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. THE CELEBRATION FOR THE 125TH AME PUBLISHING HOUSE ANNIVERSARY WAS AWESOME:
The Pearl Street AME Church, Jackson, Mississippi Choir and the Tennessee Annual Conference Choir sang the worshippers happy at the 125th AME Publishing House Anniversary worship service that was held on Friday evening, August 10, 2007 at Greater Bethel AME Church. The Reverend Michael D. Broadnax, Sr. is the pastor of Greater Bethel. Dr. Johnny Barbour is the Secretary-Treasurer of the AME Sunday School Union.
The Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram delivered a dynamic sermon entitled, “If I Could Turn Back the Hands of Time” taken from Daniel 3:14.
Fifteen active and retired bishops were present for the celebration: Bishops Frederick Hilborn Talbot, Frank Curtis Cummings, Henry A. Belin, Jr., Richard A. Chappelle, McKinley Young, Robert Vaughn Webster, Zedekiah L. Grady, Garnett Henning, William P. DeVeaux, Sr., Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Gregory G. M. Ingram, Carolyn Tyler Guidry, David R. Daniels, Samuel L. Green, Sr., and E. Earl McCloud
Eight General Officers were present: Doctors Dennis C. Dickerson, Richard Allen Lewis, Clement W. Fugh, Johnny Barbour, Jr., George W. Flowers, Jerome V. Harris, Daryl B. Ingram and Calvin H. Sydnor III.
Two Connectional Officers were present: Mr. Jesse Burns, President of the Connectional Lay Organization and Dr. Shirley Hopkins Davis who represented the Women’s Missionary Society.
Music was provided by the Tennessee Annual Conference/Pearl Street Combined Choirs, directed by Mr. Sam. E. Robinson, Mr. Samuel Johnson, Mr. Clarence Johnson and Mr. Jimmie James.
The celebration will culminated at 10 a.m. August 11 at The A.M.E. Church Sunday School Union campus with the dedication of the Annex at 512 Eighth Ave. South, Nashville. Bishops and General Officers participated in the Friday worship service and the Saturday morning dedication of the Annex.
The presence of ministers and laity from across the connection made for a memorable event.
Dr. Phyllis Qualls Brooks did a Herculean job helping Dr. Barbour and his staff to coordinate the events of the celebration.
2. GEORGIA STATE PROFESSOR ASA GRANT HILLIARD III, PROFESSOR, AFROCENTRISM PROPONENT DIES IN EGYPT:
Editor’s note: The following is a tribute to Dr. Hilliard’s life by the Reverend Vetrel Smith.
Professor Asa Grant Hilliard III was very special to me and to many, many other people. Besides he and his wife at one time, being members of St. Mark AME on Campbellton Road in Atlanta (they may still be on the roll), mentored me while I was in seminary. He gave a series of guest lectures in a theology course I took at the Interdenominational Theological Center.
I worked in his home library the summer of 1997 cataloging all of his books on Africa and Africans in the Diaspora. I cataloged over 700 on Egypt alone. His brilliant wife, Patsy Jo was my mayor in East Point and I worked on her re-election campaign with their daughter Robi and was acquainted with all of their children. Under her leadership as mayor, the city saw phenomenal growth in housing and in retail development. Dr. Hilliard shared excerpts of his book SBA: The Reawakening of the African Mind prior to it being published and gave me several books including one on A.M.E. History. My heart goes out to his wonderful family. Dr. Asa Hilliard certainly had a beautiful mind and spirit. He will be greatly missed.
I wanted to share this because I thought his being an A.M.E. that his passing should be acknowledged in our AME publications. I am also sharing this because I am grieving and need to find ways to express my grief. Please forgive me for the imposition.
Rev. Vetrel Smith
3. AME PASTOR INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN JOHN EDWARDS’ CONFERENCE CALL OF FAITH LEADERS:
Rev. Granville W. Reed, III, Pastor of Mt. Olive AME Church, Jacksonville, FL was invited to participate in a conference call of Faith Leaders by Presidential Candidate, Senator John Edwards. Senator Edwards’ Moral Agenda is a highlight of his campaign. The agenda included raising the minimum wage to $9.50 per hour by 2012, halting global warming, guaranteed Universal Health Care for the 45 million uninsured Americans, addressing the crisis in Darfur, and rebuilding the Gulf Coast with locally built infrastructure and bringing back displaced residents.
