5/16/2007

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (5/16/07)

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. A MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR – THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE:

Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III

Like many of you. God has blessed me in a mighty way! I just want to say, “Thank you, LORD!”

I also want to reaffirm my thanks to the AME Church and to all of my colleagues in ministry: bishops and especially to my fellow general officers, and clergy. I am especially thankful for the many “angels” God has set before me.

Two weeks ago on May 1, I had bi-lateral knee replacement surgery (total knee replacement of both knees). It has been a journey and I am so thankful for all of your prayers, thoughts, messages and telephone calls. I have felt your presence and I have progressed because of them. I feel better and am looking forward to my healing and getting my life back. “God is good; all of the time!”

I am working with my physical therapists, who Bishop John Adams called (according to Bishop Vashti McKenzie), “Physical Terrorist.” Those medical professionals are rough, but they are good.

I walked a few steps on my new knees the same day as the surgery.

I am recovering well and working hard. My knees have more range now than they had before the surgery and at the conclusion of my physical therapy sessions, the only thing I want to see is the bed.

My energy level is a challenge, but it’s getting better and I am getting back to some sense of normalcy. I am scheduled for out-patient therapy three times a week for the next four weeks. I am following the Rev. Dr. Kenneth Hill’s advice and viewing the pain, as “healing pain.” The physical therapists say, “No pain, no gain!”

I have a lot to be thankful for:

I thank God for the Quadrennial focus of Living Well and for the announcements that Bishop McKenzie made time after time at each of our episcopal district and connectional meetings. Sometimes, I didn’t want to hear the announcements, but the announcements were “seeds” that motivated me to take care of the medical issues in my life.

Another “seed” were the endless conversations that I had with Dr. Johnny Barbour in which we reminded each other of the importance of preachers in our age group to take time for ourselves by scheduling annual physicals and by not ignoring seemingly small medical abnormalities.

I thank God for those “seeds of conversation” that I had with many of you as we shared about our aches and pains and how God has blessed us.

Back in the Saddle

So, I have had the bi-lateral knee replacement surgery on my knees and “I am back in the saddle again.” I will spend the next week getting my work caught up and we will continue to roll on. Bishop Bryant wrote that he hopes to see me do a holy dance on my new knees; and that is a possibility. I had a fraternity brother who opined that maybe I could do some “Que stepping” on my knees; I don’t believe that’s a possibility.

I praise God for Charlotte’s care during this time of healing. She mentioned the other day, that I was a “high maintenance” patient; so please keep her in prayer!

I thank God for all of you and for the “healing pain!” And now, “We are ready to rock and roll!”

I will catch up and get back on schedule with the online edition of The Christian Recorder. I ask for your continued patience.

2. THEOLOGIAN NAMED THE 10TH PRESIDENT OF MOREHOUSE COLLEGE:

"In selecting Dr. Franklin, great consideration was given to the strength of his moral and spiritual character, his experience as an educational and administrative leader, and his ability to attract funds and friends to the College."

The Morehouse College Board of Trustees has named Dr. Robert Michael Franklin Jr. the 10th President of Morehouse College. Franklin will officially take office on Monday, July 2, succeeding Dr. Walter E. Massey (Morehouse class of 1958), who will retire June 30, 2007.

Franklin currently serves as presidential distinguished professor of social ethics at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. He is leader, in the Office of the Provost, for the university's strategic theme focused on "Confronting the Human Condition." He also is a senior fellow in the Center for Interdisciplinary Study of Religion in the School of Law. From 1997 to 2002, Franklin served as president of the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC), which is part of the Atlanta University Center consortium. He also has served as theologian in residence at The Chautauqua Institution in New York. "We are fortunate to have someone of Dr. Franklin’s national stature -- a man who exemplifies the best qualities of a Morehouse man, the one who rose to the top among a distinguished pool of candidates," said Willie J. Davis, chairman of the Board of Trustees. "In selecting Dr. Franklin, great consideration was given to the strength of his moral and spiritual character, his experience as an educational and administrative leader, and his ability to attract funds and friends to the College."

