May is National Military Appreciation Month
Mother’s Day: May 11, 2014
Pentecost Sunday: June 8, 2014
1. TCR EDITORIAL – BRANDING IS IMPORTANT Part 2:
Dr.
Calvin H. Sydnor III
The
20th Editor of The Christian
Recorder
The Decalogue is one of our identifiable
AME brands! No doubt about it!
Allow
me to say this
Why
some pastors would want to remove the Decalogue from the AME Order of
Worship is beyond my comprehension.
Whenever
I have heard the excuse that it “takes too much time,” I have only heard that
excuse from pastors; I have never heard it from a layperson.
"Some
pastors have expressed the notion that the Decalogue,
as well as the Apostles' Creed, has
become rote and meaningless."
If
pastors and parishioners are not provided teaching and discipleship as it
relates to the important liturgical movements in worship, those parts will
become rote and meaningless, as announcements have become in most churches.
Just maybe, the Decalogue and the Apostles’ Creed have become rote and
meaningless because of a lack of teaching and discipleship training.
Allow me to get
off-track
Friends
can share honestly with friends; or, friends should be able to share honestly
with each other. You may not hear this anywhere else.
The
de-emphasis by some pastors on the Decalogue not only draws complaints, but draws the
biggest number of complaints by far, followed by issues with the
Communion. Some parishioners feel that the Communion Service is conducted
too frivolously. Others feel that some pastors seem to rush through the
Communion ritual to get it over with as quickly as possible because the events
prior to the Communion took up so much time.
The
choir is the other problem area, but that’s another editorial.
Other
complaints include those concerning long rambling, unprepared-clichéd
sermons and long worship services. The lack of pastoral visitation and
insufficient transparency, particularly as it relates to finances, are other
complaints.
Another
“biggie” is related to the duties and need for a presiding elder if quarterly
conferences are not held; and pastors’ failure to hold church conferences.
Other concerns include unconnected or disjointed worship services. As more than
one person said, “When I bring my friends to church, I want order and spiritual
decorum, not chaos. Worship just seems to start when the choir has enough
singers and everybody gets in place, sometimes five to ten minutes late.
Sometimes we don’t get out of church until about 1:30.”
Back
to AME branding
If
there is any one thing we should want to keep as a branding symbol
it would be the Decalogue. The
full Decalogue with the Summary of the Decalogue is as
Christologically-centric as one can get.
We
have several beautiful versions of the Decalogue
and creative music directors could probably develop more variations of the Decalogue to fit the needs of various
regions.
Pastors
have the option of doing the Full, Abridged or the Summary of the Decalogue.
Just
for information, especially for the laity, the Full Decalogue should always be accompanied by the Summary.
I am not sure where pastors were given license to do just the Summary of the Decalogue by itself.
The Doctrine and
Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 2012 (The D&D AMEC 2012) provides a note
of explanation for the Abridged Decalogue;
“The Abridged: Consists of First Commandment, ‘Nearer my God to Thee,’ and the Summary of the Decalogue.”
The Affirmation of
Faith
or Apostles’ Creed is recited by many
sacramental churches and we should include it in our worship because it is a
clear statement of our belief. If we don’t recite the Apostles’ Creed, many in our parishioners won’t know what they
believe because some of our churches are not teaching the great theological and
doctrinal teachings of the church. The Nicene Creed or the Te
Deum Laudamus are also litany options in worship for those who prefer
variation; and they are great teaching tools, not only for the laity, but for
clergy too!
When
the offering is lifted and the congregation sings the offertory, “All Things
Come of Thee…,” the Offertory that is sung in AME churches is our brand,
because the Offertory that we sing is AME, even though other churches use the
same Offertory.
The
American Marketing Association defines a brand as a "name, term, design,
symbol, or any other feature that identifies one seller's good or service as
distinct from those of other sellers."
A
brand can take many forms, including a name, sign, symbol, color combination or
slogan. Branding is a tool that helps people to identify with the
organization or business. Branding is an advertising tool and if used
effectively, can be an efficient tool for loyalty and growth.
For
instance, when many of us think about owning the ultimate automobile we think
about BMW because BMW has always been known as the “ultimate driving
machine.” Or we think about a Cadillac
or a Lincoln Town Car. When most people think of a Cadillac or Lincoln Town
Car, they think of them as America's premier luxury cars.
When
people think about Mercedes Benz they think about a well-built German luxury
automobile and the three-pointed star, which has adorned the radiator at the
front of the Mercedes Benz since 1910. The three-pointed star symbolized the
company’s ability to build motors for “land, water and air” vehicles. Small additions were made to the star like
surrounding the star with a circle and other minor additions, but the
three-pointed star remained the brand for Mercedes Benz.
The
brand image for an organization defines the qualities that people associate
with a particular organization and helps organizations establish
perceptions that become people’s reality. Organizations do not get rid of their
brands; they build upon their brands as Mercedes Benz did by surrounding the
three-sided star with the circle. The three-sided star has been the
Mercedes-Benz's brand since 1910.
Our celebration
We
should celebrate that we are Methodist and we should be proud of our heritage.
We should celebrate the reality that we are the sons and daughters of Richard,
Flora and Sarah Allen.
We
should celebrate our Connectionalism and celebrate that AMEs around the world
are "connected" through the African Methodist Episcopal Church; and
we should celebrate that we can attend an AME Church anywhere in the world and
know that we are in an AME Church.
We
should celebrate the wisdom of the mothers and fathers of the Church for their
insight to present a basic form of worship which allows our ministers to make
additions as needed in worship for their own particular environment. The Discipline says about the AME Public
Worship and Ritual: "Our order of
worship is intended to be flexible so as to provide for richness and variety of
content at the same time, it must have such unity as to insure that all members
of our church will feel at home in any AME church." We should
celebrate the mothers' and fathers’ superb judgment and flexibility, but
we should not celebrate or tolerate pastors who summarily dismantle AME public
worship and ritual.
Let’s be reminded
again
The Discipline allows ministers
to make additions, but The Discipline does
not give pastors permission to remove items from the worship and ritual. The Discipline provides the
"'Order' of Worship and Ritual," not "Suggestions" for
"Worship and Ritual." Pastors should be held accountable to insure
they follow the rules of The Discipline
as it relates to worship and ritual, as well as to the other rules related to
the ministry.
Other brands of our
Zion
The
most visible and recurring brand of our Zion is observable week after week in
our worship services. Worshipers and visitors should be able to recognize our
brand the moment they enter the sanctuary.
The
African Methodist Episcopal Church has a rich and storied history. We have been
at the business of worship and liturgy for almost 200 years and, though those
reading these words will not be here, I hope that our Zion will be here 200
more years.
TCR Editor’s Note: We invite and encourage op-eds (opposing
editorials). Please feel free to share your thoughts.
