6/03/2011

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (6/3/11)

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 – Since 1852


--Reminders—

- Pentecost Sunday: June 12, 2011

Editor's Note: If you attempted to subscribe to TCR Online since May 17, 2011 and have not received an automatic message from TCR, Please try to subscribe again. If you received an automatic message you are subscribed. Also please check your spam folder to insure that your provider does not treat TCR Online as spam.


1. EDITORIAL – PLEASE BE PATIENT, TCR IS CORRECTING TECHNICAL ISSUES:


Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder


We have been experiencing technical issues and some of you have not been receiving The Christian Recorder and others of you have received duplicate messages. We apologize for the inconvenience that has caused you. Hopefully by the time you receive this message, our technical issues will be solved.

We were away at Fort Benning, Georgia May 23- 26 and so no TCR Messages were sent. A number of TCR News Breaks / TCR Breaking News items were sent between May 27 – June 2, one of which was the passing the Reverend Dr. Robert H. Reid, Jr. who served and retired as the 18th Editor of The Christian Recorder. He was a gentleman of the highest order and a true man of God. He was a caring husband and father and a friend to all. The AME Church has suffered a great loss.

During the course of this week, I received a number of messages from subscribers and readers of The Christian Recorder who informed me that they had not received any TCR Breaking News items. This issue will recapture the breaking news and news breaks that many of you missed.

Next week Editor Sydnor is scheduled to be at the 97th Annual Hampton University Ministers’ Conference and 77th Annual Choir Directors’ Organists’ Guild Workshop is scheduled to attend the AME Luncheon which is scheduled to be held on Wednesday at 12 noon at the Crowne Plaza Hotel (formally the Radisson Hotel), 700 Settlers Landing Road Hampton, VA.

Again we apologize for any inconvenience our technical problems have caused you.

In this issue, we will attempt to capture the missed news items and new items.

2. TCR OP ED: MUSINGS ON THE LEADERSHIP OF THE CHURCH:

John Thomas III

I was speaking with one of my Brazilian Methodist friends about the structure of the AME Church. As I explained the Senior Bishop/President of the Council of Bishops/President of the General Board system I myself began to be confused. After our discussion, I remembered the several pieces you've written on the need for the AME Church to have a "General" or some type of principal leader. There have also been calls around the Connection for an "AME Pope" or some means of visibly identifying who the "Chief" is. I thought back to the military planning class I took some years ago and began to think of the problem as an issue of lines of command. Up until the Episcopal District level, the AME line of Command is clear: Bishop-Presiding Elder-Pastor. At the Connectional level, there are many decision points and while all of the Bishops collectively make up our Executive, there is no Bishop who has the sole task of thinking about the "Church". We ask Bishops to balance Episcopal District concerns with setting a vision for the whole Church.

I thought back to my military planning class and your penchant for military and thought about the US service structure. The Commander-in-Chief true enough is the US President and the highest ranking officer is the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Chairman, however, has no direct authority over troops. His/her authority comes in access to the President and the ability to look at the "big picture". While the Service Chiefs of the Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force are looking out for their parochial interest, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs communicates a global vision and attempts to integrate the parts together.

In the AME Church, we need someone who is tasked is to look out for the "Big Picture." The proposal elaborated by the Strategic Planning Committee nearly a decade ago was to create a Chief Administrative Officer/CAO. Much debate ensued as to whether this person should be a Bishop and to whom this person should support. The most viable proposal appeared to be vesting the responsibilities of the CAO with the Office of Ecumenical/Urban Affairs and placing this office in either Washington, DC or Nashville, TN. Immediately, there was some concern about a "super bishop" and Bishops/General Officers losing control and authority. What was lost in the discussion was a clear analysis beyond emotional and turf concerns. This office will not take away any of the statutory authority of the Bishops to do their principle work: supervising the Annual Conferences of the Episcopal Districts. The CAO would have the responsibility to look at the big picture and coordinate. This functional responsibility does not diminish the stature of neither the President of the Council of Bishops nor the Senior Bishop. Both are largely ceremonial positions whose influence is largely through reputation (also known as "soft power"). Many organizations (for instance the World Methodist Council and the National Council of Churches in the United States) have a President/Presiding Officer who is the titular leader of the organization and an Executive Director (also known as a General Secretary) who oversees the day to day affairs.

We can find a uniquely AME way to fix this problem that should not provoke turf-fights from the Episcopal leadership. One of the suggestions would be to make the CAO by statute Chair of the General Board Commission on Statistics and Finance. The CFO and the CIO should be related to the CAO through the General Board Commission because they form the administrative arm of the AME Church. This might cause some issues among our leadership as the Chairman of Statistics and Finance is a high profile position and highly sought after. Furthermore, the CAO would need a dedicated staff and would no longer be able to be derided as an Episcopal penalty box or "throwaway slot" (Within the last 12-16 years, the Ecumenical Bishop has gained an increased profile and respect, but old stigmas/habits die hard). But, if we are serious about better management of AME Inc., our Bishops will have to make some sacrifices regarding prestige appointments and who gets to run what, when, where and how.

This issue has come up in the last 2 General Conferences and is too important to let go because we can't trust each other or can't look past politics to the good of the Connectional Church. This bill should be resubmitted (maybe by our Connectional Lay Organization?) Hopefully the lay, clergy and Episcopal leadership can come together to make this plan a reality and do what is best for a better running of the Church of Allen.

John Thomas III is a Ph.D. Student in the Department of Political Science at the University of Chicago


3. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:

- Correction on credit for writer in the May 2, 2011, VOL. 160. No. 16 issue of The Christian Recorder:

The article on the front page of the May 2, 2011, VOL. 160, No. 16 issue of The Christian Recorder, “I Woke up This Morning with My Eyes Stayed on Freedom," was written by Mrs. Maxine Lyles, Co-campaign Manager of the Hopkins-Davis Campaign for WMS President 2011.

Mrs. Delores Williams was not the writer; she was one of the Freedom Riders, who were jailed.

Shirley Hopkins Davis, President
Women's Missionary Society, AME Church


4. GREETINGS FROM BISHOP E. EARL MCCLOUD:

Greetings from Atlanta, Georgia!

Supervisor Patricia and I are pleased to greet you in the blessed name of Jesus!

Since February 2011 to May 24, 2011 I have been throughout the 15th Episcopal District trying to familiarize myself with the people and the work facing us for the remainder of this quadrennial. There is indeed much work and repair to the hearts and souls of the people and churches to be done.

During this period, many of our friends received emails saying that we/I was stranded in England or somewhere else in the world. That email requested funds and asked other things from many of you. Unfortunately, some of our friends reacted without checking and provided resources to this hoax. For this we are sorry. This is the first time such a thing (my email and contacts were hacked into) has happened to me or Supervisor Patricia. We are thankful that you care and support our work and ministry. We are sorry for this hoax, but warn you against these tactics in the days ahead. Going forward, please wait several days before doing anything (should a similar scenario occur). After waiting some days, then check to make sure with others around the AME Church before acting. We have decided (as a result of this) not to travel together during the next year so that one of us is always on the ground. Thanks for your prayers.

May God continue to bless and keep you all.


E. Earl McCloud, Jr.

E. Earl McCloud, Jr.
Resident Bishop
15th Episcopal District, AME Church
Queenstown, Cape, Eastern Cape, Kalahari,
Namibia and Angola Conferences
Episcopal Office: 2721-951-4230
Cell: 2783-701-7019


5. LETTER FROM SENIOR BISHOP JOHN R. BRYANT:

This letter comes to solicit your support in the midst of very difficult economic times and amid many natural disasters and other challenges. Yet, we are still charged with the responsibility to equip the people of God to do the work of ministry. To that end, the Music and Christian Arts Ministry (MCAM) of the AMEC is presenting a Music and Christian Arts Institute, June 14-17, 2011, at Union Bethel AMEC in New Orleans, LA. The workshop will feature Dr. David Morrow, Director of the Morehouse College Glee Club and President of the National Association of Negro Musicians, along with the Grammy, Dove and Stellar Award-nominated, Dr. Joe Pace, II, who is the Director and CEO of the award winning COLORADO MASS CHOIR, and Ms. Melonie Daniels, nationally renowned vocalist and worship leader at Greater Allen Cathedral AME Church.

While we are aware that there are many AME meetings occurring this summer, it may be that every AME will not be attending the General Board, the YPD/WMS Quadrennial or the Lay Biennial. I am hoping that there will be representation from every church in every Episcopal district who will take advantage of this phenomenal opportunity for teaching, training and instruction for the enhancement of our various music and arts ministries in African Methodism.

I am asking every person who can, to register for and attend this monumental event. The Music and Christian Arts Ministry has worked hard to prepare a dynamic institute with presenters of the highest caliber. A flyer with detailed information is included.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact The Rev. Anthony B. Vinson, Sr., Director of Music and Christian Arts at 773.829.7665 or you may visit the MCAM website at: www.MCAM-AMEC.com.

Peace, Power and Love,

John R. Bryant, Senior Bishop
African Methodist Episcopal Church

6. MESSAGE TO 180-DAY COVER TO COVER BIBLE READERS FROM BISHOP SARAH FRANCIS DAVIS, HONORARY CHAIR OF CHALLENGE VII:

Now 53 days into our 180 Days Through the Bible reading plan, I am hearing testimonies of: “I am getting behind!” and vows of “I promise to never let this happen again!.” For those of you who are experiencing the challenge of staying on course, I recommend that you divide the daily readings into two-parts and read in the mornings and the evenings.

Saturday, DAY 51, we began our look at the rule of kings whom the Elders of Israel told Samuel they wanted because other nations were being ruled by kings! As we read these next few weeks we will be reminded that we sometimes get into trouble by wanting to be like others, when God has called us to Himself for His purposes and will. How many times have we all gotten in trouble wanting the right thing for the wrong reason? What is so loveable about God to me is that God does not force God’s will on any of us. God allows us to choose and to make our own decisions. God may give us what we want in order to teach us what we did not initially fully understand.


Bishop Sarah F. Davis
Presiding Prelate, 16th Episcopal District


7. BISHOP ADAM J. RICHARDSON, 90-DAY HONORARY CHAIR, IS MOVIN’ AND GROOVIN’ IN HIS READING OF THE BIBLE FROM COVER TO COVER:

I completed the Hebrew Scriptures this morning. To meet my goal, I will need to complete the New Testament by Saturday. My electronic version tells me that the OT is 75% of the Bible. With all of the Annual Conference minutiae to which bishops must attend, it will require a real act of daily discipline and sleep deprivation to read the other 25% in a week's time. I left the Old Testament none-to-soon; I was beginning to become depressed (too much blood, brandishing of swords and war, the forecast of doom and punishment for past sins, continuous idolatry, prostitution and adultery). Thank God for Jesus and the New Dispensation.

To be sure, there is a lot of good preaching to be done from the Hebrew Bible; but no sooner than I began reading the first three chapters of Matthew, I began singing, "Lord, I Want to be a Christian in my Heart!"


Editor’s Note: Those of us who have fallen behind should not be discouraged; we are going to keep pushing along. I need to finish Jeremiah and Ezekiel; Daniel and the Minor Prophets should be a “piece of cake.” And when I get to Matthew, I, too, will be shouting, “LORD, I want to be a Christian in my heart!” After getting thorough the Old Testament, the New Testament will be an easier read.

8. THE REV. DR. WILLIAM WATLEY APPOINTED AS PASTOR OF SAINT PHILIP AME CHURCH, ATLANTA:

The, the Rev. Dr. William Watley, former pastor of St. James AME Church in Newark, New Jersey was appointed as pastor of Saint Philip AME Church 240 Candler Road SE. Atlanta, GA 30317 at the Atlanta-North Georgia Annual Conference.

The Rev. Dr. George Moore, Sr. longtime pastor of St. Philip has retired.


9. THE REV RONALD SLAUGHTER APPOINTED PASTOR OF ST. JAMES AME CHURCH, NEWARK, NEW JERSEY:

The Rev. Ronald Slaughter former pastor of St. Paul AME Church, Macon, Georgia has been assigned as the pastor of St. James AME Church in Newark, New Jersey

The Rev. Ronald Slaughter was formerly the pastor of St. Paul AME Church in Macon, Georgia.

The Rev. Dr. William Watley, the former pastor of St. James AME Church was assigned was appointed the pastor of St. Philip AME Church in Atlanta, Georgia at the North Georgia Annual Conference. Dr. Watley replaced the Rev. Dr. George Moore, Sr, who has retired.

St. Paul AME Church in Macon as not been filled.

10. A SHORT STORY - A NEW TYPE OF FIRST LADY TYPE:

There we were, on a cold January morning being assigned to a new church with one child in our arms and another tagging along being greeted by surprised parishioners. They were not aware that we were coming and reportedly not aware that their pastor had changed. However, the Pastor knew. Scrambling to inform the members and settle things down so that we could proceed with a worship service my husband rushed along to do that in a peaceful manner. We did not know that it was just as cold inside as outside. So, we all huddled together trying to sing, Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow! This was our start of many more new adventures at a church that we grew to love.

At this church was a widow of one of the previous pastors. She embraced our family in her own special way. However, she felt it was her duty to teach this new First Lady how to stand, walk, and talk. So, one day I wore a certain dress to church. (Of course this was after we had heat and air conditioning in the church.) I sat down beside her to say good morning as I would always do. She turned the end/hem of my dress up and said, "You have enough hem to let that out." (The implication being that the dress was too short.) My response was that I liked it the way it was currently. She said again, "IF you can sew, then you need to let that out." I politely smiled and walked away in my short dress. I wore it again many more times. New First Ladies: You have to be comfortable in your own clothes. You have to remain true to yourself, otherwise you will get lost.

Sherell Vicks Crawford
Candidate for Connectional YPD Director
WMS of the AME Church
Quadrennial Convention 2011, Orlando, Florida

*Submitted by the Rev. Velma Grant



11. MICHIGAN CONFERENCE WOMEN IN MINISTRY (WIM) FED AND CLOTHED OVER 125 MEN, WOMEN, AND CHILDREN:

On Friday April 28, 2011, the officers and members of the Michigan Conference Women In Ministry (WIM) fed and clothed over 125 men, women, and children in the Cass Corridor in Detroit, Michigan for their April Outreach.

The Cass Corridor is an area in Detroit where many homeless people in Detroit call "Home." The WIM members, along with the Rev. Dr. Jeffery Baker Sr., pastor of St. Paul SW, Detroit, three young people and three guests prepared and served a full-course meal. The meal included spaghetti, green beans, fried chicken, dessert, fruit, soft drinks and water.

Clothes were donated by WIM members and the Ebenezer AME, Detroit Clothes Closet under the direction of Mrs. Bernice Gary.

The Rev. Minnie Autry, pastor of New St. James Detroit is the Michigan Conference WIM Coordinator. The Rev. Markita A. Primm, Associate Minister St. Paul AME SW, Detroit is the Michigan Conference WIM Outreach Chairperson. Outreach Committee members are the Rev. Mozie Lee Smith, pastor of Huggins Community, Detroit; Licentiate Gladys Burroughs Ebenezer, Detroit; and Evangelist Jerry Jones-Davis St. St. Stephen, Detroit. Each month, the WIM members have a different Outreach program.

