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. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder
Easter Sunday – April 8, 2012
Ascension Day – May 17, 2012
Pentecost – May 27, 2012
-- AMEC Connectional Day of Prayer - April 13TH
--
1. EDITORIAL – AN AME WASTED
RESOURCE:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III,
The 20th Editor, The
Christian Recorder
The
buzzword today is “green.” We are encouraged to take care of our resources and
to save the environment. Organizations are encouraged to go paperless to save
trees and to save money. We are encouraged to reduce, repurpose, and recycle.
AME Church is a part of the “green”
movement
The African
Methodist Episcopal Church is a part of the “green” movement and some of our
episcopal districts and local churches are attempting to use less paper. Changes are being made for how information
will be disseminated at the General Conference.
We're told
that there are many ways to “go green” in an effort to save the planet.
We are told
to change light bulbs, stop rinsing dishes before putting them in the
dishwasher. We are encouraged to recycle
glass bottles and to refrain from buying bottled water and to purchase
biodegradable plastic-safe containers. We are encouraged to use and reuse the
resources available to us.
The Winter
2011 issue of The Journal of Christian
Education is devoted to Spiritual
Presence in the Digital Age. Technology is a way to save resources and
improve efficiencies. Dr. Daryl Ingram is
the Executive Director of the Department of Christian Education.
We waste
In spite of
the efforts to reduce repurpose and recycle, we still waste resources.
Many of us
are wasteful in our homes and in our personal lives. We refuse to recycle. We spend
money recklessly; many of us fail to establish budgets and to live within our
means.
Some
writers and speaker lament that too many in the African-American community are
consumers and not producers; so much so, that we shop and spend and fail to
save.
Many of our
young people waste their mental and intellectual resources by neglecting the
academics and choose to expend all of their energy in sports activities.
We waste
resources in our churches. Many of our
churches could be doing much better, but in many instances church officers and
members fail to “step up to the plate” and work together for the building of
the Kingdom of God.”
Enough of this; let me get to the
point
The biggest
waste of resources in the AME Church happens across the AME Church; all across
America and, I suspect that it happens in Episcopal Districts 1- 20.
We have not
addressed the issue of the biggest waste in the AME Church in The Discipline. I have never heard the
issue of the biggest waste in the AME Church discussed at meetings.
I rarely
hear people talk about the biggest waste in the AME Church and I think that
most people are oblivious to the loss of one of the most valuable resources
available to the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
It's a
travesty and a shame because the lost resource of the biggest waste in the AME
Church is one that does not have to be lost; and because we neglect this
resource, many of our churches are not functioning at their optimal levels of
ministry.
The Bishops of the AME Church
The only
area in AME Church that seems to make use of the resource that the rest of the
church ignores is the episcopacy. It seems as if the bishops of the AME Church have
a recognized the resource that most of the other entities of the AME Church
have ignored.
The bishops
of the AME Church are the only entity that is not at fault in this using the resource
that most of us ignore.
Presiding elders and pastors, and
laity
Presiding
elders and pastors are the biggest offenders of neglecting what is perhaps the
greatest resource of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. They either don't
care or they are oblivious to the greatest resource available to our Zion.
And sad to
say, the laity of the AME Church is also guilty of neglecting such a great
resource; and in that sense presiding elders, pastors and laity are all guilty
of not “stepping up to the plate” and utilizing a resource that could help
churches grow, prosper and function more efficiently.
In many
instances, pastoral ministry would be enhanced and made easier if pastors made
use of this resource and stop wasting the valuable resource available to them.
Presiding
elders could have a more dynamic presiding elder district ministry programs if
presiding elders used this resource.
Local
church programs could be revitalized if they used this resource.
The most wasted resource in the AME
Church
The most
wasted resource in the AME Church is the failure to regularly utilize retirees.
Retired clergy
is the most wasted resource in the African Methodist Episcopal Church!
The bishops
get a pass on this one because they honor and utilize the retired bishops of
our Zion. They call on each other and they are invited to participate in all of
the district and connectional meetings. They are given places of honor and
treated with respect at investitures, banquets at all levels of the church.
The
courtesies shown retired bishops do not reach down to presiding elders,
pastors, or even the laity.
But, unfortunately…generally
speaking
Presiding
elders seem to be, generally ignored, once they retire. I have spoken to a
number of retired presiding elders and pastors and they share their feelings
that they are “relegated to the pasture” when they retire.
Many of
them feel that they are not called upon in meaningful ways to share their
expertise or experiences.
Retired
pastors are generally ignored and active pastors do not seem to know how to
utilize retired clergy. Some retired AME clergy complain that they are not
invited to preach or to participate in the life of the local church; they are
just simply ignored.
They are
ignored at annual conferences; not put on committees, not invited to preach or
to lead workshops; and not invited to participate in meaningful ways.
When church
officers get old, pastors often confer upon them the title of “emeritus/a” and
then they are ignored. Often, they are
not asked to participate in the decisionmaking of the church.
Those who
have been “emeritized” should be
encouraged to remain engaged in the life of the church because they have a
wealth of experience and knowledge.
Wasted resources
We retire presiding
elders and pastors and then “forget” them. Retired clergy can be seen at AME
meeting walking by themselves, no longer a part of the in-crowd.
Presiding
elders and pastors struggle with issues that retired presiding elders and
pastors and have gone through.
Pastors and
presiding elders struggle with important issues of ministry, but ignore the
valuable resources of retired clergy.
A pastor
going though conflict could ask a retired pastor, “What course of action do you
think I should take?” or “What should I do in this situation?”
Pastors
should seek the counsel of “emeritized” church officers; not only would it make
them feel useful, but their contributions and sage advice might make a positive
difference.
