishops.
Hotel Information:
BE SURE to specify the AME block when making your reservation.
Residence Inn Charleston Airport5035 International BoulevardNorth Charleston, SC 29414(843) 266-3434Group Rate: $129
Hilton Garden Inn Charleston Airport5265 International BoulevardNorth Charleston, SC 29418(843) 308-9330Group Rate: $109
Holiday Inn Charleston Airport & Convention Center5264 International BoulevardNorth Charleston, SC 29418(843) 576-0300Group Rate: $109
Submitted by:
Benjamin Harrison
Public Relations Director
7th District AME Church
Tel 803.935.0500
Fax 803.935.0830
HarrisonAMEMedia@aol.com
2. 2006 INVESTITURE SOUVENIR JOURNAL ADS:
Any persons interested in advertising in the 2006 Investiture Souvenir Journal may contact the Seventh Episcopal District Office at 803-935-0500 or carment@amec7thdist.org to request a Church or Business Ad Application by email or fax.
3. 2006 INVESTITURE VENDORS:
Any persons or companies interested in purchasing Vendor Booths for the 2006 Investiture Service may contact Rev. Dr. Frank C. Maddox at 843.251.6360.
4. FIRST BLACK JESUS MOVIE, “COLOR OF THE CROSS”
THE REVEREND CECIL “CHIP” MURRAY INVOLVED WITH THE FIRST BLACK JESUS MOVIE, “COLOR OF THE CROSS”!
The most controversial religious approach to the life of Jesus ChristLOS ANGELES --The Rev. Cecil “Chip” Murray, for over twenty-seven years served as the senior pastor of Los Angeles’ First African Methodist Episcopal Church (FAME). He has been a prominent influential leader to over eighteen thousand members in the community and around the globe.
Rev. Murray and his church’s efforts to end community violence during the 1992 Rodney King riot are continuously recognized in our city’s religious and civil landscapes. Rev. Cecil “Chip” Murray is a distinguished civic leader who brought forth a wealth of knowledge and support to his involvement in the writing and production of the film, “Color of the Cross.” He believes this version of Jesus Christ has been long overdue. “I think that people will welcome this as a fresh perspective, especially as well-researched as this story is,” said Rev. Murray.
“Color of the Cross,” an independent, biblically charged religious biopic, based on the last 48 hours of Christ’s life, stands to be the most controversial depiction of Jesus to date. The film is unique in two distinct ways: The first dramatic film in Hollywood history ever to depict Christ as a black man. Secondly, it is the first Christian based film to inject race as a possible factor in the Crucifixion of Christ. This racial perspective to the conventional biblical story is sure to challenge Conservative Christian beliefs. The film places racial issues front and center in this growing religious discourse that is sure to become an additional topic for debate.
According to Producer, Kenneth Halsband, “When you see the black man on the cross, you are immediately reminiscent of the 1960’s… Our film hopes to heal those wounds.”
The film, independently financed is currently in production and scheduled for theatrical release in fall 2006.“Color of the Cross,” written and directed by lead actor Jean Claude LaMarre, and starring Debbi Morgan (“Coach Carter,” “Woman Thou Art Loosed”) as Mary, the mother of Jesus.
The film is a Nu-Lite Entertainment production, and producers are the Rev. Cecil “Chip” Murray, Jessie Levostre, Kenneth Halsband, Executive Producers Lila Aviv, Paul Noe, Marc Porterfield, Michele Gonda and Co-producer Marcello Thedford.Media Contact
CONTACT: Krystal Collazo PHONE: (786) 417- 3628 EMAIL: ColoroftheCross8@gmail.com Movie Link http://www.colorofthecross.com/
Submitted by WDC Media PR
http://www.wdcmedia.com/
5. THE SIXTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2006 LEADERSHIP CONGRESS, JULY 18-21, 2006, AUGUSTA MARRIOTT CONFERENCE CENTER:
REAL Prayer, REAL Praise, REAL Love, REAL Life, REAL Relationships, REAL Ministry, REAL Worship – Come to Augusta, Georgia!
If Jesus is REAL, our experience as Christians should be REAL.
How can we make our faith REAL? Is what we do life changing and meaningful? Is our worship REAL—in Spirit and in Truth? Perhaps it is time to take a step back and look introspectively, not only at ourselves, but at how we do church.
Keepin’ it REAL . . . will focus on Real Leadership, Real Ministry, Real Truth, and Real Life.
This three and one-half day event, sponsored by the Christian Education Department, brings together over 1500 members of the A.M.E. Church from across the state of Georgia and from the various ministries. Registration includes:
- All classes, including session with Father Clements
- Program booklet and registration kit
- District cookout
- Basketball tournament
- Dramatic presentation—”The Preacher’s Son”
- WMS Queen Contest
- Attendance to YPD Choir Live Recording (Wednesday)
- Attendance to Gospel Music Concert, featuring, Atlanta and Birmingham Chapters of the GMWA (Gospel Music Workshop of America) and the Atlanta Masonic Choir* (Thursday)
*The Atlanta Masonic Choir is the oldest recording choir in the nation, certified by the Smithsonian Institute.
