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
Editor’s Note: The General Board / Bishops’ Council will meet next week in Birmingham, Alabama. TCR Updates will be forwarded to subscribers of The Christian Recorder.
1. EDITORIAL –: THINGS WE CAN LEARN FROM PRESIDENT OBAMA’S FIRING OF GENERAL MCCHRYSTAL:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
On November 12, 2009 I wrote in The Christian Recorder Online, “As U.S. presidents in the past have had, President Obama has an extremely busy schedule and he has so many issues that require his attention. He is dealing with the enormous task of being the President of the largest nation in the free world. He has to make decisions daily.” I went on to say that General Stanley McChrystal’s request for additional troops felt like Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara and General William Westmoreland’s misguided War in Vietnam. I was hoping that the President would not make the decision to increase the troop levels in Afghanistan; he did. I did not like that decision.
A couple of days ago, the president made the decision to fire General Stanley McChrystal for the unsavory and disparaging remarks McChrystal made about the him, the vice-president and senior administration officials. When the story first broke about McChrystal’s remarks in Rolling Stone magazine I thought to myself, “I hope that President Obama will fire McChrystal.” I was flabbergasted when I heard some of the statements that McChrystal and some of his subordinate staff had made.
Any officer who has been in the Army two weeks knows that the Constitution purposely established the principle of civilian control of the military. Any eighth-grader who paid attention in civics’ class knows that the president is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces and any first-year ROTC cadet knows that the Uniform Code of Justice (UCMJ) forbids commissioned officers from publicly criticizing high-level government officials. McChrystal and the members of his staff should have known better than to have made those negative, disparaging and flippant statements to, and in front of, the Rolling Stone reporter. Not only should McChrystal and his staff be fired for violating the UCMJ, but he has been fired and his staff should be fired for exercising poor judgment. It has not been announce that McChrystal’s staff will be fired, but believe me, their careers have ended. In the coming days they can join a Tea Party Rally and some of his younger aids can think about what their careers “could have been.”
A teaching moment for the clergy and laity
Loyalty is the bedrock of any organization and especially so in the church, from the highest levels of the episcopacy to the preparatory member – loyalty and following the rules of the organization are paramount.
It wouldn’t surprise me if McChrystal had gotten caught up in his own importance. He was on “top of his game” and I suspect that he thought that he was indispensable. His disloyal comments were his undoing.
Bishops, general officers, presiding elders, pastors and leaders in the local church should be aware of the importance of loyalty to the African Methodist Episcopal Church; it’s the right thing.
Leaders should stay humble
Dr. Johnny Barbour Jr.’s father, Johnny Barbour, Sr. was indeed correct, “It takes longer to get from the bottom to the top than it does to get from the top to the bottom.” McChrystal was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1976 and promoted to General in 2009. It took him 33 years to achieve four-stars; a stellar career, but it took only a 20-minute meeting with President Obama for his removal – from a four-star general to being a civilian.
When you are on top, everybody is your friend, but when you fall, your so-called friends disperse. The bi-partisan event of the week in all of this was that both Republicans and Democrats agreed that the president had to remove McChrystal.
No one is indispensable and everyone can be replaced
There was speculation that perhaps the president would not fire McChrystal because the surge in Afghanistan was McChrystal’s strategy and who could replace him? Before the end of the day, McChrystal had been replaced by General David Petraeus and everyone was “singing Petraeus’ praises.”
None of us are indispensible.
When you become a leader, there is no casual conversation
I suspect that McChrystal thought he could say anything about anybody and his subordinates would not betray him; and he may have gotten so cocky and caught up in himself that he never considered the Rolling Stone reporter as a threat. The Rolling Stone reporter was capturing every word.
Subordinates listen to every word and thought that bishops, pastors, presiding elders, pastors and local church officers articulate, whether the conversation takes place in the sanctuary, the study, in the hallway or in the lavatory.
There is especially no casual conversation when there is a verbal exchange between superiors and subordinates. Every statement and every nuance has meaning.
There are no secrets
“This conversation is just between us; don’t tell a soul.” McChrystal and his staff must have naively thought that their comments were confidential.
The joy and exhilaration of a secret is telling someone. An old military saying was, “If I tell you this information I will have to kill you.” The only real secret is a secret between a live person and a dead person.
If you don’t like someone, keep it to yourself. If you can’t speak it publicly, keep it to yourself; don’t trust a secret. There are no secrets.
Effective leadership requires courage
President Obama took immediate action when he learned about McChrystal’s comments. He and members of the White House staff met with McChrystal and after about 20-minutes, McChrystal knew that he had been fired.
I suspect that President Obama acted promptly to remove McChrystal because he was fearful that McChrystal’s comments and those of his subordinates symbolized a far more serious threat than the words themselves. McChrystal’s actions were indicative of disloyalty and a complete disregard of the Constitution and the UCMJ.
It does not take a large number of people to undermine an annual conference, a presiding elder district, a local church or an organization in the local church. One pastor can create havoc in an annual conference or in a presiding elder district. One person can create dysfunction in a local church or in an organization in the local church. It doesn’t take a crowd; just one or two persons.
I admire President Obama’s courage, because early on in this fiasco, there were those naysayers who questioned whether McChrystal could be replaced and how his removal might negatively impact the mission in Afghanistan. In other words there were those who intimated that McChrystal was indispensable.
In my ministry as a civilian pastor and as a military chaplain, I discovered that no one was indispensable. In my civilian pastorate whenever someone I thought was indispensable was removed by me or they removed themselves or they were removed by death, there was always somebody who stepped in and “filled the gap”; and in every case, the organization improved. Was the transition painful? Yes. It was especially painful when I had to remove a person or they removed themselves; very painful.
Leaders must have courage and be willing to live with the pain.
