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: POWERFUL WORDS FOR A POWERFUL MOMENT:
Quite a few years ago while I was serving as a U.S. Army chaplain in Alaska, I was a member of the Anchorage Ministerial Association, which was entirely black. I served as the Dean of the Anchorage Theological Institute, which was the academic and theological arm of the Anchorage Ministerial Association. The association was made up of pastors from the one AMEZ Church, several Baptist Churches, the CME Church, and pastors from several of the Churches of God in Christ. There was no AME Church in Anchorage; the lone AME Church was located in Fairbanks about 352 miles from Anchorage. The Anchorage Ministerial Association was a vibrant organization and the Association and the Institute met every Saturday. It was a well-attended ministerial association.
One Saturday after one of the formal meetings, several pastors were sitting around lamenting about some of the problems they were experiencing with their congregations. It was a “pour out your heart and soul” kind of sharing session. It is good for ministers to have an environment where they can pour out their deepest feelings and those preachers were pouring their hearts out; sharing with one another.
It was the usual kinds of complaints that ministers share with each other; they were deeply chagrined about their local church officers not being faithful to their responsibilities, the lack of attendance and lack of participation by the membership, their members’ lack of appreciation for their ministry, contentious officers and contentious members. They spoke about the poor attendance at Bible studies and prayer meetings, poor stewardship and the failure of members to participate in the tithing ministry. The lack of finances was a big issue and it was their perception that members wanted to keep ministers’ salaries low. Several of the pastors spoke about contentious musicians, poor Sunday School attendance and having to bear the false accusations of ministerial misconduct. Several of the ministers were in building projects and it appeared to them that Satan, himself, was present trying to block their building programs. And, and on and on they went and it was a gut-wrenching session. I was relatively young and most of them had more pastoral experience than I. Sometimes, we can only listen; and that’s what I did.
Suddenly, Bishop C. D. Williams, the COGIC Bishop of Alaska, who was in the middle of a major remodeling program, stood up and in his preacher-voice began to share about the goodness and reliability of God and I have never forgotten his sage comments. They have stuck with me for over thirty years. I can hear him in my mind as clearly today as he spoke those words in 1975. He waxed eloquently for about three minutes and after he had reached a crescendo closed with, "I thank God for the good people who are sweet because they give me encouragement and they are a joy to serve. But, I also thank God for the contentious and complaining members; those who are fighters and who are uncooperative because they keep me on my knees in prayer and they keep me from being complacent in ministry; they keep me on my toes. So, I thank God for both groups. And, I know that God’s program will never fail if we are faithful and obedient to His will in ministry." Bishop C. D. Williams spoke powerful words for a powerful moment.
For me, the operative words, for clergy, are, “If we are faithful and obedient to God's Will in ministry.” We can thank God for the positives and negatives in ministry, “If we are faithful and obedient to God's will in ministry.”
2. HISTORIC BLACK METHODIST CHURCH DELEGATION VISITS HOLY LAND:
*By Lesley Crosson
ORLANDO (UMNS) -- A delegation of leaders from historic African-American churches who just returned from Jerusalem and the Holy Land says conditions for Palestinians in the West Bank painfully echo the injustices suffered by people of color during South Africa's apartheid era and during the pre-civil rights era in America. Black church leaders in the delegation, which included representatives from three Methodist denominations -- the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, the African Methodist Episcopal Church (The Right Reverend E. Earl McCloud) and the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church -- now are vowing to work with their communions and congregations, the Jewish, Christian and Islamic faith communities, politicians and Palestinians in the Diaspora to focus attention on the deteriorating situation in the Holy Land.The Oct. 27-Nov. 3 trip was hosted by the global humanitarian agency Church World Service, and the delegation was led by the Rev. John L. McCullough, a United Methodist pastor and CWS executive director.Delegation members reported their findings Nov. 9 in Orlando at the combined General Assembly of Church World Service and the National Council of Churches -- an annual meeting of leaders from 35 mainline Christian denominations. On a visit to the Israeli-built barrier now separating Palestinian residents in the West Bank from residents in Israel-controlled Jerusalem, AME Bishop E. Earl McCloud Jr. said, "I'm surprised by the blatant attempt of Israelis to separate themselves. I've also been on the backside of fear of black people, and it makes me sad to see this wall and to hear so many say this wall has been built with money I have sent to the U.S. government in tax dollars." Supporters call the nearly 26-foot-high wall portion of the barrier, which in some places runs through the home sites and farms of Palestinians, a "separation barrier." Palestinians alternately referred to it as the "apartheid wall" or the "segregation wall."
The 400-mile-plus West Bank barrier is marked with protest slogans left by visitors, including a fading stencil of the United Methodist cross and flame symbol. Church World Service sponsored an Oct. 27-Nov. 3 trip for a delegation of leaders from historic African American churches to the Middle East that included representatives from three Methodist denominations-- the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.
