Bishop Bishop Richard Franklin Norris - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, The 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder
A WARM WELCOME TO THE NEW CHAIR OF THE COMMISSION ON PUBLICATIONS:
The Editor welcomes Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, the new Chair for the Commission on Publications and thanks the outgoing Commission chair, Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram, for his great oversight for the period 2004 – 2008.
1. THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:
“When you get past the "whoop," if your sermon makes no sense in a conversational voice, then it's not a sermon - it's a performance!”
Editor’s Note: This week’s thought were words of advice from the Rev. Ivy W. Janerette, the uncle of the Rev. Joseph Darby who was one of the "old lions" in S.C. in the 1930's to the 1970's. They tell me that he was one powerful preacher.
2. “LIFE ASSURANCE POLICY PAID UP BACK ON CALVARY”:
When I offered Dr. Clyde Oden my condolences on the death of his father, he replied, "Thank you. All is well. He was 93 -- and in good health. He died watching his favorite television show, sitting in his favorite chair -- without a care in the world. He had Life Assurance - paid up back on Calvary, and his policy was current!!! It don't get no better than that."
I responded, "That’s the way I want to go out to collect my Life Assurance policy."
3. GENERAL CONFERENCE AFRICAN DELEGATES STILL STRANDED IN ATLANTA:
The storm that hit Atlanta last week cause many flight cancellations and many of the AME delegates to the General Conference flying back to South Africa got caught in the snafu. A few have been put on flights and are back in South Africa, other are still in Atlanta. That’s the bad news. The good news is that Bishop William DeVeaux, presiding prelate of the 6th Episcopal District and newly elected Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath, presiding prelate of the 19th Episcopal District are providing care for the stranded delegates.
The Rev. Teboho G Klaas says the delegates may be stranded in the U.S.A. until July 23rd. Bishop DeVeaux and Bishop Leath are paying for the delegates’ room and board.
Newly elected Bishop Leath has being “baptized” in the real work of being a bishop. He and his family certainly did not have time to return home form the General Conference to rest and to enjoy the joy of being elected a bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
4. AME GENERAL CHURCH SALARIES, TRAVEL, GENERAL BOARD EXPENSES FROZEN AT 2008 LEVEL:
The General Conference delegates have spoken; all Bishops and General Officers’ salaries and travel are frozen at the current 2008 level. Additionally General Board expenses are also frozen at 2008 level. Dr. Richard Lewis, Chief Financial Officer projects that participants traveling to the December General Board meeting may have to fund their own travel and other expenses.
The only increases approved by the General Conference were the increase of the salaries of the indigenous African Bishops to make their salaries equal to the salaries of the U.S. Bishops and the funding of future General Conferences.
To see the bills that were passed and other General Conference information go to: www.ame-church.com/
A complete recap of the General Conference can be read in item # 6 of this issue of TCR Online.
5. “THANK YOU” FROM THE GENERAL OFFICERS OF THE AME CHURCH:
The General Officers of the African Methodist Episcopal Church wishes to thank the delegates and leadership of the 48th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference for reelecting them for another term of service of doing ministry in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
All nine of us say, “Thank you!” We pledge our highest service and ministry to God and to the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
6. RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
Editor’s Note: These are just a few of the Letters to the Editor.
- To the Editor:
Thank you for all of your hard work. Your timely updates made your audience feel as if we were in attendance at the General Conference. May God Continue to
Bless You, Again and Again. JoAnna Martin, Member of Oak Grove AME Church, Det. MI
- To the Editor:
Excellent reporting!!! Although we were unable to be there for the first time in 12 years, we were fully informed.
Thank you for your commitment and consistency.
Stephanie and Eric Stradford
- To the Editor:
I appreciated all the updates you provided by email on the 2008 General Conference. Your information was timely and most informative. Congratulations for all of your hard work.
Dr. Phyllis Qualls-Brooks
- To the Editor:
I am in Ethiopia working for the Summer and have been watching my email account with "baited breath" for all of your breaking news related to the Conference.
Thanks for all you do!
Sherri Fennell
- To the Editor:
That was the best reporting ever! I was so glad that I was able to get my computer fixed and up and running to get this report! All of the reports were excellent! I loved getting breaking news.........Yeah!
Rev. Cheryl Hoskins
- To the Editor:
The Christian Recorder Online subscribers’ of the North Alabama Conference and West Conference appreciated your daily reports. You were our information hub to the General Conference and we say thank you. (ha-ha when the AL delegations would call members they would say, "We've already gotten the word from The Christian Recorder")
I am encouraging everyone to join The Christian Recorder Online. Thanks again.
Thomasine Clark-Jackson
To the Editor:
Yours e-mail concerning the General Conference was greatly appreciated. I waited in anticipation to get the daily reports. Your reports made me feel like I was there at the conference. Thanks for a job well done. Your report of the assignment really made me happy because Alabama received our son home; Bishop James L. Davis. Because of your daily reports and receiving a son to come home was a blessing to me. Keep up the good work and may God bless and keep you is my prayer,
Edna J. Hatcher. Birmingham Ala
- To the Editor:
You did an awesome job keeping us up to date informed online about the happenings of General Conference! This year marked my first time ever attending and I was impressed by all of the planning which obviously had begun way ahead of time. Bishop McKenzie was on op of her game... Seeing all of the Bishops and General Officer's (Dr. Jayme Coleman... and other's) was exciting. This conference/election cannot be explained, one truly has to see it first hand and in living color to appreciate it.
I'm already looking forward to 2012.Daphney
To the Editor:
Thanks for General Conference coverage. I was able to share the deliberations with many members at home. You did excellent work and we congratulate you on serving as Editor of The Christian Recorder for another term.
God bless your endeavors.
Cedric Joubert
Bethel AME Church,
Hazendal, Cape Town, South Africa
To the Editor:
I want to express my word of thanks for your updates and news breaks of the General Conference. I was unable to attend the conference because of my summer school class at SC State University, but your reports made me feel apart of the activities. You are a blessing to the church. As a young adult in ministry, I also enjoy reading your editorials. May God bless you as you continue serve God and the Church in this new quadrennium.
Again, thank God for your ministry and be blessed.
Fedrick Wilson, Licentiate
Williams Chapel AME, Orangeburg, SC
Seventh District
To the Editor:
Let me first congratulate you on your re-election. You are doing an excellent job and I pray that God continue to enable and empower you.
I thank you for all of the coverage that you provided on the 48th Session of our General Conference. I was in St. Louis from 7/1 thru 7/12 and still not able to witness everything. Your coverage provided the all of the missing links and provided information that I shared with my congregation and others via email.
The coverage provided by The Afro-American was excellent. Thank you for sharing and I will be doing likewise.
The Rev. Tim Timmons
Finance Administrator
Tenth Episcopal District
4347 South Hampton Road
Suite 245
Dallas, Texas
To the Editor:
Thank you once again my brother for your accurate reporting of the activities of the General Conference. It reminds me of the many years that I had been either a delegate or an alternate.
