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 – THE ECONOMIC DOWNTURN IS A REALITY AND WE WILL ALL FEEL THE PAIN:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
It is official, the United States is in a recession; 1.9 million people lost jobs this year; 533,000 lost their jobs in November 2008, the most in 34 years, and far more than expected; AT&T will lay off 15,000 employees. News reports tell readers, listeners and viewers that the U.S. job losses are the worst since 1974 and that the downturn is deepening. Unemployment is approaching 7% and is expected to exceed 8%. Foreclosures are at the highest rates ever. The recession affects all of us and affects every segment of our economy.
The Economic Policy institute (EPI) gives a dire picture and shares their view that the negative financial situation experienced by the big three automakers will be especially damaging for black Americans in the numbers of blacks affected and the loss of well-paying jobs and a guaranteed retirement. The average salaried worker earns about $17 per hour, which is higher than the average worker earns nationwide. The economic downturn will affect negatively affect black American at a higher rate than it will in the majority community. The EPI goes on the say, “The motor vehicle and parts industry, a sector of the economy that has been particularly welcoming to African Americans, is becoming a shrinking island of prosperity.”
Unfortunately, the automobile industry mirrors what is happening in industry and in corporate America. People, across America, are losing jobs; everybody is affected. The north, the south, east and west are feeling the economic bite. Black Americans are losing jobs all across America; and members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church are also losing jobs.
AMEs will not be insulated from the economic downturn. Everybody is talking about the dismal economic situation. President-elect Obama is talking about it. Outgoing President George W. Bush is talking about it; members of Congress are talking about the economy, as well as corporate executives. Entrepreneurs and small business owners are talking about the economy and people in grocery stores are talking about it. Young people getting ready to go off to college will be affected. Young college graduates will be affected.
People are so concerned about the economy that the War in Iraq and
Afghanistan is hardly discussed. The economy is on the front burner!
Is anyone surprised? The old ditty of past generations is probably just as true today; “Blacks are the last hired and the first fired” and so I would think that the economic downturn will hit the black community especially hard.
I am not surprised at the reaction and attention paid to the declining economic situation. The adage, “To be forewarned is to be forearmed” is a great starting point in taking seriously the news about the worsening economic situation.
Smart people are preparing for the worst and are modifying their spending. Smart people are trying to get rid of credit cards; or trying to pay off the balances on their credit cards. Smart people are trying to save their jobs and praying that they will not be laid off or fired. Smart people prepare for the worst and hope for the best. No, I am not surprised that there is so much talk about the economy.
I am surprised…
I am surprised that our Zion is not aggressively and loudly addressing the economic situation. I am surprised that we are not strategizing and amending our economic behavior. I would not be surprised to learn that there are AME Churches where pastors and leaders are addressing the economic issues, but what does surprise me is that if that is going on; it ‘s not being shared.
It seems to me that Connectional meetings are being planned as in times past; registration fees remain the same or are being increased; and future meetings are not being shortened.
It seems to me that a lot of the business that we conduct could be done in a shorter length of time, if we had the discipline to be faithful to the allotted schedule, which starts with arriving on time. Time management is the key to more efficient meetings and detailed planning and execution can result in shorter meetings, which saves money and time.
I know that worship, preaching and fellowship are important aspects of all of our meetings, but the question might be, are we assembling at a particular meeting to take care of business or are we assembling for worship? The writer of Ecclesiastes says that there is a time and a place for everything.
AMEs love fellowship and that’s a good thing, but there is a time for fellowship and there is a time to take care of the business of the Church.
For instance, if we have a Connectional meeting immediately following a First Sunday when all of us probably would have taken Communion, why do we need to have a Communion Service? I know that some would say that we have always done it that way; Communion at every Connectional meeting, but maybe we need to rethink how we can increase our efficiency and shorten some of our meetings. We may not want to eliminate the Communion Service, but we may need to eliminate some of the things that we do at meetings.
Lest I am misunderstood, Communion is a wonderful Sacrament and I love Communion, I advocate taking Communion every Sunday so I do not have a problem with the Communion Service, especially if the service is spiritual and is done right with decorum and dignity.
Why do our banquets need to last so long? The answer is probably careless planning. We don’t need six choir selections at a banquet and everybody doesn’t have to speak and every speaker doesn’t have to give long speeches. Time management is the issue. When large numbers of people leave a banquet, they are voting with their feet, not with their voices.
The time has come to address the economic issues that will affect our Zion. During economic crises, the government, corporate America and businesses initiate changes in order to save money. Travel is curtailed and some travel is eliminated. Meetings are canceled or shortened; and teleconferences take precedence over traveling long distances to meetings. Only those persons who are essential to a particular meeting are funded to attend that meeting. Hotel stays are scaled back and meetings scheduled for the hotels like the Marriott are replaced with less expensive hotels. Can we have meetings where we are lodged at a less expensive hotel and conduct the meeting at one of our churches? Inconvenient, yes; but also cost effective.
We should do away with all paper at connectional meetings. Email agendas and let participants be responsible for downloading their own agendas. Attendees can download agendas at home, at their local churches, or the public library. At this point and time every AME Church in America should have computers and printers. And hopefully, the larger churches in Districts 14-20 have computers. There comes a time when the bishops of the church must say, “This is the way it is, every church will have a computer and be connected to the Internet.” Doing so will save money in the long run.
What can local churches do? Be prepared to assist members who are experiencing financial difficulties. More teleconferences instead of meetings at the church. Get rid of credit cards or at least pay off the balances each month. Stay on top of maintenance because loans will be harder to get. Pay church bills on time to avoid late feels and finance charges. Every little bit adds up and we are called upon to be good stewards. Cut out the Sunday Bulletins, most people don’t need them, don’t read them; and besides, the AME Order of Worship is in the AME Hymnal; publish a single sheet, front to back, with the announcements And I suspect that most of us don’t read the announcement either, especially if someone gets up and reads the announcements every Sunday. If someone reads the announcements, we don’t even need a sheet with the announcements. Churches that use projectors to flash the hymns, and scripture lesson on a screen during the worship service don’t’ need worship bulletins.
What can families do? Live on a budget, cut the credit card debt, and get rid of credit cards. Always prepare for a rainy day and always support your church. Allot 10% for God, 10% for savings or investment and 80% to pay expenses and to live on. Maintain the maintenance on your home and your automobile; loans are going to be harder to acquire. For most of us, our homes are our biggest investment.
I am please to share that the leaders of the African Methodist Episcopal Church made a decision this past week. A beautiful AME inaugural weekend program had been planned in conjunction with President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration. It was a great idea and in normal circumstances it could, and would have been approved, but after long deliberations and contemplation, the Special Committee felt that the financial constraints in the current economic crisis dictated a more conservative and spiritually-focused AME inaugural celebration; one that was more affordable and accessible to more members of our Zion. It was a hard decision, but probably the best decision given the circumstances.
I have said all of this to say, we need to talk and strategize our way through this economic downturn. The connectional Church needs to talk, local churches need to talk, preachers need to talk, and families need to talk. And, if you are single have a talk with yourself. Ignoring a problem does not make the problem go away and we cannot, at any level, continue to do the same things and hope for different results.
2. AN OUTSTANDING BOOK THAT EVERY AME SHOULD READ:
Bishop Frank Curtis Cummings has written a wonderful book entitled, To Whom Much is Given, Much is Required. Bishop Cummings shares his own calling to ministry and devotes much of the book in sharing his thoughts and experiences about the African Methodist Episcopal Church and its organization; as well as chapters about the pastorate, lay leaders and the local church. This is a book for everyone: bishops, general officers, pastors, laity, youth and people who want to learn about the AME Church. The book is written with clarity and readers will feel the spirit of Bishop Frank Curtis Cummings.
3. THE REV. VASHTI JASMINE MCKENZIE'S PHOTO DISPLAYED AT THE SCHOMBURG MUSEUM IN NYC:
The Schomburg Museum in NYC will display a special collection of photographs taken during the recent campaign and victory of President-elect Barack Obama.
One of the photos featured is the photo taken by the Rev. Vashti Jasmine McKenzie back-stage at the General Conference in St. Louis this past July 2008. It shows the Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church praying for the then Senator Barack Obama. The New York Library has also requested to display the photo in its collection.
