The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
1. AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH CONNECTIONAL CONVO IX “FAITH, ORDER, MINISTRY AND MISSION”:
CONVO IX begins today at the Marriott BWI/Thurgood Marshall Airport Hotel, 1743 West Nursery Road, Baltimore, MD 21240 and concludes on Friday noon, March 2, 2007
Bishop Preston Warren Williams, President – Council of Bishops
Bishop McKinley Young, President – General Board, CONVO Chair
Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson – CONVO Host & Co-Chair
Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram, CONVO Co-Chair
Bishop Philip Robert Cousin, Senior Bishop
A Message from the Chair
My sisters and brothers:
The 2004-2008 quadrennium is moving quickly! It is appropriate that we, the children of Richard and Sarah Allen continue our work for reform and renewal during this Lenten Season. We welcome you into this unique community of those who pray and seek a better and more faithful African Methodist Episcopal Church. We encourage the total involvement and engagement of our people, clergy and lay, in preparation for our 2008 General Conference.
It is our hope and prayer that CONVOs IX, X, and XI will serve as forums for conversation, dialogue, debate and consensus building regarding the issues and concerns that face our beloved A.M.E. Church
CONVO IX has been planned to focus on the Ministry and Ministries of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Effectively funding the Mission, underwriting our witness and work from the local congregation to the Connection is a high priority. How do we creatively plan and budget quality support that will sustain African Methodism and make us a solvent church? Finally, we will consider our mission in education and the many challenges facing our institutions as we envision a promising future.
We believe that through prayer, hard work, sacrifice, and dialogue, that Almighty God will transform us and our beloved AME Church. Let us begin again together! Hymn No. 454 says it this way…“ Finish, then, Thy new creation; Pure and spotless let us be, Let us see Thy great salvation Perfectly restored in Thee: Changed from glory into glory, Till in heaven we take our place, Till we cast our crowns before Thee, Lost in wonder, love, and praise.”
Grace and Peace,
McKinley Young, CONVO Chair
PLENARY I
Bishop Preston Warren Williams, Presiding
Wednesday, February 28, 2007, Salons D, E, F
1:00 pm Devotions
Call to Worship:
Minister: “Rend your hearts and not your garments,” says the Lord. Return to the Lord your God.
People: For he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
Minister: With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on high?
People: He has showed you, His people, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
Hymn: “We Praise Thee O God” AME Hymnal # 97
We praise Thee, O God! For the Son of Thy love,
For Jesus who died, and is now gone above,
We praise Thee, O God! For the Spirit of light,
Who has shown us the Savior, and scattered our night,
Refrain: Hallelujah! Thine the glory, Hallelujah! Amen; Hallelujah! Thine the glory, Revive us again.
Prayer: Almighty and merciful God, we give thanks for the salvation you offer us in the humility of the cross. Invade us with the power of your Word, so that at the name of your Beloved, our stiff knees will bend and our hard hearts will melt in thanksgiving and submission. As we bow before you, we pray in the name of your Son, whom we freely confess as Lord and Savior. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen
Scripture: St. Luke 4:16-20
Greetings: Bishop Preston W. Williams President –Council of Bishops
Welcome: Bishop Adam J. Richardson, CONVO Host
Hymn: “O Thou, in Whose Presence” AME Hymnal #83 vs.1
O Thou, in whose presence my soul takes delight,
On whom in affliction I call, My comfort by day and my
song in the night, My hope, my salvation, my all!
Biblical Reflections on Ministry: Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie
Hymn: “O Thou, in Whose Presence” AME Hymnal # 83 vs.5
Dear Shepherd, I hear, and will follow Thy call; I know the sweet sound of Thy voice, Restore and defend me for thou art my all, And in Thee I will ever rejoice. Amen.
2:00 pm OVERVIEW and Introduction of CONVO THEMES
Bishop McKinley Young
FOCUS: The Ministry and Ministries of African Methodism
2:15 pm–4:15 pm Presentation: OUR MINISTRY
Presenters: The Reverend Drs: Louis Charles Harvey, Mark Tyler
History
Challenges
Promise
PANEL
Moderator: Bishop Wilfred Messiah
Discussants: Bishops: Robert V. Webster, Vinton Anderson; Frederick H. Talbot; Z. L. Grady; Chairs of District Boards from odd number Districts, (i.e., 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11,13, 15, 17,19)
4:15 pm–5:00 pm GROUP DISCUSSIONS A&B
A. President Leah Gaskin Fitchue, Salon C
B. President, Dean Daniel W. Jacobs, Salon G
5:00 pm – 6:45 pm DINNER, Salon H
7:00 pm, Salons D, E, F
WORSHIP
Bishop Richard F. Norris, Worship Leader
Call to Gather:
Minister: Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?
