THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (1/22/09)

Bishop Richard Franklin Norris - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor, The Christian Recorder

1. EDITORIAL – PRESIDENT BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA, THE 44TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES…:

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

Ladies and Gentlemen: “President Barack Hussein Obama, the 44th President of the United States and First Lady Michelle Obama” has a nice ring to it and it sounds so good.

I have attended and watched several inaugurations during my lifetime, but I never witnessed an inaugural event as the Obama Inauguration.

It was truly a celebration and it will go down in history as one of the greatest events of the 21st Century.

The Obama inauguration was an international event. It was a multicultural event. It was an intergenerational event. It was a multiracial event. It was an ecumenical event. It was an interfaith event. It was a human event. It was a celebratory event. The Obama inauguration was America at its best.

President Barack Obama’s election affirms the founding Fathers’ creed, “… that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed…” President Barack Obama, who is a black American, has taken leadership of the greatest nation on earth.

The election and swearing-in of President Barack Obama is a historic event for this country; and for countries around the world. This is certainly a new day and we, as Americans, have taken a bold step in electing an American who is black to lead our great nation.

I need to say again that President Barack Obama is not “the black President,” rather he is the President who happens to be black. He is President of all of America and he is the President of all Americans.

President Barack Obama is every American’s President and it is going to take commitment from every segment of this great nation of ours to return this country to some sense of economic normalcy and to regain the international respect for America as a leader in human rights

Like the presidents before him, President Obama will be criticized, sometimes negatively caricatured, talked about and mistreated; and black people must understand that criticism of his presidency will not occur because he is black; he will be criticized because he is the President; all presidents have been criticized. Any criticism of President Barack Obama will not be a criticism of black people; and those who criticize him are not racists. Criticism goes with the job.

We can be sure that President Obama will be working in the best interests of all Americans - blacks, white, red, browns, and yellow Americans; and that’s as it should be.

The closing paragraph of the Reverend Joseph Lowery’s inaugural benediction spoke volumes, “… we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around ... when yellow will be mellow ... when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right…” was a Powerful word and a challenge for all Americans.

We all, collectively and individually; black, white, red, yellow and brown need to work for the equal rights of all Americans – Muslims, Hindus, everybody; even for those with whom we might not agree.

I will say it again that we, as black people, need to recommit ourselves to excellence because there is too much crime in the black community; too much black on black crime; too much disrespect for education; too many thugs and drugs in the black community; too many young black kids taking soft subjects in school; and too many black men and women in prison. We must be adamant in saying that education is the way to achieve upward mobility and economic stability.

I hope that our young people will return to the notion of setting high academic goals and dispelling the notion that the only way they can get ahead is to excel in athletics and in entertainment. This is a new day and “the sky is the limit.”

If we, Americans, will all work together, the words in the benediction of the Reverend Joseph Lowery will become a reality; blacks will not be asked to “step back,” brown folks can stick around, yellow folks will be mellow, red folks will be able to get ahead; and white folks will embrace what is right.”

President Barack Obama is the President of all Americans, the President of all 50 States and the President of all U.S. territories. He is the leader of the free world; the most powerful leader in the world and I am glad about it.

Ladies and Gentlemen: “President Barack Hussein Obama, the 44th President of the United States and First Lady Michelle Obama” sounds so good to me.

2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:

- To the Editor:

Re: Presiding Elder O. H. Brown article in The Christian Recorder

I want to personally thank you and AMEC Sunday School Union staff for publishing the life reflections and legacy of my husband, Presiding Elder O. H. Brown, in the November 17th issue of The Christian Recorder. When I received the December 29th issue with the Memorial Acknowledgment, I held back the tears of a job well-done by you and the AMEC Sunday School Union staff; with a feeling that my husband was pleased.

The appreciation I feel can hardly be put into words. Thank you for your commitment and dedication as the Editor of The Christian Recorder of the AMEC, the oldest black newspaper in America.

Gratefully,
Ernestyne K. Brown

- To the Editor:

Re: The Inaugural events

It is interesting that the route Obama is taking on his Express is made up of stops that are important in the life of Richard Allen, the founder of the African Methodist Episcopal church; Philadelphia, Delaware, and Maryland.

