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 - TWO THINGS BOTHER ME; AND I HOPE THEY BOTHER YOU:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
On Tuesday I arrived in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina where I was invited to participate in the U.S. Army Chaplain Strategic Leader Development Training. There were 400-500 senior Commissioned and Non-Commissioned Officers in attendance. I was scheduled to be the speaker for the memorial service.
The training sessions were informative and timely. The training sessions addressed family issues, the issues surrounding the recent uptick in suicides in the Army, and suicide prevention.
The training schedule was tight and every session, including the morning worship services started and ended on time. When I read the schedule of events, I saw the announcement that the vendors could not operate during the training sessions or during worship services; they could only operate before and after the sessions and during the breaks.
Whoa! I thought to myself, that announcement certainly prioritized training. That announcement made it clear that the participants were there for training and that the event was not a shopping event. That didn’t bother me, because that was the decision of the meeting’s planners.
The memorial service was held on Wednesday and Bishop John White, the Endorsing Agent and Ecumenical Officer of the African Methodist Episcopal Church attended. There were a number of endorsing agents present, but he was the only endorsing agent from a historically black denomination in attendance. I was glad that he was there representing our Zion. There were a number of retirees present also.
The memorial service was conducted with dignity, seriousness, and awe. The names of the deceased were displayed on large screens in front of the auditorium and their names appeared in the memorial service bulletin.
Every movement of the service was executed with precision. The service lasted approximately, 35 minutes. The deceased were appropriately honored for their service to God, to their denomination, to our nation and to our soldiers and their families.
It helped that a memorial service practice was held, by stand-ins the previous afternoon. “Practice does make perfect,” or at least, practice make an event better than it would have been without the practice.
If everything went so well, what bothers me?
I couldn’t help but think about the memorial services I have observed at annual conferences, Connectional meetings, and at local churches. Now, I know that we are not the military and I have addressed this issue before, but it bothers me that we, so cavalierly, conduct our memorial services for pastors who have given their lives to the ministry of God; and they, and their families, sacrificed so much for the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and we carelessly put together a memorial service. That bothers me. We won’t even take the time to practice so that the memorial service is executed in a worshipful and dignified manner.
I believe that memorial services at annual conferences and Connectional meetings should be prime-time events. Too often, memorial services appear, to me, to be “sandwiched in” between seemingly “more important” agenda items to conserve time and make it convenient for those in attendance.
The U.S. Army Chaplain Strategic Leader Development Training held Hilton Head also honored retirees and did so in an appropriately dignified manner.
The second thing that bothers me
It appears to me that we retire AME preachers in the same cavalier manner that we conduct memorial services. I have seen a few words given and a monetary collection lifted and then we send them on their way.
A retirement service should be a meaningful event; an event that evokes all of the human emotions because those who retire are men and women of God who have given their lives and sacrificed deeply because they loved God and the Church.
In the Army, retirees are called, “grey beards” and are encouraged and called upon to provide ministry in various venues on a regular basis. If a retiree would let them, the Army and the Veterans Affairs system would wear them out. I am still called upon to give advice and council chaplains.
In our Zion, we retire preachers and send them packing; and sometime pastors won’t even utilize retirees on their ministerial staffs. Some of our bi-vocational pastors would rather keep their church doors locked up all week, rather than let a retired pastor serve as a counselor or helper on the staff.
I am bothered because, normally, there is no reason for an active pastor to be jealous of a retiree. Is there any reason why the services of retirees can’t be used at annual conferences and other meetings rather than to just let them sit in the congregation as if they were laity? Pastors are never retired from the call of God. Retirees have skills and experience that would be beneficial to any preacher and to any local church.
I notice that the bishops and general officers don’t abandon their retirees. Retired bishops and retired general officers are afforded the same courtesies as active bishops and active general officers. Retired presiding elders and retired pastors should be afforded the same courtesies.
A retired pastor who is retired on the AME Church’s retirement system is not well-off and would benefit from honoraria from preaching engagements. Local churches should remember them at Christmas-time and birthdays.
I am bothered because, it appears that we ignore our retired pastors and even more bothersome, we ignore our deceased and retired pastors’ spouses and family members. Some pastors treat them as persona non grata.
