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
1. EDITORIAL –INEFFECTIVENESS AND INCOMPETENCE – A THREE LEG STOOL:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III,
The 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder
Two African Methodist Episcopal bishops, the Right Reverend Adam J. Richardson, presiding prelate of the 2nd Episcopal District and the Right Reverend Jeffrey Leath, presiding prelate of the 19th Episcopal District, have written thoughtful articles that appear in this week’s issue of The Christian Recorder Online. They both wrote in response to The Christian Recorder Online News Break, “United Methodists tackle ineffective clergy, congregations” dated November 11, 2009 that was sent to those subscribed to The Christian Recorder Online. Bishop Richardson and Bishop Leath’s articles were received within minutes of each other (See their articles below), which might be indicative of the relevant issues raised in the article. When I received the News Break, I wanted to respond to it right away because The Christian Recorder has dealt with the very same issue the United Methodist Church raised in its article.
Ineffectiveness is a three-leg stool: ineffective clergy, ineffective church officers, and ineffective local churches.
All denominations are faced with the challenges of ineffective pastors. I was inwardly gloating over the United Methodist revelation that they were faced with the issue of ineffective pastors because it is easy to think that ineffectiveness in ministry is an AME problem.
Ineffective pastors
The mothers and fathers of African Methodism set up a wonderful system of checks and balances in the selection of candidates for ministry. The process starts with the individual and the pastor in charge, followed by the local church conference, followed by the quarterly conference, followed by the district conference, and followed by several years of observation by the annual conference Board of Examiners and the presiding bishop. Somewhere in that timeframe the competence or incompetence of ministerial candidates for ministry should be identified.
The Boards of Examiners do not bear all of the blame for ineffectiveness in ministry because we all know that the process begins with the local church, which needs to be more selective in recommending ministerial candidates. Local congregations need to reject persons who they feel or who they know are not competent for ministry.
Like other denominations, we have pastors who are dedicated, competent and who are spirit-filled models for ministry, but like other denominations we have some pastors who are nice individuals, but, ineffective. They have not honed their pastoral skills and have little or no demonstrated leadership skills. They do not know how to build teams. And often select and nominate local church officers based upon whether they like them or not.
If the African Methodist Episcopal church is going to experience healthy growth, it needs to be concerned about ineffectiveness and incompetence in the ministerial ranks. The Pastors’ Bill of Rights was developed for effective and competent pastors, as a way to protect them and their families from frivolous transfers. It was not implemented to protect ineffective incompetent pastors. The Pastors’ Bill of Rights may be hampering pastoral efficiencies because some episcopal leaders seem to think that they cannot reassign a pastor unless the pastor is given an equal or better pastoral appointment. I don’t believe that there is legal entity that would use the Pastors’ Bill of Rights to force the AME Church or any denomination to keep an incompetent or inefficient pastor, if documentation exists to substantiate the incompetence. Every other profession has competency standards.
Training is the antidote for ineffectiveness and incompetence and the AME Church has the responsibility to insure training is provided for our clergy. How many training events have we attended where the participants attend training sessions without notebooks, pens, or pencils and with no intention of taking notes? Presenters resort to preaching and almost everyone “gets their praise on” and we call that, training.
Ineffective church officers
But, not only should we be concerned about incompetent clergy, the leadership of the Church should be concerned about incompetent local church officers. Sometime the problem starts with pastors who select and nominate incompetent church officers. Some pastors prefer to work with people they like, so they choose people they can get along with. Sometimes ineffective or incompetent local church officers get to positions of leadership in the local church because of their influence, longevity or family relationships. They achieve positions of leadership by default, and especially in small congregations, and sometimes in large congregations, and it is difficult to remove them. Unfortunately, some of those persons learn to function by use of their own innate skills and abilities, without any knowledge, love or appreciation of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Some of them are biblically and doctrinally illiterate. Poor local church leadership does not grow healthy churches. Several years ago, I spoke with a church officer and asked if she had the new Discipline. She responded that he did not have to spend money for the new Discipline because she had an old Discipline and she decided that she would use the old one.
The third leg, ineffective churches
Have you ever noticed that some churches have excellent reputations? Pastors love to be assigned to those churches; every pastor wants to be assigned there and those churches function with proficiency; pastor after pastor. The church officers are competent and the ministry is vibrant and people seem excited. Those churches probably had long-standing superb pastoral leadership and superb local church officers who did not tolerate dysfunction.
On the other hand, there are churches that do not function efficiently and whose reputations are negative and pastors are not anxious to be assigned to those parishes; and, when they are assigned to those parishes, they spend a lot of energy trying to get another pastoral appointment. The cycle of inefficiency and dysfunction continue and is never abated. Dysfunctional churches are inefficient because they have had a turbulent history of inefficient leadership.
Sometime, local church dysfunction begins with a weak pastor or a succession of weak pastors. Inefficient church leadership precipitates a leadership void that often results in one or more laypersons, who are sometimes untrained, step in to fill the leadership void; which, sometimes, results in dysfunction. Once dysfunction sets in, it’s hard to reverse the trend. It takes a long time for churches that have had a history of dysfunction, to correct the dysfunction. And sadly, people learn to adjust to mediocrity, and even learn to be comfortable in mediocrity, and accept mediocrity as the norm. Dysfunction, ineffectiveness, and incompetence become their norm.
