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 – OUR AMEC SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION STANDS SECOND TO NONE; RECEIVES FIVE AWARDS:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
"Their ice is not colder; our ice is just as cold! We are award winners!"
Sometimes we, some of the members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, don’t realize our blessings. Some of us tend to think that departments in other denominations are more efficient, but I am proud to announce that the AMEC Sunday School Union has received “Best Category 2009 Printing Industry Association of the South Graphic Awards.” The AMEC Sunday School Union received not one, not two, but five Best of Categories.
The AMEC Sunday School Union was awarded the 2009 PIAS Best of Category for the AMEC General Conference 2008 Worship Book; the AMEC General Conference 2008 Bookmark; The A.M.E. Church Review (April-June 2008); the Strategic Planning Implementation Handbook; and for the Secret Chamber (July 1 - Oct. 7, 2008).
The 2009 PIAS Graphic Awards were presented at the Printing Industry Association of the South 35th Annual Convention that was held at the Hilton Sandestin Resort, Destin, Florida on June 23, 2009.
The PIAS Graphic Awards competition is designed to recognize and honor the creation, design and production of the industry’s best printed materials which have impact, appeal and are effective as marketing communications.
The Printing Industry Association of the South (PIAS) is a non-profit trade association, dedicated to assisting the entire industry to continue to expand in the region and help the industry prosper. PIAS covers the seven-state region of Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and West Virginia.
“The African Methodist Episcopal Church is proud to receive this recognition from the PIAS,” said Dr. Johnny Barbour, President / Publisher of the AMEC Sunday School Union. Dr. Barbour commended his staff for their professionalism and dedication. He went on to say that they were the unsung heroes of the AMEC Sunday School Union. They are, indeed, the unsung heroes of the AMEC Sunday School Union.
The “Best Category 2009 Printing Industry Association of the South Graphic Awards” did not just happen. It took the dedicated work of a number of individuals, the unsung heroes of the AMEC Sunday School Union.
Meet the unsung heroes of the AMEC Sunday School Union
The team leader is Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr.
The front office is staffed by Mr. Andre Wright, a graduate of Morehouse College, who serves as the Administrative Assistant; Mrs. Sheila Collier, Data Entry Technician; Mrs. Mary Gunn, Data Entry Technician and Monroe Barbour who has been working in the office this summer and during holidays when he is off from college. They are the doorkeepers for the AMEC Sunday School Union. When you call the AMEC Sunday School Union and order materials and supplies, you most likely speak with Mrs. Collier or Mrs. Gunn. Mr. Andre Wright, the Administrative Assistant does it all and also handles advertisements and payment and collection of color separation fees.
The Graphics Department is the heart of the organization.
Andrew Stanfield
Andrew Stanfield goes by the nickname, “Andy,” and began working at the AMEC Sunday School Union in 2003. Stanfield is a native of Louisiana and was raised in military communities; his father was career military, a paratrooper who retired from the Air Force. Andy is the grammarian and proof reader for all printed materials that go out from the AMEC Sunday School Union. He is a 1996 graduate of Louisiana Tech University, and graduated Cum Laude. He attended law school at LSU, but decided upon a different career path. He moved to Nashville and attended graduate school at Trevecca Nazarene University. He also worked in various warehouse and telephone headset jobs before being hired by Dr. Johnny Barbour to work at the AMEC Sunday School Union. Stanfield is single but says he in “negotiations.” He says that he likes to hike and kayak in his “limited amount of spare time.” He says that he loves his job at the AMEC Sunday School Union and thoroughly enjoys working with his fellow team members in the Graphics Department.
Orlando Dotson
Orlando Dotson, age twenty-nine is a native Mississippian, arrived in Nashville in the fall of 1998 on a football scholarship at Tennessee State University. While at TSU, Orlando lettered all four years at the Defensive-end position. Following his eligibility, he fulfilled the services as a graduate assistant for the TSU football team, in addition to completing his curriculum to attain a diploma in the field of Studio Art with a focus in Graphic Design. While an undergraduate student at TSU, he was an honor student, regularly on the Dean’s List and was a member of the Artist Guild.
