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
1. EDITORIAL – MENTORS ARE ESSENTIAL TO SUCCESSFUL MINISTRY BECAUSE WE CANNOT ACHIEVE SUCCESS BY OURSELVES:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
If you see a turtle on a fence, you can be sure of one thing; the turtle did not get there by itself; somebody put it there.
Careers and ministry are like the turtle on the fence. Successful people do not succeed because of their own abilities; other people and mentors helped them to achieve their levels of success. All of us have our own stories of people who impacted our ministries and our careers. Every now and then, I like to recall the great mentors in my life. I was fortunate because I have had the opportunity to say, “Thank you” to almost all of them.
I would like to share several of my mentors with you.
One of the mentors that I have not had an opportunity to thank was the Rev. William Cody. He was a young minister who spoke at the Sunday School Convention that was held at Bethel AME Church in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania in the early fifties. He was a student at the University of Pennsylvania and his magnetism and energy at that Sunday School Convention motivated me to think about ministry. I have held in my mind all of these years that Sunday School Conventions and other AME youth gatherings are motivators for young people to consider ministry as a vocation.
Early in my life I attended Bethel AME Church in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. There were several pastors, but the one who stood out was the Reverend T.S. Clements. He was somebody’s preacher! I believe that he and Mrs. Clements had four children. Bethel Ardmore had a vibrant Sunday School and an active youth program. Bethel was the center of my grandmother, Eva M. Price’s life; and off to church we would go. Rev. Clement’s intellectual and theological depth made an impression on me. Later, he provided me with my first opportunity to preach a sermon and that was in October 1959. My grandmother, who was usually reserved got happy and “shouted.” I had never seen her “shout” before.
I moved to Rahway, New Jersey in 1957, after living in Newark, New Jersey for three years. During that time we were back and forth visiting Ardmore and attending Bethel Ardmore.
My first Sunday in Rahway, I visited Second Baptist Church. The next Sunday, I visited Ebenezer AME Church where the Reverend Aldustus Jordan was the pastor. He was a young man in his 20’s that had five young children. When we greeted each other that first Sunday, I knew that I had a friend; I joined Ebenezer that Sunday. Rev. Jordan accepted me as a member of his family. He would pile me in his car with his wife and children and off to New York City to visit relatives; I was a member of the family. He was a great preacher too. He took me to my first annual conference, which was held at Mt. Pisgah AME Church in Jersey City. Bishop George Wilburn Baber was the presiding prelate of the Frist Episcopal District. Rev. Jordan was a great pastor and was sensitive to the Civil Rights’ Movement preached relevant sermons that excited me and the other young people at Ebenezer.
During this time my mother was an organist at one of the Baptist churches in Rahway.
After annual conference we received the news that Reverend Jordan had been transferred to New York. That was the first time that a pastoral change had personally affected me. I was told that Rev. Jesse F. Owens was the new pastor. I went to church that Sunday and in the place of our young pastor and my friend was, what seemed to me at the time, an old minister and his old wife; they didn’t even have any children. He was so different. He wanted the hymns to be sung as they were written and later on would get on the piano and show the organist how the hymn was supposed to be played; the organist was not happy. I was learning to play gospel and I wasn’t happy either. Rev. Owens was AME all the way; he loved the AME Church. I missed Reverend Jordan, but came to love Reverend Owens; he was my stern, but loving father. I learned so much from him and he became my friend; he was my mentor. He preached education, education, and more education to me. He set the foundation for my ministry and I could stop by the parsonage anytime, day or night. I accepted my call to the ministry and preached my trial sermon at Ebenezer and was licensed by Presiding Elder D. M. Owens and was on my way to Wilberforce University. To hear Rev. Owens tell it, Wilberforce University was the only university where AMEs entering the ministry should attend.
After I transferred from Wilberforce University to Cheyney State College (now university) in Pennsylvania, I had to make a decision about whether to attend Bethel Ardmore or accept the Reverend B.C. Burton’s invitation to be a part of his ministerial staff at Bethel AME Church in Bryn Mawr, where my father, Mom, brothers and sisters and relatives attended. And at this point, Charlotte and I were married, so the decision was made by both of us.
We decided, and my grandmother agreed, that since I had literally grown up at Bethel Ardmore, and was still called “Junior” by my friends and the adult members that it probably would be better to go to Bryn Mawr where I probably would be treated more as an adult.