When you have been a part of the policy-making of the AME Church, a feeling of loneliness creeps in when you realize, in time, that you are an "outsider looking in.” I did not have the finance to travel to St. Louis, but thanks to you I have the blessed opportunity to know what is going on daily with your excellent reporting of events. Should I be alive when the next General Conference convenes I may be both physically and financially able to be in attendance. And from an observant seat somewhere in the auditorium reminisce of the by-gone days when I was a true part of the policy-making of the Church of Allen, the Church of Jesus Christ, and yes.... the Church of my Choice for forty-two years of Services for God, Country and whatever community my Bishop assigned at the Annual Conference.
God bless you my brother, please keep on being the eyes and witness of what the next progressive advancement and or landmark this General Conference will bring.
The Rev. Dr. Harry D. Pierson
- To the Editor:
Thanks a million:
Yours e-mail coverage of the General Conference was greatly appreciated. I waited in anticipation to get the daily reports. Your reports made me feel like I was there at the conference. Thanks for a job well done.. Your report of the assignment really made me happy because Alabama received our son home; Bishop James L. Davis. Because of your daily reports and receiving a son to come home was a blessing to me. Keep up the good work and may God bless and keep you is my prayer,
Edna J. Hatcher. Birmingham Ala
7. THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE COMBINED DAILY GENERAL CONFEFRENCE REPORTS; JULY 4 – 11:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
Editor's Note: Many of the subscribers of The Christian Recorder Online received some of these messages during the General Conference via The Christian Recorder daily electronic reports. The official actions of the General Conference can be found on the AMEC Website.
The Christian Recorder General Conference Daily Report: July 3, 2008
This day was filled with the arrival of delegates, alternate delegates and observers. The Shriners were departing from the hotels and the AMEs were filling up the hotels. When I arrived, I thought the Shriners’ group was a large delegation, but with the arrival of the AMEs, the downtown area filled up with people and long lines of cars. It turns out the 2008 General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is the largest conference that St. Louis has had this year.
The AME Church has arrived in St. Louis.
This morning was filled with the delegates, alternate delegates and observers checking into their hotels, registering and picking up their General Conference packets and badges.
The day continued with pre-conference business of the General Conference Commission and an afternoon session of teaching the delegates the procedures in the efficient use of the Digi-microphones and briefings about the responsibilities of delegates.
All of the bishops and general officers have arrived at the site of the General Conference.
Dr. Richard Lewis gave an overview of the finances and support received from corporate sponsors. His report was well-received.
Dr. Clement Fugh explained that that new technologies are being implemented at this GC, one of which is the Digi-microphones which will indicate the order of requests to speak by the order of potential speakers' input into the Digi-microphone. If a potential speaker touches the microphone a second time, that speaker will go to the end of the queue.
Bishop McKenzie reminded the attendees that a training session will be held this afternoon at 3:30 p.m.
Bishop Bryant shared information about housing and the layout of convention center.
It was explained that 300 vendors were expected in the vending hall. Some of the vendors will be educational in nature.
Wal-Mart will have a mini-Wal-Mart in the vending area.
20,000 delegates and visitors are expected to attend the 2008 General Conference.
Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson offered the Rev. Marie Valerie White to be appointed as the Press Secretary for the General Conference to clear articles with the secular press.
The Finance Commission went to discuss the issue of hiring and compensating a Press Secretary.
Bishop McKinley Young said that Presidential candidates, Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain, had both been invited to speak at the 2008 General Conference. Senator Obama had accepted; Senator McCain did not accept the invitation. Senator Obama will be a speaker at the General Conference on Saturday at 2 p.m.
Bishop McKenzie expressed her appreciation for the people who mentored her in this General Conference preparation journey.
Bishop McKenzie invited Bishop Vinton Anderson to bring greetings to the attendees of the General Conference Commission.
The delegates returned to their hotels to get ready for the 2008 General Conference Welcome Banquet. The persons attending the banquet received warm welcomes from Bishop John R. Bryant, the presiding prelate of the 5th Episcopal District and from Episcopal Supervisor, the Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant. The evening was a grand affair with the grand processional, creative prayers, shared reading of the scriptures, and wonderful singing by Ms. Karen Hylton and Ms. Bridget Bazile; those ladies sang to the glory of God.
The meal was scrumptious, the roasted chicken was moist, and the meal service was efficient.
There was not a sermon and there was not a keynote speaker. This event was different; I don’t believe that we have ever had one like it. The main focus of the evening was prayer.
Bishop Sarah Davis set the tone for the evening by expressing the intention that we were “praying our way into the General Conference.” Bishop John Hurst Adams prayed for the Church leadership present and future; Bishop Philip Cousin prayed for our AME colleges and universities; Bishop Sarah Davis led us in a prayer for the healing of the sick, and each of us was encouraged to call the name of someone we knew who was sick or needed prayer. Bishop Haskell Mayo was scheduled to lead the prayer, but he is unable to attend the General Conference. The banquet attendees also prayed for Bishop Mayo, Bishop H. Hartford Brookins, and Bishop F.C. James. Bishop Henry Allen Belin prayed for the renewal and healing of family life; Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle prayed for global vision and impact; Bishop McKinley young prayed for ecological awareness and justice; Bishop William P. DeVeaux prayed for deliverance of the poor and oppressed; Bishop Richard Norris prayed for the “fire” of evangelism worldwide; and Bishop Wilfred Messiah prayed for the manifestation of the power of God during the General Conference. It was a wonderful time of prayer and reflection.
Dr. Floyd Flake, pastor of Allen Cathedral, Jamaica, New York was honored by Bishop John R. Bryant, the Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant, and the 5th Episcopal District for the superb work he did as the President of Wilberforce University. Bishop Bryant noted that when Dr. Flake arrived at Wilberforce University, the university was in the red; but during the tenure of Dr. Flake, the university now operates in the black. Dr. Flake was given a beautiful plaque.
Bishop John R. Bryant is the presiding prelate of the 5th Episcopal District and the Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant is the Episcopal Supervisor.
Closing remarks were given by Supervisor Cecelia Bryant and Bishop John Bryant. In his closing remarks Bishop Bryant asked what time it was and the response was 9:45 p.m. He replied “We are not staying here all night; we are getting ready to go home.” He called on Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry to give the announcements after which the benediction was pronounced and the delegates went to their various episcopal district meetings.
Tomorrow the General Conference officially begins.
The Christian Recorder General Conference Daily Report: July 4, 2008
- It is estimated that about 20,000 persons are in attendance at the General Conference. The worshippers filled the auditorium for the opening worship service and people, boys and girls, men and women, young and old were standing in the back of the auditorium. Such a large gathering of AMEs was a sight to behold.
The 5th District choir was awesome. They sang hymns, an anthem, a spiritual, and gospel selections, which helped to create a worshipful atmosphere.
The full Decalogue was done and the service exemplified African Methodist Episcopal worship at its best.
Bishop John Bryant preached a dynamic sermon. He took a text from Luke 15:8 and used as a subject, “It’s Time to Sweep the House.” He said that it’s time for the AME Church to sweep the house because we have lost some things. He explained that he thought that the Church had lost its grounding in prayer. He recalled that when he was growing up, prayer meeting was an important event; people attended prayer meeting in great numbers. He said that though we have lost our grounding in prayer, he sees that prayer is on the rise. He also said that he felt the Church has lost its gospel, theological and doctrinal preaching power and that preachers have succumbed to topical preaching. He went on to explain that preachers, by and large, had lost their passion for preaching and have lost their passion for saving the lost. He said that preachers and laity have to rediscover their passion for the Church. He posited that we are the only “retailer” that belittles its “product.”
