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 – IF WE DON’T, OTHER DENOMINATIONS WILL:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III,
The 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder
The media accounts of the devastation of earthquake and after-shocks in Haiti have been mind-boggling; almost surreal, and hard to believe. Deaths from the Earthquake is estimated to be upwards of 75,000 and projected, by some estimates to reach 200,000. The aftershocks have added to the feeling of helplessness, not only to the Haitians and to those who arrived there to assist them, but also to those of us around the world that view and listen to the events in Haiti on our television sets and radios.
In the midst of all of the devastation, we are heartened by the good news stories of survivors being pulled from the rubble and for orphans flown to the United States. We were excited about the decision that gives Haitian nationals Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to those who were in the United States as of January 12, 2010. It’s my hope that all of us will work to change TPS, Temporary Protected Status to, PPS, Permanent Protected Status. The United States allows the Cubans to receive protected status and it’s time for the United States to designate protective status for Haitians.
The United States, the United Nations and nations from around the world have arrived in Haiti and are providing extraordinary disaster relief efforts. The United States military and agencies from the private sector are providing “off the chart” support for the Haitians.
We have been encouraged by the AME news that we have received from Bishop Sarah F. Davis, Dr. George F. Flowers, Navy Chaplain LCDR Glenda Jennings Harrison; and the real-time, within hours of the earthquake in Haiti report from Sister Elvire Douglas, who lives in Haiti and serves as the Connectional Assistant Recording Secretary of the Women Missionary Society and is the 16th Episcopal District Director of Disaster Preparedness.
We have also been encouraged by the expeditious response from the Council of Bishops who issued a statement, held a news conference and provided guidance and structure for the AME Church’s procedure to receive and disperse donations for Disaster Relief in Haiti and Malawi (The full report has not come in from Malawi).
The news reports from Haiti are exhaustive, the loss of lives and structural damages are catastrophic. Katrina was bad, but Haiti is worse. The response to help “fix” Haiti will not go away anytime soon and that brings me to the AME Church’s response. The Council of Bishops has designated two Sundays for AME Churches to collect special offerings for the Disaster Effort. It is important for the AME leadership and the members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church to understand that the special offerings taken on two consecutive Sundays is a wonderful gesture, but it’s only a beginning. We will need to dig deeply and consistently, not only with money, but with human resources and with equipment and supplies. As the authorities sort out all of the recovery and rebuilding issues, the AME Church will need to develop a long-range plan to assist our ministry in Haiti, in Malawi too, and in other devastated areas.
We already know that our flagship church in Haiti, Eglese St. Paul AME is destroyed and some, if not all of our other churches in Haiti are damaged, if not destroyed. As of this writing we do not know if all of our pastors are alive. One thing that we do know is that we will need to have a massive rebuilding strategy in Haiti. We cannot be passive in assisting our people in Haiti. We need to be as aggressive as we have ever been; even more assertive than the aggressiveness that the church exhibited during the Katrina Hurricane recovery effort. The Church has a responsibility to take care of the clergy and laity and churches will need to be rebuilt as quickly as possible.
Our flagship church, Eglese St. Paul AME needs to be rebuilt quickly, to send a strong signal that the AME Church is serious about our overseas ministry. A commitment to rebuild lives and churches is going to take a lot of money, a lot of offerings, a lot of giving, and a lot of personal and congregational sacrifice; not one time, not two times, but a lot of times.
Since Tuesday, January 12, 2010, we are living a new paradigm; it is not “business as usual,” and we will need to modify our thinking. If we make the sacrifice and give until it hurts, we will be blessed beyond measure.
Yes, some of our churches in the United States are hurting and some of our overseas churches are hurting too; but none of us are hurting as the Haitians are, with over 75,000 persons dead, many buried without being properly identified; that’s hard to fathom.
The African Methodist Episcopal Church must be available and rise up to the task of rebuilding the AME Church in Haiti and in Malawi and in other devastated areas.
If we don’t take care of our people, other denominations will!
Editor’s Note: If you want to receive breaking news, news updates, you need to subscribe to The Christian Recorder Online at www.the-christian-recorder.org.
2. UPDATE FROM SISTER ELVIRE DOUGLAS HAITI EARTHQUAKE REPORT:
Sister Elvire Douglas lives in Haiti
Friday, January 15, 2010
- Sister Douglas’ adopted daughter who lives with her is missing and she suspects that the child is not alive since her school collapsed “like a sandwich” between the floors of the building.
- St. Paul AME, Port-Au-Prince is completely destroyed.
- Sister Douglas has not heard from her other family members to know how they are doing.
- Sister Douglas’ home suffered medium damage.
- Our Presiding Elder, the Reverend Joel Mehu is alive and well as is his immediate family. Praise the Lord!!
- There is no news on Presiding Elder, the Reverend Joel Maurice or any of our other preachers and church members.
- The Clinic next door to St. Paul is not destroyed too badly.
- Other Churches in Port-Au-Prince, Mary Beckett AME and Lula Brockington AME are damaged.
- Lula Brockington AME School was destroyed.
- Sister Douglas has no information at this time regarding the remaining nine churches and four schools of the AME Church in Haiti and neither does she have information about other church members at this time.
- Sister Douglas further reports: “We are sleeping on the street, football field, park any spot away from concrete blocks. The scenes are beyond imagination…Apocalyptic.
- Port-au-Prince is destroyed at 85%; we are facing serious food shortage, medicines, drinking water as there are no stores or market to purchase anything.
- The question is for how long we will stay in this situation, time will tell. Have mercy upon us, God knows best.
- The airport is closed to commercial flight; it seems that the building is crack so not safe for passengers and workers.
At this moment working hard to organize response at the office, no time to cry the death there are so many needs, we have to take care of the injuries, the survivors…”
Bishop Davis says, “We thank God that Sister Elvire and Presiding Elder Mehu and family are alive and doing well. Let us continue to pray for good news as we get reports on others in the Haiti Conference. The churches in Haiti need assistance. Please continue to pray for us.”
*Sister Elvire Douglas is the Connectional Assistant Recording Secretary of the WMS; Treasurer of the Haiti Annual Conference; 16th District Director of Disaster Preparedness; and Official Interpreter for Bishop Sarah Davis
3. CHAPLAIN LCDR GLENDA JENNINGS HARRISON REPORTS FROM HAITI:
- Report on Haiti # 1:
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Chaplain, LCDR Harrison
I was told at 1130 hours on Friday night, January 15, 2010 that I was to report for a briefing and was on a team to enter Haiti at 0500 hours on Saturday morning, January 16th. We arrived in Haiti at approximately 0700 hours Sunday morning. Joint Operations Headquarters is based at the Toussaint L' Overture Airport.
I was up until 0245 hours Sunday morning preparing reports for my Command Chaplain and preparing a report for the AME Church.
I am pleased to report that with the locals’ help I was able to contact and speak personally with both AME Presiding Elders and they are doing well.
There is a considerable amount of damage to a few churches in my report I will give you as much detail as possible. The Presiding Elders, while they do speak English, their accent is very heavy and difficult to understand; some of what was being said with the airport noise, as well the fact that I was using one of the local’s cell phones.
Unfortunately, my French is extremely limited; I have more of a background in Spanish. Be that as it may, it was a long day...I embarked back on the ship at around 1700 hours (5:00 p.m.) and was then called into a Mass Casualty.
We have at least 5-7 Haitians on our hospital ward aboard the ship and a brand new baby who was born, with a couple of my Haitian sailors they served as Creole interpreters for me while I provided ministry. At least three persons had to have amputations done and my medical staff has been pushed beyond the limits.
I thank God for the chaplains aboard the ship who are assisting; however I'm being called in because of my specialty in Cross-Cultural Counseling and Ethics. God has moved on-board this ship in a powerful way and I see a lot of good that will come from this experience. The team is pulling together as this experience has assisted in helping our majority brothers and sisters better understand and become more comfortable with people of color from other backgrounds.
I need to prepare for the evening Gospel Praise and Worship service, which is held at 1900 (7:00 p.m.) in the Ship's Foc'sle (the largest space available on the ship). We normally have an attendance of 150 and it is usually standing-room only; it will be interesting to see the numbers for tonight.
In the midst of preparation, I still must provide pastoral counseling and check on patients in the medical wards.
LCDR Glenda Jennings Harrison
Glenda.Harrison@cvn70.navy.mil
Principal Assistant to the Command Chaplain
Religious Ministries Department
USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70)
- Report on Haiti # 2
Monday, January 18, 2010
The report provides a detailed account regarding the situation in Haiti, as well as information on the areas surrounding many of our AME Churches in the area.
The Command Chaplain is seeking approval from the chain-of-command at this moment for me to go into the area tomorrow due to more developing events. If my Command Chaplain gets approval, I will be on the grounds again with our Roman Catholic Chaplain (French-Canadian) and two Religious Program Specialists first thing in the morning.
