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. PRAYER REQUEST:
Please pray for the people of the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Jamaica.
The rains continue to cause flooding; several people in Dominican Republic and Haiti have died.
Buildings and property in Jamaica have been severely damaged.
Please remember these areas are a part of the 16th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry
2. EDITORIAL - IT’S GOING TO TAKE MASSIVE FINANCES “FROM ALL OF US” TO RESCUE OUR ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
This morning I uttered a special prayer for all of the academic institutions of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and for all of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Our AME institutions and all of the HBCUs have such a “hard road to travel.” Almost all of them financially strapped, which, leads to other challenges. Most of the HBCUs do not have sufficient endowments and contributions from friends, alums, and corporate America are dismal at best.
Paul Quinn College, the oldest historically black college in Texas, is facing challenges and the president, Mr. Michael Sorrell is doing some creative things to enhance the academic program and instill pride in the students at Paul Quinn. Sorrel, who had previously had served as the Paul Quinn's interim president, has ordered a business-casual dress code for students and made class attendance mandatory. The school was put on probation by its accrediting agency, the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. It faulted the school for failing to meet standards in several areas, including faculty competence, financial stability and student achievement. Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram, the presiding prelate of the 10th Episcopal District, President Michael Sorrel, and trustees at Paul Quinn are to be commended for taking action and aggressively addressing the issues to correct deficiencies.
The president of Edward Waters College (EWC), Dr. Claudette Williams, is getting out around the campus and into the community, especially where students hang out, to dialogue with them and to encourage them. After a recent session with some students in a neighborhood establishment, President Williams said, "We believe that every student can succeed and that’s what I'm trying to do to keep them away from subcultures and habits that can stop them from being successful." Black students would get that kind of attention at most majority institutions. Bishop McKinley Young and the leaders in the 11th Episcopal District have done, and are doing a Herculean job providing academic opportunities for the students at EWC.
And, of course there is Morris Brown College embroiled in a financial morass that threatens its survival. Bishop William P. DeVeaux is working hard to restore the school’s financial and academic credibility.
Fisk University in Nashville is going through financial struggles and some are projecting that it will run out of money before the end of the year, and, I suspect that there are other challenges confronting many of our HBCUs.
Thankfully, there is still good news among HBCUs, even in the midst of the challenged they are facing. They are helping, encouraging, and preparing students to excel and to compete in graduate schools, as well as to prepare students to get jobs in all segments of society, as well as in corporate America. Where would some of us be if it had not been for HBCUs? In the African American community we have medical doctors, lawyers, clergy, business persons, and other professionals that have been nurtured by HBCUs.
Among the good news, is what’s going on at the nation's oldest private historically black college, our own, Wilberforce University, which recently announced a dramatic jump in freshman enrollment that school officials say was achieved with new recruitment strategies and a renewed emphasis on the school's religious roots. The Reverend Dr. Floyd Flake is the President of Wilberforce. Dr. Flake is also the senior pastor of the Greater Allen African Methodist Episcopal Cathedral in New York City, one of the nation's largest and fastest growing congregations. Prospective Wilberforce University students with a grade-point average of 2.5 or higher and who belong to any church, synagogue or mosque are eligible for faith-centered scholarships of $500 to $2,000 per year. That is great news.
But, for our HBCUs to be the recipients of more great news we/us, in the black community, and we/us, the members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church have to do more; we/us have to feel more pain. If our institutions and the HBCUs are going to survive, it’s going to take a massive intervention of all segments of society. It’s going to take massive finances to rescue our academic institutions; from $5, $10, $25, $50, $100, $500, $1000, $5000 and million dollar donations from the poorest of us to the richest of us. We cannot just wait to be rescued by the majority community of friends in the entertainment community; there are some things that we have to do ourselves.
When was the last time that you made a donation to one of our AME academic institutions or to one of the HBCUs? When was the last time you made a donation to your alma mater? If you answered in the negative, you have not done your part.
Why can’t pastors and local churches take the initiative and lift a church offering for one of our colleges; and just send the money to the college; any amount would be appreciated. Why do pastors and leaders in our local churches wait for directives from our episcopal leaders before considering or making contributions? Local churches need to take the initiative. Individuals need to take initiative and make a contribution to our colleges. If you have college students from your congregation, send him or her a “piece of money” for pizza or whatever; it can be $5, $10, $20, or $50 from time to time or when they visit the church.
Local churches and individuals shouldn’t have to wait to be told to send donations. We need massive re-thinking and massive action and that should translate into collective and individual contributions for our academic institutions.
