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. BISHOP ROBERT THOMAS JR. HOMEGOING CELEBRATION AT EBENEZER AME CHURCH, DETROIT:
Ebenezer AME Church in Detroit is one, if not the largest AME church facility in African Methodism. The sanctuary holds estimated 1300-1600 parishioners. The Reverend Dr. H. Michael Lemmons is the pastor of Ebenezer AME Church in Detroit and he and the members of Ebenezer were the ultimate hosts for the homegoing celebration of the Right Reverend Robert Thomas, Jr. Oak Grove AME Church, Detroit, pastored by the Reverend Dr. Robert Brumfield, assisted with providing transportation for the out-of-town guests.
Ebenezer is a stately church with an ecclesiastical presence; an absolutely beautiful facility and an appropriate venue for the homegoing service of an AME bishop.
The bishops, general officers, preachers, and the laity came from across the Connection traveled to Detroit to show their love for a "warrior called home to eternal rest" and the church was filled to capacity for Bishop Thomas’ homegoing celebration.
The parking spaces all around the church were full before 9 a.m. The sanctuary was filled to capacity by 9:30 a.m. and people filed in to view the remains until 10:55 a.m. Other rooms in the facility were utilized to accommodate the overflow crowd.
The following active bishops and Episcopal Supervisors were present. The following bishops were in attendance: the Right Reverends Philip R. Cousin, John Richard Bryant, Richard Allen Chappelle, Sr., McKinley Young, William P. DeVeaux, Adam J. Richardson, Jr., Richard F. Norris, Gregory G. M. Ingram, Carolyn-Tyler Guidry, and E. Earl McCloud, Jr.
The following retired bishops were present: the Right Reverends John Hurst Adams, Frederick Hilborn Talbot, Henry Allen Belin, Jr. and Zedekiah Lazett Grady.
The following general officers were present: Drs. Dennis Dickerson, Richard Allen Lewis. Clement Fugh, Johnny Barbour, George F. Flowers, Daryl Ingram, and Calvin H. Sydnor III and retired general officers: Drs. Kenneth Hill and Ricky Spain.
Sister Jamesina Evans and other Connectional Officers were present. Hopefully their names will be provided so that they can be shared in the print edition.
The hymn, "It is Well," lined by the Rev. Dr. Mickarl Thomas, Set the tome for the homegoing celebration with the melodious sound of the pipe organ played by Dr. John Massenburg, who modulated the last stanza; and the voices of the congregation and the choir raised their voices in praise and thanksgiving in worship to God and in celebration of the life of Bishop Robert Thomas, Jr.
The Chancel Choir of Ebenezer provided the ministry of music. Their first anthem was, "Let Mt. Zion Rejoice." The Chancel Choir was outstanding and their music was superb.
The welcome and invitation to worship was given the Right Reverend Philip R. Cousin, the Senior Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The invocation was given by Bishop McKinley Young, the Old Testament Lesson by Bishop Richard F. Norris, and the New Testament lesson by Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle.
Words of Comfort were given on behalf of the community by Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick. Words of comfort were given by the Reverend Dr. Edgar Vann on behalf of the ecumenical community, the Reverend Dr. Robert Brumfield gave expressions on behalf of the clergy, and Miss Courtney Thurman gave expressions on behalf of the youth. Mr. Joe Ezell gave words of comfort on behalf of the Lay Organization; Mrs. Delores Kennedy-Williams gave words of comfort on behalf of the Women's Missionary Society; and the Rev. Dr. Jessica Ingram gave words of comfort on behalf of the Episcopal Supervisors.
An instrumental hymn was presented to the congregation by Mr. Lashawn Gary, Mr. Leroy Hyter, Jr, and Mr. Jeffrey Sparks.
The congregational hymn, “Blessed Assurance,” was lined, in the African Methodist tradition, by Bishop Adam Richardson.
Words of comfort were shared by the Right Reverends Zedekiah L. Grady, Henry A. Belin, Jr., John Hurst Adams, and Philip R. Cousin, the Senior Bishop of the AME Church.
Acknowledgements on behalf of the Thomas family were expressed by the Rev. Dr. H. Michael Lemmons, pastor of Ebenezer AME Church.
Warm. Emotional family tributes were given by the Reverend Dr. Norman V. Osborne, the Right Rev. Gregory G. M. Ingram, the Reverend Robyn Michelle Tabb and Mrs. Cynthia Adams Carter.
Sister Lori Beldon Waddles in a moving tribute, sang, "Something Within."
The eulogy was eloquently delivered by the Right Rev. John Richard Bryant. He took his text from Ephesians 3:20 and delivered a dynamic sermon. He took as a subject, "When God Blesses You, He Doesn't Mess Around." Bishop Bryant preached about the blessed ministry and blessed life of Bishop Robert Thomas. He went on to say that, "Bishop Bob" as he was affectionally known, was a well-rounded shepherd and a loving husband, father, and grandfather.
Bishop Bryant got up, spoke up and the people of God stood up and Bishop Bryant sat down; the Holy Spirit was in this place.
The benediction was delivered by the Right Rev. Carolyn-Tyler Guidry.
The recessional hymn, "Down at the Cross" was sung joyfully as the celebration ended.
The postlude, "Improvisation on for All the Saints" was beautifully played by Dr. John Massenburg.
The tribute to the Right Reverend Robert Thomas, Jr. was memorable and fitting for the ministry he gave to the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the Christian community.
2. AMEC STRATEGIC PLANNING CORE COMMITTEE (SPCC):
CONTINUING THE WORK OF OUR ZION!
