Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram, Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
1. EDITOR’S CORNER:
Yesterday, I was speaking with Dr. Dennis Dickerson, the Historiographer of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, about the lack of subscribers for The A.M.E. Church Review and The Christian Recorder. Dr. Dickerson felt that every pastor should subscribe to The A.M.E. Church Review and The Christian Recorder. I had a slight disagreement with him. My position is that every minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church should subscribe to The A.M.E. Church Review and The Christian Recorder. I would even go further and say that every candidate for ministry should be required to subscribe to The A.M.E. Church Review and The Christian Recorder. As a matter of fact, they shouldn’t have to be required to subscribe, they should want to subscribe to the Church periodicals. Our clergy and those who aspire to the ministry should want to be knowledgeable about the Church in which they aspire to do ministry. And from my observations, we ministers especially, and laity, need to learn more about and keep updated about our Church. The A.M.E. Church Review and The Christian Recorder are outstanding denominational resources. The A.M.E. Church Review is a superb source for learning about the history, polity, and doctrine of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. It’s the premier source for learning about the Church. It’s an outstanding tool for theological, historical, and doctrinal update. Every profession, i.e., medical, legal, dental, academia, etc., has its professional periodical that everyone in the profession is expected to read. Even mechanics have a professional journal. Beauticians and florists have professional journals. My point is that we, in the profession of ministry need to keep ourselves updated. The A.M.E. Church Review is an excellent way to keep updated. And the cost for a subscription is more than reasonable. Try subscribing to the medical or legal professional journals for what we are charged for our AME periodicals! We need to take advantage of what is available to us.
I know that we need theological and doctrinal update. I recently heard a minister who was teaching pastors about baptism say, “The AME Church baptizes, but we also sprinkle and pour.” He repeated himself and received more than one “amen.” And if you have to think about what is wrong about that sentence, then you would benefit from theological and doctrinal update that can be gleaned from The A.M.E. Church Review and The Christian Recorder. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing; we all need to keep ourselves updated. Now, what I hope that teacher meant to say was, “The African Methodist Episcopal Church has three modes of baptism: sprinkling, pouring and immersion.”
I heard a minister at an annual conference state that his church was planning on putting in a baptismal pool. He seemed excited about that and I got the impression that he was going to push immersion as the preferred mode of baptism. Now there is nothing wrong with a baptismal pool, but there is nothing wrong with a baptismal font. What we, as African Methodists, need to do is to be able to explain the biblical, theological, and doctrinal position of our Church concerning baptism.
I would advocate that ministers appearing before Boards of Examiners be required to have their Bible, Hymnal, required books and an issue of The A.M.E. Church Review with proof of subscription to that and the other periodicals of the Church.
And, speaking about the Board of Examiners, and what I call the Saturday morning madness, with all of the alternatives to acquiring an education today, Boards of Examiners should be the “exception rather than the rule.” Applicants for the ministry should be required to fulfill the academic requirement for ministry. Period! In extreme hardship cases, perhaps applicants could be allowed to go through the Course of Study, but that should be the exception. We still have ministers on Boards of Examiners who are not Seminary graduates. They are probably competent people, but they are not credentialed. Trainers should be credentialed. As a matter of fact, trainers should have the highest professional credentials.
Well, I’ll stop, because I did not mean to write this much. Just meant to share a little “food for thought” about the importance of subscribing to our AME periodicals.
2. SHAME, THE SILENT DEMON BY THE REVEREND VERSY A. WILLIAMS
There’s nothing more opposing to God’s love for us than thinking and feeling that we are worthless or inferior. There is no greater love than when a man would lay down his life for a sheep (John 10:11). The Good Shepherd is Jesus. We are his sheep. Jesus is speaking of his love for us. God absolutely loves us.
Shame makes us feel that we not acceptable. Shame doesn’t just pop up in our emotions and thoughts, it has to have help penetrating our esteem. I know; I suffered quietly. Abuse told me that I was no longer acceptable. I was never good enough. Of course I made excuses for the violence against me. Excuses for my abuser’s behavior towards me made my hell more palatable.
Drug addiction no only affects the user but unfortunately becomes the plight of their co-dependent victim(s). When I reflect on those years, I am amazed I kept my sanity. Actually for a short while, I lost my sanity. Rebuilding my life was the most difficult thing I have ever had to do. I tried to forget how bad things really were. I lied, I covered, and I swept the humiliation and degradation neatly away, deep in my heart never to surface again. I simply was not going to ever discuss it again.
Crack-cocaine is one of the most powerful mind altering drugs available to African Americans. It is cheap and deadly. Except the death lingers and destroys the blessings and promises that God intends for us. Crack-cocaine is Satan’s scheme to destroy our minds. Since it controls our mind, the user can’t renew their mind with God’s word. The co-dependent victim is in a continuous battle. You either fight back or become like one of them. I know the battle took place in my home.
I lived with crack-cocaine many years. It was mysterious but never distant. It ruled my house. When I finally discovered it, it was a relief. My abuser became even more cruel after I learned he was a drug addict. I couldn’t help him. So I began working with people in alcohol and drug recovery. It was the silent part of my work in God’s vineyard. My shame wouldn’t let me get too close to those recovering. It wasn’t their fault. They were very appreciative of my love and helping them. I was proud of each of them. How I wished it could have been a choice of my abuser. You see, if I let them get too close to me I would become vulnerable again. While I was loving and cherishing my husband he loved and cherished his lover. It wasn’t me. I wasn’t going to become vulnerable again. For years I cried, begged and hurt. Of course, it didn’t do any good. Crack had carefully disguised itself; each time I begged and cried, I actually worshipped the god of addiction. I remember our introduction. I stumbled upon its hiding place. I threw up. It took my breath away. Wow.
Of course I was too ashamed to tell how it had thrown me to my knees all those years. I was thankful that my God heard my cries. You know those silent cries that no one hears but God? Yes, those cries. God heard every one of them. Finally, crack left my house. Wow. I had my life back. I was too ashamed to tell. I decided to live with the battle scars. At least I could hold my head up again.
Did I tell you that I took my seat each Sunday…
(READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE IN THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER)
3. TSUNAMI: SOMALIA, KENYA, TANZANIA
Black Church expands U.S./Caribbean relief efforts to African families hit by tsunami
TCR Staff Report
The Christian Recorder, Los Angeles, CA – Faith-based development agencies are rallying church members to a higher level of concern for victims of the devastating Tsunami. The Social Action Commission of the African Methodist Episcopal Church has stretched limited resources to meet emergency needs in the Caribbean and southern US communities in Alabama and Florida. The leadership will expand its relief efforts to African nations recovering from the December 26 tsunami and years of economic despair.
Family members in Somalia, Tanzania and Kenya experienced massive tsunamis on December 26, 2004, triggered by a magnitude 9.0 earthquake off the west coast of Northern Sumatra, Indonesia. Aftershocks continue to occur in the region, affecting several countries throughout South and Southeast Asia.
The Service and Development Agency of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMESADA), a 501c3 public charity, coordinates relief efforts on behalf of some 3.5 million sons and daughters of Africa. AMESADA works hand in hand with the AME Church Social Action Commission and with other international relief agencies around the world.
Contributions via church offerings or directly to AMESADA will ensure that no nation is left behind in receiving much needed aid. AMESADA will coordinate mission support for cooperative strategies with its international partners.
