8/22/2008

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (8/29/08)

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


THOUGHTS FOR THE WEEK:

- "In a world where celebrity equals talent and where make-believe is called reality, it is most important to have real love, truth, and stability in your life.” - - - Bernie Brillstein Film and TV producer

"To know nothing is bad........To learn nothing is worse." ~African Proverb

Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.” - John Wooden

"Education can't make us all leaders --- but it can teach us which leader to follow." Anonymous


1. EDITORIAL – TWO BOOKS - A MUST READ FOR PASTORS:

Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder

I normally leave the book reviews to Dr. Dennis Dickerson and The A.M.E. Church Review, but I had the privilege of leading the clergy workshop for the Kentucky Annual Conference, entitled, Pastoral Ministry in the Public Square and used the resources of two books. One of the books was published about 10 years ago. I couldn’t find the book, but I know that it’s on my library shelf in a safe place. The name of that book is, The Management Methods of Jesus, written by Bob Briner.

The second book is a more recent publication and what a book! Every pastor and especially every AME pastor should read it. You have got to get it. It’s the book written by Dr. Flake, Floyd, et.al. It was published in 2007 by Judson Press, entitled, African American Church Management Handbook. It’s a handbook for pastors; and the laity would benefit from reading it too. It’s a book of the leadership roles in the local church and more importantly it helps pastors to define their roles and responsibilities.

As with sharing a good movie, “I am not going to give the plot away,” just take it from me, it’s worth the money to purchase the book. Dr. Flake’s book gives a refreshing definition of ministry and how pastors should view ministry.

I can’t resist two gems. He says, that worship has to be meaningful, moving, challenging, and life changing; but the “integrity of worship is the sermon. Dr. Flake goes on to say, “Worship in disarray, discourages attendance.” He says about ministry, “You are going to be criticized whether you succeed or fail, so you might as well be criticized for being successful.”

I don’t know if you will be able to easily find the first book, The management Methods of Jesus, so I will give the plot sway by sharing a couple of bullets in a few of the chapters.

- Practice Private Communications.
Jesus spoke to large audiences, i.e., multitudes, dinner parties, synagogues, but the most important and meaningful teaching was reserved for his most intimate confidants, Peter, James, and John. When he wanted to be absolutely sure his point was made, he went one-on-one.

- Don't Sugar-Coat.
Jesus told his disciples over and over about the terribly difficult days ahead. Unrealistic expectations can damage morale. Don't promise what you cannot deliver.

- Get Away from it All.
Jesus took time off; time for prayer, time for reflection, and took time to sleep.

- Share the Glory.
Praise those who work for you. Do it publicly. Do it often.

- Say "Thanks."
Jesus always gave thanks. Say thanks often.

- Be Responsive.
- Nowhere in any of the gospel accounts do we find Jesus telling someone to wait. Jesus took care of business on the spot. Return phone calls and answer emails and correspondences promptly. Get people the answers they need as soon as possible.

- Beware of Those who Feed Your Ego.
Resist the temptation to surround yourself with "yes persons." The higher you go, the greater your need for solid, truthful, critical advice and information. A rule of thumb: If you are only getting good news, you are not getting the whole picture.

- Be a Servant.
We are not here to be served, but to serve.

- Be a Risk-Taker.
Parable of the Talents (Matt 25:14-30); the lesson of this parable is that we are to multiply our assets by investing them wisely. Our job is not to preserve capital but to grow it; and that involves taking risks.

- Prune for Productivity.
Fruit trees must be pruned to enable them to grow more fruit. As managers, we must cut and prune. Every branch that bears fruit must be pruned to enable it to bear more fruit. Our love must be constantly pruned.

- Eat with the people.
In observing Jesus, we can see the significance of food and mealtimes in the building of his organization, i.e., The Last Supper, the post Resurrection appearances. Eat with your church officers, members and their families.

- Evaluate Constantly.
Jesus constantly evaluated his disciples. Ask questions; questions should be one of your most used management tools. Don't take communications for granted. Clarify. Clarify. Clarify.