At Bethel Bryn Mawr, I was blessed with another great mentor, the Reverend B.C. Burton; every licentiate should be blessed with a Reverend B.C. Burton. He was a preacher and he was a trainer. He guided me through the ordination process for deacon and elder. He let me be a partner in ministry and his wife, Mrs. Helen Burton accepted Charlotte as a partner, so much so that when we went to my first pastorate at Shorter Chapel AME Church in Paris, Kentucky, the transition was seamless for both of us, she, as the first-lady and I, as the pastor. My mentor, Rev. Burton, and Charlotte’s mentor, Mrs. Helen Burton had prepared us well for ministry.
Every young pastor should have a first pastorate like Shorter Chapel, Paris was in 1966; they were a wonderful congregation. I needed a mentor there and I had one in the person of my father-in-law, the Reverend Charles Edward Blake who was the pastor at St. James AME Danville, Kentucky and later as presiding elder of the Lexington District. He gave me advice and guided me through the early days of pastoring. In my first pastorate I visited a former member of the church who had been expelled because she had been disruptive. When I visited her, she told me that I was the best pastor that had ever been assigned to the church; I had only been there a couple of weeks. She made me feel good. I shared the comments she made to me with my father-in-law and he just listened and when I finished, he gave me some great advice. The short version: Be careful when members speak negatively about any of their former pastors and be especially careful with that woman because you might find if you bring her back into the local church that when she disagrees with your program, you will be the “bad preacher” too. He went on to add that loyal church members don’t engage in “trashing their former pastors.” When I spoke with Dad Blake, I had already brought her back into the church and within a month, as we were negotiating the purchase of a new organ, the old piano the church had was trash; that same woman turned on me like a rattlesnake. In her mind, I was worse than the previous pastor.
In 1972, I went in the Army as a chaplain and it was my AME background and ministry that facilitated any success that I might have achieved. I had great pastors, great presiding elders, Sunday School teachers, youth leaders who taught me to understand systems, to know that in all organizations, somebody is in charge, and to respect authority; that’s what the military was all about. Among the presiding elders that mentored me and kept my “feet to the fire, were, the Rev. D.M. Owens, Presiding Elder of the New Brunswick District (1st District) and the Rev. W. L Gaddy, the Presiding Elder of the Danville-Frankfort District (13th District).
My first mentor in the Army was Chaplain (Colonel) John DeVeaux, a retired AME U.S. Army Chaplain and now living with his wife, Gaynelle in Las Vegas. When I went into the Army, he was an instructor at the U.S. Army Chaplain School. I had met him, before he went in the Army; he was the pastor at the St. Mark AME Church in Cranford, New Jersey. As a soldier-chaplain, he was a “squared-away paratrooper.” He was a friend and a mentor. We sat at his dinner table and he was the smartest chaplain I ever knew and he was highly respected throughout the chaplaincy; he was a leader among leaders and served at some of the most prestigious Army assignments. His mentorship extended to, two Sydnor generations because when our son, Calvin IV, was in ROTC Training and earning his parachutist badge at Fort Bragg, Calvin ate dinner at Chaplain John and Gaynelle DeVeaux’s home almost everyday. Chaplain DeVeaux was always willing to share his sage advice and he has a deep love for the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Another mentor was Chaplain Carroll Chambliss. I remember the articles he wrote for The Christian Recorder, entitled, “The Church of My Choice.” Chaplain Carroll Chambliss, now retired, was a chaplain in the U.S. Navy; he rose to the rank of Captain, the same rank as a colonel in Army and Air Force. He is now retired and living in Crystal City, Virginia with his wife of many years, Christene. I read his articles and enjoyed reading about his love for the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Other AME chaplain mentors included Chaplain Lee Cousin and Chaplain Kenneth White who treated me as a colleague from my first day on active duty; they gave me the “ins and outs” of the General Conference and the attributes for having a successful career as a chaplain. They encouraged me to always stay connected to the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
I had other chaplain mentors, among them: Chaplain Mitchell Johnson (UCC), Chaplain Wesley Geary (CME), Chaplain George Alexander (NBC), Chaplain Roland Day (NBC), Chaplain Donald Clark (COG, Anderson, IN), Chaplain Robert Howerton (UMC), Chaplain Corbin Ketchersid (RC), Chaplain Patrick Hessian (RC) and Chaplain Matthew Zimmerman (NBC).
Commanders include General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, General Frederick Franks, General William Hartzog, and General Joe Ballard.