Pastor and presiding elder, when was the last time you utilized the services of a retiree? If you haven’t done so, you ought to reach out and touch a retiree. You will make him or her feel good and you will feel good too.
So, that none of us are bothered, let’s do memorial services with dignity and care and let’s reach out and touch our retirees and their families.
2. THE WOMEN’S MISSIONARY SOCIETY FOUNDATION OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH:
The Board of Trustees of the Women’s Missionary Society Foundation is pleased to announce that more than $73,000 was raised at our Foundation Luncheon held during this year’s 2009 Connectional WMS Executive Board Meeting in Louisville, Kentucky that was held in January.
We extend our sincere appreciation to all donors for your generous support. Each of you has enabled the Women’s Missionary Society Foundation to “enhance and support our world-wide ministry of service and witness to Jesus Christ” through your gifts.
A summary report follows: Designated Contributions (allocated as directed by donor)
14th District: $5,850.00
Liberia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Togo and Sierra Leone
Daniels-Adams School of Excellence
Royce Ville Montserrads County, Liberia
Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr., Presiding Prelate
Mrs. Irene Daniels, Episcopal Supervisor
15th District: $4,410.00
Angola, South Africa and Namibia
Project Education—Tuition and Registration
Early Childhood Education—Day Care Center
Bishop Wilfred Messiah, Presiding Prelate
Mrs. Carol Messiah, Episcopal Supervisor
16th District: $6,430.00
Caribbean, South America, Europe, Windward Islands and Cuba
Haiti Disaster Relief Project
Bishop Sarah F. Davis, Presiding Prelate
Mr. Claytie Davis, Jr., Episcopal Supervisor
17th District: $5,610.00
Zambia, Congo, Rwanda and Burundi
Counseling Services for Orphans
Bishop Paul J. M. Kawimbe, Presiding Prelate
Mrs. Yvonne C. M. Kawimbe, Episcopal Supervisor
18th District: $26,790.00
Swaziland, Mozambique, Lesotho and Botswana
Homes & Education for Orphans and Vulnerable Children
Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Jr., Presiding Prelate
Patricia Russell-McCloud, J.D., Episcopal Supervisor
19th District: $7,995.00
Republic of South Africa
HOPE Village Project
Housing Our People Economically
Bishop Jeffrey Leath, Presiding Prelate
Dr. Susan Leath, Episcopal Supervisor
20th District: $7,300.00
Malawi, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Uganda
Girl Child Project
Bishop Julius McAllister, Presiding Prelate
Mrs. Joan Marla McAllister, Episcopal Supervisor
Undesignated Contributions
Divided equally between Districts 14—20: $9,536.00
Grand Total $73,921.00
Contributions to the Women’s Missionary Society Foundation are tax-deductible and accepted throughout the year.
For your convenience, donations may be made in a variety of ways, including:
• Online at the Connectional WMS website at www.wms-amec.org
• Mailed directly to the Connectional WMS office at the following address:
AME Church Women’s Missionary Society Foundation
Attention: Dr. Ginger Parker, Treasurer
1134 11th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
• Through your Conference or Episcopal District Women’s Missionary Society
Please feel free to phone the Connectional WMS office for more information; Telephone: 202.371.8886.
Lesa C. Halfacre
Secretary, WMS Foundation
Thirteenth Episcopal District WMS President
3. RECOGNITION OF BISHOP FRANK C. CUMMINGS 50 YEARS OF AME MINISTRY:
The Sons and Daughters of Bishop Frank C. Cummings in appreciation and recognition of his fifty years of service to African Methodism will honor him and his life partner of fifty years, Mrs. Martha "Angel" Cummings with a celebration of "A Legacy of Integrity."
The Celebration Banquet will take place on Friday, April 24, at 7:00 PM, in the Marcia Moss Fellowship Hall at St. Philip AME Church, Atlanta, pastored by the Reverend George Moore, Sr. Those planning to attend this event should RSVP to the Reverend Gregory V. Eason, Sr., Big Bethel AME Church, 220 Auburn Ave., Atlanta, GA 30303 or email amcdaniel@bigbethelame.org. A block of hotel reservations are being held at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel.
