2/01/2008

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (2/1/08)

Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor



1. EDITORIAL – THE “SINS” OF A PRESIDING ELDER:

Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III

1. The presiding elder who is long-winded, holds long Quarterly Conferences, give long-winded speeches at his or her District Conference, and the same at the Sunday School Convention; talking about things of which very few folks are interested, especially when they are ready to go home.

2. The presiding elder who tries to “pastor” churches in his or her district, especially the churches where he or she served as a previous pastor.

3. The presiding elder who interferes in the affairs of local churches on his or her district and who interferes with the local church pastor’s relationship with the pastor’s ministerial staff.

4. The presiding elder who uses the phrase, “With the power invested in me…” especially when confirming stewards and who fails to have the members of the Quarterly Conference to vote to confirm the stewards.

5. The presiding elder who doesn’t treat all pastors and churches equally and favors certain pastors and churches over others.

6. The presiding elder who does not have the courage to recommend in writing to the bishop that an ineffective pastor needs to be reassigned to another charge; or who fails to inform the bishop that the “marriage” of a local church and a pastor just doesn’t fit and impedes ministry.

7. The presiding elder who does not have the courage to stand up for a pastor in a situation where the presiding elder thinks that a pastor should not be moved; but who the bishop thinks should be moved.

8. The presiding elder who is just the collector of funds, and who fails to mentor and teach the clergy and laity on the district.

9. The part-time presiding elder who fails to do a fulltime presiding elder ministry, fails to hold Quarterly Conference in every church and circuit “every three months, four times a year” and fails to visit all of the charges on his or her presiding elder district.

10. The presiding elder who fails to determine the efficiency of each pastor, the effectiveness of the ministry of each church, and who fails to give proper direction to all the affairs of the all of the churches in his or her presiding elder district.

11. The presiding elder who thinks that he or she is a bishop and mimics the behavior and demeanor of the bishop when he or she conducts Quarterly Conferences; and when he or she presides at his or her District Conference and Sunday School Convention.

12. The presiding elder who maintains inappropriate relationships with lay members on his or her presiding elder district, especially those who “milk” information about pastors and the local church.

13. The presiding elder who serves part-time, does not maintain office hours and/or fails to provide professional and ecclesiastical advice to the pastors in his or her district.

14. The presiding elder whose business cards have a P.O. Box, rather than a home or office address.

15. The presiding elder who has not taken the time to learn how to use a computer and who refuses or is unable to submit electronic reports to his or her bishop and to the General Secretary.

16. The presiding elder who has not taken the time to be proficient about the contents in The Discipline.

17. The presiding elder who fails to fellowship with the ministers on his or her district and who fails to have social functions, which allows the presiding elder and ministers to get to know one another more intimately and form deeper relationships that precipitates increased morale.

18. The presiding elder who is a “taker” and not a “giver”; who receives gifts, but doesn’t give gifts. Retired Presiding Elder I. W. Knight, in the Virginia Annual Conference was an example of a “giving” presiding elder. I am sure there are other presiding elders, across our Zion, who are “givers.” Presiding Elder Knight sponsored a Christmas Party for all of the clergy families in his district and at the conclusion of the full-course dinner and Christmas program, gave each person a Christmas Gift.

2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:

To the Editor:
Re: Article, AME-affiliated Colleges Need to Band Together in Cluster Endowment Trusts

Twenty-First century thinking for, unfortunately, some Twentieth-Century mentalities. This paradigmatic thinking would unleash a wealth of promise that would stagger the imagination.

Rev. Eddie Harris, Jr.

3. THE PBS DOCUMENTARY "A PRINCE AMONG SLAVES" WILL AIR NEXT MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4:

The Prince Among Slaves is the inspiring true story of an African prince who survived 40 years of enslavement in America before finally regaining his freedom, airs Monday, February 4, 2008, 10:00-11:00 p.m. ET (check local listings) on PBS. The documentary, part of PBS' tribute to Black History Month, is a presentation of the National Black Programming Consortium.

