Bishop Richard Franklin Norris - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor, The Christian Recorder
1. EDITORIAL – THE RIGHT THING IS ALWAYS THE BEST THING:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
There are some things that we do in life that are just the right thing to do. We do it because it’s right. We have been taught, from childhood to tell the truth. Telling the truth is the right thing to do. We are taught to share because sharing is the right thing to do. We are taught to be honest, because honesty is the best policy.
Oftentimes, the right thing to do is not always the most comfortable thing to do, but we do it because it is the right thing to do. Students should study and that’s the right thing for students to do, but, as we have all experienced, studying is often uncomfortable.
The profession of ministry has expectations and requirements, some of which are comfortable; others that are less comfortable; and yet others that are outright uncomfortable.
Comfort levels are not the same for all individuals. Comfort levels are not “one-size fits all.” What’s comfortable for one person might be uncomfortable for another person. Hospital visitations and jailhouse visits were uncomfortable for me; I didn’t like making hospital visits and visits to prisons. I did those aspects of ministry because it was the right thing to do; those pastoral visitations were a part of my professional duties. On the other hand, I loved taking Communion to the sick and shut-ins in their homes. That was not work for me. I never had to be reminded to visit the sick because I knew it was the right thing to do and I enjoyed doing it.
There are some in ministry who love the hospital and prison ministries. Some clergy have loved hospital and prison ministry so much that they have chosen to go into those ministries fulltime.
Sermon preparation was not always easy; as a matter of fact, it was always time-consuming and sermon preparation was a weekly struggle. Sermon preparation is still a struggle. Liturgical holy day sermons; Advent, Christmas, Palm Sunday and Easter, were especially hard to prepare for; those were great times to invite a guest preacher.
Sermon preparation is like football practice, an undesirable necessity, but on game day, especially when our team won, the hard practices paid off; the end result justified the means.
The challenge in sermon delivery includes; which Bible version to use, researching commentaries, looking up words and meaning of phrases, reading newspapers, and news magazines, listening to the news, in an attempt to make the sermon relevant for the young and old.
As an AME preacher, relevancy also includes complimenting the sermon with the AME and Methodist perspective, which requires knowledge of the AME Church, which is most easily is obtained from reading the AME periodicals. Currents events can be gleaned from The Christian Recorder; scholarly and historic events from The A.M.E. Church Review; Christian education from The Journal of Religious Education; overseas ministry from The Women’s Missionary Magazine and The Voice of Missions; daily devotions and inspiration from The Secret Chamber; and the youth perspective from The YPD Newsletter. The AME Church has the resources for ministerial and lay ministry. The right thing to do is to utilize the available resources.
Well-rounded sermon preparation is a struggle. It’s a struggle to find new and updated ways to deliver relevant messages from a book that was written over 1500 years ago. Honest sermon preparation is always the right thing to do. Even when we get sermon ideas and sermon “seeds” from other preachers, we need to make the sermon our own. Developing a sermon is the right thing to do. Plagiarizing a sermon from the Internet and from sermon books is the wrong thing to do and it’s the dishonest thing to do.
The worship service, Sunday after Sunday, can be a chore, and the pastor in charge can easily abdicate that responsibility to others; including ministerial associates, choir directors; and to pianists and organists. Sunday after Sunday, year after year can make the sacred routine. Worship should not be abdicated to others. The pastor in charge is the worship leader; that’s the right way and that’s the right thing to do. I suspect that some pastors haven’t met with the musicians, ushers, acolytes, stewards, stewardesses, deaconesses, and ministerial staff in years. The result of the absence of such meetings is raggedy, disjointed worship services. There is nothing wrong with practicing how the worship service is going to be executed. Pastoral care for the worship service is the right thing to do.
Every pastor welcomes assistance, and if a pastor hasn’t mastered the skills of “encouraging himself or herself,” the ministry can get old. Sermon preparation and delivery and leading worship can get old. In spite of the routine of what pastors do in ministry, pastors must be mindful of always doing the right thing as it relates to denominational integrity.
License ministers should not be allowed to function or participate in tasks that are the responsibilities of the ordained clergy. Unordained clergy should only touch the elements of Communion that they are ingesting; they should not be serving anyone or reading any parts of the Communion liturgy. That’s the right rule for pastors to follow, if they are faithful to The Discipline and denominational integrity, which is the right thing to do.
If pastors do not follow The Discipline and denominational integrity, how can we expect the laity to follow the rules of The Discipline and denominational integrity?
Unordained ministers are not called, “Reverend” nor are they addressed by the title, “Minister.” That title does not exist in the African Methodist Episcopal Church lexicon. Unordained clergy can be addressed by the title, “Sister, Brother, or Licentiate.” If they have a doctoral degree, they can be called by their professional title, but not, “Reverend.” The term “Reverend” is a sacred title; it’s a holy title that comes from the laying on of hands by the bishop and seven itinerant elders. Honoring the title, “Reverend” is the right way to do it. When unordained ministers visit our local churches, they should be addressed in accordance with our rules; Brother, Sister, or Licentiate.”
The African Methodist Episcopal Church has been in existence longer than anyone living today and the Church Fathers and Mothers have given us a firm theological, religious, historical, and denominational foundation upon which we can stand. The AME Church will grow and prosper we “Do the right thing.”
Editor’s Note: This is Part 1; Next week, Part 2
2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
- To the Editor:
Re: Editorial - Are We a Connectional Church or are we a group of independent churches?
