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. SEVENTY-SEVEN-YEAR-OLD AME MINISTER EARNS DOCTORAL DEGREE FROM SAN FRANCISCO THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY:
The Rev. William E. Hill was recently awarded the Doctor of Ministry degree from San Francisco Theological Seminary. Dr. Hill served as an AME minister for over 46 years. Dr. Hill worked on his doctoral degree nearly 13 years. Dr. Hill is 77 years-old and is legally blind.
Editor’s note: Dr. Hill’s accomplishment sets the standard for all of us: we are never too old to learn and physical impairments should not be an excuse to getting an education or continuing our education.
2. AME YOUTH DELEGATE TO THE 19TH WORLD METHODIST CONFERENCE SHARES HER EXPERIENCE:
*Anethia T. Arnell
The Conference Theme: “God in Christ Reconciling”
“It was an honor for me to be nominated by Bishop E. Earl McCloud as a youth delegate to represent our African Methodist Episcopal Church at the 19th World Methodist Conference in Seoul, Korea on July 20-24, 2006.”
I left Atlanta at 1:10 p.m. on July 18th on a 14-hour non-stop flight. I arrived in Seoul, Korea on July 19th at 4:35 p.m. When I called home at 5:00 p.m. it was 3:00 a.m. in Montgomery, Alabama.
Thursday, July 20th was the opening day where the service of Holy Communion was celebrated. All facets of the communion service were delivered in the Korean language with English translation. I felt a special sense of pride as I witnessed our AME church flag followed by Bishops John Bryant and E. Earl McCloud in the procession of other colorful flags of the various Methodist churches from all countries.
Each day’s workshops and activities had a general theme which highlighted the focus for each day; themes such as: “Reconciliation Among the Nations,” “Reconciliation in Society,” “Reconciliation Within the Body of Christ,” and “Reconciliation for the Individual.” Korean Cultural night allowed me the opportunity to mix and mingle with others of diverse cultures.
I was able to see a little of the city, but not much. I visited Geunjeonjeonh which is a place where ceremonies of the state are held and the National Palace Museum of Korea where the gracious and glorious lifestyle of the royal court is depicted. I was able to sample some of the Korean cuisine however, I was also happy to see some American restaurants such as Outback Steakhouse, Tony Roma’s as well as good ole’ McDonald’s and KFC. Bishop McCloud treated all of the AMEs in attendance to Outback for an evening of fellowship and fun.
I thank God for safe travel, Bishop McCloud for the opportunity to attend such a prestigious meeting, General Officer Clement and Alexia Fugh, General Officer Jerome and Sandra Harris and Reverend Terence Gray for looking out for me and making the trip away from home enjoyable. I also thank my parents and my church family St. John’s AME Church, Montgomery, Alabama for their prayers and support.
*Anethia Arnell is the daughter of Reverend & Mrs. James E. Arnell. Reverend Arnell is the pastor of St. John’s AME Church, Montgomery, Alabama and a 2008 Candidate for Episcopal Service.
3. THE GLOBAL CORNER - REFLECTIONS FROM THE 19TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT ANNUAL CONFERENCES AND PLANNING MEETINGS:
*The Rev. Teboho G. Klaas
Two weeks is not over yet since I wrote an essay with which I sought to remind us of the historic 110th anniversary of the AME Church in Southern Africa. The recent, very fresh news of the appointment of four brothers to the position of Presiding Eldership left me with no option but to say something. I had decided that I will no longer write as frequent as I did before on the developments in the church but once month.
The 19th Episcopal District has just concluded its series of five annual conferences and its planning meeting, at the end of September, presided by Bishop James L. Davis. These events saw Pastors and their congregations accounting for the work done in the last conference year. This, of course, included Presiding Elders and annual conference officers also.
So, at their conclusion, I write this piece with the simple intention of celebrating Revs Lefa L. Mokoena and Johannes Makoanyane (both in the Orangia Conference), as well as Revs Lekubela Moobi and Thulani Msibi (both in the Mangena M. Mokone Conference) on their appointments to the positions and responsibilities in the Church.
I took note that three of the newly appointed Presiding Elders (Revs Makoanyane, Moobi and Msibi) are peers and colleagues who were prepared for ministry simultaneously at the R.R. Wright Theological Seminary. Even as they were prepared for ministry, they were already exhibiting high levels of commitment in their studies. Their leadership and motivation for service in the ministry of the Lord and the Church could be felt already at the Seminary. In one way or some other, they were an inspiration to many of us.
