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 Comment: We have hit a milestone - 0ver 300,000 hits on The Christian Recorder Online Website.
1. EDITORIAL – MORE “SINS” OF A PASTOR:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The editorial, The Twelve Sins of a Pastor, in a recent edition of The Christian Recorder, evoked a lot of discussion especially in light of the editorial of The 12 Sins of a Church Leader and The 18 Sins of a Church Member. Some of our readers thought that I had given a “pass” to the clergy by only listing 12 sins.
Well, I certainly want to be fair and so I re-thought the “sins” of the clergy and have added a few more “sins,” which should be added to the 12 “sins” published previously, which may be found at the end of this posting.
- (Continuation) More “sins” of a pastor –
13. The pastor who goes into the pulpit with the Bluetooth ear piece and wears it during the worship service. The Bluetooth ear piece is not a part of the ecclesiastical apparel.
14. The pastor who forgets to turn off his or her cell phone and the “big sin” is the pastor who answers his or her cell phone in the pulpit or who steps out of the pulpit to answer his or her cell phone during the worship service.
15. The pastor who does not exemplify pulpit decorum. Conversation among worship participants in the pulpit is a worship distraction. The pulpit is sacred and clergy decorum should be at its best.
16. The pastor who forgets things and have to summon ushers and others to the pulpit to whisper to them what they want them to do or to bring for them.
17. The pastor who seems to have an attention-deficit and can’t keep still in the pulpit, i.e., signaling for “this or that” and giving verbal instructions from the pulpit; the pastor who can’t be still or sit still.
18. The pastor who doesn’t know how to end the sermon, and just keeps going on and on, and on.
19. The pastor whose lengthy pastoral announcements turns out to be longer than the lengthy sermon.
20. The pastor who takes a towel into the pulpit. A handkerchief is quite appropriate. Towels belong in the bathroom.
21. The pastor who does not tithe; who takes, but seldom gives.
22. The pastor who fails to do his or her exegetical homework and fails to develop the hermeneutic of the sermon text.
23. The pastor who stops reading, studying and learning.
24. The pastor who only remains attentive when he or she is leading worship or preaching; but fails to pay attention when others are leading worship.
2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
- To the Editor:
RE: Editorial – “We Need To Know What We Believe- The African Methodist Episcopal Church and Methodism Remains Committed to Arminian Theology”
Concerning your Editorial – “We Need to Know What We Believe… (Friday, December 21, 2007)”; let me begin by saying, “Well Said!” and “Thank You!” for addressing of this topic that has been long overdue!
My question is how is it that recent publications that bear the AME Church’s name have stated that our doctrine is “Once Saved Always Saved” when in fact that is not true? I’m specifically referring to the recently revised “AME S.A.T. Manual” and the “New Catechism – 2nd Edition” (though the 1st Edition states correctly that we don’t believe in “Once Saved Always Saved”).
I mean no disrespect toward the authors, who are great leaders of our Church and whose investments, contributions and status are to be truly acclaimed; I have the utmost respect for them and their position, but it concerns me that this erroneous doctrine is being presented as our belief. Can (or Will) the Church, and more immediately the 48th Session of our General Conference, address this doctrinal issue in a more formal declaration?
Pastor William R. T. Hale
Saint Paul A.M.E. Church
Richmond, Kentucky
www.saintpaulrichmond.com
- To the Editor:
RE: The Christian Recorder Review of the movie, The Great Debaters
After reading your very powerful recommendation in TCR Online I knew that I needed to put "The Great Debaters" on my Must-See List. Although the theatre was not full on the day after Christmas, the audience was enthusiastic in its show of approval. At the end of the film the audience burst into spontaneous applause and when Denzel Washington's name appeared as Director, there was additional applause.
During the previews there were 3 coming attractions featuring all (or mostly) Black actors. For each of them, I made a mental note to see them on DVD or most likely, not at all. If only there could be more movies of the caliber of "The Great Debaters." This film presents a clear message regarding our young people. For this one I made a mental note to see it a second time.
Thanks, also, for providing your readers with The Study Guide for "The Great Debaters". It should produce some healthy discussions and maybe even some "great debates."
Jeanette T. Johns
Member of Bethel, Huntington Station, NY
Author of “The Upward Journey A Centenarian’s Chronicle Personal Stories of Bishop Decatur Ward Nichols, Revered Clergyman of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
- To the Editor:
RE: The movie, The Great Debaters
"Jesus was a radical" was one quote from the movie, The Great Debaters. Conformity in hopes of keeping peace in the midst of injustice was brought out well. I love all kinds of movies, but The Great Debaters is the type of film really that challenges / inspires one to think. It makes me more appreciative of the courage that it took for Richard Allen and others leaders of the AME Church to step outside of the traditional Methodist box to start our denomination.
Daphney Gwynn
- To the Editor
RE: The Christian Recorder Review of the movie, The Great Debaters
My wife and daughter allowed me to join them (as is our family custom of going to the theatre on Christmas Day) to see this brilliant film. I agree with your assessment and critique of the movie. We are already beginning to think of venues where it can be screened in the Second District. However, there is one point of disagreement. You indicated that there was not one word of profanity throughout the entire movie. Perhaps as a retired military person, accustomed to hearing the colloquial synonym for excreta, you may have missed hearing it in the dialog. That being said, it was a great movie. Perhaps even our YPDers are also accustomed to hearing it and will let it pass without the usual adolescent response.
Editor's Comment: Opps,I missed that utterance of profanity. I will have to be more attentive.
3. AME CHURCH GENERAL OFFICERS APPROVE NON-MANDATORY OPTIONS FOR GENERAL OFFICER CLERGY/NON-CLERGY ATTIRE:
The General Officers of the AME church have approved suggested, but not mandatory options for General Officer clergy/non-clergy attire.
The design approved for the design for the red clergy shirt/Rabat would have a black stripe (ribbon) vertically down the center of the clergy shirt/Rabat. The design for the black clergy shirt/Rabat is with red stripe (ribbon) vertically down the center of the clergy shirt / Rabat.
Optional wear for non-clergy General Officer male/female attire is white shirt/blouse with red and black stripped tie (regular or bow tie) for males/white blouse for females or red shirt, black tie for males (regular or bow tie)/red blouse for females. Black shirt, red tie for males (regular or bow tie)/black blouse, red somewhere in or on the blouse for females
4. BETHEL AME PURCHASES ROMAN CATHOLIC PROPERTY:
An article in the Jamaica Plains Gazette (Jamaica Plains, Mass.) reported in its January 2, 2008 edition that the former St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church complex has been sold to Bethel AME Church.
The newspaper reports that Bethel is led by the Rev. Ray Hammond and Rev. Gloria White-Hammond and reported that Bethel AME paid $2.6 million for the property.
St. Andrew’s was in some way connected to the Catholic Church’s child sexual abuse scandal.