In 2003, upon graduation from TSU, Orlando obtained a position at the AMEC Sunday School Union as a Graphic Designer. Dotson says, “There is a hands’-on learning process here at the Union, which has helped me to hone my skills and use my artistic talents to become in integral part of Graphics Department.” Dotson is directly involved with AMEC Sunday School Union publications of The Missionary Magazine, The A.M.E. Church Review and various Children’s Quarterlies. He says that he enjoys working at the AMEC Sunday School Union.
Micheal Russell
Micheal Russell has been a graphic artist with the AMEC Sunday School Union for almost 4 years. He is the Graphic Artist for The Christian Recorder, The Gospel Speaker, The Voice of Missions, specialty ads / sales communications and logo /stationery development.
Russell graduated from Hardin County High School in 1985 from a small southern town called Hookers Bend, Tennessee. He was awarded an academic scholarship to attend Middle Tennessee State University. He majored in commercial art with a minor in English. Russell says he has been an artist since age 5 and looking at Sesame Street. As a self-professed geek, Russell confesses to being only mildly familiar with sports. During his years at MTSU, he became a varsity cheerleader which actually turned him towards fitness and health. “Diabetes runs in my family, so ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,’” Russell quips.
Russell quickly rattled off several of his favorite quotes: “If we can’t, then we must”; “Get busy living or get busy dying”…Morgan Freeman/Shawshank Redemption; “Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others” and “Time erodes the shores of memory” ….Micheal Russell
Russell received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Middle Tennessee State University in 1990 and was employed with a school fundraising company for many years creating national sales collaterals, t-shirt designs, and tradeshow demonstrations as senior graphic artist and Director of Marketing prior to joining the AMEC Sunday School Union.
Russell said, “I have always been fascinated by creation and creativity. I enjoy listening to people communicate their ideas and passions and translating them into some graphic depiction. I love graphics.”
Originally an illustrator and stone lithographer, Russell admits that he gave in to paying the bills. His graphic talent helped him work through college and find gainful employment in the years that followed. He said, “I’ve worn my share of hats in forty-two years; but the same things still excite me. I just like making things! Graphics allow me to create something and have a product to show for the process afterwards.”
From his earliest times, he has drawn strength from his grandmother, Cornella Mae Nichols who walked him to St. Paul AME Church every Sunday practically from birth. He shared, “My mother, Anna Russell passed from lung cancer just prior to my coming to the Sunday School Union. Her smile was always my inspiration. I still miss seeing it on her face and in her eyes. My father, Robert E. Russell has always remained my hero. From his dogmatic work ethic, to his honesty, to his consistent presence of character—I remain in his shadow, thankful for his countless contributions to my life. I catch myself sometimes quoting his wisdom and expressions. It makes me chuckle.”
The first of six, Russell has two brothers, Christopher and Gregory; and three beautiful sisters, Gwendolyn, Michelle, and Shayla. Russell says we never had much growing up but what we had was priceless. I have a great family.
Russell resides in Lebanon, Tennessee with his adorable wife, Linda, of seven years. He jokes seriously and said, “Having Linda as my wife and the mother of our children was the single best decision I ever made.” They have two children, Jason and Nicholas who have brought them countless joys and are writing great testimonies. Russell said looking back over his fifteen year graphic career---“I’m creating the best stuff I ever have; I hope to never quit saying that. I have had the privilege of working with great people and an amazing team. We are all uniquely gifted for the tasks ahead. We peer forward in uncertain times united, creative and ambitious; but mostly just grateful.”
Andy Stanfield, Orlando Dotson, and Micheal Russell are the real heroes of all of the AMEC publications. Reading their biographical sketches tells the whole story. They are competent, dedicated, loyal and well-qualified. The five 2009 PIAS Best of Category Graphic Awards were conferred upon the AMEC Sunday School Union because of their competent, dedicated and proficient work.
We know that a team is made up of a “sum of its whole” and that there are many unnamed individuals who contribute to the success of the organization. The AME Sunday School Union has a big team in the basement of the Sunday School Union who operates the printing presses and does a myriad of jobs that also contributed to the 2009 PIAS Best of Category Graphic Awards that were bestowed upon the AMEC Sunday School Union.
To all of them, Dr. Johnny Barbour and those of us in the African Methodist Episcopal Church say, “Thank You!”
2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
- To the Editor:
RE: Editorial – We are busy church, and there is no time to rest, because blessed people are…
I liked your statement that you attributed to the Rev. Louis Charles Harvey, “Blessed people are busy people,” but I would also like to advance the notion that “Busy people are blessed people.” My logic: All blessed people are not necessarily busy people, but busy people are blessed to be able to be busy. Thus: "Busy people are blessed people."
