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 GREAT WORD AT THE ANNUAL CHURCH GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III,
The 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder
I am sorry that I didn’t arrive at the Annual Church Growth and Development Seminar in Little Rock, Arkansas in time to hear the sermon that was delivered by that the Right Reverend C. Garnett Henning. I heard positive comments about it and how he raised the issue about Christian commitment and accountability. I heard that it was a challenging message and I wish that I could have heard it.
I didn’t hear Bishop Henning’s message, but I did hear the dynamic sermon delivered by the Right Rev. Sarah Francis Davis at Tuesday Night’s Service of Word and Sacrament; and what a message!
The Department of Church Growth and Development Seminar began on Monday. The Seminar is holding its 2010 Annual Seminar at the Peabody Hotel in Little Rock and will close tomorrow, Friday, January 8, 2010. The Rev. Dr. James C. Wade is the Executive Director of Department of Church Growth and Development; the Right Rev. Wilfred J. Messiah is the Commission Chair; and the Right Rev. Samuel Lawrence Green, Sr., the host bishop for the event.
Most of the bishops and most of the general officers were in attendance at the Church Growth and Development Seminar, including, the Right Rev. John Richard Bryant, the Senior Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church; the Right Rev. Carolyn Tyler Guidry, the President of the Council of Bishops; and Dr. Richard Allen Lewis, the President of the Council of General Officers.
Those attending the Annual Church Growth and Development Seminar were excited and vocal about their participation; the Praise team exuded energy; and the musical presentations and the choir were excellent. The participation and attendance of the 12th Episcopal District was evident by the participation of the laity and the clergy. When Bishop Green asked the members of the 12th Episcopal District to stand there was a roar of enthusiasm throughout the auditorium.
Ah, but I need to get back to the powerful sermon of Bishop Sarah Francis Davis.
Oh, but before I do that, certainly mention needs to be made about Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry’s introduction of Bishop Davis, which was warm and delivered from the heart. Bishop Guidry said Bishop Davis was a friend, that she was competent, intelligent and woman of God and was proud that they were both elected and consecrated in the class of 2004. The congregation warmly received Bishop Guidry’s introduction of Bishop Davis and Bishop Davis was visibly appreciative of Bishop Guidry’s introduction.
But now I do need to get back to Bishop Davis’ sermon. Bishop Davis acknowledged the AME protocol, a tradition among AMEs. She also took time to recognize her husband, Mr. Claytie Davis and acknowledge that they were celebrating their 40th Wedding Anniversary.
Before I get to Bishop Davis’ sermon I have to mention the presentation made by the Rev. Francis Murat who was born in Haiti, reared in Chicago, and has now returned to Haiti to minister to his people. He gave up the comfort of the United States to return to his native country. His comments were well-received. He was introduced by Bishop John Bryant.
Getting to the sermon
Bishop Davis began her message with an apology. She told the congregation that her sermon was going to be a hard sermon, a type of sermon people didn’t like to hear. She pointed out that people need to hear the truth. She selected 1 Thessalonians 1: 1-7 as here text, with a focus on verses 4-6. Her subject was, “Observation Overlooked.”
She wanted to know if the African Methodist Episcopal Church is serious about evangelism and if we cared for the souls of those around us. Bishop David said we are living in an age of urgency of needing to share the Word with the world because there is no news more important than sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. She wanted to know if we cared about the souls of those we worked with, those with whom we had relationships. She also asked if we cared about the souls of those we lived with. She asked the congregation, “When was the last time you witnessed to a family member; to your husband, to your wife, to your children?” She was concerned that we, who call ourselves Christians, have overlooked our obligation and responsibility to evangelize; both preachers and laity have overlooked the obligation to evangelize.
Bishop Davis pointed our that there are 190 million non-Christians in the United States and that we, in the AME Church, have more preachers than we have churches; the implication being that we have preachers who are “sitting on their obligation” to witness for Jesus Christ.
Bishop Davis shared that 85 percent of denominations, including the AME Church, have the concept of “evangelism” in their mission statements, but churches, and especially, mainline churches are losing members because we are overlooking evangelism. Bishop Davis said that it is time to get urgent about evangelism and “stop playing church.” She pointed out that we have not only abdicated our corporate responsibility to evangelize, but that we have also abdicated our personal responsibility to do personal evangelism. Bishop Davis forcefully stated that before we can do personal evangelism or witness to others, we have to do internal evangelism. She went on to explain that we don’t have to “quote scripture,” we have to “live scripture.”
Bishop Davis said the AME Church and other denominations have only themselves to blame for any membership losses and diminished numbers in the pews.
Ignoring evangelism is the most effective way to lose church membership.
Bishop Davis said that we fail to do evangelism because we don’t want to study and we don’t want anyone else to “show us up.”
She brought her message home with an enthusiastic delivery and by the time she concluded, people were on their feet.
It was a hard message but it was a message that we all needed to hear.
The AME Church needs to hear the message and we need to ask ourselves if we are overlooking our obligation and responsibility for evangelism.
2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
To the Editor:
Re: Challenge III
I just wanted you to know that the Lee Chapel AME Church (Nashville, Tennessee Lay Organization is reading the Bible (The Story) taking about 8 months, taking a chapter a week beginning January 1, 2010. It is a challenge, because we only meet once a month; answer the questions independently; and discuss four chapters during our one-hour monthly meetings.
If you or any of our readers have any other ideas, please let them know that they can email me Saico7@aol.com.
Paulette Coleman, Ph.D.
NCRC Certified Mediator
- To the Editor:
I am ardent follower of The Christian Recorder. Never in my history of ministry and membership in the AME Church have I been so keen to read The Christian Recorder since you were overwhelmingly elected to the position as Editor and have delivered on your election promises.
The Christian Recorder is such a powerful tool, a must-read, for every member of the AME Church. It is so timely and so relevant, especially The Christian Recorder Online, keeping the AME membership abreast concerning new developments in and across the Connection. You have made a powerful tool since you were first elected into the Editorial Command thereof.
I pray an increase for you, your ministry and The Christian Recorder this year.
