9/20/2013

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (09/20/13)

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




1. TCR EDITORIAL – A CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE FIRST-TIME EXPERIENCE AT THE KENTUCKY ANNUAL CONFERENCE:

Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder

There is nothing like a first-time experience. Most first-time events are memorable, especially if they are significant events.

I have parachuted out of “perfectly good aircrafts, mostly fix-wing and a few helicopters” 86 times.  The most significant was the first parachute jump.  I remember it like it was yesterday.  None of the other eighty-five jumps were like the first one. The first one was so unique and exhilarating - nothing like it. 

In my case, the second parachute jump was unique too and it was memorable, but for a different reason. I had a malfunction and for a few seconds I thought the second jump might be my last jump.

The second jump was memorable, but it wasn’t like the first jump. I could never duplicate the feeling I had when I made the first parachute jump. The same euphoric feeling never happened again.

So, when I think about my parachuting days, my feelings go my first parachute jump, but then that feeling is tempered by the second parachute jump in which my parachute malfunctioned.

As you might imagine, the Army “finding” was that it was a jumper error; another way of saying that it was my fault and not the fault of the equipment.

The Army, for me, is, and was so much like the AME Church. The Army has generals, colonels, sergeants major and first sergeants; and the AME Church has bishops, general officers, connectional officers, and presiding elders.

The transition from one to the other was seamless; basically, one hierarchal system for another.

Significant first-time events

The first-time experiences in the Army were significant and my first-time experiences in the AME Church were significant events.

Another memorable experience was hearing the alarm during desert Storm, “Incoming round, everyone take cover.” 

My trial sermon, my ordination as a deacon and especially my ordination as an itinerant elder were significant first-time events and those first-time feelings have never been duplicated.   

Some significant experiences can be duplicated

The birth of each of our three children was exhilarating and each birth seemed to have been a first-time event.

“Incoming round, take cover” was another duplicated first-time event experience.

Another first-time event

I had another first-time experience when I attended the 146th Session of the Kentucky Annual Conference.  Bishop Jeffrey Nathaniel Leath is the Presiding Prelate of the 13th Episcopal District.

I have answered an annual conference roll for 50 years and 46 years of answering the roll call in the Kentucky Annual Conference and I never had the experience that I had at this year’s annual conference.

Nothing new for the most part

The opening service was held on Thursday, September 19, 2013. The worship service began at 10 a.m.  The clergy processed into the sanctuary with the singing of “Holy, Holy, Holy.”

The Kentucky Annual Conference choir sang and did a beautiful job and the preachers shared in the various acts of worship.

The Hymn of Praise, “And Are We Yet Alive,” which always brings tears to my eyes, was sung with vigor, and I am certain that I was not the only person who gets choked up sing that great hymn of Methodism. 

Bishop Leath was presented by Presiding Elder Troy Thomas, who in turn presented the Rev. Wallace Gun, pastor of St. James AME Church in Covington, Kentucky, who preached a dynamic annual sermon.

The Invitation was extended, conference visitors were introduced, the announcements were given and the benediction was pronounced by the preacher of the hour. The service ended at 11:45 a.m.

A first-time experience

In 50-plus years of attending annual conferences, I have experienced almost everything that happened at the opening service of the Kentucky Annual Conference, except one thing. 

I have participated in processionals, sang “And Are We Yet Alive,” have heard great annual conference choirs, heard all kind of introductions of bishops and have heard all kinds of bishops’ introductions of annual conference preachers. There was not anything done that has not been done before.

But, there was a first-time experience

The “first-time thing” that happened at the Kentucky Annual Conference was not something that was done; the “first-time thing” was something that was not done.

I am tempted…

This would be a great place to write, “To be continued in the next issue…,” but I am resisting the temptation.
What was not done

There was no public offering!

There was a missionary offering lifted for a project in the 15th Episcopal District, but there was no public offering and the announcement was made that there would not be a public offering. Let me say that again: no public offering.

When Bishop Leath spoke to the gathered clergy prior to the processional, he thanked the pastors and their congregations for their support in giving the “opening and closing offerings” for the conference prior to the annual conference.

He explained that the opening and closing offerings given before the annual conference allowed the conference to “meet the budget” and that no additional offerings would be lifted, except offerings for missions. He went on to say that “We can all enjoy the Annual Conference as a spiritual and fellowship event. No one has to be stressed about money. We can enjoy each other!”  

It was like a shroud had been lifted. Preachers took a deep breath without having to be told to take a deep breath.  The preachers walked across the street and processed into the worship sanctuary with uplifted hearts.

A couple of other things happened

There was no standing outside; everyone was in worship. No distraction of people moving out of the sanctuary after the sermon, no “dodging” the offering, because there was no public offering. The business had been taken care of ahead of time.

Worship flowed more spiritually and more smoothly because there was not a distraction of exchanging money and dealing with checks and interrupting the flow of worship. The collecting of the money was done ahead of time and doing so enhanced worship and lowered stress.