On Thursday, and Friday, August 9, 10, 2007, the African Methodist Episcopal Church Strategic Planning Core Committee (SPCC) met in Nashville, Tennessee to continue its appointed task. During this very important session, the members of the SPCC, representing Episcopal Districts 1 – 13 and 16, worked diligently to complete the Strategic Planning Implementation Handbook. In an effort to complete the crafting of this document, discussions during this intensely focused session centered on identifying and developing strategies, processes, and procedures that will facilitate the smooth implementation of the Strategic Recommendations accepted by the general church in the report of the first phase of the Strategic planning process.
Since 2002, the 90 member AMEC Strategic Planning Core Committee has labored to address many pertinent questions and to develop a careful plan to continue to move the AME Church in the direction of spiritual and organizational growth for the 21st century and beyond. In July of 2004, the SPCC, under the leadership of the Co – Conveners, Bishops McKinley Young, Garnett C. Henning, and Vashti M. McKenzie, submitted the initial Strategic Planning Report, authorized by the AMEC Bishops’ Council and General Board during the 47th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the AME Church. From the first phase of this very strategic planning process, eight themes or strategic thrusts were presented which encompasses legislation as well as strategic recommendations for implementation.
The eight themes or Strategic Thrusts are as follows:
1. Enhance Church Growth
2. Improve Leadership and Management
3. Support Christian Character
4. Enhance Spiritual Growth and Development
5. Ensure Economic Growth and Fiduciary Accountability
6. Embrace Diversity
7. Improve Education Growth and Development
8. Enhance Global Ministry and Missions
As explained in the Introduction of the draft of the Strategic Planning Implementation Handbook;
“Strategic planning in and of itself, is of little direct use, if concrete steps are not taken to execute the plan. The payoff of strategic planning for the AMEC is in its application, in the execution and implementation of the strategic thrusts and recommendations. It is in implementation that we begin to see the long-term, systemic impact change.”
The implementation of the strategic plan will involve the concurrent initiation of several ministry and operational plans at a variety of different levels of the church and in different segments. It is imperative that these changes are carefully managed. In an effort to guide the implementation of the strategic recommendations, the SPCC developed the AME Strategic Planning Implementation Handbook. This document, the “AME Strategic Planning Implementation Handbook”, provides suggestions for accessing existing structures of the Church to implement the plan and it recommends temporary transitional structures where they may be necessary.
The purpose of this handbook is two-fold: First it is to help the members of the AMEC understand in layman’s terms the specific objectives, recommendations, and processes of the Strategic Plan; and secondly, to help the Strategic Planning Team transfer the responsibility for implementation to the appropriate people in the AMEC so that they can effectively lead the AMEC toward success. This handbook is created as a working document. Its contents list the eight (8) Strategic Thrusts (themes) and, provide a structural framework for implementation.
Submitted by:
Rev. Dr. Lugenia Johnson, Senior Pastor
Mount Zion AME Church – Kennesaw, GA
Sixth Episcopal District AMEC Representative SPCC
3. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
- To the Editor:
Thank you Dr. Sydnor for the fine job that you do to keep us informed of the work of the AMEC across the connectional.
G. H. Cox,
Second District WMS,
Assistant Recording Secretary
- To the Editor:
Thank you very much for the report on the home-going service for a Prince of a man and a dear friend, Bob Thomas. Our heart goes out to Beautiful Beverly Thomas, the love of his life. It is almost like being there. He would have been proud. We know he is in his Father's House now, but he will not ever be forgotten.
Thanks again.
Chaplain, CAPTAIN, USN Retired Carroll and Christene Chambliss
4. AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH CONVOCATION DATES:
- CONVO X – September 6 – 8, 2007
Orlando, FL | Agenda
Proposed Areas of Consideration:
• Governance and Order
• Legislation for the 48th General Conference: A first Glimpse
• Restructure: A Report from Strategic Planning
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- CONVO XI – April 14 - 15, 2008
Dallas, TX
Proposed Areas of Consideration:
• Faith, Order and Ministry
• General Budget and Funding the Ministry
• A Proposal for the Educational Ministry of the Church
• Advancing Legislation to the Revisions Committee
This information was extracted from the AMEC Official Website. For more information visit: http://www.ame-church.com
5. DR. ROBERT A. STRODE GIVE INVOCATION FOR THE OPENING OF THE KENTUCKY GENERAL ASSEMBLY:
Click on the link below or type in your browser to view the invocation given by Dr. Strode at the Kentucky General Assembly.
http://www.ket.org/cgi-bin/cheetah/watch_video.pl?preference=rm&nola=WGASS%
Rev. Dr. Robert A. Strode is the pastor of the Historic St. John AME Church in Frankfort, Kentucky.
6. LEE CHAPEL, NASHVILLE SINGERS - A CHORUS ON A MISSION:
NASHVILLE, Tenn., August 21, 2007--A chorus is a group of singers who perform choral compositions, usually having more than one singer for each part.
Choruses can be found singing in churches during worship services on any given Sunday, with their primary mission and ministry being to sing the songs of Zion and worship and praise the Lord through music.
For most choirs and musical groups singing is enough, but not for Lee Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church’s Mission Chorus based in Nashville, Tenn.
In addition to music, this anointed chorus focuses on an agenda of ministry and service.
“I am inspired and challenged by their quiet determination to make a difference; especially the men of the Lee Chapel Mission Chorus’ Pearlington Project. These guys set the bar of service,” says Ms. Paula Y. Holmes, minister of music for Lee Chapel and the Mission Chorus.
Since 2004, the Lee Chapel Mission Chorus has been “living the songs that they sing about.”
Twenty-five members, from four adult choirs at Lee Chapel, began providing music for worship in churches throughout the Tennessee Conference (which includes all of Middle Tennessee) of the African Methodist Episcopal Church that otherwise might not have choirs. On an annual basis, the group travels to a distant location to assist a church with specific needs.
