Bishop
T. Larry Kirkland - Chair, Commission on Publications
The
Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The
Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder
Reminder for Church Bulletins:
In the U.S. Daylight Time ends and Standard
Time begins on the first Sunday in November
1. EDITORIAL –MINISTERIAL
PROFESSIONALISM, ETHICS AND ETIQUETTE FOR THE PRESENT AGE (PART 2):
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
I moved to Hampton, Virginia
in 1995 to assume my duties at Fort Monroe, Virginia. The first order of
business was getting settled in my new job. I had to find a house because
housing was not available for me on the military installation.
I found a beautiful home
in Hampton that was being sold by the owner, an Air Force lieutenant colonel.
My wife Charlotte and I checked out the neighborhood and inspected the house
and fell in love with it. After some
negotiation and as we were getting ready to close the deal while sitting at
with the owners at the kitchen table it was time to put up the earnest money. I
was prepared to pay $1000 earnest money and as I was taking out my check book,
the owner looked at his wife and she nodded affirmatively and he blocked my
hand and said, “Not a thousand dollars!
He extended his hand and said, “A handshake and one dollar.” I was about to protest that I had the $1000,
but he stopped me and said, “We are both military officers and a lot of people
take advantage of us. It’s important that we take care of each other. If you
and your wife are comfortable with a dollar earnest money and a handshake, my
wife and I are good with it.” I was good
with it and we lived in that home for nine years.
I have thought about that
experience at the kitchen table in 1995 many times. The kind of trust between two military
officers should be an example for us in the ministry. On the couple’s part it
involved their trust and confidence that we would do the right thing; and on
our part, it meant keeping our word.
The African Methodist Episcopal Church, from its
beginning, has always considered ministerial conduct important in the life of
the Church. Ministerial professionalism,
ethics and etiquette are important in the life of the Church. Ministerial
ethics, etiquette and professionalism are the responsibility of all clergy,
from bishops to the licentiates; all clergy in the African Methodist Episcopal
Church from top to bottom.
Those of us in the
ministry should be a paragon of integrity, and the highest ethical and moral
standards. The clergy should strive to a
higher standard. We are human, but we are also in a profession that must be
undergirded by integrity, and the highest standards of ethical and moral
behavior.
There are standards of behaviors
for the laity too, but that’s another editorial.
A few examples of things that need to remain the same
The clergy must focus and refocus in at least three
areas; relationships with peers, superiors and parishioners.
But, the first order of business before a clergy
member can have a healthy and wholesome interaction with others requires that
he or she have a healthy and wholesome relationship with him or herself. A pastor must “know” who he or she is and must
provide self-care. An effective clergy person must be physically, mentally, and
spiritually healthy. The clergy person who neglects his or her mental, physical
and spiritual well-being short-changes, not only him or herself, but also the
ministry.
Clergy persons need to learn what they need to do
to have a healthy ministry or find someone or agency to help them discover what
they need have a healthy ministry.
Peers or fellow pastors
Ministerial etiquette
dictates that clergy treat fellow clergy collegially and with respect, “across
the board,” which includes clergy from other denominations and other faith
groups.
I shouldn’t have to
mention this, but I have seen this breach of conduct several times this last
year. Preachers should not enter the pulpit until invited by the pastor. An experienced usher knows the protocol and
informs the pastor of the presence of a minister.
Pastor should take care of their “own flock”
Clergy members should not
agree to conduct weddings, funerals or consent to lead or participate in any
pastoral worship service without first speaking directly to the pastor in
charge. And if the pastor in charge
appears to be less than enthusiastic, the invited clergy member should
respectfully and without any negative comment, decline the invitation. The
bottomline is that pastors should take care of their “own flock.”
My “rule of thumb” was to
first decline and to accept an invitation only if the pastor “begged” me to
accept the invitation.
Pastoring is stressful
and clergy should not add stress to other clergy members.
Pastoral interference is
an egregious offense that inhibits ministerial effectiveness and can
precipitate serious problems for a local congregation. Pastors should not
engage in church-related discussions with members of other churches or with parishioners
of other denominations, but should encourage them to seek the counsel of
their pastor.
Pastors should absent
themselves from religious and social events that take place at their previous
pastoral appointment.
Generally speaking, pastors
should not attend funerals, wedding and special events at his or her previous
pastoral appointment. If a pastor feels that his or her presence is important,
send a card with a nice “gift.” A
former pastor should give his or her successor “space” and let the people learn
to love their assigned pastor; that cannot happen if the previous pastor is
present.
When a pastor is appointed to another pastoral
charge, retires, or promoted to be a presiding elder he or she should be
discreet when visiting a former parish; frequent visits to one's former church
should be avoided and should exercise care and have no further influence upon
the congregation. A former pastor should seek to be supportive of the new
pastor's ministry by observing boundaries and giving “space” to the assigned
pastor.
Local
preachers, Itinerant Deacons or Itinerant Elders who serve in local
relationships with local churches should understand that the pastor-in-charge
is “in charge.” Those in local
relationships, whether they have itinerant or local credentials are serving in
a local capacity. A clergy member serving in local relationship is not a pastor
in charge; he or she assists the pastor and should be amenable to the pastor.
Pastors are
responsible for their training and update.
Pastors
are responsible for their continuing education and commitment to theological
update. Ongoing training is essential to successful ministry.
Relationships with superiors
We are members of the African Methodist Episcopal
Church and, like it or not, we have a hierarchy. The AME Church is not a
“called” church we are a “sent” church. Pastors are not “called” to local
churches. Bishops “send” pastors to local churches and they are assigned to the
pastoral charge.
Bishops
Bishops are Itinerant Elders who have been elected
and consecrated to the office and ministry of the Episcopacy. Elders who are
consecrated to the bishopric affirm that they are “truly called to this
ministration according to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ.” They promise to “instruct the people
committed to their charge, teach, correct, maintain quietness, love and peace
among all people,” and they promise to be “faithful in ordaining or laying
hands on others.” In my mind, the most
egregious sin of a bishop is when he or she admits or ordains a person he or
she knows to be unfit for ministry; or ordaining a person an Itinerant Elder
who they know will not serve in the itinerancy; but that, too, is another
editorial. The foundation of Methodist ministry is the itinerant system.
Obedience and integrity
Subordinate clergy members should obey those who
have authority over them.