People: Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin?
Minister: Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly; your vindicator shall go before you, the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.
People: Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, Here I am. (Isaiah 58:6-9)
Hymn: “To God Be the Glory” A.M.E. Hymn # 21
To God be the glory, great things He hath done;
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
And opened the life-gate that all may go in.
O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,
To every believer the promise of God;
The vilest offender who truly believes,
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.
Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done,
And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;
But purer, and higher, and greater will be
Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.
Refrain: Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Let the earth hear His voice! Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son, And give Him the glory, great things He hath done. Amen.
Prayer: The Reverend Dr. Lois Poag-Ray
Scripture St. Luke 4:1-13 The Reverend Bartalette Finney, Sr.
Ministry of Music
Presentation of Preacher Bishop Adam J. Richardson
Ministry of Music
A Word from the Lord: The Reverend Michael E. Bell, Pastor, Allen Chapel AME, Washington, DC
Offering: Bishop C. Garnett Henning; Drs. Richard A. Lewis, Clement W. Fugh
A Prayer of Thanksgiving: The Reverend Pleasant Hailey
Directives
Work Group I - Delaware Room
Boards of Examiners will meet with Bishop Messiah and Dr. Darryl Ingram to begin drafting proposals and recommendations for the Plenary. They will take a fresh look at Disciplinary Requirements for Ministry and the Ministries of African Methodism as well as all issues in the existing “Book of Discipline” including bibliographies and the course of study.
PLENARY II
Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, Presiding
Thursday, March 1, 2007 Salons D, E, F
9:00 am – 9:15 am Devotions
9:30 am – 12:15 pm
FOCUS: Funding and Underwriting the Ministry, Witness and Work of African Methodism in the 21st Century.
Moderator: Bishop Philip Robert Cousin, Sr.
Presentations: Bishops: John H. Adams, Gregory G. M. Ingram; Dr. Richard A. Lewis; Mr. Tony Grant, the Rev. Dr. Floyd H. Flake
Discussants: Bishops: C. Garnett Henning, Sr., Gregory G. M. Ingram, E. Earl McCloud; F. C. James, Frank C. Cummings; Henry A. Belin, Jr.; V. R. Byrd; Drs: Jerome Harris, Johnny Barbour, The Revs: Mark Whitlock, John J. Hunter; Episcopal District Treasurers and Accountants
What have we inherited?
How did we get here?
What is the Legacy of the 1956 Reform Movement called “the Brotherhood”
History
Challenges
New Strategies
Banking & Investments
12:30 p.m. – 1:15 pm LUNCH
1:30 pm-3:00 pm: DISCUSSION CONTINUES ON FUNDING AND UNDERWRITING THE MINISTRY OF THE A.M.E. CHURCH
PLENARY III: 3:30 pm – 5:15 pm
Bishop John Bryant, Presiding
FOCUS: The Education Ministry of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in the 21st Century: Whither?
Moderator: Bishop Adam J. Richardson
Discussants: Bishops: Robert V. Webster (Wilberforce, Payne Theological), William P. DeVeaux (Morris Brown, Turner Theological), Preston W. Williams (Allen University), Gregory G. M. Ingram (Paul Quinn), McKinley Young (Edward Waters), John H. Adams, Presidents: Floyd H. Flake, Charles Young
History - What have we done and at what cost?
What are our Strengths, Weaknesses, threats to fulfill our mission in Education?
What must we do in the 21st Century?
How do we develop strategies and paradigms that will take us forward?
5:30 pm - 6:45 pm DINNER: Salon H
7:00 pm – 9:15 pm PLENARY III – continues Salons D, E, F
Forum on our Mission in Education-continues: Bishop A. J. Richardson, Presiding; Dr. Dennis C. Dickerson, Consultant
9:30 p.m. Prayers at Eventide
Working Groups – I, II, III meet to prepare summary reports and recommendations for Closing Plenary. Salon F / Salon G / Salon C
PLENARY IV : Salons D, E, F
Bishop William P. DeVeaux, Presiding
Friday, March 2, 2007
9:00 am – 9:15 am Devotions
9:15 am – 10:30 am WORKING GROUPS REPORT
10:30 am – 10:45 am BREAK
10:45 am – 11:30 am GENERAL DISCUSSION, QUESTIONS AND CONSENSUS BUILDING, RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FOLLOW-UP
11:45 am CLOSING WORSHIP
Call to Gather:
Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you that have no money, come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; listen, so that you may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David. (Isaiah 55:1-3)
Hymn: “My Faith Looks up to Thee” A.M.E. Hymn #415
My faith looks up to Thee, Thou Lamb of Calvary, Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray, Take all my guilt away,
O let me from this day Be wholly Thine!