The invitation that has gone out around the world lists the Rev. Vashti Jasmine McKenzie among the photographers featured in the Schomburg Collection.
4. AME CHURCH BANKS ON CAPITAL G
By Sam Strangeways
The Royal Gazette (Bermuda)
It sounds like a match made in heaven — a groundbreaking and mutually beneficial partnership between the AME Church and Capital G Bank.
Thousands of AME members on the Island are being encouraged to join a new scheme and switch their financial affairs to Capital G in exchange for preferential rates and the ability to earn their church and themselves some extra money.
The church hopes to make between $300,000 and $500,000 from the programme after its first year — money which will be ploughed back into family-based social programmes already up-and-running across the Island.
And, as a press conference at Bright Temple AME Church in Warwick heard yesterday, Capital G hopes to gain many new customers in the process.
The Bermuda AME Church Affinity Programme thought to be first of its kind on the Island was launched with the blessing of the Right Reverend Richard F. Norris, the Bishop for the First Episcopal District of the AME, which includes Bermuda.
"Today's announcement is historic in that it represents the most significant advance in economic development for the AME Church, our members and our mandate to continue the kingdom building of God," he said.
He later told The Royal Gazette that some of the AME's 11 churches on the Island had already made savings on insurance thanks to the programme.
"That's just the beginning of what I anticipate will happen with the Affinity programme," said the Bishop, who is the chairman of the Bermuda AME Annual Conference board of trustees.
"I do want to see it fully embraced by the churches and expanding to the inclusion of our membership. I'm hopeful and I'm expecting it to be a growing and expanding effort."
He admitted the benefits of the programme, such as discounted mortgage rates and cash back on credit card purchases, might even attract some to join the church, which already has about 6,000 members in Bermuda.
"While we are not principally looking to use it as a tool for evangelism, it clearly is a tool for evangelism because there are persons who will gravitate wherever benefits are derived," he said. "Even if they come without that (religious) intention, it's hard to stay near to the fire and not get warm."
Grant Gibbons, from the Gibbons Group of Companies, to which Capital G belongs, told the press conference: "The bottom line is that this clearly is a programme that has been put together to benefit the church and its members but also we hope it will benefit the Gibbons Group."
He described the "unique partnership" as "important and historic" for both parties and said it was in keeping with the community-minded aims of his grandfather Edmund, when he went into business in 1916.
John Kephart, president and CEO of Capital G, explained that the programme would develop an income stream for the church while benefiting participating churchgoers.
With an Affinity credit card, for example, users get a credit back for every purchase and the same amount goes to the church.
The programme takes in bank accounts, debit cards, mortgages, loans, insurance services and shopping, with Gibbons Group companies such as Bermuda Motors, Colonial Insurance and Burrows Lightbourn involved.
Mr. Kephart said additional companies from outside the Gibbons Group could eventually join the scheme, including local restaurants.
The Affinity idea was the brainchild of Bishop Philip R. Cousin, who is now retired, more than ten years ago. Nalton Brangman, assistant to the conference trustee board, and the Reverend Leonard Santucci, began work on it in 1998 but a first attempt to launch a scheme in 2000 failed.
Mr. Brangman said: "The work continued with the next launch attempt with a more consolidated approach to the Gibbons Group in February 2008. Today we celebrate the most aggressive economic development programme in black history."
Reprinted with the permission of The Royal Gazette in Bermuda
http://www.royalgazette.com/
5. ONE IN TEN AMERICANS NOW USES FOOD STAMPS AS UNEMPLOYMENT CONTINUES TO RISE:
Washington, DC, December 4, 2008 – Government statistics released today reveal that unemployment rates have reached the highest level in 15 years; while a record 31.6 million Americans are now receiving food stamp benefits, the highest number since the 1960’s.
According to today’s figures by the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate reached 6.7 percent in November, the highest level since October 1993. With 3.2 million more Americans unemployed than 12 months ago, the need for food assistance has risen. Last month saw the evaporation of 533,000 jobs, the biggest one-month loss since 1974.
Figures released earlier this week by the U.S. Department of Agriculture show that food stamp beneficiaries increased by 17 percent. The food stamp program is now known as SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. “While 10.3 million Americans are unemployed, more than 31 million—one in every ten—Americans now receives food stamps,” said Dr. Jim McDonald, Vice President of Policy and Programs at Bread for the World. “In an economic recession, it is harder than ever for Americans to feed their families.”
Higher food prices are also causing families to turn to SNAP for food assistance. The cost of groceries rose by 7.5 percent over the past year. While an additional 2.1 million households now receive SNAP benefits than did 12 months ago, the value of those benefits will erode over the course of the year as food prices continue to rise.
“Congress should temporarily boost SNAP benefits as part of an economic stimulus package,” said Dr. McDonald. “Every additional dollar in SNAP benefits results in $1.73 in increased economic activity.”
The impact of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike accounts for significantly increased SNAP participation in Louisiana and Texas in September 2008. In addition to those, the states with the greatest growth in SNAP participation are Idaho, Florida, and Nevada.
A table of state-by-state data on current SNAP participation, hunger and poverty rates and unemployment figures is available at www.bread.org/press-room.
6. WHERE ARE WE:
The Rev. George R. La Sure, D.Min
As the total body, of that which represents the African Methodist Episcopal Church returns from yet another General Conference, in St. Louis, MO., it becomes important to take the time to consider what the present state of the denomination might be. It is important to stop, reflect and consider where we might be as it relates to the major issues that confront the small congregation churches that comprise the majority church in African Methodism.
Where are we in our continuing quest to illumine all the dark passages of life? Where are we in our efforts to provide for a better and a more meaningful day for most of our parishioners who wage a daily struggle to survive and flourish in a sea of adversity? Where are we in our efforts to become “bigger” and “better”? Where are we as it relates to providing equity and parity in local church budgetary assessments? Where are we in our efforts to negate the need for any budgetary increases during a time when the national and worldwide economies are in the throes of a recession? Where are we in establishing a cap for runaway Presiding Elder salaries and benefits? Where are we in mandating individual church Quarterly Conference sessions as opposed to group “cluster” meetings? Where are we in establishing a realistic guaranteed Pastor’s salary with health benefits? Where are we in initiating universal budgetary adjustments commensurate with the population and the certifiable ability of the local church to pay? Where are we in formulating a denominational strategy to effectively strengthen and empower the small congregation (10-250 members) church? Where are we?
In order for the denomination to thrive and prosper, every effort must be made to ensure that the small congregation church has a steady diet of “hope” in the face of continuing budgetary despair. Rational minded folk develop a serious case of resentment and open and bitter defiance when, day after day, quarter after quarter, conference year after conference year, they look and see the local church’s financial resource, which they have scraped and sacrificed to raise through extensive and exhausting local fund raising activity, go out the door, consistently, with there being no identifiable return on their continuing investment. As they see it, the denominational assessments (General Church and Episcopal District) are endless and, increasingly burdensome for them to be in a continuous fund-raising mode.
Whenever the local church isn’t engaged in raising General Church and Episcopal District Assessments, there is the continuing need to meet ever-increasing, ever urgent Presiding Elder assessments.
Local congregants express deep-seated resentment as it relates to always having to be under the gun to meet some denominational assessment or, another. The Local Pastor is stressed to strike a meaningful and purposeful balance between the larger denominational financial picture and the local church’s financial needs. Many times the lines between the denominational mission and purpose and the local church’s perception of its mission and purpose become, at best, blurred. Local church resentment toward the budgetary process is huge. The fact is, were it not for the dedicated, loving and committed small congregation church pastors, who, many times, take money from their own household budgets to make up denominational assessment budgetary shortfalls, the A.M.E. Church would have failed a long time ago.
In light of the present day realities of rising inflation, crippling gasoline prices and the prospect for increased costs for winter heating fuels, rising food costs, increasing unemployment, mortgage foreclosures, unstable stock market activity, mega-corporation scale backs in investment and production, rising and out-of-reach health costs, no medical benefits, wars in Afghanistan and Iraq draining the domestic economy, and the overall prospect for a prolonged world-wide recession, our parishioners are upset, impacted and seriously and justifiably concerned about what tomorrow will be.
