Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
Editor’s note: The correct name for the official newspaper of the AME Church is, “THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER.”
1. EDITORIAL COMMENTS:
- President Bush vetoes health bill insurance for children’s bill that would help the poor and the near poor families, yet the President has spent billions on the Iraq war and is asking for billions more. Doesn’t seem right to me, does it seem right to you?
- The Supreme Court will decide the validity of the sentences disparity for the use and possession of crack cocaine and powder cocaine. Drug use is illegal and persons who break laws should be punished, but not unequally punished. Blacks use more crack cocaine and whites use more powder cocaine. Sentences for the use of crack cocaine are significantly higher than the use for powder cocaine. The result is a higher incarceration for blacks.
- HIV/AIDS is epidemic in the black community and yet many of our churches are ignoring the pandemic, even thought the Connectional AME Church has made HIV/AIDS testing a priority. If pastors are not addressing the issue and setting up testing opportunities, I hope that the stewards of our local churches will see HIV/AIDS testing as ministry and will advocate for testing again and again. Middle age black women and black teens and young adults are especially vulnerable and their rates are rising.
2. ADVISORY FROM BISHOP CAROLYN TYLER GUIDRY, CHAIR
COMMISSION ON SOCIAL ACTION:
Some of the leaders and members of the African Methodist Episcopal have recently received messages from Rwanda asking for donations for members of the AME Church and funds to support the building of AME facilities in Rwanda. Those messages are fraudulent. The right Reverend Paul J. M. Kawimbe also confirms that non-AME entities have sent messages requesting funds that have no authority from him to do so. Bishop Guidry and Bishop Kawimbe ask the members of the AME Church to be vigilant and to only make contributions though the official auspices of the AME Church.
Please disregard any previous messages sent regarding request for funds for Rwanda.
All donations requested for any churches in the 17th Episcopal District, to include Rwanda, will come from the Right Reverend Paul J. M. Kawimbe, presiding prelate of the 17th Episcopal District.
3. THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF TURNER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY (TTS) SEEKS A CANDIDATE FOR THE POSITION OF PRESIDENT/ DEAN. DEADLINE FOR APPLICANTS’ SUBMISSION: JANUARY 15, 2008:
Position: President/Dean
Salary: Unspecified
Institution: Turner Theological Seminary
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Date Posted: 9/15/2007
Turner Theological Seminary
President/Dean
The Board of Trustees of Turner Theological Seminary (TTS) seeks a candidate for the position of President/ Dean. The position is to be filled on or before the Academic school year 2008-2009.
Candidates for the position should possess the following minimum qualifications:
1. An earned Master of Divinity Degree from a seminary accredited by ATS. Post Graduate Degree desired.
2. An Itinerant Elder of at least 4 years in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
3. Pastoral and/or Educational experience required
Interested Applicants should send a cover letter, short bio, and resume or vitae.
Applications will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Applicants can submit information by mail or online. Deadline to submit materials are January 15, 2008.
All materials should be sent to:
The Rev. Gregory Eason
Chair, Presidential Search Committee
204 Auburn Avenue
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
Or
TurnerPresident@aol.com
4. NEWS AROUND THE AME CHURCH:
- Two AME Churches, The Greater Allen AME Cathedral of New York in (Jamaica, NYC), where the Reverend Floyd Flake is the pastor and First A.M.E. Church (Los Angeles), where the Reverend Dr. John Hunter serves as the pastor made the list in Outreach Magazine, which recently published the list of 2007’s 100 fastest-growing churches in America. The list factors attendance growth both by numbers and by percentage. Greater Allen Cathedral is number 36 on the list and First AME Church in Los Angeles is number 58 on the list.
- Brother Kelvin J. Anthony, Licentiate, Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church, Bessemer, Alabama shares the good news that on October 24 - 28, 2007, the saints of the West Alabama Conference will gather from near and far for the 83rd Session of the West Alabama Conference to be held at Allen Temple A.M.E. Church, 917 22nd Street North, Bessemer, Alabama 35020, where the Reverend P. W. Jones is the pastor; the Reverend T. A. Reynolds is the host presiding elder; the Reverend Myers Hawkins is the associate presiding elder; and the Right Reverend Theodore Larry Kirkland is the presiding prelate.
5. RECREATIONAL VS. PROCREATIONAL PREACHING: A DANGEROUS SHIFT IN OUR SACRED TRADITION:
By Dr. Reginald D. Terry
One of the best episodes of the television sitcom The Cosby’s presents to Cliff and Clair a extraordinary challenge when Vanessa comes home after only one semester of school, and announces in a rather innocuous fashion she is now engaged. Her fiancé, Mr. Dabnis Brickey, is eleven years her senior and the head of maintenance at the university where Vanessa is a student. The dynamics of this familiar family dilemma provide much drama and humor for viewers as the tension mounted at each segment. Later on at dinner, Cliff attempted to convey to Dabnis the simple problem with this entire development, and to further reassure him that their dislike for him was nothing personal. His illustration to convey his point is nothing short of genius. Cliff asks Dabnis to name his favorite food dish. He mentions a hearty steak. Cliff, then, portrayed the preparation of a premium porterhouse in exquisite detail. Seasoned and grilled to Dabnis’ delight, Cliff asked him to imagine a waiter taking this expertly prepared steak garnished with onions and potatoes, and placing it squarely on an upside-down lid of a garbage can. The scene is classic as Dabnis’ countenance changed and the other family members’ faces frowned (even my own). He finally articulated his point to this confused suitor. Cliff tells him there is nothing wrong with the steak; it’s all in the presentation.
