Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor, The Christian Recorder
1. EDITORIAL – THE SINS OF THE CHURCH MUSICIAN:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
1). The musician who is always late for worship.
2). The musician who decides what the choir is going to sing during the worship service.
3). The musician who has not familiarized him or herself with the African Methodist Episcopal liturgy.
4). The musician who tries to “make something happen” in worship by playing the so-called, “Pentecostal shout chords.”
5). The musician who does not know how to teach the choir members their parts, i.e., S.A,T.B., who encourages loudness rather than teaching choir members their musical parts.
6). The musician who has to always leave early; can’t stay until the end of the worship service; and who probably arrived to worship late.
7). The musician who doesn’t remain in the sanctuary during the sermon.
8). The musician who doesn’t know how to coordinate the music with the sermon text or the liturgical season. (Of course the pastor has some responsibility in sharing with the musician the biblical text and the liturgical emphasis that the pastor would like to musician to follow).
9). The musician who gets angry with the pastor and “sits down” on the pastor in worship, and tries to dampen worship.
10). The musician who does not arrive in time to play a prelude and/or in a rush to depart that he or she does not bother to play a postlude.
11). The musician who day-dreams, engaged in conversation with choir members during the worship service, and especially during the Communion Service and as a result hinders the liturgical or spiritual movement of the worship service.
12). The musician who doesn’t know how the play hymns and who doesn’t practice or learn to play hymns and anthems. And, also the musician who doesn’t know how to play gospel music and who doesn’t practice or learn to play gospel hymns.
13). The musician who doesn’t know how to play in all of the musical keys; who only plays in a couple of keys like C major, F major, G major, major and B flat. Hymns, particularly, are written in certain keys because the hymn can be sung better in certain keys. Ever wonder why some musicians carry their own keyboards when the choir goes out sing? If, during worship, another musician plays in a key that they can’t play in; they can transpose the key on their keyboard.
14). The musician who only teaches, what I call, “7-11” songs; seven phrases sung 11 times, over and over and over again.
15). The musician who is excited when the choir is singing or when he or she is playing the musical instrument, but tunes out during the sermon and other parts of the worship service.
16). The musician who allows choir members to sing even when they fail attend choir practice.
17). The musician who allows choir members to sing even when choir members arrive after the worship service has begun and allow choir members, “who have to do something” to leave worship services early.
18). The musician who doesn’t insist on having choir rehearsals.
19). The musician who is engaged in his or her cellphone during the worship service.
20). The musician who thinks that he or she, instead of the pastor, is the leader for worship.
2. THE EDITOR’S TEACHING MOMENT – THE USE OF “THE” WITH THE USE OF, “REVEREND”:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
Have you ever wondered why The Christian Recorder and other periodicals and books use “The” or “the” with the use to the title, “Reverend”?
When “Reverend” or “Right Reverend” is used before a name, “Reverend / Rev.” should be preceded by “the” because “Reverend / Rev.” is not a noun, it is an adjective and is always preceded by, “the”. “The” is used before nouns.
In a sentence, you would not say, “Blue car is fast” because “blue” as used in the sentence is an adjective and the correct way to form the sentence would be, “The blue car was fast” or “When we went to the racetrack, the blue car was fast.”
In the beginning of a sentence, the “T” in “the” is capitalized and in the middle of a sentence, the “t” in “the” is in the lower case, thus:
“The Rev. John Smith preached an outstanding sermon.”
“An outstanding sermon was delivered by the Rev. John Smith.”
Overlaying the car analogy on a Sunday bulletin cover, you would not list:
Blue car is fast
Red car is faster
Purple car is fastest
Rather:
The blue car is fast
The red car is faster
The purple car is fastest
Therefore, as an example, not:
Reverend Charlotte Blake Sydnor, pastor
Reverend Troy Merritt, presiding elder
Right Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie, presiding prelate
But rather,
The Reverend Charlotte Blake Sydnor, pastor
The Reverend Troy Merritt, presiding elder
The Right Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie, presiding prelate
Editor’s Note: I am addressing the use of “the” with “Reverend”; not the order of protocol.
3. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
- To the Editor –
I love reading your editorials because they challenge me to reflect on my development as a chaplain and AME minister. This particular editorial on leadership hits the nail on the head in our Zion , community and nation. In my experience leadership examples have told me often to "do as I say, and not as I do." The only thing this has accomplished in my perspective is bad press. I have read Steven Covey's 7 highly effective habits of leadership, President Lincoln on leadership, and others. I was very impressed with reading Former Secretary of State Colin Powell's principles on leadership. His leadership principles are simple, clear, and puts focus on the people and processes more so than on the leader. Here are a few examples:
(1). "Organization doesn't really accomplish anything. Plans don't accomplish anything, either. Theories of management don't much matter. Endeavors succeed or fail because of the people involved. Only by attracting the best people will you accomplish great deeds."