A new day has come. Increasingly, local small congregation churches are going to actively resist paying unnecessarily burdensome budgetary assessments. Increasingly, local churches are going to call for a much higher level of accountability on the part of their Presiding Elders, for no additional fee, and demand that they perform the duties of their position, as per Discipline, to enhance the growth and the development of the local church. Increasingly, every local church is going to demand that the Presiding Elder hold individual Quarterly Conferences in each and every charge as opposed to the convenient, non-Disciplinary, “Cluster” mode which has been implemented for the sake of expediting Presiding Elder salary and benefit payments.
Increasingly, small congregation churches have a need to express their concerns regarding what they see as necessary to promote the health and growth of the local congregation. Their viewpoints should be heard, and not be stifled.
Where are we? We all need to take a long look in the mirror and examine where each of us might be. We have a great deal of work to do. We have a long way to go. A better day is in view.
Dr. George R. La Sure is the Pastor of Greater Saint James A.M.E. Church, Thomson, GA
Share your comments with him @www.greaterstjamesame.org
7. BISHOP PHILIP R. COUSIN’S VISION BECOMES A REALITY:
*Brother Nalton Brangman
The vision for economic empowerment articulated, during his tenure as bishop of the First Episcopal District, by Bishop Philip R. Cousin, in keeping with Bishop Richard Allen’s concept of “self help” was realized when the AME Church in the Bermuda Annual Conference, a part of the First Episcopal District, on November 6, 2008 at Bright Temple AME Church announced the establishment of an affinity program with the Gibbons Group of Companies in Bermuda. This program is designed to benefit members of the churches as well as their local church. As members switch their banking relationship to the Capital G Bank, they are able to receive preferential rates and a host of financial services with the bank and other companies owned by the Gibbons Group, which includes cars, clothes, other retail items and insurance options.
This Affinity Program is the first of its kind in Bermuda. Bishop Richard F. Norris was present to give his blessings on behalf of the church for this creative an innovative undertaking. Presiding Elder Rev. Malcolm Eve accompanied the Bishop. Rev. Lorne Bean, pastor of Bright Temple AME Church and Vice Chairman of the Annual Conference Trustee Board hosted the event and presided over the presentation. The Gibbons Group was represented by The Hon. Dr. E. Grant Gibbons JP, MP and Mr. J. David Gibbons, OBE.
Bishop Norris indicated; “The African Methodist Episcopal Church’s ultimate purpose is to make available God’s biblical principles, to spread Christ’s liberating gospel and provide continuing programs which will enhance the entire social development of all people.” Bishop Norris acknowledged the foresight of one of his predecessors…Bishop Philip R. Cousin. The program, as designed, will generate revenue between $1 million - $2 million annually.
Bishop Cousin as prelate of the First Episcopal District, 1992-2000, stressed the need of “self help” and economic empowerment. During the series of annual conferences he called upon those present to embrace the teachings of Richard Allen in this area. Bro. Nalton Brangman as a delegate to the Annual Conference from Bright Temple embraced the call of the Bishop. As he sought to put the various building blocks in place, he was joined in his efforts by Rev. Dr. Leonard Santucci, who was serving as one of the eleven senators for the island in its parliamentary system.
The efforts of these modern day horseman has resulted in the creation of the AME Reinsurance Company through the 2000 General Conference and this Affinity Program that we celebrate today. Bishop Philip R. Cousin is regarded as the visionary, Brother Nalton Brangman the architect and the Rev. Dr. Leonard Santucci, JP, the structural engineer. Together they have reached out to the finest business talent available in Bermuda and the United States to reposition the corporate image of the AME Church.
The AME Church in this century has provided a new paradigm for the Black Church on how to extend its outreach in ministry and evangelism. As the leadership of the AME Church wrestle with how best to fully implement these new financial systems, they must also grapple with how best to show their appreciation to three of its humble servants. Bishop Cousin has retired from active ministerial service before seeing his labor bear fruit. Bro. Brangman as a layman continues to head his security company, Automated Fire and Security. Rev. Dr. Santucci has retired from the senate and political service in Bermuda and now pastors St. Paul AME Church, East Orange, New Jersey where he is making his mark as the church experiences renewal and revival.
The Black Church in America is examining its true worth and value in the market place today. As a result of the AME Church formulating legislation and creating its own reinsurance company, other black denominations are seeking to follow our leadership. Bro. Brangman and Rev. Dr. Santucci have traveled across the United States consulting with other denominations that desire to follow our lead. It has been recognized that pastors and local churches pay out more annually in property insurance than they do in annual conference assessments. Therefore, we give away more money than we retain. Self insurance will enable the local church and denomination to retain capital for denominational growth and development. Today the Black Churches in America have now agreed to follow this dream and are incorporating their Churches into the same type of program as has been designed by the AME Church. They seek not to follow but to lead themselves. This move represents close to 70,000 Churches and over $1 billion in annual insurance.
As Bishop Cousin rose to deliver the first prayer for the next President of the United States of America, he is to be saluted for creating a leadership team that has transformed the way the church will do ministry during this century. Bro. Brangman and Dr. Santucci are to be congratulated for helping to make the vision a reality and for extending the outreach of our denomination. Bishop Norris is to be saluted as well for sharing in this process of development.
*Brother Nalton Brangman is a member of Bright Temple AME Church located at Spring Hill Warwick Bermuda
8. POST-ELECTION REFLECTION, PART II:
*The Rev. Carey A. Grady
With the elections behind us, the inauguration of a Democratic President before us, and a Democratic majority in the Senate and House, I have found myself profoundly reflective on the idea and concept of Church and State. This idea of Church and State was a response of the founding fathers of the United States of America who found hope and promise in the Americas, particularly as it related to freedom of religion. By no means were the framers of the Declaration of Independence or the U.S. Constitution holy and pious men who were above the fray of issues and errors of their day. Like us they were fallen individuals trying to do the best they could with what they knew. They were men of their era, who completely bought into the assumptions and prejudices of their time. Even though this “We the People” material was clearly meant for Europeans (people of color weren’t part of that “we” until after the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement) it was still a novel idea for that era of history.
All things considered, they desired to start a government and nation as flawlessly as possible. They were quite crafty in their leadership and writing, because the Declaration of Independence empowered them to be rebellious and gave them the right to overthrow any government that did not represent the interest of the people. At the same time, the U.S. Constitution gave them the authority to stamp out or destroy those who wanted to overthrow government, even the government they were establishing. They empowered themselves to be rebels, yet they created another document that simply would not tolerate that rebellious spirit in others.
In a very subjective sense, the secessionist that caused the Civil War, were acting in the spirit of the writer’s and crafters of the Declaration of Independence. As much as we don’t like to admit it, the History of America is the idea of the pursuit of freedom or the pursuit of rebellion. It’s a wonder that preacher’s have so much to deal with when we mount the pulpit on Sunday. We are engaging a culture that is freedom seeking and rebellious.
With all that said, Church and State was a significant part of the founding of the country. It was not so much that the nation was so holy and centered on God, but rather the spirit of the age, wanted to step away from a State Religion.
The State Church was the norm when government and religion co-reigned in the early years of European history. State Religion was the norm by the time Henry VIII stepped on the scene and annulled his first marriage and divorced several of his wives. As a result of Henry’s behavior, the Church of England was born and state religion became the norm. The Catholic Church did not approve of Henry’s relationship status so he basically quit the Catholic Church and founded the Church of England.
The heir’s of Henry VIII were as different as the fine cuisine of several American states. Some of Henry’s children were Catholic while others were Protestant. And whenever one reigned or occupied the throne in England, so went the religious order of the day. Henry’s two most famous children were Queen Mary (a Catholic) and Queen Elizabeth I (a Protestant). Queen Mary, also known as Bloody Mary persecuted and killed those who did not submit to the teachings of Catholicism. And when Queen Elizabeth ascended to the throne, she allowed the Church of England and the Protestant faith to flourish. England swung from one religious pendulum to another. England was exhausted and tired by the time, the adventurous spirit was inspiring persons to travel to the New World.
