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 – A QUESTION: “HOW ARE STEWARDS CONFIRMED?”:
This editorial was precipitated by a conversation I had with Dr. Johnny Barbour the publisher for the AME Sunday School Union.
He asked me a question, “How are Stewards confirmed?” I thought to myself, “That’s an easy question.”
Before I could answer, he asked me another question, “Who do the Stewards belong to; do they belong to the pastor?” My mind started working and I thought, “Both questions are easy, I don’t need The Discipline, I can just respond with what I have observed these last couple of years.”
I responded confidently, “The pastor nominates persons to serve on the Steward Board and the Quarterly Conference confirms the Stewards nominated by the pastor.” I thought to myself, “That was a great answer.”
Dr. Barbour pressed the point further. He asked. “But how were they confirmed?”
I responded, “The presiding elder confirms them.” Again, I thought, “Easy answer.”
Dr. Barbour obviously, not satisfied with my answer, asked, “How does the presiding elder do that?”
I responded recalling my recollection and said, “The presiding elder confirms those persons by having them to stand and saying something, like, “I hereby confirm you to be stewards …” with an admonition for them to serve well and to work harmoniously with their pastor.
I could see on Dr. Barbour’s face a smile and the look of, “I gotcha.”
Dr. Barbour asked, “But how are they confirmed and what does confirmation mean? He went on to give an analogy and asked, “Now that President Bush has nominated Air Force General Michael Hayden to be the head of the CIA, does that mean that Vice President Cheney can with some nice ceremonial words, say, ‘I confirm you,’ or does something else have to happen?”
Before I could answer, Dr. Barbour answered his own question and went on to say, “Congress has to vote on the President’s nomination. And, that is my point, confirmation means, and vote! To confirm the Stewards, the people at the quarterly conference have to vote. The presiding elder cannot confirm the Stewards with some ceremonial words and some kind of blessing. A vote has to be taken to confirm the stewards. The members of the church have to be involved.”
Now, intellectually I knew that confirmation meant, vote, but I missed the parameters of the definition when Dr. Barbour asked me the question.
Trying to dig myself out of the hole I had put myself in, I went on to share with him that I have seen presiding elders somewhere confirm Stewards with a nice ceremony and I had even heard a presiding elder somewhere say, “The Steward Board belong to and works for the pastor. They have to support the pastor’s program.”
Dr. Barbour agreed that he knew that attitude prevails among some presiding elders today because that was the way they were taught.
We both agreed that if a steward or a steward board supported a pastor’s unethical program, the steward or board of stewards would be derelict.
We continued the discussion, as more itinerant elders should do, and opened The Discipline for an engaging exchange of observations.
Stewards are nominated by the pastor, and are confirmed, and that means, to be voted upon, by the members of the Quarterly Conference.
The Discipline says that the Quarterly Conference “shall confirm them or, reject them. If some or all of the stewards that the pastor nominates are rejected, the pastor has to come back with a revised list of names.
The Stewards are not the pastor’s “yes persons.” The pastor cannot summarily dismiss stewards because the pastor feels that a steward is not in agreement with the pastor’s program. “Stewards are accountable to the Quarterly Conference of their circuit or station, which shall have the power to remove them when they fail or refuse to do their duties.” The Discipline goes on to state, “Pastors can suspend a steward in the interim of the Quarterly Conference if the steward fails to discharge his or her duties.” But the vacancy has to be filled at the next Quarterly Conference. The confirmation process has to take place. The members of the Quarterly Conference have to vote, that is, to confirm or reject, the pastor's recommendation. The stewards belong to the church.
The stewards should work harmoniously with the pastor, but must always remember that they are the congregation’s and the pastor's representative and a strong spiritual component of the local society.
The qualifications of the Stewards require them to be of solid piety, know and love the Word of God, the African Methodist Episcopal Church doctrine, and The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He or she must be fruitful and of good nature or acquired ability to transact the spiritual and temporal business of the church.
We ended our conversation agreeing that the Church needs to be more intentional in its training of middle management and the laity needs to understand that they have significant input into the steward confirmation process.
The intent of The Discipline for the Steward Board confirmation process is not a “rubber-stamp” procedure, but a collegial process that involves the presiding elder, the pastor, the laity and ultimately, the presiding bishop.
2. A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR:
The Editor is attending the 13th Episcopal District Retreat for WMS/Clergy/Clergy Souses in Lexington, Kentucky. The Editor and the Reverend Charlotte Sydnor are leading the dual-clergy spouses retreat. The Editor is also leading the ministers’ retreat.
The Right Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie is the Presiding Prelate of the Thirteenth Episcopal District. Mr. Stan McKenzie is the Episcopal Supervisor.
3. PICK UP THE CURRENT ISSUES JET AND EBONY MAGAZINES:
Pick up the current issues of Jet and Ebony Magazines. I understand that they contain great coverage of the AME Church. I am going out to get my issues shortly.
4. CORRECTION:
The May 8, 2006 edition of The Christian Recorder Online reported, The Reverend Orlando McCauley, Jr, as being from the 15th Episcopal District.
Bishop S. L. Green caught the error and informed us that the Reverend Orlando McCauley, Jr. is from the 14th District He earned Dual degrees: a Master of Divinity/ Master of Christian Education.
5. CHRISTIAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL (CME) CHURCHES VICTIMIZED BY UGLY SCAM:
I am Mary McKinney. My husband is Pastor R. C. McKinney of Williams Memorial CME of Ft. Lauderdale, FL. My intention of writing to you about the recent event of fraud, of which my husband and I are victims, is to warn other pastors and members of the CME Church. I pray that you will take this as an opportunity for The Christian Index to give front cover warning to deliver a message to persons like myself who without prejudice try to do good. You may already be aware of the scam being perpetrated against members of the church because as the crime was being committed my husband became aware that other members of the church had been approached and knew of the scam but did nothing to warn others.
I don’t want anyone, especially God fearing Christians, to experience the feeling of violation that comes with being scammed. Even though I feel stupid for allowing someone to take advantage of me, the people who investigate money wire fraud have assured me and by the FBI (to whom I have reported the scam) that scammers are smarter than the average person is because they live, breathe and operate without a conscious in order to survive. The profile of a scammer is also to present situations that might appear to provide us with advantages, benefits and opportunities for remuneration.
Having been raised in Miami, FL, I have become accustomed to being on alert for the many and varied scams that are perpetrated because South Florida is known as a haven for scam artists. Of course, in hindsight, all the signs for scam were there but they “got me” anyway. I hope to give as many details as possible so that anyone reading the story will recognize the story or some variation of it should it happen to them.
Two weeks ago, someone telephoned my husband at the church claiming to be Pastor Charles Davis of Miles Metropolitan in Washington, DC. When my husband returned his call he claimed to have a member, Diane Williams, who was being transferred by her job at HUD to our area and wanted to ensure that she be relocated to our congregation. The man claimed also to be (at the time) driving for Bishop Charles Helton and allowed my husband to speak to someone claiming to be and sounding like Bishop Helton. The claim was that Diane Williams and her four children under the age of 12 would be driving by car from Washington to Florida that day. In addition, Ms. Williams was said to have recently lost her husband and was starting over in Florida. My husband was on his way to Florida Spring Convocation and left with me the cell number given as that of Diane Williams.