Other churches experience transitional dysfunction that might be precipitated because of the style of pastoral leadership, operational or other issues.
Other churches experience dysfunction because they do not know how to handle conflict. When humans interact, there is always conflict; no exceptions. Churches “fight dirty” because they do not know how to have a “fair fight.” All too often churches function with passive-aggressive behavior; with anger that boils beneath the surface, which can never be addressed because the anger cannot be openly dealt with in a healthy manner. In those instances, leaders and members of the local congregation carry the church fight out to the community and among each other, and on the telephone. The community and the telephone cannot resolve local church conflict.
How pastors and congregations interact with each other determines the evangelistic thrust and success of the ministry of the local church.
The glue for the three-pronged stool
The glue that holds the three-pronged stool together is the presiding elder. The presiding elder cannot know how the competence level of the pastors in his or her district unless he or she visits, without meddling, all of the churches in his or her district. Presiding elder staff assistance visits should be professional and helpful; they should not only evaluate pastors, but should also evaluate the officers and the local church.
The background checks required by the AME Church are a beginning, but more steps must be taken to insure that we have competent clergy, competent local church officers and effective churches doing the work of ministry.
The Church must raise the bar of professionalism by training, supervision and accountability; and more training.
At every one of my graduation commencement ceremonies, the speakers always made a statement that emphasized the graduation was not an end, but a beginning. I think that emphasis should be made at all of our ordination services; “This is not the end or a culmination of your training; this is the beginning of your training. Go back and read your Bible again and again; go back and read your Discipline again and read The Discipline from cover to cover at the beginning of each quadrennium."
2. REMINDER TO THOSE WRITING ARTICLE FOR THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The African Methodist Episcopal Church is a global church and The Christian Recorder is a global publication, as are the other AME periodicals. Please avoid abbreviations, even when referring U.S. state designation as, PA, NJ, MS, AR, AK; spell out the state names: Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Alaska; spell out all state names. Overseas writers need to be reminded to avoid abbreviations and to spell out words.
Please read the Guideline for submitting articles to The Christian Recorder
3. BISHOP ADAM J. RICHARDSON’S RESPONSE TO TCR NEWSBREAK - UNITED METHODISTS TACKLE INEFFECTIVE CLERGY, CONGREGATIONS:
I do not feel that we really have a "guaranteed appointment system," even though we do appear to have a culture of "ordained entitlement." In either case, we need to put in place a meaningful, objective evaluation instrument to help weed out ineffective, lazy, dead-wood pastors. The only “evaluation” we really have in place is the “request” made by the Stewards at the Fourth Quarterly Conference, and the “recommendation” of the Presiding Elder which is assumed to be objective. I assumed that "our" method was the equivalent of the United Methodist Church’s "Pastor Parish Relations Committee," even though our system, in practice, is antiquated.
We do not have quite the same issue as the United Methodist Church to "protect women and minorities," since nationally we are all "minorities," and we know from experience that laziness, dead-wood and power-hungry clergy persons come in both sexes.
We have far too many church “assassins” on the prowl among us, cloaking in the shadows of the “Ministers’ Bill of Rights.” As such, many preachers assume an entitlement to keep killing churches. It is somewhat ironic that we discussed this matter in the PE's Council at Midyear this past weekend. I advised that they help put together an instrument for evaluating pastors as legislation for the next General Conference, having already been tested here in the Second.
There is one after-thought that bears consideration. I am concerned that our insistence upon appropriate educational standards adds to the sense of entitlement. I suspect that holds true for the United Methodist Church as well. Education alone, however, is not the answer to dead-weight, ineffective pastors. Education is the starting point. I don't know of another profession or vocation that would allow anyone to "practice" without first having the candidate to meet a minimum standard of education. For us there is too much at stake as we tamper with people's lives, souls and minds for the practitioner not to have much of a clue. Even so, education alone is no guarantee that the person with a degree will be effective in the field. Knowledge and vocational Temperament are essential. That is, knowledge to accompany interest, disposition and a sense of "calling."
I recall as a young man coming through the classes of the Board of Examiners, the chair of each of class had a standard line in presenting the candidates to the bishop and Conference: "We have had before us Brother A. J. Richardson, a student at the university. He is in possession of the required books for the class and has a fair knowledge of the same." Of course, this predates the current standard of a college degree and a seminary degree from an accredited institution. But it points out that the fathers (and mothers) were clear that knowledge was important. "Book Learning" was not “everything,” but it was an important part of a candidate's development as a preacher and potential pastor.
Notice also that I used the term "Brother" when we were being presented to the Conference. What was the point of not referring to me as "Minister Richardson?" My take on it is that we are not ministers (in the professional sense) until we have been certified. For us that's ordination. Even though I am privileged to carry the title "bishop" I am still a minister. When a stranger asks me what is it that I do, I tell them "I am a preacher" or that "I am a Christian minister." When they require more information, like "where is your church?” I am obliged to say "I work as a bishop in my denomination and I oversee 377 congregations and 1600 preachers and pastors". As a denomination, we don't have a designation of a category as minister “before” ordination. Otherwise, every member of the congregation is a minister (as in the "priesthood of all believers"). We have borrowed this from somewhere else. A doctor is not a doctor without a degree “and” board certification. An attorney is not an attorney until he/she has passed the bar. A lot of people graduate from law schools that never get to be called "attorney."
