Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
1. EDITORIAL: THE TWELVE SINS OF A LOCAL CHURCH LEADER:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
1. A local church leader, i.e., steward, trustee, president of local church organizations, who thinks that his or her way is the only alternative for accomplishing the ministry of the local church and who has little, or no respect for pastoral authority.
2. A local church leader who does not read the Bible and who does not have a disciplined prayer life and/or fails to attend Bible Study or Sunday School. A person who serves as a leader in the local church should, at a minimum, attend Bible Study or Sunday School.
3. A church leader who fails to regularly attend Sunday worship services and other special church programs.
4. A local church leader who accepts the position, but not the responsibilities of the office and who fails to function in his or her appointed or elected position. As an example, The Discipline states that a steward must be “…of solid piety, know and love the Word of God, the African Methodist Episcopal Church doctrine and The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.” Of trustees, The Discipline says, “A trustee shall manage all the temporal concerns of the church…” and take care of and improve the property, i.e., if a light bulb burns out, a trustee should see that it’s replaced.
5. A local church leader who doesn’t own or has not read or studied the current issue of The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The current issue is the 2004 edition. At the close of the 2008 General Conference, a new Discipline will be printed and pastors, local church leaders, and laity will need to purchase The 2008 Discipline.
6. A local church leader who fails to read AME Church periodicals and who fails to keep abreast of current events in the AME Church. A local church leader who doesn’t understand the AME Church is a “less-effective” or “non-effective” church leader.
7. A local church leader who does not tithe and/or does not financially support the spiritual and temporal mission of the church.
8. A fearful local church leader without backbone, who sees problems, but fails to address the needed changes to rectify problems in the local church, i.e. a steward who senses that a pastor is making inappropriate or destructive decisions, but doesn’t have the courage to speak to the pastor; or trustees who are too lazy to change a light bulb or see to it that the grass is mowed or that trash is picked up around the church.
9. A local church leader who has little or no sense of the spiritual mission of the church and does not understand or particularly like the AME Church, AME liturgy and tradition.
10. A local church leader who is a, “yes man” or a “yes woman” and who is afraid to provide counsel and honest feedback to the pastor. He or she sees the local church failing; but he or she too cowardly to appropriately address the issues. There is an appropriate way to address issues, and there is an inappropriate way to address issues.
11. A local church leader who fails to encourage the pastor and who neglects the pastor and his or her family. A great local church leader encourages the pastoral leadership. For instance, local church leaders should take responsibility and ownership for the care of the pastor’s spiritual and physical well-being. Local church leaders should insist that the pastor take regularly scheduled annual/semi annual physical examinations and regularly scheduled dental appointments. Church officers should encourage their pastors to take vacations and insist that their pastors take time for relaxation, and spend time with their families. A healthy, well-rested pastor is a more effective pastor.
12. A mean-spirited local church officer, a preacher-fighter who fights every pastor and every program.
Editor’s note: The installment will be “The Sins of Church Members.”
2. WE ARE ALL CHALLENGED TO “WALK THE TALK”:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
You-Tube put a church fight on its website a few weeks ago and the news-clip, as you would imagine, is making the rounds. The altercation happened in front of an AME Church and involved an AME pastor and some trustees and it made the evening news.
What the news-clip doesn’t say is that the event is not a recent event and the altercation happened some years ago; and we have been told that the pastor has since died.
The moral of that news-clip is that we all have to be careful to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ so that people will know that we are Christians by the way we act, especially when we find ourselves in negative situations. Our bad behavior will outlast the good that we do.
That event that happened in St. Paul, Minnesota is over and done with, so I would hope that we would not be forwarding bad news, when there is so much good news in the life and ministry of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
All of us, clergy and laity, are challenged to “Walk the talk” in our daily lives on the good days and the bad days.
3. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
To the Editor:
RE: Bishop Robert Thomas Jr. Homegoing Celebration at Ebenezer AME Church, Detroit:
This is for information.
Ebenezer AME Church, Ft. Washington, Maryland where the Rev. Dr. Grainger Browning and Rev. Dr. Jo Ann Browning serve as co-pastors, the Sanctuary holds 2700 and the choir-stand holds 300 persons for a total of 3000 parishioners.
Also, I am not sure of the numbers, but the following are very large sanctuaries as well:
Reid Temple AME Church in Glendale, Maryland, St. Phillip AME Church in Atlanta and Turner Chapel AME Church in Marietta, Georgia.
