The Right Rev. 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 – WE NEED TO KEEP SOME THINGS IN THE AME CHURCH AND OTHER THINGS NEED TO BE KEPT OUT:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III,
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
The African Methodist Episcopal Church is a connectional Church and as such, there are some characteristics and liturgical forms that should be evident in every AME Church all over the world. One of the positive things about connectional churches, whether it be, the United Methodist, one of the Lutheran bodies, the Episcopal Church, one of the Presbyterian Church bodies, or the Roman Catholic Church, is that no member of a connectional denomination should feel alienated when he or she visits a member church; no matter where in the world he or she might be worshipping; no matter in what language, or culture.
When I was in South Africa, and particularly in Zimbabwe, when parts of the worship services were in one of the African languages, though I could not speak the language, I was familiar with the order of worship and felt like an active participant in the worship services. When the worshippers and the ministers led in the AME Call to Worship, the Decalogue and the Doxology, I felt right at home; even though I didn’t know the language, I could follow the ritual. I resonated with what was going on and felt pride in being a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, a connectional Church.
On the other hand, I have heard about, and have been a part of one or two AME worship services in the United States where everyone spoke English; where I felt uncomfortable because the AME order of worship had no semblance of an AME worship service. The order of worship had almost completely been dismantled.
Shortly after one of those experiences, I preached at a Baptist Church that felt more like an AME Church than the AME Church I attended with its dismantled AME order of worship. After the service, suspecting that the pastor had been a former AME, I asked him if he had ever been a member AME Church.
He responded that he had never been a member or a minister in the AME Church. He went on to explain that he had visited AME Churches and had found the liturgy to be so beautiful that he incorporated some of the AME liturgy in his Baptist church worship service; and his members seemed to love it. He went on to tell me something that I did not want to hear; he shared that he had quite a few members who used to be AME.
At that point, I decided that I had better leave well enough alone, so I didn’t ask him about the chancel rail (kneeling rail). My mother taught me that if you were not prepared for the answer, don’t ask the question.
But at that point, curiosity got the best of me and I strayed away from my mother’s teaching about asking questions in which I wasn’t prepared for the answer. I asked the question and, and sure enough, the pastor did not give me the answer that I was hoping to hear.
The question that I asked the pastor was about the chancel rail with the kneelers. His broad smile made me feel like I had walked into a trap.
He explained that indeed his Baptist congregation enjoyed the communion liturgy; he reached on the pulpit under a hymnal and a Bible and pulled out the 1984 edition of The Book of Worship of the African Methodist Episcopal Church prepared by The Commission on Worship and Liturgy co-chaired by Bishop Vinton R. Anderson and Bishop Frederick H. Talbot and explained that he didn’t use the entire liturgy, but he used a lot of the Communion liturgy. He emphasized again, how beautiful the AME liturgy was and how much his members enjoyed the communion liturgy. He told me that, while, most of his members took communion in the pews, a lot of members liked to come to the altar to take communion; so he gave them the option of taking communion in the pews or at the altar.
I wanted to ask him if he baptized infants, but I didn’t go there, because I remember a Baptist pastor in Alaska who said that he used water when dedicating infants because the people liked that fact that he used water in his baby dedication services, so I left the baptism question alone.
Now of course, in a Baptist church or in other fellowships where each congregation is seen as an autonomous entity, pastors can make liturgical decisions and changes as long as the church leaders and the members of the congregation do not object to the changes.
In instances of AME Churches where large parts of the liturgy have been, or are being dismantled, there are unsettling undercurrents of dissatisfaction among clergy and the laity. There are perceptions that some pastors have made liturgical decisions independent of the “connectivity” of the AME Church and have ignored the concerns of the laity in the local church.
I am sure that there are some pastors and laity who feel that the AME Church worship liturgy needs to be modified and others who feel that AME worship need to be pentecostalized and made more upbeat.
Other mainline denominations are going through similar experiences involving worship liturgy.
William H. Willimon in his book, A Guide to Preaching and Leading Worship reminds us, “The Power of ritual is in its predictability and sameness. Ritual keeps calling and re-calling us to be attentive to what is important. Rituals must not be thoughtlessly tampered with, except for the best of reasons.” Willimon goes on to caution that liturgical changes should not be the pastor’s discretion alone, but that the laity should be included in evaluating proposed liturgical worship changes; in leadership studies it is called “getting ownership.”
I am concerned when AME worship ceases to be AME worship; when pastors and worship services mimic televangelists and mega-church preachers.
Some of our worship services may be in need of some tweaking, but I am concerned when I hear or see AME liturgy dismantled because I don’t believe most of us have the necessary historical, theological, liturgical skills or backgrounds to dismantle the liturgical foundations laid by Martin Luther, John Wesley, Richard Allen, Morris Brown, Edward Waters, William Paul Quinn, Daniel Payne, Vinton Anderson, Frederick Talbot and others. I am concerned that we have some preachers who are taking down walls without knowing why they were put up. In combat the saying is, “don’t burn down the bridges behind you because you may have to use those same bridges again.”
I wish more pastors would appreciate dynamic AME worship, and we have a lot of them. The call to worship, the Decalogue, the scripture, and other parts of the worship service are not boring and do not turn a lot of people off.
