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
A SPECIAL THANKS:
We give a special thanks to Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church, Fort Washington, Maryland for having the largest number of The Christian Recorder subscriptions of any local church. We appreciate the number, but more importantly we appreciate the modeling concept that, in addition to the pastors, the members of the local church benefit from reading The Christian Recorder and learning about what is happening in our Zion.
Also, a special thanks to the Ward African Methodist Episcopal Church, Los Angeles, Lay Organization for conducting a subscription drive for The Christian Recorder and for encouraging the members of their local church to subscribe to The Christian Recorder.
We are trying to change the culture of the AME Church as it relates to our periodicals and the notion of, just one subscription of The Christian Recorder per church on the Pastor’s Annual Conference Report. The more information that more members have about what’s going on in the Church, the more involved members will become.
We appreciate pastors and laity who understand the importance of supporting and subscribing to the periodicals of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
1. EDITORIAL – ALLOW ME TO PROPOSE THIS IDEA, ONE MORE TIME:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
I need to propose this just one more time, maybe; and maybe not; if the episcopal leadership tells me to “let it be,” then that’s fine.
Training distinguishes the difference between an average, good, or great organization. Consistent training is an absolutely necessary component for high performing and efficient organizations. Training, consistency, and repetitive training absolutely makes the difference.
The importance of training is evidenced by the success of the most successful business enterprises in America.
McDonald’s, the fast food giant, is recognized all over the world. Almost everybody on the planet has heard the name, McDonalds. Mention hamburger around kids and McDonalds most likely comes to mind, even if they want a hamburger from another fast food establishment.
Starbucks Coffee Company is the preference for most gourmet coffee drinkers. Just ask Dr. Clement Fugh, the General Secretary of the AME Church. He has infected me with the “Starbucks Syndrome” and when I arrive at a hotel, one of the first questions I ask, “Where is the nearest Starbucks.”
What’s the common thread that runs through McDonalds, Starbucks, other fast food giants, and other successful enterprises? There are several threads and I believe that the African Methodist Church, in concept, has some of those same threads.
McDonalds, Starbucks, other fast food giants, and other successful enterprises are connectional enterprises. Connectional organizations have the thread of uniformity. When you go into a McDonalds or Starbucks, you know what kind of establishment you are in by its décor. There is no guesswork about the product. McDonalds’ hamburgers are the same all over the United States. Starbucks coffee is made the same way and tastes the same in all of their establishments; that’s the reason I patronize Starbucks. When I want a great cup of coffee, I go to Starbucks; there are no surprises. That thread is called uniformity and consistency.
The AME Church is a Connectional organization and people who connect with the AME Church, join the AME Church for specific reasons and when they visit or move to another area, and attend another AME Church, there should be some consistent thread that identifies the worship service as AME Worship. Yes, pastors can be creative, and respond to the unction of the spirit, which we hope is the Holy Spirit, but the creativity should be in the bounds of the Bible and of Methodism. As a Connectional organization, there needs to be some semblance of uniformity and consistency. If I wanted a T.D. Jakes or Creflo Dollar worship experience, I would stay at home and view them on television.
For example, without uniformity and consistency, it’s like Memphis barbeque. In Memphis a particular barbeque place is delicious, but when traveling to another area, the barbeque is not the same because there is no connection to the delicious barbeque at a Memphis establishment; the barbeque might be good, but it’s not the same delicious quality as the Memphis barbeque.
McDonalds, Starbucks, and other successful enterprises maintain uniformity and consistency by their rigorous and consistent training programs. McDonalds flips their burgers the same way, cook their French fries in the same oil for the same amount of time. Starbucks brews their coffees the same way and have the same condiments in all of their stores. The key word is training. McDonalds, Starbucks and the other connected establishments train their people the same way and require the same proficiencies and standards of all of their franchisees.
The African Methodist Episcopal Church follows the same principle in concept, but there is no way to insure consistency and uniformity in training.
AME History, Polity and Doctrine are the “legs” upon which the African Methodist Episcopal Church “stool” is balanced. Take one of the legs off, and the stool will tip over. The thread is African Methodism; our AME History, our AME Polity and our AME Doctrine.