Organizations have to be cleansed quickly
Sometimes, bishops need to call in ineffective pastors and make a change. Presiding elders have to have courage and make straightforward and concrete recommendations to the bishop about needed pastoral changes. Pastors need courage to make the needed adjustments of persons who are disruptive and disloyal to the mission of the church.
Changes and adjustments need to be made when churches function in dysfunction.
The pews, the walls, the roof or the grounds around the church do not make churches dysfunctional; people make churches dysfunctional.
Sometime the dysfunction is with the laity and at other times the dysfunction is with the clergy. The leader has to identify and handle the dysfunction.
Just like the military, the AME Church has a system in place to deal with dysfunction, but it takes courageous leadership on all level to make the “system” work.
2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
- To the Editor:
Re: TCR News Break, More preachers hold down day jobs
Good evening. I cannot but help to agree with the positions that the bi-vocational pastors stated in the article. I am a bi-vocational pastor myself. I have been pastoring for 30 years, and always worked a second job. In fact I had two jobs; working for the Postal Service and running my own Barber Shop.
As a new pastor, I was assigned to small churches that could hardly give a pastor gas and food money. The small churches could not afford to send the pastor to Annual Conference, and sometimes could not pay their budget. My wife and I had to donate extra money, above our tithes and offerings, to help the church with its financial obligations. If I were not working another job, I would not have been able to help the church or my family; and put my daughter through college. I praise God for blessing me with a bi-vocational ministry.
Now I am retired from the Post Office for over 10 years, but I still work part-time to help my small church.
My Postal Service job paid me enough money to support my family, and with the job I had benefits (insurance, vacation, sick days, and all holidays). I would use my sick and vacation days to attend all required meeting, without losing any pay.
I love to pastor and it doesn't matter if I pastor a large church or not, I know that I am doing it from my heart and do not have to wait on a pay check from the church. Therefore I commend all bi-vocational ministers and pastors.
The Rev. Jimmie D. Howard, Sr.
- To the Editor:
Re: TCR News Break, More preachers hold down day jobs
Thank you for this article.
In the past, I questioned my decision to accept my calling and go into ministry because I did not give up my highly demanding practice. I truly believe the only way I am able to have a fulltime practice, a part time adjunct professorial two nights a week, and pastor a church is through His mighty anointing. I no longer question myself. Am I perfect in any one of the three? Absolutely not! When people ask, "How do you do it?" I tell them by faith in Jesus Christ and doing what God tells me to do. I am convicted that to go outside His Will is to invite personal, pastoral, professional, and parental disaster! We walk a very narrow path, and I thank the authors of this article for reinforcing us! God bless.
The Rev Nadine Rhodes-Marsh, pastor, St John AME Church, Monroe, Louisiana
- To the Editor:
I read the article and upon viewing a few nuggets it was obvious to me that we have a good number of foot soldiers who are bi-vocational. Though the data was from a Southern Baptist group, the average pastor of a small church with between 50 and 74 members makes $39,459. For a bi-vocational pastor of the same size church, the salary is $10,181. We do well to receive a salary of $4000 or $10,000. If our calling was not a work of The Lord, we would not have started, stayed and continue to work in the Ministry of the AME Church.
Thank you for your insight and being in touch with the present age!
Continue to encourage us with your insights and communicating your experiences to us!
The Rev. William Howard Smith
The Tennessee Annual Conference
- To the Editor:
RE: Editorial,
I love your above admonition, “And, believe me, no AME Bishop’s niece is stranded and needs money.”
Maybe some of the duped pastors are too eager to please an AME Bishop!
As the old saying goes, "you can't get something for nothing," not even a prime pastoral appointment.
Here is a variation on the AME pastor scam: Several months ago, a pastor told me about a telephone call he had just received from a woman claiming that she was from an eastern AME church but had been transferred by her job to the small town where this pastor has a small AME church. She told him she was also an experienced minister of music and the pastor of her former church suggested that she give this local church a call about transferring her membership. She stated that she would be traveling with her two young children to this Midwestern town by automobile and asked for assistance with directions. I immediately said, "Oh! That sounds like one of those scams." But the pastor would hear none of that because he was more focused on the possibility of getting a new member and an experienced musician to replace the local “amateur." A day later, the woman again called the pastor and reported that her car had broken down on the road at the midway point and she needed money for repairs. She even put the "mechanic" on the phone to explain the problem and required costs of repairs. But the pastor remembered my caution that this could be a scam and didn't bite the bait. Just thought I would let you know about this variation, because a pastor may more readily believe that the "stranded woman with two children" needs money than the "niece" of an AME Bishop.
Names Withheld
- To the Editor:
RE: Editorial, “Scammers and Unscrupulous People are Still Taking Advantage – Learn to Say, ‘No’”
It's unfortunate that the scammers are back on the prowl. There are probably three reasons why it happened again.
1) There are still pastors who subscribe to the Christian Recorder, but do not read the Christian Recorder
2) There are still way too many pastors who believe that if the bishop's name is in the message, it's authentic and would never question or verify
3) The calls come at an hour that some pastors would fear calling to verify and one more there are pastors as you say that just don't know how to say no
Name Withheld
3. THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH - ABOUT US - OUR STRUCTURE:
Dr. Clement W. Fugh
The African Methodist Episcopal Church is a connectional organization. Each local church is a part of the larger connection.
The Bishops are the Chief Officers of the Connectional Organization. They are elected for life by a majority vote of the General Conference which meets every four years. Bishops are bound by the laws of the church to retire following their 75th birthday.