Bishops, presiding
elders, and pastors should seek the wise counsel of retired pastors; not only
would it make them feel useful, but their contributions and sage advice might make
a positive difference; and their wise advice might contribute to the success of
ministry programs.
Retirees can
be the biggest asset for the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
If the AME Church
leadership effectively and regularly utilized retirees, the retirees would not be
the most wasted AME resource!
2. READER
RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
To the Editor:
Last week's
editorial hit close to home, particularly your memories about the
choir. They are mostly the same memories I have. I, too miss those
days.
The simple
formalities of the processional, the recessional, and even the choir going
to the altar together for prayer as a part of the processional suggested a
unity and oneness of our corporate worship that is lacking today.
I intend to
share the article's content at a future choir rehearsal.
Thanks
for the pleasant trip down “memory lane!”
J'Neese
Jones
3. CONNECTIONAL DAY OF PRAYER - APRIL 13, 2012
Only days away!
This is just a friendly reminder of the Connectional Day of Prayer set for April 13, 2012 wherein we will
all be in fervent prayer for God's African Methodist Episcopal District.
Please know that this day has been endorsed by the Council of Bishops and
the 49th Quadrennial General Commission 2008. This Connectional Day
is an annual observance of the General Church. The Connectional Day of Prayer
is under the auspices of the Prayer Committee of the 49th Session of
the General Conference, Bishop Sarah F. Davis, Chair and the Reverend
Dorisalene Hughes, Prayer Director.
Please join in prayer for the Holy Spirit to move throughout our Zion! As
we pray, let us see a "prayer a hole" that pierces the spiritual
darkness! Let us pray to cover, protect and seal the good things which will
happen at the 49th Session of the General Conference.
There is a brochure that will help to facilitate an effective and
powerful Connectional Day of Prayer in your local AME Church and/or community.
If you would like the brochures, please send me an email [fifthdistprayer@aol.com] and I will forward
the brochure to you!
Our “sister church,” the AME Zion Church will join us in prayer on April
13, 2012.
Some churches are having prayer vigils (6-12 hours); other churches are
simply conducting a worship service and others a prayer walks.
It's all up to your discretion and the leading of the Holy Spirit. All in
all, as long as we pray together on the same day, I believe we are going to see
miracles, signs and wonders manifested in our AME Church worldwide -- like
never before!
Prayerfully in His Service,
The Rev. Dorisalene Hughes serves as the 2012
General Conference Director of Prayer
4. THE ASSOCIATION OF BLACK METHODIST GENERAL
OFFICERS’ CALL TO PRAYER FOR
CHILDREN/YOUTH AND JUSTICE:
The Association of Black Methodist General Officers stands with
all religious and civic organizations in the demand for justice in the
unprovoked slaying of 17-year old African American, Trayvon
Martin in Sanford, Florida.
We, the General Officers of the three historical Black Methodist communions (African Methodist Episcopal, African Methodist Episcopal Zion, and Christian Methodist Episcopal Churches), commit to lifting our voices in concerted prayer for justice in the Trayvon Martin case and encourage all congregations to observe a “Moment of Prayer for Black Children” on Easter/Resurrection Sunday. We must pray for the resurrection of justice for all and the welfare of all children and youth.
You are invited to join in this time of petition for justice.
Thank you
Uniting our voices for
justice,
Dr. Mary A. Love - President
The Association of Black Methodist General Officers
African Methodist
Episcopal Church
The Rev. Dr. Dennis Dickerson
Dr. Richard Allen Lewis
The Rev. Dr. Clement Fugh
The Rev. Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr.
The Rev. Dr. George F.
Flowers
The Rev. Dr. Jerome V. Harris
The Rev. Dr. James C. Wade
The Rev. Dr. Daryl B.
Ingram
The Rev. Dr. Calvin Sydnor III
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
The Rev. Dr. W. Robert Johnson III
Mrs. Shirley Welch
The Rev. Dr. Raymon E. Hunt
The Rev. Dr. Kermit DeGraffenreidt
The Rev. Dr. Bernard Sullivan
The Rev. Dr. Otis T. McMillian
The Rev. Dr. James David Armstrong
The Rev. Terrance J. Jones
Mr. Michael Lisby
Dr. Mary A. Love
Rev. Dr. George E. McKain
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
The Rev. Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield
Dr. Joseph C. Neal, Sr.
Ms. Jeanette Bouknight
Dr. Kenneth E. Jones
Dr. Tyrone T. Davis
Mrs. Princess R. Pegues
Dr. Leo Pinkett
Dr. Roderick D. Lewis, Sr.
Mr. Clifford Harris
The Rev. Dewayne Golightly
5. SOUTH PHILADELPHIA DISTRICT SEEKS
WAYS TO QUELL YOUTH VIOLENCE IN OUR COMMUNITIES:
By Angelena
Spears
Philadelphia
Conference Reporter
Anyone who thinks the church is more “reactionary” than” proactive” when
it comes to youth violence, should have been at the South Philadelphia District
Heritage Night Service, held Friday February 21. The event, which was held at the district’s
lead church, Hickman Temple AME church, at 50th and Baltimore
streets, was titled: “Love the Children
– Stop the Violence: A Call to Action.”
The night’s topic was picked by the district’s presiding elder, the Rev.
James E. F. Lawrence, who declared, “This is our moment as the church to begin
speaking out and becoming actively involved in our community. The voice of the church needs to be heard,
and it is long overdue.”
Elder Lawrence continued by saying, “We believe God has put in our
hearts to begin the dialogue... in how we can make a difference in curbing the
violence that besets us.”
