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 – RESPONSES TO THE EDITORIAL “SOMETIMES WE ARE OUR WORST ENEMY, “EAGLE RAISED BY CHICKENS” MENTALITY”:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
This week’s editorial is different. I had so many informative responses to last week’s editorial, “Sometimes we are our worst enemy, “Eagle raised by chickens” that I thought it important to share some of the responses with our readers. I have purposely refrained from identifying the respondents because I want our readers to focus upon the responses rather than who wrote what. I hope that you find their comments as informative and helpful as I found them to be.
From the Editorial: Organizations are healthier and more effective when everyone in the organization “plays by the same rules.”
Comment: I agree, but you know that will never be the case for us, too many chiefs and not enough Indians who are strong enough to face the chiefs.
From the Editorial: So many of us are in a minimalist frame of thinking and we seek to meet the bare minimum requirements because we have an “eagle raised by chickens’ mentality.” We don’t think that we can soar to the high reaches of the sky; so with the eagle raised by chickens’ mentality,” we are satisfied scratching in the dirt and thinking that “everyone else’s ice is colder than our ice.” The minimalist mindset does not allow us to believe that “the sky is the limit,” so we do what we have to do “to get by, no more, no less.” The truth of the matter is that the pastor, clergy, and all officers in the local church should possess The Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 2008.
Comment: Many of The Disciplines will not be sold until the Annual Conferences, which won't begin until late summer. Although the appeal to order online makes sense; it's not the "way we do things."
Comment: I was happy to learn today that there is someone in charge of taking orders for The 2008 Discipline for our church members. I ordered a copy, and so did one other family member.
From the Editorial: Subscribing to the AME periodicals, most pastors subscribe to The Christian Recorder and to one other periodical and call it a day; and probably rarely invite others in the congregation to subscribe to the various periodicals of the AME Church.
Comment: Some churches will make an announcement just before the Annual Conference, when the Annual Report Forms have to be filled out, saying to see “Sister So and So” if you want to subscribe to any of the AME periodicals. Vague; sounds unimportant. “Sister So and So” will take the names and money, but does not put forth any extra effort to get members to subscribe to the periodicals.
Comment: I know of one church that places a form in the bulletin that lists all of the AME periodicals with prices to make it easy for members to subscribe. I always thought that was a real plus for the members. However, there's one more step that would make it even more helpful and meaningful. How will the members looking at that form know what kind of information the periodicals cover? What's the difference in all these AME periodicals? Should I subscribe to this one or that one? What good will they do me?
Comment: I think it would be helpful if there could be a brief synopsis of each AME periodical and the focus of each periodical. It might be good to publish that information in The Christian Recorder. That might create interest and result in more subscriptions. It might encourage us to "soar to the high reaches of the sky" or, maybe a form could be developed and given to each pastor to utilize it with his or her congregation.
From the Editorial: We have churches that will use any materials except the AME Church School quarterlies. I have even heard of one member of the clergy who encouraged people to use other materials or to develop their own church school materials.
Comment: The problem has been corrected now, but years ago, we had to stop using AME Church School materials because they were consistently late and we'd have to cover a couple of Sundays without having the materials. There is no reason that I know of that we shouldn't support the people who have prepared those materials for our youngsters and those whose job it is to distribute them.
From the Editorial: “…if those teaching will develop lesson plans and do some outside research. If teachers use the Church School lessons “winging it and without prior study, it is hard.”
Comment: A teacher must be a good teacher; our children deserve that!
From the Editorial: I would suspect that if pastors took a box of The Disciplines to their local churches, they could sell them in a matter of minutes.
Comment: I agree! Absolutely! Immediate gratification! Tell me they're here. “See ‘Sister So and So’ right over there at the close of service. Buy your Discipline immediately.” No ordering; no waiting “Sister So and So” would have quite a crowd and would be proud to do her job. Why haven’t pastors taken the initiative and done that? Sell The Disciplines and get the task completed. Presiding elders should instruct their pastors to load up a box and take The Disciplines to their churches and sell them and use them in meetings and refer to The Discipline. If the pastors respect their Presiding Elders’ efforts to make things run better, or if they are “afraid” enough of their presiding elders; this would work, wouldn't it?
Comment: In our church, the officers are all new and I am sure that none of them have The Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church – 2008; and probably have not read The 2004 Discipline.
Comment: Speaking of The Discipline, One of our main Stewards goes to Annual Conference for Lay Night, but that's the only session he attends. I doubt that he's been to a regular business session of the annual conference, ever!
From the Editorial: "I am amazed at how casual we are about The Book of Discipline. As a journalist and as the Editor of The Christian Recorder, I have to be in a listening mode and from what I am hearing, it seems that the expectation for purchasing The Discipline is the same casual attitude that we have for subscribing to the periodicals of the A.M.E. Church. The expectation for The Discipline seems to be that every pastor will purchase The Book of Discipline, and there seems to be no “fire in the hole” for the officers and members of the local church to purchase The Book of Discipline."
Comment: Why can't the Bishops mandate that every annual conference delegate possess their own copy of The Discipline.
Comment: The Presiding Elders play, or should play, a major role a major role in the procedure of disseminating The Discipline. Stewards are confirmed at the Quarterly Conference and no steward should be confirmed if they do not possess their own copy of The Discipline.
Comment: The local pastor should be responsible to insure that the local church make copies of The Disciplines available and to insure that the officers of the local church can be trained in the use of The Discipline. This should be a part of the local church budget because The Discipline is the book of law and, ideally it should be available and provided to any member who wished to purchase one.