Lifting an offering can take a lot of time and if it is not done correctly and efficiently, can be a distraction to worship and gives parishioners license to chat, get up and even exit the sanctuary, especially when an offering lifted after the sermon and after a long worship service.

Bishop Leath said, “I want you to attend the annual conference and not be distracted by the offering.”

A first-time experience for me

I have never before attended an annual conference where a public offering was not lifted.

It was good feeling and from the comments I heard, others appreciated the progressive initiative implemented by Bishop Leath.

A visiting presiding elder was heard to say, “We had better get back to our conference, because we have a lot of work to do.”  

I was not the only person who appreciated the fresh and mature approach to taking care of the financial obligations of the annual conference prior to the conference.

I hope this first-time event will be duplicated

Some first-time events are experienced just one time, never to be duplicated; but sometimes significant first-time events can be duplicated and I hope that the first-time event of collecting the money needed for the annual conference ahead of time will be experienced at other annual conferences. 

With planning and execution, we do not have to do things at the last minute and “on the run.”

2. AFRICAN METHODISTS PARTICIPATE IN SEPTEMBER 2013 WORLD METHODIST COUNCIL MEETING:

*John Thomas III

From September 10-13, 2013 the World Methodist Council (WMC) met at Wesley’s Chapel and Leysian Mission in London, England.   Formed in 1881, the WMC is composed of 80 member churches representing some 80 million people in the Wesleyan/Methodist, Holiness and Uniting/United Church traditions.   The WMC headquarters is under the leadership of General Secretary Bishop Ivan Abrahams of South Africa and Council President Bishop Paulo Lockmann of Brazil.  This meeting was the first meeting of the Council after the 2011 World Methodist Conference in Durban, South Africa and was part of a series of activities to celebrate the 275th Anniversary of John Wesley’s conversion experience at Aldersgate.  Wesley’s Chapel holds a special place in the heritage of Methodism because it was John Wesley’s own church and his remains are located there.

At the September 2013 meeting approximately 300 delegates representing 40 member churches attended the proceedings.   This was particularly impressive given that the World Council of Churches assembly will be held October and several member churches sent regrets due to being financially unable to send delegations to both meetings.  Every day opened with a worship service highlighting the cultural diversity of the Wesleyan/Methodist family.  Three new member churches were admitted: the United Church of Sweden, the Free Methodist Church of Rwanda and the Free Methodist Church of the Congo. The business deliberations were focused on finishing the restructuring began in 2011 and beginning preparations for the 2016 World Methodist Conference to be held in Houston, Texas.  The occasion is open to all who wish to partake in the global heritage of our faith.  The Council meeting closed with a moving celebration of Holy Communion held using the same table that John Wesley used to share the elements.

The African Methodist Episcopal Church is one of the founding members of the WMC and has played an important and visible role in its ministry.  Connectional Lay Organization President Kathryn M. Brown served as Chair of the Committee on Worship and Liturgy, as well as a member of the Council’s Presidium.  Episcopal Supervisor Edith White Ming served on the Program Committee of the World Methodist Conference as well as President of the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women (a WMC affiliate). 

In 2011, Bishop Sarah Frances Davis was elected as the Vice-President of the Council and Mr. John Thomas III was elected as the Coordinator of Youth and Young Adults.  Additionally, Bishop McKinley Young was elected at this meeting to serve on the Nominating Committee.  

Regarding the meeting, AME delegation leader Bishop Reginald T. Jackson commented: “The World Methodist Meeting was a constructive and progressive meeting that will bode well for the future of Methodism around the world. African Methodism was well represented by our delegation. John Thomas provided great leadership, particularly as leader of Young Adults as did Kori Beaman as our Young Adult delegate. Bishop Bryant gave a strong word on evangelism and Bishop Young will represent us well on the Nominating Committee. I want to thank Bishop John White who preceded me and paved the way. We had 22 people in our delegation; one of the largest.”

*John Thomas III is a Ph.D. student in Political Science at the University of Chicago and serves as an at-large member of the General Board.

3. CONNECTING ACROSS OCEANS - NEWS UPDATE FROM THE 15TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:

*The Rev Clive J. Pillay 

We praise and thank God for the safe return of the Women's Missionary Society from their excursion to Plettenberg Bay, granting them travelling mercies and some inspirational fellowship. Congratulations to Cape Annual Conference President Mrs. Dellarees Messiah and her team for once again planning this successful venture, inspiring us and showing us that African Methodism moves higher and higher every step of the way.

Congratulations to Bishop David R. Daniels for a very successful "Emergency Special Business Planning" meeting with the Cape Town District. Bishop once again expressed his profound gratitude towards the Rev. Willem S. Hanse Presiding Elder for the outstanding work done over the past four years when the Cape faced its most challenging period. The Rev. Hanse was transferred back to the Namibian Conference as he requested, leaving the issue of leadership in the Cape to be addressed. Congratulations to our "Caretaker Presiding Elders,"  the Rev. David Moses, the Rev. Granville Abrahams and the Rev. Audrey Ngamlana who will be taking the Cape Town District to the Annual Conference.