Every person who has been ordained as a deacon,
most likely on his or her knees, promised to “… reverently obey them to whom the charge and government over you is
committed, following with a glad mind and will their godly admonition.”
Every elder has promised, most likely on his or her
knees, to “… reverently obey your chief
ministers to whom is committed the charge and government over you is committed,
following with a glad mind and will their godly admonition, submitting
yourselves to their godly judgments.”
Simply stated, those in the diaconal ministry will
obey their pastors in charge, presiding elders, and bishops. Elders will obey
their bishops. It’s not a matter of liking or not liking the person who is the
chief minister (bishop); the issue is integrity and being faithful to the vows
made at the ordination service; being faithful to our vows is a moral and
ethical issue.
The presiding elder
A presiding Elder is appointed to the presiding
elder ministry by a bishop and he or she serves at the pleasure of the
bishop. The presiding elder is not a
bishop; a presiding elder is a middle manager. An effective presiding elder provides
leadership, and just as important; or more importantly, provides the resources
for pastors and local churches to accomplish ministry.
The pastor
A clergy member who receives a pastoral appointment
is referred to in The Discipline as
“pastor-in-charge.” The pastor is in
charge. The pastor makes the final decision. Lay people do not make “executive
decisions” in local churches; pastors, in accordance with the Bible and The Discipline make “executive
decisions” in local churches. Presiding elders in accordance with the Bible and The Discipline make “executive
decisions” as it relates to their areas of responsibilities. Bishops in
accordance with the Bible and The
Discipline make “executive decisions” in the episcopal district.
Relationships with parishioners
Pastors must love all the parishioners, even those
the pastor knows doesn’t like him or her. A pastor should be professional in
all pastoral relationships.
Pastors are expected to handle their money and
personal finances responsibly.
It is a spiritual and professional duty of clergy
to hold in confidence matters revealed to them in their counseling, caring, and
confessional ministries.
Preachers should not use the pulpit as a
“billy-club” and should avoid using the pulpit to share sensitive information
shared in counseling sessions or in private conversations.
The relationship between a pastor and a
congregation is dissolved by Episcopal reappointment. It’s the responsibility of a pastor to make
clear that he or she will no longer be the pastor and, therefore, will not be
available for pastoral services.
But, having said that, in some instances time may
have built up loyalties that are strong, and though a predecessor should do
everything possible to discourage a family from seeking his or her services; it
may be an act of grace in certain instances for the successor (the present
pastor) to consider inviting the family's former pastor. The wise pastor will
observe that such an attitude may do more to move people to accept his or her own
ministry than would resistance and "standing for one's rights" as the
new pastor. The former pastor should expect to assist the pastor, unless
specifically requested by the present pastor to do otherwise.
Special Gifts and Honoraria
A pastor often receives additional compensation
beyond his or her terms of appointment. Examples include stipends for weddings,
special sermons or presentations. Some churches demonstrate their support and
love for their pastor by giving him or her various gifts. Pastors need to take
care such gifts given for birthdays and anniversaries and other special days
never take on an obligatory nature.
There are so many other examples of what
constitutes ministerial
professionalism, ethics and etiquette, but in the end, ministerial professionalism, ethics
and etiquette are really just good manners, integrity, treating each other and
everyone with respect, following the rules as set forth in the Bible and The Discipline and using good old common
sense!
2. TCR OP-ED: NOT GRUDGINGLY NOR OF NECESSITY:
*The Rev. Janice Casey
I have searched the Scriptures thoroughly and can
find no place where an exact dollar amount for an offering is required of the people
during worship. Yet, frequently I have been present in worship services where
the congregation is told to give a specified dollar amount and only those who
were willing to give the stated amount were invited to line up and go forward.
Recently, to my dismay, a friend from another
district shared with me that following a really dynamic worship service
and sermon, the preachers were all told
to pay $100 and as they came forward to give their offering, their names were
called out. This happens a lot at annual conferences, connectional meetings,
and other meetings. Is it right? Is it Scriptural? Is it effective?
My anecdotal research says that it is a highly
effective way to raise money, especially at annual conferences where
appointments hang in the balance, but it is neither the right way, nor the
Scriptural way to raise an offering, since we are told that we should give, not
grudgingly or of necessity.
When giving, Matthew 6:1-2 warns us to “Take heed that ye do not your alms before
men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in
heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before
thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may
have glory of men.”
What about those clergy and parishioners at worship
services who really had a burning desire to give an amount that might have been
less than the requested or required offering? Were they empowered during that
offering? Did they leave feeling edified and hopeful? I suspect that in many
cases, the good of the sermon was largely “washed away” at offering time.
My friend from the other district explained, “The
truth is that I did not have the $100 dollars; and I left feeling very
conflicted and somewhat discouraged. She went on to say, “Mentally scanning my
finances, I thought about all of the times during the previous week when I had
given freely and gladly---a love gift to a sick member, a birthday present to a
loved one, food for a church gathering, money for a pew rally to a friend, cash
to my young cousin in college, gas money to my son who is driving 120 miles a
day to school, a donation to a young neighbor trying to raise money for the
girl scouts, and the list goes on.” “Yet, here I was feeling down and out
because of someone else’s definition of an offering,” she concluded.
It caused me to wonder if God is pleased with this
practice. Perhaps there should be better ways to get people, including
preachers, to give their best without ridicule and without encouraging them to
give with the wrong motives.
Perhaps if the church had more effective programs
of teaching about tithing and sacrificial giving, we would lessen the need to
beg and to prescribe a specific dollar amount they should give. After all, our
Zion is not selling indulgences. Who knows? Someone’s best might far exceed the
prescribed amount asked to give.
In addition, when we give the best that we have to
the Lord freely and with a heart of gratitude, God will bless us to have more
to give.
The principle of investing presupposes that
effective giving starts with a seed-faith giving. By sowing a seed, we reap a
harvest. If I can only give $10.00, but I give it all to God, believing God to
be worthy and a rewarder of all who diligently seek Him, then I will be blessed
and grow in obedience. As I grow and I am blessed, I will then feel led to give
more—to even stretch my giving as the widow did in Luke 21:1-4 NKJV, which
says, “And He looked up and saw the rich
putting their gifts into the treasury, and He saw also a certain poor widow
putting in two mites. So He said, ‘Truly I say to you that this poor widow has
put in more than all; for all these out of their abundance have put in
offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she
had.’”