Later that Friday evening, about 11:30 PM, I was awakened by a tearfully desperate phone call from the so-called Diane Williams claiming to be stranded with her children in Georgia as a result of having been in an accident. She claimed that neither she nor the children sustained serious injuries but that her car was not drivable. This person claimed that the mechanic did not tell her before he made the repair that the company would only accept cash. She only had $225 of the $775.00 she owed and the company would not accept a check. The kind mechanic, who was identified as Michael Murphy / Waters (Mike), was unwilling, as his boss recommend, allowing her to sign over the $22,000.00 check from HUD to pay for the repairs. I was appalled that his boss would ask such a thing and horrified for her that in her delicate condition she might be willing to do so.
Being a Christian man himself with a wife and small children, the mechanic thought of what he would want someone to do for his family in a similar situation. It was late, the children were fretful and after the ordeal she had been through, he decided to give her back the $225 she had given him to allow Ms. Williams to stay in a local motel overnight and to work out the details of how to pay for the car in the morning. He asked me and I obligingly offered her words of comfort and assurance that everything would work. The scenario I have painted is what I took with me to bed that night. A mother stranded with four small children in the middle of the night in a small town without the means for providing for them.
On Saturday morning, I was awakened from a deep sleep with a proposition from Mike (whose last name the night before was Murphy) that his company would accept a money gram through Wal-Mart and asked if I could wire the money through a Wal-Mart location near my home. He pointed out a Wal-Mart near my home. His boss was now on his case for not having the money for the repair in the register and was threatening to fire him for being a “do-gooder” in helping out this Christian woman. As the pastor’s wife (who was helping a prospective member of the congregation who was said to have worked in Bishop Gilmore’s Conference as a trained pianist and organist), I agreed to wire the money from my personal bank account. He wanted to know how long it would take me to get to the Wal-Mart. Although most of our churches have procedures in place to protect the issuance of benevolent funds (which when I called the chairperson of my Steward Board he reminded me) most of us with compassionate hearts have little to protect our hearts against perpetrators of fraud. I called my husband at his meeting and left word about all that had happened and to ask for advice on how to handle this situation.
By the time I arrived at Wal-Mart the cashier at customer service said that Mike had already called several times and had already given her the information needed to complete the money gram transfer. In fact, he was on the phone and wanted to speak with me. Mike was very cordial and desperate to get the transaction completed so that he wouldn’t be fired. He kept both the cashier and me busy on the phone as the transfer was transacted. Mike (whose last name this morning is Waters) informed me that he had already allowed Diane Williams and her children to be on their way. Any mild form of resistance or questions I raised were met with satisfactory answers. Having completed what I thought was a good deed I returned home.
Shortly after arriving, I was greeted with another phone call from Mike saying that the cashier had misspelled his name on the money gram and that he could not make access. This is the making of the second scam. Mike’s supervisor and the owner of the mechanic’s shop are now involved. The supervisor is now trying to protect Mike from the owner, who is livid, and threatening to send the Highway Patrol after Diane Williams for non-payment. In desperation, I am asked to return to Wal-Mart to re-send the money gram in the correct name of Mikal Waters.
By now, my husband has received my message and is sharing the story with Pastor Gary Collins. Before he can finish the story Pastor Collins has heard the story before and warns my husband that there is no Diane Williams and that the persons he spoke with (Pastor Davis and Bishop Helton) were imposters.
Of course, by the time my husband can warn me I have wired another $775 to the scammers.
The people at Money gram say that the scammers use places like Wal-Mart and Albertsons because the store doesn’t train them on the characteristics of scams. The FBI reports that scammers habitually use the tactics I have reported to overcome obstacles people present. I am sharing some of them here so others can be aware.
- Calling while you are asleep so that you can’t think clearly
- Presenting you with situations which may be beneficial to you
- Presenting opportunities for remuneration of anything you might lose
- Keeping you distracted with much talk
- Using many Christian phrases which engage you as partners in Christ
- Providing you with alternatives to any resistance you might offer
- Directing you (even gently) of actions you can take to help them solve a dilemma
- Keeping you so busy that you do not take time to follow your instincts.
Editor’s note: Reprint permission granted by the Reverend Dr. Kenneth Jones, Editor, The Christian Index, the Official Publication of The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. This article above was published in the April 2006 print edition of The Christian Index.
6. THE ELEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2006 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:
Florida Conference
August 26 – Sept. 1, 2006
St. James AME Church
514 S. 11th Avenue
Quincy, FL 32351
(850) 627-6382
Rev. Lee Plummer, Host Pastor
Rev. George Barkley, Host Presiding Elder
Bethel AME Church, Tallahassee – Host Site
Rev. Dr. John Green, Site Pastor
Central Conference
September 9-15, 2006
Mt. Olive AME Church
2525 W. Church Street
Orlando, FL 32805
(407) 295-6568
Rev. David Green, Host Pastor
Rev. Leroy Kennon, Host Presiding Elder
South Conference
September 23-29, 2006
Payne Chapel AME Church
801 9th Street
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) 832-2035
Rev. Samuel Sullivan, Host Pastor
Rev. Raymond Heastie, Host Presiding Elder
West Coast ConferenceOctober 7-13, 2006
Mt. Zion AME Church
919 20th Street South
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
(727) 894-1393
Rev. Clarence Williams, Host Pastor
Rev. Jerome Denmark, Host Presiding Elder
East Conference
October 21-27, 2006
Greater Bethel AME Church
701 SE 43rd Street
Gainesville, FL 32641
(352) 376-8846
Rev. Dr. George L. Champion, Host Pastor
Rev. Joseph Sanchez, Host Presiding Elder
Bahamas Conference
November 8-12, 2006
Cousin McPhee Cathedral
P.O. Box CR 56028
Carmichael Road
Nassau Bahamas
(242) 361-0809
Rev. Dr. Ranford Patterson, Host Pastor
Rev. Howard Williamson, Host Presiding Elder
Post Conference Planning Meeting
Nov. 16-18, 2006
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
9300 Emerald Coast Parkway West
Sandestin, FL 32550
1-800-320-8115
African Sojourn
Nov. 24-Dec. 8, 2006
Travel N Style
Florence S. James
7. AME PASTOR, THE REVEREND DR. EDWARD SCOTT TAPPED AS INTERIM DEAN OF MARY BALDWIN COLLEGE:
By Dawn Medley 5/8/2006
Already a consummate civic servant, professor, and local pastor, Edward Scott will soon add the responsibilities of interim dean of Mary Baldwin College to his repertoire. Scott, in his 16th year of service at MBC, will officially assume the post July 1, while a committee conducts a national search for a permanent replacement for outgoing dean of the college and vice president for academic affairs Jeffrey L. Buller. Scott was named assistant dean of the college in 2005. As he did then, he will also continue to serve the college as associate professor of philosophy, although his course load will be significantly reduced, Scott said. “I want to provoke students into a sense of discovery. Discovery of the world is intimately related to self-discovery,” he said in a recent interview. Scott is active in the local community. He serves as pastor at Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Staunton and on the city’s school board. He is involved in community events, including the annual Martin Luther King Day march, historic preservation at Fairview Cemetery, and service on the board of trustees of the American Shakespeare Center.
Scott earned his bachelor’s degree at Slippery Rock State College in Pennsylvania, and his master’s and Ph.D. at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. Prior to coming to Mary Baldwin in 1990, Scott taught at Monmouth College, a small liberal arts college in Illinois.