For all communication, henceforth, especially concerning Church matters, this is the new address I will be using for as long as I will be shepherding this congregation while I will retain my work address for receiving The Christian Recorder Online.
The Rev. Teboho G. Klaas, Pastor
Allen Temple A.M.E. Church
188 Ingedezi Street, Zone 7
1852 MEADOWLANDS (Soweto)
The Republic of South Africa
Tel.: +27 11 536 2249 (a/h)
Tel.: +27 11 241 7811 (office)
Mobile: +27 76 692 9583
Email: atamec.188@gmail.com
- To the Editor:
AME-India wishes the African Methodist Episcopal Church a Happy New Year and greetings to all of you in the matchless name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
We sincerely thank you for all your prayer support and help that you extended to us last year in all our efforts. We look forward the same kind of support from you even this year also. By the grace of God and the able guidance of Bishop John and Rev. Cee this year, God willing we will be having the India Convocation in the month of April-May 2010. We hope and believe God will do wonders and reveal His glory during this occasion. We sincerely request you for your prayers for this.
We also request you for your valuable prayers for the ministry of AME-India for this year so that we may do a greater ministry than last year in reaching out to more people with the gospel of Jesus. We sincerely believe that whatever we could do last year was because of your earnest prayers for us. We have seen and felt the power of your prayers in our lives and ministry over here.
We do look back the way Lord protected us and our pastors. Last year in India some of our Pastors and friends had gone through different kind of persecutions, struggles, starvation, various crises. Yes, we Praise God for all the experiences; we can’t buy them; God has enabled us to stand and enter into the New Year to bear fruits for the Kingdom.
We hope you will be able to join us for the India Convocation. It might be an opportunity for us to fellowship together after a long time. Do write to us when time permits you.
Praying for you all. Thanking you once again. We Love you all.
Yours Sincerely,
The Rev. Sarah & the Rev. Abraham Peddiny
PE, AME-India
- To the Editor:
I read with excited interest the meeting of the 11th District at Our Lucaya Resort! That brought back such pleasant memories. I chair a fundraising event with Bloomingdale's stores for the benefit of the agency that cares for my super wonderful special son! For two months it is a hassle selling tickets and urging persons to just walk in the store on benefit day! The first year I chaired the event in support of my son's care there were many giveaways and among them was a week's stay at Our Lucaya Resort with roundtrip airfare included. I spent 8 hours in Bloomingdale's that day as a volunteer and a shopper and recruiter for shoppers. I was stunned when several weeks later I was called and told my daughter and I were winners! Among our many travels we will never forget that week!
Hey, let’s bring the General Conference to Grand Bahama Island, Our Lucaya, summer rates are great. (I was there in December and I am from Chicago!).
Glad you had such a memorable time. Isn't it great being a Christian? This was a fringe benefit our Lord provided!
Julie Hagwood
4th Episcopal District
Bethel, Evanston, Illinois
3. AME CHURCH'S CONNECTIONAL COUNCIL WILL MEET DURING TURNER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY'S FOUNDERS DAY AND ISAAC R. CLARK PASTORS CONFERENCE:
The African Methodist Episcopal Church's Connectional Council will meet during Turner Theological Seminary's Founders Day and Isaac R. Clark Pastors Conference held at Saint Philip A.M.E. Church, 240 Candler Road in Atlanta, Georgia where Dr. George Moore, Sr., is pastor.
All pastors, presiding elders, and ministers of our Zion are welcome to join us from 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 3, 2010.
We look forward to continuing to build a solid, strong and committed Connectional Council.
The Rev. Dr. Gregory V. Eason, Sr., President
4. AME YOUTH TO RECEIVE EAGLE SCOUT AWARD:
*Patricia Chisom
Milwaukee, Wisconsin. “Scouting has been and continues to be a very important part of my life starting as a Tiger Cub” says Montrell Edward Williams, who is now a freshman at Marquette University. Montrell earned his Eagle Scout rank from Boy Scouts of America, November 22, 2008, and will be honored at a special Eagle Scout Court of Honor Ceremony, Saturday, January 16, 2010; at St. Mark A.M.E. Church, 1616 W. Atkinson Avenue. Attendance is by invitation only. The Boy Scouts of America’s highest honor is the Eagle Scout Award.
To earn Scouting’s highest award, Montrell earned 25 merit badges, served as a leader in his troop in various positions, and completed a major community service project.
Montrell’s service project took place at St. Mark AME Church – Quality of Life Center where he developed and coordinated a tutoring and mentoring program for diverse students in the local community. Montrell’s goal was to help students get a fast start in school given the educational gap among minority students. He and his volunteers contributed some 653 hours towards the completion of this project. Over 47 students of all backgrounds participated.
Montrell has been a member of Troop #445 chartered to St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church for eleven years. He served the troop as Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol Leader, Quartermaster, Scribe, Chaplain and Assistant Patrol Leader for the Raven Patrol during Powerhorn BSA Leadership Training, and has served Troop #1305 as leader during the BSA Jamboree 2005 in Virginia.
Montrell is a graduate of Rufus King International Baccalaureate High School where he was an honor roll student for all four years. Montrell is majoring in Biochemistry at Marquette University, as he prepares for his future goal of earning a Degree in Physical Therapy and to own a physical therapy clinic to employ Milwaukee County residents.
Becoming an Eagle Scout is a remarkable achievement. Two years ago, Montrell’s brother, Lamont Williams, currently a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, also received this high recognition. Montrell is the son of Lamont and Delois Moore-Williams.
*Patricia Chisom is the Public Relations Director at St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (USA)
5. THE 134TH SESSION OF THE EAST ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
The 134th Session of the Electrifying East Annual Conference convened October 17-23, 2009, under the very proficient and dynamic Episcopal leadership team of the Right Reverend McKinley Young, Presiding Prelate, and Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young, Episcopal Supervisor. The conference was graciously and superbly hosted by Saint Stephen AME Church, Jacksonville, Florida, the Reverend Michael L. Mitchell, Host Pastor, and Mrs. Cordelia Mitchell, Host First Lady.