We took a similar itinerary during the Bicentennial year of the AME Church.

All the commentators seem to be pointing out similarities between Obama and MLK, Obama and JFK, and of course, his route is based on Lincoln's and he is bringing a lot of attention to historical moments, but President Obama’s pioneering spirit is similar to Bishop Richard Allen.

Mrs. Jeanette T. Johns, Author
The Upward Journey: A Centenarian’s Chronicle – Personal Stories of Bishop Decatur Ward Nichols


- To the Editor

Re: Editorial, Love for the African Methodist Episcopal Church

I am glad to see that someone is holding to the traditional services of the AME Church. So many of our AME Churches have changed the Order of Worship that it is very hard to recognize if we are in an AME Church; the way the order of service is conducted.

I am an AME by birth and I love its order of service from the depth of my heart.

Pastor Jimmy D. Howard, Sr.

- To the Editor:

Re: Editorial, Love for the African Methodist Episcopal Church

I was reading your editorial response this week in which you commented about screening the seminaries that we allow our AME preachers to attend; it appears to me that we have allowed teachings that are not in line with the traditions of our Zion. AMEN!


- To the Editor:

Re: Editorial, Love for the African Methodist Episcopal Church

As I read your editorial entitled: “I am not a Baptist, I am not Pentecostal and I am not a member of a non-denominational church; I am African Methodist Episcopal and I am glad about it” I could only gasp in awe. You placed into print my thoughts, feelings and concerns for my beloved African Methodist Episcopal Church. More specifically, the editorial captured the seemingly blatant dismantling of the AME “Liturgical” worship and instilling the “Free” worship manner at my local AME church.

I am a life long AMEer as my parents had me baptized as a child into the African Methodist Episcopal faith. As I grew up and matured, I found my love for God, worship, service to others and principles for living within African Methodism. So, I understand exactly what you are saying and what you mean in the editorial. It is not a “put down” on any other religious denominations or other peoples Freedom of Religion choices. Since it our choice to worship as AME, the “Liturgical” worship environment should be professed within the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

The “Liturgical” worship of the AME Church truly invokes the presence of the Holy Spirit from the “Call to Worship”, “The Morning Hymn” through the “Decalogue”, “Affirmation of Faith” and concluding with the “Doxology”. I must certainly include the “Prayer of General Confession”, the “Collects” all the Prayers and sung responses in preparation for partaking of “The Holy Communion” gives way to an awe inspiring worship experience. When all the components of the AME “Liturgical” worship are an integral part of the worship experience, I am glad to be in the house of the Lord. While the prayers are fervent, the choir is majestic in song, the preaching is dynamic however, with the dispelling of the AME liturgy from the worship service I leave the worship service discontented.

My greatest concern and sadness also is the “forcing” of the “Free” worship upon AME congregations under the guise that tradition is outdated and everything changes. I also feel that the church is doing a disservice to the young people and that the community is losing a generation of morally conscience people. Additionally, “Free” worship severs the Connectional characteristic of the AME Church. When AME congregants attend other AME Churches, Church Conferences and services, they will not be able to actively participate in the AME “Liturgical” worship.

By my choice I am not a Baptist, I am not a Pentecostal and I am not a member of a nondenominational church; I am a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. I love African Methodism and I am glad about it.

3. INAUGURAL THOUGHTS FROM BISHOP ADAM JEFFERSON RICHARDSON:

The Inauguration was awesome (and I generally only use that word when I speak of Divinity). I am still in awe of the moment. Now that's incredible. I know we still live a racist world, but DC was a different place yesterday. Young black men, I swear, were walking a little taller; their backs a lot straighter. Black people in general, (male and female, old and young) were basking in the glow. They are under no illusion that President Obama is the Messiah. But there is a sense of hopefulness and optimism in the air, and a belief that what appeared to be impossible is not only possible, but is also even probable. If this could happen at the highest level of our nation (which required the help and a lot of votes of white people, too) also insinuates that other things are now also possible and achievable.

