Bishop T. Larry Kirkland -
Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny
Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin
H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The
Christian Recorder
Reminder for Church Bulletins:
In the U.S. Daylight Time ends and Standard Time begins on Sunday
In the U.S. Daylight Time ends and Standard Time begins on Sunday
1. EDITORIAL – DREAMS FULFILLED,
DREAMS DEFERRED OR “DREAMS ABANDONED
(PART 3):
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
There are many reasons preachers
defer, modify, or abandon their dreams for ministry. Preachers defer, modify or abandon their
dreams for ministry for many reasons. The first and foremost reason some
preachers adjust and readjust their ministry happens because the ministry is tough. When some
preachers see how tough ministry is they know they cannot “hang.”
Other preachers defer, modify or abandon their dreams for
ministry because of self-inflicted wounds, e.g., unfavorable personal and
ethical decisions; personality traits that might not be conducive effective
ministry to include the "Lone Ranger" syndrome, which takes a lot of
personal energy; the “maintainer” syndrome which results in a less than dynamic
ministry; The “non-planner” preacher who practices non-ministry without any
strategy for ministry; preachers who lose energy with the result that their
ministry becomes lethargic and they become discouraged; and still others simply
give up, often before they ever get started because they have a submissive
personality. They might have a dynamic
personality in the pulpit, particularly someone else’s pulpit, but deep down
inside they are submissive when it comes to their own ministry. The submissive
preacher possesses an acquiescent syndrome.
The
acquiescent personality.
Some acquiescent personalities are persons who have acquiesced to the
challenges and difficulties of ministry and have readjusted their ministry
goals. Many of those who have acquiesced have settled for less ministry. Some have deferred, others have abandoned
ministry, while others have settled for second-team or second-place ministry.
Those who have deferred and/or have settled for second-place or second-team
ministry most often gravitate to serving as assistants to pastors-in-charge.
They settle for a seat in the pulpit.
I suspect that a lot of women in
ministry are faced with unimaginable obstacles in ministry in spite of their
superb training, and because some of them have few options; they acquiesce; not
because they want to, but because they have no other options.
I do wonder if some of the women in
ministry have what retired Bishop Phillip Cousin called a “their ice is colder”
mentality because it seems that women preachers are more visible in churches
pastored by men, even while there are women pastors struggling in small
churches nearby; but that too, is another editorial, or it gives someone an
opportunity to write an op-ed.
The
frugal personality. When we talk about the “frugal” pastor, we
are not talking about money; we are talking about the pastor who is not willing
to pay the price for success. Education, intellectual pursuit and excellence
are great attributes that require discipline, sacrifice, and hard work. The
frugal pastor shuns education, academic discipline, theological update and
learning new things. The “frugal” pastor tends to think that he or she is
beyond learning new things and they do not have the desire to learn or try new
things. The frugal pastor quits growing in a practical sense and they quit
growing academically and theologically.
Free courses are in abundance in many areas and those in ministry who
shun learning and fail to take advantage of the learning opportunities, do not
grow intellectually and never reach their full potential. The “frugal” clergy
personality feels uncomfortable around academically competent parishioners.
The
race horse. The “race horse” pastor gets off to a
fast-start; has high-energy for the short-haul; but does not have the endurance
for the “long-haul ministry.” After a short burst of “speed ministry,” they
defer or abandon their dreams for active ministry. Sometimes congregations need
a work horse, long-haul ministry leadership. When the fast-start ends in a
fast-finish, the ministry continues. The “fast horse” preacher needs endurance
and a plan for long-haul ministry, if the ministry is to last.
The
work horse. The designation of a “work horse” pastor
might, at first seem like a compliment, but the “work horse” pastor has no
surprises or bursts of energy. He or she “plows along,” does what is expected,
has little or no creativity and does what he or she is told to do and won’t do
anymore than what is expected. They have little energy for pastoral duties and
enjoy the leisurely pace of an uneventful pastoral assignment. Unfortunately
for the work horse preacher, some congregations need a “race horse” leadership
style.
The
put-putter. I don’t
have the patience to play 18 holes of golf, but I love to play put-put golf. It
doesn’t take very long to play and it’s easy to keep score. “Put-put” preachers don’t like to play the
full round of 18-holes ministry; they prefer to play “put-put” or do miniature
ministry. Ministry for the put-put
preacher is a Sunday morning activity; they don’t want to play all week; they
prefer the miniature version of ministry. They mount the pulpit, preach a
dynamic sermon, talk to few people, collect a salary and go home. Midweek
prayer meeting and Bible Study are not important to them. You can identify a
put-put preacher when he or she hands you their calling card. The address
listed on their business card is a post office box. I suspect they don’t want
parishioners dropping by their homes unexpectedly. The “put-put” preacher does fine as long as
the parishioners are satisfied with a “put-put” ministry, but when the
parishioners want to “play” 18-hole ministry, the “put-put” preacher finds him
or herself in conflict.
The
cheerleader. The
“cheerleader” pastor has a lot of energy, a lot of “flips” and a lot of
cadence. Cheerleaders have a lot of physical energy and when they are doing
their performance; when performing, they don’t need a lot of mental
agility. The “cheerleader” pastor’s main
objective is to make parishioners feel good, not necessarily to challenge them
or to make them feel uncomfortable. The “cheerleader” preacher can “shake the
house” and get parishioners emotionally involved in the worship service, but
they often have no strategy for long-term biblical and theologically-focused
ministry. “God is good” and the cheerleader expects to hear the congregation
respond, “All the time.” He or she says,
“All the time” and the congregation’s response is, “God is good” and,
generally, that is the extent of the biblical and theological training.