- Know Your People.
Get to know your local church officers; get to know your members; and visit the membership often.

- The Ministry in Nine Words:
Read your Bible, say your prayers, love your people

2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:

- To the Editor:

RE: Mentors Are Essential to Successful Ministry:

As I read and reflected on the many ministers and chaplains and their wives who had a powerful impact on your life and ministry, I think of my own.

While I have been in the ministry a short 17 years, I remember pastors and laymen in my home church, Greater Bethel AME Church in Panama City, Florida. Persons like, the Rev. Dr. F.C. Griffin, Jr. who baptized me and my 11 siblings. He was the only pastor I knew for 18 years; a strong preacher, pastor, and teacher. I remember my Sunday School teachers, Iona Davis, Sharon Shivers, Alverna Smith who taught me all the way thru school, from the Catechism of Faith, to lessons on life in senior class, as well as on YPD events. I remember Stewards like, Elton Byrd who taught me how to pray, read scripture, and line hymns during prayer meeting. As a young licentiate being under the leadership of Bishops Vinton R. Anderson, Vernon B. Byrd, and John R. Bryant, my father in ministry; Presiding Elder Finney, Sr.; Presiding Elder George (Tookie) Reed; Presiding Elder Booker Guyton; Chaplain Carroll Chambliss; my first year instructor, Chaplain (Colonel) John DeVeaux; my dean of ministers, Dr. Kelvin Calloway and all of the pastors of the then, Kansas-Nebraska Conference.

It was experiences like these that caused me to follow God's will and minister in the church I love; serve in churches during seminary, rebuilding Christian education programs in Greater Allen AME and Trinity AME, energizing persons in the work of evangelism.

Presently, I pastor the Gospel Service at Eglin AFB. There are 17 lay ministers, 14 ordained under my leadership. I have poured every ounce of my soul in mentoring and teaching them the importance of servant leadership in ministry. While this is not an AME congregation, they are God's people, and they are sometimes peculiar people. Yes, they at times become rattlesnakes when asked to move in a new direction. I still love them.

Your story has inspired me to continue the work of God in my Air Force ministry and when I retire I will resume my pastoral ministry in the African Methodist Episcopal Church; the Church that I love.

You are a true mentor, inspiration, and an even better Editor.

*Chaplain Shawn Menchion, is a assigned at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida

- To the Editor:

RE: EDITORIAL – MINISTRY HAS TO BE MORE THAN RAISING MONEY

Truly the article from the Christian Recorder on money, the AME Church and tithing was the most awesome article I had read, in any newspaper, in a very, very long time. I was indeed blessed by it and agree 100%.

As a side note, I'd like to offer to you that even though we use, as a model, the10% rule, I believe we actually "short-change" God and the Church because there is no set amount that is used in the New Testament, and we often refer to Malachi in the Old Testament for direction.

I agree that committing to a "steady" percentage, and following through, and then increasing it as you are led, will, and can, take the tithe even higher than 10%; that’s how I did it. I decided to do 10% and am now at 13% and pray that God will allow me to go and grow to a larger percentage. .

We serve a big God and I personally want to do “big things” for the Kingdom of God. There is no Scripture in the New Testament that tells us how much to tithe, so we refer to Malachi. I teach in our "New Members" class to let them know the truth, and to show them there is no limit on God and there is no limit on tithing; that in fact, they can tithe 25% if they want.

The ministry that the Lord has directed me to is Prison Ministry and that is what I do. I spend my time and focus on Kingdom Building and not on the money.

Certainly, we need the money to keep the lights on, etc. but our real focus should be on Kingdom Building.

The Rev. Yvonne Majett Cooper (Rev. "C")
Allen Chapel AME
Washington, DC

3. PRAYER REQUESTS:

Received from the Clergy Family Information Center, Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair, Commission on Social Action and the AMEC Clergy Family Information Center

- (1) Bishop and Mrs. Byrd's son Christopher is in the Intensive Care Unit at the Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte, NC. He is extremely ill. Bishop Byrd asked Rev. Morris Reddon Jr. (Pastor of Greater Bethel AMEC in Charlotte, NC) to contact the Bishop's Council and others to pray for their son.