White people were clearly in the moment, too. Little old people, and young folks, were wrapped in Obama scarves and winter skull caps, and tee-shirts and jackets with Obama's name or image emblazoned front and back.

Imagine hearing two million people yelling O-BA-MA as we waited in weather that felt like 16 degrees (officially 30) to hear the 35 words of the oath of office (plus "So help me God") administered and flubbed by Chief Justice John Roberts. Man, what a moment!!!

Call me an old softy, or out-of-touch, or perhaps just a lover of civility and decorum, but I shuddered when many of the attendees booed President Bush when he was introduced. I anticipated that it would happen; but for me it was totally uncalled for, and distasteful. I thought it was also inappropriate when someone started to sing "Na, na, na, na good-bye." It was picked up by the crowd before he could get to the second set of "na, na, na, nas."

Anyway, I am praying for President Obama and his family and the nation. I truly believe this was ordained; in much the same way as we would celebrate the Martin King Holiday on Monday, and on the succeeding day inaugurate the first African American president. No one but God could have put a calendar together like that. This was more theologically significant than a mere historic coincidence.

Anyway, I guess you can tell I was impressed

Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr.

4. A WORD ABOUT THE INAUGURATION FROM NAMIBIA:

Today, January 20, 2009, history is in the making! President Barak Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. It is our prayer that God will move the USA Government, as it always does under rule of the Democratic Party, to alter its foreign policy and end the senseless wars in many parts of the world; and we also pray that the economic recess in the United States will end. We wish the citizens of the United States God’s richest blessings.

The Richard Allen AME Church, Swakopmund under the leadership of the Rev. William A Balie, with only 137 full members, of whom half are either unemployed or underemployed, is busy constructing a beautiful church building which can seat around 800 people.

We are from the Namibia Annual Conference in the 15th Episcopal District under the able leadership of Bishop Wilfred J Messiah.

Last Sunday I conducted the Quarterly Conference; I conducted the Quarterly Conference and was blessed with the positive energy of the members at Swakopmund, Namibia's ultimate coastal tourist destination.

These few members deserve our support, because they want to erect a church that will stand out, reflecting the proud history of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. I pray, as I write this message, that the Spirit of the Lord will move you, to make a financial donation toward this building project.

Kindly make out your cheques to Richard Allen AME Church and mail to:

The Rev. William Andrew Balie,
Richard Allen AME Church
P O Box 612
Walvisbay
Republic of Namibia

5. DEAR FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS OF THE TWENTIETH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:

I am grateful that God and the Church have looked upon me with favor and grace and have granted me the privilege of serving the African Methodist Episcopal Church as one of its bishops. I am also appreciative of the privilege to serve as Presiding Bishop of the Twentieth Episcopal District, which is comprised of Uganda, Malawi, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.

During my recent series of annual conferences, I saw first-hand a mountain of challenges – challenges that Mother McAllister, I, and others are committed and determined to meet. We are determined, with God’s help and the help of friends such as you, to make a major positive difference in the lives of our brothers and sisters in the Twentieth District.

As stated, the challenges of the district are many. Life expectancy is about 35 years of age because of the AIDS pandemic and the lack of adequate health care, including water purification. In most areas of the district, other than walking, the only mode of transportation is bicycling. It is not uncommon to see people walking or riding bicycles for miles to get water, to go to church, and to arrive at any other destination. Many of our members are living with HIV or AIDS, and so many more have died from the complication of AIDS, leaving young children to fend for themselves. The fortunate ones are finding temporary shelter in orphanages. One of our members, who is close to 80 years of age and lives in Malawi, has 13 grandchildren living with him. All of their parents have died from the complication of AIDS. During the North Malawi Annual Conference, his wife died of natural causes. I attended her funeral. He now has to be father and mother to those 13 children. I am assisting them with school fees, because paying school fees is a major problem in the district for children of all ages, and also for students attending seminaries.