So by giving sacrificially, we are blessed and the
church is blessed. We all win!
I realize that the church’s bills must be paid.
However, the church is not a “for profit” business, but rather a hospital for
the sick. When we only treat parishioners like customers, then we act as though
we are selling religion and our plea of “come as you are because salvation is
free” appears to be a contradiction and is largely ignored.
Finally, in our services we often read, “Upon the first day of the week let everyone
of you lay by him in store, as God has prospered him. Every man according as he
purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity; for
God loves a cheerful giver” (II Cor. 9:6, 7).
Let’s make sure we honor the biblical lessons of
giving!
*The Rev. Janice Casey is an associate pastor at
St. Paul AME Church in Kingsland, Georgia. She is a teacher and Christian
education director.
3. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
A special thanks to the Dr. Linda Cox the widow of
the Rev. Walter Cox of the West Tennessee Annual Conference for her financial
gift in helping to defray technical support in support of The Christian Recorder Online.
4. AME YPD CONNECTIONAL SECRETARY SELECTED TO SING WITH THE FISK JUBILEE
SINGERS:
Ms. Brianna Barbour, a student at Fisk University
was selected to be a member of the historic prestigious Fisk Jubilee
Singers. Brianna serves as the Secretary
of the Connectional YPD and is a member of Pearl Street AME Church in Jackson,
Mississippi.
Her singing career has taken her to Australia and
Hawaii. She was also among the selected
vocalist to sing in Hawaii for that state’s 50th Anniversary
celebration.
Brianna is the daughter of Mr. Thomas and Juanita
Barbour and is the granddaughter of Dr. Johnny and Clara Barbour. Dr. Johnny Barbour is the Secretary-Treasurer
of the AMEC Sunday School Union.
5. AME ITINERANT ELDER THE REV. DR. A. OVETA FULLER RECEIVES COVETED
FULBRIGHT AWARD:
The Rev. Dr. A. Oveta Fuller-Caldwell has been
named a 2012-13 Fulbright Scholar by the U.S. Department of State and Bureau of
Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Dr. Fuller-Caldwell is an Associate Professor at
the University of Michigan in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, a
faculty member of the African Studies Center and an itinerant elder and former
pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC). The J. William
Fulbright Scholars Program selects U.S. faculty and professionals to send
abroad each year to teach or conduct research in a wide variety of fields.
As a 2012 Fulbright Scholar, microbiologist and
ordained minister, Dr. Fuller will live for nine months in the southern African
country of Zambia to continue working with clergy for eliminating HIV/AIDS. She
will be hosted by the Copperbelt University School of Medical School and the 17th
Episcopal District of the AME Church.
Dr. Fuller began work in Zambia in 2006. With the
Fulbright Award, she will conduct a key study in the Copperbelt province of
this developing country to validate results obtained in initial studies with
the “Trusted Messenger Intervention” piloted by Dr. Fuller and colleagues. The
community based research examines how understanding biological science advances
can transform perspectives of religious leaders to effectively engage in
eliminating HIV/AIDS. In-depth
biomedical science education is provided so that such influential leaders
willingly mobilize as “trusted messengers” to use available resources to reduce
impact of HIV/AIDS. The approach rigorously examines how these informed leaders
change perceptions of HIV/AIDS prevention, increase active support of disease
management and reduce stigma in their urban and rural communities.
The Fulbright Program is the flagship international
educational exchange program sponsored by the USA government. Established in
1946 by U.S. Senator J. William Fulbright, it is designed to allow scholars,
scientists and artists to share international concerns and increase mutual
understanding between people of the United States and the people of other
countries.
Recipients of Fulbright grants are selected on the
basis of academic and professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership
potential in their fields. The Program operates in over 155 countries
worldwide. Fulbright alumni include 43 who have received the Nobel Prize and 81
alumni who have received Pulitzer Prizes.
Dr. Fuller, a graduate of Bartlett Yancey High
School, is the daughter of the late Herbert R. Fuller and Mrs. Deborah Woods
Fuller and sister of Dr. Donald Fuller and retired Lt. Commander Efram Fuller.
She and her spouse Dr. Jerry Caldwell reside in Dexter, Michigan where their
three young adult children were raised.
For more information, contact Kara Gavin at the
University of Michigan Medical School at 734-764-2220 or by email to UMHSmedia@umich.edu, Dr. Oveta Fuller at
734 276-1548 or James A. Lawrence 202 632 3241 at the US Dept of State, Bureau
of Educational and Cultural Affairs, http://fulbright.state.gov.
6. 32 DAYS TO GO:
October 5, 2012
Today, we are 32 days away from Election Day 2012 –
November 6th. But early voting has begun. VOTERS in 29 states can vote today!
There is much at stake with the President of the
United States of America, US Congresspersons, US Senators, Governors, State
Representatives, and many issues on the ballot. Every VOTER must now VOTE
his/her choice. Educate! Mobilize! Make VOTING your daily greeting!
Today, in 1970 The Public Broadcasting Service
(PBS) was founded.
Today, in 1947 President Harry Truman made the
first televised White House Address. We must protect our freedom of speech!
Today sign up as a Volunteer Poll Watcher. Election
Protection is recruiting grassroots poll monitors in AZ, CA, CO, FL, IL, MA,
MI, MN, NC, NM, NY, OH, PA, TX, and VA through their partner, Common Cause. Go
to http://signup.lawyerscommittee.org/
Today, we still ask “What does success look like
for Black males?” And we know that it does not include incarceration, drug
dealing, human trafficking, school drop-out, or absentee parenting. We know
that it must include us – The African Methodist Episcopal Church, as declared
in the State of America Report from the 4th Episcopal District.
Your continued vigilance is the key!
Today, remind everyone that you meet, “If you are
an American citizen, you can, should and must VOTE”. In fact, the next 32 days,
help every voter to find his/her voice…and to join you in inspiring the largest
voter turnout in history. If you have any doubts, Register Again Online!
We can do this!
Act now! Make a difference! Let us know what you
are doing…. And how we can help!!
SIStah “Jackie” Dupont-Walker, Director, Social
Action Commission
Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, Chair
7. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FOUNTAIN OF HOPE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
CELEBRATES GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY:
By Mrs. Bobbye Henderson
“Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow!”
