The
Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The
Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder
--
Advent begins Sunday, November 30, 2014, and ends Wednesday, December 24, 2014
--
Christmastide, Christmas Eve - January 5, 2015
--
Epiphany, January 6 - Sundays after Lent through February 15, 2015
--
Lenten Season: Ash Wednesday, February 18 - Saturday, April 4, 2015.
--
Easter Sunday: April 5, 2015
1. TCR EDITORIAL – MORE FOR WHICH TO BE
THANKFUL:
Dr.
Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th
Editor of The Christian Recorder
I am
thankful for so many things, especially at this time of the year. The U.S.
observance of Thanksgiving, followed by the liturgical seasons of Advent and
Christmas, just makes my heart glad.
Sometimes
I meet people who exclaim, “I won’t complain,” to which I lightly respond,
“Everybody can find something to complain about!” And, it seems that so many people complain
about so many things. I usually tune out complainers and am not bothered by them
and usually don’t give them a second thought.
There is
an exception to tuning out complainers. The exception is when I hear AMEs
complain about the AME Church and even when I hear parishioners of other
denominations complain about their churches. I know that we are all “people
with feelings and opinions” and I know that people have strong feelings about
their “houses of worship.” Wars have been fought, religious groups have been
decimated, denominations established, ministries have gone off-track, and lives have
been destroyed because of parishioners’ dissatisfaction.
I won’t
complain and there are a couple of thing for which I am thankful.
I am
particularly thankful in a special way for the African Methodist Episcopal
Church this week. This past week (November 17, 18), I attended CONVO XVI
in Nashville, Tennessee. “CONVO XVI” is “CONVO 16” for those who are not
familiar with Roman numerals, which I suspect schools are not teaching;
apparently not even the rudiments of the Roman numeral system. Several
months ago, I heard someone refer to CONVO XVI as “CONVO X-V-I.” I
thought they were kidding, when it occurred to me that they were not thinking
Roman Numerals.
Let me get back on-track
CONVO XVI
met on Monday and closed out on Tuesday at noon. The General Conference Commission met on
Tuesday afternoon and closed out on Wednesday before noon. I am thankful
because we held two meetings at one location; one meeting after the other. Both
meetings were inspiring and informative.
Bishop
James L. Davis is the Chair of the CONVO Committee. He was assisted by Bishop
Clement W. Fugh and Bishop Vashti M. McKenzie.
Bishop Jeffrey L. Leath was the host for the CONVO XVI and the General
Conference Commission Meeting.
The
breakout groups dealt with the topics: “AME Church Big Vision”; “Mission
and Ministry”; “Church Growth and Evangelism”; and “Governance." All
of the groups were high energy and highly motivated to deal with the issues and
challenges. (See follow-on article written by Mr. John Thomas
entitled “Report from CONVO XVI.”)
The
bishops, general officers, connectional officers, clergy and laity, not only
attended the breakout groups, but were actively engaged in the discussions.
The
General Conference Commission Meeting was informative and work of the
Commission has already begun, not only for the 50th Quadrennial
Session of the General Conference, but also for the 51st and the 52nd
Quadrennial Sessions of the General Conference. (In this issue, see TCR article # 3 written by Ms. Anita Rankin entitled, “The African Methodist Episcopal Church is
Planning Ahead.”
I am
thankful because the AME Church prepares ahead and “takes care of
business!”
My real thanks this past week
My real
thanks this past week was the keynote speaker, the Rev. Dr. Monica Coleman. She
was absolutely on-target and informative.
I wish every AME could have heard her presentation. And, I especially
wish every pastor could have heard her presentation.
The
response to the Keynote address was given by Ms. Tasion Kwamilete a member of
First AME Church in Oakland, California. Ms. Kwamilete’s response was excellent
and I wish every member of the Greatest Generation (born between 1930 – 1945)
and older Baby Boomers could have heard her excellent response to the keynote
speaker.
Both
presenters were superb and set the tone and inspired the conversation in each
of CONVO XVI breakout groups. (See follow-on article written by Mr. John Thomas
entitled “Report from CONVO XVI”)
Dr.
Coleman spoke about the definition of African Methodism, not by worship and
liturgy, but by practices and attitudes. She pointed out that churches fall
into several categories: mega-church, emergent church and small churches.
Here is
what I heard: Mega churches are those churches with membership exceeding 2000
parishioners. People who view themselves as part of the emerging church are not
defined by their theological beliefs or denominational boundaries.
Churches
with memberships of around 200 or less are defined as small churches. She
believes that most AME churches fall into the category of small churches and
some mega churches. She then outlined the needs and characteristics of
mega church ministry and small church ministry and made a plea for the need for
the restructure of theological education. Mega-churches require strong
administrative skills and the ability of working with diverse staffs. She also
pointed out that mega-churches sometimes function similarly whether they are of
Baptist, Pentecostal or even AME origin. Their worship is more similar and the
worship may not be as denominationally-focused as small churches. Parishioners
who gravitate to mega-churches do so for a reason and a mega-church meets their
spiritual needs.
People
who attend small churches also attend for reasons that meet their spiritual
needs. Generally, people who gravitate
to small churches do so for the intimacy, fellowship and the relationships.
Pastoral
ministry must be attuned to local church ministry.
My
take-away on Dr. Coleman’s presentation is that a pastor needs to know the
needs of the congregation and be sensitive to those needs. It might be that a
pastor who tries to pastor a small church as he or she would pastor a
mega-church could meet with congregational resistance. So this is where
theological seminaries need to restructure their courses of study; not only in
terms of mega-church versus small church ministry, but ethnic–focused ministry
needs as well.
Pastoring
a black church versus pastoring a white church is a different ball-game; “one
size does not fit all.” This also brings to my mind that the AME Church needs
to take more oversight and control of where our applicants for ministry receive
their training.
After
hearing Dr. Coleman’s presentation, I would recommend every pastor of a small
congregation research everything he or she can find about the characteristics
and needs of small congregations and to refocus and re-course the focus of
ministry as needed. I have observed some small church pastors mimic mega-church
and televangelists worship styles.
Well, I
will have more to write about this. I have been motivated to read-up on the
issues of ministry to different-sized congregations.
I am
thankful for the keynote address and the response to the keynote address. Dr. Monica Coleman and Ms. Tasion Kwamilete
were excellent presenters.
