Bishop Richard Franklin Norris - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor, The Christian Recorder
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:
"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." - Seneca
1. EDITORIAL – IT TAKES LONGER TO GET FROM THE BOTTOM TO THE TOP THAN IT DOES TO GET FROM THE TOP TO THE BOTTOM:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
A couple of weeks ago Dr. Johnny Barbour and I were having a discussion about politicians; the good, the bad and the ugly. We talked about John McCain, Barack Obama and eventually about John Edwards. The conversation quickly focused upon the ethical and moral failures of some of the well-known political leaders. We talked about power and the misuse of power, which manifests itself in moral and ethical indiscretions that quickly destroys careers. The question arose about why respected, well-educated individuals would behave in ways that would bring embarrassment and disgrace to them, their families, the Church, and their careers.
I thought about the quotation that Lord Acton, the historian and moralist wrote in a letter to Bishop Mandell Creighton in 1887 in which he said, "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” He went on to write, “Great men are almost always bad men." Lord Acton seemed to be saying, that a person’s sense of morality lessens as his or her power increases. That’s a serious indictment and should be a stern warning because the ministry is a profession of power; and pastors and lay leaders in the church are constantly faced with the issues of power and the misuse of power.
The Bible is replete with leaders and their misuse of power. The biblical account David and Bathsheba is a perfect example of the misuse of power. Bathsheba was bathing and David, because of his position and power, observed her from a vantage point that was not available to the common person who lived in the area. First, David’s encounter with Bathsheba happened in the afternoon (II Sam. 11:2ff) when most other men would have been working, and of course a lot of them were off fighting the Ammonites. David had the resources and the power to send one of his workers to inquire of her. Second, if Bathsheba had been approached by a common laborer or a regular soldier, she would have called for help or would have had the person arrested, but because it was David, the King, she was flattered; she was enthralled by his power. In a speech to Army leaders about the temptations of moral and ethical misbehavior of leaders, an Army general said, “Power is an aphrodisiac”; David’s power was indeed and aphrodisiac.
Power has been described as the ability to manipulate and control whatever one desires and to do what one pleases to do without regard to authority; and pastors and lay leaders in the church are faced with the same temptations.
As one would expect, when two preachers are in a heavy discussion; whether it’s about politics or economics, the subject almost always shifts to the ministry and my conversation with Dr. Barbour was no exception. We shared clergy and non-clergy stories about incidents that we had heard about over the years.
We talked about ministry; its joys and its challenges and especially about its pitfalls, when Dr. Barbour mentioned that his father told him, “It takes longer to get from the bottom to the top than it does to get from the top to the bottom.” I was puzzled and asked him what his father meant by that statement. He went on to explain, “Daddy said that it take a long time for a minister who starts at the bottom pastoring small congregations and moving from church to church and then getting to the first church on the district – that doesn’t happen overnight; but one indiscretion, one moral misjudgment and the fall from the top to the bottom can be instantaneous.” He went on to explain that it takes hard work and time to move from the bottom of the profession to the top-tier of the profession, but it only takes a moment, “a twinkling of the eye” to fall to the lowest tier of the profession and in that fall, so many persons are hurt.
In spite of all of our biblical teachings, Lord Acton may have been correct; and it’s a reminder to us in ministry and in leadership positions to remember, "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
And, Lord Acton’s statement, “Great men are almost always bad men" can apply to women in power also. Power and the use or misuse of power transcends gender.
The challenge for ministry and the use of power entrusted to us is to be on guard. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians (Chapter 6, verses 10-20) is a reminder that life’s spiritual battles are not against human beings but against spiritual evil. The analogy of the weapons is significant because except for the sword, the weapons are all defensive, which indicates that Christians are not in an attack mode, but a “defend or protect” mode. In Ephesians Chapter 1, Paul reminds us that power belongs to God.
Dr. Barbour’s father was correct and a great reminder: “It takes longer to get from the bottom to the top than it does to get from the top to the bottom.”
2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
- To the Editor:
RE: Editorial - The Inwardness and the Outwardness of Worship
I am always very proud any time one references Dr. Howard Thurman as he is my uncle by marriage. I never met him but I was fortunate to meet his wife "Aunt Sue" in her later years. I've come to know so much about him and his ministry in the last ten years or so. I'll be sure to forward this to his daughter, Olive Wong.