One of the philosophical principles of this New World and Society was Freedom of Religion, which became the Separation of Church and State. It would be understood that government would not govern people’s religious perspectives. Instead, “Separation of Church and State,” would inspire people to worship God in any way they felt inclined. Also, embedded in the pedagogy of “Separation of Church and State,” was the belief that religion taught virtue and character which in turn would be good for the State. All religions were believed to teach the brotherhood of humanity, charitable acts towards others, and ideals like compassion, love and a strong work ethic. These principles were believed to be beneficial to the state, so why impose a particular religion on the people when all religions unconsciously support life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
We have made the “Separation of Church and State” a political issue when it really is not. We have allowed people to take advantage of people’s religious beliefs, falsely empower as well as manipulate them. At the end of the day, our religious but most importantly spiritual beliefs are supposed to make us better people, better humans and not political operatives.
*The Rev. Carey A. Grady is the pastor of St. Peter AME Church-Decatur, Illinois and also serves as Adjunct Faculty, History Department, Richland Community College
9. THIRTY DAYS IN THE LIFE OF “HISTORICAL” CAMPBELL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH:
*The Rev. Lanxton L. Washington
Thirty days in the life of “Historic” Campbell African Methodist Episcopal Church in Media, Pennsylvania, the oldest existing church of any denomination, in Delaware County, Pennsylvania.
Commencing October 4, 2008, Campbell had an around the world dinner with cuisine from Alaska, Asia, Africa and Southern United States. The event was a rousing success with attendees not wanting leave the fellowship all after dinning. The pastor gave thanks to the committee for a job well-done.
On Sunday, October 12, Campbell was visited by the President of the First Episcopal District Missionary Society, Sister Jewel McAshan and her husband, the Reverend McAshan. Sister McAshan delivered an inspiring and encouraging message. We were encouraged to continue the work of “Missions” in our society.
The following Saturday, the missionary society lead a theatre and shopping trip to Lancaster County, that far exceeded the expectations of the church. All who attended enjoyed the trip and Pastor Washington and the members give thanks to Mt. Pisgah African Methodist Episcopal Church, Philadelphia, for the use of their church bus.
On Sunday, October 26, 2008, the men of Campbell celebrated Men’s day with the Right Rev. Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, the Presiding Prelate of the First Episcopal District, who was the guest preacher, along with Mother Mary Ann Norris, the Supervisor of Missions. The service was well-attended and the Bishop Norris delivered a powerful message for all to hear and gave a special message to all the young males in attendance. The fellowship included Presiding Elder Lett and Mrs. Sylvia Lett. The service was well-attended young families and their children.
The thirty-day period ended with a rousing Men’s Retreat that was held on Saturday, November 1, 2008. The theme of the retreat was, “Adam Where Art Thou?” The presentations were on male health issues, lead by a Nurse Practitioner from the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia. The practitioner addressed issues of diabetes, prostate cancer, obesity, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. The retreat also addressed the spirituality of men in the church, lead by the Reverend Glen Shepherd, pastor of First African Methodist Episcopal Church, Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania; and Male Role-Modeling, lead by the Reverend Warren Mayes, pastor of Second Baptist Church in Media. The retreat closed with a presentation by the Rev. Dr. D. Albert Turk, Director of Evangelism for the First Episcopal District, who also serves as the pastor of Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in New York City. He spoke on the subject, “Evangelizing to Unchurched Men.”
The Reverend Lanxton L. Washington, pastor of Campbell African Methodist Episcopal Church, told the church on Sunday, November 2, 2008, how pleased he was with the church and led a loud shout of, “we did it.”
*Submitted by the Reverend Lanxton L. Washington, M.Div., pastor of Campbell African Methodist Episcopal Church in Media, Pennsylvania.
10. THE 130TH SESSION OF THE NORTH ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE RESOLUTION:
The 130th Session of the North Alabama Annual Conference was held at St. Luke A. M. E. Church in Birmingham, Alabama where the Rev. Horace Fitchard was the host pastor; the Rev. Dwight E. Dillard was the Host Presiding Elder; and the Rev Albert Lee Hezekiah Hyche, Associate Presiding Elder. Bishop James Levert Davis is the Presiding Prelate of the 9th Episcopal District.
2008 Resolution-October 4, 2008
To: Bishop James L. Davis, Presiding Prelate; Mrs. Arelis B. Davis, Episcopal Supervisor, Retired General Officer Dr. Anderson Todd, Jr., Presiding Elders Dillard and Hyche; Ministers of the Conference; Ministers spouses; Delegates; Missionary workers on all levels; Laymen on all levels; YPD’ers on all levels; Friends and visitors of the 130th session of the North Alabama Annual Conference.
We the committee on Resolutions make the following report,
Whereas, The members of the New Day/New Way North Alabama Annual Conference heeded the call of Bishop James Lavert Davis and assembled in reverent, bold, yet humble fashion to this 130th session, on October 1, 2008, to St. Luke A.M.E. Church, located in the Magic City, Birmingham, Alabama, where the Rev. Horace Fitchard is the Pastor, and,
Whereas, A.M.E.s from Florence to Scottsboro, from the Tennessee line to Huntsville and Guntersville, came to Birmingham, proudly singing, "And Are We Yet Alive," setting the tone for a magnificent week in which the sessions of the Annual Conference have proven to be inspirational, informational, educational and rewarding, and,
Whereas, the Excited Servant Bishop James L. Davis, the 123rd elected and consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, a Bishop who shows up for work, filled with power and might of Almighty God, and has led us through an orderly and peaceful Annual Conference, as he presided in an efficient, gentle, refreshing, and a sometimes humorous manner, and,
Whereas, The reports of the ministers of the Conference were given and reflected their dedication, sacrifice, and spirit of commitment, while Bishop Davis listened intently to pastor reports, and literary papers and,
Whereas, the opening session was afire with the Holy Ghost, as the Rev. Raymond B. Swafford, pastor of Oak Grove A. M. E. Church, in Florence, AL, set our hearts blazing and our voices shouting, with the provocative question of, "What is the Gospel, and,
Whereas, we were continually fed by the Spirit, on Wednesday night through a message from the Rev. Lugenia Johnson, pastor of Mt. Zion A. M. E. Church, Kennesaw, GA, who exhorted us on what is "True Greatness," and,
Whereas, the Thursday Noon day "Hour of Power" sermon was powerfully delivered by the Rev. Earl Effel, Presiding Elder of the East District of the North Georgia Atlanta Conference, in the 6th Episcopal District, when he encouraged the conference to allow Jesus to change your lifestyle, and,
Whereas, on the Thursday Night, Sons of Allen Worship Service, the Conference discovered from Rev. Michael A. Henson, Pastor of Grady-Madison AME Church, Madison, AL, that Jesus will restore relationships "If All Is Not Well in the Prodigal Son’s Life," and,
Whereas, the music was both traditional and contemporary as well as uplifting, delivered with great enthusiasm, excitement and power, by a mass choir composed of members from various AME Churches from the Birmingham area, and,
Whereas, the Lay Organization, led by the debonair, and most capable President Rodney Davidson, made a significant contribution to the Conference, on Lay Night when the Rev. Taurus Myhand, Pastor of Persons Chapel AME Church, Midway, AL, expounded on "When GOD takes Too Long," and,
Whereas, the Conference was lifted to higher plains in the Ordination Service, when Retired Bishop Dr. Phillip R. Cousins, Sr., gave the candidates their "Final Exam" by asking the questions, 1) Do You Know You’ve Been Called, 2) To Whom Are You Committed, 3) How Are You Communicating, 4) Are You Willing to Go Where You Are Sent, and,
Whereas, The Young People’s Department of the North Alabama Conference, under the leadership of Director Lolita Seltzer, with the cooperation of the four Area Directors, and numerous local directors, continued to keep the fire burning as the young People through song, reminded the Conference, "Its not about us,...Its about Jesus, and,
Whereas, souls were rededicated, and revived, and,
Whereas, the North Alabama Conference added to its roll as Bishop Davis issued the charge to Itinerant Deacons, Chris Burnett, Roderick Callins, Angelo Gordon, Karen Jarmon, Michelle Jefferson, Kenneth Wayne Kelley, and LaChaune Nicole Slater, and,