(2). "Never let your ego get so close to your position that when your position goes, your ego goes with it."
(3). "The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them. They have either lost confidence that you can help them or concluded that you do not care. Either case is a failure of leadership."
I am of the opinion that in order for our Zion to improve on ministerial leadership and development, it must de-emphasize running for the highest office, and re-emphasize our mission, effective ministry models and offer leadership to our congregations and communities.
I remember an experience I had after I graduated from seminary. I inquired about a possible appointment to a church, and was quickly told, "I don't have anything for you."
Then I was asked if I had alternate plans. I responded that I did, and here I am back in the military. Needless to say, I never sought the counsel of this particular leader again.
Thank God there are some role models I have in the church, that lead by example.
Shawn L. Menchion Ch, Capt USAF
- To the Editor -
Re: THE AME Church has a Leadership Problem:
Congratulations Dr. Sydnor for continuing to tackle pertinent and relevant issues that confront our Zion in these troubling and complex times.
I greatly anticipate reading your editorial column each week as it provides information that is culturally relevant and in tune to the current times in which we seek to serve the 'present age'. I sincerely pray that your message has not fallen on shallow ground or on rocks, but in fertile soil where it will take root in our denomination and bring forth a new generation of leadership that is more focused on advancing the work of the kingdom than their own individual advancement. Effective and proactive leadership is sorely needed to address issues that confront us, challenge us and call us to be less reactive and become more deliberate and decisive is our approach to our ministry call.
Please know that there are those who truly applaud your willingness to go into the deep and unchartered waters so that we will hopefully not be overcome by the waves that seek to dash our forward progress as collective body seeking to do the 'missio Dei' (mission of God).
Esther K. Powers
Licentiate
ITC Class of 2010
Cleveland Chapel AME Church, McDonough, GA
(Sixth Episcopal District)
4. NOTICE FROM PRESIDENT OF THE JUDICIAL COUNCIL OF THE AME CHURCH:
IN RE: THE MATTER OF ROSA MCCLOUD-BAXTER
REQUEST FOR A DECLARATORY DECISION
The Judicial Council of the African Methodist Episcopal Church intends to conduct closed deliberations of issues relating to the above-named case. The deliberations shall be in person and exclusively among the members of the Judicial Council. The deliberations shall be conducted on July 3, 2008, at the site of the General Conference.
To assist in its deliberations, the Judicial Council will accept briefs in accordance with The 2004 Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church [“Discipline”], Part XI, Section XX. H., Paragraphs 11 & 12 (page 315).
All persons, bodies, organizations, or other entities wishing to submit briefs shall submit a “Notice of Intent to Submit Brief’ [“Notice”]. Such Notice shall be sent by United States mail, first class, postage pre-paid, to:
Name: THE REV. GRANVILLE REED
Address 2002 Mt. Herman Street
Jacksonville, Florida 32206
Notices must display a postmark date of not later than midnight, April 15, 2008. Notices transmitted by any method other than as above indicated, or after the deadline, shall not be accepted.
Persons, bodies, organization, or other entities who wish acknowledgment of receipt of Notice shall include a self-addressed, postage paid return envelope.
Briefs shall be accepted from only those persons, bodies, organizations or other entities who file a Notice on or before the above-stated deadline. Those persons, bodies, organizations, or other entities shall receive detailed instructions regarding briefs after the closing date for the submission of Notices.
ENTERED AND SIGNED this 3rd day of March 2008.
/Signed/
PATRICIA MAYBERRY
President
The Judicial Council of the AME Church
5. CONNECTIONAL DAY OF PRAYER:
The AME Churches’ First Connectional Day of Prayer period will be Sundown-Friday, April 11 to Sundown-Sunday April 13 with the general theme, "Pray On--Feeding the Soul: 'It is Well with my Soul."
For more information contact: PrayerAMEC2008@aol.com -202/674- 7729
6. THE THIRD EPISCOPAL DISTRICT GENERAL CONFERENCE DELEGATION ORGANIZED:
Under the leadership of the Right Reverend Robert Vaughn Webster, Presiding Bishop of the Third District, the General Conference delegates met in Columbus, Ohio on Thursday, March 27, 2008.
