The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
1. TWO BUSES WITH 120 PASSENGERS LEFT LOS ANGELES ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 FOR JENA, LOUISIANA; MORE BUSES FROM LOS ANGELES AND ATLANTA AND OTHER LOCATIONS HAVE DEPARTED FOR JENA:
Today (8/18/07), two 60-passenger buses left Los Angeles heading to Jena, Louisiana. At the urging of Stevie Wonder's radio station, KJLH and The Los Angeles Sentinel, community groups and caring residents of this Los Angeles area, which is 3,000 miles away from Jena, the concerned activists will be there on Sept 20th - standing in the gap for all of us.
The Right Reverend Carolyn Tyler Guidry, our Social Action chair and the Rev. Frederick Murph, pastor of Brookins Community AME Church - Los Angeles, offered prayer for those gathered and for the travelers.
Bishop Guidry, on behalf of the AME Church, donated chicken (fried with no trans-fats) for the travelers.
Bishop Guidry sent a text message to Bishop C. Garnett Henning, the presiding prelate of the 8th Episcopal District, in which Jena is located, with an update of the travel itinerary of the entourage. Word of the AME Church's stand was broadcasted near and far, leading local NBC affiliate, Channel 4 to interview Bishop Guidry. It seems that the media thinks this type of stand is unusual, when we, AMEs and the African American community know it is our legacy.
The entourage who departed Los Angeles included elected officials, unemployed persons, pre-schoolers, youth, young adults, and the elderly and the spirit of “taking a stand” for what is right was evident as 120 persons of all ethic backgrounds boarded the bus for the long trip to Jena, Louisiana. Because of the large number of persons who could not be accommodated, two additional buses are slated to leave this evening and two rallies are planned on Thursday.
Let us know what is happening in your areas. Thank God for all of you and for all you who are concerned for the interest of freedom and justice.
The AME update on Jena 6 was submitted by SIStah "Jackie" Dupont Walker
2. WEAR BLACK ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20TH:
Don't forget to show your support for the Jena 6 by wearing black on September 20th. And if you are able, please attend a Jena 6 rally that might be held in your area. A rally will be held in Washington, DC on Thursday.
Please take the time to explain to your young people what is going on with the Jena 6 issue and why demonstrations are being held. The same legal injustices being experienced by the Jena 6 could happen to any of us or to any of our children. We have not overcome; the Jena 6 situation is an example of a new form oppression and injustice.
Don't forget - if you are convicted as a felony you lose your right to Vote. A person is nothing without a vote. A person without a vote is not a full citizen and has no voice in the political system.
This message was submitted by Ms Brenda Jackson, Consultant - bjackson@klproperties.com - KL Associates, Inc.
3. CONVO X MARCHES THE AME CHURCH TO THE 148TH QUADRENNIAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE:
*John Thomas III
From September 6-8, 2007 over one hundred AME clergy and lay leaders gathered in at the Coronado Springs Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida for Connectional CONVO X with the theme “Governance and Order”. Under the leadership of Bishop McKinley Young (CONVO Chair and Host Bishop), Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson (CONVO Co-Chair) and Gregory G.M. Ingram (CONVO Co-Chair), a fruitful and necessary discussion regarding the present and future status of the African Methodist Episcopal Church was held in preparation for the 2008 General Conference. Noticeably absent, however, were representatives from Districts 14-20 except for 16th District Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry.
The meeting opened with a brief worship service with a Homily on Governance and Order delivered by Bishop William P. DeVeaux. Entitled “A Better Way”, the message used the story of Jethro and Moses in Exodus 18 to exhort the members AME Church to communicate better, teach, and trust each other. The evening featured a panel of Governance and Order to set the tone for CONVO X’s deliberations. Retired Bishop John H. Adams commented on the poor evangelical health of the church and confusion in its administrative structure and polity. Bishop Phillip R. Cousin, Jr. discussed temporal concerns including property rights, litigation, and the need to examine and evaluate our procedures—namely the Discipline. Historiographer Dr. Dennis Dickerson commented on budgeting issues and a need for clear priorities in mission and ministry. Presiding Elder Ralph Wilson commented on leadership and issues with authority of the office of the Presiding Elder. Presiding Elder Henrietta Fuller addressed the continued need for the AME Church to address issues of global governance. Rev. Lee Washington discussed the need for a succession plan and the dilemma of competency vs. authority. Mrs. Jackie Dupont-Walker presented concerns from the laity of the Church. Mrs. Jamesina Evans also gave a perspective on the operational efficiency of the Church. The day finished with working group break-out sessions.
