Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
Editor’s note: The Editor will be preaching at St. Luke AME Church in New York City on Sunday, October 21, 2007 for Men’s Day. An “Eat and Chat” dinner is being held so that area clergy can eat and meet the Editor and bring any inquiries, questions, comments or other issues involving the AME Church or the ministry. Dinner will be served at St. Luke A.M.E. Church, 1872 Amsterdam Avenue, corner of 153rd Street. There is no cost for the dinner, but those planning to attend will need to RSVP as soon as possible by calling (212) 870-1349 or by emailing Stlukeamec@aol.com. Non-Pastors, licentiates, Institute students are especially encouraged to attend. The Rev. Melvin E. Wilson is the pastor of St. Luke AME Church
1. EDITORIAL: THE SINS OF A CHURCH MEMBER:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
1. A church member who does not attend worship services and who does not participate in the life of the church; he or she is an absent, non-participating member; his or her name is on the roll and that’s his or her only presence.
2. A church member who does not financially support the church and is financially absent.
3. A church member who is inconsistent with his or her presence and inconsistent with his or her financial support; the operative word is, “inconsistent.”
4. The cell phone church member who fails to turn off his or her cell phone, not to mention the church member who wears the Bluetooth earpiece throughout the entire service and cell phone member who answers the cell phone in worship or runs out to answer the cell phone during the worship service.
5. The complaining church member who complains about the pastor’s salary and the house the pastor lives in and who always thinks the pastor receives too much.
6. The church member who does not like pastors. Some do not like any pastor; others have a model of a pastor in their minds and they dislike any pastor that does not fit their image of what they think a minister should be.
7. The church member who balls up his or her offering; when a member balls up his or her money, you can be sure that it’s not much, usually a dollar.
8. A church member who only attends worship when he or she needs something, i.e., problems on the job, marital problems, financial difficulties, personal problems. When their problems are solved, they absent themselves from worship.
9. A telephonic church member; their only participation is on the telephone. They call people about what’s going on at the church and members call them to complain about what’s going on at the church.
10. A telephone-caller church member; they won’t say anything in a local church meeting, but will call every member to complain about everything that happened at a church meeting or in worship services.
11. The late-comer church member who never comes to church on time; they are always late for worship service; and they come in boldly and sometimes disruptively.
12. A church member who looks at the clock or his or her watch throughout the service, sometimes after having arriving late. He or she comes to church ready to leave.
13. The sleeper church member who apparently comes to church to take a nap. Worship puts them to sleep; and especially the sermon puts them to sleep!
14. The chewing-gum church member. They chew and chew and it looks as if he or she is trying to squeeze more sweetness out of, what has to be stale, chewing gum.
15. The candy-popping or cough-drop popping church member. Candy-popping or cough-drop popping church members pop candy or cough drops one piece after the other in what seems to be their desire to mask whatever is on their breath, whether it be halitosis or something they ate or drank before coming to church.
16. The disengaged church member. Disengaged church members have no interest in the sermon and even if they are engaged with the singing and some of the other parts of the worship service, they animatedly disengage when the pastor gets ready to preach his or her sermon.
17. The church member who brings snacks to church and serves all of the kids and adults around them.
18. The church member who leaves church before the benediction; some of them arrived late and leave before the end of the service.
2. DR. JOHNNY BARBOUR AND OTHERS WERE ARRESTED:
Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., the AME Publisher was active in the Civil Rights’ Movement in Mississippi and went to jail for the struggle. He stood up for equal and human rights for the people of Mississippi and for our nation and he was arrested for standing up for the principles of equality.
We often hear about the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Jesse Jackson, Andrew Young and others, but we fail to acknowledge our own AME clergy who were active leaders in the Civil Rights’ Movement, like Dr. Johnny Barbour, the late Rev. Charles D. Brice, who served in the 13th Episcopal District, Dr. Donald Tucker who served in the 1st Episcopal District, and a host of other AME ministers who served on the front lines of the Civil Rights’ Movement.
The Editor believes that the Church needs to identify the some of the AME pastors and lay members who were active participants in the Civil Rights’ Movement and lift up their participation. And, we should also acknowledge the support our bishops gave their pastors in a volatile environment.
Go the website below and type in the name of Johnny Barbour (or Charles Brice or any name of persons who were active in the Civil Rights’ Movement in Mississippi.
http://mdah.state.ms.us/arlib/contents/er/sovcom/imagelisting.php
3. MOVING DAY FOR A CHURCH IN WARWICK, NY:
Matt King, Staff Writer for the Times Herald-Record
House of prayer in Warwick to be resurrected as museum
The parade along McEwen Street on Friday morning moved at a funereal pace; but for members of the Union A.M.E. Church, the Rev. Vernon H. Peters, and the old-timers who gathered on their porches to watch a piece of their history pass by, it was a glorious and joyous day.
"I'm excited to be here today to witness history being made," church member Channabel Latham-Morris said. "We are blessed beyond measure. We thought we were going to tear the building down, but the good people of Warwick chipped in to help us have the funds we needed to do this."
The day was long. Church members came together just after sunrise to bless the church, and by the time workmen set the building on its new Forester Avenue home the sun had disappeared behind the old VFW building.
In between, the church was tugged on a flatbed trailer by a big-rig cab that stopped often and for long stretches as workmen chopped down branches and entire trees, pulled street signs from the ground and cut down utility lines strung too low to clear the church's 30-foot roof.
Throughout the day, people stopped to gawk at the Gothic-style prayer house as it plodded down the village's narrow, winding streets — and ended up staying for hours. Many people brought their children.
It took nearly three hours just to get the church from McEwen Street to Wheeler Avenue. After workers cleared a crisscross of power lines at the intersection, they were stymied briefly by a fire hydrant too high for the church to pass over. They solved the problem by placing a few wooden planks beneath the wheels of the trailer, raising the church an inch or two above the hydrant.
That maneuver — and a 38-point turn to get the house through the narrow passage at Main Street — brought relief and applause as people scurried alongside the church, only to stop a few feet later and start another hour's wait as workers cleared more obstacles.
When it was over, it didn't seem possible the trip was only a quarter-mile long.
"It truly felt like a journey of a 100 years," Peters said, "but every step was worth it."
The A.M.E. Church has been a pillar of Warwick's black community since 1906, when residents and civic leaders donated the materials and labor to build it.
This year, community members and local businesses donated about $65,000 so the church could be moved intact to Forester Avenue, where the Warwick Historical Society will turn it into a museum dedicated to black history in Warwick and the Hudson Valley.
Gregory Benton, who grew up across the street from the church, will help the Historical Society create the museum.
"It involves understanding the history of Warwick, understanding the history of minorities in the community, and understanding the church as a focal point for Warwick black history," he said.
Construction on a new church on McEwen Avenue began on Monday, October 8 and should be completed next spring.
Moving the Union A.M.E. Church - By the Numbers:
Distance traveled: About a quarter-mile
Time: 7 hours, 58 minutes
Trees chopped down: 7
Street signs pulled from the ground: 8
Warwick police on the scene: 14
Workmen: more than 50
Wires clipped or moved: too many to count
* This article reprinted with the permission of Matt King, Staff Writer for the Times Herald-Record, Warwick, NY
4. THE RURAL CHURCH - SAILING BEYOND THE POINT OF NO RETURN:
By George R. La Sure, D.Min
There comes a time in any person’s life when one must stop and assess and, re-assess, his or her own position on the AMEC sea of life. For 220 years, in the midst of offering salvation through our risen savior Jesus Christ, we have striven to become that light which illumines and under girds the hopes of those who are suffering in the murky depths of racism, poverty and despair. The record speaks boldly of valiant efforts that have been waged throughout the Connection on the part of the praying masses to envision and claim a better day. This was their identified priority. Through it all, the size of one’s church didn’t matter.
A substantial part of yesterday’s testimony would necessarily relate to the immeasurable material and spiritual sacrifices that have been freely offered by the “Connectional mass” for the denomination’s overall and common good. In days gone by, willing and prayerful sacrifice was the common denominator because the general perception was that the sacrificial budgetary effort was geared toward promoting the strength of the denomination and, the local church. But the swift currents of time and the treacherous undercurrent of a re-ordered denominational priority have driven us beyond the point of no return.
We have sailed so far out to sea that we are now totally dependent on the navigational skills of an ancient mariner. We have no access to GPS technology. The winds of change threaten to tear the fabric of common purpose from our sails. The course that was set so many years ago by our founding fathers and mothers which enabled us to safely navigate the swift currents of despair has been changed to one that exposes us to the dangerous and devastating reefs of self-promotion, arrogance and an indifference to the needs of others. The docking fees for identifiable ports have been raised beyond our ability to pay.
There was a time when the AMEC local church budget was proportionate to the size and the identifiable giving ability of the local church congregation. Focused efforts were made to keep assessments within reach of the rural and small membership church congregation’s ability to pay. Care and compassion toward the rural and small membership church was then somewhat evident, but, not now.
Time has ushered in a great budgetary change. Rural and small membership churches that put forth a mammoth effort to meet AMEC budgetary assessments two times a year are now required to make connectional budgetary payments four times a year. This re-arrangement has wrought havoc in the area of rural and small membership church budgetary planning. Whereas, in the past, the rural and small membership church traditionally held two well-organized fund-raisers during the year to raise the necessary AMEC budgetary assessments, they are now required to have funds on hand and available four times a year in order to meet their AMEC budgetary assessments.
In addition to these denominational outlays, the rural and small membership church must also make preparations and enact budgetary strategies to meet Episcopal District and Presiding Elder District assessments, as well. Last, but certainly not least, the rural and small membership church must wage a continuing struggle to meet its own local church expense.
All of this is not to say that the rural and small membership church cannot meet its AMEC budgetary assessments. But, it is to say that the rural and small membership church is having a very difficult time making the adjustment. Whereas, in the past, Pastors would routinely prepare the rural and small membership church to pay its Episcopal District and Denominational budgetary obligations twice a year, it is now necessary to put forth plans to raise money for budgetary obligations all the time. We have sailed into the Sea of Perpetual Budget which requires the rural and small membership church pastor to keep budget ever before the face of the congregation, which has engendered a general sense of dissatisfaction with the process.
Noticeably absent from this discussion is the continuing quest for the AMEC denomination to consider the need for overall budgetary re-alignment so that many rural and small membership churches might have a better opportunity to enhance their ability to provide needed and necessary ministries in their respective areas.
As we pick up speed and sail into the bottomless waters beyond the continental shelf, which marks the point of no return, it might be beneficial and cost-effective to consider a change in course, right now, and head swiftly back to familiar shores.
George R. La Sure, D.Min
www.greaterstjamesame.com
Greater St. James AME Church
Thompson, GA
6. AME HISTORIOGRAPHER INTERVIEWED BY BBC:
Dr. Dennis C. Dickerson, the Historiographer/Editor of The A.M.E. CHURCH REVIEW, was interviewed on October 12, 2007 by the British Broadcasting Company (BBC) for its series on the History of Christianity. Professor Diarmaid MacCulloch of the University of Oxford interviewed Dr. Dickerson on the segment on African American Christianity in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Dr. Dickerson is a candidate for re-election as Historiographer and Editor of The A.M.E. Church Review.
7. 7TH DISTRICT’S 2007 NORTHEAST ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
Monday, August 27 to Friday, August 31, the 7th District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, which encompasses the entire state of South Carolina, convened in Sumter for the second of its 2007 annual conferences entitled the Northeast Annual Conference. This week long event was held at Mount Pisgah A.M.E. Church located at 217 West Bartlette Street in Sumter, S.C., where Rev. M. Charmaine Ragin-Whittleton is pastor. The Northeast Conference is comprised of the Sumter, Marion, and Florence- Dillon Districts and with approximately 25,000 local members is the third largest of six annual conferences held in the 7th Episcopal District. This was the 116th session of the Northeast Annual Conference and the final series of conferences for this quadrennial before next summer’s 2008 General Conference in St. Louis, Missouri.
The following article is derived from the resolution which was submitted by Rev. Timothy A. Johnson Sr., Pastor of Mt. Olive A.M.E Church in Woodrow, S.C., and the Northeast Annual Conference Resolution Committee.
Friday and Saturday, August 24th and 25th, over 965 young persons, chaperones, and volunteers gathered at Crestwood High School in Sumter for the Northeast Annual Conference Youth Summit, which took place under the direction of Sis. Kabrina Bass, Episcopal Administrator/Director of Christian Education, Rev. Dr. Jon Black, Northeast Conference Christian Education Director, Bro. W. M. Jefferson, Sumter Christian Education Director, Phyllis Reaves, Marion Christian Education Director, Sis. Omijean Timmons, Florence-Dillon Christian Education Director, the three presiding elders, and a host of others. The youth summits are designed to educate children ages six to fifteen about salvation, the scriptures, church etiquette, the parts of the church, A.M.E. history, manhood, womanhood, and the bishops and Episcopal districts of the church. The youth summits also glorify God through praise teams, mime ministries, and living history. Bishop Preston W. Williams II, presiding prelate of the 7th Episcopal District, made certain to meet and spend time with the youth, evidencing his commitment to developing the lives of our young people.
Sunday evening, the 116th session of the Northeast Annual Conference began with the pre-conference pomp and pageantry of the Debutantes and Master (DMC) Ceremony, which is a celebration of Christian manhood and womanhood where elegantly attired young people from across the conference are honored for their many volunteer hours of community, church, and school services. We take this opportunity to thank Mrs. Paula Outlaw, DMC Conference Commissioner and Rev. E. Robert Thomas, DMC Conference Associate Commissioner, and their dedicated committee members for a job well done. Thanks be to God for his wondrous love!
The Women’s Missionary Society, under the supervision of Dr. Wilma Delores Webb-Williams, Episcopal Supervisor, and Sis. Henrietta B. Temoney, Northeast Conference WMS President, with a multitude of ladies in attendance, carried out a detailed business session. They visited the Greenhouse Runaway Shelter, The Angelic Place, and The Boys and Girls Club, all in the Sumter area, and the annual WMS luncheon was held at the Sumter Exhibition Center. They were also blessed with many visiting missionary sisters.
Monday, the Sons of Allen gave us an evening of great spiritual entertainment, and Rev. J. R. Rouse of Centerville A.M.E. Church in Hartville, S.C., delivered a powerful sermon entitled, “Go Again!” Tuesday morning, the Mount Pisgah A.M.E. Church hosted an overwhelming crowd at the opening session of the 116th Northeast Annual Conference which convened with Rev. R. L. McCants Sr., Presiding Elder of the Sumter District, as Worship Leader. The processional consisted of Mt. Pisgah’s choir, licentiates, deacons, elders, General Officer George Flowers, Bishops F. C. James, Z. L. Grady and our presiding bishop, The Right Reverend Preston W. Williams II. Rev. Richard Crummy delivered an electrifying annual sermon entitled, “Who Is Your Choice,” and the opening ceremony was culminated by Holy Communion services, with Bishop Williams as Chief Celebrant.
A reorganization of the 116th Session of the Northeast Conference was held, Rev. R. R. Hooper was selected as Conference Secretary and Rev. Berletha Taylor as Assistant Secretary, and each presiding elder submitted names to serve as marshals. The presiding elders also presented their recommendations for various committees for the annual conference session along with the boundaries of the conference for all lay delegates and ministers.
Tuesday afternoon the Marion District began their ministerial/delegates and annual reports, and Tuesday evening the WMS Night in Mission convened under the theme, “Working to Eradicate Homelessness.” The awesome WMS choir set the tone for a powerful evening of worship, and the well composed message entitled, “A Legacy of Service,” was delivered by Rev. Marie Deas-Webb of St. Peter A.M.E. Church.