"At a time of social crisis in African American communities and throughout the nation, the educational mission of Morehouse is more urgent than ever before," said Franklin. “I am both humbled and energized by the Boards' invitation to serve the College that has produced extraordinary change agents and thought leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Maynard Jackson, Julian Bond and Spike Lee."A 1975 Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Morehouse College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and religion, Dr. Franklin earned the Masters of Divinity in Christian Social Ethics, Pastoral Care from Harvard Divinity School, and the Ph.D. in Ethics and Society, Religion and the Social Sciences from the University of Chicago Divinity School.A frequent commentator for National Public Radio’s All Things Considered, which airs daily on the national radio network; Franklin has built a national platform on social ethics and community values. In his latest book titled, Crisis in the Village: Restoring Hope to African American Communities, Dr. Franklin identifies the crises in the three anchor institutions that have played key roles in the black struggle for freedom -- Black families, the Black church and historically black colleges and universities -- and how they must address the rising rates of father absence, births to unmarried parents, divorce, and domestic abuse or relationship violence.

Franklin currently serves on several prestigious boards including the Jessie Ball DuPont Fund (Jacksonville, FL); Character Education Partnership (Washington, DC); Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference (Chicago, IL); Joseph Lowery Institute for Justice and Human Rights at Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta, GA); Public Broadcasting of Atlanta – WABE (Atlanta, GA); and Visiting Committee, National Centers for Disease Control (Atlanta, GA).

Dr. Robert Michael Franklin's resume and downloadable photo are available at www.morehouse.edu/presidentialsearch .
Additional Information:
www.morehouse.edu

Submitted by:
Stephanie and Eric Stradford

3. THE GLOBAL CORNER - AME-INDIA PRAISE AND PRAYER REPORT FOR APRIL 2007:

We are grateful to you to your valuable prayers for the ministry in India. Last month has been a blessed month as we look back and take stock of the happenings. The Lord has done marvelous things in the lives of peoples.

A Muslim lady named Fatima, due to some family problems, recently attempted to commit suicide, but the Lord had other plans for her, due to which her attempt failed and she landed up in the hospital. Pastor Peter Morris along with his church members had gone to the same hospital for hospital ministry, and God led him to pray for Fatima, after prayer he had left some prayer oil with her. By faith she used the prayer oil on her body and felt the healing touch of God. Suddenly one Sunday morning she appeared in church for worship along with her husband Meeran. We request you for your prayers for the salvation and spiritual growth of this couple.

A young Hindu convert named Sakthivel, had backslidden and had gone wayward in his habits and behaviour. The Pastor recently met him and counselled him for two and half hours, as a result of which he recommitted his life to God. Now when he comes to Church he doesn’t come alone, but rather brings other people along with him, with an intention to lead them to an experience of salvation.

Mr. Damu and Mrs. Selvi, are from the Hindu background, they had been married for last ten years, and they did not have any children. (In the traditional Indian society not to have children after marriage is a disgrace to the family and the presence of the “barren woman” is restricted in social gatherings and other auspicious occasions.) Our Pastor Sampath and his wife visited this couple, prayed for them and gave them prayer oil. Accepting the invitation of the Pastor the couple came to the church, now as a result of their faith on Jesus, she is pregnant. Praise God for this miracle. Let us pray for the safe delivery and for the increase of faith of the parents and growth in spiritual maturity.

Pastor Sampath also reports that next to their church at Thirutanni (which is a hut, extremely vulnerable to fire) there was fire in the neighbour’s hut which was burnt down to ashes; everyone thought that the fire would also consume the church, but God miraculously protected the church from being burnt. Praise God for this miracle, which is edifying for the congregation and has also strengthened their faith in God. This Church has started four prayer cells; let us continue to pray for these cell groups.

The son of Mrs. Vanita, from Hindu background, had been suffering from Tuberculosis and had been on medication for the last six years without any improvement. But recently after prayer and administration of prayer oil, there have been signs of improvement, this has encouraged the family to put their faith and trust in Jesus. They have started coming to the church. Let us continue to pray for complete recovery and for the salvation of the family.

Pastor Paul Ebenezer reports us of four young girls, from Hindu background, recently accepted Jesus as their personal Saviour and have recently been baptised. Another girl named Marthal was possessed by evil spirit, after much prayer now she is cleansed of the spirit; she is normal and regularly comes to the church. We request prayers for their spiritual growth.

