Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
MILESTONE: The Christian Recorder Online has had over 200,000 hits since the beginning of the online edition.
1. EDITORIAL - TOO MANY ITINERANTS SERVINGS AS LOCAL CLERGY:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
There ought to be a law against persons being ordained for the itinerancy who refuse to serve in the itinerant ministry of the AME Church. We have too many persons who, in reality are local preachers, ordained to serve in the itinerant ministry but refuse, for one reason or another, to serve in the itinerancy.
In Methodism, the intent of ordaining persons for the itinerant ministry was predicated upon the need for a person being ordained to be appointed to a pastoral charge or specialized ministry. In the AME Church, itinerant ordination was precipitated by the need to populate persons for itinerant ministry; not to serve in local relationships.
In some of our large churches we have ordained itinerant preachers who serve as local preachers. They are not going anywhere, don’t want a pastoral appointment, feel that they will not be compensated enough to risk giving up their secular employment to take a church, don’t want to start with a small church, don’t trust the AME Church; don’t trust the appointment system, i.e., bishops, presiding elders or church people to provide a livelihood for them and their families, wont’ take a risk, and the bottom-line is that they, in reality, don’t trust God to take care of their every need. Many of them are well-trained; they have M. Div degrees and some even have D.Min degrees. The persons I am addressing are persons who are ordained as itinerant elders, but have never pastored a church; never even tried it. It appears as if they are afraid of committing themselves to full-time ministry.
The fault lies with local churches, pastors, presiding elders, district conferences, annual conferences and bishops who recommend and ordain persons who are not qualified for the pastoral ministry. That is not to say that they are not qualified for ministry; the point is that they are not qualified for the “pastoral ministry”; they make excellent “pulpit assistants!”
Others are processed through the itinerant system who have no intention of serving in itinerant ministry; they have high-paying secular jobs and are well-established in their local communities. And then there are a few who are ordained for ministry, who shouldn’t be ordained. Ministry usually starts with an aspirant’s conversation with a local pastor and the local Church Conference. To some aspirants, church leaders should just say, “We appreciate your interest, but no thank you!”
We have itinerant elders who allow themselves to be called, “associate pastor” or “assistant pastor” who do nothing more than read the scripture lessons, pray, or lead the altar call and in reality they should be called “pulpit assistants” and should be reverted to local relationships. Even in Baptist churches, the normal practice is, persons are not ordained until they are called to a pastoral or specialized ministry position.
We have had some persons who simply left the itinerancy and returned to a local church. Some people change their minds about pastoring and that’s acceptable. The pastoral ministry is not for everyone and it would seem to me that a request for local relationship would be appropriate.
Since we apparently have an over-abundance of itinerant ministers serving in local relationships, the time is now to start rectifying the situation by not ordaining persons for which there are not itinerant positions and stop ordaining persons for the itinerancy who have no intention of serving in the itinerant ministry. We need to stop ordaining unqualified person for ministry. We need to tighten and follow the requirements for ministry that we already have in place, instead of trying to find loop-holes.
As a church body that advocates the itinerancy, we should be encouraging and doing more “seed planting” of local congregations or as the Reverend Garry Moss says, “The AME Church needs to do more seedlings planting.” Local churches that have itinerant ministers serving as “pulpit assistants” ought to encourage them to “plant a local church or relocate to an area where there is a shortage of itinerant elders so they can do itinerant ministry.
We have far too many “pulpit assistants.” A church with fifty or 100 members do not need three persons in the pulpit. A church with 500 in attendance does not need ten “pulpit assistants” sitting in the pulpit.
God takes care of those God calls
If God called you to ministry, you must have the faith that God will take care of your needs and the needs of your family. I know that it’s hard to give up a good paying secular job and I know that it is hard to relocate, but if God called you to ministry and you have accepted “the call” and accepted the ordination and challenge of the itinerant ministry, then faithful obedience is required. If you have changed your mind and a lot of people do, then re-obligate yourself to the local ministry of the Church. The local ministry of the AME Church is a valid, much needed ministry. If you have resigned yourself to local ministry, that’s the ministry in which you should be credentialed.
If you are called and credentialed as an itinerant, do the ministry of an itinerant minister. “Go forth, young man or young woman (old man or old woman), go forth; God calls you to, go to all of the world.”
2. PASTOR WHO PLANTED AME CHURCH SHARES HIS STRATEGY AT THE 20TH ANNUAL SEMINAR ON CHURCH GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN NASHVILLE:
The Rev. Garry Moss, pastor of a newly planted congregation, Faith Community AME Church, presented three sessions at the Growth Development and Development Conference held in Nashville, January 9-12. The congregation started three years ago. Moss presented on “Church Planting” and strategies for how the AME Church should grow in the 21st century.”
The first thing Rev. Moss pointed out was that there should be no fewer than 100 new AME churches strategically planted throughout the United States every year. To do this, he stated that the AME church must recognize the difference between “Seed” and “Seedling” plants. Rev. Moss explained that a “Seedling has a root system established. In other words everything the seed needs to take root is provided before it is removed from a controlled environment and placed in the soil. Therefore a “seedling” has a much higher rate of success because the root system has been nourished. In other words it has resources that a seed does not have. The seedling has better chance to grow because while it is being incubated the ground that would eventually hold it has being tested and deemed suitable for the seedling to take hold.
A seed on the other hand is often placed in soil that isn’t conducive for it to grow. The area isn’t thoroughly analyzed and proper nutrients in many cases simply aren’t available.
If one looks at current structure for planting in the AME Church two points would come to mind. First, the majority of “start-ups” require the “planter” to purchase the seeds, test the soil and apply the proper nutrients. In our church planning, little research is used to determine, who will come, why the location is good, and where worship services will be held.
Moss explained market surveys, Federal, State and County demographic studies, pro-forma data that delineated revenues and expenses over a five year period of time and much more. Rev. Moss also stated that a plant, no matter if it is a “seed” or a “seedling” should have one primary objective: “evangelism.”
Moss concluded by saying every itinerant elder who is not a pastor should know how to, and encouraged to plant a church. He continued by saying, resources to support 100 new AME churches is available, however there must be research, creative thinking, sound business practices along with developing a “Master Model” that can be copied and used throughout the connection.
Faith Community AME Church is a growing and vibrant congregation in its third year of service to the AME Church and the local community. Along with outstanding growth, the church has a strategic marketing plan that saw 9 new members join in December; web cast and podcasts; dynamic community outreach and much more.
Faith Community Church meets in Elgin, Illinois.
3. AMEC STRATEGIC PLANNING CORE COMMITTEE (SPCC) MEMBERS PASS THE TORCH!:
On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, October 30, 31, and, November 1, 2006, the African Methodist Episcopal Church Strategic Planning Core Committee (SPCC) met in Nashville, Tennessee to continue its appointed task.
At the culmination of this intensely focused work session, the members of the SPCC Passed the Torch to the newly formed Strategic Implementation Core Team (SICT).
On Wednesday, November 1, 2006, twenty – five members of the SPCC were selected to receive the red, paper torch – shaped symbols of their task of taking the work of the Strategic Planning Core Committee to the next level. These twenty – five Episcopal District representatives now form the Strategic Implementation Core Team and have been charged with the following responsibilities:
i. To help to track and measure progress in accomplishing goals and objectives of the Strategic Recommendations
ii. To meet with Managers/ Directors of the various Departments of the church to help implement the strategic plan
iii. To help promote ownership of the strategic plan
iv. To help to market the strategic plan, giving expertise to how conclusions were made, etc.
v. To interpret the strategic plan when necessary
vi. To assure that the Strategic Implementation Team does not become the de – facto management team.