Wednesday morning, the Sumter and Florence–Dillon Districts presented ministerial/delegates and annual reports followed by the midday sermon which was entitled, “The Ability to See the Unseen,” and was delivered by Dr. Albert Turk of Emmanuel A.M.E. Church in the 1st District. Wednesday evening, the Young People and Children’s Division, under the leadership of Ms. Connie Ford and her cabinet, conducted its worship service under the theme, “P.H.A.T. – Praising Him All the Time: For Faithful Is Our God!” Bro. Jarrett B. Washington, 7th District YPD President, delivered a powerful and timely message for the youth entitled, “You Make Me Better!”
Thursday morning, the Christian Education Department, under the direction of Sister Kabrina Bass, provided an informative workshop entitled, “The Church Then, The Church Now.” Later that afternoon, Dr. Charles Young, President of Allen University, delivered an inspired midday sermon entitled, “The Testimony of a Blessed Person,” prior to which the dynamic Allen University Choir rendered several soul stirring selections. The Northeast Annual Conference collected over $74,000 for Allen University, and elected sixteen clergy and lay delegates and sixteen alternates to the 2008 General Conference.
Thursday evening’s Lay Organization worship service was filled with the Holy Spirit, praising God to the utmost as Mr. Dale Wilson spoke from the subject, “The Work Is All Divine!” The Board of Examiners recommended three itinerant deacons and two itinerant elders for ordination, all characters were passed – praise be to God, and all disciplinary questions were read and answered positively.
Friday afternoon, Rev. Earl Harris, pastor of Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church in Dayton, Ohio, delivered the ordination message entitled, “Are You Out of Your Mind?” Rev.’s Henry Hemmingway and Nathan Gregg were memorialized by the conference, Rev.’s McKeever Hemmingway, F. K. Richardson, and Moses Brown retired, and Rev. Ron Taylor was placed on supernumerary status.
Prayers were offered throughout the conference for Dr. Wilma D. Webb-Williams, Episcopal Supervisor, who is recovering from surgery. Visitors from across the connection were presented at the conference from all levels of clergy, laity, WMS, YPD, and Sons of Allen. Ms. Paula Outlaw, Northeast Conference Superintendent, and the Church School Committee presented a workshop entitled, “God Created the Heavens and Earth!”
The closing convocation ceremony message was delivered by Rev. J. R. Glover, Presiding Elder of the Lancaster District in the Columbia Conference, and was entitled, “The Enduring Pastor/Preacher.” The conference was also blessed by the anointed musical talents of Howard and Phyllis Lawson and James Lies.
Rev. M. Charmaine Ragin-Whittleton and the Mt. Pisgah A.M.E. Church family hosted the 116th Session of the Northeast Annual Conference with dignity and style, and we take this opportunity to salute and applaud you all for a job well done! May God continue to shower his blessings upon us all! The members of the 116th Session of the Northeast Conference resolve to continue to strive for excellence under the dynamic leadership of Bishop Preston W. Williams II and Dr. Wilma D. Webb-Williams.
8. 129TH SESSION OF THE NORTH ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE WAS HELD AT ST. JOHN AME CHURCH, BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA:
The members of the Exciting 129th Session of the North Alabama Annual Conference heeded the call of the Right Reverend Theodore Larry Kirkland and Episcopal Supervisor, Mrs. Mary Kirkland, to assemble in reverent, bold, yet humble fashion at the 129th session of North Alabama Annual Conference that convened during the first week in October at the St. John AME Church, located in the Magic City of Birmingham, Alabama, where the Rev. James Arthur Rumph is the pastor. Pastor Rumph and his beautiful wife, Sister Sandra Rumph, were gracious hosts and the Rev Albert Lee Hezekiah Hyche was the host presiding elder and the Rev. Dwight E. Dillard was the associate presiding elder.
AMEs from Florence to Scottsboro, from the Tennessee line to Huntsville and Guntersville, came to Birmingham, proudly singing, “And Are We Yet Alive,” setting the tone for a magnificent week in which the sessions of the Annual Conference have proven to be inspirational, informational, educational and rewarding, and,
Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, the 114th elected and consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, a down home preacher with an uptown message, filled with power and might of Almighty God, and has led us through an orderly and peaceful Annual Conference, as he presided in an efficient, gentle, refreshing, and a sometimes humorous manner, and,
The reports of the ministers of the Conference were given and reflected their dedication, sacrifice, and spirit of commitment, while Bishop Kirkland listened intently to the sincerity of the reports, and,
The opening session was on-fire with the Holy Ghost, as the Rev. Frederick J. McCullough, pastor of Payne Chapel AME Church, in Birmingham, Alabama set our hearts blazing and our voices shouting, with, “The Word is Out,” telling us the “Word is Overwhelming, Uncompromising, and Transforming, “’O yea!’”
The annual conference was continually fed by the Spirit, through a message given by the Rev. Theodis W. Parker, pastor of Greater St. Paul AME Church, Florence, Alabama, who stimulated the conference during the Sons of Allen worship service, by informing the conference of the “Man Behind the Tree, The Man up a Tree, and the Man on a Tree.”
The Friday Noon day “Hour of Power” sermon was powerfully delivered by Dr. George Champion, pastor of St. James AME Church in Sanford, Florida, who challenged the conference to avoid becoming lukewarm with an invitation “Lets Catch on Fire.”
The music was both traditional and contemporary as well as uplifting, delivered with enthusiasm, excitement and power, by choirs from the various AME Churches from the Birmingham area, and,
The Lay Organization, led by the debonair, and most capable President Rodney Davidson, made a significant contribution to the Conference on Lay Night when Mrs. Joyce Parrish O’Neal reflected on the theme, “Refocus Our Ministry to Serve the Present Age,” reminding the conference of the need to 1) Help a Child to Rule the World, by 2) Teaching our boys how to be men, and 3) Encouraging and Promoting Entrepreneurship, and,
The Conference was lifted to higher plains in the Ordination Service, when the Rev. Dr. Harold Mayberry, pastor of 1st AME Church, Oakland, California electrified the conference as he challenged the candidates when he proclaimed, “After All I’ve Been Through I Still Know That the Lord is Able.”
The Young People’s Department of the North Alabama Conference, under the leadership of Director Lolita Seltzer, with the cooperation of the four Area Directors, and numerous local directors, continued to keep the fire burning as the young people under the direction of Mr. Bryan Nalls and Mr. Jabari Hoyett were in concert declaring they were “Grateful” and that the LORD’s Name is Excellent. Souls were rededicated, and revived.
The North Alabama Conference added to its roll as Bishop Kirkland issued the charge to Itinerant Deacon, the Rev. Jessica Renee Durr, and Itinerant Elders, the Reverends Darryl Ervin, Willie Salter, Malik Jo Sales, Johnetta Toodle, and Arthur Turner, Local Elders Reverends Margo Coker, Meriam Garrett, and Francine McDaniel.
The North Alabama Conference added transfers; the Reverends Horace Fritchard, Michael Hinson, Herschel McGee, and Johnathan C. Richardson,
The Rev. Betty Robinson, pastor of St. Paul AME Church (Eastlake), Birmingham, Alabama called the WMS to total commitment as she asked the question, “Do you Love the Lord?” The Women’s Missionary Society, committed themselves to soar like doves and eagles as they accepted the challenge to encourage themselves in the LORD, and the Women’s Missionary Society, recognized that they were in a new season with a new president, in the person of Sister Susie Sanders Jones.
The Church School under the dynamic leadership of Dr. Susie Crenshaw, with the assistance of the Rev. Brenda J. Blackman, associate minister at Wayman Chapel AME Church, Decatur, Alabama advised the Conference to Choose, “What God has chosen for your life and Don’t sell your Birthright.”
The Ministers’ Spouses, Widows, and PK’s Council melodious Choir, serenaded and inspired the conference with worship and praise during the Ordination Service with “Total Praise.”
The ministerial and lay delegates were efficiently elected to represent the exciting North Alabama Conference at the 2008 General Conference to be held in St. Louis, Missouri.
The North Alabama Conference began each day with prayer and praise meetings as the Conference sought to become even more spiritual and less political.
The closing session of the Conference witnessed once again the awesome power of God, as we closed out in the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center, as our own Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, exhorted the Conference to “shake off the snakes of discouragement, shake off the snakes of criticism, and shake of the snakes of low expectations, by just climbing higher and higher.
The Holy Ghost fire, which began on the opening day continued all the way through the closing worship service.
The Conference is proud to have been graced by the presence of many guests and luminaries who visited the 129th Session of the North Alabama Conference, including but not limited to, retired General Officer, Dr. Anderson Todd, Jr.; the presiding prelate of the 5th Episcopal District of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Bishop Lawrence Reddick, Dean of Turner Seminary, Dr. Daniel Wesley Jacobs, Dr. Thomas Best, the Rev. Larry Hutson, the Rev. Harold Mayberry and many candidates aspiring for the episcopacy from across the connection.
The hard working pastor, the Rev. James Arthur Rumph along with his lovely wife, the Stewards, Trustees, and members of St. John A. M. E. Church, entertained the bishop and his guests; left no stone unturned as they hosted this Conference and going to great lengths to treat their guests like royalty, with grace and patience, to ensure that everyone enjoyed all the comforts of home.
The members of the conference recommended, that the exciting North Alabama Conference follow the lead of the Women’s Missionary Society, to total commitment to the LORD in response to His love for us and our love for God.
It was also recommended that the ministers of the North Alabama Conference heed the exhortation of Bishop T. Larry Kirkland to commit themselves to be, “more than just a holler and a collar.”
The churches in the Conference were called upon to continue to support one another spiritually, physically, and financially, and, that all the Churches of the Conference continue put forth an effort to adopt the 7 goals set forth by Bishop T. Larry Kirkland in his Episcopal Message.
The 129th Session of the North Alabama Annual Conference wants the Ninth Episcopal ministerial and lay delegates to say loudly and clearly at the 48th Session of the General Conference that the North Alabama Conference requests that the Rt. Rev. T. Larry Kirkland be reassigned to the Ninth Episcopal District for another four years.
The members of the exciting North Alabama Annual Conference thanks the presiding elders and their spouses, the ministers of the Conference and their spouses, all delegates, missionary workers, lay persons, and members of the YPD, and the Church School, for their ceaseless effort to improve the growth of the anointed Ninth Episcopal District. The members of the Conference also thanks Bishop Kirkland for the considerate manner in which he presided over the 129th Session of the exciting North Alabama Annual Conference.
The Conference extends its prayers and as many “hands of assistance” as needed, to those who were ordained; both as deacons and elders.
The exciting North Alabama Annual Conference welcomes it transfers: the Reverends Horace Fritchard, Michael Hinson, Herschel McGee, and Johnathan C. Richardson.
The Conference bade a fond farewell to the outgoing North Alabama Conference WMS President, Sister Dorothy Jean Davis as it welcomed, with open arms, the new NAC WMS President, Sister Susie Sanders Jones.
The Conference continues to congratulate the Ministers’ Spouses, Widows, and PK’s Council Choir for their energetic, enthusiastic, and melodious sound, and, the Conference congratulates the new slate of officers in the WMS and YPD.
The Annual Conference gave a rousing stand of thanks to the Rev. James Rumph, Sandra Rumph, and the officers, choirs, musicians, and members and friends of the St. John A. M. E. Church, Birmingham, and the sister Churches for their hospitality, love, sacrifice, care, and concern that they have put forth in their hosting of this 129th Session of the North Alabama Annual Conference. , and,
The members of the Conference also committed themselves to strive to live up to the Ninth Episcopal District theme, “A community of believers committed to equipping the saints, and reaching the world for Jesus Christ through worship, instruction, fellowship and evangelism.”
The Annual Conference resolved re-affirm their commitment to having been called and compelled to serve this present age, as we follow the lead of our Bishop into the New Anointed Ninth, (A New Breed, A New Day, and A New Way).
*This report was prepared by the Reverends Raymond B. Swafford, T. W. Parker, Roosevelt Williams, James Cornelius Smith, Charles Marie Davis, Eric Benison, Shelia Williams, Tony Latham, Eloise Williams, Michael Stanford, Sisters Joyce Ray, Mattie Williams, Patricia Bishop, Marcia Lowe, Nedra McDaniels, Jacquline Dennis, Mary Harris, Brothers Larry Woods, Charles Robinson, and Alfonzo Mays.
9. 13TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT TO SPEARHEAD AIDS PREVENTION EVENT:
Dr. Phyllis Qualls-Brooks
Presiding Elders, Ministers, Lay officials and other church officials were part of a kick-off event to officially announce the 13th Episcopal District’s program focusing on AIDS prevention.
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie announced that Sheryl Lee Ralph will perform her one-woman show during Worlds AIDS Weekend. The show speaks to the loves, lives and losses of women living with HIV and AIDS. The event will take place Friday, Nov. 30 at Nashville’s Tennessee Performing Arts Center’s Polk Theater. Tickets are $50.00 and available from Presiding Elders, the 13th Episcopal District office and Ticketmaster. The kick-off reception, with a standing-room-only auditorium audience was held Friday, October 5, at the world headquarters of Universal Electronics Inc., in Nashville.
Bishop McKenzie, in speaking to the leaders of the church said, “It is important that we openly discuss this issue within our community and make our people keenly aware of its dangers and the threat to human life.”
According to information from the Centers for Disease Control, more than a million Americans are living with HIV and, nearly half are Black. Furthermore approximately 54% of the new HIV/AIDS cases diagnosed in the U. S. are Black. Finally among women, Blacks account for two-thirds of all new infections.
Believe, Inc. an outreach non-profit of the 13th Episcopal District, is sponsoring the event. Joe Turner, Chairman of the Board said “This event is a way to inform our community about the problems of HIV and AIDS among our people through a unique art form.
For ticket information, contact the 13th Episcopal District Office at 614.242.6814.
10. DONATION USED TO TEACH VALUABLE JOB SKILLS TO DJIBOUTI WOMEN:
by Petty Officer 1st Class John Osborne
Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa Public Affairs
Chaplain Lieutenant Colonel Oledia Bell is a Navy Chaplain and is featured in the article appended below. She is a member of the 2nd Episcopal District.
9/13/2007 - DJIBOUTI (AFPN) -- The Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa Chaplain's Office participated in the Navy's Operation Hand Clasp and delivered a sewing machine, clothing material, pens and spiral notebooks to students Sept. 10 at the Union National of the Djibouti Women here.
The donation, which will be used to teach valuable job skills to women of Djibouti, marked the beginning of deliveries by the organization to Eastern Africa.
Also on hand to make the donation was W. Stuart Symington, U.S. ambassador to Djibouti.
Operation Hand Clasp provides the type of support organizations such as the Union National of the Djibouti Women need to help each other, the ambassador said
The Navy program is based in San Diego and began in 1959. The organization coordinates the transportation and delivery of humanitarian, educational and goodwill materials donated by corporations, charitable and public service organizations, and private citizens throughout the U.S. The donated materials are then passed onto the U.S. military, who in turn distributes them to needy citizens in foreign countries on behalf of American citizens.
Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Oledia Bell of CJTF-HOA's Chaplains Office said the military has no idea where the donations come from, but in this case the notebooks and pens were given by the congregation of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal in Hampton, Va., of which she is a member.
For years, CJTF-HOA has been committed to helping the Union National of the Djibouti Women in their mission to train Djiboutian women to learn a trade and help make them more viable members of the local work force.
Chaplain Bell said Operation Hand Clasp is a mutually beneficial endeavor for the Union National of the Djibouti Women and the CJTF-HOA.
"This work gives CJTF-HOA another positive image in the local community," Chaplain Bell said. "Our goal and UNFD's goal is to empower these young women and make them employable. We want to teach them life skills and not just give them a handout.”
11. NEWS AROUND THE AME CHURCH:
- A police officer in a cruiser swerved to avoid a motorist while responding to a call, crashed into St. Paul A.M.E. in Akron, Ohio. Firefighters at the scene said that the crash appeared to have caused significant structural damage to the brick, single-story church.
12. ANNUAL MEN'S DAY AT ZION AME CHURCH, PHILADELPHIA:
Men’s day will be held at Zion AME Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Sunday, October 28, 2007. Actor and minister, the Rev. Clifton Davis will be the speaker for the 11 a.m. morning worship service and actor and film producer Will Smith will be special guest. The Reverend Dr. George Champion, former General Officer will be the speaker for the afternoon celebration. A Fellowship Dinner will be served at the church beginning at 1 p.m.
