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. SUMMARY OF CONVO XI AND THE GENERAL BOARD MEETING:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
This is the report that was sent from CONVO XI and the General Board Meeting that was held in Dallas, Texas on April 14-16, 2008. The term, "CONVO" is an abbreviation for "Convocation."
Monday / Tuesday April 14/15, 2008
CONVO XI is exciting and the participants are energized to address the issues facing the African Methodist Episcopal Church. CONVO XI is also looking at issues relating to the upcoming General Conference that will be held in St. Louis July 3-12, 2008. The Right Reverend McKinley, President of the General Board is the Chair of CONVO XI.
Bishops, retired bishops, active and former episcopal supervisors, general officers, retired general officers, connectional officers, presiding elders, pastors and laity from across the connection are gathering at this moment in Dallas, Texas.
Issues being addressed by CONVO XI include Ministry and Ministry; Issues surrounding the Board of Examiners; Funding; Strategic Planning Update and Recommendations; Governance and Order Restructure, Reorganization, Redistricting and Reformation, Delegation and Representation at the General Conference; and a Legislative Preview for the 48th Quadrennial Session for the General Conference. Plenary and small group sessions served as venues to address the issues.
The Reverend N. Jordan Mkwanazi, pastor of Metropolitan AME Church in Austin, Texas delivered a superb sermon entitled, "A celebration of Trust."
The Reverend Jerome Harris, Executive Director, Annuity-Investments and Insurance will deliver the "Sending" sermon on Tuesday at the closing CONVO XI event.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
CONVO XI closed on late Tuesday afternoon.
The General Board Meeting of the African Methodist Episcopal Church opened last night (4/15/08) with a worship service led by clergy and laity from the Eleventh Episcopal District.
A memorial service was held this morning (4/16/04) in memory of the late Reverend Dr. Alfred Lee Henderson, retired Secretary-Treasurer of the AME Sunday School Union.
Dr. Richard A. Lewis, Treasurer and CFO of the AME Church made a PowerPoint presentation of the proposed general budget and his proposed budget recommendations to the General Conference. The Rev. C. Garnett is the Chair for Statistics and Finance.
The discussion and the requested points for clarification from the bishops and members of the General Board provoked a spirited discussion, which went well into the night.
A high-energy discussion involved the equitable compensation for the indigenous African bishops and also in response of the report from the AME Reinsurance Taskforce.
The budget report continued until almost 11 p.m.; the chair, Bishop McKinley Young, took a vote for adjournment and the members of the General Board voted unanimously for adjournment.
This morning, following the devotional, the budget discussion resumed.
The General Board agenda also received the report on the Task Force on Restructure and Reorganization, and the report of the Nominating Committee.
The General Board and CONVO XI have been exciting; and meetings like these are a "must attend" meeting for AME clergy and laity who consider themselves leaders. The last two days have been exciting.
The budget discussion, led by Dr. Richard Lewis, continues. He is challenging the AME Church to be fiscally responsible. He also stressed that the Church must always function with integrity. Bishop E. Earl McCloud called for the Church to be transparent about all of its income and expenditures.
It is proposed that The Christian Recorder be the venue for fiscal transparency by publishing submitted reports in the online and printed editions.
The proposed budget has been adopted as amended with modifications recommended by the members of the General Board. One modification involves the equitable salaries of the indigenous African bishops. The changes will be made without increasing the bottom-line budget recommended by Dr. Lewis. The amended budget will be submitted to the General Conference.
Bishop Daniels (14th Episcopal District) presented a $5000 budget check to Bishop Young.
Presiding Elder Larry Hinton also presented checks for a total of $10000 to SADA, the 8th District and to Bishop C. Garnett Henning.
Various accolades were given to various individuals. Bishop Henning said that 41 churches in the 8th Episcopal District have been restored.
The 11th Episcopal District gave accolades to Bishop McKinley Young.
