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
BREAKING NEWS: All of the police officers involved in the Sean Bell trial were found “not guilty.”
Editor’s Note: So what else is new? I cannot remember when policemen, especially white policemen have been found guilty of killing black men; or a black woman, for that matter. So, I am not surprised at the verdict.
1. EDITORIAL - WHY? WHY? WHY ARE SO MANY PASTORS, CHURCH OFFICERS AND CHURCH SCHOOL TEACHERS ABSENT?:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
The 2008 Annual Ministries in Christian Education Training/Planning Meeting is being held in Columbus, Ohio. The attendance is good, but not as great as it should be. This important meeting should be a “sold out turn folks away” meeting, but it’s not. Pastors, local church leaders and church school teachers should be here so that they can be exposed to strategies for growing Christian Education in the local church. Presiding elders from across the AMED Church should be here. Where are they?
And, since the meeting is being held in the Third Episcopal District, I would have expected, at least, that most of the Third District pastors and a significant number of Third District church school workers, would have been here, but they are not. Where are they?
I am afraid that the AME Church does not value Christian Education and its importance to congregational growth. Christian Education is an important component to attracting youth and adults. I suspect that many of churches have abdicated Christian Education to a subordinate position behind the music ministry and “getting our praise on.” Many of our church schools are dying.
Many of our church school teachers, who do not have the benefit of attending meetings such as this meeting in Columbus, still use the “read and tell us what you think” method of teaching church school lessons. Neither young people nor adults learn from such antiquated pedagogical methods. Additionally, some of our churches are incorporating non-Methodist materials without any thought or analysis of their theological and doctrinal content.
Training, training and more training is needed if we are going to resurrect our Christian Education ministry. Our YPD program has fallen by the wayside and many of our church schools are just barely limping along.
It is training meetings like the one being held in Columbus planned by Dr. Daryl Ingram and his staff that will help the AME Church to turn around Christian Education and make it the vibrant ministry that it can, and should be to attract youth and adults; but the folks who recognize the need for change will need to be in attendance. We need to take the time to attend and invest the funds to send people to a meaningful event, such as this one.
As my sister-in-law, the Reverend Cheryl L. Hoskins says, “If you want to eat, you’ve got to sit at the table.” We need more of our pastors, church officers and church school educators to “sit at the “Ministries in Christian Education” table.”
2. THE ANNUAL MINISTRIES IN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION TRAINING/PLANNING MEETING 2008:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
The Annual Ministries in Christian Education Training/Planning Meeting 2008, being held in Columbus, Ohio began on Thursday, April 24 and will end on Saturday, April 26, 2008. The Right Reverend Robert Vaughn Webster is the chair of the Commission on Christian Education. The Rev. Dr. Daryl Ingram is the Executive Director of the Christian Education Department.
The AME Health Commission is a collaborator of the meeting. The right Reverend Paul J.M. Kawimbe is the chair of the Health Commission. The Reverend Dr. Miriam J. Burnett is the Medical director for the Health Commission and the Ms. Gwen Williams is he Executive Director of the Health Commission.
The theme for this year’s training is, “Influencing the World for the Cause of Christ.”
The attendees are excited about the training, preaching and the fellowship that takes place at AME meetings. The scheduled preachers are the Reverend Dr. Jerome Harris, Presiding Elder Eric L. Brown, Dr. Dennis Dickerson and the Reverend Dr. Frederick Wright
Dr. Vergel Lattimore is the leader for the Bible Study and the plenary sessions are being led by Dr. Reginald Blount and the Rev. Dr. Miriam J. Burnett. An HIV/AIDS discussion is planned for one of the Friday sessions. The Reverend D. L. Anthony Gatewood and the Rev. Ernest J. Garrison are the instructors for the Church School and Christian Education Certification Classes.
Scheduled workshop leaders for the CE Training / Planning Meeting are, the Reverends Dr. Dennis Dickerson, Richard A. Lewis, Clement W. Fugh, Johnny Barbour, Jr., George F. Flowers, James C Wade and Calvin H. Sydnor III.
Two of yesterday’s workshops, one led by Dr. Johnny Barbour entitled, “Ways to Teach and Encourage Social Justice and Advocacy” was interactive and the participants shared ideas and concerns, one of which was for churches to set up debate team competition where young people could explore and debate social justice issues. The other led by Dr. Clement Fugh, entitled, “Teaching Methods for Children, Youth and Young Adults” stressed the importance of involving youth and young adults in the full-life of the local church.