Excellent editorial regarding a Connectional Church vs. independent churches! I agree with you that we need to have "someone in charge." Our various churches can speak out on the many issues facing our communities and our nation, but we need someone to speak for all of us - to speak on behalf of the entire Connection. Besides, individually, we are not "speaking the same message"; nor are we following the same Discipline.
I suspect that some of our churches wouldn't even know what The Discipline looks like - let alone what it mandates.
Then, on the other hand, we have those "independent" pastors/preachers who think the Connection is antiquated so they choose to "do their own thing” within the AME Church; or they leave the Zion and start their own storefronts. I know I'm preaching to the choir here but this issue needs to be addressed… Who is our leader?
Sister Ora Washington
Okinawa, Japan
- To the Editor:
RE: Are We a Connectional Church or are we a group of independent churches?
I appreciate the candor and honesty that you continually bring to the editorial page of “The Christian Recorder”. Luke 12:2 tells us that what is “done in the dark will be heard in the light” and it is time that the AME Church have a frank discussion about where we are and where we are going as a denomination. Your editorial regarding leadership in the AME Church is an important piece in that discussion and I would to add a few more thoughts on the idea of an AME headquarters and a centralized leadership structure.
The lack of an AME headquarters has provoked a fair amount of concern and a provision for the General Board to erect a Connectional Headquarters has existed in the Discipline since the 1980s. The presence of major Connectional offices in Nashville, Washington DC and other locations has been viewed by some as a symbol of our disunity. When I delved deeper into Methodist history, however, I learned an interesting lesson. Although the United Methodist Church operates many major offices across the United States, the denomination does not have a formal headquarters. The lack of a designated headquarters is considered a symbol of the Connectional nature of the church and the fact that all parts and locations were equal. In 2006, however, the UMC Council of Bishops thought it expedient to designate the Washington, DC office as the seat of the Council of Bishops and designate a Bishop to serve as administrator of said office.
A similar action was recommended by the “Strategic Planning Committee” and submitted as legislation to both the 2004 and 2008 General Conferences. Both times the legislation never made it past the second hearing. While I do not know if the original purpose of a Connectional headquarters to “hold all functions, meetings and General Conferences” is practical, the AME Church might want to take its own advice and assign a Bishop to the position of Chief Administrative Officer.
I now wish to turn to your comments on the unseemly lack of uniformity in AME practices across the Connection. I agree with you wholeheartedly that we need to begin to act like a Denomination. Our presence on the Internet illustrates this point. I spent some time a few weeks ago browsing through Episcopal District and General Officer websites. Aside from the Cross and Anvil logo, I would not have known that they all were constituent parts of the same denomination. If we don’t look unified, we certainly can’t act unified. (The Strategic Planning Committee also made a recommendation regarding technological practices, but this was not acted upon).
Your editorial brings up the issue of who is authorized to speak for the Church. The Discipline is clear that the Council of Bishops is the executive branch of the AME Church and has the authority to administer the affairs of the AME Church in the interim of the General Conference in conjunction with the General Board (132-4). The Discipline also clearly states that the post of Senior Bishop is solely a ceremonial designation (135). As part of our Methodist heritage, the power of the Executive is not formally vested in a single person, but in the collective Council of Bishops. If we don’t have a voice it’s because the Council of Bishops has not designated one. It is true that the Council of Bishops issues statements after its meetings, but a larger voice from the denomination on issues of concern is lacking. (And even if we did have a voice, the Connectional AME Church does not have the Public Relations personnel to diffuse it).
So, who is “in charge?” The Council of Bishops.
As you pointed out, disunity begins from the top and flows to the bottom. On page 3 of The Discipline, we are told: "The bishop is to be the symbol of unity in the Church...The bishop is to be pastor of pastors and of all the people of God." The Bishops are the leaders of our Church and we the people of African Methodism must hold them collectively accountable. The Council of Bishops cannot afford to leave us without vision and guidance in this era.
As we continue to eat and hold our meetings, Morris Brown College struggles to survive. Our younger (and older) members increasingly question the relevancy of internal Church politics. Our Churches in Africa, the Caribbean, South America, Asia and Europe question--with good reason--our commitment to their physical and spiritual growth and development. If members and clergy of the Church are truly tired of disunity in the Connection, we must demand that our elected and consecrated leaders comply with the vows they took before God and the General Conference.
John Thomas III
13th Episcopal District
Ph.D. Student
Department of Political Science
University of Chicago
3. THE REST OF THE STORY - AME SCOUTS VISITING THE INAUGURAL FESTIVITIES; HOUSED BY ST. JUDE AME CHURCH:
The Connectional Church works.
While the AME Scouts were in Washington, DC to participate in the inaugural festivities, there were no hotel rooms available to them. Because of our connection as AMEs, the scouts stayed at the St. Jude A.M.E. Church, which is located about 20 miles from Washington, DC. St. Jude AME is in the 2nd Episcopal District, Washington Conference, Capitol District.
I think it is important for A.M.E. readers to understand that we are a "connectional church". When the officers, members and the Rev. Dr. Byron J. Grayson, Sr. pastor of St. Jude A.M.E. Church in Germantown, Maryland heard that the scouts had no place to stay, St, Jude, without hesitation, opened the doors of their Church to them.
The members of St. Jude made sure that the scouts and the chaperones knew that they were “at home” as they opened their sleeping bags and made our home, their home.
Pastor Grayson remarked, “When the scouts left our church, the church was in better shape than it was before they came. The Boy Scouts left the church sparkling clean.” He went on to say that the people of St. Jude A.M.E. were blessed to be a part of Greater Bethel AME Scouts' journey during this historic occasion. Some of the people of St. Jude hope to travel to Phoenix, Arizona sometime in the future.
