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
Reminder: The time changes in the United States and the nation returns to Daylight Savings Time.
1. EDITORIAL: WE HAVE DONE IT BEFORE AND WE CAN DO IT AGAIN:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
The Dow ones Industrials’ has remains below 7000 and my recollection in Economics 101 tells me that stocks are at risk for losing value and when that happens, investors get nervous. If investors get nervous enough to stop buying stocks and bonds, the economy can go into a free-fall. Big investors are losing money and small investors like some of us are losing money also. A recent article in USA Today quotes John Bollinger, president and founder of Bollinger Capital Management, warns of the danger of the country developing a ”…generational divestiture out of the stock market,” which could result in what Frank Cappiello, chairman of Montgomery Brothers, Cappiello in Baltimore warns the we could have “a whole generation without enough to retire on.” Economists are predicting a long haul in getting through this economic downturn, which some are calling a “recession” and others calling it a “depression.” Whatever it is, it is not good.
Unemployment is on the rise and in certain locations, especially in industrial areas, where the unemployment rates are as high as they have ever been. The unemployment rate is expected to reach 9.3% by September 2009 (http://forecasts.org/unemploy.htm)
Is there a word? There is a Word from the Lord and, as a Christian; I know that God will take us through this crisis. And, even as I know there is a Word from God, I grieve.
I grieve when I think of our bothers and sisters losing their jobs and losing their homes. I grieve when I think about my brothers and sisters who are experiencing financial hardships. I grieve when I hear of young people who have to change, or even defer their college plans. I grieve when I hear AME pastors share their concerns and apprehensions about how their offerings are less; many say that they are feeling the economic pain. I can see it in the church I attend; more families are appealing for financial assistance and members are being laid off. I grieve when I hear young people agonize about not being able to find jobs or having to drop out of school.
I grieve when I hear of the financial struggles of Wilberforce University; I know that all of our AME institutions and all of the HBCUs are struggling. I grieve when hear about Morris Brown College and I grieved when I read about the auctioning off of one of the buildings at MBC. I know that I am not the only one grieving. I also know that there are people behind the scenes who are working day and night to keep our academic institutions open, and I know that there are people working hard to keep Morris Brown open.
I admire the bishops who preside in districts that have institutions of higher learning and the Presidents and board members who serve those AME institutions of higher learning. I admire the faculty and staff who work at those institutions and the students who attend those institutions.
I admire the AME pastors and members who raise their budget money and make their financial reports so that Episcopal districts can make their reports to the AME Treasurer, Dr. Richard Lewis so that the Church can meet its obligations of providing financial support to our struggling institutions, support overseas and stateside missions, keep our departments functioning, react to emergencies like Katrina, pay salaries, and guard the church against, oftentimes, frivolous lawsuits. The Treasurer and his staff have to be miracle workers.
I admire the dedicated pastors and committed laity will do what they have to do to meet their obligations. I have a high regard for the pastors who labor day after day who minister “where the rubber hits the road”; pastors are the “infantry,” the foot soldiers of the ministry who often minister in “minefields,” yet they remain committed to their calling. I have sense enough to know that it is not easy. Times are hard and this economic climate will test our faith and with God’s help, we will weather this storm. We have weathered economic storms before and we will weather this storm.
Getting back to Morris Brown College; this is not the first time that one of our AME institutions has found itself in financial difficulty. We have rescued our institutions in the past and we can rescue Morris Brown College.
If we work together; with prayer, commitment, and with our monetary donations, we will see the hand of God moving and Morris Brown will become an institution that makes a difference. No amount is too small; give what you can; $1, $25, $100, $100, but send something. Alone, we have little, but together we have a much.
In days past, black folks in general, and AMEs in particular, have saved our academic institutions with fish and chicken dinners with our nickels, dimes, quarters, and dollars. We have rescued and resurrected many of our great institutions, and we can do so again.
Let’s have a Sunday of Hope -- “A Day of Recognition” for Morris Brown College and for all of your academic institutions.
Let’s commit ourselves once again to education. Let’s “pound” it into the heads of our young people and adults, that education is the way out of poverty and route to equality.
We did it before and we can do it again!
2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
- To the Editor:
RE: Editorial: A return to the basics of biblical literacy and biblical expertise
Wow!!! You do realize that everyone who went "through" their Boards of Examiners may or may not have had to answer such questions as posed in your editorial, especially if they are closer to 75-years old or superannuates; and not seminarians. I cannot say "lighten up" Dr. Sydnor, because I agree with you. I just know in some Southern districts (can't speak for the north and west), not every AME knows what you view as questions we should all be able to answer, including the clergy. You may be taking too much for granted sometimes; and it's no fault of your own.
I am not close to my “Know Your Church” or “What AMEs Believe” and maybe Stephen Green will still get all of the answer correct. I wanted to see how many questions I, a layperson could answer.
Richard Allen was born a slave February 14, 1760 in Philadelphia at Benjamin Chew's place, at least that what he said.
Allen, Absalom Jones and others walked out of St. George Church in 1787.
The AME Church was incorporated in 1816. Tell all of those 1816ers that they ought to know that it was also the first conference held by black folks in Baltimore.
Regarding the Old Testament, you might want to let that pre-exilic and post-exilic prophets line go because there are many who have no clue about any of the periods of exile and that there were 2 kingdoms, Southern(Judah) and Northern(Israel) at a time in Jewish history.
Yes, there are divisions of the New Testament, with the four Gospels: Matthew Mark Luke and John. The three synoptic gospels (meaning similar in account) are Matthew, Mark and Luke. The Gospel of John is sometimes referenced with the Johannine letters (I think). It's interesting that you should bring this up.
The book of History is the Acts of the Apostles. I know one person who attended an Ivy League University (Princeton) who says there is a school of thought that believes that Acts has been sometimes referred to as the 5th Gospel.
I really am going out on a stretched limb in trying to remember the Pauline Letters or those credited to Paul are Romans, 1st and 2nd Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and 1st and 2nd Thessalonians and Philemon. They were letters written to the churches at Rome, Corinth, Galatia, Ephesus, Philippi, Colossae, Thessalonica and a follower of Paul's. Then there are the Pastoral Epistles (you forgot to use that word) 1st and 2nd Timothy, Titus (although attributed to Paul, most scholars think that he didn't write them).
Yes, there is one book of Revelation. Many, many preachers and lay folk say "Book of Revelations" and I cringe when I hear it. Just as I do when folk say the 23rd Psalms or my favorite "the 23rd Division of Psalms" (Yes, I'm on a roll here). It is however, the entire book is called, the Book of Psalms.
If I remember my New Testament, it was at the Council of Jamnia that met in 60 A.D. that made the decision of compiling the Bible as we know it today. Please let me skip the Dead Sea scrolls part. Don't know where my copy of Understanding the Old Testament by Berhnard Andersen is and I really would have to have help on the various versions of scripture we have today. It's been a while.
No time for the early Church Fathers and various Councils (Nicene and stuff), Reformation (Martin Luther) because I would have to go to the Library to get it right.
You should prepare your AME Members' creed to be a Bill so that it might pass as legislation in '12 and could be included as a part of the New Members' classes. Maybe even a requirement to recite it to finish the classes. Sounds good to me, but I doubt it will rank with learning and memorizing the Apostle's Creed or Church School creed, sorry.
