The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
1. THE DELAWARE ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
The Right Reverend Richard Norris, presiding prelate of the First Episcopal District and Episcopal Supervisor, Mother Mary Ann Norris modeled regal leadership that permeated the Delaware Annual Conference venue, whether it was at the host church, Mt. Zion AME Church, Dover or at the manse where a delicious dinner was served for the bishop and his guest, or at beautiful Delaware State University. The presiding elders, the Reverend James Hill, Sr., host presiding elder, the Dover District and the Reverend Charles E. Drummer, Jr., presiding elder of the Wilmington District and their spouses were most gracious in their presence and in their leadership. Presiding Elder Eaddy, of the New England Conference, the First District Accountant was on task and always present for duty. His lovely wife accompanied presiding Elder Eaddy. Presiding Elders James Hill and Charles Drummer expressed their appreciation for the pastors and laity who made the Delaware Annual Conference a success.
The Delaware Annual Conference is described as a small conference. "Small, compared to what?" I asked in my mind. I attended the Delaware Annual Conference and it was not small. It was a great Annual Conference filled with enthusiasm, vigor, great leadership from top to bottom; choirs that sang until the Spirit of the LORD filled the sanctuary and poetic readings and enactments that made one feel as if he or she was in a professional theater; the Annual Lay Night Worship Service enactments were that superb.
Sister Leona Robinson, a member of St. George AME , Lewes, Delaware captured the congregation as she recited and portrayed, “There’s a Stranger in Town,” and the “Richard Allen Story.” Dr. Martin Drew, a member of Bethel AME Wilmington, Delaware engaged the congregation as he recited Paul Lawrence Dunbar’s “When Malindy Sings.” Sister Denise Hope, a member of Bethel AME Church, Milton Delaware lifted the congregation’s spirits and had everybody laughing as she portrayed, “Grandma Remembers.” She was hilarious. Sister Robinson, Dr. Drew and Sister Hope received extended standing ovations. Their presentations were creative sermons. The Macedonia Women’s Day Choir and the Dickerson Chapel AME Choir, Millsboro provided musical selections for the worship service. Mrs. Edna Sharpe is the Delaware Lay President and Mrs. Nella M. Neely is the Delaware Conference Lay Director.
The Reverend Wayne Johnson, pastor of Mt. Zion AME, Dover, Delaware, the host church, along with his lovely wife, Connectional Officer Fredia Hanley-Johnson, President CONN-M-SWAWO+PK’s were the ultimate hosts. Mt. Zion with the help of the churches in the Dover District was a smooth operation. The services started on time, ended on time and was packed with such spiritual sustenance that the young and old, male and female were “filled and running over” with the joy of the Holy Spirit. Every worship service and every conference business session were celebratory. There was joyfulness in the opportunity to share in the offerings. The whole annual conference could best be described as, “joy.”
On Friday morning, the Right Reverend Richard Allen Chappelle preached an engaging and Spirit-filled ordination sermon and those who were ordained were inspired by the words of Bishop Chappelle. His message lifted the house and there was not a Eutychus in the house. The ordination service was spiritual and dignified.
The Delaware Annual Conference ordained the Reverend Janet Quail, the Reverend Helen Easterling Williams and the Reverend Zakiya Bakari as Local Deacons. The Reverend Helen Easterling Williams has an earned doctoral degree. The Reverend Jerome Morris, the Reverend Vera Worthy, and the Reverend Dorothy Peterson were ordained as Local Elders. The Reverend Gloria Meeks was ordained ad an Itinerant Elder. The Reverend Silvester Beaman serves as the chair of the Board of Examiners. The Reverend Janet F. Sturdivant serves as the Dean of the Board of Examiners.
