The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder
-- Pentecost - Sunday, May 15, 2016
The 50th Quadrennial Session of the General
Conference, July 6-13, 2016
-- Massacre of Emanuel 9, June 17
1. TCR EDITORIAL – A LITTLE THIS AND THAT:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
The AME Church has done so much for so many! I am concerned that we share in the blessings
of the AME Church, but many of us seem to take the AME Church for granted and
perhaps are not appreciative of the blessings we have received by being a part
of this great denomination.
My hope is that all of us should be able to articulate
the great contributions of the church.
I want to share some of the great things I know and
have experienced being an AME.
The AME Church made it possible for me, and a lot of
other folks down through the years, to go to college. I went to Wilberforce with about $300, if
that much. Any other school would have sent me packing back home.
I am also indebted to the Church (with the capital “C”
implies AME Church) for my spiritual foundation. I thought I had the smartest pastors on the
planet with the Rev. T.S. Clements, the Rev. Jesse Owens and the Rev. B.C.
Burton. The churches I grew up in were small to medium-sized churches, but
those churches were led by dedicated men and active congregations with
committed laity.
When I got to Wilberforce University with probably less
than the $300 I claimed I had, one of my first purchases was a Wilberforce
University sweatshirt. I was a university student!
I now appreciate the dedicated professors, who, as I
look back on it, probably were not among the highest paid faculty members. I fondly remember Miss Jackson and Miss
Askew, tough professors who demanded quality work and were not afraid to fail
students who couldn’t or wouldn’t do college-level work.
The Church laid the foundation for my seminary
education, successful pastoral ministry in both the civilian and military
sectors and successful matriculation at the U.S. Army Command and Staff College
and the prestigious U.S. Army War College.
My point is the foundation laid at Wilberforce
University and later Cheyney State College (now University); both HBCUs
provided me confidence and laid my academic foundation.
Seminary was a “piece of cake.” I successfully competed
with fellow students who had graduated from the so-called top-tiered
universities. I discovered my high school
guidance counselor told me a lie when she opined that I probably couldn’t
succeed at a majority institution. I did
extremely well, as I know many of you reading this, did extremely well also.
Graduates of Wilberforce and Cheyney went on to seminary,
medical schools, law schools and other professional graduate institutions. And,
many of us got started before Affirmative Action. Not only did the Church prepare us for our
professions and life, but blessed us in ways that enabled us to be able to send
our children to college. So it all
started, for many of us, with the AME Church
That was then, this
is now
The AME Church has a rich history, but it also has a rich presence today.
For instance, The Christian
Recorder can be read in 80 Languages. Have you ever seen The Christian Recorder in Arabic,
Swahili, Amharic, Chinese, Haitian Creole, Danish, Dutch, French, Spanish or
Portuguese?
You can click on the link Click
Here on the top of this page and cut and paste any article
or the entire text of The Christian
Recorder and select the language you want to see or read.
The simplest way to see or read The
Christian Recorder in another language is to go to http://tcr-online.blogspot.com/ and just above my photo, under Language Resources, select the language
and the entire text of The Christian
Recorder will appear.
A little this
and that
The Christian Recorder is the oldest Black publication in continuous use in the United States
since 1852; and I suspect in the world.
The Christian Recorder Online began in 2004 and is the first official denominational newspaper to be
published online of any denomination.
The Connectional AME Church is among the leaders in the use of
technology. The then Rev. Dr. Clement W.
Fugh (now Bishop) was instrumental in embracing technology and his successor,
the Rev. Dr. Jeffery Cooper has carried technology to a new and exciting level.
Several bishops have also strategically utilized technology. Since 2012, there is less paper at
connectional meetings and the demise of paper at the 50th
Quadrennial Session of the General Conference will be significant.
The weak links as I see them are pastors who are reluctant to embrace
technology and as a result the local churches they pastor are reticent in
embracing technology. Economic restraints perceived or real inhibit local
churches’ willingness to embrace technology.
I am amazed at preachers who still say, “I only use my cellphone to make
telephone calls.” That statement alone
tells me that those preachers have no understanding and an unwillingness to
learn about technology. They are out of touch with the millennial generation
and it just might be the lack of the use of technology might be one of the
reasons for the absence of millennials in some of our congregations.
It’s not only the lack of the use of technology, but the behavior of
pastors to do the same behaviors as pastors did years ago, e.g., long drawn out
sentences, preachy voice, religious babble and worn-out clichés.
Ever notice millennials talk real fast?
Millenials are used to action, not long drawn out religious monotone, which
worked when I was growing up. We loved the way preachers’ voices changed when
they prayed and we learned to change our voices too. But, I am not sure the millennial generation
buys into “ancient traditions.” My
observation is that millennials want authentic worship, spiritual depth and for
people to be their authentic selves.
A little more of
this and that
I am concerned that “we” observe other “folks’” traditions, but we let important dates pass without comment. We are big on July Fourth, Independence Day,
even though “we” were held in the bondage of slavery.
We celebrate Valentine’s Day when it has nothing to do
with the liturgical calendar or the AME Church, yet there are AME churches that
vigorously celebrate Valentine’s Day rather than Founder’s Day. I do not
understand that.
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day is a holiday that
commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas in June
1865. An earlier announcement made by President Abraham Lincoln freed the
slaves in some of the slaveholding states, but the real day that should make
“us” shout is December 6, because on December 6, 1865, the Thirteenth Amendment
was ratified by Congress, which freed all of the slaves.
It’s alright to celebrate the national holidays, but
“we” should also celebrate “our” holidays; the special days in the life of
black men and women who were held in bondage for almost 250 years.
Well, thank you for bearing with me on a “little bit of
this and that!”
2.
NEWS AROUND THE AME CHURCH:
-- Tornado hits St. Paul AME Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma
St. Paul AME Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma was severely damaged by a tornado last night. Please pray for the Reverend R. Charles Smith and the congregation. Two weeks ago we celebrated the burning of the mortgage with the congregation.
Bishop Samuel Green, Presiding Prelate of the 12th Episcopal District
St. Paul AME Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma was severely damaged by a tornado last night. Please pray for the Reverend R. Charles Smith and the congregation. Two weeks ago we celebrated the burning of the mortgage with the congregation.
Bishop Samuel Green, Presiding Prelate of the 12th Episcopal District
--St. Luke AME
celebrates new stamp
The St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church,
300 Oak St., Donaldsonville, gathered at the U.S. Post Office to commemorate
the issuance of the...
-- The Rev. Clarence
Hawkins, 1937-2016
The Rev. Clarence A. Hawkins Sr., one of Kent
County’s leading citizens, died in his sleep Monday, March 28. He was 79 years
old.