4. THE LATE DR. ISAAC CLARK HONORED AT TURNER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY:
After a gracious welcome by ITC President, Dr. Michael A. Battle, the President-Dean of ITC’s Turner Theological Seminary, Dr. John F. Green, delighted attendees to the portrait-hanging ceremony in honor of Dr. Isaac R. Clark with stories of Dr. Clark and what he had learned while he was a student under Dr. Clark’s tutelage. Dr. Betty W. Clark, widow of the revered former Homiletics professor, still speaks with distinct love and adoration when she refers to her late husband. Her memories of him and his commitment to ITC shared with the audience were just as clear and unimpeded as they were more than 20 years ago when Dr. Clark walked the ITC halls.
Dedicated to a self-described “teacher of preachers,” the portrait-hanging and dedication was a fitting homage— to place the image of Dr. Isaac Rufus Clark in a space of honor in the Interdenominational Theological Center’s (ITC) Preaching Laboratory. The laboratory, which also bears Dr. Clark’s name, is a place where homiletics students are able to hone their calling to preach. The preaching lab also serves as a haven, if you will, to help students determine how hermeneutics and thorough exegeses are critical in aiding their congregations with learning and understanding scripture as it is broken down to its core based on his or her human understanding. Dr. Green recounted, “Dr. Clark was the sounding board when a question was raised about how to make the congregants understand without the entire presentation being so lofty that no one but the speaker and one or two seminary graduates would understand what is being said.”
With a reputation for being tough, but fair, Dr. Clark was a dedicated and positive role model for students and faculty alike. He was a caring and loving individual who wanted students to be committed to excellence in the pulpit. His 28 years of faithful service to ITC has come full circle. The hanging of his portrait marks the posthumous return of Dr. Clark to the ITC campus and every memory of this teaching-preaching giant is always welcome.
5. AME PASTOR, THE REV. DR. GREGORY G. GROOVER, ELECTED BOSTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE CHAIR:
At its recent Annual Organizational Meeting, Reverend Dr. Gregory G. Groover, Sr. was elected Chair of the Boston School Committee. He has served as a member of the committee since January 2007.
Reverend Groover serves as the Pastor of the Historic Charles Street A.M.E. Church in the Roxbury section of Boston.
Reverend Groover is a 1983 Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude graduate of Morehouse College. In 1987, he received his Master of Divinity and Master of Social Work from Union Theological Seminary and Columbia University School of Social Work, respectively. Reverend Groover completed his doctoral work (D. Min) at the New York Theological Seminary. The focus of his dissertation was on the strategic development of church-based educational initiatives for public school children in urban settings.
From 1987-94, Reverend Groover served as Pastor of Bright Temple A.M.E. Church in the South Bronx, appointed by Bishop Frank C. Cummings. His pastoral work was prominently noted in Jonathan Kozol’s book, Amazing Grace. At Bright Temple, Reverend Groover initiated a number of ministries for inner-city children such as Building Great Minds, which was later adopted as a citywide program administered by the Council of Churches of New York.
Reverend Groover was appointed Pastor of the Historic Charles Street A.M.E. Church in the Roxbury section of Boston, MA in 1994 by Bishop Philip R. Cousin, Sr. The Charles Street Church is a 191 year-old institution that has served as a center for religious and civic activities for Boston’s African Americans. As Boston’s Underground Railroad station, Charles Street hosted many of the city’s abolition meetings and frequently welcomed to its pulpit Frederick Douglass, William Lloyd Garrison, Sojourner Truth, David Walker (a Charles Street member) and other freedom speakers.
Under Reverend Groover’s pastoral leadership, 27 individuals have entered ministry. Presently, he is leading the congregation in the $5.2 million development of the Charles Street A.M.E. Roxbury Renaissance Center. The center, projected to be completed this year, will offer a myriad of educational and arts programs for children and families.
As chairman of the Education Committee of the Black Ministerial Alliance of Greater Boston (BMA), Reverend Groover was very instrumental in bringing together public school officials, community leaders, parents and the clergy in the planning and the development of the BMA Victory Generation After-School Program, a $2 million initiative. He serves on the Board of Directors of several nonprofit organizations in the Boston area.
The Reverend Groover assumes several Annual Conference and Episcopal District leadership responsibilities under the leadership of his bishop, the Rt. Rev. Richard F. Norris. He was appointed by Bishop Norris as the New England Conference Treasurer, Chairman of the New England Conference Board of Examiners, Chairman, Chairs of Board of Examiners and Deans of the Ministerial Institutes of the First Episcopal District, and member of the First District Economic Expansion Group Board of Directors. He has served as a delegate to the General Conference since 1996 and at the 48th Session (2008), he served as First Vice Chair of the Revision Committee.
Reverend Groover is married to the Reverend Barbara A. Groover and they have two teenage children.
The Boston School Committee is a seven-member board that governs and sets policy for the Boston Public Schools. Its members are appointed by Mayor Thomas M. Menino, who selects from a list of finalists recommended by a 13-member citizens nominating panel.
Boston Public Schools, the nation’s “birthplace of public education,” serves more than 56,000 pre-kindergarten through grade 12 students in 143 schools, and recently won the Broad Prize for Urban Education as the top city district in the country.
Contact: Liz Sullivan, Executive Secretary
6. NEW CHURCH DEDICATION AND 90TH ANNIVERSARY:
The dedication service for the New St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Cleveland, Ohio, a $2.5 million dollar project, will be held on Sunday, April 26, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. The Right Reverend C. Garnett Henning Sr., Presiding Bishop of the Third Episcopal District of the African Methodist Church will be the Keynote Speaker. The Reverend Georgina Thornton is the pastor of St. Paul.