And as always as it relates to AME Meetings
I was
thankful for having attended CONVO XVI and the General Conference Commission
meeting because I saw friends and acquaintances, many of whom attend most of
the connectional meetings, but I am also thankful because I had an opportunity
to meet people I had not met.
Members
of the AME Church know how to fellowship and CONVO XVI and the General
Conference Commission meeting were no different.
Everyone
was engaged and for that I am thankful.
I want to
wish everyone a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!
TCR Editor’s Note: We will not
be publishing a regular issue of TCR
Online next week. We will be posting TCR News Breaks as appropriate.
2. REPORT FROM CONVO XVI:
John
Thomas III
From
November 17-18, 2014 over 200 AME clergy and lay leaders assembled in
Nashville, Tennessee for CONVO XVI. Under the leadership of Bishop James
L. Davis (Chair of the CONVO Committee) and Bishop Clement W. Fugh (Chair,
Legislative Committee of the Council of Bishops), the attendees began a process
whose goal is to form strategies and legislation (where needed) to address
pressing concerns affecting the AME Church at all levels of the Connection. The
theme for the 2014 CONVO was “Let’s Do It
Together and Let’s Do It Now” based on Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NLT).
The
meeting opened with devotions led by the AMEC General Officers residing in the
13th Episcopal District - The Rev. Dr. Kenneth Hill, Retired General
Officer; Dr. Paulette Coleman, Retired General Officer, and Dr. Richard A.
Lewis, Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer.
The Rev. Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III (the 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder) provided the
morning meditation taken from Psalm 46:10, Philippians 4:4, Matthew 6:34 with
the focus text Psalm 118;24, Subject: “Calm Down, Shut up, and Quit Trippin’!”
Words
of greeting were given from Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath (President of the Council
of Bishops and Host Bishop), Bishop John R. Bryant (Senior Bishop), Bishop
Vashti M. McKenzie (Chair, Strategic Planning) and Bishop Clement. W. Fugh. Bishop Davis provided words about the theme
and the desire that the denomination come together across viewpoints and
stakeholder groups to retool African Methodism for the future.
Dr.
Monica A. Coleman presented the CONVO Keynote Address. As an ordained itinerant Elder in the 5th
Episcopal District and an Associate Professor at Claremont-McKenna Graduate
School of Theology, she embodied the bridging of process and practice that the
CONVOs are to epitomize. Dr. Coleman
superbly presented on the subject, “Postmodern African Methodism: Proposals for
Viability and Vivacity.” Three key
concepts were interrogated and challenged: 1) How we do church 2) How we do
ministry 3) How we believe. Various
topics were covered including appropriate church size, reaching the unchurched,
and interrogating our theology.
Dr.
Coleman encouraged us to define African Methodism not as worship/liturgy, but
through practices and attitudes: Spiritual Discipline, Small Groups, Justice,
Education, Needs Meeting, and Global Consciousness.
Ms.
Tasion Kwamilele of the 5th Episcopal District provided a poignant
response entitled “Where do We Go from Here” based on Luke 9:23. Melding several points from the keynote
address, she encouraged attendees to curate, innovate and demand change. Ms. Kwamilele closed with an inspirational
spoken word piece reminding the AME Church that our primary mission is to
spread the gospel and not to maintain our structure.
The
afternoon session featured break-out groups along four lines: 1) AME Church Big
Vision 2) Mission and Ministry 3) Church Growth and Evangelism 4)
Governance. Attendees self-selected
their group and discussions were lead by pre-assigned conveners. The evening session was devoted to a report
from the Council of Bishops’ Summit in Atlanta, GA concerning AME institutions
of higher education. A recommendation
was presented on the establishment of an AME system of higher education. This concept is in its early stage and
several insightful and probing questions were raised. At the close of the session, the attendance
shifted to Wilberforce. A letter from
Retired General Officer Dr. Jamye Coleman Williams exhorting the denomination
to do its best to save the school set the tone for the discussion. Chancellor of Wilberforce University Bishop
McKinley Young outlined the situation and need prompting numerous spontaneous
gifts of support.
The
Tuesday morning session began with the morning mediation led by the 9th
Episcopal District. The Rev. Mashod
Evans delivered the morning meditation taken from Genesis 22:32 with the
subject, “Between a Rock and Hard Place.”
Tuesday
morning the various working groups reported and laid out their
recommendations. These reports will be
made available online after processing by the CONVO Recording Committee. At the seat of the CONVO, approximately
$38,000 dollars were raised to meet funding requirements by the December 15th
deadline imposed by the school’s accrediting agency to show cause as to why the
school’s accreditation should continue. Bishop Young stated that approximately
$350,000 in total has been raised and all efforts are needed to save
Wilberforce University. The meeting
closed with Bishop Fugh setting up the next CONVO as an arena for concrete
legislation to be addressed. Notably,
both Senior Bishop John Bryant and CONVO Chair James Davis apologized to the
laity assembled for their apparent lack of inclusion in the planning process
and indicated that they would be more deeply embedded in the future CONVO
deliberations.
In
addition to CONVO, meetings of the General Conference Commission, the General
Board Executive Committee and the Commission on Statistics and Finance were
held.
The
Bishops and Episcopal Supervisors led the meditation service on Wednesday
morning. They prayed for the church and for those who went forward for special
prayer. It was an awesome experience to see the episcopal leaders leading the
group in prayer.
*John
Thomas is a Ph.D student at the University of Chicago.
3. THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL
CHURCH IS PLANNING AHEAD:
Ms.
Anita Rankin
--
The 51st and 52nd Quadrennial Sessions of the General
Conference are being planned
The
51st Quadrennial Session of the 2020 General Conference will be held
in Orlando, Florida on July 8 – 15, 2020:
Planning Update for 2020 GC:
The
2020 General Conference will be held at the Orange County Convention Center in
Orlando, Florida. Ample space will be available to host the General
Conference. The General Conference
Package includes 5 core hotels which will house most of the conference
delegates and visitors. Most of the contracted hotels are connected to the
Convention Center by Sky Walk. To date of the five hotels in the package, 2
contracts have been signed.
The
52nd Quadrennial Session of the General Conference is also being
planned. To date one proposal from Kansas City, Missouri has been received.
Other cities preparing proposals include: Indianapolis, Indiana; Louisville,
Kentucky; Charlotte, North Carolina; Cincinnati, Ohio: New Orleans, Louisiana;
Nashville, Tennessee (Opryland); and possible Atlanta.