Churches in Malawi and some in Zimbabwe consist of homemade brick, dirt floors, and outdoor toilets with no running water, a few benches (most sit on the ground), no pulpits, no heating or cooling systems, no electricity, and having window openings without material in them such as glass. In Malawi, annual conferences are held outdoors. Additionally, there is no Episcopal residence, no Episcopal headquarters, and no Episcopal vehicle. The Bishop and the Supervisor live in hotels, motels, and “no tells.” Vehicles must be rented and drivers hired.

We desperately need your financial assistance. We need help with student fees, the construction of several churches, the renovation of many other churches, and the building of a health clinic in both Malawi and Zimbabwe. We need help in improving and maintaining our 100 plus AME schools. You can help us by becoming a partner with the Twentieth District by giving a consistent periodical basis or a generous one-time donation.

When making your donation, you may designate the area to which you want it applied. If no designation is made, your gift will be applied to the ministry where it is most needed. You may send your contribution to Dr. James R. Archie, treasurer, at P. O. Box 5899, Florence, SC 29502.

If you have any questions concerning these ministry opportunities, you may contact me at my USA address or telephone, or Mrs. Thelma B. Archie, the Executive Assistant to the Bishop, at P. O. Box 5899, Florence, SC 29502, Telephone and fax: 843-665-1944, or email: thelmaarchie616@aol.com.

Thank you for your anticipated supported.

Bishop Julius H. McAllister, Sr.

6. RETIRED EDUCATORS HONORED ALPHONSO VARNER:

Peach County Retired Educators Association held its' monthly meeting Monday, January 5, 2009.

Mrs. Beverly Roberts, President of Georgia Retired Educators Association was the special guest. She informed the Unit of goals, which are being implemented under her leadership.

One of the goals is to honor a retired educator with a "Golden Key Award" at each Unit in Georgia.

Mrs. Gloria Harris, Unit President read the criteria for the recipient of the award which reads, "In appreciation of continuous exemplary fellowship, service, and support and for opening the door of opportunity for so many others."

Alphonso B. Varner, affectionately called "Hubba, Hubba," was selected by his peers to be honored. He graciously thanked the attendees for this distinguished honor.

7. THE AMEC STRATEGIC PLANNING CORE COMMITTEE (SPCC) - CONTINUING IN STEP WITH OUR ‘ZION:

Since September 2002, the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC) has been engaged in an international Strategic Planning initiative, gathering and analyzing data in the AMEC around the world; laboring to assure the continued growth and development of the church for the future. During the 48th Quadrennial Session of the AMEC, held at the Americas Center in St. Louis, MO, July 4 – 11; 2008, the members of the delegation recognized the value and importance of the work of the Strategic Planning Core Committee (SPCC) of the AMEC. As a result, the members of the delegation voted to continue the efforts of the SPCC, making it an adjunct committee to the AMEC General Board.

With excitement and anticipation, the members of this newly formed adjunct committee held its organizational meeting on Monday, December 8, 2008, during the AMEC General Board and Bishops’ Council Meeting at the Convention center in North Charleston, South Carolina. The Strategic Planning Commission Chairperson, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, lead the charge as the group began its work.
Bishop McKenzie opened the meeting by familiarizing newly appointed members and reminding veteran members of this committee of the accomplishments that had already been realized through the power of God, the work of this committee; and, the blessings of the Bishops’ Council and General Conference delegations in both 2004 and 2008.

The initial report of the SPCC was presented to and accepted by the 47th Quadrennial Conference delegation in July 2004 in Indianapolis, IN. As a result of the initial findings and report of the SPCC, the delegation passed eleven (11) of the thirty – nine (39) bills presented and accepted the forty – seven recommendations for implementation. In 2008, the delegation of the 48th Quadrennial Conference passed an additional five (5) bills presented and voted to make the SPCC an adjunct committee of the AMEC General Board.

