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. EDITORIAL - MORRIS BROWN HAS A PLAN AND IS ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY AND IN THE MIDST OF ALL OF THE NEGATIVITY, THERE ARE SOME POSITIVE OBSERVATIONS:
In the midst of all the bad things that have happened with Morris Brown College, there are still some positive observations that can be extracted or gleaned from all of the negativity surrounding MBC.
First, the African Methodist Episcopal Church has not given up on MBC. The leadership of the Church is coming together and strategizing on how best to resurrect this great institution.
We have all experienced failure of one kind or another and in those situations, we knew that we could “give in and give up,” or we could “pick ourselves up and do what we had to do in order to move on.”
Wilberforce University had a setback and with prayer and commitment, the University regained its accreditation and today under President Floyd Flake, the University is operating in the black.
Morris Brown College can rebound and again, be a viable institution. Bishop William Phillips DeVeaux, Sr., and his senior management team have developed a new strategic plan for the college that has identified business leadership as its core area for its courses of studies. Teacher education will be added as another core after the institution regains its accreditation. Morris Brown College hopes to regain its accreditation by 2009.
Second, the Most Reverend Philip R. Cousin Sr, Senior Bishop of the AME Church; the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram, President of the Council of Bishops; the Right Reverend Richard Allen Chappelle, President, the General Board; and the Right Reverend William Phillips DeVeaux, Sr., Presiding Prelate of the Sixth Episcopal District have come together as one to resolve the issues of Morris Brown College. The positive that will come out of that is that the issues will be resolved. AMEs can resolve any issue that we set our minds to resolve.
Another positive comes to my mind, is that in all of the events surrounding Morris Brown College, not one bishop or member of the clergy of the African Methodist Episcopal Church has been implicated in the mismanagement of Morris Brown College funds; not even one!
Now, that might sound like an oxymoron when we speak about “clergy and mismanagement of funds” in the same sentence and celebrate the fact that the two did not “collide.” We celebrate that the two did not collide because we live in a world where some clergy members in other denominations have been unscrupulous or careless in their management or mismanagement of funds. We live in a culture where folks, especially AMEs, spend a lot of energy speculating about who might be taking what. The finances at Morris Brown College have been scrutinized “to the last penny” and our bishops and clergy associated with that institution have not been implicated in any of the scandalous behavior at MBC. That should give us all cause to celebrate and to reconsider our casual conversations about our leaders and who might be taking what.
Ezekiel tells us that “those bones can live” and I believe that Ezekiel 37 is relevant to Morris Brown College. We just need to put God’s Spirit within us and in all that we do and God will restore Morris Brown College to an even greater status then the college has ever known.
2. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY –”TODAY I WILL FEEL ONE THING AT A TIME!”:
You cannot love if you hate.
You will not receive if you are not willing to give.
You cannot build if you want to tear down.
You cannot progress while you are in opposition.
You cannot understand if you are not willing to listen.
It is impossible to create if you participate in destruction.
You cannot come together with anyone about anything as long as you believe in separation.
It is simply impossible for two things to occupy the same space in your heart and mind at the same time.
Submitted by the Reverend Dr. James Russell, Presiding Elder of the Winston-Salem/Greenville District, Carolina Region of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (CME).
3. TURNER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY CONTINUES THE PROUD TRADITION:
On Saturday, May 13, 2006 at 10:00 am, Turner Theological Seminary along with the Constituent Seminaries of the Interdenominational Theological Center conveyed degrees to the graduating class of 2006. The commencement exercises were held in the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel on the campus of Morehouse College.
The following theologians received their degrees cheered on by a great crowd of witnesses.
The Reverend Joseph Baker- 6th - Master of Divinity, concentration in Psychology of Religion Pastoral Care
The Reverend Shenard Barnes-7th - Dual: Master of Divinity/Master of Christian Education
Joanne Bedford- 6th – Dual: Master of Divinity/Master of Christian Education
The Reverend Cantrelle Cooke- 6th- Master of Divinity concentration in Psychology of Religion Pastoral Care
The Reverend Tynisha Drennon-1st- Dual: Master of Divinity, concentration in Urban Theological Education/Master of Christian Education
Judith Ann Gardner-1st- Master of Divinity, concentration in Homiletics
The Reverend Linda Gattis -6th—Master of Divinity
The Reverend Lillie Hall- 11th- Master of Divinity, concentration in Theology
The Eddie Harris, Jr.-11th- Master of Divinity concentration in Homiletics
The Reverend Wilbert Harris-7th-Master of Divinity
The Reverend Kecia Lewis-8th- Master of Divinity, concentrations in Homiletics and New Testament
The Reverend Orlando McCauley, Jr, -14th-Dual: Master of Divinity/ Master of Christian Education
The Reverend Janice McCray,-6th- Master of Divinity, concentration in Homiletics
Eddy Moise, Jr, - 11th- Master of Divinity
The Reverend Frank Pearson-7th- Master of Divinity
The Reverend Vandy Simmons-6th- Master of Divinity concentration in World Religion
The Reverend Vivian Smith-Fountain-11th- Master of Divinity
The Reverend Norris Walters-6th- Master of Divinity
The Reverend Seena Washington-11th Master of Divinity
The Reverend Cory Watts-8th- Master of Divinity concentration in Hebrew Bible
The Reverend Hayward White, Jr,-6th- Master of Divinity, concentration in
Homiletics
The Reverend Carlton Taylor- 11th - Doctor of Ministry
The Reverend Maurice Buford- - Doctor of Ministry
The following graduates received special accolades for service and academics from the Interdenominational Theological Center:
The Issac R. Clark Preaching Award
- The Reverend Kecia A. Lewis
- The Reverend Hayward White, Jr.