2. READER RESPONSE
TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
To the Editor:
I would like to thank you so much for publishing these words in The Christian Recorder. I love the African
Methodist Episcopal Church, but I have some concerns.
I have been a member of the mighty AME Church for 31 years - as
a pastor for over 20 years and now as a presiding elder.
My question is, “Do all of the bishops assigned to Africa
receive an exit-brief from the outgoing bishop?
Why do we, clergy and laity, have to start "from scratch" with
each new bishop who is assigned to the episcopal district.
From the time I joined the AME Church, only one or two bishop
came in and completed the projects started by the outgoing Bishop; and in those
instances the handover worked well.
Since the time I joined the AME Church, over twenty years ago,
especially in my annual conference, to date no significant developmental has
taken place in the community or in any of the local churches. And, we start all
over again.
Why it that each Bishop appointed to the continent of Africa
comes in with his or her own administrative model, but after his first-term, he
or she goes back to the United States with his or her brilliant ideas. It seems
that the succeeding bishop comes in with his or her own new ideas; throwing
away the projects started by the previous bishop.
I love the AME Church and I love to hear about the development
projects initiated by my beloved Zion. I love to see evidence of my AME Church
building schools as other denominations.
I see other denominations building schools, hospitals, clinics and
colleges, which are evidences of community concern and development, but the AME
church in my community is not doing anything; or at best, very little.
We are told time and again at the General Conference that our
Zion does not support primary schools. My question still remains, if, as a
church, we do not support E.C.D.s or Primary schools, where do we get the college
students or university graduates, if we do not groom our own children in the
manner we want as AMEs?
If, as a Church, we don't support the health community worker
from our Church, how are we going to run a clinic or a hospital?
From my own observation, we should be establishing or supporting
hospitals, clinics, schools, colleges and universities being managed by the AME
Church and staffed with members of the great Church of my choice being staff
members.
To me an active AME Church working in communities will enhance
morale and faithfulness to our Zion and stop our children from having to rely
on other organizations where they are sometimes denied opportunities to go to
church on a Sunday.
We need to support our young people and provide opportunities
for them to excel and reach their full potential and not have to rely on menial
low-paying jobs.
I want the AME Church to have a positive presence and a positive
influence in the community.
I am happy you are the Editor of this newspaper, the newspaper
of my choice.
A Presiding Elder from one of our African Districts
TCR Editor's note: I decided to withhold the name of the writer
-- To the Editor:
RE:
Thank you so much for the extra copies of TCR that features the Dr. Donald Tucker.
The extra copies allow him to send copies to his family and
share with friends.
We are establishing an archive of that time in his life and the
Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi at St. Matthew AME Church. This will
definitely be added to that collection.
Thanks for all you do to keep the Connection, connected!!!
The Rev. Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt, Ph.D., M.Div
3. EASTER EXPLODES AT ST.
MARY AME, SHREVEPORT:
*The Rev Robert Payne, Jr.
The Easter season came to a monumental conclusion at St Mary AME
Church in Shreveport, LA with three days of spirited worship and fellowship.
The weekend began with St Mary hosting the Shreveport-Monroe Ministerial
Alliance Good Friday Service to Commemorate Jesus’ crucifixion. Led in worship
by the Reverend Richard Starks, pastor of Allen Chapel AME in Monroe, the
clergy and laity of the Shreveport-Monroe District were inspired by fresh
interpretations of the seven sayings of Christ from the cross. Each preacher built upon the other until the
Reverend Josephine Franklin of St Matthew AME-Shreveport approached the pulpit
for the last word. Supported by a powerful choir and an anointed musician, she
brought the congregation to their feet by reciting the words of Pharrell’s hit
song “Happy” to remind everyone that we should be happy because even though
Jesus said, “It is finished,” everything is just beginning for us.
The “Happy” end of the Commemoration service was the perfect
beginning for Saturday’s events. St Mary’s Young People’s Department, led by
YPD President Ebony Jackson and YPD Vice President Morgan Williams, planned an
Easter Explosion and program to help everyone Anticipate Jesus’ Resurrection.
In response to St Mary’s youngest members canvassing the community to invite
all the residents to join in the festivities, over 250 people arrived at the
church to enjoy the bouncy castles, basketball hoop, popcorn machine, Easter
egg hunt, fire engine display, free food and games. Following the afternoon of outdoor fun,
church members and visitors alike gathered in the sanctuary for an Easter
program featuring poems by the children and powerful singing by the St Mary YPD
choir. The climax of the program was a
praise dance choreographed by Sister Charleste Cotton to the song “For Every
Mountain.” The inspirational performance
by young ladies from 6 to 21 left all in attendance excited about what was
still to come.
Early Easter Sunday morning, the doors of St Mary opened for a
sunrise service Celebration involving the four AME churches in Shreveport. The service focused on the first words the
Resurrected Christ spoke to Mary Magdalene.
The Reverend Doctor Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt, pastor of St Matthew
AME-Shreveport, the Reverend Demetrese D. Phillips, pastor of Mary Springhill
AME and the Reverend Robert Payne, Jr., pastor of St Mary AME, mesmerized the
congregation, each in their own way, expounding on Jesus’ words of concern
(Matthew 28:9; John 20:15), words of comfort (Matthew 28:10a; John 20:16) and
words of commission (Matthew 28:10b; John 20:17). Encouraged by the dynamic
preaching, all attendees departed St Mary ready to not only celebrate Jesus’
Resurrection in another Sunday morning service but also celebrating His
Resurrection each and every day.
The St Mary family set out to Commemorate, Anticipate and
Celebrate Easter in a greater way in 2014 and by the grace of God that is
exactly what happened. The best part of
this Easter Explosion for St Mary and all of the Shreveport-Bossier City area
is that Greater is still coming.
*The Rev Robert Payne, Jr. is the pastor, St Mary AME Church in
Shreveport, Louisiana
4. 2014 BALTIMORE
CONFERENCE WOMEN IN MINISTRY / LAY NIGHT:
The second day of the Baltimore Annual Conference was sponsored
by the Baltimore Chapter of the Women In Ministry(WIM) with a midday service
presided by the Rev. Rae Lynn Kingeter. The sermon was delivered by the Rev.
Brenda White, pastor of Bethel AME - Port Deposit.
After concluding the business session, Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown
expressed the importance of the June 24th early voting. The Rev. Dr. Frank M. Reid III was afforded
the opportunity to formally declare his candidacy for the episcopacy with the
endorsement of his Presiding Elder, Ernest Montague and full support of the
Baltimore Conference.