Please advise by, April 15, 2009, if you will attend and if you will need reservations.
Submitted by Dr. Jayme Coleman Williams
4. BISHOP RICHARDSON AND THE 2ND EPISCOPAL DISTRICT SHOW UP AT THE CAPITOL:
A clarion call was sent to the eastern shore regions, western mountainous areas, central metropolitan and suburban districts, and northern and southern rural counties, “Meet me in Annapolis.” On February 16, 2009, over 400 members of the Baltimore and Washington Conferences responded positively to the summons, as Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr. and Mrs. Connie S. Richardson made an indelible imprint on the annals of history. It was apropos the event occurred during this new era in which we inaugurated the first African American President, Barack Hussein Obama, and in February during which we celebrate our Founders’ Day and African American History month.
But why would Bishop and Mrs. Richardson call for an assemblage in Annapolis? Their recognition that the dawning of this new era characterized by change mandates the African Methodist Episcopal Church to pioneer implementation of social policies that are equitable and promote social justice spurred them into action, again. They believed that the Second District should vociferously display its support for four issues germane to the privileged as well as to the least of these. With this conviction serving as a catalyst, amid flashing cameras, and with the full attention of Governor Martin O’Malley and members of both legislative houses, Bishop Richardson declared our unequivocal support for four issues: abolition of the death penalty; equitable funding of historically black universities and colleges; confiscation of weapons form alleged perpetrators when ex parte orders are issued; and provision of unemployment compensation for part time workers who lose their jobs.
Facilitated by Senator Ulysses Currie, Chair Budget and Taxation Committee and Delegate Adrienne Jones, Speaker Pro Tem House of Delegates the day began with breakfast hosted by Governor O’Malley. The entourage consisting of Bishop and Mrs. Richardson, Presiding Elders Earle Brooks, Baltimore District, Ernest Montague, Eastern District, Goodwin Douglas, Capitol District, Louis-Charles Harvey, Potomac District and The Reverends Wendell O. E. Christopher and Cordell Hunter Directors of the Washington and Baltimore Conference Political Action Committees respectively, then proceeded to the Miller State Senate Building. There this delegation was joined by Senators Nathaniel Exum and Verna Jones, Delegates (will insert names), and a voluminous number of African Methodists.
Governor O’Malley indicated his support for the death penalty’s repeal and asked attendees to advise legislators of our stance. On a lighter note, Governor O’Malley shared that astute YPDers questioned him about the specifics of his job and queried whether he was actually paid for performing these duties; this brought hearty laughter. Morgan State University’s Gospel Choir closed our day with heartfelt renditions, including Lift Every Voice and Sing.
On February 18, 2009, Bishop Richardson returned to Annapolis to testify in the Senate. Members of the Governor’s staff complemented his dynamic theologically precise and politically forceful presentation. To the chagrin of some and the amazement of others for the first time in Maryland’s history revocation of the death penalty is being debated by the full Senate. Yes we can make a difference.
5. JURY DUTY IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY:
*Attorney Gloria Lynn Sydnor Smith
One of the most basic rights in our criminal justice system is the right to a trial by jury. A defendant has the right to have twelve jurors to decide if guilty or not guilty, if facing felony charges; and eight jurors, if facing misdemeanor charges.
The flip-side of a defendant’s right to a jury trial, is jury duty.
African Americans talk negatively about the “just-us” system. There have been plenty of all-white juries that have convicted African Americans on flimsy evidence. Most of those convictions were out-and-out racism; but not all of them.
Sometimes there are basic cultural differences that have nothing to do with racism that result in an all-white or and “all-white-but-1” jury convicting African Americans when there is a lack of real evidence.
But how can African American defendants get a jury of their peers when some African Americans try to get out of jury duty?
In one of my recent jury trials, I was amazed and disgusted as I watched two African Americans allowed themselves to be eliminated as jurors.
There are several ways that citizens can be removed as jurors. The first way is, if jury duty will cause a hardship for the prospective juror. For example, it may be a hardship for a school principal to perform jury duty during the school year. I spoke to a principal who was called for jury duty during the school year, and she told me that she called the jury commissioner and they let her come in to serve jury duty during the summer. If you know that jury duty is going to cause a hardship, there may be a solution that will allow you to still report for jury duty to fulfill your duty as a citizen.
