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
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder
February 12 - Founder’s Day
February 14, 2012 – Bishop Richard Allen’s Birthday
February – Black History Month
January - Cervical Health Awareness Month
Lent 2012 begins on Ash Wednesday - February 22, 2012
Thought for the Week: “Today is the oldest you've ever
been and the youngest you'll ever be; enjoy each moment and enjoy each day that
God gives you; and, don’t sweat the small stuff!”
1. EDITORIAL – FOUNDER’S DAY
CELEBRATES THE BIRTH, LEGACY AND LIFE OF RICHARD ALLEN, THE FOUNDER OF THE
AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH:
Dr.
Calvin H. Sydnor III,
The
20th Editor, The Christian
Recorder
Founder's
Day is a time to celebrate the birth, legacy and life of Richard Allen, the
Founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
This weekend is
the Founder's Day weekend. The second Sunday in February is the closet
Sunday to the birthday of Richard Allen, our founder. Bishop Richard
Allen was born on February 14, 1760 and the celebration of Founder's Day in our
Zion should focus upon Richard Allen; and Richard Allen alone.
Richard Allen’s
life had the formula for failure and mediocrity, but he did not let the
circumstances of his birth and his station in life, define his reality.
In spite of all of the negativity in his life, the economic constraints, and
the racial and religious prejudice he experienced; Richard Allen excelled and
proved himself to be a leader. He was a leader in the life of colonial
Philadelphia, the Free African Society and was the founder of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church.
Richard Allen's
legacy and leadership lessons are worthy to be emulated by clergy and laity,
and his life-journey and accomplishments are worthy of celebration. Richard
Allen is the reason for the season for the celebration of Founder's Day; and
the focus of Founder’s Day should be upon Richard Allen; and he alone.
When churches
celebrate Founder's Day, it should de done in a singular sense, not a
collective sense. Some celebrations seem to pluralize "Founder's
Day" to "Founders' Day by incorporating the accomplishments of some
of the other early leaders of the AME Church. Founder's Day is not the time to
celebrate the legacies of the various leaders of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church. Founder's Day is the appropriate time to celebrate the
contributions of Richard Allen, a man who was born a slave 252 years ago, purchased
his freedom by the time he was 20 years old.
Founder's Day is
not an appropriate time "water-down" or to diminish the focus upon
the celebration of Richard Allen. Richard Allen had a vision of freedom in the
broadest sense, he did not want freedom just for his physical body; Richard
Allen wanted spiritual and intellectual freedom. His notion of freedom
was holistic, which set him apart from others who escaped from slavery and
saved their own lives. He did not let the circumstances of his birth define
his reality and he was not deterred by setbacks and rejection. Richard
Allen understood the concept that the church extends beyond the church-building
and ministered to the community. He was a man of prayer; he said, "One
night I thought Hell would be my portion. I cried unto Him who delighteth to
hear the prayers of a poor sinner, and all of a sudden my dungeon shook, my
chains flew off, and glory to God, I cried. My soul was filled. I cried, enough
for me – the Saviour died..."
This Founder's
Day, let's celebrate Richard Allen.
Founder's Day
should focus on the celebration of the founding of AME Church. In 2016,
the African Methodist Episcopal Church will celebrate its Bi-Centennial or 200th
Anniversary; and what a glorious time that will be! In 2016, the AME Church can
“lay it all out” and we can celebrate every facet and milestone of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church; and we can focus upon all the leaders of the AME
Church.
But, each second
Sunday in February is Founder’s Day across the African Methodist Episcopal
Church and I hope that all of our Churches across our Zion will be faithful in
observing Founder’s Day as a time to celebrate the birth of Richard Allen, the
founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Happy Founder’s Day!
We have a lot of other celebrations
It
seems to me that we fail to observe so many important events in the life of
Black Americans; and I suspect those of us of African-descent fail to celebrate
a lot of our accomplishments and we complain about being left out of the
history books.
For
instance, I noticed when I Googled “Important dates in Black History” the years
was listed, but not the days and months. I suspect the way many of our churches
keep birth and marriage records needs to be better managed. Many clergy members
would be hard-pressed to find the record of the baptisms and marriages we have
performed. I am guilty.
Many
of clergy members are hard-pressed to identify the specific dates of our own
ordinations. Again, I am guilty.
As
we move to the Bi-Centennial of the African Methodist Episcopal we should
celebrate the significant dates of our Zion.
To
name a few significant dates include the celebration of the specific birthdays
of Morris Brown, Edward Waters William Paul Quinn and Daniel Payne. Shouldn’t we celebrate April 9-11 (1816) –
the date of the organization of the African Methodist Episcopal Church? What about the specific date of our
incorporation.
Bishop
Allen died on March 31, 1831 and shouldn’t that date, at least be mentioned in
our congregations? Does anyone celebrate the birthday of Jarena Lee, the first
black woman preacher in the AME Church who was born on February 11, 1783?
Founder’s
Day is Richard Allen’s day for celebration of his birth and accomplishments,
but there are 364 other days to celebrate the many significant events in the
life of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Editor's Note: Editor Sydnor will be preaching the Founder's Day sermon this Sunday at Allen Temple AME Church, 7030 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH 45237; http://www.allentemple.org; telephone:(513)
531-7539. The
Reverend Dr. Alphonse Allen, Jr. is the pastor of Allen Temple AME Church.
2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND
OTHER ISSUES:
- Letter to the Editor:
RE: TCR Breaking News: The Baptist Press
reports that Bishop T. D. Jakes of the Potters House Church says he now
embraces the Doctrine of the Trinity -
This is
what I call an “Ah Ha” moment! I'm glad
you had written the editorial sometime ago about T.D. Jakes not being a
Trinitarian, so this wouldn't be a shock to some folks' systems. What I also
hope is that the ministers who attended the workshop the was led by Bishop
Jakes was the best thing since white bread and thought that he knew EVERYTHING,
now understand he is teachable and can be enlightened and be led into the
"right path.” Too bad those who
hold to the Oneness doctrine think he is a Heretic.
I am so
glad I belong to a liturgical, Protestant denomination that follows a method,
whose “heart feels strangely warm upon occasion, whose dungeon shook and chains
fell off and then I cried ‘Glory to God!’
Carol
Croskey
- To the Editor:
RE: TCR Breaking
News: Eddie Long Crowned “king” – On CNN today (2/3/12) and in
today’s blog of The Washington Post.
In that
news break, TCR Editor wrote, “We should be faithful to the ‘Catechism of Faith’
as found in The Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal
Church 2008. This might be a good time for pastors to review the ‘Catechism
of Faith’ and the ‘Articles of Religion.’”
Retired Bishop, Richard Allen Chappelle wrote, “It is
‘Catechism ON Faith.’ Bishop Chappelle is absolutely correct; Section IV
on Page 24 of The
Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 2008 is entitled, “Catechism
On Faith.”
Editor’s
Response to Bishop Chappelle: You
are so correct. It was a typo. I typed while looking at The Discipline.
I hope more people, especially pastors, caught the typo.
- To the Editor:
Re: TCR News Break: A Reminder - Founder's Day is a time to celebrate
the birth, legacy and life of Richard Allen, the Founder of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church
Well put! I've been excited all week and can't wait for
Sunday to teach some and remind others how GREAT African Methodism is!!
The Rev. James Platt
The Rev. James Platt
3. RETIRED
BISHOP FREDERICK HILBORN TALBOT IS COMPILING A LIST OF THE RECIPENTS OF THE
DOCTOR OF MINISTRY DEGREE:
If
you have earned the Doctor of Ministry Degree from an accredited theological
Seminary, please email your name, the name of the institution from which you
graduated, the date, and a photo to Bishop Talbot: fhtalbot@comcast.net. The publication of the document is scheduled
to be completed during the month of February 2012. For further questions, you may call Bishop
Talbot (615 221 9673) between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Central Standard
Time.
4. VENDOR AND CANDIDATE BOOTHS AT THE
GENERAL CONFERENCE:
Candidates and
Businesses that would like to secure a Vendor Booth in the AME
MALL for the 49th General Conference in Nashville,
please click on the link http://13thame.com/index.php?page_id=gcvendors for vendor
information.
Contact the Rev. Troy
or the Rev. Maxine Thomas at 859-224-9961 if you have specific questions.
5. TCR APP OF THE WEEK - TURBOSCAN:
TurboScan turns your iPhone or Android phone into a multipage scanner for documents,
receipts, notes, whiteboards, etc. With TurboScan,
you can quickly scan your documents and store, search, print, or email them as
multipage PDFs or JPEG files.
It’s like
carrying a FAX machine in your pocket. It's an excellent app. TurboScan uses
advanced fast algorithms to auto-detect document edges, straighten the
documents (correct perspective), eliminate shadows and set a perfect contrast.
TurboScan
boasts a powerful yet easy to use interface. Get instant one-tap brightness,
rotation and color controls all on one screen!
I have
downloaded the app and have used it - CHS III
6. ST. PETER - CARROLLTON AME
CHURCH, NEW ORLEANS, LA, TAKES BIG LEAP TOWARD PEACE IN NEW ORLEANS:
The AME
Church is on the move in the city of New Orleans. With the crime rate of the
city at an all time high, the members of St. Peter- Carrollton AME Church in
New Orleans and the Hollygrove Neighborhood Association worked together to
achieve peace back in the Hollygrove community, in New Orleans, LA.
For years,
Big Time Tips Bar and Lounge has hindered the community by not only serving
alcoholic beverages, but also a place for selling drugs, including marijuana
and crack cocaine. It has recently been the place where numerous murders have
taken place. All of these actions took place daily directly across the street
from St. Peter- Carrollton AME Church. Not anymore!