I think it is perfectly correct to say, "I am studying for the ministry." I think this is the reason that even now, I will sometimes identify myself over the phone as "Brother Richardson," or simply "A. J. Richardson."
Well, so much for venting. I concede, things and times are changing, so just call me "old school," while you're at it. I also like to sing hymns in church, and kneel at my chair when I enter the place of worship, and stand still when the scriptures are read, and take off my hat when I enter a building, and open the door for ladies, and say yes and no sir and yes and no ma'am, and Mr. and Mrs and Rev. and Dr. and Bishop, and President Obama (rather than Barack).
I am sure that there is a way weed out dead-wood before they become certified with a sense of entitlement. I think that is why the first couple of years of law school and medical school are more difficult than may be necessary. I think it is intentionally done to maintain a relatively high standard for the professions. Even so, some lawyers, and physicians are better than others. However, having been certified by their respective boards is to suggest to the public that they at least have met the minimum standard, having been in possession of the books with a fair knowledge of the same.
Now, let us pray.
A. J. Richardson
Bishop
4. BISHOP JEFFREY LEATH’S RESPONSE TO TCR NEWSBREAK - UNITED METHODISTS TACKLE INEFFECTIVE CLERGY, CONGREGATIONS:
The article on "guaranteed" appointments is interesting. A system designed to protect pastors from the abuse of authority contributes to the decline of leadership as it "protects failures." More interestingly, we do have a process of dealing with the problem, called "Ministerial Efficiency." Though we have a "way," we usually lack the "will."
What we need (and the United Methodists also, perhaps) is a program to help return inefficient pastors to lay vocations. This will require money for some re-education and re-location, but it will be a small investment toward more effective leadership. A number of dioceses in the Episcopal Church address the problem, in part, by requiring clergy candidates to be competent in a secular vocation. This makes it easier to send them out of pastoral ministry, as they have non-church wage earning skills.
The matter is less complicated, but equally emotional among lay leaders. We sometimes put the wrong lay people in leadership positions out of friendship or mere tenure of participation. While less is involved regarding the maintenance of livelihood, we often lack the "will" to say to our friends, "I love you, but you are not right for the job."
The other side of this coin is how to retain the talented and successful within a system of "accountability" (not oppression). Many of the gifted do not want to submit to authority while the incompetent hide behind authority.
The article on "guaranteed" appointments is interesting.
Over the years, I have observed how our system "protects failures." More interestingly, we do have a process of dealing with the problem called "Ministerial Efficiency." Though we have a "way," we usually lack the "will."
The other side of this coin is how to retain the talented and successful within a system of "accountability" (not oppression). Many of the gifted do not want to submit to authority while the incompetent hide behind authority.
+Jeffrey N. Leath
Presiding Bishop
19th Episcopal District
5. VERY URGENT ANNOUNCEMENT! DOCTORS WANTED URGENTLY!
*The Right Rev. David Rhynica Daniels
Medicals doctors are urgently needed - Retired medical doctors and physicians who are not retired, but can afford to go help out at the "Richardson-Adams Medical Center" in Monrovia, Liberia West Africa, are needed urgently.
Any doctors who dream of or desire is to do mission work in the medical field is welcome to please come help us out for as short or little as a month or several months depending on the doctor’s willingness to serve over a million people from eight (8) communities around the "Richardson-Adams Medical Center" in Monrovia, Liberia owned and operated by the AME Church in Liberia.
Assistance is need immediately.
Medical Equipment urgently needed!
1. An X-Ray
2. Chemical Analyzer
3. Mammogram
*The Right Rev. David Rhynica Daniels is the presiding prelate of the 14th Episcopal District. If you are interested or need additional information, please email Bishop Daniels: rwysayma@aol.com
6. THE 5TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT RESOLUTION FOR HEALTH CARE REFORM:
Whereas, Barack Hussein Obama, in an historical moment on November 4, 2008, defied all odds and opposition to become the first African American President of the United States of America;
Whereas, we are honored to salute, “hail to the Chief” to Barack Obama the 44th President of the United States of America;
Whereas, President Obama declared himself as a president for the people and promised to be the change we, the people of this great nation, could believe in;
Whereas, holding fast to that promise, as people across the nation continue to suffer with inadequate health care coverage, President Obama has made health care reform a priority on the national agenda by introducing the “American Affordable health Choices Act”;
Whereas, those opposing President Obama’s plan have heckled, hissed, and booed at public rallies and yelled out, “You lie,” disrespecting the office of President;
And, whereas, President Obama continues to defend his plan against false attacks and extremists, which offer an option that could make the health care crisis worse for many Americans.
Therefore, be it resolved that the “American Affordable health Choices Act,” which aims to: Lower costs to the Consumer, Offer Greater Physician Choice, Provide Higher Quality in Care and Stability and Peace of Mind to those with pre-existing conditions is President Obama’s plan to “fix our broken health care system and provide affordable coverage for all Americans.”
Be it further resolved, that President Obama seeks the support of all Americans and asks each American to contact their house representatives urging them to make history again by voting in favor of the “American Affordable health Choices act” and help end the health care crisis in America.
*The Resolution was presented by the Presiding Elders Council and adopted unanimously by the members of the 5th District in session at the Planning Meeting in the year of our Lord, November 2, 2009.
Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, Presiding Prelate
7. NEWS FROM THE 3RD EPISCOPAL DISTRICT PLANNING MEETING:
*The Rev. Gloria Sydnor Smith, Esq.
-The Third Episcopal District Department of Christian Education's Tawawa 2010 Conference will be held on July 12-15, 2010, at Wilberforce University. The Theme for Tawawa 2010 is "Going for the Goal – 1000."
- The Third Episcopal Prison Ministry Report was presented by the Rev. Barbara Colvin, 3rd Episcopal District Prison Ministry Coordinator. Rev. Colvin is an associate minister at St. Paul AME Church in Columbus, Ohio.
The Prison Ministry provides pastoral care at the Juvenile Correctional Facility in Scioto County Ohio. Rev. Colvin and the prison ministry will conduct a women's conference at Marysville, the only female correctional facility in Ohio. The theme for the conference will be "Women Thou Art Loosed." The ministry team is also planning a conference for incarcerated men; the theme will be, "Loose that Man and Let Him go."
Rev. Colvin shared that she was called by God inside of a cell, while she, herself, was incarcerated inside a prison cell. She had been arrested more than fifty times and had struggled with substance abuse and other deviant behavior for years. Rev. Colvin is a living example that God does not give up on us, even when everybody else already has. She travels around the United States to share her powerful life story and hope others will also be delivered. She is in the process of writing an autobiography.
The North Ohio Prison Ministry Coordinator, James Beatty, also made a brief presentation. He has written a book, Unshackled; a training book for prison ministry. Unshackled teaches congregations how to start a prison ministry. There are many different aspects to prison ministry to include ministry for the children of incarcerated parents, transportation ministry, and Bible Study.
Prison ministries are very important for the African American community. As a criminal defense attorney, I see the new slavery, incarceration. There are an overwhelming number of black people incarcerated. The incarcerated have a tendency to repeat the same mistakes that got them locked up in the first place. Their behaviors should not be excused. In Rev. Colvin's words, "There must be repentance, restoration, and rejoicing."
Rev. Colvin ministers under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Michael R. Bean. St. Paul's prison ministry was founded by Rev. Colvin in 1994 and ministers in 19 prisons in Ohio and a federal prison in West Virginia, includes mime, liturgical dance, Bible study, workshops, praise, worship services, and re-entry/transitional program.
The Rev. Barbara Colvin is available for training in any geographical area. She is an associate minister at St. Paul AME Church in Columbus, Ohio.
- The Rev. Dr. Earl G. Harris, pastor of Greater Allen AME Church in Dayton, Ohio, serves as the Chair of the Third Episcopal District Board of Examiners. The Board consists of Pastors in the South Ohio, Ohio, North Ohio, Pittsburgh and West Virginia Conferences, who are also Chairpersons and Deans of the Board of Examiner's for those Conferences. Dr. Harris pointed out the 3rd Episcopal District Board of Examiners wants to promote Wesleyan Methodism generally, as well as African Methodism specifically. He stated that clergy and laity cannot understand African Methodism without understanding Wesleyan Methodism because the AME Church originated in Wesleyan Methodism and Wesleyan theology. The Boards of Examiners goal is to train African Methodist ministers, not Baptist ministers, Pentecostal ministers or clergy for other denominations. Dr. Harris said that there will be a heavy emphasis on AME Polity History and Doctrine, with a strong focus on the study of The Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 2008.
- Rev. Brenda Gregg, President of the Third Episcopal District Women In Ministry (WIM), presented the report of the WIM, which is made up of women pastors and clergy. The WIM are very active in providing support and encouragement to women ministers in the 3rd District and also WIM also reaches out to those in need in the community.
Retired Presiding Elder Charles Holmes remarked that women pastors are very relevant today, to both women and men.
- Episcopal Supervisor, Mrs. Henning, Episcopal Supervisor made a report for the 3rd Episcopal District Women’s Missionary Society (WMS).
The 3rd District Women's Missionary Society reaches out to foster children, especially those who are homeless. During a recent meeting of the WMS, the women raised $500.00 for a recently emancipated foster young lady, who upon turning 18 years old was launched out of the foster child system. The 3rd Episcopal District WMS helped to pay for her two-months rent. This money was delivered to the landlord within 48-hours. Several women took the young lady shopping so that she could purchase items for the apartment.
The Rev. Dr. Ronald Glenn presented a report about making sermons available by podcast on its church, Wayman Chapel AME Church, Dayton, Ohio, website,. The church's podcasting website address is www.waymanchapelame.org/podcasting. Rev. Glenn said, "This media distribution method provides an economical way for churches to spread their messages to a large audience." He said that the church has had over 11,000 persons to download sermons from the website since it was made available three years ago. Bishop Henning has appointed Rev. Glenn to lead the Wayman Chapel AME Worldwide Web Church. The Web Church will be available in mid-November.
