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. THE CARNAGE CONTINUES IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN:
Soldiers in Iraq (and Afghanistan) continue to die and be maimed and the President says, “We will stay the course until we have achieved victory.” There was a sign on the highway that the President passed on his way to Arlington Cemetery yesterday that read, “Thank God of Dead soldiers?” I do not know who put the sign there, but it was a strange sign and I do not agree with it. I thank God for the soldiers who are alive and come back without wounds. I mourn the dead solders and offer my condolences to their families. I feel horrible for those soldiers who were wounded in battle and shutter to think about the soldiers who have lost limbs and who suffer from the scars of war.
President Bush vowed yesterday to honor them by "completing the mission for which they gave their lives." Our President has never served in an active military unit and so he has probably never heard the statement. “When you find yourself digging yourself in a hole, stop digging.” We have “dug ourselves in a hole” in Iraq and we need to stop digging.
We have lost 2,465 U.S. soldiers (Army, Marines, Navy Coast Guard) since war began on March 3, 2003 and significant numbers of soldiers’ lives have been lost since the famous, “Mission Accomplished” proclamation. Thousands of service members have been severely wounded. It is estimated that approximately 1 out of 10 soldiers medically evacuated from the combat zone have been evacuated for mental reasons. The social impact, alone, upon life in America will be impacted for years to come, not to mention the economic impact.
It is also estimated that 38,000 – 42,000 Iraqis have been killed and there is no telling how many have been severely wounded and how many are mentally impaired. (Statistics extracted from http://www.iraqbodycount.net/
2. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 184TH SESSION OF THE A.M.E. CHURCH
NEW YORK ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
Since 1781, the African Methodist Episcopal Church has followed the biblical passage Ephesians 4:1. Richard Allen, founder of the AME Church, walked away in protest from an Episcopal Church Service, when he and fellow African’s were not allowed to kneel and pray at the church alter. Thus, the African Methodist Episcopal Church was born and Richard Allen established The Free African Society, which became The African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Today, religious institutions are the very foundation upon which communities flourish. The A.M.E. Church has a membership of over three million members and 8,000 churches with a strong emphasis on spiritual tradition. The Annual Conference is one of the most important spiritual and community traditions, where one church is chosen to host the conference. This year it was St Luke A.M.E. Church in Harlem.
The conference was held April 24 – 30, and the theme was Ephesians 4:1: “Walking Worthy of the Calling with Which We are Called.” Bishop Richard Franklin Norris presided over the 184th Session of the New York Annual Conference. Bishop Norris wanted the 184th Session to be the most productive and most spiritually uplifting -- the very best ever.
And productive, it was. As many faiths and denominations have grappled with how to address or prevent misconduct by the clergy, church workers, employees, the A.M.E. Church is being pro-active and for this Session, a required workshop on “Sexual Harassment and Misconduct” was held the first day. All Pastors, Ministers, Sunday School Teachers, Musicians, etc. were required to attend. The well-received workshop’s presenter was Attorney, Mortimer Lawrence.
The worship services, during the conference, were truly spiritually uplifting. From the rousing sermon delivered at the opening session by the Rev. Dr. Eugene McAshan, Pastor of Bethel, Copiague, to the closing session’s inspirational message by Bishop McKinley Young, Presiding Bishop of the 11th A.M.E. Episcopal District in Florida, the word went forth and the Good News was preached with power.
Under the leadership of Pastor Melvin E. Wilson, the St. Luke A.M.E. Congregation tries in every way to be more community oriented, more culturally and racially diverse, and to embrace the concept of “the Kingdom,” which has no ethnic and cultural boundaries.
The Tuesday evening reception in honor of Bishop and Mother Norris, held at the Alhambra Banquet Hall, exemplified this concept. Bishop Norris was presented with his portrait, painted in his likeness by St. Luke A.M.E. member, Mary Syvanto.
Another special touch was added to the reception by the performance of singer, Vanessa Shaw, who appeared on Broadway in “Timbuktu,” “Raisin,” and “The Tap Dance Kid,” and is currently touring in “Welcome Home Marian Anderson.” Ms. Shaw’s superb performance enhanced the ambiance of an elegant and memorable evening.
On Friday night, a capacity crowd at St. Luke was filled with exuberance as the Youth worshiped in drama, dance, and music. Singing to the Glory of God, the New York Annual Conference Youth Choir’s rendition of “Let Everything That Has Breath” was riveting and electrifying. The Conference brought an abundance of youth to the church, but not a first for St. Luke.
In and around New York City, Rev. Melvin E. Wilson’s visionary efforts to support the youth of New York City has resulted in youth outreach programs that are penetrating Harlem’s neighborhoods. Congregants and neighbors alike are experiencing “a rainbow of encouragement” for the young people of Harlem. One of the many youth programs at St. Luke is the S.A.T. Tutoring Program, which is open to all high school students.
The 184th Session of the New York Annual Conference ended on Sunday, April 30. The St. Luke A.M.E. Church Family made every effort to answer the Bishop’s call to make the session the best ever.
3. THE AME CHURCH MUST REMAIN VIGILANT ON THE ISSUES OF HIV/AIDS:
The Rev. Dr. Clyde W. Oden, Jr. reminds us that it is important for our Zion to remain vigilant concerning AIDS/ HIV and that we should have our eyeballs glued to the Television watching a magnificent AIDS/ HIV presentation, The Age of AIDS, Tuesday, May 30, 2006 at 9 p.m.
Click on frontline: coming soon: The Age of AIDS PBS
4. SOMETHING TO DO DURING SOJOURN AT THE GENERAL BOARD MEETING:
The Reverend Dr. Joe Darby shares that the Island Heritage Festival presents a 5-day celebration of 10 programs honoring the history and culture of African Americans "Gullah People" and the historic treasures of their Sea Island home. USA Today says, "James Island," called "one of the five remarkable cultural wonders of the world you should visit before it vanishes." This beautiful, Sea Island welcomes you to explore, experience and enjoy the wonders of Gullah Culture.
Those attending the General Board Meeting can get from Charleston to James Island via Spring Street crossing over the Ashley River Bridge. Travel to Folly Road, crossing over the Wappoo Bridge. McCleod Plantation is located behind the oaks on the left.
Dr. Darby has spoken with the festival organizers and is trying to arrange transportation, since James Island is a good half hour drive from the meeting site.
A Little History about the Gullah / Geechee
There really is not a single "Gullah island." Ron and Natalie Daise, two South Carolina storytellers who had a kid’s show on PBS, popularized that idea. When you get off the plane in Charleston for the General Board and Bishops Council, you will actually be in the heart of "Gullah country!" What is known as the "Gullah Geechee" culture actually covers the coastal regions and Sea Islands from Myrtle Beach, SC to Jacksonville, Florida. The islands are special, because West African slaves were concentrated there and were essentially set free when their "owners" fled their rice plantations during the Civil War. The language, customs and traditions that were preserved in the process are as close to West Africa as you can get in the continental United States, and have even spilled over to worship traditions, and especially in the AME Church in the low country of South Carolina in things like what's often called the "Charleston clap" to many of our familiar hymns.
What is sad and ironic is that "progress" is eroding the culture. For years, their habitat was undesirable because of concerns about diseases like malaria, but it has now become desirable waterfront property. As a result, many of the original residents are either being bought out by developers or forced out by rising property values and the resultant escalating property tax bills.
Many old black communities and cemeteries dating back to the 18th century are being obliterated in the process. One of America's best kept (and saddest) secrets is that Hilton Head Island in South Carolina - a word-class tourist destination, used to be an exclusively black owned and occupied island and is the site of Queen Chapel AME Church, the first AME church established in the south by Bishop Daniel Payne at the end of the Civil War. It is absolutely shameful that some black folks who have been on the island for years are now service workers for the new residents and for tourist hotels and resorts. The same thing may soon happen on other such islands and inland coastal areas, including Daufuskie Island - the real setting for Pat Conroy's writings "Conrack" and "The Water is Wide" that chronicled his time as a teacher on the island.
The James Island festival is special because James Island has an interesting history. The shots fired on Fort Sumter that began the Civil War were fired from James Island. The all black 54th Massachusetts regiment that was made famous by the movie "Glory" was posted there, fought there and left their base there for what came to be their best known and most calamitous attach on Battery Wagner. There a major battle now raging to see that the battle site on Morris Island, adjacent to James Island, does not become just another resort community instead of continuing to be "hallowed ground."
