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 - ARE WE A CONNECTIONAL CHURCH OR ARE WE A GROUP OF INDEPENDENT CHURCHES:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
We, in the AME Church, say that we are a Connectional Church, but in many ways, we don’t always act like a Connectional Church. In many of our houses of worship, worship is fairly standard and the AME Order of Worship is generally followed; but worship services can vary from place to place. Some pastors follow the AME Order of Worship, while others create their own orders of worship. Some pastors, in their desire to be creative, appear to be doing “their own thing” and some AMEs act like they are in the Free Church tradition.
It was always an embarrassment to me when I was asked, “Where is the AME Church headquarters?” I could never give a definitive response. Was it in Washington, DC on 11th Street or was it in Nashville, Tennessee, where the AMEC Publishing House is located? Whenever I tried to explain that, the looks I got was as incredulous as I felt each time I tried to answer the question. My bottom-line response was that each episcopal district has a headquarters, that being where the presiding bishop’s office was located; but we don’t have a global headquarters, per se.
It would seem to me that a Connectional Church would have a headquarters; if nothing else, somebody in authority to say, “the AME Church Headquarters is located…”
Instead of having a global headquarters, we have twenty-one headquarters. As more than one person explained, we have, in reality, twenty-one “kingdoms” and no one can speak for the twenty-one entities. That begs the question of, who is in-charge.
That’s another hard question. Who is the one person who can expeditiously speak for the African Methodist Episcopal Church in responding to critical global national and social issues? Is it the Senior Bishop; the President of the General Board; the President of the Council of Bishops or the Chair of the Commission on Social Action?
Who is in charge? Effective and high performing organizations have someone in charge. Organizations that function by committee are not as efficient as organizations that have a clearly defined hierarchical leadership structure. I am reminded of a “tongue in cheek definition of committee as “a group of the unprepared, appointed by the unwilling to do the unnecessary.”
Some years ago, I was at Fort Hood and riding with the Commanding General. We stopped the vehicle next to two soldiers who were walking down the street. The General asked the soldier closest to the vehicle, “Soldier, who is in charge?” Both of the soldiers seemed bewildered and one soldier responded, “Sir, no one is in charge. We are both privates.” The general responded, “Soldier, in the Army, someone in always in charge.” He asked the soldiers their dates of rank and responded to the soldier with the older date, “You are in charge.” The point he was making was; there is always someone in charge. That’s a good rule for the AME Church. In the local church, the pastor is in charge. In the Quarterly Conference and the District Conference, the presiding elder is in charge. In the Annual Conference, the bishop is in charge. When we respect authority, there is no question about who is in charge.
Information is fast and furious. We can get information out across the world in milliseconds. If we fail to tell our story, others will tell our story and often in negative and destructive ways. We need to tell our story and tell our story as we want it to be disseminated to the world because in this age of millisecond technology, it sometimes means that we can’t wait for a committee; someone needs to be designated and allowed to take charge.
As an example, when corporate America or the military identifies problems that might have negative consequences, the CEO or commanding general will declare a global stand-down for required training to correct those issues. Those decisions are not pondered for weeks and months. The leader makes a decision and the members of the organization obey the decisions.
There are social, economic and religious issues that need to the attention of all of our pastors and members to connect us as one in Christ and one as African Methodists.
As a Connectional Church, it might be more efficient to have someone in charge to remind us of our responsibilities. The world needs to hear that our Zion cares about global issues and that there are issues that, we as a denomination, care about and we are willing to address publically and forthrightly.
Yes, the presiding prelate of each episcopal district can certainly address issues and require training, but if issues are global or national in scope, then those issues should be addressed from a global and connectional perspective.
We need to address economic issues. The economic downturn is a global issue in America, the Caribbean, Africa, Europe and Asia. Perhaps the church needs to establish an internet platform where pastors can share with others how they are coping and managing in these austere times.
There are national and global ministry issues. We may need a stand-down where every pastor throughout the world attends retraining on the rules for Itinerant ministry. In some of our churches we are letting all kinds of folks come into our pulpits; some pastors are reportedly, on occasion, allowing imams to preach in our pulpits. Others are allowing unordained persons to preach and regularly sit in our pulpits. Some of our clergy allow unordained persons of other denominations to assist in the Communion ritual.
The list could go on and on and on…
The issue is authority and respect for authority. Among some of the laity and the clergy, in our Zion, there is disrespect for authority and it manifests itself in individualism and disconnectedness; and it’s not just at the bottom, I am afraid that it’s at the top too.
Are we a Connectional Church or are we a group of independent churches? I want us, in every way, to be a Connectional Church!
2. MORRIS BROWN COLLEGE – STAYS AROUND TO FIGHT FOR ANOTHER DAY:
Sunday of Hope -- March 29 – A Day of Recognition for Morris Brown in Georgia Churches
Atlanta, GA (March 20, 2009). Water runs freely at Morris Brown College; the final water bill has been paid.
“We still have miles to go…we cannot sleep,” said Bishop William DeVeaux, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. “The Trustees have been meeting around the clock to find the best solutions that work for the financial stability of our college. We are at the threshold of a new Morris Brown, with a global approach to education; and this financial challenge was – and is – our priority before we can move forward and work toward a renewal of our founding mission.”