Friday, September 7th began with a discussion on the Sexual Misconduct Policy of the AME Church led by Rev. Linda Mouzon (2nd). Rev. Mouzon conducted an overview of the policy from its inception to the current version and gave several suggestions for legislation at the 2008 General Conference to strengthen the policy. Of particular note were efforts to clarify the judicial administration as well as its applicability to both laity and clergy.
The next plenary discussed the Budget Projections for 2008-2012. Bishop C. Garnett Henning (Chairman, General Board Commission on Statistics and Finance) and Connectional Treasurer/CFO Mr. Richard Lewis presented to the CONVO. According to the Treasurer, a 23.7% increase to the Connectional AME Church Budget would be needed to eliminate all un-funded and under-funded items. As it stands, adjustments will need to be made for a projected budgetary shortfall from the 8th District due to the impact of Hurricane Katrina. Mr. Lewis underscored the necessity of quarterly payments in order to avoid borrowing money and paying interest. Even though quarterly payments have been mandated by the General Conference, all Districts are not yet in compliance. The Treasurer also commented on the necessity of the Church to save $500,000 per year from 2008-2012 in order to pay for the 2012 General Conference.
The next session featured the Strategic Planning Committee with reports from Bishops Vashti McKenzie and McKinley Young and consultant Mrs. Carlita Perkins. The Committee gave an overview of the work done at the August meeting in Nashville and distributed draft packets of the forty-seven items that have been identified as potential legislation for the 2008 General Conference. Bishop McKenzie also separately presented the work on Redistricting due to the absence of Bishop Richard A. Chappelle. Several maps showing the current location of AME Churches in relation to growth patterns among African-Americans in Districts 1-13 were shown. Although all Districts have not fully reported their data, it is clear that African-Americans are moving into areas without extensive AME Church coverage.
The session on Legislation for the 2008 General Conference featured a presentation of proposed legislation from the Connectional Lay Organization including: Establishing an Employee Assistance Program for Ministers; Creation of Presiding Elder District Budget Committee; Clarifying the election of delegates to the Annual Conference; election of Young Adult delegates to the Annual Conference; Placing the Lay Organization as a line item in Episcopal District budgets; Establishing of an official AME Church anthem. The 3rd District presented a bill to create a leadership training program for all AME clergy and lay officers. Bishop Adams presented a bill for the establishment of a Reserve Development Fund. A possible bill addressing term limits for local church officers was also addressed. Executive Director of Christian Education Dr. Darryl Ingram gave a brief update of the proposed legislation from CONVO IX “Faith, Order, Ministry and Mission”.
The last session discussed representation concerns at the General Conference and that morale among the membership is being lowered by contentious delegate elections this year due to the 35% delegation cut passed at the previous General Conference. Reverends Conrad Pridgen, Darryl Walker, and James L. Byrd unveiled a plan from the 2nd District to increase the total number of delegates by approximately 25% from 1211 to 1568. The increase would use a formula including Episcopal District budget, membership, and current number of delegates for Districts 1-13 and a general 25% increase for Districts 14-20. The evening worship service featured local talent from the 11th Episcopal District and the sermon entitled “I say unto you” (Matthew 22:15) was preached by Rev. William H. Lamar, IV. Workgroups met following the worship service.
The final day of CONVO X was dedicated to workgroup reports and recommendations and closed with a brief worship service with the word preached by Rev. Dr. Darryl Ingram. The following are the principal highlights from the workshop reports:
Governance & Order— Bishops Phillip R. Cousin and John H. Adams
- Suggested that a funded taskforce at the next General Conference be created to thoroughly edit the Discipline and report to the 2012 General Conference
- Suggested a review the office of Presiding Elder
- Supported the Strategic Planning Committee’s plan for a Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the Church
- Suggested that a standardized training program for Bishops, General Officers, Lay Leaders be implemented
- Suggested the creation of a Reserve Development Fund
- Suggested the creation of a Commission on Technology in the AME Church to coordinate the denominational presence on the internet
- Funding the Witness, Work and Ministries of the African Methodist Episcopal Church—
- Bishop C. Garnett Henning and Richard F. Norris
- Expressed its serious commitment to the current downsized general conference
- Projected the cost of the 2012 General Conference to be $4.1 million at current delegate levels
- Reminded the CONVO that over $1 million of the General Conference budget is spent for delegates from Districts 14-20
- Stated that the Statistics and Finance Commission will meet at the WMS Executive Board meeting in Raleigh, North Carolina
- Strategic Planning- Bishops Vashti M. McKenzie and John R. Bryant
- Expressed the shift in the process from consultation to legislation writing
- Legislation— Bishops Gregory G.M. Ingram and E. Earl McCloud, Jr.