What turns people off is the lackadaisical presentation of the worship liturgy. I have seen folks shout over the Decalogue when it is done correctly, read with clarity and conviction. I have seen supposedly dead hymns liven up a worship service when a spirit-filled choir sings the hymn with expression and correct breathing techniques. I have seen creative AME pastors who can dynamically lead a worship service and “preach the horns off of a billy-goat.” I have heard prayers that have lifted the rafters, brought tears and healing to waiting congregations. The AME Church has the best preachers in the world. We have the most dynamic worship when we do worship right.
But, on the other “side of the coin,” we have some pastors who are tired, others who have not kept their liturgy or worship skills honed and sharpened; pastors who have stopped preparing sermons and who rehash the same old messages over and over again. We have choirs that don’t practice, youth and young people who can’t recite their Easter and Christmas pieces from memory, but have to read them; church officers who are not persons of prayer and who know little about the Bible. I am dismayed when I see church officers who have trouble finding a biblical text; and even more dismayed when I see pastors who have a difficult time finding the biblical books of, say, Joel, Habakkuk or one of the more obscure books of the Bible.
The dilemma is not the liturgy, the problem is the lack of leadership and the lack of preparation of the persons who lead worship; and that starts with the pastor, the stewards, trustees, the choir, and the person who lazily reads the announcements and extends a cold welcome to the visitors. It begins with the ushers who fail to greet people at the door, the folks frowning in the pews, the lack of cleanliness of the facility, and the lack of enthusiasm of the pastor; it all begins and ends with the pastor who is the appointed leader of the flock, and that is a big job, not a part-time job, but a fulltime job.
Have you ever noticed ushers folding bulletins as the people are entering the sanctuary? What does that tell you about preparation for worship? Have you ever noticed the choir trying to select the songs they are going to sing after they have been called upon to sing? What does that tell you about preparation for worship? What about the announcement period that turns into a church meeting?
The African Methodist Episcopal Church has the liturgy in place and it allows for the work of the Holy Spirit, which sometimes precipitates change. We, AMEs are flexible, but we like order and we love the connection and the fellowship.
The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir has a song and part of the words sung are, “there’s gonna be a Revival in the land.” America needs a revival. The AME Church needs a revival and it is my hope that the General Conference All to Prayer will be the start of a true AME Revival. We have a rich history, rich traditions, and rich resources in our churches and if we work under the unction of the Holy Spirit, we can have a revival that will transform and reenergize the African Methodist Episcopal Church; and the prayer for each of us should be, “Let the revival begin in me.”
We need to keep the things that build up and keep out those things that tear down.
2. RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
To the Editor:
Re: The AME Church has a Leadership Problem
I enjoyed your editorial in the print edition of The Christian Recorder concerning the leadership in the A.M.E. Church. When you have good leadership and good follower-ship, things will begin to move in a positive way. In some of the smaller local churches, oftentimes pastors have to put members who are not leaders in leadership positions of which they are not qualified. The pastor then has the responsibility to teach them to become good leaders; if they are willing to learn and/or be taught. It is a hard task for the small churches, but we as pastors cannot give up.
Just love to read your editorials and articles. I enjoyed reading your background and qualifications/accomplishments. Knowing that you are an army veteran, I can understand your concern about leadership.
Pastor Jimmy D. Howard
3. THE OFFICIAL AGENDA FOR THE 2008 GENERAL CONFERENCE:
Click on
http://www.ame-church.com/news-and-events/general-conference/gen-conf_agenda.pdf
4. CANDIDATES ROSTER FOR THE FORTY-EIGHTH QUADRENNIAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH THAT WILL BE HELD AT THE AMERICA’S CENTER, ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, JULY 4-11, 2008:
CANDIDATES ROSTER
GENERAL SECRETARY
(Vote for one)
1. Clement W. Fugh
CHAIR OF EPISCOPAL COMMITTEE
(Vote for one)
2. Harold R. Mayberry
SECRETARY-TREASURER, SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION
(Vote for one)
3. Johnny Barbour, Jr.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GLOBAL WITNESS & MINISTRY
(Vote for one)
4. George F. Flowers
DIRECTOR, CHURCH GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT
(Vote for one)
5. Charles C. McLamore
6. Vernal E. Simms Sr.
7. James C. Wade
SECRETARY-TREASURER, CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
(Vote for one)
8. Edrena Houston Brown
9. Daryl B. Ingram
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ANNUITY INVESTMENTS AND INSURANCE
(Vote for one)
10. Jerome V. Harris
HISTORIOGRAPHER/DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP/EDITOR THE A.M.E. CHURCH REVIEW
(Vote for one)
11. Adonis Carolus Booyse
12. Dennis C. Dickerson
13. Mark Kelly Tyler
TREASURER/CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
(Vote for one)
14. Richard Allen Lewis
EDITOR, THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
(Vote for one)
15. Calvin H. Sydnor III
JUDICIAL COUNCIL
(Vote for four Lay; two Clergy)
LAY CANDIDATES
(Vote for four lay)
24. Benjamin F. Edwards
25. Priscilla J. Green
26. Patricia M. Mayberry
27. Rosemarie Rhodes-Miller
CLERGY
(Vote for two)
28. Franklin E. Breckenridge
29. Francine E. Brookins
30. Glenda F. Hodges
31. Granville W. Reed, III
JUDICIAL COUNCIL ALTERNATES
LAY*
CLERGY
32. James T. Golden
*Note: “The term of office for the Judicial Council Alternate elected in 2004 expires in 2012. No other applications were submitted for Lay Alternate for the 2008 General Conference.”