I congratulate all of them on their elevation to managerial positions in the Church. My best wishes and prayers accompany them (and their families) in the service of the church. To my knowledge, they have never settled for mediocrity but excellence and I am confident that they will continue use the opportunities presented by the functions of their positions to shepherd and rub the spirit in them to colleagues and congregations in their respective districts.
It is my wish that colleagues and congregations who will benefit from their appointment will remember that the blessings they give to them will be same blessings they will receive in return. In the same breathe, the curses they may throw against them will be the same curses which will come back to haunt you (Genesis 12:3). In fact, it is nice and wonderful to bless a person who is blessed because you will be blessed.
Their assignment to these positions and responsibilities is like a new, fresh breeze sweeping in the church. It is part of history making and I am expecting more to happen in the foreseeable (near) future.
Kind regards.
Because He Lives, I am
*The Rev. Teboho G. Klaas
The Director: Health Programme
South African Council of Churches
Email: tgk@sacc.org.za
4. NORTH TEXAS A. M. E. CHURCH ANNUAL CONFERENCE OPENS AND CLOSES WITH A BANG:
By: Delanda S. Johnson
Special to The Christian Recorder
The 3rd Session of the North Texas Annual Conference opened and closed the week of September 23 through 30 in Tyler, Texas. The Conference came together with 70 churches from the Greater Dallas District and Tyler District; with the approximately 300 to 500 people in attendance.
The Young People Department and the Women’s Missionary Society started the Conference with exciting programs.
The theme for the Conference “Always Moving Toward Excellence” was the stressed throughout the week.
The opening sermon was given by Rev. Mark Jackson, Allen Chapel AME Church in Athens, Texas. Rev. Jackson stated that if you know that God can make away out of no way, then you need to rejoice and praise the LORD.
With his theme “How to Make it through Bitter Times” coming from Exodus 15:22-27 stressed that all you need to do is list to the Lord. “When you find yourself in a bitter situation and you are all alone, all you need to do is Thank God for all that He has done and praise Him Holy name.”
The Conference moved on with a Dr. Daryl B. Ingram, Executive Director/Editor of the Journal of Christian Education stated that the African Methodist Episcopal Church is a subset of Christianity where we proclaim Christian witness through the methods and mores of our Zion. “As a lens makes an object more clearly focused, the basic beliefs of our church strive to make our faith in God clearer. Our beliefs are not Godliness, but our means to Godliness. Basic AME beliefs are our ways to understanding who God is for us,” said Dr. Ingram.
Rev. N. Jordan Mkwanazi presented a lecture on “Pastoring with a Shepherd’s Heart.” Rev. Mkwanazi stated that there is a crisis at the heart of the local church. The integrity of the local church’s product is in jeopardy, therefore threatening the mission and turning the present church environment into a hotbed of weakness. The crisis of the church is one of product, the kind of people being produced.
Rev. Mkwanazi defined “Pastoring with a Shepherd’s Heart” as Understanding the big picture and Demonstrating Commitment.
“True Shepherds always have a clear vision of what is before them. True Shepherds are clear of their kingdom assignment. Shepherds are guardians of the Godly vision,” said Mkwanazi.
Dr. John K. Waddell, President of Paul Quinn College, Dallas, Texas addressed the congregation on Thursday night Lay Program.
Paul Quinn College is the oldest African American liberal arts college in Texas. It was established in 1872 in Austin, Texas and was named after William Paul Quinn (1788-1873) the fourth Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The College is affiliated with the AME Church.
The 10th District of the AME Church appointed Dr. John K. Waddell as the 33rd President of Paul Quinn College this summer. He previously served as President at Allen University in Columbia, S. C. and St. Paul’s College in Lawrenceville, VA.
Dr. Waddell stated that he vision PQC as a World Class University. However, before becoming a World Class University, we must first have a "World Class Attitude." “We must work together and encourage each other and not bring each other down,” said Dr. Waddell.
Second, we must have a World Class Plan. “This is considered as being the best as what you do. Know your goals and what you can achieve,” said Dr. Waddell.
Finally, you must have a World Class Commitment. “You cannot envision yourself as an Average person. World Class means that you set your visions higher and higher until you reach your goal. PQC a World Class College for World Class People,” said Waddell.