Contact information for Bishop and Mrs. Vernon Randolph Byrd:
5929 Legacy Circle
Charlotte, NC 28277

Home Phone: (704) 321-2475
Fax: (704) 321-2463

- (2) Kindly lift to the throne of God our nation Zambia. Our republican President Dr Levy Patrick Mwanawasa SC passed on yesterday in a military hospital in Paris. A seven days national mourning has been declared. Zambia is the home country the Right Rev Paul J. M. Kawimbe, the current President of the Bishop's council of the AME Church.
The Rev Royd Mwandu, Senior Pastor, St Thomas AME Church C/o Konkola Copper Mines Plc Private Bag KCM (C) 2000 Chingola, ZAMBIA Tel : 260-2350489;Fax: 260-2-356380 Mobile: 260-96-786632

- (3) Please pray for Brother Riley and Sister Mattie Moore, members of Mount Zion AME Church in Centerville, Tennessee. They were the God-Parents of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones (Eleventh District of Ohio) who passed on Wednesday, August 20, 2008. Please keep them and the family of Congresswoman Jones in prayer.

Respectfully Submitted by the Rev. Talvin B. Barner, Jr., pastor of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, 186 Columbia Avenue, Centerville, TN 37066

4. THE REV. CHARLOTTE BLAKE SYDNOR NAMED “PASTOR OF THE YEAR” BY THE TENNESSEE ANNUAL CONFERENCE LAY ORGANIZATION:

The Reverend Charlotte Ann Blake Sydnor, pastor of Shorter Chapel AME Church in Franklin, Tennessee was selected as the “Pastor of the Year” by the Tennessee Conference Lay Organization at the 18th Annual Tennessee Lay Organization Outstanding Lay Person (OLP) Banquet that was held on Friday, August 15, 2008. The banquet was held at the Marriott Hotel in Cool Springs area of Franklin. Rev. Sydnor has served as the pastor of Shorter Chapel AME Church for almost four years and in that time, the church sanctuary has been repainted and major upgrades have been completed. Additionally, the Shorter Chapel - Bazilia S. Harris Community Life Center was built from the ground up and furnished; and is used as a meeting and gathering venue for church and community events. Pastor Sydnor was recognized for establishing an advisory committee to help secure funds for various community outreach initiatives and programs and has been active in the local community and in the Tennessee Annual Conference. She serves on the Board of Examiners, is a graduate of Leadership Middle Tennessee and has been selected to participate in the 2008-2009 Leadership, Williamson County program.

Rev. Sydnor is a Candidate for the Doctor of Ministry degree at United Theological Seminary (Ohio).

In addition to Rev. Sydnor’s selection as “Pastor of the Year,” Shorter Chapel member, Miss Jessica Roberts, a senior at the University of Tennessee (Knoxville), was selected as the “Outstanding Young Adult Person of the Year.” Miss Roberts is a Math major and an honor student at the University of Tennessee. Upon graduation in May 2009, Miss Roberts plans to continue matriculating at UT to earn an MBA degree.

Shorter Chapel was also recognized as the church that sold the most banquet tickets over quota.

Mrs. Juanita Patton, another member of Shorter Chapel was the church’s adult 2008 banquet honoree. The winner of the “Outstanding Adult Layperson of the Year” was Mrs. Flora Richbourg, who is 103 years old.

The Joshua Awards recipients were Jabree Alexander, a member of St. Luke AME Church, Gallatin, Tennessee; Eric Estes Robinson, Lee Chapel AME Church, Nashville; and Kearston Winrow, Lee Chapel AME Church.

The Right Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie, the presiding prelate of the 13th Episcopal District extended greetings and gave remarks at the banquet. She was accompanied by Episcopal Supervisor Stan McKenzie.

Presiding Elder Robert Keesee, North Nashville District and Presiding Elder Troy Merritt, South Nashville District are the presiding elders for the Tennessee Annual Conference.
Brother Randall Madison is the President of the Tennessee Conference Lay Organization; Brother James Darden is the 1st Vice-President and Brother Anthony D. Shanklin is the Director of Lay Activities.