Used by permission of Dawn Medley, Mary Baldwin College
8. THE DIRECTOR OF AFRICAN AMERICAN AND MULTICULTURAL STUDENT ENGAGEMENT POSITION AVAILABLE AT MARY BALDWIN COLLEGE:
The Director of African American and Multicultural Student Engagement will implement and facilitate retention programming designed to promote the social, cultural, and educational development of students of color. The Director will be responsible for identifying the needs and concerns of historically under-represented students, serve as their ombudsman and mentor and work collaboratively with faculty and administrators to establish programs that address the celebration of diversity, mentorship, leadership and civic engagement. As a member of the Student Affairs team and in accordance with departmental and institutional mission and planning, the Director will provide leadership for inclusive excellence and overall student learning. The Director will give student staff and event supervision and support, advise a variety of minority student organizations and performing/ creative arts groups, coordinate Office communication, assist the Office of Admissions with minority student recruitment. The Director of African American and Multicultural Student Engagement will report to the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs.
Qualifications: Candidates must have excellent communication skills, the ability to work with students, parents, faculty, staff, and a wide variety of community organizations. Candidates must have an understanding of the issues of students of color on a predominantly white college campus and a demonstrated commitment to multicultural programs, services and organizations and to the empowerment of young women. Candidates must have strong organizational skills with an expertise in event marketing, program design and evaluation, and service-learning. The ideal candidate should possess skills in conflict resolution, crisis intervention, diversity training, and budget management and be able to exercise independent judgment, innovative thinking and creativity. Candidates who are Bi-lingual in English and another language and who possess an appreciation and/or expertise in the creative arts will be strongly considered. Experience in a small residential liberal arts college environment is preferred. A Master's degree in Student Personnel, Counseling, Higher Education Administration, Social Work, Ethnic Studies or a related field is preferred but candidates with a bachelor's degree and associated work experience will be considered.
Mary Baldwin College is an equal opportunity employer and supports diversity among its staff and faculty. To be assured full consideration send a letter of application, resume and three letters of recommendation to:
Andrea Cornett-Scott,
Email: ascott@mbc.edu
Associate Vice President for Student Affairs,
Mary Baldwin College
9. THE GLOBAL CORNER - THE 2006 EIGHTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION EMPOWERMENT CONFERENCE, MOEDING COLLEGE, OTSE, BOTSWANA:
The Right Reverend Sarah F. Davis,
Presiding Prelate of 18th District
The 18th Episcopal District met for its Mid-Year and Christian Education Empowerment Conference at Moeding College in Otse, Botswana this year and had as its Conference theme, “Empowering the Church to Walk and Talk like Jesus.” This year’s conference was especially exciting with the presence of special guests Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah of the 20th Episcopal District; Dr. George Flowers, Secretary-Treasurer - Department of Global Witness and Ministry, AMEC; and Dr. Daryl Ingram, Secretary-Treasurer, Department of Christian Education, AMEC.
There were three significant “first ever” moments at this year’s Christian Education Empowerment Conference. Two of which, were the preludes to the opening of the Conference (1) Council of Scribes Translation Summit I and (2) the RAYAC Retreat. On Sunday, April 23rd the Scribes of the 18th District gathered at the Cumberland Hotel, Lobatse, to continue their work of translating portions of the 2004 Discipline in each of the four predominate languages of the District: Portuguese, Sesotho, Seswati and Setswana. The Scribes began working in their respective countries on April 17th and gathered at the Cumberland to continue their work and to discuss interpretation issues. The results of their translations for part-one of this project was presented to Bishop Sarah on Tuesday evening at the close of Summit I. January 2008 is the target date for publication of the translations of the Discipline and other teaching and training materials to be provided to members throughout the 18th District.
On Tuesday, the first RAYAC Retreat of the District was held under the leadership of Episcopal President Derrick Khumalo. Visitors from the 19th District RAYAC came and made the Retreat an even greater success.
The Lay Organization led by Episcopal President L. B. Monyake, held its meeting on Wednesday, prior to the official opening of the conference Wednesday evening at 7hr00. The Opening Worship and Communion Service started on a high note as Bishop Wilfred Messiah brought everyone to their feet as he preached from the topic: “Jesus Hangs Around Long Enough!”
Each morning from 06hr30 to 07hr30 Evangelist M. Qhobela led the more than 100 prayer warriors in Early Morning Prayer Call. The Moeding Chapel was packed and truly filled with the presence of God as prayers were sent up in all the different language but the same Spirit. Bishop Sarah joined us each morning and always had words of encouragement for everyone.
“Hiding the Word in Our Hearts” Bible Study time was well attended as Bishop Sarah led the study on “A Disordered Mind.” She emphasized that for Christians to walk and talk like Jesus, they must move away from disordered minds and think with the mind of Christ.
Dr. Daryl Ingram addressed “Christian Education: The Key to Church Empowerment” during Plenary Session I. During Plenary Session II on Friday, Dr. George Flowers spoke on “Global Mission and its Role in Empowering the Church.” Both presentations were informative and were received with much enthusiasm by the participants.
There were 15 Workshops with 10 different topics. The facilitators of the workshops did outstanding jobs and provided handouts in each of the sessions. Workshop presenters were Bishop Wilfred Messiah, Dr. Daryl Ingram, Dr. George Flowers, Presiding Elder Mpho Moruakgomo, Presiding Elder Solomon J. Nxumalo, Reverend Jose Luis Sevene, Reverend B. S. Ntshangase, Evangelist M. Qhobela, Brother Mario T. Masuku, Dr. Ncamsile Ntiwane, Sister Goodness Thwala, and Sister P. J. Molomo. The workshop topics included topics on “HIV/AIDS and the Role of the Church”; “Our Identity – Who Are We?”; “The Call” to Ministry; “Serving God and Others”; Developing Prayer Ministry in the Local Church”; “Developing Effective Young Adult Ministries”; “The General Departments of the Church”; “The Characteristics of the Servant Mind”; “Effective Leadership in the Church”; and “Developing the Mind of Christ.”
Our hour of power preachers, Reverend B. S. Ntshangase (Swaziland Annual Conference) and Reverend Beauty Lekone (Botswana Annual Conference) continued to take the conference higher as they preached sermons causing the congregation to look within themselves. On Thursday night, Dr. Daryl Ingram very effectively and powerfully reminded us during the RAYAC led service, that we must be “Faithful, Available and Teachable (FAT) Christians.’ After this service, we were sure we had experienced the last of the mountain top experiences to be had at the Conference. We were wrong!
The third “first ever” moment was to take us even higher than we had ever been in three days. Friday night’s “first” 18th District Music Competition featured the conference choirs from each country save for Mozambique. Botswana took the first place trophy with Swaziland and Lesotho following respectively with second and third places. The adjudicators for the competitions were Dr. Daryl Ingram, Dr. George Flowers, Supervisor Claytie Davis, Jr., and Mr. Maplogonolo, Moeding College’s Director of Music. Mr. Maplogonolo is also the National Director of College Music Competitions for the country of Botswana. The choirs were all excellent as evidenced by the judges who took more than 45 minutes to come back with the results.
