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:
"Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.” — President Abraham Lincoln
1. EDITORIAL – THE INWARDNESS AND THE OUTWARDNESS OF WORSHIP:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
Spiritual worship, for me, is an inward act; or at least the first part of spiritual worship is an inward act.
This past week, I read Howard Thurman’s book, The Creative Encounter and was mesmerized by the depth of Dr. Thurman’s thoughts. I was especially moved by his comments about the religious experience in which he said, “But there remains a private, personal world which I claim as uniquely my own” and explained, “In authentic religious experience the individual is himself (herself) totally involved.” He went on to state, “The central fact in the religious experience is the awareness of meeting God” with varied results: “sometimes it is called an encounter; sometimes, a confrontation; and sometimes, a sense of presence.”
Oftentimes the inwardness of the religious experience is neglected and made subordinate to the outward expressions of worship. I often hear pastors and televangelists comparing the worship service to a sporting event and encouraging the people to “get their praise on” and “act like spectators at a football game.” I personally have had a problem with that analogy because worship, for me, is not like attending an athletic event.
When I attend a football game or another athletic event I can yell as loudly as the next fan because I want my team to win and I want to inspire the athletes to perform at their highest levels to insure a win. At an athletic event I don’t know the outcome until the end of the event; I am on “pins and needles” until the end of the game and I am excited along with the other fans. If my team wins, I feel good and if my team loses, I am disappointed.
In my spiritual life and at worship services, I know the outcome. There are no surprises because I have accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and I believe that God has raised Him from the dead. I am locked for eternity; I don’t have to hope for victory; I have victory. My team has won.
When I served in the military overseas, the football games were shown on a delayed telecast and most often I knew the scores by the time the game was televised. I didn’t have nearly the energy in watching the games whose outcomes I already knew. Usually when one looks at a rerun and especially if one knows the outcome or the final score, there is not a lot of yelling because you know the outcome. There may be a yell or a shout if an amazing play took place, but not nearly the enthusiasm as when one is watching a live game.
As it relates to the Christian message, those of us who are saved by grace know the outcome, Jesus has saved us and Heaven is our home; no need for a lot of excitement, because the outcome is known.
When we are saved, we can relish in the Peace of Christ and bring others to Christ; and there might be excitement in bringing others to Christ. So, I would hypothesize that, in church, we are not at an athletic event and ordinarily there is little reason for Christians to act like we are at an athletic event. Now, if something unusual takes place; a great play, a healing, a blessing, a deliverance, a baptism; then there would be a cause for excitement. A seeker or someone trying to find his or her way to Jesus Christ should be excited and the congregation should be excited for and with them, at least, until he or she discovers the outcome; that Jesus Christ has saved them from their sins. At that point, worship is a relationship with God and a gathering of spiritual resources for deepening our spiritual journey; and for each of us, loving God and loving our neighbor.
That’s the case for what Thurman calls, “The inwardness of religion.”
Not only does spiritual worship have inward dimension, but balanced spiritual worship has an outward component. A popular quote in many church bulletins reads, “Enter to Worship, Depart to Serve.” Howard Thurman says that the “externalizing of one’s inner religious experience becomes one’s response to the God of one’s religious experience.
Spiritual worship, then, involves speaking to God, listening to God; that results in obedience to God and the “doing” or in the words of Isaiah, the, “Here am I Lord, Send me.”
No, in church, I am not at a football game or another athletic event as an excited spectator; rather I am a participant and worshipper in the eschatological event.
I do not have a problem with spirited worship, as a matter of fact, I can get as excited as the next worshipper, but I don’t want worship leaders and worshippers to neglect the inwardness of worship.
2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
- To the Editor
RE: Editorial – Two Books - A Must Read for Pastors:
Bob Briner's book on the Management techniques of Jesus is available on www.amazon.com.
Judge Ted R. Newman
Metropolitan AME Church
Washington, DC
- To the Editor:
RE: Editorial – Two Books - A Must Read for Pastors:
God bless you for the work you do with the Christian Recorder. As an FYI.... copies of the abovementioned book (Briner) may be found at abebooks.com. It is an excellent site for locating hard-to-find books. I bought the complete 13-volume set of the old Interpreter's Bible at this site for $98 (incl. s/h). It was in mint condition. This site was extremely useful to me as I progressed through the seminary and the Board of Examiners. I hope it may bless you and others similarly.
The Rev. Andra D'Etta Hoxie
First AME Church, Manassas
3. ADDENDUM TO THE 48TH SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE QUADRENNIAL REPORT OF THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
Ph.D. Candidate John Thomas III was the person who sparked the foreign language translation of The Christian Recorder and the foreign language materials in the various publications in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
I failed to acknowledge him when I gave The Christian Recorder Quadrennial Report at the 2008 General Conference. I will add his name and contribution to future historical reports of The Christian Recorder.
4. THE REVISED AME CHURCH MOTTO ADOPTED BY THE 48TH QUADRENNIAL SESSION OF THE 2008 GENERAL CONFERENCE:
English:
“GOD OUR FATHER, CHRIST OUR REDEEMER, THE HOLY SPIRIT OUR COMFORTER, HUMANKIND OUR FAMILY”
Spanish:
EL LEMA DE LA IGLESIA DE A.M.E.
“DIOS NUESTRO PADRE, CRISTO NUESTRO REDENTOR,
EL ESPĂRITU SANTO NUESTRO CONSOLADOR, HUMANIDAD NUESTRA FAMILIA”
5. URGENT PRAYER REQUEST FROM AME-INDIA:
Since the beginning of this week there has been widespread attack on Christians in the State of Orissa and stray attacks on Christian missionaries in other parts of the country. These attacks are initiated by the right wing Hindu fanatics who have a lot of political clout in the states ruled by their people. Unfortunately due to the Christian theology of Love and Forgiveness, the Christians have never retaliated to such brute and ruthless attacks ever in the history of Indian Christianity.