Upon entering Haiti, I was greeted by Captain Eusebia Rios, CHC, USAF who is providing overall joint-coverage for military personnel currently based at Toussaint L' Overture airport.
The criteria for Haitian citizens to leave at this time must adhere to the below-listed criteria:
-- must be an American citizen
-- must have had an emergent medical need that requires immediate attention
-- must have relatives in the U.S., Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica or other countries and proof that relatives can take them in.
The following list is provided of the twelve (12) AME Churches located in Haiti that fall within the 2 Districts:
The St. Paul District - Presiding Elder, the Rev. Joel Mehu, Petionville
- St. Paul AME Church - 1 Rue St. Paul at D'ennery, Port au Prince (Church hit hard it is located in the middle of downtown Port au Prince).
- Loulabro Kenton AME Church - Mariani 12, Number 26, Port au Prince; area hit hard according to locals.
- Canaan Christ Revient AME Church - Tombe Gateau Rt De Route Jacmel; area hit hard, not sure if church was actually damaged; very likely damaged based upon information received from locals.
- Rosetta-Lee AME Church - 17 En Face Village de L ‘incarnation Petit Place, Caveau-Port au Prince; may be a problem, there are reports of damage in this area.
- Christine Smith AME Church - Fort-Jacques, 75 Athis No. 48 Kenfcoff/P-Ville (not really certain of the damage; however there are reports of possible damage).
- Siloe Mirebalais AME Church - Plateau Central; this area is okay according to the locals.
The Mary Beckett District - Presiding Elder, the Rev. Jean Joel Maurice, Croix' Ves Bouquets
- Bethel AME Church - Betel Cabaret (not certain about this church) locals seem to believe that the area in question was not badly damaged.
- Mary Beckett AME Church - Duval 22 No. 1, Crois-Des-Bouquett (locals informed me that this area was hit very hard and heavily damaged. However, could not verify if Mary Beckett sustained damage.
- L.L. Berry AME Church - Toussable No. 36, Gonaives (area believed to be okay).
- Annabell Freeland AME Church - Bayonnaise, Garteau 20 #15; locals believe that this area suffered heavy damage as it is located near Jacmel.
- Christ Revient AME Church - Kafou Mouchejan 5E, Section De Petiti-Grove; locals indicate that this area was hit pretty hard.
- John Hurst AME Church - Grassier (locals report this area was heavily damaged, however they have no information regarding the church specifically).
Information received by the Presiding Elders indicates that several churches in both Districts were heavily damaged and two schools also sustained damages. I was unable to ascertain whether any of our clinics sustained damages. For the record there may be misspellings in church addresses due to poor communication lines on the ship, which makes it difficult to hear clearly due to satellite phone communication, which causes much static and feedback.
I hope this information is helpful. The military, along with relief workers, are working around-the-clock to better assess the damage. Equipment is also on the way; however it's pretty bad; just think Katrina, magnified.
Information received by the Presiding Elders indicates that several churches in both Districts were heavily damaged and two schools also sustained damages. I was unable to ascertain whether any of our clinics sustained damages. For the record there may be misspellings in church addresses due to poor communication lines on the ship, which makes it difficult to hear clearly due to satellite phone communication, which causes much static and feedback.
LCDR Glenda Jennings Harrison
Glenda.Harrison@cvn70.navy.mil
Principal Assistant to the Command Chaplain
Religious Ministries Department
USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70)
Editor’s Note: Chaplain Harrison’s reports are much appreciated by the Bishops, General Officers, Connectional Officers, presiding elders, pastors, and members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and for all of the persons who read The Christian Recorder.
4. THE COUNCIL OF BISHOPS’ SUPPORT OF EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS IN AND HAITI AND MALAWI:
- Every congregation in the twenty (20) Episcopal Districts of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is tasked to collect funds over the next two Sundays (January 17 and January 24, 2010) so that the AME Church can provide assistance to earthquakes victims in Haiti and Malawi. Collected funds will be forwarded to the appropriate Episcopal District office.
- Military, Veterans Affairs, and federal chaplains endorsed by the African Methodist Episcopal Church will forward their individual and collected funds to the office of Bishop John F. White I, the AMEC Endorsing Agent / Ecumenical Officer. (Address listed in The Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 2008)
For updates on the AME Church’s efforts, visit the AMEC Official website: http://www,ame-church.com.
5. STATEMENT FROM HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY JANET NAPOLITANO:
“As part of the Department’s ongoing efforts to assist Haiti following Tuesday’s devastating earthquake, I am announcing the designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals who were in the United States as of January 12, 2010. This is a disaster of historic proportions and this designation will allow eligible Haitian nationals in the United States to continue living and working in our country for the next 18 months. Providing a temporary refuge for Haitian nationals who are currently in the United States and whose personal safety would be endangered by returning to Haiti is part of this Administration’s continuing efforts to support Haiti’s recovery.”
Editor’s Note: We all need to work to change TPS, Temporary Protected Status to PPS, Permanent Protected Status.
6. AME BISHOP FOR HAITI - COMMUNITY-WIDE SERVICES IN MIAMI GARDENS AND ORLANDO, FLORIDA:
ORLANDO/MIAMI GARDENS —The Right Reverend Sarah Frances Davis, who serves as bishop of the 16th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church—which includes the country of Haiti—will lead South and Central Florida Methodists and other concerned constituents in community-wide services of prayer and support Thursday, January 21, 2010, at 7 p.m. at Mt. Hermon A.M.E. Church in Miami Gardens, Fla., and Friday, January 22, 2010, at 7 p.m. at St. Mark A.M.E. Church in Orlando, Fla.
“As family, friends, and neighbors, we are gathering in two of our leading churches in Florida to share in spiritual and financial solidarity with our brothers and sisters in earthquake-ravaged Haiti,” said Bishop Davis, who will serve as the preacher for both worship services. “With concern and compassion, we come together to minister to the grieving, give voice to our collective hope and make tangible our support.”
Twelve churches and six primary and secondary schools comprise the Haiti Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Four of the congregations are based in Port-au-Prince, the nation’s capital, which January 12, 2010, suffered an earthquake registering 7.0 on the 12-point Richter scale. In the wake of the catastrophe, national and international news organizations are reporting thousands dead and millions more missing, injured and homeless.
“We have heard from Sister Elvire Medna-Douglas, Women’s Missionary Society Connectional Assistant Recording Secretary and translator for the Bishop and Supervisor,” Bishop Davis reported on the 16th District Web site. “Sister Douglas reports that she was several miles outside the city at the time of the earthquake but felt the tremors. She, too, has not been able to reach any of her family or church members as of this time. [Further,] we have not been able to get through to any of the presiding elders, pastors or members of the churches in Port-au-Prince as of this time.”
While relief efforts for the island nation are mobilizing around the globe, South and Central Florida residents, with their geographic proximity as well as close community and family connections to Haiti, are acutely affected by this tragedy, said Bishop McKinley Young, the presiding bishop of the 11th Episcopal District, which encompasses Florida and the Bahamas. “Haiti’s tears are our tears, and our hearts are heavy as we monitor reports of the magnitude of the devastation,” said Bishop Young. “Continuing in the ministry of Jesus Christ and the unique historic legacy of community support that gave birth to the A.M.E. Church, we stand with our brothers and sisters in Haiti to uphold them and pour out our love toward them during this immense crisis.”
In addition to the funds collected at the two special worship services, financial support for the 16th Episcopal District relief efforts in Haiti may be contributed online via PayPal through the “Partner with us” link at http://ame16th.com/node/173 with the notation “for Haiti Earthquake Relief.” Checks designated “for Haiti Earthquake Relief” made payable to “The 16th Episcopal District A.M.E. Church” may be mailed to P.O. Box 821308, Houston, Texas 77282-1308.
For more information on Thursday’s prayer service, please contact Rev. White at (305) 621-5067. Please contact St. Mark A.M.E., (407) 422-6941, for regarding Friday’s service.
The 126th elected and consecrated bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Bishop Sarah Frances Davis is only the third woman in the more than 200-year history of the denomination to ascend to the level of episcopal service. In her current assignment as the presiding prelate of the 16th Episcopal District, which is comprised of churches and schools in South America, Windward Islands, the Caribbean Islands, Cuba and Europe, Bishop Davis is affectionately known as the “Prayer Bishop” because of her consistent emphasis on the importance of prayer in the life of the Church. Bishop Davis, who resides in the AMEC episcopal residence in Kingston, Jamaica, is a lifetime member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., the oldest African American sorority in the United States, and she is married to Claytie Davis Jr., a retired manager of Southwestern Bell, who now serves as the Episcopal Supervisor of Missions for the 16th Episcopal District.