The controversial 400-mile-plus West Bank barrier is marked with protest slogans left by visitors, including a fading stencil of the United Methodist Cross and Flame symbol.Supporters say the barrier is necessary to protect Israeli civilians from Palestinian suicide bombing in public places. Opponents say the barrier violates international law, is an illegal effort to annex Palestinian land and severely restricts the normal life movements of Palestinians who live in the area."I can understand Israelis concern about security. That's a valid concern for anyone, even though there have been very few incidents that truly threaten their security. But when you take a wall that separates families, that keeps people from their land, that causes immense hardship, that is overkill and there is no justification for that wall," said Bishop Louis Hunter of the AME Zion Church.The 12-member delegation met with heads of the region's oldest Orthodox and Latin Catholic churches and with Anglican, Lutheran, and Jewish faith leaders and government officials. The group also conferred with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Foreign Affairs Ministry representative Shmuel ben Shmuel. Linked to the discussion of the oppression of the mostly-Christian community in Jerusalem was the threat to the survival of a Christian presence in the Holy Land, where Arab Christians and Palestinian Christians have lived for 2,000 years since the earliest Christian communities. Bishop Aris, the Armenian Patriarchate Ecumenical Officer for Jerusalem, called upon Christians to "unify in the common cause of maintaining the holy places of Jerusalem for people of all faiths." Aris said the Christian community represents less than 1.5 percent of the population in the region."If the current situation continues it may well result in the extinction of the Christian presence in the Holy Land and seriously endanger continued collaboration amongst the three Abrahamic traditions represented there," McCullough observed. "The mostly Palestinian Christian community is facing a period of intense crisis because of the expanded separation wall and restrictions on the ability of Palestinians to travel from the West Bank into Jerusalem," he said. "Israeli security and defense policies also seem to unfairly infringe upon the churches, including the effective conduct of their affairs, the nurturing of their members and the fulfillment of their ministries."
In a Nov. 2 meeting with the delegation Abbas shared his views on a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine. "We should have our own state within the borders outlined in the 1967 agreement," Abbas said. "In the past, Palestinians owned 95 percent of Palestine. The share now is 22 percent."Abbas said the international siege over the past 10 months has increased the suffering of people living in occupied Palestine, "with invasions every day, fatalities and increased demolitions of houses. We recognize the right of Israelis to live, but we also want them to recognize our right to live safely within our own borders."Emphasizing the need to draw more worldwide attention to the crisis in the region, His Beatitude Michel Sabbah, the Latin Catholic Patriarch of Jerusalem, told the delegation, "The conflict is not just the business of Palestinians and Israelis. It is the business of every Christian whose obligation is to witness justice, equality and love for all, not just for a chosen few." The severely limited freedom and discrimination against Palestinian Christians make social and economic development impossible. "In the political arena," Sabbah said. "I think that we have no place on the agenda and we do not count." Delegates vowed to try to change that. Bishop Ronald M. Cunningham of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church said he is "prepared to become a part of a prophetic ministry to bring this situation to the forefront and to be a part of the search for a solution."McCloud pledged to look "for ways to positively and dramatically impact this situation. We're going to work with Church World Service. We're going to work with the Congressional Black Caucus. We're going to work with the ecumenical leadership. We've got to bring attention to this in America."
Other members of the delegation included the Rev. Tyrone Pitts, chief executive, Progressive National Baptist Convention; the Rev. A. Wayne Johnson, chief executive, National Missionary Baptist Convention of America; the Rev. George T. Brooks Sr., National Baptist Church of America; the Rev. Charles Mock, executive secretary, National Baptist Convention USA; and David Weaver and Cheryl Dudley, CWS staff.
*Crosson is the media relations officer for Church World Service and she accompanied the delegation.
Used with permission of the United Methodist News Service
Editor's note: I bolded the areas in the above message that relates to the AME Church and the Rt. Rev. E. Earl McCloud.
3. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
- To the Editor
In an article written in the November 2, 2006 online edition of The Christian Recorder, I wrote about something of which every pastor in the AME Church should rush to take advantage. “The Biblical Perspective about Debt” is one of two books included in the world renowned audio series regarding the principles of stewardship. This resource was printed under private label for the African Methodist Episcopal Church and we are the only denomination in the world that can make that claim.
The management from GKM, Inc. thinks the information is so important that they made a decision to mail 1400 complimentary copies to AME pastors in throughout the United States.
As I wrote before, if you want to receive the information, all you have to do is email: series@gkmpackagingdist.com.
Pastors, please include your full name, church name, address and the $70.00 resource will be mailed the same day to you, free of charge. The only thing GKM management asks is that you pay the cost of packaging and mailing the series to you. The only cost is $15.00. When you receive your series a self-addressed stamped envelop will be included for your convenience; so all you have to do is place a check for $15.00 in and mail it back.