To cut down on the excuses and any procrastination, here are the addresses of where you may send donations:
Editor’s note: These are the Seminaries, Colleges and Schools listed in The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 2004:
-Wilberforce University, P.O. Box 1001, Wilberforce, OH 45384-1001
-Edward Waters College, 1658 Kings Road, Jacksonville, FL 32203
-Paul Quinn College, 3837 Simpson Stuart Road, Dallas, TX 75241
-Turner Theological Seminary, 702 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr., Atlanta, GA 30314
-Jackson Theological Seminary, 208 North Tennessee, Crossett, AR 71635
-Jackson Theological Seminary, 40 Rea Circle, Warren AR 71671
-Allen University, 1530 Harden St., Columbia, SC 29204
-R. R. Wright theological Seminary, 11360 Bodsa Rd. Republic of South Africa
-AME University, 34 Camp Johnson Road, Monrovia, Liberia, West Africa
-Abington School of Religion, St. Paul AME Church, 1302 Harring, Waco, TX 76706
-Morris Brown College, 643 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., 30314
-Payne Theological Seminary, P.O. Box 474, Wilberforce, OH 45384
-Shorter College, 802 Arthur Dr., Little Rock, AR 72204
-Dickerson theological Seminary, 44 Delane Dr., Columbia, SC 29204
-Sizane School, P.O. Box 55, Mpopoma, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
-Bonner-Campbell School of Religion, P.O. Box 377, Old Hwy. 80, Edwards, MS 39066
-Richard Allen Chapel, 3837 Simpson Stuart Rd., Dallas, TX 75241
-Bryant theological Seminary, AME University, 34 Camp Johnson Road, Monrovia, Liberia, West Africa
-Wilberforce Community College, Evaton, South Africa
When donations are received, no matter how small, thank-you notes from the recipient institutions are appropriate, appreciated and might result in follow-on contributions.
Several years ago, I wrote a note to the Harvard Divinity School and I have been on their mailing list since that short note. I receive their mailings, appeals for money on a regular basis; that’s marketing and “leaving no tones unturned.” Our institutions need to take a similar approach to follow-up on every contact, no matter how insignificant a contact might appear.
And, one more thing; we need stop talking negatively about our HBCUs, especially our AME institutions; lift them up and give “positive spins” on what they are doing. And, one way to do that is to give them financial support, for “Where your money is, that is where your heart is” and send them students.
3. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
- To the Editor:
RE: Holding up the finger while leaving worship
I was also taught that the number of fingers were significant. Holding 1 or 2 fingers up had significance. You should be able to figure that one out (#1 or #2). Also please notice that when most people do it their posture is one of an ashamed slave. Usually when the fingers go up the head is dipped and the knees are bent. The posture of a slave having to stop work, worship, etc., to be excused to the restroom.
Rev. Cory M. Watts
111 Alfred Drive
Vicksburg, MS 39180
601-619-4382 - home
601-636-6898 - fax
revcorywatts@hotmail.com
Travis Chapel AME Church
745 Hutson Street
Vicksburg, MS 39183
601.636.4971
St. James AME Church
1713 Military Avenue
Vicksburg, MS 39180
- To the Editor:
RE: Editorial – The “sins” of the lack of authentic academic and theological credentials and the fascination with the term, “doctor”
I am Reverend Lanxton L. Washington, pastor Campbell African Methodist Episcopal Church, 33 West Third Street, Media, Pennsylvania. I would like to offer you some information about an accrediting agency that you wrote about in the Christian recorder. You indicate the ATS is the only accrediting agency that is recognized by African Methodism for ordination to Itinerate Elder. I would like to refer you http://www.tracs.org/information.htm , the website for an accrediting agency that is recognized by the US Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education. You will find many recognized and wonderful schools that are accredited by this accrediting body.
Lanxton L. Washington
Editor’s comment: Rev. Washington, I am familiar with the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) and it is indeed a reputable accrediting agency, and of course The Discipline says ATS “or similar Accrediting agencies.” Thanks for calling this to my attention.
- To the Editor:
RE– 2/19/2007 Editorial, “IRS changes the rules for members to claim cash donations – you will need a receipt for all cash donations”
A friend in my episcopal district and I were discussing this new IRS Rule last fall and we see a bigger problem resulting from this new rule when it comes to "offerings" collected in worship services conducted at the Conference, Episcopal District and Connectional levels.
Giving at this level could be negatively impacted under this new rule, unless that is a uniform mechanism set up for providing receipts.
Often, at Connectional Meetings, members are asked to give $50.00, $100.00 or more at a worship service.
What plans are underway to maintain records and provide receipts to individuals who make contributions at this level?
My friend and I believe that, if there is no mechanism in place for "recording and/or receipting" contributions made to the AME Church beyond the local church level, this could decrease the amount of giving. People may be less willing to give large donations in the $50-100 or more range, if they have no way of being provided with a receipt. There is a way possibly that receipts could be provided efficiently and with little cost. I would like to see your thoughts on this?
L. W. Moore
Editor’s Comment: A great question and you and your friend make a great point that is beyond my level of competence. Let me publish your letter and share it with the bishops and general officers and perhaps they might have a response and/or hopefully consider dealing with this situation.
- To the Editor:
RE: Caution about seemingly family-friendly film
I must first say that I appreciate the manner of enlightenment you disseminate throughout our church through the Christian Recorder. Your editorials and articles are always timely, thought provoking and educational.
A co-worker brought to my attention a movie due to be released in December – “The Golden Compass”. I’ve attached a number of clippings detailing why the movie is grossly unacceptable. Please forward an alert to families – it is marketed to be similar to C. S. Lewis’ Chronicle’s of Narnia but the author kills “Yahweh” – he admits to wanting to kill God.