On Sunday, August 26, 2012 following the morning
worship service, Fountain Of Hope African Methodist Episcopal Church (FOHAMEC)
members, visitors and friends witnessed yet another wonderful blessing of the
Lord – the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the expansion of its sanctuary.
FOHAMEC was organized October 5, 2002 in the home
of Mr. & Mrs. Dean (Diane) Ishman by the late Reverend Dr. A. Lee
Henderson, retired General Officer AME Church and Founding Pastor with the
support of the Reverends Emanual Wasson III, Holy Trinity and Spencer Barrett,
FAME, NLV and 23 interested families.
Weekly meetings were held in other homes during the month. The late
Reverend Dr. Howard S. Gloyd was Presiding Elder and the Rt. Reverend John R.
Bryant, Presiding Prelate. The first worship service was held November 3, 2002
in a high school auditorium. During that service 25 persons united with the
church. We give thanks and appreciation to Dr. Johnny Barbour of the AMEC
Publishing House for providing church school literature, bulletin covers,
Hymnals and Disciplines at no charge.
A building fund was initiated and later became an
expansion project. A search committee scouted the Henderson/Las Vegas area
several months seeking a prime location for the church and in mid 2003 the
search ended with the purchase of a corner lot with a house. Thanks to Founding
Members Mr. & Mrs. Arthur (Evelyn) Martin who signed for the church to make
the purchase. The house was partially
renovated to become a church sanctuary. The expansion fund project continued,
but began to lag.
Shortly after the appointment of the Reverend
Harvey Lee Vaughn III in November 2010, by the Rt. Reverend T. Larry Kirkland,
the project regained momentum. Pastor Vaughn knew he had a great challenge and
he was ready for it. The members were revitalized and once again believed that
their vision along with that of the Founding Pastor could indeed become a
reality.
After several church strategic planning meetings
and architectural designing, meetings with community members, planning and
county commissioners, 100% approval was given to proceed.
With much fasting and prayer, commitment from
dedicated and loyal members, this project at completion will be debt free.
“Glory to God!” With this 2000 square feet expansion the seating capacity will
be 250.
With hard hats in place, the Reverend Harvey Lee
Vaughn III, church leaders, city and county officials with shovels broke ground
marking an achievement many churches struggle to accomplish.
Guests witnessing and/or participating in the
Groundbreaking Ceremony were the
Reverend Delman Howard, Pastor, Holy Trinity NLV; Mrs. Rita Howard, First Lady,
First Vice President 5th District WMS; Mr. Harold Shields, 5th District Lay
President; Ms. Jacquelyn Jones, CA/NV Area Chairperson, SCCWMS; Ms. Nicole A.
Wright, representing Congresswoman Shelley Berkley, presented a proclamation;
Ms. Mary Beth Scow, Clark County Commissioner; Ms. Debra March and Ms. Gerri
Schroder, Henderson City Council.
FOHAMEC will celebrate ten (10) years of existence
in November 2012. FOHAMEC is located at the corner of East Russell Road and
McLeod Dr., 2955 E. Russell Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89120
Mrs. Janet Gloyd, Public Relations Chair, was the Chairperson
for this great and glorious occasion.
8. IMPORTANT INFORMATION/ ANNOUNCEMENT FROM NEWLY ELECTED AMEC
HISTORIOGRAPHER/EDITOR OF THE A.M.E.
CHURCH REVIEW:
Submitted by Dr. Teresa Fry Brown, Historiographer
and Executive Director of Research and Scholarship
Eight years following the initial publication of The A.M.E. Magazine by the Rev. George
Hogarth, the 1884 General Conference changed the name to The A.M.E. Church Review and elected Rev. Benjamin Tucker Tanner as
editor. The Rev. Tanner had served as General Secretary and publisher of The Christian Recorder (1868-1884) and
was elected the eighteenth bishop of the church in 1888.
One hundred and twenty eight years after its
inception, The A.M.E. Church Review strives
to continue the legacy of providing a forum for diverse, objective and
scholarly articles on religious, theological, liturgical, pastoral, cultural,
educational, social, political, ecological, global, organizational and public
policy related issues and concerns. As
the fourteenth elected editor of The A.M.E. Church Review, I solicit articles
for publication for the quarterly journal.
Article/Sermon/Speeches Submission Guidelines:
No more than 5000 words focusing on one of the
areas previously listed
Double spaced, Times Roman (12)
MS Word, Chicago Manual of Style 16th Edition or
Turabian 7th edition
End notes, consecutively numbered in superscript,
full bibliographic listing
Inclusive language
NRSV or CEB texts
Biographical sketch of 100 words or less, Black and
white photo (PNG or JPEG)
A "permission to reprint" statement if
previously published (designate when and where, bibliographic information)
Electronically submit to AMECHistoryintheMaking@yahoo.com
The editor will reply with any questions, suggested
modifications, corrections, etc. prior to determination of publication
date.
Local Church Archives
As we anticipate the celebration of our
Bicentennial in 2016, I would like to assist each local church in completing
its history and developing its archives.
Additionally over the next three years an
A.M.E.C. Bicentennial Encyclopedia
leadership, departments, offices, educational institutions, clergy and laity, local
churches, missions, ministries collaborations and activities since 1948 will be
compiled. These projects will be accomplished in two parts.
A designated contact person emails two pictures of
your local church (one of the original structure, one photo of the current
building) and the most up to date church history to AMECHistoryintheMaking@yahoo.com by January 1, 2013.
Your information will be placed on an interactive
website targeted for February 2013.
A designated historian, group, or individual begins
to compile local archival materials Suggestions include:
Photographs of churches, pastors, leadership, local
church groups
Bulletins, scrapbooks, annual reports, conference
minutes, special programs, newsletters, church photograph directories,
yearbooks
Artifacts, figurines, trophies, gavels,
instruments, signs, memorabilia, identified with special persons
Newspaper, Journal, Magazine Clippings or online
(FB, emails etc.)
