Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
1. EDITORIAL – IRS CHANGES THE RULES FOR MEMBERS TO CLAIM CASH DONATIONS – YOU WILL NEED A RECEIPT FOR ALL CASH DONATIONS:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The new federal rules for the 2007 tax year, which took effect January 1, 2007 forbid tax deductions for charitable donations unless the taxpayer can prove that he or she gave the donation through receipts or other official financial records. That means that you must get a receipt for all cash donations given to the church.
The rules, enforced by the Internal Revenue Service, require that people claiming their church donations back up those deduction claims with canceled checks; records from banks, credit card companies, credit unions; or written receipts from the church.
No longer can one toss in a $10 or $20 bill into the collection plate and claim the donation when filing his, her or their income tax. That means that you can’t include the cash that you normally give for the missionary offering or the Sunday school offering unless you have a written receipt from the church, canceled checks, or records from banks and credit card companies. The rules have changed.
In the past, the IRS has taken your word, allowed personal notes, diaries or bank registers as sufficient proof that you actually placed a $5, $10 or $20 bills in the collection plate each week.
Congress approved the new guidelines in August, as an add-on to the Pension Protection Act of 2006, which deals mostly with pension and retirement savings. President Bush signed them into law.
If a local church keeps good records then the changes shouldn't affect members who make all of their donations in church-provided envelopes. The problem for many of our churches is that they only use the envelopes for the morning offering. I would suspect that in most AME Churches, the missionary and Sunday school offerings are cash collections. Our churches will have to be more resilient in keeping meticulous records for all cash collections as a result of the new rules, which have been in effect since January 1.
It also means that some of us will have to stop throwing in those $5, $10, $20 bills in the collection plate if we want to claim those donations when we file our tax returns.
The old rules apply for your 2006 return. If you itemize your deductions for 2006, you get to deduct your charitable contributions.
If our members want to receive credit for all of their donation, it will mean that they will have to give a check (or credit/debit card) or give all cash offerings in the church envelopes and churches will have to keep meticulous records on the giving of each member.
Note: The Editor has returned from South Africa and will be leaving for Savannah, Georgia to lead a session on “Authentic AME Worship” for the Sixth Episcopal District Founder’s Day celebration. Coverage of the GDC meeting in Cape Town and the Nineteenth Episcopal District Founder’s Day celebration will be covered in the next edition.
2. A SECOND FREE OF HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE FOR PASTORAL RENEWAL, APRIL 30-MAY 15, 2007:
The Interdenominational Theological Center is pleased to announce that because of the overwhelming number of applications received and the diversity of seminary and denominational representation in the ITC-CF Foundation Program for Pastoral Renewal, the CF Foundation has awarded ITC another grant to host a second group of 20 senior pastors in May. They will visit the Holy Land May 1-15, 2007. Once again the only cost to each participant is a $200 registration fee.
Eligibility: An applicant must be a seminary graduate with at least a Masters of Divinity degree from an accredited seminary/theological school; must be serving as senior pastor for at least five years following graduation; be in good health and physical fitness; and be between 35 and 55 years of age. A senior pastor of any Christian tradition who fits this description, and who desires to refresh his/her divine call and to return spiritually renewed enough to engage in more effective ministry, is strongly encouraged to apply. Because this is an experience requiring a one-on-one with God, spouses are not eligible to be on this trip. Please feel free to share this good news with other senior pastors in your area. To apply, a 2 page official ITC Holy Land Pilgrimage application form is available on email (word document). Please reply to alumninews@itc.edu to receive the form by e-mail (printable) copy.
Send the signed original copy by postal service. If you are a senior pastor and sent your application in for the March 2007 trip, you do not need to send another application. Simply indicate by e-mail that you are still interested in being considered. If you have a question, please contact Dr. Mafico’s assistant, Stephanie Butler at sbutler@itc.edu or call 404-614-6367.