The night concluded with Lay Night's service in music paying
tribute to the traditional hymns we grew up with featuring the Empowerment
Temple collaborative choir comprised of Catholic, Apostolic, Baptist, AME,
Episcopalian, and Presbyterian members - with no rehearsal. This effort
displayed how musically innovative and spontaneous we are. The service in music also featured the
Empowerment Temple Christian Academy choir with a spirited rendition of
"Ezekiel Saw the Wheel."
The Lay organization memorialized their members from the past
conference year. Bishop presided over
the installation of the new conference year officers.
5. TWO MEMPHIS
CONGREGATIONS REPENT FOR SEGREGATION OF PAST:
Ansley Quiros
Vanderbilt University
404.931.5568
As people filed in to the beautiful, imposing Second
Presbyterian Church that March morning, it was pretty quiet. Both the
sacredness of the space and the uncertainty of the occasion contributed to the
hesitance to speak. As I took my seat in the pew, I introduced myself to a
woman near me. “Have you ever been here before?” I whispered, after she told me
she was a Memphian. A smart smile started across her lovely face, “Well,” she
said, “I’ve been here exactly once.”
What became clear as we spoke was that this woman had been part
of the very event we had gathered to commemorate: the Memphis kneel-in movement
of 1964. The notion of a kneel-in may sound odd. While sit-ins are as familiar
to schoolchildren as they are to scholars, the notion of a kneel-in usually
draws raised eyebrows and dismissive shrugs. But kneel-ins constituted a major
form of civil rights protest, one that was morally and religiously
confrontational. But what exactly is a kneel-in? As religious scholar Steve
Haynes defines them kneel-ins constituted “attempts by blacks or integrated
groups to occupy segregated ecclesiastical space.” These groups, men and women,
often black and white, would seek entrance to churches. If admitted they would
go in to worship; if denied they would kneel in prayer as protest. The kneelers
were usually impeccably dressed and largely silent, respecting the solemnity of
Sunday worship. The kneel-in movement began in Atlanta in 1960 when a group of
young students decided to test segregation in six Protestant churches in the
city. As a group of young women from Spelman declared, “What better place for
men to integrate than in the House of God where the doctrine of brotherly love
is taught?” What seemed simple theology to these young students was a crisis
for the segregated Protestant churches of the South, one that would haunt them
for years. From Atlanta these religious protests fanned out across the South in
the early 1960s, occurring in churches in Rock Hill, Augusta, Tallahassee,
Durham, Savannah, Jackson, Birmingham, Albany, and, in 1964, in Memphis,
Tennessee.
In March, a group of young people from Memphis’ local civil
rights groups, religious groups, and colleges, decided to test segregation in
Memphis’ churches. Initially, two students, one black, Joe Purdy, and the other
white, Jim Bullock, attempted to enter Second Presbyterian one Sunday. Because
of Joe’s skin, the friends were rebuffed and turned away. This set off a series
of protests in which students, black and white, visited at the prominent church
for several weeks, brandishing signs and marching in front of the doors. The
episode was painful and scarring to all involved. Fifty years passed, with many
people simply trying to forget the entire event.
But this past March, 2014, Memphis decided to remember, and an
amazing healing was wrought. With the support and diligence of Dr. Stephen
Haynes, the Rev. Sandy Willson of Second Presbyterian Church and Rev. Richie
Sessions of Independent Presbyterian Church, a commemorative event was held on
the anniversary of the kneel-ins, to consider the past, to repent, and to move
forward. At the end of the program,
those who had been involved on both sides gathered at the pulpit and clasped
hands. People who had been refused entrance grasped hands with those who had
rejected them, with prayers offered for forgiveness and reconciliation.
Fifty years later, the kneel-in movement has wrought what it
hoped: Christians, black and white, together coming before God in unity. Though
there is a long way to go, moments like these in Memphis reveal the continuing
possibilities for Christianity to bring people together and remind us of the
power of God’s love.
6. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION:
WHAT NEXT:
*John Thomas III
“Affirmative Action” grabbed the headlines again on Tuesday,
April 22 when the United States Supreme Court issued a split 6-2 decision upholding
a voter-approved ban on affirmative action policies in the state of
Michigan. At the root of this
case—Schuette v. Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action—is whether voters in a
state can approve a law to ban
preferences for certain groups in state services. The split decision of the Supreme Court
shows that affirmative action policies continue to stir debate and divide
opinion in our country across all types of lines. As members of a denomination rooted in social
justice, we should be concerned about the Supreme Court’s decision and its
impacts for our community and the United States as a whole.
The seeds for this decision were sown in the Gratz v. Bollinger
and Gruter v. Bollinger cases heard in 2003.
Both involved students seeking redress for being denied admission to
certain University of Michigan programs.
In Gratz, the Supreme Court overturned the University of Michigan’s
allocation of “points” based on race for undergraduate admission. In Gruter, the Supreme Court upheld the
University of Michigan’s right to use diversity criteria to decide the
composition of admitted students to ensure a “critical mass” of
underrepresented students. While
affirming the program, the majority opinion authored by now retired Justice
Sandra Day O’Connor also stated: “The Court expects that 25 years from now, the
use of racial preferences will no longer be necessary to further the interest
approved today.”
Directly responding to the Supreme Court’s verdict in the Gruter
decision, a group of “concerned citizens” in Michigan formed the “Michigan
Civil Rights Initiative”. The MCRI
advocated for an amendment to the Michigan State Constitution that would ban
affirmative action policies in all areas of state government—including public
universities. (It is not coincidental
that Jennifer Gratz, the plaintiff in the 2003 case, was the MCRI’s executive
director). In 2006, voters in Michigan
approved the amendment by a total of 58 to 42 percent with voter turnout at
50.7 percent of the 7.8 million eligible voters.
So now, the Supreme Court has spoken—but not with one
voice. Taking a closer look at the
voice of the Supreme Court, one sees a wide range of opinions. We are used to having the Five Republican
appointed justices side together. What
happened here? Clinton appointee Justice
Stephen Breyer concurred with the majority, not out of opposition to
affirmative action policies but because of the state’s right to limit the
policies if the law were correctly amended to ban them. He stated in his opinion: “I continue to
believe that the Constitution permits, though it does not require, the use of
the kind of race-conscious programs that are now barred by the
Michigan Constitution.” Justices
Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas objected outright to the legality of the
programs while Justices Ruther Bader-Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor ardently
defended affirmative action policies as a necessary means of eliminating racial
discrimination.
While the legal merits of the case will continue to be debated
by scholars, the data are clear on public university admissions in states where
affirmative action policies have been banned.
Recruitment of Blacks, Latinos and Native Americans declined in the
flagship (top-tier) public universities of California, Florida, Texas,
Washington and Michigan upon the enactment of affirmative action bans. The result is starkest in California. With a population that is 49 percent Latino,
the University of California of Los Angeles freshman class only contains 11
percent Latino students. While data do
show that college enrollment gaps between minority students and Whites are
narrowing, these don’t translate into higher admissions at prestigious public
universities—let alone a narrowing of graduation rates.