Six weeks
into the New Year, God provided a huge breakthrough. Various law enforcement
divisions worked together to shut down "Big Time Tips Bar and Lounge"
from operating. The shut down is only temporary and the owner will stand before
the judge this Thursday, February 9, 2012 to see if the shut down is permanent.
We are
calling for your help and request that you be in prayer with the Rev. David
Smith, pastor and members of St. Peter-Carrollton AME Church for the permanent
closing of "Big Time Tips Bar and Lounge." We are also praying for
the safety of those brave citizens who decided to take a stand against the
violence and crime that has hindered this community for such a long time.
We must
begin to take back what the devil stole from us!
The link
below is footage of what has transpired via WDSU Channel 6, New Orleans.
Submitted
by the Rev. Allen J. Williams, Jr., Minister of Music, 8th District AME Church,
St. Peter- Carrollton AME Church, New Orleans, LA
7. COLONEL CHARLES YOUNG NATIONAL WALK-A-THON:
WILBERFORCE, OHIO, January 27, 2012 – Wilberforce University along with Title Sponsor Kraft Foods invites walkers from across the nation to join the Colonel Charles Young National Walk-A-Thon. The inaugural edition of the event will be held May 19, 2012 in eight cities, including Chicago, IL; Detroit, MI; Erie, PA; Queens, N.Y. and Cincinnati, Cleveland, Elyria & Xenia OH. This event is open to everyone.
The Colonel Charles Young National Walk-A-Thon benefits student and academic programs supported by the annual fund at Wilberforce University in Wilberforce, Ohio. Founded in 1856, Wilberforce University is the nation’s first private historically black university. Community and Alumni support is critically important to university students – especially in tough economic times.
Participants are encouraged to form teams and collect pledges of support from family and friends. The Colonel Charles Young Walk-A-Thon is named in honor of a former faculty member at Wilberforce University who famously journeyed over 500 miles on horseback from Wilberforce, Ohio to the nation’s capital to demonstrate his fitness for duty -- although he had previously retired from military service.
Title sponsor Kraft Foods also invites interested companies to visit www.wilberforce.edu to learn about sponsorship opportunities for the Colonel Charles Young Walk-A-Thon.
More information for walkers is available at www.wilberforce.edu/walk or by contacting Director of the Wilberforce University Annual Fund, Sonseeahray Ross at 937-708-5709.
For publicity information, contact Marcia Copeland Hudson at publicrelations@wilberforce.edu or call 937.416.3525.
WILBERFORCE, OHIO, January 27, 2012 – Wilberforce University along with Title Sponsor Kraft Foods invites walkers from across the nation to join the Colonel Charles Young National Walk-A-Thon. The inaugural edition of the event will be held May 19, 2012 in eight cities, including Chicago, IL; Detroit, MI; Erie, PA; Queens, N.Y. and Cincinnati, Cleveland, Elyria & Xenia OH. This event is open to everyone.
The Colonel Charles Young National Walk-A-Thon benefits student and academic programs supported by the annual fund at Wilberforce University in Wilberforce, Ohio. Founded in 1856, Wilberforce University is the nation’s first private historically black university. Community and Alumni support is critically important to university students – especially in tough economic times.
Participants are encouraged to form teams and collect pledges of support from family and friends. The Colonel Charles Young Walk-A-Thon is named in honor of a former faculty member at Wilberforce University who famously journeyed over 500 miles on horseback from Wilberforce, Ohio to the nation’s capital to demonstrate his fitness for duty -- although he had previously retired from military service.
Title sponsor Kraft Foods also invites interested companies to visit www.wilberforce.edu to learn about sponsorship opportunities for the Colonel Charles Young Walk-A-Thon.
More information for walkers is available at www.wilberforce.edu/walk or by contacting Director of the Wilberforce University Annual Fund, Sonseeahray Ross at 937-708-5709.
For publicity information, contact Marcia Copeland Hudson at publicrelations@wilberforce.edu or call 937.416.3525.
Who:
Wilberforce University
What: Colonel Charles Young National Walk-A-Thon
When: May 19, 2012
Why: Raise funds for Student and Academic Programs at Wilberforce University
Where: Chicago, IL; Detroit, MI; Erie, PA; Queens, N.Y. and Cincinnati, Cleveland, Elyria & Xenia Ohio
What: Colonel Charles Young National Walk-A-Thon
When: May 19, 2012
Why: Raise funds for Student and Academic Programs at Wilberforce University
Where: Chicago, IL; Detroit, MI; Erie, PA; Queens, N.Y. and Cincinnati, Cleveland, Elyria & Xenia Ohio
8. WILBERFORCE UNIVERSITY STUDENT ON NATIONAL
BLACK COLLEGE QUIZ GAME SHOW:
WILBERFORCE,
Ohio – Woodward High School grad Latyra Stinson, now a sophomore at Wilberforce
University, represents Wilberforce University at The Sixth Annual Ford Black
College Quiz Game Show.
By her own admission, Latyra tends to be shy – but these days, she’s getting to feel more and more at home in front of television cameras. It’s not that she’s planning a career in broadcasting. It’s just that the Cincinnati native is finding herself facing cameras lately.
The show, taped at Howard University in Washington, D.C., features contestants from a dozen historically-black colleges and universities across the nation. Participants compete for scholarship money and prizes. In February, viewers across the nation will see her representing Wilberforce University, airing on select ABC and NBC television affiliates. Latyra placed in top honors on the program.
A member of the Wilberforce University Scholars Program, Latyra was invited to represent the University at the Quiz Show. “I said, ‘Yes, I’m ready. I want to do this,’” she said. “It was a great experience. I learned I can be confident and a little less shy.”
After agreeing to appear, Latyra and her coach DiShondra Goree worked hard to brush up on African American history. This was in addition to Latyra’s normal course load at the University, where she is studying in Health Care Sciences. She is also on the Deans List with a 3.5 GPA and plans a career that may include nursing school or medical school following her graduation from Wilberforce.
By her own admission, Latyra tends to be shy – but these days, she’s getting to feel more and more at home in front of television cameras. It’s not that she’s planning a career in broadcasting. It’s just that the Cincinnati native is finding herself facing cameras lately.
The show, taped at Howard University in Washington, D.C., features contestants from a dozen historically-black colleges and universities across the nation. Participants compete for scholarship money and prizes. In February, viewers across the nation will see her representing Wilberforce University, airing on select ABC and NBC television affiliates. Latyra placed in top honors on the program.
A member of the Wilberforce University Scholars Program, Latyra was invited to represent the University at the Quiz Show. “I said, ‘Yes, I’m ready. I want to do this,’” she said. “It was a great experience. I learned I can be confident and a little less shy.”
After agreeing to appear, Latyra and her coach DiShondra Goree worked hard to brush up on African American history. This was in addition to Latyra’s normal course load at the University, where she is studying in Health Care Sciences. She is also on the Deans List with a 3.5 GPA and plans a career that may include nursing school or medical school following her graduation from Wilberforce.
9. AT-LARGE CANDIDATE DR. E. GAIL
ANDERSON HOLNESS, ANC COMMISSIONER SURVIVES BALLOT CHALLENGE(S):
Washington,
DC February 8, 2012:
Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness, Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Ward 1B
announces her candidacy for the At-Large City Council seat for the
upcoming April 3, 2012 election. She successfully defeated a number
of challenges to her nomination and now announces she's been approved
by the District's Board of Election and Ethics to be on the ballot for the
At-Large seat. "The challenge was a baseless attack on my
integrity as well as the authenticity of the signatures on my nominating
petition," said Dr. Holness, "The Registrar concluded I had secured
more than enough signatures for warrant ballot access."
The Board of
Elections and Ethics has subsequently ordered that Dr. Holness be granted
access to the ballot for the April 3, 2012 Primary Election for the office of
At-Large member of the District of Columbia Council. Dr. Holness is
Commissioner for Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1B11 and the former chair
of Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1B who says she grew increasing
frustrated with the inability to get their voices heard. By running
for the City Council At-Large seat she seeks to be the voice of everyone
else who shares this frustration. She will be holding a
press conference at lobby 441 4th Street, NW - Judiciary Square
on Friday at 11:00 a.m. The public is invited.
10. THE CONNECTIONAL LAY
ORGANIZATION ANNOUNCES ITS SPRING BOARD MEETING:
MARCH 29 –
APRIL 1, 2012
Greetings
my fellow layperson, it is time for the
Spring Executive Board meeting scheduled for Friday and Saturday, March 30 -31,
2012 in Columbus, Ohio at the downtown Holiday Inn. The meeting will start at 8:30 a.m. on Friday
and end by 4 p.m. on Saturday.
A special
feature of this Board meeting is the retirement celebration of our Lay
Commissioner, Bishop C. Garnett Henning, Sr. on Friday evening at the Renaissance
Hotel approximately four blocks from the Holiday Inn. Transportation will be provided.
The Arthur
Dean Brown Lay Organization of Mt. Vernon AME Church is inviting persons
attending the Board meeting to worship on Palm Sunday followed by dinner. Please indicate your intention to stay on the
transportation form being sent separately by the Third Episcopal District Lay
Organization.
Executive
Board, President Emeritus, advisors and selected chairpersons will receive two
nights lodging. Travel if made thirty days in advance and registration except 1
-13 District Presidents. Travel and
lodging for 14 – 20 Districts. For
lodging please contact Anita Rankin for hotel accommodations at arankin@amecnational.org. All other
attendees are to contact the Holiday Inn, 175 E. Town Street, Columbus, Ohio
43215 at 800-465-4329 or direct at 614-221-3281 using the code “SMERF.” Hotel cost is $105.00 per night plus current
tax rate of 16.75 percent. Parking is
$5.00 per night. One night pre-paid
lodging required.
Registration
fee is $75 prior to the March 20th deadline and $85 onsite. The fee includes three meals and
materials. Please send to Richard
Bowden, 1908 Vaughn Lane, Montgomery, Alabama 36l06. Please make checks payable to “Connectional
Lay Organization”.
