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. EDITORIAL – WE ALL NEED A SABBATH REST, ESPECIALLY WHEN WE ATTEND AME MEETINGS:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
This summer is a busy time for members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church; and it will be a busy time for AMEs up to the 2008 General Conference.
For a complete listing of events and happenings around the AME Church, to including all annual conference dates, visit the Official AME Website: http://www.ame-church.com/
Events:
June 24 - 26, 2007
General Board and Council of Bishops Meeting
Hyatt Regency Hotel
Columbus, OH
July 14 – 24, 2007
Connectional Women’s Missionary Society and YPD Convention
Philadelphia, PA (You may register online)
July 11 – 15, 2007
Connectional Lay Biennial Session Hosted by the Second Episcopal District Lay Organization. Wardman Park Marriott Hotel, Washington, DC
September 6 – 8, 2007
CONVO X: Orlando, FL
Nov. 30 - Dec. 2, 2007
Conn-M-SWAWO Plus PK's
2007 Leadership Planning Retreat
Wyndham Riverfront Hotel
Little Rock, AR
Aug. 10 - 11, 2007
African Methodists Celebrate 125 Years of the AMEC Sunday School Union, Nashville, TN
In addition to the above meetings, there are annual conferences, youth congresses, Sunday School Conventions, District Conferences, Episcopal District Planning Meetings, various retreats and local church activities. Added to those, there are family activities, reunions and vacations, etc., etc.
We are living in busy times and it is important that we take time for self-nurture and spiritual reinforcement. “Blessed people are busy people,” but we must all remember to take time out for Sabbath rest. This might be a good time to sit down and re-read the Ten Commandments and reaffirm out commitment to be obedient to God’s Will and purpose in our lives.
I would hope that at our episcopal districts and connectional meetings, our episcopal leaders will model and allow time for participants to pause and refresh. At so many of our meetings, we go and go, and go and worship late into the night and then expect people to get up early in the morning to start another day of the “rat race.” At many of our meetings, the participants are more tired, frazzled and worn out and in need of rest by the time of the meeting’s final benediction.
So, each of us, as individuals, need to program a “Sabbath pause” when we attend meetings, and especially when we attend connectional events. Take a moment for spiritual reflection, biblical undergirding, and take a “pause that refreshes mind, body, and soul.”
Next year the 48th General Conference will meet July 4 - 11, 2008 at the America's Center Convention Center, St. Louis, MO. We will all need to be energized and refreshed.
Editor’s Comment: Remember the editorial in March “Does the Number 3200 Mean Anything To You?” Guess what the number of deaths is today? 3468. The U.S. Military death toll continues to escalate.
2. THE 141ST SESSION OF THE VIRGINIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE WAS LED BY THE 115TH ELECTED AND CONSECRATED BISHOP OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, THE RIGHT REVEREND ADAM JEFFERSON RICHARDSON, JR., PRESIDING PRELATE OF THE SECOND EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:
Responding to the clarion call and under the leadership of our prolific, profound and prophetic Bishop, the Right Reverend Adam Jefferson Richardson; itinerant and local clergy persons, licentiates, component leaders, lay delegates, directors of Christian Education, Women in Ministry and YPD directors from throughout the state, gathered at Historic St. John’s African Methodist Episcopal Church for the 141st session of Virginia Annual Conference.
The Women’s Missionary Society convened at the St. Johns AME Church on April 23, 2007, and prior to the official opening of the conference, the Women’s Missionary Society convened at the St. Johns AME Church on Bute Street.
The Missionary Society and the Women In Ministry elected officers, for this quadrennial, and the Women’s Missionary Society elected officers for this quadrennial as follows:
Mary P. Vick, President
Annette Brown Boyce, First Vice President
Peggy J. Ricks, Second Vice President
Carolyn Morris, Third Vice President
Joan Wilson. Recording Secretary
E. Marie Bell, Assistant Recording Secretary
Debra Morris, Corresponding Secretary
Patricia Jefferson, Treasurer
Mable Hawkins, Historiographer/Statistician
Helen Whitaker, Parliamentarian
N. Fay Wright Wilson, Young People’s and Children’s Division Director
Clara Banks, Worship Director
Suzette Williams, Member at Large
The noon day luncheon was held at the Murray Center at First Baptist Church, Bute Street and was spiritually charged by the prophetic dancing by Chariots of Fire.
Mrs. Shirley Floyd blessed the Women’s Missionary Society with a soul stirring meditation, entitled “Delight in Serving the Lord.”
The President recognized her cabinet and the hard work entailed by all, and the Night in White was highlighted by the capping of 72 new Missionaries and the insightful proclamation by our Episcopal Supervisor who challenged us to go out and make them come in so that our house may be full. “Our feelings may get hurt, but go, because if Jesus goes with me I’ll go.”
On Tuesday April 23, the Women in Ministry met at St. John AME Church. After devotions were conducted by the Rev. Marion Christian, the business session was called to order and the Rev. Dr. Joan Wharton, First Vice President of the Second Episcopal District Women in Ministry conducted elections, and the following persons were elected:
Vanessa Copeland Coordinator
Patricia Merritt, Caucus Leader for the Norfolk Eastern Shore District
Andrea Cornett Scott, Caucus Leader for the Portsmouth Richmond Roanoke
Marion Christina, Secretary
Beatrice Smaugh, Treasurer
Stephanie Morris Castro, Historiographer
Kimberly Turner Neal, Worship Leader, and
The theme Women in Ministry Woven Together in Word, Work, Wealth and Wisdom, was generated by the Bishop’s mission of Exalting Christ, Expanding God’s Church and Enabling His People. Four Workshops facilitated by Harrilene Shackleford were presented by Rev. Dr. Monica Spencer who expounded on Women Woven by Word; Rev. Andrea Cornett Scott who expounded on Women Woven in Work. Rev. Oretha Cross who expounded Women Woven Together in Wealth; and Rev. Mary Kimble expounded Women Woven Together in Wisdom.
Visiting women in ministry were recognized; the Rev. Dr. Joan Wharton, the Rev. Cynthia Harvin, the Rev. Dr. Peggy Wall, the Rev. Dr. Qismat Alim and the Rev. Dr. Ruth Travis all from the Baltimore Conference.
We were blessed by “The Light,” the Reverend Dr. Ann Lightner Fuller, Episcopal Candidate who preached on Divine Expectations, reminding us that we need to stand on our tiptoes with anticipation expecting God to do great and mighty things. And who are we not to expect God to bless us with the best.
Under the worshipful guidance of Presiding Elder I. W. Knight, Sr., we were ushered into a wonderful time of fellowship and celebration as we opened our conference. We were lifted by the musical offerings of the Mass Choir of St. John’s, and we were encouraged through a powerful message by the Reverend John D. Burton who delivered a powerful message, “When You Got Doubt, You Can Be Left Out”. His three points consisted of: Making your Decision, Getting your Deliverance and Reaching your Destiny. The following persons offered words of welcome and made presentations: Miss Kennedy Hines Williams, 1st Lady, the Reverend Myra Burton and Dr. Philip Turner. Bishop introduced our visitors from across the connection. We were lead into communion by our Chief Celebrant, and assisted by visiting Presiding Elder Larnie Horton. Also in attendance were Presiding Elders Earl Brooks, Ernest Montague and Charles Lewis Harvey, Larry Hinton and Gail Dunn, and
After reciting the Affirmation of Faith and a moment of refreshing, the 141st session of the Virginia Annual Conference was called to order. The Roll was called and the conference was organized, and the effectual fervent prayers of the righteous availeth much, and consequently, Bishop and our Episcopal Supervisor instituted an early morning prayer call, citing a need for greater attention to and improvement of the individual and communal prayer life. Exhorter Dr. T. Carlton Richardson, the Prayer Life Ministry of the Second Episcopal District ushered us into the presence of God through prayer and pointed us to the prayer room by directing us on how we can improve as well as develop a meaningful prayer life.
The Conference Institutes instructed us on topics such as the AME church policy and on matters pertaining to Sexual Misconduct and the Role of the Annual Conference Standing Committees.
The presiding elders shared and summarized their respective district’s statistical reports, and the Board of Examiners submitted their report recommending that Russell T. Hill, III, Delphoney Suzette Nash, Marlo James Dean, Diane L. Fisher-Bey, Francine Allen Humphrey and Andre Washington be passed on to the Second Year Class of Studies, and that Herbert Lee Gibbs, David Mark Horace and Lisa Maria Tabor, be elected and Ordained Itinerant Deacons, and Shaunna Payne be passed on to the Fourth Year Class of Studies, and the Board further recommended that to the Fourth Year Class of Studies: Shaunna Payne.
The Board recommended that Stephanie Morris Castro, Cephas Gabriel Martin and John Isaac Swann, Jr., be elected and ordained Itinerant Elders, and that Willie Mae Beamon, Gloria Jean Johnson, Vivian Nickerson, Juanita Mack, Sheila Mack Uzzle and Levi Fredrick be ordained in the District Conference.
Several candidates for Episcopal service were presented by Reverend(s) James Earl Arnell, Harry Seawright, Ann Lightner-Fuller, J. McAllister, and Stanford Wicker, and
Bishop Richardson presented the Reverend Arthur S. Jones who gave excerpts from his books.
The Reverend Dr. Robert G. Murray, pastor of the First Baptist Church, Bute Street, Norfolk, Virginia delivered a powerful noon day message, taken from Acts 17:1-10, focusing on verse 6, “Turning the World Upside Down.” He further stated that when the world is upside down, the church needs to be right side up.
After a brief explanation, the Clergy and Lay delegation, used voting machines for the first time to elect delegates. The Lay Delegation was dismissed and led by Brother Howard Williams to a separate venue for the Electoral College, and
The Men of the Virginia Conference, elected by their local churches, were recognized for their service and dedication and received handsome certificates, and
Mr. Ronald Carter and Justin Upton received the Bishop’s special award.
Whereas, the message delivered by Reverend Samuel B. Wilson, Jr., was thought provoking, taken from 1 Corinthians chapter 16, stated that as men we are to be overcomers in every walk of life. We are to keep our eyes open for spiritual danger, stay righteous and faithful.
The Conference Male Chorus lifted us to higher heights through their soul stirring, melodious voices and accomplished musicians.
The Norfolk/Eastern Shore District and the Portsmouth Richmond Roanoke Districts gave an account of their stewardship and members of the respective conferences stood to pay homage and deep appreciation to their Presiding Elders, the Reverend I. W. Knight and the Rev. Paul Clifford Adkins.
The electrifying conference choir let us know that “We Don’t Get in the Spirit Like We Used To.”
The Mid day message was delivered by the Reverend Linwood Daughtry “a man with a different spirit,” taken from Psalms 102 verses 11, 12 and 22. He shared with us that there can be “Consolation in the Midst of Desolation.” For the Psalmist believed that God would hear our prayers because God is a prayer- answering God. Nothing is going to happen until all men are concerned about the things of God.
Bishop recognized the presence of Dr. Cellestine Cheeks, President of the Second Episcopal Lay Organization.
The Chaplain(s) Sheri Garrett, Quentin White of the Portsmouth/Richmond/Roanoke District and Chaplain David Brown of the Norfolk/Eastern Shore District gave us an account of their service.
Bishop Richardson thanked Reverend Glenn Orr for being the right person at the right time in Blacksburg, VA and where Rev. Orr and the St. Paul Church family provided an environment of refuge for the Virginia Tech community. Bishop Richardson delivered the memorial message, at a memorial service organized by Rev. Orr, and our Episcopal Supervisor was featured in the media.
Saeed Richardson petitioned for readmission to the Virginia Annual Conference as an Itinerant Elder.
The Necrology Committee memorialized: Bishop Henry W. Murph, the Reverend H. E. Jefferson and the Reverend Anna Briley.
The conference paused as Presiding Elder I. W. Knight, Sr., after serving for many years, requested to superannuate, and it was received with a note of appreciation, and,
The Reverend Dr. Calvin Sydnor, Editor of The Christian Recorder delivered a powerful, captivating and thought provoking message. His message taken from Matthew 8:23. He told us that, “We need to call on Jesus who will bring peace in the midst of our storms. Sometimes, family and friends cannot help us, but Jesus is the voice in the midst of the storm. Dr. Sydnor told us to Wait upon the LORD. And if we wait upon the LORD, the scriptures that says, "But they that wait upon the Lord, shall renew their strength. They shall mount up on wings like eagles...” will bring us peace in the midst of the storm.
The “Laity Sowing Seeds Beyond The Walls." The speaker for this auspicious occasion was Dr. Reginald Hilderbrand, Professor of African –American studies and History of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He delivered a dynamic message that empowered all in attendance. The world seems lost and they hungry for religion. They are hungry and may accept the wrong thing. Because we are so hungry, we even search at Mega-Fest and end up with a Mega-Mess. Our traditions have become routine, and that there is nothing more formal in the world that brings us into the presence of God, than a worship service that will lift you, and
Sister Gwendolyn Davis, delegate of Third Street Bethel invited the 142nd Virginia Conference to join them in the capital city of Richmond, VA for the 2008 Annual Conference.
The annual conference was energized by the youth of our conference as they led us in worship. The Rev. Sherri Dobbins reminded us that we are not like everybody else.
Bishop Richardson preached “us happy” by informing us that God is El’ Shaddai, taken from Genesis 17:1; Exodus 6:1, 2 Psalms 91 verse letting us know that “God is right. God is spirit and God is One. God sees everything. He’s El’ Shaddai, and He is GOD ALMIGHTY!!! The signature on our appointment will get us in the church door, but if you want to see power, holiness, increase and peace, take with you El’ Shaddai, because WHAT A MIGHTY GOD WE SERVE!”
The annual conference commended Pastor John Burton and First Lady, the Rev. Myra Burton and the members of St. Johns AME church and gave them a rising vote of thanks for their hospitality in hosting this the 141st Session of the Virginia Annual Conference.
The conference committed itself to implement the recommendations of the various committees that reflect the seven-point visions as well as the recommendation of the conference committees.
Bishop and Mrs. Richardson were commended for their excellent leadership and compassion.
Your Committee as we stand,
Respectfully submitted,
Reverends
R. L. Mosley, Jr., Chairman
B. R. Hunter
H. B. Cross, Sr.
M. L. Spencer
H. B. Shackelford
M. Kimble
Delegates
Patricia Jefferson
Betty Sims-bell
Shirley Sturgis
Rosemary Boone
Nathaniel Barksdales
Constance Cooke
The Conference Resolution was accepted by the Conference and Bishop Richardson thanked the Secretarial staff for their great work.
3. KNIGHTS MONUMENTAL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH HOSTING SPIRIT-FILLED REVIVAL:
The Knights Monumental African Methodist Episcopal Church in Stockbridge, Georgia will be hosting a spirit-filled summer revival on Jun 11 – 15, 2007 starting at 7:00 p.m.
Please join Rev. Dr. Victoria Martin-Banks and her congregation as they edify Christ with the following guest speakers:
The Rev. Cassandra Hall – Sandy Hall Ministries, Stone Mountain – Jun 11; Apostle David Harrison – Kingdom Living Ministries, Inc., Morrow – Jun 12; Prophetess Felicia Bratton – New Birth Ministries, Stockbridge – Jun 13; Apostle Brenda Osby – Christ Cares Ministries, Union City – Jun 14; Pastor Michael Scandrick – New Mount Cavalry, Morrow – Jun 15
The Revival will start with church service at the Memorial Park, 106 Jennings Street, Stockbridge, GA 30281.
The church is located at 224 Red Oak Road, Stockbridge, GA 30281; telephone: 770-474-0273
The Rev. Edie Scott,
Chairperson
4. CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE: SOARING TOWARDS LEADERSHIP IN A MORE EXCELLENT WAY, HONORING DR. M. JOAN COUSIN FOR NOTEWORTHY ACHIEVEMENTS NATIONALLY AND GLOBALLY:
*Rev. Edrena Houston Brown, M.A.C.E.
Christian Recorder, Staff Writer
The occasion was an elaborate evening of fellowship, held at the Wyndham Hotel & Executive Meeting Center, Lisle, Illinois was a wonderful moment to remember in Honor of Dr. M. Joan Cousin, Episcopal Supervisor of the Fourth Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church, who was graciously escorted by Senior Bishop of the A.M.E. Church, Bishop Philip R. Cousin, Sr., and Presiding Prelate of the Fourth Episcopal District on an afternoon of splendor.
The Fourth Episcopal District Women's Missionary Society and Young People's and Children's Division of the A.M.E. Church, The Presiding Elder's Council and the Fourth Episcopal District Minister's Spouses sponsored this noteworthy event to be remembered for decades to come. Numerous political officials, family members, friends, Bishops', Episcopal Supervisors, youth and laity were in attendance on this glorious occasion.
The Honorable, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich of Springfield, Illinois expressed that; his recognition for Dr. Cousin for her excellence in developing and serving in the mission field, under her leadership has benefit families and individuals nationally and globally. Throughout the years he expressed; that her steadfast commitment to stamp out global epidemic by promoting awareness of HIV and Aids has been successful. He further acknowledged her appreciation of others and her compassion in helping to bring treatment and assistance to those afflicted with HIV and AIDS through the work of 3 centers that were named after you in one year and a Housing Development in Trenton, New Jersey. The M. Joan Cousin Center in Botswana is a safe place in the village for children to come for housing, food clothing and tutorial programs. The More Excellent Way Project, The Orphans Project Empowerment Center in Lobatse, Botswana in South Africa deals with children of parents who have been infected and affected by AIDS, The Dr. M. Joan Cousin NHA/AME Health Awareness Center has a year round school program that assist children from becoming involved in drugs, and classes in prevention of HIV/AIDS and is highly successful in continuing education. Dr. Cousin is to be commended for her leadership.
Expressions throughout the connectional church and greetings were bestowed upon Dr. M. Joan Cousin, in the persons of; Commissioner Gloria L. Cartwright of the First Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church and Center Coordinator, for The Dr. M. Joan Cousin NHA/AME Health Awareness Center in the New Jersey Annual Conference where the center was re-named in Honor of Dr. Cousin because of her steadfast dedication and commitment in touching the lives of so many people throughout the State of New Jersey and the world.
Commissioner Cartwright expressed that; "Dr. Cousin left quite an impression on the lives of the constituents in the First Episcopal district. Through her determination she dared to challenge and educate us about HIV/AIDS prevention. People were shocked, confused and wondered what she was talking about. She was DETERMINED! Calling together members of the W.M.S., we sought out a location for the initial site. Newark, New Jersey had the 4th highest reported cases of AIDS in America at that time. The question was asked; where better to start. After pulling together a cross section of agencies and volunteers, The Newark Housing and Redevelopment Authority gave Dr. Cousin a spending line of one hundred thousand dollars to upgrade the facility at the Otto Kretchmer Homes. A MIRACLE CAME TO PASS! On March 25, 1995 at the New Jersey Annual Conference, a motorcade with County and City Police escort traveled to the center for ribbon cutting and dedication by Bishop Phillip R. Cousin and approximately 400 people sat in awe." The center has been in operation for twelve years and is presently serving the masses of individuals in the community who are in dire need of its many services.
The Sons of Bishop and Dr. Cousin were in attendance in the persons of; Rev. Philip R. Cousin, Jr., Presiding Elder Steven Cousin, Sr., Rev. David Cousin, Rev. Michael Cousin, Sr., and Dr. Joseph Cousin, Daughters-in-laws, grandchildren, Women in Ministry, 4th District YPD, Pastors, Churches and Missionaries from the Fourth Episcopal district acknowledged expressions of their love for her vision, missionary work and for keeping the legacy alive from generations to generations in helping those whom we are called to serve.
The Keynote speaker of the hour was The Dr. Pam DeVeaux, friend and Episcopal Supervisor of the Sixth Episcopal District, Atlanta, Georgia. She inspired the audience in challenging them to another level of service, in promoting servant-hood for all those throughout the world.
Dr. Cousin acknowledged her appreciation to Dr. Pam DeVeaux and Commissioner Gloria L. Cartwright, who were a part of the foundation on which she built her success in the mission field.
Bishop Philip R. Cousin, Sr., gave final expressions, to his lovely wife, Dr. Cousin and thanked her for the continuous support and love and for many years to come. Also, for her persistence and dedication in implementing God's vision for Children and parents who are suffering with HIV/AIDS and constantly working towards measures for the prevention of HIV/AIDS Nationally and Globally.
Dr. M. Joan Cousin continues to serve throughout the Fourth Episcopal district of the A.M.E. Church, The United States and in Africa in visiting the numerous centers, dedicated in her honor in sharing the Love of God, through her excellent leadership through workshops, seminars and teaching.
The evening concluded with the benediction by Bishop Philip R. Cousin, Sr., Presiding Prelate of the Fourth Episcopal District.
Rev. Edrena Houston Brown, M.A.C.E. is a Staff Writer for The Christian Recorder.
5. THE NEW APPOINTMENT OF REV. RONALD SLAUGHTER –CONTINUING TO SERVE GOD’S PEOPLE THROUGH A HOLISTIC MINISTRY:
By Dr. Dawn Della DeVeaux
On Friday May 11, 2007, Rev. Ronald Slaughter was appointed by Bishop William P. DeVeaux to be the Senior Pastor of Saint Paul AME church in Macon, Georgia. Continuing in the tradition of great pastors at Saint Paul AME church in Macon, Georgia, Rev. Ronald Slaughter will focus on a vision of a holistic ministry for the membership of his church. Rev. Ronald Slaughter has spent the last five years of his professional ministry at Greater Jordan AME church in Haddock, Georgia. During his tenure at Greater Jordan, Rev. Slaughter was very successful in his approach to holistic ministry for the church membership.
In his new role as pastor of Saint Paul in Macon, Rev. Ronald Slaughter will continue to use his strong administrative skills while simultaneously providing opportunities for spiritual growth for the church membership. As a pastor, Rev. Ronald Slaughter understands the complicated issues facing the black church. Despite the many issues and challenges, Slaughter has been able to use of model of holistic ministry that has been very successful. Through his strong ministry, Rev. Slaughter has been very successful in doing the work of our beloved Lord. Rev. Slaughter’s new appointment will allow him to continue his dream of serving the God’s people as a pastor, theologian and preacher.
6. A PASTOR SEARCH FOR EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE AT TURNER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY AT ITC:
By Dr. Dawn Della DeVeaux
On a beautiful day on May 5, 2007, a group of members from Greater Jordan Chapel AME church in Haddock, Georgia gathered to attend the graduation of their beloved pastor –the Rev. Ronald Slaughter. Reverend Slaughter graduated with Honors from The Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) in Atlanta, Georgia. Throughout the past two years of graduate study at ITC-the members of Greater Jordan Chapel have provided great support for their pastor. The membership truly understands the importance of providing further educational study for young pastors in the AME Church.
Since the beginning of his career as a pastor, Rev. Ronald Slaughter has had a strong desire to further have education as a pastor. Attending ITC, allowed him to learn from giants in the field of theology. These giants served as professors and mentors during Slaughter’s two and half year tenure at ITC. Slaughter was able to develop many of his intellectual gifts and writing skills while attending ITC. In Rev. Slaughter’s opinion, the mentoring support was critical throughout this graduate school experience at ITC. His mentoring relationship with professors such as Dr. Henry Whelchel and Dr. Riggins Earl, Jr. allowed his to continue to develop his leadership skills as well as his skills as a young scholar. Also, Rev. Slaughter was provided a great intellectual support from professors such as Dr. Jacquelyn Grant. Dr. Grant is an amazing scholar in the field of womanist theory in the Black church.
In addition to his family as well as church membership, Rev. Slaughter received strong support from Bishop William P. DeVeaux. With the assistance of a strong family, strong church membership and holding God’s hand-Rev. Ronald Slaughter was able to fulfill his dream of receiving his master’s degree with honors this May. Ronald Slaughter serves as a committed young pastor who continues to have a strong voice for the work of God in the AME Church.
7A. FROM THE WHITE HOUSE, OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY, A STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT ON DARFUR:
Diplomatic Reception Room
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. For too long, the people of Darfur have suffered at the hands of a government that is complicit in the bombing, murder, and rape of innocent civilians. My administration has called these actions by their rightful name: genocide. The world has a responsibility to help put an end to it.
Last month I announced that the United States was prepared to take new steps if the government of Sudan did not allow the full deployment of a U.N. peacekeeping force; if the government did not begin living up to its many commitments that the United States would act. I made clear that the time for promises was over, and that President Bashir had to do something to end the suffering.
I held off implementing these steps because the United Nations believed that President Bashir could meet his obligations to stop the killing, and would meet his obligations to stop the killing. Unfortunately, he hasn't met those obligations. President Bashir's actions over the past few weeks follow a long pattern of promising cooperation while finding new methods for obstruction.
One day after I spoke, the military bombed a meeting of rebel commanders designed to discuss a possible peace deal with the government. In following weeks, he used his army and government-sponsored militias to attack rebels and civilians in South Darfur. He's taken no steps to disarm these militias in the year since the Darfur peace agreement was signed. Senior officials continue to oppose the deployment of the U.N. peacekeeping force.
The result is that the dire security situation on the ground in Darfur has not changed. And so today, at my instruction, the United States has taken the steps I announced in April. First, the Department of Treasury is tightening U.S. economic sanctions on Sudan. With this new effort, the United States will more aggressively enforce existing sanctions against Sudan's government.
As part of this effort, the Treasury Department will add 30 companies owned or controlled by the government of Sudan to its list of Specially Designated Nationals. We're also adding an additional company to the list, a company that has been transporting weapons to the Sudanese government and militia forces in Darfur. All these companies are now barred from the U.S. financial system. It is a crime for American companies and individuals to knowingly do business with them.
Second, we're targeting sanctions against individuals responsible for violence. These sanctions will isolate these persons by cutting them off from the U.S. financial system, barring them from doing business with any American citizen or company, and calling the world's attention to their crimes.