*Submitted by the Rev. Gloria Sydnor Smith, Esq., pastor of Whitman Chapel AME Church in Belpre, Ohio
8. PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS MADE AT THE THIRD EPISCOPAL DISTRICT PLANNING MEETING:
The Rev. Daniel E. Jones was transferred from the South Ohio Conference to the North Ohio Conference and assigned to the St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Canton, Ohio
The Rev. Shane Floyd, transferred from the South Ohio Conference to the North Ohio Conference and assigned to the St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Cleveland, Ohio
The Rev. Dr. John Newby transferred from the North Ohio Conference to the South Ohio Conference and assigned to Bethel, Lockland, Ohio
The Rev. Angela Walker transferred from the West Virginia Conference to the South Ohio Conference and assigned to Bethel, Oxford, Ohio
The Rev. Reloy Gainey transferred from the North Ohio Conference to the West Virginia Conference and assigned to Young Chapel, Huntington, West Virginia
The Rev Samuel Chambers assigned to Wayman, New Brighton, Pennsylvania
The Rev. Kary Williams assigned to Payne, Duquesne, Pennsylvania
The Rev. Gloria Sydnor Smith assigned to Whitman Chapel, Belpre, Ohio
The Rev. Isaiah Haile assigned to Allen Chapel, Portsmouth, Ohio
The Rev. John McCants assigned to Allen Chapel, College Hill, Ohio
The Rev. Everett Rucker assigned to St. Stephens, Cincinnati, Ohio
The Rev. Norma Lynn Felts to Christ Our Redeemer, Dayton, Ohio
The Rev. James Stowe was assigned to Quinn, Ironton, Ohio
The Rev. Melonie Valentine was assigned to Bethel, Middletown, Ohio
The Rev. Melvin Blackwell assigned to Christ Our Redeemer, Cleveland, Ohio
The Rev. Georgina Thornton was assigned to Grace, Warren, Ohio
The Rev. Tameka Reid Freed was assigned to begin a new work as United Fellowship, Richmond, Ohio
The Rev. Solomon Cooper was assigned to Quinn, Steubenville, Ohio
The Rev. James Jackson was assigned to St. Paul, Smithfield, Ohio
The Rev. Peter E. Matthews was assigned to Greater Allen, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The Rev. Brenda Gregg assigned as presiding elder of the Springfield Xenia District, Ohio Conference.
The Rev. Wilton Blake was assigned as the Presiding Elder of the Cincinnati District, South Ohio Conference.
*Submitted the Rev. Dr. Taylor T. Thompson, pastor of St. John AME Church, Cleveland, Ohio
9. AN EVENING CONCERT OF HYMNS:
By Angelena Spears
Philadelphia Conference Reporter
The two-hour concert that was held September 25 at Campbell AME Church, Media, Pennsylvania, was called “An Evening of Hymns” -- and for person’s craving classic hymns – it was the perfect spiritual feast.
Attendees at the concert dined on classic favorites, including “His Eyes Are on a Sparrow,” “Because He Lives,” “Beams of Heaven,” “I Come to the Garden Alone,” and “It Is Well with My Soul.”
The event was a fundraiser for the Queen’s Contest of the South Suburban Area Women’s Missionary Society. This year’s queen is Sister Jean Adams, who is the missionary president at Wesley AME Church, Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, and is also the First Vice-President of the South Suburban Area Missionary Society.
The contest will culminate in July, when the queen who raises the most money from the four districts within the Philadelphia Annual Conference will be identified. There are three other queens competing for the conference crown; Sister Adams is from the South Philadelphia District.
The hymn concert was Sister Adam’s idea, and she sought out two gifted vocalists who were perfect for the occasion– the Rev. Charles Wood (who retired from the pastorate in May, after serving most recently at Disney AME Church, Philadelphia, and Bethel AME Church, Downingtown, Pennsylvania; and Sister Jewel Thomas, a member of Wesley, Swarthmore, and also YPD Area Director for the South Philadelphia District.
Both Rev. Woods and Sister Thomas have beautiful rich tenor voices that complemented each other beautifully. The two were accompanied on the organ by Vincent Carter, who is Rev. Woods’ grandson.
In addition to hearing the hymns, persons at the concert also learned about the individual songwriters and their experiences that led them to write the hymns. Many of the hymns were written as personal testimonies.
At the end of the two-hour event, no one was anxious to leave.
In her closing remarks, Sister Adams captured the sentiments of many when she said, “I don’t know when my soul has been so blessed, while listening to the hymns of the church.”
10. STAR WYCLEF JEAN'S SURPRISE FOR CHURCH-GOING YOUNGSTERS:
By Amanda Dale
Youngsters at a church conference received words of wisdom from a surprise celebrity guest at the weekend.
Superstar Wyclef Jean took time out from the Bermuda Music Festival to address 500 young people at an African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E) church meeting on Saturday.
He spoke of his humble beginnings in poverty-stricken Haiti and the importance of faith and following your goals in life.
The 30-minute speech left such an impression, the youngsters dug deep in their pockets to raise $3,000 for the star's charity, Yele Haiti, as an expression of thanks.
Lisa Amore, a publicist for the Bermuda Music Festival, said: "The kids spontaneously took up a collection for Wyclef's foundation and within five minutes presented Wyclef with a cheque.
"He was much moved. It was a very inspirational morning. He then spent nearly another half-hour taking pictures with the kids and signing autographs."
Ms Amore said the musician had offered to speak after meeting Reverend Lanel Guyton of St. Paul A.M.E Church in the grounds of the Fairmont Southampton the day before.
The 500 young people, from Bermuda and the US, were aged five to 26 years old and were attending the First Episcopal District Young People's Division Annual Conference, held this year in Bermuda.