In some instances, we have allowed a revised history, a watered-down, “it makes no difference” polity, and a “we don’t have to follow it” doctrine to invade our ranks. Some pastors are summarily changing the Communion liturgy, failing to read persons into full membership and taking shortcuts in appointing and nominating stewards and trustees. Others have modified, and in some cases, dismantled the liturgy, “just because...” Sermon preparation has been reduced to what we can glean from televangelist, from the internet, or from a sermon we have heard preached. Pastoring churches today takes training, wisdom, training, more wisdom, and more training.
New pastors and old pastors all over the Connection need standardized training. As I heard a preacher at the Hampton University Ministers’ Conference say several years ago, “There is a ‘new Negro’ in the pews and preachers are going to have to adjust to the changes taking place among church members.” I agree; a change has taken place. People are more secular and denominationalism is not as attractive as it once was in times past. We, as a Church must confront the change and the way to do that is through training. In these times, the Church cannot take shortcuts on training.
Allow me to propose once again that we standardize the training for AME History, Polity and Doctrine. As a Connectional Church, we need to “foster connection” instead of “neglecting connection.” There is too much inconsistency in our Zion; too many people “doing his or her own thing” not malicious, at least I hope not, but because our training is not consistent.
My Proposal
That all applicants for ministry in the African Methodist Episcopal Church take resident training in AME History, Polity and Doctrine at specified locations and at specified times; perhaps during three, four or five-day summer sessions at Payne Theological Seminary, Turner Theological Seminary; and perhaps at a centralized location in one of the states West of the Mississippi River. If additional locations are needed, training might be made available at one of our other institutions, i.e., Jackson Theological Seminary, Dickerson Theological Seminary, Bonner Campbell School of Religion, Abington School of Religion, R.R. Wright Theological Seminary in the Republic of South Africa, or Bryant Theological Seminary in Monrovia, with fully trained faculty members.
If the applicants for ministry gathered in regional locations, it would give the AME Church the opportunity to teach AME History, Polity and Doctrine in a consistent manner with an added benefit for future pastors to get to know one another and build relationships. Another benefit of resident training would be the opportunity to create legitimate income and would give our AME institutions an opportunity to fill some of the dormitory rooms when their regular student bodies are away for the summer.
The Boards of Examiners would continue to teach the other subjects as they are now.
The “devil is in the details” and funding and other issues would have to be worked out.
The unified, centralized training in resident is what I want to propose, one more time.
I also want to propose that we strengthen ministerial training, across the board be effective ministerial training has to be rigorous and ongoing - training, training, and more training!
2. AGENDA OF THE 2009 PRE-GENERAL BOARD ACTIVITIES, THE GENERAL BOARD AGENDA, POST GENERAL BOARD ACTIVITIES, AND ANCILLARY ACTIVITIES:
African Methodist Episcopal Church General Board
The Right Reverend William Phillips DeVeaux, Sr., President
PRE-GENERAL BOARD ACTIVITIES
Sunday, June 21, 2009
8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Women’s Missionary Society Officers Retreat
Monday, June 22, 2009
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon Service and Development Agency SADA)
8:00 A.M. – 6:00 p.m. Women’s Missionary Society Officers Retreat
12:00 Noon – 2:00 p.m. Council of Bishops Luncheon
12:00 Noon – 4:00 p.m. Supervisors’ Lunch and Meeting
2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Council of Bishop’s Closed Session
7:00 p.m. CONN-M-SWAWO + PK’s Election
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
6:30 a.m. CONN-M-SWAWO + PK’s Breakfast
8:00 a.m. Board of Trustees of the AME Church, Inc.
GENERAL BOARD AGENDA
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
9:30 a.m.
General Board Opening Plenary Session
Call to Order: Bishop William Phillips DeVeaux Sr., President
Devotion
Roll Call: Dr. Clement W. Fugh General, Secretary/CIO
Felicitations:
Bishop John Richard Bryant, Senior Bishop; Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry President, Council of Bishops and Host Bishop
Acknowledgments:
Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, 1st Vice President, General Board
Approval of Agenda Minutes
December 2008, Charleston, SC
Executive Committee April 13, 2009
Logistics, Ms. Anita Rankin, Meeting Planner
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Commission Meetings -- Session I
Ministry and Recruitment
Annuity Investments and Insurance
Global Development
Health
12:00 Noon – 2:00 p.m.
General Board Luncheon
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Commission Meetings – Session II
Publications
Global Witness & Ministry
Women In Ministry
Christian Education
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Commission Meetings – Session III
Seminaries, Universities, Colleges and Schools
Church Growth and Development
Right-Sizing the General Conference Delegation
Lay Organization
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Commission Meetings – Session IV
Strategic Planning Committee
Social Action
Statistics and Finance
Economic Development
7:00 p.m.