2. THE 48TH QUADRENNIAL SESSION OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH GENERAL CONFERENCE NEWS WILL BE AVAILABLE DAILY:
The Christian Recorder, the official newspaper of the African Methodist Episcopal Church will provide daily coverage of General Conference that meets in St. Louis July 3-11.
The Christian Recorder will post General Conference news daily. The General Conference news coverage will be available in English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Dutch.
The ongoing coverage will be available both online and by e-mail.
The Christian Recorder subscribers will automatically receive all of the English-language news stories. Foreign language news stories will have to be requested. The Christian Recorder's coverage of the General Conference will allow subscribers to get the news almost as it happens during the course of the day. People who aren't currently subscribers but would like to receive this free service can sign up at www.the-christian-recorder.org.
All of the news team's content will be accessible at www.the-christian-recorder.org on July 4, 2008.
The Christian Recorder is looking into audio and video streaming.
3. BISHOP CAROLYN TYLER GUIDRY AND THE AME CHURCH RECEIVE GRATITUDE FROM THE GENERAL MINISTER AND PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST:
April 17, 2008
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Social Action Committee
African Methodist Episcopal Church
Dear Bishop Guidry:
On behalf of the United Church of Christ let me express our gratitude for your eloquent and timely defense of Trinity United Church of Christ and the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. This has been a challenging time for Trinity and for Dr. Wright. I know that the support they have experienced from within our denomination and from the ecumenical community has been deeply appreciated.
Please express to your colleague Bishops in the African Methodist Episcopal Church my appreciation for this important word of encouragement and hope.
Sincerely,
John H. Thomas
General Minister and President
United Church of Christ
700 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44115
4. THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY AS AN EVANGELISM TOOL:
Readers can a view news clip of the Reverend Ronald Slaughter’s sermon online at:
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=%22Ronald%20Slaughter%22&uploaded=w
You may go to the YouTube homepage and type in “Ronald Slaughter” (with quotation marks around his name), then choose Videos. Rev. Slaughter announces that St. Paul AME Church, Macon, Georgia media ministry is also in the process of launching a brand new website that will allow persons to view and purchase sermons.
5. 13TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT MID-YEAR CONFERENCE STORY “GETTING RESULTS”:
*Sister Valeria Cummings Swope
An earth shaking event took place in the city of Nashville, Tennessee in March as ministers, laity, missionaries and friends from across the mighty 13th Episcopal District gathered at Greater Bethel AME Church for the mid year conference. Led by the incomparable Rt. Rev. Vashti Murphy McKenzie the multitude was taken to higher heights as one minister after another testified to the goodness of the Lord.
This was supposed to be a business meeting, but somehow Bishop McKenzie found a way to make it much more than that. It began with the Thursday night opening worship service where Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr., Presiding prelate of the 9th Episcopal District of the CME church, stirred up souls as he preached what saith the Lord.
Bright and early Friday morning, Elder Lynette Hawkins, a Presbyterian elder, author and life coach, led the conference’s first session entitled, Getting Results: Attracting, Reaching and Keeping People in the church! This was a much needed question and answer session on what works and what doesn’t work in churches when it comes to various ministries and projects, and why it’s important to be in tune to the needs of your church and the community in which it serves. Elder Hawkins challenged all those in the workshop to go home and take a second look at their congregations to see what they could be doing to bring more members into their church homes.
As many of us sat and ponder those thoughts, the Rev. Troy I Thomas, newly appointed pastor of Historic St. Paul AME Church, Lexington, Kentucky was preparing himself to “Just Preach Jesus.” And that’s exactly what Rev. Thomas did as he took his message from the pulpit right into the aisles of the church, causing members to jump to their feet in shouts of hallelujah and praise the Lord.
But it didn’t stop there, following an afternoon of various organizational meetings, we were ready for another dose of Holy Ghost power, and we got it in the form of the Rev. Floyd Flake, Pastor of Allen Cathedral, Jamaica, New York. Rev. Flake electrified the church as he spoke on “New Life for a Dead Church” and how important it is to let go and let God in to make things happen.