Apply if you can meet the following schedule:
Deadline for receipt of applications: February 23, 2007.
Acceptance notification by e-mail: March 1, 2007.
Compulsory orientation: April 30-May 1, 2007
Pilgrimage in the Holy Land: May 2-15, 2007
Post-Pilgrimage Debriefing: August 17-19, 2007
Please address your forms and correspondence to:
Dr. Temba Mafico, Project Director
CF Holy Land for Pastoral Renewal
Interdenominational Theological Center
700 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, SW
Atlanta, GA 30314
3. NEEDED: THE GLUE OF CONSISTENCY:
The Rev. George R. La Sure, D.Min.
As we begin a brand new year, we must begin the awesome task of determining where we intend to go and, how we intend to get there. Before such an assessment can be rendered, we must consider everything that is already in place within the rural and small membership church that legitimately defines who we are. Yours might be a situation wherein consistently tried and proven budgetary policies and procedures are in place and, you envision no particular difficulty in meeting your stated financial and spiritual goals (for the denomination and, for the local church). Conversely, yours might be a situation wherein there is no identifiable budgetary process in place and, wherein sound spiritual and financial planning and execution is absent from the normal day to day church administration process. Further, there may be situations wherein the inability to pay budgetary assessments or, to properly attend to the normal spiritual and financial needs of the church has become an annual template, rather than an occasional concern.
No matter what the overall financial condition or the location of the rural and small membership church may be, there must be an assessment made, by the pastor and the officers, as to where it is spiritually and financially and, to determine, in accordance with sound administrative policies and procedures, how it might best address the situation(s) at hand. It is critical that there be a fair modicum of trained administrative leadership in place to effectively assess the challenges at hand, and to offer strategies geared toward bringing about the best possible result. Herein lies the need for the rural and small membership church pastor to step up and become the leader that God requires. Without effective pastoral leadership, there is very little likelihood that the rural and small membership church will reach and maintain goals that are in all ways consistent with the overall AMEC mandate.
“As the pastor goes, so goes the church” is a cry that resounds and reverberates throughout our Zion. In many cases laity suggests that they might experience frustration due to the lack of a visible and do-able action plan for ministry. Many suggest that it is too often the case that pastors are moved so frequently that there is very little likelihood of identifying and executing a purposeful local church action plan. As one pastor leaves, another comes with a new set of ideas and, a new leadership style. Often it is the case that rural and small membership church laity is hesitant to step forward and get involved with planning and executing a local church plan because, they feel, and often times know, that the pastor will only be there for a short season and that another will come with yet another set of ideas and a new leadership style. Children are devastated as their spiritual Father/Mother figure becomes a non-enduring fabric. Often times, prolonged spiritual and administrative disruptions have had a great deal to do with our laity beginning to consider other, more stable, church membership options within their community.
Consistency is the greatest product that we might offer to stem the tide of local rural and small membership church despair. In order to meet the need, increasingly, there needs to be some movement toward securing a three to five year pastoral service commitment fro pastors being assigned to rural and small membership churches. If the denomination is to provide the best possible service that it can toward the overall restoration of the rural and small membership church zeal and achievement, then consistency of placement might be the best investment. When rural and small membership church pastors, who are denominationally credentialed, are in place for a season, based upon their own service commitment, there is a greater likelihood that the local church buy-in will generate a much higher result. When folk (the pastor and the laity) are in place, with a minimum of disruption, there is a stronger likelihood that effective and purposeful rural and small membership church planning will take place.
In order for there to be the best possible rural and small membership church outcome, there must be a continuing commitment on the part of the rural and small membership church pastors, and their families, to endure the unendurable and, to bear the unbearable for the sake of promoting the stability and the viability of the rural and small membership church. The rural and small membership church pastor represents a special breed, in that they know that it is extremely unlikely that they will be regarded as being as worthy and needed as a leading pastor in a Presiding Elder District or, be considered for positions of responsibility at the Episcopal District or General Church levels. Through it all the rural and small membership church pastor must continue to exhibit the zeal and the tenacity for promoting God’s ministry in the toughest of situations.