And, I must mention the late Bishop Frederick Douglas Jordan, who gave me my first pastoral assignment and provided funds for me to attend seminary to complete my theological education; and his wife, the late Episcopal Supervisor Artisha Jordan.
Like, Chaplain Carroll Chambliss, the African Methodist Episcopal Church is “The Church of my Choice.”
To my mentors, I say, “Thank you!”
2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
- To the Editor:
RE: Breaking News: The 2009 Annual Church Growth And Development Seminar
I gratefully received the Breaking News concerning the Evangelism Seminar (Dr. James Wade) that will be held in Jacksonville, Florida in January 2009. It promises to be a great moment of training on mission and evangelism.
One wishes there was no distance such as there is between the shores of Africa and the United States, as well as the accompanying costs, to be able to be there and encourage many of us this side to participate. I also want to acknowledge that there have been times Dr. Wade visited Africa for one or other reason. Certainly, there is still a great need for mission and evangelism to take place on the Continent and the ground is ripe for that. The need is great and, with concerted effort to equip saints here to perform and fulfill the biblical mandate espoused by Dr. Wade (i.e., Acts 1:8), much will and must be attained for the both the stability and growth of the church on the shores of Africa.
It is my prayer, therefore, that Dr. Wade would cross over to inspire church growth and development on the shores of Africa, working with and alongside Bishops on the Continent. It is possible and it has happened in some instances; the request and prayer I make is that it is increased.
The Rev. Teboho G. Klaas
Director: National Health Programme
South African Council of Churches
9th Floor, Khotso House
62 Marshall Street
2001 JOHANNESBURG
Tel.: +27 (0)11 241 7811/2
Fax: +27 (0)11 492 1448/9
Mobile: +27 (0)76 692 9583
Email: tgk@sacc.org.za
- To the Editor:
RE: The misconception of claiming to be worshipping by way of the 'Tube."
The church is defined as a group of baptized believers assembled together to worship through praise, fellowship and sharing.
There are those who take comfort in worshipping at home and see no need to justify and defend their absence from worship services.
Television does two things, it entertains and informs. Persons who do not participate in worship cannot fellowship with a television; they become spectators.
Worship is an attitude and the worship atmosphere should be conducive for worship. A statement in our Call to Worship states, “The Lord is in his Holy Temple let all the earth keep silence before him.” This means no interference and no disruptions; worshipers should focus on Jesus Christ, the Lord. Cell phones should be turned off and worshippers should not be worried about football scores or who shot J.R.
Those who sit in their easy chairs sipping coffee or tea, eating, answering the telephone, yelling at the kids, answering the door and running to the kitchen to check on what they are cooking should realize that, that is not an atmosphere for worship. When they look at the television, they do not sing the Doxology, hear the Decalogue; nor do they get a benediction; they just change the channel and move on to something else and become spiritually disconnected when the television religious show is ended. What a pity!
When tragedy strikes and trouble times come; and both tragedy and trouble will come, those same television spectators will run to the local church seeking help and assurance. And, when some of them fail to get assistance they blast the pastor and the church.
Not one televangelist would come to visit a sick and shut-in that views their shows; none would come to your aid in time of crisis; and not one of the televangelists would come in your time of bereavement.
The televangelists are in business to collect money, not distribute money; not one of them would send you a dime to help in a financial crunch.
"Stay at-home" worshippers fall short of God's blessing because they do not give of their substance to God's storehouse. And some of them have the audacity to claim that they are on the same spiritual level with those that worship in a local church on a regular basis.
Some members have legitimate reasons for staying home and I am not berating them. Some are home-bound, infirmed, cripple, have various physical ailments that prevents them from attending church and that’s the reason pastors and local church leaders must augment the religious television services with regular pastoral visitation.
Pastors and worship leaders must utilize God’s gifts and graces so people will want to attend worship services.
The Rev. N.T. Pitts is a retired pastor who lives in Eatonville, Florida
3. AT VENERABLE CHAPEL, LOOK AT WHAT THE LORD IS DOING; AND IT IS MARVELOUS IN HIS SIGHT:
Psalms 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork.”
Twenty-four souls affirmed their commitment to Jesus Christ and were baptized in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
“It was a great moment”, said the Rev. Troy T. Grimes, pastor of Venable Chapel AME Church in Greensburg, Louisiana. He also stated, “I read a quote where God said, “You catch them and I will clean them,” and that’s what we are doing at Venerable Chapel.”