Ms Amore said: "Wyclef was very eager to talk to the young people and was a surprise guest after the morning prayer service.
"When he walked into the room it was as if you were at a rock concert. Everyone went wild, jumping up and down.
"He told the young people to be proud of themselves and to pursue their goals, to be strong, intelligent, and not to get involved with gangs.
"Wyclef said although he was a star now, he came from very poor beginnings. He told them how he was born in a dirt hut and grew up hunting for food with a slingshot, but finally he found his way out."
Rev. Guyton told The Royal Gazette: "Wyclef gave a wonderful and uplifting speech. He was eloquent and very personable.
"He spoke wonderful words of encouragement, about no matter what goals you have in life, children should always put God first in everything they do.
"He encouraged young people to trust in the Lord as they pursue their goals."
Wyclef Jean moved to Brooklyn, New York; when he was nine and went on to find international fame as a member of hip-hop group The Fugees.
As a musician he has sold more than 31 million albums and now gives back to his home country through his foundation, Yele Haiti. Established in 2005, the charity raises money for children's scholarships throughout the impoverished country.
The First Episcopal District YPD Annual Conference was held at the Southampton Fairmount Hamilton Princess Hotel in Bermuda on October. 28 – 31. The "Hour of Power Prayer Service" was held on Saturday, October 31, 2009.
Submitted by the Rev. Lanel D. Guyton, Bermuda Annual Conference
11. HOLY-WEEN, A WONDERFUL CHRISTIAN ALTERNATIVES:
*The Rev. Nigal D. Felder is the pastor of St. Paul AME Church in Louisville, Kentucky
When I grew up in Chattanooga, TN in the 1960s, we celebrated Halloween only one night, on October 31st. Years later when I moved to Washington, D.C., Halloween was celebrated for two nights. On October 30th, Beggar's Night, everyone went "Trick or Treating." You would see children going to selected houses for treats. Tricks were mild at best – not like the good old days when the emphasis was on tricks - like dumping over out houses. On Halloween Night everyone went down to M Street in the Georgetown area for a costume walk. This was considered a kind of Fall Easter Parade.
As time has passed, greed entered the Halloween festivity scene. Halloween has become a major commercial event with merchants pushing "Halloween" products such as decorations, candy and costumes.
After greed came true evil. Nuts came out of their shells. Candy and treats were spiked with chemicals and sharp things. Authorities warned Trick and Treaters to accept only sealed wrapped treats. Treat givers were told to only give sealed wrapped treats. Candy corn, and stuff, wrapped lovingly in napkins and tied with a bow became a thing of the past. Danger stalked the streets. Beggars beware!
To protect the children of the community from Halloween dangers to body, soul, and spirit churches have began to offer alternate celebrations. And on Saturday October 31st, St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Louisville, Kentucky and the West Kentucky Conference, collaborated with two other churches St. John Baptist Missionary Church, and the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church to entertain over 500 children and adults with gospel music, liturgical dancers, mimes, games, and plenty of treats and food has the churches sponsored the 1st Community Fall Harvest Holy-Ween Celebration.
According to Felicia Yelverton, church coordinator for the event, “it was a great time for children and the community.” The streets were blocked off from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. and there were no sirens, shootings, or arrests. Children played games, ate hotdogs and hamburgers, played games, and had fun in a safe environment. During the invitation time period, twenty-five individuals accepted the Lord. What a way to take back what the “enemy” has stolen. The pastoral team of St. Paul AME Church, in Louisville is lead by the Rev. Nigal D. Nigal and the Rev. Lindoria B. Felder.
*The Rev. Nigal D. Felder is the pastor of St. Paul AME Church in Louisville, Kentucky
12. THE ANNUAL SEMINAR 2010 CHURCH GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR:
The Church Growth and Development Seminar will be held January 5 – 8, 2010 at the Wyndham Riverfront Hotel in Little Rock, Arkansas (USA). Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah is the Commission chair; Bishop Samuel L. Green, host bishop; and the Dr. James C. Wade, Executive Director
The Making of 21st Century Evangelists “Multiplication”
Seminar Registration Fees
On or before 12/07/09: $130.00
After December 07, 2009: $150.00
On Site: $150.00
Evangelism Certification Program: $225.00*
Note: There will be a $25.00 returned check fee
Hotel Information:
The Wyndham Riverfront (Seminar Site)
2 Riverfront Place
Little Rock, AR 72114
Telephone: 866-657-4458; 1-501-907-4807
Rates: $100.00
Double Tree
424 West Markham
Little Rock, AR
Telephone: 501- 372 - 4371
Rates: $100.00
Cut-off Date: December 10, 2009
For questions regarding mail-in or fax registration, please email: jcwade1109@aol.com, trkgr58@aol.com or visit www.ameharvest.org
Dept. of Church Growth and Development AME Church
280 Hernando Street * Suites 105-107
Memphis, Tennessee 38126
Online registration available at: www.ameharvest.org
13. THREE WORDS NOT AVAILABLE TO HUMANKIND:
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts
Ever since I became old enough to have purchasing power and privilege, I have bought many things. I have bought clothing, tools, furniture, cars and other necessities.
Everything that I bought had labels. I have seen such labels as durable, waterproof, fireproof, sturdy, wrinkle-free and pressure treated. Some came with warranties and even offered extended warranties. But I have never purchased anything that was labeled, “everlasting,” “forever,” or “eternal.”
