Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
Editor’s Note: Next week the Editor will report on his visit to the Atlanta-North Georgia Annual Conference Ordination Service. The Annual Conference was held at Turner Chapel AME Church, Marietta, Georgia. The Right Reverend William Phillips DeVeaux is the presiding Bishop of the Sixth Episcopal District; Dr. Pam DeVeaux is the Episcopal Supervisor.
The host pastor of the Conference was the Reverend Kenneth E. Marcus and what a host and what a facility. The host presiding elder was the Reverend David B. Rhone. The associate presiding elders were the Reverend Dr. Earle H. Ifill, the Reverend Dr. Roosevelt Morris, and the Reverend Walter E. Daniels.
The Ordination Sermon was delivered by the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour. Dr. Barbour said a lot of things, and I will share what he said in his sermon in next week’s article, but one thing he said to the 30 plus ministers who were ordained as Deacons and the 12 persons who were ordained elders was, “Atlanta is not ‘all of the world.’ I hope that you are willing to extend your ministry beyond Atlanta.” One more observation and I am going to stop and wait until the next issue, Dr. Barbour, in his sermon, asked how preachers can talk about how God can make a way out of no way, when they don’t trust God to make a way in their lives and feel that they must take two jobs to support their families…
MORE IN THE NEXT ISSUE…
1. THE 13TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT ANNUAL RETREAT HAD SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE:
The 13th Episcopal District Retreat provided blessings for everyone who attended the retreat and took advantage of the resources provided by the retreat leaders. The Right Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie is the presiding prelate of the 13th Episcopal District; Mr. Stan McKenzie is the Episcopal Supervisor.
Those who took the time away from their busy schedules to attend the retreat were blessed by the ambience of the location, scheduled workshops, retreat sessions and the preaching. Bishop and Supervisor McKenzie provided time for retreat that allowed for rest and relaxation in the midst of active learning.
Workshop sessions included, “Getting the World Our – Marketing your WMS” lead by Therese’ Baker; “Feed the need – How to Impact the Issues of Poverty and Hunger,” Rebecca C. Wallace; “Spiritual Gifts inventory,” Amanda Johnson; “Establishing a Prison Ministry,” Loretta Matthews, “Both of You Taking Care of You, So that You Can Serve Well,” the Reverend Charlotte Blake Sydnor and the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III was designed for clergy couples; “Strategies for Taking Care of You,” the Reverend Calvin H. Sydnor III, designed for clergy; and “Supporting Your Partner – A Roundtable Discussion, Brenda Merritt, Facilitator, designed especially for clergy spouses.
Ms. Barbara Lancaster-Lyman was the facilitator for an early bird session entitled, “Relaxation and Aromatherapy.” The plenary session, focused upon “Servant Leadership,” was led by Dr. Mary Levi Smith, President Emerita of Kentucky State University and a Steward at St. John AME Church, Frankfort, Kentucky. Dr. Smith’s message is appended below: #24
The Thursday evening worship service sermon was delivered by the Reverend Dr. Stanley Fuller, the husband of the Reverend Dr. Ann Lightner-Fuller, pastor of Mt. Calvary African Methodist Episcopal Church, Towson, Maryland and a candidate for the bishopric.
Dr. Fuller took his text from Job 1:13-22 and entitled his sermon, “Encourage Yourself.” He asked the question. “What happens when your life or ministry seems to be a failure?” He went on to ask the preachers a question, “What do you do when your public ministry is a failure? Whether you feel down or in the midst of failure, what do you do?” The preacher asked several more questions, one of which was, “What do you say to that little voice on your shoulder that speaks negativity to you, and only you can hear it?”
The preacher went on to say, “You tell the negativity to shut up!” He gave the example in Job, when he had all of his possessions taken from him, responded, “The LORD God giveth and the LORD God taketh away, blessed be the name of the LORD.” Dr. Fuller made the point in his dialogical message that Job understood, and we should understand too, that our praise and our worship of God should never be wrapped up in our possessions and through it all, we should learn to trust in God. The preacher delivered a strong word and enjoined us to learn to encourage ourselves. God allows us to go through some things, but God gives in abundance and as God returned blessings to Job because Job was faithful, God will bless is in the midst of our failures and setbacks if we are faithful and that’s a great reason for learning to encourage ourselves in ministry. Bishop McKenzie led the congregation in a call or prayer and commitment. We all felt the presence of the Holy Spirit.
The closing sermon was the “icing on the cake.” The Reverend Dr. Ann Lightner-Fuller’s message was delivered “packed” with didache and kerygma. The message delivery was both charismatic and academic. Dr. Ann Lightner-Fuller preached a dynamic sermon entitled, “Manipulating the Blessing.” She told the story of Abram and Sarai and how God had promised Abram that he would be the father of many children, but Sarai manipulated the blessing by offering Hagar to Abram. Instead of waiting for God to fulfill God’s promise, Sarai took matters in her own hands. She wanted to help God to do God’s work and developed and alternative plan and was willing to settle for a lesser blessing. The preacher went on to say, as Sarai manipulated God’s blessings, we do the same today. We do not want to wait for God. We want the big church now and we want “the bottom line up front, without sacrifice. When we put our human limitations on God, we usually end up with a half blessing.
Dr. Lightner-Fuller delivered the sermon and her gift was letting the sermon preach itself. I am sure that every preacher felt like me, and wanted to get up and preach that sermon. The preachers and the laity were brought to their feet as she expounded on the word of God with power and commitment. We did not want to leave that place.
Bishop McKenzie extended the call to commitment and prayer and we were all spiritually filled with we all felt the Spirit of the LORD in that place.
“We didn’t want to leave, but we did.” The folks departed smiling and hugging one another because we had celebrated and experienced retreat.
2. CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP: THE ANCHOR FOR RURAL AND SMALL MEMBERSHIP CHURCH GROWTH:
By Doctor George R. La Sure
In today’s fast paced, technologically oriented society, we have witnessed church growth and expansion in many growing communities and, we have witnessed stagnation and decline in others. In many areas where large populations once resided, we have witnessed declines in industry and an out-migration of many to other areas of the state and country to pursue educational and employment opportunity and, advancement. With future technological advancement and information availability, it is likely that there will be continuing population shifts and detachments from areas of long time familiarity.