4. THE ALLEGHENY SCRANTON DISTRICT CELEBRATES FOUNDER’S DAY, PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA:
The Allegheny Scranton District celebrated Founder’s Day on Sunday, February 11, 2007 at St. Mark A.M.E. Church in Wilkinsburg, PA. The host pastor was Rev. Byron Jordan.
Our spirits were lifted in song, with the ministry of music being provided by various choirs of the District; Wayman Chapel – New Brighton; Ebenezer – Aliquippa; Bethel – Tarentum; St. Mark – Wilkinsburg; and St. John – Bridgewater, the Holy Spirit was in the place. Feet were tapping and hands were clapping! There was a SRO (standing room only) crowd on hand.
The Rev. Dr. Eric L. Brown, the presiding elder of the Allegheny Scranton District, introduced the Right Reverend Robert V. Webster, the presiding prelate Third Episcopal District, the guest preacher for the occasion.
Bishop Webster in his unique style electrified the waiting congregation as he preached with power and conviction from the subject, "Where there is no vision, the people perish” taken from Proverbs 29:18. He stated that mission is the essence of the Church. He went on to say, “Churches that do not have a mission are not on the mission” and shared that, “Richard Allen had a vision of what the AME Church would become.” Bishop Webster said our fore-parents had a vision of what Wilberforce University would become and that was why they called it a “university” in 1856 when it was founded.
The bishop challenged the waiting congregation to move from complacency to make the “Church of Allen” real, relevant and reachable.
Thank God that the Third Episcopal District has a Bishop that is on fire and full of the Holy Ghost!
Submitted by – Shelly Brown
Allegheny Scranton District Secretary
5. 60 YEARS AFTER INDIA'S INDEPENDENCE, CHURCHES ARE CALLED TO FULFILL THEIR "VOCATION OF ADVOCACY FOR LIFE AND JUSTICE," SAYS KOBIA:
India is a "viable and vibrant democracy" of "manifold diversity" which has become a "major global power" marked by rapid economic growth and economic expansion, according to the Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia, general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC). Addressing a gathering in Chennai today, he joined in this year's celebration of India's 60th anniversary of independence while also regretting the nation's contemporary "setbacks of poverty and violence, catechism and fundamentalism of many sorts".
Kobia was speaking in Chennai at a seminar convened by the National Council of Churches in India and the Gurukul Lutheran Theological College in the context of the churches' ongoing celebration of the anniversary of independence. He addressed the challenges facing the ecumenical movement in the world and their implications in modern India.
The ecumenical movement, affirmed Kobia, seeks to "uphold the sanctity, integrity and dignity of the life of all people", while carrying an "alternative vision of the world, guided by the values of justice and peace".
The search for "the meaning and purpose" of being a part of it in a "context of complex realities" is therefore not "just an existential need because our institutions are in crisis", he continued, but a spiritual thrust to "play a creative role in shaping this ever-changing world, and in keeping it just and humane".
In such a context, Kobia affirmed, the first challenge to churches is to "hear the voices" of "those who are abused, the vulnerable, of women, children, refugees, of unemployed youth and migrant workers, of those suffering and dying of HIV/AIDS and other diseases, the faint voices of women and children who are trafficked, of the Dalits and Adivasis" [people of lower castes formerly known as 'untouchables' and indigenous peoples, respectively]. In so doing, churches must look at their ecumenical vocation as a "vocation of advocacy for life and justice".
Acknowledging that "Indian churches are predominantly composed of the rural poor, who also happen to be from the margins of Indian society", Kobia suggested that this identity needs to be even more "owned and affirmed" by the churches. Christians must challenge the misuse and abuse of power in order to become an "alternative community".
