Bishop Richard Franklin Norris - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor, The Christian Recorder
1. EDITORIAL – THE LENTEN SEASON-A JOURNEY FROM ASH WEDNESDAY TO EASTER AND A TIME TO DRAW NEARER TO GOD:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
The 2009 Lenten season begins on Wednesday, February 25, 2009. Many Christians today use the Lenten season as a period of time for introspection, self examination, and repentance.
The Lenten season always begins on Ash Wednesday, the seventh Wednesday before Easter Sunday. Its name comes from the ancient practice of placing ashes on worshippers’ foreheads as a sign of humility before God, a symbol of mourning and sorrow at the death that sin brings into the world.
Some AME Churches, and many Protestant churches practice the tradition of placing ashes on parishioners’ forehead as a part of the Ash Wednesday worship service. Many AME Churches do not participate in the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of parishioners, choosing simply to have a simple Ash Wednesday service.
Ash Wednesday provides an opportunity for parishioners to anticipate and participate in the recollection and reflection of the death of Jesus on the Cross, and also places worshippers in a position to realize the consequences of sin. Ash Wednesday is a somber day of reflection upon what needs to change in our lives if we are to be committed Christians.
Our spiritual journey should be more than reflecting upon what we have or upon what we do not have. The religious experience should be more encompassing than reflecting upon how good God has been to us or our ability to “get our praise on” or to “name and claim our blessings.”
Sin is still a reality in the world and sin is also a reality for all of us. Sin is real and each one of us needs to confront sin in our lives.
The Lenten season gives us a focused opportunity, collectively and individually, to reflect upon those things in our lives that separate us from the presence of God.
The Lenten season is observed for 40 days leading up to Easter. Since Sundays celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus, the six Sundays that occur during Lent are not counted as part of the 40 days of Lent, and are referred to as the Sundays “in” Lent.
The number 40 is connected with many biblical events, but especially with the forty days Jesus spent in the wilderness preparing for His ministry and by the temptation.
The last week of Lent is called “Holy Week,” which includes Maundy Thursday, Good Friday. Good Friday is when churches have the worship service of the Seven Last Words (seven statements that Jesus uttered on the cross). The Lenten season ends at midnight on the Saturday before Easter Sunday.
The worship service of the Seven Last Words is usually scheduled between 12 noon and 3 p.m., when Jesus hung on the Cross. Jesus was taken down from the Cross around 3 o’clock, before sundown because the Jews didn’t want to violate the Sabbath by handling his body after sundown because, in the Jewish reckoning of time, Saturday began after sundown on Friday. See Genesis 1:5b –“… And the evening and the morning were the first day.” The Jewish reckoning of time, the day begins at sundown. We start the day after midnight or at the break of day in the morning. The Jewish Sabbath (Saturday) begins at sundown on Friday. In our reckoning of time, the new day begins after midnight or at the break of day.
Getting back to the Lenten season; Lent has traditionally been marked by penitential prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Some Christians today still observe a rigid schedule of fasting on certain days during Lent, especially the giving up of meat, alcohol, desserts, and other types of food or behaviors.
Most Christian churches that observe Lent, focus on Lent as a time of prayer, especially penance, repenting for failures and sin as a way to focus on the need for God’s Grace. It is really a preparation to celebrate God’s marvelous redemption at Easter; and the life that we live, and the spiritual growth that we hope for, as Christians.
Lent is a time for somber contemplation and repentance as we humbly recognize our sins and failures. The Lenten season is a time for us to focus on the need for God's grace as we seek to respond anew to God's presence in our lives and in the world.
Easter is the destination of our Lenten journey. The Lenten journey allows us to seek and struggle in partnership and community toward peace with justice in our communities and around the world and to reconcile our spiritual lives with the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
- To the Editor:
How great to hear from Brother Billy Dickens and to learn that he is as actively engaged in lay ministry in Tacoma as he was in Tallahassee, Florida.
I also had questions about how we as a denomination had two founding years. For me, the resolution came from an entrepreneur in Washington, DC whose company celebrated two different dates: the conception date, which in our case would be the 1787 date, was the date he conceived the idea of his enterprise. The second date was the date his company was legally incorporated in the District of Columbia. Similarly we celebrate our incorporation date of 1816 as the date we became officially and legally recognized as a denomination / corporation. Both are perfectly legitimate for me.
Acknowledging the conception date is very important because in the intervening years from 1787 to 1816 there was considerable ministry activity, community engagement, and litigation going on that should not be discounted. It could be argued that without that work, the incorporation in 1816 might not have occurred.