Today, the church is challenged, as much as it has ever been in the past, to provide for the needs of the people it serve wherever it might be located. There is nothing new about the church, except that it must make necessary adaptations and course adjustments to meet its stated goal of winning souls for Christ. As much as winning souls for Christ becomes the stated priority, there is an equal need to keep, maintain, and nurture souls for Christ beyond the point of uniting with the church.
In the case of the rural and small membership church, the greatest area for church growth is the individual member. In situations where the overall membership numbers are not likely to increase on a catastrophic scale, the most likely investment for church growth is via the individual. When persons are suitably oriented and indoctrinated in the Christian faith and, are well acquainted with African Methodism, then there is an opportunity for significant growth within the body of the congregation. Christian Stewardship does not relate to the size of a congregation but to the size of the Christian.
Christian Stewardship speaks of the individuals’ lasting commitment to Christ. The individual must first become a Christian by conversion, having been convicted by the Holy Spirit that there is a need to embrace Jesus Christ as one’s own Lord and Savior. As such, the individual commits to becoming a Christian. When this commitment is evidenced, we formally acknowledge that this individual, as a Christian, is one who professes belief in Jesus Christ and, is following the faith based on the life and teachings of Jesus. A further expansion of this definition, by the writer, would lead us to the understanding that a Christian is one of a body of believers committed to showing forth the teachings and the example of Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, Who is apart of the Godhead, consisting of the Father, the Son and, the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we might further conclude that a “Christian” is that individual who has dedicated his/her life, and has altered his/her behavior in such a way as to exemplify, as closely as possible, the identity of Jesus in his/her life, so that the completely informed and prayerful critic would encounter great difficulty in discerning a difference.
The Apostle Paul says, “Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.” II Cor. 5.17 KJV. Christianity is indicative of a new walk that starts afresh with each day. It (Christianity) is a conscious and constant renewal of our faith in GOD Who is merciful and so filled with grace that He keeps us from falling. The Psalmist reminds us that “the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof: the world, and they that dwell therein.” Psalm 24.1 KJV. Consequently, everything that we will ever come to know and embrace about this world belongs to God. As such, we must recognize that we (each of us) are only here for a short season and, the challenge that is ever before us, to become all that GOD would have us to be. Stewardship is about faithfully developing and using our gifts, talents and resources within the amount of time GOD has allotted to us. David reminds us: “As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone: and the place thereof shall know it no more.” Psalm 103.15-16 KJV.
As Christian Stewards in the African Methodist Episcopal Church we must first be converted. In recent years, too much emphasis has been placed on “church membership” and not enough attention has been paid to conversion and “Christian Discipleship” We must, subsequent to conversion, engage in a program of personal growth and development, offered via Christian Education, to learn the history, the doctrine and discipline and the founding principles of African Methodism. Above all we must commit our ways to the Lord by embracing a daily diet of the Holy Spirit leading us in the understanding of God’s WORD (the Holy Bible) and, by making ourselves available to be apart of Bible Study and Church School activity.
Secondly, as Christian Stewards, we must be convicted. It is most difficult to lead where we will not go and, it is hard to teach what we do not know. In order to lead a congregation in the direction that it must go, the pastor must lead the way by providing an effective example. The congregation should be able to see a pastor who is tithing along with his/her officers. Today, more so than in the past, congregants are desirous of seeing sermons instead of just hearing sermons. Today the church is burdened, to some extent, with persons who might be labeled “counterfeit Christians” who project images of living one way, when, in fact, they are living lives that speak to something else.
In like manner, persons who desire to serve in leadership positions in the church must subscribe to all of the basic precepts of Christian Stewardship and demonstrate by their living and their giving that Christ is at the center of their lives. Conversion involves living a new life following the principles of Christian living. Christian living involves giving of our best all the time.
Finally, as Christian Stewards we must be committed to become the best possible managers of our lives. We must always be aware that GOD has given us everything and, that we will be held accountable for our stewardship over that which HE has given to us. As such, effective Christian Stewardship requires our daily presentation of ourselves (tithes, talents and treasures) as a fitting sacrifice to a Praise-worthy GOD. There is no earthly end to faithful Christian Stewardship. Jesus tells us that if we are “faithful over a few things, He will make us rulers over many things.” Mt. 25.21 KJV Therefore, we are encouraged to press on, knowing that our ultimate reward is not with humankind but with GOD.
3. THE REVEREND DR. JESSICA INGRAM TOLD THE FOLKS, “DON’T STOP PRAYING”:
By: Delanda S. Johnson
Special to the News
This was the message given by the Rev. Dr. Jessica Kendall Ingram, the Tenth District Episcopal Supervisor. The Rev. Dr. Ingram was the guest speaker in Athens, Texas at Allen Chapel AME Church for its fifth Sunday (April 30) WMS program.
Dr. Ingram expressed to the congregation that God is doing something new and wonderful in the AME Church and in the State of Texas.
She stated to the women that God is working with this State because HE has called women from all over the world to gather in Dallas, Texas August 16-19, 2006 for the International Convocation of Women. This will consist of workshops, spiritual messages from outstanding women of God and gospel recording artist Karen Clark Shears to entertain with her anointed voice from God.
As the Episcopal Supervisor proceeds to give, her scripture (Luke 8:1-8) the theme for her message was “Don’t Stop Praying” with special focus on the first verse.
Ingram explained that a parable was an earthly demonstration that in turn is a heavenly truth.
“There are those who say that when we pray, we should only pray about it once and then leave it alone. That when we pray and pray again, we are saying that we do not believe God; that we do not have faith or trust in God. They say that if we did, we would not keep praying about the something repeatedly. But Jesus in these verses is saying that we have the right to come to God over and over again until we get what we came for,” said Ingram.
Ingram stated that we are to always pray and never give up. When it seems like things are getting worse or not happening; just continue to pray.
We must be persistent in the power of prayer. Ingram noted that some like the boldness and confidence to go after what you want, but you do not want to do what it takes to get what you want.
Ingram stated to the congregation that we need to learn how to persist. This means we need to know how to struggle. To struggle means that you keep going after something and you do not stop. To struggle means that you will do whatever it take to go it. To struggle means when problems come you will find the answer. To struggle means that when roadblocks are placed in your way, you go around them.
“Young people today do not know the meaning of the word STRUGGLE. Our youth today have everything handed to them on a silver platter. We have some young people who cannot spell the word or pronounce the word STRUGGLE. Fredrick Douglass once said, “Without struggle there is no progress.” If we don’t struggle, we don’t get anything,” said Ingram.