- Endorsed revision of the Discipline
- Suggested a public report to the Church as to which Districts have not submitted timely quarterly payments
- Suggested the abolition of the Revisions Committee and the usage of CONVO as the main vehicle for presenting General Conference legislation (This recommendation was NOT adopted by the body)
- Representation Concerns—Bishops Adam J. Richardson and William P. DeVeaux
- Reminded people to use Legislative Taskforce (2004 Discipline p. 226) as a avenue of submitting legislation
- Suggested examining the policy of Chaplains as ex-officio delegates to the General Conference
- Suggested ways of saving time at the 2008 General Conference
- Expressed support for the adjustment formula submitted by the 2nd District
- Ministry—Rev. Dr. Darryl Ingram
- Recommended that a member of the Board of Examiners from every District be assigned to assist in development of recommendations and legislation
- Stated that a reports from CONVO IX will be placed on the Department of Christian Education website
*Mr. John Thomas III earned his baccalaureate degree at Morehouse College and earned his master’s degree from Princeton University and is currently a Ph.D student at the University of Chicago.
4. REVIVAL SERVICES ARE SCHEDULED SEPT. 19-21, 2007, BEGINNING AT 7 P.M., AT ST. PAUL A.M.E. CHURCH:
(AGNEW), Pulaski, Tennessee. The guest Evangelist is the Rev. Wesley I. Reid, pastor of Lee Memorial A.M.E. Church, Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Reid is a candidate for episcopal honors
The Rev. A. J. Holman is the pastor and for more information call 1 270 366 1505 or. (931) 424-8111. The Church is located on Old Agnew Road off of Hwy 64 West.
5. A LETTER OF THANKS TO SISTER ORA EASLEY FOR THE MINISTRY SHE PROVIDES TO THE CLERGY FAMILIES OF THE AME CHURCH:
Greetings in Jesus joy.
This writing serves to thank you and the staff of the AMEC Clergy Information Centre for your sterling work, keeping us all informed about the connectional ministers and their families’ joys and sorrows. You and your team are indeed performing a good day’s work!
Secondly, I, on behalf of candidate Lewin, wish to express our heart-felt gratitude and appreciation for all your prayers, phone calls and well wishes during his hospitalisation and subsequent discharge from hospital. The Reverend Lewin is on the mend, after undergoing an open heart surgery and he daily talks about how God has blessed him, especially during the time that he has been hospitalised. Candidate Lewin wishes to thank everyone for your love, support and prayers, particularly during the time when he and his family needed it the most.
Reverend Lewin is still focussed for the future and he requests that you will keep him in your prayers, as he presents himself as a candidate for the bishopric in 2008.
Submitted by the Reverend Nathan M. Titus
Lewin for Bishop in 2008 Campaign, Secretary
6. BREAKING NEWS- THE AME CHURCH TOOK ACTION:
(1) The AME Church leadership took action
The AME Church followed-up on the recommendations and discussions of CONVO X and other discussion relative to the JENA-6 situation. Kudos to the Right Reverend Carolyn Guidry and Sistah Jackie Dupont Walker
(2) AME Church Leaders Join Protest of 'Jena Six' Case (RNS)
Adelle M. Banks and Katy Reckdahl (09-13-07)
Top leaders of the African Methodist Episcopal Church have joined protests of the prosecution of six black teenagers in Jena, La., who have been charged with the alleged beating of a white schoolmate.
"We in no way condone fighting ... and would expect local school officials to equitably handle this per their administrative guidelines with suspension, etc.," reads a letter signed by more than 150 bishops, general officers, pastors and members of the historically black denomination in a letter to Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco.
