Bishop Richard Franklin Norris - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder
Daylight Time changes to Standard Time changes this weekend. Set your clocks back one hour.
1. EDITORIAL – BAD HABITS ARE HARD TO BREAK:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III,
The 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder
I love learning new things and I love being updated on words I thought I was pronouncing correctly. I love words and words intrigue me. I love speaking with, and corresponding with people who love words and language.
I wrote an editorial in the October 15, 2009 issue of The Christian Recorder Online entitled, “Some quirks and a bit of sharing I hope will be helpful.” The editorial pointed out some common mistake in the misuse of and mispronunciation of some ecclesiastical terms.
The editorial precipitated a Letter to the Editor from Ms. Carol A. Bowie, the Director of Lay Activities at Oak Grove AME Church in Detroit, Michigan, who pointed out several other terms preachers and members of the congregation misuse and mispronounce; one of which, is the word, “grievous.” Ms. Bowie pointed out in her letter that the root word in the General Confession, “grievous” has only two syllables, which many preachers and parishioners mispronounce by the misplacement of the “i” that results in the articulation of a nonexistent, three-syllable word, “grevious.” I have even heard, “grievously,” which has three-syllable pronounced with four syllables (griev-i-ous-ly) at connectional meetings and at annual conferences. I think that a whole lot of us are guilty.
I responded to Mrs. Bowie with a slightly embarrassed smile in my mind, because I, preachers and parishioners, and even bishops across the AME connection have been guilty of making “grievously,” a three syllable word into a four syllable word - griev-i-ous-ly.
I have heard the four syllable pronunciation in The General Confession as far back as I can remember, and upon receiving Mrs. Bowie’s letter, not that I doubted her, but I immediately went to the dictionary and “voila,” she was absolutely correct. I don’t plan to make that mistake again.
We are approaching the first Sunday and AMEs across the United States, the Caribbean, South America, the Continent of Africa, and Europe will be leading the service of Holy Communion, this might be good time, for those of us who are speaking English, to correct our pronunciation of the word, “grievously,” and instead of making it a four syllable word correctly pronounce it with three syllables – griev-ous-ly.
Now, for all of us who have been mispronouncing the word, and I am included in that number, the correction might be easier said than done because each time I typed the word, “grievously” in this editorial, in my mind, I made that three syllable word, four syllables. “Bad habits are hard to break,” but I am going to break this one.
In speaking about pronunciation of ecclesiastical terms, a couple of other words came to mind.
Te Deum. The first pronunciation I heard of Te Deum was, tedium. I had taken Latin and that pronunciation didn’t sound right to me, so I immediately looked up the pronunciation of that “hymn of praise” and the pronunciation: tā-dā-əm / tē-dē-am / tā dā oom.
Cherub. Another common mistake is putting an “s” on the plural word of cherubim. Cherub is the singular of “cherubim.”
Seraphim - a word that gives new preachers trouble; can be used in the plural or singular. The plural of “seraphim” does not take an “s”. Sometimes seraph may be used as the singular of seraphim and seraphs may be used as the plural of seraph. The term, Seraphim, does not require an “s” to make it plural.
An excellent website for looking up words and hearing the pronunciations or the words you look up:
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/
Bad habits are hard to break, but in this age of high speed information, it’s important that we are diligent in the care of language and proper pronunciation of words, and especially those words that relate to our faith.
2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
- To the Editor:
RE: Correction of Congratulatory email address
Mr. Ali Holness' email is Ali_Holness@yahoo.com. The email address has an underscore instead of a hyphen as appeared in Bishop White’s news release.
The Rev. Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness
Pastor, Christ Our Redeemer AMEC (DC)
920 Euclid Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
- To the Editor:
I would love to learn how to pronounce the names of our churches that have African names. Perhaps our brothers and sisters from the continent of Africa could help us by including in parentheses the correct pronunciation and perhaps a hint of the meaning of the names so that we who have never traveled in Africa can appreciate the significance of the church names. I would expect that different countries might pronounce the same words differently.
If there are any general rules of pronunciation, please share them also; then perhaps, by the grace of God, when I travel to Africa, I can at least greet my fellows AMEs correctly.
The Rev. Al Paris, retired AME pastor
3. THE RECOVERY EFFORT OF WILBERFORCE UNIVERSITY:
Chancellor C. Garnett Henning, ’57
President Patricia Hardaway, ’69
Dr. Jamye Coleman Williams ’38
Wilberforce University is on the road to recovery and needs your help as it surmounts a huge financial hurdle in the wake.
Opportunities abound with new corporate relationships and the potential for additional grants to strengthen the academic offering. For instance, several companies and organizations with whom we had not had strong relations were sponsors of the Wilberforce President’s Inaugural Dinner in September. A $3 million grant over a six-year period for the graduate Rehabilitation Counseling program was just awarded by the U.S. Department of Education.
Yet, declining enrollment, the key source of revenue through tuition and fees, and the absence of a concerted fundraising effort over the past several years are crippling the University’s efforts to move forward. Now enrollment stands at 676, down from 795 students last year.
President Patricia L. Hardaway, ’69, who took office last spring, is working to reduce a projected cash flow shortfall of $3 million for the 2009-2010 year. An additional $1 million must be raised by March, 2010, in order to meet the minimum reserve that is required by the federal Department of Education for continued participation in the Title IV Financial Aid Program.
Without additional income, the University could fail to meet its operating responsibilities and ultimately lose federal and state funds. That also would hinder Wilberforce’s chance of reaffirmation of its academic accreditation next spring by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Ultimately, Wilberforce needs to raise an additional $3 million each of the next three years to stabilize and operate effectively.
Serious cost reduction measures were implemented last year and have continued in the 2009-2010 fiscal year. Some essential positions have remained unfilled.
A series of fundraising events already have been held, including an Inaugural Dinner in Dayton that grossed $68,750 from sponsors and patrons. The event sold out with more than 400 corporate, community, alumni and staff attendees.
A joint benefit golf tournament is scheduled between Wilberforce and the historic Clearview Golf Club. Wilberforce alumnus William Powell has owned and operated the club since 1946. He recently received the PGA’s Distinguished Service Award for his efforts to integrate the golf industry. The tournament will be held at the course in Canton, OH, on June 18 and 19 of 2010.
Wilberforce University from its inception has been a child of faith. Bishop Daniel Alexander Payne in 1863 purchased Wilberforce on faith from the Methodist Episcopal Church—which had founded it in 1856—for a sum of $10,000 to be paid later. Through the years its survival has been fraught with numerous challenges. Wilberforce, once called the Crown Jewel of African Methodism, is the oldest private coeducational African American institution of higher learning.
Wilberforce University is a survivor:
- It survived a fire that destroyed its main building on the same night in 1865 when President Lincoln was assassinated.
- It survived a severe financial crisis in 1885 which prompted President John G. Mitchell to appeal to the State of Ohio for aid, the result of which was the establishing of the Combined Normal and Industrial Department which later became the College or Education.
- It survived the “split” from the State in 1947 and overcame efforts of the State unit to use the name Wilberforce.
Today with God’s continued blessings, the support of the Board of Trustees, loyal alumni, faculty, students, and friends it will continue to survive and thrive. At this moment in history we are appealing to all of our public to respond to our recovery efforts.