Brother Lelan Statom, Meteorologist for local Television News, Channel 5 was the master of ceremonies.

The event was a fun-filled evening.

5. NEW FACILITY TO ADDRESS MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL STUDENT HEALTH:

Prominent Paul Quinn women participate in jail fundraiser to support new counseling center

DALLAS — Women for Paul Quinn members will become “partners in crime” to raise money for Paul Quinn College’s new mental health counseling center.

Family, friends and corporate partners will “bail out” community and church leaders, authors and other well-known women who will voluntarily surrender their freedom to raise $20,000. Volunteers will walk on the wrong side of the law from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Plano-based Millennium Jaguar dealership, 4422 W. Plano Parkway.

“The real crime would be not supporting the new Paul Quinn College counseling center, “Healing for the Journey,” said Paul Quinn President Michael Sorrell. Students placed a high priority on bringing mental health services to campus in a college survey conducted last spring.

“For Paul Quinn to produce well-rounded and strong servant leaders, we must ensure we address not only the students’ academic and spiritual needs but their mental health requirements as well,” he said.

Paul Quinn received a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Association, in conjunction with the Morehouse School of Medicine, to fund the center. The school is looking to raise funds to cover operating costs, which are expected to run roughly $20,000 annually.

Some of the women participating include: the Rev. Dr. Jessica Kendall Ingram of Dallas, 10th Episcopal District Supervisor; Dr. Jacqueline Cobbin of Houston, a past Miss Bishop College; Dr. Monica A. Coleman of San Francisco, the author of Mental Health Advocate and an African Methodist Episcopal Church Itinerate Elder; Tawnicia Ferguson Rowan of Miami, author and editor of several books and daughter of the late Honorable Wilkie Ferguson and Julia Simon of Dallas, an attorney for Mary Kay Cosmetics.

“I want every student to feel they have a safe space on campus where they can go and not be judged and experience beauty, serenity and guidance,” said event organizer and Paul Quinn Trustee Christal Jackson, who also needs to rustle up some bail money Saturday.

The center’s doors open August 25 to coincide with the start of the school year, with an official opening ceremony taking place Sept. 18.

“Women for Paul Quinn” is composed of past graduates and college supporters. The non-profit group regularly adopts special interest projects, although the group plans to make this fundraiser an annual event.

For more information, call Paul Quinn College at 214.302.3515 or visit www.pqc.edu. Donations will be accepted during the event and online.

About Paul Quinn College
Paul Quinn College is a four-year private, liberal arts institution. Founded in Austin, Texas in 1872, by a small group of African Methodist Episcopal Church ministers; the College became the oldest historically black college west of the Mississippi River. Paul Quinn is fully accredited by The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and is one of the thirty-nine member institutions of The United Negro College Fund (UNCF). It was recently selected as the Tom Joyner Foundation School of the Month for April 2007.

Our mission statement
The mission of the College is to provide a quality, faith based education that addresses the academic, social, and Christian development of students and prepares them to be servant leaders and agents of change in their communities.

6. JACKSON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY REGISTRATION BEGAN ON AUGUST 18TH AND WILL CONTINUE UNTIL AUGUST 22ND:

Classes will begin on Monday, August 25, 2008.

The Registrars’ office has been opened every evening for fall enrollment from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Students requiring special accommodations may call the Registrar, the Rev. Frost at (501) 416-3373 or the Dean, the Rev. Dr. Clarence V. Boyd at (501) 372-3180.

Churches are encouraged to enroll their pastors in, at least, one of the refresher courses. Classes are opened to the laity also.

All Jackson Theological Seminary Classes will be held at Shorter College Campus-North Little Rock, Arkansas.