The following persons were elected:
Delegation Chairman, the Rev. Dr. Floyd W. Alexander
Vice-Chairman, Dr. Willie Glover
Secretary, the Rev. Dr. Charles Holmes
Treasurer, the Rev. Dr. Thomas Liggins, the Rev. James Murray and the Rev. L. Anthony Gatewood
Episcopal Committee Members:
The Rev. Dr. Taylor T. Thompson
The Rev. Dr. Otis Gordon
Ms. Ametta Reaves
Ms. Angela Bethea (Y)
Submitted by the Rev. Dr. Taylor T. Thompson, Pastor, St. John AME, Cleveland, Ohio
7. NEWS AROUND THE AME CHURCH:
The Rev. Edrena Houston Brown, MACE
- The Retirement Celebration of Senior Bishop Phillip Robert Cousin, Sr., and Dr. M. Joan Cousin, Episcopal Supervisor of the 4th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church will be held on Friday, April 4, 2008 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Rosemount, Il., at 7:00 p.m., for further information please call the Episcopal Headquarters (773) 373-6587.
- The Reverend Lorenzo Laws, pastor Mount Zion A.M.E. Church, 601 Washington Street, Hastings, Florida will host the monthly community NAACP meeting Thursday, April 3, 2008 at 7:00 p.m., the community is cordially invited to attend this meeting of importance.
- Greater Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, 215 N.W. 5th Street Dania, Florida, the Rev. A. J. Davis, M.Div., is the pastor will observe its Annual Spring Revival, April 1-4, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. the preacher will be the Rev. Jimmy J. Thompson, presiding elder of the celebrated Central District of the South Conference, the Eleventh Episcopal District.
- Saint Paul A.M.E. Church, 3345 North Haverhill Road, West Palm Beach, Florida will conduct a Church Growth Seminar on April 10-11, 2008. Friday, April 10, 2008, 7:00 p.m., -9:00 p.m., and Saturday, April 11, 2008 beginning 9:30 a.m., until 1:00 p.m. The facilitator will be the Rev. Dr. George L. Champion and guest preacher for the Sunday, April 12, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. worship service. Dr. Champion is a Former General Officer of the AME Church, Department of Church Growth and Evangelism and presently a candidate for Bishop 2008. The Rev. Charles Scott is the pastor. For further information (561) 242-0001.
- Saturday, April 12th - All Men 18 & up - Saint Paul A.M.E. Church, 6910 New Kings Road, Jacksonville, Florida where the Rev. Marvin L. Zanders is the pastor. Calling ALL MEN to a special meeting For Men, With Men, By Men - as Pastor Zanders presents a series: "The Quest for Authentic Manhood." Bring another man with you - a friend, co-worker, neighbor, aged 18 and up - ALL are invited. Join us for this fellowship, Saturdays before 2nd Sunday each month.
- April 15, 2008 at 11:00 a.m., Bishop C. Garnett Henning of the Eighth Episcopal District will be delivering the sermons for St. Mark A.M.E. Church, the Rev. Donald Johnson, Fernwood, Miss. and at 3:00 p.m. The Ground Breaking Ceremony at Leonard Chapel AME Church where the Rev. Waydell Dyson of Independence, Miss., is the pastor.
- DuPage A.M.E. Church, 4300 Yackley Avenue, Lisle, Il., will celebrate "The Groundbreaking By Grace...Again Ceremony" on Sunday, April 6, 2008 after the 11:15 a.m., worship service. Senior Bishop and Presiding Prelate of the 4th Episcopal District, Bishop Phillip R. Cousin will preach for this historic event. The community is cordially invited to attend. The Rev. Dr. James F. Miller, Pastor. For further information, please call (630) 969-9800.
8. COLUMBIA DISTRICT OPENS OFFICES IN DOWNTOWN COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA:
*Mr. Benjamin Harrison
On Saturday, March 8, 2008, for the first time in the 130 year history of the Seventh Episcopal District’s Columbia Conference, the Columbia District opened its own office space located in the heart of downtown Columbia. The new district offices are located at 1529 Hampton Street, Suite 100 and are housed in the same building which serves as the South Carolina Democratic Party’s statewide headquarters.
Bishop Preston W. Williams II, Presiding Prelate of the Seventh Episcopal District remarked, “It is wonderful to see the A.M.E. Church continuing to expand its work deep into the capital city of South Carolina. These new offices will help the Columbia District to conduct its business in a comfortable and professional setting, and better connect with the people and organizations that run this great city and state.”
