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. SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE:
Please click on the link below to subscribe to The Christian Recorder Online: Subscribe to The Christian Recorder Online
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Those who would like to subscribe to the foreign language editions of The Christian Recorder Online may do so by forwarding their names / email addresses and in which language they would like to receive The Christian Recorder Online the editor. The foreign language editions of The Christian Recorder will be forwarded to those who subscribe. The Christian Recorder, in addition to being published in English, is published in Portuguese, Spanish, French, and Dutch.
Subscribers may subscribe immediately by forwarding their names, email addresses and the language in which they would like to receive The Christian Recorder to chsydnor@bellsouth.net
Editor’s note: The foreign language editions of The Christian Recorder Online is a great tool for high school and college students who are taking one of the foreign languages that we publish in The Christian Recorder Online.
Also, since we publish in foreign languages, we ask that writers keep idiomatic or colloquial expressions to a minimum, or if possible, add an explanation to the colloquial expression so that when those statements are translated, a foreign reader could understand the idiom. We ask foreign writers to keep the same thought in mind when they submit articles to The Christian Recorder that have to be translated into English.
We are “plowing new ground” and we ask everyone’s patience.
3. A TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF HENRI WHITE AND A THANK YOU FROM FAITH WHITE:
Today is August 1.2006, 6:17 am as I begin this thank-you message. Actually I did start at 6:16 without planning to do so. So many key numbers all with 17's and 1's and 6's have coincided with Henri's last day have helped me to accept the inevitable of a master plan in all of our lives. To answer the question many of you may have in you aching hearts, Henri was in very good health, and looked great. He exercised regularly, ate properly and made sure we took our vitamins and health tonics on a regular basis. We do not know what caused the accident.
On April 17, 2006, which proved to be Henri's last day, he was joyful and full of his get up and go. As he awoke, his first words were, I'm late. It was a little before 6 am. After a prolonged good-bye, I didn't want to let him go without another kiss; he left shortly before 8 am. We had had our usual prayer for his safety and success. I watched the new red van go down the street and drive out of sight as I always did when he went on a business trip.
I had a lot of work to do but I couldn't get started. I spoke to Henri that morning as he traveled. About 12:30 we had a lively conversation, he was already in the Decatur office. I said "how did you get there so fast." He asked me what I was doing; I couldn't tell him I was eating through the refrigerator! Our last conversation was 1:30 PM, He was "on the road again," He had just stopped in Villa Rica, Georgia filling the van and himself, he was eating an Italian subway sandwich, his favorite pit stop meal. He told me he had to watch traffic; I said if I remember, "Okay I'll talk to you later let me get off the phone so you can watch traffic, be careful."
I was resting when the call came. It is still to painful to recall those next hours, but I wanted to tell you who are reading this missive only one thing, God was in charge. In reflection I know now He was preparing me for the journey of life without Henri in the flesh. I was rested and fed to deal with the pain that was to enter my body for a very long sojourn.
Many of you who contacted me upon hearing of our loss have not visited us here on Daniel Island. It is a new community about 10 years old and Henri and I first came here in 2000 when we decided to come back to his home in South Carolina. Well, we could not have been in a better place to live, for as the tragic events unfolded the friends of Daniel Island and Charleston became our family and all possible needs were taken care of as they continue to be on a daily basis. I am ever so grateful to be here in South Carolina.
Henri's "Home Going," unbelievably beautiful and inspiring services, both the wake and funeral programs. On Monday evening, Henri was truly honored by so many of his friends and family members. The brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, many who had known Henri only a short time, played a magnificent tribute to him who had affected them greatly. At the service the following day, Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle, the worship leader and Bishop Philip Cousin, who gave the eulogy as well as Bishop Samuel Green who also came out of love gave their friend Henri a fitting sendoff. The Rev Dr. William Swinton, our pastor lead us with his quiet impressive way through the program of dignity and praise for the life of his late friend, Henri L. White.