Read more: http://www.myeasternshoremd.com/news/kent_county/article_0cdcd0a1-3e3f-550f-8732-2c29b7538001.html
-- Sandra Bland Family
Worship at AME Church in Prairie View, TX
Hope African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church
is pleased to welcome Mrs. Geneva Reed-Veal, mother of Sandra Bland, and other
family members…
Read more: http://boom92houston.com/36719/sandra-bland-family-worship-at-a-m-e-church-in-prairie-view-tx/
3. THE CLERGY FAMILY
INFORMATION CENTER:
The Clergy Family Information Center is a global
online email notification ministry, its MISSION, an online conduit of
Compassion and Caring. The ministry is a component of the Commission on Social
Action of the African Methodist Episcopal Church; Bishop Reginald T. Jackson,
Commission Chair, Mrs. Jackie DuPont Walker, Director, Consultant and Mrs. Ora
L. Easley is the Administrator of The Clergy Family Information Center. The
ministry sends email notifications globally to thousands of members of the
African Methodist Episcopal Church from Episcopal Districts 1-20. The ministry is a seven-day a week and
holidays endeavor reaching across continents and oceans.
The primary function of the ministry is to
inform e-mail recipients of deaths occurring within the families of God’s
called servants, from our church leadership, of bishops, general officers,
judicial council, connectional officers, presiding elders, pastors, ministerial
staff and their families, to the families of the AME Church endorsed
chaplaincy, presidents and deans of the AME Seminaries, Universities and
Colleges.
The verification process precedes the posting of
email notifications. Deliberate care and sensitively is exercised with each
notification to avoid the posting of erroneous bereavement notifications and or
service information. Many follow-up letters of sympathy are emailed to bereaved
families with email addresses or e-cards are sent.
***An attempt is made by The Clergy Family
Information Center to verify every bereavement notices posted via family or the
funeral home establishment; therefore, follow-up information, updates and
addendums are only posted at the request of Presiding Bishops, unless the
deceased is denominational church leadership or from Districts 14-20.
Necrology "Date Listings" connotes the
date of posting of Bereavement Notices by the office of the Clergy Family
Information Center.
Congratulatory
Announcements:
Congratulatory announcements are posted each
Friday, that we might share the "Joyful Moments", the "Good
News” of clergy family graduations-high school and above; academic
achievements-high school and above; the birth of PK’s, grandchildren and
great-grandchildren of ministers; birthday celebrations, 70 years and above,
75, 80, 85, 90, 95, etc; weddings of ministers, PK’s, grandchildren and
great-grandchildren of ministers; wedding anniversaries-25th, 30th, 35th, 40th,
45th, 50th and above, and noteworthy achievements; providing opportunity for
commendations, congratulations and well wishes to be extended to the clergy
families who are praising God for the Joy of significant milestones reached in
their lives.
Other Notifications
Posted:
Prayer requests received from the Bishops,
Episcopal Supervisors and the General and Connectional Officers
Bereavements affecting the leadership of the
Connectional Lay Organization and Women's Missionary Society
Bereavements within the staffs of Episcopal
District Offices and Offices of General Officers
Statements of gratitude as a courtesy for the
immediate families of the church leadership who receive voluminous outpourings
of sympathy when experiencing a family loss or enduring health challenges
- Eblasts received from the Social Action
Commission affecting the lives of the A.M.E. Church constituency
- Eblast, alerts and announcements at the
request of the Bishops of the Church
- Eblast at the request of the Supervisors
Council
- Eblast at the request of the Treasurer/Chief
Financial Officer
- Eblast at the request of the General
Secretary, Chief Information Officer
Graduation announcements received from the
presidents and deans of AME Church institutions of higher education
The Following are not posted by the
Clergy Family Information Center:
- For profit advertisements (patrons, ad
requests, event tickets, sale of books, pamphlets CD’s, or DVDs)
- Bereavement Notice - No photos of deceased
family members (A link may be placed to a webpage with pictures).
- Congratulatory Announcements - No photos /
images of graduations, weddings, births, books written, etc. (A link may be
placed to a webpage with pictures).
No Campaign announcements
Thank you, The Administrator
*The 2015 Annual Report of the Administrator,
Mrs. Ora L. Easley, to the Commission on Social Action/General Board: Click Here
4. GENERAL CONFERENCE
SCOOTER RENTAL RATES:
As we prepare for the upcoming 50th Quadrennial Session
of the General Conference, it is the goal of the Office of the General
Secretary to ensure you feel prepared.
This monthly newsletter will offer important tidbits and resources along
this journey to Philadelphia, PA!
We are on our way to Philly...are you
ready?
With July fast-approaching, we wanted to offer
you some helpful information as you continue to prepare to attend the 50th
Quadrennial Session:
Scooter Rentals Rates:
- $65 per day
- $270 for 7 days
- $330 for July 5 – 13, 2016
Individuals may also call (888) 441-7575 and
mention the “AMEC 50th Quadrennial Session of the General
Conference” to receive the group rate.
5. 1ST
EPISCOPAL DISTRICT BICENTENNIAL SOCIAL JUSTICE FORUM, FRIDAY-APRIL 8, 2016:
The Bicentennial Social Justice Forum entitled,
"A General Conference of Freedom's Prophet's: AMEs Reworking Trails to
Freedom" will be held Friday, April 8, 2016 - 8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. Mother Bethel AME Church - Philadelphia,
PA.
Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
419 S. 6th Street at Lombard Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Donation: Admission Free of Charge
Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram, Host Presiding
Bishop
The Rev. Dr. Jessica K. Ingram, Episcopal
Supervisor
The Rev. Mark Kelly Tyler, Ph.D., Host Pastor
Reenactment of the
First General Conference:
April 8, 2016, will mark exactly 200 years since
the first General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church was
called into session. The AME Church, incorporated during this conference,
became the world’s first African American denomination. A host of visionary
thinkers have been invited to participate in a provocative social dialogue
during this forum that will encompass the pressing matters of today while
looking back at the juncture of the AME Church formation through historical
perspective.
The Rev. Jennifer S. Leath, Ph.D., Forum Chair
Schedule:
8:30
a.m. Opening Devotions
Welcome
9:30
a.m. Historical Perspective
•
Slavery
•
AME History of Women in Ministry
•
Yellow Fever
•
Black Churches and Justice
10:45
a.m. Break
11
a.m. Gospel Performance – Traditional
11:30
a.m. Keynote Address
12:30
p.m. Lunch
1:30
p.m. Contemporary Perspective
•
Mass Incarceration
•
Gender and Sexuality
•
Poverty, Race and Illness
•
Black Churches and Justice
3:15
p.m. Gospel Performance – Contemporary
3:45
p.m. Break
4
p.m. Local and/or AME Response Panel
5:45
p.m. Break
6
p.m. Bishops Respond
7:30
p.m. Closing
Presenters:
Dr. Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham, Victor S.
Thomas, Professor of History and of African American Studies, Harvard
University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Dr. Richard S. Newman, Edwin Wolf, 2nd Director,
The Library Company of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Dr. Albert J. Raboteau, Henry W. Putnam,
Professor of Religion, Emeritus, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey
The Rev. Dr. William D. Watley, Pastor, Saint
Philip AME Church - Atlanta, Georgia
Vernon Jordan (Moderator), Senior Counsel, Akin
Gump
The Rev. Dr. Jamal-Harrison Bryant, Pastor,
Empowerment Temple AME Church, Baltimore, Maryland
Dr. Anthea Butler, Associate Professor of
Religious Studies and Africana Studies, University of Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Rev. Dr. Dennis C. Dickerson, James M.