Ingram reminded the congregation that we come from women who knew how to struggle. “We come from women who persisted in the struggle for equality. These women said that they would not give-up, shut-up, let-up, or back up. We come from women who had vision, faith, strength in knowing that God would make away out of no way. We come from women, who could not be bought, compromise, detoured, turn back, would not quit, until they got what they came for,” said Ingram.
The power of the word persistence teaches us and asks the question, “How bad do I want it? And what am I willing to do to get it?”
Ingram concluded that when you keep praying about the same things repeatedly, it does not mean that you do not trust GOD, but that you do trust God to handle all problems.
4. "KEEPING IN TOUCH MATTERS!"
*Written by Lynette Hawkins founder of Awesome Insight
More people return when follow-up happens. Effective outreach is greatly dependent on your hospitality and the way you respond to visitors when they come. Keeping in touch does matter. The more touches your congregation shares with a first-time visitor the greater the likelihood of a return visit.
Have you ever imagined what it is like to visit a church as a seeker, fill out a visitor's card but never hear another word from the church?
Recently I spoke with someone that experienced this. In fact, this seeker visited a couple of churches, filled out the visitor cards but never heard another word from those congregations. His response, "I don't plan to go back there." This can be a lesson to each of us. If you desire to increase your attendance and maintain more of your visitors, be ready to keep in touch and follow-up after a first-time visitor signs the pew visitor's card. Ministry leaders who place goals on communicating with worship guests and pledging to keep in touch, regularly, positively affects attendance and the return of visitors.
Regardless of whether your congregation is large or small, take the time to ensure you have an effective system for follow up. Here are a few ways that you can keep in touch and bring the love of Jesus Christ to those who may not yet know Him.
- Send a Letter from the Pastor. Thank visitors and invite their feedback with a pastor's letter that includes a self-addressed envelope for feedback. Ask them to tell you what they really enjoyed and what you can do better.
- Make Doorstep Visits by Ministry Leaders. Organize visits within 48-72 hours of a worship service visit. Arm leaders with welcome / information packets that include a gift from the church (i.e. homemade bread or cookies), recent issues of your newsletters and upcoming ministries.
- Mail Holiday Cards to Recent Guests. Send Mother's Day, Father's Day and Christmas cards to visitors.
- Share a Church Gift. Send a follow up gift with the church's name. Examples of gifts include ink pens, key chains, water bottles and bookmarks.
- Recruit a Diverse Volunteer Team of Callers. Get young, seasoned and mixed genders of outreach callers to call and invite guests to return. Train callers on how to invite.
- Place a Welcome Back Table in Entrance. Stock a welcome back table with invitations to small group ministries and upcoming events.
- Arm Church Office on FAQ's. Give the church receptionist, and admin team a list of frequent asked questions that first time visitors may ask when they call. A question such as "Do you have to be a member to attend?” is a good question to answer in advance.
- Personally Invite Guests to Lunch or Dinner. When possible, invite first time guests to break bread with the pastor or a lay leader.
- Send Thank You Emails. Regularly send first time guests inspiring email messages and invitation to return.
- Prepare a Script for Callers and Doorstep Visitors. Give the outreach ministry something to say. Write an easy to share message.
Keeping in touch matters!
* Written by Lynette Hawkins founder of Awesome Insight a communications initiative of Beyond Marketing Group, Inc., which provides seminars for church leaders on how to attract, reach and keep worship guests. Visit her website www.awesomeinsight.com or contact her at (888)834-7525
5. THE RIGHT REVEREND VASHTI MURPHY MCKENZIE TO BE THE WOMEN’S DAY PREACHER AT ST. MATTHEWS AME CHURCH, MIDWAY, KENTUCKY:
The Rt. Rev. Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate of the 13th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church will be the Women’s Day preacher at St. Matthew AME Church, 114 N. Winter Street/US Highway 62, Midway Kentucky on Sunday, May 21, 2006 11:00 a.m.
The Theme for Woman’s Day is, “Vessels for the Masters Use” taken from II Timothy 2:21.
The Reverend Sherry J. Miller is the pastor of St. Matthew AME Church, Midway.
6. HOUSTON CITY COUNCILMAN MICHAEL BERRY AND UNITED STATES STATE DEPARTMENT CULTURE AMBASSADOR AND ORIGINAL MEMBER OF THE SUPREMES MARY WILSON VISIT HOUSTON AREA SCHOOLS:
Houston City Councilman Michael Berry visited Houston area schools with Mary Wilson, an original member of one of the most successful female singing groups in recording history – The Supremes.
During their visit, Ms. Wilson presented her “Dare to Dream” Program. In her “Dare to Dream” Program, Ms. Wilson encourages kids to focus on their goals and persist until they are successful, telling the story of how she and two girlfriends rose from the Brewster housing projects of Detroit to become Cinderellas of the 1960’s rock & roll scene.
Ms. Wilson encouraged students at Westbury High School, Yates High School and Cullen Middle School never to give up. Ms. Wilson’s visit has been made possible through the generosity of HEB Grocery & Affordable Health Care.
While in Houston, Ms. Wilson also attended a fundraiser as special guest for District 146 State Representative Elect Borris Miles at the River Oaks home of Reggie Van Lee. Ms. Wilson’s entire trip was coordinated by Councilman Berry’s Senior Aide Carl Davis who is a lay leader from the 10th Episcopal district and active member of Wesley AME Church under the leadership of the Rev. Leo Griffin.
7. THE GLOBAL CORNER - THE ST. JAMES MARIENTAL, REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA, TRUST OPEN FUNDRAISING LETTER:
Caring for the Old, Orphans & Vulnerable Children Reaching down to pull up; Reaching out to pull in Reaching in to pull out; Reaching up to pull together Donations for the St. James Soup Kitchens
We greet you in the wonderful name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. This missive is a connectional appeal to the extended AME family to consider a financial donation to the St. James Soup Kitchen in the Namibia Annual Conference of the 15th Episcopal District.
The St. James Trust, a non-profit welfare organization, was organised on May 1, 2004, with the Hon. Marlene Mungunda (Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare) serving as Patron, to serve the needy community (orphans and vulnerable children and old-aged person) of Mariental.