Whereas, the North Alabama Conference added Reverends, Victor Baugh, Sr., and Brenda J. Blackman who were re-obligated as Itinerant Deacons from other persuasions, and,
Whereas, the North Alabama Conference added transfers, Reverend Dorothy Patrick, from the 5th Episcopal District, and Chris Burnett from the 6th Episcopal District, and,
Whereas, the ever Patient, Helpful, and Dependable, Rev. Vicky Sanders, Pastor of Gravetts Chapel AME Church, challenged the Women’s Missionary Society, asking the question, "How Can Missionaries Make the Best of the Harvest," during the WMS Noon day service, while the Rev. Sheryl Shipman, pastor of Emanuel AME Church, Birmingham, AL, just exclaimed "If," during WMS ‘Night in White,’ and,
Whereas, the Ms. Susie Jones and Women’s Missionary Society, continue to S.O.A.R. like doves and eagles as they are determined to encourage themselves in the LORD, and,
Whereas, The Church School under the dynamic leadership of Dr. Susie Crenshaw, with assistance from Rev. Doris Marshall, Pastor of St. Paul AME Church, Trussville, AL, explained we must first be connected to The Power Source if we are to be empowered, and,
Whereas, the candidates for ministry in the North Alabama Conference were put to work by our Episcopal Leader as doorkeepers, ushers and devotional leaders, and,
Whereas, the North Alabama Conference was well educated during the Conference Institute by our new dynamic, energetic, enthusiastic, and excited Bishop James Lavert Davis, as he exhorted the conference to not lose our passion for the church, and challenged the Conference to fall in love with GOD again, and,
Whereas, the closing session of the Conference witnessed once again the awesome power of GOD, as our own Bishop James L. Davis, exhorted the Conference that GOD has completed a "Holy House Inspection," and He wants His house back, and,
Whereas, the Fire of the Holy Ghost which began on the opening day continued all the way through the closing worship service, and,
Whereas, The Conference is proud to have been graced by the presence of many guests and luminaries who visited the 130th Session of the North Alabama Conference, including but not limited to, retired Bishop Phillip R. Cousin, retired General Officer, Dr. Anderson Todd, Jr.; Presiding Elder Earl Effel, the Rev. Lugenia Johnson, retired Presiding Elder, the Rev. James M. Proctor, the Rev. Deborah Peppers, the Brother and numerous cousins of Bishop Davis who just came by to welcome him home, and,
Whereas, our exquisite Episcopal Supervisor, Mother Arelis B. Davis, exhibited exuberance and spirit, setting the example, of how we should all get involved in the worship service, and,
Whereas, the hard working, Rev. Horace Fitchard, along with the Stewards, Trustees, and members of St. Luke A. M. E. Church, entertained the Bishop and his guests, left no stone unturned as they hosted this Conference, going to great lengths, treating all like royalty, with grace and patience, to ensure that their guests enjoyed all the comforts of home,
Wherefore be it Recommended, that The New Day, New Way, Exciting North Alabama Conference follow the lead of the Women’s Missionary Society, to total commitment to the LORD in response to His love for us and our love for Him, and,
Be it Also Recommended, that churches in the Conference continue to support one another spiritually, physically, and financially, and,
Be it Also Recommended, that all the Churches of the Conference get excited and passionate in our work for Kingdom building,
Wherefore Be it Therefore Resolved, That the members of the Exciting North Alabama Annual Conference, wish to thank the Presiding Elders and their spouses, the Ministers of the Conference and their spouses, all delegates, missionary workers, lay persons, and members of the YPD, and the Church School, for their ceaseless effort to improve the growth of the New Way, New Day, Exciting North Alabama Conference, and,
Be it Further Resolved, That the members of the Conference thank Bishop Davis for the considerate manner in which he presided over the 130th Session of the Exciting North Alabama Annual Conference, and,
Be it Further Resolved, That the Conference members were made the better by the power of preaching, as the servants of God divined the wisdom of His Holy Word, and,
Be it Further Resolved, That the Conference extends its prayers and as many hands of assistance as needed, to the Class of 2008 that shall receive their Diaconate Orders, and,
Be It Further Resolved, The Exciting New Day, New Way, North Alabama Annual Conference welcomes transfers Reverends Dorothy Patrick and Chris Burnett, and,
Be It Further Resolved, the North Alabama Conference bids their prayers and hands of love to the Rev. Emma Willoughby-Johnson and Rev. Vivian Smith, as they enter into Superannuated status, and,
Be It Further Resolved, That the Conference thanks Rev. Horace Fitchard, and the Officers, Choirs, Musicians, and Members and friends of the St. Luke A. M. E. Church, Birmingham, and the sister Churches for their hospitality, love, sacrifice, care, and concern that they have put forth in their hosting of this 130th Session of the North Alabama Annual Conference, and,
Be It Further Resolved, That the North Alabama Conference, will follow the lead of Bishop James Levert Davis, and get excited about worship, get excited about service, get excited about evangelism, get excited about fellowship, and get excited about stewardship, and,
Be It Further Resolved, That the North Alabama Conference commits to meet our Bishop on May 31, 2009, Pentecost Sunday, at 3:00 PM, at the Jefferson County Civic Center, where 10,000 plus AME’s will Praise the LORD till the HOLY GHOST comes down, and,
Be It Finally Resolved, That the Presiding Elders, Ministers, Missionaries, Laymen, and YPD, re-affirm their commitment to having been called and compelled to serve this present age, as we follow the lead of our Bishop into the New Day, New Way Anointed Ninth, as we "Rekindle Eternal Vision, Inspiring Victory Everywhere."
Respectfully Submitted,
Your Committee on Resolutions:
The Rev. Raymond B. Swafford, the Rev. T. W. Parker, the Rev. Roosevelt Williams, the Rev. Mary C. Garrett, the Rev. Charles Marie Davis, the Rev. Eric Benison, the Rev. Shelia Williams, the Rev. Tony Latham, the Rev. Eloise Williams, the Rev. Michael Stanford, Sisters Joyce Ray, Mattie Williams, Clara Bullard, Carlisa Horton, Nedra McDaniels, Mary Harris; and Brothers Jacob Ransom and Tony Harris.
11. ST. PAUL AME CHURCH, LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY MULTICULTURAL CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION:
The Rev. Maxine L. Thomas
The fabulous blend of diverse races and cultures in the City of Lexington is a highlight of the Christmas season as St. Paul AME Church in Lexington, Kentucky plans a grand Christmas celebration that will bring together persons of different races, cultures, multi-ethnic backgrounds, and ages on Sunday, December 7, 2008 at 4PM. The event will be held at The Rock La Roca United Methodist Church, 1015 North Limestone Street in Lexington, Kentucky.
Joy Bells Ring—“A Multi-Cultural Celebration of the Birth of Christ” is an opportunity for persons of different races and cultures to share in celebration and joy as we delight in the many wonderful cultures that make up our fine City. Rhythm and storytelling will posit a unique combination as Francois Jackson of Lexington, KY tells the Christmas story accompanied by the rhythmic tones of the Lexington Children’s Drum Choir and Something Special Dancers.
Enjoy this grand display of talent as Christmas songs are sang in English, Chinese, Spanish, and Korean. Lexington Chinese Christian Church (Chinese), Lexington UMC Serving All Nations (Korean Choir), Liberty Worship Center (Spanish Choir), will render beautiful Christmas music in song as they lift their voices in celebration and adoration. Also, featured is the St. Paul AME Church Mass Choir singing a worshipful medley of Christmas carols.
A dance of celebration will be rendered by All Consuming Fire and Fuze Live, an expressive and creative mime presentation will be done by Trinity Mime Ministry of St. Paul AMEC, and the Central Kentucky Youth Orchestra will bring refreshing and sentimental tones on stringed instruments. The soulful voices of the Black Voices Gospel Choir of the University of Kentucky will add a flavorful blend of contemporary gospel as we clap, sing, sway and lift our voices together.
There is no cost to attend this community wide Christmas celebration. Feel free to bring a small bell with you to ring in the season together. Rev. Maxine L. Thomas is the coordinator of this gala event and for more information, call her at 859-224-9961. Rev. Troy I Thomas is St. Paul’s pastor.
12. WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A DIVA:
Mrs. Delanda S. Johnson
On Sunday, November 23, the Johnson Chapel AME Church, Malakoff, Texas ladies kept the tradition of its Annual Women’s Day program to honor of all the women who have gone on to glory. The Rev. Fred Moss is the pastor of Johnson Chapel AME Church. Sister Monica Ford Moss who delivered the message for the morning service and the Rev. Mary Q. Miller who delivered the message for the afternoon service.