Submitted by the Rev. Markita A. Primm

12. BETHEL AME CHURCH - BALTIMORE’S FOUNDING AND EARLY YEARS 1785 TO 1816:

*Mr. Saleem M. Wooden

AME Church founding Bishop Richard Allen preached the Baltimore Circuit in 1785 and probably met the future founders of Bethel Baltimore.

The decade of the 1780s began with the Continental Army defeating the British at Yorktown as the last major battle of The Revolutionary War. The country’s thirteen States were governed by the Articles of Confederation and the population of the country was about 3 million. The town of Baltimore, Maryland was the country’s tenth largest. The majority of African Americans in the town were slaves but there was a fairly large free population of persons of color.

Many of these free African Americans were Christians with some of them following the tenets of the Methodists religion. With the Methodists condemning slavery, free people of color were drawn to their meetings and allowed to worship in the Methodists meeting houses of Baltimore. The main Methodist meeting house or chapel was the one called Lovely Lane that was located on present day Redwood Street in downtown Baltimore.

The Methodists had a number of lay preachers. One of them was a mid 20 year old African American named Richard Allen. He often found preaching assignments and asked to accompany the Rev. Whatcoat on the Baltimore circuit. In 1785, Minister Allen was placed at a Baltimore Methodist meeting house called Methodist Alley. Undoubtedly, many free African Americans came to hear him preach and discuss matters of importance to them all. In his autobiography, Allen does not single out any African Americans that he met during his time in Baltimore before he departed for Pennsylvania in the fall of 1785.

He also does not mention the racially discriminatory practices that were becoming more evident in the Baltimore Methodist meeting houses as the number of African Americans increased at the worship services. A number of black Methodists stop worshipping at the meeting houses and began meeting amongst themselves for spiritual encouragement. One of those persons was Caleb Hyland. He operated a boot black business that was believed to be at the present day corner of Calvert and Baltimore Streets in Baltimore. Some of their gatherings occurred in his basement shop.

Other names associated with these initial prayer meetings are Thomas Clare, Henry Harden, Stephen Hill, Munday Janey, Pippin Hill, Richard Williams, Nicholas Gilliard, Solomon Sharper, Don Carlos Hall, Caleb Guilly, and Edward Williamson. It is noted that the group was lead by Jacob Fortie and they eventually called themselves the African Methodist Society. It is assumed their wives and families joined them in this endeavor. Those are the founding names of the Bethel we know today.

Just as in the African tradition of the griot, Bethel’s story from 1785 to 1787 is an oral tradition without documentation that has been located. It was in 1787 that the first documented prayer meeting of the African Methodist Society in Baltimore occurs. That meeting was held in one of the member’s home near the present day Belair Market in east Baltimore. By 1787, the new nation had discarded the Articles of Confederation and had just completed the U.S. Constitution that we use today. Delaware was the first State to ratify it in December 1787.

For ten years, the African Methodist Society of Baltimore worshipped in the similar manner mentioned above. In 1797, the group rented the former German Lutheran Church sanctuary and the adjoining lot to the property on Fish Street. The street is now known as Saratoga Street. They consecrated the facility and called it Bethel. Bethel means house of God in Hebrew. The group gave themselves the name of the Bethel Free African Society. In the same year, the town of Baltimore had reached such size that it incorporated itself to be recognized as a city.

Around 1799, the Bethel Free African Society of Baltimore passed the following resolution: “The many inconveniences arising from the white and colored people assembling in public meeting, especially in public worship of almighty God, we have thought it best to procure for ourselves a separate place in which to assemble. Therefore, we invite all our colored Methodists brethren, who think as we do, to worship with us.” The membership of Bethel grew as more African Americans began leaving the Methodist meeting houses which were now part of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

As more African Americans joined Bethel, the Methodist Episcopal Church took steps to halt the inclination of black Methodist to join the Bethel group. In 1802, the M.E. Church started the Sharp Street M.E. Church as a mission project for black Methodists. The pastor of the church was white. Today, that congregation is Bethel’s neighbor as the Sharp Street Memorial United Methodist Church.

In 1801, Bethel was joined by a man of many talents. He was ordained clergy, a dynamic preacher, educator, financial wiz, and a writer. His name was Daniel Coker. He had arrived in Baltimore a few years earlier from New York where he had gone to escape slavery from a central Maryland farm. It is believed that one of Bethel’s founders, Nicholas Gilliard along with others helped to buy his freedom which allowed him to come to Maryland.

Soon, the Rev. Daniel Coker became the leading minister at Bethel. He was not only most prominent at Bethel, but he was also becoming known throughout Maryland. In 1810, he wrote a book titled, A Dialogue Between a Virginian and an African Minister. The book became the first book published by an African American in the State. He also opened a school in the basement of Bethel’s church. By 1810, the school had 17 students which eventually grew to 150 students.

In 1811, the Bethel Free African Society had a congregation that numbered 633 members. In the same year, Bethel received full church status with its incorporation. Bethel’s new name became The African Methodist Bethel Church of Baltimore City. With the incorporation, the Rev. Daniel Coker is now officially recognized as Bethel’s first pastor. The new name of the church was submitted by one of Bethel’s founders, Stephen Hill. (It is interesting to note that with Bethel later becoming Bethel AME Church, the officially incorporated name above remained as Bethel’s corporate name well into the 20th Century.)

Early in the year of 1816, the Rev. Coker and Bethel received a letter invitation to come to Philadelphia to discuss the possible formation of a new church body. The letter was sent by the Rev. Richard Allen of Philadelphia. He was the pastor of an African American church in Philadelphia with similar beginnings and had also chosen the name of Bethel for its church. In April of 1816, delegates from Bethel arrived in Philadelphia to meet with the Rev. Allen’s delegation and at least three other black church delegations.

On 9 April 1816, delegations from Baltimore, Philadelphia, Delaware, New Jersey, and eastern Pennsylvania met with a total of 16 delegates present. Bethel had the largest delegation that consisted of the following: the Rev. Daniel Coker, Richard Williams, Henry Harden, Edward Williamson, Stephen Hill, and Nicholas Gilliard. It was decided that in accepting the Methodists doctrine and discipline almost in its entirety, the group decided to form an independent church denomination with the following adopted resolution:

“That the people of Philadelphia, Baltimore, and all other places, who shall unite with them, shall become one body under the name and style of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.” (It is interesting to note that the resolution sounds very similar to the Bethel resolution of 1799 mentioned above. The Bethel delegation was probably in the forefront for developing the resolution.)

Following the model set by the Methodist Episcopal Church with establishing the Book of Discipline and holding quadrennial General Conferences, the new AME Church needed to select a head prelate, a bishop. On the first ballot taken by the 16 person conference, Bethel’s Rev. Daniel Coker was elected to take the post of the founding Bishop of the AME Church. Either late in the day or during the evening hours before the session of the next day, the Rev Daniel Coker declined the new position.

Capable as he was in so many areas, many historians believe he declined the position because of his fair skin color. He was the offspring of a white indentured servant mother and an African slave father that made him very far skinned. With many black congregations forming together in groups or black church denominations forming in the mid 1810s, there was one distinction with them that was different from the AME Church. Those other groups were always headed by a white ministerial overseer, prelate, or bishop. It is believed that Coker did not want the AME Church to be seen as appearing to have the same type of leadership as these other groups.

On the next day of the conference, the 16 delegates conducted a revote. The Rev. Richard Allen was elected and later consecrated as the founding Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The Rev. Richard Allen was of dark complexion and just as capable as the Rev. Coker. (It is interesting to note that if the Rev. Coker had not declined the position, he would have been recognized today as the founder of the AME Church with Bethel AME Church of Baltimore looked upon as the “Mother Church” of the 2.5+ million member, 8,000+ ministers, and 7,000+ congregations of the AME Connection.)

After the Bethel delegation returned to Baltimore from the founding convention, a general church meeting was held at Bethel for the purpose of hearing a report from the delegates. The meeting was held in June 1816. The meeting was opened with singing, prayer, and scripture. The report was given by Bro. Stephen Hill. After he finished, a motion on the report was adopted and the entire assembly arose and sang, “Praise God From Whom All Blessing Flow”. The meeting was closed with the benediction given by Pastor Coker. From then on, the African Methodist Bethel Church of Baltimore City became known and recognized as Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church.

*Mr. Saleem M. Wooden is the Church Historian at Bethel AME Church in Baltimore, Maryland.


13. JOIN THE 13TH DISTRICT BY HAVING A PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS RALLY ON FATHER'S DAY - JUNE 19, 2011:

According to National Comprehensive Cancer Network, prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men. Over the past thirty years, significant improvements in screening and detection have greatly improved the outlook for many men who are diagnosed with the disease. African American men have a 60% higher prostate cancer incidence rate and a 150% higher death rate than all other men; this is the largest racial disparity for any type of cancer. To that end, we are asking all churches in the 13th Episcopal District to join the Connection church to help promote awareness about Prostate Cancer on Father’s Day- June 19, 2011 during worship service by participating in a district wide Father’s Day Rally Against Prostate Cancer.

To aid in this endeavor, we are working with the Prostate Health Education Network. Please take the following steps to aid ensure the success of your congregation's rally.


• Identify a Father’s Day Rally Against Prostate Cancer Liaison(s) in your congregation.

• Identify any survivors of prostate cancer in your congregation.

You can get additional information by going to the PHEN website: www.prostatehealthed.org . In addition, the Presiding Elders have materials which can be used to promote the rally.

On June 19th during the worship service, we are asking the churches to:

• Recognize prostate cancer survivors and their families in the congregation

• Recognize prostate cancer victims in the congregation

• Pray a special prayer of love and healing for all

• Highlight the impact of prostate cancer in your church and help remove the silence so that families can work together towards healing and support one another

• Pass out blue ribbons or boutonnieres to be worn on Father’s Day to support and recognize prostate cancer survivors and victims

• Distribute information about prostate cancer health and awareness messages for men, and for women to help educate the men in their lives.

Thank you in advance for your participation! We pray that through the efforts of our churches, lives will be changed through the sharing of knowledge and the communion prayers of the saints.

Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie
Episcopal Servant

14. PAUL QUINN COLLEGE PARTNERS WITH THE DALLAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA:

College set to host an event in the DSO’s Community Parks Concert series

DALLAS – May 26, 2011 – The ears of those in the Quinnite Nation and the surrounding community will be graced with the sounds of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra this summer. Paul Quinn College is one of six locations in the Dallas/Fort Worth area scheduled to host a 2011 Community Parks Concert Series event.

“It is difficult to overstate how excited we are to be included in the Community Parks Concert Series,” said Paul Quinn College President Michael J. Sorrell. “As I’ve stated before, we view bringing cultural events to this community as part of our institutional obligation and purpose.”

According to the DallasSymphony.com, the series of outdoor concerts attracts more than 30,000 music lovers each year. The PQC-hosted event will be held at 8 p.m., Tuesday, June 7 on the lawn of the campus. The concert will last about an hour.
For more information, please send an e-mail to Ashley Harris at aharris@pqc.edu or call 214.379.5561. Visit www.pqc.edu for event updates.

Paul Quinn College
214-379-5561
aharris@pqc.edu


15. NEW COACHING STAFF SET TO LEAD PAUL QUINN COLLEGE MEN’S BASKETBALL PROGRAM:

Quinnite Nation to continue tradition of success with new leadership and creation of junior varsity squad

DALLAS – May 27, 2011 – Paul Quinn College is pleased to announce the newest members of the Quinnite Nation. Charles W. Keeley, III joins the College as the head men’s basketball coach. He will oversee the program with the help of John Franklin, the newly appointed assistant men’s basketball coach and junior varsity coach.

The change in leadership promises to keep the athletic program moving in a positive direction, and is in line with the College’s dedication to recruit, retain, develop, and produce student-athletes who will strive to achieve in the classroom and on the playing field.

“While the men’s basketball team experienced a successful season on the court, the institution had grave concerns about the former leadership’s ability to support the College’s mission of transforming students into servant leaders both on and off the court,” said Paul Quinn College President Michael J. Sorrell. “We are dedicated to building an athletic program that will compete for national championships and produce graduates who will become doctors, lawyers and business leaders. We now feel as if we have the coaches in place that will allow us to accomplish these goals.”

Keeley comes to PQC after spending three years as the assistant head coach at Cedar Valley College. The St. Petersburg, Fla., native earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Florida A&M University. He also has a Master of Science degree in sports coaching from the United States Sports Academy and is a doctoral candidate at the same institution. Keeley is a member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches, the National Society of Black Engineers, the Black Coaches & Administrators, the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.
“This is a humbling and exciting experience for me,” Keeley said. “I’m looking forward to the challenge of molding these young men into professionals on and off the court. We have a long road ahead of us, but I’m confident that we are assembling a team that can bring Paul Quinn College its first NAIA men’s basketball national championship.”

Prior to Keeley’s arrival, the Paul Quinn College Tigers finished the 2010 - 2011 season ranked fourth in the NAIA Red River Conference with a 15 – 7 record, and a 21 – 11 overall record.

Keeley will be assisted by Franklin, who comes to the College after a highly successful stint as the assistant coach for the boys’ varsity team and head coach for the boys’ junior varsity team at Episcopal School of Dallas. Franklin received his Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from the University of North Texas, where he lettered in basketball as a member of the men’s basketball team.

About Paul Quinn College
Paul Quinn College is a private, faith-based, four-year liberal arts college founded by and affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The College was founded in Austin, Texas, on April 4, 1872, and is one of the nation’s 110 Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The College provides a quality, faith-based education that addresses the academic, social, and Christian development of students and prepares them to be servant leaders and agents of change in their communities. Academic excellence lies at the heart of the College’s mission, along with the values of integrity, responsibility, accountability, fiduciary responsibility, and an appreciation of cultural diversity. Members of the College’s student body, faculty and staff, called Quinnites, are achieving “Greatness…one step at a time,” by living the “Four Ls of Quinnite Leadership,” which are: Leave places better than you found them; Lead from wherever you are; Live a life that matters; and Love something greater than yourself.

Contact: Ashley Harris
Paul Quinn College
214-379-5561
aharris@pqc.edu


16. MOREHOUSE, NORFOLK STATE, PAUL QUINN AWARDED $50K “MODELS OF SUCCESS” GRANT:

31 May 2011 09:47 AM PDT: Posted by HBCU Digest

Morehouse College, Norfolk State University and Paul Quinn College were recently named as HBCU recipients of a three-year “Models of Success” study sponsored by Lumina Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, and USA Funds.

Selected to be among nine minority serving institutions across the United States, the institutions were chosen for their unique “success stories” of programs and/or practices that can be used as standards for retention and achievement at comparable institutions.

The institutions have also each received a $50,000 grant to build capacity and infrastructure on their campuses.

“We chose these three HBCUs because they exemplify creative approaches to increasing degree attainment and they are committed to empowering students,” says University of Pennsylvania professor and principal researcher, Marybeth Gasman.

Dr. Gasman, along with fellow researcher Professor Clifton Conrad from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, will conduct on-site visits at each institution to gather and promote insight into each MSI “success story” in literature and media resources. Paul Quinn College President Michael Sorrell calls the selection an honor for his school’s ongoing commitment to student success.

“The Quinnite Nation and our ‘Leave No Quinnite Behind Project’ is honored to have been recognized by some of leading voices nationally in higher education,” Sorrell says. “We view our selection as confirmation that there is a place at the table for a program and a school dedicated to addressing the root issues facing students from under-resourced communities in a holistic fashion. The LNQBP is Paul Quinn College’s way of saying to those students- “we hear you; we are here for you; and we love you- today, tomorrow and always.”