5. 7TH DISTRICT’S 2007 CENTRAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
*Mr. Benjamin Harrison
From Monday, October 8th to Friday, October 12th, the 7th District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, which encompasses the entire state of South Carolina, convened in Orangeburg for the sixth of its annual conferences entitled the Central Annual Conference. This week long event was held at Williams Chapel A.M.E. Church in Orangeburg, where Rev. Caesar Richburg is pastor. The Central Conference is comprised of the Orangeburg, Manning, and Wateree Districts. This 84th session makes it the youngest of six annual conferences held by the A.M.E. Church within the state of South Carolina. With 18 churches in Orangeburg, 23 in Manning, and 22 in Wateree, the Central Conference contains approximately 25,000 A.M.E. members. The following article is derived from the resolution which was submitted by Rev. Georgeann Pringle, Pastor of Saint James A.M.E. Church in Marion, S.C., and the Central Annual Conference Resolution Committee.
Friday, October 6th, the Central Conference conducted its second annual ‘Youth Summit’ with approximately 500 young people in attendance. The youth were engaged with many fun-filled and educational activities, including a basketball game where they competed against the pastors and other adults. The pastors claimed they won!
The pre-conference activities continued with the Debs and Masters Celebration, under the direction of Mrs. Felita Grady-Davis, Episcopal DMC Commissioner. Mrs. Cassandra Jamison, Conference DMC Commissioner, and Rev. Dr. George Hicks, Associate Conference Commissioner, served outstandingly in their roles. The evening unfolded eloquently as they showcased 11 Masters, 6 Debutantes, and a host of Sub-Debs, Sub-Masters and Allenites. The 2007 DMC Honoree was Mrs. Gertrude Gilford, who has served the 7th District, and the Central Conference, in various capacities for 18 years. Congratulations to her for a job well done!
Monday morning the missionaries conducted their business session, after which they enjoyed their annual luncheon at The Garden Room in Orangeburg. Bessie Cleckley was elected President of the Central Conference WMS. A Sarah Allen Torch Lighters ceremony was held at the luncheon to recognize the following Torch Lighters: Sisters Betty Guess, Deloris Moore and Annie Jeffcoat. Mrs. Bernice Sanders, WMS Episcopal Supervisor, awarded those lovely ladies with their Torch Lighter capes and certificates. Sister Jennifer Pinckney, First Lady of the Wateree District, presided over the ceremony.
Monday evening was hosted by the Sons of Allen under the theme, “Ministering Beyond the Walls!” The Sons of Allen sang with an anointing and power from on high as the congregation was on their feet from the opening to closing songs! Remarks were offered by Bro. James Howell, Central Conference President, Bro. George Brown, Episcopal President, and Rev. Joseph Darby, Episcopal Coordinator, outlining the Sons of Allen’s many achievements during the past conference year. The featured speaker was Rev. Dr. Albert Jones, Pastor of Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church in Orangeburg, who electrified the crowd, preaching from Mark 17:1-9! George Stanley, Ernest Oliver, and Ogie Guess Sr. were presented with plaques by their presiding elders for outstanding service!
Tuesday began with a spirit-filled devotional service led by the class on 3rd year studies. Bishop Williams then called the 84th session of the Central Annual Conference to order. The presiding elders gave their organization of the annual conference and the boundaries were set which encompassed the sanctuary. The roll call of pastors began with the itinerant elders followed by itinerant deacons ending with those who were transferred in by Bishop Williams. Our conference was blessed with the presence of retired Bishop Frederick C. James, Bishop Zedekiah L. Grady and their spouses, and General Officer George F. Flowers. There were a host of presiding elders and pastors who came from far and near to celebrate the opening of our 84th annual conference. Bishop Williams announced his special friends, the Lawson’s, who came all the way from New York City. Bishop Williams then introduced the preacher for the opening celebration, Rev. Dr. St. Julian Snider, Pastor of St. Peter A.M.E. Church in Cameron, S.C. Rev. Snider preached under the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit! His text was St. Luke 7:11-15, his subject was, “A Touch of Compassion,” and the congregation was on their feet as he exhorted, “It is well with my soul!”
After the preached word, the communion service commenced with General Officer George Flowers serving as Chief Celebrant. Visiting pastors assisted with Holy Communion.
Tuesday afternoon began with the reading of the Wateree District’s pastoral reports under the energetic leadership of Elder Clementa Pinckney. Later that evening the WMS hosted their ‘Night in Missions’ program, under the conference theme, “Soaring on a Legacy of Service: Our Global Imperative!” Sister Bernice Sanders, Episcopal WMS President, offered remarks and praised the missionaries for a job well done! Mrs. Sanders also gave accolades to past officers and welcomed new ones. The missionaries sang with uplifted voices as they proclaimed they were going to, “Trust in the lord until we die!” Sister Marie Artis introduced the featured speaker of the evening, and Sis. Anna Keith, wife of Presiding Elder Juenarrl Keith, brought the message. Mrs. Keith drew her scripture from Psalm 39:12-13, on the topic, “A Spiritual Journey for Women of Destiny!” Sister Keith’s message focused on motivation, reminding us that if we are not motivated we need to get motivated, and that if we are motivated we need to share the wealth with others!
Wednesday morning the licentiates conducted devotion, and Bishop Williams called Elder Pinckney to commence the Wateree District pastors’ reports. Prior to reading his report, Rev. William Hammond, Pastor of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, requested the prayers of the conference as he had heard a few hours earlier that his daughter’s house had been lost to a fire! Upon hearing of this tragedy, the conference responded to Bishop Williams’ call by giving $2,500 to assist her and her family. The Water District continued with their reports and Rev.’s Samuel Gordon and Phil Flowers made closing remarks on behalf of Elder Pinckney, followed by their victory song! Bishop Williams then called for Presiding Elder Duncan and the pastors’ reports for the Manning District. Upon the completion of all reports, Rev. Melvin Capers spoke on behalf of Elder Duncan, after which they sang their victory song!
The noonday service was presided over by General Officer George Flowers and the preacher of the hour was Rev. Dr. Rickie Spann, former General Conference Officer and current Pastor of Waters A.M.E. Church in Baltimore, Maryland. Rev. Spann’s sermonic thought was drawn from Luke 18: 35, and was entitled, “It’s up to you!”
The afternoon devotion was led by the licentiates and Bishop Williams called for the names of the delegates for the Central Conference Lay Electoral College. The elected itinerant delegates are: Elders Juenarrl Keith, Malachi Duncan, and Clementa Pinckney, and Rev.’s Caesar Richburg, Helen Zeigler, and Melvin Capers. The alternate itinerant delegates are: Rev.’s S. J. Snider, Sammie Gordon, Melissa Green, Rufus Gaymon, Jacquelyn Hurston, and J. Stukes.
Wednesday evening was ‘Youth Witness’ night, and their theme was, “Youth Seeking Refuge and Strength by Believing His Word!” The Central Conference youth came with purpose as they praised the Lord through song and dance. The featured speaker was Rev. Sterling Dowling, Pastor of Fairview A.M.E. Church. Rev. Dowling used the YPD theme as his subject, supported by Psalm 46. This service illustrated the power of God, whereby 30 young people gave their life to Christ! To God be the Glory!
Thursday morning, the class on admissions conducted devotion. Bishop Williams greeted the conference attendees and called for Elder Keith to begin reading the pastoral reports for the Orangeburg District. Sister Kabrina Bass, Episcopal CED Administrator, presented a dynamic worship entitled, “The Church: Then, Now and the Future!”
