THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (01/08/16)

The Right Reverend T. Larry Kirkland - Chair, Commission on Publications

The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher

The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20^th Editor, The Christian Recorder

-- Ash Wednesday - February 10, 2016

-- Palm Sunday, March 20, 2016

-- Good Friday – March 25, 2016

-- Easter - Sunday, March 27, 2016

-- Pentecost - Sunday, May 15, 2016

-- Daylight Saving Time (United States) 2016 begins at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 13, 2016

1. TCR EDITORIAL – I AM CONFUSED, IS ANYONE ELSE CONFUSED:

Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III

The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder

I am confused about a lot of things, but of course I am not confused about everything.  For instance I am not confused about my faith! I am a Christian and I know why I am a Christian and I believe in Jesus Christ as my Savior!  I believe that he arose from the dead.

I am not confused about my being a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. I love the AME Church and I love Methodism. I love and can biblically defend infant baptism and the Open Table Communion. I also love that we have three modes of baptism, sprinkling (aspersion), pouring (affusion), and immersion and I can biblically defend the three modes of water baptism.

I love the episcopacy and I am not confused about our process of making pastoral appointments.

I love the organization of the AME Church and I love AME worship – I love the structure and the emotionalism of worship. In other words, I love structure, but I love the way many pastors can integrate free worship styles of worship within the AME worship structure.

I love the connectionalism of the AME Church and the fellowship when AMEs get together at connectional meetings. AMEs get work done, but AMEs also know how to fellowship and enjoy each other.  

I cannot see myself being anything other than being an AME because I love the AME Church and I am not confused about the AME Church.

There are some things we, AMEs need to work on, to include - not being so critical of our Zion and we probably need to cut down on gossip and rumors, but often close friends and family systems seem to be about rumors and gossip. And, we, the members of the AME Church, are family, and, as I think about it, I would not tolerate non-AMEs criticizing the AME Church, our bishops or our general officers.

Those are some of the things I am not confused about, but for the life of me there are a lot of things that just perplex me and sometimes I wonder if I am the only one who is confused.

For instance…

How can the armed anti-government activists who took over a federal wildlife refuge in Oregon be treated with such respect and without hardly a word of condemnation and no retaliation by law enforcement while unarmed young black men and women are “taken to the ground,” shot and killed.

The Armed militiamen who took over the federal buildings inside a wildlife refuge in Oregon publically stated that they were “willing to kill and be killed if necessary.” I am confused!

Am I the only person who wonders what would have happened if a group of African Americans or Muslims had taken over the federal wildlife refuge in Oregon?  My gut tells me that there would have been a significant law enforcement response that would have resulted in significant deaths. Of course I am confused by the disparity of treatment given to minorities.

Am I the only one who has noticed that the “birthers” are quiet about Canadian-born Ted Cruz, the Texas senator who was born in Calgary, Alberta to an American mother and a Cuban-born father, but have been “off the chart vocal” about President Barack Obama who was born in the United States in Hawaii to an American mother and a Kenyan father?

And, am I the only person who is offended because Ted Cruz, a “birther” himself, had the gall to reportedly say several years ago, "Obama’s mother’s citizenship is irrelevant since his father wasn’t American and he wasn’t born in America. He can’t be president."

I am confused by the Cruz’s thinking and the fact that Cruz was not even born in the United States. He should have just kept his mouth shut!

Has anyone noticed his flip-flop logic? Cruz’s mother was an American citizen living in Canada, but his father wasn’t born in the United States.  Not only that, but has anyone noticed, if we follow Cruz’s earlier logic, Cruz, himself; Marco Rubio, Bobby Jindal, Rick Santorum would all be unqualified to run for president of the United States. And even Mitt Romney should not have been allowed to run for President if Cruz’s logic was followed.

Has anyone else noticed that the only person whose qualifications for President have been questioned was Mr. Barack Obama? And those qualifications were questioned even after his being elected President of the United States and are still being questioned."

Whatever you might think about Donald Trump, at least he is a “consistent birther” in that he exposed Ted Cruz’s birth, which would have been “swept under the rug,” and we would not be having a discussion about Cruz’s birth. The issue of Rubio, Jindal, Santorum and Romney never really surfaced.

I am confused as to why the “birthers” were and still are so “hot to trot” on President Obama who was born in the United States, but totally ignored or downplayed the non-U.S. birthplaces of Marco Rubio, Bobby Jindal, Rick Santorum and Mitt Romney.

I am even more confused

I am confused because I hear Republican politicians speaking negatively about President Barack Obama and how incompetent he is and I hear GOP candidates running on the platform of “getting America back.” 

My question: Back to what? Is their statement a euphemism for something to which I am not privy?

Unless the media is falsely reporting the various economic statistics, it seems to me the United States is in better economic shape under President Obama’s presidency than it was under his predecessor.  

Yes, I am confused that the Republican candidates and a large segment of the U.S. population are not aware of President Obama’s accomplishments. Anyone who reads newspapers, looks at television news or checks the Internet can see the accomplishments of President Obama.

President Obama ended the war in Iraq and began the drawdown of war in Afghanistan, killed Osama bin Laden, turned around U.S. auto industry, repealed “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” which ended 1990s-era restriction and allows gays and lesbians to serve openly in the military, toppled Moammar Gaddafi, kicked banks out of the federal student loan program and expanded Pell Grant Spending. 

And if these few examples are not enough, gasoline today is under $2 from a high of $4 and on top of that boosted fuel efficiency standards.

The unemployment rate is the lowest since 2007 and is about 5 percent, which when I took Economics 101 in the early sixties was an ideal unemployment rate and it never counted the people who had stopped looking for jobs.

The New York Times reports that "U.S. employers added 292,000 workers in December, an impressive sprint capping off a year of solid job growth" and went on to add "The nation’s labor market capped off a year of steady growth with an impressive sprint as employers added 292,000 workers to their payrolls in December...The unemployment rate stayed at 5 percent last month." (The New York Times Breaking News Report, January 8, 2016)

President Obama has done so much for America and yet he is being criticized more than any president I can remember, and I am not a “spring chicken.”  

And, added to all of the things President Obama has done, The Washington Post reported that President Obama has served longer than any president in decades without a scandal, as measured by the appearance of the word “scandal” (or lack thereof) on the front page of The Washington Post. Now, that’s an accomplishment!

I am not confused when someone tells me 2 plus 2 equals 4, but when someone tries to argue that 2 plus 2 equals 3, I immediately know that their thinking is bogus. 

The inequitable treatment of minorities by the legal system and by law enforcement and the biased criticism of our President, and the illogical and untruthful statements of many of our politicians about the economy and the state of the nation tells me that we have bogus politicians who are not open and honest about the state of affairs of our nation; they are only concerned about partisan politics. And, in their thinking 2 plus 2 never equals 4 because the correct answer does not fit their agenda.

Yes, I am confused, but I know that 2 plus 2 equals 4. I also know when the answers do not fit their agendas; they are never concerned about the correct answers.

2. HOTEL INFORMATION FOR THE GDC EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING (FEBRUARY 19-26, 2016):

The GDC Executive Board Meeting will be held February 22-24, 2016 in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

Hotel Information:

Group Name: A.M.E. Church

Group Code: AME16

Check-in & out: 19-Feb-2016; 26-Feb-2016. (To be confirmed by individuals)

Hotel Name: Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre

                           

Hotel Address:   

Lady Young Road

Port of Spain

Trinidad and Tobago

Telephone: +1-858-624-3211

If you have any questions, please contact: The Rev. Wayne Anthony - Telephone: (868) 750-8062; email: elder.anthony@yahoo.com 

Bishop John F. White

Presiding Prelate of the

16^th and 18^th Episcopal Districts

African Methodist Episcopal Church

16^th Episcopal District

Telephone: (876) 702-2818 (Office – Kingston, Jamaica)

Skype: +1-954-416-3306 

Email: bishopwhite130@aol.com

          Bishopwhite130@gmail.com

18^th Episcopal District

011-26622320869 – Office – Maseru, Lesotho

011-26622310548 – Fax – Maseru, Lesotho

+1-954-416-3306 = Skype

Email: bishopwhite130@aol.com

          Bishopwhite130@gmail.com

USA

P.O. Box 61606

Ft. Myers, Florida 33906-1606

Telephone: 239-362-1226

Skype: 954-416-3306

3. THE 28 YEAR CELEBRATION FOR THE RT. REV. JOHN R. BRYANT AND THE REV. DR. CECELIA WILLIAMS BRYANT:

The Fourth Episcopal District AME Church is pleased to host, honor and celebrate 28 years of distinguished episcopal leadership offered by the Right Reverend John R. Bryant and the Reverend Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant. 

The Fourth Episcopal District has appreciated and been tremendously blessed by Bishop John and Rev. C's visionary and dedicated leadership.

As we prepare to celebrate our episcopal family, we are requesting the connectional church to help us honor Bishop John and Rev. C’s dedication and commitment to the glory of God by offering congratulatory messages (photo ready) in the souvenir journal. We are specifically encouraging participation from the 14th, 10th, 5th and 4th districts where Bishop John and Rev. C served and the 2nd Episcopal District from which Bishop was elected to the episcopacy.