Be blessed,
Janice Brown
- To the Editor:
This comes to say thank you for how you are keeping us informed in everything that is happening in our church and in world today.
The General Conference coverage was outstanding, I was in St Louis and you didn't miss a beat.
Peace and Joy,
Edna Martin
3. THE AME GENERAL CONFERENCE HAS PASSED INTO HISTORY, BUT THERE IS STILL WORK TO BE DONE:
*Dr. Jamye Coleman Williams
The historic 48th session of the AME General Conference has passed into history. Three new bishops have been elected, and all bishops have been assigned. The WMS is preparing for its Executive Meeting, as is the Connectional Lay Organization. In December the General Board will soon bring us together again. In other words, the Church is "back to business as usual" as it begins a new quadrennium.
While we are about our activities as a Church, while the internal problems and issues command our attention, I would gravely remind us that the external world--the one that ought to greatly concern us--does demand our attention as well. The mission of our Church--and more importantly the Great Commission--requires us to be concerned about the least of these. The condition of our country at this juncture in history makes it evident that we cannot be concerned only about our problems as individuals, as organizations, and as the Church. My passion at this moment is the upcoming Presidential election. At this historic time all of us--Democrats, Independents, and Republicans--should realize the importance of casting our vote in the November election. I, therefore, call upon our leaders to vigorously utilize the genius of our system--from the bishop to the presiding elder, to the pastor, to the class leader, to the individual member--and engage us in voter education, voter registration, and "get out the vote."
There are enough members of the Church to make a real difference. We will, however, have to wholeheartedly exercise the power of our leadership. No half-hearted, by-the-way announcements, with no follow-up will suffice. We need at this time to make a concerted effort to reach all unregistered voters in our community. We need to urge them to register--even escorting them. We need to make a unified effort to see that all registered voters go to the polls on November 4--even providing transportation, if necessary.
Let's all pull together and make a difference in this 2008 election!
*Dr. Jamye Coleman Williams is a retired General Officer of the AME Church
4. WE DEFINE OURSELVES BY HOW WE HANDLE OUR NEEDS AND OUR WANTS:
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts
It is reasonable for us to assume that most of our frustrations, most of our financial problems, most of our physical health problems such as high blood pressure, and nervous breakdowns are all the result of our pursuit to fulfill our wants and not our need.
We spend money we haven't got, to buy things we don't need to impress people we can't stand. And when trouble comes we pray and expect God to bail us out.
How much space would you need if you got rid of all of the things in your house you really didn't need? Paul wrote to the Philippians, "God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus 4:19 Paul was writing to church folk.
How many suits, pairs of shoes, hats, shirts and trousers do you really need? Do you need the expensive jewelry, diamonds, etc? How many automobiles do you need? You can only prove your superiority if you could drive more than one at a time. Many of us believe that we must "make a statement" and cars and things help us to make statements.
Some of us believe that our "wants" are needed to define who we are. Our closets are crammed with clothes and shoes we will never wear; some still have tags on them.
Some of us are like the foolish farmer.
People are murdering their whole families and committing suicide; all because they cannot get or maintain their wants.
Politicians and CEO's destroy their careers because of their unethical shrewdness in trying to acquire wealth. Some people, and including some church folk, have brought disgrace on their families by their greed which resulted in failure; and they have to live with that for the rest of their lives.
Yes, it is without a doubt; greed will grind you into grits. But we must let grace, not greed rule our lives. We come into this world with nothing and we will leave the same way that we came into the world. Paul also stated, "Not that I speak in respect of want; for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content". Philippians 4:11.
This does not infer nor does it approve laziness. But we must not allow our wants to overshadow our need. So don't let your greed make you gritty.
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts is a retried AME pastor who lives in Eatonville, Florida (11th Episcopal district)
5. THE 46TH ANNUAL MEN’S DAY AT ST. JAMES AME CHURCH IN DENTON, TEXAS:
A legacy of firsts was celebrated and continued when the second oldest church in Denton County and only African Methodist Episcopal Church in Denton, Texas; 133 year old - St. James A.M.E. Church, where the Rev. Dr. Sherryl A. Matlock is Pastor observed its 46th Annual Men’s Day with precedent’ setting speakers highlighting the Sunday, August 17, 2008, Morning and Afternoon Worship Services.