For more information:
http://www.pbs.org/previews/princeamongslaves/


4. THE BOTTOM-LINE FOR THE ISSUE OF TELEVISION BROADCAST STATIONS TO STOP BROADCASTING IN ANALOG FORMAT AND BROADCAST ONLY IN DIGITAL FORMAT:

Viewers most affected by the DTV transition will be those who receive only free over-the-air television through either a rooftop broadcast antenna or “rabbit ears” attached to their sets (and not through a paid provider such as a cable or satellite TV company). In order to continue watching over-the-air television after February 17, 2009, viewers will need either a television with a digital tuner (a DTV) or a digital-to-analog converter box connected to an analog TV.

Editor’s Comment: More information forthcoming.

5. TALLAHASSIE COMMUNITY COLLEGE HONORS TWO AME PASTORS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY CALENDAR:

Two AME Itinerant Elders were, among 34 honored in Tallahassee Community College’s eighth annual African-American History Calendar. The calendar, unveiled Monday evening (1/28/08) during a reception in the Student Union Ballroom on campus, selected the Rev. Dr. John F. Green, pastor of Bethel AME Church and the Rev. John F. White, II, pastor of New Mt. Zion AME Church. Both Churches are located in Tallahassee.

6. SPECIAL WEATHER REPORT - AME HURRICANE “REED” EMERGES ON THE COAST OF MIAMI:

The forecast has just changed in South Florida; there is a hurricane brewing on the south side of Miami. There is no need to board up your homes or skip town. There is no need to call FEMA or even the Red Cross. This storm is coming to make saints out of lost souls. Don’t call for help or run for shelter; this is the Lord’s doing and it’s marvelous in our eyes. The Rev. Dr. Anthony Reed, Sr., the electrifying pastor of Martin Memorial A.M.E. Church, was awarded by Florida Senator Fredericka Wilson and gospel legend Dr. Bobby Jones, with the “Emergent Pastor 2007”award.

It was a night to remember in the big City of Miami, Florida, where everything was jumping including the Holy Ghost. A young A.M.E pastor, who is all the way outside the box and burning with fire, was highlighted and awarded top honors from State and local officials while being blessed by the one and only icon of gospel music, Dr. Bobby Jones. As a kick off benefit to bring forth the vision of Dr. Jones’ new multimillion dollar Gospel Music Museum Complex, the renowned artist highlighted four community leaders in Miami who are shifting the city by the power of God. Senator Fredericka Wilson and Commissioner Michele Spence-Jones of the City of Miami were among the dignitaries who gathered at the Mahogany Grill in Northwest Miami to honor four community leaders within the City who deserved great honors for their contribution to community change and empowerment. The “Emergent Pastor” award went to a thirty year old spiritual giant whose gentle steps of grace and vision has led to the explosive growth of a mighty ministry in the Miami, Florida area.

The Rev. Dr. Anthony Reed, who serves as the pastor, of what many call, “The #1 Hangout on Sundays” or Martin Memorial AME Church, has led his congregation to experience incomparable growth.

Although, this young “Hip Hop” preacher has served the church for a short time, the church has received over 450 new souls in just a year and nine months. The church has experienced such growth that it has moved to three worship experiences each Sunday and is now one of the fastest growing AME Churches in the State of Florida.

A family man and accomplished musician, Rev. Reed has led in the transformation of the Richmond Heights area of Miami. He is a 2002 Master of Divinity graduate of Turner Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia and a 2007 Doctor of Ministry graduate of United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.

He’s married to Lady Karen Reed and is the father of Anthony Reed II. When asked about the supernatural growth occurring at the church, his response: “The Bible is unfolding everyday. When the glory of God is present, people will come from miles and miles to be made whole. Signs and wonders are being performed in and around the church by God and the Lord is adding to the church daily, those that should be saved. The Lord’s name be praised. Hallelujah!”