You may download the solicitation form from the following web address: www.stjohnamec.org

All souvenir journal congratulatory messages must be received on or before February 1, 2016. Please email your completed solicitation form to: BishopJohn28YearCelebration@yahoo.com.

Submitted by the Rev. Jesse Hawkins, 2950 Bilter Road Aurora, IL 60502; email: BishopJohn28YearCelebration@yahoo.com

4. THE 145^TH ANNUAL SESSION OF THE CENTRAL NORTH LOUISIANA CONFERENCE OF THE EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:

Mrs. Eddie Mae Williams Washington, Conference Reporter

       

The Central North Louisiana Annual Conference was held from September 16-20, 2015 at St. Matthew AME Church in Shreveport, Louisiana under the leadership of Bishop Julius Harrison McAllister, Sr., Presiding Prelate of the Eighth Episcopal District and President of the Council of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and Mother Joan Marla McAllister, Episcopal Supervisor.

       

The Conference theme was "Fulfilling the Great Commission: The Evidence of Discipleship.” The theme was expounded upon during the duration of the Conference. We were challenged to become true disciples.

       

The Conference organization began with clergy and delegates answering the roll. Bishop McAllister presided over the Conference in a personable and professional manner. No stone was left unturned during the deliberations.

       

The Conference was taken to the mountaintop by soul-stirring, challenging sermons delivered by his servants - the Rev. Curtis R. Fields, the Rev. Walter Lawson, the Rev. Agnelis L. Reese, the Rev. Kecia Lewis, the Rev. Dr. Moses Simms, Presiding Elder Larry Anders, Shreveport District, CME Church; the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., President/Publisher, AME Sunday School Union; and the Reverend Willie Benson.

       

Conference institutes were relevant, informative and empowering to all in attendance. The Emanuel 9 was remembered. We do not mourn as those who have no hope for we know the doors of the church are still open.

       

Presiding elders Lloyd Washington and Michele R. Goodloe, as well as the pastors of the Alexandria-Thibodeaux and Shreveport-Monroe districts, made round reports. God’s name be praised!

       

The Young People’s Division program was uplifting and encouraging as it focused on Black Lives Matter. The young people as well as adults were encouraged in light of the recent situations that have taken place throughout the country. Everyone was encouraged.

       

St. Matthew AME Church and Pastor, the Reverend Dr. Glenell Lee Pruitt, rolled out the red carpet and did a superlative job in hosting the Conference. Congratulations to them for a job well done.

       

Bishop McAllister concluded the Conference on Sunday, September 20, 2015 with the Closing and Commissioning Service.

       

Conference attendees left inspired, renewed and refreshed as they go forth fulfilling the Great Commission.

5. THE SOCIAL ACTION COMMISSION OF THE AME CHURCH THANKS PRESIDENT OBAMA FOR HIS BOLD STANCE ON GUN VIOLENCE

Thank you President Obama.  As we sit across this nation listening to you, we have never felt closer to the work that you are engaged in, because we are on this journey together.  Your commitment to take action to help make our communities safer by stopping gun violence is a welcomed trek and the African Methodist Episcopal Church is ready to go forward with you.

The African Methodist Episcopal Church is no stranger to the impact of gun violence, not the least of which is the most recent massacre at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina where 9 innocent lives were snuffed out and hundreds of thousands of people around the globe still shudder when thinking about that senseless and tragic loss.  While we continue to struggle with the “open sore” of racism, we can surely craft corrective courses and take away some of the tools that have been and are being used to carry out senseless acts of violence.

Keeping guns out the wrong hands through background checks is one of those steps. If an effective background system had been in place, the Mother Emanuel shooter very likely would not have been issued a gun.  As you noted, we are no stranger to check-points; so background checks would serve that purpose for those who want to “bear arms.”

As we reflect on the value of further screening and the accounts of family and friends of the racial hatred characterized the Emanuel shooter’s vocabulary, an effective mental health system may have provided some preventive care or early intervention.  When a person with a troubled mind who believes that (s)he has a mandate to destroy people can easily and legally purchase or obtain guns to destroy that race, gender or group, it seems that, by omission, we are issuing a permit to kill.  Early intervention and diagnosis can help break the cycle of killing by gun power.

All of us must become engaged to create and maintain safe communities.  Acquiring more guns is not the solution nor should we fuel a destructive economy, which creates weapons of human destruction that can be carelessly used to kill innocent people.  

Today, you have given new and invigorating definition to statesmanship and selfless leadership.  Misguided and selfish persons who benefit from the sale of guns must be brought along on this journey and the faith community is obligated to play a role in that conversion effort. 

The AME Church pledges to do what it is called to do – speak truth in far and remote places, carry the good news, and incentivize changing of lives and minds. We will also educate the “true” intent of the “right to bear arms,” which has been twisted by those with a motive of greed.

Recognizing that the journey must also include the elected leadership in the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives, the African Methodist Episcopal Church also pledges to speak truth to our elected servants and show boldness at the polls.

Let’s get going!  Our moral outrage and action must be palpable, visible, and unstoppable.  As Richard Allen said, “The Lord was pleased to strengthen us, and remove all fear from us, and disposed our hearts to be as useful as possible.” With God, and together; we will prevail! 

The Social Action Commission of the African Methodist Episcopal Church                                                         

Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, Chairperson                                                                                        

Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker, Director/Consultant 

                                                                                 

6. ASH WEDNESDAY, PALM SUNDAY, GOOD FRIDAY, EASTER AND PENTECOST:

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent in the Western Christian calendar. It occurs exactly 46 days before Easter (40 fasting days not counting Sundays). It is a moveable fast that can fall as early as February 4 and as late as March 10.

Good Friday is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday. Christians commemorate the passion, or suffering, and death on the Cross of Jesus Christ.

Easter is the oldest and most important festival of the Western Christian year, celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ rising from the grave following his crucifixion on Good Friday. Easter marks the end of the 40 days of Lent.

Pentecost, meaning "fiftieth day" is celebrated 50 days (seven weeks plus one day so it always falls on a Sunday) after Easter Sunday.

-- Ash Wednesday - February 10, 2016

-- Palm Sunday, March 20, 2016

-- Good Friday – March 25, 2016

-- Easter - Sunday, March 27, 2016

-- Pentecost - Sunday, May 15, 2016

Read more: http://www.calendarpedia.com/

7. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR - A SKIT FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2015^©:

*The Rev. Lucinda Burgess

January 18, 2015

Martin: Of course I was religious. I grew up in the church. My father is a preacher, my grandfather was a preacher, my great-grandfather was a preacher, my only brother is a preacher, and my daddy’s brother is a preacher. So I didn’t have much choice.

Narrator: Michael (later Martin) Luther King Jr. was born at the Williams/King family home at 501 Auburn Avenue in Atlanta to Michael (later Martin) Luther King Sr. and Alberta Williams. Martin Sr. always had an interest in civil rights and stood out on social reform. As pastor of Ebenezer Baptist church he wielded great influence in the Negro community.  Martin Jr. never experienced the feeling of not having the basic necessities of life. In fact, the first 25 years of his life were very comfortable as he could always call on Daddy dear.

There were two incidents that happened late childhood and early adolescence that had a tremendous impact on his development. The first was the death of his grandmother and the second was an incident that happened when he was six years of age. Martin had a white childhood friend but when school began he had to go to a separate school and to make matters worse, his white friends father demanded that he no longer played with Martin.

The strict system of segregation in Atlanta that impacted Martins life, separate schools, unable to go to the park and sitting at the back of the bus was only a few. At the age of 14, Martin travelled from Atlanta to Dublin Georgia to take part in an oratorical contest. Martin spoke on the topic “The Negro and the Constitution.”

Martin: We cannot have an enlightened democracy with one great group living in ignorance. We cannot have a healthy nation with one-tenth of the people ill-nourished, sick, harboring germs of disease which recognize no color lines – obey no Jim Crow laws. We cannot have a nation orderly and sound with one group so ground down and thwarted that it is almost forced to unsocial attitudes and crime…

Narrator: September 20, 1944 King begins his freshman year at Morehouse College. Although his maternal grandfather ad his father had attended Morehouse, King faced hardships.  He was only 15 years of age. He had skipped an early grade, and went to college after completing the eleventh grade.  And, although he was one of the top students in high school, he was only reading at an eighth grade level. 

Due to the influence of his father and grandfather, King always had a deep urge to serve humanity, but did not initially have an interest to enter the ministry. It was not until he took a course in Bible that he came to see that behind the legends and myths of the Book were many profound truths that one could not escape. On February 28, 1948, King was ordained at Ebenezer Baptist Church.

September 14, 1948, Martin Jr. entered Crozer Theological Seminary with a quest to find a method to eliminate social evil. King was only 19 years of age. At Crozer King spent a great deal of time reading the works of great social philosophers but it was Rauschenbusch’s Christianity and the Social Crisis, that left an indelible imprint on his thinking and gave him a theological basis for the social concern which was already a part of him because of his early experiences. Martin went from preaching as an obligation to accepting preaching as his call.