Sorry to rattle on, but I've become fascinated with the culture since coming to Charleston and discovering a solid and little known cultural link to West Africa. Dr. Alpha Bah, one of the African professors at the College of Charleston, ties the names "Gullah" and "gauche" to still existent West African tribal cultures. He also tells the compelling story of how our African ancestors were not just "caught and brought" to America, but were taken captive and made forcible immigrants because of their skills in doing things like growing rice. Since coming to the low country, I have also discovered how many elements of African language, tradition and culture that black Americans - many of whom are descended from those who came ashore in South Carolina - have integrated into our lives without knowing it. When I stood before the late Bishop Frank Madison Reid, Jr. in the Columbia Annual Conference as a member of the Class on Admissions, I either instinctually or nervously put my hands on my waist. My uncle, the late Rev. V. A. Janerette, came up behind me and quietly said, "Take your hands off your kimbo!" I did not know until I moved to the low country that "kimbo" is a West African word for the area above one's hips!
In addition to the site I sent you for the festival - http://www.islandheritagefestival.com/ - you can also find Gullah - Geechee cultural information online at http://www.penncenter.com/ and http://www.cofc.edu/avery/
Editor’s note: The American Bible Society has released the Gullah New Testament, De Nyew Testament in the Gullah language. I was surprised that I could understand so much of it. Here is John 3:16:
“Cause God lob all do people een de wol sommuch dat e gii we e onliest Son. God senwe um so dat ebrybody wa bleebe pon um ain gwine dead. Dey gwinelib faebamo.” (John 3:16, Gullah Sea Island Creole)
5. KENTUCKY CONFERENCE - LEXINGTON DISTRICT CONFERENCE CHURCH SCHOOL – CHRISTIAN EDUCATION CONVENTION, THEME: “KICKIN’ AME LOGIC”:
The Lexington District Church School and Christian Education Convention is scheduled for Friday, June 23 through Saturday, June 24, 2006. The host is St. Peter African Methodist Episcopal Church, 225 West Lexington Street, Harrodsburg, Kentucky 40330 (859) 734-9996. The Reverend Ralph Boyd Smith is the host pastor.
Friday evening worship service shall be at St. Peter, while Saturday classes will be held at the Harrodsburg High School, 441 East Lexington Street, Harrodsburg, Kentucky (859-734-8420). Classes will be available for clergy, laity and youth. Everyone is encouraged to attend and be a part of history as we share in God’s joy. In addition to receiving instruction and inspiration, this will be an opportunity for us to fellowship and worship our Lord. Let us come together and praise Him from whom all blessings flow. Attire for the convention will be casual. All youth are to dress in regular school apparel.
Accommodations have been made at the Country Hearth Inn, 105 Commercial Drive, Harrodsburg, Kentucky (859-734-2400). Single rate of $51.00 plus tax, and $59.00 plus tax for doubles. A Jacuzzi Suite for $85.00 plus tax (includes king size bed and sofa sleeper).
“The Annual Afternoon at the Apollo” will be held again this year where youths from each church can showcase their talents. Presentations by youth groups shall include one or each of the following; singing, playing of musical instruments, dramatic rendition, or a liturgical dance. Judges will be persons who have no connection with our denomination. There will be monetary prizes for the winners who will go on to represent the Lexington District at the Christian Education Leadership Congress in July.
Registration for this event is free and open to all. Lunch on Saturday will be provided for all at no cost. Each church in the district is to send or bring your assessment to the Presiding Elder to offset the cost of this meeting. Our special guest for this event is The Reverend C. Robert Finch, presiding elder in the West Tennessee Conference.
In Christian Fellowship,
Sister Susie Bates
Kentucky Conference Director of Christian Education
Reverend Ralph E. Johnson
Presiding Elder of the Kentucky Conference-Lexington District
Submitted by Exhorter Doris Coffey
6. MEMBERS OF CONGRESS HEAD HOME FOR A WEEKLONG RECESS -- AND THEY NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF RENEWING THE VOTING RIGHTS ACT!:
May 26, 2006 -- The movement to renew the Voting Rights Act -- and H.R.9 / S.2703, the bipartisan bill to ensure that this cornerstone civil rights law is renewed and restored -- has gained considerable momentum in recent weeks. The Senate and House adjourn today for Memorial Day recess, with many senators and representatives returning to their home states until June 5. It is critical that the House and Senate quickly enact H.R.9/S.2703 when they return to Washington in June -- and it is important that they hear this from you when they are home next week!
7. THE YOUNG PEOPLE’S CORNER – YPD WEBSITE CREATED FOR CLARKSVILLE, TENNESSEE CHURCH BY A LICENTIATE:
I greet you in the matchless name of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ. I am asking that you take the time to visit our Young People and Children’s Division (YPD) Website.
Creating a web site was one of the goals that we set for this Conference year. We were able to meet this, and other goals.
Please browse our Website and enjoy yourselves while you are there and please remember to sign the guest book before you leave.
Click on the link, http://www.ourchurch.com/view/?pageID=277240 and have a good time in the LORD as you visit our Website.
Please keep us in your prayers as we go forth taking the Word and Will of God.
Our Church is located at 131 Edmondson Ferry Road, Clarksville, TN 37040, phone: 931.648.0881
God Bless,
Licentiate Benessa K. Perkins-Sweat
Ebenezer A.M.E Church, Clarksville, Tennessee
YPD Advisor
8. THE YOUNG PEOPLE’S CORNER - 2006 NBA SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM:
Description: Interested in working for the NBA? The National Basketball Association is interesting in hiring students for their 2006 Summer Internship Program. Students must meet the following criteria:
Class - Junior or SeniorGPA - 3.0 or aboveMajors: Communications, Marketing, Advertising, or General Business.
The internship will be located in New York City for 10-weeks beginning June 5 and ending August 11.
End Date: 6/3/2006
Concentration/Major: Business Administration, Communication Arts, Communication, Marketing
Location: Northeast (MN, NH, VT, MA, CT, RI, NY, NJ, PA) Employer: National Basketball Association (NBA) Contact: Roger D. Lord, (212-573-8548) rlord@tmsf.org
Lester Jackson
Submitted by 13TH Episcopal District Supervisor Stan McKenzie
9. EVERY WOMAN MEDITATIONS FOR INSPIRING BEAUTY IN WOMEN:
*Rev. Maxine L. Thomas,
Independent Beauty Consultant
“Embrace Peace”
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee.” (Isaiah 26:3)
There is so much unrest within the world today. There is the threat of national and world terrorism… the war in Iraq continues… there are drug wars and wars against the fabric of human morality. There are wars on our city streets as drive by shootings continues to claim the lives of our children. Some woman lives through world war “I stopped counting” each time she is faced with a slap, kick or punch from the man who beats her and then treats her to cards, candy and flowers.
There is unrest in our churches as pastors vent from the pulpit and pew members persist in a diet of roasted pastor as a part of their Sunday afternoon meal.
Have you ever been through one trial after another? As soon as you thought you were beginning to see the dawn of day, here comes another wind of despair or wave of disappointment.
But, God says to us in our moments of hopelessly and moments of doubt, indeed, there is peace in the valley. Sis, we are not always going to be on the mountain top; for every now and then, we are going to have some valley experiences.
It is a valley experience when the friend you trusted with all of your secrets puts your stuff out in the street. It is a valley experience when you have spent your last dime and you do not know how you are going to pay your bills. It is a valley experience when the doctor tells you there is nothing else that he/she can do for you. It is a valley experience when you find out that the man who pledged his faithfulness to you is doing all of his plowing in somebody else’ field. It is a valley experience when you have to say good-bye to the dearest one on earth to you. It is a valley experience when the child you raised up in the church goes out into the world and decides he wants to do his own thing.
The Bible says, Man that is born of a woman is but of a few day, and those are full of trouble. In this life, ye will have tribulations, but the Lord delivers us out of them all. Aren’t you glad that "trouble don’t last always"?
In the midst of your disappointment and grief, I dare you to grab a hold of God’s Word. He wants to turn your sorrow to joy. He wants to turn your midnight into day. I want to let a sister know that God will give you beauty for your ashes. God will dry all of your tears away. I dare you to, "Just praise God right now." Right now!
And, the Bible says, "God will keep you in perfect peace." This promise, however, is not without a condition. Some folk want peace, yet they continue to pursue strife. How are you going to have peace in your marriage if you are always sowing seeds of discord? When is the last time you said, Holy Ghost… I know you gave me utterance to speak in tongues… I sure ‘nough felt your power when I got my praise on Sunday morning… but Lord, I need you to give me the power to keep my mouth shut! I dare you to pursue peace in your marriage and in your relationships by asking God to give you the power to shut up!