As per the news reports a large number of houses and churches were torched by irate mob in several areas including Nuagaon, Raikia, Udaygiri, Phiringia and Baliguda. Churches were attacked in Khurda, Bargarh, Sundergarh, Sambalpur, Koraput, Boudh, Mayurbhanj, Jagatsinghpur and Kandhamal districts as also in the state capital. 40 houses were set ablaze in Phulbani town, a Christian populated town in the area.
Another report states that 50 village churches and six convents and other Christian institutions were destroyed or damaged in the violence. Minority communities are increasingly being targeted by the so-called protectors of Indian culture and identity. VHP (Vishwa Hindu Parishad) activists have been blamed for at least three deaths and the burning of 60 churches in Orissa alone.
A Christian nun was murdered, another Christian woman was burnt to death and an orphanage run by Christians was set on fire in which two people were burnt to death. All the twenty children escaped unhurt.
AME-India has two churches in this state in the troubled area. We have not been able to contact with them in this situation. They are Pastor Saurabha Beborta and Pastor Dibya Jothi Limma. Kindly remember them, their families and their congregation in your valuable prayers.
God's peace and protection needs to be established in the troubled areas and let us join together in prayer for the people affected.
With much grievance and prayer,
The Rev. Sarah Peddiny and the Rev. Abraham Peddiny
Presiding Elders - AME-India
6. THE 141ST SESSION OF THE KENTUCKY ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
*The Reverend William R. T. Hale
Saint Peter African Methodist Episcopal Church - Harrodsburg, Kentucky
The Rt. Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie,
Presiding Prelate of the 13th Episcopal District
Brother Stan McKenzie, Supervisor of Missions
The Reverend Kenneth Jerome Golphin,
Presiding Elder of the Lexington District
The Reverend Ralph Boyd Smith, Host Pastor
Preceding the 48th Session of the General Conference, darkness had come over the land… rumors and suppositions attacked our worst fears: “Would our Bishop Return?”… a faithless dread had gripped the minds of some: “Surely she won’t return!”… but, then… a voice cried out into the darkness! The light of day arose over the land! And sho’nuff, the “baddest bishop on the bench” — The “Visionary” Vashti, “Magnificent” Murphy, “Moving-Forward” McKenzie, our chief pastor, together with our “Super” Supervisor Stan McKenzie, stepped out from the light… and so began the 141st Session of the Kentucky Annual Conference at Historic Saint Peter African Methodist Episcopal Church!
The direction of the Annual Conference was set by our pre-conference activities, beginning with a wonderful welcome by our hosts at Saint Peter, as the Leadership of Harrodsburg and Mercer County were compelled to come and make us feel “right at home”; leading us into an invigorating day of learning, worshipping and Kingdom business, beginning with the Women’s Missionary Societies’ Prayer Breakfast where the Reverend Sherry Green laid down the kindling for the fire with the message, “God Is The Real Deal!”; then our own Sister Renee Scott-Smith continued that same theme, adding more fuel for the fire, utilizing Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” and then at the WMS ‘Night In White’ the Reverend Maxine Thomas ignited the spark that lit the Church on fire, preaching, “Help Me, Somebody!”
Along with the Minister’s Institute, where our own General Officer, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor, III, Editor of The Christian Recorder, ministered to the clergy on the: “Role of the Pastor in the Public Square” and our own Presiding Elder, the Reverend Kenneth Jerome Golphin, reviewed, succinctly, the new legislation from the 2008 General Conference; the expectations for a “Climactic Time” at this Annual Conference was set, and we were ready to be taken to a Higher Level!
The 141st Session of the Kentucky Annual Conference was called to order by our Presiding Prelate, and the roll was called. Our Chief Pastor kept us on a prayerful and spiritual path, setting the tone by introducing the new Quadrennial Theme of the African Methodist Episcopal Church: “A Great Past, A Greater Future, An Incredible Call To Serve: Influence, Inheritance, Integrity and Innovation”!!! This years Connectional Theme “influence” became our focal-point during the Conference Institutes as our own Sister Renee Scott-Smith taught, “Grant Writing 101: Funding Your Ministry” introducing the application, processes and issues pertaining to applying for a Believe Grant, so that our local churches can influence their communities through funded ministries; and the Reverend Dr. Clement W. Fugh, our General Secretary & Chief Information Officer, taught the Conference Institute introducing the online system where the Annual Conference Pastor’s Reports are submitted and managed so we can better utilize technology to influence our record keeping. The Pastor’s Reports gave us a positive testimony into what God is doing throughout the Kentucky Annual Conference: in spite of hard times, struggling memberships and the enemy on every side, the pastor and people stood to declare “We still beleive!” The Committees’ Reports charged us to continue doing what the church is suppose to be doing: Going into Prisons, Being Persistent in Prayer, Taking Action to Win Souls, Being a Servant like Christ, and Striving for Excellence in ALL we do!