BISHOP
(Vote for )
33. Wayne B. Anthony
34. James E. Arnell
35. Ronnie E. Brailsford Sr.
36. Ronald Eugene Braxton
37. Diane L. Burl.
38. Kelvin T. Calloway
39. Philip R. Cousin Jr.
40. Louis A. C. Davis
41. Ann Lightner Fuller
42. Debora F. Grant
43. Earl G. Harris
44. Larry Stanwyck Hinton.
45. Reginald T. Jackson
46. Jeffrey R. Leath
47. Andrew B. Lewin
48. Julius H. McAllister Sr.
49. Terence L. Mayes Sr.
50. Themba Abram Mbambo
51. Goodfellow Mugala
52. Willie Ray Norful Sr.
53. Allen Wayne Parrot
54. Wesley I. Reid.
55. Harry L. Seawright
56. Daniel L. Simmons Sr.
57. Leodis Strong
58. Nelson Dan Taylor
59. George W. Tyler
60. Albert D. Tyson III
61. Isaiah J. Waddy
62. John F. White
63. Stafford Wicker
5. THE 2008 GENERAL CONFERENCE STREET MINISTRY SPONSORED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF CHURCH GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT:
The Dr. James C. Wade of the Department of Church Growth & Development of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is seeking persons to help do Street Ministry on July 3 & 5, 2008 in the city of St. Louis.
There will be a training session prior to going out into the street. Anyone wishing to be a part of this great event of Evangelism should send their name, address, church membership, pastor’s name and district by email to Dr. Wade ameharvest@bellsouth.net
If you need any further information, please feel free to call the Department at (901) 523 - 2702/523- 2777.
6. AME CHURCH ICON, BISHOP FRANK CURTIS CUMMINGS PREACHES FOR MEN DAY PROGRAM:
*The Rev. Dr. Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt
On Sunday, June 8, 2008, all roads in the middle of the Mississippi Delta led to Solomon Chapel AME Church in Cleveland, Mississippi under the pastoral ministry of the Rev. Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt. On this Sons of Allen Men’s Day, one of the AME Church’s icons delivered the message, retired Bishop, the Right Rev. Frank Curtis Cummings.
The Sons of Allen theme was, “Christian Men Standing Steadfast in their Faith.” Bishop Cummings preached out of his heart and stirred the capacity-filled sanctuary of men (and women) by reminding them of who they are, as African men, and how faith has sustained African people throughout the ages. He further enjoined them to take a stand in this ripe political environment and to mentor young men who are waiting for Christian men to take a stand in their community; on their jobs, and in their churches.
During this program the Sons of Allen recognized men in the Greenville-Vicksburg District of the Central North Mississippi Conference of the Eighth Episcopal District who were considered “Outstanding AME Men.”
Those recognized were Mr. Leo Marshall from Ball Temple AME Church, Greenville, Mississippi; Mr. Ronnie Young from St. Matthew AME Church, Greenville, Mississippi; Mr. Johnny Dumas, Jr., from Bethel AME Church in Duncan, Mississippi; Mr. Hermon Johnson from Bethel AME Church in Mound Bayou, Mississippi; Mr. Michael Jones of St. James AME Church in Leland, Mississippi; and Mr. Walter Robinson as a community leader.
The pastor, the Rev. Glenell Lee-Pruitt also took this occasion to recognize outstanding AME ministers who had pioneered the way in the Greenville-Vicksburg District. The recognized ministers were the Rev. E. C. Taylor, immediate past pastor of Solomon Chapel and the Rev. Walter Christian, superannuate from Travis Chapel AME Church in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Bishop Cummings was also presented a plaque recognizing him as an “AME Church Icon.”
Present to welcome Bishop and Angel Cummings back to Mississippi were Presiding Elder James Holmes of the Greenville-Vicksburg District; Presiding Elder George Tyler of the Jackson-Meridian District, who is also a candidate for Bishop; the Rev. F. C. Stallworth, president of the Eighth District Sons of Allen; the Rev. Cory Watts, president of the Central North Conference Sons of Allen; the Rev. Walter Wilson of St. Matthew; the Rev. John Arnold of St. James; the Rev. M. C. Jordan of Bethel-Duncan; the Rev. Ruby Mays of New Zion and Mt. Arratt; and the Rev. Horace McKay of the East Mississippi Conference. Also present were component heads from the WMS, LAY and YPD.
Along with sponsoring men’s day, the Sons of Allen of Solomon Chapel also sponsor an ACT Ministry. This ministry pays for high school athletes to take the college entrance exam twice a year beginning in the 10th grade until graduation.
Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt served as Connectional YPD President from 1983-1987. Bishop and Mrs. Cummings served in the Eighth District from 1976-1984.
*The Rev. Dr. Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt is the pastor of Solomon Chapel AME Church in Cleveland, Mississippi
7. LOCAL BAR SUES LOCAL CHURCH:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
Dr. Joseph Darby
Dr. Joseph Darby shared a story with me that I thought was an attempt at humor, but the story made a great point.