The Anne Wimberly and Johnathan Jackson award for Graduating Seniors in the Discipline of Christian Education with Academic Excellence
- The Reverend Tynisha C. Drennon
United Negro College Fund Scholarships
- The Reverend Tynisha C. Drennon
- Joanne Bedford
The International Society of Theta Phi (Theological Honor Society)
- The Reverend Tynisha C. Drennon
- Eddy Moise, Jr.
Superlative List Cumulative GPA of 3.5-4.0
- The Reverend Tynisha C. Drennon
- Eddy Moise
The following individuals received awards from Turner Theological Seminary as presented by Dr. Daniel W. Jacobs President/Dean of Turner during a splendid luncheon held in their honor at the Paschal’s restaurant at Castleberry Hill.
The Bishop John Hurst Adams Award – given to a student with an academic average of 3.0 or above who has demonstrated exceptional leadership ability in the area of family life with special concern for the Black male.
- The Reverend Cory Watts
The James H. Clark Memorial Preaching Honor Award- given to seniors and middlers who have shown the most progress in Homiletics
- The Reverend Shenard Barnes
The E. D. Curry Memorial Award- given to an AME senior who ahs contributed significantly to the ecumenical cooperation of campus while maintaining a 3.0 grade point average.
- The Reverend Seena Washington,
- Joann Bedford
The Dean’s Award- given to the M.Div. candidate with the highest cumulative GPA and a commitment to pastoral ministry.
- Eddy Moise, Jr.
The Bishop William Alfred Fountain, Sr. and the William Alfred Fountain, Jr for Academic Excellence Award- given to a senior who have a 3.0 average or above and demonstrates exceptional ability in Christian Education.
- The Reverend Janice McCray
The Daniel Lott Jacobs Award is given to a student of Turner Theological Seminary who has achieved a high academic average and demonstrated exceptional leadership ability.
- The Reverend Hayward White, Jr.
The John A. Middleton Memorial Award-given to a student having achieved a high academic record at Turner Theological Seminary.
The Bishop Frederick Hilborn Talbot Award is given to a student of Turner Theological Seminary who has achieved a high academic average above 3.0 and who has contributed significantly contributed to the promotion of Turner Theological Seminary.
- The Reverend Kecia A. Lewis
- Eddie Harris, Jr.
The Bishop William R. Wilkes Memorial Award-given to a member of the senior class of Turner Theological Seminary who have high academic achievements, have contributed significantly to the life of the seminary community and have demonstrated leadership and responsibility in matters of financial obligation, personal adjustment and Christian growth.
- The Reverend Orlando McCauley, Jr.
During the luncheon, the graduates were welcomed into the Turner Alumni Association by President, the Reverend Ammie Davis Miller, Chaplain, U. S. Navy, who presented them with a gift on behalf of the Alumni and their personal association membership cards.
Salutations to the class of 2006, job well done. Now go forth and do the work of ministry to the glory of God the Creator as Turner sends you in the proud tradition “For a prepared ministry”.
Submitted by the Reverend Kecia A. Lewis
Eighth Episcopal District
Class of 2006.
4. THE CHAPLAINS’ CORNER – CHAPLAIN DAVID R. BROWN’S ANNUAL REPORT:
To Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson:
Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ!
To God be the glory! It has been an outstanding year of ministry. By His grace and mercy, I am pleased to offer this eleventh report to the Virginia Annual Conference as a Navy Chaplain representing the African Methodist Episcopal Church. I praise God for the love and support that I continually receive from my family, my wife, Rayne, son, Jonathan, and daughter, Joanna. They are truly “the wind beneath my wings” and I am blessed to have them in my life.