Bringing with him a family and 19 ½ years of experience, Denton’s first African American Fire Department Official, Captain Quentin Brown, a native of the Katrina-ravaged New Orleans, Louisiana, area, spoke during the Morning Worship Service emphasizing the importance of having and prioritizing and enduring relationships and allegiance, first to God, next t o family and friends, and then to the workplace. He charged us to know who we are and to not forget where we came from; but rather to always return to our beginnings and give something back to the community.
Chief Roy Minter, Jr., Denton’s first African American Chief of Police, a native of Detroit, Michigan, and a dedicated father with 25 years of prior police work in the Houston, Texas and Aurora, Colorado Police Departments gave the afternoon Keynote Address. He focused on the need for every community in Denton to work together to help toward ending the downward spiraling of our youth, particularly, our young African American men who tend to gravitate toward such infamous choices as drugs, street crimes, and other acts of violence which often result in dismal features, incarceration, or death.
Because of such men of valor who by their accomplishments serve as role models to show by example how setting goals, putting forth effort, and being determined can bring about satisfying rewards; St. James A.M.E. Church and its Men continue its legacy of recognizing precedence and perpetuating the faith through service to God and to man. Indeed, our church motto: God our Father, Man our Brother, and Christ our Redeemer was exemplified.
Sister Cassandra J. Jones-Reporting
St. James AME Church Public Relations Chairperson
6. THE MARION DISTRICT OF THE SEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT AT WORK - RECLAIMING, REAFFIRMING, REVISITING: THE VISION:
The Marion District Christian Education Conference was held May 30-31, 2008, under the dynamic leadership of Presiding Elder Dr William Smith, Jr. The Conference convened at Bethel A.M.E.C., Bethel Britton Neck, Britton Neck, South Carolina, where Rev. R. L. Brown serves as Pastor, Bro. Charles R. Graves (host Christian Education Director) and Sister Miranda Davis, Assistant Director Christian Education Director. The Conference theme: “Reclaiming, Reaffirming, Revisiting: The Vision”, background scripture Habakkuk 2:2-4.
The Conference was well planned and organized by the Marion District Christian Education Board (Dean-Rev. Matthew Furness, Assistant Dean-Rev. Jonathan Greene, Assistant Christian Education Director-Brother Ricarldo Washington, Members-Rev. R.L. Brown, Rev. Donnie McBride, Sister Pamela Williams and Sis. Shirley Jones, Christian Education Director Sis. Phyllis Reaves and Presiding Elder William Smith, Jr. The Conference proved to be an extraordinary experience, involving youth and adults of all ages. The Marion District has taken a pivotal role in educating and equipping members to become stronger, more knowledgeable disciples by providing informative training sessions.
The Conference opened on Friday evening with the worship experience. The hour of power proved to be electrifying and soul stirring, as Rev. Dr Charles Young, President of Allen University, Columbia, South Carolina delivered the message in accordance with the conference theme, “Reclaiming, Reaffirming, Revisiting: The Vision.” Dr. Young’s challenging subject was, “People of Vision”, supported by Isaiah 6:1-6.
Dr. Young emphasized, “You either manage change or become a victim of change. People with a vision are able to manage change, and conquer adversity. Recognition of that ability coupled with resources creates opportunity.” A powerful, yet thought provoking message. The William Smith, Jr. Voices of Praise echoed the goodness of Jesus through the ministry of music.
On Saturday, participants were encouraged to expand their leadership ability, and properly organize effective functional ministries / organizations. Nine informative training sessions were offered for the Clergy, Christian Education Directors/Church School Superintendent, Lay Organization, Missionaries/YPD, DMC, Sons of Allen, Health Ministry, and Youth Ministry (Mime and Step), and RAYAC.