So, I think that it goes both ways.
Name Withheld
Editor’s Note: I believe you have a point. I like your logic and I am sure that Dr. Louis Charles Harvey likes your logic too.
3. ELECTED OFFICERS OF THE 31ST BIENNIAL SESSION OF THE CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION:
The election of officers at the 31st Biennial Session of the Connectional Lay Organization Meeting was held on July 27, 2009 in Little Rock, Arkansas.
President - Dr. Willie Glover (721 Votes)
1st Vice-President – Thomas Greene (744 Votes)
2nd Vice-President – Matikane Makiti (Unopposed)
3rd Vice-President – F. Jane Chandler Harris (632 Votes)
Recording Secretary – Gloria DeVeaux-Cobb (Unopposed)
Asst. Recording Secretary – Doris M. Bell (804 Votes)
Corresponding Secretary – Eileen Warner (Unopposed)
Financial Secretary – Richard L. Bowden (588 Votes)
Treasurer – Darwin Eldridge (Unopposed)
Historiographer – Pamela Tilley (Unopposed)
Parliamentarian – Virginia Henderson Harris (Unopposed)
Director of Public Relations – Alphonso Times (Unopposed)
Director of Lay Activities – Edith B. Cartledge (610 Votes)
Chaplain – Joyce Bracy Vaughn (703 Votes)
Young Adult Representative – John Thomas, III (Unopposed)
4. OUTGOING SPEECH DELIVERED BY BRENT SHEPARD, PAST YOUNG ADULT REPRESENTATIVE, CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION:
*Brent Shepard
Young Adult 10th Episcopal District
This speech was delivered on July 30, 2009 at the 31st Connectional Lay Biennial that was held in Little Rock Arkansas
Brothers and sisters in Christ, it has been a tremendous honor to have served as the Young Adult Representative (YAR) for the Connectional Lay Organization of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. My time here has been extremely educational. I have been so very blessed to have had the opportunity to work with some wonderfully amazing people. Amazing people like Danyel Moulden, YAR of the 12th District; Corian Wilson also of the 12th; and the other young adults of the 12th who have worked tirelessly, rolling out the red carpet for us here in Little Rock, beginning with the fish-fry on Saturday. Those of you, who were fortunate enough to have attended, can bear witness to some serious hospitality and some really good catfish, cake, peach cobbler, banana pudding, and other appetizing items. These young adults have set the bar high for districts who will host future lay biennial meetings.
Young adults of the 12th, I thank you and I applaud you; amazing young adults like Connectional YAR-elect John Thomas III and Starr Battle, YAR of the 2nd Episcopal District, who have been with me these past two years serving as advisers and friends. The leadership of the CLO, President Burns and the Executive Board, have been extremely supportive of me and of issues concerning young adults. To you good people, I am grateful.
I, as I would imagine everyone here, love the AME Church. The legacy of those who came before us is unparalleled. No other church has the rich and distinguished history that our Church has. I feel nothing but pride when I reflect on this history; a history of which I am now a part. However, as I reflect further, I find myself asking “How well have I served my church? How well have we upheld this legacy?”
During this Biennial convention, we’ve heard the word “accountability.” Everyone uses it now, “accountability”, and “accountability.”
We demand that our leadership be held accountable, as we should, but, how about us? Have we, laypersons, held ourselves accountable?
Former Black Panther member, Eldridge Cleaver, once said that either you’re part of the solution or you’re part of the problem. Ask yourselves, “On what end of this spectrum do you fall?”
Consider this, the average age of the Lay organization member is somewhere in the 60’s. There is a huge migration of young adults from the AME Church. The Lay specifies young adult as 18-30 but the group that’s missing extends up to about 40.
Why are they leaving? Where are they going? Who should be held accountable?
The answer lies with the person in the mirror. The answer lies with us. Our Church cannot survive without new blood.
However, we are either unable or unwilling to deal effectively with this issue. Young adults, generally aren’t old enough to have gotten used to a “We do it this way because this is the way it’s always been done” mentality. This mentality has caused us to be resistant to change; caused us to become powerless in truly addressing the needs of our young adults and thus, the needs of our future.