Third, I'm directing the Secretary of State to consult with the United Kingdom and other allies on a new United Nations Security Council resolution. This resolution will apply new sanctions against the government of Sudan, against individuals found to be violating human rights or obstructing the peace process. It will impose an expanded embargo on arms sales to the government of Sudan. It will prohibit the Sudanese government from conducting any offensive military flights over Darfur. It will strengthen our ability to monitor and report any violations.
At the same time, we will continue to push for U.N. support, including funding for the African Union peacekeepers who remain the only force in Darfur that is protecting the people. We will continue to work for the deployment of a larger hybrid force of AU and U.N. peacekeeping troops. We will continue to support the diplomacy of U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon. We will continue to insist on the full implementation of the Darfur peace agreement. We will continue to promote a broadly supported and inclusive political settlement that is the only long-term solution to the crisis in Darfur.
America's commitment is clear. Since this conflict began we have provided more than $1.7 billion in humanitarian and peacekeeping assistance for Darfur. We are the world's largest single donor to the people of Darfur. We're working for the day when the families of this troubled region are allowed to return safely to their homes and rebuild their lives in peace.
The people of Darfur are crying out for help, and they deserve it. I urge the United Nations Security Council, the African Union, and all members of the international community to reject any efforts to obstruct implementation of the agreements that would bring peace to Darfur and Sudan.
I call on President Bashir to stop his obstruction, and to allow the peacekeepers in, and to end the campaign of violence that continues to target innocent men, women and children. And I promise this to the people of Darfur: The United States will not avert our eyes from a crisis that challenges the conscience of the world.
7B. STATEMENT FROM SISTAH JACKIE DUPONT WALKER:
On behalf of the Social Action Commission and its chair, Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, at the direction of the General Board, I have been tracking the situation in Darfur, Sudan. Today I participated in a Conference Call (invitation only) to provide details about today's Announcement from the White House that the United States will impose sanctions against the government of Sudan.
The briefing officers were Andrew Natsois, the President's Special Envoy to Sudan and Adam Szubi, Director of Foreign Assets Control, Dept of Treasury.
I am humbled to provide this report of our stewardship on behalf of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
In Summary:
1) The Administration believes that these sanctions are more comprehensive than those imposed against North Korea in that no the entire US financial system is now off limits to the government of the Sudan. Any assets in possession of a US person will be blocked or frozen. Caution must be taken to detect any alias or techniques to evade the sanctions.
2) The No Fly Zone's intention is to NOT affect humanitarian aid
3) Efforts to coordinate with Sec. of the UN will continue but the USA could wait no longer for intervention (which was the UN request)
4) The election in 2009 is precarious - No census has been taken in over a decade so the # of voters is difficult to discern.
NOTE: I was unable to pose a question about whether the increase in humanitarian aid could be made the highest priority with a $6 billion commitment and a budget amendment in FY 08 appropriations, but that question is being forwarded for direct response.
SUMMARY: This is a major step forward and clear statement to the Sudan government. The AME Church must monitor and lend its voice to the Coalition keeping vigil on behalf of the refugees, imprisoned, and endangered people. Every gathering must affirm and re-affirm the need for the USA to use the full weight of its influence to stop the genocide and assist in the restoration of the region. Although the AME Church presence is not strongest in this region, our legacy dictates that we must advocate for all humankind and negative actions against humanity. Truly this is one such "calling" for the Church of Allen. Be well!
SIStah "Jackie" Dupont-Walker,
Consultant - Social Action Commission
8. PARREN J. MITCHELL, THE INSPIRATION OF THE NATIONAL BLACK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, INC., DIES AT 85:
It is with mixed feelings that we announce to our database the passing (May 28, 2007) of the Honorable Parren J. Mitchell. We are sad that he has left us for Heaven but we are happy and will celebrate his great life. The last few years have been painful for this warrior. The pain is gone but his memory and triumphs are etched in history and shall never go away.
Parren was elected in 1970 to the first of his eight terms in Congress from the 7th District (Democrat -Baltimore, MD) after holding posts in the administrations of two Baltimore mayors and one governor. During his tenure he fought tenaciously for Black economic empowerment which he phrased as “The second phase of the civil rights movement”. Every minority and women business legislation from the smallest town to the largest state to each and every agency of the federal government can be directly attributed to the legislative activity of Parren J. Mitchell. He was aggressive and terribly motivated which was the key to his success. Every minority and woman business owner owes much gratitude to the performance of Congressman Mitchell. He was truly a national hero who is responsible for billions of dollars in all communities through his belief that America must equitably distribute its tax funded procurements.
He must have seen at least 5 attempts in establishing a National Black Chamber of Commerce in this nation. He quietly watched them fail. I was relieved to receive his warm greeting and encouragement when I sought his counsel in starting the NBCC in 1992. He told me, “Remember as Adam Clayton Powell taught us ‘It’s the plan, not the man’. Put it all in writing and have a succinct strategic plan. If you are truly committed and fear nothing but God you can prevail. Don’t worry about the numbers as the greatest advocate for justice to walk this earth, Jesus Christ, had only twelve captains and one of them was flaky. If you are clear and unbending you can succeed.”
Kay and I have such fond memories of the precious moments we spent with Parren. Such as staying up until 2:00 AM in a motel room in Peoria, IL talking about developing our chamber infrastructure, sipping Martel and watching our twin boys sleep on the floor. Such sweet memories we will forever cherish.
After returning from World War II as a hero – he jumped on a live grenade to save the lives of three other soldiers – he enrolled in Morgan State University and obtained a Batchelor of Arts degree. He applied (1950) to the University of Maryland’s graduate program. The President of the College Park campus rebuffed him by saying it was “inadvisable for Blacks to attend the College Park campus”. Parren sued and prevailed becoming the first Black to receive a post graduate degree from the main campus of the University of Maryland. This was the start of a long and productive life in fighting bigotry and creating opportunity for the under served.
Thank God for Parren J. Mitchell! He made this a better world.
Harry C. Alford
“If you believe in fighting racism, you make a commitment for the rest of your life. There’s no getting off that train. You can’t say I’ve put five years in fighting racism and now I’m finished. No, you are not finished. Our job is to fight it every day, to continue to shove it down and when it rises up to shove it down even harder.” Parren J. Mitchell, 1922 - 2007
9. THE DYNAMIC GOSPEL VOCALIST – J MOSS – WILL PERFORM A BENEFIT CONCERT ON THURSDAY JUNE 14 AT 6 PM IN THE FLORENCE CIVIC CENTER:
The dynamic gospel vocalist – J Moss – will perform a benefit concert on Thursday June 14 at 6 PM in the Florence Civic Center. The proceeds of this benefit concert will go directly to uplift the educational development of Christian youth throughout the state of South Carolina. A limited number of tickets are available for sale, so please purchase your tickets now before tickets are completely sold out. *** Groups purchasing 10 tickets will receive 1 ticket for FREE.
TO PURCHASE TICKETS YOU HAVE THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS: A) Please call (843) 628-7603, and a sales associate will place your order over the phone. *** (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, & American Express are accepted). B) All LifeWay Christian Stores throughout South Carolina are selling tickets: (to find the store nearest you visit < http://www.lifewaychristianstore.com/ > C) The Florence Civic Center Box Office is selling tickets – please call (843) 679-4525. D) Please log onto the website – www.ame7.org, click the J Moss photo on the Home Page of the website, download the Credit Card Authorization Form, print the form, fill out the form completely, sign the form, and fax to (843) 628-7603.
10. MEDGAR EVERS COLLEGE RECEIVES $800,000 GRANT TO TRAIN SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS:
BROOKLYN, New York-May 27-Medgar Evers College, CUNY is proud to announce that a four-year grant totaling $800,000 has been awarded to the Education Department in the School of Liberal Arts & Education by the US Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs.
The grant will support a project to prepare 80 certified special education teachers by the year 2011. The Department’s two Special Education programs, Early Childhood Special Education and Childhood Special Education, are nationally recognized by the Council for Exceptional Children. The Education Department also received national accreditation from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education in 2006. The grant responds to the need for more highly qualified and specialized teachers in our nation’s schools, especially in the Central Brooklyn area.
“We are extremely excited to have received this grant,” said Dr. Edison O. Jackson, president of Medgar Evers College. “The awarding of this grant is recognition of the exemplary programs and faculty at the College.”
The funded project, Preparing a New Cadre of Special Educators (PANCOSE), was developed and proposed by Professor Sheilah M. Paul, who will serve as the Project Director/Principal Investigator. Other personnel on the Project Management Team include Drs. Frances Lowden, Nancy Lester, and Donna Marie Wright. The project will provide scholarships to baccalaureate degree candidates to cover tuition, books, and travel expenses during their one-year period of clinical practice. It will also cover candidates’ fees for membership in professional organizations and application fees for New York State Teacher Certification Examination.
Candidates in the PANCOSE project will participate in collaborative workshops, early field and clinical experiences, and professional conferences to hone their skills in working with diverse learners with disabilities. The workshops are geared to improve knowledge and skills in the critical content areas of English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and in disability specialty areas such as Mental Retardation, Learning Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Emotional & Behavioral Disorders, among others.
In keeping with the rigor of MEC Education Department’s degree programs, the PANCOSE candidates will be mentored through extensive supervised early field and clinical experiences with partner elementary schools and early intervention centers. Some major goals of the project are to: (i) increase retention of education majors in dual-certificate BA degree programs; and, (ii) prepare highly qualified teachers with expertise in teaching the critical content areas to students with disabilities to improve education success for minority and overrepresented groups in our urban schools.
11. CLERGY OF THE WEEK: PASTOR CORY M. WATTS OF THE EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT EXCELS AS A 21ST CENTURY SCHOLAR:
*Rev. Edrena Houston Brown
The Reverend Cory M. Watts can best be described as an anointed young Preacher, teacher, scholar, and a liberated leader for the 21st century. He received his Itinerant Elder's ordination in 2005 and is a member of the Central North Mississippi Conference, where The Reverend James L. Holmes is the Presiding Elder. Reverend Watts presently serves as the administrative assistant to Bishop C. Garnett Henning, Sr., Presiding Prelate of the Eighth Episcopal District.
He was born on November 1, 1976, the youngest and proud son of Mr. Hezzie Watts and Mrs. Malinda Watts of Gulfport, MS. He has one brother, Mr. Donovan Watts of San Antonio, Texas.
Reverend Watts has prepared himself beginning with his secondary and college years of academic training. He is a graduate of Gulfport High School where he was academically in the top 10% of his class. He later enrolled at WEB Dubois Honor's College at Jackson State University and graduated as summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science in 2000. While attending Jackson State University, he became a member of Omega Psi Phi, Inc., and later graduated summa cum laude from the University of Phoenix in 2004 with a Master of Science degree in Computer Information Systems (MSCIS).
As an astute scholar, Reverend Watts while matriculating at the University of Phoenix, in 2000 he accepted his calling into the ministry. He found the time through commitment and dedication to attend Turner Seminary, where Rev. Watts was divinely led and encouraged to relocate to Atlanta, Georgia and graduated in 2006, with a Master of Divinity degree and concentration in the area of, Old Testament/Hebrew Bible and Biblical languages.
His ministry has developed through the years, as a spiritual role mentor for youth and adults. He is a leader in his church and is the current Senior Pastor of St. James A.M.E. Church and Travis Chapel A.M.E. Church both in Vicksburg, MS.,
While relating with Rev. Watts he was asked about some of the main issues that affect our church today. Rev. Watts was asked; what are your goals for the next five years? He related; “To continue to do the ministry that God has called me to expecting only that God will provide all my needs."
2. How has seminary enriched your ministry?
I have been able to thoroughly articulate the intricate details of a ministry that God has divinely crafted for me. I now will spend the rest of my life fulfilling and adjusting my original seminary articulation always leaving room for the Lord through the Holy Spirit to guide me to new plans for my future. Seminary has given me 3 years of preparatory time that I was able to look at ministry through several perspectives. From the liberal to the conservative and compare and contrast those views against my own view of God and religiosity as a whole. I have been able to gain the tools necessary to keep bible study, pastoral care, exegesis, and other facets of a productive ministry at the forefront of my pastoral administration.
3. How can the church regain the participation of the unchurched black male?
Well this is an issue that the whole of the black church is trying to deal with. We see the migration of many black males to Islam and other religious beliefs when they were originally Christian. Many of our brothers gravitate to areas where men have a comradely and a brotherhood that provides an environmental support that the American society inherently does not provide for. In areas where men's ministries have been able to gain strength we may find that the unchurched black male can find support from the CHURCHED BLACK MALE. With the connectional Son's Of Allen or any other men's ministry in the AME church, we should be able to give black men a reason and a medium to serve the Lord.
4. [How] important do you feel that Constructive Christian Education programs are in the local churches?
Christian Education is the ministry that undergirds all other ministries of the church. This is what I have been taught and this is what I believe. We have moved beyond Sunday school to Church School. We have moved from Vacation Bible School to Christian Summer enrichment programs. We must at all times remember that through education we can make a difference. This Christian Education plan should be systematically done in every facet of church administration, worship, and evangelism.
5. What determines a successful Youth summit in local churches today and what do you feel are the most important needs for youth and young adults between the ages of 16-25.
This is one of the questions that must be revised every year. The former 16-25 year olds eventually become the next generation of 26-34 year olds. I am in the 26-34 year old generation yet I can still feel the needs of our youth. Before planning a youth summit and before finding the important needs of them, we must first ask them! The question requested insight into a successful Youth summit. I can make a summit for young adults from 26-34 because that is my current station in life but as I query those focused and capable 16-25 year olds as to their needs for their future success, I will be able to infuse my years of experiences to make that youth summit a success for the youth and an inspiration for us all.
In the secular world, Rev. Watts has held several positions in government and the private sector which includes the following: VA Medical Center, Biloxi MS; Planning Systems, Inc., Stennis, Stennis; Department of the Navy, New Orleans, LA; and Job Corps of America (DynCorp), Gulfport, MS.
In the community, he has previously assisted the Southeast Regional Offices of the NAACP in Atlanta, Georgia for two years and later became a Life Member of the NAACP. Rev. Watts is married to the former, Toy Coles of Bay St. Louis, Ms., for over seven years.
Congratulations, Reverend Cory M. Watts for being nominated as "Clergy of the Week" and for being a successful role model in promoting Excellence in the 21st century.
*If you are interested in being nominated as Clergy of the Week, laity, youth, Preacher's Kid or Presiding Elder of the week, please submit your letter of request to; ebrown49@hotmail.com
*Rev. Edrena Houston Brown, M.A.C.E. is a staff writer for the Christian Recorder
12. WHAT’S SHADOWING YOU?:
* S. Renee Smith
In 2004 after international motivational speaker Les Brown heard me speak and said “You have the gift,” he encouraged me to write a book. At that point, I already had four chapters written, but his encouragement motivated me and exposed me to a deeper level of my own courage to complete my first book, There Is More Inside. I had been dabbling in writing for nearly six years, but didn’t have the faith to believe that what I had to say was significant. In fact, by 1994 I knew that a part of my life’s purpose was to inspire people through writing. But something was shadowing me and I didn’t realize it until Sheri Bell-Rehwoldt, my editor, began to read and cross out, in red ink, sections of my manuscript.
With her usual comical, yet cutting tone she would say to me, “Renee stopping putting your pain onto your reader. Nobody wants your pain.” At the time, it didn’t make sense to me. In fact, although she doesn’t know it, she was really getting on my nerves. There were times when I wanted to erase her from the equation and do it “my way.” But she was my friend and the expert, so I sucked it up. I would rewrite and rewrite the section of There Is More Inside that disclosed my getting fired and my fiancé walking out of my life. I deleted names and events. The goal was to insure that There Is More Inside did not become my personal counselor’s couch.
As I have grown, I understand the impact of Sheri’s persistence. She helped to erase all traces of doubt that I was capable of writing a book that would tell a story and produce personal liberation for the reader. She helped to squash hesitations and false beliefs that emanated from former negative assessments of my writing ability. I realized that I had an experience that was shadowing me, but it wasn’t me! Like a shadow that reflects off a wall, those negative comments were harmless. Now that’s self-empowerment. If there is something shadowing you and hindering you from living your personal power try the following three steps.
1. Identify a genuine friend to help you see truth. Sheri’s greatest gift to me is her open and direct honesty. She would say things to me that I didn’t like, but needed to hear. Because I respect her and she has proven to me that she loves and respects me, I trust her. Having a relationship with someone who can hold the mirror for you is extremely important. They can see things that may hit you on your blind side or hold you back. Be sure, though, that the person you choose isn’t in competition with you.
2. Perform daily self-assessments. A verbal nick or cut here and there throughout your day can really tamper with your self-esteem and quickly agitate you. Take time to evaluate your day and what bothered you. Acknowledge it. Learn the lesson. Forgive the person. Move on.
3. Do what you think you can’t do. Before I met Les Brown I had four chapters of my book completed. Before Sheri pulled out her red ink pen, I had a manuscript. People believe in people who believe in themselves. Begin by facing and getting rid of some of the obvious shadows. No one wants to clean, disinfect and take out someone else’s garbage. When you begin the process, you send the message to others that, “I’m ready.”
Copyrights © 2007 by S. Renee Smith All rights reserved. No part of this article may be copied or reproduced without the written permission by the author. To contact the writer go to S. Renee. S. Renee is an Image Consultant, Motivational Speaker, Columnist and Author.
13. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICES:
- The Reverend Kenneth H. Hill, PhD"Religious Education in the African American Tradition"
This book is a comprehensive survey of African American Christian Religious Education (AACRE). It addresses historical, theological, and ministerial issues. The book has three sections. The first one defines concepts and explores history. The second one considers the diverse voices that are addressing AACRE. The third focuses on educational theory and practice. Religious Education in the African American Tradition considers a diversity of voices, including those of Evangelical, Pentecostal, Liberation and Womanist African American theologians.
Dr. Hill's new book "Religious Education in the African American Tradition" is now available at your local bookstore or on-line: Chalice Press http://www.chalicepress.com/
Rev. Kenneth H. Hill, PhD, is Presiding Elder of East Tennessee Annual Conference, 13th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and former Executive Director of Christian Education for the A.M.E. Church. He has served as pastor and has taught at universities and seminaries throughout the United States. He is the author of "A More Excellent Way: Handbook for Christian Education" and "Drinking From Our Well: Foundations for the Ministry of Christian Education in the African Methodist Episcopal Church", and numerous other books and articles.
Congratulatory messages may be sent to: hilldrkenneth@comcast.net
- I am honored to announce the wedding of the Reverend David Aaron Johnson, pastor of Walker Chapel AME Church in Seattle, Washington to the former Shari Lynn Davidson. The couple was united in marriage on Friday May 25th in a beautiful ocean side wedding in San Diego, California. Rev. and Mrs. David Johnson ask that you bless them with your prayers.
Congratulatory messages may be sent to: ajamepreach@yahoo.com
- The Rev. Larry Strong, 12th Episcopal District, East Northeast Arkansas Annual Conference, Stuttgart/Forrest City District, Pastor of Saint Paul AME Church in Holly Grove, Arkansas married Sister Christine Mackey on Saturday, May 26, 2007 at Wesley AME Church in Marvel, Arkansas where the Rev. W. C. Morelon is the pastor.
Rev. Napoleon Davis, Jr., Presiding Elder of the District officiated.Mrs. Ann Gilkey, Public Relations Director of the 12th District was the photographer.
- Little Princess Asia Nia Wharton was born to Darnyle and Angela Wharton on Wednesday, May 30th at 11:49 PM. Little Miss Wharton is the first grandchild of Rev. Dr. Joan L. Wharton, Pastor of Mt. Zion AME Church in Glen Arm, Maryland. Her parents, Darnyle and Angela Wharton are members of Empowerment Temple AME Church in Baltimore, Maryland. Dad, Mom, & Baby are doing well!
Congratulatory messages may be sent to Darnyle and Angela Wharton: KDCHARM69@yahoo.com or to the proud grandparent: j.l.wharton@att.net
- Congratulations and commendations are extended to the many bright, gifted and talented P.K.'S graduating from high school this year. Our prayer is: "That God will keep you each year through, and that His Love and Wisdom will always help to guide you on your way, and give you Faith to make your Dreams come true." Congratulations to the High School Class of 2007!
14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Rev. L. V. Baldwin passed on May 19, 2007. He was the husband or the Rev. Carolyn Baldwin, a retired pastor of the Eighth Episcopal District,
Service arrangements for Rev. L. V. Baldwin:
Funeral:
Thursday, May 24, 2007
1:00 p.m.
St. Paul A. M. E. Church
1756 North Piatt Street
Wichita, Kansas 67214
Rev. Mark Smith, pastor
Reverends L. V. and Carolyn Baldwin relocated to Wichita, Kansas after the loss of their house during Hurricane Katrina and retirement from McMichael A. M. E. Church Amite, LA. Rev. L. V. Baldwin was an Itinerant Deacon.
We Pray God's blessing on the Baldwin Family.
Submitted by:
Evelyn H. Markey
Office Manager
8th Episcopal District -A.M.E. Church
4480 Gen DeGaulle Drive - Suite 210 A
New Orleans, LA 70131
(504) 393-9001 Office/ (504) 393-9157
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Reverend and Mrs. (Joyce) Leroy Taylor, pastor and first lady of St. Paul A.M.E. Church in New Orleans, Louisiana lost their daughter, Dionne Marlene Taylor and granddaughter, Khloe' Simone Jackson in an automobile accident.
Dionne Marlene Taylor and her children moved to Texas after Hurricane Katrina. She was a Junior High School Teacher and was teaching in Dallas and was planning to move back home at the end of the school year. Dionne's 3-year-old son survived the collision with minor injuries and is now with his grandparents.
We ask that you pray for the strength of the Taylor family who face tragedy once again, following Hurricane Katrina.
Service arrangements for Dionne and Khloe':
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Visitation/Viewing: 9 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Mass: 11:00 a.m.
Saint Maria Goretti Catholic Church
7300 Crowder Boulevard
New Orleans, LA 70127
Phone: 504-242-7554
Professional services entrusted to:
Rhodes Funeral Home
2929 Scenic Highway
Baton Rouge, LA 70805-6368
Phone: 225 -383-1663
Fax: 225- 355-8787
Condolences may be sent to:
Rev. and Mrs. Leroy Taylor
11925 Catalina Avenue
Baton Rouge, LA 70814-7705
Phone: 225-274-1964
Or to:
Rev. and Mrs. Leroy Taylor
c/o St. Paul A.M.E. Church
8540 Cohn Street
New Orleans, LA 70118
E-mail condolences may be sent to:
Rev. Leroy Taylor: RevLeroy@bellsouth.net
or
Mrs. Joyce Taylor: princessjoylee@bellsouth.net
Submitted by:
Evelyn H. Markey
Office Manager
8th Episcopal District - A.M.E. Church
4480 Gen DeGaulle Drive - Suite 210 A
New Orleans, LA 70131
(504) 393-9001 Office/ (504) 393-9157 FAX
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Miss Jennifer Jeppson, the niece of Presiding Elder Lawrence C. Henryhand (Philadelphia Conference, Harrisburg District). She died on Saturday, May 26, 2007 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Miss Jeppson was 18 years old. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing and Funeral -
Thursday, May 31, 2007 Viewing - 12 noon - 4:00 p.m.
Funeral - 4:00 p.m.
Donald N. Gower Funeral Home
Star Route, Box 59-A
Gilbert, PA 18331
Phone: 610-681-4848
Fax: 610-681-4747
The Reverends Cynthia and Samuel Lucas, officiating
Expressions of Sympathy and Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Esther Jeppson
223 Terrace Drive
Saylorsburg, PA 18353
Presiding Elder Lawrence C. Henryhand
4520 Londonderry Road, #A-131
Harrisburg, PA 17109
Phone: 717-810-1920
Fax: 717-540-5812
Please remember the family of Miss Jennifer Jeppson in your prayers.
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Regretfully we share news of the passing of Mrs. Joyce Houston, wife of Reverend James L. Houston, pastor of Bethel AME Church Lake City.
Service arrangements for Mrs. Houston:
Visitation at the Mortuary: Friday, June 1, 2007 6:00-7:00 PMStrong and Jones551 West Carolina StreetTallahassee, FL 32301Phone: (850) 224-2139
Funeral Service
Saturday, June 2, 2007
11:00 AM
New Mt. Zion
The Rev. John White, II
1401 Old Bainbridge Rd
Tallahassee, FL 32303
Tel: (850) 222-4201
Services entrusted to:
Strong and Jones Funeral Home
551 W Carolina Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Phone: (850) 224-2139
Send condolences and expressions of sympathy to:
The Rev. James L. Houston and Family
3113 Mae Rd
Tallahassee, FL 32312
Tel: (850) 385-4286
E-mail: jamesh3113@aol.com
Please remember the Houston family in your prayers.
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
On May 22, 2007 Martha E. Hayworth, the sister of Kay Blackwell, the wife of the Rev. Fred Blackwell pastor of Shorter Chapel A.M.E. Church -Tullahoma, TN and Sandra Burnette, expired at North Capitol Nursing Home in Indianapolis, Indiana, after an extended illness
Funeral services for Mrs. Martha E. Hayworth were held on Saturday, May 26, 2007. Arrangements were entrusted to Marvin L. Boatright Funeral Service, Inc. located at 2163 N. Illinois Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to: Kay BlackwellP.O. Box 721 Decherd, TN 37324 (931) 967-0053
Or to:
Sandra Burnette 306 Woodland Drive
Decherd, TN 37324
(931)967-1623
Email: sburnette54@wmconnect.com
Please remember the family in your prayers.