For all this to happen, we "need to recognize the contributions of many others who are involved in similar pursuits with or without any religious calling or affiliation", Kobia added. Commending the pioneering work done in this area by the Indian churches, he suggested that "interfaith dialogue and cooperation can be seen as an instrument of life".
A remarkable church union, yesterday and today
Earlier in the day, Kobia had addressed the Executive Committee of the Church of South India (CSI) at the church headquarters in Chennai. One of the WCC member churches in the country, the CSI is celebrating its own 60th anniversary under the theme "Rejoice! Growing together in Christ. Celebrate! Building Communities of Hope".
"In 1947, in a world in tumult following the Second World War and within the context of India becoming an independent nation, the Church of South India dared to become a united church", recalled Kobia. He highlighted three reasons why the birth of the CSI "was regarded then and is seen now" as a "remarkable church union".
Kobia's three points were: the CSI's "radical vision of unity", in which "divided denominations have 'died' to their separate identities in order to 'rise' together into a single, new, united church"; a "radical vision of the gospel in its local context" which allowed for its liberation from the "cultural forms of Europe and North America" and its taking an "indigenous South Indian form"; and a "radical healing of ecclesiological divisions" which made it possible to "unite the sacramental episcopacy with Reformed and other forms of church order".
"We celebrate your vision in uniting, and your courage in meeting the challenges of living out your unity in the changing and challenging world of today", Kobia said.
Among the main challenges facing the church today, Kobia mentioned forming a "truly inclusive union, not only theologically or in worship, but humanly as well", so as to be able to help the healing of divisions within the society. The church also meets challenges in "witnessing to the gospel promise of abundant life for all in a society shaped increasingly by economic globalization", and "responding to a growing secularism" within Indian culture.
On 17-18 February Kobia will be the chief guest and a main speaker at the 112th Maramon Convention of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church of Malabar, which takes place annually at Maramon, Kerala, and is the largest Christian gathering in Asia.
Additional information on Kobia's visit to India is available at:
http://www.oikoumene.org
6. THE WORDS OF THE RIGHT REVEREND RICHARD ALLEN:
This link was received from the Reverend Dr. Leslie White. We all need to re-read the words of the Right Reverend Richard Allen. Save this link.
Richard Allen, 1760-1831. The Life, Experience, and Gospel Labours of the Rt. Rev. Richard Allen. To Which is Annexed the Ris.
7. NEWS AROUND THE AME CHURCH:
Sunday, April 1, 2007, the Palm Sunday Praise Service will be held at St. Luke A.M.E. Church, 1872 Amsterdam Avenue at 153rd Street, New York, NY 10031 at 3:30 p.m. The Right Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Bishop of the 13th Episcopal District will be the preacher.
8. PAN-METHODIST BISHOPS TO REFLECT ON WORK TOGETHER - A UMNS REPORT:
By Linda Green*
Three decades ago, The United Methodist Church's highest legislative assembly directed the denomination's bishops to work with other Methodist Episcopal leaders on developing a more cooperative spirit in fulfilling the mission and ministry of Methodism.
That conversation in 1976 helped launched quadrennial "consultations" of the bishops of four American branches of the family of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, and in 1978 led to the formation of what is known today as the Commission on Pan-Methodist Cooperation and Union, to plan those gatherings.
The commission is the result of the 2000 merger of the Commission on Pan-Methodist Cooperation and the Commission on Pan-Methodist Union and was organized to address mutual concerns of the African-American Methodist and United Methodist families. Among the concerns: cooperative church expansion, training of local church leadership, coordinated prison ministries, the family and its cultural identity, the impact of societal factors, coordinated church administration services and shared facilities.
The Ninth Consultation on Methodist Bishops will convene March 11-13 in Atlanta, where bishops of the United Methodist, African Methodist Episcopal, African Methodist Episcopal Zion and Christian Methodist Episcopal churches will reflect on their past, work together in the present and plan for the future. Together, the 94 active bishops in the pan-Methodist family lead more than 14 million congregants across the globe.
