THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (02/22/13)

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

February:

Black History Month

March:

Women’s History Month

Mark and Save Date in your Calendars:

Jarena Lee Birthday – February 11

Richard Allen birthday – February 14

Easter Sunday – March 31, 2013

AME Church Connectional Day of Prayer – April 13, 2013

Pentecost Sunday May 19, 2013

General Board Meeting - June 22-26, 2013

Bishop Sarah F. Davis Investiture – June 24, 2013

1. TCR EDITORIAL - "WOMEN INSPIRING INNOVATION THROUGH IMAGINATION: CELEBRATING AMEC WOMEN IN MINISTRY” (WIM):

Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III,

The 20^th Editor, The Christian Recorder

We are approaching March, which each year, in the United States has been designated as Women’s History Month and I was hoping that we could have at least one issue in March devoted to and written by women.  Episcopal Supervisor, Dr. Cecelia Bryant made the suggestion for a March women’s issue in 2004.  We did it once and I am not sure if we followed through since.  I would like to dedicate an entire issue written by women and devoted to women’s issues. 

The U.S. national theme for 2013 is "Women Inspiring Innovation Through Imagination: Celebrating Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics." 

In a take-off from the U.S. national theme for Women’s History Month, I am announcing that The Christian Recorder theme will be "Women Inspiring Innovation Through Imagination: Celebrating AMEC Women In Ministry” (WIM).

The African Methodist Episcopal Church has a lot to celebrate with so many accomplishments by the global AME Church and by members of the AME Church in Episcopal Districts 1- 20 and in the AMEC endorsed chaplaincy.

The AME Church should be especially proud of the accomplishments of our women in ministry. 

We were the first historically black Methodist denomination to elect a women bishop in the person of Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie in 2000.  We should be proud that the AME didn’t settle for tokenism by being satisfied with electing one woman bishop, but the African Methodist Episcopal Church came back and elected two more women bishops in the persons of Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry and Bishop Sarah Frances Taylor Davis in the follow-on General Conference in 2004.

I am certain that the actions of the AME Church encouraged and precipitated the election of women bishops in the AME Zion and the CME Churches. 

We have also elected women general officers in the persons of Dr. Jamye Coleman Williams and Dr. Paulette Coleman and at the 2012 General Conference elected Dr. Theresa Frye Brown as the Historiographer / Editor of The A.M.E. Church Review. 

Women serve as connectional officers and serve as members of the Judicial Council and function at all levels of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Women serve as presiding elders, pastors and in positions of leadership in local churches.

Women have been serving as leaders in the Church since the beginning of African Methodism; if not in a de jure capacity; certainly in a de facto capacity.

We are proud of our accomplishments, but there is still a lot of work to be done. Women in ministry continue to face many challenges.  Women in ministry have faced problems from the time Jarena Lee shared her call and commitment to preach the Gospel with Richard Allen. Richard Newman’s book, Freedom’s Prophet goes into great detail about their relationship. Newman writes, “Allen and Lee’s first meeting did not go well.”   It may not have started well, but Richard Allen became an ardent supporter of the ministry of Jarena Lee.  Sarah Allen was also a supporter of the Jarena Lee’s ministry. Newman reports that Sarah Allen was the first person to purchase Jarena Lee’s spiritual biography.

“The Reverend” Jarena Lee preached the Gospel and laid the foundation for women in ministry. She faced obstacles inside and outside of the AME Church, but she remained faithful, diligent and committed to ministry.

Women in ministry face challenges today

We have come a long way, but we have a long way to go. The connectional church did not succumb to tokenism in becoming satisfied with electing one female bishop; today, we have two active female bishops and one retired female bishop.

Episcopal districts and annual conferences would do well to follow the example of the connectional church and reject tokenism as the norm for assigning women pastors. Women are among our most educated clergy. Women know they have to be better and they are; they stand “head and shoulders” with male clergy across the 20 episcopal districts and in the AME Church endorsed chaplaincy.

When “plum” pastoral appointments need to be filled, women should always be in the mix, but too often only the names of male clergy are mentioned. Fully prepared women clergy should not be expected to be sent to the “hinterlands” because they are women. 

Clergy, both men and women, who complete all of their educational requirements for ministry, expect to be treated as professionals on every level.  Trained clergy members, today, have more options than some of the less-trained pastors of years past; and they are less likely to tolerate unprofessionalism.

In the era after the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965, organizations discovered the importance of race relations training to help organizations create more colleague-friendly and work-productive environments. And later, as organizations became more sensitized about women's issues, diversity training was routinely provided at all levels. Race relations and diversity awareness training was needed because organizations could not assume that their organization would function with universal sensitivity and compliance by all members of the organization. Members of the organization had to be trained. It was equally important for leaders to be trained and in compliance with racial and gender equality because respect and the absence of conflict in the workplace increases productivity.

It’s never too late

It’s not too late for gender-equality training in the African Methodist Episcopal Church; and I think it’s much needed.

Training should always begin with the leadership. And, if formal gender-sensitive/equality training has not been done, gender equality training should begin with the bishops of the church. Follow-on training should be held for presiding elders, general officers, connectional officers, pastors and laity.

The AME Church cannot nor should it assume that everyone understands gender-related issues and the nuances of the increased numbers of women in ministry. If formal diversity and gender-equality training has been done across the connection, it needs to be done again and again. There is still the perception, which is a reality in the minds of those who have the perception; that women are treated differently.

Women clergy are still being addressed as “honey,” “darling,” “sweetheart,” “baby,” “Mrs.,” “miss” and “sister.”  Some clergy and laity have difficulty rendering the same respect to women as they do to men, which is indicative of the need for gender-sensitive/equality training.

A male pastor would very rarely be called, “mister,” “honey,” “darling,” “sweetheart,” or “baby.”  When male preachers are called “out of title,” they are most often called, “doctor” or “bishop.”

Not on the connectional level, but we still have worship services on various levels where women are not included as worship leaders; and in some annual conferences women have not preached the annual sermon.

Almost always, when significant pastoral appointments are being considered, women pastors are not considered in the mix; and that behavior is indicative of the need for gender-sensitive/equality training.

Minority groups often take on behaviors that are detrimental to their emotional and psychological wholeness; and one of those behaviors is self- hatred and a “their ice is colder” mentality. I am still amazed that some women could be struggling with small, often dysfunctional, congregations and other women clergy, instead of helping a struggling female pastor, seem to be more comfortable attaching themselves to churches pastored by men, which is an indication that gender-sensitive/equality training is needed.  Gender-sensitive/equality training is need for both males and females, if the pastoral workplace is going to be a “level playing field.

Gender-sensitive/equality training is essential because, generally, there are differences in the way men and women function; and it’s true for the profession of ministry. Denominational leaders need to be intellectually and emotionally aware of the differences and colleagues and parishioners need to be aware of the differences.

I suspect, from anecdotal observation, that women are more detailed and less likely to leave things “hanging.” Some women might be more sensitive, but many women because of their challenges of navigating “the male-dominated system” might be “tougher” than men. And, here I have reached my level of competence and women who are experts in the areas of behavioral science, interpersonal and gender relations could better address the issues of the differences between women and men.

One thing for sure

Women know, if they want to be successful, that they have to be better than average when they are functioning in a male-dominated system.

My prophecy

The day has not arrived, but there will be a time in the near future when a church will send word to a bishop, “Send us a woman pastor, we don’t want a male pastor.” 

The day will come when women will equally share power with the male leadership of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

2. TWO (2) IMPORTANT PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS:
(1) No more paper Social Security checks
Recommend pastors, local church officers and others check with senior citizens and remind them that there will be no more paper Social Security checks – Direct Deposits or Debit card. 
(2) Beware of Bogus IRS Emails:

The IRS receives thousands of reports every year from taxpayers who receive emails out-of-the-blue claiming to be from the IRS. Scammers use the IRS name or logo to make the message appear authentic so you will respond to it. In reality, it’s a scam known as “phishing,” attempting to trick you into revealing your personal and financial information. The criminals then use this information to commit identity theft or steal your money.

The IRS has this advice for anyone who receives an email claiming to be from the IRS or directing you to an IRS site:

- Do not reply to the message;

- Do not open any attachments. Attachments may contain malicious code that will infect your computer; and

- Do not click on any links in a suspicious email or phishing website and do not enter confidential information. Visit the IRS website and click on 'Identity Theft' at the bottom of the page for more information.

Here are five other key points the IRS wants you to know about phishing scams.

(1). The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email or social media channels to request personal or financial information;

(2). The IRS never asks for detailed personal and financial information like PIN numbers, passwords or similar secret access information for credit card, bank or other financial accounts;

(3). The address of the official IRS website is www.irs.gov. Do not be misled by sites claiming to be the IRS but ending in .com, .net, .org or anything other than .gov. If you discover a website that claims to be the IRS but you suspect it is bogus, do not provide any personal information on their site and report it to the IRS;

(4). If you receive a phone call, fax or letter in the mail from an individual claiming to be from the IRS but you suspect they are not an IRS employee, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to determine if the IRS has a legitimate need to contact you. Report any bogus correspondence. Forward a suspicious email to phishing@irs.gov;

(5). You can help the IRS and other law enforcement agencies shut down these schemes. Visit the IRS.gov website to get details on how to report scams and helpful resources if you are the victim of a scam. Click on "Reporting Phishing" at the bottom of the page.