The Friday Youth Night Service featured recognition of the youth leaders of the Delaware Annual Conference. Among those recognized were Stephen Freeman, Vernon Bowers, Marlisa Jennings, L. Vernon Bowers, Jr., and Ekundayo Platt. The Mt. Zion AME Church, Dover youth choir provided music for the worship service. Sister Kandyce Davis rendered a solo with such spirit that the congregation was brought to its feet. The sermon was delivered by the Reverend Silvester Beaman and what a sermon it was. He did the “hip-hop thang,” i.e., turned-around baseball cap, FUBU-type shirt and he went to town telling us that the Church needs to redefine itself to meet the needs of today’s generation.
Editor Sydnor preached the closing sermon on Saturday and the appointments were read. And, even after the pastoral appointments were read, there was still a joyful spirit in the Humanities Building at Delaware State University.
Bishop Richard Franklin Norris is a great leader, seasoned by a lifetime in the Church and nurtured in the shadow of the Publishing House, where father was the Editor of The Christian Recorder. Bishops were in an out of his home and he was weaned in the Mother Conference of African Methodism. And, by his side is his bride, Mother Mary Ann Norris. Their leadership creates warmth and confidence. The Delaware Annual Conference is not a small Conference; is a great Conference!
Editor’s Note: The Christian Recorder is expecting more news from the Delaware Annual Conference. Five Deaconesses were ordained and those names will be published as soon as they are received.
2. HEADLINE NEWS CAPSULES:
- Democracy in the Arab World, a U.S. Goal, Falters.
- Young Army Officers Leaving Army at a High Rate. The Army leadership is worried about whether there will be enough competent officers to become the next generation of leaders.
- U.S. Looking at various options on how to deal with Iran’s nuclear aspirations.
3. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA’S A.M.E. CHURCHES PRESENT “THE SEVEN LAST WORDS OF CHRIST” GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 14 AT NOON:
LOS ANGELES — (April 7, 2006) — The African Methodist Episcopal churches of Southern California will mark Good Friday with the “Seven Last Words of Christ on the Cross” at noon on April 14.
First A.M.E. Church, Los Angeles, St. Paul A.M.E. Church, San Bernardino and Bethel A.M.E. Church, San Diego, will each host parishioners in their metropolitan areas in a three-hour worship event featuring powerful preaching, stirring musical renditions and insightful reflection on Christ’s crucifixion.
The three-hour window for the service coincides with the three hours that Christ hung on the cross, explained the Rev. Leslie R. White, pastor of Grant A.M.E. Church, Los Angeles, and president of the Southern California A.M.E. Ministerial Alliance, which sponsors the event.
Based on its greater than 20 year history in Los Angeles, White expects several thousand worshippers will fill First A.M.E. Church for the service.
As in years past, an anointed cadre of Southern California’s A.M.E. preachers will be there to present a 10-minute sermon on Christ’s final statements before his death and resurrection, including:
- “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” — The Rev. L. Fisher Hines, pastor of Walker Temple A.M.E. Church, Los Angeles.
- “Verily, I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” — The Rev. Clyde W. Oden, Jr., pastor of Bryant Temple A.M.E. Church, Los Angeles.
- “Woman, behold thy son...behold thy mother!” — The Rt. Rev. John R. Bryant, presiding prelate of the Fifth Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church
- “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” — The Rev. D. Najuma Smith, pastor of Saint James A.M.E. Church, Los Angeles
- “I Thirst.” — The Rev. Dr. Richard Rose, pastor of Allen A.M.E. Church, San Bernardino.
- “It is Finished.” — The Rev Dr. Johnie Carlisle, Jr., pastor of First A.M.E. Church, Pasadena.
- “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” — The Rev. Stephen Pierson, Grant A.M.E. Church, Long Beach.
The Rev. Frederick O. Murph, pastor of Brookins Memorial A.M.E. Church, Los Angeles, will serve as worship leader; the Rev. Dr. John J. Hunter is host pastor.
The doors of First A.M.E. Church open at 11 a.m.; admission is free. For more information, contact the Rev. Leslie R. White, Southern California A.M.E. Ministerial Alliance president at (323) 564-1151.