Our Special Guest
The fourth of six children, Father George Clements was born in Chicago, Illinois, on January 26, 1932. After attending Catholic elementary and high schools, Clements went on to St. Mary of the Lake Seminary School, first earning a B.A. and then an M.A. in 1957.
Clements began his ministry in 1957 in the archdiocese of Chicago. He aligned himself with various social causes, especially the civil rights movement. In 1968, while Chicago's African American Catholics were calling for a black pastor, Clements was in the front running for the position. When the position of pastor was given to Father Rollins Lambert, many in the community were angry, including the Black Panthers, who Clements had served as group chaplain. When parishioners of St. Dorothy's, Lambert's former parish, began demanding Clements be appointed pastor, Cardinal John Cody instead placed him under Lambert. Following this, Clement went on a speaking tour at black colleges across the nation. In 1969, he was named pastor of Holy Angels Church, and while there, he harbored many Black Panthers wanted by the police.
Upon retiring from Holy Angels, Clements moved to Washington, D.C. and became the founder of the One Church-One Child, One Church-One Addict and One Church-One Inmate initiatives. In 1981, he became the first priest to adopt a child, and later adopted three more. His One Church-One Child program subsequently resulted in the adoption of more than 100,000 children nationwide. He has worked to help students from Africa secure higher education in the United States and has been active in the war on drugs. During the Million Man March in 1995, Clements announced plans for the One Church-One Addict program, wherein communities would provide aftercare for individuals who have been incarcerated. More than 1,000 churches in thirty-five states now belong to the program.
Father Clements has been honored by numerous organizations, including the Kentucky State Senate, which issued a resolution praising his deeds. A film starring Lou Gossett, Jr., The Father Clements Story, was produced and broadcast by NBC.
Hotel Information
Augusta Marriott Hotel & Suites
Formerly: Radisson Riverfront HotelTwo Tenth Street, Augusta706-722-8900$90 per night plus tax (single, double, triple, quad)
Formerly: Country Suites RiverwalkThree Ninth Street, Augusta706-744-1400$90 per night plus tax standard room
Toll free number for reservations: 1-866-316-5958
For additional information, please contact the SED Headquarters by phone at 770-220-1770, or via E-mail at sixdistr@bellsouth.net. Or visit online at http://www.sixthepiscopaldistrict.org/ .
The Right Reverend William Phillips DeVeaux
Presiding Bishop
Dr. Pam DeVeaux
Episcopal Supervisor
Dr. Daniel W. Jacobs
Chairman, Christian Education Department
The Rev. Jai S. Haithco, Sr.
Director of Christian Education
The Rev. Vivian Green
Assoc. Director of Christian Education
The Rev. Ella Mae Samuels
Host Presiding Elder
The Rev. Mark PiersonThe Rev. Richard A. Smith
Co-Host Pastors
6. THE BRYANTS, ALL THREE OF THEM PREACHED AT THE 2006, SHAW UNIVERSITY DIVINITY SCHOOL MINISTERS CONFERENCE:
http://www.shawuniversity.edu/SUDS/Min_Conf/conference.htm
Monday night: The Reverend Dr. Gardner C. Taylor lectured throughout the week...what a great mind!
Tuesday morning, The Reverend Dr. Otis Moss III presented.
On Tuesday night, Dr. Otis Moss Jr., Senior Pastor, Olivet Institutional Baptist Church, Cleveland, Ohio “brought the house down with old school black preaching.” He said, “We are raising an ignorant generation, we want a God without Judgment, a Church without Discipline and, a Christ without the cross.
On Wednesday morning, the Reverend Ivan Hicks, the son of H. Beecher Hicks Jr. was the speaker.
On Wednesday night, the Reverend Dr. H. Beecher Hicks, Jr., Senior Pastor, Metropolitan Baptist Church, Washington, DC, “killed the house” with his message, "Put me out."
On Thursday, the Conference was uplifted with "THE AME TRINITY."
In the Morning, the Reverend Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant, “killed the house” with his message entitled, "Convicted by a Candle Stick." He took his text from Proverbs 4:18. When he closed his sermon, he said, “Since we have all these Baptist preacher here, and some you think AME preachers can’t preach, let me close like a good Baptist, he went on to say, "Good Evening yawl, may the Lord Bless you real good." He hooped like a Holy Ghost-filled preacher and electrified the audience of academics, theologians and preachers!
In the Afternoon, his mother, the Reverend Dr. Cecelia Bryant, “killed the house.” What a powerful woman of God. She said, “We have too much lasciviousness in the pews, exceeded with corruption in the pulpit.” Her closing prayer was that all ministers go back to their initial calling and ask God to expunge the record since their calling! Her text was Proverbs 4:18.
At the night, Dr. Jamal Bryant’s father, the Right Reverend John Bryant, Presiding Prelate of the Fifth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church had the preachers “hanging from the rafters.” He preached from the subject: "Turn in your Lights," from Proverbs 4:18.