The flowers you may have sent were beautiful and the many plants are still full of life. The meals that were planned for us and the hospitality offered were both exceptional and thoughtful. The cards and letters and e-mails were truly messages I will read over and over. I plan to put them into a memory book and the messages into a book about the life of Henri; so many were new insights of my husband. I did not know how many people he helped in his quiet way. One of my all time favorite movies is the Quiet Man. Henri was like that, going around quietly doing the work God had for him, but when he was riled, look out!
I appreciate the telephone calls, the care and prayers that continue to come my way. The visits, books, poems and personal tributes have helped me to cope.
These past months I sought for a way to live without Henri. I want especially thank those who have made me "do." They helped me, and are still here, I am able to function, enjoying my daily "Conversations with Henri."
We are taking care of Henri's business as best as we can. He was a giant of a man when it came to taking care of business. We still have not caught up to his level and speed. How he took to the road, packed and unpacked, set up and took down, smiled, measured, fitted, sold, conversed, invoiced, banked, shopped, “conventioned, familied, grandfathered,” loved, sang, befriended, worshipped, telephoned, exercised and took care of me, just to mention a few weekly tasks is beyond me. We were a team for twenty-one short years and even I am in awe of his accomplishments. I thank God I had the sense to let him know what he meant to me throughout those years, but I did not know how much he meant to others such as you. Between us, he was well-loved and appreciated. We shall continue to miss Henri physically in our lives, but we must rejoice in the lessons he taught us, the seeds of sense and wisdom he has sown and the memories he has left to each of us.
To God Be the Glory for the Things He Has Done.
The Henri L. White Memorial Fund will be used to help make a difference in someone's life just as Henri made a difference in our lives. An official board will be organized and a program of direction and application will be determined. Meanwhile we will celebrate and increase our resources in an annual tribute on or around his birthday of October 16th. Thank you for starting the fund Henri and I had planned to begin many years ago. Only this January we had begun to write down how we were to implement this very program. Thank you for your gift. Little did we know…
Faith White
4. LIVING WELL
The Right Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie (117)
Presiding Prelate, 13th Episcopal District
I know thy work: behold I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it. ―Revelation 3: 8
This year’s The Anvil is focused upon the second part of the quadrennial theme of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Serving Well. The four year focus, Living Well, was established last year by the Council of Bishops to provide denominational direction, dialogue, and dissertation on critical issues challenging preachers and people.
“Living Well” is segmented into four sections. “Living Well” was addressed last year; Serving Well is here introduced; and Managing Well and Ending Well will follow in the next years of this quadrennial.
The Anvil’s historic debut in 2005 marked the first time in 25 years that a new publication was added to the distinguished roster of church literature. This year’s edition is dedicated to the late Bishop Harold Benjamin Senatle, whose presence will be missed not only by his family, friends, and constituents but also by African Methodism on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. The “In Memoriam” section includes his sermon written and submitted prior to his recent death. Dr. Dennis Dickerson, Executive Director of Research and Scholarship and our historiographer, provided sermons by the late Bishops Decatur Ward Nichols and Cornelius Egbert Thomas.
The Anvil is an excellent resource containing sermons, reflections, and meditations written by the distinguished members of the Council of Bishops for the AME Church. They can be used as a teaching tool for new and old members. Likewise, they can be utilized for daily devotional, Bible Study, officer training, or Sunday School.
The worship resource section includes liturgy that can used throughout the year as well as prayers, litanies, and collects that can be used as bulletin inserts for regular or special services. There is a Serving Well curriculum to guide discipleship training in local congregations.
The Call to Action section reminds us that the church was at work during the devastation of the 2005 hurricane season and provided relief to survivors. The scholarship section contains the contributions from African Methodists in the academy. Payne Theological Seminary provides four excellent presentations on serving well that can be used for instruction and inspiration.