3. MAKE YOUR PLANS TO ATTEND BISHOP SARAH F. DAVIS’ INVESTITURE CELEBRATION:

The Investiture Celebration will be held on Monday, June 24, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.

The Investiture Celebration will be held conjunction with the General Board Meeting that will be held in Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies on June 22-26.

Express your love by purchasing a souvenir journal advertisement: Full Page Gold, Full Page Silver, Full Page Bronze, 1/2 Page Color, 1/4 Page Color, Patron or Sponsor.

Advertisement prices can be obtained from www.investiture2013.com  

Go online NOW for additional information and to submit your advertisement.  Get full details on the Investiture Worship Service, hotel accommodations and travel. www.investiture2013.com.

Brief Narrative Invitation

Bishop Sarah and Supervisor Claytie Davis cordially invite you to join them and the 16th Episcopal District Family, Monday evening, June 24, 2013 in a worship-filled celebration of her elevation to be President of the Council of Bishops.  This historic occasion will be held at the beautiful Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Jamaica.

The excitement within the 16^th District is electrifying and contagious as we anticipate the Connectional Church coming back to Kingston after some 35 years.  You do not want to miss this praise and worship experience celebrating the faithfulness of God in the life and ministry of Bishop Sarah Davis.

4. MESSAGE MEMO TO ALL DEGREE HOLDERS FROM RETIRED BISHOP FREDERICK H. TALBOT, M.DIV., S.T.M., D.MIN:

From: Bishop Frederick H. Talbot, Innovator/Coordinator, D.Min. /S.T.D. Survey

Subject: Completion of Report and Proposed Plans

Date: February 15, 2013

               

Salutations in the name of the Triune God, Creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier!

               

The final draft of the Report of the Survey is being printed at the AME Publishing House as I write.  Let me share with you the proposed plans attendant upon this production.

               

As you know, this production has not been funded or supplemented by any grants from any source, denominational or public.  It has been from its inception a voluntary self-help effort taken on my own initiative and with the full support of my spouse and many of you.  With this in mind, it is therefore my expectation that all participants would equally bear the cost of this production and the entailing costs for administration, sustained over the last two years.  I am confident that you will understand and appreciate these facts and would be willing to do so.  In fact, I do believe also that each will be convinced that this production was worth our collective investment, and for that reason my vision has always remained undaunted. 

               

I am, therefore, asking each participant to make a contribution of at least $50 to cover the cost of printing and administration. This is urgent. Each participant will then receive a copy of the Report sent directly from the Publishing House.  Additional copies at the cost of $25.00 each which includes shipping and handling may be ordered by mailing the request with money order or check to me at: P.O. Box 843, Brentwood, TN  37024-0843. All checks and money orders should be made payable to “D.Min. Survey AMEC.”   Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath has agreed to be one of the signatories for this account which will be established at a local bank. 

               

Complementary copies will be sent to each of the seminaries you have attended.  With the commemoration of the 200th anniversary of our denomination in mind, I shall propose that seminaries consider awarding tuition grants as incentives to qualified candidates from our denomination wishing to pursue studies for the D.Min. or S.T.D. degrees.   Bishop S. L. Green, Sr., President of the Council of Bishops and Bishop J.R. Bryant, Senior Bishop, have agreed to be signatories of this letter to the seminaries.  The details of implementing the proposed tuition grants can best be arranged in each district by the Bishop and D.Min Coordinator.

               

Thanks again for your splendid level of cooperation.  In the words from the sacred poem by Richard Allen; “Arise! There is no rest for you!”

P.O. Box 843, Brentwood, TN 37027-4362

615-221-9673

fhtalbotn@aol.com

5. THE 2013 - 5^TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT MIDYEAR CONVOCATION:

The 5^th Episcopal District Midyear Convocation will be held on March 6 - 8, 2013 at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel at the Airport, 6101 West Century Boulevard in Los Angeles, California.  The theme is “Rebuilding the Walls – Hand Me Another Brick!” taken from Nehemiah 2:17. The Rev. Mark Whitlock, Jr., pastor of Christ Our Redeemer AMEC, Irvine, California is the host pastor and  the Rev. Benjamin Hollins is the host Presiding Elder. Bishop Theodore Larry Kirkland, Sr. is the Presiding Bishop of the 5^th Episcopal District.

The 2013 Mid-Year Convocation Presenters/Preachers:

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

9:30 a.m.   Faith in a Facebook Age              

Presenter: Bill Duke, Founder & CEO of Duke Media

12 Noon     Hour of Power                    

Preacher: The Rev. Timothy Tyler, Pastor of Shorter Community AME Church, Denver, Colorado

7:00 p.m. Opening Worship Service                       

Preacher: Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, Presiding Prelate of the 11^th Episcopal District, AME Church

Thursday, March 7, 2013

9:00 a.m. - Fundraising: “Raising God’s Money in Bad Times”                           

Presenter: Ronald D. Hubbard, USC Associate Dean for Corporate & Foundation Relations

                         

12 Noon - Hour of Power                     

Preacher: The Rev. Carolyn Baskin-Bell, Pastor of Rose of Sharon AME Church, Norwalk, California

7:00 p.m. - Worship Service                 

Preacher:  Bishop Noel Jones, Pastor of City of Refuge, Gardena, California

Friday, March 8, 2013

12 noon - Hour of Power                      

Preacher: The Rev. J. Edgar Boyd, Pastor of First AME Church, Los Angeles, CA

The Ministries and Components of the 5^th Episcopal District will also be in session.

For room reservation contact Sheraton Hotel at 310.642.1111  

For additional information contact Christ Our Redeemer AME Church at 949.955.0014 or visit our website at www.corchurch.org or http://www.amec5th.net.

6. 2^ND EPISCOPAL DISTRICT - FOUNDER'S DAY

February 14th has long held a special place in both the hearts and minds of all in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, as we annually take a moment to reflect on the founding of our ministry and the birth of our uniquely appointed mission to spread the gospel. For the members of the 2nd Episcopal District though, February 14, 2013, served not merely as a moment of commemoration of the courage of Bishop Richard Allen and his contemporaries, but as a poignant opportunity to celebrate the best and the brightest in the church; both those who have done and achieved through their works, and those who have prepared themselves to boldly grasp the reigns of leadership and serve as the guiding forces of the next century of the ministry.

Both a celebration and a working conference, addressing key areas of importance as the district moves forward, one might have been forgiven if they stopped by the Raleigh North Hilton, Raleigh, NC, on Thursday evening and thought they had walked into a revival. A standing room only crowd of 800+ participants welcomed Presiding Prelate, Bishop William P. DeVeaux, Episcopal Supervisor Dr. Pam DeVeaux and AMEs from throughout the Mid-Atlantic region to a celebration of song and sermon powerful enough to rival that of any church congregation.

Amidst music, occasion and an amazing outpouring of faith, a portion of the first evening’s service was set aside to recognize 20 individuals, 10 laypersons and 10 ministers from throughout the 2nd District, whose ongoing work and lives have made an indelible impact upon both the church and the larger outside community as well. This group, dubbed 2nd District AME Living Legacies, served as a visceral reminder to everyone present that the breadth and scope of what they do for others and the church is both immeasurable and worthy to be praised.

Among those recognized for their impact on the AME Legacy was a single individual, Brother Ernest Green of Metropolitan AME, Washington DC. God, in God’s inimitable wisdom, blessed Green with the noble and awesome burden of being one of the ‘Little Rock Nine’ – a group whose simple gesture of integrating an Arkansas high-school forced a disinterested America, of the 1950’s, to cast critical eyes on who we really were as a nation. Green, in humble yet resilient remarks, noted growing up in the AME tradition prepared him for his journey, as the Founders themselves brought to fruition a ‘liberation theology’ when they walked out of St. George’s Church, in the face of blatant discrimination. Mr. Green’s poignant words, tracing his path from youth to a man who has inspired none other than Nelson Mandela, led to a standing ovation - serving notice to all assembled that the legacy of Bishop Allen, Absalom Jones, and the original members of the church, is still alive and well in those who call her home. 

The unenviable task of following Mr. Green fell to the powerfully eloquent Reverend Dr. Calvin Sydnor III, Editor of The Christian Recorder, keynote speaker for the event, who noted that honoring the 2^nd District ‘Living Legacies’ also reminds us of the importance of ‘giving flowers to the living,’ by recognizing their importance to us now.   He implored the church, and her ministers, to rekindle the fire of their faith and be vigilant in keeping “the fire” burning.  Drawing from Leviticus 6:13 (NLV) “Keep the Fire Burning; Keep the Prayer Wheel Turning.” Dr. Sydnor tasked those in the 2^nd Episcopal District, and the AMEC at large, to consider their fiduciary responsibility and stewardship, ensuring the next generation is prepared to build, protect and secure it in the face of modern influences.

Elegant and emphatic in his charge, Dr. Sydnor threw down an ecclesiastical gauntlet for future clergy to accept.  But, if any one questioned whether there were worthy candidates in the wings to move our nearly 300-year-old institution into the future, they were immediately answered when four young AMEs, traveled from throughout the country, to stand in the pulpit on a cool Friday night for “Young Prophets Speak.”

Awe Inspiring. Dynamic. Marvelous. Amazing. Transfixing. Down right Fabulous!