The participants from the Health Commission include Sister Gwen Williams, RN, the Reverend Miriam Burnett, MD, Dr. Karen Toll Goldstene, and Ms Erica Taylor.
Dr. Jerome Harris, Executive Director of the Department of Annuity, insurance and investment, AME Church, delivered and inspiring and dynamic keynote sermon.
The Rev. Dr. Eric brown, presiding elder of the Allegheny/Scranton District delivered a powerful sermon about of having confidence and believing that you can be what God has in mind for you to be; and that you do not have to be limited by your past or by what people think about you.
Bishop Webster delivered comments about the importance of Christian Education and encouraged pastors and local church leaders to incorporate Christian Education into every facet of the local church ministry. Dr. Ingram said that the purpose of the meeting is to “plan the work and witness of Christian Education for 2008-2009.” He went on to share that the nurturing support of the Third Episcopal District led by Bishop Webster, Dr. Otis Gordon, Episcopal District Christian Education Board Chair and the Rev. Charlotte Evans, Episcopal District Christian Education Director was invaluable to the success of this year’s Ministries in Christian Education Training Meeting.
Bishops Richard Allen Chappelle, Gregory G.M. Ingram, and Zedekiah Grady encouraged the MEC meeting with their presence.
3. SEARCH FOFR AN AME CHURCH IN YOUR AREA OR WHEN YOU ARE TRAVELING:
http://www.ame-church.com/directory/
4. MINISTER HONORED FOR BEING OUTSTANDING:
Congratulations to the Rev. Dr. Henry E. Green Jr, spiritual leader of Mt. Hermon AME Church in Miami Gardens, on being honored as an outstanding south Florida minister and community leader.
5. ANTIOCH AME CHURCH, STONE MOUNTAIN, GEORGIA CELEBRATES GOD WITH THE RIGHT REVERENDS WILLIAM P. DEVEAUX, SARAH DAVIS, AND JOHN BRYANT:
Staff Writer, Jarrett Britton Washington
Antioch African Methodist Episcopal Church, under the leadership of The Reverend Dr. Stafford J. Wicker, recently hosted three Bishops of African Methodism. Bishops William P. DeVeaux, Bishop Sarah Davis, and Bishop John Bryant graced the pulpit of Antioch AME Church. Each leader brought creative flair to the preaching moment. worshippers were moved to testify to God’s amazing power through the ministry of each of God’s anointed leaders of the Church.
Bishop William Philips DeVeaux, the presiding prelate of the 6th Episcopal District, preached the congregation waited in great anticipation for the Bishop’s word. The atmosphere of the service was one filled with the holy presence of our God. Before Bishop DeVeaux graced the pulpit; Pastor Wicker invited Dr. Pam DeVeaux to offer words of greetings to the waiting congregation. With dynamic authority Dr. DeVeaux began singing the words “I woke up this morning with my mind stayed on Jesus.” Immediately the congregation was moved to join with Dr. DeVeaux in her testimony.
Antioch AME Church family was also favored with the dignified presence of Bishop Sarah Davis, presiding prelate of the 18th Episcopal District. Bishop Davis’ warm spirit and Godly demeanor was captured by everyone in her presence. She spoke with intelligible zeal for the God of our Fathers and Mothers. Bishop Davis touched on the heart strings of every congregant; There was not a dry eye in the congregation as the Bishop articulated the divinely inspired words for the congregation. In her message Bishop Davis argued that we as African Americans have been privileged by the opportunities afforded us by our communities and churches; there is now greater need for us to turn our attentions to persons in foreign lands. Bishop Davis articulated that we are at a pinnacle point in our lives where we can either help or hurt those of the African Diaspora.
At the charge given to the congregation by Bishop Davis, Pastor Wicker was moved to proclaim that the Antioch AME Church family would sponsor the tuition of 50 students in the 18th Episcopal District. After confirming the tuition of the 50 young people in the 18th Episcopal District, Pastor Wicker and the leadership of Antioch decided to also aid in the sponsorship of uniforms for young children in the 18th Episcopal District. God’s name be praised!
Bishop John Bryant, presiding prelate of the Fifth Episcopal District, visited two of the three Antioch Campuses. Bishop Bryant was able to be in service at Antioch’s newest acquisition, the Antioch Conyers’ location at the early morning service and preached at the South Hairston Road location during the 11 a.m. worship service. Known throughout African Methodism as a preacher extraordinaire, Bishop Bryant preached with power, passion, and conviction. His sermon led souls to be transformed and revived to do a new work in this new year. At the close of his sermon many congregants met him at the altar to declare the appreciation of his words and for many the renewing of their faith.