Comment: If pastors, officers and member don’t follow The Discipline, churches are not able to act according to the will of the General Conference.
Comment: Thank you for your observation in the sale of our Discipline and Church School Materials. I would love to be able to download The Discipline as an eBook or pdf (of course with the proper measures in place).
Comment: Just a comment on the Sunday School Materials. I notice that our materials are good, but they are not competitive as they could be. I have also observed that the majority of the youth that attend Church School range between juniors and intermediates. The intermediate books are wordy with little, to no activities. The senior books however are less wordy and heavy on activities. The junior book seems to have an equal balance of both. I am not sure of what message we are trying to convey here with each group, but, I go out of my way to make the lessons interesting, because I want our students to come back, not because they are made to, but because they want to; It is always my hope that they will continue to come back and see what good things God has done and is still doing for His people.
Editor’s Comment: I wish to thank all of those who shared their informative comments. We can all learn something when we listen.
2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
To the Editor:
RE: “Sometimes we are our worst enemy, “Eagle raised by chickens” mentality”
I was very impressed and yet disturbed about your article on the purchase (lack of) of The Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 2008. I am making an announcement at our church, The Historic Ebenezer AME Church in Detroit about our Lay Organization purchasing The Disciplines for sale. I sadly remember in 2004 when I was a delegate to the General Conference -- it took me almost three weeks to get The Discipline from my local church (starting with the Lay Organization, Minister, Presiding Elder, etc.) I guess everyone was waiting for something to happen. I finally was able to get one from the AMEC Sunday School Union in Nashville.
Our founder, Bishop Richard Allen says the three books that every AME should own - the Bible, an AME Hymnal and The AME Discipline. Thank you for reminding us of how important this is.
Tina Stephens
3. LET’S FIND A BETTER WAY:
*Dr. Jamye Coleman Williams
Forty-nine years ago at the General Conference of 1960 in Los Angeles, I was directly involved in the campaign for bishop of my late brother, Fred “Buster” Coleman, who was the standard bearer for the 13th Episcopal District. He was not only a dedicated minister but also a medical doctor whose ambition was to serve as a missionary bishop in Africa. His slogan was “Have Kit and Bible—Will Travel.” Because he was only 39 he included in his campaign literature the statement: “Not too old to be a physical liability. Not too young to lack proper experience.” The practice of his career as a medical doctor had made it possible for him to launch one of the first elaborate campaigns—nothing, however, like the ones that have continued to evolve.
The Sunday after the close of the 48th Session of our recent General Conference, I had a long-time, loyal laywoman to confront me about the way candidates, for the bishopric, are obliged to campaign. She was dismayed about it because of her experience with pastors of her own church who had been successful candidates. She suggested that I as a vocal AME should address this issue. As I reflected about this General Conference I did admit that in my judgment it had been, in general, one of our most uplifting ones—as it related especially to the decorum of the delegates: There was no stopping the work of the General Conference with a sustained chorus of “No! No! No! We won’t have it!” No singing “I’m on the Battlefield” and “Amen” until the delegates got their way as they did at the 1948 General Conference! No embarrassing march around the auditorium with signs deposited in trash cans as happened in 1956! No effort to shout down the effort to substitute voting machines as it occurred in 1960! No firestorm over a resolution to move all the bishops, which happened in 1964 and in 1984! No “boos” from some delegates to deny me the opportunity to defend the resolution to elect a woman to the bishopric which was introduced in 2000! None of that! And for that I am grateful.
I am, on the other hand, saddened over the way we misuse the servants of God who aspire to the highest office of the Church. I know personally how the candidates feel who are not able to realize their dreams at that time. I am sad for the families, friends, church members, supporters, and campaign managers who also feel the pain of disappointment. But, most of all, I grieve for the children, the young people who were involved in the campaigns of their fathers and their pastors—who always appear to be so devastated over the loss.
Shame on us for not finding a better way to elect bishops in our 193-year old organized church! No other church expects the candidates to use so much physical energy and to spend so much of their own financial resources and those of their supporters to achieve the high office of the bishopric. It does not start at the General Conference. It begins when he or she announces his/her candidacy. Local churches celebrating anniversaries, hosting annual conferences; organizations, such as my own Connectional Lay Organization, conducting forums that require a generous donation; Episcopal district meetings looking for contributions; some delegates expecting special favors. And the list goes on.
There has to be a better way. In addition to the qualifications necessary for ordination as an elder—college graduate, degree from a seminary accredited by the Association of Theological Schools or a similar accrediting agency, there need to be other considerations. What about years of measurable, successful pastoral service: Churches built? Debts retired? Memberships increased through conversions to Christ and accessions? Service to the Church on the Connectional level? Contributions to communities, thereby enhancing the image of African Methodism? Aspiring to the bishopric should be approached seriously, prayerfully, and with a genuine desire to serve God and the Church in a larger way. It is not an office that should be sought to satisfy personal ambition for recognition, prestige, and economic security.
Shame on us for knowing that some of our brothers and sisters may not at the moment have a chance of being elected, but we exploit them anyway. Shame on us for misleading our brothers and sisters with broken promises. Shame on us for knowingly encouraging persons who we know do not have a chance at the time. Shame on us for our behavior at the General Conference which is so often more like the secular world than like the Church of Jesus Christ.
May God touch our hearts and help us find a better way to elevate our brothers and sisters before we celebrate the 200th Anniversary of our great Church.