With a boldness borne of youth and an acute intelligence derived from masterful study, four young ministers [each of whom grew up in the YPD] mesmerized an audience of close to a thousand. Engaging a congregation of laypersons, clergy and invited scholars among others of note: Sequoia Boone (Spelman College), Stephen Green (Morehouse College), Khalis Lemons (Youth Pastor, Empowerment Temple AME) and Eddie Scott (Wilberforce University) expounded respectively on the subjects of hope, peace, joy and love-- in a collective voice so powerful that no one wanted to sit down.

According to Bishop DeVeaux, bringing together and showcasing the supremely talented young clergy is a testament to both the AMEC itself and one of the high purposes of his time over the next several years as the 2nd District’s leader.  He stated, “The rest of my ministry is to expose gifted young people – lay and clergy. The Lord has richly blessed me, and that’s my blessing to the rest of the church world.”

For the 2nd Episcopal District, Founder’s Day 2013 served as much more than a day of remembrance and reflection on how far we’ve come in 300 years. It allowed us the unique opportunity to focus a well-deserved light not merely on the legacy of the AME Church, but also on the impact and relevance it sustains even now…and the supremely brilliant future it awaits.

7. A LEGEND IN HIS TIMES - THE REV. EMMANUEL HEZEKIAH TERRELL JR.:

*The Rev. Dr. Rebecca Rivka

The Rev. Emmanuel Hezekiah Terrell Jr. will retire from the pastoral ministry of the historic new St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia at the Virginia Annual Conference convening May 1 -3, 2013 in Newport News, Virginia at the Marriott City Center.

The Rev. Emmanuel Hezekiah Terrell Jr. has been a true servant of Jesus Christ in joining the edict of second Timothy 2:15 “study to show thyself approved unto God a workman that need if not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

The pastor has endured “hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” (II Timothy 2:3) and he has purged “himself and has been “a vessel unto honour, sanctified… for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.” (II Timothy 2:21.

The Rev. Emmanuel Hezekiah Terrell Jr. is the son of the Rev. Dr. E. G. and the Mrs. Charlesetta Terrell. The Rev. Terrell’s father, the Rev. Dr. E. G. Terrell served faithfully in each of the five annual conferences of the Second Episcopal District. Under his pastorate in the North Carolina Annual Conference, the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church Greensboro was constructed.

For 57 years, the Rev. Emmanuel Hezekiah Terrell, Jr. has passionately extolled the gospel of Jesus Christ our Lord. He was licensed to preach in 1956 at Young’s Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Louisville, Kentucky and admitted to the Washington Annual Conference in 1957 and ordained an Itinerant Deacon under the Missionary Rule in 1958.

The Rev. Jarrell was elected and ordained an Itinerant Elder in 1960.

The Rev. Emmanuel Hezekiah Terrell Jr. began his pastoral ministry as the pastor of the Brunswick Charge in the Washington Annual Conference. He also pastored Seaton Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church in Maryland.

He was transferred to the Virginia Annual Conference and was assigned to the Browns Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church in Smithfield Virginia.

Other pastorates include St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Danville, Virginia and New Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church in Nassawadox, Northampton County, on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

In May 1974 he was appointed to St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church (Davis Corner) in Norfolk Virginia by Bishop Henry W. Murph and commissioned to build a new edifice.

The Rev. Emmanuel Hezekiah Terrell, Jr. and the new congregation at St. John enjoyed an immediate intimacy and set out on the marvelous task of building a new African Methodist Episcopal Church in Virginia Beach Virginia – get free.

In scriptural preparation for the enormous feat, Pastor Terrell and the people of St, John AME Church read from the scriptural text of Numbers 14 each Sunday (the unbelief of Israel at Kadesh-barnea, which contributed to the failure of the Israelites to enter the Promised Land of Canaan). The scriptural reference served as a motivational warning to inspire St. John to keep the faith, not wavering in any aspect of the work of the St. John ministry. Pastor Terrell and the congregation, with the help of Almighty God would construct, liquidate the debt and move into a new edifice – debt-free from the $25,000 purchase of land in 1975 to the groundbreaking ceremony conducted by Bishop John Hurst Adams in 1981. The church intensified its efforts toward completion of the new sanctuary.

In Rev. Terrell’s grateful words “By God’s grace, mercy and love, we marched triumphantly into our new sanctuary on the fifth Sunday in August 1982 – debt-free.” Bishop John Adams dedicated the sanctuary.

A multipurpose building and atrium were subsequent additions dedicated by the Right Rev. Vinton R Anderson.

For 39 years, the Rev. Emmanuel Hezekiah Terrell, Jr. has manned the pulpit at new St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church “waltzing and tangoing” with the word of God, converting sinners, electrifying Saints, and executing the Pauline charge: “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.” II Timothy 4:2.

Pastor Terrell has a formidable record of having served under 9 presiding prelates of the African Methodist Episcopal Church: Bishop Frank Madison Reid, Sr., (the 61st Elected and Consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church); Bishop George W Baber (63rd) ; Bishop Henry W Murph, (86th); Bishop John Hurst Adams, (87th), Bishop H. Hartford Brookins, (91st); Bishop Frederick C. James, (93rd); Bishop Vinton R Anderson, (92nd); Bishop Adam J. Richardson Jr, (115th)and Bishop William P DeVeaux (113th).

In his phenomenal tenure as pastor of new St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Rev. Emmanuel Hezekiah Terrell Jr. organized volumes of AME departmental and “beyond the sanctuary” ministries. The congregation annually enjoyed out-of-state travels. Significant among them were black history tours to Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey; youth ventures to Canada, Niagara Falls, and Disney World, Sea world, Universal Studios, MGM Studios, Epcot Center and animal kingdom.

There were Congregational travels to California and Texas via, commercial airlines.

Seniors and retirees enjoyed exciting monthly luncheons prepared by the Pastor Terrell; annual retreats to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for seasonal shows; Yuletide shopping; and seminars on will-preparation and living-wills; and other festivities.

A preaching pastor of true AME character, giving evidence to a highly original sort of intelligence will be superannuated. A rhetorician – the preachers’ preacher and the teachers’ teacher; the Rev. Terrell will echo the last line of John Milton’s poem, On His Blindness: “They also serve who only stand and wait.”

Finally, a faithful servant to his faithful Lord, the Rev. Emmanuel Hezekiah Terrell, Jr. can stand and truly explain the immortal words of the Apostle Paul:” I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”II Timothy 4:7-8).

When the Virginia Annual Conference convenes in 2014, there will be one noticeable void in the pastors’ procession – the Rev. Emmanuel Hezekiah Terrell Jr.

The Rev. Emmanuel Hezekiah Terrell Jr. known in religious circles as “sage on the stage” and “the Christian mystic in African Methodism” will be retired.

*The Rev. Dr. Rebecca Rivka is a member of the ministerial staff of New St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church, Virginia Beach Virginia

8. FREE REGISTRATION FOR THEME SELECTED FOR THE 50^TH QUADRENNIAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE:

Be a Part of the 2016 General Conference…Let Your Voice Be Heard

When the 50^th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church convenes in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 2016, it will be an historic experience for the venerable church of Richard Allen.  For one fortunate attendee with a creative mind, it will also mean being a part of that history.

The General Conference Commission will give one free registration to the person who proposes the theme that will be selected for the 50^th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference.

Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Chair of the Media and Branding Committee for the conference said, “The theme is critical for setting the tone for the work of the conference.”  She added, “Whoever submits the winning entry will have something to talk about for years to come as the church comes back home to celebrate its 200^th birthday.”

The 50^th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference is going to be one of major significance for the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The conference will take place July 6-13, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.   The church celebrates the Bicentennial— its 200 year birthday - an “once-in-a-lifetime event.”

Bishop Samuel L. Greene, Sr., President of the Council of Bishops said, “The 50^th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church will be a celebration which will accentuate the greatness of our Zion.  This Bicentennial milestone is an opportunity to reflect on the basic beliefs and tenants upon which our founding parents established the African Methodist Episcopal Church.  I encourage every AME member to share in this exciting moment by submitting a suggestion for a theme and/or logo for this historical celebration.  Get excited and share your thoughts as we recognize how far we have come, impacting the world and changing lives.”

Bishop John R. Bryant, Senior Bishop of the A.M.E. Church explained the General Conference will be a celebration of advancement for the denomination and the nation.

“The African Methodist Episcopal Church is very proud of its legacy of being the oldest historically black denomination in the western hemisphere,” said Bishop Bryant. “Our event to celebrate our 200th birthday will take place at the site of our first General Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the city of brotherly love. The African Methodist Episcopal Church was birthed in a nation that still practiced slavery. The progress that the nation has made in racial equality is made clear by the fact that the President of this nation on the occasion of our 200th Birthday is an African American, President Barack Obama.”

Just as the nation celebrates Independence Day, on July 4, the occasion ushers in this great event of the 50th Quadrennial of the General Conference, in the city that cradles independence and pride.  The Connectional AME Church will continue the celebration with service to kingdom building in the City of Brotherly (and sisterly) love. “Celebrated as the birthplace of democracy and first Capitol of the United States, Philadelphia is also the treasured home of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, where our founder, Bishop Richard Allen, built the denomination’s first church, Mother Bethel,” said Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram.