St. Paul AME Church will hold its 90th Anniversary Celebration Sunday, May 31 at 4 p.m. The Reverend Dr. Taylor T. Thompson, pastor of St. John AME Church, Cleveland, Ohio will be the keynote Speaker.
The Legacy Continues…
St. Paul AME Church was organized in May 1919 in the living room of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Williams of 11950 Peelor Avenue under the leadership of the Reverend T.J. Evans.
Mr. Herndon Anderson was the first trustee; Mrs. David Anderson was one of the first choir members; Mrs. Ozema Williams served as the first Sunday School Superintendent and Mrs. Ida Morgan James was the first church organist. Church services began in members’ homes and store fronts until 1921. Mr. Herndon Anderson found the property on which the first building was placed. St Paul’s first building was a barn owned by St. John AME Church. The barn was transported to the west side of Cleveland, Ohio by horse and wagon to its new location on the corner of Bellaire and Hirst Avenue.
Since the origination of St. Paul AME Church – Cleveland, each pastor appointed brought their individual unique talents. They were spirit filled, passionate, driven, ambitious, motivated, electrifying, dynamic, magnetic, brilliant, and exceptionally resourceful leaders, for St. Paul A.M.E. - Cleveland has continued to elevate to higher and higher heights with each appointed servant of God.
The following is a listing of the powerful pastors St. Paul AME Church, Cleveland has been blessed to host from 1919 to 1996.
The Reverend T. J. Evans, the Reverend Pruitt, the Reverend A. J. Simpson, the Reverend Charles Young, the Reverend S. H. McBee, the Reverend F. Ellison, the Reverend J.C. Gresham, the Reverend D. E. Johnson, the Reverend G. I. Caddell, the Reverend Freeman, the Reverend C. H. McPherson, the Reverend A. J. Thomas, the Reverend W. L. Halley, the Reverend Paul Ross, the Reverend H.E. Bragg, the Reverend J. P. Henning, the Reverend A.G. Johnson, the Reverend Charles Lucas, the Reverend Charles Scott, the Reverend Frederick Wright, and the Reverend Rodney Thomas.
In November 1996 St. Paul welcomed as it’s twenty third pastor Reverend Georgina Thornton also known as Reverend Gena.
She received her Theological diploma from the American Baptist Theological Seminary and entered ministry of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in December 1984, and was ordained an itinerant Elder in October 1987.
Reverend Thornton’s first pastorate was Mount Moriah AME Church in Maple Heights, Ohio, where she pastored for ten years. During her tenure, membership increased, the facility was enlarged and an elevator was installed for handicap accessibility.
The vision of St. Paul is to be a church where you will experience God, belong to a spiritual and loving family, and involve meaningful ministries for all ages.
Our Legacy is of the community, by the community and for the community.
This article was written by Mrs. Diane Sullivan, St. Paul AME Church Steward
7. GEORGIA CELEBRATES THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DEACONESS ROSA PARKS:
*Pastor George A. Moore, Jr
On Saturday, January 24, 2009 the Evangelical Ministerial Union (AME) and the Georgia Annual Conference Missionary Society convened at the “Mother Church of Georgia”, Saint Philip Monumental African Methodist Episcopal Church to celebrate the life and legacy of Rosa Parks a Shero of history and a Deaconess in the African Methodist Episcopal Church under the Leadership of President, Reverend Charlie Fogle, Sr. and under the banner of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and in the footprints of Henry McNeal Turner, who ignited a fire of African Methodism in the state of Georgia by birthing Saint Philip African Methodist Episcopal Church (now Saint Philip Monumental African Methodist Episcopal Church – The Mother Church of African Methodism in Georgia).
It was two years ago that Pastor George A. Moore, Jr., Senior Pastor of the Mother Church brought the idea of lifting up and embracing during the King celebration in Savannah, the spark that ignited the fire of justice through Rosa Parks, who on December 5, 1955 sat so that today we may stand.
As a result of this idea each year the Evangelical Ministerial Union honors outstanding A.M.E.’s who have gone beyond the call of duty to hold up the bloodstained banner of Jesus Christ. On this day the Reverend Charles Wesley Purnell, Senior Pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Savannah, brought a soul-stirring, thought stimulating message. Awards were given to President Charlie Fogle, Sr. and Sister Yvonne Clay, President Georgia Conference Missionary Society. Breakfast was served and the people left rejoicing.
*Pastor George A. Moore, Jr. is the senior pastor of Saint Philip Monumental A.M.E. Church in Savannah, Georgia. St. Philip is, “The Mother Church of African Methodism in Georgia.”
8. WASHINGTON ANNUAL CONFERENCE LAY ORGANIZATION HISTORIOGRAPHER - “DID YOU KNOW” FACT SHEET:
* Sister Lola Scott
- Reverdy C. Ransom (1861-1959), was notable for his participation in the Niagara Movement that led to the founding of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP - organized in 1909) and for numerous other human rights involvements. In 1906 he attended the second annual meeting of the Niagara Movement, which had been formed a year earlier. Ransom gave his famous speech "The Spirit of John Brown" at the conference in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. This speech, W.E.B. Du Bois would later claim was the driving force behind the formation of the NAACP Rev Ransom was elected 48th AME Bishop in 1924.
- Oliver Brown, chief plaintiff of the Brown vs. Board of Education lawsuit, which resulted in the 1954 Supreme Court landmark decision on school desegregation, was an AME.
- Daisy Bates, leader of the 1956 effort to desegregate schools in Little Rock, Arkansas was an A.M.E.