The noonday worship hour was presided over by Elder Rosalyn Coleman and we were blessed by the Allen University Choir which sang several soulful selections. Our messenger was Dr. A. Scott who read from Joshua 1: 6-9, on the subject, “We have the Victory!” Dr. Scott admonished us to be strong in the Lord and of good courage! Bishop Williams then made an appeal for Allen University, and the Central Conference gave a total of $80,000 – somebody ought to run and tell that!
Thursday night was ‘Lay Witness’ observance and the featured speaker was the Honorable Robert Fleming, Chairman of the Clarendon School District II Board of Trustees, and President of the Manning Branch N.A.A.C.P. Mr. Fleming spoke on the subject, “It Takes a Village to Raise a Child.”
Friday morning began with devotion from all the candidates and Bishop Williams called for the Board of Examiners report, followed by the ordination service. The ordination message was delivered by retired Presiding Elder Alonzo Middleton who spoke from Genesis 41:30-31, 36-37, and Luke 15:17-18, 23-24. Elder Middleton’s subject was, “Lead the People from Famine to Plenty,” and he gave numerous insights on how to accomplishing this. He admonished the three episcopal candidates to read pages 103-109 of the Discipline and, “Know, Believe, Follow and Practice!” Elder Middleton continues to be a strong witness for the Lord and the A.M.E. Church!
Friday evening, the closing convocation began with our church school lesson which focused on Jacob’s dream at Bethel. The class was admonished to listen to the Lord as He speaks to us in our dreams. Church school was followed by a memorial service where tributes were made to Reverends Fredricks and Gethers. Following the memorial service, a brief praise and worship service was conducted by several pastors. The convocation was opened by our worship leader, Presiding Elder Malachi Duncan. Elder Pinckney then gave a rousing introduction of our beloved Bishop and repeatedly echoed the sentiments, “Bring Our Bishop Back!”
Bishop Williams rose to the occasion and offered a word from the Lord. He drew his text from Romans 7:14-25, on the subject, “Not Yet Beyond Conflict!” Bishop Williams expounded on the theology of prevenient grace and explored how costly the grace we have been given truly is! Our preaching Bishop concluded by teaching that like Paul you’ve got to be persuaded that, “Nothing can separate you from the love of God!” After the offering, Bishop Williams acknowledged all visitors and asked for all pastors to stand for their character to pass from the body. Then came the moment we had all been waiting for – the appointment of pastors! The 84th session of the Central Annual Conference concluded on a high note and with high spirits!
We express great thanks and appreciation to Williams Chapel A.M.E. Church for hosting this conference with graciousness and a warm spirit shown under the leadership of Rev. Caesar Richburg and Mrs. Richburg. The many wonderful officers and members served with kindness and we can’t thank them enough for providing an environment that was well organized, comfortable, and supportive. The 7th District has also been greatly blessed by the visionary leadership of our anointed episcopal team! Bishop Preston W. Williams II, and Dr. Williams by his side, have fulfilled their promises of four years ago to take the great nation-state of South Carolina to deeper depths and higher heights of spiritual and intellectual growth and transformation. They have kept their word and have done so through the power of love, commitment and faith which flows from the heart of compassion!
*Benjamin Harrison is the Public Relations Director for the 7th District A.M.E. Church
6. DOING MINISTRY FROM THE SEATS ON THE RIGHT AND LEFT:
*Rev. James A. Hardaway, M.Div., MACE
In the gospel of Mark we are told that James and John, the sons of Zebedee, pulled Jesus to the side and asked him for a favor. They requested to receive positions of prominence in Jesus’ glorious Kingdom, to sit in seats on the right and left of Jesus. Jesus told them that it was not his decision to make; if they wanted to be in places of greatness they must be servants. It is out of this context that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. makes the often quoted statement, “everyone can be great, because everyone can serve.” The main idea being expressed is that the service is more important than the position. Greatness is approached through being engaged in service to others, rather than from a position one finds oneself in.
The Mission and Purpose Statement of the African Methodist Episcopal Church calls persons to “minister to the spiritual, intellectual, physical and emotional, and environmental needs of all people.” For over 220 years the AME Church has been actively engaged in the business of ministering to the needs of people. The official mission and purpose statement of the AME Church has as its focal point the act of ministering to, of serving this present age. Where can these acts of serving, doing ministry emerge from?
The motto of Turner Theological Seminary supports this understanding of ministry. It states that it is in the business of equipping persons "For a Prepared Ministry" keeping with the aim of its founders to be "an institution for the preparation of young men and women for every department of Christian work." Not just the pastoring of churches nor the act of proclaiming the gospel, but “for every department of Christian work.”
In the pulpit of any AME church one might ask, where is the seat of honor? Is it the “big chair” in the center of the pulpit or the two, four or six flanking the big chair on both sides? The big chair is the seat most often occupied by the pastor of the church. The pastor is the ordained woman or man who is the spiritual leader, appointed by the Bishop as the official head of that local church and they are responsible for the church’s total program. Without question the position of the pastor is very important and critical to the life and ministry of any local church.
In addition to the pastor, some churches have had persons from the pew to hear and respond to a “call” from God on theirs lives and they enter into ministry. The ministry of pastoring and preaching are only a couple of aspects, albeit major ones, of the call to ministry. This is why the phrase “called to ministry” is a more appropriate term than the traditional “called to preach.” The act of preaching and the task of being a pastor are but elements of a larger entity called the ministry. The phrase “call to ministry” gives a more complete picture of what the individual is being called to do.
Do we in the AME church recognize the persons sitting in pulpits in the seats to the right and the left of the “big chair” as being significant to ministry in the church only if they move into the pastoral ministry? Can significant ministry be pursued from a position other than that of pastoring?
Twice in the past few years during the Atlanta North Georgia Annual Conference opening worship services statements were made by the preachers that basically insinuated that those persons sitting in pulpits across the Conference – that were not pastoring – were a bunch of frightened individuals not being true to their calling. It was additionally stated by one preacher that if one had not pastored outside of the conference of which the Atlanta metro area is a part of, they had not really pastored. Have we in some ways limited this ministry that God is calling persons to into a box?
I once heard the question asked, “Would you rather be the captain of your own rowboat or second hand on a destroyer?” The question implies that it is better to be in the position of being the one in charge, even if it’s in a small situation, than it is to be a part something that might be a lot bigger. This perspective is more focused on ego or status than service. Over the past several years I have been blessed to serve the precious people of Mount Zion AME Church in Shady Dale, Georgia as their pastor. Shady Dale is a small community with a population of about 250 people and is located in the county Jasper, with a population of about 13,000 people. Prior to this pastoral appointment, I was privileged to be a part of Saint Philip AME Church in Atlanta, where the Reverend George Moore, Sr. has served as the most efficient pastor for over 37 years. Saint Philip has been recognized as one of the mega-churches of African Methodism since the late 1970’s. For the first thirteen years of my ministry, I was at Saint Philip. You might say I went from a destroyer to a rowboat situation.
At Saint Philip my primary areas of involvement were in the teaching ministry of the church in addition to serving as the assistant minister in the Youth Church. In my (Sunday) Church School and Bible Study classes I interacted with more people than I presently see on any given Sunday at Mount Zion. In Saint Philip’s Youth Church, called Victory Chapel, I worked with over 150 youth every Sunday.