Early Saturday morning the 1000 Prayer Warriors were up praying for Results. On their hills came the Rev. Dr. Dennis Vernon Proctor, pastor of Pennsylvania Avenue AMEZ Church in Baltimore, Maryland. Rev. Proctor wrapped up the mid-year conference with a look at Acts 3:1-10 as he preached on “Look at Us.” Shouts of joy could be heard all across Greater Bethel as Rev. Proctor’s powerful message touched every soul.
Bishop McKenzie then led a very lively discussion on proposed legislation for the upcoming 48th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference. The conference came to a close with reports from the various components, pastoral appointments and the benediction.
This was a meeting about results and those who attended the conference came away with a renewed spirit and a belief that results will happen and are happening right now. The 13th Episcopal District has forever been changed thanks to the leadership of Bishop McKenzie and Supervisor Stan McKenzie.
*Sister Valeria Cummings Swope is the 13th Episcopal District Reporter
6. THE 13TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT MISSIONARY RETREAT ACHIEVES NEW HEIGHTS:
*Sister Valeria Cummings Swope
The year, 2008 is the year of change for missionaries across the 13th Episcopal District as women of all ages work to get their minds, bodies and spirits on a whole new level. It’s a challenge Supervisor Stan McKenzie brought to the district four years ago, and one that the missionaries are achieving.
Supervisor Stan’s vision came to light when nearly 200 missionaries from across the 13th Episcopal District gathered in Nashville, Tennessee for the annual Missionary Retreat. The theme for this year, Managing Well--Mind, Body, Spirit, permeated throughout the weekend as the 13th District Missionary President, Lesa Halfacre, led the campaign from sun up to sundown with spirit filled services, workshops and entertainment.
It all began Friday night with an inspiring message from South Memphis District Presiding Elder Linda Thomas. Rev. Thomas stirred our souls as she talked about rising above it all and learning to let go what we can’t control.
On Saturday morning, the Prayer Warriors were up bright and early calling on Almighty God to rain down on the meeting. God did just that through the Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant who electrified the participants by making them examine themselves and the service they give. Rev. Bryant had each of us take a good look at what we give in terms of service to the Lord and what holds us back. She had the entire congregation on its feet praising God, and shouting hallelujah as she reached out to help those in need through prayer.
The workshops were superb as workshop leaders dealt with such subjects as relaxation, stopping the madness when it comes to school violence; and managing well as YPD Directors.
Saturday night the missionaries were taken to a new level through the phenomenal performance of Barry Scott as he paid a special tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Then came Sunday morning when a young, up-and-coming star in the ministry stood before the multitude to declare it was time to “Remix the Resurrection.” Rev. Vashti-Jasmine Murphy McKenzie, daughter of Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie and Supervisor Stan McKenzie, took her text from Acts 2:42-47 as she talked about keeping Jesus resurrection alive today.
Our minds, bodies and spirits are better off after attending this retreat thanks to great support and participation from all levels of leadership, including Bishop McKenzie and Supervisor Stan, 13th District Missionary President, Lesa Halfacre, District Missionary Presidents and YPD Directors, Conference Presidents and YPD Directors, as well as Presiding Elders and their wives.
*Sister Valeria Cummings Swope is the 13th Episcopal District Reporter
7. DR. MONICA COLEMAN, AN AME PROFESSOR AT LUTHERAN SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AT CHICAGO RECEIVES WABASH CENTER SUMMER RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP:
The Rev. Dr. Monica A. Coleman, assistant professor of systematic theology was awarded a $7,000 Summer Research Fellowship by the Wabash Center for her proposal “Faith Responses to Depressive Conditions among Black Women.”
The project will investigate black women’s narratives of their depressive conditions, both unipolar and bipolar forms of the disease, and the theological issues that emerge from their experiences with depression. Dr. Coleman is collaborating on this study with Dr. Lee Butler of Chicago Theological Seminary, Dr. Ann Pederson of Augustana College (Sioux Falls, S.D.), and Dr. Kathleen Greider of Claremont School of Theology.