It frightens me that it will be released around the Christmas holiday, a time when families are looking for kid-friendly entertainment.
This heresy has to be stopped. The Catholic Church has already implemented a boycott.
As a parent and a licentiate at Allen Chapel AME Church (Daytona Beach), I am not only appalled but also frightened of the message that will be sublimely sent to the million of movie-goers and Video gamers (it is also an X-Box game).
Nanett O. Ephraim
MASCO Administrative Services, Inc.
Health & Safety Department
2339 Beville Road
Daytona Beach, FL 32119-8720
nanett.ephraim@mascocs.com
- To the Editor
RE: The Twelve Sins of a Pastor
I read your Editorial on the "Twelve Sins Of A Pastor". I wonder if many AME ministers read your column. I think that you are "right on". I have heard the clichés that you mentioned so many times that I once thought that it was "liturgy".
I am also appreciative of a previous column on the unearned use of the terms, "Doctor" and "Bishop.”
I am a lay member of the AME Church and I am looking forward to "The Sins of a Local Church Officer” and the “Sins of the Local Church Member.”
Theron Q Hooks
Seattle, Washington
4. 7TH DISTRICT’S 2007 COLUMBIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
*Brother Benjamin Harrison
Monday, September 10th to Friday, September 14th, the 7th District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, which encompasses the entire state of South Carolina, convened in the capital city of Columbia for the third of its 2007 annual conferences entitled the Columbia Annual Conference. This week long event was held at Bethel A.M.E. Church located at 819 Woodrow Street in Columbia, S.C., where Rev. Dr. Ronnie E. Brailsford Sr. is pastor. The Columbia Conference is comprised of the Columbia, Lancaster, and Newberry-Spartanburg Districts. With 30 churches in Columbia, 34 in Lancaster, and 30 in Newberry-Spartanburg, the Columbia Conference contains approximately 25,000 A.M.E. members. This 130th session makes it the second oldest of six annual conferences held by the 7th Episcopal District, and is the final series of conferences for this quadrennial before next summer’s 2008 General Conference in St. Louis, Missouri.
The following article is derived from the resolution which was submitted by Rev. John Lewis, pastor of Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church in Columbia, S.C., and the Columbia Annual Conference Resolution Committee.
The clergy and laity of the Columbia Annual Conference assembled at Bethel A.M.E. Church to give the 130th account of their stewardship and to be renewed and revitalized for the year to come. In so doing, all were invigorated and inspired by that which was accomplished throughout this week. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that the accomplishments of the conference be acknowledged by way of the following resolution.
The Columbia Annual Conference acknowledged the absence of our loving and efficient Supervisor, Mother Wilma Delores Webb Williams. We pray for her thorough and speedy recovery and note that Mother Williams extended greetings to the annual conference via cell phone. We were led in the process of pertinent deliberations by the most effective and inspiring bishop in all of African Methodism, The Right Reverend Preston Warren Williams II. The success and strong support of the Youth Summit, housed at Allen University, was evidenced by this year’s record breaking attendance. It is reported that 675 youths were present.
Sunday, the pre-annual conference Debutantes and Masters (DMC) ceremony, under the direction of Sis. Felita Grady Davis and Rev. Leroy Cannon, highlighted exemplary young men and women at their very best and was an exceptionally eloquent affair. Monday evening, the Sons of Allen opened on a high note, singing and lifting up the name of Jesus! The worship service ignited a flame of spiritual exuberance as the glory of God was manifested. The Rev. Dr. James Cooper further encouraged our souls with a powerful message from the subject, “Who Do You Say Jesus Is?”
Tuesday morning, Bishop Williams officially opened the annual conference with roll call and all were present and/or accounted for. The conference was organized, boundaries were set, and we were led into a lively worship service opening with the hymn of old, “Are we yet alive to see each other’s face?” The choir sang with melodious voices invoking the presence of the Holy Spirit! The Rev. James E. Thompson lifted us higher as he preached a sermon entitled, “Standing with the Lord – who are you with?”
Under the leadership of Rev. Sandy Drayton, Presiding Elder of the Columbia District, Rev. James Glover, Presiding Elder of the Lancaster District, and Rev. Joseph Postell, Presiding Elder of the Newberry-Spartanburg District, the pastors of the Columbia Annual Conference set new landmarks in service as evidenced by record setting reports. Pastors, along with their delegates and laypersons, stood with excitement as they shared their accomplishments with the conference. To God be the glory!
Retired Bishop’s Fredrick C. James and Zedekiah L. Grady were asked by Bishop Williams to preside over the conference on separate occasions. Both bishops presided and demonstrated that they are as keen and alert as ever before. During Wednesday’s noon day worship service, the Rev. Noah Nyamaropa from the 20th District, who is a student at Allen University in Columbia, S.C., preached with great energy and vigor from the subject, “Power of the Prayer!” Bishop Williams and the entire conference blessed Rev. Nyamaropa and his family with a financial gift.
