Bishop Richard Franklin Norris - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder
1. EDITORIAL –THE ART OF WAR BY SUN TZU CAN PROVIDE LEARNING LESSONS FOR PASTORS (AND LAITY):
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
One of the most interesting non-religious books I read during my time in the Army was The Art of War by Sun Tzu, a warrior-philosopher who wrote, what many believe was the most influential book on the strategy of war. Sun Tzu’s book has been studied by politicians, executives and military leaders since ancient times. From the first time I read the book, I thought that many of the principles Sun Tzu addressed could be applicable to the ministry. After all, the ministry and the church repeatedly use the military motif as in, “We are soldiers in the Army of the Lord” and “We are on the Battlefield for the Lord.”
The Art of War was written sometime around the 6th Century BC and it is a book is about military strategy and war. But it’s more than that; it’s more than a study about the battlefield, it’s an excellent study about interpersonal relationships; the strategy of conflict, the importance of knowledge; the critical importance of possessing the necessary skills, competence and knowledge. The book deals with psychology, the art of communicating goals and objectives to subordinates.
Sun Tzu taught that strategy was more than planning and was more than accomplishing mundane war tasks. The Art of War develops the notion that war is a serious and competitive event that requires rapid and appropriate decisionmaking in a volatile environment, if victory is the expected outcome.
The more I examined The Art of War, the more I thought about the church and ministry. The church is at war with Satan and with many of the social issues in society.
Pastors are at war and the laity is at war; and sadly, they think they are at war with each other. And, if clergy and laity are at war with each other the victory is being won by another entity. And, even more sadly, clergy are often at war with each other; and laity at war with laity. We are also at war in our homes, on our jobs and in our schools. Life is war and sometimes we have not identified the real enemy.
In my opinion, that was what was going on in Viet Nam and that’s what’s going on in Afghanistan; we are fighting, but we have not identified and amassed our forces against the real enemy. But, what’s happening in Afghanistan and the infighting that taking place in churches all over the world is another editorial.
This editorial focuses upon what pastors can learn from The Art of War by Sun Tzu, particularly as it relates to ministry and working with parishioners.
Selected “gems” from The Art of War
- “If you know the enemy and know yourself you need not fear the results of a hundred battles.”
Let’s face it, pastoring is a battle. Sun Tzu’s words are great advice for pastors because it is important for pastors to take the time to get to know their people; it’s called pastoral visitation.
In every congregation, there are friends and foes; an astute pastor gets to know all of them. Building relationships is time-consuming and for those who are impatient, it will seem like a waste of time, but building relationships is not a waste of time.
But, not only must pastors get to know their parishioners, they must also know who they are as persons and must know their capabilities, and more importantly, know their own limitations.
If you know your people and you know yourself, you will be in a better position to facilitate the winning of the battles in the pastoral ministry.
- “To a surrounded enemy, you must leave a way of escape.”
In any kind of interpersonal or pastoral relationships where there is a potential for conflict. A good leader always allows an “avenue of escape.” Sun Tzu advised, “Never back your enemy in a corner,” always allow an “avenue of escape” because if you don’t, the enemy, when backed into the corner, will fight like a cornered cat” and your victory can turn into defeat. In conflict, allow the person who feels defeated the opportunity to “save face.”
- “The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.”
If a local church disagreement can be solved without “a fight,” that should be the preferred option, but oftentimes, “a fight” cannot be avoided because the situation cannot be resolved without “a fight.” Sun Tzu says, “The best victory is when the opponent surrenders of its own accord before there are any actual hostilities... It is best to win without fighting.”
- “A winning army realizes the conditions for victory first, then fights; the losing army fights first then seeks victory.”
Pastors have the responsibility to assess each situation and in every decision the pastor must have some sense of what outcomes will be the result of their decisions. A pastor who makes an “off the top of the head decision” is like the military leader who “fights first then seeks victory.” The wise pastor assesses the ecclesiastical environment and the terrain; seeks guidance from his or her leaders; and is cognizant of the conditions for victory first, then fights. In other words, wise leaders win before they fight, while unwise leaders fight to win.
- “If words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood, the general is to blame."
A pastor must give clear guidance and directions. The pastor is the leader and the chief tactician; command is not a shared responsibility. Somebody is in charge and in the local church, that task belongs to the pastor. The pastoral staff, the stewards and trustees must understand the vision and direction of the ministry and have the responsibility to “execute the order of battle.” This presupposes that the pastor has given and articulated clear guidance and direction for the ministry.
- If the general’s orders are clear, and the soldiers nevertheless disobey, then it is the fault of their officers.”
So often in some our local churches, the ministry suffers for lack of involvement of the steward and trustee boards. In some cases members of the steward and trustee boards do not understand their responsibilities; in others, they have no interest in performing their duties; or the pastor has knowingly placed nonfunctioning members on the steward board and carelessly nominated low performing persons for the trustee board. In either of the examples listed, the officers of the local church provide no guidance or leadership to the membership and it is not their fault; it’s the fault of the local church leadership and “the buck” stops with the pastor. The leadership vision of the local church has to be understood and embraced by the membership. The stewards, trustees and the heads of organizations have to take responsibility for any failure of the ministry program if they fail to carry out their responsibilities.
The pastor is not a “Lone Ranger” and besides, “the Lone Ranger” was a fictional figure. If the pastor gives clear guidance and has motivated the local church leaders, the opportunity for success is greater and the local church leaders have a stake in the success of the ministry program.
- “The general who wins the battle makes many calculations in his temple before the battle is fought.”
Successful pastoral programs involve prior thought, planning and strategy because successful pastoral programs do not happen without planning. Planning takes time and the best pastoral planning takes place when the pastor involves committed local church officers and the membership.
- “The general who loses makes but few calculations beforehand.”
I suspect that most church programs that fail, fail because of a lack of planning by the pastor, uncommitted or under-committed local church officers, unmotivated members who care little about the pastoral program, and local church apathy because the leadership has not found…
Editor’s Note: This editorial will be continued in the next issue.