7. ST. ANDREW MAKES CONTRIBUTION TO HEIFER INTERNATIONAL:

St. Andrew A.M.E. Church in Little Rock, Arkansas where the Rev. R.W. Alexander, Sr., is the Pastor, made a contribution to Heifer International on January 25, 2008.The contribution totaled $744.00 and will be used to purchase animals and training to help families in Africa become self sustaining. The funds were raised through the St. Andrew Church School. Superintendent of Church School, Charles Stewart, presented the check to Jo Luck President and CEO of Heifer International. Stewart Said, “Our small church realizes that we can have an impact on changing the world and doing the work of Christ and showing his love through our sharing. Each Sunday morning, members of the Church School bring quarters to be placed in the Heifer Peace Pipe. The Peace Pipe is a clear plastic tube, approximately 36 inches high, on a wooden base, into which the quarters fit perfectly. Once filled each tube contains $120.00 which is the amount to buy a goat, sheep, or two trios of rabbits. During the year the Church School members, along with the Martin Luther King Heritage Center filled over six (6) Peace Pipes to get our total.

Heifer International is a sustainable development program that uses livestock and other animals and training to help families become self sustaining. Heifer has programs in over 50 countries around the world and in 39 states in the United States.

Charles Stewart is immediate past Chairman of the Board of Directors of Heifer International and a life long member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Stewart recently led a study tour to Tanzania, East Africa, to see first hand the impact of gifts to Heifer on the poor. Stewart also thanked and recognized Rev. R. W. Alexander, Sr. for his leadership and support of the fundraising efforts of the St. Andrew Church School for Heifer.

Article submitted by:

Mr. Charles Stewart, Church School Superintendent
Reverend R.W. Alexander, Sr., Pastor
Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle, Presiding Bishop
Mrs. Ann Gilkey, Arkansas Conference Public Relations Director

8. UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA PROFESSOR ASSERTS HIV/AIDS EPIDEMIC HAS REACHED A “STATE OF EMERGENCY” AMONG AFRICAN AMERICANS:

African Americans comprise 13 percent of the U.S. population and now account for nearly half of newly diagnosed cases of HIV/AIDS.

"The HIV/AIDS epidemic in the African American community has reached a state of emergency and there are signs that it is only intensifying," said Cato T. Laurencin, M.D., Ph.D., University Professor and Lillian T. Pratt Distinguished Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Virginia.

Dr. Laurencin is Chair of the Board of Directors of the W. Montague Cobb/National Medical Association Health Institute, an organization dedicated to addressing disparities in health among African Americans. Dr. Laurencin was lead author of a report published in the January 2008 issue of the Journal of the National Medical Association. The study reviewed the current state of HIV/AIDS in African Americans and issued a call for action among clinicians, researchers and the African-American community at large.

"African Americans remain disproportionately affected by high rates of HIV/AIDS," observed Dr. Laurencin. "The intention of our report was to heighten awareness among healthcare providers and community leaders and to provide information that will help urgently combat this crisis. To be effective, prevention strategies must address the risk factors, community beliefs and healthcare access issues of African Americans."

According to the report, many factors contribute to the HIV/AIDS epidemic among African Americans. Key factors include high-risk sexual contact, substance abuse, socio-economic status, access to healthcare, and undiagnosed HIV.

Looking ahead, the report called for expanded HIV-prevention interventions and the implementation of new, improved and culturally-appropriate HIV/AIDS strategies. It also noted initiatives now underway at the Centers for Disease Control and urged the biomedical community to be a major driving force in the execution and success of new programs for the African American community.

Dr. Laurencin's study co-authors were Donna M. Christensen, M.D., of the Congressional Black Caucus and Erica D. Taylor, M.D., of the University of Virginia Health System. Entitled, "HIV/AIDS and the African-American Community: A State of Emergency," the full report can be viewed on the Journal of the National Medical Association (www.nmanet.org).