May Thy rich grace impart Strength to my fainting heart, My zeal inspire;
As Thou hast died for me, O may my love to Thee
Pure, warm, and changeless be, A living fire!
A Sending Message The Reverend Dr. George F. Flowers
“My Faith Looks up to Thee” A.M.E. Hymn # 415 Vs 4
When ends life’s transient dream, When death’s cold, sullen stream
Shall o’er me roll; Blest Savior, then, in love,
Fear and distrust re-move; O bear me safe above, A ransomed soul! A-men
The Benediction
CONVO IX – FAITH, ORDER, MINISTRY and MISSION
WORK GROUP SCHEDULE
TOPIC Ministry: Qualified to Certify – Ordination and Protocol
CONVENERS: Bishops: Robert V. Webster, Wilfred J. Messiah
FACILITATOR: Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr.
CONSULTANTS: The Rev. Dr. Louis Charles Harvey and Mark Tyler
RECORDER To be selected by group
TOPIC Funding the Denominational Ministries of the AME Church from Local Level to Connectional: How do we develop Connectional Strategies for Economic Development: Budget and Finance: Resource Development and Management
CONVENER Bishop C. Garnett Henning, Sr.
FACILITATOR Dr. Richard A. Lewis
CONSULTANTS Mr. Tony Grant; The Rev. Drs: Floyd H. Flake, John J. Hunter, Mark Whitlock, Jesse L. Burns
RECORDER To be selected by group
TOPIC African Methodism Ministry of Education: Organization, Administration and Leadership, Funding Paradigms, New Partnerships of Support and endowments
CONVENER: Bishop Adam J. Richardson
FACILITATORS Dr. Earl & Jeanette Harris
CONSULTANTS College and Seminary Presidents, Mrs. Jamesina Evans
RECORDER To be selected by group
Connectional Calendar of Events
2007
Jan 9-12 Church Growth & Development Nashville TN
Jan. 18-20 Council of Bishop’s Retreat 8th District
Jan. 24-27 WMS Executive Board. Meeting Birmingham, AL
Feb. 6-7 Global Development Cape Town, RSA
Feb. 21 Ash Wednesday Connectional
Feb. 28-March 2 CONVO IX Baltimore, MD
Proposed Areas of Consideration
Faith, Order, Ministry and Missions, The Education Ministry of African Methodism: Whither? Funding the Denominational Ministry: Re-examining the Quadrennial Budget Economic Development: A connectional Strategy for the Future
April 8 Easter
Connectional Meetings:
April 23-24 General Conference Commission Meeting St. Louis, MO
May 1-4 Connectional Stewardship Seminar Birmingham, AL
June 25-29 Bishop’s Council & General Board Columbus, Ohio
July 11-15 30th Lay Biennial Session Washington, DC
July 14-24 YPD & WMS Quadrennial Philadelphia, PA
Sept. 6-8 CONVO X Orlando, FL
Proposed Areas of Consideration
Governance and Order
Legislation for the 48th General Conference: A first Glimpse
Restructure: A Report from Strategic Planning
2008
March 27-29 CONVO XI Dallas, TX
Proposed Areas of Consideration
Faith, Order, Ministry and Mission
General Budget and Funding the Ministry
A proposal for the Educational Ministry of the Church
Advancing Legislation to the Revisions Committee
July 4-11 General Conference St. Louis, MO
Council of Bishops
Bishop Philip Robert Cousin, Sr.
Bishop John Richard Bryant
Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle, Sr.
Bishop McKinley Young
Bishop Robert Vaughn Webster
Bishop Cornal Garnett Henning, Sr.
Bishop William Philips DeVeaux, Sr.
Bishop Theodore Larry Kirkland
Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr.
Bishop Richard Franklin Norris
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie
Bishop Gregory Gerald McKinley Ingram
Bishop Preston Warren Williams, II
Bishop Wilfred Jacobus Messiah
Bishop Paul J. M. Kawimbe
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry
Bishop James Levert Davis
Bishop David Rwhynica Daniels, Jr.
Bishop Samuel Lawrence Green, Sr.