7. TRIBUTES TO THE LATE REV. DR. JOHN W. P. COLLIER, JR. - A MAN OF GREATNESS:
June 5th 1912 marked the beginning of a journey where the two became one and unto them a son was born.
The Rev. John W.P. Collier, Jr. was born in Plainfield N.J. to the late Reverend John W. P. Collier Sr. and Mrs. Annie Poole Collier on October 3rd, 1914. As a son of the parsonage, John was introduced to Christ at a very early age. At Mt. Zion AME Church in Plainfield, New Jersey, where his father served as pastor, John began to formulate his theological thoughts and practices.
“One could have easily predicted the path his (John’s) life would take.”
Jamye Coleman Williams
John studied at Wilberforce University earning a B.S. degree in Social Administration. As a student he was chaplain to the Lampados Club Omega Psi Phi Fraternity (though he did not pledge Omega, he later pledged Alpha Phi Alpha). He was president of three organizations, the John G. Mitchell Literary Society at Payne Theological Seminary, the Junior Seminary Class, and the Allied Youth Movement. In 1936, Rev. Collier earned his B.D. (M. Div.) from Payne Theological Seminary. He completed his residence requirement for the M.A. in Missions and Rural Church studies at Drew Theological Seminary in Madison, New Jersey. Wilberforce University and Morris Brown College conferred upon Rev. John Collier, Jr., the Doctor of Divinity and the Doctor of Humane Letters, respectfully.
“Dr. Collier has not sought power or position, but has been willing to serve the church as prophet, preacher, teacher and servant.” Bishop Frank C. Cummings
For more than seventy years, John has served the African Methodist Episcopal Church as Pastor, Chaplain, Professor, General Officer, Missionary, Editor and Mentor. As pastor, he served a total of nine churches in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia conferences of the First Episcopal District. In 1969, he was elected to serve the connectional church as Secretary-Treasurer of Missions and Editor of the Voice of Missions. In 1984, Rev. Collier took an early retirement from his position as Secretary- Treasurer of the Department of Missions of the AME Church to become a full-time missionary with the late Bishop John Hunter. (Because of the untimely death of Bishop Hunter, this did not happen.)
“John Collier was a most effective and culturally sensitive Secretary of Missions.”
Bishop Frederick Hilborn Talbot.
During his tenure as Secretary-Treasurer, John visited 27 of the 29 countries in Africa where there is an AME presence, and churches in South America, England and Canada. After retirement, he served as the Administrative Assistant to Bishop Frank C. Cummings in the First Episcopal District. Still not tired, at the request of Bishop Cummings, Rev. Collier served as the Administrative Dean of Benjamin F. Lee Theological Seminary at Edward Waters in Jacksonville Florida. From 2000 to 2008, John with his wife, Jacquelyn, served as co-editors of the Voice of Missions Magazine.
“His phenomenal accomplishments in ministry and missions have made a tremendous impact in the lives of people around the globe,” Dr. George F. Flowers
In addition to serving as Secretary-Treasurer of the Department of Missions of the AME Church from 1969 to 1984, Rev. Collier was a delegate to the AME General Conference since 1948 and served as a delegate to the World Methodist Conference in Nairobi, Kenya in 1986 and Singapore in 1991. Rev. Collier has also served as Vice President of the General Board of the New Jersey Council of Churches.
“My fondest memory of Dr. Collier was his fight for fair opportunities for [African American] school administrators” The Rev. Joseph L. Roberts, Jr.
John Collier fought a good fight, kept the faith, and as a result, some measure of justice rolled down in Newark, New Jersey. Before 1960, there were no school administrators of color serving in the Newark School system. John organized a group known as Citizens Concerned for Progressive Education (CCPE). Under his leadership, and in partnership with the Reverend Joseph Roberts, pastor emeritus of the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church of Atlanta, GA and another courageous and faithful servant, inequity in the Newark public school system was challenged. As a result of this movement, African American educators had access to positions of Vice Principal and Principal. Further, as a Civil Rights Leader and a member of the Interfaith, Interracial Freedom Riders, John was dedicated to establishing and upholding the dignity of humankind. In 1961, John was leader of the first Interfaith Interracial Freedom Rider group, which included 18 clergypersons, who were jailed in Tallahassee, Florida because of their refusal to obey unconstitutional discriminating laws. (They tried to purchase coffee at the airport cafe). In 1962, he was a member of the Prayer Pilgrimage to Albany, Georgia, where 75 Protestant Roman Catholic and Jewish clergy and lay persons were jailed for what was claimed to be unlawful and disorderly assembly.
“He is the kind of man one could identify not only as a paradigm of ministerial excellence but also a model of a 21st century husband. He is a shining example for young preachers and a reminder to older preachers of what it is we ought to be about” Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson
On September 30, 1995, John married Jacquelyn Grant in Atlanta, Georgia. They commuted between Jacksonville, Florida and Atlanta, Georgia and in 2001 made Atlanta, Georgia their permanent home.
To celebrate his legacy is his devoted wife, Jacquelyn Grant of Atlanta, Georgia; two children, John W.P. Collier, III of Philadelphia and Joan Kathleen Collier of the Poconos; a stepson, Gregory Savage of Seattle, Washington; two grandsons, Eric Collier of the Poconos and Darrell Edwards of Austin, TX; two sisters, Virginia C. Jones of Monroe Township, NJ and Annie C. Parker of Rahway NJ; and one brother Andrew Benjamin Collier of Monroe Township, NJ. Parents-in-law, (the Rev.) Joseph J. and Lillie M. Grant of Georgetown, SC; four sisters-in-law, Patricia A. (Charles) Smalls of Columbia, SC; Dell O. Grant of Georgetown, SC, (the Rev.) Rosalyn Grant [(the Rev.) Melvin] Coleman of Columbia, SC, (the Rev. Dr.) Debora Grant of Atlanta, Georgia; two brothers-in-law, Frank (Norma) Grant of Georgetown, SC, (the Rev.) Joseph H. Grant of Georgetown, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his first wife Gertrude Collier (1978) and his second wife, Mary Louise Savage Collier (1993).
A word of Thanks:
Someone said, give me my flowers while I yet live so I can enjoy them. As many persons with similar experiences, John enjoyed many “thank you” as reflected in the many plaques and certificates to numerous to hang.
Therefore, a special request was made that in lieu of flowers, contributions could be made to a fund, “The Lord’s/God’s Share”, to be used for mission works important to John. The funds collected will be used for book scholarships and the work of small churches.
8. ST. LUKE AME CHURCH, BIRMINGHAM, HOSTS LEGAL DAY 2010:
Birmingham, January 12, 2010 -- On Saturday January 30, 2010, St. Luke AME Church will host Legal Day 2010 “Wills, Advanced Directives, & Powers of Attorney – What You Need to Know to Protect Your Family and Your Assets!” This seminar will be facilitated by representatives from Alabama Legal Services, a non-profit organization that provides legal assistance to individuals in Alabama. St. Luke AME is located at 2801 21st Avenue, North Birmingham.
Seminar topics will include the nuts and bolts of a will, advanced directive, and power of attorney. Attendees will learn why they need a will even if they believe they don’t have anything to bequeath, how to get their families to accept their final wishes as to asset distribution and medical decisions, and what to do if a person does not act according to the provisions of a power of attorney agreement. “We all love our families, and we must be proactive in protecting them, and protecting all we have worked for,” stated Rev. Brian K. Blackwell, pastor of St. Luke AME. “A will is a basic instrument, easily prepared, that can accomplish this goal. And advanced directives give our families specific instructions as to what we want to happen should if we can no longer make decisions for ourselves. Our families need us to take care of this business sooner, not later. Tomorrow is not promised to any of us.”
As an added bonus, those attendees age 60 plus and live in Jefferson County may be eligible to receive a free will prepared by Alabama Legal Services. Also, lunch will be provided to all attendees.
St. Luke AME Church is led by Rev. Brian K. Blackwell and its mission is to minister to the spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, and environmental needs of all people by spreading Christ’s liberating gospel through word and deed. St. Luke AME is committed to praising God, empowering our members, and serving our communities.
For more information regarding Legal Day, contact Lynita Blackwell at (770) 605-9438 or lynitamb@yahoo.com.
9. THE 9TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT LAUNCHES DYNAMIC, EVANGELISTIC PROGRAM:
Excitement and anticipation filled the air as more than two hundred and forty (240) clergy from across the 9th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and some of the Baptist Churches in the area, gathered at Saint John AME Church, Birmingham, Alabama, on Saturday, January 9th from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., for the first in a series of “Share Your Faith” witnessing workshops. Participants in this event were equipped to share their faith through the evangelistic, faith sharing technique developed by the late Dr. D. James Kennedy; and, discussed in the fourth edition of his book, Evangelism Explosion.