Martin: I feel that preaching is one of the most vital needs of our society, if it is used correctly. There is a great paradox in preaching; on the one hand it may be very helpful and on the other hand it may be very pernicious. It is my opinion that sincerity is not enough for the preaching ministry. The minister must be both sincere and intelligent…I also think that the minister should possess profundity of conviction….

Narrator: September 13, 1951 King enters Boston University’s School of Theology to begin his doctoral studies. It was also at Boston University that King’s intellectual pilgrimage to nonviolence came. By 1954, King was convinced that nonviolent resistance was one of the most potent weapons available to oppressed people in their quest for social justice.

Martin: The thing that we need in the world today is a group of men and women who will stand up for right and be opposed to wrong, wherever it is. A group of people who have come to see that some things are wrong, whether they’re never caught up with. Some things are right, whether nobody sees you doing them or not…

Narrator: While at Boston, Martin met and fell in love with the attractive singer Coretta Scott. They were married on June 18, 1953 by Martin Luther King Sr.

Narrator: January 24, 1954, King Jr. delivered his trial sermon at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama and on April 14, 1954 he accepted his call to pastor Dexter. King preached his first sermon in May 1954:

Martin: It is a significant fact that I came to the pastorate of Dexter at a most crucial hour of our world’s history; at a time when the flame of war might arise at any time to redden the skies of our dark and dreary world; at a time when men know all to well that without the proper guidance the whole of civilization can be plunged across the abyss of destruction; at a time when men are experiencing in all realms of life disruption, and conflict, self-destruction, and meaningless despair and anxiety…

Narrator: October 31, 1954 that King officially became the pastor of Dexter Baptist Church.

Narrator: August 26, 1955, Rosa Parks, secretary of Montgomery NAACP chapter, informs King of his election to the executive committee and 3 months later, Yolanda Denise, his first child was born.

Narrator: December 1, 1955 Rosa Parks was arrested for violating the segregation laws. Early Friday morning, December 2, 1955, Mr. E. D. Nixon of the Montgomery branch of the NAACP called Martin.  Nixon along with the Rev. Ralph Abernathy both felt that a bus boycott was the best course of action and Martin offered his church as the meeting place. It was the Rev. L Roy Bennett, president of Montgomery’s Interdenominational Alliance and minister of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church who presented the proposal that the Negro citizens of Montgomery should boycott the buses in protest concluding: Now is the time to move. This is no time to talk; it is time to act. Rev. Bennett went on to appoint a committee that included King, to prepare a statement which read:

Martin: Don’t ride the bus to work, to town, to school, or any place Monday, December 5. Another Negro Woman has been arrested and put into jail because she refused to give up her bus seat. Don’t ride the buses to work to town, to school, or anywhere on Monday. If you work, take a cab, or share a ride, or walk. Come to mass meeting, Monday at 7:00 p.m. at the Hold Street Baptist Church for further instruction.

Narrator: On the eve of Rosa Parks’ trial, December 5, 1955, King gave what he considered to be “the most decisive speech” of his life:

Martin: We are here this evening for serious business. We are here in a general sense because first and foremost we are American citizens and we are determined to apply our citizenship to the fullness of its meaning. We are here also because of our love for democracy because of our deep-seated belief that democracy transformed from thin paper to thick action is the greatest form of government on earth…

Narrator: That night a movement began that would gain national recognition; whose echoes would ring in the ears of people of every nation; a movement that would astound the oppressor, and bring new hope to the oppressed.  That night was Montgomery’s moment in history and over the next 13 years, King became the face of what is known as the American Civil Rights movement.

Narrator: January 26, 1956 – during the “Get Tough” campaign, King is arrested and jailed for speeding. He was fined $14.

Narrator: February 21, 1956 – Montgomery grand jury indicts King and other leaders for violating anti-boycott law.

Narrator: March 22, 1956 – King is found guilty of leading illegal boycott and sentenced to $500 fine or 386 days in jail; the case was appealed.

Narrator: November 13, 1956 – the U.S. Supreme Court declared bus segregation laws unconstitutional.

Narrator: December 21, 1956 – King was one of the first passengers to ride desegregated buses.

Narrator: February 14, 1957 – King becomes the head of the Southern Leaders Conference (Later SCLC).

Narrator: October 23, 1957 – Martin Luther King III is born

Narrator: June 23, 1958 – King and other civil rights leaders meet with President Eisenhower.

Narrator: September 3, 1958 – King is arrested in Montgomery. His fine was later paid by the Montgomery police commissioner.

Narrator: September 20, 1958 – King is stabbed in Harlem.

Narrator: February 1, 1960 – Lunch counter sit-in movement begins.

Narrator: February 17, 1950 – King is arrested and charged with falsifying his 1956 and 1958 Alabama state income tax.

Narrator: May 28, 1960 – King is acquitted of tax evasion by an all-white jury in Montgomery.

Narrator: October 19, 1960 – King is arrested at Atlanta sit-in.

Narrator: October 28, 1960 – Charges are dropped for sit-in arrest but King is held for violating probation for earlier traffic offense and transferred to Reidsville State Prison.

Narrator: January 30, 1961 – King’s third child Dexter Scott is born.

Narrator: May 21, 1961 – King addresses mass rally at mob-besieged Montgomery church.

Narrator: December 15-16, 1961 – King arrives in Albany to take part in the Albany movement. He is arrested with more than 700 Albany protesters.

Narrator: March 28, 1963 – the King’s fourth child, Bernice Albertine, is born.

Narrator: April 3, 1963 – Birmingham campaign begins.

Narrator: April 12, 1963 – King is arrested for violating a state circuit court injunction against protests.

Narrator: April 16, 1963 – King writes a response to the white Birmingham ministers in response to their call for the end of demonstrations. King begins the letter by stating:

Martin: While confined here in the Birmingham city jail, I came across your recent statement call my present activities “unwise and untimely.” Seldom do I pause to answer criticism of my work and ideas. If I sought to answer all the criticism that crosses my desk, my secretaries would have little time for constructive work. But since I feel that you are men of genuine goodwill and that your criticisms are sincerely forth, I want to try to answer your statements in what I hope will be patient and reasonable terms….

Narrator: And after a long discourse, King ended the letter with:

Martin: Let us all hope that the dark clouds of racial prejudice will soon pass away and the deep fog of misunderstanding will be lifted from our fear-drenched communities, and in some not to distant tomorrow the radiant stars of love and brotherhood will shine over our great nation with all their scintillating beauty.

Yours for the cause of Peace and Brotherhood,

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Narrator: April 20, 1963 – King and Ralph Abernathy are released on bond.

Narrator: June 11, 1963 – President Kennedy announces new civil rights proposal.

Narrator: June 12, 1963 – Assassin kills NAACP leader Medgar Evers

Narrator: August 26, 1963 – King addresses the ‘March on Washington’ for jobs and Freedom.

“I have a dream”

Martin: I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.

Five score years ago a great American in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of home to millions of Negro slaves, who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity….

Narrator: September 15, 1963 – Dynamite blast kills four young black girls in Sunday school at Birmingham’s Sixteenth Street Baptist Church.

Narrator: September 18, 1963 – King delivers eulogy for three of the four children.

Narrator: June 11, 1964 – King was arrested in St. Augustine, Florida.

Narrator: July 2, 1964 – King attends the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

Narrator: December 10, 1964 – King receives Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo.

Narrator: February 1, 1965 – King is jailed with more than 200 others after voting rights march in Selma, Alabama.

Narrator: March 25, 1965 – Selma-to-Montgomery march concludes with address by King:

How long? Not long?

Martin: So I stand before you this afternoon with the conviction that segregation is on its deathbed in Alabama and the only thing uncertain about it is how costly the segregationists and Wallace will make the funeral…

Narrator: July 16, 1965 – King leads march to Chicago City Hall and addresses a rally sponsored by Chicago’s Coordinating Council on Community Organizations (CCCCO).

Narrator: August 12, 1965 – King calls for halt to U.S. bombing of North Vietnam to encourage negotiated settlement of conflict.

Narrator: January 7, 1966 – King announces the start of the Chicago Campaign.

Narrator: April 4, 1967 – King delivers his first public antiwar speech at New York’s Riverside Church.

Narrator: May 22, 1967 – King calls for a radical redistribution of economic and political power.

Narrator: December 4, 1967 – King launches the Poor People’s Campaign.

Narrator: March 18, 1968 – King speaks to the striking sanitation workers in Memphis.

Narrator: March 28, 1968 – King leads Memphis march that is disrupted by violence.

Narrator: April 3, 1968 – King delivers his final address at Bishop Charles J. Mason Temple in Memphis.

Martin: I guess one of the great agonies of life is that we are constantly trying to finish that which is unfinishable. We are commanded to do that. And so we, like David, find ourselves in so many instances having to face that our dreams are not fulfilled.

Life is a continual story of shattered dreams. Mahatma Gandhi labored for years and years for the independence of his people. But Gandhi had to face the fact that he was assassinated and died with a broken heart, because that nation that he wanted to unite ended up being divided between India and Pakistan as a result of the conflict between the Hindus and the Moslems.

