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 – THE LEADERSHIP LESSONS OF THE RIGHT REV. RICHARD ALLEN ARE RELEVANT TODAY:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III,
The 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder
Bishop Richard Allen was born 250 years ago, came into this world as a slave, he and his family were sold by one slave master to another, he did not have the opportunity to attend public or private school, was not a high school graduate, purchased his freedom by the time he was 20 years old, never attended college, did not have an opportunity to attend seminary, had no Wall Street investments, was considered a second-class citizen because of his race, was rejected by his fellow church members at St. George’s Methodist Episcopal Church, pulled off of his knees while in prayer, and criticized, even when he attempted to do the right thing.
Richard Allen’s life had the recipe for failure and mediocrity, but he did not let the circumstances of his birth, his station in life or what other persons thought about him, define his reality. In spite of all of the negativity in his life, the economic constraints, and the racial and religious prejudice he experienced; Richard Allen excelled and proved himself to be a leader.
His legacy and leadership lessons are worthy to be emulated by clergy and laity, not only clergy and laity of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, but by people of all denominations and faith groups. His leadership lessons are universal and timeless.
I want to share several leadership lessons of Richard Allen from my soon to be published book, The Leadership Lessons of the Right Rev. Richard Allen.
Richard Allen’s model of leadership is relevant and effective today. Organizations will be more efficient if persons in leadership positions would follow the leadership lessons of the Right Rev. Richard Allen.
- Richard Allen had vision and refused to accept the status quo:
Richard Allen said, “I had it often impressed upon my mind that I should one day enjoy my freedom; for slavery is a bitter pill, notwithstanding we had a good master.”
- Richard Allen did not let the circumstances of his birth define his reality:
Richard Allen had a determination to be free. He worked nights and at off-hours cutting cord wood and doing odd jobs and by the time he was 20, bought his freedom.
- Richard Allen was not deterred by setbacks and rejection:
Richard Allen was “read out” of the Free African Society because he was not in agreement with the organization’s position of adopting the quiet Quaker style of worship because he felt that blacks needed a more spiritually spontaneously expressive style of worship that he experienced with the Methodists. When Richard Allen experienced persecution from the Methodist leadership and from some of the blacks who remained at St. George’s, he remarked that he was “… thankful to Almighty God, who was our deliverer.”
- Richard Allen understood the concept that the church extended beyond the church building:
Richard Allen did as much, or more work in the community as he did within the environs of Mother Bethel. He worked tirelessly during the 1793 Philadelphia Yellow Fever Epidemic, was a community leader in Philadelphia among blacks and whites and was active in the abolitionist movement.
- Richard Allen recognized the importance of education:
Shortly after Bethel’s founding, Richard Allen established a children's day school and an adult night school.
- Richard Allen did not quit because of opposition:
The blacks, who remained at St. George's after the 1787 schism, accused Richard Allen of segregating the races and there was the continuous struggle with the trustees at St. George's who fought to control Mother Bethel's affairs.
Many of the challenges that Richard Allen faced still exist today and people who do not tackle their challenges and demons are surrounded by unfulfilled lives and even failure.
There are individuals today who are slaves to their own inability to conquer the fears and demons in their lives. Some do not see the value of training and education; others are trapped in an economic quagmire and haven’t developed a strategy to overcome their predicament; still others are victims or perpetrators of crime; and many individuals have accepted their “station in life” and have become satisfied, and even comfortable with the status quo.
Some organizations, even some AME Churches, have the same attributes as individuals in not rising above the slave state of mind, unable to conquer their fears and demons, and see little value of even attempting to move from “poor to good” or from “good to great.” Some organizations and some churches refuse to see the value of education and training or to see the importance of maintaining a high ethical environment and have become satisfied with their state of affairs that currently exist.
Those organizations and individuals need to examine and adopt the “The Leadership Lessons of the Right Rev. Richard Allen.
His legacy and leadership lessons are worthy to be emulated by clergy and laity because his leadership lessons are universal and timeless.
2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
To the Editor:
RE: Editorial – Richard Allen’s Legacy and Memory Should be “Sacredly Cherished”
The absence of the mention of Richard Allen in any church on Founder’s Day Sunday was scandalous and shows laziness, apathy, and lack of pastoral oversight. When we don't do what's necessary to educate our children about our roots, what can we expect for the future? It's an insult to the entire African Methodist Episcopal Church not to even mention its founder on "Founder's Day." At least a mention of Richard Allen should have come across every pulpit last Sunday!
Name Withheld
3. A SERVICE OF SACRED WORSHIP IN MEMORY OF THE REVEREND DR. SHERMAN L. GREENE, JR. -1906 – 2010:
*Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The homegoing celebration for the Rev. Dr. Sherman L. Greene, Jr., a life-long member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, was held on Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at Bethel AME Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where the Rev. Dr. Joseph N. Cousin, Sr. serves as the pastor.