On Thursday afternoon (March 19, 2009), Morris Brown College paid the final $64,887.32 of its long standing $380,000 indebtedness with the Atlanta Watershed Department that threatened to shut of the water on the 34 acre campus. The college remains financially challenged and must meet its monthly obligations. Financial stability is the one obstacle that stands between Morris Brown and reaccreditation.
Also, on March 19th, Morris Brown celebrated the 128th Founders Day at Big Bethel AME Church. During the Founders Day observance, $41,000 was raised from alumni, board members, and supporters who gathered at Big Bethel, the original site of the founding of Morris Brown. Reverend Daryl Kearney, Pastor of 3rd Street- Bethel AME Church in Richmond, VA was the guest speaker. Reverend Kearney offered to hold a walk-a-thon to raise funds for Morris Brown when he returns to Richmond. The National Alumni Association, under the leadership of George Hopkins, National Alumni President, also held its annual meeting during the Founders Day activities.
The Sunday of Hope, which is being planned on March 29th for Morris Brown College, will take place in the churches, synagogues, and mosques throughout Georgia appealing for prayers and contributions. The Reverend Dr. C. T. Vivian, who initiated the “Yes We Care” campaign, continues his efforts to inspire church leaders to participate and to join in making a commitment to the legacy of Morris Brown. “We are taking our story to church leaders requesting that they send out a call to their congregations asking persons who believe in social responsibility and stewardship to give, in support of students who seek and deserve the nurturing environment at Morris Brown, said Dr. Stanley Pritchett, Acting President of Morris Brown College.
Dr. Sonny Walker, Vice Chairman of the Morris Brown Board of Trustees and Chair of the special committee addressing the emergency financial needs of the institution says, “Morris Brown College is an Atlanta landmark like the Phoenix Bird, the Atlanta symbol that continues to rise from defeat over and over again. Surely, Morris Brown will become an even better institution than it has been. The need for large donations is even more critical now than ever before – especially from the Atlanta philanthropic community,” continued Dr. Walker.
“We have said at every opportunity that Morris Brown College just needs a fighting chance. – we have managed to stay around to fight for another day,” said Dr. Pritchett. “We just might be at that place now where we can focus on the new mission and the new plans for the growth of the institution. Our deliberations with financial investors are beginning to meet with some favor and we are in a position to eliminate some of our debt. We trust that the weekly financial emergencies will cease,” Dr. Pritchett added.
How to contribute to Morris Brown:
Donations will be received at Morris Brown College; in addition, donations may be made to Morris Brown by sending a check, payable to the “Morris Brown Recovery Fund,” to Capitol City Bank, 562 Lee Street, SW; Atlanta, GA 30310, or by visiting any Capitol City Bank Branch located at 2358 Cascade Road, SW Atlanta; 5674 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain; or at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, Suite S-4. Donations can also be made on line at www.morrisbrown.edu.
3. BISHOP FRANK C. CUMMINGS AND MRS. MARTHA CUMMINGS’ APPRECIATION AND RECOGNITION DINNER:
The “Sons” and “Daughters” of Bishop Frank C. Cummings, in recognition and appreciation of his 58 years of Christian service and his 80th birthday, will honor him and his life partner of 54 years at a dinner, with the theme “A Legacy of Faithfulness and Integrity.”
The Celebration Dinner will be on Friday, April 24, at 7:00 p.m., in the Marcia Moss Fellowship Hall at St. Philip AME Church, Atlanta, pastored by the Reverend George Moore, Sr.
Those planning to attend the event should contact the Reverend Gregory V. Eason, Sr., Big Bethel AME Church, 220 Auburn Ave., NE, Atlanta, GA 30303 (404-827-9707) or e-mail amcdaniel@bigbethelame.org not later than April 15, 2009.
A block of rooms is being held under the name “Cummings Celebration” at the Renaissance Atlanta Downtown Hotel, 590 West Peachtree Street, NW, Atlanta, GA, 30308. Reservations may be made by calling the Renaissance at 1-800-468-3571 or 404-881-6000. The room rate is $109.00/night, and the cut-off date for room reservations is April 14, 2009.
4. RESOLUTION RESPONDING TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:
A message from the Bishop of the 2nd Episcopal District
For the past three years, Supervisor Connie S. Richardson, having discovered the issue of domestic violence, even among clergy families, has addressed the issue and has kept the matter of domestic violence in-focus in the Second Episcopal District.
The "alleged" abuse of Rihanna at the hands of popular music star, Chris Brown, has brought worldwide attention to domestic violence. Daily newspapers, magazines, CNN News, NBC, ABC, FOX, Oprah, Dr. Phil, late night entertainment shows and comedians have filled precious air time with the spiritual, ethical, moral and legal implications of their conflicting relationship.
I have attached the resolution that was supposed to have had a hearing at the last General Conference, with the hope that it would become the official policy of the denomination, specifically mandating "zero tolerance."
The Second District has conducted several workshops with panelists from a cross a wide spectrum of disciplines, including the victims of domestic violence.