On behalf of the Quadrennial Theme Committee, thank you for the support of this historic publication. God has set before us an open door to serving well. Let us walk through it determined to serve and not just be served.
5. AS A GLOBAL CHURCH AN ILLUSTRATION OF WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO PUBLISH IN THE INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES OF OUR CONSTITUENCIES:
* By John Thomas III
In the Dominican Republic, the pastors do not understand AME Church doctrine because the last formally trained English speaking minister died nearly 25 years ago and we did not bother to translate material for them in Spanish.
Furthermore in the mid-1980s, Pentecostal denominations migrated to the Dominican Republic and began attacking pillars of our doctrine--most notably infant baptism. This provoked an exodus of members to different denominations because our pastors could not themselves explain the theological basis for the doctrine. Instead of giving Dominicans the tools with which to explain our faith, the sitting bishop at the time allegedly told the Dominicans, "My members do not leave. Do what you must to keep them." And the Dominicans eliminated infant baptism from the churches.
Later on, as the story goes, another bishop permitted Dominican pastors to override the Steward Boards of all the churches by automatically designating the tithes to go the pastors. Some of the Stewards were opposed, but because no one could read the law, what could people do? And the bishop failed to educate and enforce the system of government.
In 2002, the Dominican churches, tired of being neglected by AME leadership and broken promises of translating materials, decided to take matters into their own hands and translate The Discipline in Spanish. The resulting translation, however, was flawed and was not done by an AME, but by a Pentecostal who did not understand many of the beliefs of the AME Church. Additionally, the Dominicans created a Pastor's Manual in order to educate the clergy about the Church, but the contents of this manual was never proofed and the document even misspelled the presiding prelate's name.
Furthermore, the Dominicans used a Discipline which was poorly translated and in order to summarize the document, rewrote some of the 25 Articles of Religion. There was a section in the book entitled, "Ceremonies used by the AME Church." Unfortunately, the only ceremonies that many of the pastor's used were the Pentecostal ceremonies and that's what they put in the "AME" book.
I happened to pick up the book and read it on Bishop Tyler Guidry's first visit to the country and was shocked at what had been "approved." I have reedited the book with another pastor and it will be redistributed it to the pastors next week.
This disaster in the Dominican Republic is what happens when the Church becomes lackadaisical and does not pay attention to the importance on our Faith and Beliefs.
Bishop Guidry is coming to teach the Dominicans our doctrine, but, even now some of our pastors are resistant because, for years, they had to fend for themselves and had no clue about the Doctrine and Polity of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
What happened in this country is what happens when we fail to translate and teach our materials.
What good is the AME Church if it does not know what it believes?
* John Thomas, III is a member of St. John AME Church, Nashville, Tennessee and is an MPA Candidate, 2007 at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public Policy and International Affairs, Princeton University. jothomas@princeton.edu
6. THE REVEREND TYNISHA CAMAE DRENNON AND LICENTIATE JAMES HOWARD STOWE JR SELECTED TO ATTEND WORLD ASSEMBLY MEETING IN KYOTO AND OSAKA, JAPAN:
The Rev. Tynisha Camae Drennon from the 1st Episcopal District and Connectional Program Assistant and Curriculum Developer for the Connectional Health Commission; and Licentiate James Howard Stowe Jr., from the 3rd Episcopal District and Connectional Chairman of Evangelism for RAYAC have been selected as a Young Adult and Business Delegates to the Religions for Peace Youth and World Assembly to be held in Kyoto and Osaka, Japan. The dates for the trip are August 20th-29th 2006. Reverend Drennon and Licentiate Stowe have been selected as two of three African Americans and the only AME's to attend the conference. The Religions for Peace is an interfaith organization made up of 33 different religions, inclusive of Protestant Christianity. The primary discussions at hand are sustainable development and conflict resolution from a religious perspective. Both participants will participate and have voting rights in both the youth and world assembly.