9. SCHEDULE FOR CONVO XI, GENERAL BOARD MEETING, AND GENERAL CONFERENCE COMMISSION:

CONVO XI:
10:00 a.m., Monday, April 14 thru 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 15, 2008

General Board Meeting:
7:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 15 thru 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 16, 2008

General Conference Commission:
3:00 – 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Accommodations:
Marriott Dallas/Addison Quorum by the Galleria
14901 Dallas Parkway
Dallas, TX 75254

Group rate: $135.00

To make reservations, call (800) 228-9290 or (972) 661-2800 and ask for the “AME Church room block.”

Deadline for making your reservation is March 14, 2008.

10. SHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:

The Paying for College Student Resource Guide is provided yearly as a courtesy of U.S. Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (Congressional District 34-CA). The 2008 edition of the Resource Guide contains info on national scholarships, internships, fellowships, books and web sites.

To download the Resource Guide, go to:
http://www.house.gov/roybal-allard/2008_Resource_Guide.pdf

Please share this info with any high school or college students with whom you may be in contact so that they can take advantage of these many opportunities.

*Minority and African American Scholarships*

For the young ones you know and love.

This site has 5 pages of Minority and African American Scholarships & Internship Opportunities.

http://www.littleafrica.com/resources/scholarships.htm

*Submitted by the Rev. Melvin E. Wilson, Pastor/Teacher, St. Luke AME Church, 1872 Amsterdam Avenue at 153rd St., NY 10031

11. DAILY INSPIRATION FROM ZONDERVAN:

No matter how much we've learned about the Bible, there is always more—much more—to discover. Even scholars have only scratched the surface of what there is to learn about God through his Word. So, with the help of God's Spirit, our reading and studying of God's Word always holds the promise of greater discovery and learning for all of us. Visit:

http://zondervaninspire.blogspot.com/

Zondervan, 5300 Patterson Avenue SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49530, USA

14. AN AREA CHURCH CONTINUES THE LEGACY OF THE REV. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.:

By Antoinette S. Johnson

On Monday, January 21, 2008, the Third Annual Ecumenical Program at Mount Zion A.M.E. Church in New Brunswick took place to celebrate the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His message was proclaimed throughout the church with love and respect because he had an enormous amount of love and respect for people.

The worship leader for the evening, the Rev. Vicente Martinez of the Suydam Street Reformed Church located in New Brunswick, NJ, selected an appropriate opening hymn entitled, “Hold to God’s Unchanging Hands,” which embodied the message of Rev. Dr. King. An opening prayer was led by Rev. Vivian Tinsley, associate minister of Mount Zion as well as Mr. Mario Vargas, member of the Suydam Street Reformed Church who delivered a special prayer for the city of New Brunswick. Lic. Leslie Jackson, member of Mount Zion, read the scripture Psalm 40.

The keynote address was delivered by Mount Zion’s own exuberant pastor, Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Hooper. His message was based upon the scripture Genesis 37:3-4 and was entitled, “Keep on Dreaming.” It was a very timely message allowing the congregation to understand that dreams should continue to occur in life, and people should never give up on their dreams. “When you dream, you set yourself up for things to come,” stated Rev. Dr. Hooper. In the scripture, Joseph was highly favored by his father and envied by his brothers which caused Joseph’s brothers to have Joseph sold into slavery. One thing that Rev. Dr. King and Joseph had in common was dreams. Rev. Dr. King kept on dreaming through much supplication and perseverance. We also have to keep on dreaming. “If our dreams stop, then our hope stops. If our hope stops, then we will give up,” said Rev. Dr. Hooper. Amidst threats against Rev. Dr. King’s life and the life of his family, he still marched. In spite of everything that happened to Rev. Dr. King, he still loved his enemies and kept the dream alive. “We have to keep dreaming until we see a better world, community, or until our families get better. Don’t let a nightmare stop you; it’s just a stumbling block. Make sure you keep on dreaming,” stated Rev. Dr. Hooper.