Bishop Sarah Frances Davis
Bishop E. Earl McCloud
Retired
Bishop John Hurst Adams
Bishop Richard Allen Hildebrand
Bishop Frederick Hilborn Talbot
Bishop Hamel Hartford Brookins
Bishop Vinton Randolph Anderson
Bishop Frederick Calhoun James
Bishop Frank Curtis Cummings
Bishop James Haskell Mayo
Bishop Henry Allen Belin, Jr.
Bishop Vernon Randolph Byrd
Bishop Robert Thomas, Jr.
Bishop Zedekiah LaZett Grady
Deceased
Bishop Decatur Ward Nichols
Bishop Henry Wendell Murph
Bishop Cornelius Egbert Thomas
Bishop Harold Benjamin Senatle
General Officers of the A.M.E. Church
Dr. Richard A. Lewis, Treasurer & CFO, A.M.E. Church
Dr. Clement Fugh, General Church Secretary, CIO
Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of A.M.E. Sunday School Union
Dr. George W. Flowers, Secretary-Treasurer, Department of Missions (Global Witness & Ministry)
Dr. Dennis C. Dickerson, Historiographer & Exec. Director – Dept. of Research & Scholarship
Dr. Jerome V. Harris, Executive Director, Annuity Investments and Insurance
Dr. James C. Wade, Director, Church Growth and Development
Dr. Daryl Ingram, Director, Secretary-Treasurer, Department of Religious Education
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor, The Christian Recorder
Retired/Former General Officers
Dr. Sherman L. Green, Jr.
Dr. John W. P. Collier
Dr. Henderson S. Davis
Dr. Jamye C. Williams
Dr. Robert H. Reid, Jr.
Dr. Ricky Spain
Dr. A. Lee Henderson
Dr. Cecil W. Howard
Dr. Anderson Todd, Jr.
Dr. Paulette Coleman
Dr. Kenneth H. Hill
Dr. George L. Champion, Sr.
Dr. Joseph C. McKinney, (Deceased)
Connectional Officers
Mrs. Jamesina M Evans, President, WMS
Mr. Jesse L. Burns, President, Lay Organization
Mrs. Paulette Cryer, Director, Young People’s Division of W.M.S.
Mr. Emile Gauthier President, Young People’s Division of W.M.S.
Mrs. Loretta Hill Administrator, Christian Debutante-Master Commission
Dr. John Q. Owens Director, Social Action
Rev. Pleasant Hailey, President, Connectional Council
Mr. Derek Anderson, President of Richard Allen Youth Council
Ms. Gwendolyn Williams, Executive Director, Connectional Health Commission
Rev. Lois Poag Ray, President, Women in Ministry
Rev. Dr. W. Bartalette Finney, Sr. President, Presiding Elders Council
The Honorable Patricia Mayberry, President, Judicial Council
Mr. William Marsh, Jr., Legal Counsel
CONVO COMMITTEE
McKinley Young, Chair, Richard A. Norris, Adams J. Richardson, Co-chair, John H. Adams
Gregory G. M. Ingram, Co-chair Preston Williams, Wilfred J. Messiah
2. BISHOPS VASHTI MCKENZIE AND JOHN HURST ADAMS KEYNOTE 100th ANNIVERSARY WORSHIP SERVICES AT GRANT A.M.E. CHURCH:
Rev. Kevin Taylor
LOS ANGELES — (February 24, 2007) — 1906 was a monumental year. President Theodore Roosevelt became the first American to win the Nobel Peace Prize. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed above 100 for the first time. The Wright Brothers patented the airplane. A magnitude 8.2 earthquake struck San Francisco. Greece hosted the Centennial Olympic Games. And in a one-room house in the Los Angeles community of Watts, the Grant African Methodist Episcopal Church was founded.
Now, more than 100 years later, the first-ever female bishop of the A.M.E. Church and the last pastor of Grant to be elected bishop headline the congregation’s week-long celebration of a century of ministry in the Watts community.
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie will be the keynote speaker at the 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. services on Sunday, March 4, 2007. On the following Sunday, March 11, Bishop John Hurst Adams will be the guest speaker at both services.
“We count it a blessing and an honor that Bishops McKenzie and Adams accepted our invitation to share an inspiring word from the Lord during this special season of celebration,” said the Rev. Leslie R. White, pastor of Grant for the past 12 years. “Both Bishops are certain to offer unique perspectives of the significance of 100-plus years of ministry.”