Bishop Williams, the Rev. Sandy W. Drayton, Presiding Elder of the Columbia District, and a host of A.M.E. clergy and laity held a dedicatory ceremony to celebrate the official opening of approximately 1500 square feet of prime office space which will serve the various ministries of the Columbia District. The office comes well-equipped with a fully furnished board room, and 7 separate work spaces which Elder Drayton has made available not only to the Columbia District, but to its neighboring districts as well; neighboring districts need only contact the Columbia District office to request use of the space.
Where for centuries presiding elders, pastors and staff have usually worked out of churches, homes, and briefcases, their ability to conduct church-business in a more corporate environment has been rare. Elder Drayton explains that, “These new offices afford the Columbia District a tremendous opportunity to expand its ministries. From downtown Columbia, the center of this city and state, we will be able to connect with both the religious and corporate communities of the Seventh Episcopal District in an environment that is conducive to accomplishment and progress.”
Elder Drayton has set aside a portion of the office space for the creation of a bookstore which will carry a variety of publications such as A.M.E. periodicals, bishop-required reading for elders and pastors, Christian education texts, and more; all available to the entire Seventh Episcopal District. Additionally, Elder Drayton plans to build an A.M.E. archive which captures the essence of A.M.E. history and is compiled by a district historiographer.
These new offices were acquired by the Columbia District through the personal connections of Allen D. Etheredge Sr., member of Turner Memorial A.M.E. Church in West Columbia, SC. There Mr. Etheredge serves on the Steward Board, Finance Committee, and VP of Pastors’ Advocacy Board, among others. As a result of a 15 year friendship between Mr. Etheredge and one of the principals of Baker & Baker Real Estate of Columbia, SC, Mr. Etheredge was able to negotiate the use of this office space at no cost to the A.M.E. Church.
Mrs. Theresa M. Hawthorne, unofficial historiographer of both the Columbia Conference and A.M.E. Church in general, and wife of former Presiding Elder Clarke R. Hawthorne Sr., confirmed that this is the first time that any district in the Columbia Conference has had its own office out of which to work. Mrs. Hawthorne added a special note of congratulations to Elder Drayton stating, “Presiding Elder Drayton is a people person. He is a ‘we’ presiding elder. He is all about where ‘we’ are going and what ‘we’ are doing together as a church.”
In closing, the Dedication Committee wrote, “Thank you to the Columbia District pastors and laity for all of your sacrifices that made this day and event possible. Thanks to Bro. Allen D. Etheredge for your leadership in securing this office suite. Thanks to Presiding Elder & Mrs. Drayton for your superb leadership. Thanks to Bishop Preston Warren Williams and Mother Wilma Williams for your godly guidance.”
*Mr. Benjamin Harrison is the Public Relations Director for the 7th Episcopal District
9. OUTSTANDING LEADER, PASTOR AND TEACHER , THE REV. ROYD MWANDU HELPING CHILDREN WITH EDUCATIONAL NEEDS IN THE 17TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:
The Rev. Edrena Houston Brown, MACE
An outstanding Man of God, the Reverend Royd Mwandu, Cooperbelt West District, Chingola, Zambia, answered the call to preach in 1993 during the episcopal leadership of Bishop Robert V. Webster and was ordained a deacon and Itinerant Elder under the Leadership of Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, who followed Bishop Webster as the presiding prelate of the district.
On December 10th 1995, the Rev. Mwandu was relocated out of the St. Thomas boundary and became the first pastor since 1964 to begin a new church in the inner city known as “Downtown Branch of St. Thomas, Kasompe” in the Seventeenth Episcopal District. He accepted his first appointment as pastor of St. Thomas AME Church with a membership of thirteen members; the church grew to a membership of 557; 398 members are in full connection including children and young adults.
The membership of the Downtown Branch, which is an English-based church, has grown from zero to 187 members. The Branch was privileged to host the 2007 Presiding Elder’s District Conference.
Under the Illustrious Leadership of the Right Rev. Paul J.M. Kawimbe, presiding prelate of the 17th Episcopal District, Pastor Mwandu was appointed Director of Christian Education for the South West Zambia Conference.
His life demonstrates his love for God, spiritual growth, education and training he says, “The number of untrained ministers is unacceptable and yet we do not have institutions of higher learning.” Pastor Mwandu acknowledges that, his training has been self-taught through the use of computer training, his employment and experience and through certification courses in attaining growth and development.
He is a widely sought-after preacher, especially where he preaches for conferences of independent Pentecostals, Roman Catholic Churches and the United Church of Zambia, not to mention the intense AME schedule, with invitations extending to December 2008. He has an intense desire for children and their parents to obtain education.