Submitted by:
The Rev. Kenneth H. Hill, PhD, Presiding Elder
East Tennessee Annual Conference, 13th Episcopal District
19. GENERAL OFFICER BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Memorial Service for Rita M. Green, sister of Dr. Julia M. Wade, Executive Editor, The Secret Chamber and sister in law of Dr. James C. Wade, Executive Director, Dept. of Church Growth and Development is as follows:
Memorial Service
Saturday, June 9, 2007
2:00 pm
Charbonnet~LaBat Funeral Home
1615 Saint Phillip Street
New Orleans LA 70116-2936
(504) 581-4411
Internment
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Family Cemetery
Natchitoches, LA
Condolences, cards, expressions of support may be sent to:
Dr. Julia M. Wade
375 Phillipson Way
Memphis TN 38125
901-758-8870
mailto:38125901-758-8870jcwade1109@aol.com
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The mother of Pastor Bruce Leon Francis passed on Monday, May 28.
The following information has been provided regarding visitation, condolences, and homegoing arrangements:
Viewing of the Body will be:
Saturday, June 2, 2007; 9:00 - 10:00 AM
Homegoing Celebration: 10:00 AM, June 2, 2007
Homegoing Celebration Service will be held at:
Elizabeth Baptist Church
1210 Himrod Ave
Youngstown, Oh 44505
(330) 746 - 3877 Her Body has been entrusted to:
L. E. Black, Phillips, & Holden, Funeral Home, Inc.
1951 McGuffey Rd
Youngstown, Oh 44505
(330) 744 7770 (Bus)
(330) 747 - 3976 (Fax)
Condolences to the family may be sent to:
The Rev. Walter Walker & Family
350 Early Rd.Youngstown, Oh 44505
Condolences to Rev. Bruce L. Francis may be sent to:
Macedonia AME Church
6235 Stagecoach Road
Rex, GA 30273
Pastorblf@aol.com
21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action
Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
E-mail: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936
Fax: (615) 833-3781
Cell: (615) 403-7751
22. 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
5/26/2007
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (5/26/07)
Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: I believe that I am caught up from my recovery period from my bi-lateral knee replacement surgery. I had no idea that the anesthetic would take so long to get out of my system.
Again thanks for your prayers.
1. BISHOP McKENZIE TO PREACH AT THE HAMPTON UNIVERSITY MINISTERS’ CONFERENCE AND THE AME LUNCHEON WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY:
The 93rd Annual Hampton University Ministers’ Conference and 73rd Annual Choir Directors’ Organists’ Guild will be held June 3 – June 8, 2007, on the beautiful campus of Hampton University. Once again, HU will host a variety of exceptional ministers.
Among the nationally acclaimed speakers for the conference is, Bishop Vashti McKenzie, Presiding Prelate of the 13th Episcopal District of the AME Church. Additional information about the HU Ministers’ Conference can be obtained from www.hamptonu.edu .
The AME Luncheon will be held on Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel, now renamed, the Hampton Marina Hotel - 700 Settlers Landing Road Hampton, VA. The cost of the luncheon, and it’s really a dinner, will be $25.00 per person.
Signup, to assist us in getting a count, may be done at the Religious Studies display booth in the Convocation Center.
Please pass the word, “The AME Luncheon will be held on Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 1:30 at the Radisson Hotel, now renamed, the Hampton Marina Hotel - 700 Settlers Landing Road Hampton, VA.”
2. WE HAVE COME A LONG WAY: A POSITION PAPER ON BEHALF OF THE LAITY:
Dr. Jamye Coleman Williams
Each time I have stood in a connectional meeting, whether to suggest (at the 2004 meeting of the General Board in Nashville) that we need to be more sensitive to the Joshua generation; or (at the 2000 Session of the General Conference) to introduce a special resolution to instruct the Episcopal Committee to recommend the election of a woman; or (at the 2004 Session of the General Conference) to propose what came to be a controversial resolution on “One Possible Solution to the Problem of Accountability,” I have done so because I was convinced of the validity of the issue.
I am sure that at one time or another each of us has come to the same conclusion as did Martin Luther King, Jr., when he preached at Riverside Church to oppose the escalation of the military struggle in Viet Nam. He spoke because his conscience left him no other choice. Each time I have stood on the floor or on the platform to introduce a special resolution; I have done so only after long periods of deliberating with myself and invoking the help of the Holy Spirit. So it is also true at this moment in my 60-year odyssey in African Methodism as I write, on behalf of the Connectional Lay Organization, this position paper.
The current discussion in the connectional church regarding the necessity of biennial meetings of the Connectional Lay Organization reminds me that too often we forget our history—or in many cases have no knowledge of it. The history of the Lay Organization stretches back so far that few of us now on the scene were present when—after many years of struggle and strong opposition—the Connectional Lay Organization was established.
Our Organization has evolved through three stages of growth and development. The first stage occurred in 1912 when the Laymen’s Missionary League was organized through the initiation of Professor Charles H. Johnson of Wilberforce University. This event took place at the 24th Session of the General Conference, which met in Kansas City, MO. Four years later at the 1916 Session of the General Conference in Philadelphia, through the leadership of Dr. Carl V. Roman—a noted Greek scholar at Fisk University—the name was changed to the Connectional Lay College, which met only at the site of the General Conference and whose membership consisted of the lay delegates to that session.
It was discovered, consequently, in these early years of the Lay College that an organization which met but once every four years, and with a constantly changing membership, could not effectively organize and develop lay leadership to contribute to the general welfare of African Methodism.
In 1946 because of a serious crisis in the episcopacy, the first and only Extra Session of the General Conference was convened November 20-24 in Robinson Auditorium in Little Rock, AR. In addition to resolving the volatile problem that confronted African Methodism, the Extra Session also witnessed the birth of the Connectional Lay Organization. Attorney Herbert L. Dudley, President of the Lay College, convened the duly elected delegates to the 32nd Session of the General Conference who were in attendance at the Extra Session. The purposes of the meeting were to consider abolishing the Lay College, which met quadrennially at the seat of the General Conference, and establishing a permanent organization with a structure paralleling that of the General Conference, with Connectional, District, Conference, and Local Units. In addition, according to Attorney Dudley, “After much serious, prayerful, and thoughtful consideration, the delegates voted unanimously to hold all future meetings biennially rather than every four years.” The rationale was that biennial meetings would allow the time to develop goals, programs, and activities. Further, they would provide the opportunity to create, emphasize, and develop lay consciousness.
Although these actions were resented by some well-intentioned but misinformed individuals, the official pronouncement from the Bench of Bishops to that 1946 Extra Session of the General Conference affirmed that “African Methodism needs a vigorous, healthy and well-informed laity” which in turn would “produce a productive and a dynamic church.” The statement further confirmed that one of the hopeful signs in the church was the discontent among some of the laity. Because African Methodism is revolutionary by nature, discontent should not be discouraged because an inactive and unintelligent laity can do great damage to the church. Inasmuch as the pressures of democracy are felt in all areas of our lives, it is naturally felt in our church government.
Despite this strong statement, during the early years following 1946 the lay movement was viewed by some with suspicion and hostility. The influence of the Lay Organization was bought with a price. We, therefore, must not forget the sacrifice and struggle of the early leaders to ensure that the laity would have a meaningful voice in Church affairs. It required courage to attend connectional lay meetings because one would be viewed as being opposed to constituted authority. It was Attorney Dudley, President of the Organization from 1936-1940 and from 1944 to 1963, who made a great contribution by bringing all suspicious factions together.
His successor, Mr. J.D. Williams of Kansas City, MO, was a man of independent thought who motivated the Organization and created a new enthusiasm. Mr. Joseph C. McKinney, Treasurer of the AME Church and consultant to the Lay Organization, was an influence during his tenure in moving the Organization to a greater level of respect and acceptance than it had experienced previously.
According to Dr. Dennis C. Dickerson, Historiographer/Director of the Department of Research and Scholarship, lay participation in the evolution of the Church was crucial at several stages of the denomination’s development. Lay men and women were founders of congregations and important participants in various annual conferences. For example, Priscilla Baltimore helped William Paul Quinn establish in St. Louis in 1841 the first AME church west of the Mississippi. In Los Angeles, Biddy Mason was crucial in the founding of First AME Church.
Given our history, we must in our own time continue to be an active, viable unit in our Church. We must continue to be a part of its many constructive and worthwhile movements as we have in the past. Some of the most progressive legislation enacted by General Conferences has had the support of the voting strength of the laity. The Lay Organization was an influence in passing the legislation which created the Pension Department in 1944. It was a part of the movement to establish a budget at the 35th Session of the General Conference in Miami in 1956.
When the budget was adopted on that May 10th day, a dramatic demonstration erupted which lasted for an hour. Led by a band marching down the aisle, Brotherhood members followed, to be joined by hundreds of ministers, laymen, and laywomen. The memory is still vivid in my mind since my husband, McDonald Williams, a delegate from the 3rd Episcopal District, and I were a part of the victory march. It is interesting to note that in this newly-established General Budget Fund, under Administration Fund, the Laymen Activities Fund was included.
It is, therefore, also a matter of great concern to hear objections to the financing of lay activities. Statistics confirm that the laity of the AME Church contributes 93% of our total connectional budget. In addition, the assertion that the Connectional Lay Organization has a membership not reflective of the total laity of the Church is disingenuous. We would remind those who so argue that the 435 members of the House of Representatives of the United States Congress do represent all the citizens of our country. Our Connectional Lay Organization does, indeed, represent those nameless, numberless AME’s--wherever they may be--who never go beyond the boundaries of their local church, but whose interests nevertheless must be served. Our Church, like our Nation, is based on the concept of “representative government.”
We would further be reminded of the trenchant and enduring words of Bishop Reverdy Cassius Ransom when he declared, “The Bishops, Elders, and Deacons do not constitute the Church. The heart and center of the Church consists of laymen and laywomen who constitute one body working together under law, custom, and tradition to achieve the ends which, from the beginning, the Church was established to serve.” In the words of Lawrence Jones, former Dean of the Chapel at both Fisk University and Howard University, “The future of the whole black church is directly dependent on effective lay leadership. It is the financial and service resources of the laity that move the church.”
To the question, “What, then, does the Lay Organization do?” this is the response:
- It holds workshops to train the laity
- It continues to emphasize the noble objectives of the Lay Organization:
- To instill a love for and an appreciation of our history, traditions, and principles;
- To keep alive the memory of Richard Allen, our founder;
- To advocate respect and loyalty to constituted authority and leadership;
- To encourage support of the total program of the Church;
- To study The Doctrine and Discipline of the AME Church.
We have come a long way! In this the first decade of a new millennium, we look back on the history and legacy of the lay movement and gratefully acknowledge that it was bought with a price. We, therefore, are called to remember that from the balcony those dedicated Christian men and women who loved African Methodism look down upon us today and contemplate our actions. From Professor Charles H. Johnson to Dr. Carl V. Roman, to Mr. Malone, to Dr. R.R. Williams, to Attorney Herbert Dudley, to Mr. J.D. Williams, to Mr. Arthur Brown, all of whom have moved on to eternity, we owe a debt of gratitude. To Mr. J. L. Williams, Dr. Kathryn Brown, and Mr. Jesse Burns we are obligated to keep alive the mutual spirit of independence and cooperation. In the advice of Paul to the Corinthians: “Keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” And to God be the glory!
Works consulted:
Howard D. Gregg, History of the AME Church (1980)
The AME Church Review, April-June, 1985
Official Minutes, 35th Session of the General Conference, May, 1956
3. THE RIGHT REVEREND RICHARD NORRIS AND MOTHER NORRIS PROVIDED SUPERB LEADERSHIP FOR THE 121ST SESSION OF THE BERMUDA ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
The 121st Session of the Bermuda Annual Conference got underway on March 8th, 2007 at the Fairmont Southampton Hotel and Resort under the Leadership of our Episcopal team of Bishop Richard Franklin Norris and Mother Maryann Norris.
Rev. Dr. Wilbur Lowe Jr. officially called the 121st Session in the Mid Ocean Amphitheatre to order as the Ministers, Pastors, Presiding Elders and Bishop Richard F. Norris along with many Dignitaries and Members and Friends of the African Methodist Episcopal churches gathered together for worship.
The worship experience was beaming with excitement as it was unfolding. The Conference Choir under the direction of Brother Anthony Wolfe ministered with excellence. The Rev. Dr. Micah Chandler of Heard Chapel A.M.E. Church was the Keynote speaker for this event. He spoke on the topic “Dried Brook University” based on the scripture 1 Kings 17:2-7. His message was well received.
The Conference was moved to pay special recognized to Dr. Duranda Greene who became the college’s first female and the youngest president to head the two-year community college. Dr. Greene is also the proud member of Mt. Zion A.M.E Church. She will take over from Dr. Charles Green April 1 2007.
The ministerial delegates to the General Conference: Presiding Elder Rev. Malcolm L. Eve, Rev. Betty L. Furbert-Woolridge, and the Rev. Lanel Guyton (the delegate that has never been before).
The Alternate Delegates: Rev. Dr. Wilbur Lowe, Jr.; Rev. Lorne Bean and the Rev. Pedro A. Castro Jr. (the delegate that has never been before).
The Lay Electoral College Delegates are: Sisters Donna Lee Chandler and Diann Matthews (Adult delegates), Sister Waynette Brangman (Youth delegate) with Brother Victor Fishington and Sister Duranda Green (Alternate delegates) and Brother Ralph Trott (Alternate Youth Delegate).
Sister Valerie Smith was elected as the President of the Conference Women’s Missionary Society. The outgoing president, Sister Linda Smith was commended for her work with the WMS.
The Lay sponsored an all male concert, featuring Choirs from various A.M.E. Churches; special guest were Brother Richard Norris II, Organist, along with Brother Tony Smith, Saxophonist. These came together to render praises unto God. What a night of talent and spiritual revitalization!
Friday, March 10th was Christian Education Night. This was a night were the youth were celebrated; and they were celebrated in style! There were Poster contests from ages 7-12; there was Bible jeopardy with Host and Co-Host Rev. Pedro Castro, Jr and Rev. Stephanie Castro. Then came the moment every one was waiting for - the crowning of the Bermuda A.M.E. Youth of the Year. The out-going Youth of the year was Sister Natasha Butterfield who greeted the conference with eloquence. Than there was the crowning of the A.M.E Youth of the Year who won in all the categories, Sister Kamala Burgess the younger daughter of Rev. Dr. Milton and Gloria Burgess and younger sister to Rasheeda.
Itinerant Orders were bestowed upon Gilbert St. Clair Hayward, elected and ordained a Deacon in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The Reverend Joyce Victoria Chesley Hayward and the Reverend Cyril Sookram Simmons were elected and ordained an Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
At this 121st Annual Conference various resolutions were made:
1. To address the affordable housing crises in Bermuda, the AME church embarks on an economic empowerment initiative that provides AME members the opportunity to become homeowners.
2. That the model instituted by The Rev. Floyd Flake, Pastor of Greater Allen Cathedral of Jamaica, New York which is similar to the locally run programme that is led by The Hon. Dale Butler, JP, MP and Mr. Rodney Smith, be emulated.
3. That as part of the economic empowering programme, Financial Management Instruction be an integral part of the local church calendar of events.
4. That the AME Church adopts and implements the comprehensive gang model as presented by Mr. Calvin Ming at the District Conference 2006, which comprised of five core strategies, namely: Community mobilization; Provision of opportunities; Social intervention; suppression; Organizational change and Development to the body of our Zion.
5. That this body boldly address the glaring omission of coverage of AME Church events.
6. That those Ministerial persons of the conference join together for a ministerial retreat that will focus on fine tuning their ministerial skills so that they can better serve their congregations and communities.
7. That in this Pentecostal age, the AME Church honestly examine how receptive it is to welcome the ministering and operation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
8. That the AME Church seeks to become inter-generational (from the cradle to the grave), in meeting the needs of the congregants.
9. That the recommendations of the Education commission Report-Homework club proposal be operational in three church locations, but supported by all 11 churches.
10. That the funding of the Homework club would be curtailed by the volunteer services provided by current and or retired school teaches, returning college students, other volunteers and food contributions.
11. That the East-West district encourages more youth participation at district level to give our youth more exposure to their church.
12. That the challenges of growth and retention, both within the church school and general membership be strategically addressed, primarily by means of prayer and fasting followed by the activation agencies.
13. That the department of Evangelism works in concert with the Bermuda Ministerial Alliance of the Bermuda Annual Conference to effectively evangelize Bermuda.
14. That the efforts are waged against sin, the AME Ministerial alliance of the AME Church continue their relationship United by Faith, a Government initiative.
15. That the AME Ministerial Alliance and membership of the African Methodist Episcopal church in Bermuda, assiduously and commissions coming out of this 121st Session of the Bermuda Annual conference.
Submitted by
Reporter to the Church Press
Rev. Dr. Milton E. R. Burgess Ph.D., J.P.
Pastor - St. Philip A.M.E. Church
102 Harrington Sound Road
Smith’s Parish HS 01
Bermuda
4. ST. LUKE A.M.E. CHURCH, GALLATIN, TN - SMALL IN NUMBER, MIGHTY IN STATURE:
On April 22, 2007, the Reverend Robert Keesee, Presiding Elder, came to conduct the quarterly conference meeting. He preached for the morning service, "Where do we go from Here?" The Nehemiah Nation Male Chorus provided the music for the occasion. Reverend Keesee received 100 percent reporting from all church organizations and said St. Luke was doing a good job. Acknowledgement was given to Sister Almeda Bragg, age 97, and the Almeda Bragg Women's Missionary Society and an announcement was made regarding a special recognition program to be held the following Sunday.
Tamiko Black
Fisk University
tblack@fisk.edu
5. SPECIALIST JOEL DANDRIDGE WAS SERIOUSLY WOUNDED IN AFGHANISTAN ON MAY 4, 2007:
We are at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington DC to support our son, Joel, who was severely wounded in Afghanistan. We solicit and greatly appreciate your heartfelt prayers and donations of emergency assistance as we travel to be with him. We are not sure how long we will need to be there. Joel has just been told that his leg has been amputated. He was operated on Friday May 4, 2007 in Afghanistan. They prevented shock, controlled the bleeding, and implemented pain control. On Saturday he was medically evacuated to Landstuhl, Germany and had further surgery performed which resulted in partial removal of his intestine, colon, and bowel; amputation of his right leg below the knee and screws placed in his left knee and muscle removed from his thigh. The bullets were left in him because of extensive damage. He was cleaned out once again Sunday and operated on again.
Joel is only twenty years of age and has a twin sister who lives in Cincinnati.
Contributions may be sent to the following: JOEL DULASHANTI DANDRIDGE RECOVERY FUND, First Community Bank of Bedford County, 207 Elm Street, P.O. Box 1027. Shelbyville, TN 37162
The Reverends John and Janie Dandridge are both pastors in the Tennessee Annual Conference
615-512-6807 or 615-796-7098
6. A SMALL RURAL CHURCH THAT THINKS BIG:
By Rev. Herman L. Massingale, pastor, Peachburg Circuit, Union Springs, Alabama
According to Dr. George R. La Sure as published in The Christian Recorder: Vol. 156, No 10 February 12, 2007, a bright rural and small membership future? …not without planning, “Since the average church in the body of the African Methodist Church denomination represents rural and small membership churches ranging from 10 to 250 members…a growth strategy is needed.”
St. John AME and Hardaway AME of, which makes up the Peachburg Circuit in rural Bullock County, Alabama with a combined membership of 118 certainly fits within Dr. La Sure classification. Rev. Herman L. Massingale, Master of Ministry is the pastor. Rev. Thomas Crossley is the Presiding Elder of Tuskegee District of the East Alabama Conference under Bishop T. Larry Kirkland.
The Peachburg Circuit growth strategy involves equipping and meeting the needs of the locals and then they will share with others.
Rev. Massingale said that rural churches in this area seem to embrace activities that allow fellowship with neighboring congregations. So, during Holy Week the Peachburg Circuit performed a play in commemoration of Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples as a means of spiritual fellowship. We also host and participate in the 7 last words of Christ with several local AME and Baptist Pastors.
The Preachburg Circuit also has as ongoing youth ministries such as praise dance teams, vacation bible school, quarterly youth led worship services and youth fall festival as an alternative to Halloween.
We believe that small churches would focus on meeting the local needs of the people vitality will be evident. God will work the ends of spiritual growth and soul winning.
The Peachburg Circuit performed “The Living Last Supper Play” on Holy Thursday April 5, 2007. This play was adapted from the play written by Ernest K. Emurian. The setting was from The Last Supper painting by Leonardo Da Vinci. The men of our church spoke their minds as if they had been back there some 2000 years ago having walked with Jesus , having witnessed Jesus teachings, miracles, and shocking statement that one of them would betray him. The men involved faith was deepened as they shared with the audience what they would have felt had they had been an Apostle of Jesus Christ that night.
The Presiding Elder Thomas E. Crossley and Pastor Herman Massingale administered Holy Communion at the end of the play.
7. CHURCH 'GETS THE WORD OUT' IN TIME; ST. PHILIP MONUMENTAL AME WILL HAVE DISTRIBUTED SOME 10,000 BIBLES:
*Paula Williamson
The Rev. George Moore blesses the leaders of St. Philip Monumental
AME Church and 10,000 Bibles as the stewards and trustees prepare to distribute Bibles to church members, visitors and the Savannah community.
Sunday's services at St. Philip Monumental AME on Jefferson Street had the pastor, the Rev. George A. Moore Jr., smiling. His vision of promoting Christianity in Savannah is coming to fruition.
As part of that vision, the church on Sept. 17 launched a "Get the Word Out" Bible distribution campaign. Moore and church leaders prayed over stacks of Bibles, asking God to bless and help those who receive them.
Moore, who came to St. Philip Monumental two years ago, said, "I want to make sure we promote Christianity in the Savannah community. We believe that in these times, God's Word is needed for God's people."
Moore said it should be a priority of every believer to live and spread the Word of God.
"(The Bible) is more than feel-good words ... more than a few holy commands. There are some tough facts in this book. There are tough facts in this life ... (God) wills and wants you to place a vested interest in His Word," said Moore.
The Bible distribution began with St. Philip Monumental members and visitors who attend the church and will filter out into the community.
About 10,000 Bibles from the American Bible Society and its anonymous donors will be distributed in the coming months.
Moore said the poor will be a priority: "We want to make sure each family has a Bible."
He said there is no set timetable and the project will continue for "however long it takes to see God's blessings fall upon this community."
For information about these and other programs at St. Philip Monumental AME, call 233-8547.
*Republished with permission of the Savannah Morning News.
8. THE REVEREND GREGORY BALL SHARES PILGRIMAGE TO HOLY LAND SPONSORED BY THE INTERDENOMINATIONAL THEOLOGICAL CENTER, ATLANTA, GEORGIA:
I have return from the Holy-land, which was a Pastor's Spiritual Renewal Pilgrimage and Retreat in Jerusalem and refer to as the Holy-rest. To sit here at my computer and attempt to explain my experience it would take more time and words than I have at my disposal, yet I must share something of my magnificent spiritual journey.
What a great conquest of being able to traveling the places were Jesus walked, taught and lived. I had the opportunity to visited Jesus' home town of Nazareth, Walk a trail to the top of the Cliff of Arbel for a panoramic view of the Sea of Galilee. Visible in the distance are the Plain of Gennesaret, Capernaum, Mount of Beatitudes and Tabgha (traditional site of the loaves and fishes), and the Chapel of the Primacy of Peter (traditional site of Jesus' appearance to the disciples while they were fishing: "cast your nets on the other side).
Descend the trail and drove to Capernaum. Drove to Kursi on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee (traditional site of where Jesus healed the demoniac and cast the demons into swine) then return across the sea by boat. After traveling through Galilee to Nazareth exploring Nazareth, we returned by a different route that offered a better view of Mount Tabor (traditional Mount of Transfiguration).
After Sunday morning worship followed by a full day drive from Galilee to Jerusalem.
The drive was not so long, but there were three important places we visited along the way: Megiddo (Armageddon), Mount Carmel, and Caesarea.
That morning we walked into Jerusalem: from Mount of Olives via the Garden of Gethsemane and the Via Delarosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher was quite an experience.
We then pressed our way back into the Old City of Jerusalem for visits to Saint Anne's Church and the Western (Wailing) Wall then to the Church of Saint Peter in Gallicantu on Mount Zion.
And finally, our morning excursion to Bethlehem, then to the Dead Sea (This excursion broke the pattern in that it would take most of the day. Yet the Dead Sea and places along its northwestern shore (Masada, Qumran, and Jericho) was important for understanding the biblical tradition).
And now I have been blessed with a new perspective about Jesus
The Rev. Gregory Ball Sr.
Editor's Note: Thank you, Rev. Ball, for sharing this travel report.
9. ADDITIONAL TRIPS TO THE HOLY LAND BEING PLANNED:
I recently returned from a two-week pilgrimage to the Holy Land sponsored by ITC (and funded by the Cousins Foundation out of Atlanta). It is specifically geared for pastors between the age of 35 and 55 who are experiencing burnout and feel the need for renewal. The pilgrimage was excellent! The reason I am sharing is validate for those of you may have been skeptical when the message was circulated a few months ago and to let you know that ITC has been funded for two more pilgrimages in October. Exact dates have not yet been released but should be posted on their website--www.holyrest.org--when it is up and running. If you have never been to the Holy Land, the pilgrimage will serve to greatly enhance your spiritual journey and put a genuine picture to the scripture passages you have been reading for years.
The Reverend Ken Ratliff
10. HERE IS YET ANOTHER ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT A GREAT OPPORTUNITY:
ITC has been granted a third Holy Land Pilgrimage which Dr. Temba Mafico will lead in October 2007.
This is in addition to those planned for the year 2008.
The Holy Land Web Site:
www.holyrest.org
Potential applicants will find at this website all the information needed as well as the application form.
The deadline for applications is June 20, 2007.
The pilgrimage is scheduled for October 3-18, 2007.
Please recruit your friends and encourage them to apply.
Note: Responses to this email will go directly to Dr. Mafico.
Temba L. J. Mafico, Ph.D.
Project Manager
ITC/CF Pilgrimage for Pastoral Renewal
700 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, SW
Atlanta. GA 30314
EDITOR’S NOTE: The Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) is a consortium of denominational seminaries whose mission is to educate Christian leaders for ministry and service in the Church and the global community. The ITC educates and nurtures women and men who commit to and practice a liberating and transforming spirituality; academic discipline; religious, gender, and cultural diversity; and justice and peace.