Sister Moss is the daughter of the Rev. James W. Ford, Presiding Elder of the Tyler District in the North Texas Conference. She is also the First lady of Johnson Chapel AME Church in Malakoff, Texas and the mother of four children.
With a spiritual filled song entitled, “Jesus,” the Rev. Fred Moss took the time to give his wife a very special introduction and with that, the mood was set for an outstanding message.
Sister Moss delivered her message with the text from Colossians 3:1-2. Her theme was, “Is There a Diva in the House?” Sister Moss explained the meaning of the word “Diva,” and stated that a diva is a glamorous, prima donna, successful female performer or personality. Moss stated that a worldly diva only cares about worldly things; focus only on themselves and only on what they want.
She explained that divas were present in the Bible. She explained that Jezebel, a woman who wanted control of everything cared only about herself; Delilah, a woman who was the girlfriend and brought down a powerful man because she learned the secret of his power; were biblical divas.
Moss went on to say that women today, are called to be spiritual divas.” Christian women are called to be spiritual divas. Sister Moss defined spiritual divas as anointed, devoted, inspirational, virtuous women. She went on to share that Esther, Deborah, and Mary; were spiritual divas.
“We should strive to be spiritual divas everyday of our lives. When we except Jesus Christ in our lives, we need to have a new walk, a new life; and we are called to be divas,” and went on to say, “There is a difference between a worldly diva and a spiritual diva.”
Moss explained that a spiritual diva must be loyal, dedicated, and devoted and must have a devoted relationship with God and with others so that we can lead others to Jesus Christ. She explained that a spiritual woman must be devoted to her husband and family.
Marriage is not only a covenant between a woman and her husband, but also a relationship between the woman and God.
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A spiritual diva has the attributes of being “Inspirational,” which is a divine influence; being virtuous, and anointed. As Christians, we are called upon to talk, walk, and live as followers of Jesus Christ. We are to practice what we preach; for we may be the only example a non-Christian person may ever see. God has given us a powerful assignment. Ask this question; “Am I a worldly diva or a spiritual diva? “Which one are you?” asked Moss.
After a powerful morning message the afternoon brought forth a message of somberness and one of empowering encouragement because the Rev. Mary Miller was giving her last message as the pastor of Allen Chapel AME Church in Athens, Texas.
Through the mist of tears Rev. Miller brought forth a message coming from 1 Samuel 1:9-10 with the theme “It’s Praying Time.” She told the story about Hannah, who was a good example of prayer. Rev. Miller said, “Hannah had a purpose in her prayer. She wanted a son.” Miller said, “First, you must know how to fast and pray.” She went on to explain, “Fasting is not only going with food, but you must give yourself to God; by fasting and praying. You must have a purpose when you pray.”
Miller expressed that if you pray for what you want, even if it’s a healing, for family members, financial problems, problems on your job; know that prayer changes things.
You must never give up and know that God will work it out for you. You must realize that God may not come when you want, but God is always on time.
“There may be times when you need God to work things out for you, but hold on and know that God is an on time God. Stand fast and prayer, for God will fight your battles,” said Miller.
13. REDEFINING YOUR PURPOSE IN FAMILIAR TERRITORY:
*The Rev. Eraina M. Aseme
And Isaac dug again the wells of water, which they had dug in the days of Abraham his father; for the Philistines had stopped them after the death of Abraham: and he called their names after the names by which his father had called them. Genesis 26:18
The word purpose has been used in many different ways in the Christian community. To find your purpose in Christian service is to understand your mission in this spiritual journey. As we dig wells in our ministry and our secular careers, we will discover hopefully our own places in ministry. Pushing toward why God placed us on earth forces us to seek our motivation for Christian service.
Faithfulness
Knowing your purpose of existence is the key in trying to reach the ministry that God has in store for you. Isaac knew the promise that God had made to his father Abraham. Because of the faithfulness of Abraham his people will prosper. Faithfulness allows God’s blessing to come upon God’s people in ways that a believer can not always explain. When the seeds of faithfulness are planting, our spiritual lives reap the benefits that extend its branches beyond what the naked eye can see. Isaac had the promises of God from his father. Isaac knew that whatever resources needed to dig wells would be present. Breaking ground with a new career can be challenging at times but the Lord did not bring us this far to leave us. Faithfulness to the Lord will allow skills to be sharpened and new ones developed.
Kindness
The well represents an ongoing flow of spiritual water to bless a living soul. It’s not the water that touches to makes the believer whole but the acceptance of the Savior helps redefine your purpose. The new channeling of ideas and thoughts and possibly a new set of friends will cause your kindness to be genuine. Your kindness will not be conditional. God has favor with God’s people. In spite of the lack of commitment of God’s creature, man, God continues to keep God’s promises. Kindness is a great attribute of God so it is unconditional. Kindness will allow seeds of hope to be planted, and at harvest time the plant of encourage will emerge to the support needed to move to the next level in ministry.
Hope
Because the seeds of faithfulness and kindness have been sowed the harvest time for restoration is not difficult. When there is hope, the believer has a higher level of expectancy that the Lord will provide. Abraham had a firm assurance that God would provide for generations ahead of him. Challenges will come to prevent you from digging a well but hold on to what God has given you. And that is hope. Though obstacles are in the way to discover new territory, the Lord will provide. This well will bring hope to pierce a doubtful mind to the point that the person will look at their circumstance from a different set of spiritual lenses.
Wrap-Up
Faithfulness, kindness and hope are needed to redefining your purpose in familiar territory.
*The Rev. Eraina M. Aseme is the pastor of St. John AME Church, Kansas City, Missouri
14. HAITI: EDUCATION IS CRUCIAL TO GRAPPLE WITH VIOLENCE:
Education is crucial to grapple with violence, the president of the Protestant Federation of Haiti, Rev. Sylvain Exantus, told an international ecumenical team visiting Haiti from 24 to 28 November.
Together with family and church, the school is the third most important ambit for the formation and transmission of values. A person deprived of those can be easily manipulated to engage in violent acts, explained Exantus, who voiced his concern that violent conflicts may erupt within 4 or 5 years if something is not done to provide education to thousands of children in the country who never went to school.
"I see these children in the streets, many coming from broken families, and I am afraid that there is the potential of violence", he told the 6-person team visiting the country as Living Letters on behalf of the World Council of Churches (WCC). Living Letters are small ecumenical teams visiting a country to listen, learn, as well as share approaches and challenges in overcoming violence and peace making.
Although some progress has been made in strengthening the judiciary and combating criminality, Haiti remains one of the countries with the highest incidence of violence in the world.
In Prof. Rosny Desroches' opinion, violence in Haiti is the consequence of both internal and external factors. Amongst the latter he mentions the fact that the country is on the transit route of drug trafficking from Colombia to the United States and Canada. This encouraged the formation of local gangs openly tolerated under the regime of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Endogenous factors include unemployment, which affects over 70 % of the youth, massive migration from rural areas to the cities, and a corrupted judicial system.
According to Desroches, who was minister of education between 1986 and 1987, there have been persistent accusations that judges continue releasing convicted criminals in exchange for large sums of money. The police have been accused of brutality and complicity in crimes. Vetting the judges and the purge of corrupt police officers are crucial to restore confidence in these institutions.
Yet Desroches referred to positive developments like the consolidation of civil and political rights, the strengthening of a civil society engaged in the struggle to overcome violence, and the promotion of a culture of rights - a process in which media is playing an important role.
Pastor Hyacinthe Junie, a member of the Protestant Federation executive board, said that the prevailing impunity fosters a spiral of violence in the country. When justice is lacking, some people opt to oppose violence with more violence, asserted Junie, one of the three writers of a comprehensive report on kidnapping in Haiti.
A number of civil society movements have joined together in the National Fight against Kidnapping and organized protest marches in Port of Prince and Cap-Haitien, whereas the Citizens Forum, which will celebrate its ninth assembly this December, is focusing its attention in issues like mediation and reconciliation.
In this context, churches can also contribute through the formation of peacemakers, people who will not solve the conflicts by recurring to violence, said Exantus. "We may be a positive factor in the formation of citizens who are conscious of belonging to a community founded upon the respect to human rights and that seek the commonwealth," he underlined.
The WCC Living Letters delegation to Haiti is meeting a broad range of organizations, experts, politicians, church leaders and congregations. Until 2010, several Living Letters visits take place each year throughout the world in the context of the WCC's Decade to Overcome Violence in order to prepare for the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation to be held in Jamaica in 2011.