Sincerely,
Adam J. Richardson
The Resolution was adopted by the Second Episcopal District and by the 58th Session of the Washington Annual Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
The Resolution:
Whereas, the African Methodist Episcopal Church recognizes that domestic violence is any coercive behavior –physical, sexual, psychological, economical or verbal— that is used by one adult over another in an intimate relationship and is recognized as a serious societal problem in the United States; and
Whereas, the effects of domestic violence are devastating--destroying families, taking the lives of women and children, emotionally, traumatizing the young people who witness it, increasing the numbers of Black men and women in jail, and contributing to substance abuse and homelessness; and
Whereas, the rates of nonfatal intimate partner violence decreased for black females between 1990 and 2003, the rate increased from 3.8 victimizations per 1,000 persons age 12 or older in 2003 to 6.6 per 1,000 in 2004; and
Whereas, for many black women who choose to seek help in the black community, experts say that the black church instead, of a shelter or hotline, is often their first stop; and
Whereas, Historically, the black church has been the rock of the black community, a place of refuge where important issues are addressed. But domestic violence has long been left off the agenda, ignored in a largely patriarchal system, even justified by scripture; and
Whereas, Violence against women, inside or outside the home, is never justified, and not only is it sinful; it is also a crime.
Be it Therefore Resolved that the Second Episcopal District will, through its local churches, provide a refuge and safe haven for victims of domestic violence for persons and families who are hurting and that we will provide a haven where victims can feel confident in turning to first and not as a last resort, for comfort, referral for sound counseling and healing; and
Be it also Resolved that the Second Episcopal District will explore and find more effective ways to minister to persons who experience domestic and sexual abuse by developing partnerships and collaborations to provide educational, spiritual and technical support as well as advocacy and leadership development: that will enhance the capacity of the church to empower and protect the victims of domestic violence; to hold abusers accountable; and to promote healing and wholeness.
Be it also Resolved that the Second Episcopal District recommends that the African Methodist Episcopal Church adopts the following as the official policy statement of the church: Domestic violence is a complex set of behaviors, reflecting theological, spiritual, psychological, cultural, racial and political issues. Therefore the African Methodist Church has a critical role in decreasing the prevalence of domestic abuse, teaching prevention strategies, providing intervention, and facilitating the healing process.
Be it Finally Resolved that the Second Episcopal District will adopt an effective policy that delineates Zero Tolerance for domestic violence in all of its forms against women and domestic abuse against children and elderly family members and Any Pastor, clergy member, or lay leader who has been found guilty of perpetrating violence against a family member should be referred to the appropriate church body for disciplinary action.
5. LOVE IS NOT SUPPOSED TO HURT: A LITANY ON DOMESTIC ABUSE AND VIOLENCE:
The litany below was written by Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr. for the Second District Founders’ Day
Leader: God has called us into families, men and women attracted to one another by the gift of love, love that produces our progeny. Children born in love are to be nurtured; and the cycle of love continues. But every year, and every day, families are fractured in abusive relationships. And what has been the long term effect? Our children saw it!
People: Love is not supposed to hurt.
Leader: Domestic violence is the most underreported crime in America. It is true; five percent of the time men are battered by their spouses. However, every nine seconds a woman is battered. Ninety percent of battered women reported that their children were present when they were beaten. One half of all murdered women died at the hands of their spouses or an acquaintance, a man who said “I love you.” No one enjoys being abused, regardless of how much they may love their mate, or how many times the abused may return home.
People: Love is not supposed to hurt.
Leader: Domestic violence occurs in all communities regardless of race, age, nationality, sexual orientation, economic status, or educational attainment. Domestic violence is about batterers using their control, not losing their control. They choose to be violent toward their significant other in ways they would never think of treating other people. They say, “I love you.”
People: Love is not supposed to hurt.
Leader: The wounds are deep, difficult to heal, usually hidden, and rarely discussed. The scar tissue is emotional, psychological and spiritual – baggage that grows heavier every day. “No one would understand,” we say. “It must have been my fault,” she cried. After all, he said, “I love you.”
People: Love is not supposed to hurt.
Leader: Here is what we know: GOD is love! “Love is longsuffering. Love is patient. Love is kind. Love does not behave unseemly, unbecoming or inappropriately. Love is not rude. Love is not puffed up. Love is not selfish. Love never fails. Love is not easily provoked.”
People: Love is not supposed to hurt.
Leader: Love is a decision – a fully grown, altogether adult, wholly mature decision. To become a spiritually mature adult is to also “put away childish things.”
People: Love is not supposed to hurt.
Leader: God made us to be “a little lower than angels.” God did not make us to be idiots, creeps, jerks, brutes, bullies, or butt-heads. We devolved into that form of low-life all by ourselves.
People: Love is not supposed to hurt.
Leader: Then one hope-filled day, the children walked the aisle and said, “I do.” They stood before God and a company of well-wishers who believed in them. Holding hands they said, “I promise to honor and cherish you ‘til death.” But the times were hard, the money ran short, tempers ran shorter, a diaper needed changing – and, and, and the hands that once tenderly held the hands of the other became instruments of abuse, and the child saw it and drew an immature conclusion: “This is how to solve a problem with the one you love.” So they practiced what they saw when they were learning to be parents who said, “I love you.”