11. ST. PAUL-MINNEAPOLIS DISTRICT CONFERENCE 3RD SESSION:
By Charles Hallman, District Reporter
Those who traveled to and attended the third session of the St. Paul-Minneapolis District Conference April 12-14 left very uplifted.
“We closed this session on a mountaintop experience,” proclaimed Presiding Elder Rev. Alphonse Reff, Sr.
Wayman (Minneapolis, Minn.), where Reff is host pastor, was the site of the three-day sessions.
Expertly directed by Rev. Carl Walker of Walker-West Music Academy in St. Paul, Minn., who was a guest director, the conference was blessed by a district pre-musical, featuring the district choir directed by Rev. Steve Perkins (Bethel, Davenport, Iowa).
Those in attendance that night got stirred up with each song, and the two-hour concert quickly transformed into a participatory worship service. “The people were very responsive,” said Rev. Walker, who praised Reff for allowing him and others from different denominations to take part in an AMEC event. “I hope we can do it again.”
“Baptists and AMEers singing together,” added a smiling Reff.
Rev. Harry L. Wilson, pastor Bethel, Darlington, S.C. preached the opening session sermon and used 2 Kings 5:6-8 as his sermon text. Afterwards he said, “I was honored to see the great work on the St. Paul Minneapolis District.”
The first day featured workshops, such as one that involved a dialogue on leadership. Communication should be a top priority for clergy, Rev. Michael Gonzales (Wayman, Minneapolis) surmised. “As a leader, you have to be willing to be transparent,” he added. “People have to be able to see you as human and be able to relate to them.”
The first evening service featured AMEC Department of Global Witness and Ministries Executive Director Rev. George Flowers. Before he spoke, Rev. Flowers thanked the district for its $10,000 contribution toward helping Hurricane Katrina survivors in New Orleans, Mississippi and Alabama. As his text, he used Mark 4:35-41 for his sermon titled “Jesus with you on the boat.”
“We are living in an era of storms,” Flowers reiterated. “When you are in the middle of the storm, it is not a good time to work out your theology.”
A second-day workshop, “Serving God through effective Communication,” was a clergy and laity dialogue led by Dr. Betty Webb, a former Minneapolis assistant school superintendent who now runs a Minneapolis charter school. To fully illustrate her point, she asked clergy members to sit on one side of the sanctuary and district laity on the other. “This is how many of our churches look like,” Webb said as she hammered her point that divisions among congregations often are counter-productive.
The second evening service brought the district conference to its praying knees, first by the district youth choir, then by the featured preacher, Rev. Paulette Sankofa, Associate Academic Dean, Princeton Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, Ind.
“Voices sounded like angels,” Rev. Sankofa told the youngsters prior to her sermon, which she used 2 Chronicles 7: 12-14 and Luke 15: 11-24 as her text. She briefly reviewed recent news events, such as the dropping of all charges against the Duke lacrosse players, three University of Minnesota football players accused of rape, a drive-by killing of a young woman in Chicago, and Don Imus’ racist remarks about the Rutgers University women’s basketball team.
We are being “bamboozled and distracted” by such events, Rev. Sankofa pointed out. “The church in this world is in trouble, while we are worrying about the colors to wear on Women’s Day. The church has lost its sense of purpose.”
Sankofa pleaded for “radical changes” in our churches, including healing and refraining from wickedness. She concluded her sermon by asking the congregation to join in an altar call. “This can’t be for one night,” she said. “We got to go into prayer for our world. God will heal our land but it will take all of us praying for this to happen.”
Among District business included:
--The Board of Examiners recommended four licentiates: Donald Price, Tracey Gibson, Hilton Holt and Stacey Smith for ordination as deacons at the Annual Conference later this year. “A licentiate is like a person with a driver’s permit,” noted Rev. Bryon Moore, Pastor, St. James (St. Paul, Minn.), one of the examiners. “They should not preach without a licensed driver or their pastor present.”
--Lay Report: Their members all agreed that more training is needed
--Church Growth: Rev. Kenneth Adderly (Coppin Chapel, Fort Dodge, Iowa) reported, “We should concentrate on getting spiritually (and) forget about the numbers for now.”
--Christian Education: Rev. Janet Johnson (Wayman, Minneapolis) reported on the district’s prison ministry, which include an ‘adopt-a-family’ program (two families currently involved), letter writing to inmates, with an additional focus on family members, and a youth forum (14 persons are participating): “Our mission is to educate not incarnate,” concluded Johnson.
After closing business was conducted, Chicago Conference Christian Education Director Dr. Reginald Blount spoke on “The Basics of Christian Education.”
“I believe the purpose of Christian Education is to set people free: free to be children of God and free to be co-creators with God,” said Dr. Blount (Trinity, Waukegan, Ill.). Christian Education should always take place at all times, even at choir rehearsals and official board meetings, he added. “That’s where Christian Education should be taken place. Any time or opportunity where people need to grow,” he said.
More is needed than just saving souls, Blount added. “After we saved them, our goal needs to be to transform their lives to be Christ-like. We just can’t teach them about Christ and the Bible but to show them.”
The district’s “Women in Ministry” led the closing worship service. Rev. Sharon Moore (St. James, St. Paul, Minn.) used Luke 24: 1-12 as the text of her sermon, “After Resurrection.”
“God wants us to be focused more on the spiritual,” she began. “We are looking more like the world than looking like the church.” The church needs “spiritual spices” in order to move after being resurrected, she added.
“When you remember the promise God give you,” Moore concluded, “you are to move into action. Don’t allow your past to blackmail your future. God is looking for one to say yes.”
The conference attendees left impressed, informed and inspired.
The workshops were worthwhile, said Julia Naylor (Coppin Chapel, Fort Dodge, Iowa). “Overall it has been a very good conference,” added Dorothy Sallis (Payne, Waterloo, Iowa).
Rev. John R. Halbert, Pastor of St. Peter’s (Minneapolis) praised the host church’s volunteers’ diligence in serving the conference attendees: “Your hospitality made our food digest better.”
Presiding Elder Reff said that now the district must take the “mountaintop experience” back to their churches. “After our mountaintop experience,” he pointed out, “we must go back to the valley. We need to continue to make an impact on people’s lives, to bring people into the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, to impart our neighborhoods and communities with corroboration with other agencies. The church can’t do it by itself.”
On the third session of the three-year-old St. Paul Minneapolis District, which comprises of nine churches in Minnesota and Iowa, Rev. Reff noted, “Things have superseded beyond my expectations. I always expected the churches to work in the community in a small sense but now it has exceeded my expectations that they are working in a broader sense.
“That let me know that the Kingdom of God is strengthen beyond the walls of the church,” concluded Reff.
12. AFRICAN AMERICAN, JEWISH WORSHIPPERS UNITE TO STAGE HISTORIC ‘HUMAN CHAIN’ VIGIL; TAKE INTERFAITH STAND AGAINST DARFUR ATROCITIES AT SUDANESE EMBASSY:
(WASHINGTON, DC)- Two of this city’s oldest religious congregations will unite in an interfaith protest against human suffering and genocide in Darfur when members of the Metropolitan AME Church and the Washington Hebrew Congregation meet to form “A (Human) Chain for Change in Darfur,” in front of the Republic of Sudan’s Embassy on Sunday, June 24, from 2 to 3 p.m.
“African Americans and Jews are two peoples of this planet with long histories of suffering from and fighting against genocide and oppression,” said Bishop Adam J. Richardson, presiding prelate of the Second Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. “We are taking a united stand against the atrocities being committed in Darfur. Together we say ‘no more.’”
The June 24 vigil will be led by Rabbi M. Bruce Lustig, senior rabbi of the Washington Hebrew Congregation, and the Rev. Ronald E. Braxton, senior pastor of the Metropolitan AME Church. “We want this protest to serve as both a symbolic gesture and a real call to action to end suffering, injustice, and death in Darfur,” said Rabbi Lustig. “We will not stand idly by and watch this genocide continue…”
Rev. Braxton added, “At the vigil, a human chain bearing the names of witnesses who refuse to stand silent about ending the genocide in Darfur will be formed at the Sudanese Embassy. Through our united action, the African American and the Jewish communities will tell the work that the mindless torture and slaughter of innocent people in Darfur will no longer be ignored and tolerated by the international community.”
For additional information about his historic human rights event, please contact Rev. Kimberly Barnes at 202 331-1426 or Julia Wilson at 202 340-0608.
Contact: Rev. Marie M. Phillips Braxton
Metropolitan A.M.E. Church
1518 M Street NW
Washington, DC 2005
301 331-1426
13. MALCOLM GLOVER PRODUCES SUDAN DOCUMENTARY:
I hope all is well. I am pleased to report that I recently finished producing and editing a documentary titled: A Partnership for Prosperity: Public Servants in Southern Sudan. Those of you who live in Arkansas are cordially invited to attend a special screening of my film at the Clinton School of Public Service on Wednesday, May 9, from 5:30 – 7 p.m. I have attached to this email a flyer with additional film screening details.
My thirty minute film documents the results of two decades of civil war in Southern Sudan, which caused two million deaths and displaced four million civilians from their homes. The documentary also features the public service efforts of a global cadre of volunteers, who are working with Southern Sudanese citizens in order to strengthen communities and rebuild livelihoods.
Through the personal stories of displaced Southern Sudanese citizens, refugees, and volunteers, A Partnership for Prosperity provides an interesting perspective on life in Sudan and encourages members of the global community to become social change agents and make a difference by getting involved with all of the economic development and community empowerment initiatives taking place throughout Southern Sudan.
Over the course of three months during the summer of 2006, I filmed the documentary in communities throughout Southern Sudan and at the Kakuma Refugee Camp in northern Kenya. I edited my film during March and April of 2007. Recently, I was awarded The President’s Volunteer Service Award from USA Freedom Corps and President Bush’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. I was nominated for the aforementioned honor by officials at Winrock International, an innovative global nonprofit organization, in recognition of my public service work in Southern Sudan and Kenya with the Volunteers for Economic Growth Alliance, the world’s largest consortium of economic growth volunteer organizations.
Thank you for your attention and your continued support.
Sincerely,
Malcolm Glover.
Malcolm E. Glover
University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service
Sturgis Hall, 1200 President Clinton Avenue
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
Phone: (501) 280-9005
meglover@clintonschool.uasys.edu
www.clintonschool.uasys.edu
14. EUNICE ALLUMS-SEIGLE GRADUATES FROM VOORHEES COLLEGE:
Eunice Allums-Seigle, a member of Mt Tabor A.M.E. Church, Keysville, Georgia where the Rev. Ronald Freeman serves as pastor is a 2007 graduate of Voorhees College.
Sister Allums-Seigle is an active member at Mt. Tabor A.M.E. Church and serves as local lay president, choir president, Church Secretary, and Financial secretary for the Church Finance Committee.
She also serves as the Augusta/Athens District Lay--- Treasurer
Augusta Georgia Conference Lay President and was also a delegate to General Conference in 1988 Fort Worth, Texas.
She has a background in accounting and Health care and is employed by the City of Keysville as the Administrator- City’s Water & Property Tax Clerk.
She graduated from Voorhees College, acquiring a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Management in the Division of Business and Professional studies.
Her hobbies are shopping and skating with my grand kids; her favorite scripture, “Trust in the Lord and lean not to thy own understanding.”
Congratulations to Sister Eunice Allums-Seigle!
15. THE REVEREND DR. JOHN F. WHITE STRIVES FOR THE EPISCOPACY:
By James M. Proctor, D. Min., Presiding Elder (Retired)
Forty years ago, I met John F. White, who at that time was a bright, inquiring, energetic young man who was preparing for matriculation at Edward Waters College in Jacksonville, Florida. Since then, I carefully observed his growth and development in the Christian faith and in the tradition of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. I support John White because he is prepared and committed to lead the African Methodist Episcopal Church as a bishop.
The Reverend John F. White is prepared spiritually, academically and by experience. At an early age, John committed his life to Jesus Christ and was baptized in the faith. He grew in wisdom and in stature. John White now stands head and should above the crowd.
John White has earned the following degrees, Bachelor of Science, Edward Waters College, Jacksonville, FL. He earned the Master of Education at Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, Master of Divinity, Turner Theological Seminary, ITC, Atlanta, GA and the Doctor of Education, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale; FL. Dr. White has prepared himself to provide the type of Episcopal leadership the AME Church needs for a time such as ours.
John White has demonstrated knowledge, skills and abilities to make a positive difference wherever he has served. Former members of churches where Dr. White served more than twenty years ago still refer to his spiritual nurture, pastoral care and administrative skills. In Jacksonville where Pastor White served two different congregations, I have been told, “Pastor White made every member feel important. He even knew my children’s birthday and made them believe they were special. . . . Our church has not had a pastor like him since he left.” A member of another, stated, “Pastor White made bible study dynamic and interesting. I used to look forward to Wednesday nights.”
John White has been an instrument of God to build new sanctuaries and improve physical properties, and secure a variety of financial resources to strengthen the economic viability of local communities. He believes the church should provide a seven-day-a- week comprehensive, holistic, relevant ministry for children and youth, adults and older adults. Pastor White implements a three-prong approach to ministry. He implements ministries of mercy, faithfulness, and justice (holding systems accountable) for economic parity for the least among us. Pastor White religiously practices fiscal accountability and empowers lay people for ministry.
John White is not a novice. He has served the church at the local, presiding elder district, annual conference, episcopal district, connectional and ecumenical levels.
His work on the General Board has shown that he has the capacity to grasp complex ideas and communicate them in a manner where the majority of r people can understand. Dr. White has represented the AME Church as a delegate to the World Methodist Council and the World Council of Churches, where he serves on its Executive Board.
The best test of what one will do is to compare what one has done. John F. White has a record of successful, upward, progressive, enlarging responsibilities in civic, ecclesiastical and professional organizations. I support John White because I know first hand of his effectiveness as an administrator, evangelist, leader, pastor and teacher.
16. ALLEGHENY SCRANTON DISTRICT HOLDS 2007 FIRE IN THE MOUNTAINS REVIVAL:
Submitted by: Shelly Brown, Allegheny Scranton District Secretary
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
On May 7-9th, 2007 Presiding Elder, Dr. Eric L. Brown led the Allegheny Scranton District, one of the largest geographical presiding elder districts in the connection, spanning some 700 miles round trip from the Annual Conference seat. In an effort to include the rural churches in the remote areas of the Annual Conference, on Monday, May 7, 2007, Presiding Elder Brown summoned the district to converge in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania for the first night of a three night revival. The revival experience began at Bethel A.M.E. Church in their new home located at 516 South Franklin Street, where the Rev. Wilhelmenia Coleman is the pastor. The evangelist for the occasion was the Rev. Samuel Wade Chambers, the pastor of Payne Chapel AME Church in Duquesne, PA. Rev. Chambers preached with power and conviction from the subject, “He’s still able.” As a result of this powerful sermon many people responded to the altar call. Fire in the mountains continued on Tuesday, May 8, 2007 at Bethel, Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where the Rev. Kenneth Burnett is the pastor. This massive sanctuary was filled to capacity. The Honorable Mayor of Williamsport, Mary B. Wolf brought greeting to the gathering and welcomed the presiding elder to the city of Williamsport. The evangelist for the occasion was The Rev. Dr. Eric L. Brown, the Presiding Elder of the Allegheny Scranton District, he preached with power and conviction from the subject “Unhitch the Trailer.” Once again, may people responded to the altar call as they left their excess baggage at the altar. The Fire continued on Wednesday, May 9, 2007 at Bethel Church in Lewistown, Pennsylvania, where the Rev. Bernard Carpenter is the pastor. The evangelist for the evening was the Rev. Dr. Helen Milner Burton, the pastor of Greater Bethel, Tarentum, Pennsylvania. She preached with power and conviction from the subject “Not Wine, but Fire.” Once again the sanctuary was filled to capacity, this powerful and persuasive preacher let the Lord use her to his Glory, the congregation was on their feet.
This innovative presiding elder, not only requested the physical presence of the members of the district at the Fire in the mountain revival, he also requested that each congregation make a financial contribution to each host church. The Lord blessed those in attendance and all of our lives will never be the same.
17. FROM THE DESK OF CONGRESSMAN JAMES E. CLYBURN:
House Approves Emergency Spending Bill
Legislation Funds Troops Fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as $6.4 B for Hurricane Recovery,
Children's Healthcare, Veterans Care and First Raise in the Minimum Wage in a Decade
WASHINGTON, DC-House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn today released the following statement on HR 2206, legislation amended and passed by the House of Representatives.
"It is appropriate that on the eve of Memorial Day we not only provide our troops with the resources they need while they're fighting on the ground, but we're providing for our veterans, military families and their children here at home.
"This is not the bill that I would have drafted. I would have preferred establishing more accountability on this administration and the Iraqi government beyond the 18 benchmarks and potential withdrawal of economic aid if progress is not made. Be assured we will assert more accountability through the upcoming Department of Defense appropriations bill and additional supplemental requests from the president. This is a step forward toward our goal of changing the course in Iraq and redeploying our troops caught in the middle of an Iraqi civil war.
"This legislation includes provisions beyond the President's request to address emergency needs domestically: $393 million in critical funding that I led the fight for to restore children's healthcare in 11 states, the first raise in the minimum wage in a decade, and funding for veterans care and improving VA hospitals.
"What makes me extremely proud is that my work as head of the Democratic Caucus's Katrina Task Force has been rewarded. We secured over $6.4 billion in funding for Gulf Coast recovery assistance and a provision to waive the local fund matching requirement under the Stafford Act, which will allow access to funding for thousands of rebuilding projects in the region that have been stalled for months. These provisions are expected to pass the Senate tonight and will be sent to the President to be signed into law."
Below is a detailed account of the provisions included in HR 2206 related to Gulf Coast Hurricane Recovery:
Edward Byrne Discretionary Grants: $50 million
The conference agreement provides $50 million for Edward Byrne Discretionary Grants to assist Gulf Coast states in fighting the increase in violent crime resulting from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: $110 million
The conference agreement provides $110 million for fisheries and disaster recovery in
the Gulf Coast region. The President did not request funding for this activity. This
amount includes:
$24 million for scanning, mapping, and debris removal in fishing grounds and waterways
$85 million for authorized direct assistance to gulf fishermen
$1 million for observations and forecasts in high priority seaports in the Gulf Coast region
NASA: $35 million
The conference agreement includes $35,000,000 as proposed by the House for disaster mitigation activities at NASA facilities in the Gulf Coast region.
The conference agreement also includes language, as proposed by both the House and Senate, to reprogram $48,000,000 in previously appropriated funds. The language allows NASA to use up to $48 million in previously appropriated funding to replenish Shuttle/International Space Station (ISS) programs, which NASA used to pay for immediate repairs to NASA facilities after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Louisiana Katrina Relief - $1.3 billion
The conference legislation provides $1,300,000,000 for work to repair levees and other infrastructure damaged as a result of Hurricane Katrina. The Administration had proposed to simply shift other priority hurricane funding to pay for the $1.3 billion in work, but the conference prefers to directly provide the necessary funding.
Mississippi Katrina Relief - $107.7 million
The conference legislation allows up to $107,700,000 in reimbursements to locals for advance measures they have undertaken to construct overall hurricane and storm damage reduction projects. This reimbursement would come from funds already appropriated.
Southeast Louisiana drainage projects - $25.3 million
The conference agreement provides $25,300,000 for interior drainage projects in the metro New Orleans area. This will fund contracts in FY07 that will extend through FY08.
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION:
The conference agreement provides authority for the Small Business Administration (SBA) to use $25,069,000 in unobligated balances in the Disaster Loans Program Account for administrative expenses. The conference agreement also provides that an additional $25,000,000 in unobligated balances shall be used for the SBA Disaster Loan Program for Economic Injury Disaster Loans, not more than $8,750,000 of which may be used for administrative expenses.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
$100 million for Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPG) -- The Nationwide Plan Review, conducted by DHS after Hurricane Katrina, identified specific actions needed to update State and local emergency plans. Emergency Management Performance Grants are the only source of direct federal funding to state and local governments for emergency management capacity building.
Disaster Relief Fund - The legislation provides $4.1 billion, $700 million above the $3.4 billion requested by the President.
Match Waiver - The legislation contains a provision to waive the local funding match requirements for the repair of public facilities, and for public assistance and individual assistance related to the response to and recovery from the 2005 Hurricanes, consistent with other major disasters such as the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
$320 million is included to provide relief to Gulf Coast communities that have not been able to repay Community Disaster Loans.
Higher Education: The conference agreement includes $30 million for grants to colleges and universities affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Funds may be used to reimburse such institutions for physical damages, costs incurred for clean-up and lost revenue. Both House and Senate bills included $30 million, but under slightly different eligibility criteria.
Hurricane Education Recovery: The conference agreement includes $30 million for grants to hurricane-impacted states and local educational agencies. Both House and Senate bills included $30 million, but used different criteria regarding the use and distribution of the funds.
Programs to Restart School Operations: The conference agreement modifies bill language proposed by the House and Senate to expand the uses of funds provided for emergency aid to restart school operations appropriated in Public Law 109-148.
Extension of Waiver Authority: The conference agreement includes language extending the Hurricane Katrina-related waiver authority of the Secretary of Education until the end of fiscal year 2008. This language was included in House and Senate bills.
Social Services Block Grant Extension: The conference agreement includes language extending, until September 30, 2009, the availability of Social Services Block Grant funds provided to the States affected by the 2005 Gulf Coast hurricanes. These funds were made available in Public Law 109-148. The House and Senate bills had similar provisions.
Ryan White Care Act Waiver Authority: The conference agreement includes language permitting the Secretary of Health and Human Services to grant waivers modifying provisions of the Ryan White State HIV/AIDS grants for four States affected by the 2005 Gulf Coast hurricanes. The Senate bill included similar language. The House bill did not include any language on this issue.
Transit Funding for the Gulf - The conference agreement includes the Senate's provision providing transit grants to areas affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The agreement is to provide $35 million of funding. The agreement includes language which allows the funding to be used for operating expenses as well as capital costs.
Tenant-based Rental Assistance- The conference agreement includes the Senate's approach to modify the new 12 month Section 8 formula contained in the FY 2007 Funding Resolution to address hurricane impacted areas in Mississippi and Louisiana only. Other modifications originally in the House bill to address anomalies have been modified and included. The conference agreement also includes a provision proposed by the House and Senate to clarify levels of funding within the Tenant-Based Rental Assistance account for Fiscal Year 2007.
Project-based Rental Assistance- The conference agreement retains the House provision related to a technical issued related to renewing expiring project-based section 8 contracts.
Hurricane Fungability Extension- The conference agreement extends Sec. 901 that was included in the Dec. 30, 2005 Disaster bill (P.L. 109-48) from December 30, 2006 to December 30, 2007. This will continue to allow public housing authorities in the most heavily impacted areas in Mississippi and Louisiana the flexibility to combine separate funding streams to assist tenants primarily in reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts.
Hurricane Disaster Vouchers. The conference agreement modifies a House provision that extends current waiver authority for tenant contribution and income verification for the disaster voucher program until December 30, 2007.
18. NEWS FROM THE 12TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT - THE 7TH MID YEAR MEETING:
The 7th Mid Year Meeting for the Tall, Talented, Tough, Terrific, and Tantalizing Twelfth Episcopal District convened on March 15, 2007 at Greater Bethel African Methodist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas under the leadership of the dynamic duet Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle and Mother Barbara Jeanne Chappelle.
The host pastor, Rev. Nolan Watson and the members of Bethel left no stones unturned as they greeted us on arrival at the unofficial meeting, Executive Board, before the meeting on Wednesday night, March 14, 2007. The Episcopal District Officers enjoyed a wonderful dinner before the business meeting. Bishop Chappelle expressed the following words, “We are here to conduct the business of the church, and we must never forget who’s we are and whom we serve.”
The Presiding Elders in their appropriate clergy attire and robes showed unity as they entered wearing the Twelfth District stole at opening worship on Thursday morning.
This was the first Episcopal District meeting for three new Presiding Elders:
- Rev. Lonnie Johnson-Oklahoma Conference, Lawton District
- Rev. Lewie A. Norful- East NE Arkansas Conference, Newport/Jonesboro District
- Rev. Clarence Reynolds-Central Arkansas, Camden/El Dorado District
Other Presiding Elders in attendance were:
Rev. Edward E. Davis- Oklahoma Conference, Oklahoma City District
Rev. Dennis Hampton-Central Northeast Oklahoma, Tulsa District
Rev. Napoleon Davis, Jr.-East Northeast Arkansas, Stuttgart/Forrest City District
Rev. Thomas G. Allen-Central Arkansas Conference, Pine Bluff / South District
Rev. James R. Hooper-south Arkansas Conference, Monticello District
Rev. Clarence V. Boyd-West Arkansas Conference, Hot Springs District
Rev. Eugene Brannon-Arkansas Conference, Little Rock District
Rev. Pollie W. Ragsdale-Central Northeast Oklahoma, Muskogee District, our first female presiding elder arrived later due to a funeral and Rev. Charles M. Cleaver, Sr. Arkansas Conference, No Little Rock/Ft. Smith District was absent due to illness.
Rev. Marcellus Fields, pastor of St. John AME Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma was the minister of the hour and set the stage as he proclaimed the good news. His titles,” When God shows up, he shows out, Psalm 46:10.” He stressed three points, (1). God is for us, (2). God ought to be with us, and, (3). God needs to be in us.
Union AME Church, Pastor Randolph Martin, WMS President Charolett Martin and the Young Women’s Initiative (YWI) under the leadership of Sis Brandi Smith gave a surprise Birthday party for Bishop Chappelle Mardi Gras style.
Sister LaRhonda Collins, Sister, Adrianne Johnson, Sister Lisa Williams, Sis Natalie Horton, Sister Nedra Allen, Sis Brandi Smith, and Sis Vonda Jones met Bishop and Mother as they entered the multipurpose for the surprise birthday celebration.