A second way to be removed as a juror is, for cause. For example, a person who is a convicted felon is not allowed to sit on a jury.
Another example of a citizen being “challenged for cause” is, if the individual is biased for or against the defendant or the state. If the potential juror is a police officer, more than likely, it could be assumed that the officer would be biased against the defendant. However, if the police officer says that he or she can keep an open-mind and decide the case on the facts, he or say may not be removed, for cause. In that situation, the officer may be removed by a peremptory challenge.
There are limited amounts of peremptory challenges that each side gets to use to remove a juror. The peremptory challenge allows the attorney to remove a juror for any reason, as long as it is not racially motivated.
Back to my trial
The first African American eliminated herself for cause because she told the prosecutor that she could not be fair toward the African American male charged with raping a white female because her nephew had been murdered. She answered yes to all of the prosecutor’s questions and was promptly led right out of the jury box. The prosecutor was happy.
The second African American eliminated himself by claiming hardship. He said that he was concerned about not getting paid by his employer if the trial lasted longer than a week. That juror answered yes to all the prosecutor’s questions and she led him out of the jury box. Again, the prosecutor was extremely happy when the African American male stepped down. The defendant and I found ourselves against an all-white jury. Do you need the rest of the story?
Please do not say anything negative about the criminal justice system if you try to get out of jury duty. The American criminal justice system is the best in the world.
Instead of complaining and carrying placards and banners, I encourage every adult citizen to participate within the “system” to help make a real difference in the criminal justice system so that the justice system will be more than route to the penitentiary for “just-us.”
*Attorney Gloria Lynn Sydnor Smith is a Licentiate in her second year studies and is a member of Quinn Chapel AME Church in Cincinnati where the Rev. Dr. Frederick Wright is the pastor. She is the daughter of the Reverend Dr. Calvin and the Rev. Charlotte Blake Sydnor. Licentiate Smith heads the Gloria Smith Law Firm in Cincinnati.
6. GRANT HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION RECEIVES THE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT OF THE YEAR AWARD:
LOS ANGELES (March 3, 2009) On March 18, 2009, Pastor Leslie R. White and Chris R. Jordan of Grant Housing & Economic Development Corporation (GHEDC) will be awarded the 2008 Los Angeles Minority Business Opportunity Committee (LA MBOC) Construction Project of the Year Award at the 14th Annual MED Week Awards Ceremony and Networking Luncheon. The event will take place at the newly opened L.A. LIVE Entertainment Complex in downtown Los Angeles from 10 am to 2 pm. The MED Week Awards program will celebrate the outstanding achievements of minority entrepreneurs.
GHEDC began in 1990 as part of Grant AME Church. The primary focus during the inception of the corporation was to provide opportunities in the areas of education, training and employment. In 1994 Reverend Leslie R. White was appointed as Pastor of Grant AME Church and realized the importance of education and economic empowerment in the South Central area. In 1995, GHEDC was incorporated and also obtained non-profit status code 501(c) 3.
The organization’s Executive Director, Chris R. Jordan, has extensive training in urban economic development. As Executive Director of GHEDC, he directs and manages all project areas: Youth and Adult Education, Senior and Multi-Family Housing and Economic Development through commercial and retail projects.
The goals and objectives of the GHEDC organization include education, housing and economic development. A major part of accomplishing these goals and objectives is the stimulation of the revitalization and redevelopment of the Central Avenue Corridor through Imani Fe (an economic/commercial development), youth/adult basic education and training programs and senior/multi-family housing projects. Revenue generated from the aforementioned projects will be used to continue economic empowerment and job creation in the South Los Angeles Area.
Imani Fe Housing Development consists of a 92-unit, state of the art multi-family housing complex. It will be the first of its kind in the area. In addition to the interior attractions, this facility will be an architectural beacon for the entire City of Los Angeles. The Housing Development is situated on the East and West side of Central Avenue. Imani Fe East consists of 49 one, two and three bedroom units and Imani Fe West features 43 one and two bedroom units. These buildings are being constructed simultaneously.