Zion AME Church is located at 21st & Tasker Streets in Philadelphia. The Rev. Dr. Simon P. Bouie is the pastor of Zion AME Church
Submitted by Brother Abdue L. Knox
13. THE PRODIGAL SON:
*Reverend Dr. James s. Cooper
The French scholar, Renan, described the gospel of Luke as “the most beautiful book in the world”. It is beautiful not only because of Luke’s literary style which is outstanding, but even more because of the story that it told. The gospel of Luke is essentially a love story. As we move into this love story, we discover we are the ones who are loved. And god, the Holy Spirit, is the great lover. Beginning with the nativity narratives, like is telling us that god is coming in this little child to reveal his love for us. Then as we move into the ministry of Jesus, the centerpiece is the story of the prodigal son which is all about how much the father loves us and is waiting for us to come home. If we are already home, he is waiting for us to appreciate our life with him.
It is very clear from the life and teaching of Jesus in the gospels that our relationship with god is the most important thing in our lives. Everything else; our health, our relationship, our work… literally finds its meaning in our relationship with god. I guess what I am trying to say is: all that we are and all that we hope to be are because of god. But sometimes it is difficult for us to know exactly what that means because we don’t know what god is like. Jesus said, “no one has seen god.” But Jesus used one image of god so often; it is obvious that he wanted us to be thinking in this way about god. The word “father” is used to refer to god over one hundred and forty times in the four gospels alone. Jesus spoke about god as father. In fact, he used a special word for father – Abba – which is particular forms of endearment and which expresses deep love and intimacy. When Jesus taught his disciples to pray, he gave them a prayer that begins, “our father”.
The gospel of Luke put a special emphasis on the fatherhood of god. We see this in several ways, but the most striking occurs in the fifteenth chapter, which contains the best known of all Jesus’ parables. This parable appears only in Luke’s gospel. We often call it the parable of the prodigal son. It is the story of a father and two sons. The prodigal son is the younger of the two who took his share of his inheritance, left his father’s house, spent all his money on loose living, and betrayed his father’s confidence in him. He lost his human dignity and became miserable, repented, and turned toward home again. While he was still some distance from his father’s house, the father saw him and ran to embrace him and kiss him and welcome him home. It is a beautiful story of the father’s forgiving, healing love for his child.
The last part of the parable is about the older son. When he saw that the father had prepared as big party to celebrate his younger brother’s return, he became furious. He criticized his father for doing this. He tried to take the joy out of the festivities. In so doing, he comes off as a very unlovable person. But the wonder of the story is that the father loved this one also. He said to him after hearing his outburst of anger, “son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to make merry and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found”. (Luke 15:31-32)
For the father to love both of his sons in this way is the point of the story as Jesus tells it to us. Concentrating as he does, on the image of god as loving father, Jesus teaches us how to confront the vital presence of god in our lives. He wants us to experience this presence on every level of our being.
There is a great deal of talk these days about consciousness – rising. Ordinarily, consciousness – rising refers to getting in touch with feelings, becoming aware of our own inner – life and the world around us, and other people around us. These are good things and they can be very helpful but the most important kind of consciousness – rising is to heighten our awareness of the presence of god, as being like that of a loving father who is strong and supporting and caring and loving and healing? This is what Jesus wants us to do when he give us this figure of speech. If we can do this, then we can trust god; then we can abandon ourselves to god; then we can allow god to have his way with us.
It all comes down to a question of whether we trust him or not, even when we don’t have all of our questions answered, even when things seem to be going bad for us. Even when we are faced with a situation so bad we wouldn’t be able to tough it with an eleven – foot pale or a fifty – foot pale, the healing god, our father, is present to us, to support us, to forgive us, to guide us, to comfort us, to heal us, to tell us that he will never abandon us.
The New Testament is the story of what happen when we trust god, abandoning ourselves to him as to a loving father. This is the essence of our Christian experience.
Jesus helps us to deal with the mystery of life by getting right to the heart of the matter. We can philosophize and we can theologize and we can use words, words, words, without end. And then comes Jesus with a simple little story telling us what life is all about.
A man was driving down the road with his new “C. B.” radio turned on. He heard a message coming through: “this is breaker 19, this is breaker 19. And you’ve got a black cow on the road at about the 66 mile maker.” The man had studied most of the code words C. B. Radio operators use, but he had never heard the phase ‘black cow’. He looked in his c. B. Dictionary but he couldn’t find ‘black cow’. Consequently, he called back, “breaker 19, you’ve get a ‘green apple’ here (that is a ‘new operator’), what in the world is a ‘black cow’?” To which came the reply, “why man, you know, one of those things with four legs that gives milk.” That definition gets to the real heart of the matter.
“What in the world is the essence of human existence?” It is to trust god more and more as you experience his presence as being like a loving father”. The father’s love and mercy are greater than the things that separate us from him. In obedience to the father, our love and mercy must be greater than the sins that separate us from one another. “I tell you,” Jesus says in our scripture lesson today, “there will be marching in heaven over our repentant sinners than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need to repent”. (Luke 15:7)
A father was trying to encourage his frustrated son. “Don’t give up, don’t ever give up,” he said. The son replied, “But I can’t figure things out. I can’t get it all together. I’ve got too many problems.” The father told him, “remember, son, the people who are remembered are those who didn’t give up. George Washington didn’t give up; Thomas Edison didn’t give up; Martin Luther King didn’t give up, and look at Samuel Jesse!” The boy said, “Who is Samuel Jesse?” “You see, said the father, “you never heard of him, he gave up.”
When things seem to be going bad for you, when life knocks you to your knees, don’t give up. The father is waiting with open arms to heal you with his loving presence.
*The Reverend Dr. James S. Cooper is a retired U.S. Army Chaplain and is the pastor, High Hills AME Church in Dalzell, South Carolina
14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT:
The Reverend Sudie White of the Kansas Nebraska Annual Conference, 5th Episcopal District was called home on Wednesday morning, October 11, 2007. She was a steadfast and powerful woman of God!
Service arrangements for The Reverend Sudie White:
Visitation:
Friday, October 19, 2007
8:00 AM - 5:00 AM
Funeral Services:
Saturday, October 20, 2007
11:00 AM
Both events will take place at the Carlson Geisendorf Funeral Home:
500 S. Ohio
Salina, KS 67401
Fax 785-823-0856
Phone 785-823-3456
Family Contact:
Mildred Gavin (daughter)
523 Inez Avenue
Salina, KS 67401
785-341-7709
In lieu of flowers, financial contributions may be made.
Submitted by:
Rev. Dorisalene Hughes
CO-Director of Fifth District Prayer
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT:
We are saddened by the passing of Mr. Kenneth Ross, brother of Mrs. Helen Ross Boykin, brother in law of Rev. Ronald Boykin, pastor of First A.M.E. Church of Manassas, VA and uncle of Rokisha Reynolds and Rev. Dr. DeLishia Boykin Wilson, pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church of Reading, PA. Mr. Ross passed on Saturday, October 13, 2007.
The Memorial Service for Mr. Kenneth L. Ross will be held on Thursday, October 18, 2007 at 10 am.
Marshall's Funeral Home
4217 9th Street NW
Washington, DC 20011
202-723-1250
Rev. Dr. DeLishia Boykin Wilson, Eulogist
Condolences can be sent to:
Rev. and Mrs. Ronald Boykin
10313 S. Grant Avenue
Manassas, VA 20110
or
Rev. Dr. DeLishia Boykin Wilson
330 W. Windsor Street
Reading, PA 19601
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Presiding Elder Ernestine M. Ward who was the first woman to be appointed a Presiding Elder in the First Episcopal District. She was appointed Presiding Elder of the Western New York Conference (Buffalo-Albany-Rochester District) in 1988 and served in that capacity until her retirement in 2004. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing and Funeral will be held at
Emanuel AME Church
37-41 West 119th Street
New York, NY 10026
Phone: 212-722-3969
Fax: 212-722-6887
Rev. D. Albert Turk, Pastor
Viewing - Tuesday, October 23, 2007 from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Viewing - Wednesday, October 24, 2007 from 9:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Funeral - Wednesday, October, 24, 2007 at 10 a.m.
Bishop Richard Franklin Norris will deliver the eulogy.
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Mary Williams
147-19 115th Avenue
Jamaica, NY 11436
Or
c/o Emanuel AME Church
37-41 West 119th Street
New York, NY 10026
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Beverly Robinson, the sister of Rev. Gerald H. Hesson, pastor of Bethlehem A.M.E. Church in Burlington, New Jersey (New Jersey Conference - Camden/Trenton District). The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Funeral - Friday, October, 19, 2007 at 11 a.m.
Trinity Baptist Church
2930 Bailey Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14215
716-835-5955
Rev. Bennie Jemison, Pastor
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:
Rev. Gerald H. Hesson and Family
193 Tenby Chase Drive, Apt. O-190
Delran, NJ 08075
or
Send e-mail to Church
Audial5149@aol.com
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Rev. Leonard Palmer, Sr., the father of Sister Vanessa Bailey, former WMS Consultant for the Harrisburg District and father in law of Presiding Elder Robert O. Bailey, retired Presiding Elder of the Harrisburg District, Philadelphia Conference. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing - Thursday, October 18, 2007 from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
The Presbyterian Church of York in the Chapel
225 E. Market Street
York, PA
Rev. Dr. John Morgan, Pastor
Viewing - Friday, October 19, 2007 from 9:00 a.m. - 1100 a.m.
Bethel A.M.E. Church
350 W. Princess Street
York, PA 17401
Phone: 717-843-3461
Fax: 717-843-0095
Rev. Katherine Rose, Pastor
Funeral - Friday, October, 19, 2007 at 11a.m.
Bethel A.M.E. Church
350 W. Princess Street
York, PA 17401
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Vanessa Bailey
508 S. President Avenue
Lancaster, PA 17603
or
Mrs. Josephine Palmer
679 Leas Street
York, PA 17404
Please remember each of these families in your prayers.
19. 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
20. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of The Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement.
Archive of The Christian Recorder Online from 2004-2016; Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
10/12/2007
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (10/12/07)
Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
Editor’s note: The correct name for the official newspaper of the AME Church is, “THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER.”
1. EDITORIAL COMMENTS:
- President Bush vetoes health bill insurance for children’s bill that would help the poor and the near poor families, yet the President has spent billions on the Iraq war and is asking for billions more. Doesn’t seem right to me, does it seem right to you?
- The Supreme Court will decide the validity of the sentences disparity for the use and possession of crack cocaine and powder cocaine. Drug use is illegal and persons who break laws should be punished, but not unequally punished. Blacks use more crack cocaine and whites use more powder cocaine. Sentences for the use of crack cocaine are significantly higher than the use for powder cocaine. The result is a higher incarceration for blacks.
- HIV/AIDS is epidemic in the black community and yet many of our churches are ignoring the pandemic, even thought the Connectional AME Church has made HIV/AIDS testing a priority. If pastors are not addressing the issue and setting up testing opportunities, I hope that the stewards of our local churches will see HIV/AIDS testing as ministry and will advocate for testing again and again. Middle age black women and black teens and young adults are especially vulnerable and their rates are rising.
2. ADVISORY FROM BISHOP CAROLYN TYLER GUIDRY, CHAIR
COMMISSION ON SOCIAL ACTION:
Some of the leaders and members of the African Methodist Episcopal have recently received messages from Rwanda asking for donations for members of the AME Church and funds to support the building of AME facilities in Rwanda. Those messages are fraudulent. The right Reverend Paul J. M. Kawimbe also confirms that non-AME entities have sent messages requesting funds that have no authority from him to do so. Bishop Guidry and Bishop Kawimbe ask the members of the AME Church to be vigilant and to only make contributions though the official auspices of the AME Church.
Please disregard any previous messages sent regarding request for funds for Rwanda.
All donations requested for any churches in the 17th Episcopal District, to include Rwanda, will come from the Right Reverend Paul J. M. Kawimbe, presiding prelate of the 17th Episcopal District.
3. THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF TURNER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY (TTS) SEEKS A CANDIDATE FOR THE POSITION OF PRESIDENT/ DEAN. DEADLINE FOR APPLICANTS’ SUBMISSION: JANUARY 15, 2008:
Position: President/Dean
Salary: Unspecified
Institution: Turner Theological Seminary
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Date Posted: 9/15/2007
Turner Theological Seminary
President/Dean
The Board of Trustees of Turner Theological Seminary (TTS) seeks a candidate for the position of President/ Dean. The position is to be filled on or before the Academic school year 2008-2009.
Candidates for the position should possess the following minimum qualifications:
1. An earned Master of Divinity Degree from a seminary accredited by ATS. Post Graduate Degree desired.
2. An Itinerant Elder of at least 4 years in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
3. Pastoral and/or Educational experience required
Interested Applicants should send a cover letter, short bio, and resume or vitae.
Applications will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Applicants can submit information by mail or online. Deadline to submit materials are January 15, 2008.
All materials should be sent to:
The Rev. Gregory Eason
Chair, Presidential Search Committee
204 Auburn Avenue
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
Or
TurnerPresident@aol.com
4. NEWS AROUND THE AME CHURCH:
- Two AME Churches, The Greater Allen AME Cathedral of New York in (Jamaica, NYC), where the Reverend Floyd Flake is the pastor and First A.M.E. Church (Los Angeles), where the Reverend Dr. John Hunter serves as the pastor made the list in Outreach Magazine, which recently published the list of 2007’s 100 fastest-growing churches in America. The list factors attendance growth both by numbers and by percentage. Greater Allen Cathedral is number 36 on the list and First AME Church in Los Angeles is number 58 on the list.
- Brother Kelvin J. Anthony, Licentiate, Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church, Bessemer, Alabama shares the good news that on October 24 - 28, 2007, the saints of the West Alabama Conference will gather from near and far for the 83rd Session of the West Alabama Conference to be held at Allen Temple A.M.E. Church, 917 22nd Street North, Bessemer, Alabama 35020, where the Reverend P. W. Jones is the pastor; the Reverend T. A. Reynolds is the host presiding elder; the Reverend Myers Hawkins is the associate presiding elder; and the Right Reverend Theodore Larry Kirkland is the presiding prelate.
5. RECREATIONAL VS. PROCREATIONAL PREACHING: A DANGEROUS SHIFT IN OUR SACRED TRADITION:
By Dr. Reginald D. Terry
One of the best episodes of the television sitcom The Cosby’s presents to Cliff and Clair a extraordinary challenge when Vanessa comes home after only one semester of school, and announces in a rather innocuous fashion she is now engaged. Her fiancé, Mr. Dabnis Brickey, is eleven years her senior and the head of maintenance at the university where Vanessa is a student. The dynamics of this familiar family dilemma provide much drama and humor for viewers as the tension mounted at each segment. Later on at dinner, Cliff attempted to convey to Dabnis the simple problem with this entire development, and to further reassure him that their dislike for him was nothing personal. His illustration to convey his point is nothing short of genius. Cliff asks Dabnis to name his favorite food dish. He mentions a hearty steak. Cliff, then, portrayed the preparation of a premium porterhouse in exquisite detail. Seasoned and grilled to Dabnis’ delight, Cliff asked him to imagine a waiter taking this expertly prepared steak garnished with onions and potatoes, and placing it squarely on an upside-down lid of a garbage can. The scene is classic as Dabnis’ countenance changed and the other family members’ faces frowned (even my own). He finally articulated his point to this confused suitor. Cliff tells him there is nothing wrong with the steak; it’s all in the presentation.