An interesting trend is emerging in the discipline of preaching today. The face of this sacred craft is drastically changing. In some circles there seems to be a major shift from the historical (more traditional) approach to this hallowed assignment. It is such a drastic and dangerous shift I’m not so sure we are fully aware of the problem being created nor the sad consequences which might result. Clearly the emphasis (and to a large degree the interest) is changing from the original intent that a huge appetite is being created for this new age style of delivering the gospel message. Hundreds and thousands of seekers are regularly gravitating to commonly dubbed spiritual forums (like major sporting events) where often the practices of some who preach lean more toward theatrics and entertainment than traditional preaching. This raises an interesting question that needs to be settled quickly—is preaching a recreational activity or is it supposed to be procreational? At some point there needs to be a clear distinction made, and a clear line drawn across which truly sincere proclaimers should never cross.
Let me define or explain what I mean when using the descriptions recreational vs. procreational preaching. Recreational preaching is typically an exaggerated or animated sermonic presentation that routinely is absent of an expressed (articulated) behavioral goal. Generally the message is enthusiastically expressed, and is most times an emotionally-charged oration that is plainly preacher-centered—leaving hearers with a good impression of the minister and his or her given endowments. Its objectives seem to lean more to entertain and emotionalize rather than to equip or mobilize the pew. Procreational preaching (as I label it) aims to be a distinctly sacred presentation of the gospel and is expressly God-centered. It ultimately aims to mobilize the pew to a more responsible and productive practice of living beyond the sermonic moment and the worship experience. While these may be characterized by responsible energy and some tasteful expression of emotion, it intends to leave hearers with a heightened sense of God rather than who happened to be the presenter.
Customarily, preaching has always been regarded as a distinctly sacred engagement. Poise and dignity accompanied the discourse and proposed to allow listeners a reasonable opportunity to experience God, to appropriately see themselves and to pensively consider what God may be saying to them in order to effect change. To the contrary, much of contemporary preaching may or may not include an encounter with God, and will often leave listeners thinking more about the messenger more so than the message.
Consequently, the conversation in quite a few circles after participating in these super-charged preaching events is more about “the way” a sermon was delivered rather than what was actually delivered (what God said). Public speaking is a keen discipline and the art of preaching is no less a discipline. While it will no doubt motivate its audience, it is to be engaged quite differently from a motivational speech. Even though at times there may be hints of rhythm and perhaps some rhyme, it is significantly different from rap or some stand-up comedy. These familiar oral presentations are very much recognized as performances. Preaching, on the other hand, is supposed to be a distinctly redemptive or transformational oration (an offering) intended to cause a recognizable behavioral change in the lives of hearers. If the messenger is less than serious or is in any way perceived to be pretentious or insincere, then likely the message and the messenger will be hardly received and largely not believed.
Aesop relates a fable of the shepherd-boy who watched a flock of sheep near a village, and brought out the villagers three or four times by repeatedly crying out, "Wolf!" When the townsmen would come to his aid, he laughed at them for their trouble. To him it was all a big joke. As fate would have it, the wolf did truly come at last. As he had done previously the shepherd-boy shouted the crucial alarm in fear of the impending danger: "Pray, do come and help me; the wolf is killing the sheep!" No one paid him any mind nor rendered any assistance. The wolf made sport of the flock and the boy was devastated over his loss. The moral is clear: “There is no believing a liar even when he speaks the truth.”
* The Rev. Dr. Reginald D. Terry is pastor of the Antioch Baptist Church in Omaha, Nebraska. He is a published author of the book, Associates In Ministry, a text which encourages the relationship between the pastor and the associate ministers of the church. His doctoral thesis explores and offers an excellent curriculum for nurturing persons who aspire to enter into vocational Christian ministry. For contact or more information, Dr. Terry can be reached at 402-554-1080, or emailed at Rdterryfic@aol.com.
6. “ALIGNED WITH MATTERS OF ETERNITY,” WHICH MEANS “AME”:
By: Delanda S. Johnson
Special to the News
The North Texas Annual Conference was held in Dallas on September 24 through 29 and it was clear that the Presiding Prelate the Rt. Rev. Gregory G. M. Ingram and Episcopal Supervisor the Rev. Dr. Jessica Kendall Ingram had a message of their visions (dreams) for the church.
With the theme that Bishop Ingram and Rev. Jessica selected for this year’s annual conference, “Aligned with Matters of Eternity,” is challenging us to go back to “old school” because we are living in a fearless, frightening and tumultuous time in history, fraught with all kinds of problems. “As a church and people of God, we must be acutely aware that we only have a limited amount of time left to accomplish that which is really important, what really counts and what really matters; our work is cut out for us, that is why if we are really serious about reaching the lost, unsaved and un-churched for Christ, we must be concerned that there are some people who are going to hell in a basket and other losing their mind,” said Bishop Ingram.
Bishop Ingram went on the say that thinkers from the time of Plato and Socrates, to our own day, have believed that an unexamined life is not worth living.
The shear pace and pressure of our modern lives can easily crowd out time for reflection.
To make matters worse, we live in a war zone and everything is vying for our time, energy, money and relationship with God.
Bishop Ingram acknowledged that the 10th District faces the future with five priorities: Stewardship and Mission, Education, Economic Development, Health and Human Services, and Church growth and Evangelism.
