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
Mark
and Save Date in your Calendars:
August National Immunization Awareness Month
1. TCR EDITORIAL - SOME “ODDS AND ENDS” LEARNING:
Dr. Calvin H.
Sydnor III
The 20th
Editor of The Christian Recorder
In the last issue,
I wrote, “One of the interesting things about being the Editor of The Christian Recorder is the
opportunity to interact with parishioners from across the AME Church, both here
in the U.S. and abroad.”
The other positive,
and I touched on it, is the opportunity to learn and to recall things that I
have forgotten. I am appreciative that so many of our readers are so
knowledgeable.
Still learning
I have learned,
after many years, the correct word in the Offertory, “All Things Come of Three…, is “have” instead of “as.” Now that was a real learning curve because I
had been saying “as,” for many years, which is wrong. The biblical text says,
“…Have we given Thee.” I haven’t
mastered the corrected word because sometimes I slip and say, “as.”
Reminded
I was also reminded
this week by the Rev. Anita Marshall about the liturgy for the Order for an Affirmation of the Baptismal
Covenant found in the AMEC Book of Worship on Page 52. The liturgy is
designed for “…children baptised as infants and nurtured within the
congregation who are read into full membership…”
After reading the
liturgy I concluded that I see no reason why the liturgy could not be used as a
service of reaffirmation for anyone baptised who feels that he or she needs to
remember something about the sacrament of baptism and who would like their
baptismal covenant publicly renewed; and of course, “no water and no
re-baptizing.”
I was also reminded
by the Rev. Denise Rogers who lives in Montana that Richard Allen and Absolom
Jones are both honored with feast days on the liturgical calendar of the
Episcopal Church (USA). The Richard
Allen feast day is March 26 because that is the day of his death.
.
Absolom Jones who walked out of St. George Church with
Richard Allen and others, was the first African American ordained as a priest
in the Episcopal Church of the United States is listed on the Episcopal
Calendar of saints and blessed under the day of his death, February 13.
They are both honored in the Episcopal Church along with
Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther, Jr. and other Christian saints.
I wondered how many of us in the AME Church pause to
memorialize Richard Allen on March 26. I suspect, not many, but many AME
churches celebrate Founder’s Day on February 14, the day of Richard Allen’s
birth.
It would seem that as we approach the Bicentennial of the formal
organization of our Zion that we would be “ramping up” the celebration of
Richard Allen’s birth and other significant events of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church.
Jarena Lee comes to mind as a life of a person that the AME
Church should be celebrating. Jarena Lee is the model of a woman who had a
clear vision.
She was born on February 11, 1783. Jarena Lee was the first
pioneering woman licensed to preach in the African Methodist Episcopal Church
(1819). There is no known record of the
date of her death.
Read Jarena Lee story by clicking or pasting in your
browser:
Failure to honor
special events
I am not only concerned that we, AMEs fail to honor our saints,
but it seems to be the failure among people of color to ignore significant
events related to our social and religious histories.
In recent years we have gotten excited about Juneteenth,
which commemorates the announcement in 1863 of the abolition of slavery in the
state of Texas, and more specifically the emancipation of slaves in the
slave-holding states; it did not affect those persons who were held in slavery
in the non-Confederate slave-holding states and it had minimal actual effect
because Texas and the other slaveholding states did not comply with the
Emancipation Proclamation.
It would seem to me, and especially black people, would
celebrate the passing of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery
throughout the United States of America.
I would bet that most readers do not know the date of the
passing of the 13th Amendment.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the 13th
Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery in America on January 31,
1865. The amendment read, "Neither
slavery nor involuntary servitude...shall exist within the United States, or
any place subject to their jurisdiction."
It would seem to me that January 31st would be a
significant date in the lives of black Americans.
I learn a lot
I learned something from Brother Darwin Curry who attends
Metropolitan AME Church in Washington, DC.
Oprah Winfrey joined Bethel AME Church while living in
Baltimore when Bishop John Bryant was the pastor of Bethel.
I also learned that Bayard Rustin a leader in Civil Rights’
Movement was an active member of Bethel AME Church in West Chester
Pennsylvania. Rustin attended
Wilberforce University and was a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. He
also attended Cheyney State Teachers College (now Cheyney University of
Pennsylvania).
I also learned that Senator-elect Corey Booker grew up
attending an AME church in New Jersey.
Sometimes a “Wow” moment
I attended Bible
Study this past Wednesday and one of ladies who attended the Bible study also
attends a community Bible study that meets at a United Methodist Church.
We were discussing
the importance of hymns, gospel and spiritual songs and the importance of their
relationship to the sermon and the scripture lessons. She mentioned that when she was skimming
through the Methodist Hymnal she noticed that the hymns had biblical notations
that she found exciting.
I thought what an
opportunity for a teaching moment.
I responded that
the AME Church Hymnal has scriptural references for the hymns and other worship
resources.
I went to the
sanctuary retrieved hymnals for the members of our small group and showed them
the resources in our hymnal, including the Lectionary and gave examples on how
the resources could be used. They were surprised and I am surprised that some
of our pastors are not taking advantage of the available worship
resources.
Effective inspired
Holy Ghost worship does not just magically happen. Astute pastors design their
worship resources, while allowing the presence and working of the Holy Spirit.
Hymns and scripture
lessons should not be last-minute, haphazardly and unthinkingly selected.
I have said it
before and will say it again, “There is nothing inappropriate about practicing
and tweaking the order of worship.”
When a pastor knows what he or she is going to preach it is appropriate
for him or her to go to the back of the hymnal and select hymns that coordinate
with the scriptural lesson(s) and the sermon. But, yep, that takes more work.
We have such great
resources in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and our parishioners would
be better served if pastors and musicians utilized and coordinated the sources
available in the Bible, the AME Hymnal, and The
Discipline.
TCR
Editor’s Note: The Editor
will be on vacation this coming week. The next issue of The Christian Recorder Online will be published when he returns
from vacation.
2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL
AND OTHER ISSUES:
--To the Editor:
RE: TCR Editorial- Interesting Questions
that Needed to be Answered
Although we don't
re-baptize, I believe the AMEC Book of Worship has a Reaffirmation of Baptism
ritual for those wishing to reaffirm their covenant relationship with God. The UMC has a ritual as well.