The
Bully. The “bully”
is more comfortable serving as a rustler who “drives cattle” rather than a
shepherd who leads the flock. The bully rides the issues as a cowboy rides or
takes down a bull. He or she enjoys the
rough ride of ministry. The bully pastor has to have things go his or her
way. The “bully” runs rough-shod over
parishioners and local church officers. He or she appoints and insures that
people who are obedient to him or her serve as church officers. The “bully”
“pushes and shoves” parishioners to insure that he or she gets his or her
way. The downfall of the bully is that
there is always the possibility of a “bigger dog” on the block. The “bully” can
be successful for a season and “bullies” begat “bullies” and soon the “bully”
becomes undone by his or her bullying.
The “bully’s” reputation soon bullies him or her; and “bullies” find
themselves alone and without real friends.
The
bull dog. The “bull
dog” syndrome might seem as if it is synonymous with the “bully,” but the “bull
dog” preacher is different from the “bully.” The “bully” runs rough shod over
everyone. The “bull dog” personality is
generally gentile, but only runs rough-shod over those who invade his or her
space. The “bull dog” can be nice to those he or she likes or with those he or
she agrees. A bull dog can be sweet-natured, but once aroused, the bull dog can
be a force to reckon with. A bull dog's tenacity and resolve mean that it's
difficult to change its mind once it decides to do something. Ministry requires
flexibility and those who have the “bull dog” characteristic of inflexibility
have a hard time in ministry. The itineracy is not conducive to the “bull dog”
syndrome.
The
“me” personality.
The “me” personality is the person who believes nothing happened in the church
or in the organization until her or she assumed the position. You can tell a “me” personality syndrome
whenever the “me” personality speaks about almost anything; every subject
reverts to them. They love hearing people speak positively about them. When you
read a history of a local church celebrating it’s 100th Anniversary
written or approved by a “me” personality, the history might include the early
years of the church, but the preponderance of the history reflects the tenure
of the “me” pastor. The “me” pastor
loves attention, but in order to get the needed attention, the “me” pastor
sometimes refuses to make the hard decisions needed to keep the ministry
programs alive and motivated. People are so intent on feeding the ego of the
“me” pastor to the neglect of the ministry. The neglect of ministry becomes the
“me” pastors undoing.
The
Coward. In 1990
after the VII Corps in Germany had been alerted about being deployed to
Southwest Asia, I was tasked to interview a soldier who suddenly felt that he
was conscientious objector. Interviewed him and wrote my decision. He was not a
conscientious objector, he was a coward. He got afraid by all of the hype and
verbiage of Saddam Hussein. Another senior soldier in our unit suddenly had a
medical problem, which he never shared until the deployment order was given. He
beat the system and didn’t have to deploy, but when the war was over and he saw
all of the ticker-tape parades and honors given to the soldiers, he said to me,
“I wish that I could have gone. I feel badly.”
I responded to him, “You should feel badly, you were afraid.” What I was
really telling him was that he was also a coward. Some people are just fearful about challenge
and change. They are, in reality, cowards.
The “coward” personality does not belong in the ministry. Cowards
normally quit before the battles are waged. “Cowards” never get started in the
pastoral ministry. “Cowards” are not tough; they find reasons not to engage
themselves in the hard tasks of ministry. They have a “conscientious objection”
to serving in the Lord’s army on the “battlefield.
Conclusion:
Ministry is tough and I can speak about
all of the characteristics that might lead to folks giving up ministry because
I, too, have faced most of the challenges and temptations to give up. I have
been frugal in trying to find a less strenuous path to ministry, but that’s
another editorial too. I have been a
“race horse,” a “work horse,” a “put-putter,” a “cheerleader,” at times a
“bully” when I wanted to have things my way, and a “me” pastor. I have also possessed the “acquiescent”
personality and was tempted to be a “coward.”
I saved “acquiescence” and “cowardice” last because “acquiescence and
cowardice” almost ended my ministry before I got started.
Bishop Frederick D. Jordan gave me
an appointment to Shorter Chapel AME Church in Paris, Kentucky. The appointment
was given to me in the parsonage of Quinn Chapel AME Church Lexington,
Kentucky. Lexington is 17 miles from Paris. I wanted to stop by the church to
see it, but my wife Charlotte prevailed upon me to get back to Philadelphia
because we had so much to do in preparation for the move to Kentucky. We drove back to Philadelphia. I quit my job
at Girard Trust Bank and removed my name from the Philadelphia School System.
Some of the preachers in Philadelphia thought I was crazy to leave a good job
and move to Kentucky. One preacher asked me if I had seen the church and when I
responded that I had not, he told me I was crazy.
We moved to Kentucky, stayed at my
in-laws for about 5 days and then went to Paris, Kentucky. The church was not really in Paris, it had
been gerrymandered outside of the city. When I saw the church and the
parsonage, my stomach had pains. The
door of the church was held in place by a folding chair, the parsonage had four
rooms. We had two small children, a
daughter and a son. The parsonage was a mess because no one had lived in it for
a while. I was disappointed. I had come from Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania on the
“Main Line.” The churches on the “Main Line” were beautiful; Bethel Bryn Mawr,
Bethel Ardmore and Ebenezer, Rahway, New Jersey.
Shorter Chapel AME Church in Paris,
Kentucky didn’t look anything like those churches. I was scared and I wanted to go back home to
Pennsylvania. I looked at Charlotte and said, “I think we had better go back to
Philadelphia. I should have stopped by here on my way back to Philadelphia
after I got the appointment.” In my mind
I was blaming her for why we didn’t visit the church before going back to
Philadelphia. Charlotte responded,
“Let’s stay; you say you wanted to be a pastor and we have to start somewhere.
I am willing to stay.” She had courage
and I was a coward. I was willing to acquiesce my ministry. Being on the
ministerial staff at Bethel Bryn Mawr looked mighty good. I was willing to go
back to Pennsylvania and try to pick up where I left off. If I had seen the
Shorter Chapel immediately after receiving my appointment, before going back to
Ardmore, where we lived, my cowardice would have had me to return the pastoral
appointment to Bishop Jordan.