Lawson, Jr. Professor of History, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
Dr. M. Joycelyn Elders, Former U. S. Surgeon
General
Bishop Yvette A. Flunder, Founder and Pastor,
City of Refuge United Church of Christ
The Rev. Stephen A. Green, National Director
NAACP Youth and College Division
Read more: http://2016generalconference.org/wp-content/themes/jupiter/includes/Bicent_celebration.pdfDevotions
For additional Information, please contact:
First District Plaza
3801 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Office: (215) 662-0506
6. HONORING A LIVING LEGEND – THE
REVEREND DR. E. E. COATES:
Episcopal Supervisor Claytie
Davis
The Reverend Dr. E. E. Coates was
honored at Wesley African Methodist Episcopal Church in Houston,
TX on March 20, 2016. The Reverend Coates was celebrated for his
pastoral leadership at Wesley for 37 years. He served from
1965 until his retirement in 2002 as the pastor with the longest
tenure at Wesley.
The Reverend Coates has been
a powerful singing preacher for 62 years and has mentored almost 40
sons and daughters in the ministry. This long list of preachers includes
the Rev. Dr. Leo Griffin Wesley’s current pastor and the late Bishop Sarah
Davis, the 126th elected
and consecrated Bishop of the AME Church. A connectional pastor, the Rev.
Coates not only pastored 14 Churches across the states of
Kansas, Missouri, Wyoming and Texas, he served on the Episcopal
Committee for many years and earned the respect and admiration of AME’s
throughout the connection.
Accompanied by his
daughter Lucille, son Robert and other family members, the Rev.
Coates was greeted by a throng of parishioners
and well-wishers, filling the church including his
sons and daughters in the ministry. On this
occasion Episcopal Supervisor Claytie Davis gave a tribute
to the Rev. Coates reminding everyone that, “Rev.
Coates is the reason I am an AME.” Supervisor
Davis along with his wife the late Bishop Sarah Davis joined Wesley and
the AME Church under the pastoral leadership of the
Rev. E. E. Coates.
The Rev. Coates was honored with a
musical and pictorial tribute highlighting his pastoral
leadership and dedicated community service. Under Rev.
Coates’ leadership Wesley built the first affordable housing project
in Houston as well as established Federal AME (FAME) Credit
Union to serve the banking needs of its parishioners and the greater
Houston area.
During the Rev. Coates 37
years as pastor, Wesley grew to become the largest AME church in the Tenth
Episcopal District.
The
pictorial tribute was accompanied by a musical medley of “Coates
Classics” - I Trust In
God, Precious Lord, 'Tis the Old Ship of Zion and O’ Lord,
I’m Your Child sung by choir members who served under Pastor
Coates.
The crowd erupted in applause and
praises to God for the Rev. Coates and gave him a standing ovation as
he was presented to the great cloud of witnesses in the waiting
congregation. Pastor Leo Griffin bestowed more honor upon Rev.
Coates by presenting him with a love offering and a
plaque as an expression of Wesley’s continued love and
appreciation for him.
Pastor Griffin also presented the
Rev. Coates with proclamations from U.S. Congresswoman Sheila
Jackson Lee and the mayor of Houston, the
Honorable Sylvester Turner. The proclamations lauded the Rev. Coates
for his public service and social activism. The celebration
continued with a reception in his honor.
Wesley
honored the Rev. Coates as a “living legend” and expressed
to this wonderful servant of God that “We continually remember before our
God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and
your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 1:3.
7. AME COLLEGE CORNER
- MESSAGE TO THE YOUTH:
*The Reverend Miesha Fernell Osborne
“For even young people tire and drop out,
young folk in their prime stumble and fall [31] but those who wait upon God get
fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, they run and
don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind" (Isaiah 40: 30-31
Message Bible).
To the many young people within the AMEC, please
know that God did not forget about you; God was and still is intentional on
including you within this full classroom called life. Although complicated, troublesome, and
rewarding--it is important for you to know that you were intended to live,
grow, be, do, multiply, and rein victorious--as God's children.
Unfortunately, it is us adults who tend to get
all caught up in making a living, surviving, sustaining, and providing--that we
forget that even you too are striving to do the very same things that we
are. Forgive us if we somehow twisted
God's intended purpose with busyness and work that we distorted the importance
of you trying to be you. Forgive us if
we distorted doing God's will with our wrong actions that we darkened the
ability for you to see God at home and in our communities. Forgive us if we chose to inconvenience
convenience and pushed our adult issues unto you and later attempted to
discipline you if you did not act/speak/dress/ your age. Forgive us if we ignored that you too get
tired of neglect, ignorance, generational curses; that we adults failed to
self-check, and now involuntary passed down unto you that has now become your
mimicked bad habits. And now, you are
the issue, you are the angered; you are the drama-filled ratchets, the loose
cannons, thugs, gangstas, the everything else, but your birth given
name. You lash, you stash, you crash,
and you bash. You are tired.
Young people, it is important that you know that
God intentionally created each one of you with a purpose on purpose. As a result, Jesus too is intentional to also
include the importance of the youth. Let's take a look during his three years
of ministry. Wasn't it a young boy who
had the five loaves of bread and two fish that Jesus used to feed the hungry?
Didn't Jesus use the living examples of youth to the adults as to how the
minds/hearts should be that of a young person to get into heaven? Didn't Jesus explicitly tell his disciples to
let the children come to him?
God is here for you too! At school, at home,
when you are with your friends when you are by yourself--God is here for you
too, you are not excluded but included in God's blessings. Really, you are the blessing. Regardless of what is going on around you and
whatever or whoever is your present challenge; it is important for you to know
God can provide to you the very strength that you need to take the next step,
do the next deed and even think the next thought. You age does not distance you from God/ in
fact, it draws you closer to God because your earnest prayers and concerns do
not go unheard to God's ears or heart.
You are considered and those very things that we adults may drop the
ball on, please know that God is to help you and allow for you to learn from
our mistakes and hopefully you too will not do the same as we did. Hopefully, you will see that everything and
every day of your life is intended to draw you closer unto God--not unto
materials, not to decided to be God and end your life or others. It is all
designed to work out for your good if you first depend on God. Then, all things will work out for your
good--you will have the strength needed to make it through and you will soar
and not fail.
You have an intended purpose because God was
intentional with creating you on purpose for a purpose.
*The Reverend Miesha Fernell Osborne is the
Minister to the Youth at Mt. Calvary AME Church in Towson, Maryland
8. PRAYER VIGIL FOR
EASTER BOMBING VICTIMS IN PAKISTAN:
Irvine, CA (March 30, 2016) – Christ Our
Redeemer AME Church, the largest Black church in Orange County and the Orange
County Newport-Mesa-Irvine Interfaith Council held a prayer vigil for the
victims of a terrorist attack on innocent Christians and Muslims in Islamabad,
Pakistan on Easter, at 2 p.m. (PT) Wednesday, March 30, 2016. The vigil was
held at Christ Our Redeemer AME Church, 45 Tesla, Irvine, CA.