Affirmative action policies have always caused divisions in the
United States and within minority communities.
They strike at the dissonance between the United States prizing itself
as a land of equal opportunity while at the same time having a legacy of
institutionalized racism and discrimination.
We also know that preferences for a certain few will not combat the
entrenched cycle of poverty and lack of access to quality education that plague
minority communities.
Yet, these policies are an important step in ensuring equality of
opportunity AND equality of outcome. We
can expect initiatives by interest groups and legislatures across the country
in the wake of this decision and as a Church we must be prepared to speak out
as a community of faith. This decision
also illustrates the importance of who sits on the Supreme Court. Judges are confirmed by the United States
Senate. Key Senate elections are taking
place this fall in Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana and North Carolina. Our
networks are vital to encourage people to understand why they must vote and
understand the political process. A
voice if not spoken will wither away—and our voice is too valuable to be
silent.
*John Thomas III is a Ph.D. student in the Department of
Political Science at the University of Chicago and a member of the General
Board.
To see the full graph of college admittance rates view: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2013/06/24/us/affirmative-action-bans.html?_r=0
7. MIDWEST NORTH/SOUTH
DISTRICT CONFERENCE, A MODEL OF TEAMWORK:
*The Rev. V. Gordon Glenn III
The Midwest South and Midwest North Presiding Elder Districts of
the Midwest Annual Conference of the Fifth Episcopal District came together
again for their joint District Conference. Under the watchful hands of host
Presiding Elder Steve A. Cousin Sr. and co-host Presiding Elder Donna F.
Roberson, the District Conference was held April 24-26, 2014 at the Historic
First A.M.E. Church in Kansas City, Kan. Rev. Barry Settle served as the host
pastor.
Elders Cousin and Roberson chose as their theme, “Teamwork Makes
the Dream Work” from Nehemiah 6:15, “So the wall was finished in the twenty and
fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days.” (KJV)
The Opening Worship service on Thursday, April 24 featured the
Midwest Conference choir and the choir from St. Luke AME Church in Lawrence,
Kan. Rev. Verdell Taylor Jr., pastor at St. Luke – Lawrence, the preacher of
the hour, preached from the theme scripture and posed the all-important
question, “Who’s on Your Team?” Pastor Taylor admonished, “Without teamwork,
the dream won’t work.”
The Friday, April 25, Hour of Power messenger was Rev. Warren
Freeman, pastor of Bethel AME Church, Leavenworth, Kan. Pastor Freeman preached
from 2 Chronicles 26, “Pumped Up On Your Own Pride” and warned the assembled
not to be “overtaken by pride.”
The youth were in charge at Friday night’s worship experience
under the YPD banner of “W.E.R.K.” (“Working, Evangelizing, Reclaiming for the
Kingdom”). The youth came in praising under the direction of Miss Alpha
Spearman, Midwest YPD Worship Leader and continued praising God with musical
selections for the Midwest Conference Youth Choir, under the direction of Rev.
Rochelle Settle, a spoken word rap from Jamie Jefferson from Gregg Tabernacle
AME Church in Kansas City, Mo., and a praise dance from the Christ Our redeemer
AME Church Praise dancers from Grandview, Missouri.
The Rev. Mark Smith Sr., pastor of Allen Chapel AME Church,
Kansas City, Missouri was the youth night preacher. Pastor Smith preached from
2 Samuel 18:32-33 and posed the poignant question, “Are Our Children Safe?”
The closing worship service on Saturday, April 26 featured
musical selections from Trinity AME Church in Kansas City, Kan. and a powerful
preached Word from Rev. Nicole E Pledger, pastor of Quinn Chapel AME Church in
Sedalia, Mo. Pastor Pledger preached from 2 Timothy 4:5-7 and reminded us that
although we may be tossed by the waves of the sea of life, we don’t sink and
that God did not call us to start a fight, God called us to finish it. Pastor
Pledger concluded by admonishing that “we don’t get to stop until the bell
sounds.”
The Midwest South and North District Conference, during the
business sessions, heard from District Stewards and pastors reporting on the
progress of the 56 churches which make up both Districts.
The Rev. Joseph H. Forbes, retired P.E., gave an interactive
workshop on “Electing General Conference Delegates” complete with a mock
election, to alert clergy and laity of the changes to the rules since the
publication of the 2012 Discipline.
Through worship, work, and learning, the Midwest South and North
District Conference was another success. The pastor and members of First A.M.E.
Church of Kansas City, Kan. left no stone unturned and catered to every need of
the attendees and participants.
Presiding Elders Cousin and Roberson, through their candor and
commitment to the work of Christ, conducted the business sessions with
professionalism and grace proving that teamwork does make the dream work.
*The Rev. V. Gordon Glenn III is the Public Relations Director
for the Midwest Annual Conference of the Fifth Episcopal District
8. STATEMENT FROM THE
NATIONAL BASKETBALL RETIRED PLAYERS ASSOCIATION REGARDING DONALD STERLING’S
LIFETIME BAN FROM THE NBA:
The National Basketball Retired Players Association, the only
alumni association directly supported by the NBA and National Basketball
Players Association, today issued the following statement regarding NBA
Commissioner Adam Silver’s decision to ban Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald
Sterling from the league for life:
“Today the NBA and Commissioner Adam Silver took action that
speaks loud and clear in the face of racism and bigotry – hatred and prejudice
will not be tolerated. Donald Sterling’s revolting words and sickening attitude
toward African-Americans deeply hurt not only the basketball community, but
also society at-large. Mr. Sterling’s behavior is appalling and unacceptable
and we commend the Commissioner for taking a strong and appropriate stand.
As the official alumni organization for professional basketball,
the National Basketball Retired Players Association has also stood tall in the
face of Mr. Sterling’s hateful statements. We are proud of our members,
including Chairman Otis Birdsong, Vice Chairman Thurl Bailey, Kareem
Abdul-Jabbar, Greg Anthony, Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson, Mayor Kevin Johnson, Norm
Nixon, Dominique Wilkins and dozens more for speaking up against bigotry and
making sure retired players had a voice in this defining and historic moment.
It is our hope that this very sad event puts a spotlight on the continuing
prejudice and discrimination that still exists in our country and educates
society about such hatred as we work to end bigotry and racism once and for
all.”
About the National
Basketball Retired Players Association
The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is
comprised of former professional basketball players from the NBA, ABA, Harlem
Globetrotters and WNBA. It is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization with a
two-pronged mission to assist former NBA, ABA, Harlem Globetrotters and WNBA
players in their transition from the playing court into life after the game,
while also positively impacting communities and youth through basketball. The
NBRPA was founded in 1992 by basketball legends Dave DeBusschere, Dave Bing,
Archie Clark, Dave Cowens and Oscar Robertson. The NBRPA works in direct
partnerships with the NBA, National Basketball Players Association and WNBA.