Dr. Dennis Dickerson, AME Church Historiographer and Editor of the A.M.E. Church Review has asked Reverend Drennon and Licentiate Stowe to submit a literary piece on their findings from this conference and to share how they identify how the AMEC can become an active agent in the achievement of global peace. The Reverend Tynisha Camae Drennon is a graduate of Turner Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Christian Education. James Howard Stowe Jr., is a third-year student at Payne Theological Seminary working towards a Master of Divinity. Both are planning to pursue Doctoral programs. Reverend Drennon and Licentiate Stowe are asking that you uplift the North American delegation in prayer collectively as they embark upon this journey hoping to make a substantial contribution in these efforts to obtain peace.
For additional information, please call Reverend Drennon at 404-558-8074. Submitted by the Rev. Tynisha Camae Drennon
7. THE COMING UP ROSES - THE 82ND SESSION OF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
The 82nd session of the Southern California Annual Conference will convene in the city of Roses, Pasadena, California, September 25, 2006.
First African Methodist Episcopal Church, Pasadena will host the 82nd Session of the Southern California Annual Conference, September 25 to October 1, 2006.
The Rt. Rev. John R. Bryant, Presiding Bishop of the Fifth Episcopal District, and the Southern California Annual Conference will gavel the conference to order under the Theme: “Serving Well!”
This Session is Historic! It has been twenty-nine years since First A.M.E. Church; Pasadena has hosted an Annual Conference! Host Pastor, the Reverend Dr. Johnie Carlisle, Jr., and the FAME Family are pleased and excited to have been chosen for this event.
All sessions will be conducted at the Host Hotel, the Pasadena Hilton, located 168 Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena. The only exception: The Women In Ministry’s Monday, September 25 meeting and the Young Peoples Department Friday, September 29 meeting will be held at First A.M.E. Church, 1700 No. Raymond Avenue.
The Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant, Episcopal Supervisor will convene the Women’s Missionary Society on Tuesday, September 26, 2006 and will conduct all sessions.
The Host Presiding Elder is the Reverend LaGrant Moore, Sr. Co-Host Presiding Elders, the Reverends Howard Gloyd and Norman D. Copeland. Members of the Fifth Episcopal District of the Connection are invited to this historic event.
Please consult our Website: http://www.famepasadena.org, for hotel reservation information and conference schedule. Or you may call the Church office at 626-798-0503 or FAX: 626-798-8784 or e-mail: fame_pas@sbcglobal.net .
8. THE INDIA MISSIONARY JOURNAL OF BISHOP JOHN R. BRYANT, PRESIDING PRELATE OF THE 5TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:
*The Right Reverend John Bryant
Covered by the prayers of the Intercessor and the power of the Holy Spirit, my wife, the Reverend Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant and I departed the United States on an Air France jet bound for Paris. The seven-hour flight was the shorter leg of the journey. The connecting flight from Paris to Chennai, a sprawling city on the Southern Coast of India, was the longer flight. With an approximate 12-hour time difference, our Monday departure gave us a midnight Wednesday arrival.
While we were in the air, terrorists on the ground set off six blasts on the train system of Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay), the capital city of finance and “Bollywood.” Some 200 persons were killed and thousands injured including two American missionaries.
We were greeted by Abraham and Sarah carrying a large AMEC sign as we exited the airport. Abraham is an evangelist and professor of World Religions; Sarah is a doctoral candidate in Missiology. In complexion and enthusiasm, they looked just like us! Our prayers together were prayers of thanksgiving.
The next morning, we were joined by the Reverend Dr. Brenda J. Hayes, Dean of the Kansas-Nebraska Conference and pastor of First AME Church in Kansas City, Kansas. Traveling with her was the Reverend Karla J. Cooper, pastor of Quinn Chapel AME in Lincoln, Nebraska. It was Reverend Karla who made the initial journey to India in 2003. In her time there, she established the ground work and relationships for our Episcopal visit.