Here is a synopsis of the ministry over the past conference year:
Present Assignment
In July of last year, I concluded my tour of duty at Naval Station Norfolk and reported to the USS BATAAN (LHD-5). The BATAAN is a multi-purpose amphibious assault ship and it’s primary function is to transport United States Marines, their aircraft, vehicles and other equipment to an area of operations for off-load and employment (war fighting). I serve as the Protestant Chaplain and Division Officer, with primary responsibility of providing for the pastoral care needs of over 3,000 Sailors, Marines and family members.
The BATAAN got underway in July of last year in order to conduct PANAMAX-05, which stands for Panama Exercise 2005. PANAMAX is a multi-national exercise tailored to the defense of the Panama Canal involving armed forces from Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Honduras, Panama, Peru and the United States and observers from Mexico, Canada, El Salvador, Uruguay, France and Costa Rica. The BATAAN served as the host command and control platform for the multinational force conducting the exercise.
In order to accommodate our guest from Latin America, Roman Catholic Mass as well as the Evening Prayer at Sea was also conducted in Spanish.
Community Relations Projects (Comrel) **
The BATAAN Command Religious Ministry Directorate (CRMD) conducted three COMREL Projects, all which enjoyed avid support from the crew. A community relations project is public works done by Sailors on behalf local communities or foreign countries. Projects can range from site visitation to construction and renovation.
The first project was conducted at the Live Oak Park in Ingleside, TX. While the ship was moored at Naval Station Ingleside, the CRMD enlisted ten volunteers to go to the park and clear thick vines from Oak trees. The City of Ingleside as well as the local residents adjacent to the park was very appreciative of our efforts.
A dual COMREL was conducted on the island of Curacao, Netherlands Antilles. The project, dubbed, “Extreme Makeover: Curacao Edition”, consisted of two worksites. The first was the home of Mrs. Ilva Rosa, as single mother of five, and the other was Radolphus College, a Catholic School. Seventy-five Sailors from the ship were split between the work sites.
BATAAN Sailors donated $2000.00 in support of the home renovation site. The following was accomplished at the home site: ** New exterior and interior paint, redwood-stained doors and trim, construction of steps and two benches (redwood-stained), installation of horizontal blinds for each window, new kitchen table and matching chairs, 20-piece place setting, new bathroom shower curtain, new toilet seat cover and floor mats, four new mattresses (bunk beds, children) and one mattress cover (Mrs. Rosa's bed), new sheets, pillows and pillow cases. Additionally, $500 dollars was donated to cover Mrs. Rosa's past due (3 months) water and electric bills. Each family member received a BATAAN ball cap with his or her name on the back embroidered in gold.
The following was accomplished at the school site: Sailors painted the exterior of an entire school gymnasium, the dimensions of which were 42' x 78' with the height of 20'. A smaller addition to the gymnasium (45' x 20' and 10' high) was painted as well.
Hurricane Katrina Relief
After spending five weeks at sea, the BATAAN was heading home from Ingleside, TX when we received orders to remain in the Gulf of Mexico to provide relief support in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Once the storm passed through New Orleans, BATAAN was “on station” providing immediate support to the relief effort. On the first day alone, our helicopters rescued 300 stranded citizens from the rooftops of their homes. BATAAN provided additional relief support in the form of distilled water, blankets, and medical evacuations.
During our last week in the area, I was privileged to lead a group of sixty sailors on a relief project in Biloxi, MS. We were tasked with cleaning out a seafood warehouse, which had been damaged by the storm. The warehouse, which covered about five acres in space, was flooded with three inches of water and mud. Once the mud was cleared, the warehouse was converted into a Salvation Army Distribution Center. Returning residents would now be able to come to the center to receive life’s necessities such as clothes, water, food, blankets, etc.
Local Ministry
Being assigned to the BATAAN allows me to be an active participant within the local church. My family and I are affiliate members of Lee’s Chapel AME Church in Chesapeake, where the Rev. Horace B. Cross is the pastor. As my schedule permits, Pastor Cross allows me to participate in the Young People’s Department as well as preach on fourth Sundays
I have also had the privilege of preaching at the following congregations:
- New St. John’s AME Church in Virginia Beach, VA. The pastor is the Rev. E. H. Terrell, Jr. (Church Anniversary)
- First Trinity AME Church in Chesapeake, VA. The pastor is the Rev. Ira K. McMillan, Sr. (Church Anniversary)
- St. John’s AME Church in Roanoke, VA. The pastor is the Rev. Quentin White. (Palm Sunday/Men’s Day)
Scholarships
Praise God! This is the fourth year that my wife and I have been able to offer a scholarship to a deserving seminary student at Payne Theological Seminary. The scholarship we have established is called the Ministry Opportunities Fund, which is awarded to the seminarian who has the highest grade point average at the end of their first year of studies. At the first chapel service in September, I am planning to present this year’s scholarship in the amount of $3000.00.
My wife and I have also established a scholarship at the Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University. The name of the scholarship is the Rev. Julia W. McCargo Memorial Scholarship for Women in Ministry. The scholarship is awarded to the top female student who possesses the highest grade point average after her first year of studies. This year’s award is projected to be in the amount of $4000.00.