If you want to have peace, you must learn how to meditate upon peaceful thoughts. Girlfriend, embrace God’s peace. Meditate on the Word of God. Allow God’s Word to saturate your mind, your heart, and soak out the guilt, the shame, the fear and the mistrust. Sis, you cannot stop a bird from landing on your hair, but you don’t have to let it stay there and make a nest. The next time you get a thought that tells you that you are not going to make it… that it’s all over… that nobody loves you and nobody cares, I dare you to take authority over that thought, cast it down and out, and replace it with a God thought. Sis, embrace peace!
God thoughts come easily when you have regular personal devotions… times of reading and reflecting upon the Word of God and praying to Him in secret. God thoughts are thoughts that bring peace and not distress. In a world where there is constant unrest and turmoil, my sister, God thoughts will keep you in perfect peace. Take the pressure off and put the promise on! Embrace His peace.
*Rev. Maxine L. Thomas is the Connectional Director of Ministries for Women (Dept of Church Growth and Development for the AMEC), the First Lady/Asst. Pastor at Morris Brown AME in Philadelphia, PA, the Editor of the First District Flame Newspaper, the Executive Director/Founder of Sisters Keeping the Covenant, a former TV talk show host and radio personality, a Christian author, and an Independent Beauty Consultant for Mary Kay.
Remember, “With God, nothing shall be impossible unto you.”
10. THE PASTOR’S CORNER - THE ABUNDANT LIFE – A SANCTIFIED LIFE:
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God. (Romans 1: 1)
Truly abundant living can be achieved only when one is set apart from anything that is contrary to the perfect (complete) will of God and set apart to God’s sacred purpose for one’s life.
Paul describes himself as being set apart for the gospel of God. To be set apart for God is what it means to be sanctified. To be sanctified or set apart has two dimensions. The first is descriptive of being set apart for a sacred purpose. One of the persons attending Quinn’s mid-day Bible study couldn’t make the study and called the church office to ask that a copy of the outline to be used be set apart for him to get later that afternoon. His copy was separated from the others slated for distribution that day. In the same way, God wants to separate us from all others for His special purposes.
The other dimension of being sanctified relates to being set free from sin and purified. At the same Bible study, I recognized that one of the copies of the lesson to be distributed was blurred and illegible. I separated that particular copy from the others because it was not useful in fulfilling the purpose we were attempting to achieve. In the same way, God cleanses us of sin, destructive habits and negative attitudes so we can be useful in the building of His kingdom here on earth.
We’ve often heard how Jesus prayed to the Father that we would be “in the world but not of the world.” This phrase is taken from John 17: 14-15. I often wondered what this meant and how it could be. The Holy Spirit reminded me of a trip Corlis (my wife of now nearly 33 years) and I took to Europe. While there, we traveled to Paris. Because of exposure to the French language in South Louisiana, I knew just enough French to embarrass myself and insult others. It was obvious to everyone I spoke to I wasn’t French. My dress, language, behaviors, and attitude clearly identified me as an American in France.
We are citizens of the kingdom of God “sent into the world (John 17: 18).” Jesus said, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth (John 17: 17). The language of our kingdom is the word of God. “God Himself…sanctifies us through and through” (I Thessalonians 5: 23) so that our behaviors and attitudes clearly identify us as citizens of the kingdom of God. God then calls us to service in His kingdom (II Thessalonians 2: 15-16) a citizens in a foreign land.
It was at the Cross of Calvary that Jesus sanctified Himself so that we “too may be truly sanctified (John 17: 19).” Let us live our lives as set apart recipients of God’s boundless grace. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2: 8-10)
Love,
Pastor James Moody
Quinn Chapel, Chicago
11. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
Morgan Kelley Thigpen, granddaughter of General Officer, the Reverend Dr. Daryl Ingram, Executive Director of The Department of Christian Education, African Methodist Episcopal Church.Morgan Kelley Thigpen, born Saturday, May 13, 2006 at 7:15 AM, weighed in at 4 pounds 1 oz. and was 17 ¾ inches long. The proud parents are Dewayne and DeNee Thigpen.
The proud grandparents are Reverend Dr. Daryl and Mrs. Patricia Ingram.
12. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
Gilbert Harper, Jr. graduated from North Carolina A &T State University in Greensboro, NC on Sat., May 13, 2006. Gilbert, Jr. is the son of Rev. Gilbert Harper, Sr., pastor of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in Roanoke, Virginia.
Quintessa Harper will be graduating from Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, VA on June 15, 2006. Quintessa is also the daughter of Rev. Gilbert Harper, Sr., pastor of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in Roanoke, Virginia.
Congratulatory messages can emailed to: Revgharp2@cs.com
13. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL:
Congratulatory Messages/Praise Reports received are compiled and posted by the Clergy Family Information Center on Friday of each week. Clergy Family Births, Graduations, Weddings and Wedding Anniversaries (25th, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th, 75th)
14. CONGRATULATIONS FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Christian Recorder staff wishes to extend our congratulatory message to all of those celebrating the blessings of God.
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We announce the passing on Monday May 22, 2006 of Mrs. Mary Louise Stuart, sister of the Rev. H. Charles Farris, Presiding Elder of the Phoenix- Albuquerque District, Desert/Mountain Conference, 5th Episcopal District.
Service Arrangements for Mrs. Mary Louise Stuart:
Funeral
Friday, May 26, 2006
10:00 AM
First AME Church
1111 North 8th St.
Kansas City, KS 66101
913-371-2805 Phone
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Presiding Elder and Mrs. H. Charles Farris & Family
5742 S. Quemoy Circle
Centennial, CO 80015
720-841-3127 Phone
Email: crjfarris@yahoo.com
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mr. Ellis Copeland, father of Mrs. Arleasia Redding (and father of Reverend Nathaniel Copeland, Pastor in the East Alabama Conference at Nichols Chapel A.M.E. Church, Phenix City, Alabama) went to be with the Lord on May 18, 2006. Mrs. Arleasia Redding is the spouse of the Reverend James Redding, Pastor of Hines Chapel A.M.E. Church, Dothan, Alabama.
Words of comfort may be sent to:
The Reverend and Mrs. James Redding
Post Office Box 151
Clio, Alabama 36017
(334) 397-4087
This notice is being sent on the behalf of Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, Presiding Prelate of the Ninth Episcopal District.
Submitted By:
The Reverend David E. Reddick
Presiding Elder, Dothan-Eufaula District
South Alabama Conference
Email: Sam.Surfer@centurytel.net
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The passing of Mr. Charles Bennet, brother of Reverend Deloris Prioleau, pastor of Cornerstone AME Church in Washington, DC / Treasurer of the Connectional Women in Ministry.
Funeral Arrangements for Mr. Charles Bennet: Friday May 26, 2006
Wake: 10:00 AM
Funeral 11:00 AM
Ward Memorial AME Church
241 42nd Street
N.E. Washington, DC 20019
202-398-3899 Phone
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Reverend Deloris Prioleau & Family
12125 Long Ridge Lane
Bowie, MD 20715
301-464-8084 Phone
Email condolences to:
RevDeeABP@msn.com
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The passing of Mrs. Sally Bennett, grandmother of the Rev. Barbara Taylor, associate minister, Cornerstone AME Church, Washington, DC.
Funeral Arrangements for Mrs. Sally Bennett:
Friday, May 26, 2006
3:00 PM
Henry Grove Baptist Church
Wadesboro, NC
Professional services entrusted to:
Smith Funeral Home
604 Salisbury Rd
Wadesboro, NC 28170
Phone: (704) 694-4121
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. Barbara Taylor
11714 Critton Circle
Woodbridge, VA 22192
703-492-1268 Phone
Please remember these families in your prayers.
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: The Right Reverend Cornal Garnett Henning, SrPresiding Bishop, 8th Episcopal DistrictAfrican Methodist Episcopal Church
The Rev. Walter D. Parks, Jr., spouse of Supervisor Yvonne Henning Parks passed on Thursday morning, May 25, 2006. He is the father of Walter D. Parks, III, the Rev. Kevin E. Parks (Armintry) and Pamela Parks Bowman (Anthony), Brother-in-law of Bishop C. Garnett Henning and Presiding Elder E. Anne Byfield.
Funeral Arrangements for Rev. Walter D. Parks
Homegoing Service will be:
Visitation - Sunday 5 pm - 7 pm
(Haywood Funeral Home)
Monday, JUNE 5, 2005 at 12:00 Noon (Visitation 11:00 AM)
St. Paul A.M.E. Church
402 Edenton Street
Raleigh, North Carolina 27603
(919) 832-2709
The Rev. G. L. Edmond, Pastor.