Pastor Samuel reports that Alammelu a Hindu woman from Pillanthangal of the Kancheepuram district, was under the spell of black magic, he visited her and prayer for her for a prolonged period of time, after a long struggle, Alammelu is relieved of the spell and she has also accepted Jesus as her personal Saviour, she is regularly coming to church, added to this she has also started a prayer cell in her house. Let us pray for her spiritual maturity and that God would use her and her testimony to draw others unto Jesus.

Another Hindu couple, Mr. Anbazhagan and Mrs. Indira, from Kancheepuram, happened to come to the church once, something attracted them, and they kept coming regularly, now they have experienced the saving power of God in their lives, and they have started a prayer cell in their home.

Pastor Samuel informs that in the month of April, he and his church have visited six villages where they have distributed tracts and shared the word of God to the villagers. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit would continue to minister to those who have received the word of God to commit their lives to God.

Pastor Vijaymani informs that David and Gowrie had been separated for many years after their marriage due to constant conflicts between them. After lots of prayer for the past one year, they have rejoined together again as a family. They are regularly attending the worship service at the Bangalore.

A Hindu man named Babu who had been struggling from the torments of an evil spirit for a prolonged period of time, has been cleansed by the prayers of the cell group, he has accepted Jesus as his personal Saviour and regularly comes to the church.

Pastor Selvam informs that a person named James had gone into coma due to some prolonged health problem, he was bedridden. His family members carried him in the unconscious state to the church for prayer, Pastor and the whole church gathered together and prayed for him, God answered their prayers by healing Mr. James. Now he comes to the church along with his wife regularly.

Mrs. Bharathy, a Hindu had a poisonous blister in her neck, (a rare disease), she was taken to the black magician for treatment, but as a result of this, the poisonous blister spread from the neck to the whole body. The body stopped responding to all the treatments that were rendered. Finally she was brought to the church; Pastor and his wife prayed for her and gave her the prayer oil. She is now completely healed and comes to the church regularly.

Pastor Selvam reports that after five years of toil and prayers, a new church has been established at Meyyur of Tiruvallur district, which is 175 k.m. away from Chennai. They have built a hut and are waiting for Sarah and Rev. Abraham to come and inaugurate the newly built AME church for regular worship service.

We really praise God for proving to us once again that the God whom we worship is living and is at work. The miracles mentioned above are proof of it. Therefore we request you for your valuable prayers for the Pastors who are toiling to establish God’s kingdom in this part of the world. We also request you to kindly pray for all the children who are attending the Vacation Bible Schools conducted by our churches in this hot summer holidays for 10 days. Altogether there would 300 kids from different religious back ground, attending this VBS in different places. Thanking you once again.

Please uphold us in your prayers. Especially as we have been traveling in this hot summer, our children have been affected by Chicken Pox, pray for their healing, even there are many other children who are affected by the same sickness.

Yours in God’s service,

Sarah Abraham and Abraham Peddiny
AME-India

4. DR. HENRIETTA S. ATTLES’ COMMITMENT TO CHRISTIAN SOCIAL ACTION - SERIOUS ABOUT SERVICE:

An example of Dr. Henrietta S. Attles’ commitment to Christian Social Action was demonstrated at the recent Our Golden Years Meeting held in Cambridge. Dr. Henrietta S. Attles, Candidate for First Vice President of the Connectional Women’s Missionary Society poses with participants.

Our Golden Years is a non-profit organization which Dr. Attles co-founded with Sister Rhonda McCall, another minister’s wife in the New England Conference of the First Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church.

Our Golden Years is a faith based organization founded to provide education, awareness, access, resources and benefits to senior citizens, their caregivers, and their adult children. Servicing Boston/Cambridge and surrounding communities. This organization brings government and community policymakers to seniors on a monthly basis, lunch is provided in an eloquent, familiar, comfortable environment of the church. Culturally diverse seniors come together to have their questions answered and their issues are resolved.

The subject for this meeting was Alzheimer’s Disease, a disease that has become more prevalent among African Americans than Whites – with estimates ranging from 14% to almost 100% higher nationally for African Americans.