The closing service on Saturday offered each of us a closing challenge to “Walk and Talk like Jesus” as Presiding Elder Reverend Mpho Moruakgomo preached from the Conference theme and Scripture, Luke 24:13-25. Bishop Sarah following the worship service made two pastoral appointments in the Botswana Annual Conference. Additionally, Presiding Elder Mpho Moruakgomo was moved from the Hukuntsi District to the Lobatse District and Reverend Judge Tlhage was promoted to the position of presiding elder and assigned to the Hukuntsi District. Presiding Elder Tlhage fills the Presiding Elder position vacated by Reverend Ada Mereyabone who is no longer with the A.M.E. Church.
Truly, this was the Conference of all conferences in the 18th District. We thank all our guests and facilitators for all their support, presentations and devoting their time and skills to the Empowerment Conference. Our Director of Christian Education, Presiding Elder Albert Thwala says, “You haven’t seen nothing yet! Just wait until next year when the 2007 Christian Education Empowerment Conference convenes in Swaziland!”
To God be the Glory.
Brother Bafana Mtshali
Reporter and CEEC Team Member
10. RECENT PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS IN THE 13TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:
- The Reverend William W. Easley, Jr. from New Tyler AME, Memphis to Bethel AME Church, Chattanooga, TN
- The Reverend Charlene Boone from Warren Chapel, Chattanooga, TN to New Tyler AME Church, Memphis, TN
- The Reverend Terance L. Mayes, Sr. from Bethel AME Chattanooga to Warren Chapel AME, Chattanooga
11. THE GLOBAL CORNER - AME PASTOR IS A PART OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN DELEGATION GOING TO PALESTINE AND ISRAEL:
An AME pastor is a part of a delegation of three South Africans going to Palestine and Israel.
The three are Ms Duduzile Mahlangu of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa (ELCSA), Fr. Jonathan Londt of the Anglican Church and Rev. Motsamai Johannes Modibedi of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME Church).
They left the shores of South Africa on Wednesday, May 3rd, 2006, to join other Ecumenical Accompaniers from the world in a World Council of Churches’ Ecumenical Accompaniment in Palestine and Israeli (EAPPI) for a period of three months. For three months, they will be sharing their lives with the people of the two nations, as part of encouraging peaceful solutions to the political conflicts of the two countries in the Middle East.
Rev. Modibedi is an itinerant elder of our denomination, currently serving Ebenezer AME Church in the Mangena Mokone Conference of the 19th Episcopal District. He is currently the representative of the 19th Episcopal District and the deputy secretary of the Global Development Council [GDC]. Since the administration of Bishop Adam Richardson Jr., he has functioned as the Ecumenical Officer, representing the 19th Episcopal District in the ecumenical family of churches in South Africa. This function also launched him to represent the Church, alongside the Episcopal Leadership of the District, whenever the South African Church Leaders met with the Head of State and his Ministers. In South Africa, Rev. Modibebdi intensely involved in the ecumenical movement and currently holds the position of being the Vice-Chairperson of the SA Council of Churches in the Gauteng Province.
He has been selected among a number of people who expressed their willingness to join the programme. As a result of his selection, he was taken into a training process, which would enable him to function as an Ecumenical Accompanier (EA) in Palestine and Israeli. Obviously, the choice he made is a risky one when a consideration of the political climate in the two countries is made. For that reason, he has been briefed and is currently in Jerusalem undergoing another briefing regarding the possible risks of participating in the programme and living among warring societies. Meanwhile, insurances to cover him while there have been taken.
The SA Council of Churches plays a critical role in this global ecumenical programme, especially in the area of propagating reconciliation and peace among the people in conflict-ridden countries. It is through this global programme we share the experiences of both our past history and the progress of reconciliatory programmes of our country. From South Africa, no less than fifteen church people have been to the two countries through this programme, since 2004.
To uphold him, his family and congregation, especially at this time, in prayers is not robbery.
Submitted by:
The Rev. Teboho G. Klaas
The National Director: Health Programme
South African Council of Churches
9th Floor, Khotso House, 62 Marshall Street
P.O. Box 62098, Marshalltown, 2107
Tel.: +27 (0)11 241 7811/2
Fax: +27 (0)11 492 1448/9
Mobile: +27 (0)82 412 2960
Email: tgk@sacc.org.za
12. THE GLOBAL CORNER: MISSIVE FROM THE REVEREND TEBOHO G. KLAAS:
Dear friends and sisters
Earlier in the day, I wrote a piece in relation to the outcome of the just end trial of the former Deputy President of South Africa, Mr. Jacob Zuma. My specific reference to this outcome was more on the fact that five to six witnesses in defence of Mr. Zuma were ministers in our denomination. Unfortunately, I experienced technological failures as I received reports that indicated that the email could not go through to you.
I am now sending to you a statement that Mr. Zuma has since issued at a Media Conference which was a live broadcast in one of the South African TV stations, e-TV, today (midday). This happened less than a day Mr. Zuma was acquitted, found not to be guilty, on the day our country celebrated the tenth anniversary since the national parliament approved the first ever-democratic constitution of South Africa.
The judge of the Supreme Court, which delivered the verdict, Mr. Justice Willem van der Merwe, deserves to be congratulated for the manner he handled the proceedings of the court for 29 days, culminating yesterday. Many, including the complainant, a 31-year-old young women living with HIV, received his judgment. His judgment was also balanced, comprehensive and all rounded up in that, even though he did not find Mr. Zuma guilty, he strongly spoke to the consensual sex of Mr. Zuma as unacceptable for a man with a regular partner, who did so with a women half his age and was unprotected. In the same vein, he spoke strongly to the young women who falsely accused people for having raped her when they did not. It is in this regard that the ministers of our denomination who testified in defence were involved.
While the trial was proceeding, many of our members asked questions regarding the participation of our ministers in the case. Many expressed their disgust at their participation. However, the Judge van der Merwe did not find a problem with this because it helped him arrive at decision regarding the matter before him. He, in fact, repeatedly mentioned in various ways that the witness provided by the ministers was honest and acceptable.
For those who do not know, the complainant was a member of our church. I learned from my father in ministry that he married her parents in the early 70s and baptized her. In 1995, after her return from exile, she was admitted to ministry and made allegations that she was raped while at the R.R. Wright Theological Seminary. In fact, she alleged further that the Seminary Boarding Master, the Rev. Oupa Matlhabe, raped her while she was experiencing bouts of epilepsy; as result, she got pregnant and aborted the five months pregnancy. How she knew it was the Rev. Matlhabe, she told the court, the fetus looked like him, according to her mother.
These and some of the allegations she made were apparently contained also in her memoirs that she was intending to publish. if she got a guilty verdict against Mr. Zuma, it is likely that she would go ahead to publish the memoirs and it would contain these and other allegations she made against the colleagues she related to while at the seminary and in the church. None of the allegations she made against the ministers were ever tested in any forum of the church, except for those against Mr. Zuma.
Sadly, the verdict did not go according to how she thought. However, perhaps from an armed chair I say this, but I still believe that there remains a deep and great need to continue to minister to her need. This is what Rev. Matlhabe and another witness had spoken to in their court testimonies. The Judge has spoken to this, too.
My prayers accompany my colleagues and their families, who have been through this difficult time.
Kind regards.