The program concluded with the Bishop Gregory Ingram installing the new Lay officers for 2007: President, Bertha Davis; First VP, William Earl; Second VP, Preston Brown; Third VP, Rosie Lynch; Recording Secretary, Rosa Hall; Assistant Secretary, Merle Brown; Financial Secretary, Ruthie Gabriel; Correspondence Secretary, Carol McGriff; Treasurer, Vanessa Tatum; Chaplain, Barbara Cooper; Historian, Esther Richardson; Parliamentarian, Fred Humes; Director of Lay Activities, Edna Smith; and Director of Public Relations, Delanda S. Johnson.
The Annual Conference welcomed visiting Bishop C. Garnett Henning, Sr., from the Eight District on Friday to preach the Ordination and Retirement service.
Bishop C. Garnett Henning, Sr., is the 112th Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, elected in 1992. He was born in Memphis, TN., and was educated in the public schools of the states of Kentucky, Louisiana, and Tennessee. He received a B. A. Degree from Wilberforce University; a Master of Divinity from Payne Theological Seminary, Doctorate of Ministry at Eden Theological Seminary and the list goes on.
Bishop Henning, Sr. sermon to those persons being ordained asked a question, “What pacifically do you hear God saying to you?” He wanted them to know that “you must preach what God has only given to you and be faithful unto God.”
From his theme: “A Burning in My Bones” Bishop Henning, Sr. acknowledge that you must have a sense of necessary, passion, fire, and burning for preaching. “The preaching call is a call to give of yourself. You must have a sense of understanding the preaching call and know that God is preaching to you too,” said Henning.
Approximately seven candidates were ordained and one local person from Johnson Chapel AME Church in Malakoff, Alma J. Berry to the status of Evangelist. “Sister Berry was the first person from any Annual Conference to have two Bishops lay their hands on them during Ordination Service. This was a special moment,” said Bishop Ingram.
On Saturday, the last day of the Conference Bishop Ingram preached on “Lets Get Real.”
The main thought from Bishop Ingram was “Trust in the Lord in whatever you are going through and He will see you through. Some people here at this Conference are struggling with doubts, but know that God has all Hope, Faith, and Trust that you need.”
5. STATE OF THE COUNTRY ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE SOUTH CONFERENCE OF THE ELEVENTH DISTRICT:
Another Annual Conference year has come and gone and we as a people are still plagued by various situations that seem to intensify as each day goes by. Perhaps the most notable is the so called “War on Terror”. As of September 28, 2006 at 1: 17 a.m., 2,693 members of our armed services have been killed in action. Of that same number, 2,152 came as a result of hostile fire. An additional 548 have come to non-combat related personnel.
It is very interesting how aggressive the selected leader of the United States of America, Land of the Free and Home of the Brave, convinced Congress and the citizens of this country as well as other leaders of the World that there were “Weapons of Mass Destruction” in Afghanistan and Iraq. Though no ocular proof has ever been provided of these supposedly weapons since we entered this war in March of 2003, we have continued to have our children sent away to fight a war in search of something hoped for, yet unseen.
Then, just a few short months ago, another enemy very familiar to us showed its face again. North Korea not only told us they had weapons of mass destruction, but went on to show the world a demonstration of their capability of testing Long Range Nuclear Missiles. Instead of the President pulling troops from two locations (Afghanistan and Iraq), where he thinks there may be weapons, he did absolutely nothing to end this potential threat to our way of life. To this day, (September 29), no military personnel have been sent to North Korea, no military build up has been ordered in that region of the world, and no decision was made on the Congressional floor about the consideration of possibly sending troops to disarm the North Koreans who we know have ocular proof of the presence of weapons of mass destruction.
The only hostile move our brave Commander in Chief has made in regards to the situation was to consider economic sanctions be imposed on North Korea. I am reminded of a portion of scripture which says “Seek and You Shall Find”. Well the weapons have been located, just not in the location they were believed to be found.
Another major problem facing our country is the rising price of health care without the increase in salaries needed to cover this increase. Medical Insurance is an item every person in this country should have so they will be able to pay for any hospitalization or medical attention they may require. We live in one of the richest countries in the world, but each day many of our brothers and sisters die because of lack of Health Insurance. It is difficult to believe that a country as rich as the United States has people dying because of lack of medical attention. It is amazing how our elected leaders do not see this as an issue important enough to make significant changes so many lives can be saved.
