Bishop Richard Franklin Norris - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor, The Christian Recorder
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
1. EDITORIAL – MINISTRY HAS TO BE MORE THAN RAISING MONEY:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
The culture of any church needs a reordering and a radical change when “raising money” becomes the primary focus of ministry.
It is important for pastors and local church officers to reflect upon ministry and the mission of their local churches as well as the Mission and Purpose of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Often pastors seem to feel that the focus of their ministry is raising the budget and keeping the local church afloat. And, of course they are concerned about their salaries, about keeping the lights on, the utilities paid, the presiding elder assessments, the annual conference budget, and repairs to the local church. In fact, oftentimes, raising money becomes the focal point of ministry, so much so, that programs are planned, not around evangelism or spiritual growth, but how much money can be raised.
Revivals should be a spiritual event, but for many churches, revivals have become a fund-raising event. A guest preacher is invited based upon the size of his or her congregation, how many folks they can bring with them, and how much money they can raise. In many churches, Men’s Day and Women’s Day are competitive fund-raising events as are Homecoming, Friends and Family Day, Usher Day, Choir Day, Youth Day, Pastor’s Appreciation Day and a whole lot of other days.
I suspect that the focus upon money impedes church growth. The focus upon money can make it appear that pastors and officers are hustling the membership. I have heard pastors give an appeal for people to tithe with the caveat that if they didn’t tithe, God was “going to get them” and something bad might happen to them if they did not tithe, or that they would miss a blessing if they did not tithe.
This past Founder’s Day, I had the privilege to preach at Mount Herman AME Church in Fort Lauderdale where the now Bishop John F. White was the pastor. I was impressed with an announcement in the church’s bulletin entitled, “The Bible teaches us how to give.”
The announcement clarified what the Bible says about giving. The first of the three points in the announcement said that Christians are responsible for giving on a regular basis – weekly, monthly, or whenever a person receives income.
The second point emphasised that the Bible says a lot about priorities and that loving and thanking God with our financial offerings should come first and that giving first, is a sign of trust that is much more important than the amount we give.
I found the third point interesting because so often pastors and stewards think everyone is at the same spiritual level; they are not.
The third point in the announcement was powerful and “cuts to the soul” of stewardship.
The third point asked the question, “How much should a person give - 5%, 10%, 20%, or 50%? A statement in the announcement said that the biblical guideline is tithing (giving 10%), but went on to say that the specific percentage was not as important as making a commitment. The announcement encouraged members to start the commitment process by committing any percentage of their income with which they were comfortable and then to gradually grow towards and beyond a tithe. The announcement closed by encouraging members to follow through on their commitment by setting aside whatever their decided percentage every time they received income and were encouraged to offer their pledge to God with joy and thanksgiving. The focus was not on the amount or the percentage, but on the commitment.
In the parable of the Talents (Matthew25), the master commended the servant who took the two talents and doubled the talents, and he also commended the servant who had five talents and increased them to ten talents with the words to both servants, “Well done good and faithful servant, you have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.” The master commended servants for their faithfulness. They were faithful in the use of the talents that were committed to them.
When we focus upon the money that we raise as the measure of our ministry, we take the focal point of ministry off God; and the center of ministry becomes focused on how much money was raised or how much money was not raised.
When churches focus upon ministry that meets the needs of people, the community and worldwide missions, studies show that the money will follow.
Understanding how money works is probably a “science” because some pastors and congregations know how to fund their ministries with little effort; but it appears that other pastors and congregations don’t have a clue on how to effectively fund their programs.
There is a method that results in successful stewardship that results in vibrant ministry programs. Vibrant ministry programs can be found in small churches, in large churches, in inner city churches, in rural churches and in suburban churches. Pastoral leadership, follower-ship and following biblical and sound administrative principles make the difference. Effective ministry is not achieved without hard word, extensive planning and more planning, and strong leadership.
Most of us are uncomfortable with beggars, even though we help them; and church members are uncomfortable with preachers and stewards who beg Sunday after Sunday. Preachers and stewards who have to beg may not have developed an effective stewardship strategy for their ministry. And as an aside, we need to stop complaining about what we don’t have; complaining does not inspire people, it discourages people.
It may be that additional training is needed. If a church finds itself stuck in financial paralysis, it might be time for the pastor, along with the church leadership to ask the presiding elder or the presiding bishop to provide training for the local church or even for the presiding elder district. There should be no shame in asking for help. Too often, many pastors feel that they have to “run the race alone”; and they shouldn’t have to do so. Every community has resources and being “educated” is knowing where to find help.