Additional information on the Living Letters visit to Haiti:
http://overcomingviolence.org/?id=6423
WCC member churches in Haiti:
http://www.oikoumene.org/?id=4691
Additional information: Juan Michel, +41 22 791 6153 +41 79 507 6363 media@wcc-coe.org
The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 349 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 560 million Christians in over 110 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia, from the Methodist Church in Kenya. Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
15. IT IS TIME FOR FAITHS TO 'TAKE STOCK' OF HIV/AIDS - 20 YEARS OF WORLD AIDS DAY:
By Peter Kenny (*)
Faith leaders "should shout from the rooftops that AIDS is not a punishment from God but a medical condition which is preventable", the former leader of South Africa's Anglican Church, Archbishop Njongo Ndungane, has told the World Aids Campaign.
Ndungane was speaking in an interview for the Amsterdam- and Cape Town-based World Aids Campaign, founded by UNAIDS, ahead of the 20th anniversary of the marking of 1 December as World AIDS Day. The campaign says World AIDS Day is a time of "global solidarity for a pandemic that has led to over 25 million deaths, with an estimated 33 million people currently living with HIV worldwide".
Ndungange, who now heads African Monitor, a continental development agency, said that AIDS was "manageable and treatable although not curable", as well as not being a punishment from God.
He added, "Faith leaders should hence commit themselves to working towards achieving a generation without AIDS, and show loving care and support for those infected. They should develop and implement imaginative strategies to fight stigmatisation, ensure that infected people have access to the essential needs like nutrition and medical care, as well as encourage those not infected to stay uninfected."
Linda Hartke, who heads the Geneva-based Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance (EAA), which campaigns for food and trade justice as well as for those who are HIV positive, said the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day was a time "to take stock of the faith-based response to HIV and AIDS".
The EAA is composed mainly of Christian organizations – including the World Council of Churches – but it also counts amongst its members agencies from other religions.
Hartke told Ecumenical News International, "We can be inspired by the committed efforts of people of faith all over the world who have for so long provided care and support … for a concerted global response that will reverse the spread of HIV, and eventually eradicate AIDS."
She noted, "Religious leaders living with or personally affected by HIV, and who have spoken out against stigma, discrimination and injustices and vulnerabilities that fuel the spread of HIV, have particularly strengthened and expanded effective faith-based responses."
Still, Hartke had cautioned earlier in November that with millions still infected each year "and with two-thirds of adults and 85 percent of children urgently needing treatment, we need full and committed leadership and action to reach universal access to prevention, treatment, care and support".
Hartke said an estimated 2.1 million children aged under 15 are living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV, "Yet children remain largely forgotten in global and national efforts to address HIV and AIDS. This is especially the case for children's access to diagnostic testing for HIV and medicines to treat HIV, known as antiretrovirals. Currently, only 15 percent of children in need of HIV treatment have access to it."
(*) Peter Kenny is the editor-in-chief of Ecumenical News International (ENI).
16. U.S. CHURCHES WILL VOICE CONCERNS AND HOPES TO PRESIDENT-ELECT BARACK OBAMA:
Leaders and representatives of 24 US churches gathering in Washington, D.C. next week will deliver a message to President-elect Barack Obama, outlining hopes for the new administration in leading the nation forward and working for peace with justice.
The message will come out of the annual meeting of the United States Conference for the World Council of Churches (WCC), which gathers 24 WCC-member churches in the country. With the theme Making Peace: Claiming God's Promise, the meeting will take place in Washington, D.C. from 2-4 December.
"Hope and change are at the heart of the Christian season of Advent as we once again await the birth of the baby Jesus, the Prince of Peace. In the context of war and want and waste, the WCC's member churches in the US are eager to share a special word with President-elect Obama, who campaigned on a promise of hope and change," says the Rev. Dr Bernice Powell Jackson, WCC president from North America.
Representatives from WCC member churches in the Pacific, Middle East, Asia, Africa, Latin America, Canada and Europe will join the meeting to express solidarity for the message of the US churches, bringing their own messages of hope to the newly elected president of the United States and sharing stories of peacemaking from their home regions.
The gathering will address, among other issues, the ethical dimensions of climate change and the ecumenical involvement in Middle East peace-making. The Blessed are the Peacemakers Awards will be presented to local, national and global peacemaking initiatives and personalities.
Featured speakers include: Dr Larry Rasmussen, Reinhold Niebuhr Professor of Social Ethics at the Union Theological Seminary (emeritus); the Rev. Dr Michael Kinnamon, general secretary of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA; Dr Rodney Sadler, associate professor of Bible at the Union Theological Seminary; Dr Elizabeth Ferris, co-director, the Brookings Institution; the Rev. Eric Fistler, former US national coordinator of the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel; and the Rev. Baranite Kirata, secretary for Justice and Development of the Kiribati Protestant Church, South Pacific.
US Conference Young Adult Task Force members will bring a spirited and creative reflection of their ecumenical engagements over the course of the past twelve months.
A public ecumenical service will be co-hosted by the National City Christian Church and the Council of Churches of Greater Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, 3 December.
The meeting will be an opportunity for the US member churches of the WCC to get acquainted with the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation to be held in Jamaica in May 2011, which will culminate the WCC's Decade to Overcome Violence.
17. THE 16TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2009 SCHEDULE OF ANNUAL CONFERENCES:
The Right Reverend Sarah Frances Davis, Presiding Prelate
Mr. Claytie Davis, Jr., Episcopal Supervisor
HAITI
WMS Convention, February 4, 2009
Annual Conference, February 5-8, 2009
Saint-Paul A.M.E. Church, 1 Rue Saint-Paul et d'Ennery, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
The Reverend Joel Mehu, Presiding Elder, Host Pastor
The Reverend Jean Joel Maurice, Host Presiding Elder
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
WMS Convention, February 11, 2009
Annual Conference, February 12-15, 2009
Mission David A.M.E. Church, Las Terranas, Samana, Dominican Republic
The Reverend Jaime Coplin, Host Pastor and Host Presiding Elder
The Reverend Abraham Rodriguez, Co-Host Presiding Elder
GUYANA/SURINAME
WMS Convention, March 4, 2009
Annual Conference, March 5-8, 2009
St. Peter's A.M.E. Church, 209 New Garden Street, Georgetown, Republic of Guyana
The Reverend Newton G.A. Dixon, Host Pastor
The Reverend Andrew Morris-Grant, Host Presiding Elder
WINDWARD ISLANDS
WMS Convention – March 11, 2009
Annual Conference – March 12-15, 2009
Metropolitan A.M.E. Church, Newtown, Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, West Indies
The Reverend Godfrey Mitchell, Host Pastor
The Reverend Wayne Anthony, Host Presiding Elder
The Reverend Anthony Parris, Co-Host Presiding Elder
VIRGIN ISLANDS
WMS Convention – March 25, 2009
Annual Conference – March 26-29, 2009
St. Luke A.M.E. Church, Kingshill, St. Croix, Virgin Islands
The Reverend Louis A. C. Davis, Host Pastor and Presiding Elder
EUROPE
WMS Convention – April 22, 2009
Annual Conference – April 23-26, 2009
Richard Allen A.M.E. Church and Mokone A.M.E. Church (Host Churches)
Kensal Rise Methodist Church, London NW10 3NT (Venue)
The Reverend Rudolph U. Aaron, Host Pastor and Presiding Elder
JAMAICA
WMS Convention – May 13, 2009
Annual Conference – May 14-17, 2009
Selby’s Temple A.M.E. Church, Old Harbour, St. Catherine, Jamaica
The Reverend Lenford Newell, Host Pastor
The Reverend Lebert Dawkins, Host Presiding Elder
The Reverend Barrington S. Lawrence, Co-Host Presiding Elder
The Reverend Leonora Thompson-Prince, Co-Host Presiding Elder
18. THE 18TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT SCHEDULE OF ANNUAL CONFERENCES:
The Right Reverend E. Earl McCloud, Jr., Presiding Prelate
Dr. Patricia McCloud, Episcopal Supervisor
LESOTHO ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2009
Venue: Mt. Horeb AME Church
North District
Date: October 08 – 11, 2009
Address:
P.O. Box 13
Maputsoe 350
Lesotho
Host Pastor: The Rev. M. P. Mokhosi
Phone: (+ 266) 58424131
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. M. P. Mokhosi
NORTHEAST LESOTHO ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Venue:
Allen Temple AME Church
Nightingale District
Date: October 01 – 04, 2009
Address:
P. O. Box 48
Mokhotlong 500
Lesotho
Host Pastor: The Rev. M. M. Thabane
Phone: (+266) 58132888
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. E. T. Ntokoane
BOTSWANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Venue:
Bethel AME Church
Lobatse District
Date: August 27 – 30, 2009
Address:
P. O. Box 402675
Gaborone
Botswana
Host Pastor: The Rev. Tiroyaone Mobea
Phone: (+267) 72444485
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Judge Tlhage
Contact: (+267) 71725019
SWAZILAND ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Venue:
Collins Chapel AME Church
Hhohho District
Date: September 17 – 19, 2009
Address:
P. O. Box 76
Mbabane
Swaziland
Host Pastor: The Rev. Italy Nyatsi
Phone: (00268) 6264773
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. A. Mkhonta
Phone: (00268) 6264773
MOZAMBIQUE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Venue: Church-(TBA)
Beira District
Date: September 10 – 13, 2009
Address:
(TBA)
Beira, Mozambique
Host Pastor: (TBA)
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Jose Busane
Phone: (00258) 825580310
MIDYEAR CONVOCATION
Venue:
F. C. James Centre
Lesotho Annual Conference
Central District
Date: March 12 – 14, 2009
Address/ Contact: (TBA)
Box 223
Maseru 100
Lesotho
18th District H/Q Office Maseru
Phone: (001) 22320869
Fax: (001) 22320548
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Sharing with regret news of the passing of the Reverend Lewis E. Branch, retired Presiding Elder in the 5th Episcopal District. The Reverend Lewis E. Branch was called home, surrounded by family at the home. Rev. Branch provided longtime service as the Marshall for the Bishops of the AME Church.