Aside from her responsibilities as “chief pastor” of the A.M.E. Churches of the 13th Episcopal District – Kentucky and Tennessee – McKenzie is a highly sought-after speaker, lecturer and author. Her books include Not Without Struggle (1996), Strength in the Struggle (2000) and Journey to the Well (2003), and she is considered a pioneer in women’s ministry.
March 11 will be Adams’ first return to the Church since his retirement from active service to the Episcopacy in 2004. Adams served with distinction as Grant’s pastor from 1968 until 1972, the year he was elected and consecrated Bishop. For the next 32 years, Adams enjoyed a distinguished career of spiritual growth and expansion as Bishop of congregations in Texas, Florida, South Carolina, Georgia and parts of the Eastern Seaboard.
Other Church Anniversary activities include the Community of Faith Festival on Saturday, March 10 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the Church parking lot. Music, dance, games, and food will be available to members of the Grant family and the surrounding community of faith.
McKenzie and Adams messages will be broadcast on the Church’s brand-new, state-of-the-art, audio/video system. The system of video cameras, screens and improved audio has been well received by the congregation since it was installed earlier this month, added White. The $50,000 multi-media project was one of the legacies the present congregation wished to leave for worshippers in next century of ministry in Watts.
About Grant A.M.E. Church
The second-largest A.M.E. Church west of the Mississippi is located at 10435 South Central Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90002, and is celebrating its 100th year of service to the Watts community. Worship services are heard on the radio each Sunday morning at 6 a.m. on KJLH 102.3 FM. Join us for worship on Sundays at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. and for Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Hour of Power begins at 11:30 a.m. and Thursday night Soul Food starts at 6 p.m. All are welcome; admission is free.
For driving directions or for more information visit www.GrantAMEChurch.org or contact the Church office at 323-564-1151.
3. SAINT JOHN NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE HAS 28 ACCESSIONS AND 20 CONVERSIONS FOR THE FIRST QUARTERLY CONFERENCE:
*Brother Reggie Farris
Nashville, TN, On February 19, 2007, St John AME Church located at 1822 Formosa Street, Nashville, TN held its First Quarterly Conference of the 2007 Conference Year.
The Presiding Elder of the North Nashville District, Rev. Robert E. Keesee called the Conference to order with the Pastor, Rev. W. Antoni Sinkfield, assisting. Sister Gail Booker was elected as secretary. The Business Session followed with the general report by the secretary.
This quarter featured several key events in the life of St. John Church:
- We had 28 accessions, 20 conversions and 1 marriage this quarter.
- We began the demolition of the house that we purchased next door to the church and completed the work on a parking lot on the land.
- The Posse in Praise Celebrated their 1st anniversary in concert with Greater Bethel’s Young Adult Choir called Rejoice. We also witnessed the introduction of our Dance Ministry with 6 young girls (who did a super job) during this service!
- We celebrated the Sinkfield Family’s 2nd Year Anniversary at St. John. The speaker for the morning was the Pastor’s brother, Gerald Sinkfield.
- We hosted the 139th Session of the Tennessee Annual Conference following the slogan “This is St. John’s Annual Conference!” This meeting was uniquely hosted in a collaborative relationship with Lee Chapel AME Church pastored by Rev. Edward L. Thompson and Greater Bethel AME Church pastored by Rev. Michael Broadnax. We had tremendous cooperation from our sister churches and the Annual Conference Committee of St. John led by Mercedes Lytle did an outstanding job! Pastor Sinkfield delivered the Annual Sermon on the subject “I Believe” using the Apostles Creed as his text and the Combined Choir of St. John was musically brilliant! THIS WAS INDEED ST. JOHN’S ANNUAL CONFERENCE!
During the reading of our Annual Report, Mrs. Vickie Holmes (our delegate) turned the conference on its collective ear when she talked about who we are and what we are about at St. John! Kristy Sinkfield did a superb job of hosting the conference spouses and Lee Brown did a magnificent job with the Conference Institute! THIS WAS INDEED ST. JOHN’S ANNUAL CONFERENCE!
- We held our Christmas Sharing of Lights Service. Our Lay Organization prepared and delivered over 100 shoeboxes of goods to the needy. Our WMS shared several pounds of clothing and food with the shelter. The YPD also shared a very generous monetary gift with those who are in need.
- We hosted the Tennessee Conference Ministers’ Spouses Christmas Gathering at St. John. Kristy Sinkfield was the host for this event.
- We held our Joint Watch Night Service with New Covenant Christian Church. Both our Posse of Praise & the Acts of Praise sang and Pastor Sinkfield preached on the subject “Get Ready: His Clock is Still Ticking”—Matthew 24:44.