In 2006, the Chorus’ annual mission trip led them to Mississippi, the African Methodist Episcopal Church’s Eighth Episcopal District, to help two churches: Saint James African Methodist Episcopal Church in Picayune, Miss., and Greater Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church in Pearlington, Miss, which sustained heavy damage from Hurricane Katrina in August 2005.
“There have been untold benefits in that the people from Lee Chapel were the first group to physically assist us from the AME connection personally.
“We had received some goods and items that were sent by truck from Los Angeles from an AME church and their community. As far as physical appearance and physical presence, Lee Chapel’s group was physically present on a touch base in the Pearlington community,” said the Rev. Frederick Fields, pastor of Greater Mt. Zion.
“They assisted us in financial blessing. They assisted us in work on the building, and in homes of members and nonmembers around the community. They provided us with hymn books for our spiritual enrichment,” Fields said.
Fields was in town last Friday to thank the Tennessee Conference Lay Organization and give them an update on the mission work.
Chorus and non-chorus members also participated in clean up and repair efforts in the home of Mrs. Lillie Sams, long-time member and former first lady of Greater Mt. Zion.
“We thought you all had forgotten us,” said Mrs. Sams, when she first met the AME’s from Lee Chapel.
For almost a year, teams of workers have made five trips to Pearlington to continue restoration efforts.
The Chorus’ mission trips are funded by benefit concerts, patrons, Lee Chapel and the choir members’ personal contributions.
“The choir members feel blessed to have an opportunity to help others while doing what we love to do, which is sing to the glory of God,” said Holmes.
The Lee Chapel Mission Chorus has traveled to the following areas, blessing churches with their music and service.
- Travis Chapel AME Church in Vicksburg, Miss. This was the Chorus’ first long-distant effort in 2004. They helped Travis Chapel, which had just built a new church and planning to start a literacy program for children.
- Adams Northeast AME Church in Columbia, S. C. was worshipping in a doublewide trailer in 2005. The Chorus provided assistance as Adams began a capital campaign to construct a more traditional church structure.
- Saint James AME in Picayune, Miss. and Greater Mount Zion in Pearlington, Miss. Lee Chapel has made over five trips to the area, providing assistance to these churches ravaged by Hurricane Katrina.
On August 31, the Lee Chapel Mission Chorus will travel to Enterprise, Ala., which was devastated by a tornado last March.
The Lee Chapel Mission Chorus is a ministry of Lee Chapel AME Church, located at 1720 Scovel Street in Nashville, Tenn. The Rev. Edward Lee Thompson is the pastor. The Chorus consists of twenty-five members from four adult choirs at Lee Chapel. The group began by providing worship music in churches throughout the Thirteenth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church that otherwise might not have choirs. The district includes Tennessee and Kentucky. Since 2004, the group has traveled to distant locations assisting churches with specific needs.
Lee Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church
1732 Scovel Street
Nashville, TN 37208
615-320-0260
The Rev. Edward Lee Thompson is the pastor of Lee Chapel AME Church.
7. ALLEN UNIVERSITY CELEBRATES REAFFIRMATION OF ACCREDITATION:
Columbia, S.C. – Thursday, August 16th, at 5 PM, in the John Hurst Adams Gymnatorium located at 1530 Harden Street in Columbia, S.C., Allen University celebrated the reaffirmation of its accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools (SACS). Atty. E. W. Cromartie II, Columbia City Councilman, participated in the celebratory program along with Bishop Preston W. Williams II, Chairman of the Board of Allen University and Presiding Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church in South Carolina, Retired A.M.E. Bishop Frederick C. James, Dr. Charles E. Young, President of Allen University, hundreds of the university’s faculty, staff, and students, and a host of A.M.E and community members. The University’s reaffirmation of accreditation will last 10 years until 2017, and signifies its present trajectory of tremendous growth and progress.
Dr. Charles E. Young attributes the current surge in the university’s progressive development to the 2004 arrival of The Right Reverend Preston W. Williams II, who revitalized the Strategic Growth Program by procuring the necessary connections and capital needed to bring the strategic growth vision to fruition. Dr. Charles E. Young further states, “I want to express sincere gratitude to all of you who have continued to support Allen University during this process. This achievement was truly a team effort. I wish to thank each faculty and staff member, our students, the Board of Trustees, the A.M.E. churches, and the community for your hard work, support, and faith in the value of Allen University.”
Allen University has operated for the past ten years as a fully accredited four-year liberal arts university and this June 2007, its accreditation was successfully reaffirmed by SACS. Established in 1870, Allen University is the first institution of higher education in South Carolina founded by African Americans for the express purpose of educating African Americans. With many of its buildings registered as early twentieth century historic landmarks, Allen University blends the tradition of a well preserved historic campus, with the technology of recently renovated and newly constructed state-of-the-art facilities. Erected in 1881, Allen University’s Arnett Hall is the oldest building in South Carolina built by African Americans, and Allen’s campus is home to 6 buildings registered as national historic landmarks, more than any historically black college or university in America.
Much of the recent buzz surrounding Allen University has been related to the vigorous development of its student body and faculty, the advancement of its academics and administration, and the augmentation of its facilities. For example, Allen University has recently completed the restoration of the Chappelle Administration Building; the city of Columbia is contributing one million dollars to the renovation of Chappelle Auditorium; Gibbs Hall has been completely renovated; the Old Waverly Good Samaritan Hospital is being converted into an Academic Resource Center; construction and retrofitting have begun on the old Food Lion store which will now house the Student Development Center; and construction has begun on a new state-of-the-art 480-bed student dormitory to be completed January 2009.