Under the leadership of Servant Bishop James L. Davis, the theme, “Equipping the Saints to Ignite the World for Christ” has been adopted by the 9th Episcopal District. The focus for the remainder of this Quadrennium is Evangelism, Church Growth, and Spiritual Development. Bishop Davis has emphasized that at every opportunity, the leaders and members of each congregation will be engaged in studies, discussions, and presentations strengthening their ability to implement this dynamic witnessing program. The workshops are also one component of the overall effort to see more than five thousand souls added to the kingdom each year.
On May 23rd, Pentecost Sunday, every congregation in the 9th District will worship early and spend the hours of 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in their surrounding neighborhoods seeking out and witnessing to those who have not yet received salvation. Persons from across the connection are invited to join the Pentecost 2010 evangelism thrust. Additional information is available by contacting the committee at PENTECOST2010@yahoo.com.
During the “Share Your Faith” workshop, the presenter, The Rev. William Dan Allison, Area Director of Search Ministries of Birmingham, Alabama, captivated the participants through such topics as “The Call to Share Our Faith: Why It’s So Hard to Share”; “Overcoming the Fear of Witnessing”; and “Developing a Love for the Lost”. Participants were also given opportunities to practice the “Share Your Faith” witnessing technique. Four additional sessions have been planned. Congregations will have an opportunity to have a team of individuals trained in the “Share Your Faith” witnessing technique.
The remaining sessions are scheduled as follows:
Saturday, January 23, 2010 – Northwest Conference
– Saint Paul AMEC – Birmingham (Smithfield), Alabama
Saturday, February 13, 2010 – Southwest Conference
– Gaines Chapel AMEC - Atmore, Alabama
Saturday, February 20, 2010 – Northeast & Alabama Conference
- Saint Paul AMEC – Montgomery, Alabama
Saturday, March 6, 2010 – southeast Conference
– Saint Paul AMEC – Troy, Alabama
These sessions are open to leaders, members of congregations, and ministries of other denominations and/or fellowships in the 9th Episcopal District as well as across the connectional AME Church. Anyone desiring to participate in one of the witness training sessions or to have members of their congregations participate in the training may contact the 9th Episcopal district office at 205.326.4499.
Written By: The Rev. Dr. Lugenia Johnson, 9th District Director of Evangelism; edited and submitted by: Bea Tatum, 9th District Public Relations Director
10. WHAT THE ANVIL IS NOT:
*The Rev. Eraina M. Ross-Aseme
Time and time again, the symbol of the anvil representing the African Methodist Episcopal Church is plastered to all types of things, mainly documents to show the affiliation with the denomination. Throughout the years our symbol has taken on unauthorized revisions that have changed the appearance of it. Despite the new look in some cases of the A.M.E. logo, the picture of the anvil seems to be present in the design no matter what else has been created, and rightfully should be.
When a close look is taken at the anvil it appears to be just a piece of awkwardly shaped block of heavy metal used by smiths. An anvil is not just a heavy piece of metal. But in reality it stands for a sign of strength to make things happen. In most blacksmith shops the smiths work in an environment that most of us would find difficult to endure. The precision that it takes to forge a piece of metal to a desired state takes patience and dedication. No wonder our founder Bishop Richard Allen used the anvil as the first pulpit in finding the Free Society and later became the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Blacksmiths wear non-flammable clothing to protect them from being injured in removing heated metal from containers to be prepared to its final form. Bishop Richard Allen wore special clothing as he preached from the Bible while placed on the anvil. The clothing he wore is the same clothing believers should be wearing today. The Bible says in the Book of Ephesians 6:11, “Put On the Whole Armour of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Just think if Richard Allen did not prepare himself for the battle; he may have been injured.
All the equipment in the blacksmith shop cannot have been effective in making an instrument if one key element was missing, and that is, the fire. The fire gives the metal the chance to be melted to be formed in a different state. Therefore, the foundation of the A.M.E. Church has two sources of the significance of the fire both physically and spiritually in showing the importance of the fire in our spiritual journey. The bible says in the Gospel of John 14:16, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever.” As a result, Richard Allen’s occupation as a blacksmith was in touch with fire on a daily basis both physically and spiritually.
Just think if the smiths did not have any fire to melt down the metals; there would not have been equipment and tools to be used by the people in the community. Same scenario somewhat of a different twist, if Jesus never went to the cross and died for our sins, buried and rose on the third day leaving us the Comforter, the fire as the Holy Spirit would not have been available to empower God’s people to break new ground. And more importantly, sinners would not have the opportunity to be saved to have eternal life.
Remember the anvil is not just a piece of awkwardly shaped metal to take up space, but a symbol of strength of how God used a believer that was touched by the Fire of the Holy Spirit to lead others to reach for an atmosphere to worship Him. This strength exhibited by the anvil should make the fire within us grab every opportunity to do kingdom building even if it calls us to go beyond our comfort zone. When the fire is present within a believer God has anointed them to a point on the spiritual journey that is not comprehended by unbelievers. But through spiritually tongs the believer can help lift up the name of Jesus to lead others to experience the Fire. This Fire will help shape and mold us for Christ’s service.
*The Rev. Eraina M. Ross-Aseme is an Itinerant Elder of the Midwest Conference, Fifth Episcopal District
11. FAITH AND TECHNOLOGY: MOVING OUTSIDE OF THE WALLS AND CLIMBING OVER THE DIGITAL DIVIDE:
*Brittney L. Laws
Just years ago, churches were moving onto the technological frontier by building websites. But, today local churches and youth ministries have made their presence known on social networking sites. These sites help African Methodist Episcopal Churches spread the gospel and aid in easing communication within the YPD and church community.
Social networking is a way for individuals to expand their social contacts. Communities, such as Facebook and Twitter, facilitate this expansion. When members join social sites, they often try to find those with common interests. Within the A.M.E. Church, these common interests include church growth, YPD and youth ministries.
Twitter, a site that lets its members send short messages to their friends, is the newest website for outreach. A.M.E. Churches, such as Greater St. Luke in East St. Louis, Illinois, use Twitter to reach a younger audience. Their youth ministry, LiveWire, posts messages about events that take place for YPD’ers. Other churches, like St. Paul in Hamilton, Bermuda, are on the Twitter wagon too. These churches rely on more than just the church bulletin to remind members of church happenings.
A more familiar social networking site, Facebook, has a larger A.M.E. representation. Many churches follow the trend of creating groups on the site. Members of Facebook join these groups and messages and updates can be emailed to them. St. Paul in Hamilton, Bermuda found Facebook to be more useful. St. Paul AME pastor, the Rev. Dr. Lanel D. Guyton, noted, “Twitter has not caught on well here on the island of Bermuda. The Facebook page has been a very successful tool in networking, communicating church activities and acting as a sort of mini-web page.”
Those affiliated with the A.M.E. Church have also found a following on Facebook. Minister’s Spouses, YPD’ers, Pastor’s Kids and A.M.E. Church Reformers have connected and exchanged information within their respective groups. Nearly every division has made a name for itself on the social site.
Instead of using a third-party site, the Connectional YPD made a network of its own. YPDspace was created in July 2008 by the Connectional Technology Chair, Ravonne Jones. With a membership count of more than 1,000, YPDspace connects young people within the Connection. The site lets members create their own pages. It encourages them to join their District’s group page as well. Along with 20 Episcopal District group pages, the “YPD’ers” and Directors are represented. Videos and picture slideshows have been added by members of the YPDspace community. They advance the sharing of inter-district ideas by posting messages on discussion board walls.
Jones, a member of Smith Chapel of Dallas Texas and a student at Prairie View A&M, learned about creating networks through a professor at her University. Jones said that since the site’s launch, “YPDers have been very responsive and willing to join.”
Stepping out of the box, Jones said, is the key to retaining numbers. She also stated, “In this 21st century, they have to realize that we, young adults, are leaving because of that mind-set and our church is slowing dying.”
When it comes to the mixing of faith and technology, Jones said, “[It] is ever changing and fast paced, what is relevant today will no longer be relevant tomorrow. The message of Jesus Christ can and will be spread despite the changes in technology.”
*Brittney L. Laws (brittneylaws@gmail.com)is a member of New Mt. Zion AME, Tallahassee, Florida and is the 11th District YPD Communications Secretary and 3rd-year Public Relations Student
12. GOD’S JUST GETTING STARTED:
*The Rev. James M. Moody
When Joshua was old and well advanced in years, the Lord said to him, “You are very old, and there are still very large areas of land to be taken over. (Joshua 13:1)
God said to Joshua, “There are still very large areas... to be taken over.” The people of God had entered the “Promised Land”. They carved out, possessed and controlled a circle in the middle of the “Promised Land.” God positioned His people in the place of blessing but, there was still much to be taken possession of - “God’s Just Getting Started!”