There are bigger ministry issues in which we should be involving our churches, such as HIV/AIDS, family issues, crime, youth and children issues, issues around foreclosures, joblessness and unemployment, high fuel costs, excessive high school dropout rates, especially of black Americans; excessive numbers of incarcerated black Americans; global issues such as violence in Rwanda; ending genocide in Darfur; and the pandemic of HIV/AIDS in Sub-Sahara Africa. Local churches in the United States should be concerned and commit themselves in helping the Connectional Church in providing educational and religious materials in the indigenous languages of our members in Episcopal Districts 14-20; that might be a great project or some of your youth groups.
Ministry is huge and expansive and it should be more than “getting our praise on” or “getting a whoop” at the end of a sermon. Ministry is larger than, “Didn’t Reverend really preach!”
Ministry is bigger than the choir and choir practices, bigger than the usher board or what colors we are going to wear.
All of us need to re-read the Mission and Purpose of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and commit ourselves to it. Bishops, General Officers, Connectional Officers, Chaplains, Presiding Elders, Pastors, Stewards, Trustees, Sunday School teachers, members both young and old need to read it and understand it and collectively live it.
If we, with commitment and faithfulness, even in these austere times, fulfilled the Mission and Purpose of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the money would come and we probably wouldn’t have to beg for it because ministry is more than raising money.
2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
- To the Editor:
RE: General Conference Coverage
Congratulations on a job well done. I was there but I really enjoyed reading the daily reports online. The daily reports kept everyone informed from the Pre-General Conference Activities to the banquet and up to the Consecration Service, the assignment of bishops, and the Adjournment.
Even now you are still reporting about the 48th Quadrennial 2008 General Conference Session.
The photo of Senator Barrack Obama where the bishops of the AME Church were laying hands on him in prayer is an excellent way to “close the curtain” on the General Conference.
I really appreciate all of your hard work at the General Conference; “Hats off to you.” The African Methodist Episcopal church is very blessed to have Dr. Calvin Sydnor IIII as Editor of The Christian Recorder.
Mrs. Patricia W. Clark
Union Bethel AMEC
New Orleans, Louisiana
3. ADVICE FOR YOUNG PREACHERS FROM A RETIRED PREACHER:
I would like to share these ideas with the young pastors who may enter the pastoral field blindly and starry-eyed.
- Be punctual for all activities.
- Never find it necessary to tell your members who the pastor is.
- Never mount the pulpit with your physical complaints, such as, “I am not feeling well today; I had to go to the doctor yesterday.” It will seem as an excuse for being unprepared.
- Never preach a “mad sermon” and never preach when you are angry about something; get somebody else to preach.
- Never use the pulpit to scold and fuss, do that in your official board meeting if necessary.
- When you enter the pulpit for worship never leave the pulpit until the benediction has been pronounced, unless there is a dire necessity; attend to your personal needs before entering the pulpit.
- Never threaten members during your worship service with your power and authority.
- Do not mention to your members what you have heard; rumors are like fires they spread quickly.
- Do not talk about what you said to a member the other day, because even if you don’t mention his or her name, people will already know you are talking about.
- Have a sense of humor, but don't be foolish. Your humor should be related to what you are preaching about. In other words your humor should have some relevancy to the sermon and to the spiritual moment.
- Keep this in mind: you become the pastor of people when they let you. You may be the preacher, but being a pastor is far deeper than preaching.
- Finally, do not be a copy-cat, be yourself; spend time in meditation, prayer and preparation.
* The Rev. N.T. Pitts is a retired AME pastor living in Eatonville, Florida
Editor’s Note: These are great reminders for seasoned clergy too. Thanks you for sharing them.
3. PAYNE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY CELEBRATES BISHOP VINTON R. ANDERSON’S RETIREMENT AFTER SERVING TWENTY YEARS AS CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF PTS:
On November 13, 2008, we will celebrate Bishop Vinton R. Anderson’s retirement after serving twenty years as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Payne Theological Seminary. As part of one of the supporting districts and member of the Board, we are extending an invitation to all African Methodists to join in this celebration.
In an effort to honor Bishop Anderson and his commitment to Payne Theological Seminary, we are planning two exciting activities. First, we will host a celebration luncheon during the Payne Theological Seminary Board meeting to celebrate Bishop Anderson and his work as Chair in support of the Board of Trustees. Second, it is our intent to raise $50,000.00 to contribute to the Payne Endowment Fund in honor of Bishop Anderson. This contribution will serve as a living legacy of his commitment to the institution.