- We worked to co-host the Connectional Church Growth and Evangelism Seminar at the Music City Sheraton Hotel directed by Dr. James C. Wade. Pastor Sinkfield preached the Thursday evening service for this seminar on the subject “From a Room Full of Crumbs to A House of Fresh Bread!” The St. John Combined Choir brought the music in an awesome & powerful way.
- We held our first ever Evangelism Workshop and In-service conducted by Dr. James Wade, Director of Church Growth and Development. It was a challenging and enlightening session—full of great food, information, and fellowship.
- Dr. James Wade was the guest preacher for our Founder’s Day Service. He preached on the subject “Souls Are Saved in Your Prayer Closet.” It was a mighty move of the Spirit and the Combined Choir did an admirable job with the music.
St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church’s agenda is to become an Acts 2 Church in our day. Our Annual Theme for this Conference Year is “Pressing to Make the Mark” Philippians 3:13-14. The Mission of St. John Church continues to be “To dynamically present Jesus Christ to all whom we influence and model Christianity before them, building God’s Kingdom through the ministries of TESTIFYING, TEACHING, TRAINING, TOUCHING AND THANKSGIVING”. The goal of the church is “To enable God’s people to experience God’s presence through the Holy Spirit and be empowered to become God’s Community.
4. BLACK WOMEN IN MINISTERIAL LEADERSHIP (BWML) FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Office of Black Women in Church and Society www.itc.edu/pages/bwcs.asp at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta administers the Black Women in Ministry Leadership (BWML) Program which is a professional advancement and capacity-building program.
The purpose of the BWML Program is to increase and sustain the presence of women in key positions of ecclesial authority. BWML is purposed to advance the cause of women ministers as it relates to leadership within the institutional church, particularly the pastorate. The program is comprised of five components:
1. BWML Fellowship (15 Fellows per year)
2. BWML Leadership Seminar Series
3. BWML Program Curriculum
4. BWML Networking Dialogues
5. BWML Research Database
Targeting women with 6-8 years or less experience in the ministry as pastors, women with five years or less experience in church or church related leadership ministry and seminarians, BWML proposes to offer a comprehensive and sustaining leadership program that will promote gender equity and the vocation of ministry, and programmatic support to help sustain women in ministry.
BWML Fellows are women seminarians and/or young women pastors who are pursuing greater access to positions in church leadership, from the pastorate to the episcopacy. The BWML Fellowship focuses on developing and affirming the leadership skills of the Fellows in a theologically enhanced, professionally informed, vocationally affirming and personally gratifying environment, aiming for the acceptance and retention of exceptional women leaders for this yet new century.
The length of the program is 10 months, August 2007 through May 2008.
A $7,000 stipend/fellowship will be paid for the ten-month period.
Academic credit for the program is 7 credit hours:
3 credit hours for the BWCS Summer Intensive course,
2 credit hours for the Ministry in Context (Fall 2007), and
2 credit hours for Ministry in Context (Spring 2008).
The scope of the program participation as a leadership fellow includes:
(1) Development, implementation and evaluation of an on-site project (project grant made available),
(2) Enrollment in Ministry in Context- BWML,
(3) Enrollment in BWCS Summer Intensive, and
(4) Participation in leadership seminar, networking dialogue and program focus groups.
*Eligible applicants are
(1) Fulltime women seminarians with a 3.0 GPA and
(2) Women with seven years or less experience in pastoral ministry who possess an undergraduate degree.
An application for 2007-2008 Black Women in Ministerial Leadership Fellows (BWMLF) is available by:
(1) Replying to this email to AlumniNews@itc.edu:
(2) obtaining an application at ITC, 700 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr, Atlanta, GA, 30314, Office of Black Women in Church and Society, located in the lower level of the classroom building.
The deadline for receipt of completed applications is Monday, April 2, 2007, at 3:00 p.m.
Further inquiries may be directed to:
Email:
BWCS Office Manager: Ms. Melanie Lucear at 404-527-5710 or Itiharia Toure
BWML Administrator: Dr. Amy Hartsfield at 404-527-5714 or ahartsfield@itc.edu:
ITC Alumni News
Alumni Relations
Office of Institutional Advancement
Interdenominational Theological Center
700 Martin Luther King Jr Drive SW
Atlanta GA 30314-4143
Tel: 404-527-7767 (Roseanna Brannon, Alumni Director)
Tel: 404-527-7784 (Mary Ruth, Alumni Relations Volunteer)
www.itc.edu
AlumniNews@ITC.EDU
Office Hours:
M-W-Th: 8:30 to 5:00
Tues: 9:00 to 7:00
Fri: 8:30 to 12:00
To add or remove an email address, contact alumninews@itc.edu:
Emails in this distribution list are not being sold by ITC.