"The handling of this incident is not only an injustice to the six young men but deja vu of days we thought have gone by -- days when the lives of black persons were considered as chattel."
The AME Church's Council of Bishops voted in August to take action on the issue involving the "Jena Six," said Jackie Dupont-Walker, social action officer for the 2.5-million member denomination. The various leaders signed petitions during a convocation Sept. 6-8 in Orlando, Fla. Some also intend to join a protest in Jena on Sept. 20, the date one of the teenagers is scheduled to be sentenced.
The leaders also sent a letter to District Attorney J. Reed Walters of Jena.
"We are writing to ask you to remember your oath of office and pledge as an official sworn to insure justice in this land for all people," they wrote.
Relatives of the six black teenagers charged in the alleged incident--and facing possible sentences of more than 22 years--spent the weekend of Sept. 8 in New Orleans, speaking at fundraisers, forums and local churches. The students and their families said the alleged attack on the white student was really a lunchtime fight that came after three months of race-related incidents. They said the tensions began last September after white students hung nooses on a tree in the yard of Jena High School and were given short suspensions.
(3) Court overturns conviction in Jena beating
Court overturns conviction in Jena beating - judge rules teen should not have been tried as adult in racially tinged case. A state appeals court Friday tossed out the aggravated battery conviction that could have sent a black teenager to prison for 15 years in last year's beating of a white classmate in the racially tense Louisiana town of Jena. (From MSNBC)
(4) Vigilance must be maintained
The AME Church and individuals from all walks of life must continue to be vigilant. There is still a matter of Justice and Equity at stake. These young men must be exonerated from the criminal justice system.
SIStah "Jackie" Dupont Walker
7. MYRA HANEY PROVIDES THEME FOR 2008 GENERAL CONFERENCE:
*Benjamin Harrison
On Monday, November 27, 2006, Myra Katrise Haney received an email from Dr. Clement Fugh, Chief Information Officer of the A.M.E. Church, congratulating her on the selection of her theme, “Empowered and Equipped to Impact Our World for Christ,” as the inspiration from which the final theme for the 2008 General Conference was derived. Ms. Haney responded, “I am honored and humbled that my theme was chosen.”
In illuminating her theme’s meaning, Sister Haney explains, “The words I chose are meant to motivate and mobilize the people of God. Raw power alone does not necessarily equate with being well skilled. Therefore, Christians must combine their power with training so that they will be well equipped to make a difference and have greater impact as they articulate and edify.”
Ms. Haney hails from Summerville, South Carolina and is a member of Greater St. James A.M.E. Church of Summerville, where the Rev. Eddie Gaston Jr. is pastor. Having been reared in Greater St. James, Sister Haney has developed a strong fondness for A.M.E. traditions. She is a member of the Women’s Missionary Society and serves as a senior steward, youth worker, class leader, and director of the Drama and Praise Dance Teams. During her many years of service to the A.M.E. Church she has held a variety of titles, including First Vice President of the Charleston District WMS, and YWI Chairperson for the South Carolina Conference, both in the Seventh Episcopal District.
Professionally, Ms. Haney serves as the Director of Academics & Student Support for the Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine in Charleston, S.C. She states, “I pray that my theme, which was chosen for the 48th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference in St. Louis Missouri, will encourage and inspire AME’s throughout the world to further themselves in the study of God.”
*Benjamin Harrison is the Public Relations Director for the 7th Episcopal District AME Church
8. THE REV. BRUCE BUTCHER AND THE PAYNE SEMINARY ALUMNI HELP RAISE $25,000 FOR THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION:
By Dr. Mark Kelly Tyler, National Coordinator
In 1844, the members of the Ohio Annual Conference opened Union Seminary near Columbus, Ohio, which served as the forerunner to Payne Theological Seminary. On June 27, 2007, the Payne Theological Seminary National Alumni Association returned very near to that sacred place and gathered in Columbus at the Bishops Council and General Board Meeting to hold the Annual Alumni Breakfast. The seed that was planted so long ago found that the tree is still bearing fruit some 163 years later.