The agency is uniquely structure to address the special needs of the historically underserved. According to January 14 U.N. reports, an estimated 4,000 people displaced by the tsunami in northeastern Somalia will need to rebuild their houses in a new location. Waves from the tsunami altered the geographical coastline and destroyed the sand dunes that protected communities from high tide and flooding.
Homes on the Hafun peninsula were the hardest hit and residents will need to rebuild at least one kilometer inland to avoid future flooding. In Somalia more than 200 persons lost their lives and another 50,000 had their homes destroyed (flattened). In Kenya, the loss of public roads, destruction of homes, and the difficulties of traveling have resulted in a major strain to an economy that could not support the basic needs of its people. Reconstruction needs will be far reaching, and costly.
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, chairperson of the Social Action Commission of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) continues to connect needs to means. “Our church’s commitment to make a difference will include the collection of funds and other resources to be distributed via SADA, the international relief and development arm of the AME Church. Please remember the local residents and visitors in your prayers,” said Bishop Tyler Guidry.
Direct Contributions may be made toSADA (Service and Development Agency)
Dr. Robert Nicolas, Director
202/ 371-8722 – voice202/ 371-0981 – fax
1134 11th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Archive of The Christian Recorder Online from 2004-2016; Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
1/19/2005
1/18/2005
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE (1/18/05)
1. EDITOR’S NOTES:
The Church is in the season of Epiphany. The liturgical color is green and should be the altar color displayed until Ash Wednesday, except on the first Sunday because African Methodist Episcopal Churches display white altar hangings on Communion Sundays.
Easter will be celebrated this year on March 27, 2005; Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten Season is February 9, 2005.
See: http://aa.usno.navy.mil/faq/docs/easter.html as a reminder as to how the dates for Easter are computed.
I attended the Annual Seminar on Church Growth and Development that was held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina last week. My report is forthcoming. It was a great meeting and there was great preaching and great teaching. The Reverend Dr. James Wade, Executive Director and the Right Reverend Preston Warren Williams, II, Commission Chairman and their staff are to be commended for a superb seminar. If you were not there, you should have been there!
A comment by Bishop Norris cannot wait for my report and that was that the people of the world, the United States of America and the African Methodist Episcopal Church need to be aware that the tsunami disaster did not only strike South Asia, but also struck East Africa. I would add – that the destruction of AIDS/ HIV has killed and destroyed more lives in Africa than the tsunami disaster and our nation is not mounting the relief efforts in Africa that is being carried out in South Asia. I wonder why not?
The Editor’s office number for now is 615-665-4462; email: chsydnor@bellsouth.net
2. A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF THE GLOBAL WITNESS AND MINISTRY OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH - DISASTER RELIEF IN SOUTH EAST ASIA: TSUNAMI RECOVERY:
Humanitarian access to the affected province of Aceh, Indonesia, remains extremely limited, a Church World Service assessment team working in the area reported just a few days ago.
In an initial report detailing the team’s findings, team members described a tense and dispiriting situation in which most of those displaced by the tsunami “have no shelter, experience shortage of food and water, no doctors, no hygiene materials, no blankets and the list goes on and on.” Those displaced by the disaster are likely “to be living in camps longer than expected” because of the scope of the disaster. The team was coordinated by CWS Indonesia Emergencies Program Manager Henry Pirade.
Among the problems hampering relief assistance are limited transportation and access; relief items clogged at major airports; a limited supply of fresh and clean water; and poor communication access. Nearly half of the province’s residents are reported to have lost at least one relative, and trauma from the disaster has taken a serious toll on residents as they cope with the disaster.
It is unnecessary for me to recount in detail what you saw on television less than twenty-four hours after we celebrated the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, God’s supreme gift to the world. The fifth most powerful earthquake in a century has claimed, at the time of writing, perhaps as many as 130,000 lives in a dozen countries and has victimized millions. Community by community, village by village, families and friends, church buildings, mosques and temples, hospitals and clinics, were swept into disappearance and instant annihilation. Others were buried alive by landslides moments later. The suffering and trauma are almost impossible for us from the outside to imagine or comprehend.
I have joined with the Executive Director of Church World Service, Dr. John L. McCullough in sending letters of condolences to our ecumenical partners to the region. We assured them that God has heard their cry and that they should look to the hills. We said further, “…that neither death, nor principalities, nor heights, nor depths, shall separate them from God’s love.” We offered to work with them closely in the coming days and months to meet the enormous challenges that we face.
According to the Executive Director, CWS immediately dispatched emergency assessment teams from the offices in Indonesia and Pakistan/Afghanistan. There is an urgent call for all African Methodists to not only pray, but respond in a tangible ways to dozen countries spanning the vast Indian Ocean from Southeast Asia to East Africa.
As Executive Director of the Department of Global Witness and Ministry, I am asking that contributions to support this work be sent to this office:
Department of Global Witness & Ministry
Charleston Executive Park
1587 Savannah Hwy, Suite A
Charleston, SC 29407
Or to
Church World Service
P.O. Box 968
Elkhart, IN 46515
I also urge you to open your hearts. Through the relief activities of CWS and GWM, you will help to spread Christian compassion and give to millions of desperate people a chance to rebuild their lives so that they may treasure the year 2005 as one that has given them hope and new life. Let us offer new life and hope for our brothers and sisters.
Submitted by the Reverend Dr. George F. Flowers,
Executive DirectorDepartment of Global Witness and Ministry
3. THE CALENDARS OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH ARE READY:
The calendars with the pictures of the Bishops and the General Officers are ready for distribution.
On a side note, my name is spelled incorrectly and that happens so often with the spelling of my name that I want to be sure that everyone knows how to spell my name: S-Y-D-N-O-R
4. WATTS CHURCH “KEEPS IT REAL” — JAN. 30 WORSHIP SERVICE FEATURES HIP-HOP AND JAZZ, TARGETS YOUTH:
LOS ANGELES — (January 17, 2005) — “Hip-Hop and Jazz Performances Featuring Prominent Artists. Free Admission.” It’s not the message on the marquee at the Staples Center — it’s the advertisement for the 11 a.m. worship service on Sunday, Jan. 30 at Grant A.M.E. Church in Watts.
The congregation will exchange their traditional suits and dress shoes for more contemporary sweat suits and tennis shoes for Gospel Jazz Hip-Hop Sunday. The event promises to be an inspirational worship experience, themed “Joyful, Joyful.”
“We’re trying to reach a new generation of worshipers,” explained the Rev. Leslie R. White, pastor of Watts’ largest congregation for more than 10 years. “We’re keeping it real.”
“It’s a generation that’s listening to the latest from Kanye West, Snoop Dogg and Alicia Keys. We must be sensitive to their needs in order to interest them in the Church, so we’re introducing them to the latest from Kirk Franklin, Cross Movement and Yolanda Adams to show them that Christians can ‘Drop it Like It’s Hot’ for the Lord.”
The worship service will feature the musical styling of jazz artists Dell Adkins Band, as well as the Grant Men’s Chorus and New Spirit Nation youth choir, both under the direction of Theresa Jones. Holy hip-hop rapper, TripLL-H, will also rap with the New Sprit Nation and separately present a track from his latest CD, “Real Music – Vol. 1,” in stores this summer.
The musicians first performed together last month at the Church’s “Holy Hook-up Holiday Luncheon” at the Home Depot Center in Carson. That event, which was both well-attended and well-received, was just a “taste” of what’s in store on Jan. 30, said TripLL-H, a member of Grant who’s real name is Matthew Bolden.