Tuesday evening, the Women’s Missionary Society, under the leadership of Sis. Wilhelmenia Broughton, celebrated the theme, “Soaring on a Legacy of Service: Our Global Imperative!” Dr. Betty Clark preached from the subject, “From Moses to Joshua.” Wednesday evening, the young people of the conference celebrated the under theme, “Jesus – I’m Loving Him!” Our young people ‘showed-up’ and ‘showed-out’ as they praised God through songs and dance. The featured speaker, Atiya McPherson, encouraged and reminded the youth to “grow, glow and go” for Jesus!
Thursday afternoon, the Allen University choir blessed our souls with harmonious music, and Dr. Charles Young, President of AU, electrified the conference with a sermon preached from the depths of his soul. Afterwards, Bishop Williams presented Dr. Young with the proceeds collected on behalf of Allen University from the Columbia Annual Conference. Dr. Young expressed great appreciation on behalf of himself, the university’s students and faculty.
Thursday evening the members of the Lay Organization demonstrated their strength and commitment to the church of Allen by their spirit and participation in their Annual Lay service. The Bethel A.M.E. Church men’s choir sang with great enthusiasm! Richland County’s Auditor, Bro. Paul Brawley, spoke to the lay from the subject, “Refocusing the Ministry to Serve the Present Age.”
Upon the recommendation of the Board of Examiners, ten licentiates were admitted on trial, and one re-obligated to a third year of study. Retired prelate, Bishop Fredrick C. James, preached a soul stirring and inspiring ordination message that was extremely relevant and theologically sound, entitled, “What do you say about Jesus?” Bishop James reminded us that, “Man will give us a title, but only God can give you a testimony!”
We later witnessed an interactive Church School presentation on the subject, “Our Place in the Family,” led by Church School Superintendent, Eric Dent and other members of the committee. Rev. Robert China led the Memorial Committee in our Service of Remembrance as we reflected on the lives and ministries of Rev.’s Daniel Charles and Roger Bowie. We praise God for their service!
Literary reports were read and/or submitted to the conference by the various committee members, and our conference was blessed by the presence of many visitors, both local and abroad, including retired prelate, Bishop Zedekiah Grady, General Officer Dr. George F. Flowers, visiting presiding elders, and Rev.’s Ann Fuller, Phillip Cousin, and Debra Grant, all of whom are candidates for the episcopacy.
We had the great privilege of being entertained in an exceptionally manner by the committed and caring members of Bethel A.M.E. Church led by Dr. and Mrs. Ronnie E. Brailsford and Presiding Elder Sandy W. Drayton. We, the Columbia Annual Conference, give our thanks, gratitude and appreciation to the entire Bethel church family. May you all continue to experience God’s favor!
Bishop Preston Warren Williams II and Mother Wilma Delores Webb Williams are profusely thanked for their hard work, kindness and committed leadership to the Columbia Conference, as well as to the entire 7th Episcopal District. The Columbia Annual Conference looks forward to the continued leadership of Bishop and Dr. Williams during this quadrennial, as well as after the General Conference in St. Louis, MO. We therefore request, the members of this conference to rise as one in affirmation of our host, our conference leaders, and our Episcopal leadership and clap our hands in praise for what God has done with us, for us and through us.
*Brother Benjamin Harrison is the Public Relations Director, 7th District AME Church
5. BIG BETHEL AUTHOR TO CULMINATE BOOK SIGNING TOUR AT ST. JOHN:
Reverend Monica C. Jones, author of “25 Candy Canes for Jesus!” a scripture-based Advent devotional for children (K-5), will ending her road book signing tour on Sunday, November 11, 2007.
The signing will be held during Women’s Day at St. John AMEC in Columbus, GA where the Reverend Dr. Debbie Grant is pastor. After a dedication and send-off hosted by Rev. Gregory V. Eason, Sr., and Big Bethel AMEC, where she serves on the ministerial staff, Jones traveled across the state of Georgia, to the 11th Episcopal District and to several bookstore chains to promote the children’s Christian book.
Candy Canes is the only resource of its kind on the current market and was released in September. “I am happy to be returning home Bethel,” stated Jones; “but the tour was very exciting and educational. Our church has such a rich history.” Jones is also the author of “Jelly Beans for Jesus,” which is available at the AMEC Christian Education Bookstore.
6. WHO IS TEACHING WHOM?
*Rev. Monica C. Jones
“The AME Church not only needs to be updated throughout and across the Church in the area of technology, but also in the areas of academic and theological education, and especially continuing education.”
I respond to your comment about the need for the Church to be updated in the use and application of technology with an unequivocal “yes!”
However, I would add that continuing education is only as effective as its relevancy and instruction. Too often we depend on other cultures, other communities, and other citizens to teach us. When I look at the in-house Christian education libraries of Black campuses and churches, I see so many books and resources authored by writers who do not look, sound, or speak as we do. And I do not mean this just in the physical sense, but in the cultural context, where the more subtle differences exist. Rick Warren (the Purpose Driven series) and other white authors owe a good portion of their wealth to us. Yet, how many Black religious authors of the same caliber can make the opposite claim?
Whether the subject is investments or the internet; marketing or ministry; we do ourselves a disservice when we do not make every attempt to find qualified trainers and teachers who share our belief system, our culture and our ethnicity. One cannot teach the Black experience and certainly not the Black church experience unless that person has lived it. Yet, those of us who are African Methodists and of African descent carry that experience with us into any classroom we enter; it is who we are! I believe that we often dismiss the importance culture as we seek to learn, making the presumption that credentials are all that matter.