GKM has mailed almost 400 kits to AME Pastors and as of today very few have returned the cost for shipping. Please send your check so this gracious offer will not be impeded.
The Reverend Garry Moss
4. THE 4TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2006-2007 CALENDAR:
2006 Calendar
November 16
Fourth Episcopal District Community Seminar on HIV/AIDS
“Living Life to the Fullest” - 6 pm-9 pm
Bethel AMEC,
4444 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago - (773) 285-5500
November 17
Pan-Methodist Worship Service, 7 pm
Preacher: Bishop Philip R. Cousin, Sr.
Coppin Memorial AMEC,
5633 S. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago - (773) 667-5881
2007 Calendar
February 9-10
Founder’s Day Celebration,
Hyatt Regency Hotel,
600 Town Center Dr.
Dearborn, MI
(313) 593-1234
Room Rate: $109 per night (single/double/triple/quad) - Deadline: 1/19/07
WMS Life Members’ Celebration Luncheon (2/9 at 12 pm)
February 16
13th Episcopal District Founder’s Day Celebration, 7 pm
Preacher: Bishop Philip R. Cousin, Sr.
Quinn Chapel AMEC
1901 W Muhammad Ali Blvd
Louisville, KY 40203
March 15-17
Mid-Year Convocation
Wyndham Hotel,
3000 Warrenville Road,
Lisle, IL –
(630) 505-1000
Room Rate: $97 per night; Reservation Deadline: 3/1/07
“A Celebration of Excellence” Honoring Dr. M. Joan Cousin
4th District Women's Missionary Society
April 27-29
District Minister’s Spouses Retreat –
Camp Baber,
Cassopolis, MI
July 30-Aug. 2
Christian Education Congress
Wyndham Hotel,
3000 Warrenville Road,
Lisle, IL
(630) 505-1000
Room Rate: $97 per night; Reservation Deadline: 6/29/07
5. SAVE THE DATE - FRIDAY, MAY 11 THRU SATURDAY, MAY 12, 2007:
Sisters Keeping the Covenant Presents Women’s General Assembly 2007
“SHE AIN’T HEAVY SHE’S MY SISTER” (Special Sessions for Young Ladies ages 12-18)
Conference Site: Sheraton Hotel, Parsippany, New Jersey
For more Information, call the Rev. Maxine L. Thomas, Telephone: 877-942-2006
Visit our website: www.sisterskeepingthecovenantministries.org
6. HOW CHRISTIAN ARE WE WHEN NOBODY IS WATCHING?
*The Reverend Charles R. Watkins, Jr., B.S., M.Div.
Luke 10:30-37 is, of course, the Parable of the Good Samaritan. It is a story told from pulpits across the country. This passage of Scripture represents the parable Jesus used in answer to the Levite’s question—“Who is my neighbor?”
This story, while relatively short in length is long on content. I submit that this well known, oft preached, neatly packaged story begs the question: “How Christian are we when nobody is watching?’
Geographically, Jericho is down from Jerusalem. To understand the significance, we must picture this road as it winds and turns, making its way down the steep decline. As it winds and turns we can imagine the many places around each bend where dangerous obstacles can be hidden. We can imagine as the road winds and turns all the places where danger is possibly lurking and where there is opportunity to be over taken by thieves, robbers and others who would do us harm.
This road is very much like our life’s journey. We travel down the winding, turning, often treacherous road of life’s journey rounding corners, sometimes finding ourselves confronted with fear. Fear of the unknown. Fear that robs us of security. We travel down life’s road negotiating the winding turns, rounding the next corner when, all of a sudden, jumping out of the bushes, is a gang of troubles resulting in financial uncertainty.
Continuing down life’s road we often times round the corner only to be blindsided by one unexpected misfortune after another. Many have fallen into the hands of robbers of self-esteem. Many, unfortunately, have been accosted by thieves who strip them of their will. Far too often some of our friends and loved ones lay on life’s road gang beaten by despair and left emotionally and spiritually dead. There on the side of life’s treacherous winding road many lay hemorrhaging with doubt and anemic of faith.
We have preached to others about the help that comes through prayer, but now as people around us lay wounded on that road down life’s journey—“How Christian are we when nobody is watching?”
The parable very neatly describes three people who come in contact with the man who lies beaten and robbed. We are disgusted by those who didn’t stop to help and we are elated that somebody did. However, I submit that on any given day, for many of us, the actions of all three people are representative of our own service to those who need our help. Someday we are like the priest, pious, self-serving and judgmental. Some days we are in a hurry like the Levite. Thanks be to God, there are days when we are compassionate and willing to give of ourselves. These are the days when we recognize our neighbor is any one of God’s creation.