More than 60 minority serving institutions across the country applied for the grant.

The winning HBCU “success stories” are:

I. Norfolk State University
An urban, public, university located in eastern Virginia, Norfolk State University (NFU) is the home to two “models of success” that will be highlighted in the study. One is the Summer Bridge Program that helps academically challenged students to make the transition from high school to college. Held during a four week summer session, this nonresidential program addresses the academic, developmental, and social integration needs of students through courses in such fields as English and mathematics as well as through co-curricular programming and intrusive developmental advising. The other model of success is the Faculty Communities of Inquiry (COI) Program in which faculty and staff engage in a year-long interdisciplinary adventure in which they share pedagogical ideas for enhancing student learning and development at both the undergraduate and master’s level in such domains as “critical thinking assessment,” “service-learning,” and “scientific reasoning.”

II. Morehouse College
A private, all-male, college located in Atlanta, Morehouse College is the home of two “models of success” that will be highlighted in the study. Both have been highly successful in enhancing both the retention and achievement of students in the sciences along with increasing the likelihood that students will pursue graduate study. The first model of success is the Peer Led Team Learning (PLTL) initiative. An innovative alternative to conventional peer learning, faculty in PLTL use a facilitated learning approach in which individual faculty members develop and provide learning content “modules” for PLTL workshops that are tied to relevant course 2 content. The second is the MBRS RISE program, which has increased the number of Morehouse graduates majoring in science disciplines and the number of graduates choosing to pursue graduate study in biomedical research. The three major aspects of the program are: developmental activity during the freshman/sophomore year that includes intensive academic advising, mentored research during the sophomore year, and participation in a biomedical research seminar series; developmental activity during the junior/senior year that includes academic mentoring, graduate school advising, and peer mentoring of students in their freshman or sophomore year; and developmental activity designed to enhance the research culture through science enrichment activities.

III. Paul Quinn College
Over the past several years, Paul Quinn College (PCQ) has developed an innovative and highly successful campus-wide program entitled “Leave No Quinnite Behind” that helps to ensure that every PQC student is nurtured, developed, retained, and proceeds to graduation. Comprehensive in scope and layered to address both the on-campus and off-campus lives of students, the program includes many noteworthy features: a summer academic bridge program in which students have the opportunity to receive up to 12 hours of academic credit; an institution-wide writing program requirement along with a “Writer’s Hub” to support the “Writing Across Curriculum Format,” and an overhauled core curriculum that has been accompanied by the introduction of an innovative business-focused course aimed at helping ensure that students from modest economic backgrounds will disturb existing cycles of poverty and be prepared to pursue career paths that will yield both personal economic benefits as well as benefit their communities.

Article extracted from HBCU Digest


17. NATIONAL CATHEDRAL OF AFRICAN METHODISM KICKS OFF 173RD ANNIVERSARY:

Metropolitan AME Church "kicking off" its 173rd Anniversary with the UN International Year of People of African Descent and a concert featuring the Bel Canto Singers from the Bahamas


It is with great pleasure that we extend to you, your family, and to others in your Embassy this invitation to attend a very special event at Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1518 M Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., on Sunday, June 5, 2011 at 3 pm.

The occasion is a special concert by the Bel Canto Singers of Nassau, Bahamas in observance of the United Nations International Year of People of African Descent as well as the 173rd Anniversary of Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church. An historic church, Metropolitan is known throughout the world as “The National Cathedral of African Methodism”. Importantly, we note with interest that several members of our church are originally from Caricom countries and without doubt would welcome your attendance at this significant event. We are confident that you and members of your staff will feel at home in visiting with us on June 5th.

It is our hope that you and others from your Mission will come and worship with us on June 5th. It would be helpful if you would call the church office, 202-331-1426, in advance so that we might make appropriate arrangements and be able to acknowledge your presence. We look forward to having you with us.

Ronald E. Braxton, Senior Pastor

Submitted by Maria Wallace, Director of Lay Activities, 2nd Episcopal District


18. THE 2011 FOURTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:

Bishop John Richard Bryant, Presiding Prelate
The Rev. Dr. Cecelia W. Bryant, Episcopal Supervisor

The 4th Episcopal District Christian Education Congress
July 6 - 9, 2011
Westin Lombard Yorktown Center
Lombard, IL
630-719-8000
The Rev. Dr. James F. Miller, Host Pastor

The Canadian Annual Conference
August 24 – 28, 2011
Hotel Espresso
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
514-938-4611
Host Information:
Robinson AME Church
514-634-4603
The Rev. Randolph Joel Phillips, Pastor

The Michigan Annual Conference
September 6-11, 2011
Marriott Renaissance
Detroit, MI
313-568-8000
Host Information:
Oak Grove AME Church
313-341-8877
The Rev. Dr. Robert Brumfield, Pastor

The Illinois Annual Conference
September 19 -25, 2011
Holiday Inn – City Centre
Peoria, IL
309-674-2500
Host Information:
Ward Chapel AME Church
309-676-1348
The Rev. James C. Bailey, Pastor

The Indiana Annual Conference
October 3 – 9, 2011
Wyndham Indianapolis West
Indianapolis, IN
317-248-2481
Host Information:
Central Indiana AME Alliance
The Rev. Lenore Williams, President

The Chicago Annual Conference
October 17 – 23, 2011
Holiday Inn – Tinley Park Convention Center
Tinley Park, IL
708-444-1100
Host Information:
Grant Memorial AME Church
773-285-5819
The Rev. Dr. Mickarl D. Thomas, Pastor

The 4th Episcopal Planning Meeting
November 3-5, 2011
Hilton Ft. Wayne at the Grand Wayne Convention Center
Ft. Wayne, IN
260- 420-1100
The Rev. Dr. Archie Criglar, Host Pastor

19. THIRTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2011 SCHEDULE OF ANNUAL CONFERENCES:

Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate
Mr. Stan McKenzie, Episcopal Supervisor

AUGUST 23-27, 2011
KENTUCKY ANNUAL CONFERENCE
St. Paul
Lexington, KY

SEPTEMBER 6-10, 2011
WEST KENTUCKY ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Quinn Chapel
Louisville, KY

SEPTEMBER 13-17, 2011
EAST TENNESSEE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Warren Chapel
Chattanooga, TN

OCTOBER 4-8, 2011
WEST TENNESSEE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
St. Andrew
Memphis, TN

OCTOBER 18-22, 2011
TENNESSEE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Greater Bethel
Nashville, TN

NOVEMBER 3-6, 2011
PLANNING MEETING
North Nashville District
Nashville, TN


20. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS:

- Congratulations to Ms. Courtenay Ruth Paris

Ms. Courtenay Ruth Paris, daughter of the Reverend Alton E. Paris and Sara F. Paris of Grandview, Texas, graduated with honors from the Southern Methodist University (SMU) Cox School of Business receiving her Master of Science (MS) in Accounting degree, (Beta Gamma Sigma), on Saturday May 14, 2011.

Ms. Paris is employed by The Kenrich Group, LLC, (KRG), a Business Consulting and Litigation Firm while preparing for the Texas Certified Public Account (CPA) Examinations.

The Reverend Alton Paris is a retired Itinerant Elder of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, 10th Episcopal District (Texas), currently affiliated with the Wade Chapel AME Church of Hillsboro, TX.

Congratulatory messages can be sent to:

The Reverend Alton (Al) Paris, Retired
African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church
817-202-8044/972-365-5770
FAX: 817-741-7744
CEO: Reverend Alton Paris, LLC
pastor101@gmail.com



- Congratulations to the Rev. Carolyn G. Stevenson

Congratulations to the Rev. Carolyn G. Stevenson, a Local Elder at Payne Memorial AME Church in Waterloo, Iowa. The Rev. Carolyn G. Stevenson graduated from Upper Iowa University with a B.A. in Human Services and double minor in Criminal Justice and Sociology.

Congratulations can be sent to:

The Rev. Carolyn G. Stevenson
2904 Niles Street
Waterloo, IA 50703
319-233-3524
Email: Stvnsncar@aol.com


21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the passing of Mrs. Anna J. Waters, the wife of the deceased and former pastor of New Bethel AME Church, the Rev. James Waters, Sr. The Rev. Waters was also a Presiding Elder in the New Jersey Annual Conference. Mrs. Waters served as a former Y.P.D. Director of the First Episcopal District. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

Viewing and Funeral, Saturday, June 4, 2011
Viewing - 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Service of Celebration - 10:00 a.m.

New Bethel A.M.E. Church
6153 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19144
Phone: 215-438-2406
Fax: 215-438-2764

The Reverend Kahlil James, Pastor

The Reverend Gerald Bailey, Eulogist
Pastor of Friendship AME Church, Brown Mills, NJ

Expression of Sympathy can be sent to:

Mrs. Jean Adams (Niece)
7028 Lark Place
Philadelphia, PA 19153


22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the passing of Mrs. Elizabeth Smith. She was the mother of Mrs. Thaeh Norris, the grandmother of Richard F. Norris, III and the sister of the Rev. Alberta Jones, pastor of Mt. Zion AMEC, Darby, PA and Ms. Lillie B. Jones, the YPD Director of the Philadelphia Annual Conference.

The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

Viewing and Funeral, Friday, June 3, 2011
Viewing - 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Service of Celebration - 10:00 a.m.

Morris Brown A.M.E. Church
1756 North 25th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19121
Phone: 215-763-4707
Fax: 215-763-1465

The Reverend James P. Baker, Pastor

Expression of Sympathy can be sent to:

Mrs. Thaeh Norris
1964 Dallas Street
Philadelphia, PA 19138

23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

It is with regret that we inform you of the passing of Mrs. Burnece Burrell Holloway, on Wednesday, May 26, 2011. Sister Holloway was the spouse of the late Rev. Alex Holloway, and the previous President of the Oklahoma Conference M-SWAWO.

The funeral has been held

Interment: Fort Sill National Cemetery, 2648 NE Jake Dunn Road

Expressions of sympathy to the family may be mailed to:

9122 Orange Drive
Midwest City, OK 73130

Or online messages may be posted (link below).
http://barnesfriedrich.frontrunnerpro.com/runtime/210/runtime.php?SiteId=210&NavigatorId=33196&ItemId=757954&op=moreinfo&viewOpt=dpaneOnly


24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:


The Reverend Thomas I. Burt, Sr., of 6537 Lincolnville Road, Raleigh, NC, former Pastor in the Western North Carolina Conference, 2nd Episcopal District, departed this life on Wednesday, May 25, 2011.

Survivors; wife, Faye A. Hooker Burt of the home; daughters, Yvonne Burt of Raleigh; Jacqueline Scott (Kevin) of Midlothian, VA, Andreana Wilson of Richmond, VA and Virginia Burt of Raleigh; son, Thomas I. Burt Jr. of Raleigh; sisters, Myrtle Betty Jones and Jenesta Jones both of Philadelphia, PA; brothers, Harry Jones (Robin), Larry Jones, Sidney Earl Jones and Keith Jones all of Philadelphia, PA; 5 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

The funeral has been held

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

Mrs. Faye A. Hooker-Burt, Wife
6537 Lincolnville Road
Raleigh, NC 27607
919-851-8643

Mrs. Jacqueline Scott, Daughter
2700 Colgrave Road
Midlothian, VA 23112
804-744-5634

25. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We are sharing news of the transition from life into life of the Rev. Reginald T. Farris, an Itinerant Deacon in the Tennessee Annual Conference and Associate Minister at St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church in Nashville, Tennessee.

Service arrangements for Rev. Reginald Farris:

Friday, June 3, 2011
Visitation will be from 11:00 am - 11:45 am

The Men of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Service from 11:45 am - 12 noon
Funeral Service at 12 noon

The Visitation, Fraternity Service, and Funeral will be held at:

St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church
1822 Formosa Street
Nashville, Tennessee 37208
615-320-1026

Professional Services are entrusted to:

Millington Funeral Home
P.O. Box 1171
Millington, TN 35083
Phone #: 901-872-2273

Expressions of sympathy may be emailed to: farris.t.m@gmail.com or ambriellef@gmail.com


26. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:


We regret to share news of the passing of Mrs. Gracie Muse, the mother of the Rev. Leona Fisher, Pastor of Morris Brown AME Church, New Orleans, Louisiana.

The funeral has been held

Flowers and Condolences may be sent to:

MJR Friendly Service Funeral Home, Inc.
7803 Florida Blvd.
Denham Springs, LA. 70727
Phone # 225 665-8002 Fax # 225 665-3285
Email: mjrl@bellsouth.net

Or cards and expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

Morris Brown AME Church
The Rev. Leona Fisher, Pastor
1813 Urguart Street
New Orleans, LA 70116

Contact Phone number for the Rev. Leona Fisher: 225-222-6501


27. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Mrs. Mildlean B. Weaver of Hemingway, SC. She is the mother of the Reverend Shiril (Charles) Weaver Graves, pastor of Mount Pisgah AME Church (Loris, SC) and the Reverend John (Deborah) Taylor, pastor of Leonard Chapel AME Church and Mt. Zion AME Church (Greeleyville, SC).

Mrs. Weaver was a devoted member of Jerusalem AME Church, Hemingway, SC. She served in many capacities and was a dedicated and committed child of God. Mrs. Weaver died Sunday, May 22, 2011 in Florence, SC.

The funeral has been held

Expressions Of Sympathy And Condolences May Be Sent To:

The Reverend Shiril Weaver Graves and Family
863 Gresham Road
Gresham, SC 29546

Phone: (843) 362-1786
Cell: (843) 283-0823
Fax: (843) 362-1786
Email: revswg56@hotmail.com


28. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the passing of Sister Nancy Foster Brown, wife of the Reverend Joseph T. Brown, Local Elder, Wayman Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, New Brighton, Pennsylvania. Sister Nancy Foster Brown passed on Friday, May 20, 2011 in the Kindred Hospital at Heritage Valley in Beaver, Pennsylvania.

She was a dedicated missionary and very active in the Pittsburgh Conference M-SWAWO plus P.K.'S, where she served as treasurer until her health began to fail. Sister Brown will be greatly missed by family and friends.

The funeral has been held

Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be sent to:

The Reverend Joseph T. Brown
806 14th Street
Beaver Falls, PA 15010
Phone: 724-846-4426


29. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Following Bereavement Notice:

On Saturday, May 21, 2011, Mr. John Wallace of Baltimore, Maryland passed away after battling Prostrate Cancer. He departed this life one day after his 70th birthday. Mr. Wallace is the father of the Rev. Maxine L. Thomas, Assistant Pastor of Historic St. Paul AME Church in Lexington, KY and First Lady of the Lexington District, President of WIM 13th Episcopal District; and father-in-law of Presiding Elder Troy Thomas, Pastor of Historic St. Paul AME Church and Presiding Elder of the Lexington District, Kentucky Conference.

The funeral has been held

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

The Rev. Maxine L. Thomas
3312 Lyon Drive, Lexington, KY 40513
859-224-9961 phone
Email: exhalemlt@aol.com


30. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Services or the Reverend Granville W. Reed, III, Member of the Judicial Council

The Reverend Granville William Reed, III, member of the Judicial Council of the AME Church (Secretary), and Pastor of Mount Olive AME Church, Jacksonville, FL peacefully translated to his eternal home, Saturday, May 21, 2011 from Community Hospice of UF Shands Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. At his bedside were Ida Reed, his beloved wife and his sister, Viola Ozell Beacher.