INVESTITURE BANQUET
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry
President, Council of Bishops
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
6:30 a.m.
Turner Theological Seminary Breakfast
6:30 a.m.
Payne Theological Seminary Breakfast
9:30 a.m.
Council of Bishops Worship Service
Ernest M. Morial Convention Center
12:00 Noon – 1:45 p.m.
General Board Luncheon
2:00 – 6:00 p.m.
General Board Closing Plenary
Call to Order, Bishop William Phillips DeVeaux Sr., President
Devotion
Commission Reports
Ministry and Recruitment, Annuity Investments and Insurance
Global Development
Health
Publications
Global Witness and Ministry
Women In Ministry (WIM)
Christian Education
Seminaries, Universities, Colleges & Schools
Church Growth and Development
Lay Organization
Social Action
Statistics and Finance
Economic Development
Strategic Planning Committee Report
Right-Sizing the General Conference Delegation Committee Report
Other Business
Council of Bishops Public Statement
Adjournment
POST GENERAL BOARD ACTIVITIES
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
7:00 p.m.
Women In Ministry Business Meeting and Worship
ANCILLARY ACTIVITIES
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Tour New Orleans!
New Orleans Area AME Church Pastors are providing a tour of the City for visitors and observers attending the General Board and Council of Bishops Meeting.
There is no charge.
For reservations, call Dr. Thomas Brown, Pastor of Union Bethel, at 504-615-9897
3. LAY BIENNIAL DELEGATES: BEWARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF A MISCAST VOTE:
*Carol A. Bowie
I cherish the privilege of voting, whether voting in the primary, general or special elections; I never—never—fail to vote. I figure too many people bled and died to secure this right for me to not be a good steward of the vote.
Being a good steward of the vote not only means taking the time to vote; it also means taking the time to vote for the most capable candidates. Living in Detroit, where the unfortunate antics of school and municipal leaders have been broadcast around the world and provided considerable fodder for late-night-show comedians, I know all to well the perilous and lasting consequences of a miscast vote.
When voters don’t do their homework, votes get miscast and the wrong people get voted into office—in both the secular and religious realms. Homework takes time—and often isn’t easy. Researching the background of candidates to determine if they deserve our votes can be grueling. So we tend to take the path of least resistance.
It’s so much easier to vote for the names we recognize. Or to vote for the ones who have the slickest marketing campaigns. Or to vote for the ones who pass out the best gifts. Or to vote for the ones who are great orators. Or to vote for the ones everybody else seems to be voting for.
I will not allow those tactics to sway me as a delegate to the 31st Biennial Session of the Connectional Lay Organization. I also will not allow indifference or apathy or anyone’s personal agenda—that includes my own—to marginalize my vote.
So, if the marketing materials are exceptional, but the candidate has no substance, that candidate won’t get my vote. If complimentary meals and bottled water flow freely, they will have no impact, if the candidate has no vision. Incumbency will carry no weight, if the candidate cannot show me a concrete plan to take the Connectional Lay Organization (CLO) to a new level of relevancy and vibrancy for the next four years.
If we were guilty in the past, it’s time to stop attending Biennial Conventions at your church’s expense—or even at your own expense—for the sole purpose of taking a vacation. Or, just as bad, simply, to take it easy.
Being a delegate to the Biennial is a trust conferred by members at the local, conference, district and connectional levels. They expect us to elect on their behalf the most effective, focused and deserving officers from the pool of candidates. And they want those officers to provide leadership that will set the tone for how things will operate in our local churches for years to come.
Serious work lies ahead for all who have been given the privilege and honor of serving as a delegate. We, therefore, are obligated to study, long and hard, before we make our way to Little Rock, to be prepared for the task that lies ahead. We must study The Discipline, to refresh our memories of the purpose and objectives of the CLO, the duties of officers and their qualifications for service. (Are you aware that all candidates for office must have attended at least two Biennial Sessions in the 10-year period immediately preceding the election year?)
Additionally, we must study the Bible, to refresh our memory of what God says about qualifications for leadership and service. And we must use our common sense, under the power of the Holy Spirit, to make wise choices.
