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 – ALL OF OUR AME CHURCHES CAN BE SPIRITUAL, RELEVANT, MODERN, TRADITIONAL, SPIRIT-FILLED:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
Ecclesiasticus 10:1-3:
“A wise magistrate educates his people, and the rule of an intelligent person is well ordered. As the people’s judge is, so are his officials; as the ruler of the city is, so are all its inhabitants. An undisciplined king ruins his people, but a city becomes fit to live in through the understanding of its rulers.”
Sydnor’s Paraphrase of Ecclesiasticus 10:1-3:
“A wise pastor educates and trains his/her congregation, and the ministry of an intelligent pastor will provide a spiritual harvest. As the congregation’s pastor is, so are his/her stewards, trustees and presidents of organizations; as the pastor of the congregation is, so are all of the members. An undisciplined pastor ruins his/her congregation, but a congregation becomes more spiritually fit and worship services enhanced through the spiritual focus, wisdom and understanding of its pastors.”
Last week’s editorial, “St. Philip AME Church, Atlanta – Spiritual, Relevant, Modern, Traditional, Spirit-Filled” addressed the spiritual and positive nature of the worship experience. I have several observations that might be helpful for the clergy and laity because I believe that all of our churches can be spiritual, relevant, modern, traditional, spirit-filled.
An important observation at St. Philip and at other churches I have visited was the involvement of the laity. The Stewardship Ministry at St. Philip took complete oversight for the worship service. The choir, usher board, dance ministry, and stewardesses on duty professionally executed their duties. Lay involvement in worship underscores the notion of the “priesthood of all believers.”
Over the years, I have had many “goose-bump” experiences in worship when I could feel the electricity and the spiritual depth of worship. I recall Bethel AME Ardmore, Pennsylvania’s processional, “We’re Marching to Zion”; the dynamism of worship at Hickman Temple in Philadelphia under the pastorate of the Rev. Joseph D. Patterson; Bethel AME Church, Kansas City’s processional in the 1970’s, “Walk in the Light, Beautiful Light”; Mt. Herman AME Church, Ft. Lauderdale’s pre-communion spiritual, “Drinking of the Wine”; the praise and worship service at DuPage AME Church, Lisle, Illinois; traditional worship at St. John AME in Montgomery; the authenticity of worship at Greater Allen AME Church in Macon; the energetic and the blending of the traditional and contemporary worship at St. Paul, Detroit; the excitement of worship at St. Luke, NYC; the spiritual worship at Ebenezer AME Church, Fort Washington; the recently planted Faith Community Church, Elgin, Illinois’ exciting and creative worship experience; dynamic worship as found in Nashville at Greater Bethel, Payne Chapel, Lee Chapel, and St. John; and numerous other examples of exciting spiritual worship experiences across the African Methodist Episcopal Church, in churches large and small. I wish that we had the space to mention all of the dynamic houses of worship in our Zion in inner cities, in rural and suburban churches across America; and I am sure on the continent of Africa, India, London, and Amsterdam and in the Caribbean. We have exciting worship and spiritual worship all across our Zion.
Unfortunately, creative and dynamic spiritual worship is not found in all of our churches. Some of our churches experience declining membership and financial struggles.
The Good News
The common tread for authentic worship is accomplished most often when pastors are creative and take ministry seriously and especially when those attributes are coupled with energetic, creative and knowledgeable local church lay leadership; as in competent and committed stewards, trustees and heads of organizations. Committed, spiritually focused and well-trained pastors grow committed, spiritually focused and well-trained congregations.
The Bad News
As spiritual as the worship was at St. Philip, I didn’t want the worship service to end, there have been times, not lately, but in years past, when I thought to myself, “Let’s get this non-worship over as quickly as possible.” I have heard of shenanigans in churches that led me to wonder why anyone would waste a good Sunday morning; or Sunday after Sunday, in such non-worship environments.
Some churches need word to work on the liturgy and the rudiments of worship. If a pastor is uncomfortable in liturgy and worship then he or she should bring in someone who can assist in a training event for the congregation, as well as the pastor. Some pastors are masters in leading worship and others are not.
There are common threads among churches that are not growing and where worship is non-worship; but first let me say, a bump-bump gospel choir, by itself will not fill a church or grow membership. A preacher, who whoops, will not, by him or herself, grow the membership. A “get your praise-on service,” will not, by itself, grow a membership.
Ministry is building teams and growing relationships. Successful pastors know the importance of building relationships. Ministry is not a Sunday morning enterprise; ministry is seven days a week; and nights too.
A common thread among Sunday morning non-worship services and dysfunctional ministries include clergy who view ministry as a Sunday morning function, pastors who fail to prepare relevant and challenging sermons; pastors who won’t take the time to get to know their members; pastors who tend to dictate rather than taking the time to build consensus; pastors who take the “easy road” and stack local church leadership positions with people who won’t challenge them, which results in a skewed local church that will only be as relevant as the pastor. Some of the more competent people will move on and join other churches; people vote with their feet. Some pastors seem to have forgotten that it is easier to keep the members they already have; than it is to get new members.