Following a very productive meeting, the Strategic Planning Committee presented the following report to the General Board and Council of Bishops:

The Organization
Bishop McKenzie appointed and charged a nominating committee to make recommendations for the organization. The following organization was recommended and accepted:

Bishop Vashti M. McKenzie, Commission Chairperson
The Rev. Dr. Lugenia Johnson, Commission Vice Chairperson
6th Episcopal District

The Rev. Cory Watts, Commission Secretary
8th Episcopal District

Miss Kelli Brown, Commission Assistant Secretary,
3rd Episcopal District

The Recommendations:

The following recommendations for the work of the SPCC and the continued growth and development of the AMEC were presented to the General Board and Council of Bishops:

The Strategic Planning Committee recommends:

1. The AME Church continue to consider the original Forty–seven recommendations contained the 2004 Strategic Planning Report as a guide for future development.

2. Each General Board Commission would look at the implementation process and use it as a resource for future growth and development of the Church.

3. The report of the mapping of the Episcopal Districts be placed on DVD and/or online for widespread use in the Church.

4. We examine the Redistricting Feasibility Draft Report Booklet as a basis for new church development and update the information during the 2010 census.

5. The church maximizes the use of current technology in an effort to become more progressive in the manner in which we seek to do ministry.

6. The AMEC adopt as a goal to allow the Strategic Planning Committee to evolve into a long range planning component to provide research, data, and statistical support for growth and development of the AME Church as a whole.

Article Submitted by the Rev. Dr. Lugenia Johnson, Senior Pastor Mount Zion AME Church – Kennesaw, GA in the Sixth Episcopal District of the AMEC.

8. NEWS AROUND THE AME CHURCH:

We are pleased to announce that the Ray of Hope Counseling Center was dedicated to the glory of God on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009. The counseling center is a ministry of Ward Chapel AME Church in Montevallo, Alabama, under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Eric C. Little; the Rt. Rev. James L. Davis, Bishop of the 9th Episcopal District.

The counseling center will provide Christian Counseling and Substance Abuse Services for the members of Ward Chapel as well as the community of Montevallo and surrounding areas. An After-School Enrichment Program is also one of the programs the center provides. For more information, visit our website at www.rayofhopecenter.org

9. THE FIRST INAUGURATION:

The Rev. Tobias L. Pace

Then Samuel said to the people, "Come, let us go to Gilgal and there reaffirm the kingship." So all the people went to Gilgal and confirmed Saul as king in the presence of the Lord. There they sacrificed fellowship offerings before the Lord, and Saul and all the Israelites held a great celebration. – 1 Samuel 11:14-15

An inauguration is a formal induction into office. It is a formal beginning or introduction. Saul was officially the first man to be inaugurated as king of Jerusalem. How he became king is quite interesting. In the eighth chapter of first Samuel it is recorded that the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel and said, “You are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.” And after that request a king was identified and selected by God.

God warned the people through Samuel that the king would not rule them according to their own wishes and interests alone, but according to his perception of the best interests of the people, the land; the world as he knew it, and himself. He would encroach on their land and their rights. He would create a staff to serve him and their salaries would be provided by the people. He would tax them. He would use their young men to fight in his army and make weapons of war. He would use their young women to sell his goods. But the people persisted and demanded for a king.

So we see in the eleventh chapter the confirmation of Saul as king and the call for the first inauguration of a king in Israel. And what did the people say? “Who was it that asked, ‘Shall Saul reign over us?’… Although the people asked for a leader, they almost immediately rejected Saul’s leadership when he decided to spare the lives of the Ammonites who the Israelites had recently defeated. But Saul with grace and compassion said, “No one shall be put to death today, for this day the Lord rescued Israel.” Saul was able to lead the Israelites to victory after the Spirit of God came upon him in power. God not only blessed Saul to lead the people, but He anointed him. There is much more to this story especially concerning Saul. But one thing we can see is this: although God did not intend for the people to be led by anyone but God, God still blessed the people with an effective leader.

Today the United States of America has inaugurated its 44th President. This president to some is like a savior, to others an anti-Christ, and to others as meaningless as any other politician. For many, including myself, this inauguration is the most important one of my lifetime thus far, because it is The First Inauguration of an African American President of the United States of America. What does this mean to me? It affirms there is still hope in a land which promises freedom and justice to all. There is hope for equality and opportunity. There is hope for liberty. Regardless of who or what Barak Obama is to you, he is, nevertheless, the President of the United States of America, with the blessings of our God to rule over this country with compassion, decisively and justly. I encourage you all, as did Samuel to “Come, let us go to Washington D.C. and there reaffirm the kingship.” Let us all join in the celebration and agree to pray that our new President be obedient and submissive to the authority of the Lord Almighty.