It was a gala event with lots of food, fellowship, comedy skits by Sis Mary Wilson and Sister Patricia Moore, and a praise dance by little Miss Sarah York and Little Miss McKenzie Walker, two YPDer’s from Bethel AME Church in North Little Rock as Bishop celebrated another year. The event closed with a birthday boogie where many participated in the Christian Slide. (You mean you have never heard of that? It’s the Electric Slide with a spiritual twist!)
The Business Session of the conference on Friday morning started with the General Assembly at Bethel AME Church. The Commission and Departments met at 10:00 a.m. The Departments and Commissions made their reports to the Episcopal District around 2:30 p.m.
The WMS under the leadership of Mother Barbara Jeanne Chappelle and Sister Charolette Martin, Episcopal President opened the 12th District business session at 10 a.m. The Seven Conference Presidents were all in attendance.
Sister Gloria Hall- Oklahoma Conference
Sister Veola West-CNE Oklahoma Conference
Sister Yvonne Stovall-ENE Arkansas Conference
Sister Thelma Denton- Central Arkansas Conference
Sister Emma Swift- South Arkansas Conference
Sister Mary Wilson -West Arkansas Conference
Sister Phyllis Johnson, Arkansas Conference
The Health Commission lead by Sister Saundra Lucas and Rev. Norman Gillom Co-chairs, gave a detail report.
Health Commission Progress Report
1. A list with names of the Health Coordinators who have been appointed in each Presiding Elder District was distributed so Pastors and/or local Health Coordinators to promote reporting.
2. Health promotion seminars have been provided or are planned for District Conferences this Conference year.
3. Churches participated in the Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS March 4-10, 2007
4, The Health Commission Chairs will be in dialogue with the leadership of the Christian Education Congress planning committee to sponsor health promotion activities during the Congress in Tulsa in July 2007.
5. Information on “Kidney Disease-The Silent Killer” was the featured health awareness topic for this meeting. Informational materials were distributed as a part of the report.
6. The Health Commissioners will continue to serve as resource persons to any Department who plan and/or implement health/wellness programs within the Episcopal District.
The Health Commission would like to document the Health Awareness and Promotion activities that occur during this Quadrennial. They asked everyone to submit a report to a member of the Health Commission during the year.
The Episcopal District YPD had their annual program on Friday night at 7:00 pm at Bethel AME Church. Mr. Wesley Baker, Arkansas Conference YPD President was the host MC for the program titled “Twelfth District Idol. “ The three judges were selected to portray the judges on American idol. They were Paula- Sis Cordelia Webb-Banks, Randy-Bro LaBaron Mizer, and Simon- Bro Jason Bivens.
The talent brought the house down with musical selections from Adriana Dodson, ENE Arkansas Conference, Kyle Gaines, Oklahoma Conference, Rikki Jones, Central Arkansas Conference, Stacy Williams, Arkansas Conference, and Ryan McHenry, CNE Oklahoma Conference. The Conference was honored to have the Oklahoma Conference Ensemble to render a selection while the judges were making their winning selection. The results were in and the 12th District Idols were, Miss Nikki Jones, 1st place, Kyle Gaines 2nd place and Ryan McHenry 3rd place. Closing remarks by the Sis Sheryl Giles, 12th Episcopal District YPD Director, Mr. Emile Gauthier –Washington, Connectional YPD President and closing remarks from Bishop Chappelle with congratulations on a job well done.
The Business session came to order around 9:00 pm Friday night after the YPD Program. Many of the committee were ready and made their reports.
The 12th Episcopal Lay organization under the leadership of their President, Bro David Fielding, gave their report as they reviewed the roads they had traveled.
The Lay will celebrate the Fiftieth Annual Lay Convention-theme: “Celebrating Fifty Year of Lay service-Catch the Fire!!” All laity and preachers are welcomed. The date is June 21-23, 2007 at Pilgrim Rest A.M.E. Church in Monticello, AR. A special highlight of the meeting will be a display of historical reflections of each conference Lay organization.
The Lay will continue the Voter Registration activities, and keep abreast of legislative issues and concerns of the Black Community.
There are ongoing preparations to host the 2009 Lay Biennial.
The 12th Episcopal District Public Relations Directors were all in attendance. A detailed report was presented by Sis Ann Gilkey, Rev. Roger Alford, Rev. Charles Frost, Mrs. Jackie Weary, Rev. Nolan Watson and Mrs. Theresa Jordan.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
The 12th Episcopal District Women’s Missionary Society presented their annual Sarah Allen Scholarship Breakfast & Silent Auction at 7:00 A.M. in the Shorter College gymnasium in North Little Rock, Arkansas centered on the theme,” A Parade Of Divas- Divine Women.” Mrs. Brenda Fields, 12th Episcopal District WMS First Vice-President and the Young Women’s Initiative coordinated the breakfast.
Additional 12th Episcopal District Committee and Commissions made their reports around 9 a.m.
Music Department
Mrs. Cordelia Webb-Banks and members of the committee included Bro Jason Bivens, Bro LaBaron Mizer, Sis Annette Roper and Rev. Keith Grandberry submitted a detailed report for the music department.
The Council of Presiding Elders Mid –Year Report, Rev. Thomas G. Allen, President
Debutante and Masters Commission under Mrs. Lyndajo Jones, DMC Coordinator.
The main topic of discussion was the upcoming ceremony that will open the Christian Leadership Congress in /Tulsa, OK July 30-August 2, 2007. It was stated that this will be the last ceremony under the leadership of our dynamic duo, Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle, and Mother Barbara Jean Chappelle. The Commission really wants to show that they have truly learned a more excellent way.
Sister Leta Anthony, Rev. Holmes, and Rev. Handy gave the Social and Recreation Commission report.
The 12th District M-SWAWO headed by President Piccola Washington gave their report. Mrs. Brenda Fields will be The 12th Episcopal District representative in the
Connectional M-SWAWO.
The Christian Education Directors presented the Christian Education Report, Rev. Larry M. Banks, Episcopal Chair, Reverend Shirley Inkton Bowers, Episcopal Director, Reverend Samuel Craig, OK Conference Director, Reverend Marcellus Fields, CNE OK Conference Director, Mrs. Kaye Person, ENE AR Conference Director, Mrs. Miranda Johnson, CAC Director, Mr. Nodgy Merritt, SAC Director Reverend Clarence Guy, WAC Director, Reverend Reginal Alexander, AR Conference Director.
Announcement: The Christian Education Leadership Congress will meet on July 30-August 2, 2007 at Oral Roberts University in Oklahoman City, OK.
Richard Allen Young Adult Council lead by Coordinator, Bro Corian L. Wilson, gave their report and talked about the First Annual Young Adult Weekend March 29-31, 2007 at Lee Chapel AME Church where the Rev. Bill A. Bowers will be the host pastor. A special feature for the weekend event included a musical extravaganza with several musical groups. The proceeds from this musical will be donated to the election of Reginald Cleaver as Connectional YPD President. Special recognition was given to the Christian Education Chair and Director, Rev. Larry Banks and Rev. Shirley Inkton Bowers for their leadership and guidance as the young Adults became more active as a group in the AME Church.
Conference Secretaries:
Rev. Charles Frost, Coordinator and other Conference Secretaries, Rev. Lue Kathryn Montgomery, Rev. Linda Adams, Rev. Richard Sutton, Sis Marcia Burns, Ms. Carolyn Ellis, and Mrs. Betty Rhodes, Conference Marshal gave their report.
Rev. Frost commended all the secretaries on the uniformity of all conference minutes.
He reminded them that the focus as secretaries is to:
1. Record accuracy and uniformity of all minutes
2. Improve timeliness in finalization of conference minutes, and
3. Back-up minutes to avoid loss of information.
Worship in Songs lead by Bro Labaron Mizer was high-spirited with various melodies. The church was on fire and members danced in the aisles before the regular worship service started.
Rev. Mary V. Williams, pastor of Bethel AME Church in West Memphis, AR was the Worship Leader for the Closing Service on Saturday March 17, 2007. We held on as the preacher of the hour, Rev. Lashawn Green, pastor of St. James, Eagle Mills, Arkansas kept the fires burning with her text from Exodus 32: 17-19 as she focused on the subject, “There’s a noise in the Camp, but it’s not our kind of Noise!”
We were blessed again to have wonderful music. Hats of to Brother LaBaron Mizer, Music Director for the Arkansas Conference, Brother Jason Bivens, Arkansas Conference Musician and the Conference Choirs.
Special thanks was given to Rev. Nolan Watson and the entire Bethel A.M.E. family of Little Rock, Arkansas for their hospitality, delicious meals and far reaching love during the 7th Mid-Year Conference of the 12th Episcopal District.
Bishop and Mother Chappelle were given a standing ovation for their guidance, love and spirit that has culminated to be one of the best Mid-Year Conferences ever!
*Mrs. Ann Gilkey, 12th Episcopal District Public Relations Director (Arkansas)
19. THE PASTOR’S CORNER - GET OUT OF THAT PIT:
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us – what ever we ask – we know that we have what we asked of Him. (I John 5: 14-15)
In our final installment of the series “Get Out of That Pit,” we’re reminded by author Beth Moore that there are three steps out of any pit – “Cry Out,” “Confess,” and in this writing, “Consent.”
A dictionary definition of the word “consent” is – “Compliance in or approval of what is done or proposed by another; agreement as to action or opinion; voluntary agreement.” It sounds as though we’re being disrespectful or irreverent of God to say that we have to give God approval or permission to operate in our lives, but we do. God’s will is for you to get out of that pit! If you agree with His process it will happen. It will be done just as promised in His Word.
A botanist found a rare alpine flower over the edge of a cliff. In his attempt to retrieve the flower he found himself stuck on a ledge unable to lift himself back onto land above him. Some hikers came by and told him they would get him out of that pit. They threw him a rope and told him to grab the rope; they would pull him out of that pit. As the rope fell down within reach of the botanist, “Pride” spoke up and said, “You don’t need anybody to pull you from this pit, you can do it all by yourself.” Then “Strong Delusion” spoke up and said, “Besides, you’re really not in a pit. You’re just chillin’. Ain’t nothing wrong with just takin’ it light for a stretch.” Then “Fear” spoke up and asked, “What if they drop you, or let the rope slip? You’re safer staying just like you are!” Then “Wisdom” spoke up and said, “You really are in a pit. You do need help getting out. God sent the hikers, and God arranged that there would be a rope. Take the rope. God’s in your circumstances and God’s also on the other end of the rope. Take the rope and get out of that pit!
When we give God consent were expressing our confidence in God knowing He will get us out of that pit. We’re giving permission to the Source of all Wisdom to operate in our circumstances so we can “Get Out of That Pit.” Now the words of the old spiritual tune have a renewed meaning in our lives. “Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on, let me stand, I am tired, I am weak, I am worn. Through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the light. Take my hand, precious Lord, and lead me home.” We must give God consent to get us out of that pit.
Romans 10: 8-9 tells us the most effective way of consenting to God’s word involves your mouth. We must use our mouth before we use our faith. Our failures often disintegrate our faith in God because we confuse faith in God with faith in ourselves. In other words, we mistakenly believe our failures are God’s failures. Therefore, the process of consent can’t begin with faith, it must start somewhere else. For someone to tell us, “Just have faith” may not help us out of that pit because our faith in God may be eroded away and it’s impossible to pull from faith that isn’t there. Therefore the process of consent can’t begin with faith, it must start somewhere else.
Romans 10: 17 says, “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” We consent to God’s will by using God’s word. Our faith is built up by hearing our own voices speak the words of Christ. Pray using the Scripture! Pray the Word of God!
I am involved in a number of challenging efforts through the ministries at Quinn Chapel, Chicago. I sometimes fear not being able to achieve successful outcomes in these various endeavors. But when I open my Bible to II Timothy 1: 7 and read, “For God did not give me a spirit of timidity (fear), but of power, love and self-discipline (sound mind.)” I’m reminded that I am fully equipped to continue on in the work God has placed at my hands to accomplish. Repeating God’s Word in my own hearing builds my faith and keeps me “Out of That Pit!”
Why pray the Word of God? First, Psalm 119: 25-32 reminds us that our challenges are often so overwhelming that we can’t think of the right words to say. Scripture give us God’s script. We then have all the correct lines. Second, Psalm 119: 49-56 teaches we can shift the burden of responsibility to God and His Word rather than crumbling under the weight of it ourselves. So often, being in a pit is about a loss of control. We shift the burden of the outcomes over to God.
Third, II Timothy 3: 16 states that God’s Word carries its own supernatural power. As we pray the Word, we’re enlisting the supernatural power of an all-powerful God to aid us. Finally, I John 5: 14-15 share that God loves His Word. Therefore, if God’s Spirit that lives inside a believer has not been quenched by un-confessed sin, God responds every time He hears His Word spoken.
Tips for praying Scripture or Scripture Prayers
1. Ephesians 6: 18 – Don’t let up when you begin to feel better. Feeling better is not what we’re after. The goal is freedom from the pit for the rest of your life.
2, Matthew 26: 39 – On days when you feel down, overwhelmed, or discouraged, get to your Scripture Prayers all the faster.
3. Matthew 4: 1-2 – On the days when you want to do it least do it most. Be on to the enemy’s devices.
4. Matthew 4: 5-7 – When the battle heats up, rest assured that you’re worrying your enemy, and he’s trying to distract or discredit you.
5. Matthew 4: 2-4 - Also expect your flesh to balk. It’s been in control a long time, and it’s not going to give over easily.
6. Matthew 4: 8-11 – No matter how resistant you feel practice Scripture Prayer.
7. Luke 18: 1-8 – What ever you do don’t quit.
It is God’s will that you “Get Out of That Pit!” Therefore, you have the power of the entire Godhead behind you. You have the Father’s will (Matthew 6: 10); the Son’s Word (John 1: 1-14); and the Holy Spirit’s way (Galatians 5: 16-25). I encourage you to purchase Beth Moore’s book and “Get Out of That Pit!”
Rev. James M. Moody Quinn Chapel AME Church
20. RETIRED GENERAL OFFICER CELEBRATES – 101st BIRTHDAY:
Dr. Sherman L. Greene, Jr., General Officer Retired, will celebrate his 101st Birthday on May 30th!
Birthday greeting and well wishes can be sent to:
Gwendolyn C. Criglar, Dr. Sherman Greene's GranddaughterE-mail: gwencriglar@yahoo.com
Or mail Birthday greetings to:
Dr. Sherman L. Greene, Jr.
2250 Tillsby Court
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
(313) 730-0582 Phone
21. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICES:
- The Reverend Julius Harrison McAllister, Jr. is a candidate for a Doctor of Ministry degree from Chicago Theological Seminary, Chicago, Illinois, where he maintained a grade point average (GPA) of 3.7. The title of his dissertation is "How To Implement A Tithing Ministry In Your Local Church." The graduation ceremony will be held May 19, 2007. Dr. McAllister is the pastor of Greater Institutional AME Church in Chicago, Illinois, of the Fourth Episcopal District. He has served in this capacity for the past seven years. Dr. McAllister is married to the former Ms. Deana Elizabeth Young. They have two children (expecting a third child in November 2007) Julius Harrison McAllister, III and Colin McKinley Young McAllister. Dr. McAllister is the son of The Reverend Dr. Julius, Sr., a candidate for Bishop, and Mrs. Joan Marla McAllister of Florence, South Carolina. He is a son-in-law of Bishop McKinley and Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young, Presiding Bishop and Supervisor of the Eleventh Episcopal District.
Congratulatory messages may be sent to juliusmcallister@aol.com Submitted by:Mrs. Deana E. Young McAllister
- On Friday May 18, 2007, Rev. Joseph Pridgen received the Master's of Divinity degree from Payne Theological Seminary. Joseph is the son of Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Conrad K. Pridgen, Pastor and First Lady of Ward Memorial A.M.E. Church in Washington, D.C.
Congratulatory messages may be sent to: anointeddestiny@yahoo.com
- Congratulations to Rev. Carlton V. Rickman Jr., Pastor of Brown Memorial, Pasadena, California. He received his Masters of Arts in Religion and Theological Studies from Claremont School of Theology on May 12, 2007 and has been accepted into their Doctoral Program.
Congratulatory messages may be sent to: dlgr99@aol.com
- The President and Trustees of Tufts University will confer the Doctorate of Medicine Degree upon Nuriya Desta Robinson and Maisha Tamar Robinson at the Commencement Ceremony for the School of Medicine, Sunday, May Twentieth, Two Thousand and Seven.
Doctors Nuriya and Maisha Robinson were Awarded Post-Graduate Residencies. Nuriya D. Robinson, M.D., Training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at The University of California - San Francisco, California. Maisha T. Robinson, M.D., Training in Neurology at The Mayo Clinic - Rochester, Minnesota.
Doctors Nuriya and Maisha Robinson are the twin daughters of the Reverend Kenneth S. Robinson, M.D., pastor and the Reverend Marilynn S. Robinson, Co-Pastor of St. Andrew AME Church - Memphis, TN.
Please keep them in prayer as they begin this next phase of their lives and careers.
Well wishes and greetings may be sent to: AOSaintAndrewAME@aol.com
Submitted by:
Ms Shirley Johnson
Administrative Officer
St. Andrew AME Church
867 S. Parkway East
Memphis, TN 38106
- Joshua Matthew Jenkins graduated from Blackburn College, Carlinville, IL, Saturday, May 12, 2007. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Visual Art with a minor in Art History. Joshua is the son of Rev. Sam & Rev. Wanda Jenkins, pastors of Hyde Park AME Church, Chicago, IL. Well wishes and greetings may be sent to samueljenkins42@comcast.net
- New Book Announcement: A Father's Guide To Raising Daughters: For Women was recently published through Xulon Press by the Rev. Will S. Kenlaw III, Allen Chapel AME Church-Silver Spring, Maryland. The book offers the male perspective on raising daughters to mothers, especially the 10 million single mothers in America. It includes 30 Tips to help Mothers with the raising of daughters. This book won the S'Indie Award for Best Spiritual/Inspirational Book 2007.
Rev. Kenlaw is the father of four daughters, ages 18, 11, 8, and 6. Women responded so well to his first book, A Father's Guide To Raising Daughters: Because I Need One!!! (for men) that he released the second book specifically for the ladies. Both books are available via the Internet at Amazon.com, Borders.com, BarnesAndNoble.com, and Target.com. Reverend Kenlaw currently serves as Christian Education Director of the Potomac District of the Washington Conference in the 2nd Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He formerly served as a Sunday School Superintendent for 10 years and a Steward Board member for 8 years.
Well wishes may be sent to Rev. KenlawE-mail: RevWill4God@aol.com
22. EPISCOPAL FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs. Eliza Mae Davis, mother of Supervisor Claytie Davis, Jr., and mother-in-love of Bishop Sarah F. Davis, passed Saturday, May 19, 2007 in Port Arthur, Texas. The homegoing celebration will take place Saturday, May 26, 2007, at 10:00 a.m.
Church:
Carter Chapel C.M.E. Church
549 West 8th Street
Port Arthur, Texas 77640
Pastor: The Reverend Robert McBride
Church Phone: 409-982-8445
Final Arrangements Entrusted to:
Gabriel Funeral Home
2500 Procter Street at DeQueen Blvd.
Port Arthur, TX 77640
Phone (409) 983-6661
Fax (409) 983-3776
Condolences May be Sent to:
The Davis Family
1500 Stillwell Blvd.
Port Arthur, Texas 77640
409-982-1572
Or
Supervisor Claytie and Bishop Sarah Davis
12214 Rocky Knoll Drive
Houston, Texas 77077
281-759-5123
Email Condolences:
Supervisor Claytie: claytiedavisjr@netscape.net
Bishop Sarah: bishopsarah@leo.co.ls
22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Rev. Nathaniel Stewart, Sr. Rev. Stewart was a retired pastor in the New Jersey Conference of the First Episcopal District. The following information has been provided.
Viewing and Funeral, Thursday, May 24, 2007
Viewing: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Funeral: 11:00 a.m.
Location: Holy Temple COGIC
84 First Avenue South
Toms River, NJ 08757
Elder Davis C. Graham, pastor
Eulogist: Presiding Elder Joseph D. Patterson(Presiding Elder of the West District, Philadelphia Conference)
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Elizabeth Stewart
76 3rd Avenue
Toms River, NJ 08757
23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Rev. Ellsworth Coleman. Rev. Coleman was a retired pastor of the Delaware Conference. The following information has been provided.
Funeral, Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 1:00 p.m.Location:
St. Paul A.M.E. Church
103 Mispillion Street
Harrington, DE 19904
The Rev. Cheryl M. Coleman, Pastor
Phone: 302-398-4343
Eulogist: Rev. Thomas Brown
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Queenie Coleman
c/o St. Paul A.M.E. Church
103 Mispillion Street
Harrington, DE 19904
Please remember both the Stewart and Coleman families in your prayers.
Submitted by:
Dolores M. ClintonOffice Manager
First Episcopal District - A.M.E. Church
3801 Market Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
(215) 662-0506 Phone
(215) 662-0199 Fax
24. PRAYER REQUESTS MAY 17, 2007;
We solicit your prayers for the family of the Reverend Doctor M. Arthur Camper, a superannuated Elder of The Baltimore Annual Conference of The African Methodist Church, passed from labor to reward on May 17, 2007. Reverend Camper was a current member of Trinity AME Church, Baltimore, Maryland and he was Pastor of Ebenezer AME Church, Baltimore, Maryland at the time of his request for retirement. He was a great pastor and musician who wrote words and music to several hymns such as Moses Moses, A Bicentennial Hymn, O God Our Blessed Lord, A Bicentennial Celebration Tribute song, We're Here To Celebrate Our 200th Anniversary and We do give thanks."We Do Give Thanks" is published in the current African Methodist Episcopal Hymnal on page 66.
His name is also listed in the Author section of the index erroneously as H, ARTHUR CAMPER. He and his wife were the originators of CASAIR (CLERGY AND SPOUSES ACTIVE IN RETIREMENT) for The Baltimore and Washington Conferences of the AME Church and he kept the retired and widows aware of the current activities of the Church.
25. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Rev. M. Arthur Camper, retired pastor of the Baltimore Conference, founder and chairperson of CASAIR (Clergy and Spouses Active in Retirement) went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 17, 2007.
Funeral arrangements are as follows:
Saturday, May 26, 2007 11:00 AM
Trinity AME Church
Baltimore, Maryland 21213
Wake at 10:00 AM at the same location
Condolences, cards, telephone calls etc. can be sent to:
603 North Augusta Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21229
410-362-9012
26. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Rev. Bedelia Commodore's father, Rev. Dr. Ellsworth Lee Coleman passed on Wednesday, May 16, 2007. Funeral arrangements held are as follows:
Thursday, May 24, 2007 1:00 PM
St. Paul AME Church
Harrington, Delaware
Family Hour at 12:30 PM at the same location
Condolences, cards, telephone calls etc. can be sent to:
P.O. Box 81
Barclay, Maryland 21607
410-758-1071
27. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: Aamconnoff@cs.com
We regretfully announce the untimely death of Kiva Gazaway, the daughter of the late Presiding Elder, Rev. William Gazaway and the late Dolores Gazaway, South Ohio Conference, Third Episcopal District. Kiva Gazaway is one of my church daughters.
Service Arrangements:Saturday, May 26, 2007
Visitation: 10:00-11:00 AM
Memorial Services: 11:00 AM
Allen Temple AME Church
7030 Reading Road
Cincinnati, OH 45237
Phone: 513-531-7539
Fax: 513-531-7596
Professional services entrusted to:
Thompson, Hall & Jordan Funeral Home
Silverton Office
6943 Montgomery Rd
Silverton, Ohio 45236
Toll-Free: 1-877-225-8555
Phone: 513-791-6208
Fax: 513-791-7334
Condolences may be sent to:
The family of Kiva Gazawayc/o Adrienne A. Morris
327 Washington Avenue
Wyoming, OH 45215
(513) 821-1481 Phone
(513) 821-3073 Fax
Send e-mail condolences to Adrienne A. Morris: Aamconnoff@cs.com
28. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs. Mattie Tyler, wife of Presiding Elder George Tyler lost her mother on Thursday, Mrs. Inez Rosenthal. The funeral will be held at Pearl Street AME Church, where Mrs. Rosenthal was a member.
Funeral Service Arrangements:Saturday, May 19, 20071:00 p.m.Viewing will be at 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Pearl Street AME Church2519 Robinson RoadJackson, MS 39209601-352-6087 Church Phone601-969-1501/FAX
The Rev. George W. Tyler is presiding elder of the Natchez-Port Gibson District of the Mississippi Conference.
Submitted by:
Evelyn H. Markey
Office Manager
8th Episcopal District - A.M.E. Church
4480 Gen DeGaulle Drive - Suite 210 A
New Orleans, LA 70131
(504) 393-9001 Office/(504) 393-9157 FAX
29. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Homegoing Celebration for Sister Frankie L. Holland will be Saturday, May 19th, 2007 at 11:00 A.M. at Jerusalem Baptist Church in Houston, Texas.
Jerusalem Baptist Church
2201 Tuamm St.
Houston, Texas 77004
Ph: (713) 659-7723
Sister Holland's final earthly care has been entrusted to the:
Rylan C. Scott Funeral Home
1250 Texas Parkway, Suite A-1
Missouri City, Texas 77477
Ph: (281) 261-6495
Condolences May Be Sent To:
Brother Bennie & Presiding Elder Ida W. Keener
3206 Canyon Heights Road
Belton, Texas 76513
Ph: (832) 545-2714 Cell)
Ph: (254) 939-0608 (Home)
30. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Regretfully announcing the passing of Sister Vickie Harris-Bradford; wife of the Rev. David Bradford-pastor of the Sealy / San Felipe Circuit-Southwest Texas Conference, 10th Episcopal District.
Service Arrangements held for Sister Vickie Harris-Bradford:
The Homegoing Celebration
Saturday, May 12, 2007
2:00 P.M.