Responding to the challenge issued by Board Chair and Payne alumnus, Bishop Vinton Randolph Anderson and Mrs. Vivienne C. Anderson, the alumni rallied to the call. The Andersons have pledged to match the alumni, dollar-for-dollar up to $50,000 toward the renovation of Mitchell-Anderson Hall. At the breakfast, the alumni made good on the first installment. Under the leadership of the president of the Alumni Association, the Rev. Bruce Lambert Butcher, the group presented Dr. Leah Gaskin Fitchue, president of Payne, a check in the amount of $10,000 toward their pledge of $50,000. Additionally, the alumni presented a check for $1,000 to the Ulysses A. Hughey International Student Scholarship that was initiated by Payne alumnus, Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah. Thanks to Bishop Messiah’s leadership and contribution, almost $5,000 was raised for this scholarship at the breakfast. When the matching funds from Bishop and Mrs. Anderson were factored in, almost $25,000 was raised for theological education at the breakfast!
As the morning began, the Rev. Earl G. Harris, Payne alumnus and candidate for the episcopacy, set the tone for a great event when he introduced the Bishops present for the breakfast. Bishop C. Garnett Henning, also a Payne alumnus, kept the service on a high note and moved things along. Bishop Robert Vaughn Webster, host Bishop to Payne Seminary, delivered a stirring welcome and provided the purpose for the gathering. Mrs. Marlese McCants, the spouse of alumnus Rev. John McCants, offered her own rendition of Blessed Assurance. The breakfast would not have been complete without the powerful message that was delivered by a member of Payne’s Board of Directors, Bishop Vashti Murphy Mc Kenzie. When it was all said and done, the venerable Bishop Richard Allen Hildebrand, the oldest Payne graduate in the bishopric, offered the closing prayer for the group. Also on hand to lend their support were Bishop Richard Franklin Norris and Bishop Zedekiah LaZett Grady, members of the Board of Directors. Although not on program, both Bishops gave generously of their resources to assist the Alumni Association.
The breakfast was attended by well over 125 persons from the alumni, faculty, staff, the student body, and friends of Payne Seminary. Additionally, many connectional candidates made their way into the event and blessed Payne Seminary with their resources. Members of the Payne alumni or friends of Payne are encouraged to make their contributions to the Alumni Association to help reach the goal of $50,000.
Please send your checks (payable to Payne Alumni Association) to: Dr. Mark Tyler, National Coordinator, 261 Spruce Street, Camden, New Jersey, 08103.
9. DO YOU REMEMBER ROBERT KENNEDY’S FUNERAL TRAIN:
Were you among the hundreds of thousands of men and women who lined the tracks that hot summer’s day in 1968 to pay their last respects to one of the country’s best-loved politicians?
Do you recognize a face in the crowd? Perhaps you were there yourself? If you have memories or photos of the day, we want to hear from you.
Lichen Films is filming a major documentary feature about RFK’s funeral train, and the producers are keen to speak with anyone who was in some way touched by the events of that day.
Contact details:
Sheila Maniar
(347) 731-7504
samaniar@earthlink.net
10. NEWLY ORDAINED DEACON SHARES THE EXPERIENCE OF HER FIRST SUNDAY AS A PASTOR:
Sister Avis Thompson, now the Reverend Avis Thompson shares the experience of her first Sunday as a pastor at St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Manchester, Kentucky.
I just thought I'd share that God is good.
I was ordained as a Deacon in the Kentucky Annual Conference on Friday, September 14, 2007; I am now “Reverend Avis Thompson.” On Saturday, Sep 15, 2007, I was assigned to serve as pastor of St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Manchester, Kentucky. So now I am Pastor Avis Thompson. (It's wild isn't it!!)
I had to be at church Sunday, Sep 16, to preach to my congregation. I enjoyed the service. I am so blessed. I have a pianist. I have a choir that sings with or without music (and they can sing) -- After service I was told by members of the congregation that I was an answer to their prayers. Please Keep Me in Your Prayers as I continue to do God's will in my life. Thanks for all of your support and encouragement.
Pastor, Rev. Avis Thompson (Sounds strange, but good)
11. WINGS OF FAITH HOSTS EVENTS TO REDUCE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:
Milwaukee, WI (September 17, 2007)--Wings of Faith will host two events designed to help faith leaders and victims of domestic violence reduce the incidence and impact of this violence. Wings of Faith Ministries is an Ecumenical Ministry of Restoration, Hope and Peace
The 7th annual Faith Leaders Domestic Violence Awareness Workshop will be held October 25th from 8:30 a.m. – Noon at Central United Methodist Church, 639 N. 25th St. The workshop—“Keeping The Faith, Ending The Violence”—will discuss the dynamics of domestic violence, and train spiritual leaders to help victims make decisions from a theological perspective about leaving or staying in an abusive environment while maintaining their relationship with God.