“I have always desired to build a church home for the congregations in which I have served. Yet in the Imani-Fe Housing Development, the Lord has given me a greater ministry to provide not simply housing, but homes to generations of persons who will find a place to develop family, live in security, be blessed with wonderful neighbors, and have a community in which they are very proud to live,” says Pastor White. He adds, “This housing development adds to the transformation of Watts as the place to live a fulfilled life!”
GHEDC continues to develop a donor base that currently includes California Wellness Foundation, Personal Involvement Center, Global Crossing, Community Redevelopment Agency, Legacy, LA Bridges Program, Riordan Foundation, State Farm and The Disney Corporation.
"LA MBOC is delighted to acknowledge the entrepreneurial vision and success of Grant Housing and Economic Development Corporation,” said Linda Smith, Executive Director. “All of our MEDWEEK winners exemplify the talent and excellence of the minority business community, who not only provide quality goods and services, at competitive prices, but create good paying jobs. We salute their courage and persistence to succeed in spite of the many odds they face.”
National MED Week was designated by Presidential Proclamation in 1983. It recognizes and promotes the Nation's minority-owned business enterprises and their supporters. The City of Los Angeles Mayor’s Office, the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), the Los Angeles Minority Business Opportunity Center (LAMBOC) and the US Small Business Administration (SBA) are jointly coordinating the 14th Annual Los Angeles MED Week Awards program.
This event is made possible by the partnerships of AEG, Metropolitan Water District, California Credit Union, Los Angeles World Airports, The Disney Company Supplier Diversity and Development, Los Angeles Metro Transportation (METRO), Turner Construction, Wells Fargo, Stellar Business Bank, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), Excel Bank, First Choice Bank, Small Business Development Center, Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment (PACE), Soulstice Marketing, Northrop Grumman, Nara Bank, USC Credit Union, and the Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles.
7. THE 142ND SESSION ALLEGHENY SCRANTON DISTRICT CONFERENCE:
On February 26, 2009 the Allegheny Scranton District traveled to Aliquippa, Pennsylvania to assemble the 142 Session of the Allegheny Scranton District, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Eric L. Brown. The congregation of Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church rolled out the red carpet, and received us with loving arms. They lived up to their name, being a help to us in every way.
Our theme “Moving toward Christian Excellence in Service” based on 1 Corinthians 12:31, was thoughtfully considered throughout the entire meeting. The bible studies based on 1 Corinthians 12: 25-31 provided the opportunity to gain better understanding of the scripture as it relates to excellence in service. The workshops; FRAN-gelism, What AME’s believe, The Ministry of Stewards in the Local Church, the Theology of Infant Baptism and How to Start an Outreach Ministry were presented effectively, and provided an opportunity for everyone to ask questions and gain insight on the subject matter. We received the reports focusing on our 7 Point Plan for Growth; each point was presented well and should be used as a resource during church planning. The Sons of Allen met to solidify their commitment to service. The worship experiences were excellent. Rev. Dr. Helen Milner Burton, our gracious host Pastor, coordinated a night of Praise and Worship that could have been a reenactment of Psalm 150; singing, dancing, trumpets, stringed instruments and praise we did!!
We left the district meeting realizing that no matter the size of the congregation there is work to do. We, as the body of Christ, must be prayerful and purposeful, and prepared. Prepared to find the way, prepared to do the work, and according to 1 Peter 3:15 “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”
Submitted by the Reverend Cheryl Ruffin – Church Press Allegheny Scranton District Conference and pastor of Nesmith A.M.E. Church
8. ST. LUKE AMEC GALLATIN, TENNESSEE AME WORKS DAY:
*The Rev. Jimmie Plummer
The family of St. Luke A.M.E. Church in Gallatin, Tennessee participated in AME Works Day, a community project sponsored by the Women Missionary Society of the 13th Episcopal District and each local WMS. Our project was three-fold and St. Luke came through in grand style!