Rev. Grimes said, “With a growing membership, we are humbled by these souls who are making a commitment through Holy Baptism in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Baptism is a sacred sacrament that is a pivotal point in the lives of Christians everywhere. We are just glad to share the Good News about what God is doing at our Church; transforming sinners into saints.”
Acts 2:47b says, “…And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved,” and we at Venerable Chapel are being faithful to this sacrament.
Submitted by Sister Valery Johnson
4. CRUISE WITH SAINT PAUL AME CHURCH IN ASHLAND CITY:
Pastor Vetrel E. Smith, M.Div.
Join the women of Saint Paul A.M.E. Church in Ashland City for their Second Annual Cruise on the Cumberland and Luncheon, Saturday, August 23rd. The Cruise will depart from Ashland City at 9:00 a.m. with participants gathering at Saint Paul prior to going dockside. Expect a wonderful worship experience cruising on the Cumberland River with praise, prayer and a powerful message from the Reverend Jeanette Pinkston of the General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church. Our theme this year is "Developing Your up Close and Personal Relationship with Christ." Lunch will be served following the cruise at Merriman’s English Tea Shoppe and Dining Room. For more information and reservations call 615-214-8200. The Reverend Vetrel Smith is the pastor of Saint Paul A.M.E. Church in Ashland City.
5. CONGRESSMAN CLYBURN WILL SPEAK AT THE MORNING WORSHIP AT SHORTER CHAPEL, DENVER:
*Janice Brown
United States Congressman and House Majority Whip, James Clyburn will be the morning speaker at Shorter Community A.M.E. Church, 3100 Richard Allen Court in Denver, Colorado, Sunday, August 24, 2008 at the 10:30A.M worship service. The announcement was made by the Rev. Joseph C. Nixon, Senior Pastor at Shorter A.M.E. Church and the church is inviting the public and Democratic National Convention elected officials, delegates and observers to share in this occasion.
Advancing the theme, “Pray without Ceasing for a Change,” Shorter is encouraging all to pray for our leaders regardless of which party or candidate wins in the November General Election.
Congressman Clyburn will visit the church the Sunday before the historic 2008 Democratic National Convention begins in Denver, Colorado. Nixon, Senior Pastor at Shorter said, "This is a momentous occasion for our church as well as our community. Congressman Clyburn has been in the forefront of many of our nation’s major issues and has been a champion for the causes that are cared about by many Americans. We are pleased that he would join us during his presence in Denver for this Democratic National Convention." The Congressman is no stranger to African Methodism as he is a member of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in Florence, S.C. He was also presented with an award for Distinguished Service at the opening service of the 48th Quadrennial General Conference.
Congressman Clyburn is the second African American Member of Congress to be chosen by his colleague to serve as House Majority Whip; and has been a member of the United States Congress since 1993 and also leader of the House Democrat’s Faith Working Group. He has sponsored or co-sponsored numerous bills including the extension of the Voting Rights Act.
Shorter Community A.M.E. Church is currently celebrating 140 years of Christian service in the Denver area. Our ministries range from the familiar to the new, such as The New Beginnings Lounge, a monthly open microphone, poetry and praise ministry for young adults, to an emerging and hands on Healing Ministry, to our Wisdom and Revelation noon bible study for those 50+ and many, many more. We serve the true and living God at Shorter where Our Only Debt is Love—It Cannot Be Paid Off, Romans 13:8a. For more information, please contact Sean Bradley at 720-891-6533 or the church office at 303-320-1712.
*Janice Brown is the Lay Organization President at Shorter Community AMEC in Denver
6. HISTORY IN THE MAKING: AME NAMED DEPUTY SHERIFF OF THE YEAR:
The Indiana Sheriff’s Association, established in 1930, named its first African American deputy sheriff officer of the year. Deputy Sheriff Martel Winburn II, a Wayne County sheriff's deputy, was named the Indiana Sheriff’s Association Officer of the Year for his heroic efforts in saving lives during Indiana spring floods. He was recognized for a water rescue June 4 in Williamsburg, said Wayne County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Jeff Cappa.
Martel Winburn was awarded the honor at a presentation this month in Indianapolis.
He is credited principally with saving the life of an 84-year-old Winchester man whose vehicle was swept by a current of floodwater just west of Williamsburg.
Three other officers in Indiana were honored this month with Winburn. Officer Winburn is the first and only African American Deputy Sheriff in the history of Wayne County Indiana and was recently honored for his efforts to save drowning women.