Registration for the workshop is $15, and includes breakfast, lunch and resource materials.
The workshop is endorsed by the Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee and co-sponsored by the Milwaukee Commission on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, and Central United Methodist Church.
Wings of Faith’s 7th annual Candlelight Service of Restoration, Hope and Peace will be held October 27th from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at St. Mark AME Church, 1616 W. Atkinson Ave. The theme this year, "1,000 Earthen Vessels," celebrates the life of all women—particularly those whose vessels are cracked or broken by life situations including violence, death of a loved one, illness, and other trauma. This women-only event is free and open to the public. A sisterhood reception will follow the service.
For more information on either event call 414-871-9636.
Wings of Faith is a not-for-profit ministry whose mission is to improve the quality of life of women and families living in southeastern Wisconsin. Rev. Janice Brazil Cummings, pastoral staff member at St. Mark AME Church, is the Founder and Director of Wings of Faith.
2111 N. Martin Luther King Drive
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 16912
Milwaukee, WI 53216 (414) 871-9636
12. WARD CHAPEL AME CHURCH SERVES THE HEARTS AND HEALTH OF MEXICO:
MEXICO, MO. – September 11, 2007 – The ‘church in the heart of the country serving the hearts of the people’, Ward Chapel AME Church, located at 727 E. Holt St., will host its first health fair taking place on Saturday, September 22, 2007 from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. The fair will be an afternoon for the people of Mexico to come together to learn about several health topics such as high blood pressure, HIV/Aids and Diabetes. There will be free HIV/AIDS testing, as well as a blood drive facilitated by the Community Blood Center.
“As a congregation, we want to support our community in their pursuit of a healthy lifestyle,” said Pastor Theodore W. Payne IV. “By hosting this fair, we hope to provide a friendly reminder to the public that being mindful of our physical health, not only results in a more productive and enjoyable life, but helps us enhance our mental and spiritual health as well.”
The health fair will kick off a special weekend of celebration, as Ward Chapel commemorates one hundred and twenty eight years in the Mexico community. Ward Chapel will also host two special church anniversary services, held on Sunday, September 23, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. For more information regarding Ward Chapel AME Church and the services and programs offered, please contact Pastor Theodore W. Payne IV at (573) 582-7777.
13. THE MOVIE, AMAZING GRACE, TO BE RELEASED ON DVD IN NOVEMBER:
The movie Amazing Grace is based on the life of antislavery pioneer William Wilberforce is and excellent movie. It will be coming out of DVD in November.
Below is the website and also included in this website are study materials that can be used to teach on the movie. The movie, Amazing Grace as an AME Connection and might be a great teaching tool.
http://www.amazinggracemovie.com/
Submitted by Tanya Morris
14. HAVE YOU HAD A BODY & SOUL KICK-OFF? ENTER TO WIN:
Is your church currently teaching Body & Soul principles to the congregation?
You may be thinking, what is Body and Soul?
I’m glad you asked… the Body & Soul Program is a health ministry supplement for African-American churches that promotes eating 5 to 9 fruits and vegetables a day for healthier living. The program works by including: pastoral leadership, educational activities, a church environment that supports healthy eating, and peer counseling.
If you have had a kick-off, the Connectional Health Commission (CHC) wants to know about it! If your church has had a Body & Soul Kick-off, please visit
15. GRANDPARENTS HONORED IN JACKSONVILLE:
Jacksonville, FL. -- Mt. Olive AME Church recognized 36 members in a banquet for grandparents on Saturday, September 8th.
Mrs. Audrey Pridgen, YPD Director provided a brief program and a wonderful dinner.
Receiving Certificates were the Rev. Granville and Ida Reed, pastor and first lady of Mt. Olive AME Church.
Others honored included, Lucille McCloud, James Cotton, Walter Harris, Charles Small, Annie Bass, Freddie Jacobs, Bertha Anderson, Dianne Blount, Ethel Beckwith, Mendell Brown, Robert and Yvonne Smith, Frances Smith, Debra Collier, Jimmie L. Dennis, and Johnny Young received certificates.