We collected and delivered today, March 9th, over 152 can & dry goods items to Mid-Cumberland Community Agency. Secondly, our members donated and delivered school supplies to Vena Stuart School where two of our members (Ms. Dorothy Watkins & Mrs. Lisa Scharkley) are teachers. We delivered on today 34 packs of note book paper, 20 bottles of glue, 30 packs of No. 2 pencils, 31 boxes of crayons, 12 pairs of scissors, construction paper, scribble pads, color pencils, highlighters, washable markers, 12 folders, 21 packs of index cards, spiral note books, binder pouches, red pens, and glue sticks. The principal, Mrs. Brenda Valentine was thrilled about our donation to her school! Thirdly, we donated and delivered today to Gallatin Day Care Center 26 Books for their library.
Thank you to the St. Luke family for your Christian Stewardship and donating to all of these worthy places. Many thanks to the "crew" that traveled with me today to deliver these items and they were: Sisters Debbie Plummer, Marva Douglas, Derotha Fitts and Allie Bell; Brothers Robert Fitts and Leslie Bell. I couldn't have done this without them. Pictures were taken and we will share them once we are able to upload and/or develop them.
*The Rev. Jimmie Plummer is the pastor of St. Luke AME Church in Gallatin, Tenn.
9. KINGS TO DEBUT THIS SUNDAY, MARCH 15 ON NBC:
“Kings” starring Golden Globe winner Ian McShane, is a contemporary parable and exploration of the timeless David vs. Goliath struggle. The show is set in the fictional war-torn country of Gilboa ruled by the beloved King Silas (Ian McShane, "Deadwood") from the modern metropolis of Shiloh. It is a country where the fighting has gone on far too long at the cost of far too many lives. The protagonist, David Shepherd (Chris Egan, "Eragon"), is a brave soldier whose actions set in motion events that may finally bring peace to the Kingdom. But while a nation celebrates their new hero, the country’s power brokers jockey to keep their positions at any cost - even at the expense of young David's true destiny.
The series will premiere this Sunday, March 15 on NBC. Don't forget to check your local listings.
Website: http://www.nbc.com/Kings/
10. EXPRESSIONS OF GRATITUDE FROM FORMER EPISCOPAL SUPERVISOR THEORA L. BYRD:
Former Episcopal Supervisor Theora L. Byrd extends profound gratitude to the African Methodist Episcopal Church Family for the many telephone calls, cards and gifts received. Most importantly, she is grateful for the fervent prayers lifted on her behalf. All acts of kindness have been a great source of encouragement and inspiration during her recovery.
Mrs. Byrd would have you know that her health is improving. However, she requests that the AME Church Family continue to keep her lifted in prayer.
"The effectual fervent prayers of the righteous availeth much".
Contact information for Mrs. Byrd:
5929 Legacy Circle
Charlotte, NC 28277
(704) 321-2475 - Phone
(704) 321-2463 - FAX
11. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
- Tiffany Marie Kelly, daughter of the Rev. Dr. Herman O. Kelly, Jr., pastor and Mrs. Linda M. Kelly, First Lady, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge, was invited to join The Beta Club at St. Joseph's Academy in Baton Rouge, La. The Beta Club is a service organization, and the teachers nominate the students. In order to be invited one must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA and have leadership qualities and a strong moral background.
Tiffany Marie is a freshman at St. Joseph's where she participates in Volleyball, the French Club and the Drama Club. At Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge she serves as an acolyte, choir member and president of the YPD.
Congratulatory messages can be emailed to Dr. and Mrs. Herman O. Kelly, Jr: hokellyj@yahoo.com
- The North District of the Indiana Conference will celebrate the Leadership, Legacy and Life Ministry of Presiding Elder Leonard N. Williams, Sr. and Mrs. Delores L. Kennedy Williams at a gala, "Celebration of Excellence" banquet to be held on Friday, April 3, 2009, 7:00 pm at the Primo Conference Center, 2615 National Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana.
The celebration committee is preparing a Souvenir Book to provide opportunity for inclusion of persons wishing to offer expressions of love and gratitude to Presiding Elder Williams and Mrs. Delores L. Kennedy Williams for their years of service and sacrifice in the work of Kingdom building. The Rev. Jennifer W. Tinsley is the Chairperson of the Souvenir Book Committee. Contact information for Rev. Tinsley:
Telephone; 574.294.4950 (Church), 219.218.1232 (Cell)
Email: joy4ever72@comcast.net.