Bishop John asked the question, where are the preachers? He said, every time he turns on his TV, he never hears Jesus, Sin, and the Cross-mentioned in the same breath. Nobody is talking about the social ills of our community; Nobody is asking or talking about why we have more drugs and guns in the “hood,” than we have books in the local schools. He enjoined pastors to, "Turn on Your Lights." He asked, “Where are you Prophets? Where are the Pastors?”
Friday afternoon, my homeboy from Pensacola, Florida, Bishop J. D. Wiley, senior pastor of Life Center Full Gospel Baptist Cathedral, New Orleans, Louisiana, “killed the house with his delivery of the Communion message. He called upon the church back to be genuine in gospel-preaching and authentic worship! He said we have “good news” to preach, but often it is not the Good News that Jesus Christ preached!
Submitted by the Reverend Keith A. Ogden
ogdenhsbc@aol.com
Hill Street Baptist church
Ashville, NC
7. CELEBRATION OF THE 122ND CHURCH ANNIVERSARY AT SAINT PETER AME CHURCH, FORT VALLEY, GEORGIA:
For more than a century, the Saint Peter African Methodist Episcopal Church located at 502 State University Drive, Fort Valley, Georgia has served its membership, our Connectional Church and the community at large in many unique ways.
It has served as a forum for the expression of faith, religious beliefs and ideologies and for fellowship while creating a caring, sharing and nurturing environment. It has served as a spiritual and educational training ground for youth. Many of our members have gone on to become ministers, doctors, lawyers, educators, entrepreneurs in assuming meaningful civic and social roles in their communities.
One of our goals for the 2005 Anniversary Ministry is to bring the church back to its position of prominence. The focus of this Anniversary Campaign is - "Fully Committed."
Saint Peter A.M.E. Church Spiritual Leaders, Reverend and Mrs. Bertram C. Smith, officers, members and friends proudly observed their 122nd Anniversary Sunday, November 27, 2005.
The speaker for this important event is the renowned Bishop, E. Earl McCloud, Jr., the 127th elected and Consecrated Bishop, African Methodist Episcopal Church at the General Conference held in Indianapolis, Indiana, 2004. Bishop McCloud currently serves our Zion as Ecumenical Officer.
He is a well-trained clergyman who holds the Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.
Bishop McCloud is married to Patricia Russell-McCloud, Doctor of Jurisprudence.
Brother Ashley T. Ballard, Chairman of the Anniversary Ministry and committee members have worked untiringly to assure that this years' Anniversary was one of the best in the annals of our rich history.
The public shared in this history-making occasion.
Submitted by Brother Alphonso B. Varner
8. FIFTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT MID-YEAR FOCUSES ON HIP HOP MOVEMENT, LEAVES DELEGATES SPIRITUALLY RENEWED:
DENVER — (April 3, 2006) — Though the 1,200 delegates have departed the “mile high city,” participants in the Fifth Episcopal District Mid-Year Convocation are still on a “spiritual high.”
Bishop John R. and Rev. Cecilia Williams Bryant, Presiding Prelate and Episcopal Supervisor of the Fifth District, annually convene the Mid-Year Convocation as an opportunity to empower, enrich and enhance the lives of the ministers, parishioners and members of the 14-state district.
Expertly hosted by the Rev. Joseph C. Nixon and the Shorter A.M.E. Church family, the 2006 Mid-Year focused on ministering to young people. Sermons, workshops and breakout sessions addressed the “hip hop movement” and how the A.M.E Church must adjust to meet the needs of its youngest parishioners.
Southern California Conference Women’s Missionary Society President Lessie Thompson noted that the convocation made her “look at the hip hop generation in a whole new way.”
Theresa Lawrence of Grant A.M.E. Church, Los Angeles, described the convocation as “wonderful,” adding that it was heartening seeing “the A.M.E. church bringing the reality of the Hip Hop Culture to the forefront because it is the only way we will capture our youth.”
The Fifth District Women’s Missionary Society, Young People’s Division and Clergy met simultaneously in separate “modules” March 16-19. Highlights included:
- Powerful Preaching — The Rev. Jason Barr, pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church, Pittsburgh, Pa., preached “The ministry of your enemy” from Genesis 45:1-11. The Rt. Rev. Phillip R. Cousin keynoted the evening worship service on March 16 with his message entitle, “Remember,” based on Deuteronomy 8:1-6. Cousin is presiding prelate of the Fourth Episcopal District and senior bishop of the A.M.E. Church. The Rev. Matthew Watley, executive minister of Reid Temple A.M.E. Church, Glendale, Md., addressed the Hour of Power service the following day with his sermon, “I Came to Wind it Up,” taken from 1 Samuel 17.