People: STOP, in the name of LOVE! Acknowledge the sickness. Seek the Help! Turn down the emotional thermostat! Stop to think! Stop to pray! Stop the cycle of violence! Someone is watching! STOP in the name of Jesus! Let the healing begin – because love is really not supposed to hurt!
6. BISHOP SARAH F. DAVIS ANNOUNCES EVANGELISM EXCURSION TO SOUTH AMERICA:
The Department of Church Growth and Development of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is sponsoring an Evangelism Excursion June 1-13 to Guyana, South America; the 16th Episcopal District where Bishop Sarah F. Davis is Presiding Prelate.
The need is for doctors, nurses, other medical professionals, construction personnel, street ministry leaders, crusade workers, preachers, teachers, and others interested in overseas ministry and supervision of youth.
Details are being finalized. Any questions about the excursion please contact Dr. James C. Wade at ameharvest@bellsouth.net or call 847.338.2581 or 901.523.2777. Several documents are required for the trip including a passport and a letter of recommendation from your pastor.
Please Contact Dr. James Wade for additional details.
7. AME TULSA, OKLAHOMA YOUTH SELECTED AS STATE SENATE PAGE:
Jonathon Weary, age 15, son of the Rev. Willie and Sister Jackie Weary has been chosen to be a Page for Senator Judy Eason-Mcintyre, during the week of March-19, 2009 at the State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Senator Mcintyre is a member of Vernon AME Church, Tulsa, Oklahoma where the Rev. Michelle K.T. Moulden is the pastor.
Jonathon's home church is St. John AME Church in Tulsa, where the Rev. Marcellus Fields is the pastor.
Jonathon sometimes attends church with his father, the Rev. Willie Weary, Sr. sho serves as pastor of Connor Chapel AME Church in Ponca City, Oklahoma.
His Mother, Sister Jackie Weary, is the President of the Central Northeast Oklahoma Conference Lay Organization.
Jonathon Weary is the Central Northeast Oklahoma Conference YPD President. He is a very bright and intelligent young man and also serves as Parliamentarian for his 10th grade class; is a member of the Speech Team and Academic Bowl Team at Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa. Jonathon is a member of his high school speech team and qualified for the speech regional by successfully accumulating points and by placing 1st, 2nd or 3rd while reciting one of President John F. Kennedy's speeches. Jonathon also speaks Spanish fluently.
8. ST. PAUL AME CHURCH, LEXINGTON MEMBER OF CHAMPIONSHIP MOCK TRIAL TEAM:
Daniel E. Whitley, son of John E. Whitley Jr (a member of St. Paul and usher board member) and grandson of John and Eleanor Whitley also members of St Paul, Lexington. FAMU College of Law’s BSLA mock trial team placed second in the southern regional competition and will go to California for further competition.
9. ALL-STAR REVIVAL AT ST. JAMES AME, COVINGTON, KENTUCKY:
*The Rev. Cheryl Lynn Hoskins
“They will run and not grow weary” Isaiah 40:31
The All-Star Revival is coming to town to St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church, 120 Lynn Street, Covington, Kentucky on April 1-3, 2009.
Time will be each night at 7 o’clock p.m. The Reverend Wink Sweat, pastor of St. James AME Church.
“Up to bat” on Wednesday will be the Reverend Kazarva Smith, pastor of Corinthian Baptist Church in Cincinnati; the Reverend Elmer Martin Jr., the pastor of Brown Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Cincinnati will be the next batter; and the Reverend Willa Ross, pastor of Miracle Temple Community Church in Covington will be the “designated clean-up hitter.
“Up to bat” on Thursday will be the Reverend Norman Blankenship, pastor of Elsmere Baptist Church, Elsmere, Kentucky; Reverend Dr. William Land, pastor of 1st United Christian Church Disciple of Christ, Xenia, Ohio; and the Reverend Dr. Michael Posey, pastor of St. Paul AME Zion Church, Covington, Kentucky.
In the ninth inning, and bringing it all home on Friday will be the Reverend Charles Fann, pastor of Crucifixion Baptist Church in Covington, Kentucky; the Reverend Linda Murray, pastor of Barnes Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church, Elsmere, Kentucky; and the Reverend Richard Fowler, pastor of Ninth Street Baptist Church in Covington.
“Up to bat” with each all-star hitter, will be their choirs, praise dancers and/ or singers giving God the Glory! Nine home runs will be hit against the devil!
We invite each of you to join us nightly.
*The Rev. Cheryl Lynn Hoskins is the assistant pastor of St. James AME Church, Covington.
10. ST. PETER LAY MINISTRY HONORS PHELPS:
By Mrs. Doris Gosier and Alphonso B. Varner
The Lay Ministry of St. Peter African Methodist Episcopal Church, Fort Valley, Georgia honored Mr. Josiah Phelps during its Lay Weekend observance at a capacity filled banquet: "An Evening Honoring Mr. Phelps", Saturday, February 28, 2009 in the C. W. Pettigrew Community Life Center (Fort Valley State University).
Brother Ashley Ballard, St. Peter's Lay President presided. Dr. Odessa H. McNair gave greetings and introductory remarks. Mr. Frederick Jones lifted a powerful Invocation.