We are honoured to host the 40-voice Anglican Catholic Community Choir from Langa with Father Mike Williams as the guest preacher. This is in keeping with our monthly effort to highlight the work here at St. John AME Kensington and to take back our rightful place in society. We are thankful to God for the sacrifices made by the members in order to keep the lights burning and the banner of African Methodism flying high. Why not take a break from your service and come and support us as we welcome these visitors to African Methodism.

We solicit your prayers for the Rev. Abraham and Mrs Florence Neethling who son Adrian has been hospitalized and is presently in ICU. The God, who is the doctor above all doctors, is still healing, restoring and revitalizing those afflicted, depressed and down-trodden. Your words of inspiration and encouragement will be welcomed:

Email: Rev Abraham Neethling: abrahamp@telkomsa.net  

News Update: click on News at: http://www.amesouth.webs.com

Cell 082 351 3649
.

*The Rev Clive J. Pillay is the pastor of St. John Kensington AME Church in Cape Town, Republic of South Africa

4. DUPAGE AME CHURCH EAGLE SCOUT BROTHERS COMMISSIONED OFFICERS IN THE U.S. MILITARY:

Sherman L. Neal II and Denzel Neal are proud Eagle Scouts and alumni of DuPage AME Church (Lisle, Illinois) Troop 263 who have answered the call of duty as commissioned officers in the United States military. 

The two brothers’ accomplishments of achieving the ranks of Eagle Scout were highly instrumental in their being offered unique and challenging leadership opportunities as military officers.  The leadership traits and characteristics of the military are parallel to that of the Eagle Scouts: High moral character, perseverance, leadership, intelligence and a commitment to service.  


The two brothers from Naperville, Illinois, Sherman L. Neal II and Denzel Neal are the sons of Sherman and Michelle Neal.  Both Sherman and Denzel are members of DuPage AME Church in Lisle, Illinois and became active members in the church's Boy Scout program when they were young.

The BSA Charter Program leadership at DuPage AME Church led by the Rev. Dr. James Miller; Anthony Franklin Sr., AAMES, Boy Scout Connectional Director; Steve Franklin, Troop Committee Chair; Kenneth Northcutt, First Scout Master; and Steve Carnes, Second Scout Master; all served diligently working with both Scouts on their Trail to Eagle Scout.

Following graduation from Neuqua (Illinois) Valley High School in Naperville, Sherman attended Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee where he played NCAA Division I football and majored in political science.  Sherman graduated in 3-1/2 years and was commissioned in 2010 as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Judge Advocate General Corps of the US Marine Corps. Additionally Sherman received a the Thurgood Marshall Fellowship in law to attend law school at West Virginia University School of Law where he received his Juris Doctor degree in June 2013.  Sherman was subsequently promoted to 1st Lieutenant, US Marine Corps and will be conducting follow-on training in anticipation of starting full active duty service.

Denzel is a Neuqua Valley High School graduate of 2009.  Denzel attended West Virginia University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations.  Denzel received an Air Force ROTC scholarship, held various leadership roles and received numerous accolades for personal and professional achievements.   After graduating in June 2013 Denzel was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in August 2013.   Denzel will be conducting follow-on training in September 2013 in Panama City, Florida towards designation as an Air Battle Manager (command and control of Air Force airborne tactical assets).

Captain Sherman Neal’s achievement as a military lawyer is not without precedent in their family. His father, Sherman senior is a US Naval Academy graduate and is a retired US Navy Commander, and mother, Michelle Neal is an attorney.

Additionally, they have three uncles and two first cousins who are all commissioned officers. Not be outdone, their sister Maya is a recent Gold Scout Gold Recipient of the DuPage AME Church Troop 262.

*Submitted by Mr. Anthony Franklin, Sr.

5. BISHOP TO SPEAK AT CBC ALC FOUNDATION’S FAITH LEADERS ROUNDTABLE:

Bishop Vashti M. McKenzie, presiding prelate 10th Episcopal District AME Church will be participating in the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference Faith Leaders Roundtable on Saturday, September 21, 2013 at 10 AM at Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room 147-AB, Washington, DC. Bishop McKenzie has been invited to speak on a panel including Dr. Jamal H. Bryant, Rev. Tony Lee and Mr. Paul Monteiro. The event is organized by honorary co-hosts Reps. Elijah E. Cummings and Emanuel Cleaver II.

The panel will address the question, “The government has abandoned the poor, what is the role of the Black church?” For more than forty years, the CBC has been an advocate for people of color and vulnerable communities in Congress. Bishop McKenzie stated, “We are committed to being a voice for the voiceless in our communities, therefore we must seize every opportunity to make a difference.”

Bishop cordially invites members of the 10th Episcopal District interested in attending to join her.

6. AME NEWS UPDATE – ATTORNEY MARSH:

Please be advised that Attorney Marsh is now a resident at a quality nursing facility of the United Methodist Corporation, The Pavilion at Croasdaile Village.  He is in room 231 and according to his son, he's in good spirits; praise God. 