2. HAITI UPDATE – SEPTEMBER 30, 2010:
The AME Haiti update was held via teleconference this afternoon (9/30/10). Bishop Sarah Davis, Presiding Prelate for the 16th Episcopal District chaired the meeting and informed us that St. Paul AME Church (Eglese St. Paula AME) in Port au Prince has been demolished and removed.
Additional updates are forthcoming.
3. STORM FORCES EVACUATIONS IN HAITI:
A sudden storm that swept through Haiti caused damage to thousands of tents and killed at least five people, including three children, around Port-au-Prince, a city still reeling from last January’s massive earthquake. With most of the quake’s 1.5 million homeless survivors still living in sprawling tent cities, the city is especially vulnerable to bad weather—only 13,500 temporary shelters have been built in the last eight months. “There was no indication, no warning. It was unexpected,” said a spokeswoman with the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
4. PRAYER REQUEST FOR PRAYER FOR A MISSIONARY TEAM HEADED TO HAITI:
In a few days Joyce Books and I will depart for Haiti with 11 other brothers and sisters in Christ on our mission trip to Haiti. Our team will spend a week ministering to the people in Caneille--a village in the mountainous region of northeast Haiti. We hope to take the love of Jesus Christ to the villagers by offering a 2-day women’s retreat, a 2-day men’s retreat, and a VBS for children. We’ll do whatever else we can do to offer the hope that comes with knowing Christ. We will be in Haiti, Oct. 4-11, 2010.
Both of us prayed earnestly for the Lord's guidance in reaching a decision to go to Haiti. We know the Lord led us to the decision. The mission trip will give us the opportunity to share our compassion, our love, and the gifts God has given us. Christ said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15
We ask you to earnestly join us as prayer partners on this mission trip because we will need the Lord's protection and guidance. Specifically we ask prayers for:
- Traveling mercies for the team, especially for mountainous road driving to and from Caneille.
- That the Lord will oversee our health, give us energy, stamina and sound minds as we discern His will.
- For the team leaders that the Lord will give them wisdom, guidance, and patience, and for the team that the Fruit of the Spirit will be evident in each life.
- That the hearts of the people will be ripe for the harvest, that all our efforts will bring honor and glory to Jesus Christ and that many may come to know Him.
If you wish to follow our mission trip by receiving email updates during the week of the trip, you may do this ahead of time:
Go to: http://www.promisechild.com/; Click on "Email/Newsletter Sign Up" under the children's picture. Scroll down & add your email address in the box.
Again, Joyce and I are grateful for all who have given us support and supplies for this mission trip. And we thank you for your prayers.
Ruth May Siegrist
rumaysieg@aol.com
5. THE SECOND EPISCOPAL DISTRICT CONVENES YOUTH CONGRESS:
Over 1,850 youth, clergy and lay converged on the Hampton Convention Center in Hampton, Virginia to attend the 2nd Episcopal District’s 5th Annual Christian Education Congress. The theme of the Congress centered on the transformational founder of the AME Church – Richard Allen and was entitled “Transformers! More than meets the eye!”
The 2nd Episcopal District visionary Episcopal team of Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson and Mrs. Connie Speights Richardson issued the call for clergy and laity of all ages to attend the Annual Christian Education Congress. Adults and young people arrived from the hills and seashores of Maryland and Virginia, the mountains of Virginia and western North Carolina, and from the Washington-Baltimore metropolitan areas. When Bishop and Mrs. Richardson issues a call to assemble, the people of the 2nd Episcopal District know they are going to be inspired, supported, challenged, stretched, and will experience intellectual and spiritual growth!
The transformational experience began on Sunday when 48 debutantes and masters along with sub-debutantes, sub-masters and junior Allenites were presented by Mrs. Shirley Cason Reed, 2nd Episcopal District DMC Commissioner, and her team.
Ms. Robin Porter Smith, 2nd Episcopal District Christian Education Director welcomed the Congress attendees at the Monday Opening Service where the worship leader was Presiding Elder Conrad Pridgen. Bishop Samuel L. Green, Presiding Prelate of the 12th Episcopal District brought the message, “Being Brand New.” Bishop Green reminded us that we are “New Creatures in Christ” and that our potential is much greater in Christ because we sit in, “Unlimitedness!”
Transformation continued in Bible Study with the Rev. Abdue Knox, the Rev. Daryl Kearney and the Rev. Vanessa Copeland.
The plenary session was inspired by the words of the Rev. Brent Edwards. Following the plenary session, the participants selected to attend the following workshops: “2 the Sky”, “Reach out, Build up and Let Go!”, “Up, up and away to Build God’s kingdom”, and “Transform, Conform, Deform - Which one will you choose?” The participants attended panel discussions entitled, “Evangelizing in the age of strange fires” and “Evangelism in the 21st Century.”
Workshop presenters and panelists included the Rev. Angela Anderson, the Rev Robert Brown, the Rev. Myra Burton, the Rev. Oretha Cross, the Rev. Jay Gamble, the Rev. Herman Gladney, the Rev. William Gray, the Rev. Harold Hayes, the Rev. Allonia Holmes, the Rev. Abdue Knox, the Rev. Alphonso McGlen, the Rev. Chalice Overy, the Rev. Joseph Pridgen, the Rev. Anthony Radcliff, the Rev. John Swann, the Rev. Patti Thompson, the Rev. Norman Vick, the Rev. Robert Yarbrough; Sister Shawan Burke, Sister Carla Kincaid; and Brother Douglas Bynum and Brother Foster Lee.
Youth participants praised God through the arts in a “stepping,” liturgical dance and rap taught respectively by the Rev. Robert Yarbrough, the Rev. Audrey Jackson and the Rev. Robert Brown. Mime was taught by special artists from New York City and choir, by Brother Eric Domenick.
The Rev. Chalice Overy was the preacher for the Tuesday midday service and the Wednesday Krunk Prayer Service was conducted by the Rev. Tamara Kersey and Brother Maceo Harris.