Videos, DVDs, film, slides, CDs, thumb drives,
ides, other AV media of services, preachers, special programs, reunions, other
church or institutions activities
Oral Histories-written transcripts of interviews,
AV recordings- particularly of founding or long term members
Worship, music and arts-liturgies, sermons,
programs, librettos, hymnals, sheet music, plays Membership rolls, directories,
fliers, inserts, locally developed teaching materials and other publications
Birth, Baptism, Marriage, Licensing and Ordination
certificates
Memorials, obituaries, burial records, genealogies
Articles of incorporation, Constitution and Bylaws,
policy and procedures of local congregation, commissions, auxiliaries
Please store in a moderate environment, dry, cool,
free of dust, insects, and away from bright light. There will be a conference or Skype call in
January 2013 with the designated contact person to discuss identifying,
sorting, preserving, display and usage of the archival material.
Feel free to email AMECHistoryintheMakng@yahoo.com or call Dr. Teresa Fry Brown at 615-259-7792
for more information.
9. CALLING ALL MEMBERS OF THE CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION - AND, WE DO
MEAN ALL:
The Connectional Lay Organization's Fall Executive
Board meeting will convene in Atlanta, Georgia from November 8 - 11, 2012 in
the downtown Marriott Marquis Hotel, 265 Peachtree Center, N.W. 30303.
Reservations may be made by calling toll free 1-877-622-3056. The code is
"CLO Executive Board Meeting" and the group rate is $125.00 plus tax.
Registration fee is also $125 which includes four
meals and materials. Round trip transportation from the hotel to St. Phillip
AMEC. Hotel reservation deadline is October 10th.
The opening business session starts at 3 p.m. on
Thursday, November 8th and adjournment will be Saturday, November 10th at
approximately 3:30 p.m. Agenda to follow.
A major highlight of this meeting will be planting
a time capsule by the Centennial Celebration committee at St. Phillip's AMEC
followed by dinner and a concert, under the direction of Rev. Dr. Anthony
Vinson, Connectional Director of Music and Fine Arts.
Additional information will be shared from the
committee. Please plan to attend this historic event. Invitations will be sent
to the leadership of the Church.
Registration fee should be sent to Mr. Richard
Bowden, 1908 Vaughn Lane, Montgomery, Al. 36106. Elected Biennial officers,
advisors and selected chairpersons are asked to register with Anita Rankin by
email, ayrankin@amecnational.org or calling her at 407-396-9453.
Looking forward to seeing you in “Hot 'Lanta.” God bless!
Please mark calendars and prepare to attend.
Remember, Executive Board Meetings are OPEN to ALL
members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church!
Willie C. Glover, Ph.D., President
Connectional Lay Organization
African Methodist Episcopal Church
10. SIGMA TAU DELTA, ENGLISH INTERNATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY OF ALLEN UNIVERSITY
TO HOST PANEL DISCUSSION:
Sigma Tau Delta, English International Honor
Society of Allen University
to host panel discussion “Search for the Rural Vote
in South Carolina”
Panelist Include: Senator John W. Matthews, Jr.,
and Allen University Honor Students
The Sigma Tau Delta English International Honor
Society of Allen University is hosting a panel discussion titled “Search for
the Rural Vote in South Carolina” on October 9, 2012 at 11:00 AM. The event is
scheduled to take place inside the John Hurst Adams Gymnatorium, which is
located on the Allen University campus at 1530 Harden Street. This event is
free and
open to the public.
The participants are diplomats from the state of
South Carolina and the Federal United States, Allen honor student representatives
of Sigma Tau Delta, Phi Beta Lambda, and Pi Gamma Mu International Honor
Society for Social Sciences. The panel discussion will demonstrate the powers
of the First Amendment in a democracy; expose the dangers of false contentment,
combat a lack of concern, and encourage all South
Carolinians to exercise their right to vote.
The panel discussion will also disclose information
about the rural areas of South Carolina including the ethnicity of South
Carolina’s population, voting habits in rural South Carolina compared to voting
habits in metropolitan South Carolina, and steps to take to get all South
Carolinians to exercise their right to vote. The panel will also discuss steps
to take towards getting all South Carolinians to vote; especially those in
rural South Carolina and senior citizens.
About Allen University
Allen University, founded in 1870, is a private,
Historically Black College and University (HBCU), located in Columbia, South
Carolina. Allen University is named after Bishop Richard Allen, the remarkable
founder of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. Allen University is
recognized as the first university in South Carolina founded by African
Americans for the education of African Americans. Initially, the university
focused on training ministers and teachers, but has since enlarged its scope to
produce graduates in other disciplines. The university is committed to
providing high quality instruction to its students. Allen University is
accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of
Colleges and Schools (SACS) to award baccalaureate degrees.
Please join us for this knowledge-driven event!
Submitted by Ja’Vell Bynoe, Administrative
Assistant, Office of Institutional Advancement
11. THE MORRISTOWN VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL TRI-CHURCH PARTNERSHIP:
Sponsored by The United Methodist Church, The
Presbyterian Church, and The AME Bethel Church
One hundred twenty children attended this year’s
VBS program, Cokesbury’s Operation Overboard, directed by Sandra Lynn Lightfoot,
and run by a dedicated team which included Viki Craig, Katherine Henckler,
Alexandra Mead, Angie Rines, Jann Quinn, and Carolyn Verganlieri. The program
was held at the United Methodist Church in Morristown, August 13th through the
17th, from 9:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
The theme was an underwater ocean adventure
teaching children how to “Dive In!” deep with God. The VBS program started small back in 2007
and has gained momentum ever since, becoming in the past two years a tri-church
partnership between Morristown churches, The United Methodist Church (UMC), The
Presbyterian Church (PC), and The African, Methodist, Episcopalian Church
(AME). The partnership has increased
volunteerism and allowed more children to participate in this fun, educational
community outreach program!
Participants rotated through interactive centers in
different age groups which were led by adults and teen-agers. There was recreation, Bible story time, arts
and crafts, science, music, and snack.
Each day started off with an introduction of the day’s message where the
children met Ocho, a friendly, orange octopus puppet, in his underwater
cove. The head pastors of all three
churches donned ocean apparatus and became our dive chiefs each morning! Dive chief, Pastor Dave Smazik (PC), and dive
chief, Pastor Sidney Williams (AME), tried their best to get Bobbin’ Bob,
Pastor Neill Tolboom (UMC), to “Dive In!” all week long, and that REALLY took
some work with all of Bobbin’ Bob’s antics.
The Tri-Church Partnership believes that giving
back to the community is essential in creating a caring community as well as
growing our Morristown church families.