Stephanie Walker Stradford, President
Youth Achievers USA Institute
www.YouthUSA.org
404-964-1259
4. TRINIDAD-TOBAGO EVANGELISM CRUSADE SEPTEMBER 24-29, 2007:
Dr. James C. Wade
The Right Rev. Carolyn Tyler Guidry, presiding prelate of the 16th Episcopal District and Dr. James C. Wade, Executive Director of the Department of Church Growth and Development of the AME Church, invite persons to participate in an Evangelism Crusade to be held September 24-29, 2007 in Tobago, West Indies. The Reverend Wayne Anthony is the presiding elder of Tobago West Indies.
Bishop Guidry and Dr. Wade are looking for health professionals to assist in the free medical walk-in clinics, as well as persons who are interested in crusade evangelism and street ministry.
The total cost for this trip is approximately $1100.00. Persons will need to have a current passport.
If you are interested in participating in this evangelism excursion, contact Dr. James C. Wade at [AMEHarvest@bellsouth.net] before September 10, 2007.
5. DON’T FORGET KATRINA:
As you no doubt remember, the AME Church was one of the most productive and powerful responders after Hurricane Katrina. One of our own - Nancy Harvin - has been working tirelessly among those planning the Day of Presence in New Orleans to call attention to the WORK UNDONE!!! I believe that Bishop Henning has also been a part of the local team in this effort. Our engagement - YOURS AND MINE - is still needed, so........Please join the national campaign to let the leadership in Washington, DC hear about the deplorable conditions that still exist in the Gulf Coast two years after the hurricanes. If you cannot be present physically, take action as suggested below. And, send this message to as many people as you can and urge all of your email friends to do the same.....let them know that the members of the AME Church are not among the voiceless but that we continue the legacy of Richard Allen!
SIStah "Jackie" Dupont Walker
People Are Suffering and Dying!
- 8/29: Two Years After Katrina
- No Homes, No Health Care, No Human Services; Nothing Has Been Done.
- Demand the immediate restoration of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast Now!
(888) 226-0627
Call Your Congressperson
(888) 226-0627
Call Your Senator
(888) 226-0627
Call President Bush!
(202) 456-1111 • (202) 456-1414
Inundate Washington with a Flood of Angry Emails, Phone Calls and Faxes.
comments@whitehouse.gov • www.house.gov • www.senate.gov
Your City and State Could Be the Next Victim of Our National Neglect
For more information log on to www.adayofpresence.com
People Are Suffering and Dying!
6. THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE HONORS BISHOP WILLIAMS:
*Benjamin Harrison
Thursday, July 26, 2007, at noon the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) hosted its third annual awards luncheon celebrating its statewide Teen After School Center (TASC) program. The ceremony took place in Columbia, S.C., and honored outstanding TASC centers, youth participants, and youth leaders throughout the state of South Carolina. In addition to honoring individual centers and those directly involved with them, each year an outstanding community leader is recognized with an award for their exceptional service to the TASC program.
This year’s 2007 honoree for the Outstanding Community Leader Award was Bishop Preston W. Williams II, presiding prelate of the 7th District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. According to Joe Benton, DJJ liaison for faith-based initiatives, “Bishop Williams has played an instrumental role in increasing the number of TASC centers from one A.M.E. Church three years ago, to the current number of four, which account for twenty-five percent of all TASC centers statewide. By providing after school alternatives for at-risk youth, Bishop Williams and the entire 7th District have been key allies in the DJJ’s fight against juvenile delinquency.”
This award winning TASC program, now in its third year, served as the catalyst for the July 2004 AME-DJJ formal partnership. The TASC program seeks to enhance youths’ coping skills; increase their academic, vocational, and employment skills; provide educational support and after school tutoring; development of employment skills and assistance with job placement; increased contact between youths and positive adult role models; spiritual development; community service and victim restoration; parenting groups; recreation; life skills development; and conflict resolution and anger management. There are currently four A.M.E. TASC centers which are located in Greenville, Lexington, Georgetown, and Richland Counties.
Bishop Williams states, “There is no greater gift we can give than our time, energy, resources, and love to those who have lost their way. It is our responsibility as Christians and citizens of South Carolina to assist those who are in need. As opposed to locking the door and throwing away the key, we propose encouragement, support and rehabilitation. In helping troubled youth, we help ourselves.”
Another component of the AME-DJJ partnership is the training of ordinary citizens to become Auxiliary Probation Officers (APO’s) who provide one on one supervision, encouragement and support for juveniles who are on probation. APO’s are volunteers who receive training, are commissioned by South Carolina’s Family Court, work closely with the DJJ county staff and are assigned cases where they supervise juveniles until their court orders are completed. Of the 64 APO’s throughout South Carolina, 32 of them come from the 7th District of the A.M.E. Church.