During this ceremony, at the conclusion of the SPCC meeting, each member of the entire SPCC was awarded a certificate of appreciation for his/ her commitment to the work over the past four years, since the inception of the committee in September 2002. The members of the SPCC were also informed that future plans for the completion of the work of the committee will continue to involve less frequent meeting of the entire committee. However, it is the SCIT who will now spearhead this next step in the process.
It was during the 47th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, held in Indianapolis, Indiana in June of 2004 that the Co–conveners of the SPCC, Bishops McKinley Young, C. Garnett Henning, and Vashti Murphy McKenzie, submitted the initial Strategic Planning Report, authorized by the AMEC Bishops’ Council and General Board.
As a part of this very comprehensive report, the SPCC developed and proposed to the AMEC eight Strategic Recommendations, or Strategic Objectives for the church. These Strategic Recommendations are as follows:
i. Enhance Church Growth
ii. Improve Leadership and Management
iii. Support Christian Character
iv. Enhance Spiritual Growth and Development
v. Ensure Economic Growth and Fiduciary Accountability
vi. Embrace Diversity
vii. Improve Education Growth and Development
viii. Enhance Global Ministry and Missions
Bishop Vashti M. McKenzie offered words of encouragement and inspiration to the committee members as they faced with excitement and anticipation the next level of the journey toward success in this process.
Bishop McKenzie stated that we must be aware of the “Burden of Potential” that rests upon us. She stated, “We must not become distracted or side tracked in any manner, forget our purpose, lose our commitment to the process, become afraid of problems; or, afraid of change. Our potential is always greater than our problems and our problems will always help to bring out our potential.”
The Strategic Implementation Team is tentatively scheduled to meet during CONVO IX, in Charlotte, NC, February 26 – 28, 2007.
Submitted by:
The Rev. Dr. Lugenia Johnson, Senior Pastor
Mount Zion AME Church – Kennesaw, GA
Sixth Episcopal District AMEC
4. REMEMBERING THE DREAM:
*Delanda S. Johnson
Special to the News
Someone once said, “Moving forward starts with not leaving his message behind.”
However, we must wonder if in 2007, the young people of today are keeping the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. alive.
We must realize that Dr. King hoped for a nation where people would be judged on their character, not by individual ethic groups.
Let us reflect back with a few people in the Henderson County area who can recall the sadness and horror when they hear of Dr. King’s assassination.
For those of you, Athens, Texas is our County Seat, which is Henderson County. Before becoming the North Texas Conference; Tyler District, Athens was the lead District for the Northeast Texas Conference.
Ms. Pearlie Jenkins Russell, (93) a long time resident of Trinidad recalls back in 1968, “I was working at the Corner Café as the cook and when the news came about the death of Rev. Dr. King all screamed and cried white and black people. The owner at that time Ms. Lou Willis closed up the café because it looked like everything went to pieces.”
After the assassination of Dr. King, Ms. Russell remembers that the white people were friendlier and took more time to talk to black people.
Russell remembers while working for TP & L plant (which is now TXU) Mr. Cruz, who was Superintendent at the time, only paid Russell $5.00 a week to take care of the family and house work. However, after the death of King, wages went up.
“In the schools, the children got along. There was no fighting. Today, things are much better, but it could be improved. You will always have some prejudices, but its take parents and their relationship with the Lord to help overcome their prejudice. For you see, Jesus knows not color,” said Russell.
Mr. L. C. Smith, (92) a long time resident of Malakoff recalls in 1968, “I was working at TP & L plant in Trinidad when the news arrived about Dr. King’s assassination. In Malakoff, there was sadness and shock. People were lost for words; however, by Dr. King working to help improve conditions for blacks in America, we knew that someone would be out to get him. I recall that integration went through without any problems in Malakoff.”
Smith reflects on the day when black people had to enter from the back door into any business or restaurant, but noted that things are better due to Dr. King’s Civil Rights movement. Smith believes that Dr. King’s impression of today’s America would be that of joy and sadness. By this, Dr. King would be happy to see all of the improvements, but sadden to know how many black Americans are in prisons and that prejudice still exists today.
Ms. Eva Trimble, (88) long time resident of Malakoff recalls that will working at the local Dairy Mart, news came of Dr. King’s death. Ms. Trimble felt hurt and could not believe that Dr. King was going. “America lost a great Civil Rights leader and I felt sadness for Mrs. King, but I know that the Lord would give her strength and courage to endure whatever the future held for her and her children,” said Trimble.
Samuel J. Trimble resident of Malakoff, but living in Dallas at the time recalls “I was working a Sears at that time the company employed 3700 people, but the blacks and some whites felt that we had lost one the greatest leaders and even today one of the greatest leader we have ever seen or will see. With the assassination of Dr. King, it set us back twenty years; it was a great tragedy for the blacks in the United States. As far as today leadership, no one has come close in filling Dr. King’s shoes. One day maybe there will be a leader who will replace Dr. King, but no one so far has the spirit of Dr. King.”
Mrs. Gloria Glaspie, (78) resident of Athens and retired AISD teacher, plus born in the same year as Dr. King recalls, “This was a time of sorrow for me. I respected and loved the work that he was doing to help black people in the United States and we stand today with the fruits of his labor. He opened back doors, opened front doors, and closed back doors and made many, many people be able to walk some streets they could not have walked before. I cried; it was a sad, sad day.”
Glaspie noted that some people might have felt that Dr. King was doing something that he should not have been doing, but except for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the freedoms that we enjoy now, we would not be enjoying them. “That Sunday morning at Allen Chapel AME Church the Pastor did comment on Dr. King’s death as a great lost. The church congregation knew that a great man had bee lost. We honored him then just as we honor him now.”
Ms. Vee McClaister, (99) long time resident of Malakoff recalls, “When I heard about Dr. King’s death, I was shocked, in-disbelief, sadden, heart broken. I felt sorrow for Mrs. King and her children, but knew that if she trusted the Lord, He would see her through this horrible time. Dr. King’s dream for black Americans has been fulfilled, but we must not let his dream die. We must press on for a better America and a better future. We must continue to get an education, stop the black on black violence, taking and selling drugs, etc. We must place our trust, faith, and hope in the Lord, for He alone holds our future.”
*Delanda S. Johnson is a member of Johnson Chapel AME Church in Malakoff, Texas and serves as the North Texas Conference and Tyler District Director of Public Relations in the community of Malakoff. She also serves as the Secretary of the Henderson County Black History Committee, Secretary for the City of Malakoff Planning & Zoning Commission, and a member of the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
5. GREATER MOUNT ZION AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, PEARLINGTON, MISSISSIPPI THANKS THOSE WHO HELPED THEM IN THE AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE KATRINA:
The officers and members of Greater Mt. Zion African Methodist Church, Pearlington, Mississippi sincerely thanks all of you for your support and prayers during the fifteen months since our lives were forever changed by Hurricane Katrina. Although our restoration efforts are not complete, we want to express our appreciation for the financial contributions and volunteer labor received from around the country.
At times, we have felt that the work has been painstakingly slow. But when we consider the blessings of a volunteer contractor from Hickory Hammock Baptist Church, Milton, FL, and volunteers from around the country to actually perform the labor, we know that God is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine.
The Rev. Frederick L. Fields
Below is a chronicle of the restoration efforts to date:
• September 2005: Revitalization projects began several weeks after the Hurricane
• October 2005: Building had been gutted; washed down by local fire department; first truckload of goods received
• October 2005-January 2006: Acted as distribution center for community for truckloads of goods from across the country
• Late February 2006: Stopped receiving goods so construction could begin. Phase 2, Restoration of Fellowship Hall began.
• March 2006: Tearing off old roof on Fellowship Hall; Establishment of community Laundromat facility on the church grounds.
• April 2006: Construction of new roof on Fellowship Hall began; installation of air conditioning unit began.