A parade of Celebrants followed with "A Day in the Life" chronicling Mr. Phelps' life through tributes on his Birth/Education shared by Mrs. Gertrude McKelvin; Marriage/Family by Mrs. Bernice Robinson Street; Career Path by Dr. Ira Hicks and Mr. Charlie Hicks; Church Lay Activities by Mr. Alphonso B. Varner; and Community Involvement by Mr. Wilton Walton.
Mrs. Jasmine Ellis sang a song entitled, "To God Be the Glory." The Grace was given by Dr. Carolyn Tarrant. Afterwards, a scrumptious meal was enjoyed by the attendees.
The second phase of this glorious occasion was the "Expression of Love," which highlighted Mr. Phelps' long and dedicated service to St. Peter AME Church and his role as a mentor in the following categories: Church Family by Mrs. Doris Gosier; a Special Tribute was rendered by The Sweet Melodies; a Mentor by Ms. Nekeisha Randall; and the Praise Dancers of St. Peter Young Adults
Mr. Edgar Harrison gave remarks relative to Mr. Phelps' active membership with the Macon District and Macon Conference Lay Organizations and his impact on his life.
Presentations were made by Mrs. Annie Marshall, Program Chair, Reverend Alan Hale Wicker, Presiding Elder, Macon District and the Reverend Bertram C. Smith, Senior Pastor of St. Peter A.M.E. Church. Remarks were given by Mrs. Sara Dent, President, Macon District Lay Organization and Ms. Latrellis O. Dent, President, Macon Conference Lay Organization.
Additional information on Mr. Phelps' life as a servant to God and humankind labeled Mr. Phelps as a man of vision, courage, integrity, fortitude, and faith. He has been an active member of the Lay Ministry on the local, district, conference, and episcopal levels. He served as St. Peter' Lay president for numerous years. He was elected as a delegate to attend five Biennial Lay Sessions and as an Electoral College delegate to the General Conference held in Orlando, Florida in 1992.
Mr. Phelps was inducted into two Halls of Fame at the University of Georgia.
On January 22, 2000, Mr. Phelps was recognized for the fruit of his labor when he was inducted into the Georgia Agricultural Education Hall of Fame as a Charter Member. Eight months later on September 22nd, he was inducted into the Georgia Agricultural Hall of Fame. The latter honor distinguished him as the first African American to be inducted into this prestigious class. Both of these occasions were held on the University of Georgia campus.
Mr. Phelps also distinguished himself as an inductee into his beloved Alma mater, The Fort Valley State University Hall of Fame.
He was honored by the Georgia Forestry Commission as a Steward in Tree Forestry.
Mr. Phelps is a Life Member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. He has been happily married to Mrs. Ethel D. Phelps for 59 years. They are the parents of one daughter, Dr. Rosemary Phelps, a Professor of Psychology Counseling at the University of Georgia.
"To God be the glory, great things God hath done and continues to do in Mr. Phelps' life."
11. DEDICATION OF THE MOUNT HERMON AME CHURCH FAMILY LIFE CENTER:
*The Rev. Edrena Houston Brown
A New Day for Mission and Ministry in the Dedication Celebration of the Mount Hermon A.M.E. Church Family Life Center
On November 1, 2008 The Reverend Michael K. Bouie, M.Div., was appointed as the 30th pastor of Mount Hermon African Methodist Episcopal Church in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. He and his wife, First Lady Tamira Bouie and daughter, Micah, have enhanced the South Florida community in exemplifying a new day for mission and ministry.
Pastor Bouie succeeds the Right Rev. John F. White, Sr. who was elected and consecrated the 130th elected and consecrated bishop of the AME Church at the 48th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference that was held in St. Louis in July 2008. Bishop White inspired the vision of Mount Hermon’s Family Life Center, which opened in mid-January, 2009.
The officers and members of Mount Hermon AME Church are excited and grateful for Pastor’s Bouie’s vision in securing the permanent permit for the Henry McNeal Turner Academy and Family Life Center. The Henry McNeal Turner Academy and Family Life Center was dedicated on Saturday, March 14, 2009. The center is located across the street from the church.
Bishop McKinley Young, the presiding Prelate of the Eleventh Episcopal District gave the dedicatory address.
The Reverend Michael K. Bouie has been the pastor of Mount Herman AME Church for four months and during his brief tenure, provided the Broward County Community with a spirit-filled leadership of purpose and destiny, and is leading the congregation to a higher spiritual level of growth, through teaching, preaching, administrative-accountability and saving souls for Christ. Over 50 persons have been added to the church.
The ministerial staff has increased, totaling ten ministers on the staff.
The Henry McNeal Turner Academy and Family Life Center will provide service to the community through kingdom building and empowering the persons of the community.
Mount Hermon is the Only AME Church in Fort Lauderdale and has two worship services (7:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.). It is Mount Herman’s goal to offer worshipers both traditional and contemporary worship experiences. The church is also in the process of developing and strengthening several ministries to meet the needs of today’s demographic diversity.