Bishop Bryant encourages us, as AMEs, to rediscover the centrality of the Cross. He explained that many churches have taken out the Cross because the Cross stands in contrast to the prosperity gospel; the prosperity gospel denies the reality of the Cross. Bishop Bryant gave many vignettes about his childhood and about the importance of sweeping when his mother wanted to take house cleaning to “another level.” The upside to sweeping a house is that one may find valuable things that had been lost. The AME Church needs to do a serious sweeping to recapture some of the “gems” that have been lost. The Church needs to minister to boys who don’t know how to be men; the Church needs to minister to girls who don’t know how to be women; and the Church needs to minister to older folks who are lonely. By the end of his message almost everybody was up on their feet. The sermon was, indeed, a General Conference milestone.
- The afternoon session heard the reports of the Credentials Committee, the General Conference Commission and the Rules Committee.
The election of the General Secretary was held and Dr. Clement Fugh received a unanimous vote reelecting him as the General Secretary. The Rev. Dr. Harold Mayberry was unanimously reelected as the Episcopal Committee Chairperson. Dr. Fugh and Dr. Mayberry were unopposed.
Business Session I adjourned a little after 6 p.m. The delegates, alternate delegates and observers were encouraged to enjoy what was left of July the Fourth. Several bishops called for meetings of their delegations; but most gave their delegations the evening off.
- Presidential candidate, Senator Barack Obama was invited and accepted the invitation to speak tomorrow afternoon at the General Conference. Senator John McCain was also invited to speak, but, so far has not accepted the invitation to do so.
- The Power Radio www.powerradio.com will be streaming the worship services on Sunday and again for the Consecration Worship Service. The Word Network may videotape the Consecration Service. Information will be shared as received.
The Christian Recorder General Conference Daily Report: July 5, 2008
The day began with early Morning Prayer and Bible Study.
Business Session II
Business Session II began at 6 a.m. with Bishop John Bryant presiding. Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle and Bishop David R. Daniels were associate presiding officers. Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle, Sr. was the preparer of the Episcopal Address. Various bishops shared in the reading of the Episcopal Address.
There were several significant parts and I would hope that all of our members will receive and read the report. I hope that the Episcopal Address, in addition to being referred, will be acted upon.
There were several significant portions of the Episcopal Address. One read by Bishop Richard Norris is entitled, “Super Department/Meetings.” The report, in part, reads:
“The nature of the world economy during this quadrennial should have vividly etched into our minds the need to revisit the voluminous connection gatherings we habitually hold annually. The country is in a recession. The dollar is being devalued worldwide, the price of oil and the numerous products associated with it have sky rocketed. The travel and hotel industry prices are at an all time high. Yet we show no tendency to slow down! We continue to meet and schedule meetings to plan meetings at the same break-neck pace! The time for retrenching, belt-tightening, better stewardship of our resources is called for. The Church must revisit our fetish with holding meetings! Beginning with this General Conference and becoming a reality after the rise of the 2012 General Conference, there shall be only two connectional meetings per quadrennial; one meeting being a five (5) business- day Convocation at which all departments will convene in the same city. Each department will participate in the planning and programming. Their meetings will also feature worship, elections, legislation and fellowship. The second meeting of the quadrennial will be the General Conference. No department will be allowed to hold more than two Executive Boards during a four (4) year period. The implementation of this concept will be the results of revisions in the department’s constitutions and by-laws during 2008-2012.”
Bishop Gregory G.M Ingram read about the future of our AME publications, in which he encouraged all leadership levels of the Church to more fully use the AME periodicals. The report also encouraged all members to read all of our periodicals.
The ministry of chaplains was also highlighted in the report and the chaplaincy was commended as an authentic ministry that should be affirmed by the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The Chaplain Candidate Program was also commended to the Church as an option for preparation for ministry.
The General Conference adjourned for lunch.
The auditorium was prepared for Senator Obama’s speech.
Senator Barack Obama came into the auditorium at 2 p.m. and gave a magnificent speech. All or some of Senator Obama’s speech delivered to the AMEC General Conference was televised on the major television networks. Mr. Obama was warmly received by the members of the General Conference.
The late afternoon / evening session dealt with the Episcopal Address, which received commendation from the GC delegates. Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle, Sr. was commended for his hard work.
Business Session III proceeded without a dinner break. Session III closed at 8 p.m.
The following General Officers gave their quadrennial reports via PowerPoint presentations:
Treasurer/Dr. Richard Lewis
General Secretary/Dr. Clement Fugh
Department of Annuity Investments and insurance/Dr. Jerome Harris
The Sunday School Union/Dr. Johnny Barbour
The Treasurer’s Report provoked a lot of lively discussion; the General Secretary’s report was creative; the department of Annuity Investments and Insurance also provoked lively discussion; and the Sunday School Union Report was straightforward and voted upon without discussion.
Business Session III closed with prayer led by Bishop Sarah Davis and the benediction was given by Bishop Robert Webster.
The next General Conference and the General Conferences following:
2012: The 49th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference will be held in Nashville, TN
2016: The 50th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference will be held in Philadelphia, PA
2020: The 51st Quadrennial Session of the General Conference will be held in Orlando, FL
The Christian Recorder General Conference Daily Report: July 6, 2008
The General Conference does not conduct business sessions on the Sunday of the General Conference.
Church School was held at this morning at 8 a.m.
Sunday was a day of special interest group breakfasts, luncheons and meetings, i.e., Payne Theological Seminary, Connectional Lay Organization, WIM meeting, chaplains, Interdenominational Prayer Walk.
The Worship Service and Holy Communion began at 10 a.m. The day was highlighted with a powerful sermon preached by Bishop Grady. He spoke God’s word with power and exegetical skill.
The Christian Debutante-Masters Dedication Service was held at 3 p.m. The Debutante-Masters program comes under the auspices of the Department of Christian Education.
A gospel concert with Marvin Sapp, Jonathan Nelson and Purpose and L’Tanya Moore was held on Sunday evening.
The Youth and Young Adult Spiritual Explosion will be held at 10 p.m.
The Christian Recorder General Conference Daily Report: July 7, 2008
Early Morning Prayer
Business Session V
The Department of Christian Education’s Quadrennial Report was given by Dr. Daryl Ingram. The report was enthusiastically received and Dr. Ingram and the Department of Christian Education were given high commendation for their work.
The Revisions Committee gave its first reading.
The Voting Commission, formerly the Election Commission, gave its report that included the directions for using the voting keypad.
The Episcopal Committee made its first report:
The Rev. Dr. Harold Mayberry is the Chair of the Episcopal Committee.
The organization of the Episcopal Committee was given to the General Conference.
The Organization of the Episcopal Committee was accepted by the General Conference.
Bishop Preston Warren Williams’ birth date was confirmed as July 17, 1939 and the General Conference is to determine Bishop Williams’ retirement date. A spirited discussion took place concerning the retirement date and it was decided that the issue of Bishop Williams’ retirement would be sent back to committee.