The number of minorities living with HIV/AIDS, as compared to other races of people in the United States, is alarmingly high. With this information being well documented, Congress has decided to cut the funding into research and treatment of HIV/AIDS.
An additional insurance issue which has shown its face is the numerous dropped insurance policies of African American churches throughout the country. After many years of faithful and commitment service, too many of these insurance companies, which have made billions of dollars as a result of our commented service to them, have dropped the policies of several of our churches throughout the Connectional Church with little or no explanation and very little warning.
There are several issues of racial concern that affect our people in this country such as Unfairness in the Immigration Policies and unusually high number of African Americans within the Criminal Justice system. Black men make up fewer than 29% of the total population of the United States, but unfortunately make up over 60% of the population currently in jails, prisons or on probation. The unofficial practice of racial profiling still exists with many law enforcement agencies in the land. These well documented and recorded incidents of DWB “Driving While Black” have continued to show its ugly face time after time. Black drivers have been stopped for no other reason than the color of their skin. After reviewing these cases, Congress has refused to pass strong legislation to put an end to this intimidating form of law enforcement.
Many people find this lack of Congressional support surprising, but history reminds us that this is not the first time Congress has dragged its feet on racial matters which affected African Americans. From 1864 to 1964, one hundred years after the Civil War, Congress refused to pass any legislation that would result in the arrest of any person that participated in any Lynch Mob activity. For one hundred years, blacks were taken from the hands of law enforcement officers, beaten, mutilated and killed and no one was ever arrested. Their deaths were often noted as “Death from Parties Unknown.”
Currently, there are several investigations being conducted that resulted in the death on black inmates, (mostly juvenile), in the criminal justice system. One of the most noted occurred here in our beloved state. It was originally reported by the Coroners Office, that the death was a result of a pre-existing medical condition. But after a second investigation, it was reported that the death came as a result of beating. Something that is not new to black men. To this day, the Governor, (Brother of The President), has refused to have charges pressed against any of the officers responsible.
In the State of Florida, African American men make up less than 20% of the total population of the United States, but over 85% of the prisons’ population. Black men are three times as likely to be arrested as our white brethren. Black men are five times likely to be incarcerated than offered probation. There needs to be a serious overhaul of our Justice System because our men are being lost in the system. And the church has just sat back and allowed it to occur. It is time to stand up and fight for our rights before we wake up and find ourselves going back in time. Black men are 10 times likely not to have their civil rights restored than that of white men. There is a major flaw with our Justice System that can only be changed by electing individuals that share our concerns.
The current Immigration Laws on the books do not favor entry into this great county for people from black countries, but others are able to walk in and receive federal assistance to set up businesses, while African Americans are still waiting for our “40 Acres and a Mule.” The racial over tones that presently affect us today are very similar to that which infected our country during the period after Reconstruction. The committee feels we can reverse these matters and make improvements by offering the following recommendations:
i. Every Church of our Zion establishes a candidate review and discuss in great detail every person seeking our precious vote, so we can be well informed on all matters that affect us, and ensure every eligible voter goes to the poll and vote.
ii. Every Church of our Zion selects a person to become active with local Police Boards to listen to complaints submitted by citizens against local law enforcement officers.
iii. Seek out Insurance Companies that are willing to respect us as a people; in addition we should seek out investors to form our own Insurance Companies.
iv. Continue to pressure Congress to make stronger laws that will eliminate DWB, (Driving While Black), Policies.
v. Encourage every local church to establish a Sons of Allen ministry that will include a mentor program to guide our young men in the direction of a successful life that does not include the revolving doors of the Criminal Justice System.
vi. Request that the Governor, Attorney General, (also a candidate for Governor) and Insurance Commissioner review all the cases of dropped policies which affect African Americans.
The Right Reverend McKinley, Presiding Prelate; Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young, Episcopal Supervisor
Submitted by the South Conference Committee on the State of the Country: The Reverends: Kyle C. Gibson, Chair; Donald Benjamin, Ronnie Britton, Olivett Johnson, Jessie Harvin, Cornell Rolle, Vincent Lane, Marvelle Chever; Sisters Gloria Johnson, Laura Jones, Edith Bynes, Gloria Johnson, Laura Jones, Edith Bynes, and Barbara Jordan.