Arnie D. Fielkow is the President & CEO, and the NBRPA Board of Directors
includes Chairman of the Board Otis Birdsong, Vice Chairman Thurl Bailey, Treasurer
Marvin Roberts, Secretary Steve Hayes, Past Chairman Robert A. (Bob) Elliott,
Past Chairman George W. Tinsley Sr., Rick Barry, Dwight Davis, Spencer Haywood,
Johnny Newman and Eldridge Recasner.
9. AFRICAN METHODIST
EPISCOPAL [“AME”] CHURCH SUPPORTS NBA COMMISSIONER’S BAN OF STERLING:
(Statement from Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, Los Angeles, CA, April
29, 2014)
Racism is anathema to any civilized society. The African
Methodist Episcopal Church was born out of prejudice and slavery. Our Church
like any other religious institution stands for freedom of religion and respect
for humanity. As part of the religious community of Los Angeles, the Fifth
Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church espouses equality
and freedom from oppression and prejudice. Racism in any form cannot be
tolerated. This is especially repugnant when an individual, who has been
blessed with financial wealth extracted from our community exhibits racism.
The recent revelations of bigotry practiced by the Los Angeles Clippers
owner, Donald Sterling is shocking to the conscience. Sterling is a public
figure owning a sports franchise that is supported by Southern California
community. As such, Mr. Sterling’s racist comments are even more reprehensible
since he has benefitted from exploitation of his professional athletes and from
the Clippers' loyal fans. Mr. Sterling’s well-documented history of prejudice
against minorities must now come to an end. We believe Mr. Sterling has a
public duty to practice tolerance and champion human rights. In this regard, he
has failed miserably. There is no room in our society for a man in his position
to continue to control a professional franchise so vital to our Los Angeles
community. The Clippers represent this City. As the owner of the Los Angeles
Clippers, he has to be removed from that position. Otherwise, the stigma of his
actions will destroy the good name of this sports franchise and the city of Los
Angeles as well. A professional sports franchise is a microcosm of fair play
and equality for every human being. There is no place in that arena for a man
like Mr. Sterling. The religious community of Los Angeles supports the removal
of Mr. Sterling as the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers.
10. AME HUMOR:
A man made an appointment with an AME minister. “My name John
Young, I am not a member of your church, but I have been here for several
funerals, I think you give the best eulogies in town.”
The AME minister responded, “Well thank you, I am very humbled
by your kind words.”
The man went on to say, “I recently lost a loved one and would
like you to do the eulogy.”
The AME minister asked, “What date to you have in mind?”
“How about Saturday?”
“Looking over his calendar, the pastor said the earliest date is
next Thursday. The man responded, “Well for you, I would wait.”
The AME pastor asked, “Fine, please tell me something about the
deceased; it will help me with my eulogy.”
The man answered, “He was 15 years old.”
The pastor responded that the deceased was very young.
The man responded, “Well not really, his name was Spot.”
The preacher asked, “Was Spot his nickname?”
The man replied, “No Spot was my dog and he was like family.”
The AME preacher responded, “I’m sorry for your lost Mr. Young,
but I do not do eulogies for dogs.”
“Well do you any know pastor who would? “
The AME preachers said, “There is a Baptist church around the
corner, for a small fee we would do it, he needs money for his building fund.”
“Well I am glad to know that because I was going to make a $50,000
donation in Spot’s memory?
The AME preacher responded, “Sir, why didn't you tell me your
dog was an AME? We can have the funeral tomorrow; what was his favorite
scripture, his favorite hymn?”
11. THE TRUTH IS THE
LIGHT:
*Reverend Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr.
-- Based on Biblical Text: Luke 24:2-3 - “And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. And they
entered in, and found not the body of Jesus.”
I love this season of new beginnings. The air seems fresher. The
leaves on the trees appear greener and much more alive. The flowers are
beautiful and there is a new vibrancy in all of God’s handiwork. Everything is
alive and life, it seems, takes on new meaning.
However, sometimes it appears that a whole lot of us have
forgotten just how much of a price God has paid in order for us to have life.
Some seem to have forgotten just how much God sacrificed for us. How much more
could God have given to prove how important we are to Him? “Greater love hath
no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” God gave His
very best. God, who loves us even better than we love ourselves, gave His all
so that we can have life. And, might I add, not just a little life. God gave us
the very best that He had to offer in order that we could have life more
abundantly.
It just seems sometimes that we are not fully aware of just what
a valuable price the Lord paid for us to be delivered and set free. As a matter
of fact, truth be told, a lot of folk seem to know and just don’t care. Some
folk act like Jesus is still dead. Reading the news paper each morning could
even mislead us to believe that evil won.
And then there are those among us who are apparently waiting on
another sign, living as if what has already been done for us is not enough to
thoroughly persuade us. Please excuse me but I am convinced that there are folk
all around us living like Jesus is still laying in the tomb.
By faith we know He is not there. We are encouraged to remind
those who are still looking for Jesus, don’t look over in the borrowed grave,
don’t look over in the tomb because He is not there. We are charged to let folk
know that Jesus got up.
I am so excited when I think of how Jesus prevailed over even the
most sinister plot to discredit Him and to derail His message. How powerful a
commitment! What incredible faith. One from among His most trusted set Him up.
The religious hierarchy hemmed Him up. The symbols of tyranny and oppression
tied Him up and they beat Him up. What the devil meant for evil God turned to
good as after tying Jesus to the cross they lifted Him up. Jesus promised, “If
I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men unto me.”
Preachers on Sunday morning, in the traditional afrocentric
intoning that brings the congregation to their feet, remind us that they nailed
Jesus to an old rugged cross; they stretched Him wide; they hung Him high; they
cut His side and He bled and died. For our sins He sacrificed His life. Nailed
to a cross that we made Jesus took our place and bought our redemption;
reconciled us back to God. Jesus gave His life for ours.
We are reminded that they took Him down from the cross that day
and wrapped Him burial clothes. They put Him in borrowed tomb. The enemy thought
that was the end. They had mistakenly thought it was all over and had chalked
up a win for evil. But what the enemy meant for evil God turned into good.
Thank God, the tomb is empty. Jesus is not there, he got up. He
arose just like He said He would. He lives. We can claim the victory. The
battle has already been won. Victory is ours and all we have to do is to wake
up and receive it. Life for us takes on so much more meaning now. We know now
that the Devil is a liar. “Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the
world.”
The part of the story I pray we really come to understand is
that the miracle of Jesus did not manifest itself until the stone was rolled
away. That is critical as we must come to realize that in order for us to
receive the blessings and to walk in the victory it may very well be that we
will have to roll some stones away. Many of us have stones in our lives that
keep us from getting to God. If God had not moved the stone away it would have
blocked the miracle from getting out.
