THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (10/25/07)

Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor

1. CHANGE TO STANDARD TIME ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2007:

Standard Time begins this year at 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 4, 2007. Move your clocks back one hour.

Daylight Saving Time (DST) will begin again on Sunday, March 9, 2008.

2. EDITORIAL: 180-DEGREE TURN IN THE ATMOSPHERE AND ASSISTANCE FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WILDFIRE VICTIMS AND KATRINA HURRICANE VICTIMS:

Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III

Editor’s note: This editorial was sent to the subscribers of The Christian Recorder Online on Wednesday, October 24, 2007.

It’s always heartbreaking when people are displaced from their homes; whether from wildfires, hurricanes or other natural disasters. And, it is encouraging when the public and private sectors work to provide assistance to victims.

The public and private helping agencies seem to be working efficiently in California. I have noticed the quick response from President Bush, who on yesterday (Tuesday, October 23, 2007) declared an emergency declaration for the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Ventura.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is on the scene providing assistance and disseminating information. FEMA Director, David Paulison is actively engaged and made the statement, “I want the people in Southern California to know that Americans all across this land care deeply about them."

Even the Salvation Army is out front and providing food and other assistance. The kids shown on CNN seemed to be enjoying the respite from school and the CNN reporter said that they were enjoying the lollipops and other food goodies being distributed.

While the television coverage showed orderliness, the coverage also showed families upset about the loss of their homes and personal items, but the coverage also showed people who seemed to be stoic about their situation and displacement. The event, at times, looked like a celebration.

Food and water seemed to be in abundance. Families could be seen on television carrying bags of goodies and the scene at the stadium seemed almost normal. Ice trucks are on the scene, volunteers are in abundance, and there are translators available for those who do not speak English. Games are being provided for the children and yoga classes are available who want them. Insurance companies are in place and set up to give assistance to homeowners; auto insurance companies are also available for assistance. There are also concerns for the birds and animals in the wildfire affected areas.

The news coverage in Southern California seems almost upbeat and I can’t help but notice the difference in the news coverage in California and the anxious news coverage and utter chaotic disarray that surrounded the Katrina victims where people were crowded, like cattle, in the Superdome. There was not enough water, not enough food, not enough donated clothing, not enough volunteers, bickering between local, state and national government officials, the bungling by FEMA, and the absence of the President of the United States. No Yoga classes, no candy handed out to the kids, no organized games, just utter chaos; and police and medical officials who quit their posts and went AWOL. There were no insurance representatives, and when they did show up, they came to tell the folks what property and automobile damages the insurance companies would not cover. People died, some were killed by law enforcement officers, others left to die on the streets and allegedly in hospitals. There were no organized games for the children, little or no candy handed out, and people were left to fend for themselves. The transportation and utility systems disintegrated. Chaos was everywhere.

I want assistance for the victims in Southern California and I hurt with them, but I also wanted assistance for the Katrina victims and I also hurt with them.

I am confident that the Southern California wildfire victims will get their lives back together, their homes will be rebuilt, their automobiles will be replaced and when this is all over, they will applaud the assistance given to them by the local, state, and federal governments; and by the private sector, to include religious organizations.

The nightmare in my mind is that, while the victims in Southern California will have their lives restored to some semblance of normalcy, the Katrina victims’ lives are, in a large part, still in disarray. Some homeowners still cannot return to their homes, insurance claims have been minimal or non-existent. Children’s lives have been disrupted, families have been destroyed, jobs have been lost and many of them have not been restored.

My recurring nightmare is that for Katrina victims, life is still a negative reality that has not been resolved, and, my bad dream is: if we have another Katrina issue in New Orleans, state, local and national agencies will do a 360-degree turn and we will be right back where we were in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

3. PRAISE REPORT:

Last year Dr. Johnny Barbour, Secretary-Treasurer Sunday School Union released the Thompson Chain Reference Bible for sale in commemoration of the 125th Anniversary of the AMEC Sunday School Union. The Editor accepted the challenge to again to read the Bible through from cover to cover. I began the challenge on January 1, 2007 and it took me 287 days; and I finished reading the Bible, from cover to cover, on October 14, 2007.