The Young People’s and Children’s Division of the Women’s Missionary Society convened on October 17th, under the energetic and competent leadership of Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young, Episcopal Supervisor, Mrs. Sandra Burke, Episcopal YPD Director, Mr. Jon Ingraham, Episcopal YPD President, Mrs. Lemmon Wright, Conference YPD Director, and Miss Felicity Price, Conference YPD President. The business session included: devotions; election of officers; workshops and update of activities. A “Talk Show” was presented, highlighting young, bright males in the community. Tony DeMarco Hansberry, II, a high school student, the son of the Reverend and Mrs. Tony DeMarco Hansberry, Sr., Greater Grant Memorial AME Church, Jacksonville, was recognized and applauded for his brilliant medical development of a procedure called the endo stitch, used in hysterectomies. Dallas Garmney, of Historic Mount Zion AME Church, and student at Santa Fe College, was the recipient of the Barbara Jackson Healthcare Scholarship. Garmney expressed how the scholarship has been of great assistance to him in his college education.
Amid an excited, supportive, capacity audience, the 2009 Christian Debutante-Master Commission Dedication Ceremony was eloquently presented on Sunday evening, and appropriately themed, “Daily Magnify Christ As We Strive for Excellence in Character and Service.” This Christian ceremony of brilliant pageantry, under the direction of Ms. Sharon Sheffield, Episcopal DMC Commissioner, Mrs. Patricia C. Shehee, East Conference DMC Commissioner, and Reverend Michael L. Mitchell, East Conference DMC Associate Commissioner, afforded thirty (30) Debutantes, ten (10) Masters, Twenty-five (25) Sub-Debutantes and Sub-Masters, forty-six (46) Allenites, the opportunity to model Christian experiences received in preparation for this Christian Ceremony. During this extraordinaire Christian setting, Debutantes and Masters were introduced to church society, and dedicated their lives to continued and greater service for Christ.
The Women’s Missionary Society’s convention convened on Monday, at 9:00 AM, under the very capable and energetic leadership of Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young, Episcopal Supervisor, and Dr. Cora H. Reed, Conference President. Reports were presented and received from Presidents, Officers, Commissioners, Directors and Area Chairpersons. The election and installation of officers for the ensuing conference year was conducted by Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young. Beautiful prelude music set the tone for the Women’s Missionary Society’s Annual Awards Luncheon, Ms. Rhonda Boyd, presiding. Conference President, Dr. Cora Reed, made presentations for meritorious service and appreciation to a young, enthusiastic group of emerging leaders. Mrs. Janice Robinson, of New Bethel AME Church, Tyler Street, was graciously and majestically given a stole as a Life Member, by Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young. Bishop McKinley Young offered remarks of commendations and congratulations.
On Tuesday morning, the opening business session was called to order, with directions given by Bishop McKinley Young. The Reverends Ronald Nelson, Johnny Smith, Mandella P. Smith, and Jesse L. Steele were transferred into the conference and added to the conference roll. Presiding Elders Joseph E. Sanchez, Robert L. Mitchell and Jimmie B. Keel read the organization of the 134th Session of the East Annual Conference, followed by the organization of committees.
Attorney Ava Parker Gibbons received commendations for facilitating a most informative training session on Sexual Misconduct, as presented in the 2008 Book of Discipline, of the AME Church. All participants were required to sign the Sexual Misconduct Certification Form.
The Board of Examiners, under the leadership of the Reverend Michael L. Mitchell, Chair, and the Reverend Charletta C. Robinson, Dean, presented the Board’s report to the Conference. Recommendations and approvals were made for names presented for Class placement, or ordination. The Reverend Lorenzo Laws was elected and ordained an Itinerant Elder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The adoption of the Board of Examiner’s report was motioned, seconded, and adopted.
In keeping with the mission of the Commission on Health, which is to “promote the health concerns of members of the AME church,” Bishop McKinley Young, presented to the Conference, the Reverend Dr. James M. Proctor, retired Presiding Elder, and Dr. Floyd Willis, Physician at Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida. Their health presentation was, “Memory Loss and Alzheimer’s Disease.” Pertinent and timely information was shared. Some of the areas addressed:
1) Definition of Alzheimer’s disease,
2) Ways of keeping your brain/minds healthy,
3) How the health of your brain is connected with your soul, and
4) The health of caregivers.
The Reverend Dr. James M. Proctor made the appeal for qualifying persons to participate in the ACTS (African-American Alzheimer’s Caregivers Training and Support) project.
Presiding Elders’ and Pastoral reports were read to the conference in accordance with the procedure and format outlined by Bishop McKinley Young. The Bishop commended the Elders and Pastors for their hard work and dedication during this conference year.
“We’ll Praise the Lord,” majestically rendered by the Annual Conference Choir, provided the processional music for the Opening Worship Service. The annual sermon entitled “The Haters’ Mentality,” was ably delivered by the Reverend Tony DeMarco Hansberry, pastor of Greater Grant Memorial AME Church, Jacksonville, Florida. His text was taken from Genesis 37:24. Reverend Hansberry proclaimed that when you’re disliked by others, you must always, keep the faith, wait for help, and when you get to where God has sent you, don’t forget why God placed you there.
Powerful and timely sermons were delivered by various clergy of the conference. The Reverend Ron Rawls, Pastor, St. Paul AME Church, St. Augustine, Florida delivered the sermon for the Women’s Missionary Society’s “Annual Night In White,” entitled, “I Just Wonder.” Selected scripture, II Chronicles 23:1-13. The Reverend Rawls urged the congregation to consider whether we are placing limits on ourselves by not keeping our part of the covenant.
“The Legacy Began … The Heritage continues,” was the selected theme for the Sons of Allen Witness Service. The Reverend Patrick Sasnett, pastor, Mt. Pisgah AME Church, Lake City, Florida, proclaimed the Word, from the message, “Keep Showing Up.” The Scripture was taken from John 5:1-9. He began his sermon, with the singing of, “The Lord Will Make a Way Somehow.” Reverend Sasnett emphasized that, “Jesus went out of his way to deal with the invalid man at the pool.” Sometimes we have to go out of our way, in order for God to do what he wants to do in our lives.