The Reverend Dr. Stafford J. Wicker is a candidate for Episcopal Service in 2008. Very evident in his ministry is his care and attention to honor the gifts of God through the celebration of God’s servants. The vision of his candidacy rests on the fact that congregants and ministers must be prepared physically and spiritually through the various elements of our Zion as exemplified by the preaching and teaching of Bishop DeVeaux, Bishop Davis, and Bishop Bryant. Reverend Wicker firmly believes in the church of Allen and the accomplishments, through God, that have been made thus far and the potential to go even further. In the words of Pastor Wicker: “I find comfort in knowing that I have been called to assist God in the perfecting of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. “ For additional information regarding the candidacy of Reverend Wicker, please visit his website at www.wickerforbishop.com.
*Brother Jarrett Washington is employed as the youth and young adult ministries coordinator at Antioch African Methodist Episcopal Church and works vigorously on the “Wicker for Bishop Campaign” efforts. He is a graduating senior at Turner Theological Seminary at the ITC in Atlanta, GA where he is a candidate for the Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Christian Education (MACE). He is the immediate past president of the 7th Episcopal District YPD and Turner Student Fellowship.
6. BETHEL AME CHURCH, COLUMBIA, S.C. - NEW SCHOOL BUILDING DEDICATION - THE SCHOOL THE LORD BUILT:
By Veronica-Carol Brailsford and Warren Bolton, Associate Editor for The State Newspaper
What does it take for a church to build, maintain and grow a vibrant, productive school that rises up bright, successful, spiritually balanced children? God must be in it. That was the heart of the message Bishop Preston Warren Williams II, Presiding Prelate of the Seventh Episcopal District, delivered at the Dedication Worship Service for the new school building at Bethel A.M.E. Church, Columbia, S.C. where the Rev. Dr. Ronnie Elijah Brailsford, Sr., serves as pastor
Bishop Williams echoed the truth of Psalm 127:1: “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” He said just as a baker mixes a cake, those who build churches must use the right ingredients, or the outcome could be disastrous. Above all, the Lord must be in the midst.
Bishop Williams’ remarks highlighted a day of celebration as Bethel A.M.E. under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Ronnie Elijah Brailsford, Sr., 2008 candidate for bishop, rejoiced over the campus’ new $3 million educational facility. This new 12,000 square feet facility will allow Bethel Learning Centers to serve nearly 400 students through its Child Development Center.
The Bethel Learning Centers opened 12 years ago, with one director, one teacher and one student, David, the 3-year-old son of the Rev. Dr. Brailsford and the Rev. Carolyn E. Brailsford. Today, it serves over 300 students. The Christian-based learning centers include a uniformed preschool, an academy and an after school that serves children ages 8 weeks to fifth grade. It is one of only three predominantly African-American elementary schools accredited by the South Carolina Independent Schools Association.
It was inevitable that God would call the Rev. Dr. Brailsford to serve over the building of such a school. Pastor Brailsford noted at the dedication ceremony that several of his family members joined the fight in Clarendon County – the Briggs vs. Elliott case – that led to the 1954 landmark decision of Brown vs. Board of Education to desegregate this nation’s public schools. “Education was in my DNA before I was ever born,” he said.
The worship and dedication service drew church members, school supporters and local and state dignitaries. Among those in attendance were state Sen. Darrell Jackson, Columbia Mayor Bob Coble, and City Council members E.W. Cromartie and Ann Sinclair. Also in attendance were Rev. Sandy W. Drayton (Presiding Elder of the Columbia District), Rev. Joseph Postell (Presiding Elder of the Newberry-Spartanburg District), and Brother Norman Deas, President of the Seventh Episcopal District Lay Organization, whose remarks stirred a roaring ovation. “Countless children will enter Bethel in pursuit of the American dream. Unfortunately, Dr. Brailsford, you will not be here,” he said. “Like Jabez, we join you in asking God to enlarge your territory to the episcopacy of the A.M.E. Church.”