Winter is with us, and in addition to the blankets we have been distributing to this needy section of our society, the St. James Soup Kitchen currently serves 3 warm meals per week. This missive serves to inform you that we plan to increase these meals to 5 meals a week during the winter season starting June 1st, 2006, and we would kindly request you to consider a financial donation $150 (US) in favour of the St. James Trust. Kindly make out cheque to St. James AME Church.
With our warm regards,
The Rev. Willem Simon Hanse, St. James Trust Chairperson
P O Box 78,
Mariental,
Republic of Namibia,
Tel/Fax 063-24 2754
Tel. 061-22 9938 Fax. 061-23 16 26
stjamesmariental@yahoo.com
Trustees: Minister Marlene Mungunda, MP (Patron), Willem Simon Hanse (Chairperson), Anna Katrina Kooper (Vice Chairperson), Cornelia A Witbooi (Administrative Secretary), Launa Isaack (Financial Secretary), Hendrik F Links (Director), Jonas Dreyer, Morris Isaack, Gert Johannes Kooper, Annalise Isaack
8. THE GLOBAL CORNER – ZAMBIAN DEACONESS KILLED BY AUTO ON THE WAY TO THE HOSPITAL:
The Copperbelt West District of the South West Zambia Conference of the 17th Episcopal District regretfully announces the passing on of Deaconess Belita Mwansa of Allen Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church in Mufulira on Thursday 11th May 2006. The Rt. Rev. Paul J M Kawimbe is the presiding bishop; the Rev Jeremiah Mwenyo is the pastor and the Rev Mfula Peter Mwenya is the Presiding Elder.
Deaconess (Mama) Belita Mwansa aged 77 years old was hit and died on the spot by a fast moving vehicle of Sandvik Zambia Limited. She was crossing the highway from Chibolya Township to Kamuchanga Hospital to visit some AME Church members when she met her death. Deaconess Mwansa is one of the longest serving deaconesses in the South West Zambia Conference. Earlier in the day, she had attended the WMS weekly meeting where she strongly encouraged the women to be supportive to, avoid loose talk and get busy with God's work for night cometh when no one worketh.
Funeral gathering was shifted from her residence where she was staying alone to Allen Temple AME Church in order to accommodate a huge number of mourners from within and outside the Copperbelt West PE District. Funeral service took place yesterday Sunday 14th May 2006 12:00 pm after the morning worship service. The Presiding Elder of Copperbelt West District Rev M. P. P. Mwenya led the funeral and burial ceremony, which was preceded by the postmortem to determine the cause of death. Hundreds of mourners as well as several pastors within and outside of the AME Church attended the burial service up to Chatulinga Central cemetery where Deaconess Mwansa was put to rest. She was given a veterans send-off in accordance with the Zambian culture and tradition. Funeral and burial traditions in Zambia, Africa and the US are very different.
May Her Soul Rest in Peace.
Submitted by:
Rev Royd Mwandu- Senior Pastor
St. Thomas AME Church
Chingola, Zambia
9. EVERY WOMAN - MEDITATIONS FOR INSPIRING BEAUTY IN WOMEN:
By the Rev. Maxine L. Thomas,
Independent Beauty Consultant
“A Miracle Set On Changing Your Life”
“The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto Him, Rabbi, we know that Thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.” (John 3:2)
And so, Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, who was also a Pharisee, came to Jesus by night. Have you ever come to Jesus by night…at a time when you knew nobody else was studying you and when you knew you could just have a talk in private with the Master? If the truth were told, there are too many nosy Christians. Always in your business… and trying to make it their business to know everybody else’s business. Sis, there are some times in our lives when we have to get away from the crowd, get into the privacy of our prayer closet and seek God in prayer.
And, the Bible says that Nicodemus said unto Jesus, Rabbi (teacher), we know that you are a teacher come from God. Who knows that you are come from God? I know other folk know that you are a member of Greater Bethel, that you are a member in good standing in the North Dakota Club, and that you are a loyal lay leader. But, does anybody know that you are come from God?
Girlfriend, somebody ought to know that you are come from God besides you.
When you are come from God, you are marked for change. You cannot be born again without a change coming into your life. The Bible says, “Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he us a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.” (II Corinthians 5:17) A songwriter said, “What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought, since Jesus came into my heart.”
Jesus’ life was marked by change. Everything that Jesus touched and wherever He trod was marked for change. When He came on the scene, change took place. His teachings made a difference because they were God’s holy and divine messages to a dying world. And so it is that Jesus went about healing those who were sick and giving sight to the blind. He unstopped deaf ears and set loose stammering tongues. He fed the multitudes, walked on the water, and even raised the dead. We serve a living Savior and He is still making a difference in the world today!
Sister, aren’t you glad to be from God… to have had your sins washed away and to have the healing and regenerating power of God living on the inside of you! Did you know that you have the Miracle Worker living on the inside of you? Woman of God, you are filled with miraculous power. The day that you asked Jesus to come into your heart, a miracle was born inside of you. When you "got saved," it was a miracle!
When you open your mouth, a miracle ought to take place! I dare you to stand on the authority of God’s Word, stretch out in the Holy Ghost, and command the devil to loose your finances… to loose your child who is strung out on drugs… to loose your health! I dare you to speak a miracle every time you open your mouth. Woman of faith and victory, I dare you to walk in your miracle… to live in your miracle. I dare you to be the miracle that God created you to be.
And the Bible says, no man can do these miracles except God be with him. Don’t think that you are going any place on your own. You need God to go with you and before you, to stand near you and ever to care for you. God wants to lead you to your destiny of miracles. Now come on Sis, grab a hold of your miracle, and don’t let go!
Rev. Maxine L. Thomas is the Connectional Director of Ministries for Women (Dept. of Church Growth and Development, AMEC), the Assistant Pastor at Morris Brown AME in Philadelphia, PA, Editor of the First District Flame Newspaper, Director and Founder of Sisters Keeping the Covenant, and an Independent Beauty Consultant for Mary Kay. She is available to bring an “every woman” Seminar to your area or church. Call her at 215-763-4707. To order Mary Kay’s fine products and/or to learn more about the “Mary Kay Opportunity,” visit Rev. Maxine’s website at www.marykay.com/Magnificentmaxi. Remember, “With God, nothing shall be impossible unto you.”
10. UNITED METHODIST CHURCHES, MEMBERS ENCOURAGED PREPARING FOR AND TAKING BIRD FLU PRECAUTIONS:
May 15, 2006 News media contact: Linda Bloom * (646) 3693759* New York {287}
NOTE: A photograph and audio is available at http://umns.umc.org.