*Dr. Jamye Coleman Williams is a retired General Officer and was the first elected female General Officer in the AME Church. She is a member of Big Bethel AME Church in Atlanta
4. AN UPDATE FROM THE 18TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:
The Right Rev. E. Earl McCloud
Presiding Prelate of the 18th Episcopal District
In February 2009, the 18th Episcopal District had the privilege of serving as host for the Global Development Council (GDC) meeting in Swaziland. This was followed by the District Mid-Year meeting, held in March 2009 in the newly renovated F. C. James Center in Maseru. At this juncture, we are mere weeks away from opening T’sepong Cecelia Williams Bryant Home. God is good!
On a personal note - in April 2009, the doctors at the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Scottsdale, Arizona, diagnosed me with pulmonary emboli (multiple blood clots in both lungs). The condition is treatable with oral anticoagulants therapy. Recovery is taking place presently at our home in Atlanta. Thank you in advance for your prayers for healing. Your continued prayers and support of the work of the 18th Episcopal District are greatly needed and appreciated.
We continue to be enthused about this new opportunity and the challenges the work brings. We will begin building the “Administration Building at the Selulasandla Vashti AME Village” (an orphanage) in Swaziland within the next two months. We received during the 18th District Mid-Year Meeting additional funds to support our educational enterprises. Thankfully, we received from the Rev. Dr. Cecilia Williams Bryant funds for furniture to open “T’sepong Cecelia Williams Bryant Orphanage”.
As previously stated, the 18th Episcopal District has the following programs and projects in place that require our immediate and continual financial support:
• M. Joan Cousin Children’s Aid Center in Botswana ($1,500.00) monthly;
• Selulasandla Vashti A.M.E. Village (Three (3) HIV/AIDS homes for Children) in Mbane, Swaziland ($2,500.00) monthly;
• 42 primary schools spread throughout the Episcopal District;
• T’sepong Cecelia Williams Bryant Home ($1,000.00) monthly;
• F. C. James Center of AME Services in Maseru, Lesotho ($2,500.00) monthly.
We invite you to become a part of the work of the 18th Episcopal District by becoming a “Covenant Partner.” Please review the attached flyer to see how you can help. Be reasonable in your gifts and try to spread them over the next thirty-seven (37) months.
Additionally, we invite you to plan a trip to Southern Africa during the next four years and include the 18th Episcopal District in your trip. We are encouraged and hope that you will be excited about our work and that you would be willing to make a contribution. Please add us to your prayer list and keep us and the work lifted up to the Lord.
E. Earl McCloud, Jr.
Resident Bishop
18th Episcopal District AMEC
Botswana, Mozambique, Lesotho & Swaziland
Overseas telephone number: 011-266-5912-8383
5. THE “LIVELY” LAKELAND DISTRICT OF THE WEST COAST CONFERENCE OF THE 11TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT CHURCH SCHOOL AND CHRISTIAN EDUCATION CONVENTION:
The Rev. Shirley A. Williams, District Secretary
Presiding Elder F. Bernard Lemon of the “Lively” Lakeland District, West Coast Conference of the Eleventh Episcopal District, with great wisdom and foresight issued the clarion call to all pastors, itinerant ministers, local preachers, evangelists, licentiates, exhorters, First, Second, Third, and Fourth Year Students on the Lakeland District, Church School superintendents, Christian Education Directors, Presidents of Missionary Societies and Lay Organizations, District Stewards, Church Members and Friends to convene at Allen Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church in Lake Wales, FL for the Church School and Christian Education Convention from June 9 - 12, 2009 under the thematic inspiration of “Living the Best Life Christ Designed for You.”
The Reverend James Cleare and First Lady Sonja Clear along with the entire Allen Temple African Methodist Church family enthusiastically opened their doors with gracious hospitality to the Lively Lakeland District Church School and Christian Education Convention.
The Church School and Christian Education convention opened in customary fashion with dynamic worship – highlighted by the preached Word entitled, “When God Puts You on Hold, Don’t Hang Up” from Presiding Elder Jimmy J. Thompson of the Central District of the South Florida Conference. The service culminated with the celebration of Holy Communion.
Additional anointed sermons preached were, “Get Your Head Out of Delilah’s Lap” by the Reverend Thomas H. Poole, Jr.; “Tainted Vision” by the Reverend Ronnie L. Clark; “You Can’t Stop Me From Getting Where I’m Going” by Brother Jon Ingraham; and “I Refuse to Lose” by the Reverend Larry Keys.
Dynamic workshops based upon the convention theme of “Living the Life Christ Designed for Your Life” were powerfully presented by the Rev. Linda Hayes, the Rev. Rubin Ancrum, the Rev. Laura White, the Rev. Thomas Poole, the Rev. Tina Knight, the Rev. Kirk Bogen, the Rev. Sidney Bain; and Sisters Kiara Davenport, Janice Brown, Bernice Smith, Andreesa Harris, Doretha Tillman, Jeanette McKenzie, Quida Sanders, Sandra Wilkerson, Jeanette Daniels, Jacquelyn Bogen and Brothers Leo Longworth, Raleigh Jackson and Dr. Frank Satchel.