On Thursday night, the Annual Lay Organization Witness Sermon was delivered by the Reverend Karl V. Smith, Pastor, Greater Bethel AME, Gainesville, Florida. The Reverend Smith’s selected text was, Joshua 6:20, and his sermon was entitled “Shout It Out,” The Reverend Karl Smith cautioned the congregation to “know what you are shouting about,” that, worship always comes prior to warfare, quiet praise is not always enough, and we should always, let God do it.
Black and Red were the dominant colors that adorned the setting for the Annual Ministers Spouses Alliance (MSA) Annual Luncheon. Words of welcome were graciously extended by the host first lady, Mrs. Cordelia Mitchell. President Maggie L. Jones extended recognition and commendations to the 2008-2009 MSA officers for their outstanding leadership and support. Pastors’ kids, Tony DeMarco Hansberry, II, Tyler Sloan Hansberry, Gloria Rose Lockley, Quanterria Aalyah Thomas, Marvin Frank Curtis Zanders and Micah Van Zanders were honored and thanked for their active participation in the 2008-2009 Annual projects. Bishop McKinley Young and Supervisor Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young extended words of greetings, commendations, appreciation to the alliance.
The Women In Ministry continue to honor women in various ministries, at all church levels, for their contributions and dedication to the AME Church. The 2009 honoree is Mrs. Inez Sanchez, Consultant, and wife of Presiding Elder Joseph E. Sanchez.
The Women in Ministry presented a check of $1000 for Edward Waters College to Dr. Claudette Williams, President of Edward Waters College.
In an atmosphere of solemnity, the Conference memorialized Bishop James Haskell Mayo, Presiding Elder Demone A. Anderson, The Reverend Pharis Gibson, The Reverend Michael Baker, and Dr. John W. P. Collier. Prayers, hymns, scripture, words and music called to remembrance those individuals who have transcended this life, for life eternal, “Where saints immortal reign.” Their Christian witness and dedication have left indelible marks in our lives.
The Conference reverently and with much dignity, celebrated the retirement of Presiding Elder Joseph E. Sanchez of the Alachua-Central District, of the East Conference, 11th Episcopal District, and Reverend Wilbur P. Jackson, of the Suwannee-North District, of the East Conference. All praise was given to God for the life and labor of these preachers, as the Conference gratefully acknowledged their service in the ministry to the AME church, having faithfully fulfilled their Vows of Ordination. The church looks forward to the years yet to be, and rests assured that these years will be filled with good works, and become the crown of their ministry.
The Reverend Elizabeth E. Yates, Pastor, New Bethel AME Church, Jacksonville, served as Superintendent for “The Model Church School.” The lesson “The Gain in Giving” was competently taught, discussed and reviewed by assigned Pastors, Ministers and Lay Delegates.
The Right Reverend Richard Norris, Presiding Bishop, 1st Episcopal District, delivered the ordination sermon, entitled, “Authentic Authorization,” selected as his text, Jeremiah 21:21. Bishop Norris pointedly addressed the candidate for ordination, the Reverend Lorenzo Laws, and the congregation; the following recommendations and challenges:
- You must love people
- Assure our people that God has not left us alone
- Even when times get hard, wait on the Lord
- Minister to our people
- Visit the sick
- Recapture and reclaim our young people
Bishop Norris reiterated, if you are indeed called by the Lord, your ministry will enfold with great success. If you are faithful to God, God will be faithful to you.
“Come, Thou Almighty King,” heralded the processional for the Closing Convocation. The Right Reverend McKinley Young, Presiding Prelate of the Eleventh Episcopal District, electrified the capacity congregation with his spirit-filled, awakening sermon, entitled, “We Are More Than Conquerors.” His selected text, Romans 8:28-29. Bishop Young reminded us, that we will face many challenges and difficulties, but if God is for us, who can be against us, for “We are more than Conquerors.” This is meaningful for us as a people. It is the essence of our story and struggle. God has helped us to be “more than conquerors.” Following the Commissioning service, Bishop Young conducted the reading of appointments.
Bishop McKinley Young, Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young, and the East Annual Conference welcomed and acknowledged, with much appreciation, Retired Bishops Richard Allen Hildebrand, and Robert Vaughn Webster, (who addressed the conference); Bishop Richard Franklin Norris and Supervisor, Mrs. Mary Norris; the Rev. Dr. Dennis C. Dickerson; connectional officers, pastors, ministers, and laity from throughout the Connection.
Dr. Claudette H. Williams, 28th President of Edward Waters College, Jacksonville, Florida, was presented a gift of $150,000.00 from the 11th Episcopal District. Brother James L. Williams, President Emeritus, Connectional Lay Organization, was recognizing for originating the Theological Scholarship. Congresswoman Corrine Brown, and Congressman Kendrick Meeks, candidate for the U.S. Senate were introduced by Bishop Young.
Bishop McKinley Young presented to the Conference, the following pastors, who are candidates for the Episcopacy: the Reverend Dr. Dennis C. Dickerson, the Reverend Michael L. Mitchell and the Reverend Dr. Marvin C. Zanders, II. The Conference applauded the candidates.
Bishop McKinley Young and Episcopal Supervisor, Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young extended the highest of commendations, accolades and appreciation to: Presiding Elder Joseph E. Sanchez, Senior Presiding Elder, the Reverend Dr. Robert L. Mitchell, and the Reverend Jimmie B. Keel for their hard work and dedication over the course of this Conference Year; all Pastors and Ministers; the East Conference Choirs for their magnificent renditions of anthems, hymns, gospel, spirituals, and contemporary music, sung to the “Glory of God;” the East Conference ushers for their warm, friendly, hospitable and most helpful service to the conference; the committees of the conference; all components; all delegates; and all attendees. Special recognition and thanks were extended to the Reverend Michael L. Mitchell, Host Pastor, Mrs. Cordelia Mitchell, Host First Lady, and the great members of Saint Stephen AME Church for their superb hosting of this 134th East Annual Conference. The Reverend Michael L. Mitchell, Host Pastor, extended words of appreciation to Bishop McKinley Young and Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young for their excellent leadership of this session. The Conference congratulated and thanked our Episcopal Leaders with a standing ovation.