Similarly, in line with its vision for dynamic future growth, Allen has begun plans for the construction of a Living and Learning Center that will serve as a dormitory for 200 students, a cafeteria for 400 students, a Counseling Center, and a Health & Wellness Center for January 2008; a Leadership Development Center which will be placed in the center of campus that will house a Learning Resource Center, a Reading and Writing Center, and a Research and Technology Center for September 2008; and a Student Residential Life Center which will include a 700 bed dormitory and a Student Convenience Complex which will house stores that provide students with products essential to campus life, as well as facilities where they can recreate and socialize in a clean and safe environment for January 2009.
Benjamin Harrison
Public Relations Director
Allen University
803.528.7104
harrisonamemedia@aol.com
8. DR. JOSEPH DARBY SERVES ON THE DNC FAITH ADVISORY COUNCIL:
The DNC Faith Advisory Council works to lift up critical issues in the pursuit of social justice and had invited the Reverend Dr. Joseph Darby to be a member of that august organization.
Lindsay Gonzales, a member of the Democratic National Committee Faith in Action notified Dr. Darby of his invitation.
9. MAN UP: PROSTATE CANCER---TREAT IT, BEAT IT, & SURVIVE IT:
Editor’s note- Every man should read every word of this article!
*Rev. Will Kenlaw
In June of 2005 my PSA (prostate specific antigen) test was 2.9. In June 2006 it was 4.0. That’s a 38 percent increase in twelve months. I was retested in July 2006 to check if the test results were accurate. The July number was 3.9. Normal for PSA test results is 1.0 to 4.0. Anything above 4.0 is an “indicator” that something else is going on in the body, probably in the prostate gland itself. My doctor recommended retesting in 6 months not the usual 12 months. In December 2006 the test results were 5.3. That’s a 33 percent increase in six months.
Thus began my journey toward a diagnosis of prostate cancer. I had a biopsy performed on my prostate gland on February 28, 2007. The procedure was painless and took only 15 minutes of actual time on the procedure room table. It was like going to an outpatient surgery site for a nap and then going home. The only pain was about two hours of soreness after the anesthesia wore off. By that time, I was comfortably at home and already in the bed for another nap.
Shock & Denial
On March 7, 2007, I received the news from my urologist that three of the 12 biopsy samples came back positive for cancer. “What do you mean positive? Is this some mistake? Did you confuse my samples with someone else’s?” My mother died from breast cancer at the same age as I am (48 years young). Her mother died in her fifties.
After doing a little family research, I discovered a wicked truth about our family’s health record----cancer was very prevalent but not talked about. Two of my mother’s siblings died from cancer (breast and colon). My mother’s oldest brother had breast cancer 40 years earlier, had it surgically removed, and is still living, but told no one or very few people. My grandfather on my father’s side had prostate cancer in his eighties and two of my father’s younger brothers had prostate issues---one with prostate cancer (surgically removed), the other with BPH (enlarged prostate). My father’s oldest brother died a decade earlier with lung cancer (fierce smoker) and my father’s closest brother (fierce smoker) died in 2005 of lung cancer.
So like many families, the cancer demon was there. It was just in the closet and not discussed. Meanwhile, it was methodically destroying the family. How about yours? Are you discussing your family’s medical history? Make a point to do so. Information is power. Ignorance is deadly.
Anger
My thoughts were many. “Why me? Why so young? What should I do? How will the choices affect my health, my sex life, my urinary function? Is this another conspiracy to castrate black men? Why is our incidence rate for prostate cancer the highest of any ethnic group in the world? How will this impact my wife? Will we lose the passion in our relationship? I became a vegetarian five years ago to prevent cancer from happening in my life! Why is it happening after five years of sacrifice and lifestyle change? How do I explain this to our four children? I’m the leader of the Healing Prayer Ministry at Church. How do I explain this to our members? God, what is this all about???”
Five days before my diagnosis, I was blessed to have attended an all day seminar entitled, “Ministering to Cancer Patients and Their Families” sponsored by the Cancer Treatment Centers of America. It was sent by God for me, and prepared me more than I could have possibly imagined. Even so, I was still angry.
Before the biopsy and the diagnosis, my wife bought a book for me (just in case the diagnosis was positive) entitled, Battling Prostate Cancer: Getting From “Why Me” to “What Next” by the Reverend Marvin A. McMickle. This too was God sent. I can’t tell you how highly I recommend this book to any man diagnosed with prostate cancer. The author chronicles his own journey, the researching of options, how he made his decision, and provides biblical counsel along the way. It’s fantastic and kept me sane in my process. It kept me from slipping into the typical next trauma stage---depression. It taught me what God told the Prophet Elijah during his pity party-----“You’re not alone!” There are thousands of others going through the same thing every year.
Acceptance: MANNING UP
Always good in math and a bit analytical (engineering college graduate), the numbers were speaking loudly to me. I not only had cancer, but it was growing fairly fast. 38 percent in a year, followed by 33 percent the following six months, if I use the PSA test as a gauge. I not only needed to act, I needed to act reasonably fast. My urologist insisted that I wait at least eight weeks to heal from the biopsy, but recommended action in three to six months. I concur with Rev. McMickle, when he says that was a long eight weeks with plenty of time for the devil to play with your faith.
Options
My urologist recommended surgery but suggested that I investigate all options and select what was best for me. (Urologists are surgeons, so while his advice was excellent, he wasn’t exactly totally unbiased.) The urologist recommended surgery because of my age. The average age for someone with prostate cancer is 62 years old, and I am 14 years younger than that. In other words, given average life expectancy, most men who get this cancer are already within 15 years of dying, but a man in his thirties or forties will probably live another 30 to 40 years, and the quality of that life is very important. Net: Non-surgical options leave the chance for recurrence of the cancer in the prostate gland.
Other options include laparoscopic robotic surgery, cryogenics or freezing the prostate gland to kill the cancer cells, radioactive seed implants to kill the cancer cells, hormone therapy to kill the cancer cells, chemotherapy, normal radiation therapy, newer radiation therapy alternatives, etc. Depending on the stage and grade of the cancer, some of these options are done in combination.