The event was well-attended by members from all seventeen of the
district’s churches. Pastors had been
encouraged to bring their youth members, including members and leaders from the
Young People’s Department.
Those who attended heard compelling messages from representatives of
three of the groups that were honored during the evening. They were:
Mothers in Charge, a group of women who have lost children to violence;
Amachi, a group that works with children of incarcerated parents; and the
denomination’s Sons of Allen organization, whose members have been very active
in the South District in establishing a mentoring program to work with at-risk
children.
The theme for the evening caught the attention of Philadelphia’s Mayor
Michael Nutter, who cleared his schedule to be in attendance at the event.
Mayor Nutter was introduced to the group by the Rev. James Baker, pastor
of Morris Brown AME Church, who complimented the mayor for “never forgetting
his roots.” The Rev. Baker is also the
president of the AME Preacher’s Meeting in Philadelphia.
When Mayor Nutter addressed the group, he chose to target his remarks
specifically to the young people. He
told the youth that “someone from a neighborhood like theirs has the honor and
the privilege of being the mayor of their hometown.” He went on to say that when growing up he did
his best to stay out of trouble. He
played football in the streets and went to the parks. He also credited his success to a supportive
neighborhood where everyone looked out for everyone else – and the children
respected adults.
Mayor Nutter also talked about the challenge the city has in chasing
after illegal weapons. He told the group, if we want a safer community – we
have to speak up when we see crimes committed in our neighborhoods.
As each group came forward to be honored, there was an opportunity for
the spokesperson to regurgitate the group’s purpose and goals, and also reach
out to the church for continued help and support.
Sister Cherie Ryans spoke for the Mothers-in-Charge group. She told her personal story of losing her teenage
son who was shot leaving a movie theatre.
Sister Ryans, who is also a member of Mt. Pisgah AME Church,
Philadelphia, explained the work her organization does in going into prisons to
help provide counseling. They also
provide mentoring for women who are returning to their communities after being
released from prison. Flyers were
distributed about the Mothers-in-Charge organization, and included a section
where persons could sign up to join the organization.
Sister Ryans stressed, “You do not have to lose a child to
volunteer. We don’t want another mother
to walk in our shoes.”
When the Sons of Allen organization came to the altar to receive their
recognition, they were accompanied by the Rev. Eugene McDuffy, pastor of St.
Paul AME Church, Philadelphia, who serves as the district’s chairman of the
organization. Rev. McDuffy was
surrounded by more than two dozen men from the district who have signed up to
be mentors through the Amachi program.
Elder Lawrence congratulated the men for “giving up a Thursday night
every week to act as mentors and surrogate fathers.”
The keynote speaker was Dr. Joseph Meade of the Philadelphia Leadership
Foundation and also a retired Philadelphia School District administrator. He spoke about the importance of early
intervention with at-risk children. He
said the incarceration rate of blacks is now four times higher than it was in
the 1970s.
The program included worship through song by both the Healthy Spirited
South District Mass Choir and the South District Youth Choir. And the winner of the First Episcopal
District’s [tenth grade] essay contest, Mariah Shelton, a member of
Metropolitan AME Church, Lansdowne, recited “We Light This Candle,” a poem she
wrote, that addresses youth violence.
Also within the program, three persons were recognized by the South
District Spouses for their role as being exceptional caregivers. The three persons were Mother Mary Ann
Norris, the First Episcopal District supervisor; the Rev. E. Joyce Martin, the
first lady of Metropolitan AME Church,
Lansdowne; and Sister Paulette Thompson, the first lady of Greater Mount Olive
AME Church, Philadelphia. Each received
a beautiful bouquet of roses that were presented by Sister Mitzi Lawrence, the
consultant for the South District, who was assisted by Sister Deborah Stancil,
who is the president of the South District Spouses.
The worship leader for the event was Sister Verneice Jarmin, a member of
the host church.
Prior to the benediction that was offered by Hickman Temple’s pastor,
the Rev. Stanley G. Smith -- Presiding Elder Lawrence made a final appeal that
the momentum to fight against youth violence would not die with the
benediction.
Elder Lawrence summoned, “There is violence all around us. It is obvious that the church needs to take
an active stand.”
6. FIRST LADY DENISE HUNTER RECEIVES WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARD
FOR 2012:
On Sunday, April 1, 2012, California
State Assemblyman Mike Davis presented Mrs. Denise Hunter, First Lady of First
African Methodist Episcopal Church Los Angeles, California, with the California
Legislature's Women of the Year Award for her consummate professionalism,
tireless work ethic and dedication to helping others.
LOS ANGELES - April 2, 2012 - Assemblyman Mike Davis
selected First Lady Denise Hunter of First AME Church of Los Angeles as the
2012 Woman of the Year from the 48th District. Since 1987, each year in March,
the California Legislative Women's Caucus sponsors the program to celebrate
Women's History Month. In the FAME Sunday morning worship service, Assemblyman
Davis presented Mrs. Hunter with the certificate of recognition for outstanding
service and dedication to the people of the State of California.
"The leadership Denise Hunter has provided to FAME
Corporations has made a difference in improving the quality of life in the 48th
District. Mrs. Hunter initiated the FAME Summer Youth Enrichment Program and
the Back to School Program. Her work as Project Coordinator with First Lady
Michelle Obama's "Let's Move California" will enhance health services
in our community, as well. We have all benefited from the transportation
assistance, business development, environment protection, housing and
construction help provided by FAME Corporations under the leadership of Denise
Hunter," Assemblyman Mike Davis revealed.