Reporters:
The Reverend Marian Gibbons
The Reverend Sandra Stevens
The Reverend Mary Alice Murphy
Mrs. Loretta S. Coppock
Compiled and Submitted by: Mrs. Loretta S. Coppock
6. RESPONSE TO TCR ONLINE ARTICLE, “A TRIBUTE TO BISHOP JOHN BRYANT":
*The Rev Suzanne Membe Matale
The article entitled, “A tribute to Bishop John Bryant” which appeared in The Christian Recorder Online Edition of 18 November, 2009 written by Brother Charles Hallman, St Paul-Minneapolis Reporter makes interesting reading.
I was an eye-witness to Bishop Bryant’s election and consecration as the 106th Bishop of the AME Church at the 1988 General Conference in Fort Worth, Texas. I want to agree that Bishop Bryant is one of the most vibrant, intellectual and spiritual Fathers of the Church and no doubt has made good contributions to the growth and well being of our Zion, the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
What prompts me to write this article is the paragraph on how the West created a “beggar mentality” in Africa. I am so glad that he boldly mentions this at this time. He commends India for having a “Can-do attitude” as opposed to the beggar mentality. I am not even trying to be apologetic about the Bishop’s analysis of the two scenarios. What I would like to point out, however, is that it is only the AME Church in Africa that functions with the “beggar-mentality.”
I work as a General Secretary of the Council of Churches in Zambia with a membership of twenty-four denominations in Zambia comprising of large, medium and small denominations of which the AME Church is a member.
My experience over the many years I have worked with the various churches is that the Anglicans, the United Church of Zambia, Brethren in Christ Church, Presbyterian Church, Reformed Church, Lutheran Church, United Methodist Church, just to mention a few, who like the AME Church still have connections with the various countries in the West, have moved miles ahead of the AME Church in terms of “liberating” themselves from the ‘beggar-mentality’ in which the AMEC in Africa still wallows.
Many reasons can be attributed to this state of affairs in our Church in Africa and these reasons have for many, many years been advanced at different times and different **fora. Unfortunately the AME Church leaders, as it were, are not very good listeners. They have decided that they will do things as they want them and as they have always been done.
There is a need for continual changes in the administration of the Church to take account of the changes taking place in the environment in the world. There is a strong lack of will for change in the Church.
The Church in Africa has great potential to grow like many other denominations which are now growing at such a speed they cannot even contain the growth. Some of them were far behind the AME Church in terms of membership and leadership even at the National level. Alas, now we are lagging behind and God knows where this “Connectionalism” will take us if it is not reformed.
The one thing I know is that the West invested in a very meaningful and productive way in their mission stations in Africa. They invested heavily in education of the African people by building schools. They invested in health services for their members. They trained their leadership properly. They build churches in good areas. They saw and acted on the need to build capacity of Africans in their churches even during the colonial era. When time came for change the Church in Africa was well prepared for self-rule but they still maintained healthy connections with their counterparts in the West up to today. The AME Church on the other hand, and I speak perhaps only for Zambia, my country; no such thing ever happened. No physical infrastructure can be pointed to as belonging to the AME Church in Zambia other than poorly constructed churches around poor areas of the country. There had been no deliberate attempt or effort to systematically empower the people with education and training.
Most progressive churches in Zambia have fully fledged and fully funded theological training institutions for their leaders, both clergy and lay, from as far back as the 1960s, supported by their colonial masters, but the AME Church in Zambia has had no such experience, hence the “beggar mentality.”
The African initiative of an Africa Jurisdictional Council was skillfully high-jacked and transformed as a global initiative and has so far failed to achieve the originally intended goals.
We all believe in being one connectional body of Christ celebrating our rich heritage, but it is also important to take into account the different geopolitical and socioeconomic landscapes. The homogeneity with which the AME Church is run may be detrimental to the very essence of God’s plans for prosperity of all his people, including Africans. It may be necessary to write a much longer article in order to explain some of the “riddles” in this article but for now suffice to say that Zambians as a people, outside of the AME Church, no longer have the “beggar-mentality.”
May I take this opportunity to wish my fellow readers of The Christian Recorder a blessed festive season and may the Lord prosper your families.
**Plural of “forum”
*The Rev Suzanne Membe Matale is the Pastor in Charge of Bright AM E Church, Matero, Lusaka, Zambia, Southern Africa (17th Episcopal District)
7. EASTERN DISTRICT CREATIVE IN ITS EFFORT TO HELP THE CHURCHES OF THE DISTRICT PAY ASSESSMENT SPRING GALA 2009:
The Rev. Sherryl H. Sneed
The Eastern District (Southwest Georgia Conference) in the Sixth Episcopal District has been creative in helping the churches of the district pay some of their annual assessments.
In the spring of each year, the churches of the district come together for a night of superb entertainment, good food, and great fellowship. The Rev. Elijah Smith, Sr., Presiding Elder notes that the affair is designed as an evening to dress up and step out. Each church is given a number of tickets and advertisements to sell to raise funds for the district. The funds raised are used to assist in paying district assessments.
In addition to musical groups, youth from across the district provide entertainment, including praise dancing, singing, and dramatizations.
Each year, a “Pastor and Layperson of the Year” are selected and honored.
The 2009 “Pastor of the Year” was the Rev. Curtis Frazier, pastor of Bethel AME Church in Montezuma, Georgia. The “Layperson of the Year” was Ms. Pansy McLendon of Mayfield Zion AME Church in Alamo, Georgia.
The first Spring Gala was held in 2005 when the District roasted and toasted its Presiding Elder, the Rev. Elijah Smith. The District is already making plans for Spring Gala 2010.
8. TRYING TO FIND YOUR PURPOSE:
*The Rev. Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr.
“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139 a)
You may be wondering what your purpose in this life is. Your New Year’s resolution may very well be that you will find your purpose and strive to achieve it. Well, it would be a tremendous help if you would come to understand why you were created. Realizing how God wants to use your life and work before you set goals will help you to avoid frustration and disappointment. Being confident in just why God created you could help you avoid banging your head against the wall and running in circles as you get caught up in the mundane routine of just doing the things you do, as the basis for fulfillment in your life, which will inevitably leave you feeling like you have not achieved a thing.