Robotic Surgery
I chose laparoscopic robotic surgery over traditional (open) surgery due to less bleeding, higher recovery rates for urinary function, higher recovery rates for sexual function, faster recovery time, less time in the hospital, and less catheter time. God was indeed with me! This choice also proved to be a major blessing! Robotic surgery is phenomenal. The surgeon sits at a computer console while performing the surgery. Due to the usage of a tiny camera, the surgeon can see ten times better than with normal surgery. The instruments are tiny, hence not requiring a large incision. The surgery requires five or six one inch incisions rather than one five or six inch incision, therefore healing and recovery are much faster.
My urologist does not perform (yet) robotic surgery. He only does the usual open surgery (the five inch incision). Due to my interest in the robotic option, he referred me to a specialist (a young turk) that had done over 300 procedures. (You want someone who has done hundreds, not someone practicing on you.) To my surprise, my urologist stated that most people didn’t ask as many questions as I did and usually just accepted his services; however, he confessed that his practice was increasingly losing patients to the robotic option and would be getting someone trained sooner rather than later.
After further investigation, I discovered that there are more than 200 laparoscopic robotic machines in use in the US, 30 percent of all prostate surgeries in 2005 were done using robotics, 50 percent of all prostate surgeries in 2006 were done using robotics, and 70 percent were projected in 2007. I discovered the robotic option because two of my cousins (brothers) had the traditional surgery five years earlier (before the use of robotics) and one of them called me and told me a friend of his had just used the robotic option in February with great success. This cousin is a minister. God was working it all out!!!
After a consultation with the robotic surgeon, I scheduled the surgery for four weeks after the consultation. I had the surgery, was in the hospital only one night, was up walking the next morning. The only intense pain was the first hour in the recovery room. Removal of the catheter was more painful and terrifying than the surgery. Healing from the catheter was more painful than healing from the surgery. 30 days after the surgery, the surgical scars were barely noticeable. 90 days after surgery I was back to 95% full strength.
I am blessed of the Lord and “His praise shall continually be in my mouth!!!” Brothers, face it, treat it, beat it, survive it, and CHOOSE LIFE!!!
(Sources: www.clevelandclinic.org/urology, www.webmd.com)
*Rev. Will Kenlaw is a 2007 prostate cancer survivor. He is Minister to Men at Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church in Silver Spring, Maryland. He can be reached at RevWill4God@aol.com. Upon request, he will send you a PDF file entitled “Ministering to Cancer Patients and Their Families”----his synopsis of an all day seminar of the same name, sponsored by the Cancer Treatment Centers of America.
10. MACEDONIA AME CHURCH REX, GEORGIA TO HOST BREAKTHROUGH REVIVAL:
Macedonia AME Church Rex, GA 30273 will host its Breakthrough Revival on August 22 - 24. Praise and worship begins at 7:00 PM each night.
The Rev. Terence R. Gray pastor of St. Mark AME Church in Orlando, Florida will be the guest revivalist.
Music will be provided by the anointed music ministry of Macedonia along with Bible Way Church, International under the leadership of Pastor Monte Norwood. Special guest Psalmist will be the Rev. Rae Fitch, pastor of Nimno and St. Luke AME Churches.
Bruce L. Francis, Pastor
11. CELEBRATE, CELEBRATE; THAT’S WHAT’S HAPPENING AT JOHNSON CHAPEL AME CHURCH IN MALAKOFF, TEXAS:
Delanda S. Johnson
On Sunday, August 26, Johnson Chapel AME Church in Malakoff will be celebrating its 110th Church Anniversary.
The speaker, the Rev. James G. Goss, is a native of Dallas, Texas and a 1975 graduate of David W. Carter High School and attended Mountainview College in Dallas. He also attended the First Faith-Based Counselor Certification School.
Goss was ordained November 23, 1988 under the leadership of his father, Pastor James E. Goss at Believers’ Tabernacle.
Johnson Chapel AME Church was organized in 1897 in the Cedar Creek bottom under a brush arbor on Abe Johnson’s farm. Six months later, they built a small church out of oak with one back door and one front door. Kerosene lamps were used for lighting; the benches were made of oak planks, nailed to blocks with no backs and the pulpit was made of Oak.
In 1915, the church moved on the Taylor’s farm where a large modern church was built with large windows, modern doors, and kerosene lamps up against the walls for lighting. They also had a four-room parsonage.
In 1926, the church divided because of high water and bad roads. Johnson Chapel members remain in the church building, but others established a church in Trinidad, Texas that’s known today as, Mt. Vernon AME Church.
In 1938, the Johnson Chapel members tore down the church and built a small church in Malakoff, Texas on Highway 31 with kerosene lamps for lighting. The members remain in this building until it was struck by a storm and was condemned by the insurance company in 1944. The church was rebuilt in 1945 under the leadership of the Rev. S. V. Johnson, who also a carpenter.
In 1969, the church was destroyed by fire. The pastor and members then held their services at New Hope CME Church in Malakoff.
In 1970, Rev. L. R. Kindred was assigned to Johnson Chapel and called the members together to discuss building a new church. On November 9, 1970 the new church was completed and in which the congregation worships today.
Rev. Kindred died in June and his wife Sister A. L. Kindred carried the church to the Conference.
Today, Johnson Chapel remains due to its faith, strength, and prayers of its members and community.
12. THE MIGHTY MEN OF VALOUR OF CHESTERTON, MARYLAND STRIVE TO BE SOLDIERS FOR GOD:
The Mighty Men of Valour of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Chestertown, MD seek to influence men of God toward reclaiming their warrior spirit. The Bible is full of examples of strong men who were willing to go to battle for the love of their God. Today’s church has stripped the male believer from his position, creating a passive, quiet man who is expected to operate outside of his character; making them “nice”. The world looks through its magnifying glass of conformity and expects men to fit a model that robs them of their spirit, redirects their energy and minimizes their gifts and talents. Mighty Men of Valour seek to bring men back to their place of spiritual authority and awaken the “spiritual thug” from within.