For more information on creating or supporting a Teen After School Center in your area, or becoming an auxiliary probation officer, contact Joe Benton at 803.935.0500 or corkysc@aol.com.
*Benjamin Harrison is the Public Relations Director for the 7th Episcopal District AME Church
7. AME-INDIA - PRAYER LETTER FOR AUGUST-2007:
Sarah and Abraham Peddiny
We are so delighted to hear about the AME Church’s enthusiasm and commitment to the work in India. We are thankful and grateful to the Right Rev. John Bryant and the Rev. Cee for the opportunity they gave to Sarah to attend the Quadrennial Conference of the WMS at Philadelphia and for the first-hand exposure to the ministry of AMEC. We also thank all the members of the YPD, WMS and the various conferences, who so warmly welcomed Sarah and treated her. Her first hand experience has become a shared experience for all of us here in India, especially her visit to the First AME Church, Mother Bethel, in Philadelphia and other places. We are so delighted about our partnership we have with you in the Lord. Surely the Lord is going to do marvelous things through AME in India. Bishop John and Rev. Cee have been a constant source of encouragement and pillar of support as far as AME-India is concerned and we thank them and praise God for them.
A lot has happened in the recent past. On June 20, 2007 Mr. V.R.T. Arputharaj, father of Ms. Sarah, the pioneer worker of AME in India, went to be with the Lord. He was mighty man of God, whom God had used in a very special manner in the lives of people spread across India and abroad. God had gifted him with powers to heal, prophecy and to deliver people from the spiritual bondages. He was a humble and prayerful person, never resorting to any publicity stunts. He never saved anything, neither for himself nor for his children, except prayers and divine blessings. He is survived by his wife Mrs. Vijayambal Arputharaj, his two sons: Rev. Christian Samraj and Rev. Joel K. Sekharan, his two daughters: Ms. Greeni Joshua and Ms. Minnie Sarah. His wife and all the four children are in full time ministry serving God in different capacities. We request you to uphold this dear family in your prayers.
After the return of Sarah from the WMS conference, we had organized an AME-India Pastors meeting, in which she shared about all that she witnessed and experienced. It was very encouraging for most of the Pastors who did not know anything about AME. They are all waiting eagerly for the official inauguration of AME-India in the upcoming November convocation. A lot of prayer support is being raised for this occasion. We humbly request all of you to join with us in prayer for the November convocation, the God would take control of the whole event and no untoward incident would happen.
Recently we visited the Tamil and Nepali congregations at Bangalore and exhorted them from the Word of God. Pastor Khrist Pal Rai of the Nepali Grace Church informs us that they had baptized 8 people in the recent times. They have also started two new prayer cells in Yelahanka and Whitefield and have received very good response. They are also praying to start a new mission field at Peenia, where a lot of migrant labourers from Nepal reside. They request us to pray for unity in their church as there are some dissenting forces which are trying to ruin the peace of the congregation. Pastor Rai is fasting and praying for 40 days seeking for some breakthroughs in his ministry at Bangalore among his people and for the unity of the church.
Pastor Joshua Vijayamani of the Tamil church informs us that they have been receiving tremendous response from their prayer cell and lot of people belonging to non-Christian or Roman Catholic backgrounds. A young lady named Shaila, mother of three, had swelling in her legs as well as her stomach. She appeared as if she was pregnant, but she was not, the doctors rather say that her two kidneys have failed, but the medical tests do not reveal anything. Unable to walk on her own she was carried to the church by two people. The whole church got together and prayed for her deliverance, as a result of which she walked back home on her own without any help. She comes from a Hindu family and now she has put her trust in Jesus and has given up her old life. We request you for your prayers that she will be completely healed of her physical infirmities. Pastor Vijayamani also informs us that the Lord is blessing this congregation in such a manner that it is overflowing and they are running out of space. We praise God for this.
From Chennai Pastor Peter Morris requests you for your prayers for a ban on the sale of Rice Beer in his locality. Rice Beer is very addictive and it cuts into the economy of the people here who are very poor, which in turn leads to a lot of fights and discords within the families, leaving no scope for development. Pastor Morris’s church has started a chain of prayer seeking a complete ban on this practice. Let us uphold them in our prayers. He also informs us how God healed the daughter of Shakila who was suffering from seizures; now both the mother and the daughter regularly come to the church. Pastor Morris has been counseling a person named Mahalingam for the last one month. Mahalingam is a back-slidden Christian who has become a drunkard and a chain smoker. He requests for prayer for this dear brother in Christ to recommit his life to God.