Stewardship/Mission means to develop more resources for local church support; to become better service providers; to establish a global exchange program, and much more. The mission the of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is to minister to the spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, and environmental needs of all people by spreading Christ’s liberating gospel through word and deed.
With Economic development means to create more working capital and jobs, establishment of business ventures and collaborations, debt liquidation, and more.
With Church growth/Evangelism means to develop a resource manual on models for ministry, to adapt to changing demographics, and to seed, develop and establish new ministries to increase church growth.
With Health/Human services means to develop viable services for youth and elderly, identify pleading health issues, advocate for low-income communities, and build new coalitions.
Last but not least is Education, which means to develop ministry and training programs, to create institutional viability, and to establish a perpetual endowment.
The pastors, delegates, and congregations ended the conference on a high note.
Preparing for the 48th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference July 4-11, 2008 in St. Louis, Missouri, Bishop Ingram and Rev. Jessica thanked everyone for their expression of kindness, support labors of love and prayers. “Thank to you we have scaled new heights, navigated through some uncharted waters and broken new ground to initiate some divine initiates for the future. Thanks for Making a Difference!!” said Ingram.
Note: The Rev. Mary Miller was reassigned to Allen Chapel AME Church in Athens, Texas and the Rev. Cynthia Cole was reassigned to Johnson Chapel AME Church in Malakoff, Texas.
7. THE HISPANIC MINISTRY OF ST. LUKE A.M.E. CHURCH, NEW YORK:
St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church in New York City has a developing Hispanic Ministry.
Over the last 15 years, New York City has experienced an increase in its population due to the immigration from Latin America. Hispanic men, women and children can be found in every geographical point of this city. With a large number of Spanish-speaking persons living in the Upper Manhattan Area of New York City, primarily from the Dominican Republic, active outreach is being pursued. New York City has the largest population of Dominicans residing outside the Dominican Republic.
The initiation of a Hispanic Ministry Program began in the fall of 2005 after a research study on Migration and Religion conducted by our current Union Theological Seminary Intern, Rev. Brenda D. Ford. Rev. Ford is an Itinerant Deacon in the New York Annual Conference and part of the Ministerial Staff of Mt. Moriah A.M.E. Church in Cambria Heights, NY where Rev. Robert Lowe is Pastor.
Rev. Ford traveled to the Dominican Republic in July of 2006, met with Pastors, Local Elders and lay members to obtain information on the history of African Methodism in the Dominican Republic (DR), worship and preaching styles, and the culture of Afro- Dominicans. The information gathered from Rev. Ford’s month-long stay in the Dominican Republic helped lay the foundation for St. Luke’s Hispanic Ministry.
Over the last year, the St. Luke Hispanic Ministry has offered classes in English as a Second Language and Basic Spanish to members of our congregation and community at large. Rev. Leo Lopez, a native Dominican and an ordained Local Elder who migrated to New York City twenty years ago with his family, assisted with teaching these classes.
St. Luke AME Church has several families from diverse Latin American countries who are members of the congregation. Today, we begin to move into a new phase of our strategic plan in planting a Spanish-speaking congregation.
“Primera Iglesia Africana Metodista Episcopal” (First African Methodist Episcopal Church ) will open its doors to the Latin American community of New York City on Sunday, November 18, 2007 at 10 a.m. in our Administrative Building located at 1854 Amsterdam Avenue (corner of 152nd Street). Our goal is to provide pastoral and spiritual care to the Spanish-speaking brothers and sisters in our community.
Our intent is not to compete with other churches or religious groups, but to proclaim the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. We also want to recapture those persons who were A.M.E. when they lived in the Dominican Republic, but were not able to find a linguistic and culturally-sensitive A.M.E. Church when they came to the United States and New York City. God’s Word admonishes us to “teach all nations.” St. Luke, New York City is attempting to do just that.
For more information about St. Luke’s Hispanic Ministry, contact the Rev. Brenda D. Ford, Seminary Intern or the Rev. Melvin E. Wilson, pastor of St. Luke A.M.E. Church at (212) 870-1349 or by email at stlukeamec@aol.com.
8. CHRIST REDEEMER AME CHURCH WANTS ANSWERS TOO:
Irvine---Christ Our Redeemer AME Church invites members of the press to meet the wife of Kevin Powell, the African American male who was killed by members of the Santa Ana Police Department on Tuesday, October 2, 3:20 pm in Santa Ana, CA. Kevin Powell was a faithful member of Christ Our Redeemer AME Church, Irvine CA. He attended our weekly substance abuse classes. Pastor Mark Whitlock says, “The killing of young black men must come to an end. Kevin represents a generation of young Black men struggling to survive in a climate of violence.”
On October 2, 2007, a member of this community was shot and killed in this community, by an organization which is legally mandated to serve this community. The media reports that close to 50 law enforcement officers have investigated this incident. The Santa Ana Police Department has issued public statements. Curiously absent from all such statements is the reason Kevin Powell was killed. Why? Kevin Powell's family needs an answer to this question. The public deserves an answer. Equal justice and fair play demands it. Mr. Powell's family has initiated an investigation. The family invites any member of the community, and any member of any law enforcement agency who knows facts about this tragic event to report them immediately to the family's attorney, Marion H. Wheeler, Jr., (714) 777-8972.
