THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (1/23/06)

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. COMMENTS FROM THE EDITOR:

- The Editor attended the 19th Annual Seminar on Church Growth and Evangelism that was held in Birmingham, Alabama last week and the previous week, he traveled to Hampton, Virginia to speak at Fort Monroe, Virginia for the installation’s Martin Luther King Commemorative Service. This week we will be in Cincinnati for the Connectional Women’s Missionary Society Meeting.

We will write an article about the Church Growth and Evangelism Meeting and welcome articles from the Church Growth and Evangelism Department, as well as from the Connectional Women’s Missionary Society Meeting.

- By now, every AME should have received and read the Special Katrina Issue of The Christian Recorder. The AME Publisher, Dr. Johnny Barbour and his staff at the AME Publishing House printed over 66,000 copies that we distributed throughout the Church. A copy was supposed to be given to every AME family without charge. If you have not received your copy, please contact your pastor or presiding elder. If a presiding elder has not received his or her copies, he or she should contact his or her presiding bishop.

- As a result of the 66,000-copy edition of The Christian Recorder, we have fallen behind in our distribution schedule. We are catching up and the Editor and the Publisher are committed to getting The Christian Recorder to you on time. Please bear with us as we catch up in getting the issues back on schedule. We are also getting the online edition caught up as a result of the traveling these past two weeks.

- Retired Presiding Elder, the Rev. E. Lewis Branch suggested that The Christian Recorder feature articles about retired Presiding Elders who had dedicated their lives to our Zion. He suggested the title, “Where Are They Now?”

The Christian Recorder staff has accepted the suggestion and challenge of Reverend Branch and will accept articles about retired AME Ministers. Reverend Branch has agreed to do a series of articles for The Christian Recorder. I invite others of you to submit articles also. Let us “give flowers” to our retired clergy persons while they are still alive. Many of them have done and great work and in their ministry refused to “come down off the wall.”

The Reverend Dr. E. Lewis Branch submits the first article on the ministry of the Reverend Dr. Vernon I. Lowe.

2. “WHERE ARE THEY NOW?” - THE REVEREND DR. VERNON I. LOWE:

Dr. Vernon I. Lowe was born in Bermuda and married Eunice (Raynor) Lowe. They are the parents of four (4) children, three sons and one daughter. Dr. Lowe accepted his call to the ministry in 1953 while a member of Vernon Temple A.M.E. Church, Huntington, New York under the pastorate of Rev. Wendell J. Foster. The late Bishop George W. Baber ordained Dr. Lowe both deacon and an elder.

He was trained in the public schools of Bermuda. Furthered his education in the USA, New York, Bethel Bible School where he received his Bachelor and Master’s degree. Dr. Lowe was awarded the Doctor of Divinity degree from a university in South Africa,

Dr. Lowe served in the pastorate for thirty years in the following churches, all in the New York area – Mt. Pleasant AMEC, Morris Brown AMEC, Bethel AMEC, where he increased the membership from 46 to over 400 members.

Bishop Richard Allen Hildebrand appointed him Presiding Elder. He served in the Buffalo/Albany District for seven years, five years in the Brooklyn/West Chester District and fourteen years in the Jamaica/Long Island District. He retired April 2005. He now resides in Hunting, New York.

He was the immediate past president of the Connectional Presiding Elders’ Council where he served for four years elevating the public status of Presiding Elders. He continues to preach and giving council to young men and women entering the ministry. At present, his son, Robert Lowe is pastoring at Mt. Moriah AMEC, which has grown from 45 to over 4,000 members under his administration. He is also a TV preacher.

3. BISHOP RICHARD ALLEN CHAPPELLE, PRESIDING BISHOP OF THE 12TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT WARNS CHURCHES THAT SCAM ARTISTS ARE STILL COMMITTING FRAUD AGAINST AME CHURCHES:

The following account was forwarded by Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle

This evening I was contacted by a "Pastor Davis", who supposedly was sending me one of his members transferring to Arkansas because of her job, who he alleged was Bishop Adam J. Richardson's niece. He claimed that "Bishop Richardson" was with him and was “placed on the phone.” This person on the other end of the telephone spoke very friendly, as though he knew me personally and asked that I take care of his niece; he told me that he was at the airport and was about to catch a flight. He gave the phone back to "Pastor Davis," who then proceeded to tell me all about my soon-to-be member, "Diane Williams." He told me that she had four children, two girls and two boys. He also told me that she was a Federal Government HUD Loan Officer, whose job had been transferred to Arkansas. He went on to say that, she was driving enroute as we spoke and was approximately six hours away. Pastor Davis told me that Diane Williams played the piano and organ and that her husband had recently died of cancer and had served as a pastor under Bishop Ming.

Pastor Davis told me he had been trying to contact me all evening and it was then I realized it was he who had been "block calling" me. I had answered the telephone this time because a wireless number came up (646-510-0359).

Pastor Davis gave me a cell number to contact "Diane Williams" (202-374-6219), which I did not do immediately because I figured if she were 6 hours out, there would be no need to call her so soon.

I left the house for approximately an hour and when I returned there were 16 missed blocked calls on my phone and one message. The caller identified herself as Diane Williams and said that she had had a small accident. It became quickly evident that money was the motive of the call. She wanted me to vouch for her to the mechanic that had fixed her car, after being towed to his shop, because they would not take her personal check. Basically, she and the mechanic wanted me to go to Wal-Mart and wire $425 because she had given him all of her cash ($225.00). She warned me that her (blocked) cell phone battery was low and asked if she could call me back if we were disconnected. We were disconnected and she did call collect from the pay phone number 713-654-7483. This time she put the mechanic on the phone I asked him for the name of his shop. He gave me the same name of the shop that she had given me, "Firestone Emergency Road Service." I knew that a road service was not a shop so I asked him for a phone number that I could call him back and this “threw them for a loop.” He started to give me a "218" Area Code but made some excuse about the FAX being hooked up and said he would allow the woman to use his shop phone to call me back and give me the number within the next few minutes. This gave me the opportunity to look up on the internet the area codes. The areas codes from their phone calls had come out of Washington, D.C., Houston, Texas, New York, and Minnesota.

Diane Williams did call back, proceeded with her story, and attempted to give me another number, at which time I told her that I had contacted Bishop Richardson and he had stated that he did not even know her. She gasped and told someone, "She called Bishop Richardson." She was then instructed to hang up and she did.

Please pass this on to all of the AME pastors that you know. Somehow, someone has gotten an AME directory and I suspect that we have been targeted.

I really had not spoken to Bishop Richardson, but they did not know that.

Be blessed, be careful, and beware!

Written by the Reverend Shirley Inkton Bowers

4. CLARIFICATION - MS. AMANDA WILSON, WHO WILL BE WORKING IN SWAZILAND, IS FROM THE 13TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:

Ms. Amanda Wilson, who will be working at the Village in Mbabane Swaziland (18th District), in March, is from the 13th District, and is a member of Bethel AME in Knoxville (Rev. Johnny Watson is her pastor).