By Linda Bloom*
NEW YORK (UMNS) - At a time when the U.S. government is drafting plans on how it would deal with a massive outbreak of bird flu or another virulent strain of influenza, United Methodists can prepare themselves as well.
Kathy Griffith, staff member with the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, believes the denomination can encourage preventive measures against a flu pandemic and use churches or church-related facilities as centers of care and treatment where outbreaks occur. "We're all over the world, in many different situations, with hearts to serve," she told United Methodist News Service in a May interview.
Fear over a large-scale outbreak of what has been called bird flu or avian flu prompted the Bush administration to make such public health preparations as stockpiling vaccines and anti-flu medications and creating a pandemic flu plan. A draft of the plan, released May 3, forecasts massive disruptions in everyday life if such an outbreak occurred.
Influenza "A" viruses are usually found in birds but more than 200 confirmed cases of human infection have been reported since 1997, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms in humans can range from fever or a cough to eye infections to pneumonia and other life-threatening complications.
The current outbreak in Asia and Europe of the H5N1 avian influenza virus has led to deaths in more than half of the people infected, mostly children and young adults, the CDC has reported. However, it is not known if all cases have been reported.
The big concern, according to the CDC, is that the H5N1 virus will change and allow for easy human-to-human transmission. In such a case, a pandemic could occur. "Because these viruses do not commonly infect humans, there is little or no immune protection against them in the human population," the CDC says.
Since December 2003, animal H5N1 cases have been reported in a large number of countries in Africa, East Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Eurasia, South Asia and the Near East.
The World Health Organization in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Egypt and Iraq has reported human cases.
Part of the prevention effort has to do with adjusting living situations that make animal-to-human or human-to-human virus transmission easier. Griffith, who has trained community health workers in Central Asia, attended a course on behavior change in Thailand in January. Such change, she learned, can be slow in coming.
In central Asia, for example, animals routinely sleep in the kitchen - a room where childbirth also takes place. And in both Asia and Africa, Griffith pointed out "people are far more community-oriented than in the West" and live together in close quarters.
Griffith noted that while church communities can help respond to a bird flu crisis, their members need to remember they are equally at risk.
Prevention strategies for virus transmission include following basic hygiene measures, such as vigorous hand washing and taking precautions when handling eggs and raw chicken. If handled and cooked properly, poultry and eggs pose no threat for transmission, according to the CDC. The United States has had a ban on importing poultry from countries affected by avian flu viruses since 2004.
Griffith suggested that eggs should be fresh, washed on the outside and cooked well. Before and after handling raw poultry and eggs, wash hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, the CDC recommends. Cutting boards and utensils also need to be cleaned with soap and hot water.
"If you've been to a bazaar where you buy chickens, wash your shoes," Griffith said. "It's these market and preparation issues and cooking issues that are very real in a developing country and could be real here (in the United States)."
In church settings in countries where bird flu has surfaced, members can offer another type of greeting aside from shaking hands or hugging. Ways should be found to limit physical contact during the sharing of communion and the passing of offering plates, attendance registers and other items should be discouraged.
Churches and church-related facilities should provide ample soap, hand sanitizer, tissues and trash receptacles for visitors, members and staff. Trashcans with used tissues should be handled using glove and mask precautions and trash should be burned regularly.
Water fountains can be shut off and toys and nursery equipment sanitized on a regular basis. If needed, the nursery, day care and children's Sunday school should be closed.
Information is crucial to the prevention and spread of disease and church facilities can be used as distribution centers for such information. Churches also can provide space for vaccinations and treatments.
Pastoral care visits to infected patients also require precautions, such as the use of masks and gloves. Church communities can assist affected families by running errands, providing meals or offering other services.
If the bird flu became prevalent enough in an area to cause a ban on large-group gatherings, congregations could divide into smaller groups, Griffith said. Outdoor worship also may be an option.
Progress can be made against avian flu, according to the U.S. Agency for International Development. Vietnam, for example, which has had more confirmed human cases and deaths than any other country - 93 cases and 42 deaths between 2003 and 2005 - has had no confirmed human cases since November 2005.
*Bloom is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in New York.
News media contact: Linda Bloom, New York, (646) 369-3759 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
Used by permission. Article reprinted from UMNS All News
UMNS-ALL-NEWS@UMCGROUPEMAIL.ORG; on behalf of; NewsDesk NewsDesk@UMCOM.ORG
11. THE REVEREND MICHAEL W. WATERS SELECTED TO BE CRAVEN-WILSON GRADUATE FELLOW INTERN:
The Reverend Michael W. Waters will join the staff of the Office of the Chaplain starting June 2006/ August 2006 as the Craven-Wilson Graduate Fellow Intern. Michael is a 2002 and 2006 graduate of Southern Methodist University, earning a B.A. degree in political science and religious studies with a minor in history and a M.Div., cum laude, from the Perkins School of Theology, respectively.
Michael is an Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church and is the senior pastor of Greater Allen Temple AME Church in Grand Prairie, Texas.
Reverend Water’s wife, Yulise, is an SMU alum and a third-year law student at the Dedman School of Law at SMU. They are expecting their first child September 2006.
Congratulatory messages may be sent to Reverend Water at mwaters@smu.edu
12. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
The Reverend David W. Green, Sr., Pastor of Mt. Olive AMEC in Orlando, Florida, Central Conference, 11th Episcopal District is graduating May 13, 2006, from United Seminary, Dayton, Ohio with a Doctor of Ministry Degree. Dr. Green's dissertation was entitled "Developing a Ministry to Address Inner Life Issues in the African Methodist Episcopal Church."Reverend David Green is the Brother of the Reverend Dr. Henry E. Green, Jr., Pastor of Mt. Hermon AMEC, Miami Gardens, FL, the Reverend Dr. John F. Green, Pastor of Bethel AMEC, Tallahassee, FL and Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr., 15th Episcopal District.
13. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
15th Episcopal District
Cape Annual Conference - Graduation Announcements It is with joy unspeakable that we share the following:
The A.M.E. Church in the 15th Episcopal District, especially the Cape Annual Conference, wishes to congratulate and salute the following ministers who received their Baccalaureus Artium (Honours) Degree from the University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa:
The Rev. Jerome C. Gordon
The Rev. Albert Pieterse
The Rev. Adam J. Carelse
The Rev. Andrew B. G. Lewin
The Rev. William C. Legolie
The Rev. Quinton Liebenberg
The Rev. Shane Appollis
The Rev. Harry Claasen
The Rev. Johannes F. Carnow
Congratulatory messages may be emailed to revjcgordon@telkonsa.net
14. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
The Reverend and Mrs. Albert D. Tyson, III, Pastor and First Lady of Saint Stephen African Methodist Episcopal Church, Chicago, IL., proudly announce the graduation of their daughter, Annjeanette Marie Tyson (1st VP, Connectional YPD), from Wilberforce University, with a B.A. in Mass Media/Communication, Cum Laude, on Saturday, May 6, 2006.
Annjeanette is the granddaughter of Rev. & Mrs. A. D. Tyson, Jr. and Mr. & Mrs. Jules Greene. Congratulatory notices can be sent to:
Ms. Annjeanette Marie Tyson
10605 South Wood Street
Chicago, IL 60643
Email: dauht@aol.com
15. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
Jorie Nicole Lawson, daughter of the Rev. Dennis D. Lawson, pastor of St. Peter AMEC, Clarksville, Tennessee, and the late Judith R. Lawson graduated from Middle Tennessee State University on Saturday, May 6, 2006 with a major in Criminal Justice and minor in Psychology.
Jorie's intent is to enroll in law school concentrating in family law. Jorie is also the granddaughter of Mrs. Mary White and Rev. Donald White, pastor of St. Phillips AMEC, Nashville, Tennessee.
Email congratulations may be sent to ALPHALAWS@aol.com
16. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
Nikki Giovon Thomas, daughter of the Rev. Anthony Thomas, pastor of Salem AME Church, Nashville, TN and the late Mrs. Delores Anderson
Thomas graduated on May 11, 2006, from Alabama A & M with a Masters Degree.
17. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
Camelia Rebecca Brown, daughter of the Rev. and Mrs. Ronnie Brown, of Laurel Hill AME Church in Davis Station, SC - Central Conference, graduated on May 6, 2006, from Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and a minor in Mathematics.
Camelia will begin her teaching career at Hand Middle School in Columbia, SC in August. Congratulations and best wishes can be emailed to: Gmabelbrown@aol.com
18. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
The Rev. & Mrs. Ralph (Kia) Brown are celebrating the birth of their new baby girl - Miss Naci Kiara Brown. She was born on April 24, 2006, and weighed in at 5 lbs. 12 ozs. and 18 inches long. Rev. Brown is the pastor of St. James AME Church - Summerton, SC in the Central Conference, 7th Episcopal District.
Congratulations and best wishes may be sent to: Post Office Box 411Vance, SC 29163
(803) 492-8454
Email: K_frierson@yahoo.com
19. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
The Rev. Jennifer Tinsley, Pastor of Bethel A.M.E., Logansport, Indiana, Indiana Conference, 4th Episcopal District, received her Master of Divinity Degree on Tuesday, May 9, 2006 from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois.
Congratulations and best wishes can be emailed to: joy4ever72@sbcglobal.net
20. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
On May 6, 2006, Sammie L. Gordon, Jr., son of the Rev. & Mrs. Sammie L. (Hester) Gordon, Sr. received the degree of Master of Education Administration. Rev. Sammie L. Gordon, Sr. is the pastor of Mt. Moriah A.M.E. Church, Sandy Run, SC in the Central Conference of the 7th Episcopal District.
21. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
Terrance Linel Green, the son of proud parents, Vikki Green and Oscar Green, Jr. and proud grandparents Presiding Elder Delano Bowman and the Rev. Juanita Bowman, North District, Michigan Conference, 4th Episcopal District, is a candidate for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Biology Education, Magna Cum Laude, at the Commencement Convocation to be held on Sunday, the fourteenth of May, Kentucky State University, Frankfort, Kentucky.
Congratulatory messages may be sent to: 19422 AlbanyDetroit, Michigan 48234
Or emailed to: terrancegreen2003@yahoo.com
22. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!
Congratulatory Messages/Praise Reports received are compiled and posted by the Clergy Family Information Center on Friday of each week. Clergy Family Births, Graduations, Weddings and Wedding Anniversaries (25th, 50th, 75th).
23. CONGRATULATIONS FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Christian Recorder staff wishes to extend our congratulatory message to all of those celebrating the blessings of God.
24. PRESIDENT EMERITA OF KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY SPEAKS AT 13TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT WMS, CLERGY & CLERGY SPOUSES RETREAT:
*Dr. Mary Levi Smith
“Servant Leadership”
The following message was delivered by Dr. Mary Levi Smith, President of Kentucky State University, Frankfort, Kentucky
Good afternoon to each of you. I greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I am very pleased to be here today. I thank all who planned this retreat, and for your kind invitation to speak to you this afternoon on the topic of “Servant Leadership.”
This is a great topic. Some may think that the words “servant” and “leadership” are incompatible or incongruent. By this I mean some think these words do not really go together. I hope by the time I take my seat, you will agree with me that these words work well together. Thus, they are compatible.
In the thinking of some people, especially in the people in church, one is either a servant OR a leader. I suspect that people, who think this way, have not really studied the Bible. These are church people who base their beliefs primarily on what the preacher says each Sunday. These are persons who do not read the Bible for themselves and are dependent on what others tell them about the word of God. I am still trying to understand this type of thinking.
Nevertheless, I am here today to tell you that where Christ is concerned, the words “leader” and “servant” fit perfectly. A true leader is indeed a servant to those who have needs.
We find in the Bible many examples of people who were great leaders, and who were also servants of the Lord.
In the Old Testament, the word servant is a term applied to the patriarchs such as Moses, Joshua, and David, the prophets and others. Moses tried every excuse he could find to avoid being the one to lead the children of Israel out of bondage in Egypt. He said he was slow of speech and slow of tongue. The Lord knew better for we find in Acts 7:22 that “Moses was learned in all of the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.” He was perfect for the job, but he was just like some of us when asked to serve. He did not want to do it. The Lord had great plans for Moses and the Children of Israel and did not take “no” for an answer.
So, in spite of the complaining and bickering of the Children of Israel, with the Lord’s help, Moses was successful in leading them out of slavery in Egypt. He did not make it to the Promised Land, but he provided the leadership that established them as an independent nation.