• May 2006: The walls of the building needed to be reinforced with concrete and steel (Rebar) rods.
• June 2006: Work continued on laying the metal on the roof; installation of air conditioning unit in Fellowship Hall completed.
• Late July and August 2006: Taking the old roof off the front of the church.
• Late August and September 2006: No activities due to oppressive heat.
• October 2006: The walls of the sanctuary were prepared for the pouring of concrete and REBar Steel. Bathroom walls in fellowship hall framed and set; plumbing ready to be installed.
• November 2006: Cathedral Trusses were mounted in the main sanctuary, and sheet metal installed on 60% of the roof. Began boxing in Facia and Soffit boards in Fellowship Hall.
We pray that the next phase (December 2006-March 2007) will result in the completion of the roof on the sanctuary; installation of the windows in the sanctuary, electrical meter pan throughout the building, drywall installation, and refashioning of the front exterior of the church. For this phase, the assistance of volunteers skilled in the installation of drywall and plumbing, and electrical work would be welcomed.
We ask your continued prayers and support for the completion of the restoration of Greater Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church. To volunteer, please contact
Thanks for your generosity and love shown through financial contributions, tangible goods and publicity!
Mississippi Conference, African Methodist Episcopal Church
Presiding Elder George Willie Tyler, Natchez-Port Gibson District, Mississippi Conference, AMEC
Presiding Elder Joseph E. Young, Brookhaven-Hattiesburg District, Mississippi Conference, AMEC
Bishop William P. DeVeaux, 6th Episcopal District, AMEC
Ward A.M.E. Church, Los Angeles, CA
Bishop Robert Thomas, Retired, African Methodist Episcopal Church
Zion Church, Largo, Maryland
Church at Redstone, Redstone, CO
National Baptist Association Home Mission Board
Rev. Darryl Johnson, Pastor, Walk of Faith Church, Mound Bayou, MS
Lee Chapel AMEC, Nashville, TN
St. John AMEC, Nashville, TN
St. Peter AMEC, Clarksville, TN
St. James AMEC, Dickson, TN
Tennessee Conference Lay Organization, 13th Episcopal District, AMEC
Grant Chapel AMEC, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Ministerial Alliance, Albuquerque, New Mexico
St. Paul AMEC, Dallas, TX
Councilman Laverne Guy, Picayune, MS
Mr. Herbert E. Fields, Slidell, LA
Mr. Melvin Hicks, Picayune, MS
Dr. Bing & Karen Henderson, Tallmadge, OH
Elder Chantal Henry, Barrier Springs, MI
Dr. Conchetta W. Fulton, New Orleans, LA
Saving Our Selves, Atlanta, GA
Faith Community AMEC, St. Charles, IL
Hickory Hammock Baptist Church, Milton, FL
Mrs. Lillian Rogers, Pearlington, MS
Ministerial Alliance of Greater St. Tammany Parish, LA
Ms. Pam Fields,
God’s House Church, Albuquerque, NM
Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, Seattle, WA
Ms. Ann Fields,
Ms. Pearl Thomas, Seattle, WA
Rev. W. Antoni & Kristy Sinkfield, Nashville, TN
The A.M.E. Herald (www.ameherald.com )
The Christian Recorder Online (www.the-christian-recorder.org/tcr.online )
Volunteers
Many individuals have provided hands-on, volunteer labor. For the most part, individual participation was coordinated by a group. It is the coordinating group that is listed. We wish we could list individual names, but it would be a daunting task.
Lee Chapel AMEC, Nashville
The Rt. Rev. Cornal Garnett Henning, Presiding Prelate, 8th Episcopal District
The Rev. Joseph E. Young, Presiding Elder, Brookhaven-Hattiesburg District
The Rev. Frederick L. Fields, Pastor
6. THE TWELFTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT PLANNING MEETING:
*Ann Gilkey
The Twelfth Episcopal District Presiding Elders, Pastor, and Laymen came to the District Planning meeting thinking business as usual on December 7-9, 2006 at Avery Chapel AME Church in Oklahoma City, OK. It was everything except business as usual. From the opening day till the closing when the floodgate spilled opened, the air was filled with questions. The spirit of cooperation, involvement and creativity was evident, but a feeling of something is going to change and it did!
The opening day message coming from Dr. Frederick Wright, Pastor of Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church in Cincinnati, Ohio with his message on Jonah, “ Go to Nineveh- A Clash of the Wills” to Rev. Michael Washington, Pastor of Saint James A.M.E. Church in Camden, AR whose message that Saturday was on “Trusting In God, In Spite Of Our Negative Experience.” The question was being answered if one just opened their ears and listened. A change was coming!
The departments made their plans and programs for the coming conference year as usual! The calendars were presented for the Episcopal and Connectional dates as usual! Candidates for Bishop came and spoke to the delegation as usual!
The Annual Episcopal District Christmas Party was not usual but exceptional with entertainment worthy of an Academy Awards. It has been said, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” You could tell the party was not dull as the laughter echoed throughout the building. The food was fit for a king. Kudos goes to Sis Cordelia A. Bennett and the host committee and the star of the presentation, Pastor Kevin Neal as he portrayed Mr. Scrooge.
Finally, Saturday morning arrived a little chilly, just the usual Oklahoma weather.
The nave filled quickly as many arrived from out of town to witness the pastoral appointments. It became evident with the tone of the message, business was about to change and it did.
The changes in pastoral appointments are too numerous to mention, but the changes in Presiding Elders are worthy of recognition. Presiding Elder Edward E. Davis was transferred to the Oklahoma Conference, Oklahoma City District. Rev. Lonnie Johnson was promoted to Presiding Elder and transferred back to the Oklahoma District, Lawton District. Presiding Elder Dennis Hampton was transferred to the Central Northeast Oklahoma Conference, Tulsa District. Rev. Polly Ragsdale (The first Female Presiding Elder of the Twelfth) was promoted to Presiding Elder and was appointed to the Central Northeast Oklahoma Conference, Muskogee District. Presiding Elder Napoleon Davis, Jr., remained in the East Northeast Arkansas, Stuttgart/Forrest City District. The Reverend Lewie A. Norful was promoted to Presiding Elder of the East Northeast Arkansas Conference, Newport/Jonesboro District. Presiding Elder Thomas G. Allen remained Presiding Elder of the Central Arkansas Conference, Pine Bluff/South District. The Reverend Clarence Reynolds was promoted to Presiding Elder and appointed to the Central Arkansas Conference, Camden/Eldorado District. Presiding Elder Samuel L. Arnold was transferred to the South Arkansas Conference, Crossett District, and Presiding Elder James R. Hooper was transferred to the South Arkansas Conference, Monticello District; Presiding Elder Clarence V. Boyd, Sr., remained in the West Arkansas Conference, Hot Springs District, and Presiding Elder Thomas W. Adair in the West Arkansas Conference, Magnolia District. The Arkansas Conference remained unchanged with Presiding Elder Charles M. Cleaver, Sr., assigned to the North Little Rock/Fort Smith District and Presiding Elder Eugene Brannon to the Little Rock District.
Business as usual was not acceptable, and we left the planning meeting with a new frame of mind, “If you do what you always done, you’ll get what you always got!” Change not for just change, but for the improvement of our District!
The Right Reverend Dr. Richard Allen Chappelle, Sr. - Presiding Bishop
Dr. Barbara Jeanne Chappelle - Episcopal Supervisor
Rev. Harvey G. Potts, Sr. - Host Presiding Elder
Rev. Isaac N. Hudson, Jr. – Host Pastor
*Ann Gilkey is the Twelfth Episcopal District Public Relations Director (Arkansas)
7. CLERGY OF THE WEEK: THE REVEREND JANET JENKINS STURDIVANT” A WOMAN’S JOURNEY TO THE PASTORATE IN THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH:
Reverend Edrena Houston Brown, M.A.C.E.