But God and my wife were in control
and I took the appointment and that was the best ministry I could have
experienced. The people were wonderful and they taught me how to pastor. They
gave me the courage I needed and I am eternally grateful that I did not succumb
to my cowardice. Shorter Chapel AME Church in Paris and St. James Danville
solidified the foundation for my pastoral ministry that was laid by Bethel AME
Church in Ardmore, Pennsylvania; Ebenezer AME Church in Rahway, New Jersey; and
Bethel AME Church in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.
Ministry is hard and ministry had always
been hard. There is no “easy road” in ministry.
Ministry is a faith journey. I am
a witness that pastors’ salaries are not the best, but God always provides. In
that small church in Paris, Kentucky, our family never missed a meal, never
missed a paycheck, never missed meeting all of our connectional budget
requirements and had all of our needs supplied.
I can’t even begin to preach a sermon or give a testimony about “missing
meals” and “no food in the pantry.” I was tempted to defer and even abandon my
dreams for ministry; but God “closed the doors” and I am thankful that I didn’t
have the bad judgment to try to “force open” the doors God had closed.
Ministry is hard and it behooves
each person who has acknowledged the “call to ministry,” especially the call to
the itinerant ministry to ask him or herself if he or she is being obedient to
his or her call to serve God in the ministry to which God called him or her to
do. Itinerancy means travel and the
Church needs more “traveling preachers!”
Are your dreams for ministry being
fulfilled or being deferred; or have your dreams for ministry been
abandoned? The Invitation to Christ AME
Churches include the appeal for people to recommit their lives to Christ; perhaps
there should be a “vehicle” for preachers to recommit themselves to the
pastoral ministry.
2. TCR OP-ED- IN RESPONSE TO THE QUESTION
ABOUT CONGREGATIONS REACTION TO CHANGE:
*Sister Gloria Byrd
I am responding to The Christian Recorder News Break Report dated October 29, 2012 and specifically to the Alban Weekly article entitled, “Neophobia.”
When I arrived at my present church in the 1880s, the church was
growing slowly. The older members were overheard saying "We have all these
new members here." A feeling of anxiety was obvious. The pastor's response
was, "We have no new members"; he wanted to make sure that all of the
members felt like they, both the old and the new members “owned the church.” He encouraged the start of new ministries,
but always connecting the new with the old. Ergo, the new members felt
supported because their ideas were affirmed. On one occasion, the newer
members’ ideas came to fruition because the pastor, in his wisdom, called a
meeting, which included dinner with the older members, to hear a proposal made
by the newer members. Our pastor found a way to connect all of us!
An
example of a pastor listening to the members
An incident occurred at an official board meeting in which we all grew
as a result of that experience. The older members/officers agreed to support a
"Recognition Banquet" to celebrate the services of the members who
supported the move of the building to another location.
The pastor appointed a new member to chair the project and the pastor
did not tell the board members he had someone in mine; a new member.
The officers refused to support it, so our pastor called for a vote on
the project. It was 21 to 11 in favor of the project, but 11 of the older
members rejected the plan. The pastor canceled the plan and months later he
allowed the Lay Organization to do the project. If an organization's function
failed, it would not have been an entire church failure, but the failure of one
organization.
The Lay organization made contact with those 11 officers to get their
opinion and requested that another ministry, made up of new members, co-sponsor
the event. It was a success with those same officers attending and encouraging
others to participate. The pastor was surprised when he arrived at the hotel
and saw all the old members as well as the new members. He was happy and the
event was a success because the pastor was willing to acknowledge the feelings
of all of the members and did not walk over them.
I watched our church grow from one service to three worship services.
We felt like the church belonged to us collectively and working together and
having the old members accept change was easier on everyone.
Leadership is the key in any organization; the clergy as well as the
lay leadership, especially those who have special gifts and good people
skills.
The clergy cannot assume they know everything and have all of the
answers. The ideas and gifts and graces of the laity should be utilized.
Ministry should be a partnership. New ministries and ideas will help any church
grow, but leadership must encourage creativity in the members.
There must be a feeling of “ownership,” not a feeling that you are
only needed to serve as an usher, sing, listen to the sermon and pay your
money. People come to church to because it is a special time of the week. Parishioners, old or new, want to be a part
of a church that respects their ideas and thoughts for ministry. People can
choose what church they want to attend and support.
Their presence, the old and new, is an indication of their commitment
and participation and presence should be respected.
*Sister Gloria Byrd is the President of the 6th Episcopal
Lay Organization
3.
OP-ED: DREAMS FULFILLED, DREAMS DEFERRED OR DREAMS ABANDONED APPLIES TO ALL OF
US, NOT JUST TO CLERGY:
Stephanie A. Walker Stradford
Although the editorial, “Dreams Fulfilled, Dreams Deferred or Dreams
Abandoned” - Part 2, specifically
targeted pastors or ordained ministers, the same principles hold true for the
laity and our elected officials, corporate or nonprofit executives, community
leaders, professionals, or even youth who are aspiring to become leaders as
they transition into adulthood.
Our personal decisions or behaviors affect our relationships, our
health, “glass ceiling” and economics. As Dad Blake, in the editorial revealed,
“We often fail because of the decisions we make or fail to make.”
In contrast to ministry, this journey called “life” is also tough! Our
children and grandchildren never experienced how tough it was for our parents,
grandparents or great-grandparents. In too many cases, they have “historic
amnesia.”
In reality, their microwave attitudes of “I want it now” without
working, paying any dues, or preparing for the right season, might not have
survived slavery, the great depression, educational segregation, stinging water
hoses, ferocious dogs, lynchings, Jim Crow, Civil Rights, or voting rights for
women and African Americans.
In the 21st Century, we must continue to avoid
discouragement and the “Lone Ranger” mentality. It will take cooperative work
and responsibility for generations to emerge as a vision of their future.
It is imperative that we review our history to positively impact our
present and invest in our future. That’s why our current behavior is so
important. Many of our ancestors used to use the phrase, “He/she don’t have no
gumption,” defined in today’s terminology as “initiative.”
We appeal to every man, woman and youth to exercise “gumption.”