Name withheld – “A Concerned AME”
3. PAYNE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY AWARDED TEN-YEAR ACCREDITATION BY THE ASSOCIATION OF THEOLOGICAL SCHOOLS:
Good news arrived at Payne Theological Seminary this week in a letter from the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) Commission on Accrediting announcing that Payne had been elevated to a ten-year accreditation cycle. The Payne Theological Seminary team worked tirelessly, over a two-year period, to prepare for its November 2008 reaccreditation visit by the ATS Accreditation Visiting Team. The visit, which occurred November 23-25, had the full support of the Board of Trustees, its Chairman for the past twenty years, Bishop Vinton R. Anderson, the administration, faculty, student body, alumni, and members of the Wilberforce, Ohio community where Payne resides.
Payne is grateful for the leadership of Dr. Louis Charles Harvey, the president at the helm when Payne received its first five-year accreditation in 1995. Now, thirteen years later, due to a heroic effort on the part of all of Payne’s constituents, Payne is now on a ten-year accreditation cycle and will have its next accreditation visit in 2018. Bishop Anderson expressed his appreciation as follows: “This is a special moment in my twenty-year tenure as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. During the past two days, I have received congratulatory phone calls for President Fitchue, Chief Administrator, and myself, as Chair. I am pleased to say that the earlier challenges we endured that led to Payne’s first accreditation, and its new ten-year accreditation status, was worth the struggle. Others thought that we might give up, but we did not. Today, we have a victory to show and celebrate.”
The six supporting districts of Payne Theological Seminary are:
First Episcopal District, Bishop Richard F. Norris, Presiding Prelate; Second Episcopal District, Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Presiding Prelate; Third Episcopal District, Bishop C. Garnett Henning, Presiding Prelate; Fourth Episcopal District, Bishop John R. Bryant, Presiding Prelate; Fifth Episcopal District, Bishop Theodore L. Kirkland, Presiding Prelate; Thirteenth Episcopal District, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate.
The reaffirmation of the ten-year accreditation cycle by the ATS Commission on Accrediting represents a vote of confidence that Payne will not only work diligently to honor its current performance level but also will seize every effort to enhance its future growth and development. It was Payne’s decision, not only to prepare a Self Study Report for ATS, but, also to craft a “fluid” document that would “live” beyond the ATS visit. The current document serves as a blueprint for Payne’s “reinvention” process for twenty-first century ministry and is an integral component of the Strategic Plan that seeks to honor Payne’s mission to prepare men and women leaders for the current and future Church. The ATS Accreditation Visiting Team, led by Dr. Edward Wheeler, President of Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, Indiana, and a Baptist minister, expressed its appreciation for Payne’s Self Study Report and acknowledged that it was evident a broad segment of the community had worked cooperatively to produce it.
The intense three-day schedule of the ATS visit provided an opportunity for the Accreditation Visiting Team to spend time in individual and group meetings with each of Payne’s constituents, tour the physical plant, including the newly constructed Bishop Reverdy C. Ransom Memorial Library, engage members of the Payne community in pressing inquiry and exploration, and exchange impressions of Payne’s imagination about its future and its role as a member of the theological school community. The hard work of the administration and faculty was not lost as it was apparent to the ATS Accreditation Visiting Team, who applauded Payne’s “heroic effort” and the significant areas of visible achievement, that only through a mighty team effort could such an accomplishment be achieved.
Representing the Board of Trustees were Bishop Vinton R. Anderson, Chairman, Bishop C. Garnett Henning, Vice Chairman, Bishop Richard Norris, Chairman of the Capital Campaign, Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah, Dr. Clement Fugh, CIO/Secretary of the AME Church and Secretary of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Jeanette Harris, Treasurer of the board of Trustees, Dr. Grainger Browning, and Reverend Carmi Woods. Also present in good numbers were core and adjunct faculty members, students, representing both residential and online status, administration and staff, alumni, and community representatives. The visible constituency support aided Payne in making a unified and hospitable presentation and led Dr. Wheeler to make the following comment: “The visiting team was extended every courtesy and was warmly received by the members of the Payne family.”
In addition, Dr. Wheeler expressed sincere appreciation to the Bishops who graciously gave of their time for the three-day visit and provided exemplary leadership in helping the Accreditation Visiting Team to understand the value of Payne to the African Methodist Episcopal denomination. It was apparent that the extraordinary and passionate support demonstrated by the Board of Trustees was not an every day experience in the world of theological school visitations. So evident was the love for Payne that Dr. Wheeler, more than once, was compelled to acknowledge the stellar performance and passionate dedication of the Board of Trustees and other loyal members of the Payne Theological Seminary community.
As president of Payne at this hour in its history, I cannot express enough praise to the Payne Theological Seminary family for time and time again going the extra mile to create the Self Study Report requested by the ATS and to prepare for the November 2008 visit. We wish to thank Bishop Anderson for his unwavering resolve and servant leadership in helping Payne to develop and strengthen its identity as a highly valued accredited institution. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the A.M.E. Church for its love and care of Payne Theological Seminary, beginning with the 1844 mandate of the A.M.E. Church to establish a school of theological education. The ATS Accreditation Visiting Team acknowledged this commitment as a visible strength and led the ATS Commission on Accrediting to recommend “that the deep connection of the A.M.E. Church and Payne that informs and shapes the mission of the school be sustained during the next term of accreditation.” The reaffirmation of the ten-year accreditation cycle by the ATS Commission on Accrediting signals a new chapter in the life of Payne as it moves fully into its “reinvention” process for twenty-first century ministry. As Payne moves forward, the wisdom of our founder, Bishop Daniel Alexander Payne, continues to be the torch of our inspiration: “So high a mission, so holy a calling.”
Payne Theological Seminary is the oldest free standing African American Theological Seminary in the world and is one of six Historically Black Theological Schools accredited by the ATS, which has a current membership of 254 schools in North America and Canada. Today, Payne has an enrollment of 127 students who participate in the Master of Divinity degree program, with residential and online instruction, or the Doctor of Ministry degree program, in which the degree is awarded by Bakke Graduate University (BGU) in collaboration with Payne Theological Seminary. Interested persons should visit the Payne Theological Seminary website at www.payne.edu .
Submitted by the Rev. Leah Gaskin Fitchue, Ed.D, President, Payne Theological Seminary; 1230 Wilberforce Clifton Road, PO Box 474, Wilberforce, Ohio 45384; 937-376-2946; lfitchue@payne.edu
4. YPD’ER, MARISSA BROWN SELECTED BY FLORIDA STATE SENATE AS A 2009 STUDENT PAGE:
The news came as a surprise for Marissa C. Brown; a student at Blanche Ely High School in Pompano Beach, Florida received a letter of congratulations from The Office of the Florida Senate, Senator Jeff Atwater, President, acknowledging that she was selected as a 2009 Senate Page during the 105th Legislative Session at the State Capitol in Tallahassee, Florida. Marissa will be representing her community, school, family and church as a positive role model for students across Florida. After months of anxiously awaiting to hear from the student page program, Marissa stated, “I applied for this position during the summer, in hopes of having in the opportunity to serve as a student page.” She admits that her letter came as a surprise and she is honored to serve in this position.