Others of you may have accepted the 125th Anniversary of the AMEC Sunday School Union challenge. We would like to hear from you. Please send your praise report/comments to: chsydnor@bellsouth.net

4. HOLDING UP THE FINGER WHILE LEAVING WORSHIP:

Have you ever attended a church service and saw someone hold up one finger as they are exiting the sanctuary during the service? What does it mean? Here is one explanation:

During the slavery days when the masters took their slaves with them to public gatherings, the slaves would always sit in the balcony. When the slave had to go to the bathroom or wanted to be excused for any reason, they would hold their hand up and keep it up until their master acknowledged that they saw their hand and gave them permission to leave or in other words "excused them to leave". After the slave was given permission to leave, they would hold up one finger as they were leaving to inform anyone that saw them leave that they had been excused.

So it means "My Master has excused me" and the "holding up of one finger while leaving the sanctuary" carried over from slavery. It is important that we investigate rituals before you follow them.

The next time you see someone holding up their finger, just tell them: "Put your finger down. It's okay to leave. You are not on the plantation; you've been freed."

(Author unknown)

5. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:

- To the Editor:

RE: Editorial: 180-degree turn in the atmosphere and assistance for Southern California wildfire victims and Katrina Hurricane victims

I have observed the stark differences how the residents of California are being treated during the fires so different than the residents in New Orleans were treated during Katrina.

It seems that the residents of California are being given everything while the residents of Katrina were left with nothing.

Is it Color, Class, or both? It makes you think.

Reverend Joseph Jenkins

- To the Editor:

RE: Editorial: 180-degree turn in the atmosphere and assistance for Southern California wildfire victims and Katrina Hurricane victims

I spoke with Laurine McMillan, Connectional Lay Recording Secretary, in New Orleans last night. She was sitting in her trailer with her sister as water began pouring through the wall because of new rain that has fallen. She and others have had an enormously difficult time trying to restore things since Katrina came through. McMillan and her sister have not been able to return to their homes. They are trying to rehab their houses, but seem to be met with difficulties at each step. The compassion of California is far different from that in New Orleans. This is not to put down those who have done a great job in helping Katrina victims. I would suggest that perhaps people in California should thank those in New Orleans. FEMA and others seem to have learned how to respond in much better fashion. Let us not forget our Katrina victims who still need help.

Rev. Granville Reed

To the Editor:

RE: Crisis in Darfur

I am sending this to you in hopes that the A.M.E community will respond to the crisis in Darfur and support this film:

http://myspace.com/darfurnow

I encourage our reader to view the website appended below and participate by leveraging relationships with elected officials. We must hold them accountable for the United States’ lack of action in regard to the crisis that continues to rage in Darfur.

As we approach the campaign season and political candidates begin their “Church Stops,” we must seize the opportunity to call to their attention the effects inaction has caused. Resolutions, statements, and position papers have been submitted, but, as a faith community and voting-block we must continue to exert political pressure and raise social consciousness.

This is a call to all Churches, theological seminaries, and community organizations to cry out on behalf of the over 2.5 million victims who have been displaced and over 200,000 that are dead.

http://www.participate.net/darfurnow/takeaction

I encourage everyone to contact your elected officials and participate in the voting process. The travesty in Darfur must not be forgotten!