Pastor Michael K. Bouie, a longtime resident of Florida, has committed his life to serving and encouraging people to achieve their fullest potential. An ordained itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Pastor Bouie has served congregations in Georgia (6th Episcopal District) and in the Central Florida area; Hurst Chapel AME Church in Winter Haven and is the builder of a 2.5 million dollar sanctuary, Allen Chapel AME Church in Daytona Beach, Florida. He later served as pastor of Mt. Olive AME Church in Orlando and St. Paul AME Church, Miami, Florida. He is a scholar and profound teacher, preacher, pastor and administrator.
Pastor Bouie graduated from the public school system of Miami-Dade County. He is a graduate of Morris Brown College in Atlanta where he earned a baccalaureate degree in Business Management. He graduated from Turner Theological Seminary at The Interdenominational Theological Center (I.T.C.) earning the Master’s of Divinity degree; with a concentration in Christian Education and Old Testament.
Reverend Bouie has served at the Connectional level of the AME Church as the President of the Connectional Council, and presently serves as the Dean of the South Conference for the Board of Examiners of the Eleventh Episcopal District.
Mount Hermon, under Pastor Bouie, begins a new day of mission and ministry and the writing of a new chapter in history of Mount Herman African Methodist Episcopal Church.
*The Rev. Edrena Houston Brown is the Director of Christian Education, Mt. Hermon AME Church, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
12. FRANKFORD’S ANTIOCH AME CHURCH CONTEMPLATES HISTORY AND A HISTORY-MAKING EVENT:
*By Christina Weaver
The inauguration of President Barack Obama in January makes this year’s Black History Month especially significant for members of Frankford’s Antioch AME Church, which is located in Frankford, Delaware. Like Obama, the Rev. James Foster, Antioch’s pastor, looks to history to guide the future. “When Mrs. Dorothy Fisch suggested a program based on a collection of antique black dolls, I was immediately intrigued,” he said.
Dorothy Fisch is the children’s librarian at Frankford Public Library. She has sponsored numerous programs at the library, including “Silent Companions and the Stories They Tell”, where a local collector’s dolls are displayed and history is revealed.
“The library wanted an expanded audience for this family friendly program and I talked about it to Pastor Foster,” she said.
The program was presented to approximately fifty church members, including ten children, after services on Sunday, February 15, 2009. In his sermon that day, Foster talked about the derivation of the church’s name, Antioch. The New Testament book of Acts identifies Antioch as one of the earliest centers of Christianity and where converts were the first to be called “Christians.”
The African Methodist Episcopal Church was the first denomination in America founded for and by people of African descent. It grew out of the Free African Society in Philadelphia that was co-founded in 1787 by Richard Allen and Absolom Jones. Jones, a former slave from the Cedartown Plantation, in nearby Milford, Delaware was sold to a storeowner in Philadelphia when he was sixteen years old.
Although Frankford’s Antioch AME has its roots in African American history it now considers itself to be a community church. Its friendly congregation welcomes people of all races and ethnicities to bring their faith and doubts, hopes and dreams, interests and enthusiasm.
John Hall is a 13-year member of the church, a truck mechanic by profession, and a history buff by avocation. He is particularly interested in the civil war and noted that some of the dolls on display were made around the time Abraham Lincoln was president. He said he appreciates Obama’s admiration of Lincoln and Obama’s belief in the greatness of the American people.
“Too many people just listen to negatives reported by the press,” he said. “I knew white America would come through for Obama because he was the best candidate.”
Hall recalled that although Delaware was a slave state, its location made it an integral part of the Underground Railroad.
“Without the help of brave white people offering their homes as safe houses, Harriet Tubman would not have been able to help slaves desperately running from their masters,” he said.
Ronald Hall (no relation to John) is a lifelong resident of the area, a church trustee and a correctional officer. He didn’t really expect Obama would win the election and was very glad to be proven wrong.
“It gives people hope,” he said. “Now everyone in the society knows that if they work hard and do the right thing, all things are possible.”
He was working on the day of the inauguration and commented on how unusually quiet the inmates were as they watched television. When asked if the black and white prisoners responded equally, Hall acknowledged that few white inmates or officers showed the level of interest as their black counterparts.
Zhane Hall (granddaughter of John) is fourteen years old, a youth leader at Antioch and a 9th grader at Indian River High School. Like most of her friends, she watched the inauguration on television at home.
“It was great. The country needed a change,” she said. She noted that the best part was seeing the Obama family together in front the White House. “Michelle is so smart and intelligent. She makes me feel that I can be more. I can become someone.” The “someone” Zhane is already working hard to become is a pediatrician.
As for the children of Antioch AME, they sat for the duration of the black doll program in rapt attention. The story they heard was from the voice of a rag doll like the ones displayed on the table in front of them. The doll in the story belonged to a slave girl whose family was cruelly torn apart and was seeking the hope of freedom in the North.
They learned of children who were forbidden to learn to read or write and men and women who were forbidden to marry. And they were surprised to learn that the main crop farmed on Delaware’s plantations wasn’t cotton or corn but tobacco.
Overheard after the program was a man recalling that he was in grade school during the period of school integration in Delaware.
“When the bus picked me up I had to stand because the white kids spread over the seats so I couldn’t sit down. It was hurtful. Then one kid made room for me next to him and told me I’d never need to stand again. That one kid made the difference. That’s what it took,” he said.