Here is the story that started the conversation:
In a small Texas town, a new bar/tavern started a building to open up their business. A local church started a campaign of petitions and prayers to block the bar from opening.
Work progressed, however right up till the week before opening, when a lightning strike hit the bar and it burned to the ground.
The church folks were rather smug in their outlook after that, till the bar owner sued the church on the grounds that the church was ultimately responsible for the demise of his building, either through direct or indirect actions or means. The church vehemently denied all responsibility or any connection to the building's demise in its reply to the court.
As the case made its way into court, the judge looked over the paperwork. At the hearing he commented, 'I don't know how I'm going to decide this, but as it appears from the paperwork, we have a bar owner who believes in the power of prayer, and an entire church congregation that doesn't.'
My response to the story, which I took to be a joke:
“I wonder how many times local churches comes across as fellowships that don’t believe in prayer; even so with the Connectional AME Church.”
Dr. Joseph Darby Responded:
In response to your question, “I wonder how many times local churches come across as fellowships that don’t believe in prayer…”
Probably way too much. My pastoral experience is that when it comes to strong traditional programs and hopefully innovative new programs, those that revolve around prayer are the hardest to kick start and the hardest to maintain. We seem to get charged up about everything except simple but powerful prayer. As we head to Saint Louis, there's plenty of political posturing - which will get heavier when we get there - but the Fifth District prayer effort is the only one I know if that targets the General Conference.
Part of that in our tradition may be the way that we "traditionally" practice prayer. In the south, it's usually the weekly prayer and testimony meeting or the pre-worship prayer and praise time, when older, experienced members do long - and sometimes timeworn - public prayers and testimony. Some of them do so with just a hint of arrogance that says to those with less experience who might join in, "Don't do it because you can't pray like I pray!"
It would be wonderful if our Zion would strategically and humbly look at the way that we practice prayer and make it as much a priority as the budget and pastoral assignments - it might make a difference! It might also lead to some models for prayer beyond our traditional models that raise the comfort level for participation by new Christians.
Two "prayer stories" have stuck with me on my own journey.
The first was when I was in seminary. The very popular homiletics teacher had a preliminary but highly probably diagnosis of lung cancer and the seminary opened the chapel doors for a prayer vigil the night before his exploratory surgery. Most of those there were Lutherans, so it wasn't exactly a "down home pray the paint off the walls affair" - it was actually pretty quiet, with a corporate prayer to begin and end and with private individual prayer in between. When Dr. Hoefler had surgery the next day, we learned that his doctors were baffled because there was no sign of cancer, and when they did follow up x-rays, what they thought they saw wasn't there anymore.
The second was when then Presiding Bishop Fred James "volunteered" me to be on the executive committee for Billy Graham's 1987 Columbia, SC crusade. I wasn't a big Graham fan - I'm still not and am sitting out his son Franklin's coming crusade in Charleston - but I was impressed with the fact that the Graham team prayed a lot - before meetings, after meetings, during meetings and when any decision on the direction of the Crusade was being made. Again, not pat and proudly rehearsed long prayers, but simple and straight to the point prayers. The result was a heavily attended crusade that was a lot more "culturally colorful" than any similar event in Columbia 20 years ago. The personal result was that a couple of my white Crusade prayer partners are still good collegial friends of mine - and unlikely friends, since one of them is Pentecostal Holiness and the other is Presbyterian Church in America - prayer does make a difference!
Editor’s Note: I thought that dialogue was most appropriate and thought it most appropriate to share with all of The Christian Recorder subscribers.
8. PAYNE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY’S FIRST MASTER OF DIVINITY ONLINE PROGRAM GRADUATES:
On May 9, 2008, Payne Theological Seminary graduated eleven students with the Master of Divinity degree. Among that number were six degree recipients of note, five men and one woman, who became the first persons to earn the distinguished degree as distance learning students. The Reverends, Harvey Doctor, Archie Fair, Sinclair Frasier, David Owens, Jr., Angia Taylor, and Herbert Temoney, are all members of the Seventh Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, under the leadership of Bishop Preston Warren Williams. Upon the denomination’s vote in 2000 decreeing that all of its ordained elders should possess the Master of Divinity degree, Bishop Williams enlisted the cooperation of Payne Theological Seminary’s Online Program for the fulfillment of this requirement.
Payne President Leah Gaskin Fitchue, long an innovator in theological education, shepherded her institution through a process whereby the entire Payne curriculum is available for non-resident students through a combination of online courses and residential weeklong or weekend intensive courses. Beginning gradually with a handful of course offerings, Dr. Fitchue saw the full curriculum developed for non-resident students in 2004, when the faculty, led by academic consultant and distinguished theological scholar Harold Dean Trulear, reorganized the curriculum and course delivery system to make three year graduation possible. The six 2008 distance learning graduates took full advantage of this development. The Online Coordinator, Ms. Audrey Ling, provided assistance to each student as needed.