Another common thread among Sunday morning non-worship services and dysfunctional ministries are churches that are stacked with uncommitted members. Their lack of commitment is probably due to a lack of discipline, bad habits and years of non-training by less than committed pastors. Uncommitted or discouraged members can be identified by their absence. Uncommitted members can also be identified by their tardiness; those who sit in the pew are always late; those who sing in the choir are almost always late. All of us have seen choir members walk in late, often disruptive by speaking, grinning, and even waving to their friends in the congregation. Officers arrive late, and even members of the ministerial staff arrive late, even pastors. In dysfunctional churches, or churches that need overhaul, church officers get to church late, and in undisciplined churches, the church service almost always starts late. In the “chicken and the egg” analogy, we don’t know whether the stewards, trustees, choir members, ushers and members get to church late because the church service always starts late or if the church service starts late because the stewards, trustees, choir members, ushers and members get to church late. Whatever the reason, guests are turned off by undisciplined worship that’s precipitated by tardiness.
Unfocused worship has long announcements, announcements that turn into business meetings; people who walk back and forth during worship and pastors who are always whispering and talking to other members of the clergy or signaling an usher to come to the pulpit for one thing or another. Some choirs sing long songs; a fifteen minute song is probably too long and there is no liturgical relevance to an “A and B” selection.
Everybody who participates in the worship service does not have to greet the congregation with a “Good morning, saints!” If a person is asked to pray, do the prayer; “Good morning saints” is not a part of the prayer. If a person is assigned to read the scripture, read the scripture; “Good morning saints” is not a part of the scripture lesson. Most often, long sermons do not enhance worship; long sermons show a lack of sermon preparation.
A long worship service does not equate to more spiritual worship. I have heard of worship services starting, in the neighborhood of 11 a.m. and going on for three to four hours. That can be a sign of undisciplined worship.
Relevant worship and a welcoming spirit can precipitate growth and attendance. I do not understand pastors who can be satisfied with mediocrity in worship. If there are people in the vicinity of the local church and the church is not growing, the pastor and the local church leadership should be asking themselves and the members what needs to be done to enhance growth; and then together, pastor, lay leadership and the local congregation needs to implement a plan for growth. There is s system for growing church congregations and there is a plan for “killing” or inhibiting congregational growth.
AME worship can be vital and the AME liturgy lends itself to dynamic worship, but it takes work. Pastors and local church leadership need to shun their lackadaisical approach to worship. And, in the final analysis, churches take on the personality of the pastor.
Sydnor’s Paraphrase of Ecclesiasticus 10:1-3:
“A wise pastor educates and trains his/her congregation, and the ministry of an intelligent pastor will provide a spiritual harvest. As the congregation’s pastor is, so are his/her stewards, trustees and presidents of organizations; as the pastor of the congregation is, so are all of the members. An undisciplined pastor ruins his/her congregation, but a congregation becomes more spiritually fit and worship services enhanced through the spiritual focus, wisdom and understanding of its pastors.”
Editor’s Note: Ecclesiasticus is one of the Apocryphal / Deuterocanonical Books
2. THE 130TH SESSION OF THE NORTH ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE WELCOMES BISHOP JAMES LEVERT DAVIS AND EPISCOPAL SUPERVISOR ARELIS DAVIS:
“And are we yet alive, And see each other’s face?
Glory and praise to Jesus give For His redeeming grace.”
On Wednesday morning, October 1, 2008, St. Luke AME Church, Birmingham was filled with excitement as members of the North Alabama Conference and special guests from the Ninth District and the Connection praised God in the Conference Opening Worship Service.
This was a time of rejoicing as the North Alabama Conference welcomed its son home. Bishop James Levert Davis, a native of Alabama, a former pastor of the host church, St. Luke, as well as other North Alabama Conference churches (Greater St. Paul, Scottsboro and St. John, Birmingham) opened his first session of the North Alabama Conference as the Presiding Bishop of Ninth Episcopal District. Mrs. Arelis Davis was warmly welcomed home as Episcopal Supervisor.
Throughout this Annual Conference it was evident that Bishop and Mrs. Davis were serious about the theme “A New Day, A New Way.” Bishop Davis, the 123rd elected and consecrated bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, was repeatedly described by members of the Conference as young, energetic, enthusiastic, teacher, preacher, servant Bishop and he has “shown up for work in Alabama.” Bishop Davis has a vision to R.E.V.I.V.E. (“Rekindling Eternal Vision, Inspiring Victory Everywhere”) the Ninth Episcopal District.