"It is a gathering for the bishops, who share a common heritage, doctrine and theological perspective, to investigate possibilities for mutual ministries and cooperative ventures that could enhance the work of their respective churches," said the Rev. Darryl Coleman, a member of the Commission on Pan-Methodist Cooperation and Union and pastor of Mother Liberty Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Jackson, Tenn.
The four traditions also will formally welcome the Union American Methodist Episcopal Church, an African-American branch of Methodism, into the pan-Methodist family.
One body, many members
A community gathering at West Mitchell Christian Methodist Episcopal Church will open the convocation. While the meeting is designed for the bishops, the gathering includes the membership of the pan-Methodist bodies from across the city and surrounding areas. There will be worship, preaching, singing, celebrating communion and presentations to increase awareness of the mission and ministry of pan-Methodism.
The bishops will look back at the progress and challenges of the last three decades and focus on planning and direction for the future, said Mary Love, executive secretary of the 38-member Commission on Pan-Methodist Cooperation and Union and a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.
Working under the vision of "one body, many members," the commission's purpose is to help family members of Methodism move toward union by redefining and strengthening relationships in Jesus Christ. The commission works to foster a spirit of cooperation in the areas of evangelism, missions, publications, social concerns and higher education.
In the United States, the Methodist Episcopal Church organized in 1784. In the nine decades that followed, American Methodism experienced division and separation, as black Methodists created their own denominations in response to racism and other injustices that existed in the main Methodist bodies.
Byrd Bonner, the director of the United Methodist Church Foundation and a longtime member of the commission, affirms the commonalities - in polity, ministries, sacraments, creedal commitments, and organization - that the pan-Methodist churches share. But "the sin of racism has brought about division between and within us in various ways," said Bonner of San Antonio.
The consultation will enable the bishops "to delve deeper into the implications of those divisions" and, in conjunction with the Commission on Pan-Methodist Cooperation and Union, "seek a balance of the redress of the egregious sins of the past with the rich history and ministry that carry us all together into the future," he said.
Identifying issues
Love sees tremendous value in bringing together every four years the 50 active United Methodist bishops, the 10 active episcopal leaders of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, the 11 members of the active episcopacy of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, the 21 active heads of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the two bishops of the Union American Methodist Episcopal Church.
In addition to fellowship and personal sharing, the consultation provides a way to identify issues that each of the Methodist bodies can address as a Methodist family and commit to doing things together, said Love of Charlotte, N.C.
Bishop Nathaniel Jarrett, president of the commission and a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Chicago, noted that the processes of the consultation allow the bishops "to have a stronger common voice to address issues that challenge our day. We are at a crossroads, so we need to examine what has been done, gain clarity and provide for a focused ministry for the future," the bishop said.
The bishops will have a chance to set an agenda together, according to Coleman. "The consultation provides a unique opportunity for the judicatory heads to come together and set a common agenda for not only addressing the needs of their members but also impacting some of the pressing issues presently facing our national and global community."
The theological implications of the consultation "are rooted in Jesus' prayer for his disciples at the close of the Upper Room Discourse, and as recorded in John 17:11b," said commission member Letitia Williams-Watford, a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Montgomery, Ala. "Jesus' heartfelt desire for his disciples is that we experience unbroken unity, that we 'may be one' even as he and the Father are one."
During the three-day consultation, the bishops will gain an increased awareness of the work and history of pan-Methodism and focus on the meaning of full communion.
United Methodist Bishop William Oden will lead the communion discussion. He said he will focus the discussion by asking: "(Are) our denominations in full communion with each other, and if not, how do we do so?"
As the ecumenical officer for the United Methodist Council of Bishops, he said, "It is my hope that the whole meeting will be undergirded by our common theological heritage as members of the Wesley family."
Looking to the future
According to Oden, "there needs to be clarification of common goals and strategizing on what we can do together not only in the United States but in other parts of the world where we exist, particularly in Africa."