The first General Conference was convened in 1816 and thus the upcoming Bi-centennial General Conference of 2016 is quite appropriate. Some may recall that in 1787 we celebrated the bi-centennial of the AME Church and for me that was very appropriate because the walkout is a seminal event in the history of the AME Church and served as the genesis for the activities that lead to the incorporation.
Paulette Coleman
- To the Editor:
RE: Editorial – Three Questions you Might want to Answer
I see members read into the church all of the time after completing new members' class. I was read into the church over 30 years ago. It's not new and I assume every church practices it, oh well.
As for administering Sacraments to persons in their homes, my experience was like yours. I missed that section in the AMEC Book of Worship; I will check it out also.
The issue of praying prior to worship, I agree with you there as well. I also have devil's advocate moments as opposed to senior moments and sometimes view it as a habit and no serious prayer is prayed. I think some of clergy aren't on their knees long enough to say anything, hopefully it's at least "Lord, have mercy".
My take is that we are taking issue with the celebration of the Founders' when we don't remember 222 years. I still want to know where this school of thought is coming from if that is what it is. Perhaps Dr. Dennis Dickerson needs to write something about this.
(Name withheld by request)
- To the Editor:
I have read new members into full membership in all of the churches I have pastored. I also, remind our old members what is required of them to help support the new members’ spiritual life and to help them learn about the African Methodist Episcopal Church. In fact, at my new charge, I have taken in 2 new members in the last 2 weeks and on last night; I reminded the Stewards and Class leaders as per The Discipline what their responsibilities are to the new members.
Pastor Jimmy D. Howard, Sr.
- To the Editor:
I had to get on my "soapbox" and answer the first question - "When have you seen a new member read into the church?" I saw it when I did it last month at Morris Brown - I do it for all new members when they complete membership classes. They come up after the invitation, are read in, and then fellowshipped in by handshake (only by the Stewards and Trustees at our church, since everyone doing so would take a lot of time)! I grew up with the tradition, and preserve the tradition.
I'm "old school" enough to believe that those who join the church should still come to the altar during the invitation and state their intention - not just show up at membership classes and mystically be placed on the roll. Those who put our polity together had good sense - they knew that standing before the church and answering those questions - after attending instructive classes - has meaning and impact that makes better members who value the responsibilities of membership. It amazes me that we can put folks through arduous procedures to join frats, sororities and lodges, but allow them to simply "walk" into the church - we value things more when they come with effort. Sadly, we too often (1) are so anxious to report authentic "conversions and accessions" on the Annual Conference floor that we count anyone who might show up, and (2) we've drifted so far away from our Order for Worship and denominational identity that we play down good traditions.
At least once a year, I actually use the tradition as a "teaching tool" and take the time to remind the congregation of what each question means - especially the one that says, "Will you cheerfully be governed by The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church?" I quote it anytime someone asks in a meeting why the pastor has so much latitude in the AME Church or why we have to pay the General Budget! :-)
The Rev. Dr. Joseph Darby, Pastor
Morris Brown AME Church, Charleston, SC
3. MACEDONIA AME CHURCH’S 2ND ANNUAL BROTHER-2-BROTHER REVIVAL:
Macedonia AME Church 6235 Stagecoach Road, Rex, Georgia invites you to our Second Annual Brother-2-Brother Revival on February 16 - 19, 2009. The Rev. Bruce L. Frances is the pastor of Macedonia AME Church,
Our revivalists this year will be the Rev. Kenneth Marcus, pastor of The Cathedral at Turner Chapel, Marietta, Georgia on February 16-17 and the Rev. Marcus Gibson, pastor of the Greater Shady Grove Baptist Church, Columbus, Georgia on February 18-19.
Praise and Worship through music will be provided by the music ministries of Turner Cathedral, Ben Hill United Methodist, Atlanta, Antioch A.M.E., Lithonia, and Macedonia AME Churches.
To close out our Brother's Month Celebration during our 10:45 AM worship Service on Sunday February 21, 2009, our guest preacher for the occasion will be the President and Dean of Turner Theological Seminary, the Rev. Dr. John Green.