The Rev. Mwandu is helping children with their educational needs through after-school programs, resources from the internet, and from other available sources. His wife, first lady Connie Mwandu, complements is ministry. Their teaching includes assisting widow, children and families to acquire lifetime skills so that they will not resort to prostitution.
Also, children are being assisted through the “Good Samaritan Centre” of St. Thomas AME Church to graduate from high school.
St. Thomas AME Church is building a downtown branch for a sanctuary, parish hall, business center and ten classrooms where preparation for learning can take place in teaching children and provide a conductive environment for learning. Land has been allocated for this project, with the hope that this dream will soon become a reality.
Pastor Mwanda indicated the need for Bibles, computers, laptops, and video-projectors,
Pastor Mwanda indicated that the church and community have lost a good number of reliable and dependable members because of HIV/AIDS; sometimes he buries two persons on the same day.
He hopes to implement an exchange program with young people in the united States so that African students can experience lime in the UAS and young people from the USA can experience life in the Motherland of Africa and its AME Churches. He feels that young people in Africa, including adults, have lack of exposure to the realities of life in the USA, and as a result, take what they watch in movies to represent the reality of life in America. Some of the young people have adopted the drug, sexual, and “gangsta” mentality, and thereby discarding the indigenous African culture. The bilateral exchange program will help African children to remain focused on the preservation of traditional culture, without losing their African heritage. American children who participate in the program will gain from the experience also.
The Rev. Mwandu would like to see a General Conference held in Africa; a formalization of a clergy preaching exchange program; an opportunity for pastors and lay delegates attending the 2008 General Conference from the overseas districts to be given an opportunity to remain the United States and visit AME Churches for the two weeks following the General Conference to appreciate variations in liturgy, traditions, customs to firm up the global connectional ties between the USA and the overseas districts. Additionally, he would like to see the bar of theological and academic excellence raised.
Congratulations to the Rev. Mwandu for being nominated as Clergy of the Week and inspiring others to provide for the children, because children are our future.
*If you would like to nominate a clergy, layperson or youth of the week, please email your request to the Reverend Edrena Houston Brown, ebrown49@hotmail.com
10. BETHEL A.M.E. CHURCH, COLUMBIA, SC COMPLETES $3 MILLION NEW SCHOOL BUILDING PROJECT:
By Veronica-Carol Brailsford and Warren Bolton, Associate Editor for The State Newspaper
The Bethel A.M.E. Church campus, where the Rev. Dr. Ronnie Elijah Brailsford, Sr. is the pastor, has new reason to celebrate. A $3,000,000, 12,000 square feet addition to the campus’ north side has now been completed and is open to educate more than 400 students.
“A legacy of education continues as this $3,000,000 project is completed today. Thousands of children’s lives have been and will continue to be enriched because of the faith, vision, obedience and hard work of this generation. Children, yet unborn, will one day say, “Thank God for a people who loved children enough to sacrifice for them to have a brighter future.” Thus, today’s completion of the new building is another among many milestones for the Bethel Learning Centers and Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, said the Rev. Dr. Ronnie Brailsford, Sr. in his remarks to parents, students and teachers during the school’s open house. The Rev. Brailsford is the 15 year pastor of Bethel AME Church and a 2008 candidate for Episcopal Service.
Twelve plus years ago, the beginning of Bethel Learning Centers (BLC) was birthed out of challenge, obedience, vision and faith! God issued the challenge, called for obedience, encouraged faith and made provision for the vision to become a reality. To God be the glory! Great things he has done, is doing and will do.
The Bethel Learning Centers (BLC), are a Christian-based, uniformed preschool, academy and after school that serve children ages 8 weeks to fifth grade. The schools boasts of a highly credentialed and well trained staff that loves God and children. They are committed to quality education in a Christian context. Thus, we use the Abeka Curriculum which is Christian- based. Furthermore, the school offers Spanish, Music, Karate, Computer Science and Physical Education. Presently, the Bethel Learning Centers are one of only three predominantly African American Elementary schools accredited in South Carolina by the South Carolina Independent School Association (S.C.I.S.A.).
The Bethel Learning Centers consist of an Infant/Toddler Program (Ages 8 weeks-2 years old); Child Development Center (ages 2-4 years); Christian Academy (K-5 to 5th grade) and an after school Educational Excellence Program (K-5 to 8th grade). The spiritual, mental, emotional, academic and numerical growth has been exemplary throughout the years, and God has given the increase! Proverbs 22:6 states, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” The learning centers continue to partner with parents and others to make that a reality. School Headmaster, Patricia Blakeney says, “We thank God that we are able to provide an excellent education, and so much more!”