6. THE RESOLUTION OF THE 139TH SESSION OF THE KENTUCKY ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
The Rt. Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate of the 13th Episcopal District; Brother Stan McKenzie, Supervisor of Missions; the Reverend Ralph E. Johnson, Presiding Elder of the Lexington District/Kentucky Annual Conference; The Reverend William C. Jenkins, Host Pastor
The Momentous 139th Session of the Kentucky Annual Conference convened on September 13, 2006 at Saint James African Methodist Episcopal Church in Danville, Kentucky at the call of our Chief Pastor and “Sho’nuff Bishop,” the Rt. Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie, together with our “Super” Supervisor of Missions, Brother Stan McKenzie…
The direction of the Annual Conference was set by our pre-conference activities, beginning with a wonderful welcome that only our hosts at Saint James, Danville could provide, leading us into an energizing day of learning, worshipping and Kingdom business, beginning with the Women’s Missionary Societies’ Prayer Breakfast where the speaker Quincella Ridgeway’s message, “Lifting Up and Praising God!” stirred the heart; the WMS noon day messenger, Lacresha Mim’s message, “Psychologically Compatible!” ignited the mind; and then at the WMS Night In White the Reverend Sherry Miller’s message, “Sunday Morning!” energized the soul! Along with the Minister’s Institute, where the Reverend Dr. Frederick Wright, Pastor of Quinn Chapel A. M. E. Church, Forest Park, Ohio, brought motivation, inspiration and new determination to the clergy of the Conference, as he began with “God’s Will”, then analyzed the “Mission and Purpose of the Church”, and finally gave us a “Better Blessed Budget Breakdown!”; the expectations for a “High Time” at this Annual Conference was set, and we were ready to be taken to the next level…
The 139th Session of the Kentucky Annual Conference was called to order by our presiding prelate, and the roll was called. Our Chief Pastor kept us on a vigilant path, marking the Conference with periods of seriousness, moments of hilarity and consistently empowering us, and impressing us, with her wisdom! Each day started in Prayer and ended in Praise! Our Connectional Theme “Serving Well” became our focal-point during the Conference Institutes as our own Presiding Elder Ralph Johnson instructed us in God’s Word, and showed us the Servant-Side of Jesus Christ. The Pastor’s Reports gave us a positive glimpse into what God is doing throughout the Kentucky Annual Conference, in spite of economic hardships and struggles, our attendance was historical, our hope was high and our vision was clear! The Committees’ Reports charged us to continue doing what the church is suppose to be doing: Going into Prisons, Being Persistent in Prayer, Taking Action to Win Souls, Being a Servant like Christ, and Striving for Excellence in ALL we do!
The Glory and Power of the Most High God poured itself out upon the Kentucky Annual Conference when The Reverend Kenneth E. Paris preached the Annual Sermon, “Jesus Will Outlast the Storm!"; Then the Nehemiah Nation came forth in full force, and the Reverend Wink Sweat preached, “Trust In God!” At the Hour of Power, the “Godfather” of the Kentucky Conference, the Reverend Everhart Walker set us on fire with, “Relief for a Troubled Soul!” and at the Lay Witness Night, the 13th District Lay President, our own Sister Anna Johnson, ministered the word, “How Does Your Garden Grow!” And didn’t you feel the stirring of the Holy Ghost as our Young People shared with us their gifts and praise, and as Sister Valeria Cummins Swope posed the question, “Do You Hear What I Hear!” and didn’t our Kentucky Annual Conference “whosoever will” choir bless us as they blessed the Lord with their praise!
The Conference was blessed to elect and ordain a new Itinerant Deacon in the person of the Reverend Roger Antonio Richardson; and to set the moment in time, the Reverend Pedro Basden (Pastor of Quinn Chapel AME Church, Louisville, Kentucky) preached with power the Ordination Sermon “Possessors of this Treasure!"…
Heroes of the faith have been called home this Conference year, namely The Rt. Reverend Harold Benjamin Senatle, the 102nd elected and consecrated Bishop of the Church; General Officers Dr. Henderson S. Davis, Dr. Yale Benjamin Bruce, and Dr. Joseph C. McKinney; and The Reverend J. Pater Ashworth, III, former Pastor and Presiding Elder of the Kentucky Conference… Servants of God all, they will be remembered as the Lord’s gifts to African Methodism.