Dr. Coleman holds degrees from Harvard University, Vanderbilt University Divinity School and Claremont Graduate University. She is an ordained elder in the Michigan Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. In addition to many scholarly articles and book chapters, her work with congregations to respond to sexual violence resulted in the book The Dinah Project: A Handbook for Congregational Response to Sexual Violence.
During the 2007-08 academic year, Dr. Coleman participated in the Wabash Center Teaching and Learning Workshop for pre-tenured theological school faculty members. Workshop topics included course design, student learning styles, ethics in the classroom, teaching to prepare ministers, and issues of tenure preparation
Before joining LSTC’s faculty, Dr. Coleman held the position of assistant professor of religion and director of Womanist religious studies at Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, N.C. The African-American Pulpit, a nondenominational preaching and ministry journal recently named Dr. Coleman one of the ‘Top 20 to Watch” in “The New Generation of Leading Clergy: Preachers Under 40.”
Her areas of teaching competency include but are not limited to systematic theology, 19th Century philosophical theology, process theology, feminist and womanist theologies, and African American religions.
The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago prepares women and men to proclaim the good news of God’s love in Jesus Christ to all people. Its approximately 350 students come from all parts of the United States and from around the world to study in the masters level and advanced studies programs. Graduates become pastors, other church leaders, and university and seminary professors. LSTC is a seminary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and a member of the Association of Chicago Theological Schools, allowing students to cross-register among the 12 member seminaries and drawing on a wealth of ecumenical resources. LSTC enjoys a number of cooperative arrangements with the University of Chicago. To learn more about the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, visit www.lstc.edu.
Jan Boden, jboden@lstc.edu
8. FORGIVENESS AND THE ADDICTION OF “ENJOYING PAIN” - REFLECTIONS ON THE REV. JEREMIAH WRIGHT CONTROVERSY - ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE:
By: Brother (Dr.) T. Carlton Richardson, Exhorter
Prayer Leader, 2nd Episcopal District-AMEC
Word: "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly [Creator] will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your [Creator] forgive your trespasses" (Mat. 6:14-15, Jesus).
Prayer: Be with all humanity LORD, as a loving presence; inspire us with new vision; reveal the ‘truth’ to us in ways that each one of us can understand. This is a prayer in Your name, O God Creator, Son and Spirit, in Your name. Amen.
I received an article from a beloved brother friend (Pro. 17:17) whose friendship I have enjoyed since 1964, and who is my oldest daughter’s (b. 1970) Godfather, about the Rev. Jeremiah Wright controversy. Incidentally, my friend is a lay minister in the United Church of Christ (Wright’s denomination or “connection”) and served for several years on its governing board. The writer argues that, while Wright’s sermonic excerpts of a racist and unpatriotic nature were “inexcusable and inappropriate and should be condemned,” one cannot call Wright unpatriotic because of his voluntary military service with distinction and because other political leaders (e.g., Vice President Cheney, President Bush, and former President Bill Clinton) who are Euro-Americans avoided military service because of their connections. Moreover, the writer says, the chorus of “criticisms, condemnations, denouncements and rejections of [Wright’s] comments and [of Wright] him[self]” being heard in the media and over the Internet is excessive, an overkill under the circumstances. My friend asked for my comments. Here’s what I wrote him:
There are consequences to forgiveness. Service or non-service in the military has nothing to do with being patriotic. Subtly, the writer is playing the race and social standing card. The issue, I think, is whether the opinion of one's spiritual leader is indicative of the candidate involved? In President Kennedy’s situation as the first serious presidential contender to be Catholic, because the Pope opposed abortion, should Kenney have had to justify the Pope's theological position? Of course not! Purely and simply, I believe that the Rev. Jeremiah Wright controversy is a subtle use of race and the outward expression of the subconscious fear that Euro-Americans have of African American males, i.e., that retribution will come to them based upon the prior injustices of their forebears.
Perhaps, Wright may not have forgiven European Americans for their transgressions against people of color, and he should for his own mental, emotional and spiritual health.