The Reverend Granville William Reed, III is survived also by his daughter, LaShane, and grandchildren, two brothers, the Reverend Rodger Hall Reed, Sr. (Shirley), pastor of Ward Memorial AME Church, Washington, DC and Richard Earl Reed, PhD (Umran) of Chicago, Illinois, one Sister, Viola Ozell Beacher of Forest Park, Illinois.

The funeral has been held

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

Sister Ida Reed
2002 Mt. Hermon Street
Jacksonville, Florida 32209-5736
(904) 356-9479

The Rev. Rodger Hall Reed
Ward Memorial AME Church
241 42nd Street, NE
Washington, DC 20019
202-398-3899
rodgerr301@aol.com


31. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to share news of the passing of Mr. Elmer Koontz, the father of the Rev. Marty Koontz, assistant pastor of Bethel AME Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Mr. Elmer Koontz passed on Thursday, May 19, 2011.

Services for Mr. Koontz are announced as follows:

The funeral has been held

32. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:

The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action

Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
E-mail: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Web page: http://www.amecfic.org/
Phone: (615) 837-9736 (H)
Phone: (615) 833-6936 (O)
Cell: (615) 403-7751

BLOG: http://ameccfic.blogspot.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMEC_CFIC

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220


33. 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.


Did someone you know pass this copy of The Christian Recorder to you? Get your own copy HERE

6/02/2011

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (5/20/11)

THIS IS A RESEND TO TEST THE SYSTEM. TCR IS HAVING TECHNICAL ISSUES THAT WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO RESOLVE.


Choose from 50 languages to read this message of The Christian Recorder Online: Click Here to Translate into any language! Simply “copy and paste” the texts into the appropriate block in the Google Website and choose the language in which you want to read The Christian Recorder


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 – Since 1852


--Reminders—

- Pentecost Sunday: June 12, 2011

1. EDITORIAL – MISTAKES MADE BY CHURCH MEMBERS:


Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder

Among my earliest memories about bishops were conversations my grandmother, Eva M. Price and some of the members at Bethel AME Church in Ardmore, Pennsylvania had in the early fifties about the pastoral appointments made by Bishop Decatur Ward Nichols who was the Presiding prelate of the First Episcopal District. I am sure that all of them, Bishop Nichols, clergy and laity, to include Momma have “gone on to glory” so I am comfortable mentioning names.

Those conversations went on for a long time and it wasn’t just about the Mainline, but it was about a number of pastoral appointments made by Bishop Nichols. I was never sure about the particulars of the conversations because when the grown folks were talking, we, young people, were not allowed to listen, and if it seemed to adults that we were eavesdropping, we were quickly told to leave the area because they were discussing “grown folks’ talk.”

I can remember visiting other relatives’ homes that were not AMEs and heard snippets of conversations about something that was going on in their churches. Come to think of it, there were a lot of whispered and lower-volume conversations about what was going on in the local churches in the area.

Mistakes are made

Church members make mistakes and even “good and faithful” church members make mistakes. Humans make mistakes.

One of the first mistakes made by church members is talking negatively about the church. When I was growing up, the children were sent out of the room; even when I became a teenager, I was sent out of the room.

Some adults today will discuss church business around children, and even to people who are not members. Several years ago, a relative confided that upon moving to a new area, she visited an AME Church, was introduced as a visitor; and before she could get to her car one on the older members of the congregation came and engaged her in conversation and said, “We are having serious problems here; our preacher is hard-headed and won’t listen to nobody.” My relative said that she didn’t even think for a minute that she was going to join that church. Sometimes, our own members are our churches’ worst enemies.

Another mistake made by some church members is that they have no stake in the ministry of the local church and are content to believe that the pastor is being paid to do the work of ministry. They do not feel guilty about their non-participation because they believe that the religious program belongs to the solely to the pastor. Members who make the mistake of not participating in ministry will not visit the sick or send sick members a card because they think that’s the pastor’s job. In my first church, I called upon an officer to pray, and he said that he didn’t know how to pray and nervously and half jokingly said, “We are paying you to pray.”

Another major mistake of many members is the failure of consistent and disciplined giving of their tithes and offerings. A lot of members do not give their financial offering when they miss Sunday worship services. I think that a lot of people use their absence as an excuse not to give. They operate under the notion, “If they don’t go, they don’t owe.” They function under the movie or sports-event mentality, “If you don’t go to see the movie or you don’t go to the sports event, you don’t pay for what you haven’t seen.” They bring that mentality to the church. They function as “spectators and customers” and not as “disciples or committed members.”

Another common mistake of church members is a sporadic attendance at worship services. I used to have an inward complaint, “If we could just get all the people all of the time, every Sunday; we would have a great church attendance.” So many members are not committed in their attendance, and usually those kinds of people are not committed to anything in their lives.

Unfortunately, some people lack discipline in church attendance. They refuse to attend church 52 Sundays a year. Any excuse will do to miss church; rain, snow, too hot, too nice of a day to sit in church, an upset stomach, too tired, a good movie is coming on television, a televangelist promises a life-changing sermon, a football game is coming on, a basketball game is coming on, a baseball game is coming on, a soccer match is coming on, the choir that I don’t like is singing, I heard the pastor is out of town this Sunday and we are having a guest preacher, the church is too hot, the church is too cold, can’t go to church this morning because I plan to go to the afternoon service, too tired, feel good and don’t want to risk feeling bad by hearing some negativity at church, planning a big meal and need to stay home to prepare dinner, just don’t feel like going to church today, nobody will miss me, don’t feel good, have a headache, allergies are acting up, arthritis is acting up, sugar levels don’t feel right, feel light-headed, must be my “pressure” and a myriad of other excuses.

Another mistake is one of being lazy. Some members just won’t participate in anything. Some people won’t serve in any organization, won’t be regular in their stewardship and attend church on an irregular basis. I call it laziness.

Some people are too lazy to attend Sunday School, which is a low-risk activity. Attending Sunday School is not like singing in the choir or being an usher, which requires attendance at weeknight practices. That is, if the choir rehearses and the usher board has meetings.

There are a few members, and we hope that it’s only a few, who just don’t like authority figures; and preachers are viewed as authority figures and some people just don’t like preachers. There are several ways to identify members who don’t like preachers.

First, there are members who talk negatively about all of the preachers they have had as pastors, in other words, they don’t have a good thing to say about any of them. Another way to identify people who have issues with authority figures are members who speak affectionately about all of the past pastors, nothing negative; but have nothing good to say about the present pastor. They are always anxiously looking ahead for the next pastor who they reckon will be a messiah-type figure. They are never satisfied with the present, but are always looking to the past or to the future.

Some church members make the mistake of carrying over the fight they had with the previous pastor to the new pastor; and some members carry church fights from one pastor to the next for years and years.

Another mistake of church members is their failure to encourage and be a friend to the pastor. I am not just speaking about a “nice sermon, pastor” friend, but a real friend. If the pastor likes to play golf, be a golfing friend, in other words, get to know the pastor. I know it might be hard, in some cases, because some pastors make the mistake of not wanting to develop close relationships with members. All of us, clergy and laity, need to understand that we are all human and being clergy doesn’t make us holier than the laity.

Another mistake church members make is not apologizing when they realize that they have made a mistake or misspoke on an issue. Some members will never admit to making a mistake; and of course some preachers function the same way.

And the biggest mistake that church members make is that they leave God completely out of their lives and function as if there is not a God. Their behavior at church is the same as their behavior in a secular environment. For them, church is not holy and they do not treat anything in the church as holy.

And, the result is that people are correct when they say “The Church is no different than the world” and, those of us who love the AME Church don’t want that to be the case,


2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:

- To the Editor

RE: The Christian Education News Break: Dr. Daryl Ingram is asking all Church School Teachers and religious Educators to read the article …

This is wonderful!! It is so disheartening....and boring....to be in a class with an unprepared teacher. I think some teachers tend to go off on tangents because they are unprepared. A big “Thank You” to Dr. Daryl Ingram for sharing this information with us. I can only hope that all of us will adhere to it...regardless of the setting. I know I will.

Ora Washington
An AME working and living in Okinawa, Japan


3. MESSAGE FROM BISHOP A.J. RICHARDSON, JR. HONORARY CHAIR OF CHALLENGE VII, 90-DAY READING OF THE BIBLE FROM COVER TO COVER – MAY 17, 2011:

I pray that all of my fellow travelers are keeping the pace. The Word is still as relevant as it was when it was written, and as meaningful as when we were first exposed to it.

I have completed my navigation through 150 Psalms and into 17 chapters of Proverbs; I read in awe.

I could not help but single out a verse from Proverbs in light of recent events and the plethora of comments that followed: "When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices; And when the wicked perish, there is jubilation." Proverbs 11:10 (NKJV)

I do not personally support "dancing in the street" at the death of an enemy, I do suppose that it requires a double portion of the spirit of Christ to think and feel otherwise.

Bishop Adam J. Richardson,
Presiding Prelate, 2nd Episcopal District


4. TWENTY-ONE STUDENTS GRADUATE FROM TURNER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY:

The 2011 Commencement Exercises for The Interdenominational Theological Center (Atlanta, GA), Turner Theological Seminary (AME) had 20 persons receiving the Master of Divinity and one person receiving the Master of Arts in Christian Education, the largest graduating class of all of the constituent seminaries of the ITC for this academic year.
The graduates are listed below. Please publish them in the Christian Recorder.

Gwendolyn A. Badie, M.Div. (6th District)
Brian K. Blackwell, M.Div. (9th District)
Demetria C. Cheeves, M.Div. (6th District)
Regina Y. Dotson-Hibbert, M.Div. (6th District)
Charles W. Dumas, Jr., M.Div. (6th District)
Veronica L. Giddens, M.Div. (1st District)
Samia P. Giddings, M.Div. (6th District)
Carolyn Habersham, M.Div. (8th District)
Jai S. Haithco, Sr., MACE (6th District)
Orna J. Husbands, M.Div. (6th District)
Olivia D. Martin, M.Div. and MACE (6th District)
Kevin T. Moore, M.Div. (6th District)
Esther D. King Powers, M.Div. (6th District)
Ezekiel Powers, M.Div. (6th District)
Christina D. Reed, M.Div. (2nd District)
William Jermaine Richardson, M.Div. (9th District)
Sharon D. Smith, M.Div. (11th District)
LeSean Tarkington, M.Div. (5th District)
William E. Thomas, Jr., M.Div. (11th District)
Michella P. Williams, M.Div. (6th District)
The 52nd Commencement Exercises for the Interdenominational Theological Center were held Saturday, 7 May 2011 at 8:30 am in the Martin Luther King, Jr., International Chapel on the campus of Morehouse College. The Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) is a consortium of denominational seminaries whose mission is to educate Christian leaders for ministry and service in the Church and the global community. The ITC educates and nurtures women and men who commit to and practice a liberating and transforming spirituality; academic discipline; religious, gender, and cultural diversity; and justice and peace.

The Reverend Dr. Ronald E. Peters is the president of the ITC.

About Turner Theological Seminary
The Turner Theological Seminary is a constituent denominational seminary of the Interdenominational Theological Center (the ITC), whose mission is to prepare men and women for ministry in the African Methodist Episcopal Church tradition and the global community. Through the ITC, the goal of Turner Theological Seminary is to educate and nurture men and women to engage in the practice of a liberating and transforming spirituality; through the exercise of academic discipline, religious, gender and cultural diversity; and justice and peace. The Reverend Dr. John F. Green (ITC ‘84) is the president-dean of Turner Theological Seminary.

**Submitted by the Rev. Wm. Jermaine Richardson (ITC Class of 2011) is the pastor of St Paul AME Church of Wylam in Birmingham, Alabama
AME Pastors graduate from Memphis Theological Seminary in record numbers


5. LARGE NUMBER OF MEMPHIS AREA AME CLERGY GRADUATE FROM MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY:

The following pastors will receive graduate honors from Memphis Theological Seminary in Memphis, Tennessee this Saturday, May 14, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. The commencement exercises will be held at Lindenwood Christian Church in Memphis.

The graduates are to be commended and congratulated for their commitment to their pastoral preparation.

- The Rev. Agnes Henderson, Mt. Olive AME Church, Millington, Tennessee - MDiv
- The Rev. Quinten Smith, Greater Payne Chapel AME Church, Memphis, Tennessee - MDiv
- The Rev. Denise Richardson, Associate, Wrights Chapel AME Church, Arlington, Tennessee - MDiv

- The Rev. Darrell Scott, Wilson Chapel AME Church, Memphis, Tennessee - MAR

- The Rev. Verlie Horton, Christ Tabernacle AME Church, Memphis, Tennessee - DMin

About Memphis Theological Seminary

Memphis Theological Seminary, an ecumenical Protestant seminary serving from the Mid-South region, is committed to providing theological education for church leaders throughout the world. Besides the traditional Master of Divinity (MDiv), Memphis Theological Seminary also grants Master of Arts in Religion (MAR), and Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degrees as well as administering the Cumberland Presbyterian denomination's Program of Alternate Studies or PAS. The seminary is fully accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS) and the Commission on Colleges and Schools of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to award the above-mentioned degrees. The seminary is approved by the University Senate of the United Methodist Church to educate United Methodist theological students.

**Submitted by the Rev. I. W. Booker, The AME Connection, "Connecting ministry One Saint at a time."


6. THIRD EPISCOPAL DISTRICT OF THE AME CHURCH PRESENTS $100,000.00 TO WILBERFORCE UNIVERSITY:

The Right Reverend C. Garnett Henning, Sr ’56, Wilberforce University Chancellor and Presiding Bishop of the Third Episcopal District of the African Methodist Church, presented $100,000.00 to Wilberforce University at the May 7, 2011 Commencement exercises for 136 graduates and an overflow audience of 2,500 family and friends.

The Third Episcopal District’s generous gift supports students who receive Wilberforce’s Institutional Scholarships and is the latest in the District’s long relationship to Wilberforce, the flagship University of the AME Church.

The Third Episcopal District is comprised of 200 AME churches serving approximately 35,000 members throughout Ohio, West Virginia and Western Pennsylvania.

J. Phillip Holloman, President and COO of Cintas Corporation gave the Commencement Address and received the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. Earlier in the day, the Rev. Brenda Girton-Mitchell, Director of the Obama Administration’s Center For Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, gave the Baccalaureate Address.


7. HISTORIC ST. JAMES AME CHURCH, NEW ORLEANS USED AS A LOCATION TO FILM THE MOVIE, "21 JUMP STREET”:

Historic St. James AME Church, New Orleans is being used as a location to film the movie, "21 Jump Street.” The Rev. Otto Duncan and the congregation are pleased that beautiful Historic St. James AME Church was chosen as a film location for the movie.

Attached are photos of Pastor Otto Duncan and church staff members, Mrs. Tim Wilson and Shafter Parker posing with actor Ice Cube, who is starring in the movie. He and his wife took time to speak with the pastor Duncan and to the members of the congregation.

About Historic St. James AME Church
Historic St. James AME Church in New Orleans, Louisiana was founded in 1844. The building was completed in 1851. Historic St. James AME Church is the oldest AME Church in the deep south. The church is presently in the midst of a major Restoration Project.