The following nine youth departments demonstrated scholastic excellence in the 2009 “Lively” Lakeland District Brain Bowl: Hurst Chapel, Winter Haven, Florida.; Mt. Sinai, Medulla, Fl.; New Mt. Zion, New Bethel, Lakeland, Florida; Ivey Chapel, Nocatee, Florida; New Mt. Olive, Avon Park, Florida; St. James, Bartow, Florida; Allen Temple, Lake Wales, Florida; and Greater Mt. Zion, Sebring, Florida. This year’s Brain Bowl was extremely competitive with first place going to Mt. Sinai, Medulla, Florida second place to Greater Mt. Zion, Sebring, Florida; and third to Ivey Chapel, Nocatee, Florida. Even though all nine youth departments could not win first place, each participant demonstrated high scholastic achievement and Christian excellence and deserve our encouragement, admiration - as well as a standing ovation!
The Presiding Elder did allow the Lay Organization and the Sons of Allen to hold their annual worship services. Brother Barry White brought the message for the Lay Organization Service entitled: “Some Things Just Don’t Matter.”
Special commendations are given to the convention’s music ministry which was par excellent with choirs participating from Hurst Chapel, Allen Temple, and New Mt. Olive in addition to the ‘Lively” Lakeland District Youth Choir.
The Church School and Christian Education Convention closed with a Teen Debate entitled “Is It Ever Okay for Children to Disobey Well-Meaning Parents?” facilitated by Attorney Shirley Pellarchy. Showing their scholastic ability once again, this debate was comprised of high school and middle school students. The winners were: Middle School Division – first place winner, Imani Powell, Mt. Zion, Sebring, Florida; second place winner, De’Andre Owens, New Bethel, Lakeland, Florida; and third place winner; De’Aundra Oldfield, New Bethel, Lakeland, Florida. High School Division: first place winner, Harvey Simmons, New Bethel, Lakeland, Florida.; second place winner, Thomas Hartsfield, New Bethel, Lakeland, Florida; and third place winner, Don’Tavius Sanders, Mt. Zion, Bartow, Florida.
The “Lively” Lakeland District was graced with the presence of Sister’s Barbara Bouie – the Connectional Worship Director for the Women’s Missionary Society, Coretha Larkins- President of the West Coast Conference Women’s Missionary Society and Karen Chester – First Vice-President of the West Coast Conference Women’s Missionary Society.
We applaud the newly appointed Church School Superintendent Sister Sandra Wilkerson, Assistant Superintendent Sister Teresa White, and the Christian Education Director, the Reverend Willie M. Hogan for their hard work in making this Church School and Christian Education Convention a resounding success.
We praise God for the First Lady of the District - Sister Laurastine Lemon, a woman of immense wisdom and humility along with unquestioned administrative astuteness.
We salute our Presiding Elder, F. Bernard Lemon, for his enduring faith in the midst of great personal challenge; and under his dynamic leadership, the Lively Lakeland District is yet again the envy of the West Coast Conference.
We give a standing ovation to the Reverend James Cleare and Sonja Cleare and the entire Allen Temple AME Church family for their gracious hospitality.
This article submitted by the Rev. Shirley Williams, the Rev. Willie M. Hogan, the Rev. Casabell Taylor, the Rev. Linda Hayes, the Rev. Kirk Bogen, the Rev. Jack Washington, the Rev. Thomas H. Poole, Jr., and the Rev. Sidney Bain.
6. SUNDAY SCHOOL CONVENTION 2009 AT SILVER CITY, BRANSON, MISSOURI:
Presiding Elder Donna F. Roberson and Presiding Elder Steven A. Cousin, Sr. join forces to provide an educational experience for the youth and adults of the Kansas City South and Kansas City District of the Midwest Conference of the Fifth Episcopal District. Bishop T. Larry Kirkland is the Presiding Prelate.
On June 6, 2009 nearly 170 youth and adults boarded three chartered buses at 5:30 a.m. to travel to Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri that is located three hours from Kansas City, Missouri. Silver Dollar City is a theme park with a 1880s craft village favor-filled with exciting rides, family activities and cultured shows. The purpose of the visit was to host the Sunday School Convention 2009. The Bible says, “Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the Lord your God, and observe to do all the words of this law”. Furthermore, the AME Churches that participated were St. John, Kansas City Missouri; Ward Chapel, Richmond, MO; St. Paul, Independence, MO; St. Luke, Liberty, MO; Power of Faith, Kansas City Missouri; Gregg Tabernacle, Kansas City Missouri; Gilbert Memorial, Kansas City Missouri; Ebenezer, Kansas City Missouri; Christ Our Redeemer Kansas City Missouri; Bethel, Kansas City Missouri; Allen Chapel, Kansas City, Missouri; and Cain Grant, Kansas City Missouri.
The challenge was given to design a curriculum centered on three of the many demonstrations present at Silver Dollar. The selected demonstrations were: blacksmith, potter and candle maker. Other demonstrations that are present at Silver Dollar City are: silversmith, baker, lye soap making, chip carving, blade smith, coppersmith, craftsmen, taffy making, duplicating lathe, basket maker, glass cuter and furniture craftsmen. When Henry Pearly, a member of St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, Independence, Missouri received the challenge of creating a curriculum for the Sunday School Convention, he selected the theme as “The Molding of Character for Life.”