The Host Bishop of the General Conference, Bishop Ingram added, “In 2016, the First Episcopal District will serve as the host of our Bicentennial as the world recognizes us as the oldest denomination in America founded by persons of color. The Celebration of our 200th Year will include a myriad of ceremonies, parades, concerts and special exhibitions to pay tribute to our founder and many contributions members of our denomination have made around the world. It will also mark the historic 50th General Conference of African Methodism as we cast the vision of priorities for the next four years, review and propose new legislation, and elect General Officers and Bishops.”

Because of this momentous occasion, clergy and laity are invited to participate in selecting the theme for the General Conference.  According to Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, “This is the third time the AME Church has invited the membership to suggest the theme that is scripturally based.”  This project gives everyone an opportunity to ‘let your voice be heard.’

Dr. Richard Lewis, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the AME Church said, "We are excited about the upcoming General Conference in 2016, which is just over 40 months from February, 2013.  As we celebrate the 50th Quadrennial in Philadelphia, which has such historical significance for the AME Church, the place where we started in 1816, it is noteworthy that both clergy and laity have the opportunity to participate by submitting a theme. Planning is crucial, preparation is critical and your contributions are paramount."

This past summer the theme for the 2012 General Conference was “Exalting Christ to Impact the World” based on St. John 12:32.

Other past themes include:

1996 “Refocusing Our Heritage, Reassessing the Present, Re-envisioning the Future”     

2000 “Awakened to Serve Christ, Church and Community”   

2004 “A 21^st Century Church, Serving the Never Changing Christ”         

2008 "Equipping the Saints, Empowering the People, Transforming the World”    

Interested individuals should email their suggestions to the Chief Information Officer, REVJBC@aol.com, Dr. Jeffery B. Cooper by 5 p.m. (CST) on Wednesday, March 20, 2013.

The winning entry will be selected by the Executive Committee of the General Conference Commission and the Council of Bishops.  The winner will be announced in The Christian Recorder print and online issues. In addition to the AME recognition, the selected winner will receive one free registration to the 2016 General Conference. Be a Part of History…Participate!

Note: Only members of the AME Church are allowed to participate.

*Submitted by Dr. Phyllis Qualls-Brooks, 13^th Episcopal District in collaboration with the Rev. Salethia Honors, 10^th Episcopal District and Mrs. Billie D. Irving, 13^th Episcopal District.

9. FEBRUARY 21, 2013 -- BISHOP SAMUEL L. GREEN, SR. HONORED BY THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRATIC BLACK CAUCUS:

Tuesday evening, February 19, 2013, before over 500 attendees, Bishop Samuel Lawrence Green, Sr., the 125^th Elected and Consecrated Bishop and President of the Bishops’ Council of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, was presented the President’s Award by the Arkansas Democratic Black Caucus.  The Caucus’ 9^th Annual King Kennedy Dinner was held at the Metroplex Event Center in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Bishop Green was recognized for his leadership in the 12^th Episcopal District, the connectional Church of Allen, as well as for the successes of Shorter College. Bishop Green was one of three recipients this year, namely, Dr. Ronda Henry-Tillman (a surgical oncologist specializing in women’s oncology at the University of Arkansas Medical School (UAMS) Medical Center), and Richard L. Mays, Sr., Esq., (the senior and founding partner of Mays, Byrd, & Associates, P.A., specializing in the areas of corporate law and public finance, personal injury, government affairs and business law/contracts).

In his acceptance speech Bishop Green referenced the melodious voice of the mockingbird.  He noted that the mockingbird sings through the darkness of the night, and it ceases singing at dawn; thus, God makes it possible for us to sing through all adversity, knowing that there is a dawn in our horizon and a better day ahead.

The 12^th District is proud of our leader, Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr.

Email: districtoffice@12thdistrictame.com or bishopsam@12thdistrictame.com

10. CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF SERVICE:

Friday, November 9, 2012, the Connectional Lay Organization (CLO) celebrated the 100^th Anniversary of its founding in 1912. This historic culminating Centennial Celebration was held in the Family Life Center of the largest A.M.E. Church in the 6^th Episcopal District, Saint Philip AME Church located at 240 Candler Road, South East, Decatur, Georgia, USA, where The Rev. Dr. William Watley is pastor. Numerous AME officials, clergy, lay leaders and members traveled from around the world to convene in Atlanta, Georgia to celebrate 100 years of the spirit, mission and service of the AME Church’s Connectional Lay Organization.

As part of the Centennial Celebration, there was a Time Capsule Planting Service held in St. Philip’s garden area where numerous CLO historical documents and artifacts were sealed for twenty-five years in a capsule for future generations to open and explore. AME Church and CLO officials took turns covering the capsule with dirt, including: Dr. Paulette Coleman and Mr. William “Bill” Ayers, CLO 100 Co-Chairs; Bishop William P. DeVeaux Sr., CLO Commission Chairman; Bishop Preston W. Williams II, Presiding Prelate, 6th Episcopal District; Bishop Samuel L. Green Sr., Presiding Prelate, 12th Episcopal District; retired Bishop Frank C. Cummings; Dr. Willie C. Glover, CLO President; Dr. Richard A. Lewis, CFO, Connectional AME Church; Dr. Jayme Coleman Williams, retired General Officer; and Mrs. Edith B. Cartledge, CLO Director of Lay Activities.

Following the Time Capsule Planting Service, a dinner was held in St. Philip’s Marcia H. Moss Fellowship Hall. Bishop Preston W. Williams II, Presiding Prelate, and Ms. Gloria Byrd, 6th District Lay Organization President, welcomed everyone to the great state of Georgia, which Bishop Williams fondly refers to as, “The empire state of African Methodism.” General Officer Dr. Richard Lewis lifted everyone’s spirits by singing a heartfelt rendition of “It Is Well with My Soul.” Greetings were offered by Mrs. Barbara C. Campbell, President of the C.M.E. Church, Connectional Lay Council. Mr. Bill Ayers read congratulatory letters from Mayor Kasim Reed, who congratulated the CLO on their 100 years of service and commitment and welcomed the Centennial Celebration to the city of Atlanta, and from Governor Nathan Deal, encouraging AME’s to explore and enjoy the many attractions throughout the state of Georgia. Bishop William P. DeVeaux Sr. and Dr. Willie C. Glover addressed the attendees, speaking of the historic power and purpose of the Connectional Lay Organization’s past 100 years, as well as its future plans to continue its proud legacy of service to the A.M.E. Church and the global communities of the world.

At 7:00 p.m., the Connectional AME Music and Christian Arts Ministry presented a concert featuring numerous artists representing music, dance, theater and drama. The St. Philip AME Church Choir opened the event singing several songs that set the tone for an evening of high praise. St. Philip’s Holy Dance Ministry soared through several choreographed pieces which included youth, adult, solo and group performances. The featured artist of the evening was Darryl "Scooter" Booker and the Voices of Kansas City, who closed the show with a set of songs filled with the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit.

This historic Centennial Celebration focused on the advancement of the Connectional Lay Organization’s scholarship programs, global disaster relief funds, and overall program of lay witness, leadership training and advocacy which have served as its cornerstone for 100 years. The mission of the AME Church is to minister to the spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional and environmental needs of all people by spreading Christ’s liberating gospel through word and deed. The AME Church Lay Organization’s mission is to teach and train the laity to support the total program of the AME Church through a systematic and regular study of AME polity and theology, and apply that program in service to the global communities.

Dr. Willie C. Glover stated, “Our centennial year is a time to give thanks, reflect, celebrate, evaluate, and reposition ourselves for greater service to the church and the world.”  The Connectional Lay Organization operates as a vital force to create a love and appreciation of the history and principles of African Methodism; stimulate and educate laity in the total program of the AME Church; encourage financial support of the programs of the church; participate in the governance of the church; advocate for social justice; and support scholarships and enhancements for institutions of higher education.

The AME Church’s support of higher education dates back to 1844. The scholarship programs of the Connectional Lay Organization have served as some of the means to assist young people throughout the world in obtaining a college education. Bi-annually, the CLO awards two scholarships to deserving students: The Jamye Coleman Williams – Joseph Columbus McKinney Scholarship, and The J.D. Williams Scholarship.

As the CLO celebrates 100 years of service, it seeks to elevate the level of the education of young people by raising awareness of the importance of higher education; ensuring success at the secondary level so students are prepared for higher education; enhance mentoring to ensure that young people graduate from high school; combat the alarming drop-out rate; assist in the improvement of scoring on the SAT; and offer training sessions on secondary and higher education for both students and parents.

Another way the CLO supports the programs of the AME Church is through its disaster relief efforts. Disasters such as those in Haiti, New Orleans, and Malawi devastate people’s lives by displacing them from their homes with no food, shelter, or clean drinking water. Members of the Connectional Lay Organization make monetary contributions and visit the effected areas to help restore the areas to suitable human living conditions.

Three highly successful events which took place during this year long Centennial Celebration were: August, 2011, a CLO 100 Kick-Off Luncheon was held at the 32nd CLO Biennial Session in Detroit, Michigan; December, 2011, a CLO 100 Leadership Summit was held in Lusaka, Zambia; and July, 2012, a CLO 100 Breakfast was held at the 49^th Session of the AME Church General Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, where the CLO 100 Committee raised over $50,000 for its scholarships and worldwide disaster relief funds.

After 100 years, the AME Church’s Connectional Lay Organization continues in its mission of lay witness, leadership training, and advocacy coupled with ministering to the social, spiritual, and physical development of the communities it serves.