Dr. Greene was a retired pastor, retired General Officer and former college president. He served as a General Officer as the Secretary-Treasurer, Educational Institutions. He served as president of Campbell College in Vicksburg, Mississippi and president of Paul Quinn College in Waco, Texas.
Beautiful Bethel AME Church, located at 900 John A. Woods Drive in Ann Arbor is a beautiful facility and was the appropriate place for friends, colleagues, and family to bid farewell to such a distinguished retired General Officer and churchman.
The Right Rev. John R. Bryant, Senior Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the Presiding Prelate of the 4th Episcopal District; and the Right Rev. C. Garnett Henning, Presiding Prelate of the 3rd Episcopal District were in attendance and were worship participants in the homegoing celebration.
General Officers, Dr. Richard Allen Lewis, AMEC Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer; Dr. Clement W. Fugh, General Secretary/CIO; Dr. Daryl B. Ingram, Executive Director, Department of Christian Education; and Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor of The Christian Recorder attended the homegoing of their fellow General Officer.
Bishop John R. Bryant delivered a powerful eulogy and challenged the congregation to live as Dr. Greene had lived. Bishop Bryant had known Dr. Greene for many years and shared how Dr. Greene had been his mentor.
Dr. Clement W. Fugh delivered words of tribute on behalf of the active and retired General Officers and the Bethel AME Church combined choir, accompanied by Mr. Bob Brake provided superb musical selections.
The Rev. Cousin, pastor of Bethel AME Church, Ann Arbor was the worship leader for the homegoing service. The Rev. Michael Cousin, brother of Pastor Joseph Cousin read the Old Testament scripture. Other participants included the Rev. Dr. Robert Brumfield, pastor of Oak Grove AME Church in Detroit, Michigan; and the Rev. Dr. David Saunders. The Rev. Norman V. Osborne, Presiding Elder of the South District, Michigan Annual Conference; the Rev. H. Michel Lemming, Presiding Elder of the North District of the Michigan Annual Conference both gave moving tribute about Dr. Greene and his mentorship of young pastors.
Ms. Barbara Robinson, Fourth District Lay officer and a member of Bethel, Ann Arbor gave comments about Dr. Greene as a person and how personable he was and shared with the congregation Dr. Greene’s love for Bethel. Granddaughter Gwen Criglar also gave moving comments about her grandfather.
Dr. Greene’s grandmother was a slave and his father was the 51st elected and consecrated bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
He was educated at Shorter College in Little Rock, Arkansas and Wilberforce University in Ohio. He earned a Master of Divinity from Payne Theological Seminary and later awarded the honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Payne Theological Seminary. He also held a master’s degree from Columbia University.
Dr. Greene was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
When he was a young man he fell I love with the former Zadie Elizabeth Morgan and they were married for 65 years. She preceded him in death in 1992. The couple had two children; Velma Greene Clarke, who preceded him in death in 2003 and Sherman III. His son, Sherman Greene III retired from social work and lives in New York City.
Dr. Greene answered the call to ministry in 1932 was ordained an elder by his father, Bishop Sherman Lawrence Greene.
Dr. Greene was appointed to his first pastorate when he was 26 years old. He served congregations in Louisiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and Massachusetts. He served as presiding elder in two different episcopal districts, and also served as president of two AME colleges.
He retired in 1976 and moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan when he was 76 years old so that he could live near his daughter.
Dr. Greene has one granddaughter, Gwendolyn Criglar; a great-granddaughter, Fakisha, and a great-great granddaughter, Taylor. He had an extended family and caregivers, Bertha Clemons, Lisa, and Peter.
The congregation at Bethel AME Church in Ann Arbor celebrated his 100th Birthday in May 2007 with a special worship service and party. At the time, he told his friends the simple formula he discovered for success and happiness in life, “You need education and you need religion,” he said.
*This article was written with the assistance of Mrs. Gwen Criglar and the homegoing worship bulletin
4. 16TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT GRATEFUL FOR DONOR SUPPORT of $65,000:
The 16th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is grateful for the generous support of the Church’s Earthquake Disaster Relief efforts. To date the 16th Episcopal District has received from donors directly, $65,000 rounded to the nearest thousand.
I will publish on a monthly basis the amounts sent to the 16th Episcopal District and deposited in the special Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund Account in the 16th District.
Bishop Sarah F. Davis
Presiding Prelate, 16th Episcopal District
5. MRS. ADRIAN MORRIS, CONNECTIONAL OFFICER AND 3RD EPISCOPAL DISTRICT LAYPERSON SHARES A GREAT FOUNDER’S DAY IDEA:
If your church is still celebrating Founder’s Day, there might be time to use this idea.