Or
Congratulatory messages can be emailed to:
Presiding Elder Leonard N. Williams, Sr: pelderwms@aol.com
Mrs. Delores L. Kennedy Williams: DeeKW@aol.com
12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mr. Roy Taylor, the beloved father of First Lady, the Reverend Miyoshi Taylor-Schenck and the father-in-law of the Reverend Dorrian H. Schenck, Pastor of Mount Pisgah AME Church, Lawnside, NJ. Mr. Roy Taylor passed on Monday, March 2, 2009 in New Brunswick, NJ.
Service Arrangements for Mr. Roy Taylor:
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Viewing: 9:00 AM-11:00 AM
Worship Service: 11:00 AM
First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens
771 Somerset Street
Somerset, New Jersey 08873
Phone: (732) 828-2009
Fax: (732) 828-6688
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev.'s Dorrian & Miyoshi Taylor-Schenck & Family
147 Warwick Road North
Lawnside, New Jersey 08045
Cell: (302) 388-7527
Phone: (856) 546-8590
Email: MountPisgah1@AOL.COM
13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are also saddened to announce the passing of Mrs. Ernestine Taylor, the Aunt of First Lady, the Reverend Miyoshi Taylor-Schenck and the Reverend Dorrian H. Schenck, Pastor of Mount Pisgah AME Church, Lawnside, NJ. Mrs. Ernestine Taylor passed on Tuesday, March 3, 2009 in New Brunswick, NJ.
The funeral has been held.
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev.'s Dorrian & Miyoshi Taylor-Schenck & Family
147 Warwick Road North
Lawnside, New Jersey 08045
Cell: (302) 388-7527
Phone: (856) 546-8590
Email: MountPisgah1@AOL.COM
14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Evelyn Y. James, 99 years old, the beloved aunt of Mrs. Shirley V. Taylor, President of the Sixth Episcopal District Ministers' Spouses, Widows and Widowers Organization, Plus PK's and the Reverend James E. Taylor, Presiding Elder of the West Savannah District. Mrs. James died Thursday, March 5, 2009.
The funeral has been held.
Condolences may be sent to:
Presiding Elder & Mrs. James E. Taylor
7609 Ashford Court
Savannah, GA 31406
Phone: (912) 354-3532
Email: JET0912@AOL.COM
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Deacon Stacy Powell, the father of the Reverend Sterlin Powell, Pastor of St. Mark AME Church in Oxon Hill, Maryland.
We ask for your prayers and support of the Rev. Powell and his family during this time of sorrow in their lives.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Colvin Funeral Home.
Sympathy cards and letters can be mailed to:
The Rev. Sterlin Powell & Family
121 Stephen Street
Lumberton, NC 28358
Expressions of sympathy may also be emailed to: sterlinpowell@aol.com
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Miss Shakara Baisden, the granddaughter of Presiding Elder Howard L. Grant (New Jersey Conference, Newark District). The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
The funeral has been held.
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. and Mrs. Howard L. Grant
96 Harper Avenue
Irving, NJ 07111
Phone: 973-374-0729
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mr. Lonzer White, the brother of the Rev. Mary L. Williams, pastor of Emanuel AME Church in Montclair, NJ (New Jersey Conference, Newark District). The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
The funeral has been held.
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Mary L. Williams
1497 Liberty Avenue
Hillside, NJ 07205
Phone: 973-923-6534
Fax: 973-923-1656
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mr. Walter Glover, Jr., the loving father of Sister Shirley V. Taylor, President of the Sixth Episcopal District Ministers' Spouses, Widows and Widowers' Organization, Plus PK's and father-in-law of the Rev. James E. Taylor, Presiding Elder of the West Savannah District. Mr. Glover, Jr. passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2009.
The funeral has been held.
Condolences may be sent to:
Presiding Elder James E. & Mrs. Shirley V. Taylor
7609 Ashford Court
Savannah, GA 31406
Phone: (912) 354-3532
Email: JET0912@AOL.COM
19. 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
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20. 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