Your generous contribution is of urgent importance. Please contribute or make a pledge by November 6, 2009. You may make a donation in a number of ways:
- Write a check to Wilberforce University and note Wilberforce Recovery for a lump sum. Mail to Wilberforce University, P.O. Box 1001, 1055 N. Bickett Road, Wilberforce, OH 45384-1001;
- Pledge an amount over time that will be paid in weekly, quarterly or annual amounts and submit the first payment now by credit card or PayPal;
- Arrange for payroll deductions;
- Make a donation by credit card at www.Wilberforce.edu. Click on Contribute to WU, to prompt the donation screen.
- Contact Mrs. Pat Polk, gift recorder at 937-708-5250 or ppolk@wilberforce.edu , to set up installments.
4. “JUST THE BEGINNING”: THE 25TH PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE REVEREND WILLIAM D. WATLEY, PH.D.:
“Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching” (Timothy 5:17).
By Tracey L. Cooper-Singleton
The love in the room for the Reverend Dr. William D. Watley’s 25th Anniversary Gala was palpable. The venue, Westmount Country Club in West Paterson, NJ was filled with guests from across the nation and as far as Barbados.
All were assembled to honor the man who Bishop T.D. Jakes coined the “Inn Keeper.” Bishop Jakes revealed that Rev. Watley was like the Inn Keeper from the story of the “Good Samaritan.” Bishop Jakes marveled at the staying power and consistency of the not too oft spoke of fourth character, the “Inn Keeper.” The Good Samaritan was likened to an evangelist who ministers to the wounds for week while the Inn Keeper was the one who provides long term care for the weak and afflicted. “What good is an ambulance if there is no hospital?” Bishop Jakes asked. We all praised God for this message but especially for our Inn Keeper of 25 years who keeps the inn open often at great personal sacrifice. We found it very befitting for a man who will not allow his members to leave the Church until we all have asked our neighbors, “Are you saved?” and/or “Do you need a Church home?” and he finally gives a resounding “Last Call” that usually encourages a new soul (or two or three or four...) to enter the inn.
This memorable evening held nothing but merriment, tears, and salutations for a man who has dedicated his life to serving the Lord, his family, and his community; a man who has down through the years kept the gates of St. James open to saints, seekers, and sinners. He is a model Pastor and teacher who has tripled membership, doubled weekly worship services, penned a number of books, founded St. James Prep (soon to be Visions Academy), created St. James Social Services, and has increased the annual church income by 700%!!! He is a man that has vowed and upheld the promise to always come before his congregants “prepared, trustworthy, and filled with integrity” as he handles the business of St. James AME Church. He is dutifully honestly and candid about both dreams deferred and dreams realized in his life and the life of the Church. Reverend Watley is a visionary and consistently reminds us that “God has vision for our lives that greater than any vision we can have for ourselves or others can have for us.” His achievements are world-renowned and he is considered a “world class” preacher and teacher.
This tremendous honor was echoed by Bishop Richard Franklin Norris and the host of people who celebrated him on Thursday, October 1st. The night was made memorable by countless details that were tirelessly put together by various St. James ministries, members, and leaders. Reverend Raquel St. Clair, Ph.D., Executive Minister and Sister Tanya Blue (chairpersons) orchestrated a beautiful symphony of volunteers, who worked harmoniously to make the night unforgettable.
One of the major highlights of the evening was an awesome eight minute video created by Rev. Babydoll Kennedy and Mr. Ruben Hughes, which captured a lifetime of faithfulness and ministry throughout his 25 year tenure at St. James AME Church. The tear jerking moment for us all, was that it featured voiceovers from Pastor Watley’s deceased father, the late Rev. Matthew A. Watley. It is evident that Pastor Watley’s life mirrors his father’s and that he is a prodigy that was groomed by his loving Christian parents, the Rev. Matthew and Mrs. Marian Watley, who must be well pleased with their son.
The night was also very endearing because his lovely wife of 41 years, Muriel Watley, children Jennifer and Matthew, and a host of family members were able to celebrated 25 years of service and affirm that this is “Just The Beginning” of God’s plans for Pastor William D. Watley.
5. STATE OF THE COUNTRY: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
The Right Rev. T. Larry Kirkland, Presiding Prelate
Mrs. Mary Kirkland, Episcopal Supervisor
Why Do People Hate President Obama?
The household was up so early that cold morning in Virginia that it was still dark outside. The excitement was tangible; three generations of Black Folks gathered by history, by love, by relationship. Bound by membership in the great connection (the A.M.E. Church) and by their great affection for Barack Obama, they had gathered from the east coast to the west coast on January 20, 2009. The children laughed and danced around their elders, the elders smiled and glanced around, Lord, the day had finally come. Grandchildren, great grandchildren, great- great grandchildren of slaves placed layer upon layer of clothing on their feet, hands, heads and bodies to ward off the freezing cold, they would be standing out in the Washington D.C. Mall for hours. The time to leave had come; there was prayer, then a mass exodus to the cars, then the bus, then the train. Three hours on the Metro was not too long…for they were going to see the first African American inaugurated as President of the United States of America.
Ten months later, at a town hall meeting in New Orleans, President Obama is asked one last question, this time by one Tyren Scott, a fourth grader. Master Scott, asked a question no doubt in the minds of the children who had gathered for the inauguration, the children who had personally witnessed the love and joy in the air in our nation’s capital, who had seen black people and brown people and white people gather together in a sense of wonder that the moment had finally come, that a knife had been struck into the heart of racism. Tyren asked the President, “Why do people hate you? And why, aren’t they supposed to love you, if God is Love?” Our President, gracious and wise as usual, assured Tyren that not everybody hated him, he was elected after all. He then explained a bit about politics and hard times and let Tyren know that he, the President, was a tough guy. He could handle it.
We know Mr. Obama can handle it, but we must explore the question more deeply. Why do people hate Barack Obama? This is a phenomenon that has been building since January 20, 2009. It is finally out in the open, “out of the mouth of babes.” What has been happening in the dark is coming to the light. There is a backlash sweeping across our country. There is hatred sweeping across our country. Threats on the life of our president are higher than ever, meanness abounds in the land. If God is love, then God is not in the midst of the bigots hiding behind “politics” as usual. What has happened since January? We will examine this dark cloud of hatred by looking at political issues, historical lessons, and the psychological impact of behavior. And after all is said and done, conclude that there may be reasons for this hatred, but “No excuse!”
Mr. Obama told Tyren that politics was one of the reasons that it seemed that everybody hated him. Currently there are several areas that arouse great debate: the economy, health care reform, war, the Nobel Prize, and Fox News. It seems that the Haters have short memories. Didn’t our President inherit an economy that was in the tank, didn’t our president inherit two wars, and didn’t our president inherit a healthcare crisis? Not only do the Haters have short memories, they also have devalued the labor of our President so that one would think that he has had de minimus impact on these issues. Yet, Lucia Mutikani just recently reported for Reuters on Monday October 12, 2009 “That the worst U.S. recession since the Great Depression has ended.” She goes on to report that the labor market is still struggling and so the pace of recovery is will be slowed. But ten months after taking office economists are saying the Recession Mr. Obama inherited is over. No one would believe that if they listened to the Haters.