Young adults are result driven. We like to see progress. Progress is not having two of our schools, Morris Brown College and Paul Quinn College, lose their accreditation. That’s not progress; that’s an embarrassment.
Maybe we, as a Church have grown too big, too fancy. We’ve become accustomed to a lifestyle that’s difficult to maintain, especially during these times and under our current dwindling finances and declining membership.
We, AMEs, like to look good. When we do something, we do it big. Our conferences and connectional meetings are held at these lavish and luxurious hotels, yet, we have churches who are struggling to decide how they are going to pay their budgets and at the same time, trying to keep their lights on.
Is this what our legacy has become? We have pastors so worried about disappointing the Bishop because they cannot meet their budgets and they resort to measures, totally disregarding The Discipline, in some cases that may in fact harm their churches.
I can’t be the only one who sees this. Young adults can’t be the only ones who see this?
Truth is we all see it. What do we do about it?
We see officers; stewards and trustees, in our local churches who know little to nothing about African Methodism, serving only to go along with any and everything the pastor says and does.
We see the mismanagement of church finances on all levels. We see pastors run churches into the ground, remain at the same church for years and never moved, never helped, never reprimanded. In the event they are moved we punish another church by sending him or her with the same skill-set, no training, and no professional development, only to repeat the cycle.
We see the way we elect bishops and hear about some of the foolishness that allegedly goes on behind the “curtains,” then pretend like its okay. We hear of all kinds of questionable things, too numerous to list here, and what do we do about it? Certainly, not what we should, if we want to grow.
We realize no church, no situation, no organization is perfect, but we, as African Methodists, have got to do better.
Accountability; we have to hold our bishops accountable, our general officers and other elected leaders, our presiding elders, and our pastors accountable. And above all, we have to hold ourselves accountable.
We want the AME Church to be attractive to the young adults and youth? We need to hold ourselves accountable. We need to take charge and make the AME Church attractive to everyone; the young and the not so young. How many of you are happy with the current state of African Methodism? How many of you, if you had not put in 30, 40 years of hard work into this organization and into this church, would want to remain a part of it? If you don’t like it, you know we don’t.
Seasoned members and young adults need each other. We, young adults, need you to train and to mentor us.
You need us to keep the legacy alive; someone to whom you can pass on the torch.
Provide us with meaningful opportunities to serve and grow; not token appointments and gestures; we, young adults, pay attention.
We’re looking to you for guidance and direction. Be good stewards. Don’t be afraid to stand up and speak out against wrongdoing and only to talk about your displeasure amongst your friends later over the telephone. Teach us the right way to run this African Methodist Episcopal Church, the way our founder, Richard Allen, intended it to be run. We have a legacy. A legacy that stretches back 222 years. We have a responsibility to be good stewards.
This is a call to action. Lay Persons, this is your Church. It doesn’t belong to the Bishops, General Board, General Officers, Lay Presidents, and Executive Boards, any of that. It belongs to you. It belongs to us. We are responsible for the fate of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. We have to hold ourselves accountable.
Brent Shepard
Young Adult Representative, CLO 2005-09
5. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE PAYNE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY GRADUATING CLASS OF 2009:
Dr. Leah Gaskin Fitchue, President,
Payne Theological Seminary, Wilberforce, Ohio
The 2009 graduating class is the largest graduating class in the history of PTS.
THE 2009 Graduating Class (In alphabetical order)
1. Clark, Larry - Columbia, South Carolina
2. Conyers, Harold - Irmo, South Carolina
3. Cooper, Mila - Cleveland, Ohio
4. Fabor, Dorine - Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina
5. Goodwater, Rose - Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina
6. Graham, Melvin - Rocky Mount, North Carolina
7. Grate, Benjamin - Georgetown, South Carolina
8. Green, Johnathan - Florence, South Carolina
9. Green, Theodore - Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina
10. Hodge, Mary Ann - Mullins, South Carolina
11. Jackson, Cynthia - Jersey City, New Jersey
12. Jackson, Robert - Lewis, Delaware
13. Kataka, Francis - Harare, Zimbabwe
14. McMillian, Janice - Little River, South Carolina
15. Richardson, Roger - Huntsville, Alabama
16. Richburg, Bernard - Summerton, South Carolina
17. Roberts, William - Dayton, Ohio
18. Spann, Silas - Gadsden, South Carolina
19. Smalls-Salley, Merrielee - Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina
20. Tolbert, Sondrea - Nashville, Tennessee
21. Wilson-Guffin, Sarita - Cordova, Tennessee
Submitted by:
Rachel Wilson, Receptionist
Payne Theological Seminary
1230 Wilberforce-Clifton Road
PO Box 474
Wilberforce, Ohio 45384
www.payne.edu
6. BISHOP WILLIAMS CALLS FOR FOCUS ON YOUTH:
*Benjamin Harrison
During the past several years many traditional denominations have noted that young people, in ever-increasing numbers, are leaving their local churches, those of their forebears, and striking out onto their own. These young adults are departing from the churches in which they were raised to explore the multifarious religious offerings of the 21st century’s new denominational Diaspora. This recent dynamic has left many traditional denominations, like the AME Church, wondering where many of their youth have gone.