Special guests were presented to the General Conference by Chaplain Ammie Davis, LT, USN, stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina: Bishop Christopher Epting, Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations for the Episcopal church; the Rev. Dr. George Freeman, General Secretary, World Methodist Council; and Dr. Stephen Sidorak, General Secretary of the General Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns, United Methodist Church.
Following the introduction of special guests, the discussion about the voting pads continued.
The General Conference adjourned for lunch.
Business Session VI
The Episcopal District makes its second report. The second report began with prayer delivered by the Rev. James F. Miller.
The Episcopal Committee unanimously changed the retirement date of Bishop Preston Warren Williams from 2012 to 2016 / Approved by the General Conference by vote with handheld voting pads.
The Revisions Committee gave a continuation of the earlier report. The discussion of the various bills is provoking a spirited discussion.
The General Conference adjourned for dinner.
Business Session VII
The following reports were given:
- SADA / Mr. Robert Nicholas
- Department of Global Witness and Ministry / Dr. George Flowers
- Dr. Flowers and his department received loud commendations for the great work of his department in the continental USA and overseas. Dr. Flowers acknowledged those who were helpful to his work and recognized Dr. John Collier and Dr. Jacqueline Grant Collier (Co-Editors of The Voice of Missions), his staff and his wife, Mrs. Phoenicia Flowers.
- Global Development Council (GDC)/Bishop Wilfred Jacobus Messiah
- Department of Research and Scholarship / Dr. Dennis Dickerson
- The Christian Recorder / Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
- Department of Church Growth and Development / Dr. James Wade
All of the General Officers and their departments were given the highest commendations for their ministry and their departments.
The Session adjourned for the day.
The session closed with the hymn, “Father, I Stretch My Hands to Thee” and prayer.
The Christian Recorder General Conference Daily Report: July 8, 2008
The following reports were presented:
- Debutante Masters Commission
- Educational Institutions
- Lay Organization / Dr. Jesse Burns
- Women’s Missionary Society / Dr. Jamesina Evans
- Development of Districts 14-20
- Social Action
- Sons of Allen
- Women in Ministry
- Music and Christian Arts Ministry
The Memorial Service
The Memorial Service was conducted in a most appropriate and spiritually moving manner. Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle, Sr., and his members are to be commended for the dignity in which they conducted the service; it brought tears to my eyes.
- Commission on Statistics and Finance – Bishop C. Garnett Henning / Dr. Richard Lewis
There was a spirited AME discussion; anyone who has been to an AME General Conference knows what I am talking about. The Commission on Statistics and Finance will go back into session to reconsider the budget.
- Council of Bishops Nominations
The General Conference voted that the Commission on Statistics and Finance will return to the GC to give its report tomorrow, Thursday morning (7/9/08)
- The Revisions Commission addressed the General Conference on the bills that have financial implications. Again the discussion was lively and the business of the General Conference is “moving up a notch.” Spirited discussion ensued with each reading of the bills. All of the bills had financial implications. One of the bills dealt with quarterly payments by Episcopal districts to the Finance Office. The recommendation states that notification of late / nonpayment of quarterly payments by Episcopal districts will be published in The Christian Recorder.
The afternoon session ended with the reading of a special resolution read by Dr. Jamye Coleman Williams. All of the lay delegates were invited to stand as she read her special resolution. She noted that at the special called meeting of the General Conference in 1946, the Bishops of the Church said the AME Church needed an informed laity (The full resolution will be published in The Christian Recorder). Dr. Williams received a rousing acceptance of her resolution which challenged the laity and the leadership of the AME Church to be full partners in ministry.
The Election Commission, chaired by Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle, read the list of candidates for election that will take place on Thursday.
The election is scheduled for Thursday morning. Subscribers will get the result of each person elected as it happens.
The meeting adjourned with prayer. The business session will resume tomorrow (Wednesday) morning.
The Christian Recorder General Conference Daily Report: July 9, 2008
The preparation of this General Conference has been superb; registration, availability of transportation from the various hotels and other administrative comforts that are results of superb planning. Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, General Conference Commission Chairperson and her staff are to be commended for helping to make this one of the most efficient General Conferences.
The campaigning for bishop has been kicked up a couple of notches. The candidates and their entourages are creatively attempting to show all of the delegates that they are the best persons to be elected bishop. Some of the candidates are providing transportation from the front of the Convention Center to the auditorium, which is located in the rear of the facility. The facility has a very long hallway and it’s a long walk from the street to the auditorium. Other candidates are handing out ball point pins and other useful items.
The vending area is very large and seems to me to be larger than we have had at other General Conferences. In spite of the business sessions, the people are taking time to shop.
Business Session X
The morning began with the report of the Commission on Statistics and Finance – Bishop C. Garnett Henning / Dr. Richard Lewis. Last night they worked on the budget and the revised budget is what they have brought back to this session of the General Conference.
The vote was taken and the revised budget has been rejected. Another vote was taken to equalize the salaries of the indigenous overseas bishops and to increase the budget. The vote was taken; motion carried. Bishop C. Garnett Henning thanked the General Conference for the vote to accept the budget.
The Revisions Committee returned for the next readings of bills. One of the bills concerns a change to the clergy sexual misconduct rules in the AME Church. All clergy will be trained in the policies of sexual misconduct and must sign a statement that they have read and understood the sexual misconduct policy. Additionally, background checks will be required of all clergy members. The supervisory chain of supervision is established by the proposed policy. Supervisors must respond in writing within 48 hours to any sexual misconduct complaints. The accuser must reply in writing to any complaint lodged against him or her. Women must be members of judicial committees. The AME Church is serous about sexual misconduct.
The Episcopal Committee is slowly making its way to the auditorium. Everything stops when it is announced, each time the Episcopal Committee makes a report. The Episcopal Committee procession to the dais is dignified and precise. Delegates, alternate delegates, and observers take their seats when the Episcopal Committee enters. Their entrance is a solemn tradition in the AME Church.
The third report was given in two parts. The characters of all bishops were passed; medical certificates of general health were received and reviewed by the Episcopal Committee.
Three bishops, Bishop Philip R. Cousin; Bishop Robert V. Webster; and Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle, Sr. were approved for retirement. Three new bishops will be elected at this General Conference. There will be orientation and training for all new bishops.
The Episcopal Committee’s report was approved.
Business Session X adjourned for lunch.
Business Session XI
The Revisions Committee dealt with issues that are important to the Church
Bishop Cousin said that the Church had treated him well and that he had consulted with Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle and Bishop Robert V. Webster and they agreed that the work of the Church was important and that the work of the Revisions Committee needed to be completed; and he moved that the Retirement Service be cancelled. Spirited discussion ensued because some of the delegates wanted to follow Bishop Cousin’s recommendation and others wanted to have the service.
The GC voted to cancel the service, but discussion continued. It was agreed that the retirement service would be held in conjunction with the Consecration Service.
The work of the Revisions Committee continued. One of the proposed bills that precipitated discussion was the bill to prohibit local elders and deacons to serve as supply preachers when itinerant deacons and elders are available.
The body voted that the proposed bill be eliminated. Local elders and local deacons will be able to serve as supply pastors.
A discussion was held about whether or not the AME Church should move to the acceptance of a permanent diaconate. That concept of ministry was not accepted by the delegates of the GC.