At the conclusion of the training sessions, all attendees reassembled for a powerful plenary session led by Sister Kabrina Bass, the 7th Episcopal District Christian Education Director, entitled: “There is Strength in Unity.” Sister Bass emphasized the importance of oneness and unity within the A.M.E. church. The Conference concluded with a panel discussion, with Rev. Dr. William Smith, Jr., along with workshop presenters. The panel discussion entitled, “Where Do We Go from Here”. The discussion offered departing direction and instruction for the District, endowing attendees with the necessary tools of empowerment to go back to the local church with a new “Vision”. The Marion District is an inclusive District of dedicated Pastors and Laity, working together for the cause of Christ, under the dynamic leadership of Rev. Dr. William Smith, Jr. and Mrs. Angela Hawthorne Smith.
To God Be the Glory for an educational, fruitful, and spirit-filled Conference.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ms Phyllis Reaves, Christian Education Director
The Rev. Matthew Furness, Dean of Christian Education
The Rev. Jonathan Greene, Assistant Dean of Christian Education
7. JOHNSON CHAPEL AME CHURCH CELEBRATES 111TH BIRTHDAY:
By: Delanda S. Johnson
On Sunday, August 24, Johnson Chapel AME Church celebrated its 111th birthday with excitement, courage, and most all faith.
Organized in 1897 in the Cedar Creek bottom under a brush arbor on the Abe Johnson’s farm, to its present location 1403 West Royall Blvd; Hwy 31 Malakoff; Johnson Chapel AME Church has stood the test of time.
Now under the leadership of Rev. Fredrick V. Moss, Johnson Chapel is a church on the move once again. “I have a vision of growth for this church. We are about helping people in the community whenever help is needed. We are here to empower and lead lost souls to Christ,” said Moss.
Mrs. Carrie Morgan granddaughter of the Abe Johnson stated, “that it’s always wonderful to come home and to be apart of the homecoming services at Johnson Chapel.”
Other descendants of Abe Johnson, Ava Wheatley, Allan Morgan, and Wanda Morgan all expressed their vision for the church and their family legacy.
Rev. Velma Coleman, Pastor of Victory Temple Cathedral AME Church, Dallas, Texas brought the homecoming message. “I can praise the Lord at anytime and anywhere, but to still be standing for 111 years that is amazing. Someone had a vision for this church and we praise God that the vision still lives on,” said Coleman.
Rev. Coleman posed a question to the congregation, “Why is the church still here?”
“My answer to this question is easy. If you look at the gospel according to John 3:16-17; “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”
The answer to the church as to why we are still here on hwy 31 after 111 years is that “Everybody ought to know who Jesus is,” said Coleman.
Coleman noted that there were still people who did not know who Jesus was and that freedom that HE can bring to their lives.
Coleman stated, “That there are people who are homelessness, behind prison bars, in need of financial aid, etc., who don’t know who Jesus is. However, the church is still here to recommend Jesus. He is a friend that will never leave you nor forsake you; he will be closer to you than a brother; so you ask, “Why the church is still here?” It’s here so that everyone will know who Jesus is.”
Today people are walking in fear. The fear of gang violence, parents in fear of their children, fear of losing their jobs, fear in wars on the other side of the world, etc., so the solution is that “Everybody ought to know who Jesus is.”
“Jesus came to restore righteousness in the world. Jesus came to establish God’s kingdom in the world. Jesus came to bring the fallen man back to God. Jesus came to show us how to love everybody. Jesus came to show us how to live the life in prayer and that there’s power in prayer,” said Coleman.
Coleman noted to the congregation that Jesus is the answer to all problems that you may have. Jesus said, “I be lifted up; I’ll draw all men unto me.” This is why “Everybody ought to know who Jesus is.”
Coleman stated, “Jesus was the one who was wounded for our transgressions. Jesus was the one who was bruised for every sin that we committed. Jesus took the latches on His back and they gave Him no peace. He took the slaps on His face and they gave Him no peace. He took the sham, mocking, etc., and they gave Him no peace. He allowed they strip Him of his clothes; embrace Him in front to many and they gave Him no peace. Everything that He endured was for our peace. So, if you say that you have no PEACE, then there is something wrong with you.” This is why “Everybody ought to know who Jesus is.”
“As we come here to celebrate 111 years; we should be the church that tells everybody about Jesus. Whatever projects that we may have going on in the church, let us be the church that tells somebody about Jesus,” said Coleman.
That is why “Everybody ought to know who Jesus is.”