And yes, it is true that we are all of one faith and all God’s children. Nevertheless, learning is a complex phenomena that incorporates information taught with the factors that inform the learner, including race, gender and class. It is these subtle differences that can make a classroom more meaningful and relevant to us when we are taught by kindred faces. To conclude, when the AME Church does embark on a continuing educational program for its clergy and leaders, I hope its first stop for identifying resources and instructors will be at its own door.
*Rev. Monica C. Jones, Big Bethel Ministerial Staff & Author, Atlanta
7. ELECTRONIC ACCOUNT OF THE LIFE OF THE RIGHT REVEREND RICHARD ALLEN:
Richard Allen, 1760-1831. The Life, Experience, and Gospel Labours of the Rt. Rev. Richard Allen. To Which is Annexed the Ris.
As we look toward celebrating our Founder's Birth (2/14/08) Anniversary and African Methodism, as being an Arm of God in Christ's salvation, liberation, and empowerment of oppressed and enslaved people all over the World, I want to share this great document and the website where it can be found.
I pray you will take time to read and pray so that it rekindles and stokes the fire of liberation ministry in your life.
Pastor Leslie R. White.
Click on: http://docsouth.unc.edu/neh/allen/allen.html
8. AME CHURCH HISTORICAL INFORMATION AND EPISCOPAL BIOGRAPHIES:
Appended below is the website for some of the biographies of our bishops.
http://www.ghg.net/jlpayne/bishops.html#JDavis
9. TURNER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY – DR. JACOBS RETIREMENT CELEBRATION:
Turner Theological Seminary cordially invites you to the Retirement Banquet for Dr. Daniel W. Jacobs, Sr., President of the Turner Theological Seminary.
Date: Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: St. Phillips AME Church – 240 Candler Road, Atlanta, GA
For more information please contact the Rev. Amanda Kelley at 404-527-0800
10. NEWS FROM THE NINTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:
*Licentiate Kelvin J. Anthony,
The Ninth Episcopal District where the Right Reverend T. Larry Kirkland is the presiding prelate celebrated the retirement of a great academician, Dr. Waymon B. Shiver, Jr., on October 13, 2007 at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center, Birmingham, Alabama.
The 7 o'clock evening event was toast-mastered by Brother Thomas Greene and Mayor-Elect Larry Langford. The speaker for the occasion was Congressman Arthur Davis, U.S. Representative of Alabama (D). His speech dealt upon the positive aspects of our young people, education, and his faith in God.
The Presiding Prelate of the 5th Episcopal District of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (Alabama and Florida), the Right Reverend Lawrence L. Reddick III joined in the festivities to celebrate the accomplishments of Dr. Shiver and the great academic contributions the contributions he made in the Ninth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
We thank God for Dr. Shiver and we pray that his work of education will continue to inspire our young people to get their education and make a continuous effort to go to college.
* Brother Kelvin J. Anthony is a Licentiate at Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church, Bessemer, Alabama
11. CONGRATULATIONS PASTOR JO ANN BROWNING:
Pastor Jo Ann Browning, Co-pastor, Ebenezer AME Church, Fort Washington, Maryland will receive a Lamplighter Award from the Black Leadership Forum for her leadership in Public Policy.
The award ceremony will be held at the Historic Lincoln Theater on Saturday, November 3rd at 6:00 p.m.
Tickets for the award ceremony are now free! Pick up your tickets at the Church Administrative Office so you can celebrate with our Pastor. (If you already purchased tickets you will receive a refund.) For more information, call (301) 248-8833.
12. THEY CALL HER THE FANNIE LOU HAMER OF THE PULPIT:
Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness elected President Council of Churches of Greater Washington- 1st Female clergy elected to the position.”
Washington, DC - Small in stature, but powerful in praise and social activism, on October 25, 2007, Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness was elected President of the Council of Churches of Greater Washington, making her the first female clergy elected to the position.
Dr. Holness is a College Administrator, Columnist, Lawyer, Motivational Speaker, Human Rights Activist, Lecturer, Businesswoman, Author and Itinerate Elder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. She has pastored three churches in the 7th Episcopal District and currently serves as Minister for the Young Adult Ministries (YAMS) at Metropolitan AME Church, Washington, D.C. She serves as Special Assistant to the President of the University of the District of Columbia.
Dr. Holness is no stranger to leadership roles such as the following: in a historic vote in 1999, she was elected the first female President of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Greater Columbia; South Carolina’s oldest and largest ministerial alliance and served as Vice-President of Operations, Council of Churches of Greater Washington. She presently serves in the following capacities: D. C. Commission for Women; Chaplain, Washington, DC Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; Executive Board of the Washington, DC Chapter NAACP and represents the African Methodist Episcopal Church on the National Council of Churches’ Interfaith Commission.