Presiding Elders are the assistants, like middle management, whom the Bishops appoint to supervise the preachers in a Presiding Elder's District. A Presiding Elder District is one portion of an Annual Conference, which in turn is one part of the Episcopal District over which a Bishop presides. In the Presiding Elder District, the appointed Presiding Elder meets with the local churches that comprise the District, at least once every three months for a Quarterly Conference. The Presiding Elder also presides over a District Conference and a Sunday School Convention in his or her District. At the end of an Annual Conference year, the Presiding Elder reports to the Bishop at the Annual Conference and makes recommendations for pastoral appointments.
Pastors receive a yearly appointment to a charge (church), on the recommendation of the Presiding Elder and with the approval and final appointment of the Bishop. The pastor is in full charge of the Church and is an ex-official member of all boards, organizations and clubs of that Church.
1) The General Conference
The General Conference is the supreme body of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. It is composed of the Bishops, as ex-officio presidents, according to the rank of election, and an equal number of ministerial and lay delegates, elected by each of the Annual Conferences and the lay Electoral Colleges of the Annual Conferences. Other ex-officio members are: the General Officers, College Presidents, Deans of Theological Seminaries; Chaplains in the Regular Armed Forces of the U.S.A. The General Conference meets quadrennially (every four years), but may have extra sessions in certain emergencies.
2) Council of Bishops
The Council of Bishops is the Executive Branch of the Connectional Church. It has the general oversight of the Church during the interim between General Conferences. The Council of Bishops shall meet annually at such time and place as the majority of the Council shall determine and also at such other times as may be deemed necessary in the discharging its responsibility as the Executive Branch of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The Council of Bishops shall hold at least two public sessions at each annual meeting. At the first, complaints and petitions against a Bishop shall be heard, at the second, the decisions of the Council shall be made public. All decisions shall be in writing.
3) Board of Incorporators
The Board of Incorporators, also known as the General Board of Trustees, has the supervision, in trust, of all connectional property of the Church and is vested with authority to act in behalf of the Connectional Church wherever necessary.
4) The General Board
The General Board is in many respects the administrative body and is comprised of various departmental Commissions made up of the respective Secretary-Treasurer, the General Secretary of the A.M.E. Church the General Treasurer and the members of the various Commissions and one Bishop as presiding officer with the other Bishops associating.
5) Judicial Council
The Judicial Council is the highest judicatory body of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. It is an appellate court, elected by the General Conference and is amenable to it.
©2005 AMEC - Administered by the General Secretary/Chief Information Officer
This information is on the AMEC Official Website: http://www.ame-church.com/
4. RICHARD ALLEN BUST RESTORED AND DEDICATED AT 1ST EPISCOPAL DISTRICT PLANNING MEETING:
Bust of Richard Allen that was recovered from Wilberforce University, restored and dedicated at the 1st District Planning Meeting. The Service of Dedication was held on Thursday evening, June 17, 2010. Bishop Samuel L. Green was the preacher for the occasion. Bishop Richard F. Norris is the Presiding Prelate of the 1st Episcopal District.
A complete article is forthcoming
5. AME BECOMES THE FIRST WOMAN TO OCCUPY THE HIGHEST JUDICIAL POSITION IN SOUTH AFRICA:
The 19th Episcopal District Lay Organization Advisory Council member becomes the first woman to occupy the highest judicial position in South Africa. Sister Monica Leeuw has been appointed Judge President of the North West Provincial High Court effective on 01 May 2010. Her appointment is equivalent to Chief or Presiding Judge of State Supreme Court in the United States of America.
She is the first woman ever to occupy such a post in South Africa. Sister Monica Leeuw has previously made history in the South African judicial system when she became the first black woman to join the Pretoria Bar, the first woman to be appointed a control prosecutor in the Bophuthatswana West Regional Division and also one of the first women judges to be appointed as labour appeal court judges at the Labour Appeal Court. She is also the recipient of the Onkgopotese Tiro excellence award in Memory of the late Onkgopotse Tiro the political activist from the University of Limpopo (Former University of the North) where she graduated with B Proc Degree. Sister Monica worked hard and persevered to get to where she is. She has passed on her experience and skills to the previously disadvantaged students through lectures in civil and criminal Procedure and practical legal training at the University of Bophuthatswana from 1997-1999, her alma mater for her Bachelor of Law degree (LLB).
Sister Monica is currently a member at the Moses Reid African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Mmabatho in the West Conference. She has been a member in good and regular standing in the African Methodist Church (AMEC) which she joined through marriage since 1976. She served in many components of the church which includes board of trustees at local and Episcopal level, the West Conference Lay Organization as Parliamentarian and local church Lay Organization as President, Director of Lay activities and Parliamentarian. She is currently a dedicated and a valuable member of the Executive Board of the Nineteenth Episcopal District Lay Organization (NEDLO) and also served as a parliamentarian of the 19th Episcopal District Women’s Missionary Society. She also performs other duties as assigned to her by the Bishops from time to time. Sister Monica makes time in her very busy schedule to support her daughter with her charity Organization. She joins women like mother Charlotte Maxeke, mother Bertha Gxowa and others who have raised the flag of the AME Church high.
The Nineteenth Episcopal District Lay organization of the African Methodist Episcopal Church congratulates her on the honour bestowed on her and will pray that God be with her and guide her oversight and judgments.
Submitted by Sister N. A. Thula, 19th Episcopal District Director of Public Relation
6. UNITED STATES NAVY CHAPLAIN GLENDA JENNINGS HARRISON SELECTED FOR PROMOTION TO COMMANDER:
Chaplain Harrison is currently assigned as Principal Assistant to the Command Chaplain on the USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) currently home-ported in San Diego, California. Her next assignment will be as the Senior Chaplain at Arlington National Cemetery.
A native Washingtonian, Chaplain Harrison hails from the Anacostia area. Her home church is Campbell AME Church located in S.E. Washington, D.C. where the Rev. Daryl K. Kearney serves as pastor.