The Reverend E. Holmes Matthews, a servant of God and a Pastor of God’s People for 25 years in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, requested that he might retire from the role of Pastor. And though his request for superannuated status has been “reluctantly” approved by this Annual Conference, let us not forget his contribution to Christ’s Church and the positive influence that his pastoral and teaching ministry will have for generations to come.
We’ve been given our Marching Orders… the way has been made clear… our Bishop, the Visionary Vashti, Magnificent Murphy, Moving-Ahead McKenzie, has been to the top of the mountain and brought us the Word from above: “But God!” Asking, “What are you willing to Believe God For?” We have been charged, and it’s time to Believe that God is BIGGER than anything we’re going thru.
Host Pastor William Jenkins, Sister Robin Jenkins and the congregation and community of Saint James African Methodist Episcopal Church of Danville, Kentucky are to be given the Highest Commendations, for they hosted this 139th Session in the finest fashion, making us feel Highly Favored… like we was “some’n special!” Truly, they went above and beyond, making Bishop and Supervisor McKenzie, Presiding Elder and First Lady Johnson, and every Pastor, Minister, Delegate, Honored Guest, and Visitor who walked through their doors feel welcome and at home. May God continue to bless their ministry and order their every step.
That the Kentucky Annual Conference is Traveling Forward and Moving Upward! We’re going to the Next Level!!! We’ve been charged up for the work and are ready to be the Disciples whom God has called us to BE! Our Leadership has taken the lead! The issuance of BELIEVE grants to Saint John, Frankfort for Youth Outreach and Saint John, Monticello for General Purposes, are evidence that the church is giving back and providing resources to help our local churches and congregations to DO ministry. So let the Kentucky Annual Conference declare, “We Believe” God will give us the increase – We Believe! God will give us results – We Believe! God will give us everything that we need! – We Believe! In the Kentucky Annual Conference, it’s mission time! And We Believe!
That when all was said and done, when the appointments were read and all were hopefully satisfied, definitely edified and spiritually electrified; and when we have adjourned "Sine Die!," that we have made up our minds to “Take God at His Word!”[1] “To Believe Our Part in the Plan!” and were going onward to “Build a Boat on Dry Land!” The Kentucky Annual Conference is going to put “Our Confidence in God, leave this place with a “’but God’ reality and “Work Until the Rain Shows Up!”
Submitted, The committee on Resolutions, Pastor William R. T. Hale, Chairperson; Sister Doris Coffey, Saint Paul, Lexington; Sister Eva Morton, Davis Chapel, Somerset; Sister Ruth Bryant, Saint Peter, Harrodsburg
7. THE BLACK CHURCH INSTITUTE ON AIDS/HIV AND OTHER HEALTH DISPARITIES WILL BE HELD IN CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA:
With great excitement and expectation, all of us at “The Balm In Gilead” are looking forward to our time together at The Black Church Institute on HIV/AIDS and Other Health Disparities October 24-27, 2006 at the Charleston Riverview Hotel in Charleston, SC.
With conviction, open hearts and open minds, we will, once again, gather to share the progress Black churches are making in developing HIV prevention, testing and care programs.
This year, we will also broaden our discussions to include how African American congregations are responding to the challenges of other diseases that are devastating our families and communities.
I am personally inviting pastors, deacons, missionaries, church school educators, youth ministry leaders, church nurses and other auxiliary church leaders to make attending this conference a serious priority.
The overall health status of African Americans is poor. One in every Black men and one in every 160 Black women are living with the virus that causes AIDS. In some communities within the US, the AIDS epidemic among African Americans is comparable to the AIDS epidemic in poor African villages—Out of Control!
Here in the United States, other diseases, such as cervical cancer, hepatitis C, and, renal disease, are also killing our loved ones, including our children, at rates that can be compared to those of third world countries. We must stop the killing of African Americans from a multitude of diseases that are 100% preventable.
The Black Church Institute on HIV/AIDS and Other Health Disparities is exclusively designed for leaders of Black churches who strive to increase their knowledge about HIV/AIDS and other diseases and to strengthen their commitment to education and supporting those who suffer.
“The Balm In Gilead” seeks to create an environment of knowledge, support, care, compassion and unconditional love to overcome the barriers of ignorance, stigma, homophobia, denial and hate. These are the explosive fuels for the fire of AIDS and other diseases in our community.