Funeral Home:
Haywood Funeral Home
2414 S. Wilmington Street
Raleigh, North Carolina 27603
(919) 832-2835
Contact:
Supervisor Yvonne Henning Parks
418 Aqua Marine Lane
Knightdale, North Carolina 27545
(919) 261-8733 (home)
Email- Mslady3x@aol.com
Walter Parks, III
(919) 961-7404
Email: WaltP3@aol.com
The Rev. Kevin Parks
(330) 394-5875 (h)
(330) 883-6193) cell
Email: rparks2@neo.rr.com
Pamela Bowman (919) 210-7756
e-mail: Gochibears1@aol.com
Contact Information
Yvonne Parks- (919) 261-8733;
e-mail: mslady3x@aol.com
Mr. Walter Parks, USA
(919)744-4079;
Email: WaltP3@aol.com
The Rev. Kevin E. Parks
(330) 883-6193 (mobile)
Email rparks2@neo.rr.com
Pamela Bowman (919)
210 7756 Mobile
Email: Gochibears1@aol.com
Cornal Garnett Henning, Sr.
Presiding Bishop, 8th Episcopal District
Office:
2138 Saint Bernard Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 948-4251
Email: lanroc@aol.co
Please remember the family in your prayers
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action Clergy Family Information Center
Ora L. EasleyEmail: Amespouses1@aol.comPhone: (615) 837-9736Fax: (615) 833-3781Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936Cell: (615) 403-7751
21. 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
Archive of The Christian Recorder Online from 2004-2016; Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
5/24/2006
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (5/24/06)
Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
Editor’s note – I will complete the article about the Georgia – North Conference and Dr. Johnny Barbour’s Ordination Message in the next issue. I hope to have the names of the person ordained before finishing the article.
1. THE GLOBAL CORNER- “IT IS ENOUGH; WE MUST SPEAK UP”:
*The Rev Motsamai Modibedi
Greetings in the matchless Name of our Lord Christ Jesus.
I am one of the persons serving in the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme for Palestine and Israel, a programme led by the World Council of Churches. I am assigned in Jerusalem and I feel greatly honoured by the South African Council of Churches in selecting me to participate in this programme.
Allow me to share with the global members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church the unbelievable things I have experienced.
A replica of apartheid as experienced by South Africans is currently happening in this part of the globe and it is demonstrated in the relationship of the Palestinians and the State of Israel. I am here to accompany Palestinians and Israelis who are struggling to end the occupation of the Palestinian territory by Jewish settlers.
Since my arrival here, I have been consistently shocked by what I have observed.
Since Hamas won Palestinian elections, misery and hopelessness prevails and had become the order of the day for the Palestinians. Hamas has denounced Israel as a sovereign entity of United States and its allies. The United States called upon its allies to withhold funds from the Palestinians and the U.S. allies have done so by cutting off financial grants to the Palestinians. As a result, the public servants in Palestine have been without salaries for almost three months. Provision of such basic services as, security, health, education, and other services are now threatened.
The construction of the wall by Israel does not honour the United Nations’ border between Israel and Palestine. The wall, in reality, is blatantly takes land from the Palestinians. This impact negatively on Palestinians because the Palestinians who work in Israel find it difficult to go to work because of check-points and some of them find themselves completely trapped in a Bantustan type of situation by sadly denying families and relatives the right to interact with one another.
Jerusalem is now becoming a contentious issue with the emerging Jewish settlements in East Jerusalem, a Palestinian territory.
The number of Palestinian Christians has significantly decreased. I learned that many of the Christians had chosen to leave the area. People are required to carry permits like dompass, as we had to do under the old apartheid regime in South Africa. Most of them are denied access at checkpoints.
The African Methodist Episcopal Church needs to speak up loudly and forcibly against this barbaric behavior and most particularly against the United States government.
I am pleading to every member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church to become involved and raise the conscientiousness the world to this evil situation and to advocate for both Palestinians and concerned Israeli citizens.
I hope to communicate further in the near future.
I am, Sudoku
* The Rev Motsamai Modibedi is the pastor of Ebenezer A.M.E Church, Pretoria, South Africa
2. TENNESSEE PASTOR GRADUATES FROM THE PRESTIGIOUS LEADERSHIP MIDDLE TENNESSEE (LMT):
The Reverend Charlotte Ann Blake Sydnor, pastor of Shorter Chapel AME Church, Franklin, Tennessee graduated from the prestigious Leadership Middle Tennessee (LMT) program on Wednesday, May 17, 2006. Reverend Sydnor graduated with the sixth class that has gone through the program. The graduation ceremony was held at the Leow’s Vanderbilt Hotel, Nashville, Tennessee.
Leadership Middle Tennessee is a regional leadership institute that was founded in 1999 as a result of the regional partnerships initiative. The initiative was founded in 1994 under the leadership of Jerry Benefield of Nissan Corporation in direct response to the "lack of a regional agenda."
The rigorous and competitive selection to the LMT program is based upon leadership achievements and potential to contribute to the development of a region. At least one participant is selected from one of the ten counties involved in the program. Class presentations focused upon diversity, education, healthcare, housing, legislation, and transportation.
Reverend Sydnor has been the pastor of Shorter Chapel AME Church since October 2004. The Right Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie appointed her to Shorter Chapel.
Prior to moving to Tennessee, Reverend Sydnor pastored in the Second Episcopal District at Holly Grove AME Church in Windsor, Virginia. She received her first pastoral appointment from the Right Reverend Vinton R. Anderson.
Reverend Sydnor holds a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Sociology from Fayetteville State University (Fayetteville, North Carolina), a Master of Arts in Religious Studies from Central Baptist Seminary (Kansas City, Kansas) and a Master of Divinity Degree from Wesley Theological Seminary (Washington, DC). She graduated with honors from Fayetteville State, Central Baptist and Wesley Theological Seminary. She has taken post-graduate studies at the Baylor University School of Religion in Biblical Studies and Historical Theology and Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Marriage and Family.
Reverend Sydnor has held positions as, Director of the Hampton University Student Counseling Center, Chaplain of Veterans Administration Hospital in Hampton, Virginia, Director of the Wesley Foundation and Campus Ministry at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, and Director of the Learning Center, Paul Quinn College, 1987. She has taught at Hampton University, Chicago City College, Big Ben Community College, Anchorage Community College, Paul Quinn College and Central Texas University. She taught speech, sociology, world religions, humanities was professor of sociology
Reverend Sydnor is married to the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder.
The Reverend Charlotte Sydnor's email address: chsydnor@aol.com
3. 2006 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION OF A REMARKABLE YOUNG A.M.E. STUDENT:
Courtenay Ruth Paris is the daughter of the Rev. Alton E. Paris and Mrs. Sara Paris of Grandview, Texas.
Miss Paris has earned a number of academic, music, and leadership distinctions during her high school career. She is the valedictorian of her Grandview High School class, president of the choir, and treasurer of the National Honor Society at Grandview High School.
In addition, she has earned the following honors: University Interscholastic League (UIL) Accounting - 1st at District, 1st at Region, 5th at State, UIL Music - Vocal Performance Solo - named "Outstanding Performer" at State (2005).
Ruth also received the Grandview High School Class Awards and was the top student in, Accounting II, Advanced Placement Biology, Concurrent Credit English IV, Choir, and Physical Education. She was also presented with the National School Choral Award.
Miss Paris sang in the American Choral Directors Association National High School Honor Choir last year in Los Angeles, California, as well as in Southwest Region Honor Choirs in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Little Rock, Arkansas; and St. Louis, Missouri.
Miss Paris plays piano for the worship services at Bethel A.M.E. Church, Grandview, TX, where the Rev. Joan Nickerson is the pastor. She also the worship musician for the Ascension Lutheran Church, Cleburne, Texas where the, Rev. Joseph Ardy is the pastor. She occasionally plays for Macedonia A.M.E. Church, Kaufman, TX, where her father, the Rev. Alton Paris is the pastor.
In addition to all of her other activities, Ruth also tutors high school students in math.
Miss Paris will be attending Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas where she will pursue a double major in vocal performance and accounting.
Submitted by Sara Paris
4. "MT. ZION AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH":
Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, formerly located in Odenton, Maryland, has been blessed to find a new home at 911 Reece Road in Severn, Maryland.
The first worship service was held Sunday, February 26, 2006.