Women and children were intentionally targeted
by terrorists on Easter, the highest Holy Day for Christians. There were over
69 people killed in Islamabad, Pakistan according to a local government
spokesman. “The AME Church is fully aware of the pain of violence in a
religious setting. Mother Emmanuel AME Church was intentionally targeted by a
terrorist on June 17, 2015. Sacred sanctuaries must be kept safe!” says the
Rev. Mark Whitlock, Senior Minister of Christ Our Redeemer AME Church.
The Newport Mesa Interfaith Council and the Pakistani
community led by Farrah N. Khan were the primary organizers of the prayer
vigil. She and many other clerics attended.
About COR Church:
Christ Our Redeemer AME (“COR”) Church was
founded by five people on the University of California, Irvine campus. COR Church is now the largest predominately
African-American church in Orange County with over 3,300 multi-racial members
9. BLACK WOMEN’S LIVES
MATTER - “DOMESTIC VIOLENCE”:
Many Women’s lives are deeply affected by
un-equal power relationships between men and women and by conventional
expectations about “domesticity’ as well as by the actualities of their
responsibilities for the care of children and the home in which they live.
When women experience violence from a husband or
partner, the violence may be intimately connected with those expectations and
realities.
If they then have to leave home because of the
violence, their problems are compound by their “domesticity” and lack of access
to financial resources and by the homelessness legislation, which has been
changed to make its use as a point of entry to permanent accommodations much
more restricted. In addition to the violence they have experienced, the loss of
home is in itself an element in the complex nature of trauma that women in a violent
relationship suffer.
This is compounded further for themselves and
their children by the uncertain period they spend waiting for the possibility
re-housing if they leave.
We can as WMS Family Life partner with World
Vision U.S. to help empower our domestic
violence infected homes by providing needed items such
as women and children’s clothing, books, and
toiletries to over 2.2 million families.
The Challenge:
Our goals as Missionary women should be to
reduce family HOMELESSNESS and improve the systems that respond to families
experiencing housing CRISIS across the Connectional AME Church. Homelessness has a profound impact on
children’s health and education as well as parents’ ability to find a job and
stay employed.
Domestic Violence can be physical, emotional,
sexual, verbal, and financial. Domestic Violence is traumatic to children who
witness it. Domestic Violence is not a safe meeting, and it usually will not
stop without the help of an “out-side agency, such as the Police and the
Courts.
*Opal Ware-Johnson, Ph.D, Family Life
Commissioner, Chairperson, Connectional Women’s Missionary Society, AME Church.
10. ST. JAMES AME
CHURCH. ATLANTIC CITY, NEW JERSEY CELEBRATES 140TH ANNIVERSARY:
The Rt. Rev. Gregory G.M. Ingram, Presiding
Prelate of the First Episcopal District, delivered the keynote address at the
140th Anniversary Gala of St. James AME Church at the beautiful Stockton
Seaview Hotel and Golf Club in Galloway Township on Saturday, November 22 with
a capacity crowd in attendance. The 140th Anniversary Committee,
headed by Sis. Elaine Milan, Brenda Burroughs and Heather Meads, worked
diligently to produce this stellar occasion attended by several dignitaries
including Rev. Dr. Larry E. Dixon, Atlantic City District Presiding Elder; Mrs.
Adrienne A. Morris, an official in the Connectional Women’s Missionary Society;
Atlantic City Mayor Donald A. Guardian; Fourth Ward councilman, William Marsh,
a Steward at St. James; Third Ward Councilman-elect, Kaleem Shabazz and several
clergy. The theme of the “Evening of
Elegance” was “Honoring Our Legacy: Embracing Our Future.”
St. James, which has been led by some outstanding
Pastors, was founded in 1875 by the Rev. Jeremiah Pierce, who was assigned to
fulfill that task by Bishop James A. Shorter, the ninth elected and consecrated
Bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The church was originally called Bethel, but
its name was changed to St. James in 1884.
Throughout the years St. James was known as the first African-American
Church in Atlantic City, but with the closing of so many local houses of
worship, it is now the oldest church in the City. It has stood as a beacon of hope for those
who seek comfort and solace in Jesus Christ.
Among its major accomplishments are having the first Deaconess Board in
the East, which was organized in 1919, provision of the first church
transportation in Atlantic City and the ownership of Bright’s Villa, an
affordable housing complex in Atlantic City.
The Rev. Zina Burton Thompkins, daughter of the
longest serving Pastor of St. James, the late Rev. Horace E. Burton, served as
Mistress of Ceremonies and Brother David Allmond, Steward, served as the
companion Master of Ceremonies. After the stately processional, Steward Barbara
Bowe presented the dais guests.
Following the opening hymn, the Rev. Joseph Robinson delivered the
Invocation, and Licentiate Rhonda Hart read the Scripture. Sister Yvonne Jordan, chairman pro tem of the
Steward Board, gave the Welcome, followed by the Occasion by Sister Heather
Meads, Trustee and one of the event’s co-chairpersons.
Dr. Juanita J. High, a Steward and member of St.
James for over 70 years, gave a very informative St. James Historical
Presentation, highlighting the remarkable accomplishments of the dedicated
Pastors who have served St. James since its founding. Perhaps, the most poignant moment of the
evening was the moving video pictorial Memorial Tribute, featuring the St.
James members who were called to glory in the last 10 years. This presentation brought tears to the eyes
of many of the attendees as their members and loved ones who had transitioned
into Heaven were memorialized.
Rev. Carolyn Montague blessed the food, after
which the group enjoyed a scrumptious meal with a choice of steak, salmon or
chicken. One could feel the spirit of
joy in this atmosphere where church members and their friends came together to
reflect upon the past, appreciate the present and contemplate the future.
The Rev. Dr. Larry E. Dixon, Presiding Elder of
the Atlantic City District, presented the Rt. Rev. Gregory G.M. Ingram,
Presiding Prelate of the First Episcopal District, speaker of the evening. Before Bishop Ingram spoke, the St. James
140th Anniversary Choir rendered a stirring selection, “Psalm 23”. Bishop congratulated the church upon its
paying tribute to its history, stressing the importance of appreciating our
legacy. He emphasized that one of the
strengths of the African Methodist Episcopal Church was its recognition of and
attention to its history. He noted that
the AME Church lives in the future, but stands on the shoulders of our
forbearers and is second to none in its accomplishments. He recognized the Pastors, the laity, other
pulpit staff and members of the congregation who have demonstrated their love
for St. James by their many contributions.
Bishop Ingram’s remarks were received with a standing ovation.
A special highlight of the evening was the
presentation of awards to the members of the congregation who were ninety plus
years or over. Sister Elaine Milan,
Steward and another of the event’s co-chairpersons, introduced the presenters of
the award recipients. Rev. Bernice Prescott
presented the Jeremiah H. Pierce Award, named for the Church’s founder, to Rev.