Bruce L. Francis, Pastor
Macedonia A.M.E. Church
4. NEWS FROM THE NEW ENGLAND:
*The Rev. Barbara J. Simmons
Winter of 2009
Is there a word from New England? Yes, in the midst of digging out of snow, and ice-skating, when to many of us do not skate, I am happy to say, we are yet alive. On behalf of our leaders Bishop, Richard Norris and Mother Norris, Presiding Elder Herbert L. Eddy, Rev. Amelia Eddy, pastors, ministers, spouses, officers and members of the New England Conference, Happy New Year to all. It is with great excitement that we welcome back Bishop Richard Norris, distinguished Presiding Prelate of the First Episcopal District and Mother Mary Ann Norris, Supervisor.
157th Session of the New England Conference convened by Bishop Norris, and hosted by Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in the lovely city of Stamford Connecticut, where the host pastors was the Rev. Leroy Ladson, Jr. and host Presiding Elder Herbert L. Eddy.
This was a memorable conference, as public officials from all levels of government greeted and welcomed Bishop Norris, Mother Norris and members of the New England Conference. Visitors gathered for the opening day where Rev. Teresa Smith preached the opening day service. Four Itinerant Elders, one Itinerant Deacon and five Local Elders were ordained on Saturday, May 18; the preacher for the ordination service was Bishop Davis.
On Sunday, May 18, Bishop Norris preached a soul stirring closing service.
The New England area looks forward to the 158th Session of the New England Annual Conference, which will be hosted by St. Paul AME Church, Cambridge, Massachusetts. The Rev. Dr. Leroy Attles is the pastor. This will mark the last conference for Rev. and Mrs. Attles, as Rev. Attles retires after a long pastorate in New England. They will be greatly missed.
Certainly, 2009 is a monumental year, as we celebrated the inauguration of our first African American President Barak Obama, these are difficult times, but as African Americans, we have survived even more difficult times, yet we have managed to survive with God’s help. Let us never forget “On Christ the solid rock we stand, all other ground is sinking sand.”
As pastors and laypersons we can no longer hold on to the gospel just for ourselves, we must spread it. We may not know what the future holds, but we still know who holds the future. Let us pray for one another.
*The Rev. Barbara J. Simmons is the pastor of Bethel Plymouth AME, Plymouth, Massachusetts and is the Reporter
5. THE SON OF ST. JOHN AME CHURCH FIRST FAMILY SELECTED TO SERVE IN THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION:
The members of the St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church, “the Mother Church of African Methodism in the State of Tennessee,” are both excited and delighted that the Rev. Joshua P. Dubois, oldest son of our pastor and first lady, the Rev. W. Antoni and Kristy Sinkfield has been selected to serve in the Obama Administration. President Barack Obama appointed the Rev. Dubois (St. John’s First Son) as the Director of the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships.
Prepared by Ralph L. Holmes, Church Trustee
St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church
Nashville, Tennessee
Email: sainjohname@aol.com
6. SENIOR BISHOP JOHN R. BRYANT VISITS PRISON FOR VALENTINE’S DAY:
The Right Reverend John Richard Bryant, Presiding Prelate of the Fourth Episcopal District and Senior Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church visited the Michigan Department of Corrections, Mound Correctional Facility in Detroit, Michigan on the evening of Valentine’s Day February 14, 2009. This visit celebrated Black History Month at the facility.
Bishop Bryant is making good on his promise, to the Fourth Episcopal District, to visit mission churches, prisons, and support the local Lay Organizations.
This historic visit to the prison was part of a “whirlwind weekend” for Bishop Bryant, which began with a two hour Training Seminar, including questions and answers, on Saturday February 14, 2009 at the Michigan Conference Lay Organization Winter Workshop, held in Bloomfield, Michigan. Bishop Bryant ended with the Michigan Annual Conference Founder’s Day Worship Service on Sunday February 15, 2009 afternoon held Saint Paul A.M.E. Church, Detroit, Michigan where Reverend Andre Spivey is the pastor.
Bishop Bryant, accepted the invitation to preach at the Mound Correctional Facility, from Senior Institution Chaplain Reverend LeRoy White, an Itinerant Elder serving in the Michigan Annual Conference, assigned to the Mound Correctional Facility.
Bishop Bryant was accompanied by both of the Michigan Annual Conference Presiding Elders; Reverend Dr. Norman V. Osborne and the Reverend Dr. H. Michael Lemmons. Other guests included Reverend Howard Tranumn, Volunteer Assistant Chaplain at the Mound Correctional Facility, the Reverend Jeffery Baker, Pastor, Saint Paul, Southwest AME Church, Detroit, Michigan. The Reverend Jeffery Baker brought members of Saint Paul Southwest’s choir.