The Rev. Anita
Marshall
-- To the Editor:
Re: Interesting
Questions that Needed to be Answered:
Just a note to
respond to your comments about baptism. It was absolutely marvelous...I have
taught those tenets many times as a pastor. I have told you before you are just
what the Church needs; especially pastors. I am very proud of you and your
words of encouragement and deep knowledge concerning Baptism. It would be
helpful for many Pastors and others like Stewards if you would put that info
into a publication.
Jim Wade
TCR
Editor’s Note: Dr. James
Wade is the Executive Director of Church Growth and Development
3. I ASK:
Retired Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry
I Ask:
The Speaking in tongues in the AME church
According to the Acts of the Apostles, it is written that “When the day of Pentecost came, all the
believers were gathered together in one place. Suddenly there was a loud noise
from the sky which sounded like a strong wind blowing, and it filled the house
they were sitting...They were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to talk
in other languages, as the Spirit enabled them to speak.”
I have noted that a lot of denominations practice speaking
in tongues, in the AME Church however I don't remember this practice ever being
done or being encouraged. I tried finding out what does the AME Church say on
this subject but could not get the answer. The question I am humbling asking is
this: Is the practice of speaking in tongues allowed in the AME Church?
Mr. K. A. Moloi
Bishop Carolyn Tyler
Guidry’s Response to the Question:
The Twenty-Five Articles of Religion are the basic tenets of
Doctrine of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Each article is based in
scripture. (I will ask Dr. Sydnor to publish them with the scripture references
at another time). The Apostles' Creed is
a "summary" of the major teachings.
Your question is referenced in Article 15: Of Speaking in
the Congregation in Such a Tongue as the People Understand - "It is a
thing plainly repugnant to the Word of God, and the custom of the primitive
Church, to have public prayer in the Church, or to minister the Sacraments, in
a tongue not understood by the people."
(This Article Refers to the Roman Catholic Church practice
of its use of Latin in public worship to people who spoke a different language
– it does not refer to the “spiritual gift” of unknown tongues, referenced in I
Corinthians 12:27-31; I Corinthians 14:1-5; and I Corinthians 14:14-19.
The scripture you referenced, Acts 2:4-12 should be read in
its entirety and taken in context. When
you read the verses following verse 4 you find an explanation for the
"phenomenon" in verse 4.
"....And they heard them (talk) in their OWN languages, (Medes,
Parthians, Elamites, etc"). These
were not incoherent babbling's, but languages spoken by all those in attendance
in Jerusalem that day. People from many
parts of the world, speaking many different languages heard the Gospel in their
own "understanding." There needs to be a distinction between “Other tongues”
and “unknown tongues” (“Unknown” is always in italics in the King James
Version).
The AME Church is not opposed to persons exhibiting the
"Gifts of the Holy Spirit," but we do teach that they should be used
according to the dictates of scripture.
I Corinthians 14:37-40.
4. AME SENIOR
OLYMPIAD PLACES IN SENIOR GAMES:
Ms. Mildred Hubbard, an 80 year young senior athlete,
qualified from her home state of Mississippi in eight Track and Field events to
attend the 2013 Senior Games in Cleveland, Ohio.
She has competed in the Senior Games since the age of 50 at
the National Games. Over the years she
has won more than 100 medals in the Mississippi and Arkansas Senior Games.
In January 2001, Ms. Hubbard was diagnosed with breast
cancer. She underwent a mastectomy and received chemotherapy and
radiation. However, she did not let her
physical condition dictate her spiritual will to compete. In May of 2002, she was back in the game 10
days after her last chemotherapy treatment running the 100 yard dash race and
other track and field events.
In Cleveland, Ohio
this summer she placed in the 50 meter dash with a Bronze medal; Long
jump with a Bronze medal; Javelin Throw 4th place; Triple Jump 5th place;
Discus Throw 6th place; and 200 meter run 4th place finishing in .48 seconds.
Ms. Hubbard is a member of Solomon Chapel AME Church in
Cleveland, Mississippi where she serves as a Trustee. Her pastor is Rev. Ruby
Davidson.
Submitted By Sister Maye D. Martin
5. DON'T OPEN GOOGLE
SUPPORT MESSAGES:
Do not open any Google Support messages alleged from Bishop
Samuel Green, Bishop John White, Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry or anyone else –
The messages in the emails are fake.
If you receive an email from Bishop Samuel Green inviting
you to sign in to Google Support do not sign in. The message is a fake. The message has a
“Click here” link. Delete the message. Don’t sign in with your email and don’t
click on it.
Never sign into any message that asks you to sign in with
your email address. And never, ever provide your password to anyone; and never
in response to any email message.
If a message looks suspicious, don’t open it!
For at least the 25th
time: Put all multiple addressees in "BCC" format and delete all
previous addresses to prevent spamming. When
you forward email messages, delete the forwarding history as a courtesy to
others who may not wish to have their email address sent all over the world.
Erasing the history prevents spammers from mining addresses and prevents
viruses.
6. WASHINGTON CONFERENCE
CENTENARIAN PASSES:
We pray that God will comfort your heart, uplift your
spirit, and carry you through this time of sadness to a place of peace.
It is with deep regret that the Second Episcopal Lay
Organization announces the passing of centenarian, Brother Joel Emmett McCleod
of Washington, DC. Brother McCleod was
an active member of Turner Memorial AMEC in Hyattsville, MD.
Brother McLeod, who was born February 22, 1910 in Jeff Davis
County, GA, was 103 years old. He attended the local public schools, graduated
from Georgia State College, served as a local school principal, and married his
wife, Eva McLeod, who was a young teacher on his staff. Brother McCleod,
subsequently, moved to Washington, DC and accepted a job with the Bureau of Labor
Statistics.
Although, Brother McLeod worked hard to take care of and
provide for family, he was even more diligent working for his master and for
his church. He served as a delegate to the ACE League Conference, vice
president of the Georgia Club, pastor steward, member of senior choir, class
leader, and local Sunday school treasurer and convention delegate. When the Washington Conference Lay
Organization was organized, Brother McLeod served as the first conference
delegate. Fifty years later he was elected
as a delegate to the General Conference, again.