Marissa will travel to Tallahassee, Florida and participate in a scheduled week of service, March 9, 2009. Senate Pages will discuss the legislative process to gain a better understanding of how government works and affects their daily lives. Senate Pages will have the opportunity to participate in a “mock session” where they will role play as Senators discussing, debating and voting on legislation. Capitol tours are also planned throughout the week, according to the Page Program. Senator Chris Smith is The Florida State Senator for District 29 which comprises Ft. Lauderdale Florida and Palm Beach County. Her passion for community service in serving others and with an interest in government and politics she volunteers her time in many voter’s registration drives with special emphasis in motivating youth to become active participants in community service and understanding the importance of registering to vote. She is a volunteer for youth campaigns and political campaigns, a volunteer for Holy Cross Community Outreach Program in developing locations for free screenings for chronic diseases, assisting the homeless and feeding the victims of hunger through the “A Cry for Hope Community base organization where she is the Director of Public Relations and a volunteer teen writer for the Westside Gazette newspaper, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
Marissa is a member of Mount Hermon A.M.E. Church, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida of the Eleventh Episcopal District, Bishop McKinley Young, Presiding Prelate and Reverend Michael K. Bouie, serves as Pastor. She is a member of the YPD’ers, sings in the young adult choir, liturgical praise dance and assists with the Department of Christian Education at her local church.
She is the Founder and President of the Blanche Ely High School Diabetic Support Group Organization in which she wrote the proposal for this organization in giving other teens the hope of knowledge and educational assistance in dealing with these teen medical conditions in assisting them in overcoming this disease. It is her hope that through government and research for children, youth and adults who suffer, with Diabetes that a cure would be discovered. She is a member of the Pompano Beach Chapter of Delta Gems, a 2009 Contestant for "Miss Jabberwock" sponsored by the Pompano Beach Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Youth Council of Touch of Compassion Outreach Mentoring Fellowship, Because I'm Beautiful Girls Organization, Inc., Marissa expresses her thanks of support to Senator Chris Smith; her parents; Reverend Edrena Houston Brown and Mr. Franklyn Brown, relatives; Ms. Linda Houston Jones, Dr. Barbara Houston Wilson, Mr. William J. Wilson, Jr., Mr. Gregory Brewton, Sr., Mr. Karlton Johnson, principal of Blanche Ely High School and the Broward County Community for having the opportunity to serve as a student page which will be a rewarding and educational experience.
5. AME-INDIA REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 2009:
We praise God for God’s guidance and blessing in the ministry of our pastors. God has been so good in meeting our needs, and doing miracles in the lives of peoples, which has led people to put their trust in God.
Experiences shared by our pastors from the mission fields. We thank you for your valuable prayers for us and we request you kindly continue to pray for the following requests.
Pastor Samuel Ramachandran informs that a handful to people secretly come for worship from the following villages Pudupettai, Kuttiyandiur and Perumarpettai, because there is a lot of opposition for the gospel in these places. He requests prayer for the safety of these secret believers and also for God to soften the hearts of the enemies of the gospel. He also requests prayer for his congregation at Vanagiri, in which about 25-30 adults and 50 children attend worship regularly. Almost all of them are from Hindu fishing community. We could call them as seekers, because there are yet to make a decision for Christ. But in the midst of opposition they still choose to come for worship. There is also stiff opposition from the locals in the area. Prayers are needed for God’s protection for these people; three persons are ready for baptism. Every second Sunday of the month Pastor Samuel gathers all his believers from the surrounding seven villages in one place and conducts the communion worship, and he also serves lunch for them. He requests prayers for God to provide all the needs.
Pastor Sam Paul informs us that one of his members, Mr. Mani, a chronic diabetic; whose blood-sugar had shot up to 400; had a tumor in his nasal passage, and after endoscopy, a surgery was suggested. Pastor Sam prayed for him, and God performed the miracle; the tumor disappeared. Praise the Lord. Sister Esther, who was very anemic, has been healed, due to prayer. Mrs. Selvi, who could not conceive since her marriage, is now pregnant after 7 months of unceasing prayers.
Pastor Samuel Murugavel reports that he had use a van to transport his congregation and they were able to visit ten villages in the surrounding area and distribute 2000 tracts. He also requests prayer from a Medical Camp that will be held on 8 March 2009 in the village of Chittatoor. He has been facing some opposition in Chittatoor, but he expects a change in the attitude after the Medical Camp. He requests prayers for four new converts who are waiting to be baptized.
Pastor Gopi requests prayer for eleven Hindus who have accepted the Lord and have been baptized at a place called Lingeswara Nagar. They are now trying to buy a land to build a church for regular worship in that location. Pastor Gopi also requests prayer for a widow named Jamima, she has two children; her husband has left a huge debt, which she has to pay; let us pray for a miracle.
Pastor Daniel requests prayers for a Hindu lady named Rajini, whom he has led to Christ. She now regularly attends the church. Unfortunately she does not have any children, because her husband and mother-in-law are torturing her and they are also forcing her to worship the Hindu idols. Therefore, let us pray for a miracle and for the safety of this lady, so that she may stand as a witness for the Lord.
Pastor Chiranjeevi requests prayer for eight persons who have recently been added to the church; please pray for their spiritual growth. He also requests prayers for a lady named Sundaramma, who is possessed by an evil spirit, which stops her from becoming a mother. She has been married for five years and has no issues. Her husband forces her to agree for a second marriage. Please pray that she will be delivered from the bondage.
Pastor John Wesley requests prayer for a Hindu lady named Munemma, who has accepted the Lord as her personal Savior, and is attending the church regularly. She has been deserted by her husband.
Praise God that Bharath has come in the salvation of Christ Jesus at Thimmapuram in the ministry place of Subbamma. Mr Bharat is the one who gave trouble for the gospel work.
Pastor Subbamma thanks the Lord for your prayers, due to which one Mr. Bharat who gave her a lot of trouble opposing the gospel work, has finally accepted the Lord. Indeed this is a miracle. She also requests prayer for a widow named Mangamma, who has been led to the Lord. She has three children, but since she is suffering from a heart disease, she is unable to go for work and earn her livelihood. Please pray for a miracle and deliverance.
Pastor John David recently led a Hindu lady named Durgamma to the Lord. On 13 December 2008, she underwent an eye operation in which she lost her eye sight. She belongs to the high caste community, who now blame that her total blindness is because of her new-found faith in Jesus Christ. So let us all pray for a miracle, as she undergoes another operation this month.
Pastor Anil thanks the Lord for enabling him and his congregation to build a church that was dedicated recently at a place called Durgam. Previously they used to worship under a Tamarind tree. He also requests prayer for an eight year old girl named Sushmeeth, who has not been able to speak since her birth. Her parents Kanaka Raju and Kalpana have accepted Jesus as their Savior, with the hope that God would heal their child. Let us pray for a miracle as this girl undergoes an operation this month. If God grants this miracle this will be a great witness in the surrounding villages.
Pastor Stephen Raj requests prayer for his protection and the ministry in Kasimitta village. In that village a Mr. Rajendra, has joined with the Hindu fanatics and is severely opposing Pastor Stephen and his ministry. Mr. Rajendra has even attacked the believer who has opened his house for prayers. Pastor Stephen also requests prayers for the salvation of Mr. Rajendra.