4. HERE IS INFORMATION THAT WILL HELP PEOPLE VOTE IN THE UPCOMING NEW ORLEANS ELECTION THEY CAN DOWNLOAD THE FORMS. PASS IT ON IF YOU CAN. BLESSINGS:
The DNC Voting Rights Institute number 888-336-8683 or 888-DEM-VOTE is designed to assist in this process. Churches may download the absentee ballot application from our www.demvote.org:
Early voting also begins for evacuees throughout the state of Louisiana at 10 designated sites from Monday, April 10th through Thursday, April 13th and again on Saturday, April 15th. Voters can locate the closest location for the early voting sites by calling the 888-DEM-VOTE.
Greg Moore
DNC Voting Rights Institute
5. RESURRECTION SUNDAY SUNRISE SERVICE AT GRANT A.M.E. CHURCH CELEBRATES “THE HARMONY OF LIFE;” - MEMBERS COMMIT TO A “HOLY HUSH” TO PREPARE FOR EASTER SERVICES:
LOS ANGELES — (April 5, 2006) — “The Harmony of Life” is the theme of the 5 a.m. worship service at Grant A.M.E. Church in Watts on Resurrection Sunday, April 16.
The unique worship event is one of three services on Easter Sunday, says the Rev. Leslie R. White, pastor and the visionary leader behind the services at 5 a.m., 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. that day.
“As is the faithful tradition that Sunrise Worships Service is a moving experience of praise and love for the gift of God in Christ,” White said, “this year’s Sunrise Service shall not fail to place us in the presence of God.”
In preparation for the services, members have embarked on a “Holy Hush” – a 15-day fast from “any negative, hurtful words, talk, thoughts and conversations.”
Pointing to the Apostle Paul’s epistle to the Church at Colossae as inspiration for the service and the fast, White explained that Christ’s triumph over death teaches us “that in the unity of form and substance there is life!”
To that end, all elements of the 5 a.m. worship service will be presented in unity, not individually. For example:
Choral Selections — the Adult and Voices for Christ choirs of Grant will sing together as one “adult voice” during the service. Likewise, the Junior and Nu Spirit Nation youth choirs will sing together as one “youth voice.” Renowned choir directors Theresa Bailey, Arvis Jones, Chris Jordan and Byron Smith will work closely together as well.
- The Preached Word — the Revs. D. Najuma Smith and Raedorah C. Stewart will preach together in “one voice” during service, as will the Revs. Nathan E. Flowers and Kevin T. Taylor. Smith is the pastor of St. James A.M.E. Church, Los Angeles, and Stewart is a highly sought after lecturer, writer and publisher. Flowers and Taylor are both associate ministers at Grant.
- Liturgical Dance — Members of the Joyful Praise Dance ministry, under the direction of famed choreographer Steven Semien, will dance together during their dance presentation.
- Invitation of Discipleship — the Rev. Hester Lively, an associate minister at Grant, is partnering with developing Grant ministers Matthew Bodden, Kenya Francis, Tonya Frazier, Sandra Kahara and Tony Robinson to create a powerful solicitation urging congregants to enter into a relationship with Christ and/or unite with Grant.
- Gospel Rap — recording artist TripLL-H of G-Boy Union will present with Nu Spirit Nation choir member and budding rapper Stephen Brown in a special holy hip-hop performance.
During the “Holy Hush” commissioning ceremony April 2, participants committed to abstain from cursing, lying and using hurtful words. Over the next two weeks, members will daily endeavor to reform their thoughts, conversations and interactions with family and friends through prayer, affirmations and scripture readings.
To underscore the importance of how God in Christ is bringing the Church together to embrace the harmony of life, the congregation is being taught gospel recording artist Hezekiah Walker’s “I Need You to Survive.”
With stanzas like, I pray for you / You pray for me / I love you, I need you to survive / I won’t harm you with words from my mouth / the song will be sung as a culminating proclamation of unity at the end of the worship service.