As a community leader, he served in many civic associations
as member as well as officer, including
president of AARP Chapter 3473, member of the Iverson Mall Walkers, and
the Hillcrest Heights Wellness Center; he was appointed to the Civilian
Complaint Review Board, and he was elected as one of the first Washington, DC
Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners.
He is survived by his wife of 74 years Williams McLeod, Eva;
four children, Joel, Jr. (Linda), Benjamin, Judyth ("Butch") and Kay
(Les); three grandchildren, Anthony (Edwina), Jo'Elle (Nathaniel) and Sati;
step- grandson, Bernard; and three great-grandchildren –
Clara B. Neal,
Second Episcopal District,
Director of Public Relation
7. INFORMATION ON THE
50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON:
Click on View Events for schedules. Most events are open to
the public.
The National Archives Marks 50th Anniversary of
the March on Washington
Remembered with special document display, program and
screenings
8. NAACP COMMENDS COURT RULING THAT
STOP-AND-FRISK VIOLATES CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS:
(New York, NY) – The NAACP commends US District Court Judge
Shira A. Scheindlin for her decision today regarding the New York Police
Department’s racial profiling tactic of “stop-and-frisk”. In Floyd vs. City of
New York, Judge Scheindlin ruled that stop-and-frisk violates the
constitutional rights of New Yorkers, and said she would appoint an outside
lawyer to monitor the NYPD for further violations.
“This is a groundbreaking victory. Judge Scheindlin
recognized what the NAACP has been saying for years: the racial profiling
tactic of stop-and-frisk has no place in our enlightened society,” stated NAACP
President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous. “We hope that Mayor Bloomberg and
Commissioner Kelly will heed this decision and end their crude and abusive
policy. We will continue to stand up with the tens of thousands of New Yorkers
who marched with us last June and fight for the protections of the Community
Safety Act.”
On Father’s Day 2012, the NAACP joined with SEIU 1199 and
National Action Network to lead a “Silent March to End Stop-and-Frisk” down
Fifth Avenue in New York City. The march drew tens of thousands of people from
diverse races, ethnicities and religions.
“This is a great day for justice and equality in this city,”
stated New York NAACP President Hazel Dukes. “Our city is leading the way for
others to follow. We are grateful to the city council members and those in our
coalition who have stood up against this racial profiling policy. We now need
those council members who courageously voted for the Community Safety Act to
stay strong and override Mayor Bloomberg’s veto.”
The New York City Council is currently considering whether
to override a veto of the Community Safety Act, a bill that would create an
Inspector General for the NYPD and allow victims of stop and frisk to charge
police for racial profiling.
“Judge Scheindlin’s decision to appoint an outside lawyer to
monitor the NYPD bolsters the need for the Community Safety Act,” stated Dr.
Niaz Kasravi, Director of the NAACP Criminal Justice Program. “We need an
effective policy that bans racial profiling, an independent city agency to
oversee the police department, and a legal recourse that empowers victims of
racial profiling.”
According to the NYCLU, in 2012 the NYPD stopped and
interrogated people 532,911 times, a 448% increase in street stops since 2002.
Nine out of 10 people stopped were innocent, and about 87% were
African-American or Latino. White people accounted for only about 10 percent of
stops.
Judge Scheindlin wrote that ‘no person may be stopped
because he matches a vague or generalized description — such as male black 18
to 24 — without further detail.’ In 2011, black and Latino men between the ages
of 14 and 24 made up less than 5 percent of the city’s population, but 42
percent of those targeted by stop and frisk.
She also announced that “In a separate opinion, I will order
remedies, including immediate changes to the NYPD's policies, a joint-remedial
process to consider further reforms, and the appointment of an independent
monitor to oversee compliance with the remedies ordered in this case.”
###
Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and
largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the
United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their
communities. You can read more about the
NAACP’s work and our five “Game Changer” issue areas here.
9. CONGRESS: RESTORE
YOUR REPUTATIONS:
Bishop Don DiXon Williams
Recent polls indicate that the approval rating for Congress
has fallen to 10 percent—a historic low. Bickering and dysfunction on Capitol
Hill are seemingly to blame for this frustration with lawmakers.
Over the past three years, efforts to reduce the federal
deficit have overshadowed the people who are most in need of assistance. The
most conservative wing of the House of Representatives has pushed for deep and
disproportionate cuts to programs that help poor people. However, by fits and
starts, Congress has come to agreement with the president on about $2.5
trillion in deficit reduction without gutting anti-poverty programs. Cuts to
programs for poor people have come to about $25 billion—just one percent of the
radical cuts that the House has proposed.
But deeper cuts to vital programs are inevitable unless
Congress commits to work together and with the president on a sensible plan.
When negotiations between Congress and the president broke down earlier this
year, sequestration went into effect, triggering automatic budget cuts.
These cuts are doing real harm—70,000 fewer children will be
enrolled in Head Start this year, for example, and millions of meals to
housebound seniors have been eliminated. Unless sequestration is replaced,
deeper cuts will continue each year and fewer vulnerable people will be
protected.
During the economic crisis of 2008, hunger surged in the
United States, but it has not since increased, even though poverty and
unemployment rates have remained high. Because the Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps), which is funded through the
farm bill, was protected during budget battles, the vital program helped to
keep hunger at bay.
This summer, the House Agriculture Committee proposed a farm
bill that included $20 billion in cuts to SNAP. That is equivalent to
eliminating half of all the charitable food distribution by churches and food
banks over a 10-year period. But some House members wanted even steeper
cuts—the House recently doubled the proposed cut to $40 billion.
A House committee has approved a cut of 26 percent to
development assistance programs that provide help and opportunity to extremely
hungry and poor people around the world.
These cuts would leave millions of people, in countries such as Ethiopia
and Tanzania, without access to food aid, clean water, and life-saving
medicine.
Such cold, uncompromising decisions contribute to public
disapproval of elected officials.
The nation is again approaching hard deadlines that will
require our leaders to come to bipartisan agreement on budget matters. Failure
would lead to government shutdown and, once again, risk our nation’s
creditworthiness and economic recovery.