1. First and foremost, if you are age 18 or older, vote BAMN, which
means “By Any Means Necessary.”
2. Don’t allow your behavior to determine your attitude, altitude or
economic magnitude.
3. If you are not where you want to be in life, doing what you need to
do and investing in the lives of future generations, don’t let today go by
without changing your behavioral economics.
If not now, when?
If not us, who?
Stephanie Stradford
YouthUSA.net
4.
READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
- To the Editor:
RE: “Dreams Fulfilled, Dreams Deferred or Dreams
Abandoned” - Part 2
I am a friend and a United Methodist preacher. Your editorials are on
target, but they don’t just apply to AME preachers and they don’t apply to preachers
of color. The issues, concerns and challenges you raised applies to ministry
across the board and across denominations.
I was talking about your editorial to a close Baptist preacher friend
who reads TCR Online and he said that you were writing about Baptist preacher
and he wondered, tongue in cheek, how you knew so much about Baptist
preachers. We both agreed that you are
on target about the ministry – it’s not just an AME issue, it’s an issue that
cuts across denominational lines.
Please don’t use my name.
Name withheld
5. BISHOP REGINALD T. JACKSON
CELEBRATION WILL BE RESCHEDULED DUE TO HURRICANE DEVASTATION:
7:47 p.m.
Oct 31
Due to the
devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy and all those negatively affected by its
impact, Bishop and Supervisor Jackson's Banquet of Service and Thanksgiving is
currently being rescheduled and will not take place on Friday, November 2,
2012.
6. DR. GEORGE F. FLOWERS AMONG FIRST
HURRICANE SANDY DISASTER ASSISTANCE RESPONDERS:
Dr. George
Flowers, Executive Director of the Department of Global Witness and Ministry
has departed for the areas damaged by Hurricane Sandy and is picking up others
enroute as he travels. He is among a group of first respondents from Church
World Service, the American Red Cross and FEMA. He will assist AME Churches in
need of assistance. He is scheduled to
return to his office on or about November 13th.
Dr. George
F. Flowers, Executive Director of the Department of Global Witness and Ministry
is coordinating Hurricane Sandy disaster assistance with Church World Service
(CWS); Bishop William P. DeVeaux, Presiding Prelate of the 2nd Episcopal
District; and with Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram, Presiding Prelate of the 2nd
Episcopal District,. Both Episcopal Districts are assessing possible damages to
AME churches.
Dr. Flowers
said, “The aftermath of Hurricane Sandy toll confirms at least 50 persons dead,
and millions will be without power for extended period. The storm has paralyzed
travel by rail, air and many places auto. Church World Service office in New
York is closed until power can be restored; hopefully today. I will join six other ecumenical and heads of
mission traveling to five states that have been impacted greatly by van to
North Carolina, Virginia, Delaware, New Jersey and New York.”
Dr. Flowers
also reports, “Enroute to the affected areas are ten box trucks loaded with dry
goods, bottle water, cleaning supplies and other items donated by Global
Witness partner, ‘The Christian Men Corporate Fellowship’ Those vehicles are enroute to emergency sites (2 trucks per-site).
8. TO
THE MEMBERS OF THE FIRST EPISCOPAL DISTRICT AND THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL
CHURCH AT-LARGE BREAKING NEWS! - YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE:
Grace and peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!
I write to you on behalf of our sisters and brothers who have lost loved
ones, others who have lost their homes and still others who have suffered
property damage due to the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. In the past
few days since the storm hit many have called to express their concern and
express an interest on how they can help. The needs are many and above all we
need your prayers.
The various media have made us painfully aware of the horrific circumstances
under which people are living in the aftermath of this natural disaster and in
the coming days I, along with leaders of the First Episcopal District, will be
able to extensively travel throughout the district to make our assessments of
the damage done and compile an inventory of things needed so that we can
appropriately respond.
In the meantime, we are deeply grateful to First Responders and emergency
workers who have worked tirelessly to meet the urgent needs of God’s people of
the East Coast. They have done this work even while their own families
and property have been in peril.
This Monday, November 5, 2012 at 6:31 p.m. at Mt. Pisgah A.M.E. Church,
where the Rev. Jay B. Broadnax is pastor, I am asking you to join me and
members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, persons of other faith
communities, students, elected officials, and people of good will for a special
prayer rally concerning Hurricane Sandy and the need to get out to vote for the
Presidential election.
Yours in His Service,
/s/
Gregory G.M. Ingram
Bishop, First Episcopal District-AME Church
9. DR. SHIRLEY CASON-REED,
INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT, WMS, ANNOUNCES INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FRIDAY,
NOVEMBER 2, 2012:
Using
Romans 12:13a (NLT) as the scriptural basis, “When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them,” we invite
all to join the WMS in prayer on Friday, November 2, 2012 as we pray for the
persons who have been affected by hurricane Sandy.
Special
prayers are requested for Bishop Gregory & Supervisor Jessica Ingram and
the members of the First Episcopal District.
The
Disaster Response Team (MITE – Missionaries Initiating Transitional Efforts)
under the leadership of Sister Andriette Bryant is ready, waiting for the
assessment.
10. AMEC CONNECTIONAL HEALTH COMMISSION DISASTER
LETTER:
We pray this note finds you in good health and spirit.
We realize that Hurricane Sandy is just one of the many natural
disasters that has and will affect the Connectional Church. Thus, we are
requesting a resurgence of the Call to Action as a faith community to support
those in need. Many of our churches have resources that can be shared with
those in need. The challenge is how to let others know about these resources in
a timely manner to positively affect others. A list of the most common supplies
we can share with each other is listed below. We strongly encourage you to go
to our official health resource website at (http://www.amechealth.org)
to stay connected, access other resources and offer prayer for global healing.
If you haven’t already done so, please register your church and
its health ministry, if it exists, and begin to utilize the communication tools
to inform everyone and list resources that can be shared with others. Many of
you have visited the site associated with current health initiatives at your
church. Now we must come together to provide critical information to inform and
support everyone in disaster recovery. Please go to www.amechealth.org
for a more detailed list of needed supplies and services. Together we make a
difference for each other.