Pastor Reed suggested that while he supported an increase in minimum wage, the target should be a living wage, which would enable workers to meet the financial needs of most families. He pointed out that the proposed minimum wage would not lift them above the poverty level. His suggestion was well received and supported by others and Senator Edwards Campaign Staff.
4. THE 11TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT HOSTS OUTSTANDING CHRISTIAN EDUCATION CONGRESS:
By: Annette Cabral
CED Central District Director
The Eleventh Episcopal District Christian Education Congress was held July 2, 2007 through July 5, 2007 in Orlando, Florida at the Shingle Creek and Resort. Bishop McKinley Young and Dr. Dorothy Young, Episcopal Leaders were the hosts. Over 1200 persons were in attendance.
Services began on Monday, July 2, 2007 with the Communion Service and the Reverend Henry Belin, III, pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Harlem was the guest preacher.
The winner for the Golf Tournament was the Reverend Lorenzo Laws. Proceeds were donated to Edward Waters College.
On Tuesday, July 3, 2007, the Rev. Charles Graham, the Rev. Charles Cloy and Dr. Dorothy J. Young were the instructors for the morning physical fitness training.
Bishop Young’s Seminar empowered the congregation. Bishop David R. Daniels of the 14th Episcopal District preached a dynamic sermon.
The Christian Education Congress concluded on July 5, in a spiritual atmosphere of camaraderie and fellowship. We acknowledge our daughter and son in ministry, from the Central District of the South Conference of the Eleventh Episcopal District. The Reverend Edrena Houston Brown, M.A.C.E., is a candidate for Secretary/Treasurer for Christian Education 2008, was in attendance and campaigning among the many laity and ministerial supporters and The Rev. Dr. John Frank White, Sr., a Candidate for Episcopal Honors for 2008, Pastor of Mount Hermon A.M.E. Church, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. To God Be the Glory!
5. CARE 2007 AT BETHEL CHAPEL AME CHURCH IN COLUMBIA, TENNESSEE:
*Rev. Trent L. Ogilvie
Columbia, TN – Bethel Chapel AME Church invites the community to Church Anniversary Revival Experience 2007 (CARE 2007). This exciting revival is scheduled for August 19-21, 2007 with special music and powerful preaching. CARE 2007 begins on Sunday, August 19, 2007 at 3 p.m. with the Church Anniversary Service. The revival continues Monday, August 20th and Tuesday, August 21st at 7 p.m. nightly.
“CARE 2007 promises to be a life changing revival where prayers are released and blessings are received. This is especially for those who are hurting and looking for a change in their life through Jesus Christ.,” said Rev. Trent Ogilvie, Pastor of Bethel Chapel AME Church.
The guest revival preacher is the Rev. Roderick Dwayne Belin, Pastor of Kairos Community AME Church in Antioch, Tennessee. He is an emerging national leader with a global vision to ensure that more of God’s people will reach their full potential and fulfill their holy and divine purposes. His ministry has touched many lives through his innovative teaching, effective outreach efforts and empowering others where he has served.
With over 20 years of service in Christian ministry, Rev. Belin has traveled across the United States, to Jamaica, W.I.; Trinidad; the Dominican Republic; London, England; Nigeria; Turkey; and the Republic of South Africa where he preached, counseled, facilitated workshops and ministered in song.
Rev. Belin has established a relevant mission that serves to meet the emergent needs of a diverse community through holistic ministry based on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. One of the fastest growing and progressive churches in the region, his congregation is seeking to be the church for which Christ will return; places where you will find love, mutuality, and respect for all people. An uncompromising man of God, Rev. Belin has brought new ideas and approaches in pursuit of traditional ideals to make a difference in the lives of others.
CARE 2007 will feature dynamic preaching and special musical guests at each service. This promises to be a blessed time of spiritual renewal and revival for all who attend. Bethel Chapel AME Church is located at 1125 South Glade Street in Columbia, TN. At Bethel Chapel we are “Building a New Church” One Soul at a Time.”