Gussie M. Beaman, the longest serving member of the pulpit staff. Sister Gloria
Spencer, Trustee, presented the Rev. William R. Fickland Award, named in memory
of the Pastor, who in 1899 built the first parsonage on the lot between the
Church and Bay Street, to Sis. Willa Mae Stewart, an original member of the
Hostess Club. Sister Gloria Pettiford,
president of the Stewardess, presented the
Rev. James T. Rex Award, named for the Pastor under whose administration
from 1884-1887, the name was changed from Bethel to St. James A.M.E. Church,
the church was incorporated and the church was moved from Baltic Avenue to its
present location at New York and Arctic Avenues. The award was presented in
absentia to Sis. Helene Boucree, a snazzy dresser. Sister Ericka Chapman, Trustee, had the
honor of presenting the Rev. Theophilus E. Harper Award, named for her beloved
grandfather, who pastored St. James during its glory days from 1948-1955 and
who appointed the first women to the Steward and Trustee Board, to her loving
grandmother Sis. Callie. O. Harper, former treasurer of the Connectional
Missionary Society and First Lady of St. James. Sis Yvonne Allmond, Trustee, presented the
Rev. Roscoe C. Henderson Award, named for the Pastor who served from 1955-1958,
when people came from near and far to hear him recite the Decalogue with his
strong, powerful voice, to Sis. Gertha Motley, long-serving member of the
Stewardess Board. Sister Alma A. Walker,
Steward, presented the Rev. Henry A. Hildebrand Award, named for the Pastor who
served from 1958-1964 and purchased the current parsonage at 1253 Monroe Avenue
and completed the Annex, to Sis. Gwendolyn Croudy, Vice President of the Senior
Choir. Latha Gilliam, Esq., Trustee,
presented the Rev. James Kenny Baldwin Award, who pastored from 1964-1972, and
organized the Hostess Club, bought the property from 101 to 107 N. New York
Avenue adjacent to the Church and purchased the Bright’s Villa housing Complex
to provide affordable housing to Atlantic City residents, to Sis. Agnes
Coleman, a member of the former Busy Bee Club. Bro. Harvey Marshall, Trustee,
presented the Rev. William Lamar Cody Award, named for the Pastor who served
from 1972 to 1980 and who enabled St. James to be among the first churches to
provide transportation for its members with the purchase of a station wagon and
the Generation of the Spirit Choir and the Cody Starlites, to Sis. Cecelia
Joyce, former secretary of the Lay Organization and Senior Choir. Sister Margaret J. Burton, former First Lady
and widow of the Rev. Horace Edward Burton, Sr., the longest serving St. James
Pastor, presented the Rev. Horace E. Burton Award to Sister Vernon
Blackwell. During his 20-year tenure
from 1981 until 2001, he installed an electric chair lift, purchased property
on New York Avenue for church expansion and initiated the Annual Feeding the
Community on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Sister Blackwell is a Stewardess and
designer of beautiful knit products. Brother William Marsh, Steward and
Atlantic City Councilman, presented the Rev. Dr. James Coaxum, III Award, named
for the current Pastor assigned in April 2007, who has mesmerized the
congregation with the extraordinary preaching
and who has organized many ministries including Youth Praise Dancers,
Sons of Allen, Male Mentoring and promoted community outreach with the Food
Pantry, Choices After-School Program, Fitness Ministry, Coaxum’s Divas, St.
James Development Corporation, Feeding Our Friends and Family and Friends
Weekend., to Sis. Mildred Montague, a member of the Tyree-Delaney Missionary
Society.
Sister Brenda L. Burroughs, Steward, Church
Treasurer and one of the event’s co-chairpersons, presented the Life Members,
those who have been members for fifty years or more. The persons are: The Rev. Gussie Beaman,
Sister Doris Brown, Sister Shirley Brower, Sister Ruth Corbitt, Sister Gwendolyn Croudy, Brother Latha
Gilliam, Sister Florence Green, Sister Wilhelmina Harris, Dr. Juanita J. High,
Sister Dorothy Hughey, Sister Gloria Jenkins, Sister Yvonne Jordan, Sister
Cecelia Joyce, Bro. Rudolph Kyles, Sister Mary Kyles, Bro. Harvey Marshall,
Sister Sarah Miller, Sister Dorothy Moore, Sister Gertha Motley, Sister Gloria
J. Pettiford, the Rev. Bernice Prescott, Sister Lillian A. Rhone, Sister Willa
Mae Stewart, Sister Patricia Thomas, Sister Alma A. Walker, Sister Marie
Williams, Sister Barbara Woodall and Brother Henri Yarbrough, Sister Yvonne
Allmond, Sister Geneva Burroughs and Brother Gary Coar were also recognized for
being affiliated with St. James for fifty years.
The Rev. Dr. James Coaxum, III unveiled a
rendering of a new church, a manifestation of his vision for the future. He stated that now that we have honored our
past, it is time to embrace our future.
Following these presentations Sister Shirley
Moore, a member of the Finance Commission, introduced dignitaries and special
guests. Sister Yvonne Jordan presented a plaque to the Rev. Dr. Coaxum.
Soloists for the evening were Sister Rosa
Roderick and Brother Aaron Woodall.
After remarks by the three chairpersons and the Rev. Coaxum, the Rev.
Bernice Prescott brought the “Evening of Elegance” to a close by pronouncing
the Benediction.
Written by Dr. Juanita J. High, St. James A.M.E.
Church, Atlantic City, New Jersey
11. SUPERB
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS AND LOCAL CHURCHES:
The Nethymnal website is a wonder resource for hearing
how hymns are arranged. I encourage musicians, especially those who may not
read music to peruse the website. You can subscribe if you wish to received
regular information about church music
For instance, for next year, 200 great Easter Hymns
featured on NetHymnal; http://nethymnal.org/top/easter.htm.
Nethymnal has several electronic platforms:
The NetHymnal Team:
12. ALBANY STATE
UNIVERSITY SEIZING THE OPPORTUNITY TO CHANGE:
Dr. Art Dunning
With the impending consolidation of Albany State
University and Darton State College, the Albany community is in the midst of
profound change. We must not lose sight of our primary goal: creating a better
quality of life for future generations. We have the opportunity to come
together to champion a consolidation that will greatly benefit Southwest
Georgia.
We are at the point that many communities were decades
ago – impacting our future by advancing higher education. The majority of
students at ASU and DSC come from Southwest Georgia. We cannot ignore the facts about our region.
There are more families living in poverty in the 2nd Congressional District
than in any other district in Georgia, according to a report by the Carl Vinson
Institute of Government at the University of Georgia. We are ranked one of the
poorest areas in the nation and anticipated population growth over the next 15
years is in the negative. In addition, low-enrollment and insufficient
resources continue to threaten the progression of both institutions. By
leveraging resources, preserving the assets and strengths of both institutions
and creating new academic offerings that address the economic and workforce
needs of the region, Albany can become the college town that is meant to be.
Healthy dialogue and active participation in consolidation related matters is a
start.
The new Albany State University has the ability to
serve nearly 9,000-plus students. A
larger, single university will attract students from throughout the Southern
United States, creating a robust and vibrant intellectual and economic center.
This is imperative if we are ever going to entice students to make Southwest
Georgia their home after graduation.
Several years ago, I was asked to speak to economic and
academic leaders in Lake Bled, Slovenia, a small area in Central Europe. As I
discussed the political, social, and economic changes in the southern United
States from 1865 to 1965, the plight of two distinct American cities came to
mind, that of Birmingham, Ala., and Atlanta. Birmingham, Ala., once recognized
as a leading industrial center, gained a reputation as a community resistant to
the immense changes of the 1960s. Atlanta, on the other hand, approached the
changes from an economic development perspective and eventually became the
economic capital of the Southeastern United States
Significant changes will be made in the next few
months, as we continue the journey through consolidation to a bigger and better
Albany State University. Change can be very difficult, but in the end it is the
only thing that makes us grow. Let’s decide to approach this change in a way
that positively strengthens our region for future generations.