4. NEWS AROUND THE AME CHURCH:
-- Written by Cora Jackson-Fossett
(Religion Editor), LA Sentinel
With
health costs rising, it is critical for so many of our church family ... Jr.,
of Christ Our Redeemer A.M.E. Church in Irvine, who invited Peter V. Lee...
-- Thanksgiving Comes Early for
Tallahassee Residents in Need
-- Police Draw Ire with Arrests before
Missouri Jury Decision
5. THE REV. MARTHA A. LANG HONORED
AT MOUNT TABOR AME CHURCH’S 83RD ANNIVERSARY:
By
Sister Jeanne Chavious
First
Episcopal District Church School Superintendent and member of Mt. Tabor
Mt
Tabor AME Church, 971 N 9th Street, Philadelphia, celebrated their 83rd
Anniversary on Saturday, November 8. The
anniversary celebrations included a banquet honoring the ministry of the
church’s former pastor, the Rev. Martha A. Lang and her late husband, E. Larry
Lang. Rev. Lang served as the pastor of
Mt. Tabor for over 30 years, up until her death earlier this year. .
Presiding
Elder Jocelyn K. Hart preached the Anniversary Banquet message, "Built on
a Firm Foundation." Presiding Elder Hart reminded the church that no
matter who is the pastor -- God gives the increase. The banquet was held
at the First Episcopal District Banquet Room at 3801 Market Street in
Philadelphia. The program also featured the Mt. Tabor Mime (Youth)
Ministry, and a dramatic rendition of Paul Robeson by Master Shahaad Mapp and a
solo by Jhayda Washington.
Mt.
Tabor AME Church was founded in 1931 by the Rev. A. Stanley Jarrett.
Twelve pastors followed him in the ministry at Mt. Tabor which was
located in a garage converted into a church at 22nd and Master Street in
Philadelphia. With the appointment of the Rev. Martha Lang 31 years ago,
the life of the church changed. She led the church in the purchase of the
Historic Ukrainian Baptist Church located at 961 N 7th Street in Philadelphia.
The church grew from 14 to over 600. The final mortgage was settled
in 2013.
The
Rev. Lang died on January 30, 2014 after saying she completed her assignment.
She was followed in the pastorate by the appointment by Bishop Gregory
G.M. Ingram of the Rev. Albert Johnson. The Rev Johnson has already won
the love of the people by his shepherd’s heart and spirit filled preaching.
The
Rev Albert Johnson preached Mt. Tabor's Sunday Morning Anniversary
message. His sermon title was "The
Relevancy of The Church,’ based on Luke 4:14-21. This powerful message
asked the questions, "What are we
about? Are we doing the things God would have us do? And Where is the
Church?" He reminded everyone that God expects us to do
something, to tell people the Good News and to talk about Jesus. The Holy
Spirit led the Rev. Johnson to this scripture, which was a favorite scripture
of the Rev. Lang.
The
anniversary celebration culminated on Sunday, November 9 after the morning
worship service, with the unveiling of the Rev Lang's portrait and the renaming
of the Mt. Tabor Cyber Village in honor of the Rev. Martha A. Lang. It
shall be called the "Martha A. Lang Cyber Village Senior
Housing."
During
this special dedication service, the Rev. Albert Johnson officiated. Judee
Bavaria, President and CEO of Presbyterian Inspired Life and State
Representative Curtis Thomas gave reflections on the work of Rev Lang.
Mrs. Bavaria remembered her first meeting with the Rev Lang and the Rev
Mary Moore as organized, decisive, with a vision to provide modern housing for
persons 55 years and older. The Rev Lang looked like an angel, but she
was a woman on a mission. State Rep. Curtis Thomas reported how Cyber Village
is having an impact on upgrading other senior housing in the City of
Philadelphia. Cyber Village was the first senior housing development in
Pennsylvania with a green roof, computer access to every resident with computer
classes and a lap top computer for every unit. It is a beautiful residence
in Northern Liberties section of the city, due to the planning and oversight of
the Rev Lang and her special touch.
Master
Joshua Matthews recited the Rev Lang's favorite poem, Elizabeth Barrett
Browning’s "How Do I Love Thee.” Mrs. Yetta Baldwin gave inspiring remarks
in honor of her parents, the Rev Martha and E. Larry Lang. The weekend
festivities were chaired by Sister Lisa Matthews and were witnessed by the Lang
family members, community leaders, and citizens, church members and Cyber
Village residents.
6. THE 7TH EPISCOPAL
DISTRICT PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS:
The
Rev. Dr. Sandy W. Drayton, Presiding Elder, Georgetown District, Palmetto
Annual Conference
The
Rev. Rosalyn G. Coleman, Presiding Elder, Columbia District, Columbia Annual
Conference
The
Rev. Joseph Postell, Presiding Elder, Lancaster District, Columbia Annual Conference
The
Rev. Dr. M. Charmaine Ragin, Presiding Elder, Newberry-Spartanburg District,
Columbia Annual Conference
The
Rev. Dr. Norvel Goff, Sr., Presiding Elder, Edisto District, South Carolina Annual
Conference
The
Rev. James R. Glover, Sr., Presiding Elder, Orangeburg District, Central Annual
Conference
The
Rev. St. Julian Snider, Calvary AME (North Charleston), Mt. Pleasant District,
Palmetto Annual Conference
The
Rev. Iris Johnson Brown, Ebenezer/Mt. Zion (Mt. Pleasant), Mt. Pleasant District,
Palmetto Annual Conference
The
Rev. Frank M. Moses, Moncks Corner AME (Moncks Corner), Mt. Pleasant District,
Palmetto Annual Conference
The
Rev. Anya Leveille, New Emmanuel AME (Jamestown), Mt. Pleasant District,
Palmetto Annual Conference
The
Rev. Richard Harkness, Olive Branch AME (Mt. Pleasant), Mt. Pleasant District, Palmetto Annual Conference
The
Rev. Earl Harris, St. Phillip AME (Huger), Mt. Pleasant District, Palmetto Annual
Conference
The
Rev. Hope Coleman, Tibwin AME (McClellanville), Mt. Pleasant District, Palmetto
Annual Conference
The
Rev. Alfred Darby, Bethlehem AME (Johnsonville), Kingstree District, Palmetto
Annual Conference
The
Rev. Rebecca Evans, St. Mark AME (Bonneau), Kingstree District, Palmetto Annual
Conference
The