*Rev. Trent L. Ogilvie
togilvie@bellsouth.net
6. TURNER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY ALUMNI PREPARES FOR PRESIDENT JACOBS' RETIREMENT:
The Alumni Association of Turner Theological Seminary will honor President Daniel W. Jacobs for over 20 years of service as the President/Dean for Turner on Tuesday, February 5, 2008.
The Alumni are soliciting support for the Souvenir Journal in his honor. Contact Reverend Vetrel Smith, Chair-Public Relation /Souvenir Journal Advertisement for further information via email at vetrel@mindspring.com or (615) 579-5133 cell or visit the Alumni Association of Turner Theological Seminary at www.turnerseminary.com/Alumni/alumni_home.htm and download advertisement document.
Upcoming Events:
- Executive Board and Standing Committees Chair Meeting--October 9, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. TTS Murph Board Room
- President Miller, Preaching at ITC for Chaplains Recognition Service--November 13, 2007 at 11:00, ITC Chapel
- Turner Theological Seminary 114th Founders' Day Convocation, February 5th- 7th, 2008
- President Jacobs' Retirement Celebration Banquet, Tuesday, February 5, 2008 at Saint Phillips AME Church, Atlanta Georgia, Rev. George Moore, Sr., Pastor.
Submitted by
Rev Joanne Bedford
Correspondence Secretary
7. FAVORITE SON RETURNS HOME:
Payne Chapel A.M.E. Church in Duquesne, Pennsylvania, pastored by the Rev. Samuel W. Chambers, welcomes back to his roots the Rev. Dr. Dennis C. Dickerson to preach at the Steward Annual Day. Rev. Dickerson spent his early years as an active member of Payne Chapel. Payne Chapel, known as the little church on the hill, was founded in 1891 and has had a long history of excellent pastors. Rev. Dickerson was nurtured and tutored during his youth by the Rev. Rubin C. Eberhardt and the Rev. Dr. Robert H. Reid. It was well known back then that one day young Dickerson would become a man of distinction. As a pastor, historiographer, professor, and author; he has made the members of Payne Chapel and the Duquesne community proud.
Dr. Dickerson’s sermon was taken from Genesis 11:1-8, with a focus on verse 4, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth." The Tower of Babel brought humankind together but for all the wrong reasons. Another passage was taken from Genesis 28:18-19, “Early the next morning Jacob took the stone he had placed under his head and set it up as a pillar and poured oil on top of it. He called that place Bethel.” Bethel means, “house of God.”
July 15, 2007 is a day we shall all remember as Rev. Dickerson asked the thought provoking question “Are You Building a Babel or a Bethel?” His message is particularly timely because we as a church have been raising money for a number of years to build a new edifice. We are making the human error of concentrating on whether the building is large enough, does it have sufficient parking, and will the kitchen be state of the art. We have forgotten to ask ourselves “Why are we building?” He went on to provide key characteristics to distinguish between Babel and Bethel which we must keep in mind as we go forth in our church ministry.
If you are building a house of Babel, there is a sense of self-sufficiency, superficiality, and self-centeredness. This becomes a house of the people having a social address instead of a house of God. On the other hand, building a house of Bethel entails creating an atmosphere that welcomes God down to man, knowing I can do all things through Christ, and believing without a doubt that salvation exists. The church becomes a place where sinners are saved and the brokenhearted are welcomed. It is truly a house of God and not a house of man.
This was a spirit-filled service, and by the end, we knew that through Rev. Dickerson God reached down and communicated to his people.
8. THE FIRST ANNUAL DR. ROBERT E. MORAN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION WEEKEND:
Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1358 south Boulevard, Baton Rouge, where the Reverend Dr. Herman o. Kelly, Jr. is the Pastor, will celebrate the First Annual Dr. Robert E. Moran Christian Education Weekend.
The weekend will be celebrated with a seminar presented by Dr. Clement Fugh, General Secretary and Chief Information Officer of African Methodist Episcopal Church, entitled, "The information age of the black church." Dr. Fugh’s presentation will be presented on Saturday, September 15, 2007 at 10 am--registration is a $5.00 donation. On Sunday the annual Christian Education Day will be celebrated with Dr. Fugh preaching at 11 am.