MISSIONARY CAMP BAPTIST CHURCH
Rev. James Mable, Sr. - Pastor
9429 County Road 423
Navasota, Texas 77868
Ph: (936) 825-2146
Sister Bradford's final earthly care was entrusted to the:
Lewis Funeral Home
4010 Highway 105 E.
Brenham, Texas 77833
Ph: (979) 251-8724
Condolences may be sent to:
Rev. David Bradford
P. O. Box 1335
Giddings, Texas 78942
Ph: (979) 542-3290
Submitted by:
The Rev. Dr. Sherryl A. Matlock-Pastor
St. James A.M.E. Church
Denton, Texas
31. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action
Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
E-mail: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936
Fax: (615) 833-3781
Cell: (615) 403-7751
32. 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
A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: I believe that I am caught up from my recovery period from my bi-lateral knee replacement surgery. I had no idea that the anesthetic would take so long to get out of my system.
Again thanks for your prayers.
1. BISHOP McKENZIE TO PREACH AT THE HAMPTON UNIVERSITY MINISTERS’ CONFERENCE AND THE AME LUNCHEON WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY:
The 93rd Annual Hampton University Ministers’ Conference and 73rd Annual Choir Directors’ Organists’ Guild will be held June 3 – June 8, 2007, on the beautiful campus of Hampton University. Once again, HU will host a variety of exceptional ministers.
Among the nationally acclaimed speakers for the conference is, Bishop Vashti McKenzie, Presiding Prelate of the 13th Episcopal District of the AME Church. Additional information about the HU Ministers’ Conference can be obtained from www.hamptonu.edu .
The AME Luncheon will be held on Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel, now renamed, the Hampton Marina Hotel - 700 Settlers Landing Road Hampton, VA. The cost of the luncheon, and it’s really a dinner, will be $25.00 per person.
Signup, to assist us in getting a count, may be done at the Religious Studies display booth in the Convocation Center.
Please pass the word, “The AME Luncheon will be held on Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 1:30 at the Radisson Hotel, now renamed, the Hampton Marina Hotel - 700 Settlers Landing Road Hampton, VA.”
2. WE HAVE COME A LONG WAY: A POSITION PAPER ON BEHALF OF THE LAITY:
Dr. Jamye Coleman Williams
Each time I have stood in a connectional meeting, whether to suggest (at the 2004 meeting of the General Board in Nashville) that we need to be more sensitive to the Joshua generation; or (at the 2000 Session of the General Conference) to introduce a special resolution to instruct the Episcopal Committee to recommend the election of a woman; or (at the 2004 Session of the General Conference) to propose what came to be a controversial resolution on “One Possible Solution to the Problem of Accountability,” I have done so because I was convinced of the validity of the issue.
I am sure that at one time or another each of us has come to the same conclusion as did Martin Luther King, Jr., when he preached at Riverside Church to oppose the escalation of the military struggle in Viet Nam. He spoke because his conscience left him no other choice. Each time I have stood on the floor or on the platform to introduce a special resolution; I have done so only after long periods of deliberating with myself and invoking the help of the Holy Spirit. So it is also true at this moment in my 60-year odyssey in African Methodism as I write, on behalf of the Connectional Lay Organization, this position paper.
The current discussion in the connectional church regarding the necessity of biennial meetings of the Connectional Lay Organization reminds me that too often we forget our history—or in many cases have no knowledge of it. The history of the Lay Organization stretches back so far that few of us now on the scene were present when—after many years of struggle and strong opposition—the Connectional Lay Organization was established.
Our Organization has evolved through three stages of growth and development. The first stage occurred in 1912 when the Laymen’s Missionary League was organized through the initiation of Professor Charles H. Johnson of Wilberforce University. This event took place at the 24th Session of the General Conference, which met in Kansas City, MO. Four years later at the 1916 Session of the General Conference in Philadelphia, through the leadership of Dr. Carl V. Roman—a noted Greek scholar at Fisk University—the name was changed to the Connectional Lay College, which met only at the site of the General Conference and whose membership consisted of the lay delegates to that session.
It was discovered, consequently, in these early years of the Lay College that an organization which met but once every four years, and with a constantly changing membership, could not effectively organize and develop lay leadership to contribute to the general welfare of African Methodism.
In 1946 because of a serious crisis in the episcopacy, the first and only Extra Session of the General Conference was convened November 20-24 in Robinson Auditorium in Little Rock, AR. In addition to resolving the volatile problem that confronted African Methodism, the Extra Session also witnessed the birth of the Connectional Lay Organization. Attorney Herbert L. Dudley, President of the Lay College, convened the duly elected delegates to the 32nd Session of the General Conference who were in attendance at the Extra Session. The purposes of the meeting were to consider abolishing the Lay College, which met quadrennially at the seat of the General Conference, and establishing a permanent organization with a structure paralleling that of the General Conference, with Connectional, District, Conference, and Local Units. In addition, according to Attorney Dudley, “After much serious, prayerful, and thoughtful consideration, the delegates voted unanimously to hold all future meetings biennially rather than every four years.” The rationale was that biennial meetings would allow the time to develop goals, programs, and activities. Further, they would provide the opportunity to create, emphasize, and develop lay consciousness.
Although these actions were resented by some well-intentioned but misinformed individuals, the official pronouncement from the Bench of Bishops to that 1946 Extra Session of the General Conference affirmed that “African Methodism needs a vigorous, healthy and well-informed laity” which in turn would “produce a productive and a dynamic church.” The statement further confirmed that one of the hopeful signs in the church was the discontent among some of the laity. Because African Methodism is revolutionary by nature, discontent should not be discouraged because an inactive and unintelligent laity can do great damage to the church. Inasmuch as the pressures of democracy are felt in all areas of our lives, it is naturally felt in our church government.
Despite this strong statement, during the early years following 1946 the lay movement was viewed by some with suspicion and hostility. The influence of the Lay Organization was bought with a price. We, therefore, must not forget the sacrifice and struggle of the early leaders to ensure that the laity would have a meaningful voice in Church affairs. It required courage to attend connectional lay meetings because one would be viewed as being opposed to constituted authority. It was Attorney Dudley, President of the Organization from 1936-1940 and from 1944 to 1963, who made a great contribution by bringing all suspicious factions together.
His successor, Mr. J.D. Williams of Kansas City, MO, was a man of independent thought who motivated the Organization and created a new enthusiasm. Mr. Joseph C. McKinney, Treasurer of the AME Church and consultant to the Lay Organization, was an influence during his tenure in moving the Organization to a greater level of respect and acceptance than it had experienced previously.
According to Dr. Dennis C. Dickerson, Historiographer/Director of the Department of Research and Scholarship, lay participation in the evolution of the Church was crucial at several stages of the denomination’s development. Lay men and women were founders of congregations and important participants in various annual conferences. For example, Priscilla Baltimore helped William Paul Quinn establish in St. Louis in 1841 the first AME church west of the Mississippi. In Los Angeles, Biddy Mason was crucial in the founding of First AME Church.
Given our history, we must in our own time continue to be an active, viable unit in our Church. We must continue to be a part of its many constructive and worthwhile movements as we have in the past. Some of the most progressive legislation enacted by General Conferences has had the support of the voting strength of the laity. The Lay Organization was an influence in passing the legislation which created the Pension Department in 1944. It was a part of the movement to establish a budget at the 35th Session of the General Conference in Miami in 1956.
When the budget was adopted on that May 10th day, a dramatic demonstration erupted which lasted for an hour. Led by a band marching down the aisle, Brotherhood members followed, to be joined by hundreds of ministers, laymen, and laywomen. The memory is still vivid in my mind since my husband, McDonald Williams, a delegate from the 3rd Episcopal District, and I were a part of the victory march. It is interesting to note that in this newly-established General Budget Fund, under Administration Fund, the Laymen Activities Fund was included.
It is, therefore, also a matter of great concern to hear objections to the financing of lay activities. Statistics confirm that the laity of the AME Church contributes 93% of our total connectional budget. In addition, the assertion that the Connectional Lay Organization has a membership not reflective of the total laity of the Church is disingenuous. We would remind those who so argue that the 435 members of the House of Representatives of the United States Congress do represent all the citizens of our country. Our Connectional Lay Organization does, indeed, represent those nameless, numberless AME’s--wherever they may be--who never go beyond the boundaries of their local church, but whose interests nevertheless must be served. Our Church, like our Nation, is based on the concept of “representative government.”
We would further be reminded of the trenchant and enduring words of Bishop Reverdy Cassius Ransom when he declared, “The Bishops, Elders, and Deacons do not constitute the Church. The heart and center of the Church consists of laymen and laywomen who constitute one body working together under law, custom, and tradition to achieve the ends which, from the beginning, the Church was established to serve.” In the words of Lawrence Jones, former Dean of the Chapel at both Fisk University and Howard University, “The future of the whole black church is directly dependent on effective lay leadership. It is the financial and service resources of the laity that move the church.”
To the question, “What, then, does the Lay Organization do?” this is the response:
- It holds workshops to train the laity
- It continues to emphasize the noble objectives of the Lay Organization:
- To instill a love for and an appreciation of our history, traditions, and principles;
- To keep alive the memory of Richard Allen, our founder;
- To advocate respect and loyalty to constituted authority and leadership;
- To encourage support of the total program of the Church;
- To study The Doctrine and Discipline of the AME Church.
We have come a long way! In this the first decade of a new millennium, we look back on the history and legacy of the lay movement and gratefully acknowledge that it was bought with a price. We, therefore, are called to remember that from the balcony those dedicated Christian men and women who loved African Methodism look down upon us today and contemplate our actions. From Professor Charles H. Johnson to Dr. Carl V. Roman, to Mr. Malone, to Dr. R.R. Williams, to Attorney Herbert Dudley, to Mr. J.D. Williams, to Mr. Arthur Brown, all of whom have moved on to eternity, we owe a debt of gratitude. To Mr. J. L. Williams, Dr. Kathryn Brown, and Mr. Jesse Burns we are obligated to keep alive the mutual spirit of independence and cooperation. In the advice of Paul to the Corinthians: “Keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” And to God be the glory!
Works consulted:
Howard D. Gregg, History of the AME Church (1980)
The AME Church Review, April-June, 1985
Official Minutes, 35th Session of the General Conference, May, 1956
3. THE RIGHT REVEREND RICHARD NORRIS AND MOTHER NORRIS PROVIDED SUPERB LEADERSHIP FOR THE 121ST SESSION OF THE BERMUDA ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
The 121st Session of the Bermuda Annual Conference got underway on March 8th, 2007 at the Fairmont Southampton Hotel and Resort under the Leadership of our Episcopal team of Bishop Richard Franklin Norris and Mother Maryann Norris.
Rev. Dr. Wilbur Lowe Jr. officially called the 121st Session in the Mid Ocean Amphitheatre to order as the Ministers, Pastors, Presiding Elders and Bishop Richard F. Norris along with many Dignitaries and Members and Friends of the African Methodist Episcopal churches gathered together for worship.
The worship experience was beaming with excitement as it was unfolding. The Conference Choir under the direction of Brother Anthony Wolfe ministered with excellence. The Rev. Dr. Micah Chandler of Heard Chapel A.M.E. Church was the Keynote speaker for this event. He spoke on the topic “Dried Brook University” based on the scripture 1 Kings 17:2-7. His message was well received.
The Conference was moved to pay special recognized to Dr. Duranda Greene who became the college’s first female and the youngest president to head the two-year community college. Dr. Greene is also the proud member of Mt. Zion A.M.E Church. She will take over from Dr. Charles Green April 1 2007.
The ministerial delegates to the General Conference: Presiding Elder Rev. Malcolm L. Eve, Rev. Betty L. Furbert-Woolridge, and the Rev. Lanel Guyton (the delegate that has never been before).
The Alternate Delegates: Rev. Dr. Wilbur Lowe, Jr.; Rev. Lorne Bean and the Rev. Pedro A. Castro Jr. (the delegate that has never been before).
The Lay Electoral College Delegates are: Sisters Donna Lee Chandler and Diann Matthews (Adult delegates), Sister Waynette Brangman (Youth delegate) with Brother Victor Fishington and Sister Duranda Green (Alternate delegates) and Brother Ralph Trott (Alternate Youth Delegate).
Sister Valerie Smith was elected as the President of the Conference Women’s Missionary Society. The outgoing president, Sister Linda Smith was commended for her work with the WMS.
The Lay sponsored an all male concert, featuring Choirs from various A.M.E. Churches; special guest were Brother Richard Norris II, Organist, along with Brother Tony Smith, Saxophonist. These came together to render praises unto God. What a night of talent and spiritual revitalization!
Friday, March 10th was Christian Education Night. This was a night were the youth were celebrated; and they were celebrated in style! There were Poster contests from ages 7-12; there was Bible jeopardy with Host and Co-Host Rev. Pedro Castro, Jr and Rev. Stephanie Castro. Then came the moment every one was waiting for - the crowning of the Bermuda A.M.E. Youth of the Year. The out-going Youth of the year was Sister Natasha Butterfield who greeted the conference with eloquence. Than there was the crowning of the A.M.E Youth of the Year who won in all the categories, Sister Kamala Burgess the younger daughter of Rev. Dr. Milton and Gloria Burgess and younger sister to Rasheeda.
Itinerant Orders were bestowed upon Gilbert St. Clair Hayward, elected and ordained a Deacon in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The Reverend Joyce Victoria Chesley Hayward and the Reverend Cyril Sookram Simmons were elected and ordained an Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
At this 121st Annual Conference various resolutions were made:
1. To address the affordable housing crises in Bermuda, the AME church embarks on an economic empowerment initiative that provides AME members the opportunity to become homeowners.
2. That the model instituted by The Rev. Floyd Flake, Pastor of Greater Allen Cathedral of Jamaica, New York which is similar to the locally run programme that is led by The Hon. Dale Butler, JP, MP and Mr. Rodney Smith, be emulated.
3. That as part of the economic empowering programme, Financial Management Instruction be an integral part of the local church calendar of events.
4. That the AME Church adopts and implements the comprehensive gang model as presented by Mr. Calvin Ming at the District Conference 2006, which comprised of five core strategies, namely: Community mobilization; Provision of opportunities; Social intervention; suppression; Organizational change and Development to the body of our Zion.
5. That this body boldly address the glaring omission of coverage of AME Church events.
6. That those Ministerial persons of the conference join together for a ministerial retreat that will focus on fine tuning their ministerial skills so that they can better serve their congregations and communities.
7. That in this Pentecostal age, the AME Church honestly examine how receptive it is to welcome the ministering and operation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
8. That the AME Church seeks to become inter-generational (from the cradle to the grave), in meeting the needs of the congregants.
9. That the recommendations of the Education commission Report-Homework club proposal be operational in three church locations, but supported by all 11 churches.
10. That the funding of the Homework club would be curtailed by the volunteer services provided by current and or retired school teaches, returning college students, other volunteers and food contributions.
11. That the East-West district encourages more youth participation at district level to give our youth more exposure to their church.
12. That the challenges of growth and retention, both within the church school and general membership be strategically addressed, primarily by means of prayer and fasting followed by the activation agencies.
13. That the department of Evangelism works in concert with the Bermuda Ministerial Alliance of the Bermuda Annual Conference to effectively evangelize Bermuda.
14. That the efforts are waged against sin, the AME Ministerial alliance of the AME Church continue their relationship United by Faith, a Government initiative.
15. That the AME Ministerial Alliance and membership of the African Methodist Episcopal church in Bermuda, assiduously and commissions coming out of this 121st Session of the Bermuda Annual conference.
Submitted by
Reporter to the Church Press
Rev. Dr. Milton E. R. Burgess Ph.D., J.P.
Pastor - St. Philip A.M.E. Church
102 Harrington Sound Road
Smith’s Parish HS 01
Bermuda
4. ST. LUKE A.M.E. CHURCH, GALLATIN, TN - SMALL IN NUMBER, MIGHTY IN STATURE:
On April 22, 2007, the Reverend Robert Keesee, Presiding Elder, came to conduct the quarterly conference meeting. He preached for the morning service, "Where do we go from Here?" The Nehemiah Nation Male Chorus provided the music for the occasion. Reverend Keesee received 100 percent reporting from all church organizations and said St. Luke was doing a good job. Acknowledgement was given to Sister Almeda Bragg, age 97, and the Almeda Bragg Women's Missionary Society and an announcement was made regarding a special recognition program to be held the following Sunday.
Tamiko Black
Fisk University
tblack@fisk.edu
5. SPECIALIST JOEL DANDRIDGE WAS SERIOUSLY WOUNDED IN AFGHANISTAN ON MAY 4, 2007:
We are at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington DC to support our son, Joel, who was severely wounded in Afghanistan. We solicit and greatly appreciate your heartfelt prayers and donations of emergency assistance as we travel to be with him. We are not sure how long we will need to be there. Joel has just been told that his leg has been amputated. He was operated on Friday May 4, 2007 in Afghanistan. They prevented shock, controlled the bleeding, and implemented pain control. On Saturday he was medically evacuated to Landstuhl, Germany and had further surgery performed which resulted in partial removal of his intestine, colon, and bowel; amputation of his right leg below the knee and screws placed in his left knee and muscle removed from his thigh. The bullets were left in him because of extensive damage. He was cleaned out once again Sunday and operated on again.
Joel is only twenty years of age and has a twin sister who lives in Cincinnati.
Contributions may be sent to the following: JOEL DULASHANTI DANDRIDGE RECOVERY FUND, First Community Bank of Bedford County, 207 Elm Street, P.O. Box 1027. Shelbyville, TN 37162
The Reverends John and Janie Dandridge are both pastors in the Tennessee Annual Conference
615-512-6807 or 615-796-7098
6. A SMALL RURAL CHURCH THAT THINKS BIG:
By Rev. Herman L. Massingale, pastor, Peachburg Circuit, Union Springs, Alabama
According to Dr. George R. La Sure as published in The Christian Recorder: Vol. 156, No 10 February 12, 2007, a bright rural and small membership future? …not without planning, “Since the average church in the body of the African Methodist Church denomination represents rural and small membership churches ranging from 10 to 250 members…a growth strategy is needed.”
St. John AME and Hardaway AME of, which makes up the Peachburg Circuit in rural Bullock County, Alabama with a combined membership of 118 certainly fits within Dr. La Sure classification. Rev. Herman L. Massingale, Master of Ministry is the pastor. Rev. Thomas Crossley is the Presiding Elder of Tuskegee District of the East Alabama Conference under Bishop T. Larry Kirkland.
The Peachburg Circuit growth strategy involves equipping and meeting the needs of the locals and then they will share with others.
Rev. Massingale said that rural churches in this area seem to embrace activities that allow fellowship with neighboring congregations. So, during Holy Week the Peachburg Circuit performed a play in commemoration of Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples as a means of spiritual fellowship. We also host and participate in the 7 last words of Christ with several local AME and Baptist Pastors.
The Preachburg Circuit also has as ongoing youth ministries such as praise dance teams, vacation bible school, quarterly youth led worship services and youth fall festival as an alternative to Halloween.
We believe that small churches would focus on meeting the local needs of the people vitality will be evident. God will work the ends of spiritual growth and soul winning.
The Peachburg Circuit performed “The Living Last Supper Play” on Holy Thursday April 5, 2007. This play was adapted from the play written by Ernest K. Emurian. The setting was from The Last Supper painting by Leonardo Da Vinci. The men of our church spoke their minds as if they had been back there some 2000 years ago having walked with Jesus , having witnessed Jesus teachings, miracles, and shocking statement that one of them would betray him. The men involved faith was deepened as they shared with the audience what they would have felt had they had been an Apostle of Jesus Christ that night.
The Presiding Elder Thomas E. Crossley and Pastor Herman Massingale administered Holy Communion at the end of the play.
7. CHURCH 'GETS THE WORD OUT' IN TIME; ST. PHILIP MONUMENTAL AME WILL HAVE DISTRIBUTED SOME 10,000 BIBLES:
*Paula Williamson
The Rev. George Moore blesses the leaders of St. Philip Monumental
AME Church and 10,000 Bibles as the stewards and trustees prepare to distribute Bibles to church members, visitors and the Savannah community.
Sunday's services at St. Philip Monumental AME on Jefferson Street had the pastor, the Rev. George A. Moore Jr., smiling. His vision of promoting Christianity in Savannah is coming to fruition.
As part of that vision, the church on Sept. 17 launched a "Get the Word Out" Bible distribution campaign. Moore and church leaders prayed over stacks of Bibles, asking God to bless and help those who receive them.
Moore, who came to St. Philip Monumental two years ago, said, "I want to make sure we promote Christianity in the Savannah community. We believe that in these times, God's Word is needed for God's people."
Moore said it should be a priority of every believer to live and spread the Word of God.
"(The Bible) is more than feel-good words ... more than a few holy commands. There are some tough facts in this book. There are tough facts in this life ... (God) wills and wants you to place a vested interest in His Word," said Moore.
The Bible distribution began with St. Philip Monumental members and visitors who attend the church and will filter out into the community.
About 10,000 Bibles from the American Bible Society and its anonymous donors will be distributed in the coming months.
Moore said the poor will be a priority: "We want to make sure each family has a Bible."
He said there is no set timetable and the project will continue for "however long it takes to see God's blessings fall upon this community."
For information about these and other programs at St. Philip Monumental AME, call 233-8547.
*Republished with permission of the Savannah Morning News.
8. THE REVEREND GREGORY BALL SHARES PILGRIMAGE TO HOLY LAND SPONSORED BY THE INTERDENOMINATIONAL THEOLOGICAL CENTER, ATLANTA, GEORGIA:
I have return from the Holy-land, which was a Pastor's Spiritual Renewal Pilgrimage and Retreat in Jerusalem and refer to as the Holy-rest. To sit here at my computer and attempt to explain my experience it would take more time and words than I have at my disposal, yet I must share something of my magnificent spiritual journey.
What a great conquest of being able to traveling the places were Jesus walked, taught and lived. I had the opportunity to visited Jesus' home town of Nazareth, Walk a trail to the top of the Cliff of Arbel for a panoramic view of the Sea of Galilee. Visible in the distance are the Plain of Gennesaret, Capernaum, Mount of Beatitudes and Tabgha (traditional site of the loaves and fishes), and the Chapel of the Primacy of Peter (traditional site of Jesus' appearance to the disciples while they were fishing: "cast your nets on the other side).
Descend the trail and drove to Capernaum. Drove to Kursi on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee (traditional site of where Jesus healed the demoniac and cast the demons into swine) then return across the sea by boat. After traveling through Galilee to Nazareth exploring Nazareth, we returned by a different route that offered a better view of Mount Tabor (traditional Mount of Transfiguration).
After Sunday morning worship followed by a full day drive from Galilee to Jerusalem.
The drive was not so long, but there were three important places we visited along the way: Megiddo (Armageddon), Mount Carmel, and Caesarea.
That morning we walked into Jerusalem: from Mount of Olives via the Garden of Gethsemane and the Via Delarosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher was quite an experience.
We then pressed our way back into the Old City of Jerusalem for visits to Saint Anne's Church and the Western (Wailing) Wall then to the Church of Saint Peter in Gallicantu on Mount Zion.
And finally, our morning excursion to Bethlehem, then to the Dead Sea (This excursion broke the pattern in that it would take most of the day. Yet the Dead Sea and places along its northwestern shore (Masada, Qumran, and Jericho) was important for understanding the biblical tradition).
And now I have been blessed with a new perspective about Jesus
The Rev. Gregory Ball Sr.
Editor's Note: Thank you, Rev. Ball, for sharing this travel report.
9. ADDITIONAL TRIPS TO THE HOLY LAND BEING PLANNED:
I recently returned from a two-week pilgrimage to the Holy Land sponsored by ITC (and funded by the Cousins Foundation out of Atlanta). It is specifically geared for pastors between the age of 35 and 55 who are experiencing burnout and feel the need for renewal. The pilgrimage was excellent! The reason I am sharing is validate for those of you may have been skeptical when the message was circulated a few months ago and to let you know that ITC has been funded for two more pilgrimages in October. Exact dates have not yet been released but should be posted on their website--www.holyrest.org--when it is up and running. If you have never been to the Holy Land, the pilgrimage will serve to greatly enhance your spiritual journey and put a genuine picture to the scripture passages you have been reading for years.
The Reverend Ken Ratliff
10. HERE IS YET ANOTHER ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT A GREAT OPPORTUNITY:
ITC has been granted a third Holy Land Pilgrimage which Dr. Temba Mafico will lead in October 2007.
This is in addition to those planned for the year 2008.
The Holy Land Web Site:
www.holyrest.org
Potential applicants will find at this website all the information needed as well as the application form.
The deadline for applications is June 20, 2007.
The pilgrimage is scheduled for October 3-18, 2007.
Please recruit your friends and encourage them to apply.
Note: Responses to this email will go directly to Dr. Mafico.
Temba L. J. Mafico, Ph.D.
Project Manager
ITC/CF Pilgrimage for Pastoral Renewal
700 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, SW
Atlanta. GA 30314
EDITOR’S NOTE: The Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) is a consortium of denominational seminaries whose mission is to educate Christian leaders for ministry and service in the Church and the global community. The ITC educates and nurtures women and men who commit to and practice a liberating and transforming spirituality; academic discipline; religious, gender, and cultural diversity; and justice and peace.
11. ST. PAUL-MINNEAPOLIS DISTRICT CONFERENCE 3RD SESSION:
By Charles Hallman, District Reporter
Those who traveled to and attended the third session of the St. Paul-Minneapolis District Conference April 12-14 left very uplifted.
“We closed this session on a mountaintop experience,” proclaimed Presiding Elder Rev. Alphonse Reff, Sr.
Wayman (Minneapolis, Minn.), where Reff is host pastor, was the site of the three-day sessions.
Expertly directed by Rev. Carl Walker of Walker-West Music Academy in St. Paul, Minn., who was a guest director, the conference was blessed by a district pre-musical, featuring the district choir directed by Rev. Steve Perkins (Bethel, Davenport, Iowa).