The presenters laid out a plan of action that will require the mobilization of public and private resources:

· To develop effective methods to manage and prevent the disease;
· To increase awareness of Alzheimer’s among African Americans in an effort to expand their participation in research and to get services and treatments to those who are affected by the disease;
· To develop and expand affordable, culturally appropriate services, including assessment, diagnosis and care.

Next month’s topic will address issues on free health care and permanent housing solutions.

5. THE PASTOR’S CORNER - GET OUT OF THAT PIT:

*Rev. James Moody

“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him.” Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid. (Mark 16:6-8)


The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the demonstrated power and authority of God to lift anyone from any pit in which we find ourselves trapped. The Hebrew concept of the grave is the “pit.” Author Beth Moore, writer of the book “Get Out of That Pit” tells us, “A pit is a grave Satan digs with the hope of burying you so the kingdom work God has for you to do won’t be manifest through your life.” The women came out of the pit/tomb because Jesus wasn’t there. The devil can’t make you stay in a pit. God won’t make you come out.
How do we know we’re in a pit? We feel stuck (Jeremiah 38: 6-13). When thrown into the empty well, Jeremiah sank. Being in a pit in life is like walking through deep mud. Worst of all, we stay when we don’t have to. Next, Ephesians 6: 11 reminds of how when in a pit we can’t stand up. We are to, “Stand against the schemes of the devil.” Yet, we feel powerless against attack. We’re vulnerable. Lastly, we know we’re in a pit when as in Mark 10: 46 we’ve lost vision. We operate in darkness. Our vision is impaired and we no longer see things that were once obvious. We’re too focused on sinking to look up and see the light. We turn our sight inward which causes hopelessness. Our vision is lost and dreams are foolishness to us.

There are three (3) ways of “Getting into a Pit.” The first, according to Genesis 37: 23-25, is to be “Thrown into a Pit.” “…Joseph’s brothers…stripped him of his robe…and threw him into the cistern.” Sudden tragedy, violence, crime, family of origin, he or she leaves, disease, death, job loss, business loss, financial loss, someone goes to prison, abuse of any kind, and rejection can all throw us into a pit. When thrown in a pit by others, we must humbly and specifically forgive them for their action and for their ignorance of what they’ve done to us.

The second way of getting into a pit according to Proverbs 5:25-27 is to “Slip into a Pit.” We were not watching where we were going. We put ourselves there, but we didn’t intend to. The path didn’t seem bad. We thought we were still OK, but the next thing we know we’re in a hole and can’t get out. “I just meant to watch my weight,” leads to an eating disorder or diet pill addiction. “I just needed money to buy time,” leads to high interest debt. “I just wanted something for the pain,” leads to prescription drug addiction. “I was just trying to do business,” leads to fraudulent practices. “I just want to help my child,” leads to an adult with no accountability. “I just wanted a little attention,” leads to adultery. “I just wanted some privacy,” leads to inappropriate chat rooms or internet pornography. Psalm 94:18-19 reminds us that no matter how guilty we feel, if we know Jesus Christ personally we have a way out. God loves us and our foolishness doesn’t diminish His love. Soak in God’s grace. We’re never worthy of getting out of the pit. So, let God’s loving-kindness lift us up and out of the pit.

The third and final way of “Getting into a Pit” is described in Psalm 51: 1-4. We “Jump into a Pit” (v.3-4). The story of David’s sin as described in II Samuel 11: 1-27 shows just how we “Jump into a Pit.” We’re well aware that what we’re about to do is wrong or even foolish but the desire to do it exceeds the good sense not to. James 1: 13-15 reminds us that lust is choosing to get my needs or desires met in ways that God didn’t provide – something we’ve all done. God gives us plenty of warning but we stick our fingers in our ears, close our eyes, and hold our noses and JUMP! We willfully sin in rebellion against God. “I wanted to steal the money.” “I meant to cheat the company.” “I wanted to have sexual relations with that person.” “I wanted to commit adultery.” “I wanted to take revenge.” “I set out to hurt that person.” “I knew we were unequally yoked and he/she had a dark side.” “I wanted to get drunker than a skunk or higher than a kite.” Psalm 51: 1-2 reminds me that God’s unfailing love brings mercy and compassion to blot out my transgressions. It’s not my acts of righteousness. God stays on us and works with us and builds trust in us until finally we go where He’s pointed us.