- Thought-Provoking Plenary Sessions — “Living Well: Living Deeply,” facilitated by Surina Ann Jordan, a doctoral candidate at the Clayton College of Natural Health, Birmingham, Ala.; “Reaching the Hip Hop Generation” led by the Reverends Drs. Ralph Watkins and Brandere J. Mitizaraime. Mitizaraime is a doctoral candidate at Princeton University, Princeton, N.J., while Watkins serves as the assistant dean of the African American Church Studies Program at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif.; “Conflict Resolution,” championed by the Rev. Shermella Garrett, presiding elder of the Pacific Northwest Conference of the Fifth District.
- Leadership Development — Norma J. Cook, Fifth District WMS President, assembled an all-star team to address spiritual formation, public speaking, team building and effective programming. Leaders were Rev. Regina Goff, pastor of Campbell Chapel A.M.E. Church in Denver; Denise Hunter, president and C.O.O., FAME Corporations in Los Angeles; Mary Mayo Mayberry, administrative services manager for the City of Oakland, Calif.; and Charlotte M. Ned, Title I coordinator for the Los Angeles Unified School District.
- Whatever! Whatever! — Using Philippians 4:8 as a guide, the YPD, under the leadership of Fifth District Director Richelle Fry Skinner, hosted “Whatever! Friday Night Live” featuring Holy Hip Hop recording artists G-Boy Union – click88, L-Brown, and TripLL-H – of Grant A.M.E. Church, Los Angeles, who electrified the congregation with their gospel rap presentation. The YPD also sponsored the “Whatever! Worship Service” on Sunday, with Minister BaSean Jackson, the Children, Youth and Young Adult minister at Olivet Baptist Church of Christ in Fayetteville, Ga.
According to TripLL-H, also known as Matthew Bodden, Mid-Year opened “many hearts and minds to the effectiveness of Holy Hip Hop as a ministerial tool.”
“One gentleman in his mid-forties literally said to us that prior to experiencing our presentation he was completely opposed to rap music,” said Bodden, who attended Mid-Year for the first time. “Tears then filled his eyes when he then said that after our presentation he had changed his opinion completely.”
For more information on the ministry of the Fifth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, visit http://www.ame-church.org/.
9. WATTS CHURCH CONTINUES ITS WORK TO REVITALIZE THE CENTRAL AVENUE CORRIDOR WITH $1.4 MILLION APARTMENT RENOVATION:
LOS ANGELES — (March 20, 2006) — The Central Avenue Corridor of South Los Angeles is getting another face-lift.
Watts’ largest private landowner, Grant A.M.E. Church, recently announced a $1.4 million renovation of 12, two-bedroom apartments between 105th and 107th streets along Central Avenue.
A collaborative effort with the Church’s 501(c) (3) — the Grant Housing and Economic Development Corporation — and the Los Angeles Housing Authority, the apartment renovations are another step toward the revitalization of the area.
“To have served this community for 100 years, Grant is aware that the Central Avenue Corridor was once the bustling economic and cultural district of the Black community,” said the Rev. Leslie R. White, pastor of Grant and C.E.O. of GHEDC.
“We know that in order to serve this community for 100 years more, we must continue to invest our time and resources to provide affordable housing, jobs and opportunities for working families, seniors and the citizens of this community.”
And, on White’s watch, the Church has done just that, aggressively snapping up available land and persuasively pressing local, state, and federal agencies for additional resources.
In October 2004, for example, GHEDC broke ground on a $30 million multi-use project to redevelop 2.4 acres between 103rd and 107th streets on Central Avenue. The 108,000 square-foot residential phase of the project boasts 65 multi-family four-bedroom apartments and 60 permanent jobs.
While construction delays have prevented further progress on that project, Brenda Curry, president of Curtom Building and Development Corporation, says the current renovations of the 12 apartments are right on schedule for completion in June 2006.
“These buildings will be like brand-new and will be open for occupancy this summer. We are gutting the buildings down to the studs and will be reconstructing apartments that this community will appreciate.”
On the interior, existing drywall, electrical, plumbing and fixtures have been ripped away and replaced. Where water and terminates previously damaged the floors and walls, new construction has created a more structurally sound, durable and safer environment.
On the exterior, new windows, insulation, roofs and paint will give each of the three buildings a new look and foster a sense of pride for the new tenants.
Like other projects Curtom has completed since its founding in 1982, Curry employs as many community residents as possible, many of whom may be invited to work for Curtom permanently or will be recommended to other construction companies when the project is completed.
That was one of the many reasons for selecting Curtom in the competitive bidding process, White says.
Indeed, Curtom is a preferred builder for Target, Sav-on Pharmacies and Albertsons Supermarkets, and has worked extensively with the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Los Angeles Housing Authority. And, it did not hurt that Curry and partner Jacqueline Thomas are members of Grant.
“We believe in turning the money over as much as possible,” White said, referring to the economic principle of reinvesting money into the community. “Everyone benefits when talented, capable businesses and individuals invest and reinvest in one another.”
About Curtom Building and Development Corp.