In the year 2009, we have seen the hand of God at work in the lives of congregation members and in our own lives.
God has put so many of us in the place of blessing. God showed you He could care for you in the midst of layoffs and slowed business. God doesn’t want you to stop there. Revise that resume. Send those emails. Make those client calls.
Marriages are on the mend. Relationships are coming back together. Don’t stop there. Your marriage is to reflect the very relationship of Christ and His Church.
The healing you prayed for, for yourself or your loved one, has been made real. Now God calls you to “Take up your mat and walk.” Now is the time to go to the temple “leaping and praising God.”
Your relationship with God is now more real to you than ever before in your life; you’ve established yourself in a church home, don’t stop there; “Study to show yourself approved by God.” “Excel in the ministry of giving.” “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Are you operating with a “Slave Theology?” Is your relationship with God characterized by an attitude of “Not Enough”, lack, not seeing God as our source? Are you among the people whom God brought out of Egypt but continually wanted to go back into slavery? Remember, it wasn’t that good. They saw themselves as inadequate; and kept rehearsing their days as slaves like the little boy who kept pulling the bandage off of the scrape on his knee, showing it to everybody, until it became infected? Look forward to what God has for you.
Perhaps you’ve adopted a “Wilderness Theology?” an attitude toward God of “Just Enough,” adequate, minimum, just getting by. Some of the people God brought to the Promised Land decided they could stay at the place they already occupied. “This is good enough.” They were out of slavery but not free to experience all that God had for them.
Finally, many of us have embraced a “Promised Land Theology.” We recognize there is always “More Than Enough.” We see God as our source. Our testimony is one of trusting God and obeying and following God’s commands regardless of fear, or feelings, or the ideas of others (Joshua 14: 7-9). With our love for God as our motivation and our trust in God’s care for us as our expectation, we confidently move forward recognizing, “God’s Just Getting Started!”
*The Rev. James M. Moody is the pastor of Quinn Chapel AME Church, Chicago.
13. AME-INDIA PRAYER REPORT JANUARY 2010:
*The Rev Sarah Peddiny and the Rev. Abraham Peddiny
AME-India wishes you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year. The Lord has been so good and faithful to add this New Year into our lives, but at the same time we realize that God has gifted us this year not for our own good selves but to do something valuable in building the Kingdom of God. We sincerely want to thank you all for you valuable prayer support you have been rendering to us faithfully. We are indeed very grateful to you for this. Following are some more prayer points for you to uphold our ministry in prayer.
We are in touch with the news about the devastation in Haiti and remember in our prayers for the people who are suffering there, especially our AME brothers and sisters.
Pastor C requests prayer for Mr. Subramaniyam and his wife Parvathiamma, both Hindus. They had a business dealing with rice, but slowly their business was on a downward trend. They took a lot of debts and being unable to repay they are on the verge of committing suicide. They sought Pastor C’s help, he has explained God’s plan and purpose for their lives, please pray that they may come to know the Lord and be salvaged from their debts.
Pastor G requests prayers for the Hindu extremists who disturb the Gospel work in his village. He conducts the worship service in one of the believer’s house; one day a group of 25 young Hindus have strongly warned him not to conduct prayers there. This has scared of the five families who recently accepted Jesus and are waiting to be baptised. Please pray for God’s protection and guidance.
Pastor PM & EM praise God for healing Mr. Vinod who was suffering from excess water in the brain (a rare complication) and Mr. Vimal who was suffering from an unknown fever. They also praise God for another miraculous healing of Ms. Kalyani, who had a broken leg, doctors said she could only walk after six months, but through the Lord’s healing she walked in two weeks and came to the church unaided. Mr. Pradeep and Mrs. Sujata had no issues even after five and half years of their marriage. But our Pastors and the church prayed for them, Sujata conceived. The couple had secretly pledged to donate a keyboard to the church, when Sujata conceived, they acted on their pledge, and to the surprise of the Pastors this was exactly the keyboard they had been praying for since a long time. It’s amazing how the Lord guides and provides.
Pastor D requests prayer for a lady named Jyothi, she comes from a Hindu family but of late she has put her faith in Jesus. She was married six years back but till now she has no issues, now her mother-in-law is forcing her husband to marry someone else who can bear a child for them, for the family line to continue. Jyothi is very worried and depressed, but nevertheless she believes that Jesus would bless her with a child. Please pray that the Lord would hear her prayers and open her womb to bear a child for the family.
Pastor JW requests prayers for Mr. Sudhakar and Mrs. Kannakka. Both of them come from very strong Hindu families. For the last seven years Mr. Sudhakar has been suffering from weakness in the nerve system. Our Pastor is ministering to them. They want to come to the church, but are strongly prevented by their family members. Please pray for a breakthrough in this situation and for a miraculous healing for Mr. Sudhakar and spiritual healing for the couple.
Pastor S requests prayers for Mr. Chinna Bujji, who’s been suffering from a kidney related problem since last six years. A staunch Hindu, yet our pastor has been able to share gospel with this person and lead him to the church. Please pray for complete healing of this person, so that he might become a mighty witness for Jesus.
Pastor SP rejoices in the faith of a six year old boy Roshan, who is the son of a member of his church. Roshan was given food offered to the idols in his school on a Hindu religious function, but he bravely refused to eat, this aroused curiosity in minds of the school authorities and they invited the Pastor through the Roshan and his family to come and share the Gospel. It’s amazing how the Lord works. Mathew a member of this church testified, that on a fine day in the end of the month when Mathew had no money with him, he prayed to God to provide his needs, God led him to the book-shelf and made him pick a book there, which had Rs. 200/- in it. Another lady Mrs. Mangalam Mary pledged to give money to the Lord than to the Doctor for her healing. The Lord honoured her faith and healed her. A Hindu lady whose husband was a drunkard and strongly opposed her weakness towards the Christian faith, she prayed and came to the church for the first time, her husband came to know of this but the Lord had shut his mouth, he never said anything to her about going to the church. Please pray for the salvation of this family.
Pastor KPR reports that they had organised a gospel meeting during the Christmas season about one hundred Nepali speaking expatriates attended the meeting. Many of them are Hindu by faith, they have heard the gospel, please pray that the Holy Spirit would lead them to faith in Jesus. Two expatriate couples from Hindu faith have come to the Lord and severed their ties with their ancestral beliefs. Please pray that they may grow in the Lord. Pastor KPR requests prayers for himself as he wants to reach out to the Nepali expatriates in the neighbouring states and he also needs the right resource persons to care for the ministry and lend him a helping hand.
Pastor JD requests prayer for Mr. Sundar who till recently was a habitual alcoholic and strongly opposed to the Gospel. But amazingly the Lord has brought him to the knowledge of salvation. He is now regularly attending the church but his friends are ridiculing and making fun of his new found faith. Please pay that he may grow stronger in the Lord, and become a living witness to his friends to lead them to Jesus.
Pastor A requests prayers for Mr. Jeevan Kumar and his wife Sundari. Both belong to the Hindu faith. Sundari had been possessed by an evil spirit, but through the prayers and ministry of our Pastor she was relived of the evil spirit. Please pray for the couple to realize the seriousness of following the Lord Jesus and remaining clean, otherwise their situation would be worse than before.
Pastor SR requests prayers for Mr. Chandra Naidu who is married and has four children. Three years back he fell from a coconut tree and broke his back. He was paralyzed below his waist. Though staunch Hindus, they accepted Jesus as their Saviour when our Pastor shared the Gospel with the family. They are now regularly coming to the church; Mr. Naidu comes to church on a tri-cycle with the help of his wife. Please pray that they may all grow in the Lord.
Pastor N requests prayers for Mrs. Babji, who comes from a high caste Hindu family but has been undergoing severe financial crisis. She had lost all peace and given up hope to live. God led our Pastor to this lady to pray for her and share God’s love with her. Amazingly she responded positively and accepted Jesus as her personal Saviour, she at last found peace and is enjoying the new found peace in Jesus. Please pray for her entire family to come to know the Lord.
Pastor DR requests prayers for Mr. & Mrs. MK, a staunch Hindu couple. They were recently blessed with a baby boy, but due to some complication in the pregnancy and delivery, the baby boy is in a very critical condition. Please pray for the healing of the boy and the spiritual healing of the parents as our Pastor continues to minister to them.
We also request you for your prayers for the AME-India convocation which is scheduled from 30th April to the 7th May 2010. Once again we thank you for your valuable prayers.
*The Rev Sarah Peddiny and the Rev. Abraham Peddiny
14. PITTSBURGH ANNUAL CONFERENCE FIRST ANNUAL DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. CELEBRATION:
Submitted by: Miss Shelly Brown – Allegheny Scranton District Administrative Assistant
The cold crisp weather in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania did not stop clergy, laity, friends and family from convening at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church and attending the 1st Annual Dr. Martin Luther, Jr. Celebration, “Keeping the Dream Alive.”