On behalf of the Endowment Tribute Committee, we extend this invitation to every member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church to join this celebration. Be sure to save this date so that you can be a part of this great celebration and our efforts to strengthen the financial foundation of Payne Theological Seminary.
Serving the Kingdom and God’s People,
Bishop A. J. Richardson
Endowment Tribute Co-Chair
Vivienne Anderson
Endowment Tribute Co-Chair
For further information, please call Marilyn Hatcher at 937-376-2946 ext 224 or email mhatcher@payne.edu
4. AME-INDIA PRAYER REPORT FOR JUNE- JULY 2008:
*The Rev. Sarah Peddiny and the Rev. Abraham Peddiny
We thank God for making it possible, for AME-India to officially become an integral part of global AMEC, at the General Conference 2008. It was "a dream come true" for many of us who had been earnestly praying for this development. It was indeed a divine act of mercy, accomplished by the untiring efforts of our beloved Bishop John Bryant and Supervisor Rev. Cecilia Williams. Hats off to them!!! It is a feather in their cap in terms of achieving to extend the boundaries of AMEC to the corridors of Asia. This is indeed a milestone in the history of AMEC.
We are now proud to say that we belong to the Fifth District of AMEC and are under the leadership of Bishop T. Larry and Supervisor Mary L. Kirkland.
AME- India takes this opportunity to CONGRATULATES Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath, Bishop Julius H. McAllister Sr., and Bishop John F. White for being elected to the office of Bishops, to lead the church into greater heights. AME-India also CONGRATULATES Dr. Clement W. Fugh, Dr. Harold R. Mayberry, Dr. Johnny Barbour Jr., Dr. George F. Flowers, Dr. Jerome V. Harris, Dr. Richard Allen Lewis, Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Dr. Benjamin F. Edwards, Dr. Priscilla J. Green, Dr. Rosemarie Rhodes-Miller, Dr. Patricia M. Mayberry, Rev. Francine A. Brookins, Rev. Granville W. Reed III, Dr. James T. Golden for being elected to their respected offices. AME-India promises to pray for extra divine grace upon all the above mentioned dignitaries as they render their services to the growth and development of AMEC globally.
We also want to thank God for making it possible for Rev. Minnie Sarah, Presiding Elder, AME-India to be able to represent us at the General Conference and return back home safely. This was also another accomplishment of Bishop John and Rev. Cee and we sincerely thank them for all their tireless efforts.
We praise God for God's faithfulness in the past two months and for all that God has done though the ministry of AME in India.
Pastor Sam Paul informs that a lady named Vimala was suffering from multiple sicknesses, having undergone two surgeries. Her lungs were out of function. Since she was bedridden for a long time she had bedsores that were deep and infected. When Pastor Sam came to know about it, he spared time to go and pray for the lady everyday morning for the last two months. Now she is been healed completely and making sincere efforts to live life normally. This is God's doing and we praise God for this. Please pray for Ms. Vimala's salvation as Pastor Sam continues to minister to her.
He also reports that for the past two week the church had been earnestly praying for the backsliders and as an answer to the sincere prayers many of them have started coming to church. Indeed prayer changes people and situations. Please pray for the members to restore their first love to the Lord God our Saviour.
Evangelist David a member of Pastor Sam's church met a cancer patient, who was in a very advanced stage; he was a follower of Hindu religion. Mr. David went to share the gospel with him but suddenly the patient got up and went inside the house, so Mr. David was preparing to leave; suddenly the man came back and apologized for abruptly walking away, because he could not bear the pain in the affected part of his body. He expressed the desire to listen what Mr. David had to share, which culminated in the person saying his prayer of confession and prayer of salvation. Just after a week of this incident the person succumbed to the killer disease. He died as a believer in the Lord. Praise the Lord. God's ways are marvelous.
Pastor Sampat and Shanti Samuel report that seven people (i.e. Mr. Damu, Mr. Velu, Mr. Selvakumar, Mr. Dhanraj, Mr. Ruthma, Ms. Parvati and Ms. Selvi) had been planning to burn down his church. But they were reached by the Gospel and now they are coming to the church. Please pray for their salvation and spiritual growth. Last month after a Sunday service when the congregation was coming out of the church, the thatched roof came down and three members had minor injuries. Praise God for the protection and please pray for the church to be able to build their church.