Through a spirit of cooperation and interdependence, we strive to make
our town a vibrant place to live, work, and enjoy. The children of our VBS
program contributed a two hundred dollar food value to The Morristown Community
Soup Kitchen, and learned along the way the importance of caring for
others. They can take pride in that,
continue to give, and grow into community-minded individuals.
We are also pleased to announce that this year we
raised enough money through the VBS program to make a five hundred dollar
donation to the Neighborhood House!
Morristown Neighborhood House (MNH) was founded in 1898 as a settlement
house that helped Italian immigrants in becoming acclimated to a new culture.
The mission of MNH is to promote community stability and economic growth by
helping transition immigrant families into their communities, fostering
cross-cultural awareness, and assisting working and impoverished families to
maximize their educational, social, physical, and economic potential.
We look forward to many successful VBS years to
come and a strong relationship with both the people and programs of The
Neighborhood House, The Community Soup Kitchen, and our Morristown
community. Please contact us to become
involved in our Morristown Tri-Church Partnership, the MNH, the Morristown
Community Soup Kitchen, and our Morristown Community at large. Our collective, bright futures start with you!
Sandra Lynn Lightfoot, VBS Director
North Texas holds 9th Session Annual Conference
By: Delanda S.
Johnson
Special To the News
It’s an exciting time for the great State of Texas as it welcomes
the new Presiding Prelate the Rt. Rev. Vashti Murphy McKenzie and Episcopal
Supervisor Stan McKenzie. Bishop
McKenzie is the first female presiding bishop for the Tenth District and she
has hit the ground running.
This week (Sept. 24-29) in Duncanville, Texas at the
Hilton Garden Inn; the North Texas Conference held its 9th Session of the
Annual Conference.
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie is the 117th elected and
consecrated bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Her historic
election in the year 2000 represents the first time in its almost 200-year
history of the AME Church in which a woman had obtained the level of Episcopal
office.
She is a graduate of the University of Maryland, College
Park; holds a Master of Divinity from Howard University School of Divinity and
has earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary in
Dayton, Ohio. A poll of national civic, social, religious and academic leaders
selected Bishop McKenzie for Ebony Magazine’s “Honor Roll of Great African
American Preachers” in 1993 and again in 1997. She was honored to be named at
the top of Ebony’s “15 Greatest African American Female Preachers.”
She is also the National Chaplain for Delta Sigma Theta
Sorority, Inc. an international public service organization and life member of
the NAACP. She has received honorary doctorates from Howard University,
Wilberforce University, Morgan State University and Goucher College.
Bishop McKenzie is married to former NBA star Stan
McKenzie who is the Episcopal Supervisor of Missions. Drafted into the NBA in
1966, McKenzie played guard for many years on several teams: the former
Baltimore Bullets, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trailblazers and Houston Rockets. An
NBA multi-record holder, McKenzie still holds the record of "Most
Consecutive Free Throw Shooter" - beating out basketball legend Wilt
Chamberlain.
After retiring from the NBA, he entered the field of
human resources. He has more than two decades of experience in personnel
services serving as Branch Manager for Career Blazers and HireOne. As manager,
his day to day responsibilities included overseeing a multi-million dollar
budget, writing U.S. government proposals, supervising and training staff;
contract negotiations, client relations and streamlining and implementing
security procedures.
McKenzie graduated from New York University and has also
studied abroad at the University of Perugia in Italy focusing on international
law. He has been inducted into NYU's Hall of Fame. A recipient of the Eagle
Award in marketing and sales from Career Blazers Personnel Service, he has been
honored by many organizations. He is a life-time member of Alpha Phi Alpha
Fraternity, Inc.
Mr. McKenzie stated, “I’m grateful to God for thrusting
me into unique opportunities of service to help others gain “scoring” advantage
over obstacles trying to keep them from winning the game of life!”
Bishop McKenzie’s theme for the North Texas Conference
was “IMAGINE AME.” “Today, we are faced
with challenges of unprecedented scope and size that have a profound impact
upon church, community, and country. The
complex issues we face everyday means we do not have the luxury to focus on the
past while resting on our laurels. We
must look to the GOD of the future to find innovative, efficient and effective,
ways, to fulfill our gospel mandate to “Go ye therefore…” (Matthew 28:19),”
said Bishop McKenzie.
Bishop McKenzie commented that we must engage in and
enhance the practice of our Spiritual Disciplines such as prayer, praise,
worship, study and fasting. We must
unleash the power of the HOLY SPIRIT to lead us to a viable valuable vision by
which the 10th Episcopal District can thrive in the challenging days ahead.
With a new look and new visions, this is an exciting time
for the 10th Episcopal District and it will have the opportunity to examine who
they are, what they will do, and how they will do it.
“IMAGINE AME,” is about creating better ways to move
Texas forward. "In order to do that
we must expand our vision beyond self-interest to create sustainable ministry
that can have a positive impact upon our lives", stated Bishop McKenzie.
At the closing of the Conference, Bishop McKenzie asked
two questions, “What do you want in your church?” “What are you looking for?” These
were questions to the North Texas Conference with her closing message theme:
“You can do it GOD can HELP.”
The answer to both questions: To have a vision, serve the
needs of the people, don’t be ashamed of the LORD, Bless the Lord at all time,
don’t hold back your praise, worship with gladness, and most of all have your
vision is the language of the HOLY SPIRIT.”
"IMAGINE AME!”
The appointments were read and Johnson Chapel AME Church,
Malakoff was pleased to welcome the return of the Rev. I. B. Wells, JR.; and
Allen Chapel AME Church, Athens welcomed the return of the Rev. Fredrick V.
Moss.
12. JESSE
L. BURNS, JR. - IMMEDIATE PAST CLO PRESIDENT HOSPITALIZED:
The
Connectional Lay Organization, along with the Eleventh Episcopal District,
would like for the Connectional Church to keep our immediate past president,
Brother Jesse L. Burns, in prayer as he will be hospitalized for the next few
weeks in the Munroe Regional Hospital in Ocala, Florida.
He is in
Room 536.
Please pray
for him and his complete restoration to good health. Show him our care and
concern by sending cards and well wishes.
How to
Contact a Patient
By phone:
(352) 671-2123 (Patient Information) or (352) 351-7200 (main hospital number).