Jesus gives us an example, in this parable, of the sacrifice it takes to be what God has called us to be. “How Christian are we, when nobody is watching?” It seems so simple to do what is right when we are among a crowd of people. It seems so unnoticed to not be helpful when nobody seems to be watching. That is, of course, until we come to realize that someone is always watching. That is until we awaken to the fact that nothing we do goes unnoticed by God.
How many people have we passed going down life’s road? How many times, when we could have helped, have we turned away or crossed to the other side of the street? Have we done all that we can for our neighbors? How Christian are we when nobody is watching?
The Rev. Charles R. Watkins, Jr is the pastor of Friendship AME Church, Clinton, South Carolina, Greenville District, Seventh Episcopal District.
The Right Reverend Dr. Preston Warren Williams, II, Presiding Prelate
The Reverend Jonathan J. Baker, Presiding Elder
7. THE ASSOCIATION OF AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL SCOUTS (AAMES) SUBMITS REPORT FOR OCTOBER 2006:
Organizational Growth
The AAMES ministry continues to experience fluctuations in its participation and membership. However, when weighed, the level of interest and desire to participate in the ministry has steadily been increasing in recent months. AAMES is continuing to improve its outreach and means of communication.
Plan for Growth
Starting in July 2006, AAMES initiated the process of a strategic plan to increase membership and active participation. The process from our strategic planning efforts has resulting in the following.
- Recommendations for Episcopal appointment, in each Episcopal District to serve as Boy Scout Director to enable us to be equitably represented across the connection. These appointees will have similar responsibilities to that of a District Christian Education Director, but will focus on establishing scouting troops in their District of assignment. (2006-2010 - Episcopal appointments attached)
- Increased accessibility throughout the connection by seeking permission for AAMES Connectional information is included in all official publications and websites.
- A review of 2005 - 2006 statistics, indicate the need to seriously work on recruiting the new leadership in each of the units. As longstanding primary leaders drop or become disinterested in the program because their children graduate and go on to collage, military, etc, communication from each of these units to AAMES sometimes stops due to new leadership may not be members of the local host church. Therefore the information needed for communication to AAMES is not properly passed on to the new leadership of those units. AAMES is actively working on solutions that will enable these types of issues to be eliminated. This process thus will save more units.
- A process for starting new AAMES scouting units has begun because of these processes being initiated throughout the AME Connectional Church.
Program of Religious Activities for Youth
At the 25th Connectional Christian Education & Youth Congress held at Coronado Springs Resort Walt Disney World Lake Buena Vista, Florida. AAMES membership convened on Thursday, July 6, 2006 for the purposes of the appointment/reappointment of Connectional and Assistant Connectional Scouting Directors and the election of other officers. With Dr. Ingram presiding, the following installations were made for the term commencing 2006-2010.
Appointments Made:
Connectional Boy Scout Director - Anthony Franklin
Connectional Girl Scout Director - Cora Lee-Palmer
Assistant Connectional Boy Scout Director - Clarence Crayton
Assistant Connectional Girl Scout Director - Hattie Saulsberry
Elected Officers are:
Secretary - Donna Franklin
Asst. Secretary - Lamont Williams
Treasurer - Robert McRath
Financial Secretary - Jesse Triggs
Chaplain - Gwendolyn Williams
Historiographer - Steve Franklin
Parliamentarian - Myron Ford
A meeting was also held at the Congress with AAMES leadership, The Central Florida Boy Scout Executive Ron Oates, President of South Region Central Florida - Tica Perez, Disney Executive Manager of Support Systems – Allie Braswell to initiate discussions for developing scouting units in the AME churches in Central Florida. The Central Florida BSA Council and Scout Reach National Associate Assistant Director – Don Rodgers have pledged to work with Presiding Elder James Williams and Rev. Granville Anderson (an Eagle Scout) to strongly endorse a plan to address the need.
At the Congress Awards Dinner held the same night former General Officer of Christian Education Department - Dr. Kenneth Hill was presented the God and Service award from
Scout Reach National Associate Assistant Director - Mr. Don Rodgers.
Scout Reach National Associate Assistant Director - Don Rodgers also received the Outstanding Contributions award for Distinguish service from the Association of African Methodist Episcopal Scouts along with Dr. James F. Miller, Pastor of Dupage AME Church, Lisle Illinois, former General Officer of Christian Education Department husband and wife Dr. Roberta Hill and Dr. Kenneth Hill.
Dr. Daryl Ingram, General Officer of Christian Education Department announced that the A.M.E. Church will be participating in a test pilot program involving youth in thirteen A.M.E. churches to test the “fit” of the A.M.E. religious award programs offered by PRAY with our youth programs.