According to noted author Dr. Andrew Billingsley, Dr. Holness effortlessly blends bible verses with popular culture jargon to speak to Christians of all ages, races and denominations, “she is the Fannie Lou Hamer of the pulpit.” Dr. Holness says that she looks forward to the challenges that lie ahead, “There are some issues that the faith community must continue to address such as poverty, homelessness, youth violence, senior citizen concerns, and economic disparities which directly impact the least and less fortunate among us, we must zealously up the banner for truth, justice and equality for all God’s people.” Dr. Holness is the daughter of Mrs. Beatrice Jacobs Anderson and the late Jasper R. Anderson, Sr. and the proud mother of Ali Gail Holness, a junior at Spelman College.
Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness
E. Gail Anderson Holness Ministries, Inc.
P.O. Box 5438
Washington, DC 20016
Telephone: 202-387-1153
www.egailandersonholness.com or egah@msn.com
13. PRAYER OF SANCTIFICATION BY THE REVEREND DR. LEODIS STRONG:
This is my prayer for Sanctification (Becoming more and more like Jesus Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit).
Dear God, Like Paul, I have already had a Damascus Road experience, a Day of Decision, a Day of Deliverance, a Time of Turn-around. But, even after that Day and even after that Time, I have not always walked a sinless path and, sometimes, I have departed from the Straight Street on which you set my feet and my direction. In fact, I have sometimes sinned grievously and grossly against you, against me, against others and against so much that is holy, good and righteous.
Since that Day, some of my sins against you have been so grievous and so gross that, sometimes, Satan (the accuser of the Brethren) tries to tell me that I have sinned too much for You to still love me and forgive me. But, I can still hear Your voice echoing from your Word, telling me that Your Grace is still sufficient for me.
Thank You, Lord, for Your Word, Your Amazing and Sufficient Grace which is so freely available to me and others like me only because of the life, death and resurrection of Your Dearly Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, my Lord and my Savior.
Thank You for saving me, delivering me and turning my life around on that Day and at that Time. But, Lord, I need You right now to help me not to get stuck on being saved. Now that You have saved me by Your Grace, Sanctify me by Your Word and by Your Spirit. After that day and after that time when You saved me, I have now realized that being saved is just the beginning of the journey and not the end of the journey.
Lord, I now realize that being saved is like having my house swept clean, put in order and having the evil spirits put out; having the house empty and unoccupied. Saved, but empty; clean, but empty; put in order, but empty. And, Lord, those evil spirits that were put out on that day have gone and plotted with other evil spirits and returned to my empty house to try to re-occupy my empty house and make it more worse for me than it was before they were put out on that day.
So Lord, please sanctify me. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Fill me with You, so that there will be no emptiness to be occupied by anything or anyone, because I will be filled with You and your Spirit. Sanctify me in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
“Therefore, since we have been justified (saved) through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” Romans 5:1-5 (NIV)
The Reverend Leodis Strong
Veterans Administration Chaplain
14. THE INTERDENOMINATIONAL THEOLOGICAL CENTER IS OFFERING TWO GREAT OPPORTUNITIES – TRAVEL TO THE HOLY LAND AND TRAVEL TO KENYA AND TANZANIA:
Editor’s note: Several AMEs have been selected and have taken advantage of the free Holy land Pilgrimage for Pastoral Renewal. You cannot be considered if you don’t apply.
Free Holy Land pilgrimage for pastoral renewal, April 3-18, 2008
The Interdenominational Theological Center is inviting applications from pastors who like to participate in the ITC-CF Foundation Program for Pastoral Renewal to be held in the Holy Land April 3-18, 2008. The only cost to each participant is a $300 registration fee to be paid if selected and is not refundable.
Eligibility: An applicant must be a seminary graduate with at least a Masters of Divinity degree from an accredited seminary/theological school; must be serving as senior pastor (associate pastors may also apply) for at least five years following graduation; be in good health and physical fitness; and be between 35 and 55 years of age. A senior or associate pastor of any Christian tradition who fits this description, and who desires to refresh his/her divine call and to return spiritually renewed enough to engage in a more effective ministry, is strongly encouraged to apply. Because this is an experience requiring a one-on-one encounter with God, spouses are not eligible to be on this trip. Please feel free to share this good news with other senior pastors in your area. To apply, a 2 page official ITC Holy Land Pilgrimage application form is available on e-mail (word document). Please reply to alumninews@itc.edu to receive the form by e-mail (printable) copy.
Send the signed original copy by postal service. If you are a senior pastor and sent your application in for the October 2007 trip, you do not need to send another application. Simply indicate by e-mail that you are still interested in being considered for the April 2008 pilgrimage. If you have a question, please contact Dr. Mafico’s assistant, Stephanie Butler at sbutler@itc.edu or call 404-614-6367.
Apply if you can meet the following schedule:
•Deadline for receipt of applications: November 15, 2007.
•Acceptance notification by e-mail: November 30, 2007.
•$300 Registration fee due to the ITC: December 30, 2007
•Compulsory orientation: February 4-6, 2008
•Pilgrimage in the Holy Land: April 3-18, 2008
•Post-Pilgrimage Debriefing: June 18-20, 2008
Please address your forms and correspondence to:
Dr. Temba Mafico, Project Director
ITC-CF Holy Land for Pastoral Renewal
Interdenominational Theological Center
700 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, SW
Atlanta, GA 30314
Kenya and Tanzania, East Africa Travel Seminar
The Interdenominational Theological Center Departments of Biblical Studies and Missiology, and the Mission Society invite you to take part in SETS (Study, Explore, Travel, Serve) – a 10 day study/service seminar to Kenya and Tanzania.