The Rt. Rev. Gregory G. M. Ingram, Presiding Prelate
The Rev. Dr. Jessica Kendall Ingram, Episcopal Supervisor
8. THE PASTOR’S CORNER – S.H.A.P.E.: FINDING AND FULFILLING YOUR UNIQUE PURPOSE FOR LIFE SPIRITUAL GIFTS REVELATION:
*The Rev. James M. Moody
When the Apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them. They had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:14-17
While studying our “S.H.A.P.E.” – “Your God-given special design and the specific difference God desires for you to make on earth for His glory” – the word of God reminded me of the following truths.
God is a Trinity – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. God is three who are one. God the Father calls us into relationship with Himself and sent God the Son to sacrifice His life and rise from the dead to save us from His wrath into right relationship, all done by the power of God the Holy Spirit. This is orthodox, fundamental Christianity.
Acts 8:14-17; Acts 19:1-7 – We are to receive the Holy Spirit. Have you asked Him to enter into you and fill you with His presence and to demonstrate His power through the working of Spiritual gifts through your life?
I Corinthians 12:4-5 – The Holy Spirit must be allowed to work or manifest or make real the gifts of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
We cannot counterfeit the gifts of the Spirit because (John 3: 1-8) the Holy Spirit is attempting to give birth to something spiritual in us at a spiritual level. Any attempt to counterfeit the work of the Holy Spirit is a form of what is known as being carnal.
We can sometimes lose sight of the working of the Spirit and attempt to bring about results at the level of our soul (will, intellect, or emotions) or body (drives, instincts, or physical operations). This results in an abortion of what the Holy Spirit was giving birth to in the person’s life and in the lives of those God was trying to reach.
A person with the gift of leadership may attempt to lead in his/her own will, intellect, or emotions and not by the wisdom of the Spirit. Instead of shared vision, cooperation and empowerment among those being led, the results are confusion, conflict, frustration, bitterness, etc. People get hurt, disrespected, or worse.
A person with the gift of mercy may attempt to force others to change. Instead of growth, empowerment, and transformation in the lives of those in need of help, the results are conflict, resentment, division, etc. People get manipulated, disrespected or worse.
A person with the gift of evangelism may attempt to impose the gospel and the need to share it on others. Instead of conversion in the lives of those targeted to receive the good news and building of the kingdom, the results are an inappropriate level of intensity, an exaggerated sense of urgency, impatience, division, etc. People resent the approach and miss the message of God’s love.
This list need not go on any further. We all get the picture.
Luke 1:26-38 – The Holy Spirit is attempting to give birth to something spiritual in us at a spiritual level that is manifest or made evident in the physical realm. As the angel Gabriel spoke to Mary the Mother of Jesus, he told her, “You will…give birth to…the Son of the Most High.” Because of all the evidence to the contrary, Mary questioned the veracity of the claim. The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you…So the holy one to be born will be…the Son of God.” It was in yielding to the presence of the Holy Spirit that Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.”
The Son of God was born to her. Our Savior was brought into the physical realm. Salvation was purchased on the Cross of Calvary and the Resurrection power lifted all of us into new life.
Now that’s Good News!
I highly recommend Erik Rees’ book, “S.H.A.P.E.” for any person desiring to answer the question, “What will be the contribution of my life?” Textbooks, workbooks, and a video learning series are available for individuals and groups at:
http://www.purposedriven.com/en-US/SHAPE/welcome.htm
*The Rev. James M. Moody is the pastor of Quinn Chapel AME Church, Chicago
Copyrights © 2008 by the Rev. James M. Moody. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be copied or reproduced without the written permission of the author
To contact the writer go to quinnamechicago@sbcglobal.net
9. THE 3rd EPISCOPAL DISTRICT ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:
The Rt. Rev. C. Garnett Henning, Sr., Presiding Prelate
Mrs. Ernestine Lee Henning, Episcopal Supervisor
South Ohio Annual Conference
September 9
(WMS)
September 10 - 14
Annual Conference
Lee Chapel AMEC
The Reverend Kevin Cooper, Pastor
2009 Pogue Street
Cincinnati, OH 45208
Phone: 513-871-5885
Ohio Annual Conference
September 23
(WMS)
September 24 - 28
Annual Conference
St. John AMEC (Worthington)