In the spirit of sharing “best practices,” I am sharing the great idea that was shared me at the Cincinnati District (Ohio Annual Conference) Founder’s Day Celebration that was held at Brown Chapel AME Church where the Rev. Elmer Martin is the pastor. The Rev. Dr. Wilton Blake is the Presiding Elder of the Cincinnati District.
Mrs. Adrian Morris**, an outstanding church person and a leading Layperson in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, shared this idea with me.
Sister Morris and the laity of her church made a Founder’s Day 250th Anniversary Commemorative Badge that was the size of a calling card. On the badge was an image of Richard Allen, the dates of his birth and death and with the words, “Founder and First Consecrated Bishop – African Methodist Episcopal Church.” The commemorative badge was laminated with a clip so that the badge could be worn on the lapel or clothing. The laity of her church sold the badges for a donation of $2.50 each, a penny for each year since the birth of Richard Allen.
The badge was so well-done that when I arrived home, I removed the metal clip and have placed the badge in my Bible as a souvenir of the 250th Celebration of the birth of Richard Allen.
I thought to myself, what a nice inexpensive way to commemorate the semiquincentennial celebration of the birth of our founder, while at the same time, have a nice souvenir that can be kept as a reminder of this important milestone.
One might also note that 100 badges at $2.50 equals $250.00; not a bad fundraiser.
**Sister Morris is a member of Bethel AME Church in Lockland, Ohio and the serves as the Connectional WMS Historiographer and Statistician. She also serves as the Administrative Assistant to the Rev. Wilton Blake, Presiding Elder of the Cincinnati District (3rd Episcopal District).
6. MESSAGE FROM THE REV. DR. MARK TYLER REQUESTING ASSISTANCE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE MINISTRY OF BISHOP RICHARD A. HILDEBRAND:
I'm currently in the process of recording Bishop Richard A. Hildebrand's life events on video and audio. Hopefully, this project will assist him in writing his autobiography. As many of you know, Bishop Hildebrand recently celebrated his 94th birthday this month and is looking forward to celebrating the Bicentennial Quadrennial General Conference in 2016 that will be held in Philadelphia.
It would be helpful is if any of you who worked with or served under Bishop Hildebrand would share any stories or events that you remember about him. Any information that any of you would be willing to share would be helpful in writing Bishop Hildebrand’s autobiography.
Please share this request with others who knew him.
Thank you for your help.
Mark Kelly Tyler, Ph.D
Senior Pastor
Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
419 South 6th Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19147
215-925-0616
7. RESPONSE TO BISHOP JEFFREY LEATH AND BISHOP ADAM J. RICHARDSON’S COMMENTS, “METHODISTS TACKLE INEFFECTIVE CLERGY, CONGREGATIONS”:
*Brother Jessie Herbert Kirkland II
Reference is made to the articles, written in The Christian Recorder (Print edition), dated November 16, 2009, by Bishop Jeffrey Leath and Bishop Adam J. Richardson’s response to TCR
Newsbreak-United Methodist Tackle in effective Clergy Congregations.
In my opinion, one must have good communication skills, to be an effective leader and/or minister. The Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church emphasizes one should have at least two years of college or an associate degree. One should major in a discipline requiring communication skills and leadership skills to facilitate the mastery of connecting to people in congregation.
The basic foundation and authority of one’s desire to preach the gospel is already established by their acknowledgement to accept the call from God to preach the Word. It is through our personal belief in God through Jesus Christ, as stated in Romans 10:9-10; “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt believe in the heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation for the scripture saith, who so ever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.”
I believe that the growth of a congregation is a reflection of the total commitment of the pastor’s compliance and obedience to God’s Commandments. The sheep hear the Shepherd’s voice and they will follow it
This is not complicated stuff. Everything is so simple - even a child can lead. We, as a people, are always looking for someone to lead us through the hardships of these economic conditions, chaos, rioting, out of control crime in our neighborhoods and whenever things go wrong in our environments and get out of control. People are always watching us and if we follow the footsteps of Jesus Christ, somebody just might follow our footsteps.
God placed humankind on earth to be the caretaker and we, as men and women, should step up and obey God’s commandments, resulting in an increase in saving souls, congregations and Godly people answering the call in the ministry.
We should love one another. St. Matthew 22:37-40 says, “Thou shalt love the LORD thy GOD with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with thy entire mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
James 1:5-6. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraided not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”
James 1:22-25. “But be ye doers of the word and not hears only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholds himself, and goeth his way and straightway forget what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in hid deed.”
I humbly say these words in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
*Brother Jessie Herbert Kirkland II is a faithful member of Visitors Chapel A.M.E. Church in El Paso, Texas 79903.