The North Alabama Annual Conference (the fourth in a series of six conferences) was hosted by St. Luke AME Church, Birmingham, where the Reverend Horace Fitchard, Jr., is Pastor. The Reverend Dwight E. Dillard, Presiding Elder of the South Birmingham-Huntsville District, was Host Presiding Elder and the Reverend Albert L. Hyche, Presiding Elder of the Birmingham-Florence District, was Associate Presiding Elder. Music throughout the conference was rendered by the North Alabama Conference Choir.
Yes, all of the normal business of the conference was conducted. The Roll Call was answered, the Pastor’s Reports were read, the committee members were nominated and elected, committee reports were made, offerings were received, the YPD held their business session and praise service, Church School was held, and the fellowship was enjoyed. However, the most inspiring moments of this conference were the preaching and the teaching sessions. The Conference preachers followed the awe-inspiring preaching of the Reverend Vickie Sanders and the Reverend Sheryl Shipman during the Missionary Convention on Tuesday, September 30.
The Conference was rich with spirit-filled preaching of preachers from within the conference and without. The Reverend Raymond Swafford, pastor of Oak Grove AME Church, Florence, Alabama, blessed the conference in a powerful opening message entitled “What is the Gospel?” with text from Acts 14:8-10. He spoke of the faith that the man must have had to be healed by Jesus; not just to stand, having never walked since birth, but to immediately leap. He closed the sermon with his personal testimony that, as a child, doctors told his mother that he would never walk without braces. Reverend Swafford testified that his mother had heard the Gospel and took him to a preacher who prayed for him. That night when his mother took him home and sat him on the living room floor he got up and began walking behind her to the kitchen. Having heard his testimony, those who know Reverend Swafford now understand his enthusiasm for the Lord and why he is always leaping in the pulpit and anywhere in the church as the Spirit moves him.
The Reverend Lugenia Johnson, pastor of Mt. Zion AME Church Kennesaw, Georgia, was the preacher for the special Wednesday Evening Worship Service. It did not take Reverend Johnson long to deliver an inspiring and soul-stirring message entitled “True Greatness.” With a text of Mark 10:35-45, she began with a contrast of what the world considers great and what God considers great. She continued by explaining how Jesus prepared His Disciples for when He would leave them by giving these three (3) pointers on “True Greatness.” 1) When one belongs to God, they are in the world but not of the world. 2) When one is a part of the body of Christ, the way up is down. 3) The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve... “It ain’t about you.” What an inspiring message to end the first day of this great Annual Conference.
Another preacher from the Sixth Episcopal District, the Reverend Earle Ifill, Presiding Elder of the Atlanta-North Georgia District continued the preaching frenzy of this North Alabama Conference. His Hour of Power message was entitled “Changing Lifestyles” with text from Matthew 4:23-5:1-12. Focusing on the message of the Gospel, he emphasized that God wants His children back into their spiritual climate. All that is required is to follow the direction of the Gospel. Reverend Ifill gave instructions for and signs of changing lifestyles. To change lifestyles, one needs Jesus. If one’s lifestyle is changed, they should be happy, as noted in the beatitudes in the fifth chapter of Matthew. Finally, when one’s life has been changed, they can say “safe am I.” All that is required is to hear, believe, accept and then go spread the Word. This noon day message fed the members of the Conference spiritually before recessing for physical food.
The Reverend Michael Henson, pastor of Grady-Madison AME Church, Madison, Alabama, was the preacher on Thursday evening for the Sons of Allen/Men’s Night. His sermon was entitled “All is not Well in the Prodigal Son’s House” and the text was from Luke 5:11-13. Reverend Henson began by explaining that he was going to break away from the traditional view of this passage as he viewed the father as a mortal man and the son as a humanist. He spoke of problems in homes and especially the crisis of Black males. His focus was on the need to revive Black males. He included encouraging words of hope as he explained the hope and encouragement that Jesus brings. He stated that “relationships are what God wants us to have and that Jesus demonstrated how important relationships are.” He concluded with a voice of conviction as he told worshippers that “The house is a home when all are together on one accord. All is well…Jesus fixed it so.”
The Friday Ordination Sermon was delivered by Retired Bishop Phillip R. Cousin, Sr., the ninety-sixth elected and consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Bishop Cousin noted that his first sermon after he was elected Bishop was in Alabama and this Ordination Sermon in Alabama was his first sermon after retiring as Bishop. The sermon was entitled “Final Exam for Ordination” with text from Romans 10:14-15. This scholarly preacher of the Gospel delivered a message that not only provided a measure of readiness for promotion for the ordinands, but for all present. The examination consisted of four basic questions. Do you know you have been called? To whom are you committed? How are you communicating? Will you go where you are sent? He concluded by saying that if the answer is “yes” to all four questions, there is an extra something that God gives called comfort.