- Roy Wilkins, long time Executive Director of the NAACP was an AME.
- In 1955 Rosa Parks, who was a member /secretary of the Montgomery Alabama NAACP chapter, when she refused to give up her seat on the bus was also stewardess at St Paul AME Church is Montgomery, Alabama.
- Bishop Robert Thomas, pastor of Bethel AME, was president of the NAACP chapter in Chicago.
- Bishop George Baber (former bishop of the 2nd Episcopal District) was president of the NAACP chapter in Detroit, Michigan.
- The Rev James A Charleston founded the NAACP chapter in Oakland County while pastor of Newman AME in Pontiac, Michigan.
- Professor James Cone, of Union Theological Seminary, is one of the most influential advocates of Black Theology, and the author of numerous works including “Martin and Malcolm and America: A Dream or a Nightmare.” Professor Cone grew up in an A.M.E. Church in Bearden, Arkansas, and remains a member today.
- Bishop John D. Bright and three other AME ministers were signatories to widely noticed statement by the National Committee of Negro Churchmen (later known as the National Council of Black Churchman), that spoke forcefully on behalf of the “Black Power’ movement.
- Brown Chapel AME Church was an important base during the voting-rights campaign in Selma, Alabama in 1965.
* Sister Lola Scott is the Washington Annual Conference Lay Organization Historiographer
9. THE SMITH LIBRARY OF REGIONAL HISTORY TO HOST PROGRAM, "FREE AND FREED SHAKERS":
The Smith Library of Regional History will host a program, "Free and Freed Shakers," in Oxford at 1:30 PM on Saturday, April 18, sponsored by the Arthur F. Miller African-American History Fund.
The remaining Shakers live in Maine today, but earlier members of this religious group are remembered for their craftsmanship in the making of furniture, boxes, and brooms. Not many people are aware of their legacy of equality between men and women, or, according to Shaker records in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, of the communal life among whites and African Americans-- a situation that was remarkable in U.S. history.
Vickie Cimprich, author of Pretty Mother's Home--A Shakeress Daybook, will read dramatic monologues identifying or characterizing African-American Shakers of the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Kentucky. She will be joined by the Rev. Cheryl Blake Hoskins, Assistant Pastor of St. James A.M.E. Church in Covington, Kentucky. Also participating will be members of the Western Shaker Singers who will share songs that were sung by African-American Shakers.
The public program will be held in the meeting room of the Oxford Lane Library at 15 S. College Avenue with a book sale and signing to follow. For additional information, call the Smith History Library at 523-3035.
Valerie E. Elliott
Smith Library of Regional History
15 S. College Ave.
Oxford, OH 45056
10. EMERGING AME CHURCH LEADERS – THE REV. LESEAN TARKINGTON:
*The Rev. Matthew Shannon
Ebony Magazine recognizes the Rev. LeSean Tarkington as one of the Young Leaders 2009: Serving God and Community
ATLANTA, GA- The April 2009 issue of the EBONY Magazine recognizes the Rev. LeSean Tarkington as one of Ebony’s Young Leader 2009: Serving God and Community. .
The Rev. LeSean Tarkington is an Ordained Deacon in the 5th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He is the founder of the Atlanta- based Tarkington Group, a strategic planning and consulting firm that advises faith-based organizations.
Rev. Tarkington is a member of the 100 Black Men of America and the Student Trustee for the Interdenominational Theological Center Trustee Board. He treasures advice gained from elders in the ministry. “You cannot operate a church without the four M’s- Ministry, Morale, Mission, and Money.”
Ebony Magazine also named the Rev. Michael Waters, pastor of Joy Tabernacle AME Church in Dallas, Texas and the Rev. Eboni K. Marshall of New York, as young leaders who are excelling in their careers and giving back to their communities.
Rev. Tarkington and the Ebony Young Leaders 2009 represent thousands of talented and selfless young adults who serve others.
Ebony Magazine, the No. 1 magazine for African-Americans, is published monthly and reaches over 12 million readers with each issue. Published by Johnson Publishing Company, Inc., the largest Black-owned publishing company in the world, Ebony was founded in 1942 by the late Publisher and Chairman John H. Johnson. Linda Johnson Rice is President and CEO, and Eunice W. Johnson serves as the company's secretary and treasurer.
For more information, please go to www.thetarkingtongroup.com.
*The Rev. Matthew Shannon is a student at Turner theological Seminary at ITC
11. THERE IS MUSIC IN THE AIR AND IT CAN BE FELT IN THE ATMOSPHERE:
Historic Campbell African Methodist Episcopal Church in Media, Pennsylvania has served our Zion since 1827, the oldest Church in continuous existence in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, hosted four unique concerts over the last four weeks.
We first hosted the “DELCO MASS Choir”, consisting of members from various churches in the county. They ranged in age from the mid-thirties to eighty-four years of age. The musical genre was spirituals and anthems that lifted the spirits of those in attendance. “Saved by Grace,” a quartet that sings gospels to the melody of the oldies also sang. Their voices were like those of Curtis Mayfield, Shep of the Limelights, Smokey Robinson of the Miracles and the OJays. The congregation was "mov’in and groov’in to the beat.” Save By Grace leader and founder, the Reverend Allen gave thanks to God for their musical talents.
The talented forty member Benedict College Choir accompanied them on there spring concert and recruitment tour. The Benedict College Choir led by Dr. Linda Kershaw. They provided music in the form of spirituals, anthems, contemporary and modern gospel. Dr. Kershaw provided a historical overview of the spirituals sung to the waiting congregation and several young people inquired about possible attendance to Benedict College.