In Ephesians 4: 7-10 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us that Jesus conquered the pit! The Resurrection of Christ is the conquest of the pit! Jesus descended into the pit on Friday evening. On Saturday, He took all those in the pit into His train. The train of the King always follows the King. All who follow Christ are in His train. Early Sunday morning, Jesus got up and said, “It’s time to get out of this pit.” He took off His grave clothes; Wrapped the universe around His shoulders as His cloak; Made all the captives in the pit His train; Told death, sin, the devil and hell, “You are defeated”; Stepped out of grave taking all those who follow Him with Him; Gave us a new name – “The Church”; And made us more than conquerors in Christ Jesus! The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the demonstrated power and authority of God to lift anyone from any pit in which we find ourselves trapped. “Get out of That Pit!”

*The Rev. James M. Moody is the pastor of Quinn Chapel AME Church, 2401 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60616

6. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICES:

- Joi-Marie M. McKenzie, 21, is a candidate for a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication with a certificate in College Park Scholars: Media, Self and Society. Ms. McKenzie is graduating with honors from the University of Maryland, College Park on May 21, 2007 at 9 AM in Ritchie Coliseum.

Ms. McKenzie is completing a successful college career, attaining two 4.0s during her tenure. Ms. McKenzie was also heavily involved on campus. Most notably, Ms. McKenzie was involved in the College Park Scholars program, the Arts and Humanities mentoring program and the Maryland Gospel Choir. Ms. McKenzie was a founding member of Dynamic Dance Team as well as served as the First Vice-President of the Kappa Phi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is also a member of Order of Omega.

Ms. McKenzie will continue her career in communication, as she has accepted a full-time position at the International Center for Journalists in northwest Washington, D.C. She will serve as a development associate, helping the non-profit organization attain funding for its media training programs. She also serves as the assistant to the president and the liaison to the Board of Directors.

Her parents, Bishop Vashti and Supervisor Stan McKenzie rejoice in the Lord for blessing their daughter in a magnificent way. They are Godly-proud of her accomplishments and wish her increased favor in the Lord and success!

Submitted by: Bishop Vashti and Supervisor Stan McKenzie

Congratulatory messages may be sent to Joi-Marie M. McKenzie: jaymariemck@gmail.com or to the proud parents: kergyma00@aol.com and StanMcKenzie44@aol.com

- The Board of Trustees and Faculties of Howard University School of Divinity announce that Janine Maria McCall is a candidate for the degree of Master of Divinity (graduating magna cum laude) at commencement on May 11, 2007, at 1:00 p.m. at Howard University's East Campus, Washington, DC. Janine is the daughter of the Reverend and Mrs. Roland C. McCall, Pastor and First Lady, Grant A.M.E. Church, Boston, MA.

Submitted by: The Reverend and Mrs. Roland C. McCall

Congratulatory messages may be sent to: Janinedaqueen@aol.com or to the proud parents: RhonMcCall@aol.com

- Taja Alicia Gibbs, daughter of Atty. Travis and Mrs. Andreia Gibbs and the granddaughter of the Reverend Frederick D. Richardson, Jr., pastor of Historic Mount Zion AME Church in Jacksonville, Florida, will receive her Juris Doctor from Indiana University School of Law- Indianapolis on May 13, 2007. - Mrs. Andreia Richardson Gibbs, daughter of the late Mrs. Derrell Johnson Richardson and the Reverend Frederick D. Richardson, Jr. pastor of Historic Mount Zion AME Church, Jacksonville, Florida, received a Masters of Arts degree in Human Development and Theory from Pacific Oaks College/UCLA, May 2006.

Submitted by: Karen Richardson, Media Ministry, Co-chair, 11th Episcopal District

- Little Ms. Chloe Dominique Moore was born on April 23rd to Rev. Byron & Rev. Sharon Moore (St. James AME Church-St. Paul, MN). Chloe is the second daughter born to the Rev's Moore (Candace). Little Ms. Chloe entered the world weighing 6 lbs and 14 ounces. Mom, dad, big sister and baby are all doing well. Congratulatory messages can be sent to: stjamesamec@comcast.net or bcm0902@aol.com.