The Reverend Jermaine Covington, Pastor
7700 Crosswoods Dr.
Columbus, OH 43235
Phone: 614-888-0894
North Ohio Annual Conference
October 7
(WMS)
October 8 - 12
Annual Conference
St. John AMEC
The Reverend Taylor T. Thompson, Pastor
2261 East 40th Street
Cleveland, OH 44103
Phone: 216-431-2560
3rd District Planning Meeting
October 31-November 1, 2008
Renaissance Hotel
Columbus, Ohio
The Rev. Dr. William Wheatley, Host Pastor, Mt. Vernon AMEC
10. THE 10TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT SCHEDULE 2008 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:
The Right Reverend Gregory G.M. Ingram, Presiding Prelate
The Rev. Dr. Jessica Ingram, Episcopal Supervisor
2008 Northwest Texas Annual Conference
September 8 –September 13, 2008
September 6, 2008 – YPD Day
September 8, 2008 – Missionary Day
September 9, 2008 – The Gathering of Women
September 9, 2008 – Opening Worship
Host Church – Anderson Chapel AME Church
Host Pastor – The Rev. William Campbell
Venue site: Killeen Civic and Conference Center
3601 South WS Young Drive
P.O. Box 1329 (76540)
Killeen, Texas 76543
254-501-3888
Host Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn - Killeen
2704 O.W. Curry Drive
Killeen, Texas 76542
Reservation – 254-554-3900
Deadline for reservations – August 26, 2008
Cost per night – $99.00
2008 North Texas Annual Conference
September 22 – September 27, 2008
September 20, 2008 – YPD Day
September 22, 2008 – Missionary Day
September 23, 2008 – The Gathering of Women
September 23, 2008 – Opening Worship
Host Church- Bethel Greenville
Host Pastor – The Rev. Ray Charles Williams
Hampton Inn & Suites
3001 Kari Lane
Greenville, Texas 75402
Reservations – 903-457-9200
Deadline for reservations – September 5, 2008
Cost per night – $99.00
2008 Southwest Texas Annual Conference
October 6 – October 11, 2008
October 4, 2008 – YPD Day
October 6, 2008 – Missionary Day
October 7, 2008 – The Gathering of Women
October 7, 2008 – Opening Worship
Host Church – Metropolitan AME Church
Host Pastor – The Rev. N. Jordan Mkwanazi
Crowne Plaza Hotel
6121 N IH 35
Austin, Texas 78752
Reservations – 512-323-5466
Deadline for reservations – September 15, 2008
Cost per night – $104.00
2008 Texas Annual Conference
October 20 – October 25, 2008
October 18, 2008 – YPD Day
October 20, 2008 – Missionary Day
October 21, 2008 – The Gathering of Women
October 21, 2008 – Opening Worship
Host Church – Jones AME Church
Host Pastor – The Rev. Robert Green
Sheraton North Houston
15700 John F. Kennedy Blvd
Houston, Texas 77032
Reservations – 281-442-5100
Deadline for reservations – October 1, 2008
Cost per night – $99.00
Planning Meeting 2008
November 12 – November 15, 2008
Hyatt Regency North Dallas (formerly – The Richardson Hotel)
701 E. Campbell Road
Richardson, Texas
Reservations – 972-231-9600
Deadline for reservations – October 29, 2008
Cost per night – $125.00
Host Church – Greater Allen Temple
Host Pastor – The Rev. Samuel Baker
11. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
The Reverend William M. Campbell, Jr. - Senior Pastor of Anderson Chapel A.M.E. Church, Killeen, Texas received the Master of Divinity Degree from George W. Truett Theological Seminary of Baylor University in Waco, Texas on May 16, 2008. The recent graduate has begun studies for the Doctor of Ministry Degree at Drew University in Madison, NJ. Congratulatory messages can be sent to: The Reverend William M. Campbell, Jr. Anderson Chapel A.M.E. Church 1002 Jefferies Avenue Killeen, Texas 76543 (254) 690-5030 - phone (254) 690-6453 - fax Email: pastorc@hot.rr.com
12. FOLLOW-UP - EPISCOPAL PRAYER REQUEST: CHRISTOPHER BYRD, SON OF BISHOP AND MRS. BYRD:
Bishop and Mrs. Vernon R. Byrd extends gratitude to the Bishops of the Church and all of African Methodism for the many prayers of petition issued on behalf of their son Christopher; for the many telephone calls received; cards of encouragement received; and for other acts of compassion and caring. Christopher's condition is improving.