Woodrow Wilson dreamed a dream of a League of Nations, but he died before the dream was delivered….

So many of our forebears used to sing about freedom. And they dreamed of the day that they would be able to get out of the bosom of slavery, the long night of injustice. And they used to sing little songs: “Nobody knows de trouble I seen, nobody knows but Jesus.”…

Narrator: On March 4, 1968, Martin Luther King, Jr. preached ‘‘The Drum Major Instinct’’ from the pulpit of Ebenezer Baptist Church. Ironically, two months before his assassination on 4 April 1968, at Lorraine Motel in Memphis. King told his congregation what he would like said at his funeral:

Martin: “A drum major for righteousness”

Every now and then I guess we all think realistically about that day when we will be victimized with what is life’s final common denominator-that something we all call death. We all think about it. And every now and then I think about my own death, and I think about my own funeral. And I don’t think of it in a morbid sense. Every now and then I ask myself, “What is it that I would want said?” And I leave the word to you this morning.

I’d like somebody to mention that day, that Martin Luther King Jr., tried to give his life serving others.

I’d like for somebody to say that day, that Martin Luther King Jr., tried to love somebody.

I want you to say that day, that I tried to be right on the war question.

I want you to be able to say that day, that I did try to feed the hungry.

And I want you to be able to say that day, that I did try, in my life, to clothe those who were naked.

I want you to day, on that day, that I did try, in my life, to visit those who were in prison.

I want you to say that I tried to love and to serve humanity.

Yes, if you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice. Say that I was a drum major for peace. I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter. I won’t have any money to leave behind. I won’t have the fine and luxurious things of live to leave behind. But I just want to leave a committed life behind. And that’s all I wanted to say.

If I can help somebody as I pass along, if I can cheer somebody with a word or song, if I can show somebody he’s travelling wrong, then my living will not be in vain. If I can do my duty as a Christian ought, if I can bring salvation to a world once wrought, if I can spread the message as a master taught, then my living will not be in vain.

This skit is based on the book The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr. Clayborne Caron ed., New York: Warner Books, Inc., 1998.

*The Rev. Lucinda Burgess is an associate minister at Greater Allen, Dayton Ohio. Rev. Burgess works in Academic Services at Payne Theological Seminary, where she is also a student and the SGA President.

8. NEWS FROM ZIMBABWE – THE 20^TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:

The following articles submitted by the Rev. Florence McLaren share news from Zimbabwe

-- The North East Zimbabwe Annual Conference a Success  

The Rev. Israel Chimuse [Phillip Life Centre]

From 29^th to 31^st October the whole North East Conference, comprising of 19 churches, converged at Matema AME Church in Nyanga, which happened to be the host. The Bishop, R T Jackson, arrived on the 28^th of October and headed straight to attend the WMS convention that was also meeting at the above mentioned venue.

As usual the Annual Conference was opened with a powerful Word. The Rev. Florence McLaren was appointed to give the Annual Sermon. She preached from the book of Daniel and centred her sermon on PRIDE. The word was well received and the conference was officially opened. Organisation followed and the election of General Conference delegates was next on the agenda. Ministerial and Lay delegates were elected including the alternates. After which the Bishop gave a lengthy Word as he was trying to summarise what had taken place over the past three years. It was supposed to have been a Lay night but they were not prepared.

The following day, the 30^th of October, was so busy with Presiding Elders` summary reports and pastoral reports followed soon after that. We had an ordination service and the Rev E B Ginya, the President of the 20th Episcopal District and a Presiding Elder from South West Conference preached the Word. Oh!!! What a word. He titled his sermon "Do you know who called you?" The Bishop then called for additional reports from pastors. The following day was the closing day and the Bishop preached the closing sermon, which I want to believe was spiritual food good enough to carry the whole conference, pastors and lay through the next conference year. He assured the members and the whole nation that we are not poor. After which most, if not all pastors were sent by appointments to their respective charges.

-- 2015-16 Harare District Pastoral Appointments

Bright Temple [Highfield] - Rev D, Chimuse

Chitungwiza—Rev B. Hlahla

Domboshawa—Rev L. Sinyele

Forbes Vengesai — Rev T. Muperekwa

Kambuzuma—Rev F. McLaren

Philip Life Centre [Marl] Rev I. Chimuse

Sims Chapel [Mbare] - Rev F. McLaren

Webster Temple [Tafara] Rev J. Gutsa

-- Pastor Florence McLaren Graduates from Mount Hermon Theological College in Gweru

On Saturday 12^th December at a graduation ceremony organised by Mount Hermon Theological College in Gweru, the Rev. Florence McLaren was capped. She received a BA in Theology and was also awarded a prize as best student of Greek with a Distinction.

--The Rev. Florence McLaren Appointed to Sims Chapel

In the wake of the Annual Conference and at the instigation of the Bishop, Rev. Jackson, the AME in N.E. Zimbabwe made certain structural changes.

These included the appointment of C as pastor at Sims Chapel in Mbare, Harare. Sims Chapel is the Mother Church in Zimbabwe, being the first to be established, her appointment as pastor there is both a great honour and a challenge.

In order to be able to fulfill her duties in both churches, the Sunday Service in Kambuzuma was moved from 10.30 a.m. to 8.30 a.m. The Rev. Florence McLaren has to leave immediately after the end of the service in Kambuzuma because she has to go to Mbare, a journey of nearly 8 kilometers in order to be there for the 11 a.m. service.

-- Bereavement Notices:

Gogo Chikore—Webster Temple

Mai Chifamba—Bright Temple

Gogo Mtatiwa—Sims Chapel

May their souls rest in peace.

-- Contact Information for Kambuzuma AMEC

Website: https://sites.google.com/site/amekambuzuma/ 

Email: flogambe@gmail.com: Mobile: +263 772 335451/712 530350 1997 Mutero Road, Section 5, Kambuzuma, Harare

-- Contact information for Sims Chapel AMEC

E-mail: amesimschapel@gmail.com; Mobile: +263 772956408/772335451; 7 Lundi Street, Mbare, Harare

-- The Offering

Dr Robert McLaren

Dr Robert McLaren remembers when it was a disgrace not to make an offering in church. He gives his view as to what the offering means and calls for a revival of the spirit of offering in our churches.

Sunday after Sunday in church in Kambuzuma and in Mbare I watch the plate or bag that is being passed down the rows. Person after person waves it by without contributing.

At the end when the offering is completed, the amount is announced. Generally if one were to divide the amount collected by the number of people present – after subtracting what the pastor and her family contribution, the average offering would come to something between 5 and 10 US cents.

The fact is that the vast majority of people who come to the Kambuzuma and Mbare churches do not bring anything to contribute at all. Sometimes the plate or bag is waved by with an expression, which seems to say: ― “What‘s this got to do with me?” Or even worse, “Don‘t waste my time.”

When I see this my mind goes back to growing up in South Africa. My grandfather on my mother‘s side was a Methodist minister from England, who spent many years founding mission stations and hospitals in South Africa. On my father‘s side we were solidly Presbyterian and I used to go to the kirk every Sunday. At boarding school, both preparatory school and college - I went to boarding school at six years old - we went to chapel every day with two services on Sunday. These services rotated between Anglican, Methodist and Presbyterian.

Whenever we went to church, we were given something to put in the plate when the time came for offering. At school, all the boys, a few hundred, were given little silver three-penny bits called tickies.

It was universally accepted that when one went to church, everyone had to put money in the offering – even children. It was a must. Not to do so was a shame and a disgrace and rather than be seen to be not putting money in the offering, people would put their hand right inside so no one could see that there was nothing in it.

It is Christmas time and the whole Christian world – or shall we say all Western Christians as many of the Eastern Orthodox churches celebrating Christmas on 7th January – will be thinking of the birth of Jesus. One of the most memorable elements of the Christmas story is that of the Three Wise Men or Kings who bring the baby Jesus gifts – frankincense, myrrh and gold. They came to worship and adore Jesus and they did this with gifts.

When a Christian therefore goes to church on a Sunday, he or she goes to God‘s house to worship and adore Him. Their offering to God in church on a Sunday is an act of worship and adoration. It is not offered to the Pastor or even to the church. It is an offering to God.

Now, many of the congregants at AME churches are not well-off. In fact, many are downright poor. They do not have enough to live on themselves – and this is one reason why they do not contribute. But in the Bible Jesus made it clear to his disciples and therefore to us that the widow‘s groat [a farthing i.e. something like a quarter of a cent] was far more than all the others for they did cast in their abundance but she of her want [Mark 12: 41-44]. It is not how much a person offers but what it means to that person and the fact that he or she did make an offering.

Everyone who comes to church and, like the Kings from the East, is seriously coming to worship and adore, is called upon to offer something. Whatever one does offer is not quantified by the measure of this world. God will know the value of what one brings and will accept it.

Even the very poor, even their children, will somehow find 10 cents for an iced lollipop (or freezit) or some such little luxury. They can surely do the same for God.