No one would believe that there is a healthcare crisis either, if they listened to the Haters. But I just read recently that a mother in Missouri, donated her kidney to her son, and as a result, now has a pre-existing condition that bars her from obtaining medical insurance. The Congressional Black Congress wrote to Mr. Obama stating “As Members of Congress who represent the men, women and children who are disproportionately under –and uninsured, and whose health and wellness have suffered because of the numerous gaps in our nation’s health care system, we are deeply concerned… “The Haters have insurance. So they have devalued its necessity.
The awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize brought out the true art of devaluation in the Haters. The Washington Post was replete with articles, even reporting that Mr. Obama’s odds of winning were 25 to 1. Newsweek reporter Christopher Hitchens wrote on October 14, 2009, that Mr. Obama was under qualified or perhaps overrated as he was given the Nobel for good intentions not yet to be translated into hard facts. However, the Nobel Jury simply responded “we simply disagree that he has done nothing. He got the prize for what he has done”, further stating that Mr. Obama reached out to the Muslim world and “modified” a Bush-era proposal for an anti-missile shield in Europe. In speaking to fellow citizens and persons of color who do business in Europe and Asia, I have heard that it is now easier to negotiate and be looked at as a true partner as the world seems to trust America more since Barack Obama’s election. Perhaps the Haters devalued the modification of the Anti-Missile shield and its previous threat to world peace because they don’t live or work in Europe!
Historically however, the Haters do not have a ground to stand on, here or in Europe. How quickly we forget. But it was Martin Luther King Jr. himself who said while accepting the Nobel that while he accepted the award, “22 million Negroes of the USA were engaged in creative battle to end the long night of racial injustice… I must ask why this prize is awarded to a movement which is beleaguered and committed to unrelenting struggle: to a movement which has not won the very peace and brotherhood which is the essence of the Nobel Prize?”He concluded that the Jury acted in “recognition that nonviolence is not sterile passivity but a powerful moral force which makes for social transformation.”
Students of history are also aware that social transformation can be accompanied by extreme cognitive dissonance. Psychologists say that this state occurs when someone holds two contradictory ideas simultaneously. Psychologist Leon Festinger originally studied this phenomenon of decision making. It is important because it could be the reason that people hate Barack Obama. We gladly inaugurated Mr. Obama on the 20th of January, but by the 21st, some folks probably started thinking, “What have I done?” You see they held two contradictory ideas, they hated George Bush and they were racists. They voted for Mr. Obama because they disliked Bush so much they “overlooked” the President’s race. Nonetheless, according to former president Jimmy Carter, “That racism inclination still exists. And I think it’s bubbled up to the surface because of the belief among many white people, not just in the South but around the country, that African Americans are not qualified to lead this great country”. Mr. Carter has gone on to say “I think an overwhelming portion of the intensely demonstrated animosity toward President Barack Obama is based on the fact that he is a black man.” Sharon Begley, Science Editor for Newsweek, recently reported that “when people experience cognitive dissonance, it turns out, brain activity causes us to back and fill mentally” In other words, when our contradictory belief systems cause us mental and emotional pain, we find ways around them. For instance, we devalue and minimize the contradictory belief. We rationalize and become hypocrites. That is how the Haters justify their voting for Mr. Obama yet now “hate” him. They gave him ten months to solve the problems of the world after all, ten months to clean up eight years of George W. Bush. Yes, people hate President Obama because they are hypocrites. Under it all, they are still racists.
How shall we conclude then to young Tyren’s astute question? Well Tyren, unfortunately little man, the Haters are unwilling to examine their true motives. But remember, Martin Luther King Jr. accepted his Nobel Peace Prize “with an abiding faith in America and an audacious faith in the future of mankind.” Mr. Obama has transformed his faith into an audacious hope and has said of his hope in the Black Church that “we were able to see faith as more than just a comfort to the weary or a hedge against death, it was an active, palpable agent in the world” As an agent of this hope, President Obama will accept his Nobel Peace Prize as well. Don’t worry about the Haters Tyren; we will continue to uncover them for who they are and what they are. They may have reasons to hate the President, but no Excuse. Mr. Obama has unleashed the agent of change and it will not be stopped; for he too has set loose “a powerful moral force which makes for social transformation”
SUBMITTED BY STATE OF THE COUNTRY COMMITTEE:
The Rev. Kelvin Calloway, Chair
The Rev. Delman Howard
The Rev. Kenneth Baker
The Rev. Roosevelt Lindsey
The Rev. Clyde Oden
The Rev. Cheryl K. Tucker
The Rev. Timothy Coston Sr
The Rev. Donnell Miles
The Rev. Harrison Ridgeway
The Rev. Gayle Davis-Culp
Delegates: Johnson Chapel, Santa Ana, First A.M.E./L.A., Grant/L.A.
Written by the Rev. Cheryl K. Tucker
6. SOME CHURCHES ARE FORCED TO MAKE BRICKS WITHOUT STRAW:
The Rev. Helen Rogers
Question: What does the Exodus account of Pharaoh’s mandate to the Hebrew slaves concerning their making bricks from meager straw that they had to gather; the Grimm fairytale, Rumpelstiltskin, about the poor miller's daughter, whose life depended on her spinning straw into gold; and the expectations of small AME Church pastors have in common?
Answer: Each is unreasonable, unfair, and unrealistic.
We are left to imagine the success of the Hebrew slaves as no actual follow-up is given concerning their success or lack of. The mysterious intervention of an equally mysterious 'little man' named Rumpelstiltskin saved the life of the poor miller's daughter.
The threat of pastors "being referred to the ministerial efficiency committee" when they cannot singularly increase membership rolls and make "round reports" at annual conference continues as a source of unreasonableness; unfair and unrealistic intimidation. It should not remain as an unresolved issue.
Church growth and planning authorities and researchers such as Osmer and Schaller validate the existence of three distinct types of churches based on size: small, middle-sized, and large.
Why, then the primary impetus toward becoming ever larger? Is larger necessarily always better within the framework of Christianity as based on both the Gospels and early church accounts? Is the numerical growth a real indicator of pastoral effectiveness?
Growth requires outreach and outreach requires resources.
Small AME churches that are in maintenance and survival mode are nonetheless expected to meet financial expectations / assessments on both the district and the connectional levels.
Small churches are expected to send pastors and delegates to conferences, which require them to take extra offerings. They are expected to contribute to birthdays, anniversaries, and other special days in the lives of their ecclesiastical leaders. They must plan ongoing projects, programs, and activities to raise revenue; they also must resort to the indignity of begging when necessary.
Their dreams and visions for local church repairs and improvements that would help to create a more appealing place of worship are unfulfilled because of the constant requirement to raise presiding elder district, conference and connectional funds. And when financial obligations fall short and membership increases are not reported, pressure and intimidation are forthcoming, as with the Hebrew slaves and the poor miller's daughter.
The most appalling scenario is the issue of the report of a local church, whose roof collapsed. According to the pastor, the financial situation allowed for either paying for repairing the roof or paying the financial assessments. I am afraid that most pastors would choose the latter; pay the assessment and let the rood stay in disrepair and hope that no one gets injured as a result of not repairing the roof. The pastor who paid the assessment would be commended for his/her leadership even though he or she left the roof in disrepair.