We love to pat ourselves on the back. We love to “blow our own horn” highlighting our successes in life. God encourages us that, if we must boast about anything in life then boast, “that He (God) understands and knows me." We can boast; if we must, that God created us to know Him and to have an intimate relationship with Him. That intimate relationship was put in jeopardy and eventually lost when Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden. However, if we must boast, we can certainly boast that our intimate relationship with God was restored with Jesus’ death on the cross. Now we are once again able to have intimate fellowship with God.
In establishing a relationship with God we must put aside some of the rather foolish ways we go about trying to find purpose in our life. “Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ” In other words, to find our purpose we must know Christ personally and to accomplish that task we must give up that “inferior stuff” that so easily bogs us down and wastes so much of our time.
We must be found in Christ. Our purpose is found, not in our own righteousness, stemming from our adherence to the law, but in our belief in Christ and the righteousness which is from God by faith Establishing and maintaining a close relationship with God is vital to understanding our purpose. Without this critical relationship at work in our lives we will find ourselves constantly off track as we seek to fulfill our purpose stimulated by the wrong motives. Void of the power that comes to us through an intimate relationship with God we may seek our purpose motivated by fear, insecurity, pride or guilt. It is not unthinkable that without having established a relationship with God we would seek our purpose urged on by financial gain, unhealthy relationships or even unresolved anger.
The irrefutable truth is, God desires for us to be motivated out of love for Him. God is pleased by our desire to worship Him in all that we do. As we are faithful and obedient to allow our love for God to guide what we do and where we go, God will begin to reveal His purpose for our life. Developing an intimate relationship with God as we seek our purpose will help us avoid the missteps and the mistakes that come with us trying to guess where we are going. We are able to more efficiently move toward what God has purposed for our lives by listening to God as He has certainly admonished us, "For I know the plans I have for you.”
*The Rev. Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr. is the pastor Bethel AME Church (Downtown) St. George, South Carolina
9. DEAF, HARD OF HEARING WORSHIP SERVICES AND BIBLE STUDY CLASSES:
The Reverend Dr. William E. Scott, Jr.
Fifth Episcopal District’s New St. John Community Fellowship AME in Chandler, Arizona begins Deaf, Hard of Hearing Worship Services and Bible Study Classes, “Sign through the Words of the Bible.”
New St. John Community Fellowship AME Church presents Bible Study for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired Saturday will begin on January 16, 2010. Church Service through sign and voice will be held each Sunday at 1:30 P.M.
We are a diverse church helping those in need, and sharing the word of God. Those in this area who desire knowing more of Jesus through sign (American Sign Language) (ASL) and (Sign English) (SE) are welcome to be a part of this ministry. Those who have had strokes and can no longer speak may find that this is an excellent way to communicate with family and friends.
Those who have knowledge of sign language are welcome to help with our afternoon Bible study each Saturday and our Deaf and Hearing Impaired Church Service on Sunday at 1:30 PM. Those who are deaf or hearing impaired, there is a place for you to share your talents by becoming a part of this diverse church you are free to express and experience all. There is no limit to what God can do.
Our Regular Sunday morning worship service begins at 11:00 AM. All are welcome to become a part of this growing new church, located at 900 West Chandler Blvd Suite A-2 in Chandler, Arizona.
For further information call Pastor William E. Scott, Jr.; telephone 602-237-7504, or email scottwm3@aol.com. Transportation will be provided.
10. BISHOP MCKINLEY YOUNG APPOINTS NEW PASTOR FOR HISTORIC CHURCH:
The Rev. Edrena Houston Brown, MACE
The Reverend Willie J. Cook, Sr., has been appointed as the pastor of Mount Hermon AME Church in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Bishop McKinley Young the Presiding Prelate of the 11th Episcopal made the pastoral appointment at the 2009 Planning Session in Freeport, Grand Bahama.
A native of Lakeland, Florida, Rev. Cook was an active member of Bethel AME Church in Lakeland, Florida. He is a 1972 graduate of Kathleen High School, Lakeland, Florida. He matriculated at Florida A. and M. University on a football scholarship and graduated in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and Management. After graduation he was employed as a Manager of Accounting for Yellow Pages Sales Department, Co-Founder of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Academy for Miami-Dade County Public Schools and was employed by the Metro Miami Action Plan (MAAP).
Pastor Cook answered the call to ministry and was ordained as an Itinerant Deacon and Itinerant Elder.
He graduated from Turner Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia and earned the Master of Divinity Degree, with honors, concentrating in Biblical Studies. He was elected as the Turner Fellowship President and was a recipient of the Bishop Hilborn Talbot Scholastic Scholarship Award, The National Dean’s List and a member of Who’s Among Colleges and Universities.
He has served as pastor of St. James AME Church, Inverness, Florida; Mt. Zion AMEC, Homestead, Florida; Mt. Olive AMEC, Gainesville, Florida; and as Pastor of the Historic Allen Temple AMEC in Tampa, where congregation completed a $1.75 million Family Life and Community Center.
He served as Vice-Chair of the Board of Examiners of the West Coast Annual Conference, Vice-Chair of the Board of Christian Education, Historiographer and Statistician of the Tampa Conference, Vice-Chair for AMEC Ministries, Inc. and Vice-Chair for the Board of Trustees.
In the community Pastor Cook served as a member of the Pastors on Patrol Commission, NAACP, Hillsborough Organization for Progress and Equality, Inc., Pastors Caucus, FAMU Alumni Association and numerous other civic and community organizations.
As a spiritual leader, pastor, teacher and administrator he is known for his humbleness and exceptional gift of bringing congregants together in unity throughout his ministry in working for the Glory of God.
He is the husband of Mrs. Dorothy Dupree Cook, an educator in the Miami-Dade County public school system and they are the parents of four children and two grandchildren.
He is pursuing a doctorate of ministry degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.
11. KNOCK ON ANY DOOR:
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts
Several months ago I wrote an article entitled, “From Fame to Shame.”