- Joyfully Saint John African Methodist Episcopal Church, 404 15th Avenue, West, Springfield, Tennessee would like to announce the wedded bliss of their licentiate Anthea Marie Cone to Phillip Steven Dunn on Saturday April 7, 2007. Congratulations Anthea Marie Dunn and Phillip Steven Dunn! Congratulatory messages can be sent to: anthea092054@yahoo.com

Submitted by: The Rev. Janie Dowdy-Dandridge, Pastor

- The Reverend Dr. Robert C. Wade, Presiding Elder of The Camden-Trenton District, New Jersey Conference, First Episcopal District, has been elected president of the New Jersey Council of Churches.

The NJCC is the state's largest ecumenical organization, composed of 16 Christian Denominations with more than 3,500 congregations. The Council plays a strategic role in New Jersey as it brings a unified Christian voice to public questions and stimulates practical problem solving-frequently linking churches with coalitions of diverse organizations around important issues. Its impact ranges from the seat of state government in Trenton and federal government in Washington, D.C. to the academic world, organizations and the region's business and labor communities. While honoring the varied backgrounds and positions of its member denominations, the Council works to clarify the Christian theological and ethical values which are the foundations for the strategies and programs which address concrete issues and social problems.

Submitted by: Mrs. Prudence Hope Wade, ConsultantCamden-Trenton District

Congratulatory messages can be emailed to: elderrcwade@aol.com

7. EPISCOPAL FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Carol Kirkland Fubler. Mrs. Fubler was the sister of Bishop Theodore L. Kirkland. She was also the President of the First Episcopal District Women's Missionary Society and the wife of Rev. Gladwin Fubler, retired pastor from the New Jersey Conference. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

Viewing and Funeral- Thursday, May 3, 2007 Viewing - 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Celebration of Life - 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.St. Paul A.M.E. Church15-21 Sanford StreetEast Orange, NJ 07018Rev. Leonard Santucci, PastorPhone: 973-677-1797Fax: 973-677-0075

Viewing and Funeral- Friday, May 4, 2007Viewing - 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.Celebration of Life - 11:00 a.m.

St. Matthew A.M.E. Church336 Oakwood AvenueOrange, NJ 07050Rev. Reginald T. Jackson, PastorPhone: 973-678-1217Fax: 973-678-1293

Bishop Richard F. Norris, Eulogist

Professional Services entrusted to:Cotton Funeral Home1025 Bergen StreetNewark, New Jersey 07112Phone: 973-926-6400

Expressions of Sympathy and Condolences may be to:

Rev. Gladwin Fubler
342 Field Place
Hillside, NJ 07205

Phone: 973-923-2859
Fax: 973-923-3558

And

Bishop Theodore L. Kirkland
2101 Daniel Payne Dr.
Building 2
Birmingham, AL 35214

Office fax: 205-791-1905

Or:

2120 Brook LaneBirmingham, AL 35215Home: 205-854-5147

Please remember the families of Mrs. Carol Kirkland Fubler in your prayers.

8. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:


We sadly announce the passing of THE Rev. Benoit Pacifique, Retired Presiding Elder of the Haiti Annual Conference (16th Episcopal District) and former Pastor of Anabelle Freeland. He leaves to mourn, his wife Adicia Pacifique, his son Johnny Pacifique and the Annual Conference family.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 1st in Gonaives- Haiti.

Condolences can be sent to Mrs. Adicia Pacifique by e-mail: youliem@yahoo.com.

Please remember the Pacifique family in your prayers.

Submitted by: Elvire Y. Douglas
Connectional WMS Asst. Rec. Secretary
16th District

9. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Celebration of Life Service for Melvin Grady Davis

MELVIN GRADY DAVIS (age: 15) died Saturday, May 5, 2007 following a tragic automobile accident. Melvin is the son of Mr. Melvin and Mrs. Felita Grady Davis, the brother of Cara Leigh Davis, the grandson of Bishop Zedekiah L. and Mrs. Carrie R. Grady and Ms. Daisy L. Davis, the nephew of Mrs. Constance Grady Woodberry (Kenneth) and the Rev. Carey A. Grady and the cousin of Kendall Bynum Woodberry.

Melvin, a member of Chappelle Memorial AMEC, was a profound lover of the history and structure of the AME Church and served as the Columbia Area YPD Historiographer-Statistician. His memorization and recitation of the active bishops, the order of their election and respective Episcopal District inspired his peers and many adults to love, appreciate and devote greater study to African Methodism.