Here is a list of the most common supplies we could share with
each other:
1. Water
2. Food
3. First aid supplies
4. Clothing and bedding
5. Tools and emergency supplies
6. Special items (generators, portable oxygen, wheelchairs, etc…)
We have an opportunity here to help each other by sharing
information and actual supplies and services. We are asking you to go
to www.amechealth.org to stay connected; offer prayer for
global healing, especially for those impacted by storms, hurricanes,
earthquake, and other disasters; and to share whatever you can with others who
are suffering the after effects of Hurricane Sandy and other natural disasters.
In the United States, other resources can be found at ready.gov/FEMA
(http://www.ready.gov),
cdc.gov and citizencorps.org.
Learn about what to do before, during and after a disaster. The FEMA and CDC
widgets are, on the home page on the Health Commission.
Globally, other resources can be found at churchworldservice.org and who.int/hac/en/index.html. We would appreciate additional global and regional resources being forwarded to us for posting on the website. This will help us inform the church connectionally with credible information.
Globally, other resources can be found at churchworldservice.org and who.int/hac/en/index.html. We would appreciate additional global and regional resources being forwarded to us for posting on the website. This will help us inform the church connectionally with credible information.
We also ask that individuals register as Disaster relief
volunteers. The survey instrument can be found at amechealth.org
and ame-church.com.
Any financial contributions can be made to AME SADA for
distribution. Please designate if you choose a specific region for
dissemination versus as determined by SADA.
Thank you in advance for your efforts.
The Rev.
Miriam J. Burnett, MD, MPH, MDiv
Medical Director
AMEC Connectional Health Commission
Telephone: 770-328-2002
Email: mjbchcamec@yahoo.com
Medical Director
AMEC Connectional Health Commission
Telephone: 770-328-2002
Email: mjbchcamec@yahoo.com
Rev. Natalie Mitchem, RD, MDiv
Executive Director
AMEC Connectional Health Commission
Tel: 609-351-5261
Email: healcommission@aol.com
Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah, Chair
Email: healcommission@aol.com
Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah, Chair
11. FIFTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT
PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS:
The Rev.
Benjamin Hollins was named Presiding Elder of the Los Angeles-Pasadena District
The Rev.
Edgar Boyd, First AME Church
The Rev. Taurus
Myhand, Ward AME Church
The Rev.
Gregory McLeod, Brookins AME Church
Transfers
The Rev.
Dr. John Hunter to Bethel AME, San Francisco
The Rev.
Joseph Nixon to St. Peter’s AME in St. Louis
The Rev.
Alvin Smith to Allen Chapel A.M.E. – Sacramento
The Rev.
Dr. C. Dennis Williams to Christ Our Redeemer AME in St. Louis.
Other New Assignments
The Rev.
Noella Buchannan to Allen Chapel AME Riverside
The Rev.
Michael Eagle to St. James AME
The Rev.
John Hill to Grant L.B.
The Rev.
Rethis Murray to St. Mark AME
Pastors Reappointments
The Rev.
Cedric Alexander, Price Chapel AME
The Rev.
Rosalynn Brookins, Walker Temple AME
The Rev.
John Cager, Second AME
The Rev.
Dr. Kelvin Calloway, Bethel AME
The Rev.
Dr. Clyde Oden, Bryant Temple AME
The Rev. Darryl
Walker, New Philadelphia AME
The Rev.
Mark Whitlock, Christ Our Redeemer AME
Retirements
The Rev.
LaGrant Moore, Presiding Elder of the Los Angeles-Pasadena District
The Rev.
Dr. Elmer Redding of St. James AME
12.
PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED AT THE CLOSING OF TENNESSEE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2012:
Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath is the Presiding Prelate of the 13th Episcopal
District.
The Reverend Roderick Belin was appointed the Presiding Elder of the South
Nashville District. He was the pastor of Kairos Community Church in Nashville.
The Reverend Antoni Sinkfield was appointed the Presiding Elder of the
North Nashville District. He was the pastor of St. John AME Church in
Nashville.
The Reverend Robert Keesee, formerly Presiding Elder of the North
Nashville District retired.
The Reverend Troy Merritt, the former Presiding of the South Nashville
District was appointed pastor of St. John AME Church, Nashville, Tennessee
The Reverend William Easley was appointed to Shorter Chapel AME Church in
Franklin, Tennessee
The Reverend Tyronda Burgess was appointed to Kairos Community Church in
Nashville.
The Reverend Joshua Hale was transferred from the Kentucky Conference to
the West Kentucky Conference and appointed the pastor of Taylor Chapel AME
Church, Bowling Green, Kentucky.
The Reverend Frank Price was transferred from the West Kentucky
Conference to the Kentucky Conference and appointed the pastor of Bethel AME
Church, Campbellsville, Kentucky.
The Reverend Charlene Boone was transferred from the West Tennessee
Conference to the West Kentucky Conference and appointed the pastor of Burks
Chapel AME Church, Paducah, Kentucky.
Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath is the Presiding Prelate of the 13th
Episcopal District.
13. EAST
TENNESSEE’S CONFERENCE WOMEN’S MISSIONARY SOCIETY NIGHT IN WHITE: “GOLDEN LIFE MEMBERS” RECOGNITION:
It was a Golden Night of Worship, Grace, and Elegance as the East
Tennessee Annual Conference Women’s Missionary Society, under the direction of
Mrs. Mamie Hamler, WMS Conference President.
The Evening in White highlighted our 85 plus years of age Life Members
who are in their “Golden Years” identified as “Golden Life Members.”