On Wednesday March 7 2007, Deputy Martel Winburn’s twin brother, Officer David Winburn, an Indiana University police officer was one of two recipients of the 2007 Police Officer of the Year at the 47th Annual Crime Prevention Program in Bloomington, Indiana.
Jill L. Winburn, the proud mother of Martel II and David Winburn says, “I'm so thankful to God for instilling in them to go that extra mile which takes them above and beyond the call of duty. To put their lives on the line in the attempt to save another exemplifies not only well trained police officers but more importantly, good human beings who do this on an everyday basis when there are no reporters, no cameras, no awards... just people who need help. For this I give God praise.”
Submitted by a proud father, the Reverend Martel Winburn, Sr.
7. THE AVARICIOUS GREED OF PETROLEUM BY OIL COMPANIES:
*The Reverend Dr. Harry D. Pierson
I have sent messages to five (5) oil company executives regarding their continuous escalation of gasoline and other petroleum products
As we American now walk by gasoline stations because of the now over four dollars a gallon. We fondly remember when there were more gas stations, and there were affordable prices. Gas stations: Sinclair, Standard, Shell, Citi-Service, Texaco, DX, Martin, Super America, Speedway (AKA) "Starving Marvin,” Deep Rock, and many others. As the "big fish ate up the little fish" the formation of the American Cartel was formed, the biggest and the strongest and most affluent formed an American OPAC; a monopoly.
But it is not altogether the oil companies; oil, gasoline and other petroleum products or petroleum based, and used as vital essentials for human use was voted upon by wealthy politicians to become first class "stock items."
The executives acted independently and decided that gasoline, food and medicines were essential to human needs; and they came up with the idea that not only should these items be taxable, but in the stock market, they would become "commodities.” The wealth as well as our Political Representatives could buy stocks and receive guaranteed dividends in over all profits.
When most clear-thinking Americans see "the delivery truck distributing refills at the local gas station they think that the "invoice” the delivery person delivered would indicate how much the station owner would have to charge per gallon to make even a small marginal profit. I think I've already explained why our legislators had a charade by "investigating the oil company executives"; it was well scripted.
I hope that my suspicions are not true and that our own political leaders have not joined in with the "speculators" of the world to bring our great nation down economically by deceiving the citizens of America. I consider this the largest and unforgivable scam in the history of America by our elected Officials. When we had world wars, our elected officials stood strongly with us, and we received the victory; now, this enemy from within, the oil industry, because of their greed; they want to appear helpless and powerless to bring a solution to the escalating gas prices.
*The Reverend Dr. Harry D. Pierson is a retired pastor and a former prisoner of War in Korea who lives in Niles, Michigan.
1424 Woods Edge Drive
Niles Michigan 49120-5833
Phone (269) 687-0395
Email: hdp1424@sbcglobal.net
8. RESPECT: THE ROCK OF GIBRALTAR:
By Renée R. Micou,
In today’s society respect appears to have become obsolete and disrespect appears to have become the norm. Without respect, the very fiber of our existence will eventually crumble destroying all that our ancestors have toiled and labored to create.
In previous decades respect among African Americans was the expected norm of behavior. Everyone spoke to anyone, acknowledged their presence and smiled wither you knew them or not. Men opened doors for women of any age, stood to allow a female to be seated when seats were no longer available, said “Yes Mame” and “No Sir”, when addressing adults. Men were proud, brave and gentle. Women and young girls conducted themselves as ladies at all times, through thought, word and deed. They too reflected respect when addressing adults. Women were gracious, charming and mysterious, gentle, yet strong.
When respect is absent feelings are often non-existent, emotions are void, kindness is forgotten and forgiveness is rarely a part of the equation. It is unfortunate, but today, in the absence of respect, many young people speak without thought, act without conscience, react without cause, hate without reason, hear without listening and live without a purpose. These things are a deadly combination for disaster and certain destruction for the future of a people.
Respect is not automatic; it is a learned reciprocal behavior that must be taught to all who interact with others. The teaching of respect must become the mission of every adult, in an effort to eliminate ignorance, bigotry, hatred, racism and pain, in order to teach tolerance, love, patience, understanding and kindness, if we are to continue to elevate the standard of living, existence and growth of all African American people. The concept of respect must be learned long before your child leaves the comfort of home. To quote directly from the book, “The Deterioration of the Black Child: Getting Back to Basics”, “Make sure that you are not the parent who sends your child to school ill-equipped. Take the time to dress your child properly before sending them to school. They should be wearing the knowledge of respect, displaying the wisdom of kindness, armed with a thirst for knowledge, washed with the grace of humility and pampered with pride and dignity. If your child is not properly dressed, he/she is not ready for school.”