9. MANAGING WELL TO LEAD WELL CLERGY WIM LEADERSHIP SUMMIT:
The Tennessee Conference Women in Ministry of the African Methodist Episcopal Church cordially invites all women in ministry to join them in their first one night revival and Leadership Summit. Sunday and Monday, November 4-5, 2007. The theme is “Managing Well to Lead Well.” The Reverend Judy Cummings will be the preacher for a one-night revival, Sunday at 6:00 P.M. at Ernest Newman United Methodist Church in Bordeaux and then join the A.M.E. Women in Ministry at Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church, 1300 12th Avenue South on Monday for workshops specifically designed for women in ministry. The Reverend Belita McMurray-Fite, pastor of Heaven’s View Baptist Church in Lebanon, TN is the opening speaker and a powerful time of ministry is also scheduled with Bishop Vashti McKenzie, the Presiding Prelate of the 13th Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church, comprised of Tennessee and Kentucky. For more information please contact Rev. Janie Dowdy Dandridge at 615 796-7098 or Rev. Shawanda Parker at 615 947-2598. Registration cost is $20.00.
Submitted by the Rev. Janie Dowdy-Dandridge
Tennessee Conference Coordinator WIM
Rev. Shawanda Parker
Tennessee Conference Co-Coordinator WIM
10. ASTRONAUT STEPHANIE WILSON TO BE A CREW MEMBER IN UPCOMING SHUTTLE MISSION SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 23:
By Rev. Salatheia Bryant-Honors
NASA astronaut Stephanie Wilson, a faithful member of Reedy Chapel A.M.E. Church in Galveston Texas, will participate in her second space shuttle mission scheduled for Oct. 23.
A community prayer and praise service was held at Reedy in honor of Wilson, the mission and the seven-member crew of STS-120.
Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram attended the service, giving an inspiring message and leading the congregation in the altar prayer.
Wilson will be a crew member on STS-120 as it docks with the International Space Station. STS-120 will be the 23rd shuttle mission to the ISS. During the mission, the crew of STS-120 will install the Node 2 module also known as “Harmony”. Harmony is a 23-by-14-foot passageway that will connect the U.S. segment of the station to the European and Japanese modules, scheduled for a later installation. The Harmony Node 2 will travel to the station inside space shuttle Discovery’s payload.
The spirited prayer and praise service included participation from the local Seaborne Challenge Corps, The National Buffalo Soldiers Museum located in Houston, Texas and the Galveston Heritage Chorale.
Wilson, 41, a mission specialist and flight engineer, made her first space trip on NASA’s historic return-to-flight mission that was launched on July 4, 2006.
Bishop Ingram said Wilson was not making the 14-day trip into outer space alone.
“You have a great cloud of witnesses cheering you on,” he said. “I look at you Sis. Stephanie and you make us all proud. We brag on you and you make our hearts happy. We are experiencing this space mission with you.”
“Because of your faith you are not making this journey by yourself. God is with you,” Bishop Ingram said. “He’s not only the God here on earth but in heaven. You are in God’s hands.”
Wilson is the second African American woman to go into space, after Dr. Mae Jemison.
Reedy pastor the Rev. Reginald Honors said the service continued to resonate long after it was over.
“It was powerful. It was exciting. It left me with the feeling that God has the entire mission in his hand,” said Honors. “At Reedy we have a deep appreciation for prayer and involving God in our personal lives. Therefore, having a prayer service to place the mission in his hand came naturally.”
After the community prayer service Pastor Honors called for a 40-day prayer vigil to continue to support the mission with prayer.
The service was also attended by the South Houston District Presiding Elder Johnny Jennings and North Houston District Presiding Elder Rev. Dr. Alfred J. Baker and former Reedy Pastors the Rev. Brenda Payne, who is now the pastor of Payne Cathedral of Faith in Houston, Texas and the Rev. Dr. Robert Jefferies, who is assigned to Union Center in Conroe, Texas.
Wilson, who is humble and soft-spoken, said she appreciated the prayer covering from the Galveston community, the Texas Annual Conference and the entire connection.
“The prayer service was very important to me,” said Wilson. “It was very beneficial to be sent off by my Bishop, pastors, Galveston community, Reedy family and friends with blessings and in a cover of prayer. I am very thankful to all that participated and made the service possible.”
The service included prayers for the technical aspect of the mission, the people supporting the mission and the people of the mission.
The service ended with a prayer at the altar with Wilson surrounded by ministers and other community members with Bishop Ingram leading a spirited prayer.
The shuttle’s target launch date is Oct. 23. It will lift off from Launch Pad 39A.
Reedy Chapel is the first African Methodist Episcopal Church in Texas. Next year Reedy will celebrate its 160th anniversary.
Wilson is very active at Reedy, serving as a member of the choir and on the Trustee Board.
11. MICHAEL KINNAMON CHOSEN NCC GENERAL SECRETARY:
After an extensive search process, the National Council of Churches has nominated the Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon of St. Louis, Mo., to be the organization's ninth general secretary, effective January 1. He succeeds the Rev. Bob Edgar, who was named president of the citizens' advocacy group, Common Cause, earlier this year. Kinnamon has been the Miller Professor of Mission, Peace and Ecumenical Studies at UCC-related Eden Theological Seminary, St. Louis, since 2000. Earlier he was dean and professor of theology and ecumenical studies at the Disciples' Lexington Theological Seminary and also taught at Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis. He has served for the past quadrennium as a member of the NCC's executive committee and as chair of the Justice and Advocacy Commission, and was a key drafter of the Council's new strategic plan, completed last year. He has written extensively on the ecumenical movement, including his recent book, The Vision of the Ecumenical Movement and How it has Been Impoverished by its Friends. He wrote the official report of the Seventh Assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC), and was the co-editor of The Ecumenical Movement: An Anthology of Key Texts and Voices, a volume widely regarded as an essential tool for students of ecumenism. Kinnamon earned his Ph.D. in 1980 from the University of Chicago Divinity School, and his A.B. from Brown University in 1971. He studied at Tel Aviv University and has taught in Bangalore, India.