8. WEBSITE BEING DEVELOPED TO CONNECT RETIRED AME CLERGY:
The Rev. Alton Paris, retired AME pastor is developing a new website. He is hoping to connect the retired “servants” (clergy) of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The website is not finished, but individuals are invited to take a look at it and comment and share suggestions about the website. Go to: http://retired-amem.rev-al-paris.net.
Persons wishing to make comments / suggestions can drop a note to the Rev. Alton Paris, email: pastor101@gmail.com
9. BISHOP KIRKLAND OFFERS A RECIPE FOR AFRICAN-AMERICAN AND AFRICAN METHODIST PROGRESS:
*The Rev. V. Gordon Glenn III
Bethel AME Church, Kansas City, Missouri hosted the Midwest Conference Founder’s Day Celebration
Kansas City, MO, February 14, 2010: For the first time since the former Northwest Missouri Conference and the former Kansas-Nebraska Conference came together to form the Midwest Conference, there was one Founder’s Day celebration held on the same day in the same place for the whole conference to experience together. For this auspicious occasion, Bishop T. Larry Kirkland was the preacher and Bethel AME Church in Kansas City, Missouri was the place.
Following the processional, host pastor, The Rev. Spencer L. Booker, led the assembled congregation in the Call to Worship and in the reverent singing of the Negro National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
The program committee made sure that the liturgists were inclusive of the ministry components that make up the Midwest Conference. It began with Sister Margaret Rhone, representing the Clergy Family Organization, offering up the opening prayer. It continued with the Women’s Missionary Society, who offered the Scripture lessons, represented by Sister Thelma Cunningham, President and Sister Kelly Rhea, 2nd Vice President.
Protocol was established and The Occasion was offered by AME Ministerial Alliance President, The Rev. Gordon Glenn, who made note of the 250th anniversary of the birth of our founder, Richard Allen, hailing him as the example of the preacher, prophet, and protestor who, with others, gave birth to the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The Midwest Conference Adult Choir, under the direction of the 5th Episcopal District Co-director of Music, Sister Ida Gordon-Williams took us to the highest heights of praise with selections: “For this, I Give You Praise” and “God Is.”
From the balcony of Bethel rang out the melodious sounds of the Midwest Conference Youth Choir, under the direction of the Rev. Bridget Mitchell, who sang “He Has Done Marvelous Things.”
Continuing the theme of inclusiveness, The Founder’s Day Litany was lead by YPD President Sister Sakaaja Sowell and 2nd Vice President Brother Garret Palmer.
The worship leader, the Rev. Steven A. Cousin, Presiding Elder of the Midwest South District called on the Rev. Eraina Aseme, who read proclamations from government officials representing the three states that the Midwest Conference occupies, namely: Governor of Missouri, the Mayor/CEO of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County, Kansas, the Mayor of Omaha, Nebraska, the Mayor of Topeka, Kansas and the Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri.
Following the presentation of Bishop Kirkland by Presiding Elder Donna F. Roberson of the Midwest North District, Bishop Kirkland had us on our feet as by singing one of his favorite hymns, “Like a Ship That’s Tossed and Driven.”
Bishop Kirkland preached our hearts happy from Jeremiah 29: 4-9, “A Recipe for African-American and African Methodist Progress.”
Bishop Kirkland advised us, if we wish to have progress in our Church, we must do three things: (1) Reestablish our spiritual priorities, (2) Develop some financial independence, and (3) Don’t listen to the false prophets.
The Spirit “showed up and showed out” as the Invitation to Christian Discipleship was extended by the Women In Ministry (WIM) representative, the Rev. Brenda Smith while Brother Brandon Stancil of Allen Chapel AME Church in Kansas City, Missouri, and the Rev. Booker lead the congregation in singing, “Never Would have made it.”
Presiding Elders Roberson and Cousin along with the Founder’s Day Committee, Pastor Booker and the whole Bethel AME Church family left no stone unturned in their hospitality and willingness to go beyond the call of duty to ensure that this first, and perhaps not last, Midwest Conference Founder’s Day Celebration was a blessing to God and to the assembled congregation.
*The Rev. V. Gordon Glenn III serves as the Midwest South District Publicity Chair & Midwest Conference Co-Director of Public Relations
10. BISHOP C. GARNETT HENNING, SR. GUEST PREACHER FOR FOUNDER’S DAY CELEBRATION IN ALIQUIPPA, PENNSYLVANIA:
*Miss Shelly Brown
The Allegheny Scranton District celebrated Founder’s Day on Sunday, February 14, 2010 at New Ebenezer A.M.E. Church in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. The host pastor was the Reverend Dr. Helen M. Burton.