Pastor Daniel Raj requests prayer for Mr. Anand, Mr. Govind, Mr. Sudheer and Mr. Ranganath, who have accepted Jesus as their Savior and have received baptism that they may grow in the Lord. He also requests prayer for construction work of his church, which is in process – for all the needs to be met.
Pastor Immanuel requests prayers for the construction of his church at Nindra, which is in process; that God would provide all their needs.
Pastor Thangaraj requests prayer for the seven new converts who are ready for baptism. He also requests prayer for the growth of his church.
Pastor Moses has started ministering in a new village of Jayaranipuram. He has come across a person named Thangaraj who is ailing from Tuberculosis. He requests prayer for a miracle in this person’s life.
Pastor Paul Doraiswamy ministering at Nagari requests prayer for Mr. Rajnish, a Muslim, who recently lost his leg. This person has heard the gospel and is coming to the church, please pray for his salvation.
Pastor Naomi requests prayers for Mr. Murali, a Hindu, an alcoholic, and has accepted Jesus as his personal Savior, please pray for his spiritual growth. Pastor Naomi also requests prayer for backslidden Christian by name Melchisedek, that God would touch him again.
We also request prayer for Rev. Sarah and Rev. Abraham as they involve in a camp for girls from 18-20 years of age, on 6- 7 March 2009. Around sixty girls will be ministered unto in this camp. Let us pray for the Holy Spirit to powerfully move in this camp and help these girls to dedicate their lives to Jesus. As mentioned above we once again request prayers for the Medical Camp organised on behalf of AME-India at Chittatoor by Pastor Samuel Murugavel.
Once again we earnestly thank you for your valuable prayers. God is our prayer answering God, therefore your prayer support to the work of AME-India means a lot. We are witnessing the results. We assure you all of our prayers for you, as you pray for us. Thanking You.
The Rev. Sarah and the Rev. Abraham Peddiny
Presiding Elders, AME-India
For any further information you could write to us at ameindia07@gmail.com or minniesarahpeddiny@yahoo.co.in
6. THE SHEPHERD’S CALL: THE NEED FOR PASTORAL CARE:
*Dr. Gregory H. Kimble, LPC
Pastor, Rice Chapel AME Church
Dallas, Texas
The call to ministry begins with a need to value being prepared to serve as a clergy person in diverse opportunities for ministry. The African Methodist Episcopal Church requires those who seek to become an ordained minister with elder orders to obtain a seminary degree with the basic professional degree being the master of divinity degree.
The completion of the seminary degree becomes the first phase for being able to respond to the shepherd’s call to care for the flock. The seminary degree challenges a minister to gain a thorough acquaintance with theological education through the core curriculum of taking biblical studies, theological studies, and practical ministry related courses. This begins the process of having the theoretical orientation without the necessary practical experiences. Seminaries require students to participate in field education or internship experiences. The similar comparison is when a person completes medical school there is a need for additional training through a residency program that can last a minimum of three years up to seven years for neurosurgeons.
My twenty-three years of ministry has allowed me to gain a perspective about the need for well-prepared clergy to be proficient to accomplish the shepherd’s call. My own experiences include serving in congregational ministry, professional chaplaincy, and theological educator. I recall once being told by an AME preacher that I didn’t have any pastoral experience, even though he knew I was an Army chaplain. My time as a chaplain in both the military and health care allows me make several observations. I completed two-years of clinical pastoral education (CPE) residency, as well as another two-year supervisory education residency. I continue to serve as a hospital staff chaplain on part-time bases while serving as a pastor, and Dean of the Board of Examiners. I also have thought as an adjunct professor of pastoral theology and pastoral counseling.
I am concerned about the response to the Shepherd’s call because of my experience in health care ministry and having served as a pastor of six congregations. The role of pastoral care serves as an inherent responsibility for the pastor of a congregation. It is the heart of the shepherd’s call to care for the sheep. As a hospital chaplain over the past fifteen years when visiting with African American patients and their families regardless of denominational background. Many African American patients often tell me when asked whether their pastor has visited them that a facial expression which says no. Oftentimes, patients have come to the defense of their pastor being too busy getting ready to preach for Sunday and teach bible study but they did send a minister who is just starting out in the ministry and several members have come to visit.
It becomes difficult to accept that sending a neophyte minister without accompanying them for the purpose of their making observations about the hospital visit serves as an excused absence for the pastor. My own observation is that family members and church members provide spiritual care for their loved one often times with minimum presence from the pastor. We have to do better than this!
My random statistics that I kept over the years is that approximately 30 percent of African American pastors make regular hospital visits. It becomes even more challenging when the members is facing end-of-life medical hospitalization in the ICU for pastors who may be struggling with comprehending their conscious or unconscious need to remain emotionally and spiritually detached from being the presence of God to persons who struggle with human suffering.
I had an unfortunate experience as a hospital staff chaplain in working with a pastor who was reluctant to come to the ICU after a young person who had been pronounced brain dead due to a gunshot wound to the head. The family had made several requests over three days but the pastor showed up at the point of the person being prepared for organ donation. The pastor told the family to not donate their daughter’s organs because she had gone through enough suffering and her organs were needed for her journey to heaven. The pastor stating his opinion against organ donation denied many persons an opportunity to a better quality of life. I had worked closely with the family to make a decision to donate the organs of their family member only to have a pastor to convince them that it was not the right thing to do. The pastor was only sharing what he did not have experience in providing effective ministry.
The fact that most congregations in the United States are less than 100 members as well as a church with less than 300 hundred members would suggest that a pastor could make a hospital visit. The AME church has [more] smaller congregations than we have what is described as being mega-churches with memberships over 5000. The congregation with between 500 to 2500 members may require additional full-time clergy staff persons who may have a responsibility to make pastoral care visits.
When this is the case, churches with large memberships should have persons who provide responsibility in this area have completed a minimum of one unit of clinical pastoral education as a prerequisite for being hired as an associate pastor of pastoral care. The taking one or two classes in pastoral care in seminary does not prepare clergy to have the skills to call themselves effective pastoral care providers.
A person may take a couple of classes and read several books about flying planes but could not claim to be an experienced pilot able to land a 737 aircraft. Therefore, the introductory pastoral care course in seminary does not prepare a minister to be an effective at pastoral care. We should value a need that more training in pastoral care should take place in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. This could be accomplished through pastoral care training programs that are continuing education programs.
The American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC) has a 50-hour continuing education for clergy to become Pastoral Care Specialist. There are many hospitals that offer congregational pastors an opportunity to complete an extended unit of clinical pastoral education (CPE) that takes six months to complete. In addition, there are several Doctor of Ministry programs that require specialized clinical training in the area of pastoral care and counseling.
The Board of Examiners often times does not provide an adequate discussion about helping members through complicated grief and human suffering. This may be due to not having persons on the BOE who have expertise in this area. The response to just pray and go does not become sufficient when the clergy person need [to be] in the role of the comforter as God’s agent in a time of living with illness. I will save the next opportunity to discuss persons living with mental illness for the next writing. There is a need [to be] present when bad things happen to good people. My recommendation would be for hospital chaplains and CPE supervisors to be placed on the Board of Examiners to teach pastoral care. It would also be helpful to recommend that after seminary clergy persons should pursue doing a year residency in clinical pastoral education.