Chaplain Harrison said of her new assignment, “I am seeking the prayers and support of the African Methodist Episcopal Church as I step into this new level of responsibility and I know that God has sufficiently equipped me to continue to provide ministry to service members and their families as an endorsed chaplain of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. I am grateful that the AME Church has entrusted me with the responsibility of being a chaplain; and I am thankful to Bishop Adam J. Richardson, the Presiding Prelate of the 2nd Episcopal District and to Bishop John F. White, the Endorsing Agent for the AME Church for their continued support.”
7. BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS, AME CHURCH LAUNCH LANDMARK NATIONAL PARTNERSHIP:
Philadelphia, PA, June 18, 2010 -- Two Philadelphia-based national organizations, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, are launching a landmark partnership aimed at helping children of single, low-income and incarcerated parents succeed. The Father’s Day weekend announcement comes as Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across the nation face waiting lists disproportionately represented by African American boys.
The news also follows recommendations made at the historic Great Gathering Summit in March, where AME, African Methodist Episcopal Zion (AMEZ) and Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) leaders concluded that mentoring should be a part of the solution to help black boys, particularly those who have no contact with their fathers, achieve in school and succeed in life.
“There is a clear and very strong case for Big Brothers Big Sisters and the AME church working together,” said AME Director of Christian Education the Reverend Daryl Ingram “We have 2.5 million members across the country and as a congregation, we have a rich history of serving and improving our communities. We can become Big Brothers or recruit volunteers, and we can help Big Brothers Big Sisters raise funds to grow their quality programs and provide the kind of ongoing support that makes their mentoring matches successful.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters’ nearly 400 agencies carefully match and provide long-term mentoring and provide ongoing support for volunteers and families throughout the course of its long-term matches. Independent studies find kids mentored in their programs are more likely than their peers to succeed in school and avoid making violent, illegal and unhealthy choices.
“We are extremely proud of and encouraged by this national partnership,” said Big Brothers Big Sisters of America President and Chief Executive Officer Karen J. Mathis. “We share the AME church’s commitment to incorporating quality long-term mentoring as a part of the solution to helping families and communities.” Several agencies in the national mentoring network, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee, already have close and successful partnerships with AME congregations and will serve as a model for others. The Nashville partnership has provided the agency with opportunities to recruit mentors at district and annual conferences and has resulted in a number of matches including one that is going into its fifth year. The national mentoring network expects the AME partnership to enhance efforts that started in January with its national partnership with a collaboration of historically black fraternities, Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi and Omega Psi Phi.
Media Contact: Kelly Williams
215-665-7795
Kelly.williams@bbbs.org
8. AME PASTOR DR. E. GAIL ANDERSON HOLNESS, ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE INTERFAITH CONFERENCE OF METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON:
Washington, DC June 17, 2010: Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness a social and human rights activist was elected President of the InterFaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington at their Assembly Meeting held at Silver Spring Presbyterian Church on June 16, 2010. She serves as Senior Pastor, Christ Our Redeemer African Methodist Episcopal Church in Northwest Washington, DC; represents the African Methodist Episcopal Church on the National Council of Churches’ Interfaith Commission; D. C. Commission for Women; Commissioner for Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) Single Member District 1B11 and Chairperson, ANC 1B, which encompass Historic U Street corridor, historic LeDroit area, and Howard University.
Dr. Holness is no stranger to non- traditional leadership roles in the political and ecumenical arenas. She is the immediate past president of Council of Churches of Greater Washington serving as its first female clergy leader. In 1999, she was elected the first female President of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Greater Columbia, South Carolina.
Created in 1978, the InterFaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington brings together eleven historic faith communities to promote dialogue, understanding and a sense of community among persons of diverse faiths and to work cooperatively for social and economic justice in metropolitan Washington. IFC members are the Baha’i, Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic, Jain, Jewish, Latter-day Saints, Protestant, Roman Catholic, Sikh, and Zoroastrian faith communities.
Dr. Holness says that she looks forward to continuing the work of the Interfaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington, “particularly in times like these, when issues of immigration, oil spills, home foreclosures, the unemployment rate, senior citizen concerns and youth violence, are high priorities in our community. We look forward to continuing our work in the Nation’s capitol through coalition building, education, training and advocacy by uniting diverse faith leaders to speak and act together, networking with other groups, publishing community resources and holding public events involving music, award ceremonies and lectures. As noted by our President Barak Hussein Obama, Jr. “Change has come to America”, IFC looks forward to our continued relationship with the President’s staff as we continue to effect needed change in our community.
9. AME BISHOPS ROCK THE “HILL”:
By Abbiegail Hugine
The Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University (AAMU) Family was blessed to have two A.M.E. Bishops to grace the university in May. On Friday, May 7, 2010, Bishop James L. Davis, the Presiding Prelate of the Ninth Episcopal District (Alabama) was the inaugural speaker for the President’s First Founder’s Community Breakfast. On Friday, May 14, 2010, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate of the 13th Episcopal District (Tennessee and Kentucky), brought the Louis Crews Stadium down with a rousing commencement address that rallied numerous instances of applause, amens, and a standing ovation at the end.
Alabama A&M University is a public university located in Normal (Huntsville), Alabama. The picturesque campus is situated on what many alumni and friends fondly refer to as “The Hill,” only a few miles from downtown Huntsville. The institution offers numerous degree programs, including four Ph.D. degrees in Food Science, Physics, Plant and Soil Science, and Reading/Literacy. Current enrollment exceeds 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students,
Alabama A&M University was founded in 1875 by William Hooper Councill. Dr. Councill was an ordained itinerant elder in the AME church and was one of the founders of St. John A.M.E. Church in Huntsville in 1885. The strong bond between Alabama A&M University and St. John continues. The Reverend Dr. Homer L. McCall, current pastor of St. John, is also the Alabama A&M Chaplain and an assistant professor in the Department of English and Foreign Languages and Telecommunications. Many members of the church are alumni, employees or retired employees of the university. In addition to Dr. Councill, two other former presidents of Alabama A&M were members of St. John. The current president, Dr. Andrew Hugine, Jr. and his wife, Mrs. Abbiegail Hugine, are members of St. John.