The Rev. Otto Duncan said, “We are briefly on hold due to having our site utilized in a movie production. We will resume as soon as that work is completed. Currently, we are focused the restoration of our Gothic windows.”

The Rev. Otto W. Duncan, Jr. is the pastor of Historic St. James AME Church located at 222 N. Roman Street in New Orleans, Louisiana


8. THE TRAVAILS OF BEING A PASTOR’S SPOUSE AND FIRST FAMILY:

The Rev. Janice Rhodes Casey

Being the first lady of the congregation and the children of the pastor carry special weights that only spouses and PK’S themselves understand. Are we special people that God has hand-picked for the task? Maybe! I can’t say yeah or nay, but as someone who has the dual position of being an ordained minister in her own right and first lady, I can describe the role that the Lord has placed upon my life and speak for my children, as they have not hidden their feelings under a bush about this whole affair.

Now into our eighth year of ministry and our third charge, my husband and I and our children have gained somewhat of a reputation as a family affair. I don’t accept a charge or a salary, but I work alongside my husband in whatever charge he is appointed. I lead from the second chair, which means that he is the pastor and makes all of the decisions. I support him, preach the Word, minister to the people and serve as first lady. I don’t try to push an agenda, but I do lots of training in the Word of God and study of the Bible wherever I go.

As for our children, they were surprisingly supportive of our ministry from the start. “You might as well preach to everybody else, you preach enough to us,” was their answer to our big news about going into the ministry. I suspect God intervened there just a bit because we were prepared to back off from ministry had they bucked against it. But with nodded heads, they all gave their approval and they have been right there with us, worshipping and serving in each charge we have been assigned.

So far this all sounds like a story made in heaven—like all have been blissful and easy. Well it has not been.

Being in ministry from the second chair and being the first lady of the church often means awkward decisions. For example, I find myself deciding between wearing the traditional dress black or dressing in more wifely attire, complete with heels and a big hat. It means the church members are often confused about what to call me. They range from calling me "Sister Casey, Reverend Casey, Rev. Janice, to First Lady." It means that I am made to bear the weight of unpopular decisions that my husband may make or worst, that I am sought out and befriended in order to influence my husband. It means that I am constantly being compared to the last pastor’s wife and it seems that they hated her and love me when I do something they like, but loved her ever so dearly if I dare do something they don’t like.

Being a pastor’s kid (PK) often means that people expect that child to love going to church. Well my children are like most children. They don’t mind going sometime, but they don’t like going all the time and District Conferences, Annual Conferences, Planning Meetings, General Conferences, etc. don’t hold any special significance to them. It’s just more church! So when they want to do something else instead, sometimes I feel the need to oblige them and take them on an outing. Church folk didn’t seem to understand why I decided to take my daughter Jennifer to the mall shopping instead of going to the prayer breakfast or why our sons Steven and Jordan wanted to watch the basketball playoffs rather than usher at the youth revival. After all, they know the Lord, right?

And then there are the other denominations that don’t care for women preachers. I remember the time my father in the ministry asked me to preach the afternoon sermon for him at the Baptist church next door. It was the pastor’s anniversary. I was honored to do it for him, since he was much loved by all in the community. However, I was unprepared for the whispers and frowns and unwelcoming spirit that I got from the Baptist brothers in the ministry. Not surprisingly, I have never been asked for a return visit.

Along with balancing ministry and family life, I have a full-time job and career. I’m a teacher and media specialist. There are people on my job who have no idea that I am a minister. I’m not keeping it a secret, but it just hasn’t come up. At times, when people have found out, they have admitted that they felt an undercurrent of “something different.” I carry my faith and belief into the workplace, but I’m not spouting scripture at every turn and trying to “save” people when I should be giving an honest day’s work. Also, I have to be wise with my time off and sometimes I can’t take off to attend to the ministry. However, my job allows me the freedom to minister without pay.

But all things considered, I must quote Paul. “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord…” Philippians 3:8a

This ministerial journey is challenging, and I, along with my husband and children, continue to make many mistakes along the way. We have talked too much and hurt someone’s feelings or too little and failed to encourage someone along the way. We have done things we should not have, like experimented with smoking on the church grounds (one of our sons, we found out, to our dismay) or not done things we should have, like communed a sick person because their house was so unpleasant. We have kept company with sinners and befriended outcasts, but preferred the company of Bishops and famous gospel singers. We have given too much of our own money and suffered financial difficulties. And at times we have not tithed faithfully and hurt the church.

However, God does not require us to be perfect people, only sincere and available to Him. I wish I could say that being a Pastor’s spouse is the best thing since apple pie. It’s not. But I can say, I would not change my life for any other, nor do I believe that my children or husband would either. God is good—all the time!

*The Rev. Janice Casey is a part of the ministerial staff and First Lady at St. Paul AME Church in Kingsland, Georgia


9. CHRISTIAN EDUCATION DIRECTOR REQUESTS ALL RELIGIOUS EDUCATORS TO READ ARTICLE:

Dr. Daryl Ingram is asking all Church School Teachers and religious Educators to read the article that appears below.

The 12 Keys of Effective Teaching is a Christian Education article that was published in a recent issue of The Journal of Christian Education.

12 Keys of Effective Teaching

By Paula Marolewski
While there are many forms of teaching in the Christian education arena, there are a few basic tenets that are applicable across the board. We will focus on these tenets as they apply to "formal" teaching (classroom, discussion, lecture, discipling relationships), but they are just as important in informal settings.

1) Set goals. This is probably the biggest omission for teachers. We know and want to communicate a lot of "stuff," but we haven't clearly defined our goal and purpose. Without a goal and purpose, our teaching wanders and we won't see the fulfillment the Lord intends in our ministries.
It may be helpful to choose a verse or passage to be a guide for your teaching. Then, as you prepare a lesson or a series of lessons, ask yourself questions to see if you are meeting your goals. For example, if we were looking at Ephesians 4:11-16, we might ask ourselves:

• How am I equipping people to serve through this lesson?

• How am I building up the body of Christ?

• How am I succeeding as an example of Christ-like character? How am I failing?

• What doctrines am I teaching on? How can I better communicate them?

• What practical application will my hearers draw from my lesson?

• What sin or error am I confronting?

• What spiritual disciplines am I promoting? Am I demonstrating them in my own life?

• How am I encouraging intimacy with God?

• How am I exhorting people to love?

• Is Christ the beginning, ending, and focus of my teaching?

Specific lessons and series of lessons will, of course, have additional specific goals particular to the topic at hand. These goals should be clearly delineated before teaching begins, and regular evaluations should take place to be certain that goals are being achieved.

2) Put forth effort. Give your preparation - and your delivery - the best of yourself. Don't expect fulfillment in ministry if you consistently "cobble something together" at the last minute, are rushing around the house to get out on time, and are tired when it's time to teach. You and your hearers will get the most out of your teaching if you put forth solid, concentrated effort into preparation time, and are rested and enthusiastic when it's time to speak.

3) Be orderly. Build a lesson as you would build a house. Lay a foundation and develop your points thoroughly and completely to a conclusion. You want your hearers to walk away with several things: facts, understanding, and application.

4) Avoid tangents. Whether they come from you or from one of your hearers, nip tangents in the bud (unless there is a distinct reason and the Spirit's leading to follow them and expand on them). Lessons should be tight, allowing no room for wandering or drifting. You will not accomplish your goals unless you stay focused.

5) Combine orthodoxy and orthopraxy. Each lesson should contain both right teaching (orthodoxy) and instruction on right practice (orthopraxy). Doctrine in a vacuum will not be remembered or be seen as applicable. Guidance on right practice will not become ingrained unless the reasons and doctrines behind it are understood. Instruction on the Word of God and the walk of God should go hand-in-hand whenever we teach.

6) Make it practical. Every lesson should be a "rubber-meets-the-road" lesson. If it's not practical, it won't be remembered. If it doesn't apply to life today, to my life today, then it's a waste of my time. Draw lessons from life today, and show how to apply lessons to life today.

7) Be dynamic. Whatever your teaching style, make it dynamic. Dynamic comes from the Greek word "dunamis," or power. Whether you lecture or lead discussions, whether you enjoy acting your lessons in front of a crowd or prefer quiet times in a circle, your teaching style should be power-filled through the Spirit. Be creative. Be compelling. Be challenging. Be excited. Be intense. However you speak, grab your hearers and hold them - only then will they hear what you're saying.

8) Encourage interaction. In almost all cases, people will learn more from a class that they participate in. Ask questions. Encourage responses and discussion. Be sure people are understanding what you're saying. Welcome input. Even a class that is predominantly lecture has room for learner participation. Frequently a question and answer time will serve to bring home the doctrines and lessons taught.

9) Repeat and review. You only remember a fraction of what you hear - so be sure your listeners hear what's most important many times. Review the key points of past lessons. Review points made earlier in a given lesson. Repeat truth until it becomes ingrained in your hearers.

10) Handouts and homework. Don't be afraid to ask your listeners to put forth effort on their own part. Give handouts with fill-ins and room for notes at each class - it encourages people to write down key points, therefore aiding the learning process (the more senses you engage in learning, the better you will remember). Give homework. Ask people to read and think and prepare for the next class, or to follow up on the one just given. Remind your hearers that Christian education does not happen for one hour on a Sunday - it must be a part of daily life.

11) Expect excellence. People will rise to your expectations of them. Never patronize or act condescendingly toward people. Don't give shallow or fluff-filled lessons. Dig deep into the truth and your listeners will fall in love with the truth, too.

12) Pray. Pray for yourself and your hearers. Pray for your preparation time, your sanctification, and your delivery. Pray for their attentiveness, understanding, and commitment to walk with the Lord. Pray for discernment, insight, and wisdom. Your ministry will only succeed if it is bathed in and founded on prayer.


10. RECAP OF 2011 AUGUSTA GEORGIA AND MACON CONFERENCE WIM SERVICES:

The Rev. Velma Grant

The Augusta Georgia Conference and the Macon Georgia Conference Women in Ministry are moving forward and are excited about the work of Women in Ministry. Below is a recap of both of the services coordinated by WIM for their respective Annual Conferences. The 97th session of the Augusta Georgia Annual Conference convened on April 12- 14, 2011, at Bethel A.M.E. Church where the Rev. Mark S. Pierson (candidate for Episcopal office) is the pastor. The 128th Session of the Macon Georgia Annual Conference convened on May 3-5, 2011 at Saint Paul AME Church where the pastor is the Rev. Ronald Slaughter, a young man with an abundance of energy for ministry.

On Thursday April 14, 2011, the Rev. Margaret Arnold was the featured preacher of the service coordinated by Women in Ministry for the Augusta Georgia Conference. She used Psalm 55:22 along with the title “Cast Your Burdens upon the Lord!” to preach the noonday sermon. The Rev. Arnold told the congregation that the burdens of life were pulling them down and that burdens occupy too much of our time, she reminded us that we do not have to bear our burdens ourselves. This tiny woman of God preached as if she was a physical giant, she preached with power, passion and with a purpose.

The Rev. Margaret Arnold shared that “…the trouble is that we never really believe that God has our back…we need to be patient and believe that God is who He says that He is…some have little concept of the burden that others carry…what kind of burdens do people carry?...burdens in the home…burdens have to do with business responsibility..Burdens in connection with the Lord’s work…wondering how to help the backsliding folks…there are physical burdens...these are the hardest to bear, fear, anxiety…burdens at the loss of a loved one...burden of disappointment…we are not to despair, despair will not lift our burdens…if I had wings…cast your burdens on the Lord, He shall sustain you…sometimes we take our burdens to the Lord only to take them back again…the Lord is your helper, the Lord is your deliverer, the Lord is just a prayer away…the Lord will not permit the goodness to slip and fall…those who hope in the Lord will walk and not faint…you don’t have to carry the load anymore…take your burdens to the Lord and leave them there…if you have a heavy burden, God will take care of you…cast your burdens on the Lord…Jesus is the heavy load bearer…”

The Rev. Carolyn Byrd leads the Augusta Georgia Conference Women in Ministry and she is assisted by the Rev. Pamela E. Hobbs along with a dynamic group of sisters committed to God, the AME Church and ministry. It should be noted that a wonderful, much appreciated monetary gift was bestowed to the Augusta WIM by the Presiding Elders of the Conference to help with the work of Women in Ministry of the Conference. Many thanks to Presiding Elder Richard Ward and Presiding Elder Ella M. Samuels for a gesture that is truly appreciated.

The Women in Ministry leader for the Macon Annual Conference is the Rev. Gwendolyn A. Badie and she along with her Executive Board is doing an outstanding job in that Conference. The Rev. Badie stresses that WIM is not about separation and she encourages both clergy, laity, male and female to join and be involved with Women in Ministry. She was the Worship Leader for the noonday service coordinated by WIM on Thursday, May 5, 2011. “Finding Favor in the Fields!” was the sermon title from the text, Ruth 2: 1-12, preached at the Macon noonday service. The Rev. Esther Powers was indeed a “triple threat,” because she was the noonday preacher, she was ordained an Itinerant Elder later that night, and she received a Master of Divinity from the Interdenominational Theological Center a few days after she preached. The preacher reminded us that our circumstantial extremities are God’s opportunities; she told the congregation that even when we cannot see the hand of God at work, God is still there with us.

The Rev. Powers preached, “…God is working in us and is not through with us yet…it is God that guides…the Hebrew root word for favor is grace (?)...favor is not the result of your good behavior or your outward appearance…it can’t be purchased or earned…cant name it or claim it…cant pimp the favor of God…God’s favor..Is found in the fields of everyday life…Naomi did not falsely state, I’m too blessed to be stressed...Naomi had use up her energy in worrying and so she had none left…the requirements of favor are (1) take the initiative..inactivity is not an action…be willing to do something, be willing to move, take the first steps…(2) must trust God…God’s divine agenda is already in place…God is constantly working behind the scene, not scene but seen…what can be seen..It’s alright to be different…your difference is your definition...God uses some unusual people to bless you…you don’t know who your Boaz is…there is favor right in the fields where you are…favor declares to doubt, I know who I trust…favor contends that God is still God…God is still working it out for our good…my favor has nothing to do with my accounts…favor has nothing to do whether I am ordained or not, local or otherwise…God’s favor is always fair…(3) don’t forget to worship God when your favor comes…when your recognition comes…don’t forget to be humble, the favor of God should make us become grateful…favor happens when we are willing to bow down to God…I am so glad that human hands cannot conjure up the favor of God…favor cannot be bought in Macy’s…God’s favor meets me in the fields of ministry…”

I am truly impressed by all of the women who have answered the call to ministry and have shouldered the responsibilities (physical, financial etc) that accompany the calling. They have not neglected their other roles in life such as wife, mother sister, grandmother, aunt, friend, scholar, entrepreneur, educator, physician, or attorney. They are not “worldly superwomen” but they with God’s help are responding to the great commission and are also responding to Jesus’ statement that the harvest is plentiful and the laborers are few. These willing workers who just happen to be female are working, preaching teaching despite the obstacles and the patriarchal system that is deeply engrained in the Zion that we love so well, the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Keep working; preaching, teaching, and loving my sisters, cast your burdens on the Lord, continue to find favor in your field of ministry because change is on the horizon.