An interesting trend is emerging in the discipline of preaching today. The face of this sacred craft is drastically changing. In some circles there seems to be a major shift from the historical (more traditional) approach to this hallowed assignment. It is such a drastic and dangerous shift I’m not so sure we are fully aware of the problem being created nor the sad consequences which might result. Clearly the emphasis (and to a large degree the interest) is changing from the original intent that a huge appetite is being created for this new age style of delivering the gospel message. Hundreds and thousands of seekers are regularly gravitating to commonly dubbed spiritual forums (like major sporting events) where often the practices of some who preach lean more toward theatrics and entertainment than traditional preaching. This raises an interesting question that needs to be settled quickly—is preaching a recreational activity or is it supposed to be procreational? At some point there needs to be a clear distinction made, and a clear line drawn across which truly sincere proclaimers should never cross.
Let me define or explain what I mean when using the descriptions recreational vs. procreational preaching. Recreational preaching is typically an exaggerated or animated sermonic presentation that routinely is absent of an expressed (articulated) behavioral goal. Generally the message is enthusiastically expressed, and is most times an emotionally-charged oration that is plainly preacher-centered—leaving hearers with a good impression of the minister and his or her given endowments. Its objectives seem to lean more to entertain and emotionalize rather than to equip or mobilize the pew. Procreational preaching (as I label it) aims to be a distinctly sacred presentation of the gospel and is expressly God-centered. It ultimately aims to mobilize the pew to a more responsible and productive practice of living beyond the sermonic moment and the worship experience. While these may be characterized by responsible energy and some tasteful expression of emotion, it intends to leave hearers with a heightened sense of God rather than who happened to be the presenter.
Customarily, preaching has always been regarded as a distinctly sacred engagement. Poise and dignity accompanied the discourse and proposed to allow listeners a reasonable opportunity to experience God, to appropriately see themselves and to pensively consider what God may be saying to them in order to effect change. To the contrary, much of contemporary preaching may or may not include an encounter with God, and will often leave listeners thinking more about the messenger more so than the message.
Consequently, the conversation in quite a few circles after participating in these super-charged preaching events is more about “the way” a sermon was delivered rather than what was actually delivered (what God said). Public speaking is a keen discipline and the art of preaching is no less a discipline. While it will no doubt motivate its audience, it is to be engaged quite differently from a motivational speech. Even though at times there may be hints of rhythm and perhaps some rhyme, it is significantly different from rap or some stand-up comedy. These familiar oral presentations are very much recognized as performances. Preaching, on the other hand, is supposed to be a distinctly redemptive or transformational oration (an offering) intended to cause a recognizable behavioral change in the lives of hearers. If the messenger is less than serious or is in any way perceived to be pretentious or insincere, then likely the message and the messenger will be hardly received and largely not believed.
Aesop relates a fable of the shepherd-boy who watched a flock of sheep near a village, and brought out the villagers three or four times by repeatedly crying out, "Wolf!" When the townsmen would come to his aid, he laughed at them for their trouble. To him it was all a big joke. As fate would have it, the wolf did truly come at last. As he had done previously the shepherd-boy shouted the crucial alarm in fear of the impending danger: "Pray, do come and help me; the wolf is killing the sheep!" No one paid him any mind nor rendered any assistance. The wolf made sport of the flock and the boy was devastated over his loss. The moral is clear: “There is no believing a liar even when he speaks the truth.”
* The Rev. Dr. Reginald D. Terry is pastor of the Antioch Baptist Church in Omaha, Nebraska. He is a published author of the book, Associates In Ministry, a text which encourages the relationship between the pastor and the associate ministers of the church. His doctoral thesis explores and offers an excellent curriculum for nurturing persons who aspire to enter into vocational Christian ministry. For contact or more information, Dr. Terry can be reached at 402-554-1080, or emailed at Rdterryfic@aol.com.
6. “ALIGNED WITH MATTERS OF ETERNITY,” WHICH MEANS “AME”:
By: Delanda S. Johnson
Special to the News
The North Texas Annual Conference was held in Dallas on September 24 through 29 and it was clear that the Presiding Prelate the Rt. Rev. Gregory G. M. Ingram and Episcopal Supervisor the Rev. Dr. Jessica Kendall Ingram had a message of their visions (dreams) for the church.
With the theme that Bishop Ingram and Rev. Jessica selected for this year’s annual conference, “Aligned with Matters of Eternity,” is challenging us to go back to “old school” because we are living in a fearless, frightening and tumultuous time in history, fraught with all kinds of problems. “As a church and people of God, we must be acutely aware that we only have a limited amount of time left to accomplish that which is really important, what really counts and what really matters; our work is cut out for us, that is why if we are really serious about reaching the lost, unsaved and un-churched for Christ, we must be concerned that there are some people who are going to hell in a basket and other losing their mind,” said Bishop Ingram.
Bishop Ingram went on the say that thinkers from the time of Plato and Socrates, to our own day, have believed that an unexamined life is not worth living.
The shear pace and pressure of our modern lives can easily crowd out time for reflection.
To make matters worse, we live in a war zone and everything is vying for our time, energy, money and relationship with God.
Bishop Ingram acknowledged that the 10th District faces the future with five priorities: Stewardship and Mission, Education, Economic Development, Health and Human Services, and Church growth and Evangelism.
Stewardship/Mission means to develop more resources for local church support; to become better service providers; to establish a global exchange program, and much more. The mission the of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is to minister to the spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, and environmental needs of all people by spreading Christ’s liberating gospel through word and deed.
With Economic development means to create more working capital and jobs, establishment of business ventures and collaborations, debt liquidation, and more.
With Church growth/Evangelism means to develop a resource manual on models for ministry, to adapt to changing demographics, and to seed, develop and establish new ministries to increase church growth.
With Health/Human services means to develop viable services for youth and elderly, identify pleading health issues, advocate for low-income communities, and build new coalitions.
Last but not least is Education, which means to develop ministry and training programs, to create institutional viability, and to establish a perpetual endowment.
The pastors, delegates, and congregations ended the conference on a high note.
Preparing for the 48th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference July 4-11, 2008 in St. Louis, Missouri, Bishop Ingram and Rev. Jessica thanked everyone for their expression of kindness, support labors of love and prayers. “Thank to you we have scaled new heights, navigated through some uncharted waters and broken new ground to initiate some divine initiates for the future. Thanks for Making a Difference!!” said Ingram.
Note: The Rev. Mary Miller was reassigned to Allen Chapel AME Church in Athens, Texas and the Rev. Cynthia Cole was reassigned to Johnson Chapel AME Church in Malakoff, Texas.
7. THE HISPANIC MINISTRY OF ST. LUKE A.M.E. CHURCH, NEW YORK:
St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church in New York City has a developing Hispanic Ministry.
Over the last 15 years, New York City has experienced an increase in its population due to the immigration from Latin America. Hispanic men, women and children can be found in every geographical point of this city. With a large number of Spanish-speaking persons living in the Upper Manhattan Area of New York City, primarily from the Dominican Republic, active outreach is being pursued. New York City has the largest population of Dominicans residing outside the Dominican Republic.
The initiation of a Hispanic Ministry Program began in the fall of 2005 after a research study on Migration and Religion conducted by our current Union Theological Seminary Intern, Rev. Brenda D. Ford. Rev. Ford is an Itinerant Deacon in the New York Annual Conference and part of the Ministerial Staff of Mt. Moriah A.M.E. Church in Cambria Heights, NY where Rev. Robert Lowe is Pastor.
Rev. Ford traveled to the Dominican Republic in July of 2006, met with Pastors, Local Elders and lay members to obtain information on the history of African Methodism in the Dominican Republic (DR), worship and preaching styles, and the culture of Afro- Dominicans. The information gathered from Rev. Ford’s month-long stay in the Dominican Republic helped lay the foundation for St. Luke’s Hispanic Ministry.
Over the last year, the St. Luke Hispanic Ministry has offered classes in English as a Second Language and Basic Spanish to members of our congregation and community at large. Rev. Leo Lopez, a native Dominican and an ordained Local Elder who migrated to New York City twenty years ago with his family, assisted with teaching these classes.
St. Luke AME Church has several families from diverse Latin American countries who are members of the congregation. Today, we begin to move into a new phase of our strategic plan in planting a Spanish-speaking congregation.
“Primera Iglesia Africana Metodista Episcopal” (First African Methodist Episcopal Church ) will open its doors to the Latin American community of New York City on Sunday, November 18, 2007 at 10 a.m. in our Administrative Building located at 1854 Amsterdam Avenue (corner of 152nd Street). Our goal is to provide pastoral and spiritual care to the Spanish-speaking brothers and sisters in our community.
Our intent is not to compete with other churches or religious groups, but to proclaim the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. We also want to recapture those persons who were A.M.E. when they lived in the Dominican Republic, but were not able to find a linguistic and culturally-sensitive A.M.E. Church when they came to the United States and New York City. God’s Word admonishes us to “teach all nations.” St. Luke, New York City is attempting to do just that.
For more information about St. Luke’s Hispanic Ministry, contact the Rev. Brenda D. Ford, Seminary Intern or the Rev. Melvin E. Wilson, pastor of St. Luke A.M.E. Church at (212) 870-1349 or by email at stlukeamec@aol.com.
8. CHRIST REDEEMER AME CHURCH WANTS ANSWERS TOO:
Irvine---Christ Our Redeemer AME Church invites members of the press to meet the wife of Kevin Powell, the African American male who was killed by members of the Santa Ana Police Department on Tuesday, October 2, 3:20 pm in Santa Ana, CA. Kevin Powell was a faithful member of Christ Our Redeemer AME Church, Irvine CA. He attended our weekly substance abuse classes. Pastor Mark Whitlock says, “The killing of young black men must come to an end. Kevin represents a generation of young Black men struggling to survive in a climate of violence.”
On October 2, 2007, a member of this community was shot and killed in this community, by an organization which is legally mandated to serve this community. The media reports that close to 50 law enforcement officers have investigated this incident. The Santa Ana Police Department has issued public statements. Curiously absent from all such statements is the reason Kevin Powell was killed. Why? Kevin Powell's family needs an answer to this question. The public deserves an answer. Equal justice and fair play demands it. Mr. Powell's family has initiated an investigation. The family invites any member of the community, and any member of any law enforcement agency who knows facts about this tragic event to report them immediately to the family's attorney, Marion H. Wheeler, Jr., (714) 777-8972.
9. MANAGING WELL TO LEAD WELL CLERGY WIM LEADERSHIP SUMMIT:
The Tennessee Conference Women in Ministry of the African Methodist Episcopal Church cordially invites all women in ministry to join them in their first one night revival and Leadership Summit. Sunday and Monday, November 4-5, 2007. The theme is “Managing Well to Lead Well.” The Reverend Judy Cummings will be the preacher for a one-night revival, Sunday at 6:00 P.M. at Ernest Newman United Methodist Church in Bordeaux and then join the A.M.E. Women in Ministry at Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church, 1300 12th Avenue South on Monday for workshops specifically designed for women in ministry. The Reverend Belita McMurray-Fite, pastor of Heaven’s View Baptist Church in Lebanon, TN is the opening speaker and a powerful time of ministry is also scheduled with Bishop Vashti McKenzie, the Presiding Prelate of the 13th Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church, comprised of Tennessee and Kentucky. For more information please contact Rev. Janie Dowdy Dandridge at 615 796-7098 or Rev. Shawanda Parker at 615 947-2598. Registration cost is $20.00.
Submitted by the Rev. Janie Dowdy-Dandridge
Tennessee Conference Coordinator WIM
Rev. Shawanda Parker
Tennessee Conference Co-Coordinator WIM
10. ASTRONAUT STEPHANIE WILSON TO BE A CREW MEMBER IN UPCOMING SHUTTLE MISSION SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 23:
By Rev. Salatheia Bryant-Honors
NASA astronaut Stephanie Wilson, a faithful member of Reedy Chapel A.M.E. Church in Galveston Texas, will participate in her second space shuttle mission scheduled for Oct. 23.
A community prayer and praise service was held at Reedy in honor of Wilson, the mission and the seven-member crew of STS-120.
Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram attended the service, giving an inspiring message and leading the congregation in the altar prayer.
Wilson will be a crew member on STS-120 as it docks with the International Space Station. STS-120 will be the 23rd shuttle mission to the ISS. During the mission, the crew of STS-120 will install the Node 2 module also known as “Harmony”. Harmony is a 23-by-14-foot passageway that will connect the U.S. segment of the station to the European and Japanese modules, scheduled for a later installation. The Harmony Node 2 will travel to the station inside space shuttle Discovery’s payload.
The spirited prayer and praise service included participation from the local Seaborne Challenge Corps, The National Buffalo Soldiers Museum located in Houston, Texas and the Galveston Heritage Chorale.
Wilson, 41, a mission specialist and flight engineer, made her first space trip on NASA’s historic return-to-flight mission that was launched on July 4, 2006.
Bishop Ingram said Wilson was not making the 14-day trip into outer space alone.
“You have a great cloud of witnesses cheering you on,” he said. “I look at you Sis. Stephanie and you make us all proud. We brag on you and you make our hearts happy. We are experiencing this space mission with you.”
“Because of your faith you are not making this journey by yourself. God is with you,” Bishop Ingram said. “He’s not only the God here on earth but in heaven. You are in God’s hands.”
Wilson is the second African American woman to go into space, after Dr. Mae Jemison.
Reedy pastor the Rev. Reginald Honors said the service continued to resonate long after it was over.
“It was powerful. It was exciting. It left me with the feeling that God has the entire mission in his hand,” said Honors. “At Reedy we have a deep appreciation for prayer and involving God in our personal lives. Therefore, having a prayer service to place the mission in his hand came naturally.”
After the community prayer service Pastor Honors called for a 40-day prayer vigil to continue to support the mission with prayer.
The service was also attended by the South Houston District Presiding Elder Johnny Jennings and North Houston District Presiding Elder Rev. Dr. Alfred J. Baker and former Reedy Pastors the Rev. Brenda Payne, who is now the pastor of Payne Cathedral of Faith in Houston, Texas and the Rev. Dr. Robert Jefferies, who is assigned to Union Center in Conroe, Texas.
Wilson, who is humble and soft-spoken, said she appreciated the prayer covering from the Galveston community, the Texas Annual Conference and the entire connection.
“The prayer service was very important to me,” said Wilson. “It was very beneficial to be sent off by my Bishop, pastors, Galveston community, Reedy family and friends with blessings and in a cover of prayer. I am very thankful to all that participated and made the service possible.”
The service included prayers for the technical aspect of the mission, the people supporting the mission and the people of the mission.
The service ended with a prayer at the altar with Wilson surrounded by ministers and other community members with Bishop Ingram leading a spirited prayer.
The shuttle’s target launch date is Oct. 23. It will lift off from Launch Pad 39A.
Reedy Chapel is the first African Methodist Episcopal Church in Texas. Next year Reedy will celebrate its 160th anniversary.
Wilson is very active at Reedy, serving as a member of the choir and on the Trustee Board.
11. MICHAEL KINNAMON CHOSEN NCC GENERAL SECRETARY:
After an extensive search process, the National Council of Churches has nominated the Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon of St. Louis, Mo., to be the organization's ninth general secretary, effective January 1. He succeeds the Rev. Bob Edgar, who was named president of the citizens' advocacy group, Common Cause, earlier this year. Kinnamon has been the Miller Professor of Mission, Peace and Ecumenical Studies at UCC-related Eden Theological Seminary, St. Louis, since 2000. Earlier he was dean and professor of theology and ecumenical studies at the Disciples' Lexington Theological Seminary and also taught at Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis. He has served for the past quadrennium as a member of the NCC's executive committee and as chair of the Justice and Advocacy Commission, and was a key drafter of the Council's new strategic plan, completed last year. He has written extensively on the ecumenical movement, including his recent book, The Vision of the Ecumenical Movement and How it has Been Impoverished by its Friends. He wrote the official report of the Seventh Assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC), and was the co-editor of The Ecumenical Movement: An Anthology of Key Texts and Voices, a volume widely regarded as an essential tool for students of ecumenism. Kinnamon earned his Ph.D. in 1980 from the University of Chicago Divinity School, and his A.B. from Brown University in 1971. He studied at Tel Aviv University and has taught in Bangalore, India.