By mail:
Patient Name
c/o Munroe
Regional Medical Center
Post Office
Box 6000
Ocala, FL
34478
By
Internet: e-Mail a Patient
Messages
are delivered to patients between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
**Submitted
by the Connectional Lay Organization Online:
Bishop William
Phillips DeVeaux Sr, Connectional Lay Commission Chairman
Dr. Willie
C. Glover, President of the Connectional Lay Organization
Mrs. Eileen
S. Warner, CLO Online Administrator
13. THE 2013 SEMINAR ON CHURCH
GROWTH AND EVANGELISM:
Dr. James
Wade, Executive Director of Church Growth and Evangelism announces that the
2013 Seminar of Church Growth and Evangelism will be held in Memphis, Tennessee
on January 3-4, 2013. The seminar focus: The New Chaplaincy Certification for
the Laity & Clergy and The Church Renewal & Retention Program.
14. PART 5. A PRIMER ON BASICS OF
HIV/AIDS (CONCLUSION OF FIVE-PART SERIES):
By A. Oveta
Fuller
“I’m a
clergyperson or a church member, or am happily married, or a teen or a retiree.
HIV/AIDS is not something I need to be concerned about, right?”
Each adult
or sexually active person should know their HIV status and know HIV/AIDS
basics.
An HIV+
status requires steps to slow progression to AIDS and prevent spread of the
virus. An HIV- status requires making consistent life-long choices to prevent
exposure to HIV from contact with one of four body fluids that can transmit
HIV, i.e. blood, semen, vaginal fluid or breast milk. A G20 goal for 2015 is to
reduce by one half the number of HIV infections for newborns and infection by
sexual contact. Anti-viral drug
treatment and consistent medical care can prevent virus transfer from an
infected mother to a newborn child. Always purposefully following the ABCs of
prevention can prevent virus from ever entering the body. The ABCs are:
A=
abstinence from contact with blood (always use universal precautions),
abstinence from contact with sexual fluids (no sexual intercourse); and
abstinence from use of intravenous drugs (prevent possible exposure to blood in
needles).
B= being
faithful at all times to one person in sexual interactions, know that the
person engages sexually only with you. Know their and your HIV infection
status. If both partners are HIV- and remain faithful, there will be no
exposure to HIV. This makes sense in a stable life-long partnership such as in
a faithful marriage. If one person is HIV+, medical care and monitoring are
needed to know the level of HIV in the infected person and to reduce the chance
of transfer to the HIV- partner. If both partners are HIV+, the same approaches
are needed to prevent reinfection that can speed up progression to AIDS.
C= if
neither A nor B is used, consistent correct use of latex condoms must occur in
all sexual intercourse contacts to prevent possible exposure to HIV in semen,
vaginal fluid or blood.
A start in
managing HIV/AIDS is for each person to determine if they have ever been
infected with HIV (infection status) and commit to following the ABCs of prevention.
Get tested; also encourage someone else to get tested. Prevent virus exposure,
transmission and progression to AIDS and AIDS-related deaths.
Now that
you know, act accordingly. You now know what to do. If you missed a part of
this series, look at past issues of TCR. HIV testing locations can be found at
the CDC on-line resource: http://hivtest.cdc.gov/. Get tested.
Bottom Line
#5: Take the test to determine HIV
status, get results, and follow-up the test (if indicated) as the single most
important actions to take control and help turn the tide to stop HIV/AIDS. Get
tested. Make it routine in health care. Then use the ABCs and tell someone
else!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About the
author: The Rev. Dr. A. Oveta Fuller is an Associate Professor in Microbiology
and Immunology at the University of Michigan Medical School and Adjunct Faculty
at Payne Seminary. She was pastor of Bethel AME Church in Adrian, Michigan for
seven years before primarily focusing on global HIV/AIDS ministry. Currently,
she serves at Brown Chapel AME Church in Ypsilanti, MI in the 4th Episcopal
District while continuing HIV/AIDS research in parts of Zambia and the
USA.
15. MEDITATION
BASED ON I KINGS 19:1-13:
I attended the Piedmont Annual
Conference Men’s Night in Bradley, South Carolina this week.
Traveling to places like Bradley is
less of an adventure these days because of GPS navigation. All that one has to do is enter and set a
destination and the GPS leads you to where you want to go. My GPS is especially
helpful because it “talks” to me and tells me when and where to turn. If I miss a turn, the GPS voice says, “Make a
safe U-turn and return to your route.”
What GPS now does for travel is what
the Spirit of God has been doing since the creation of humankind. All of us make plans and set goals based on
our hopes and dreams and pursue those goals so that we can get to where we want
to be in life. All of us also, however,
stray from those plans and goals at times.
We sometimes pursue short cuts or run into roadblocks and end up off
course, disoriented and uncertain of how to go on.
When we let God guide us, however,
we can still reach for the stars and still achieve well-being. No matter how lost or confused we seem to be,
God stands ready to bless us, provide for us and guide us to new blessings.
Life’s highways can take interesting
and unexpected twists and turns, but when we listen for the “still, small
voice” that has offered direction to countless generations of the faithful, we
can still travel safely. God will
whisper to us in unexpected ways, say, “Make a safe U-turn and return to your
route,” and lead us safely on. We may
not always get to where we originally planned to be, but God will always lead
us to where we need to be.
If you are in the Charleston South
Carolina area this weekend, join us for Church School at 8:45 am and for Holy
Communion Worship at 10 a.m. The
Combined Choir, Gospel Choir and Mass Choir will offer praise.
Sunday’s Scripture Lessons are:
I Kings 19:1-13
Acts 18:1-11
Matthew 11:20-28
Sunday’s Sermon is: “Let Christ
Carry You”
The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby is the
pastor of Morris Brown AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina
16. EPISCOPAL FAMILY AND CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- Episcopal Supervisor Stan McKenzie Celebrates Birthday
Join with the 10th
Episcopal District AME Church in wishing Episcopal Supervisor Stan McKenzie a
Happy Birthday. Supervisor Stan will celebrate his birthday, tomorrow, October
6, 2012.