The Worship Leader was the Reverend Dr. Eric L. Brown, Presiding Elder Allegheny Scranton District, who is also a Candidate for AMEC General Secretary/CIO 2012.
Praise and Worship ushered in the Spirit of the Lord by the choir from Greater Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Following the ascription of praise, the Call to Worship and the singing of, “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”; the invocation was rendered by the Reverend David Bethea, pastor Park Place African Methodist Episcopal Church, Homestead, Pennsylvania; and the welcome by the host pastor, the Reverend Nathaniel Colvin. The Greater Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church Choir rendered a selection, “Come Let us Worship the Lord.” The Reverend Dr. Judith C. Moore, pastor First African Methodist Episcopal Church Clairton, Pennsylvania read Psalm 9:1-10 and the Reverend Linda Moore, pastor St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church Bridgewater, Pennsylvania read Romans 8:28-32. Greater Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church Choir rendered the selection “Be Blessed.”
The Reverend Dr. James H. McLemore, Presiding Elder Pittsburgh District, presented the guest preacher, the Reverend Hubert Hutchinson, pastor Shiloh Community Baptist Church, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
A musical selection was rendered by Shiloh Community Baptist Church Choir they sang “He’s Done Enough”.
The Reverend Hubert Hutchinson’s theme was “Greatness through Blackness”. The scripture Isaiah 43:18-19. The history of the black man is rich. There is more to our history than just killing and drugs. We have roots that helped us get to where we are today. Our ancestors were slaves and they built the White House. Now we have a black president living in the White House.
The invitation to Discipleship as well as altar call was given by the Reverend Dr. Eugene Schoolfield II, pastor St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church, Erie, Pennsylvania; everyone joined in signing, “All to Jesus I Surrender.”
The recipients of the 1st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Award for their dedication and commitment to service inside and outside of the church were: The Reverend Samuel Chambers, pastor Wayman Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, New Brighton Pennsylvania; Mrs. Annie Mae Davis, St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; the Reverend Rhonda Frazier Higgins, pastor Wayman-Quinn African Methodist Episcopal Church in Monessen, Pennsylvania; and Mrs. Lillie Wheeler, Park Place African Methodist Episcopal Church, Homestead, Pennsylvania. Each recipient was presented a plaque by their respective Presiding Elder.
15. REPORT OF THE 142ND SESSION OF THE TENNESSEE ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
The 142nd Session of the Tennessee Annual Conference was held October 29-31, 2009 at St. Paul AME Church, Columbia, Tennessee, under the vibrant leadership of Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate, 13th Episcopal District, and Supervisor Mr. Stan McKenzie, Supervisor of Missions and Youth Services; two Presiding Elders: the Rev. Troy Merritt, Jr. host Presiding Elder of the South Nashville District, and the Rev. Robert E. Keesee, co-host Presiding Elder of the North Nashville District. The Rev. Dr. James H. Walker, first lady, Mrs. Faye Walker and the membership of St. Paul A.M.E. Church entertained the Tennessee Annual Conference in grand style and precision leaving no stones unturned as we assemble together to worship our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ and to give account of our service to this great Zion over the past year.
The Women’s Missionary Society began the week of services on Tuesday morning with their Annual Day at the Country Hearth Inn. Tennessee Conference President Faye Bentley, along with the other Women’s Missionary Society leadership did a wonderful job of planning the business session and services for the day. Supervisor Stan McKenzie gave high praises to Tennessee Conference Missionary Society for being the first in the District to go totally green (paperless) with their reports and presentations. All reports and presentations given at the Conference were done by PowerPoint which was very enlightening. At the noonday hour the Missionaries moved from business to worship. The noonday hour of power was lead with music from the Women’s Missionary Society Choir and the preached word from the Rev. Wanda Kelly. Rev. Kelly encouraged the Missionaries with a word from the Lord using as a subject “Wait on the Lord” taken from Isaiah 40:31. She reminded them to keep the faith and remember Jesus came to save men from themselves therefore we must put on the whole armor of God, and be ready for service as we serve this present age. While the Women’s Missionary Society was conducting their business, the members of the clergy were in a mandatory meeting that dealt with sexual harassment at St. Paul A.M.E. Church. The Women’s Missionary Society concluded with an evening service. The service was a musical program featuring various guests from throughout the Tennessee Conference.
On Wednesday morning Bishop McKenzie opened the business session of the 142nd Session of the Annual Conference. The conference began with Roll Call, the organization of the conference, Presiding Elders summary of Finance Reports, and report of the Board of Examiners. Retired Bishop Fredrick H. Talbot was present and greeted the Annual Conference in his very modest fashion wishing everyone well and stated that his prayer was for a spirit filled Annual Conference. The Nehemiah Nation/Sons of Allen led the Wednesday Noonday Service. The worship leader for this worship experience was the Rev. Victor Goodman and the Male Chorus of St. Paul, along with members of the Nehemiah Nation sang songs of praises unto the Lord to set the stage for the preached word. The Rev. Jeffery Norfleet, Sr. was the preacher of the hour, and he lifted up Ephesians 3:20-21, and used as a subject “Yes God is Able”. Rev. Norfleet challenged his listeners to trust and believe in our Lord and Savior and we can do anything but fail. He reminded his audience of the story of the Little Engine that could if we keep a positive attitude while running this race. We think we can, we believe we can. No, we know we can make it. Therefore we must hold on to our faith and know that God is able. The afternoon Conference Institute facilitator was the Rev. Dr. Clement Fugh, General Secretary / CFO. He instructed the conference members by summarizing the newly approved legislation of the 2008 Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The Rev. Dr. Clement Fugh is a candidate for Episcopal service. The second half of the afternoon Conference Institute was conducted by Mr. Walter Searcy, Attorney at Law on the newly passed Clergy Misconduct policy.
Wednesday night was the Opening Service of the Tennessee Annual Conference, along with the Holy Communion Service. The worship Leader for this service was Presiding Elder Troy Merritt, Jr. Presiding Elder of the South Nashville District. The music for this service was rendered by the dynamic Tennessee Conference Choir, under the direction of Mr. Sam Robinson and choir of Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church, Nashville, TN. The Rev. Michael Broadnax was the preacher of the hour and he set the house on fire. He focused on Luke 10:1-7, 17-20, and entreated us with the subject “You Had a Good Year.” He encouraged us in order to have a good year we need to enlarge our prayer life and our love life should have gotten better that is in Christ. As children of God we should rejoice when we are up and rejoice when we are down. Nevertheless regardless of what we are going through we must continue to pray in season and out of season trusting God to see us through. Bishop McKenzie welcomed the following guest to the Annual Conference General Officers Daryl Ingram Executive Director of the AMEC Department of Christian Education, and Calvin Sydnor Executive Director of Editor of the Christian Recorder.
On Thursday morning the Conference reconvened with the devotion led by the students in the Board of Examiners and the Conference Institute lead by the Rev. Lisa Hammonds who reviewed the Articles of Religion. The business session followed under the direction of Bishop McKenzie with a report from the Tennessee Board of Examiners. Pastoral reports were given beginning with the Pastors and Delegates of the North Nashville District under the direction of Presiding Elder Robert E. Keesee. At high noon the Membership paused from the business of the Conference and turned their focus upon praising the Lord. The worship leader for this worship experience was the Rev. Lavan Strickland, and music was rendered by the Webb Grove A.M.E. Church Choir. The Rev. Janie Dowdy-Dandridge was the preacher of the hour and she was wrapped in power from on high let all of us know to “Take Your Power Back” taken from Luke 10:19. With a high voltage, and electrifying tone, she challenged her listeners to go back to the rock in Jesus Christ and take back what the devil has stolen from us as we continue to serve this present age. Lathered by the Holy Spirit, she encouraged us to position ourselves for victory through Christ Jesus.
The Conference reassembled in the afternoon under the direction of Bishop McKenzie, to finish the reports from the Pastors and Delegates of the North Nashville District, and they were followed by the reports of the Pastors and Delegates of the South Nashville District under the direction of Presiding Elder Troy Merritt, Jr. Thursday night was Lay Witness Night and the Worship Leader of this service was Sis. Pat Johnson. Various members of the Tennessee Conference Lay Organization were participants through out the worship experience. The Rev. W. Antoni Sinkfield succumbed in Holy Ghost fire entered the ring as a matador in charismatic rhythmic movement. His text was taken from John 4:21-24 and he lifted as a subject, In Spirit and in Truth: The Right Way to Worship God. He instructed his audience in order to fully worship the Lord we must transform our thinking and reshape our lives to God. The object of our worship, the operation of our worship and the occupation of our worship must be focused upon the Lord. There was a humorous skit presented by the Ladies of St. Paul AMEC that brought smiles and applauds from the audience. The words of thanks and final remarks of the evening were given by Mrs. Barbara Ivery, President of the Tennessee Conference Lay Organization.