“It takes discipline to complete this program,” offered Reverend Taylor. “You have to take your studies seriously.” Reverend Fair noted that the demands were rigorous, “especially since God called me to be a husband and a father as well as a pastor.” Most of the graduates also had other work responsibilities to juggle with the demands of seminary study. However, their financial situation was made easier by the generous support of Bishop Williams and the Seventh Episcopal District, which gave half tuition scholarships for 27 full time participants totaling $350,000 over a three-year period. Scholarship recipients are required to sign a covenant to serve seven years in the Seventh Episcopal District upon receipt of the Master of Divinity degree. “Thank God for Bishop Williams and his vision and generosity,” declared a grateful Reverend Owens. The support eased financial concerns for all. Joked Reverend Fair, “I study better when my bills are paid!” Reverend Temoney added that because of the financial support, persons in his district “have no reason not to get a theological education.”
Graduates were unanimous in their praise of President Fitchue for the development of the stellar program. In their Wilberforce based weeklong intensive courses, they “sat at the feet of distinguished theological scholars like Drs. James H. Cone and J. Deotis Roberts,” said Reverend Fair.
Students also took intensive courses in other venues, such as Jacksonville, Philadelphia and New Orleans. In the latter site, they worked with the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, and engaged in ministry with those affected by Hurricane Katrina.” We not only attended lectures, but were part of healing the broken hearted in New Orleans,” said Fair. Reverend Taylor noted how that experience helped her and her classmates take the ministry of healing, counseling, and restoration back to their congregations.
The intensive courses also featured time for the participants, for whom most of their work was done in front of a computer, to have time in community building and mutual encouragement. “Dr. Fitchue held a Roundtable at each Intensive course,” offered Reverend Doctor. “We would talk about our learning experiences and reflect on our participation and growth.” Then, he said, it was “time to go back to our local congregations and put our learning into action.” The six graduates each noted that their churches could tell the difference their theological education was making in their ministries. All reported significant support for their studies from the congregations. They pointed to how the youth of their churches were also inspired to excellence in their education through the example of their pastors attending and graduating from seminary, right before their eyes.
The curriculum at Payne is organized around a biblical understanding of the ministry of Jesus and the church as change agents for salvation and liberation. Participants found this emphasis refreshing. “I transferred from a seminary that did not offer this perspective,” said Reverend Frasier. “Liberation theology [at Payne] spoke directly to me and the people in my congregation. We took a course called Cultural Hermeneutics where we saw how biblical interpretation requires understanding social context and how the Bible is a book of social change.” All of the graduates pointed to the way their own ability to exegete and interpret Scripture has grown through the Payne courses. “And it shows in our preaching,” said Reverend Owens. “And in our ability to do counseling and other ministries,” added Reverend Taylor.
Working online was a tremendous benefit for time challenged pastors with multiple responsibilities at home, church and workplace. But all agreed that the program worked well for them. They pointed to a supportive faculty and administration, their experiences with other students in the program--both online and in Intensive courses, and, most of all, the vision and support of Bishop Williams and President Fitchue. “Thank God for them,” all chimed as if in concert. “They made this possible for us.” As to the future of the Payne Online Program, all saw it as bright--“there is always room for improvement, but Dr. Fitchue’s track record suggests she knows how to get the bugs out,” offered Reverend Doctor. Reverend Taylor said that several persons she knew were primed to attend Payne because they saw her do well in the program. “We recommend this program to the Seventh Episcopal District and beyond,” closed Reverend Temoney. Bishop Williams and Dr. Fitchue have done an excellent job.
Maryjo Lewis
9. CNN WILL AIR “BLACK IN AMERICA ON JULY 23, 2008:
Here is the link for the CNN special; Black in America airing on July 23rd and July 24th 2008.
http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2008/black.in.america/
10. BISHOP H. H. BROOKINS HONORED WITH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AND STREETNAMING IN HIS HONOR:
June 9, 2008
Los Angeles, CA—Hundreds gathered on Sunday, June 8th to celebrate the birthday of Bishop Hamel Hartford (“HH”) Brookins along with witnessing the unveiling of the street sign that bears his name.
With a backdrop of Brookins Community African Methodist Episcopal Church, the stage was set with family, friends, government officials and clergy bringing greetings and reminiscing about their life-long relationships with the man who founded the Church located at 4831 South Gramercy Place, Los Angeles in 1977. He appointed the Rev. Theodore Larry Kirkland as the pastor. After Kirkland became the 114th consecrated Bishop of the AME Church in 1996, the Rev. Frederick O. Murph became the congregations’ leader.
Brookins’ ministry of more than 50 years has placed him in the company of kings, presidents, politicians, and stars. His experience, love for the ministry and more importantly his love of God have given him the ability to reach people from all walks of life. Congresswoman Maxine Waters credited the Bishop with being a visionary and making her the person she is today. “Like so many others, he helped me launch my political career, and I will forever be grateful to Bishop H. H. Brookins” she said. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa told the audience that if it had not been for Mayor Tom Bradley, he would not be in his position as well. Brookins played a leading role in Bradley’s historic election. He thanked the Bishop for being a positive influence in the community. “People have not only come for the renaming of the street, but for the legend among us” said Villaraigosa. “We are here to honor a man whose whole life has been about giving.” The Mayor led the audience in singing Happy Birthday, both traditional and “Stevie Wonder” style.