Christian Recorder, Staff Writer
A woman of faith and vision in ministry is The Reverend Janet Jenkins Sturdivant who is utilizing her calling in an exceptional and profound manner in serving the African Methodist Episcopal District. Reverend Sturdivant is this week’s nominee as clergy of the week.
She is an ordained itinerant elder and serves as the pastor of Asbury A.M.E. Church in Chester, Pennsylvania. Bishop Richard Franklin Norris serves as the Presiding Prelate of the First Episcopal District. In the 159th history of Asbury A.M.E. Church, she is the first female pastor to have been appointment as pastor of this great congregation. Reverend Sturdivant was appointed by retired bishop, the Right Reverend Zedekiah L. Grady. Since her appointment she has established many ministries and involved in the community.
Her journey as a female has pastor has been very rewarding and a challenging experience. At Asbury the church has many accomplishments from developing a radio broadcast program which can be heard weekly in the community, tape ministry in providing audio for the members who are ill and for visitors and friends, tape ministry, children’s altar, reinstatement of the Class Leader’s system, Women’s Ministry, Soldiers of the Cross (Men’s Ministry), Feeding Program-Share A Meal, Intercessory Prayer service (Sunday mornings), Family Bible Study (Tuesday evenings), Meal time with Jesus (every Tuesday at noontime), Perfect Praise Dance Ministry as well as a revived Children’s Dance Ministry, Love Feast and Common Meal, New Members Class, T.E.A.M.S (former Children’s dance ministry), and the Pastor’s Aide.
During Pastor Sturdivant’s tenure, the congregation has purchased a van for the Church, air conditioning for the Fellowship Hall (now named Foreman Hall), the creation of a Music Room for the Choirs of Asbury (named The Roberta Lewis Music Room), installed a Church Lounge, a new P. A. system, paving of the church parking lot, purchase of two security doors for the church, the renovation of the Pastor’s Office, all restrooms in the Church, new carpet for the sanctuary, renovation of the Administrative office, and the painting of the Church. Also, because of the increase in membership, an 8:00 a.m. first Sunday Worship Service has been implemented. A Finance Committee, an increase in tithe and an increase in the membership and weekly visitors.
The pastoral ministry has led her in utilizing her educational gifts as she serves as the Dean of the Ministerial Institute of the Delaware Annual Conference. In May 1998, she became the first female pastor to preach an annual sermon in the Philadelphia Annual Conference. Among her other the firsts, were; the first female to host an annual conference, one of three preachers to preach for the Super Soul Fest in Bermuda in the summer of 2006 and also a preacher of the hour for the Connectional Council in 2006 and for the Department of Church Growth and Evangelism in 2004.
Pastor Sturdivant’s present journey has directed her presently back to the “hall of academics” where she is pursuing a Doctorate of Ministry at Lutheran Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, PA., with an anticipated graduation date of May 2007. Her dissertation is “A Woman’s journey to the pastorate in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.” She is a 1986 graduate of Medialle College in Buffalo, New York and a 1993 graduate of Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia where she earned a Master of Divinity degree.
She is a 1997 Achiever of the Prestigious Award from the NAACP Role Model of the year.
Congratulations, The Reverend Janet Jenkins Sturdivant and the Asbury church family for being nominated as clergy of the week and may your spiritual journey continue as a “Ministry of Excellence to the Glory of God.”
*Rev. Edrena Houston Brown, M.A.C.E., is a staff writer for the Christian Recorder.
*If you are interested in nominating your pastor, clergy staff, PK (preacher’s kid) or laity as clergy of the week or laity of the week please submit your letter of request to; ebrown49@hotmail.com
8. AFRICAN AMERICAN SMITHSONIAN HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL SOCIETY RECEIVES FIRST ARTIFACT FROM FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN CHURCH IN CHICAGO—QUINN CHAPEL:
CHICAGO - The annual Trustee Day Service at Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, the “First African-American Church” in the city of Chicago featured Dr. Lonnie G. Bunch III, Founding Director, Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Prior to this position, he was the CEO of the Chicago Historical Society. Dr. Bunch delivered an exciting and spirit filled message regarding the importance of maintaining and showcasing African American History. Quinn Chapel presented Dr. Bunch with a church pew and it is the first artifact for the new Smithsonian museum to be built on the Mall in Washington DC.
The Trustee Day Worship Service was held at Quinn Chapel which is located at 2401 South Wabash in Chicago at 10 a.m. Quinn is a national, state and local landmark church currently undergoing a major restoration. The presenting of the pew represents one more first in the life of the 159 year old congregation. History being made while building toward the future keeps the church holding its status as a Cathedral of Freedom.
Other awardees included, the former principal of the Graham Elementary School, located across the street from the church, Gene , Construction Manager for Dubin and Associates a housing developer on Wabash and 24th streets, for the removal of trees free of charge to assist the construction crews replacing the 119 year old roof, Grace Water and Ice shield for donating the membrane placed on the roof before shingles, and the Commander of the First Precinct Police Department Commander Keating for his assistance in the restoring of the neighborhood. The Reverend James Moody is the Pastor and the head Trustee is Ruth Dunham.
9. CLINTON ADDRESSES STUDENTS AT INAUGURAL GRADUATION:
LITTLE ROCK – On December 13, former President Bill Clinton delivered the commencement address to the first graduating class of the University Of Arkansas Clinton School Of Public Service, a graduate school bearing Clinton's name. The school opened in the fall of 2005.
The Clinton School is the seventh school named for a former president and the first to offer a Master of Public Service (MPS) degree. The ceremony was held in Clinton's Presidential Library, which is located adjacent to the school in Little Rock.
"I hope your lives in public service will be guided by a simple test - were the people you sought to serve better off when you quit than when you started," Clinton told the graduating class. "Take it from me, 40 years passes in the blink of an eye. After 40 years, that's how you'll judge yourselves."
The 13 inaugural graduates hail from Arkansas and throughout the nation, having spent the past 18 months working through the MPS program. During that time, the students participated in public service projects ranging from local work in the Mississippi River Delta, to international work in places such as the Sudan, Bolivia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and South Africa.
"This is a milestone for these 13 students who have put in hard work to get to this point, and it is also a special day for this school to be sending its first graduates into the world," said Skip Rutherford, dean of the school. "The faculty and staff of the school are proud of all of these individuals, and we look forward following their careers in public service."
The Clinton School MPS program is a full-time, 2-year graduate program that can be completed in 18 months. Eight of today's graduates have completed their degrees, while five will finish their final projects this spring.
The Clinton School curriculum is enriched with a nationally-renowned series of speakers, conferences and public programs which, in addition to Clinton, have included former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, former Senator Howard Baker, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rwandan President Paul Kagame and ABC's George Stephanopoulos among many others. The graduates completed their core course work in their first semester and spent the rest of their time on elective courses and three public service projects. The public service work included a class-wide project that was carried out in the Arkansas Delta.
Malcolm Glover, one of the graduates, traveled to Sudan for two months over the summer for his required internship and worked on a documentary for Winrock International, an innovative global nonprofit organization, and the VEGA consortium, the world’s largest alliance of economic growth volunteer organizations.
"It was like being on the frontier and in the middle of an adventure, but it was also a way to make a positive impact in people's lives," said Glover, 23. "It was amazing to have an experience like that."
A recent Rhodes Scholar finalist, Glover is a native of Bowie, Md., and graduate of Florida A&M. While at the Clinton School, he helped combat homelessness in Phillips County, Arkansas and he worked on economic development and community empowerment initiatives in Kenya and Sudan. For his final graduate project, Glover served as the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation's independent facilitator and researcher for the Hilton Prize Laureates, a group of 11 charitable and non-governmental organizations.