He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Loe Ressie Montgomery-Branch, former President of the California Conference Lay Organization; and his daughter, Mrs. Sandra Threadgill, current President of the California Conference Lay Organization.
The funeral has been held.
Condolences may be addressed to:
Mrs. Loe Ressie Montgomery Branch
3152 Dublin Court
South San Francisco, CA 94124
Mrs. Sandra Threadgill
2809 Simas Avenue
Pinole, CA 94564
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Regretfully we announce the passing of Mrs. Mary Frances Harvey, 91, a lifelong member of the AME church and the mother of twelve children.
She was an active member of Mt. Zion AME Church where she served in many capacities, including steward, church secretary, and President of the Women's Missionary Society. Having served faithfully in the WMS on the local, conference and district levels; she was honored as a Life Member of the Connectional Women's Missionary Society.
She is the mother of The Reverend Dr. Louis-Charles Harvey, Presiding Elder of the Potomac District of the Washington Conference, Mrs. Nell Harvey Booker
(Presiding Elder Emeritus Benjamin R. Booker) Immediate Past Corresponding Secretary of the WMS, Mrs. Gladys H. Brock (Reverend Reginald Brock, pastor of St.
Matthew AME Church, Nashville, TN), Glenda F. Harvey, Detroit, MI, Dr. Wilma R. Harvey, Washington, DC, Dr. Marietta H. Collins, Atlanta, GA, Idella Davis, Angela Wynn, and Carolyn Somerville all of Memphis, Tennessee.
The visitation will be Friday, December 5, 2008 from 4-7 p.m.
Mt. Zion AME Church
42 South Parkway West
Memphis, TN 38109
Funeral Services are scheduled for Saturday, December 6, 2008 at high noon
Mt. Zion AME Church
42 South Parkway
Memphis, TN 38109
Condolences may be sent to:
The Reverend Dr. Louis-Charles Harvey
1352 Tuckerman NW
Washington, DC
202-270-8732
PresidingelderH@aol.com
Mrs. Nell H. Booker
7252 Kingsland Drive
Memphis, TN 38125
901-737-0562
nbooker96@aol.com
Mrs. Gladys Brock
851 Travis Spring Drive
Madison TN 37115
615-851-4768
Gbrock1661@aol.com
Professional Services entrusted to:
NJ Ford Funeral Home
12 South Parkway West
Memphis, TN
901-948-7755
21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with great sadness, yet thanksgiving to God that we inform you that the Reverend Robert Rawls, founder of Bethel AME Church in Flint, Michigan made his earthly transition from labor to reward on Saturday, November 29, 2008.
The funeral has been held.
22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Namibia Annual Conference in the 15th Episcopal District under the leadership of Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah sadly announces the tragic passing of Brother Rodney Schmidt in an automobile accident near Goageb last night (1 December 2008).
Brother Rodney Schmidt is the son of Presiding Elder Daniel Schmidt and Mother Magrietha Schmidt from the Luderitz District and pastoral couple of Soli Deo Gloria AME Church, Kutenhoas. The funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course but Presiding Elder Schmidt is reachable on +264 81 253 3616. May the soul of Brother Rodney Schmidt rest in eternal peace.
Please pray for the Schmidt family.
23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Announcing with regret the passing of Mr. Seward Brown, Jr., the brother of the Reverend Ronnie Brown, pastor of Good Hope AME Church, Cope, South Carolina; Orangeburg District-Central Conference, 7th Episcopal District, Bishop Preston Warren Williams II, Presiding Prelate.
Funeral services for Mr. Seward Brown, Jr:
Saturday, October 29, 2008
10:00 AM
Jones Memorial AME Zion Church
Barnhamville Road
Columbia, SC
Interment: Millpond Cemetery in Hemingway, SC.
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Ronnie Brown
Post Office Box 730
Hemingway, SC 29554
843-558-3010
843-319-6629
rjbrownsc@aol.com
24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Regretfully we announce the passing of Mrs. Mary Frances Harvey, 91, a lifelong member of the AME church and the mother of twelve children.
She was an active member of Mt. Zion AME Church where she served in many capacities, including steward, church secretary, and President of the Women's Missionary Society. Having served faithfully in the WMS on the local, conference and district levels; she was honored as a Life Member of the Connectional Women's Missionary Society.
She is the mother of the Reverend Dr. Louis-Charles Harvey, Presiding Elder of the Potomac District of the Washington Conference, Mrs. Nell Harvey Booker (Presiding Elder Emeritus Benjamin R. Booker) Immediate Past Corresponding Secretary of the WMS, Mrs. Gladys H. Brock (Reverend Reginald Brock, pastor of St. Matthew AME Church, Nashville, TN), Glenda F. Harvey, Detroit, MI, Dr. Wilma R. Harvey, Washington, DC, Dr. Marietta H. Collins, Atlanta, GA, Idella Davis, Angela Wynn, and Carolyn Somerville all of Memphis, TN.
The visitation will be Friday, December 5, 2008 from 4-7 p.m.
Mt. Zion AME Church
42 South Parkway West
Memphis, TN 38109
Funeral Services are scheduled for Saturday, December 6, 2008 at high noon
Mt. Zion AME Church
42 South Parkway
Memphis, TN 38109
Condolences may be sent to:
The Reverend Dr. Louis-Charles Harvey
1352 Tuckerman NW
Washington, DC
202-270-8732
PresidingelderH@aol.com
Mrs. Nell H. Booker
7252 Kingsland Drive
Memphis, TN 38125
901-737-0562
nbooker96@aol.com
Mrs. Gladys Brock
851 Travis Spring Drive
Madison TN 37115
615-851-4768
Gbrock1661@aol.com
Professional Services entrusted to:
NJ Ford Funeral Home
12 South Parkway West
Memphis, TN
901-948-7755
25. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to share the news of the passing of Mrs. Cenobia Brantly, the mother of Mrs. Pamela Osborne, Esq.; and the mother-in-law of Presiding Elder Norman V. Osborne, Soaring South District-Michigan Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church-Fourth Episcopal District, Bishop John R. Bryant Presiding Prelate. Mrs. Cenobia Brantly passed on Thursday, November 27, 2008.
The funeral has been held.
Cards may be sent to:
Mrs. Pamela Osborne, Esq.
19515 Canterbury
Detroit, MI 48221
26. 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
27. 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