Founded in 1982, Curtom is a rapidly growing, female minority-owned General Building Contracting firm in Inglewood. A successful graduate of the Small Business Administration 8(a) program as a General Building Contractor, Curtom is licensed by the state of California for (A) engineering, (B) general building (C2) insulation, (C8) concrete, (C13) fencing and asbestos abatement. Curtom specializes in construction/project management; multifamily residential and single-family construction; commercial building renovation and construction; interior renovation; public works construction; asbestos and lead abatement; child care centers; supermarkets and retail stores.
About GHEDC
The Grant Housing and Economic Development Corporation was founded in 1992 and strives to create viable and community-controlled economic bases in South Los Angeles. The GHEDC actively identifies, researches and engages in community economic development, with a special emphasis on the Central Avenue Corridor of the Watts community. Projects presently underway or in the works include the development of low-cost housing, small-business incubation, day care programs and educational opportunities for youth and adults. Chris Jordan is Director; the Rev. Leslie R. White is C.E.O.
About Grant A.M.E. Church
The second-largest A.M.E. Church west of the Mississippi is located at 10435 South Central Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90002, and is celebrating its 100th year of service to the Watts community. Worship services are heard on the radio each Sunday morning at 6 a.m. on KJLH 102.3 FM. Join us for worship on Sundays at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. and for Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Hour of Power begins at 11:30 a.m. and Thursday night Soul Food starts at 6 pm. All are welcome; admission is free. For driving directions or for more information visit www.GrantAMEChurch.org or contact the Church office at 323-564-1151.
10. ILLUMINATION DRAMA GUILD PRESENTS “WELCOME HOME” SUNDAY, APRIL 9 AT 11 A.M.; HIV-AWARENESS SKIT CONTINUES GRANT A.M.E. CHURCH’S EFFORTS TO FIND A CURE:
LOS ANGELES — (April 3, 2006) — The Illumination Drama Guild of Grant A.M.E. Church in South Los Angeles presents “Welcome Home” during the 11 a.m. worship service on Sunday, April 9.
Cast members Timothy Alfred, Caroline Culpepper, Andrea Gaston, Patricia A. Harris, Ebony Malbry and the Rev. Kevin T. Taylor, address the myths and realities of living with HIV.
“HIV and AIDS have wreaked havoc on the African American community and people of color throughout the world,” explained the Rev. Leslie R. White, pastor of Grant. “Children have been orphaned, spouses widowed and a segment of the population nearly destroyed as a direct result of this disease.”
“It is imperative that the Black Church conceive of new and creative ways to minister to the needs of our members who face the challenges of this disease each day,” White continued. “I am proud of the way the Drama ministry and the other ministries of Grant have embraced this cause.”
Award-winning Guild Director Senait Ashenafi, star of the critically acclaimed feature film Honeybee, adapted a HIV skit by the same name to meet the needs of Watts’ largest congregation. She expressed being “humbled” by the way the tight-knit cast latched on to the vision of the script and have prepared themselves for Sunday’s presentation.
The timing of the skit coincides with the 10th Annual Southern California AIDS Walk for Minority Women and Children.
The 5K walk, organized by U.S. Rep. Juanita Millender-McDonald (D-Los Angeles), is scheduled for Saturday, April 22 at 7:30 a.m. at California State University, Dominguez Hills. The nation’s only African American U.S. Senator, Barack Obama (D-Illinois), is the honorary co-chair.
“For the past nine years, Grant has been the largest faith-based donor for this effort,” White explained. “Through this and our other AIDS awareness activities, Grant has raised in excess of $100,000 in the past ten years to fight this debilitating disease.”
White is confident that the dramatic presentation will help boost Grant’s participation in the walk again this year and will ultimately help educate the Watts community about the truth of HIV and AIDS.
Sunday’s performance is the third dramatic presentation by the Illumination Drama Ministry. In December, the Guild debuted at Grant with “A Conscience Revisited,” a tale of a young man’s struggles with sin after converting to Christianity.
In late January, the ministry added “The Best Faith Deal” to their repertoire, a hilarious presentation about shopping for the best religion. The cast and skit were later met with critical acclaim at Turner Theological Seminary of the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta.
Aside from “Welcome Home,” the Guild is polishing “It Would Have Been Enough” for presentation on Mother’s Day. The skit, which focuses on the blessings of motherhood, will include members of both the youth and adult guilds.
About Grant A.M.E. Church
The second-largest A.M.E. Church west of the Mississippi is located at 10435 South Central Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90002, and is celebrating its 100th year of service to the Watts community. Worship services are heard on the radio each Sunday morning at 6 a.m. on KJLH 102.3 FM. Join us for worship on Resurrection Sunday at 5 a.m., 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. and for Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Hour of Power begins at 11:30 a.m. and Thursday night Soul Food starts at 6 pm. All are welcome; admission is free.
For driving directions or for more information visit http://www.grantamechurch.org/ or contact the Church office at 323-564-1151.
11. FIFTH DISTRICT WOMEN IN MINISTRY HOST FIRST ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM MARCH 13-14 IN DENVER:
DENVER — (April 3, 2006) — “Women of God…Take Thou Authority” was the theme of the inaugural Fifth Episcopal District Women in Ministry Symposium March 13-14.