The vision for the BLC came from God through Pastor Brailsford and had a very humble beginning. Pastor Brailsford shared the conviction placed upon him one Sunday morning as he talked about the challenges with students receiving a quality education in many parts of South Carolina. The Spirit of the Lord said, “You can continue to curse the dark, or light a candle in the dark.” In other words, it was time to stop talking and start doing something about the problem. Initially, this led to partnering with E. E. Taylor Elementary School by providing an after school tutorial program. Retired and active school teachers, who were members of the church, volunteered to tutor students. The church’s impact was significant as parents shared how their children progressed to some of them making the honor roll. There were only 10-15 children daily, but the seeds of success and vision had been sown and taken roots.
The lack of space for educational training at the Sumter Street site was a great limitation to the vision. However, with the September 18, 1995 relocation to 819 Woodrow Street, a campus of 86,000 square feet with 107 classrooms and offices, the establishment of a Child Development Center, Christian Academy, After school Program and eventual Kids University Summer Camp became a reality. God provided the space and increase as the BLC grew to be larger each year. As it grew numerically, its quality spiritually and academically, became par excellent!
This led to the learning centers’ first accreditation in the year 2003 and recertification in the year 2007. The school’s reputation grew so fast that over 200 students were declined in a two year period due to a lack of space. Thus, the search began for more space beyond the campus. As a result, the church’s decision to build a new building on the north section of the campus was made.
Building of the new facility allows the learning centers to educate nearly 200 additional children. Thus, construction was initiated April 2007 and completed January 2008. The new project includes several classrooms, a cafeteria, kitchen, conference room, welcome center, teacher’s lounge, health and wellness room, and an outdoor amphitheater, and adds an additional 12,000 square feet of occupied space to the campus’ once already massive 92,000 square feet.
Many special thanks go to the members of the Stewards, Trustee, and Education Boards, along with the many church members and community partners who embraced, promoted and implemented the vision for this facility to be built. Also gratitude goes to the leadership of Bethel A.M.E. Church, the Bethel Learning Centers, the administration, teachers, parents, family members and friends, but most of all the children who have worked so hard to make this one of the best schools in the state of South Carolina.
11. THE REV. JOSEPH SUNDAY: NO NEST EGG AFTER 33 YEARS:
By Linda Green*
MONROVIA, Liberia (UMNS)--The types of churches led by the Rev. Joseph Sunday for 33 years did not pay enough for him to accumulate a retirement nest egg.
Sunday, 77, who retired from active ministry in 2002, led rural churches and worked on circuits where he would be sent to United Methodist congregations "that sometimes paid me L$25," he says.
Upon retirement, he expected to receive something from the denomination's Liberia Annual Conference. Although he planned as best as he could, "it did not enable me to accumulate any money because of the kinds of churches I was pastoring."
In addition to a US$60 quarterly pension, Sunday receives a stipend as the chaplain/counselor for the Monrovia Central Prison. The United Methodist Church is one of several churches sponsoring the Prison Fellowship of Liberia.
Sunday says that in spite of his "inadequate" pension, he is grateful. He would like to see his quarterly pension increase to not only enable the purchase of a bag of rice, plus fish, but to leave enough money afterward for other needs.
"A bag of rice lasts a month," says Sunday, who leads a family of seven. Sometimes one of his children will bring in some money, but it is not sufficient, he says.
The United Methodist Church, through its Central Conference Pension Initiative, is developing model systems aimed at providing an adequate pension to retired pastors, surviving spouses and church lay workers in Liberia and elsewhere. More information is available at www.ccpi-umc.org.
"We eat once a day," Sunday says. "We are used to it. We adapted ourselves to that condition. We eat small bread, then we cook that one meal at the end of the day."
That is not unusual in Liberia, which is trying to rebuild after a long civil war. Says Sunday: "Most Liberians, now, eat once a day."
- Green is a news writer for United Methodist News Service in Nashville, Tenn.
*Used with the permission of the United Methodist News Service (Linda Green)
Editor's Note: We can imagine what it is like for retired AME pastors in our overseas districts and we might be surprised about the difficulties and challenges facing a lot of our retired pastors in the U.S.A. I have heard that there are some retired pastors on food stamps.