11. WE CELEBRATE – GIVE THANKS AND PAY SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO RICHARD ALLEN:

By Mrs. Adrienne A. Morris

At the Historic Call of Rev. Dr. Wilton E. Blake, I., Presiding Elder of the Cincinnati District in a statement of pride, acknowledged it a profound privilege to serve the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

The Cincinnati District, South Ohio Conference, Third Episcopal District (under the dynamic leadership of Bishop McKinley Young, Presiding Prelate of the African Methodist Episcopal Church) celebrated the 253^rd Anniversary of the birth of Richard Allen with a special tribute.

The Clergy of the Cincinnati District proudly processed to “All Hail the Power,” Host Pastor, the Rev. Elmer S. Martin of Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church, Cincinnati, Ohio, serving as Worship Leader offered the Call to Worship.

With an air of spiritual pride, we joined in the singing of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

The Rev. Emma Drummer Barnes, (Granddaughter of the Rev. Charles E. Drummer, Sr.) prayed an inspirational prayer, after which we were favored with a “Celebratory Instrumental Medley” (from the Past to the Present) featuring Mrs. Geneva Woods, Quinn Chapel AME Church, Forest Park, Ohio.

Scriptural Readings were presented by Mrs. Clara Godhigh, South Ohio W.M.S. President, Old Testament, Malachi 31:13-18 and Miss Tarah Taylor, Youth Leader, Bethel AME Church Lockland, Ohio, New Testament Romans 12:9-21.

Musical Selections were rendered by The Anointed Choir, Allen Temple A.M.E. Church, Cincinnati, Ohio, under the direction of Mr. Kevin Holland.

The occasion of Founder’s Day was historically chronicled by Mr. Michael Goss, (nephew of the Rev. Dr. U. A. Hughey).

Mrs. Bertha Thomas, Treasurer, Third District Lay Organization, led our Founder’s Day Litany.

Representing the Young People, Mr. Michael Smith, South Ohio Y.P.D. President, graciously presented Presiding Elder Wilton E. Blake, I., who presented our Preacher of the Hour.

The Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church Choir, Forest Park, Ohio also favored us with Musical Selections as they set the spiritual tone for their Pastor.

In his own style, the Rev. Dr. Frederick A. Wright, Pastor, Quinn Chapel AME Church, Forest Park, Ohio, Eloquent Pulpiteer, Anniversary Preacher and Connectional Leader, really “Took It to the Next Level” as he delivered the Spoken Word, using his God given Gifts and Talents.  We are Truly Proud of Our Own!

Following Dr. Wright’s powerful, preaching moment; the Rev. Kevin Cooper extended the Invitation to Christian Discipleship.

We concluded our Grand Founder’s Day Celebration with a “Musical Tribute to Richard Allen.”  Using his Artistry of Musical Genius, Mr. Everett Moore, penned and scored, “A Tribute to Richard Allen.”  Mr. Moore is the Minister of Music at Quinn Chapel AME Church, Forest Park, Ohio.

Founder’s Day Celebration Attendees included:

The Pastors and Clergy of the Cincinnati District included, Mrs. JoAnn K. Blake, First Lady; the Rev. Elbert E. Matthews, Presiding Elder Emeritus, Cincinnati District and Mrs. Reva Matthews; the Rev. Jermaine Armour, Presiding Elder AME Zion Church; Mrs. Rosa Cummings, Widow of Presiding Elder Virgil Cummings; Mrs. Jennifer Wright, First Lady, Quinn Chapel AME Church; Mrs. Patrician Martin, Host First Lady, Brown Chapel AME Church and Faithful Congregants across the Cincinnati District and Dedicated Ushers.

Staff Members:

Mrs. Adrienne A. Morris, Administrative Assistant; Mrs. Crystal E. Harris, Sunday School Institute Dean; the Rev. Dr. Karen Schaeffer, 3^rd Episcopal  District Christian Education Director; Mr. Terry Payne, Director of Hospitality; and the Rev. Emma D. Barnes, Technical Advisor.

The Historic Observance ended with a “Richard Allen Birthday” Repast, hosted by the Brown Chapel Culinary Staff.

“We give Thanks for our Legendary Historic Past; we give Thanks for the Gifts of the Present and We Pledge to give our Youth a Substantive Foundation for the Future”

12. VOTING RIGHTS ACTION - SECTION 5:  DO WE STILL NEED SECTION 5:

Supreme Court will hear arguments on February 27, 2013

By SIStah "Jackie" Dupont-Walker

Action Alert from the AME Church Social Action Commission

The Supreme Court will hear arguments that "all is well" and that certain protections are no longer needed to insure that every American can exercise his/her right to vote.  That same morning, and perhaps coincidentally, US House Speaker Boehner has scheduled the unveiling of the statue of Mother Rosa Parks in Statuary Hall on the US Capitol. 

At first, I was incensed that either occurrence would not be given the full attention of this nation, all those who cherish our freedoms, and especially the persons of African descent who still carry the torch that Rosa Parks lit.   Then, God revealed to me, that God is still using Rosa Parks (a lifelong AME laywoman) to speak quietly to her people.   Yes, she is calling her people - of all colors and ethnicity - to Washington, DC to celebrate the hard fought victory of having her legacy portrayed in Statuary Hall, and drawing attention to the hearing just across the street at the Supreme Court, where another injustice must be stopped.  What does the scripture say in Genesis 50_20 - "You plotted evil against me, but God turned it into good, in order to preserve the lives of many people who are alive today because of what happened." (NRSV) or (The Message) “Don’t you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now—life for many people."

So we hearken unto those words and.....  Join in the Rally on the steps of the Supreme Court.  Pray mightily as the NAACP Legal Defense Fund (led by Sherrilyn Ifill - another AME laywoman with a storied AME name) argues OUR case before the Justices of the Supreme Court.  Formerly a professor at the University of Maryland before taking the helm of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund last month, as its 7^th President and Director-Counsel, Ms. Ifill noted in a recent interview that she began her career handling voting rights cases for the fund. In her AME life, Sherrilyn Ifill is a member and Co-Director of the Children’s Choir at Mt. Calvary African Methodist Episcopal Church in Towson, Maryland.  And, like Esther, God has Rosa Parks in place for such a time as this!

Visit www.ame-sac.com to get updates.  Visit www.naacpldf.org/ for more details about the upcoming Shelby vs. Holder case being argued on Feb 24th.    Read the article below for an excellent perspective on the question at hand: Do we still need Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act?

(Article from Black Politics on the Web, 2-20-2013)

From Black Politics on the Web

Bishop Reginald Jackson, Chair, The Social Action Commission

Sistah Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker, Director

13. CELEBRATING GOD FOR THE LEGACY OF AFRICAN METHODISM: EVIDENCE OF FRUIT AND HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE INDIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE FOUNDER’S DAY:

*The Rev. Shonda Nicole Gladden

The Fourth Episcopal District Indiana Annual Conference clergy and lay, young and seasoned, women, men and children of all ages gathered at Allen Chapel AME Church in Indianapolis, IN on Sunday February 10, 2013 for a historic celebration of Founder’s Day.  The air was filled with worshipful gratitude to God as well as nostalgic remembrances of Bishop Richard Allen’s commitment to social justice, innovation and determination of spirit that fueled a corporate sense of pride in the legacy and current state of African Methodism.

Presiding Elder E. Anne Henning Byfield, host Presiding Elder, served as the worship leader for the night.  Her dynamic and energetic worship presence was contagious.  Beginning with the upbeat doxological moment, the service incorporated all of the traditional liturgical elements of a high church experience; however the service was infused with newness as portions of the liturgy were slightly modified.  A hallmark of this worship experience was the intentional incorporation of multigenerational and contemporary worship styles.  This approach made way for Holy Ghost fire from start to finish.

Throughout the main sanctuary, balcony, and overflow rooms of the historic Allen Chapel, one could hear extemporaneous shouts of praise and thanksgiving throughout the night.  Nestled between selections by the glorious voices of the more than one hundred member Indiana Conference choir, led by Conference Music Director, Sister Delen Williams, and the award winning performance quality of the members of the Conference band, several dance ministries offered their bodies as instruments of praise.  A women’s and girls dance ministry featured women and girls through the Indiana Annual Conference and a multi-ethnic group of young boys, members of the newly planted Faith AME Church in Fishers, ushered the congregation into the presence of God.  The mime ministry incorporated praise dance, step and congregational encouragement to Donnie McClurkin’s “I’m Walking in Authority.”  When asked about the highlights of the night, the Rev. Nichele Washington, the Pastor of Faith Church Fishers, said “immediately following the boys mime team, a challenge was issued to the men of the conference to get up and move for the cause of Christ. A highlight in the worship service for me was watching Bishop Bryant and other men from the conference respond to Presiding Elder Byfield's challenge. They danced unashamedly and I believe God was greatly glorified in their praise.”

Every Conference, and many local churches, throughout African Methodism hosts Founder’s Day worship experiences in the Fourth Episcopal District, “the Indiana Conference is the mother conference and we enjoy having the Conference-wide celebration of Founder’s Day on the Sunday closest to Bishop Allen's birth,” according to Presiding Elder Byfield.  It was a time for clergy and lay members alike to minister together.  Indiana Annual Conference Lay President, Sister Annie Robinson remarked “the highlight for me was the unity of the Laity and Ministers together on one accord in spirit and our history retold/shared through the scripture by our Episcopal Leader, Bishop John.”  The Rev. Washington, added, “Founder's Day is always an awesome opportunity for the churches in our Conference to come together. This year was special for me because I witnessed several new AME's experience Founder's Day for the first time. With eyes filled with wonder, one member stated that they had never experienced this kind of service before.”