Seven years have passed since The United Methodist Church apologized to the African-American Methodist churches for the racism and injustices that caused them to divide from the main Methodist church.
During the 2000 General Conference, the delegates engaged in a service of repentance and reconciliation. The African-American Methodist churches announced they would be "fruit inspectors" because it not enough to apologize without a commitment to change.
"The consultation gives our episcopal leaders an opportunity to inspect some fruit in the presence of all," Bonner said. "The consultation will give our bishops an opportunity to share some current commitments that each have made both as to the structure and mission of the larger church."
More information about the consultation and pan-Methodism are available by contacting Love at mjet64@aol.com or call (704) 599-4630.
*Green is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in Nashville, Tenn.
News media contact: Linda Green, (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org .
Used with permission from the United Methodist News Service
http://umns.umc.org
9. THE PASTOR’S CORNER - THE JOY OF SACRIFICE – FILLING ANOTHER’S CUP:
*The Rev. James M. Moody
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed My lambs.” (John 21: 15)
I once read a story of a man’s vision of heaven and hell. Hell was a table of six starving persons with a pot of stew on the table and each person had a long spoon. The spoons were too long to put in their mouths after they dipped into the stew. They were attempting to feed only themselves and were consequently starving. Heaven was a table of the same six persons, the same pot of stew on the table, and each had a long spoon. Yet they were healthy, happy, and well nourished. Although the spoons were too long to put food in their own mouths as they dipped into the pot, they were not suffering. As each dipped into the pot of stew, he or she then reached across the table and filled another’s cup allowing everyone to be well fed.
John 21: 15-19 expresses that our service to others is a reflection of our devotion to Christ. In verse 19 our Lord sets a condition for being His disciple by ending the discourse with the command, “Follow Me.” Earlier (v.15), He presents a test of our devotion or type of love that we have for God by asking, “Do you truly love (Phileo – brotherly, attraction, common interest, friendship, emotional) me more than these [others do]?”
Decades ago, I played basketball every week with a group of guys. There were Spiv, Wahoo, Cool Carl, B, D, Moo Day (mispronunciation of Moody), and several others. When I came home one evening, Corlis asked who I played ball with. I gave her the list of names above. She then took it too far. Corlis asked, “What are their real names, including their last names?” My response was simple, “I don’t know them like that! We play ball together. It’s not like we’re going to be looking up each other in the phone book!” At that time, our relationship was based on our common interest in playing ball together. The attraction extended at that time no further than the need to have enough guys to get a game going. We enjoyed each other and had a brotherly friendship. Later, some of us even went fishing together, but I never knew Cool Carl’s real name.
Jesus further expands (v.16) the test of our devotion by asking, “Do you truly love (Agape – unconditional, unsurpassed, unlimited, unsolicited, unmerited, sacrificial) me?” The question is asked three times to clarify for Peter and us the type of love Christ had placed in Peter’s and our hearts. Peter’s and our responses are met with a command to “fill another’s cup.” (v. 15) – “Feed my lambs.” (v. 16) – “Take care of my sheep.” (v. 17) – “Feed my sheep.”
God puts people in our lives that reveal to us the type of love we have for Him. These persons test our devotion to God revealing the authenticity of our discipleship. “Do you love me (v.17)?” Then “follow me (v.19b)!” Not everyone will be a disciple. Our devotion to Christ must exceed that which is common place. Is my love for God like that of the friends who played basketball together? Or, is there a deeper level of devotion I have for my Lord and Savior? How will I know the difference; by my response to Christ’s command to feed His sheep. Whose cup am I filling?