I ask the church to assist in promoting this effort in helping men move closer toward the men of God we are called to be. Under the guidance of our Senior Pastor Rev. Frederick W. Jones, the Mighty Men of Valour will hold a Men’s Revival and Prayer Breakfast. Our guest speaker on Friday September 7, 2007 will be Rev. Tony Lee, Senior Pastor of Community of Hope A.M.E. Church in Temple Hills, MD. Our speaker on Saturday September 8, 2007 will Bishop Dane Coleman, Senior Pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Ridgley, MD. For more information contact Rev. Ellsworth L. Tolliver at 410-778-2274 or Tktolliver1@aol.com.
13. THE 2007 - 2008 FIFTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:
SAMUEL L. GREEN, SR., BISHOP
AVA S. B. GREEN, SUPERVISOR
Namibia Annual Conference
August 29, 2007 - WMS Annual Convention
August 30-September 2, 2007
St. Andrews AMEC
Windhoek, Namibia
The Reverend Betty Schröder, Host Pastor
The Reverend William Balie, Host Presiding Elder
Angola Annual Conference
September 5, 2007 – WMS Annual Convention
September 6 - 9, 2007
Peregrinos AMEC
Luanda, Angola
The Reverend Manuel E. Sarmento, Host Pastor
The Reverend Abilio A. Andrade, Host Presiding Elder
Queenstown /Eastern Cape Annual Conference
September 12, 2007 – WMS Annual Convention
September 13 – 16, 2007
Turner Memorial AMEC
Queenstown, SA
The Reverend P.T. Nkuzo, Host Pastor
The Reverend Samuel Mtshwelo, Host Presiding Elder
Kalahari Annual Conference
September 19, 2007 – WMS Annual Convention
September 20 – 23, 2007
St. Marys AMEC
Kimberley, SA
The Reverend T. J. Mogadile, Host Pastor
The Reverend Senkgwane J. Dithipe, Host Presiding Elder
Cape Annual Conference
September 26, 2007 – WMS Annual Convention
September 27 – 30, 2007
Bethel Memorial AMEC-Hazendal
Cape Town, SA
The Reverend Nigel Titus, Host Pastor
The Reverend Dr. Gordon van Stavel, Host Presiding Elder
Fifteenth District Planning Meeting
October 1 – 2, 2007
Bethel Memorial AMEC-Hazendal
Cape Town, SA
The Reverend Nigel Titus, Host Pastor
The Reverend Dr. Gordon van Stavel, Host Presiding Elder
Christian Education Congress 2008
January 3 - 6, 2008
Port Elizabeth, SA
Mid Year Convocation 2008
March 13 – 14, 2008
St Marys AMEC
Kimberley, SA
The Reverend T. J. Mogadile, Host Pastor
The Reverend Senkgwane J. Dithipe, Host Presiding Elder
March 15, 2008 – 15th District Delegation meeting at 9:00 a.m.
14. THE INVISIBLE MAN:
*S. Renee Smith
The statement “Jesus is my husband” has spread like a forest fire over the years. Whoever started this premise may have intended to comfort, soothe, and somehow fill what they perceived as an unmet need within Christian single women: their yearning for a compatible mate. However, I believe that many single, “holy, I don’t need a man, independent” women are taking ownership of this outright ludicrous assertion by declaring that “Jesus is my husband” because they are misguided, pain stricken, angry and sexually suppressed.
Like many of you, I am single, but by no means is Jesus my man, husband, or lover. My deep respect and reverence for the awesomeness of God’s divinity and perfection causes my stomach to turn at the thought that anyone would humanize God by calling him their husband or lover. If God can be a woman’s husband, then the question becomes “Can God be a man’s wife?”
Jesus is our brother. God is our father. They are spirit! God will not and does not desire to make love to us or give us the satisfaction that comes through the development of an intimate honorable relationship with another human being. Along with that, another human being can’t give us what materializes through our time spent with God and our angels. Those two distinctly different modes of connection require two completely different states of mind and existence.
Yes, the complexities of relationships and the pain we have experienced have led many of us to the decision to live alone, pointing an accusatory finger at those who have hurt us. The truth is that we invited the person to join us on our path. We opened the door and happily told them to come in. Perhaps, we failed to ask the right questions, carelessly laughed at the red flags, or lavishly smothered ourselves with false imagery—but the fact remains: we made those decisions.
We compound the effect of our decisions by clutching onto ill feelings toward the opposite sex. We magnify the problem further by engaging in ongoing, negative conversation with other scarred women about “how bad men are.” At night, we grip our covers in anguish secretly desiring the conversation, companionship and touch of someone who seems to “just know” what to do. Instead of opening our heart and honoring our soul’s deepest request, we lie to ourselves and affirm that we are “in love” with an invisible man!
The reality is; you are in pain. Like an addict swooning from a fresh hit, you are hallucinating. You are in an unnatural self-induced state of emotional, mental and spiritual anguish. Does everyone need someone? I believe we do. If you agree and want to begin the healing process so that you can manifest your hidden desires, contemplate the following:
Be honest with yourself and decide what you want. Too often our pain regulates our decisions. We live from a fear based mentality and then make excuses about the state that we are in. Nothing comes to us without our permission. Whatever is in your life, you have created it. Once you become accountable for your life the pain of your choices vanishes. Pain can only harm you when you are holding someone else, including yourself, in your capsule of un-forgiveness. Tell yourself the truth. Admit to what you want. Shut the door to negative thoughts and people. Specially ask for what you want. Open your heart to receive it.