Experiences like this one are “part of the DNA of African Methodism” remarked the Rev. Dr. Allan Aubrey Boesak, one of the recipients of this year’s Legacy Awards.  The Rev. Boesak, a former anti-apartheid activist who was instrumental in the liberation of South Africa, is a visiting professor at Christian Theological Seminary for the spring semester.  He has frequented services with AMEs across the globe, especially in his native South Africa and gave testimony that this experience was so Spirit filled that “when [he] closed his eyes [he] thought he was back home in South Africa!”  The Rev. Boesak was accompanied by his wife, Elna when Bishop Bryant presented him with an award of distinction.  The Rev. Boesak’s work in South Africa closely resembles the work of Bishop Richard Allen in the United States.  Both were guided by faith in God to speak out against racially motivated discriminatory practices, the Rev. Boesak against South Africa’s apartheid regime and Bishop Allen against the United States institution of slavery and subsequent Reconstruction practices of segregation.  Rev. William L. Gary, the host Pastor of Allen Chapel said “because of his shared history, deep appreciation for and understanding of the legacy of African Methodism, choosing Dr. Boesak as one of the recipients of the Legacy Award showed great insight.”

The second Living Legacy Award recipient was Episcopal Supervisor the Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant.  The Rev. ‘C’ was an obvious choice because of her continued work in furthering the mission of African Methodism, especially for her countless contributions to educating communities and eradicating violence against women in the United States and abroad.  The Rev. Nichele Washington said the Rev. ‘C’ “is another worthy recipient. She possesses a passionate zeal for the nations and an authentic missionary spirit. Her travels have caused the lives of many to be radically changed for the better and it is always a privilege to have her presence in Indiana for Founder's Day.”  Sister Annie Robinson, who has had the privilege of accompanying Rev. C on a missionary trip to Trinidad, agrees.  She said “Rev. C. is an excellent choice as she is truly a living example of this award by her missionary work in the states and in other countries.”

One of the highlights of the night was when Senior Bishop and Presiding Prelate of the Fourth Episcopal District, Bishop John R. Bryant preached a sermon entitled “A History of Fruitfulness,” using Mark 11:12-13 as the scriptural foundation.  The heart of the sermon focused on answering questions like “what pleases Jesus?” “What turns Jesus on?”  As he preached, he challenged the Pastors and congregants of the Indiana Annual Conference to actively minister to their local communities in ways that would give evidence of fruitfulness similar to the way Bishop Quinn did in establishing churches in Indiana.  Perhaps the greatest highlight of the night was the fruit of the preached Word: three young people gave their lives to Christ following the sermon. 

Throughout the times of prayer, praise, proclamation and presentations, the Indiana Annual Conference certainly celebrated God for the life and legacy of Bishop Richard Allen, but celebrations like this don’t just happen; this evening of worship was the fruit of weeks of prayer, planning, coordination and organization.  The host pastor, Rev. William L. Gary said he “was delighted and honored to have been the host of our Founder's weekend. To stand and sing together with churches from around the Indiana Conference, "The Churches One Foundation" gave me a strong sense of belonging to something bigger than my ministry at Allen. The worship was well attended, preaching was top notch and the dancing and singing crossed generational lines. It represented a strong church with great potential.”  When asked about the work that went into this year’s celebration, Presiding Elder Byfield said, “While Presiding Elder Sumner and I work hard to make it a time of celebration, I give credit to God and to the fine members of the Indiana Annual Conference- clergy and lay.”

*The Rev. Shonda Nicole Gladden is the Pastor of Bethel AME Church in Lafayette, IN.

14. PAUL QUINN COLLEGE A FINALIST FOR THE “2013 RETOOL YOUR SCHOOL CAMPUS IMPROVEMENT GRANT” PROGRAM FOR HBCUS:

The Home Depot Reveals the Finalists for the 2013 Retool Your School Campus Improvement Grant Program for Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Paul Quinn College competes for up to $50,000 in Grants and Encourages Alumni and the Community to Vote as the School Vies for Grants for Sustainable Campus Improvements 

New York, NY– February 20, 2013 –  Paul Quinn College has been announced as a finalist in The Home Depot’s 2013 RETOOL YOUR SCHOOL campus improvement grant program. Designed to reinvigorate Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), finalists are competing for $225,000 in grants for on-campus improvements and are now asking their communities and the public to help them win. From February 18, 2013 to April 15, 2013, supporters can visit www.retoolyourschool.com to vote for Paul Quinn’s sustainable campus improvement project. One $50,000 Tier 1 major grant, twelve Tier 2 $10,000 minor grants and one $25,000 Campus Pride for the school receiving the most online votes and social media activity, as assessed by The Home Depot, will be awarded. The Home Depot® will announce the winners on May 3, 2013. 

To apply for the Retool Your School grants, HBCUs were required to submit Letters of Intent that include brief descriptions of their potential projects via the “Retool Your School” website by February 11, 2013. The campus improvement projects for which Paul Quinn has applied include student housing renovations, energy-efficient water fountains, and eco-friendly restroom renovations. Applicants that provided their Phase 1 proposals by the deadline were able to continue and submit full proposals for Tier I, Tier II and Campus Pride campus improvement grants. During the online voting period, which is currently underway; consumers are able to view descriptions of project proposals and can cast one vote per day for their favorite HBCU. Following the online vote, a panel of distinguished judges will also evaluate each school’s proposal. Tier I and Tier II projects will be judged based on the number of votes posted to the website, as well as the judges’ evaluation of the relevance to the proposal requirements as listed on the website and application. Entrants must highlight how each project will make a lasting, positive impact on their campus. Special attention will be given to schools that pitch eco-friendly plans. The winning schools will be determined based on a combination of online votes and the judges’ evaluations. The awarding of the Campus Pride grant will be based on the number of votes and social media activity the winning school receives.

Paul Quinn faces stiff competition from finalist schools in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. Texas residents, Paul Quinn alumni, friends and family should visit www.retoolyourschool.com  to vote and are also encouraged to spread the word through social media using the hashtag #PaulQuinnRYS2013 on Twitter and Instagram.

For more information and updates on The Home Depot “Retool Your School” grant program or to vote online visit www.retoolyourschool.com. Online voting will end on April 15, 2013, at 11:59 pm EST.

About Paul Quinn College

Paul Quinn College, the 2011 HBCU of the Year, is a private, faith-based, four-year liberal arts-inspired college founded by and affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

About The Home Depot®

The Home Depot is the world's largest home improvement specialty retailer, with 2,256 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico.

15. WILL THE AME CHURCH SAVE WILBERFORCE?

By Dr. Ibram Rogers   

I grew up in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. My father, Rev. Larry Rogers, served for a time under Rev. Floyd H. Flake at Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral in Queens, New York. Aside from being woken up before dawn so my father could make 6 a.m. service, I have fond memories of that church and the pastorate of Flake, Wilberforce University’s former president.

It is not my intention to rehash, defend or oppose Flake’s presidency. As a historian of Black higher education, I want to rehash the fond origins of Wilberforce in Ohio. It is the first truly historically Black college or university—established by Black people for Black people and run by Black people. In 1856, Cincinnati Methodists originated the school, which primarily served the mulatto children of slaveholders until the Civil War clogged the pipeline. Enmeshed in debt, school officials appealed to the AME church. With Bishop Daniel A. Payne leading the way as the nation’s first Black college president, the Wilberforce we know and love was transferred to AME control in 1863.

Wilberforce has now been in the hands of the AME church and the Black community for 150 years. It is again enmeshed in debt—$29 million. But will the AME church save the institution, like it saved it 150 years ago? 

The reports coming out of Ohio are breaking my heart. As Diverse reported yesterday, enrollment has declined by almost 200 students in two years. The college’s net worth is a mere $5.5 million. Depreciation has dropped the value of the buildings and equipment by an astounding 40 percent to $17.7 million. President Patricia Hardaway, who sadly declined to speak to Diverse, received a no-confidence vote from the faculty in 2011. Campus police cars are not being maintained for adequate use, forcing officers to use their own cars. The graduation rate is a meager 32 percent. Students are eerily notified after participating in commencement that they did not complete graduation requirements.

Seemingly, the only beacon of light still shining at Wilberforce aside from its glorious history is the activism of students. In the fall, 337 students—more than two-thirds of the student body—issued an ultimatum: drastic changes or they withdraw by the fall of 2013. Their constructive pressure today is as robust as ever.

This historic institution is hemorrhaging before our eyes. Will the AME church continue to sit back and let it suffer, let it die? Where are the voices of the AME bishops?

Apparently, a collection is taken up for AME colleges every year at the AME church’s annual conference, which is good, but not nearly enough. Wilberforce needs an international grassroots fundraising campaign spearheaded by AME central, touching every AME church and member in the world. According to one unofficial source, the worldwide AME membership is roughly 2.5 million, and who knows how many non-members regularly attend the approximately 7,000 AME congregations.