Executive
Board members are reminded that you are expected to attend the entire
meeting.
Reimbursement
checks will only be given at the end of the meeting to those Board members
attending the full meeting unless prior arrangements are made.
Selected
chairpersons are: Dr. Paulette Coleman, William Ayers, Bert Ogden and Florine
Herron.
Thanks for
your cooperation to these guidelines.
God Bless.
Willie C.
Glover, Ph.D., President, Connectional Lay Organization
11. BELIEVE, INC. BANQUET -
CULMINATING EVENT FOR THE BISHOP VASHTI MCKENZIE AND BROTHER STAND MCKENZIE:
The 13th
Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is hosting the 49th
Session of the General Conference of the AME Church on June 27 - July 4, 2012
at Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Team
13’s Presiding Elders, preachers and people are preparing to welcome more than
30,000 visitors to Music City, USA. As Episcopal Supervisor of the 13th
Episcopal District, I am asking for you to support me in this endeavor.
I'd like you
to join me and my wife, Bishop Vashti McKenzie at the Believe Banquet, the
culminating event of our ministry in states of Tennessee and Kentucky on June
26, 2012. We believe that "God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek
Him." (Hebrew 11:6). I would like for you to join my family and the 13th
Episcopal District family at this pre-conference event.
Join Team 13
by purchasing tickets to the banquet either at the General Unreserved Seating
at $75 or the Inner Circle Reserved Seating at $125 which also includes a
pre-banquet reception. Tables can be purchased at $750 (General Unreserved) or
$1250 (Inner Circle).
Please
consider joining up. Fill out and return the last page to purchase tickets or
tables. You can contact my office at 615-242-6814 or stanmckenzie44@aol.com if you have any
questions.
Thank you
again for your kind consideration and look forward to your response.
By the Grace
of God,
Stan McKenzie
13th
Episcopal District Episcopal Supervisor
12. ANTOINE SMITH, HONOR STUDENT AND
BASKETBALL STAR AT SELLS MIDDLE SCHOOL IN DUBLIN, OHIO:
Thirteen
year old Antoine Smith Jr. is the 6'3" center for the 7th Grade John Sells
Middle School Basketball team in Dublin, Ohio. The Sells Middle School
“Shamrocks” had an undefeated (19-0) season, and was crowned champions in the
7th Grade Boys Basketball Dublin Invitational Tournament. Antoine maintains a 3.7
Grade Point Average and is looking forward to playing in national AAU
tournaments this summer.
Antoine is
a member of Whitman Chapel AME Church in Belpre, Ohio. He is the son of Antoine
and the Rev. Gloria L. Sydnor Smith, Esq., the pastor of Whitman Chapel AME
Church. Antoine is the grandson of the
Rev. Dr. Calvin and the Rev. Dr. Charlotte Blake Sydnor, the pastor of Woodfork
Chapel AME Church in Shelbyville, Tennessee.
TCR Editor’s Comment: I am inviting AME parents and
grandparents to share the good news of AME youngsters. In the college ranks we know about Malcolm
Brogdon, who plays for the University of Virginia and who is the grandson of
retired Bishop and Dr. Dolly Adams; and Ronald Nored, the grandson of Mrs.
Delores Kennedy-Williams and a basketball star at Butler University.
13. TEAM TYLER DISTRICT HOLDS
FELLOWSHIP MEETING:
By: Delanda
S. Johnson
Special to
the News
On
Saturday, February 4th, the Team Tyler District held its Fellowship
Service at Ebenezer AME Church in Tyler, Texas where the Rev. Mittie C. Muse,
Sr. is the pastor.
The
Fellowship Service opened up with a congregational song with Presiding Elder
Darrell Caldwell, Sr. called the meeting to order.
Presiding
Elder Caldwell recapped the projects from the December 10th meeting
in Marshall, Texas in which the Team Tyler District would be doing in 2012,
which included a cook book, recording a live CD, and other fundraisers for the
district.
With a
reflection of a Black History moment presented on composer Thomas A. Dorsey, writer
of the spiritual, "Precious Lord." The sanctuary was filled with the
presence of the LORD.
The Rev.
Joan Nickerson, pastor of Adams Chapel AME Church in Dallas, Texas brought the
message for that afternoon. Her sermon text was taken from Matthew 25:1-25. The
Rev. Nickerson's subject was "Keep Oil in Your Lamp." "Words are
what change you; and you can't make a change without reading ‘the Word,’” said
the Rev. Nickerson. She noted that for over 2000 years the church has known
about the coming of Jesus, however, many churches seem not to focus on the
coming of Jesus. The Rev. Nickerson stated that Jesus has gone to prepare a
place for us; she asked the question, "Will you be ready?"
"Today we must realize that we must sacrifice. We all should know that it
is not about us, it's about Jesus. The church needs to tell everybody about
Jesus Christ. We must go out and witness to the unchurched," said Rev.
Nickerson.
The Rev.
Nickerson noted that we must let our “little light shine” and let the world
know that Jesus is everything that we need. We must not let particular
situations get us down and know that we can become a doctor, lawyer, financial
advisor, or whatever we are willing to sacrifice to be with the help of Jesus
Christ. "You need to know that Jesus will never leave or forsake you. All
you need to do is just call the name of Jesus. We must keep oil in our lamps
and know that Jesus is the light. He is the way, the truth, and the
light," said the Rev. Nickerson.
14. AME NICHOLE PHILLIPS WILL BE
DEFENDING HER DISSERTATION AT VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY:
Nichole
Phillips will be defending her dissertation, Evangelical Faith and the
Ritualization of Politicized Death: The Power, Authority, and Identity of Rural
Blacks and Whites, on Friday, February 24 at 3:15 p.m. in Divinity classroom
#138. Her committee members are: Dr.
Volney P. Gay, Dr. William F. Partridge, Dr. Bonnie Miller-McLemore, Dr. Lewis
V. Baldwin, and Dr. Thomas A. Gregor.
The
Reverend Nichole Phillips is AME and is a member of Greater Bethel AME Church
in Nashville, Tennessee. She is a native of Brooklyn and a graduate of
Wellesley and Boston University.
This event
is open to the public.
Submitted
by Dr. Dennis C Dickerson
15. *TCR
NEWS FROM THE CANDIDATES FOR ELECTION AT THE 49TH QUADRENNIAL
SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE
- The
Seawright for Bishop Campaign sponsors a benefit concert featuring the “singing
preachers” the of the Washington Conference:
The
Seawright for Bishop Campaign invites all to the Singing Preachers Benefit
Concert featuring the renowned preachers of the Washington Conference of the
African Methodist Episcopal Church on Friday, March 2, 2012, at Greater Mount
Nebo AME Church, 1001 Old Mitchellville Road, Bowie, Maryland. The concert
begins at 7:30 p.m.
You don’t
want to miss this incredible line-up of singing preachers featuring the Rev.
Dr. Louis-Charles Harvey; the Rev. Samuel E. Hayward III, the Rev. Charles T.
Sembly, the Rev. Wendell O. E. Christopher, the Rev. Etoria V. Goggins, the
Rev. Jamila Woods-Jones, the Rev. Anna E. Mosby, the Rev. Frances Sparkman, the
Rev. Jacquelyn Hollingsworth and even a surprised artist.
In addition
to the concert, there will be a Silent Auction showcasing fine African art,
jewelry, gift certificates, gift baskets and more. The silent auction
will open at 6:30 p.m. The silent auction will take place during the
intermission. Get there early to place your bid! We are seeking additional
donations. The deadline for all donations is February 25th. All
donors will be recognized. For more details, please call the campaign office at
301-265-1816, to coordinate the delivery of your donation. Attached is a letter
to assist us with donations. Thanks in advance for sharing with your churches,
local merchants, family and friends.
The Rev.
Dr. Harry L. Seawright is a Candidate for Bishop of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church and Pastor of Union Bethel AME Church, in Brandywine &
Temple Hills, Maryland.
Submitted
by Ms. Pamela J. King-Williams, Union Bethel AME Church - Public Relations Ministry
- Dr. Clement W. Fugh “On the Road Again”:
This week a
new feature was added to the Home Page of the Official Website of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church. It is a clock that counts down to the
opening day of the 49th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the
African Methodist Episcopal Church that convenes June 27-July 4, 2012, in
Nashville, Tennessee.
This meter
not only serves as a reminder to would-be observers to get their registrations
in, but also it reminds me that of how little time remains for me to get the
message of the Recovery Movement out, and to solicit support for my candidacy
for Episcopal Service.
"Time is of the essence and I am reaching out to you again for your help and
support. A current listing of my preaching and teaching schedule from now
until the General Conference will be posted on the Recovery Movement website.
I look forward to greeting you when I am in your area. But in the
meantime, please share the vision of the Recovery Movement with your
constituency.
Dr. Clement
W. Fugh
Candidate
for Episcopal Service 2012
*TCR
News from the Candidates for election at the 49th Quadrennial
Session of the General Conference will feature news items from the
candidates that provide news information – not advertisements.
Advertisements are still available to be purchased for publication in the
“print edition of ‘The Christian Recorder.’” Candidates’ news items
should be submitted in accordance with “The Guidelines for Submitting
Articles to The Christian Recorder.” Multiple submissions and submission
not in accordance with the “Guidelines for Submitting Articles to TCR will not be considered for
publication. All submissions will be in Word format, imbedded (pasted) in the
email message; attachments will not be processed. (Attached please find
“Guidelines for Submitting Articles to The Christian Recorder.”
Candidates’ news’ items will be sent out as TCR News Breaks.
16. LIFT YOUR VOICES TO END HUNGER AND
POVERTY:
*The Rev. Derrick Boykin
February 10, 2012
As the country struggles to recover from a devastating
economic recession, hunger and poverty are harsh realities for many Americans.