The challenge to Peter when Jesus tells him to feed His sheep is often misunderstood to mean a call to preach. The reading of this text in the Greek allows one to gain a better perspective about what Jesus asks Peter to be and do. Jesus is calling for the shepherd to be able to properly nurture the sheep with the staff to help lift members out of their despair whether it is medical illness or some other life challenge. This is part of the shepherd’s call to be able to leave the ninety-nine sheep to seek out the few sheep that may be going through some difficulty.
The AME Church should engage in substantive dialogue about helping and challenging pastors to care for their members. We must enlist, equip, and empower our AME clergy to the shepherd’s call of caring for the flock. The shepherd’s call comes with a staff and rod, but the rod must not be seen as the only instrument that pastors use with members. Oftentimes, church members may be away from church because they are hurting emotionally as well as spiritually.
Our focus should not be [more] money driven which most our members already believe. It does take financial resources to have a productive ministry but the AME church must be equally yoked to the art of ministry so that we can provide effective pastoral care for congregations. We should encourage pastors to seek out additional continuing education for the purpose of becoming a more effective pastoral care provider. Full-time pastors should pursue completing at least one unit of clinical pastoral education. There is a need for AME clergy to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT). Our congregations will be blessed through clergy who are fully prepared for the shepherd’s call.
In closing, my twenty-two years of experience being a combat arms officer for half of my career allowed me to understand the necessity for exceptionable and realistic training. It would be reasonable for a commander to send soldiers to war without significant training to be thoroughly combat ready for hostile action. The soldier completes comprehensive levels of training to make them proficient in what they may be called to perform on the battlefield. Therefore, we need to more sensitive to the role of pastoral care in the congregation as being the seeds that help to nurture the flock.
*Dr. Gregory H. Kimble, LPC, is the Pastor, Rice Chapel AME Church in Dallas, Texas
7. SPIRITS SOAR AT 7TH DISTRICT’S COLUMBIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
*Brother Benjamin Harrison
From Monday, September 8th to Friday, September 12th, 2008, the 7th District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, which encompasses the entire state of South Carolina, convened in Columbia for the third of its 2008 annual conferences entitled the Columbia Annual Conference. This week long event was held at Reid Chapel A.M.E. Church, where the Rev. Dr. Norvel Goff is pastor.
The Columbia Annual Conference is comprised of the Columbia, Lancaster, and Newberry-Spartanburg Districts. This 131st session makes it the second oldest of six annual conferences held by the 7th District each year throughout South Carolina. With 30 churches in Columbia, 34 in Lancaster, and 30 in Newberry-Spartanburg, the Columbia Conference contains approximately 25,000 A.M.E. members. The following article is derived from the resolution which was submitted by the Rev. Jon Lewis, Pastor of Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church in Columbia, SC, and the Columbia Annual Conference Resolution Committee.
The clergy and laity of the Columbia Annual Conference assembled at Reid Chapel A.M.E. Church to give the 131st account of their stewardship and to be reaffirmed and rejuvenated for the year to come; and in so doing, all attendees were invigorated and inspired by that which was accomplished throughout this exceptional week!
On the Friday and Saturday prior to the start of the Annual Conference, a strong and successful youth summit was held at Reid Chapel A.M.E. Church. Under the innovative leadership of Bishop Preston W. Williams II, these youth summits have become annual events reaching hundreds of children in each Annual Conference and thousands across the Episcopal District. This year’s Summit was filled with relevant, practical and inspiring activities and was well attended by both youth and adults alike.
Sunday evening, the pre-Annual Conference Debs and Masters' Ceremony, under the direction of Sister Debra Pitts and the Rev. Leroy Cannon, highlighted exemplary young men and women at their very best. Their presentation was poised and eloquent.
Monday, the mighty Sons of Allen came in on a high note, as they set the tone for the week through singing and lifting up the name of Jesus! The worship service ignited a flame of spiritual exuberance as the glory of God was manifested. The Rev. John Lewis encouraged our souls with a stirring message, speaking from the subject, “You Belong at the King’s Table.”
Tuesday, Bishop Williams officially opened the Annual Conference with roll call. All were present and/or accounted for. The Conference was organized, boundaries were set and we were led into a lively worship service opening with the hymn of old, “Are We Yet Alive.” The choir sang with melodious voices invoking the presence of the Holy Spirit. The Rev. Dr. James Cooper preached from the depths of his soul as he spoke from a sermon entitled, “Intentional Deficit Disorder.”
Under the leadership of the Rev.’s Sandy Drayton, Joseph Postell, and James Glover, Presiding Elders of the Columbia, Newberry/Spartanburg, and Lancaster Districts, respectively, the pastors of the Columbia Annual Conference submitted the superb work of their districts as evidenced by their extraordinary reports. Pastors, along with their delegates and laypersons stood with excitement as they shared their accomplishments with the Conference. Each district concluded its reports by standing together and praising God through a victory song!
Retired Bishop Zedekiah L. Grady was occasionally asked by Bishop Williams to preside over the Conference, and Bishop Grady presided with ease as he continued with the business of the Conference.
Tuesday night, the Women’s Missionary Society, under the leadership of Sister Wilhelmina Broughton, filled the house of God, as they celebrated the theme, “Soaring on a Legacy of Service!” The Rev. Tabitha Miller delivered the preached word with power from on high on the subject, “Don’t Let the Stone Stop You!”
During our Wednesday noonday service, Captain Adam Burgess, Chaplain, United States Army, commanded the attention of the entire congregation as he preached on the importance of “Character,” using the subject, “Can God trust you?” At the end of his sermon Bishop Williams called all pastors to come to the altar to get right with God!
Wednesday night, the young people of the Columbia Conference packed the house as they celebrated the theme, “Made in His Image - Kept in His Care.” Our young people showed up and showed out for Jesus as they praised God through song and dance. The Rev. Sterling Dowling delivered the youth message, preaching from the subject, “Made in His Image!”
Thursday morning, during the Christian Education segment, the Allen University choir blessed our souls with harmonious music and President Charles E. Young delivered an electrifying message, bringing the Conference to its feet while preaching from the subject, “God is Looking for You!” Bishop Williams presented to Dr. Young the proceeds collected on behalf of Allen University from the Columbia Annual Conference, and Dr. Young expressed appreciation on behalf of the students and faculty of Allen University. The Christian Education segment continued as the Conference was educated by a diverse panel of medical professionals who imparted valuable knowledge regarding various important health issues and disparities.
Thursday night, under the leadership of Sister Yvette Vant, the Annual Lay Witness night was taken to a new level through uplifting songs of praise! Embracing a new paradigm shift, this night included the participation of both youth and adults, with the youth speaker, Brother Jimmy Vant, sharing with the Conference his perspective of the General Conference.
During Friday’s noonday worship service, Bishop David R. Daniel, presiding prelate of the 14th Episcopal District, preached an encouraging ordination message entitled, “You are Called to Tear Down Satan’s Kingdom!” During the ordination service, the Rev.’s Dennis Broughton Jr. and James Kollock received itinerant orders, and Lemetis Johnson, Darlene Madison and Myra Shivers received deacon orders.