The Pavilion at Croasdaile Village's address is 2600 Croasdaile Farm Pkwy, Durham, NC  27705; Telephone: 919.384.2499.

Submitted by Dr. Richard Allen Lewis, Treasurer / CFO

7. SUMMERTIME ESSENTIALS FOR PLACE OF WORSHIP, FAMILY AND ORGANIZATIONAL SUCCESS:

*The Reverend Timothy Sands

Quite often individuals, families as well as organizations are not successful because of negative attitudes.  Moreover, the place of worship is not immune as focusing on making disciples is not the priority.  We must steer clear of selfishness internally because if selfishness ways go outside of the place of worship, negative feeling will be the tone and it may be a place of worship demise.  

Now in order for success to occur in all industries but especially, the place of worship the spiritual leader as well as the leaders of the local congregation must demonstrate cohesiveness. 

For example, the African Methodist Episcopal Church leadership structure has stewards and trustees and the two specific boards as well as the spiritual leader must understand collaboration is essential.   In other words, if the spiritual leader, as well as, the church leaders is not on one accord when personnel issues need to be address, resistance as well as disrespect will occur.  It is imperative that all individuals improve their attitude and obey the goodness of God.  So there are summertime essentials that we must have at all times and they are gratitude, optimistic as well as being determined.  Hence, we must not forget Philippians 2:5, “your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus” (New International Version).  

The trainees of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and other places of worship should walk away from training classes knowing how to transform anger into positive attitudes.  In other words, hurtful and negative words should not be connected to his or her vernacular. 

Once a visitor walks into a place of worship, the associate ministers, the steward as well as trustee boards along with the ushers should be determined in creating a positive atmosphere.  Therefore, “do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29). 

Spiritual leaders, as well as organizational effectiveness consultants, must stress to avoid negative self-talk as well as lewd and obscene language.  It is necessary to be polite and optimistic; in other words, there is nothing wrong with agreeing to disagree.  Romans 8:25 mentions, “but if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently” (New International Version).  Furthermore, everyone should smile, have a beautiful tone of voice and thank everyone for coming. 

Remember parishioners and customers have options.  Gratitude is essential; moreover, “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since, as members of one body, you were called to peace.  And be thankful” (Colossians 3:15).  Now focus on God and everyone will show gratitude, being optimistic as well as determined; ultimately transforming into a positive attitude.  Hence, “A positive attitude is something everyone can work on, and everyone can learn how to employ it,” says Joan Lunden.

*The Reverend Timothy Sands is the pastor at Camp Hope AME Church in Macon, Georgia

8. LESSONS FROM AN HBCU’S DEMISE:

By Benjamin Todd Jealous

This fall, as college campuses open their doors to the bustle of students, one historically black institution will remain silent. In the old colonial town of Lawrenceville, Va., Saint Paul’s College has shut its doors after more than a century of operation. The college had fallen on hard times in recent years, and it serves as a canary in the coal mine for other historically black colleges and universities that face an uncertain economic future.

Saint Paul’s College was founded in 1888 by my grandfather’s uncle, James Solomon Russell. A former slave who died an archdeacon and university principal-emeritus, Russell understood the transformative power of education. He opened Saint Paul’s Normal and Industrial School with fewer than a dozen students and a mandate to train teachers. Over the next 125 years, the school became a hub for education training in the region, producing many teachers in Virginia and neighboring states.

Many of the students who attended Saint Paul’s over the years were the first in their family to attend college. The vast majority came from poor families. The school even offered a child-care program for single parents enrolled in classes. Like so many other HBCU’s in underserved communities, Saint Paul’s was a lifeline.

The recent recession hit Saint Paul’s especially hard. Like many HBCU’s, the college lacked a wealthy donor base or strong endowment that could help it weather the financial storm. Faced with mounting bills, college officials closed the child-care program, laid off top teachers, and watched enrollment numbers fall back to near-1888 levels. Last fall, St. Paul’s opened its final academic year with just over 100 students before shuttering its doors for good.

Saint Paul’s demise should serve as a wake-up call to those who care about the future of HBCU’s. For more than 175 years, the institutions have played a crucial role in African-American advancement. HBCU’s make up just 3 percent of the nation’s colleges and universities, but produce 50 percent of black public-school teachers, 80 percent of black judges and 40 percent of baccalaureate degrees awarded to black students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, the STEM fields. Martin Luther King Jr. was a Morehouse man; Thurgood Marshall studied at Lincoln University and Howard University School of Law; Oprah Winfrey attended Tennessee State University.

However, even the wealthier HBCU’s are struggling financially. Morehouse College was recently forced to furlough some of its staff, and Clark Atlanta and Hampton Universities have both announced budget shortages. This June, a Howard University trustee, Renee Higginbotham-Brooks, wrote an alarming letter about Howard’s “genuine” financial trouble.

The recession only partly explains this crisis. Part of the reason is political. In 2011 the Department of Education tightened the standards for its Parent PLUS federal loan program. The program has historically been an important service for parents of HBCU students, who are more likely to need financial support.