For further information contact the church office at 225-344-6931
9. ALTERNATIVE MINISTRIES FOR THE ORDAINED IN THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
By G. L. Champion, Sr.
Throughout our “Zion”, hundreds of licentiates are placed in the Class of Admissions by the Board of Examiners of the Annual Conference and presented with only one category from which to choose to fulfill their calling in Christ Jesus: the Pastoral Ministries. Whether those who acknowledge their calling into ordained ministry feel led by the Holy Spirit to go into other ministries, or not, too fulfill their calling such as: Evangelism, Urban, Prayer and Healing, Prison or Christian Education Ministries, the Board of Examiners only stresses preparation training and ordination for pastoral ministries.
The truth of the matter is that all those God “called” to preach, God did not “call” to pastor. When we force the pastoral ministry upon those who are “called” to other needed ministries, God’s Kingdom and our “Zion” are not being completely served and we bring un-fulfillment to the lives of those who are “called”.
The time has now come in this juncture of the history of our “Zion” (the AME Church) for us to establish alternative ministries to the pastorate for the ordained ministers. A list of alternative ministries in several categories should be given licentiates in the first year Class of Studies within each Annual Conference that has been approved by the Presiding Bishop. The Licentiates may then prayerfully choose the specific category and/or ministry they feel the Holy Spirit is leading them. The Board of Examiners will then design a curriculum to train and equip them for their specific calling in Christ Jesus, along with other requirements before recommending a person’s election and ordination to be a Deacon.
The following is my suggestion of ministries according to seven categories from which licentiates can choose. Each ministry will be defined according to mission, objectives, responsibilities and accountability.
A. Pastoral Category
1. Mission Pastor
2. Station Pastor
3. Senior Pastor
4. Associate Pastor
5. Church Planter
B. Prison Ministry
1. Ministry to Inmates
2. Ministry to Families of Inmates
3. Ministry for Inmate’s Re-entry into the Community
C. Urban Ministries Category
1. Ministry to Urban Youth
2. Ministry to the Homeless and Unemployed
3. Ministry to Substance Abuse Victims
4. Ministry to AIDS and H. I. V. Victims
5. Ministry to Unwed Mothers and Juvenile Youth
D. Christian Education Ministries Category
1. Director of Christian Education in a Local Church
2. Director of Christian Education for a District Conference
3. Director of Scouting Programs
4. Director of After School Ministry
5. Principal of a Church Academy
6. Director of Senior Housing and Ministry
E. Evangelism Category
1. Street Evangelism
2. Radio and T. V. Evangelism
3. Revivalist
4. Conference Evangelistic Instructor
5. Prayer and Healing Ministry
F. Church Music Ministry Category
1. Director of Church Music (a Local Church)
2. Director of Church Music (conference director)
3. Recording Artist
4. Director of a Church Orchestra
5. Director of Liturgical Dance
G. The Chaplaincy Ministry Category
1. Chaplaincy to the Armed Service
2. Chaplaincy to Hospitals and Nursing Homes
With your vote and support in the forthcoming General Conference in St. Louis, I would have an opportunity to administrate alternative ministries to fulfill the ministry of those who have been called.
10. THE REV. DR. LEROY ATTLES CELEBRATES A 30 YEAR LEGACY AT ST. PAUL AME CHURCH IN CAMBRIDGE:
CAMBRIDGE MA - The Rev. Dr. LeRoy Attles, Pastor of the St. Paul AME Church in Cambridge, is being honored and recognized for his 30 years of ministry to the St. Paul AME Church and the Boston and Cambridge communities at large. A yearlong celebration is being planned beginning on Sunday, September 9, 2007 at 4:00 PM with a 30th Anniversary Celebration Service at the St. Paul AME Church, 39 Bishop Allen Drive in Cambridge.