Contact: Rev. Kevin T. Taylor
(323) 564-1151
6. ST. MARK AME CHURCH CELEBRATES 137 YEARS - “CONTINUING THE LEGACY: CALLED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE”:
Milwaukee, WI. St. Mark’s anniversary celebrations will take place on Sunday, April 23, 2006, at the church, located at 1616 W. Atkinson Avenue. The event speaker is the Rev. Dr. Cecelia Bryant, the Episcopal Supervisor of the Fifth Episcopal District of the AME Church. Rev. Bryant will speak at the 11:00 a.m. service. Following service a banquet and silent auction will be held downstairs in the Ezekiel Gillespie Fellowship Hall. The celebration service is free and open to the public.
Rev. Bryant is a graduate of Boston University (BA), and Howard University School of Theology (Masters). Rev. Bryant is an international speaker and author. In 2000, Rev. Bryant organized the OSUSU (Women Creating Wealth Campaign) in 15 states. Rev. Bryant has established Women’s Resource and Development Centers in Baltimore, Houston, Liberia, The Ivory Coast and Freetown, Sierra Leone. With a focus on education, Rev. Bryant established schools for children in Cambridge, Dallas and a primary school in Grand Bassa Liberia. In 2003, Rev. Bryant initiated the Children of Promise Housing Mission for 30 children in Cape Town, South Africa. Rev. Dr. Bryant exemplifies the history and legacy of the AME Church.
The African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) has a rich history, and St. Mark has been sharing this legacy with the Milwaukee community for 137 years. St. Mark is the oldest African American congregation in Milwaukee. When Ezekiel Gillespie founded Saint Mark in 1869, the city of Milwaukee was in its infancy, having received its charter only 23 years earlier, in 1846. The members of this congregation played a vital role in the building and structure of this city. The 1900 census indicates that there were only 862 Negroes in Milwaukee or 0.3% of a population of 285, 315 persons.
Ezekiel Gillespie, born a slave, came to Milwaukee in 1854, and soon became a leader in the community. Gillespie, a railway porter, led the fight for African Americans to gain the right to vote in the state of Wisconsin by challenging the law in an appeal to the Supreme Court in the case, Gillespie vs. Palmer in 1866. Prior to this challenge, African Americans had twice been denied the right to vote under separate referendums.
Throughout the 137-year history of the church, members of the congregation from all walks of life have broken down barriers that have led to bringing about better living and working conditions for future generations of the African American community. The works and contributions of the congregations transcend all racial, ethnic and religious groups.
Tickets can be purchased for the banquet by contacting the church office at (414) 562-8030. Rev. Darryl R. Williams, Pastor.
7. WORLDWIDE INTERNET EVANGELISM DAY PLANNED FOR MAY:
- Christians Capture the Potential of the Internet For Evangelism
May 7, 2006 has been designated as worldwide Internet Evangelism Day (IED) by a group of ministries, churches and individuals who believe the day will highlight the potential of using the Internet to share the Gospel and create awareness of what is happening online evangelistically. The Internet Evangelism Coalition (www.webevangelism.com) is endorsing the day with members of the Coalition helping facilitate the development of IED resources. Dr. Sterling Huston, Chair of the IEC and Director of Special Ministries for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, emphasizes that the Internet “offers churches, Christian organizations and individuals an amazing and rapidly expanding opportunity to share the ‘Good News’ of the gospel with a world in need.”
Other Christian leaders share his enthusiasm (IED Endorsements - http://ied.gospelcom.net/supporting.php). Rev. Doug Birdsall, Chair of the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization says Internet Evangelism represents one of the great new evangelism opportunities of our time and that “It is essential we maximize this opportunity to reach those beyond the hearing of the gospel. Millions of young people spend hours each week on the Internet. We need to find ways to get positive, life-changing messages to them – particularly the Good News of Jesus Christ.” George Verwer, founder of Operation Mobilization believes “The Internet is one of the most key tools that God has given us in the church today. Internet Evangelism is a dynamic, effective, cutting-edge ministry that more people should get involved in!”