Courses offered for the Fall Semester are: Interpretation of the New Testament I; Church Administration I; Introduction to Theology; History of Christian Thought I; and Introduction to Christian Worship

The following is a list of the instructors and the classes they will teach. The First class listed of each instructor starts at 6:00 p.m. and the second class starts at 7:45 p.m.:

The Rev. Dr. Clarence Guy:
Interpretation of the New Testament I & Church Administration I

The Rev. Dr. James R. Hooper:
Introduction to Theology and History of Christian Thought I

The Rev. Dr. Mary Williams:
Christian Worship and Introduction to Christian Education

The Right Rev. Samuel Green is the presiding prelate of the 12th Episcopal District and the Rev. Charles B. Frost, Sr. is the Registrar of Jackson Theological Seminary.

Jackson Theological Seminary is located at 604 Locust Street, North Little Rock.

7. NEWS FROM THE 9TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:

*By Brother Kelvin J. Anthony

The book, "Calling & Character: Virtues of the Ordained Life," written by Bishop William H. Willimon, Presiding Prelate of the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church describes the call of a minister and the character of a minister. He describes that the call and character of a minister is that of a servant.

On July 28 – 31, 2008, in Mobile, Alabama, God sent a servant to the state of Alabama to serve the many congregations of the 9th Episcopal District. On July 28th, 2008, the Christian Education Congress opened with a Consecration Service at Bethel AME Church, Mobile, Alabama. Bishop James L. Davis, our new Bishop, preached a superb homiletical message entitled, "I Am Tired of Being Pitiful" from John 5:1-9.

After the sermon, Bishop Frank C. Cummings led us into the Holy Eucharist. After the benediction, we went back to our hotels and homes to awaken to a Holy Ghost week of the Christian Education Congress.

The Christian Education Congress officially started on Tuesday, July 29th 2008 at the Renaissance Riverview Marriott Hotel, Mobile, Alabama. The Congress began with devotion led by the Dean of Studies, the Rev. Dr. Homer McCall; he asked Dr. James C. Burkes, the pastor of Saddlers Chapel AME Church, Bessemer to give the Morning Manna Meditation. Dr. James C. Burkes centered his morning meditation on putting your hands in the hands of the Father which came from Luke 23:44-47.

During the General Assembly, we were given instructions to go our respected workshops. As I went to the Minister's Workshop, I was blessed to go into some rich workshops led by Dr. Roger Richardson who spoke about the New Kirkland Institute. Dr. James Rumph lectured and taught us about, "The Means of Grace for Church Growth."

After the two workshops, the Ecclesiastical Father of the 9th Episcopal District, Bishop James Davis, met with the clergy of the district.

After the Meeting with the Clergy, the Keynote Worship Service started and God moved in a mighty manifestation. As the spirit of God moved, the word of God was brought forth by Dr. Albert Tyson III. He preached a powerful, empowering, electrifying message entitled, "Your Assignment Is Not Transferable," which came from Exodus 4:10-13, he said, “When God calls, it's personal, the call is never convenient and God equips you.”

After the Keynote Service, the Bishop called for a “Time with the Bishop” and he talked about how he was excited about being the bishop. He gave committee assignments, and he talked about some great things that the AME Church is doing in the state of Alabama.

At 7:30 P.M., the Missionaries took charge of the worship service. Dr. George Flower, Executive Director of the Department of Global Witness and Ministry preached a very challenging message to the Missionaries, ministers, young people and laity to. He reminded us to, "Stay in the boat with Jesus!" which came from the Mark 4:35-41.

At 10:00 P.M., we were blessed with the Youth Explosion Concert with choirs, and the Gospel Rappers - Paper Boy and Breakthrough Boyz.

On July 30th, 2008, the Congress went into Day 2. God moved in powerful way during the Morning Manna Meditation Hour, the Reverend Charlotte Green preached a powerful meditation, after which, we went to our respected workshops (Ministers, Laity, W.M.S., Youth, and Under- twelve-ers). Twelve noon was the Lay Hour of Worship and the challenger of the afternoon was Brother Robert Turner and he gave an excellent message.