As I know from experience in Detroit politics, not all candidates are created equal. So, I’m going to take my time to review the platform and the past performance—of everyone who is courting my vote. I advise every delegate to the 31st Biennial Session of the Connectional Lay Organization to do the same.
When we get to Little Rock, we must be prepared to ask tough, but necessary questions, such as the following: What have the candidates accomplished over the past four years that provide tangible and measurable evidence of their ability to effectively serve in the position they aspire to fill? What are the candidates’ platforms for the next four years? What will the candidates do to insure that the CLO website —which has not existed for several years—will be restored? At present, subscribers don’t receive We Speak quarterly as they should. What will be done to correct that? How do the candidates plan to breathe 21st Century life into the CLO purpose and objectives? What will they do to increase the visibility and viability of the organization? Their answers to these questions can have far-reaching implications for lay organizations at every level of the connection. As a result, how candidates answer should factor in determining who deserves to be elected to lead the laity, the unordained ministers of African Methodism—who represent 90 percent of our Zion—into a new day of confident, competent and creative service.
I can’t affect change on my own. And I can’t elect effective, focused and committed leaders on my own. But this one thing I can do: I can vote my conscience. I can vote under the direction of the Holy Spirit.
I can vote for righteous leadership. And I can honor God by being a good steward of the one vote I have been entrusted to properly cast by the members of my congregation.
Having served under the leadership of a former Detroit Mayor, I know about politics, both governmental and denominational. But there comes a time when the mandates of Scripture, the legacy of Richard Allen and my own common sense must trump church politics.
Change begins one vote at a time. It is time that we speak, with clarity and conviction.
We only get to do this once every two years, so we must take care that we are not guilty of a single, miscast vote.
I invite all delegates to the CLO Biennial to join me in making sure that our votes matter—for a change.
*Carol A. Bowie is a public speaker and public-relations consultant based in Detroit, Michigan. Ms. Bowie serves as Director of Lay Activities at Oak Grove A.M.E. Church-Detroit, and is a delegate from the Fourth Episcopal District to the 31st Biennial Session of the Connectional Lay Organization.
4. SHOULD’VE, WOULD’VE, AND COULD’VE:
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts Pastor
If anyone proclaims that they have never had nor do they now, have any regrets in their life about anything should be classified as a consummate liar.
How many times have you heard the expressions “if I knew then what I know now”. “If I had it to do all over again” That, within itself, is an admission and acknowledgement that there have been or even now some regrets.
We all have had, or even now, some regrets about something. There were times we should have spoken out and we didn’t. And there were times we should have kept quiet. There were times we should have done something but we didn’t. And there were times we did something that we shouldn’t have. Some have regrets, not so much of what they did, but being caught doing what they should not have been doing.
I have heard married couples boast to one another about who they could have married. I could have married the captain of the football team, or I could have married the team sweetheart. These statements are demeaning and serve no purpose but to boost one’s ego.
There are those who regret not completing school and not pursuing a higher education. Many of us reminisce with some regrets. In my counseling over the years I have had people to admit that they regretted being married, especially to the person to whom they were married. Some regret having children and others regret not having children. The expressions I mentioned at the beginning of this article are testimonies to regrets that each of us, if we are honest, would admit having.
We must not squander precious time regretting. However the only value that regretting has is, it reminds us not to make the same mistake twice. We learn from passed mistakes.
The rich man, after waking up in hell, regretted not sharing his substance with the beggar Lazarus. All that the beggar wanted was the crumbs from his table. But he turned the dogs lose on him. How strange it is the dogs had more compassion than the man. They licked his sores. He regretted it so much that he wanted Abraham to send Lazarus with a message to his brothers to warn them not to make the mistake he made.
Judas regretted selling out the Lord Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. He tried to give the money back, but ended up committing suicide.
Regretting could be a positive thing. Take some time and complete the following:
I should’ve----------
I would’ve ----------
I could’ve ----------
After you have exhausted your list take a look at where you are. And check the list and see how often you have repeated the same mistake.
Don’t be like the rich man. It was too late for him to do anything about his regrets. But when we stand before the judgment seat we should be able to stand “regret free”.
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts Pastor is a retires AME Itinerant Elder living in Eatonville, Florida
5. MESSAGE OF GRATITUDE FROM FORMER EPISCOPAL SUPERVISOR THEORA L. BYRD:
On behalf of the Byrd Family, I extend my heartfelt thanks to each Bishop, Episcopal Supervisor, General Officer, Connectional Officer, Pastor and Layperson across African Methodism who extended kindness to us during our time of bereavement. We are grateful beyond measure for every resolution, floral tribute, call, visit and other expressions of sympathy. Your thoughtfulness did much to lift us from discouragement and grief into a place of rejoicing for the life Bishop Byrd lived and the legacy he leaves behind.