Following the path of Glover and his fellow inaugural graduates are 22 students in the second class at the Clinton School. The enrollment pattern is in keeping with the two other presidential schools that are coupled with presidential libraries. By comparison, the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs started in 1970 with 18 students and now has about 325, and the George H. W. Bush School of Government and Public Service began in 1997 with 19 students and now has about 125.
"We are excited to see the growth of this school in only two short years of operation," Rutherford said. "These students will have the opportunity to take what they learn here and help people throughout the world."
10. THE CHAPLAINS CORNER - NEWS FROM THE BATTLEFIELD IN IRAQ - ANCIENT MONASTERY OFFERS SOLDIERS INSIGHT INTO IRAQ HISTORY:
U.S. Army Specialist Amanda Solitario
Forward Operating Base, Marez, Iraq
Beyond the rolling hills of Mosul and tucked away from the bustle of military life on Forward Operating Base Marez, are the remains of an ancient Christian monastery.
The crumbling walls of the Dair Mar Elia, the monastery of St. Elijah, sit alongside an abandoned yard of Russian tanks and a large pile of ammunition casings. Even so, service members are still able to capture the historical significance of this weathering wonder.
“Soldiers are reminded of the fact that they are operating in a place that has much history,” Chaplain (Capt.) Mark Cisco, from the 3 52nd Corps Support Battalion. “Just a visit to the monastery is a morale booster for Soldiers.”
Service members and civilians living on the Marez compound can arrange tours with the unit ministry team or the mayor’s cell, and Cisco, from Covington, Ga., said everyone should take the opportunity to visit the site while they are here.
“I think every journey that we take outside of our comfort zone helps expand our world view,” said Specialist Darryl Bentley, a chaplain’s assistant with the 3-52nd CSB.
Evidence suggests that the monastery v. as built sometime in the 4th century, making it the oldest Christian monastery in Iraq. The construction of this place of worship predates the founding of Islam by more than 100 years, said Cisco, noting the large Christian presence in the area many years ago.
“But, any faith tradition can benefit from a visit to the monastery,” he said.
In previous years, people in the area dedicated the last Wednesday of November to Mar Elia, a European monk who devoted his life to religion and founded the monastery itself. Throughout the 20th century, many worshippers gathered at the site for special services until the Iraqi Army built a military base around the ruins, closing it off to the public.
Today, American service members have the opportunity to see the historical site while gaining some knowledge on a small part of Iraq’s history without leaving the FOB gates.
“This is a nice little getaway for Soldiers to just come see a true part of history, and a true part of Christian history in a now Muslim nation,” said Bentley, a resident of Hickory, NC.
The monastery has endured a great amount of abuse through the years. Besides time and environmental damage, the Dair Mar Elia has survived many years of war.
The marble archways are caved-in and the bullet-riddled walls are covered in graffiti. Mortar fragments litter the ground, an obvious testament to the violence of its past.
During the early stages of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraqi’s were using the monastery as a command post. As a result, the monastery became a battleground for American and Iraqi forces.
“Just to know what this site used to do, as far as training men to do ministry, and to see the state of ruin it is in is a very sad thing,” Bentley said. “With the wrath of war, this is some of the fallout from it.”
Presently, the site is monitored and maintained by the mayor’s cell on FOB Marez. A chain-linked fence surrounds the ruins to preserve the value of the site.
As Iraq works toward a new future, obvious remnants of the country’s past still linger. Bentley said he would like to see the site restored and opened for tourism.
He said he is fortunate to visit this site and hopes others will be able to do so as well. “My plans are to go into ministry on the civilian side,” he said. “It gives me great hope to know that God will use me in great ways if I allow him to do so.”
Reprinted with the permission of the ANACONDA TIMES
11. THE CHAPLAINS CORNER - NEWS FROM THE BATTLEFIELD IN IRAQ – AME CHAPLAIN AND SOLDIERS OF THE BATTALION HELP IRAQI CHILDREN:
By Maj. Kirk Slaughter
Commander, 210th MPAD
MOSUL, Iraq - In one of the most dangerous and poverty-stricken areas of Mosul, two battalion commanders set out to bring happiness to Iraqi school children.
Lt. Col. Steven Eveker, commander 352nd Corp Support Battalion, and Lt. Col. Mohammad, commander 222nd Iraqi Army worked numerous days coordinating between Mosul officials, the chaplain’s office at Forward Operating Base Diamondback, and Iraqi and American troops.
“This was one of the largest joint humanitarian missions conducted in Mosul during daylight hours since Operation Iraqi Freedom,” Eveker said. “Most missions conducted by the 352nd CSB occur under curfew hours, which really limit the Soldiers’ contact with the local population.”
The operation included more than 1,400 small bags of school supplies, 35 kerosene heaters, more than 50 boxes of clothes, more than 200 umbrellas, and 42 backpacks that were ready to be delivered to about 1,350 children at two schools in downtown Mosul, Chaplain (Capt.) Mark Cisco said.
“The initial planning for the mission began in early October,” Cisco said. “Numerous email messages and letters were mailed to friends, families, churches, and supporters of the 352nd CSB requesting school supplies, clothing, and heaters for the classrooms.”
Approximately 30 soldiers from the 352nd CSB, 1345th Transportation Company, 714th Transportation Company, and the 399th Combat Support Hospital, went out into the community and interacted with residents while being protected by the Iraqi Army, which was pre-positioned on rooftops and street corners during the two hour mission.
A casual conversation took place between the two commanders as they walked down the middle of the streets of Mosul from the first school to the second school. Iraqi adults and children seemed excited, and smiles could be seen on their faces, as they walked along the sidewalks and occasionally made contact with IA and American soldiers.
The two commanders led the parade of soldiers, the unit ministry team, and reporters through what used to be labeled as a very dangerous street in Mosul.
“Lt. Col. Eveker is very well-liked, trusted and respected in the 222nd IA and throughout the community of Mosul,” Mohammad said. “He is a good man and we work well together, and that is why we can do humanitarian missions like this.”
“Lt. Col. Mohammad understands the complexities of the military, economic, political, and religious challenges for the city of Mosul,” Eveker said. “This is what makes him a great leader and commander. He is fighting for a freer Iraq and a more democratic Iraq. His soldiers are disciplined and that is why we were able to walk down the streets of this city while they protected us.”
Once inside the second school, the two commanders met with the school principal, who appeared surprised at the visit. A short meeting – with tea – took place, and then both commanders went into a classroom and started handing out school supplies to the students.
“When we first went into these schools the children appeared terrified and scared of the Iraqi soldiers and me,” Eveker said. “The most rewarding thing about this mission was how quiet, timid, and thankful these children were. And as we left their classrooms they would burst out with laughter and excitement as to what had just happened.”
“Can we make an impact on every child in Mosul? Probably not,” he said. “But we did make an impact on the children we saw today.”
As the two commanders walked back up the street to their vehicles off in the distance one could hear the sounds of two suspected bombs go off.
More than 1,000 children, ages 7-13, received school book supplies and candy during this joint humanitarian mission.
“For our soldiers to see the indigent population and feeling the effects of a war torn nation in the daylight was a memory that will be forever etched in their minds,” Sgt. Charles Sebok, 352nd CSB Chaplains assistant, said.
12. THE GLOBAL CORNER - CELEBRATE HOPE: COMPLETION IS AT HAND!:
*The Rev. Teboho G. Klaas
One week in 2007 is past. The New Year appears a blessed one, yet it also promises to one of the busiest one. This must certainly be a year different from the past year(s). It should be the year of the completion, the perfecting of our dreams and aspirations. This is my prayer for all persons who receive this missive and I am glad you are “one of the ones.”
We have just come through the first Sunday of the year. I trust it was an awesome Sunday of the year for you and yours.