Respect must be looked upon as the Rock of Gibraltar, a solid foundation upon which our very existence stands. The basics are fundamental. We must all get back to the basics which begin at home.
*Renée R. Micou is the author of “The Deterioration of the Black Child: Getting Back to Basics” and is a member of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Detroit, Michigan, serving as a Trustee, choir member, committee member, committee chair and currently serves as a Steward.
Website: www.jacomawipublications.com
E-Mail: jacomawipublications@yahoo.com
9. LPTS SABBATICAL GRANT FOR PASTORAL LEADERS:
Application Deadline: September 15, 2008:
Sabbatical Timeline: March 1, 2009 thru August 31, 2010
View the Sabbatical Grant for Pastoral Leaders forms and application requirements.
View the Sabbatical Grant for Pastoral Leaders description of application process.
New Study Project Grant Opportunity for Pastoral Leader
Many things necessary for the faithful practice of ministry are in short supply. Nothing, however, seems in shorter supply than time. Time for prayer, time for family, time for study, time for self.
The Louisville Institute offers pastoral leaders a chance to step out and step back from the pace and pressures of ministry through its Sabbatical Grant for Pastoral Leaders program. We believe that when clergy have opportunity for learning, growth, and recreation they also learn the habits and practices that sustain them in and for meaningful ministry. During a season of personal renewal, study, and reflection pastoral leaders embrace the gifts of time and Sabbath for their lives and ministries. As they are renewed and strengthened so are their families, and so is the Church.
Program Outline
Through its 2008 Sabbatical Grant for Pastoral Leaders grant competition, The Louisville Institute will award up to forty grants for eight-week ($10,000) and twelve-week ($15,000) sabbaticals. During this time recipients will devote themselves to a season of prayer, study, renewal and reflection on their vocations and ministries.
Recipients must be released from all pastoral duties during the entire grant period.
There are no residency or travel requirements or expectations, except for attendance at the preparation consultation in Louisville in February 16-18 2009. All expenses for that consultation are covered by the Institute, over and above the grant award.
Recipients are free to use the grant award at their discretion. Previous grantees have used their awards for the purchase of books, research material and equipment, conference and seminary expenses, salary replacement, travel, etc.
The application process requires pastoral leaders to center on a theme of concern, topic of study, area of inquiry, or focus of reflection designed to:
- Nourish vocational identity and commitment
- Refresh body and spirit while renewing relationships
- Rekindle habits of heart and mind that sustain one for and in ministry
Areas of focus and inquiry might include, but are not limited to:
Spiritual Practices –
What are the distinctive spiritual practices vital to Christian faith and life, and how may they be best cultivated for sustaining Christian ministry?
Pastoral Imagination –
How does the ongoing encounter with scripture, theology and tradition nurture the pastoral imagination necessary for a flourishing pastoral ministry?
Worship -
How may churches create and adapt patterns of Christian worship that meaningfully engage successive generations of believers and seekers while remaining faithful to Christian tradition?
Changing face of ministry -
How may pastoral leaders renew their vocations and sustain their gifts in response to the ever increasing pace of change in the life of the Church and the expectations of ministry?
Timeline Options
To encourage a successful sabbatical experience, eight-week and twelve-week sabbaticals shall be taken in a single time segment. The Louisville Institute recognizes that in some extraordinary circumstances this may not be possible. A waiver may be negotiated after a grant is awarded. All proposals should be developed based on a single time segment and be taken between March 1, 2009 and August 31, 2010.
Recipients of a 2008 Sabbatical Grant for Pastoral Leaders shall take this sabbatical between March 1, 2009 and August 31, 2010. Applicants who wish to take sabbatical after August 31, 2010 should apply in 2009.
Who Is Eligible?
The program is open to Christian clergy, church staff members, denominational staff, and others employed in recognized positions of pastoral leadership, ordained and lay. Seminary administrators and faculty members are not eligible for this grant program. In past years, most successful applicants have at least five years of pastoral experience, and anticipate five or more years of active ministry after the sabbatical.
A note to Doctor of Ministry degree and other degree candidates – While those engaged in a particular degree program are welcome to apply, provided they meet the criteria listed above, the fact that you are working toward a degree will neither add to nor detract from your chance to receive a Sabbatical Grant for Pastoral Leaders. Because grants are awarded for pastoral leaders to take sabbaticals, any degree program is incidental to the application.