Conclusion
In summary, it has been another outstanding year in ministry. However, this will be my last report in person at the Virginia Annual Conference while stationed aboard the BATAAN. At this time next year, I will be on a six-month deployment with the ship, most likely in support of the Global War on Terrorism. I solicit your prayers for my family while I am away and for a safe return home.
To God be the glory!
Respectfully submitted,
D. R. BROWN
Lieutenant Commander, U. S. Navy
Chaplain Corps
Editor’s note: Chaplain David Brown is an Itinerant Elder and a member of the Virginia Annual Conference. Like the Editor, he is a product of Ebenezer AME Church, Rahway, New Jersey.
5. THE GLOBAL CORNER - NAMAYO INITIATIVE: A JOINT PRAYER AND HEALING CONVOCATION OF THE 5TH AND 17TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICTS:
The Right Reverend John R. Bryant
The Right Reverend Paul Kawimbe
Episcopal Supervisor, the Reverend Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant
Episcopal Supervisor Yvonne Kawimbe
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
(I Thessalonians 5:23)
Where do I begin to tell this story?
One-hundred-seventeen (117) women convened in Atlanta Georgia to begin a journey of a lifetime. We met with Episcopal Supervisor Rev. Cecelia Williams Bryant where we received the five Principals of the NaMayo Co-Journey.
a. Submission: I humble myself under the Authority of the Vision and those who govern its implementation.
b. Silence: I strengthen my interior prayer life with at least two thirty-minute seasons of solitude unto the Lord.
c. Resilience: in wisdom, I guide myself to be emotionally and physically strong and flexible.
d. Simplicity: I am unencumbered by excess, attachments or materialistic thinking.
e. Compassion: I extend the LOVE and Grace of GOD to all persons, in all circumstances. I do not allow pride to manipulate my behavior or my attitude. “I Judge Not”
We arrived in Lusaka, Zambia on Saturday Afternoon to a most gracious welcome of song and dance from a delegation of Zambian women along with Supervisor Yvonne Kawimbe.
The Rev. Dr. Cecelia Bryant declared Palm Sunday as NAMAYO SUNDAY. We begin the day with a Prayer of Thanksgiving, Prayer for the Blessing of the Women and Prayer for God’s Spirit over NaMayo. She also shared with us that the NaMayo principal of OSUSU (Women Creating Wealth) is “Owe No One” We were instructed to meet with our prayer cluster daily for 30 minutes and to personally take time for two 30 minute sessions of deep personal prayer and journal.
Rev. C was the Speaker for the opening evening service. The topic was “Let’s Get it Started.” Some of the points she made were: God teaches three lessons – Repentance, Obedience and Restoration. She also said that ordinary religion would keep you faithful but not filled. At the end of the service, Rev. C anointed the Doctors and Nurses that came on this journey for service. Bishop Paul Kawimbe extended a warm welcome to us in several languages.
Many workshops were presented on various topics such as When HIV/AIDS is in the family by Dr. Precilla Belin and Eating Well – Food for Life by Dr. Patricia Barnes, RN.
The Doctors began the arduous process of getting certified to provide health service to the Zambians. There were obstacles to overcome, but because we serve a BIG GOD, the walls begin to come down. There was much prayer, praise and marching silently seven times around the meeting room at the Intercontinental Hotel. On Tuesday Morning, many who were destined to work in the make shift clinic at the Showground Compound went over early to clean the huts that would be used by the doctors and nurses. We set up a registration hut, pharmacy hut, and doctors examining huts along with HIV/AIDS testing. The clinic officially opened that afternoon to the delight of many. The doctors, nurses and volunteers worked well into the night. Many returned the next day to complete as much as possible the examining of the people. There was even a pediatrics hut set up to see the children. The clinic officially closed on Wednesday night but the work of the doctors and nurses did not stop. They set up a clinic at the hotel where we stayed in order to provide services to all of the hotel employees on Good Friday after service.
During the week, we were blessed to receive the Word from Rev. Carolyn Baskin Bell, Rev. Elfridah Musambazi, Rev. Pazina Mwitubmwa, Supervisor Rosalyn Brookins, Rev. Ann Shaw, Rev. Margaret Mwanza, Rev. Stephanie Butler, Rev. Joyce Chassala, and Minister Heidi Stevens. There were visits to orphanages, a transit home, schools, clinics, hospitals, museum (cultural visit), hospices, and a special visit to the university to present scholarships to students. All of the visits were blessed with both monetary gifts and supplies.
On Easter Sunday, groups of 9-10 persons visited 11 A.M.E. Churches in the area where we worshipped in tents, schoolrooms, and mud walled shelters. Each declared they had a beautiful experience. The singing and praising will not be forgotten. Each church was blessed with Altar Cloths, Communion trays, wafers and cups, bibles and hymnals and a financial donation from each attendee of $100.00 each.