Matthew 25: 31-40 shows us that our response is to be based on the sacrificial love Jesus Christ has demonstrated for us. As Jesus discussed the signs of His return, He described the persecution of Jewish people on earth. He told us the nations are to be judged by how the Jewish people are treated. Acts of kindness to Jewish people during the time of the Tribulation would expose one to that same persecution. This will require true sacrifice on the part of those who show kindness in the time of the Tribulation. Just as it will cost those in the time of the Tribulation to help others, we pay the high price gladly today. As we do for others we do for Jesus (v. 40). Our love for God is demonstrated as we meet the needs of “the least of these brothers of” Jesus.
Christ reveals Himself in me through my service (Galatians 1: 15-16). Christ can bring about a 180o turn in my life. My natural disposition no longer dictates my actions. God’s grace enables me to do things I was once unable to do – to experience the joy of sacrifice through filling another’s cup.
*The Rev. James M. Moody Quinn Chapel AME Church 2401 S. Wabash Ave Chicago, IL 60616
10. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
- James Avery Alexander, Jr., has been accepted as a “People to People Ambassador.”
“The People to People Program was initiated by the late President Dwight D. Eisenhower that allows young students the opportunity to travel different countries.
James will travel for 20 days to Italy, France, and England this summer.
For more info on how you help sponsor him, please email alex0361@bellsouth.net or Charmaine.Alexander@ssa.gov . James is the son of the Rev. and Mrs. James A. Alexander, Sr., pastor and servants at St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Columbus, Georgia.
- Presiding Elder Dr. Kenneth and Dr. Roberta Hill, Chattanooga District of the East Tennessee Conference of the 13th Episcopal District are happy to announce the birth of their 3rd grandchild Tanner David Herrington. Tanner was born on January 7, 2007 weighing 6lbs. 4oz. and measuring 19 inches long.
Tanner's proud parents are Ebony and Trevis Herrington, who are members of St. Luke AME Church in Highland Park, Michigan. Gram and Grandpa can hardly wait for their March visit.
Congratulatory email messages may be sent to: Dr. Roberta Hill (Gram) drro@bellsouth.netPresiding Elder Dr. Kenneth (Grandpa) hilldrkenneth@comcast.net
11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Brother George Wyatt, Jr., the husband of Sister Constance Wyatt, former Virginia Conference Branch President passed from labor to reward. Brother Wyatt served in the Lay organization for many years and the church of Allen in a diversity of functions. Homegoing celebration will be held noon Friday February 16, 2007 at Saint John's A.M.E. Church 545 E. Bute St., Norfolk, Va. 23510 Reverend John Burton, pastor.
Funeral services provided by:
Metropolitan Funeral Services
7246 Granby St.
Norfolk, Va. 23505
757-480-1800
12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs. Pinkie Alexander Wilkerson, Aunt of the Rev. & Mrs. James Alexander, pastor of Paul A.M.E. Church in Columbus, Georgia and sister-in-law of Mrs. Ruby J. Alexander (Widow of the Rev. Robert H. Alexander, Sr.) of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma died on Saturday and transitioned to be with the Lord. Aunt Pinkie was 93 years young, lived alone, still drove a car, had a very sharp mind, made everyone laugh, and lived a full life serving the Lord. Please be in prayer for our family as we celebrate her homegoing services on Saturday, February 10, 2007 at 11:00.
St. Thomas Episcopal Church
216 Remington Ave
Thomasville, GA 31792
Arrangements entrusted to:
Robert Jester Mortuary
107 Lincoln Street
Camilla, GA
In lieu of flowers, please pray for the Alexander and Wilkerson family.
13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Death claimed the life of Brother Anthony D. Walker, Sr., of Hagerstown, Maryland on Monday, February 12, 2007. Licensed to preach in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, he was a member of the Gaines Chapel AME Church in Columbus, Georgia. Bro. Walker was also a Military Veteran and served his country for more than twenty years, retiring in 2005.