Inspiring President’s First Founder’s Community Breakfast Message
Bishop Davis’ opening comments begin with humor as he commented that Mr. Allen Vital made it clear that he could not collect an offering. His message, “A Legacy of Faith,” was taken from II Timothy 2: 1-7.
Bishop Davis brilliantly outlined why it is important to embrace the legacy of our forefathers as Timothy had from his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice. They had prepared him for the ministry and Paul made note of that as he mentored Timothy. Bishop Davis emphasized that each generation has a responsibility to leave a good legacy for future generations. Since the creation of the first man, Adam, our grandparents, parents, William Hooper Councill, all left a legacy of hope that every young man and woman would be educated to reach their full Christian potential. Bishop Davis warned us that we must be careful how we handle our heritage. He said we must prayerfully be careful not to throw out the things that made us who we are today. He admonished us to keep those old time religion, preaching, singing and prayers that prepared a way for us. He, however, warns that if we are not careful, we will not leave anything for which the future generation will be proud. “We must take a look at where we are and go back to that good religion of our forefathers. We must pool resources, and not grab what we can for ourselves only, have respect for life; not take a life; legacy of faith that things will work out, but nothing comes easy. We must take a lesson from Paul; we must run the race with faith and determination. We must take limited resources like William Hooper Councill did to leave a legacy for Alabama A&M University for the next 135 years.”
He closed by talking about his new cell phone, again humoring the audience about the fact that his grandchildren knew more about the phone than he did and his daughter said that he had all that power in the cell phone, but could not use it. Bishop Davis closed by challenging all of us. He said we have the power in our hands through hard work and faith in God to leave a legacy for future generations. What kind of legacy will we leave? We must be careful not to replace our new ways of doing things that are not based on a solid foundation, lest we lose sight of what our legacy ought and should be. We should leave a legacy of respect for self and fellow man, a legacy based on faith and one that has Jesus as the center of everything we do.
St. John AME Church, Huntsville, was well represented at the breakfast. The church sponsored two tables. Sharing the tables were Pastor and Mrs. McCall and Presiding Elder and Mrs. Allen (Presiding Elder of the South Birmingham-Huntsville-Bessemer District of the Northwest Alabama Conference). On the program, Pastor McCall offered the prayer and Dr. Andrew Hugine, Jr., President of Alabama A&M, who initiated the President’s Founder’s Community Breakfast, presided. When Bishop Davis had completed his speech, we were all inspired, challenged, and proud to be AME’s.
Rousing Commencement Address
Bishop McKenzie’s address to the Class of 2010 was based on Leadership. She began by stating that leadership has both perils and promises. She emphasized that in order to be a successful leader; one must be compassionate and be passionate about making a difference in the lives of people. “Leadership is hard work. It is not for the faint in heart.” She challenged the graduates, not to just be happy getting a degree like the George Jeffersons of the world, “just to move on up,” but use the degree to change the world. “We still live in a world in which racism, sexism, healthcare issues and other ills are prevalent.” Bishop McKenzie told the graduates that successful leadership calls for extraordinary efforts not just ordinary ones. She told them that “extra” and “ordinary” never got along. To accomplish anything, you must go the extra mile. The graduates were admonished to shoulder their responsibilities and do something to better mankind. “To whom much is given, much is expected in return.”
Bishop McKenzie used the passage from the scripture of the builder rejecting the stone. She stated that the stone was not rejected because it had flaws or it was not the best stone, it was rejected because it did not fit the purpose for which the builder needed at the time. She zestfully listed people who were rejected not because they were not brilliant, talented and educated like the graduates, but because they were. For example, people are criticizing President Obama, not because he is not a good president and qualified, but because he is a good president and has a plan to move the nation forward. She cautioned the graduates that the same may happen to them; that some people may evaluate them on other things rather than their abilities, but they must strive to be the best they can be amidst the rejection.
Bishop McKenzie used her upbringing in the West Baltimore area where they played a game called Double Dog Dare to challenge the graduates to use their education, talent, and leadership skills. She enumerated many “dares” to graduates. Some of them were:
1). Have the courage to better the communities where you live
2). Help others along the way
3). Make home the center of your lives
4). Take care of their bodies physically and spiritually
5). Build up rather than imitate
6). Embrace others
7). Value your roots
Bishop McKenzie ended by having each graduate face each other and say the summary of the “Double Dog Dare” Challenges after her. “I dare you to be successful, to live a life of significance and to be marvelous.” The graduates willingly accepted the challenges.
Members of the St. John AME Church - Huntsville Family who participated in the AAMU 2010 Commencement Exercises were: the Reverend Dr. Homer McCall who gave the meditation and benediction; the Reverend Dr. Daniel Wims who presented the graduates; the Reverend Deborah Peppers who was one of the Announcers; Brother Dennis DeLoach who sang with the Alabama A&M Choir; Tommy Friend who played with the Symphonic Band; and Dr. Andrew Hugine, Jr., President, who presided during the program. There was threat of a thunderstorm throughout the evening, but God smiled on us and it was indeed a glorious and blessed occasion.