Being a pastor for 30 years and leading one of the largest African Methodist Episcopal Congregations in the New England District is an unusual occurrence in the AME church. Most pastors are moved after seven or eight years from one church to another. Rev. Dr. LeRoy Attles' longevity at St. Paul AME is of historical proportion and the yearlong celebration will bring together many prominent individuals in recognition and appreciation of the significant impact that this man of faith has had on a diverse group of people and communities. Joining him and participating on the Steering and Honorary Committees are the Honorable Governor Deval Patrick, Senator Diane Wilkerson, Cambridge Mayor Kenneth E. Reeves, Boston Ministerial Alliance, Cambridge Black Pastors, Rev. Liz Walker, Mr. Carl Barron, Harvard Law Professor Charles Ogletree, Jr., Princeton University Professor Cornel West, Northeastern Law School Professor David Hall, nationally recognized housing advocate Phillip Mangano of the US Interagency Council on Homelessness, and many others. This gathering of renowned and distinguished guests speaks volumes about Rev. Attles' ministry, character, and integrity giving reason and purpose for the St. Paul AME Church congregation to come together in celebration for an entire year.
Continuing with the kickoff celebrations in September, St. Paul will host a Revival and Empowerment Breakfast with guest speaker the Rev. Dr. Floyd H. Flake, Senior Pastor of the Greater Allen AME Cathedral of New York and President of Wilberforce University in Ohio. Rev. Flake is a former U.S. Congressman and has founded a 600-student private school with his wife Elaine and various commercial and social service enterprises. The Revival will be held on Thursday and Friday, September 13th and 14th at 7:00 PM at the Christian Life Center, 85 Bishop Allen Drive in Cambridge. The Empowerment Breakfast will be held on Saturday, September 15th at 8:00 AM. Tickets for the breakfast are $20 and can be purchased at the St. Paul AME Church Christian Life Center Monday through Friday between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM or after the 8:15 and 10:45 AM Sunday Worship Services.
Everyone is welcome to attend. St. Paul AME Church is located at 37 Bishop Allen Drive. The Christian Life Center is located at 85 Bishop Allen Drive. For more information on these and upcoming events, call 617-661-1110 or go to www.st-paul-ame.org.
11. UNRELATED BUSINESS INCOME TAX:
Orletta E. Caldwell
Typically, revenue received by a religious organization is tax-exempt. I write “typically” because there are instances when the revenue received by a religious organization is subject to “Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT)” According to the IRS, UBIT is “income from a trade or business, regularly carried on, that is not substantially related to the charitable, educational, or other purpose that is the basis of the organization's exemption.” The religious organization must file a 990T the 15th day after the 5th month of the organization’s tax year if the gross income is greater than $1000. The organization will be taxed at the corporate rate.
For example, if a church rents out their fellowship hall for private gatherings, the revenue does not fall under the guidelines of the Internal Revenue Service for tax exemption. The church will simply have to pay the necessary taxes on the revenue from the rentals. Please note: It is NOT illegal to rent out the fellowship hall to private entities. However, it is illegal not to file taxes for the revenue received from these unrelated funds. Another example, if the church rents or charges a fee to a private organization or the public to park, then again the church must file a 990T.
As always for your specific issue, you should contact a CPA or your attorney. For general information, consult the Tax Guide for Churches and Religious Organizations or myself at ocaldwell920@gmail.com.
12. NEWS AROUND THE CHURCH:
Rev. Edrena Houston Brown, M.A.C.E.
Presiding Elder Jimmy James Thompson of the Central District, South Conference of the Eleventh Episcopal District will celebrate the Elder’s Appreciation Service on Sunday, August 19, 2007 at Mount Pleasant A.M.E. Church, Hollywood, Florida at 5:00 p.m., the community is cordially invited to attend.
Reverend Dr. Frank Madison Reid, III, host pastor and the Bethel A.M.E. Church, 1300 Druid Hill Avenue Baltimore, Maryland, will observe its Holy Convocation and Crusade on August 27 -30, 2007 at 12:00 noon daily and 7:30 p.m., nightly. For further information call (410) 523-4273.
13. HAVE FAITH:
By: Tamika Stafford
“Tamija”
Why is it that we, as parents, often do not support our children in the careers they have chosen for themselves? We often encourage them to think about something more realistic just because we do not believe their choices are unrealistic.
When I was about 16 years old during dinner, I asked my granny why she didn’t move to California when she had the opportunity, so we could have a better opportunity to do what we wanted to do.”
She responded, “Well what is it you want to do in California?”