We ask members of Congress to put an end to brinksmanship
and come to agreement on these difficult issues. We must all urge them to
maintain a circle of protection around the programs that help hungry and poor
people in our country and abroad.
Bishop Don DiXon Williams is racial-ethnic outreach at Bread
for the World and sits on the Board of Bishops of the United Church of Jesus
Christ, Baltimore, Md.
10. ATTORNEY GENERAL ERIC
HOLDER SAYS THE OBVIOUS - DRUG WAR IS A WAR ON MINORITIES:
New America Media, Commentary, Earl Ofari Hutchinson,
Posted: Aug 12, 2013
The scuttlebutt is that Attorney General Eric Holder is
poised to say what has long been obvious to anyone who has the faintest notion
about how the wildly failed, flawed war on drugs has been waged for three
decades. The obvious is that the war on drugs has been a ruthless, relentless
and naked war on minorities, especially African-Americans.
In the coming weeks, Holder may tell exactly how he’ll wind
that war down. It shouldn’t surprise if he does. President Obama and Holder
have been hinting for a while that it’s time to rethink how the war is being
fought and who its prime casualties have been. Their successful push a few
years back to get Congress to finally wipe out a good deal of the blatantly
racially skewed harsh drug sentencing for crack versus powder cocaine
possession was the first hint. Another is the mixed signals that both have sent
about federal marijuana prosecutions, sometimes tough, sometimes lax.
But if, and more likely when, Holder acts on much needed and
long overdue drug law reforms, he’ll do it standing on solid ground. Past
surveys by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on the sex and drug
habits of Americans and a legion of other similar surveys have tossed the ugly
glare on the naked race-tainted war on drugs. They found that whites and blacks
use drugs in about the same rate.
Yet, more than 70 percent of those prosecuted in federal
courts for drug possession and sale (mostly small amounts of crack cocaine) and
given stiff mandatory sentences are blacks. Federal prosecutors and lawmakers
in the past and some at present still justify the disparity with the retort
that crack cocaine is dangerous and threatening, and lead to waves of gang
shoot-outs, turf battles, and thousands of terrorized residents in poor black
communities. In some instances, that's true, and police and prosecutors are
right to hit back hard at the violence.
The majority, however, of those who deal and use crack
cocaine aren't violent prone gang members, but poor, and increasingly female,
young blacks. They clearly need treatment, not long prison stretches.
It's also a myth that powder cocaine is benign and has no
criminal and violent taint to it. In a comprehensive survey in 2002, the Office
of National Drug Control Policy, the White House's low profile task force to
combat drug use, attributed shoplifting, burglary, theft, larceny, money
laundering and even the transport of undocumented workers in some cities to
powdered cocaine use. It also found that powder cocaine users were more likely
to commit domestic violence crimes. The report also fingered powder cocaine
users as prime dealers of other drugs that included heroin, meth and crack
cocaine.
The big difference is that the top-heavy drug use by young
whites -- and the crime and violence that go with it -- has never stirred any
public outcry for mass arrests, prosecutions, and tough prison sentences for
white drug dealers, many of whom deal drugs that are directly linked to serious
crime and violence. Whites unlucky enough to get popped for drug possession are
treated with compassion, prayer sessions, expensive psychiatric counseling,
treatment and rehab programs, and drug diversion programs. And they should be.
But so should those blacks and other non-whites victimized by discriminatory
drug laws.
A frank admission that the laws are biased and unfair, and
have not done much to combat the drug plague, would be an admission of failure.
It could ignite a real soul searching over whether all the billions of dollars
that have been squandered in the failed and flawed drug war -- the lives ruined
by it, and the families torn apart by the rigid and unequal enforcement of the
laws -- has really accomplished anything.
This might call into question why people use and abuse drugs
in the first place -- and if it is really the government's business to turn the
legal screws on some drug users while turning a blind eye to others?
The greatest fallout from the nation’s failed drug policy is
that it has further embedded the widespread notion that the drug problem is
exclusively a black problem. This makes it easy for on-the-make politicians to
grab votes, garner press attention, and balloon state prison budgets to jail
more black offenders, while continuing to feed the illusion that we are winning
the drug war.
In an interview, Holder on that point was blunt, “There’s
been a decimation of certain communities, in particular communities of color.”
This is no accident. The policy deliberately targeted those communities due to
a lethal mix of racism, criminal justice system profit, political expediency,
and media fed public mania over drug use. This is why Obama and Holder have
delicately, but to their credit, publicly inched toward a rethink of the drug
war, including who it benefits and who it hurts. They should be applauded for
that.
Earl Ofari Hutchinson is an author and political analyst. He
is a frequent MSNBC contributor. He is an associate editor of New America
Media. He is a weekly co-host of the Al Sharpton Show on American Urban Radio
Network. He is the host of the weekly Hutchinson Report on KTYM 1460 AM Radio
Los Angeles and KPFK-Radio and the Pacifica Network. Follow Earl Ofari
Hutchinson on Twitter.
Read More: http://newamericamedia.org/2013/08/holder-says-the-obvious---drug-war-is-a-war-on-minorities.php
11. SIX GOOD REASONS
WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A TAX VOLUNTEER:
IRS Summertime Tax Tip 2013-18
If you’re looking for a way to help your community, then
consider becoming a tax volunteer. The IRS is looking for volunteers now who
will provide free tax help next year.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the
Elderly are community-based programs. They provide free tax return preparation
for people who need tax help but can’t afford it. People with low-to-moderate
incomes, seniors, people with disabilities and those with limited English
skills usually qualify for this free service.
Here are six good reasons why you should become a VITA or
TCE volunteer.
1) No previous experience is required. Volunteers receive
specialized training and have the option of serving in a variety of roles. If
you’re fluent in a language other than English, you can help those who do not
speak English.
2) IRS provides free tax law training and materials that
allow volunteers to prepare basic individual income tax returns. Volunteers
learn many aspects of tax return preparation. This includes tax deductions and
credits that benefit eligible taxpayers, like the Earned Income Tax Credit,
Child Tax Credit and Credit for the Elderly.
3) The hours are flexible. Volunteers generally serve an
average of three to five hours per week. Volunteer programs are open from
mid-January through the tax filing deadline, which will be April 15, 2014.