On April 2, 2006, the Service of Consecration was held and the Right Reverend Adam Jefferson Richardson was the chief celebrant and preacher.
The Reverend Etoria V. Goggins, the pastor of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, previously served on the ministerial staff at Hemingway Memorial A.M.E. Church in District Heights, Maryland under the pastorate of the Rev. Dr. William Robert Porter. Reverend Goggins was appointed to Mt. Zion in April 2005. The church has continued to grow spiritually with an increase in saved members and an abundance of talents and gifts.
Under Reverend Goggins’ leadership and vision, “Conditions are Right…It’s Harvest Time” has become the theme and mission for the church.
Sunday Church School is at 9:30 a.m. and worship services are held every Sunday at 11:00 a.m. Mt. Zion sees as its mission to minister to the local neighborhoods surrounding the Severn and Ft Meade communities.
Everyone is invited to come out and celebrate what God is doing in our midst.
For more information and directions to the church, call (410) 519-5878 or (301) 423-8266.
Those who trust in the Lord shall be as Mt. Zion, which cannot be shaken, but endures forever. Psalm 125:1
Submitted by Sister Marion Rucker
5. THE FIRST LECTURE IN A SERIES ON FAITH AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT:
The first lecture in a series on faith and civic engagement will be held on June 1, 2006, 7:00 PM at the Lincoln Memorial United Church of Christ, 4126 Arlington Avenue, Los Angeles.
The speaker will be the Rev. Dr. J. Alfred Smith, is senior pastor of Allen Temple Baptist Church in Oakland and is author of On the Jericho Road. He is a longtime activist, whose social justice work has included the formation of Allen Temple Development Corporation, which provides housing and services for seniors. Dr. Smith is the recipient of numerous civic and humanitarian awards and has been recognized as one of Ebony Magazine’s Most Influential Black Americans.
Co-sponsors for the event are the Southern California AME Ministerial Alliance, Nehemiah Ministries Inc., the Los Angeles Metropolitan Churches, Baptist Ministers Conference, California State Progressive National Baptist Convention, Metropolitan District Association, and Fuller Theological Seminary — African American Church Studies Program.
The next public lecture, June 15, 2006, will feature Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright and the Rev. Earl Trent Jr. The lecture and the USC Passing the Mantle Clergy and Lay Leadership Institute are made possible by a grant from The James Irvine Foundation.
For additional information, please call the USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture at 213.740.8562 or email the Rev. Mark Whitlock at ptm@usc.edu or visit www.usc.edu/crcc.
6. “BACK PEW BUSHWHACKERS” AND “UNDERCOVER UNDERMINERS”:
*The Reverend Charles R. Watkins, Jr. B.S., M.Div.
I know that “back pew bushwhackers” and “undercover underminers” may sit anywhere in the church during the worship services. They are, not by design, seated throughout the sanctuary. They sit anywhere, from the back of the sanctuary to the front row, and even in the choir and sometimes in the pulpit.
If you were to take a poll, they would be labeled as “dutiful and faithful servants.” They are usually present whenever the church doors are open. They are the self-proclaimed “backbones” of our churches. They, as their testimony might assert, undergird all that the church is, and all that the church hopes to be. They, thank God that they can be counted on to be regular tithers. On the surface, they appear to posses all the attributes of the perfect member. They are immaculate in their outward attire and very astute in their knowledge of “how the church should operate.” How fortunate, they believe, the church is to have them as members and leaders.
However, a closer look reveals their more prominent position as “back-pew bushwhackers” and “undercover underminers.”
My description of them might not be standard words in the ecclesiastical lexicon, but I am lamentably certain that these people, all too often, are influential in many our churches. Many times, they have a hand in deciding who participates in what. They think very highly of their “expert” opinions as it relates to the worship experience. They are very vocal about what goes in the church, what musician plays, how loudly the music should be, and what hymns should be selected.
It has been my experience that these folks think that they have expertise in what color the walls of the sanctuary should be. There is very little that goes on in and around the church that these folk do not know about. There is hardly anything that happens, or does not happen in the church that they do not in some way or another influence the outcome.
The journey they are on is a mission and that mission is the very thing that sustains them. It is a responsibility, they believe, no one else can, or will take on. Certainly, they are sure, that without their input, the church and its ministries will fail. I describe them as the “back pew bushwhackers” and “undercover underminers.”
The amazing thing is that you would be hard-pressed to find out just how they achieved their positions of power and influence. It might be assumed that their power and influence was bestowed upon them in reverence to the unselfish amount of time they give to the church.
It is quite possible that their power and influence came as a result of their generous financial support of the church. Some of their influence might be inherited from their parents and influential family members who have, for generations, controlled the business of the church.
No matter how they achieve their status in the church, some of these folks function as, “back pew bushwhackers” and “undercover underminers” in the church’s mission and ministries.
Many times pastors and laity are very aware of the fact that we have among our “body of faith” folks who use their power to influence the direction of the mission and the work of the ministries the church.
Normally, one would expect that the leadership, both ministerial and lay, would not put up with the deviant behaviors of the “back pew bushwhackers” and “undercover underminers,” but too often they are tolerated and sometimes encouraged because of their financial support and because of the influence they have over so many folk in the church.
Do you remember the old school yard confrontations when someone had the courage to stand up to the school bully? Their honor was at stake and whether they lost of won, the statement they were making was, “enough was enough.” Win, lose or draw, usually, the bully would not confront that person again.
Church members have to ask, as it relates to the church, do we feel that “enough is enough?” Are we sick and tired of being “bushwhacked” and “undermined”? Have we finally decided that we have had enough of just trying to avoid confrontation? Are we tired frustrated of just trying to keep the peace? Have we had enough of the “back pew bushwhackers and undercover underminers” bad- mouthing the preachers and the ministry of the church?
I have heard Bishop Preston Warren Williams II say repeatedly, “God has a greater stake in this ministry than we do.”
I am convinced that men and women of God, who are truly called of God and know it, do not care, nor do the “back pew bushwhackers and undercover underminers” influence them.
Men and women of God understand that Christ-centered ministry is a mission from God. Men and women on a mission from God have an agenda that is far from the evil intentions and the small-minded political motivations of the “back pew bushwhackers and undercover underminers.”
Men and women of God understand that the “Great Commission” is the most important work that we can do and that no one and nothing should stand in the way of what God has called us to do.
Men and women called to do God’s work in whatever capacity, i.e., as Stewards, Trustees, Church School Superintendents, musicians, choir leaders and members truly believe that God has entrusted us with an important mission and those whom God calls, God equips.
Men and women called to do God’s work are on a divine journey and we must understand that we are traveling with God’s promise.
The time is now to confront the “back pew bushwhackers and the undercover underminers.” And, in confronting them, we must continue to love them and to pray for them. Sometimes the face-off requires that we be prepared for a “fight” and confrontation may bring out the bad before we see the good.
As we prepare for the challenge, we must continue to pray fervently. We must pray that God would continue to “prick the hearts” of those who “bushwhack” or “undermine” God’s ministry.
We who have accepted the call to serve must always remember dedicated service is a critical commitment. More importantly, we must be constantly aware of the fact that the approval we seek is not from men and women; the approval we seek, comes from God.
*The Rev. Charles R. Watkins is the pastor of Friendship A.M.E. Church, Clinton South Carolina and serves in the Greenville District under the capable leadership of Presiding Elder Jonathan Jerome Baker. The Right Reverend Preston Warren Williams, II is the presiding bishop of the Seventh Episcopal District.
7. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
Presiding Elder Kenneth Hill, Chattanooga District - East Tennessee Conference - 13th Episcopal District, Dr. Roberta Hill, and Ms. Linda James are happy to announce the upcoming marriage of their son the Rev. Kamasi K. Hill, pastor Robert Thomas AME Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to the Rev. Diane A. Bogues, assistant pastor Greater Institutional AME Church in Chicago, Illinois on Saturday, May 27, 2006 at Coppin Memorial AME Church in Chicago, Illinois.
8. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
Karen Green Irving, daughter of Dr. Edith Green-Altheimer and. the late Rev. Milton Green (5th District) received her B.A. in Social Work from Concordia University -Portland, OR on May 6, 2006. Karen will be entering the Master of Social Work Program at Portland State University in August.
Congratulatory email messages: Edith.Altheimer@va.gov
9. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
Timothea Johnelle Cokley, daughter of the Rev. Timothy and Mrs. Cynthia Cokley, will receive her Master of Education Degree in Elementary Education from Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, North Carolina, on Saturday, May 13, 2006, 10:00 AM. Rev. Cokley is the pastor of Emmanuel AMEC, Columbia, S.C., Seventh Episcopal District.