*Dr. Art Dunning is president of Albany State
University.
13. THE TRUTH IS THE LIGHT:
*The Reverend Dr. Charles R. Watkins
Biblical
Text: John 1:12-13 (KJV): But as many as received him, to them gave he
power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which
were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man,
but of God.”
Beloved,
it is a fact that whether our family lives in complete peace or not, they
are still our second most precious possession from God.
We
work very hard even when relationships are most volatile in an effort
to make things work. The truth of the matter is we realize that
family is precious. Truly God’s Word affirms it when we are challenged
to, “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon
the earth.” The word of God admonishes us, “Husbands, love
your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it” and
“Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the
Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing
unto the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be
discouraged.” Paul drove these points home to the Colossians
to set the record straight as it relates to God’s standards for the
family.
The
Truth is that, family is so precious that the Bible urges folk to stay
married even if unequally yoked. 1 Corinthians 7:14 says, “For the unbelieving
husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified
by the husband” The point is God counts family precious.
There
is a family more precious than our own. That is the family of
God. This family we call God’s family is made up of saints who have been
empowered by God Himself to become His sons and daughters. It’s a spiritual
adoption process. From the moment of our confession of faith,
we are accepted to become the family tree Jesus calls the Vine.
We actually become one of His branches. We simply enter into a
contract guaranteeing: “I am His; and He is mine!”
We
are in fact twice-born saints of God and we carry proof of our adoption as
sons of God. Through John God speaks to us about this whole adoption
process, warning us that in order for us to understand what our
adoption is; we
must first understand what it is not.
Adoption is
“not of blood” as our relationships with our earthly family
members are our blood relatives. We share the same bloodline with our
earthly family. No one can dispute our relationship to our mother,
father, or our brothers and sisters.
The
point is that is not how God births us into His family. It is true
that we are birthed by blood however; it is not by our own blood. It
is the blood of Jesus that confirms our relationship to
God. Jesus says, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No man cometh unto
the Father but by me.” (John 14:6).
Adoption
is not “of the will of the flesh”. We need to know that
the God we serve is not moved to adopt us because of our good
intentions. God is not moved to adopt us due to our modest
appearance, charming influence, honest demeanor, or our kind actions.
He is not concerned with our noble efforts, dedicated
devotions, sacrificial giving, or our inspired singing. In fact
adoption has nothing to do with our personal conduct.
What can
wash away our sins? Only Jesus can lift us from the gutter, redeem
our souls, free us from Satan’s grip, and make us whole again. Only the
Blood of Jesus!
God
is clear on the fact that adoption is not “of the will of man.” That
means no person can save us. The church can’t save us. We can
sit on the mourner’s bench and beg God to open our heart but it won’t
save us because we cannot choose to save ourselves. We have to choose
Jesus!
Paul
said, “My heart’s desire and prayer for Israel is that they might be saved… for
Christ is the end of the law for righteousness….” (Romans 10:1) But Paul also
said, “…there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord
over all is rich unto all that call upon him. (Romans 10:12) God’s desire is
that every man, woman and child would be part of His family.
The
truth of the matter is we can be chosen to hold a host of titles in
the church but unless we are born of the blood, it’s just
a title. It won’t get us adopted, because we can fool some of the
people, but we can’t fool God!!
God
will choose us if we are washed in the blood of His Son. If we
are washed in the blood, the Bread of life adopts
us. His mercy is sufficient to erase our past, to fortify our
present and certify our future.
Once we are adopted into God’s
family there is no amount of trials or tribulations that can cause us
to lose our place. Jesus said in John 15:5, “I am the vine,
ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same
bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
*The Reverend Dr.
Charles R. Watkins, Jr., is the pastor of Morris Brown AME Church in
Charleston, South Carolina
14.
GETTING TO ZERO: “DOING IT” (PART II):
*Dr. Oveta Fuller
-
Launch of “Doing It”
In January 2016, to
address the continuing issue of HIV/AIDS in the USA that is especially high
among black Americans, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
launched another campaign “Doing It” as part of the Act against AIDS national
strategy (1). “Doing It” seeks to implement HIV testing in the USA as part of
routine annual healthcare for all persons.
If one understands
the unnecessary perils or consequences of not getting tested, getting tested
for HIV to always know one’s infection status just makes sense.
Who is responsible
for what people know? Who is responsible for what people do with HIV/AIDS as a
preventable virus infection and AIDS as a manageable chronic disease?
This week we explore
why we, members and leaders of the AMEC, are responsible.
Why is a new
campaign needed?
This new “Doing It”
initiative focuses on making a test for infection with HIV a part of regular
health care. We have advocated this since the start of the G20 column.
Routine HIV testing
of each person has benefits. Besides that most people would know their HIV
infection status, such would remove the stigma or judgment that often is
associated with getting an HIV test. It would remove the idea that a person is
testing for HIV infection because he or she must have been exposed from
behaviors that allow contact with HIV through sexual intercourse, contact with
blood or possibly from needles in IV drug use. It means that both a 40-year
married couple and an 18 year old would automatically be screened for presence
of antibody to the virus or HIV proteins or genetic material.
Getting an HIV test
using saliva, blood or urine should be like determining blood pressure or
getting a temperature reading at the start of a medical appointment. Everyone should be tested. Everyone should be
“Doing It”. Then no fingers can be pointed to speculate about why.
To appreciate the
reasoning behind the “Doing It” campaign from the CDC, let’s revisit prevalence
of HIV/AIDS in the USA.
HIV
among women
Less we think a
change in addressing HIV is not needed, look at the recent stats in the USA
(2). First, let’s focus on women in this March 2016 International Women’s
Month.
In 2014, of every 4
people living with HIV/AIDS one is female. Another way to look at this is that
three fourths (75%) of the people living with HIV/AIDS in the USA are males and
one fourth is female.
Women get HIV
mainly from heterosexual sex (87%) and from IV drug use (23%). Clearly women
get infected with HIV mainly from men who are infected. A person, who is the
receiver in a sexual encounter, whether through vaginal, anal or oral sex, has
a higher risk of HIV infection. Women, by anatomical nature, are the recipients
in sexual engagement. Women are a higher risk of HIV infection.
The only way to
know if one is infected is to get an HIV test. Women should embrace the “Doing
It” campaign.
Fact: At the end of 2013, 61% (131,504) of women
who are known to be HIV positive are African American, 17% are white and 17%
are Hispanic/Latina.
Yes, HIV is present
in the African American community at disproportionate levels than our 13% of
the USA population.
Fact: Some good
news is that the numbers for 2013 represent a 42% reduction in the number of
new HIV infections detected among African American women. We would like to
believe that this is a real reduction in exposure to HIV rather than a decrease
in detection of infection. This good news indicates that multiple efforts and initiatives
to inform the black community of the risk and preventions of HIV/AIDS have
increased testing and led to decreased actions that expose one to the virus.