It is time for the message to go out again that it is a shame and a disgrace not to offer something to the Lord when the time comes for the offering – whatever it is, something – and it is not acceptable to wave the plate or the bag by with-out offering anything at all.

-- The Young Peoples Division (YPD) 20^th Episcopal Retreat

The YPD retreat for 2015 took place at Glenview High School 1 in Harare. Delegates from all three conferences in Zimbabwe attended—South West, Central and North East. All in all there were about 250 young people at the conference.

Amongst them were the former office-bearers—including Director Mother P. Ncube; President Sister Kwandokuhle Khumalo.

At the meeting new office-bearers were elected. The new Director is Mother J. Yohane and the President, Thandeka Ncube. There were also those who graduated and left the YPD for other divisions.

It was a great conference for YPDers at Kambuzuma for many are invited but few learn from it. Those who attended from Kambuzuma were Shalom Gambe, more blessing Mthamzeli and Daniel and Ropafadzo Manyika. As Kambuzuma we achieved a lot. There were many things we have managed to come home with. One, the official opening—there was the Word from the Rev. I. Chimuse, which had the theme ― “Follow Instructions.”

We should obey the Lord. Uzar did what the Lord had said we must not do. He touched the Ark of God and God got angry with him and he was struck down. We should not abuse God‘s gift of reasoning in order not to follow his instructions.

There was also a career guidance lecture, which motivated us. We learnt that it only needs someone to be confident to get what he or she wants. If you are confident and at the same time have a PASSION, you can reach your destination even when people discourage you.

There was a dinner, which helped the YPDers to mix and socialise with other conferences. There were also choirs and quiz competitions. We were motivated to do service in the house of the Lord.

Everything went well except for the fact that among the youth there is lack of cooperation between the three conferences. If one leads, the others do not follow.

For instance, on the procession through Glenview, the conferences did not all sing the same songs, but sang their own songs all at the same time. The point of the conference was not that we should compete against each other, but rather come together as one church.

9. THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF THE LATE REVEREND JAKOBUS JOD:

JUNE 11, 1892 – MARCH 24, 1973:

*The Reverend Willem Simon Hanse

Biographical Notes

The late Reverend Jakobus Jod, known amongst his peers as Jakomȃb, and to his learners as Kai-Meester, at home to family as Oupa! Urip was born at Hoornkrantz near Rehoboth, Namibia on June 11, 1892.  Hoornkrantz was the cattle farm of the legendary Kaptein Hendrik Witbooi, alias! Nȃnseb – the great /Khowese warrior military Kaptein who opposed the German colonisation of Namibia. Hoornkrantz was considered the most northern military stronghold of the late Kaptein Hendrik Witbooi, while Rietmond was considered as his official residence and farm.

Prefacing Earlier Generations

By way of preface, his father Petrus Jod (senior – born December 27, 1863 at Gibeon) was a senior official under the late Kaptein Hendrik Witbooi, most of the time in the rank of “Magistraat” (magistrate – justice court official).  He acted as a scribe: many, if not most, of the entries in the various journals of the late Kaptein Hendrik Witbooi are in his handwriting. He died in the German-Namibian Wars of 1903-1908. He was the father of several leading members of the Witbooi or /Khowese community, i.e. Petrus Andreas Jod. He died in action in the war (in the line of duty), side by side with the legendary Kaptein Hendrik Witbooi, in the skirmish of Vaalgras (Koichas) on October 29, 1905.

His grandfather Andries Jod was married to Katrina Witbooi. Six children were born from this marriage. Their eldest daughter was Johanna Jod, who was married to Thomas Keister and their son was Andries Keister. Second eldest child was Katrina Jod, who was married to Kaptein Diederick Goliath, and their son was Andries Goliath (Xandrieb). Third eldest child was Magritha Jod, who was married to Salomon Isaak, and their son was Andries Isaak (Fandab). Then came a son Johannes Jod, married to Sabina Vister. Their fifth child was Petrus Jod, married to Hakhoes. The last sibling, in this generation, was Magdalena Jod, who was married to Adam Goeieman.

Petrus Jod and ouma Hakhoes brought forth the following children. First, Elisabeth Jod who was married to Johannes Petersen. Second was Petrus Andreas Jod, who was married to Hanna Thomas, with their two children were Abraham Jod and Elisabeth Jod. The third child was Katrina Jod, who was married to Daniel Schmidt, with their son Petrus Andreas Schmidt. Fourth child was Jakobus Jod, who was first married to Sara Josob Swartbooi and as widower to Lucia Isaak. Their last child Magritha Jod was married to Paul Isaak.

Contemporary Connection

The Reverend Jakobus Jod was, thus, the fourth child of Magistrate Petrus Jod and ouma Hakhoes. The Reverend Jakobus Jod and Sara Josob Swartbooi brought 6 children into the world: Elizabeth Jod, Willem Moses Jod, Magdalena Jod, Petrus Jod, Abraham Jod and Johannes Jod. Willem Moses Jod was the grandfather of, inter alia, Presiding Elder Penias E Topnaar, Presiding Elder Willem Simon Hanse and the late Reverend Willem Moses Hanse.

Exiled Years

The late Jakobus Jod lost both his mother and father at 12 years of age. In 1905, he was imprisoned at Shark Islands, near Lüderitz.  In June 1910, he was part of the 25 men, 40 women and 27 children who were deported to Cameroon in West Africa. He used to narrate, in vivid imagery, the hardships they had experienced in Cameroon at the cruel hands of German soldiers.

He fell ill on their return journey but pleaded with the German pirates not to throw him overboard on sea. From the original group, only 11 men, 17 women, 9 children and 4 KaiKhabe men survived the ordeal in Cameroon. (KaiKhabe are Nama-speaking Herero).

The Musician

The late Jakobus Jod learned to play trumpet at age 6 years, but it was during his political exile in Cameroon that he mastered the violin, with which he entertained the exiles at night. Their return from Cameroon and consequent reception at Gibeon was an unforgettable experience of musical extravaganza. A mixed musical ensemble of brass and string instruments performed heavenly sounds directed by his very own brother, Petrus Andreas Jod.

Upon his return, he was further taken care by his elder brothers and extended family, and he was only baptized and confirmed at 18 years of age at Gibeon by late German Pastor Spellmeyer on December 22, 1910. He got married to late Sarah Josob on March 13, 1915. Two daughters and four sons were born of out of this marriage.

Gaub to !Aimablaagte

The Rhinish Missionary Society sent him to Gaub in 1920, where he was qualified as school teacher and evangelist, and did practical training. They later decided to start a new mission at Mariental, and his ox-driven cart arrived in Mariental on March 12, 1922 and the first worship service was conducted on March 14, 1922 under the thorn trees across the Fish River, where we find the present day agricultural plot of Charney and sons (Spar).

He arrived and served here as the first African teacher and evangelist in Mariental. In July 1922, he started a missionary school, also under trees, with his first group of learners. A major natural flood disaster followed after heavy rains in March 1923 and the African people were relocated and resettled across the rail line at present day! Aimablaagte, formerly known as Toevlugsoord in Mariental.

The Missionary

From Mariental, the missionaries sent him out to also serve the Living Word to people scattered across Kalkrand, Stampriet, Aranos, Gochas, Heide, Eirup, Ebenerde, Goamus and Nababis. It was under his leadership and tutelage that the Rhinish Missionary Society erected the present day stone sanctuary of the Ephesians Lutheran Church, which then cost £800. His first wife passed away on October 18, 1942 and she was buried on October 20, 1942. He married his second wife Lucia Isaaks at Mariental on July 8, 1943.

Denominational Schism

Throughout his adult life, the late Jakobus Jod agitated for improved education curriculum for African children but his pleas fell on deaf ears. He joined his brothers and nephews petitioning the Rhinish Missionary Society, and was part of the July 3, 1946 schism at Gibeon.  The year 1946 was epoch-making, in that a large number of former members of the Rhinish Missionary Society left the Society and joined the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The impact of the secession reverberated like a mighty thunderstorm, sending currents of shock, unbelief and dismay through the panic-stricken settler element throughout the country. The final drama played off on 3 July 1946 at Gibeon, when the Secession Letter, of which the Rev. Markus Witbooi was the author, but was delivered by the ringleaders (late Reverends Petrus Andreas Schmidt, Willem Moses Jod, Markus Kooper and Johannes Ludwig). This was indeed an historic secession, to be followed later by the Oruaano Church in 1967.

African Methodist Episcopal Church

It is needless to say that African leaders within the Rhinish Missionary Society were fully aware of Africans being ordained as pastors in neighbouring South Africa; ordained and serving with full rights and privileges in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. However, the African leaders of the Rhinish Missionary Society met in Keetmanshoop on 5 May 1946 when an article appeared in Die Beeld, a South African daily newspaper that the Namibian chapter of the Rhinish Missionary Society was to be taken over by the racist Dutch Reformed Church.