The new standards have had a devastating effect. In the 2012-13 school year alone, the volume of Parent PLUS loans to HBCU families dropped by 36 percent, according to an analysis by The Washington Post. Parents of 28,000 HBCU students were initially denied loans under the stricter standards, causing HBCU’s as a whole to lose $150-million in expected revenue.

This slow bleed will continue as long as the tighter standards are in place. As the president of the UNCF, Michael Lomax, has recommended, the Department of Education should find a way to preserve financial aid instead of undercutting the students it is supposed to serve. Meanwhile, it is encouraging to see that the department is allowing families with small-scale debt—black, white, or otherwise—to become eligible for PLUS loans through an appeals process.

The loan program is only one part of the solution, however. Congress should also increase funds for Pell Grants, financial subsidies for low-income students that do not have to be repaid.

According to a UNCF study, 42 percent of all HBCU students come from families with incomes lower than $25,000. More than half qualify for Pell Grants. HBCU’s are only as strong as their students, and their students often need significant financial support. An expansion of the Pell Grant program will help support historically black colleges and, for many first-generation college students, help disrupt generations of family poverty.

Historically black colleges and universities like Saint Paul’s College are an integral part of African-American history, and they need to remain an integral part of our country’s future. As we write Saint Paul’s obituary, we must not allow other colleges to suffer a similar fate. Let us recommit to James Solomon Russell’s vision, which mirrors the larger vision of the HBCU community: a school for every student, a lifeline for every dream.

Correction (9/12/2013): This article originally misstated the number of years historically black colleges and universities have been in existence. It has been updated to reflect this correction.
Benjamin Todd Jealous is president and chief executive of the NAACP.

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9. 4TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2013 SCHEDULE OF ANNUAL CONFERENCES:

Bishop John R. Bryant, Presiding Prelate
The Rev. Dr. Cecelia Bryant, Episcopal Supervisor

Christian Education Congress
July 24-27, 2013
Pheasant Run Resort
St. Charles, IL 60174
800-474-3272
Host Information:
The Rev. Dr. James F. Miller, Congress Director
The Rev. Dr. Reginald Blount, Congress Dean

India Annual Conference
May 4 – 11, 2013
Radisson Blu Hotel
Chennai, India

Host Information:
Presiding Elder Minnie Sarah, host
Presiding Elder Abraham Peddiny, host

Canadian Annual Conference
August 8 – 11, 2013
Westin Prince Hotel
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
416-444-2511
Host Information:
Grant AME Church
416-690-5169
The Rev. Cory Millben, Pastor

Michigan Annual Conference
August 21 – 25, 2013
Double Tree Suites by Hilton (lodging only)
Detroit, MI
313-424-1369
Host Information:
St. Stephen AME Church (conference site)
313- 895-4800
The Rev. Dr. Michael Cousin, Pastor

Illinois Annual Conference
September 4 - 8, 2013
Holiday Inn Hotel
Des Moines, IA
800-248-4013
Host Information:
Bethel AME Church
515-266-1871
The Rev. Dr. Brigitte Black, Pastor

Indiana Annual Conference
September 189 – 22, 2013
Indianapolis Marriott East Hotel
Indianapolis, IN 46219
317-322-3716
Host Information:
Indiana Conference – South District
The Rev. Samuel L. Sumner, Host Presiding Elder

Chicago Annual Conference
October 2 – 6, 2013
Wyndham – Lisle Hotel
Lisle, IL
630-505-1000
Host Information:
Quinn Chapel AME Church
312-791-1846
The Rev. James Moody, Pastor

Planning Meeting
October 31 – November 2, 2013
Westin Prince Hotel
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
416-444-2511
Host Information:
Fourth Episcopal District Michigan Conference

10. BETHEL AME CHURCH TO HOST A PUBLIC DEDICATION CELEBRATION WITH CONGRESSMAN FRELINGHUYSEN AND OTHER DIGNITARIES:

MORRISTOWN, NJ – (September 19, 2013)

On Saturday, September 21 at 3:30 p.m., Bethel AME Church will formally open the doors of its new Community Kitchen (“Table of Hope”) and the John and Hellen Middleton Fellowship Hall.

The occasion will be celebrated with a dedication and reception for the public. The new facility, in the lower level the Church, will be a centerpiece of Bethel’s commitment of service to the community and will be operated by the Spring Street CDC. The dedication is drawing planned attendance from a many people who wish to offer congratulations and support, including our Congressman, Freeholders and a state Assemblyman, as well as Morristown leaders, clergy and the general public. Free public parking is available.

Hurricane Irene washed away the lower level of the building in 2011. Initially overwhelmed by the complete destruction of its facility, Bethel received help and assistance from many area groups.

Other local congregations, neighbors and civic minded individuals pitched in to help with the clean up. Normandy Real Estate Partners, a leading development firm in the county and the state, generously provided a complete rebuilding and renovation of the space.