The Conference continued of Friday morning with devotion lead by the students of the Board of Examiners. The Conference Institute was lead by the Rev. Lisa Hammonds who continued to review the Articles of Religion, and the Dr. Connie Graves, MD, discussed current health concerns. Under the direction of Bishop McKenzie, the Conference continued its business session with the reports of the Pastors and Delegates of the South Nashville District. Bishop McKenzie recognized the Rev. Michael Mitchell, pastor of St. Stephen AME Church in Jacksonville, FL and a candidate for Episcopal service, who greeted the Conference. At the noonday hour the Conference prepared for the Ordination Service through the ceremonial laying on of hands and bible burial as they surrendered to the heart of God. The service of Word, Ordination, and Sacrament charged the Ordinates for achievable duty. The Rev. Dr. Dennis Dickerson, Executive Director of the AMEC Department of Research and Scholarship issued a challenge “Doing Ministry on the Edge”. Dr. Dickerson stated that Jesus did Ministry on the edge as sharp as a razor blade, pure, precise, and perfect, and we are to do the same. The text was taken from Matthew 13:52. The Rev. Dr. Dennis Dickerson is a candidate for Episcopal service. Those elected and ordained Deacons were: Selicia Y. Webster Dawson, Donny Williams, Anica L. Howard, Veronica D. Jones, and Linda S. Rainge. Elected and ordained elders: Anthea Marie Cone Dunn and Sonya Vanetta Brown Deloatch. The deaconesses consecrated were: Ellen Berry, Mederia DeBerry, Sara Taylor, and Mazie King. The afternoon business session continued when Bishop McKenzie resumed as the chair and called the Conference to order. She called for the South Nashville District to continue with their reports, and reports from the Literary and Administrative Committees of the Annual Conference.
On Friday evening the Tennessee Conference Young Peoples Department took control on the worship service. An incredible call to serve was the focal point for the Young People’s Department, as the youth of the church displayed their love for the Lord through an uplifting music selection “I was Born to Win”, a liturgical dance, “Ministry in Motion” and the Wayman Chapel Male dancers as they stirred up their gifts unto the Lord. Miacia Porter the 13th Episcopal District Young Peoples Department President stated we are in the same boat and we will rock this boat together. Her text was Matthew 28:17-20 the question was asked “What will be your mark in the church.” The Youth of the Tennessee Conference was wonderfully blessed as they obediently gave God the highest praise.
On Saturday morning Bishop McKenzie called the business session to order as the final Literary and Administrative Committees reports were made. Mrs. Norma McCellan of Lee Chapel AMEC Nashville, TN invited the 143rd Session of the Tennessee Annual Conference to be held at Lee Chapel where the Rev. Edward Thompson serves as pastor. This ended the business session for the 142nd Session of the Tennessee Annual Conference. Following the business session the Memorial Committee gave special tribute to the late Rev. Shawanda Parker and others mentioned by members of the Conference. The Rev. Joe Southall served as Worship Leader for this service, as they memorialized those that had gone from labor to rest. They spoke of the gracious and loving memories of those warriors that have been taken from their physical race to take their place with Jesus Christ. Absent from the body – present with the Lord. The Retirement service was an elegant and uplifting tribute as well as an appreciation for the work of Reverends James McKissack, Patricia Carter and Patrick Ann Clay-Joyner. Presiding Elder Troy Merritt, Jr. served as Worship Leader for this service. The Rev. Patrick Ann Clay-Joyner moved the Conference as she shared her many years of experience as a Pastor and she encouraged her listeners to continue to trust God as they travel this Christian journey. Bishop McKenzie reminded the current pastors and ministers to seek the guidance of Rev. Clay-Joyner because of her many years of toil and experience in this great Zion.
As we entered into the closing worship service, the presence of the Holy Spirit arose in the sanctuary. The Worship Leader for this closing service was the Presiding Elder Robert E. Keesee. The jubilant joyous voices of the Tennessee Conference Choir as well as the energetic spiritual innocence of the Tennessee Conference Young Peoples Department lifted up our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ through song and praise. Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie delivered the closing sermon as she preached God’s word in her own unique fashion. Bishop McKenzie rocked the house as she used for a subject “What Keeps You up at Night?” Her text was taken from Psalm 37:1 and she spoke clearly to us through the burning purging fire. Bishop McKenzie emphasized Do What You Gotta Do: praise God for your haters and intimidators; trust in God; do good, do what is right, noble, & kind; delight yourself in the Lord; make your commitment to God; be still and listen to the Lord; don’t jump the gun and refrain from anger, “Put a lid on it.” Bishop McKenzie left no stone unturned as she lifted up the mighty name of Jesus the Christ.
At the closing business session, Mrs. Linda Faye Bentley, Women’s Missionary Society President, presented Mr. Stan McKenzie, Supervisor of Missions and Youth Services, and former Supervisor, Dr. Sylvia Ross Talbot, which in turn presented the Women’s Missionary Society and Young People Department Officers with certificates for 2009-2010. Mrs. Barbara Ivery, President of the Tennessee Conference Lay Organization followed them by presenting certificates to the 2009-2010 officers of the Lay Organization. Believe Inc. continued to bless the Conference by presenting seven $1000.00 grants to the following churches for continuing the kingdom building process. Jones Chapel, Martin Chapel, Shorter Chapel, Webb Grove, Trinity, Hopewell, and St. Paul-Columbia were the recipients of the 2009 grants. There was a standing ovation given to the Rev. Dr. James Walker, first lady Mrs. Faye Walker and the membership of St. Paul A.M.E. Church for entertaining 142nd Session of the Tennessee Annual Conference. Bishop McKenzie concluded the Conference by giving certificates to the various components of the Conference and pastoral appointments. Presiding Elder Troy Merritt, Jr. moved the Conference close Sine Die. The motion was carried and the conference adjourned at 3:45 pm.
Submitted by the Rev. Jeffery Norfleet, Sr. Reporter to the Church Paper
16. MACON DISTRICT MAKES UNLEAVENED BREAD AND WINE:
By Brother Cedric D. Nelson
Under the dynamic leadership of the Presiding Elder, the Reverend Alan Hale and Dr. Gloria Wicker “The Wicker Team”, the Macon Georgia District has been involved in a series of African Methodist Episcopal Church Boards Training Workshops, beginning with a Christian Education Workshop in September presented by our Presiding Elder, the Reverend Alan Hale Wicker.
The workshops are primarily facilitated by Macon Georgia District Christian Education Department. This department is faithfully directed by Sister Annie Marshall of Saint Peter AME Church Fort Valley, GA. The second workshop scheduled in the 2009-2010 Conference Year was for the trustees. The next workshop hosted by the Reverend Ernest Gordon and Turner Tabernacle Church Family was for Stewards of the Macon Georgia District.
The presenter of the trustee workshop was the Reverend Charles A. Lewis. On November 13, he and the Steward Chapel Church Family hosted the Stewardess’s Workshop. Stewardesses, officers, and pastors from twenty-two churches on the Macon Georgia District that participated in this workshop attended.
The training was presented by our Presiding Elder, Reverend Alan Hale and Dr. Gloria Wicker “The Wicker Team.” They were assisted by the Reverend Bertram C. Smith, pastor of Saint Peter AME Church, Fort Valley, Georgia. Reverend Smith was assisted by Dr. Crystal Brown M.D. who also has a Family Medical Practice in Fort Valley. Presiding Elder Alan H. Wicker theologized the workshop with a scripture from Matthew 23:11, “The greatest among you will be your servant.” An explanation of the duties of a stewardesses and an explanation of the liturgical calendar and the church seasonal colors were explained.
Dr. Gloria Wicker did a hands-on demonstration on how to mix and bake unleavened bread.
During this workshop, Reverend Bertram C. Smith demonstrated easy steps of wine making for the purpose of communion. Lastly, Dr. Crystal Brown presented a very enlighten training on the subject of communion hygiene.
17. A CALL FOR ACTS OF RANDOM KINDNESS:
*The Rev., N.T. Pitts
There is no doubt that we are living in a dangerous world. Many of us live in fear and suspicion. We have installed sophisticated devices and fences. Some of us are even afraid to answer our phones and doorbells. People are being robbed, killed, and held as hostages at random. There is an epidemic of “randomness” among us.
Webster defines “random” as; chance, haphazard. None of us are immune to becoming victims of random violent acts. School campuses, churches, sports activities, malls and the work places are no longer safe. They have been targets of random violence resulting in the deaths of innocent people, which includes babies, students, worshippers, sports fans and vacationers.