In her role as President, Mrs. Hunter has direct
responsibility for management and oversight for the thirteen corporate entities
borne out of First AME Church. Mrs. Hunter also holds the honor of being the
first female President of FAME Corporations. Through its various programs and
partnerships, FAME is able to provide services to more than one million
residents annually. Mrs. Hunter currently serves on the Community Advisory
Board for the National Children's Study for Los Angeles and Ventura Counties;
she also serves as a member of the transition team for California Attorney
General Kamala Harris. Mrs. Hunter has also had the privilege of serving on the
Pacific Northwest Ballet Board of Trustees, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research
Institutional Review Board and many other boards and committees.
Visit www.famechurch.org
to see video footage, images of the award presentation and Mrs. Hunter's
remarks.
7. DR. DOROTHY HENDERSON HONORED AS THE
“BRADLEY COUNTY CITIZEN OF THE YEAR”:
The 12th Episcopal District
Lay Organization First Vice President, Dr. Dorothy Henderson honored as the
“Bradley County Citizen of the Year” by the
Bradley Chamber of Commerce Banquet,
Warren, Arkansas
Dr. Henderson is a servant leader who
is active on the local, state and national levels. She is focused on Community
leadership development and enhancement. Her roots have firmly held her
from birth to these present years. She is valiant in the AME Community and
intentional in the pursuit of excellent, integrity and collective
accountability. Dr. Henderson has been recognized many times for her service to
her Community. Most recently Dr.
Henderson was voted the Bradley County Citizen of the year for 2011 at the
Bradley County Chamber of Commerce Banquet held in Warren, Arkansas. Her
husband Larry Henderson’s an Executive Director of a Non-Profit Organization,
Southeast Arkansas Community Action, Corp.,
was also selected as the Bradley county Business of the year. The joy of
her life is to make life better for others.
She is a pioneer committed to strengthening the Lay Organization and her
Community to make life better for humanity. Dr. Henderson has impacted the
lives of others and has been an Activist, on Stamping out Poverty always,
seeking partnership initiatives designed for the purpose of improving the Lay
Organization and/or enhancing the lives for Senior Citizens and low income
individuals. She has secured grant
dollars that has provided transportation for low income individuals for out of
town doctor appointments and funds for medication as well as providing life
skills training workshops at no cost.
At her local Church she was Lay Person
of the Year in 2009, serves as Director of Lay Activities, former Local Lay
President, former Local Church Lay Chaplin, Local Church Chairperson of
Programs, Church School Superintendent, former Church School Teacher, former
Local WMS President, PME Director, former Local Choir Director, former Local
YPD Director, Stewart, Trustee, Church Secretary and Class Leader.
On the Presiding Elder District and
Conference Level she is the Former Central Arkansas Conference Lay
Organization President, Former Director
Lay Activities, Conference Lay Workshop Presenter, Annual Conference Delegate,
Annual Conference Trustee, Former Presiding Elder District Church School
Superintendent, Electoral College Delegate, Conference Lay Person of the year
2009, former Conference WMS President, Former WMS Area Chairperson, former 1st
Vice President and WMS Life Member.
At the Episcopal District and Connectional
Level she is First Vice President of the 12th Episcopal District Lay
Organization, Chairperson of Episcopal District Lay Budget Committee, Co-Chairperson 2009 Lay Biennial Convention,
12th Episcopal District Lay Person of the Year 2009, General Conference
Delegate Since 1992, Elected 12th Episcopal District Connectional Complication
Committee Member 2004, Delegate to Biennial Convention Since 1999, has served
as a Biennial Workshop Recorder, Biennial Work Shop Facilitator, Biennial
Workshop Convener , former Episcopal District WMS Parliamentarian, Former
Episcopal District Social Actions Chairperson, Episcopal District Christian Education
Leadership Congress Presenter and an Awards recipient at the Connectional WMS
Executive Board President’s Banquet honoring Conference WMS Conference
Presidents in 1997.
Other Community Involvement and
Awards: Most recently Henderson was
selected to serve on the (RFP) Request for Proposal Team to select a Navigator
System for the New Health Care Reform Act for the State of Arkansas. Henderson
has also, been appointed by two difference Governors to serve on Arkansas
Boards, the United States Selected Service Board and the Public Health Board
(first Black female) Elected to serve as an Arkansas Municipal League Vice
President, recipient of the Outstanding Young Woman of America award, Who’s Who
of America, Inducted in the Executive Professional Hall of Fame, Selected
Professional Business Woman of the Year, Inducted in the Public Managers Hall
of fame, selected Professional Business woman of the year, Past President of
the Chamber of Commerce, Member of the Warren City Council Since 1992, County
Administrator for the Arkansas Department of Human Services, with 36 years of
Experience in Management and Administration, Managers of a 4.8 Million dollar Budget, Profiled in an
“Unsung Hero Special” in 1996, A Book was
entitled The Origins and Legacies of the
Central High Crisis by John A. Kirk was presented in her honor to the
Warren Public Library. Dr. Henderson was also featured in the Arkansas
Municipal League Magazine and the Rural Arkansas News Magazine. She has two sons, Cornell and Timothy and
three granddaughters, Raya, Alexis and Mya. Dr. Henderson is the youngest
daughter of the late Jeff and Codelia Clay.
Her hobbies include tennis, writing short stories and Poem.
8. WHO INSPIRES ME…?
Diane C.
Allen
Last July,
my sons, my husband and I packed all of our belongings and moved from our
spacious home that is located about 55 miles east of Atlanta to an apartment
community here in the city. The move was not planned but it was necessary.
Unfortunately, there are many parents reading this, who can relate to the story
of our lives and can share their own story of their child facing a bully or
three.