11. LAW DAY CELEBRATED AT NEW SALEM AME CHURCH - HONORING OFFICER DANITA MARSH:

Sister Mildred Johnson

New Salem AME Church and Pastor Anthony Thomas Sr. celebrated Law Day on Sunday April 17, 2011 honoring Officer Danita Marsh.

On October 27, 2006, Officer Danita Marsh life was changed forever when she was ambushed while assisting a domestic violent victim in her patrol cruiser.

Many came out Sunday April 17, 2011 to honor her for her dedicated service. Although things have changed in her life, people came out with an out pouring love and roses to shower her with. The choir praised her in song, dancer Nicole Foxx in dance, and Ms. Alveanie Wilson member of New Salem AME Church welcomed everyone in a way that we knew we were welcomed back.

We would like extend special thanks to our entire guest that came out and supported this effort, said Rev. Anthony Thomas Sr., who is the pastor of New Salem AME Church located in the Salem Town Community in north Nashville, and this is something that we wanted to do in honor of Officer Danita Marsh.

He also sends special thanks to Keynote speaker: Sheriff William Black that brought a stirring message to the crown and special thanks for his personal assistant, James Duke. We want to thank Mayor Karl Dean, Council woman Erica Gilmore Judge Angelina Dalton, Chaplain Rimmer, Metro Police Commander, Anthony Carter-North Precinct, Lois Derryberry Facilities, School Officers, Jerrilyn Manning, Ralph Thompson, Reuben Dotson, Darrell Short, Attorney Walter Searcy, and let us not forget the Craighead Academy Stripped Tie Guys and Girls they really sung their heart out.

Pastor Anthony Thomas would like to thank everyone for all they did to make this day a do to remember for our all our guest but especially to our Special Guest Officer Danita Marsh. Thank you for your untiring service to missions.


12. BETHEL AME CHURCH, BALTIMORE CELEBRATES ITS 100TH YEAR AT ITS PRESENT LOCATION:

*Mr. Saleem M. Wooden

Bethel’s dedication services continued from 8 January 1911 to 26 March 1911

The Senior Pastor of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Baltimore, the Rev. Dr. Frank M. Reid, III has marked Bethel’s theme for this year as “2011 is the year of Glorifying God Through Excellence and Expansion”. Researching Bethel’s records did not reveal a church theme for the year of 1911, but the Bethel of 1911 surely did practice the theme we advocate today of “Glorifying God Through Excellence and Expansion”. For it was 100 years ago in 1911, that Bethel moved into its present sanctuary: the same sanctuary where the 195th Session of the Baltimore Annual Conference recently ended on 16 April 2011.

Bethel had worshipped in its sanctuary downtown near the corner of present day Holiday and Saratoga Streets for 114 years since 1797. It had built a new church on the adjoining lot to the original sanctuary in 1848 under the leadership of the Rev. Daniel Payne (later becoming Bishop Payne). In 1907, Bethel considered moving from its downtown location but those discussions did not bear fruit. But in 1909 with the City’s planned widening of Saratoga Street, it became imperative that Bethel move to a new location.

In a predominantly white neighborhood that was transforming into a mixed race neighborhood in west Baltimore at the corner of Druid Hill Avenue and Lanvale Street stood the St. Peters Protestant Episcopal Church. With a down payment made in December 1909 and the sale of the property fully completed on 22 November 1910, historic “Mother Bethel” of the Baltimore Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church purchased St. Peters P. E. Church as its new home for $90,000. It is interesting to note that St Peters P.E. Church had the edifice built as its new home in 1868 in the Norman Gothic architectural style for $100,000.

In the 26 November 1910 edition of the Baltimore Afro American Ledger newspaper, the paper reported about Bethel’s purchase with a large photo of the St Peters Protestant Episcopal Church. The sub-headline of the story stated, “The largest real estate deal ever consummated by Negroes in this city by Bethel Church.” It also stated that the property was “one of the largest and handsomest pieces of church property in the city.” As you can see, 1910 Bethel was practicing “Glorifying God thru Excellence and Expansion”.

The Baltimore Sun newspaper’s 23 November 1910 edition reported the Bethel purchase with the article ending with this last sentence: “The sale was made in consequence of the increasing colored population in the neighborhood.” Areas of the Druid Hill Avenue neighborhood were changing from an all white neighborhood to a mixed race neighborhood in 1910. Union Baptist and Sharp St Memorial Churches had moved to their present locations about a decade before Bethel’s move.

So in less than two months after the purchase, Bethel AME Church held its grand opening with its first worship service on Sunday, 8 January 1911. The 7 January 1911 edition of the Afro American Ledger newspaper had a large photo of the new Bethel on its front page and an article about “Impressive Ceremonies Will Mark The Opening of New Church”. There was so much anticipation in the City about Bethel’s first worship services that the Afro American newspaper had to print a special notice about Bethel’s first Sunday. The special notice stated “Free to all at the opening of New Bethel AME Church….All welcome, admission free to all. A false rumor has been circulated that an offering of $1.00 would be collected as an admission fee on that day which is incorrect.”

“With standing room at a premium” on that first Sunday at Druid Hill and Lanvale, the order of worship consisted of a song, praise and prayer service at 10 AM. The Dedicatory Sermon was delivered by the 2nd Episcopal District Prelate, the Bishop Levi Coppin at the 11 AM service. He was preaching back home again because he was Bethel’s pastor from 1881-1883. The 3 PM afternoon service was preached by the Rev. Ross of Metropolitan AME of Washington, D.C. The day concluded with an evening service at 7:30 PM with the Presiding Elder C. Harold Stepteau delivering the sermon. He would later become Bethel’s pastor from 1925 to 1930.

Dedication services at the church continued on Monday, 9 January 1911 and continued each day of the week except for Saturdays until the end of February. Various speakers included the Missionary Secretary of the AME Church, the Register of the United States Treasury, the editor of the AME Church’s Christian Recorder newspaper, the pastors and their congregations of the Baltimore Conference, and numerous guest speakers. There was a Baltimore City Public School Teachers night, a “St Paul, An Oratorio” recital night with a 100 voice choir, and a legal profession night with George McMechen leading the discussion.

(George McMechen was the attorney with his wife and three children that moved into the all white block of the 1800 block of McCulloh Street in June 1910. This move eventually sparked the Baltimore City Council to pass in late 1910, the nation’s first neighborhood residential segregation laws to keep blocks all white or all black. Several cities followed Baltimore’s lead in passing similar laws: Roanoke, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Winston-Salem, Greenville, and Atlanta. The laws were found unconstitutional in 1917.)

Other speakers of note were Ms. Hallie Brown of Wilberforce who delivered the sermon on Sunday, 12 February 1911 and Mr. James Matthews, a long time member of St Peters P.E. Church who spoke on 11 January 1911. He was a former reporter of the Baltimore American newspaper and remembered coming to Bethel in 1871 to report on Fredrick Douglass’s speech about being an envoy for the U.S. government to determine if the Dominican Republic wanted to become a U.S. possession.

The last service for the dedication of the “New Bethel” came during the Sunday afternoon service of 26 March 1911. The Colored YMCA was responsible for the service.

So, our 2011 Church theme of “Glorifying God Thru Excellence and Expansion” was manifested by our turn of the century forefathers. The Bethel of 2011 and the 195th Session of the Baltimore Annual Conference have something to learn from them as well. On the third page of the 1911 Souvenir Program for the Dedication Services of the New Bethel AME Church, the following words are found in large bold print: a glorious past. A hopeful future. Let us always continue to honor and remember our glorious past and always be hopeful with God as our guide for an expansive and excellent future.

*Mr. Saleem M. Wooden is the Church Historian at Bethel AME Church in Baltimore, Maryland.


13. MADAM ANNETTE MBAYE D'ERNEVILLE, LEADER OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S MOVEMENT BEING HONORED AT LIBRARY OF CONGRESS:

Madam Marie Pierre Mbaye Myrick will speak at the U.S. Library of Congress on May 19. She was invited to address a conference focusing on the life and film documentary ("Mere-bi") of her iconic mother, Madam Annette Mbaye d'Erneville, internationally acclaimed journalist, poet and one of the leaders of the international women's movement. Madam Myrick is Public Relations Director of the one-of-its-kind Henriette Bathily Women's Museum, located at Gore Island, Senegal. Her local community activities include service on the boards for inter alia -- the Norfolk Sister Cities Association, Friends of Old Dominion University Women's Studies Program and the Annual Ambassador Bismarck Myrick Thanksgiving Day Celebrations (hosted in Portsmouth, Virginia).

Madam Myrick is married to retired U.S. career diplomat, Ambassador Bismarck Myrick, who is now Ambassador-in-Residence at Old Dominion University.


14. A TRIPARTITE CELEBRATION DURING THE LENTEN SEASON:

Ms. Matty Johnigan

Rejoice in the goodness, love and mercy of the Lord! And, that’s just what three Churches and their congregations did on three occasions during the Lenten Season. Joy Tabernacle A.M.E. Church, the Rev. Michael W. Waters, founder and pastor; Smith Chapel A.M.E. Church, the Rev. Sylvester D. Patton III, pastor; St. Paul A.M.E. Church, the Rev. Juan Tolliver, pastor (host church). All three of the Greater Dallas District, North Texas Annual Conference, Tenth Episcopal District united in three highly spiritual worship services.

The celebrations of praise and worship, confession and repentance, cleansing and self-examination, fasting and praying were ushered in on Ash Wednesday, March 9, 2011. The choirs of Joy Tabernacle and St. Paul ignited the fire of hope with adoration, praise and thanksgiving inducing a receptive atmosphere for the gospel in songs. As the praises lifted our hearts to higher grounds, shouts of inspiration and admiration served as catalysts preparing hungry souls to be nourished by the fire burning on the outside as well as within. The Ambassador, the Rev. Michael W. Waters, in his fiery and eloquent manner expounded on “I’m Ashy” taken from Jeremiah 21:1-7; 29:10-11. After a historical briefing on “ashes”, Rev. Waters proclaimed the obedience of the prophet as Jeremiah delivered the message the Lord had given him for the punishment of Judah. And, yet in the midst of what seemed defeat, the Lord also sent a message of hope: after fulfilling your 70 years of punishment the Lord says: “I have plans for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future.” Victory was promised the midst of what looked like defeat. Like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, we, too, shall rise up from the ashes of defeat to total victory in Jesus Christ.

With the power of the Holy Spirit profoundly burning inside and outside, the Invitation to Christian Discipleship was extended and all indicated they were disciples. The glorious evening concluded with the Ceremony of Ashes rendered by Rev. Patton and Rev. Tolliver. And, the evening of the first united worship service ended with the benediction by Rev. Waters and the congregants departed on a spiritual high.

The second gathering convened at the host church on Wednesday evening, March 30th with enthusiasm and a great expectancy. The choir of Smith Chapel with lifted voices as angels marching around God’s throne prepared the way for the entrance of the Holy Spirit. Songs of praises radiated sparkling rays of love and serenity penetrating the congregants with penitence. The Rev. Sylvester D. Patton, III, in his explosive narrative style emphatically portrayed the parable of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. Text: John 4:4-7; subject “He Had to Go.” Although the Jews and the Samaritans had futile relationships, Jesus had to go through Samaria to save a sin sick soul unable to see a well of water sitting on a well of water. One encounter with Jesus not only redeemed the Samaritan woman but her testimony “Come see a man …” brought conversion to a whole community. He had to go to find you and me to testify of His saving power throughout Samaria and to the utmost places of the earth. The invitation to Christian Discipleship was extended, the redeemed said so and the prayer of benediction by Rev. Patton ended an enriched evening of divine aspiration.

The culmination of the united Lenten worship services assembled on April 20th at the host church. The sanctuary filled with the people of God zealously and vivaciously anticipating holy fire from above to rain down and minister to the needs of the congregants. The choir of St. Paul drew our attention from the burdens of the day by elevating us to heights of serenity and blessedness. Their angelic voices with soul stirring power magnified and electrified as an unspeakable joy of love and righteousness abound.

Continuing in this atmosphere of love, the Rev. Juan N. Tolliver appeared on the scene and directed our attention to Hebrews 12:1-3. The Word, orchestrated by the Master Architect, challenged the people of God to run your designated race with patience. Having heard the cloud of witnesses -prepare to run: “On Your Mark, Get Ready, Go!” Look to Jesus, Who took so much from sinful men so, you, too, can endure, not grow weary, tired and give up. You thought it would be easy when you gave your life to Christ; however, the Christian journey is compared to a race: not a marathon race but a spiritual race. On your mark, get ready go!

Sometimes we get cramps while running (struggles with our faith; deception by the adversary; people getting on your last nerve). You need spiritual preparation to build up endurance to stay in the race. Lay aside your burdens, sins that distract. You can’t run your race in your robe; take it off so God can get the glory. The race is not given to the swift but to he who endures. If you drop out of the race you can’t get your crown. On your mark, get ready, go! Somebody came before us; our heroes, our cloud of witnesses. Let us run with patience the race appointed to us. Look to Jesus our role model, our elder brother. Keep your eyes on Jesus, the beginning and the end, the author and finisher of our Faith. The Invitation to Christian Discipleship was extended and all indicated they were saved.

In the closing moments of this glorious celebration recognitions of financial blessings were bestowed upon the extended families of the churches. Recipient, Pearl C. Anderson Middle School adopted by Joy Tabernacle. Recipient, William Brown Miller Elementary School, adopted by Smith Chapel, Recipient, Phyllis Wheatley Elementary School, adopted by St. Paul And, recognition with an attitude of gratitude was also given to our distinguished and renown Presiding Prelate and Episcopal Supervisor, The Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram and the Reverend Dr. Jessica Kendall Ingram who shared these worship services with us. Bishop Ingram graced the congregants with words of wisdom and rounding off the financial blessings for the 3 public schools to the nearest thousand. The Rev. Elliott C. Lambert, pastor of our sister church, Greater Garth Chapel A.M.E. Church (who was in a recent auto automobile accident) and his lovely wife Arlene also received a financial blessing from the three churches. Presiding Elder James W. Ford of the Greater Dallas District was also in attendance.

The Benediction was given by our Episcopal supervisor, Rev. Dr. Jessica K. Ingram, as the congregants departed in fellowship, love and a spiritual renewal, precious memories of the trio churches will linger on for Generations to come. Not only is God good all the time, all the time God is Love.


15. AME BISHOP VASHTI MURPHY MCKENZIE IS LOUISVILLE PRESBYTERIAN SEMINARY COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER:

May 13, 2011 - Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary will hold its 158th Commencement exercises on Sunday, May 22, 2011, at Second Presbyterian Church in Louisville, Ky., at 3:30 p.m.

The Rt. Rev. Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Bishop of the 13th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, is the Commencement speaker. Her address is entitled "Which One of You?"

Bishop McKenzie serves as the 117th elected Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. Her historic election in 2000 represents the first time in the 200-year history of the AME Church that a woman had obtained that level of Episcopal office. In 2005, she again made history by becoming the first woman selected as the head of the denomination, as the presiding prelate of the Council of Bishops.

McKenzie is a graduate of the University of Maryland at College Park, where she began a successful career in journalism, radio, and Christian media broadcasting. After joining the AME Church, she earned her Master of Divinity degree from Howard University Divinity School and the Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. She has served as a congregational pastor and was featured in Ebony Magazine’s "Honor Roll of Great African American Preachers." McKenzie preaches and speaks to diverse groups across the country and around the world. In April 2011, she was the guest speaker of Louisville Seminary’s Women at the Well Retreat for women of color in serving in ministry. She also is the author of four books, including Not without a Struggle and Strength in the Struggle, focused on leadership and professional growth for women.