Rev. Teboho G. Klaas
Pastor of W. M. Ndlazi Memorial Temple (Diepkloof, Soweto)
Germiston District (East Conference, 19th Episcopal District)
National Director: Health Programme
The South African Council of Churches
13. THE GLOBAL CORNER - MEDIA STATEMENT BY ANC DEPUTY PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA ON HIS ACQUITTAL BY THE JOHANNESBURG HIGH COURT :
9/5/2006 02:56:17 PM
Yesterday, the day on which I was pronounced innocent, we celebrated the 10th year anniversary of our Constitution, adopted by the Constitutional Assembly of the Republic of South Africa on the 8th of May 1996. In the document, we codified our choices, values, aspirations, hopes and fears.
As we rejoice on this anniversary, it is incumbent upon all of us, to renew our patriotic obligation to obey, observe, uphold and maintain this Constitution, that sustains the very freedom and democracy that we all so cherish.
On the 6th of December 2005, when I was charged with rape, I expressed in a media statement my appreciation of the fact that the matter would be brought before court, as I viewed it as the appropriate forum for me to respond to the allegations.
I also proclaimed my innocence, and expressed the hope that everyone would respect the judicial process, and my Constitutional right to be presumed innocent, and that they would desist from trying this matter in the court of public opinion. From the very beginning of the trial, my legal team and I resolved to do all that was necessary to ensure my Constitutional right as an accused person to a fair trial.
Accordingly, we applied for the recusal of the then presiding judge, Judge President Bernard Ngoepe, whom I continue to hold in high regard. We appreciate the decision of Judge President Ngoepe and later also the honourable Judge Jeremiah Shongwe to recuse themselves. They did so in respect of the principle that not only must the Constitutional right of an accused to a fair trial be upheld, but the accused and society as a whole, should perceive and believe, that such a trial is going to be fair.
In keeping with my public pledge, I respected the judicial process, authority and system. I did not interfere with the investigation of the allegations, the evidence that was led against me or with any of the witnesses that were brought to testify against me.
I respected the Constitutional right of the National Prosecuting Authority to exercise its duties without fear, favour or prejudice.
Yesterday, as we celebrated 10 years of our Constitution, an independent High Court of our country found me innocent. There can be no doubt that Judge Willem van der Merwe acted independently, and applied the law impartially and without fear, favour or prejudice. I thank him for the fair and just manner in which he presided over this case, and the general decorum he maintained in the courtroom, which made adversaries work together amicably.
With regards to HIV and AIDS, I have advocated for prevention, care, treatment and support in various forums over the years. I shall continue to do so, both as Deputy President of the ANC and as an ordinary citizen.
I would like to underline that the crucial struggle against HIV and AIDS continues in our country. As in any war, if one soldier or commander falters, it does not mean that the whole army has been defeated, or that it should abandon the war.
Our country has one of the most comprehensive programmes of HIV and AIDS prevention, treatment, support and research, and I am proud to have been associated with it during my tenure in government.
For my part, I have periodically determined my HIV status and I shall continue to take the necessary measures to protect myself.
As I testified in court, under oath, I am HIV negative, having undergone an HIV test in March this year. I wish to state categorically and place on record that I erred in having unprotected sex. I should have known better and I should have acted with greater caution and responsibility. For this, I unconditionally apologise to all the people of this country.
I reiterate the call I had made to the youth of our country over the years, to heed the prevention messages, while also supporting those living with the virus, and fight the stigma attached to it.
I wish to emphasis as well today, that I remain unwavering in my commitment to the struggle against gender-based violence, in line with the vision and policies of my organisation, the African National Congress. It is unfortunate that my honest responses given under oath to a court of law, as an accused person, were taken out of context and presented in a distorted form to the court of public opinion, as policy statements to burning issues that confront our society.
Further, I wish to stress that the Complainant in my erstwhile case should in no way be vilified or condemned. She deserves to lead a fruitful and harmonious life, as a citizen of this country, protected by our Constitution, regardless of what we think could have been the motives for her actions.
We also need to extend our hand of friendship to the women and organisations that demonstrated against me, for they are our partners in a common struggle. I hope that they will accept the ruling of the court, as they continue in our collective and correct struggle against the abuse of women and children.
Ladies and gentlemen of the media, the ANC incorporates in its ranks all South Africans irrespective of race, ethnicity, religion or gender. In 1912, the founders of our organisation sought to unite the African people with the slogan “Mzulu, Msuthu, Mxhosa hlanganani’’, calling all language groups to unite. Since then, the ANC evolved into a non-racial and non-sexist, colourful in its diversity.
Our people remain true to these ideals, as seen even outside the courtroom during the trial, where they came in their thousands from all corners of the country, from Limpopo to the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal to North West. We shall continue to uphold these principles and will reject any attempts from any quarter, and for whatever reason, to manufacture ethnic divisions in our ranks.
One of the objectives of our struggle for liberation was to ensure that we enshrine in our Constitution the freedom of expression and the freedom of the media, and I confirm my complete support for these freedoms.
It is however unfortunate that the freedom of expression has been used as an instrument to assassinate characters, and pre-judge judicial processes. I have endured volumes of media venom before and during the trial. At times, I wonder if these were the freedoms we fought for and sacrificed our lives for.
Our Constitution states that everyone has inherent dignity and the right to have his or her dignity, respected and protected.
The media is an important part of our democracy, and it needs to act independently and not be used to perpetuate political agendas. I trust that this important institution will rise to the challenges and standards it so generously sets for others.
Further, now that I have been found not guilty, I sincerely hope that the media will respect the Court judgment and honour the provisions of the Constitution. We need to concentrate on working together constructively to meet the many socio-economic challenges facing our country.
The trial has been a trying period for my family, friends, comrades and supporters. I particularly want to thank my wonderful children, all members of my family and the entire Zuma clan, led by amakhosi from Impendle and Nkandla, who steadfastly believed in my innocence, and who with great fortitude, withstood the vile and vicious attacks on my integrity.
I was greatly humbled by the scores of people who turned out each day at court and others who demonstrated their support in various ways. I was strengthened by the faith they had in me, and the manner in which they stood by me during one of the most difficult moments in my life.
I also take this opportunity to acknowledge the support I received from members of my beloved organisation, the ANC and members of the ANC Women’s League and those of SANCO and SASCO.
I want to single out for special mention the South African Communist Party, Cosatu, the ANC Youth League, the Young Communist League, Cosas and others in the Progressive Youth Alliance, the Mkhonto Wesizwe Military Veterans Association as well as the Friends of Jacob Zuma Trust.
I am deeply grateful for the support I received from various religious denominations, traditional leaders as well as the arts and entertainment sector and many individual citizens. All these organisations and individuals stood by the principle of the presumption of innocence in our jurisprudence.
I want to extend my special gratitude to my legal team, Advocate Kemp J Kemp, SC, Advocate Jerome Brauns, SC, Advocate Thandanani Mbongwa and my attorney Michael Hulley for the sterling manner in which they conducted my Defence. I also wish to express my deep-felt gratitude to the witnesses who testified for the Defence. I extend good wishes to the prosecution team, led by Advocate Charin de Beer.
In keeping with my December 6th statement, I have communicated with the Secretary General of the ANC about my resumption of duties and participation in the leading structures of the ANC – the National Executive Committee, the National Working Committee, the Officials meetings and the National Deployment Committee.
For the record, I would like to state categorically, to correct certain often-repeated distortions, that my life of struggle was never motivated by seeking glorification. As I have done, throughout my life, I shall continue to serve my organisation and my people in whatever capacity they deem fit. In the ANC, we have no other interest than that of the people for whom, and with whom we have struggled.