As clergy and laity assembled, the ministry of music was provided by various choirs of the District; Wayman Chapel – New Brighton; Bethel - Tarentum; and the host church choir New Ebenezer - Aliquippa, the Holy Spirit was in the place. Feet were tapping and hands were clapping!
The Reverend Dr. Eric L. Brown, Presiding Elder of the Allegheny Scranton District, a candidate for General Secretary/CIO 2012, introduced the Right Reverend C. Garnett Henning, Sr., Presiding Prelate 3rd Episcopal District, the guest preacher for the occasion.
Bishop Henning preached with power and conviction from the subject, "Renewing Our Faith" taken from Isaiah 51:1-11. He stated just as the Israelites had a great challenge whether to stay right where they were and die; go over to the other camp and die; or go towards the Army and may be die, they chose not to give up. Just as Richard Allen was challenged, he didn't give up. Not giving up is in our DNA. The foundation that Richard Allen stood on is the same foundation we need to stand on today which is the Rock! God has a future for the African Methodist Episcopal Church as God's way supersedes everything else.
*Miss Shelly Brown is the Allegheny Scranton District Administrative Assistant
11. LUKENS HISTORIC DISTRICT TO PRESENT COMMUNITY LEADER, GLADYS FLAMER, 103, WITH REBECCA LUKENS AWARD:
Coatesville, PA -- February 17, 2010 -- The Graystone Society, located in the Lukens National Historic District in Coatesville, Pennsylvania has announced its fourth annual Rebecca Lukens Award to be presented to noted Coatesville and Chester County community, church and political leader, Gladys Flamer.
Gladys Flamer has been a faithful member of Hutchinson UAME Church in Coatesville since 1925. The Union American Methodist Episcopal (UAME) Church was organized by Peter Spencer in 1813. The UAME Church was a group of black Methodists who formed an independent denomination that came to be known as the African Union Church, now UAME Church.
The Graystone Society honors individuals who exhibit the qualities of Rebecca Lukens, which commemorate Rebecca Lukens' 216th birthday.
Gladys Flamer was born in 1906 in Christiana and was one of thirteen children, was just a young girl out of Benner High School when she took the job as laundress at the home of Lukens Steel resident, Robert Wolcott at his estate in Thorndale. Eventually, through hard work and dedication, she would achieve the position of head cook. Gladys remembers her days at The Wolcott Estate, "as sometimes polishing silver for two days straight," or watching the "dogs as big as cows" being walked.
Because education was hard to come by, especially for African-American girls, Mrs. Flamer's parents aligned their daughter with people who had the benefit of a higher education. One such group hailed from Cheyney University and traveled to meet then-first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt for a luncheon in the White House. Mrs. Flamer recalls, "Three cars traveled from Coatesville to the White House from Cheyney. Most of those people are dead now. God blessed me to be here after they have gone." Seven decades later that same university would bestow a full scholarship upon Mrs. Flamer.
Mrs. Flamer's illustrious and diversified career would take her in many directions. She once owned a beauty shop in Coatesville for twenty years. She was a License Practical Nurse at the VA Medical Center and Embreeville Hospital. She also worked for Lukens Steel and the Pennsylvania Railroad. Many also remember her tenure as a sales associate at Strawbridge and Clothier at the age of 90.
She is an active member of Hutchinson UAME Church and is politically shrewd. Her dedication to her community includes membership in The Coatesville Historical Commission, The Eastern Stars, The Better Community Group and Better Housing and Politics, the Sick Committee, the Coatesville Senior Center, the local NAACP and the Hyacinth Federated Club (among others). She is a Judge of Elections in her fifth ward and she still attends Council Meetings. She continues to bake homemade pies and serves lunch to the Thursday Retired Men's Club. She received a host of awards and honors for dedicated service and devotion to hard work in many of these organizations.
Mrs. Flamer says her secret to longevity is, "Serving the Lord. I was raised in the church. The saints are supposed to take care of the Lord's Temple."
The Rebecca Lukens Award will be presented to Gladys Flamer at a reception in the Lukens Executive Office Building, 50 South First Avenue, in Coatesville, Pa., on March 18, 2010, from 5 to 7 p.m. Tickets and reservations are required. This event also is made possible through the kindness of the following sponsors:
For event information and reservations, please contact The Graystone Society at 610-384-9282 or graystone@lukensnhd.org.
For more information on this release, kindly contact Melinda Williams at The Williams Group, 610-518-4888 or visit: www.thewilliamsgroup.info.