Under the leadership of Tony Whittaker (Web Evangelism Guide Editor - www.web-evangelism.com) and others, the IED web site (www.InternetEvangelismDay.com) promotes Internet Evangelism and IED and offer resources for an effective emphasis on IED. Whittaker says IED encourages broader and more effective use of the Internet for outreach and motivates churches “to create new websites, or modify existing pages to become user-friendly and enticing to non-Christians in the community.” In addition, he hopes the day will inspire more Christians into web outreach as they create new evangelistic sites and support existing online ministry through email counseling and discipleship. Whittaker underscores that web evangelism is for anyone, not just the technically gifted. “There are many ways to share your faith online, without any technical background at all.”
Resources on the IED website (www.InternetEvangelismDay.com) include ways to develop and enhance evangelism-focused web sites, Church websites, blogs and chat room ministry and tools to assist churches (and others) in creating their own short emphasis on or near IED.
For more information contact Naomi A. Frizzell: naomi@webevangelism.com
Submitted by Naomi Frizzell
8. THE CHAPLAINS’ CORNER - THE COVENANT AND THE CODE OF ETHICS FOR CHAPLAINS OF THE ARMED FORCES:
The Covenant
Having accepted God’s Call to minister to people who serve in the armed forces of our country, I covenant to serve God and these people with God’s help; to deepen my obedience to the commandments, to love the Lord our God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love my neighbor as myself. In affirmation of this commitment, I will abide by the Code of Ethics for chaplains of the United States Armed Forces, and I will faithfully support its purposes and ideals. As further affirmation of my commitment, I covenant with my colleagues in ministry that we will hold one another accountable for fulfillment of all public actions set forth in our Code of Ethics.
The Code of Ethics
I will hold in trust the traditions and practices of my religious body.
I will carefully adhere to whatever direction may be conveyed to me by my endorsing body for maintenance of my endorsement.
I understand as a chaplain in the United States Armed Forces that I will function in a pluralistic environment with chaplains of other religious bodies to provide for ministry to all military personnel and their families entrusted to my care.
I will seek to provide for pastoral care and ministry to persons of religious bodies other than my own within my area of responsibility with the same investment of myself as I give to members of my own religious body. I will work collegially with chaplains of religious bodies other than my own as together we seek to provide as full a ministry as possible to our people. I will respect the beliefs and traditions of my colleagues and those to whom I minister. When conducting services of worship that include persons of other than my religious body, I will draw upon those beliefs, principles, and practices that we have in common.
I will, if in a supervisory position, respect the practices and beliefs of each chaplain I supervise and exercise care not to require of them any service or practice that would be in violation of the faith practices of their particular religious body.
I will seek to support all colleagues in ministry by building constructive relationships wherever I serve, both with the staff where I work and with colleagues throughout the military environment.
I will maintain a disciplined ministry in such ways as keeping hours of prayer and devotion, endeavoring to maintain wholesome family relationships and regularly engaging in educational and recreational activities for professional and personal development. I will seek to maintain good health habits.
I will recognize that my obligation is to provide for the free exercise of religion for ministry to all members of the military services, their families and other authorized personnel. When on active duty, I will only accept added responsibility in civilian ministry if it does not interfere with the overall effectiveness of my primary military ministry.
I will defend my colleagues against unfair discrimination on the basis of gender, race, religion or national origin.
I will hold in confidence any privileged communication received by me during the conduct of my ministry. I will not disclose confidential communications in private or in public.
I will not proselytize from other religious bodies, but I retain the right to evangelize those who are not affiliated.
I will show personal love for God in my life and ministry, as I strive together with my colleagues to preserve the dignity, maintain the discipline and promote the integrity of the profession to which we have been called.
I recognize the special power afforded me by my ministerial office. I will never use that power in ways that violate the personhood of another human being, religiously, emotionally or sexually. I will use my pastoral office only for that which is best for the persons under my ministry.
Note: The above Covenant and Code was drafted and adopted by the National Conference on Ministry to the Armed Forces (NACMAF). NACMAF is a one-of-a-kind organization in the world, bringing together official representatives of all the major faith communities in the United States in a mutually supportive, working relationship.