“We will celebrate our recovery and all that has been accomplished at our Church and achieved through simple acts of kindness and selflessness. We have also been blessed with an unexpected and singular act of generosity from our friends in the corporate sector. We would be grateful if all our friends and neighbors would join us for the historic event,” notes Pastor Sidney Williams, Jr.

“This rebirth was created by almost all sectors of our community, and we hope that everyone will join us.”

Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church:

The first African-American Church in Morristown and has played a unique role in Morristown history. Prior to the Church’s incorporation in 1843, members of the Bethel Mite Society worshipped in various places in Morristown. A church was later built in 1874 with gifts from Mary T. Cobb, a leading Morristown philanthropist, and the Church building was subsequently moved to its present site in 1876.

“The Mission of Bethel is to minister to the spiritual, intellectual, physical and emotional, and environmental needs of all people by spreading Christ's liberating gospel through word and deed.

This ranges from feeding the hungry and housing the homeless to caring for shut-ins and encouraging thrift and local economic development. Our Mission also includes ministering to the needs of those in nursing homes, jail and prisons, and mental health facilities. The Community Kitchen and Fellowship Hall play a central role in helping us put our mission into action.”

11. ST. JAMES AME CHURCH HOSTS THE BUILDING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS: HIV/AIDS WORKSHOP:

DENTON, Texas - The St. James AME Church in partnership with the Denton County Health Department and Zeta Beta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma announces the Building Healthy Relationships: HIV/AIDS workshop, which coincided 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; Diana 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:

• Free onsite HIV/AIDS testing
• Free gift bags given to the first 50 people.
• Door prizes, skits and music.
• Free health literature and care resources.

Lunch will be served to participants following the workshop.

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.

12. GETTING TO ZERO: GETTING TO THE TEST IN TEXAS:

*Dr. Oveta Fuller

Let us not forget... the southern region is an epicenter of the highest levels of HIV/AIDS in the USA.

The AMEC leadership and members do not want the phrase to apply that, "We were found fiddling, while Rome burns."

We, people of African descent, are many, really most, of the people in the southern region of the USA who are highly affected by transmission of HIV. These are people in our families, in our churches and in our communities. These are our neighbors who may not be in our or any church. Let us not see, but by apathy or ignorance choose to "cross over to the other side of the road". 

The news article above covering the upcoming event in Denton, Texas is important. The article clearly explains why we cannot rest, why we cannot be content or why we dare not hide from the responsibility to act that is given to those who follow Christ. 

Here, we highlight some of the best practice features in planning for effectiveness of such a community event as set up and hosted by the St. James AME Church. 

- The hosts and planners of the event place HIV testing and counseling (HTC) as a priority action. 

- They surround testing with an HIV/AIDS workshop to build up the community base of understanding and to help remove misconceptions.

- They wisely provide relevant context about the community and local impact. People clearly should get "why" they need to get to the HIV event. It is made personal and relevant.

- They frame the event with something everyone can relate to through use in title of "healthy" and "relationships."

- They have widely announced the event and made it open to all in the area.

- They use a range of approaches to cast a wide net. These are though traditional print and broadcast media, interviews with interesting influential leaders and social media engagement. All of this is timely. I am told that for effectiveness, the news media must get out well, before the event, then also during and after.

- They have planned well and planned in partnership with others (e.g., Health Department, etc. for community engagement to effectively address HIV/AIDS at a time when schools are starting and healthy relationships are a focus.

Here are questions and suggestions that might further boost effectiveness of such critical community engagement.

- Are the pastor, clergy, officers, staff and event staff confidently informed to know that they should be prominently visible in getting to the test? Are they prepared from a place of knowing biology to answer questions and suggest referrals while enthusiastically engaging in events?

- Are leaders and members aware that HIV is just another virus so that before, during and after they can discuss aspects of 'building healthy relationships" in the midst of an HIV/AIDS epidemic? Attention to this is needed so that no stigma or judgment is attached or detected. Are they bringing the mental attitude and a clear perspective that HIV is just another circulating virus in the Denton area communities? It is either in the body or not. HTC as part of this "Building Healthy Relationships" event provides an opportunity to determine which. No judgment.

- Are other health screening activities available on site? This is not required. However, it would offer an additional reason that people might stop by. (Would be that we can get to the level of understanding to appreciate that no other reason to stop by is needed other than the urgency and possibilities available now to eliminate HIV infection. HTC is a key first step.)


- Could this be one event in several events in a series of "Building Healthy Relationships"?  Sessions might occur quarterly to provide the people in the Denton area a reliable accessible community service. The first several of these workshops or sessions would require intense focused planning and publicizing. However, the pay-off in an ongoing series and the potential to positively affect lives are astounding in outreach, informing, partnerships and community and individual well-being.

In summary, well-planned events such as the "Building Healthy Relationships: HIV/AIDS Workshop" held on September 21 in Denton, Texas move us ever closer towards “zero!”

*The Rev. A Oveta Fuller, PhD is a 2012 J William Fulbright Scholar Faculty, African Studies Center Associate Professor, Dept Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She is presently posted in Zambia.