Agitation

Here the petition was narrowed down to (1) why the German Missionaries were hesitant to open up educational opportunities for Africans, (2) why the Rhinish Missionary Society was selling the African leaders, followers and property without consulting them, and (3) when Africans will be promoted, trained and ordained fully-fledged   pastors instead of becoming just chief evangelist? The response was humiliating, to say the least. The German Missionaries replied by saying that they couldn’t entrust the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion in the dirty hands of black people. This denial of ordination of black Namibians became the core focal campaign point and dissatisfaction spread like wild veld fire amongst the African people.

The turning point was on 27 May 1946 when the late Evangelists Zacheus Thomas, Petrus A Jod, E R Jantjies, Johannes Dausab, J Josob and the late Bro. P Gertze secretly met and took the decision to finally break-away from the German Missionary Society. This date is also considered the founding day of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in the Keetmanshoop Area.

July 3, 1946

In the Gibeon Area, the Rhinish Missionary Society had scheduled their annual meeting during July 1946. All missionary stations were represented, with the late Rev. Fritz Mayer, a German RMS missionary, chairing the meeting. The ringleaders have had their pre-meeting caucus in the Synagogue and shared amongst themselves the deliberations and outcome of the Keetmanshoop meeting of 27 May 1946. The synagogue caucus decided to prepare a draft Agitation Petition, which was penned by the late Evangelist Markus Witbooi. In fact, the final ceremony conducted by Evangelist Markus Witbooi in the Rhinish Missionary Society was the solemnization of the holy matrimony between the late Mr. Hans Petersen (later Reverend) and Mrs. Alwina Petersen, his eldest daughter on 2 July 1946. 

The petition, in a nutshell, was a vote of non-confidence in the German Rhinish Missionary Society and 4 young men (the late Petrus A Schmidt, the late Johannes Ludwig, the late Willem Moses Jod and the late Markus Kooper) were selected by the synagogue caucus to hand over the Letter of Agitation to the chairman, the Rev. Fritz Mayer. After delivering the Letter of Agitation on the afternoon of 3 July 1946, the dissatisfied group of persons left and joined the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Oral history has it that the decision to join would be for an initial 5 year period, after which the Africans would revisit their decision.

On July 5, 1946 brothers Petrus A Jod, Jakobus Jod, Johannes Dausab and Traugott Dausab travelled by rail coach 605 to Keetmanshoop to meet on July 6, 1946 with the leadership of the African Methodist Episcopal Church presented by the late Rev. Dr. Francis H Gow, the late Rev. L Gow and the late Rev. J R Molahloe. On July 7, 1947 the late Johannes Ludwig and the late Markus Witbooi also joined the meeting and the following former RMS evangelists (all deceased) were ordained on Local Order and appointed pastors of the African Methodist Episcopal Church: Petrus Andreas Jod, Zacheus Thomas, Johannes Dausab, Jakobus Jod and Dirk van Neel.

At Mariental

Jakobus Jod founded the AME Church at Mariental following his ordination as Local Deacon in 1947, and started the popular AME Private School and followed educational material imported from the United States of America through Wilberforce Institute in Evaton, South Africa. He also sent his son Willem Moses Jod to attend the Wilberforce Institute for teacher and pastoral training. In 1953, and again in 1969, he wrote to the South African representative in Namibia and the Odendaal Commission, and expressed his concerns on variety of issues affecting the African people in Namibia. Periodically he served as scribe of the Witbooi Kapteins and penned down their petitions to the United Nations after the Second World War.

Earth to Earth

Due to ill health, he retired from active pastoral ministry on December 11, 1956 after 34 years as teacher, evangelist and pastor, and was succeeded as pastor and teacher by one of his two sons, the late Willem Moses Jod. On his sickbed of about 17 years, he prayed for the forgiveness of sins on behalf of the German and South African governments, and he prayed God to reconcile and heal him of the hurt he suffered as youth. He passed away at Mariental on May 24, 1973. He and his first wife were reburied on the premises of St. James AME Church, Mariental with the death of his second wife Lucia Jod in 2010.

About the author

*The Reverend Willem Simon Hanse is currently the pastor of St. Mark AME Church, Gibeon and Presiding Elder of the historic Johannes Ludwig District of the AME Church. He is the great-grandson of the late Rev. Jakobus Jod (also his godfather) and thus a descendant and member of /Khoman Royal House of the /Khowese Clan at Gibeon.

10. THE MACON NORTH DISTRICT CONFERENCE:

The Macon North District is part of the Sixth Episcopal District under the leadership of Bishop Preston and Dr. Wilma Delores Webb Williams.  We held our annual district conference on November 5-6, 2015. This year’s theme was “Leadership Matters:  Laying the Foundation for Successful Church Growth.”  The Conference was held at the Williams Chapel AME Church, Forsyth, Georgia and hosted by the Rev. Selena Clark. 

The District Conference was opened by our Worship Leader, the Rev. Esther K. Powers, who serves as the Christian Education Director of the Macon Georgia Conference and the pastor of Mathlama AME Church in Morrow, Georgia.

November is the month where many in our country celebrate the lives and sacrifices of our Veterans.  We were honored to have Veterans and ‘Soldiers in the Army of the Lord’ through our district conference worship services. 

Thursday night, Army Veteran and the District Presiding Elder Benjamin opened the service.   From the pulpit where he pastored over 36 years ago, Elder Ridley delivered another amazing and timely message from Luke 23:39-43 - "God Can Save Anyone, Anytime and Anywhere".    He followed up on his lesson Friday morning using the other accounts from Matthew, Mark and Luke.  During Friday’s Hour of Power, the Rev. Dr. John Foster shared with us “How to Reach the Masses” from Luke 15:31-32.  To further lessons on our conference theme, we had dynamic presentations from gifted speakers.

Conference Workshop Highlights:

          

- The Rev. Dr. John Foster of Big Bethel AME Church in Atlanta, Georgia

Strategies for Church Growth - 44 Church Growth Principles that are Real and Work"

Necessary ingredients for Church growth:  Right Preacher, Right Place, Right People, Right Time   

- Major George Foster of the Forsyth Police Department

 Safety in our Church - Home- and Community   

- Pastor Arthur Brown of Cleveland Chapel AMEC, McDonough, Georgia

Know Your Church      

We wrapped things up with a fantastic dinner set up to honor the veterans on our district.  The YPDers of Williams Chapel AME Church served during the dinner.   We were able to give ninety veterans special recognition with a Certificate of Appreciation.  The worship leader was Rev. Ezekiel Powers, a veteran from Mathalama AME Church. Our speaker on Friday evening was retired Army veteran, the Rev. Dr. Johnny L. Cook of Greater Allen Chapel AME Church; Macon Georgia spoke to us from Luke 2:4-7 - “No Room for Love.”   Overall, the District Conference was an experience with teaching and preaching.  We are grateful to God for our Presiding Elder Benjamin and Sister Dorothy Ellis Ridley, Area Consultant, as our leadership team for the Macon North District.

11. EAST TENNESSEE WMS EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING:

On December 5, 2015 at 10:30 am the East Tennessee WMS Executive Board Meeting was held at Bethel AME Chattanooga where the Rev. A.J. Holman is the host pastor. 

The meeting was attended by approximately 55 Missionaries. Their guests included Presiding Elder Terence L. Mayes, Sr.; Mr. Clifford Campbell and Ashley Brown.

The East Tennessee WMS Executive Board Meeting theme was “Fulfilling the Mission with Excellence.” The meeting was called to order by the president old business and new business was discussed. Each Area told what Mission work they had done and would be doing for the Christmas Holidays.   A love offering was taken up for Mission, the offering will be used to help a community Nursing Home in Chattanooga by purchasing several items needed for the Nursing Home.

A training session was conducted by Linda Faye Bentley, former Conference President from the Tennessee Conference in Nashville, Tennessee.  Her topic was “Keeping the Mission in Missionary.”  She asked the Missionaries to divide into four groups and gave each group a small item to enhance and then give it to someone out of love.

Her second topic was “Exit Accountability and Why We Serve.”   Mrs. Bentley spoke on Prayer, Maintaining Accurate Record, Trust, Knowledge of your Office and its Requirements, Leave it Better, Plan an exit Conference and Evaluation. 

Last but not least, Mrs. Linda Faye Bentley spoke to the assembled groups about Christian Courtesies: “Say it with Love.”  She was an excellent presenter and everyone enjoyed her awesome presentation.

The Missionaries thanked Mrs. Linda Faye Bentley for taking time out of her busy schedule to be with them.  Her Mom celebrated her 91^st birthday on December 5. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM from East Tennessee WMS!

 

To God Be the Glory for all the Good Things he has done and will do for East Tennessee WMS. 