The role of leadership is critical at this time in our lives. Our elders and children are struggling to survive the torment of diseases that are preventable and curable. History has already recorded the role of the church in the survival of African Americans through the ages. Today, we must recommit ourselves as congregations and as individuals to the tremendous work that it will take to stop the widening gap of health disparities in our community, especially the destructionof HIV/AIDS.
8. ST. STEPHENS A.M.E. - ELKRIDGE OPENS CHILD CARE CENTER:
ELKRIDGE, MD, OCTOBER 1, 2006: St. Stephens African Methodist Episcopal Church announced yesterday the dedication of its child care center on Saturday, October 21, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. As St. Stephens latest addition and service to the community, the center, located on Mayfield Avenue adjacent to the church, is a state of the art facility equipped to care for all ages of children including infants and K-12 after-school care.
Rev. Dr. Alicia D. Byrd, Pastor, stated that 2nd Episcopal District Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr. will be present to consecrate the 8,000 square foot building. Named Young Stars, the child care center is equipped to work with children and provide age-appropriate activities for developing basic skills.
The project began on March 17, 2001 and has faced many challenges in its completion. It s been an uphill journey at times, said Byrd, but God has proved faithful and this center will be a tremendous blessing to the Elkridge community. Many consider Howard County to be one of the most affluent and educated communities in the nation. Yet the need for affordable child care for working families still exists.
Openings are now available for all ages of child care. For more information about the Young Stars Program contact (410)540-9188.
St. Stephens African Methodist Episcopal Church, 7741 Mayfield Avenue, Elkridge, MD 21075
Phone (410) 796-9762
Submitted by the Rev. Angela Martin
Phone: (301) 352-5149
9. THE GLOBAL CORNER - THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN INDIA REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER:
All praised and honour be to God almighty, the author and perfector of our faith. God has indeed been gracious and faithful in the past month in all our efforts to serve God and the cause of AMEC in India.
By the grace of God we have adopted a new, small and growing worshipping community in a new place called Tirusulam, adjacent to the airport and we as a family joined this community for worship. As they do not have a place for worship, they meet in a school every Sunday. This is a small community. There are fifteen families, but because of their odd time jobs some of them are unable to come for worship on Sunday mornings. All of them are below poverty line. Most of the people who live here are stone-cutters. They are very hospitable and nice people. Abraham delivered God’s message to this new congregation and Pastor Paulraj translated in Tamil. Pastor Paulraj is theologically trained and he is excited about joining in the AMEC. He is very energetic and is sincerely committed to the ministry of God. He is going to help us with the ministry here at Tirusulam. We are also having Fasting Prayers and Bible Studies on Fridays and Saturdays.
We will be grateful to you for your prayers. We are looking forward for many more souls to be added to this worshipping community. We are also planning to have a Children’s Rally in the month of October. On the 9th we conducted a Youth Meeting, in which about 25-30 youth joined us on this day. Abraham and Sarah shared about AMEC, their experiences and also conducted a Bible Study. Many of the youths in this group are students in the theological seminaries, they have expressed their desire to join and serve as missionaries of AMEC in India, after the completion of their studies. We seek your prayers for these youth who have dedicated their lives to serve God and for opportunities for them to serve God through AMEC in India.
On the 16th we had a Pastor’s meeting at the Chengalpet region. About 25 of them attended. Abraham preached and Sarah shared about AMEC. We ended with lunch. They were encouraged and recharged. It was indeed very refreshing for them, as many of them had responded. We also had a session where some of the pastors came forward and shared about their experiences in the ministry and the struggles in the ministry. We seek your prayers for these pastors who are toiling for God in remote villages and in the midst of lots of oppositions and adverse situations, for their safety and for their families.
On 24th we participated in the worship services at Bangalore. Sarah preached in the Nepali service while Abraham preached in the Tamil service. Prior to our preaching we shared about the importance of confessing the Apostle’s Creed. We have secured the creed both in the Nepali and Tamil language and they will be part of the worship service on a regular basis from now onwards. The Nepali Pastor had expressed his desire to start worship services among the Nepalis in Chennai, Hyderabad and Goa. It is to be noted that Nepal being a Hindu country most of the Nepalis are basically Hindus. Many of them come to India, seeking jobs, while in India, due to the religious freedom here, it creates a greater opportunity to evangelize them. We request your prayers that God would raise committed Nepali Christians to carry the gospel to these Nepali expatriates to evangelize them and start AME worshipping communities among them in these states.