Bravo! Education
that leads to effective action works, especially sustained effective action to
get info, get tested and get treated for HIV/AIDS! This is good news for the
health and well-being of African American females.
Fact: There is more
good news. Of the women diagnosed with HIV infection, 84% were connected to
anti-retroviral therapy (ART) within 3 months of the HIV+ diagnosis. Such
critical linkage to healthcare increases the chances of controlling HIV
infection and lowers progression to AIDS. Good news indeed!
An unfortunate
finding, however, is that only 55% of these who start ART remained in medical
care. Only 37% stayed on ART. In the USA 1,859 females died of HIV/AIDS in
2013. This is unacceptable at a time when we have proven ways of preventing
infection and blocking virus destruction of the immune system. We can do
better.
--To be continued
in the next issue
*The Rev. Dr. Fuller is currently on Sabbatical leave
from the University of Michigan and will submit her column as her schedule
permits.
15. iCHURCH
SCHOOL LESSON BRIEF FOR SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2016 -
*Brother Bill
Dickens
Introduction
April 3, 2016 is
the Second Sunday of Easter.
Amazing Grace"
is a classic Christian hymn published in 1779, with words written by the
English poet and clergyman John Newton (1725–1807). The hymn can be found in the AME Hymnal on
No. 226. Newton wrote the words from
personal experience. He grew up without any particular religious conviction,
but his life's path was formed by a variety of conflicts, contradictions and
coincidences resulting from his own personal stubbornness and selfishness.
Prior to accepting God’s call as a preacher he was a seaman and became involved
in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. In
1748, a violent storm battered his vessel off the coast of County Donegal,
Ireland, so severely that he called out to God for mercy, a moment that marked
his spiritual conversion. He continued his slave trading career until 1754 or
1755, when he ended his seafaring altogether and began studying Christian
theology.
In 1787, Newton
wrote a tract supporting the campaign, "Thoughts upon the African Slave
Trade." It graphically described the horrors of the African Slave trade
and his role in it. He later joined William Wilberforce in the campaign for
abolition of the Slave Trade. In February 1807, when the act to abolish the
Slave Trade finally became law, John Newton, nearly blind and near death,
"rejoiced to hear the wonderful news." Once again, like his near death seafarer
experience, John Newton can sing with conviction – "Amazing Grace."
The Adult AME
Church School Lesson for April 3, 2016 paints a clear picture about amazing
faith and amazing grace. Like John
Newton, the key character can see the amazing power of God conditional on his
personal faith.
Let’s see how faith
and grace work as compliments in our spiritual odyssey.
Bible
Lesson (Faith in Action)
Dr. Luke develops
the concept of amazing faith in Chapter 7: 1-10. The Bible lesson is a continuation from
Chapter Six since our erudite physician opens Chapter Seven by saying Jesus
travels to Capernaum after giving his sermon on the mount. Upon arriving in Capernaum Jesus is
confronted with an issue that warrants His attention. An unnamed military leader has a servant who
is critically ill. Dr. Luke describes
the military leader as a centurion. Two
facts are clear. Fact one, the military
leader cares greatly about his servant’s health status. Fact two, the military leader is a man of
influence and respect. The title of
centurion implies he has 100 soldiers who directly report to him and faithfully
carryout his orders.
Despite his
military credentials, the centurion counts himself unworthy to approach Jesus
and dispatches some of the Jewish elders to inquire about Jesus’ help. The
elders explain to Jesus that the centurion is a model citizen who has also
generously supported the building of a synagogue. When Jesus meets the centurion the commanding
officer acknowledges Him as Lord even though he is a Roman citizen. The officer reiterates his request to heal
his loyal servant. He further adds that
if Jesus will simply say the word, his servant will be healed. The officer draws a parallel by indicating
when he says a word, his subjects respond; no questions asked. The centurion has faith, like the woman with
an issue of blood for 12 years, that a spoken word from Jesus will bring
healing to the servant. Jesus offers a
rare compliment about the officer’s faith.
Because of the centurion’s unconventional faith his servant was healed.
Bible
Application
The month of March
is a great time if you enjoy college basketball. The NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball
Tournaments provide the dual experience of the thrill of victory and the agony
of defeat. Underdogs frequently upset a
higher seeded opponent largely due to amazing shots at or near the end of the
game. Last week Syracuse University (a
ten seed) overcame a 16 point deficit in the second half to defeat the
University of Virginia (a one seed) 68 – 62 to advance to the Final Four. Syracuse only scored 21 points in the first
half. Many commentators gave Syracuse no
chance of overcoming such a large deficit.
In the jargon of sports the Orangemen were, “left for dead.” Much to the surprise and chagrin of the
experts, Syracuse did not quit and their faith in each other allowed the
Virginia lead to dwindle until they regained the lead and won the game! It was an amazing game, but what was more
amazing was the display of faith in the talents of the Syracuse players. "Winners never quit and quitters never
win." This is not only an important
lesson in sports but in our faith walk as well.
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
16. MEDITATION BASED ON PHILIPPIANS 4:4-13:
*The Rev. Dr.
Joseph A. Darby
I’m writing this
meditation in the midst of what could most kindly be called an “interesting”
political season leading up to the Presidential election in November.
The leading candidates in
one party are taking the usual political jabs at each other, but are more
focused on how they would make public policy and address the needs of the
nation and its citizens. The leading candidates in the other party are
swapping rude and profane insults on everything from their truthfulness to
their wives to their intelligence to their physical anatomy, but are saying
very little about how they would make public policy.
What’s interesting is
that the candidates trying to win by tearing each other down are gaining more
media attention than the candidates who are actually talking about what they’d
do as President!
That isn’t surprising,
because our present-day culture
focuses more on what’s sensational, controversial and negative than on what’s
substantial - that’s why some people who are devotees of “reality” TV talk
shows and melodramas like “Scandal” and “How to Get Away with Murder” seldom
pay attention to news broadcasts.
Our human tendency to
focus on the negative instead of the positive not only makes for bad politics -
it can also influence our personal well-being. Too many good people
endure troubled days and sleepless nights because we focus on our burdens,
frustration and obstacles and fail to see life’s simple but powerful and
substantial blessings.
When we take the time,
however, to walk by faith and not by sight and consider the often overlooked
things that God does for us, we’ll have a new perspective on our lives.
We can thank God for waking us up each day, thank God for providing for us, protecting
us and putting up with us and joyfully realize that when we look at the
“balance sheet” of our lives, our good days outweigh our bad days.
Take the time each day to
pause - even in the midst of life’s cares and concerns - to count your
blessings. You can then look beyond sensational problems, find
substantial peace of mind, and face each day saying with one hymn writer, “Many
things about tomorrow I don’t seem to understand, but I know Who holds tomorrow
and I know Who holds my hand.”
*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
17.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Third Episcopal
District Office is saddened to inform you of the homegoing of Brother Paul
Dykes, the husband of the Rev. Regina Ragin-Dykes, the pastor of New Life
African Methodist Episcopal Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The arrangements
are as follows:
Viewing:
Thursday, March 31,
2016 --4 - 8 p.m.