I am
inspired everyday by my sons, Jonathan & Ricky. It’s been a year since my
husband and I made a decision to pack it all up and move. Many of our family
members and friends did not understand our rationale when we announced that my
husband had resigned his full time position as a teacher in the county public
school system and we were moving to Atlanta before securing jobs here. I was
working part time as a Performance Consultant and substitute teacher since my
job, the one that had paid all of our relocation expenses from Alexandria, Va.
had suddenly after 18 months there and a total of 17 years with the company
been eliminated.
So what do
you do when you have invested in the community but, your job is eliminated?
While that may not seem so terrible and certainly not uncommon, let me add the
following. Over the 4 years that we lived there, both of our sons faced several
challenges in the local public school system, with other students as well as
some teachers and administrators. One teacher treated our youngest son so
poorly that we made the decision not to allow him to complete the last week of
school. The principal understood, apologized and did not charge his record for
attendance. That summer, the teacher called our home and asked for our
forgiveness. After that, we took our sons back to school in that same
environment and our oldest son continued to experience bullying. I say
continued because it started in 3rd grade however the impact was not
as severe because my husband was a teacher at the school so there was a sense
of safety still for our son, until middle school.
When our
son was promoted to 6th grade, he made the physical move to the
middle school and my husband remained at the elementary school teaching 5th
grade. The first week, my son was shoved in the gym and asked, “What will you
do now, your dad isn’t here?” Well, it was down hill from there. There were
more incidents with three particular students and two teachers as well.
In the
meantime, our younger son had his own set of challenges as well. He reported
being bullied and was told simply not to sit near those kids again. After
additional follow-up, the principal did follow-up in accordance with the school
bully policy and the situation was handled.
It all came
to a sudden and abrupt end for our sons in that school system when for the 3rd
time in the school year, our oldest son was forced to defend himself with one
of the same three and there was an altercation. Even though we had reported all
previous incidents and the other student had been counseled and documented for
bullying, there was no support for our son at the administrative level in the
school or in the School Superintendents office.
Ultimately,
the deciding factor for us was a clear and concise statement from our son. He
looked us in the face and in a very serious tone stated, “Mom, Dad, I am not
safe in that school. There is no one there to look out for me”. It was at that
point, my husband and I knew, we had to get our sons out of that toxic
environment, no matter what.
So my
husband completed his contractual agreement for the school year. With a lot of
help from family, we were able to enroll the boys in school here in Atlanta.
Amazingly,
what has kept me motivated everyday as my husband and I search for career
opportunities here in Atlanta has been the absolute resilience of our sons.
After all the horrors I have described of being bullied by their peers and
being mistreated by teachers and the lack of
support from administrators, we are so proud that they both ended the 2010-11
school year in excellent academic standing. They are back to themselves and
being happy, excited and completely engaged in their school endeavors.
This has been an experience my husband and I
would never wish on any other family however, this experience is blessing us
everyday in ways we never would have imagined. At some point, we will be
restored financially and professionally but today and everyday since March,
2011, we watch our sons exemplify resilience and an extraordinary example of
strength and the power of faith and love that we have taught them since we
welcomed them into the world.
In
December, 2011, Jonathan got a phenomenal opportunity to speak publicly and
share his experience. He shared his story in a documentary with NFL films
entitled, “NFL Characters Unite”. I encourage everyone to check out Jonathan
and the other students’ challenges at www.nflcharactersunite.com
Thanks to
Tony Gonzalez of the Atlanta Falcons, NFL Films, The Hochberg Ebersol Company,
YMCA Youth & International Initiatives programs and the USA Network,
Jonathan’s story was shown on USA Network on February 10, 2012 for all to see
and hear. It is our hope and request that our President, First Lady and the US
Department of Education will continue to do the conference on bullying and
encourage communities, schools and families all over this great nation to
denounce these activities and begin to teach our children to develop a healthy
respect of each individual they encounter in life, regardless of race, ethnicity
or any other characteristic that may distinguish them.
I am proud
of my sons Jonathan and Joshua “Ricky” Allen and they inspire me everyday.
Submitted
by Diane C. Allen
9. FRIDAY
RANT - WHY THEY HATE US SO MUCH:
I
received this from my friend Brett Arseneault who I met last year at Fort
Benning, Georgia and whose son, Peter has just returned from Afghanistan. This
message is entitled “Friday Rant”
Twice in
the last couple weeks – mainly in conversation about my son Peter returning
home from Afghanistan. Someone has asked, “Why do they hate us so much?”
I honestly
think I know the answer. In fact, I feel like I’ve known the answer for a
long time.
Every time
I see us being wasteful, the answer is obvious.
Every time
I fire-up my internal combustion engine, I understand.
These
people that hate us believe in God. And with that belief comes a trust
that God is going to provide.
Most
Americans ALSO believe in God. But the difference is we trust in
ourselves.
Think about
this: It’s likely that most Mid-Easterners trust God will send rain for their
crops; when the rain doesn’t come, they adapt accordingly and call it God’s
will. They are very patient people who can live with the bad and the
good.
The rest of
us? We buy hoses made from plastic or rubber and reap the benefit of rain
whether it rains or not. We don’t rely on God for rain…We hook up the
hose and water our stuff.
So instead
of having faith in the God we say we believe in; we write-off the use of a hose
as “using the brains God gave us.” Ditto for our cars…ditto for the
plastic milk jugs…ditto for lots of things. This computer, the speakers
for my computer; it all makes me wonder.
When you
stop and consider their lifestyle vs. ours, they’re either incredibly jealous
because we have brains they don’t have (and are using them to enjoy life) or;
incredibly angry because we’re abusing the resources provided to us by God; angry
because we’re polluting the atmosphere. Incredibly mad because we
invented television and are broadcasting pornography which is leading to a
destruction of our moral fabric.