Much to our surprise, Supervisor Yvonne Kawimbe presented all 117 of us with gifts. She said that it is there custom that every woman should have a cloth. Those who have so little thought it not robbery to give to all of us. We knew we were blessed by just being there but by being given these gifts, we received a double blessing.
In closing, Rev. C shared with us that the office of the missionary is to teach. That we are a witness to the possible. The need is SO GREAT and SO is GOD. We come to bring, not sympathy but empowerment, equipping the saints. She said that we have completed our assignment in Zambia.
Delegation Lead Ambassadors: Janet Gloyd-SCC (Sapphires), Carolyn Moore-SCC (Diamonds), Cheryl Hariston-Missouri, Phyllis Kitchen-Midwest, Sandra Harrison-Desert Mountain, Arisie Anderson-California, Beverly Habersham-California and Zinda Foster-Pacific Northwest.
Special thanks to Allison Stradford as the Delegation Coordinator whose hard work and dedication to this journey accounted for its success.
Next Stop: Lesotho – The next Global Mission Outreach is Lesotho from Nov. 27 - December 6, 2006. The focus of the trip will be PRAYER and EDUCATION – Women’s Health Education, Teacher Education and Christian Education. Registration Fee $100.00. – Pay to WGRDI – 1968 W Adams Blvd Ste 401 – Los Angeles, CA. 90018 – 323-730-7707.
Women’s Global Resource and Development Initiative Week is September 4-10, 2006. Intercession, Information, Resource Development. Yvette Williams and Veronica Triggs, Coordinators.
Reporting for the NaMayo Delegation
Lessie M. Thompson
6. THE GLOBAL CORNER - REPORT ON ZAMBIA:
Respectfully submitted by Shelia Brooks-LeFridge
Fitzgerald- Simpson Unit
First AME Church, Los Angeles, California
The NaMayo Initiative proved to be a co-journey of learning, healing, binding, praising, worshipping, and of tapping God’s unlimited power within myself. Many occasions mimicked when Jesus fed the multitudes with a few loaves of bread and fish. For instance, when the delegation was asked to bring the medical supplies to a conference room, it did not take long for all the tables to be filled up chest-high with all sorts of over-the-counter and prescription medications. Also, while at the NaMayo Clinic, which was set-up at the Show Grounds, several of the local Zambian women sought to feed the delegation by cooking the local staple food Nshemi and frying chicken in these huge silver caldron pots. When we inquired as to the wonderful aroma steaming from their pots, one of the delegation members handed the “head” cook a hundred dollar bill and advised them to feed the hundreds of waiting patients instead. The throngs of people were fed for two days. I was truly overwhelmed by God’s limitless abundance in many situations.
The structure of our missionary co-journey brought us closer to our missionary sisters, our global AME family, and our God. We worked from an itinerary and stuck to it as closely as unforeseen events would allow. There was actually very little deviation, barring the fact that the government officials held the medical staff members up for 1 ½ days. Upon my return home, several people I know who went on similar global outreach missions advised that they had more of a vacation trip to Africa. Not us. We worked. We prayed. We ministered. We gave all of ourselves and then, through prayer and study, found more of ourselves to give. The most memorable and substantial periods were the times spent in the daily prayer cluster groups, the Tuesday Healing Service and the Wednesday Miracle Prayer and Healing Service. These were awesome witnesses of the Holy Spirit in action and my participation in them will be unforgettable.
Reverend Cecelia “C” Bryant took several opportunities to educate and enlighten us. Beginning with orientation in Atlanta, she taught us the principle of Osusu, exercising financial responsibility, and reinforced this periodically throughout our trip. We also learned about submission through silence and setting you heart and mind to hear a Rhema Word from God, wherein God can speak directly to your spirit. Reverend “C” gave us techniques to enhance our prayer life and to move ourselves to a daily existence closer God. She also intuitively had us to address our spirits in acquiring forgiveness for our misdoing toward one another, whether intentional or not. All in all, we learn to be better stewards of our spirit, our friendships, our interactions, and our finances.
It is hard to digest how disproportionate the AIDS epidemic is in places like Lusaka throughout Africa. It is actually pandemic and poverty is its greatest ally. Even still, the various AME members showed us a level of worship and praise beyond my American experience. From the time we exited the airport in Lusaka, the Zambian members greeted us in soul stirring song. Every service was a new and deeper experience in spiritual praise, worship, and communion with God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. At these times, the spirit of thanksgiving transcended earthy infirmity and worldly lack.