White, who has two sons in college, considers himself on the pulse of popular culture. He is often seen donning Sean John clothing and heard using slang phrases when communicating with younger parishioners. And a recent sermon which encouraged congregants to spend time in prayer and dialogue with the Lord was entitled “Holla at Your God!”
“When talking with everyone from the spiritual leaders of Jerusalem to the woman at the well in Samaria, Jesus communicated in a manner that they could understand,” White said.
TripLL-H, who’s moniker is a reference to the three h’s in “holy hip-hop,” agreed calling hip-hop and jazz “our modern-day Aramaic” and a “tool that God has given us” to reach the masses.
“Aramaic was the language Jesus spoke to that generation. In order to speak to the hip-hop generation we have to speak hip-hop,” added TripLL-H, who worked with secular artists at Warner Music for many years before accepting Christ in 2001.
Six months later, he accepted and has passionately pursued his “calling to carry a holy hip hop music ministry to today’s youth.”
“I believe that hip-hop can be done in a holy way,” TripLL-H continued. “The only thing that the lyrics in my music glorify is God and nothing else.”
The need to balance tradition with 21st century challenges spans pulpits across African Methodism as the 218-year-old denomination seeks to shed its “conservative” image. The Rev. Joseph Rembert, pastor of St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Montgomery, Ala., for example, is known to occasionally rap his sermons.
“Sometimes they would be drinking, cussing and doing drugs,” Rembert told a church publication about the youth he was targeting. “But they always had those boom boxes. So rap was a way of getting my foot in their door so that I could get their feet in my door.”
Grant’s members have greeted the hip-hop and jazz initiative warmly, said Kathy Drayton, one of the event organizers.
“Looking back at the history of our Church, there was a time when the organ and drums were frowned upon for being ‘too secular,’” Drayton continued.
“Now, the organ, drums, piano, keyboard, lead guitar and bass guitar — and in many congregations, the violin, trumpet and saxophone — have become staples of the music ministry each Sunday. As we remember and celebrate our rich traditions in African Methodism, I think people realize that we must keep up with the times to be effective in ministry.”
Similar services are planned in May, July and October 2005, in addition to spirit-filled praise and worship each Sunday at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. For more information, contact the Church Office at (323) 564-1151 or visit www.grantamechurch.org.
For Immediate Release Contact: Rev. Kevin T. TaylorJanuary 10, 2005 (323) 564-1151
5. TENTH ANNUAL SISTERS’ CONFERENCE SEEKS TO HEAL AND EMPOWER; THREE DYNAMIC WOMEN OF FAITH HEADLINE JAN. 22-26 EVENT AT GRANT A.M.E. CHURCH IN WATTS:
LOS ANGELES — (January 10, 2005) — The Revs. Stacy Evans, Jacquelyn Donald-Mims and Damali “Najuma” Smith are the featured speakers for the 10th Annual Women in the Faith Sisters’ Conference, themed “Healing for the Soul.”
The trio of spiritual triage specialists will offer healing for an array of ailments Saturday through Wednesday, Jan. 22 through 26. The event is hosted by Grant A.M.E. Church at 10435 South Central Avenue in the heart of Watts.
“In 2005, people are looking for healing from abuse, debt, depression, divorce, illness or even the grief associated with the death of a loved one or friend,” noted the Rev. Carolyn Baskin-Bell, conference coordinator and associate minister at Grant.
“As we prayed through the direction of this year’s Conference — especially in light of the ongoing war in Iraq and most recently, the catastrophe in Asia — we knew through the anointed teaching and preaching of God’s Word that participants can and will be healed through this event.”
Grant’s renowned pastor, the Rev. Leslie R. White agreed, lauding the effort and encouraging the participation of men, too.
“It is imperative that we realize that God is not a respecter of persons,” explained White, “neither is the tragedy, sorrow, sickness or loss that sometimes befalls us.”
“If as men and women we accept that each of us has been wounded,” he continu
ed, “we can take comfort in the message of the theme Scripture, Isaiah 53:5, that we are healed by His stripes.”
Evans, Donald-Mims and Smith join a distinguished list of dynamic women of Christendom who have headlined past Sisters’ Conferences at Grant, including the Rev. Dr. Cecilia W. Bryant, Fifth Episcopal District Supervisor; the Rt. Rev. Vashti McKenzie, the president of the A.M.E. Council of Bishops; the Rev. Dr. Renita Weems, professor of humanities at Spelman College; and the Rev. Dr. Ann Lightner Fuller, pastor of Mt. Calvary A.M.E. Church in Townsend, Md.
Smith is pastor of St. James A.M.E. Church in Los Angeles and is founder of both ESHEY Ministries — a para-church ministry for youth and young adults — and Word of Encouragement, a ministry purposed to inspire humanity through spoken word, poetry and prose.
She will keynote the Prayer Breakfast and Sisters’ Achievement Award Ceremony at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 22 at the LAX Crowne Plaza Hotel, 5985 West Century Boulevard, honoring four civic-minded women who epitomize “Women in the Faith.”
An accomplished author, academician, highly sought-after speaker and corporate business executive, Dr. Donald-Mims has served as founder and pastor of Imani Community Church of Austin, Texas, since 1995. Her work has been published in numerous anthologies and periodicals, including both Essence and Executive Female magazines, the Minority Business News and the Austin American Statesman. Her latest book, the critically acclaimed Obsessive Sex: Resolving the Conflict of Loving Sex and Loving God, is entering its third printing.
Donald-Mims will lead an hour-long lecture and discussion Monday though Wednesday, Jan. 24 through 26 at 6:30 p.m. each night, which will be followed by revivalist Evans.
Evans, who will also deliver the sermon at both the 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. worship services on Sunday, Jan. 23, is pastor of Gregg Tabernacle A.M.E. Church in Kansas City, Mo.
Other Sisters’ Conference 2005 activities, accented by conference colors gold and ivory, include community walks on Saturday, Jan. 8 and 22, and spirited praise and worship, led by the dance ministry and the Melodious Sisters’ Choir directed by Theresa Jones.
To purchase Prayer Breakfast tickets or for more information about the 10th Annual Women in the Faith Sisters’ Conference, contact the Church Office at (323) 564-1151 or visit www.grantamechurch.org.
For Immediate Release Contact: Rev. Kevin T. TaylorJanuary 17, 2005 (323) 564-1151
6. FOUR “WOMEN OF FAITH” TO BE HONORED WITH ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS JAN. 22; CEREMONY ONE OF TENTH ANNUAL SISTERS’ CONFERENCE EVENTS:
LOS ANGELES — (January 17, 2005) — A cancer survivor, a role model to youth, a community activist and a campaign manager for numerous politicians will be honored with Sisters’ Achievement Awards on Jan. 22.
Hundreds of people are expected to be on hand when Janice Stephens, Ebony Malbry, Beatrice Clemons and Myran Cotton are recognized during a Prayer Breakfast at the LAX Crowne Plaza Hotel, 5985 West Century Boulevard.
The 9 a.m. gathering is one of several events associated with the 10th Annual Women in the Faith Sisters’ Conference of Grant A.M.E. Church in Watts.
“This year promises to be one of the best ever,” explained an exuberant Maxine Harrison who has helped plan the Prayer Breakfast since 1998. “We praise God that the event which was once held on the lower level of the Church has expanded to the ballroom of one of the city’s most beautiful hotels.”
The quad of quintessential “women of faith” met the strict criteria of the selection committee and uniquely epitomize the Conference theme, “Healing for the Soul,” noted the Rev. Carolyn Baskin-Bell, conference coordinator and associate minister at Grant. Those standards included active participation in and positive contribution to their church and community; demonstration of courage, compassion and commitment; and being an ambassador of freedom, love, unity and great faith.