13. iCHURCH SCHOOL LESSON BRIEF FOR SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2013 - NEVER AGAIN - GENESIS 9: 8-17:

Bill Dickens, Allen AME Church, Tacoma, Washington

Basic Need

Sir Winston Churchill, the great British Prime Minister, prolific author, and distinguished orator who addressed some of the most august assemblies in the world, once delivered a speech to the Harrow School of Boys in Britain:  “Never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in, except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.”

The erudite British Prime Minister spoke those words in 1941, and they have reverberated down through the decades as a model of an inspirational speech. But the Prime Minister was using negativity to inspire; he was telling his audience what not to do.  Negativity is a difficult form of communication.  It has become the modus operandi of political campaigns in modern partisan, polarizing politics. While it often proves effective in swaying undecided voters, it can also have collateral damage by leaving political scares on supporters and opponents alike.

The AME Adult Church School Lesson for September 22, 2013 explores how a more inspiring speaker than Churchill accented the “negative of never” and used it to provide comfort and reassurance for posterity.  Our lesson combines science, architecture, attention to detail but most importantly a promissory note far more valuable than promises we find today.  You will need more than umbrella to fully grasp the blessings that lie ahead.  Let’s Go!

Basic Lesson

Today’s lesson finds Noah in the center of God’s judgment on humanity.  The proliferation of mankind’s evil activities prompted Yahweh to express deep reservations about His creative design and culminated in the Earth being destroyed with torrential rain.  Only Noah, his family and zoological animals from different species are spared thanks largely in part to the architectural design of the magnificent Ark.  The dialogue between Yahweh and Noah in chapters six thru nine displays a firm appreciation for confidence, construction and finally contract or covenant.  In Chapter Six of Genesis we see Yahweh expressing favor or confidence in Noah.  As a result of this Divine confidence, God lays out the architectural blueprint to Noah for the construction of the Ark.  Let’s clear up a common misperception.  Many refer to the Ark as Noah’s Ark.  This is technically incorrect.  Truthfully speaking, the Ark is God’s Ark since God himself was the designer and producer of the Ark.  Noah was simply a subcontractor who assisted in the work.  As Jeremiah eloquently described the relation between Creator and creation - Thou art the Potter, I am the clay (Jer.  18:1-6). Noah followed the specific details to the letter.  It is safe to assume the project was completed on time and with no cost overruns!  At the conclusion of the 40 day period of uninterrupted torrential rain, the storm subsided and the Ark rested around the mountain range of Ararat (Turkey).  Yahweh provides a symbol to Noah and future generation that He would ‘never again’ display this form of lethal punishment on humanity. 

According to the Free Legal Dictionary a contract is an agreement with specific terms between two or more persons or entities in which there is a promise to do something in return for a valuable benefit known as consideration.  It is important to note that the contract defined in Genesis is not a binding agreement with equal counterparties.  Yahweh, far greater than humanity, displays his mercy by agreeing to a contract but the terms are clearly “negotiated” by Him without pretense or the need of appointed counsel.

The expression “Never Again” is used three times in Chapter Nine.  The repetition of the phrase added extra emphasis for the contract between Creator and creation.  The contract or covenant of the symbol was represented in the rainbow. (Genesis 9:11-17) 

Basic Application

The week of September 15, 2013 has been painful for many Americans.  Our country was at the precipice of war with Syria, devastating floods griped the state of Colorado and yet another senseless shooting rampage brought shock and horror to the Nation’s Capitol with the tragic loss of life 13 individuals at the Navy Yard.  The Bible Lesson for Sunday also covers death and destruction.  The major difference we find with our lesson and the devastating stories of this week is God’s refrain of ‘Never Again’.  This is a promise which we can trust.  This is the inspiration for some organizations to adopt the same phrase.  NAAF Project is an on-line memorial to the Holocaust and the millions of Jews who died. NAAF stands for Never Again, Always, and Forever.  Never Again Rwanda (NAR) is a human rights and peace-building organization that resulted in response to the 1994 genocide perpetrated against Tutsis.  In the Book of Genesis, Never Again is reflected in the rainbow as a contractual affirmation.  From a scientific perspective, the rainbow is an arch of colors formed in the sky in certain circumstances, caused by the refraction and dispersion of the sun's light by rain or other water droplets in the atmosphere.  The contractual or covenantal sign is ironically linked to the source of the destruction, i.e. rain.  This is yet another facet of the wonders of God.  The sign of the rainbow for a believer is far more satisfying than Dorothy’s epic song in the Wizard of Oz or those who foolishly seek a pot of gold at the end point.

*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.

14. MEDITATION BASED ON ISAIAH 25:1-5:

*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby

My present role in ministry, which involves considerable “road time” between Charleston and the churches of the Beaufort District, requires me to cope with one of the realities of summertime in South Carolina - unpredictable and severe thunderstorms that can generate hail, lightning, torrential rain and flash flooding.  I’ve learned the best spots on the roads that traverse the District to stop when storms make driving difficult and dangerous.