This raises a critical question for me. Was the work, the ministry I was involved in at Saint Philip not significant just because I was an “assistant/associate minister” and not the pastor of the church? I would think not. I was not pastor at Saint Philip, and I never got confused on that fact, but I was integrally involved in ministry at the church. Real ministry is not just about the numbers of people nor is it just about being the pastor; it is about being in service. We need to recognize in a fuller way that one does not have to be pastor to be the business of service.
In many of our Episcopal districts across the connection there are more ordained ministers than there are churches to appoint them too. This can be viewed as a problem. Many of these clergy persons, particularly many who are ordained itinerant elders, are just sitting in pulpits on Sunday, in the seats on the right and the left of the big chair, being nothing more than what Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor, in an editorial entitled “Too Many Itinerants Servings As Local Clergy”, referred to as glorified “pulpit associates.” This is truly a real situation across the church.
Is this problem primarily because persons are not moving into the pastoral ministry or is the situation a bit more involved than that? If God is still in the business of calling women and men into ministry, is it just so they can pastor a church or is God calling persons “for every department of Christian work?” Might part of the problem be that in the AME Church we are not seriously recognizing and valuing ministry outside of the context of the pastorate?
What is the African Methodist Episcopal Church’s understanding of what it means to be involved in ministry? We need to develop a mature view of ministry that sees pastoring as an aspect of being involved ministry. We need to have a view of ministry that looks beyond the Sunday worship context. This could cause leaders in our churches to focus resources on other areas of ministry as they do the music ministry. Pastors need to recognize, as Jethro helped Moses to understand in Exodus 18:13-26, they cannot do it all by themselves. Pastors need to be more intentional in giving associate ministers areas of responsibility. Pastors need not feel threatened by having gifted and blessed people around them active involved in ministry. Remember the appointment is in the name of the pastor and not the associate. This will be less of a problem if pastors recognize and become comfortable with their own gifts, skills and limitations.
Bishop William Phillips DeVeaux, the presiding prelate of the Sixth Episcopal District, often makes the statement, “God has not called us to be successful, but to be faithful.” In a similarly vein, God has not called all to be pastors. God has and is continually calling women and men “for every department of Christian work.” Persons called to being active in ministry in its varied expressions. Many of those “departments of Christian work” can be pursued effectively from the seats on the right and left of the big chair in the middle.
*Rev. James A. Hardaway is the pastor of Mount Zion AME Church (Shady Dale, GA). He can be contacted at RevHardaway@yahoo.com
7. MEADOWLARK LEMON GUEST PREACHER AT ST. JOHN AME CHURCH, BRIDGEWATER, PENNA:
On Sunday, December 16, 2007, Reverend Dr. George Lemon, otherwise known as Meadowlark Lemon (when you hear his name, you start whistling “Sweet Georgia Brown"), one of the most popular and best-known Harlem Globetrotters, was the guest speaker at St. John A.M.E. Church in Bridgewater, Pennsylvania where the Reverend Lawrence Haynes, Jr., is the pastor.
Meadowlark Lemon is an outspoken champion role model who supercharged the congregation, especially the youth, with his high energy, warmth, humor and take-control message.
After his "take-control" message, he had all the youth and their parent(s) come to the altar for a word of prayer as he laid hands upon each for a blessing!
Submitted by: Shelly Brown - Church Secretary - St. John A.M.E. Church - Bridgewater, Pennsylvania
8. THE COURAGE TO LEAD:
*Dr. Timothy E. Tyler
“He who would be great among you,” Jesus said, “let him be your servant.” (Matthew 20:26).
Leadership has many definitions and examples. As pastors, we are propelled into leadership when we accept our calling. Leadership not only takes courage, but also wisdom, integrity and confidence.
What is courage? Courage is the capacity to do what is right even when it is unpopular. As such, courage relates to the integrity of character. After careful reflection and thought, I have developed five points on the courage to lead.
1. Leaders earn the right to lead. Leaders don’t force people to follow – they invite them on a journey. Leaders are not born, they are made and they are made through effort and hard work. Leadership is a characteristic of life. You receive the title of “leader” because of your attitude, your response to authority, the words you speak, and by the example you set.
2. Leaders are also followers. Remember that it is far better to follow well than to lead indifferently. True Christian leadership starts with servanthood. He or she who thinks they lead and has no one following them is only taking a walk.
3. Leaders are principled. In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock. Dr. Martin Luther King said, “The true measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where they stand in the face of challenge and controversy.” A principled person will do what is right in the midst of opposition and mockery, even when there are no perceived benefits to them at all.
4. Leaders are bold. A leader must never be afraid. To be bold is to have confidence. Courage relates to character, boldness relates to your personality. Have a confident personality and be secure in who you are.
5. Leaders have strength. Strength is the ability to get back up on your feet whenever you are knocked down. There are many confident and charismatic people who are not strong. Whenever they are hit with crisis, they wilt away without having the ability to bounce back to life.
Leadership as a Christian requires an intimate relationship with God, integrity and courage. As a leader, I invite you to have the fortitude to do the right thing--simply because it is the right thing to do. That is courage and that is being a leader.
*Dr. Timothy E. Tyler is the Fifth District and Missouri Conference Branch Dean and the pastor of Wayman AME Church in St. Louis, Missouri
9. IN REMEMBRANCE OF REVEREND CHARLES EDWARD JENKINS, SR.:
A great friend and a great preacher, the Reverend Charles Edward Jenkins, retired African Methodist Episcopal pastor and Presiding Elder Emeritus.
The following was taken from the Obituary written by Mrs. Charliese Jenkins King, the Jenkins' oldest daughter of the late Reverend Charles Edward Jenkins
Charles Edward Jenkins’ light shined with a passionate glow along with an overwhelming quest to do good works throughout the 79 years of his full and complete life in service of the Lord.
On August 24, 1928, Charles Edward Jenkins was born to Charles Atkins Jenkins and Louise George Jenkins. Charles was the first child born into the third generation of a family legacy of those who built and loved the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Both his maternal and paternal grandfathers were officers in their local church, Quinn Chapel AME Church, Paris, Tennessee. Charles Atkins Jenkins, the paternal grandfather, has his name engraved in the cornerstone of Quinn Chapel Church. Both Charles and Louise were members of the choir until they became ill and could no longer serve. His only sibling, Jacqueline Jenkins Williams, was also a faithful member of the choir and played piano from time to time. His mother, father and sister predeceased him.
From the beginning, Charles had a voracious love of books and learning. He was educated in the public schools of Paris, Tennessee attending Henry County Training School. He went on to Central High School where he became an outstanding student athlete excelling in both sports and academics. It was at Central High School that Charles caught his first glimpse of a beautiful and graceful girl in his class who was known to be a great dancer (Charles had no dancing skills!). Her name was Lula Mae Reynolds. He decided that she would be the special person in his life. Charles and Lula graduated together from Central High School. He was Salutatorian of the Great Class of 1947.