• Janice Stephens, a Church trustee, survived the physical, mental, emotional and financial anguish of breast cancer, before becoming a victim of corporate-downsizing. The eternal optimist, Stephens recently completed her master’s degree in business administration and awaits a lucrative offer from a potential employer.
• A life-long member of Grant, Ebony Malbry is a member of the Voices of Christ choir and the Bishop Vashti McKenzie unit of the Women’s Missionary Society. Faced with the death of her mother three years ago, Malbry strengthened her resolve to succeed, drawing from her faith in God and the support of her loving family.
• Affectionately known as “Mother Love,” Beatrice Clemons works to improve the lives of the residents of the Nickerson-Gardens community housing in South Los Angeles. This community activist has previously been recognized by the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation for her outstanding leadership and service to her native Watts.
• Myran Cotton has held leadership positions and affiliations with various political organizations, including service as campaign coordinator for local, state and federal candidates. She celebrated 20 years of service to the City of Los Angeles last February, rising to the rank of Field Deputy for the late-Councilperson John Ferraro (CD-4) and most recently, Councilperson Janice Hahn (CD-15).
While the ladies will share their testimonies at a separate, more intimate setting at a future date, Harrison noted, they will be honored Saturday by family, friends and well-wishers at the Breakfast and through advertisements in the souvenir booklet.
The Rev. Damali “Najuma” Smith, pastor of St. James A.M.E. Church in Los Angeles, is the keynote speaker for the affair. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for youth age 12 and younger. Grant’s renowned pastor, the Rev. Leslie R. White, and a host of other dignitaries will be on hand as well.
The Sisters’ Conference continues at Grant Sunday through Wednesday, Jan. 23 through 26, with preaching from the Rev. Tracy Evans, pastor of Gregg Tabernacle A.M.E. Church in Kansas City, Mo., and teaching from the Rev. Dr. Jacquelyn Donald-Mims, founding pastor of Imani Community A.M.E. Church of Austin, Texas. Sunday worship is at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.; the week’s activities begin at 6:30 p.m. nightly.
For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Church Office at (323) 564-1151. Also visit www.grantamechurch.org.
7. EIGHTIETH SESSION OF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE MAKES HISTORY WITH FIRST-EVER CYBER-BROADCAST, RETIREMENT CEREMONIES FOR THREE “GIANTS OF AFRICAN METHODISM”
LOS ANGELES — (January 10, 2005) — The 80th session of the Southern California Annual Conference is etched in the pages of history for its unique use of technology and its tribute to three “giants of African Methodism.”
Convened under the dynamic leadership of the Fifth Episcopal District team, the Rt. Rev. John R. Bryant and the Rev. Dr. Cecilia W. Bryant, and under the banner “That the World Might Know Jesus,” the convention was cyber-broadcast via the Internet for the first time in the history of African Methodism.
“As Bishop Bryant delivered his powerful closing message,” explained the Rev. Leslie R. White, host pastor of Grant A.M.E. Church in the heart of Watts, “we later learned that he was receiving calls on his cellular phone from parishioners on the East Coast letting him know that they were enchanted as they watched on their computer screens.”
Indeed for less than $5 per day, a Web surfer in West Africa or on the west side of Chicago, or an audio listener in Australia or in Atlantic City, could visit www.grantamechurch.org and download the Annual Conference experience from the start of the pre-Conference Musical to the benediction at the Cathedral of the West Angeles Church of God in Christ.
In his comments at the Commissioning and Closing Services, Bryant commended White and the Grant family for an “excellent” job in hosting the 60+ churches of the SCC and for setting the “benchmark” in use of technology, efficiency and kindness. The host congregation was also complimented for transforming the host site, the Carson Community Center, from a “pubic place for gathering to a sacred place of worship.”
Resounding applause also marked the retirement of three “giants of African Methodism” — the Rev. Dr. Cecil L. “Chip” Murray, the Rev. Dr. Warren Campbell, and the Rev. Thurman James “TJ” Baker. On more than one occasion, Bryant lauded them for their “ecclesiastical excellence” and reminded them that retirement from active ministry in the A.M.E. Church does not mean retirement from serving God nor from boldly proclaiming His Gospel.
Other highlights of the October 3-10, 2004 Conference:
• Anointed preaching from annual sermon presenter, the Rev. Dr. C. Dennis Williams, pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church, San Diego; Sons of Thunder speaker, the Rev. H.B. Charles, pastor of Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church, Los Angeles; Retirement Ceremony keynoter, the Rev. Dr. Johnie Carlisle Jr., pastor of First A.M.E. Church, Pasadena; and Ordination Service orator, the Rt. Rev. Carolyn Tyler-Guidry, presiding prelate of the 16th Episcopal District and former presiding elder of the Los Angeles-Pasadena District.
• Spirit-filled meetings, symposiums, luncheons, afternoon and evening worship services for the Women in Ministry, Women’s Missionary Society, Sons of Thunder, Lay Organization and Young People’s Department.
• Groundbreaking on Grant A.M.E. Church’s $30 million mixed-use development. The $12 million initial phase will create 65 multi-family, four-bedroom homes and is slated for completion in the fourth quarter of 2005. The remaining $18 million is proposed for senior living accommodations and enough commercial space for a family-style restaurant, a financial institution and offices for several small businesses.
• In excess of 1,300 conversions, 850 baptisms, 2,500 accessions, and nearly 50,000 members reported on the rolls of SCC Churches. A group photo was also taken of the SCC membership.
• Nineteen churches reporting in excess of $250,000 raised for all purposes, with six above the $1 million mark.
The 81st Session of the SCC will be hosted by the Rev. Dr. Kevin Calloway and Second A.M.E. Church of Los Angeles.
A complete list of the pastoral appointment is listed below and reflects changes made at the Fifth Episcopal District Planning Meeting, November 8, 2004.
For Immediate Release Contact: Rev. Kevin T. TaylorJanuary 10, 2005 (323) 564-1151
8. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MINISTERS AND SPOUSES ELECT THE REV. LESLIE R. WHITE AND JACQUELYN CALLOWAY TO LEADERSHIP POSITIONS:
LOS ANGELES — (January 10, 2005) — The Rev. Leslie R. White and Jacquelyn Calloway have been elected to leadership positions in the Southern California Conference of the A.M.E. Church.
White, the pastor of Grant A.M.E. Church — the largest congregation in Watts — is the new president of the SCC Ministerial Alliance and Calloway, the first lady of Second A.M.E. Church in Los Angeles, is the new president of SCC Clergy Family Alliance.
Nearly 200 persons braved the wintry rain to witness the pair, along with the members of their respective cabinets, be installed in grand fashion on Jan. 9 at Grant. The Rt. Rev. John R. Bryant, presiding prelate of the 5th Episcopal District, and the Rt. Rev. Carolyn Tyler-Guidry, who was elected from the SCC and now serves as bishop of the 16th Episcopal District, led the ceremonies.
The pastor of Brown Memorial A.M.E. Church in Pasadena, the Rev. Carlton V. Rickman, continually brought the crowd to its feet with his sermonic explanation, explication and exclamation of Ezekiel 33:1-9.
Ministers, their families and Christians in general are called to be “sentinels against injustice” and “soldiers for justice,” Rickman said. “We must proclaim to the suppressed, oppressed and depressed that God is able to meet their needs and will deliver us.”