However, Bishop and Mrs. Byrd request your continued prayers for their son, Christopher.
13. THANK YOU FROM THE STAN MCKENZIE FAMILY:
I ( we ) would like to thank Bishop and Supervisor David ( Irene ) Daniels, P.E. Allen Parrott, the Rev. Dr. Ronnie Brailsford, the Rev. Cryor, and the host of other AME pastors, ministers, and layperson's in South Carolina who surprised us by attending the funeral of my big brother. We are thankful for all of the courtesies we received... the care and concerns of the Connectional family.
You didn't have to do it, but you did. Thanks again.
Stan McKenzie and Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie
14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The 8th Episcopal District is saddened to share news of the passing of Mrs. Maude Dupor, the sister (only sibling) of the Rev. Lloyd Washington. Mrs. Dupor passed on August 24, 2008.
The Rev. Lloyd Washington is the pastor of St. James A.M.E. Church, Hammond, Louisiana, Greater New Orleans-Greensburg District, Louisiana Conference. Rev. Joseph H. Cyprian is the Presiding Elder and Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry is the Presiding Prelate.
Please pray for Rev. Washington and his family.
Service arrangements for Mrs. Maude Dupor:
Funeral service
Saturday, August 30, 2008
10:00 a.m.
Asia Baptist Church
1400 Sere Street
New Orleans, LA
(504) 301-9227
Services provided by:
Gertrude Geddes Funeral Home
2120 Jackson Avenue
New Orleans, LA
(504) 522-2525
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Sister Phonzetta Ladson, the sister of Reverend Leroy Ladson, pastor at Bethel AMEC, Stamford, CT (New England Conference). The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing will be held on Friday, September 5, 2008, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Funeral: Saturday, September 6, 2008, 10:00 a.m.
Bethel AME Church
420 North Main Street
Freeport, NY 11520
Phone: 516-379-1513
Fax: 516-378-1572
The Rev. Harry J. White II, Pastor
Condolences may be sent to:
The Reverend Leroy Ladson and family
C/o Bethel AMEC
Freeport, NY
Or
82 Ralsey Road
Stamford, CT 06902
Please keep this family in your prayers.
Dolores M. Clinton
1st Episcopal District
Phone: 215-662-0506
Fax: 215-662-0199
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The 2nd Episcopal District sadly announces the death of one of our Shepherds, the Rev. Henry D. Harper. Rev. Harper was actively serving as Pastor of St. Mark A.M.E. Church, Oxon Hill Maryland in the Capitol District of the Washington Conference. Rev. Harper was the founding Pastor of St. Mark and will be sadly missed by the 2nd Episcopal District and the loved ones he leaves behind; his wife Margaret Harper and their daughter Jessica.
Funeral Arrangements for the Rev. Henry Harper are as follows:
Wake/Memorial Service:
Friday, September 5, 2008
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 pm
St. Mark A.M.E. Church
5427 Indian Head Highway
Oxon Hill, MD 20745
Phone: (301) 567-4129
Service of Celebration:
Saturday, September 6, 2008
11:00 a.m.
Reid Temple AME Church
11400 Glendale Blvd.
Glenn Dale, MD 20769
Phone: (301) 352-0320
The body of Rev. Harper will lie in state at St. Mark AME Church for 24 hours, from 9:00 a.m. on Friday, September, 5 until 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 6: 24 hours symbolic of the 24 years he served in pastoral ministry at St. Mark, the church he founded.
St. Mark AME Church
Presiding Elder Goodwin Douglas, Interim Pastor
The Rev. Goodwin Douglas, Presiding Elder, Capitol District, Washington Conference
Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr., Presiding Prelate, Second Episcopal District
Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Margaret Harper
C/o St. Mark AME Church
5427 Indian Head Highway
Oxon Hill, Maryland 20745
(301) 567-4129
Contact: Sister Sylvia Dickens, Administrative Assistant
17. 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
18. 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