As Christians we are commanded to forgive, if we are to be forgiven by God. Unforgiveness is a barrier to being heard in prayer by God. In other words, God does not hear the prayers of unrepentant sinners [John 9:31; Isa. 1:15, 59:1-2; 2 Chr. 7:14; Psa. 66:18; Cf. 1 John 3:22-23; Pro. 15:29], therefore confession [Luke 18:10-14 (Pharisee-tax collector parable); Jam. 5:16] and repentance [cf. 2 Chr. 7:14; John 8:11] as well as forgiveness, asked and received of God and given to the believer’s offender [Mark 11:25-26; Mat. 6:14-15], are indispensable to being heard by God.
Rev. Wright, especially as an ordained minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (and we who are African American ‘ministers to one another’) must stop 'enjoying the pain' of the past injustices, for that's an addiction that interferes with our being the best person or people that God created us to be. Rev. Wright must stop 'enjoying the pain' so that he can begin healing and become an even greater preacher and brother with a ‘heart for God’ (cf. Acts 13:22).
I have no problem with forgiveness, as long as one knows that with forgiveness one must accept the consequences of one's acts, intended or not. Are European Americans willing to acknowledge the systematic rape of female slaves (and to a much lesser degree males were sexually abused hetero- and homosexually; and had to remain silent for reasons of safety and shame--witness the homophobia endemic to the Caribbean Islands, which I submit, is because, in part, of the homosexual abuse of males during slavery, for native persons of African descent people had a healthy understanding of sexuality and its various expressions); and [2] the economic benefits that has and continues to accrue to European Americans because of their economic (and social) advantages that resulted solely because of their race, and their inability to want to provide restitution for the ill gotten gains, whether tangible or intangible, whether direct or indirect.
Helping Those Addicted to Stop Enjoying Their Pain] As pastoral (“in God’s name”) counselors – ministers to one another, in the words of Martin Luther, the founder of Protestantism, “a priesthood of believers” -- and within our daily lives we must be alert to people who ‘enjoy their pain.’ Constantly repeating ‘negative’ things does not help us heal, for negative destroys and positive builds. “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the LORD” (Rom. 12:19 NRS). It is no less idolatrous to make ‘idols’ of things, as to make ‘idols’ of our emotions. And we are to have no ‘gods’ before the God of our creation.
Recounting ‘painful’ experiences can be addictive, just like any other substance or behavior. Listening to another’s injustices and being empathetic might in time make us ‘enablers.’ For the person in need (PIN) does not recognize that they actually are ‘enjoying the pain’ by repeating the injustice, but more than likely believe that they are entitled to have vindication for the wrong perpetrated. Unconditional forgiveness is the key to becoming whole and being healed, i.e. finding that “peace in the valley”; for the condition of life is “suffering,” whether from conflicts internally, externally or eternally.
However, our adverse circumstances must not be allowed to control us. We are to make of those adverse circumstances a “servant.” God allows our suffering in life in order that we make it our “servant” (cf. John 9:2-3), that our imperfections, whether objectively real or imposed by external standards beyond our control (e.g. racial, gender and other prejudices) are to be used by us to ‘glorify God’!
One way we deny our adverse circumstances control over our responses to life’s suffering is by rejecting the natural inclination to ‘enjoy the pain’ and by recognizing that our complaining and recounting of “evil” against us for what it is: an addiction! If we did not ‘enjoy the pain,’ we would not repeat the ‘hurt’ situation since as humans we are hot wired for “joyful” experiences, doing good and receiving good. Therefore, we must, as the biblical Joseph did, let it go and stop ‘enjoying the pain’ for “even though … intended to do harm …, God intended it for good” (Gen. 50:20 NRS)!
Therefore, as for the Rev. Wright matter, let us have the religious community establish a Reconciliation Commission in the South African model and deal with the past pain and injustices in an open and frank manner so that healing can occur. And so that we, both African and non-African people, can stop “enjoying the pain” of actual and perceived injustices. We can forgive one another, God being our Helper.