Submitted by Supervisor Stan McKenzie

5. CITY-WIDE GOSPEL REVIVAL: A NEW LEVEL OF LIVING IN 2006:

The Louisville area African Methodist Episcopal Churches are sponsoring a citywide revival at Quinn Chapel A. M. E. Church, 1901 W. Muhammad Ali Boulevard in Louisville, Kentucky on January 25 – 27, 2006 (Wednesday – Friday) at 6:45 p.m. nightly. The Reverend Dr. Pedro Basden is the Pastor of Quinn Chapel.

The guest Evangelist will be the Rev. Terence Gray, pastor of St. Mark A. M. E. Church, Orlando, Florida

The revival theme is, “Spirituality – Unification – Growth”

6. KING FOR A DAY:

"The noblest goal is not conquest of enemies but reconciliation with adversaries.” - Coretta Scott King, King Day 2006

By Stephanie and Eric Stradford

FAS2 ATLANTA, Monday January 16, 2006 – Martin Luther King, III stood with his mom and on his dad’s shoulders to address the dream. Mrs. King’s oldest son told reporters, "Typically a holiday means to chill and cool out. One day we will get there, but this is not the time to do that yet."
Mrs. Coretta Scott King speaks at Ebenezer Baptist Church. Photo AP
As eldest son of the legendary civil rights family, Martin Luther King, III stepped up to proclaim, "The primary message is that, as we every year approach the King holiday, that we are closer to the dream and vision of Martin Luther King, Jr., but we have not achieved it yet, so this is a day of service. It's a day that we should re-commit ourselves," he said.

The Kings are far from immune to the normal stuff families endure in this land of deferred dreams. But, despite the challenges, Martin, Bernice, Dexter, and Yolanda are rising above the rhetoric to that era of healing and wholeness in America dreamed of by their slain father.

Mother Coretta Scott King’s visit to Ebenezer Baptist Church brought with it a message of hope and caution. "The noblest goal is not conquest of enemies but reconciliation with adversaries. We must remember in this election year that Republicans, Democrats, conservatives and liberals, we are all sisters and brothers," she said. “Like Martin Luther King, Jr., we must never allow our dialogue to become degraded by insults and humiliation, and we must always respect the dignity and humanity of our adversaries.”

King's widow has been recovering from a stroke she suffered last summer that also left her partially paralyzed. Still she rose to rally her offspring and movement beneficiaries to a national defense of the poor people’s throne. Mrs. King had not been seen publicly since last year's King Holiday ceremonies in Atlanta. Doctors had predicted a slow recovery and some were convinced that last year was her last King Day.

Instead, Mother King stood in the place where Black mothers have been needed since before the U.S. government said, “Y’all free now.” It is the first King Day since the death of Mother Rosa Parks, Dr. C. DeLores Tucker and Father of Affirmative Action Enforcement, Dr. Arthur Allen Fletcher.

History records that Dr. King’s legacy of struggle for equality and justice is for all people. They are messages about unity, painting a world where people of all colors, creeds, backgrounds, and faiths work together for a brighter future.

In King’s world, notable black American intellectuals such as Dr. Thomas Sowell, Dr. Alan Keyes, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, former Secretary of State Colin Powell and current Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice might be edified as champions for human rights, if only for a day.

Mrs. King’s words of wisdom for 2006 dug deeper than the divisive politics of 21st Century America. The Kings' four children are just beginning to realize that “noblest goal” of which their mother spoke. The perceived battle over who controls their father's message of nonviolence provides yet another opportunity for healing and wholeness.

The National Park Service, which in 1995 miscounted the number of men in a Million Man March, might have an interest in taking over the King Center from the King family. But, perhaps there is a better deal brewing that adds value to the family business by uniting with an extended family of beneficiaries.

"We get in the habit of trying to tear down noble figures from time to time. I think it's just human nature," said U.S. Representative John Lewis, who first met King at age 18. Lewis spoke at the 1963 March on Washington just before King delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech.

Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin said, "It's important for us to come together, to find solutions for poverty, to find solutions for peace, and, for me as mayor, to use my position and the soapbox, the bully pulpit, to advocate for the eradication of poverty and for peace and good will…Perhaps some prefer to honor the dreamer while ignoring or fighting the dream," she said.

Marty King’s reality for King Day 2006 is that family is family. Members of Rosa Parks’ family faced the same reality after Mother Parks died. Even after death, “Quiet Strength” lives. The value in Parks’ December 1, 1955 demonstration will barely fund a cup of coffee if mismanaged in the hands of greedy, selfish people.

Dr. King’s birthday must be more than just a holiday or a chance for political bantering. It must celebrate a man who gambled on a better America despite the risks to his family. If relegated to the oppressors, and the historians they hire, King Day is likely to be remembered as a prophetic weeping and gnashing of teeth until, and unless you decide otherwise.

Contributing reports by Jerry Brooks, The Washington Dispatch, Associated Press, and IXIA 11 Alive News, Atlanta.

7. WATTS CHURCH KICKS-OFF ITS CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF MINISTRY WITH “A CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP & ARTS” SUN., JAN. 29; FEATURES INCLUDE DRAMA, DANCE, POETRY AND CHRISTIAN RAP:

LOS ANGELES — (January 16, 2006) — Grant A.M.E. Church is celebrating! The Watts Church kicks-off its yearlong centennial celebration of ministry with “A Celebration of Worship & Arts” on Sunday, Jan. 29, at 4:30 p.m.

“This event promises to be ‘hallelujah good time’ in the Lord,” said the Rev. Leslie R. White with a wide smile. “We are bursting at the seams with joy as we reflect on God’s goodness. We are looking forward to sharing that joy and excitement with the community as we worship the Lord through the arts.”

The 90-minute extravaganza features creative expressions of praise including drama, liturgical dance, music and sign language. Participants include:

· The Joyful Praise Dance Ministry – directed by famed choreographer and professionally trained dancer Steven Semien, the Joyful Praise Dancers have left parishioners in awe with past performances of “Wade in the Water,” “Hallelujah You’re Worthy” and “Are you Ready for a Miracle?”

· The Illuminations Drama Ministry – their debut performance last December of “A Conscience Revisited” was so powerful that an encore performance was added earlier this month. Led by former General Hospital actress Senait Ashenafi, the cast will present “Relgiontree.com,” an inspiring piece on shopping for religion.

· G-Boy Union – click88, L-Brown, and Grant’s own TripLL-H have become staples of the 11 a.m. worship service each third Sunday. Their electrifying presentations incorporate the right combination of Scripture and hip hop to make your head rock to the beat and for your mind think about the awesome nature of Jesus Christ.

· Dramatic presentations – Grant’s own Lesia Bridgewater, Ian Lawrence, Ebony Malbry and Judith Robinson will present the Lord’s Prayer and Psalm 23 in dramatic fashion. Look for the incorporation of African themes and sign language for added sensory effect.