Rev. Brenda Blackstock, Allen Chapel AME (Georgetown), Georgetown District, Palmetto Annual Conference
The
Rev. Eric S.C. Manning, Bethel AME (Georgetown), Georgetown District, Palmetto
Annual Conference
The
Rev. McNeal Evans, Dickerson AME (Georgetown), Georgetown District, Palmetto
Annual Conference
The
Rev. Joann Howard, Friendship/St. Mary AME (Annie Village), Georgetown
District, Palmetto Annual Conference
The
Rev. Roger Washington, Mt. Lebanon AME (Andrews), Georgetown District, Palmetto
Annual Conference
The
Rev. Phil Flowers, Mt. Zion AME (North Santee), Georgetown District, Palmetto Annual Conference
The
Rev. Harvey Doctor, St. John AME (Pawleys Island), Georgetown District, Palmetto Annual Conference
The
Rev. Brian Swinton, St. Mary AME (Pawleys Island), Georgetown District, Palmetto Annual Conference
The
Rev. Sandra Ladson, St. Michael AME (Georgetown), Georgetown District, Palmetto Annual Conference
The
Rev. Patrick Staggers, Trinity AME (Hemingway), Georgetown District, Palmetto Annual Conference
The
Rev. Dr. Krystal Sears, Bethel AME (Darlington), Florence-Dillon District, Northeast
Annual Conference
The
Rev. Obie Madison, St. Paul AME (Claussen), Florence-Dillon District, Northeast
Annual Conference
The
Rev. Dr. Albert Jones, Bethel AME (Brittons Neck), Marion District, Northeast
Annual Conference
The
Rev. Leslie Lovett, Mt. Olive AME (Myrtle Beach), Marion District, Northeast
Annual Conference
The
Rev. James Stokes, Moores AME (Edgefield), Columbia District, Columbia Annual
Conference
The
Rev. Harry L. Wilson, Spring Hill AME (Gilbert), Columbia District, Columbia
Annual Conference
The
Rev. Cary Grady, Reid Chapel AME (Columbia), Lancaster District, Columbia
Annual Conference
The
Rev. Ronald McFadden, Bethany (Jonesville), Newberry-Spartanburg District,
Columbia Annual Conference
The
Rev. William Hammond, Pleasant Grove AME (Pomaria), Newberry-Spartanburg
District, Columbia Annual Conference
The
Rev. Johnny Robinson, Calvary (Johns Island), Edisto District, South Carolina
Annual Conference
The
Rev. Curtis Fludd, Mt. Zion (Garnett), Beaufort District, South Carolina Annual
Conference
The
Rev. Alford Buckner, Mt. Zion (Round O), Beaufort District, South Carolina
Annual Conference
The
Rev. Bernard Johnson, Greater St. Mark AME (Adams Run), Beaufort District,
South Carolina Annual Conference
The
Rev. Clinton Hall II, Trinity AME (Round O), Beaufort District, South Carolina
Annual Conference
The
Rev. Raye T. Nelson, Fairview AME (Clinton), Greenville District, Piedmont
Annual Conference
The
Rev. Henry Borbor, Mt. Vernon AME (Laurens), Greenville District, Piedmont
Annual Conference
The
Rev. Samuel Etheredge, St. Peter AME (Abbeville), Abbeville-Greenwood District,
Piedmont Annual Conference
The
Rev. Dr. Charles McLamore, Emmanuel AME (Cope), Orangeburg District, Central Annual Conference
The
Rev. James Stukes II, Shiloh AME (Elloree), Orangeburg District, Central Annual
Conference
The
Rev. Robert China, Sr., Historic Liberty Hill AME (Summerton), Manning District,
Central Annual Conference
The
Rev. Brenda Thornhill, Bethel AME (St. Matthews), Wateree District, Central
Annual Conference
The
Rev. Timothy Taylor, Mt. Zion AME (Elloree), Wateree District, Central Annual Conference
The
Rev. Joseph Brown, Sr., Greater Mt. Pisgah AME (St. Matthews), Wateree
District, Central Annual Conference
**Submitted
by Mrs. Cynthia L. Neal, Office Manager, The Seventh Episcopal District on
behalf of Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, Presiding Prelate of the 7th
Episcopal District
7. NAACP COMMENDS PRESIDENT OBAMA’S
EXECUTIVE ACTION ON IMMIGRATION:
November
21, 2014
(Baltimore,
MD) – Yesterday, President Barack Obama used his executive power to begin the
process towards comprehensive immigration reform. President Obama’s plan allows
undocumented immigrants who are parents of U.S. citizens and legal permanent
residents to legally live and work in the country for a period of three years.
He also expanded the pool of undocumented immigrants brought to the country as
children who are eligible for protected status. The plan also makes it easier
for foreign workers trained in high-tech fields to enter, and stay in, the
country. Lastly, it refocuses the nation's entire immigration enforcement
apparatus on a much smaller pool of immigrants — those with criminal records,
ties to terrorist organizations or gangs and people who crossed the border in
the past year.
From Cornell William Brooks, NAACP
President & CEO:
“We
applaud President Obama for using his executive power to begin the process of
making our immigration system more fair and just. The depth of the need for
this type of decisive action by the President is matched by the diversity of
the problem. The NAACP has stood firmly for immigrants’ rights for decades, and
we are pleased that millions of immigrants will have an opportunity to live in
our country and contribute to our economy and society. From Haiti to Honduras
from Senegal to St. Croix, family members hoping to reunite with loved ones and
refugees working to build a new life in the United States deserve our
attention. In addition to being one of the fastest growing immigrant groups,
immigrants from African countries are among the most educated, with higher
degree attainment than native born Americans.
We remain committed in our fight for advocating on behalf of Americans
and those seeking legal citizenship. And we call on Congress to finish what
President Obama started by passing bipartisan comprehensive legislation that
establishes an immigration system that protects all U.S. workers and guarantees
the safety and security of our nation without compromising fundamental civil
rights, human rights and civil liberties.”
About
the NAACP
Founded
in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights
organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the
premier advocates for civil rights in their communities. You can read more about the NAACP’s work and our
five “Game Changer” issue areas here.