I wrote about those who had risen to the zenith of their profession and then made bad decisions and ended up in the house of shame. These last several weeks, like buzzards descending upon a dead carcass, the news hounds and the gossip-seekers have descended upon the infidelity of a world renowned sport figure by the name of Tiger Woods. Some have camped all night and others have driven miles just to take pictures of his house and others are digging for more, salivating like hungry hounds.
What Tiger did was nothing new, but because of his status in the world of golf he is being held to higher standard than the average citizen; and therefore more attention is being given to his indiscretion.
Infidelity is prevalent in our society. What bothers me most is the news media is spending more time seeking to know what they don’t know than covering what really needs to be known. Let Mr. Woods work on his family problem.
The news hounds will feed and feed until they reach the point of diminishing returns on that carcass and then seek other carcasses to feed on. What they do not realize is there are a number of Tiger Wood’s out there, both men and women. If they are pursuing this act of infidelity for the purpose of addressing the infidelity problem, I could understand it, but all they have to do is to knock on any door and they will find similar situations.
Knock on any door and you will probably find a spouse who has kept silent, and whose eyes have dried in their sockets, for the sake of pride and the protection of the children.
Knock on any door and you will probably find a house divided and children caught in the middle having the unpleasant task of choosing sides. Knock on any door and you will probably find an abused wife, physically and emotionally; and afraid to tell someone, even family members about her marital problems. Knock on any door and you will probably find parents spending more money on themselves than they spend on their children, not providing them with proper clothing and nutritious foods. --Knock on any door and you will probably find a pugnacious promiscuous kid who has no respect for parents, teachers, law or self. Knock on any door and you will probably find a hard working husband working two jobs trying to make ends meet comes home just to be given a frozen dinner by a wife who stayed in the streets, watched television and spent hours on the telephone. Just knock on any door and you will probably find a father teaching his son more about guns than about goodness. Yes, knock on any door and you will probably find a married couple living single under the same roof sleeping in different bedrooms.
We must not get all worked-up over a “fallen star,” for there will be more. Success has its liabilities. Once you are in the limelight, your life is no longer private. There is one star that will never fall and that star is the “Bright and morning Star.” Look to the Star; look and live.
A Little Humor
A mother called her son into the house and said to him Jimmy, you stop telling your teachers that you live in a broken home. Just because there are a few cracks in the wall our home is not broken.
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts, author, teacher, counselor, and humorist is a retired AME pastor who resides in Eatonville, Florida
12. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENT:
- Darryl Jacob Narcisse started his college education with a Presidential Scholarship at Morehouse College where he studied Pre-med Biology. In his junior year Darryl received a scholarship in the MARC (Minority Access to Research Careers) Program funded by NIH (National Institutes of Health) at Arizona State University.
At ASU Darryl received a scholarship and participated in the SOLUR (School of Life Sciences Undergraduate Research) Program while studying Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology. Darryl graduated on December 17 & 18, at the Fall Commencement and Convocation 2009 with a Bachelor's Degree in Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology.
His future plans are medical school, focusing on research and emergency room medicines. Darryl Jacob Narcisse is the son of Rev. Margaretta S. Smith Narcisse and Rev. Darryl J. A. Narcisse of the Desert Mountain Conference, Fifth Episcopal District.
Congratulations may be emailed to:
Darryl Jacob Narcisse - jnarcisse@gmail.com
The Rev. Margaretta S. Smith Narcisse-revsmithnarcisse@yahoo.com
The Rev. Darryl J. A. Narcisse - djnarcisse@gmail.com
13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with regret, that we inform you of the passing of Mr. Freddie Kimble, age 82, on Friday, January 1, 2010. Mr. Kimble was the father of the Rev. Dr. Gregory H. Kimble, pastor of Rice Chapel AME Church, Dallas, Texas (Tyler District-North Texas Conference).
The following information has been shared regarding Homegoing Celebration for Mr. Freddie Kimble.
Homegoing Celebration:
Friday, January 8, 2010
11:00 A.M.
Cage Memorial Chapels, Ltd.
7651 S. Jeffery Blvd
Chicago, Illinois 60649
Phone: (773) 721-8900
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Dr. Gregory H. Kimble
1612 Deer Creek Drive
Desoto, Texas 75115
Phone: (214) 376-6527 (Church Office)
Or condolences may be emailed to: drghkimble@msn.com
- The family is requesting in lieu of flowers, that contributions be made to the American Cancer Society in honor of Mr. Freddie Kimble.
14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce that Mrs. Jessie Dedmon, the mother of Mrs. Mozell Elliott; the mother-in-law of retired Presiding Elder Marcus Elliott, and the grandmother of the Reverend Bill A. (Sandra) Bowers, pastor of Holly Grove AME Church in North Little Rock, Arkansas. She passed away on, Friday, January 1, 2010.
Services for Mrs. Jessie Dedmon:
Saturday, January 9, 2010
12:00 noon
Macedonia Baptist Church
Sparkman, Arkansas
Professional services entrusted to:
Mark's Funeral Home
501 West 1st Street
Fordyce, Arkansas 71742
Phone: (870) 352-3298
Fax: (870) 352-7869
Condolences may be sent to:
Rev. and Mrs. M. H. Elliott and family
1000 Dennison Street
Little Rock, Arkansas 72202
Phone: (501) 376-7609
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of the Rev. Lank H. (L. H.) Cole on Monday, January 4, 2010. Rev. Cole was a retired pastor in the Greater Fort Worth District-Northwest Texas Conference of the 10th Episcopal District and at the time of his death served on the pastoral staff at Baker Chapel AME Church in Fort Worth, Texas where the Rev. Walter R. McDonald is the pastor.
The following information has been shared regarding Rev. Cole's Homegoing Celebration:
Wake: Friday, January 8, 2010
7:00 P.M.
Baker Chapel AME Church
Fort Worth, Texas
Homegoing Celebration:
Saturday, January 9, 2010
10:00 A.M.