Perhaps these young folks are leaving their local churches and denominations as a result of the explosion of new technologies such as cell phones, computers and the internet which allow their hearts and minds to reach far beyond their local communities, across oceans and continents into every corner of the globe. Perhaps they are leaving due to the perennial advancement of travel whereby cars and trains, buses and planes make it increasingly easy to move beyond cities, states and countries. Maybe it’s a sign of the times as American social dynamics evolve into a post-modern era where young black people are no longer focused on the collective struggle for freedom from slavery and segregation, but instead on the individual realization of the capitalist American dream. Or maybe this new rebellious generation is simply no longer interested in being bound by tradition and instead is seeking new ways of relating to God in the new millennium. Whatever the case, this dilemma is the result of a combination of these and myriad other factors which have forced traditional denominations to rethink their approach as it pertains to youth.
In light of this trend, The Right Reverend Dr. Preston W. Williams II, presiding Bishop of the Seventh Episcopal District, has called for a focus on the recruitment and retention of AME youth, as well as the education and development of all youth throughout South Carolina, both inside and outside of the church’s walls. Though, under Bishop Williams’ leadership, the AME Church has established partnerships with more than 80 local and state agencies throughout South Carolina, the following paragraphs offer a brief overview of a few programs which illuminate Bishop Williams’ high level of interest and concern regarding the importance of youth.
Church Visitations
Currently, Bishop Williams is in the process of physically visiting the more than 600 AME Churches throughout South Carolina, an endeavor which has not been attempted by an A.M.E. Bishop within the past 50 years, if ever. During each visitation Bishop Williams has dialogued face-to-face with the local congregants, admonishing them that issues related to the area’s youth must be at the top of each church’s agenda. According to Bishop Williams, “It is ministry in partnership with the Holy Spirit that is an essential component of any successful church.” Thus, Bishop Williams has asked all AME Church’s statewide to focus on children’s and youth ministries by establishing areas in each church, outside of the sanctuary, where babies, toddlers and appropriate aged children can be safely supervised by adults during Sunday service. There, children can play with religious books, games and engage in activities that will help them learn far more than if they were present in the sanctuary listening to a preacher exegete the word of God through a sermon intended for adults. Also, Bishop Williams has sought to break away from the traditional dynamic whereby church stewards and trustees often hold their positions for twenty, thirty and forty consecutive years, making it virtually impossible for young adults to participate in the process of governing the church. Thus, he has suggested that all pastors consider replacing at least one third of their steward and trustee boards with young adults. Bishop Williams states, “In this way young adults are more engaged and empowered and therefore have a greater chance of remaining connected to, instead of alienated from, the church.”
Youth Summits
In reaching out to the youth of South Carolina, both inside and outside the walls of the church, in 2004 Bishop Williams established a series of statewide youth summits which take place between August and October of each year. These summits are open to all children between the ages of 6 to 15 regardless of race, class, gender, religious or non-religious background, and offer an ecumenical opportunity for children to come together and learn about topics and issues essential to their development as healthy Christians. During these summits children are instructed on topics such as: Salvation, the Scriptures, Church Etiquette, and the Parts of the Church, Church History, Manhood, Womanhood, Church Liturgy, Biblical Studies, and Career Exploration. They also worship God through praise teams, mime ministries and other youth oriented activities. Between 2006 and 2008, eighteen youth summits have been conducted throughout South Carolina, with 2,250 adult chaperones and 7,500 children who participated.