Following this soul-searching, powerful message Chris Burnett, Roderick Callins, Karen Jarman, Michelle Jefferson, Kenneth Wayne Kelly and LaChaune Slater were ordained Itinerant Deacons and the Reverend Victor W. Baugh, Sr. and the Reverend Brenda Blackman were reobligated Itinerant Deacons in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The Friday Evening Lay Service was another service of high praise and spirit-filled preaching. The Reverend Taurus Myhand, Pastor of Persons Chapel, Midway, preached from the subject “When God Takes Too Long.” The text was John 11:17-26. Reverend Myhand told how some people may feel like Martha when Jesus came to see about Lazarus and she said “if only.” Some may say the same words when they think of September 11, Hurricane Katrina, or the war in Iraq. Reverend Myhand hastened to say that God does not show up on “our time,” but He shows up “on time.” In concluding he gave words of encouragement…”When we feel like God is taking too long, we must have faith.” Jesus said “I am the One… I am the resurrection.” Reverend Myhand is a student at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta and a previous recipient of the Theological Scholarship awarded by the North Alabama Conference Lay Organization to support the education of ministers of the Conference.
The Conference was not only fed with spiritual food through the preached Word, they were inspired by the dynamic, energetic teaching of Bishop Davis as he led two Conference Institute Dream Sessions. The training was centered on the goal of the Ninth District to become a more effective New Testament Church through Worship, Service, Evangelism, Fellowship and Stewardship. During the first session Bishop Davis received responses from the audience on what they were proud of that their congregations were doing in the above areas. During the second session he received responses on how churches can do more in the same areas. Bishop Davis ended the Conference Institute by sharing his dream for the Ninth Episcopal District. That dream includes an Evangelistic Pentecost Renewal at the Jefferson County Civic Center on Pentecost Sunday 2009, May 31, where 10,000 AMEs will come together in worship and praise.
Let us take up the cross Till we the crown obtain;
And gladly reckon all things loss, So we may Jesus gain.
With all the business conducted, conference ministers and lay were ready to hear the preached Word from the Bishop, hear the reading of appointments and depart to take up the cross of service in their local churches.
Bishop Davis’ sermon for the closing session was entitled “A Holy House Inspection” with text from Matthew 16:17-18 and Mark 11:11, 5-17. Bishop Davis explained how the church (the temple) in this passage had a different policy than Jesus. He gave details of what the church should be and what it was not. Bishop Davis said that when Jesus went into the temple and saw what it was (and that it was not what is should have been) He went out. He posed the question “Could it be that He came by our houses (churches) and He turned and went out?” Bishop Davis then gave the inspection report. Jesus found obstruction of worship – some persons in the temple prevented other persons from receiving the blessing for which they came. The second item on the report was prostitution of purpose- “Good stuff being used in the wrong way.” The final inspection report item was irreverent trespassing – persons cut through the temple instead of going around the 38-acre wall. Following the Invitation to Discipleship, Bishop Davis offered prayer at the altar for all ministers. He prayed they would “trust God again…step out on faith…pray for each other.”
The pastoral appointments were read and the conference adjourned Sine Die.
What a glorious time in the Lord was experienced by those attending this 130th Session of the North Alabama Annual Conference. What an exciting time ahead as Episcopal Officers, Presiding Elders, Ministers, Lay and Youth “show up for work” following the leadership of Bishop and Mrs. Davis and walking under the power of the anointing.
To God Be the Glory! The best is yet to come!
Sister Nedra L. McDaniel is a member of St. John AME Church in Huntsville, Alabama where the Rev. Dr. Homer L. McCall is the pastor; she is the North Alabama Annual Conference Reporter to the papers
3. GWEN IFILL: PROMINENT AFRICAN AMERICAN NEWS REPORTER MODERATES 2008 VICE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE:
*The Reverend Ernest L. Gordon
The eyes of the American people have been fixated on the 2008 Presidential Election. Americans all over the nation come from work, school, and simple leisure outings, and grab the remote control, flop down in their favorite chair, and click on the television to catch-up with the latest news on how the election is fairing. Women tuned in as if they were watching their favorite soap opera: Another World, the Young and Restless, or All My Children. They have tuned in as if it were their favorite reality show: Army Wives, Desperate House Wives. Men tune in as if the reputation of their favorite football, basketball, or baseball team is at stake. They tune in as if this were the Super Bowl, the World Series, or an NBA Championship. The 2008 presidential election has ignited excitement in Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. It has ignited the interest of Liberals and Conservatives. It has ignited the interest of rich, poor, gay, straight, young, middle age, senior citizens, and disabled alike. The excitement of the 2008 presidential election has spread like wildfire into the communities and neighborhoods of every ethnic group. On Thursday, October 2 at nine o’clock in the evening, we found ourselves once again glued to our television sets to see the political bout between Governor Sarah Palin and Senator Joe Biden, held at Washington University in St. Louis Missouri.