With that scenario, we must counteract random violence with acts of random kindness. We must not let random violence overshadow the opportunity for us to do random deeds.
We are admonished in Galatians 6:10, that whenever there is an opportunity we should “Do good to all men, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” I am sure that there have been numerous times whereby we could have done a good deed, but didn’t.
The fickle-minded criminal seizes every opportunity to commit violent acts; to steal, rob and kill. Therefore we, as believers, should seize every opportunity as well to do some acts of kindness, randomly.
If we see a brother or sister has a need and we shut up our bowels of compassion how can we say we are followers of Christ. It shouldn’t always be necessary to be asked for help. If we are vigilant, and we should be, and see someone in need, headed for trouble, or being taken advantage of, we should go to their aid and warn them or go to their rescue; that is what being a Christian is all about.
Far too often we hear people say “I don’t want to get involved,” but if you see something or know something is wrong, you are already involved. Unfortunately, there are some among us whose pride won’t let them ask for help and that’s unfortunate.
We should never glory in another person’s downfall. We should never wish bad things to happen to other people regardless of whatever he or she did or didn’t do.
There are numerous ways by which we can perform acts of random kindness. We shouldn’t do this just for the sake of getting praises from mankind. The Bible admonishes us when we do good deeds not to sound a gong; for whatever we do in secret God will reward us openly.
I believe, without a doubt, there will be times when the opportunity presents itself for us to do some acts of kindness when it’s inconvenient. I am sure that the Samaritan on the Jericho road did not leave home anticipating helping anyone, but the opportunity was there. Oftentimes it calls for some sacrifices and sometimes we have to go out of our way and even change our agenda. The Priest and the Levite went out of their way to avoid doing an act of kindness. Some of us go out of our way to keep from speaking to one another.
So, with random shooting, random kidnapping, random robbery and our young black men randomly fathering children, we should add to that list, random kindness.
I am certain that if we practice, randomly, doing good deeds, our society would be much different than what it is today.
As in other situations, caution is advised. We are not advocating nosing into other folk affairs, but we must use the common sense approach. If we are vigilant it will not be difficult to determine if a person is in need.
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcome me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” Matthew 25:35-36 NRSV
Free advice
If you are serious about staying in shape and loosing weight try out-running your shadow. It won’t cost you a dime.
*The Rev., N.T. Pitts, (Ptaegar@aol.com) is a retired AME pastor who lives in Eatonville, Florida
18. EPISCOPAL FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mrs. Gene Alexander who was the cousin of Mother Mary Norris and Mr. Jean Haughton, the brother in law of Bishop Richard F. Norris. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing and Funeral for Mrs. Gene Alexander, Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Viewing - 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Funeral - 11:00 a.m.
Allen A.M.E. Church
65 Fisher Avenue
White Plains, NY 10606
Phone: 914-761-4397
The Rev. Virginia Sanders, Pastor
Viewing and Funeral for Mr. Jean Haughton, Friday, January 22, 2010
Viewing - 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Funeral - 9:00 a.m.
Ward A.M.E. Church
728 North 43rd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: 215-222-7992
Fax: 215-222-9209
The Rev. Terrence C. Hensford, pastor & eulogist
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Bishop and Mrs. Richard F. Norris
1626 N. 72nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19151
Phone: 215-477-9247
Fax: 215-477-0233
Or
First Episcopal District AME Church
3801 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215-662-0506
215-662-0199 - FAX
Expressions of sympathy may be emailed to:
clinton@1stdistrict-ame.com
19. GENERAL OFFICER BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
With deep regret we announce the passing of Dr. Sherman Lawrence Greene, Jr., retired General Officer who served as Secretary of Education, past president of Campbell College, former presiding elder, former pastor and son of Bishop Sherman Lawrence Greene, Sr.; the 51st elected and consecrated bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He leaves to mourn his passing, a son, Sherman L. Greene, III, a granddaughter, Gwendolyn Criglar, a great granddaughter, Fikisha Taylor and a great-great granddaughter, Taylor Fills.
Service Arrangements for Dr. Sherman Lawrence Greene, Jr.:
Funeral:
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
11:00 A.M.
Bethel AME Church
900 John A. Woods Drive
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105
Telephone: 734-663-3800
Fax: 734-663-4369
The senior bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Bishop John R. Bryant will be the Eulogist.
There will be a viewing and visitation immediately preceding the funeral service from 10:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.
Professional Services for Dr. Sherman Lawrence Greene, Jr., retired General Officer provided by:
C & H Community Home for Funerals
James G. Herron, Funeral Director/Owner
411 South Adams Street
Ypsilanti Michigan 48197
Phone: (734) 482-9889
Fax (734) 482-0874
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Bethel AME Church in care of Dr. Joseph N. Cousin.
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Reverend Eleanor V. Melton, a retired pastor from the New Jersey Annual Conference. Rev. Melton was also the sister of Reverend Lynda T. Rassmann, Pastor of St. Paul AME Church, Pleasantville, New Jersey.
The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing and Funeral for Reverend Eleanor V. Melton, Monday, January 25, 2010
Viewing - 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Funeral - 11:00 a.m.
St. Paul A.M.E. Church
1203 Harrison Avenue
Pleasantville, NJ 08232
Phone: 609-641-2109
Fax: 609-645-1522
The Rev. Lynda T. Rassmanns, Pastor
Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, Eulogist
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Reverend Lynda T. Rassmann
5041 Tremont Avenue
Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
Phone: 609-653-6250
Fax: 609-653-7068
21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of the Reverend Mildred Jackson, a local elder in the Philadelphia Annual Conference. Rev. Jackson was also the mother of the Reverend Calvin W. Jackson, pastor of Thornbury AME Church, Glen Mills, Pennsylvania.
The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements. Viewing and Funeral for Reverend Mildred Jackson, Saturday, January 30, 2010
Viewing - 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Funeral - 10:00 a.m.
Mt. Teman A.M.E. Church
160 Madison Avenue
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
Phone: 908-351-2625
Fax: 908-351-1302
The Rev. Larry E. Dixon, Pastor
The Rev. Kenneth L. Saunders, Eulogist
Pastor of North Stelton AME Church, Piscataway, New Jersey
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Reverend Calvin W. Jackson
167 Sugarberry Drive
New Castle, DE 19720
22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce news of the passing of the Reverend Dr. James R. Tanner on Tuesday, January 19, 2010. Rev. Dr. James Tanner, a local elder at St. James A.M.E. Church in Cleveland, Ohio for 47 years, was also a graduate of Wilberforce University (1943), and a member of the Wilberforce University Board of Trustees.
Service arrangements for the Reverend Dr. James R. Tanner:
Public Viewing: Sunday, January 24, 2010
1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Lucas Memorial Chapel
9010 Garfield Blvd.
Garfield Heights, Ohio 44125
Phone: 440-735-3030
Fax: 216-341-2036
Monday, January 25, 2010
Family Visitation: 10:00 AM
Alpha's Service: 10:30 AM
Funeral: 11:00 AM
St. James AME Church
8401 Cedar Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44103
Phone: 216-231-3562
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Alma M. Tanner
3715 Warrensville Center Road, Apt #513
Shaker Heights, Ohio 44122
The Rev. Gerald A. Cooper, Pastor
St. James AME Church
Cleveland, Ohio
23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
On Sunday, January 3, 2010, Frank Cole, Jr. passed away. He was the father of Rev. Cheryl Phillips and father-in-law of Rev. William D. Phillips, Pastor of Park Memorial AME in Romulus, Michigan and the grandfather of Rev. Donald L. Phillips, Pastor of Lewis Chapel AME in Albion, Michigan, South District, Michigan Conference; Rev. Norman V. Osborne, Presiding Elder and Bishop John R. Bryant, Presiding Prelate of the 4th Episcopal District and Senior Bishop.
Visitation and Viewing:
The funeral has been held.
Online guest book at: http://www.jameshcole.com/
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Cheryl and the Rev. William D. Phillips
30333 Huntington Drive, Apt. 2
Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334
Telephone: (248) 973-9303
phillipszoe2003@yahoo.com
24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mrs. Margaret Elizabeth Doughty, the mother of First Lady Irene Montague and mother-in-law of Presiding Elder Ernest L. Montague, Eastern District, Baltimore Conference, on Wednesday, January 6, 2010.
The following information has been shared regarding the Homegoing Celebration for Mrs. Doughty:
The funeral has been held.
Condolences may be sent to:
Presiding Elder Ernest L. and Mrs. Irene Montague
P. O. Box 1104
Randallstown, Maryland 21133
Phone: (410) 496-5902
Fax: (410) 496-5903
Email: Iren678@aol.com (Mrs. Irene Montague)
25. 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
26. 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