Brother Eddie Scott led the youth oriented closing worship service. The Rap group provided the Call to Worship while the mime group provided the invocation. Our young children danced the Invocation response and the step team rendered a selection. Choral selections were provided by the Youth Congress Choir. The Rev. Charles Anthony Robinson encouraged us to use our talents to share the good news and “Make it do what it do!”
Youth Congress participants were armed with the tools to become Transformers!
Submitted by Sister Gloria L. Keaton, 2nd Episcopal District
6. SOUTH OHIO ANNUAL CONFERENCE PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS AND THE LIST OF CANDIDATES FOR CONNECTIONAL OFFICES:
The South Ohio Conference of the Third Episcopal District closed yesterday (9/26/10).
The South Ohio Conference was hosted by Quinn chapel AME Church where the Rev. Dr. Frederick A. Wright, Jr. is the pastor. The Right Rev. C. Garnett Henning is the Presiding Prelate of the Third Episcopal District and Mrs. Ernestine Henning is the WMS Episcopal Supervisor.
Pastoral Appointments for South Ohio Annual Conference:
The Rev. William Roberts - appointed to Shorter Chapel, Greenfield, Ohio from Liberty Valley Beavercreek
Open Charges in South Ohio Annual Conference:
Liberty Valley AME Church, Beavercreek
Payne Chapel AME Church, Hamilton
Delaney Chapel AME Church, Georgetown
Candidates for Connectional Offices from the Third Episcopal District
Marlyce McCants, Worship Director
Dr. Jeanette Harris, Treasurer
Bianca Nixon, Historiographer
**Submitted by the Rev. Gloria Smith, Conference Reporter
7. THE “POWERFUL” PITTSBURGH CONFERENCE GIVES ESSENCE TO ITS EPISCOPAL DISTRICT THEME: “MOVING TOWARD CHRISTIAN EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE”:
*The Rev. JoElla Williams
The entire week of the 143rd Session of the 2010 Pittsburgh Annual Conference was outstanding.
The Rt. Reverend C. Garnett Henning is the Presiding Bishop of the Third Episcopal District.
The Pittsburgh Missionary Society’s Theme: Building Bridges
The Missionary Society gave great account of their leadership with the leadership of the “Gracious” 3rd Episcopal District Supervisor, Mrs. Ernestine Lee Henning!
The Missionary Sermon was preached by the Rev. Cheryl Ruffin. The subject of her message was, “Building Bridges.” Her sermon stressed the importance of building bridges and went on to explain the importance of staying connected.
The Reverend Lawrence Thompson preached the evening service for the Missionary Society’s “Night in White.” The Rev. Lawrence Thompson’s sermon focused on” the bridge to Jesus.”
The Pittsburgh Missionary Society and the Margaret Cauley Committee presented an awarded in the amount of $500 for an educational scholarship gift to a worthy student.
Episcopal Supervisor Henning and Third District President Kathy Reid shared comments about their trip to Liberia and Ghana, West Africa. They dug wells to bring fresh water to our brothers and sisters. The Pittsburgh Conference celebrated with them in recognizing God’s goodness in far reaching lands. The African Methodist Church, the 3rd Episcopal District and the Pittsburgh Annual Conference are indeed moving on a Global Imperative in doing Christian Excellence beyond the local church.
The Opening Worship Service of 143rd Session of the Pittsburgh Annual
Conference was a spiritual beacon of light.
The Annual Sermon was preached by the Rev. David W. Bethea. His Sermon topic was, “Our Calling.” He took his text from 1 Samuel 3:1-10 and reminded the congregation that Eli and Samuel, the characters in the text, were not the main focus of the text; but God was the main character in the text!
As the organization of the conference began, Bishop C. Garnett Henning’s leadership and wisdom guided the Annual Conference from beginning to the end.
The Host Presiding Elder, the Rev. Dr. James McLemore of the Pittsburgh District and the Associate Presiding Elder, the Rev. Dr. Eric L. Brown of The Allegheny-Scranton District and all pastors were called upon to give account of their pastoral stewardship.
The pastors of the Pittsburgh Conference gave their reports and shared their creative ministries with the notion that the “We are moving toward Christian excellence - With “A Great Past, A Greater Future, and n Incredible Call to Serve.”
All Literary Reports were presented and a great dialogue followed.
The Lay organizations officers and delegates were confirmed by Bishop C. Garnett Henning and 3rd Episcopal District Lay President Ametta Reaves.
Our Revivalist, the Rev.Dr. Ann Lightner Fuller preached an uncompromising word from Genesis 22:1-5. Her topic was, “Trust in God When you Don’t Why. When she finished preaching, the Spiritual celebration continued as deliverance took place at the altar.
The second night of revival, Dr. Lightner Fuller preached from Psalms 73:1-9; 16-18 with the topic, “An Until Moment.” She indicated that we often struggle up to the moment we enter the sanctuary and when the power of God intervenes; that’s, “An Until Moment.”
There was great preaching throughout the conference.
The Rev. Dr. Charles Holmes preached from Romans 10:9-13; his message,” A Heart that Yearns for Others.”
The Rev. Dr. Floyd Alexander preached a dynamic sermon. His focus was, “What it Takes to Dance.”
A host of visitors from other conferences throughout the 3rd Episcopal District attended the conference and clergy and laity, alike, came to celebrate with Bishop Henning, Mother Ernestine Henning and the Pittsburgh Annual Conference. Bishop Henning gave special recognition to government officials who attended the conference.
The Rt. Rev. Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Presiding Prelate of the 8th Episcopal District was the preacher for the closing worship service. She preached a dynamic sermon from “The Great Commission.” Her sermon was taken from Matthew 28:18 and her resounding theme was, “We are Commanded to Go.”
Bishop Henning, using Godly judgment, gave out the pastoral appointments and encouraged the pastors to expect an even greater ministry in the coming year.