4) Volunteer sites are located in communities throughout the
nation. You’ll find them in neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping
malls and other convenient locations. VITA and TCE sites offer free electronic
filing for both federal and state tax returns.
5) Veteran and non-veteran volunteers may be able to help
military personnel and their families.
6) As a volunteer, you become part of a program that has
helped people file tax returns at no charge for more than four decades. With
VITA and TCE, you do make a difference. It’s people helping people. It's that
simple.
Additional information about becoming a VITA or TCE
volunteer is available on IRS.gov. Type the key words "tax volunteer"
in the search box. Those interested need to submit Form 14310, VITA/TCE
Volunteer Sign Up, by email through the IRS website.
More information:
IRS Free Tax Return Preparation Programs: http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/IRS-Free-Tax-Return-Preparation-Programs
12. JOB OPENINGS ARE AVAILABLE AT
WEST CHESTER STATE UNIVERSITY NEAR PHILADELPHIA:
Open positions are
posted at:
13. THE 18TH
EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2013 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:
Bishop John F. White, Presiding Prelate
Mrs. Penny H. White, Episcopal Supervisor
Botswana Annual
Conference
August 21–24, 2013
Balls AME Church—Lobatse District
Rev. Godfrey M. Jankie, Host Pastor
The Rev. Tiroyaone Mobea, Host Presiding Elder
Mozambique Annual
Conference
September 4-7, 2013
Sao Paulo AME Church, Beira Central District, Mozambique
The Rev. Jose Bussane, Host Pastor
The Rev. Jose Bussane, Host Presiding Elder
Swaziland Annual
Conference
September 17-22, 2013
Nhlango AME Church, Shiselweni District
Box A 28, Swazi Plaza, Mbabane, Swaziland
The Rev M.T. Nkonyane, Host Pastor
The Rev. S. J. Nxumalo, Host Presiding Elder
North-East Lesotho
Annual Conference
October 9-13, 203
Botha-Bothe AME Church, Botha-Bothe District
P.O. Box 73048, Botha-Bothe 400, Lesotho
The Rev. L.S. Libete, Host Pastor
(+266) 58122251
The Rev. M.T. Machefo Host Presiding Elder
Lesotho Annual
Conference
October 16 –20, 2013
Johnson Baker AME Church, Mafeteng District
P.O. Box 64 Mafeteng — 900, Lesotho
The Rev. S.C. Chakela, Host Pastor
(+266)58050774 / 57919141 / 22700273
The Rev. T.S. Malealea, Host Presiding Elder
14. ST. JAMES AME
CHURCH HOSTS THE BUILDING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS: HIV/AIDS WORKSHOP:
DENTON, TX (August 1, 2013) - The St. James AME Church in partnership
with the Denton County Health Department announces the Building Healthy
Relationships: HIV/AIDS workshop, which coincides with National HIV/AIDS and
Aging Awareness Day on September 18 and National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness
Day on September 27. The event will be held Saturday, September 21, 2013, from
12-2 p.m., at 1107 E. Oak, in Denton, Texas.
This local effort collaborates with Marie Brown, Denton
County Health Department; Ben Calloway, Health Services of North Texas; Diona
Cuellar, The Council on Alcohol & Drug Abuse of Dallas; and Kelly Richter,
Gilead Sciences Pharmaceuticals to raise awareness and equip our community with
the knowledge and tools to help fight the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The workshop will
feature presentations on HIV 101 basics; offer HIV testing; disseminate
prevention and treatment information; and provide care and support resources.
The presenters will make up the expert panel and answer questions in the
workshop.
Judith Dillard, New Bethel CIC Church, Ft. Worth, plans to
make a special presentation focusing on the challenges facing people living
with HIV/AIDS. She is the Community Outreach and Health Educator under the
direction of Pastor Michael Moore. Special invited guest includes Robert
Ashley, News Director and Talk Show Host of KHVN Heaven 97 Radio.
Of the estimated 40,000 new HIV infections each year, more
than 50 percent occur among African Americans. AIDS is the number one cause of
death among black adults, ages 25 to 44, before heart disease, cancer and
homicide (BalminGilead.org, 2013).
In Denton County, the 2011 Texas Health and Human Services
HIV Surveillance reports HIV infection rate was largest among age group 20-24
(41.8%); followed by ages 25-29 (35.2%); and 30-34 (28.5%); and 35 years and
older were 26.1%. African Americans had the highest rate of infection at 48.8%,
Hispanics 14.3%, and Whites, 9%. Among all groups, African American women had
the highest rate of HIV/AIDS diagnoses at a rate 58.8%; followed by Hispanic
men (36.1%); African American men (35.1%); and White men (25.1%).
Other activities include:
• Onsite HIV/AIDS testing
• Gift bags given to the first 50 people.
• Door prizes, skits and music.
• Health literature and care resources.
Lunch will be provided for workshop participants.
Pastor Mason Rice said, “HIV/AIDS is at epidemic levels
nationally and locally, and we must make people aware.” He added, “This is a
public health issue, and the faith community can work with others to ensure
that those we serve have access to screenings, learn ways to prevent the
transmission of the disease, and advocate for better care and treatment.”
St. James AME Church is in its 139th year of
providing service and leadership to the community. In 1985, it was designated
as an historical landmark, and has played an integral part in the religious
tradition of Denton.
For more information, call Mary C. Taylor at 940-220-9054 or
940-387-1223.
15. GETTING TO ZERO:
THE ORDER OF THINGS:
*Dr. Oveta Fuller
Several ladies were chatting after the Sunday morning
worship service. One asked if Brother Jones was still in the hospital. Another
answered, “Yes, he is still there after over two months, and it is hard to
believe that a broken leg could be so difficult to deal with.” Another lady
added, “I spoke with Sister Jones who said that since he has been there, they
have found that he has cancer.”
After a few quiet moments to adsorb this new information,
one of the group said, “Oh my!” Another proclaimed, “I don’t believe it! I
don’t believe that a broken leg could lead to cancer. We will have to continue
to pray for him and pray for strength for Sister Jones as they go through this
time.” It took another few quiet moments to comprehend all that had been said.