12. RICHARDSON TEAM TRANSFORMING MINISTRY AND REVOLUTIONIZING SOCIAL POLICY:
*Rev. Linda E. Mouzon
Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr. and Mrs. Connie S. Richardson, the Second District Episcopal team, recognize that injustices in their contemporary form require vigilant monitoring of federal and state laws and regulations. It is these laws and regulations that seemingly too often undermine the credo of justice for all. Given the disparities in sentencing, disproportionate representation of minorities in the criminal justice system, and the high recidivism rate of inmates, the Richardson have lead the District in a campaign to visit with the State or City law makers in each of the Second District’s jurisdictions. These visits are designed to advocate for passage of legislation that will promote equitable treatment for all citizens regardless of past history, current circumstances, or future challenges.
To effectuate this intention to support changes in the law, Rev. Wendell O. E. Christopher, Director of the District’s Political and Social Action Committee was charged with the development of position papers outlining policy changes in three areas: mandatory sentencing guidelines, voter disenfranchisement, and the lack of affordable housing. His committee mobilized members of the District for rallies and coordinated forums where these positions could be presented.
On March 15, 2006 Bishop Richardson testified before the Maryland State Legislature in support of a bill that would change mandatory minimum drug sentencing. In his statement to the legislators, Bishop Richardson noted that “many of the people currently given mandatory sentences are themselves victims -- of poverty, despair, addiction, abusive family situations, and so on.” He further stated that, “Judges should be given the authority to consider each defendant's role in the offense, the likelihood of committing a future offense, the role of addiction and the possibility of recovery, when deciding an appropriate sentence…That is why we have judges. That is why justice can only be served on a case-by-case basis.” While this bill was not passed, the issue continues to be under review by Maryland legislators and further legislation is expected.
Undaunted by the seeming inertia of the political system, Bishop Richardson resolutely addressed the issue of affordable housing. A measure under consideration in Baltimore City would require developers to set aside a portion of any new construction project for affordable homes. While it was doubtful (it had failed when presented before the City Council) this bill would pass, Bishop and Mrs. Richardson braved the elements on an extremely cold December day to participate in a rally at Baltimore City Hall in support of the fair housing proposal. Bishop Richardson advocated for passage of the measure along with members of a partner organization, BRIDGE (Baltimore Regional Initiative Developing Genuine Equality. Special kudos extended to City Council Woman (Rev.) Helen Holton, (Payne A.M.E. Baltimore, MD), and Rev. David Casey, President, BRIDGE. The measure passed the Baltimore City Council. According to a Baltimore Sun Paper writer successful passage of this measure can be attributed to the advocacy of the faith community.
Bishop and Supervisor Richardson led more than 400 persons to Annapolis for AME Day during the Maryland Legislative Session on February 19. The visit included breakfast at the Governor’s Mansion with Governor Martin O’Malley; a press conference with key legislators. During the breakfast Bishop Richardson reiterated the District’s position on voter enfranchisement, affordable housing, and judicial discretion in sentencing. Special kudos are extended to Sen. Ulysses Currie, Delegate Adrienne Jones, and the Revs. Wendell O. E. Christopher, Linda Mouzon, Cynthia Harvin, the Presiding Elders and component leadership of the Baltimore and Washington Conferences. The measure for voter enfranchisement, which had been considered in the previous four legislative sessions, passed both houses. Signed into law by Gov. O'Malley on April 24, 2007, the bill repealed all provisions of the state’s lifetime voting ban, including the three-year waiting period after completion of sentence for certain categories of offenses, and instituted an automatic restoration.
For Bishop and Mrs. Richardson these changes in the ministry focus and social policy are only the beginning. Future efforts include visits to state capitols in Virginia and North Carolina and City Hall in Washington D.C. to advance social policies that support society’s neediest members, continued financial support to Districts 14 – 20, and convocations that address issues that negatively impact our communities such as domestic violence
*Rev. Linda E. Mouzon [lindamou@juno.com} is the pastor of Union Bethel A.M.E. Church Randallstown MD
13. THE RICHARDSON’S GIFT TO SECOND DISTRICT: AN EXPANSIVE SEVEN POINTS MINISTRY FOCI:
*Rev. Linda E. Mouzon
“Serendipity! It is a wonderful word that speaks to the discovery of something pleasant, beneficial and valuable that was not sought. For my wife and me, serving the Second District is serendipity. What a glorious opportunity!” These were the words Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson Jr. employed to express the elation he and Episcopal Supervisor Connie Speights Richardson experienced upon being assigned to lead the Second Episcopal District. This succinct statement did not convey the size of the gauntlet that this team was prepared to throw down before the Pastors, clergy, missionaries, YPD’ers, and laity of the District. Outlining a seven point ministry focus that includes ministry to youths, young adults, men, and the incarcerated, and an emphasis on theological scholarship and mission support beyond the shoreline, the Richardson team challenged the District to create new ministry paradigms. According to Bishop Richardson, these new paradigms would expand the outreach of the District to groups who are underrepresented in the life of the church and increase linkages with groups who are too often marginalized.
A series of convocations set the stage for the implementation of the District’s seven-point agenda. With an emphasis on youth and young adults, the first convocation provided Pastors with models of ministry targeting the hip hop generation. During the second convocation, congregations were challenged to evaluate and inventory their efforts to increase attendance and the involvement of men. Following Hurricane Katrina, Bishop Richardson decided it was most fitting for the District to discuss the theology of storms and the faith communities’ response to natural or man-made disasters.
Following this initial series of convocations, the Richardson team undertook a comprehensive analysis of the District’s progress in achieving its goals. While this review indicated incredible successes, including an increase in the number of ministries targeting youths, young adults and men, regular financial contributions to mission and smaller congregations, ministries in Districts 14 - 20, as well as monetary support for students attending Payne, Turner and other seminaries, the Richardson team set the District’s sights on loftier goals.
It was apparent to Bishop and Mrs. Richardson that the seven-point agenda would be more effective if it were undergirded by changes to social policies that adversely impact the very groups targeted in the seven point ministry agenda. As a result of this intention to change social policy, Bishop Richardson forged partnerships with grassroots organizations, informed the District of Best Practice models for community service, and advocated on television, in the newspaper and at federal, state and local government forums for legislative changes.
Bishop Richardson participated in meetings with Senator Barack Obama in responding appropriately to the Katrina relief and development initiative and with other members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) in support of the re-authorization of the Voting Rights Act. Involvement with the Black Caucus also included the Episcopal team collaborating with Bishops Philip Robert Cousin Sr., McKinley Young, Richard F. Norris, and Preston Warren Williams II, to host a celebratory worship service at Metropolitan, on Swearing-In Day. Tribute was paid to CBC Chair, the Honorable Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (Detroit), Majority Whip the Honorable James E. Clyburn (South Carolina), New York Sixth Congressional District Representative, the Honorable Gregory W. Meeks, and the Florida 23rd Congressional District Representative, the Honorable Alcee Hastings – all of whom are members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Their pastors were also present for the occasion. Special appreciation is offered to the Rev. Ronald E. Braxton and the Metropolitan Family for hosting this event.
During the Washington Annual Conference, Bishop Richardson appeared on Channel 4, the local NBC affiliate, in support of interventions designed to bring peace in Darfur. Interviewed for Cable TV’s “Retirement Living Program,” he expounded on a controversial topic: Separation of Church and State. Other speakers included Robert Nicholas of the AME Service and Development Agency (SADA), and the Rev. Cassandra Sparrow (2nd District RED, Inc.).
When the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was deliberating the feasibility of allowing the merger of two satellite radio stations, Bishop Richardson weighed in on the issue. "While African American music and culture have moved more into the mainstream in the last decade, our community still remains neglected by major media companies," said Bishop Richardson, "Both XM Radio and Sirius have shown a true interest in providing a wealth of options to a large and diverse audience of Americans." The FCC subsequently approved the merger
This resolve to spearhead social policy change, however, involved more than the aforementioned efforts. Bishop Richardson convened convocations highlighting political involvement, the criminal justice system, and gang violence. The Episcopal Team launched an advocacy campaign that took our social advocacy message simultaneously to the media, politicians, and government officials. Utilizing media outlets and personal appearances, Bishop and Mrs. Richardson ensured the District’s emphatic promotion of equitable social policies was heard. Members of the Second Episcopal District will continue to fight as a Church and people as Bishop and Mrs. Richardson lead the charge in addressing these worthwhile and critical initiatives.
*Rev. Linda E. Mouzon [lindamou@juno.com} is the pastor of Union Bethel A.M.E. Church Randallstown MD
14. AME PREACHER, THE REV. DR. VICTORIA MARTIN BANKS OUTSTANDING PREMIER RELEASE ON CD:
Rev. Edrena Houston Brown, M.A.C.E.
On October 26, 2007 at St. Paul AME Church Atlanta, GA., 1540 Pryor Road, Atlanta, Georgia, beginning 7:00 p.m., until 10:00 p.m., there will be a listening celebration of the official Premier pre-release project entitled; Those Singing Preachers at Christmas “Joy to the World” a black-tie event for the entire family.
The Rev. Dr. Victoria Martin Banks, pastor of Knights Monumental AME Church of Stockbridge, GA and her husband, the Rev. Larry Banks are the owners of RAM Records of Atlanta. This dynamic team feels that they have been commissioned by God to present the African Methodist Episcopal Church with an unfailing concept for “rebooting the system.” They feel that their concept of creating a CD has a potential of creating much-needed revenue that could be long lasting, according to Dr. Banks.
This idea has brought together selected ministers and pastors from across the Atlanta North Georgia Annual Conference and surrounding areas to initiate a Christmas project CD that will feature songs such as, Silent Night, Carol of the Bells, The Christmas Song, and I’ll Be Home for Christmas, just to name a few.
Contributors to this project include: the Revs. Kenneth Marcus, Carl Moore, Rae Fitch, Fred McCullough, C.O. Adams, Kenyatta Arnett, Eyvonne Whitman, Frederick Forsch, Willie Starks, Rosie Pearson, Willie Heard and Dr. Victoria Martin Banks.
The CDs will be sold and distributed throughout the Sixth Episcopal District, with future CD sales expected to in other episcopal districts. A major percentage of the profits will be presented to the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
You may pre-order your copy or copies of the CD by contacting RAM Records of Atlanta email: ramrecords_atl@yahoo.com or call 770 909-9905 or 1800 909-9905.
15. THE 2007 13TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULES:
THE 140TH SESSION OF THE KENTUCKY ANNUAL CONFERENCE
September 10 – 15, 2007
Tuesday: WMS Annual Conference
School of the Prophets Clergy Institute
Reverend Ralph E. Johnson, Host Presiding Elder
Reverend Kenneth J. Golphin, Host Pastor
St. Paul A.M.E. Church
251 N. Upper Street
Lexington, KY 40507
859/255-7945
Radisson Plaza Hotel
369 West Vine Street
Lexington, KY 40507
859/231-9000
THE 127TH SESSION OF THE WEST KENTUCKY ANNUAL CONFERENCE
September 24 – 29, 2007
Tuesday: WMS Annual Conference
School of the Prophets Clergy Institute
Reverend Linda Faye Thomas-Martin, Host Presiding Elder
Reverend Dr. Pedro Basden, Host Pastor
Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church
1901 W. Muhammad Ali Boulevard
Louisville, KY 40203
502/583-0324
The Seelbach Hilton Hotel
500 Fourth Street
Louisville, KY 40202
502/585-3200
THE 107TH SESSION OF THE EAST TENNESSEE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
October 8-13, 2007
Reverend Dr. Kenneth H. Hill, Host Presiding Elder
Reverend Dr. Terence L. Mayes, Sr., Host Pastor
Tuesday: WMS Annual Conference
School of the Prophets Clergy Institute
Warren Chapel A.M.E. Church
501 North Market Street
Chattanooga, TN 37405
423/267-4992
The Chattanooga Marriott at the Convention Center
Two Carter Plaza
Chattanooga, TN 37402
423/756-0002
THE 133RD SESSION OF THE WEST TENNESSEE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
October 22-27, 2007
Tuesday: WMS Annual Conference
School of the Prophets Clergy Institute
Reverend Dr. Kenneth S. Robinson, Host Presiding Elder (Interim) and Host Pastor
Reverend C. Robert Finch, Associate Host Presiding Elder
St. Andrew A.M.E. Church
867 South Parkway East
Memphis, TN 38106
901-948-3441
Holiday Inn Select Memphis Airport Hotel
2240 Democrat Road
Memphis, TN 38132
901/332-1130
THE 140TH SESSION OF THE TENNESSEE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
November 5-10, 2007
Tuesday: WMS Annual Conference
School of the Prophets Clergy Institute
Reverend Troy Merritt, Jr., Host Presiding Elder
Reverend Robert E. Keesee, Associate Host Presiding Elder
Reverend Michael Broadnax, Sr., Host Pastor
Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church
1300 South Street
Nashville, TN 37212
615/256-1509
Host Hotel
Comfort Inn Hotel
1501 Demonbreun Street
Nashville, TN 37203
615/255-9977
13TH DISTRICT PLANNING MEETING
November 29- December 1, 2007
St. John A.M.E. Church
1822 Formosa Street
Nashville, TN 37208
615/320-1026
Host Hotel
Millennium Maxwell House Hotel
2025 Metro Center Blvd.
Nashville, TN
615/259-4343
16. CORRECTIONS TO THE PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED 15TH EPISCOPAL CALENDAR”:
Mid-Year Convocation 2008
March 6-7, 2008
15th Episcopal District General Conference Delegation Meeting
March 8, 2008
9:00 a.m.
St. Mary's African Methodist Episcopal Church
Kimberley, South Africa
The Reverend T. J. Mogadile, Host Pastor
The Reverend Senkgwane J. Dithipe, Host Presiding Elder
17. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
- Congratulations to Rev. and Mrs. Joseph Nathaniel Cousin, Sr. on the birth of their son Joseph Nathaniel Cousin, Jr., born October 4, 2007 at 5:51 a.m. and weighing 6# 13 oz.
Joseph Nathaniel Jr. is also the 12th grandson of Bishop Philip R. Cousin and Dr. M. Joan Cousin, Senior Bishop and Senior Supervisor of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Congratulatory cards may be sent to:
Rev. and Mrs. Joseph N. Cousin, Sr.
c/o Bethel A.M.E. Church
900 John A. Woods, Drive
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105-1713
18. EPISCOPAL FAMILY BEREAVEMENT:
The passing of Mrs. Alversa Williams Lee, mother of Mrs. Ernestine Lee Henning and mother-in-law of Bishop C. Garnett Henning, Presiding Bishop of the 8th Episcopal District.
Service Arrangements for Mrs. Alversa Williams Lee:
Family Visitation:
Friday, October 12, 2007
6:00 PM
New Providence AME Church
384 Decatur St.
Memphis, TN 38105
Phone: (901) 523-1248
Rev. G. L. McCollins, Sr., Pastor
Funeral:
Saturday, October 13, 2007
2:00 PM
St. Andrew AME Church
867 South Parkway East
Memphis, TN 38106
Phone: (901) 948-3441
Fax: (901) 946-9216
Rev. Kenneth S. Robinson, M.D., Pastor
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Bishop
13th Episcopal District
Bishop C. Garnett Henning, Eulogist
Professional services entrusted to:
R. S. Lewis & Sons Mortuary
74 Vance Avenue
Memphis, TN 38126
Phone: (901) 526-3264
Fax: (901) 526-3265
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Ernestine Lee Henning & family of Mrs. Alversa Williams Lee
9301 South 11th Avenue
Inglewood, CA 90305
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs. Idella White, the grandmother of Sister Marcia Burns, pastor of St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Eldorado, Arkansas (Central Arkansas Conference, 12th District) has passed.
Service arrangements for Mrs. Idella White:
Funeral Services
Saturday, October 6, 2007
1:00 p.m.