The program is open to pastoral leaders in the United States and Canada. Past recipients of Louisville Institute sabbatical, study, and research awards for pastoral leaders are not eligible. Applicants may not submit applications to more than one Louisville Institute grant program within the same grant year (June 1-May 31).
Applicants may not submit applications to more than one Louisville Institute grant program within the same grant year (June 1-May 31).
Editor’s Comment: I hope some of our AME pastors will apply for this grant.
10. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICES:
- Ali Holness (member Metropolitan AME Church Washington, DC), a senior at Spelman College will leave August 24, 2008 for a semester study abroad in Amman, Jordan. She will return December 15, 2008. Ali is an honor student and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. In March 2008 Ali and one other student were selected by Dr. Beverly Tatum, President of Spelman College to attend a 10 day conference at Dubai Women's College in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. During Spring break 2008 Ali traveled with a group of 10 Spelman students and 4 Morehouse students to Senegal, West Africa to help build a school for girls, the event was taped and shown on BET. Ali is the daughter of Rev. Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness and Mr. Allan D. Holness, Jr.
Congratulatory messages can be sent to: EHolness@udc.edu
Submitted by:
Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness
Special Assistant to the President
University of the District of Columbia
- Mrs. Ella B. Couch, widow of the Reverend W. T. Couch (13th Episcopal District) celebrated her 98th birthday on Saturday, August 2, 2008. She is a lifelong member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and a Life Member of the Women's Missionary Society. She served as president of the Tennessee Conference WMS during the Administration of Bishop Carey Abraham Gibbs.
Mrs. Ella B. Couch is a member of Saint Peter African Methodist Episcopal Church, Clarksville, TN where she continues to serve as the organist. She is an active member of the Irene McKinnon Missionary Society and the Lay Organization. She served the members of the community by transporting them to various hospitals and doctors' appointment until she stopped driving just a few years ago. Because she served others, the members of the community and the church hold her in high esteem.
Birthday cards and well wishes can be sent to:
Mrs. Ella B. Couch
722 Main Street
Clarksville TN 37040
Phone: (931) 645-6965
- The Reverend Jeffery Norfleet, Sr., pastor of McGavock Chapel, Charlotte, TN (Tennessee Conference-13th Episcopal District) was awarded the Bachelor of Science Degree from Bethel College, McKenzie, TN on Saturday, August 2, 2008.
Bethel College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools is a private 4-year liberal arts college with 27 undergraduate bachelor's degrees and three master's degree programs.
Congratulatory messages can be sent to:
The Rev. Jeffery Norfleet, Sr.
1346 Gibson Drive
Clarksville, TN 37043
- Christina Faye Gilliard is a candidate for a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice Administration to be awarded on August 9, 2008 from Tennessee State University and the Middle Tennessee State University. The ceremony will be held at the Gentry Center on the campus of Tennessee State University.
Christina Faye Gilliard is the great-granddaughter of The Late Reverend William Jenkins who served as a Pastor in the Tennessee Conference, 13th Episcopal District; granddaughter of Louise McNair and the grand-niece of Rev. Joe Fletcher and Mrs. Georgia Jenkins Fletcher (retired Pastor and spouse -Tennessee Conference, 13th Episcopal District).
Congratulatory messages may be sent to:
403 Ambrose Drive
Clarksville TN 37042
- Christopher Wade Fletcher, Jr., is graduating from Austin Peay State University, located in Clarksville, TN. He is receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management. Christopher is the grandson of Rev. and Mrs. (Georgia) Joe Fletcher; retired Pastor and Spouse -Tennessee Conference.
Congratulatory messages can be sent to:
122 Edmondson Ferry Rd
Clarksville TN 37040
11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
With sorrow we announce the passing of Ms. Jalea Brumfield, the daughter of Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Robert Brumfield, Pastor and First Lady - Oak Grove A.M.E. Church, Detroit, Michigan. Jalea Brumfield passed late Wednesday evening, August 6, 2008.
We seek the prayers of the entire A.M.E. Church family for Dr. and Mrs. Robert Brumfield and the Brumfield family in their loss.
Funeral services for Ms. Jalea Brumfield:
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
10:00 a.m.