As for me, I took time to visit and worship at my home Church, the Jordan Temple, one of the senior Churches in the 19th Episcopal District. About 20 minutes before the procession began into the sanctuary, I went to the Church ablution facilities and I heard this said by a 19 year old, “This is renovations! It was difficult to come in here (i.e., male toilets) before.”
Mpiyakhe Maseko is his name. He proudly stated this fact at the door step of the ablution facilities, praising and acknowledging what the pastor and congregation together achieved in 2006. It was not the first time he came to the Church ablution facilities, except this year. Questions were formed in my mind; “why would he exclaim this development? Is there any significance in building and renovating ablution facilities in the face of them not regarded a part of the priorities in the Kingdom building?”
Having grown in the vicinity of the Church and had been a member thereto prior to my call to ministry (about 18 years ago), I fully appreciate Mpiyakhe’s excitement. I am not sure about the date of the first construction of the Church ablution facilities. However, considering the material used to build it, which is similar to the one used to build the sanctuary), it is reasonable to assume that the Church ablution facilities were built some time after the sanctuary was built. This is no strange here but a common phenomenon in most, if not all, denominations in the black townships. More than often, ablution facilities are built months, if not years, after the sanctuary was built.
The sanctuary, named after Bishop Frederick Douglas Jordan, was built in the early 1950s through financial contributions of the members of the Church, as well as the compensation (not necessarily equal to the value of the former Church property in Kwa-Dukathole) as received from the government. The members of the congregation were a part of the community which had been moved out of Kwa-Dukathole Township to the newly established Katlehong Township. The resettlement of the community was a result of the enforcement of the Group Areas Act, a law passed by the Nationalist government (architectures of apartheid) to ensure the separation of people based on race, colour and creed.
The Church ablution facilities only consisted of two cubicles in the women’ section and one in the men’ section for many years when first built. It was in the early 1990s that some improvements to the ablution facilities were done. Two urinary cisterns in the men’ section were added.
In time for hosting the 55th Session of the East Annual Conference, few weeks before, the ablution facilities were splendidly renovated. The structure of the facilities was totally changed. A number of the toilet compartments were added in both sections for men and women. Hand-washing basins, which did not exist before, were added in both sections. The roof, on the side of the women’s was erected with sheets allowing for light into the section and the walls were painted with a bright, coloured paint.
About 300 people worship in this Church every week. For many years, worshippers endured the difficulty of accessing restrooms in the three hours they spent when they attended worship services. For those who had access to the ablution block, the standard of the facilities were a cause of embarrassment and debasing to self-worth. No amount of spirituality and prayerfulness can be so strong as to cause the urge to relieve oneself never to exist. If worship services are about healing, then it must be that the need to take off the body substances not needed in the body will follow the healing services.
Therefore, Mpiyake was right when he said, “it was difficult come in here before.” Coming to Church place one into two dimensionally opposed environments, at the same time. The sanctuary, where the spirit is developed is always a clean environment. Yet, the ablution facility, so close to the sanctuary, is inadequate and not as hygienic as contemplated of such a community facility.
Is it important to take the effort to write about this?
Yes, it is. In fact, the Jordan Temple scenario is even much better than many others. At least, at Jordan Temple, for all these years, the ablution facilities still had flushing with clean, running water and the sanitation system is monitored and managed by the local municipality. The distance between the sanctuary and the ablution facilities is close enough to access. There are far much worse scenarios.
To illustrate this fact, Maxeke Memorial is one of our senior Churches, too. It is falling in the category of the ‘much worse scenarios.’ Not only is it a senior Church but it is also a historic Church. Recently, it has been declared a national heritage site. This is Church which is named a heroine of the people’s struggles in South Africa and a stalwart of the Church, the Late Dr. Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke. The Church is also located in a township so historic to the struggles of South Africa. This is a township which received a host of the leaders of the struggle for the South African freedom in 1955 when the Freedom Charter was adopted. In fact, it is believed that this Church played a vital role in the processes that saw the adoption of the Charter. It was the same Church that Charlotte Maxeke was a member and spent her last days. From this Church, her body was carried to the cemetery neighbouring the township, where her tomb notably stands out among many tombs.
Notwithstanding the importance of this Church in our history, one thing that cannot be confidently spoken about in relation to this Church is the state of its ablution facility. It still uses the bucket system, like the community in its vicinity does, and only has one toilet. Complicating the picture is that, the Church complex suffers from squatting by a number of households, who also have this one toilet to use together with the congregation. Obviously, there is an unbearable pressure exacted to this facility. Just the environment around this facility brings a flashing sign of danger – a health hazard not only to the users of the facility but also the people moving about it. To use it really dwarfs one’s pride.
With children, sometimes evading the control of their parents, moving out of the sanctuary and sometimes going into or around this facility, imagine the undesirable health consequences they could be exposed to. How could we justify the expectations for numerical growth in the attendance of this Church? Can we ever hope to attract people to this sanctuary when the environment around it threatens their very health and being?
Both the Churches I mentioned above are in the (peri) urban setting. In fact, they are in the economic hub of South Africa, in close proximity to Johannesburg. Going to rural settings, the situation is even far much worse than the above setting.
For some of us enjoying the luxury of the modern sanitation technology, and have done so for a long period, to appreciate the necessity of reflecting about this situation is time-wasting and futile. In fact, the proposition of building adequate, clean, decent and healthy lavatories cannot be an integral part of our call to the building of the kingdom/reign of God. Is this the truth about the Gospel? Is it really so?
We must remember that tied to the concept of dignity, in the context of the South African history, is the issue of access to adequate sanitation system and facilities which black people were denied before. For many years, blacks were subjected to and had to endure limited access to adequate sanitation, if not absolute deprivation. Therefore, it is not accidental that the transformation agenda in South Africa, to this day, integrates the whole area of access to adequate sanitation. Few years ago, a draft paper by Department of Water Affairs and Forestry had this to say; “The Programme focuses on the eradication of the sanitation backlog in the rural, peri-urban and informal settlement areas by the year 2010. In addition, eradication of the bucket system (currently estimated at about 428 000 households) is to be achieved by 2007.”
Furthermore, Statistics South Africa (the country’s official body, monitoring national statistical data), in its June 2005 report, has this to say; “Of the 8,3 million consumer units receiving sewerage and sanitation from municipalities in South Africa, 4,2 million (50,5%) had access to free basic sewerage and sanitation.”
This is a country of about 46 million citizens. There are still 49% consumer units which still do not have access to free sewerage and sanitation in this country. Among these, it is exaggerating to count in Church as consumer units.
A secular institution rates high the issue of sanitation, precisely because of the fact that it integrally linked to the dignity of the people and promotes hygiene. Thereby the goal, “to better the lives of all people,” includes this issue. In fact, since 2000, every State of the Nation Address of the State President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr. Thabo Mbeki, has a standing paragraph on the subject if sanitation in South Africa, giving emphasis on reaching the 2007 focus of eradicating the bucket system (go to http://www.info.gov.za/speeches/index.htm).
If the mission and purpose of our Church is “…. to minister to the spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional and environmental needs of all people by spreading Christ’s liberating gospel through word and deed…..” and we exclude access and provision to adequate sanitation, then we are not true to it. Any down playing of this effort, leaving the status quo is in itself a spell and not the GOSPEL.
Therefore, if anything, we may do, as the Church, is to join in this effort in the way(s) encouraging our constituency to work to ensure that our precincts are not in themselves contributing factor in the spread of disease by, at least; (1) Ensuring that structural designs to new buildings identify and include ablution blocks in the plans (not to build them as if they were an after-thought) and (2) Improving current ablution blocks to meet healthy standards, including keeping them frequently cleaned.
