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 – A FLY ON THE WALL, PART 2:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
The editorial, “A Fly on the Wall”, was not supposed to be a two-part editorial. It’s a two-part editorial because I received a telephone call from Sister Smith (or Sister Jones, I am not sure from which one) yesterday (August 9, 2010) and we talked for a long time. I felt badly when she identified herself as one of the ladies in my editorial because I thought she might have been angry and embarrassed.
She said, “Good morning Dr. Syndor.” I quickly corrected her, “My name is pronounced, “Sydnor” that’s, “S-Y-D-N-O-R.” She apologized and continued, “I read your editorial and I was one of the ladies you quoted and I am embarrassed. They are going to put me out of the AME Church!”
I assured her that I did not know her name, did know her church, did not know to which Episcopal district she belonged and that her name did not come up on my phone; only her telephone number. I assured her that I was not interested in her identity and, if I knew it, would not divulge her identity. I went on to share with her that I had served in the Army chaplaincy and understood confidentiality; and as a journalist did not divulge any of my sources. I explained that anything she said probably is being said by a number of AMEs. We had an absolutely wonderfully long conversation about the AME Church. As we ended our phone conversation, I told Sister Smith, “Now you know I am taking notes and I hope that you will not mind if I share some of this conversation with the subscribers and readers of “The Christian Recorder.” She laughed and said, “No problem; just don’t use my real name!” I reminded her that I still did not know her name and if I saw her at a connectional meeting, I would act like I had never seen her, and added, “I didn’t really see your face in Birmingham and please tell Sister Jones that her identity is safe.”
After we got past the confidentiality issues, Sister Smith told me that she was a long-time member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and that she joined the AME Church shortly after she got married. She told me that she joined the AME Church because her husband was AME and because she enjoyed the liturgy, the connectedness of our Zion and the preaching. She also said that she enjoyed the organizational structure of the AME Church and the Church’s emphasis on clergy preparation. She also shared that she is officer and is active on the local and connectional level. She emphasized that she loved the AME Church, but was troubled by some of the things she is observing and thinks the leadership of the Church should address some of the issues.
Sister Smith had a lot to say about the local and connectional Church. She said the problem of decreasing membership is not being addressed by the connectional Church. She observed that her local church and the AME Churches of her friends and acquaintances seem to be quite satisfied with a Sunday-only ministry and the result is that we have become a part-time church.
The local church
“People are not attending church as they did in years past. Our church hardly ever brings in enough money each week to cover expenses; sometimes not even enough for salaries. Our pastor has developed a habit of transferring money from an account that holds monies raised by the various organizations. Now, we know that this is legitimate for him to do, but it's not smart to have to depend on that. In past years, it has been seen as an emergency-type procedure and was seldom, if ever, used and when it was used, the money was replaced as quickly as possible! The problem arises when an organization thinks there is money and it’s not there and no one has told them that it was not there. People get the notion that the money is being misused or mismanaged; not a good situation and it's one that should be avoided. A church doesn't need negative feelings like that floating around. We keep going down the same path instead of implementing strategies and programs to deal with the problem. I keep wondering what he will do when there is no more money to transfer.”
The Lack of pastoral oversight
“Pastors assigned to the local church, fail to bring new programs, continue to conduct business as usual and expect different results. Some pastors seem to think that bringing in guest preachers and a “hot-shot” choir for a Sunday afternoon service is ministry. Sometimes it is a great ministry for the guest preacher because some of our young people get so excited that they leave our church to attend the church of the guest preacher. Do seminaries train ministers how to build and sustain congregations?”
The Quarterly Conference
“We haven’t really had a quarterly conference since Presiding Elder “X” left. When the new presiding elder came to our church, she said that she would only receive the quarterly reports from the treasurer, and from no one else. I still don’t understand that! I am still trying to find “Cluster Quarterly Conference” in The Discipline. Our folks refuse to attend the cluster meetings, and some of them suggested that we buy some stamps and just send in the quarterly reports; doing so would save time and gas.”
The Annual Conference
“Attendance at annual conference has fallen off dramatically. Annual Conference used to be a big deal. The opening and closing sessions were standing-room only and the closing service could never be held at the local church; the closing service of the annual conference was always held at a large facility. Our members just won’t go to the annual conference. I have heard some of them say that there was nothing going on at the annual conference. The pastoral reports have been almost cut out, no relevant literary reports, just some mess thrown together. The bishop doesn’t even make pastoral appointments at the annual conference. People went to the annual conference to see if they were going to get their pastor back and to see who would be moved. There is no reason to attend the annual conference unless you just want to give away money. Annual conferences used to be exciting; now they are routine, so folks have stopped attending. We don’t have to mention connectional meeting because our members won’t go. And guess what? People would not be at a General Conference if no bishops were scheduled to be elected. The election of bishops and general officers are the anchors of the General Conference. Pastoral appointments, the anchor of the itinerant ministry, made annual conferences exciting. Pardon my English, but no sense in going to the planning meeting to find out who was moved because with technology a text message will give us the same information instantaneously. ”
The Children
“We are not doing a good job of training our youth. As children, we looked forward to Christmas, Easter and Mother’s Day and we looked forward receiving our special “piece” and memorizing it. Even a 4-line verse was a big accomplishment for the 3 and 4-year olds. And yes, Sunday was the day for Sunday School and church and it became ‘life-long habit’; and we tried to instill that in our children. Today, we don’t even require our children to memorize their recitations. We give them a piece of paper copied from the internet and let the children read their parts; and it is obvious that many of our children are not good readers.