The Gates of Heaven opened up, and the Most High God poured Himself out upon the Kentucky Annual Conference when the preachers of the Gospel led us before God’s Throne… first through the Reverend Troy Irvine Thomas who preached the Annual Sermon, "You Have What It Takes!"; then through our Sons of Allen/Nehemiah Nation preacher the Reverend MacArthur Pendleton who asked 3 questions, “Where Art Thou?”, “Can These Bones Live?” and “Who Do They Say I Am?”; and at the Hour of Power, the Reverend Sherry Miller set us ablaze with, “It’s Time To Celebrate!” and at the Lay Witness Night, Sister Doretha Sanders (of Bethel A.M.E. Church, Campbellsville, Kentucky), ministered the hallelujah message, “God’s Delay Is Not God’s Denial!” And didn’t you feel the stirring of the Holy Ghost as our Young People shared with us their gifts of Praise and Thanksgiving?!! … And didn’t our own Kentucky Annual Conference “Whosoever Will” Choir bless us as they blessed the Lord with their Majestic, Magnanimous and Magnificent praise!
A hero of the faith has been called home this Conference year, namely Brother Johnny Bonds, a member of Quinn Chapel, Lexington and a student of the Board of Examiners: Struck with Cancer, which he fought with all his might, but consumed by a voice calling him to tell “the old, old story”, he exemplified Paul’s faith, “To Live Is Christ”, and he left this world with the certainty of faith, “To Die is Gain!”… He is troubled by the pain of this world no more, heaven is his home!
The Reverend Eugene Fuller, the Reverend Romiltia W. Shelton and the Reverend Cecil J. Napier, servants of God and Pastors of God’s People in African Methodism, requested that they might retire from the itinerancy. And though their request for Superannuation status has been “reluctantly” approved by this Annual Conference, let us not forget their contribution to Christ’s Church and the positive influence that their pastoral and teaching ministry will have for generations to come, such as the Reverend Cecil Napier’s retirement message to this Annual Conference, “Take A Bucket of Honey with you Wherever You Go!”
The Conference was blessed to elect and ordain three new Itinerant Deacons in the persons of the Reverend Revonda Bright… the Reverend Sharon Johnson… and the Reverend Stephanie May Raglin; and one new Local Deacon in the person of the Reverend Etolia Carolyn White; and to set the moment in time, the Reverend Dr. Clement W. Fugh, the General Secretary/Chief Information Officer of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, preached with power the Ordination Sermon “A Series of Unfortunate Events!"
One of our own, a son of the Kentucky Annual Conference, with a proven track record and a leader in his own right, the Reverend Dr. Robert A. Strode, announced his intention to seek “the highest office in the land!” He has set his sights on the Episcopacy and with the support of this 141st Session of the Kentucky Annual Conference his campaign is in full thrust toward the Bishopric! May the Lord God Almighty bless his endeavor and have favor on his servant in 2012!
We’ve been given our Marching Orders… the way has been made clear… our Bishop has been to the mountain top and brought us the Word from above… a message for every pastor, parishioner, and community…: “You Can Do it… God Can Help!” Asking, “What Kind of Church do You Want,” but recognizing, that the real question is, “What Kind of Church does God Want?”
Host Pastor Ralph Boyd Smith, Sister Yvonne Smith and the congregation and community of Historic Saint Peter African Methodist Episcopal Church of Harrodsburg, Kentucky are to be given the Highest Commendations, for they hosted this 141st Session in the finest fashion, making us feel Highly Favored… like we was “some’n special!” In 2007 we all wondered, “who would host in 2008?” And look who stepped up!!! With a whole lot of faith and a spiritually positive attitude, Saint Peter Harrodsburg stepped up to the plate… and when the first pitch was thrown … They hit it out of the park!!! They went above and beyond, making Bishop and Supervisor McKenzie, Presiding Elder and First Lady Golphin, and every Pastor, Minister, Delegate, Honored Guest, and Visitor who walked through their doors feel welcome and at home. May God continue to bless their community and their ministry! And the Church Shouted, “Home-Run!”
The new Presiding Elder has truly been “tried by fire”… but the vision, wisdom and tenacity of the Reverend Kenneth Jerome Golphin has truly proven to be the kind of leadership the Kentucky Annual Conference needed! He, together with the first lady of the Lexington District, Sister Dianna Golphin, has prepared for and hosted his first Annual Conference as Presiding Elder with style and finesse! Our hope and prayer is for their swift return, so we can continue the work they’ve begun!!!
The Kentucky Annual Conference is Traveling Forward, and Moving Upward!!! Because We Know that Every Round Goes… “Higher, and Higher!” We’ve been charged up for the work and are ready to be the Disciples whom God has called us to BE! Our Leadership has taken the lead! The issuance of Believe grants to the Reverend Stephanie May Raglin for theological education, the Reverend Sharon Johnson for theological education, and Saint Matthew, Midway, for General Support, are evidence that the Church is giving back and providing resources to help our local churches and congregations to do ministry. So let the Kentucky Annual Conference declares, “we’re ready!” Ready to influence our church, ready to influence our communities, and ready to influence our world! in the Kentucky Annual Conference, we’re ready!!!
And So, when all was said and done, when the appointments were read and all were hopefully satisfied, definitely edified and certainly, spiritually electrified; and when we have adjourned "Sine Die”, that our prayer is “Lord, help us to be agents of influence!” and “Lord, help us to run on and see what the end will be!”; and that the Kentucky Annual Conference has made up it’s mind to “Build The Kind Of Church that God Wants His Church To Be!” … “With God’s help, we can do it!”