The Rev. Cecil L. “Chip” Murray mastered the ceremonies in a refreshing, gentle, humorous and efficient manner, while soul stirring songs were sung by the Brookinaires Gospel Choir from FAME. Soloist’s Rev. Shirley LaCour and Felicia Akuomoah honored the Bishop in song.
Among the luminaries in attendance were Bishop John Richard Bryant of the 5th Episcopal District, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, 13th Episcopal District, and Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry of the 16th Episcopal District. Ministers from AME Churches included the Rev. John J. Hunter (First AME, Los Angeles), the Rev. Frederick O. Murph (Brookins Community AME, Los Angeles), the Rev. Leslie White (Grant AME, Los Angeles), the Rev. Michael Eagle, Sr. (St. Mark AME, Los Angeles), the Rev. Kelvin Calloway (Second AME, Los Angeles), the Rev. Edgar Boyd (Bethel AME, San Francisco), the Rev. L. Fisher Hines (Walker Temple AME, Los Angeles), the Rev. Dennis Williams (Ward AME, Los Angeles) and the Rev. Donnell Miles (Price Chapel AME, Los Angeles), among others.
The program included presentations from various municipal officials. Lois Hill Hale, Deputy to Congresswoman Diane Watson, recalled the years of support the Bishop has given to the Congresswoman, insisting that she run for the School Board many years ago, along with garnering support for her present position in Congress. Assemblyman Mike Davis brought greetings from the 48th Assembly District, where Brookins Community AME Church is located.
The Rev. Francine (Wright Chapel AME, San Francisco) and Brother Steven stood next to their 10-year old brother, Sir Wellington Brookins, as he thanked the steering committee members, and everyone for attending this auspicious occasion. Speaking with eloquence and poise, Sir Wellington spoke of his deep love and affection for his father. “I call you my hero because you made me think anything is possible. We love you and we are proud of you,” he said. It was evident that the Rev. Rosalynn Brookins, the Bishop’s wife of 18 years, was glowing with pride as she listened to their son deliver his speech, which was received with a standing ovation from the audience.
Several people in attendance were recognized, including Dr. Donald Ware, the Bishop’s Cardiologist; AME Connectional Officers, Mrs. Jackie Dupont Walker and Mrs. Gwen Williams; Ms. Regina Evans, Deputy Cabinet Secretary from the Office of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mr. Percy Pinkney from the Office of Senator Diane Feinstein; State Senate Candidate Rod Wright; Mr. David Henry who is producing a documentary on the Bishop; Ms. Tonette Hayes, the person who initiated the street renaming with the City of Los Angeles; Ms. Sylvia Reynolds, RN, Assistant Director of Nursing at Brier Oak; Attorney J. Stanley Sanders; the Rev. Leonard Jackson from the Mayor’s Office; and Mrs. Margaret Bush-Ware, the event coordinator. Members of Bishop Brookins’ family that were in attendance included his brother Herbert “Sandy” from Los Angeles, Audrey Brookins from Chicago, IL, and the Rev. Lori Veason from St. Louis, MO.
Congratulatory messages were received from federal, state and local officials. The street renaming was sponsored by Councilman Bernard Parks and the 8th Council District. Councilman Parks acknowledged that many street signs have been posted during his tenure as Councilman, but stated this particular sign has a special significance for him because he has regarded Bishop Brookins with the highest esteem for many years. The Councilman pointed out how important it is to preserve the legacy of community pioneers who were instrumental in building black Los Angeles. He said, “That’s what brought us here today—we wanted to give you this honor while you’re still her to smell the roses.” The entire audience followed him for the ribbon cutting and unveiling of the street sign which reads “Hamel Hartford Brookins Square, Founder of Brookins Community AME Church, 1977.”
Brookins was appointed pastor of the prestigious First AME Church of Los Angeles in 1960. He relocated FAME to its present multi-million dollar sanctuary in 1968. At the 1972 General Conference, he was elected and consecrated the 91st Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. A charismatic blend of the pulpit preacher and the platform orator, his ministry in both the pastorate and the episcopacy reflects a high level of social and political activities on two continents, making him easily one of the unsung, but great heroes in the fight to achieve justice and equality for black people. He rose to prominence in Los Angeles as a pastor whose exemplary political acumen and community service were unparalleled.
Bishop John R. Bryant lauded Brookins for envisioning an ambitious economic development program for South Los Angeles. “He said that if we pooled our dollars, we could do major things together. He started the economic development plan for the 5th Episcopal District.
Servant of God well-done!”
The wheelchair-bound Bishop was all smiles, all day. He has been convalescing at Brier Oak Terrace Care Center. This birthday had special meaning because he was able to witness first hand the ribbon cutting and street renaming ceremony.
“To God be the glory, for the things God has done!”
Mrs. Margaret Bush-Ware
Telephone: 323-299-9273
11. BISHOP SARAH DAVIS ISSUES A CALL FOR PRAYER FOR AFRICA - SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2008:
June 17, 2008
As we approach our 48th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference there are many things on our minds as we face the daily challenges of rising gas prices, airline schedule changes and increase in fares, home foreclosures, job security, unemployment, family crisis and the list of challenges goes on. However, I want to ask that you add to your prayer concerns at this time the Continent of Africa and our people who are yet struggling for peace and normalcy in the activities of simply rising daily and moving about freely to make a living.