9. THE PASTOR’S CORNER - STANDING ON THE PROMISES III:
May your unfailing love come to me O Lord, your salvation according to your promise? (Psalm 119: 41)
The 119th Psalm contains, among many promises of God, three great promises that are central to living a life of faith in Jesus Christ. Last week we discussed Psalm 119: 140 – The promise of God’s integrity. This week we will discuss Psalm 119: 41 – The promise of salvation.
The promise of salvation is one that is presented to the whole (John 3: 16) world so all who will accept what God has offered will be able to escape the judgment that is to come. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3: 23). And because the wages of sin is death (Romans 6: 23), none is capable of standing before the judgment of God. God has instead made a provision for our rescue from the judgment to come because the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6: 23).
1. Isaiah 7: 13-14 – A coming Savior. God sent a Savior – One who came not only to articulate God’s fulfillment of His promise of salvation, He is the fulfillment of the promise. Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14).
A man looked out his window during a blizzard and saw the tiny sparrows in danger of perishing from the storm. He tried to signal to the birds to go to the barn where they would be rescued from what was certain death. All his gestures were unfruitful. The man simply prayed, “Lord, if you would let me be a sparrow for just one day, I could go and speak to them and lead them to safety. So it is with Jesus. God decided before the foundation of the world that He would come as a human being to speak our language, in our terms, on our turf to lead us to safety from the judgment that is to come.
2. Isaiah 11: 1-11 – With the Savior comes a, “World to come” as willed by God. In that day the Lord will reach out His hand a second time to reclaim the remnant that is left of His people (Isaiah 11:11). Only those who are “His people” will be acceptable to stand before the Lord. All who have rejected the Lord’s offer of rescue through the Savior will be eternally separated from the presence of God. Only those who are full of the knowledge of the Lord will be admitted to His holy mountain. For the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD (Isaiah 11: 9).
In today’s culture, people stand outside the most popular nightspots for the opportunity to enter the party. Guards at the door hold lists stating the names of those persons whose association with the owner or the entertainer of the evening will grant them entry. All persons who hold no such relationship are turned away, never to be admitted. Only those who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ will be admitted to enter the heavenly kingdom of God. Only those who have accepted God’s offer for the forgiveness of our sin will be acceptable to stand before the Lord. All who have rejected the Lord’s offer of rescue through the Savior will be eternally separated from the presence of God.
3. Isaiah 53: 1-12 – The blessings of the Suffering Servant. He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows (v. 4). He was pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities. His punishment brought our peace. His wounds brought our healing (v. 5). Jesus Christ suffered at the hands of His persecutors to make the heavenly kingdom of God available to all who would receive the gift of His Son Jesus Christ. Each of us must die and make our transition into eternity. Jesus Christ is God’s provision for that transition.
So often, we preach the gospel of Jesus Christ as a means of making our journey in this life more comfortable and enjoyable. In preaching the message in that way, we often miss the message of eternal rescue from the punishment of God.
Actor Curt Cameron recently presented an exceptional illustration of this idea. Two passengers on a jet flight were given parachutes by the flight attendants. One passenger was told the parachute would make him more comfortable during the flight. The second passenger was told he needed the parachute for the leap from the airplane he and all the other passengers would have to make. The man who was told his parachute would make him more comfortable during the flight soon became frustrated with his parachute. It was bulky, cumbersome, and awkward. He couldn’t sit straight in it and the other passengers made fun of him for wearing it. This passenger soon got up and tossed his parachute to the ground and vowed never to wear it again. The second passenger experienced all the same discomforts and ridicule, but because he new the parachute was for the leap to come, he gladly put up with the inconvenience. When one of the flight attendants accidentally spilled hot coffee on the second passenger, he seemed not to be bothered because his focus was on the fact that he was ready to make the transition when the time came.