From Tiruvallur district Pastor M. N Selvam praises God for the healing of a woman named Poongudi, who had been suffering from Thyroid for the last ten years, as a result of fasting and praying. A woman named Saraswati who was suffering from metrohaggia has been healed by prayers and administration of prayer oil.
God’s spirit is moving in a mighty way and touching the lives of the people. At the same time the opposition to the work of the gospel is also increasing in the country. Recently a church was burnt down for baptising new converts in the state of Karnataka. In Bombay a Pastor was arrested and imprisoned for having baptised 40 people. A lot of other atrocities are committed again the Christians across the country. Therefore we request you for your earnest prayers that even in the midst of such opposition, God’s name would be glorified.
We once again thank you all for your unceasing prayer support to us and for your commitment to the cause of God’s work in India.
Sarah and Abraham Peddiny
minniesarahpeddiny@yahoo.co.in
AME-India
8. THE AME CHURCH’S FIFTH DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM BEGINS HOTEL CONSTRUCTION AT RESEARCH PARK:
*Valerie Haynes
The Right Reverend John R. Bryant, Presiding Prelate of the Fifth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church announced that the development arm of the Fifth Episcopal District has negotiated the funding for the construction of a Wingate Inn in St. Charles County, a fast growing suburb of metropolitan St. Louis. Bishop Bryant commented on the wisdom of the vision of now retired bishop, the Right Rev. H. Hartford Brookins who in 1977, came up with the idea for the Fifth Episcopal District Economic Development Fund.
“Bishop John,” as he is referred to by the members of the Fifth District, said, “This hotel to be owned by the African Methodist Episcopal Church is more than significant.”
The construction has begun on the 100-room hotel with an expected completion date of June, 2008. The hotel will be located in the Missouri Research Park, overlooking the Missouri Bluffs Golf Course.
The Missouri Research Park is the home to research and manufacturing tenants. The $7.5 million Wingate Inn will give companies in the 750 acre park more conference space for meetings as well as a place for out-of town researchers, investors, and customers to stay over night.
Developed by the University of Missouri, the research park was conceived in the late 1980s as a way to replicate the success of Stanford Research Park in California and Research Triangle Park in North Carolina. The concept was to lure technology companies with the promise of amenities and the chance to cluster around similar firms.
The park is home to more than twenty companies, two federal agencies and nearly 3,000 employees. The hotel will add to the environment created by other amenities, such as the 18-hole golf course and walking trails.
Harold Whitfield, chief executive officer for the economic arm of the Fifth Episcopal District, said the hotel will appeal to research park visitors as well as to tourists in Missouri’s Wine ‘country and bicyclists along the Katy Trail. “This hotel will overlook the ninth hole of the golf course, and it will be visible from the highway”, Whitfield said. “I would say it’s in a very good location”.
The Inn at Missouri Research Park is the first of several such investments that the Fifth District plans to make in the hospitality industry through its economic development fund.
The hotel will feature a daily deluxe continental breakfast, 24 hour business center, fitness facilities, indoor-outdoor pool, whirlpool, and a conference room to seat up to 250 people.
*Valerie Haynes is the Office Manager for the Fifth District Economic Development Fund, Inc.
9. ST. PAUL AME CHURCH HAMILTON, BERMUDA PRESENTS WOMEN’S MINISTRY “GIFTED 2 SERVE” CONFERENCE:
The St. Paul AME Church Women’s Ministry team hosted an awe inspiring Women’s Conference that undoubtedly provided an atmosphere of rejuvenation, sanctification, and glorification. This proved to be not just another woman’s conference, but one which served a definite purpose. The tone was set at the Friday night service in which the Rev. Judith Gardner, leader of the women’s ministry team preached an anointed message titled, “Called, Charged, Changed.” She challenged women, and men alike to understand, to accept, and to faithfully carry out their purpose in God’s Kingdom. This was a liberating message that emboldened every worshipper in attendance. Undoubtedly, yokes were destroyed, and burdens were lifted, as she preached the word of God. The presence of God filled the sanctuary as the St. Paul Inspirational Choir provided soul stirring music.