Pastor Samuel from Kancheepuram informs that last month on 16th and 19th a team from his church visited 20 villages in the surrounding area with the gospel. Then in one village they staged a playact entitled as "Heaven & Hell", 200 people witnessed it. In the end some people came forward for prayer and some others showed interest to know more about Jesus. Pastor Samuel also reports that Mr. Babu, Ms. Amudha and Ms. Geeta are three new seekers who are coming to the church regularly and they want to accept Christ against the wishes of their family members. Please pray for their safety and salvation.
Pastor Joshua reports that Mr. Swamikannu and Mrs. Vijaya, both from Hindu background have accepted the Lord Jesus and have undergone the Christian teaching. They are now ready to be baptized. He also reports of Mr. Manjunath (a Hindu) who was possessed by the spirit has been made free in the name of Jesus and comes to church regularly. The other new comers to the church are Ms. Kokila (Hindu), Denzil (Catholic) and Priya (Hindu). Priya has been suffering from Breast Cancer and she has spent a lot of money on medication to of no avail, now she comes to church with faith that God would heal her. Please pray for her healing. Ms. Lakshmi Muthu, also a Hindu does not have any children and she comes to church by faith for a miracle. Please uplift her in your prayers and also for her salvation. NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD. Pastor Joshua also requests prayer for the new cell group in Austin town, Bangalore.
Pastor Samuel Ramachandran from Tranquebar reports that he has eight new members in his church. One among them is Mrs. Nagamma, (a Hindu) who used to often get headache and giddiness, she was planning to commit suicide, one night she had a vision in which she was asked to go to a church. She obeyed and her problems are gone in a jiffy. She's been healed. The Lord's ways are marvelous. Please pray for her salvation and also for the other new comers.
Pastor C. Daniel from Mullapudi request prayer for Mr. Nazeer (48) who is suffering with Paralysis for two years, his wife Padma comes to church for prayer, for the healing of her husband.
Pastor Cheeranjivi of Kodur requests prayer for Desamma (27) who has been possessed with evil spirit for seven years; please pray for her deliverance and for her whole family to come to have faith in Jesus.
Pastor D. Gopi of Lingeswara Nagar requests prayer for Mr. Mani (32) and Mrs. Lokeswari (28) who were married nine years ago but they have no children. They were worshippers of lord Venkateswara (a famous Hindu deity of this region), now they believe in Christ Jesus. The Lord has to do a miracle in their lives.
Pastor C. Subbamma of Thimmapuram requests prayer for Mrs. Aruna (28) who is carrying but when she went for medical check-up, doctors are told her that the baby is not in the right position. Please pray for safe delivery.
Pastor Daniel Jeyaraj of Puttur requests prayer for Mrs. Padma whose husband is troubling her for attending the church. Padma is from the Mudaliyar community (one of the higher castes) who accepted Jesus through our ministry. (It is to be noted that there are too few converts from this particular caste, because conversion is a taboo for them and the converts are excommunicated.)
Pastor S. Stephen Raj of Kakavedu requests for prayer for Mr. Babu (47) who is ailing from heart disease for last 10 years. He had stroke very recently. The members of his family say that if Babu is healed, his whole family would accept Jesus Christ.
Pastor J. Lokesh of VSS Puram requests prayer for Govida Rajulu (58) who met with an accident on 13th April 2008 and lost his two legs. Their family members are in great distress, and they need to be comforted with power of the Holy Spirit.
Pastor Paul Dooraisamy of Nagari requests prayer for Mr. Sundar, Mr. Anandan and Mr. Jyothi the three young people who opposed the gospel some years back, are now responding to the gospel. Praise the Lord.
Pastor M. Raniamma of Krishnasamudram requests prayer for Mr. Kanaka Raj whose entire family attempted suicide due to severe economic problems. They need the peace of Jesus.
With much concern we request you for prayers for peace in India as professional terrorists are trying to cause panic and communal disturbance in the country. Two metro cities, Bangalore in the south and Ahmedabad in the western part of India witnessed serial bomb blasts last week. By God's grace 24 bombs that were planted in another city named Surat were cited by common people and later defused. The whole country is in the grip of terror. We need your prayers.
We thank you for your valuable prayers for us. God bless you all.
*The Rev. Sarah Peddiny and the Rev. Abraham Peddiny
Presiding Elders, AME-India
For any further information please write to us at ameindia07@gmail.com
5. KNIGHTS MONUMENTAL AME CHURCH EXTENDS INVITATION FOR ALL TO ATTEND ITS REVIVAL:
The Rev. Phillip A. Bannamon and members of Knights Monumental AME Church, located at 224 Red Oak Road, Stockbridge, GA 30281, are requesting your presence at our revival on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 through August 22, 2008. Services will begin each night at 7 pm. Our theme for the week is "God's Chosen People Proclaiming the Excellency of Jesus Christ."