When people who have all the comforts in life hear the gospel is about making us more comfortable in this life, they can easily reject this distorted message because they’re already living in comfort. This leaves them with no means of making the transition to eternity. When persons who are experiencing hardships and difficulties in life hear the gospel is about making us more comfortable in this life, they often become frustrated with the challenges they continue to face because they expected the gospel to remove all their problems. When this doesn’t happen, they reject the gospel. This leaves them with no means of making the transition to eternity.
Do the wisdom and word of God bring comfort to the believer? Do the precepts and principles of God provide guidance that helps us to overcome in times of difficulty or hardship? Of course they do! But, let us never misunderstand the purpose for God sending His only Son to die on the cross. He died to fulfill God’s promise of salvation. The promise of salvation is one that is presented to the whole (John 3: 16) world so all who will accept what God has offered will be able to escape the judgment that is to come.
Pastor James Moody
Quinn Chapel, Chicago
10. THE SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS FOR BISHOP HAROLD BENJAMIN SENATLE:
Received from: Rev. Thabo Senatle (The son of Bishop Senatle) on 4/10/2006 - 10:05 AM
FUNERAL:
Thursday, April 13, 2006
9:00 AM
Mt. Zion AME Church
937 Gonyane Street
Bloomfontein, RSA
FAX Condolence may be sent to:
The Office of the Bishop of the 19th Episcopal District
Bishop James L. Davis
27-011-334-7120 (Fax)
Other expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Mother Anna B. Senatle & Family
#70 Tagore Drive
Roshnee 1936
Vereeniging, Republic of South Africa
Phone: 27-016-556-1220
Please remember Mother Anna B. Senatle and the Senatle family in your prayers.
11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs. Brenda K. Lawrence went to be with the Lord on April 3, 2006. Mrs. Lawrence is the sister of Rev. Myers Hawkins, Jr., (Mrs. Floy) Presiding Elder of the West Birmingham-Ensley District in the West Alabama Conference.
Funeral Service:
Saturday, April 8, 2006
Faith Chapel Christian Center
100 Lexington St.
Birmingham, AL 35224
Funeral Director:
Bushelon Funeral Home, Inc.
800 14th Street, SW
Birmingham, AL 35211
Messages may be sent to:
Rev. & Mrs. Myers Hawkins, Jr. & Family
252 E. Ann Drive
Birmingham, AL 35211
12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The passing of Mrs. Delores Maxine Watley, mother of Mrs. Rayjo Farris, (Asst. Recording Secretary CONN-M-SWAWO + PK'S) spouse of Presiding Elder H. Charles Farris, Phoenix- Albuquerque District, Desert Mountain Conference, 5th Episcopal District.
A private family service will be held for Mrs. Delores Maxine Watley.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Rayjo Farris and Family
5742 S. Quemoy Circle
Centennial, CO 80015
720-870-1094 (Phone) Email: CrjFarris@yahoo.com
13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: josephdarby@bellsouth.net
The Reverend Jerry L. Williams, Sr., former Pastor of Shiloh AME Church, Charleston, South Carolina was called from labor to reward on Friday, April 7. Arrangements are as follows:
The family will receive visitors at 7:00 pm on Monday, April 10 at
Shiloh AME Church
172 Smith Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Phone 843-723-8845
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, April 11 at
Mother Emanuel AME Church
110 Calhoun St.
Charleston, SC 29401
843-722-2561
Mrs. Lazette Williams, Reverend Williams' widow, can be reached at:
107 Long Bay Ct.
Goose Creek, SC, 29445
Phone 843-572-9298
Arrangements are being handled by:
Fielding Home for Funerals
122 Logan St.
Charleston, SC 29401
Phone 843-722-3348
Be blessed,
Joe Darby
Please remember the family in your prayers.
14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action Clergy Family Information Center
Mrs. Ora L. Easley - Administrator Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
(Nashville, Tennessee Contact) Phone: (615) 837-9736 Fax: (615) 833-3781
(Memphis, Tennessee Contact) (901) 578-4554 (Phone & Fax)
Please remember these families in your prayers.
15. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of the Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement.