The Sunday School Convention description was for the youth and adults to do an in-depth study of the demonstrations on how they affect the molding of character for life. Also, attention was given to questions of historical findings and literary form as they relate to religious ideas and teachings for students. In addition measurable learning outcomes were addressed to identify common threads of these demonstrations, analyze literary features of demonstrations and their significance for studying; identify major issues to the discounting of these occupations, explain how the theological message of the demonstration relates to the theological message of the Bible; review the application of the demonstration with literary and theological sensitivity; value more greatly the importance of these occupations for personal spiritual growth and Christian teaching and ministry; gain greater knowledge of the foundation of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
When the attendees arrived at Silver Dollar City we visited Miss Molly’s, a restaurant in the theme park that had a buffet loaded with all types of hearty food items. After breakfast the group went to the Wilderness Church, a small wooden frame church building that reminded us of many of our AME Churches in the rural areas. Mr. Pearly provided us with a traditional order of service for Sunday School and instructions for the day. Also he gave the group instruction booklets. The small wooden frame church was packed standing room only. Even some of visitors of the theme park joined us in singing and praying. Both Presiding Elders gave remarks about the unique experience. Presiding Elder Roberson stated that “We talk about being in a recession but as she observed the tennis shoes that many of the youth were wearing are priced over one hundred dollars, and this visit will keep our youth alive one more day.”
After the remarks from the Presiding Elders, we launched into the day’s activities. Teachers were introduced and age groups were divided into classes: Toni Rone’ 1-4 years old; Ms. Huston 5-11 years old; Loretta Moore 12-16 years old; Rev. Eraina Marie Aseme 17-25 years old and Henry Pearly 25 years and older.
Each teacher took his/her class to a different area in the theme park in close proximity of one another and gave them 45 minutes of instruction on the three demonstrations with theological and practical application for life. Mr. Patrick C. Aseme, RN was our photographer.
Once the students participated in their class each group was escorted to the three demonstrations: the blacksmith, potter and candlestick maker. It was exciting to see the students observed the demonstrations and express what they had learned in class at the Sunday School Convention. For about one hour, the tours of the various demonstrations were viewed by the students. Now instructional period was completed as well as the tour it was time for what the youth and young adults had been waiting for fun, fun, fun. The attendees rode all types of thrilled rides. They also visited other attractions at the theme park.
Later, the group returned to Miss Molly’s restaurant and had dinner together. As the students boarded the buses to return back to Kansas City, they were given a gift bag that contained a catechism and passport for future use. It is our hope and prayer to keep the youth and adults interested to continue to do kingdom building.
Sincerely,
The Rev. Eraina Marie Aseme
Midwest Conference Public Relations Chairperson
7. SUPER SENSATIONAL SOUTH MEMPHIS DISTRICT LEADERSHIP SUMMIT:
*Lic. Wesley Stovall
Proverbs 29: 18 states, “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” And we are glad in the Super Sensational South Memphis District of the 13th Episcopal District that we have a visionary leadership. Through the vision of our Presiding Elder, the Rev. Linda Faye Thomas Martin, the South Memphis District has embarked on a new journey to change, inspire, and influence the leadership of every church and community in our district. Presiding Elder Martin with the assistance of the Rev. Darrell Scott, chair of the Leadership Summit Committee, and all the members of the Leadership Summit Committee was able to plan a day of events to influence the leadership of the South Memphis District to change the way they do certain things in the church and their daily lives while bring new things to the your church that we build your church and help your community.
On Saturday, April 25, 2009 at New Tyler African Methodist Episcopal Church in Memphis, Tennessee, Presiding Elder Martin and the members of the Leadership Summit Committee would see all their hard work in play.
The theme of the Leadership Summit was “Leadership That Influences: A Time to Develop, Enrich, Grow and Nurture Youth and Adult Lay and Clergy with Outstanding Leadership Skills.”
The day began with a wonderful breakfast provided by New Tyler AME Church. After breakfast, the leadership training began with devotion lead by different licentiates across the district. Devotion consisted of the welcome from the host pastor, the Rev. Charlene Boone-Hinson, songs of praise to the Almighty God, reading of scriptures, and testimonies that set the house of the Lord on fire. After devotion, members in attendance for the summit went to their assigned sessions.
Sessions were available for the clergy, adults, and the youth.
The sessions for the youth were “Watch Me Do Me Part 1” & “Watch Me Do Me Part 2.” The sessions for the youth explained the Bible and other topics such as salvation in language that they use in the world today and how to explain the bible to others just they was taught.
The session for the adults and laity were “Qualifications of Leadership” and the “Seven ‘S’s’ for Service.” These sessions explained to the adults what qualifies someone to lead, how to define leadership, and what to remember while you are in the service of serving the God.”
The sessions for the clergy were “Clergy Burnout: If I could start my ministry over again?”, “God’s Yes…My No”, “Armor Bearers”, and “Prep for Pastoring 101.” These sessions explained to the clergy how to revive themselves when they feel like they can not go on, how to see the vision when you do not want to understand or do it, but God does, and how to prepare themselves for ministry.
After the sessions for the day had ended, members of the Leadership Summit came together to praise the name of Jesus and to hear a Word from the Lord. The speaker for the afternoon was the Rev. Robert Reid, a pastor from the 4th Episcopal District where the Right Reverend John R. Bryant is Presiding Prelate. After a wonderful message from Rev. Reid and worship experience, the day concluded with lunch provided by New Tyler AME Church.
Special Thanks goes out to the visionary, the Rev. Linda Faye Thomas Martin; the Rev. Darryl Scott and the members of the Leadership Summit Committee; the Rev. Charlene Boone-Hinson and the members of New Tyler AME Church; all clergy, lay, youth who attended the Leadership Summit; and the LORD God Almighty for making this event possible.