Baker Chapel AME Church
1050 E. Humbolt Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
Phone: (817) 336-5326
The Rev. Walter R. McDonald, Pastor
Rev. Lank H. Cole's final earthly care has been entrusted to:
Historic Baker Funeral Home
301 E. Rosedale Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
Phone: (817) 332-4468
Fax: (817) 339-1443
Condolences may be sent to:
Ms. Julie Cole (Daughter)
901 E. Broadway Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
Phone: (817) 727-1520
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Mary Hickerson, aunt of the Rev. Deborah Peppers, pastor of Roundhill AME Church, East Tennessee Annual Conference, and the grandmother of Vincent Peppers, the East Tennessee Annual Conference YPD President.
Service Arrangements for Mrs. Mary Hickerson:
Family Visitation:
Friday, January 8, 2010
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Shorter Chapel AME Church
402 South Atlantic Street / P. O. Box 371
Tullahoma, Tennessee 37388
Phone: (931) 393-3028
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Family Visitation: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Funeral: 2:00 PM
Highland Baptist Church
808 West Hickory Street
Tullahoma, Tennessee 37388
Phone: (931) 455-0645
Fax: (931) 393-0440
Professional services provided by:
J. A. Welton & Son Funeral Home
715 S. Jackson Street
Tullahoma, Tennessee 37388
Phone: (931) 455-2723
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The family of Mrs. Mary Hickerson
c/o Vorketta Braston
204 Lynn Street
Tullahoma, Tennessee 37388
Phone: (931) 393-2845
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce that the Reverend Dr. Alex Holloway departed this life on Christmas morning, December 25, 2009. Reverend Holloway pastored the following churches in the 12th Episcopal District: Metropolitan AMEC, Ardmore, OK; First AMEC, Oklahoma City, OK; St. John AMEC, Tulsa, OK; Davis Chapel AMEC, Lawton, OK; and Presiding Elder of the Lawton District in the Oklahoma Conference. Reverend Holloway was also a retired US Army Veteran. Reverend Holloway leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife, Mrs. Burnece Holloway.
The funeral has been held.
Messages of Condolence may be sent to:
Sister Burnece Holloway
9122 Orange Drive
Midwest City, OK 73130
Phone: (405) 736-0094
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce news of the passing of Mrs. Bernice R. Mason. Mrs. Bernice R. Mason, a former Second Episcopal District WMS Officer, was the wife of the Rev. James F. Mason who served the Church in the Second Episcopal District before retiring and relocating to South Carolina.
Home going services were held for Mrs. Mason on Saturday, December 19, 2009, 1:00 PM at Ebenezer AME Church in Mullins, South Carolina.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. James F. Mason
219 East Marion Street
Mullins, South Carolina 25954
Phone: 843-464-2837
19.CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce news of the passing of Mrs. Lorraine Mangrum Davies-Webb, the sister of the Rev. Elaine P. Walters, Pastor of Bethel AME Church, Marion, Indiana. Mrs. Davies-Webb, who made her transition on Christmas Eve, was the mother of two sons, and a grandmother. She was a member of West Los Angeles Church of God in Christ.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. Elaine P. Walters
5966 Maple Forge Court
Indianapolis, Indiana 46254
Email: waltersrevepw@aol.com
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with regret, that we announce the passing of Sister Beatrice L. Thompson on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2009. Sister Thompson was the mother of the Rev. Mae H. Smith, Pastor of Mt. Olive AME Church, Mineral Wells, Texas.
The funeral has been held.
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Mae H. Smith
4145 Hawthorn Lane
Fort Worth, Texas 76137
Phone: (817) 966-8295 - Mobile
Online Guest Books for Beatrice L. Thompson:
http://www.legacy.com/Link.asp?I=LS000137882057X
Click on the above link or cut and paste the URL into your browser's address bar.
21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you that Mrs. Roslyn Olivia Lindsey Hassain, the wife of Mr. Bobby A. Hassain and the mother of Becca Hassain, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, died on Tuesday, December 29, 2009. She was the sister-in-law of the Rev. Dr. Taylor T. Thompson, pastor, St. John AME Church in Cleveland, Ohio and Dr. Barbara H. Thompson.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:
Mr. Bobby A. Hassain and Family
308 Newbury Drive
Monroeville, Pennsylvania 15146
412-373-1016 (Home)
bobbyhassain@verizon.net
The Rev. Dr. and the Rev. Taylor T. Thompson
P.O. Box 613
Berea, Ohio 44017-0613
216-214-6886 (Phone)
revttthomp@aol.com
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of the Late Roslyn O. L. Hassain may be made to the Negro Educational Emergency Drive (NEED).
Negro Educational Emergency Drive (NEED)
Warner Center
332 Fifth Avenue, 1st Floor
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222
22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you that the Rev. Credell Kemp, retired preacher serving on the staff of Greater St. James AME Church Gary, Indiana died on Monday, December 28, 2009. He leaves to mourn his wife, Juanita Kemp and other members of his family. The services are as follows:
The funeral has been held.
Expressions can be sent to Mrs. Juanita Kemp:
3612 Polk Street
Gary, Indiana 46408
(219) 884-7403
23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with regret, that we inform you of the passing of Mr. Clarence Butler, age 95, the father of Mrs. Leonia Holiday and father-in-law of Presiding Elder John K. Holiday of the Central New Orleans-Bogalusa District. Mr. Butler passed away on Wednesday, December 30, 2009.
The funeral has been held.
Condolences may be sent to his family:
Mrs. Leonia & Presiding Elder John K. Holiday
14174 Highway 10
Greensburg, Louisiana 70441
24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Brother Floyd Narcisse, the father of the Reverend Floyd L. Narcisse, pastor at First AME Church in Lockport, NY (Western New York Annual Conference). The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
The funeral has been held.
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a scholarship fund in his remembrance (The Floyd Narcisse Scholarship Fund). Check should be made payable to:
Allen AME Church - Floyd Narcisse Scholarship Fund
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Reverend Floyd L. Narcisse and Family
131 South Street
Lockport, NY 14904
25. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mrs. June Forman, the wife of the Reverend Lawrence E. Forman, retired pastor from the New Jersey Annual Conference, Camden/Trenton District.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Reverend Lawrence E. Forman
631 Walton Avenue
Beverly, NJ 08010
26. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action
Mrs. Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
Email: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936
Fax: (615) 833-3781
Cell: (615) 403-7751
27. 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