My response was, “I want to be a write and be an actress in the screenplay that I planned to write.”
Everyone at the table just looked as if I was speaking another language, and finally my granny said, “Girl, please, you will never make it.”
It seemed like everyone at the table agreed with her, except my mom cause she told granny not to discourage my aspirations because I could do whatever I set my mind to do.
I don’t believe my granny was trying to hurt me but in actuality she did, and I never followed my dreams.
I believe that one of our biggest problems, as black people, is that we always say that we have faith in Jesus, but we tend to never tell each other to have faith in themselves and their dreams.
Rather, we knock our kids down, and then lift them up; and that’s where we are often failing our children.
We should give our young people all our attention when they are telling us what they want to be in life, instead of brushing them off because we think they talk too much or tell them that a particular career is impossible for them to be successful in. We should not encourage them to choose a career more realistic. We should encourage them to work hard to fulfill their dreams. If we did that, we wouldn’t have to worry as much about some of them going to the streets or hooking up with gangs, looking for love in unusual places, doing drugs, and drinking alcohol for the attention, love, and support that they are lacking at home and in the community.
If we don’t encourage our children and their dreams, no one will; so when my baby girl tells me that she wants to be a model, then so be it. I am going to encourage her to be the next Tyra Banks and as long as we both have faith then it just might happen.
We all make our own decisions in life and we have to face the consequences, but think about it, when you have nothing but negative people around you, what happens? Everyone surrounded by negative energy often takes on a negative attitude and often incorporates a negative mind-set.
If we ever want to be considered as equals in this country and get the respect that many of our people died for us to have, we must become equals in our homes and communities.
It seems to me that some of us are so stuck in the slave mentality that it’s scary and it’s rubbing off on our children. Our attitudes make them feel like failures before they have an opportunity to pursue their dreams and aspirations.
If we want to see more blacks winning Oscars, being in the magazines as models or writers, and even in the White House, we need to stick together, be supportive, and push our children to their highest capabilities.
When my granny wanted me to see her reality instead of mine, I always had my mom in my ear saying, “Reach for the stars baby; the stars are there for the taking and they are all yours.”
Everyone is not as fortunate to have a mother like mine so don’t only encourage your child but any child who seems to be lacking the support, encouragement, and guidance at home. If we encourage each other and especially our youth, we will prosper and maybe more of our children will have faith and pursue their dreams.
14. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICES:
- We are pleased to announce the 99th Birthday Celebration of Mrs. Lillian Thomas Simmons. Mrs. Simmons, formerly a daughter of the A.M. E. Church parsonages was born in Madisonville, Louisiana. She is the daughter of the late Rev. Joseph Louis Thomas, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana who pastored for 35 years.
She is a former member of Mt. Olive AME Church, Slidell, Louisiana and St. Paul AME Church in New Orleans.
Following Hurricane Katrina, at the age of 98, she relocated to Dallas (Grand Prairie) Texas to an assisted living home where she lives alone, caring for herself. Mrs. Thomas is the Aunt of the Rev. Frederick LeRoy Fields of Greater Mt Zion AME Church of Pearlington, Mississippi and St. James AME Church of Picayune, Mississippi. She is also, the Aunt of Mr. Venson and Maxine Fields of Anderson Chapel AME Church, Wichita Falls, Texas.
- A Retirement Celebration For Presiding Elder, Rev. Dr. and Mrs. J. Leander Byrd, Pensacola District, Florida Conference, 11th Episcopal District on Friday, August 24, 2007 at New Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1401 Old Bainbridge Road in Tallahassee. Bishop A. J. Richardson will participate in the celebration
Congratulatory messages can be sent to:
Rev. Dr. and Mrs. J. Leander Byrd
3717 Suffolk Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32309
850 893-4312
pettybyrd@yahoo.com
- The Reverend Dr. A. D. and Mrs. Marion W. Hughes Tyson, Jr., celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary on August 9, 2007.
The couple was feted at a backyard barbeque celebration in their honor, hosted by their Children, the Rev. Albert Tyson III, Rev. Margaret, and Dr. Frederick, on Saturday, August 11, 2007, at the couple's home in Warren, OH. More than 100 well-wishers gathered from across the continental United States to share in this celebration with Rev. and Mrs. Tyson, Jr. Others who may have a desire to commend the Tyson's on what the Lord has done may communicate with them:
Rev. Dr. and Mrs. A. D. (Marion) Tyson, Jr.