Love offerings should be taken up at every AME church, every Sunday for Wilberforce (and Morris Brown) until solvency is reached. Wilberforce needs constructive pressure and money, not destructive ridicule from empty pockets. Is it possible for every AME member to contribute one dollar? Is it possible for every church to contribute $100, $500, or $1,000 depending on the size? Is it possible for offerings to be taken up at the thousands of churches in affiliated Methodist denominations?

I have often been told, scholars have often said, from W.E.B. Du Bois (who received his first job at Wilberforce) until our era that the AME church is the greatest African American institution. Great institutions save their most prized possessions. There are few AME possessions more prized than Wilberforce University.

Dr. Ibram H. Rogers is an assistant professor of Africana Studies at University at Albany — SUNY. He is the author of The Black Campus Movement: Black Students and the Racial Reconstitution of Higher Education, 1965-1972. Follow on Twitter at @DrIbram

Read More: http://diverseeducation.com/article/51309/

16. U.S. EMBASSY ZAMBIA PODCAST INTERVIEW WITH DR. A. OVETA FULLER FULBRIGHT, AMEC ITINERANT ELDER:

February 20, 2013

The Rev. A. Oveta Fuller, Ph.D. is an Itinerant Elder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the “Getting to Zero” columnist for The Christian Recorder. Click on “Audio MP3” box below to hear interview. 

Dr. Fuller has extensive experience researching molecular mechanisms of human pathogenic viruses and how these viruses cause disease. Most recently, Dr. Fuller has also focused her research on preventive medicine and medical education through the use of a science-based HIV/AIDS intervention through religious leader networks to actively address infectious disease health disparities. A major objective of this community-based research is to build capacity of clergy and religious leaders to take biomedical research advances into their community organizations and link science and medical based understanding with group and individual actions. A representation of the medical prevention research can be found on the Africa page of the UMMC website:

www.med.umich.edu/medschool/dean/vodcasts.htm.

Whilst in Zambia, she will be affiliated to the Copperbelt University School of Medicine, the University of Zambia School Of Medicine, and other organizations such as research and faith-based institutions.

Current Research Interests Include:

· Infectious disease health disparities

· HIV/AIDS prevention and management

· Preventive medicine and medical education

· Molecular biology of human pathogenic viruses

Listen Now:

Read more and view video interview:

http://usembassyzambia.podbean.com/

About the Rev. A. Oveta Fuller, Ph.D.

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 served as pastor of Bethel AME Church in Adrian, MI for seven years before primarily focusing on global HIV/AIDS ministry. Currently, she serves at Brown Chapel AME Church in Ypsilanti, Michigan in the 4^th Episcopal District while continuing HIV/AIDS research in parts of Zambia and the USA. 

TCR Editor’s Note: Thanks to Dr. Fuller for lifting up the AME Church in the interview!

17. GETTING TO ZERO: AN AIDS-FREE GENERATION:

By Dr. A. Oveta Fuller

Politicians make speeches. Some are better at it than others. President Barack Obama is one of the best.

The 2013 State of the Union address from President Obama included the goal of “an AIDS-free generation.” The speech occurred in a week when community partners are planning on-site details of a key validity study for an HIV/AIDS intervention in the Copperbelt province of Zambia. The “Trusted Messenger Intervention” (TMI) provides science-based understanding of HIV and AIDS especially for clergy leaders so they can mobilize to effectively engage with available community resources.

Speaking of “an AIDS-free generation” in a State of the Union address represents real progress in hopes for stopping HIV/AIDS.  

Biomedical and clinical advances along with policy and socio-behavioral developments provide a pinpoint of light at the end of a long tunnel. Visions of “an AIDS-free generation” and “Getting to Zero” can become reality.

Biomedical and clinical research has revealed some of how HIV reproduces and how it leads to AIDS. Over thirty types of anti-retroviral (ARVs) drugs have been developed. Each interferes with a step in virus replication. Clinical trials with ARVs affirm that, even without a vaccine or an absolute cure, we have the means to get to no new infections, no new AIDS cases and eventually, an AIDS-free generation.

What are some of the findings with ARVs? What is required to move towards the end of AIDS? 

Providing one or more ARVs during pre-natal care for HIV+ women can reduce the chance of virus transfer from mother to child from about 50% with no treatment to less than 5%. Infection with HIV of infants at birth or in breast milk drops if ARVs are taken at least one month before and one month after childbirth. In developed and developing countries, Preventing Mother to Child Transmission (PMCT) drastically reduces the number of children who are exposed to virus from an HIV+ mother. PMCT is important in envisioning an AIDS-free generation.

Medically guided use of multiple ARVs in anti-retroviral drug therapy (ART), or highly active anti-retroviral treatment (HAART), can halt progression to AIDS. It can prevent onset of opportunistic infections (OI’s) so HIV/AIDS becomes a chronic, rather than a fatal disease. This requires consistent medical care, attention to balanced food intake, regular exercise, managing stress, preventing microbe exposure and diligent adherence to ART or HAART. Although perhaps the most well-known, Magic Johnson is not the only person who lives productively with HIV/AIDS.

Recent study results show that consistent compliance with ART by people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), use of the ABCs to prevent virus exposure and effective education can decrease levels of HIV circulating within a community. There is less chance of virus encounter from sexual contact or contact with blood or blood products through intravenous needles.

It makes sense. Less circulating virus with awareness of preventing exposure reduces the number of encounters that could allow new infection. A PLWHA that consistently controls viral level with ART (keeps the virus load low and CD4 immune cells high), is healthier and less infectious. Less circulating virus means less new infections or re-infection with a different HIV strain.

Perhaps the most promising for feasibility of an AIDS-free generation is called “Treatment as Prevention” (TAP).  Recent clinical study results show that high compliance to ART for a person who is HIV+ along with use of an ARV by a faithful sex partner can decrease by up to 90% the chance of virus transfer from the HIV+ person to their HIV- partner. Success with treatment to prevent virus transfer occurred for study participants in developed and developing countries, in a range of cultures, and for both opposite and same gender partners.

For stopping HIV/AIDS, these recent developments add to impact of male circumcision, availability of female condoms and development of other physiological barriers, needle sharing programs, campaigns for abstinence, delay in starting sexual activity for teens, and continuous education in high virus transfer areas such as in transportation corridors, in the sex industry or on college campuses. These interventions are complemented by recognition of how socio-economic factors affect the HIV/AIDS pandemic. 

Multiple interventions make possible a strategy called “Combination Prevention.” Now there are enough different approaches to allow an individual or a community to choose the most relevant approaches that will bring about control of HIV/AIDS in their locale. 

Combination Prevention makes sense. It makes sense to use whatever works among the proven educational, socio-behavioral or biomedical-based interventions to reduce circulating virus levels associated with new HIV infections and progression to AIDS.

A combination of strategies that may be effective to address HIV transmission in one community or for one individual may differ for other communities or individuals in different circumstances. Combination Prevention advocates use of ARVs as part of a customized multi-faceted approach to stop HIV/AIDS.

How do we “Get to Zero” or bring to reality “an AIDS-free generation” as stated in President Obama’s address? Each person, including clergy and religious leaders has a role to play. Stay informed so to eliminate myths, misconceptions and lack of knowing. Talk to others about what is learned. Get tested and model HIV counseling and testing as the necessary and smart health choice.

These actions are especially effective coming from influential pastors, clergyperson and officer leaders. In 2013 and beyond, still we are charged to serve well as trusted messengers in our communities.

18. MEDITATION BASED ON ISAIAH 40:21-31:

*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby

Anyone who’s ever dealt with a computer “bug” knows the value of good antivirus software that can detect and block malicious things designed to either hijack or mess up your computer - unless you make the mistake of choosing to download those things yourself.

I did so years ago, when I found an innocent looking website that offered expensive software absolutely free.  I tried to download and install that free software but never managed to do so.  When I was done trying, however, I discovered that my home page had been changed to an “X Rated” site with a new search option, saw strange ads popping up that offered to speed up my computer or give me free coupons and other fantastic deals, and found that my computer’s speed was slowed to a crawl.  I also got emails from friends letting me know that they were sorry to hear via email that I was stranded in Paris, France and offering to send money to help me get home!

I told the technician who helped me to “de-bug” my computer the next day that my antivirus software hadn’t worked as advertised, but he said, “Reverend, it worked perfectly.  The first time you clicked on “I agree” while trying to get free software, you gave permission for all of that bogus stuff that messed up your computer to bypass your antivirus software, download, install itself and invade your e-mail address book.”  I spent a long day and more than a few dollars getting my computer straightened out, and also got a reminder of one of the facts of life - that there’s no such thing as “something for nothing.”

The essence of what happened to me isn’t unique, because all of us sometimes long for “something for nothing.”  We all sometimes seek shortcuts, disregard rules and spend time, money and effort pursuing what seems to be an easy path to a “sure thing,” only to find out that the “sure thing” was an illusion and that we’ve wasted time, money and effort on “something for nothing” that was actually costly and disappointing.

“Something for nothing” may be a worldly illusion, but the God who created us brings concrete blessings and peace of mind when we patiently trust in Him.  When we end our quest for breaks and shortcuts in life and patiently put ourselves in God’s hands, we’ll find new assurance, new well-being, new strength and new joy - not in our time, but in God’s time. 