*Pastor William R. T. Hale is the pastor of Saint Paul AME Church in Richmond, Kentucky and serves as the Chief Secretary of the Kentucky Annual Conference and Chairperson of the Resolutions Committee
The appointments at the 141st Session of the Kentucky Annual Conference:
Bishop Vashti M. McKenzie made the following Pastoral Appointments, with the Supply Appointments given by the Presiding Elder:
•The Reverend Kenneth J. Golphin – Presiding Elder of the Lexington District
•The Reverend Troy I. Thomas – Saint Paul, Lexington
•The Reverend Everett Hobson – Quinn Chapel, Lexington
•The Reverend Robert A. Strode – Saint John, Frankfort
•The Reverend William C. Jenkins – Saint James, Danville
•The Reverend James E. Smith – Saint Paul, Versailles
•The Reverend William R. T. Hale – Saint Paul, Richmond
•The Reverend Antonio Q. Stuckey – Saint James, Cynthiana
•The Reverend Wink Sweat – Saint James, Covington
•The Reverend Terrance J. Cato – Shorter Chapel, Paris (supply)
•The Reverend Joshua C. Hale – Davis Chapel, Somerset
•The Reverend Sherry Miller – Saint Matthew, Midway
•The Reverend Ralph Boyd Smith – Saint Peter, Harrodsburg
•The Reverend Fred Harris – Bethel, Stanford
•The Reverend MacArthur Pendleton – Bethel, Campbellsville
•The Reverend A.D. Reed – Barnes Temple, Elsmere
•The Reverend Kelvin Robinson – Saint John, Monticello
•The Reverend Richard Watts – Saint James, Ashland
•The Reverend Wanda Ryan – Saint Andrew, Winchester
•The Reverend Robert Taylor – Saint John, Greenup (supply)
•The Reverend Kelvin Robinson – Mount Zion, Frazier
•The Reverend Avis Thompson – Saint Paul, Manchester (supply)
•The Reverend Everhart Walker – Allen Chapel, Moreland
•The Reverend Revonda Bright – Wayman Chapel, Barbourville (supply)
•The Reverend James H. Stowe – Wayman Chapel, Georgetown
•The Reverend Stephanie M. Raglin – Craig Chapel, Salvisa (supply)
•The Reverend Linda Murray – Perkins Chapel, Wilmore (supply)
•The Reverend Sharon W. Johnson – Wilson Chapel, Parksville (supply)
•Brother Jeffery G. Washington – Jacobs Chapel, Turnersville (supply)
The Reverend Kenneth J. Golphin moved that the Conference be closed sine die. The Reverend Troy I. Thomas seconded the motion. The motion carried and so rested the 141st Session of the Kentucky Annual Conference.
7. BISHOP H. H. BROOKINS WILL BE THE FOCUS OF AN UPCOMING DOCUMENTARY / MOVIE ENTITLED, “THE KING MAKER “:
Bishop H. H. Brookins will be featured in a full length movie documentary. David Henry, an Emmy Award Winner, and Tonette Hayes, Producers are very proud to produce this film. Auditions for actors and other positions will be advertised.
Bishop Brookins has been a pioneer for many people, both clergy and lay throughout the United States where Bishop Brookins has served; and has been an inspiration to politicians, civil rights leaders. We want the world to know the major achievements and the exciting lifestyle Bishop Brookins lived over the years. He is a living legend.
Go to www.inkktnet.com to view the pilot. A casting call for actors and children is forthcoming. We will be looking for young actors to play Bishop Brookins as a child, teen and young adult. Interested persons should contact us through the web: www.inkktnet.com
We will also have job interviews posted on the Website in the next few weeks for production managers, assistants; and for other positions. We would like to hire from within the AME Church.
Should you have any questions or concerns please contact us at www.inkktnet.com.
Tonette Hayes and David Henry
8. AME OLYMPIAN WINS SILVER MEAL:
Hyleas Fountain, a member of Central Chapel AME Church in Yellow Springs, Ohio won a silver-medal in the heptathlon in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing with a total of 6,619 points. She became the only American woman other than Jackie Joyner-Kersee to ever win an Olympic medal in the heptathlon. She has won numerous athletic events beginning in 2000 when she was the USA Junior high-jump champion; she has won national and international athletic events each year since that time with the culmination of the silver medal in the 2008 Olympics. Fountain narrowly missed qualifying for Athens in 2004, when she finished fourth at U.S. Olympic Trials.
She attended Barton Community College where she won 5 National Junior College Athletic Association titles and was runner-up three times and the University of Georgia, she won the NCAA heptathlon title in 2003 and the outdoor long jump championship in 2004.
Her coach, Mr. Lynn Smith, is also a member Central Chapel AME Church in Yellow Springs. Coach Lynn Smith’s mother is also active member of Central Chapel. Coach Lynn is a survivor of the bombing at the 2000 Olympics in Atlanta.
The Rev. Dr. Betty Holley is the pastor of Central Chapel AME Church.
*Submitted by Mrs. Leanora Brown and Mr. Orlando Brown, the sister and brother-in-law of Bishop William P. DeVeaux and Chaplain (Colonel-Retired) John DeVeaux
9. ST. PHILIP MONUMENTAL A.M.E. CHURCH TO HOLD "ALLEN AND TURNER DAY CELEBRATION":
*Mrs. Diane K. Coleman
Pastor George A. Moore, Jr. and the St. Philip Monumental AME Church family in Savannah, Georgia are preparing to celebrate Allen and Turner Day. The service will be held on Sunday, September 14, 2008. There will be only one worship service at 10:15 a.m. for this day of special celebration.
The Allen and Turner Day Celebration allow us to look back at the lives of the two of the “Giants” of African Methodism; Richard Allen and Henry McNeal Turner.
We have invited another spiritual “Giant” in service to the Lord, the Rev. Matthew Southall Brown, Sr. to deliver the message to help us to pay homage to the outstanding giants of African Methodism.
Our theme for this years’ celebration is, “God’s Grace Is Supreme.”