I thank you for your time.
From: http://www.friendsofjz.co.za/showarticle.asp?id=121
14. SUPER SOULFEST CELEBRATION TO BE HELD IN BERMUDA:
Join Bishop Richard F. Norris & Mother Mary Norris as they travel to the beautiful island of Bermuda for Five Power Packed days of Preaching, Teaching, Music & Fellowship featuring some of the World’s most gifted Preachers, Teachers & Gospel Artists.
Activities will include inspirational Workshops & Worship, a Gospel Praisefest, special Sessions for men & women, youth worship and a Power Breakfast for Church & Government Leaders. Exciting Leisure Time Events include a Midnight Gospel Cruise, Gospel Comedy, The Richard F. Norris Golf Classic, Deep Sea Fishing, Discovery Zone Fun Camp for Kids (5-12 years old), Youth & Young Adult Events and more!
Packages including airfare, 5 Nights Accommodation at the luxurious Fairmont Hamilton Princess Hotel and Registration for as low as $950 pp Double Occupancy
For more information, visit us online at http://www.bermudasoulfest.com/.For reservations, contact the Rev. Wassetta Moses at (610) 485-7823.
Rates are per person based on double occupancy, are subject to availability and include all applicable hotel taxes and gratuities, prepaid government taxes and fees of up to $86.00, September 11 Security Fees of up to $10.00, and Passenger Facility Charges up to $18.00 per person. Price is based on departure from New York (JFK). Prices from other cities and hotels are available. Please inquire for additional details and information. Rates for triple and quad occupancy are available upon request. A deposit of $250 per person is due at time of booking. Reservations and deposits must be received no later than August 2, 2006 and are based on availability.
15. ALLEN UNIVERSITY CONFERS HONORARY DEGREE UPON 21-YEAR-OLD FARRAH GRAY; THE YOUNGEST PERSON CONFERRED AN HONORARY DOCTORATE IN HBCU HISTORY:
On April 29th, 2006, Allen University conferred an Honorary Doctorate degree of Humane Letters to Farrah Gray in recognition of Dr. Gray's ingenious economic mind and distinguished commitment to the development of values such as leadership, integrity and scholarship. Recently Dr. Gray was also named as one of the most influential Black men in America by the National Urban League's Urban Influence Magazine.
Columbia, SC (PRWEB) May 4, 2006 -- On April 29th, 2006, Allen University conferred an Honorary Doctorate degree of Humane Letters to Farrah Gray in recognition of Dr. Gray's ingenious economic mind and distinguished commitment to the development of values such as leadership, integrity and scholarship. Recently Dr. Gray was also named as one of the most influential Black men in America by the National Urban League's Urban Influence Magazine.
“We wanted to pay homage to Mr. Gray’s contribution to education and his dedication to utilizing his skills to open doors for persons who desire to go into business,” says Allen University’s President, Dr. Charles E. Young.Dr. Gray began his entrepreneurial, personal and civic development as a stellar young citizen at six years old. He sold his own hand-painted rocks as bookends and homemade body lotion door-to-door. At age seven, he was carrying business cards reading “21st Century CEO.” At eight, Gray became co-founder of Urban Neighborhood Enterprise Economic Club (U.N.E.E.C.) on Chicago’s Southside. U.N.E.E.C. was the forerunner of New Early Entrepreneur Wonders (NE2W), the flagship organization he opened on Wall Street.
NE2W enlisted, educated and engaged “at-risk” youth by creating and developing legal ways for them to acquire additional income. Gray is the youngest person to have an office on Wall Street.Between the ages of 12 and 16 years old, Dr. Gray founded and operated business ventures that included KIDZTEL pre-paid phone cards, the One Stop Mail Boxes & More franchise and The Teenscope “Youth AM/FM” interactive teen talk show, Gray was also Executive Producer of a comedy show on the Las Vegas Strip and owner of Farr-Out Foods, “Way-Out Food with a Twist,” aimed at young people with the company’s first Strawberry-Vanilla syrup product. Farr-Out Foods “Foodfulooza” generated orders exceeding $1.5 million. As a pre-teen, Gray reached 12 million listeners and viewers every Saturday night as co-host of “Backstage Live,” a syndicated television and radio simulcast in Las Vegas. Gray’s inspirational spirit and grounded personality sparked speaking requests from organizations around the country. According to Naples Daily News, “Farrah Gray touched them in a way few speakers can.” Dr. Gray's sense of social responsibility motivated him to create the non-profit organization, The Farrah Gray Foundation. Among other programs and initiatives, his foundation focuses on inner city community-based entrepreneurship education and provides scholarship & grant assistance for students from at-risk backgrounds to attend HBCU's (Historically Black Colleges and Universities). Dr. Gray donates his honorariums from speaking engagements (which can be upwards of $15,000) and the proceeds of his book to his foundation in what he refers to as his “self-imposed” youth tax. Dr. Gray’s work did not remain under the radar-screen for long. He was given a three-year term on the Board of Directors of United Way of Southern Nevada at the age of 15 and also became the youngest member of the Board of Advisors for the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Gray was also the youngest member of the “African-American Leadership” Roundtable where President Bush and the Director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives invited him to visit them.
Dr. Gray is also the spokesperson for the National Coalition for Homeless and the National Marrow Donor Program.In December 2005, First Premiere Bank and Diamond Financial Products unveiled its newest debit card, The Farrah Gray Prepaid MasterCard, which features Dr. Gray’s likeness on it. The “goFarr” card is designed to increase financial freedom and financial literacy.
Dr. Gray is also the Co-Chair of Relational Brokers Alliance Consultancy (RBA). In addition, he has consulted with JP Morgan Chase and the U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Development Agency. Also, The Farrah Gray Foundation is in partnership with the Kauffmann Foundation, launching entrepreneurship programs in inner-city schools across the country.
Dr. Gray is the author of Reallionaire which was nominated by NBC & Publishers Weekly Quill Awards in the category of "Health/Self-Improvement." His book appeared on the Amazon and Barnes & Noble’s Best-sellers lists two weeks before its international release. Reallionaire was also named as the #1 Best-selling Nonfiction Paperback book in the August 2005 Issue of Essence Magazine. Gray’s book and his journey to succeed against the odds have become required reading and part of classroom study from elementary school to entrepreneurship departments on college campuses. Former President Bill Clinton, Pierre Sutton, Stedman Graham, Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen have endorsed Reallionaire. Gray is also a contributing author to Chicken Soup for the African-American Soul.
Dr. Gray’s honors include Keys to the Cities of Dallas, Shreveport, and Cincinnati. He has received Proclamations from the Governors of Illinois and Nevada, the Mayors of Chicago, Las Vegas and New Orleans and Clark County Nevada Commissioners. Dr. Gray’s Awards include The National Urban League Whitney M Young Jr. Entrepreneurship Award, The Indiana Black Expo (IBE) Hoosier Lottery Entrepreneur Award for 2005, The Alabama A&M Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) Award, The Davidson College Love of Learning Lifetime Educational Achievement Award, Central State Award Appreciation for contributions made in the area of entrepreneurship, NV Magazine Vision Award and the American Red Cross Award of Appreciation.