Certainly, our participation and joining in this effort should not be understood as merely being “politically correct.” Nor, should it be considered an addendum to a crowded agenda we already have. Instead, our very mission and purpose should be the inspiration which drives us to contribute towards the liberation of the people.
Perhaps, we will need to add the acknowledgement of best practice in this regard. To acknowledge congregations who invest in this drive will immensely contribute towards building the self-worth of the people.
Romans 8 is a chapter in Pauline Letters which cannot be ignored by any believer. In this chapter, I read the following verses which give meaning to celebrating hope for our completion;
“For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not have yet, we wait for it patiently (verses 24 & 25 – New International Version).”
Perhaps, there will come a time when access to adequate sanitation will be a thing taken for granted. This is not yet the time.
*The Rev. Teboho G. Klaas, Director: Health Programme, South African Council of Churches
Email: tgk@sacc.org.za
13. AME PRESIDING ELDER IS A CONTRIBUTING AUTHOR TO THE POLICY STATEMENT AND STUDY GUIDE ON HUMAN BIOTECHNOLOGIES, FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE:
At the recent General Assembly of the National Council of Churches, Presiding Elder, Dr. Eric L. Brown and the committee comprised of other members of the NCC's Biotechnology Committee presented a policy statement and study guide on Human Biotechnologies to the General Assemble for the second reading and adoption. Dr. Brown was the only African American selected to serve on the committee and made valuable contributions to the project through his wealth of theological and cultural experience. The document includes topics such as: The Church's Calling; Faith and Science; Biotechnology and Ethics; Pastoral Care; Key Challenges for Church Engagement; Stem Cell Research; Perception of Disability; Conduct of the Biotechnology Industry; New Genetics or Old so by
Eugenics; The Fabric of the Commonwealth and the Future; and Recommendations.
If you are interested in viewing the document, you can do so by downloading it at http://www.blogger.com/www.ncccusa.org/biotechnology/StudyGuide
14. SOMETIMES PASTORS NEED TO CALL "TIME OUT," SPEAKER SAYS:
DALLAS (UMNS) - The Rev. Freddie Haynes has a message for busy pastors: "If you want to walk on water, you need to call a time-out."
Haynes, pastor of Friendship West Baptist Church in Dallas, was speaking to more than 500 participants attending the Convocation for Pastors of African American Churches, sponsored by the United Methodist Church's Board of Discipleship. He took his text from Matthew 14:22-23.
"In verse 22, Jesus dismisses the crowd and calls a time-out," he said. "Ego will cause you to kick it with the crowd, rather than dismiss the crowd. Jesus had sense enough to call time out."
When Jesus went to the mountain, he came down with more power. In this text, he came down and walked on water, Haynes said.
Using a NASCAR racing analogy, Haynes reminded pastors that they, too, must call a time-out to get refueled. "If you call time out when it's calm, God will keep you calm in the storm," he said.
The convocation, held Jan. 3-6, was designed to help United Methodist pastors and leaders of African-American congregations be intentional about focusing on healthy options that connect spirit, body and mind. (See "Convocation for pastors focuses on healthy connections," 1/11/07)
Know when to get up
The Rev. Kirbyjon Caldwell, pastor of Windsor Village United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas, inspired the gathering with a sermon on the "Mindset of a Winner."
To illustrate how a winner thinks, Caldwell showed video clips from the 1976 World Series baseball game in which Reggie Jackson hit four home runs in a row, and the boxing match between Mike Tyson and Buster Douglass to demonstrate what to do when you get knocked down.
"When you have a winner's mentality, you have to know how to get up. When you get knocked down, stay there for a while,” he said.
Quoting favorite Scriptures, he reminded the group of the importance of walking with the Lord and reading the Bible.
"From this day forward (you can declare), I will get what I fight for. I will fight for my health. I will fight for my equilibrium. I will fight for my family. I will fight for a balanced life. I will fight for an equitable compensation package," Caldwell said.
Convocation participants went to St. Luke "Community" United Methodist Church for dinner and an evening worship and communion service, where the Rev. Gregory Palmer, resident bishop of the Iowa Area, preached from Matthew 26:26.
"The hopes and fears of all the years are met in the cross of Calvary. Hope and fear came together on Calvary's cross," he said. "We were dead in our trespasses, but in Christ, we have been made alive.”
Participants could choose from a variety of workshops, including clergy self-care, managing anger and stress, preparing for the future, faces of depression, the prayer experience, healthy congregations, recognizing and responding to burnout, exercise, nutrition and good health, healthy sexuality, and balancing ministry and family.
This was the fifth annual convocation for pastors of African-American congregations sponsored by the Board of Discipleship.
*Pinkston is director of media relations for the United Methodist Board of Discipleship.
Used with permission of United Methodist News Service, News media contact: Kathy L. Gilbert, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470
Editor’s Note: The Reverend Jeanette Pinkston is also an ordained itinerant elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church
15. A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR COLLEGE SOPHOMORES:
The application deadline is February
1. Inquiries should be directed to: info@i4rc.org
Thanks to the Institute for Responsible Citizenship for sponsoring this program."A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step"Know any young black male college sophomores who might be interested and eligible to apply? Pass this along....Please share this information with your family, friends and your church. Let's get the word out and help our young men. I'm sure someone can benefit from this. Please read everything!!!
The Institute for Responsible Citizenship is currently accepting applications for its summer program at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. Each summer, 12 of the most promising young minority male college sophomores in the country (possibly 24 this coming summer) are given the chance to travel to the nation's capital and engage in prestigious internships while taking rigorous classes at Georgetown.
The courses in government and economics are designed to provide these young men with the skills necessary to critically analyze the world's problems while adhering to a deep respect for civil liberties. When the students are not in class or at work, they are often called upon to attend social functions designed to help them network in their field.Personal meetings with such leaders as Colin Powell, John Lewis, and Clarence Thomas are made possible by the intimate nature of the program.
The program runs from June 3 - July 28 and is a two-summer commitment (accommodations are made for students on the quarter system). During their first summer, students' primary responsibilities outside of their internships are their academic courses. The following summer, in addition to their internships, mentorship with the latest cohort of Institute students and young high school students becomes a priority.Tuition and housing are paid for by the Institute, while students are expected to pay for their transportation and food. In addition, those not placed in paid internships will receive a stipend in the amount of $2500. While there are no major requirements, the program focuses on attracting young men interested in the fields of law, politics, business, academics, and the ministry.
You should be a sophomore to apply, however, juniors are considered if they are committed to attending graduate or professional school directly following their senior year.
To give you an idea of the kind of students we have in our program, here are some statistics from our 2006 cohort: GPA Range: 3.02 - 3.97 Average: 3.65 Leadership in at least one post held at time of application More information, along with the application, can be found on the web at http://www.i4rc.org/
The application deadline is February 1. Inquiries should be directed to:
info@i4rc.org
http://us.f530.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=info@i4rc.org
Or call (202) 659-2831.
Those considering applying are highly encouraged to review the website and contact our office before filling out the application.Institute for Responsible Citizenship 1227 25th Street, NW, 6th Floor Washington, DC 20037
16. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE:
Congratulations to Ms. Harriet Octavia Bennett, one of the young bright stars in the Twelfth Episcopal District. Harriet, daughter of the Reverend Dr. Hugh D & Mrs. Cordelia Bennett is featured in the February issue of Ebony Magazine as one of the “Young Leaders Under 30” article.
Rev. & Mrs. Bennett retired this conference year from Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church in Oklahoma City after pastoring for 32 years. Harriet is the only daughter out of five children. She is an accomplished pianist and violin player and a graduate of Oklahoma City Community College and the University of Oklahoma Nursing College.