The musical programs concluded with an afternoon service on March 15, 2009, with Grace and Truth Delegation, a choir consisting of thirty members and known locally of Delaware County Pennsylvania. Its founder and former leader Harry Woodhouse always felt the Campbell African Methodist Episcopal Church was home to him and last year at one of his last performances encouraged the liturgical praise dancers of Campbell. Their voices resonated throughout the church and lifted the spirits of all in attendance.
Campbell in the singing tradition of Methodism was proud to host each of these choirs and looks forward to their returning to bless the church in the ensuing years to come.
Submitted by Reverend Lanxton L. Washington, M.Div, Pastor
12. CHAPLAIN DEBORAH BLANKS APPOINTED DEAN OF THE NEW JERSEY ANNUAL CONFERENCE MINISTERIAL INSTITUTE:
Bishop Richard Franklin Norris appointed Chaplain Deborah Blanks as the Dean of the New Jersey Annual Conference Ministerial Institute at the closing service of the Conference.
Chaplain Blanks served as an active duty Navy Chaplain, an Assistant University Chaplain at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, and currently serves as Associate Dean of Religious Life and Dean of the Chapel at Princeton University.
She has taught an AMEC Doctrine course in Ministerial Institute for the last two years, as well as, served on the Board of Examiners and the Committee on Ministerial Orders on the local district level.
Chaplain Blanks was ordained an Itinerant Elder (the youngest person to be ordained in the largest class "70 strong" ever ordained in African Methodism) in 1983. Chaplains Blanks feels that it is a tremendous privilege and honor to be able to serve the African Methodist Episcopal Church and is humbled that God is affording her this awesome opportunity to be a servant leader in the Kingdom.
Rev. Blanks earned a Master of Theology degree from Princeton Theological Seminary, the Master of Divinity from The Interdenominational Theological Center, Turner Theological Seminary, and a B. A. Degree in political science from Rutgers University, Douglass College.
She is the recipient of military honors and civilian awards for outstanding service. In the October 2005 edition of Ebony magazine, Rev. Blanks was spotlighted as one among the eight African American chaplains serving as religious leaders and pastors at Ivy League institutions.
She is an Itinerant Elder in the New Jersey Annual Conference. Her home Church is Saint James AME Church in Newark, New Jersey pastored by the Rev. Dr. William D. Watley.
13. PRAYER LUNCHEON KICKS OFF WOMEN’S MONTH:
On Saturday, April 4, the Women of Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church in Detroit will host, “Pursuing His Presence” Prayer Luncheon as the first event in the Women’s Month Celebration.
The Reverend Sharon D. Moore, assistant pastor of Ebenezer (where her husband, the Reverend Byron C. Moore is Pastor, says that the Prayer Luncheon will be a breakthrough for all women in every aspect of life. “Many of us are hurting and lacking – in our relationships, our finances and our health. We are not seeing a change or breakthrough or reaping the benefits because we are not talking to the One who can give us the change that will make a difference in our lives. In Pursuing God’s Presence, not only will we have dynamic and anointed women praying for women, but we will teach you how to pray, and how to utilize prayer in order to see the breakthrough!”
Reverend Moore has identified seven areas that will be lifted in prayer:
•Prayers for Single Women – Led by Reverend Vivian Clarington of Allen Temple A.M.E. Church
•Prayers for Divorced Women led by Pastor Mattie Thomas of New Grace Community Church
•Prayers for Married Women led by Minister Rhonda Smith of Evangel Ministries
•Prayers for Women leaders led by Reverend Anita McCants of Visitors Chapel AME Church
•Prayers for Women in their Golden Years led by Minister Florence Moore of Messiah Missionary Baptist Church
•Prayers for Women who have lost their jobs led by Reverend Twylla Lucas of Oak Grove A.M.E. Church
•Prayers for women facing illness led by Dr. Valerie Abbott, MD
The keynote speaker will be the Reverend Dr. Velva Burley, minister of Community Relations at 3rd New Hope Baptist Church.
“The Luncheon is all inclusive for all women – no matter what stage of life you are in and what challenges you are facing. We are breaking all barriers – racial, economic, marital status, educational, church affiliation – because prayer is the thread that unites us and prayer is the gift we all have at our disposal.
Our goal is to offer women the tools they need to pray and actually see a breakthrough with prayer. We want women to leave the luncheon empowered with the connection of prayer and the knowledge of using the tools of prayer everyday and in every way. This is why we all calling the Prayer Luncheon, and the entire Woman’s Month celebration “Pursuing His Presence.”
The Luncheon will take place on Saturday, April 4, 2009 from 3 – 5 P.m. at Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church, located at 5151 West Chicago Boulevard in Detroit. Tickets are $25.00 and can be purchased in advance or at the door. For ticket information and group sales, call Tina Stephens at (313) 345-4216. Email: tinastalking@comcast.net
14. THE REV. DR. H. MICHAEL LEMMONS PROMOTED TO THE PRESIDING ELDERSHIP:
By Velma R. Dortch
Ebenezer AMEC Detroit
When Bishop John Richard Bryant, presiding Prelate of the Fourth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, accepted Presiding Elder Delano L. Bowman’s retirement, he was left with a vacancy to fill.
His selection of the Rev. Dr. H. Michael Lemmons to fill that vacancy was met with mixed emotions. The members of Ebenezer were delighted to share their pastor’s elevation, but saddened because they would miss seeing him in the pulpit and throughout the corridors of Ebenezer, where he grew up.
In the eloquent, resonant voice that immediately identifies him, Elder Lemmons said “I am thankful to God for this opportunity to serve African Methodism in this capacity and thankful to Bishop John Richard Bryant for the appointment.”