*Brother(Dr.) T. Carlton Richardson of Washington, DC, a missionary Exhorter of the AME Church and a prayer apostle/teacher since August 1997
9. COMMENTARY: DEVELOPING A NEW UNITED METHODIST CHURCH HYMNAL IN HARMONY:
*A UMNS Commentary by Dean McIntyre
What might a new United Methodist hymnal look like in the United States?
Which hymns will be included? Will we sing or speak the psalms? What worship services will be included? Will we call God mother or father--or both?
Will it be another printed book for the pew racks or will the hymnal be on a CD for projecting onto screens? Will we download the songs needed each Sunday from a Web site? Will we have hymns and songs in many languages?
Will a new hymnal include more contemporary praise and worship songs and choruses? How about some rap, responsories, revival songs or reciting tones? Will it have more newly composed hymns in traditional style? Will we lose or gain Wesley hymns? Will the texts of Wesley be simplified and set to contemporary music? Will it have melody only, four-part harmony, or keyboard accompaniment with guitar chords? Will old favorite hymns be dropped to make room for the new songs and choruses?
The directors of both the United Methodist Board of Discipleship and the United Methodist Publishing House have proposed to the 2008 General Conference that now is the time to begin production of a new United Methodist hymnal for the United States. They also have proposed a four-year study into the need for and possible publication of an official United Methodist hymnal for African-American and Africana congregations.
In 2007, the Board of Discipleship and the Publishing House completed a four-year study of the church's music and worship needs, primarily those associated with congregational song. The complete study report is available online at www.gbod.org/worship/musicstudy. In addition, the Board of Discipleship recently completed a series of research surveys related to music and worship practices and the United Methodist hymnal. Those results are available at www.gbod.org/hymnal.
What people think
These studies and research surveys are valuable in finding out what the people, pastors and musicians think about these and other issues related to worship, congregational singing and our hymnal. They help agencies and editorial committees understand what are the practices, trends, desires and needs in the local congregation. They help agencies and publishers remain responsive to the present, anticipate the future and stay faithful to the past as they plan new worship and music resources.
The studies and research, however, are only part of the complete picture. There are numerous other considerations in planning a new hymnal and other resources. A survey is completed by one individual, but a hymnal is for millions of individuals and thousands of diverse communities with numerous backgrounds. The church includes people of all ages and races, both genders, urban and rural, large and small congregations.
More questions: What are the denomination's membership demographics today and what are they projected to be over the next generation? What is the current state of technology and how does that compare with the technological capacity in the local church? What price will ensure affordability for customers, as well as ensure the publisher's ability to recoup the hymnal's research, editorial and production costs and fund future publishing efforts?
The recent surveys, then, are an important planning tool. However, understanding what worshipers, pastors and musicians are thinking reveals only part of the picture.
With that in mind, here are just a few of the statistics and findings from recent surveys:
-The top three favorites in the current United Methodist Hymnal are "Amazing Grace," "Here I Am, Lord" and "How Great Thou Art."
-The top three favorite hymns from The Faith We Sing songbook are "The Summons," "I'll Fly Away" and "As the Deer."
-The top favorite of United Methodists under 30 is "Be Thou My Vision."
-The No. 1 requested hymn to include in a new hymnal: "Eternal Father, Strong to Save."
-Top three requests to include an updated United Methodist Hymnal or in The Faith We Sing: "Love Lifted Me," "Open the Eyes of My Heart" and "God Bless America."
Others findings indicate that the:
Most frequently sung non-Christmas hymns over the past three years are "Amazing Grace," "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" and "Blessed Assurance."
Most frequent songs from The Faith We Sing are "Shine, Jesus, Shine," "Sanctuary" and "They'll Know We Are Christians by Our Love."
-Ten percent of pastors, worship planners and chief musicians expressed interest in multiple languages in the Psalter.