Then the last person in the conversation chimed in, “I hear your thinking, but
it is not likely that the broken leg caused the cancer. It is more likely that
the broken leg was related to cancer that was already present. Perhaps it is a
blessing that Bro. Jones had to be hospitalized for the broken leg so the
underlying condition- cancer could be detected and dealt with. Breaking the leg
did not cause cancer. Likely presence of cancer contributed to the fall that
ended in a broken bone for Bro. Jones.”
The above scenario is based on a true story. It well
illustrates the concern and frontline potential of an engaged and informed
church in the lives of individuals and families. It also illustrates how
understanding, or lack thereof, can profoundly affect perspectives and actions.
An ongoing effective Health or Wellness Ministry and training of clergy,
officer leaders and members about health related issues can contribute
substantially to physical, spiritual and mental well-being.
Reframing is
occurring
Cancer, once known as the “Big C”, typically was not openly
discussed. However, education and awareness campaigns are reframing cancer as
another disease, albeit still a dreaded one that takes a high toil. It can be
fatal quickly when diagnosis is delayed. With early detection, cancer often can
be dealt with medically for a cure, or at least to keep at bay debilitating or
fatal outcomes.
In 2013, instead of secretiveness and shame about the “Big
C,” we talk more openly about cancer.
For example, the month of October includes a focus on breast cancer
detection and research. Even hefty
professional football players participate in the awareness campaign by wearing
pink socks or using pink gear in their October games. Other months are
dedicated to awareness of prostate, lung or other kinds of cancer. Though the
race to cure cancer is not yet won, we have come a long way. Still there is
much to do that would decrease illness and deaths from cancer.
In the after church conversation described above, it is a blessing
that Bro. Jones went to a hospital for the broken leg so that presence of
cancer could be determined. The leg injury may have occurred as one indication
of the body’s distress. Cancer of the bone might have led to a weakened limb
and to a fall. Such might have started
in cells of the bone tissue. Or the cancer could have “metastasized” to this
location. Cancer might have weakened Bro. Jones’s muscle-skeletal system to
result in an overall fragile unsteady body. Dividing cancer cells can usurp nutrients
and energy from food intake that is usually available for normal cell
functions. The broken leg did not cause cancer, but most likely the cancer
contributed to events that resulted in the broken bone injury.
What fundamentally
happens in cancer?
Cancer occurs when normal body cells lose control of their
cell division and growth. Amazingly, healthy cells of the human body limit
their own development, division and continued growth. Control of cell division
is programmed by genes in DNA inside a cell. The natural order is that normal
cells divide to make more cells, but only until there is physical contact with
another cell or tissue. This is called “contact inhibition”. It is a normal
physiological attribute of healthy tissue.
(We are fearfully and wonderfully made!)
When something causes mutations or reprograms genes of a
normal cell so the cell loses growth control, a “transformed” cell is produced.
Transformed cells continue to divide indefinitely. One cell divides to make 2,
2 to 4; 4 to 8; 8 to 16; 16 to 32; 32 to 64; 64 to 128 and so on, to produce a
mass of cells, or a “tumor”. When dividing cells in the interior of a mass of
transformed cells demand nutrients and energy, blood vessels can be produced to
transport required nutrients and allow waste elimination. This process of
angiogenesis takes vital energy, nutrients and physical space away from normal
cells and tissues. It can lead to weakness, recurring pain, fatigue and many
other symptoms. Or, sometimes there are no obvious symptoms.
As a further complication, a few transformed cells may break
away from a tumor mass and travel through the blood stream to a different part
of the body. These cells lodge in a capillary (small blood vessel) in other
tissues or organs where the transformed cell will continue to divide since it
has no contact restrictions. This leads to “metastasized” cancer. For example, metastasized cancer has occurred
if a tumor mass in the liver is found to have biological markers to indicate
that it originated from cells in the membranes of the lungs. Such metastasized
masses often appear in multiple locations in later stages of cancer. It is
always best if presence of cancer cells or discovery of a tumor mass is
detected early in development and dealt with BEFORE metastasis occurs.
What does this mean
for individuals?
High intake of fruits and vegetables in a balanced diet
helps to keep anti-oxidant levels elevated so the body’s immune defenses
function well to detect and destroy transformed cells early before they multiply.
Routine screening tests such as mammograms, prostate exams, breast self-exams,
PAP smears, colon-rectal scans and monitoring changes in skin appearance can
detect changes that might indicate development of transformed cells. If
detected early by sensitive screening technology or by routine physical exams,
transformed cells in tissue can be removed surgically, treated by chemical
therapy or irradiated to kill these faster growing cells. Ideally this happens
before a visible mass, tumor or lump is formed. Without early detection,
transformed cells grow unchecked to a larger mass, tumor or lump that can cause
serious illness or even metastasize to damage key organs.
What is the take home
message?
Get tested. Get screened. As testing for HIV infection is
critical to controlling HIV/AIDS, regular cancer screening exams can reduce
illness and deaths from cancer. Screening can occur at annual physicals (as
recommended by your health care provider) or may be requested at a medical care
appointment. If cancer screening is not mentioned in a physical or medical
visit, ask the health care provider about age and gender appropriate screening
procedures you should do, or undergo for preventive health care.
Some screening can occur through church, community or workplace
health fair opportunities. Take advantage of these. Pay attention to
educational sessions in workplace or media campaigns.
Stay alert to your own body and its natural changes during
the aging process. There is truth in the statement “getting older is not for
cowards.” Aging with grace, confidence and enjoying the blessing of good health
requires intentional effort of individuals, family and community.
Cancer, like HIV/AIDS and so many other diseases, has a
disproportionately high impact on Black Americans and people of color globally.
To reduce the likelihood of severe disease or fatal outcomes: (1) get routine screening tests that can
detect cancer cells early when they more easily can be eliminated. (2) Eat a balanced diet that includes high
fruit and vegetable content. (3) Remain physically active to regularly
invigorate the body and its immune defenses. (4) Avoid exposure to known
carcinogens (cancer causing agents) such as smoke, radiation, some chemicals
and some infectious agents. (5) Tune in to pay attention to your physical
temple. Without becoming paranoid, be aware of how your body feels, performs or
appears. Especially check into sudden changes in any of these. (6) Remain
spiritually engaged and regularly refresh the mind with positive thoughts.