The hospitality provided the St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Washington, Pennsylvania was “second to none!” The Host Pastor: Reverend Author E. Doctor
Respectfully Submitted,
*The Rev. JoElla Williams is the Pittsburgh Conference Coordinator for Public Relations
8. CME BISHOP TO PREACH AME ORDINATION SERVICE, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2010:
The North Ohio Annual Conference of the A.M.E. Church will be meeting at Lee Memorial A.M.E. Church, 861 E. 105th Street, Cleveland, Ohio, October 20-24, 2010 where the Rev. Dr. Wesley I. Reid is the host pastor.
Bishop C. Garnett Henning, Sr., Presiding Bishop of the Third Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and Bishop Sylvester Williams is the Presiding Bishop of the Second Episcopal District of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.
The Rt. Rev. Dr. Sylvester Williams is the last of three children born to Edward and Georgiana Williams. Growing up in a small rural town in Hale County, Alabama, Rev. Williams was surrounded by a loving family who taught him values such as respect and caring for each other, honoring your word, being responsible, but more importantly to love the Lord. As Rev. Williams watched his family, particularly his mother and father, display these values, he became more keenly aware of his calling and how God partnered with them to shape him for ministry.
Bishop Williams' parents not only taught him social and spiritual values, they instilled educational values as well. Having received his early education in the Hale County School System, he continued his education by attending the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL where he earned a B.S. degree in Health Care Management. Between his studies at UA, he earned an A .A. degree in Mortuary Science from Jefferson State Jr. College in Birmingham, AL. Later, having accepted the call to ministry, he furthered his education at the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) in Atlanta, GA where he received the Master of Divinity degree. Desiring to be the best he can be, he obtained The Doctorate of Ministry Degree from ITC.
After accepting the call to ministry in 1981, Bishop Williams has served the Church and community in many capacities which included pastoral leadership at Owens Chapel, New Church, Emory Chapel, and Franconia CME Church from 1981-1988 in Alabama; Mt. Olive CME Church in Orlando, FL in 1988, and Southside CME Church in Birmingham, AL where he served as pastor from 1989-2002.
Rev. Williams has served as the Chaplain of Brookwood Hospice in Birmingham. He was a member of the Joint Board of Finance for the Birmingham Annual Conference, a member of the Board of Trustees at Miles College, and served as Chairman, Board of Directors, for the Commission on Religion in Appalachia.
Bishop Williams recently attended, along with 21 other ministers selected by the Interdenominational Theological Center, a dynamic 15-day Holy Land Pilgrimage for Pastoral Renewal where the Word of God truly came to life. At present, Rev. Williams is the Chairman of the Joint Board of Finance for the Southeast Missouri, Illinois, and Wisconsin Region, Budget Director for the Third Episcopal District, and for the past six years, has been the proud pastor of Carter Temple CME Church in Chicago.
Bishop Williams is married to the former Carmen Elaine Leonard. They have three children: Samantha, Sylvia, and Sylvester II.
9. THE REV. DR. WILLIAM D. WATLEY WILL BE THE GUEST REVIVALIST FOR THE NORTH OHIO ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
The Rev. Dr. William D. Watley will be the guest Revivalist for the North Ohio Annual Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church meeting beginning Wednesday, October 20, 2010. The Wilberforce University Choir will be presented in concert on Friday, October 22, 2010.
The North Ohio Annual Conference of the A.M.E. Church will be meeting at Lee Memorial A.M.E. Church, 861 E. 105th Street, Cleveland, Ohio, October 20-24, 2010 where the Rev. Dr. Wesley I. Reid is the host pastor.
The Reverend William D. Watley, Ph.D. will be preaching Wednesday and Thursday, October 20th and 21st evening at 7 p.m.
The Reverend William D. Watley, Ph.D. is the beloved Senior Pastor of the historic St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church in Newark, NJ. Under his leadership, St. James has grown spiritually, numerically, and financially. Membership has tripled, the number of weekly worship services has doubled, and the annual church income has increased by 700%.
Dr. Watley’s ministry is characterized by a multifaceted approach that aims to provide holistic care to those he serves. To this end, he established the St. James Social Services Corporation which oversees a daily feeding program and food pantry that dispenses over 89,000 meals annually, a clothes closet that distributes over 20,000 articles of clothing per year, an Intergenerational After School Care Program and Safe Haven Summer Peace Camp for children, as well as various emergency service, mentoring, literacy and employment training programs for adults. Dr. Watley is the visionary and founder of St. James Preparatory School, a state of the art Christian middle and high school for grades 7-12 with a 100% college acceptance rate and the only high school built from the ground by the AME Church during the 20th century. He was instrumental in forming a partnership between New Jersey Medical School’s Department of Family Medicine, University Hospital and St. James Church to bring the University Center for Family Medicine to the St. James Prep campus. In addition, Rev. Watley is the chairperson of the Board of Directors for the 220 unit St. James Towers.
Dr. Watley is an innovative worship leader who has made the Wednesday “Sweet Hour of Praise” Service world renowned for its dynamic worship and inspirational messages. This service has become a model for other ministries across the nation. Now in its sixteenth year, the service has grown from one worshipper to nearly eight hundred weekly. Most recently, Dr. Watley has launched his 1 church in 2 locations initiative by adding a contemporary, multicultural Sunday worship service which is held in a movie theatre in the suburban Essex County area. In addition, a Dot.com ministry was implemented to execute Dr. Watley’s vision for a global ministry. Dot.com has made weekly worship services, sermons, bible studies, and prayers easily accessible to the masses via the internet where viewers from over 45 countries regularly log on.
A preacher par excellence, Dr. Watley’s homiletical ability is both nationally and internationally recognized. He has the distinction of being the Conference Preacher for the Hampton University Ministers’ Conference for two consecutive years as well as a Conference Lecturer. At the invitation of the Church of God in Christ, Inc., Dr. Watley preached to over 20,000 people at their annual fall convention. He was a lecturer for the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church’s Pastor’s Conference held at Philips School of Theology. Dr. Watley has preached at the Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas, as well as Bishop T.D. Jakes’ Men Are Builders Conference. Moreover, Dr. Watley has preached on the continents of Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and South America in addition to the island nations of Cuba, Barbados, Bahamas, Bermuda, and Trinidad.