As Bishop of the 13th Episcopal District, based in Nashville, Tenn., she has launched an innovative agenda among her congregations with an aim to “Rebuild lives, Churches, and Communities” through numerous social ministries, with educational services among her priorities. Bishop McKenzie values theological education and, under her leadership, AME Church students have been encouraged to study at Louisville Seminary, and they have done so with distinction.

“Over the years, Louisville Seminary has been honored to count among its alums men and women of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, who have honored their denomination and Louisville Seminary with their study and preparation for continued ministry in the church,” said President Michael Jinkins, who will be presiding at his first Commencement ceremony since becoming President of the Seminary in September 2010.

These alums have included the late Louisville activist Rev. Louis H. Coleman Jr. (MDiv ’79); Rev. Charmayne Davis (MACE), who directed the first Freedom School in Louisville and is currently studying in the Seminary’s Doctor of Ministry program; Rev. Erika Taylor, a graduate of the Marriage and Family Therapy program (2006), who is a therapist and pastor Greater Taylor Chapel AME Church in Franklin, Ky.; and Rev. Shielah Robinson, who graduated in 2010 with dual degrees in divinity and marriage and family therapy.

Commencement Exercises

Louisville Seminary will confer the following degrees: Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, Master of Arts (Religion), Master of Theology, and Doctor of Ministry. Of the 33 potential graduates, 17 are women and 16 are men. Two in the graduating class will receive dual degrees with their Master of Divinity degree, one the Juris Doctorate from the University of Louisville, and another the Master of Spirituality degree from Bellarmine University.

The 158th Commencement will also mark a significant milestone in the Seminary’s history. Several men and women will be recognized for their continuing studies on behalf of the church as the Certificate in Black Church Studies is awarded for the first time to six students. In addition, Certificates in Pastoral Studies and Pastoral Counseling Supervision will be awarded.

As part of the ceremony, the Devoted Service Awards, which recognize individuals for their dedicated service in the life of the Church, will be presented to the Commencement Speaker and to Elder Carolyn Jordan, Moderator of the Synod of Living Waters, which comprises 12 presbyteries in the four-state region of Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama.

Graduate awards also will be announced recognizing student accomplishments in a variety of areas, including, preaching, theology, the integration of theology with marriage and family therapy, field education, and overall academic achievement.

Baccalaureate Service

Prior to Commencement, at a morning worship service, Dr. Dianne Reistroffer, Director of Field Education and Methodist Studies and Professor of Ministry, will deliver the Baccalaureate sermon, “God Bless this Mess.” The Baccalaureate will be held in the Seminary’s Frank H. and Fannie W. Caldwell Chapel at 10:30 a.m.

Each year, members of the graduating class select the Baccalaureate preacher and create the worship service.

A member of the Louisville Seminary faculty since 1998, Dr. Reistroffer is an experienced pastor and educator, with dual standing as a clergy member in the Wisconsin Conference of the United Methodist Church and the Presbytery of Western Kentucky of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). She earned degrees from the College of St. Teresa, Winona, Minnesota, (BA); Villanova University, Pennsylvania (MA); Boston University School of Theology (MTS, MDiv); and the University of Wisconsin, Madison (PhD), with additional study at Harvard Graduate School of Education. She has received numerous awards during her tenure at Louisville Seminary, including the 2000 Metroversity Grawemeyer Special Merit Award for Instructional Development for her course, “Faith and Money.” In 2000, during her years as Seminary Dean, she also earned for Louisville Seminary a $300,000 grant from the Luce Foundation in order to establish a comprehensive academic support services program for seminary students. She also has been recognized for her coaching models for guiding faculty work in curriculum and course assessment. Her guidance of students through their practical education experiences has endeared her among the graduates as a significant contribution to their formation for ministry.

Founded in 1853, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary is one of ten Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) seminaries. The Seminary is committed to nurturing an inclusive learning community in which men and women can follow God’s call to theological education and prepare to serve in an increasingly pluralistic world.

Caldwell Chapel is located on the campus of Louisville Seminary at 1044 Alta Vista Road, Louisville, Ky., 40205, and Second Presbyterian Church is located at 3701 Old Brownsboro Road.


16. PRISON MINISTRY SHOULD BE IMPORTANT TO THE AME CHURCH – FREE-2-WORSHIP GUIDE:

The Rev. Gloria Sydnor Smith, Esq.

This message is for all of those who are, or want to be involved in prison ministry.

It is a very important ministry that the AME Church not neglect prison ministry. In fact, prison ministry should be a high priority throughout the AME Church.

I have developed a model for prison ministry and invite readers to use all or any parts of this model. This ministry is a part of my D. Min. Project. All responses will be properly documented, but I will not use any names without permission.

“Nothing has contributed more to the systematic mass incarceration of people of color in the United States than the War on Drugs.” (Michelle Alexander, The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness. New York: The New Press, 59).

The War on Drugs was announced in 1982 by President Ronald Reagan three years before the introduction of crack cocaine that some believe was purposely aimed against the African American community. Statistics show “The number of people incarcerated in U.S. prisons and jails increased from 300,000 to 2 million from 1980 to 2000” and “African Americans make up 43.9 percent of the state and federal prison populations; but only 12.3 percent of the U.S. population.”

The lopsided numbers have a tremendous impact on the African American community. The failure of some AME pastors to implement prison ministries when there is an obvious need for this type of ministry in our communities demonstrates that some of pastors may be afraid or apprehensive about doing prison ministry.

Free-2-Worship is about challenging pastors in the AME Church to overcome any fears to establishing prison ministry programs in local churches. AME pastors are mandated “to minister to the social, spiritual, and physical development of all people.” (2008 AMEC Discipline, p. 16). “All people” include those that are in prison, and their families. Accordingly, every AME Church should have a prison ministry that intentionally targets the social needs that stem from mass incarceration. We are reminded in scripture, “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)

Free-2-Worship is prophetic preaching that encourages people in the traditional church to welcome individuals, who have been branded as criminals, into the church and the worship experience. It exposes the truth: There is bondage in the church until everyone is free to worship God in the church and the worship experience. The church that refuses to accept everyone who desires to return to God is not engaged in the true worship of God; they are worshipping false gods that are only concerned with outward appearances.

There are ministry models for creating an atmosphere that welcomes individuals, caught up in the criminal system, into the church and the worship experience. One of the models is presented below:

Free-2-Worship Ministry Model

- One: Identify individuals who are in the criminal system through the members and families that are in the church. The individuals do not have to be members of the church.

- Two: Determine the case stage and whether the individuals are locked up.

(1) Pre-trial – Begins with arrest, up until the person goes to trial or pleads out.
(2) Post-conviction – The person has already been found guilty and/or sentenced.
(3) Post-release – The person has already served time in jail or prison.

- Three: Develop an action plan that will meet the needs of the individuals in the system. Examples of action plans include, but are not limited to:

Pre-trial Action Plan:

1) The pastor and/or a member from the church attend all court hearings.
2) If the individuals are out on bond, the pastor and members of the church should encourage the individuals to regularly attend church.
3) If the individuals are locked up, visit them in jail.

Post-conviction Action Plan:

1) The pastor and/or someone from the church should determine whether an appeal is appropriate or not.
2) If the individuals have not been sentenced yet, the pastor or a member of the church may be able to help by writing a letter to the Judge. The letter should be sent to the defense attorney for review to make sure that the letter is helpful.

3) If the individuals have been sentenced to probation, the church may be able to help by providing an opportunity for community service, employment, or help with housing and/or meals.

4) If the individuals are incarcerated, the church should maintain contact with the individuals and sends letters and/or books to them. (A sample letter is attached to the email).

5) If the individuals are incarcerated, the church may be able to help by providing transportation for family members to visit during visiting hours.

6) If the individuals are incarcerated, they should be encouraged to attend the Christian worship service at the institution.

Post Release Action Plan:

1) The church may be able to help with housing and/or meals.
2) The pastor and members from the church should encourage the individuals to attend church on a regular basis.

3) The church may be able to provide an opportunity for community service, employment, or help with housing and/or meals.

Free-2-Worship Ministry Model
D. Min. Project, United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio, Focus Group: Prophetic Preaching in the 21st Century of the African American Church
The Rev. Gloria Lynn Sydnor Smith, Esq.
Pastor, Whitman Chapel AMEC, Belpre, Ohio
513-602-5268 Cell
gloriasmithlaw@aol.com

Sample Letter to Prison Inmate (On Church Letterhead)

Date
Inmate Name (Prison #)
Another Correctional Facility
Anywhere, OH 12345

Dear (Inmate name):

I am the pastor at Whitman Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Your father attends our worship service and he asked the church to pray for you.

The members of Whitman Chapel have been praying for you and we will continue to pray for you. We want you to be strong. Psalm 105:4 says, “Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.” This psalm was written by David, a man that made many mistakes in his life, but he never turned away from God. David knew that no matter what he was going through, and no matter what he did, he had to look to the Lord.

David knew where his strength came from. (First Name), your strength is in the Lord too. You can pray as David prayed:

“Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.” Psalm 57:1

We know that you are dealing with a lot right now, but please remember, we are thinking about you and praying for you. We encourage you to attend church services regularly and to read your Bible daily. If you do not have a Bible, we will send one to you.

We would like to continue to communicate with you, but we will respect your space if you do not want that. We would love to hear from you. We would also love to have you worship with us upon your release.

With His Love in our hearts,

The Rev. Gloria Sydnor Smith and the
Members of Whitman Chapel


17. AME LUNCHEON AT THE 2011 HAMPTON MINISTERS’ CONFERENCE:

Information about the AME Luncheon at the 97th Annual Hampton University Ministers’ Conference and 77th Annual Choir Directors’ Organists’ Guild Workshop

The AME Luncheon at the 97th Annual Hampton University Ministers’ Conference and 77th Annual Choir Directors’ Organists’ Guild Workshop
will be held on Wednesday June 08, 2011 at 12 Noon at the Crowne Plaza Hotel (formally the Radisson Hotel), 700 Settlers Landing Road Hampton, Virginia. The Cost of the Luncheon is $25.00 and it is always a great time of fellowship.

If you need further information call Bethel AME Church 757-723-4065.

**Submitted by the Rev. Andre Jefferson, pastor of Bethel AME Church in Hampton and the coordinator of the AME Luncheon

About the 97th Annual Hampton University Ministers’ Conference and 77th Annual Choir Directors’ Organists’ Guild Workshop go to:
http://minconf.hamptonu.edu/



18. TENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2011:

Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram, Presiding Prelate
The Reverend Dr. Jessica Kendall Ingram, Episcopal Supervisor

2011 CONVOCATION
JULY 7-9, 2011
Crowne Plaza Hotel
14315 Midway Road
Addison, Texas 75001
For Reservations-Call
972-980-8877 Push 1 For Reservation
Group Rate Block Code: CV7
Group Rates:
$105.00 Includes Breakfast For Two
$115.00 For Triple Includes Breakfast for three
$125.00 For Quad Includes Breakfast for four
Reservation Cut Off Date: June 15, 2011

2011 NORTH TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE
September 10 –September 17, 2011
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
1310 E. Wintergreen Road * Desoto, Texas 75115
Hotel Phone# 972-224-3100
Group Name: 10th District AMEC
Group Rate: $105.00 Includes Breakfast
$115.00 Suite Includes Breakfast
Reservation Cut Off Date: August 15, 2011
September 10, 2011 – YPD Day
September 12, 2011 – Missionary Day
September 13, 2011 – The Gathering of Women
September 13, 2011 – Opening Worship
Host: St. Paul AMEC – The Rev. Juan Tolliver

2011 NORTHWEST TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE
September 24- October 1, 2011
Hilton Waco Hotel
113 S University Parks Drive
Waco, Texas 76701
Hotel Phone # 254-754-8484
Group Name: AME 10th Episcopal District
Group Rate: $119.00
Reservation Cut-Off Date: August 28, 2011
September 24, 2011 – YPD Day
September 26, 2011– Missionary Day
September 27, 2011 – The Gathering of Women
September 27, 2011 – Opening Worship
Host: St. Paul AMEC – The Rev. George Johnson


2011 SOUTHWEST TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE
October 8– October 15, 2011
Hilton San Antonio Airport
661 N.W. Loop 410
San Antonio, Texas 78216
Hotel Phone # 210-340-6060
Group Name: 10th Episcopal District AMEC SW Conference
Group Rate: $105.00
Reservation Cut-Off Date: September 22, 2011
October 8, 2011 – YPD Day
October 10, 2011– Missionary Day
October 11, 2011 – The Gathering of Women
October 11, 2011 – Opening Worship
Host: Bethel AMEC – The Rev. Raymond Bryant


2011 TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE
October 22 – October 29, 2011
Holiday Inn Reliant Park
8111 Kirby Drive
Houston, Texas 77054
Hotel Phone# 713-799-1900
Group Name: 10th District AMEC
Group Rate: $79.00
Reservation Cut-Off Date: October 10, 2011
October 22, 2011 – YPD Day
October 24, 2011 – Missionary Day
October 25, 2011 – The Gathering of Women
October 25, 2011 – Opening Worship
Host: Wesley AMEC – The Rev. Leo Griffin


2011 PLANNING MEETING
NOVEMBER 17-19, 2011
Hyatt Regency North Dallas Hotel
701 E. Campbell Rd.
Richardson, Texas 75081
Hotel Phone# 972-231-9600
Group Name: 10th District AME Church
Group Rate: $120.00
Reservation Cut-Off Date: October 25, 2011


20. THE ELEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2011:

Bishop McKinley Young, Presiding Prelate
Dr. Dorothy Young, Episcopal Supervisor

146th Session - Florida Annual Conference
August 20-26, 2011
Bethel AME Church
501 W. Orange Ave
Tallahassee, FL 32310
(850) 576 -7501
The Rev. Dr. Julius H. McAllister, Jr., Host Pastor
The Rev. Dr. Carlton V. Taylor, Host Presiding Elder

112th Session - Central Annual Conference
September 10-16, 2011
St. Mark AME Church
1960 Bruton Blvd
Orlando, FL 32805
(407) 422 6941
The Rev. Terence R. Gray, Host Pastor
The Rev. Hartford Lee, Host Presiding Elder

121st Session - South Annual Conference
September 24-30, 2011
Greater Bethel AME Church
245 NW 8th Street
Miami, FL 33136
(305) 371-9102
The Rev. Eddie Lake, Host Pastor
The Rev. John L. Bodison, Host Presiding Elder

71st Session - West Coast Annual Conference
October 8-14, 2011
Allen Temple AME Church
2101 Lowe Street
Tampa, FL 33606
(813) 229 1438
The Rev. Michael K. Bouie, Host Pastor
The Rev. Henry E. Green, Jr., Host Presiding Elder

136th Session - East Annual Conference
October 22-28, 2011
St. Paul AME Church
6910 New Kings Road
Jacksonville, FL 32219
(904) 764-2755
The Rev. Dr. Marvin C. Zanders, II, Host Pastor
The Rev. Elizabeth E. Yates, Host Presiding Elder

72nd Session - Bahamas Annual Conference
November 1-6, 2011
Cousin McPhee AME Church
Nassau, Bahamas
(242) 361-0809
The Rev. Dr. Ranford Patterson, Host Pastor
The Rev. Howard Williamson, Host Presiding Elder

Post Conference Planning Meeting
November 17-19, 2011
Rosen Plaza Hotel
9700 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819
407 996 9700


21. THE 2011 NINETEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:

Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath, Presiding Prelate
Susan J. Leath, M.D., Episcopal Supervisor

EAST ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Sixtieth Session
6-9 October 2011
D.M. Robinson A.M.E. Church
Sebokeng
The Rev. Seabi Jacob Moleli, Host Pastor
The Rev. T.A.M. Mofokeng, Host Presiding Elder


M.M. MOKONE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Twenty-Seventh Session
13-16 October 2011
Nkosi Memorial A.M.E. Church
Rustenburg
The Rev. L.S. Moobi, Host Pastor
The Rev. P.J. Mengoai, Host Presiding Elder

NATAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Eighty-third Session
20-23 October 2011
Richard Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church
Madadeni
The Rev. Nesta J. Rakhetsi, Host Pastor
The Rev. S.A.P. Mbambo, Host Presiding Elder

ORANGIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
One Hundred Fourteenth Session
27-30 November 2011
Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church
Bloemfontein
The Rev. Thabo Matsaseng, Host Pastor
The Rev. S.B. Dire, Host Presiding Elder

WEST ANNUAL CONFERENCE
One Hundred Fourteenth Session
10-13 November 2011
New Robinson A.M.E. Church
Tladi, Soweto
The Rev. T.N. Tsimane, Host Pastor
The Rev. M. A. Mexico, Host Presiding Elder


22. EPISCOPAL AND CLERGY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS:


- Congratulations to Joi - Marie Murphy McKenzie, daughter of Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie and Episcopal Supervisor Stan McKenzie

Joi - Marie Murphy McKenzie, the daughter of Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate of the Thirteenth Episcopal District and Brother Stan McKenzie, Episcopal Supervisor, graduated from Columbia University's School of Journalism, receiving her Master of Arts degree, Wednesday, May 18, 2011. She has a concentration in Digital Journalism.