Elder Lemmons then explained his new duties, saying, “A presiding elder is an assistant to the bishop’s staff, or cabinet. The presiding elder oversees or supervises the pastors, preachers and churches on his/her district. In my case,” he added, “I have 29 churches that I oversee. Many of the churches are in Detroit, but some are in Flint, Saginaw, Ann Arbor …,” and the list went on until he named each city.
He explained that the primary method of oversight was through the Quarterly Conference, adding that, “There are additional meetings and communications which take place from time to time which serve to give the presiding elder a perspective on how well or poorly a pastor and congregation my be doing.
The presiding elder ‘troubleshoots’ local congregational issues, concerns and problems on his/her district. That is to say, I try to ‘put out fires,’ or resolve issues at the congregational level. I am principally interested here in keeping things at my level and eliminating the necessity for the bishop to get involved or be burdened by North District concerns.”
“Receiving budgetary payments from the local churches on his/her district and conveying them to the bishop’s office in a timely manner,” Elder Lemmons explained was another very important function of the presiding elder. “This is part of the work that really demonstrates what it means to be a connectional church,” Elder Lemmons said. Continuing with his account of the duties of his new position, he said, “It’s the elder’s responsibility to try to receive and convey funds in a timely manner so that the work of the connectional church is not interrupted. When the elder and churches on the elder’s district meet their responsibility, the bishop is able to forward funds to the connectional treasurer in a timely manner and the work of the connectional church goes forward as is intended. When this does not happen, the treasurer has to make other arrangements, which sometimes involves the borrowing of funds, and we try to do all we can to eliminate the necessity of that happening,” he assured.
According to Elder Lemmons, it is also the responsibility of the presiding elder to, “make recommendations to the bishop at annual conference time as to pastoral appointments and they have to be prepared to justify their recommendations to the bishop. The presiding elder sometimes has to fill the pulpit for a pastor who is ill or otherwise unable to fulfill duties. And in the interim of annual conferences, while the bishop is, in fact, the pastor of pastors, the presiding elder also functions, to a degree, in that capacity. By this I mean, the elder hears the concerns and complaints of pastors and tries to offer suggestions and alternatives they may not have considered. The elder also visits pastors who are ill and tries to convey the love of Christ to them and prays for them just as a pastor does the same for their members.”
“Lastly,” said Elder Lemmons, as he concluded the duties and responsibilities of the presiding elder, “The presiding elder convenes District Conferences, Sunday School Conventions and Officer Training events to share information from the bishop’s and presiding elder’s offices, and to further enhance and equip those who have been called to ministry or who are officers of local churches.”
In spite of the enormity of his new responsibilities, or perhaps because of it, Elder Lemmons, who believes in rising to the occasion, is equal to the task, as evidenced in his vision for the future of the North District.
“My vision for the North District is that we would be a district that seeks to fulfill the expectations of the bishop for our district. That we would be a district that shares information from church to church on programs that are working in one place that may also work in another place. We plan a North District Newsletter in this regard. We also want to be a district that is supportive of the smaller churches on the district and find ways to assist them in meeting their financial obligations.”
Elder Lemmons’ visions for the North District are practical, meaningful and well thought out, but he doesn’t stop there. Elder Lemmons includes himself in the equation saying, “I hope to be an elder who is sensitive to the demands of the pastorate and is supportive of the pastors on my district. I’m also interested in making sure the members of the district appreciate the contribution they make to the connectional church and to the body of Christ. It goes without saying,” he continued, “I thank God for this opportunity and I plan to do all I can to validate Bishop John Richard Bryant’s confidence in my ability to do this job. I am excited and humbled by this opportunity to serve the Church of Richard Allen and the people of God.”
Until my conversation with Elder Lemmons, I had no idea of the responsibilities and duties performed by the presiding elder, but I have no doubt that the Notable North District will continue to prosper and grow in the capable hands of the man I have known as pastor and friend.
15. DR. JOHN FRANK GREEN, PRESIDENT OF TURNER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY TO BE HOLY WEEK PREACHER:
The AME Churches of Pine Bluff and surrounding areas are presenting the 2009 Holy Week Revival Wednesday, April 8 through Friday, April 10. The services will be held at St. John AME Church, 1117 W. Pullen St. in Pine Bluff, Arkansas at 7 p.m. each night.
The evangelist will be the Reverend Dr. John Frank Green, President of Turner Theological Seminary in Atlanta. Dr. Green is the brother of Bishop Samuel L. Green, Presiding Prelate of the Twelfth Episcopal District.
The host churches and pastors are St. John, the Rev. W.R. Norful, Sr.; Allen Temple, the Rev. Randolph. Martin, Sr.; Mt. Pleasant, the Rev. Kent Broughton; Ward Chapel; the Rev. Curley Roberts; St. Luke, the Rev. Kurbe Newsom; St. Paul, the Rev. Norma Gillom; St. Andrew, the Rev. Charles Frost; Tyree Temple, the Rev. Barbara Butler; and Bethel-Ladd, the Rev. Denise McDonald.
16. MACON DISTRICT ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE:
The Macon District, Macon Georgia Conference, Sixth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church held a Holy "Ash Wednesday Service," February 25, 2009.
The Reverend Alan Hale Wicker, Presiding Elder of the District initiated this Holy Worship Service held at St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church in Macon, Georgia. The Reverend Joseph Rodgers serves as Host Pastor.
Clergy and Laity representing twenty-two churches in the District were in attendance.
The Macon District Choir under the direction of Sister Latrellis O. Dent opened the worship experiences by invoking the spirit with Praise and Thanksgiving. Songs of Zion were interspersed throughout the Service.