St. Paul Church
1132 Walnut Street
Helena, AR
Services are entrusted to:
The Jackson and Hughley Funeral Home
126 Panama Road
West Helena, AR 72390
(870) 572-2111 - Phone
(870) 572-1138 - Fax
Condolences may be shared with Sister Burns and her family at:
1617 James Street
Jacksonville, AR 72076
(501) 258-8394
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs. Mary Lou Strong Tyler, 100, the aunt of Rev. David H. Strong, pastor of Historic St. Paul AME Church in Chattanooga, TN passed on Monday, October 1, 2007.
Service arrangements for Mrs. Mary Lou Strong Tyler:
Public viewing:
Thursday, October 4, 2007
1-7 p.m.
Jefferson Mortuary
7788 Church Street
Millington, TN
901-872-8800 - Phone
901-872-4722 - Fax
Funeral Service:
Friday, October 5, 2007
11 a.m.
St. James A.M.E. Church
600 N. 4th Street
Memphis, TN
Rev. Walter W. Reid, Jr., Pastor
Rev. David H. Strong, Eulogist
Interment: 1:30 p.m.
National Cemetery
Memphis, TN
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Rev. David H. Strong, Pastor
Historic St. Paul AME Church
2514 Williams Street
Chattanooga, TN 37408
(423) 267-6869 - Office
(423) 698-0987 - Residence
Email: dstrong36@yahoo.com
21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We share in sorrow and in joy that our dearly beloved Sister, Anne H. Alston, went home to the Lord. Even though her departure was unexpected for us and we will miss her on earth, we are sure that the angels in heaven are rejoicing to have received such a loving spirit.
Sister Anne was the widow of the Rev. John Alston. Sister Anne was very active in the AME Church at all levels. She was a member of CONN-M-SWAWO plus PK's, the LAY, and was presently serving as the Eastern District Area Chairperson for the WMS in the Southwest Georgia Conference in the Sixth Episcopal District. She was a beloved and active member of St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Columbus, Georgia, where the Rev. James A. Alexander, Sr. was truly blessed to be her Pastor.
Homecoming celebration:
Friday, October 12, 2007
1:00 p.m.
St. Paul A.M.E. Church
4900 St. Mary's Road
Columbus, GA 31907
706-682-2927
Services are entrusted to:
People's Funeral Service of Columbus
1604 Talbotton Road
Columbus, GA 31901
706-327-8310
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to her son, Thomas, and grandsons, Joshua and Chris at:
3522 Bridgewater Road
Columbus, GA 31909
22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mr. Obedi Rukeribuga on Sunday the 7th Oct. 2007, he was 58 year old, father of 8 children and grand father of 20 children. He was the brother of the Reverend Kamutera Kulu Salomon; the Presiding Elder of Goma P E District in Rwanda Annual Conference in the 17th Episcopal District of the AME Church, the Rt. Rev. Dr Paul J. M. Kawimbe is the presiding prelate. Mr. Obedi Rukeribuga was also the president of the Sons of Allen in Goma P. E. District.
The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Funeral - Monday , October 8, 2007
Funeral - 11:00 a.m.
Enaim AME Church
Goma city, North Kivu Province
Rev. Mutabazi Seraphin, Pastor
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:
Rev. Kamutera Kulu Salomon
Presiding Elder of Goma District
e-mail: amecgoma@yahoo.fr
Or
Rev. Habimana Elie
Administrative Assistant for
Rwanda Annual Conference
Email: amerwanda@yahoo.fr
Please remember his family in your prayers.
Submitted by:
Rev. Felix Uwamahoro
PE of Kigali District and the Conference General Secretary
Rwanda Annual Conference
23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with regret that we announce the passing of Rev. David Allen, the pastor of Gregg Chapel A.M. E. Church, St. Louis, Missouri. The remains of the deceased will be available for public viewing from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. on Friday, October 12, 2007, at Saint Paul A.M. E. Church, 1260 Hamilton Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri, where the Reverend Alvin Smith is pastor.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, October 13, 2007, at Saint Paul. The telephone number for the church is (314) 385-8900, and the fax number is (314) 385-5367.
Please be in prayer for the Mrs. Geneva Allen, wife, and the Allen family in their hour of bereavement.
24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The passing of Rev. Quinton Parker, pastor of Mt. Pisgah in Starke Florida and the son of the late Presiding Elder E. J. Parker, Sr. and Mrs. Ginger Parker Treasurer for the Connectional Women’s Missionary Society and brother of Rev. Dr. E. J. Parker, III, Pastor of Greater Payne in Jacksonville, Florida.
Service arrangements for Rev. Quinton Parker:
Visitation at the Mortuary
Friday, October 12, 2007
6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Holmes Funeral Home
601 Claude Holmes Sr. Ave.
Haines City, 33844
Funeral Service
Saturday, October 12, 2007
11:00 a.m.
New Bethel AME Church
2122 MLK Jr. Ave.
Lakeland, FL 33805
Send condolences and expressions of sympathy to:
Mrs. Gloria Parker and Family
PO Box 1363
Haines City, FL 33845
E-mail: Qpnupe188@hotmail.com
Services entrusted to:
Holmes Funeral Home
601 Claude Holmes Sr. Ave.
Haines City, 33844
25. 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
26. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of The Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement.
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
Editor’s note: The correct name for the official newspaper of the AME Church is, “THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER.”
1. EDITORIAL COMMENTS:
- President Bush vetoes health bill insurance for children’s bill that would help the poor and the near poor families, yet the President has spent billions on the Iraq war and is asking for billions more. Doesn’t seem right to me, does it seem right to you?
- The Supreme Court will decide the validity of the sentences disparity for the use and possession of crack cocaine and powder cocaine. Drug use is illegal and persons who break laws should be punished, but not unequally punished. Blacks use more crack cocaine and whites use more powder cocaine. Sentences for the use of crack cocaine are significantly higher than the use for powder cocaine. The result is a higher incarceration for blacks.
- HIV/AIDS is epidemic in the black community and yet many of our churches are ignoring the pandemic, even thought the Connectional AME Church has made HIV/AIDS testing a priority. If pastors are not addressing the issue and setting up testing opportunities, I hope that the stewards of our local churches will see HIV/AIDS testing as ministry and will advocate for testing again and again. Middle age black women and black teens and young adults are especially vulnerable and their rates are rising.
2. ADVISORY FROM BISHOP CAROLYN TYLER GUIDRY, CHAIR
COMMISSION ON SOCIAL ACTION:
Some of the leaders and members of the African Methodist Episcopal have recently received messages from Rwanda asking for donations for members of the AME Church and funds to support the building of AME facilities in Rwanda. Those messages are fraudulent. The right Reverend Paul J. M. Kawimbe also confirms that non-AME entities have sent messages requesting funds that have no authority from him to do so. Bishop Guidry and Bishop Kawimbe ask the members of the AME Church to be vigilant and to only make contributions though the official auspices of the AME Church.
Please disregard any previous messages sent regarding request for funds for Rwanda.
All donations requested for any churches in the 17th Episcopal District, to include Rwanda, will come from the Right Reverend Paul J. M. Kawimbe, presiding prelate of the 17th Episcopal District.
3. THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF TURNER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY (TTS) SEEKS A CANDIDATE FOR THE POSITION OF PRESIDENT/ DEAN. DEADLINE FOR APPLICANTS’ SUBMISSION: JANUARY 15, 2008:
Position: President/Dean
Salary: Unspecified
Institution: Turner Theological Seminary
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Date Posted: 9/15/2007
Turner Theological Seminary
President/Dean
The Board of Trustees of Turner Theological Seminary (TTS) seeks a candidate for the position of President/ Dean. The position is to be filled on or before the Academic school year 2008-2009.
Candidates for the position should possess the following minimum qualifications:
1. An earned Master of Divinity Degree from a seminary accredited by ATS. Post Graduate Degree desired.
2. An Itinerant Elder of at least 4 years in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
3. Pastoral and/or Educational experience required
Interested Applicants should send a cover letter, short bio, and resume or vitae.
Applications will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Applicants can submit information by mail or online. Deadline to submit materials are January 15, 2008.
All materials should be sent to:
The Rev. Gregory Eason
Chair, Presidential Search Committee
204 Auburn Avenue
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
Or
TurnerPresident@aol.com
4. NEWS AROUND THE AME CHURCH:
- Two AME Churches, The Greater Allen AME Cathedral of New York in (Jamaica, NYC), where the Reverend Floyd Flake is the pastor and First A.M.E. Church (Los Angeles), where the Reverend Dr. John Hunter serves as the pastor made the list in Outreach Magazine, which recently published the list of 2007’s 100 fastest-growing churches in America. The list factors attendance growth both by numbers and by percentage. Greater Allen Cathedral is number 36 on the list and First AME Church in Los Angeles is number 58 on the list.
- Brother Kelvin J. Anthony, Licentiate, Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church, Bessemer, Alabama shares the good news that on October 24 - 28, 2007, the saints of the West Alabama Conference will gather from near and far for the 83rd Session of the West Alabama Conference to be held at Allen Temple A.M.E. Church, 917 22nd Street North, Bessemer, Alabama 35020, where the Reverend P. W. Jones is the pastor; the Reverend T. A. Reynolds is the host presiding elder; the Reverend Myers Hawkins is the associate presiding elder; and the Right Reverend Theodore Larry Kirkland is the presiding prelate.
5. RECREATIONAL VS. PROCREATIONAL PREACHING: A DANGEROUS SHIFT IN OUR SACRED TRADITION:
By Dr. Reginald D. Terry
One of the best episodes of the television sitcom The Cosby’s presents to Cliff and Clair a extraordinary challenge when Vanessa comes home after only one semester of school, and announces in a rather innocuous fashion she is now engaged. Her fiancé, Mr. Dabnis Brickey, is eleven years her senior and the head of maintenance at the university where Vanessa is a student. The dynamics of this familiar family dilemma provide much drama and humor for viewers as the tension mounted at each segment. Later on at dinner, Cliff attempted to convey to Dabnis the simple problem with this entire development, and to further reassure him that their dislike for him was nothing personal. His illustration to convey his point is nothing short of genius. Cliff asks Dabnis to name his favorite food dish. He mentions a hearty steak. Cliff, then, portrayed the preparation of a premium porterhouse in exquisite detail. Seasoned and grilled to Dabnis’ delight, Cliff asked him to imagine a waiter taking this expertly prepared steak garnished with onions and potatoes, and placing it squarely on an upside-down lid of a garbage can. The scene is classic as Dabnis’ countenance changed and the other family members’ faces frowned (even my own). He finally articulated his point to this confused suitor. Cliff tells him there is nothing wrong with the steak; it’s all in the presentation.
An interesting trend is emerging in the discipline of preaching today. The face of this sacred craft is drastically changing. In some circles there seems to be a major shift from the historical (more traditional) approach to this hallowed assignment. It is such a drastic and dangerous shift I’m not so sure we are fully aware of the problem being created nor the sad consequences which might result. Clearly the emphasis (and to a large degree the interest) is changing from the original intent that a huge appetite is being created for this new age style of delivering the gospel message. Hundreds and thousands of seekers are regularly gravitating to commonly dubbed spiritual forums (like major sporting events) where often the practices of some who preach lean more toward theatrics and entertainment than traditional preaching. This raises an interesting question that needs to be settled quickly—is preaching a recreational activity or is it supposed to be procreational? At some point there needs to be a clear distinction made, and a clear line drawn across which truly sincere proclaimers should never cross.
Let me define or explain what I mean when using the descriptions recreational vs. procreational preaching. Recreational preaching is typically an exaggerated or animated sermonic presentation that routinely is absent of an expressed (articulated) behavioral goal. Generally the message is enthusiastically expressed, and is most times an emotionally-charged oration that is plainly preacher-centered—leaving hearers with a good impression of the minister and his or her given endowments. Its objectives seem to lean more to entertain and emotionalize rather than to equip or mobilize the pew. Procreational preaching (as I label it) aims to be a distinctly sacred presentation of the gospel and is expressly God-centered. It ultimately aims to mobilize the pew to a more responsible and productive practice of living beyond the sermonic moment and the worship experience. While these may be characterized by responsible energy and some tasteful expression of emotion, it intends to leave hearers with a heightened sense of God rather than who happened to be the presenter.
Customarily, preaching has always been regarded as a distinctly sacred engagement. Poise and dignity accompanied the discourse and proposed to allow listeners a reasonable opportunity to experience God, to appropriately see themselves and to pensively consider what God may be saying to them in order to effect change. To the contrary, much of contemporary preaching may or may not include an encounter with God, and will often leave listeners thinking more about the messenger more so than the message.
Consequently, the conversation in quite a few circles after participating in these super-charged preaching events is more about “the way” a sermon was delivered rather than what was actually delivered (what God said). Public speaking is a keen discipline and the art of preaching is no less a discipline. While it will no doubt motivate its audience, it is to be engaged quite differently from a motivational speech. Even though at times there may be hints of rhythm and perhaps some rhyme, it is significantly different from rap or some stand-up comedy. These familiar oral presentations are very much recognized as performances. Preaching, on the other hand, is supposed to be a distinctly redemptive or transformational oration (an offering) intended to cause a recognizable behavioral change in the lives of hearers. If the messenger is less than serious or is in any way perceived to be pretentious or insincere, then likely the message and the messenger will be hardly received and largely not believed.
Aesop relates a fable of the shepherd-boy who watched a flock of sheep near a village, and brought out the villagers three or four times by repeatedly crying out, "Wolf!" When the townsmen would come to his aid, he laughed at them for their trouble. To him it was all a big joke. As fate would have it, the wolf did truly come at last. As he had done previously the shepherd-boy shouted the crucial alarm in fear of the impending danger: "Pray, do come and help me; the wolf is killing the sheep!" No one paid him any mind nor rendered any assistance. The wolf made sport of the flock and the boy was devastated over his loss. The moral is clear: “There is no believing a liar even when he speaks the truth.”
* The Rev. Dr. Reginald D. Terry is pastor of the Antioch Baptist Church in Omaha, Nebraska. He is a published author of the book, Associates In Ministry, a text which encourages the relationship between the pastor and the associate ministers of the church. His doctoral thesis explores and offers an excellent curriculum for nurturing persons who aspire to enter into vocational Christian ministry. For contact or more information, Dr. Terry can be reached at 402-554-1080, or emailed at Rdterryfic@aol.com.
6. “ALIGNED WITH MATTERS OF ETERNITY,” WHICH MEANS “AME”:
By: Delanda S. Johnson
Special to the News
The North Texas Annual Conference was held in Dallas on September 24 through 29 and it was clear that the Presiding Prelate the Rt. Rev. Gregory G. M. Ingram and Episcopal Supervisor the Rev. Dr. Jessica Kendall Ingram had a message of their visions (dreams) for the church.
With the theme that Bishop Ingram and Rev. Jessica selected for this year’s annual conference, “Aligned with Matters of Eternity,” is challenging us to go back to “old school” because we are living in a fearless, frightening and tumultuous time in history, fraught with all kinds of problems. “As a church and people of God, we must be acutely aware that we only have a limited amount of time left to accomplish that which is really important, what really counts and what really matters; our work is cut out for us, that is why if we are really serious about reaching the lost, unsaved and un-churched for Christ, we must be concerned that there are some people who are going to hell in a basket and other losing their mind,” said Bishop Ingram.
Bishop Ingram went on the say that thinkers from the time of Plato and Socrates, to our own day, have believed that an unexamined life is not worth living.
The shear pace and pressure of our modern lives can easily crowd out time for reflection.
To make matters worse, we live in a war zone and everything is vying for our time, energy, money and relationship with God.
Bishop Ingram acknowledged that the 10th District faces the future with five priorities: Stewardship and Mission, Education, Economic Development, Health and Human Services, and Church growth and Evangelism.
Stewardship/Mission means to develop more resources for local church support; to become better service providers; to establish a global exchange program, and much more. The mission the of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is to minister to the spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, and environmental needs of all people by spreading Christ’s liberating gospel through word and deed.