We are looking forward to a powerful revival during this week. The following ministers will be the revivalist for the evening:
Wednesday, August 20, 2008 - the Rev. Bruce Francis, Macedonia AME Church, Rex, Georgia
Thursday, August 21, 2008 - the Rev. Stafford J. N. Wicker, Antioch AME Church, Stone Mountain/Conyers, Georgia
Friday, August 22, 2008 - the Rev. Spencer Booker, New Grant Chapel AME Church, East Point, Georgia
The Rev. Edie Scott, Chairperson
Revival Committee
On Sunday, August 24, 2008, we will be celebrating Lay Day with Annette Curry, President Atlanta North Georgia Conference as the guest speaker. Services will begin at 3:30 pm.
Please come out and help us celebrate with the theme: "Unity in the Body of Christ."
Brother Samuel Humphrey, President
Knights Monumental Lay
*Submitted by Sister Mildred E. Reed, Secretary, Knights Monumental AME Church, Stockbridge, Georgia
6. HEAR EVANGELIST LOUISE PATTERSON FOR WOMEN’S DAY AT ST. JAMES AME CHURCH:
Evangelist Louise Patterson of Bountiful Blessings Church of God in Christ will be the keynote speaker for the 2008 Annual Women’s Day celebration at St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Evangelist Patterson is the wife of the late Bishop G. E. Patterson of the Church of God in Christ. You are invited to join us for a Holy Ghost, spirit-filled worship experience as Evangelist Patterson brings a Word from the Lord.
What: Annual Women’s Day Celebration
When: Sunday, August 10, 2008, 10 a.m.
Where: St. James AME Church
600 North Fourth St., Memphis
Telephone: 901.525.2017
Sister Cheryl Ford, Women’s Day Chair
Sister Gwen Foxx, Co-Chair
The Rev. Walter Winstead Reid Jr., Pastor
7. A RECAP OF A MAGNIFICENT EVENT:
On Saturday May 10,2008, "The Men of Quinn" hosted an incredibly spirit filled prayer breakfast in the church fellowship hall that inspired men from the age of four to the age of 93, unmarried men to those who have celebrated as many as 63 years of marriage. There were young men who were great grandchildren and those with 14 grandchildren. They came from across the street to as far as 200 miles away to share in an experience that exhilarated all who ventured in.
Our guest speaker, the incomparable Gale Sayers, Chicago sports icon and business man extraordinaire captivated the audience with his message “Dance for GOD". His incredible testimony driven by the move of The Holy Spirit over took the room and left every man there blessed beyond their wildest imagination and indelibly touched with his words about God's love implanted in their hearts.
It truly was a memorable occasion for one and all, highlighted when one brother gave his hand to Pastor Moody and gave his soul to God when the doors of the church were opened. The fellowship reached a crescendo and as we closed with prayer brothers embraced each other, in recognition of being affected by the sheer awesomeness of the experience.
8. BIBLE TOOLS FROM CHRISTIANITY.COM:
http://bible.christianity.com/
http://beta.biblestudytools.com/
The team at Christianity.com has recently taken the private beta version of our new Bible Study Tools live and I want to invite you to explore fearlessly! Kick the tires – dive in and take a look around! And let us know what you think. Bible Study Tools is a FREE groundbreaking new interactive way of studying the Bible online and we want to seek your help in getting the word out.
If you like what you see, help us spread the news and invite others to create their own Bible study! I would be more than happy to set up an interview for you with one of our developers so that you can get an inside look of the creation of the New Bible Study Tools. We also have several video demos found in our Helps Section that will guide you through creating your own personal online study bible!
Here’s what you can do with Bible Study Tools:
- Highlight and underline your favorite Bible verses
- Take and save personal "margin" notes about your Bible study journey
- Explore 29 different Bible translations and compare them side by side with our split panel screen
- Search a comprehensive library of additional study helps and resources including commentaries, dictionaries, lexicons, concordances, reading plans, and more
- Read devotionals from your favorite pastors and authors including Chuck Swindoll, Max Lucado, Charles Stanley, John Piper, and more
If you are looking for a FREE resource to help you dig into the Bible….
If you want to know God's Word better and see a dramatic impact in your life…
If you want Bible study resources and teaching you can really trust from some of the most respected pastors and theologians…
If studying the Bible has been intimidating and you are looking for a place to start…
Then Bible Study Tools is for YOU!