An informed and aware person is the best defense against
cancer. Setting up and sustaining an
effective Health Ministry to move better health information and wellness tips
to members of a congregation can be a huge blessing.
*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 4th Episcopal District while continuing HIV/AIDS
research in parts of Zambia and the USA.
16.
iCHURCH SCHOOL LESSON BRIEF FOR SUNDAY AUGUST 18, 2013 - DEDICATION OF
THE WALL NEHEMIAH 12:27-36, 38 & 43:
Bill Dickens, Allen AME Church, Tacoma, Washington
Basic Need
When a new store or stadium is ready to debut, the event is
characterized with much celebration and fanfare. Local officials will have a big
ribbon-cutting ceremony to symbolize the store or building is officially “open
for business”. It is not uncommon for
local high school bands to play several selections and leading political and
business leaders to provide short speeches to highlight the significance of the
event for the community at large. The
August 18, 2013 Adult AME Church School Lesson looks at the “grand opening “of
the Jerusalem Wall. Nehemiah was
committed to not only having a celebration to mark this historic event but more
importantly equipping his fellow countrymen with a sense of purpose, pride and
praise for what the rebuilding project means from a spiritual perspective.
Basic Lesson
Nehemiah Chapter 12 represents a personal eye-witness
account of the preparation and proclamation about the Great Wall of
Jerusalem. Walls are important in the
fabric of human history because they offer inhabitants protection against
enemies and provide security and stability for every member. The restoration of the Great Wall of Jerusalem
was no exception. Nehemiah however knew
this infrastructure was more than just physical protection. The Great Wall also symbolized God’s
providential care in the lives of His people.
For that reason the Wall is dedicated with a spiritual renewal consisting
of music and celebration (Neh. 12: 27-28).
In addition to the music, people such as the Levites, priests and
government officials were required to be purified or spiritually cleansed prior
to dedication of the Wall back to God.
(Neh. 12: 29-36). Nehemiah
concludes the dedicatory service by emphasizing the importance of participants
to give thanks and sacrifices to God for living to see this great event. (Neh. 12:38 & 43)
Basic Application
When we build a wall our intent, knowingly or not, is to
keep people or things at a distance from our private property. People who choose to live in gated
communities accept the gate as a symbol for restricted access. Everybody just can’t come and go as they
please in “gated communities”. God’s
Grace is the antithesis of the gated community philosophy. There is no restricted access to God’s
ubiquitous love and care. God provides
protection for his believers ‘round the clock as seen in the Biblical witness
of Elijah, King David and the Three Hebrew Boys in the book of Daniel. Throughout human history there have been many
great walls: Great Wall of China, Walls of Jericho, Hadrian’s Wall and the
Berlin Wall to name a few. The common
denominator for each is seen in the emphasis of exclusivity. Jesus however transcends “walls” by
demonstrating that unless we embrace inclusiveness of those we dislike, our
external wall will prove fruitless in the eyesight of God. Nehemiah rejoiced and celebrated at the
dedication of the Jerusalem Wall. We
celebrate that God’s Wall today is not based on fear of unknown enemies but the
fact that Jesus stands ready to receive all who accept his invitation.
*Brother Bill Dickens is currently the Church
School Teacher at Allen AME Church in Tacoma, Washington. He is currently a member of the Fellowship of
Church Educators for the AME Church.
17. MEDITATION BASED
ON PSALM 90:
*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby
I recently had the less than pleasurable experience of being
in an auto accident. A careless and very apologetic driver pulled out of a
parking lot and drove right into my path.
It took a couple of weeks to straighten things out since the other
driver, regretfully, had his insurance expire the day before the accident.
My insurance company followed through, appraised the damage
and sent me a check to cover the cost of repairs, but they also sent me a copy
of the appraisal and asked that I share it with the shop that would repair my
vehicle. They included an explanatory
note that said, “Some of the damage may be hidden until the shop tears things
down and takes a closer look, but if there is any unseen damage, give us a call
and we’ll cover you and fix it.”
I found that note to be reassuring, and I also found it to be
an object lesson in why it’s good to know and trust in the Lord.
Try as we may, all of us run into unanticipated troubles in
life sooner or later - troubles that shake us, damage us and leave us feeling
less than whole and in woeful need of spiritual repair. We usually do our best in those times to fix
things on our own, but often find out that our best efforts to make things
right and whole still leave us with unseen, unanticipated and damaging cares,
fears and uncertainties.
When we believe by faith, however, in the Christ who came
into this world to give His life for our sins and to clear up the confusing and
damaging times in our lives, we can find relief, restoration and
wholeness. We can be assured that when
unseen and unexpected headaches, heartaches and obstacles come our way, we can
still go in prayer to the God who says, “Give me a call and I’ll cover you and
fix it.”
We’ll all face our share of damaging situations and unseen
problems sooner or later, but that’s not what matters. What matters is that the God we serve knows
what we need before we even think to ask for it, has the power to make us
whole; and can restore us, encourage us, reassure us and enable us to say with
those who shook off the chains of slavery and the indignities of “Jim Crow”
segregation, “Whenever you pray let Him have His way, Jesus will fix it for
you.”
Get Ready for Sunday, and have a great day in your house of
worship!
*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby is the Presiding Elder of the
Beaufort District of the South Carolina Annual Conference of the Seventh
Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
18. EPISCOPAL FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mr. Gerald Powell,
a member of New Tyler AME Church IN Memphis, Tennessee for more than 25 years.
Mr. Powell is the husband of Mrs. Rita Fugh Powell and father of Jerita and
Jeralyn Powell. He is also the brother-in-law of Ms. Gwendolyn Fugh Dillihunt,
13th Episcopal District WMS President, and cousin of Bishop Clement W. Fugh,
Presiding Prelate of the 14th Episcopal District.
The following information has been provided regarding
funeral arrangements:
Friday, August 16, 2013
Wake - 2-5 p.m.
R. S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home
374 Vance Avenue
Memphis, TN. 38126
6-8 p.m.
New Tyler AME Church
3300 Summer Avenue
Memphis, TN. 38122
Funeral - Saturday August 17, 2013
11:00 a.m.