We may have to work and wait for what we want, but we’ll be assured that God knows and meets our every need, and we’ll travel life’s roads not seeking “something for nothing,” but saying about God what those who were freed from the chains of American slavery first said - “He may not come when you want Him, but He’s right on time.”

If you are in the Charleston, South Carolina area, join us on the Fourth Sunday in February for Church School at 8:45 a.m. and for Worship at 10 a.m. We’ll celebrate Afrocentric Dress Day and NAACP Day, and the Combined Choir, Mime Ministry and Young Adult Choir will offer praise.

Sunday’s Scripture Lessons are:

Amos 5:18-24

James 1:19-25

Matthew 23:23-26

Sunday’s Guest Speaker is the Reverend Phillip Taylor of Walterboro, South Carolina, former President of the Colleton County Branch of the NAACP and present Chairman of Colleton County Council.

*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby is the pastor of Morris Brown AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina

19. GENERAL OFFICER AND CHAPLAIN FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS:

-- Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart Law Firm has opened an Orlando Office with Attorney Derek E. Bruce, Shareholder

Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart Law Firm with offices from Jacksonville to the Keys has opened an Orlando office with Attorney Derek E. Bruce, Shareholder and other Lawyers who will focus on government affairs, corporate law and land use. Attorney Bruce was one of the founding principals of Perez, Bruce and Jonasen LLP. Gunster was established in 1925 and employs more than 160 lawyers and 200 support staff whose statewide strategy was to introduce a full-service firm presence in the Orlando market by joining with a team which brings a balance of diverse clients and strong community involvement.  Attorney Bruce is the son of the late General Officer/Presiding Elder Y. B. Bruce and Mrs. Gloria S. Bruce.

Congratulatory messages can be sent to Dbruce@gunster.com or brucegs@bellsouth.net.

-- Chaplain David Brown has been named as the Project Officer for a video documentary being sponsored by the United States Marine Corps

Chaplain David Brown has been named as the Project Officer for a video documentary being sponsored by the United States Marine Corps. The documentary is entitled "Rising Warriors" and it will seek to capture the inspiring story of Wounded Warriors as they recover and reintegrate back into the military or civilian life.

As Project Officer, Chaplain Brown is responsible for composing the projects' mission and vision statement, storyboard draft and script revisions, budget acquisition, and logistical coordination. He will accompany a camera crew from Headquarters Marine Corps Combat Camera to film at these locations: San Diego, CA; Ramstein, Germany; San Antonio, TX; and Jacksonville, NC.

The film is being produced for a television audience and will be marketed to channels such as Arts & Entertainment Network, Public Broadcast System, and The Military Channel. It is expected to be aired in May 2013.

Chaplain Brown is currently assigned as the Assistant Deputy Chaplain of the Marine Corps and he is stationed at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.

Congratulatory responses can be emailed to:

Chaplain David Brown: davidbrown60088@yahoo.com 

-- Women Chaplains in the Military are celebrating 40 Years of Service; Chaplain Glenda Jennings Harrison is highlighted

Women Chaplains in the Military are Celebrating 40 Years of Service; Chaplain Glenda Jennings Harrison is highlighted in a video presentation on "Why I Chose Navy Chaplaincy," which will be on display for a year at the Women's Military Memorial Museum on March 4, 2013. The video presentation will highlight Women Chaplains across the armed forces and Chaplain Glenda Jennings Harrison was selected to represent the Navy.

An open invitation; You’re Cordially Invited to an Exhibit Opening and Reception

Celebrating 40 Years of Women Chaplains: A Courageous Journey of Faith and Service

Monday, March 4, 2013

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Women In Military Service for America Memorial

Gateway, Arlington National Cemetery

The Women’s Memorial Foundation in partnership with the Military Chiefs of Chaplains is pleased to announce the formal opening of “Celebrating 40 Years of Women Chaplains: A Courageous Journey of Faith and Service”, a new special exhibit at the Women’s Memorial. The exhibit tells the story of the scores of women, beginning in 1973, who answered God’s call to minister to the nation’s military members and their families in times of war and peace. With images, artifacts and personal stories of spiritual and military life, the exhibition offers a glimpse into this amazing legacy of women’s service and commitment to God and country.

The event is free and open to the public and light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP by February 25 by clicking here to access our online reservation form (or by pasting

www.womensmemorial.org/ChapEventRSVP.html into your browser).

For more information about the event, please contact Chaplain (Maj.) Robin Stephenson-Bratcher by calling 202-767-5900 or emailing robin.stephensonbrat@navy.mil or by visiting the events page on the Women’s Memorial website. Attendees will have the opportunity to obtain a 40th Anniversary Commemorative Coin at the event for a $5 donation (cash or check only).

Event attire is UOD/business attire and Service Dress for participants.

The Women’s Memorial is readily accessible by METRO (Blue Line) and paid parking is available.

Brig. Gen. Wilma L. Vaught, USAF (Ret.)

President, Women's Memorial Foundation

Chaplain Harrison encourages support of the Women in Chaplaincy, by visiting the Women's Memorial Museum located at Arlington National Cemetery when visiting the DC area.

Congratulatory responses can be emailed to:

Chaplain Glenda Jennings Harrison: glenda.harrison@navy.mi 

20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the passing of Mrs. L. Alyce Ingram, 104 Years Old, the Mother of the Reverend David E. Reddick, Presiding Elder of the Dothan-Eufaula District, Southeast Alabama Conference, 9^th Episcopal District, AME Church and Mrs. Byllye Avery.

The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

Services Entrusted to:

James Graham Mortuary

3631 Moncrief Road

Jacksonville, Florida 32209

(904) 766-0436

Viewing will be at:

James Graham Mortuary

Sunday, February 24, 2013

2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Celebration of Life for Mrs. Ingram

Monday, February 25, 2013

11:00 a.m.

Saint Paul AME Church

6910 New King's Road

Jacksonville, Florida

The Rev. Dr. Marvin C. Zanders, II, Pastor

The Rev. Dr. James Proctor, Eulogist

Committal Service:

Rest lawn Cemetery

Jacksonville, Florida

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

The Reverend & Mrs. David E. Reddick

2800 Quail Cove

Enterprise, Alabama 36330

Telephone: (334) 347-8360

21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the passing of Mrs. Thelma B. Hearst, the mother of the Rev. Dr. Stanley Hearst, Sr., Pastor of Bethel AME Church, Moorestown, NJ, and the Grandmother of the Rev. Stanley Hearst II, Pastor of St. Paul AME Church in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania.

The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

       

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Viewing –   9:00 am – 11:00 am

Funeral Service – 11:00 a.m.

First Baptist Church of Darby

925 Summit Street

Darby, PA 19023

Telephone: 610-586-0179 or 610-461-9508

       

The Rev. Dr. Raymond A. Merriweather, Pastor

Service entrusted to:

Julian V. Hawkins Funeral Home

5308 Haverford Avenue

Box 9431

Philadelphia, PA 19139

Phone:       215-476-5433

Interment:

Mt. Lawn Memorial Park

Sharon Hill, PA

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

The Rev. Dr. Stanley Hearst, Sr. and the Rev. Stanley Hearst II

188 Rockland Avenue

Moorestown, NJ 08057

Fax to: Bethel AME Church

512 N. Church Street

Moorestown, NJ 08057

Telephone: 856-235-3152

Fax: 856-231-6734

22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Elease S. McKinney the sister of the Rev. Clinton Stancil, Senior Pastor of Allen Chapel AME Church in Kansas City, Missouri. Mrs. McKinney passed on February 13, 2013.

Services for Elease S. McKinney:

Saturday, February 23, 2012, 1:00 pm

Greater Faith Missionary Baptist Church

501 NE 1st Avenue

Mulberry, FL 33860

Eulogist: The Rev. Clinton Stancil

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

The Rev. Clinton Stancil and the Rev. Christine Stancil

5811 Blue Hill Road

Kansas City, MO 64110

Or

The Rev. Clinton L. Stancil, Pastor

Allen Chapel AME Church

5811 Blue Hill Road

Kansas City, MO 64110

Telephone: (816) 921-2151

23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We are saddened to announce the transition of Mrs. Minnie Baker, mother of the Rev. Linnell Baker, Jr., pastor of Carey Temple AME Church of Chicago, Illinois.

The arrangements are as follows:

The funeral was held on Monday, February 18, 2013 at Carey Temple AME Church in Chicago.

Messages of condolences may be sent to:

Jo Ann Hawkins White, Administrator

Fourth Episcopal District - African Methodist Episcopal Church

5627 South Michigan, 3rd Floor

Chicago, Illinois 60637

Office telephone: 773.955.9825

FAX: 773.955.9840

24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

It is with regret that we announce the passing of Ms. Myra Lynne Matlock on Monday afternoon, February 11, 2013.  Myra was the younger sister of the Rev. Dr. Sherryl Matlock, Pastor, "Historic" Allen Chapel AME Church, Fort Worth, Texas.

The Homegoing Celebration was held on Saturday, February 16, 2013 at First Baptist Church in Grandview, Texas.

Condolences may be sent to:

The Rev. Dr. Sherryl Matlock

P. O. Box 40339

Fort Worth, Texas 76140

Telephone: (817) 296-1849

Email: 1wim@htcomp.net

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

Ora L. Easley, Administrator

AMEC Clergy Family Information Center

Email: 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  

26.  CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:

The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend T. Larry Kirkland; 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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