Sister Sheren Ervin and Brother Charles Nelson are serving as Co-Chairpersons of this event. We cordially invite our families, friends and the community to join us on this momentous occasion. We know that your hearts will be truly blessed. The Rev. George A. Moore, Jr. is the senior pastor of St. Philip Monumental AME Church.
*Mrs. Diane K. Coleman is the Church Reporter for St. Philip Monumental AME Church
10. PRESIDING ELDER ROGER A. SAWTELLE A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS AND A SEASONED EDUCATOR:
The Rev. Roger A. Sawtelle recently completed his 22nd year as Church School Superintendent of the New England Conference of the AME Church.
Looking back on this still incomplete career the veteran Christian educator can see where he has left his mark on many aspects of the church. He is most pleased to be part of a push for excellence in the understanding of the Christian faith and the teaching of our faith.
After serving six years as pastor of Bethel AME Church in historic Lowell, Massachusetts, Rev. Sawtelle was first appointed a Conference Church School Superintendent by Bishop Frank C. Cummings. He immediately began to modernize the position by establishing a budget and yearly schedule of visits. In the New England the Conference Superintendent makes the visits to the 27 churches and missions, scattered over the states of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island to teach, preach, and supervise.
After organizing the Church Schools in New England he noted that the AMEC Sunday School literature needed to be upgraded. To this end in 1992, the Rev. Roger A. Sawtelle ran for the office of the Editor of Religious Literature. This was the General Officer that was responsible for the preparation and editing of the AME Church School lessons.
He enjoyed the opportunity to visit churches outside the First Episcopal District and promised that if he were elected, the AME lessons would be “second to none.” He was not elected in Orlando, because that was the year that the position was abolished with its duties given to the Secretary of the Christian Education Dept. Still he endeavored to do what he could to keep his promise that our literature would be “second to none.”
In this regard the Rev. Sawtelle was a founding member of the AMEC Writers Guild in 1992 and wrote Sunday School Quarterlies usually for the Junior Class on a regular basis until 2006. For 14 years he was very active as an AME member of the Committee for Uniform Series, which is the ecumenical group that plans the Church School curriculum and provides the outline for the Church School Lessons for our denomination and most Sunday Schools worldwide.
In this manner Rev. Sawtelle had the unique position of being directly involved in the planning of the church school lessons, the writing of the Sunday school lessons, the supervision of church school classes, and the teaching of the lessons whenever he had the opportunity. Almost every week fall, summer, and spring, he was making a church school visit in his own conference or wherever he might be attending church.
Another area that needed upgrading was the First Episcopal Church School, which at that time was not recognized, was not organized, and was not meeting. Through the initiative of Rev. Sawtelle and the other Conference Superintendents they initiated the First Episcopal District Annual Church School Seminar and Annual Day in 1993, which provides a full day of inspiration, training, encouragement, and fellowship for teachers, and superintendents throughout the northeast.
Rev. Sawtelle was blessed with an excellent education, and sought to share the insights gathered though this education with all who care to listen and read. He was the product of a fine public school system of Wyoming, Ohio. He chose to attend college at Indiana U. in Bloomington, IN, which had the benefits of a fine large state university and the atmosphere of a small college town. He made full advantage of all the cultural and scholarly opportunities at IU.
He also spent two years at graduate school there studying Russian language, culture, and history in order to understand the conflict between the US and the USSR. Part of this education was a cultural exchange trip to the Soviet Union, Hungary, and Poland during the summer of 1961, the summer of the building of the Berlin Wall.
Rev. Sawtelle was also blessed with an excellent education at Harvard Divinity School. With the conflict over civil rights in full swing and the War in Viet Nam on the horizon, he answered the call to the ministry and entered seminary. During the summers he worked in the South doing civil rights work and working with Rev. James M. Lawson at Centenary UM Church in Memphis.
Upon graduation from Harvard Divinity Rev. Sawtelle served as pastor of North Kingstown UM Church, the Wareham and Marion, MA UM Parish, and the Brayton and Quarry St. UM Parish in Fall River, MA. He made the decision to leave the United Methodist Ministry and found employment working as a Social Worker for the Department of Public Welfare in New Bedford, MA, and later as a training officer and supervisor.
In 1977 Rev. Sawtelle attended Bethel AME Church in Fall River one Sunday morning and never returned to the United Methodist Church. Soon he heard a renewed call to the ministry and was admitted to the New England Annual Conference in 1978. He was ordained deacon in 1979 and itinerant elder in 1981. He is the son and grandson of Sunday School Teachers and Superintendents. In 1999 he married the lovely Ann B. Jasper at Bethel AME Church in Bloomfield, CT.
We all know that education is the way forward in today’s world. Secular education needs to be linked with Christian education so our faith keeps pace with our mind. There is nothing wrong with the AME Church. Yes, she has weaknesses as do all churches, but her strengths and possibilities far outweigh the problems. We need to trust in the Holy Spirit to lead us to doing our part to strengthen our faith, our church, and the universal Christian Community.
The AME Church has a special calling and mission to the African American community in the United States and around the world. That is true and incontrovertible. However, she cannot serve the Black community without addressing the needs of the greater community. Both Black and White communities need to understand and address this real situation. Rev. Sawtelle has served as president of the Merrimack Valley Branch NAACP.
The greater community is facing three vital challenges. The first is intellectual issues in the Christian faith and the Western tradition caused by recent scientific and philosophical developments. The second is the spiritual attack on our faith by Islam. And the third is the intellectual attack on our faith by scientism and materialism.