· Spoken-word poetry – Resident poet par excellence Theresa Lawrence and guest poets from Carson High School will leave congregants spellbound with their stimulating original poems and interpretive reading of featured selections.

· Melodies from heaven – Grant’s renowned choirs, under the direction of critically acclaimed composer Byron Smith, and anointed and esteemed musicians Chris R. Jordan and Theresa Jones-Bailey, have taken seriously the command to “make a joyful noise unto the Lord.” Thusly, the Junior, New Spirit Nation, Voices for Christ and Adult choirs will sing unto the Lord Sunday afternoon.

· Special guests – including the gospel choirs of Ward and Second A.M.E. churches along with New Philadelphia A.M.E. Church, Rancho Domingo. So sought-after are these ensembles that Ward’s choir, for example, was featured on NBC’s “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.”

According to White, the fact that the program is uniquely nestled between Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Day and the start of African American History Month is “an added bonus” as the Church reflects on its own history in the Watts community.

The event also coincides with a planned trip to Atlanta in early February, where White and the aforementioned ministries will present at the Founder’s Day Celebration of Turner Theological Seminary.

Grant A.M.E. Church is located at 10435 South Central Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90002. Services are heard on the radio each Sunday morning at 6 a.m. on KJLH 102.3 FM. Join us for worship on Sundays at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. and for Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Hour of Power begins at 11:30 a.m. and Thursday night Soul Food starts at 6 pm.

All are welcome; admission is free. For driving directions or for more information visit www.GrantAMEChurch.org or contact the Church office at 323-564-1151.
Contact: Rev. Kevin T. Taylor, Telephone (323) 564-1151

8. A FAMILY TRIBUTE FOR THE REVEREND ALDUSTUS EARL JORDAN, JR. - MARCH 2, 1927 – DECEMBER 28, 2005:

Aldustus Earl Jordan, Jr. was born in Stamford, Connecticut on March 2, 1927 as the first child to the former Mary Elizabeth Brooks and Aldustus Earl Jordan. After residing in Stamford for about one year, the family moved to Jamaica, Long Island, New York. It was in Jamaica that the family was made complete with the birth of Elizabeth, Preston, and Edward. As he grew up, he was called Junior or “June” for short by family and friends.

Education was stressed in the home and Aldustus attended Public School No. 40 and 116. Because of his high scholastic ability, he was eligible for “Rapid Advancement Classes” on the Junior High School level. He was an honor student at Shimer Junior High School and continued to complete the Senior High Curriculum at Brooklyn Automotive Trade School.

He married the former Ernestine Martha Adams and to this union was born five children—Aldustus III, Ernestine Sharon, Ernest, Michael, and Kevin. Many years following the death of Ernestine, he married the former Elaine Crawford and a sixth child was born, Edward (Pookie).

Between seventeen and eighteen years of age, Aldustus received the divine call to preach the word of God and he faithfully accepted and obeyed God’s call. Upon receiving a scholarship, he entered and graduated from Shelton College and National Bible Institute in New York City. Many fruitful and spiritual hours were spent as a member of Allen A.M.E. church in Jamaica with the pastor and mentor Rev. William McKinley Dawkins. In 1947, Aldustus gained admittance into the A.M.E. New York Conference as one of God’s anointed.

Reverend Jordan’s first ministerial appointments were located on Long Island at Trinity A.M.E. Church in Smithtown and Allen A.M.E. Church in Northport. He would hold service at one church in the morning and the other in the afternoon. In 1956, the family left New York where he accepted the pastorate of Ebenezer A.M.E. Church in Rahway, New Jersey for two years. He also served as Secretary for the New Brunswick District, Ministerial Alliance and Secretary to the New Jersey Annual Conference, and as a member of the board of Urban Renewal for the City of Rahway.

In 1958, Reverend Jordan was appointed pastor of Trinity A.M.E. Church in Long Branch, New Jersey. In 1959, he was appointed by then New Jersey Governor Robert B. Meyner as the State’s representative to the City of Long Branch Housing Authority and urban renewal agency and was elected to the position of Vice-Chairman of the Long Branch Housing Authority. In 1961, he was elected to the Board of Directors of the Interested Citizens Civic Organization. He was later endorsed by the organization as a candidate for City Council representing Ward 5. In 1963, he received the Citizens Committee Award recognizing outstanding service to City of Long Branch.

In 1965, he became pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Huntington, New York where he quickly emerged as both a spiritual leader and a community organizer. He secured federal funds for the Huntington Community Action Center and became its first director. He is also well known for his “Buck for A Bus Campaign” that raised funds to purchase a new bus for the Huntington Headstart Program. The Summer Camp that he started for the community’s poor children at East Woods School continues to this day.

He would later pastor at Greater Bethel A.M.E. in Harlem, Bethel Tabernacle A.M.E in Brooklyn, and Calvary A.M.E. in Glen Cove. He retired from the active ministry in 2003.

He is survived by his wife Elaine; siblings Elizabeth, Preston, and Edward; six children, Aldustus III, Ernestine Sharon, Ernest, Michael, Kevin, and Edward; six grandsons Aldustus Edward, David, Trevis, Calder, Lloyd (L. J.), and Reed; sister-in-laws Alma and Margie; daughter-in-laws Barbara, Claire, and Rosamund; son-in-law Lloyd James, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and those who have adopted him as their father.

The life of Reverend A. Earl Jordan is characterized by strong faith in God, love for all humanity, and an unbending commitment to social justice. He was loving, compassionate, and tough when necessary. We celebrate his passing to his final reward and thank him for a job well done.

9. MT. ZION A.M.E CHURCH -CHOSEN WOMEN OF GOD CONFERENCE 2006:

The Women of Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church Of DeLand, Florida will be having our Annual Women Conference

Date:
February 17 thru February 19, 2006

Theme: Women Standing in Unity

Therefore, I the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:1-2

Please come and join us in this great celebration.

Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church
935 South Adelle Avenue
DeLand, Florida
Church Phone#: 386-736-1578

Reverend Grandville Anderson, Pastor

10. NASHVILLE BLACK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADDS ORGANIZATION DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT TO ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Nashville, TN (BlackNews.com) - Darren L. Johnson, author and organization development consultant, who is responsible for leading the Nashville Black Chamber of Commerce through its 2005 organizational redesign, has accepted a position on the Board of Directors for that organization, beginning January 2006.

In a recent interview regarding Johnson's leadership efforts in 2005, Charles Sueing, Chairman of the Nashville Black Chambers Board of Directors stated, "Darren stepped up to the plate and accepted the position of Interim Executive Director, later titled Interim President. He applied his "Inside Out Learning" principles to shape and define the Chamber. Johnson's advice was for the Chamber to cease all activities in 2005 until it was prepared to step out anew. The Board heeded the advice and thus began Johnson's two steps back approach."