As we traveled throughout the southern portion of India, in particular the state of Tamil Nadu in the cities of Chennai and Bangalore, we also visited the surrounding Dalit villages near Chennai. Dalit is the new term given to those who are known as the “untouchables.” In one of the villages, we stopped at a church called Maranatha, which means “Come, Lord Jesus,” that was burned just hours before our visit. We were able to have a word of prayer with the pastor and his wife as well as provide financial assistance towards their ministry.
Essays were written and photographs taken to document our travels and will be shared in The Christian Recorder and other periodicals that include our visits to the Dalit villages, the baptisms in Bangalore and the women’s gathering where my wife preached a powerful message challenging those in attendance to not allow the caste system to determine their destiny because we are all equal in the kingdom of God. As you read and share our experiences, please pray for the work that God has begun.
* Bishop John Bryant is the Presiding Prelate of the Fifth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
9. THE WOMEN’S MEETING IN INDIA:
*The Reverend Karla J. Cooper
As the women gathered eager to be in fellowship with each other and the women from the USA of the AMEC, the enthusiasm was evident and their devotion was exemplified through fervent prayer and exuberant singing. Even the young women and girls were present to receive a blessing; and we were indeed blessed through the powerful preaching of Episcopal Supervisor, the Rev Cecelia W. Bryant. She reminded us of the faithful women of the Bible like Lydia who had been affirmed by Jesus and raised to prominence in the scriptures. She challenged the women to believe that as Jesus liberated the bent over woman to stand up straight, they too could stand up in the midst of a cast system that has weighed them down in spirit and cultural limitation.
Some of the women were sitting on the floor and others were sitting on plastic chairs. Some were able to understand English, while others listened intently to their interpreter, Sarah Peddiny as she energetically translated the word of hope.
The men asked if they could come and participate, and the inconvenience of a power outage was transformed into a rapturous candle light service of prayer and praise. The Rev. Brenda Hayes and the Rev. Karla Cooper brought greetings and remarks. Rev. Hayes offered prayer for the women as the service ended. Just as we stepped outside the city lights joined the light of God’s people in India.
* The Reverend Karla J. Cooper is the pastor of Quinn Chapel AME Church, Karla J. Cooper, pastor Quinn Chapel AME Church, Lincoln, Nebraska
10. ABOUT OUR FRIENDS IN INDIA:
* The Reverend Karla J. Cooper
Both Sarah and Abraham had committed to the service of God since 1984. They worked with Operation Mobilization where they were trained in the ministry and that is where they began to develop their leadership qualities. Both of them have done their studies up to the post-graduate level from reputed seminaries in India. They are committed to the cause of God and to the cause of the African Methodist Episcopal Church ministry in India. Sarah and Abraham two beautiful children: a son named Isaac and a daughter named Beverly.
It’s a family affair. . .
The work in the Chennai suburbs actually began by the hard work of Sarah’s parents, Mr. VRT Arputharaj and Mrs. Lysa Vijayambal back in the 1970s. Both of them were servants of a Central Government Institution. In response to God’s call, they went around preaching the Gospel to the surrounding Dalit villages and the Lord used them to bring many people to Jesus. Mr. Arputharaj was endowed with the gifts of healing, prophesying and exorcising which were great assets to his ministry. Both of them are now old and retired. They are unable to sustain the good work they had begun, due to old age and sickness, as a result of which their sheep were dwindling away. They had been fasting and praying to God to sustain the work they had done. All four of their children along with their families are in the ministry of God, but they had been away in other distant places. At this juncture, Sarah felt God’s leading to sustain the work of her parents, who were wanting to handover their flock to some established church and the African Methodist Episcopal Church stepped in as a savior. Sarah’s brother, Pastor Joel, also took interest in this and moved to the place of his parents to give the required leadership.