During the Vice Presidential debate between Senator Joe Biden and Governor Sarah Palin, AMEs were graced to see one of our own in the mix, Gwen Ifill. Gwen Ifill served as the moderator for the 2008 vice presidential debate.
Gwen Ifill was born in New York, New York. Gwen is the product of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. She is the daughter of the Reverend and Mrs. Urcille and Eleanor Ifill. The Ifill’s emigrated from the West Indies and established themselves as an asset to the ministry of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Gwen’s father, the Reverend Urcille Ifill, Sr. served as a General Officer of the AME Church. Gwen presently resides in washington, D.C and attends Metropolitan AME Church.
Gwen Ifill’s future in journalism and broadcasting began to unfold in her college years. Gwen attended Simmons College in Boston where she majored in communications, and through an internship got her first hands-on experience as a journalist. After graduating in 1977, Gwen went to work for the Boston Herald-American as a reporter. Upon coming aboard with the Baltimore’s Evening Sun, Gwen began to focus on politics. While there, she had her first opportunity in front of the cameras as the host of a news show for a local public television station. After stints at such prestigious publications as the Washington Post and The New York Times, Gwen Ifill switched to television reporting by joining NBC News in 1994 as a congressional correspondent. Besides her work as on-air reporter, she appeared as a guest on several political programs, such as Meet the Press and Washington Week, which features a roundtable discussion on public affairs. Gwen demonstrated impressive analytical skills and journalistic savvy, and in 1999 was hired by PBS for two of its news programs: News Hour with Jim Lehrer and Washington Week. She works as a senior correspondent for News Hour, conducting interviews with key figures and filing reports on the latest news. Ifill also fills in as news anchor for Lehrer from time to time. On Washington Week, she serves as the program’s moderator and its managing editor.
Gwen Ifill is a highly respected woman in her field. However, Gwen came along at the time when certain civil liberties were denied to African Americans and when women were treated as second class citizens. She came along at the time when women were overlooked and denied opportunities provided to men. She came along at a time when the “glass ceiling” was solidly in place. However, in the midst of classism, sexism, and gender discrimination, Ifill forged her way on to the stage of public awareness. She was one of the first women to put a crack in the “glass ceiling” that Hillary Clinton went on to shatter with an impressive eighteen million votes in the democratic primary. Gwen Ifill is an inspiration and motivation to women in every nook, cranny, and corner of American society, and even the world. Having a brief discussion with Gwen’s brother, the Reverend Earle H. Ifill, who serves as Presiding Elder of the East District, in the North Atlanta Georgia Conference of the AME Church and prominent churchman throughout the connectional church, Presiding Elder Ifill, stated, (in his West Indies accent) “young people interested in journalism are impressed with Gwen’s achievements and seek after an opportunity to serve as apprentices under her tutelage.” Today, Gwen Ifill is one of the leading African American television reporters. She is recognized as a distinguished journalist and the recipient of 15 honorary degrees. She is also a board member of several organizations, including Harvard University’s Institute of Politics.
Gwen’s abilities and achievements are recognized by her peers and held in high esteem. She possesses a reputation of being capable of handling complex issues and different, sometimes clashing personalities. The 2008 Vice Presidential debate was not Gwen’s first appearance on this level in the political arena. She has served as moderator of a number of political debates. Gwen served as moderator of the first vice presidential debate during the 2004 presidential campaign. Like the Eiffel Tower, Gwen stood tall, shined brightly, and presided with finesse. She displayed fairness toward both vice presidential candidates, although there was concern by those in the Republican camp that her pro-Obama connection might under mind and compromise the integrity of the debate. Even when Governor Palin chose to commit mutiny and hijack the debate with her own agenda, and line of questions, Gwen remained poised. As one of the bishops of the church like to say, “Be sweet!” Gwen not only demonstrated sweetness, but intelligence, brilliance, and political astuteness as well.
Soon Gwen’s book The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama will hit Books-A-Million, Walden Book Store, Barnes and Nobles, and other book stores everywhere. Gwen sets out to bridge the gap between African American leaders of the nineteenth through the twentieth centuries to the emergence of Barack Obama, the most prominent African American political figure since Dr. Martin Luther King. Get the book!
AMEs around the world are proud to see the product of African Methodism serve in such a prestigious capacity and tip our hats to Gwen for her great performance and contribution.
*The Reverend Ernest L. Gordon is an AME pastor in the Sixth Episcopal District and is professor of history at Mercer University
4. CHELSEA WELLS IS SELECTED BY TOM JOYNER FOR COLLEGE ROAD TRIP TOUR:
*Brenda Cannon
Takes First Steps Toward Promising Broadcasting Career
When Chelsea Wells chose to enroll at Alabama A&M University (AAMU) immediately following her high school graduation from Moore County High School in May 2004, little did she know what life changing experiences would await her. The life of the rural, small town girl has evolved into the life of a successful, urban young woman who is well on her way to a promising future in broadcasting. The best part of the story is that Chelsea is being mentored by one of radio’s best—Tom Joyner.