We also had the privilege of visiting the prayer cell at Egipuram, Vannarpet, Rudrappa Garden and Rose Garden. We took turns in sharing God’s word to encourage the cell groups and challenging them of their missionary responsibilities.
We seek your prayers for Mr. Arokyasamy, Mr. Naveen, Mr. Robert and Mrs. Rebecca as they lead these prayer cells, that God would guide them in adding more people to their cells. On the 27th we had a Bible Study, led by Sarah on the Gospel of John, chapter 4:1-10. People reported back saying it was a very enriching experience for them. As per the information of the Pastorate committee, in the last month, eight new people have joined the worshipping community here, of them: four of them are Hindus, one is a Catholic and three are from Christian backgrounds.
We seek your prayers for the follow-up and spiritual growth of these new converts. Finally we request you to pray for us as a family, that God would protect us as we travel around and also for God’s wisdom and guidance in expanding the ministry of AME in India.
Labouring in God’s vineyard,
Sarah and Abraham Peddiny, AMEC, India
10. CONGRATULATORY NOTIFICATIONS:
Congratulatory Notifications are posted on Friday of each week that we might share the “Joyful” moments; the “GOOD” news of Clergy Family Graduations, Births, Weddings, and Wedding Anniversaries (25th, 30th, 40th, 50th, 75th) and extend commendations, congratulations and well wishes to those clergy families who are praising God for the Joy of significant milestones reached in their lives.
11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Bishop of the 20th Episcopal District
The Rt. Rev. Wilfred J. Messiah
Notice is here given of the death of our long serving clergy Daniel M. Mkwananzi.
Daniel M. Mkwananzi died 28th September 2006 at 5 p.m. in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Until his death, he was Presiding Elder of Matebeleland East District. He served for a long time in the 17th Episcopal District and recently in the 20th Episcopal District. He is an uncle to the Rev. Jordan N. Mkwanazi of the 10th Episcopal District.
He is survived by his wife Agnes, three daughters Abigail, Elizabeth and Jane, one son Dumisani and many grand children.
Condolences to Mrs. Agnes Mkwananzi phone 011 263 9 413582
Or C/0 macamusa@ecoweb.co.zw
Funeral arrangements are pending.
12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Rev. Dr. Sherryl A. Matlock-Pastor
St. James A.M.E. Church - Denton, Texas
Regretfully announcing that Sister Marian Annette Freeman Gauthier, sister of Rev. Beverly Freeman, Pastor of Victory Temple A.M. E. Church-Dallas, Texas, departed this life on Monday, September 25, 2006.
Visitation will be held Saturday, September 30, 2006 10:30 A.M. at Sensational St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Dallas, Texas with the Service of Celebration following at 11:00 A.M.
Sensational St. Paul A.M.E. Church
The Rev. Dr. Juan Tolliver-Pastor
2420 Metropolitan Avenue
Dallas, Texas 75215
Ph: (214) 421-1344
Funeral Arrangements are provided by:
Pleasant Grove Mortuary and Funeral Home
7800 Lake June Road
Dallas, Texas 75217
Ph: (214) 398-8301
Fax: (214) 398-8302
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Beverly Freeman
1053 Glencrest Drive
Cedar Hill, Texas 75104
Ph: (972) 572-3214
13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: lusinda.maans@standardbank.co.za
It is with great sadness that we inform you about the passing away of our Rev. Kgabatsi Peter Moeletsi. He was a pastor of Nazareth Chapel Middelburg Mpumalanga District, and has been recently transferred to AME Church Orange Farm in the Wilberforce Vereeniging District. He is survived by his mother and his 5 year old son.
Funeral arrangements are as follows:
Thursday, 5th October 2006 - 6h00 prayer at home
Funeral Service will be at 7h00am at Trinity AME Church Evaton.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to: Rev. Klaas (Brother in Law) E-mail: tgk@sacc.org.za
Submitted by:
Lucinda B. Maans (President- AME Spouses Forum) African Methodist Episcopal Church (19th Episcopal Dist.) East Annual Conference (Bishop James L. Davis, Presiding Bishop)
14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action
Mrs. Ora L. Easley, Administrator
Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936
Fax: (615) 833-3781
Cell: (615) 403-7751
15. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of the Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement
Archive of The Christian Recorder Online from 2004-2016; Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