Photos from the ministries at Chengalpet, located approximately 50 miles from Chennai. Both Sarah and Abraham travel to these villages on a “two-wheeler” or motorcycle with their children on a frequent basis. There were seven villages in Chengalpet that we visited and they included: Ammanambakkam, Melamayur, Dhimmavaram, Wallajabad, Thimmarajanpettai, Kancheepuram and Melacherry. Chengalpet is one of the five seats of Hinduism, where many of the pastors that we met had been outcaste from their communities including not having any access to running water or electricity for being Christian. And in the midst of this, one pastor who was mission minded, found the courage to collect and distribute bags of rice to the many in need.
After our 6 hour overnight train ride from Chennai to Bangalore, we were greeted warmly. Bangalore is one of the industrial technological areas in the world and has been featured most recently in the Time Magazine.
At worship in Bangalore where Bishop John proclaimed the word of the Lord. Some 20 new converts accepted Jesus as their personal savior during the Invitation to Discipleship.
After the baptism services, we visited six prayer cells located in Bangalore in the following areas: John Bull Street, Vannarpet, Rose Garden, E.G. Puram, Aadukodi and Neelasandra Main.
* The Reverend Karla J. Cooper is the pastor of Quinn Chapel AME Church, Karla J. Cooper, pastor Quinn Chapel AME Church, Lincoln, Nebraska
11. AME-SADA – A BRIEF RECAP OF WHAT IT IS:
AME-SADA was established in 1977. AME-SADA is the humanitarian relief and development unit of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the oldest organized African American Methodist church in the United States. The AME church has been involved with health, education and community development issues nationally and internationally since its founding in 1787.
Introduction by Brother Bill Ayers
My Fellow AME's - I believe you will find the attached informative. I am working with SADA on this project and have found it rewarding just to be in the meetings to shape this major initiative and to make this a meaningful event. Please share this information and mark the date on your calendar to attend. Take care and enjoy your day.
A banquet to be held details will be shared as details evolve.
Bill Ayers bill_margie5@verizon.net
12. HEALTH SYMPOSIUM ON CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES AND
AFRICAN AMERICANS:
The overall life expectancy of African Americans continues to remain the lowest amongst the other sectors in the United States. With one third of annual deaths of African-Americans due to cardiovascular diseases, it can be concluded that the state of health for this specific group is particularly precarious. In a national effort to address health issues concerning the heart among African Americans, the African Methodist Episcopal Church Service and Development Agency (AME-SADA) has launched a domestic health initiative to help foster a better understanding of the serious issues involved with cardiovascular diseases among this group.
Starting with a Health Symposium at the Marriott Crystal City Hotel on Thursday, September 21, 2006, AME-SADA, in partnership with the AME Church (AMEC) Second District Religious Educational and Charitable Development Projects, Inc. (R.E.D.), and the Second Episcopal District Health Commission will initiate a national project targeted to help promote awareness of the disease and thus reduce the mortality rates among black communities across America. “Our Cardiovascular Diseases and African American health initiative is open to the general public and designed to help people at risk. Our objectives with this symposium is to encourage African Americans to better monitor and control their cholesterol levels; consume less saturated fats; reduce their sodium intake; control their weight and adopt exercise programs; monitor and control hypertension and diabetes; decrease alcohol consumption; and eliminate tobacco use,” says AME-SADA Health Program Officer, Dr. Mitsue Colin. “According to statistics compiled by the American Heart Association, the greatest killer today among African Americans is cardiovascular disease (CVD). Since the impact of this disease is so vastly underestimated by the general public, we urge AME Church members and the public at large to participate at the launching of AME-SADA’s first domestic health initiative,” says Dr. Colin.
AME-SADA, the AMEC’s Second Episcopal District Health Commission and R.E.D.’s pilot programs addressing the issue of cardiovascular diseases start in the Washington, DC area September 21st. During the September 21st Health Symposium, there will be a panel of experts discussion from 9:00 AM to 12 noon with guest speakers and industry representatives discussing topics related to CVD. This will be followed by a session of non-evasive screenings (blood pressure, body fat analysis) from noon to 2:00 PM.