Sunday worship
“Why do we stay in church so long? Our service is three and half hours long most Sundays. Listen, we start church service at 11 a.m. and we don’t get out until about 1:30 or 2 p.m. This summer we moved our service back to 10 a.m. and guess what, we still get out of church at 1:30 or 2 p.m. And the pastor be talkin’ ‘bout the Holy Spirit and blaming the Holy Spirit for the keeping us in church all day. It’s not the Holy Spirit; it’s his long sermons, the long repetitive choir selections, long announcements and his long remarks that keep us in church all day.
Sermons:
“Let me say it again, we are in church all day because the sermon is too long. Wasn’t it Bishop Kirkland who said something about ‘three points and a hymn.’ I think Bishop Adams said a preacher ought to, ‘stand up, speak up, shut up and sit down.’ Sometimes our sermon last an hour or more and never less than 45-minutes. Do seminaries teach the Bible? It seems that when I grew up, pastors knew the Bible, they were biblical experts. Some of our pastors don’t seem to have a handle on biblical preaching. They have what I have heard Bishop Kirkland, I can’t remember the context, refer to as ‘hoot and holler’ or a “whoop and a collar” or something like that.”
I had heard an earful
It seemed that our conversation was winding down and I asked Sister Smith if she had any other thoughts. She responded, “No, you don’t want me to get started on $100 offerings and inviting folks to ‘please stand if you are willing to give one hundred dollars; don’t get me started!’ Don’t get me started on our meetings that have a registration fee and then beg for $100 offerings. If we are going to ask for an offering, what was the purpose for the registration fee? Lord have mercy; don’t get me started. What is there about operating ‘within the meeting-budget’ that we don’t understand! We better save that conversation for another time.”
Sister Smith went on to say, “I attend all of the connectional meetings and I will see you there. As a matter of fact I will make sure that my friend, who you have given the name ‘Sister Jones, and I will have lunch together and we will invite you to sit with us and you won’t have to eaves drop on our conversation. I just need to say one more time, ‘I love the AME Church!”
And, then she said something extraordinary, “I hope, no I wish, our pastors loved the AME Church as much as we, lay people, love the AME Church. It seems to me that our lay people love the AME Church, and especially our worship, the way it is; but it seems to me that our pastors don’t love or like the AME Church and our AME worship; and it seems to me and other lay folks, that the pastors are spending time trying to change the AME Church and our worship, to make it something different. Ah, but, that’s another editorial!”
And, indeed it might be another editorial!
2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
- To the Editor:
RE: Editorial comment about authored by AMEs
I read your article in the July addition of TCR and wanted to include a book I co-authored with my business partner specifically geared toward the AME Church. Both my partner and I are life-long AME members residing in the 4th Episcopal District-Michigan Conference. We are and have always been very active in our church and felt that our combined talents could be best utilized in aiding and assisting our Zion to maintain and improve on the stewardship of facilities the Lord has blessed us to have.
The title of the book is, Preventive Maintenance for Ecclesiastical Facilities. The cost is $69.95 + shipping and handling. Please include our book in your published listing of AME authored work in the next addition of The Christian Recorder. If there is any further information you would like to receive in regards to the book or our company services please do not hesitate to contact me.
Mishca R. Smith
Mishcamr2@aol.com
- To the Editor:
RE: WIM Conference in Philadelphia
I was not able to attend the WIM Conference but you and your staff writers have blessed me with your exciting reporting. Thank you all for keeping us up-to-date!
The Rev. Dianne McGlen
3. WIM CONFERENCE UPDATE FRIDAY, AUGUST 6 AND SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 2010:
*The Rev. Velma E. Grant
Posted August 6, 2010, 11:18 p.m.
This evening, Friday, August 6, 2010, the Women In Ministry embarked on a journey to remember and honor our foremothers. We boarded buses and vans to partake in a pilgrimage to Jarena Lee’s gravesite located in Lawnside, New Jersey. The Rev. Dr. Teresa Fry Brown presided over the gravesite ceremony and eloquently read a moving tribute to Jarena Lee. Each woman and also the men that were in attendance honored the memory of Jarena Lee by placing a carnation on the gravesite. It was truly a touching moment and one that will be vivid in the minds of many of us for a very long time.
Following the gravesite ceremony we all proceeded into historic Mount Pisgah, AME Church and then it was “on!”
Presiding Elder Michelle Goodloe, was the worship leader and she got the “Holy Ghost party” started, followed by the Rev. Dr. Teresa Fry Brown who reminded us that even though Jarena Lee was not ordained “...every time you pray, I am ordained, every time you shout, I am ordained...every time you take a stand for justice, I am ordained...”
The Shekinah Glory Praise Dance Ministry was a group of intergenerational females but the star of the show was little Ms. Gia Tribbett who is only six years old. Gia danced with joy, at times she missed a few steps but then she was able to catch up and move in sync with her group mates. Gia was also able to get in a couple of “toothy grins,” every now and again just to show us that she was enjoying dancing for God. The Shekinah dance team had the congregation on its feet, shouting “Glory, Praise God, and Thank You Lord.”
Next, the Rev. Dr. Jacquelyn Grant Collier invited us to prayer and encouraged us saying “...as we have praised in Liturgical dance, let us praise in prayer.” Dr. Grant Collier prayed using words adapted from Jarena Lee.
Next, the Rev. Sandra Smith Blair had the congregation in motion as she called the roll of sisters of yesteryear who did not give up despite the hardships and denials to their response to ministry. Rev. Blair told us to “look” and we did, because it seemed as if we could actually see all the sisters that she named. She said “...look around see Jarena Lee, look, see her in the sister or brother beside you…see her in the sister or brother behind you...as we are surrounded by each other, we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses...look, see the crowd of witnesses...look see the sisters that were shut out…they are now shouting…look see the first evangelist that received her pastorate...look around we celebrate them today...our sheroes, some unnamed, some recorded in AME history...the life contributions of some are known, others unknown...they were the first to navigate the space between call and response...we celebrate the certainty of their call, we celebrate their collaboration with brothers who supported their call…we are who we are, because of their perseverance...by faith they kept knocking until the door was opened...” The Rev. Blair next invited individuals in the congregation to call out the names of their District trailblazers or pioneers and the congregation affirmed each name with “we celebrate our sisters.”