A mentor and educator, Dr. Watley served as President and Distinguished Professor of Religion of Paul Quinn College in Waco, Texas. He was a visiting professor at the New Brunswick Theological Seminary, New York Theological Seminary, and Princeton Theological Seminary as well as a guest lecturer at Harvard University, Payne and Turner Theological Seminaries.
A prolific author, Dr. Watley has written sixteen books and has authored several booklets and articles throughout the past two decades. He is the founder and C.E.O. of New Seasons Press, the publishing division of William Watley Ministries.
In January 2002, Dr. Watley was the first African American to be appointed Chief Executive Officer and Secretary of the New Jersey Commerce & Economic Growth Commission responsible for implementing considerable aspects of New Jersey’s economic policy. He led the first trade mission from New Jersey to South Africa and convened the first state-wide conference on Commerce for New Jersey’s business community. Over 1500 business persons participated.
Dr. Watley has served as both a member and officeholder for several prominent organizations over the last twenty years. An ecumenical leader, Dr. Watley served as the Associate General Secretary of the Council on Church Union (COCU), a member of the Missions Unit for the World Council of Churches (WCC), and a member of the Governing Board for the National Council of Churches (NCC). He served on the Board of Directors for Beth Israel and Horizon/Mercy Hospitals, the United Negro College Fund and the Fund for Theological Education. In addition, he was a member of the Advisory Boards for First Union Bank, the African American Pulpit, and the Interpreter’s Bible Commentaries.
Dr. Watley received his Bachelor of Arts in Theology from St. Louis University and a Master of Divinity from the Interdenominational Theological Center. He received a Master of Philosophy and his Doctor of Philosophy-Ethics from Columbia University. In addition, he completed post-doctoral work at the Ecumenical Institute in Coligny, Switzerland and Harvard’s Institute for Educational Management.
10. WILBERFORCE UNIVERSITY CHOIR WILL SING AT THE NORTH OHIO ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON EDUCATION NIGHT:
Wilberforce University Choir will be performing on Friday evening, October 22, 2010 as part of the North Ohio Annual Conference Education Night.
The Wilberforce University Choir traces its roots back to 1878 as a standing reminder of the days when the traveling chorus was the life and support for many of our historically black colleges and universities; of which Wilberforce University stands proud as the first. Over the years, the Choir has traveled extensively and has undergone the leadership of several directors. Today’s Choir is composed of more than fifty singers, led by Director Jeremy Winston. The Choir’s repertoire includes a variety of artistic genres, such as the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern eras of the Classical style, the African-American concert and traditional spirituals, traditional and contemporary gospel, vocal and instrumental jazz, as well as opera and Broadway styles.
Since Mr. Winston has led the Choir, it has embarked on an exciting artistic path. For its annual Spring Concert in April of 2004, the Choir hosted tenor Roderick Dixon from the critically acclaimed Cook, Dixon and Young and 3 Mo’ Tenors, in a one-time performance of Adolphus Hailstork’s I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes. In November 2004, the Choir introduced its annual fall concert at the Greater Allen AME Cathedral in Jamaica Queens, New York which featured jazz artist Rachelle Ferrell. In April 2005, the second annual Spring Concert hosted Ray Charles’ longtime manager and business partner, Joe Adams, as he presented the first Ray Charles Award to opera star Kathleen Battle. This evening extravaganza featured the Wilberforce University Choir and Grammy Award Winners Take6 honoring the operatic artistry of Ms. Battle and the musical genius of Ray Charles.
The Wilberforce University does two annual national tours, in spring and summer. During Spring Break at Wilberforce University, the Choir travels to the East Coast, and concertizes in cities including New York, Philadelphia, Wilmington, and D.C. The Summer Tour has taken the Choir West, to perform in cities such as Boise, Seattle, Tacoma, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. The Choir last performed on Millennium Stage in spring of 2008.
Wynton Marsalis said that he was “deeply honored” to have The Choir perform with him and the Lincoln Jazz Orchestra on the World Premiere of his Mass at the Lincoln Jazz Center in New York City. Featuring many soloists from Wilberforce University Choir, this performance was broadcast live over XM Radio and aired live on the Lincoln Jazz Center’s website. Two weeks later, the Choir was featured at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. The choir shared the stage of the most significant American jazz festival with Kim Burrell, Byron Cage, Stevie Wonder, and many others.
Mr. Jeremy Winston is the Director, Wilberforce University Choir and Distinguished Ray Charles Chair of Sacred and Choral Music of Wilberforce University.
11. TIME MAGAZINE FEATURES AME:
Time magazine features Sister Josalyn Tresvant McGhee, a member of St. James AME Church, Memphis
Follow this link: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2017210,00.html
12. STEPHEN A. GREEN ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE FRESHMAN CLASS AT MOREHOUSE COLLEGE:
Stephen A. Green, son of Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr., who was elected President of the freshmen class at Morehouse College, Atlanta, Georgia.
Stephen's contact email: stephengreen1@aol.com
Sister Josalyn Tresvant McGhee, a member of St. James AME Memphis left the banking industry to become a teacher in Memphis, Tennessee. Sister B.T. Goines, a member of St. James AME Church in Memphis who provided this information said, “A good AME doing good things in Memphis!”
13. DOCUMENTARY FILM -“HOLE IN THE HEAD… A LIFE REVEALED”:
Summary by Dr, Dennis Dickerson: The film, “Hole in the Head…A Life Revealed” is about an A.M.E. who was harmed back in the 1920s in Indiana in a scientific experiment gone awry; it was similar to the infamous Tuskegee syphilis case.
This compelling human-interest story is highly moving as it vividly conveys the triumph of the human spirit overcoming horrific crimes of medical experimentation. It is also a story of tremendous moral character, and how the lives of two friends (one the victim and the hero of the story, the other a caring friend who saw it as his duty to bring the story to light), were changed forever through their friendship.