Timothea is completing her third year as a second grade teacher in the Cumberland County (NC) school system. Timothea is a third generation teacher.
Congratulations may be mailed to:
4202 Sandwood Drive
Columbia, SC 29206
or
e-mail address: ctt5@aol.com
10. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
Brittany Jonette Williams, daughter of the Rev. Wayne A. Johnson, Sr. & Mrs. Fredia A. Hanley-Johnson (President of Conn-M-SWAWO Plus PK's) graduated on Sunday, May 14, 2006 from Duke University, Durham, NC with a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and also received her Certificate in Markets and Management.
Brittany has accepted a position as a Management Trainee with a marketing firm in Durham.
The Rev. Wayne A. Johnson, Sr., husband of Mrs. Fredia A. Hanley-Johnson will receive his Master of Divinity degree on May 20, 2006 from New Brunswick Theological Seminary, New Brunswick, New Jersey.
Congratulatory messages may be sent to:
3 Michael Court
Dover, DE 19904
Or,
e-mail at Connmswawopk@aol.com
11. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
The Reverend Adunnola O. Waterman-French proudly announces her graduation from New York Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity Degree, as well as her ordination as an Itinerant Elder in the AME Church.
The Reverend Waterman-French is the daughter of the Reverend Millicent Waterman, former Episcopal Director of Christian Education of the Sixteenth District.
Congratulatory email messages: adiodi@rocketmail.com
12. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
Harriet Octavia Bennett, the daughter of the Rev. and Mrs. Hugh Bennett, recently graduated from the University of Oklahoma's College of Nursing, receiving recognition for exceptional performance in Clinical Nursing Practice and Student Leadership. Her father, Rev. Hugh Bennett, is the pastor of Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and her mother is Cordelia Bennett, Connectional Assistant Director of Keyboards for the Music and Christian Arts Ministry of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Congratulatory email messages: BennettKrazylala@aol.com
13. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
Presiding Elder Willis (Hattie) Huggins, Troy Ozark District - South Alabama Conference - 9th Episcopal District proudly announce the graduation of their daughter, Sherrell Huggins, from Alabama A & M University, Cum Laude, with a B.S. in Music Education on May 11, 2006.
She is also the sister of the 9th District Minister's Spouses President - Kimberly Marshall.
Congratulatory emails can be sent to: shuggins@comcast.net.
14. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
The Rev. Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt, pastor of Solomon Chapel AME Church in Cleveland, Mississippi recently received her Doctorate of Philosophy in Social Work from Jackson State University.
Congratulatory emails can be sent to: glenell1@aol.com
15. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!
Congratulatory Messages/Praise Reports received are compiled and posted by the Clergy Family Information Center on Friday of each week. Clergy Family Births, Graduations, Weddings and Wedding Anniversaries (25th, 50th, 75th).
16. CONGRATULATIONS FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Christian Recorder staff wishes to extend our congratulatory message to all of those celebrating the blessings of God.
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you that the Rev. Lamar T. Ellis passed. Rev. Ellis pastored faithfully throughout the Third Episcopal District until his retirement.
Arrangements:
Services will be Thursday, May 25, 2006
viewing 10:00-11:30 a.m. Homegoing Service at 11:30 a.m.
Quinn Chapel AME Church
10998 Southland Road
Cincinnati, Ohio 45240
The Rev. Dr. Fred Wright, Pastor
Bishop Robert V. Webster, Presiding Prelate
513-825-4900 Office
513-825-5349 Fax
Burial Service will be in the Veterans Administration Cemetery in Dayton, Ohio.
Condolences may be sent to:
The Ellis Family c/o Quinn Chapel AME Church
10998 Southland Road
Cincinnati, Ohio 45240
Please keep the family in prayer.
The Rev. Dr. Taylor T. Thompson, pastor,
St. John AME Church
Third District Brotherhood
Cleveland, Ohio
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Ninth Episcopal District, the Right Reverend T. Larry Kirkland, presiding prelate
Mr. Ellis Copeland went to be with the Lord on May 18, 2006. Mr. Copeland is the father of the Reverend Nathaniel Copeland, Pastor in the East Alabama Conference at Nichols Chapel A.M.E. Church, Phenix City, AL.
Homegoing Service:
Thursday, May 25, 2006
12:00 Noon
St. Peter A.M.E Church
P. O. Box 38
Clio, AL 36017
Ph. (334) 397-2544
Trawick's Funeral Home
1048 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue
Ozark, AL 36017
Ph. (334) 774-8374
Messages of Comfort may be sent to:
Mrs. Willie Merle Copeland & Family
P. O. Box 236Ariton, AL 36311-0236
Ph. (334) 397-2256
Or
The Rev. & Mrs. Nathaniel Copeland
710 Rodney Street
Phenix City, AL 36869
Ph. (334) 448-3411
Please remember the family in your prayers.
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action Clergy Family Information Center
Ora L. EasleyEmail: Amespouses1@aol.comPhone: (615) 837-9736Fax: (615) 833-3781Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936Cell: (615) 403-7751
20. 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 Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
Editor’s note – I will complete the article about the Georgia – North Conference and Dr. Johnny Barbour’s Ordination Message in the next issue. I hope to have the names of the person ordained before finishing the article.
1. THE GLOBAL CORNER- “IT IS ENOUGH; WE MUST SPEAK UP”:
*The Rev Motsamai Modibedi
Greetings in the matchless Name of our Lord Christ Jesus.
I am one of the persons serving in the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme for Palestine and Israel, a programme led by the World Council of Churches. I am assigned in Jerusalem and I feel greatly honoured by the South African Council of Churches in selecting me to participate in this programme.
Allow me to share with the global members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church the unbelievable things I have experienced.
A replica of apartheid as experienced by South Africans is currently happening in this part of the globe and it is demonstrated in the relationship of the Palestinians and the State of Israel. I am here to accompany Palestinians and Israelis who are struggling to end the occupation of the Palestinian territory by Jewish settlers.
Since my arrival here, I have been consistently shocked by what I have observed.
Since Hamas won Palestinian elections, misery and hopelessness prevails and had become the order of the day for the Palestinians. Hamas has denounced Israel as a sovereign entity of United States and its allies. The United States called upon its allies to withhold funds from the Palestinians and the U.S. allies have done so by cutting off financial grants to the Palestinians. As a result, the public servants in Palestine have been without salaries for almost three months. Provision of such basic services as, security, health, education, and other services are now threatened.
The construction of the wall by Israel does not honour the United Nations’ border between Israel and Palestine. The wall, in reality, is blatantly takes land from the Palestinians. This impact negatively on Palestinians because the Palestinians who work in Israel find it difficult to go to work because of check-points and some of them find themselves completely trapped in a Bantustan type of situation by sadly denying families and relatives the right to interact with one another.
Jerusalem is now becoming a contentious issue with the emerging Jewish settlements in East Jerusalem, a Palestinian territory.
The number of Palestinian Christians has significantly decreased. I learned that many of the Christians had chosen to leave the area. People are required to carry permits like dompass, as we had to do under the old apartheid regime in South Africa. Most of them are denied access at checkpoints.
The African Methodist Episcopal Church needs to speak up loudly and forcibly against this barbaric behavior and most particularly against the United States government.
I am pleading to every member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church to become involved and raise the conscientiousness the world to this evil situation and to advocate for both Palestinians and concerned Israeli citizens.
I hope to communicate further in the near future.
I am, Sudoku
* The Rev Motsamai Modibedi is the pastor of Ebenezer A.M.E Church, Pretoria, South Africa
2. TENNESSEE PASTOR GRADUATES FROM THE PRESTIGIOUS LEADERSHIP MIDDLE TENNESSEE (LMT):
The Reverend Charlotte Ann Blake Sydnor, pastor of Shorter Chapel AME Church, Franklin, Tennessee graduated from the prestigious Leadership Middle Tennessee (LMT) program on Wednesday, May 17, 2006. Reverend Sydnor graduated with the sixth class that has gone through the program. The graduation ceremony was held at the Leow’s Vanderbilt Hotel, Nashville, Tennessee.
Leadership Middle Tennessee is a regional leadership institute that was founded in 1999 as a result of the regional partnerships initiative. The initiative was founded in 1994 under the leadership of Jerry Benefield of Nissan Corporation in direct response to the "lack of a regional agenda."