According to Sueing, by taking two steps back, the chamber made time to develop and implement a strategy to address [it's] challenges.

As the Interim President, Johnson's strategic leadership effort included a total system redesign of the Nashville Black Chamber of Commerce. He completed an organizational audit, revamped its financial records, re-designed the website (www.nashvilleblackchamber.org), and relocated the office.

According to Johnson, "Taking two steps back was part of an effort to create a new image and position the Black Chamber as an organization that can successfully assist & support Black owned businesses and their partners throughout Nashville."
Johnson also partnered the Chamber with the founders of Coffee Talk Nashville, a networking event that happens every third Thursday morning at Kijiji Coffee House in Nashville.

Although Johnson's contract officially ended on September 7, 2005, he remained in the position until December 31, 2005 to assist the Black Chamber through its transition. He has agreed to be on the Board of Directors beginning in January 2006.

For more information about the Nashville Black Chamber, call 615-876-9634.
InsideOut Learning, Inc. offers organization development consulting and coaching. They are the publishers of the Letting Go of Stuff book and CD series. (www.lettinggoofstuff.com)

11. THE PASTOR’S CORNER - FAN THE FLAME – FAITH:

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you…Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. (II Timothy 1: 6 & 2: 15)

The Apostle Paul reminds young Timothy and us to “fan into flame the gift of God that is in [us].” He later describes living a life of sound solid faith as a means of fanning the flame of eternal and abundant life that is ours through Jesus Christ.

The ideal or standard for the Christian life is to secure or gain the approval of God. The order of authority is however often reversed to suggest that it is God’s goal to win the approval of people. It is as though God is simply a blessing dispenser. Faith is then incorrectly taught as a practice through which the believer can manage his or her relationship with God for the purpose of receiving the blessings we desire. Nothing is further from the “TRUTH” (John 14: 6). Paul instructs Timothy, and us “to do our best to present ourselves to God as one approved” by God. In doing so, we “fan into flame the gift of God, which is in [us].” II Timothy 1: 6)

What is it that wins the approval of God? Hebrews 11: 6 tells us faith pleases God because “without faith it is impossible to please God.” Faith is the active belief that God is who God says God is. Let us dissect this definition using Hebrews 11: 6 as our template.

Active – “…because anyone who comes to Him…” To come to God denotes action on our part.

Belief that God is – we “must believe that He exists.” We must not only acknowledge but also trust in His existence. James 2: 19 says, “You believe there is one God. Good! Even demons believe that – and shudder.” And, James 2: 18 adds, “I will show you my faith by what I do.” Our actions must reflect our belief in His existence – that is real faith.

Who God says God is – “He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” We are to focus on knowing God intimately and not just on knowing what God has for us.
What Source Can I Access to Develop Faith? Romans 10: 17 (NIV) tells us, “Faith comes from hearing the message and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” The message is (Romans 10:9) the proclamation of the finished work of Christ. Jesus is Lord. God raised Him from the dead. And, everyone who calls (Romans 10: 13) on the name of the Lord will be saved. We are saved from sin, guilt and the destructive habits that can rob us of life. Therefore, we are to study and seek the word of God in order to have life.

Fan the flame of eternal life. Fan the flame of abundant life. Attend worship services, weekly. Study and read the word, daily. Because “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Fan the flame!

Pastor James Moody
Quinn Chapel, Chicago

12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Rev. Charles McAllister. He was the pastor of Mt. Zion AME Church in Columbia, Pennsylvania (Harrisburg District). The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

Viewing and Funeral Service– Monday, January 23, 2006

Viewing - 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Service – 11:00 a.m.

Church of Deliverance
201 Bradford Avenue
Downingtown, PA 19335

Funeral Home:
Emmett Golden Hunt Memorial Chapel
427 East Lincoln Highway
Coatesville, Pennsylvania 19320

Funeral – Saturday, January 28, 2006

Service – 1:00 p.m.

St. Phillip AMEZ Church
Acorn Branch Road
Wilmington, North Carolina 28405

French I. Davis Funeral Home
316 North 6th Street
Wilmington, North Carolina 28401

Condolences may be sent to his wife:

The Rev. Patricia McAllister
1193 Glenside Road
Downingtown, PA 19335

Phone: 610-873-0948

Please keep Rev. Patricia McAllister and the family in your prayers

13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

From: Presiding Elder Linda F. Thomas-Martin

Our heartfelt love and prayers are extended to the William family as we deeply regret announcing the passing of Reverend John R. Williams. He was known throughout the Church as “JR.”

The Reverend John R. Williams was the retired pastor of Greater St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church, Louisville, Kentucky, Presiding Elder emeritus of the West Kentucky Annual Conference under the jurisdiction of the Thirteenth Episcopal District and organist extraordinaire. Reverend Williams passed on January 20th at 12:45 PM.

Funeral service arrangements will be forth coming.

Please remember Sister Helen Williams and family in your prayers.

14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:

Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action Clergy Family Information Center

Mrs. Ora L. Easley - Administrator Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
(Nashville, Tennessee Contact) Phone: (615) 837-9736 Fax: (615) 833-3781
(Memphis, Tennessee Contact) (901) 578-4554 (Phone & Fax)

Please remember these families in your prayers.

15. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:

The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; 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.

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (115/06)

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. UPDATED CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE RIGHT REVEREND WILFRED J. AND SUPERVISOR CAROL I. MESSIAH:

Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah & Supervisor Carol I. Messiah
23 Herte Street
Peerless Park North
Kraaifontein, Cape 7570
Republic of South Africa

011 27 21 987 4825 (h) telefax
011 27 82 836 0955 cell (SA)
1 302 562 7293 cell (USA)
wjmessiah2004@yahoo.com

Submitted by Supervisor Carol I. Messiah

2. THANK YOU FROM BISHOP MESSIAH:

Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah, the Rev. Paul J. Messiah and the entire Messiah family wish to thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers during our time of bereavement. Please know that your thoughts and prayers help us to make it through.

Again, thank you and may God's richest blessings be yours.

Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah
Presiding Prelate
20th Episcopal District

3. BISHOP PHILIP COUSIN PLENARY SPEAKER AND GUEST PREACHER:

Bishop Cousin will be the Plenary Speaker & Preacher on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. at the 2006 Congress on Urban Ministry, sponsored by the Seminary Consortium for Urban Pastoral Education (SCUPE); www.SCUPE.com ).
This event will be held at the Hyatt Regency at McCormick Place, 2233 S. Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago, Illinois. The telephone number is 800-233-1234.

Received from the 4th Episcopal District Office (Qiana)

4. AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE IN THE WEB LINKED BELOW:

Although this observance is not a part of our work plan for the WMS-African American Denominational Leadership Health Initiative, it is yet another opportunity to collaborate or participate in your respective communities.

Please place this link online for information http://www.blackaidsday.org/.