This should make us aware of how fragile and terminal we are and the things we so proudly possess. With all of the technical and scientific capabilities that humankind has, and will make, a person can never label anything that he or she makes as, “everlasting, forever or eternal”; and not even the positions he or she may hold.
Dynasties have risen and fallen because they don’t last forever. Kings and queens have reigned for periods but they are not everlasting.
Governments are toppled because they are not eternal. Even champions enjoy brief periods of popularity, but not forever. The small victories we claim are not everlasting. The positions and power that we enjoy are not eternal.
The foolish farmer thought he would live forever when he came to the conclusion that his barns were too small and he decided to build bigger and newer barns, and told himself sit back and take it easy. Luke 12:18 He got the surprise of his life.
When the disciples came and showed Jesus the beautiful temple that had been built, he said to them, “There shall not be left one stone upon another that shall not be thrown down.” Matthew 24: 1-2. In other words what Jesus said was, this temple is not forever, it is not everlasting and it is not eternal.
Some of us act as if we are forever and everlasting. I don’t believe that any of us think or feel that we are eternal, at least I hope not. Some feel that the position they hold are theirs forever, that’s why some become offended and go off and pout when they are not re-nominated to be a Steward or placed on the trustee ballot for another year.
We can have eternal life but cannot have eternal things. We can have everlasting life without a warranty or extended warranty, but this can only come about by a transitory method called death.
We live in a state of temporariness. Whatever we have, whatever we do and whatever position we may hold are all temporary. So keep in mind these three words, forever, everlasting and eternal are not accessible when it comes to our existence in this life.
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts (Ptaegar@AOL.com), teacher, author, counselor, and humorist is a retired Itinerant Elder who resides in Eatonville, Florida
Real humor: The other morning I saw a dog walking a man. It had to be because no dog that size would allow a little man to lead him around on a leash.
14. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate Thirteenth Episcopal District: Briggs Scholar, Rev. Lula Marie Martin
In honor of the Director of the Thomas W. Briggs Foundation, the Rev. Kenneth S. Robinson, M.D., Pastor, St. Andrew African Methodist Episcopal Church, 867 S. Parkway East, Memphis, Tennessee, a gift of $10,000.00 has been given to Memphis Theological Seminary for tuition support for one deserving individual in the 2009-2010 academic year. The Briggs Scholar is Lula Marie Martin, a recently ordained Itinerant Elder in the Thirteenth Episcopal District, West Tennessee Annual Conference by the Divine Visionary, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie of the 13th Episcopal District.
Rev. Martin stated: "I believe I am worthy of the Thomas W. Briggs Scholarship because I possess the intelligence, perseverance, spiritual commitment and charisma to pursue the Master of Divinity Degree at Memphis Theological Seminary."
Rev. Lula is the daughter of the Reverend Linda F. Thomas-Martin, Presiding Elder of the South Memphis District, West Tennessee Annual Conference, 13th Episcopal District and the Reverend Elmer S. Martin, a pastor in the 3rd Episcopal District.
Congratulatory messages can be emailed to: pesouthmemphis@aol.com
- The Rev. Mila P. Cooper and the Rev. Stephanie Ransom Upshaw Ordained Itinerant Elders
The Rev. Mila P. Cooper and the Rev. Stephanie Ransom Upshaw were elected and ordained itinerant elders on Saturday, October 17, 2009 during the North Ohio Annual Conference of the 3rd Episcopal District that was held at St. Paul AME Church in Canton, Ohio; Bishop Cornal Garnett Henning, Sr., Presiding Prelate.
The Rev. Stephanie Ransom Upshaw, granddaughter of the late Bishop Reverdy Cassius Ransom, is on the ministerial staff at St. Paul AME Church in Lima, Ohio. The Rev. Mila P. Cooper is the pastor of Mt. Moriah AME Church, Maple Heights, Ohio and first-lady at St. James AME Church, Cleveland where her husband, the Rev. Gerald A. Cooper is the pastor.
15. SISTER DENOMINATION EPISCOPACY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce news of the passing of Mrs. Adele Norris, mother of Bishop Alfred L. Norris (UMC), member of the Pan-Methodist Commission. Mrs. Adele Norris passed on November 2, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. She was 90 years old.
Service arrangements for Mrs. Adele Norris
Funeral Service:
Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at 11 a.m.
First Grace United Methodist Church
3401 Canal Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70119
Phone: (504) 488-0856
Fax: (504) 488-0926
Professional Services are entrusted to:
Gertrude Geddes Willis Funeral Home
2120 Jackson Avenue
New Orleans, Louisiana 70113
Phone: (504) 522-2525
Fax: (504) 522-2805
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Bishop and Mrs. Alfred L. Norris
726 Lexington Avenue
Jonesboro, Georgia 30236-5570
Phone: (678) 610-9239
And emailed to: BishopNorris@bellsouth.net
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES:
We regret to share news of the passing of the Reverend Dr. Lyman S. Parks. The Rev. Dr. Lyman S. Parks served 58 years as an AME Pastor, and former (and only) African-American Mayor in the City of Grand Rapids, Michigan. He departed this world Wednesday, November 4th at 5:05 am. He pastored several churches throughout the 4th Episcopal District and retired in 2000 from active ministry. In June 2009 he celebrated his 65th Wedding Anniversary to lifelong AME, Mrs. Cleo Parks. Rev. Parks was 92 years young.