At the end of the service, Rev. Martinez called all members to form prayer circles. He wanted attendees to share with one another what their dreams were. Truthfully, no program would be complete without the faithful members of the usher board, the finance team, the music staff, and the choir. Loretta Purnell, president of the Senior Usher Board and Maury Johnson, member of the Senior Usher Board were the doorkeepers at this event, Sister Alisa Williams provided the music for the mass choir to sing, and Linda Bright and Deloris Gatling Taylor were available to assist with the collection of the evening’s offerings.

The program was a great success as in the previous years and participants are anxiously looking forward to next year’s program!

15. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLL POSIITONS:

Cover letter to potential applicants

Dear Sir/Madame:

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is launching an exciting recruitment campaign to hire future air traffic controllers. We are seeking bright, professional, and highly motivated individuals to fill a number of air traffic controller jobs throughout the country. The air traffic controller occupation is one of the most rewarding and dynamic jobs in the Federal government. We are seeking your assistance to spread this information to your students.

The qualifications for these positions are:
• three years of progressively responsible work experience and/or
• a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent combination of work experience and college credits;
• certain kinds of aviation experience may be qualifying;
• applicants must be U. S. citizens; and
• the maximum entry age is 30.

The FAA will train the people hired for these positions. All selectees must spend up to 18 weeks at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and meet all other requirements before continuing their training at their air traffic facility.

The vacancy announcements contain all the information on how to apply and will be published on line at http://jobs.faa.gov. At this time, we are recruiting for positions Nationwide. The vacancy announcement may be found at http://jobs.faa.gov/asap_detail.asp?vac_id=102077 . All selected applicants will be administered the AT-SAT examination.

We encourage you to inform your students, community organizations, and acquaintances about these upcoming announcements and job opportunities.

Sincerely,

Miriam A. Vega
Federal Aviation Administration
EEO Specialist
Office of Civil Rights
Tel: 202-385-8440
Miriam.Vega@faa.gov

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is soliciting interest for entry-level air traffic control positions throughout the United States. The various locations can be found at http://jobs.faa.gov.

Salary range is based on duty location and will be determined at the time of placement. No permanent change of station or relocation expenses will be paid for initial appointment to these positions.

Prior experience or training in air traffic control is not required. You may qualify for these positions on the basis of work experience, college education, or a combination of work experience and college credits. To qualify based on work experience, you must have three years of progressively responsible experience that demonstrates the potential for learning and performing air traffic control work.

To qualify based on education, you must have a full four-year course of study leading to a bachelor’s degree. You may also qualify by combining your work experience and college credits. One year of undergraduate study (30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours) is equivalent to nine months of general work experience.

The maximum age for applying to these positions is 30. You must be hired prior to reaching your 31st birthday. These positions are covered by the air traffic controller special retirement program, and specialists are subject to mandatory separation at age 56.

U.S. citizenship is required. You will be interviewed. You must be proficient in English to speak over radios, intercoms, and similar communications equipment. You must also pass a medical examination that includes psychological screening prior to appointment, a security/background investigation, and a pre-employment drug test.

FAA will train you for these positions. As a new air traffic control specialist, you will spend the first several weeks of employment in an intense training program at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, OK. While attending Academy training, you will be on a temporary appointment. Upon successful completion of the training program and other employment requirements, you will continue to train at your assigned FAA facility on a permanent appointment.

To apply for these positions, please go to http://jobs.faa.gov and click on FAA Career Opportunities. Once there, choose 2152 in the Series drop-down box. That will take you to the open announcements. You will see “Click HERE to Apply Now” on the job announcement for your desired location. Be sure to include your cell phone number and e-mail address. You can also find the open announcements on www.Careerbuilder.com .