For event information/reservations, kindly contact The Graystone Society at 610-384-9282 or graystone@lukensnhd.org
12. THE 2010 SEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT CALENDAR:
The Right Rev. Preston Warren Williams, Presiding Prelate
Mrs. Wilma Delores Williams, Episcopal Supervisor
MARCH 3 – 5, 2010 MID-YEAR CONVOCATION
Florence Civic Center
Florence, SC
MARCH 6, 2010 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION: SIMULTANEOUS CHRISTIAN EDUCATION DAY
Simultaneous – 6 locations
South Carolina
MARCH 12 – 14, 2010 MINISTERS SPOUSES, WIDOWS, AND WIDOWERS ORGANIZATION + KIDS
(MSWWO + PKS)
Embassy Suites Greenville Golf Resort & Conference Centers
Greenville, SC
MARCH 25, 2010 FIRST LADIES LUNCHEON
Location TBD
MARCH 26 – 28, 2010 SED YPD RETREAT
Location TBD
APRIL 9 – 11, 2010 CONNECTIONAL YPD LEADERSHIP TRAINING INSTITUTE
APRIL 15 – 17, 2010 CONNECTIONAL CHRISTIAN EDUCATION MINISTRIES MEETING
APRIL 23 – 25, 2010 CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION (CLO) EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING
Detroit, MI
APRIL 30, 2010 ALLEN UNIVERSITY’S BACCALAUREATE SERVICES
MAY 1, 2010 ALLEN UNIVERSITY’S COMMENCEMENT
MAY 2 – 6, 2010 CONNECTIONAL CONFERENCE ON STEWARDSHIP AND COMMITMENT
Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront Hotel
Jacksonville, FL
JUNE 10 – 12, 2010 SEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT LAY ORGANIZATION’S CONVENTION
Central Annual Conference Hosting
Williams Chapel
Orangeburg, SC
JUNE 23 – 25, 2010 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION LEADERS CONGRESS (16+)
Florence Civic Center
Florence, SC
JUNE 27 – 30, 2010 GENERAL BOARD AND COUNCIL OF BISHOPS MEETING
Investiture: June 28, 2010
Council of Bishops Worship Service: June 28, 2010
Birmingham, AL
JULY 17, 2010 BISHOP PRESTON W. WILLIAMS II BIRTHDAY
AUGUST 14, 2010 DR. WILMA DELORES WEBB-WILLIAMS’ BIRTHDAY
AUGUST 20 – 21, 2010 PALMETTO ANNUAL CONFERENCE – YOUTH SUMMIT
Location TBD
AUGUST 22, 2010 PALMETTO ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DMC
Location TBD
AUGUST 23 – 27, 2010 PALMETTO ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Session 100th Session
Host Church Greater Goodwill AME Church, Mt. Pleasant
Host Pastor The Reverend Herbert Temoney
Host Presiding Elder The Reverend Charles Graves
Co-Host Presiding Elder The Reverend Rosalyn Coleman
Co-Host Presiding Elder The Reverend Dr. Allen W. Parrott
AUGUST 27 – 28, 2010 NORTHEAST ANNUAL CONFERENCE – YOUTH SUMMIT
Location TBD
AUGUST 29, 2010 NORTHEAST ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DMC
Location TBD
AUGUST 30 – NORTHEAST ANNUAL CONFERENCE
SEPTEMBER 3, 2010
Session 119th Session
Host Church Bethel AME Church, Conway
Host Pastor The Reverend Richard W. Crummy
Host Presiding Elder The Reverend Dr. William Smith
Co-Host Presiding Elder The Reverend Robert Cooper
Co-Host Presiding Elder The Reverend Dr. Robert McCants
SEPTEMBER 10 – 11, 2010 COLUMBIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE – YOUTH SUMMIT
Location Allen University
SEPTEMBER 12, 2010 COLUMBIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DMC
Location TBD
SEPTEMBER 13 – 17, 2010 COLUMBIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Session 133rd Session
Host Church Emmanuel AME Church, Columbia
Host Pastor The Reverend Reginald Morton
Host Presiding Elder The Reverend Sandy Drayton
Co-Host Presiding Elder The Reverend Dr. James R. Glover
Co-Host Presiding Elder The Reverend Joseph Postell
SEPTEMBER 17 – 18, 2010 SOUTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE – YOUTH SUMMIT
Location TBD
SEPTEMBER 19, 2010 SOUTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DMC
Location TBD
SEPTEMBER 20 – 24, 2010 SOUTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Session 146th Session
Host Church St. Stephen AME Church, Hardeeville
Host Pastor The Reverend Jonathan Roberts
Host Presiding Elder The Reverend Samuel Myers
Co-Host Presiding Elder The Reverend John H. Gillison
Co-Host Presiding Elder The Reverend Malachi Duncan
OCTOBER 1 – 2, 2010 PIEDMONT ANNUAL CONFERENCE – YOUTH SUMMIT
Location TBD
OCTOBER 3, 2010 PIEDMONT ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DMC
Location TBD
OCTOBER 4 – 8, 2010 PIEDMONT ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Session 101th Session
Host Church Long Cane AME Church, Abbeville
Host Pastor The Reverend Julius M. Johnson
Host Presiding Elder The Reverend Samuel L. McPherson
Co-Host Presiding Elder The Reverend Judy Richardson
OCTOBER 8 – 9, 2010 CENTRAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE – YOUTH SUMMIT
Location TBD
OCTOBER 10, 2010 CENTRAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DMC
Location TBD