Charles continued his quest for knowledge throughout his life. There was never enough money to do all the things he wanted to do for himself or his family, but he persevered and did what he could. And “what he could” was phenomenal. He took classes at Lane College, Jackson, Tenn.; Alabama A & M College, Normal, Ala.; and LeMoyne College, Memphis, Tenn. He later received a Diploma from Union Bible Seminary in Westfield, Indiana and completed a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1958 from Zion College, which later became the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Charles didn’t stop learning until he became too ill to read. He believed in continuing education all his life both formally and independently. He took classes in Evangelism at Southern Theological Seminary as well as in Communication at Presbyterian Theological Seminary both located in Louisville, Kentucky. He also regularly attended the Billy Graham School of Evangelism in Birmingham, Ala. Charles Edward Jenkins was awarded honorary Divinity Degrees from Monrovia College, Monrovia, Liberia, West Africa; East Tennessee School of Religion, Chattanooga, Tenn.; B.F. Lee Theological Seminary, Jacksonville, Fla.; Union Baptist Seminary, Birmingham, Ala. and Monrovian Institute, Monrovia, Liberia, West Africa.
After living the legacy of the AME Church all of his life and having excellent role models in both his grandfathers who were servants of the Church, Charles developed a strong interest in serving at Quinn Chapel. His pastor, the Reverend H.W. Henning had watched him grow over the years and admired his character and leadership qualities. Rev. Henning began to mentor Charles and became his “Father in the Ministry.”
At nineteen, Charles had a clear path for his life, he would become an AME minister and he would spend his life with Lula Mae Reynolds. On March 18, 1949, Charles Edward Jenkins was ordained a minister in the AME Church and he also married Lula Mae that same day. All through his life and ministry, Charles and Lula were an inseparable couple who grew stronger in love, faith and commitment to the AME Church. They started a family with the birth of Charliese Lunelle, and later, Mary Louise; Charles Edward, Jr. (Butch) and Frederick (Smokey).
As their family grew, so did Charles’ ministry. “Rev. Jenkins” began his service in 1949 in the Lexington Circuit in Tennessee as pastor of two churches, Lewis Chapel in Lexington and St. Mark in Parsons. In 1951, he was appointed to Ebenezer in Clarksville as well as two missions, St. Matthew’s in Rossview and Lucy Memorial in Kelso. In 1955, he was appointed to St. Paul, Fayetteville followed by St. Paul, Chattanooga in 1960. In 1965, “C.E. Jenkins” was transferred to Asbury Chapel in Louisville, KY. His ministry would expand over five decades with appointments to Warren Chapel, Chattanooga (1971); Avery Chapel, Memphis (1979); and his last pastorate at St. John, Nashville (1980). In 1991, he was appointed Presiding Elder of the Louisville-Paducah District of the West Kentucky Conference and in 1993, Presiding Elder of the North Nashville District in the Tennessee Conference. As dictated by the laws of the AME Church, Charles Edward Jenkins retired and became Presiding Elder Emeritus in October, 2004.
All of us knew that Charles Jenkins loved to talk but he took his ministry of communications out into the world at large as an outstanding writer, broadcast talent, and engineer. He launched his radio ministry in 1949 in Paris, Tenn. and later in Clarksville. He produced a weekly program called Moments of Inspiration in Fayetteville, Tenn. in 1955. He continued to broadcast at WN00 in Chattanooga with his weekly program Moments with God in Louisville at WFIA. At WNOO, he developed a love for the technical side of broadcasting and the engineers there trained in him on the equipment. The Federal Communication Commission in Radio Operation licensed him in 1979. He founded Jenkins Production Company producing and creating recorded albums for clients through Nashville record companies. Later, he became a prolific writer and public relations specialist in service to the AME Church. In 1952, he became a Connectional Writer for The Christian Recorder. In 1976, he developed the 13th District Directory and later was assigned by Bishops Howard Thomas Primm, W.F. Ball, C.E. Thomas, Vernon R. Byrd, and H.H. Brookings to write and publish the minutes for the Annual Conferences.
His love for writing expanded over the years leading him to write and publish five books: Moments with God (1970); Evangelism in the Modern World (1973); The Centrality of Preaching (1973); When a Man Sees God (1984); Reach Out and Touch Him (1990); Keeping Sane in a Crazy World, (2002) and What Time Is It? (2004). He received twenty-five honors and citations over his fifty-four year career. He was so proud of the fact that he was elected delegate to the General Conferences thirteen times beginning in 1956 and ending in his retirement year at the 2004 General Conference.
Charles Edward Jenkins deeply loved the AME Church and it equaled his love for his family, friends, colleagues, and members. You not only felt that love, he would show you and would tell you… often. Our love and gratitude for this good man with a good heart who had an undying commitment to his God, his church and his family continues in those who are left behind which include his loving wife and partner in the ministry, Lula Mae Reynolds Jenkins; Daughters, Charliese King (George N. King, Jr.) Bethlehem, PA; Mary Louise Jenkins, Nashville, TN; Sons, Charles Edward Jenkins, Sr. (Katrina Gaither Jenkins), Rochester, NY and Rev. Frederick LaVorne Jenkins, Sr. (Adrienne Cummings Jenkins), Mt. Juliet, TN; Grandchildren, Charles (Trey) Edward Jenkins, III, Orlando, FL; Frederick (Von) LaVorne Jenkins, Jr.; Sean Christopher Jenkins; Jonathan Alexander Jenkins and Ashlee Renee Jenkins, Mt. Juliet, TN; Great Aunt, Willie Dee Jenkins, Canton, Ohio; Brother-in-Law, L.B. Reynolds (Ruberta Reynolds), Puryear, Tenn.; nine nieces, and four nephews.
Charles Edward Jenkins, Sr. departed this life on Saturday, December 15, 2007 at Alive Hospice in Madison, TN.
The legacy of Reverend Charles Edward Jenkins, Sr. lives on through all those whose lives he touched in some way. The legacy of his ministry is alive and well. The torch has been passed on to several of his sons in the ministry, which includes another Jenkins man who is willing to serve the AME Church for the fourth generation. The Reverend Frederick L. Jenkins, Sr. serves as pastor of Scott’s Chapel AME Church in Hermitage, Tenn.
10. AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH PRESIDING ELDER, THE REVEREND DR. ROBERT CHRISTOPHER WADE INSTALLED AS PRESIDENT OF THE NEW JERSEY COUNCIL OF CHURCHES:
On Sunday, October 28, 2007, the Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church in Trenton, New Jersey graciously hosted the installation and worship service for the New Jersey Council of Churches 2008 Officers’ Installation Ceremony.
The Reverend Dr. Robert C. Wade, Presiding Elder of the Camden-Trenton District, New Jersey Annual Conference, First Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church was installed as President. The New Jersey Council of Churches (NJCC) is the largest ecumenical organization in New Jersey, which is comprised of 16 denominations and over 3300 congregations. Dr. Wade is the first African American president in over 25 years. Additional executive officers installed were the Reverend Jacqueline Burgess (United Methodist Church), Vice-President and Mrs. Ellen Whitt (New Jersey Church Women United), Secretary-Treasurer.
Following the processional, Reverend John Benson (UMC), serving as worship leader, led the ecumenical gathering in a very spirit filled worship service in the true spirit of African Methodism. The ‘Call to Worship’ found in the 100th Psalm set the tone that although we gathered for an installation service of pomp and circumstance, the first and real order was giving praise to Almighty God.