We also witnessed an interactive Church School presentation on the subject, ”The Birth of a New Community,” as led by Church School Superintendent the Rev. Eric Dent and members of the church staff. The Rev. Robert China led the Memorial Committee in a service of remembrance as we reflected on the lives and ministries of the Rev. Laford Johnson. We praise God for his commitment to kingdom building!
The closing session of the Columbia Annual Conference culminated with an electrifying sermon preached by our presiding prelate, the Right Rev. Preston Warren Williams II. Bishop Williams spoke from the subject, “The Church Has His Power,” and reminded us that when we go forth in the power of the Holy Spirit we will experience God’s victory! Through the powerful preaching of the word of God, we, the Columbia Conference, were inspired to go forth and do the work for which we were called!
This 131st session of the Columbia Annual Conference was blessed by the presence of many visitors, both local and abroad, including retired Bishop and Ms. Zedekiah Grady, along with visiting presiding elders and pastors from across the state of South Carolina. We had the great privilege of being entertained in an exceptional manner by the caring members of Reid Chapel A.M.E. Church, under the extraordinary leadership of the Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Norvell Goff and Presiding Elder Dr. James Glover. We, the Columbia Annual Conference, offer words of sincere thanks and appreciation to the Reid Chapel church family for the exceptional way in which they accommodated us. May God continue to bless each of you in a mighty way!
Be it now, therefore, resolved that Bishop Preston W. William II and Dr. Wilma D. Webb Williams be commended for their faithful work and dedicated leadership par-excellence to the Columbia Conference, and to the entire 7th Episcopal District. Be it further resolved that God is good and the Columbia Annual Conference is grateful to almighty God and to the General Conference Episcopal Committee for returning Bishop and Dr. Williams to the 7th Episcopal District.
We, the Committee on Resolution, therefore request that this august body of the Columbia Annual Conference rise to its feet as one in affirmation of our host, our Conference leaders, and our Episcopal leadership, and clap our hands in praise for what God has done with us, for us, and through us! To God be the glory for the great things He has done!
*Brother Benjamin Harrison is the Public, Relations Director for the 7th District AME Church
8. IS GITMO A PRISON?
* Chaplain (Colonel) Clarke L. McGriff
Chaplain McGriff responds to an article written by Rep. Pete King (R-LI), published in The New York Times (02/26/2009), opposing President Barack Obama’s decision to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay.
“Peter Kings seems to use the words, ‘Detainee’ and ‘Prisoner’ synonymously. Are they really the same?
In my understanding, a ‘Prisoner’ has been arrested, tried, convicted and then sentenced to a specific amount of incarceration. A ‘Detainee’ is, as the word, implies, one who is detained until the facts can be established on whether or not a crime has occurred.
Even some Americans can testify of having been detained by law enforcement while they sort out the facts behind possible allegations.
There are countless stories about Law Enforcement officials stopping a person who fits a "profile." After some investigation, they are normally released, if no evidence can support an arrest. This "sorting out" generally happens as quickly as possible for the sake of the person being detained. If evidence is indeed found, then an arrest follows and a subsequent trial; and if found guilty, imprisonment.
In America, it does not happen, at least it should not, that a person detained is put into a prison and treated like a prisoner, even if it is assumed that they are indeed guilty. Assumptions are not enough to declare guilt.
It is not proper to compare a prisoner's life with a detainee's life.
If the people in Gitmo are actual prisoners, then treat them as such and refer to them as such. If they are not, then the burden of proof rests with the detaining agent, in this case, the U.S., to quickly sort through the assumptions, facts, allegations, etc. and bring the episode to an end. It is the civil thing to do and it is the right thing to do.
If Gitmo is as Mr. Kings implies, 100% Humane, as it should be, as Americans, why would we accept treatment of anyone in an inhumane fashion? If there are American prisons where inhumane treatment is occurring, we should want to know about it and do something to correct it.
As to whether or not we should close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay; that’s the President’s decision.
What I do know is that we have 'detained' people there for a long, long period of time and I suspect our tax dollars are paying for it.
Either a person is guilty, or not guilty.
We have a gazillion lawyers in this country. Somebody has got to be smart enough to get a conviction on these so-called bad guys, if they are indeed guilty. If they are guilty, prove it, and lock them up. If not, let them go.
We spend way too much time in this country calling one another names such as "right-wing" and "liberal base," pitting ourselves against one another. It turns my stomach that we cannot support one another until some grand event like 9-11 happens and then we start praying and clinging to one another and to the flag. But as soon as the smoke clears, we are back to name-calling.
Deal with Gitmo and let’s do the right thing!
* Chaplain (Colonel) Clarke L. McGriff is the Command Chaplain for the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command at Fort Monroe, Virginia and is endorsed by the National Baptist Convention, USA.
9. NEW YORK POST’S CHIMP CARTOON DISGRACEFUL, DISINGENUOUS, INSENSITIVE, OFFENSIVE AND TASTELESS:
*The Reverend Derrell Wade
During the recent Presidential election cycle many Americans were reluctant to vote for Sen. Barack Obama, not because they didn’t feel that he was the most qualified candidate, but out of concern for his safety and his life. They feared that just as John, Martin, Malcolm and Bobby were assassinated, so would an assassin’s bullet claim Sen. Obama’s life. Their fears were heighten when the July cover of the New Yorker Magazine caricatured Sen. Obama as a Muslim terrorist standing in the Oval Office with a flag burning in the fireplace and a painting of Osama bin Laden hanging on the wall. On this same cover, Mrs. Obama was pictured as a fatigue wearing militant with an automatic weapon slung across her shoulder. Although the New Yorker Magazine editorial staff called their caricature of Sen. and Mrs. Obama a “satirical lampoon,” many people concerned for the couple’s safety interpreted this depiction as blatantly racist at best or at worst a signal to have the couple assassinated.
On February 18th another prominent New York news organization, the New York Post, ran a cartoon that could easily be interpreted as blatantly racist at best or at worst a signal to have the newly elected president assassinated. The cartoon in question depicted two policemen shooting a berserk chimpanzee dead. The shooting was in reference to an out of control pet chimpanzee killed in Connecticut earlier this week. The cartoon caption read, “They'll have to find someone else to write the next stimulus bill.” To many viewers of the New York Post’s cartoon, it was quite clear that the dead chimpanzee represented (an out of control) President Obama who championed the recent economic stimulus bill. Certainly the editors of the New York Post should have anticipated a connection between the dead chimpanzee and President Obama since a photo of the President Obama signing the economic stimulus bill was ran on the opposite page of the cartoon.
The New Yorker Magazine caricature, as fearful as it was, did not induce Sen. Obama to drop out of the presidential race. Nor, will the New York Post cartoon induce President Obama to stop doing all that he can to steer the nation’s ship of state clear of economic calamity and hatred icebergs. President Obama understands his mandate to provide the necessary leadership this nation needs to transform itself for the better. “Yes we can.”