I am so encouraged by the incredible talent in our churches. Our
churches are full of people on their way somewhere. Our sanctuaries are rife
with great minds poised for great futures. However, some of us will never truly
be able to reach our full potential, until the stones are rolled away.
We are a blessed people. Many among us are about to accomplish
greatness. Some are on the brink of making a great discovery. Many are on the
verge of a monumental breakthrough, but we need to roll the stones away.
The Bible reminds us to “not grow weary in our well-doing.”
Sometimes we feel like we are in a pothole on the road of life, just spinning
our wheels. Some of us are just about there. We are almost at a point of peace.
We are on the edge, at the door, standing at the threshold, just about to break
out. But, we can’t really see, can’t really understand because we need to roll
some stones away
For some of us it could very well be the stone of guilt or the
stone of distrust. For others it could be the stone of confusion, jealousy or
selfishness. For many of us it could possibly be the stone of ignorance,
arrogance or the stone of pride. Whatever it is we must come to realize that if
we are looking for a breakthrough, if we expect a miracle, if we are looking
for the Holy Spirit to work in our life we have to roll some stones away.
The miracle of Jesus did not manifest itself until the stone was
rolled away. The stone was rolled away and Jesus got up. When Jesus got up we
got up. Jesus lives and because He lives we live. Because He lives we don’t
have to fight this battle on our own. We don’t have to deal with Satan by
ourselves.
God sent His son Jesus to love, to heal and to forgive. He lived
for our sake. He was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our
iniquities. He died to buy our pardon. They rolled a stone to cover the door of
the tomb. But, early Sunday morning the stone was rolled away.
And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. And
they entered in, and found not the body of Jesus. The grave was empty. Jesus
got up with power and authority in His hands. The stone was rolled away and
Jesus lives. Because He lives we have help and rest. Because He lives we have
joy and peace. Because He lives we have thanksgiving on our lips, praise in our
souls and a song in our hearts.
Roll the stones away and walk in the victory. Because He lives
there is a better way; there is a way out. Because He lives we can roll away
the stones in our lives that once had our pathway blocked. All fear is gone
because He holds the future. Roll the stones away, we can face tomorrow, life
is worth living just because He lives.
*The Reverend Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr., is the pastor of
Morris Brown AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina
12. PRAYING THE PSALMS:
“I call out to God Most
High—to God, who comes through for me.” - Psalm 57:2
The Psalms have been called the prayer book of the Bible. These
150 songs and prayers have been sung and prayed for many thousands of years by
Jewish and Christian believers, gathered together and individually. They
express the full range of human emotions from anguish to doubt to joy. As such,
they provide a natural and wonderful place to begin to pray the scriptures.
The Psalms help us offer all of ourselves to God, not just the
happy parts. The Psalms show us how to pour out our hearts to God, and they
assure us that nothing is too bad or ugly to include in our prayers. Theologian
Walter Brueggemann says, “The Psalms are an assurance to us that when we pray
and worship, we are not expected to censure or deny the deepness of our own
human pilgrimage. Rather, we are expected to submit it openly and trustingly so
that it can be brought to eloquent and passionate speech addressed to the Holy
One” (Praying the Psalms: Engaging Scripture and the Life of the Spirit,
[Eugene, Ore.: Wipf and Stock, 2007], 14).
Reading a psalm slowly and prayerfully as your prayer to God is
one way to pray the psalms. Here are some other ways:
Praying Psalms Aloud:
The Psalms were written to be spoken or sung. Read the psalm aloud, taking your
time and thinking about the words and how they represent your feelings and your
life situation. Notice the difference between speaking the psalm and merely
reading it in silence.
Writing Psalms: The
Psalms seem to invite us to express our own thoughts and prayers to God in a
similar manner. Try writing your own psalm by giving testimony to your joys and
pain or by responding to these questions in a written prayer: What would you
like to say to God? What is making you happy or sad or afraid? How do you need
God’s help today?
Paraphrasing Psalms:
After reading and meditating on a psalm, put it in your own words, to God from
you. Take the psalm line-by-line and express each thought in your own way. When
you are finished, read your paraphrased psalm to God aloud as your prayer.
Memorize a Psalm:
When we learn a psalm “by heart,” we are planting this prayer deep inside
ourselves. In times of sorrow and deep need, we can draw upon the wisdom and
solace of a memorized psalm. Perhaps the most famous and well-loved psalm in
the Bible is Psalm 23. Many people have memorized this psalm and found comfort
in its words, whether or not they have a Bible with them. The words are in
their hearts.
Singing the Psalms:
St. Augustine is credited with saying, “A person who sings prays twice.” This
is certainly true when we sing the prayers of the Psalms. Many hymns and
contemporary
Christian praise songs use the words of the Psalms; perhaps you
sing these songs at your church. You may find recordings online http://www.psalm-singing.org/ to
listen to or you can sing the words to a psalm to a tune you already know.
Read more: http://t.e2ma.net/message/hnrzf/hvlwnf
TCR Editor’s Note: For instance, you can sing Psalm 102 to the
tune of Duke Street, which is Long Meter 88.88. So, one could substitute any
Long Meter tune in singing Psalm 102. The 23rd Psalm in the AMEC
Hymnal is musically written using Crimond, a Common Meter tune (86.86.) and can
be sung using any Common Meter 86.86. Go to Number 208 in the AMEC Hymnal and
sing the 23rd Psalm with whichever Common Meter you are familiar, such as
Amazing Grace or one of the other familiar Common Meter tunes. You do not need
to be able to read music to sing some of the Psalms in the tune of gospel songs
and spirituals.
13. GETTING TO ZERO:
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER:
*Dr. Oveta Fuller
May 1 was the National Day of Prayer.
In this month in 2014, we still are talking about how to stop
HIV/AIDS and other diseases and disorders that can be prevented, reduced or
eliminated. A few examples are cervical
cancer caused over time by infection with human papilloma virus (HPV),
hepatitis B that can be avoided by getting the Hepatitis B vaccine, reduction
of shingles and chickenpox by getting the appropriate vaccines, reducing early
death from breast and prostate cancer by routine screenings for early cancer
detection, stopping the crippling effects of diabetes by monitoring glucose
levels, food intake and exercise, lowering the worldwide incidence of malaria,
tuberculosis and diarrhea diseases that kill millions prematurely each year.
We still are focusing on health disparities. Why do people of
color in the USA have a disproportionate burden of some diseases? What can
change this? One example we are led to
learn more about is the disproportionate numbers of black males who are
infected with HIV compared to the percentage of the overall population that are
black men. We are exploring the still increasing numbers of same-gender loving
males or men who have sex with men (MSM) who also are African American.