The Mount Pisgah AME Church choir blessed us with two selections, the first “I am sold out...my mind is made up...” the next “When I think of the goodness of Jesus...I was sinking so deep in sin, my soul very deeply stained within but God...oh but God ...every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before.” Sometimes we sing songs over and over but there comes a time when the words take on a fresh/new meaning. Why do I say this? There were seven people in this choir and based on my spiritual calculation I came up with this formula – 7 choir members + 1 musician, multiplied by the Holy Spirit = “the church on fire.” Those two songs by this small choir had people stomping their feet, clapping or waving their hands, doing the Holy Ghost shuffle, uttering, “Thank You Lord.” One sister even danced out of her shoes (no exaggeration here), but God, oh God, sister got up and was still praising God. The Holy Ghost was in the church and among the people. I think that somebody owes Mt. Pisgah some new floors. Hallelujah!!
The fire was not extinguished because Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry spoke after the choir and said “...if this choir preaches on Sunday, I plan to invite myself to preach...we have visited the place of sacred memory....Jarena Lee, we honor her as the mother of preaching women in the African Methodist Episcopal Church...”
Next, Bishop Leath poured more fuel on the fire when he said “...has not God blessed us...we want to just pause...we have come to New Jersey for spiritual nourishment and refreshments...” Bishop Leath during his remarks (or mini sermon) brought a particular question to our attention, one that was asked of candidates by Bishops “many moons, many moons ago” and the question was, and “Do you believe it is your duty to call sinners to repentance..?” The Bishop’s response then was, “Show full proof of your ministry…” According to Bishop Leath, the question is hidden somewhere in The AME Discipline. Full proof of that ministry according to Bishop Leath - “Jarena Lee would say that was the fire that was shut up in her bones...to preach Jesus who has all power in His hands...minister with faithfulness in Jesus’ name.”
We were then dismissed by the Rev. Dr. Teresa Fry Brown who said in her final words “Lord I’m willing to run all the way.”
Even after the dismissal, the Holy Spirit lingered and people embraced the Holy Spirit, some crying and some kneeling at the altar.
Yes, my final words for this Friday night after being a witness to these events is, “Yes, Lord, I am willing to run all the way and when I can no longer run, sprint, hop or jog with my bad knee, just lift me and carry me.”
WIM- Saturday August 7, 2010, Final Day
Saturday, August 7, 2010 was a day filled with glorious surprises for the sisters and brothers that attended the final day of the Connectional AME Women in Ministry Quadrennial Conference. This was the final day to collectively embrace the theme “Navigating the Space between Call and Response,” while in Philadelphia.
The Jarena Lee Breakfast and Commissioning Service was the final moment in a week of moments, unique because of the number of attendees and the surprising events that made that Saturday morning more than just an ordinary breakfast. It was ironic that the Opening Hymn led by the Rev. Shirley I. Bowers, was No. 196, “There’s a Sweet, Sweet Spirit in this Place,” considering that the place was a Conference Room in the Hotel and also ironic that that Spirit had free reign throughout the service and changed perhaps the outcome of not only the breakfast but also the culmination of the Conference events and activities (more on that later).
In the Welcome/Occasion, Presiding Elder Betty Furbert-Woolridge reminded us that we stood on the shoulders of our fore sisters like Jarena Lee and Sarah Hughes. She also reminded us that as we navigate the space as WIM, we must take advantage of opportunities, and that religious education needs to be taught. Sister Alycia Levels ministered to us in song, an original selection entitled “Go.” Despite the technical difficulties with the sound system, we were encouraged to hear the lyrics which said “….I’ll be your mouth, I’ll be your hands…I command you to go…everything for you is ordained…Go!” Sister Alycia despite her young age ministered to us with conviction and we were ready to “Go,” knowing that it is God who issues the directive.
The first surprise of the morning was the presentation of the Jarena Lee Awards by the Connectional President, the Rev. Kimberly Detherage, Esquire. The awards were presented to three outstanding individuals that according to Rev. Detherage “…the Executive Board is not just to hold an office…but to enhance and support Women in Ministry….that we might become better leaders, not just for the church but for the community…” The first recipient was the Rev. Sandra Smith Blair, who served two terms as Connectional WIM President from 1996-2004; the second recipient was the Rev. Dr. Teresa Fry Brown, who is a Professor of Homiletics at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology; the third recipient was the Rev. Dr. Jacquelyn Grant Collier, Professor of Systematic Theology at the Interdenominational Theological Center. All three women received standing ovations and are well deserving of this award because of their tireless work to not only promote the legacy of Jarena Lee and the other named and unnamed pioneers but also because of the encouragement that each gives to seasoned as well as younger sisters and brothers in ministry. Kudos to all three, they are all appreciated.
The next surprise was the presentation to the Connectional President by the Women in Ministry First Episcopal District President, the Rev. Dietra Bell. The Rev. Bell asked her women in ministry sisters from the First District to rise, and rise they did; no less than 25% of the attendees were from the First Episcopal District. On behalf of the First Episcopal District, the Rev. Bell presented the Rev. Detherage with a “thank you” gift, which was an all expenses paid trip to Bermuda. As much as I would love Rev. Detherage to pass along that gift to me, I pray that she will make the time to enjoy that gift of love very soon, hopefully before we get to the next General Conference.