The Reverend Ernest L. Gordon, pastor of Turner Tabernacle AME Church in Macon, Georgia served as worship leader. He gave the opening sentences and led the congregation in reading the Litany followed with the Hymn, “Lord Who Throughout These Forty Days.” A powerful pastoral prayer was delivered by the Reverend Joseph Rodgers, followed by the Scripture Reading and the Summary of the Decalogue.
Sister Annie Marshall, a member of St. Peter AME Church, Fort Valley, Georgia and Macon District Christian Education Director gave the occasion.
The Choir lifted their melodious voices in singing the hymn of preparation, "Master, the Tempest is Raging."
Reverend Wicker delivered the Preached Word from the Book of Joel, Chapter 2, verses 12-14 and used as his subject, "Repent and Return to God." Joel warned the people to turn away from evil and turn to God; God is merciful; God will give you a chance to turn away from your sinful ways; repent and change your behavior.
The congregants were invited to the Altar and kneeled for the "Imposition of Ashes."
Fellowship greetings closed out this Sacred Holy Service.
17. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES:
- Congratulations to YPD'er Marissa C. Brown, the daughter of the Reverend Edrena Houston Brown and Mr. Franklyn Brown as the 1st Place Runner-Up for the "Miss Jabberwock 2009" Debutante Cotillion, sponsored by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Pompano Beach Alumnae Chapter, held on Saturday, March 21, 2009, at the Hilton Hotel, Deerfield Beach, Florida. Marissa is an active member of Mount Hermon A.M.E. Church, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida of the Eleventh Episcopal District, South Conference, the Rev. Michael K. Bouie, pastor. She is a graduating senior and plans to attend Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Florida and major in Bio-Medical Research in the fall of 2009.
Congratulations may be email to: tocm2008@yahoo.com
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
This notice comes to inform you of the passing of Willie Lee Tait, the brother of First Lady Armintry Parks and the brother-in-law of the Rev. Kevin Parks, Pastor of Jones Chapel AME Church, Elyria, OH.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. and Mrs. (Armintry) Kevin Parks
Jones Chapel A.M.E. Church
343 West 17th Street
Elyria, OH 44035
Phone: 440-322-7252
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Sister Clara Mae Watson-Gillespie, mother of the Rev. Gregory Watson, pastor of New Jerusalem AMEC-Dallas, Texas (Greater Dallas District-North Texas Conference). Sister Clara Mae Watson-Gillespie passed on Sunday, March 22, 2009.
The funeral has been held.
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Gregory Watson
3735 Dunbar Street
Dallas, Texas 75215
Ph: (214) 421-2520
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to announce the passing of Retired Presiding Elder, the Rev. J.C. Miller of the West Tennessee Annual Conference, Thirteenth Episcopal District.
The Funeral has been held.
Expressions of Comfort can be sent to:
The Rev. Cynthia Miller, D.Min.
3796 Merritt St.
Memphis, TN 38128
Or email to: FriendshipUMC@bellsouth.net
21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mr. Coy Leak, the father of Presiding Elder Vernard Leak (Philadelphia Conference, Philadelphia District). The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
The funeral has been held.
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. and Mrs. Vernard Leak
P. O. Box 2164
Princeton, NJ 08543
Phone: 609-275-4969
Fax: 609-716-8401
Or
Nelson Funeral Home
Fax: 910-895-7414
22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Mary Jones, the mother of the Rev. Anthony N. Jones, Pastor of Tyree AME Church, Philadelphia. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
The funeral has been held.
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. and Mrs. Anthony N. Jones
212 Troon Court
Limerick, PA 19468
Phone: 610-495-1789
Or
Tyree AME Church
FAX: 215-222-0211
23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to announce the homegoing of Mrs. Ceola Parks of Moline Illinois on Saturday, March 28, 2009. She is the mother of Presiding Elder Tyson Parks of the North District-Illinois Conference. Please pray for their strength in the Lord during this very trying time in their lives.
The following arrangements have been made:
Visitation:
Thursday, April 2, 2009
5:00 pm till 8:00 pm
Funeral Service:
Friday, April 3, 2009
12:00 Noon
Esterdahl Mortuary, Ltd.
6601 38th Avenue
Moline, IL 61265
(309) 736-7100 Phone
(309) 736-7220 Fax
Condolences may be sent to:
Presiding Elder Tyson Parks
1609 Glenview Avenue
Danville, Illinois 61832
(217) 369-3920 (Cell Phone)
Email: eldert.parks@comcast.net
24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to announce the death of Mrs. Anna M. Corbin, the beloved mother of the Rev. Clyde J. Corbin, pastor of St. Paul AME Church (North Charleston, SC), mother-in-law of Mrs. Gloria J. Corbin; and grandmother of: Ms. Tylaunda A. Corbin (President, Young Adult Initiative - 7th District, AMEC), the Rev. Clyde J. Corbin, II, and Ms. Deronda S. Corbin. Mrs. Corbin died Saturday, March 28, 2009.
As a member of Mt. Zion AMEC - Charleston, Mrs. Corbin served as the President of the Stewardess Board and President of the Dowling-Corbin-Brown Women's Missionary Society for many years until becoming an advisor for both organizations.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of Sympathy and Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. and Mrs. Clyde J. Corbin
155 Peachtree Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Phone: (843) 813-6668
Email: revcorbin@aol.com
Or
Ms. Tylaunda A. Corbin
155 Peachtree Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Phone: (843) 814-7938
Email: tya_c@yahoo.com
25. 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
26. 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