*Licentiate Wesley Stovall is the South Memphis District Reporter and a member of Wright’s Chapel AME Church
8. 13th EPISCOPAL DISTRICT’S BELIEVE INC. TO HOST 2009 BRONZE GOLF TOURNAMENT:
Win a new car on a Par Three
Nashville, TN. Believe Inc., the philanthropic arm of the 13th District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, will host its 2009 Bronze Golf Tournament July 7, 2009 at the Two Rivers Course in Nashville, Tennessee. Tee time is at 8 a.m.
The tournament is a fun-filled outreach event sponsored by Believe Inc., of the 13th Episcopal District. Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, presiding prelate of the District says, “This is a spiritually-based experience to bring together men and women who share the fun of golfing with their love for the Lord.”
The golf tournament is yet another way the church is reaching out to its parishioners with activities beyond the worship center. Someone can win a car on a Par Three with a hole in one. Other prizes include Southwest Airlines round trip air fare to any destination where Southwest flies. There will be appearances by special celebrities including Chris Sanders, formerly of the Tennessee Titans. Pre-activities include a Tee Table Toast on June 25 and weekly practice lessons at Ted Rhodes Golf Course, Saturdays at 9 a.m.
Joe Turner, President of Believe, Inc., and Chief Coordinator of the golf tournament says, “We are getting everyone involved in this experience, from ministers to missionaries-- all who enjoy golfing and look forward to having a great experience.” The event will have special networking opportunities, outstanding prizes and a golf experience like no other.
The tournament is limited to 144 golfers. Registration is now available and the cost is $150.00, which includes tournament play, lunch and a souvenir gift. Proceeds from the event go to scholarships for students in the 13th District, church programs and improvement projects throughout the AMEC 13th District, which includes Tennessee and Kentucky.
This tournament is the first of four tournaments as part of a four-year plan leading up to the African Methodist Episcopal Church General Conference that will be held in Nashville in 2012. The inaugural tournament is the Bronze event, held July 7, 2009, followed by the Silver-2010, Gold -2011 and the ultimate event, the Platinum Golf Tournament to be held 2012.
For information visit the Web site at www.believeinc.org. Registration information, dates of events and a 2009 Bronze Tournament store are available. You may also contact Joe Turner at 615. 391.0523.
9. OPEN LETTER - A RECOVERY MOVEMENT FOR THE AME CHURCH - “A STITCH IN TIME”:
Dr. Clement Fugh
A couple of months ago I met with a small group of clergy and laypersons to recruit them to join me in a movement to recover the core values and foundational principles upon which the African Methodist Episcopal Church was built and that remain critical to its vitality in the present age. Little did I know when we met that the United Methodist Church was just concluding a study that showed “a 25% decline in an already aging membership.” In response, they launched a $20 million initiative to “stop the bleeding.”
I am challenged each time I hear someone say that the fastest growing denomination is “Used to be AME!” The job of stopping the hemorrhage is too big for one person or a committee or even a department. It requires a movement by persons such as you to make the difference.
So, I recruit you!
Your mission is twofold.
First, share with me the thoughts that “Recovery Movement” evokes for you when you consider the past, present and future of the AME Church. Some have already sent their responses.
Next, with camera in hand or keypad before you, document recovery wherever you see it. Send pictures, text messages and forward articles depicting community involvement and outreach, evangelistic crusades, capital improvement, and renewal in its many shapes and forms to cio@AME-Church.com. Write “Recovery” in the subject line so that your submission is properly catalogued.
When the “Recovery” website is launched in a few weeks we will share your submissions as evidence that there is a movement afoot, a commitment for the Church of Richard and Sarah Allen to be the church of generations following.
I recruit you!
Allow me to remind you to mark your calendar for July 23, 2009, Nashville, TN, when we will meet to organize for the Official Launch which will be held at 7:00 a.m., November 14th at the seat of the Thirteenth District Planning Meeting.
Dr. Clement W. Fugh
Candidate for the Episcopacy – 2012
10. THE 95TH SESSION ON THE HAMPTON UNIVERSITY MINISTERS CONFERENCE - “THE PROPHETIC ROLE IN DIFFICULT TIMES”:
The Rev. G. "Paris" M. Kelly
As thousands of ministers and laity traveled from across the United Sates and from overseas, the smell of southern fried chicken, collard greens, fried fish and pork chops and other food entrees, greeted those who arrived at the 95th Annual Hampton University Ministers' Conference and 75th Annual Choir Directors' and Organists' Guild Workshop. Sampling the food from the various vendors was difficult to resist. What a time of celebration and festival to be remembered in the history of the conference.
On Monday, June 8, 2009, the Hampton University Ministers Conference convened the 95th session with the theme, “The Prophetic Role in Difficult Times.” Dr. Walter Thomas past President of the Conference served as presiding officer.
Dr. William H. Curtis, President of the largest African American interdenominational Ministers conference motivated the assembly of over 8,000 attendees with these words: “It gives me great pleasure to honor Dr. William Harvey, President of Hampton University for his 31 years of service to this historic University and ardent supporter of this Conference. We come into this assembly to provide a place for those all around the world to connect and together to strengthen relationships between churches and denominations. To the Rev. Debra Haggins O’Bryant, the first female Chaplain and Executive Secretary and Treasurer along with our former past Executive Officer, Dr. Michael Battle, who has been appointed by President Barack Obama to serve as Ambassador to the African Union. Greetings; I’m an introvert by nature and my members at Mount Ararat know that my style is to get directly to the point, and that’s what I am going to do."