Such scenarios are truly mind-boggling. They defy common sense and refute all known leadership principles.
So, what exactly are the criteria for pastoral leadership?
I hope and pray we will begin to consider our priorities and ways we can help small struggling churches.
7. THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER BOOK CLUB:
The following books have been recommended by the Rev. Gloria Sydnor Smith, J.D.:
1. Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership (Gary L. McIntosh & Samuel D. Rima, Sr.)
2. Divine Guidance, Seeking to Find and Follow the Will of God (Susan Muto & Adrian van Kaam)
3. Christ Plays In Ten Thousand Places (Eugene H. Peterson)
Editor’s Note: I want to start a new column that recommends books and periodicals for pastors and parishioners. Most of us need to read more. I will share the books recommended from AMEs from Episcopal Districts 1-20. Please, no self-promotion of books by authors.
8. CHOPSTICKS MAKE LIFE LOOK EASY:
By Diane Allen, St. James AME Bradley
Sixth Episcopal District
Jonathan and Joshua are the bright lights in our lives. It is part of our duty as parents to absolutely adore them and everything they do. As a parent, I think it is also ones job to think that everything your child says and does is the cutest, most awesome and phenomenal thing and that no other child could possibly live up to it simply because they are not as cute or as smart or as personable as your child.
Every now and then, they actually say or do something that does not get the “seriously folks, you had to be there” response when you relive it. Seriously, every now and then, if as parents, we will close our mouths we can learn something from our children.
Shortly after our family relocated to the Washington DC/Virginia area, we went out to celebrate my birthday. The boys were 2½ and 5-years-old. In the Allen family, when it is your birthday, you get to choose the restaurant, so we went to a Chinese restaurant in Arlington, Va. Since we were not familiar with the restaurants in the area, my selection was based on observation as we entered the front door. All the tables had candles and table cloths and it was about half full with families on a Friday night, so we went inside for dinner.
As my husband and I were considering the menu items, our sons were observing the people at the other tables and noticed they were eating with sticks…chopsticks. We explained as best we could that this was an ancient tradition in the Chinese culture. The boys thought that was cool and asked if they could eat with them too. I asked the server to bring us chopsticks and of course they did.
Now, here is the part that was amazing. Our sons, ages 2½ and 5 took the chopsticks out of the package, positioned them in their little hands and began to eat their food with them, very successfully. I must also add that they made it look easy.
We sat in amazement and observed them for a few minutes. It dawned on me that since we never told them that they would not be able to do this, they had no idea what a challenge eating with chopsticks is to most adults, like their mom and dad.
There are so many valuable lessons in that experience and from time to time something will happen and I am reminded of that evening in the Chinese restaurant in Arlington, Virginia.
The most valuable lesson I got out of that evening was that we are usually taught what we can or cannot do. Just imagine what new ideas, the technological advances, medical cures or achievements the world may have missed thus far simply because someone told someone else that they could not, should not or had not been taught how to do something.
Ultimately, we don’t know what we don’t know and we should all make the effort not to teach our children what “we think” they do not know. Train them on the possibilities, not the impossible.
9. THE 135TH SESSION OF THE WEST TENNESSEE ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
*Licentiate Wesley Stovall, South Memphis District Reporter
The 135th Session of the West Tennessee Annual Conference was held in Memphis, Tennessee with Presiding Prelate, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie; Supervisor of Missions, Mr. Stan McKenzie; two presiding elders: the Rev. Linda Faye Thomas Martin, host Presiding Elder of the South Memphis District; and the Rev. C. Robert Finch, co-host Presiding Elder of the North Memphis District. The Rev. Eric
Knowles, pastor of Ward AME Church was the host pastor.
The West Tennessee Annual Conference began on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 with the Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) meeting at Ward Chapel AME Church with two business sessions and Hour of Power.
While the Women’s Missionary Society was conducting their business, the members of clergy were in a mandatory meeting that dealt with sexual harassment. The meeting was held at New Tyler African Methodist Episcopal Church where the Rev. Charlene Boone-Hinson serves as pastor. The sexual harassment training is required because of the new law in the African Methodist Episcopal Church that requires all clergy be trained and certified as having received training about the issues surrounding sexual misconduct. The WMS Night in White was held Tuesday night.
During the WMS Night in White, Mrs. Mary T. Jones, First Vice President of the West Tennessee WMS, was the Worship Leader. The Opening Hymn was “How To Reach The Masses” and lead by Mrs. Rita Nelson; the Invocation was done by Mrs. Mary Robinson; the Scripture was read by Mrs. Carolyn Perkins; Ward Chapel AME Church Choir sang a choral selection; the Litany for the 2009 Torchbearers was read responsively by Mrs. Geraline McDonald; the offering received by WMS Finance Committee; and the Induction of the West Tennessee Conference Silver Torch Bearers was done by Mrs. Gloria Whitehead and Ms. Lesa C. Halfacre, 13th District WMS President. After the induction of the 2009 Silver Torch Bearers, Mr. Stan McKenzie, Supervisor of Missions challenged the Women’s Missionary Society to continue the work of the Church. After Supervisor McKenzie’s challenge, the Ward Chapel AME Church Choir sang and remarks were given by Ms. Gwendolyn Dillihunt, West Tennessee Conference WMS President; Ms. Lesa Halfacre, 13th District WMS President, and Supervisor Stan McKenzie. The WMS Night in White concluded with the Missionary Benediction.
The next day on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 the West Tennessee Annual Conference reconvened and began with Bishop Vashti McKenzie meeting with the students of the Board of Examiners. The devotion was lead by members of the Board of Examiners. The Business Session convened at approximately 10 a.m. with the Roll Call read by Conference Secretary, the Rev. Barbara Green. The Organization of the Conference was given and the boundaries of the West Tennessee Annual Conference were set. The Presiding Elders gave summaries of their finance report. The Business Session of the Conference was followed by the Nehemiah Nation, Hour of Power.
The Nehemiah Nation Hour of Power began at 12 noon with the Rev. Clay Holliday, Senior, worship leader. The Rev. George Turks, pastor of St. Paul-Memphis AME Church lead the Opening Hymn. The Rev. Eric Knowles, host pastor lead the Call To Worship; the Rev. William Smith, pastor of Browns Chapel AME Church lead the Hymn of Praise: the Invocation was given by the Rev. Perry Herman, pastor of Saltillio Circuit; the Scripture was read by the Rev. Marcus Rogers, pastor, Palestine AME Church; the Sons of Allen sang a spirited choral selection; the introduction of the preacher was given by Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie; the sermonic selection was lined by the Rev. Walter Cox, pastor of Wilson Chapel AME Church; the Sermon and Invitation was given by the Rev. Kirk W. Ridley, pastor of Avery Chapel AME Church. Ward Chapel AME Church hosted the luncheon, which was held at the Hilton hotel, the venue for the West Tennessee Conference.
After lunch, the Clergy and Lay Institute was led by the General Secretary of the AME Church, the Rev. Dr. Clement W. Fugh. Dr. Fugh discussed the new laws in The Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 2008. Dr. Clement Fugh is a candidate for the Episcopacy.