Continue to keep us in your prayers as we continue our earthly sojourn and rejoice with us in the knowledge that we will see Bishop Byrd one day in the land of pure delight where saints immortal reign.
May God grant you His choicest blessing.
With gratitude,
Mrs. Theora L. Byrd
6. LEON NORMAN RICHBURG, JR. DIED IN A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT IN CLARENDON COUNTY, SOUTH CAROLINA ON MAY 3, 2009:
Leon Norman Richburg, Jr. died in a motorcycle accident In Clarendon County, South Carolina on May 3, 2009. He was the son of Leon N. Richburg Sr., President of the Central Conference Lay Organization, and Virginia Bennett Richburg of Summerton, South Carolina.
The funeral service was held on Thursday, May 7, 2009 at Friendship AME Church, Silver Community of Summerton, South Carolina where the Reverend Dr. James B. Stukes is the pastor and was the eulogist. Program participants included Bishop David Daniels, Presiding Prelate of the 14th Episcopal district and the Right Rev. Preston W. Williams II, Presiding Prelate of the 7th Episcopal District.
Condolences may be emailed to: lnrsr@clarendoncountygov.org or to flemingdelaine@aol.com
7. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- The Rev. John Q. and Dr. Dorothy Owens will celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary on Saturday, June 20, 2009 at the Collinsville Gateway Convention Center, Collinsville, Illinois at four o’clock in the afternoon. The Rt. Rev. John R. Bryant, Senior Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and Presiding Prelate of the Fourth Episcopal District will RENEW the Owens Marriage Vows. The Celebration Dinner will be held at five o’clock with a Great Concert, inclusive of a 20 Piece Orchestra.
The Rev. John Owens was privileged to serve a 20-year tenure as the Director of Social Action for the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and served as a General Board member for 16 years, representing the Fourth Episcopal District, prior to being elected by the General Board to serve as the Director of Social Action in 1988. Dr. Dorothy Owens is the Founder (1989) and President Emeritus of Conn-M-Swawo+P.K.'s and a Life Member of the Women’s Missionary Society, having served in numerous capacities on all levels. Rev. John Q. and Dr. Dorothy Owens have served the Church, as GOD would have them to serve!
Dinner reservations deadline is June 1, 2009. Contact phone (618) 288-7928; Lodging headquarters: Doubletree Hotel, #1 Plaza Drive, Collinsville, IL; Reservation code, Owens 50th Anniversary; Rate $85.00; Phone 618-345-2800 or 800-551-5133. Deadline, June 1, 2009.
Congratulatory responses can be mailed to: P.O. Box 332, Maryville, Illinois 62062. Telephone contact: (618) 288-7928.
Congratulatory responses can be emailed to:
DrJohnQOwens@aol.com (Dr. John Q. Owens)
MrsDO7@aol.com (Dr. Dorothy Owens)
- Congratulations to the Reverend Dr. Norris E. Jackson, Jr., pastor of Mayo African Methodist Episcopal Church, Matteson, IL. Pastor Jackson received his Doctor of Ministry degree at the 175th Commencement of the McCormick Theological Seminary of Chicago, Illinois on Thursday, May 14, 2009. Pastor Jackson’s Degree concentration was in Parish Revitalization, his thesis title: “Living the Kingdom, Sending out the Church for Community Missions”. Pastor Jackson is the Conference Director of Evangelism for the Chicago Annual Conference and is married to Mrs. Tanja Jackson, the Third Vice President of the Chicago Conference Women’s Missionary Society. Pastor and Mrs. Jackson will be celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary on June 2, 2009. They have four children Norris, III (EJ), Quinten, Nichelle and Melva. Congratulations to Reverend Dr. Norris E. Jackson, Jr. and Family.
Congratulatory responses can be emailed to:
revnjackson@sbcglobal.net
- The Rev. Mila P. Cooper, Pastor of Mt. Moriah AME Church in Maple Heights, Ohio received the Master of Divinity degree from Payne Theological Seminary on Friday, May 8, 2009. Pastor Mila is the spouse of the Rev. Gerald A. Cooper, Pastor of St. James AME Church in Cleveland, Ohio.