Saundra Lucas
WMS National Health Director

5. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING CELEBRATION, ST. MARK AME CHURCH, MILWAUKEE:

On Sunday, January 15, 2006, St. Mark AME Church celebrates the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by recognizing the contributions of local community supporters, Lucinda Gordon and Dr. Ruben K. Harpole.

The Dr. King celebration will take place during the 11:00 a.m. worship service. The guest speaker is Rev. Walter Reid, retired AME pastor of Trinity AME Church, Lansing, Michigan. The public is invited to come and join in the celebration and remembrance of Dr. King.

St. Mark AME Church is located at 1616 W. Atkinson Avenue. For more information please contact Roy C. Hill, at (414) 562-8030. The Reverend Darryl R. Williams is the Pastor.
Special Martin Luther King Jr. Edition of the Pastors Page

To paraphrase Martin Luther King, Jr., “Every person lives in two realms, the internal and the external.” The internal realm has to do with the things of the spirit and soul. The external realm has to do with the material world -- mastering it so that it serves our needs. “The problem,” King says, “Is that we have allowed the external realm to take over the matter of developing our soul, which has become lost at the expense of our over-concern with the material world. “Therefore, we have guided missiles and misguided men!

If we do not do the internal work to become better people, technology becomes dangerous in our hands. And doing the work to eradicate racism, sexism, classicism and other social ills will never be realized because people with under-developed souls do not see this as important. Arnold Taynbee, a noted historian once said, “Close to thirty civilizations have risen upon the face of the earth. Almost all of them fell, not because of external invasions, but by internal decay.”

Jesus makes it clear that “the soul work” is our primary work when He asks us “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and then lose his soul?” St. Mark, let’s honor God -- and honor Dr. King -- by first allowing God to make us the right person; and after we becoming the right person, we will do the right things.

Visit St. Mark's website for more information: www.stmarkame-ilwaukee.com

6. CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS INTERNSHIP:

Who: College undergraduates (including graduating seniors)

What: Congressional internship program where students work for Members of the Congressional Black Caucus.

When: CBCF must receive your application by February 6,2006.

Program dates: May 28, 2006 - July 29, 2006

Where: Washington, DC, where students are provided with housing and a
Stipend.

Why: Join the next generation of leaders who will enter the halls of power to shape the country and the world.

How: Visit http://www.cbcfinc.org/ for more information and an application.

APPLY NOW!

Troy G. Clair
Congressional Internship & Program Coordinator
Coordinator of the Emerging Leaders Empowerment Series
President, CBCF Leadership Network of Alumni
202-263-2821 (p) 202-263-0845 (f)
1720 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington DC 20036

7. THE EIGHTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT JANUARY TO DECEMBER 2006 CALENDAR (ENGLISH)

www.18thdistrictamec.org

JANUARY

01 Happy New Year!

02 Bishop and Supervisor Leave for USA

18 Bishops’ Council Retreat

25 SADA Board Meeting – Cincinnati, Ohio

26-28 Connectional WMS Executive Board Meeting, Cincinnati, Ohio

FEBRUARY

04 Bishop Sarah returns to Maseru

16-25 Bishop Sarah’s Teaching Seminars - Beira District, Beira, Mozambique

25-28 Bishop Sarah’s Teaching Seminars – Maputo District, Maputo, Mozambique

MARCH

01-04 Selulahsandla Board Meeting; Welcome Reception for Sojourner Amanda Wilson at Selulahsandla Vashti Village - Mbabane Swaziland

13-15 Global Development Council Executive Board Meeting in Port of Spain Trinidad

22-24 Bishop Preaching, Columbus, Georgia; Annual Conference

26 Bishop Preaching, Bethel A.M.E. Church, Wilmington, Delaware

APRIL

10-13 18TH District Young Adults “Examining the Journey to the Cross.” A Holy week Bible Study at the F. C. James Center

14 EASTER SUNDAY

18-27 18th District Council Of Scribes – Translation Summit No. 1, Gaborone, Botswana

25 18th District RAYAC Convention, 18th District WMS Executive Meeting (17:00)

26-29 Mid-Year Christian Education Conference- I, Gaborone, Botswana

MAY

04-06 Mid-Year Christian Education Conference - Ii, Maputo, Mozambique

JUNE

05-09 Hampton University Ministers’ Conference, Hampton, Virginia

11 Bishop Sarah Preaches at Bethel AME – San Diego

26-28 General Board And Bishops’ Council – South Carolina

JULY

02-07 Connectional Christian Education Convention, Orlando, Florida

12-19 Federation of Methodist Uniting Women – Seoul, South Korea

20-25 World Methodist Council of Churches – Seoul, South Korea

AUGUST

23 Mozambique WMS Convention – Xai-Xai District - Mozambique

24-27 Mozambique Annual Conference, Xai-Xai District - Mozambique

30 Botswana WMS Convention - Lobatse, Botswana

31 Botswana Annual Conference - Lobatse, Botswana

SEPTEMBER

01-03 Botswana Annual Conference - Lobatse, Botswana

07-11 The Reverend Dr. Claudette Copeland and Destiny Ministries USA, Sojourney to Gaborone, Botswana and minister with the 18th District in Gaborone and at the M. Joan Cousin Center

OCTOBER

10 18TH District WMS Executive Meeting

11 Swaziland WMS Convention

12-15 Swaziland Annual Conference,
Christ Our Redeemer A.M.E.C. -
Lobamba Lomdzala, Swaziland,
The Rev. N. Nxumalo, Host Pastor

17 AME Schools Annual Educators’ Conference - Swaziland

25 Northeast Lesotho WMS Convention

26-28 Northeast Lesotho Annual Conference
Allen Temple A.M.E..C.,
Mokhotlong,
The Rev. M. M. Thabane, Host Pastor

NOVEMBER

08 Lesotho WMS Convention

09-12 Lesotho Annual Conference
McKenzie A.M.E.Church,
The Rev. L. Mohato, Host Pastor

28 Presiding Elders’ Retreat - Maseru, Lesotho

29 2nd Annual Prayer Conclave - Emmanuel A.M.E.C., Maseru, Lesotho, the Rev. F. D. Rafube, Host Pastor

DECEMBER

14-16 1ST Math and Science Teachers’ Institute for Selected A.M.E. School Math and Science. Teachers – Dr. Carol T. Mitchell, University of Omaha, Nebraska

18-22 1ST Summer Science Institute for Outstanding Math and Science Students in A.M.E. Schools in Swaziland and Lesotho - Dr. Carol T. Mitchell, University of Omaha, Institute teacher

25 CHRISTMAS DAY

31 A.M.E. Watch Night Service at F. C. James Center, Maseru, Lesotho

Revision: December 31, 2005

8. O DÉCIMO OITAVO DISTRITO EPISCOPAL JANEIRO AO CALENDÁRIO DE DEZEMBRO 2006 (PORTUGUESE):

www.18thdistrictamec.org

JANEIRO

01 Ano novo feliz!

02 Licença do Bishop e do supervisor para EUA

18 Recuo do conselho dos bishops

25 Reunião de placa de SADA - Cincinnati, Ohio

26-28 Reunião de placa executiva de Connectional WMS, Cincinnati, Ohio

FEVEREIRO

04 O Bishop Sarah retorna a Maseru

16-25 Teaching Seminário do Bishop Sarah - o distrito de Beira, Beira, Mozambique