Under the leadership of Dr. Randall C. Bailey and Dr. Marsha Snulligan-Haney
With Africa as our classroom, make plans to join this unique travel seminar as we learn from churches about their involvement with HIV/AIDS and other societal challenges. The purpose of the course is to enable participants to explore in an intensive manner the principles, goals, and biblical mandates which undergird HIV/AIDS initiatives in various African contexts. Participants will also examine their own personal and spiritual growth as Diaspora Africans returning to the Motherland.
A key goal of this special travel course is for participants, upon their return, to develop a model of HIV/AIDS ministry education that can be used as innovative resource by congregations and their leaders in ones home context.
Date: February 29 to March 9, 2008
Location: Kenya and Tanzania, East Africa
Cost: $1300*
Includes ground transportation, breakfast and dinner meals, accommodations, tips, taxes, etc.
It does not include round trip airfare from Atlanta – currently available for under $900
For more information please contact Minister Vanessa Sharp @ vdsharp@hotmail.com
Shayla C. Perry
Development Specialist/Alumni Relations
Office of Institutional Advancement
Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC)
700 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., S.W.
Atlanta, GA 30314
Office: 404-527-7767
Fax: 404-614-6382
Email: sperry@itc.edu
15. TENNESSEE CONFERENCE WOMEN IN MINISTRY LEADERSHIP SUMMIT:
Our Revival at our 1st Annual Women in Ministry Leadership Summit, Sunday Night November 4, 2007, 6"00 PM at Ernest Newman United Methodist Church 2001 Manchester Avenue Nashville TN. is set to "Revive our Souls." We need to hear a word of empowerment that connects us to one another and affirms our need to hear each others stories. We need our sisters and brothers to listen to our pain, to share our hopes, to tell us that we can use our gifts as strengths as the way forward in a new light to empower each other. This year’s theme “Managing Well to Lead Well” embraces areas of leadership and management two distinct paradigms yet related systems of actions necessary for the organizational well being of women in leadership positions in the church, workplace and other related ministry roles. For women of faith, the role of women has indeed changed.
Our conference will be held Monday November 5, 2007 at Greater Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1300 South Street, Nashville, TN 37203 from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. There will be various workshop sessions for clergy women, women in church-related ministry positions and Christian educators, which address issues related to the growing interest in the empowerment of women for the future of personal and professional development concerns.
Once again we enthusiastically await your arrival with support in spirit and in great numbers. We realize women must incorporate a healthier style of living as we emphasize the need to physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually manage and lead others in the midst of the many changes that impact us as women in leadership positions.
Working in the Lord’s Vineyard together
Rev. Janie Dowdy-Dandridge
Tennessee Conference Coordinator, Women In Ministry (WIM).
16. GREETINGS FROM AME-INDIA:
We thank God for the creating this opportunity for AME to engage in the building of the Kingdom of God in this part of the world.
We also thank Bishop John Bryant and Rev. Cecelia Bryant for discerning God's will and intervening at the right time to start the work of AME in India.
We are very grateful to all of you for your valuable prayers for us, particularly for the upcoming AME-India's first convocation.
We have seen the hand of God in all the logistical arrangements. God has been faithful in guiding us in all our endeavours.
We just want to express our gratefulness and thankfulness to all the members of AME who are earnestly praying for the convocation arrangements.
We request you to pray:
- for travel mercies for all the delegates who will be travelling to Chennai for the convocation.
- for the safety and good health of all the delegates during the convocation.
- for God's divine guidance on all deliberations during the convocation.
- for the binding of all the evil powers and forces of darkness, so that they may not cause any hindrance during the convocation.
- for all the speakers and teachers during the convocation.
With prayers; thanking you once again.
Sarah & Abraham Peddinny
AME-India.
17. 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
18. LOS ANGELES SINGER BLENDS HIP HOP WITH GOSPEL FOR NEW CD:
Sharon MaRee targets youth by capturing the beat of Gospel and the story-telling of Hip Hop to produce new Contemporary Christian CD.
SharonMaRee.com - November 02, 2007
LOS ANGELES, Calif. ( PRNewsChannel ) / Nov. 2, 2007 – After playing second-fiddle to James Ingram and the Isley Bros., singer Sharon MaRee is breaking out on her own with the debut Contemporary Christian CD, God is Real.
http://www.prnewschannel.com/absolutenm/templates/?a=120&z=7
19. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICES:
- The Reverend Dr. Roger A. Richardson and Ms Joi Green formerly of the 13th Episcopal District and now members of the 9th Episcopal District were united in Holy Matrimony on October 6, 2007 at Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church Louisville, KY. The Rev. Dr. Robert A. Strode officiated the wedding.
- The Reverend James Howard Stowe, Sr., Pastor of Wayman Chapel AME Church, Georgetown, KY and Dr. Mary Levi Smith; President Emeritus of Kentucky State University and steward of St. John A.M.E. Church Frankfort, KY of the 13th Episcopal District were united in Holy Matrimony on October 14, 2007 at St. John A.M.E. Church Frankfort, KY. The Rev. Dr. Robert A. Strode officiated the wedding.