The W.M.S. Luncheon was held at 4:00 p.m. After the workshop, the Youth Explosion “In Praise” began at 7:00 P.M., and God Moved in a powerful way at the last night of the congress as the 9th Episcopal District Youth Choir sung with praises and adoration to almighty God. The Young People expressed the various talents of their gifts through music, dance, and acting. The preacher of the evening was the Reverend Kendra Jacobs, the pastor of Salem Chapel AME Church, Salem, Alabama, she preached from the subject, "Still I Stand No Matter What, Here I Am!'' Her text came from 1 Corinthians 10:13.

After her sermon, a total of 57 Young People gave there lives to Christ and then after the choir sung, the people shouted, danced, and clapped their hands out of their seats into the aisles of the sanctuary.

Bishop and Mother Davis gave their final remarks and the benediction was given. After the service, the Stellar Award Artist, "Like Paul" gave a concert for all of the young people and the whole church and it was crunk.

In the end, you can say that the 9th Episcopal District was “Crunk 4 Christ.” We are Crunk to have a new bishop. We are Crunk 4 Jesus and what he is going to do. The Congress ended with a charge and that charge is to stick with God and let him lead you and guide you in every direction

* Brother Kelvin J. Anthony, a teenager, is the associate minister of Ward Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Bessemer, Alabama

8. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICES:

- Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor, III, Editor of the Christian Recorder and the Reverend Charlotte Ann Blake Sydnor, pastor of Shorter Chapel AME Church in Franklin, Tennessee celebrated their 46th Wedding Anniversary on August 18, 2008. The Rev. Charlotte Ann Blake Sydnor also celebrated her birthday on August 18th (a significant milestone)!

Congratulatory messages can be sent to:

chsydnor@bellsouth.net (Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor, III)

And

cbsydnor@aol.com (Reverend Charlotte Ann Blake Sydnor)

- The Reverend Wayne Anthony, Presiding Elder of the Windward Islands Conference, 16th Episcopal District, has been appointed by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago as Chairman of the Board of one of the key initiatives in the Government's East Port of Spain Redevelopment Plan; the New City Mall and the Eastside Plaza.

Congratulatory messages can be sent to:

Presiding Elder Wayne Anthony
#4 Santa Margarita Road
St Augustine
Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
Email: elder.anthony@yahoo.com

- Kola (Kolawole) Rotimi, the 10-year-old grandson of Mrs. Jackie DuPont Walker, Consultant - Social Action Commission of the African Methodist Episcopal Church has begun his own business. His eBusiness can be found by licking on the link below: http://africanjewelry.flyingcart.com/

Kola's parents are Kamela Heyward-Rotimi (the Walker's youngest daughter) and Kole Heyward Rotimi. The Rotimi family lives in Durham, North Carolina. Kola has two siblings, Karina Jacquelyn and Kimmi Avis.

Kamela (Kola's Mom) is home schooling her progeny and they are thriving. At the same time, she is completing her studies in anthropology; writing her dissertation. Kole (Dad) principally operates their business, AAMCO Transmission in the Research Triangle area near Durham, NC.

Kola is very excited about his eBusiness and the family members are excited for him. Please visit his website. Most importantly, Kola would appreciate feedback via his website (see contact). Let him know that you visited his website, and if you are so moved, support him.

Kola Rotimi's great grandfather was Presiding Elder King Solomon Dupont and great grandmother, Eleanor Jiles Dupont; both life long members of the AME Church; members of the Florida Annual Conference, 11th Episcopal District.

Congratulatory messages and comments can be sent to: afrjwlry@aol.com.

- Ms. Vela Demetria Barner, the daughter of the Rev. Talvin B. and First Lady DeVora Barner, graduated from Middle Tennessee State University - Murfreesboro Tennessee with a degree in chemistry in May 2008. Vela is now enrolled in graduate school at the University of Memphis in the School of Pharmacology. The Rev. Talvin B. Barner is the pastor of Mt. Zion AME Church in Centerville, Tenn.

Congratulatory messages can be sent to: revtalvin@hotmail.com.

9. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Sadly we announce the passing away of the Reverend Ernest Ndodana Mpala of the 20th Episcopal, South-West Zimbabwe Conference. Burial will be tomorrow, 19/8/08 in Harare, Zimbabwe.