Why?
We have the conversation because we want to conquer HIV/AIDS. We
talk together because the males infected are ours- our brothers, our sons, our
uncles, our fathers, our nephews, our husbands, our co-workers. They are our
friends and congregation members and neighbors and kids in our schools.
We are exploring the issue through hearing from inside to
understand. I want to hear what others think, know, believe and hear. But most
of all I want to get the understanding that only God can provide.
How did HIV get so integrated into the African American
community? What did/do MSMs have to do with this?
Why are some black males, or white males, or males MSMs? Why are
some females same gender loving? Can a person really be bisexual and thus
sexually attracted to males and females?
Is same-gender loving a sexual preference nature or nurture? Is
homosexually or same-gender attraction a learned behavior? Or, is it a part of
the innate composition of a person? Is it in the genes or due to socialization
and environment? Importantly, can understanding help with knowing what can be
done to reduce virus transmission that leads to disease and possibly to death?
What does the Bible say? What does God expect of us? What did
Jesus say? What would Jesus do to understand the reasons for and address the
high prevalence of HIV/AIDS among MSMs in America?
He would pray and then move forward to make a difference. He did
it with demon-possessed people, with people stricken with leprosy, with those
who could not walk, even with those who were physically dead or who were
reluctant to receive him.
I am seeking insights and straining my spiritual ears to hear
clearly.
Jesus gave the Golden Rule, “Ask yourself what you would want
people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them.” Luke 6:31
(The Message Bible)
The New King James Translation interprets Luke 6:31 as “And just
as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.”
I would want someone to want to learn more- to get to the truth
as best as I understand it. I would want someone to see me, really see me as
all that I am and all I can be. I would want enjoyable and insightful
conversation from someone who loved me enough to engage, to ask me “Is it well
with my soul?”
Jesus told us what to do. I pray to listen well and follow His
instructions.
*The Rev. Dr. A. Oveta Fuller is a tenured professor in
Microbiology and Immunology and faculty in the African Studies Center at the
University of Michigan. An Itinerant Elder in the 4th Episcopal
District, she served as pastor of Bethel AME Church in Adrian, Michigan for
seven years before focusing fully on global health research in Zambia and the
USA for HIV/AIDS elimination. At Payne Theological Seminary she teaches a
required course, “What Effective Clergy
Should Know about HIV/AIDS.”
14. iCHURCH SCHOOL LESSON
BRIEF FOR SUNDAY, MAY 4, 2014 - JESUS RESISTS
TEMPTATION (DEUTERONOMY 6:13-16; 8:3; PSALM 91:11, 12; MATTHEW 4:1-11):
Bill Dickens, Allen AME Church, Tacoma, Washington
Carnal instincts represent a DNA-trait we all know quite well.
The things that we desire or crave the most are typically the things we can
really do without.
We see a 2014 fully-loaded Chrysler 300 and want to purchase it
even though the car we currently own has provided reliable transport services.
A succulent-looking T-bone steak arouses our hunger pains even though your
physician gave you strict warnings about the intake of red-meat. Last week,
disgraced Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling succumbed to his overtly
racist beliefs and the physical allure of his paramour, thus resulting in the
loss of his team, marriage and respect of many Americans. In all situations, temptation is
present.
The word temptation is normally associated with the desire to
perform an action that one may enjoy momentarily but will probably later regret
for a myriad of reasons: legal, social, psychological (feeling guilty),
health-related, economic, etc. In the context of systematic theology,
temptation is a precursor to sin and transgression.
The Adult AME Church School Lesson for May 4, 2014 examines how
Jesus was tempted and the strategy He used to circumvent the power and
influence of temptation.
Our lesson focuses on Jesus’ disciplined lifestyle shortly after
His baptism. He is dispatched to a remote, desolate area where He is committed
to fasting for 40 days. Oddly, his only contact with another entity comes in
the form of the adversary, Satan. Satan,
perceiving Jesus to be weak, attempts to exploit the situation to his
benefit. This was Satan’s first
strategic mistake. Satan decides to make
Jesus an offer He couldn’t refuse. This
was Satan’s second strategic error.
Finally, Satan tries to use Holy Writ to justify his vain, nefarious
intent. This was his third strategic
mistake.
Jesus, though lacking nourishment, was more than physically up
to the task in rebuking Satan’s temptation.
An arrogant Satan demands proof of Jesus’ divinity by transforming
stones into bread. Jesus rebukes the
nonsense by quoting a passage from Deuteronomy that "Man shall not live by
bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Duet. 8:3).
Satan’s rejoinder is seen in requiring another sign of proof by
demanding Jesus jump from the highest point of the mountain so that His angels
will provide a protective shield. Jesus
rebukes the nonsense by pointing out that the Psalm 91:11-2 Satan manipulates
and demonstrates poor and incorrect exegetical power. Jesus correctly cites that the Lord God
should never be tested (Deut. 6:16).
Finally, in an act of desperation, Satan offers Jesus a
perverted quid pro quo where in exchange for bowing to the Son of Perdition,
Satan would award Jesus with unlimited worldly desires.
Jesus responds unequivocally that only the Lord God is worthy of
worship and only Him will He serve (Deut. 6:13).
Jesus’ model of coping with temptation is clear. Like Jesus, we
should be clear about our sense of purpose and mission. Next, we need to be
disciplined in our beliefs. Finally, we
need to know Scripture. Combining these
three key elements led Satan to flee from Jesus’ presence (Matt. 4:11).
The hymnologist reminds us to “Yield not to temptation for
yielding is sin.” If we adopt this strategy
then our prayer request of “Lead us not into temptation” will be granted.
God calls us to be victors not victims!
*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.
15. MEDITATION BASED ON
JOHN 14:15-27:
*Dr. Joseph A. Darby
Springtime in South Carolina brings some of God’s creatures who
keep a “low profile” in cold weather out to explore in warm weather – and that
includes wasps. I don’t like wasps and will go to great lengths and do
creatively amusing dance moves to get out of their way, and if one strays into
our house, everyone goes on full alert – ducking, dodging, shutting off
bedrooms to eliminate the possibility of surprise nighttime visitors and
hunting, spraying and swatting until the invader is cornered and eliminated.
We did that “drill” a couple of weeks ago and squashed an
invader, but we hardly got a chance to breathe a sigh of relief, because we
found five more wasps in the house on five successive days!
After blaming each other for letting them in, we checked the
house and found the problem. A bedroom window in our home of a year or so –
where a screen was removed by the former owner to install a window air
conditioning unit – had an open space at the top that enterprising wasps
discovered and used to pay us unwelcome visits. We sealed that space and pretty
much eliminated the problem.