After the Clergy and Lay Institute, the Opening Worship Service and Holy Communion began at 7:30 p.m.
The Opening Worship Service began with the Processional Hymn, “Rejoice, Ye Pure In Heart” lined by the Rev. Willie Williams, pastor of Mt. Sinai AME Church; Presiding Elder Linda Faye Thomas Martin was the worship leader; the Call To Worship was lead by the Rev. Eric Knowles, host pastor; the Hymn of Praise, “And Are We Yet Alive,” was lined by the Rev. Kenneth S. Robinson, M.D., pastor, St. Andrews AME Church; the First Collect was read by the Rev. Gregory McCollins, pastor of Mt. Zion AME Church; the Second Collect was read by the Rev. Walter Perkins, pastor of Saulter’s Chapel AME Church; the Prayer of Adoration and Choral Response was lead by the Rev. Willie Williams, pastor, Mt. Sinai AME Church; the Old Testament Scripture was read by the Rev. Anthony Branch, Pastor, Mt. Herman AME Church; the New Testament Scripture was read by the Rev. Charlene Boone Hinson; the Decalogue, Choral Interlude, and Gloria Patri was lead by the Rev. I. W. Booker, pastor of Mt. Pisgah AME Church; and Ward Chapel AME Church Choir set the Hilton Memphis on fire with their Holy Ghost filled singing; the congregation shouted and praised God. The presence of the Holy Spirit could be felt by everyone in attendance.
Feeling the presence of the Holy Spirit, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie presented the preacher of the Annual Sermon, the Rev. Quinten L. Smith, pastor of Greater Payne AME Church. Rev. Smith’s text came from Joshua 3:1-13 with the title, “Crossing Jordan Won’t be Easy, but it Can be Done.” Rev. Smith gave examples of difficult things that had happened in the past that people thought could not be accomplished. One example given was the election of the Right Rev. Vashti Murphy McKenzie, the first elected and consecrated female bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church; St. Paul AME Church being moved from one side of town to another; and Barack Obama becoming the first African-American President of the United States of America.
After the annual sermon, the Invitation to accept Christ was given by the Rev. Darrell Scott, pastor, New Lewis AME Church; the Offering was lead by the Rev. Barbara Green, pastor and the Finance Committee.
After announcements by host pastor, The Gathering for Holy Communion began with the hymn, “Let Us Break Bread Together.” The Solicitation for Holy Communion was given by Bishop McKenzie; The General Confession was prayed in unison; and the Prayer of Humiliation was prayed by the Rev. Walter W. Reid, Jr., pastor, St. James AME Church. The Prayer of Consecration was prayed by Bishop McKenzie. The Rev. Walter Henry, pastor of Providence AME Church lead in the praying of the Lord’s Prayer; the Prayer of Thanksgiving was prayed by the Rev. Verlie Horton, pastor of Christ Tabernacle AME Church; and the service concluded with the benediction given by the Rev. Quinten L. Smith.
The next day, Thursday, October 15, 2009, the Conference Institute began under the leadership of the Rev. Walter Henry. After the Conference Institute, the Conference Business reconvened. During the business session, reports were made by pastors and delegates from the North Memphis District. The Conference Business recessed for the Hour of Power, lead by worship leader, the Rev. Dave Adams, pastor of St. Mark-Munford AME Church.
The Hour of Power began with the hymn, “Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah,” lined by the Rev. Agnes Henderson; the Call To Worship was lead by the Rev. Eric Knowles; the Hymn of Praise, “Yes, God Is Real,” was lined by the Rev. Agnes Henderson; Invocation was given by the Rev. Raymond Corbin; the choral Selection was given by the Bethel AME Church Choir; the Scripture, John 13:12-17, was read by the Rev. Chris Copeland; the introduction of the preacher was given by Bishop McKenzie; the Bethel AME Church Choir sang the sermonic selection. After the sermonic selection, the Rev. Barbara Green, pastor, Bethel AME Church and Conference Secretary, preached the Hour of Power with the text coming from Genesis 35:1-19, the title of the sermon was, “They’re on Their Way, We are On Our Way.” The Rev. Barbara Green thought the title was fitting since at the time of roll call at every annual conference, someone says that a person is, “On his or her way.” After the sermon, the Invitation was given by the Rev. Ivy Hudson Cortez. The Benediction was pronounced by the Rev. Barbara Green.
The Conference Business reconvened after lunch with the North Memphis District pastoral reports.
The Lay Witness Night began at approximately at 7 PM. The Lay Witness Night had an extraordinary service.
On Friday, October 16, 2009, the Conference Institute with Mrs. Roxie Ball, delegate from New Allen AME Church, giving the history of the West Tennessee Conference. Mrs. Ball gave a detailed description of the origins of the West Tennessee Conference. After Mrs. Ball presentation, Bishop McKenzie asked those in attendance to assist the AME Church and the 13th District by sending historical information or documents about the West Tennessee Conference to the 13th Episcopal District Office. Bishop McKenzie recommended tape-recording the recollections of the older members would be an excellent way to capture the history of the conference.
The Conference Business reconvened after the Conference Institute. The pastoral reports of the South Memphis District were read.
Following the conference business session, the Memorial Service was lead by the Rev. Sabrina Transou. The service began with the hymn, “O God Our Help in Ages Past,” which was lined by the Rev. Linda Evans; the Call to Worship was lead by the Rev. Eric Knowles; the invocation was given by the Rev. Barbara Green; the Scripture was read by the Rev. Stanley T. Richardson. The Rev. Sabrina Transou then read the names of the decreased. The closing hymn, “When We All Get to Heaven,” was lead by the Rev. Ivy Hudson Cortez followed by the Benediction given by the Rev. Sabrina Transou.
At the conclusion of the Memorial Service, the Ordination Service and Sacrament was lead by Bishop McKenzie with the Call to Worship and Opening Hymn, Hymn, “How Great the Wisdom”; the Invocation was given by the Rev. Cecil Maddox, Board Member Emeritus; the Consecration of Deaconesses was lead by Bishop McKenzie, followed by the presentation of the candidates: Marlon Obe Barrentine, Noah Chapel AME Church, and Syrethia D. Jones, St. James AME Church for Local Orders; and Doris Brietta Hendricks and Lula Marie Martin for Itinerant Orders. Those presented were John Marcus Hall, Jr., for Local Orders and Alicia Fai Crooks for Itinerant Orders. The Scripture lessons were read by various pastors. Presiding Elder Finch lead in the singing of, “I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me.”
The Presentation of the Preacher was given by Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie and the Hymn of Preparation was “I’ve A Message from the Lord, Hallelujah!” The Sermon was preached by the Rev. Dr. Jerome Harris, General Officer and Director of the Department of Annuity Investments and Insurance for the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Dr. Harris’ sermon was entitled, “It’s A Dry Season, are You Willing to Start the Fire?” After the sermon, the Invitation was extended and offering was received by the Finance Committee.
The Ordination of Deacons and Elders was lead by Bishop McKenzie. After the Deacons and Elders were ordained, the Ritual of the Holy Communion was given to the ordinands, the family members of the ordinands, and the Board of Examiners. After Holy Communion was received, the celebration began and service concluded with the song, “What a Mighty God We Serve.”