Monday, June 16, 2008, I received an email from Sister Sara Zandamela, Treasurer of the Mozambique Annual Conference and delegate to the General Conference asking for prayer for Africa and the people of Mozambique in particular. She indicated that despite the efforts of Mozambicans and other nationals to get out of South Africa because of Xenophobia, riots are still on the rise. Sister Sara stated: “Yesterday a Mozambican was killed and burned. While the Mozambique government is appealing for non-retaliation, it appears the attacks are not ending. From the total of 62 killed people 21 are South Africans who did not look like South Africans!!! Despite the fact that some even had the chance to declare and prove that they are their nationals they were killed. The devil is just out of control.”
The World Council of Churches worldwide are being invited to celebrate a day of prayer for Zimbabwe on Sunday, 22 June, as the beginning of a season of prayer for the people and government of the African country, which is facing a critical time. The day of prayer for Zimbabwe, which is an initiative of Christians in the country, will take place shortly before the runoff election for the presidency scheduled for Friday, 27 June.
Please, ask your Episcopal Districts to PRAY FOR AFRICA this Sunday, June 22nd! The world needs the Church of the living God praying now as never before!
Bishop Sarah Davis,
Presiding Prelate
18th Episcopal District, AMEC
Letter on Zimbabwe to WCC member churches and Prayer for Zimbabwe
Beloved friends in Christ,
At the initiative of brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe, we in the World Council of Churches invite you to join us in observing Sunday 22 June 2008 as the beginning of a season of prayer for the people and government of Zimbabwe.
On Friday 27 June 2008, the citizens of Zimbabwe will return to polling booths to cast ballots in a runoff election for the presidency. It is impossible to overstate the importance of this election, its fairness, its outcome and its aftermath. Events in the coming weeks will challenge the people of Zimbabwe and the world to find means of overcoming violence in the exercise of democracy, and the results will influence the future of the nation and the region.
On Sunday 22 June we request churches to observe a day of prayer for Zimbabwe; on that Sunday, and in the days that follow, we ask you to join millions of Christians throughout the world as we lift up Zimbabwe and its people to the Lord, ask God’s blessing and pray that peace may prevail.
We offer the following prayer as a petition to God for the people of Zimbabwe:
Eternal God: In your sight nations rise and fall, and pass through times of trial. We pray with and for Zimbabwe in this hour of national decision, and we ask your divine blessing on all the people of the land.
May Zimbabwe’s leaders seek justice by means that are just; may the voters take action to promote the common good; may international observers and mediators be guided by your wisdom.
Lead us not into temptation, Lord, and deliver your people from evil:
Empower us all to overcome anger, jealousy, division and violence; help us to respect one another despite our differences; and teach us the things that truly make for peace.
This we pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
Through this, and other prayerful actions, we will continue to support the people of Zimbabwe through the days and weeks ahead. In the love and unity of the triune God, we thank you for joining in this season of prayer.
The Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia
General Secretary,
World Council of Churches
13. DR. DARYL INGRAM DAY:
The Dr. Daryl Ingram Day for the Tenth District has come. We want to thank those who participated in the day and encourage them to get their contributions to the Rev. George Johnson this week.
Gifts may be mailed to Rev. George Johnson at 3500 Lake Heights Drive Waco, Texas 76708.
Rev. Dr. W. Raymond Bryant
14. PEW FORUM ON RELIGION & PUBLIC LIFE STUDY DETAILS AMERICANS' RELIGIOUS BELIEFS AND BEHAVIORS AS WELL AS THEIR SOCIAL AND POLITICAL ATTITUDES:
http://religions.pewforum.org/reports
15. BITS AND PIECES:
Attorney Reginald Thomas, attorney for the Kentucky Annual Conference and long time member of Historic Saint Paul AME Church in Lexington, Kentucky has been named a Barack Obama delegate to the DNC this summer in Denver.
16. THE PASTOR’S CORNER – S.H.A.P.E.: FINDING AND FULFILLING YOUR UNIQUE PURPOSE FOR LIFE:
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2: 10)
In his book, S.H.A.P.E., Erik Rees asks a question that every human being considers at some point in his or her life - “What will be the contribution of my life?” The passage above gives clear direction to the person who is seeking to know what will be the contribution of his or her life. We are “created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Each of us who knows Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord is a unique creation that God uses to God’s glory and in the building of God’s kingdom. According to Rees, the acronym “S.H.A.P.E.” describes “Your God-given special design and the specific difference God desires for you to make on earth for His glory”. Understanding your unique S.H.A.P.E. will help you to fulfill your ultimate purpose and live a significant life.
The pathway to living a significant life is a path of service in your specific kingdom assignment. We’re being led by God to pursue not a career, but a calling – not simply success, but true significance. In Matthew 20: 20-28 the mother of James and John was seeking her sons’ success by asking, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.” By offering to allow them to “drink from my cup,” Jesus opens the door to a higher level of living – significance. As Jesus’ other disciples become indignant with the two brothers, Jesus redirects their ambitions from personal success to the Father’s plan for each of them to serve others.