Rev. Ernest J. Garrison – Connection Church School Certification Coordinator presented to the youth leadership of the 4th Episcopal District 0n September 14, 2006 at Host Church - Dupage AME Church in Lisle Illinois, a formal presentation on the nature of how the mission of the church, Christian education & what is my Gift, can support the teaching and training to prepare them for and assist them with effective living and Christian leadership in a changing society. Using the test pilot program was discussed as part of the process
In the Washington DC area AAMES - Asst. Director Clarence Crayton, along with the National Capital Area Council's Field Director are, in the process of setting up a Meeting with the Second Episcopal District Bishop - A Jefferson Richardson to discuss the processes from our strategic planning efforts to Scouting in the Second District. We are planning to meet in November 2006.
Events & Local Activities
Rev. Arties Phillips Jr. - AAMES Emeritus – received his congratulation letter for his 50 years of service in scouting.
At the Boy Scouts National Annual Meeting this past May in Washington, D. C: Troop 487 had a Color Guard Present the Color at the Americanism Breakfast.
Troop 487's Bryant Crenshaw (Eagle Scout, now a freshman at Wilberforce University, Ohio) received the AME God and County Award
In May, AAMES - Asst. Director Clarence Crayton Clarence Crayton was awarded his Silver Beaver Award in the National Capital Area Council
Ebenezer AME Church, Ft. Washington, Md. - Troop 487 took twenty-one Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts to the Grand Canyon in July. They were hosted by St. James AME Church in Memphis Tennessee and Johnson Chapel AME Church in Amarillo TX on their trip.
DuPage AME Church, Lisle Illinois Scouting Ministry in September visited the Kane County correctional facilities in Geneva IL, hosted by AAMES local members. 87 persons attended, the youth were able to see the positive careers of law enforcement and how the technology affects us all today. The Adult leaders and parents were given a presentation and tour of the Jail. Everyone who participated in the visit said our youths need to see this type of tour to encourage them to continue to work for the good.
Respectfully Submitted,
Anthony Franklin Sr.
AAMES - Connectional Boy Scout Director -2006 -2010
2540 Brookstone Court
Aurora, IL 60504
630-375-9230 (h)
adf@ameritech.net
Rev. Artis Phillips Jr.
AAMES Emeritus – Religious Relationship Committee Member
8323 S. Paxton
Chicago, IL
773/734-7866
Rev. Dr. Daryl B. Ingram
AAMES - Executive Director of Scouting Director - AME Christian Education Department
AME Christian Education Department500 8th Avenue SouthNashville, TN 37203
(800) 525-7282
cedoffice@ameced.com
8. ASSOCIATION OF AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL SCOUTS:
“United in Christ, Creed and Culture”
Officers of AAMES - 2006 – 2010
Executive Director of Scouting – Dr. Daryl Ingram cedoffice@ameced.com
Girl Scouts Director - Cora Lee - Palmer amegsdir@sbcglobal.net
Boy Scouts Director - Anthony Franklin Sr. adf@ameritech.net
Girl Scouts Asst. Director - Hattie Saulsberry hsaulsberry@sbcglobal.net
Boy Scouts Asst. Director – Clarence Crayton lahowardconstruction@msn.com
Treasurer - Robert Mcrath robertmcrath@i1.net
Financial Secretary - Jesse Triggs jestrigg@yahoo.com
Secretary - Donna J. Franklin donnajfranklin@ameritech.net
Asst. Secretary - Lamont Williams LWilliam@milwjobs.com
AAMES Chaplin - Williams, Gwendolyn Butler
Historiographer - Steve Franklin snjfranklin@comcast.net
Parliamentarian - Myron Ford mkford_sr@yahoo.com
9. THE 10TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT ANNUAL LAY CONVENTION -
“THE OTHER SIDE OF LEADERSHIP”:
*Sister Vicki E. Houston
On June 2-3, 2006 the 10th Episcopal District Lay Organization under the leadership of Episcopal District Lay President – Charles Rainwater and Episcopal District Director of Lay Activities – Beverly Nutall convened its’ Annual Convention at Grant A.M.E. Worship Center in Austin, Texas (Rev. Dr. W. Raymond Bryant, Pastor / Vicki Houston, Local Lay President). The Director of Lay Activities in collaboration with President Rainwater and Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram and others crafted a “jam packed” two days of seminars and other activities for the attendees. The 2006 Annual Lay Convention theme was “The Other Side of Leadership”. The presenters and topics were wide ranging and there was plenty of Q & A in the individual workshops, as well as the general plenary sessions.
The gathering was blessed to have Bishop Ingram conduct a plenary on “The Other Side of Leadership: The Critical Role of Lay Persons in the Work of the Church”. In his presentation he told us that “the mission statement of the A.M.E. Church often serves as the driving force behind a church being a success or failure. The church is God’s instrument and community called and commanded to do His work and will in the world. Christian ministry today requires changes in its present structures, practices and ideologies. This means that all of us, clergy and lay, must examine ourselves to see how we are helping to liberate the disinherited and oppressed. Years ago, people were drawn to certain leaders because of their charisma or persona. Today, people are looking for leaders who possess more. Leadership is exemplified by those possessing the rare skill of drawing people together to achieve a common objective.”