The officers pledged to do just that, “cheerfully” giving of their time, energy, talent.” By “example and precept” they will “nurture genuine Christian fellowship” among the SCC clergy and their families.
Officers of the Ministerial Alliance:
• The Rev. Leslie R. White — President
• The Rev. Sylvester Laudermill Jr. — First Vice President
• The Rev. Noella Austin Buchanan — Second Vice President
• The Rev. Caroline A. Taylor – Recording Secretary
• The Rev. Donna Davis — Assistant Secretary
• The Rev. Kelvin T. Calloway — Treasurer
• The Rev. Marian Wright Young — Financial Secretary
• The Rev. Reuben Ford — Chaplain and Worship Director
• The Rev. Joseph Oliver — Sergeant-at-Arms
• The Rev. Delman Howard — Parliamentarian
• The Rev. Lewis Logan II — Public Relations Coordinator
• The Rev. Ron Woods — Visitation and Special Concerns Coordinator
• The Rev. Mark Whitlock — Economic Development Officer
Officers of the SCC Clergy Family Alliance:
• Jacquelyn Calloway — President
• Y. Renee White — First Vice President
Michael Patchet — Second Vice President
• Kinette Cager — Recording Secretary
• Janet D. Gloyd — Corresponding Secretary
• Jackie Anthony-Oliver — Treasurer• Rita Howard — Parliamentarian
• Ruthie L. Carter — Worship Leader
• Quentine Brenson — Widows/Widowers Chair
The list of past leaders of the SCC Ministerial Alliance and Clergy Family Alliance is a who’s who of ecclesiastical excellence in African Methodism. It’s a list that includes retired Bishop H. Wendell Murph and active Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, presiding prelate of the 9th Episcopal District.
White becomes the fourth pastor of Grant to serve in this capacity; Murph, the late-Rev. George Reid and the late-Rev. James H. Oxley, faithfully executed the duties of president as well.
“I stand on the shoulders of giants,” White said of his predecessors. “They are leaders of African Methodism in Southern California whose feet were firmly planted on Christ, the Solid Rock. And with Christ as our cornerstone, the 2004-05 conference year is certain to be blessed.”
The congregants were blessed and left spellbound by the melodic voices of the Grant Mass Choir, directed by Byron J. Smith. The audience also gave generously of their finances to aid the tsunami disaster relief and to support an upcoming missionary expedition to Jamaica for seven members of the SCC YPD.
Calloway used the occasion to announce an afternoon of “love and renewal” for the ministers and their spouses during the 5th District’s Mid-Year Convocation in March. A workshop entitled “What’s Love Got To Do With It? Strengthening The Ties That Bind” is being planned, along with a session from the Episcopal team on ways to keep the proverbial “fire” burning.
For more information about the SCC Ministerial Alliance and the Clergy Family Alliance, contact the Rev. Caroline A. Taylor at ReverendCat@aol.com. Also visit www.grantamechurch.org
9. THE REVEREND DR. LESLIE WHITE, PASTOR OF GRANT AME CHURCH, LOS ANGELES SHARES THE FOLLOING WEBSITE:
Click here: AOL BlackVoices: America's Next Generation of Civil Rights Leaders features America’s next generation of leaders. The Reverend Jamal Bryant is listed as one of the next generation of Civil Rights leaders.
Dr. White also shares this website: Click here: AOL Black Voices
10. BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The former Pastor and Presiding Elder of the South Ohio Annual Conference, Third Episcopal District of the AME Church, the Rev. Dr. James M. Reed, Sr., passed on Wednesday, January 12, 2005. His funeral was held on Monday, January 17, 2005 at Allen Temple A.M.E. Church 7030 Reading Road Cincinnati, Ohio 45237 where the Rev. Donald Jordan is the Pastor.
The Rt. Rev. Robert Vaughn Webster, Presiding Prelate of the Third Episcopal District
Condolences may still be sent to the Rev. Reed’s wife and family:
Mrs. Constance Reed
6501 Pace Avenue
Cincinnati, Ohio 45213
513-731-4927
Please keep the family in prayer.
The Rev. Dr. Taylor T. Thompson, Secretary
Third District Brotherhood
216-214-6886
God Bless!Ora L. Easley, President
CONN-M-SWAWO +PK'SEmail: Amespouses1@aol.comPhone: (615) 837-9736Fax: (615) 833-3781
WEB SITEShttp://www.amemswwpk.org/http://www.connmswawo3.com/
The Church is in the season of Epiphany. The liturgical color is green and should be the altar color displayed until Ash Wednesday, except on the first Sunday because African Methodist Episcopal Churches display white altar hangings on Communion Sundays.
Easter will be celebrated this year on March 27, 2005; Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten Season is February 9, 2005.
See: http://aa.usno.navy.mil/faq/docs/easter.html as a reminder as to how the dates for Easter are computed.
I attended the Annual Seminar on Church Growth and Development that was held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina last week. My report is forthcoming. It was a great meeting and there was great preaching and great teaching. The Reverend Dr. James Wade, Executive Director and the Right Reverend Preston Warren Williams, II, Commission Chairman and their staff are to be commended for a superb seminar. If you were not there, you should have been there!
A comment by Bishop Norris cannot wait for my report and that was that the people of the world, the United States of America and the African Methodist Episcopal Church need to be aware that the tsunami disaster did not only strike South Asia, but also struck East Africa. I would add – that the destruction of AIDS/ HIV has killed and destroyed more lives in Africa than the tsunami disaster and our nation is not mounting the relief efforts in Africa that is being carried out in South Asia. I wonder why not?
The Editor’s office number for now is 615-665-4462; email: chsydnor@bellsouth.net
2. A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF THE GLOBAL WITNESS AND MINISTRY OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH - DISASTER RELIEF IN SOUTH EAST ASIA: TSUNAMI RECOVERY:
Humanitarian access to the affected province of Aceh, Indonesia, remains extremely limited, a Church World Service assessment team working in the area reported just a few days ago.
In an initial report detailing the team’s findings, team members described a tense and dispiriting situation in which most of those displaced by the tsunami “have no shelter, experience shortage of food and water, no doctors, no hygiene materials, no blankets and the list goes on and on.” Those displaced by the disaster are likely “to be living in camps longer than expected” because of the scope of the disaster. The team was coordinated by CWS Indonesia Emergencies Program Manager Henry Pirade.
Among the problems hampering relief assistance are limited transportation and access; relief items clogged at major airports; a limited supply of fresh and clean water; and poor communication access. Nearly half of the province’s residents are reported to have lost at least one relative, and trauma from the disaster has taken a serious toll on residents as they cope with the disaster.
It is unnecessary for me to recount in detail what you saw on television less than twenty-four hours after we celebrated the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, God’s supreme gift to the world. The fifth most powerful earthquake in a century has claimed, at the time of writing, perhaps as many as 130,000 lives in a dozen countries and has victimized millions. Community by community, village by village, families and friends, church buildings, mosques and temples, hospitals and clinics, were swept into disappearance and instant annihilation. Others were buried alive by landslides moments later. The suffering and trauma are almost impossible for us from the outside to imagine or comprehend.
I have joined with the Executive Director of Church World Service, Dr. John L. McCullough in sending letters of condolences to our ecumenical partners to the region. We assured them that God has heard their cry and that they should look to the hills. We said further, “…that neither death, nor principalities, nor heights, nor depths, shall separate them from God’s love.” We offered to work with them closely in the coming days and months to meet the enormous challenges that we face.