The Reverend Larry J. Bell, Pastor, Vernon Chapel AME Church, Detroit, Michigan and his wife, the Reverend Danita Bell, were in attendance. Vernon Chapel has an active Volunteer Prison Ministry at the Mound Correctional Facility. Others in attendance were Ms. Artina Hardman, Michigan Department of Corrections Parole Board Member and a member of Allen Temple A.M.E Church, Detroit, Michigan, the Reverend Gloria Clark Pastor of Saint Matthew A.M.E. Church Detroit, Michigan (she served as a worship participant), and Mrs. Madge White, Fourth District Lay President. Sister White is also an active Prison Ministry Volunteer, and the wife of Chaplain LeRoy White.
During this highly emotive and spirit-filled worship experience, led by Chaplain White, all in attendance enjoyed the singing of the Chaplain’s Protestant Choir, accompanied by musicians on the keyboard, bass guitar, rhythm guitar, drums, and conga. The guests along with the more than two-hundred prisoners in attendance were truly blessed by the choir’s rendition of “Soon I Will Be Done Wid Da Troubles of Da World.”
A prisoner tribute to Bishop Richard Allen was concluded with the singing of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” The Saint Paul Southwest Choir provided a sermonic selection, which was spiritually uplifting, for all those present.
The Christian prisoners have formed their own church within the prison called the “Open Arms Ministry Church,” following the religious tenants of African Methodism.
The high point of the worship experience was the Bishop Bryant’s sermon. He was truly led by the Holy Spirit and preached a dynamic and thought provoking sermon entitled, “Hidden Treasures.”
All prisoners and guests present gave Bishop Bryant a standing ovation, along with shouts and praises at the conclusion of his message.
At the end of the worship service Bishop Bryant and Chaplain White shook every prisoner’s hands attending the worship experience and wished them well.
This article was written by Madge M. White, Fourth Episcopal District Lay President and edited by the Reverend Dr. Michael C. Carson Fourth Episcopal District Director of Public Relations, who is the pastor Union Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church Benton Harbor, Michigan.
7. SATAN'S SEASON:
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts
The preacher in the book of Ecclesiastes (3:1), states, “To everything there is a season.”
In the book of Revelation (20:3) it is stated that Satan will be loosed for a season; and there is no doubt that in the midst of all of the inconceivable atrocities being committed on all levels of our society, that this is Satan's season.
One has only to read some of the headlines:
"Woman kills baby by placing it in a microwave oven..."
"Two men abducted girl age 17 raped, murdered and eat her body parts..."
"Woman kills baby girl and disposed of her in trash bag..."
"Priest arrested for molesting boys over a period of years...”
"Sunday school teacher for selling drugs in basement of the church..."
"Man kills couple; and sits and has lunch over their bodies...”
"Woman kills man and cuts up his body and scatters his remains in woods..."
"Man arrested fore the murder of 300 people and placing their bodies in acid..."
The headlines in our daily newspapers go on and on; and don't forget the Jim Jones, Jonestown incident.
Satan is having a field-day in his season. We are in the midst of Satan's season. Young minds are being seared with foreign and strange doctrines. Some of the most dangerous young people have become cold-blooded killers. They are being enticed to commit acts of evil, disguised as good.
Satan is having a "good" season.
No organization, not even the church, is immune in this season.
The Church is supposed to change the world, but the world is changing the Church. Programs and events of the world have taken seed in our Churches.
There is one thing for sure and that is, the Holy Spirit doesn't need any help. The Holy Spirit is not like the "hamburger helper." The Holy Spirit can stop Satan’s advance.
When I was a young lad I used to hear people say, "I'll beat the Devil out of you…"
Somebody needs to beat the Devil out of some of us.
Or shall I used a more modern term, “We need to ‘slam dunk’ the Devil.”
I don't know when Satan's season began, but one thing I do know and that is we are in the midst of it. And before Satan is bound, he will destroy many. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12)
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts is a retired pastor residing in Eatonville, Florida
8. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Retired Presiding Elder, the Reverend Willie J. Nelson, of the Columbia District in the Seventh Episcopal District.
The funeral has been held.
Cards and other expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Carrie Richburg Nelson (wife) & family
3935 Pearl Street
Columbia, SC 29203
Phone (803) 765-1673
Or expressions of sympathy may be emailed to:
meansj32@gmail.com
jmeans6@aol.com
9. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to announce the passing of Mr. Charlie H. Jones, the father of the Rev. Daniel Jones, pastor of Allen Chapel AME Church, Cincinnati, Ohio; South Ohio Annual Conference, Third Episcopal District.