Business Session XI, Wednesday Evening (Con’t)
The work of the Revisions Committee continued with spirited discussion for the third reading of the proposed bills and proposed legislative changes.
The GC participants have to clear the auditorium by 9:45 p.m. or additional costs will be incurred.
The Revisions Committee completed its work of the evening. It’s time to depart this facility and for Episcopal Districts and other entities to have their meetings, which will last late into the night and some of the meetings will last past midnight.
The election of bishops, et. al., will take place tomorrow (Thursday, July 10, 2008).
This business session was adjourned.
The benediction was given by Bishop Adams.
The Christian Recorder General Conference Daily Report: July 10, 2008
As the election of Bishops, General Officers and Judicial Council commenced, the auditorium was in an uproar. The energy level was high and the candidates were positioning themselves and attempting to make alliances.
The general officers who were unopposed were unanimously reelected.
They were: Dr. Richard Allen Lewis, Dr. Clement W. Fugh, Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Dr. George Flowers, Dr. Jerome V. Harris, and Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III.
Atty. James Golden
Atty. Benjamin Edwards
Atty. Priscilla Green
Atty. Patricia Mayberry
Atty. Rosemarie Rhodes-Miller
The following General Officers, who had opposition, were reelected:
Dr. James C. Wade
Dr. Daryl B. Ingram
Dr. Dennis C. Dickerson
The Reverend Louis C. Davis and the Reverend Leodis Strong withdrew their names from the race for elected bishop before the election began.
No one was elected on the first ballot. The Reverend Jeffrey Leath led on the first ballot. Twenty-one (21) candidates for bishop withdrew from the race.
Dr. Jeffrey Leath was the first person elected bishop; he received 901 votes. Dr. Julius McAllister won with 725 votes. By the last ballot, Dr. John White’s name was the only name on the ballot and he won the third spot for the bishopric handily.
The following persons were elected bishops:
The Rev. Jeffrey N. Leath
The Rev. Julius H. McAllister, Sr.
The Rev. John F. White
Thursday Evening – The General Officers’ Installation Service
The Installation Service for the reelected General Officers was conducted on Thursday evening. The spiritually enriched Installation Worship Service was well-attended.
The Christian Recorder General Conference Daily Report: July 11, 2008
The Consecration Service was held. The following persons were elected bishops and on this date were consecrated as bishops in the African Methodist Episcopal Church:
Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath
Bishop Julius H. McAllister, Sr.
Bishop John F. White
Business Session XIV
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry was the chair of the Friday morning business session.
The Strategic Planning Meeting Report as delivered and received by the General Conference.
The Rev. Sarah Peddiny, Presiding Elder for AME-India ,was presented to the General Conference. Rev. Peddiny addressed the General Conference and was well-received by the GC.
Bishop McCloud introduced the Rev. Cristalene Whalen as the most newly endorsed military chaplain.
Bishop McKenzie announced that the AME delegates and visitors had 16,000 room nights in St. Louis. The AME Church received $485,000 in sponsorship and in kind sponsorship donations of $125,000. Bishop and Dr. McCloud; the Rev. Mark Whitlock; Mrs. Delores Lewis; and Dr. Richard Lewis were responsible for raising the cash and in kind gifts that supported the General Conference.
The General Conference gave a rousing standing ovation for the great work of Bishop McKenzie and the General Conference Commission.
All of the bishops were commended by their Episcopal Districts and received extended rounds of applause.
The official Information of the General Secretary will be posted on the official AME Website: www.ame-church.com/
The Consecration Worship Service began with the Processional of the General Officers and the Bishops.
The bishops-elect, the Rev. Jeffrey N. Leath, the Julius H. McAllister, Sr. and the Rev. John F. White were seated in the place of honor; in the front pulpit area.
The versatile Fourth Episcopal District choir sang to the glory of God with its singing of the anthem "My Jesus I Love Thee" and the gospel rendition of "Encourage Yourself".
Bishop Philip R. Cousin’s sermon, taken from Joshua 1:2, was a charge to the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Bishop Cousin reminded us that the African Methodist Episcopal Church has “a great past, but a greater future.” He spoke about the importance of the “now.” We should not waste the “now.” The “now” is filled with difficulties. The AME Church stands at a threshold of a greater future. The congregation came to its feet when he asked if the congregation had ever heard a preacher say, “That ain’t much,” and went on to say, “Preachers who say that ain’t much.” He encouraged pastors and laity to be positive, and explained that the AME Church was not dead, but in need of “pruning.”
Bishop Cousin preached a dynamic and Holy Spirit filled sermon. At the end of his sermon he was greeted by his wife of over fifty years who went up to the pulpit to hug and embrace him. The congregation rose to its feet.
The musicians played “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” and the congregation burst into the singing of that great hymn; the scheduled listed hymn was “Joys are Flowing.” After singing, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness", the congregation transitioned into singing the hymn, "Joys are Flowing.” Bishop Sarah Davis extended the Invitation and closed the Invitation with prayer.
Bishop John Bryant moved to the pulpit and called Bishop and Mrs. Cousin; Bishop and Mrs. Chappelle; and Bishop Robert Vaughn Webster and his daughter, Supervisor White to the pulpit. Bishop Bryant explained that Bishops Cousin, Chappelle and Webster had over 150 years of combined ministry. Bishop Bryant said that ministry was a shared vocation and that it was appropriate to honor the spouses with their husbands.
.
Bishop Cousin led in the service of transferring the Senior Bishop title to Bishop John R. Bryant. Bishop Bryant is officially the Senior Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The offering was collected and blessed and the choir continued to sing to the glory of God.
The Service of Consecration
Bishop McKinley Young was the worship leader for the Service of Consecration for the three Bishops-elect. Bishops and itinerant elders selected by the Bishops-elect participated in the Service of Consecration.
The Right Rev. Jeffrey N. Leath, the Right Rev. Julius H. McAllister, Sr. and the Right Rev. John F. White were joined by their spouses when they were given Holy Communion.
The Closing Business Service
- BISHOPS ELECTED
The Right Rev. Jeffrey N. Leath, 128th elected bishop
The Right Rev. Julius H. McAllister Sr., 129th elected bishop
The Right Rev. John F. White, 130th elected bishop
- CHAIR OF EPISCOPAL COMMITTEE
Dr. Harold R. Mayberry
-1. GENERAL SECRETARY
Dr. Clement W. Fugh
-2. HISTORIAGRAPHER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP
Dr. Dennis C. Dickerson
-3. SECRETARY-TREASURER, SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION
Dr. Johnny Barbour Jr.