Those in attendance that night got stirred up with each song, and the two-hour concert quickly transformed into a participatory worship service. “The people were very responsive,” said Rev. Walker, who praised Reff for allowing him and others from different denominations to take part in an AMEC event. “I hope we can do it again.”
“Baptists and AMEers singing together,” added a smiling Reff.
Rev. Harry L. Wilson, pastor Bethel, Darlington, S.C. preached the opening session sermon and used 2 Kings 5:6-8 as his sermon text. Afterwards he said, “I was honored to see the great work on the St. Paul Minneapolis District.”
The first day featured workshops, such as one that involved a dialogue on leadership. Communication should be a top priority for clergy, Rev. Michael Gonzales (Wayman, Minneapolis) surmised. “As a leader, you have to be willing to be transparent,” he added. “People have to be able to see you as human and be able to relate to them.”
The first evening service featured AMEC Department of Global Witness and Ministries Executive Director Rev. George Flowers. Before he spoke, Rev. Flowers thanked the district for its $10,000 contribution toward helping Hurricane Katrina survivors in New Orleans, Mississippi and Alabama. As his text, he used Mark 4:35-41 for his sermon titled “Jesus with you on the boat.”
“We are living in an era of storms,” Flowers reiterated. “When you are in the middle of the storm, it is not a good time to work out your theology.”
A second-day workshop, “Serving God through effective Communication,” was a clergy and laity dialogue led by Dr. Betty Webb, a former Minneapolis assistant school superintendent who now runs a Minneapolis charter school. To fully illustrate her point, she asked clergy members to sit on one side of the sanctuary and district laity on the other. “This is how many of our churches look like,” Webb said as she hammered her point that divisions among congregations often are counter-productive.
The second evening service brought the district conference to its praying knees, first by the district youth choir, then by the featured preacher, Rev. Paulette Sankofa, Associate Academic Dean, Princeton Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, Ind.
“Voices sounded like angels,” Rev. Sankofa told the youngsters prior to her sermon, which she used 2 Chronicles 7: 12-14 and Luke 15: 11-24 as her text. She briefly reviewed recent news events, such as the dropping of all charges against the Duke lacrosse players, three University of Minnesota football players accused of rape, a drive-by killing of a young woman in Chicago, and Don Imus’ racist remarks about the Rutgers University women’s basketball team.
We are being “bamboozled and distracted” by such events, Rev. Sankofa pointed out. “The church in this world is in trouble, while we are worrying about the colors to wear on Women’s Day. The church has lost its sense of purpose.”
Sankofa pleaded for “radical changes” in our churches, including healing and refraining from wickedness. She concluded her sermon by asking the congregation to join in an altar call. “This can’t be for one night,” she said. “We got to go into prayer for our world. God will heal our land but it will take all of us praying for this to happen.”
Among District business included:
--The Board of Examiners recommended four licentiates: Donald Price, Tracey Gibson, Hilton Holt and Stacey Smith for ordination as deacons at the Annual Conference later this year. “A licentiate is like a person with a driver’s permit,” noted Rev. Bryon Moore, Pastor, St. James (St. Paul, Minn.), one of the examiners. “They should not preach without a licensed driver or their pastor present.”
--Lay Report: Their members all agreed that more training is needed
--Church Growth: Rev. Kenneth Adderly (Coppin Chapel, Fort Dodge, Iowa) reported, “We should concentrate on getting spiritually (and) forget about the numbers for now.”
--Christian Education: Rev. Janet Johnson (Wayman, Minneapolis) reported on the district’s prison ministry, which include an ‘adopt-a-family’ program (two families currently involved), letter writing to inmates, with an additional focus on family members, and a youth forum (14 persons are participating): “Our mission is to educate not incarnate,” concluded Johnson.
After closing business was conducted, Chicago Conference Christian Education Director Dr. Reginald Blount spoke on “The Basics of Christian Education.”
“I believe the purpose of Christian Education is to set people free: free to be children of God and free to be co-creators with God,” said Dr. Blount (Trinity, Waukegan, Ill.). Christian Education should always take place at all times, even at choir rehearsals and official board meetings, he added. “That’s where Christian Education should be taken place. Any time or opportunity where people need to grow,” he said.
More is needed than just saving souls, Blount added. “After we saved them, our goal needs to be to transform their lives to be Christ-like. We just can’t teach them about Christ and the Bible but to show them.”
The district’s “Women in Ministry” led the closing worship service. Rev. Sharon Moore (St. James, St. Paul, Minn.) used Luke 24: 1-12 as the text of her sermon, “After Resurrection.”
“God wants us to be focused more on the spiritual,” she began. “We are looking more like the world than looking like the church.” The church needs “spiritual spices” in order to move after being resurrected, she added.
“When you remember the promise God give you,” Moore concluded, “you are to move into action. Don’t allow your past to blackmail your future. God is looking for one to say yes.”
The conference attendees left impressed, informed and inspired.
The workshops were worthwhile, said Julia Naylor (Coppin Chapel, Fort Dodge, Iowa). “Overall it has been a very good conference,” added Dorothy Sallis (Payne, Waterloo, Iowa).
Rev. John R. Halbert, Pastor of St. Peter’s (Minneapolis) praised the host church’s volunteers’ diligence in serving the conference attendees: “Your hospitality made our food digest better.”
Presiding Elder Reff said that now the district must take the “mountaintop experience” back to their churches. “After our mountaintop experience,” he pointed out, “we must go back to the valley. We need to continue to make an impact on people’s lives, to bring people into the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, to impart our neighborhoods and communities with corroboration with other agencies. The church can’t do it by itself.”
On the third session of the three-year-old St. Paul Minneapolis District, which comprises of nine churches in Minnesota and Iowa, Rev. Reff noted, “Things have superseded beyond my expectations. I always expected the churches to work in the community in a small sense but now it has exceeded my expectations that they are working in a broader sense.
“That let me know that the Kingdom of God is strengthen beyond the walls of the church,” concluded Reff.
12. AFRICAN AMERICAN, JEWISH WORSHIPPERS UNITE TO STAGE HISTORIC ‘HUMAN CHAIN’ VIGIL; TAKE INTERFAITH STAND AGAINST DARFUR ATROCITIES AT SUDANESE EMBASSY:
(WASHINGTON, DC)- Two of this city’s oldest religious congregations will unite in an interfaith protest against human suffering and genocide in Darfur when members of the Metropolitan AME Church and the Washington Hebrew Congregation meet to form “A (Human) Chain for Change in Darfur,” in front of the Republic of Sudan’s Embassy on Sunday, June 24, from 2 to 3 p.m.
“African Americans and Jews are two peoples of this planet with long histories of suffering from and fighting against genocide and oppression,” said Bishop Adam J. Richardson, presiding prelate of the Second Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. “We are taking a united stand against the atrocities being committed in Darfur. Together we say ‘no more.’”
The June 24 vigil will be led by Rabbi M. Bruce Lustig, senior rabbi of the Washington Hebrew Congregation, and the Rev. Ronald E. Braxton, senior pastor of the Metropolitan AME Church. “We want this protest to serve as both a symbolic gesture and a real call to action to end suffering, injustice, and death in Darfur,” said Rabbi Lustig. “We will not stand idly by and watch this genocide continue…”
Rev. Braxton added, “At the vigil, a human chain bearing the names of witnesses who refuse to stand silent about ending the genocide in Darfur will be formed at the Sudanese Embassy. Through our united action, the African American and the Jewish communities will tell the work that the mindless torture and slaughter of innocent people in Darfur will no longer be ignored and tolerated by the international community.”
For additional information about his historic human rights event, please contact Rev. Kimberly Barnes at 202 331-1426 or Julia Wilson at 202 340-0608.
Contact: Rev. Marie M. Phillips Braxton
Metropolitan A.M.E. Church
1518 M Street NW
Washington, DC 2005
301 331-1426
13. MALCOLM GLOVER PRODUCES SUDAN DOCUMENTARY:
I hope all is well. I am pleased to report that I recently finished producing and editing a documentary titled: A Partnership for Prosperity: Public Servants in Southern Sudan. Those of you who live in Arkansas are cordially invited to attend a special screening of my film at the Clinton School of Public Service on Wednesday, May 9, from 5:30 – 7 p.m. I have attached to this email a flyer with additional film screening details.
My thirty minute film documents the results of two decades of civil war in Southern Sudan, which caused two million deaths and displaced four million civilians from their homes. The documentary also features the public service efforts of a global cadre of volunteers, who are working with Southern Sudanese citizens in order to strengthen communities and rebuild livelihoods.
Through the personal stories of displaced Southern Sudanese citizens, refugees, and volunteers, A Partnership for Prosperity provides an interesting perspective on life in Sudan and encourages members of the global community to become social change agents and make a difference by getting involved with all of the economic development and community empowerment initiatives taking place throughout Southern Sudan.
Over the course of three months during the summer of 2006, I filmed the documentary in communities throughout Southern Sudan and at the Kakuma Refugee Camp in northern Kenya. I edited my film during March and April of 2007. Recently, I was awarded The President’s Volunteer Service Award from USA Freedom Corps and President Bush’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. I was nominated for the aforementioned honor by officials at Winrock International, an innovative global nonprofit organization, in recognition of my public service work in Southern Sudan and Kenya with the Volunteers for Economic Growth Alliance, the world’s largest consortium of economic growth volunteer organizations.
Thank you for your attention and your continued support.
Sincerely,
Malcolm Glover.
Malcolm E. Glover
University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service
Sturgis Hall, 1200 President Clinton Avenue
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
Phone: (501) 280-9005
meglover@clintonschool.uasys.edu
www.clintonschool.uasys.edu
14. EUNICE ALLUMS-SEIGLE GRADUATES FROM VOORHEES COLLEGE:
Eunice Allums-Seigle, a member of Mt Tabor A.M.E. Church, Keysville, Georgia where the Rev. Ronald Freeman serves as pastor is a 2007 graduate of Voorhees College.
Sister Allums-Seigle is an active member at Mt. Tabor A.M.E. Church and serves as local lay president, choir president, Church Secretary, and Financial secretary for the Church Finance Committee.
She also serves as the Augusta/Athens District Lay--- Treasurer
Augusta Georgia Conference Lay President and was also a delegate to General Conference in 1988 Fort Worth, Texas.
She has a background in accounting and Health care and is employed by the City of Keysville as the Administrator- City’s Water & Property Tax Clerk.
She graduated from Voorhees College, acquiring a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Management in the Division of Business and Professional studies.
Her hobbies are shopping and skating with my grand kids; her favorite scripture, “Trust in the Lord and lean not to thy own understanding.”
Congratulations to Sister Eunice Allums-Seigle!
15. THE REVEREND DR. JOHN F. WHITE STRIVES FOR THE EPISCOPACY:
By James M. Proctor, D. Min., Presiding Elder (Retired)
Forty years ago, I met John F. White, who at that time was a bright, inquiring, energetic young man who was preparing for matriculation at Edward Waters College in Jacksonville, Florida. Since then, I carefully observed his growth and development in the Christian faith and in the tradition of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. I support John White because he is prepared and committed to lead the African Methodist Episcopal Church as a bishop.
The Reverend John F. White is prepared spiritually, academically and by experience. At an early age, John committed his life to Jesus Christ and was baptized in the faith. He grew in wisdom and in stature. John White now stands head and should above the crowd.
John White has earned the following degrees, Bachelor of Science, Edward Waters College, Jacksonville, FL. He earned the Master of Education at Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, Master of Divinity, Turner Theological Seminary, ITC, Atlanta, GA and the Doctor of Education, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale; FL. Dr. White has prepared himself to provide the type of Episcopal leadership the AME Church needs for a time such as ours.
John White has demonstrated knowledge, skills and abilities to make a positive difference wherever he has served. Former members of churches where Dr. White served more than twenty years ago still refer to his spiritual nurture, pastoral care and administrative skills. In Jacksonville where Pastor White served two different congregations, I have been told, “Pastor White made every member feel important. He even knew my children’s birthday and made them believe they were special. . . . Our church has not had a pastor like him since he left.” A member of another, stated, “Pastor White made bible study dynamic and interesting. I used to look forward to Wednesday nights.”
John White has been an instrument of God to build new sanctuaries and improve physical properties, and secure a variety of financial resources to strengthen the economic viability of local communities. He believes the church should provide a seven-day-a- week comprehensive, holistic, relevant ministry for children and youth, adults and older adults. Pastor White implements a three-prong approach to ministry. He implements ministries of mercy, faithfulness, and justice (holding systems accountable) for economic parity for the least among us. Pastor White religiously practices fiscal accountability and empowers lay people for ministry.
John White is not a novice. He has served the church at the local, presiding elder district, annual conference, episcopal district, connectional and ecumenical levels.
His work on the General Board has shown that he has the capacity to grasp complex ideas and communicate them in a manner where the majority of r people can understand. Dr. White has represented the AME Church as a delegate to the World Methodist Council and the World Council of Churches, where he serves on its Executive Board.
The best test of what one will do is to compare what one has done. John F. White has a record of successful, upward, progressive, enlarging responsibilities in civic, ecclesiastical and professional organizations. I support John White because I know first hand of his effectiveness as an administrator, evangelist, leader, pastor and teacher.
16. ALLEGHENY SCRANTON DISTRICT HOLDS 2007 FIRE IN THE MOUNTAINS REVIVAL:
Submitted by: Shelly Brown, Allegheny Scranton District Secretary
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
On May 7-9th, 2007 Presiding Elder, Dr. Eric L. Brown led the Allegheny Scranton District, one of the largest geographical presiding elder districts in the connection, spanning some 700 miles round trip from the Annual Conference seat. In an effort to include the rural churches in the remote areas of the Annual Conference, on Monday, May 7, 2007, Presiding Elder Brown summoned the district to converge in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania for the first night of a three night revival. The revival experience began at Bethel A.M.E. Church in their new home located at 516 South Franklin Street, where the Rev. Wilhelmenia Coleman is the pastor. The evangelist for the occasion was the Rev. Samuel Wade Chambers, the pastor of Payne Chapel AME Church in Duquesne, PA. Rev. Chambers preached with power and conviction from the subject, “He’s still able.” As a result of this powerful sermon many people responded to the altar call. Fire in the mountains continued on Tuesday, May 8, 2007 at Bethel, Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where the Rev. Kenneth Burnett is the pastor. This massive sanctuary was filled to capacity. The Honorable Mayor of Williamsport, Mary B. Wolf brought greeting to the gathering and welcomed the presiding elder to the city of Williamsport. The evangelist for the occasion was The Rev. Dr. Eric L. Brown, the Presiding Elder of the Allegheny Scranton District, he preached with power and conviction from the subject “Unhitch the Trailer.” Once again, may people responded to the altar call as they left their excess baggage at the altar. The Fire continued on Wednesday, May 9, 2007 at Bethel Church in Lewistown, Pennsylvania, where the Rev. Bernard Carpenter is the pastor. The evangelist for the evening was the Rev. Dr. Helen Milner Burton, the pastor of Greater Bethel, Tarentum, Pennsylvania. She preached with power and conviction from the subject “Not Wine, but Fire.” Once again the sanctuary was filled to capacity, this powerful and persuasive preacher let the Lord use her to his Glory, the congregation was on their feet.
This innovative presiding elder, not only requested the physical presence of the members of the district at the Fire in the mountain revival, he also requested that each congregation make a financial contribution to each host church. The Lord blessed those in attendance and all of our lives will never be the same.
17. FROM THE DESK OF CONGRESSMAN JAMES E. CLYBURN:
House Approves Emergency Spending Bill
Legislation Funds Troops Fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as $6.4 B for Hurricane Recovery,
Children's Healthcare, Veterans Care and First Raise in the Minimum Wage in a Decade
WASHINGTON, DC-House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn today released the following statement on HR 2206, legislation amended and passed by the House of Representatives.
"It is appropriate that on the eve of Memorial Day we not only provide our troops with the resources they need while they're fighting on the ground, but we're providing for our veterans, military families and their children here at home.
"This is not the bill that I would have drafted. I would have preferred establishing more accountability on this administration and the Iraqi government beyond the 18 benchmarks and potential withdrawal of economic aid if progress is not made. Be assured we will assert more accountability through the upcoming Department of Defense appropriations bill and additional supplemental requests from the president. This is a step forward toward our goal of changing the course in Iraq and redeploying our troops caught in the middle of an Iraqi civil war.
"This legislation includes provisions beyond the President's request to address emergency needs domestically: $393 million in critical funding that I led the fight for to restore children's healthcare in 11 states, the first raise in the minimum wage in a decade, and funding for veterans care and improving VA hospitals.
"What makes me extremely proud is that my work as head of the Democratic Caucus's Katrina Task Force has been rewarded. We secured over $6.4 billion in funding for Gulf Coast recovery assistance and a provision to waive the local fund matching requirement under the Stafford Act, which will allow access to funding for thousands of rebuilding projects in the region that have been stalled for months. These provisions are expected to pass the Senate tonight and will be sent to the President to be signed into law."
Below is a detailed account of the provisions included in HR 2206 related to Gulf Coast Hurricane Recovery:
Edward Byrne Discretionary Grants: $50 million
The conference agreement provides $50 million for Edward Byrne Discretionary Grants to assist Gulf Coast states in fighting the increase in violent crime resulting from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: $110 million
The conference agreement provides $110 million for fisheries and disaster recovery in
the Gulf Coast region. The President did not request funding for this activity. This
amount includes:
$24 million for scanning, mapping, and debris removal in fishing grounds and waterways
$85 million for authorized direct assistance to gulf fishermen
$1 million for observations and forecasts in high priority seaports in the Gulf Coast region
NASA: $35 million
The conference agreement includes $35,000,000 as proposed by the House for disaster mitigation activities at NASA facilities in the Gulf Coast region.
The conference agreement also includes language, as proposed by both the House and Senate, to reprogram $48,000,000 in previously appropriated funds. The language allows NASA to use up to $48 million in previously appropriated funding to replenish Shuttle/International Space Station (ISS) programs, which NASA used to pay for immediate repairs to NASA facilities after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Louisiana Katrina Relief - $1.3 billion
The conference legislation provides $1,300,000,000 for work to repair levees and other infrastructure damaged as a result of Hurricane Katrina. The Administration had proposed to simply shift other priority hurricane funding to pay for the $1.3 billion in work, but the conference prefers to directly provide the necessary funding.
Mississippi Katrina Relief - $107.7 million
The conference legislation allows up to $107,700,000 in reimbursements to locals for advance measures they have undertaken to construct overall hurricane and storm damage reduction projects. This reimbursement would come from funds already appropriated.
Southeast Louisiana drainage projects - $25.3 million
The conference agreement provides $25,300,000 for interior drainage projects in the metro New Orleans area. This will fund contracts in FY07 that will extend through FY08.
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION:
The conference agreement provides authority for the Small Business Administration (SBA) to use $25,069,000 in unobligated balances in the Disaster Loans Program Account for administrative expenses. The conference agreement also provides that an additional $25,000,000 in unobligated balances shall be used for the SBA Disaster Loan Program for Economic Injury Disaster Loans, not more than $8,750,000 of which may be used for administrative expenses.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
$100 million for Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPG) -- The Nationwide Plan Review, conducted by DHS after Hurricane Katrina, identified specific actions needed to update State and local emergency plans. Emergency Management Performance Grants are the only source of direct federal funding to state and local governments for emergency management capacity building.
Disaster Relief Fund - The legislation provides $4.1 billion, $700 million above the $3.4 billion requested by the President.
Match Waiver - The legislation contains a provision to waive the local funding match requirements for the repair of public facilities, and for public assistance and individual assistance related to the response to and recovery from the 2005 Hurricanes, consistent with other major disasters such as the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
$320 million is included to provide relief to Gulf Coast communities that have not been able to repay Community Disaster Loans.
Higher Education: The conference agreement includes $30 million for grants to colleges and universities affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Funds may be used to reimburse such institutions for physical damages, costs incurred for clean-up and lost revenue. Both House and Senate bills included $30 million, but under slightly different eligibility criteria.
Hurricane Education Recovery: The conference agreement includes $30 million for grants to hurricane-impacted states and local educational agencies. Both House and Senate bills included $30 million, but used different criteria regarding the use and distribution of the funds.
Programs to Restart School Operations: The conference agreement modifies bill language proposed by the House and Senate to expand the uses of funds provided for emergency aid to restart school operations appropriated in Public Law 109-148.
Extension of Waiver Authority: The conference agreement includes language extending the Hurricane Katrina-related waiver authority of the Secretary of Education until the end of fiscal year 2008. This language was included in House and Senate bills.
Social Services Block Grant Extension: The conference agreement includes language extending, until September 30, 2009, the availability of Social Services Block Grant funds provided to the States affected by the 2005 Gulf Coast hurricanes. These funds were made available in Public Law 109-148. The House and Senate bills had similar provisions.
Ryan White Care Act Waiver Authority: The conference agreement includes language permitting the Secretary of Health and Human Services to grant waivers modifying provisions of the Ryan White State HIV/AIDS grants for four States affected by the 2005 Gulf Coast hurricanes. The Senate bill included similar language. The House bill did not include any language on this issue.
Transit Funding for the Gulf - The conference agreement includes the Senate's provision providing transit grants to areas affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The agreement is to provide $35 million of funding. The agreement includes language which allows the funding to be used for operating expenses as well as capital costs.
Tenant-based Rental Assistance- The conference agreement includes the Senate's approach to modify the new 12 month Section 8 formula contained in the FY 2007 Funding Resolution to address hurricane impacted areas in Mississippi and Louisiana only. Other modifications originally in the House bill to address anomalies have been modified and included. The conference agreement also includes a provision proposed by the House and Senate to clarify levels of funding within the Tenant-Based Rental Assistance account for Fiscal Year 2007.
Project-based Rental Assistance- The conference agreement retains the House provision related to a technical issued related to renewing expiring project-based section 8 contracts.
Hurricane Fungability Extension- The conference agreement extends Sec. 901 that was included in the Dec. 30, 2005 Disaster bill (P.L. 109-48) from December 30, 2006 to December 30, 2007. This will continue to allow public housing authorities in the most heavily impacted areas in Mississippi and Louisiana the flexibility to combine separate funding streams to assist tenants primarily in reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts.
Hurricane Disaster Vouchers. The conference agreement modifies a House provision that extends current waiver authority for tenant contribution and income verification for the disaster voucher program until December 30, 2007.
18. NEWS FROM THE 12TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT - THE 7TH MID YEAR MEETING:
The 7th Mid Year Meeting for the Tall, Talented, Tough, Terrific, and Tantalizing Twelfth Episcopal District convened on March 15, 2007 at Greater Bethel African Methodist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas under the leadership of the dynamic duet Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle and Mother Barbara Jeanne Chappelle.
The host pastor, Rev. Nolan Watson and the members of Bethel left no stones unturned as they greeted us on arrival at the unofficial meeting, Executive Board, before the meeting on Wednesday night, March 14, 2007. The Episcopal District Officers enjoyed a wonderful dinner before the business meeting. Bishop Chappelle expressed the following words, “We are here to conduct the business of the church, and we must never forget who’s we are and whom we serve.”
The Presiding Elders in their appropriate clergy attire and robes showed unity as they entered wearing the Twelfth District stole at opening worship on Thursday morning.
This was the first Episcopal District meeting for three new Presiding Elders:
- Rev. Lonnie Johnson-Oklahoma Conference, Lawton District
- Rev. Lewie A. Norful- East NE Arkansas Conference, Newport/Jonesboro District
- Rev. Clarence Reynolds-Central Arkansas, Camden/El Dorado District
Other Presiding Elders in attendance were:
Rev. Edward E. Davis- Oklahoma Conference, Oklahoma City District
Rev. Dennis Hampton-Central Northeast Oklahoma, Tulsa District
Rev. Napoleon Davis, Jr.-East Northeast Arkansas, Stuttgart/Forrest City District
Rev. Thomas G. Allen-Central Arkansas Conference, Pine Bluff / South District
Rev. James R. Hooper-south Arkansas Conference, Monticello District
Rev. Clarence V. Boyd-West Arkansas Conference, Hot Springs District
Rev. Eugene Brannon-Arkansas Conference, Little Rock District
Rev. Pollie W. Ragsdale-Central Northeast Oklahoma, Muskogee District, our first female presiding elder arrived later due to a funeral and Rev. Charles M. Cleaver, Sr. Arkansas Conference, No Little Rock/Ft. Smith District was absent due to illness.
Rev. Marcellus Fields, pastor of St. John AME Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma was the minister of the hour and set the stage as he proclaimed the good news. His titles,” When God shows up, he shows out, Psalm 46:10.” He stressed three points, (1). God is for us, (2). God ought to be with us, and, (3). God needs to be in us.
Union AME Church, Pastor Randolph Martin, WMS President Charolett Martin and the Young Women’s Initiative (YWI) under the leadership of Sis Brandi Smith gave a surprise Birthday party for Bishop Chappelle Mardi Gras style.
Sister LaRhonda Collins, Sister, Adrianne Johnson, Sister Lisa Williams, Sis Natalie Horton, Sister Nedra Allen, Sis Brandi Smith, and Sis Vonda Jones met Bishop and Mother as they entered the multipurpose for the surprise birthday celebration.
It was a gala event with lots of food, fellowship, comedy skits by Sis Mary Wilson and Sister Patricia Moore, and a praise dance by little Miss Sarah York and Little Miss McKenzie Walker, two YPDer’s from Bethel AME Church in North Little Rock as Bishop celebrated another year. The event closed with a birthday boogie where many participated in the Christian Slide. (You mean you have never heard of that? It’s the Electric Slide with a spiritual twist!)
The Business Session of the conference on Friday morning started with the General Assembly at Bethel AME Church. The Commission and Departments met at 10:00 a.m. The Departments and Commissions made their reports to the Episcopal District around 2:30 p.m.