OCTOBER 11 – 15, 2010 CENTRAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Session 87th Session
Host Church Butler Chapel AME Church, Orangeburg
Host Pastor The Reverend Helen Zeigler
Host Presiding Elder The Reverend Barbara Chisholm
Co-Host Presiding Elder The Reverend Dr. Juenarrl Keith
Co-Host Presiding Elder The Reverend Harry Wilson
NOVEMBER 10 – 12, 2010 POST CONFERENCE CONVOCATION AND THEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE
Florence Convention Center
Florence, SC
13. THE 14TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2010 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:
The Right Rev. David Rwhynica Daniels, Jr., Presiding Prelate
Mrs. Irene Moifoi Daniels, Episcopal Supervisor
NIGERIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
March 11, 2010: W. M. S. Annual Convention
March 12 – 14, 2010: Annual Conference
Host Church: All Saints AME, Iju-Lagos
Host Pastor: The Rev. Margaret Fadehan
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Boniface Essien
COTE D’IVOIRE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
March 19, 2010: W. M. S. Annual Convention
March 20 – 21, 2010: Annual Conference
Host Church: Bryant AME Church
Vridi-Canal, Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire, West Africa
Host Pastor: The Rev. Kenneth Ansah
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Shadrach Adamptey
GHANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
March 24, 2010: W. M. S. Annual Convention
March 25 – 28, 2010: Annual Conference
Host Church: Gethsemane AME
Sekondi, Ghana, West Africa
Host Pastor: The Rev. Albert Amoah
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Anthony Ainu
TOGO/BENIN ANNUAL CONFERENCE
April 1, 2010: W. M. S. Annual Convention
April 2 - 4, 2010: Annual Conference
Host Church: Norris AME Church
Lome, Togo, West Africa
Host Pastor: The Rev. John Afawoubo
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Julien Segniagbeto
LIBERIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
April 6 - 7, 2010: W. M. S. Annual Convention
April 8 – 11, 2010: Annual Conference
Host Church: Eliza Turner Mem. AME Church
Host District: Monrovia District
Host Pastor: The Rev. Takolo Miller
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Dr. E. Topoe Johnson
CENTRAL LIBERIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
April 12 – 13, 2010: W. M. S. Annual Convention
April 14 – 18, 2010: Annual Conference
Host District: Central District
Host Church: Empowerment Temple AME Church
Host Pastor: The Rev. Katurah York Cooper
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. V. Bryant Kporyor
SIERRA LEONE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
April 21, 2010: W.M.S. Annual Convention
April 22 - 25, 2010: Annual Conference
Host Church: St. Helena AME Church
Bai Bureh Road Kissy, Freetown, Sierra Leone, West Africa
Host Pastor: The Reverend Jonathan AS Hooke
Host Presiding Elder: The Reverend Isaac Showers
14. IF WE WERE ALL RICH:
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts
Before I get into my article, let me share with you one of my poems from my book: Thoughts, Quips, Musings and Poems.
Longed not My Soul for Gold
Longed not, my soul for gold
For that, men sought for fame
For that, men have shamed their name
For that, men have lost their pride
For that, men have murdered and died
Treachery, deceit and acts untold
For that, many men have lost their souls.
What kind of world would this world be, if everyone was rich? Of course the possibility of everybody being rich is unrealistic, unthinkable and inconceivable.
Getting rich seems to be the ultimate goal of most of us. It has been said that if we took all of the money in the world and divided it equally among all individuals it would eventually end up back in the hands of those who originally had it; and those who didn’t have it would try, by any means, to get the money they once has.
The operative word is greed.
There is something inside of us that causes us to believe that becoming rich will bring happiness and peace to our lives.
We hear so much about the war on poverty. Well, that is a war we will never win. Jesus said that the poor will always be with us. John 12:8
Some are poor because of circumstances and others are poor by choice.
What I mean about that is, there are some of us who are just plain lazy and have no ambition. Take, for example the talents Jesus spoke of in the 25th chapter of Matthew: one servant was given five talents, the other two and to another one. The individual with the one was too lazy to put his talent to work so he buried his. That is typical of some of us today. The Master gave to each according to his or her ability. Many of us want a hog when we can’t handle a pig. We want a million when we can’t manage a mill.