This email account established at ITC in September 2006. Its intent is to provide additional, cost effective, communication with alumni, campus community members, constituents and friends of ITC.
The Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) is a consortium of denominational seminaries whose mission is to educate Christian leaders for ministry and service in the Church and the global community. The ITC educates and nurtures women and men who commit to and practice a liberating and transforming spirituality; academic discipline; religious, gender, and cultural diversity; and justice and peace.
5. THE INTERFAITH ACADEMIES WILL BE HELD IN KANSAS CITY. INTERESTED PERSONS SHOULD APPLY:
"Aim beyond morality, don't simply seek to be good, rather be good for something." Henry David Thoreau
The upcoming Interfaith Academies will be held in Kansas City June 13-27. Two academies will be offered, one for "Emerging Religious Leaders" and the other for "Religious Professionals." We are looking for participants for the Emerging Leaders academy in particular, and want to fill all fifty available slots with students representing the full diversity of faith traditions in the country. We are looking for participants from the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Interested persons should simply open our website: http://www.rfpusa.org/interfaithacademy to get more information and download an application.
We are grateful for your dedication in supporting Religions for Peace-USA and our efforts to create opportunities for interfaith dialogue and cooperation. We look forward to seeing the Interfaith Academy succeed, and we thank you in advance for helping us to bring this about.
Mr. Zachary Shaeffer
Associate for Interfaith Relations
Religions for Peace - USA, Inc.
777 United Nations Plaza, 9th Floor
New York, NY 10017
T: 212-338-9140
F: 212-983-0566
E: zachary@rfpusa.org
www.rfpusa.org
6. ONLY IF LOVE TAKES YOU THERE:
*S. Renee Smith
As a positive, focused, high-energy level four soul, I thought that the days of senseless agony and spiritual torment were long gone. But I recently experienced divine intervention and received spiritual enlightenment concerning a personal decision that I felt needed my immediate attention. In opening my spiritual senses to a fresh idea, I have found a new way of settling my spirit and getting a much needed good night’s sleep, even in the midst of facing pivotal life-changing decisions.
This year is a transitional year for me in both the spiritual and physical worlds. As I’m about to reach the completion of four decades on this side, I have found myself facing unexpected moments of uncertainty and emotional confusion. To bring calm back into my life, as always, I performed an internal self-check. I cleared out all thoughts and evaluated my own emotional and spiritual state. Once I thought that all systems were go, I asked myself: Renee, is this decision based on a deep rooted fear or is it based on your destiny? As I quietly sat in my meditation room and waited for God to respond in a profound, revolutionary way, I didn’t hear, feel, or see ANYTHING! This was unusual I thought, and, like many of us, I attached an explanation to the silence: “Wait on the Lord and be of good courage.” I never thought that I could be hindering God from communicating a very simple message to me.
With my perceived notions and high expectations of how God works and how to make a “good decision” I continued on my journey while being sub-consciously consumed with how I should proceed in this area of my life. As days passed I could feel my body becoming tense, anxious, and an unusual, long forgotten yet identifiable energy was surrounding me. No, it wasn’t the devil. It was my own whirlwind of conflicting thoughts swirling around me.
What started out as settle uncertainty began to mushroom into a full blown state of conscious anxiety. This was not good and I knew it. So, I raised my spiritual awareness to match the moment. In that instant, God made a simple, clear statement. He said, “Only go there if love takes you there.” Ah, ha! I got it! God was teaching me a new way of making decisions. It doesn’t matter where you are going, what you are doing, or what decision you need to make, this is an uncomplicated formula. If the intent in your heart isn’t in harmony with love then you are going in the wrong direction.
What I now declare—as my truth—is that a person’s soul level doesn’t determine his or her experiences. The person’s soul level only determines how quickly and effectively it can acknowledge and apply spiritual weaponry, which is God’s favor and truth to the circumstance. If the truth that I have shared about “going only where love takes you” vibrates with your spirit and you want to use this prescription for successful decision-making, then consider the following.