12. RICHARDSON TEAM TRANSFORMING MINISTRY AND REVOLUTIONIZING SOCIAL POLICY:
*Rev. Linda E. Mouzon
Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr. and Mrs. Connie S. Richardson, the Second District Episcopal team, recognize that injustices in their contemporary form require vigilant monitoring of federal and state laws and regulations. It is these laws and regulations that seemingly too often undermine the credo of justice for all. Given the disparities in sentencing, disproportionate representation of minorities in the criminal justice system, and the high recidivism rate of inmates, the Richardson have lead the District in a campaign to visit with the State or City law makers in each of the Second District’s jurisdictions. These visits are designed to advocate for passage of legislation that will promote equitable treatment for all citizens regardless of past history, current circumstances, or future challenges.
To effectuate this intention to support changes in the law, Rev. Wendell O. E. Christopher, Director of the District’s Political and Social Action Committee was charged with the development of position papers outlining policy changes in three areas: mandatory sentencing guidelines, voter disenfranchisement, and the lack of affordable housing. His committee mobilized members of the District for rallies and coordinated forums where these positions could be presented.
On March 15, 2006 Bishop Richardson testified before the Maryland State Legislature in support of a bill that would change mandatory minimum drug sentencing. In his statement to the legislators, Bishop Richardson noted that “many of the people currently given mandatory sentences are themselves victims -- of poverty, despair, addiction, abusive family situations, and so on.” He further stated that, “Judges should be given the authority to consider each defendant's role in the offense, the likelihood of committing a future offense, the role of addiction and the possibility of recovery, when deciding an appropriate sentence…That is why we have judges. That is why justice can only be served on a case-by-case basis.” While this bill was not passed, the issue continues to be under review by Maryland legislators and further legislation is expected.
Undaunted by the seeming inertia of the political system, Bishop Richardson resolutely addressed the issue of affordable housing. A measure under consideration in Baltimore City would require developers to set aside a portion of any new construction project for affordable homes. While it was doubtful (it had failed when presented before the City Council) this bill would pass, Bishop and Mrs. Richardson braved the elements on an extremely cold December day to participate in a rally at Baltimore City Hall in support of the fair housing proposal. Bishop Richardson advocated for passage of the measure along with members of a partner organization, BRIDGE (Baltimore Regional Initiative Developing Genuine Equality. Special kudos extended to City Council Woman (Rev.) Helen Holton, (Payne A.M.E. Baltimore, MD), and Rev. David Casey, President, BRIDGE. The measure passed the Baltimore City Council. According to a Baltimore Sun Paper writer successful passage of this measure can be attributed to the advocacy of the faith community.
Bishop and Supervisor Richardson led more than 400 persons to Annapolis for AME Day during the Maryland Legislative Session on February 19. The visit included breakfast at the Governor’s Mansion with Governor Martin O’Malley; a press conference with key legislators. During the breakfast Bishop Richardson reiterated the District’s position on voter enfranchisement, affordable housing, and judicial discretion in sentencing. Special kudos are extended to Sen. Ulysses Currie, Delegate Adrienne Jones, and the Revs. Wendell O. E. Christopher, Linda Mouzon, Cynthia Harvin, the Presiding Elders and component leadership of the Baltimore and Washington Conferences. The measure for voter enfranchisement, which had been considered in the previous four legislative sessions, passed both houses. Signed into law by Gov. O'Malley on April 24, 2007, the bill repealed all provisions of the state’s lifetime voting ban, including the three-year waiting period after completion of sentence for certain categories of offenses, and instituted an automatic restoration.
For Bishop and Mrs. Richardson these changes in the ministry focus and social policy are only the beginning. Future efforts include visits to state capitols in Virginia and North Carolina and City Hall in Washington D.C. to advance social policies that support society’s neediest members, continued financial support to Districts 14 – 20, and convocations that address issues that negatively impact our communities such as domestic violence
*Rev. Linda E. Mouzon [lindamou@juno.com} is the pastor of Union Bethel A.M.E. Church Randallstown MD
13. THE RICHARDSON’S GIFT TO SECOND DISTRICT: AN EXPANSIVE SEVEN POINTS MINISTRY FOCI:
*Rev. Linda E. Mouzon
“Serendipity! It is a wonderful word that speaks to the discovery of something pleasant, beneficial and valuable that was not sought. For my wife and me, serving the Second District is serendipity. What a glorious opportunity!” These were the words Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson Jr. employed to express the elation he and Episcopal Supervisor Connie Speights Richardson experienced upon being assigned to lead the Second Episcopal District. This succinct statement did not convey the size of the gauntlet that this team was prepared to throw down before the Pastors, clergy, missionaries, YPD’ers, and laity of the District. Outlining a seven point ministry focus that includes ministry to youths, young adults, men, and the incarcerated, and an emphasis on theological scholarship and mission support beyond the shoreline, the Richardson team challenged the District to create new ministry paradigms. According to Bishop Richardson, these new paradigms would expand the outreach of the District to groups who are underrepresented in the life of the church and increase linkages with groups who are too often marginalized.