I recently encountered one of those storms and pulled off the road until the heavy rain eased up.  When I got back on the highway, however, I made a humorous and ironic discovery.  After driving through a half-mile or so of puddles of leftover storm water, the road suddenly became absolutely bone dry.  A mile or so farther down the road; bright sunshine broke through the remaining clouds.  The storm that led me to pause in my travels was intense, but it was also small.  Had I kept going in spite of the storm, I’d have soon been in clear, dry weather - and on time for a meeting!

My experience with that intense, but small storm is instructive as we navigate life’s roads; for not all storms are weather-related.  We’ll all eventually run into unexpected and intense storms of disappointment and frustration, storms of doubt and fear, storms of pain and uncertainty.  It’s easy for us to feel stressed and disconsolate when the storms of life are raging and to let their apparent intensity hinder our achievement and well-being.

When we remember, however, that the God who created us always stands with us, blesses us and protects us, then we don’t have to be terrified when the storms of life are raging.  We can trust in the Lord, press on in spite of the storms and often discover that what seem to be intense storms become minor obstacles when we leave them in the hands of the Lord.

We’ll all face stormy times in life sooner or later, but when we trust in the God who never leaves us and never abandons us, we can press on through life’s storms and find new hope, new joy, new assurance and new appreciation for the words of a beloved hymn by The Reverend C. A. Tindley, “Father along, we’ll know all about it, Farther along, we’ll understand why; Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine, we’ll understand it all by and by.”

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

15. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS:

-- The Rev. Felicia R. Bagneris was joined in Holy Matrimony to Mr. Lloyd Eugene McCloud

We are pleased to announce that on August 4, 2013, the Rev. Felicia R. Bagneris was joined in Holy Matrimony to Mr. Lloyd Eugene McCloud. The Rev. Felicia Bagneris McCloud is the current Coordinator of the Southern California Conference Women In Ministry and serves as an associate minister at First AME Church in Pasadena, California.  Mr. McCloud is a member at the City of Refuge in Gardena, California, and Owner/Proprietor of Sincerely Yours Luv, LLC, in Los Angeles.

The Rev. Felicia is the youngest daughter born to the late Rev. Jules S. Bagneris, Jr., who pastored in the AME Church for over 40 years before his passing in 1983, and to the late Mrs. Annie Bell Bagneris, who served with him as First Lady, Gospel Psalmist, Licensed Evangelist and WMS Life Member before her passing in 2003.

The newly married couple will celebrate their union at a wedding party with family and friends on September 28, 2013, at the Wilfandel Clubhouse in Los Angeles, California, with world renowned Jazz and Blues Legend, Barbara Morrison. Congratulations, Mr. and the Rev. Mrs. Lloyd McCloud!

Congratulatory messages can be emailed to:


Cell: 818-470-9717

 -- The Reverend A. J. Holman, Sr. celebrates 60th Birthday

The Reverend A. J. Holman, Sr., Pastor of Bethel AME Church Chattanooga, Tennessee celebrated His 60th Birthday on Monday, September 16, 2013.  The Reverend Holman was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Belated birthday wishes to the Rev. A. J. Holman, Sr. can be emailed to: bethelamecchatt@yahoo.com
       
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Sister Abbie Jean Wheeler. She was the sister of the Rev. Simon P. Bouie, pastor of Zion AMEC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

The Homegoing Service was held on Wednesday, September 18, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at Chappelle Memorial AME Church in Columbia, South Carolina

Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:

The Rev. Simon P. Bouie
1434 Catherine Street
Philadelphia, PA 19145

17. SERVICE ADDENDUM FOR MRS. RITA M. HOWARD WIFE OF REVEREND DELMAN E. HOWARD MEMBER OF THE JUDICIAL COUNCIL OF THE AME CHURCH:

Mrs. Rita M. Howard, wife of Reverend Delman E. Howard; a WMS Life Member and 1st Vice President of the Fifth Episcopal District Women’s Missionary Society passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013 after a brief illness.

Local services provided by:

Palm Northwest Mortuary and Cemetery
6701 North Jones Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89131 |

Telephone: 702-464-8460
Fax; 702-464-8470

Online Guest Book:


Funeral Services:

Friday, September 20, 2013 at 11:00 a.m.
First AME Church North Las Vegas, NV
Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, eulogist

Monday, September 23, 2013 at 11:00 a.m.

Jesse E. Cooley, Jr. Funeral Home, INC.
1830 S. Fruit Avenue
Fresno, CA 93706

Telephone: 559-268-8048

The Rev. Leslie R. White, Pastor of St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, Berkeley, CA, eulogist

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

The Rev. Delman E. Howard and family
6904 Homing Pigeon Place
North Las Vegas, NV 89084

Or to -

Sister John Ora Calhoun (mother of Mrs. Rita M. Howard)
111 E. Eden Avenue
Fresno, CA 93706-3042

Expressions of sympathy may also be emailed to:

Holy Trinity AME Church: HolyTrinityAMELV@centurylink.net

18. CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:

Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
Phone: (615) 837-9736 (H)
Phone: (615) 833-6936 (O)
Cell: (615) 403-7751




19.  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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