This feature length documentary titled, “Hole In the Head… A Life Revealed” tells the story of Vertus Hardiman and nine other children ages 5-8, all attending the same elementary school in Lyles Station Indiana, who in 1927, were severely irradiated during a medical experiment conducted at the local county hospital. The experiment was misrepresented as a newly developed cure for the scalp fungus known as ringworm. In reality the ringworm fungus was merely the lure used to gain access to unsuspecting children whose parents signed permission slips for the treatment blindly.
Vertus Hardiman was the youngest victim and now at age 84, after 20 years of a friendly relationship with Wilbert spanning the church (both are members of the church choir), for the first time in his life fully unburdens himself to Wilbert with an incredible story of a stark medical crime. The crime had severe physical complications for Vertus – namely, a harshly irradiated and malformed head, with an actual hole in the skull.
Remarkably, not one person in Vertus’ community had ever been aware of this situation – because he always wore a wig and woolen beanie right up to the time he disclosed it to Wilbert. During filming Vertus bears his secret and in his own words says, “For over 80 years only four individuals outside a few medical specialists have ever seen my condition; I hide it because I look like some monster.” Over his life he was criticized, teased and scorned by those who had no idea what the wig hid for 80 years.
Wilbert’s in-depth research led to his discovering four additional survivors of this horrific event and their collective accounts formed the basis for a fully rounded view of this incredible story. Other surviving victims had astonishing similarities, but none as far-reaching and severe as Vertus.
This documentary also shows that the Lyles Station experiments were not an isolated event. One such example involved radiation experiments performed against one hundred thousand darker-skinned immigrant children in Israel in 1951, a tragedy financed by the United States Army. Amazingly, many of these victims arrived on U.S. soil in cages for further study, an attempt to determine human reaction to over-exposure to radiation.
But as remarkable and shocking as the story may appear, this film is not a “witch hunt” or an indictment of inhumane medical- government experimentation. Instead “Hole in the Head… A Life Revealed” reflects the incredible strength of one man, Vertus Hardiman, who survived the harshest imaginable circumstances through the power of the human spirit. His simplicity and life philosophy always brought uplift to the spirits of all he touched.
Over 1200 viewers have taken part in the initial private screenings of this film. Their reactions suggest that it not only encouraged them to more willingly accept the differences of others, but to accept them without undue challenge or debate. Many vowed to think of Vertus and the lessons he communicated whenever they felt the urge to complain.
Perhaps others would likewise prosper if they too were allowed a visit with Vertus Hardiman and witness firsthand how he carved his way to happiness, using love for others and a huge spirit to love and forgive; perhaps a timely message needed by a world today.
For further information, please contact Wilbert Smith Ph.D., Managing Partner, Smith Leonard Productions, 2235 N. Lake Ave. Suite 111, Altadena, California 91001, Phone (626) 375-1367.
14. EXCELLENT VIDEO ABOUT THE NEWEST CPR PROCEDURE:
Excellent video about the newest CPR recommendations - Well worth 5-minutes of your time - http://tinyurl.com/2fx8r59
This is a very important video regarding the latest CPR procedure. Please watch and forward to your friends and family, a life may be saved utilizing this new procedure.
Click Here: http://tinyurl.com/2fx8r59
15. THE PEW CHARITABLE TRUSTS REPORT - COLLATERAL COSTS: INCARCERATION'S EFFECT ON ECONOMIC MOBILITY:
TCR Editor’s Comment: Every pastor and anyone interested in prison reform, equal justice, the impact of incarceration upon the black community should read the full Pew’s economic study. We should be appalled that “More young (20– to 34-year-old African-American men with-out a high school diploma or GED are behind bars (37 per¬cent) than employed (26 percent).” I hope that all of you will take the time to read the full report:
http://www.pewtrusts.org/uploadedFiles/wwwpewtrustsorg/Reports/Economic_Mobility/Collateral%20Costs%20FINAL.pdf?n=5996
Dwight Lewis, a columnist for The Tennessean (Nashville, Tennessee) wrote an excellent summary as a part of his column in this morning’s (9/30/2010) edition:
“• One in 87 working-aged white men is in prison or jail, com¬pared with 1 in 36 His¬panic men and 1 in 12 African-American men.
• More young (20– to 34-year-old African-American men with¬out a high school diploma or GED are behind bars (37 percent) than employed (26 percent).
• A history of serving time reduces hourly wages for men by approximately 11 percent, annual employment by nine weeks and annual earnings by 40 percent.
• By age 48, the typical former inmate will have earned $179,000 less than if he had never been incarcerated.
• Of former inmates who were in the lowest fifth of the male earnings distribution in 1986, two-thirds remained on the bot¬tom rung in 2006, twice the num¬ber of those who were not incarcerated.
• 54 per¬cent of inmates are parents with minor children: more than 120,000 moth¬ers and 1.1 mil¬lion fathers.
• 2.7 million children have a parent behind bars; 1 in every 28 children (3.6 per¬cent) has a parent incarcerated, up from 1 in 125 just 25 years ago. Two-thirds of these children’s parents were incarcerated for non-violent offenses.
• One in nine African-American children (11.4 percent), 1 in 28 Hispanic children (3.5 percent) and 1 in 57 white children (1.8 per¬cent) have an incarcerated parent.”
The Pew Charitable Trusts Summary:
Sep 28, 2010
Collateral Costs: Incarceration’s Effect on Economic Mobility is a collaborative effort between Pew’s Economic Mobility Project and its Public Safety Performance Project (PSPP). The report examines the impact of incarceration on the economic opportunity and mobility of former inmates and their families. In addition, Collateral Costs examines the prison population by race/ethnicity and educational levels. It finds that incarceration reduces former inmates’ earnings by 40 percent and limits their future economic mobility and that one in every 28 children in America has a parent behind bars, up from one in 125 just 25 years ago. The report’s findings are based on research by Professor Bruce Western of Harvard University and Professor Becky Pettit of the University of Washington.