10. THE 142nd SESSION ALLEGHENY SCRANTON DISTRICT CHURCH SCHOOL CONVENTION: “SERVING WELL IN TARENTUM, PENNSYLVANIA:
Submitted by Miss Shelly Brown, Allegheny Scranton District Administrative Assistant
On Thursday, June 17, 2010, The 142nd Session Allegheny Scranton District Church School Convention commenced under the respected leadership of the presiding elder, the Reverend Dr. Eric L. Brown (Candidate for General Secretary/CIO 2012) at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Tarentum, Pennsylvania, where the Reverend JoElla Williams is the pastor.
The theme for the 2010 Church School Convention was “Serving Well in Tarentum, Pennsylvania” James 2:14-17.
Following the organization for this Church School Convention with the young people participating as musicians, assistant secretary, marshals and serving on the Finance Committee and the Resolution Committee, the opening worship commenced with the preached word delivered by the Reverend Benjamin Morrison, supply pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church, Scranton, Penna. Who preached from Ephesians 6:12 and used as his topic, “The Spiritual World Series.” There are two teams: God’s team and the devil’s team. In the outfield is the devil’s team featuring such players as lust, alcohol, false witness, anger, adultery, and evil just to name a few. There are no free bases in this game. The pitcher is time, the catcher is eternity and the umpire is justice. The score now is one to nothing as Jesus came to earth and hit a home run! See everyone plays this game. You have to choose to be on God’s team. If not, then you are automatically on the devil’s team; the question is, “Which team are you on?”
On Friday, June 18, 2010, during the morning session everyone in attendance either went to a local senior center in Tarentum or to the Tri-City Center in Tarentum. We certainly “Served Well in Tarentum” as the children did manicures, crafts, prayed, sang songs of Zion and fellowshipped with those residents at the senior center and we also were a blessing by providing baby clothing as well as a monetary donation at the Tri-City Center which helps young mothers. It uplifted their spirits as well as ours.
Everyone then went to the Memorial Community Park were Valerie McElvy, Allegheny Scranton District Church School Superintendent, was the moderator for the Bible Bowl. As everyone enjoyed God’s great outdoors, all had fun by playing basketball, scrabble, jumped rope, flying kits, and playing Uno - not to mention eating a great BBQ!
On Saturday, June 19, 2010, the closing business session commenced and St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church in Erie, Pennsylvania, where Reverend Dr. Eugene Schoolfield is the pastor was awarded the attendance banner. The Reverend Melva Hartzog brought forth the Word for the Closing Holy Communion Worship Service. Text taken from James 2:14-17. The theme “Walk the Talk.” Our faith in God and our trust in Christ must work in tandem with our actions or our faith isn’t really faith at all. Faith is not just something you say; it not just something you feel; it is not just something you think; it is something you must do. Dynamic Faith is based on the Word of God.
The 2010 Allegheny Scranton District Church School Planning Committee Members: The Rev. Dr. Eric L. Brown; the Rev. JoElla Williams; Sister Ruby Hughley; the Rev. Samuel Chambers; Brother Chester Foster, the Rev. Chester Howell; Sister Shelly Brown; Sister Jacqueline Cook; Sister Loretta Howell; Sister Renee Lyles; and Sister Valerie McElvy.
Presiding Elder Eric L. Brown thanked everyone for their participation and commissioned everyone to continue to “Serve Well” in their church and community.
11. 1ST ANNUAL SHORTER COLLEGE GOLF TOURNAMENT AND FISH FRY
BENEFIT:
Friday, August 13, 2010 at 1:30 pm
4- Person Scramble
Stone Links Golf Course, 110 Hwy 391, North Little Rock, Arkansas, telephone: 945-0945
If you do not golf, fish dinners are available for purchase. So make your way on Friday afternoon August 13th at 1:30 for friendship, fellowship, fun and the fish. Fish fry and awards following tournament
Volunteers are needed
For more information about costs and other details contact the Rev. Deborah Senter at 501.392.2882 or email deborahsenter@yahoo.com or call Shorter College at 501. 374.6305
You may register, donate and pay online for the golf tournament or the fish dinner at
http://www.golfdigestplanner.com/14978-Shorter_College_Benefit_Tournament/
You may also register in person at Shorter College.
This is a benefit tournament fish dinners are $10.00.
Submitted by the Rev. Deborah Senter, chair, Shorter College Golf Tournament
12. FRUITFUL OR FOOLISH:
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts
If you were to ask anyone what they thought about the purpose of humankind, most persons would be at a lost for a definitive response.
In the book of Genesis we find that after God had made man and woman, he mandated that they do three things; be fruitful, multiply and replenish the earth. (Genesis 1: 28)
God made man a steward over every living thing. Being fruitful means being productive and of course we know what it means to multiply and replenish.
In the process of being a steward, humans have been fruitful and multiplied when it came to populating the world, but the world was not all that humans have multiplied.
We, humans, have become wiser, but morally weak.
We are now on the verge of self-destruction because we have failed to be “Godly” fruitful.
We have polluted the air, the lakes, streams, and rivers. Deforestation tells a grim story that humans have been foolish and we continue to be foolish.
Not only that, but we continue to be foolish by polluting our minds and bodies with “stuff.”
It seems that we have lost our sense of value, responsibility and accountability.
We are living in an era of brokenness, broken promises, broken spirits, broken hearts, broken homes, broken vowels, broken treaties and broken relationships. In so doing man has become foolish.
We have multiplied our goods, but we have not multiplied our goodness. We have been fruitful in producing new sophisticated ways of communication, but we have been foolish by not being able to communicate with one another.
We have been fruitful in having the capability to train animals to be obedient but we fall short in teaching ourselves and our children the merits of obedience.
Man is being foolish in that he thinks that he could discover God through research, spending great sums of money and time in an effort to prove whether there is a God, but it is futile and foolish. It was Job who asked the question: “Canst thou by searching find God?” Job 11:7
Now, we have encountered a serious situation in the Gulf region that we cannot manage. We are no longer replenishing, we are destroying the beauty of nature and the lives of many.