-Thirty-six percent prefer the Psalter as it is now presented, 27 percent prefer not to include the chanting, 38 percent would like Psalms set as hymns and songs.
-Seventy-five percent would like to have Healing Services in the hymnal.
-The least-used worship service in the hymnal is Word and Table IV, unused by 34 percent.
-Forty-three percent want more praise choruses in the hymnal; 34 percent do not.
-Seventy percent sing the melodies of our hymns; 61 percent will sing harmony when it is provided.
-Seventy percent are comfortable using male-only language for God, 25 percent are comfortable using female language for God, and 42 percent are comfortable using male or female language for God.
-Twenty-eight percent prefer to sing lyrics on a screen; 70 percent prefer to use a hymnal or songbook.
-Sixty-five percent prefer Wesley texts with their traditional tunes; 33 percent prefer contemporary tunes.
*McIntyre is the director of music resources for the United Methodist Board of Discipleship in Nashville, Tenn.
News media contact: Linda Green, (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
*Used with permission of the United Methodist News Service
10. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
- The Rev. Dr. Eric Brown, Presiding Elder of the Allegheny/Scranton District - Pittsburgh Conference, Third Episcopal District was married to Margo Allen at a private ceremony on Monday, April 7, 2008.
Congratulatory greetings can be sent to:
The Rev. Dr. & Mrs. Eric L. Brown
641 Penny Drive
PO Box 17063
Pittsburgh, PA 15235-0063
Or email: eebrown2003@aol.com
Rev. Wesley Legolie, Pastor of Victory AME Church, Worcester, South Africa, and Mrs. Jo-Ann Legolie proudly announce the birth of their second child. Their newest addition, a son, Wesley A. D Legolie IV was born on Friday, April 4th at 02h02 a.m., weighing 3.54 kg. Older sister, Juaretha (age 2) is excited to have a little brother!
Best wishes may be sent to:
The Rev. Wesley Legolie & Mrs. J. Legolie
20 Goetham Street
Paarl, South Africa 7646
Telephone: + 27 21 862 2204
Cell: 072 872 7545
Email: legolie@mweb.co.za
- Troy Rhodes Merritt and Ashley Graham Merritt of Nashville, Tennessee proudly announce the birth of their first child. Malia Frances Merritt was born on Monday, March 31, 2008 at 10:54 p.m., weighing 5 lbs, 13ozs.
Troy Rhodes Merritt is the son of the Rev. Troy Merritt, Jr., Presiding Elder, South Nashville District, Tennessee Annual Conference and Mrs. Brenda Rhodes Merritt.
Best wishes may be sent to:
Mr. and Mrs. Troy R. Merritt
414 N 17th Street
Nashville, TN 37206
Email: tmerrit1@bellsouth.net
- Mother Elvia Y. Eve, the First Lady of the Bermuda Annual Conference, and Bethel A.M.E. Church, Shelly Bay, Bermuda; wife of the Presiding Elder, Rev. Malcolm L. Eve of Bermuda was recently awarded the 'Boundless Missionary Award' by the Connectional Women's Missionary Society in Gratitude and Appreciation for Service in God's Vineyard, beyond your Boundaries. The award was presented to Mother Eve for her entireness work as far away as Livingstone, Zambia from the island of Bermuda.
Mother Elvia Y. Eve spearheaded a Fund Raiser to build a Pre-School, and soon a Primary School Building consisting of seven (7) classrooms will be completed. Four Primary Classrooms are already completed and in use. The remaining building a 1 x 3 classroom is scheduled to be completed and opened on the 12th of May.
Congratulatory messages may be emailed to Mother Elvia Y. Eve: eyeve@logic.bm
- The Reverend Mary F. Peterson successfully defended her doctoral dissertation at the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio on March 31, 2008. She will be awarded the D.Min degree at the commencement exercises to be held on May 24, 2008.
Rev. Peterson is the pastor of Clover Garden AME Church in Burlington NC; Western District-Western North Carolina Conference, 2nd Episcopal District; Rev. Dr. Benjamin S. Foust, Presiding Elder and Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Presiding Prelate.