A series of convocations set the stage for the implementation of the District’s seven-point agenda. With an emphasis on youth and young adults, the first convocation provided Pastors with models of ministry targeting the hip hop generation. During the second convocation, congregations were challenged to evaluate and inventory their efforts to increase attendance and the involvement of men. Following Hurricane Katrina, Bishop Richardson decided it was most fitting for the District to discuss the theology of storms and the faith communities’ response to natural or man-made disasters.
Following this initial series of convocations, the Richardson team undertook a comprehensive analysis of the District’s progress in achieving its goals. While this review indicated incredible successes, including an increase in the number of ministries targeting youths, young adults and men, regular financial contributions to mission and smaller congregations, ministries in Districts 14 - 20, as well as monetary support for students attending Payne, Turner and other seminaries, the Richardson team set the District’s sights on loftier goals.
It was apparent to Bishop and Mrs. Richardson that the seven-point agenda would be more effective if it were undergirded by changes to social policies that adversely impact the very groups targeted in the seven point ministry agenda. As a result of this intention to change social policy, Bishop Richardson forged partnerships with grassroots organizations, informed the District of Best Practice models for community service, and advocated on television, in the newspaper and at federal, state and local government forums for legislative changes.
Bishop Richardson participated in meetings with Senator Barack Obama in responding appropriately to the Katrina relief and development initiative and with other members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) in support of the re-authorization of the Voting Rights Act. Involvement with the Black Caucus also included the Episcopal team collaborating with Bishops Philip Robert Cousin Sr., McKinley Young, Richard F. Norris, and Preston Warren Williams II, to host a celebratory worship service at Metropolitan, on Swearing-In Day. Tribute was paid to CBC Chair, the Honorable Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (Detroit), Majority Whip the Honorable James E. Clyburn (South Carolina), New York Sixth Congressional District Representative, the Honorable Gregory W. Meeks, and the Florida 23rd Congressional District Representative, the Honorable Alcee Hastings – all of whom are members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Their pastors were also present for the occasion. Special appreciation is offered to the Rev. Ronald E. Braxton and the Metropolitan Family for hosting this event.
During the Washington Annual Conference, Bishop Richardson appeared on Channel 4, the local NBC affiliate, in support of interventions designed to bring peace in Darfur. Interviewed for Cable TV’s “Retirement Living Program,” he expounded on a controversial topic: Separation of Church and State. Other speakers included Robert Nicholas of the AME Service and Development Agency (SADA), and the Rev. Cassandra Sparrow (2nd District RED, Inc.).
When the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was deliberating the feasibility of allowing the merger of two satellite radio stations, Bishop Richardson weighed in on the issue. "While African American music and culture have moved more into the mainstream in the last decade, our community still remains neglected by major media companies," said Bishop Richardson, "Both XM Radio and Sirius have shown a true interest in providing a wealth of options to a large and diverse audience of Americans." The FCC subsequently approved the merger
This resolve to spearhead social policy change, however, involved more than the aforementioned efforts. Bishop Richardson convened convocations highlighting political involvement, the criminal justice system, and gang violence. The Episcopal Team launched an advocacy campaign that took our social advocacy message simultaneously to the media, politicians, and government officials. Utilizing media outlets and personal appearances, Bishop and Mrs. Richardson ensured the District’s emphatic promotion of equitable social policies was heard. Members of the Second Episcopal District will continue to fight as a Church and people as Bishop and Mrs. Richardson lead the charge in addressing these worthwhile and critical initiatives.
*Rev. Linda E. Mouzon [lindamou@juno.com} is the pastor of Union Bethel A.M.E. Church Randallstown MD
14. AME PREACHER, THE REV. DR. VICTORIA MARTIN BANKS OUTSTANDING PREMIER RELEASE ON CD:
Rev. Edrena Houston Brown, M.A.C.E.
On October 26, 2007 at St. Paul AME Church Atlanta, GA., 1540 Pryor Road, Atlanta, Georgia, beginning 7:00 p.m., until 10:00 p.m., there will be a listening celebration of the official Premier pre-release project entitled; Those Singing Preachers at Christmas “Joy to the World” a black-tie event for the entire family.
The Rev. Dr. Victoria Martin Banks, pastor of Knights Monumental AME Church of Stockbridge, GA and her husband, the Rev. Larry Banks are the owners of RAM Records of Atlanta. This dynamic team feels that they have been commissioned by God to present the African Methodist Episcopal Church with an unfailing concept for “rebooting the system.” They feel that their concept of creating a CD has a potential of creating much-needed revenue that could be long lasting, according to Dr. Banks.
This idea has brought together selected ministers and pastors from across the Atlanta North Georgia Annual Conference and surrounding areas to initiate a Christmas project CD that will feature songs such as, Silent Night, Carol of the Bells, The Christmas Song, and I’ll Be Home for Christmas, just to name a few.
Contributors to this project include: the Revs. Kenneth Marcus, Carl Moore, Rae Fitch, Fred McCullough, C.O. Adams, Kenyatta Arnett, Eyvonne Whitman, Frederick Forsch, Willie Starks, Rosie Pearson, Willie Heard and Dr. Victoria Martin Banks.
The CDs will be sold and distributed throughout the Sixth Episcopal District, with future CD sales expected to in other episcopal districts. A major percentage of the profits will be presented to the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
You may pre-order your copy or copies of the CD by contacting RAM Records of Atlanta email: ramrecords_atl@yahoo.com or call 770 909-9905 or 1800 909-9905.