They laugh
when we wonder why there are so many children born out of wedlock.
They look
at our attempts to recycle and just shake their heads. We make a plastic
milk jug – using energy – then use more energy to recycle it into something
else. It’s likely their recycling doesn’t exist because they simply don’t
have anything to recycle. They make it from natural resources and when it
breaks they can toss it anywhere and it’ll break down.
I sense
that most people that hate us have pretty good reasons.
Granted, we
live in the land of plenty – except for oil (apparently, but that’s debatable)
– so the way we live is our choice and our right. We’d rather have a good
set of teeth than those that rot; so we train dentists and build incredibly
good equipment to maintain our teeth…clean them twice a year…repair ‘em.
It takes a lot of energy and resources to maintain America’s teeth. Admit
it, you can substitute a lot of scenarios there and arrive at the same
conclusion.
Nonetheless,
I think that’s why they hate us. We’re wasteful and we eat wrong and our
televisions make us lazy and our computers/iPhones are driving our kids indoors
and we drink alcohol and it makes us stupid and we drive cars that pollute and
we waste and try to offset that waste by recycling.
In the
final analysis, I think we all have to admit that America is like the internet:
it’s the best of things and the worst of things.
It’s not
likely I’ll change much. But I know this: I get a pile of junk mail
everyday and it ticks me off that I get it and have to deal with the
waste. And as I toss it in the recycle bin, I can’t help but think of all
the energy spent so that I get something that was delivered to me so I can pick
it up and throw it on a pile to be recycled using more energy. But then
one day I got a small catalog that advertised “The Great Courses” and I was
sure glad I got that one because I ordered a course and it really was great!
Sometimes I
wonder which one of us is right. Those who live simply, trusting God to
provide rain and developing patience when it doesn’t…or the rest of us who
trust ourselves using the brains God gave us.
In most
ways of thinking, I think we’ve taken this great gift of thinking and have
evolved. But at the same time, at what price comes that rubber
hose? All that equipment?
It’s a good
debate, you have to admit. Our tendencies toward waste and abuse
frustrate many of us, I know that and you know that. In the final
analysis all we can do is recognize it and adapt on a personal level.
And when it
comes to things like war and questions like “why to do they hate us?” it’s good
to know why. We ARE a wasteful country and many of us admit that.
We’re surely impacting the world…the globe…by what we do everyday. The
problem is so big we don’t even spend time trying to fix it.
And we’ve
always been known as the greatest country in the world…but I wonder if we can
fix this thing? Do we have it in us? Or will they be writing about
the Rise and Fall of America some day? The patriots of the 1770’s had the
courage to create a country… do those of us living 250 years later have the
courage to save it?
You have to
admit there’s truth to all this. At my age, I’m getting to the point of
hard(er) answers…all the soft-stroking we do has created softdom.
Gloom and
doom? Maybe.
As a
society, do we want to think about this stuff? Probably not.
Gonna
change? Unlikely.
Understand
why they hate us? I hope so.
I certainly
don’t condone hatred….but it is good to understand it.
With that
understanding, maybe we’ll hate them a little less, and that’s not all bad.
Brett
Arseneault
10. REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT AT EASTER PRAYER BREAKFAST:
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning, everybody.
(Applause.) Please, have a seat. Have a seat. Well,
welcome to the White House. It is a pleasure to be with all of you this
morning.
In less than a week, this house will be overrun by thousands of
kids at the Easter Egg Roll. (Laughter.) So I wanted to get together
with you for a little prayer and reflection -- some calm before the
storm. (Laughter.)
It is wonderful to see so many good friends here today. To
all the faith leaders from all across the country -- from churches and
congregations large and small; from different denominations and different
backgrounds -- thank you for coming to our third annual Easter prayer
breakfast. And I’m grateful that you’re here.
I’m even more grateful for the work that you do every day of the
year -- the compassion and the kindness that so many of you express through
your various ministries. I know that some of you have joined with our
Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships. I’ve seen firsthand
some of the outstanding work that you are doing in your respective communities,
and it’s an incredible expression of your faith. And I know that all of
us who have an opportunity to work with you draw inspiration from the work that
you do.
Finally, I want to just express appreciation for your prayers.
Every time I travel around the country, somebody is going around saying,
we’re praying for you. (Laughter.) We got a prayer circle
going. Don’t worry, keep the faith. We’re praying.
(Laughter.) Michelle gets the same stuff. And that means a lot to
us. It especially means a lot to us when we hear from folks who we know
probably didn’t vote for me -- (laughter) -- and yet, expressing extraordinary
sincerity about their prayers. And it’s a reminder not only of what binds
us together as a nation, but also what binds us together as children of God.
Now, I have to be careful, I am not going to stand up here and
give a sermon. It’s always a bad idea to give a sermon in front of
professionals. (Laughter.) But in a few short days, all of us will
experience the wonder of Easter morning. And we will know, in the
words of the Apostle Paul, “Christ Jesus...and Him crucified.”
It’s an opportunity for us to reflect on the triumph of the
resurrection, and to give thanks for the all-important gift of grace. And
for me, and I’m sure for some of you, it’s also a chance to remember the
tremendous sacrifice that led up to that day, and all that Christ endured --
not just as a Son of God, but as a human being.
For like us, Jesus knew doubt. Like us, Jesus knew
fear. In the garden of Gethsemane, with attackers closing in around him,
Jesus told His disciples, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of
death.” He fell to his knees, pleading with His Father, saying, “If it is
possible, may this cup be taken from me.” And yet, in the end, He
confronted His fear with words of humble surrender, saying, “If it is not
possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be
done.”