Report for Prayer Cluster C
One word to express the overall sentiment of the group is “Gratitude”. The members, under the prayer direction of Cynthia Pitts, prayed daily for the NaMayo delegation to be taken deeper into providing ministry to the Zambian people through the medical teams and daily outreach ministries. Everyone felt profoundly more blessed in what was received from the experience of worship and praise with our Zambian sisters, brothers, and children, than anything we could have brought to them. One of the sisters in our prayer cluster gave testimony to her heart being touched on Easter Sunday in a small church in Chilenga, in knowing that our Zambian sisters understood that we offered ourselves as gifts more so than any material gifts we brought.
Working in the clinics serving the people, doing what we could to help them in the moment, the extensive intercessory prayer offerings and the Miracle Prayer and Healing Services were utterly awesome spiritual releases of God’s supernatural power into the natural. The gratitude was not in what we have compared to our African brothers and sisters, but in what God blessed us to give and in what God put in our hearts as a result of this experience and journey.
Respectfully submitted by Shelia Brooks-Elbridge
On behalf of Cynthia Pitts,
Prayer Leader,
Cluster C
7. NEWS FROM AROUND THE AME CHURCH:
- The Reverend Dr. J. E. Taylor of the Georgia Annual Conference of the Sixth Episcopal District has been appointed Presiding Elder of the Waycross District. His wife, Mrs. Shirley V. Taylor, Sixth is the Episcopal District President of the Ministers' Spouses, Widows and Widowers Organization, Plus PK's.
8. THE AME LUNCHEON AT THE HAMPTON UNIVERSITY MINISTERS’ CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2006 AT THE RADISSON HOTEL:
The AME Luncheon has been an annual event at the Hampton University Ministers’ Conference for a number of years. The luncheon has grown significantly in the last several years. The Right Reverend John Bryant serves on the Board of the HU Ministers Conference and he has been instrumental in the luncheon’s growth. The luncheon will be held at the beautiful Radisson Hotel this year on Thursday June 8, 2006. Last year about 200 persons attended the luncheon and an increase attendance is expected this year. The luncheon will be held at 2 p.m. and really, it is a heavy lunch. Six AME Bishops attended at last year’s luncheon and it was a gala affair.
The Reverend Andre Jefferson, pastor of Bethel AME Church, Hampton, Virginia is the coordinator of the AME Luncheon. He and his committee are planning for an exciting luncheon. Entertainment will be provided. The Reverend Dr. Timothy Boddie, Hampton University Chaplain has been invited and is looking forward to attending the AME luncheon. Dr. Boddie is the Executive Secretary/Treasurer of the Ministers’ Conference
The cost of the luncheon (it really is a dinner) will be $20.00.
When you get to the Ministers Conference, please register your name, no money, for the AME Luncheon at the Hampton University Religious Studies Program booth in the Convocation Center. If Editor Sydnor is not at the table when you get there, just leave you name with the representative at the staffing the booth.
9. THE 92nd ANNUAL HAMPTON UNIVERSITY MINISTERS' CONFERENCE AND 72nd ANNUAL CHOIR DIRECTORS' ORGANISTS' GUILD:
The 92nd Annual Hampton University Ministers' Conference and 72nd Annual Choir Directors' Organists' Guild will be held June 4 - June 9 on the beautiful Hampton University. Once again, HU will host a variety of accomplished ministers.
Ministers' Conference President, Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook, marking her final year as the first female president in Conference History, announced the theme for this year's conference as, "A Call to Celebration and Consecration." The conference will focus on the various and diverse ways in which pastors and ministers celebrate and consecrate their ministries.
Hampton Ministers Conference Presenters include, Conference Preacher, Bishop Kenneth Ulmer, Inglewood, CA; Morning Preacher, the Rev. W. Darin Moore, Mt. Vernon, NY; Early Morning Prayer, Bishop Ernestine Reems Dickerson, Oakland, CA; Hermeneutics, Dr. William Epps, Los Angeles, CA; Theology of Celebration, the Rev. Mack King Carter, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Practical Theology, Pastor Rita Twiggs, Dallas, TX; Theology of Contemplation, Dr. Robert Smith, Birmingham, AL; Theology of Consecration, Bishop Violet Fisher, Rochester, NY; Practical Theology, Dr. Dennis Proctor, Baltimore, MD.
Additional exciting presenters this year include the Rev. Jasmine "Jazz" Sculark, of York, PA; and Dr. Kevin Cosby of Louisville, KY. Another notable feature of the Conference will be the Father-Son team of Dr. Otis Moss, Jr., and his son, Rev. Otis Moss, III, addressing the question, "Can the Moses and Joshua Generations Meet?" The conference will also include a panel to discuss women in ministry.