12. FOUR (4) YEARS OF FREE COLLEGE TUITION OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL AFRICAN AMERICAN MALES:
Do you know any Black Males (who are Seniors in high school) who want to go to college for FREE. The black colleges are looking for future Black Male Teachers and will send them to Universities/Colleges FOUR (4) YEARS FREE; THIS IS FOR MALES ONLY.
1. Have parents fill out this application.
2. Read the Mission Statement. There are Ten (10) different South
Carolina Colleges or Universities including:
Benedict College
http://www.callmemister.clemson.edu/schools/benedict.htm
Claflin University
http://www.callmemister.clemson.edu/schools/claflin.htm
Clemson University
http://www.callmemister.clemson.edu/schools/clemson.htm
Morris College
http://www.callmemister.clemson.edu/schools/morris.htm
South Carolina State University
http://www.callmemister.clemson.edu/schools/southcarolinastate.htm
Greenville Technical College
http://www.callmemister.clemson.edu/schools/greenvilletech.htm
Midlands Technical College
http:// www.callmemister.clemson.edu/schools/midlands.htm
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College
http://www.callmemister.clemson.edu/schools/
orangeburgcalhountech.htm
Tri-County Technical College
http://www.callmemister.clemson.edu/schools/tricountytech.htm
Trident Technical College
http://www.callmemister.clemson.edu/schools/tridenttech.htm
13. THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST (UCC):
The United Church of Christ (UCC), of which Trinity UCC of Chicago, the congregation pastored by the Reverend Jeremiah Wright, ran a full-page ad on page A-11 in today's issue (4/2/08) of The New York Times to explain the tenets and history of the UCC.
"Much has been said about the United Church of Christ in recent weeks, much of it hurtful for many in our country, including members of Trinity UCC in Chicago. That is why we are eager to share the broad and diverse story of the United Church of Christ, one that we celebrate.
With all Christians, we rest in God’s amazing grace and hear God’s voice in the words of Scripture. Yet, the UCC is unique to some because we do not require uniformity of belief. We are a church of open ideas, extravagant welcome and evangelical courage. Our passion for democracy extends to both government and church, where decision-making rests within each congregation. We support liberty in our pulpits, just as we affirm the individual conscience of our 1.2-million members to agree, disagree and wrestle with life’s biggest questions in a spirit of love.
Our story is this nation’s story. We are the people of the Mayflower. More than 600 of our 5,700 congregations were formed before 1776. Eleven signers of the Declaration of Independence were members of UCC predecessor bodies.
As early abolitionists, we came to the aid of the Amistad captives and founded hundreds of schools across the South after the Civil War. We were the first mainline church to ordain an African-American (1785), a woman (1853) and an openly gay pastor (1972). We were also the first to form a foreign mission society (1810). Our multi-ethnic membership includes persons from every immigrant group, as well as native peoples and descendants of freed slaves.
Our unity is not dependent upon uniform agreement, but in our shared allegiance to Jesus Christ. Ours is a risk-taking church, because ours is a risk-taking God."
http://www.ucc.org/
14. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
The Rev. Gerald A. Cooper, Pastor of St. James AME Church, Cleveland, Ohio and the Rev. Mila Cooper, Pastor of Mt. Moriah AME Church in Maple Heights, Ohio proudly announce the birth of their second child. Their newest addition, a daughter, Mariah Nicole Cooper was born on Monday, March 17th at 8:29 a.m., weighing 6 lbs, 12 oz. Older sister, PK Nia Cooper (age 13) is excited to have a little sister!
Congratulatory messages may be sent to:
The Revs. Gerald & Mila Cooper
11008 Reservoir Place Drive
Cleveland, Ohio 44104
mpc4dst@yahoo.com
gacooper7@yahoo.com
15. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
- The Rev. Latham Mills, pastor of the New Zion Hill A.M.E. Church in Thomson, Georgia; and Sharon Mills will be celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary on April 23, 2008.
Congratulatory Messages may be emailed to the Rev and Mrs. Latham Mills: latmills55@aol.com
- I am so pleased that our daughter, Kristina Hayward, Dr. Sydnor’s former student and protégé, is currently matriculating (first year) at Wesley Theological Seminary. Sister Kristina Hayward is the daughter of the Reverends Samuel and Althea Hayward of the Second Episcopal District. The Washington Conference Board of Examiners has advised her that they will be recommending that she be elected and ordained an itinerant deacon at this upcoming session of the Washington Annual Conference. She is very excited and we are as well. Please continue to hold us in your prayers.