Lunch was served at the Hilton Memphis and everyone traveled to St. Andrew AME Church to continue the afternoon business session. The conference business reconvened with the South Memphis District pastoral reports and the beginning of the committee reports.
The Report that stood out the most was the one of Presiding Elder’s Support Committee. The Presiding Elder’s Support Committee came to floor of the Annual Conference offering the Presiding Elders of the North and South Memphis Districts an increase in salary, but when asked for a motion the Presiding Elders Martin and Finch got up out of their seats and made it known to the Conference of the hardship of the people in their presiding elder districts and both presiding elders declined the offer to increase their salaries. The Conference gave high accommodations to the presiding elders for declining the offer to increase their salaries.
The YPD Night was lead by Worship Leader, Ms. Ebony Stuckey; choral selection and liturgical presentation was given by the West Tennessee Conference Youth Choir and Ward Chapel AME Church Dance Troop; Call To Worship was lead by Mr. Daniel Thompson; the invocation was given by Ms. Jasmin Graham; Scripture lessons were read by Ms. Danielle Lemons, Mr. Sidney Williams, and by Ms. Rajanee Braxton; Choral Selection, “How Great Is Our God,” was sang by the West Tennessee Conference Youth Choir; the Occasion and Welcome was given by Mr. Darren Thomas, II, West Tennessee Annual Conference President; choral selection was rendered by the Germantown High School Gospel Choir; Offering was received by the Finance Committee and Youth Ushers; liturgical dance presented by Greater Bethel AME Church; Choral Selections were song by Germantown High School Gospel Choir and by the West TN Conference Youth Choir; the invitation to Christian Discipleship was given and received by youth ministers; special presentations were given by Dr. Irma Davis, West TN Conference YPD Director, and Area Directors; remarks were given by Mrs. Latanya Germany-Dunbar, 13th District YPD Director, and Supervisor Stan McKenzie. The service concluded with the Missionary Benediction.
The closing day, Saturday, October 17, 2009, began with the YPD Meeting at Ward Chapel AME Church. The RAYAC Meeting and Church School were held at St. Andrew AME Church. After Church School, the Retirement Service began in the sanctuary of St. Andrew AME Church honoring the Rev. & Mrs. John Madison, former pastor and presiding elder in the West Tennessee Annual Conference. The service consisted of the statements of purpose and achievement, the presentation, the tribute, and reflections of the retiree with an offering in honor of the retiree.
Closing Worship Service
The Closing Worship Service was lead by Presiding Elder C. Robert Finch; Call to Worship was lead by the Rev. Eric Knowles; the invocation was given by the Rev. Kenneth S. Robinson; the Scripture was read by the Rev. Harold Horton, pastor of Galilee AME Church; Decalogue was lead by the Rev. Clay Holliday, pastor of Noah Chapel AME Church; the choral selection was given by the West Tennessee Annual Conference Choir; the offering for Missions was lead by the Rev. George Turks, pastor of St. Paul AME Church and the Finance Committee. A choral selection was given by the West Tennessee Annual Conference Youth Choir; liturgical dance was presented by the West Tennessee Annual Conference Liturgical Dance Group; the presentation of the Bishop was given by Presiding Elder Linda Faye Thomas Martin; the West TN Conference Youth Choir sang the sermonic selection.
The Closing Worship Service Sermon was given by Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie. Bishop McKenzie text came from Luke 5:17-20 with the sermon entitled, “Just Do It.” Bishop McKenzie said, “It is as easy as ABC.” The “A” stands for “Acknowledge,” meaning, “We need to acknowledge the problem and that might mean changing what we are doing and that might mean getting outside sources. The “B” stands for “Be there,” meaning, “We need to be at church on time and show the people that the doors are open and by going to the people and asking if they need help.” The “C” stands for “Care” as in, “We need to care about people and remember that we all use to be ‘them.’” After the sermon, Bishop McKenzie extended the Invitation.
The Offering was lead by the Finance Committee; the presentation of the Supervisor McKenzie was given by Ms. Gwen Dillihunt, Conference WMS President. Supervisor Stan McKenzie, Ms. Lesa Halfarce, Mrs. Latanya Germany Dunbar, and Ms. Gwen Dillihunt presented certificates to the new officers of the Women’s Missionary Society and Young People’s Division. The “Believe Board” then made presentations by awarding of five Believe Grants. Believe Grants were awarded to the Rev. Verlie Horton, pastor of Christ Tabernacle AME Church; the Rev. Denise Richardson, First Lady of Wright’s Chapel AME Church, New Allen AME Church, Providence AME Church and Rev. Terri Strong, Ward Chapel AME Church.
The Resolutions Committee made their report and gave high commendations to the Rev. and Mrs. Eric and Arnethia Knowles and Ward Chapel AME Church for hosting the West TN Annual Conference.
Bishop McKenzie concluded the Conference with the presentation of assignments and pastoral appointments. With the work of the Conference completed at 5 pm, there was a motion made by Presiding Elder Linda Faye Thomas Martin to adjourn the 135th Session of the West Tennessee Annual Conference. The motion was seconded, and the motion carried. The 135th Session of the West Tennessee Annual Conference was closed with prayer and closing benediction given by Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie.
Special Thanks goes out to Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie and all of the clergy and laity of the West Tennessee Annual Conference.
See you at the 136th Session of the West Tennessee Annual Conference.
*Licentiate Wesley Stovall is a sophomore at Memphis State University
10. DELIVERANCE 2009: STORY BEHIND THE STORY:
Inspired by Will you mentor me? From Something Within
By Eric Stradford
October 30, 2009, Marietta, GA -- Renowned bible scholar, the Reverend Dr. Renita J. Weems, preached deliverance to anticipating celebrants on opening night of the Deliverance 2009 Conference.
Weems set the tone for what could be the last and first church meeting of its kind for 21st Century Christians. She guided women of deliverance through a “story and the story behind the story” in which “her-story” might be included in “history.” What if Mary Magdalene had been voted in by the disciples to replace Judas Iscariot? Did Peter muddy the waters a bit, failing to consider Magdalene’s credentials, and electing Matthias (Acts 1:26) rather than waiting for the historical empowerment movement? (Acts 2:1-4)
Might this Deliverance 2009 experience be measured by clean restrooms, and might her-story consider the Jane’s and Stephanie’s responsible for restroom ministry at The Cathedral of Turner Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church?
Ultimately, the telling of “her-story” will be determined by when and where she chooses to tell it. Whether we read Luke’s version of Acts or today’s online edition of The Christian Recorder, somebody wrote it, somebody read it, or it did not make news and was therefore excluded from history.
A brief moment and few spoken words among men here fueled Weems’ brimstone-fiery reality into a story behind the story of Deliverance 2009. The men of Deliverance, vastly outnumbered at the event, but equally encouraged by the opening message huddled with the Reverend Dr. Frank Madison Reid, to ponder a brother-to-brother issue, “What a woman needs.” Protocol established, and church leaders appropriately recognized, brothers settled in for the “cutting edge” pastor who got the call to replace Rambo. Reid’s burst on the scene as pastor, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Baltimore, MD built on a mold for ministry cut by his predecessor, the Rt. Rev. John R. Bryant, Senior Bishop of the AME Church.