The second day included a breakfast celebrating the first year anniversary of this ministry. Called, “It’s Time to Celebrate,” the Rev. Dr. Roma Benjamin of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania an anointed woman of God was the keynote speaker. Workshops commenced shortly afterwards, “Recognizing Your Purpose and Going after It,” youth presenter Sister Tiffanne Thomas; “Knowing Your Gifts” was shared by the adult presenter, the Rev. Yvonne Ramsey.
The “Gifted 2 Serve conference came to a final conclusion on Sunday morning as the Rev. Dr. Roma Benjamin preached with an air of excitement in proclaiming God’s word. Her sermon topic was titled, “I’m Coming Out!” This was based on the biblical story of the women with the issue of blood, and her determination to get to Jesus by any means necessary.
This experience sets the pace as the Women of St. Paul prepare to host our Women’s Day season October 28, 2007. Inspired by the theme, “Women of God, Stretched but not Broken,” the Rev. Dr. Ann Lightner-Fuller esteemed pastor of Mt. Calvary AME Church in Towson, Maryland will bring the message. Visit the Island of Bermuda and be blessed! For information on attending this worship experience contact our office at 441-292-0505, or stpaulame@ibl.bm.
I am writing to make you aware of an attractive opportunity for leadership in the United Church of Christ (“UCC”), one of the most diverse Christian churches in the United States. The organization invites nominations and applications for the position of Director of Communications. The UCC seeks a visionary, collaborative, entrepreneurial individual to lead the Proclamation, Identify and Communications ministry team and provide strategic leadership for all UCC communications.
With 1.2 million members, the UCC balances congregational autonomy with a strong commitment to unity among its 5,600 congregations and accepts wide differences among local congregations on a variety of issues. As a goal for the 21st century, the Church seeks even wider diversity and a deeper understanding of God’s purpose.
The Director of Communications serves as the chief communications officer in the UCC, working collaboratively with other communications staff to utilize traditional and emerging media (print, radio, television, video, Web-based, and social networking) to tell the Church’s expansive story to people both inside and outside the Church. The Director reports to the Associate General Minister at UCC headquarters in Cleveland and has additional reporting responsibility to the Board of Directors of the Office of Communication, Inc. (OC, Inc.) in Washington, D.C.
Nominations and applications will be held in confidence. Applications should include a letter outlining the applicant’s background, qualifications and vision for the position, a profile or résumé, and contact information for five professional references, at least one of whom is a direct report, a second a colleague, and a third an individual to whom the applicant has reported directly. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Please send all inquiries and application materials in electronic form to UCC@eflassociates.com.
Thank you for your consideration of this opportunity.
Timothy Weber, Ph.D.
Senior Consultant, Higher Education
EFL Associates
10. THE REV. ARNOLD EVANS SHARES A PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN IDEA THAT MIGHT HELP AME CLERGY:
*Rev. Arnold T. Evans
As a pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, I have been concerned about the ability of our pastors to obtain quality health insurance through the Church. As most of us are aware, health insurance is not only a matter of concern for our church, but it is also a national concern. In an effort to make health insurance available to A.M.E. clergy and lay, I am writing this letter so that anyone who wants to take advantage of a recent offering in corporate America may do so.
Recently my wife and I attended an annual convention of YTB International, Inc., a network marketing firm that focuses on providing vacations and on-line travel websites. The company had $52 million in revenue last year and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. At the convention, the chairman of the board, Mr. J. Lloyd Tomer, announced that YTB would be offering a health benefits package to its referring travel agents (RTA’s) during an open enrollment period from October 3, 2007 through November 2, 2007. Some of the highlights of the plan are as follows:
- No pre-existing medical conditions will prevent coverage.
- No medical questions will be asked.
- Coverage can not be denied during the open enrollment period.
- Prescription drug program with no limits.
- Preventive care benefits.
- Emergency room & hospital benefits.
- And more . . . . . . .
The purpose of this letter is not to sell insurance. I am not an insurance salesman. My goal is to advise the A.M.E. Church, clergy and lay that an opportunity now exists for individuals who have had trouble getting and maintaining insurance to get involved in a program where insurance can be obtained during the open enrollment period without regard to pre-existing medical conditions. In order to take advantage of this opportunity, you must become enrolled in the company as a referring travel agent. This position allows you to operate a home-based business on a full or part time basis. You can work as much as you want, or as little as you want. The choice is up to you. In addition, if you wish to work ten to forty hours a week, you may qualify to travel at a significant discount and make a considerable amount of income.
If you wish to take advantage of this opportunity, please go on my website, www.ytb.com/TRSTVL and click on, “View the Company Presentation” to see what the company offers, and then click on “Join Today” to take advantage of this tremendous opportunity to become eligible for health coverage and financial security.