1. Ask yourself, “What am I doing (or saying)? Why am I doing (or saying) it? How does it serve others?” Although many of us react to what another person says or does, I don’t believe that most people are intentionally malicious. I believe that many people who walk on the path “lack knowledge” and thereby suffer from a severe case of low self-esteem. When we don’t understand ourselves, we feel powerless. When we feel powerless we compare, complain, judge and try to manipulate others. What is in your heart? Why is it in your heart? How can you release your negative intent toward yourself and others and replace it with the light of love?
2. Ask yourself, “Do I freely offer my time, talents, and services without expectation of reimbursement?” World systems do not carry over into spiritual systems. When you do something with the anticipation of a returned favor, you may gain the favor, but miss the divine blessing from God. Check your intent. Do you spread hypocrisy by showing greater respect and care for certain people because of what they can offer you in return? Remember, Jesus did not come for those who are well; Jesus came for those who need a divine healer. Why are you here? Who do you enthusiastically serve?
3. Ask yourself, “Am I being driven by love?” We say and do all kinds of things for all kinds of reasons. In some cases, we don’t know why we’re doing them. And in other cases, we do them for egotistical, self-gratifying reasons. Check yourself. Only go there if love takes you there!
Copyright © 2007 All Rights Reserved. S. Renee Smith is an Image Consultant, Motivational Speaker & Author of There Is More Inside. For book sales or booking information, visit her website at www.srenee.com or call (302)736-5131
7. THE PASTOR’S CORNER: - THE JOY OF SACRIFICE – TAKE UP MY CROSS:
*Rev. James M. Moody
Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. (Matthew 10: 17-20)
The passage above describes Jesus establishing the terms of discipleship. By terms, we mean those conditions one must be willing to meet in order to be an adherent of Christ who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of Christ. Yes, God’s love is unconditional, but discipleship in Christ is not. Therefore, God’s love for me is not affected by whether I choose to become Christ’s disciple. What is affected is my capacity to effectively “shine like stars in the universe as I hold forth the word of life.” (Philippians 2: 15-16)
“GOD LOVES ME!” is an affirmation we frequently lift up during worship services at Quinn Chapel. In fact, God loves me so much that God will never say “yes” to me when He should say “no.” As a parent who loves all three of our grown children, I now recall times when I said “yes” when the proper response was “no.” Our children found ways to negotiate their way into a “yes” or simply at times hold out until I wavered in my position. My love although sincere is imperfect. God’s love for us however, is perfect. So when God establishes terms for us to covenant with Him, the terms are non-negotiable. God never changes – “Jesus Christ, the same, yesterday, today, and forever!”
So, Jesus states for us, His followers the terms of discipleship. We will address one of those terms today.
First, (Matthew 10: 17-20) we must be willing to challenge established power structures when called to do so by God. The Holy Spirit will protect us and give us the words to say. We are called on to speak truth to power. This means we are to stand up for what is right in God’s sight, not just for what is popular, safe, or pleasing to those in positions of authority. This is the reality of those who have followed God in their living.
Moses was directed by God to tell Pharaoh, the most powerful military leader on earth to free God’s people from slavery.
Frederick Douglass spoke to the industrial complex of the North and to the agricultural giants of the South to tell them to free God’s people from slavery in America. Later from the pulpit of Quinn Chapel, where it stands today, Douglass spoke to the power barons of Chicago who refused to allow him and his protégé, Susan B. Anthony to speak anywhere in Chicago. Douglass demanded voting rights for women of European descent, recognizing that voting rights for persons of African descent would soon follow.
Later, from this same pulpit at Quinn Chapel, Martin Luther King, Jr. called on America to free persons of African descent from the injustices of segregation, red-lining, housing discrimination, employment discrimination, voting discrimination, and unequal educational opportunity.
Today, God is calling each of us who will be Christ’s disciples to continue to speak truth to power. Every Christian and every citizen has the duty to “get up, get out, and VOTE!” God is calling on us as He did Moses, Douglass, and King. We through our vote are to tell elected officials to address fairly issues of superior health care for all citizens, equitable distribution of school funding dollars, wages and benefits that support working persons, affordable housing for all citizens and not just high profits for developers, treatment on demand for persons addicted to drugs and alcohol, effective support for re-entry into productive lives for those previously incarcerated, and equal access to job training, union trades, and developmental assistance for all citizens vs. spending dollars on prisons.
Take up your cross everyday. Be willing to challenge established power structures when called to do so by God. Stand up for what is right in God’s sight, not just for what is popular, safe, or pleasing to those in positions of authority. Pay the high price gladly and experience the joy of sacrifice.
*The Rev. James M. Moody is the pastor of Quinn Chapel AME Church, 2401S. Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
8. 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
9. 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.