The service, a very inclusive and detailed ceremony, included many prominent and distinguished leaders from across the ecumenical arena. We were privileged to have Richard F. Norris, Presiding Prelate of the First Episcopal District AME Church in attendance to deliver the Installation Sermon. Other program participants included: Ms. Ellen Whitt of Church Women United in New Jersey, the Reverend Reginald T. Jackson, Pastor Saint Matthews AME Church in Orange, New Jersey; Ms. Beverly McNally, American Baptist Churches, New Jersey; the Reverend Robert Moore, NJ Association of the United Church of Christ; the Reverend Denison Harried, African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church; the Reverend Richard T. Druid, Presiding Elder-Atlantic City District, AME Church; Ms. Alice Olson, Presbyterian Church Synod of the NJ; the Reverend Henry Davis, General Baptist Church; Ms. Martha Gardner, Episcopal Diocese of Newark; the Reverend Dr. Stanley Hearst, Sr., Pastor Bethel AME Church in Moorestown, NJ; the Reverend Wayne Griffith, Pastor First Baptist Church, Pennington, NJ; Ms. Joan Diefenbach, Esq., Director of NJ Council of Churches; and the Reverend J. Stanley Justice, Host and Pastor, Mount Zion AME Church in Trenton, NJ.
Also in attendance was the Reverend Dr. Henrietta Fullard, Presiding Elder, Jamaica-Long Island Queens District AME Church, the Reverend Charles E. Lett, Presiding Elder, South District Philadelphia Conference AME Church, Father Emanuel, Pastor, Greek Orthodox Church, Reverend Dr. James E. Deas, Sr. Presiding Elder, Newark District AME Church, Mother Mary Ann Norris, Episcopal Supervisor Women’s Missionary Society of the First Episcopal District, Mrs. Prudence Hope Wade, Wife/ Consultant, Camden-Trenton District
The musical accompaniment included the combined choirs of the Anniversary Choir of Bethel AME Church in Moorestown, NJ. Brother Troy Brighton of Mount Zion ensured the congregation’s readiness for the preached Word by offering a soul stirring rendition of ‘Great Is Thy Faithfulness’.
Bishop Richard F. Norris, Presiding Prelate of the First Episcopal District A. M. E. Church delivered a challenging, thought provoking and dynamic sermon. His text was taken from Micah 6:6-8 and his title was “What is God looking for from us”. ‘Us’ is the church he noted. He stated that there was a time when people were looking for the ‘Word’, but in today’s world, where inner cities are filled with gun fire, strange emblems are displayed on Ford F150 trucks and the poor continue to struggle; what does God expect the ‘Church’ to say. He further stated that some of us are riding the crest of abundance and we have are living in a time of shallowness. He concluded his message that God expects us to stand tall and to be steadfast. God is happy when justice, a sense of fairness and equity is shown to mankind by mankind. The church must lift up its voice in the face of inequities in our society. We must learn to walk humbly with God and not get to full of ourselves. He shared with the congregation, a story of his own fullness of self when traveling to West Africa upon his election to the office of bishop. “Dressed in his purple shirt and white collar, he found no transportation or hotel accommodation when he arrived. Several days later, the Presiding Elder of that district; his guide arrived to begin his visits to the charges under his watch. Dressed in his new suit, shoes shined, and adorned with all the trimmings; symbolic of his newly elected office, he was informed that if he wanted the car to move, he had to push it to get it going. Slightly appalled by being asked to do such a thing; he came to the realization, that if he wanted to move, he had to push. (A humbling experience). God has not respect of where you were born or your family lineage. He can and will level the playing field”.
Remarks of thanks, expressions of enjoyment, reaffirming commitments of support to the newly elected officers and the council were expressed by Ms. Diefenbach and Reverend Burgess. They also thanked Pastor & Mrs. Justice and the members of Mount Zion for their gracious hospitality.
The Honorable Jon S. Corzine, the governor of New Jersey, sent a proclamation lauding the outstanding accomplishments of Dr. Wade. Trenton Mayor Douglas Palmer and Trenton City Councilwoman-at-Large, Ms. Cordelia Staton, both sent resolutions honoring Presiding Elder Wade on this wonderful occasion.
Dr. Wade thanked Bishop and Mother Norris, Reverend Benson, Presiding Elders Fullard, Druid, Deas and Lett, for attending and making this new beginning so special. He affirmed that the Council solicited the congregation’s participation regardless of color, background or faith. He thanked Bishop Norris for appointing him to serve as a representative to the council, some 3 years earlier. He also thanked Reverend Reginald Jackson, for taking time from his busy campaign for Episcopal honors and Pastoral schedule to be a part of the service.
In closing; Bishop Norris congratulated the newly installed officers and asked God’s blessings upon them and gave table blessing for the repast following the service.
Reverend & Mrs. Justice and the members of Mount Zion AME Church extended their hospitality in a grand style. The Security Ministry provided escorted service to and from the Church and parking facility. The lower fellowship hall was beautifully decorated in visions of fall, set with multiple culinary stations. Formal seating was arranged around an ‘L’ shaped table that seated the newly elected officers, their families, Bishop and Mother Norris and other distinguished guests.
11. JOIN BISHOP JOHN BRYANT AT LANDINGS AT SPIRIT GOLF CLUB:
The Landings at Spirit Golf Club is an 18-hole championship course with links-style fairways & double greens. There is going to be a golf tournament on July 3, 2008
The tee time will be 8:45 a.m.
Buses leave Renaissance Hotel at 7:30 a.m.
Coffee and donuts on the bus
Lunch served at 1:00 p.m.
Total cost: $95.00; Make checks payable to Fifth District Economic Development Fund
Payments must be received no later than April 30, 2008
There will also be a tour EDF Wingate Hotel construction site.
12. BIBLE: 101:
*By Marion Aldridge I
Roman Catholics believe that when Jesus held up the bread at the Last Supper and said, "This is my body," he meant it literally. When they take communion in their church, they believe they are drinking the literal blood and eating the literal body of Jesus. I know of no Baptists who believe that. Even Fundamentalist Baptists do not believe the Bible is literally true. We have not helped Christians understand the Bible when we do not comprehend the complexities of communication, even the words of the Word of God.
Many of the front-page news issues of our culture are never mentioned in the Bible, and serious students of the Bible have to extrapolate from a very different culture from very long ago to our present reality. Nothing is in the Bible about nuclear war, tobacco, abortion, eco-tourism, television, the Internet, tax shelters, trombones, international cartels, baseball or plastic.
When the Bible deals with the eternally relevant issues of Greed, Faith, Serenity, Pride and Justice, however, shrewd students of the Bible can make application from the old to the new.
Eisegesis is the opposite of exegesis.
Eisegesis is taking meaning into a text from outside sources. Exegesis is letting the text say what it says, even if it makes us uncomfortable or doesn't fit our pre-determined theological or political points of view. An example is the current conversation about "traditional family values." Which Bible are these people reading? Abraham? Jacob? David? Solomon? Are those the values you want in your family? Saying that the Bible says and means something when it obviously does not say or mean that is to be unfaithful to and untruthful about the Bible we claim to adore.