And, take authority they did, under the dynamic leadership of the Rev. Noella Austin Buchanan, Fifth District WIM President, the Rev. Charlene Wiser, Desert Mountain Conference WIM Coordinator, and the Rev. Regina Groff, Coordinator of the Symposium.
The Rev. Carolyn Baskin-Bell, WIM Coordinator for the Southern California Conference, was one of nearly 200 ordained and developing female clergy in attendance.
She described the two-day symposium as both “empowering and encouraging,” and expressed appreciation for the “loving support and shining example” Fifth Episcopal Supervisor Rev. Cecilia Williams Bryant has provided for women in ministry throughout the district.
Symposium presenters included:
- Makisha Boothe, who articulated the importance of self-care for women in ministry through her presentation, “Exhale.” A native of New York, she is co-founder of Ya Ya Spa in Denver, for which she has been honored by the Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce with the Clara Brown Award for African American Female Entrepreneurs.
- The Rev. Dr. Teresa L. Fry Brown, who presented “Preach, Sister, Preach,” which included historical information on women in ministry since 1800’s. A noted author, and an associate professor of homiletics at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Brown earned both her masters and her Ph.D. at nearby Iliff School of Theology.
- The Rev. Cecilia Williams Bryant, who urged women to “Prophesy Restoration” during her keynote address at the praise breakfast. She is leading a delegation of more than 120 women to Zambia later this month through the NaMayo Initiative to promote the health, economic development and healing of women in that country.
- The Rev. Cheryl D. Moore, who preached “Time is not your Enemy, Time is on your Side” during the closing worship service. Formerly the Minister of Youth and Singles at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Charlotte, Moore is now pastor of Zion Temple United Church of Christ in Durham, N.C. An in-demand lecturer, she is touted as one of “20 to Watch” in the Summer 2005 issue of the African American Pulpit.
- The Rev. Dr. Carolyn Ann Knight, who addressed the symposium during the opening evening worship services with a dynamic sermon entitled, “What Makes You Shout?” Knight is the founder and president of “CAN DO!” Ministries, a progressive, preventive youth advocacy ministry dedicated to the cultural, social, intellectual and spiritual well being of youth and young adults. She is assistant professor of homiletics at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta.
- Patricia Rayborn, who presented “The Power of a Praying Woman.” An associate professor of journalism at the University of Colorado, Rayborn is the renowned essayist and author of My First White Friend, the award-winning personal reflection on racial forgiveness, and I Told the Mountain to Move, a personal story about her struggle to learn how to pray.
- The Rev. Dr. Jacqueline G. Reeves, who facilitated the workshop titled, “Take Authority in Your Office.” The principal of St. James Preparatory School in Newark, N.J., and an associate minister at St. James A.M.E. Church in Newark, N.J., Reeves is founder of Spoken Word Ministries Inc., an intercessory prayer ministry.
- The Rev. Sakena Young-Scaggs, who lectured on the topic “So You’ve Been Called…Now What?” She is the Associate Dean of March Chapel and University Chaplain at Boston University, where she earned her master of divinity and master of sacred theology. Young-Scaggs has previously served as Associate Protestant University Chaplain at Brown University, Providence, R.I.
The two-day affair preceded the Fifth Episcopal District Mid-Year Convocation, hosted by Shorter A.M.E. Church
Just as WIM convene annually as part of the six annual conferences of the Fifth District, plans are in place to make the WIM Symposium a permanent fixture of future Mid-Year Convocations, as well.
For more information on the ministry of the Fifth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, visit http://www.ame-church.org/.
12. SCHOLARSHIPS GOING UNNOTICED BY AFRICAN-AMERICAN STUDENTS:
Please pass this information on to family members and friends to 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.
Below are several scholarship awards and websites:
- Bell Labs Fellowships for under represented minorities http://www.bell-labs.com/
- Student Inventors Scholarships http://www.invent.org/vidcon2k.html
- Coca-Cola Two Year College Scholarships
http://www.coca-colascholars.org/programs.html
- Holocaust Remembrance Scholarships http://www.holocaust.hklaw.com/
- Ayn Rand Essay Scholarships http://www.aynrand.org/contests/
- Brand Essay Competition
http://www.instituteforbrandleadership.org/IBLEssayContest-2002Rules.htm
- Gates Millennium Scholarships http://www.gmsp.org/nominationmaterials/read.dbm?ID=12
- Xerox Scholarships for Students http://www.2xerox.com/go/xrx/about_xerox/about_xexox_detail.jsp
- Sports Scholarships and Internships http://www.www.ncaa.org/about/scholarships.html
- National Assoc. of Black Journalists Scholarships (NABJ) http://www.nabj.org/html/students-vcs.html
- Saul T. Wilson Scholarships (Veterinary) http://www.aphis.usda.gov/mb/mrphr/jobs/stw.html
- Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund http://www.thurgoodmarshallfund.org/sk_v6.cfm
- Fin Aid: The Smart Students Guide to Financial Aid Scholarships http://www.finaid.org/
- Presidential Freedom Scholarships http://www.nationalservice.org/scholarships/
- Microsoft Scholarship Program http://www.microsoft.com/college/scholarships/minority.asp
- Wired Scholar Free Scholarship Search http://www.wiredscholar.com/paying/
scholarship_search/pay_scholarship_se
13. MINORITY CANCER AWARENESS MONTH INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY:
April is National Minority Cancer Awareness Month, and those persons in the underserved and underinsured communities are often hit hardest by cancer, and there is a greater need for patient education, advocacy programs, and support for these groups. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is one of the few organizations in the country that provides financial assistance to individuals and families to help with treatment related expenses.