On September 25, 2012, the East Tennessee Conference Women’s Missionary
Society, dressed in white were overjoyed to see the presence of our Golden Life
Members at the 112th Session of the East Tennessee Annual Conference Evening in
White held at Bethel A.M.E. Church located in Knoxville, Tennessee, Rev. Johnny
R. Watson, Sr., Host Pastor.
The Evening in White program included a beautiful dance entitled, “The
Woman’s Dance” by Ms. Donna Hardy, of Knoxville, Tennessee, which portrayed the
traits of women in her dance using a shawl as her tool to display the role that
women have in their daily walk. Her
dance was inspiring as she unfolded the many attributes that women perform from
the rising of the sun--until the setting of the same. The evening continued with a Musical
Celebration by the “Trent Gilmore Singers” originally from Alcoa,
Tennessee. They sung harmoniously A
cappella lifting the service to a higher spiritual level. Their old spiritual songs brought back the
remembrance of how the songs of old are still soul-stirring without the support
of musical instruments.
As the program continued, it was the Elegance and Grace of seeing our
Golden Life Members of 85 plus years of age, adorned in their Life Member
stole. Each Life Member was escorted by a church or family member who
introduced them with a glimpse of their life and works in the Missionary
Society. The history and accomplishments
of each of the Golden Life Members were immeasurable. Upon completion of their introduction; they
were pinned with a Golden Life Member pin. The pastor of each Golden Life
Member was dressed in their white, with a touch of blue and surprisingly
presented a dozen red roses to their respective Golden Life Member. Presiding Elder, Dr. Kenneth H. Hill,
presented each Golden Life Member with a Certificate of Recognition and words
of appreciation for their journey in the A.M.E. Church.
The evening concluded with encouraging words from Mrs. Gwen Dillihunt, 13th
District WMS President, Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath and Supervisor, Dr. Susan J.
Leath.
This special Evening in White program gave us an opportunity to reflect
on the goodness of the Lord and the blessings that were spoken by each of the
Golden Life Members which each declared, “God Has Been Good!”
Written by
Angela Y. Watson
Bethel AME Church – Knoxville, Tennessee
14. CHURCH WORLD SERVICE DEVELOPMENT
AND HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:
Emergency
Appeal: Hurricane Sandy 2012 (U.S.): Appeal # 627 W (Amount still to be set)
OCTOBER 29,
2012
Situation:
While Hurricane Sandy is still in the early stages of its journey across the
northeast United States, its winds and tidal surge are already being felt, and
the Category-1 storm will continue to intensify as it crosses East Coast
states. The combination of Hurricane Sandy, a large low-pressure system coming
across the Mid-Atlantic States and a cold front from the north is converging to
produce a massive storm that will affect the northeast US for the next several
days.
Effects of
the storm include: tidal storm surge from Virginia to Maine; tropical storm
winds from the coast to as far west as Ohio; heavy rains from North Carolina to
Maine; and heavy snow fall (as much as 24 inches) in the northern Appalachian
Mountains. Early predicted damage
estimates are in the tens of millions.
Hurricane
Sandy is already a killer, having caused at least 69 deaths in the Bahamas,
Cuba, Haiti, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.
CWS
Response: CWS Disaster Response Specialists are working with state, regional
and local Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, the Federal Emergency
Management Agency and our member denominations and other agencies to determine
where CWS denominations are helping or will be needed.
CWS will
provide material resources, including blankets, hygiene kits and clean-up
buckets, as requested. CWS also will
assist communities in developing long-term recovery plans and provide technical
and financial support, as possible.
The lead
CWS Emergency Response Specialist for this storm is Joann Hale jhale123@aol.com; (917) 705-3038.
The other
CWS Emergency Response Specialists who can be contacted to provide information
are: The Rev Bryan Crousore: bryancrousore@gmail.com
(515) 867-0612 Sandra Kennedy-Owes: skowes@churchworldservice.org
(251) 725-4262 Kuulei Funn: kfunn@churchworldservice.org
(808) 226-6432
States
expected to be impacted by this mega storm are: New Jersey, New York, Maryland,
Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont,
Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Delaware, Maine, District of
Columbia, and others.
CWS
communions and affiliated organizations are on alert and ready to help when and
where needed. Shelters and feeding operations are up and operating and more
will be set up as needed. Extensive
power outages are expected and sheltering may be required for extended periods.
Chain saw and other debris clean up teams are on standby and ready to respond
as the storm passes by. CWS and its partner organizations have personnel on
standby and ready to go to work.
How to
Help: Contributions to support CWS emergency response efforts may be sent to
your denomination or to Church World Service, P.O. Box 968, Elkhart, IN 46515.
(REF: HURRICANE SANDY APPEAL, U.S., # 627-W.)
Please
Note: An amount for this domestic appeal will be determined shortly based on
reports of needs.
Meanwhile,
CWS will issue a separate, international appeal dealing with Sandy's effects in
the Caribbean later this week.
Concerning
Clean Up Buckets: CWS thanks its member communions for the efforts to help
restock our warehouses with material goods, such as CWS Clean-Up Buckets,
Hygiene Kits, Baby Kits and School Kits.
During
disaster such as this now is the time to remember that the most important
humanitarian donation that an individual can make is cash. There are already
reports of heaps of used clothing piling up: clothing and other materials that
do little to restore the dignity of survivors.
Remember, financial help is best. If you do have supplies that may be of
help contact a CWS Emergency Response Specialist to see if the materials can be
used and where.
Church
World Service is a member of the ACT Alliance, a global coalition of churches
and agencies engaged in development, humanitarian assistance and advocacy.
For further
information about disasters to which Church World Service is responding please
visit www.churchworldservice.orgor call the CWS Hotline, (800) 297-1516.