The rigorous and competitive selection to the LMT program is based upon leadership achievements and potential to contribute to the development of a region. At least one participant is selected from one of the ten counties involved in the program. Class presentations focused upon diversity, education, healthcare, housing, legislation, and transportation.
Reverend Sydnor has been the pastor of Shorter Chapel AME Church since October 2004. The Right Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie appointed her to Shorter Chapel.
Prior to moving to Tennessee, Reverend Sydnor pastored in the Second Episcopal District at Holly Grove AME Church in Windsor, Virginia. She received her first pastoral appointment from the Right Reverend Vinton R. Anderson.
Reverend Sydnor holds a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Sociology from Fayetteville State University (Fayetteville, North Carolina), a Master of Arts in Religious Studies from Central Baptist Seminary (Kansas City, Kansas) and a Master of Divinity Degree from Wesley Theological Seminary (Washington, DC). She graduated with honors from Fayetteville State, Central Baptist and Wesley Theological Seminary. She has taken post-graduate studies at the Baylor University School of Religion in Biblical Studies and Historical Theology and Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Marriage and Family.
Reverend Sydnor has held positions as, Director of the Hampton University Student Counseling Center, Chaplain of Veterans Administration Hospital in Hampton, Virginia, Director of the Wesley Foundation and Campus Ministry at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, and Director of the Learning Center, Paul Quinn College, 1987. She has taught at Hampton University, Chicago City College, Big Ben Community College, Anchorage Community College, Paul Quinn College and Central Texas University. She taught speech, sociology, world religions, humanities was professor of sociology
Reverend Sydnor is married to the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder.
The Reverend Charlotte Sydnor's email address: chsydnor@aol.com
3. 2006 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION OF A REMARKABLE YOUNG A.M.E. STUDENT:
Courtenay Ruth Paris is the daughter of the Rev. Alton E. Paris and Mrs. Sara Paris of Grandview, Texas.
Miss Paris has earned a number of academic, music, and leadership distinctions during her high school career. She is the valedictorian of her Grandview High School class, president of the choir, and treasurer of the National Honor Society at Grandview High School.
In addition, she has earned the following honors: University Interscholastic League (UIL) Accounting - 1st at District, 1st at Region, 5th at State, UIL Music - Vocal Performance Solo - named "Outstanding Performer" at State (2005).
Ruth also received the Grandview High School Class Awards and was the top student in, Accounting II, Advanced Placement Biology, Concurrent Credit English IV, Choir, and Physical Education. She was also presented with the National School Choral Award.
Miss Paris sang in the American Choral Directors Association National High School Honor Choir last year in Los Angeles, California, as well as in Southwest Region Honor Choirs in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Little Rock, Arkansas; and St. Louis, Missouri.
Miss Paris plays piano for the worship services at Bethel A.M.E. Church, Grandview, TX, where the Rev. Joan Nickerson is the pastor. She also the worship musician for the Ascension Lutheran Church, Cleburne, Texas where the, Rev. Joseph Ardy is the pastor. She occasionally plays for Macedonia A.M.E. Church, Kaufman, TX, where her father, the Rev. Alton Paris is the pastor.
In addition to all of her other activities, Ruth also tutors high school students in math.
Miss Paris will be attending Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas where she will pursue a double major in vocal performance and accounting.
Submitted by Sara Paris
4. "MT. ZION AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH":
Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, formerly located in Odenton, Maryland, has been blessed to find a new home at 911 Reece Road in Severn, Maryland.
The first worship service was held Sunday, February 26, 2006.
On April 2, 2006, the Service of Consecration was held and the Right Reverend Adam Jefferson Richardson was the chief celebrant and preacher.
The Reverend Etoria V. Goggins, the pastor of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, previously served on the ministerial staff at Hemingway Memorial A.M.E. Church in District Heights, Maryland under the pastorate of the Rev. Dr. William Robert Porter. Reverend Goggins was appointed to Mt. Zion in April 2005. The church has continued to grow spiritually with an increase in saved members and an abundance of talents and gifts.
Under Reverend Goggins’ leadership and vision, “Conditions are Right…It’s Harvest Time” has become the theme and mission for the church.
Sunday Church School is at 9:30 a.m. and worship services are held every Sunday at 11:00 a.m. Mt. Zion sees as its mission to minister to the local neighborhoods surrounding the Severn and Ft Meade communities.
Everyone is invited to come out and celebrate what God is doing in our midst.
For more information and directions to the church, call (410) 519-5878 or (301) 423-8266.
Those who trust in the Lord shall be as Mt. Zion, which cannot be shaken, but endures forever. Psalm 125:1
Submitted by Sister Marion Rucker
5. THE FIRST LECTURE IN A SERIES ON FAITH AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT:
The first lecture in a series on faith and civic engagement will be held on June 1, 2006, 7:00 PM at the Lincoln Memorial United Church of Christ, 4126 Arlington Avenue, Los Angeles.
The speaker will be the Rev. Dr. J. Alfred Smith, is senior pastor of Allen Temple Baptist Church in Oakland and is author of On the Jericho Road. He is a longtime activist, whose social justice work has included the formation of Allen Temple Development Corporation, which provides housing and services for seniors. Dr. Smith is the recipient of numerous civic and humanitarian awards and has been recognized as one of Ebony Magazine’s Most Influential Black Americans.
Co-sponsors for the event are the Southern California AME Ministerial Alliance, Nehemiah Ministries Inc., the Los Angeles Metropolitan Churches, Baptist Ministers Conference, California State Progressive National Baptist Convention, Metropolitan District Association, and Fuller Theological Seminary — African American Church Studies Program.
The next public lecture, June 15, 2006, will feature Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright and the Rev. Earl Trent Jr. The lecture and the USC Passing the Mantle Clergy and Lay Leadership Institute are made possible by a grant from The James Irvine Foundation.
For additional information, please call the USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture at 213.740.8562 or email the Rev. Mark Whitlock at ptm@usc.edu or visit www.usc.edu/crcc.
6. “BACK PEW BUSHWHACKERS” AND “UNDERCOVER UNDERMINERS”:
*The Reverend Charles R. Watkins, Jr. B.S., M.Div.
I know that “back pew bushwhackers” and “undercover underminers” may sit anywhere in the church during the worship services. They are, not by design, seated throughout the sanctuary. They sit anywhere, from the back of the sanctuary to the front row, and even in the choir and sometimes in the pulpit.
If you were to take a poll, they would be labeled as “dutiful and faithful servants.” They are usually present whenever the church doors are open. They are the self-proclaimed “backbones” of our churches. They, as their testimony might assert, undergird all that the church is, and all that the church hopes to be. They, thank God that they can be counted on to be regular tithers. On the surface, they appear to posses all the attributes of the perfect member. They are immaculate in their outward attire and very astute in their knowledge of “how the church should operate.” How fortunate, they believe, the church is to have them as members and leaders.
However, a closer look reveals their more prominent position as “back-pew bushwhackers” and “undercover underminers.”
My description of them might not be standard words in the ecclesiastical lexicon, but I am lamentably certain that these people, all too often, are influential in many our churches. Many times, they have a hand in deciding who participates in what. They think very highly of their “expert” opinions as it relates to the worship experience. They are very vocal about what goes in the church, what musician plays, how loudly the music should be, and what hymns should be selected.
It has been my experience that these folks think that they have expertise in what color the walls of the sanctuary should be. There is very little that goes on in and around the church that these folk do not know about. There is hardly anything that happens, or does not happen in the church that they do not in some way or another influence the outcome.
The journey they are on is a mission and that mission is the very thing that sustains them. It is a responsibility, they believe, no one else can, or will take on. Certainly, they are sure, that without their input, the church and its ministries will fail. I describe them as the “back pew bushwhackers” and “undercover underminers.”
The amazing thing is that you would be hard-pressed to find out just how they achieved their positions of power and influence. It might be assumed that their power and influence was bestowed upon them in reverence to the unselfish amount of time they give to the church.
It is quite possible that their power and influence came as a result of their generous financial support of the church. Some of their influence might be inherited from their parents and influential family members who have, for generations, controlled the business of the church.
No matter how they achieve their status in the church, some of these folks function as, “back pew bushwhackers” and “undercover underminers” in the church’s mission and ministries.
Many times pastors and laity are very aware of the fact that we have among our “body of faith” folks who use their power to influence the direction of the mission and the work of the ministries the church.
Normally, one would expect that the leadership, both ministerial and lay, would not put up with the deviant behaviors of the “back pew bushwhackers” and “undercover underminers,” but too often they are tolerated and sometimes encouraged because of their financial support and because of the influence they have over so many folk in the church.