15. THE 2007 13TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULES:
THE 140TH SESSION OF THE KENTUCKY ANNUAL CONFERENCE
September 10 – 15, 2007
Tuesday: WMS Annual Conference
School of the Prophets Clergy Institute
Reverend Ralph E. Johnson, Host Presiding Elder
Reverend Kenneth J. Golphin, Host Pastor
St. Paul A.M.E. Church
251 N. Upper Street
Lexington, KY 40507
859/255-7945
Radisson Plaza Hotel
369 West Vine Street
Lexington, KY 40507
859/231-9000
THE 127TH SESSION OF THE WEST KENTUCKY ANNUAL CONFERENCE
September 24 – 29, 2007
Tuesday: WMS Annual Conference
School of the Prophets Clergy Institute
Reverend Linda Faye Thomas-Martin, Host Presiding Elder
Reverend Dr. Pedro Basden, Host Pastor
Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church
1901 W. Muhammad Ali Boulevard
Louisville, KY 40203
502/583-0324
The Seelbach Hilton Hotel
500 Fourth Street
Louisville, KY 40202
502/585-3200
THE 107TH SESSION OF THE EAST TENNESSEE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
October 8-13, 2007
Reverend Dr. Kenneth H. Hill, Host Presiding Elder
Reverend Dr. Terence L. Mayes, Sr., Host Pastor
Tuesday: WMS Annual Conference
School of the Prophets Clergy Institute
Warren Chapel A.M.E. Church
501 North Market Street
Chattanooga, TN 37405
423/267-4992
The Chattanooga Marriott at the Convention Center
Two Carter Plaza
Chattanooga, TN 37402
423/756-0002
THE 133RD SESSION OF THE WEST TENNESSEE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
October 22-27, 2007
Tuesday: WMS Annual Conference
School of the Prophets Clergy Institute
Reverend Dr. Kenneth S. Robinson, Host Presiding Elder (Interim) and Host Pastor
Reverend C. Robert Finch, Associate Host Presiding Elder
St. Andrew A.M.E. Church
867 South Parkway East
Memphis, TN 38106
901-948-3441
Holiday Inn Select Memphis Airport Hotel
2240 Democrat Road
Memphis, TN 38132
901/332-1130
THE 140TH SESSION OF THE TENNESSEE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
November 5-10, 2007
Tuesday: WMS Annual Conference
School of the Prophets Clergy Institute
Reverend Troy Merritt, Jr., Host Presiding Elder
Reverend Robert E. Keesee, Associate Host Presiding Elder
Reverend Michael Broadnax, Sr., Host Pastor
Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church
1300 South Street
Nashville, TN 37212
615/256-1509
Host Hotel
Comfort Inn Hotel
1501 Demonbreun Street
Nashville, TN 37203
615/255-9977
13TH DISTRICT PLANNING MEETING
November 29- December 1, 2007
St. John A.M.E. Church
1822 Formosa Street
Nashville, TN 37208
615/320-1026
Host Hotel
Millennium Maxwell House Hotel
2025 Metro Center Blvd.
Nashville, TN
615/259-4343
16. CORRECTIONS TO THE PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED 15TH EPISCOPAL CALENDAR”:
Mid-Year Convocation 2008
March 6-7, 2008
15th Episcopal District General Conference Delegation Meeting
March 8, 2008
9:00 a.m.
St. Mary's African Methodist Episcopal Church
Kimberley, South Africa
The Reverend T. J. Mogadile, Host Pastor
The Reverend Senkgwane J. Dithipe, Host Presiding Elder
17. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
- Congratulations to Rev. and Mrs. Joseph Nathaniel Cousin, Sr. on the birth of their son Joseph Nathaniel Cousin, Jr., born October 4, 2007 at 5:51 a.m. and weighing 6# 13 oz.
Joseph Nathaniel Jr. is also the 12th grandson of Bishop Philip R. Cousin and Dr. M. Joan Cousin, Senior Bishop and Senior Supervisor of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Congratulatory cards may be sent to:
Rev. and Mrs. Joseph N. Cousin, Sr.
c/o Bethel A.M.E. Church
900 John A. Woods, Drive
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105-1713
18. EPISCOPAL FAMILY BEREAVEMENT:
The passing of Mrs. Alversa Williams Lee, mother of Mrs. Ernestine Lee Henning and mother-in-law of Bishop C. Garnett Henning, Presiding Bishop of the 8th Episcopal District.
Service Arrangements for Mrs. Alversa Williams Lee:
Family Visitation:
Friday, October 12, 2007
6:00 PM
New Providence AME Church
384 Decatur St.
Memphis, TN 38105
Phone: (901) 523-1248
Rev. G. L. McCollins, Sr., Pastor
Funeral:
Saturday, October 13, 2007
2:00 PM
St. Andrew AME Church
867 South Parkway East
Memphis, TN 38106
Phone: (901) 948-3441
Fax: (901) 946-9216
Rev. Kenneth S. Robinson, M.D., Pastor
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Bishop
13th Episcopal District
Bishop C. Garnett Henning, Eulogist
Professional services entrusted to:
R. S. Lewis & Sons Mortuary
74 Vance Avenue
Memphis, TN 38126
Phone: (901) 526-3264
Fax: (901) 526-3265
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Ernestine Lee Henning & family of Mrs. Alversa Williams Lee
9301 South 11th Avenue
Inglewood, CA 90305
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs. Idella White, the grandmother of Sister Marcia Burns, pastor of St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Eldorado, Arkansas (Central Arkansas Conference, 12th District) has passed.