25-28 Teaching Seminário do Bishop Sarah - o distrito de Maputo, Maputo, Mozambique

MARÇO

01-04 reunião de placa de Selulahsandla; Recepção bem-vinda para Sojourner Amanda Wilson em Vila de Selulahsandla Vashti - Mbabane Suazilândia

13-15 reunião de placa executiva global do conselho do desenvolvimento no porto de Spain Trinidad

22-24 Bishop Preaching, Columbo, Geórgia; Conferência anual

26 Bishop Preaching, igreja do Bethel A.M.E., Wilmington, Delaware

ABRIL

10-13 adultos novos do 18o distrito “que examinam a viagem à cruz.” Um estudo do Bible da semana Holy em o centro do F. C. James

14 EASTER DOMINGO

18-27 18o conselho de distrito dos escreventes - Summit No. 1 da tradução, Gaborone, Botswana

25 18o Convenção do distrito RAYAC, 18a reunião executiva do distrito WMS (17: 00)

26-29 conferência Christian I da instrução do Mid-Year, Gaborone, Botswana

MAIO

04-06 conferência Christian da instrução do Mid-Year - Ii, Maputo, Mozambique

JUNHO

05-09conferência dos ministros da universidade de Hampton, Hampton, Virgínia

11 Bishop Sarah Preaches no Bethel AME - San Diego

26-28 General Placa e Conselho dos Bishops - Carolina sul

JULHO

02-07 Convenção Christian da instrução de Connectional, Orlando, Florida

12-19 Federation de mulheres unindo-se do Methodist - Seoul, Coreia sul

20-25 Conselho Methodist do mundo das igrejas - Seoul, Coreia sul

AGOSTO

23 Convenção de Mozambique WMS - distrito de Xai-Xai - Mozambique

24-27 Conferência anual de Mozambique, distrito de Xai-Xai - Mozambique

30 Convenção de Botswana WMS - Lobatse, Botswana

31 Conferênciaanual de Botswana -Lobatse, Botswana

SETEMBRO

01-03 Conferênciaanual de Botswana -Lobatse, Botswana

07-11 o Dr. Claudette Copeland de Reverend e Ministries EUA do Destiny, Sojourney a Gaborone, Botswana e ministro com o 18o distrito em Gaborone e no centro do primo do M. Joan

OUTUBRO

10 18o Reunião executiva do distrito WMS

11 Convenção de Suazilândia WMS

12-15 conferência anual de Suazilândia,
Christ nosso Redeemer A.M.E.C. -
Lobamba Lomdzala, Suazilândia,
O Rev. N. Nxumalo, Pastor do anfitrião

17 AME educa a conferência dos educadores anuais - Suazilândia

25 Convenção do nordeste de Lesotho WMS

26-28 Conferência Anual do Nordeste de Lesotho
Temple A.M.E.C. de Allen,
Mokhotlong,
O Rev. M.M. Thabane, Pastor do anfitrião

NOVEMBRO

08 Convenção de Lesotho WMS

09-12 Conferência anual de Lesotho
McKenzie A.M.E.Church,
O Rev. L. Mohato, Pastor do anfitrião

28 Recuo das pessoas idosas Presiding - Maseru, Lesotho

29 2o Conclave anual do Prayer - Emmanuel A.M.E.C., Maseru, Lesotho, o Rev. F.D. Rafube, Pastor do anfitrião

DEZEMBRO

14-16 1o Instituto dos Professores do Math e da ciência para o Math e a ciência selecionados da escola de A.M.E. Professores - Dr. Carol T. Mitchell, Universidade de Omaha, Nebraska

18-22 1o Instituto da ciência do verão para estudantes proeminentes do Math e da ciência em escolas de A.M.E. em Suazilândia e em Lesotho - o Dr. Carol T. Mitchell, Universidade de Omaha, institui o professor

25 DIA DO CHRISTMAS

31 A.M.E. Serviço de noite do relógio no centro do F. C. James, Maseru, Lesotho

Revisão: Dezembro 31, 2005


9. ELEVENTH ANNUAL WOMEN IN THE FAITH SISTERS’ CONFERENCE CONVENES JAN. 21-25 AT GRANT A.M.E. CHURCH IN WATTS; THE REVERENDS KANYERE EATON AND D. NAJUMA SMITH FEATURED SPEAKERS:

LOS ANGELES — (January 12, 2006) — The Rev. Kanyere Eaton, executive director of the New York-based Sister Fund, and the Rev. Damali Najuma Smith, pastor of St. James A.M.E. Church in Los Angeles, are the featured speakers for the 11th Annual Women in the Faith Sisters’ Conference Jan. 21-25.

Eaton will address the 11 a.m. worship service on Sunday, Jan. 22, and will be the revivalist for the 7:30 p.m. worship services Monday through Wednesday at Grant A.M.E. Church in Watts. Likewise, Smith will keynote the 8 a.m. Sunday service, and lead the nightly workshops at 6:30 p.m.

“We are blessed that Rev. Smith and Rev. Eaton have accepted our invitation to share in the 2006 Sisters’ Conference,” noted the Rev. Leslie R. White, the esteemed pastor of Grant.

“As we focus on women ages 18-35 at the 2006 Conference,” White continued, “we know Rev. Smith and Rev. Eaton will encourage, inspire and empower a new generation of Christian women to embody our conference theme, ‘Tell God Yes! My Soul Says Yes!’”

Indeed, both distinguished speakers are trailblazers in women’s ministry.

Eaton leads The Sister Fund, a small, private foundation dedicated to the economic, social, political and spiritual empowerment of women and girls. A graduate of Columbia and Cornel universities and a doctoral candidate at San Francisco Theological Seminary, Eaton is an associate minister at the Redeemed Church of Jesus Christ in Mt. Vernon, New York.

Prior to her pastorate, Smith was actively involved at First A.M.E. Church in Los Angeles, and has since founded a number of youth and women’s ministries, including SYNC – Sisters Yielding N Covenant, a quarterly breakfast fellowship of women. She has earned degrees from Pepperdine and Woodbury universities, and is presently pursuing her theology degree from the Southern California School of Ministry.

First-time Chairwoman Sharolyn Gailliard is excited about the 2006 Conference and looks forward to being blessed by both women of God.

“Rev. Smith set ablaze the 2005 Sisters’ Conference with her dynamic Prayer Breakfast message, ‘I will not die with this issue!’ and Rev. Eaton’s work with The Sister Fund has earned her critical acclaim in professional circles,” Gailliard said. “We know we are in for a treat this year!”