The Full Report:
http://www.pewtrusts.org/uploadedFiles/wwwpewtrustsorg/Reports/Economic_Mobility/Collateral%20Costs%20FINAL.pdf?n=5996
16. ANIMATED MOVIE -- FEATURING THE "YOUTOONS" EXPLAINS THE CURRENT HEALTH CARE SYSTEM:
Animated Movie -- featuring the "YouToons" -- explains the problems with the current health care system, the changes that are happening now, and the big changes coming in 2014
Click on the Link: http://healthreform.kff.org/the-animation.aspx
Confused about how the new health reform law really works? This short, animated movie -- featuring the "YouToons" -- explains the problems with the current health care system, the changes that are happening now, and the big changes coming in 2014.
TCR Editor’s Note: This might be a great resource to share with your local church members if you have audio-video capabilities.
17. ARTICLES IN THE NEW YORK TIMES AND PEW FORUM ABOUT RELIGIOUS AND BIBLICAL LITERACY:
Both articles highlight the need for increased Biblical and religious literacy. All of our churches should have Church School and Bible Study programs and those venues are excellent opportunities to provide religious and biblical training.
Take the short test in The New York Times before reading the article: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/09/28/us/religion-quiz.html
Take the Pew Forum Quiz – a little harder: http://features.pewforum.org/quiz/us-religious-knowledge/?q=1
18. MOREHOUSE CUTS THE RIBBON ON STATE-OF-THE-ART BUILDING NAMED FOR RAY CHARLES:
ATLANTA, September 28, 2010- It has been nearly a decade in the making, but on Wednesday, September 29, 2010, music will have a new home at Morehouse. The Ray Charles Performing Arts Center and Music Academic Building are located on the corner of Joseph E. Lowery Blvd and West End Avenue and boasts 76, 000 square feet. It includes the 650-seat Emma and Joe Adams Concert Hall; a motorized orchestra pit; 12 faculty studios; nine practice rooms; two rehearsal rooms and three academic labs, including the David Geffen Keyboard Digital Music Lab. A special ribbon cutting will take place at 2 p.m. on September 29th with the dedication of the auditorium and a preview performance to follow.
“It’s thrilling,” said President Robert M. Franklin. “The Ray Charles Performing Arts Center and Music Academic Building symbolize a sense of unleashing creativity, genius and energy within the Morehouse community – energy that will radiate outward into the larger community.”
The Ray Charles Performing Arts Center is named after the 12-time Grammy-award winner who was known in the music industry at the “Genius.” Charles’ relationship with Morehouse began nine years ago when he was invited to Atlanta to perform with the College’s jazz ensemble. He received an honorary degree from Morehouse and became a long-time friend and supporter of the College. His support came in the form of an initial $2-million commitment to help Morehouse find, educate and inspire the next generation of music pioneers. Since then, the College has received an additional $3 million from the Ray Charles Foundation.
Uzee Brown, chair of the Morehouse Music Department said the focus of the building is on training musicians and vocalists, bringing music performance and teaching together under one roof in a state-of-the-art, technologically savvy building.
“We want the facility to be the laboratory and ultimately we will present the finished project to the public in the performance hall,” Brown said.
The Concert Hall, named for Charles’ long-time manager Joe Adams and his wife, Emma, will feature a new Steinway-D Concert Grand piano. The building also will include: an electronic piano lab, which includes 16 electronic pianos; a composition lab with preproduction workstations designed to teach students the art of arrangement and production; a listening acquisition lab; and a state-of-the-art digital/analog recording studio. There also is space for about 200 people to sit on blankets immediately in front of the stage on The Eugene Mitchell Performance Lawn area on the backside of the building.
19. A POOL OF FOOLS:
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts
A few days ago a man by the name of Watkins came to the conclusion that God didn’t make the world. He has a right to his opinion, but what I would like for the “learned” Watkins to tell me is, if God didn’t make the world then who did? The Bible in Psalm 14:1 says, “The fool has said in his heart there is no God” and that tells me that Mr. Watkins has just joined the ‘Pool of Fools.” It has been said that a fool is born every day.
Job asked the question, “Canst thou by searching find out God? Canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? Job 11:7
There are numerous references throughout the Bible in regard to fools.
The writer of Proverbs said “Fools despise wisdom.”
One has to be a fool to acknowledge a creation and then deny that there is a Creator.
Only a fool would recognize an architectural structure and declare that there is no Architect. Only a fool would acknowledge the presence of power and deny that there is a Power House or Power Giver. Only a fool would accept and enjoy the provisions of life and disregard the Provider.
Nebuchadnezzar was a fool when he walked out on his patio and took credit for his vast kingdom (Daniel chapter 4). Pharaoh of Egypt was a fool when he thought that he could prevent the Israelites from being freed from the claws of slavery (Exodus).
The chief priests and the scribes made fools of themselves when they asked Jesus if it was lawful to give tribute to Caesar (Luke 20:22).
Pilate was a fool when he thought that he could stop the Resurrection by placing guards at the tomb where Jesus was buried.
The “pool of fools” is full and is constantly filling.
You become a member of the pool of fools:
- If you think that you could do anything to anybody and not be held accountable;
- If you confess with your mouth hat Jesus is Lord but don’t believe in your heart;
- If you go through life pretending with the expectation of succeeding;
- If you think that you can tell one lie;
- If you go through life believing that you have all the knowledge worth knowing;
- If you feel or even think that the world owes you something;
- If you think that you can get something for nothing
- If you think that the world cannot go on without you
- If you think that you can enjoy the blessing of God without being committed, dedicated, sacrificing, and sharing;
And if you judge the effectiveness and influence of the AME Church by what is happening in your local church, you have become a member of the ‘Pool of Fools.”
Most recently a gentleman claimed that he could explain how Moses and the children crossed the Red Sea. He used his computerize analysis to confirm his declaration and had completely ignored the power of God to turn back the Red Sea. He also has become a member of the ‘Pool of Fools.”
The Bible is plain enough for me and any believer.
Of all of the organizations you may join, never become a member of the ‘Pool of Fools.”
It was once said that “It is best to be thought a fool than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt.”