Happy Birthday messages can be
emailed to: stanmckenzie44@aol.com
Or mailed to:
Tenth Episcopal District AMEC
4347 S. Hampton Road
Suite 245
Dallas, TX 75232
214-333-2632
214-333-1960 - FAX
- The Reverend Ronald A. Boykin Gives Invocation at Virginia
Obama Rally
The Ronald A. Boykin is the Pastor
at First African Methodist Episcopal Church, Manassas, Virginia. On September 21, 2012, Reverend Ronald A.
Boykin gave the invocation at the rally at which President Barack Obama spoke
to over 12,000 supporters. Speaking at
Pfitzner Stadium the Reverend Boykin prayed for peaceful assembly, permissive
fellowship, that all things would bring glory to God and that God's Grace would
abound. The Reverend Boykin serves in
the Capitol District of the Washington Annual Conference; the Reverend Goodwin
Douglas is the Presiding Elder and the Rt. Rev. William P. DeVeaux, Presiding
Prelate, Second Episcopal District.
Pastor Boykin and First Lady Helen
Boykin have served the congregation of First AME Church since December
1993. During this time they have taken
an active role in the communities in and around Prince William County, Manassas
City, and Manassas Park City. They have
shown love to the elderly, and children, the homeless and the hungry and have
embraced the diversity among God's people in their area. People have seen their love in the community,
and their community service, but most importantly, the community has recognized
that they have coupled that community service with the truth of the gospel
message and that has been a powerful display of the love of God. Pastor Boykin's love for ministering to the
physical and the spiritual needs in his area is also reflected in the numerous
public community forums he has hosted addressing concerns and issues affecting
the citizens of the greater Prince William County area. In the past he convened community leaders,
fellow community clergy and citizens in a call for prayer and discussion
regarding an outburst of violence that plagued the area. Other forums have dealt with housing needs,
immigration policies and education matters.
More recently, he hosted a multicultural observation of the
International Day of Prayer for Peace.
His contributions to the community have been recognized by distinguished
annual awards from the Prince William American Red Cross and from the Prince
William NAACP.
Congratulatory responses can be emailed
to: Revboykin@aol.com
- The Reverend Dr. LaVerne Whitehead Reed received Board
certification by the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC)
The Reverend Dr. LaVerne Whitehead Reed,
Itinerant Elder in the Tenth Episcopal District, serving on staff at Smith
Chapel AME Church on the Greater Dallas District in the North Texas Conference
has achieved another first! On October 2, 2012 Dr. Reed appeared before the
Association of Professional Chaplains' Board Certification Committee in request
of the recommendation as a Board Certified Chaplain. After the hour long
process, a unanimous decision for certification was granted. According to the
committee Dr. Reed is the first African Methodist Episcopal Board Certified
Chaplain (BCC) by the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC) in the state
of Texas.
No stranger to non-traditional roles
in the ecumenical and political arena, her 2010 assignment as Staff Chaplain is
that of the first professional Chaplain, first female, first African American
and first A.M.E. for her hospital. In May 2012 she was unanimously elected to
serve as incoming President of the Metrocrest Ministers' Fellowship, a role
traditionally held by a local male pastor. Hence Dr. Reed is the first female,
first African American, first non-local clergy, and certainly the first A.M.E.
to serve in that position. The Fellowship consist of approximately 30 churches,
10 different denominations as well as multi-faith, and several Social Service
Agencies serving the Metrocrest communities surrounding her hospital.
Other firsts for Dr. Reed include,
October 1994 in an unprecedented move, Bishop John Bryant admitted her to the
North Texas Annual conference and at that same Annual Conference ordained her
an Itinerant Elder; a first for that conference and for her ministry.
Continuing with her firsts, Dr. Reed was the first African American to serve as
Secretary of the Brite Divinity School student Government. February 1992, a first
and only occurrence for a female in the over 25 year history of that
congregation, Dr Reed was ordained to the Gospel Ministry at Harvey Avenue
Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas while still a seminarian. Within that same
year, she became the first African American female Minister to deliver the
Invocation for the Fort Worth City Council.
Congratulatory messages can be
emailed to: RevDrReed@sbcglobal.net
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the
passing of the Rev. Charles Watkins, a retired pastor from the New York Annual
Conference.
The following information has been
provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing -Thursday, October 4, 2012,
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Funeral - Friday, October 5, 2012 -
10:00 a.m.
Bethel A.M.E. Church
20 Simmons Street
Copiague, New York 11726
Phone: 631-842-8463
Fax: 631-841-3408
The Rev. Keith Hayward, Pastor
The Rev. Leonard Davis, Eulogist, Pastor of
Bethel AMEC, Babylon, New York
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent
to:
Mrs. Jacqueline Watkins
128 Madison Avenue
Amityville, New York 11701
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to share the belated news of
the passing of Mr. Alfred Kunda Mugala, the eldest Brother of the Rev. Paul M.
Mugala, Sr. Mr. Alfred Kunda Mugala
died on Thursday, September 27th, 2012 in the afternoon after a short illness
in Lusaka, Zambia, Africa.
He is survived by his wife, granddaughter,
several siblings, and a host of relatives and friends. He was saved and was the
Lord Jesus Christ's disciple at the newly planted Church-Shalom Tabernacle AME
Church in Lusaka, Zambia, Africa of the 17th Episcopal District. The funeral
service of Mr. Alfred Mugala was held yesterday at 11:00 am at the Leopard's
Hill Cemetery in Lusaka.
Please pray for the Mugala Family as
well as the Shalom Tabernacle AME Church family.
Expressions of sympathy may be
emailed to: The Rev. Paul M. Mugala, Sr. - mugalapm@gmail.com
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the
passing of Mrs. Annie Guinn, the mother of the Reverend Gregory E. Guinn,
pastor of Ward Chapel AME Church, Prescott, Arkansas. Mrs. Annie Guinn passed Saturday evening,
September 29, 2012. She was a faithful member of Visitors Chapel A.M.E. Church,
Hot Spring, Arkansas and a dedicated missionary of the West Arkansas
Conference.
Funeral service was held on
Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at Visitors Chapel AME Church in Hot Springs,
Arkansas.
Condolences and expressions of
sympathy may be placed in the online guest book: http://carriganmemorial.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=1686512&fh_id=13698
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND
CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Ora L. Easley,
Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family
Information Center
Phone: (615) 837-9736
(H)
Phone: (615) 833-6936
(O)
Cell: (615) 403-7751
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220
21. 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.