With Economic development means to create more working capital and jobs, establishment of business ventures and collaborations, debt liquidation, and more.
With Church growth/Evangelism means to develop a resource manual on models for ministry, to adapt to changing demographics, and to seed, develop and establish new ministries to increase church growth.
With Health/Human services means to develop viable services for youth and elderly, identify pleading health issues, advocate for low-income communities, and build new coalitions.
Last but not least is Education, which means to develop ministry and training programs, to create institutional viability, and to establish a perpetual endowment.
The pastors, delegates, and congregations ended the conference on a high note.
Preparing for the 48th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference July 4-11, 2008 in St. Louis, Missouri, Bishop Ingram and Rev. Jessica thanked everyone for their expression of kindness, support labors of love and prayers. “Thank to you we have scaled new heights, navigated through some uncharted waters and broken new ground to initiate some divine initiates for the future. Thanks for Making a Difference!!” said Ingram.
Note: The Rev. Mary Miller was reassigned to Allen Chapel AME Church in Athens, Texas and the Rev. Cynthia Cole was reassigned to Johnson Chapel AME Church in Malakoff, Texas.
7. THE HISPANIC MINISTRY OF ST. LUKE A.M.E. CHURCH, NEW YORK:
St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church in New York City has a developing Hispanic Ministry.
Over the last 15 years, New York City has experienced an increase in its population due to the immigration from Latin America. Hispanic men, women and children can be found in every geographical point of this city. With a large number of Spanish-speaking persons living in the Upper Manhattan Area of New York City, primarily from the Dominican Republic, active outreach is being pursued. New York City has the largest population of Dominicans residing outside the Dominican Republic.
The initiation of a Hispanic Ministry Program began in the fall of 2005 after a research study on Migration and Religion conducted by our current Union Theological Seminary Intern, Rev. Brenda D. Ford. Rev. Ford is an Itinerant Deacon in the New York Annual Conference and part of the Ministerial Staff of Mt. Moriah A.M.E. Church in Cambria Heights, NY where Rev. Robert Lowe is Pastor.
Rev. Ford traveled to the Dominican Republic in July of 2006, met with Pastors, Local Elders and lay members to obtain information on the history of African Methodism in the Dominican Republic (DR), worship and preaching styles, and the culture of Afro- Dominicans. The information gathered from Rev. Ford’s month-long stay in the Dominican Republic helped lay the foundation for St. Luke’s Hispanic Ministry.
Over the last year, the St. Luke Hispanic Ministry has offered classes in English as a Second Language and Basic Spanish to members of our congregation and community at large. Rev. Leo Lopez, a native Dominican and an ordained Local Elder who migrated to New York City twenty years ago with his family, assisted with teaching these classes.
St. Luke AME Church has several families from diverse Latin American countries who are members of the congregation. Today, we begin to move into a new phase of our strategic plan in planting a Spanish-speaking congregation.
“Primera Iglesia Africana Metodista Episcopal” (First African Methodist Episcopal Church ) will open its doors to the Latin American community of New York City on Sunday, November 18, 2007 at 10 a.m. in our Administrative Building located at 1854 Amsterdam Avenue (corner of 152nd Street). Our goal is to provide pastoral and spiritual care to the Spanish-speaking brothers and sisters in our community.
Our intent is not to compete with other churches or religious groups, but to proclaim the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. We also want to recapture those persons who were A.M.E. when they lived in the Dominican Republic, but were not able to find a linguistic and culturally-sensitive A.M.E. Church when they came to the United States and New York City. God’s Word admonishes us to “teach all nations.” St. Luke, New York City is attempting to do just that.
For more information about St. Luke’s Hispanic Ministry, contact the Rev. Brenda D. Ford, Seminary Intern or the Rev. Melvin E. Wilson, pastor of St. Luke A.M.E. Church at (212) 870-1349 or by email at stlukeamec@aol.com.
8. CHRIST REDEEMER AME CHURCH WANTS ANSWERS TOO:
Irvine---Christ Our Redeemer AME Church invites members of the press to meet the wife of Kevin Powell, the African American male who was killed by members of the Santa Ana Police Department on Tuesday, October 2, 3:20 pm in Santa Ana, CA. Kevin Powell was a faithful member of Christ Our Redeemer AME Church, Irvine CA. He attended our weekly substance abuse classes. Pastor Mark Whitlock says, “The killing of young black men must come to an end. Kevin represents a generation of young Black men struggling to survive in a climate of violence.”
On October 2, 2007, a member of this community was shot and killed in this community, by an organization which is legally mandated to serve this community. The media reports that close to 50 law enforcement officers have investigated this incident. The Santa Ana Police Department has issued public statements. Curiously absent from all such statements is the reason Kevin Powell was killed. Why? Kevin Powell's family needs an answer to this question. The public deserves an answer. Equal justice and fair play demands it. Mr. Powell's family has initiated an investigation. The family invites any member of the community, and any member of any law enforcement agency who knows facts about this tragic event to report them immediately to the family's attorney, Marion H. Wheeler, Jr., (714) 777-8972.
9. MANAGING WELL TO LEAD WELL CLERGY WIM LEADERSHIP SUMMIT:
The Tennessee Conference Women in Ministry of the African Methodist Episcopal Church cordially invites all women in ministry to join them in their first one night revival and Leadership Summit. Sunday and Monday, November 4-5, 2007. The theme is “Managing Well to Lead Well.” The Reverend Judy Cummings will be the preacher for a one-night revival, Sunday at 6:00 P.M. at Ernest Newman United Methodist Church in Bordeaux and then join the A.M.E. Women in Ministry at Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church, 1300 12th Avenue South on Monday for workshops specifically designed for women in ministry. The Reverend Belita McMurray-Fite, pastor of Heaven’s View Baptist Church in Lebanon, TN is the opening speaker and a powerful time of ministry is also scheduled with Bishop Vashti McKenzie, the Presiding Prelate of the 13th Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church, comprised of Tennessee and Kentucky. For more information please contact Rev. Janie Dowdy Dandridge at 615 796-7098 or Rev. Shawanda Parker at 615 947-2598. Registration cost is $20.00.
Submitted by the Rev. Janie Dowdy-Dandridge
Tennessee Conference Coordinator WIM
Rev. Shawanda Parker
Tennessee Conference Co-Coordinator WIM
10. ASTRONAUT STEPHANIE WILSON TO BE A CREW MEMBER IN UPCOMING SHUTTLE MISSION SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 23:
By Rev. Salatheia Bryant-Honors
NASA astronaut Stephanie Wilson, a faithful member of Reedy Chapel A.M.E. Church in Galveston Texas, will participate in her second space shuttle mission scheduled for Oct. 23.
A community prayer and praise service was held at Reedy in honor of Wilson, the mission and the seven-member crew of STS-120.
Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram attended the service, giving an inspiring message and leading the congregation in the altar prayer.
Wilson will be a crew member on STS-120 as it docks with the International Space Station. STS-120 will be the 23rd shuttle mission to the ISS. During the mission, the crew of STS-120 will install the Node 2 module also known as “Harmony”. Harmony is a 23-by-14-foot passageway that will connect the U.S. segment of the station to the European and Japanese modules, scheduled for a later installation. The Harmony Node 2 will travel to the station inside space shuttle Discovery’s payload.
The spirited prayer and praise service included participation from the local Seaborne Challenge Corps, The National Buffalo Soldiers Museum located in Houston, Texas and the Galveston Heritage Chorale.
Wilson, 41, a mission specialist and flight engineer, made her first space trip on NASA’s historic return-to-flight mission that was launched on July 4, 2006.
Bishop Ingram said Wilson was not making the 14-day trip into outer space alone.
“You have a great cloud of witnesses cheering you on,” he said. “I look at you Sis. Stephanie and you make us all proud. We brag on you and you make our hearts happy. We are experiencing this space mission with you.”
“Because of your faith you are not making this journey by yourself. God is with you,” Bishop Ingram said. “He’s not only the God here on earth but in heaven. You are in God’s hands.”
Wilson is the second African American woman to go into space, after Dr. Mae Jemison.
Reedy pastor the Rev. Reginald Honors said the service continued to resonate long after it was over.
“It was powerful. It was exciting. It left me with the feeling that God has the entire mission in his hand,” said Honors. “At Reedy we have a deep appreciation for prayer and involving God in our personal lives. Therefore, having a prayer service to place the mission in his hand came naturally.”
After the community prayer service Pastor Honors called for a 40-day prayer vigil to continue to support the mission with prayer.
The service was also attended by the South Houston District Presiding Elder Johnny Jennings and North Houston District Presiding Elder Rev. Dr. Alfred J. Baker and former Reedy Pastors the Rev. Brenda Payne, who is now the pastor of Payne Cathedral of Faith in Houston, Texas and the Rev. Dr. Robert Jefferies, who is assigned to Union Center in Conroe, Texas.
Wilson, who is humble and soft-spoken, said she appreciated the prayer covering from the Galveston community, the Texas Annual Conference and the entire connection.
“The prayer service was very important to me,” said Wilson. “It was very beneficial to be sent off by my Bishop, pastors, Galveston community, Reedy family and friends with blessings and in a cover of prayer. I am very thankful to all that participated and made the service possible.”
The service included prayers for the technical aspect of the mission, the people supporting the mission and the people of the mission.
The service ended with a prayer at the altar with Wilson surrounded by ministers and other community members with Bishop Ingram leading a spirited prayer.
The shuttle’s target launch date is Oct. 23. It will lift off from Launch Pad 39A.
Reedy Chapel is the first African Methodist Episcopal Church in Texas. Next year Reedy will celebrate its 160th anniversary.
Wilson is very active at Reedy, serving as a member of the choir and on the Trustee Board.
11. MICHAEL KINNAMON CHOSEN NCC GENERAL SECRETARY:
After an extensive search process, the National Council of Churches has nominated the Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon of St. Louis, Mo., to be the organization's ninth general secretary, effective January 1. He succeeds the Rev. Bob Edgar, who was named president of the citizens' advocacy group, Common Cause, earlier this year. Kinnamon has been the Miller Professor of Mission, Peace and Ecumenical Studies at UCC-related Eden Theological Seminary, St. Louis, since 2000. Earlier he was dean and professor of theology and ecumenical studies at the Disciples' Lexington Theological Seminary and also taught at Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis. He has served for the past quadrennium as a member of the NCC's executive committee and as chair of the Justice and Advocacy Commission, and was a key drafter of the Council's new strategic plan, completed last year. He has written extensively on the ecumenical movement, including his recent book, The Vision of the Ecumenical Movement and How it has Been Impoverished by its Friends. He wrote the official report of the Seventh Assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC), and was the co-editor of The Ecumenical Movement: An Anthology of Key Texts and Voices, a volume widely regarded as an essential tool for students of ecumenism. Kinnamon earned his Ph.D. in 1980 from the University of Chicago Divinity School, and his A.B. from Brown University in 1971. He studied at Tel Aviv University and has taught in Bangalore, India.
12. RICHARDSON TEAM TRANSFORMING MINISTRY AND REVOLUTIONIZING SOCIAL POLICY:
*Rev. Linda E. Mouzon
Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr. and Mrs. Connie S. Richardson, the Second District Episcopal team, recognize that injustices in their contemporary form require vigilant monitoring of federal and state laws and regulations. It is these laws and regulations that seemingly too often undermine the credo of justice for all. Given the disparities in sentencing, disproportionate representation of minorities in the criminal justice system, and the high recidivism rate of inmates, the Richardson have lead the District in a campaign to visit with the State or City law makers in each of the Second District’s jurisdictions. These visits are designed to advocate for passage of legislation that will promote equitable treatment for all citizens regardless of past history, current circumstances, or future challenges.
To effectuate this intention to support changes in the law, Rev. Wendell O. E. Christopher, Director of the District’s Political and Social Action Committee was charged with the development of position papers outlining policy changes in three areas: mandatory sentencing guidelines, voter disenfranchisement, and the lack of affordable housing. His committee mobilized members of the District for rallies and coordinated forums where these positions could be presented.
On March 15, 2006 Bishop Richardson testified before the Maryland State Legislature in support of a bill that would change mandatory minimum drug sentencing. In his statement to the legislators, Bishop Richardson noted that “many of the people currently given mandatory sentences are themselves victims -- of poverty, despair, addiction, abusive family situations, and so on.” He further stated that, “Judges should be given the authority to consider each defendant's role in the offense, the likelihood of committing a future offense, the role of addiction and the possibility of recovery, when deciding an appropriate sentence…That is why we have judges. That is why justice can only be served on a case-by-case basis.” While this bill was not passed, the issue continues to be under review by Maryland legislators and further legislation is expected.
Undaunted by the seeming inertia of the political system, Bishop Richardson resolutely addressed the issue of affordable housing. A measure under consideration in Baltimore City would require developers to set aside a portion of any new construction project for affordable homes. While it was doubtful (it had failed when presented before the City Council) this bill would pass, Bishop and Mrs. Richardson braved the elements on an extremely cold December day to participate in a rally at Baltimore City Hall in support of the fair housing proposal. Bishop Richardson advocated for passage of the measure along with members of a partner organization, BRIDGE (Baltimore Regional Initiative Developing Genuine Equality. Special kudos extended to City Council Woman (Rev.) Helen Holton, (Payne A.M.E. Baltimore, MD), and Rev. David Casey, President, BRIDGE. The measure passed the Baltimore City Council. According to a Baltimore Sun Paper writer successful passage of this measure can be attributed to the advocacy of the faith community.
Bishop and Supervisor Richardson led more than 400 persons to Annapolis for AME Day during the Maryland Legislative Session on February 19. The visit included breakfast at the Governor’s Mansion with Governor Martin O’Malley; a press conference with key legislators. During the breakfast Bishop Richardson reiterated the District’s position on voter enfranchisement, affordable housing, and judicial discretion in sentencing. Special kudos are extended to Sen. Ulysses Currie, Delegate Adrienne Jones, and the Revs. Wendell O. E. Christopher, Linda Mouzon, Cynthia Harvin, the Presiding Elders and component leadership of the Baltimore and Washington Conferences. The measure for voter enfranchisement, which had been considered in the previous four legislative sessions, passed both houses. Signed into law by Gov. O'Malley on April 24, 2007, the bill repealed all provisions of the state’s lifetime voting ban, including the three-year waiting period after completion of sentence for certain categories of offenses, and instituted an automatic restoration.
For Bishop and Mrs. Richardson these changes in the ministry focus and social policy are only the beginning. Future efforts include visits to state capitols in Virginia and North Carolina and City Hall in Washington D.C. to advance social policies that support society’s neediest members, continued financial support to Districts 14 – 20, and convocations that address issues that negatively impact our communities such as domestic violence
*Rev. Linda E. Mouzon [lindamou@juno.com} is the pastor of Union Bethel A.M.E. Church Randallstown MD
13. THE RICHARDSON’S GIFT TO SECOND DISTRICT: AN EXPANSIVE SEVEN POINTS MINISTRY FOCI:
*Rev. Linda E. Mouzon
“Serendipity! It is a wonderful word that speaks to the discovery of something pleasant, beneficial and valuable that was not sought. For my wife and me, serving the Second District is serendipity. What a glorious opportunity!” These were the words Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson Jr. employed to express the elation he and Episcopal Supervisor Connie Speights Richardson experienced upon being assigned to lead the Second Episcopal District. This succinct statement did not convey the size of the gauntlet that this team was prepared to throw down before the Pastors, clergy, missionaries, YPD’ers, and laity of the District. Outlining a seven point ministry focus that includes ministry to youths, young adults, men, and the incarcerated, and an emphasis on theological scholarship and mission support beyond the shoreline, the Richardson team challenged the District to create new ministry paradigms. According to Bishop Richardson, these new paradigms would expand the outreach of the District to groups who are underrepresented in the life of the church and increase linkages with groups who are too often marginalized.