As a pastor in the A.M.E. Church, I know how important it is to have health coverage, a reasonable income, and the flexibility with your time to determine when and where you need to be in order to serve the needs of the congregation. In my opinion, this program offers a great opportunity for health insurance.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact me at athevans@aol.com or call toll-free (866) 716-8602. Should you send an email or call, please include your name, primary phone number, address and email address. Due to the volume of anticipated responses, email will be the best alternative.
In closing, I would like to see the clergy and lay of the A.M.E. Church take full advantage of this opportunity before the open enrollment period ends on November 2. We now have the ability to help ourselves in this critical area, and I think we should take full advantage of it while the opportunity is available.
*Rev. Arnold T. Evans is the pastor of Campbell A.M.E. Church, 1657 Kinsey Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Editor’s Note - Disclaimer: This program is not sponsored, nor has it been endorsed by the African Methodist Episcopal Church
11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Reverend Leon Davis, a retired elder in the Arkansas Annual Conference and the husband of Mrs. Betty Davis, and the brother of Presiding Elder Edward E. Davis (Oklahoma City District, 12th Episcopal District) died on Thursday night, August 23, 2007 at Baptist Hospital in North Little Rock, Arkansas.
Arrangements:
Family Hour: Tuesday, August 28, 2007
6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Watson Northcrest Funeral Home
North Little Rock, AR.
Funeral Service:
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
11:00 a.m.
Bethel AME Church
600 North Cedar Street
North Little Rock, AR 72114
Burial: The National Cemetery in Sherwood, AR.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made to: The Leon B. Davis Diabetes Memorial Fund, UAMS, 4301 West Markham, Slot 716, Little Rock, AR 72205.
Expressions of sympathy can be sent to:
Mrs. Betty Davis
508 Wisteria Dr.
North Little Rock, AR 72118
(501) 753-8592
The Funeral Service has been held.
12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to announce the passing of Mrs. Elsie Norwood Livingston, the mother of Rev. Elsye Powell, a member of the Greater Mount Carmel AME Church ministerial staff in Tampa, Florida.
Service Arrangements for Mrs. Elsie Norwood Livingston:
Funeral: Saturday, September 1, 2007
11:00 a.m.
Greater Mount Carmel AME Church
4209 N. 34th Street
Tampa, FL 33610
Phone 813-238-3491
Expressions may be sent to:
Rev. Elsye Powell
10060 Joe Ebert Road
Seffner, FL 33584
813-986-4611
or
Wilson Funeral Home
3000 N. 29th Street
Tampa, FL
813-248-6125
Debra Taylor
Office Manager
11th Episcopal District AME Church
101 East Union Street, Suite 301
Jacksonville, FL 32202
904-355-8262 - Phone
904-356-1617 - Fax
13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to announce the passing of Mr. Thomas Hogans, the father of Mrs. Norma La Kay Fayson (Rev. Frankie S. Fayson III); Rev. Fayson is the pastor of Gregg Temple AMEC in Tampa. Mr. Thomas Hogans leaves to mourn his memory three other children: Velda, Sonja, and Anthony Hogans.
Service Arrangements for Mr. Thomas Hogans:
Funeral Service
Saturday, September 1, 2007
12:00 noon
Hickory Grove Baptist Church
310 South Oakridge
Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
904-284-3311
Viewing
Friday, August 31, 2007
First African Baptist Church
5-7 p.m.
Professional services are entrusted to:
Leo C. Chase & Sons Funeral Home
262 W. King Street
St. Augustine, FL 32084
Phone: 904-824-2865
Fax: 904-824-2867
Expressions may be sent to:
Ms. Velda Hogans or
Mrs. N. LaKay Fayson
1204 Houston St.
Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
904-284-9274
14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs. Agnes C. Hamilton of Cleveland, Ohio, the Sister of the Rev. Herlea Reynolds, local elder at Embry Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, passed at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 25th after a long illness.
Arrangements for Mrs. Agnes C. Hamilton are as follows:
The Wake:
Friday, August 31, 2007
Strowder's Funeral Chapel
822 East 105th Street
Cleveland, OH 44108
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Viewing: 10:00 a.m.
The Homegoing Celebration: 10:30 a.m.
Greater Avery African Methodist Episcopal Church
7505 Wade Park Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44103
Expressions of sympathy can be sent to:
Rev. Herlea Reynolds
307 Towne Drive, Apt. #3
Elizabethtown, KY 42701
15. 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
16. 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