The Rev. Al Sharpton said, “The cartoon in today's New York Post is troubling at best given the historic racist attacks of African Americans as being synonymous with monkeys.” Most people find the New York Post Editor-in-Chief Allan’s explanation for the cartoon as "a clear parody" to be unbelievable. Too many news organizations across this country frequently carry stories of African American men shot or slain by police to find the New York Post’s cartoon a parody, satirical or even funny. There’s nothing funny about the violent mauling and disfiguration of a woman, a gunned down dead pet or the obfuscated suggested assassination of the president. The New York Post’s cartoon should be recognized for what it really is, disgraceful, disingenuous, insensitive, offensive and tasteless. Once again it’s high time that the public and advertisers send a message that this type of behavior in the public forum, although legal, is unacceptable in America. America, we are so much better than this!
*The Reverend Derrell Wade is pastor of Beulah AME Church in Farmville, Virginia
10. HOW TO FORWARD EMAIL APPROPRIATELY:
(Author unknown)
A friend who is a computer expert received the following directly from a system administrator for a corporate system. It is an excellent message that absolutely applies to all of us who send emails. Please read the short letter below, even if you're sure you already follow proper procedures.
Do you really know how to forward e-mails? Some of us do; most of us do not!
Do you wonder why you get viruses or junk mail? Do you hate it?
Every time you forward an e-mail there is information left over from the people who got the message before you, namely their e-mail addresses and names. As the messages get forwarded along, the list of addresses builds, and builds, and builds, and all it takes is for some poor sap to get a virus, and his or her computer can send that virus to every email address that has come across his computer. Or, someone can take all of those addresses and sell them or send junk mail to them in the hopes that you will go to the site and he will make five cents for each hit. That's right, all of that inconvenience over a nickel!
How do you stop it? Well, there are several easy steps:
(1) When you forward an e-mail, DELETE all of the other addresses that appear in the body of the message (at the top). That's right, DELETE them. Highlight them and delete them, backspace them, cut them, whatever it is you know how to do. It only takes a second You MUST click the “Forward” button first and then you will have full editing capabilities against the body and headers of the message. If you don't click on “Forward” first, you won't be able to edit the message at all.
(2) Whenever you send an e-mail to more than one person, do NOT use the To: or Cc: fields for adding e-mail addresses. Always use the BCC: (blind carbon copy) field for listing the e-mail addresses. This is the way the people you send to will only see their own e-mail address.
If you don't see your BCC: option click on where it says To: and your address list will appear. Highlight the address and choose BCC: and that's it, it's that easy. When you send to BCC: your message will automatically say 'Undisclosed Recipients' in the 'TO:' field of the people who receive it.
For Comcast Users the option to do "BCC" is on the extreme right, under "Cc" "Show Bcc". You can then add your names from your address book.
(3) Remove any ‘FW:' in the subject line. You can re-name the subject if you wish or even fix spelling.
(4) ALWAYS hit your Forward button from the actual e-mail you are reading. Ever get those e-mails that you have to open 10 pages to read the one page with the information on it? By Forwarding from the actual page you wish someone t o view; you stop them from having to open many emails just to see what you sent.
(5) Have you ever gotten an email that is a petition? It states a position and asks you to add your name and address and to forward it to 10 or 15 people or your entire address book. The email can be forwarded on and on and can collect thousands of names and email addresses.
FACT: The completed petition is actually worth a couple of bucks to a professional spammer because of the wealth of valid names and email addresses contained therein. If you want to support the petition, send it as your own personal letter to the intended recipient. Your position may carry more weight as a personal letter than a laundry list of names and email address on a petition. (Actually, if you think about it, who's supposed to send the petition in to whatever cause it supports? And don't believe the ones that say that the email is being traced, it just ain’t so!)
(6) One of the main ones I hate is the ones that say that something like, 'Send this email to 10 people and you'll see something great run across your screen.' Or, sometimes they'll just tease you by saying something good will happen - “it ain’t gonna happen!”
(7) Before you forward an Amber Alert, or a Virus Alert, or some of the other ones floating around nowadays, check them out before you forward them. Most of them are junk mail that's been circling the net for Years! Just about everything you receive in an email that is in question can be checked out at Snopes. Just go to http://www.snopes.com/ It’s really easy to find out if it's real or not. If it's not, please don't pass it on.
(8) Ain’t nobody, Bill Gates or anyone else, is giving away free money.
So please, in the future, let's stop the junk mail and the viruses.
(Author unknown)
11. THE NEW WHITE HOUSE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM:
All application materials - statements, transcripts, references, etc. - must be submitted via email by March 22. The application is posted to www.whitehouse.gov/about/internships/
THE WHITE HOUSE - Office of Media Affairs - For Immediate Release
February 26, 2009
President Obama Launches White House Internship Program
President Obama today launched the White House Internship Program for his administration and announced that applications are currently being accepted for the summer of 2009. Those selected to participate in the program will gain valuable job experience and an inside look at the life of White House staff while building leadership skills.
“This program will mentor and cultivate young leaders of today and tomorrow and I’m proud that they will have this opportunity to serve,” said President Obama. “I look forward to working with those that are selected to participate and I want to commend all who apply for their desire to help through public service to forge a brighter future for our country.”
In addition to normal office duties, interns will supplement their learning experience by attending a weekly lecture series hosted by senior White House staff, help at White House social events, and volunteer in community service projects.
The 2009 Summer Internship program runs from May 22 to August 14, and the submission deadline is March 22, 2009.
Those interested in applying to the White House Internship Program must be:
• US Citizens
• Eighteen years of age on or before the first day of the internship.
• Enrolled in a college or university (2-4 year institution) or must have graduated from college in the past two years.
Interns will be placed in a departmental office for their internship. Below is a list of departments in the Office of the President and the Office of the Vice President where interns could be placed.
White House Department of Scheduling and Advance
The Office of Cabinet Affairs
The White House Communications Department
The White House Office of Public Liaison and Intergovernmental Affairs
The Office of the First Lady
The White House Office of Legislative Affairs (OLA)
The Office of Political Affairs
The Office of Management and Administration
The Office of White House Counsel
The Domestic Policy Council
The White House Office of Presidential Personnel
Office of the Vice President
More information on the White House Internship Program, including application instructions, can be found at: www.whitehouse.gov/about/internships
The White House, February 26, 2009.
12. PASTOR N. T. PITTS SHARES A BIT OF HUMOR:
Two weeks after Obama was sworn in I was at the VA clinic when one of my former members spotted me. He came over and said to me, Pastor we did it, we did it didn't we?
I said to him yes we did. And then he came closer so that no one else could hear and asked me "how come they don't want him to have any blackberries in the white house.
**********
Talking about respect; a few years ago when I was an active pastor, I called one of my members to speak to her about as issue. The phone rang and she picked up the phone and said, "Hello." I said, “Sister Dee this is Pastor Pitts.” She then said, "Oooooh, pastor just a minute, just a minute." She left the phone and in about 40 seconds she returned and picked up the phone and said to me, “Pastor I didn't want to talk to you with no clothes on.”
**********
I was standing in line at the bank behind a gentleman. He handed a check to the teller. She looked at it and asked "what denomination". The man then snatched the check and stormed out of the band and said "I am tired of people asking me if I go to church".
************
What do you do with a kid who was kicked out of a parochial school for using profanity and kicked out of public school for praying?
That's all for now; it is good to take time for some humorletics.