The WMS under the leadership of Mother Barbara Jeanne Chappelle and Sister Charolette Martin, Episcopal President opened the 12th District business session at 10 a.m. The Seven Conference Presidents were all in attendance.
Sister Gloria Hall- Oklahoma Conference
Sister Veola West-CNE Oklahoma Conference
Sister Yvonne Stovall-ENE Arkansas Conference
Sister Thelma Denton- Central Arkansas Conference
Sister Emma Swift- South Arkansas Conference
Sister Mary Wilson -West Arkansas Conference
Sister Phyllis Johnson, Arkansas Conference
The Health Commission lead by Sister Saundra Lucas and Rev. Norman Gillom Co-chairs, gave a detail report.
Health Commission Progress Report
1. A list with names of the Health Coordinators who have been appointed in each Presiding Elder District was distributed so Pastors and/or local Health Coordinators to promote reporting.
2. Health promotion seminars have been provided or are planned for District Conferences this Conference year.
3. Churches participated in the Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS March 4-10, 2007
4, The Health Commission Chairs will be in dialogue with the leadership of the Christian Education Congress planning committee to sponsor health promotion activities during the Congress in Tulsa in July 2007.
5. Information on “Kidney Disease-The Silent Killer” was the featured health awareness topic for this meeting. Informational materials were distributed as a part of the report.
6. The Health Commissioners will continue to serve as resource persons to any Department who plan and/or implement health/wellness programs within the Episcopal District.
The Health Commission would like to document the Health Awareness and Promotion activities that occur during this Quadrennial. They asked everyone to submit a report to a member of the Health Commission during the year.
The Episcopal District YPD had their annual program on Friday night at 7:00 pm at Bethel AME Church. Mr. Wesley Baker, Arkansas Conference YPD President was the host MC for the program titled “Twelfth District Idol. “ The three judges were selected to portray the judges on American idol. They were Paula- Sis Cordelia Webb-Banks, Randy-Bro LaBaron Mizer, and Simon- Bro Jason Bivens.
The talent brought the house down with musical selections from Adriana Dodson, ENE Arkansas Conference, Kyle Gaines, Oklahoma Conference, Rikki Jones, Central Arkansas Conference, Stacy Williams, Arkansas Conference, and Ryan McHenry, CNE Oklahoma Conference. The Conference was honored to have the Oklahoma Conference Ensemble to render a selection while the judges were making their winning selection. The results were in and the 12th District Idols were, Miss Nikki Jones, 1st place, Kyle Gaines 2nd place and Ryan McHenry 3rd place. Closing remarks by the Sis Sheryl Giles, 12th Episcopal District YPD Director, Mr. Emile Gauthier –Washington, Connectional YPD President and closing remarks from Bishop Chappelle with congratulations on a job well done.
The Business session came to order around 9:00 pm Friday night after the YPD Program. Many of the committee were ready and made their reports.
The 12th Episcopal Lay organization under the leadership of their President, Bro David Fielding, gave their report as they reviewed the roads they had traveled.
The Lay will celebrate the Fiftieth Annual Lay Convention-theme: “Celebrating Fifty Year of Lay service-Catch the Fire!!” All laity and preachers are welcomed. The date is June 21-23, 2007 at Pilgrim Rest A.M.E. Church in Monticello, AR. A special highlight of the meeting will be a display of historical reflections of each conference Lay organization.
The Lay will continue the Voter Registration activities, and keep abreast of legislative issues and concerns of the Black Community.
There are ongoing preparations to host the 2009 Lay Biennial.
The 12th Episcopal District Public Relations Directors were all in attendance. A detailed report was presented by Sis Ann Gilkey, Rev. Roger Alford, Rev. Charles Frost, Mrs. Jackie Weary, Rev. Nolan Watson and Mrs. Theresa Jordan.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
The 12th Episcopal District Women’s Missionary Society presented their annual Sarah Allen Scholarship Breakfast & Silent Auction at 7:00 A.M. in the Shorter College gymnasium in North Little Rock, Arkansas centered on the theme,” A Parade Of Divas- Divine Women.” Mrs. Brenda Fields, 12th Episcopal District WMS First Vice-President and the Young Women’s Initiative coordinated the breakfast.
Additional 12th Episcopal District Committee and Commissions made their reports around 9 a.m.
Music Department
Mrs. Cordelia Webb-Banks and members of the committee included Bro Jason Bivens, Bro LaBaron Mizer, Sis Annette Roper and Rev. Keith Grandberry submitted a detailed report for the music department.
The Council of Presiding Elders Mid –Year Report, Rev. Thomas G. Allen, President
Debutante and Masters Commission under Mrs. Lyndajo Jones, DMC Coordinator.
The main topic of discussion was the upcoming ceremony that will open the Christian Leadership Congress in /Tulsa, OK July 30-August 2, 2007. It was stated that this will be the last ceremony under the leadership of our dynamic duo, Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle, and Mother Barbara Jean Chappelle. The Commission really wants to show that they have truly learned a more excellent way.
Sister Leta Anthony, Rev. Holmes, and Rev. Handy gave the Social and Recreation Commission report.
The 12th District M-SWAWO headed by President Piccola Washington gave their report. Mrs. Brenda Fields will be The 12th Episcopal District representative in the
Connectional M-SWAWO.
The Christian Education Directors presented the Christian Education Report, Rev. Larry M. Banks, Episcopal Chair, Reverend Shirley Inkton Bowers, Episcopal Director, Reverend Samuel Craig, OK Conference Director, Reverend Marcellus Fields, CNE OK Conference Director, Mrs. Kaye Person, ENE AR Conference Director, Mrs. Miranda Johnson, CAC Director, Mr. Nodgy Merritt, SAC Director Reverend Clarence Guy, WAC Director, Reverend Reginal Alexander, AR Conference Director.
Announcement: The Christian Education Leadership Congress will meet on July 30-August 2, 2007 at Oral Roberts University in Oklahoman City, OK.
Richard Allen Young Adult Council lead by Coordinator, Bro Corian L. Wilson, gave their report and talked about the First Annual Young Adult Weekend March 29-31, 2007 at Lee Chapel AME Church where the Rev. Bill A. Bowers will be the host pastor. A special feature for the weekend event included a musical extravaganza with several musical groups. The proceeds from this musical will be donated to the election of Reginald Cleaver as Connectional YPD President. Special recognition was given to the Christian Education Chair and Director, Rev. Larry Banks and Rev. Shirley Inkton Bowers for their leadership and guidance as the young Adults became more active as a group in the AME Church.
Conference Secretaries:
Rev. Charles Frost, Coordinator and other Conference Secretaries, Rev. Lue Kathryn Montgomery, Rev. Linda Adams, Rev. Richard Sutton, Sis Marcia Burns, Ms. Carolyn Ellis, and Mrs. Betty Rhodes, Conference Marshal gave their report.
Rev. Frost commended all the secretaries on the uniformity of all conference minutes.
He reminded them that the focus as secretaries is to:
1. Record accuracy and uniformity of all minutes
2. Improve timeliness in finalization of conference minutes, and
3. Back-up minutes to avoid loss of information.
Worship in Songs lead by Bro Labaron Mizer was high-spirited with various melodies. The church was on fire and members danced in the aisles before the regular worship service started.
Rev. Mary V. Williams, pastor of Bethel AME Church in West Memphis, AR was the Worship Leader for the Closing Service on Saturday March 17, 2007. We held on as the preacher of the hour, Rev. Lashawn Green, pastor of St. James, Eagle Mills, Arkansas kept the fires burning with her text from Exodus 32: 17-19 as she focused on the subject, “There’s a noise in the Camp, but it’s not our kind of Noise!”
We were blessed again to have wonderful music. Hats of to Brother LaBaron Mizer, Music Director for the Arkansas Conference, Brother Jason Bivens, Arkansas Conference Musician and the Conference Choirs.
Special thanks was given to Rev. Nolan Watson and the entire Bethel A.M.E. family of Little Rock, Arkansas for their hospitality, delicious meals and far reaching love during the 7th Mid-Year Conference of the 12th Episcopal District.
Bishop and Mother Chappelle were given a standing ovation for their guidance, love and spirit that has culminated to be one of the best Mid-Year Conferences ever!
*Mrs. Ann Gilkey, 12th Episcopal District Public Relations Director (Arkansas)
19. THE PASTOR’S CORNER - GET OUT OF THAT PIT:
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us – what ever we ask – we know that we have what we asked of Him. (I John 5: 14-15)
In our final installment of the series “Get Out of That Pit,” we’re reminded by author Beth Moore that there are three steps out of any pit – “Cry Out,” “Confess,” and in this writing, “Consent.”
A dictionary definition of the word “consent” is – “Compliance in or approval of what is done or proposed by another; agreement as to action or opinion; voluntary agreement.” It sounds as though we’re being disrespectful or irreverent of God to say that we have to give God approval or permission to operate in our lives, but we do. God’s will is for you to get out of that pit! If you agree with His process it will happen. It will be done just as promised in His Word.
A botanist found a rare alpine flower over the edge of a cliff. In his attempt to retrieve the flower he found himself stuck on a ledge unable to lift himself back onto land above him. Some hikers came by and told him they would get him out of that pit. They threw him a rope and told him to grab the rope; they would pull him out of that pit. As the rope fell down within reach of the botanist, “Pride” spoke up and said, “You don’t need anybody to pull you from this pit, you can do it all by yourself.” Then “Strong Delusion” spoke up and said, “Besides, you’re really not in a pit. You’re just chillin’. Ain’t nothing wrong with just takin’ it light for a stretch.” Then “Fear” spoke up and asked, “What if they drop you, or let the rope slip? You’re safer staying just like you are!” Then “Wisdom” spoke up and said, “You really are in a pit. You do need help getting out. God sent the hikers, and God arranged that there would be a rope. Take the rope. God’s in your circumstances and God’s also on the other end of the rope. Take the rope and get out of that pit!
When we give God consent were expressing our confidence in God knowing He will get us out of that pit. We’re giving permission to the Source of all Wisdom to operate in our circumstances so we can “Get Out of That Pit.” Now the words of the old spiritual tune have a renewed meaning in our lives. “Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on, let me stand, I am tired, I am weak, I am worn. Through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the light. Take my hand, precious Lord, and lead me home.” We must give God consent to get us out of that pit.
Romans 10: 8-9 tells us the most effective way of consenting to God’s word involves your mouth. We must use our mouth before we use our faith. Our failures often disintegrate our faith in God because we confuse faith in God with faith in ourselves. In other words, we mistakenly believe our failures are God’s failures. Therefore, the process of consent can’t begin with faith, it must start somewhere else. For someone to tell us, “Just have faith” may not help us out of that pit because our faith in God may be eroded away and it’s impossible to pull from faith that isn’t there. Therefore the process of consent can’t begin with faith, it must start somewhere else.
Romans 10: 17 says, “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” We consent to God’s will by using God’s word. Our faith is built up by hearing our own voices speak the words of Christ. Pray using the Scripture! Pray the Word of God!
I am involved in a number of challenging efforts through the ministries at Quinn Chapel, Chicago. I sometimes fear not being able to achieve successful outcomes in these various endeavors. But when I open my Bible to II Timothy 1: 7 and read, “For God did not give me a spirit of timidity (fear), but of power, love and self-discipline (sound mind.)” I’m reminded that I am fully equipped to continue on in the work God has placed at my hands to accomplish. Repeating God’s Word in my own hearing builds my faith and keeps me “Out of That Pit!”
Why pray the Word of God? First, Psalm 119: 25-32 reminds us that our challenges are often so overwhelming that we can’t think of the right words to say. Scripture give us God’s script. We then have all the correct lines. Second, Psalm 119: 49-56 teaches we can shift the burden of responsibility to God and His Word rather than crumbling under the weight of it ourselves. So often, being in a pit is about a loss of control. We shift the burden of the outcomes over to God.
Third, II Timothy 3: 16 states that God’s Word carries its own supernatural power. As we pray the Word, we’re enlisting the supernatural power of an all-powerful God to aid us. Finally, I John 5: 14-15 share that God loves His Word. Therefore, if God’s Spirit that lives inside a believer has not been quenched by un-confessed sin, God responds every time He hears His Word spoken.
Tips for praying Scripture or Scripture Prayers
1. Ephesians 6: 18 – Don’t let up when you begin to feel better. Feeling better is not what we’re after. The goal is freedom from the pit for the rest of your life.
2, Matthew 26: 39 – On days when you feel down, overwhelmed, or discouraged, get to your Scripture Prayers all the faster.
3. Matthew 4: 1-2 – On the days when you want to do it least do it most. Be on to the enemy’s devices.
4. Matthew 4: 5-7 – When the battle heats up, rest assured that you’re worrying your enemy, and he’s trying to distract or discredit you.
5. Matthew 4: 2-4 - Also expect your flesh to balk. It’s been in control a long time, and it’s not going to give over easily.
6. Matthew 4: 8-11 – No matter how resistant you feel practice Scripture Prayer.
7. Luke 18: 1-8 – What ever you do don’t quit.
It is God’s will that you “Get Out of That Pit!” Therefore, you have the power of the entire Godhead behind you. You have the Father’s will (Matthew 6: 10); the Son’s Word (John 1: 1-14); and the Holy Spirit’s way (Galatians 5: 16-25). I encourage you to purchase Beth Moore’s book and “Get Out of That Pit!”
Rev. James M. Moody Quinn Chapel AME Church
20. RETIRED GENERAL OFFICER CELEBRATES – 101st BIRTHDAY:
Dr. Sherman L. Greene, Jr., General Officer Retired, will celebrate his 101st Birthday on May 30th!
Birthday greeting and well wishes can be sent to:
Gwendolyn C. Criglar, Dr. Sherman Greene's GranddaughterE-mail: gwencriglar@yahoo.com
Or mail Birthday greetings to:
Dr. Sherman L. Greene, Jr.
2250 Tillsby Court
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
(313) 730-0582 Phone
21. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICES:
- The Reverend Julius Harrison McAllister, Jr. is a candidate for a Doctor of Ministry degree from Chicago Theological Seminary, Chicago, Illinois, where he maintained a grade point average (GPA) of 3.7. The title of his dissertation is "How To Implement A Tithing Ministry In Your Local Church." The graduation ceremony will be held May 19, 2007. Dr. McAllister is the pastor of Greater Institutional AME Church in Chicago, Illinois, of the Fourth Episcopal District. He has served in this capacity for the past seven years. Dr. McAllister is married to the former Ms. Deana Elizabeth Young. They have two children (expecting a third child in November 2007) Julius Harrison McAllister, III and Colin McKinley Young McAllister. Dr. McAllister is the son of The Reverend Dr. Julius, Sr., a candidate for Bishop, and Mrs. Joan Marla McAllister of Florence, South Carolina. He is a son-in-law of Bishop McKinley and Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young, Presiding Bishop and Supervisor of the Eleventh Episcopal District.
Congratulatory messages may be sent to juliusmcallister@aol.com Submitted by:Mrs. Deana E. Young McAllister
- On Friday May 18, 2007, Rev. Joseph Pridgen received the Master's of Divinity degree from Payne Theological Seminary. Joseph is the son of Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Conrad K. Pridgen, Pastor and First Lady of Ward Memorial A.M.E. Church in Washington, D.C.
Congratulatory messages may be sent to: anointeddestiny@yahoo.com
- Congratulations to Rev. Carlton V. Rickman Jr., Pastor of Brown Memorial, Pasadena, California. He received his Masters of Arts in Religion and Theological Studies from Claremont School of Theology on May 12, 2007 and has been accepted into their Doctoral Program.
Congratulatory messages may be sent to: dlgr99@aol.com
- The President and Trustees of Tufts University will confer the Doctorate of Medicine Degree upon Nuriya Desta Robinson and Maisha Tamar Robinson at the Commencement Ceremony for the School of Medicine, Sunday, May Twentieth, Two Thousand and Seven.
Doctors Nuriya and Maisha Robinson were Awarded Post-Graduate Residencies. Nuriya D. Robinson, M.D., Training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at The University of California - San Francisco, California. Maisha T. Robinson, M.D., Training in Neurology at The Mayo Clinic - Rochester, Minnesota.
Doctors Nuriya and Maisha Robinson are the twin daughters of the Reverend Kenneth S. Robinson, M.D., pastor and the Reverend Marilynn S. Robinson, Co-Pastor of St. Andrew AME Church - Memphis, TN.
Please keep them in prayer as they begin this next phase of their lives and careers.
Well wishes and greetings may be sent to: AOSaintAndrewAME@aol.com
Submitted by:
Ms Shirley Johnson
Administrative Officer
St. Andrew AME Church
867 S. Parkway East
Memphis, TN 38106
- Joshua Matthew Jenkins graduated from Blackburn College, Carlinville, IL, Saturday, May 12, 2007. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Visual Art with a minor in Art History. Joshua is the son of Rev. Sam & Rev. Wanda Jenkins, pastors of Hyde Park AME Church, Chicago, IL. Well wishes and greetings may be sent to samueljenkins42@comcast.net
- New Book Announcement: A Father's Guide To Raising Daughters: For Women was recently published through Xulon Press by the Rev. Will S. Kenlaw III, Allen Chapel AME Church-Silver Spring, Maryland. The book offers the male perspective on raising daughters to mothers, especially the 10 million single mothers in America. It includes 30 Tips to help Mothers with the raising of daughters. This book won the S'Indie Award for Best Spiritual/Inspirational Book 2007.
Rev. Kenlaw is the father of four daughters, ages 18, 11, 8, and 6. Women responded so well to his first book, A Father's Guide To Raising Daughters: Because I Need One!!! (for men) that he released the second book specifically for the ladies. Both books are available via the Internet at Amazon.com, Borders.com, BarnesAndNoble.com, and Target.com. Reverend Kenlaw currently serves as Christian Education Director of the Potomac District of the Washington Conference in the 2nd Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He formerly served as a Sunday School Superintendent for 10 years and a Steward Board member for 8 years.
Well wishes may be sent to Rev. KenlawE-mail: RevWill4God@aol.com
22. EPISCOPAL FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs. Eliza Mae Davis, mother of Supervisor Claytie Davis, Jr., and mother-in-love of Bishop Sarah F. Davis, passed Saturday, May 19, 2007 in Port Arthur, Texas. The homegoing celebration will take place Saturday, May 26, 2007, at 10:00 a.m.
Church:
Carter Chapel C.M.E. Church
549 West 8th Street
Port Arthur, Texas 77640
Pastor: The Reverend Robert McBride
Church Phone: 409-982-8445
Final Arrangements Entrusted to:
Gabriel Funeral Home
2500 Procter Street at DeQueen Blvd.
Port Arthur, TX 77640
Phone (409) 983-6661
Fax (409) 983-3776
Condolences May be Sent to:
The Davis Family
1500 Stillwell Blvd.
Port Arthur, Texas 77640
409-982-1572
Or
Supervisor Claytie and Bishop Sarah Davis
12214 Rocky Knoll Drive
Houston, Texas 77077
281-759-5123
Email Condolences:
Supervisor Claytie: claytiedavisjr@netscape.net
Bishop Sarah: bishopsarah@leo.co.ls
22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Rev. Nathaniel Stewart, Sr. Rev. Stewart was a retired pastor in the New Jersey Conference of the First Episcopal District. The following information has been provided.
Viewing and Funeral, Thursday, May 24, 2007
Viewing: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Funeral: 11:00 a.m.
Location: Holy Temple COGIC
84 First Avenue South
Toms River, NJ 08757
Elder Davis C. Graham, pastor
Eulogist: Presiding Elder Joseph D. Patterson(Presiding Elder of the West District, Philadelphia Conference)
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Elizabeth Stewart
76 3rd Avenue
Toms River, NJ 08757
23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Rev. Ellsworth Coleman. Rev. Coleman was a retired pastor of the Delaware Conference. The following information has been provided.
Funeral, Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 1:00 p.m.Location:
St. Paul A.M.E. Church
103 Mispillion Street
Harrington, DE 19904
The Rev. Cheryl M. Coleman, Pastor
Phone: 302-398-4343
Eulogist: Rev. Thomas Brown
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Queenie Coleman
c/o St. Paul A.M.E. Church
103 Mispillion Street
Harrington, DE 19904
Please remember both the Stewart and Coleman families in your prayers.
Submitted by:
Dolores M. ClintonOffice Manager
First Episcopal District - A.M.E. Church
3801 Market Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
(215) 662-0506 Phone
(215) 662-0199 Fax
24. PRAYER REQUESTS MAY 17, 2007;
We solicit your prayers for the family of the Reverend Doctor M. Arthur Camper, a superannuated Elder of The Baltimore Annual Conference of The African Methodist Church, passed from labor to reward on May 17, 2007. Reverend Camper was a current member of Trinity AME Church, Baltimore, Maryland and he was Pastor of Ebenezer AME Church, Baltimore, Maryland at the time of his request for retirement. He was a great pastor and musician who wrote words and music to several hymns such as Moses Moses, A Bicentennial Hymn, O God Our Blessed Lord, A Bicentennial Celebration Tribute song, We're Here To Celebrate Our 200th Anniversary and We do give thanks."We Do Give Thanks" is published in the current African Methodist Episcopal Hymnal on page 66.
His name is also listed in the Author section of the index erroneously as H, ARTHUR CAMPER. He and his wife were the originators of CASAIR (CLERGY AND SPOUSES ACTIVE IN RETIREMENT) for The Baltimore and Washington Conferences of the AME Church and he kept the retired and widows aware of the current activities of the Church.
25. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Rev. M. Arthur Camper, retired pastor of the Baltimore Conference, founder and chairperson of CASAIR (Clergy and Spouses Active in Retirement) went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 17, 2007.
Funeral arrangements are as follows:
Saturday, May 26, 2007 11:00 AM
Trinity AME Church
Baltimore, Maryland 21213
Wake at 10:00 AM at the same location
Condolences, cards, telephone calls etc. can be sent to:
603 North Augusta Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21229
410-362-9012
26. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Rev. Bedelia Commodore's father, Rev. Dr. Ellsworth Lee Coleman passed on Wednesday, May 16, 2007. Funeral arrangements held are as follows:
Thursday, May 24, 2007 1:00 PM
St. Paul AME Church
Harrington, Delaware
Family Hour at 12:30 PM at the same location
Condolences, cards, telephone calls etc. can be sent to:
P.O. Box 81
Barclay, Maryland 21607
410-758-1071
27. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: Aamconnoff@cs.com
We regretfully announce the untimely death of Kiva Gazaway, the daughter of the late Presiding Elder, Rev. William Gazaway and the late Dolores Gazaway, South Ohio Conference, Third Episcopal District. Kiva Gazaway is one of my church daughters.
Service Arrangements:Saturday, May 26, 2007
Visitation: 10:00-11:00 AM
Memorial Services: 11:00 AM
Allen Temple AME Church
7030 Reading Road
Cincinnati, OH 45237
Phone: 513-531-7539
Fax: 513-531-7596
Professional services entrusted to:
Thompson, Hall & Jordan Funeral Home
Silverton Office
6943 Montgomery Rd
Silverton, Ohio 45236
Toll-Free: 1-877-225-8555
Phone: 513-791-6208
Fax: 513-791-7334
Condolences may be sent to:
The family of Kiva Gazawayc/o Adrienne A. Morris
327 Washington Avenue
Wyoming, OH 45215
(513) 821-1481 Phone
(513) 821-3073 Fax
Send e-mail condolences to Adrienne A. Morris: Aamconnoff@cs.com
28. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs. Mattie Tyler, wife of Presiding Elder George Tyler lost her mother on Thursday, Mrs. Inez Rosenthal. The funeral will be held at Pearl Street AME Church, where Mrs. Rosenthal was a member.
Funeral Service Arrangements:Saturday, May 19, 20071:00 p.m.Viewing will be at 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Pearl Street AME Church2519 Robinson RoadJackson, MS 39209601-352-6087 Church Phone601-969-1501/FAX
The Rev. George W. Tyler is presiding elder of the Natchez-Port Gibson District of the Mississippi Conference.
Submitted by:
Evelyn H. Markey
Office Manager
8th Episcopal District - A.M.E. Church
4480 Gen DeGaulle Drive - Suite 210 A
New Orleans, LA 70131
(504) 393-9001 Office/(504) 393-9157 FAX
29. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Homegoing Celebration for Sister Frankie L. Holland will be Saturday, May 19th, 2007 at 11:00 A.M. at Jerusalem Baptist Church in Houston, Texas.
Jerusalem Baptist Church
2201 Tuamm St.
Houston, Texas 77004
Ph: (713) 659-7723
Sister Holland's final earthly care has been entrusted to the:
Rylan C. Scott Funeral Home
1250 Texas Parkway, Suite A-1
Missouri City, Texas 77477
Ph: (281) 261-6495
Condolences May Be Sent To:
Brother Bennie & Presiding Elder Ida W. Keener
3206 Canyon Heights Road
Belton, Texas 76513
Ph: (832) 545-2714 Cell)
Ph: (254) 939-0608 (Home)
30. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Regretfully announcing the passing of Sister Vickie Harris-Bradford; wife of the Rev. David Bradford-pastor of the Sealy / San Felipe Circuit-Southwest Texas Conference, 10th Episcopal District.
Service Arrangements held for Sister Vickie Harris-Bradford:
The Homegoing Celebration
Saturday, May 12, 2007
2:00 P.M.
MISSIONARY CAMP BAPTIST CHURCH
Rev. James Mable, Sr. - Pastor
9429 County Road 423
Navasota, Texas 77868
Ph: (936) 825-2146
Sister Bradford's final earthly care was entrusted to the:
Lewis Funeral Home
4010 Highway 105 E.
Brenham, Texas 77833
Ph: (979) 251-8724
Condolences may be sent to:
Rev. David Bradford
P. O. Box 1335
Giddings, Texas 78942
Ph: (979) 542-3290
Submitted by:
The Rev. Dr. Sherryl A. Matlock-Pastor
St. James A.M.E. Church
Denton, Texas
31. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action
Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
E-mail: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936
Fax: (615) 833-3781
Cell: (615) 403-7751
32. 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.