Born in Phoenix City, Alabama, Bro. Anthony D. Walker, Sr. was the son of The Reverend R. Nathaniel Neal, a Presiding Elder in the AME Church serving the Savannah District in the Georgia Conference/Sixth Episcopal District, and the late Shirley A. Walker-Neal. Bro. Walker was married to Mrs. Felicia M. Walker and was the father of three sons, Anthony Walker, Jr., Isaiah Nathaniel Walker, and Timothy Walker.
Funeral services for Bro. Anthony D. Walker, Sr. will be held Saturday, February 17th, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. at the Pentecostal Tabernacle Ministries located at 919 North East Street, Suite B in Frederick, Maryland. A graveside memorial service will be held on Friday, February 23, 2007 at 12:30 p.m. in Fort Benning, GA.
Condolences may be sent to: Mrs. Felicia M. Walker13818 Emerson DriveHagerstown, Maryland 21742OrPresiding Elder R. Nathaniel NealPost Office Box 2005Richmond Hill, Georgia 31324
Services for Bro. Anthony D. Walker, Sr. have been entrusted to: Gary L. Rollins funeral Home110 West South StreetFrederick, Maryland 21701
Submitted by: Ella M. Smiley, Presiding Elder African Methodist Episcopal Church (6th Episcopal Dist.) Augusta Annual Conference Augusta - Athens PE District
14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs. Doris Reynolds (widow of The Late Reverend Johnny Reynolds of the 6th District) lost her son, Roger Andrews.
Service Arrangements for Mr. Roger Andrews: Funeral: Monday, February 26, 2007 12:00 noonBeulah Missionary Baptist Church2340 Clifton Springs RoadDecatur, Georgia 30311404-241-3307
Professional Services entrusted to: Thornton Mortuary3346 Martin Luther King Jr. DriveAtlanta, Georgia 30331404-691-4685 Phone
404-691-2205 Fax
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to: Mrs. Doris Reynolds5035 Cascade Road, SWAtlanta, Georgia 30331404-699-0521
Submitted by: Rev. Margaret Mitchell Giddings, Associate Minister
First A.M.E. Church - Atlanta, GA
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Homegoing Celebration for Bro. Dwight Singletary; brother of Rev. Pauline Lauderdale (Staff Pastor at St. James A.M.E. Church-Fort Worth, TX.-Greater Fort Worth District-Northwest Texas Conference) was held on Thursday, February 15, 2007 at 11 A.M. at New Mt. Calvary Baptist Church-Fort Worth, Texas.
New Mt. Calvary Baptist ChurchRev. Tom Franklin-Senior Pastor5800 Oak Grove RoadFort Worth, Texas 76134Ph: (817) 293-2619
Bro. Dwight's final earthly care was entrusted to: Gregory W. Spencer Funeral Directors4000 Miller AvenueFort Worth, Texas 76119Ph: (817) 531-8666
Condolences may be sent to: Rev. Pauline Lauderdale4110 Meadow Park DriveArlington, Texas 76017Ph: (817) 561-1266
Submitted by the Rev. Dr. Sherryl A. Matlock-PastorSt. James A.M.E. Church, Denton, Texas
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: PastorGolphin@aol.comI regret to inform you of the passing on Sunday, February 11th of Mr. Charles Walker. Mr. Walker was the brother of Mrs. Dorothy Watkins, who is the spouse of the Reverend James Watkins, pastor of Saint Luke AME Church in Alachua, Florida. The remains are entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home.
Mitchell Funeral Home501 Fairvilla RoadOrlando, Florida 32808407/298-0703 Phone407/299-9045 Fax
The Homegoing will be celebrated Saturday, February 17, 2007 at 3:00 at Mitchell Funeral Home.
Condolences may be sent toMrs. Dorothy "Mag" Watkins1543 New Amsterdam WayOrlando, Florida 32818Email: DorothyWatkins@bellsouth.net
Submitted by: Kenneth J. Golphin, PastorHistoric Saint Paul A.M.E. ChurchLexington, KY
Please remember the bereaved families in your prayers.
17. 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
18. 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