Read: 1 Samuel 8 – 11

Prayer: Heavenly Father, today I praise your Holy name, for you have brought to pass an event which many thought we would never see, and for some an event they never wanted to see. I pray, God, you allow our hearts and minds to be calmed and ready us for the days to come. Help us, Lord, to honor you in all we do. I seek your protection and guidance over our new leader, his family, his staff, and this nation. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen!


The Rev. Tobias L. Pace
tobias.pace@insightbb.com

10. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICES:

- Lady Tamara Gibson, first Lady of Anderson Chapel AME Church in Tallahassee, Florida recently successfully passed her nursing board exams. She is the wife of the Reverend Dr. Kyle "K.C." Gibson, senior pastor, Anderson Chapel AME Church.

Congratulatory messages can be e-mailed to: Tamaragibgon@bellsouth.net

- On Sunday January 11, 2009 our mother celebrated her 80th birthday. The event was held in a lovely community center decorated in Champaign colored roses and gold trimming. Her family gathered from as far away as Japan; children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and many friends. Our mother received tributes from Kansas State Senator David Haley, who was in attendance, made comments and read a proclamation; and from Missouri State Representative Will Kraus. It was a fun and sometimes-emotional event. Everything was beautiful and I am grateful to God for allowing us the opportunity to create a real sense of joy in our mother's life and share such a precious time with her.

Belated birthday wishes can be e-mailed to: RevHeermance@kc.rr.com

- Maurice Holloman of Minneapolis, Minnesota, the son of Mrs. Gwendolyn T. and the Reverend C. E. Jenkins (retired Presiding Elder, South Conference, 11th Episcopal District), currently the Senior Logistics Director for Neuromodulation, has accepted the project leadership role for the second phase of the Distribution Network Assessment (DNA). Maurice will report directly to the Vice President of Medtronic Operations and will be responsible for leading the implementation of recommendations from the DNA studies. He joined Medtronic in 2005 as part of the Gastroenterology/Urology organization where he led the Operation's organization.

In 2007, he joined Neuromodulation as an Operations Core Team Leader where he was responsible for representing Operations functional areas (IT, manufacturing, and supply chain) on new product commercialization teams. Prior to joining Medtronic, Maurice held significant leadership positions in Operations at Novartis, ConAgra, and Procter & Gamble. Maurice received his BA in Civil Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and his MBA from the University of Phoenix.

Congratulatory messages can be e-mailed to: maurice.holloman@medtronic.com

Or to the proud parents:

Mrs. Gwendolyn T. Jenkins: cjen615360@aol.com

The Reverend C. E. Jenkins: neal2339@aol.com

11. GENERAL OFFICER FAMILY BEREAVEMENTS NOTICE:

Mrs. Oswanna Dickerson, the mother of the Rev. Dr. Dennis Dickerson, Historiographer/Executive Director of the Department of Research and Scholarship and the Editor of The A.M.E. Church Review passed on Sunday, January 18, 2009.

Funeral Services:
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Visitation - 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Funeral to follow at 11:00 a.m.
Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church
1300 South Street
Nashville, TN 37212
(615) 256-1509
Rev. Michael D. Broadnax, Sr., pastor

Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, Eulogist
Presiding Prelate
1st Episcopal District, A.M.E. Church

Family Visitation:
Friday evening, January 23, 2009
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Lewis and Wright Funeral Directors
2500 Clarksville Hwy
Nashville, TN 37208
Phone: (615) 255-2371
Fax: (615) 255-4926

Professional Services in Nashville Entrusted to:
Lewis and Wright Funeral Directors

Service of Remembrance:
Monday, January 26, 2009
New Bethel A.M.E. Church
6153 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19142
Rev. Maurice Hughes, Pastor
Visitation: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Service at 11: a.m.