Gloria J. Beverly, East Tennessee Conference WMS President

12. THE 14^TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2016 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:

Bishop Clement W. Fugh, Presiding Prelate

Mrs. Alexia B. Fugh, Episcopal Supervisor

Côte d'Ivoire Annual Conference

February 27, 2016

St. Augustine’s AME Church, Host Church

Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire

The Rev. Desus S. Darkoh, Host Pastor

Sierra Leone Annual Conference

March 4-6, 2016

Bishop Campbell AME Church, Host Church

Freetown, Sierra Leone

The Rev. Joseph P. A. Wilhelm, Host Pastor

Nigeria Annual Conference

March 11, 2016

Christ Love AME Church, Host Church

Ile Ife, Nigeria

The Rev. Margaret Fadehan, Host Pastor

Togo/Benin Annual Conference

March 15, 2016

St. John AME Church, Host Church

Lome, Togo

The Rev. John Afawoubo, Host Pastor

Ghana Annual Conference

March 18-20, 2016

St. Paul AME Church, Host Church

Takoradi (Sekondi), Ghana

The Rev. Stephen Ainu, Host Pastor

Central Liberia Annual Conference

March 23-25, 2016

Empowerment Temple AME Church, Host Church

Monrovia, Liberia

The Rev. Dr. Katurah Cooper, Host Pastor

Liberia Annual Conference

March 29-31, 2016

Mt. Ashton AME Church, Host Church

Cape Palmas, Liberia

The Rev. Tar-Kolo Miller, Host Pastor

13. NAACP PRESIDENT AND CEO ON PRESIDENT OBAMA’S PROPOSED EXECUTIVE ACTIONS TO CURB GUN VIOLENCE:

BALTIMORE, MD – NAACP National President and CEO Cornell William Brooks today released the following statement regarding President Obama’s proposed executive actions to reduce gun violence:

“More than 4 million people in our country were victims of crimes involving a gun over the last 10 years.  More than 30,000 people continue to die each year in the U.S. as a result of firearms – more than in any other nation.  More than 20,000 of our children were killed by guns over the last decade; and, more than 20,000 Americans commit suicide with a firearm every year.  The numbers are startling and whether by suicide, criminals, domestic violence, by accident or by law enforcement, each death is a senseless tragedy that rarely draws headlines, but devastates families and communities.

“The NAACP supports every reasonable effort to prevent gun violence against every segment of our population:  our brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, children, and our police officers – especially in our most populated cities and among communities of color. Eighteen in 100,000 African-Americans are likely to die by a firearm, more than twice the rate of whites.

“Easy access to illegal guns on the streets of our large, urban areas is at the heart of gun violence in our communities.  Additional ATF agents to enforce gun laws, more stringent background checks, and stricter licensing for gun dealers will not eliminate the devastation caused by gun violence, but is a solid, sure-footed step down the path to making our communities, our neighbors, and our police safer. 

“Additionally, in nearly two-thirds of the cases of gun deaths, the death is by the victim’s own hand, and often with weapons legally obtained.  Proposing millions more in mental health treatment and background checks that would halt purchases by people already disqualified because of mental illness would go a long way to help curb the often final, desperate action of someone suffering from mental illness.

“President Obama’s executive actions are an affirmative effort to halt the deaths of our children, relatives, police officers and innocent bystanders. While the President’s actions can help, we must continue to demand sound policies that address the societal issues that often accompany and contribute to gun violence:  education, poverty, homelessness and unemployment.

“It is our mission and our responsibility as the nation’s oldest civil rights organization to encourage and educate every single person on the importance of the individual right to vote.  It is the power of our vote that will ensure we elect individuals committed to improving policing and the criminal justice system, to eliminating education and economic inequality, and to reducing the numbers of lives lost to gun violence.  True, prompt, and courageous action from elected officials committed to saving lives rather than protecting a single industry is the only true solution – a solution that starts in the voting booth.”

###

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 six “Game Changer” issue areas here: http://www.naacp.org/pages/game-changers 

14. THE TRUTH IS THE LIGHT:

*The Rev. Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr.

Based on Biblical Text: John 2: 11 KJV: This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

Our text is from the Gospel account of the first miracle performed by Jesus Christ. The manifestation of this miracle set in motion the earthly ministry of our Lord. Jesus came to earth on a definite, pre-ordained mission. To accomplish His purpose, it was necessary that men recognize Him and respond to Him as the Son of God.

Jesus was a patient, gifted teacher with the ability to intertwine the mundane activities of daily living with Heaven’s most valuable lessons. His parabolic style of teaching confounded the scholars while reaching out to the hearts of the common man. And by the use of miracles, Jesus publicly revealed Himself to be the Son of God.

We need to understand that Jesus’ miracles were never selfish. In fact His miracles were always executed for the benefit of someone in need and brought forth an essential revelation. The first of seven miracles recorded by John is where Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding.  John was a true evangelist and this account of the wedding event in his New Testament Gospel, written from an evangelistic viewpoint, is an attempt to win new converts to Jesus.

We can conclude that this wedding in Cana was a large one, or certainly larger than anticipated, because the wine soon ran out. Jesus acted both unexpectedly and generously when He came to the aid of the new bride and groom, filling their pots with new wine. However, there is an even greater significance of this wedding gift.

With His simple command to “fill the pots”, Jesus reveals His supernatural power over nature.  After all, “all things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made.”  Jesus exercised His Divinity and certified His blessing with this wedding gift. But that’s not all. With the command to “fill the pots”, Jesus reveals His ability to make the last better than the first. The wine He creates is better than the wine served by the hostess.

At the Cana Wedding, Jesus begins His ministry with the creation of new wine. And the Bible shows us that three years later, at the Feast of the Passover, Jesus closed out His earthly ministry with the Last Supper wine as a testament of His blood, which was shed for the remission of sin.

Jesus is inviting us today to come to His feast! The table is set and the invitations have gone out. No gift is necessary; the greatest gift has already been given. We are invited to come and fill our vessels with His new wine.  This new wine Jesus offers us will set us free from our agonies and afflictions; free from our burdens and battles; free from our conflicts and crisis.

We are invited to come and fill our vessels with Jesus’ new wine that will free us from discouragement and danger, heaviness and hardships, pressures and problems, trials and tribulations! Jesus is inviting us today to come to His feast! The table is set. All things are ready. We just have to come to the feast!

*The Reverend Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr., is the pastor of Morris Brown AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina

15. GETTING TO ZERO: GREETING 2016:

The Rev. Dr. Fuller is currently on Sabbatical leave from the University of Michigan and will submit her column as her schedule permits. 

16. iCHURCH SCHOOL LESSON BRIEF FOR SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2015 - THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BRIDE - SONG OF SOLOMON 6: 4-12:

*Brother Bill Dickens

Key Verse: My dove, my undefiled is but one; she is the only one of her mother, she is the choice one of her that bare her. The daughters saw her, and blessed her; yea, the queens and the concubines, and they praised her. Song of Solomon 6:9

Introduction

I enjoy three events in the summer: graduations, weddings and family reunions.  I look forward to these special events because they are associated with joy and celebration.  Weddings are particularly special because they expand the branches of a family tree.  The climax of a wedding is the entrance of the bride.  She is radiant, beautiful and graceful.  All eyes are fixated on the bride but the bride is focused on her soon to be life partner anxiously waiting at the altar. Some are fond of the following saying: “Love and Marriage goes together like a horse and carriage.”  Cynics may reply by saying – “What’s love got to do with it?” The cynic’s rejoinder is based in part on the institution of marriage often reflecting an involuntary choice where the nuptials are merely pawns in the family game of economic and social stability.  If the former hypothesis (love and marriage) holds true, marriage becomes a time of great celebration for the couple and those in attendance to witness the ceremony. 

The Adult AME Church School Lesson for January 10, 2016 looks at the scared institution of marriage.  In our contemporary culture, marriage has become somewhat of a paradox. Heterosexual marriage rates are on the decline yet, same-sex marriage rates is on the rise.  Does the current declining view of marriage mean marriage is about to become extinct?  No, but it does signal that we have much work to do to keep this custom a part of our cultural fabric.

The Song of Solomon is bullish on love and marriage. 

Why?  Glad you asked!  The answers are below.

Bible Lesson

The Book of Song of Solomon is sometimes described as the Song of Songs.  This title is intended to communicate the message that this song was the greatest of all songs.  Solomon wrote over 1,200 songs so this is a remarkable recognition.  What’s even more remarkable is the complete omission to God by name!  The book has a singular purpose – celebrate the virtues of love and marriage! Yes, God wants us to be sensual according to a paradigm He has put into place.  This “paradigm of Eros love” is manifested in Chapter six (and the entire book) by using metaphor and simile to express deep thoughts and feelings.  The two unnamed lovers in our text integrate the metaphors of intimacy (v. 4-7) and identity (v. 8-12) to describe their relationship to each other.  This is precisely the model that God (though not mentioned by named) seeks for believers.  We are expected to demonstrate fidelity to our Creator and understand that we are his Creation. 

Bible Application

When Toni Morrison received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1993 her 1977 novel Song of Solomon was cited as her seminal literary contribution.  Her book explores the complex web of love, family and identity.  Much like the couple in the Biblical Song of Solomon her chief protagonist (Milkman) is in search of intimacy, identity and social insurance.  The book is a beautiful allegory using Biblical names for characters but not focusing on the sanctity of marriage.  It’s a must-read or re-read.