The Rt. Reverend Julius Harrison McAllister is the presiding bishop of the 20th Episcopal District.

Email messages of condolence may be forwarded to: revebginya@yahoo.com

10. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We are saddened to announce the passing of the Reverend James M. Askiew, Sr., a retired pastor of the 11th Episcopal District, South Conference.

Arrangements for Reverend James M. Askiew, Sr.:

Viewing Service
Friday, August 22, 2008
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Funeral Service
Saturday, August 23, 2008
1:00 p.m.

Greater Mt. Pleasant AME Church
2341 Forrest Street
Hollywood, FL 33020
Phone: (954) 921-5756
Fax: (954) 921-5109

Professional services provided by:

E.A. Stevens Funeral Home
315 NW Pembroke Road
Hallandale, FL 33009
Phone: (954) 921-5756
Fax: (954) 921-5109

Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Evelyn Askiew
4001 SW 23rd Street
Hollywood, FL 33023

Phone: (954) 962-4134
Fax: (954) 966-4653

Submitted by,
Marva Campbell
South Conference MSA President

11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the passing of the Reverend McKinley F. Tyler, Associate minister of New Bethel A.M.E. Church, Orlando, Florida; where the Reverend Henry L. Postell, II is the pastor. Reverend Tyler is the spouse of Mrs. Mable E. Tyler. The Reverend McKinley F. Tyler passed on Friday, August 15, 2008.

Service arrangements for the Reverend McKinley F. Tyler:

Friday, August 22, 2008
Viewing and Visitation
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, August 23, 2008
Homegoing Services
11:00a.m.

New Bethel A.M.E. Church
4201 West Columbia Street
Orlando, Florida 32811
Phone: (407) 295-6152
Fax: (407) 296-7488
Reverend Henry L. Postell, Pastor

Professional Services provided by:
Postell's Mortuary
811 North Powers Drive
Orlando, Florida 32811
Phone (407) 295-3857
Fax (407) 295-0307
Toll Free 1-866-467-8355

Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Mable E. Tyler
673 Arrow Lane
Kissimmee, Florida 34746

Phone: (407) 791-2886
E-mail messages may be forwarded to: jhill2013@cfl.rr.com

Submitted by:
Brother Jesse A. Hill
New Bethel A.M.E. Church

12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We are saddened to announce the passing of the Reverend Alexander Faucette, Jr., Local Elder at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Greensboro, North Carolina.

Service arrangements for The Reverend Alexander Faucette, Jr.:

Thursday, August 21, 2008
Visitation 12:00 Noon
Service 1:00 p.m.

Bethel A.M.E. Church
200 Regan Street
Greensboro, North Carolina 27401
Phone: (336) 273-5268
Fax: (336) 273-1888

Services entrusted to:
Hargett Funeral Services
905 E. Market Street
Greensboro, NC 27401
Phone: (336) 273-8293
Fax: (336) 273-3398

Expressions of sympathy and condolence may be sent to:

The family of the Reverend Alexander Faucette, Jr.
C/o Hargett Funeral Services

E-mail messages may be forwarded to: drmrhs@aol.com

13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

- We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Willie M. Billups, the widow of the Late Reverend L.A. Billups, Pastor in the 9th Episcopal District and the mother of Mrs. Williette Rouse, the spouse of Presiding Elder E.A. Rouse, Mobile District-Central Alabama Conference.

Service arrangements:

Saturday, August 23, 2008
11:00 A.M.
St. Paul A.M.E. Church
300 Fourth Court North
Birmingham AL. 35204
Phone: (205) 251-9438

The Rev. C.C. Cummings - Pastor
Bishop James L. Davis - Eulogist

Services provided by:
Poole Funeral Chapel Inc.
1501 7th Avenue
Birmingham, AL. 35203
Phone: (205) 322-5574
Fax: (205) 322-6396

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

Presiding Elder and Mrs. E.A. Rouse
2210 Division Street
Mobile AL. 36610

Phone: (251) 456-9065
Email: rous2210@bellsouth.net

14. 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

15. 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.