During the next 10 weeks, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of the National Capital Area will kick off their 2006 Man and Woman of the Year campaign, featuring 12 dedicated individuals who are committed to raise major funds. All funds raised will support the Society’s mission to find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma and to improve the quality of life for patients and their families. To that end, the Society funds research, patient services programs, education and advocacy efforts. Last year’s 12 candidates collectively raised over $621,000 in 10 weeks. The 2006 campaign begins on April 1 and ends June 10, culminating with a Grand Finale Gala.
To raise awareness about cancer in the minority community, and the important work of Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Stacy Watts, a blood cancer survivor, is available to speak with you. Stacy has volunteered with the Society for many years and has firsthand knowledge of the excellent work that they do, especially in the areas of community outreach and patient education. Blood-related cancers will strike an estimated 106,000 Americans this year and more 58,000 will die from these diseases. Currently, an estimated 747,000 Americans are living with blood cancers. New cancers and death rates for blood cancers in African American men and women were almost double the rates for whites.
To schedule an interview with Stacy Watts, or to obtain more information about the Man and Woman of the Year campaign, please call 301/881-3736 or email her at sw@wattsgroupllc.com or www.teamhopeandgratitude@hotmail.com.
14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mr. Clifford Ransom, the father of the Rev. Sandra Eldridge, pastor of St. Luke AME Church in Marianna, AR passed on Thursday, March 30, 2006.
Service Arrangements for Mr. Clifford Ransom:
11:00 AM
Wednesday, April 5, 2006
Greater St. JohnMissionary Baptist Church
205 S. Adams Street
Dewitt, AR
Condolences may be sent to:
Rev. Sandra Eldridge
27 Parkridge Drive
North Little Rock, AR 72120
Please remember the family in your prayers.
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Dr. Robert C. Haynie, age 94, of Pine Bluff, AR passed from labor to refreshment on March 27, 2006. He is the father of Dr. Linda Haynie Green & the father-in-law of the Rev. O. Jerome Green, Pastor of Gaines Chapel A.M.E. Church in Anniston AL (formerly of Pine Bluff, AR now in Pell City, AL). Dr. Haynie was a resident of Kirkwood By The River Long Term Care Facility in Birmingham, AL.
Family Hour:
March 31, 2006 - 6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.
P. K. Miller Mortuary & Funeral Home Chapel
209 E. 2nd Street
Pine Bluff, AR 71601
Ph. (870) 535-1012 Funeral Service:
Saturday, April 1, 2006
11:00 A.M.
St. John A.M.E. Church
1115 Pullen Street
Pine Bluff, AR 71601
The Rev. W. R. Norful, Pastor of St. John will officiatePh.
(870) 535-3760
Interment:
Bellwood Cemetery
University Avenue & Pullen St.
Pine Bluff, AR
Expressions may be sent to the church or the funeral home.
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Homegoing Services were held for Sister Lila Pearl Benjamin. She was the sister of the Rev. Mary Prince, Associate Minister of ATOC A.M.E. Church in Dawson, GA, where the Rev. Velma Watts is the Senior Pastor. Sister Benjamin was a stalwart in her local church and will be missed greatly by all who knew her.
Please keep her family and church family in your prayers.Charmaine Alexander
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The passing of Mr. Gregory McDonald, son of Rev. Charlie Mae McDonald, associate minister at Joshua Chapel AME Church.
Funeral
Monday, April 3, 2006
11:00 AM
Concord Baptist Church
6808 E. K. Bailey Drive
Dallas, Texas 75237(214) 331-8522
Family Visitation:
Saturday, April 1, 2006
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Evergreen Funeral Home
6449 Houston School Rd
Dallas, TX 75241
Phone (214) 376-1500
Condolences may be sent to:
REV. CHARLIE MAE McDONALD103 BENT CREEK CT. WAXAHACHIE, TEXAS 75165PH: (972) 351-9345
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE UPDATE:
Mr. Willie Leonard of Lakeland, Florida, the brother of Mrs. Marlaa M. Reid, First Lady of Bethel AME Church, Baltimore, Maryland passed on Friday, March 31, 2006. Willie Leonard is the son of the late E. Woody Hall of the 5th Episcopal District.