Within the African-American community—especially among women and
children—hunger and poverty rates remain disproportionately higher than in the
U.S. population as a whole.
New analysis from Bread for the World, titled “Hunger and
Poverty Hurt African-American Women and Children,” looks at these troubling
numbers. The report also examines the impact of hunger on the U.S. economy in
lost productivity, reduced educational outcomes, and increased healthcare
costs.
Twenty-five percent of African-American households
struggle to put food on the table, compared to about 33 percent of U.S.
households overall. And nearly 40 percent of all African-American children live
in poverty, compared to 22 percent of U.S. children as a whole. This is
particularly alarming, as research shows that inadequate nutrition during the
1,000 days from pregnancy through a child’s second birthday produces permanent
changes in a child’s brain structure and function.
In developing countries, children suffer permanent
cognitive and physical delays when mothers and children do not receive proper
nutrition during this critical period. Children who are properly nourished
resist disease better throughout their lives, stay in school longer, and earn
more income.
This isn’t just an issue overseas, though. In the United
States, mothers and children who are not properly nourished in these first
1,000 days face greater mortality rates at birth. Children have decreased
mental capacity, which leads to lower test scores, a smaller vocabulary, and
poorer overall health through their lifetimes.
Safety nets such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition
Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) continue to play a vital role for
vulnerable families. More than 56 percent of all SNAP participants are women,
13.1 percent are African-American women, and nearly 50 percent are children.
WIC safeguards the health of low-income women and young children up to age 5 by
providing healthy packages of food. WIC also provides information on healthy
eating, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare.
These programs are at risk as lawmakers continue to look
for ways to reduce the federal deficit. Churches and charities do their part to
help meet the ever-increasing need in their communities, but they can’t do it
all. As Christians, God is calling us to end hunger. We must remember our
brothers and sisters who are struggling to make ends meet, and we must act.
You can view the complete analysis at www.bread.org/african-american-2012.
I encourage you to use this as a resource when contacting your lawmakers to let
them know you care about hungry and poor people and want the programs that
support them to be protected.
The Rev. Derrick Boykin is the associate for
African-American leadership outreach at Bread for the World.
17. BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2012 BRINGS
POWERFUL TV PROGRAMMING:
Black
History Month brings programming this year that’s as raw as a late-’60s black
power documentary and as breezy as new episodes of BET’s “The Game” and “Let’s
Stay Together.” Last night’s (2/6/12) episode of the Underground Railroad
was superb. CHS III
|
Here are some of the highlights:
Feb.
12,
11 a.m. (BET). Dr.
Maya Angelou and Common.
An uncommon dialogue between the scholar and the rapper/actor.
Feb.
12,
9 p.m. (Smithsonian). “MLK: The Assassination Tapes.” Material from the days
around Dr.
Martin Luther King’s death, some not heard since the late 1960s.
Feb.
13,
9 p.m. (BET). BET Honors. Hosted by Gabrielle Union.
Feb.
13,
9 p.m. (PBS). “Slavery by Another Name.” Sobering documentary on the
second-class treatment of blacks all over America for many decades after the
Civil War ended.
Feb.
14,
9 p.m. (PBS). “The Interrupters.” Community workers and former gang members
who intervene to head off violent confrontations and situations in Chicago.
Feb.
14,
9 p.m. (HBO). “The Loving Story.” Documentary on a couple who challenged a
ban on interracial marriage.
Feb.
17,
8 p.m. (NBC). The NAACP Image Awards.
Feb.
17,
10 p.m. (BET). “BET Takes Hollywood.” Focuses on black Oscar nominees.
Feb.
23,
8:30 p.m. (Showtime). “Phunny Business.” The rise and fall of All Jokes
Aside, a Chicago club that was one of the few to welcome and encourage black
comedians like Steve
Harvey.
Feb.
24,
9 p.m. (PBS). “Memphis.” The hit Broadway show heavy on 1950s-inspired
R&B, set against the backdrop of a forbidden interracial love story.
Feb.
26,
11 p.m. (Centric). “The Life of Heavy D.” Documentary on the influential rapper who died
young.
Feb.
27,
10 p.m. (PBS). “Cab
Calloway: Sketches.” Portrait of a fine musician who was also one of the
great showmen of the 20th century.
**Television
times are listed in Eastern Standard Time.
|
18. IF GOD BE FOR US
“What, then, shall we say in
response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31
In II Chronicles 20:1-25, there was a threat of war, of
an invasion by Moab. Jehoshaphat was a real leader; a king over Judah who knew
his Great and Mighty Resource. He knew the God of his fathers. And in a time
when men go forth to battle, Jehoshaphat knew God would deliver him.
Easy to say? We hear a lot of rhetoric these days. Every
politician has a great idea, a great word straight from his own personal lips
about how to fix a nation gone wrong spiritually, physically, morally and
humanly speaking. And humanly speaking—there is no cure for our condition. We
are a nation who has forgotten God. Our moral compass has gone haywire. It is
broken, and we are splintered and divided. Powerless because of the direction
we have taken. We are fearful of the future and rightfully so.
In verse 3 of our chapter, King Jehoshaphat’s problem was
not the same as ours, but it was severe enough that the King admitted his fear.
And being fearful for his nation and people, he exercised his God-endued
responsibility. He sought the Lord and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.
A very important exercise on his part, for it united the people. They came
together to pray and seek God’s face (II Chronicles 7:14). Remember this great
verse, though from God’s mouth to Solomon’s ears, “If my people, which are
called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and
turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive
their sin, and will heal their land.”
God, who promised—God who never fails on his good
promise—was obliged to answer Jehoshaphat because of his commitment to doing
life God’s way. So he prayed before the people, invoking the God of Heaven,
attributing “power and might” such that “none is able to withstand ….” He recognized
God’s Sovereign attributes as Creator, Ruler, and Destroyer of the Enemy
through His power and might.
In so doing, Jehoshaphat and the people united as one,
and they acknowledged their dependence upon God when they cried out, “We don’t
know what to do!” Music to God’s ears. He loves that kind of prayer. It is
admitting our dependence upon Him. But that was not the end. They didn’t throw
up their hands in defeat as we so often do when we are failing under the weight
of circumstance.
No! They cried out, “… but our eyes are upon thee.”
Hallelujah!
And then notice what they did in verse 13. “And all Judah
stood before the Lord, with their little ones, their wives, and their
children.”
They stood! In awe, they stood in God’s presence even
though they did not see Him. His presence was overwhelming. This brings to mind
a powerful thought. They didn’t sit. They stood before King Jehoshaphat, who
stood before the God of Israel.
As spirit-filled believers, we are at war. At war against
a litany of foes: principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world,
spiritual wickedness in high places.
Paul in Ephesians 6 instructs us to take the whole armour
of God and to—stand. “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth,
and having on the breastplate of righteousness and your feet shod with the
preparation of the gospel of peace …” And in verse 18, “praying always…”
Great instructions sufficient for the hour; that gets us
to the battle. But what gets us through the battle? God’s instructions to
Jehoshaphat in verses 16 and 17:
Tomorrow, go down against them
Set yourselves and stand still
See the salvation of the Lord
Don’t be afraid, don’t be dismayed
The Lord will be there
So—the people cried and wimped out? No! Their king bowed
low to the ground, and so did the people fall before the Lord, and they
worshipped Him (verse 18).
And just how did God respond?
To be continued … Or you may continue reading the
biblical account…
Victor W. Baugh, Sr., Th.D., Ph.D.
Pastor, St. Luke AME Church
Moundville, AL
19. A
FOUNDERS’ DAY LITANY©
*The
Reverend Joseph A. Darby
Leader: For Richard and Sarah Allen and for all of
those who refused to accept “second class Christian” status when they walked
out of Saint George’s Methodist Episcopal Church in 1787,
People: We thank and praise you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Leader: For their bold, visionary and determined
decision to worship freely by converting a former blacksmith’s shop that was
dedicated to God’s glory as their “Bethel” in 1794,
People: We thank and praise you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Leader: For heroes of the faith like Jarena Lee,
Daniel Coker, Morris Brown, William Paul Quinn, Daniel Alexander Payne and
Henry McNeal Turner who steered the ship of African Methodism through her
formative years,
People: We thank and praise you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Leader: For Your notable and unknown servants who
labored with God’s guidance to make what was once a single congregation into
The African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1816 and into the global representation
of faith and hope that we now celebrate,
People: We thank and praise you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Leader: Forgive us, gracious Lord, for the times
when we have taken your blessings and the heritage of African Methodism for
granted.
People: Lord, have mercy upon us.
Leader: Forgive us for the times when we’ve failed
to be prophetic or to make disciples and change lives because we were consumed
with church business instead of God’s business.
People: Lord, have mercy upon us.
Leader: Forgive us for the times when we have been
so focused on stylish Sunday praise and intense church meetings that we have
forgotten that you called us into daily service.
People: Lord, have mercy upon us.
Leader: Forgive us for the times when we’ve walked
not in the footsteps of our Savior or our founders, but have instead charted
our own course to have our own way.
People: Lord, have mercy upon us.
All: Bless us, Gracious
Lord, to recommit ourselves to You and to walk by faith, live in Your love,
exemplify your hope and let Your Light shine through our thoughts, words and
deeds. Bless us to walk daily in newness
of life as we serve You in the church militant, so that we can meet you someday
in the church triumphant, rest from our labors, and hear You say, “Well
done.” Amen. Amen.