Another, the grandson of share croppers, commented that programs like this one help children understand how different their lives are from just one or two generations back.
Foster’s sermon was titled “Is the church a rest home?” He concluded that just as the original church in Antioch was a loving church where people were called to action, so is its legacy in Frankford.
His beautifully refurbished old church with incredibly blue stained glass windows that face the noon day sun was the recent victim of broken water pipes. The floor in the new addition where programs like the ones for Black History Month were supposed to be held was ruined and much water was wasted. It’s another challenge for the congregation to overcome.
This article is reprinted with the permission of Coastal Point, a free newspaper--The Local Voice of Your Community in Ocean View, Delaware. The article as first published in the Coastal Point on March 13, 2009.
*Christina Weaver is the author of the memoir: "What You Lose on the Roundabout, You Gain on the Swings"
13. WHAT'S UP:
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts
The other day my wife came into my study while I was writing and jokingly asked, “What’s up?”
I pause, and then responded, “The sun.”
Immediately my mind went into action like a computer. What percent of our lives involves this “up?”
Take a look at these:
We wake up
We sit up
We get up
We stand up
We dress up
We start up
We look up
We lift up
We hurry up
We jump up
We spruce up
We speak up
We shut up
We lock up
We grow up
We blow up
We dig up
We pick up
We round up
We catch up
We give up
We break up
All of these we do or are asked to do, but when our lives end, we are let down and covered up!
Let us never forget that Jesus said "if I be lifted up I'll draw all men unto me."
A thought: There are three professionals who should never go to work angry: a barber, a dentist and a surgeon.
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts is a retired Itinerant Elder who lives in Eatonville, Florida
14. THANK YOU:
I would like to thank all of the people for all of their prayers and other acts of kindness shown me during the aftermath and recovery from my car accident. I am thankful for God's protection, provision, and healing. I am beginning to feel better.
The Rev. Ella (Smiley) Samuels, Presiding Elder
Augusta Annual Conference
Augusta - Athens PE District
1047 Huntly Circle
Thomson, GA 30824
Phone: 706-597-0564; FAX: 706-597-9702
15. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES:
- The Rev. Marcellus A. Norris, Pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Norwalk, Connecticut was appointed to the Ethics Board for the City of Norwalk. He was appointed to a 3 year term. The appointment was made by Mayor Richard Moccia and confirmed on March 10, 2009. The Ethics board is charged with ensuring that officers and employees of the City of Norwalk refrain from personal, business and financial activities that adversely affect the individuals’ fidelity and impartiality. Parents, Bishop Richard F. Norris, Mother Mary Ann Norris, and wife Dawn E. Norris are proud of Marcellus's active community involvement and easily recognized integrity that lead to this appointment.
Congratulatory responses can be sent to: theeapostle@hotmail.com
- The Rev. Charlotte Blake Sydnor, pastor of Shorter Chapel AME Church in Franklin, Tennessee, and the wife of Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor of The Christian Recorder successfully completed her orals in defense of her dissertation for the D.Min degree at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 and will graduate on May 30, 2009. Her dissertation is entitled, The Collaborative Role of Church Leadership in Empowering a Disenfranchised Community.
Congratulatory messages may be sent to the Rev. Charlotte Blake Sydnor: cbsydnor@aol.com
16. EPISCOPAL FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of the Rev. Dr. Margaret White Alston, the daughter of the late Presiding Elder and Retired Chaplain, Kenneth White of the 11th Episcopal District, and the sister of the Rev. Dr. Henry Y. White, Pastor of Brown Memorial AME Church in Washington, DC, and the sister-in-law of the Rev. Rowena Webster White, Former Episcopal Supervisor.
The Rev. Dr. Margaret White Alston was the founder and pastor of Bowie AME Church, in Bowie, MD and was a pioneer woman in ministry in the Washington Conference of the 2nd Episcopal District.
Funeral arrangements are as follows:
Viewing:
Thursday, March 19, 2009
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Friday, March 20, 2009
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Ward Memorial AME Church
241 - 42nd Street, NE
Washington, DC 20019
The Rev. Dr. Conrad K. Pridgen, Pastor
Homegoing Celebration:
Friday, March 20, 2009
11:00 am
Ward Memorial AME Church
241 - 42nd Street, NE
Washington, DC 20019
The Rev. Dr. Conrad K. Pridgen, Pastor
Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, Eulogist
Professional services are entrusted to:
J B Jenkins Funeral Home
7474 Landover Rd
Landover, Maryland 20785
Phone: (301) 322-2300
Fax: (301) 773-5199
Condolences may be sent to:
Mr. William Alston and Family
6603 Clinglog Street
Capital Heights, MD 20743
Or
The Rev. Dr. Henry Y. White & the Rev. Rowena Webster White
15106 Peartree Drive
Bowie, MD 20721
Phone: (301) 249-8737
Fax: (301) 249-8969
Email: Rowhen@aol.com
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Mrs. Annie Mae Denmark James, the mother of Presiding Elder Jerome L. Denmark, who presides over the St. Petersburg District of the West Coast Annual Conference. Mrs. Annie Mae Denmark James was 95 years old and a long time member of Hurst Chapel AME Church, Winter Haven, Florida.