Remember, I’m here to help you explore our exciting new resource so feel free to contact me at anytime!
Ms. Kristie Rutzel
9. FOR NASHVILLE AREA RESIDENTS - HOUSING FORECLOSURE RESCUE SUMMIT:
You are invited to the Housing Foreclosure Summit that will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2008 at Fifteenth Avenue Baptist Church, 1203 9th Avenue North from 9:00 a.m. – 12 noon.
Foreclosure Rescue Scams:
“Get Your Head Out of the Sand”
Foreclosure Prevention Counseling
Credit and Mortgage 101
How to Repair Bad Credit
How to Read Your Credit Report
When Is Refinancing Right For You?
Please come and bring two or three of your neighbors.
Submitted by Representative Brenda Gilmore
10. GLOBAL CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE "HIV-COMPETENT" CHURCHES:
Representatives of ecumenical organizations meeting in advance of the 17th International AIDS Conference in Mexico City vowed to launch a global campaign to help churches become competent in dealing with the HIV and AIDS pandemic.
A first step will consist of a set of education and advocacy materials jointly produced in time for the World AIDS Day 2008, to be marked on 1 December. They will be accompanied by a tool-kit aimed at enabling groups and communities to assess the quantity and quality of their response to HIV and AIDS.
Partners in the campaign will be the Ecumenical HIV and AIDS Initiative in Africa (EHAIA), Churches United Against HIV and AIDS in Southern and Eastern Africa (CUAHA), and the newly created International Network of Religious Leaders Living with or Personally Affected by HIV and AIDS (INERELA+). Other key church-related agencies are expected to join in.
The agreement was reached during the "Faith in Action Now!" ecumenical conference sponsored by the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance. Bringing together over 500 representatives of church and church-related organizations, it took place in Mexico City immediately before the 3-8 August International AIDS Conference.
The concept of "HIV-competent church" relates to the ability of a given faith community to deal with the challenges posed by the HIV and AIDS pandemic in an appropriate and compassionate manner. An HIV-competent church staunches the spread of HIV, improves the lives of those living with and affected by it, mitigates the impact of HIV and ultimately restores hope and dignity.
HIV-competence encompasses both inner and outer competencies, explains Dr Sue Parry, EHAIA regional coordinator for Southern Africa. Inner competency exists when a church becomes aware of the impact and consequences of the pandemic and accepts the responsibility to respond to it. Outer competency involves building theological and institutional capacity to do it and requires leadership, knowledge and resources.
"An HIV-competent church is able to build up a new community of God. A community that recognizes and responds to the social challenges that contribute to HIV and has leaders who can break free from unhelpful traditions and cultures - to overcome HIV," says Bishop Dr Johannes Ramashapa, Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa.
"We all strive to develop a church fully informed on what HIV and AIDS is; which acknowledges people living with HIV as an integral and precious part of the congregation", emphasizes Karuna Roy, coordinator of the Synodical Board of Health Services in the Church of North India.
The International AIDS Conference in Mexico City is being attended by over 20,000 participants from the academic, scientific and medical communities, as well as from business, government, faith and civil society organizations, together with positive people's networks. Over 33 million people are living with HIV worldwide. The 2008 conference theme is "Universal Action Now".
Ecumenical conference "Faith in Action Now!" website (including video and audio footage): http://iac.e-alliance.ch
11. THE ELEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2008 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:
The Right Reverend McKinley Young, Presiding Prelate
Dr. Dorothy Young, Episcopal Supervisor
Florida Conference
August 23-29, 2008
Bethel AME Church
511 Woodland Drive
Pensacola, FL 32503
(850) 434-3881
The Rev. Dr. Mark Crutcher, Host Pastor
The Rev. James H. Davis, Host Presiding Elder
Central Conference
September 6-12, 2008
Allen Chapel AME Church
580 George W. Engram Blvd
Daytona Beach, FL 32120
(386) 255-1195
The Rev. Nathan Mugala, Host Pastor
The Rev. James O. Williams, Host Presiding Elder
South Conference
September 20-26, 2008
Mt. Hermon AME Church
17800 NW 25th Ave
Miami Garden, FL 33056
(305) 621-5067
The Rev. Henry E. Green, Jr., Host Pastor
The Rev. Jimmy J. Thompson, Host Presiding Elder
West Coast Conference
October 4-10, 2008
New Bethel AME Church
2122 M.L. King Ave
Lakeland, FL 33805
(863) 687-1994
The Rev. Pearce Ewing, Host Pastor
The Rev. F. Bernard Lemon, Host Presiding Elder
East Conference
October 18-24, 2008
Greater Grant Memorial AME Church
5533 Gilchrist Rd
Jacksonville, FL 32219
(904) 764-5992
The Rev. Tony D. Hansberry, Host Pastor
The Rev. Dr. Robert L. Mitchell, Host Presiding Elder
Bahamas Conference
November 5-9, 2008
Mother Bethel AME Church
Savannah Sound, Eleuthera
The Rev. George Clark, Host Pastor
The Rev. Howard Williamson, Presiding Elder
Post Conference Planning Meeting
November 20-22, 2008
Hilton, located in the Walt Disney World Resort
1751 Hotel Plaza Boulevard
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Phone: (407) 827-3873
Fax: (407) 560-2108
12. THE THIRTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2008 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:
The Right Rev. Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate
Mr. Stan McKenzie, Episcopal Supervisor
Kentucky Annual Conference
August 19 - 23, 2008
St. Peter AME Church
225 W. Lexington St.
Harrodsburg, KY 40330
Ph. 859-734-9996
The Reverend Ralph Boyd Smith, Host Pastor
The Reverend Kenneth Golphin, Host P.E.
West Kentucky Annual Conference
September 9-12, 2008
Burks Chapel A.M.E. Church
635 Ohio St.
Paducah, KY 42003
Ph. 270-442-5565
The Reverend Rita Story, Host Pastor
The Reverend Ralph Johnson, Host P.E.
Note: The West Kentucky Annual Conference will close on Friday, September 12th
East Tennessee Annual Conference
September 23-27, 2008
Bethel A.M.E. Church
2460 Parkview
Knoxville, TN 37914
Ph. 865-522-6396
The Reverend Johnny Watson, Sr, Host Pastor
The Reverend Kenneth Hill, Host P.E.
West Tennessee Annual Conference
October 7-11, 2008
Saint James A.M.E. Church
600 4th St.
Memphis, TN 38107
Ph. 901-525-6017
The Reverend Walter W. Reid, Jr., Host Pastor
The Reverend Robert C. Finch, Host P.E.
The Reverend Linda Martin, Assoc. P.E.
Tennessee Annual Conference
October 21-25, 2008
St. Peter A.M.E. Church and Clarksville Area Churches
519 Franklin St Clarksville, TN 37040
Ph 931-647-4703
The Reverend Dennis D. Lawson, and area pastors, Host Pastors
The Reverend Robert Keesee, Host P.E.
The Reverend Troy Merritt, Assoc. P.E.
13th District Planning Meeting
November 6-8, 2008
St. Paul A.M.E. Church
251 N. Upper St.
Lexington, KY 40507
Ph. 859-255-7945
The Reverend Troy Thomas, Host Pastor
The Reverend Kenneth Golphin, Host P.E.
13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Condolences to the Rev. Everett Rucker, Jr., pastor of Christ Our Redeemer A.M.E. Church, and his wife and family in the homegoing of his father, Brother Everett Rucker, Sr.
View/Sign Guest Book:
http://www.legacy.com/Tennessean/Guestbook.asp?Page=GuestBook&PersonID=114532510
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. and Mrs. Everett Rucker, Jr.
Christ Our Redeemer AME Church
1280 N. Keeowee Street
Dayton, Ohio 45404
Phone: (937) 224-7867
14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of Mrs. Minnie Grant, the mother of the Reverend James Grant, a retired minister in the Southern California Conference, Fifth Episcopal District.
Mrs. Minnie Grant was blessed to have lived 105 years.
Service arrangements for Mrs. Minnie Grant:
Family Visitation:
Sunday, August 3, 2008
3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Hicks Mortuary
(Address below)
Celebration of Life Service:
Monday, August 4, 2008
11:00 a.m.
St. John Holy Trinity AME Church (Palmdale)
9543 E. Avenue Q10
Littlerock, CA 93543
Phone: (661) 944-1225
Rev. Mary Jamison Polk, Pastor
Professional services entrusted to:
Hicks Mortuary
8837 E Palmdale Boulevard
Palmdale, CA 93552
Phone: (661) 944-4595
Fax: (661) 944-6513
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Rev. and Mrs. James Grant
303 West Merrill Avenue, Apt. 303
Rialto, Ca. 92376
Phone: 909-874-7955
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of a beloved Itinerant Elder, the Reverend Charles A. Lattany III, who served the connectional AME Church as the Worship Leader/Liturgist, an elected office of the Connectional Music Committee. He also served faithfully in the Second Episcopal District, Washington Conference, as the Music Director for the Capitol District where the Reverend Goodwin Douglas serves as the presiding elder; and servant-member of the ministerial staff and Minister of Music at Hemingway Memorial AME Church - District Heights, MD; the Reverend Samuel E. Hayward, III, Senior Pastor; the Right Reverend Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr., Presiding Bishop, Second Episcopal District.