N.T. Pitts Pastor is a Retired AME pastor who lives in Eatonville, Florida
13. TWENTIETH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2009 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:
The Right Reverend Julius H. McAllister, Sr., Presiding Bishop
Mrs. Joan McAllister, Episcopal Supervisor
MALAWI NORTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
July 16 – 19, 2009
(Dedication of Church – July 15)
Wright Chapel AME Church, Host Church
Karonga, Malawi
The Reverend Akim Simtowe, Host Pastor
The Reverend Menard D. Kafwimbi, Host Presiding Elder
MALAWI CENTRAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE
July 23 – 26, 2009
Kasikidzi AME Church, Host Church
Kasungu, Malawi
The Reverend M. C. Kamchiliko, Host Pastor
MALAWI SOUTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
July 30 – August 2, 2009
Kundwelo AME Church, Host Church
Mulanje, Malawi
The Reverend S. J. Manyera, Host Pastor
The Reverend Daved Kanyoza, Host Presiding Elder
August 13 – 16, 2009
SOUTHWEST ZIMBABWE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Gumtree AME Church, Host Church
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
The Reverend Eustice B. Ginya, Host Pastor
CENTRAL ZIMBABWE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
August 20 – 23, 2009
Mount Zion AME Church, Host Church
Gwera, Zimbabwe
The Reverend Nontokozo Khumalo, Host Pastor
The Reverend D. M. T. Muravu, Host Presiding Elder
NORTHEAST ZIMBABWE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
August 27 – 30, 2009
Rumbidzai AME Church, Host Church
Mutare, Zimbabwe
The Reverend Willard Machiwenyika, Host Pastor
The Reverend O. T. Sanhanga, Host Presiding Elder
District Post Conference Planning Meeting
September 8 – 10, 2009
Lilongwe, Zimbabwe
14. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES:
- Edcharra Cage, 8th Episcopal District PK and YPD'er and daughter of the Reverend Mary Guy, Louisiana Conference, participated in the Southern University Law Center-Marshall Brennan Regional High School Moot Court Competition on Friday, February 20, 2009. Moot Court is an extracurricular activity at many law schools in which participants take part in simulated court proceedings, usually to include drafting briefs and participating in oral argument. The competition is an excellent opportunity for high school students to interact with alumni, law students, professors and judges and to explore the urgent problems of constitutional rights. In this competition, the high school group placing first goes to the National Competition in Philadelphia in March 2009.
Edcharra did a wonderful job presenting her case, and caught the attention of the Law School's Chancellor. She received the highest individual score for her oral presentation, where she presented the facts, exhibited professionalism and answered the judge's questions "flawlessly." Because of this, she received an award as the "Best Oral Advocate" and as a result of this honor, she will receive an all expense paid trip to the National Competition in Philadelphia where she will compete and represent Southern University Law School.
Congratulatory messages can be emailed to her proud mother, the Rev. Mary Guy: maryguy1@cox.net
15. EPISCOPAL FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mrs. Eleanor Mulenga, the Mother of Supervisor Yvonne C.M. Kawimbe and the Mother-in-law of Bishop Paul J. M. Kawimbe, Presiding Bishop, Seventeenth Episcopal District. Mrs. Eleanor Mulenga passed on March 4, 2009 in Lusaka, Zambia.
Condolences may be sent to:
AME Church 17th Episcopal District
P.O. Box 36628
Lusaka, Zambia
Street Address:
AME Church
INDECO House
16th Floor Western Wing
Cairo Road
Lusaka 10101
011-260-1225967 - Phone/FAX
(Residence Mailing Address)
P.O. Box 33341
10101
Lusaka, Zambia
011-260-97-630894 - Residence Phone
011-260-95-815813 – Cell
Or
Email: kawimbeforbishop@yahoo.com
Received from:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III,
Editor, The Christian Recorder
Submitted by:
The Rev. Richard Ngulube
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Deacon George Fleming, the father of Mrs. Valerie H. Graves and father-in-law of the Rev. Frederick F. Graves, pastor of Williams Chapel AMEC, Nichols, SC.
The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements:
Funeral:
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Time: 11:00 a.m.
St. Joseph Baptist Church
224-50 54th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19139
Phone: (215) 684-1661
Rev. Gregory Fleming, Pastor
Professional services provided by:
Savin Funeral Home, Inc.
802 North 12th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19123
Phone: (215) 767-7065
Fax: (215) 684-2424
Expressions of Sympathy and Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Valerie H. Graves and Family
412 Newport Drive
Florence, SC 29506
Phone: (843) 667-4637
Email: frederick_graves@yahoo.com
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Osceola Johnson, the wife of the Rev. Samuel M. Johnson, retired pastor of the 8th and 5th Episcopal Districts.
Service arrangements for Mrs. Osceola Johnson:
Funeral:
Thursday, March 5, 2009
2:00 pm
Mt. Zion First Baptist Church
356 East Blvd
Baton Rouge, La. 70802
Phone: (225) 383-5401
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. Samuel M. Johnson
5626 Monmouth Ave.
Baton Rouge, La. 70808
Phone: (225) 926-4347
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to announce the passing of Mrs. Shirley Galloway, the Sister of First Lady Charlezetta Nixon and the Sister-in-law of the Reverend Joseph Nixon, Pastor of Brookins Community A.M.E. Church, Los Angeles, CA. Mrs. Galloway passed on Sunday, March 1, 2009 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Service Arrangements for Shirley Galloway:
Funeral:
Saturday, March 7, 2009
1:00 p.m.
Mt Zion Baptist Church
419 N. Elign
Tulsa, OK 74120
Phone: (918) 584-0510
Fax: (918) 584-1958
Services provided by:
Jack's Memory Chapel
801 East 36th Street North
Tulsa, OK 74106
Phone: (918) 428-4431
Fax: (918) 428-4437
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Charlezetta Nixon
5339 Ladera Crest Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90056
Or send to:
Rev. and Mrs. (Charlezetta) Joseph Nixon and family
Brookins Community A.M.E. Church
4831 Gramercy Place
Los Angeles, CA 90062
Phone: (323) 296-5610
Fax: (323) 296-1472
Email: BCAMECHURCH@aol.com
Or to:
The Family of Shirley Galloway
c/o Debra Walker
1556 N. Frankfort Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74106
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to share news of the passing of the Reverend Melrose Butler on Wednesday, February 25, 2009. Rev. Butler was the oldest sister of Presiding Elder Johnny E. Jennings, South Houston District-Texas Conference. Rev. Butler was a faithful member of Visions AME Church in Houston, Texas, where the Rev. Carol Echols serves as Pastor.
The following information has been provided:
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Visitation:
7:00 P.M. - 9: 00 PM.
McCoy Harrison Funeral Home
Houston, Texas
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Viewing:
9:00 A.M.
Homegoing Celebration:
10:00 A.M.
Payne Cathedral of Faith AME Church
Rev. Brenda Payne, Pastor
2701 Lee Street
Houston, Texas 77026
Phone: (713) 224-0761
Rev. Melrose Butler's final earthly care has been entrusted to:
McCoy Harrison Funeral Home
4918 Martin Luther King Freeway
Houston, Texas 77021
Phone: (713) 659-7618
Condolences may be sent to:
Presiding Elder Johnny E. Jennings
4703 North Fork Drive
Pearland, TX 77584
Phone: (281) 485-9018
20. 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
21. 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