“Our mission is ‘Helping people to help themselves’ and we are proud of the impact we’ve had around the world over the past three decades,” says AME-SADA Executive Director Robert Nicolas, Esq., “We expect this domestic effort to affect the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans in positive and progressive ways.” “If people want to improve their lifestyle by addressing health issues like obesity, cigarette smoking, high salt intake, improper diets and stress levels, they should definitively participate in this valuable health session,” says Mr. Nicolas.
AME-SADA and R.E.D.’s Cardiovascular Diseases and African Americans Health Initiative are free and open to the public. To meet participants’ needs for individual services and counseling advance reservations are requested. Contact AME-SADA via 202.371.8722 or e-mail to mcolin@ame-sada.org.
Established in 1977, AME-SADA is the humanitarian relief and development unit of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the oldest organized African American Methodist church in the United States. The AME church has been involved with health, education and community development issues nationally and internationally since its founding in 1787.
Media Advisory
Contact: Mitsue Colin
202.371.8722
202.547.4125
13. BLACK (UNITED) METHODIST CAUCUS CERTIFIES YOUNG LAY SPEAKERS:
*By Larry R. Hygh, Jr.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (UMNS) --Ninety youth, ages 12 to 18, recently left Philander Smith College as certified lay speakers in the United Methodist Church.
The youth, representing the five United Methodist jurisdictions in the United States, gathered for Black Methodists for Church Renewal's National Youth Harambee to focus on various areas of leadership. The theme for the July 12-16 event was "Wha' cha' gone' do…lead or follow?" based on Judges 4:8.
The word harambee is South African, meaning "let's come together." The event was intended to be a celebration of the gifts, talents, and willing hearts of ethnic United Methodist youth.
"It is historic in that it is the first such event focused on training young people to become lay speakers," said Bishop Melvin G. Talbert, executive director for Black Methodists for Church Renewal. "It is significant in that the end result will be completing the first steps in becoming effective and resourceful leaders in local congregations and in other places in the connection."
A certified lay speaker in the United Methodist Church conducts worship services, preaches and leads study sessions as requested by local church pastors or by the district superintendent.
During harambee, the youth developed their spiritual, leadership and interpersonal skills and participated in classroom instruction, a social justice outing, and worked in mission areas surrounding the historically-black Philander Smith College.
"God definitely had his way. It was not only a learning experience; it was also a spiritual experience," said Nicole Luebrun, a young adult college leader. "I have grown so much from the few days that I was there and I now realize that I do have a calling and purpose for my life."
Jamila McKenzie, a 14-year old youth from Jerusalem United Methodist Church in Laurinburg, N.C., added, "I learned that I have a voice and people won't know what I have to say until I say something, and they might be willing to help me get it done."
As well as taking lay speaking courses, the youth created their own worship experiences with music, drama, and prayer, and held a talent show and game night.
Bible studies for the event used spoken word, poetry and rap about black historical figures and collective art posters. The group also toured the President William J. Clinton Library and Museum.
*Hygh is director of communications for the denomination's California-Pacific Conference.
News media contact: Kathy L. Gilbert, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
Used with permission of the United Methodist News Service
14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: whowardsmith7@yahoo.com
Mr. Broderick Crawford, son of Mrs. Wilma P. Miller, Rev. Monjou Miller, Pastor of Sulphur Spring A.M.E. Church, Cunningham, TN and the late Bobby Joe Crawford, passed on Thursday, July 27, 2006.
Service arrangements:
Visitation:
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Tuesday, August 1, 2006
St. Paul AME Church
405 Church Street
Columbia, TN 38401931-388-4069
Funeral:
2:00 PM
Tuesday, August 1, 2006
St. Paul AME Church
405 Church Street
Columbia, TN 38401
931-388-4069
Professional services entrusted to:
Baxter Brothers Funeral Home
1105 E End Street
Columbia, TN 38401-3825
931-381-1353 Phone & Fax
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Wilma Miller and Family
813 Oneida Avenue
Nashville, TN 37207
(615) 226-1248
Email: MenWilmil@cellsouth.net
Please remember the family in your prayers.