So it is only because Jesus conquered His own anguish, conquered
His fear, that we’re able to celebrate the resurrection. It’s only
because He endured unimaginable pain that wracked His body and bore the sins of
the world that He burdened -- that burdened His soul that we are able to
proclaim, “He is Risen!”
So the struggle to fathom that unfathomable sacrifice makes
Easter all the more meaningful to all of us. It helps us to provide an
eternal perspective to whatever temporal challenges we face. It puts in
perspective our small problems relative to the big problems He was dealing
with. And it gives us courage and it gives us hope.
We all have experiences that shake our faith. There are
times where we have questions for God’s plan relative to us -- (laughter) --
but that’s precisely when we should remember Christ’s own doubts and eventually
his own triumph. Jesus told us as much in the book of John, when He said,
“In this world you will have trouble.” I heard an amen.
(Laughter.) Let me repeat. “In this world, you will have trouble.”
AUDIENCE: Amen!
THE PRESIDENT: “But take heart!” (Laughter.)
“I have overcome the world.” (Applause.) We are here today to
celebrate that glorious overcoming, the sacrifice of a risen savior who died so
that we might live. And I hope that our time together this morning will
strengthen us individually, as believers, and as a nation.
And with that, I’d like to invite my good friend, Dr. Cynthia
Hale, to deliver our opening prayer. Dr. Hale. (Applause.)
This articled provided
by Joshua DuBois, Director of the White House Office
of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships
11. MEDITATION BASED
ON LUKE 23:32-47:
*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby
I engaged in one of my regular rituals
this past weekend - going through my accumulated e-mail. I actually check my
email more than once each day and promptly respond to urgent matters, but I
save the less than urgent matters until I can get around to them, which is
usually when I realize that my Inbox is filling up and I need to clear it
out! Some messages can simply be deleted
or forwarded, while others require a response.
My habitual greeting when I answer those that require a response is,
“Hello, I do get around to my e-mail sooner or later.”
I thought of my email habit this
afternoon as I reflected on the meaning of Holy Week and Easter. The Gospels
describe the crucifixion of Jesus and note that just before he died, the veil
of the Lord’s Temple in Jerusalem - the curtain that separated the Holiest
place from the rest of the building - split in two from top to bottom. Some Bible commentators describe that as a
sign of God’s outrage at the crucifixion, but others suggest a more profound
and reassuring meaning - that the curtain split down the middle because the
sacrifice of Jesus removed the barrier between God and humankind.
I embrace the latter idea. It means that because of Jesus, we’re no longer
separated from God and can always go to God in prayer. I celebrate that, and I celebrate the
assurance that God does better with our prayers than I do with those who send
me e-mail. When we trust in the Lord, we
can always take our needs and concerns to God, knowing not only that God will
respond but that God never delays responding until He can “get around to
it.” God blesses, keeps, and provides
for us, and answers our every prayer - God may not always give us what we want,
but God never fails to give us what we need.
Take the time during the rest of Holy
Week and on Easter to reflect on the way that God has answered your
prayers. You’ll find reason to smile,
reason to rejoice, reason to recommit to the Lord and reason to tell others
that while people “get around to us” on their time, the song our ancestors sang
when telephones were “new technology” is still true, “Jesus is on the main
line, just tell Him what you want.”
If you are in the Charleston, South
Carolina area, you are invited to join us on Easter Sunday for Sunrise Worship
at 6 a.m.; the Church School Easter Program at 9:30 a.m.; and Midday Worship at
11 a.m. The Eight O’clock Choir will
offer praise at 6 a.m. and the Combined Choir, Gospel Choir, Children’s Choir
and Young Adult Choir will offer praise at the 11 a.m. worship service.
Sunday’s Scripture Lessons are:
Isaiah 40:21-31
Hebrews 10:11-23
Matthew 28:1-9
Sunday’s Sermons are:
6 a.m. - “Who Moves Your Barriers?”
11 a.m. – “Who Handles Your Obstacles?”
*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby is the
pastor of Morris Brown AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina
12. EPISCOPAL FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to announce the passing
of Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle, the 108th Elected and Consecrated Bishop of
the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Bishop Chappelle was also the writer
for the “You Ask” column of The Christian Recorder. He died on Thursday, March 29, 2012.
Funeral services will be held in St.
Louis, Missouri and in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Homegoing Celebration
in St. Louis, Missouri:
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Family Visitation: 12:00 Noon
Funeral: 1:00 PM
St. James AME Church
4301 St. Ferdinand
St. Louis, MO 63113
314-371-0687- Phone
The Rev. Noella Austin Buchanan, Pastor
Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, Presiding
Prelate, 5th Episcopal District
Bishop Philip R. Cousin, Sr., Eulogist
Professional Services are entrusted to:
Austin Layne Mortuary
7302 W Florissant Avenue
St Louis, MO 63136
(314) 381-6979 - Phone
(314) 381-5475 - Fax
Hotel Information for
Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle Homegoing Services in Saint Louis, Missouri:
Hotel (Airport Hilton)
10330 Natural Bridge Road
St. Louis, MO 63134
314-426-5500 - Phone
800-445-8667 - Toll free
Rooms $75.00
Suites $90.00
Code: AME
Homegoing Celebration
in Fort Lauderdale, Florida:
Friday, April 13, 2012
Family Visitation: 10:00 AM
Funeral: 11:00 AM
Mount Hermon AME Church
401 NW 7th Terrace
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311
954-463-6309 - Phone
954-522-4113 - Fax
The Rev. Willie J. Cook, Pastor
Bishop McKinley Young, Presiding
Prelate, 11th Episcopal District & Eulogist
Professional Services are entrusted to:
Postell's Mortuary
811 North Powers Drive
Orlando, FL 32818
Phone (407) 295-3857
Fax (407) 295-0307
Interment: Dade Memorial Park
Miami, FL
Bishop Richard Allen
Chappelle Hotel information, Fort Lauderdale, Florida:
Hilton Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLLHA)
1870 Griffin Road
Dania Beach, FL 33004
954-920-3300 main
Rate is $89 For Thursday, April 12,
2012
Hotel: Group Name: HERMAN
Contact information for Mother Barbara
J. Chappelle & Family
6753 Ryan Crest Drive
Florissant, MO 63033
(314) 653-2637
(314) 741-0692 – FAX
13. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the death of Mr.