Prior to preaching Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry said that, the 50th year celebration of the ordination of women is exciting and wonderful. She also encouraged us to grab onto the seasoned sisters (referring to those that have been in ministry for a long time) and to turn around and grab the hand of a younger sister in ministry because “together we can get there.” Bishop Guidry preached from the text Luke 13:10-17, using “A Twisted Sister Meets the Balm in Gilead!’ as her borrowed theme. Bishop invited the unnamed woman in the text to speak to the congregation and the woman certainly did. Bishop donned a headscarf and in character became the unnamed woman. The woman introduced herself and said “…Thank you Bishop Carolyn, my name is Sister Noname (pronounced No-na-may)….I got used to my condition...lots of time I felt invisible…I gave up hope of having a normal life…yes, I was used to my condition…I was too weak to stand up for myself…deep in my heart I thought God had rejected me…Jesus, he laid his hands on me…wonderful, strong, brown hands, he laid them on me…”
Bishop then stepped out of character by removing the headscarf and continued preaching “…Thank you Sister Noname…look at this woman...bent over by rule, by injustice…simply the fact that Jesus saw her...not just the poor twisted body…he saw the potential in her...the worth of her praise and so Jesus sees you and sees me…you must know that Jesus has seen you..while you navigate the space between call and response…remember who called you…when Jesus touches you, there is no going back...His human eyes told him that she was a woman and yet he saw her…Praise God Jesus saw you, not who you think you are but what he can do through your life…the Lord sees you…He knew that one day a group of twisted women would meet in a place called Philadelphia…Jesus’ generous gift for a bent over woman is available to you…if you just hear the voice of Jesus say come unto me all that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest…God has blessed us with a wealth of love and peace…enjoy…continue to be used to the glory of God…how do you navigate the space between call and response…very gingerly and carefully…you want to be sure that the answer is, yes Lord, I am completely yours!”
The final surprise began with the Commissioning Prayer led by Bishop Sarah Frances Davis who prayed a powerful prayer followed by a request from Bishop Leath (who was in attendance every day with his sister Bishops Davis and Tyler Guidry). Bishop Leath requested that his sister Bishops anoint him instead of him anointing them. That was the end of our breakfast. Then the sisters and brothers in the room formed two lines and lined up to receive the anointing blessings from Bishop Davis or Bishop Tyler Guidry. The Holy Spirit, that Sweet, Sweet Spirit flowed in the room and what a sight, male and female were literally “dropping” to the floor, not pushed or shoved by any physical or visible hand but literally dropping to the floor because of the anointing in the room. It was not orchestrated or rehearsed but as they received the oil on their foreheads and a prayer from the Bishop, people fell left and right. Tables and chairs had to be moved out of the way. There was nothing else to be said after that display of just God moving in the place. No additional remarks, no songs, no prayers, the Spirit had its way and that was the closing of the Conference. Yes, there was a “Sweet, Sweet Spirit in that place and I know that it was the presence of the Lord.” Selah!
*The Rev. Velma E. Grant is the President of the 6th Episcopal District Women In Ministry
4. MEETING CONSOLIDATION IN THE AME CHURCH:
*John Thomas III
From July 25-29, I had the pleasure of attending the Connectional Christian Education Congress. When I glanced over the comprehensive schedule, I had high expectations for the meeting and was not disappointed. I witnessed informative and well-organized seminars, excellent preaching, and outstanding musical performances. I was also pleasantly surprised to find that several breakfasts and lunches were included in the registration fee and we even received free books.
In spite of all these benefits, however, no more than five hundred persons registered and attended the premiere Christian Education event in our denomination of 2.5 million members. After the closing plenary, I approached Dr. Daryl Ingram, the Executive Director of Christian Education and chatted with him about the lack of attendance. I was saddened to learn that numbers have actually been declining over the last few years. I believe that part of the problem is that members of the AME Church are oversaturated with meetings and have a tough time discerning what is “important”.
In the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, going to meetings is a way of life. The Conference system ensures that at the very least the average local member of an AME Church will be exposed to five major meetings a year: periodic Church Conferences, four local church quarterly conferences, and Annual Conference, Then there are the local governing bodies (Official, Steward and Trustee Boards) and the auxiliaries (YPD, WMS, Lay Organization, etc.). For example, if you are a steward in your local church and active in your local Lay Organization, you will be expected to attend at least twenty-seven meetings annually: four quarterly conferences and the monthly official Board meetings, and the eleven (11) annual Lay Organization meetings. This does not include Presiding Elder District Conference, Church School Convention or activities at the Annual Conference level.
When one looks at the Episcopal level and higher, the schedule becomes even more cluttered. There is Episcopal District Founder’s Day, Post-Conference Planning meeting, Mid-Year Convocation and Christian Education Congress. At the Connectional level, most of the major auxiliaries have at least one Executive Board meeting/Training institute per year. Then there’s the General Board/Bishop’s Council, CONVO, as well as the meetings sponsored by the Departments of Christian Education, Church Growth and Development, and Annuity Investment and Insurance. While members joke about “Always Meeting and Eating” and “professional AMEs”, the number of meetings is reaching an intolerable level…if it is not already there. (It is a commentary on the nature of the denomination that the most talked about issue for the past year has been the “Right-Sizing Process” for General Conference—or trying to figure out how many people get to go to the REALLY big meeting).
There is no doubt that having meetings is essential to the work of the AME Church. As we try to make ourselves more attractive to younger members, however, the plethora of meetings quickly becomes a turn-off. Even if someone could take off the time needed to go to various functions, the price of hotels and flights is an encumbrance for young adults. In its current structure, the AME Church at the Connectional level is geared towards involvement from pastors from well-off charges, retirees, students and people who own their own business. The structure also excludes substantial participation from persons who reside in Districts 14-20.