New Tyler AME Church
3300 Summer Avenue
Memphis, TN. 38122
Telephone: 901-3239371
Email: tylernew568@gmail.com
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Rita Powell
3636 Shadyhollow
Memphis, TN 38116
Email: rfpowell08@yahoo.com
19. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mr. David Moore,
the brother of the Rev. Gerry Moore, pastor of First Community AME Church in
Grand Rapids, Michigan and who serves as a connectional ceremonial
marshal. Mr. David Moore passed on Monday,
August 12, 2013 at the age of 52 after a short illness.
Services for Mr. David Moore:
Funeral:
Monday, August 19, 2013, 11:00 a.m.
A.D. Porter & Sons Funeral Home
1300 West Chestnut Street
Louisville, Kentucky 40203
Phone: 502-587-9678
Fax: 502-581-1869
Visiting hours for the family will be:
Sunday, August 18, 2013
4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
A.D. Porter & Sons Funeral Home
1300 West Chestnut Street
Louisville, Kentucky 40203
Phone: 502-587-9678
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Reverend Gerry Moore
15912 Avalon Avenue
South Holland, Illinois 60473
Telephone: 616-459-0151
Cell: 708-574-6802
20. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Robyn Cliett,
the daughter of Mrs. Doris Reynolds, past connectional officer of Conn-M-SWAWO
+ PK's and widow of the late Rev. Dr. J. C. Reynolds, Atlanta North Georgia
Conference.
Services for Mrs. Robyn Cliett:
Funeral:
Saturday, August 17, 2013, 12:00 noon
Turner Monumental AME Church
66 Howard Street, NE
Atlanta, Georgia
The Rev. J. Haithcoat, Pastor
There will not be a wake.
The viewing will be 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Murray Funeral Home on Friday,
August 16, 2013.
Murray Brothers Funeral Home
1199 Utoy Springs Road, SW
Atlanta, GA 30331
Phone: 404-349-3000
Minister's spouses, widows and widowers attending the
service are requested to wear black with the organizational stoles or pin.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Doris Reynolds
5035 Cascade Road
Atlanta, Georgia 30331
Telephone: 404-699-0521
21. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Sister Denise Ann Fortune.
Sister Fortune is the granddaughter of the late Rev. Thelma Pearson, an
associate minister at Saint Matthew AME Church in Philadelphia and the cousin
of the Rev. Stephen M. Lewis, pastor of Bethel AMEC in Freeport, New York. She
was a member of Wesley AMEC in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania where the Rev. Victoria
Brown is the pastor.
The following information has been provided regarding
funeral arrangements.
The funeral was held on Friday, August 9, 2013 at St.
Matthew AME Church in Philadelphia. The Rev. Roland McCall is the pastor, the
Rev. Stephen M. Lewis officiated and the Rev. Pleasant Hailey, retired pastor
from the Philadelphia Annual Conference was the eulogist
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:
Thurman Fortune
709 Washington Ave.
Media, PA 19063-4112
22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
This message to inform you of the passing of Dorothy
Miller-Melvin on Sunday, August 4, 2013. She was the daughter of the late Rev.
Dr. Isaac J. Miller II and Mrs. Hattie Miller.
The Celebration of Life Service for Dorothy Miller-Melvin
was held on Monday August 12, 2013 at Turner Memorial AME Church in
Hyattsville, Maryland. The interment was held on Tuesday August 13, 2013 at the
Maryland Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Cheltenham, Cheltenham, Maryland.
Cards can be mailed to
3406 Edwards Street
Springdale, MD 20774
23. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Sister Shirley
Cyprian of Oakland California. She was the
sister of the Rev. Nathaniel (Debra) Cyprian, (retired) pastor of the Louisiana
Conference; the sister of Sister Dorothy (Charles) Hampton of Fluker Chapel AME
Church, Fluker, Louisiana; the aunt of Sister Denice M. Williams, Saint Philip
AME Church in Atlanta, Georgia; the aunt of the Rev. Dennis J. (Barbara P.)
Hampton, pastor of Bethel AME Church in Claremore (Tulsa), OK; and the cousin
of the Rev Joseph (Lois) Cyprian, retired Presiding Elder in the Louisiana
Conference.
The Funeral was held on Saturday, August 10, 2013 at Fluker
Chapel AME Church in Fluker, Louisiana.
The Rev Wardell Dyson is the pastor and the Rev. Dennis J.
Hampton was the eulogist
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. Joseph Cyprian
P O Box 615
Folsom, LA 70437
Sister Denice M. Williams: dwblessed3@yahoo.com
The Rev. Dennis J. Hampton: PastorHampton@aol.com
24. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mr. Tony Glover,
Jr., the brother of First Lady Gail Glover Booker-wife of the Rev. Spencer
Lamar Booker, Senior Pastor of Bethel AME Church in Kansas City, Missouri.
The Homegoing Service was held on Friday, August 9, 2013 at
Jones Brothers Mortuary Memorial Chapel in Macon, Georgia.
25. MRS. ORA EASLEY
SHARES EXPRESSION OF GRATITUDE:
Gratitude is expressed to the Rev. Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III,
20th Editor of The Christian
Recorder, who I am proud to partner with in online ministry and for his
magnanimous sprit. Dr. Sydnor, as he did in October 2012 when I had spine
surgery, arose early on Wednesday morning August 7, 2013 and drove through
thunder storms to be present for my total knee-replacement procedure, in order
to be present to offer encouragement, prayer and words of assurance to me and
to my husband, the Reverend Dr. William W. Easley, Jr.
I have now been discharged after the assurance of a
successful surgery procedure to the watchful eyes and caring spirit of my
husband. A surgical nurse will visit our home two days a week for one month and
the physical therapist will visit three times a week for six weeks, after-which
I will go to out patient physical therapy for three days a week.
Thanks to each of you for your prayers and well wishes.
God Bless!
Ora L. Easley, Administrator
The AME Church Clergy Family Information Center
(615) 833-6936 (O) * (615) 403-7751 (C) * (615) 837-9736 (H)
& FAX
www.amecfic.org * https://www.facebook.com/AMECFIC * http://twitter.com/AMEC_CFIC
26. 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
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMEC_CFIC
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220
27. 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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