According to the Executive Director, CWS immediately dispatched emergency assessment teams from the offices in Indonesia and Pakistan/Afghanistan. There is an urgent call for all African Methodists to not only pray, but respond in a tangible ways to dozen countries spanning the vast Indian Ocean from Southeast Asia to East Africa.
As Executive Director of the Department of Global Witness and Ministry, I am asking that contributions to support this work be sent to this office:
Department of Global Witness & Ministry
Charleston Executive Park
1587 Savannah Hwy, Suite A
Charleston, SC 29407
Or to
Church World Service
P.O. Box 968
Elkhart, IN 46515
I also urge you to open your hearts. Through the relief activities of CWS and GWM, you will help to spread Christian compassion and give to millions of desperate people a chance to rebuild their lives so that they may treasure the year 2005 as one that has given them hope and new life. Let us offer new life and hope for our brothers and sisters.
Submitted by the Reverend Dr. George F. Flowers,
Executive DirectorDepartment of Global Witness and Ministry
3. THE CALENDARS OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH ARE READY:
The calendars with the pictures of the Bishops and the General Officers are ready for distribution.
On a side note, my name is spelled incorrectly and that happens so often with the spelling of my name that I want to be sure that everyone knows how to spell my name: S-Y-D-N-O-R
4. WATTS CHURCH “KEEPS IT REAL” — JAN. 30 WORSHIP SERVICE FEATURES HIP-HOP AND JAZZ, TARGETS YOUTH:
LOS ANGELES — (January 17, 2005) — “Hip-Hop and Jazz Performances Featuring Prominent Artists. Free Admission.” It’s not the message on the marquee at the Staples Center — it’s the advertisement for the 11 a.m. worship service on Sunday, Jan. 30 at Grant A.M.E. Church in Watts.
The congregation will exchange their traditional suits and dress shoes for more contemporary sweat suits and tennis shoes for Gospel Jazz Hip-Hop Sunday. The event promises to be an inspirational worship experience, themed “Joyful, Joyful.”
“We’re trying to reach a new generation of worshipers,” explained the Rev. Leslie R. White, pastor of Watts’ largest congregation for more than 10 years. “We’re keeping it real.”
“It’s a generation that’s listening to the latest from Kanye West, Snoop Dogg and Alicia Keys. We must be sensitive to their needs in order to interest them in the Church, so we’re introducing them to the latest from Kirk Franklin, Cross Movement and Yolanda Adams to show them that Christians can ‘Drop it Like It’s Hot’ for the Lord.”
The worship service will feature the musical styling of jazz artists Dell Adkins Band, as well as the Grant Men’s Chorus and New Spirit Nation youth choir, both under the direction of Theresa Jones. Holy hip-hop rapper, TripLL-H, will also rap with the New Sprit Nation and separately present a track from his latest CD, “Real Music – Vol. 1,” in stores this summer.
The musicians first performed together last month at the Church’s “Holy Hook-up Holiday Luncheon” at the Home Depot Center in Carson. That event, which was both well-attended and well-received, was just a “taste” of what’s in store on Jan. 30, said TripLL-H, a member of Grant who’s real name is Matthew Bolden.
White, who has two sons in college, considers himself on the pulse of popular culture. He is often seen donning Sean John clothing and heard using slang phrases when communicating with younger parishioners. And a recent sermon which encouraged congregants to spend time in prayer and dialogue with the Lord was entitled “Holla at Your God!”
“When talking with everyone from the spiritual leaders of Jerusalem to the woman at the well in Samaria, Jesus communicated in a manner that they could understand,” White said.
TripLL-H, who’s moniker is a reference to the three h’s in “holy hip-hop,” agreed calling hip-hop and jazz “our modern-day Aramaic” and a “tool that God has given us” to reach the masses.
“Aramaic was the language Jesus spoke to that generation. In order to speak to the hip-hop generation we have to speak hip-hop,” added TripLL-H, who worked with secular artists at Warner Music for many years before accepting Christ in 2001.
Six months later, he accepted and has passionately pursued his “calling to carry a holy hip hop music ministry to today’s youth.”
“I believe that hip-hop can be done in a holy way,” TripLL-H continued. “The only thing that the lyrics in my music glorify is God and nothing else.”
The need to balance tradition with 21st century challenges spans pulpits across African Methodism as the 218-year-old denomination seeks to shed its “conservative” image. The Rev. Joseph Rembert, pastor of St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Montgomery, Ala., for example, is known to occasionally rap his sermons.
“Sometimes they would be drinking, cussing and doing drugs,” Rembert told a church publication about the youth he was targeting. “But they always had those boom boxes. So rap was a way of getting my foot in their door so that I could get their feet in my door.”
Grant’s members have greeted the hip-hop and jazz initiative warmly, said Kathy Drayton, one of the event organizers.
“Looking back at the history of our Church, there was a time when the organ and drums were frowned upon for being ‘too secular,’” Drayton continued.
“Now, the organ, drums, piano, keyboard, lead guitar and bass guitar — and in many congregations, the violin, trumpet and saxophone — have become staples of the music ministry each Sunday. As we remember and celebrate our rich traditions in African Methodism, I think people realize that we must keep up with the times to be effective in ministry.”
Similar services are planned in May, July and October 2005, in addition to spirit-filled praise and worship each Sunday at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. For more information, contact the Church Office at (323) 564-1151 or visit www.grantamechurch.org.
For Immediate Release Contact: Rev. Kevin T. TaylorJanuary 10, 2005 (323) 564-1151
5. TENTH ANNUAL SISTERS’ CONFERENCE SEEKS TO HEAL AND EMPOWER; THREE DYNAMIC WOMEN OF FAITH HEADLINE JAN. 22-26 EVENT AT GRANT A.M.E. CHURCH IN WATTS:
LOS ANGELES — (January 10, 2005) — The Revs. Stacy Evans, Jacquelyn Donald-Mims and Damali “Najuma” Smith are the featured speakers for the 10th Annual Women in the Faith Sisters’ Conference, themed “Healing for the Soul.”
The trio of spiritual triage specialists will offer healing for an array of ailments Saturday through Wednesday, Jan. 22 through 26. The event is hosted by Grant A.M.E. Church at 10435 South Central Avenue in the heart of Watts.
“In 2005, people are looking for healing from abuse, debt, depression, divorce, illness or even the grief associated with the death of a loved one or friend,” noted the Rev. Carolyn Baskin-Bell, conference coordinator and associate minister at Grant.
“As we prayed through the direction of this year’s Conference — especially in light of the ongoing war in Iraq and most recently, the catastrophe in Asia — we knew through the anointed teaching and preaching of God’s Word that participants can and will be healed through this event.”
Grant’s renowned pastor, the Rev. Leslie R. White agreed, lauding the effort and encouraging the participation of men, too.
“It is imperative that we realize that God is not a respecter of persons,” explained White, “neither is the tragedy, sorrow, sickness or loss that sometimes befalls us.”
“If as men and women we accept that each of us has been wounded,” he continu
ed, “we can take comfort in the message of the theme Scripture, Isaiah 53:5, that we are healed by His stripes.”
Evans, Donald-Mims and Smith join a distinguished list of dynamic women of Christendom who have headlined past Sisters’ Conferences at Grant, including the Rev. Dr. Cecilia W. Bryant, Fifth Episcopal District Supervisor; the Rt. Rev. Vashti McKenzie, the president of the A.M.E. Council of Bishops; the Rev. Dr. Renita Weems, professor of humanities at Spelman College; and the Rev. Dr. Ann Lightner Fuller, pastor of Mt. Calvary A.M.E. Church in Townsend, Md.