Amen. ©
*The Reverend Joseph A. Darby, Pastor
Morris Brown African Methodist Episcopal Church
Charleston, South Carolina
20. THE
2012 SPRING ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULES / DISTRICT EVENTS:
THE 2012 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE FOR 2ND EPISCOPAL
DISTRICT:
Bishop Adam
J. Richardson, Jr., Presiding Prelate
Dr. Connie
Speights Richardson, Episcopal Supervisor
The 196th
Session of the Baltimore Conference
Date:
Tuesday, April 10 - Saturday, April 14
Host
Church: Empowerment Temple AMEC, Baltimore, MD
Host
Pastor: The Rev. Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant
Host
Presiding Elder: The Rev. Cordell E. Hunter
Associate
Presiding Elder: The Rev. Ernest Lee Montague
The 62nd
Session of the Washington
Conference
Date:
Tuesday, April 24 – Saturday, April 28
Hosting by:
The Washington Conference
Conference
Site: Reid Temple AMEC, Glenn Dale, MD
Host
Pastor: The Rev. Dr. Lee P. Washington
Host
Presiding Elder: The Rev. Goodwin Douglas
Associate
Presiding Elder: The Rev. Dr. Louis Charles Harvey
The 146th
Session of the Virginia Conference
Date:
Tuesday, May 08- Saturday, May 12
Host
Church: St. Paul AMEC, Newport News,
VA
Host
Pastor: The Rev. Donald White
Host
Church: Bethel AMEC, Hampton,
VA
Host
Pastor: The Rev. Andre’ Pierre Jefferson
Conference
Site: Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, 740 Town Center Drive, Newport
News, VA
Host
Presiding Elder: The Rev. James P. Beatty
Associate
Presiding Elder: The Rev. Chester Wallace Morris
The
143rd Session of the North Carolina Conference
Date:
Tuesday May 15, - Saturday May 19
Host
Church: St. Luke AMEC, Fayetteville,
NC
Host
Pastor: The Rev. David L. Morrison, Sr.
Conference
Site: The Hotel Bordeaux and Convention Center, 1707 Owen Drive, Fayetteville,
NC
Host
Presiding Elder: The Rev. Evelyn Gail Dunn
Associate
Presiding Elder: The Rev. Larry Stanwyck Hinton
The 119th
Session of the Western North Carolina Conference Date:
Tuesday, May 29 - Saturday, June 02
Co-Host
Church: St. Paul AMEC, Raleigh
Co-Host
Pastor: The Rev. Gregory L. Edmond
Co-Host
Church: St. Joseph AMEC, Durham
Co-Host
Pastor: The Rev. Philip R. Cousin, Jr.
Conference
Site: North Raleigh Hilton Hotel/Midtown Conference Center, 3415 Wake Forest
Road, Raleigh, NC
Host
Presiding Elder: The Rev. Jasper Bernard Wilder
Associate
Presiding Elder: The Rev. Dr. Conrad K. Pridgen
-- 2012 SCHEDULE OF ANNUAL CONFERENCES FOR THE 6TH
EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:
Bishop
William P. DeVeaux, Presiding Prelate
Dr. Pam
DeVeaux, Episcopal Supervisor
SOUTH
GEORGIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
February
28-March 1, 2012
Bethel
A.M.E. Church
217 South
Washington Street
Albany, GA
31701
TEL
229-435-8589
The
Reverend Ernest Davis, Jr., Host Pastor
The
Reverend Jacqueline Smith, Host Presiding Elder
SOUTHWEST
GEORGIA CONFERENCE
March 6-8,
2012
Saint John
A.M.E. Church
3980 Steam
Mill Road
Columbus,
GA 31907
TEL 706-682-6944
The
Reverend Debora F. Grant, Host Pastor
The
Reverend M. Sven “Karl” Colquitt, Host Presiding Elder
GEORGIA
CONFERENCE
March
27-29, 2012
Saint Paul
A.M.E. Church
1520 Wolfe
Street
Brunswick,
GA 31521
Telephone:
912-264-2734
The
Reverend Catherine Mathis, Host Pastor
The
Reverend Dan Stevenson, Host Presiding Elder
AUGUSTA
GEORGIA CONFERENCE
April
24-26, 2012
First
A.M.E. Church
521 North
Hull Street
Athens, GA
30603
TEL
706-548-1454
The
Reverend Claude R. James, Host Pastor
The
Reverend Ella M. Samuels, Host Presiding Elder
MACON
GEORGIA CONFERENCE
May 8-10,
2012
Turner
Tabernacle A.M.E. Church
1104 Third
Street
Macon, GA
31201
TEL
478-743-4932
The
Reverend Ernest Gordon, Host Pastor
The
Reverend Alan H. Wicker, Host Presiding Elder
ATLANTA
NORTH GEORGIA CONFERENCE
May 22-24,
2012
The
Cathedral of Turner Chapel
492 N.
Marietta Parkway
Marietta,
GA 30060
TEL
770-422-6791
The
Reverend Dr. Kenneth E. Marcus, Host Pastor
The
Reverend Cassandra Y. Marcus, Host Co-Pastor
The
Reverend David Rhone, Host Presiding Elder
POST-PLANNING
MEETING
June 1,
2012
Saint
Philip A.M.E. Church
240 Candler
Road SE
Atlanta, GA
30317
TEL
404-371-0749
The
Reverend Dr. William Watley, Host Pastor
The
Reverend Earle Ifill, Host Presiding Elder
DEVEAUX
LEGACY CELEBRATION
June 1,
2012
Saint
Philip A.M.E. Church
240 Candler
Road SE
Atlanta, GA
30317
TEL
404-371-0749
The
Reverend Dr. William Watley, Host Pastor
The
Reverend Earle Ifill, Host Presiding Elder
DEVEAUX
LEGACY/BUILDING DEDICATION
June 2,
2012
Sixth
Episcopal District Headquarters
2900
Chamblee Tucker Road, Building Three
Atlanta, GA
30341
TEL
770-220-1770
-- THE 2012 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE FOR THE 14TH
EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:
Bishop
David R. Daniels, Presiding Prelate
Mrs. Irene
Moifoi Daniels, Episcopal Supervisor
COTE
D’IVOIRE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
January 26,
2012 W. M. S. Annual Convention
January
27-29, 2012: The Cote D’Ivoire Annual Conference
Host
Church: Bryant AME Church
Vridi-Canal,
Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire, West Africa
Host
Pastor: The Rev. Kenneth Ansah
Host
Presiding Elder:
NIGERIA
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
February 2,
2012: W.M.S. Annual Convention
February
3-5, 2012: Annual Conference
Host
Church: Bethel AME Church
Old Akute
Road, Isaga, Lagos
Host
Pastor: The Rev. Boniface Essien
Host
Presiding Elder: The Rev. Boniface Essien
Hosting
Conference at All Saints AME Church
1, Adeniran
Falohun Street, Ogundimu Estate, Iju- Ishaga, Lagos, Nigeria.
TOGO/BENIN
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
February 9,
2012: W.M.S. Annual Convention
February
10-12, 2012: The Togo/Benin Annual Conference
Host
Church: Norris AME Church
Lome, Togo,
West Africa
Host
Pastor: The Rev. John Afawoubo
Host
Presiding Elder: The Rev. Julien Segniagbeto
GHANA
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
February
15, 2012: W.M.S. Annual Convention
February
16-19, 2012: The Ghana Annual Conference
Bethel
A.M.E. Church
Accra,
Ghana, West Africa
Host
Pastor, the Rev. Collier C. Coleman
Host
Presiding Elder, S. K. Nartey
SIERRA
LEONE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
February
29, 2012: W.M.S. Annual Convention
March 1-4,
2012: The Sierra Leone Annual Conference
Host
Church: New Zion AME Church
Padamba
Road
Freetown,
Sierra Leone, West Africa
Host
Pastor: The Rev. Ayodele A.A. Aitkins
Host
Presiding Elder: The Rev. Isaac Showers
CENTRAL
LIBERIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
April –
9-10, 2012: W.M.S. Annual Convention
April 11 –
15, 2012: The Central Liberia Annual Conference
Host
Church: Susan Brooks AME Church
Host
Pastor: The Rev. James O. Jallah
Host
Presiding Elder: The Rev. V. Bryant Kporyor
LIBERIA
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
April 16
–17, 2012: W.M.S. Annual Convention
April 18 –
22, 2012: The Liberia Annual Conference
Host
Church: Eliza Turner Memorial AME Church
Host
District: Monrovia District
Host
Pastors: The Rev. Alvin Attah
Host
Presiding Elder: The Rev. David A. B. Parker
34 Camp
Johnson Road
Monrovia,
Liberia
-- THE 2012 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE FOR 16TH
EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:
Bishop
Sarah Frances Davis, Presiding Prelate
Mr.
Claytie Davis, Episcopal Supervisor
FEBRUARY 2012
01 Haiti
WMS Convention, Mariani AME Church; Host, Venue: Mary Beckett
AMEC
02-05
Haiti Annual Conference, Mariani AME Church, Hosting, Venue: Mary Beckett AMEC
08
Dominican Republic WMS Convention, La
Romana, Impacto Davida AME Church,
Bishop
Preaching Night in White
09-12 Dominican
Republic Annual Conference, La
Romana, Impacto Davida AME Church
15-17 Global
Development Executive Meeting,
Johannesburg, South Africa
29
Suriname/Guyana WMS Convention, Nu
Bethel, Suriname
MARCH /APRIL 2012
01-04 Suriname/Guyana
Conference, Nu Bethel, Suriname
07
Windward Islands WMS Convention, Metropolitan AME Church, Port of Spain,
Trinidad
08-11 Windward
Islands Annual Conference, Metropolitan AME Church, Port of Spain, Trinidad
21
Jamaica WMS Convention, Chapel of Christ, Kingston, Jamaica
22–25
Jamaica Centenary Annual Conference, Chapel of Christ Our Redeemer, Kingston,
JA
28
Virgin Islands WMS Convention, Bethel AME Church, Christiansted, Virgin Islands
29–
Virgin Islands Annual Conference, Bethel AMEC, Christiansted, Virgin Islands
April
1
APRIL
13
AMEC CONNECTIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
19
European Conference WMS Convention,
Nouvelle Alliance AME Church, Lyon, France
20-
European Annual Conference, Nouvelle
22
Alliance, AMEC, Lyon, France
25-27
Bishop and Presiding Elders Planning Meeting, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
-- THE 49TH QUADRENNIAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL
CONFERENCE
June 27 – July 4, 2012
Nashville, Tennessee
Read
more about the AMEC General Conference: http://www.ame-church.com/news-and-events/general-conference/
21.