“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Fulfillment of your ultimate purpose in God’s plan will always follow the pathway of service to others (Philippians 2: 1-11). At Quinn Chapel AME Church, Chicago, we have adopted a simple phrase that serves as a guide for our thoughts, words, and deeds – “Christ-centered and others-focused.” Only when the life of the believer is centered in Christ will one be able to fulfill the ultimate purpose God has for one’s life. Only when the thoughts, words, and deeds of the believer are focused on others will true significance be achieved. It is by being “Christ-centered and others-focused” that we are molded by God into our “S.H.A.P.E.” – “Your God-given special design and the specific difference God desires for you to make on earth for His glory.”
I highly recommend Erik Rees’ book, “S.H.A.P.E.” for any person desiring to answer the question, “What will be the contribution of my life?” Textbooks, workbooks, and a video learning series are available for individuals and groups at
http://www.purposedriven.com/en-US/SHAPE/welcome.htm .
*The Rev. James M. Moody is the pastor of Quinn Chapel AME Church, Chicago
Copyrights © 2008 by the Rev. James M. Moody. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be copied or reproduced without the written permission of the author. To contact the writer go to quinnamechicago@sbcglobal.net
17. EPISCOPACY AND CLERGY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
- Congratulations to the Rev. Regina C. Groff on receiving her Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Denver on Friday, June 6th. Her dissertation is entitled: “Beyond Sunday Mornings: The Influence of Church-Based Programs on the Everyday Lives of Urban African American Youth.” Her husband, the Honorable Peter C. Groff, was the speaker at the Commencement Ceremony and was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Public Service by the University of Denver. Senator Groff serves as President of the Colorado State Senate.
The Rev. Dr. Groff has her BA and MDiv from Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, and is the pastor of Campbell Chapel AME Church in Denver, Colorado which is in the Desert Mountain Conference of the Fifth Episcopal District. The Rt. Rev. John R. Bryant is the presiding prelate of the 5th Episcopal District and the Rev. Andrew Simpson, Jr., Dr. Groff’s presiding elder.
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Brother Wayne M. Nesbitt who died suddenly on Friday, June 13, 2008, in Washington, DC. He was the son of the late Atty. Leroy Nesbitt, Sr., who served as General Counsel of the A.M.E. Church.
Homegoing Services:
Monday, June 23, 2008
11:00 A.M.
Metropolitan A.M.E. Church
1518 M Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005
Rev. Ronald E. Braxton, Pastor
Phone: (202) 331-1426
Office Fax: (202) 331-0369
Professional Services:
Hunt Funeral Home
908 Kennedy Street, NW
Washington, DC 20011
(202) 636-3612
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Novella F. Nesbitt (Mother)
6528 Eastern Avenue
Washington, DC 20012
(202) 723-5108
Atty. Leroy Nesbitt, Jr. (Brother)
2618 North Hampton Street, NW
Washington, DC 20015
(202) 237-8474
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
With regret this communication comes to inform you of the passing of the Reverend Johnny T. Hagans, a Supernumerary minister in the 12th Episcopal District. Rev. Hagans passed on Sunday, June 15, 2008. He is survived by his spouse, Mrs. Cynthia Hagans and family.
Service arrangements for the Reverend Johnny T. Hagans:
Funeral:
Monday, June 23, 2008
11 a.m.
Grant Chapel A.M.E. Church
1628 SW McKinley Street
Lawton, OK 73501
Arrangements are entrusted to:
Jefferson Funeral Home
101 East Gore Street
Lawton, OK
Phone: (580) 353-2223
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Cynthia Hagans and family
4219 SE Elmhurst
Lawton, OK 73501
Phone: (580) 368-7060
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with deep sorrow that we share news of the passing of Mr. Arthur Smith, the brother of Presiding Elder Elijah Smith, Sr. and Sister Janet Smith.
Mr. Arthur Smith passed away on Tuesday, June 10, 2008 and the Homegoing Celebration was held today (Tuesday, 17, 2008) at 1:00 PM.
Liberty Praise Holiness Church
211 Davidson Drive
Fort Valley, GA 31030
Phone: (478) 825-4005
Services were entrusted to:
C.J. Edward Funeral Home
409 Preston Street
Fort Valley, GA 31030
Phone: (478) 825-2730
Condolences may be sent to:
Reverend and Mrs. Elijah Smith, Sr.
2008 Armory Drive
Americus, GA 31719
Phone: (229) 928-9727
Or
Email: elijahsmith01@bellsouth.net
The Reverend Elijah Smith, Sr. is Presiding Elder of the Eastern District, Southwest Georgia Annual Conference - Sixth Episcopal District; Bishop William P. DeVeaux, Presiding Prelate.
21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with deep sorrow that we share news of the passing of the mother of Presiding Elder Shane M. Apollos of the Cape Annual Conference, Fifteenth Episcopal District; Bishop Samuel Lawrence Green, Sr., Presiding Prelate.
We trust that God will heal the wound that has been opened.
Condolences may be sent to Rev. Shane M. Apollos at the following email address: mwshanea@mweb.co.za
Submitted by:
Rev. Clive Pillay, Pastor
Oak Grove A.M.E. Church - Cloetesville, South Africa
Secretary of the Cape Peninsula East District
22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action
Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
E-mail: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936
Fax: (615) 833-3781
Cell: (615) 403-7751
23. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of The Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement.
Archive of The Christian Recorder Online from 2004-2016; Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