Smith is pastor of St. James A.M.E. Church in Los Angeles and is founder of both ESHEY Ministries — a para-church ministry for youth and young adults — and Word of Encouragement, a ministry purposed to inspire humanity through spoken word, poetry and prose.
She will keynote the Prayer Breakfast and Sisters’ Achievement Award Ceremony at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 22 at the LAX Crowne Plaza Hotel, 5985 West Century Boulevard, honoring four civic-minded women who epitomize “Women in the Faith.”
An accomplished author, academician, highly sought-after speaker and corporate business executive, Dr. Donald-Mims has served as founder and pastor of Imani Community Church of Austin, Texas, since 1995. Her work has been published in numerous anthologies and periodicals, including both Essence and Executive Female magazines, the Minority Business News and the Austin American Statesman. Her latest book, the critically acclaimed Obsessive Sex: Resolving the Conflict of Loving Sex and Loving God, is entering its third printing.
Donald-Mims will lead an hour-long lecture and discussion Monday though Wednesday, Jan. 24 through 26 at 6:30 p.m. each night, which will be followed by revivalist Evans.
Evans, who will also deliver the sermon at both the 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. worship services on Sunday, Jan. 23, is pastor of Gregg Tabernacle A.M.E. Church in Kansas City, Mo.
Other Sisters’ Conference 2005 activities, accented by conference colors gold and ivory, include community walks on Saturday, Jan. 8 and 22, and spirited praise and worship, led by the dance ministry and the Melodious Sisters’ Choir directed by Theresa Jones.
To purchase Prayer Breakfast tickets or for more information about the 10th Annual Women in the Faith Sisters’ Conference, contact the Church Office at (323) 564-1151 or visit www.grantamechurch.org.
For Immediate Release Contact: Rev. Kevin T. TaylorJanuary 17, 2005 (323) 564-1151
6. FOUR “WOMEN OF FAITH” TO BE HONORED WITH ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS JAN. 22; CEREMONY ONE OF TENTH ANNUAL SISTERS’ CONFERENCE EVENTS:
LOS ANGELES — (January 17, 2005) — A cancer survivor, a role model to youth, a community activist and a campaign manager for numerous politicians will be honored with Sisters’ Achievement Awards on Jan. 22.
Hundreds of people are expected to be on hand when Janice Stephens, Ebony Malbry, Beatrice Clemons and Myran Cotton are recognized during a Prayer Breakfast at the LAX Crowne Plaza Hotel, 5985 West Century Boulevard.
The 9 a.m. gathering is one of several events associated with the 10th Annual Women in the Faith Sisters’ Conference of Grant A.M.E. Church in Watts.
“This year promises to be one of the best ever,” explained an exuberant Maxine Harrison who has helped plan the Prayer Breakfast since 1998. “We praise God that the event which was once held on the lower level of the Church has expanded to the ballroom of one of the city’s most beautiful hotels.”
The quad of quintessential “women of faith” met the strict criteria of the selection committee and uniquely epitomize the Conference theme, “Healing for the Soul,” noted the Rev. Carolyn Baskin-Bell, conference coordinator and associate minister at Grant. Those standards included active participation in and positive contribution to their church and community; demonstration of courage, compassion and commitment; and being an ambassador of freedom, love, unity and great faith.
• Janice Stephens, a Church trustee, survived the physical, mental, emotional and financial anguish of breast cancer, before becoming a victim of corporate-downsizing. The eternal optimist, Stephens recently completed her master’s degree in business administration and awaits a lucrative offer from a potential employer.
• A life-long member of Grant, Ebony Malbry is a member of the Voices of Christ choir and the Bishop Vashti McKenzie unit of the Women’s Missionary Society. Faced with the death of her mother three years ago, Malbry strengthened her resolve to succeed, drawing from her faith in God and the support of her loving family.
• Affectionately known as “Mother Love,” Beatrice Clemons works to improve the lives of the residents of the Nickerson-Gardens community housing in South Los Angeles. This community activist has previously been recognized by the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation for her outstanding leadership and service to her native Watts.
• Myran Cotton has held leadership positions and affiliations with various political organizations, including service as campaign coordinator for local, state and federal candidates. She celebrated 20 years of service to the City of Los Angeles last February, rising to the rank of Field Deputy for the late-Councilperson John Ferraro (CD-4) and most recently, Councilperson Janice Hahn (CD-15).
While the ladies will share their testimonies at a separate, more intimate setting at a future date, Harrison noted, they will be honored Saturday by family, friends and well-wishers at the Breakfast and through advertisements in the souvenir booklet.
The Rev. Damali “Najuma” Smith, pastor of St. James A.M.E. Church in Los Angeles, is the keynote speaker for the affair. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for youth age 12 and younger. Grant’s renowned pastor, the Rev. Leslie R. White, and a host of other dignitaries will be on hand as well.
The Sisters’ Conference continues at Grant Sunday through Wednesday, Jan. 23 through 26, with preaching from the Rev. Tracy Evans, pastor of Gregg Tabernacle A.M.E. Church in Kansas City, Mo., and teaching from the Rev. Dr. Jacquelyn Donald-Mims, founding pastor of Imani Community A.M.E. Church of Austin, Texas. Sunday worship is at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.; the week’s activities begin at 6:30 p.m. nightly.
For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Church Office at (323) 564-1151. Also visit www.grantamechurch.org.
7. EIGHTIETH SESSION OF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE MAKES HISTORY WITH FIRST-EVER CYBER-BROADCAST, RETIREMENT CEREMONIES FOR THREE “GIANTS OF AFRICAN METHODISM”
LOS ANGELES — (January 10, 2005) — The 80th session of the Southern California Annual Conference is etched in the pages of history for its unique use of technology and its tribute to three “giants of African Methodism.”
Convened under the dynamic leadership of the Fifth Episcopal District team, the Rt. Rev. John R. Bryant and the Rev. Dr. Cecilia W. Bryant, and under the banner “That the World Might Know Jesus,” the convention was cyber-broadcast via the Internet for the first time in the history of African Methodism.
“As Bishop Bryant delivered his powerful closing message,” explained the Rev. Leslie R. White, host pastor of Grant A.M.E. Church in the heart of Watts, “we later learned that he was receiving calls on his cellular phone from parishioners on the East Coast letting him know that they were enchanted as they watched on their computer screens.”
Indeed for less than $5 per day, a Web surfer in West Africa or on the west side of Chicago, or an audio listener in Australia or in Atlantic City, could visit www.grantamechurch.org and download the Annual Conference experience from the start of the pre-Conference Musical to the benediction at the Cathedral of the West Angeles Church of God in Christ.
In his comments at the Commissioning and Closing Services, Bryant commended White and the Grant family for an “excellent” job in hosting the 60+ churches of the SCC and for setting the “benchmark” in use of technology, efficiency and kindness. The host congregation was also complimented for transforming the host site, the Carson Community Center, from a “pubic place for gathering to a sacred place of worship.”
Resounding applause also marked the retirement of three “giants of African Methodism” — the Rev. Dr. Cecil L. “Chip” Murray, the Rev. Dr. Warren Campbell, and the Rev. Thurman James “TJ” Baker. On more than one occasion, Bryant lauded them for their “ecclesiastical excellence” and reminded them that retirement from active ministry in the A.M.E. Church does not mean retirement from serving God nor from boldly proclaiming His Gospel.