Congratulatory responses can be emailed to: mpc4dst@yahoo.com
- The Reverend Barbara J. Dunbar-McKinney, pastor of Clayborn Temple AME Church, Knoxville Tennessee, received a Master of Arts Degree in Counseling from The Church of God Theological Seminary in Cleveland, Tennessee on Friday, May 29, 2009.
Congratulatory responses can be mailed to:
The Rev. Barbara J. Dunbar-McKinney
Clayborn Temple AME Church
3115 Lay Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37914
Or emailed to: Annointed4u@aol.com
- Ms. Elwetta Mitchell graduated on Saturday, May 2nd, 2009 from Paul Quinn College in Dallas, Texas. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Management. Ms. Elwetta Mitchell is the daughter of Presiding Elder Johnny Ray Mitchell and Rev. DeLois Evans-Mitchell, Presiding Elder and First Lady of the Greater Fort Worth District - Northwest Conference.
Congratulatory messages may be sent to Ms. Elwetta Mitchell at:
elwetta@yahoo.com
- Courtney Barrett the granddaughter of Presiding Elder Howard Grant of the Newark District in the New Jersey Conference graduated from Delaware State University on May 17, 2009. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications and a minor in Theatre.
Congratulatory responses can be emailed to:
courbar12000@yahoo.co m
- The Rev. Frederick D. Richardson Jr., proudly announces the graduation of his granddaughter, Toni Anette Gibbs from the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles, California on May 15, 2009. Toni Anette received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology and is a member of the honors society of the Lambda Alpha Anthropological Association. Toni is the second eldest daughter of Travis and Andreia Richardson Gibbs of Altadena, California. The Reverend F. D. Richardson, Jr. is the pastor of Historic Mount Zion AME Church in Jacksonville, FL.
Congratulatory responses can be emailed to: fdrichardsonjr@comcast.net
- It is with great pride, and in the joy of Jesus that we announce the following:
Mr. Kenneth James Golphin, son of Presiding Elder Kenneth Golphin, and Mrs. Dianna Brown Golphin, will graduate from Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, North Carolina on Saturday, May 23, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. with the Associate of Culinary Arts Degree. He will continue his studies at Johnson & Wales for two more years towards a Bachelor of Arts in Food Service Management as he seeks a career in Hotel Hospitality and Event Planning.
Congratulatory Messages may be sent:
Kenneth James kjgolphin69@yahoo.com;
Presiding Elder Golphin: eldergolphin@aol.com;
Mrs. Diana Golphin: mrsgolphin@aol.com .
Presiding Elder Kenneth Golphin is the Presiding Elder of the Lexington District of the Kentucky Annual Conference.
- Jeffery L. Baker II, son of the Reverend Jeffery L. Baker, Sr. and First Lady Kimberly D. Baker of St. Paul AME Church (Southwest) Detroit, Michigan graduated from the University of Detroit Jesuit High School on Sunday, May 17, 2009. He will be attending Saginaw Valley State University in the fall.
Congratulatory responses can be sent to: revjlbame@aol.com
- Christopher Harris, son of Brother Darryl and the Rev. Tammy Harris, assistant to the pastor of St. Paul AME Church (Southwest) Detroit, Michigan will be graduating from Southfield High School on Sunday, May 31, 2009. He will be attending Saginaw Valley State University in the fall.
Congratulatory responses can be sent to: tanddharris@comcast.net
- the Rev. Darryl J. A. and the Rev. Margaretta Smith Narcisse, co-pastors of Living Stone Christian Fellowship AMEC in Awatukee, Ariz., proudly announce the graduation of our son Michael A. Narcisse from Mountain Pointe High School in Phoenix, AZ on Thursday, May 21, 2009. Michael will matriculate to Northern Arizona University, in Flagstaff, AZ, with a full scholarship where he will major in Psychology, Music and Religious Studies. Michael has been the section leader in the marching band where he showed excellent leadership and mentoring abilities.
Congratulatory responses can be e-mailed to:
revsmithnarcisse@yahoo.com
djnarcisse@gmail.com
8. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to inform you of the passing of the Rev. George Turner Sims, Jr., retired Presiding Elder in the First Episcopal District. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing and Funeral Service: Monday, June 1, 2009
Viewing: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Funeral: 11:00 a.m.