The topic of meeting consolidation is not a new phenomenon. At the 2008 General Conference, the Episcopal Address referenced the need to consolidate all meetings by 2012. While this idea was good in theory, it was quickly shot down because the constituent bodies (especially the Lay Organization) felt that they were not consulted and were being bullied into taking potentially harmful actions. Nonetheless, meeting consolidation at the Connectional level is imperative and a strategy needs to be discussed to be ready for implementation for the 2012-2016 Quadrennium.
The first (and easiest) step to cutting down meetings is to eliminate separate Executive Board meetings for major church auxiliaries and have all Executive Board meetings at the site of the General Board/Bishop’s Council. Each auxiliary (WMS, YPD, Lay Organization) could have two days with the General Board session closing the week. The denomination could also establish one week a year as a combined training session for all departments with separate meetings (Christian Education, Church Growth and Evangelism and Annuity Investment and Insurance). One major concern will be the registration fees that the organizations and departments get as funding—but a cost-sharing arrangement can surely be worked out. After we cut down on Executive Board meetings, then we can take a look at other big Connectional meetings to see how they can be made to be more efficient.
As African Methodists, we believe that tithing involves time, talent and treasure. One way that we can be better stewards of these three possessions is to reevaluate how we conduct our business and the number of meetings we have. In the past, travelling to meetings was essential due to constraints on transportation and technology. Furthermore, many persons viewed going to Connectional meetings as a mini-vacation and an opportunity to travel. In today’s world, however, “time is money”, and the AME Church must learn to be more efficient if it is to maintain its relevance. Reexamining our meeting structure is a good place to start.
*John Thomas III is a Ph.D candidate at the University of Chicago
5. FUN! FUND! FOUNDATION:
*The Rev. Cheryl Blake Hoskins
The first thing the Bible tells us about God is that God made the world, and that when God finished God said, “This is good!” It might have said, “This is good fun.” Surely, God had a good time making the world. Sometimes when we get together in church there’s not much fun to be seen, but fun belongs in times like this. In fact, Jesus said, “I come that your joy might be full.”
Fun is best when it is shared. Our fun began about six months ago as we begin planning for St. James AME Church, Danville, Kentucky and Blake Chapel AME to get together. The connection was made with the Reverend William C. Jenkins, pastor of St. James and it was on!
We decided to do a “spiritual hook-up” on Blake Chapel’s first annual Youth Day – the 2nd weekend of July 2010. The fun was put into gear!
“F” is also for “Fund”
A fund is a supply of something that can be given out when needed. We usually think of money, but we can have a fund of talents too. Real love is helping the other person or persons to find his or her talents abilities. Not only did he preach that in his sermon that Sunday morning, he show us that all our youth, and us, could do it too! Parents are expected to have a fund of understanding and care for their children but children can also, with love and understanding help their parents to grow, he said.
“F” is also for “Fundamental”
It means “at the foundation.” Reverend Jenkins reminded us that Jesus is the rock of our salvation.
I have a story and so do others that will be shared about the 2nd weekend of July!
The Rev. William C. Jenkins brought his youth, his members and his choir. Everybody in that choir had a lead voice! What a time we had in the morning and the afternoon- all I could say was, “Yes Lordy! Our cups were running over.”
We shared a weekend together with fresh fried fish, coleslaw, pinto beans, cornbread and French fried potatoes on Friday; the trip to the Aquarium on Saturday; and on Sunday ended up with Okra, Macaroni & cheese, freshly cooked collard greens, fresh green beans, tomatoes, onions, roast beef, stuffing, fried and baked chicken, coleslaw, and corn muffins!
“Fun, Fund, and foundation” - We grew together as God intended for us to do.
The Reverend William C. Jenkins was presented the stole by the Blake Chapel AME Youth and praise dancers at the 11 am service.
*The Rev. Cheryl Blake Hoskins is the pastor of Blake Chapel AME Church
6. THE 8TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2010 ANNUAL WIM MEETING AND WORSHIP:
The North Mississippi Conference Women In Ministry (WIM) of the 8th Episcopal District announces their 2010 Annual WIM meeting and worship service, Monday, August 16, 2010 at Faith Community AME Church, 7340 Greenbrook Parkway, Southaven, Mississippi.
Our featured guests are the Rev. Dr. Teresa L. Fry-Brown, Professor of Homiletics and Director of Black Church Studies at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta Georgia; and Miss Alycia Levels, Gospel Recording Artist, Atlanta Georgia. The workshops are from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. and the worship service will be at 7 p.m.
We invite you to share in this opportunity of worship, praise, empowerment and networking.
For additional information, please contact the Rev. Karen Simms, Conference Coordinator via email at kdsimms@cableone.net or (662) 417.9983
**This message was received from The Rev. Ammie Davis (Chaplain, U.S. Navy)
7. THE REV. SCOTT DINGLE, AME ITINERANT ELDER, A COLONEL IN THE U.S. ARMY, COMMANDS THE MEDICAL RECRUITING BRIGADE AT FORT KNOX, KENTUCKY:
The Rev. Scott Dingle (Colonel, Medical Service Corps, United States Army), 10th Episcopal District assumed command or the Medical Recruiting Brigade at Fort Knox, Kentucky. The Medical Recruiting Brigade has the recruiting mission for all medical professionals, chaplains, Special Operations, PSYOPS, and CIV Affairs. The article below appeared in the Turret, the Fort Knox newspaper. The article was written by Maureen Rose and is reprinted with the permission of the Fort Knox Public Affairs Office.
It’s ‘Allgood’ as Highlanders Welcome New Commander:
By Maureen Rose
Turret Associate Editor
Friday, Fort Knox’s Medical Recruiting Brigade said good-bye to its outgoing commander Col. Rafael Montagno—fondly known as “Gino”—and welcomed the new commander, Col. Scott Dingle, in a change of command ceremony under the blazing Kentucky sun on Brooks Field.