CWS
Development and Humanitarian Assistance Program/CWS New York office: (212)
870-3151
Program
Director: Donna Derr at dderr@churchworldservice.org
Associate
Director, Domestic Emergency Response: Barry Shade at bshade@churchworldservice.org
15. THE 6TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2013
ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:
Bishop Preston Warren William
II, Presiding Prelate
Dr. Wilma Delores Williams,
Episcopal Supervisor
March 1, 2013: South GA Conference Youth Summit
March 2, 2013: South GA Conference YPD and DMC
Day
March 4, 2013: South GA Conference WMS Day
March 5-7, 2013:
South GA Annual Conference
Saint Paul, Valdosta
419 South Ashley Street
Valdosta, GA 31603
Telephone: 229-244-8065
The Reverend Johnnie Cook,
Host Pastor
The Reverend Jacqueline
Smith, Host Presiding Elder
March 8, 2013: Southwest GA Conference Youth
Summit
March 9, 2013: Southwest GA Conference YPD Day
March 10, 2013: Southwest GA Conference DMC Day
March 11, 2013: Southwest GA Conference WMS Day
March 12-14, 2013
Southwest GA Annual Conference
Saint Paul, Columbus
4900 Saint Mary’s Road
Columbus, GA 31907
Telephone: 706-682-2927
The Reverend James Alexander,
Host Pastor
The Reverend Elijah Smith,
Host Presiding Elder
April 5, 2013: Georgia Conference Youth Summit
April 6, 2013: Georgia Conference YPD Day
April 7, 2013: Georgia Conference DMC Day
April 8, 2013: Georgia Conference WMS Day
April 9-11, 2013
Georgia Annual Conference
Saint Philip Monumental,
Savannah
1112 Jefferson Street
Savannah, GA 31401
Telephone: 912-233-8547
The Reverend George A. Moore,
Host Pastor
The Reverend J.E. Taylor,
Host Presiding Elder
April 19, 2013: Augusta Conference Youth Summit
April 20, 2013: Augusta Conference YPD Day
April 21, 2013: Augusta Conference DMC Day
April 22, 2013: Augusta Conference WMS Day
April 23-April 25, 2013
Augusta Annual Conference
Bethel, Augusta
623 Crawford Avenue
Augusta, GA 30903
Telephone: 706-736-4060
The Reverend Mark Pierson,
Host Pastor
The Reverend Ella Mae
Samuels, Host Presiding Elder
April 26, 2013: Macon Georgia Conference Youth
Summit
April 27, 2013: Macon Georgia Conference YPD
Day
April 28, 2013: Macon Georgia Conference DMC
Day
April 29, 2013: Macon Georgia Conference WMS
Day
April 30-May 2, 2013
Macon Georgia Annual Conference
Greater Allen Chapel, Macon
269 Pursley Street
Macon, GA 31201
Telephone: 478-745-4646
The Reverend Billy G.
McFadden, Host Pastor
The Reverend David Moore,
Host Presiding Elder
May 3, 2013: Atlanta North GA Conference Youth
Summit
May 4, 2013: Atlanta North GA Conference YPD
Day
May 5, 2013: Atlanta North GA Conference DMC
Day
May 6, 2013: Atlanta North GA Conference WMS
Day
May 7-9, 2013
Atlanta North GA Annual Conference
Saint Philip, Atlanta
240 Candler Road SE
Atlanta, GA 30317
Telephone: 404-371-0749
The Reverend William D.
Watley, Ph.D., Host Pastor
The Reverend Earle H. Ifill, Host
Presiding Elder
May 29-May 31, 2013
Post-Planning Meeting
16. STATEMENT OF GRATITUDE FROM
CONNECTIONAL OFFICER, ORA L. EASLEY, ADMINISTRATOR, THE CLERGY FAMILY
INFORMATION CENTER:
"I
will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be
glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and
let us exalt his name together."
Family
Members of African Methodism,
How very
grateful my family and I are to the members of the global African Methodist
Episcopal Church for the voluminous out-pouring of intercessory prayers lifted
on my behalf prior to, during and following my spine surgery on Tuesday,
October 16th.
Intercessory
prayers wrought a miraculous surgical procedure; all spine issues were fixed
and/or eradicated quicker than anticipated. My vitals were stable prior to and
throughout the surgery; unpleasant side effects explained and expected, never
occurred and we attribute it all to the Glory of God and to the fervent prayers
of His People. We beamed almost in
disbelief at the outpouring of acts of kindness, compassion and support shown
by our African Methodist Episcopal Church Family. We feel truly blessed, and we are moved at
the reminder of how great and awesome, God really is. To God Be the Glory!
I have now
begun rehabilitation therapy. This process should conclude in 12 weeks with
complete healing.
Thank You
and God Bless!
Ora L.
Easley, Administrator
The Clergy
Family Information Center
17. MEDITATION BASED ON ROMANS
8:28-39
*The Rev.
Dr. Joseph A. Darby
I’m writing
this week while watching televised coverage of the horrific impact of Hurricane
Sandy on the Northeastern United States - catastrophic flooding, property
damaged and destroyed, millions without power and lives lost. Natural disasters like this one raise the
age-old question - Why? Why does God let
such storms occur, take innocent lives and cause hardship to innocent people?
That
question applies not only to massive natural disasters, but to all of our lives
as well. All of us sometimes encounter trying, troubling and tragic
circumstances that leave us asking “why?” - A question that has no easy answers
when we’re in the midst of difficulty.
We can find encouragement, however, in what often happens after horrific
events.
In the case
of Hurricane Sandy, the recovery has already begun, resilient people are
already working to make things better, neighbors are getting to know and reaching
out to each other, and good and decent elected officials with political
disagreements are working together for recovery rather than exploiting the
tragedy for personal gain. The “why”
question in the case of Hurricane Sandy will never be answered, but the
aftermath may bring new bonds of understanding, communication and cooperation.
Remember
that when struggles come your way and make you ask “why.” Many people say you’ll “get over it,” but the
real blessing is that with God’s grace and guidance, “You’ll grow from” it - I
did. Thirty-eight years ago today, the
Lord unexpectedly called my mother home to glory and I had to wrestle with the
“why.” That question, however, prompted
me to embrace my faith, get involved in my home church and to eventually answer
a long deferred call to ministry. What was then my greatest personal tragedy
led to what I now consider to be a great and enduring personal and vocational
blessing.