Rev. Sawtelle as part of his education ministry has written two ground-breaking books addressing these crucial issues: The GOD Who Relates; African-American Trinitarian Theology, The Complex One and The Simple One; Relational Christianity and Absolute Islam in Today’s World. He is currently working on a third book: Beyond Evolution; Christianity, Science, and Philosophy Today. These ground-breaking books step into the vacuum created by the sterile debate between fundamentalism, liberalism, and materialism to demonstrate the real power of relational Christianity to meet the needs of today’s world. They can be purchased through Amazon.com or his website, www.rightrelates.org .
11. BISHOP DAVID DANIELS LEADS MINNEAPOLIS REVIVAL:
By Charles Hallman, St. Paul-Minneapolis District Reporter
The church sometimes needs “a Holy Ghost preacher” to remind them that they are children of God.
This is what the Right Reverend David R. Daniels, Jr.; the 14th Episcopal District’s presiding prelate did as he led a three-day revival at Wayman, Minneapolis August 11-13.
He is “a Holy Ghost preacher,” says St. Paul-Minneapolis District Presiding Elder Rev. Dr. Alphonse Reff of Bishop Daniels. “The world needs interpreters who can interpret the Word of God,” the presiding elder and pastor of Wayman explains. “We need them to (tell) people that God has something better for them.”
With temperatures reaching 80-plus throughout the three days, Daniels’ nightly sermons brought Holy Ghost heat inside the sanctuary, as he implored the congregation and visitors “to get ready for your breakthrough.”
“It is difficult to sing and shout when you are down and out,” said the bishop. “That’s why we need God.”
Isaiah 54:1-3 was his first night’s text as Daniels reminded everyone that they are God’s creation: “If we are going to get our breakthrough, we need to change what we are. God didn’t make a mistake when He made you. If you want everything to be possible, you want to get with God. He is more than enough.”
Your best is in your future and not in your past, continues Daniels. “Don’t miss out on what God’s best has for your life,” he preached. “God can’t lift you out until you know who you are. With God, there is no limit.
Daniels closed his opening sermon, “I don’t care what you are going through; God will be with you. He is able.”
The bishop spoke the second night from Genesis 40:14, explaining that Joseph is one of his favorite biblical characters. “He was a big dreamer,” Daniels points out. As with Joseph’s brothers, who grew to hate their brother, “When you dream big, people are not going to like you,” he added.
However, Joseph “went from prison to prime minister,” says Daniels. “Like Joseph, you are destined for greatness. We are sons and daughters of God but we don’t always accept that. If God is going to use you, number one – you must be faithful, fruitful and focused. God is setting you up for a major blessing.”
Daniels presented a life plan as he preached from Jeremiah 29:10-11 on the third and final night. “God has some fantastic plans for your life,” he pointed out. “Your future is brighter than your past.”
He suggested that we “Raise your level of expectation now, If you raise it, people will meet you where you place yourself.”; “God has more in store for you than you ever imagined: Break your barriers of your past, you’ve got to break away from your past.”; and “Become what you believe.”
After each sermon, Daniels extended his hand to all those who wished to change their life, whether they already are saved or not. As a result, the altar overflowed each night as individuals of all ages: many sought prayer; many others sought anointing, as the bishop insistently touched each person who stepped forward.
“Bishops are busy, but he is not too busy to come this way,” Reff says of Daniels. The two have been friends for years and has preached several times at Wayman.
“Presiding Elder Reff and I go way back, even before I became Bishop (in 2004),” admits Daniels. “We talk and fellowship and his family are very special to me. He is a guy who goes out and makes relationships, and never forgets those relationships.”
Daniels also spoke at Wayman’s annual African Day service August 10.
The AME Church’s 124th elected and consecrated bishop, Daniels plans to open a new school in Liberia, West Africa in January. “It will be a model school,” he points out. “It will be a community hall and a church on Sunday mornings.”
It is part of Daniels’ “full ministry” there: “We are doing evangelism by providing clean water (by building new wells in the villages), provide a school for their children, a community hall where we can meet and talk, and a church on Sunday mornings where they can worship their God and souls can be saved,” he concludes.
12. MONUMENTAL AME STOCKBRIDGE, GEORGIA CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY:
The members of Knights Monumental AME Church, 224 Red Oak Road, Stockbridge, GA 30281 will be celebrating our 50th Church Anniversary on Sunday, September 28, 2008 at 3:30 pm. The preacher for the hour will be Rev. Kenneth E. Marcus, Senior Pastor of Turner Chapel AME, Marietta, GA 30060. Everyone is invited to help us celebrate this most important year in our church history.
For further information, you may contact E. Monique Johnson, Chairperson Church Anniversary Committee at 404-216-3435 or Mildred E. Reed, Committee member at 678-289-1775
13. KNIGHTS MONUMENTAL AME CHURCH CELEBRATES 2008 LAY DAY:
On Sunday, August 24, 2008 at 3:30 pm, Knights Monumental, Stockbridge, Georgia celebrated their Annual Lay Day with Annette S. Curry, President of the Atlanta North Georgia Conference Lay Organization, as the keynote speaker.
The theme for the program was “Unity in the Body of Christ” with Ephesians 4:1-6 as the referenced scripture. She gave a phenomenal speech encouraging the laity and pastor to work together by serving God, church, community and each other. Annette Curry is a member of St. Phillips AME Church and has been elected to various offices including president and vice president in several organizations at St. Phillips. Annette received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish/English from Morris Brown College and her “Mrs.” degree from Alonzo. They have one son A. Chevez and two granddaughters; Breyonna and Arianna.
Also included on the program was Alice Watson, President South Atlanta District. She did an excellent job introducing Annette Curry with grace and humor.