Also honored were, Ernest Young, Delores Roberts, Fatima Watley, Harvey Kennerly William Mauzy, Elnora Massey, Theodore Lewis, Harold and Dorothy Kennerly, Bettye Moore, Dana Noisette, Jaratha Pollard, Rev. James C. Hayes, Margaret Grooms, Eugene and Irene Hodges, Bettye Kelly and Robert Porter.
Each grandparent also received a beautiful rose as a symbol of the role that grandparents play in our world today.
Submitted by the Rev. Granville Reed
16. THE REVEREND GARLAND F. PIERCE SHARES SOME SUPERB WORSHIP RESOURCES FROM THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES:
As you plan October worship services, I thought some of the AME congregations might be interested in the following:
1. World Communion Day: http://www.pcusa.org/peacemakingoffering/07pdf/worship.pdf; http://umcgiving.org/content/sundays/communion.asp
2. Black Voter Empowerment Sunday--October 14th: http://www.ncbcp.org/unity06/index.html
3. Children's Defense Fund--October 21: http://www.childrensdefense.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Childrens_Sabbaths
The Reverend Garland F. Pierce is the Associate General Secretary, Education and Leadership Ministries of the National Council of Churches USA with offices at:
475 Riverside Drive, Suite 812
New York, NY 10115
(212) 870-2267
Fax: (212) 870-3112
gpierce@ncccusa.org
www.ncccusa.org/elmc
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Please be informed that Sister Pearl Vester, the mother of the Rev. Sonia J. Beaty, pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church-Lubbock, Texas-Northwest Texas Conference-Greater Fort Worth District) passed from labor to reward.
The funeral has been held.
Condolences may be sent to:
Rev. Sonia J. Beaty
2404 E. 28th St.
Lubbock, TX 79404
Ph: (806) 744-4370
Email: sjbeaty@aol.com
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Rev. Dr. Robert Ingram, pastor of Mt. Zion AME Church, Miami Gardens, Florida (formerly called Opa-Locka), passed on Wednesday September 5, 2007. Dr. Ingram was a Member of the Dade County School Board. He was a former Mayor and Chief of Police of Opa-Locka. Please remember his wife Sis. Delores Ingram, children, grand-children and family members in your prayers.
Arrangements:
The funeral has been held.
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Delores Ingram
1155 Sharar Ave
Opa Locka, FL 33054
Tel: (305) 681-4124
Email: Ingramdeloresnn@hotmail.com
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs. Rosie Johnson, mother of Sister Patricia Thornton, passed on Sunday morning, September 7, 2007. Patricia Thornton is the spouse of the Rev. Arnett Thornton, pastor of Community AME Church in Cleveland, Ohio.
The funeral has been held.
Condolences can be sent to:
Mrs. Patricia Thornton
314 Naples Drive
Elyria, OH 44035
Phone: 440-365-0556
Fax: 440-282-8293
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mr. Rodney Lane Thomas, Sr., the brother of Presiding Elder Linda Thomas-Martin, West Kentucky Conference, 13th Episcopal District, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Bishop.
Mr. Rodney Lane Thomas, Sr. passed away on Tuesday, September 11, 2007.
The funeral has been held.
Condolences may be sent to:
Presiding Elder Linda Faye Thomas-Martin
3806 Debsom Way
Louisville, KY 40241
502-412-6111
loupaddistrict@aol.com
Submitted by
Lula Martin (daughter)
misslulamarie@aol.com
21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Reverend Harold Thomas Moore, pastor of the Morning Star Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, the brother of the Reverend David L. Moore, Presiding Elder of the Griffin District, Macon Georgia, passed away on Thursday morning, September 13, 2007. He is survived by his wife Mrs. Marlie Kilgore Moore and one son Harold Anthony Moore.
The funeral has been held.
In lieu of flowers the family is asking that donations be sent to:
The Harold T. Moore Scholarship Fund
c/o Morning Star Baptist Church
4308 Rosemont Street
Houston, Texas 77051
Expressions of condolence may be sent to:
Presiding Elder David L. Moore
Post Office Box 113
Irwinton, GA 31042
Or
Mrs. Marlie Kilgore Moore
c/o Morning Star Baptist Church (address as above)
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.