Beacon Light MB Church
(Worshipping at Greater St. Stephen FGBC - Westbank Location)
2100 Ames Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70072
Telephone: (504) 296-8175
Bishop Darryl Brister, pastor officiating
Service arrangements are entrusted to:
Davis Mortuary Service Incorporated
9200 I-10 Service Road
New Orleans, LA 70127
Phone: (504) 244-1415
Fax: (504) 362-3270
Expressions of sympathy and condolence may be sent to:
Dr. and Mrs. Robert Brumfield and Family
Oak Grove A.M.E. Church
19801 Cherrylawn
Detroit, MI 48221
Phone (313) 341-8877
Fax: (313) 341-0112
Email condolences may be sent to: Dphillips@oakgroveame.org
For other inquires contact:
Dorinda Phillips, Executive Assistant to the pastor
Oak Grove A.M.E. Church
Phone (313) 341-8877
12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
With sorrow we announce the passing of the Reverend Charles Belcher, Pastor of St. John A.M.E. Church, St. Louis, Missouri; the spouse of Mrs. Doris Denson-Belcher, President of the Fifth Episcopal District Ministers' Spouses, Widows and Widowers Organization + PK'S. The Reverend Charles Belcher passed on Saturday, August 9, 2008.
Service arrangements for the Reverend Charles Belcher:
Services in Saint Louis, Missouri
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Viewing 10:00 - 11:00
Services 11:00 AM
St. John AME Church
1908 N. Kings Highway Blvd.
Saint Louis, Mo 63113
Phone: (314) 361-8236
Presiding Elder, C. Jessel Strong, Presiding Officer
The Rev. Donald Hunter, Eulogist
St. Louis, Missouri Services provided by:
Austin A. Layne Mortuary, Inc.
7239 W. Florissant Avenue
Saint Louis, Mo 63113
Phone: (314) 382-1214
Fax: (314) 381-6321
Services in Berkeley, California
Monday August 18, 2008
Family Hour: 6 - 8 PM
Fouches Hudson Funeral Home
3665 Telegraph Avenue
Oakland, California 94609
Phone: (510) 654-8558
Celebration of Life
Tuesday August 19, 2008
Services 10:00 AM
St. Paul AME Church
2024 Ashby Avenue
Berkeley, California 94703
Phone: (510) 848-2050
The Rev. Dr. Allen L. Williams, Pastor
Presiding Elder, Vernon S. Burroughs, Presiding Officer
The Rt. Rev. T. Larry Kirkland, Presiding Prelate
5th Episcopal District, Eulogist
Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Doris Marie Denson-Belcher
4324 W. Pine Blvd
Saint Louis, Mo 63108-2206
Phone: (314) 652-7968
Email condolences may be sent to: arglova@aol.com
13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to announce the news of the passing of the Reverend Ola Mae Reynolds, Local Elder at the Saint Paul (Agnew) African Methodist Episcopal Church, Pulaski, Tennessee.
Services arrangements for The Rev. Ola Mae Reynolds:
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Visitation -11:00 a.m.
Service -12:00 Noon
Saint Paul (Agnew) A.M.E. Church
P. O. Box 209
Pulaski, TN 38478
Phone: 931-424-8111
The Reverend A. J. Holman, Sr.
Pastor/Officiating
Services entrusted to:
Queen Ann Funeral Home
Pulaski, Tennessee
And
Porter - Qualls Funeral Home
Xenia, Ohio
Messages of sympathy may be sent to the family of Rev. Ola Mae Reynolds c/o St. Paul Church
14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of the Rev. Sylvester Echols, former pastor in the New England Conference. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing and Funeral Thursday, August 14, 2008
Viewing - 11:00 a.m. - 12 noon
Funeral - 12:00 noon
Bethel AME Church
1154 Blue Hills Avenue
Bloomfield, CT 06112
Phone: 860-243-5778
Fax: 860-242-2969
The Rev. Ron McCune, Pastor
Condolences may be sent to:
The family of Rev. Sylvester Echols
C/o Bethel AMEC
1154 Blue Hills Avenue
Bloomfield, CT 06112
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Arthur T. Cartwright, the son of Gloria Cartwright, Treasurer of the Board of Commission for the Newark, NJ Housing Authority. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing and Funeral Monday, August 18, 2008
Viewing - 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Funeral - 11:00 a.m.
Wingham Funeral Home
580 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd.
Newark, NJ 07102
Phone: 973-622-6872
Fax: 973-733-9885
The Rev. James E. Deas, Sr., Pastor at St. Luke AME Church is the eulogist
Condolences may be sent to:
The family of Arthur T. Cartwright
C/o Whigham Funeral Home
580 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd.
Newark, NJ 07102
16. 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
17. 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