The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements:

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

Family Visitation: 6:00 p. m. - 7:00 p. m.
Meditation: 7:00 pm - 7:30 p. m.

Leevy's Funeral Home
1831 Taylor Street
Columbia, SC 29201

Phone: (803) 771-7799

Officiant: The Rev. Caesar R. Richburg

Thursday, May 10, 2007
Lay-In-State: 11:00 am - 1:00 p. m.

Celebration of Life Service: 1:00 p. m.

Reid Chapel AME Church
6100 David Street
Columbia, SC 29203

Eulogist: The Rev. Carey Andrew Grady,

Officiant: Bishop Preston Warren Williams, II

Funeral HomeLeevy's Funeral Home
1831 Taylor Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 771-7799

Expressions of Sympathy and Condolences may be sent to:

Mr. Melvin & Mrs. Felita Grady Davis and Cara Leigh
2216 Dunvegan Drive
Columbia, SC 29209

Phone: (803) 783-5829

Email: fgd23@bellsouth.net

Bishop Zedekiah L. & Mrs. Carrie R. Grady
1 Wespanee Drive
Charleston, SC 29407

Phone: (843) 766-9569

Email: W1MG2CL@aol.com

Ms. Daisy L. Davis
1925 Smith Street
Columbia, SC 29209
Phone: (803) 776-2372

Please remember the family in your prayers.

10. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

From: 11thdistoffice@bellsouth.net11th Episcopal District A.M.E. Church(Mother-In-Law of Retired General Officer)

It is with sadness that we announce the death of Mrs. Lily F. Davis, the mother of Mrs. Bettie Champion and mother-in-law of Dr. George L. Champion (Retired General Officer of the A.M.E. Church). Mrs. Lily F. Davis, a member of Bethel A.M.E. Church, Tallahassee, FL, was a Stewardess and a Missionary.

Service Arrangements for Mrs. Lily F. Davis:Family Visitation:Friday, May 4, 20077:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.Strong & Jones Funeral Home, Inc.551 W. Carolina StreetTallahassee, FL 32301(850) 224-2139 Phone(850) 224-0213 Fax

Funeral Services:

Saturday, May 5, 2007
11:00 a.m.

Bethel A.M.E. Church
501 W. Orange Avenue
Tallahassee, FL 32310 850-576-7501

Send condolences and expressions of sympathy to:

Dr. and Mrs. George L. Champion, Sr.
2809 Tradewind
Orlando, FL 32805

(407) 422-8015 Phone
(407) 422-0044 Fax

Email: bchampion3@cfl.rr.com

Please remember the Champion family in your prayers.

Submitted by:Debra R. TaylorOffice ManagerEleventh Episcopal District101 E Union St Ste. 301Jacksonville, FL 32202904-355-8262 office904-945-0034 office cell904-356-1617 fax11thdistoffice@bellsouth.net

11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Brother Wayne Morris, II, the grandson of the Rev. and Mrs. Eugene McAshan. Rev. Eugene McAshan is the pastor of Bethel AMEC in Copiague, NY (New York Annual Conference, Jamaica/Long Island District). Mrs. Jewel McAshan is the 1st Vice President of the First Episcopal District WMS. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

Viewing and Funeral- Saturday, May 5, 2007

Viewing - 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Funeral - 2:00 p.m.

First Sixth Street Baptist Church
548 Abe Lincoln Avenue
Port Arthur, Texas, 77640

Phone: 409-985-4348
Fax: 409-985-4824

Services entrusted to:

Hannah Funeral Home, Inc.
3727 Lewis Avenue
Port Arthur, Texas 77542

Phone: 409-983-4538
Fax: 409-982-2268

Expressions of Sympathy and Condolences may be sent to:Rev. and Mrs. Wayne, Morris, I2747 35th StreetPort Arthur, Texas 77640Phone: 409-982-7272

The Rev. and Mrs. Eugene E. McAshan
1 Arthur Street
Copiague, New York 11726

Phone: 631-841-0386Fax: 631-841-1147

Please remember the families of Brother Wayne Morris, II in your prayers.

12. 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

12. 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.