Additionally, a plenary, “Developing Leaders for the Future to ‘Make a Difference’” was given by Rev. Ronald A. Boykin, Pastor of First A.M.E. Church in Manassas, Virginia. The workshops and plenary sessions were open to and attended by both lay and clergy.
Other workshops and presenters during the convention included:
- “Seven Leadership Challenges for the Local Church” – Eddie Henry
- “Organizing a Lay Organization and What it Takes to Make it Successful” – Johnny Tellis, Jr.
- “History of the Lay Movement … Past and Present” – Vertie Young
- “Leadership Lessons of Jesus: How to Live Well” – Mary Stovall Turman
- “Developing Your Spirituality through Journaling” – Paul Turman
- “God’s Economic Plan for Your Life” – Larry Hollie
Friday’s activities concluded with a grand banquet held in Grant Worship Center’s Alene Henderson Family Life Center. The center’s tables were draped in royal blue with rose centerpieces; the head table, also draped in royal blue had multiple centerpieces with mixed floral arrangements. The banquet began with “the processional” for the head table introduced by Master of Ceremonies, Carl Davis. The processional included: Bishop Ingram, Rev. Boykin, Rev. Bryant (host pastor), Charles Rainwater, Beverly Nutall, Johnny Tellis, Jr. (Connectional Lay 3rd Vice President) and his wife Barbara, Albert Brewer (Past Connectional Lay Parliamentarian) and his wife Mary, Conference Presidents: Bertha Davis, Donnie Thomas-Davis, Rodrick Moore and Ava Parker, and Vicki Houston (local lay president). Attendees availed themselves of an eye pleasing sumptuous meal (courtesy of the culinary talents of Vernice Williams) before turning their attention to the speaker for the evening.
The welcome was given by the host conference president, Rodrick Moore.
The banquet speaker was none other than Richard A. Lewis, Treasurer of the A.M.E. Church. Our spirits were elevated in song by the powerful voice of Joy Moore (of Grant A.M.E. Worship Center). The inaugural “Gussie Smith Service Award” was presented to her family (Gussie Smith passed in early January 2006; she was a charter member of the 10th Episcopal District Lay Organization). We were further blessed to have the Presiding Elders Council of the 10th District present at the banquet (and closing service).
The convention concluded on Saturday with a business session and memorial followed by the closing worship service. The closing message was brought by Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram. The subject of his message was “Who Are You Listening To?” (I Kings 19:4-…; focal verses 11 & 12). Some of the sermon points were:
- “After God has revealed himself, don’t let anyone … run you away.”
- “Don’t let your faith fail you at a critical time”
- “Every now and then you’ve got to stop listening - to the nay-sayers, to folk who are going nowhere …”
The Metropolitan A.M.E. Church-Austin Praise Team accompanied by Mattie Robinson uplifted the congregation in song during the service. Closing remarks were given by President Rainwater and Beverly Nutall (DOLA) who thanked ALL who had come together and worked to make the convention a success, especially Bishop Ingram who was actively involved from the beginning to the end. Bishop Ingram gave the final remarks before the body dismissed with the Lay Benediction. The convention even sported a smartly designed Souvenir Journal. In leaving, all thought that this had been a wonderful convention and were looking forward to seeing what the 2007 Convention will bring.
*Sister Vicki E. Houston is the Director of Public Relations, 10th Episcopal District Lay Organization
10. CLERGY OF THE WEEK: PROMINENT PRESIDING ELDER, THE REVEREND ELLA MAE SAMUELS, WINS SCHOOL BOARD SEAT IN THE STATE OF GEORGIA:
*Reverend Edrena Houston Brown, M.A.C.E.
On Tuesday, November 7, 2006, The Prominent Presiding Elder Ella Mae Samuels of the Augusta-Athens District, Augusta Conference of the Sixth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church won the McDuffie County School Board Seat. She is first in its history of A.M.E. females among Presiding Elders in the Sixth Episcopal District, to serve as a member on the McDuffie County Board of Education in Thomson, Georgia.
Presiding Elder Samuels was elected by a margin of 61% percentile. Her Opponent consented at having 39% of the voting declared at the end of the election. As a newly elected Board Member, some her responsibilities will be is to ensure that policies of the local schools are implemented and are active according to policies and procedures. “The Board is also, responsible for Interviewing and hiring a Superintendent of Schools for the county and other additional duties as assigned to the Board, stated; The presiding Elder Samuel.” Winning has always been a positive aspect in Presiding Elder’s Samuels life and the Lord has blessed her to be a forerunner in her call for service.