8. TOM JOYNER FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES
APPLICATIONS FOR 2015 'FULL RIDE' SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM:
--
Graduating High School Seniors Can Win Full Scholarship to a Black College –
The
Tom Joyner Foundation
Dallas,
TX (BlackNews.com) -- The Tom Joyner Foundation® announced the 'Full Ride'
scholarship program that will cover all the expenses of one student planning to
attend a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the fall of 2015.
"The
cost of a college education isn't getting any cheaper," said Tom Joyner,
chairman of his Foundation and host of the top-ranked nationally syndicated
radio show. "So, I want to help a graduating high school senior with a
chance to attend a black college to pursue their dreams."
Past
Full Ride Scholars have impressive backgrounds, including last year's winner
the first winner, Titus Zeigler, who was a top student at Atlanta's Henry W.
Grady High School. The future trauma surgeon was a member of the Junior ROTC
program, tutored kids at a local middle school and volunteered for the Atlanta
Food Bank. Britney Wilson, a native of Brooklyn, N.Y., who graduated from
Howard University, and she is now in her second year of law school at the
University of Pennsylvania. Cheyenne Boyce of Detroit is now a senior at
Spellman College, where she is an international relations major who is fluent
in Japanese.
Students
will receive full tuition and stipends for up to 10 semesters to cover
on-campus room and board and books. Students must meet the required academic
standards each semester to renew the funds each year. Graduating high school
seniors can apply for the scholarship by going to the Tom Joyner Foundation
website at www.tomjoynerfoundation.org to complete the application. Students
must have their schools mail their transcripts and recommendations to the
Foundation at P.O. Box 630495, Irving, TX 75063-0495.
To
be eligible, students must meet the following criteria:
1)
A United States Citizen
2)
Current high school seniors attending school in the United States (applicant
must be anticipating completion of high school degree in the spring of 2015).
3)
Minimum high school grade point average of 3.50 (on a 4.00 grade scale,
excluding home school studies) and Minimum SAT score of 2100 (combined math
essay and verbal score) or ACT score of 30.
4)
Applicants must apply and be accepted to an HBCU by July 1, 2015.
5)
Applicants must have demonstrated leadership abilities through participation in
community service, extracurricular, or other activities.
The
applications must be postmarked no later than January 16th, 2015. Interviews
will occur in April 2015.
Founded
in 1998, the Tom Joyner Foundation has raised more than $65 million to help
keep students enrolled in black colleges. It has assisted more than 29,000
students and worked with more than 100 HBCUs. You can learn more at www.tomjoynerfoundation.org
9. 2015-16 YEAR ARMY ROTC
SCHOLARSHIPS:
For
those who are high school seniors, have a high school senior, or know of one,
the following information may prove very helpful in gaining and affording
entrance to the college of their choice.
There are available scholarships, but you need to start now! The deadline to begin the online application
process is 10 January 2015. You will
need to create a GOARMY account. The application process must be completed not
later than 27 February 2015. The ROCKS,
Inc. is prepared to assist you. Do not
wait! Please Read below.
The
ROCKS, Inc. can assist in a limited number of 4-year Army ROTC scholarships to
qualified prospective candidates attending Historically Black
College/Universities (HBCU) and all other schools having ROTC programs.
To review the requirements and obtain other information, please visit: http://www.goarmy.com/rotc/high-school-students/four-year-scholarship.html
IMPORTANT: If you elect to take advantage of assistance
from The ROCKS, Inc., you will need to submit the following NOT LATER THAN 5
January 2015 to: ROCKSROTC@aol.com
Full Name:
Mailing Address:
Telephone Number:
Email Address:
High School:
High School GPA:
SAT or ACT scores:
Colleges
you have been accepted to or have applied to:
The
ROCKS, Inc. will send this information to U.S. Army Cadet Command. The latter will communicate directly with the
candidate to gather necessary additional information, such as official high
school transcripts.
Special Considerations:
Students
who have already applied for a scholarship and their applications are in the
Cadet Command database are not eligible to reapply for ROCKS Scholarships.
These
scholarships are designed to assist in recruiting high school students to
increase enrollment in ROTC.
They
are not to be used for on-campus recruiting.
The
overall goal is to improve diversity in the Army.
Note:
Your attention is invited to the addendum (pages 3 and 4) for more information
on the overall process.
Point
of Contact for additional information:
The
ROCKS, Inc., ATTN: MG (Ret) B. S. Bagby
7700
Old Branch Avenue, Suite A202
Clinton,
MD 20735
OR
Telephone:
571-218-8347
Deadline
to start online application is 10 JANUARY 2015, with application
completed by 27 February 2015.
Listing
of HBCUs
The
following colleges and universities offer Army ROTC or facilitate a local
satellite ROTC unit for a host institution:
Alabama
A&M University
Alcorn
State University
Bowie
State University
Central
State University
Elizabeth
City State University
Florida
A& M University
Fort
Valley State University
Grambling
State University
Hampton
University
Howard
University
Jackson
State University
Lincoln
University (Pennsylvania)
Lincoln
University (Missouri)
Morgan
State University
Norfolk
State University
North
Carolina A&T State University
Prairie
View A&M University
Saint
Augustine's College
South
Carolina State University
Southern
University and A&M College
Tuskegee
University
Virginia
State University
West
Virginia State University
Guide
to the Army ROTC Scholarship process
(A
Cadet Command Document)
ROTC
Scholarships provide full financial assistance for College tuition and
mandatory education fees (or room and board).
Additionally scholarship winners receive tax free subsistence allowance
for up to 10 months a year from $300 to $500 per month and $1200 annually for
textbooks, classroom supplies, and equipment.
Students apply for an ARMY ROTC Scholarship
online between 1 June and 10 January, at
http://www.goarmy.com/rotc/high-school-students/four-year-scholarship.html
In
order to be eligible to apply for the 4 Year scholarship, students must meet
the following minimum criteria: (Note these are minimums they are not the
scores of the average winner)
Minimum
GPA:
2.5 High School GPA
Age:
17-26
SAT:
920 (Math and Critical Reading)
ACT:
19 (Composite Score)
Civil
Conviction: Explain any infractions and be granted a waiver
Students
must also complete the following in order to be considered for a scholarship:
1)
All applicants must self report their high school Cumulative Grade Point
Average (CGPA), College Board scores (SAT/ACT), age, and U.S. Citizenship.
2)
When completing the application students will be asked for the email address of
their Guidance Counselor and a high school PE teacher or coach.