The Medical Recruiting Brigade (MRB) was activated in 2007 when it assumed command of the existing five medical recruiting battalions. They were the 1st MRBn in Fort Meade, Maryland, the 2nd MRBn of Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, the 3rd MRBn at Fort Knox, the 5th MRBn at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and the 6th MRBn in Las Vegas, Nevada. Falling under the Recruiting Command umbrella, the MRB is now responsible for medical recruiting, as well as the chaplain recruiting branch, warrant officer recruiting mission, and the Special Operations Recruiting Battalion in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
The MRB has been designated as Allgood’s Highlanders, in honor of Colonel Brian Allgood, a surgeon who was killed when the Blackhawk he was in was forced down under enemy fire near Baghdad in 2007. Dr. Allgood is the highest ranking medical officer to die in the Global War on Terror. When MRB staffers greet one another, they accompany their salute with the cry of “Highlanders” and the respondent replies with his own salute and “It’s Allgood.”
Prior to the standup of the MRB, the Recruiting Command was responsible for the Army Nurse Corps recruiting mission while other medical service recruiting missions were shared by the Office of the Surgeon General and Office of the Chief, Army Reserve. Today, the three entities are united in a partnership to recruit medical professionals to active and Army Reserve components.
U.S. Recruiting Commander Maj. Gen. Donald Campbell hosted the ceremony and congratulated the work of Col. Montagno, who had the distinction of two assignments within the MRB; first as battalion commander of the 5th Recruiting Battalion at Fort Sam Houston, then later as the brigade commander at Fort Knox.
In the two years of his command, Col. Montagno surpassed his mission goals, in spite of the stiff competition throughout health care arena for medical professionals. The general said that stretch of production was the best of any leader since MRB joined USAREC in 1995.
“Under his leadership, 7,168 professionals were added to the Army,” Maj. Gen. Campbell said.
Further, recruiting nurses and dentists has been a perpetual challenge for recruiters. The dental corps recruitment traditionally ranged from 20-31 percent, but this year has already hit the 123 percent mark. The nursing corps recruitments are enjoying similar success, thanks to Col. Montagno’s efforts.
In his final remarks, Col. Montagno said it was a bittersweet moment to say farewell to the only medical recruiting brigade in America. He thanked many others for their support, to include the command sergeants major, all of whom he considered battle buddies who provided him with patience, wisdom, and sound counsel.
“The Highlanders are better off today because of your efforts,” Col. Montagno said. “I came to the MRB with little knowledge of what it takes to be successful in recruiting.”
His voice choked with emotion, Col. Montagno left his team with one piece of advice that he had garnered from Lt. Gen. Timothy Maude: Take care of Soldiers and their families and the rest will work out. He thanked all for the opportunity to have served them and concluded with the traditional MRB greeting, “It’s Allgood. Highlander 6, out.”
Commander Dingle has come full circle since his first military assignment with the 194th Separate Armored Brigade at Fort Knox. He has had a broad range of assignments in the Medical Service Corps and most recently served in the Office of the Surgeon General and the Army Medical Command.
He told his audience that it was with great honor, pride, and humility that he looked forward to the leading the Medical Recruiting Brigade.
“We will continue to build upon your success and take it to the next level,” Col. Dingle told his predecessor. “I assure you with all goodness—and it’s Allgood—that we will succeed. Highlander 6 is back on the net.”
8. THE AFRICAN AMERICAN AND AME BOY SCOUT ATTENDANCE WAS VERY LOW AT THE 2010 NATIONAL BOY SCOUT JAMBOREE:
As of today, less than 7% of the thousands of Boy Scouts at the National Boy Scout Jamboree are African Americans. The AME Boy Scout attendance was very low at the 2010 National Boy Scout Jamboree. The African American adults on staff are less than 10%.
Day visitors to the Jamboree are near 10%. Day visitors are scouts, scout leaders, siblings, parents and family members that come to the Jamboree and visit the Jamboree site for a day. Visitors can visit the Boy Scout troops daily starting at 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
There are all types of activities for the entire family. There are a lot of exciting activities for all of the Boy Scouts at the National Boy Scout Jamboree.
I truly believe that the low attendance is related to simple economics, but we, as a people, can buy whatever we want to buy; and we need to support our youth. We have three years before the Next Jamboree comes around again and we need to begin now to plan to play a larger role in the next National Boy Scout Jamboree.
This year’s National Jamboree is a historical Jamboree because Scouting is celebrating its 100-Year Anniversary.
Guest speakers yesterday included, Secretary of the Defense Robert Gates and Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell who are both Eagle Scouts.
Scouting builds leaders and we need to help our AME youth participate in scouting.
Franklin Sr., Anthony franklinanthony@co.kane.il.us
9. THE NINTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2010 ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND PLENARY SCHEDULE:
The Right Reverend James L. Davis, Servant Bishop
Mrs. Arelis B. Davis, WMS Supervisor
First Alabama River Region Annual Conference
Wednesday, September 8, 2010 -- WMS Conference (7 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Wednesday – Saturday, Sep 8 - 11, 2010 - ANNUAL CONFERENCE
(Opening Annual Service – September 8, 2010 at 7 p.m.)
Brown AME Church
410 Martin Luther King Jr. Street
Selma, AL 36703
The Rev. Tony C. Scott, Host Pastor
The Rev. Albert L. Hyche, Host Presiding Elder
First Southeast Annual Conference
Wednesday, September 15, 2010 -- WMS Conference (7 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Wednesday – Saturday, Sep 15 - 18, 2010 - ANNUAL CONFERENCE
(Opening Annual Service – September 15, 2010 at 7 p.m.)