Young Adult Initiative (YAI)
In reaching out to the young adults of South Carolina, Bishop Williams established the Young Adult Initiative through which people between the ages of 18 to 40 are provided opportunities to take greater levels of authority and control in ministry. These individuals are able to network and attend courses and workshops designed to enhance their leadership skills in areas such as: Entrepreneurship, Investments, Home Ownership, and Voter Empowerment. Through the YAI, Bishop Williams is creating space in the church for this age demographic by empowering them to do ministry in their own paradigm and cultural context. Bishop Williams states, “Today’s youth possess distinct requirements, concerns and perspectives than older generations. Thus, we must establish creative opportunities for the church to nurture and empower tomorrow’s leaders.”
Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ)
In July 2005, the AME Church and the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) partnered in a collective effort to provide South Carolina's at-risk youth with support and services designed to maximize their potential as positive and productive members of the larger South Carolinian society. Through this collaboration, between 2004 – 2008, four AME Teen After School (TASC) Centers have been established in Greenville, Lexington, Georgetown and Richland Counties; more than 32 AME Auxiliary Probation Officers (APO’s) have been recruited, which represent half of all DJJ APO’s statewide; and $100,000 dollars was pledged by Bishop Williams on behalf of the AME Church as foundational funds for the building of a Community Connections Center at the DJJ institutional complex in Columbia, SC, which was completed September 2008 and which now allows for more private family visitation, enhanced treatment and provides a transitional living area for youth being paroled back into South Carolina’s communities. According to Bishop Williams, “There is no greater gift we can give than our time, energy, resources and love to those who have lost their way. It is our responsibility as Christians and citizens of South Carolina to assist those who are in need. As opposed to locking the door and throwing away the key, we propose encouragement, support and rehabilitation. In helping troubled youth, we help ourselves.” As a result of these and other significant accomplishments stemming from the AME – DJJ partnership, in 2007 Bishop Williams was honored by the DJJ with the Outstanding Community Leader Award.
Eyes on the Child
September 2008, the AME Church, the South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS), and Richland County School District One announced a partnership involving these three organizations entitled “Eyes On The Child (EOTC).” This program was created by Bishop Williams and the SCDSS to provide support to at-risk children so as to enhance their performance in school and promote their overall growth and development. SCDSS and Richland One school officials identify children in need of additional assistance in meeting their educational goals and volunteers from the AME Church are then paired with the students to provide support, guidance and encouragement. Each week, for a minimum of one hour, the volunteer’s role is to visit the child at school, eat lunch with the child, and engage in the interests of that child. Dr. Kathleen Hayes, SCDSS State Director, explains, “We believe this ‘extra’ set of eyes on the child will result in another positive relationship for the child and a more successful educational outcome.” The EOTC program was launched as a pilot program at Weber and Sandel High Schools in Richland County School District One where 20 AME volunteers have mentored 22 youth and in 2010 the program will be implemented statewide.
Through these and other various AME related ministries, programs and partnerships, both inside and outside the walls of the church, Bishop Williams and the Seventh Episcopal District are deeply engaged in an Episcopal ministry that is committed to the betterment of the collective youth of South Carolina. Under Bishop Williams’ tutelage, as the Seventh Episcopal District continues to grow into the full realization that times are changing and children are growing up faster as a result of being exposed to more and different information earlier in life, it is now making a necessary shift in its paradigm of thought and its approach to educating, empowering and evangelizing young people.
*Benjamin Harrison is the Public Relations Director for the 7th District, AME Church
7. YOUTH IN THE SPOTLIGHT: 11TH DISTRICT YPD’ER COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY BECOMES AN OUTSTANDING COLLEGE ENTREPRENEUR:
By: Marissa C. Brown
In today’s society there are many youth and young adults making a positive difference in our world. Many of the youth and young adults are members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
A young, intellectual, an astounding youth of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and presently serving as Communications Secretary of the Eleventh Episcopal District where Bishop McKinley Young serves as the presiding prelate is Brittney L. Laws, the daughter of the Reverend Lorenzo Laws and Mrs. Gerti Laws. The Rev. Lorenzo Laws is the pastor of Mt. Zion AME Church, in Hastings, Florida.
Brittney is a junior at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida. She is majoring in Public Relations/Journalism and has a minor in Business Administration. She hopes to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in 2011. She is a member of the speech and debate team, the activities committee for the junior class and a candidate for Miss Diamond/Miss McQuinn.