Other highlights of the October 3-10, 2004 Conference:
• Anointed preaching from annual sermon presenter, the Rev. Dr. C. Dennis Williams, pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church, San Diego; Sons of Thunder speaker, the Rev. H.B. Charles, pastor of Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church, Los Angeles; Retirement Ceremony keynoter, the Rev. Dr. Johnie Carlisle Jr., pastor of First A.M.E. Church, Pasadena; and Ordination Service orator, the Rt. Rev. Carolyn Tyler-Guidry, presiding prelate of the 16th Episcopal District and former presiding elder of the Los Angeles-Pasadena District.
• Spirit-filled meetings, symposiums, luncheons, afternoon and evening worship services for the Women in Ministry, Women’s Missionary Society, Sons of Thunder, Lay Organization and Young People’s Department.
• Groundbreaking on Grant A.M.E. Church’s $30 million mixed-use development. The $12 million initial phase will create 65 multi-family, four-bedroom homes and is slated for completion in the fourth quarter of 2005. The remaining $18 million is proposed for senior living accommodations and enough commercial space for a family-style restaurant, a financial institution and offices for several small businesses.
• In excess of 1,300 conversions, 850 baptisms, 2,500 accessions, and nearly 50,000 members reported on the rolls of SCC Churches. A group photo was also taken of the SCC membership.
• Nineteen churches reporting in excess of $250,000 raised for all purposes, with six above the $1 million mark.
The 81st Session of the SCC will be hosted by the Rev. Dr. Kevin Calloway and Second A.M.E. Church of Los Angeles.
A complete list of the pastoral appointment is listed below and reflects changes made at the Fifth Episcopal District Planning Meeting, November 8, 2004.
For Immediate Release Contact: Rev. Kevin T. TaylorJanuary 10, 2005 (323) 564-1151
8. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MINISTERS AND SPOUSES ELECT THE REV. LESLIE R. WHITE AND JACQUELYN CALLOWAY TO LEADERSHIP POSITIONS:
LOS ANGELES — (January 10, 2005) — The Rev. Leslie R. White and Jacquelyn Calloway have been elected to leadership positions in the Southern California Conference of the A.M.E. Church.
White, the pastor of Grant A.M.E. Church — the largest congregation in Watts — is the new president of the SCC Ministerial Alliance and Calloway, the first lady of Second A.M.E. Church in Los Angeles, is the new president of SCC Clergy Family Alliance.
Nearly 200 persons braved the wintry rain to witness the pair, along with the members of their respective cabinets, be installed in grand fashion on Jan. 9 at Grant. The Rt. Rev. John R. Bryant, presiding prelate of the 5th Episcopal District, and the Rt. Rev. Carolyn Tyler-Guidry, who was elected from the SCC and now serves as bishop of the 16th Episcopal District, led the ceremonies.
The pastor of Brown Memorial A.M.E. Church in Pasadena, the Rev. Carlton V. Rickman, continually brought the crowd to its feet with his sermonic explanation, explication and exclamation of Ezekiel 33:1-9.
Ministers, their families and Christians in general are called to be “sentinels against injustice” and “soldiers for justice,” Rickman said. “We must proclaim to the suppressed, oppressed and depressed that God is able to meet their needs and will deliver us.”
The officers pledged to do just that, “cheerfully” giving of their time, energy, talent.” By “example and precept” they will “nurture genuine Christian fellowship” among the SCC clergy and their families.
Officers of the Ministerial Alliance:
• The Rev. Leslie R. White — President
• The Rev. Sylvester Laudermill Jr. — First Vice President
• The Rev. Noella Austin Buchanan — Second Vice President
• The Rev. Caroline A. Taylor – Recording Secretary
• The Rev. Donna Davis — Assistant Secretary
• The Rev. Kelvin T. Calloway — Treasurer
• The Rev. Marian Wright Young — Financial Secretary
• The Rev. Reuben Ford — Chaplain and Worship Director
• The Rev. Joseph Oliver — Sergeant-at-Arms
• The Rev. Delman Howard — Parliamentarian
• The Rev. Lewis Logan II — Public Relations Coordinator
• The Rev. Ron Woods — Visitation and Special Concerns Coordinator
• The Rev. Mark Whitlock — Economic Development Officer
Officers of the SCC Clergy Family Alliance:
• Jacquelyn Calloway — President
• Y. Renee White — First Vice President
Michael Patchet — Second Vice President
• Kinette Cager — Recording Secretary
• Janet D. Gloyd — Corresponding Secretary
• Jackie Anthony-Oliver — Treasurer• Rita Howard — Parliamentarian
• Ruthie L. Carter — Worship Leader
• Quentine Brenson — Widows/Widowers Chair
The list of past leaders of the SCC Ministerial Alliance and Clergy Family Alliance is a who’s who of ecclesiastical excellence in African Methodism. It’s a list that includes retired Bishop H. Wendell Murph and active Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, presiding prelate of the 9th Episcopal District.
White becomes the fourth pastor of Grant to serve in this capacity; Murph, the late-Rev. George Reid and the late-Rev. James H. Oxley, faithfully executed the duties of president as well.
“I stand on the shoulders of giants,” White said of his predecessors. “They are leaders of African Methodism in Southern California whose feet were firmly planted on Christ, the Solid Rock. And with Christ as our cornerstone, the 2004-05 conference year is certain to be blessed.”
The congregants were blessed and left spellbound by the melodic voices of the Grant Mass Choir, directed by Byron J. Smith. The audience also gave generously of their finances to aid the tsunami disaster relief and to support an upcoming missionary expedition to Jamaica for seven members of the SCC YPD.
Calloway used the occasion to announce an afternoon of “love and renewal” for the ministers and their spouses during the 5th District’s Mid-Year Convocation in March. A workshop entitled “What’s Love Got To Do With It? Strengthening The Ties That Bind” is being planned, along with a session from the Episcopal team on ways to keep the proverbial “fire” burning.
For more information about the SCC Ministerial Alliance and the Clergy Family Alliance, contact the Rev. Caroline A. Taylor at ReverendCat@aol.com. Also visit www.grantamechurch.org
9. THE REVEREND DR. LESLIE WHITE, PASTOR OF GRANT AME CHURCH, LOS ANGELES SHARES THE FOLLOING WEBSITE:
Click here: AOL BlackVoices: America's Next Generation of Civil Rights Leaders features America’s next generation of leaders. The Reverend Jamal Bryant is listed as one of the next generation of Civil Rights leaders.
Dr. White also shares this website: Click here: AOL Black Voices
10. BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The former Pastor and Presiding Elder of the South Ohio Annual Conference, Third Episcopal District of the AME Church, the Rev. Dr. James M. Reed, Sr., passed on Wednesday, January 12, 2005. His funeral was held on Monday, January 17, 2005 at Allen Temple A.M.E. Church 7030 Reading Road Cincinnati, Ohio 45237 where the Rev. Donald Jordan is the Pastor.
The Rt. Rev. Robert Vaughn Webster, Presiding Prelate of the Third Episcopal District
Condolences may still be sent to the Rev. Reed’s wife and family:
Mrs. Constance Reed
6501 Pace Avenue
Cincinnati, Ohio 45213
513-731-4927
Please keep the family in prayer.
The Rev. Dr. Taylor T. Thompson, Secretary
Third District Brotherhood
216-214-6886
God Bless!Ora L. Easley, President
CONN-M-SWAWO +PK'SEmail: Amespouses1@aol.comPhone: (615) 837-9736Fax: (615) 833-3781
WEB SITEShttp://www.amemswwpk.org/http://www.connmswawo3.com/