Service Arrangements:
Funeral
Saturday, April 8, 200611:00 AM
Bethel AME Church
105 E. Walnut Street
Kissimmee, FL 34744
407-847-4466 (Phone)
Condolences may be sent c/o the family to:
Bethel AME Church
105 E. Walnut Street
Kissimmee, FL 34744
Or to:
Mrs. Marlaa M. Reid, First Lady
Bethel AME Church
1300 Druid Hill Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21217
410-523-4273 (Phone)
(410) 523-0650 - Fax
19. CHRISTIAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH (CME) CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry
Here is the most recent information on the funeral arrangements for Bishop C. D. Coleman, Presiding Bishop in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.
Family Visitation: Monday, April 10, 20064:00 PM - 7:00 PM
M. G. Edwards Funeral Home (Whitehaven)
5494 Elvis Presley Blvd.
Memphis, TN 38116
Funeral: Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Time: 11:00 AM
Place:
Mt. Olive CME Church
Linden Street
Memphis, Tennessee
Funeral arrangements entrusted to:
M. G. Edwards Funeral Home(Whitehaven)
5494 Elvis Presley Blvd.
Memphis, TN 38116
(901) 332-3164 (Phone)
(901) 327-6773 (Fax)
Hotel arrangements are being made at the Holiday Inn Select, 2240 Democrat Road, Memphis, TN.
The family was with Bishop Coleman when he passed. The family is doing well and asks that you keep them in your prayers.
Juanita Bryant, Esq. Executive Secretary CME Church
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of the Rev. Christopher Gillins. Rev. Gillins passed on Friday evening, March 31, 2006. He was the pastor of St. Mark A.M.E. Church in Jackson Heights, New York (New York Conference, Manhattan District).
The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewings - Sunday, April 9, 2006
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Borinquen Memorial Funeral Home
1461 Bushwick Ave.
Brooklyn, New York 11207
Phone: 1-718-453-5024
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
St. Mark AME Church
35-18 Northern Blvd (at 94th Street)
Jackson Heights, New York 11372
Phone: 718-899-3306
Fax: 718-899-1636
Funeral - Sunday, April 9, 2006
Funeral - 7:30 p.m.
St. Mark AME Church
35-18 Northern Blvd (at 94th Street)
Jackson Heights, New York 11372
Phone: 718-899-3306
Fax: 718-899-1636
Bishop Richard F. Norris, Eulogist
Funeral - Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Funeral - 11:00 a.m.
Emanuel Cordesville AME Church
River Road - P. O. Box 1666
Moncks Corner, SC 29461
Bishop Zedekiah L. Grady, Eulogist
Funeral Director -
Scott Mortuary
1366 Highway 52
Moncks Corner, SC 29461
Phone: 843-761-6444
Fax: 843-761-7123
Burial - Greater Emanuel AME Church Cemetery
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Rosella Gillins and family1
8 Pilling Street
Brooklyn, New York 11207
The family has requested that flowers not be sent to the viewing and funeral held in New York.
Please lift up the Gillins family in your prayers.
21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mr. Charles Lee McClain, the oldest brother of the Rev. George Turks, Jr. passed on Sunday, March 26th 2006 after a lengthy illness.
Funeral Services for Mr. McClain will be held at 12:00 Noon at the Ford Chapel AMEZ Church, located on the corner of Mitchell & Hornlake Road in Memphis, TN.
The Rev. George Turks is the pastor of:
Mt. Olive AME Church
8803 Wells Road
Millington, TN 38053
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. George Turks
P. O. Box 1138
Munford, TN 38058
Rev. Turks may be reached by cell phone: 901-830-9488 or at home: 901-837-6237
22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: Supervisor Rev. Dr. Jessica K. Ingram
The Rev. Sharon Kennedy Collins was one of my first daughters in the ministry. She died at the age of 49 after having a sickle cell crisis during heart surgery. I ask that you remember her family in prayer. She was a faithful daughter in ministry and I will miss her.
Rev. Jessica
The Reverend Sharon Kennedy Collins, associate minister, Mitcham Chapel AME Church, Southfield, MI.
Visitation:
Monday, April 3, 2006
Andrews Funeral Home
12809 Rosa Parks Blvd.
Detroit, MI 48238
Time: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Phone: (313) 868-4065
Fax: (313) 896-8987
Family hour:
Tuesday, April 4, 2006
10:30 AM
Funeral:
Tuesday, April 4, 2006
11:00 AM
Oak Grove AME Church
19801 Cherrylawn
Detroit, MI 48221
Phone: (313) 341-8877
Fax: (313) 341-0112
Condolences may be sent to Mrs. Annie Kennedy or Ms. Angela Kennedy.
Mother of Rev. Collins
Mrs. Annie Kennedy
20114 Cherrylawn
Detroit, MI 48221
Sister of Rev. Collins
Ms. Angela Kennedy
Same Address
(313) 864-6772
Submitted by: Rev. Barbara J. Anthony, Pastor- Mitcham Chapel AME Church, Southfield, MI.
23. 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.
24. 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