If we were all rich who would work for whom? Who would do the menial tasks? In other words, who would do the dirty work?
Being rich does not assure us happiness. We often hear about millionaires committing suicide and killing their family members. You would think that a person who is rich and has a lot of money wouldn’t have any problems. How wrong can we be? I just wonder what is it that drives a wealthy person to commit suicide. Can you imagine a wealthy man throwing himself in front of a fast moving train? Can you imagine a rich man putting a shotgun to his head and taking his own life? What is it that drives individuals to take out insurance policies on family members and then have them killed just for the money?
What a drives a rich person to commit despicable acts is the same thing that drives poor people to do despicable things. In both instances there is something missing in their lives. In the case of a rich person, there is something missing that money and position cannot buy.
I have heard about people who have won lotteries who wish that they hadn’t won the lottery. Money became their master and their manager.
Just keep in mind that I’m not a fool, it takes money to survive in this world of economics, but if you think that being rich will bring you peace and happiness, just think again.
I think I will stop here. There is a Part 2 coming.
Awesome wonder
If you are wondering how great God is, think on this: of all of the millions of people who have lived there has never been found duplicate fingerprints, nor has there been found identical snowflakes.
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts Ptaegar@AOL.Com, Author, Teacher, Counselor Humorist is a retired AME pastor who lives in Eatonville, Florida. His motto: Never too busy to listen.
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of the Reverend Wilson O'Daniel Rideout on Thursday, February 11, 2010.
The Rev. Wilson O'Daniel Rideout began his ministry in 1959. He founded and built Gomez Chapel AME Church in Rockford, Illinois, where he served as pastor for 21 years before being appointed the pastor of Payne Memorial AME Church in Waterloo, Iowa, where he served for 19 years. Rev. Rideout retired after 45 years of faithful service.
Service arrangements for the Reverend Wilson O. Rideout:
Funeral Service: Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at 1:00 PM
Payne Memorial AME Church
1044 Mobile Street
Waterloo, Iowa 50703
Phone: (319) 233-8189
The Rev. Denita R. Williams, pastor
Funeral Service: Friday, February 19, 2010 at 12:00 PM
Gomez Chapel AME Church
1509 Michigan Avenue
Rockford, Illinois 61102
Phone: (815) 962-3608
The Rev. Fred Lambert, Pastor
Professional services entrusted to:
The Kearns, Huisman-Schumacher Chapel
3146 Kimball Avenue
Waterloo, Iowa 50702
Phone: (319) 233-3146
Online Memorials:
http://www.funeralplan.com/kearnsfuneralservice/obits?id=191291
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Priscilla and Jerry Marshall, 958 Campton Drive - Rockford, Illinois 61102
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Reverend Walter Cox, pastor of Wilson Chapel A.M.E. Church in Memphis, Tennessee. The Reverend Walter Cox passed early this morning, Thursday, February 18, 2010.
Service arrangements are pending and will be forthcoming, with contact information. Please remember his spouse, First Lady Linda Cox and family in your prayers.
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to share news of the passing of Mrs. Virene Mason Roberts, the widow of the late Reverend Leonard J. Roberts. Mrs. Roberts was a long-time member of Lewis Memorial AME Church in Jacksonville, Florida; Alachua-Suwannee District, East Annual Conference of the 11th Episcopal District, Bishop McKinley Young, Presiding Bishop and Dr. Dorothy J. Young, Episcopal Supervisor. Mrs. Virene Mason Roberts, age 97, passed away on Sunday, February 14, 2010.
Service arrangements for Mrs. Virene Mason Roberts:
Friday, February 19, 2010
Public Viewing and Family Visitation - 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
T. S. Warden Funeral Home
8110 West 44th Street
Jacksonville, Florida 32208
Phone: (904) 765-1234
Fax: (904) 765-1549
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Funeral Services - 11:00 AM
Lewis Memorial AME Church
2123 Talladega Road
Jacksonville, Florida 32209
Phone: (904) 768-8440
The Rev. Doris Sherman, Pastor
Expression of sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Picola Wiggins
5223 Bunche Drive
Jacksonville, Florida 32209
Phone: (904) 768-1227
Book of Memories:
http://wardenfh.frontrunnerpro.com/runtime/62382/runtime.php?SiteId=62382&NavigatorId=245846&viewOpt=dpaneOnly&ItemId=392986&op=tributeMemorialCandles
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action
Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
E-mail: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Web page: http://www.amecfic.org/
Phone: (615) 837-9736 (H)
Phone: (615) 833-6936 (O)
Cell: (615) 403-7751
BLOG: http://ameccfic.blogspot.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMEC_CFIC
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220
19. 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