After graduating with honors, magna cum laude, with a bachelor’s of arts degree in communications from AAMU in May, Chelsea, like most college students, knew the real world of work was before her. She also knew she wanted to work in broadcast journalism or entertainment journalism. She had successfully completed an intern program in broadcast journalism at WJAB, AAMU’s radio station, and employment with WAAY-TV 31 in Huntsville. Chelsea didn’t know exactly what the future held, but she knew she was willing to give it a try.
Chelsea had heard about the opportunity Joyner gives to historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) college students each year. She knew the chance of being selected could be slim, but she was willing to take her chance. Being highly competitive and having a sense of self-confidence that she attributes to her mother, Chelsea decided to audition for a spot. She submitted a video tape, script, resume, and essay and completed a series of three interviews. During the last interview, Chelsea was told that if she made the third cut the fourth and final interview would be conducted by Tom Joyner. The long, anticipated wait began.
Three weeks later Chelsea was visiting her sister Ayla, who is a senior at AAMU, when the final telephone interview call came in. The person at the other end identified himself as Tom Joyner.
“At first I didn’t believe him,” Chelsea said. “Then I realized I really was talking to Tom Joyner, and he really was offering me the opportunity to be a part of the Ford Black College Road Trip Tour. To top that off, he personally invited Winston [Winston Robinson, who was chosen also to participate in the road trip] and me to attend the Tom Joyner Family Reunion in Orlando, Fla. The Family Reunion is a national event that attracts thousands of families, including celebrities from all areas of entertainment. After accepting the job and ending the conversation with Mr. Joyner, I screamed and screamed and screamed. It doesn’t get much better than this.”
“If there is any truth to the saying, ‘opportunities are about being at the right place at the right time,’ I believe it is working for me right now,” Chelsea said. “I never would have believed that I would work for 'the' Tom Joyner-- the guru of radio talk show, a trail blazer, comedian, author, and philanthropist. I am so excited and having so much fun. What I am doing right now is so me.”
Chelsea believes her experiences at AAMU, one of 90 four-year public and private historically black colleges and universities is unquestionably one of the best things that has ever happened to her. Not only did the institution give her an excellent education, it gave her an opportunity to grow and thrive as a student and mature into an adult. Chelsea credits Rosa Walker, a family friend and career educator, for presenting AAMU as a viable college option to her. After visiting the campus with Walker and Carolyn Wells, her mother, Chelsea knew AAMU was for her. While at AAMU, Chelsea excelled. She was a cheerleader, student ambassador, member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and member of the Student Advisory Board for the School of Arts and Sciences.
Chelsea is one of two African-American college graduates Joyner selected to promote the Ford Black College Road Trip and the Susan G. Komer for the Cure, a breast cancer awareness program. Working as a team, a male and a female, Chelsea and Winston, a marketing major and graduate of Winston Salem University in North Carolina, are touring HBCU football classics and homecoming games to promote the new Ford Flex and the HCBU experience. Beginning in September and continuing through November, they will visit Mississippi, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, and Louisiana.
Appearances are scheduled at the MEAC Classic, which featured rivals Hampton University and Jackson State University; Southern Heritage Classic, which featured Jackson State against Tennessee State University; Magic City Classic, which is played between Alabama State University and Alabama A&M University; the Atlanta Classic, which featured Tennessee State University and Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University (FAMU), and the Bayou Classic, played between Grambling and Southern University in Louisiana.
Between college tour stops and being on the nationally syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show each Friday, Chelsea visits her family—all of whom are local, including her paternal grandmother, Jewell Wells, and maternal grandmother, Clara Mae Hall, both of Lynchburg. Her mother lives in Shelbyville. Her father, Anthony Wells, is deceased.
Chelsea is eyeing Chicago as a possible new home but says she is open to location. Whatever Chelsea does, it’s obvious that her plan is to do it well.
*Brenda Cannon is the Director of Public Relations at Motlow State Community College (Tennessee) where Chelsea’s mother works.
**This article submitted by Dr. Jessie Campbell.
"Chelsea Wells is a member of Berry Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Lynchburg, Tennessee of the East Tennessee Conference. She has been an active member of the Young Peoples Department. During her college years, she received a scholarship from the 13th Episcopal District Women’s Missionary Society Department three consecutive years and was awarded one of the Handy Simmons Scholarships in 2007. Her essay and academic record were outstanding each year. We are very proud of her accomplishments and hope other young people will follow in her footsteps."