Interment to follow at: Ivy Hill Cemetery
1201 Easton Rd.
Philadelphia, PA 19150
(215) 248-4533

Professional Services in Philadelphia Entrusted to:

Congleton Funeral Home
Green & Logan Street
Philadelphia, PA 19144

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

The Scholarship Fund
Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church
1300 South Street
Nashville, TN 37212

Family Contact:
Dr. & Mrs. Dennis C. Dickerson & Family
212 Aspenwood Lane
Nashville, TN 37221
(615) 662-0531

whhbutler@cs.com

Or
MaryDickerson@comcast.net

12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Sarah Johnson, the mother of Presiding Elder Alvan N. Johnson (New York Conference, Brooklyn-West Chester District). The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

Viewing - Friday, January 23 2009

Viewing - 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Clark, Bell & Bell Funeral home
319 Barbour Street
Hartford, CT

Viewing and Funeral - Saturday, January 24, 2009

Viewing - 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Homegoing Service - 11:00 a.m.

Charles Street AME Church
551 Warren Street
Roxbury, MA 02121
Phone: 617-442-7770
Fax: 617-427-1215

The Rev. Gregory G. Groover, Pastor

Condolences may be sent to:

The Rev. Alvan N. Johnson and Family
15 Reed Court
Bloomfield, CT 06002

13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Funeral Services for the Reverend Vergie Huff, local minister at Visitors Chapel A.M.E. Church, Hot Springs, Arkansas will be held on Friday, January 23, 2009, 11:00 a.m. at Visitors Chapel AME Church.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The family of Reverend Vergie Huff
319 Church Street
Hot Springs, AR 71901
Phone: (501) 623-6873

14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We are saddened to announce the passing of Mrs. Marie Legolie, mother of the Rev Wesley A. D. Legolie III (Western Cape, South Africa). Mrs. Legolie went home to be with the Lord on the 16th January 2009 after a prolonged illness. We ask the AME Church family for their prayers as we struggle through this very difficult time.

Pending service arrangements will be shared.

Professional services are being provided by:
Doves Funerals
9 Bethel Street
Paarl, 7646
+27 (21) 872 6491
blackie.swart@doves.co.za
www.doves.co.za

Family Contact:
34 Tarentaal Street
Hillcrest
Wellington, 7655
Western Cape, South Africa
+27 (21) 864 2908 (home)
E-mail: legolie@mweb.co.za (The Rev W Legolie)

15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We are saddened to announce the passing of Mr. Donald Mitchem, Sr. He was the brother of the Reverend Karen Carter, pastor of Shekina Glory AME Church, Louisville, KY.

Service Arrangements:
Friday, January 23, 2009
Wake: 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
Funeral: 12:00 Noon
W P Porter Mortuary
2611 Virginia Ave.
Louisville, Kentucky 40211
Phone: (502) 775-5555

Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Karen Y. Carter
1524 Prentice
Louisville, KY 40210
karencrtr4@yahoo.com

16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We are saddened to announce the passing of Mr. James Vasser, who went home to be with the Lord at noon on Friday, January 16, 2009. Mr. Vasser was the 101 year-old grandfather of the Rev. Delphine L. Vasser, Pastor of St. John AME Church-Mexia, Texas (Northwest Texas Conference-Paul Quinn District), the Rev. Dr. Marshall S. Hobbs, Sr., Presiding Elder; the Rt. Rev. Gregory G.M. Ingram, Presiding Bishop.

His Homegoing Celebration will be at 11:00 A.M. - Thursday, January 22, 2009 at:
Bethel United Methodist Church
1309 North Ballenger
Flint, Michigan 48504
Ph: (810) 238-3843

Mr. James Vasser's final earthly care has been entrusted to the:
Lawrence E. Moon Mortuary
906 W. Flint Park Blvd
Flint, Michigan 48505
Phone: (810) 789-6666

Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Delphine L. Vasser
5440 N. Jim Miller Road, Apt. #834
Dallas, TX 75227
Cell Phone: (214) 577-6264

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

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

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

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.