What happened in our home mirrors what happens in all of our
lives. We all do our best to find safety, security and peace of mind in life,
but unexpected stresses, cares, concerns and dangers have a way of finding the
open and exposed cracks, crevices and spaces in our lives so that they can
creep in, terrify, upset and discourage us.
That’s why we need to embrace and be filled with the Spirit of
the Living God who Jesus called our “Counselor.” When we set self aside and
invite God’s Holy Spirit into our lives, God’s hope, strength, power and joy
will fill in the open spaces in our lives and bring us comfort, protection and
assurance that we don’t have to walk life’s journey alone.
Let God’s Holy Spirit anoint, insulate, protect and inspire you.
You’ll find safety and security in a dangerous and troubling world and be
blessed with the freedom to face life’s scariest times with the assurance that
led the hymn writer Isaac Watts to say, “Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove, with
Your life giving powers; Come shed abroad the Savior’s love And that shall
kindle ours.”
Get Ready for First 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
16. CLERGY FAMILY
CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS:
-- The Rev. William C.
Legolie II celebrates Pastoral Anniversary
The Rev. William C Legolie II celebrated his 35th
Pastoral Anniversary on April 19, 2014. He received his first Pastoral
Appointment from the late Bishop Donald GK Ming on April 19, 1979.
He is currently the Senior Pastor of the Cathedral of Vinton
Anderson AME Church in Eerste River in the Cape Annual Conference of the
Fifteenth Episcopal District. He is a
Third Generation pastor - grandfather was the late Presiding Elder Rev. William
C. Legolie, father was Rev. Wesley Andrew David Legolie. His son, Rev. Charlin
L. Legolie is the pastor of Ming Chapel AME Church in Saldanha Bay. The Rev.
William C Legolie, II is marries to Leatricia Legolie and they have a daughter
also, Leaverne who is an Optometrist.
-- Gwendolyn Charlesa Lee
earns Master of Social Work degree from Clark-Atlanta University
Gwendolyn Charlesa Lee, the daughter of the Reverend Glenell M.
Lee-Pruitt will have her Master of Social Work degree conferred upon her from
Clark-Atlanta University on Monday, May 19, 2014 at Panther Stadium in Atlanta
Georgia.
The Reverend Dr. Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt, Ph.D is pastor of St.
Matthew AME Church in Shreveport, Louisiana.
-- Job promotion of
Pamela Ifunanya Aseme
Congratulations to Pamela (Pam) Aseme on her promotion to
Clinical Project Support Specialist at Quintiles. Pam has been with Quintiles since 2010 and
joined the project management group back in 2012. During her tenure with the group, she has
been extremely instrumental in the department's success by displaying a strong
work ethic and providing outstanding customer support. Pam has supported many strategic initiatives
with the most recent being the QRPM Lead role.
Her tireless efforts and leadership skills have helped to successfully
roll out QRPM in a timely manner. In
addition to taking on special projects, Pam carries a tremendous workload and
is recognized by internal and external stakeholders for going above and beyond
their expectations. Congratulations Pam!!!
Anthony Tocci, Associate Director, Clinical Project Management,
Early Clinical Development Solutions
Pamela Ifunanya Aseme is the daughter of the Rev. Dr. Eraina M.
Ross-Aseme, pastor of Gregg Tabernacle AME Church in Kansas City, Missouri
-- Mr. Terrence Wright
graduated from the Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May, New Jersey
Congratulations to Mr. Terrence Wright, the son of the Rev.
Maurice and Mrs. Joretha Wright, Pastor and First Lady of St. John AME Church
in Ft. Mitchell, Alabama, who graduated from the Coast Guard Training Center in
Cape May, New Jersey. He will be stationed in Key West, Florida.
Congratulatory email should be sent to:
17. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Third District Office sadly announces the passing of the
Rev. Barbara Lillian Earley. She retired
from her pastoral ministry at the Ohio Annual Conference on October 12,
2006.
Services for Reverend Barbara Earley will be held at:
Thorn-Black Funeral Home
139 S. 9th Street
Cambridge, OH 43725
Telephone: (740) 439-1365
Fax: (740) 439-2919
Email: thornblackfh@frontier.com
Visitation:
Thursday, May 1, 2014
2 - 4 p.m. and 7- 9 p.m.
Home Going Service:
Friday, May 2, 2014
11 a.m.
Online Guest Book: http://www.thorn-blackfuneralhomes.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=2499895&fh_id=13315
Interment will be at Guernsey Memory Gardens, Cambridge.
18. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Jean B. Washington,
the sister of Mrs. Margaret B Wayns, and sister in-law of the Rev. Dr. M. D.
Wayns, Jr. retired pastor, Philadelphia Conference A.M.E. Church.
The following information has been provided regarding funeral
arrangements.
Viewing and Funeral, Friday May 02, 2014
Viewing: 09:00 a.m. -
11:00 a.m.
Funeral: 11:00 a.m.
Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church
230 Coulter Street
Philadelphia, PA 19144
Professional Care entrusted to:
Frank Page Funeral Home
1748 West Erie Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19140
(215)225-0576
Interment:
Fairview Cemetery
1511 Twining Road
Willow Grove, PA 19090
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:
The Washington Family
C/O Mrs. Margaret B. Wayns
7316 Keenan Street
La Mott, PA 19027
19. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of the Rev. Carl Feaster,
who was a Local Elder at Waters Memorial AME Church of the Philadelphia
Conference. The following information has been provided regarding funeral
arrangements.
Viewing and Funeral, Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Viewing - 9:00 a.m.
Funeral - 10:00 a.m.
Waters Memorial AME Church
609 S. Clifton Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
The Rev. Cheryl M. Coleman, Pastor
Additional parking is located at the Central Parking lot on 11th
Street
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:
Sister Delores Feaster
2918 W. Flora Street
Philadelphia, PA 19121-4509
Telephone: 215-235-3164
20. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
On Monday, April 28, 2014, Angela Nelson passed on to her home
eternal. Angela was baptized and joined St. John AME Church in Louisville,
Kentucky at an early age, where the Pastor was the Reverend Geoffrey Ellis.
Angela is the Granddaughter of the Reverend Ellis, who currently is the pastor
of Asbury Chapel AME Church in Louisville. Angela was only 29 years of age at
the time of her passing. She leaves to mourn one sister and a host of
relative's.
Services for Angela Nelson:
Funeral Celebration:
Tuesday, May 6, 2014 at 12 Noon
Asbury Chapel A.M.E. Church
1801 West Chestnut Street
Louisville, Kentucky 40203
Telephone: (502) 584-8975
All expressions should be emailed to: ellisg4021@bellsouth.net
Or mailed to:
The Reverend Geoffrey Ellis
3803 Garfield Avenue
Louisville, KY 40212
21. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
Telephone: (615) 837-9736 (H)
Telephone: (615) 833-6936 (O)
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22. 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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