The Rev. Charles A. Lattany III was indeed a man of faith and courage and loved by everyone who knew him. He will truly be missed. Please keep the Lattany family in your prayers.
The service arrangements for The Reverend Charles A. Lattany III are as follows:
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Receiving Friends:
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Celebration of Life Service:
11:00 a.m.
Reid Temple AME Church
11400 Glenn Dale Boulevard
Glenn Dale, MD 20769
Phone: (301) 352-0320
Eulogist: The Reverend Lester Lattany
(Brother of the Reverend Charles A. Lattany III)
The Reverend Dr. Lee P. Washington, Pastor
Professional services provided by:
Pinckney-Spangler Funeral Home
524 Eighth Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
Phone: (202) 544-7720
Fax: (202) 544-7722
Friday, August 8, 2008
Receiving Friends:
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon
Celebration of Life Service:
12:00 Noon
Hall Jones & Brown Funeral Home Incorporated
2005 G Street
Brunswick, GA 31520
Phone: (912) 265-3855
Fax: (912) 265-0044
Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Lattany Family
2716 Millvale Avenue
Forestville, MD 20747
(Phone) 301-967-3646
Email condolences may be sent to: LL33SG@aol.com
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
This message announces the passing of Mrs. Josephine Ashworth on Saturday, August 2, 2008. Sister Ashworth was a Life Member of the Women's Missionary Society and the widow of the Late Reverend John P. Ashworth III, a former pastor and presiding elder in the 13th Episcopal District.
Service arrangements for Mrs. Josephine Ashworth:
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Family visitation:
11:00 a.m.
Funeral Service:
12:00 Noon
Greater Bethel AME Church
1300 South Street
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: (615) 256-1509
Fax: (615) 726-8534
The Reverend Michael D. Broadnax, Sr., Pastor will be the eulogist for the Homegoing Celebration.
Professional services are being handled by:
Lewis & Wright Funeral Directors
2500 Clarksville Hwy
Nashville, TN 37208
Phone: (615) 255-2371
Fax: (615) 255-4926
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Mr. John P. Ashworth IV and family
6961 Stone Run Drive
Nashville, TN 37211-8537
(615) 331-8832
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
This message announces the passing of Sister Bernice Bundage on July 28, 2008. Sister Bundage was a member of Payne Cathedral of Faith AME Church in Houston, Texas and was the widow of the late Reverend A. J. Bundage, a long time pastor in the 10th Episcopal District (North Texas and Texas Annual Conferences).
Homegoing Celebration has been held.
Monday, August 4, 2008, 10:00 A.M.
Condolences may be sent to:
The Bundage Family
C/O Payne Cathedral of Faith A.M.E. Church
2701 Lee Street
Houston, Texas77026
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
This message announces the passing of Brother Alexander Williams, father of the Reverend R. Charles Williams, pastor of Bethel AME Church, Greenville, Texas (North Texas Conference-Tyler District).
The Homegoing Celebration for Brother Alexander Williams was held on Saturday, August 2, 2008 at the Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church in Sparkman, Arkansas.
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. R. Charles Williams
604 North Vine St.
North Little Rock, AR 72114
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
This message announces the passing of Sister Minnie Patton, grandmother of the Reverend Sylvester D. Patton, III, pastor of New Jerusalem AME Church, Dallas, Texas (North Texas Conference-Greater Dallas District).
The Rev. Patton eulogized his grandmother during a Homegoing Celebration held on Thursday, July 17, 2008 at the Reed's Chapel AME Church in Youngstown, Ohio.
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Sylvester D. Patton, III
6615 Tyree Street
Dallas, Texas 75209
214 366-3001 Church/Fax
972 971-9498 Mobile
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are sad to announce the passing of Sister Fannie Mae Lewis on June 28, 2008. Sister Lewis was the mother of the Reverend Charlie Mae McDonald, Pastor of Greater Johnson Chapel AME Church, Ferris, Texas (Northwest Texas Annual Conference-Greater-Fort Worth District).
The Homegoing Celebration for Sister Lewis was held on July 3, 2008 at the Zion Hill Baptist Church in Marlin, Texas.
21. 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