Raised in the projects on Chicago’s Southside, Dr. Gray defied the odds and became a self-made millionaire by the age of 14. Dr. Gray is one of the great business minds and icons of his generation. At the age of 21, he has achieved more than many achieve in a lifetime. In his rise from poverty to national and international prominence as an entrepreneurial icon and pre-eminent power speaker, he has inspired millions around the world.
About Allen University
Founded in 1870 by the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, Allen University is the first institution of higher education in South Carolina founded by African Americans for the express purpose of educating African Americans. It is a Christian Liberal Arts institution of higher education and has a distinguished history, rich in the tradition of promoting spiritual growth and preparing men and women to become productive leaders in an ever-changing society.
Media Contact:Dr. Marcia WynnAssistant to the PresidentAllen UniversityMadeline GoldsteinDirector of Public RelationsFarrah Gray FoundationTelephone- 212.859.5028
16. QUINN CHAPEL AME, PARIS, TENNESSEE STEWARD NAMED WAL-MART TEACHER OF THE YEAR:
On behalf of our congregation, I wish to offer congratulations to Mrs. Wanda Todd of Quinn Chapel AME Church in Paris, TN for being named the Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year for Henry County, TN! A Steward in Quinn Chapel and member of the Tones of Joy Choir, we are proud of her and join her colleagues in saluting her for this well deserved award. Along with a Certificate and a shirt, she won a $100 gift card to get supplies for her class, with a $1,000 award for Harrelson Elementary School where she teaches. Again, Congratulations!
Kenneth J. Golphin, Pastor
17. MINISTRIES OF ST. JOHN AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH TEAMING UP TO MAKE THINGS HAPPEN IN GALLUP, NEW MEXICO:
In preparation for the 85th Year Church Anniversary of Howard Chapel A.M.E. Church, Gallup, New Mexico, St. John A.M.E. Church, Kansas City, Missouri engaged in an outreach that both churches would never forget. “We are grateful that our friends, family, community and church were able to assist us with this effort,” said Ms. Helen Smith, President of the Edna Mae Rivers Women’s Missionary Society and Steward Pro-Tem of St. John A.M.E., Kansas City.
The Rev. Eraina M. Aseme, the Senior Pastor of St. John was invited to preach at Howard Chapel A.M.E. Church, Gallup, New Mexico to help celebrate the 85th Church Anniversary. The total church membership for Howard Chapel is five members. The pastor is the Rev. Shiame Okunor. Rev. Okunor is a dedicated servant of God who has an awesome ministry at Howard Chapel in reaching out into the community especially on Second Sunday. The church’s ministry gives out food to the homeless. At times meals are cooked and served to the attendees after the worship service. The Rev. Charles H. Farris is the Presiding Elder of the Desert Mountain Conference
The city of Gallup has a large population of Native Americans that reside in the city and on the Indian Reservation.
When Pastor Aseme received the call from Rev. Okunor, she immediately asked her to send her the written church history.
Reverend Okunor asked God to give her a message to help the people in Gallup. In her preparation, Rev. Aseme prayed and fasted for God to move in Gallup during the celebration. It was put in her spirit to ask the ministries of St. John to gather 2000 articles of clothing.
The Edna Mae Rivers WMS, Youth Explorers Workshop, Men’s Ministry and Health Ministry from St. John responded and supported the outreach effort.
The cost to ship the clothes and health kits was $600.00. A private donor donated the shipping cost. We used the United States Post Office and Greyhound Bus Lines to deliver the clothing. Also, these items were shipped prior to the arrival of Rev. Aseme in Gallup, New Mexico for the celebration.
The first day of the celebration, December 10, 2005 took place at the Holiday Inn in Gallup in their spacious banquet room. Over 100 people attended; the crowd was primarily Native Americans from all different tribes. In addition, the Rev. John Hill pastor of Grant A.M.E. Church in Albuquerque, NM and members drove 2-1/2 hours from Albuquerque to join the celebration on Saturday. The Rev. Aseme gave a soul-stirring message at the banquet and several people came to her afterwards to ask for special prayer.
Then on Sunday, December 11, 2005, God moved mightily again. Howard Chapel began to swell with people from all-over the surrounding area. The choir loft had to be utilized due to the record- breaking crowd; it was standing room only.
Again, Rev. Aseme preached a soul-stirring message and the invitation to discipleship was offered by the preacher of the hour. The Spirit of God moved and 30 Native Americans give their lives to Jesus Christ along with the conversions; 15 persons joined Howard Chapel. And over 50 persons responded for special prayer.
God is continuing to work miracles in our Zion. Never doubt that a ministry cannot be done when God is placed first,” stated the Rev. Eraina M. Aseme.
The Right Reverend John R. Bryant, Presiding Prelate of the Fifth Episcopal District and Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant the Episcopal Supervisor have encouraged the ministries of both the Reverend Okunor and Reverend Aseme. The Reverend Donna F. Roberson is the Presiding Elder of the Northwest Missouri Conference of the Kansas City South District.
18. FIRST ANNUAL CHRISTIAN DEBUTANTE-MASTER COMMISSION DEDICATION:
You are cordially invited to attend the 1st Annual Christian Debutante-Master Commission Dedication Ceremony at St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church, 708 15th Street North, Birmingham, Alabama on Sunday, May 14, 2006 at 3:00 p.m.
Our Honorees will be Master Kevin Hatcher, Master Clarence Reynolds, and Debutante JaSan Rumph.
Come and witness as these young adults dedicate their lives to a higher Christian Service in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The speaker for the occasion will be Ms. Gina Redmond, NBC Channel 13 News Anchor.
The Right Rev. T. Larry Kirkland, Presiding Bishop
Mrs. Mary Kirkland, Supervisor
Ms. Alicia Hill, Episcopal DMC Commissioner
The Rev. James A. Rumph, Pastor
Mrs. Tanya G. Morris, Local DMC Consultant
19. THE PASTOR’S CORNER - THE ABUNDANT LIFE – A YIELDED LIFE:
Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness. (Romans 6: 12-13)
The Apostle Paul calls us to acknowledge a yielded life as the means to living life to the full. God directs us to choose to yield our lives to Him. Paul tells us to “offer ourselves to God…” (Romans 6: 13). To offer is to yield (Romans 6: 16). To yield is to give one’s self over to something or someone. We’re reminded whatever we yield to we become servants of that person or thing. Perhaps it’s time to YIELD - Stop, look, listen, and consider what I’m doing. To what am I yielding in life?
WHAT IS A YIELDED LIFE?
What We Focus On – Colossians 3: 1-4 tells us the yielded life is what we now focus on. We are to become in experience what we already are by God’s saving grace. To yield is to set our hearts and minds on spiritual things (v. 1-2) – set my sights on the things of God and focus on Him. To say I won’t think about a pink elephant is to ensure that I will. To think about a beautiful tiger in the wild will redirect my attention and pink elephants won’t come to mind. By focusing on the things of God through taking in the word, praying, and enjoying positive entertainment, He fills my thoughts and heart. As He fills my thoughts and heart, He pushes other things out of focus and out of my life. To get your mind and heart off of something, set them on something else.