-4. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GLOBAL WITNESS & MINISTRY
Dr. George F. Flowers
-5. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ANNUITY INVESTMENTS AND INSURANCE
Dr. Jerome V. Harris
-6. TREASURER/CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Dr. Richard Allen Lewis
-7. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DEPARTMENT OF CHURCH GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Dr. James C. Wade
-8. SECRETARY-TREASURER, DEPARTMENT OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Dr. Daryl B. Ingram
-9. EDITOR, THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
-JUDICIAL COUNCIL
Benjamin F. Edwards (layperson)
Priscilla J. Green (layperson)
Rosemarie Rhodes-Miller (layperson)
Patricia M. Mayberry (layperson)
Francine A. Brookins (clergy)
Granville W. Reed III (clergy)
-JUDICIAL COUNCIL ALTERNATE
James T. Golden
-THE EPISCOPAL ASSIGNMENTS FOR 2008 – 2012:
Office of Ecumenical and Urban Affairs - Bishop John F. White
1st Episcopal District – Bishop Richard Franklin Norris
2nd Episcopal District – Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson
3rd Episcopal District – Bishop Cornel Garnett Henning
4th Episcopal District – Bishop John Richard Bryant
5th Episcopal District – Bishop Theodore Larry Kirkland
6th Episcopal District – Bishop William Phillips DeVeaux
7th Episcopal District – Bishop Preston Warren Williams II
8th Episcopal District – Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry
9th Episcopal District - Bishop James Levert Davis
10th Episcopal District – Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram
11th Episcopal District – Bishop McKinley Young
12th Episcopal District – Bishop Samuel Lawrence Green, Sr.
13th Episcopal District – Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie
14th Episcopal District – Bishop David R. Daniels
15th Episcopal District – Bishop Wilfred Messiah
16th Episcopal District – Bishop Sarah Frances Davis
17th Episcopal District – Bishop Paul Jones Kawimbe
18th Episcopal District – Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Jr.
19th Episcopal District – Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath
20th Episcopal District – Bishop Julius H. McAllister
The new officers for the AME Chaplains Association are as follows:
President: Chaplain Oledia Bell
Vice President: Chaplain Atticus Taylor
Secretary: Chaplain Benita Livingston (VA Memphis)
Parliamentarian: Chaplain Daniel Nkopodi
Historiographer: Chaplain Ammie Davis
The Closing Business Session consisted of the final report of the Episcopal Committee.
The closing hymn was “God Be with You 'Til We Meet Again.”
The benediction was pronounced by Bishop Philip R. Cousin, Sr.
“The Right Hand of God” was the Recessional Hymn.
The 2008 General Conference has ended.
8. ST. PAUL AME CHURCH AND EMPOWERMENT TEMPLE CHOSEN TO PARTICIPATE IN CNN'S TWO-PART BLACK IN AMERICA SPECIAL:
Please know that St. Paul has been chosen by CNN to take part in the Soledad O'Brien two-part Black in America special, which will air July 23rd and July 24th.
CNN will be at St. Paul on Sunday, July 13th. After the 9:30 a.m. worship service, 50 members of St. Paul will participate in the taping of this groundbreaking new series. Black in America special – airing July 23rd and July 24th - focuses on fresh analysis from new voices about the real lives behind the stereotypes, statistics and identity politics that frequently frame the national dialogue about Black America.
9. CNN SPECIAL - ON WEDNESDAY JULY 23 AT 9 PM AND THURSDAY JULY 24 AT 9 PM:
On Wednesday July 23 at 9 pm and Thursday July 24 at 9 pm, CNN will premiere a series, "Black in America with Soledad O'Brien."
On Monday the series will focus on Women and Families and Tuesday is dedicated entirely to the plight of the Black Man in America.
For more information:
http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2008/black.in.america/
10. ST. MARK AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH –MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN CELEBRATES 4,371,494,090 SECONDS OF ‘WEATHERING THE STORM’:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin. On Sunday, April 13, 2008, Bishop David Rwhynica Daniels, Jr., Presiding Prelate of the 14th Episcopal District which includes Liberia, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Nigeria, Cote D’ Ivoire, and Togo-Benin, helped St. Mark celebrate it 139th year of service to God and the community. Under the theme of “Planting our Gifts in the Community,” Bishop Daniels delivered a powerful spirit-filled message on the topic of “Your Future is Brighter than your Past,” using Jeremiah 29:10-14 as foundation for his sermon text. He told the congregation that “he knows those 139 years have not always been easy, care free, trouble free, without struggles, trials and tribulations. He said, “You have had your share of trials, testing periods, struggling seasons and weeping nights, but through it all you have learned to depend on Jesus and his sustaining grace.”
Bishop Daniels bedazzled the congregation with these mathematical facts. He said your church has weathered the storm for:
1.139 years
2.1,668 months
3.7,228 weeks
4.50,596 days
5.1,214,304 hours
6.72,858,240 minutes
7. 4,371,494,090 seconds
Following the worship service, Bishop Daniels and worshippers were feted with dinner and a silent auction in the Ezekiel Gillespie Fellowship Hall. At this event, Bishop Daniels shared with the congregation his plans for the creation of the Richard C Allen Health Center in Monrovia, Liberia.
St. Mark, the oldest established African American congregation in the state of Wisconsin, was founded in 1869, by a group of eight individuals who wanted to establish a church of Allen in Milwaukee. Ezekiel Gillespie served as chairman of this group which included his wife, Catherine, Louis and Matilda Hughes, Charles and Sarah Dorsey, James Johnson and Catherine Paget. These St. Mark founders were dedicated to Allen’s Creed-God our Father, Christ our Redeemer and Man our Brother. Ezekiel, on behalf of this group, sent a letter to the Rt. Reverend William Paul Quinn asking him to send a minister to help organize an A.M.E. church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The response was prompt. On January 9, 1869; the Rev. Theodore Crosby arrived in Milwaukee. On April 5, 1869, at the request of Rev. Crosby, Bishop Quinn came to Milwaukee. A church was organized and, 4,371,494,090 seconds later, the church is still planting and sowing seeds for God’s kingdom building. (Ezekiel Gillespie not only founded St. Mark, but was one of the leaders of Milwaukee’s black community who attempted to force the issue of, voting rights for blacks, into the courts by trying to register to vote in November 1865 general election. The Wisconsin Supreme Court in Gillespie extended to black men the right to vote in 1866 via the case of Gillespie v. Palmer and others -28 Wis. 544.
Standing at the helm of this great congregation and offering pastoral care today, is the Rev. Darryl R. Williams. Reflecting on his impression of St. Mark AME Church about a year after his arrival, little over three years ago, Pastor Williams said, he found one thing immediately clear; not much goes on in Milwaukee’s African American community without St. Mark having a role in it. He stated further, “This church is a bastion of strength in the community.”
Of the many accomplishments of Rev. Williams during his tenure at St. Mark is that he has guided a major elevator project through its completion. He led the congregation through a season of giving for this project. The elevator was fully paid for before installation. However, his two primary thrusts for the St. Mark family are to become a full tithing church and increase community outreach. Pastor Williams say, “Everything we do in church has to have an outreach component with it.” Although pleased with the work of the two Lovell Johnson Quality of Life Centers, which meets the needs of the community through a variety of services from distributing food and clothing to help with substance abuse and education, there is still room for improvement. As he moves forward in increasing the involvement of the church in the community, Pastor Williams says he will use the infrastructure that is already in place within the Quality of Life Centers.
In keeping with its efforts to be a relevant church in the 21st century, St. Mark has started a number of new ministries under Rev. Williams; the grief ministry, in which St. Mark partner with several area funeral homes in helping families deal with the loss of a loved one; the young adult ministry, and the hospitality ministry, which was established to more effectively assimilate new people into the church. He also has in design a ministry called “The Pastor’s Chat,” which will be hosted by Rev. Williams and held at the parsonage and focus on new members and individuals thinking of joining St. Mark. Focusing more on children and young adults, in addition to the YPD, newly created ministry is the Young Anvil Society which is committed to developing well rounded youth focusing on Faith, Leadership and Values.