18. GENERAL OFFICER FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

The Reverend George Welch Brown, Sr. (Ret.) entered into eternal rest on Friday, January 25, 2008 at his residence, 4435 Highway 162, Hollywood, SC. He was the husband of the Late Mrs. Dollie Doctor Brown and the father of ten children: Delores B. Richardson, Lila B. Nedd, Frances E. B. (Louis) Pinckney; the Reverend George Welch (Linda) Brown, Jr.; Marjorie L. Brown, Phoenicia B. (Dr. George F.) Flowers; Roxcena B. (M. Lee) Rozier, Kenneth J. (Shirley) Brown, the Reverend Nathaniel Brown and Michelle D. B. (Benjamin) Brinson.

His many years of exemplary service as Presiding Elder of the Beaufort District, South Carolina Conference (7th Episcopal District, AMEC) and involvement in the affairs of his community impacted the lives of many.

The Funeral has been held.

In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to:

Bethel AME Church Scholarship Fund
4595 Savannah Hwy
Ravenel, SC 29470
(843) 571-3301 - Phone

Expressions of Sympathy and Condolences may be sent to:

The Family of the Late Reverend George Welch Brown, Sr.
(Family Residence)
4435 Highway 162
Hollywood, SC 29449
(843) 556-8536 - Phone


Ms. Lila B. Nedd
2660 Lawrence Street
Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 554-8200 - Phone
(843) 554-4558 - Fax
Email: lilambnedd@yahoo.com

Reverend George W. (Linda) Brown, Jr.
806 Moss Creek Drive
Cayce, SC 29033
(803) 206-5914 - Phone
(803) 926-8166 - Fax
Email: ggwbrown321@aol.com

Mrs. Phoenicia B. (Dr. George F.) Flowers
2 Old English Drive
Charleston, SC 29407
(843) 402-4530 - Phone
(843) 402-0234 - Fax
Email: gwmame@bellsouth.net

The Family of the Late Reverend George Welch Brown, Sr.
c/o Saint Peter's AME Church
4650 Sanders Avenue
North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 744-5150 - Phone
Email: morrisym@musc.edu

The Family of the Late Reverend George Welch Brown, Sr.
c/o Hilton's Mortuary, Inc.
1852 East Montague Avenue
North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 554-2117 - Phone
(843) 554-2119 - Fax

19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Regretfully, we announce the passing of Sister Joyce Marie Hall on January 21, 2008. Sister Hall is the daughter of the Rev. Grace Hall-Johnson, retired pastor, 10th Episcopal District, Texas Conference.

The funeral has been held.

Condolences May Be Sent To:
Rev. Grace Hall-Johnson
4634 Brinkley Street
Houston, Texas 77051
Ph: (713) 733-4315

20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Rev Sarah V. Walker, who passed away on Friday, January 25, 2008. Rev. Walker was the associate minister at Trinity AME Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Rev. Joseph Robinson is the pastor.

The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

The funeral has been held.

Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:

Mr. James L. Brown
300 Ernest Way
Philadelphia, PA 19111
Phone: 215-745-3191

21. HOMEGOING ANNOUNCEMENT FOR SPENCE THOMPSON:

Intercessors:

The place, date and time of Spence Thompson's Homegoing Celebration was follows:

Grant AME Church
Friday, February 1, 2008
10:00 a.m.

Grant AME Church
10435 S. Central Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90002
(323) 564-1151 Office
(323) 564-5027 Fax

Pastor Leslie R. White

Spence Thompson is the husband of Lessie Thompson, President of the Southern California Conference Women’s Missionary Society.

Contact person: Anita Moore afksrvs2@aol.com

Condolences can be sent to:

Mrs. Lessie Thompson
13909 Wilkie Avenue
Gardena, CA 90249

22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:

The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action

Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
E-mail: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936
Fax: (615) 833-3781
Cell: (615) 403-7751

23. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:

The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; 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.