5. SOLVING THE HOMELESSNESS CRISIS: THE POWER OF ONE (ONE CHURCH, ONE FAMILY):
*The Rev. Andra D’Etta Hoxie
"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' Matthew 25:34-37
Winter is fast approaching. The holidays are upon us. Most will turn their outreach attention and budgets toward thanksgiving food baskets and gift giving ministries. This year I encourage you to change your paradigm and engage in a more focused holistic approach to our efforts. The current economic crisis that has resulted in a rapidly increasing number of homeless families and children, or on the verge of being homeless, is a clarion call for the people of God, the Church, to live out its creed. It is a great opportunity for the church to put shoes to the gospel. The world is watching to see just what we will do.
The numbers of those who are homeless are astounding and growing daily. It is the young man or young woman who at age 18 or 21 has aged out of the foster care system and with a few belongings and no support structure they are forced to fend for themselves. It is the father and mother who become simultaneously unemployed from jobs where they were underemployed and underpaid. It is the unemployed senior citizen who must augment her income as a day laborer and sleep in a transient hotel at night. It is the man living in a tent -- forced to leave his family in a women and children only shelter. It is the cancer patient who had to make a choice between medicine and shelter only to discover the he or she has neither. It is not “them,” it is not “over there,” it is “us” and it is “here.” The face of the homeless is yours and mine.
After the Ushers have greeted and seated the worshippers, after the choir has sung from the rafters of Heaven, and well after the Preacher has preached us happy, there are some persons who leave the worship experience as distressed as when they first entered the Sanctuary. They cannot participate in the worship of giving. They don’t have the Widow’s Mite -- there is only lint in their pockets. Some worshipers may leave to head to a soup kitchen for food, or unobtrusively sit in a hospital waiting room or chapel, and when the loss of dignity can be covered by the cloak of darkness they will go to a shelter or sleep in a car, or in a box, or under a bridge, or as one homeless person shared with me “behind a dumpster at a church.” They silently hurt and never share their dilemma because the “haves” have made it difficult for those that “have not” to say, “I need your help” and maintain a modicum of dignity. The attendant physical, emotional and spiritual problems are many. We are all in the same boat together. When one suffers we all suffer.
When the problem of the increasing numbers of homeless persons – vulnerable families and children – is viewed in its totality it is overwhelming; and, it is difficult for us to arrive at the right approach to and for a solution. Church leaders all across Christendom convene in meetings and plenary sessions to discuss the matter and arrive at a series of resolutions and suggested action items. Task forces and ad hoc committees are formed to engage in additional meetings to follow up on the results of the first set of meetings. Meanwhile the number of disenfranchised souls increases.
To form a new paradigm the church must become actively engaged in using mechanisms already in place to arrive at a solution. Consider what would happen if each church made a decision to adopt at least one homeless or disenfranchised person or family. Instead of waiting for a solution that would help everyone simultaneously we should begin with what we have right where we are. Rather than view the crisis through broad lens, we must narrow our view and proactively engage in decreasing the number of vulnerable families and children. Each one reaches one -- each one reach out to one. The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.
Safe, clean, affordable housing is the first step in solving the homelessness crisis. Lack of adequate shelter produces increased issues – physical, psychological, economical and sociological. Moving the homeless into permanent housing frees up shelter space for those needing it temporarily. Shelters are a stopgap measure on the way to finding a permanent solution. The church must work with funding organizations to develop outcomes-based transitional and permanent housing programs, to empower and uplift through education and life skills training, as well as mentoring and witnessing.
Each church can make a decision that as a corporate body they will adopt one disenfranchised family or person and proactively and consistently provide the resources and support necessary to become self-sufficient in a sustained and measurable way. They would do the following: ensure that the “person or family” has a safe place to sleep and perform basic and necessary grooming functions; provide meals and clothing and transportation; pool resources to assist with résumé preparation and tap into professional networks to assist with obtaining employment; encourage the youth to stay in school and be the family with which they will spend holidays and special days; teach them how to budget to become financially stable and empowered; share in their distresses and celebrate their triumphs. When that person or family has achieved independence, start the process again with another family. We can make a difference one at a time.
By working together to assist one family or one person at a time, we, the called out, the Ecclesia, the Church can put feet to the gospel as ambassadors for Jesus Christ. We would have fed the hungry, quenched the thirst of those who are thirsty, clothed those in need, ministered to the sick and empowered the imprisoned. At the end of the day we would have shone our lights as beacons from a hill, actively demonstrating the love of Jesus here on earth. The journey begins with one.
*The Rev. Andra D’Etta Hoxie is an Itinerant Elder serving at First AME Church, Manassas, VA as an associate minister.
6. THE AME ORDER OF WORSHIP IS, NOT ONLY INSPIRATIONAL, IT'S ALSO THERAPEUDIC:
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts
The Founders of our Zion may not have had this in mind at all. But I wonder if we realize that our order of worship is not only inspirational but also therapeutic.