It is all about money and we, as stewards, are being held accountable for our foolishness.
Not a day passes that we don’t hear about bodies found in woods, in trash cans, in lakes and rivers and on roadsides. We hear about whole families being murdered and newborn babies being stuffed and disposed of in dumpsters. People are being killed by roadside bombs.
Now tell me are we being fruitful or foolish?
Man has fought more religious wars than for any other purpose trying to impose their faith and beliefs on others. Religious wars are never won; Armies and nations just stop fighting for periods of time.
Wouldn’t it be something if every religion had its own country? What would this world be like?
Are we being fruitful or foolish? Are we multiplying, if so what?
Are we replenishing? If so, what are we replenishing?
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts (Ptaegar@AOL.Com), Author, Teacher, Counselor, Humorist is a retired AME Pastor who lives in Eatonville, Florida
13. EPISCOPAL AND CLERGY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- Congratulations to Wycliff Chipili Mukupa, MD:
Congratulations to Wycliff Chipili Mukupa, who qualified as a Medical Doctor from the University of Zambia Medical School on Friday June 11, 2010. Wycliff is the proud son of the late Rev. Moses Chipili and Mrs. Chipili, 17th Episcopal District. Wycliff has been assigned to Kitwe Central Hospital one of the largest hospitals in the country, to do his internship for a year.
Congratulatory responses may be forwarded to: suzannematale@hotmail.com
Submitted by:
The Rev. Suzanne Membe Matale
Minister in Charge of Bright Temple A M E Church
Matero, Lusaka, Zambia
- Congratulations to Ms. Angela Hayden, Esq.:
Ms. Angela Hayden, Esq., granddaughter of the Reverend Joseph T. Brown (Local Elder) and Mrs. Nancy Brown of Wayman Chapel AME located in New Brighton, Pennsylvania, received a Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Dayton School of Law in January 2010. During a Hooding Ceremony on May 8, 2010 she received the Pro Bono Commitment to Community Award for contributing over fifty hours of pro bono service during her matriculation at the School of Law. She received a B. A. Degree in Political Science from Hampton University in 2004. Attorney Hayden passed the Pennsylvania bar and has relocated to Washington, DC.
Congratulatory responses may be emailed to Angela @ ayhayden@gmail.com
Submitted by Judy Williams, 3rd Episcopal District President, M-SWAWO plus P.K.'s
- Congratulations to the Reverend Nathan and Reverend Lillian Frey:
On Tuesday, June 15, 2010, the Reverend Nathan Frey, Pastor of Woodfork Chapel A.M.E. Church, Shelbyville, Tennessee and the Reverend Lillian Frey celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. On Sunday, June 13, 2010, the Reverend Nathan and the Reverend Lillian Frey renewed their wedding vows in the presence of God, family members who traveled from Nashville, Tennessee, church family, and friends of Woodfork Chapel A.M.E. Church with the Reverend (Attorney) Robin Kimbrough, Pastor of Scott's Chapel United Methodist Church, Shelbyville, Tennessee, officiating. The members, friends, and family filled the house.
Contact information for sending congratulatory responses:
The Reverend Nathan and the Reverend Lillian Frey
revs37160@bellsouth.net or
woodforkchapel@att.net
Woodfork Chapel A.M.E. Church
1011 Lipscomb Street
Shelbyville, TN 37160
931.684.4817
- Announcing the Birth of Javon Devoia Howell:
The Reverend Helen L. Johnson-Robinson, pastor of Bethel AME Church in Monticello, Florida proudly announces the birth of her grandson, a beautiful baby boy, Javon Devoia Howell born June 15, 2010 at 4:49 p.m. The proud parents are the Reverend Octavia (Nikki) Johnson Howell and James Howell. The Reverend Nikki Howell is the Minister to Youth at First AME Church of Manassas, Virginia where the Reverend Ronald Boykin serves as Senior Pastor. The Reverend Nikki Howell is the daughter of the Reverend Helen L. Johnson-Robinson.
"We are very proud of our little bundle of joy."
Congratulatory responses may be sent to the following email addresses:
JOHNSO_NICOLE@YAHOO.COM OR HLJOHN77@EARTHLINK.NET
Facebook: (Octavia Nikki Johnson-Howell)
14. EPISCOPAL FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mrs. Hilma Smith-Walker, the sister of former Episcopal Supervisor, the Reverend Rosalynn K. Brookins and the sister-in-law of Bishop Hamel Hartford Brookins (retired).
Mrs. Hilma Smith-Walker went home to be with Lord on Saturday, June 19, 2010 after a long battle with asbestos lung cancer.
Service arrangements for Mrs. Hilma Smith-Walker:
Funeral Services:
Monday, June 28, 2010
11:00 AM
Bullock Temple CME Church
1513 S. Park Street
Little Rock, Arkansas 72202
(501) 375-1581- Phone
(501) 375-0009 - Fax
Professional services are entrusted to:
Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home
1200 S. Chester Street
Little Rock, Arkansas 72202
(501) 372-1305 - Phone
(501) 372-2558 - Fax
Condolences may be sent to:
Mr. and Mrs. Wendell Smith
2800 Madison Street
Little Rock, Arkansas 72204
Or to: Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home (address above)
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
3210 West Adams Blvd. #304
Los Angeles, California 90018
Expressions of sympathy may also be emailed to the Rev. Rosalynn K. Brookins: rrosethequeen@aol.com
And expressions of sympathy may be posted on Facebook: (Rosalynn Brookins)
Contact phone for Rev. Brookins: (323) 719-6197
Please remember the family of former Episcopal Supervisor, the Rev. Rosalynn K. Brookins in your prayers.