The Reverend Dr. Timothy Boddie Executive Secretary/Treasurer of the Ministers’ Conference
For more information: http://www.hamptonu.edu/events/ministers_conference/index.htm
10. THE REV. TERESA L. FRY BROWN, PH.D. KEYNOTES ST. MARK AME CHURCH 70TH ANNUAL WOMEN’S DAY:
“Special Gifts: Elevating To The Next Level”
Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Rev. Teresa L. Fry Brown will bring the keynote address at St. Mark AME Church’s 70th Annual Women’s Day Service on Sunday, May 21, 2006, at 11:00 a.m. Women’s Day is an opportunity to recognize the services and contributions of women to the church and their communities.
Though the church was founded in 1869, it was not until 1936, however, that a “special day” for women was born under the leadership of the late Mrs. Flossie Chalmers. These activities were used as a means for women to rededicate themselves to the church.
Rev. Fry Brown currently serves as Associate Professor of Homiletics at Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. She obtained a Doctorate of Philosophy in Religious and Theological Studies from Iliff School of Theology and the University of Denver. Dr. Fry Brown has over thirty years teaching experience in elementary, secondary, post secondary, academic, ecumenical and denominational settings across the United States, and internationally.
As a prolific author, Dr. Fry Brown’s books include, “God Don’t Like Ugly: African American Women Handing on Spiritual Values,” “Weary Throats and New Song: Black Women Proclaiming God’s Word,” and a devotional booklet “The 2006 African American History Devotional.”
Dr. Fry Brown is an Associate Minister at Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Atlanta, Georgia. She is an ordained Itinerant Elder in the AME Church, and is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
The public is invited to come and hear this dynamic pastor and author. St. Mark is located at 1616 W. Atkinson Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Rev. Darryl Williams is the pastor.
For more information, please call the church office at (414) 562-8030.
11. WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATION AND REVIVAL - HISTORIC ST. PETER A.M.E. CHURCH, HARRODSBURG, KENTUCKY:
Monday – May 15th, 2006
The Rev. Sherry Green
Powerhouse Church of God
Lexington, KY
Tuesday – May 16th, 2006
Sister Teresa Payne
Greater Harvest Worship Center – Danville, KY
Wednesday, May 17th, 2006
Licentiate Sharon Johnson
St. Peter AME Church
Harrodsburg, KY
Thursday, May 18th, 2006
Sister Doris Coffey, Exhorter
St. Paul AME Church
Lexington, KY
Friday, May 19th, 2006
Sister Anita Harris
Cincinnati, OH
Saturday, May 20th, 2006
Women’s Conference
9:00 a.m.
Sunday – May 21st, 2006
Sister Jessica Browning
11:00 A.M. Morning Services
The Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Bishop, 13th Episcopal District, 3:30 PM Afternoon Service
Nightly Revival Services – 6:30 p.m. Devotions
Preaching – 7:00 p.m.
The Rev. Ralph Boyd Smith is the pastor of St. Peter A.M.E. Church
12. INTERESTING INSPIRATIONAL ARTICLE FROM ZONDERVAN:
"[As a Jehovah's Witness,] I had knocked on doors for 28 years," Paul Blizzard told us. "I have been in thousands of homes of Christians, including pastors. I have had doors slammed in my face, dogs attacked me, and water thrown on me. But, I never, never, never had anyone share the gospel with me. No one, that is, except a clerk in a Christian bookstore." "On the way home [after hearing the gospel]," Paul reflected, "I pulled the car over onto the side of the road so we [he and his wife Patricia] could talk. On that day in 1982, one lost person told another lost person how to be saved. We gave our lives to Christ." To this day Paul has not heard from any of his family. He has not heard a word since 1982. The cost of following Christ has not been small.
From Zondervan Website
Editor’s note – When people come to evangelize their faith at your home, you should use the opportunity to evangelize for Jesus Christ.
13. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
The Birth of twin boys - Richard Thomas Sinkfield Belin and Blake Roderick Dwayne Belin
The Reverend Henry Allen Belin, III, pastor of First African Methodist Episcopal Church (Bethel) New York, New York and Mrs. Rita Sinkfield Belin, Esq. were blessed with the arrival of twin sons on March 27, 2006.
Richard Thomas Sinkfield Belin weighed in at 7 pounds 6 ozs.
Blake Roderick Dwayne Belin weighed in at 7 pounds 10 ozs.
The proud grandparents are the Right Reverend and Mrs. Henry Allen Belin, Jr.
Congratulatory messages may be sent to:
372 Dekalb Avenue #3F
Brooklyn, NY 11205
718-622-5022 (Phone)
Or emailed to: hallenbiii@aol.com rdsinkfieb@aol.com
14. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
The graduation of Marcia Dionne Fugh
Marcia Dionne Fugh, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Clement W. Fugh, General Secretary/CIO, will graduate on Saturday, May 6, 2006, from Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN, with a Masters Degree in Public Administration, with a specialty certification in Non Profit Management.
Marcia is currently employed in the Office of the General Secretary as Information Systems Project Manager and on the Secretarial Staff of the General Board and General Conference.