St. Matthew A.M.E. Church
215 North 57th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19139
Phone: 215-472-4784
Fax: 215-472-5544
The Rev. Ellis I. Washington, Pastor
Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, Eulogist
Interment:
Ivy Hill Cemetery
1201 Easton Road
Philadelphia, PA 19144
Phone: 215-248-4533
Services entrusted to:
Beckett-Brown Funeral Home
5618 Baynton Street
Philadelphia, PA
Phone: 215-438-9170
FAX: 215-438-5263
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Louise Patterson Sims
7802 Louise Lane
Wyndmoore, PA 19038
215-836-1731
Hotel Accommodations:
Please contact: The Rev. Marguerite E. Handy, 1st Episcopal District Chief of Protocol; Cell: 215-603-6655
9. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to share news of the passing of Mrs. Evelyn Webb a member of Allen Temple AME Church, Tampa, Florida. Mrs. Webb is the sister of Connectional Officer Mr. Willie J. Williams, Director Music and Christian Arts Ministry for the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Service arrangements for Mrs. Evelyn Webb:
Wake:
Friday May 29, 2009, 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Allen Chapel AME Church
1109 E. Laura Street
Plant City, FL 33563
Rev. H.L. Hollingsworth, Pastor
Celebration of Life:
Saturday, May 30, 2009 at 1:00 p.m.
Allen Temple AME Church
2101 Lowe Street
Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 229-1438
Rev. Willie J. Cook, Pastor
Professional Services are entrusted to:
Charlow Funeral Home
1010 E. Laura St.
Plant City, FL 33563
(813) 752-2477
Condolences may be sent to:
Mr. Willie J. Williams
860 Jann Avenue
Miami, FL 33054
Home: 305-681-2883
Fax: 305-681-3675
Cell: 786-303-2883
Email: williejwilliams@yahoo.com
* Send flowers to Charlow Funeral Home
10. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mrs. Ruth Payne, mother of the Rev. Myra Payne Burton, pastor of Marshalls Chapel AME Church, Lynchburg, VA and mother-in-law of the Rev. John D. Burton, pastor of St. John AME Church, Norfolk, VA.
Mrs. Ruth Payne, a member of Turner Chapel AME Church in Carthage, TN passed on Saturday, May 16, 2009.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. Myra Payne Burton and the Rev. John D. Burton
In care of Sanderson Funeral Homes
901 Main Street North
Carthage, TN 37030
Or to:
The Rev. Myra Payne Burton & the Rev. John D. Burton
690 Red Mill Road
Norfolk, VA 23502
Condolences may also be emailed to: DeetheRev@aol.com
Mobile contact number: 757-286-6409
11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to share news of the passing of the mother of Presiding Elder Ella M. Samuels (Augusta-Athens PE District, Augusta Annual Conference, 6th Episcopal District). Mrs. Annie Julia Wilson passed on Tuesday morning, May 19, 2009.
Homegoing arrangements for Mrs. Annie Julia Wilson are as follows:
Friday, May 22, 2009
Funeral Services
2:00 PM
First Church of God In Christ
1227 Canady Avenue
Soperton, GA 30457
Condolences may be sent to:
Reverend Ella M. Samuels
1047 Huntley Circle
Thomson, GA 30824
Phone: 706-597-0564
Email: pesmiley@yahoo.com
Professional Services are being provided by:
Baker Funeral Home
209 Louisiana Avenue West
Soperton, GA 30457
Phone: 912-529-4935
Fax: 912-529-5801
12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mrs. Angela Maria Smith Williams, JD, the wife of Mr. Rance Williams and mother of two children, Morgan and Blake. Mrs. Smith passed on Friday, May 15, 2009.
She was the step-daughter of the Rev. James H. Stowe, pastor of Wayman Chapel AME Church, Georgetown, KY and the daughter of first-lady, Dr. Mary Smith-Stowe, former president of Kentucky State University and the late Dr. Leroy Smith, former KSU football coach.
The funeral has been held.
Condolences may be emailed to:
Stowe2Stowe@aol.com
Or
MSmith2337@aol.com
13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to share news of the passing of Mrs. Bertha Lewis, mother of the Rev. Inese Lewis, Local Elder, Greater Avery AMEC, Cleveland, Ohio.
The funeral has been held.
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Inese Lewis
C/o Greater Avery A.M.E. Church
7505 Wade Park Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44103
14. 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
15. 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