Trust yourself. Our first relationship is with ourselves. Just as you can mistrust others you can mistrust yourself. Call for spiritual assistance as you open your heart and enter the dating scene. Don’t go with your flashlight looking for what you had before. Go with the anticipation that you will draw to you what you are worthy of receiving.
Be pulled from the inside. We meet many people on the path. Many of them are genuinely nice people. Nice is not a match. A match is when someone pulls you from inside. They instinctually keep you coming back for mo’ time and mo’ conversation. Not because you are feeling alone and needy, but because they stir your soul to heightened spiritual responsiveness.
S. Renee, The New Edge in Motivational Speaking™ is an image consultant, motivational speaker, columnist and author of There Is More Inside. For booking information visit www.srenee.com. To comment on this article go to our message board at our online resource center www.thereismoreinside.com. Copyrights © 2007 by S. Renee Smith All rights reserved. No part of this article may be copied or reproduced without the written permission by the author.
*S. Renee Smith, Image Consultant, Motivational Speaker, Columnist, & Author
15. AN EPISCOPAL BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION & BENEFIT RECEPTION:
The African Methodist Episcopal Church
16th Episcopal District
Cordially invites you to
"The Service Driven Life"
1 Corinthians 12:5
"A Birthday Celebration & Benefit Reception"
Honoring Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Dr. & Mrs. Kevin Brown
1701 Buckingham Road
Los Angeles, California 90019
3:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M.
Benefiting
Priorities In Empowerment (P.I.E.) a list of priorities that Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry is focusing on for the 16th Episcopal District
*Silent Auction *Live Jazz *Special Presentations
Participation Levels
With proceeds benefiting Priorities In Empowerment
14 Karat Gold
10 Karat Gold
Silver
Bronze
General Admission
Honorary Chairs:
The Honorable Diane E. Watson
The Honorable Maxine Waters
Bishop John R. Bryant, 5th Episcopal District
Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, 9th Episcopal District
For more information, please contact:
Celestine Palmer
Phone (323) 735-7295 Email: cwpalmer16thdist@aol.com
Birthday messages can be emailed to Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry:
GirlBishop122@aol.com
16. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICES:
- The Rev. Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor of the A.M.E. Church Christian Recorder and The Reverend Charlotte B. Sydnor, pastor of Shorter Chapel A.M.E. Church in Franklin, Tennessee celebrated their 45th Wedding Anniversary on August 18th. They were married at St. James AME Church in Danville Kentucky by the Reverend C. E. Blake, the father of the bride. He was assisted by the Rev. W. L. Gaddie, the Presiding Elder of the then, Danville-Frankfort District.
- Retired Presiding Elder Cornelius E. & Gwen Jenkins of the 11th Episcopal District will celebrate their 30th Wedding Anniversary, Saturday, August 25, 2007. The Jenkins' were married August 25, 1977, at Pompano Beach, Florida with the late Reverend W. J. Jackson officiating.
Contact information for Congratulatory messages and expressions:
Rev. & Mrs. C.E. Jenkins
2403 Dunbar Avenue
Melbourne, FL 32901
(321) 727-3418
Email address CJen615360@aol.com
17. FUNERAL SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS FOR: THE RIGHT REVEREND ROBERT THOMAS, JR.:
The Rt. Reverend Robert Thomas, Jr., the 107th Elected and Consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church passed late Saturday evening.
SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS:
Thursday, August 23, 2007
4:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. - Bishop Thomas will lie in state at Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church, 5151 W. Chicago Blvd, Detroit Michigan, 313-933-6943.
Friday, August 24, 2007
8:00 - 10:00 A.M. - Bishop Thomas will lie in state
10:00 - 11:00 A.M. - Family Hour
11:00 A.M. Celebration of The Journey
Ebenezer A.M.E. Church
5151 W. Chicago Boulevard
Detroit, MI 48204-1722
Phone: (313) 933-6943
Fax: (313) 933-4532
Dr. H. Michael Lemmons, Senior Pastor
The Rev. Delano Bowman, Presiding Elder
Michigan Conference - North District
The Rt. Reverend Philip Robert Cousin, Senior Bishop & Presiding Prelate,
4th Episcopal District
Housing has been arranged at St. Regis Hotel, 3071 W. Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI,
313-873-3000.
Services have been entrusted to:
T. M. Hughes-Perry Mortuary
2348 Battle Creek Street
Battle Creek, MI 49016
(248) 356-4800
Messages may be sent to:
Mother Beverly Thomas
17751 Hamilton Road
Detroit, MI 48203
artx@sbcglobal.net
In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent to The Bishop Robert Thomas Jr. Scholarship Fund c/o Mother Beverly Thomas, 17751 Hamilton Road, Detroit, MI 48203.
Please keep Mother Beverly Thomas and the family in your prayers.
Submitted by: Mrs. Delores L. Kennedy Williams
This message received from Sister Ora L. Easley, Administrator, AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
E-mail: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES:
The Eighth Episcopal District Loses three of its Shepherds:
- The Rev. Jesse R. Adams, superannuated at the 2004 Central Louisiana Conference, died Friday, August 17th, services are as follows: Wake services will be held Friday, August 24th from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Bethel AME Church located at 511 S. Grand Avenue - Dequincy, La (337) 786-8228; with the funeral services to be held on Saturday, August 25th @ Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church 202 Acme Drive. - Dequincy, La (337) 786-5146 starting @ 11:00 am.
Rev. Adams was ordained by the late Bishop William Ball in 1964, and pastored over 26 years.
- The Rev. Alfred Jerome Parnell passed on Saturday, August 18th, services are as follows: Family Night/Wake services will be held at Zion Chapel AME Church - 621 New Orleans Street - Hattiesburg, MS at 6 p.m.-8 p.m. on Friday, August 24th.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 25th at Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church, 1101 North Main Street, Hattiesburg, MS 601-583-4943.