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts, (ptaegar@aol.com), author teacher, counselor, humorist, is a Retired AME Itinerant Elder who lives in Eatonville, Florida
20. CLERGY AND EPISCOPAL FAMILY CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES:
- President of Morehouse College freshmen class
-Stephen A. Green, son of Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr., who was elected President of the freshmen class at Morehouse College, Atlanta, Georgia.
Stephen's contact email: stephengreen1@aol.com
-The Birth of Little Miss Taylor Joi Joseph
Congratulations to proud parents, Mr. and Mrs. Paul (Marcia Fugh) Joseph and proud grandparents, Dr. and Mrs. Clement W. Fugh (General Secretary/Chief Information Officer AMEC). Little Miss Taylor Joi Joseph was born Monday, September 27, 2010 at 11:02 a.m., weighing 6 lbs. 11 oz.
Congratulatory responses can be mailed to:
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Joseph
588 Castlegate Drive
Nashville, Tennessee 37217
Or emailed to:
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Joseph: MDFugh@yahoo.com
Dr. and Mrs. Clement Fugh: cio@ame-church.com
- Congratulations to the Reverend Leah Gaskin Fitchue, Ed.D
Princeton Theological Seminary Honors the Reverend Leah Gaskin Fitchue, Ed.D., President, Payne Theological Seminary, 2010 Distinguished Alumna
Dr. Leah Gaskin Fitchue, President of Payne Theological Seminary, the first African American female president of any institution in the 262-member Association of Theological Schools, and the first female president of any historically Black theological seminary, is being honored as a 2010 Distinguished Alumna by Princeton Theological Seminary.
The Reunion 2010 Presidential Dinner will be held October 25, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. in the Mackay Campus Center, Princeton Theological Seminary. Tickets are $30.00. Make checks payable to: Princeton Theological Seminary. Mail to PO Box 821, Princeton, NJ 08542; attn: Ms. Karen Assenheimer. Credit cards: call 609-497-7756. The courtesy of a reply is also requested by October 15th to Payne Theological Seminary at (937) 376-2946 x 209.
- Congratulations to Commander (SEL) Glenda Jennings Harrison
Commander (SEL) Glenda Jennings Harrison reported to Arlington National Cemetery on August 2, 2010 as the first female chaplain to serve in the capacity of Senior Navy Chaplain. She currently supervises a staff of four and officially began her duties on August 30, 2010. As of this date, she has conducted over 63 funerals and is proud to represent the Second Episcopal District's Washington Conference under the leadership of Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr. She indicated that her life has come full circle as her grandmother the late Frances Mason Jones who once owned a funeral home trained her well on taking care of those experiencing grief and loss. Further, she intends to minister to her families with dignity and is honored to serve the families of our military men and women in uniform. As Chaplain Jennings Harrison acclimates back to the DC area (after being away from home for over 13 years) and in between her many responsibilities with the Navy she periodically manages to volunteer her time to Courtney House working with abused teenagers between the ages of 14-18.
Congratulatory responses can be emailed to: shereegj601@yahoo.com
- Congratulations to Carla Lorraine Bouie
Carla Lorraine Bouie, the daughter of the Reverend Michael K. Bouie, pastor of Allen Temple AME Church, Tampa, Florida and connectional WMS Officer, Barbara McNeely-Bouie delivered her trial sermon on Sunday, September 26th at Allen Chapel AME Church, Daytona Beach, Florida at 7:45 am.
Congratulatory responses can be emailed to: carla.bouie@gmail.com
- Congratulations to Nyki H. Caldwell
Nyki H. Caldwell, the daughter of Dr. Jerry Caldwell and the Rev. Dr. Oveta Fuller-Caldwell, spouse and pastor of Bethel AME Church, Adrian, Michigan was recognized in a ceremony at her high school as a Trimester Academic Scholar (the only African American in this group) in September 2010. This required achieving a 3.5 or above GPA for all three trimesters of the 2009-10 school year.
Nyki is also the State of Michigan 2010 High School Division 1 high jump champion finishing #1 in both indoor and outdoor track and field (T&F) state meets. She is an All-State and an All American Scholar-Athlete by finishing 3rd in the nation at the New Balance Nationals T&F meet in summer 2010. With a high jump P.R. of 5'9", in August she was named to the prestigious 2010 Michigan Dream Team for T&F. Nyki is a senior at Dexter High School, Dexter, Michigan, a member of Bethel AME Church-Adrian, Michigan and currently is exploring college possibilities.
Congratulatory responses can be emailed to: fullerao@umich.edu
- Congratulations to Tiffany Marie Kelly
Tiffany Marie Kelly, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Herman O. Kelly, Jr. first family of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana was elected for membership in the Aquinas Chapter of the National Honor Society for The St. Joseph's Academy in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Congratulatory responses can be emailed to: hokellyj@yahoo.com
21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Our hearts are saddened to announce the passing of Arron Jerome Whittington on Tuesday, September 28th. Arron is the husband of Patricia Irene Montague-Whittington and the son-in-law of Presiding Elder Ernest L. Montague, Sr. and Mrs. Irene Montague, Eastern District of the Baltimore Conference. He is also the brother of Mrs. Donette Branch, wife of Pastor Johnnie Branch.
Services will be held as follows:
Sunday, October 3, 2010 - Viewing
10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
March Funeral Homes
4300 Wabash Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21215
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM Family will receive guests
Monday, October 4, 2010 - Homegoing Celebration
10:30 AM - Wake
11:00 AM - Service of Celebration
Trinity A.M.E. Church
2140 E. Hoffman Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21213
In lieu of flowers, in the memory of Arron, please send donations to: The Media Ministry of Trinity AME Church, 2140 E. Hoffman Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21213.
All other communications may be sent to:
Patricia Montague-Whittington
C/o Presiding Elder Ernest L. Montague and First Lady Irene Montague
P.O. Box 1104
Randallstown, Maryland 21133
410-496-5902 Home
410-496-5903 Fax
Elder Ernest L. Montague: emont123@aol.com
First Lady Irene Montague: iren678@aol.com
22. 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
23. 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