With the possible exception of “Frankenstein’s Bride,” I can’t think of a bride who was not beautiful.  Every husband who has been blessed to be married can make the claim that his wife was the most beautiful bride.  I am no exception.  I was married on September 26, 1992 in Philadelphia, PA.  My bride, Jennie Scipio was absolutely stunning in appearance.  Much like Jacob after he first met Rachel, I too shed a tear of joy knowing that God was the ultimate “matchmaker” by joining us together as husband and wife.  My wife, Jennie Scipio Dickens, should be a candidate for a Presidential Medal of Freedom.  Living with me for twenty-three years is no easy task.  She has followed me, ungrudgingly, when I accepted university teaching and professional job offers from Washington, DC to Tallahassee, Florida to Tacoma, Washington.  She unconditionally supports my time away from home due to work obligations.  I am not a perfect husband yet her faith in me is unwavering even though I am undeserving.  Like a defense attorney in a criminal case, this is my closing argument for why my wife is the most beautiful bride.  QED

*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

17. MEDITATION BASED ON MATTHEW 5:1-12:

*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby

I’m writing this Meditation after listening to President Barack Obama announce measured but significant Executive Action steps he’ll take to help stem the rising tide of gun violence in America in the absence of meaningful Congressional action.  His words were eloquent, powerful, resolute and moving - and were immediately and unilaterally criticized and rejected by fearful and insecure people who care more about guns than about God.  Some of that criticism came even before he announced his course of action.

That was no surprise to me, because President Obama has been criticized and attacked by enemies of progress almost from the day of his election, but I admire and appreciate his committed Christian spirit.  President Obama epitomizes not only Christian action, but positive action by principled people of good will, regardless of their faith.  He’s always chosen to do the right thing - even in the face of criticism and ridicule.

His example should be instructive to all of us in a world where it’s tempting to choose the easy and least controversial path - to “go along to get along.”  Too many good people never realize their potential and never make a difference in life because we seek to please those around us.  We often hold our peace and hesitate to share or act on our thoughts out of fear of the personal cost in terms of prestige, acceptance and positive regard.

We’d do well to remember that the Jesus whose birth we just celebrated was, in the words of the Prophet Isaiah, “...despised and rejected, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief.”  Jesus faced ridicule and rejection - and eventual death - for doing the right thing, but He stood for principle to better the lives of others anyway.

Make a personal commitment to take a principled stand in 2016 - to do what’s right and not what’s expedient, even if it “ruffles the feathers” of those who reject progress and even if you’re ridiculed and criticized.  You’ll have the spiritual satisfaction of knowing that you made a difference in the lives of others and gain a better understanding of why a hymn of my faith tradition says, “...be not dismayed when men don’t believe you, He’ll understand and say, “Well done.”

Get Ready for Sunday, and have a great day in your house of worship!

*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby is the Presiding Elder of the Beaufort District of the South Carolina Annual Conference of the Seventh Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church

18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Mr. Dallas T. Yates, the father of the Rev. Dallasteen Joy Yates, pastor of New St. Stephen AME Church in Okeechobee, Florida.

Arrangements for Mr. Dallas T. Yates:

Friday, January 8, 2016

Public Viewing:  6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Stone Brothers Funeral Chapel

3950 Old Dixie Highway

Vero Beach, FL 32960

Telephone: (772) 562-6863

Saturday, January 9, 2016

Homegoing Celebration Service

11:00 a.m.

St. Peter's Missionary Baptist Church

4250 38^th Avenue

Vero Beach, FL 32967

Telephone: (772) 562-6863

(Because of the limited seating capacity of his home church, New Bethel A.M.E. Church, Gifford; an alternate location has been secured to accommodate the anticipated attendance.)

Interment:

Hillcrest Memorial Gardens

6026 North U.S. Highway 1

Fort Pierce, FL 34946

Repast:

Gifford Community Center

4855 43rd Avenue

Vero Beach, FL 32967

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

The Rev. Dallasteen Joy Yates

P.O. Box 836

Okeechobee, FL 34973

Email: DJOYates@aol.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dallasteen.yates

19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

This come to  informs you of the passing of Deacon Joel R. Tolefree, brother of the Rev. Truman (Rev. Bettie) Tolefree, pastor of Pilgrim Rest African Methodist Episcopal Church in  Monticello, Arkansas.  Deacon Joel R. Tolefree died on Friday, January 1, 2016. In addition to being survived by the Rev. Truman Tolefree, he leaves a wife, Sister Floree Tolefree, of Warren, Arkansas and a host of other relatives.

Deacon Tolefree served as a Deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, and in many other capacities at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Warren, Arkansas.

Funeral Services for Deacon Joel R. Tolefree will be held:

Saturday, January 9, 2016 - 11:00 AM

Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church

919 West Central Street

Warren, AR 71671

Services have been entrusted to:

Hammonds & Son Funeral Home

101 E. Elm Street

Warren, AR 71671

Telephone: (870) 226-3505

Condolences may be sent to:

Mrs. Floree Tolefree & Family

602 Mona Lisa St.

Warren, AR 71671

Or

The Reverends Truman & Bettie A. Tolefree & Family

2924 Shadow Creek Drive

Little Rock, AR 72212

20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of First Lady Betty Williams Taylor, wife of the Rev. Ralph Ray Taylor, pastor of Bethel AME Church in Millen, Georgia.

Services for Sister Taylor:

Friday, January 8, 2016, 11:00 a.m.

Brookland Baptist Church, Northeast

1203 Summit Parkway

Columbia, SC

The funeral arrangements have been entrusted to:

Leevy's Funeral Home

967 Michigan Ave.

Columbia, SC 29201

Telephone: (803) 771-7799

Condolences may be sent to the family:

The Rev. Ralph Taylor

6 Palm Drive

Hinesville, Georgia 31313

Or in care of the church:

Bethel AME Church

217 Walnut Street

Millen, Georgia 30442

21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of four-month-old Kyson Louis Mayes. Kyson was a bundle of joy, born on Sept. 7, 2015 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee to Chelsea Mayes and Andrew Cole. Kyson passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on December 31, 2015.

His life of 114 days was short, but significant. His charming smile and deep dimples would brighten the path of everyone who encountered him. Even though we were only blessed to have him for a brief period, it was truly a beneficial period that reinforces the fact that quality outweighs quantity.

Survivors include his loving parents Chelsea Mayes of Murfreesboro and Andrew Cole of Chantilly, Virginia; devoted grandparents, the Rev. Keith R. and Sister Gilda English Mayes. The Rev. Mayes serves as Sr. pastor of Bethel AME Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.

His paternal grandparents are Gregory and Denise Cole of Murfreesboro; Great grandparents are Deacon Odell and Sister Ruth Mayes of Columbia, Tennessee and Fannie English of Columbia and Gilbert English of St. Louis, Missouri; and Gwendolyn Jones of New York.

He was named after loving great-great-grandmother, Sister Annie Louise Woodson of Columbia, Tennessee, WMS life member. His uncle Dr. Terence L. Mayes, Sr. serves as presiding elder of the Chattanooga District of the East TN Annual Conference.

He also survived by a great, great, great aunt the Rev. Dixie M. Smith who serves as pastor of Jones Chapel AME Church in Elyria, Ohio of the 3rd Episcopal District. His family also includes close cousins the Rev. Randall L. Webster who serves as pastor of the St. James AME Church in Nashville, Tennessee and the Rev. Lesa Dawson who serves on the ministerial staff of Jones Chapel AME Church in Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee. He is also survived and loved by a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, many other relatives and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Life Celebration for Kyson Louis Mayes:

Saturday, January 9, 2016

First Baptist Church

738 East Castle Street

Murfreesboro, TN

The Rev. James McCarroll, pastor & eulogist

The Family Visitation and Viewing will be from 11:00 a.m. until 12 Noon.  The Life Celebration will be at 12:00 Noon.

The Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery on Greenland Drive.

Final Arrangements are entrusted to:

Roundtree Napier & Ogilvie Funeral Home

101 Confederate Drive

Franklin, TN 37064

Telephone: (615) 790-7226

 

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

The Rev. and Mrs. Keith R. Mayes, Sr.

1405 SE Broad Street

Murfreesboro, TN 37130

Telephone: (615) 238-7675

Email: revkrm2@comcast.net

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keith.r.sr.3

22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

This comes to share that Deacon Joseph V. Newburn has passed. Brother Newburn is the father of Sister Velma Newburn Smith and the father-in-law of the Reverend Roy Smith, pastor and first lady of the Beech Hill and New Seminary AME Church in Stephens, Arkansas, West Arkansas Annual Conference

Deacon Newburn was a member of Mount Moriah Baptist Church (Joan Community) will be funeralized Saturday, January 9, 2016, 11:00 a.m. at the Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.

Condolences may be sent to the family

C/o Mammie Newburn

383 Millcreek Road

Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71923

Or

The Rev. Roy and Velma Smith

301 Jones Loop

Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71923.

Telephone: (870) 366-4366.

Cell: 870-403-8851

23. BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:

Ora L. Easley, Administrator

AMEC Clergy Family Information Center

Email: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net      

Web page: http://www.amecfic.org/   

Telephone: (615) 837-9736 (H)

Telephone: (615) 833-6936 (O)

Cell: (615) 403-7751

Blog: http://ameccfic.blogspot.com/    

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMEC_CFIC    

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220

24. 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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