Her portfolio describes her as an outstanding Woman of God. Being chosen by God, as the First Female who has served in many capacities of the church, she has been instrumental in opening doors for others females in ministry. While interviewing Presiding Elder Samuels, she acknowledges that her ministry is extensive. Being ordained the first female ordained Itinerant Elder in the Augusta Conference, was a rewarding and challenging experience. She was ordained during the Leadership of Bishop Frederick H. Talbot in 1986.
Among the “first-ever achievements” of Presiding Elder Samuels; she was the first female presiding elder, having been appointed to the presiding eldership in the Sixth Episcopal District by the late Bishop Donald George Kenneth Ming in 2000. She was appointed to the Bishop’s Council of the African Methodist Episcopal Church under the leadership of Bishop Richard F. Norris and currently serves as the senior marshal on the Council of Bishops’ Marshalls’ staff. She was the first woman in ministry in the sixth Episcopal District appointed to a church with resources that actually provided a salary and benefits to include: insurance, retirement and other amentias, which enabled her to serve in full-time ministry. Presiding Elder Samuels became a full time pastor in 1994 after Bishop Ming had given her the appointment in 1993. She Served as the chief secretary of the Augusta Annual Conference and served on the Board of Examiners and the Statistician of the Augusta Conference.
After being employed for the Emanuel County School System for 23 years as an Administrative Assistant and she also served 5 years in the Treutlen School System.
Academically, she has studied at Erskine Theological Seminary, East Georgia College, and Brewton Parker College. She graduated with the highest honor, in receiving a Business Diploma from Swainsboro Technical College. She has done further study in attending numerous seminars and workshops presented by Career Track and Pryor’s Seminars.
The Clergy of the Augusta-Athens District are proud of the accomplishments of their Presiding Elder Samuels in winning the school board seat on November 7, 2006 and commented that, “She is an extraordinary presiding elder in the district and in the community.”
Presiding Elder Samuels is grateful for spiritual and dynamic leadership of Bishop William P. DeVeaux, Sr., Presiding Prelate of the Sixth Episcopal District and Dr. Pamela DeVeaux, Episcopal Supervisor for their inspiring and excelling example in leading the episcopal district to a higher level of excellence and spiritual empowerment.
The Augusta-Athens District presently has 39 churches, 29 pastors serving in pastoral roles at their perspective churches, ten licensed exhorters, two licensed missionaries and a licensed lay speaker.
Because of her dedication and committed service to the church and the community has led her to the School Board Seat as an elected member of the McDuffie County Board of Education. She currently serves a member of the McDuffie Chamber of Commerce, the McDuffie Tourism Board, as Chaplain for St. Joseph Hospice, shares in weekly radio broadcast on Radio Station WTWA /AM serving Thomson McDuffie County and the surrounding counties.
As a noted Revivalist, Evangelist, Preacher, teacher and Presiding Elder her vision is to continue to serve God and to bring communities together through enhancing the Body of the Christ.
Congratulations Presiding Elder Samuels as Clergy of The Week, for your unselfish service to mankind.
If you are interested in nominating your pastor or clergy staff member as Clergy of the week, please email your letter of request to; ebrown49@hotmail.com
*Rev. Edrena Houston Brown is a staff writer for the Christian Recorder
11. NEWLY ELECTED OFFICIALS TO WORK AS JANITORS FOR A DAY AT NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY:
State Senator Tony Hill and State Representative Eleanor Sobel met with freshman legislators outside of Nova Southeastern University today. The senior and newly elected officials of Broward County along with faith and community leaders worked alongside the 350 janitors, landscapers and other service workers who maintain Nova Southeastern University. Carrying brooms, rakes, and wearing gloves, the “Janitors for a Day” paired up with individual janitors or landscapers to complete their work duties and show their support of these workers who recently voted and won a union.
"These hardworking people deserve a voice and respect, not poverty wages that burden our communities" said Ronald Brise, the newly elected State Representative for District 108. “It will be an honor to work by their side and learn more about the struggles go through to support their families.”“We formed a union to win dignity and respect for the hard work we do. I work all day in the sun, but only earn $6.70 per hour,” said Rose Marie Fleuranvil, a landscaper at Nova.
On October 4, 2006, over 70% of the workers voted in support of union representation. Many of the workers have served Nova for years, yet struggle to make ends meet as the average wage is $7.21 an hour with no health benefits.
These workers stand to lose their jobs any day as Nova recently put the cleaning, landscaping, and maintenance services contract out to bid. Nova has not committed to require new contractors to maintain the current workforce, as is standard in the industry.The Janitor for a Day program is modeled on Senator Bob Graham's "Workday" program started in 1974 where he labored side-by-side with his constituents performing jobs such as a garbage man, construction worker, and factory worker.