- The Reverend Ella (Smiley) Samuels, Presiding Elder of the Augusta - Athens PE District, Augusta Annual Conference (6th Episcopal District) proudly announces the birth of her grandson, Elijah Dwayne Alston, born on Monday, October 22, 2007. He weighed 7 lbs 8 oz. and 20 inches and is the son of the Reverend and Mrs. (LaQuita) Dwayne Alston. Reverend Dwayne Alston, the son-in-law of Presiding Elder Samuels, is the pastor of John Wesley United Methodist Church in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Elijah has two older sisters: Hannah and Julia and a very happy and blessed grandmother!
Congratulatory messages can be sent to Presiding Elder Samuels: esmiley105@comcast.net
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Rev. Cornelia B. Kimbrough who died suddenly on Tuesday, October 30, 2007. She was a local elder at Bethel AME Church in Lansdowne, PA (Philadelphia Annual Conference, South District). The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Following cremation a Memorial Service will be held Sunday, November 4, 2007 - 5:00 p.m. at:
Mount Sinai Baptist Church (across the street from Bethel AMEC)
121 Bartram Avenue
Lansdowne, PA 19050
Phone: 610-259-4024
Fax: 610-394-0528
Rev. Trevor Woolridge, Pastor
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:
Rev. Blanche Green
Ms. Beverly Kimbrough
11 E. Providence Road
Yeadon, PA 19050
and/or
Rev. Carlos & Mrs. Amy Bounds
5056 Dermond Road
Drexel Hill, PA 19026
21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Carolyn Ann Lawson, the sister of Presiding Elder Ella Mae Samuels of the Augusta-Athens District of the Sixth Episcopal District, passed on Wednesday, October 31, 2007. Ms. Lawson is survived by her mother, Annie Ricks Wilson, two daughters, one son, three sisters, and four brothers. She will be dearly missed.
The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements:
Date: Sunday, November 4, 2007
Time: 3:00 P.M.
Place: Jordan Hill Baptist Church, Soperton, GA (off Highway 15 from Soperton)
Arrangements Entrusted to:
Bakers Funeral Home (Call for directions to church)
209 Louisiana Avenue
Soperton, GA 30457
912-529-4935
912-529-5801 (fax)
Expressions of Sympathy and Condolences may be sent to:
Presiding Elder Ella Mae Samuels and Family
1047 Huntly Circle
Thomson, GA 30824
706-597-0564
706-597-9702 (fax)
esmiley105@comcast.net (email)
22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Rev. Franklin Kenneth Richardson died Tuesday, October 30, 2007. He was the husband of Mrs. Esther W. Richardson and the father of Ms. Lynnette Lacade Richardson and Mr. Franklin Kenneth Richardson, II. Rev. Richardson's 48 years of exemplary pastoral service to the Northeast SC Conference, his encouragement and development of youth as an educator and involvement in the civic affairs of his community impacted the lives of many.
The Funeral has been held.
Expressions of Sympathy and Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Esther W. Richardson and Family
5414 Rich Road
Gresham, SC 29546
Phone: 843-362-2519
23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Presiding Elder O'Neil Mackey who died today, Friday, October 26, 2007. He was the Presiding Elder of the Brooklyn/West Chester District of the New York Annual Conference.
The Funeral has been held.
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Gloria Mackey and family
130 Lennox Ave. Apt. 702
New York, New York 10026
Home: 212-491-9259
Fax: 212-234-0579
or
Mrs. Gloria Mackey and family
c/o First A.M.E. Church
See information above
24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The passing on Wednesday, October 24, 2007 of the Reverend Edward W. Jackson, Ph.D., Th.D.; Retired Pastor and Presiding Elder in the East Tennessee Conference of the 13th Episcopal District.
The Funeral has been held.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Mrs. Carolyn Nance Jackson (his wife).
Send expressions to the addresses above
Or to:
Mrs. Carolyn Nance Jackson
6028 Arlena Circle
Chattanooga, TN 37421
Phone: (423) 892-0431
25. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mr. Homer Roberson, 69, father of Mrs. Kristy Sinkfield and the father-in law of the Rev. W. Antoni Sinkfield, pastor of St. John AME Church - Nashville, TN) passed.
The Funeral has been held.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Rev. and Mrs. W. Antoni Sinkfield
St. John A.M.E. Church
1822 Formosa Street
Nashville, TN 37208
26. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Rev. Cornelius Hilliard, Jr., pastor of Crystal Springs AME Church, Mississippi Conference, 8th Episcopal District, lost both his (grandmother-in-law) Mrs. Olivia Kemp and his (father-in-law) Mr. Cornelius Kemp, Jr. on Sunday, October 21, 2007.
The Funeral has been held.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Rev. and Mrs. (Wandalette) Cornelius Hilliard, Jr.
3405 54th Avenue
Gulfport, MS 39501
228-864-2800 (Phone)
Please keep the family in your prayer as they deal with the tremendous loss of their loved ones.
27. 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
28. 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