Rev. Jerome Stembridge

6. THE SEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT RESOLUTION FOR THE LATE REVEREND ERNESTINE M. WARD WHO WAS A NATIVE OF SOUTH CAROLINA:

The Rt. Reverend Preston Warren Williams II
Dr. Wilma Delores Williams, Presiding Bishop Episcopal Supervisor

Whereas, it has pleased our heavenly Father to translate from the labors of this life to the sweet rest and fellowship of the saints in heaven our dearly beloved sister, Elder of the church, and mother to all, the Reverend Ernestine M. Ward, and,

Whereas, she was a daughter of the Seventh Episcopal District and a native of South Carolina, we the members of the Seventh bow in humble submission to the divine Father of all things during this time of bereavement. We desire to place on record our love and esteem for her life and labor; and in view of her noble and sincere testimony which has been an example of Christian service and devotion to the Kingdom’s cause, we thank the heavenly Father for her, and,

Whereas, she invested all her life for God and dedicated her whole life to God’s glory. Her life work spread from her home, into society, into the churches she served, into the Presiding Elder Districts, into the Episcopal Office, into the Connectional Church, into the ecumenical call, into community at large, and as a faithful servant, her testimony was always constructive and faithful, and,

Whereas, a full day’s work finished, being weary of the burdens of life, the God whom she served so devotedly, we believe sent down from the shining courts of glory, a beautiful Glorified Messenger with orders to release from its suffering decaying body, racked with pain and agony, a Christian spirit, a sanctified soul that has long been imprisoned in its hours of clay and caused to sleep of which only God knows the awakening, and,

Whereas, we are living in a world where solemn shadows are continually falling upon our pathway; shadows that teach us the insecurity of all temporal blessings and warns us that here, there is no abiding stay. We are reminded that on God’s calendar, it is “But for a Moment“;

But for a moment the trials and crosses,
Weariness, trouble, and tears
When we have passed through the “valley of shadows”
Then oh, what glory appears!
Glory outshining the sun in its splendor,
Glory outweighing earth’s gold
After the moment of our light affliction
Glory eternal, untold
Joy, like the sunrise, will come in the morning
Sorrow and sighing shall cease;
Moments are passing – then life everlasting
Filled with eternity’s peace!
But for a moment to patiently trust Him
Wait till the shadows are passed
But for a moment look up and take courage
Faith will bring visions at last

Whereas, we are reminded that the way of man leads through the grave, and they who walk with the master here, shall not tarry in the grave, but shall be led gently on, into the land of light and beauty.

Our beloved servant has fallen in life’s battle, acknowledged the supremacy of death,

“Yield to a victory which no one can resist, and entered upon a complete rest.
It was decreed in the beginning, “All must die”, but we shall rise from death to
everlasting life if we are faithful unto death in the cause of Christ. The love of
Christ and for Christ was the main spring of her life. Her heart had but one
throne and Christ sat upon that throne. Christ was her all in all; she had a heart
through which God loved; a voice through which God spoke; and a hand
through which God helped. Her whole life was dedicated to God and we shall miss her.

Therefore, be it resolved that we share every sorrow of this family and of this district.

We extend to them our deepest sympathy and we stand always ready to
Welcome them to the cross for earth has no sorrow that heaven can not heal.

Be it further resolved, that a copy of this resolution be given to the family and a copy be sent to The Christian Recorder for publication.

Humbly submitted,

/s/
The Rt. Reverend Dr. Preston W. Williams II
Presiding Prelate
Seventh Episcopal District
African Methodist Episcopal Church

7. A MESSAGE TO THE CONNECTIONAL AME FAMILY FROM BISHOP JOHN AND THE REVEREND CEE BRYANT– AME-INDIA:

“Lord I will praise you among the nations; I will sing songs of praise about you to all nations.” Psalms 108:3

Let us Praise God for A. M.E. India. God is doing a mighty work within us.

For the first time in over a century the AME. Church will be established on a new continent – Asia; and on November 12–19, 2007, a Historic AME Convocation will be held in Chennai, India. The Fifth Episcopal District has been providing leadership in this expansion effort to expand the African Methodist Episcopal Church and to be obedient to the teachings of Jesus Christ to go into “all of the world.”