Congratulatory messages may be emailed to: cioamec@bellsouth.net
15. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
The graduation of Rev. Dr. Reginald Blount.
“God Almighty has brought me; the love of family has supported me; the joy of friendship has uplifted me; and with the guidance given by the Holy Spirit, I have arrived! With great pride, I the Rev. Reginald Blount am proud to announce my graduation from Northwestern University as a candidate for the degree Doctor of Philosophy.”
Thank you for sharing this with the A.M.E. Community!
Rev. Dr. Reginald Blount, Pastor
Trinity African Methodist Episcopal Church
P.O. Box 9178
Waukegan, IL 60087
847-623-8529
Email: rblount@garrett.edu
16. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
The graduation of Sister Birdie Young Parker
Sister Birdie Parker, who works in the Office of the Publisher at the AME Sunday School Union in Nashville, Tennessee and who is an Associate Minister of Mary's Chapel in Fayetteville, Tennessee, will be graduating from Trevecca Nazarene University with a B.A. Degree in Management and Human Relations on Saturday, May 6, 2006.
Sister Parker is planning to attend seminary and is married to the Reverend Joseph Parker, pastor of Mary's Chapel AME Church, Fayetteville, Tennessee.
Congratulatory messages may sent to: u_sunday@bellsouth.net
17. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
The graduation of Charity Battle and Renisha Battle
Charity Battle and Renisha Battle will graduate on May 6, 2006 from North Carolina Central University at 8:00 a. m. These are the daughters of the Rev. and Mrs. Milton Battle (2nd Episcopal District).
Congratulations to all!
18. ALL CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICES:
Congratulatory Messages/Praise Reports received will be compiled and posted by the Clergy Family Information Center on Friday of each week. Clergy Family Births, Graduations, Weddings and Wedding Anniversaries (25th, 50th, 75th)
19. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY 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.
20. CONGRATULATIONS TO 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 congratulations and prayers for al of the praise reports. We thank God for the blessings that God bestows “Morning by morning. Great is Thy Faithfulness.”
21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Episcopal Supervisor, Mother Barbara Jeanne Chappelle,
12th Episcopal District, President, Charolett Martin
This comes to inform you of the passing of WMS Life Member, Agnes Mildred Williams Hunter. Our sister, the beloved wife of Presiding Elder W. H. (Jim) Hunter, former Presiding Elder of the Pine Bluff South District and the Camden District, died on Thursday evening in her home. Mrs. Hunter was a former Episcopal District YPD Director, and was most active on every level of the Women's Missionary Society.
Funeral Services for Life Member, Mrs. Agnes Mildred Williams Hunter, will be held on Tuesday, May 9, 2006, 11:00 a.m. at Bethel A.M.E. Church, 600 North Cedar Street, North Little Rock, AR 72114.
There will be a viewing on Monday, May 8, 2006, 6 - 7 p.m. at Premier Funeral Home, 1518 South Battery Street, Little Rock, AR
Telephone (501) 376-4800.
The Reverend W. H. Hunter and family may be contacted at:
2621 South Chester Street
Little Rock, AR 72206
Telephone 501-374-6909.
Please remember the Hunter family in your prayers.
22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: Sixth Episcopal District, The Right Reverend William P. DeVeaux, Presiding Prelate
The Reverend J. R. Campbell, former Presiding Elder of the Eastern District of the Southwest Georgia Annual Conference, passed on Thursday, May 4 at the Sumter Regional Hospital in Americus, Georgia. Rev. Campbell, the beloved husband of Mrs. Mamie Campbell, pastored in several conferences in Georgia.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, May 11, 2006, at 2:00 p.m. at Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church in Americus. The Reverend D. D Davenport is the pastor of Allen Chapel.
Please keep this family in your prayers.
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Mamie Campbell
912 Davenport Street
Americus, Georgia 31709
Telephone: 229-924-8580
23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: The 8th Episcopal District, the Right Reverend C. Garnett Henning, Presiding Prelate
The Rev. John W. Jenkins, the beloved husband of Mrs. Ida Jenkins and father of Chander N. Jenkins Johnson, Yolanda Nanette Jenkins, John Weston Jenkins III and Kendra Antoinette Jenkins passed on Saturday afternoon, May 6, 2006. He was the pastor of Bethel A. M. E. Church, Brookhaven, Mississippi.
Funeral Services will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, May 9, at Bethel A.M. E. Church, 701 South First Street, Brookhaven, MS 39601.
The Church telephone number is (601) 833-7740.
The Rev. Joseph Young is the presiding elder.
Contact:
Mrs. Ida Jenkins
390 Jakes Trail, N.W.
Brookhaven, MS 39601
Telephone (601) 353-6682/835-1689
Please remember the Jenkins family in your prayers.
24. 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.
25. 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