8401 Squires Lane
Howland Township, OH 44484
330-856-3373
atyson1155@aol.com or mwt1158@aol.com
- The Reverend Dr. William W. Easley, Jr., pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee and Mrs. Ora L. Easley (Administrator of the AMEC Clergy Family Information Center) will observe their 40th wedding anniversary on Tuesday, August 21, 2007. Rev. and Mrs. Easley were married on August 21, 1967 at Lee Chapel A.M.E. Church, Nashville, Tennessee.
Congratulatory messages may be sent to the Rev. Dr. W.W. Easley, Jr.: WEasleyjr@aol.com or to Sister Ora L. Easley: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
- Dr. and Mrs. Dennis C. Dickerson (Historiographer/Executive Director, Research and Scholarship of the African Methodist Episcopal Church) celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary on Monday, August 6th. The Dickerson's were blessed to celebrate their joy with all their children, grandchildren and son-in-law during a three-day cruise to the Bahamas.
Congratulatory messages may be sent to:
Dr. Dennis C. Dickerson: WhhButler@cs.com
Mrs. Mary A. E. Dickerson: marydickerson@comcast.net
- Ms. Lula Marie Martin will be graduating from Tennessee State University, Nashville, Tennessee, on Saturday, August 11, 2007 with a Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy.
Lula is the daughter of Presiding Elder Linda Thomas Martin, Louisville-Paducah District, West Kentucky Conference and the Rev. Elmer S. Martin, pastor, Brown's Chapel A.M.E. Church, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Congratulatory wishes can be sent to:
Ms. Lula Marie Martin
5242 Edmondson Pike, #106
Nashville, TN 37211
E-mail Congratulatory Messages to:
praisinivy@yahoo.com
Lula Marie Martin
Loupaddistrict@aol.com
Rev. Linda Thomas Martin, Presiding Elder
Louisville-Paducah District, West Kentucky Conference
Submitted by P.E. Linda Thomas Martin
15. PRAYER REQUESTS:
- We solicit your prayers for the mother of Sister Anna Johnson, 13th
District Lay President. She is in Central Baptist Hospital in Lexington, KY, in very serious condition.
Submitted by Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie
- We solicit your prayers for Presiding Elder Andrew B. Lewin of the Cape Peninsula East District. The Presiding Elder had heart surgery and thanks be to God, he is currently doing fine.
Get well messages can be emailed to Presiding Elder Andrew B. Lewin: abglewin@taurenz.co.za
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Rev. Dr. Jacob "Jake" Arthur Holmes, Sr. died Sunday, August 5, 2007. He was the husband of Mrs. Edith Reynolds Holmes and the father of Mrs. Edith Arthuretta Holmes-Anderson and Dr. Jacob Arthur Holmes, Jr. Dr. Holmes' services to the AMEC included: Episcopal Committee, Judicial Council (Vice-Chair.), General Board; Presiding Elder - Spartanburg District (Columbia SC Conference) and Mt. Pleasant District (Palmetto SC Conference); Pastor - Bethel AMEC, Columbia, SC (43 years); Faculty and Board of Trustees - Allen University, Columbia, SC.
The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements:
Friday, August 10, 2007
Visitation/Viewing: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Leevy's Funeral Home and Friendly's Funeral Home
1831 Taylor Street
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 771-7799
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Viewing: 11:00 AM - 12:00 Noon
Celebration of Life Service: 12:00 Noon
Bethel AME Church
819 Woodrow Street
Columbia, SC 29205
Phone: (803) 779-0138
Fax: (803) 779-7243
Rev. Dr. Ronnie E. Brailsford, Sr., Pastor
Funeral home:
Leevy's Funeral Home
1831 Taylor Street
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 771-7799
Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Edith Holmes-Anderson
104 Eastbranch Road
Columbia, SC 29223
Phone: (803) 699-0069
Fax: (803) 699-0367
Email: edith@holmeshealthcare.org
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The brother-in-law of Rev. Dr. Taylor T. Thompson and Dr. Barbara H. Thompson of St. John AME Church, Cleveland, Ohio, Mr. Nathaniel Mullins passed on Wednesday, August 1, 2007.