Funeral arrangements are as following:
Viewing: (Celebration of Life)
Friday, March 20, 2009
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Hurst Chapel AME Church
875 Avenue "O", NE
Winter Haven, FL 33881
(863) 293-6415
Rev. Ronnie Clark, Pastor
Homegoing Celebration:
Saturday, March 21, 2009
11:00 am
Hurst Chapel AME Church
875 Avenue "O", NE
Winter Haven, FL 33881
(863) 293-6415
The Rev. Ronnie Clark, Pastor
Professional services are entrusted to:
Charlow Funeral Home
1010 E. Laura Street
Plant City, FL 33566
Phone: (813) 752-2477
Fax: (863) 293-2347
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Jerome L. Denmark and Family
5464 Micco Drive
Orlando, FL 32839
Email condolence may be sent to: JLDenmark@aol.com and to:
Dr. Kenneth James and Family
907 Avenue "O", NE
Winter Haven, FL 33881
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to:
Hurst Chapel AME Church
(Bryant Scholarship Fund)
875 Avenue "O", NE
Winter Haven, FL 33881
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs. Mary Porter, widow of the late Reverend Terry Porter, Presiding Elder of the Dayton District-South Ohio Annual Conference transitioned to Glory on March 15, 2009.
Mrs. Mary Porter served as the Director of the Young People's and Children's Division, President of the Lay Organization, and Trustee of the South Ohio Annual Conference. She was Parliamentarian of the South Ohio Conference Missionary Society. Mrs. Porter also served the Third Episcopal District of the AME Church as a Member-At-Large on the Lay Organization Executive Board.
She was a Life Member of the Women's Missionary Society, and a delegate to the General Conference of the AME Church since 1960, serving on various Connectional Committees including the Rules Committee.
Service arrangements for Mrs. Mary Porter:
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Visitation: 11:30 am
Funeral to follow at 1:30 pm
Bethel AME Church
16 S. Beech Street
Oxford, Ohio 45056
513-523-8560 (Phone)
The Rev. Shane Floyd, Pastor
Internment: Woodside Cemetery in Oxford, Ohio
Arrangements by:
Green Hall & Jordan
532 S. 2nd St
Hamilton, Ohio 45011
513-863-2907 (Phone)
513-844-2301 (Fax)
Condolences can be sent in care of her son:
Robert Ziegler & family
836 Dufour Lane
Oxford, Ohio 45056
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
This notice comes to inform you of the passing of Brother Leon Middleton, grandfather of the Rev. Rodrecus M. Johnson, Jr., pastor of Greater Avery AME Church, Cleveland.
Service arrangements for Bro. Leon Middleton:
Funeral Services:
Thursday, March 19, 2009
10:00 am
Morris Brown AME Church
13 Morris Street
Charleston, SC 29403
843-723-1961 (Phone)
843-723-6320 (Fax)
Rev. Joseph A. Darby, Pastor
Arrangements entrusted to:
Smith-McNeal Funeral Home
2 Radcliff Street
Charleston, SC 29403
843-722-3676 (Phone)
843-722-7990 (Fax)
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. Rodrecus M. Johnson, Jr., Pastor
Greater Avery A.M.E. Church
7505 Wade Park Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44103
216-432-2110 (Phone)
216-432-0484 (Fax)
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Rev. Darlene Jackson, an associate minister at Bethel AMEC, Millville, New Jersey (Atlantic City District) and the sister of Rev. Roland McCall, pastor of Grant AMEC, Boston, MA (New England Conference). The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing and Funeral, Monday, March 23, 2009
Viewing - 10:00 a.m.
Funeral - 11:00 a.m.
Bethel AME Church
113-115 South 5th Street
P.O. Box 784
Millville, NJ 08332
Phone: 856-327-1215
Fax: 856-327-6542
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Roland C. McCall and family
9 Howe Circle
Randolph, MA 02368
Phone: 781-986-2241
Fax: 781-961-1711
21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Hattie Bernice Dabney Mishoe, which occurred Tuesday, March 17, 2009, at 94 years of age. She was the widow of Dr. Luna Mishoe, former president of Delaware State University and the mother of Rev. Rita M. Paige, Pastor of Star Hill AME Church, Dover, Delaware; and Dr. Wilma Mishoe, member of the Board of Trustees at Wilberforce University. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing, Sunday, March 22, 2009, 5:00 - 7:00 P.M.
Viewing and Funeral, Monday, March 23, 2009
Viewing - 8:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M.
Home Going Service at 10:00 A.M.
Mount Zion AME Church
101 N. Queen Street
Dover, Delaware 19904
Phone: 302-678-9478
Fax: 302-678-9192
The Rev. Ellis B. Louden, Pastor
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Rita M. Paige and Family
355 Rita-Wilma Road
Dover, Delaware 19904
Phone: 302- 242-1267
Or
The Rev. Rita M. Paige and Family
c/o Mount Zion AME Church
101 N. Queen Street
Dover, Delaware 19904
Phone: 302-678-9478
Fax: 302-678-9192
22. 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
Email: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936
Fax: (615) 833-3781
Cell: (615) 403-7751
23. 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