As their leader he had to tolerate the complaining, and their repeated disobedience of God’s instructions and laws. He was forced to put the needs of the children of Israel before his own. When they complained about the manner that came from above, he was the one who went to the Lord on their behalf. As we all know he became angry with them many times, but he continued the work that he was assigned by God. He therefore was a servant of the Lord who was sent to lead.
Then there were Samuel, David, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, Daniel and many others who referred to themselves as “servants of the Lord”. We also find in the New Testament that Jesus, himself, Paul and Timothy used the term servant in reference to themselves. So, it seems to me that that our goal in this life should be to become a servant of the Lord.
We are all shaped for serving God. Job, speaking to the Lord, said, “Your hands shaped me and made me.” Of course, we were all shaped to serve God. (Job 10: 8)
God formed every living creature on this earth with a special area of expertise. Some animals run, some hop, some swim, some burrow, and some fly. Each has a particular role to play, based on the way they were shaped by God. The same is true for humans. Each of us was uniquely designed to do certain things.
Before a building is constructed, the architect will ask, “What is the purpose of this building? How will it be used?” The intended function of the building always determines the form. Therefore, before God created each of us, he decided what role He wanted us to play on earth. He decided how he wanted us to serve Him, and then He shaped us for those tasks. Each of us is the way we are because we were made for a specific ministry.
Maybe you still do not believe me. The Bible says, “We are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works (Eph. 2:10). We are not assembly-line products who are mass-produced without thought. Each of us is “custom designed,” one of a kind, and an original masterpiece.
David praised God for this incredible attention to detail in making him. “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body, and knot me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex. Your workmanship is marvelous (Psalms 139:13). This means that no one else on earth will be able to play the role God planned for each of us. What I am saying to you today is “each of us is equipped to make a unique service to the Body of Christ.
Service begins in the mind. It does not occur without recognition of a need. There must be somebody who has a need to which we can respond. So we must first recognize that there is a need. To be a servant of God requires a mental shift or a change in one’s thinking from self to others.
God is more interested in why we do something rather than in what we do. In other words, what is your motive? Is it to be able to say, “You know I have to go in my closet to find clothes for…she didn’t have a thing to wear. And those kids were just running around half naked.” A word of warning for those who serve for the wrong reason. (Read II Chronicle 25:2) where King Amaziah lost God’s favor because “he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, yet not with a true heart.
For servant leadership, we must think like a servant. In Numbers 14:24 says “My servant Caleb thinks differently and follows me completely.” We must think of ourselves as Christ Jesus thought of himself.
I have three points that I want to share with you regarding servants:
1) Servants think more about others than about themselves. The focus should be on others rather than on us. When we stop focusing on our own needs, we become aware of the needs of those around us. This is what it means to “lose your life” – forgetting yourself in service to others. Read Philippians 2:4, which says, “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the needs of others.” Jesus took on the role of a servant when he came to earth in the form of a human”
2) Real servants do not try to use God for their purposes. They let God use them for His purposes. Unfortunately, a lot of our service is often self-serving. We serve to get others to like us, to be admired, or to achieve our own goals. This is called, manipulation. It has no place in the church. Some try to use service as a bargaining tool with God. Can you imagine this? This is bold. I know you know what I am talking about. Some may say, “Lord if you will get me out of this jam, and Lord I know I did wrong, but if you will just get me out of this mess so nobody else will know, I promise to visit the sick, and help clean the church without complaining.” Wrong approach!
I repeat, do not try to use God for your purposes. Let God use you for His service.
3) Servants think about their work, and not about what others are doing.
A true servant does not compare, criticize, or compete with other servants or ministries. They are too busy doing the work God has given them.
Competition between God’s servants is illogical for many reasons: a) we are all on the same team; b) our goal is to make God look good, not ourselves; c) we have been given different assignments; d) We are all uniquely shaped.
There is no place for petty jealously between servants. When a person is busy serving, there is no time to be critical of others. Any time spent criticizing others is time that could be spent ministering to those who need your assistance.
Remember how Martha complained to Jesus about Mary not helping with the work? Well, when Martha did this, she lost her servant’s heart. Real servants do not complain of unfairness. They also do not have pity-parties, and definitely do not resent those who are not serving. Real servants just keep on serving.
It is not our job to evaluate God’s other servants. It also is not our job to defend ourselves against criticism. It is very difficult to hear criticism and not respond, especially when we have worked hard and done the best we can. We need not worry about the critics. Some time it is these persons who are trying to upset those who are working. Just keep in mind the Lord will handle these persons. Don’t waste your time explaining anything to them. We are not serving to please them. Our goal is to please the Lord.
4) Servants think of ministry as an opportunity and not an obligation.
They enjoy helping people, meeting their needs and doing ministry. They serve the Lord with gladness and joy. Why do they serve with gladness and joy? It is very simple. They serve because they love the Lord, and they are grateful for his grace.
They know that serving is the highest use of one’s life. They also know that God has promised a reward. What is that reward? In John 12:26 Jesus promised, “If any man serves me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: If any man serves me, him will my Father honor.”
Don’t you wonder why more people are not willing to serve? Don’t we all want to be honored by God?
I have given you enough to think about regarding servants. But this is only part of today’s topic. What then is a leader? More specifically, what is a leader in the church? Is it someone who tells everybody else what to do while he or she sits back, observes, and critiques what others have done? I don’t think so.
The word leader may simply be defined, as one who leads. There are many books that have been written about leadership. It is defined as the process of influencing one or more persons in a positive way so that goals and objectives are accomplished. Each of the biblical leaders that I mentioned influenced others in a positive way, and so can each of us.
There are three basic styles of leadership.
The first style is recognized as authoritarian. An authoritative leader is one who controls completely. There is little input from the group. This person directs the activities of group members and monitors them very closely.
The second type of leader is labeled as democratic. This leader seeks input from subordinates and involves them in setting objectives and developing procedures. This leader’s power comes from the people she or he leads. This leader does not push ideas or methods down the group’s throat.
The third type of leader is identified as Laissez-faire. This leader does not interfere with the activities of the group. This leader remains in contact with the group, but does not monitor it. So, the group can do pretty much what it wants.
These three leadership styles are related to the personality, work ethics, and commitment of the leader.
Let us look at these leadership styles as they relate to the church. The authoritarian leader already knows what is to be done, how it is to be done, when it is to be done, and who is expected to do the job.