Mr. Mullins will be funeralized on Saturday, August 4, 2007 at 1 p.m.
Services will be held at:
Faith Memorial Chapel Funeral Services
600 Ninth Avenue N
Bessemer, AL 35020-5367
Phone: (205) 425-8437
Fax: (205) 425-8707
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Kay Mullins and Family
804 Owens Avenue
Bessemer, AL 35020
Or
The Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Taylor Thompson
P.O. Box 613
Berea, Oh 44017-0613
216-214-6886
Please keep the family in your prayers.
Submitted by,
Rev. Dr. Taylor T. Thompson
revttthomp@aol.com
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The passing of The Reverend Karen L. Young, Assistant Pastor of Allen Chapel AME Church in Silver Spring, MD (Burtonsville) on Thursday, August 09, 2007. Reverend Karen L. Young is the wife of The Reverend Dr. Baron D. Young, Pastor of Allen Chapel AME Church.
Service arrangements for The Reverend Karen Young are as follows:
Monday, August 13, 2007
Gathering of the People: 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Memorial Service: 10:00 a.m.
Repast: Immediately following Service
Ebenezer A.M.E. Church
7707 Allentown Road
Ft. Washington, MD
301/248-8833
Professional services are entrusted to:
Strickland Funeral Service
6500 Allentown Rd
Temple Hills, MD 20748
(301) 449-0400
Messages of sympathy may be sent to:
Reverend Baron Young, Pastor
Allen Chapel AME Church
14130 Old Columbia Pike
Burtonsville, MD 20866
301-879-5715
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of The Reverend Karen L. Young to the Allen Chapel AME Church Building Fund:
Checks should be made payable to Allen Chapel AME Church and mailed to:
Allen Chapel AME Church
14130 Old Columbia Pike
Burtonsville, MD 20866
Attn: Treasurer
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs. Jean Murphy, formerly of the South Florida Conference, 11th Episcopal District passed on Tuesday, August 15, 2007. Mrs. Jean Murphy served as the Worship Director of the West Coast Conference Women's Missionary Society. She was a former pastor's spouse and the cousin of the Rev. and Mrs. Rubin E. Ancrum, pastor and first lady of Greater Mt. Zion AME Church in Sebring, Florida.
Service arrangements for Mrs. Jean Murphy:
The viewing:
Monday, August 20, 2007
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Greater Mt. Zion AME Church
870 North Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
Sebring, Florida 33870
Funeral Services:
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
1:00 p.m.
Greater Mt. Zion AME Church
870 North Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
Sebring, Florida 33870
Cards for the family can be mailed to:
Miranda J. Mack (daughter)
P. O. Box 4067
Sebring, Florida 33871,
Email expressions of sympathy to: blancheancrum@hotmail.com
Professional services are being provided by:
Epps Mortuary Inc.
626 N. Dr. MLK, Jr. Blvd.
Lake Wales, Florida 33853
Phone: (863) 678-3777
Fax: (863) 676-5642
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Sister Amanda Riley, the mother of the Rev. Orell Riley went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 7, 2007. Rev. Riley is the pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Bartlesville, Oklahoma in the Tulsa District, Central Northeast Oklahoma Conference.
The Funeral arrangements are as follows:
Tuesday, August 14, 2007 at 11:00 a.m.
Thankful Baptist Church
608 W. Allegheny Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19132
Phone: 215-229-5024
Condolences may be forwarded to:
Rev. Orell Riley
4715 N. Cincinnati Place
Tulsa, OK 74126
Anita Brannon
12th Episcopal District Headquarters
P. O. Box 147
Little Rock, AR 72203
501-375-4310
501-375-0306 - FAX
21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We sympathize with Mrs. Jacqueline Carnow, the first lady at Elizabeth Chapel AME Church, Lansdowne (15th Episcopal District) whose mother passed.
Email condolences to comfort her, and her family to: elizabethchapel@telkmsa.net
Please be in prayer for these families in the Fifteenth Episcopal District.
22. 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
23. 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