MEDITATION - BASED ON ISAIAH 40:21-31:
*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby
It's easy in a world of modern advances to
take meaningful things for granted. I thought of that last week when I
found a rare parking spot on the busy streets of downtown Charleston and had to
parallel park to get into it.
Parallel parking was more
of a chore when I was a teen driver - in the days when power steering, power
brakes, power windows and similar conveniences were only found in luxury
cars. Parking, turning corners and braking required more effort, and if
you wanted to roll the window down - because most cars weren’t air conditioned
either - you did so with a knob on the door.
Power steering, brakes
and windows and many other comfort and convenience features are standard
equipment on most cars today. Hydraulic pumps, electric motors, onboard
computers and the like make driving a breeze because they do most of the work
for us. Power sources that we can't see and that most of us can’t
understand enable us to travel with down the highway with ease.
What power assisted
equipment does in our cars, the power of God's Holy Spirit does in our
lives. When we stop trying to navigate life's twists, turns, mountains
and valleys by our own strength and judgment, God will lead us and give us new
strength beyond our own. When we feel battered, bruised and burnt out by
life’s challenges and see giving up as our only option, God's power will pick
us up and enable us to move forward in spite of our weakness and inadequacy.
Trying to navigate life’s
roads - where uncertainty often seems to waiting be around each corner - is
like driving an antique car with no power assisted equipment. You may get
to where you’re going, but it takes more effort and aggravation. When we
step back, however, and ask the Lord to guide us, He’ll always empower us,
strengthen us and help us to find new comfort and joy in spite of life’s ups
and downs.
When God takes control of our lives, we’ll
reach our goals and find new peace of mind not by our power, but through God’s
power that we can’t see or understand but that shows through in the blessings
that come our way each day. We’ll also understand why our ancestors in
the faith first sang, in the days when horses and buggies were their primary
means of transportation, “Everything I do is by the power of God.”
Join us for a single 10 am Worship Service on
the Second Sunday in February as we celebrate Founders’ Day for the African
Methodist Episcopal Church.
The Combined Choir, Mime Ministry Gospel Choir
and Young Adult Choir will offer praise and The Right Reverend Preston Warren
Williams, II, Presiding Bishop of the Seventh Episcopal District of the AME
Church will be the preacher.
Sunday’s Scripture Lessons are:
II Chronicles 7:7-14
Ephesians 4:1-13
Matthew 16:13-20
I hope you will go to church and have a great week!
*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby is the pastor of Morris Brown AME Church in
Charleston, South Carolina
22.
CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS:
-
Retired Presiding Elder Raymond G. Heastie celebrates his 80th birthday
Retired Presiding Elder Raymond G. Heastie will celebrate
his 80th birthday on 2/10/12 at a birthday party, which will be held at the
Hurst Chapel A.M.E. Church, Fayson/Mitchell Multipurpose Center in Riviera
Beach, Florida where the Rev. Hudson Williamson is the Pastor. The celebration
event will be held from 8:00 pm until 10:00 pm.
Rev. Heastie retired in 2007 from the Wonderful North
District of the South Conference under the leadership of Presiding Bishop
McKinley Young and Supervisor Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young of the Eleventh
Episcopal District. This District is now under the leadership of Presiding
Elder and Mrs. (Magdalene) Vincent Mitchell, now named the Noble North
District.
Elder Heastie has been married to Sister Doris Heastie, his
college classmate from Bethune Cookman College for the last 57 years. Sister
Doris is a past 8 year elected Connectional Officer of the Women's Missionary
Society. They are members of Payne Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in
West Palm Beach, Florida and their pastor is Rev. Milton Broomfield.
Elder and Mrs. Heastie's five children are the sponsors for
this celebration: Deon Eleanor, Ricardo Anthony, Donna Maria, Roddrick Joseph
and Daphne L'Nette. These PK's grew up in parsonages during their Dad's
Itinerant Ministry. They love the church and are very proud of their Dad, his
accomplishments and the many people they met along the way after leaving their
home in Miami for the "journey." They represent 11 grandchildren and
10 great grandchildren.
Congratulatory messages can be sent to:
Deon Heastie: deonheastie2@aol.com
-
The Reverend Geoffrey Ellis named Pastor of the Month by WLOU Radio Station
The Reverend Geoffrey Ellis has been named Pastor of the
Month by WLOU Radio station in Louisville, Kentucky, for the month of
February. The selection was based on
emails sent in to the station by members of Greater St. James African Methodist
Episcopal Church which the Rev. Ellis serves as the pastor. Pastor Ellis also serves on the Boards of
Examiners and Finance Chair for the West Kentucky Conference. He is the first AME pastor to have received
this honor in the years it has been awarded.
Congratulatory messages can be sent to:
The Reverend Geoffrey Ellis, Pastor
Greater St. James AME Church
2100 W. Oak Street
Louisville, KY 40210
-
The Reverend Michael W. and Attorney Yulise Reaves Waters Announce the Birth of
their third Child
The Rev. Michael W. and Attorney Yulise Reaves Waters,
founder and Senior Pastor and First Lady of Joy Tabernacle AME Church in
Dallas, Texas, are proud to announce the birth of their third child, a
daughter, Liberty Grace Waters, born Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 3:19pm
measuring 18.75 inches and weighing 6 pounds, 6 ounces. She joins big brother,
Michael Jeremiah, 5, and big sister, Hope Yulise, 2. Both mother and child are
well!
Congratulatory messages may be sent to joytabame@aol.com
or mailed to Joy Tabernacle AME Church, 3203 Holmes Street, Dallas, Texas
75215.
-
The Reverend Kenneth J. and Mrs. Dianna B. Golphin Celebrated 30th
Wedding Anniversary
The Reverend Kenneth J. and Mrs. Dianna B. Golphin
celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary on Monday, January 30, 2012. They
were married January 30, 1982 by the groom's father, the Reverend W. Cortez
Golphin in Decatur, Georgia. Mrs. Marla Mustipher (deceased) was Matron of
Honor, and Mr. Raymond Walker Jr. (deceased) was Best Man. To this union have
come four children: Chastity, Kendra, Chauncey, and James. Mrs. Golphin
currently serves as Academic Advisor at Bluegrass Community College in
Lexington, Kentucky, and Rev. Golphin currently serves proudly as pastor of
Asbury Chapel AME Church in Louisville, Kentucky.
Congratulatory messages can be sent to:
The Rev. Kenneth Golphin: kgolphin@msn.com
Mrs. Dianna Golphin: mrsgolphin@aol.com
-
Basketball star Ronal Nored Named Lowe's Senior Class Award Finalist for
2011-12 Lowe's Senior CLASS Award
Nored Named Lowe's Senior CLASS Award Finalist Release
Horizon League • January 25, 2012
January 25, 2012
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. - Butler senior co-captain Ronald Nored
(Homewood, Alabama/Homewood) has been announced as one of ten finalists for the
2011-12 Lowe's Senior CLASS Award.
An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for
Staying in School(r), the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award aims to recognize senior
student-athletes who have shown excellence in four areas-community, classroom,
character and competition. Nored, who ranks third on Butler's all-time list for
steals, is one of two current Butler players to have played in both the 2010
and 2011 Final Fours. The Homewood, Ala. native currently stands fifth on
Butler's all-time assist chart (407) and is just the fifth player in school
history to record 400 career assists. Nored is an Early/Middle Childhood
Education major and is currently student teaching in the Indianapolis area.
Alongside student teaching, Nored has been involved in community service both
on and off the Butler campus.
Ronald is the son of the late Reverend Ronald E. Nored, Sr,
and Linda Williams Nored, Esq. The Reverend Nored pastored Bethel AME Church in
Ensley, Alabama until his death in 2003. Voting for the award begins
immediately and ends March 18 with the winner being announced during the 2012
NCAA Men's Final Four(r) in New Orleans. Fans are encouraged to vote on either
the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award website or the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award Facebook
fan page.
Ronald Nored, Lowe's Senior Class Award Finalist, is also
the proud grandson of Presiding Elder Leonard Williams (ret.), 4th Episcopal
District and Mrs. Delores L. Kennedy-Williams, 5th Connectional WMS
President. “You have an opportunity to vote” states Grandmother Delores Kennedy-Williams.
"Please vote DAILY for Ronald Nored!"
click on vote now, vote for Ronald Nored. Please vote each
day until March 18.
Blessings and Thanksgiving,
Delores Kennedy-Williams, Proud Grandmommy
23. STATEMENT OF
GRATITUDE FROM BISHOP HENNING & THE HENNING FAMILY:
The entire Henning family is
grateful beyond expression for your extreme kindness and care at the passing of
our beloved George Miller Henning. Your thoughtful kindness, prayers and
support was overwhelming and mirrors for us the "Amazing Grace" of a
God and Savior who truly loves and cares for all of us. May the blessings of
the Lord be upon you and your family.
With humble thanks,
The family of George Miller Henning
Children, Siblings, Cousins, Nieces, Nephews (All of Us)
Children, Siblings, Cousins, Nieces, Nephews (All of Us)
The Third Episcopal District AMEC
614-575-2279 Phone - 614-575-2375
Fax
thirddistrictsecretary@thirddistrictame.org
thirddistrictsecretary@thirddistrictame.org
24. APPRECIATION FROM
THE YORK FAMILY:
The
York Family wishes to extend sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone for
your loving outreach and support to us at the time of the death of Dr. Louise
C. York, first President of AME University.
We
are especially grateful to Bishop & Supervisor David R. Daniels, Jr.