This is just one of the major accomplishments that have taken place during pastor Brailsford’s leadership. A leadership that is defined by perpetual motion and progress has continued during his tenure at Bethel, his arrival at Bethel AME Church at 1528 Sumter Street on December 6, 1992, marked the beginning of a renaissance in the life and works of the church. His initial fifteen plus years has been highlighted by exceptional spiritual, numerical, and financial asset growth. Sixty-two (62) new ministries have been established. More than 1,700 persons have joined the church. Over $8,000,000.00 (eight million) in assets has been added to the church. This includes the $3,000,000.00 new school building project completed in 2008. Under his leadership in 1995, Bethel relocated to 819 Woodrow Street and acquired an 86,000 square feet facility-now, 104,000-that sits on five acres of land. It is one and one-half city blocks. It offers 365 parking spaces and has all the modern accommodations to serve this present age, including 120 classrooms and offices, a Community Computer Center, Christian Life Center and Gymnasium on the campus. A new school, Bethel Learning Centers, was founded, established and accredited since 1995. The Renaissance Foundation 501(c)3 was established in 1996. The church’s overall annual revenue has grown from $160,000.00 in 1992 to over $2,200,000.00 in 2007. There are 56 jobs provided on the campus. Hundreds of households are blessed daily through this seven day a week ministry and thousands are blessed through the Sunday morning television and radio broadcasts. Praise the Lord!
7. PRAYER REQUEST:
Please pray for Sister Carolyn Wiggins Jenkins as she recovers from major heart surgery.
Sister Carolyn Wiggins Jenkins is a member of Bethel African Methodist Church, located in Bay Shore, New York.
Please send words of encouragement to:
The Reverend Joseph Jenkins
jenkalpha@yahoo.com
8. A RESPONSE TO THE REV. JEREMIAH WRIGHT CONTROVERSY:
*The Rev. John D. Hill
On March 22, 2008 CNN’s Weekend Edition posed the question, “Is Black Liberation Theology helpful or harmful? I submitted this response:
I am an African American pastor with a Doctor of Ministry degree from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois.
I believe the question, “Is Black Liberation Theology helpful or harmful?” is the wrong question. It should be, “Did the Rev. Wright speak the truth knowing the history of our nation?”
The way the media has presented the story seems to misunderstand what he said, but the media continues to create division. The words of the Rev. Jeremiah Wright are taken out of context. When we look at the condition of the nation today we know improvements have been made in areas of society. However, there is also the reality that still much more can be done to lift up all segments of society, not just a chosen few.
The task of the prophets of the Old Testament (The Hebrew Bible) was to move those in power out of their comfort zones in order for change to take place. Is it fair to attack the words of Rev. Wright when the government has not done right for New Orleans and the victims of Katrina but in a short period of time responded with millions of dollars to bail out a financial institution? Is it fair for the government on the verge of recession to ask poor citizens to spend its way out, while the government assists millionaires and corporations in keeping their money? The prophets' task was also to remind the oppressed that God not humanity will ultimately reign.
The words of Rev. Wright inform the country that the religious right is not the only voice of Christianity in the United States. His words were the prophetic voice of the church speaking the truth, and the truth can hurt.
*The Rev. John D. Hill is the pastor of Grant Chapel AME Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico
9. STATEMENT ON ZIMBABWE BY THE GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES:
"Choose for each of your tribes individuals who are wise, discerning and reputable to be your leaders." (Deuteronomy 1:13)
Concerned about the integrity of elections, the World Council of Churches Central Committee stated recently that, "…in democratic systems, elections serve as a way for people to confer legitimacy on a participatory democratic political system. In order to ensure that an election truly reflects the will of the people, attention should be paid to pre- and post-electoral mechanisms."
Nearly one month ago on 29 March the people of Zimbabwe went to the polls to cast a vote for their future. Today they wait patiently but with growing apprehension while the Zimbabwe Election Commission continues to count and recount ballots. Each day that passes without the release of results reduces public confidence in the commission and in any results it may announce.
As the Zimbabwean people wait, there are repeated reports of organized violence against those who did not vote for the ruling party. What is happening in Zimbabwe raises new concerns that an electoral process in Africa is again being compromised by rigging and reprisals. Such actions must be stopped.
We support the call by church leaders in Zimbabwe for the United Nations and leaders of Africa and the Southern African Development Community to intervene and prevent a political crisis from escalating into mass violence. Meanwhile, a ship laden with weapons and ammunition recently purchased by the government of Zimbabwe has meandered up the coast of southern Africa in search of a port to offload its cargo. So far, Zimbabwe's neighbours -- churches, labour unions, arms control groups and governments -- have succeeded in turning this particular ship away. We commend them for stopping delivery of weapons likely to be used for violations of international law. The action is a demonstration of the SADC region's concern for arms controls. Further vigilance is needed, however, amid reports of similar arms deals destined for Zimbabwe at present.