Congratulatory messages may be sent to the Revs. Samuel and Althea J. Hayward: graceschild@hotmail.com
- On February 25, 2008 Brother Dennis C. Dickerson, Jr. learned that he was accepted in Fall 2008 to the M.Div. program at Vanderbilt Divinity School. He earned the B.A. from the University of Memphis in 2007 and remained another year for additional study in Greek. He is the son of General Officer Dennis C. Dickerson and Mrs. Mary A. E. Dickerson.
Congratulatory Messages may be emailed to: Mrs. Mary A. E. Dickerson: MaryDickerson@comcast.net or to Dr. Dennis C. Dickerson WhhButler@cs.com
- One of God's faithful servants, the Rev. Dr. Clarence G. Robinson, who has labored faithfully in ministry. His pastorates included the following churches: Ebenezer, Detroit, MI; Bethel, Saginaw, MI; Emmanuel Temple, Chicago, St. Mark in Milwaukee, WI, Olivet, South Bend, IN, and Youth Pastor, Bethel, Evanston, IL, Baber, Chicago was his first charge.
Following the death of Dr. Wilfred Reid in August 2001, Bishop Philip R. Cousin assigned Dr. Clarence G. Robinson as Presiding Elder of the Chicago Conference-North District, which he refers to as the "Nurturing" North District.
Presiding Elder Robinson and Sister Edith have been married for 55 years. He has served in ministry for 53 years. He and Sister Edith will be honored to have you join in the Celebration of Service of his retirement, Friday, April 18, 2008, 7:00 P.M. at the Chateau Del Mar, 8301 West 95th Street, Hickory Hills, IL. The Donation for this event is $50.00
For further information contact Bethel AME Church #847-864-4264 or 847-864-5120
16. RETIRED GENERAL OFFICER BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Dr. Alfred Lee Henderson, (Retired General Officer) former Secretary-Treasurer of the A.M.E. Sunday School Union passed on Sunday morning, March 30, 2008. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Celebration of Life Service
Monday, April 7, 2008
11:00 a.m.
Grant A.M.E. Church
10435 S. Central Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90002
The Rev. Leslie White, Pastor
Phone: (323) 564-1151
Office Fax: (323) 564-5027
Lying in State:
8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Visitation with the family
10.00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Professional Services entrusted to:
Angelus Funeral Home
3875 S. Crenshaw Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90008
Phone: (323) 296-6666
Fax: (323) 296-1302
Interment:
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
1:00 p.m.
Palms Memorial Park
6701 North Jones Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89131
Phone: (702) 464-8460
Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Bobbye Henderson and family
10117 Los Padres Place
Las Vegas, NV 89134
Phone: (702) 243-0965
E-mail: bobbyej50@hotmail.com
Please remember Sister Bobbye Henderson and family in your prayers.
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs. Lynda Joyce Ellis Sanders went to be with the Lord on March 19, 2008. Mrs. Sanders was the wife of the Reverend Prince Sanders, a pastor in the Ninth Episcopal District, Alabama Annual Conference, Montgomery District.
Public viewing
Friday, march 28, 2008
After 12:00 noon, funeral home
Funeral service
Saturday, march 29, 2008
1:00 p.m.
Saint John A.M.E. Church
708 15th street, north
Birmingham, AL
The Rev. James r. Rumph, pastor
Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, eulogist
Funeral director:
Davenport and Harris Funeral Home
301 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SW
Birmingham, AL 35211
Ph 205-252-2103
Interment: Elmwood Cemetery
600 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SW
Birmingham, al 35211
Messages of comfort may be sent to:
The Reverend Prince Sanders & family
501 Avenue V
Birmingham, AL 35214
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of the Rev. Micah D. Chandler on Saturday, March 29, 2008. The Rev. Chandler was the pastor of Heard Chapel AME Church in Pembroke, Bermuda. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing - Saturday, April 5, 2008
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Heard Chapel AME Church
North Village, Pembroke
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Viewing and Funeral will be held at St. Paul AME Church
Corner of Court & Victoria Streets
Viewing - 2:00 to 2:255 p.m.
Homegoing Service 3:00 p.m.
Interment, St. John Anglican Church Cemetery, Pembroke
St. Paul AME Church
P. O. Box HM 361
(Corner of Court & Victoria Streets)
Hamilton HM Bermuda 12
Phone: 441-292-0505
Fax: 441-292-9247
The Rev. Lanel Guyton, Pastor
Bishop Richard F. Norris, Eulogist
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Donna-Lee Chandler
e-mail: acute@logic.bm
fax: 441-297-4381
or
St. Paul AME Church
See information above
19. 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
20. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of The Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement.
Archive of The Christian Recorder Online from 2004-2016; Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