Brittany recalls that she was first inspired by her friends, instructors and classmates. As a hobby she would bake cookies for her friends and they would tell her how good the cookies were and that she, needed to market the cookies. She accepted their advice and proceeded to do so and now she is an outstanding entrepreneur.
She has set the pace at Florida A&M, the Tallahassee, Florida community with her competitive spirit as a public relations and business major. Her God-given talent in baking cookies has inspired her to become an entrepreneur. She says, "I will utilize my business Administration degree in further operating my business on a global level after graduation."
She has advertised on Facebook for advertising and communications in marketing her product.
8. DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT - IT’S YOUR CHOICE:
The Rev. Frederick Eugene Hale
Debbie and I ate dinner at the local Chinese restaurant this weekend with our youngest grandson. For some reason I didn’t consume my fortune cookie until today while waiting for Sister Debbie who was shopping for quilt material. Lo and behold this cookie actually had a saying worth remembering and even passing on to those who might read these words. “Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.”
How much of our unhappiness is because we fret, worry and forget to lean on Jesus! Yes it is simplistic but it’s true we are responsible for our own happiness.
The Rev. Frederick Eugene Hale
9. I DON’T OR I CAN’T:
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts
There are many of us who are quick to proclaim “I don’t do that anymore.” But in reality we can’t do that, whatever it is, anymore. We give the impression that we have reformed and now living a pious life. Very few of us ever acknowledge that we can’t. There is a phrase that I coined some years ago, in matter of fact, I did a sermon on it and that is, “Do what you can, while you can, before you can’t.” You are welcome to use it if you desire.
The preacher in the book of Ecclesiastes stated it this way:
Remember now thy creator in the days of thy youth while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say I have no pleasure in them. Ecclesiastes 12:1
Paul echoed somewhat the same when he wrote to the Galatians and admonished them, “As we have therefore opportunity…” Galatians 6:10
There are things I would like to continue doing but I can’t. I would like to walk eighteen holes of golf, but I can’t. I would like to bowl four or five games per week, but I can’t. I would like to continue walking four miles a day, but I can’t. Its not that I don’t want to, I just can’t. So since I can’t I don’t.
When the preacher mentioned the evil days he was speaking about the intrusion of those “Itis boys.” I am sure you know them or heard of them. If you haven’t, just keep on living – I am referring to, Bursitis, Neuritis and Arthritis - those boys don’t play. When they jump on you, there is nothing you can say, but “I can’t.”
It is nothing to be ashamed of to admit that you can’t. But it is a pity that you didn’t do what you should have done when you could have done it. But we must not use our disabilities as a means of proclaiming “holiness.” Some of us would still be doing what we have been doing if we could but we can’t. Sometimes our disabilities serve to get our attention and to remind us that we didn’t do what we should have done when we could have done it. I repeat, “Do what you can while you can, before you can’t”.
While you have a good job and making money you should give as you ought. While you have the voice to sing, sing while you can.
While you have the opportunity to visit the sick, do it.
While you have the opportunity to go to Bible study, go.
While you have the opportunity to bless somebody do it.
The Priest and the Levite blew their opportunity along the Jericho road. The rich man who lived sumptuously blew his opportunity.
Let’s face it, some of us would still be going out to “shake a leg” if we could, but we can’t, but we say we don’t as if we have changed.
So I admonish you to “Do what you can, while you can, before you can’t. But do it all to the glory of God.
A bit of humor:
The Sunday school teacher was teaching about the man who fell among thieves and was robbed. The teacher asked the class, why did the Priest and the Levite crossed over to the other side of the street. A young boy in the back of the class said they crossed over to the other side because they saw that the man was already robbed.
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts is a retired AME pastor who lives in Eatonville, Florida
10. EPISCOPACY AND CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES:
- Our sincere felicitations to Bishop Wilfred Jacobus Messiah, Presiding Prelate of the Fifteenth Episcopal District, to the Rev. Paul J.R. Messiah, pastor of Zion Worcester in the Western Cape and the Rev. William Charles Legolie II, pastor of Metropolitan Mitchells Plain, Cape Town, South Africa, who celebrated their 30th anniversary in the ministry recently. We are thankful unto the Lord for their commitment to His service and the African Methodist Episcopal Church shown over the past years. God still uses fallible men and women to bring sinners to repentance and these fine gentlemen have proved no exception. May they continue to be an example to all those who would follow Christ and commit their lives to His service in this manner.