Today the people of Zimbabwe suffer one of the highest unemployment rates in Africa, live with a 600,000 per cent annual inflation rate, daily shortages of food and fuel and now see added insecurity and an even more tenuous future.
The people of Zimbabwe have faithfully exercised their right to vote. An observer mission from the WCC and the All-Africa Conference of Churches was present and has issued its report. Initially the Zimbabwe government dignified the election by agreeing to measures that ensured a degree of transparency about outcomes at the local level. Now it is time for the government of Zimbabwe to step forward, declare the full and complete results of the election and act in accordance with the people's will. The longer the government remains silent about the real outcome of the election the greater the risk for the people of Zimbabwe and the future of their beloved country.
The World Council of Churches joins with churches across Zimbabwe in calling for the immediate release of the election results and for international support and action under the auspices of SADC, the African Union and the United Nations to achieve a peaceful resolution of this crisis.
The Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia
WCC General Secretary
25 April, 2008
10. GENERAL OFFICER BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to announce that the Rev. Dr. George Champion, retired General Officer. Rev Champion was renowned for his preaching and evangelism. He was a mentor, author, builder, visionary and he often spoke of his unwavering love and devotion for the African Methodist Episcopal Church. At his demise, he was a 2008 Candidate for the Episcopacy of the AMEC and Pastor of Historic St. James AME Church, Sanford, Florida. Dr. Champion was the husband of Mrs. Bettie Champion and the father of George Champion, III, Tymy Champion, the Rev. Clara Champion Shaw, David Champion and Kelvin Davis.
A scholarship Fund for his youngest son, David who is graduating June 2, 2008 has been set up at Wachovia Bank.
Public Viewing: Friday, April 25, 2008 3:00 - 8:00 P.M.Mt. Olive AME Church2525 West Church StreetOrlando, Florida 32805(407) 295-6568
Funeral Services for the Rev. Dr. George Lovelace Champion, Sr. will be held:
Saturday, April 26, 2008, 11:00 A. M.St. Mark AME Church1960 Bruton BlvdOrlando, Florida 32805(407) 842-3211Senior Bishop Philip R. Cousin, Eulogist
Services entrusted to:
Postells' Mortuary811 N. Powers DriveOrlando, Florida 32818(407) 295-3857
Hotel Reservations:
The Rosen Center9840 International DriveOrlando, Florida 32819(407) 996-9840$89.00 Reference: Jeff G.
Condolences may be directed to:The home of Dr. Champion2809 Tradewind TrailOrlando, Florida 32805(407) 422-8015
11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Rev. Cecil Collins, a member of the Muskogee District, Central Northeast Oklahoma Annual Conference, and the pastor of Bethel, Rentisville, Bethel, Haskell and Oak Grove has died.
Arrangements are as follows:
Public viewing will be Thursday, April 24, 2008 1 - 7:00 p.m. at the Ragsdale Mortuary, 2200 Military Blvd., Muskogee, OK (918) 682-2200.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, April 25, 1:00 p.m. at the Timothy Baptist Church, 5530 Okmulgee Avenue, Muskogee, OK 74401.
The family may be contacted at:
918-682-5852 (Mrs. Collins, the spouse)
405-203-0477 (the daughter's cell)
and the family's address is
554 North 8th Street, Muskogee, OK 74401.
Please remember this family in your prayers.
Anita Brannon
Office Manager
12th Episcopal District
12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
A Memorial Service will be held for Rev. Micah D. Chandler on Saturday, May 3, 2008, 10:00 a.m., at People's Institutional A.M.E. Church in Brooklyn, New York. Rev. Carrie Nobles is the pastor. Rev. Chandler, who was the pastor of Heard Chapel A.M.E. Church in Bermuda, passed on March 29, 2008. His funeral was held in Bermuda on April 6, 2008.
Please remember the family of Rev. Micah D. Chandler in your prayers.
Dolores M. Clinton
1st Episcopal District
phone: 215-662-0506
fax: 215-662-0199
13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to announce the passing of Mr. Horace Gipson. Mr. Gipson is the father of the Rev. Carolyn Starks and the father-in-law of the Rev. Richard Starks, Sr., Pastor of Nelson Chapel AME Church of Napoleonville, LA.
Service arrangements for Mr. Horace Gipson:
Visitation:
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Funeral:
11:00 a.m.
Mt. Triumph Baptist Church
206 West 10th Street (corner of West 10th and Highway 1)
Donaldsonville, LA 70346
Rev. Stark’s telephone number is 225-473-6531 and the church's telephone number is 225-473-7586.
14. 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
15. 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