Gailliard and her dynamic team have been working tirelessly to organize the Conference events, which begin Saturday, Jan. 21 at 10 a.m. with a worship service at the Union Rescue Mission, 545 S. San Pedro Street, Los Angeles. Eaton will be the featured speaker.

The Women in the Faith Sisters’ Choir, led by renowned musician, Theresa Jones-Bailey, will also be featured throughout the Conference.

Organizers will celebrate the legacy of Dr. King and will be on hand to distribute Conference literature at the Kingdom Day Parade on Monday, Jan. 16.

Grant A.M.E. Church is located at 10435 South Central Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90002. Services are heard on the radio each Sunday morning at 6 a.m. on KJLH 102.3 FM. Join us for worship on Sundays at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. and for Sunday School at 9:30 a.m.

Sisters’ Conference workshops, led by Smith, begin at 6:30 p.m. and are followed at 7:30 p.m. with worship service where Eaton is the preacher. All are welcome.

For driving directions or for more information visit www.GrantAMEChurch.org or contact the Church office at 323-564-1151.

10. THE WEST KENTUCKY ANNUAL CONFERENCE SPONSORS “A TIME TO BREATHE: WOMEN, WHOLENESS, WELLNESS:

What is A Time to Breathe: Women, Wholeness, Wellness? This a proposed program to reach women of all ages to promote a life span of health. It is our belief that health and wellness is physical, mental, spiritual, and social.

MISSION STATEMENT: We are aware that many women in our churches and communities lead unhealthy lives, which lead to poor health , isolation, and loss of hope. We are partnering with the Louisville Metro Health Department ‘s Office of Faith and Health in developing health and wellness programs.

GOALS:
- Our general goal is to develop and manage a health and wellness program for AME Church Women and the Louisville Community Women to meet weekly.
- To identify a vision for health and wholeness and healthy lifestyles, to enrich the participant's health, and to promote and cultivate a life span of health and fellowship among women of all ages.

OBJECTIVES
- Our objectives are to minister to women of all ages through information such as healthcare, physical activities, nutritional counseling, seminars, testimonies, profiles, etc.
- To foster fellowship among the family of African Methodism, and to encourage spiritual growth.

Who is this for? We endeavor to reach women of all ages: AME Church women and Community Women. We're here to listen to your needs and desires, this will help us better to serve you. Feel free to express any concerns. All AME Church Health Coordinators in West KY are asked to attend.

Where will the program be held? Eight neighborhoods have been identified to partner with the Louisville Metro Health Department; and the Russell Neighborhood and Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church is one of them. So the program will be formed and facilitated at Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church.

How much does the Women’s Health and Wellness Program cost? The Women’s Health and Wellness Program is free to the participants, and they must reside in Jefferson County. The Louisville Metro Health Department will provide the resources for the group, including physical activity and nutritional counseling. CPR “Train the Trainer to Train Others” will also be provided.

How do I begin? More information will be provide after the Holidays. Please watch for this additional information as to days, times, activities, etc.

We thank each woman in advance for her support and participation! 'HELP US TO HELP YOU!'

Mrs. Alma Pittman, Director, West KY Health and Wellness
Reverend Dr. Pedro K. Basden, Pastor, Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church
Dr. Adewale Troutman, MD, MA, MPH, Director, Louisville Metro Health Department
Judy Jones, Office of Faith & Health, Louisville Metro Health Department

11. “A SERVANT’S CELEBRATION OF RETIREMENT” - HONORING THE REVEREND THOMAS B. DESUE:

By Angela Surcey Garner

One the most anointed, blessed, hard-working, wise, intellectual and articulate Elders of the African Methodist Episcopal Church was honored in a Retirement Celebration on Thursday night, December 15, 2005 at The Ramona Pavilion in Jacksonville, FL. The Reverend Thomas Benjamin DeSue retired during the East Annual Conference from his present position as Executive Administrative Assistant to the Bishop. Elder DeSue became licensed to preach in the A.M.E. Church in 1954. His first wife preceded him in death. They were blessed with four sons: Thomas, William, Nathan and Gary. He is now married to Lonnye B. DeSue; his loving, dedicated, faithful, graceful and queenly partner in love, who planned this gala affair for her husband.

The Celebration began at 7 p.m. as people continued to arrive in formal and dressy attire. The hosts were adorned in black suits, white shirts, red cummerbunds and bow ties; the hostesses were adorned in formal and beautiful red suits or dresses. The tickets were $50 but none were taken at the door. All tables were full as our Toastmasters of Ceremonies, Sister Peggy Rice Johnson, of St. Andrew A.M.E. Church and The Reverend Marvin C. Zanders, II, Pastor of St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Jacksonville, took the microphone to begin the celebration.

Our song of celebration, “Joy to the World” was sung by all with uplifted voices. The prayer was given by The Reverend E.J. Parker, Pastor of Greater Payne A.M.E. Church, in his very eloquent way. After all sang “Silent Night,” The Reverend James Graham read the Scripture. Two beautiful solos, “Beams of Heaven” and “How to Reach the Masses”, were soulfully sung by the honoree’s nephew, Brother Jerald DeSue. After the grace, given by the Reverend Moses Thomas, dinner was served.

The menu consisted of roasted chicken, smothered pork chops, rice pilaf, seasoned dressing, country-style green beans, large dinner rolls and several choices for dessert. The food was delicious! The servers were gracious and helpful. The head tables were served while other tables were called by the hostesses to go get their food. There were two head tables. The one on my right included (from right to left) Bishop Richard Hildebrand, Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young and her mother, Mrs. Mamie Jackson, our Presiding Prelate, Bishop McKinley Young, Mrs. Lonnye B. DeSue, Reverend Thomas B. DeSue, my first lady, Mrs. Winifred H. Zanders and my Pastor, Reverend Marvin C. Zanders, II. The table on the left was for Elder DeSue’s family members including two of his sons, Thomas and William DeSue.

With a few guests still dining, we moved into the main portion of the celebration – “Thomas Benjamin Desue: This is Your Life.” It included several persons who would speak of Elder DeSue regarding different intervals of his life. We began the slideshow, entitled, “A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words – A Tribute in Love to the Reverend Thomas Benjamin DeSue”, which ran throughout each person’s presentation. The presentation featured many photos of Elder DeSue – then and now, his family, friends, associates, and trips to Africa, The Bahamas and other Conferences. Many faces and activities of the Elder were revealed during the slideshow.

The Reverend Robert Dell spoke of the Elder “Growing up in Starke, FL”, followed by Sister Helen Bruce, who spoke of his “Membership at Payne Chapel, Jacksonville and entering the Ministry.” The tribute continued as The Reverend Eugene Washington shared memories of Elder DeSue’s days at “Saint Mathews, Greenville, FL, from 1957-60.” The Reverend Lorenzo Laws was blessed to have spent many years with the Elder as he introduced his days at “Henry Gordon, Saint James Eastside, Jacksonville, 1960-63 and Mount Zion, Hastings, FL from 1964-68.” Brother Arnett Chase shared memories of Elder DeSue’s days at Saint Paul, St. Augustine, 1968-1981.” Sister Eleanor Gay concluded this portion of “Thomas Benjamin DeSue: This is Your Life” by remembering the Elder’s days at “Historic Mount Zion, Jacksonville, from 1981-87.”