When Practice Conforms to Privilege – I John 3: 6-7 tells us the practices of our lives are to conform to our position of privilege. Christ traded places with us on the cross (II Corinthians 5: 21). Our lifestyle is to reflect the righteousness we received from Him. The lifestyle of the believer (I John 3: 6) who “lives in Him” (keeps God’s commands) will be obedient and yielding to God. The believer who does what is right (I John 3: 7) reflects the righteousness of Christ. Sometimes this requires starting new habits or practices. During the Lenten Season, many of the readers of “The Pastor’s Corner” participated in the “Comfort Food Fast” or the “Secular Media Fast.” Those who participated, broke old eating habits, eliminated unhealthy viewing and took in healthy foods, Christian and family oriented viewing, and additional Bible reading. You can start new practices or habits that conform to your new identity. Don’t wait to “feel like doing it!” “Just do it!”
Christ’s life lived through me. Colossians 1: 27 tells us of God’s choice to make Christ known in us. The believer is made a new creation and we no longer live for ourselves but for Christ who died and was raised again. Christ now lives in us and our lives are to proclaim Christ. In a suburb south of Chicago, a group of believers purchased a nightclub. As unusual as this sounds, it was all for the glory of God. They quickly went about converting the establishment to a sanctuary for the worship of God. Today the place once used as a “watering hole” is now a place from which “rivers of living water flow.” The same holds true for believers. We are made new creations to the glory of God. God then uses our lives for the spread of His loving gospel. This is one of God’s ways of bringing others to Christ.
Finally, every believer MUST choose. We can choose to offer ourselves to sin and experience defeat in life (Romans 6: 13). Or, we can choose to offer ourselves to God by faith and enjoy the abundant life.
Prayer: “Lord, to what am I yielding in life? Please touch me that I would offer myself to you in every way. I choose you Father. I choose to live life abundantly. In Jesus Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.”
Pastor James Moody
Quinn Chapel, Chicago
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: The Office of the Second Episcopal DistrictBishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, Presiding Bishop.
The Rev. Leon B. Hall, Pastor of Bethel AMEC, Easton, MD, passed on May 3, 2006. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, May 12, 2006
St. John AME Church
545 E. Bute Street,
Norfolk, Virginia
Viewing - 10:00 AM-12:00 noon
Service - 12:00 noon
Send condolences to:
St. John AME Church
545 E. Bute Street
Norfolk, Virginia 23513
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Easton High School
723 Mecklenburg Ave.
Easton, Maryland
Viewing - 10:00 AM-12:00 noon
Service - 12:00 noon
Professional services entrusted to:
Henry's Funeral Home
510 Washington Street
Cambridge, Maryland 21613
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
The Harriet Tubman Organization, Inc.
424 Race Street,
Cambridge, Maryland
or
Town of Easton-Frederick Douglass Coalition (Fred's Army)
P.O. Box 876,
Easton, Maryland 21601
Send cards to:
Mrs. Theona Hall (wife of Rev. Hall)
5904 Castle Haven Road
Cambridge, Maryland 21613
21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs. Mary Frances Mills Washington, mother of the Reverend Dr. Lee P. Washington, pastor of Reid Temple AME Church, Glenn Dale, MD passed.
The homecoming arrangements:
Celebration of Endless Life -
Mary Frances Mills Washington
Thursday, May 11, 2006,
Wake: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Friday, May 12, 2006,
Wake: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Friday, May 12, 2006,
11:00 am Celebration of Endless Life
Robinson AME Church
416 Cemetery Road
Grasonville, MD 21638
(410) 827-7556 or (410) 827-9888
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Dr. Lee P. Washington
Reid Temple AME Church
11400 Glenn Dale Blvd
Glenn Dale, MD 20769
301-352-0320
22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Passing of the mother of the Reverend Anthony Watson, Mt. Olive AME Church, Wilmington, NC.
Condolences may be sent to:
The Reverend Anthony Watson
Mt. Olive AME Church
1001 South 7th Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
910-763-3955
23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: The Sixth Episcopal District, Bishop William P. DeVeaux, Presiding Prelate; Dr. Pam DeVeaux, Episcopal Supervisor; Mrs. Helen Strickland, Southwest Conference President
Ms. Patricia Ann Davenport, the beloved sister, of the Reverend D. D. Davenport, passed on Friday, May 5, 2006 in Jefferson, Georgia. Rev. Davenport is the pastor of Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church in Americus.
Funeral Services:
Wednesday, May 10, 2006 11:00 a.m.
Paradise A.M.E. Church in Jefferson at 431 Martin Luther King Street, Jefferson, GA 30549 The Reverend Sharon McDaniel-Miller, Pastor
Phone: 706-367-9049
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. and Mrs. D. D. Davenport
Post Office Box 7524
Tifton, Georgia 31793
24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From The Ninth Episcopal District, the Right Reverend T. Larry Kirkland, Presiding Prelate
The Reverend Craig Smiley went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 3, 2006. Reverend Smiley is the father of the Reverend Glenn E. Smilley, Sr. the pastor of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in Muscle Shoalsin, Alabama in the Birmingham-Florence District in the Ninth Episcopal District.
Memorial Service
Wednesday, May 10, 2006. 12:00 Noon
Trinity Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
3013 Huntsville Road,
NorthBirmingham, AL 35207
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to:
Miles College Athletic Department
5313 Myron Massey Blvd.
Fairfield, AL 35064
Arrington Funeral Home, Inc
520 Cotton Avenue, SW
Birmingham, AL 35211
25. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: j.l.wharton@att.net
The Rev. Edwina Witherspoon, Bethel AME Church, Baltimore, Maryland lost her oldest son, Gary Dion Fenwick on last week. The memorial will take place on: Thursday, May 11, 2006 Bethel AME Church 1300 Druid Hill Avenue, Baltimore. MD 21217, 10:30 AM -11:00 AM.
Family Sharing
11:00 AM Memorial Service
Dr. Frank M. Reid III, pastor
Loving expressions can be sent to:
The Rev. Edwina Witherspoon
3207 Dorithian Road
Baltimore, Maryland 21215
410-225-3830 (home)
443-804-8252 (cell)
The Rev. Dr. Joan L. Wharton
Please remember these families in your prayers.
26. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Reverend Bertha S. Wright. She was the pastor of Saint James A.M.E. Church in New York City (New York Conference, Manhattan District).
The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing - Sunday, May 14, 2006
3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saint James A.M.E. Church
2010 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10035
Funeral - Monday, May 15, 2006
Funeral - 10:00 a.m.
First AME Church (Bethel)
54-60 West 132nd Street
New York, New York 10037
The Reverend Henry A. Belin lll, Pastor
Phone: 212-862-0100
Fax: 212-694-1323
Bishop Richard F. Norris, Eulogist
Interment - Calverton National Cemetery, Calverton, NY
Condolences may be sent to the Rev. Bertha Wright's husband, the Reverend George Wright and her daughter, Ms. Mary R. Wright c/o First AME Church (Bethel) at the above address.
Please remember the Wright family in your prayers.
27. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Office of the 12th Episcopal District
The Right Reverend Richard Allen Chappelle, Sr., Presiding Bishop
Mrs. Willie M. Nash, the mother of the Reverend Thurman Nash, the pastor of Riverview A.M.E. Church, North Little Rock, Arkansas passed at 2:00 am on Wednesday, May 10th.
Funeral Services for Mrs. Willie Mae Nash will be held on Monday, May 15, 2006, 11:00 a.m. at Bethel A.M.E. Church, Little Rock, AR.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Premier Funeral Home, 1518 South Battery Street, Little Rock, AR
(501) 376-4800.
Please keep the Nash family in your prayers.
Anita Brannon
28. 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.
29. 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