3)
An email will be sent to the guidance counselor asking for information such as
class rank and types of classes the applicant has taken. Also an email will be sent to PE teacher or
high school coach requesting they give the applicant the Physical Fitness
Assessment and report the results to Cadet Command.
4)
The applicant must send a copy of his or her SAT or ACT scores and a copy of
their transcripts to Headquarters Cadet Command in order to continue through
the process to the scholarship interview.
Once they receive the interview instructions from Cadet Command, the
applicant will have the option to schedule an interview at a local university
Army ROTC program or at a university Army ROTC program of their choice.
5)
When the applicant attends the interview, the interviewer will take an
assessment of the applicant’s height and weight. These measures must be taken in street
clothes and without shoes.
6)
The purpose of the interview is to assess the applicant’s potential as an Army
officer.
7)
Once the applicant completes all the requirements of the scholarship
application, their file will be evaluated by a board of Army officers, who are
current Professors of Military Science.
These officers will assemble in October, January, and March, during a typical
school year, to review scholarship prospects’ files.
8.
Each student can achieve a possible 1400 Whole Person total points during the
scholarship evaluation process. The
Whole Person Score is a total merit based score comprised of:
a) 250 points for ACT/SAT score;
b) 200 points for Scholar/Athlete/Leader
evaluation based upon athletic, scholastic,
and leadership achievements;
c) 200 points from the Interview;
d)
150 points from the Physical Fitness Assessment;
e) 250 points from the Cadet Background and
Experience Form (CBEF), which the
applicant fills out as part of the online application process;
f) 350 points are awarded by the board members
when the applicants’ files are
complete.
9)
Students’ scores are then placed on an order of merit list (OML), in descending
order, of their Whole Person Score. Based upon available scholarship funds,
Cadet Command then determines how many scholarships to offer for that
scholarship board.
10)
Applicants are informed they won a scholarship when they receive a letter from
Cadet Command indicating they were selected. Once an applicant receives a
letter from Cadet Command, they
must respond within 30 days indicating their decision to accept the offer and
indicate what school they plan to attend.
11)
Applicants who are not offered a scholarship from that particular board will
remain on the order of merit list and will automatically be considered for a
scholarship offer when the next scholarship board meets. Once all the boards
are completed, applicants who are not selected for a scholarship will receive a
letter by mid-April, at the latest, stating they were not selected and should
seek out ROTC scholarships opportunities at the college they are attending.
12)
Prior to scholarship benefits being paid, all scholarship recipients must pass
a Department of Defense Medical Review Board (DODMERB) medical examination and
the APFT. Applicants should respond promptly to all physical requirements and
ensure they are training for the physical fitness test events.
10. THE TRUTH IS THE LIGHT
*The
Rev. Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr.
Based
on Biblical Text: Mark 9:38-40: “And
John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name,
and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. But
Jesus said, forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my
name, that can lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is on
our part.”
God
created us as one. God created one people in His image, one humanity. God then
watched from His heavenly vantage point as we, fallen from grace, began to
divide ourselves. God watched then as people divided themselves by territory,
social standing, custom and belief. People grouped according to common beliefs
and formed new nations.
Not
much has changed as we are still dividing ourselves. We divide ourselves by
race, nationality and age. We divide ourselves by career choice. We group
according to our profession and many times our perceived social status. We form
alliances that amass like interests. Truckers form unions. Folk in agriculture
form co-ops. Physicians and Dentists form associations and boards. Folk who
love to read form book clubs. College students break off into sororities and
fraternities.
Our
religious beliefs are a common area of division among us. In many neighborhoods
we find groups claiming they are Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Zen or New
Age. Even among Christians we find Methodist, Baptist, Episcopalian,
Pentecostal and Lutheran. We can’t agree and we can’t get along; we can’t be
unified, so we divide. It is much easier to divide than it is to find common
ground and remain together.
There
is a human need for cliques, clubs, organizations and associations. Groups
formed around careers, customs or common interests can be self-fulfilling. They
can also advance common goals. Folk enjoy getting together with the other folk
in the neighborhood to share in a common interest. Those who don’t enjoy the
same thing stay home. They probably form another clique, those who don’t do
what the other folk do.
The
questions that arise, particularly for Christians are: “How does God feel about
our denominational division?” Is it ok that we divide ourselves according to
religious practices? Shouldn’t we unite in common worship? Does God approve of
our division?
We
find in our text, the disciple John asks the same questions, possibly for the
first time in Christian history. The disciples had been ministering in town,
and they came across a man who was casting out demons in Jesus name. This did
not sit well with the disciples, because the man was not one of them. They had
a problem with the man because he was not part of their inner circle, he had
not been taught by nor had he been ordained by their leader, Jesus Christ, to
represent Him.
As
far as the disciples were concerned, their way was the only way. So John
chastised the man, and accused him of being an imposter. John was so sure of
his righteous position that he didn’t hesitate to tell Jesus about the
incident.
John
told Jesus about the incident because he felt guilty about his rebuke of the
man. However, he was more than surprised at Jesus’ response. Jesus told the
disciples to be tolerant and used the account of John’s rejection to lay down
some rules.
Jesus
very simply said, “Don’t forbid the man to serve me. Receive him! Let him
minister! If he is not against me, he is for me” With that terse reply, Jesus laid
down the rules for tolerance of our Christian brothers and sisters of other
denominations.
Jesus
wants us to understand that we are not to position ourselves as a judge of
others who do not speak evil of Him. We are admonished that we are not the only
righteous group. In other words, we are not an exclusive club and we are not
the only chapter. Jesus said, “other sheep I have, which are not of this fold:
them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one
fold, and one shepherd.”
Though
we are divided by denominational or racial differences, Jesus Christ is the
common thread that unites us. None of us is called to judge another’s faith.
That duty is Jesus’ alone. Jesus knows His sheep, and they know Him. Each
follower has an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd.
Jesus warned his disciples, and us, that we are to judge his followers only by
what they do in His name. If a person does not speak evil of Jesus, we must
tolerate and accept them as a fellow believer. We may not agree with every
other denomination’s practices, but Romans 15:1 charges us to bear the
infirmities of the weak. We bear them, they bear us, and so we bear each other!
We
falsely judge each other using carnal standards such as appearance, education,
credentials, and labels. However the only assessment we are permitted to make
is a spiritual one. And our spiritual assessment is whether a fellow believer
represents Jesus Christ as Lord.