Samuel Humphrey, President of Knights Monumental Lay Organization presented the “Lay Person of the Year” award to Mildred E. Reed. “The presentation was a total shock,” stated Mildred Reed. She was very humbled and ecstatically pleased to receive the award.
Sister Mildred Reed
14. A CALL TO ACTION: MORE AFRICAN-AMERICAN MISSIONARIES NEEDED:
By Richard Coleman, Director of Mobilization and Candidacy, The Mission Society
The Mission Society, an Atlanta-based, non-denominational missionary sending agency, has one of the highest percentages of African-American long-term missionaries of any traditional missionary sending agency in the United States. With three African-American missionaries out of 225 full-time missionaries in 32 countries, The Mission Society has an African-American missionary population of 1.33 percent. As much as we’d like to feel proud about it, that small percentage is really nothing to boast about.
Many American missionary sending agencies and ethnic groups around the world are asking the question: “Where are the African-American missionaries, and where is the African-American Church?” The Mission Society, founded in 1984 in the Wesleyan tradition, is using its resources and personnel to address this dilemma.
While The Mission Society is a predominantly Caucasian sending agency, it invests a great deal of personnel and resources in mobilizing non-Caucasian individuals and churches. From Brazilians to Kenyans, The Mission Society works globally to mobilize the whole Church to take the whole Gospel to the whole world. In addition, The Mission Society sends representatives to a number of historically black colleges and universities to recruit and mentor students, and to several churches to equip their members for local and international mission. The primary motivation for raising up a more diverse missionary sending force is not for diversity’s sake. Rather the motivation is to encourage the entire Church to play its role in advancing God’s Kingdom.
At The Mission Society, we’ve begun to reframe the issue of missions and mobilization this way: It’s not a matter of if you’re called, but how. If you’re ready to help answer that question and want to learn more about The Mission Society, becoming a missionary or hosting a missions workshop at your church, please call 1.800.478.8963 or visit us online at www.themissionsociety.org.
15. SENDING MISSIONARIES TO AFRICA AND BEYOND:
By Richard Coleman, Director of Mobilization and Candidacy, The Mission Society
Founded in 1984 in the Wesleyan tradition, The Mission Society recruits, trains, and sends Christian missionaries to minister around the world. At present, The Mission Society has more than 225 missionaries in 32 countries.
The Mission Society works to understand the cultures of the countries served, so Mission Society teams can communicate in culturally appropriate ways. We help train personnel in effectively communicating the Gospel cross-culturally. Our global focus has a deep presence in African countries including Ghana, where we have been serving for more than 20 years in areas such as children’s ministry and nutrition programs for malnourished children, church planting and medical ministries. We’ve been serving in Kenya for four years in similar areas, as well as the AIDS orphans ministry and housing program.
We connect those called to cross-cultural ministry to areas around the world where the Lord has opened doors for us to minister to people’s physical and spiritual needs. Our passion is helping individuals and churches realize their God-given vision.
The Mission Society emphasizes entrepreneurship in ministry, providing services that help our missionaries become effective in ministry. We provide extensive training and preparation, counseling, prayer support, and centralized services to simplify missionary life. Our accountants track ministry funds, provide health insurance, offer pension plans, and transfer funds internationally. Our membership in the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability gives donors the assurance of financial integrity and accountability. The Mission Society doesn’t seek to micro-manage missionaries, but provides the logistical and decision support to help them thrive as they follow God’s call.
The Mission Society receives no denominational funding and is not associated with any one denomination. Its church ministry department provides seminars, workshops, and mentoring for congregations in the United States and overseas, helping equip churches for strategic outreach in their own communities and throughout the world. For more information about The Mission Society, call 1.800.478.8963 or visit www.themissionsociety.org.
16. CLERGY FAMILY PRAYER REQUEST:
My mother, Mrs. Edith J. Campbell of New Jersey has been diagnosed with cancer and is need of the prayers of the righteous. She is the former Conference Branch WMS president of NJ and a life member.
The Reverend William M. Campbell, Jr. - Senior Pastor
Anderson Chapel A.M.E. Church
1002 Jefferies Avenue
Killeen, Texas 76543
254.690.5030 - phone
254.690.6453 - fax
www.andersonchapel.org
17. EPISCOPAL FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to share news of the passing of Mr. Lawrence McKenzie, the oldest brother of Supervisor Stan McKenzie; Supervisor of the Thirteenth Episcopal District African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Service arrangements for Mr. Lawrence McKenzie:
The Funeral Service:
Friday, August 29, 2008
12:00 NOON
Rock of Ages CME Church
1103 Hampton Street
Walterboro, SC 29488
Phone: (843) 549-6282
Professional services are entrusted to:
Marie-Tracy-Bennett Funeral Home
305 Ackerman Street
Walterboro, SC 29488
Phone: (843) 549-5933
Fax: (843) 782-6933
Email: cwfry410@yahoo.com
Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Retha McKenzie (spouse) & Family
106 Locust Street
Walterboro, SC 29488
Phone: (843) 893-4395
Condolences and expressions of sympathy may also be sent to:
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie and Supervisor Stan McKenzie
1012 Beech Tree Lane
Brentwood, TN 37027
(Phone) 615- 833-1444
Email: StanMcKenzie44@aol.com (Supervisor Stan McKenzie)
Or to:
500 8th Avenue, South
Nashville, TN 37203
Phone: (615) 242-6814
Fax: (615) 242-2496
Or to:
The funeral home listed above.