Thabo J. Mengoai, who transitioned on Wednesday, March 28, 2012. Mr. Mengoai is
the son of the Presiding Elder, the Rev. PJ Mengoai and Mother Sarah Mengoai.
Service Arrangements for Mr. Thabo
Mengoai:
Evening Prayers:
Daily, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
76 Tlale Street,
Atteridgeville, Pretoria,
Republic of South Africa
Telephone: +27 82 805 9339
Funeral Service:
Thursday, March 5, 2012 at 7am
Ebenezer Temple AME Church
93 Sehloho Street
Atteridgeville, Pretoria,
RSA
Burial to follow in Zandfontein
Cemetery
Condolences may be emailed to the Rev.
PJ Mengoai and Family at: mengoaipj@yahoo.com or +27 82 805 9339
Mailing Address:
76 Tlale Street,
Atteridgeville, Pretoria,
0008, RSA
14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to
announce the transition of Brother Caleb E. Hannah, the father of Sister Brenda
Moss, wife of the Rev. Tan C. Moss. Pastor Moss serves as the beloved shepherd
and pastor of Greater Payne AMEC in Jacksonville, Florida. The services for
Brother Hannah will be held Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Philadelphia
Primitive Baptist Church located at 840 Dunn Street in Tallahassee, Florida.
The Strong & Jones Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Strong and Jones
Funeral Home
551 West Carolina Street
Tallahassee. Fl.
32301
Telephone: (850)
224-2139
Fax: (850) 224-0213
Expressions of
sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. and Mrs. Tan
Moss
Greater Payne AME
Church
1230 Claudia Spencer
Road
Jacksonville, Florida
32206
Telephone: (904)
355-6015
15. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the
passing of Mrs. Nellie Ruth Jenkins, grandmother of the Rev. Ruthann Rountree,
associate minister of Grant AME Church, Long Beach, California. Mrs. Jenkins passed on Sunday evening, April
1, 2012 at the Regency Oaks Care Center under hospice care. She was 104 years
old.
Service arrangements for Mrs.
Nellie Ruth Jenkins:
Family Visitation:
Thursday, April 5, 2012, 2:00
p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
McKenzie Mortuary
3843 East Anaheim St.
Long Beach, CA 90804
Telephone: 562.961.9301
Homegoing Celebration:
Monday, April 9, 2012 at 10.00
AM
Olinger Highland Mortuary Chapel
10201 North Grant Street
Thornton, CO 80229-2021
Telephone: 303.451.6674
Expressions of sympathy may be
sent to:
The Rev. Ruthann Rountree &
Family
P.O. Box 7593
Long Beach, CA 90807
Phone: 562.424.2550
Expressions of sympathy may be
emailed to:
16. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the
passing of Mrs. Louise Juanita Knighton Smith, the mother of the Rev. Bertram
C. Smith, pastor of Saint Peter AME Church in Fort Valley Georgia, and the
mother-in-law of Wendolyn Smith, former president of the Macon Georgia
Conference MSWAWO plus PK's. Mrs. Louise Smith, 83, widow of the late Rev.
Peter H. Smith, passed away on Wednesday, April 4, 2012.
Other survivors include her
daughter, Dr. Wanda Smith West (W. Roy) of Macon, GA, Marie Smith McKenzie (Warren
Jr.) of Jacksonville, FL, GA.; Son-in-law Richard Temple of Valdosta, GA., Otis
Henry Smith of Byron, GA. and Paula Smith Wright (Samson-Deceased) of Macon.
She is also survived by her sisters: Vera Knighton, Lucille Wilson of Macon, GA
and Katherine Tanks, (David) Decatur of GA; a sisters-in-law, Lillie
Trowsdell of San Diego, CA, a brother-in-law, Cleveland Smith( Lucy Mae)
of Miami, FL. eight grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Services for Mrs. Louise Juanita
Knighton Smith:
Funeral services, Wednesday,
April 11, 2012, 12:00 noon
Steward Chapel AME Church
887 Forsyth Street
Macon, Georgia 31201
The Rev. Charles Lewis, pastor
of Stewart Chapel will be officiating, and the Rev. Bertram C. Smith, the son
of the Mrs. Louise Smith, will be the eulogist
Interment will be at Macon
Memorial Park, 3969 Mercer University Drive, immediately following the service.
Arrangements are entrusted to:
Hicks and Sons Mortuary
2233 Anthony Road
Macon, Georgia 31204
Phone Number: (478) 788-4300
Condolences can be sent to:
The family of Sister Louise
Juanita Knighton Smith:
824 McCall Road
Macon, GA 31217
Or to:
The Rev. Bertram C. Smith,
Pastor
St. Peter AME Church
502 State College Drive
Fort Valley, GA 31030
17.
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
18. 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
18. 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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