Dr. Curtis’ message as the President of the Hampton University Ministers Conference is somewhat similar to the President of the United States’ "State of the Union" address. The President’s message sets the tone, while bringing priority and focus to the gathering. It is the President’s responsibility to speak to the heart of the audience. He shared that it is the responsibility of the church to speak to the relevant issues of the United States and the world. He went on to say that members of our communities are experiencing economic challenges.
Pastor/prophets must speak boldly, fearlessly and all of us need to be reminded that our “sanctified anointing” has not rescued us from job losses and home foreclosures. The most important thing that we, as a church, must understand, is that “content can take you where style can’t."
From Tuesday June 9 through Friday June 12 a series of workshops, lectures, recitals, luncheons and devotions were conducted by a few of the most profound professors, preachers, songwriters and educators in the African-American community.
The Rev. Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook and the Rev. Dr. Cynthia Hall were the moderators for the George A. Crawley-Women in Ministry Hour. The panelists were the Rev. Shon Akins, the Rev. Classy Preston, the Rev. Brenda Ray, the Rev. Lorraine Jacques-White, the Rev. Sarah Roberts, and the Rev. Johnsie Cogman.
Dr. Geoffrey V. Gunns, senior pastor of Second Calvary Church, Norfolk, Virginia led a workshop entitled “Church Leadership in the 21st Century.” There were other outstanding workshops and presentations to include the American Cancer Society, Pastor Ray Johnson, Calvary Revival Church; the Association of African-American Student Chaplains; Attorney Courtney Dunbar Jones, Esq.; the Virginia Preachers.com, and Minister Rashad D. L. Cartwright.
Pastor Rita Twiggs and Pastor Jerome Barber both served as early morning prayer leaders. National Gospel recording artist, Elder Peggy Britt, served as morning song leader; the evening song leader was Eli Wilson and the morning preacher was Dr. Claybon Lea.
The A.C.D. Senior Statesperson Hour guest speaker was Dr. Harold A. Carter, Sr. The morning lectures were Dr. Renita Weems and Dr. Brad Braxton. The noonday preacher was Dr. Claudette Copeland. Each preacher and lecturer had their unique revelation of the conference theme: "The Prophetic Role in Difficult Times.”
There were numerous vendors and resource organizations in the passageway of the Convocation Center.
There were booths with displays of Palmer Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Shaw University, Raleigh, NC, Emory Candler School of Theology, Atlanta, Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia Union Theological Seminary, the Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, and many more academic institutions.
With thousands of people standing to their feet, tears rolling down their faces, hands lifted up in praise and admiration to the Lord, the Hampton University 95th session of the Ministers Conference is now being inspired by highly skilled and educated professors who have been trained at the United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio; Princeton Theological Seminary; Emory University; with key note speaker, the Rev. Dr. H. Beecher Hicks, senior Pastor of Metropolitan Baptist Church, Washington, DC.
“The empire is collapsed, there is murder in the church and the more dangerous the time, the more important the prophet is to the church. Prophets emerge in hard times. The prophetic is more than a social critic. Poetic is a prophet, but the prophet is more than poetry. So you want to be a prophet?" asked Dr. Weems.
Dr. Hicks pastor's a congregation of over 6,000 in Washington, DC said, "There is someone in here that needs to holler. Blind Bartimaeus received a miracle when he shouted out; so church, don’t be afraid to holler.”
Dr. Braxton said, “God is creative.” We must use preaching to create space. We must use imaginary preaching because one thing that makes God mad is having a boring sermon. In our Christian ministry to the world we must understand not only the homiletics of the preaching but that music plays a vital role in our worship experience.
Dr. Copeland encouraged the attendees to have gospel wide enough to see a vision for the whole world.
Dr. William H. Curtis reminded us that, “We have a responsibility to lead in legacy. Every time we walk outside of our front doors we have to be grateful for those who came before us.”
The conference was a time of retreat and consecration for all the attendees.
11. WHEN HATE FINDS A HOME:
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts
The recent incident at the Holocaust Museum in Washington is just the tip of the iceberg. People who hate are miserable people. They don’t like themselves and therefore they don’t like others. What they don’t realize is that the person(s) being hated become their master. What I mean by that is, all of what you do, all of what you say, all of the money you spend, all of the sleepless nights, all of the meals you miss, all of the time you spend and all of the physical pain you endure is controlled by the person you hate, unaware. Your life is wasted and nothing is accomplished. What a pity.
When hate finds a home it stays and does what it is supposed to do and that is to make you miserable and destroy you. Hating has never and will never solve any problems. Those who hate die hatefully unless they evict hate before they die. None of us are born hating or loving. We learn to hate as we learn to love.
I remember sometime ago I saw a western and in that movie the star, Don “Red” Barry, set out to find the man who killed his dad. He spent years on his horse riding from town to town looking getting into brawls and shooting and killing people. When he finally found the man, the man was old and pitiful looking and could not remember the incident. Don “Red” Barry took a good look at the man took his gun from its holster and said is this what I have been searching for all these years. He then took his weapon and threw it on the ground and said you are not worth killing, and rode away on his horse.
That movie reminds me of all the valuable time, energy and money wasted, hating. Hating will put wrinkles in your face, but it won’t take them out. Hating will give you high blood pressure. Hating will give insomnia. Hating will ruin your appetite. The person you hate has no problem with any of the above. Now guess who is the one most miserable. The aura of a hateful person keeps people at a distance; even animals can sense unpleasantness.