Congratulatory messages may be emailed to Rev. Peterson: peterson2939@bellsouth.net
- The Reverend Leo Chapman, Jr. and his wife Mrs. Mattie D. Chapman will celebrate thirty years of marriage on April 29th. Reverend Chapman is the Pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Dillion, South Carolina, in the Northeast Conference, Seventh Episcopal District.
Congratulatory messages for the Rev. and Mrs. Chapman can be e-mailed to: LMNC3@aol.com
11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are sad to announce the passing of the Rev. Roy McCloud on April 17, 2008. Rev. McCloud was the pastor of Florala-Lockhart Circuit (South Alabama Conference; Florala, AL) and the Son of retired Presiding Elder J.F. McCloud, the cousin of Bishop E. Earl McCloud.
Funeral Information:
Saturday, April 19, 2008 at 1:00p.m.
Parks Chapel AME Church
1053 E. Selma St.
Dothan, AL 363601
The Rev. Oliver Allen, pastor
Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, Eulogist
Funeral Home:
Allen Funeral Home
1039 N. Range St.
Dothan, AL 36303
Condolences may be sent to:
McCloud Family
105 Sandale Dr.
Dothan, AL 36303
334-983-0196
12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We sadly announce the passing of Mrs. Clara Mae Tibbs on Tuesday, April 8, 2008. Mrs. Tibbs was the sister of the Reverend Everhart Walker, pastor of Allen Chapel AME Church in Moreland, Kentucky and Wilson Chapel AME Church in Parksville, Kentucky. The Reverend Walker is a former Presiding Elder of the Lexington District.
Visitation
Thursday, April 17, 2008
3:00 to 8:00 p.m.
O.H. Pye, III Funeral Home
17600 Plymouth Road
Detroit, Michigan 48227
313-838-9700
Homegoing Services
Friday, April 18, 2008
11:00 a.m.
Ebenezer AME Church
5151 W. Chicago Street
Detroit, Michigan 48204
Contact Information
Reverend Everhart Walker
4620 Alum Springs Road
Danville, Kentucky 40422
859-236-3166
godfather@bellsouth.net
13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Announcing with regret the passing of Sister Nettie Northington, wife of Mr. Wilber Northington (former Music Teacher and Choir Director at Paul Quinn College), sister of the late Presiding Elder John DeLeon Walker & Rev. C.J. Walker-Pastor of Walker Temple AME Church-San Antonio, Texas and the aunt of the Rev. Joan V. Walker-Nickerson, pastor of Stephen AME Church-Fort Worth, Texas.
Homegoing Services for Sister Nettie Northington:
1:00 P.M.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Trinity Episcopal Parish
501 S. Cincinnati
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103
Sister Nettie Northington's final earthly care has been entrusted to:
Butler-Stumpff Funeral Home
2103 E 3rd Street
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74104
Condolences may be sent to:
Mr. Wilber Northington (Husband)
744 N. Denver
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74106
Ms. Billie R. Mathis (Daughter)
Member of Young Chapel AME Church-Austin, Texas
8109 Boggy Ridge Dr
Austin, TX 78748
The Rev. C. J. Walker (Brother)
12427 la Albada Street
San Antonio, TX 78233-5934
Or
The Rev. Joan V. Nickerson (Niece)
6324 Forest Knoll Trail
Dallas, Texas 75232
14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are sad to announce the passing of the Rev. James A. Nendom.
The family of the late Rev. James A. Hendon will receive friends on Friday, April 18, 2008 at Sledge Funeral Home; 210 S. Bellview Avenue, Fayetteville, TN from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
The funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at Shorter Chapel AME Church, Tullahoma, TN. The Rev. David Strong will be the eulogist.
Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery, Tullahoma, TN.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made payable to Berry Chapel AMEC in care of Rev. J. A. Hendon.
Mail donations to:
Berry Chapel AMEC
P.O. Box 118
Lynchburg TN. 37352
15. 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
16. 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