Unexpected
and catastrophic circumstances will touch all of us sooner or later and leave
us asking “why,” but what really matters is the “Who” - the God who hears our
every prayer, who never abandons us and who brings comfort, reassurance,
recovery and daily blessings. When we
turn to, stay close to and rely on God in our most difficult times, we’ll find
strength and consolation and be able to face life with faith, saying, as did
clergyman and composer Charles Albert Tindley, “We’ll understand it better by
and by.”
Join us on
the First Sunday in November in the Charleston, South Carolina area for Church
School at 8:45 a.m. and for Worship and Holy Communion at 10 a.m. The Combined Choir, Gospel Choir, and Mass
Choir will offer praise.
Sunday’s
Scripture Lessons are:
II Kings
22:1-13
James
1:19-27
Matthew
23:1-12
Sunday’s
Sermon is:
“Stay
Connected With the Savior”
*The Rev.
Dr. Joseph A. Darby is the pastor of Morris Brown AME Church in Charleston,
South Carolina
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT
NOTICE:
We are
saddened to announce that the Rev. Michael L. Barta, pastor of Murph Emmanuel
AME Church in North Highlands, California died on Sunday, October 28, 2012.
Funeral
Services will be on Monday, November 5, 2012 at 10:00 AM at Murph Emmanuel AME
Church, 4151 Don Julio Blvd., N. North Highlands, CA 95660.
Bishop
Theodore Larry Kirkland will do the eulogy.
Condolences
can be sent to his wife:
Sister
Linda Barta,
2249 River
Plaza Dr. Apt. 180
Sacramento,
CA. 95833
Telephone:
714-371-8388
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT
NOTICE:
It is with
sadness that we announce the passing of Mother Sarah J. Gordon, former 15th
Episcopal District WMS President, Treasurer and Life Member of the Women's
Missionary Society of the AME Church. Mother Gordon was the spouse of the late
Presiding Elder Arthur J. Gordon and passed after celebrating 84 golden years
of Christian stewardship in the 15th Episcopal District and Cape Conference.
Her spirit,
commitment and everlasting smile will always be cherished. She leaves to
cherish her memory 10 children, of which 4 are itinerant elders, 26
grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Her legacy will continue! May her
soul rest in peace.
She will be
laid to rest on Saturday 03 November 2012 at Bethel Memorial Hazendal at 09h00.
Messages of
condolences can be emailed to: jerome_gordon@aol.com
Mobile:
+2784 977 5069
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT
NOTICE:
We are
saddened to announce the passing of the Rev. Willie Ashbury DuBois, a retired
minister in the Little Rock / Jonesboro District, Arkansas Annual Conference.
The
Celebration of Life for Reverend Willie Ashbury DuBois:
Family
Hour:
Friday,
November 2, 2012
6:00 p.m.
St. Paul
AME Church
573 Cowan
Street
Hughes, AR
72348
Funeral
Services:
Saturday,
November 3, 2012
11:00 a.m.
Hughes High
School Gymnasium
310 College
Street
Hughes, AR
72348
Services
provided by:
Anthony
Funeral Home
135 S 16th
St
West
Memphis, Arkansas 72301
(870)
735-8680
Condolences
may be shared with the family:
P.O. Box
804
Hughes, AR
72348
(870-339-2420)
21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT
NOTICE:
This
communication comes to inform you of the passing of Mr. Jodi L. Wade, the husband
of Sister Betty Wade (Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church, Pine Bluff, Arkansas) and the
father of the Reverend Chestine (Debra) Sims, pastor of Union A.M.E. Church,
Little Rock, Arkansas.
The
Celebration of Life service for Mr. Jodi L. Wade will be held:
Friday,
November 2, 2012, 2 p.m.
Ward Chapel
A.M.E. Church
3606 West
6th Street
Pine Bluff,
AR 71601
Burial will
be in the Forrest Lawn Memorial Garden.
Services
have been entrusted to:
Brown
Funeral Home
2704
Commerce Circle
Pine Bluff,
AR 71601
Phone:
870-534-3210
Email: brownfuneralhome2@att.net
Online
Guest Book:
Condolences
may be shared with the family:
- Mrs.
Betty Wade
309 West
26th Street
Pine Bluff,
AR 71603
- The Rev.
and Mrs. Chestine Sims and family
1101 South
Hemlock
Pine Bluff,
AR 71603
22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT
NOTICE:
It is with
great sorrow that we inform you of the death of Rev. Columbus Muse, Sr. on
Tuesday, October 23, 2012. Reverend Muse was a retired Presiding Elder of the
Greater New Orleans - Greensburg District in the Louisiana Conference of the
Eighth Episcopal District. The Rev. Muse is survived by his wife, Mrs. Lurena
D. Muse and children.
Viewing and
Funeral Services: Thursday, November 1, 2012
Viewing -
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a. m.
Funeral -
10:00 a.m.
Payne
Memorial AME Church
3306 South
Liberty Street
New
Orleans, Louisiana 70115
(504) 899 -
3424
The Rev.
Lester A. Shaw, Pastor
Professional
Care entrusted to:
MJR
Friendly Service Funeral Home
7803
Florida Boulevard
Denham
Springs, Louisiana 70726
Telephone:
(225) 665-8002
Expressions
of sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Lurena
Muse
312 Wallace
Drive
New
Orleans, Louisiana 70122
(504) 812 -
8704 or (504) 982 - 9292
23. AMEZ GENERAL OFFICER BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to inform you
of the passing of Mrs. Eula Mae Aiken who was 91 years old. She was the mother
of newly elected AME Zion General Officer, Dr. David A. Aiken, Sr.
The funeral service was on
Monday October 29 at Mt. Zion AME Church in Abbeville, South Carolina.
Condolence messages may be
sent to:
Dr. David Aiken
Mobile number: 917 837-5173
Email david.aikensr@att.net
24.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family
Information Center
Phone: (615) 837-9736
(H)
Phone: (615) 833-6936 (O)
Cell: (615) 403-7751
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220
25. 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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