As part of the church outreach, led by Rev. Janice Cumming, an Itinerant Deacon at St. Mark, and the 2008 Women’s Day Committee, a bold step is being taken. The women of St. Mark actively participated in a “take back the streets” night from prostitution in surrounding areas by sending teams out to reach out to these women offering them the word of God, resources and Christian love. Their primary goal is to save souls and lives.
St. Mark A.M.E. Church, the “Church of the Anvil,” is located at 1616 W. Atkinson Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53206. (414) 562-8030. Pastoral guidance is provided by Pastor Darryl R. Williams and First Lady Laurelyn.
Written by:
Sister Patricia Bell Chisom, PR Director-St. Mark AME Church
Brother Thomas Mitchell, Jr., Editor-Milwaukee Community Journal
11. THE THRILL IS GONE:
By The Rev. George R. La Sure, D.Min.
As I look back over my ministry in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, which spans some thirty years, I am troubled, even saddened, by what I envision the future might be for the AME Churches’ small congregations.
From its outset, the AMEC has served as a pillar of strength and a beacon of light for the downtrodden masses of those of African descent that were adversely impacted by slavery, segregation, disenfranchisement, economic despair, the lack of educational opportunity, and discrimination in housing and employment. The daily diet for the church consisted of an identifiably purposeful pursuit to improve the quality of life for its parishioners as it sought to enhance every element of freedom that the founding fathers of the brand new American democratic republic proclaimed. Down through the years we have been full participants in the nation’s quest to become the symbol of democracy and freedom throughout the world.
Some of my earliest memories of the A.M.E. Church experience relate to the involvement of my childhood pastor, The Reverend Doctor John W.P. Collier, and the AME Church, in general, taking a bold stand for freedom and equal opportunities in education, employment and housing. The struggle wasn’t easy and we suffered many disappointments but, we persevered and we joined hands together in the belief that the Lord would make a way for us. The Church’s mission and purpose was fully evident and, in tact, in what we were. We experienced a great deal of excitement as we pressed our way through adversity to victory.
Over the last 20-30 years we have, seemingly, lost a lot of our zeal and our denominational purpose. As we have gained more and more freedom and opportunity, nationally, we have moved from the other side of the tracks, in many of our communities, and have gained significant achievement and progress in the areas of education, employment, housing, economic opportunity and politics, we have lost some of the glue that kept us bound together. While we were passengers in the same boat of inequality and despair, we had a common and identifiable mission and purpose, and, we as a denomination, endeavored to get there, together.
By today’s standards, more and more of our young people are in search of an identifiable mission and purpose. Though we can freely cite doctrine and discipline and denominational history, many of our parishioners, particularly bright and discerning young persons, find it increasingly difficult to relate it to their communities and their continuing quest to survive the issues confronting them in the modern world. The zeal that motivated past generations to hold on and to hold out, to march, to demonstrate, to endure real pain and suffering, to go to jail, to rally around survival issues, to band together spiritually, and to stay the course, no matter what, is no longer there.
Today the denomination has more influential and political leadership vested in its leadership and departmental structure than it has in the past. While much identifiable structural improvements have occurred at the top, the zeal and the fervor that once motivated the local church, particularly the small congregation church, has waned. Though much might be said about what the AMEC is doing and achieving as a denomination, it can truly be stated that “the thrill is gone” at the local level. The small congregation church and, some larger congregation churches, have been anesthetized by continuing budgetary despair. The smaller congregation churches, in particular, have consistently been paying out between 15%-30%, annually, of its gross revenue, while many of our larger congregations do not contribute as little as 10% of their gross revenue per year. Not only is the small congregation church required to pay the highest levels of budgetary assessment, but it has very little identifiable representation on the boards and committees that comprise the denomination’s legislative and executive decision-making vehicles. As a rule, small congregations have a “right to pay”, but not a “right to say.”
While the small congregation church is, today, struggling to continue to breathe, the denomination has taken strides to further increase the level of assessment for the church that can least afford it, the 10-250 member church that constitutes at least 80% of the total A.M.E. denomination. At this point, the small membership congregation has not additional option available to it but to switch to a survival mode. It must devise new ways and means and strategies just to survive. Somehow, lights have to stay on, the gas has to stay on, the bills have to be paid and…that leaky roof or deplorable bathroom must be fixed…no matter what.
It is troubling to consider that the denomination has made no identifiable effort to re-visit, over the last few years, the disparate levels of budgetary assessments that exist between the smaller congregation and the larger congregation churches. Given the state of the national and the international economies, it is conceivable that a significant number of our smaller congregation churches might not, continually, be able to financially manage their churches and their ministries at the present level.
If we are to maintain our presence and our zeal to be all that GOD calls us to be, wherever we might be, we must come together, now, to claim a new day by moving to initiate a new way.
Dr. La Sure is the Pastor Of Greater Saint James A.M.E. Church, Thomson, Georgia.
Share your comments with him at www.greaterstjamesame.org
12. TWENTY-ONE CHURCHES CAME TOGETHER FOR THE MACON DISTRICT CHURCH SCHOOL CONVENTION:
*Brother Alphonso Varner
A weekend of exciting religious experiences was held in the Macon District of the Macon Georgia Conference, African Methodist Episcopal Church on June 6-7, 2008.
The occasion was the Annual Church School Convention for twenty-one churches with clergy and laity coming together under the dynamic and efficient leadership of the Reverend Alan Hale Wicker, Presiding Elder. The host church, St. Peter African Methodist Episcopal Church located in the "Peach Blossom" City of Fort Valley, Georgia. The Rev. Bertram C. Smith is the host pastor.
The Macon District Christian Education Theme: Moving Closer to God," and the Convention Theme: "Follow Jesus." Both themes had scripture references.
A Spiritual awakening was generated by the Macon District Choir in a praise service at the beginning of the worship service experiences on Friday evening. The Rev. Dr. Gregory Homer eloquently served as the worship Leader.
Other celebrants followed in the following order. The Call to Worship, the Reverend Bertram C. Smith; the opening hymn, "Eternal spirit God of Truth," was lined by the Rev. Lusora Brown, followed by the prayer that was given by the Rev. Richard Yancey.
The Reverends Marie Gordon, Yvonne McGhee and Marlette Gilbert gave the Scripture Readings. The summary of the Decalogue was given by the Rev. Robert Angrish, Sr.
After two selections by the Macon District Choir, Sister Wendolyn Smith gave a warm welcome.
The Choir and congregation “set the church on fire” as they lifted theirs melodious voices in singing the sermonic hymn "There's a Sweet, Sweet Spirit" that was led by the Rev. Charlie Hicks, II.
Presiding Elder Alan H. Wicker preached a powerful sermon on the subject, "I will go when God says, go." His Scripture text was taken from Genesis 12 when God told Abram to go to a new land, Abram had faith in God's directive and obeyed and worshipped Him. Sometimes it is uncomfortable, but go when God says go because God is in control.