With 1.8 million members, SEIU is the fastest-growing union in North America. Focused on uniting workers in three sectors to improve their lives and the services they provide, SEIU is the largest health-care union and the largest property services union; including building cleaning and security; and the second largest public employees union.
12. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENT:
Mrs. Winifee Charles Lawrence graduated from the University of the West Indies, Mona campus in Kingston Jamaica West Indies with a Masters Degree in Educational Administration on Friday, 10th November 2006. Mrs. Lawrence is the wife of the Rev. Barrington Lawrence, Presiding Elder, Jamaica Conference, 16th Episcopal District; Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Presiding Bishop.
Mrs. Winifee Charles Lawrence serves as the President of the Women's Missionary Society of the 16th Episcopal District.
Congratulatory messages can be emailed to: winifee@yahoo.com
13. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENT:
Congratulations are extended to the Illustrious presiding elder, the Reverend Ella Smiley of the Augusta-Athens District of the Augusta Annual Conference, as a newly elected member of the McDuffy County Board of Education, Thomason, Georgia. She was elected on Tuesday, November 7, 2006 during the General Election and won with 61% of the votes.
Congratulatory messages can be emailed to: pesmiley@yahoo.com
14. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENT:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor of The Christian Recorder and The Reverend Charlotte Sydnor, Pastor of Shorter Chapel AME Church, Franklin, TN are pleased to announce that their daughter, Attorney Gloria Lynn Sydnor Smith will be preaching her “trial sermon” at 5 p.m. on Sunday at Quinn Chapel AME Church, Cincinnati, Ohio where the Reverend Dr. Frederick A. Wright is the pastor.
Sister Smith is a graduate of the University of Alaska and the Salmon P. Chase College of Law. She practices law with the Cross, Smith Law Firm in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Congratulatory messages can be emailed to:
15. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENT:
The Reverend & Mrs. L. R. Daughtry are happy to announce the marriage of their daughter, Lynnette Daughtry Barrett to Mr. Kelby S. Barrett, son of Mr. and Mrs. Horace N. Barrett, Jr. The wedding was held on Saturday, November 4, 2006, at Historical St. John's A.M.E. Church in Norfolk, VA.
Congratulatory messages can be emailed to:
kelbyandlynnette@yahoo.com
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs. Ethel Fisher passed on Saturday, November 11, 2006 at 5:00 p.m. Mrs. Fisher is the Mother of the Rev. Jon S. Goshay. He pastored churches in Pennsylvania and at St. Andrews African Methodist Episcopal Church in Youngstown, Ohio. Upon his death, he was serving as the pastor of Quinn Chapel African Methodist Church, Steubenville, Ohio.
Service arrangements for Mrs. Ethel Fisher:
Calling Hour
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Calling Hour -10:00 a.m.
Funeral - 11:00 a.m.
St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church
1800 E. Tuscarawas Street
Canton, OH 44707
Phone: 330-455-6003
FAX: 330-455-8403
Rev. Robert Dye, Pastor
Condolences can be sent to the church.
Professional Services entrusted to:
Formet-Clevenger and Gordon Funeral Home
1803 Cleveland Avenue NW
Canton, OH 44709
Phone: 330-456-4766
FAX: 330- 452-4766
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs. Blanche Wiggins Haynie went to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 11, 2006. Mrs. Haynie is the mother of Dr. Linda Haynie Green and the mother-in-law of The Reverend O. Jerome Green, pastor of Gaines Chapel A.M.E. Church in Anniston, AL.
Funeral Service:
Friday, November 17, 2006
11 a.m.
St. John A.M.E. Church
Pine Bluff, Arkansas
The Rev. W. R. Norful will officiate.
The family of Dr. Linda Haynie Green may be contacted at:
4103 Stemley Bridge Road
Pell City, AL 35128
205-338-7662
Expressions may be sent to:
P. K. Miller Mortuary
204 East 2nd Avenue
Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71601
870-535-1012 Phone
870-535-1309 Fax
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Regretfully we announce the passing of Mrs. Linda B. Wright of Orlando, Florida on November 12, 2006. Mrs. Wright is the sister of Rev. Paula Lake and sister-in-law of Rev. Eddie Lake, Pastor and First Lady of Greater Mt. Pleasant AME Church, Hollywood, Florida.
Funeral Service:
Saturday, November 18, 2006
11:00 A.M.
The Life Center Church of Eatonville
63 E. Kennedy Boulevard
Eatonville, FL 32751
(407) 628-3229
Final care entrusted to:
Mitchell's Funeral Home
501 Fairvilla Road
Orlando, FL 32808
(407) 298-0703
Condolences may be sent to:
Rev. Paula Lake
720 SW 2nd Place
Dania Beach, FL 33004
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY 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
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