The second portion of this fabulous toast to celebrate Elder DeSue was entitled, “Memoirs.” These persons were closest to him in living and working relationships. This verbal presentation was led by two of his sons, Thomas and William DeSue, who introduced the Elder “As a Father.” As they spoke of their father, I could hear the love and respect they each had for him. I learned that Elder DeSue is a wonderful father and he loves his “grands” and “great-grands.” Reverend Mark Griffin spoke of the Elder “As a Presiding Elder”, then “As a Colleague” was presented by Presiding Elder Leroy Kennon. Elder DeSue was a hard-working member of the Financial Staff and Presiding Elder John Bodison spoke of him first. Reverend Marvin C. Zanders, II also spoke of Elder DeSue “As a Member of the Financial Staff”, in which we learned of the wisdom and teachings of the Elder to younger members of the staff. His guidance was unmatchable and “tough love” was sometimes used to train those going through the learning process. Finally, Bishop Richard Hildebrand and our Bishop, The Right Reverend McKinley Young spoke the Elder of “As God’s Servant”. The Elder always gave God his best and blessed those around him with the example of a hard-worker with the wisdom of God. Elder DeSue was presented as a father, friend, associate and excellent leader to many and touched the lives of all he came in contact with.

The honoree spoke last and was overwhelmed by all of the wonderful things that were said about him. Elder DeSue thanked his wife, Mrs. Lonnye B. DeSue, his family, friends, colleagues, all of the hosts and hostesses and his guests for sharing the night with him. He assured us that he would enjoy his retirement and that he planned to spend much time with his “grands” and “great-grands.” After the Elder gave the Benediction, most of the guests fellowshipped with him and his family before leaving. This was a fabulous celebration, one I am sure Elder DeSue will remember for a lifetime.

12. DEVOTIONAL SERMON OUTLINE – “FAN THE FLAME - POWER, LOVE, SELF-DISCIPLINE”:

I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but of spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. (II Timothy 1: 5-7)

The apostle Paul says to young Timothy and us “I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you.” Paul recalls for us all how we have been taught the will of God. Paul now admonishes us to apply what God has given us – put it to use. We have been (Acts 6: 6) appointed and anointed to serve God. The flame is the operation of the Holy Spirit who dwells within. By the power of His Spirit, God empowers us to live abundant life or life to the full (John 10: 10). The word for life used here is Zoë – life that has eternal value and quality. This is a life characterized by power, love, and self-discipline (II Timothy 1: 7) – a life that everybody wants to live.

Paul reminds Timothy and us that it is the Holy Spirit, not a spirit of timidity or fear that God has given to us. Fear enslaves and is the opposite of freedom and impedes or blocks our capacity to operate. Fear steals life and is the root of so many of our destructive attitudes and behaviors:

Stagnation – is characterized by being the frozen chosen, stuck in past, pretensions, and being afraid to fail at something new.
Strongholds – being ensnared or tangled in past practices, habits or sins.
Selfishness – self-interest: me first; greed: not enough, I must have more; self-protection: control or distrust of others because they may hurt me.

Just as one lighting a fire in a fireplace must fan into flame the kindling, we must fan into flame the Spirit of power, love, and self-discipline God has placed in us. His Spirit operating in us overcomes fear and opens the door to life that has eternal value and quality.

Power – I am no longer afraid to act.
Power is the capacity to act or do (Acts 1: 8). Jesus told His disciples to stay in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit had come upon them and they had received power. This is God’s supernatural power operating in me. God can do so much more through me than I think can be done. God’s Spirit breaks through, knocks down walls, and opens doors. As I trust God to bring His power to bear on my life, fear dissipates, because I am relying on the power of an Almighty God, not power of my own.

Love – I am no longer afraid of others.
Love is the loftiest preference one person demonstrates for another (John 3: 16). God demonstrated His love for us as He sacrificed His best – His only Son for our salvation. Love is the presence of Christ’s nature in me (I John 4: 15-16), because “God is love.” And, “Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.” “There is no fear in love (I John 4: 18). Therefore, there is no need for self interest – me first. There is no need for control distrust, conflict, or protecting myself from others because others may hurt me, when “we know and rely on the love God has for us (I John 4: 16). Instead, His Spirit causes us to love others – and to love them just as they are.

Self-discipline – I am no longer controlled by past practices, habits or sins.
Self-discipline is the wisdom (Proverbs 17: 16) to know what is right and the self-control (Proverbs 23:4 Galatians 5: 22-23) to do it. So often, we know what is right but experience difficulty in simply doing it. Paul reminds us to fan the flame of God’s Spirit who dwells in us. God’s divine power demolishes strongholds in my life (II Corinthians 10: 3-4). His power “demolishes arguments and pretensions set up against the knowledge of God (v. 5a).” And, He empowers me to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ (v. 5b).”

It is the will of God that every person on earth live a life free of fear that enslaves us and robs us of the abundant, full life Jesus Christ came for us to have. It is God’s will that we live lives characterized by power, love, and self-discipline, thereby fulfilling His will for our lives. Fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you. Every morning, invite the Holy Spirit to come into your life. Invite Him to fill you with His power love, and self-discipline.

Pastor James M. Moody, Sr. Quinn Chapel AME Church2401 South Wabash AvenueChicago, Illinois 60616

13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

(Received from the Rev. Cassandra A. Sparrow)

The passing of Sister Neda Coates, sister of the Rev. Seawood Blackstone (retired minister in the Washington Annual Conference and former pastor of Ebenezer AME Church - Galesville, Maryland).

Arrangements are as follows:

Friday, January 13, 2006
Viewing: 6:00 - 7:30 PM followed by remarks from clergy unable to attend funeral

Location:

Elkridge Christian Community Church
6327 Meadow Ridge Road
Elkridge, Maryland 21075

410-796-1534

Saturday, January 14, 2006
Family Hour: 11:00 - 11:30 AM
Homegoing Service: Immediately Following Family Hour

Location:
Columbia Community Church
8516 Thomas Williams Way
Columbia, Maryland 21045

Condolences may be sent to the following address:

The Rev. Seawood Blackstone
7316 Roosevelt Boulevard
Elkridge, Maryland 21075

14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:

Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action Clergy Family Information Center

Mrs. Ora L. Easley - Administrator Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
(Nashville, Tennessee Contact) Phone: (615) 837-9736 Fax: (615) 833-3781
(Memphis, Tennessee Contact) (901) 578-4554 (Phone & Fax)

Please remember these families in your prayers.

12. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:

The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; 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.