A series of convocations set the stage for the implementation of the District’s seven-point agenda. With an emphasis on youth and young adults, the first convocation provided Pastors with models of ministry targeting the hip hop generation. During the second convocation, congregations were challenged to evaluate and inventory their efforts to increase attendance and the involvement of men. Following Hurricane Katrina, Bishop Richardson decided it was most fitting for the District to discuss the theology of storms and the faith communities’ response to natural or man-made disasters.
Following this initial series of convocations, the Richardson team undertook a comprehensive analysis of the District’s progress in achieving its goals. While this review indicated incredible successes, including an increase in the number of ministries targeting youths, young adults and men, regular financial contributions to mission and smaller congregations, ministries in Districts 14 - 20, as well as monetary support for students attending Payne, Turner and other seminaries, the Richardson team set the District’s sights on loftier goals.
It was apparent to Bishop and Mrs. Richardson that the seven-point agenda would be more effective if it were undergirded by changes to social policies that adversely impact the very groups targeted in the seven point ministry agenda. As a result of this intention to change social policy, Bishop Richardson forged partnerships with grassroots organizations, informed the District of Best Practice models for community service, and advocated on television, in the newspaper and at federal, state and local government forums for legislative changes.
Bishop Richardson participated in meetings with Senator Barack Obama in responding appropriately to the Katrina relief and development initiative and with other members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) in support of the re-authorization of the Voting Rights Act. Involvement with the Black Caucus also included the Episcopal team collaborating with Bishops Philip Robert Cousin Sr., McKinley Young, Richard F. Norris, and Preston Warren Williams II, to host a celebratory worship service at Metropolitan, on Swearing-In Day. Tribute was paid to CBC Chair, the Honorable Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (Detroit), Majority Whip the Honorable James E. Clyburn (South Carolina), New York Sixth Congressional District Representative, the Honorable Gregory W. Meeks, and the Florida 23rd Congressional District Representative, the Honorable Alcee Hastings – all of whom are members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Their pastors were also present for the occasion. Special appreciation is offered to the Rev. Ronald E. Braxton and the Metropolitan Family for hosting this event.
During the Washington Annual Conference, Bishop Richardson appeared on Channel 4, the local NBC affiliate, in support of interventions designed to bring peace in Darfur. Interviewed for Cable TV’s “Retirement Living Program,” he expounded on a controversial topic: Separation of Church and State. Other speakers included Robert Nicholas of the AME Service and Development Agency (SADA), and the Rev. Cassandra Sparrow (2nd District RED, Inc.).
When the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was deliberating the feasibility of allowing the merger of two satellite radio stations, Bishop Richardson weighed in on the issue. "While African American music and culture have moved more into the mainstream in the last decade, our community still remains neglected by major media companies," said Bishop Richardson, "Both XM Radio and Sirius have shown a true interest in providing a wealth of options to a large and diverse audience of Americans." The FCC subsequently approved the merger
This resolve to spearhead social policy change, however, involved more than the aforementioned efforts. Bishop Richardson convened convocations highlighting political involvement, the criminal justice system, and gang violence. The Episcopal Team launched an advocacy campaign that took our social advocacy message simultaneously to the media, politicians, and government officials. Utilizing media outlets and personal appearances, Bishop and Mrs. Richardson ensured the District’s emphatic promotion of equitable social policies was heard. Members of the Second Episcopal District will continue to fight as a Church and people as Bishop and Mrs. Richardson lead the charge in addressing these worthwhile and critical initiatives.
*Rev. Linda E. Mouzon [lindamou@juno.com} is the pastor of Union Bethel A.M.E. Church Randallstown MD
14. AME PREACHER, THE REV. DR. VICTORIA MARTIN BANKS OUTSTANDING PREMIER RELEASE ON CD:
Rev. Edrena Houston Brown, M.A.C.E.
On October 26, 2007 at St. Paul AME Church Atlanta, GA., 1540 Pryor Road, Atlanta, Georgia, beginning 7:00 p.m., until 10:00 p.m., there will be a listening celebration of the official Premier pre-release project entitled; Those Singing Preachers at Christmas “Joy to the World” a black-tie event for the entire family.
The Rev. Dr. Victoria Martin Banks, pastor of Knights Monumental AME Church of Stockbridge, GA and her husband, the Rev. Larry Banks are the owners of RAM Records of Atlanta. This dynamic team feels that they have been commissioned by God to present the African Methodist Episcopal Church with an unfailing concept for “rebooting the system.” They feel that their concept of creating a CD has a potential of creating much-needed revenue that could be long lasting, according to Dr. Banks.
This idea has brought together selected ministers and pastors from across the Atlanta North Georgia Annual Conference and surrounding areas to initiate a Christmas project CD that will feature songs such as, Silent Night, Carol of the Bells, The Christmas Song, and I’ll Be Home for Christmas, just to name a few.
Contributors to this project include: the Revs. Kenneth Marcus, Carl Moore, Rae Fitch, Fred McCullough, C.O. Adams, Kenyatta Arnett, Eyvonne Whitman, Frederick Forsch, Willie Starks, Rosie Pearson, Willie Heard and Dr. Victoria Martin Banks.
The CDs will be sold and distributed throughout the Sixth Episcopal District, with future CD sales expected to in other episcopal districts. A major percentage of the profits will be presented to the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
You may pre-order your copy or copies of the CD by contacting RAM Records of Atlanta email: ramrecords_atl@yahoo.com or call 770 909-9905 or 1800 909-9905.
15. THE 2007 13TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULES:
THE 140TH SESSION OF THE KENTUCKY ANNUAL CONFERENCE
September 10 – 15, 2007
Tuesday: WMS Annual Conference
School of the Prophets Clergy Institute
Reverend Ralph E. Johnson, Host Presiding Elder
Reverend Kenneth J. Golphin, Host Pastor
St. Paul A.M.E. Church
251 N. Upper Street
Lexington, KY 40507
859/255-7945
Radisson Plaza Hotel
369 West Vine Street
Lexington, KY 40507
859/231-9000
THE 127TH SESSION OF THE WEST KENTUCKY ANNUAL CONFERENCE
September 24 – 29, 2007
Tuesday: WMS Annual Conference
School of the Prophets Clergy Institute
Reverend Linda Faye Thomas-Martin, Host Presiding Elder
Reverend Dr. Pedro Basden, Host Pastor
Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church
1901 W. Muhammad Ali Boulevard
Louisville, KY 40203
502/583-0324
The Seelbach Hilton Hotel
500 Fourth Street
Louisville, KY 40202
502/585-3200
THE 107TH SESSION OF THE EAST TENNESSEE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
October 8-13, 2007
Reverend Dr. Kenneth H. Hill, Host Presiding Elder
Reverend Dr. Terence L. Mayes, Sr., Host Pastor
Tuesday: WMS Annual Conference
School of the Prophets Clergy Institute
Warren Chapel A.M.E. Church
501 North Market Street
Chattanooga, TN 37405
423/267-4992
The Chattanooga Marriott at the Convention Center
Two Carter Plaza
Chattanooga, TN 37402
423/756-0002
THE 133RD SESSION OF THE WEST TENNESSEE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
October 22-27, 2007
Tuesday: WMS Annual Conference
School of the Prophets Clergy Institute
Reverend Dr. Kenneth S. Robinson, Host Presiding Elder (Interim) and Host Pastor
Reverend C. Robert Finch, Associate Host Presiding Elder
St. Andrew A.M.E. Church
867 South Parkway East
Memphis, TN 38106
901-948-3441
Holiday Inn Select Memphis Airport Hotel
2240 Democrat Road
Memphis, TN 38132
901/332-1130
THE 140TH SESSION OF THE TENNESSEE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
November 5-10, 2007
Tuesday: WMS Annual Conference
School of the Prophets Clergy Institute
Reverend Troy Merritt, Jr., Host Presiding Elder
Reverend Robert E. Keesee, Associate Host Presiding Elder
Reverend Michael Broadnax, Sr., Host Pastor
Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church
1300 South Street
Nashville, TN 37212
615/256-1509
Host Hotel
Comfort Inn Hotel
1501 Demonbreun Street
Nashville, TN 37203
615/255-9977
13TH DISTRICT PLANNING MEETING
November 29- December 1, 2007
St. John A.M.E. Church
1822 Formosa Street
Nashville, TN 37208
615/320-1026
Host Hotel
Millennium Maxwell House Hotel
2025 Metro Center Blvd.
Nashville, TN
615/259-4343
16. CORRECTIONS TO THE PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED 15TH EPISCOPAL CALENDAR”:
Mid-Year Convocation 2008
March 6-7, 2008
15th Episcopal District General Conference Delegation Meeting
March 8, 2008
9:00 a.m.
St. Mary's African Methodist Episcopal Church
Kimberley, South Africa
The Reverend T. J. Mogadile, Host Pastor
The Reverend Senkgwane J. Dithipe, Host Presiding Elder
17. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
- Congratulations to Rev. and Mrs. Joseph Nathaniel Cousin, Sr. on the birth of their son Joseph Nathaniel Cousin, Jr., born October 4, 2007 at 5:51 a.m. and weighing 6# 13 oz.
Joseph Nathaniel Jr. is also the 12th grandson of Bishop Philip R. Cousin and Dr. M. Joan Cousin, Senior Bishop and Senior Supervisor of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Congratulatory cards may be sent to:
Rev. and Mrs. Joseph N. Cousin, Sr.
c/o Bethel A.M.E. Church
900 John A. Woods, Drive
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105-1713
18. EPISCOPAL FAMILY BEREAVEMENT:
The passing of Mrs. Alversa Williams Lee, mother of Mrs. Ernestine Lee Henning and mother-in-law of Bishop C. Garnett Henning, Presiding Bishop of the 8th Episcopal District.
Service Arrangements for Mrs. Alversa Williams Lee:
Family Visitation:
Friday, October 12, 2007
6:00 PM
New Providence AME Church
384 Decatur St.
Memphis, TN 38105
Phone: (901) 523-1248
Rev. G. L. McCollins, Sr., Pastor
Funeral:
Saturday, October 13, 2007
2:00 PM
St. Andrew AME Church
867 South Parkway East
Memphis, TN 38106
Phone: (901) 948-3441
Fax: (901) 946-9216
Rev. Kenneth S. Robinson, M.D., Pastor
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Bishop
13th Episcopal District
Bishop C. Garnett Henning, Eulogist
Professional services entrusted to:
R. S. Lewis & Sons Mortuary
74 Vance Avenue
Memphis, TN 38126
Phone: (901) 526-3264
Fax: (901) 526-3265
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Ernestine Lee Henning & family of Mrs. Alversa Williams Lee
9301 South 11th Avenue
Inglewood, CA 90305
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs. Idella White, the grandmother of Sister Marcia Burns, pastor of St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Eldorado, Arkansas (Central Arkansas Conference, 12th District) has passed.
Service arrangements for Mrs. Idella White:
Funeral Services
Saturday, October 6, 2007
1:00 p.m.
St. Paul Church
1132 Walnut Street
Helena, AR
Services are entrusted to:
The Jackson and Hughley Funeral Home
126 Panama Road
West Helena, AR 72390
(870) 572-2111 - Phone
(870) 572-1138 - Fax
Condolences may be shared with Sister Burns and her family at:
1617 James Street
Jacksonville, AR 72076
(501) 258-8394
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs. Mary Lou Strong Tyler, 100, the aunt of Rev. David H. Strong, pastor of Historic St. Paul AME Church in Chattanooga, TN passed on Monday, October 1, 2007.
Service arrangements for Mrs. Mary Lou Strong Tyler:
Public viewing:
Thursday, October 4, 2007
1-7 p.m.
Jefferson Mortuary
7788 Church Street
Millington, TN
901-872-8800 - Phone
901-872-4722 - Fax
Funeral Service:
Friday, October 5, 2007
11 a.m.
St. James A.M.E. Church
600 N. 4th Street
Memphis, TN
Rev. Walter W. Reid, Jr., Pastor
Rev. David H. Strong, Eulogist
Interment: 1:30 p.m.
National Cemetery
Memphis, TN
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Rev. David H. Strong, Pastor
Historic St. Paul AME Church
2514 Williams Street
Chattanooga, TN 37408
(423) 267-6869 - Office
(423) 698-0987 - Residence
Email: dstrong36@yahoo.com
21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We share in sorrow and in joy that our dearly beloved Sister, Anne H. Alston, went home to the Lord. Even though her departure was unexpected for us and we will miss her on earth, we are sure that the angels in heaven are rejoicing to have received such a loving spirit.
Sister Anne was the widow of the Rev. John Alston. Sister Anne was very active in the AME Church at all levels. She was a member of CONN-M-SWAWO plus PK's, the LAY, and was presently serving as the Eastern District Area Chairperson for the WMS in the Southwest Georgia Conference in the Sixth Episcopal District. She was a beloved and active member of St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Columbus, Georgia, where the Rev. James A. Alexander, Sr. was truly blessed to be her Pastor.
Homecoming celebration:
Friday, October 12, 2007
1:00 p.m.
St. Paul A.M.E. Church
4900 St. Mary's Road
Columbus, GA 31907
706-682-2927
Services are entrusted to:
People's Funeral Service of Columbus
1604 Talbotton Road
Columbus, GA 31901
706-327-8310
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to her son, Thomas, and grandsons, Joshua and Chris at:
3522 Bridgewater Road
Columbus, GA 31909
22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mr. Obedi Rukeribuga on Sunday the 7th Oct. 2007, he was 58 year old, father of 8 children and grand father of 20 children. He was the brother of the Reverend Kamutera Kulu Salomon; the Presiding Elder of Goma P E District in Rwanda Annual Conference in the 17th Episcopal District of the AME Church, the Rt. Rev. Dr Paul J. M. Kawimbe is the presiding prelate. Mr. Obedi Rukeribuga was also the president of the Sons of Allen in Goma P. E. District.
The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Funeral - Monday , October 8, 2007
Funeral - 11:00 a.m.
Enaim AME Church
Goma city, North Kivu Province
Rev. Mutabazi Seraphin, Pastor
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:
Rev. Kamutera Kulu Salomon
Presiding Elder of Goma District
e-mail: amecgoma@yahoo.fr
Or
Rev. Habimana Elie
Administrative Assistant for
Rwanda Annual Conference
Email: amerwanda@yahoo.fr
Please remember his family in your prayers.
Submitted by:
Rev. Felix Uwamahoro
PE of Kigali District and the Conference General Secretary
Rwanda Annual Conference
23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with regret that we announce the passing of Rev. David Allen, the pastor of Gregg Chapel A.M. E. Church, St. Louis, Missouri. The remains of the deceased will be available for public viewing from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. on Friday, October 12, 2007, at Saint Paul A.M. E. Church, 1260 Hamilton Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri, where the Reverend Alvin Smith is pastor.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, October 13, 2007, at Saint Paul. The telephone number for the church is (314) 385-8900, and the fax number is (314) 385-5367.
Please be in prayer for the Mrs. Geneva Allen, wife, and the Allen family in their hour of bereavement.
24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The passing of Rev. Quinton Parker, pastor of Mt. Pisgah in Starke Florida and the son of the late Presiding Elder E. J. Parker, Sr. and Mrs. Ginger Parker Treasurer for the Connectional Women’s Missionary Society and brother of Rev. Dr. E. J. Parker, III, Pastor of Greater Payne in Jacksonville, Florida.
Service arrangements for Rev. Quinton Parker:
Visitation at the Mortuary
Friday, October 12, 2007
6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Holmes Funeral Home
601 Claude Holmes Sr. Ave.
Haines City, 33844
Funeral Service
Saturday, October 12, 2007
11:00 a.m.
New Bethel AME Church
2122 MLK Jr. Ave.
Lakeland, FL 33805
Send condolences and expressions of sympathy to:
Mrs. Gloria Parker and Family
PO Box 1363
Haines City, FL 33845
E-mail: Qpnupe188@hotmail.com
Services entrusted to:
Holmes Funeral Home
601 Claude Holmes Sr. Ave.
Haines City, 33844
25. 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
26. 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.