Congratulatory messages can be emailed to:

Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie kergyma00@aol.com
Episcopal Supervisor Stan McKenzie: stanmckenzie44@aol.com


- Bahamas Conference AME Church Congratulates Presiding Elder, the Rev. Dr. Ranford Patterson

The Bahamas Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church congratulates Presiding Elder, the Rev. Dr. Ranford Patterson on his election to the office of President of the Bahamas Christian Council.

The Bahamas Christian Council is the official interface between the church and the government, and the Church and other civic institutions like the media. To the public, including non-Christians, the Council's position is seen as the formal position of the Church on national issues.

The fact that Elder Patterson was elected by a unanimous decision is a symbol of the respect and confidence he enjoys among his peers across denomination lines. As President of this 63-year old Council, Rev. Patterson will bring his remarkable people skills and consensus-building flair to promoting understanding and trust between the various parts of the Christian Church in the Bahamas. We are confident that as he represents the Council in national and global forum, he will uphold the core Christian principles which has been the bedrock of his AME training and experience.

At this point in time the Bahamas nation needs a strong Christian voice to remind it of those principles of righteousness which support this nation's prosperity over the years. Rev. Patterson has such a voice. The Bahamas Church family is looking for models to show them how to stand firm in the face of adversity. Dr. Patterson by his character, training and experience is suitably qualified to be such a model.

We want Dr. Patterson to know that we love him, and are supporting him in this call to higher duty. We include in our prayers all the officers elected to serve with him. For they too have been call to an awesome task at a time like this. Likewise we pray for his families who have to undergird him and bear him up as he responds to this call to national duty.

About the Bahamas Christian Council
Founded in 1948. Mission statement: The Bahamas Christian Council is constituted to promote understanding and trust between the various parts of Christ's church in the Bahamas at all levels; to further Christ's mission of service by joint action of Christians in the Bahamas; to witness for the Christian community in the Bahamas on matters of social or common concern.

Website: http://www.oikoumene.org/en/member-churches/regions/caribbean/bahamas/bcc.html

Congratulatory Messages can be sent to:

Pastor Ranford A. Patterson
Cousin McPhee Cathedral AME
Carmichael Road
P.O. Box CR 56028
Nassau, Bahamas
242-361-0809 Office

Or emailed to: instposs@yahoo.com


- Congratulations to Ms. Felecia Commodore:

On Friday, May 20th, Ms. Felecia Commodore will be graduating from the University of Maryland, College Park with an M.A. in Higher Education Administration. After graduation she will be continuing this fall to pursue a Ph.D. in Higher Education at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

Her research area is HBCU leadership, governance, and administrative practices. Felecia is a member of Reid Temple AME Church in Glenn Dale, Maryland and currently serves as the 2nd Episcopal District Lay Organization Young Adult Representative. She is the daughter of the Rev. Bedelia Commodore and Frank Commodore, Jr.

Congratulatory messages can be emailed to: fcommodore@gmail.com


- Congratulations to Carolyn Clarene Cavaness

Congratulations to Carolyn Clarene Cavaness, daughter of the Rev. Harold H. Cavaness and Ms. Karen H. Cavaness, who will graduate on May 20, 2011, from Union Theological Seminary in New York City with a Master of Divinity Degree. Carolyn received the seminary's preaching award in her second year of seminary and also served as a member of the Seminary's Board of Trustees Development Committee.

Carolyn is the former New Jersey Conference YPD President and was ordained in April 2010 as an Itinerant Deacon.

Congratulatory messages can be emailed to:

Carolyn C. Cavaness - cccavaness@aol.com

Congratulatory messages can be sent to:

Carolyn C. Cavaness
246 Osborne Terrace
Newark, NJ 07112


23. EPISCOPAL FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Episcopal Family Bereavement Notice - The passing of Mrs. Mamie Ella Scarlett Hartsfield the mother of Supervisor Penny H. White and the mother-in-law of Bishop John F. White

Regretfully We Share the Following:

The passing of Mrs. Mamie Ella Scarlett Hartsfield the mother of Supervisor Penny H. White and the mother-in-law of Bishop John F. White, Ecumenical & Urban Affairs Officer & Endorsing Agent, of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Arrangements for Mrs. Mamie Ella Scarlett Hartsfield are as follows:

Celebration of Life Service

Friday, May 20, 2011 at 12 Noon
Fountain Chapel AME Church
821 Eugenia Street
Tallahassee, FL 32310

The Rev. Semmeal Thomas, Pastor
Telephone: (850) 222-3800 Church

Services are entrusted to:

Strong and Jones Funeral Home, Inc.
551 West Caroline Street
Tallahassee, FL 32310
(850) 224-2139
(850) 224-0213 (Fax)

Expressions of Condolences may be sent to:

Bishop John F. & Supervisor Penny H. White
1133 Seminole Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32301

Supervisor Penny H. White
Email: phw137@comcast.net
Ph (954) 665-3101

Bishop John F. White
Email: bishopwhite130@aol.com
Ph (954) 849-5686


24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

The death of the Rev. MP Khumalo of the 19th Episcopal District

The MM Mokone Annual Conference of the 19th Episcopal District mourns the death of the Rev. MP Khumalo who served the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

The Rev. Khumalo passed on Saturday evening after a short illness. He served the church as an Itinerant Elder from 1986 to 2006 at Anna M Senatle AME Church, Allemansdrift. His next appointment was at Hickman Chapel AME Church, Bela Bela in 2007. He met with death serving as an assistant pastor of New Lebala AME Church, Marapyane from 2008.

The MM Mokone Conference of the 19th Episcopal District sends out a message of solace to the Family, Friends, Colleagues and members of our church.

The Funeral Service for the Rev. Khumalo will be held on Friday 20th May 2011 from 7-9 a.m. at Anna M Senatle AME Church.

May his soul rest in peace.

Submitted by the Rev. Gaborone P. Lesito. Bishop Jeffrey Nathaniel Leath is the Presiding Prelate of the 19th Episcopal District


25. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regretfully announce the passing of Sister Wanda Ray, mother of the Rev. Keith N. Ray and mother-in-law of Evangelist Tina Wallace Ray on Tuesday, May 17, 2011. Rev. and Evangelist Ray are members of St. James AME Church-Fort Worth, Texas, the Rev. Damon Blakeley, Pastor. Sister Wanda Ray was a member of Johnson Chapel AME Church, Fort Worth, Texas, the Rev. Theo Mays, Pastor. Both churches are in the Greater Fort Worth District, Northwest Texas Conference of the 10th Episcopal District, the Rev. Johnny Ray Mitchell, Presiding Elder; Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram, Presiding Prelate of the 10th Episcopal District.

The following information has been shared for the Viewing, Wake and Homegoing Celebration of Sister Wanda Ray.

Viewing: Friday, May 20, 2011 from 8 A.M.-4 P.M. at
Gregory W. Spencer Funeral Directors, Inc.

Wake: Friday, May 20, 2011 from 7 P.M. - 8 P.M. at Johnson
Chapel AME Church-Fort Worth, Texas

Homegoing Celebration: Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. at

Johnson Chapel AME Church
5235 Bonnell Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
Ph: (817) 738-6329
The Rev. Theo Mays, Pastor
The Rev. Keith Ray, Eulogist

Professional Services are being rendered by:
Gregory W. Spencer Funeral Directors, Inc.
4000 Miller Avenue
Fort Worth, Texas 76119
(817) 531-8666

Condolences can be mailed to:
Mr. Bobby Ray
3605 Falcon Drive
Fort Worth, TX 76119

Or

The Rev. Keith and Evang. Tina Ray
1815 London Lane #512
Arlington, TX 76017


26. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to share news of the passing of the Reverend Robert J. (R.J.) King, beloved retired pastor of the Northeast Alabama Conference, and member of St. Mark A.M.E. Church - Enon Ridge, Birmingham Alabama. Rev. King passed on Sunday, May 15, 2011. He leaves to cherish fond memories: his wife, Sister Jerry King, and son - Mr. Roderick King.

Service Arrangements for the Rev. R.J. King:

Homegoing Celebration: Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 12 Noon
Bryant Chapel A.M.E. Church
3125 Spaulding St. S.W.
Birmingham, Alabama 35231
(205) 925-7151

The Rev. Damien Littlejohn, Pastor
The Rev. W.N. Huggins, Presiding Elder
Eulogist: Bishop J. L. Davis, Presiding Prelate of the Ninth Episcopal District

Services are entrusted to:

Johnson Funeral Home
8531 Zion City Road
Birmingham, Alabama 35206

Telephone: (205) 836-3583
Fax: (205) 836 -3581

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

Sister Jerry King
31 Alabama St.
Bessemer, Alabama 35020-7415
Phone: (205) 428-5843

Email condolences may be sent to: Rodrick.King@Live.com


27. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

It is with regret that we inform of the death of Mrs. Margaret Cason Ward of Leesburg, Florida. Mrs. Ward, 87 was a retired educator, a faithful member of St Paul AME Church, Leesburg, Florida and Past President of the 11th Episcopal District Women's Missionary Society.

She is survived by her children, Randretta Ward-Evans and Sylvester Randolph Ward, three grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Arrangements are announced as follows:

Wake Service: Friday May 20, 2011 4:00-8:00 PM
St Paul AME Church
110 South Lake Street
Leesburg, FL 34748
The Rev. Terrell Blair, Pastor
Phone: 352-787-5248

Service of Celebration: Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 11:00 am
Morrison United Methodist Church
1005 West Main Street
Leesburg, FL 34748
The Rev. Terrell Blair, Officiating
Presiding Elder F. Bernard Lemon, Eulogist

Services entrusted to:

Postell's Mortuary
811 N. Powers Drive
Orlando, FL 32818
Phone: 407-295-3857
Fax: 407-295-0307

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to:


Ward Scholarship Fund
P.O. Box 490225
Leesburg, FL 34749-0225

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:


Mrs. Randretta Ward-Evans
401 Mills Street
Leesburg, FL 34748
Phone: 352-787-4293


28. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to share news of the passing of Mrs. Dorothy Craft, the sister of the Rev. Dr. Sherryl Matlock, pastor of Historic Allen Chapel AME Church - Fort Worth, Texas. Mrs. Dorothy Craft passed on Tuesday, May 17, 2011.

Service arrangements for Dorothy Craft:

Viewing: Friday, May 20, 2011, 6 P.M. - 8 P.M.
Baker Funeral Home
301 East Rosedale Street
Fort Worth, TX 76104
(817) 332-4468
Fax: (817) 332-3017

Homegoing Celebration: Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 11 A.M.
Bethlehem Baptist Church
305 N. 3rd Street
Grandview, Texas 76050
The Rev. William Bradford, Pastor
(817) 866-2860

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

Allen Chapel AME Church
The Rev. Dr. Sherryl Matlock, pastor
116 Elm Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
(817) 332-5071 Church Phone

Contact the Rev. Dr. Sherryl Matlock, email: 1wim@htcomp.net; or by telephone (817) 296-1849 (cell)

Condolences may also be posted on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=name&id=100000434565723#!/sherryl.matlock


29. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the passing of Deacon James L. Neal, 89, of Ashford, Alabama, the father of First Lady Naomi Neal Reeves and father-in-law of the Rev. Jimmie E. Reeves, pastor, Freemont AME Church, Baker Hill, Alabama. Deacon Neal departed this life, Monday, May 16, 2011.

Celebration of Life Service for Deacon James L Neal:

Saturday, May 21, 2011 - 11:30 AM
Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church
5 Piney Grove Road
Webb, Alabama
The Reverend Alfonso Neal, Pastor
The Reverend Alfonso Neal, Officiating/Eulogist

Services Entrusted to:

Scott's Chapel Hill Mortuary
103 W. Southport Street
Dothan, AL 36303
(334) 677-7200 - Phone
(334) 677-1511 - Fax

Family and Friends Visitation:

Friday, May 20, 2011:

6:00 to 8:00 PM at Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church

Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

The Reverend & Mrs. Jimmie E. Reeves
807 Clearmont Drive
Dothan, Alabama 36301
(334) 792-5780


30. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

I am saddened to announce the homegoing of brother Fred Staples III, the husband of the Reverend Sharon Staples, pastor of Unity Temple AME Church of Chicago Illinois. Brother Staples passed on Friday, May 13, 2011 following a brief illness. He is now resting from his earthly labors and we believe he is in peace with our Lord. Please keep the family in your prayers.

Mr. Staples will lie in state on Friday the 20th of May from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Stamps Funeral Home located at 10834 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago Illinois.

The family hour is at 10:00 am and the funeral service at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 21, 2011 at the Mayo African Methodist Episcopal Church, 20839 Homeland Road, Matteson Illinois where the Reverend Francis Senyah is pastor.

Condolences may be directed to his wife, the Reverend Sharon Staples, 813 Bowling Green Drive, Homewood, Illinois 60430 or emailed to:
shasha1200@comcast.net

Funeral Arrangements are entrusted to:

The Reverend Thomas M. Hughes, Funeral Director
Assisted by the Stamps Funeral Home
10834 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60628


31. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:

The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action

Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
E-mail: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Web page: http://www.amecfic.org/
Phone: (615) 837-9736 (H)
Phone: (615) 833-6936 (O)
Cell: (615) 403-7751

BLOG: http://ameccfic.blogspot.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMEC_CFIC

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220


32. 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.


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