How I long for the laity of our churches (and some of our more inept Baptist pastors) to truly love and hear and submit to the Holy Scriptures which have instructed us in the basics of our faith for thousands of years. According to Philip Bliss, these are "Beautiful Words, Wonderful Words, Wonderful Words of Life."
One of the constant challenges of college and seminary teachers is the abysmal biblical ignorance of too many of their adult students entering their classrooms. A pastor friend said that we pastors have not taught our laity as well as we have been taught by our seminary professors. There are many reasons for this.
Here are a few of my observations: Some unlearning is usually required before learning takes place. But if someone's parent or favorite teacher or preacher taught them that a thing is true, nostalgia for a beloved mentor may trump truth, science or accuracy. Unlearning something you believe is true is uncomfortable, and people, even Christians, resist discomfort.
Most pastors pick and choose very carefully the areas in which they want to cause conflict, so they let some “sleeping dogs lie.” Most pastors aren't going to fight your Grandma, since they know that is a fight they will lose.
There is little or no accountability within the local church. Seminary professors require that you show up for class and that you read the assignment. If you get the answer wrong, they mark it wrong. Sunday School classes are often occasions of opinion sharing, when even the most biblically illiterate person has the opportunity to dominate, and sometimes does! What is said in some Sunday School classes (and in some sermons) has nothing to do with the Bible or God. I was at a worship service at the beach and heard a big-haired, big-bib led preacher say, 'The Bible says ... " and then he or she) said something the Bible does not say. Who else in the room knew their Bible well enough to know he was not telling the truth?
Familiar sound-byte theology wins almost every argument-even platitudes we may have heard from our favorite political candidate who doesn't go to church! It is easier to remember a bumper sticker than to read and study the entire Bible. Not thinking is always easier than thinking. Being a disciple of Christ means being a student of Christ, and being a student involves work! Symbolism and figures of speech are always a challenge.
Most people who say they believe the Bible is literally true do not actually.
*By Marion Aldridge I is an ordained Baptist minister and Executive Minister of the South Carolina Cooperative Baptist Fellowship
13. SERMONS FROM THE HEART, A COLLECTION OF DIVINELY INSPIRED DEVOTIONAL SERMONS, A SPECIAL TRIBUTE:
*The Reverend Dr. Berlinda A. Love
The Reverend Dr. Berlinda A. Love, Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church recently published her first audio book, which also comes in hard copy, entitled Sermons from the Heart, A Collection of Divinely Inspired Devotional Sermons, A Special Tribute, to be released on December 18, 2007.
Dr. Love is a graduate of the Master of Divinity Program at Princeton Theological Seminary and is an Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. In addition to being a phenomenal woman of the cloth, she is a mentor and mother to many children; a confidant and friend to the elderly; and a dedicated public school teacher of more than twenty-six years and leader in her community. Having earned worldwide acclaim in the fields of public school education and religion, Dr. Love is much sought out as a motivational speaker, preacher, and teacher. She is a prolific writer, a blessing passed on from her parents, both retired public school educators, who taught her to love and thirst for education as a small child. Her vision has always been to write and publish for the church universal, and she always writes with a multicultural audience in mind. Having endured trials and tribulations as an ordained servant woman of God, she has a story to share with the world, a story that she will most likely share through pen and paper. She believes that suffering comes to make us strong and feels extremely blessed to have the gift of writing, which enables her to reach out to others, spreading the good news of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Sermons from the Heart is the first to be published by the author in a collection of books on sermons. It is unique in that every Christian will be inspired by the contents, regardless of age, creed, gender, race, or religion. It is, in essence, a course in bible history, Christian education, Christology, evangelism, homiletics, pastoral care, and theology. This is an extraordinary collection of ten beautiful gems that are written on a level that everyone can listen to, read, and enjoy, and it is eloquently spoken in audio form by the author herself. Sermons from the Heart speaks of the nature of good versus evil, Holy Spirit, Christian faith, the blessings and joy of life, service to God, and the trials, tribulations, and victories of life. God speaks quite eloquently in these sermons about the Holy Spirit at work in women as well as men. Contributors include bishops, presiding elders, ordained clergy, professors, and lay persons; a must reading for students in Bible college, divinity school, and seminary. Sermons are soul stirring, honest, and scripture based. Dr. Love feels that language should not be a barrier to receiving God’s Word, and her ultimate vision is to have her books published in various languages, so that people in foreign countries may be blessed through their reading.
In pursuing other writing genres, Dr. Love is moving forth with children’s books, an autobiography, and of course, more and varied types of sermons. She claims the children of the world as her own, and would like to see more writing that encourages them to remain faithful and strong, in order that they might be able to one day use their talents to strengthen the moral integrity of America. Writing her autobiography will not only inspire others, but will also be a testament of how God can and does save those who are his own. She is thankful to the bishops, presiding elders, pastors, and churches who have nurtured her ministry in African Methodism as she traveled. When asked about her most immediate future endeavors, Dr. Love states that she is open to God’s plan for her life.
Dr. Love is applauded for the work she is doing for God’s people, both nationwide and abroad, and we trust that God will indeed broaden her territory by blessing this book as well as other writings to come.
Sermons from the Heart is published by Tate Publishing Enterprises and may be ordered online at [www.tatepublishing.com], [amazon.com], [barnesandnoble.com], [target.com], [walmart.com], and at various bookstores nationwide through Ingram/Spring Arbor distributors. Dr. Love may be contacted at [Anietalove@msn.com] to schedule book signings
*The Reverend Dr. Berlinda A. Love is an Itinerant Elder in the New Jersey Annual Conference
14. EPISCOPAL AND CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICES:
- Sixty-Five-Years of Sacred Happiness and joy will be celebrated on January 2, 2008 by Capt. USN (Ret) Carroll R. and Christene H. Chambliss. Their four sons, Randy, Frank, Chris and Phil coming from four different states will be on hand to crown the celebration. After parenting a wonderful family, extended travel and spiritual witness with friends all over the world, the Chambliss' retired to Alexandria, VA and are spending a life of love and devotion together.
Congratulatory expressions may be sent to: cchambliss1@comcast.net
- Rev. & Mrs. Timothy Cokley (Cynthia) will celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary on Monday, December 31, 2007. They were married at Mt. Pisgah A.M.E. Church, Sumter, S.C., by now retired Bishop F.C. James and the Rev. John H. Gillison (Presiding Elder). They are the parents of Timothea (elementary teacher and graduate student at N. C. Central University), Timothy Charles (Johnson C. Smith University), and Trenton (Howard University). Rev. Cokley is the pastor of Emmanuel A.M.E. Church, Columbia, South Carolina. Congratulatory expressions may be sent to: ctt5@aol.com
- Rev. and Mrs. Gert Didloff celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on the 18th of December 2007. The Rev. Gert Didloff serves as the Pastor of Ebenezer AME Church in the Cape Town District of the Cape Annual Conference, 15th Episcopal District.
Rev. Gert Didloff is also the former Director of the Cape Annual Conference Board of Christian Education, a responsibility he held for six years.