Presiding Prelate of the 14th Episcopal District of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church and President of the Council of Bishops of the AME
Church.
We
cherish the comforting messages from Senior Bishop & Supervisor John R.
Bryant, Bishop & Supervisor C. Garnett Henning, Bishop & Supervisor
Richard F. Norris, Bishop Vashti M. McKenzie & Supervisor McKenzie, Bishop
Sarah F. Davis & Supervisor Davis and Dr. Richard Allen Lewis (Chief
Financial Officer AMEC).
We acknowledge the prayers and sentiments from scores of Pastors, the Executive Board and Connectional Women in Ministry, Missionary sisters of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the 14th Episcopal District, The Eliza Turner AME Church, The Empowerment Temple AME Church, The African Methodist Episcopal University, the Monrovia College, as well as so many, many friends and sympathizers throughout Liberia, Africa, the United States and Europe. In addition, we wish to sincerely thank all who contributed to the Louise C. York Memorial Fund for the Intellectual Empowerment of Youth.
We assure you that her family will keep the legacy
of Dr. York alive by investing in the education of young people in Liberia. For more information, please visit www.louisecyork.com
or Facebook: Louise C York Memorial or contact us at Email: lcymemorial@gmail.com
Submitted by Reverend Katurah York
Cooper
For the Family
25.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Rev. Abiel Tshepo Oepeng transitioned from this life on
08th February 2012 after a brief illness. The Rev. Oepeng an Itinerant Elder in
19th Episcopal District, East Annual Conference. The Rev. Oepeng served at F.M
Gow Daveyton, under Presiding Elder Mahasha.
Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath is the Presiding Prelate of the 19th
Episcopal District.
The Rev. Abiel Tshepo Oepeng is survived by his loving
mother, his wife Masetsawana and his daughter Bokang.
There will be a memorial service Sunday 12th February 2012
at F.M Gow at 14h00 (2 p.m.). The Homegoing celebration will be next Wednesday
15th February 2012 in Soweto.
Please remember the bereaved family in your prayers.
Contact for Condolences:
Mrs. M. Oepeng
Lusinda Brenda Maans
25.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing on February 2, 2012
of Mrs. Ellen Dijelwang Qofela. She is the sister of the Reverend Motsamai
Johannes Modibedi, pastor of Ebenezer AME Church, Atteridgeville, Republic of
South Africa, Mokone Conference of the 19th Episcopal District, Bishop Jeffrey
N. Leath, Presiding Prelate.
The Celebration of Life is as follows:
Saturday, February 11, 2012
07:00 a.m.
Leeudoringstad
AME Church
Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Reverend MJ Modibedi
93 Tlale Street
Atteridgeville, RSA
0008
Tel: (+27) 84 632 3535
Email: revmmodibedi@mweb.co.za
27.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Rev. W. J. Howard, a retired pastor of the Augusta
Georgia Annual Conference, transitioned from this life on Wednesday, February
8th, 2012, after an extended illness. He lived a long and productive life and
served well in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Most of his time as a
pastor was spent in the Augusta Georgia Conference. Among the Churches he
served were Summertown Circuit, Norwood Circuit, and the Sandy Grove AME
Church.
The W.J. Rev. Howard believed in longevity in his service as
a pastor, in his marriage, and in his life. He didn't believe in serving a
congregation for a short time, he always gave his best wherever he was
appointed and his service was always long-term, he was married to one wife,
Sister Lula Howard, who preceded him in death - for 82 years, and he lived,
with purpose, for 103 years.
He and Sister Howard were married in May 1926 and to that
union two children were born. One of whom, Jessie J. Howard, preceded him in
death. The Rev. Howard is survived by one loving and devoted daughter, Mrs.
Dorothy Howard Moss of Norwood, GA, who patiently cared for her father during
his time of illness; two devoted sisters, Mrs. Janie Daniels from Brooklyn New
York and Mrs. Clara Joseph of Warrenton, GA. He is also survived by loving
grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great, great grandchildren; a host of
other relatives and friends.
The Rev. W.J. Howard's funeral will be held Sunday, February
12th, 2012 - 1:00 p.m. - at Bethel AME Church located at 313 Bethel Church Ext.
in Norwood, GA 30821 - Phone Number: (706) 465-1781. The Reverend Andera Sires
is the pastor and the Rev. Ella Mae Samuels, the Presiding Elder of the
Augusta-Athens District will deliver the eulogy.
The DT Brown Memorial Mortuary, located at 810 Martin Luther
King Street in Thomson, GA - Phone Number (706) 597-1976 - has been entrusted
with the final arrangements for the Reverend W. J. Howard.
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Dorothy Howard Moss
156 Ridge Road
Norwood, GA 30821
706-465-2540
28.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Kyle Keene, who
was killed in a car accident on Monday, February 6, 2012. Kyle was the
25-year-old son of the Rev. Michael K. and Kimberlee Haynes-Keene. Rev. Keene
is the pastor of Trinity AMEC in Bridgeton, NJ (New Jersey Annual Conference,
Atlantic City District). The following information has been provided regarding
funeral arrangements.
Viewing and Funeral, Saturday, February 11, 2012
Viewing: 8:00 a.m. -
10:00 a.m.
Funeral: 10:00 a.m.
Bethel A.M.E. Church
32 Courtland Street
Woodbury, NJ 08096
Phone: 856-845-1965
Email: bethel_amewoodbury@yahoo.com
The Rev. Jeffrey M. Johnson, Pastor and Officiant
The Rev. Robert Shepherd, pastor of Campbell AME Church in
Media, Pennsylvania will be the eulogist
At the request of the family, instead of flowers, Kyle would
want you to volunteer for the re-election of President Obama.
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. and Mrs. Michael K. Keene
133 King Avenue
Woodbury Heights, NJ 08097
29.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of the Reverend
Solomon Roberts, Sr. pastor of Asbury A.M.E.
located in Sylvania, GA; Old Georgia Annual Conference of the 6th
Episcopal District.
The Rev. Solomon Roberts, Sr. age 67 passed after a brief
illness and leaves to cherish his memory, loving wife Connie Roberts. A devoted father of four daughters, Raychel
"Shelly" Roberts, Atlanta GA; Katherine "Kathi"
Roberts, Savannah, GA; Solena J. Roberts, Charlotte NC; and Colena D. Roberts,
Columbia SC; one son, the Rev. Solomon J. Roberts (Chelsea); five brothers: Raleigh Roberts Jr. (Alice), Charles E.
Roberts (Judy), Port Wentworth, GA., Jonathon C. Roberts
(Lynette), Orangeburg, SC, Eskew M. Roberts (Evon), Sylvania, GA and Dennis L.
Roberts (Barbara), Augusta, GA; two sisters Mirriam L. Cooper (James),
Columbia, SC, Francine V. Foye (Nathaniel), Sylvania, GA. Three brother-in-laws: Chester Johnson,
Charlotte, NC, Ronnie L. Johnson, Conway SC, Anthony Johnson, Pooler GA; three
sister-in-laws, Margaret Shiflet, Pooler GA, Jessie M. Hamilton, Conway, SC,
Sonya Bosco (Angelo) Savannah, GA. He
also leaves to cherish his memory 11 grandchildren, and a host of nieces,
nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Service arrangements:
Memorial Service: (Visual Community)
Thursday, February 09, 2012
Sylvania Funeral Home
102 Owens Industrial Dr.
Savannah, Georgia 31415
Phone: 912/236-6300
Memorial Service 6:00 - 8:00
Friday, February 10, 2012
Sylvania Funeral Home
905 S. Main Street
Sylvania, Georgia 30467
Telephone: 912/564-2241
Funeral Service:
Saturday, February 11, 2012
10:00 a.m.
Greater Bethel AME Church
124 Railroad Street
Sylvania, Georgia 30467
The Rev. Benny Wilkey, Pastor
The Rev. Solomon Robert, Jr. Eulogist
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Connie Roberts
12 Cassidy Court
Pooler, Georgia 31422
30.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of The Reverend Louis
Latimer, Pastor of Mt. Olive AME Church of Coleman, Florida on Thursday,
February 2, 2012. He is the husband of Mrs. Cheryl Latimer and brother of Rev.
Claude Harrison, Pastor of Mt. Zion AME Church of Dade City, FL.
Services for the Rev. Louis Latimer are as follows:
The Family Visitation
Friday, February 10, 2012
5:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m.
Mt. Moriah AME Church
2710 County Road 44a
Wildwood, FL 34785
The Rev. Thomas H. Poole, Jr., Pastor
Ch Tel: (352) 748-0411 Ch Fax: (352) 748-6360
Celebration of Life
Saturday, February 11, 2012
11:00 a.m.
New Life Center Ministry
9707 County Road 229
Wildwood, FL 34785
Telephone: (352) 748-0433
Fax: (352) 748-5357
The Rev. Leslie Hannah, Pastor
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Cheryl Latimer
604 Oak Street
Wildwood, FL 34785
Phone: (352) 748-3131
and
The Rev. Claude E. Harrison
2733 County Road 238
Wildwood, FL 34785
Phone: 352-748-7209
Services entrusted to:
Anderson-Hence Funeral Home
121 Roy Street
Wildwood, FL 34785
Phone: 352-748-2933
Fax: 352-748-1074
Bishop McKinley Young, Eulogist
Presiding Prelate, 11th Episcopal District AME Church
31.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Dorothy
Turner Bannamon, mother of the Rev. Phillip Bannamon who is the pastor of Greater
Bethel AMEC in Atlanta, Georgia. (Atlanta North Georgia Conference, South
Atlanta District). Mrs. Bannamon served faithfully as a member of Greater Mount
Zion AMEC in Waycross, Georgia. She will be greatly missed; however we praise
God for her service in Kingdom building. The following information has been
provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Services Saturday, February 11, 2012
Visitation: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Funeral: 11:00 a.m.