We come into the church and we sit through the prelude. We stand for the Doxology and opening hymn. We sit during the prayer and after the prayer we hear a selection from the choir. We sit for the reading of the scripture and we stand for the reading of the gospel. We remain standing for the reading of the Decalogue. We sit for the receiving of the offering of missions and we stand to give thanks.
We are invited to Altar call, some come and kneel, some bow at their seats and some bow and stand at the altar. We return to our seats. We sit and hear the singing of the sermonic hymn and then we remain seated during the sermon. After the sermon we stand for the call to discipleship. For the offering we are asked to stand and walk to the table to give our offering, which I think is good. I am sure that after sitting through the hymn and the sermon there is a need for us to stretch and give way to circulation. Some churches receive the offering before the sermon, but however it is done it is good therapy. But to have sat through a hymn and a sermon and then having the offering plate passed while we are still sitting is hard for some people.
Prolonged sitting is not good for those who have physical ailments and even those who don't. I had the unpleasant experience of attending a service, not of our Zion, whereby we sat for an hour and forty five minutes through two selections and a sermon before we were able to move. And when I finally got a chance to stand it felt like the pew were a part of my pants. I am not being critical but I like our order of service. It is good therapy. Let them stand, let them walk, let them kneel and let them bow it is good therapy.
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts Pastor is a Retired Itinerant Elder who resides in Eatonville, Florida
7. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to announce the passing of Mr. Sidney Amedee, the brother of Mr. Karl Amedee, the spouse of the Rev. Cathryn Amedee, pastor of Doughty Chapel AME Church, Covington, Louisiana on Monday, October 20, 2008.
The funeral Service has been held.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to: revcamdee@charter.net
Brother Karl Amedee and the Rev. Cathryn Amedee may be reached by telephone at: (985) 788-1673
8. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Announcing with regret, the passing of the Reverend Derrick Davis, pastor of Coleman Chapel AME Church in Kenosha, Wisconsin on Sunday, October 26, 2008
Services arrangements for Rev. Derrick Davis:
Monday, November 3, 2008
Visitation from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. followed by the Funeral Service.
Coleman Chapel AME Church
4111 30th Ave.
Kenosha, WI 53143
Office (262) 658-8304
General Officer James C. Wade, Eulogist
Bishop John R. Bryant, Presiding
Professional services are entrusted to:
Piasecki-Althaus Funeral Home
3720 39th Avenue
Kenosha, WI 53144
Phone: (262) 658-4101
Fax: (262) 653-0076
Condolences can be sent to his family c/o Coleman Chapel AME Church.
Rev. Davis was present at the Fourth Episcopal District Planning Meeting October 23-25, 2008, where Bishop Bryant and the Presiding Elders had an anointing service for him.
Please continue to pray for the family and for the church family.
Submitted by:
The Rev. Walter R. Bauldrick, Sr., Presiding Elder
Milwaukee District-Chicago Conference
8691 Castle Court
Burr Ridge, IL 60527-7128
Office: (630) 655-1963
Fax: (630) 655-1983
9. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to announce the passing of Brother Theodore "Ted" Harris on Tuesday, October 28, 2008 in Detroit, Michigan.
Brother Harris served as a member of the General Board of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and held offices on every level of the Lay Organization. He was also a longtime member of St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Detroit, Michigan, for over 39 years where he served faithfully as a Steward and President of the Lay Organization. Mr. Harris will be greatly missed on every area of the AMEC. Please keep his family in prayer.
Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to:
Swanson Funeral Home, Inc.
14751 W. McNichols Rd.
Detroit, Michigan 48235
Phone (313) 272-9000 / Fax (313) 272-4494
Service arrangements for Bro. Theodore "Ted" Harris:
Brother Ted Harris will lie in state at the Swanson Funeral Home on November 4, 2008 and November 5, 2008.
The funeral services will take place on November 6, 2008 at St. Paul A.M.E. Church.
Family Hour: 6:00 p.m.
Funeral: 7:00 p.m.
St. Paul A.M.E. Church
2260 Hunt St.
Detroit, Michigan 48207
Phone (313) 567-9643 / Fax (313) 567-7144
Rev. André L. Spivey, Pastor
Hotel accommodations are as follows:
Hotel St. Regis
3071 W. Grand Blvd.
Detroit, Michigan 48202
Phone (313) 873-3000 / Fax (313) 873-2574
http://www.hotelstregisdetroit.com
Group Rate: Standard Room $99.00 +tax / Suite $159.00 + tax
Group Name: A.M.E. Church
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the Harris Family:
Mrs. Fredia Harris & Sons
19270 Lancashire St.
Detroit, Michigan 48223
Phone (313) 532-3025
In lieu of flowers, donations made by given to the Michigan Annual Conference Lay Organization Scholarship Fund.
10. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action
Mrs. 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
11. 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