According to Reid, the story behind the story of deliverance for women in the church is the development of men in the church. “A delivered woman requires a developed man.” He pointed out a need for self-discovery and self-care. “Self discovery is the key for being developed into a transformed man.” To illustrate, he reiterated for brothers God’s question to Adam (Gen 3:9), “Where are you?”
The problem, outlined by the Sons of Allen Men’s Ministry threatens the future of the church, home and community. Immediate action calls for a few good men with a Rambo-like approach to “iron sharpening iron.”
The need for iron sharpening iron
Source: AME Sons of Allen
African-American men disproportionately suffer from health problems such as prostate cancer, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, and many lack access to and/or are not inclined to seek adequate health care.
As a group, African-American men suffer from economic hardships such as unemployment, joblessness, and poverty, and the resultant psychological stress.
Too many African American men abuse alcohol and illegal drugs, often in response to the various pressures they face as African American men.
Violence against African-American men by other African-American men threatens the stability of our communities.
African American men are grossly over-represented as defendants in the criminal justice system and are often subject to injustice in that system through various forms of discrimination such as racial profiling, higher arrest rates, higher prosecution rates, and harsher sentences.
Many African-American men feel disconnected from the church and are drastically underrepresented in the vast majority of our churches.
African-American male youth are too often relegated to special education classes and steered away from college preparatory programs. They are also more likely to be suspended or expelled and to drop out of school before graduating than their peers of other cultures.
Too many young African-American males lack positive male role models, model negative behavior displayed in the media, and turn to illegal means of earning money.
Young African-American men often see the church as irrelevant, outdated and sanctimonious, and are often viewed with suspicion by church members.
Link to YouTube Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoP2uuwUSV8
11. QUINN CHAPEL, CHICAGO HOST GLOBAL FOOD BANKING NETWORK:
*The Rev. James Moody
Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana, head of the Northern Diocese of the Ethiopian Episcopal Church of South Africa spoke at the 10:00 a.m. worship service held at Quinn Chapel AME Church, of Chicago, Illinois on Sunday, October 18, 2009. His theme: “United in Faith to End Hunger and Poverty” is aligned with the Stand Up and Take Action campaign to end hunger and poverty in support of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals and South Africa’s War on Poverty.
Bishop Mpumlwana actively supports the development of FoodBank South Africa, an initiative in partnership with The Global FoodBanking Network, with a particular focus on the food bank support for rural communities and the cultivation of their production systems for sustained livelihoods.
Participating along with the Rev. James M. Moody, Sr., Pastor of Quinn Chapel were Presiding Elder Rev. Dr. Louis Toney (North District, Chicago Annual Conference), Presiding Elder Rev. Walter Bauldrick (Milwaukee District, Chicago Annual Conference), Presiding Elder Rev. David Cyrus Coleman (Retired), and Presiding Elder Clarence G. Robinson (retired).
It was the desire of Bishop Mpumlwana to preach from the pulpit of an African Methodist Episcopal Church, citing his admiration for the long standing independence of African Methodism and our Zion’s historic ties to the Ethiopian Episcopal Church of South Africa. This historic event of the faithful was the beginning of new friendships that will foster greater commitment to the works of service conducted since the establishment of Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church in 1844.
Pastor James Moody is the pastor of Quinn chapel AME Church in Chicago, Illinois (USA)
12. WHAT IS YOUR COMPLAINT:
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts
Of all of the things that this society, or any individual, may be short of, complaints are not on that list. We can hear complaints from every corner and on every level of our society. You can even find a “complaint box” in many businesses, offices, and even in some churches. Some businesses have a complaint department.
Some of us complain about everything and anything no matter what.
Some complain simply because they don’t have anything to complain about. To some whenever things are going smoothly, they will find something to complain about.
There are a lot of things people find to complain about. In some cases the complaint could be solved by them if only they would exert a little energy, effort and time. Most complaints are personal they seldom come from a group.
To some, their complaint may seem paramount, but to others it may be a minor issue. Everyone has a right to complain, but is your complaint legit?
If anyone attempted to address all of the complaints that are launched it wouldn’t be long before they end up in a strait jacket.
The strange thing is that, one person’s complaint could be another person’s comfort. What bothers one may not bother another. People complain about the weather which they can’t do anything about. They complain about noises. They complain about prices of goods but they continue to buy. They complain about the traffic but still they drive. They complain about the air condition in church that can easily be solved by wearing appropriate apparel. They complain about what is being shown on TV when all they have to do is change channels.
There was a man in a city where I once served who kept going to City Hall, complaining about a big tree dropping limbs and leaves in his yard. The city did not respond until one day the clerk did a research on the property and discovered that the tree was on the property of the man who was doing the complaining. You know what happened? The man stopped complaining. He never said another word about that tree and he didn’t cut down the tree; that’s a perfect example why I ask the question, “Is your complaint legit?”
The Israelites complained about being in slavery, but after they were freed, they complained about being in the Wilderness. God said to Moses, “Why are you complaining to me, speak to the children and tell them to go forward.” Exodus 14:15
No matter what, there will always be complaints. There will always be someone who is not satisfied about something. Some are never satisfied.
Martha complained to Jesus about her sister Mary, not helping her in the kitchen to prepare dinner. Luke 10: 40-42
It is said that no man is an Island. There is not enough space to provide everyone with an Island of their own where there would not be anything to complain about. Even then, they will complain about nobody being around.
The questions I recommend that you consider before you complain are: Is your complaint legitimate? Have you taken time to see what part do you play in your complaint? Are there others who share your complaint? What can you do to rectify your complaint? Would solving your complaint put others at a disadvantage? Is your complaint a selfish one?
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts Ptaegar@AOL.com is a retired Itinerant Elder living in Eatonville, Florida
Just a Cue to Living
A little fish asked a big fish, how did he get so big? The big fish said to the little fish, I keep my mouth shut.
13. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
Gregory Efiom, son of the Reverend Patricia A. Efiom, pastor of Bethel AME Church in Bloomington, Indiana and spouse, Mr. Patrick Okon Efiom, has just returned from Spain where he has been on tour with the Nigerian U-20 National team since August. He was there in preparation for the U-20 world cup in Egypt. He traveled to Mallorca, Alacante and Madrid, Spain and was a part of matches against teams in Honduras, R.C.D., Mallorca, and Athletico Madrid. Gregory is now back home and will return to Marshall University to continue his studies.
Congratulatory messages can be emailed to: pefiom@indiana.edu
14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing on October 23, 2009 of Retired Presiding Elder, the Rev. W. C. T. Ayres. He was a member of Holy Trinity AME Church, North Las Vegas, Nevada. His 85th birthday was on October 21, 2009.
He also served as a Presiding Elder in the West Virginia Conference and in the Dayton District of the South Ohio Conference of the Third Episcopal District. He last served in the Springfield/Xenia District-Ohio Conference of the Third Episcopal District.
Service arrangements:
Memorial Service will be held:
Saturday, November 14, 2009
11:00 AM
St. Paul A.M.E. Church
639 E. Long Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
614-228-4113 (Phone)
614-228-4711 (Fax)
Rev. Michael Bean, Sr., Pastor
Please keep his wife, Mrs. Costella Ayres and his daughter Ms. Brenda Ayres Brown (both are members of Holy Trinity AME Church, North Las Vegas, Nevada) and their family in your prayers.