Greater Mt. Zion AME Church
1085 State Street
Waycross, Georgia 31501
Phone: 912-283-3683
The Rev. Rochelle McCray, Pastor
Professional Care entrusted to:
Fluker Funeral Home
985 State Street
Waycross, Georgia 31501
Phone: 912-283-6161
Words of comfort may be sent to:
The Rev. Phillip and Ruthie Bannamon
5058 Post Road Trail
Stone Mountain, Georgia 30088
Telephone: 404-861-1278
32.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mr. Blanton E. Black, III - the son of the Rev. Maria Black
Rivers, M.D. transitioned from this life on February 7, 2012 after a very brief
illness. Rev. Rivers is an Itinerant Elder and Supernumerary Pastor in the
Augusta Georgia Conference.
The Rev. Rivers is currently assisting the Rev. Mark Pierson
at Bethel AME Church in Augusta and also assisting Presiding Elder Ella Samuels
on the Augusta-Athens District, as needed.
Mr. Black was preceded in death by his father, Blanton E.
Black, Jr., M.D. He is survived by his loving and devoted mother, the Rev.
Maria Rivers Black, MD, his Step-Father, (R) Major Donald C. Rivers, a loving
sister Ms. Carmen Black, his doting maternal grandmother, Mrs. Alease Boles,
and a very precious and loving niece, Gabrielle Black.
Williams Funeral Home located at 2945 Old Tobacco Road in
Hephzibah, Georgia 30815, phone number: 706-792-1003 has been entrusted with
the final arrangements for Mr. Blanton E. Black, III. His funeral will be held
Saturday, February 11th - 2:00 p.m. at Bethel AME Church, 623
Crawford Avenue in Augusta, GA. The Rev. Mark Pierson will serve as the
Eulogist.
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Maria Black Rivers, MD
3524 Lakestone Court
Augusta, GA 30907-8977
706-854-0883
Presiding Elder Ella Mae Samuels, Augusta-Athens District,
Augusta Georgia Conference
33.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mr. Harry Holland,
the father of Mr. Bennie E. Keener, Sr. and father-in-law of Presiding Elder
Ida Willis Keener, Southwest Texas Conference, San Antonio District.
Funeral Services for Harry Holland, Sr.
Viewing:
Saturday, February 11, 2012
11:00 A.M. - 12:00 Noon at
Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church
2201 Tuam Street
Houston, Texas 77004-1352
Services:
Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 12:00 Noon
Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church
2201 Tuam Street
Houston, Texas 77004-1352
Contact for Condolences:
Mr. Bennie E. Keener, Sr. & Presiding Elder Ida Willis
Keener
3206 Canyon Heights Road
Belton, Texas 76513
34.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing on January 27, 2012
of Mrs. Coralee Roumatta McCray. She is the mother of the Rev. Terry McCray
Hill, pastor of Payne Chapel AME Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado in the
Desert Mountain Conference of the 5th Episcopal District, Bishop T. Larry Kirkland,
Presiding Prelate.
Mrs. McCray and her late husband of fifty-two years, Anthony
G. McCray, Sr., purchased land in the El Cerrito Terrace Parcel of Richmond,
California to build a house and to create a home giving each of their four
children every opportunity that home, school and the church could afford them.
As an educator, she loved teaching, nurturing, inspiring and discovering along
with her children as well as her many students over a thirty year career. She
loved all of her children uniquely and always acknowledged their different
gifts, graces, skill levels and challenges.
Although soft spoken but stern yet playful, her third child
and oldest daughter, the Reverend Terry, praises her as the "best
communication and speech coach on the planet! Whether it was oratory, rhetoric,
debate, drama and even homiletics, Mother was better than any teacher or
professional that I have ever had. She always urged me to 'feel what you are
saying'." Her children and grand-children are gifted creative writers and
independent thinkers.
At five feet tall and 120 pounds, Mom knew how to make a
subtle entrance anywhere, often leaving many to wonder "who is that little
lady." She didn't just say it, but demonstrated that simplicity is elegant
with her usual conservative knit and nifty hat. Never making a promise that she
couldn't keep from "the tuition check is in the mail" to "I'm
going to spank your tail," Mom always punctuated each commitment with
"if God spares my life." And God has saved her life for an eternity!
Her sons, Anthony Jr. (Tony) and Errol (Buck) and daughters,
Terry (Brown Mama) and Iris (Baby Girl), all agree that "Mother began to
die the day that Daddy (Mr. Anthony), her lifetime love and praise partner,
died". In the words of a song made famous by one of Mom's favorite vocal
artist, the late Etta James, "At last...my love has come along...and here
we are together...at last!"
The Celebration of Mother's Life is as follows:
The Family Visitation
Friday, February 10, 2012
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Bethany Baptist Church
Friday, February 10, 2012
5400 Adeline Street
Oakland, CA 94608
Telephone: (510) 654-8747
Worship & Dismissal
Saturday, February 11, 2012
10:00 a.m.
Bethany Baptist Church
5400 Adeline Street
Oakland, CA 94608
Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Reverend Terry McCray Hill
7582 Manistique Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80923
Telephone: (719) 200-9689
Email: revterry@gmail.com
35.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with regret that we announce the passing of the Rev.
Ronnie McCowan of the Midwest Annual Conference, Fifth Episcopal District.
Funeral arrangements for the Rev. Ronnie McCowan are as
follows:
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Visitation: 9:00 a.m.
Home Going Celebration: 11:00 a.m.
Bethel A.M.E. Church
2329 Flora Avenue
Kansas City, Missouri 64108
Telephone: 816-231-3555
The Reverend Spencer L. Booker, Pastor
36.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with sadness but God filled celebration we announce
the death of Mr. Liesbon Frasier, Sr., long time Class Leader and Trustee of
Greater Mt Zion AME Church in McClellanville, South Carolina, and uncle of Mrs.
Dianna Brown Golphin. Mrs. Golphin is the President of the 13th
District Ministers' Spouses, and the wife of the Reverend Kenneth J. Golphin is
the pastor of Asbury Chapel AME Church in Louisville, Kentucky. Funeral
Services were held Saturday, February 4th at Greater Mt Zion AME
Church where the Rev. Arthur B. Glover serves as pastor and was the eulogist.
Mrs. Golphin may be contacted at 760 Statesman Way,
Lexington, Kentucky 40505 or MrsGolphin@aol.com.
37.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mr. James M.
Robinson, Sr., the father of the Rev. Kenneth S. Robinson, M.D., Pastor of
Saint Andrew AME Church, Memphis, Tennessee.
Funeral Arrangements for James McKinley Robinson, Sr.,
August 15, 1919 - February 2, 2012
The funeral was held on Monday, February 6, 2012 at Gordon
Memorial United Methodist Church in Nashville.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Gordon
Memorial United Methodist Church Scholarship Fund.
Other expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. Kenneth S. Robinson, M.D., Pastor
Saint Andrew AME Church
867 South Parkway East
Memphis, Tennessee 38106
Telephone: (901) 948-3441
Fax: (901) 948-4441
38.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mr. Willie Albert
Johnson, Sr. of Augusta, Georgia, the brother of the Rev. Dr. Lugenia Johnson,
pastor of Allen Temple AME Church in Bessemer, Alabama and serves as the
Director of Evangelism for the 9th Episcopal District.
Mr. Willie Albert Johnson, Sr. was the son of the late
Jimmie Johnson, Sr. and the late Mrs. Annie W. Johnson.
Children: Maddlyn Renee Johnson, & Willie Albert
Johnson, Jr. (also, the late Thomasina Johnson).
Other siblings:
Mr. Walter Thomas (Nina) Johnson, Augusta, GA
Mr. Randolph A. (Leah) Johnson, Tacoma, WA
The Funeral Service was held on Monday, February 6, 2012
Condolences may be sent to:
The Johnson Family
c/o Mr. Walter Johnson
3907 Wexford Court
Hephzibah, GA 30815
or
The Rev. Dr. Lugenia Johnson
955 Monterey Drive
Bessemer, AL 35022
Telephone: 205.936.7136 or 678.953.8014
Email: lugeniajohnson@gmail.com
or
Mr. Randolph Johnson
4717 North Huson Street
Tacoma, WA 98409
39. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mr. Eugene Edward
Moseley, Sr. on Monday, January 30, 2012. He is the father of the Rev. Eugene
E. Moseley, Jr., pastor of Phillip R. Cousin AME Church, Jacksonville, Florida
in the East Conference, South District of the 11th Episcopal
District.
The services were here as follows:
The Family Visitation
Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home
Friday, February 3, 2012
2212 Emerson St
Jacksonville, FL
32207
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Tel: (904) 399-4150
Celebration of Life was held at Phillip R. Cousin AME Church
in Jacksonville, Florida on Saturday, February 4, 2012; the Reverend Eugene E.
Moseley, Jr., Pastor
Send condolences and expressions of sympathy to:
The Reverend Eugene Moseley, Jr., Pastor
2625 Orange Pickers Road
Jacksonville, FL
32223
Telephone: (904) 262-3083
Email: emoseley@bellsouth.net
40.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regretfully announce the passing of the Rev. James T.
Montgomery, the stepfather of Sister Gloria DeVeaux-Cobb, Recording Secretary
for the Connectional Lay Organization. The Rev. James T. Montgomery passed away
on Tuesday, January 31, 2012, in Columbia, South Carolina.
Homegoing services were held on Saturday, February 4, 2012
at New Light Beulah Baptist Church in Hopkins, South Carolina.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Mrs. DeVeaux-Cobb at:
7244 Fontana Drive
Columbia, SC 29209
41.
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
42. 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.
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
42. 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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