Congratulatory expressions may be sent to: Gdidloff@pgwc.gov.za or nigel@cndv.co.za
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mr. Jessie J. Jackson, who passed away yesterday, Thursday, December 20, 2007. He was the son of Rev. Mildred Jackson, the husband of Rev. Darlene Jackson, both Local Elders and the brother of the Rev. Calvin Jackson, pastor of Thornbury AME Church (Philadelphia Annual Conference, South District). The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Memorial Service - Saturday, December 29, 2007 at 11:00 a.m.
Bethel AME Church
113-15 South 5th Street
Millville, NJ 08043
Phone: 856-327-1215
Fax: 856-327-6542
Rev. Charles E. Wilkins, Pastor
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:
Rev. Mildred Jackson
Rev. Calvin Jackson
167 Sugarberry Drive
New Castle, DE 19720
Phone: 302-834-1008
and/or
Rev. Darlene Jackson
2024 Webster Street 1st floor
Philadelphia, PA 19146
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
With regret, we announce the passing of Mrs. Franyne Dyson of Washington, DC; the sister of the Reverend Charlene N. Boone-Hinson, pastor of New Tyler A.M.E. Church in Memphis, TN; West Tennessee Conference, 13th Episcopal District.
The Funeral has been held.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Reverend Charlene N. Boone-Hinson
8220 Glen Vale Cove
Memphis, TN 38125
901 758-4082
Email expressions may be sent to: cboone7145@aol.com
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
With regret we announce that the mother of the Rev. Sabrina Transou, Mrs. Anna Vera DeBerry, made her heavenly transition on Tuesday, December 25, 2007 after a long illness. Rev. Sabrina Transou is the pastor of New Greater Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Jackson, Tennessee, South Memphis District, West Tennessee Annual Conference, 13th Episcopal District.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of sympathy can be sent to:
Rev. Sabrina Transou
42 Daniels Ave.
Jackson, Tennessee 38305
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
With regret we announce the passing of Richard D. Smith, Jr., son of the late Rev. Richard D. Smith, Sr. (Presiding Elder of the North District, Illinois Annual Conference) and Mrs. Reatha L. Smith. Richard D. Smith, Jr., passed on Tuesday, December 25th.
The funeral has been held.
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
With regret we announce the passing of Sister Luvina B. Timmons, mother of the Rev. W. L. "Tim" Timmons, pastor of Evening Chapel A.M.E. Church-Grand Prairie, Texas (Greater Dallas District, North Texas Conference, 10th Episcopal District).
The Funeral has been held.
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the unexpected home going of the Reverend Louis A. Greaux. Rev. Greaux was the former pastor of Bethel AME Church-Indiantown, Florida, 11th Episcopal District, South Conference. Reverend Greaux leaves to cherish his memories, a devoted wife, the Reverend Barbara Greaux. Please keep the family in your prayers.
Viewing:
Friday:
January 4th
Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Place: Payne Chapel AME Church
801 9th St.West
Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) 832-2035 Home Going Celebration:
Saturday: January 5th
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Place: Payne Chapel AME Church
801 9th Ave.West Palm Beach, FL 33401
561) 832-2035
Expressions of sympathy can be sent to:
Rev. Barbara Greaux
4377 Vicliss Road
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Professional services entrusted to:
L.C. Poitier Funeral Homes
317 NW 6th St.
Pompano Beach, FL 33060
(561) 856-6637 - Phone
(561) 278-4994 – Fax
21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
With regret we share news of the passing of the Reverend Jo Anne Allen. Reverend Jo Anne Allen was former pastor of Greater Taylor Chapel AME Church in Franklin, KY.
Service arrangements for Reverend Jo Anne Allen:
Monday, January 7, 2008
Family Visitation:
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Greater Taylor Chapel AME Church
604 Jefferson Street Franklin, KY 42134270-586-6752
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Visitation: 11:00 AM
Funeral: 12:00 NOON
St. John AME Church
1822 Formosa Street
Nashville, TN 37208
(615) 320-1026
The Rev. W. Antoni Sinkfield, Senior Pastor
Professional services entrusted to:
Lewis and Wright Funeral Directors
2500 Clarksville Pike
Nashville, TN, 37208
(615) 255-2371 (Phone)
Expressions of sympathy can be sent to:
The Henderson family
c/o Lewis and Wright Funeral Directors
2500 Clarksville Pike
Nashville, TN, 37208
22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action
Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
E-mail: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936
Fax: (615) 833-3781
Cell: (615) 403-7751
23. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of The Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement.
24. PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED EDITORIAL - THE TWELVE SINS OF A PASTOR:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
1. A pastor who thinks that his or her way is the only way and rejects the ideas and suggestions that do not agree with his or her way of thinking or of doing things.
2. A pastor who fails to care for all of the flock, and who only provides caring ministry to those who are most cooperative with his or her program.
3. A pastor who pushes through his or her program with “God-talk” or “religious babble,” i.e., “God spoke to me and told me that we should…” That can be a low-self-esteem pastoral strategy. If the pastor’s idea is a good idea, let him or her take responsibility to let the decision or idea stand on its own merit.
4. A pastor who fails to develop relevant, updated sermons and who repeatedly relies upon worn-out clichés like, “He’s the King of kings, the first and the last, the Alpha and Omega, the bright and morning star, the fairest of ten thousand, the doctor in the sickroom, the lawyer in the courtroom,” etc. and who repeatedly preaches his or her favorite themes. I heard about a preacher who preached about 6-months from Psalms.
5. A pastor who plagiarizes his or her sermons and Bible study materials from the Internet (I know that we don’t have that problem in the AME Church). I was listening to a noted televangelist, who will remain unnamed. I was impressed with his message, but it sounded familiar and out of character for his persona. I decided to check out the internet while he continued to preach; it took me 43 seconds to find the plagiarized sermon on the Internet. In another instance, a person sent an outstanding Bible study syllabus; it was superb; but he had plagiarized it, word for word, from the Internet. It took about 30-seconds for a layperson to find it.
6. A pastor who does not like to preach and who neglects the priestly and prophetic functions of ministry, i.e., a pastor who fails to visit the sick, fails to distribute Communion to the sick and shut-ins; and who fails to address the relevant issues confronting the church and society, i.e., HIV/AIDS, teenage pregnancy, alarming high school drop-out rates, the need for prison reform, and other social ills.
7. A pastor who fails to read books and the AME Church periodicals, and who fails to keep abreast of current events in the AME Church, other churches, and in events around the world.
8. A pastor who, generally, does not like people; does not like the AME Church, and who dismantles AME liturgy and tradition; and who embraces other non-liturgical traditions, thinking every other denomination is better.
9. A pastor who neglect him or herself and who fails to have annual/semi annual physical examinations and regularly scheduled dental appointments; and who fails to take vacations; fails to take time for relaxation, and who neglects his or her family.
10. The pastor who refuses to grow where he or she is planted thus negating his or her gifts and graces.
11. A pastor who mimics or imitates televangelists, especially those who mimic televangelists whose theological and ecclesiastical perspective is in total opposition to Methodism and, especially the doctrine of the Trinity.
12. A pastor who is not satisfied with his or her pastoral appointment and who is always looking ahead to the next pastoral appointment, especially one who covets another minister’s pastoral appointment.
Archive of The Christian Recorder Online from 2004-2016; Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