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to announce the passing of one of the stalwarts of the AME Church in South Africa, the Rev. Steyn Motlhabane Koloi who passed last week at his home in Mafikeng. The Rev Koloi was a pastor in the West Annual Conference (19th Episcopal District) for many years. He was the Dean of the R.R. Wright Theological Seminary until 2001 when he got ill due to a stroke. God called him to his eternal rest last week.
One of his students, the Rev. D. S. Kgonothi, said, “As one of his students in Church History I am deeply saddened by his departure, he will be sadly missed by the entire class of 2000.”
The funeral will take place in Mafikeng on Thursday/Saturday.
“May his soul rest in peace.”
Submitted by the Rev. D. S. Kgonothi, Perseverance AME Church, 1373 Tshomane Street, Tsakane, Republic of South Africa
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of the Reverend Dennis K. Terry, pastor of St. Luke AME Church in Louisville, Alabama, Ozark Troy District-Southeast Alabama Annual Conference of the Ninth Episcopal District.
Service arrangements for Reverend Dennis K. Terry:
Funeral Services:
Friday, June 25, 2010
11:00 a.m.
St. Paul AME Church
513 Galloway Road
Brundidge, Alabama 36010
Professional services are entrusted to:
Moore Chapel Funeral Home Incorporated
327 Galloway Road
Brundidge, Alabama 36010
(334) 735-3722
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Shirley A. Terry (wife of the deceased)
141 Eagerton Road
Montgomery, Alabama 36116-4509
(334) 284-2279
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of the Reverend Dr. Dorsey Wimbly McCullough, retired pastor of the 5th Episcopal District and the father of the Reverend Frederick Joseph McCullough, pastor of Saint John AME Church, Omaha, NE. The Reverend Dr. Dorsey Wimbly McCullough passed on Thursday, June 17, 2010.
Homegoing Service Arrangements:
Wake: Thursday, June 24, 2010 from 6:00 p.m.- 8:30 p.m., Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church, 132 North Stanislaus Street - Stockton, CA 95202-2646
Church Office: 209.465.5367 ~ Fax: 209.465.2641
Church E-mail: ebenezeramestockca@att.net
Funeral Services: Friday, June 25, 2010 @ 11:00 a.m. Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church, 132 North Stanislaus Street - Stockton, CA 95202-2646
Church Office: 209.465.5367 - Fax: 209.465.2641
Church E-mail: ebenezeramestockca@att.net
Arrangements are entrusted to:
Jesse E. Cooley Jr. Funeral Service
640 N. California St.
Stockton, CA 95202
Phone: 209-948-9750
Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Loyce McCullough
9468 Snow Creek Circle
Stockton, CA 95212
Phone: 209-472-0141
The Rev. Frederick Joseph McCullough
7006 S 167th ST
Omaha, NE 68136
Email: fjmccullough@aol.com
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with heartfelt sympathy that we announce the passing of Dr. Benjamin J. Glover (94) on Wednesday evening, June 23, 2010 at his residence in Columbia, SC. He faithfully served God, African Methodism and humankind as pastor and presiding elder of the Seventh Episcopal District; member of the Brotherhood Movement and inception of the first General Board, AMEC; professor, department chairperson and president of Allen University; and Civil Rights’ and community activist.
Dr. Glover was a devoted and compassionate husband to the late Lydia L. Wright Glover, a loving and caring father of three daughters: Madrian G. Garrick, L. Oveta Glover and Gail G. Faust, as well as three sons: Akil "Bruce Glover" Khalif, Shawn DeWayne Glover and Vergil Dewey Glover.
His works, devotion and spirit as a churchman, an educator, a family man and a humanitarian won the admiration of many; and his influence and guidance, so widely exercised, will long be felt.
Service arrangements are pending and forthcoming.
Service of Comfort Entrusted to:
Manigault-Hurley Funeral Home
2229 Two Notch Road
Columbia, SC 29204
Phone: (803) 254-6639
Fax: (803) 254-7606
Expressions of Sympathy and Condolences may be sent to:
Family of the Late Dr. Benjamin J. Glover
920 Piney Wood Road
Columbia, SC 29210
Phone: (803) 772-3687
Fax: (803) 736-0854
Email: ovetasimms@hotmail.com
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of the Rev. Willie J. "Pete" King, pastor of Kings Hill A.M.E. Church, Magnolia, Arkansas - Magnolia District - West Arkansas Conference of the 12th Episcopal District.
Funeral Services:
Saturday, June 19, 2010 at 2:00 p.m.
Unity A. M. E. Church
466 Columbia Road 38
Magnolia, Arkansas 71753
Arrangements are entrusted to:
Marks Funeral Home Inc.
1392 South Jackson
Magnolia, Arkansas 71753
Phone: 870-234-2272
Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Ethel King
110 Columbia 265
Magnolia, Arkansas 71753-9103
Phone: 870-234-8397
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with tenderness of spirit and prayer that we pause to acknowledge the passing of Mrs. Jessie Lee, 92. Mrs. Lee is the mother of Mr. Eddie Lee, Maintenance and Custodian at Bonner-Campbell Campus, Edwards, Mississippi.
Contact Information
Mr. Eddie Lee
P. O. Box 377
Edwards, MS 39066
Phone: 601 573-7863
Visitation
Friday, June 18, 2010 at 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Funeral Service:
Saturday, June 19, 2010 at 11:00 AM
Viewing at Church -10:00 AM until service time
Metropolitan Full Gospel Baptist Church
125 West Jackson Blvd
Jackson, MS
Lakeover Memorial Funeral Home
1525 Beasley Avenue
Jackson, MS 39206
601 362-0162
21. 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
22. 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