Do you remember the old school yard confrontations when someone had the courage to stand up to the school bully? Their honor was at stake and whether they lost of won, the statement they were making was, “enough was enough.” Win, lose or draw, usually, the bully would not confront that person again.
Church members have to ask, as it relates to the church, do we feel that “enough is enough?” Are we sick and tired of being “bushwhacked” and “undermined”? Have we finally decided that we have had enough of just trying to avoid confrontation? Are we tired frustrated of just trying to keep the peace? Have we had enough of the “back pew bushwhackers and undercover underminers” bad- mouthing the preachers and the ministry of the church?
I have heard Bishop Preston Warren Williams II say repeatedly, “God has a greater stake in this ministry than we do.”
I am convinced that men and women of God, who are truly called of God and know it, do not care, nor do the “back pew bushwhackers and undercover underminers” influence them.
Men and women of God understand that Christ-centered ministry is a mission from God. Men and women on a mission from God have an agenda that is far from the evil intentions and the small-minded political motivations of the “back pew bushwhackers and undercover underminers.”
Men and women of God understand that the “Great Commission” is the most important work that we can do and that no one and nothing should stand in the way of what God has called us to do.
Men and women called to do God’s work in whatever capacity, i.e., as Stewards, Trustees, Church School Superintendents, musicians, choir leaders and members truly believe that God has entrusted us with an important mission and those whom God calls, God equips.
Men and women called to do God’s work are on a divine journey and we must understand that we are traveling with God’s promise.
The time is now to confront the “back pew bushwhackers and the undercover underminers.” And, in confronting them, we must continue to love them and to pray for them. Sometimes the face-off requires that we be prepared for a “fight” and confrontation may bring out the bad before we see the good.
As we prepare for the challenge, we must continue to pray fervently. We must pray that God would continue to “prick the hearts” of those who “bushwhack” or “undermine” God’s ministry.
We who have accepted the call to serve must always remember dedicated service is a critical commitment. More importantly, we must be constantly aware of the fact that the approval we seek is not from men and women; the approval we seek, comes from God.
*The Rev. Charles R. Watkins is the pastor of Friendship A.M.E. Church, Clinton South Carolina and serves in the Greenville District under the capable leadership of Presiding Elder Jonathan Jerome Baker. The Right Reverend Preston Warren Williams, II is the presiding bishop of the Seventh Episcopal District.
7. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
Presiding Elder Kenneth Hill, Chattanooga District - East Tennessee Conference - 13th Episcopal District, Dr. Roberta Hill, and Ms. Linda James are happy to announce the upcoming marriage of their son the Rev. Kamasi K. Hill, pastor Robert Thomas AME Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to the Rev. Diane A. Bogues, assistant pastor Greater Institutional AME Church in Chicago, Illinois on Saturday, May 27, 2006 at Coppin Memorial AME Church in Chicago, Illinois.
8. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
Karen Green Irving, daughter of Dr. Edith Green-Altheimer and. the late Rev. Milton Green (5th District) received her B.A. in Social Work from Concordia University -Portland, OR on May 6, 2006. Karen will be entering the Master of Social Work Program at Portland State University in August.
Congratulatory email messages: Edith.Altheimer@va.gov
9. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
Timothea Johnelle Cokley, daughter of the Rev. Timothy and Mrs. Cynthia Cokley, will receive her Master of Education Degree in Elementary Education from Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, North Carolina, on Saturday, May 13, 2006, 10:00 AM. Rev. Cokley is the pastor of Emmanuel AMEC, Columbia, S.C., Seventh Episcopal District.
Timothea is completing her third year as a second grade teacher in the Cumberland County (NC) school system. Timothea is a third generation teacher.
Congratulations may be mailed to:
4202 Sandwood Drive
Columbia, SC 29206
or
e-mail address: ctt5@aol.com
10. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
Brittany Jonette Williams, daughter of the Rev. Wayne A. Johnson, Sr. & Mrs. Fredia A. Hanley-Johnson (President of Conn-M-SWAWO Plus PK's) graduated on Sunday, May 14, 2006 from Duke University, Durham, NC with a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and also received her Certificate in Markets and Management.
Brittany has accepted a position as a Management Trainee with a marketing firm in Durham.
The Rev. Wayne A. Johnson, Sr., husband of Mrs. Fredia A. Hanley-Johnson will receive his Master of Divinity degree on May 20, 2006 from New Brunswick Theological Seminary, New Brunswick, New Jersey.
Congratulatory messages may be sent to:
3 Michael Court
Dover, DE 19904
Or,
e-mail at Connmswawopk@aol.com
11. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
The Reverend Adunnola O. Waterman-French proudly announces her graduation from New York Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity Degree, as well as her ordination as an Itinerant Elder in the AME Church.
The Reverend Waterman-French is the daughter of the Reverend Millicent Waterman, former Episcopal Director of Christian Education of the Sixteenth District.
Congratulatory email messages: adiodi@rocketmail.com
12. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
Harriet Octavia Bennett, the daughter of the Rev. and Mrs. Hugh Bennett, recently graduated from the University of Oklahoma's College of Nursing, receiving recognition for exceptional performance in Clinical Nursing Practice and Student Leadership. Her father, Rev. Hugh Bennett, is the pastor of Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and her mother is Cordelia Bennett, Connectional Assistant Director of Keyboards for the Music and Christian Arts Ministry of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Congratulatory email messages: BennettKrazylala@aol.com
13. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
Presiding Elder Willis (Hattie) Huggins, Troy Ozark District - South Alabama Conference - 9th Episcopal District proudly announce the graduation of their daughter, Sherrell Huggins, from Alabama A & M University, Cum Laude, with a B.S. in Music Education on May 11, 2006.
She is also the sister of the 9th District Minister's Spouses President - Kimberly Marshall.
Congratulatory emails can be sent to: shuggins@comcast.net.
14. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
The Rev. Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt, pastor of Solomon Chapel AME Church in Cleveland, Mississippi recently received her Doctorate of Philosophy in Social Work from Jackson State University.
Congratulatory emails can be sent to: glenell1@aol.com
15. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!
Congratulatory Messages/Praise Reports received are compiled and posted by the Clergy Family Information Center on Friday of each week. Clergy Family Births, Graduations, Weddings and Wedding Anniversaries (25th, 50th, 75th).
16. CONGRATULATIONS FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Christian Recorder staff wishes to extend our congratulatory message to all of those celebrating the blessings of God.
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you that the Rev. Lamar T. Ellis passed. Rev. Ellis pastored faithfully throughout the Third Episcopal District until his retirement.
Arrangements:
Services will be Thursday, May 25, 2006
viewing 10:00-11:30 a.m. Homegoing Service at 11:30 a.m.
Quinn Chapel AME Church
10998 Southland Road
Cincinnati, Ohio 45240
The Rev. Dr. Fred Wright, Pastor
Bishop Robert V. Webster, Presiding Prelate
513-825-4900 Office
513-825-5349 Fax
Burial Service will be in the Veterans Administration Cemetery in Dayton, Ohio.
Condolences may be sent to:
The Ellis Family c/o Quinn Chapel AME Church
10998 Southland Road
Cincinnati, Ohio 45240
Please keep the family in prayer.
The Rev. Dr. Taylor T. Thompson, pastor,
St. John AME Church
Third District Brotherhood
Cleveland, Ohio
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Ninth Episcopal District, the Right Reverend T. Larry Kirkland, presiding prelate
Mr. Ellis Copeland went to be with the Lord on May 18, 2006. Mr. Copeland is the father of the Reverend Nathaniel Copeland, Pastor in the East Alabama Conference at Nichols Chapel A.M.E. Church, Phenix City, AL.
Homegoing Service:
Thursday, May 25, 2006
12:00 Noon
St. Peter A.M.E Church
P. O. Box 38
Clio, AL 36017
Ph. (334) 397-2544
Trawick's Funeral Home
1048 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue
Ozark, AL 36017
Ph. (334) 774-8374
Messages of Comfort may be sent to:
Mrs. Willie Merle Copeland & Family
P. O. Box 236Ariton, AL 36311-0236
Ph. (334) 397-2256
Or
The Rev. & Mrs. Nathaniel Copeland
710 Rodney Street
Phenix City, AL 36869
Ph. (334) 448-3411
Please remember the family in your prayers.
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action Clergy Family Information Center
Ora L. EasleyEmail: Amespouses1@aol.comPhone: (615) 837-9736Fax: (615) 833-3781Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936Cell: (615) 403-7751
20. 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