We
must understand that we are never to deny anyone who is for Jesus the right to
serve Jesus. Jesus said “He that is not against us is on our part.” In other
words they are “on our side”, or for us.
Jesus also said in Matthew 10:40, “He that receiveth me, receiveth him
that sent me.” As Christians, we need
only observe a person’s attitude toward Jesus and His church. If the believer
is for Jesus, then they are a fellow believer and we must embrace them. To
stand against Jesus’ followers is to stand against Him! To mistreat His
followers is to mistreat Him! To speak evil of His followers is to speak evil
of Him.
As
Christians, we are only permitted to observe another’s actions. If we find a
person or persons to be divisive, unforgiving, or displaying a lack of belief,
then we can rightly reject them and their ministry as being against Jesus.
However if we observe that a person or persons have a spirit of love, joy,
peace, forgiveness, oneness, and that they worship Jesus, we have no right to
deny them the opportunity to serve the Lord.
Finally,
it is not our divisions that hinder the growth of Christianity but rather it is
our jealousy toward one another. It is our jealous nature that triggers strife,
division, hurt and pain. We are warned that our jealousy must be bridled as it
only serves to shame us and ruin our image as the church of Jesus Christ. Mean
spiritedness and jealousy impedes our mission and paralyzes our ministries. Our
evangelistic work is not a competition between factions, fraternities, or fellowships.
Evangelism must be a concerted effort on the part of Christians, of all
denominations, and all races. Our common work is to lift the name of Jesus, and
spread His gospel through all nations. And it will take all of us to accomplish
Jesus’ Great Commission.
*The
Rev. Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr. is the pastor of Morris Brown A.M.E. Church in
Charleston, S.C.
11. iCHURCH SCHOOL LESSON BRIEF FOR
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2014 – A NEW
BEGINNING - EZEKIEL 47:13–23:
*Bill Dickens
It
is not uncommon for people to seek out new adventures. Sometimes home is not what it’s all “cooked
up” to be. Leaving the nest can be
beneficial from both a personal and professional perspective. The Church School Lesson for November 23,
2014 looks at the new start for the post-exilic Jews. Ezekiel provides careful instruction how this
new start or beginning should take place.
Ezekiel
47:13-23 The Allocation of land
“Thus
says the Lord Yahweh, ‘This shall be the border by which you will divide the
land for inheritance according to the twelve tribes of Israel. Joseph shall
have portions (i.e. two portions). And you will inherit it, one as well as
another, concerning which I lifted up my hand to give it to your fathers, and
this land will fall to you for an inheritance.’”
God
was here reiterating to the exiles that He would restore what they had lost,
and God then outlined in the following verses, the land that was to be theirs;
all they had to do was take it. The land was to be split equally between the
tribes – “‘one as well as another.”’
Joseph’s inheritance was to be split into his sons, Ephraim and Manasseh
for this purpose, and Levi had no portion (Ezekiel
44:28
- apart of course from the portion mentioned in Ezekiel
44:4-5).
Thus the number twelve was maintained. Yahweh had sworn (lifted up His hand)
that it would be theirs, and theirs it would be. It was their inheritance.
The
fact that the land was to be split equally, and to some extent without regard
to previous tribal portions, or tribal numbers, is also an indication that it
is not to be taken literally. Add to this that the tribes are split into a
group of seven, indicating the divine perfection of the event, and a group of
five, indicating conformance with the covenant, and the case is even more
certain.
Life
Application
Forty
acres and a mule refer to a 19th century economics reparation
concept in the United States for agrarian reform for former enslaved African
American farmers, following disruptions to the institution of slavery provoked by the American Civil
War.
Many freedmen believed they had a moral right to own the land they had long
worked as slaves, and were eager to control their own property. Freed people
widely expected to legally claim 40 acres of land and a mule after the end of the war, long
after proclamations such as Sherman's
Special Field Orders, No. 15
and the Freedmen's
Bureau Act
were explicitly reversed.
Sometimes
life leaves people needing a new beginning. What is available to make that
happen? Ezekiel tells the people that God restored the Israelites and the
aliens among them with an inheritance of new land, signifying a new start.
Peter says that God through Jesus Christ can redeem and give those who believe
in God a new beginning, with the temple as a place in which people can gather
and support one another.
*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 African Methodist Episcopal Church
12. MEDITATION BASED
ON GALATIANS 3:21-28:
*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby
21 Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely
not! For if a law had been given that could
impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. 22 But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of
sin, so that what was promised, being given
through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.
Children of God
23 Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come
would be revealed. 24 So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. 25 Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a
guardian.
26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:21-28, (NIV)
One of my most insightful life
experiences occurred in the mid 1980s when I was pastor of Pine Grove AME Church
in Columbia, South Carolina - a church that was near a number of State
Correctional Institutions. A middle-aged
husband and wife - who came to Columbia to visit their incarcerated son and who
also happened to be white - arrived in town before visiting hours, decided to
find a place to worship in the meantime, and chose to visit Pine Grove.
When they walked up to the front
door while I was standing there waiting for worship to begin, I saw them and
said, “May I help you?” They explained
why they happened to be there, I welcomed them, and they went in and had a
delightful time in worship. The
experience was positive, but it later made me ask myself why - in a church in a
growing suburban area that had lots of black visitors each week - did I ask those
two rare white visitors, “May I help you?”
That humbling experience made me
more appreciative of the blessing of diversity, less judgmental or suspicious
of those who don’t look like me but who share my faith, and more open to the
new possibilities for learning and understanding that spring to life when we
let God guide us.
Remember my insightful life
experience in this world, where so many people build walls of division instead
of bridges to foster unity because of fears based on race, class, culture,
political mind-set and economic status, people who sometimes handle their own
insecurities, failings and fears by judging and blaming those that they see as
“different.”
We’d do well to remember that we’re
all “wonderfully made” children of the God Who made us, Who knows us better
than we know ourselves and Who can bless all of us to achieve, excel and be
well in spite of life’s challenges and trials, regardless of who we are, how we
look or what we own.
Take the time, in a world of
division, distrust and suspicion, to celebrate what retired AME Bishop
Frederick C. James once called “the diversity of our unity and the unity of our
diversity.” We can then stop judging,
stop striving to “outdo” others, lay our fear and distrust aside, celebrate our
blessings, reach out to all of God’s children and celebrate the grace and power
of the God who led those who dealt with the pain of American slavery to say,
“He’s got the whole world in His hands.”