Enterprise Civic Center
2401 Neil Metcalf Road
Enterprise, AL 36330
Johns Chapel AME Church, Enterprise
841 Geneva Highway
Enterprise, AL 36331
The Rev. Vernon McLeod, Host Pastor
The Rev. Samuel Smith, Host Presiding Elder
First Northeast Annual Conference
Wednesday, September 22, 2010 -- WMS Conference (7 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Wednesday – Saturday, Sep 22 - 25, 2010 - ANNUAL CONFERENCE
(Opening Annual Service – September 22, 2010 at 7 p.m.)
St. Luke AME Church
1308 Auburn Street
Opelika, AL 36801
The Rev. Anthony Mays, Host Pastor
The Rev. Thomas E. Crossley, Host Presiding Elder
First Southwest Annual Conference
Wednesday, October 6, 2010 -- WMS Conference (7 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Wednesday – Saturday, Oct 6 - 9, 2010 - ANNUAL CONFERENCE
(Opening Annual Service – October 6, 2010 at 7 p.m.)
Emanuel AME Church
654 Saint Michael Street
Mobile, AL 36602
The Rev. John L. Dees, Jr., Host Pastor
The Rev. Ernest A. Rouse, Host Presiding Elder
First North West Annual Conference
Wednesday, October 20, 2010 -- WMS Conference (7 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Wednesday – Saturday, Oct 20 - 23, 2010 - ANNUAL CONFERENCE
(Opening Annual Service – October 20, 2010 at 7 p.m.)
Allen Temple AME Church, Bessemer
917 22nd Street, North
North Bessemer, AL 35020
The Rev. Dr. Lugenia Johnson, Host Pastor
The Rev. Oliver Allen, Host Presiding Elder
Plenary Meeting
Friday - Saturday, November 5 - 6, 2010
Place – TBA
10. VERIZON, THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS YOUTH FOUNDATION, AFRICAN AMERICAN UNITY CENTER AND THE YOUNG CENTER FOR ACADEMIC AND CULTURAL ENRICHMENT:
(Los Angeles, CA) Concerned about the plight of South Los Angeles youth, the Verizon Foundation, Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation, African American Unity Center, Young Center for Academic and Cultural Enrichment, Nielsen Company, the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, the EXPO Center, and other community partners have joined Brotherhood Crusade and several NBA retired players in hosting the 6th Annual Brotherhood Crusade Jim Cleamons Books and Basketball Camp the week of August 16‐20, 2010. The Thinkfinity Bowl launch and Press Conference will take place on Monday, August 16, 2010 at 12:30 PM at the EXPO Center located at 3980 Menlo Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90037.
The Books and Basketball Camp provides 125 9–15 year old youth with an opportunity to engage in a dream experience that teaches fascinating principles of math and science, financial education, social and personal life skills development, health and nutrition, chess, etiquette, and of course, basketball. A significant highlight of the camp this year will be the formal launch of the Verizon Thinkfinity Bowl, a highly engaging academic skills competition that combines the College Bowl Academic Decathlon with team debate. “We are eternally grateful that Verizon has recognized the quality and impact of our work and elected to partner with us in effectuating the changes necessary to make a difference in our community,” said Brotherhood Crusade President and CEO Charisse Bremond Weaver. “Thinkfinity Bowl is a creatively innovative initiative that builds upon the successes we have had in re‐engaging underperforming youth in school and significantly increasing their academic proficiency in core subjects. It is a testament to Verizon that Elva Lima, Asia Powell, Felicia Hudson, Gene Eng, Tim McCallion and all of the professionals at the Foundation not only recognized the need but also the impact their investment of both fiscal and personnel resources could make if prudently applied to quality programming.”
The Thinkfinity Bowl will assist the joint efforts of the African American Unity Center and Brotherhood Crusade to continue to effectuate STEM‐based programming designed to reverse the persistent failure of South Los Angeles students in math and science; re‐engage youth in school; improve the quality of academic instruction; facilitate student enrollment in and completion of post‐secondary pursuits; and reverse the strong influence of South Los Angeles' culture that creates an environment that strongly discourages success in school and in life.
“The combination of Verizon’s professional assistance, resources, and financial support will enable children and youth from environments where gang influence is stronger than academic success to benefit from highly‐effective programming that provides hope, creates meaningful change, and significantly improves quality of life. Moreover, Verizon is to be commended for creating Thinkfinity.org. It is an incredible free educational resource that anyone can use.”
“It’s the Network!!!” said ABA/NBA legend and camp co‐founder James Jones. “I know it sounds like a cliché, but Brotherhood Crusade has assembled strong and dedicated community partners like the Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation, Verizon, Nielsen, Southwest Airlines, Microsoft, The California Endowment, Nestle, NBC4, The Gas Company, Wells Fargo, Southern California Edison, Northrop Grumman, Fox, the Los Angeles Sentinel, Bank of America, Northern Trust, Broadway Federal Bank, the United States Tennis Association, the Southern California Tennis Association, Mattel, the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, the EXPO Center, the California Emergency Management Agency ‐ CalGRIP, and the Mayor’s Office of Gang Reduction and Youth Development to help provide resources to meet the unmet needs of the community.”
In the past two years, Brotherhood Crusade has improved the academic proficiency of youth participating in their youth development programs by 168% on average. Simultaneously, these youth have demonstrated significant socio‐behavioral improvements. The organization attributes this success to the ongoing support provided by the Verizon Foundation, Nielson, the Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation and all of the community partners mentioned above.
“I am honored to have such strong and committed partners” said Bremond. “Our corporate partners raise the bar when it comes to corporate philanthropy. Their commitment is evident from the moment you meet any of their representatives.”
This commitment is obviously needed. South Los Angeles middle and high school students rank worse in the state of California and among the worse in the nation in science and math academic proficiency. Moreover, nearly 90% of high school students in the Figueroa Corridor are performing at “below” or “far below” basic in core academic subjects. This, at a time when it is predicted that greater than 70% of the jobs that will be in demand in the future will involve some form of science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM).