Example: The choir has been asked to sing on Easter Sunday. The authoritarian choir director selects the music to be sung without input from choir members. The director decides who will do the solo part, and what choir members will wear. In other words, there is no input from the group.
The democratic leader will discuss the goals to be accomplished, but will not say how they are to be accomplished. Example: The mass choir is expected to sing on Easter Sunday. The choir director asks the members what songs will be appropriate for Easter Sunday. The members respond and the music is selected based on the discussion regarding the songs that the majority think are appropriate. The choir members and director reach a consensus on the music and the attire.
The Laissez-faire leader will meet with the choir, and inform members that the choir has been requested to sing on Easter. The Director tells choir members to pick out whatever they want to sing and what ever they want to wear. The director may ask if everybody knows the songs. If the answer is yes, there is no rehearsal. Members are told the time they are to come to sing on Easter Sunday.
You can pretty much tell which of these three leaders is more likely to be successful. In the church, Servant Leadership requires more than doing the minimum amount of work. We must remember that some people are not good leaders. But, each one of us can help lead others to Christ through the Godly service that we provide. God gave us different gifts. We should use them for the glory of God.
We were made for a mission and as followers of Christ; we must continue what Jesus started. Jesus calls us not only to come to Him, but also to go for Him. If we are members of God’s family, our mission is mandatory and that is to help draw other to Him. To ignore this mission is disobedience. God holds us responsible for the unbelievers who live around us. Ezekiel 3:18 says, “You must warn them so they may live. If you do not speak out to warn the wicked to stop their evil ways, they will die in their sin. But I will hold you responsible for their death.” End of quote.
If your neighbor had cancer or AIDS and you knew the cure, it would be criminal to withhold that lifesaving information. It is even worse to keep secret the way to forgiveness, purpose, peace and eternal life. We have the greatest news in the world, and sharing it is the greatest service we can provide to anyone. So be the servant leader that Christ called you to be.
In order to provide this service to others will require you to abandon your personal agenda for your life. You cannot just tack it on to all the other things you would like to do with your life. It seems sometimes that we have time for everything in our lives, except what Christ has instructed us to do.
You must say what Jesus said. “Father … I want your will to be done, not mine.” We must yield our rights, expectations, dreams, plans, and ambitions to Him. Stop praying selfish prayers such as “God bless what I want to do!” Instead, ask God to help you do what “He” wants you to do.
Now, do not get me wrong. I am not suggesting that anyone quit his or her jobs to become a full time evangelist. God wants us to share the good news wherever we are. As a student, mother, teacher, sales clerk, manager, or whatever you do for a living, look for the people that God places in your path with whom you can share God’s love.
In closing, I leave you with this thought. If you give to the Lord a thimble of service to others, you will receive a thimble of blessings. If you give the Lord a bucket of service, you will receive a bucket of blessings in return. But, if you give to the Lord a barrel of service, in return you will receive a barrel of blessings. So how much service will you provide to the Lord? A thimble, a bucket, or a barrel?
May God bless each of you. Thank you for your attention.
* Dr. Mary Levi Smith is President Emerita of Kentucky State University and a Steward at St. John AME Church, Frankfort, Kentucky
25. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: shooks@ameritech.net
The Rev. Sammy L. Hooks, Presiding Elder South District - Illinois Conference Sister Myriel L. Johnson, the wife of our Former Presiding Elder, Rev. Ivan J. Johnson of the South District, Illinois Conference, 4th Episcopal District passed.
Funeral service arrangements for Sister Myriel L. Johnson:
Wednesday May 17, 2006
12:00 Noon
St. Paul A.M.E. Church
1130 South 16th Street
Springfield, Illinois 62703
Pastor, the Rev. Gary McCants
(217) 522-4796 Phone
Professional services entrusted to:
Bisch & Son Funeral Home
506 East Allen
Springfield, Illinois 62703
(217) 544-5424 Phone
(217) 544-4717 Fax
Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. Ivan J. Johnson & family
1921 Greentree Road
Springfield, IL 62703
Please remember the Johnson family in your prayers.
26. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: WMS CARE 2000
It is with sincere regret that I inform you of the passing of Mrs. Vanessa VanHoose, Life Member; and Past Connectional 1st Vice President, WMS-AMEC. Mrs. VanHoose was the widow of the Rev. M. H. VanHoose.
Funeral Arrangements for Mrs. VanHoose:
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Wake: 10:00 a.m.
Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m.
Charles Street A.M.E. Church
551 Warren Street
Roxbury, MA 02121
(617) 442-7770
Services entrusted to:
Davis Funeral Home
89 Walnut Avenue
Roxbury, MA 02119
(617) 427-0828
Expressions of condolence may be sent to her daughter:
Mrs. Marjorie Eure
194 Morse Street
Sharon, MA 02067
(617) 784-3231
Please remember the family in your prayers.
B. P. Lowe
From: WMS CARE 2000@aol.com
(H) (617) 442-3755
Fax: (617) 442-5068
27. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Brother William Collins of Washington, North Carolina, grandfather of the Rev. Mila Cooper, whose husband is the Rev. Gerald Cooper, pastor of St. James AME Church, 8401 Cedar Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44103
The funeral will be held on Monday, May 22, 2006 in North Carolina.
Condolences may be sent to:
The Reverends Gerald and Mila Cooper
11008 Reservoir Place Drive
Cleveland, OH 44104
216-751-5477
Or email to mpc4dst@yahoo.com .
28. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Regretfully announce the passing of the Reverend William Johnson, retired pastor of the Dayton District, South Ohio Conference, the Third Episcopal District. Reverend Johnson last pastored Upshaw AME, Dayton and Allen Chapel AME, Portsmouth, Ohio.
Arrangements:
Homegoing Service
Sunday, May 21, 2006, 4 p.m.
Bethel AME Church
700 Mulberry Street
Lockland, OH 45215
513-761-3208 phone
513-761-8086 fax
The Rev. John McCants, Host Pastor
Condolences may be sent to:
The Johnson Family
820 Read Bud Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45229
513-221-2727
Please keep the family in your prayers.
Respectfully Submitted:
The Rev. Dr. Taylor T. Thompson,
St. John AME Church,
Cleveland, Ohio
Third District Brotherhood
216-214-6886
29. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action Clergy Family Information Center
Sister Ora L. Easley
Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Fax: (615) 833-3781
Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936
Cell: (615) 403-7751
30. 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