Century Funeral Home in charge - 622 New Orleans Street, Hattiesburg, MS; Tel. 601-583-1761.
Rev. Parnell was pastor of Zion Chapel AME Church and has pastored over 20 years in the 8th District. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife: Jacquelyn Parnell and 3 daughters: Rev. Cynthia, Anita and Kimberly Parnell.
Contact information: 15 Hilltop Drive, Waynesboro, MS 39367.
- The Rev. Horace Cooper passed on Sunday, August 19th, services are as follows:
Family Night/Visitation will be held Sunday, August 26 - 5-9 p.m. at Bethel AME Church - Plaquemine, LA
Funeral Services: Monday, August 27, 10:00 am at above church.
Pugh's Mortuary is in charge, 58233 Plaquemine Street, Plaquemine, LA 70764, 225-687-2860.
Rev. Horace Cooper was a retired Vietnam Veteran and has pastored over 18 years. He leaves to cherish fond memories, his wife Jo Anne Williams Cooper - 58645 Iron Farm Road, Plaquemine, LA 70764 - 225-687-7973.
Please remember these families in your prayers.
Evelyn H. Markey
Office Manager
8th Episcopal District - A.M.E. Church
4480 Gen DeGaulle Drive - Suite 210 A
New Orleans, LA 70131
(504) 393-9001 Office/(504) 393-9157 FAX
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mr. Eugene Eva, the spouse of Reverend Esther Eva, Pastor of Pleasant Chapel AME Church, Tampa, FL, West Coast Conference, Tampa District, will be funeralized on Friday, August 24, 2007 at 11:00 a.m.
Greater Mount Zion AME Church
919 20th St. South
St. Petersburg, Florida 33712
Phone: 727-894-1393
Fax: 727-827-4707
Rev. Esther & Eugene Eva are the parents of Dwight and Eugene Eva.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Rev. Esther Eva
4660 Yarmouth Avenue
St. Petersburg, Florida 33711
Email: rev.esthereva@yahoo.com
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Funeral Services for Mr. Edmund Talbot, the father of Dr. Colin M. Lambert, Pastor of Trinity AME Church in Baltimore. Maryland was held today, Wednesday- August 22, 2007 at 4:00 P.M.
Funeral Home:
D. H. Augustus & Sons Funeral Home
Brunswick & Elliott Street
Hamilton, Bermuda
Phone: 441-292-5251
Fax: 441-295-5285
Dr. Lambert can be reached at: 410-299-1049.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Dr. Colin M. Lambert, Pastor
Trinity AME Church
2140 Hoffman Street
Baltimore, MD 21213-3420
Email: colin_lambert@msn.com
Submitted by:
Rev. Dr. Joan L. Wharton
Pastor, Mt. Zion AME Church
Glen Arm, Maryland
21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Rev. Charles L. J. Wyatt, 76, of Las Vegas, NV, passed away on Saturday, August 18, 2007. He was the founder of First African Methodist Episcopal Church in North Las Vegas, NV where he served as pastor and associate minister for the past 40 years.
Rev. Wyatt was the first African American Highway Patrolman in the state of Nevada. He served as a Metropolitan Police Officer and Detective for over 19 years. Rev. Wyatt was also the first African American Chaplain to serve for the Nevada State Department of Corrections.
Rev. Wyatt was a common household name and a fixture in the West Las Vegas area. He was a mentor to many sons and daughters in the ministry as well as to those in the community. He was honored, through the years, for various achievements throughout his professional and personal life.
He is survived by his devoted wife, of 50 years, Mylinda Wyatt; loving daughter and son-in-law, Flossie and Gerald Robinson; son, Jason Wyatt; and two grandchildren, Blair and Gerick.
The funeral service will be held at First AME Church, 2450 Revere Street, North Las Vegas, 89030, on Friday, August 24, 2007, at 11:00 am.
Condolence can be sent to:
Mrs. Mylinda Wyatt
1421 Comstock Dr.
Las Vegas, NV 89106
(702) 648-8730
Email condolences to: Robinson525@cox.net
22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
8th Episcopal District - A.M.E. Church
The passing of Ms. Mary Ella Bowser, the sister of Mrs. Hermine Holmes, Episcopal PME Director of the 8th District, wife of Presiding Elder James Holmes, Greenville Vicksburg District of the Central North Conference.
Arrangements:
Family Hour: Friday, August 24, 2007 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Avery Chapel AME Church
Southhaven, MS
Funeral Service:
Saturday, August 25, 2007 at 11 AM
Brown Baptist Church
980 Stateline Road
Southhaven, MS
662-342-6407
Funeral Home:
M J Edwards
5294 Elvis Presley Blvd
Memphis, TN
Phone: 901-332-3164
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Presiding Elder James and Hermine Holmes
7374 Hedgerow Cove
Southaven, Ms 38671
Phone: 662-349-4262
Email: Herminebh@yahoo.com
23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Memorial services for the late Willie C. Booker, father of Brenda T. Porter and father in-law to Reverend Arnold A. Porter will be held on Monday August 27, 2007 at 11:00 am at Tangelo Baptist Church.
Tangelo Baptist Church
7001 Ravenna Ave.
Orlando, FL 32819
407.351.1585
Rev. Dr. Frank Smith, Pastor
Funeral Home in charge of services
Zanders Funeral Home
407.886.3388
You may contact Mrs. Brenda Porter at:
2951 Silver Ridge Drive
Orlando, FL 32818
(407) 290-2509
Email: arnoldp86@aol.com
Submitted by:
Reverend Hartford Lee
Presiding Elder
North Orlando District
Central Conference
24. 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
25. 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