The Brotherhood Crusade is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit institution founded in 1968 to provide necessary resources, program services and a voice of advocacy to traditionally underserved communities. Their mission is to remove and/or help individuals overcome the barriers that deter their pursuit of success and facilitate opportunities for a better quality of life, by promoting health and wellness, enhancing educational opportunities, cultivating economic growth and building community agencies and institutions. If you would like to make a contribution to the Brotherhood Crusade, please send your tax‐deductible gift to:
Brotherhood Crusade
200 East Slauson Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90011
(323) 846‐1649
www.brotherhoodcrusade.org
Ginger Campbell
SNAP Productions
11. HAS THE CROSS LOST ITS SYMBOLIC SIGNIFICANCE:
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts
There are different existing forms of the “Cross” in the religious community.
But I wonder why the Cross that symbolizes the crucifixion of Christ is so widely commercialized and worn by so many.
You can see crosses everywhere. You can see them hanging in the car windows of gangs and around their necks. You can see them dangling in the windows of foul-mouth truckers. You can see them around the necks of prostitutes, pimps, and pushers. You can see them around the necks of gamblers, transients, thieves, drug addicts and atheists.
Why has the cross become so popularized? Surely those who wear the Cross are not all Christians and believers.
You can purchase Crosses in various forms; stone, gold, brass, platinum, copper, silver, wood, cloth materials, plastics and glass. Some are overlaid with diamonds, pearls, sapphires, and other ostentatious materials.
I have seen Crosses around necks, ankles, bracelets, on earlobes and lapels.
There is no doubt that the Cross has become a popular and provocative ornament.
Why would a Cross on top of a hill in the middle of the Mohave Desert bother anyone? It did, and somebody went out and destroyed and carried it away. They may have carried it away but they will never get over it no matter what they did with it.
Some of us buy expensive attractive Crosses. The size of a Cross, the price and the attractiveness of a Cross does not make one more “Holier” than others.
Some of us admire and commend those who wear a beautiful Cross while in the meantime we forget or we ignore the symbolic significance of the Cross.
Jesus was crucified on a Cross made of wooden beams. The Cross that Jesus was crucified on was not overlaid with gold, silver, sapphires or any other ornaments. The only metal were spikes nailed in His hands and through His feet into the wooden beams. Blood and water ran down the beams.
We who wear decorative crosses make it seem as if the cross was a joy and a pleasure; it was not. We are enriching the pockets of jewelers who are making a fortune getting us to buy their creative unique designs of Crosses with no Christological intent.
There is no doubt that the Cross has become a popular addition to our jewelry collection. Many of those who wear the Cross or have it dangling in their autos have no regard to its significance, and they care less.
I place frivolous display and frivolous wear of the Cross into the category of being sacrilegious. Pardon the personal reference, but I wear a Cross made of wood, nothing flashy just wood. That does not make me any holier than anyone else, but I feel justified and comfortable in doing so.
Jesus admonished his Disciples and reminded them that if they intended to follow him, each of them had to take up the Cross and follow Him. Jesus had no inference to any physical objects. We who are believers and followers of Christ know what it means to take up the Cross, at least we should.
The question remains, has the Cross lost its symbolic significance?
The consecrated cross I’ll bear till death shall set me free
And then go home my crown to wear for there’s a crown for me.
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts ptaegar@aol.com is a retired AME pastor who lives in Eatonville, Florida
12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of the Reverend Verdie Elder Bell, Local Elder at Mother Midway AME Church, Jacksonville, FL (East Conference, Eleventh Episcopal District). The Reverend Verdie Elder Bell passed from this life to eternity on Wednesday, August 4, 2010. She was the former owner of Polly's Restaurant and known affectionately as "Miss Polly." She had been a faithful member of Mother Midway AME Church for over 50 years. She leaves to cherish her memories: Mr. Frank Bell, husband; three children, Moses Small, Felton Small and Cynthia Elder; six sisters; two brothers; and a host of other relatives, in-laws, and friends.
Funeral Service for the Reverend Verdie Elder Bell:
Friday, August 13, 2010 at 11:00 a.m.
St. Paul AME Church
6910 New Kings Road
Jacksonville, FL 32219
Telephone: (904) 764-2755
The Rev. Dr. Marvin C. Zanders II, Host pastor
Officiating, the Rev. Dr. Robert L. Mitchell, Presiding Elder, Suwannee North District
Eulogist, the Rev. Charletta C. Robinson, Pastor Mother Midway AME Church
Resolutions:
All resolutions are to be forward to Mother Midway AME Church via e-mail: mothermidwayame@bellsouth.net or fax at (904) 359-5583.
Arrangements Entrusted to:
J. E. Fralin & Sons Funeral and Cremation Services
5065 Soutel Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32208
Phone: (904) 924-9400 Fax: (904) 924-9349
Expression of sympathy may be sent to:
Mr. Frank Bell
7384 Irving Scott Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32208
Telephone: (904) 768-8244
13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Ms. Tammaria Smith, age 23, the daughter of the Rev. Stephen Smith (Angela) departed this life Wednesday night, August 4th. She is survived by her parents, four sisters, and three brothers.
The funeral has been held.
The Rev. Stephen B. Smith is the Pastor of Butler Creek African Methodist Episcopal Church located at 1959 Tobacco Road in Augusta, GA.
Condolences may be mailed to:
The Rev. and Mrs. Stephen B. Smith
3524 Jack Kelly Road
Augusta, Georgia 30906
Or you may call: (706) 798-0246
14. 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
15. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Richard Franklin Norris; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of The Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement.
Archive of The Christian Recorder Online from 2004-2016; Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