Condolences may be sent to:
Sister Costella Ayres & family
7320 Camrose Ridge Place #101
Las Vegas, Nevada 89149-4846
Telephone: 702-413-0802
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Sister Gussie Thompson on Thursday morning, October 22, 2009. She is the sister of Mrs. Burnece Burrell Holloway and the sister-in-law of the Reverend Dr. Alex Holloway (former Presiding Elder and now Pastor of Mid-Del A.M.E. Church, Oklahoma Conference, 12th Episcopal District).
The funeral has been held.
Condolences and Expressions of sympathy:
Grant & Owens Mortuary
515 East Main Street
Ardmore, Oklahoma 73401
Phone: 580-223-0377
Expressions of sympathy may also be emailed to:
mzbbholloway@sbcglobal.net (Mrs. Burnece Burrell Holloway)
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of the Reverend Hazel Cooper Williams. The Rev. Hazel Williams was an itinerant elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the widow of the late Rev. Dr. A. Lewis Williams, and the step-mother of Presiding Elder (ret.) Leonard N. Williams, 4th Episcopal District; Bishop John R. Bryant, Senior Bishop and Presiding Prelate.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Presiding Elder (Retired) Leonard N. Williams
419 W. 40th Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46208
Phone: 317-283-1329
Email: pelderwms@aol.com
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mrs. Vera Louden, the aunt of the Rev. Ellis B. Louden, Pastor of Mt. Zion AME Church in Dover, Delaware (Delaware Conference, Dover District). The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing and Funeral Service, Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Viewing: 10:00 a.m.
Funeral: 11:00 a.m.
Ebenezer AME Church
1109 Emerson Street
Evanston, IL 60201
Phone: 847-328-1707
FAX: 847-328-0596
The Rev. Oscar Crear, Pastor
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. Ellis B. Louden and Family
3 Michael Court
Dover, DE 19904
And/or
Mt. Zion AME Church
101 N. Queen Street
Dover, DE 19904
Phone: 302-678-9478
FAX: 302-678-9192
And/or
Ebenezer AME Church
1109 Emerson Street
Evanston, IL 60201
Please keep Donna Louden (daughter), the Rev. Louden and the family in prayer.
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mrs. Te-veria Butler Lee, the sister of the Rev. Maurice L. Butler, Pastor of Elizabeth AME Church in Wilmington, Delaware (Delaware Conference, Wilmington District). The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing, Monday, November 2, 2009
Viewing: 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Vaughn C. Greene Funeral Services
5151 Baltimore National Pike
Baltimore, Maryland 21229
Phone: 410-233-2400
Fax: 410-233-7976
Celebration Service, Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Viewing: 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Service: 11:00 a.m.
New Psalmist Baptist Church
4501 Frederick Road
Baltimore, Maryland 21229
Phone: 410-566-9620
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Butler Family
8107 Wood Point Place
Ellicott City, Maryland 21043
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mr. Daniel Smith, son of Mrs. Rosetta Smith and the late Rev. Julius Smith, pastor in the West Tennessee Conference, Thirteenth Episcopal District; Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate.
Service arrangements for Mr. Daniel Smith:
Visitation: Friday, October 30, 2009
4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
White's Chapel AME Church
1712 Fields Road
Memphis, Tennessee 38109
Phone: 901-785-0078
The Rev. Garry Fair, Pastor
Funeral Service: Saturday, October 31, 2009, 12:00 Noon
Brown Baptist Church
980 Stateline Road East
Southaven, Mississippi 38671
Phone: 662-342-6407
The Rev. Bartholomew Orr, Pastor
Professional services entrusted to:
MJ Edwards Funeral Home
5494 Elvis Presley Blvd.
Memphis, Tennessee 38116
Phone: 901-332-3164
Fax: 901-345-3077
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Rosetta Smith & Family
1596 Fields Road
Memphis, Tennessee 38109
Phone: 901-785-3533
Email: lutitia@peoplepc.com
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with emotional sadness, but spiritual celebration that we announce the death of Virginia Palmer, sister of our own Shelby Strode, spouse of the Reverend Dr. Robert A. Strode, pastor of Saint John AME Church in Frankfort, Kentucky, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Bishop of the Thirteenth Episcopal District.
Evangelist Virginia L. Palmer, 66, died Thursday, October 29, 2009 in the Ephraim-McDowell hospital, Danville, Kentucky.
Service Arrangements:
Visitation:
Monday, November 2, 2009, 6:00 PM-9:00 p.m.
The Church of Jesus Christ
413 Stanford Road
Lancaster, Kentucky
The Funeral Service:
Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 1:00 PM
The Church of Jesus Christ
413 Stanford Road
Lancaster, Kentucky
The Rev. Dr. Robert A. Strode, Officiating
Eulogist, Bishop Earl D, Thornton, pastor and brother-in-law to Evangelist Palmer
Services entrusted to:
Smith Funeral Home
446 Bate Street
Danville, Kentucky
Phone: (859) 236-5261
Condolences may be emailed to:
The Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Strode
ShelbyGStrode@aol.com or IAMABIBLEMAN@aol.com
The Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Strode may be reached at: (502) 875-0288
21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of the Reverend Dr. Thomas Bailey, pastor of Saint James A.M.E. Church in Pearson, GA of the Waycross District of the Georgia Annual Conference of the Sixth Episcopal District. He was the spouse of Mrs. Barbara Bailey of Waycross, Georgia.
Service arrangements for Rev. Thomas Bailey:
Homegoing Service:
Friday, October 30, 2009
12:00 NOON
Saint Stephen A.M.E. Church
501 Red Cross Street
Wilmington, North Carolina 28401
910-762-9829 (church)
Reverend Artie Odom, Officiating
Reverend Johnny Mathis, Sr., Eulogist
Viewing:
Friday, October 30, 2009
10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Saint Stephen A.M.E. Church
501 Red Cross Street
Wilmington, North Carolina 28401
910-762-9829 (church)
Services Entrusted to:
Adkins-Drain Funeral Service
515 S 8th Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
Phone: (910) 763-7117
Fax: (910) 763-7310
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Barbara Bailey
207 Carol Street
Waycross, Georgia 31315
Phone: (912) 285-74341
22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing on October 25, 2009 of Linda T. Phillip, sister of Vilma Mitchell, and sister-in-law of the Reverend Godfrey Emmanuel Mitchell, Pastor of Metropolitan AME Church, Port of Spain, Trinidad. Sister Vilma is the Immediate Past President of the Windward Islands Conference Women's Missionary Society and 1st Vice President of the 16th Episcopal District WMS.
Service arrangements for Linda T. Phillip:
Funeral Service to be held:
Thursday, October 29, 2009
10:00 AM
Condolences may be sent to the family at vilfree@yahoo.com
23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of the fourth brother in two years of Sister Helen Boykin and brother in law of the Reverend Ronald Boykin of First AME Church of Manassas, Mr. Wayne Ross on Thursday morning, October 22, 2009.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Reverend Ronald and Helen Boykin
14521 Penderlea Ct.
Gainesville, Virginia 20155
Home phone: 703-753-4171
Cell: 301-221-3406
24. 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
25. 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