The funeral has been held.
Correspondences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Hall-Jordan and Pretty Memorial Chapel
Or to:
The Rev. Daniel Jones, Pastor
Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church
6271 Simpson Avenue
College Hill
Cincinnati, OH 45224
Phone: (513) 542-1952 (P/F)
10. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you that the Rev. William A. Tucker, assistant pastor at St. John AME Church, Cleveland, Ohio passed on Feb. 10, 2009. Rev. William A. Tucker was the husband of Sister Helen Tucker and the father of Sister Deborah Tucker of Chicago. Rev. Tucker served God and the St. John Church family faithfully.
The funeral has been held.
View and sign Guest Book: http://obits.cleveland.com/Cleveland/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=124035874
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Helen Tucker and Family
3622 Lindholm Road
Cleveland, Ohio 44120
Telephone: (216) 283-2434
11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Emma Snow, the mother of the Rev. Dr. Carlton Taylor, pastor of Allen Chapel AME Church, Pensacola, FL.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. Dr. Carlton Taylor, Pastor
Allen Chapel AME Church
500 Guillemard Street
Pensacola, FL 32501
Church phone: (850) 433-2404
Home: (850) 476-0496
Email: taylorclev@bellsouth.net
12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mr. Johnny Anderson, father of the Reverend Carroll G. Anderson, pastor of Bethel AME Church, Hope, Arkansas. Mr. Johnny Anderson, a member of Bethel AME Church in Warren, Arkansas passed on Wednesday, February 11, 2009.
The funeral has been held.
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. and Mrs. (Carolyn) Carroll G. Anderson
5208 West 23rd Street
Little Rock, AR 72204
Phone: (501) 664-2759 or (501) 590-9891
13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mrs. Velma Chambers, mother of the Reverend Dr. Phyllis Hicks, itinerant deacon at St. Andrews AME Church, Sacramento, California (California Conference), Mrs. Linda Nesbit, California Conference WMS officer, and the mother-in-law of the Rev. Dr. Tyrone Hicks, pastor of St. Andrews AME Church, Sacramento. In addition to her daughters, she is survived by her husband, Augustus Chambers, nine grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Velma Chambers was a charter member of Murph-Emmanuel AME Church, North Highlands, California. Mrs. Chambers passed away on Friday, February 6, 2009.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of sympathy may be extended to:
The Rev. Dr. Phyllis Hicks and Family
4140 Singing Tree Way
Antelope, CA 95843
Phone: (916) 729-4604
14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of the Reverend William B. (W. B.) Langham, Sr. on Sunday, February 15, 2009. Rev. Langham was the pastor of Gaines Chapel A.M.E. Church - Dallas, Texas (North Texas Conference-Greater Dallas District) at the time of his passing.
Service Arrangements for the Rev. William B. (W.B.) Langham, Sr:
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Novella Langham (Wife)
201 Cotillion Road
Fort Worth, Texas 76134
Phone: (817) 293-5167
Submitted by:
Rev. Dr. Sherryl A. Matlock, Pastor
St. James A.M.E. Church
Denton, Texas
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to share the news of the passing of the Reverend Daryl Bowden, Local Elder, St. Paul A.M.E. Church, San Bernardino, CA. He was called from labor to reward on Wednesday, February 11, 2009.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The family of the Rev. Daryl Bowden
10340 Via Apolina Dr.
Moreno Valley, CA 92557-2705
Please keep the entire Bowden Family in your prayers.
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mr. Morris L. Stewart, Jr., the brother of Reverend Latisha Stewart Smith, Founding Pastor of Castaic A.M.E. Church Mission in Castaic, CA. Mr. Morris L. Stewart, Jr. passed on February 12, 2009.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. Latisha Stewart Smith
1950 Mentone Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91103-1429
Phone: (626) 616-2138
E-mail: lstewartsm@aol.com
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you that funeral services were held for Mr. Willie Gordon on February 3, 2009 at the Frank R. Bell Funeral Home in Brooklyn, NY. Mr. Willie Gordon was the brother of Rev. Sammie L. Gordon, Sr., pastor and the brother in-law of first lady Hester B. Gordon, Prodigal A.M.E. Church, Swansea, SC (7th Episcopal District).
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. and Mrs. Sammie L. Gordon, Sr.
1425 Sunset Street
Orangeburg, SC 29115
Phone: (803) 534-5351
slgordon37@bellsouth.net
18. 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
19. 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