He was the father, father-in-law, and grandfather of the Rev. Lana Parks Miller, the Rev. Dr. James F. Miller, and the Rev. Morgan Dixon respectively of DuPage AME Church.
The city of Grand Rapids (Michigan) will fly the city flag at half-staff from Wednesday until after the funeral, upon the passing of the former 3rd Ward City Commissioner and Former Mayor.
Service arrangements the Reverend Dr. Lyman S. Parks:
Friday, November 6, 2009
1 - 4 pm, Public Viewing
6 - 8 pm, Family Time
Saturday, November 7, 2009
11 am, Family Hour
12 Noon, Funeral
First Community AME Church
500 James Avenue SE
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503-5418
616-459-0151
The Rev. David Jarrett, Pastor
Monday, November 9, 2009
10 am, Funeral
Wayman AME Church
920 Apperson Way, North
Kokomo, Indiana 46901
765-452-0228
The Rev. Louis Parham, pastor
Interment immediately following at:
Crown Point Cemetery
1101 E Sycamore St
Kokomo, Indiana 46901-4918
765-456-7548
Additional information on his life and ministry can be found (along with a 10-min video interview):
http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/grand_rapids/former_Grand_Rapids_mayor_Lyman_Parks_dies
Condolences and Expressions can be sent to:
Mrs. Cleo Parks
C/o The Miller Family
3083 Handley Court
Lisle, Illinois 60532
630-527-0836
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mrs. Shirley Jacob Ross of Shaw, Mississippi, the aunt of the Reverend Eraina M. Ross-Aseme, an Itinerant Elder of the Midwest Conference of the 5th Episcopal District. Mrs. Shirley Jacob Ross is the wife of Charlie Ross, who is the brother of the late Willie Ross Jr., the father of the Rev. Eraina Marie Ross-Aseme.
Service arrangements for Mrs. Shirley Jacob Ross:
Wake: Friday, November 6, 2009 - 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Byas Funeral Home Inc.
11005 S. Davis Avenue
Cleveland, Mississippi 38732
Phone: 662-843-3935
Fax: 662-843-3945
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Visitation: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m.
Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church
Shaw, Mississippi
The Rev. Dexter Miller, Pastor
The Rev. Eraina Marie Ross-Aseme, Eulogist
Condolences can be sent to: e_aseme@sbcglobal.net
and/or
Mr. Charlie Ross
505 Hwy 61 South
Shaw, Mississippi 38773
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Dr. Henrietta Hestick, Associate Professor of Baltimore City Community College and practicing Clinical Psychologist in Baltimore County. Dr. Henrietta Hestick died on Thursday, October 29, 2009 at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland after sustaining a massive stroke early Tuesday morning. She was married to Gershom Hestick for 45 years and they have three children: Mearys Hestick-Greene, Gersha Porter and Gershom Paul Hestick and eight grandchildren: NeCole, Kimani, Chelsea, Ariel, Jaelin, Autumn, Chloe and Dawson.
She was the third child and first daughter of eight children born to the late Reverends Walter and Sarah Eversley of Baltimore, Maryland who migrated from Guyana, South America. She leaves to mourn her grieving siblings: Rev. Dr. Walter Lloyd Eversley, Thomas Eversley, Father Walter V. L. Eversley, Eileen Batson, Elizabeth (Liz) Best, John Eversley and Josephine Lambert.
Service Arrangements for Dr. Henrietta Hestick:
The Family will receive friends:
Thursday and Friday, November 5th and 6th - 3 p.m.
At the home of Dr. Hestick's brother, Father Walter Eversley
214 Lambeth Rd, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
Friday, November 6, 2009 - 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Viewing:
Chapel of William C. Brown Community Funeral Home
1206 W. North Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21217
Phone: 410-728-8422
Saturday, November 7, 2009
9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. - Viewing
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. - Family Hour
11:00 a.m. - Funeral Service
Union Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
8615 Church Lane
Randallstown, Maryland 21133
410.922.3286 - 410.922.3299 (Fax)
wearefamily@unionbethelamec.org
The Rev. Charles T. Sembly, Pastor
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family of Dr. Henrietta Hestick, c/o the Union Bethel AME Church or to the William C. Brown Community Funeral Home (addresses above).
For more information, please call 410-728-8422 or visit the website for William C. Brown Funeral Home at www.williamcbrownfh.com.
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mr. Don Leon Jackson, Sr., the brother of Mrs. Delores Foster and brother in law of Reverend James H. Foster, pastor at Antioch AME Church in Frankford, Delaware (Delaware Conference, Dover District). The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Memorial Service - 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
St. Matthew Baptist Church
1105 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20003
Phone: 202-488-7298
Fax: 202-488-0126
The Rev. Maxwell M. Washington, Pastor
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Viewing - 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Funeral - 10:00 a.m.
Eackles-Spencer & Norton Funeral Home
U. S. 340 & Halltown Road
Charles Town, WV 25414
Phone: 304-724-6500
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. & Mrs. James H. Foster
Antioch AME Church
194 Clayton Avenue
Frankford, Delaware 19945
20. 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
21. 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