This Meditation is also available as
a Blog on the Beaufort District’s Website: www.beaufortdistrict.org
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
13. GENERAL OFFICER
FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENT:
-- The Rev. Dr. Calvin
H. Sydnor III and the Rev. Dr. Charlotte Sydnor are proud grandparents
- Grandson 2nd Lieutenant
Corey Sydnor graduated from U.S. Army Air Assault School at Fort Campbell,
Kentucky on Wednesday, November 12, 2014. He completed Jump School as a
Paratrooper in 2012 at Fort Benning. He is a Cum Laude graduate of Morehouse College and is the son of Dr.
Calvin H. Sydnor IV and Mrs. Joanna Wells Sydnor.
- Grandson, Antoine Smith is a
sophomore at Westerville South High School (Westerville, Ohio) and has a
cumulative GPA of 3.6. He is on the varsity basketball team. He is 6'6"
tall. He is the son of Mr. Antoine Smith and the Rev. Dr. Gloria Lynn Sydnor
Smith. Antoine is a member of Bethel AME Church in Columbus, Ohio where the
Rev. Dale B. Snyder, Sr., is the pastor.
- Granddaughter, Amara Sydnor has a
cumulative GPA of 4.0 at Mother of Mercy High School in Cincinnati Ohio. She is the daughter of Mr. Christopher Sydnor
and Mrs. Doretha Jennings Sydnor
- Grandson Antonio (Tony) Smith has
been nominated for the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical
Scientists Award of Excellence for Outstanding academic achievement, leadership
potential and determination to serve humanity in the field of medicine. Tony
was nominated as a Delegate representing Westerville South High School
(Westerville, Ohio) & the State of Ohio at the Congress of Future Medical
Leaders in Boston, Massachusetts June 2015. Tony is a freshman and has a
cumulative 3.7 GPA. He is on the high school basketball and football teams. He
is 6'41/2'' tall. He is the son of Mr. Antoine Smith and the Rev. Dr. Gloria
Lynn Sydnor Smith. Tony is a member of
Bethel AME Church in Columbus, Ohio where the Rev. Dale B. Snyder, Sr., is the
pastor.
Congratulatory Messages may be sent:
14. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the
passing of the Rev. Rufus Smith of Baltimore, MD. Reverend Smith died on Thursday, November 13,
2014. The Rev. Rufus Smith is the
brother of the Rev. Dr. William Smith, Jr., Presiding Elder of the Marion
District, Northeast Annual Conference of the Seventh Episcopal District.
Please note the following:
Celebration of Life for Reverend
Smith:
Saturday, November 22, 2014 at 10:30
a.m.
First Apostolic Church
2700 East Caroline Street
Baltimore, MD
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent
to:
The Rev. Dr. William Smith, Jr.
Post Office Box 6255
Florence, SC 29502
15. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the
passing of Mrs. Rosa M. Gaston of Winnsboro, South Carolina. Mrs. Gaston is the mother of the Rev. Eddie
Gaston, Jr., Presiding Elder of the Manning District, Central Annual Conference
of the Seventh Episcopal District.
Please note the following:
Homegoing Celebration:
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 1:00
p.m.
Mt. Zion AME Church
324 Honeybee Circle
Winnsboro, SC 29180
Telephone: (803) 635-0062
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent
to:
The Rev. and Mrs. Eddie Gaston, Jr.
229 Canabarry Circle
Summerville, SC 29483
16. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the
transition of Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth McKissack, the mother of the Reverend James
G. McKissack, Itinerant Elder, Superannuate of the Tennessee Annual Conference.
Sarah Elizabeth McKissack age 89 of
Nashville transitioned from this earthly life to eternal life on Thursday,
November 13, 2014 She was preceded in
death by her parents, William (Mary Frances) Caldwell; husband, James
McKissack; daughter, Willa Jean Jenkins; son, Robin McKissack; brothers, James
& William Caldwell.
Survived by daughters, Peggy
(William) Prowell, Velma Prowell, Mary McEwen, Betty McKissack, & devoted
daughter, Tyowanna McKissack; sons, Rev. James McKissack, Leon & Rafael
McKissack, and devoted sons, William & Cedric "Lil Cee"
McKissack; brother, Thomas Caldwell; sister, Lena (Kenneth) Brown;
sisters-in-law, Anna Caldwell, & Esterlene McKissack; 28 grandchildren; 35
great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins, and
a host of other relatives and friends.
Public Viewing Tuesday Nov. 18, 2014
from 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (family present 6:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.) in the Highland Hills Chapel, 2422 Brick Church
Pike, Nashville, TN.
Visitation Wednesday Nov. 19th
from 11 a.m.-12:00 Noon with funeral to follow at Eastside Church of Christ,
2518 Gallatin Rd. Nashville TN, with Brother Floyd Hughes, Min. & Bro.
Elvis Williams, Eulogist. Burial will be in the Pinecrest Memorial Gardens,
Columbia, TN.
17. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Reverend Raphael Allen, pastor,
passed from labor to reward on Saturday, November 15, 2014 after an extended
illness. The Rev. Florence Weaver Pitts
(a.k.a. Honey, Skipper, and Ma Pitts) served as the associate minister of
Greater Turner Chapel AME Church of the West Atlanta District (Atlanta North
Georgia Conference). The Rev. Pitts and her loving ministry and spirit-filled
presence will be missed by her family, friends, church family, and community.
Thank you for your prayers for the family.
Wake: Friday, November 21st 6-7 p.m.
Location: Alfonso Dawson Mortuary
3000 MLK Jr. Drive, SW
Atlanta, GA 30311
404-691-3810
Celebration of Life Services:
Saturday, Nov. 22nd at 12:00
Noon.
Location: Greater Turner Chapel AME
Church
4650 Cascade Road, SW
Atlanta, Georgia 30331
404-609-0023
Eulogist, Reverend Dexter Redding
Officiating, Pastor Raphael Allen
Condolences may be sent to:
Mr. Richard Pitts (son)
554 East Kildars Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30318
Or
Ms. Mary Wright (sister)
2233 Jones Road, NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
18. BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Ora L. Easley,
Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family
Information Center
Web page:
http://www.amecfic.org/
Telephone: (615)
837-9736 (H)
Telephone: (615)
833-6936 (O)
Cell: (615) 403-7751
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220
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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