Saturday morning, the attendees were treated to a nutritious and delicious breakfast prepared and served by Brother Willie K. Harris and his competent staff.
Sister Annie Marshall, Macon District Christian Education Director divided the children and young adults into the following groups: Pre-kindergarten through grade 5 (Postal Contest); Six through eighth grades; ninth grade through age 25 (essay writing); Ages 26-40 in designated rooms for presentations by ministers on the subject: “Moving Closer to God.” Ages 41 and older remained in the sanctuary to hear presentations on the following topics: "Christian Education: A Must in the Local Church" by the Rev. Richard A. Yancey and "Becoming Closer to God As clergy and Laity" by the Rev. Bertram C. Smith.
Pre-K through grade 5 presented their posters to the audience. A select group of eight teenagers gave presentations on their essay writings pertaining to the theme, "Moving Closer to God."
The judges for the essay contests were the Rev. Dr. Gloria Wicker; Sisters Janie Grayer and Brenda Phillips.
The top three winners were:
- First Place - Christyn A. Hicks of Allen Temple A.M.E. Church, Byron, Georgia, the Reverend Charlie Hicks, II, pastor.
- Second Place - Da-Tosjha Martin, St. Peter AME Church, Fort Valley, Georgia, the Reverend Bertram C. Smith, Pastor.
- Third Place - Terrence Howard, St. Peter A.M.E. Church, Fort Valley, Georgia, the Reverend Bertram C. Smith, pastor.
*Brother Alphonso Varner was the former head football coach at Fort Valley State University.
13. THE 8TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2008 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:
The Right Reverend Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Presiding Prelate
Mississippi Conference East Mississippi Conference
August 17, 2008 – DMC Ceremony August 31, 2008 DMC Ceremony
August 18, 2008 - WIM Convention September 1, 2008 - WIM Convention
August 19, 2008 - WMS Convention September 2, 2008 - WMS Convention
August 20 - 23, 2008 September 3-6, 2008
Bethel A.M.E. Church Turner Chapel A.M.E. Church
701 South First Street - Brookhaven, MS 39601 719 Walthall Street- Greenwood, MS 38930
Church Phone: (601) 833-7740 Church Phone:(662)455-4745
The Rev. Andrew Stamps, Host Pastor The Rev. Ray Jackson, Host Pastor
The Rev. Joseph E. Young, Host Presiding Elder /The Rev. J. W. Hilton, Jr., Host Presiding Elder
Northeast West Mississippi Conference Central North Mississippi Conference
September 14, 2008 – DMC Ceremony September 21, 2008 – DMC Ceremony
September 15, 2008 - WIM Convention September 22, 2008 - WIM Convention
September 16, 2008 - WMS Convention September 23, 2008 - WMS Convention
September 17-20, 2008 September 24-27, 2008
Edwards Chapel A.M.E. Church Bethel A.M.E. Church
746 Parkway Street - Coldwater, MS, 38618 514 Nelson Street - Mound Bayou, MS 38762
Church Phone: (662) 226-3368 Church Phone: (662) 335-4470
The Rev. Leoda Topps, Host Pastor The Rev. Timothy Stallworth, Host Pastor
The Rev. J. L. Moore, Host Presiding Elder The Rev. James Holmes, Host Presiding Elder
North Louisiana Conference Central Louisiana Conference
September 28, 2008 – DMC Ceremony October 5, 2008 – DMC Ceremony
September 29, 2008 - WIM Convention October 6, 2008 - WIM Convention
September 30, 2008 - WMS Convention October 7, 2008 - WMS Convention
October 1-4 2008 October 8-11, 2008
Mary Springhill A.M.E. Church Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church
4426 Linwood Avenue - Shreveport, LA 71109 1106 LeGarde Street - Thibodaux, LA 70301
Church Phone: (318) 869-2134 Church Phone: (985) 447-5391
The Rev. Demetrese Phillips, Host Pastor The Rev. Nelson D. Taylor, Host Pastor
The Rev. David J. Campbell, Jr., Host Presiding Elder The Rev. Otis Lewis, Host Presiding Elder
Louisiana Conference
October 26, 2008 – DMC Ceremony
October 27, 2008 - WIM Convention November 12, 2008 - WMS Meeting
October 27, 2008 - Revival 7 P. M. November 13-14, 2008
October 28 - November 1, 2008 Bonner Campbell - Edwards, MS
Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church The Rev. William N. Love, Administrator
2457 Second Street - Slidell, LA 70458 (601)852-5401
Church Phone: (985) 641-4960
The Rev. Cedell Raggs, Host Pastor
The Rev. John K. Holiday, Host Presiding Elder
14. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES:
Congratulations to Pastor & Mrs. Ronald Slaughter of St. Paul AME Church, Macon, Georgia ( www.saintpaulame.org ) on the birth of their daughter Kylynn Rona Slaughter. She was born on June 27, 2008.
Congratulatory messages can be sent to: ronaldslaughter@hotmail.com
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We share with regret news of the passing of Mr. Corlas Guess on Sunday, July 6, 2008 in Florence, SC. He was the spouse of the late Mrs. Rosa Bell Gaines Guess and the father of four children: Mrs. Marguerite G. Brant (Harold), Mrs. Virginia Janet Baker (Presiding Elder Jonathan Baker), Mrs. Thelma G. Shaw and the late Rev. Jerry Marcellus Guess (Nita). Mr. Guess was a member of Rock Hill AMEC, Vance, SC.
The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements:
The Funeral has been held.
Expressions of Sympathy and Condolences may be sent to:
The Family of the Late Mr. Corlas Guess
c/o Job's Mortuary
312 South Main Street
Sumter, SC 29150
(803) 773-3323
Or
Mrs. Virginia Janet Baker
5 Azalea Court
Goose Creek, SC 29445
Phone: (843) 553-8942
Cell: (843) 813-2183
Fax: (843) 553-3007
Email: thebakers__7ame@bellsouth.net
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The 8th Episcopal District sadly announces the passing of Yolanda Catrice Napoleon the daughter of the Rev. Delores Napoleon (local preacher/evangelist - Bethel
AME Church, New Orleans and Allen Chapel AME Church, Baton Rouge). Yolanda Catrice Napoleon was the loving mother of three children; Malcolm Jamal Napoleon,
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Rev. Delores Napoleon and family
2613 Mohican Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70805
Phone: (225) 357-4190
Or to:
Bethel AME Church
1437 Caffin Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70117
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mr. Clyde Oden, Sr., father of the Rev. Dr. Clyde W. Oden, Jr., pastor of Bryant Temple AME Church – Los Angeles, California passed on Sunday, July 6, 2008 in San
Diego, CA at the age of 93. Clyde Oden, Sr., was the father of three sons, the Rev. Dr. Clyde W. Oden, Jr., Professor Robert Stanley Oden of Sacramento, CA, and Attorney Douglas A. Oden, of San Diego, CA.
The funeral has been held.
Condolences may be sent to:
Dr. Clyde W. Oden, Jr., pastor
Bryant Temple AME Church
2525 W. Vernon Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90008
Phone: 323-293-6201
Email expressions: drclydewodenjr@cs.com
The Rev. Dr. Oden can be reached at 323-754-8074
18. 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
19. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Richard Franklin Norris; 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