Have you ever gotten up in the morning and tried to remember you were supposed to be angry about something and couldn’t remember what it was? Well if you did, that’s good. A person who hates has no trouble remembering the object of their hate simply because hate is always at home.
Hate finds a home where there is an absence of love.
Hate finds a home where there is an absence of compassion
Hate finds a home where there is an absence of sympathy.
Hate finds a home where there is selfishness
Hate finds a home where there is bitterness
Hate finds a home where there is jealousy and envy.
Hate finds a home where there is an unjustified sense of fear
Hate finds a home where there is a feeling of inferiority
Can you imagine eighty eight years of wasted time, energy and money spent hating? There are many more out there waiting to explode.
Don’t give hate a home tell hate there is no room available
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts Pastor is a retired pastor living in Eatonville, Florida
12. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICES:
- The Swearing-In Ceremony for Yolanda A. Bruce, Esq. was recently held at the State Attorney’s Office in Orlando, FL where she works as Prosecutor.
We cordially invite you to share this occasion via the Internet:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqPS6ruldXs
Her brother, Derek Bruce, Esq., continues his legal profession launching Edge Public Affairs, LLC, Orlando. Visit the website www.edgepublicaffairs.com.
Yolanda and Derek are the children of Gloria and the late General Officer/Presiding Elder Yale Benjamin Bruce, Sr.
Congratulatory responses can be sent to their proud mother:
Mrs. Gloria Bruce - brucegs@bellsouth.net
- Six AME students awarded graduate degrees by the United theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio
The United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio awarded four doctoral degrees to students who are clergy in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. In addition to the persons who graduated with their Doctor of Ministry degrees, one other member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church graduated with a Master of Divinity Degree and another person graduated with a Master of Theological Studies Degree. The graduation exercises were held on May 30, 2009.
(1) The Doctor of Ministry Degree:
The Reverend Dr. Ethel Cox Cato, Out-Reach Minister and Coordinator at the Greater Allen AME Cathedral, Queens, New York, Men-to-Men (1st Episcopal District): Telling the Stories Calling Forth Christian Men to Make a Difference
The Reverend Dr. Lanel D. Guyton, Pastor, St. Paul AME Church, Hamilton, Bermuda (1st Episcopal District), Transformation and Transition: Empowering the Church Towards Creating Relevant Ministries for Today and Tomorrow
The Reverend Dr. Otis J. Gordon, Jr., Pastor, Warren AME Church, Toledo, Ohio (3rd Episcopal District), The Design, Implementation and Evaluation of a Model for Spiritual Formation for Men at Warren AME Church
The Reverend Dr. Charlotte Ann Blake Sydnor, Pastor, Shorter Chapel AME Church, Franklin, Tennessee (13th Episcopal District), The Collaborative Role of Church Leadership in Empowering a Disenfranchised Community
Congratulatory messages may be sent to: cbsydnor@aol.com
(2) The Master of Divinity Degree:
The Reverend Stephanie Jeannie Ransom Upshaw, South Ohio Conference, 3rd Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
(3) The Master of Theological Studies:
The Reverend Karen Leigh Fox, South Ohio Conference, 3rd Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
"May God who has poured the love of Christ into their hearts by the Holy Spirit guide and guard them on their pilgrim way in serving the Church in times like these."
- Congratulations to Damian Tremayne Horne of Bethel AME Church of Franklin, Indiana. "Tremayne", the son of the Rev. Pamela Jones Horne, graduated from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) on Saturday, May 9, 2009, with a B.A. in Mass Communications-Broadcast Journalism. While at UAPB, Tremayne was the tenor section leader in the internationally renowned Vesper Choir; and he was voted the UAPB 2009 Male Vocalist of the Year. As the Vesper Choir Tenor section leader he sang throughout U.S. and Italy, including at the Vatican. In addition to being a very active part of campus life (founding member of UAPB chapter of Phi Mu Alpha, student government, Kappa Alpha Psi) Tremayne also faithfully served at Greater Ward AME Church Pine Bluff as an affiliate member (drummer, intermittent Sunday School teacher, Children's sermon presenter, choir). Other accomplishments: Steward at Bethel Franklin, IL; student leader-mentor for incoming freshmen, student camera man-hired by UAPB to film sporting events, UAPB tv/radio journalist, ESPN student worker, To God Be The Glory!
Congratulatory responses can be emailed to his proud mother:
The Rev. Pamela Jones Horne who is the pastor of Bethel AME Church in Franklin, Indiana – REVPAME@aol.com
13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to share news of the passing of Mrs. Vera M. Pierson, the wife of the Rev. Dr. Harry D. Pierson, a retired pastor in the 4th Episcopal District. Mrs. Pierson was a member of Franklin A.M.E Church in Niles, Michigan. She was a devoted pastor's wife and served in the Women's Missionary Society in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa.
Mrs. Pierson passed on May 17, 2009. Surviving family includes her husband the Rev. Dr. Harry D Pierson, their children, Tony (Irene) Johnson of Concord, CA, Angela Pierson-Davis of Aurora, CO, Sabrina (Tim) Langford of New Albany, IN, Aletha Palmer of Savannah, GA, and April (Marcus) Bray of Niles, MI.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. Dr. Harry D. Pierson and family
1424 Woods Edge Drive
Niles, Michigan 49120
Or condolences may be emailed to Rev. Dr. Harry D. Pierson: hdp1424@sbcglobal.net
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
Email: 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