Service arrangements for Mrs. Idella White:
Funeral Services
Saturday, October 6, 2007
1:00 p.m.
St. Paul Church
1132 Walnut Street
Helena, AR
Services are entrusted to:
The Jackson and Hughley Funeral Home
126 Panama Road
West Helena, AR 72390
(870) 572-2111 - Phone
(870) 572-1138 - Fax
Condolences may be shared with Sister Burns and her family at:
1617 James Street
Jacksonville, AR 72076
(501) 258-8394
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs. Mary Lou Strong Tyler, 100, the aunt of Rev. David H. Strong, pastor of Historic St. Paul AME Church in Chattanooga, TN passed on Monday, October 1, 2007.
Service arrangements for Mrs. Mary Lou Strong Tyler:
Public viewing:
Thursday, October 4, 2007
1-7 p.m.
Jefferson Mortuary
7788 Church Street
Millington, TN
901-872-8800 - Phone
901-872-4722 - Fax
Funeral Service:
Friday, October 5, 2007
11 a.m.
St. James A.M.E. Church
600 N. 4th Street
Memphis, TN
Rev. Walter W. Reid, Jr., Pastor
Rev. David H. Strong, Eulogist
Interment: 1:30 p.m.
National Cemetery
Memphis, TN
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Rev. David H. Strong, Pastor
Historic St. Paul AME Church
2514 Williams Street
Chattanooga, TN 37408
(423) 267-6869 - Office
(423) 698-0987 - Residence
Email: dstrong36@yahoo.com
21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We share in sorrow and in joy that our dearly beloved Sister, Anne H. Alston, went home to the Lord. Even though her departure was unexpected for us and we will miss her on earth, we are sure that the angels in heaven are rejoicing to have received such a loving spirit.
Sister Anne was the widow of the Rev. John Alston. Sister Anne was very active in the AME Church at all levels. She was a member of CONN-M-SWAWO plus PK's, the LAY, and was presently serving as the Eastern District Area Chairperson for the WMS in the Southwest Georgia Conference in the Sixth Episcopal District. She was a beloved and active member of St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Columbus, Georgia, where the Rev. James A. Alexander, Sr. was truly blessed to be her Pastor.
Homecoming celebration:
Friday, October 12, 2007
1:00 p.m.
St. Paul A.M.E. Church
4900 St. Mary's Road
Columbus, GA 31907
706-682-2927
Services are entrusted to:
People's Funeral Service of Columbus
1604 Talbotton Road
Columbus, GA 31901
706-327-8310
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to her son, Thomas, and grandsons, Joshua and Chris at:
3522 Bridgewater Road
Columbus, GA 31909
22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mr. Obedi Rukeribuga on Sunday the 7th Oct. 2007, he was 58 year old, father of 8 children and grand father of 20 children. He was the brother of the Reverend Kamutera Kulu Salomon; the Presiding Elder of Goma P E District in Rwanda Annual Conference in the 17th Episcopal District of the AME Church, the Rt. Rev. Dr Paul J. M. Kawimbe is the presiding prelate. Mr. Obedi Rukeribuga was also the president of the Sons of Allen in Goma P. E. District.
The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Funeral - Monday , October 8, 2007
Funeral - 11:00 a.m.
Enaim AME Church
Goma city, North Kivu Province
Rev. Mutabazi Seraphin, Pastor
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:
Rev. Kamutera Kulu Salomon
Presiding Elder of Goma District
e-mail: amecgoma@yahoo.fr
Or
Rev. Habimana Elie
Administrative Assistant for
Rwanda Annual Conference
Email: amerwanda@yahoo.fr
Please remember his family in your prayers.
Submitted by:
Rev. Felix Uwamahoro
PE of Kigali District and the Conference General Secretary
Rwanda Annual Conference
23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with regret that we announce the passing of Rev. David Allen, the pastor of Gregg Chapel A.M. E. Church, St. Louis, Missouri. The remains of the deceased will be available for public viewing from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. on Friday, October 12, 2007, at Saint Paul A.M. E. Church, 1260 Hamilton Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri, where the Reverend Alvin Smith is pastor.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, October 13, 2007, at Saint Paul. The telephone number for the church is (314) 385-8900, and the fax number is (314) 385-5367.
Please be in prayer for the Mrs. Geneva Allen, wife, and the Allen family in their hour of bereavement.
24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The passing of Rev. Quinton Parker, pastor of Mt. Pisgah in Starke Florida and the son of the late Presiding Elder E. J. Parker, Sr. and Mrs. Ginger Parker Treasurer for the Connectional Women’s Missionary Society and brother of Rev. Dr. E. J. Parker, III, Pastor of Greater Payne in Jacksonville, Florida.
Service arrangements for Rev. Quinton Parker:
Visitation at the Mortuary
Friday, October 12, 2007
6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Holmes Funeral Home
601 Claude Holmes Sr. Ave.
Haines City, 33844
Funeral Service
Saturday, October 12, 2007
11:00 a.m.
New Bethel AME Church
2122 MLK Jr. Ave.
Lakeland, FL 33805
Send condolences and expressions of sympathy to:
Mrs. Gloria Parker and Family
PO Box 1363
Haines City, FL 33845
E-mail: Qpnupe188@hotmail.com
Services entrusted to:
Holmes Funeral Home
601 Claude Holmes Sr. Ave.
Haines City, 33844
25. 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
26. 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