Congratulatory responses can be emailed to:
Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah: wjmessiah2004@yahoo.com
The Rev. Paul J. R. Messiah: revpaulmessiah@yahooco.uk
The Rev. Charles Legolie II: vaame@mweb.co.za
- Presiding Elder James D. Holmes and Mrs. Hermine L Holmes of the Greenville-Greenwood District of the Eighth Episcopal District will celebrate their 40th Wedding Anniversary on Saturday, July 25, 2009 at 5:00 pm at the Faith Community African Methodist Episcopal Church in Southaven, Mississippi.
Congratulatory responses can be emailed to: herminebh@yahoo.com
- Congratulations to the Reverend Roger O. Alford in receiving his Doctorate in Theology and Biblical Studies. The Reverend Roger O. Alford is the Presiding Elder of the Lawton District-Oklahoma Conference of the 12th Episcopal District, Bishop Samuel Lawrence Green, Presiding Prelate.
Congratulatory responses can be emailed to: ralford11@yahoo.com
- The Rev. Dr. Benjamin N. Thomas, Sr. and Mrs. Beverly Thomas announce the marriage of their son, Mr. Benjamin N. Thomas, Jr. to Miss Tamara Garrison. This joyous occasion took place on Saturday, June 20, 2009. Benjamin Jr., is a graduate of Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana (Accounting) with Virgo Publishing Company, and is presently a student at the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) Seminary and also serves as the Young Adult Minister at Tanner Chapel A.M.E. Church. Benjamin Jr. is a candidate for ordination as an Itinerant Deacon. The new Mrs. Tamara Thomas is a graduate of Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles, California (Choral Conducting) and presently teaches music at the NFL Academy and also serves as the musician for the Young Adult Praise team and Jewel Choir.
The Rev. Benjamin N. Thomas, Sr. is the Senior Pastor of Tanner Chapel A.M.E. Church in Phoenix, Arizona and Mrs. Thomas is the Fifth Episcopal District WMS President.
Congratulatory responses can be emailed to: tgarrison11@gmail.com
- Congratulations and commendations are extended to the Reverend Lorenzo Laws, pastor of Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church in Hastings, Florida. Pastor Laws is a May 16, 2009 graduate of Asbury Theological Seminary, Orlando, Florida, earning the Masters of Divinity Degree. Pastor Laws is also a graduate of Bethune Cookman University, Daytona Beach, Florida and is the proud husband of Mrs. Gerti Laws and father of Brittney L. Laws, a junior at Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Florida.
On behalf of your family, friends, clergy and members of Mt. Zion AMEC we salute you on this wonderful accomplishment.
Congratulations may be sent to: llaws5@bellsouth.net
11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mr. James Owens, Sr., who passed on July 24, 2009. He is the father of Rev. James Owens, Jr., Local Elder and Associate Minister at Bethel A.M.E. Church in Knoxville, Tennessee, East Tennessee Conference.
Service arrangements for Mr. James Owens, Sr:
The funeral has been held.
Condolences may be mailed to:
The Rev. James Owens, Jr.
C/O Bethel A.M.E. Church
2460 Parkview Avenue
Knoxville, Tennessee, 37917
12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mrs. Cynthia E. Woolridge, the mother of Rev. Trevor E. Woolridge, pastor of Bethel AME Church, Lansdowne, PA (Philadelphia Conference, South District). The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. Trevor E. Woolridge
41 Northgate Village
Burlington, NJ 08016
Or
Bethel AME Church
122B Bartram Avenue
Lansdowne, PA 19050
FAX: 441-293-2576
Email: mpofbda@aol.com or bethelamec@verizon.net
13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Family of the Reverend Sarah Eversley announces her passing on Wednesday, July 8, 2009. After blessing us through her life works for 95 years, she will be deeply missed by family and friends.
Services held for the Reverend Sarah Eversley, Local Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and mother of Josephine (Eversley) Lambert and mother-in-law of the Reverend Dr. Colin Marae Lambert (2nd Episcopal District):
The funeral has been held
Expressions of sympathy may be emailed to: jolambert53@yahoo.com
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