The family of Mr. Lawrence McKenzie request that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to:
The Believe, Inc. C/O The Thirteenth Episcopal District AME ChurchBishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate Contributions may be mailed to:
The Thirteenth Episcopal District AME Church500 8th Avenue, SouthNashville, TN 37203
615-242-6814 - Phone615-242-2496 - FAX
Logistical information: The closet airport is Savannah, GA (SAV), but Charleston is an hour away (CHS) and is a larger city.
Please remember the McKenzie family in your prayers.
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to share news of the passing of Ronald Dale Hill, the son of former Connectional Officer, Mrs. Loretta Hill; immediate past Administrator, Christian Debutante-Master Commission.
Service arrangements for Ronald Dale Hill:
Friday, August 29, 2008
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Quiet Hour
Phillips Upshaw & Richard Funeral Home
1410 E 12th Street
Austin, TX 78702
(Phone) 512-472-1934
Saturday, August 30, 2008
11:00 a.m.
Funeral Service
Grant AME Worship Center
1701 Krammer Lane
Austin, TX 78758
(Phone) 512-339-4726
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Loretta Hill and family
1135 Mason Avenue
Austin, TX 78721
Phone: (512)-926-6648
Email: loretta_hill@sbcglobal.net
Submitted by:
Mrs. Gloria Massey Ward
Connectional Administrator, Christian Debutante-Master
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The 8th Episcopal District sadly announces the death of one of our Shepherds, the Rev. Jesse Moore. Rev. Moore was the pastor of King Chapel A.M.E. Church, Many, Louisiana in the Alexandria-Thibodaux District of the Central Louisiana Conference. Rev. Moore will be sadly missed by the 8th Episcopal District and the loved ones he leaves behind; his wife Daphne Moore and their three daughters; Jessica, Jasmine and Jordian. Please remember the Moore family in your prayers.
Funeral Arrangements for the Rev. Jesse Moore:
Wake Service:
Monday, August 25, 2008
6:00 p.m.
St. Matthew A.M.E. Church
1610 Murphy Street
Shreveport, LA 71103
Phone: (318) 221-4593
Funeral Service:
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
11:00 a.m.
St. Matthew A.M.E. Church
1610 Murphy Street
Shreveport, LA 71103
Phone: (318) 221-4593
The Rev. Gwendolyn James, Pastor
The Rev. Otis S. Lewis, Presiding Elder
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Presiding Prelate
Arrangements entrusted to:
Benevolent Funeral Home
1624 Milan Street
Shreveport, LA 71103
Phone: (318) 221-1627
Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Daphne Moore and family - c/o Benevolent Funeral Home (address above)
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The 8th District suffered the loss of Mrs. Ruth Tillman, widow of the late Rev. Floyd Louis Tillman, Sr. Mrs. Tillman was a member of St. Andrew A.M.E. Church in Gulfport, MS. Please remember the Tillman family in prayer.
Funeral Services for Mrs. Ruth Tillman:
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
10:00 a.m.
St. Andrew A.M.E. Church
2615 Madison Street
Gulfport, Mississippi
Phone: (228) 868-9608
The Rev. Eddie Braziel, Pastor
The Rev. Joseph E. Young, Presiding Elder
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Presiding Prelate
Arrangements entrusted to:
J. T. Hall Funeral Home, Inc.
1910 31st Avenue (Box 546)
Gulfport, MS 39502
Phone: (228) 863-8113 or (228) 863-8118
Fax: (228) 864-9194
Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The family of Mrs. Ruth Tillman - c/o J. T. Hall Funeral Home, Inc. (address above)
21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Rev. Alexander Giles, pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church, Alexandria-Thibodaux District of the Central Louisiana Conference in the 8th Episcopal District, lost his mother, Mrs. Mattie M. Giles on Sunday, August 24, 2008. Please pray for Rev. and Mrs. Giles as they celebrate the life of their mother.
Funeral Arrangements for Mrs. Mattie M. Giles:
Saturday, August 30, 2008
1:00 p.m.
Union Missionary Baptist Church
506 Bay Bridge Road
Plateau, Alabama 36610
Arrangements entrusted to:
Reese Funeral Home
525 Bessemer Avenue
Pritchard, AL 36610
Phone: (251) 456-2257
Rev. Giles may be reached at (985) 981-0698.
Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Rev. and Mrs. Alexander Giles - c/o Reese Funeral Home (address above)
Evelyn H. Markey
Office Manager
8th Episcopal District - A.M.E. Church
4480 Gen DeGaulle Drive - Suite 210 A
New Orleans, LA 70131
(504) 393-9001 Office/ (504) 393-9157 FAX
22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with regret that we announce the passing on Sunday, August 24, 2008 of Mr. Fronzell "Doc" Spellmon, the father of the Rev. Dr. Tonya R. Spellmon, Associate Pastor-Bethel AME Church-San Antonio, Texas; Southwest Texas Conference, San Antonio District.
Homegoing Celebration for Mr. Fronzell "Doc" Spellmon:
Friday, August 29, 2008
11:00 A.M.
Bethel AME Church
225 N. Swiss Street
San Antonio, Texas 78202
Phone: (210) 227-2692
The Rev. Dr. W. Raymond Bryant, pastor
The Rev. Dr. Tonya R. Spellmon, eulogist
Interment: Fort Sam Houston National Ceremony - San Antonio, Texas
Mr. Fronzell "Doc" Spellmon's final earthly care has been entrusted to:
Lewis Funeral Home
811 South W. W. White
San Antonio, TX 78220
Phone: (210) 227-7281
Fax: (210) 532-6464
Condolences may be sent to:
The Reverend Dr. Tonya R. Spellmon
8326 Meadow Forest
San Antonio, Texas 78251
210-364-9310 - Cell
210-647-8340 - Home
23. 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
24. 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