Submitted by Mrs. Ann Gilkey, 12th Episcopal District Public Relations Director, the Reverend Kevin L. Neal, Reporter
17. CLERGY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Sister Pauline E. Smart. She was the grandmother of Rev. Frank Smart, associate minister at St. Matthew AME Church, Philadelphia, PA (Philadelphia Conference, West District). The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing – Friday, January 12, 2007
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Melvyn E. McCalla Funeral Home
1019 Ridge Avenue
Darby, PA 19023
Phone: 610-532-6122
Funeral – Saturday, January 13, 2006
Final Viewing – 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Funeral – 11:00 a.m.
First Baptist Church
925 Summit Street
Darby, PA 19023
Phone: 610-586-0179
Rev. Raymond Merryweather, Pastor
Condolences may be sent to:
Rev. Frank I. Smart and Family
1327 N. Robinson Street
Philadelphia, PA 19151
frankisaacsmart2@aol.com
Or
First Baptist Church
See above address
Please remember the Smart Family in your prayers.
18. CLERGY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Reverend Jody Jones went to be with the Lord on January 08, 2007. Reverend Jones was a retired Pastor in the Ninth Episcopal District, West Birmingham- Ensley District.
HOMEGOING SERVICE:
Saturday, January 13, 2007
2:00 P.M.
Nichols Temple A.M.E. Church
701 18th Street, Ensley
Birmingham, AL 35218
Ph. 205-786-1642
Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, Eulogist
FUNERAL DIRECTOR:
Arrington Funeral Home, Inc.
520 Cotton Avenue, SW
Birmingham, AL 35211
Ph. 205-786-6288
MESSAGES OF COMFORT MAY BE SENT TO:
Mrs. Janice Arrington & Family
3204 Spaulding St., SW
Birmingham, AL 35221
Ph. 205-923-5200
19. CLERGY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs. Mary Sharp went to be with the Lord on January 04, 2007. Mrs. Sharp was the widow of the Reverend John Sharp, a retired Pastor in the Ninth Episcopal District, West Birmingham-Ensley District.
HOMEGOING SERVICE:
Saturday, January 13, 2007
12:00 Noon
St. Mark A.M.E. Church, West End
1358 15th Place, SW
Birmingham, AL 35211
Ph. 205-925-8537
Rev. J. L. Edison, Pastor
FUNERAL DIRECTOR:
Smith & Gaston Funeral Services
102 6th Avenue, SW
Birmingham, AL 35211
Ph. 205-322-3581
FAX 205-322-4868
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Funeral Services for the late Mr. Jerry Copeland, the father-in-Law of Rev. Dr. Larry L. Harris of Savannah Grove AME Church in Lamar, SC.
7th Episcopal District, Northeast Conference/Florence Dillon District will be held on Tuesday, January 16, 2007 @ 11:00 AM.
Viewing: 9:00-11:00
Service @ 11:00
Watson Funeral Home
26 Gifford Ave.
Jersey City, New Jersey 07304
Phone: 201 432-5521
Condolences may be sent to:
Rev. Dr. Larry L. & Elouise Harris
2111 Driftwood Dr.
Columbia, SC. 29210
elharris@richlandone.org
Or to the home of the decease
C/O Elouise W. Harris
591 Montgomery St 2B
Jersey City, New Jersey 07302
21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The passing of Rev. W. D. Turner – Retired Presiding Elder in the Tenth Episcopal District (North Texas Annual Conference).
Homegoing Services for Presiding Elder W. D. Turner are as follows:
Wake: Friday Night,
January 19, 2007
7:00 P.M.
Community Funeral Home
1412 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Waxahachie, Texas 75165
Ph: (972) 937-5380
Metro: (972) 035-9593
Homegoing Celebration Service:
11:00 A.M.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Bethel A.M.E. Church
Rev. Reginald J. Houston, Pastor
1638 E. Ann Arbor Avenue
Dallas, Texas 75213
PH: (214) 375-3567
Please pray for the entire Turner family. Presiding Elder W. D. Turner was the father of Rev. Myra Turner-Billips (Co-Pastor) at Shiloh A.M.E. Church- Galveston, Texas and Sis. Sharon Turner-Baylock (Tenth Episcopal District YPD Director and member of Grant Worship Center in Austin, Texas.)
Condolences may be sent to:
Sister Martha Turner
P. O. Box 339
Italy, Texas 76671
PH: (972) 483-0107
Or
The Reverends Eric R. & Myra Turner-Billips
Shiloh A.M.E. Church
1310 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
Galveston, Texas 77553
PH: 409-672-3646
PH: (682)365-1487 (Mobile)
Or
Sister Sharon Turner-Baylock
Grant AME Worship Center
1701 Kramer Lane
Austin, Texas 78758
PH: (512) 339-4726
Submitted by:
The Rev. Dr. Sherryl A. Matlock-Pastor
St. James A.M.E. Church
Denton, Texas
22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
This communication comes to inform you of the passing of Mr. Artis McKinney, Jr. on January 16, 2007. Mr. McKinney is the brother of Rev. Hazel J. Linton, Pastor of Greater Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church, Pine Bluff, AR and President of the 12th Episcopal District Women In Ministry.
Service Arrangements:
Monday, January 22, 2007
12:00 noon
Friendship Baptist Church (West End)
1229 Elm Street
Birmingham, AL 35211
205-925-8747 Phone
Professional services are entrusted to:
Arrington Funeral Home
520 Cotton Avenue
SW, Birmingham, AL 3521
205-786-6288 Phone
Condolences may be sent to:
Dr. Hazel J. Linton and family
3229 Birch Avenue, SW
Birmingham, AL 35221
(205) 923-2952 Phone
Please remember the family in your prayers.
Submitted by:
Anita Brannon
12th Episcopal District Administrative Office
23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs. Eula C. King Perry, the mother of Mrs. Minnie Perry Moore died on January 13, 2007. Mrs. Minnie Perry Moore is the spouse of the Reverend George Moore, Jr., pastor of St Philip Monumental AME Church in Savannah, GA
Service Arrangements:
Viewing: Friday, January 19, 2007
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Charles E. Huff's International Funeral Home
927 5th Avenue
Columbus, GA 31901-2822
(706) 322-8713 Phone
The Wake:
Friday, January 19, 2007
6:00 PM
Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church 4900 Saint Mary's Road Columbus, GA 31907
(706) 682-2927 Phone
Funeral:
Saturday, January 20, 2007
1:00 p.m.
Saint James African Methodist Episcopal Church
1002 6th Avenue
Columbus, GA 31901
(706) 322-8043 Phone
The Life Book may be viewed at http://eula-perry.memory-of.com/
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Minnie Perry (Rev. George A.) Moore
4 West Sagebrush Lane
Savannah, GA 31419
(912) 920-4099
E-mail: mpm522@bellsouth.net
Submitted by:
Rev. Kenneth J. Golphin, Pastor
Historic Saint Paul A.M.E. Church
Lexington, KY
24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The passing of Mr. Leon Carlton Croft, brother-in law of Presiding Elder P. Robert Tate (Youngstown District, North Ohio Annual Conference, Third Episcopal District) and Mrs. Geraldine M. Tate.
Services held for Mr. Leon Carlton Croft:
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Calling Hour 12:00 p.m.
Funeral 1:00 p.m.
Black, Phillips and Holden Funeral Home Inc.
1951 McGuffey Road
Youngstown, OH 44505
Phone: 330-744-7770
Condolences may be sent to:
Rev. and Mrs. P. Robert Tate or Mrs. Alfreda Croft and son Monte C. Croft
4395 Michigan Blvd.
Youngstown, OH 44505
Or
FAX 330-759-0592
Email: gmtate@msn.com or prtate@sbcgloba.net
25. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action
Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
E-mail: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936
Fax: (615) 833-3781
Cell: (615) 403-7751
26. 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