Nazarene Baptist
Church
7053 Hamilton
Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA
15208
The Rev. Rickey
Burgess, pastor
Homegoing
Celebration:
Friday, April 1,
2016 at 11:00 a.m.
Saint James African
Methodist Episcopal Church
444 Lincoln Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA
15206
Telephone: (412)
441-9706
Fax: (412) 661-1676
The Rev. Rodrecus
Johnson, Jr., officiating
The Rev. Dr. Eric
L. Brown, Presiding Elder, Allegheny-Scranton District, eulogist
Final arrangements
Entrusted to:
Spriggs and Watson
Funeral Home
720 N. Lang Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA
15208
Telephone: (412)
243-8080
Fax: (412) 243-2614
Cards and
expressions of sympathy can be mailed to:
The Rev. Regina
Dykes
170 Broadcrest
Drive
Pittsburgh, PA
15235
Telephone: (412)
983-9351
18.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We sorrowfully
share news of the passing of Mrs. June Mac Sisco, the aunt of Mrs. Nona
Freeman, wife of the Rev. Ronald L. Freeman, Sr., pastor of St. Luke AME Church
in Daugherty, VA. Mrs. June Mac Sisco
passed on Thursday, March 24, 2016.
Homegoing Service:
Thursday, March 31,
2016 at 1:00 p.m.
Bethel AME Church
Spanards Neck Road
Centerville
Maryland
The Rev. Terri
Grady, pastor
Condolences may be
sent to:
Nona Freeman
305 Little Kidwell
Ave.
Centreville,
Maryland. 21617
Please keep Rev.
& Sister Freeman in prayer!
19.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform
you of the passing of the Rev. Deborah Thomas Dennie, PhD. The Rev. Dr. Dennie was a retired Itinerate
Elder in the West Tennessee Annual Conference, currently serving as an
Associate Minister at New Tyler AME Church in Memphis, Tennessee where the Rev.
Darrell K. Scott serves as pastor.
As a trailblazer in
the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Rev. Dr. Dennie was the first
female clergy person of many accomplishments. She was the first female clergy
person to pastor a major charge (Avery Chapel) in the 13th Episcopal District,
elected President of the West Tennessee Minister’s Alliance, appointed West
Tennessee Conference Trustee, elected as delegate to the General Conference of
the African Methodist Episcopal Church, appointed as Dean of Third Year Studies
of the Board of Examiners of the West Tennessee Conference and elected as a
Connectional Officer for the Women in the Ministry serving alongside the Rev.
Dr. Sandra Blair. Rev. Dennie also, held
the position, Judicial Liaison for the 13th Episcopal District Women in
Ministry.
The Reverend Dr.
Deborah Ann Thomas Dennie, with grace and at peace, exchanged her residence
from this earthly dwelling on Friday March 25, 2016.
Professional
Services are provided by:
Serenity Memorial
Garden
1622 Sycamore View
Road
Memphis, TN 38134
Telephone (901)
379-0330
Services for the
Rev. Dr. Deborah Thomas Dennie, PhD:
Viewing: Friday,
March 31, 2016, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Funeral Services:
Saturday, April 2,
2016, 11:00 am
St. John AME Church
4862 Millbranch
Road
Memphis, Tennessee
The Rev. Ivy Hudson
Cortez, host pastor
The Rev. Linda
Thomas-Martin, Presiding Elder, South Memphis District, West Tennessee
Conference, officiant
Expressions of
sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Deidre Dennie
Pledge
7043 Miller's Glenn
Way
Memphis, Tennessee
38125
20.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform
you of the passing of Mrs. Aline Hayes Wortham.
Mrs. Wortham was the widow of the Rev. Willie W. Wortham, who was the
pastor and built Freedman Chapel AME Church in Decaturville, Tennessee. Other pastorates of her husband were St. Mark
AMEC – Parsons, Tennessee; Hollow Rock AMEC, Long Chapel AMEC-Jackson; and St.
Paul – Fulton. Mrs. Wortham passed on
March 26, 2015.
Funeral Services
for Mrs. Aline Hayes Wortham:
Friday, April 1,
2016
Visitation: 10:00 a.m.
Funeral: 1:00 p.m.
New Greater Bethel
AMEC
148 Cartmell
Jackson, Tennessee
The Rev. Sabrina
Transou, pastor
The Rev. Elaine
Gordon, Pastor of Ward AMEC Peoria, Illinois, eulogist
Interment: Highland
Memorial Gardens
Jackson, Tennessee
Professional
Services are entrusted to:
Hardeman County
Funeral Services, Inc.
109 South Porter
Street
Bolivar, Tennessee
38008
Telephone: (731)
658-7473
Survivors: The Rev.
Maxine Wortham, Local Elder, Ward Chapel AMEC, Peoria, Illinois, daughter and
Mr. Willie Wortham, son
Condolences and
expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. Maxine
Wortham
131 Boone Street
Jackson, Tennessee
38301
Or
6908 N. Michele
Lane
Peoria, IL 61614
21.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We solicit your
prayers on the passing of Mr. Charlie Calvin Sr., father of the Rev. Charletta
C. Robinson, pastor of Bethel AMEC (Panama City, Fl.).
The funeral
arrangements are as follows:
Monday, April 4,
2016 at 11:00 a.m.
T. S. Warden
Mortuary/ Chapel
4315 Main Street
Jacksonville,
Florida 32206
Telephone: (904)
765-1234. FAX: (904) 765-1549.
Please FAX or Email
all resolutions directly to the funeral home.
Burial:
National Cemetery
Jacksonville,
Florida
Monday, April 4,
2016
Condolences may be
sent to:
Mrs. Leevater
Calvin
9713 Sibbald Road
Jacksonville, Fl.
32208
The Rev. Charletta
C. Robinson
706 Hamilton Ave.
Panama, City 32391
22.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Third Episcopal
District sadly announces the passing of the Reverend Calvin James Bush,
Itinerant Elder, former pastor of Mt. Zion, Brownsville, Pennsylvania and
associate minister at Bethel, Pennsylvania.
We unite in prayer with his family in the loss of their loved one.
Memorial Service
will be held Saturday, March 26, 2016 at 1:00 p.m.
Love Missionary
Baptist Church
1005 Angola Road
Swanton, OH 43558
Pastor Clark K.
Morgan, Officiant
Final Arrangements
Entrusted to:
Caring Cremation
Services
1511 West Central
Avenue
Toledo, OH 43606
Telephone: (419)
377-0359
Fax: (419) 474-7503
23.
BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
Telephone: (615) 837-9736 (H)
Telephone: (615) 833-6936 (O)
Cell: (615) 403-7751
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.
Did someone you know pass this copy of The Christian
Recorder to you? Get your own copy HERE: http://www.the-christian-recorder.org/
Click Here: Guidelines for Submitting Articles to TCR
*You have received this message because you are subscribed to
The Christian Recorder Online
Forward to Friend
Copyright © 2014 The
Christian Recorder, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you are a current subscriber
to The Christian Recorder
Our mailing address is:
The Christian Recorder
500 Eighth Avenue, South
Nashville, TN 37203-7508
Add us to your address book
Unsubscribe from this list Subscribe / Update subscription
preferences