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
12th Episcopal District Administrative Office
Jesse James Johnson, 81, of Pine Bluff, the brother of Mrs. Jacqueline Roberts and the brother-in-law of Presiding Elder Curley Roberts (Camden-El Dorado District, Central Arkansas Annual Conference) died Tuesday, July 25th at Jefferson Regional Medical Center, Pine Bluff Arkansas.
Visitation will be Wednesday, August 2, 2006 at Henson Funeral Home from 3:00-6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 3, 2006 at Eighth Avenue Baptist Church with the Reverend Arnold Robinson officiating and Reverend Dr. L. K. Solomon will eulogize. Burial will be in the Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock by Henson Funeral Home.
The family will be at 1402 Silver Fox Lane, the home of Ruby Jasper. Rev. and Mrs. Curley Roberts may be contacted at (870) 535-0771 or Post Office Box 2075, Pine Bluff Arkansas 71601.
Please keep the family in your prayers.
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs. Edmonia Stevens, mother of Dr. Dorothy Owens, Founding President of CONN-M-SWAWO + P.K.’S and the mother-in-law of Dr. John Q. Owens, Director of Social Action AME Church passed on Monday, July 31, 2006; 8:31 P.M.
Service arrangements:
Funeral:
Monday, August 7, 2006
12:00 P.M.
West End Baptist Church
1004 Maude Street
Sikeston, Missouri 63801
Funeral Services are being provided by
Officer Funeral Home
2114 Missouri Ave.
East St. Louis, IL. 62205
(Phone) 618-271-6055
(Fax) 618-271-6058
All condolences and expressions of sympathy should be sent to:
Dr. Dorothy Owens, Daughter,
2320 Holiday Lane
Maryville, IL. 62062
(Phone) 618-288-7928
E-mail: MrsDO7@aol.com
Please remember the family in your prayers.
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Reverend John Pater Ashworth, III, retired pastor and former Presiding Elder in the 13th Episcopal District passed on Tuesday, August 1, 2006.
Service arrangements
Saturday, August 5, 2006
Visitation:
10:00 AM-12:00 NOON
Funeral:
12:00 NOON
Greater Bethel AME Church
1300 South Street
Nashville, TN 37212
The Rev. Michael Broadnax, Pastor
615-256-1509 (Phone)
615-726-8534 (Fax)
Professional services are entrusted to:
Lewis & Wright Funeral Directors
2500 Clarksville Pike
Nashville, TN 37208
615-255-2371 (phone)
615-255-4926 (fax)
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Josephine Ashworth (his wife) and family
6961 Stone Run Drive
Nashville, TN 37211
615- 331-5227 (Phone)
Email condolences to: (son) Mr. J. Pater Ashworth, IV
Jashworth@sva.edu
Please remember the family in your prayers.
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
clinton@1stdistrict-ame.com
We regret to inform you of the passing of David D. Simms, Sr. He was the father of Rev. Vernal E. Simms, Sr., pastor of Monumental AME Church (Philadelphia Conference, Harrisburg District). The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Funeral Service - Friday, August 4, 2006
Viewing – 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Service – 11:00 a.m.
Grace Cathedral Church
9410 Mesa Drive
Houston, TX 77028
Telephone: 713-633-3371
Fax: 713-635-8009
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Vernal E. Simms, Sr.
c/o Grace Cathedral Church
See above address
Please remember the Simms family in your prayers.
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action Clergy Family Information Center
Ora L. EasleyEmail: Amespouses1@aol.comPhone: (615) 837-9736Fax: (615) 833-3781Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936Cell: (615) 403-7751
20. 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