Almost 100 persons have signed up to travel, share, and witness this great hour in this AME initiative and salvation history.

We deeply request the active prayer intercession of every member of the AME Church world-wide in 12 areas for:

1. The Love of God to heal the divisions created by the caste system (estimated 6,400 castes)

2. Resources to translate & make Christian Literature available in the Tamil Language (64.1 million people)

3. The dilution of Hindu extremism that is manifested in an anti-Christian attitude.

4. Freedom for Indian Christians to proclaim the Gospel.

5. Expansion of the home-cell ministries

6. Effective outreach to the poor

7. The 10 million blind persons living in India (1/4 of the world’s blind)

8. God’s favor upon Bishop John, Rev C, the travelers, their families and ministries.

9. Blessings and God’s favor upon Dr. Abraham and Sarah Peddiny and their family as they lead AME-India.

10. The heart of African Methodism to be turned toward India.

11. The first generation of YPDers in India.

12. The Gospel of Jesus Christ to flourish.

For those who will not be traveling to India, a generous financial donation would be a great blessing. If you feel led to make a contribution, please send your checks, payable to:

5th District W.M.S (memo: A.M.E. India)
1968 West Adams Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90018

Be a part of history!

We would like to receive all donations by November 1, 2007. The poverty of India makes it impossible for them to carry the financial responsibilities of hosting this historic Convocation. However, they have been working very hard and have made great sacrifices.

Bishop Bryant and Rev. C encourage you to take time to learn about the Indian history and culture – we are family! Rent films, Read literature, eat at an Indian Restaurant with family and friends. Most of all, keep India close to your heart when you pray!

Much Love,

Bishop John and Rev Cee

8. THE PRESENT DAY REALITY OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN RURAL AND SMALL MEMBERSHIP CHURCH:

George R. La Sure, D.Min

Without question, the rural and small membership church is the undisputable backbone, anchor and under girding fiber of the A.M.E. Church. There are an exceedingly abundant number of rural and small communities that dot the American landscape and, the landscape of our sister territories and, they are much more prevalent than large urban centers. Even in large bustling metropolitan areas, the average African American Church is still the rural and small membership church: rural by tradition and characteristic, and overwhelmingly small in membership (10-250 members).

Rural, at one point, might have connoted “country” (and less informed), but that characteristic stereotype has essentially vanished with elaborate and intricately designed systems of roadways and, the advent of the internet. That which was hidden is now in plain view. Rural communities, increasingly, have gained access to facilities, services and opportunities that, in the past, were perceived as essentially urban. The “city” has come to the country in many respects.

But, let us not delude ourselves by thinking for one minute that rural communities are anything but rural communities. In most instances there is a much slower pace and a radically different lifestyle. In most areas there is little or no industrial base and, the local economy is a mix of retail, livestock and agriculture. Economic opportunities are limited. But, in the midst of these things that normally promote despair, the African American rural and small membership church survives and, in numerous instances, thrives. The African American rural and small membership church is, yet, the strongest vehicle for African American expression in areas that are still identifiable centers of racial oppression, poverty and, despair.

To a great extent, mainline African American denominations (C.M.E., A.M.E., A.M.E.Z.) and, several Baptist Conventions are essentially silent or “invisible” in articulating a clearly discernable message or statement of strategy to its politically disenfranchised masses. There is an ever-present façade presented that tends to say that everything is alright. Increasing emphasis is placed on past achievement and it is erroneously translated as “everything is alright right now”.

The overall emphasis on the part of the larger African American church body has eroded to “see me” in place of “I give my all to Thee!” Consequently, African American Church denominations have come to the point, generally, where little or no emphasis is placed on the conditions that impact the marginal masses that support it. The “haves” snub their noses at the “have-nots.” Major magazines and other publications do much to promote the myth that the only recognizable preacher of worth is the one who pastors a mega-church and, that the only recognizable and worthwhile choir is one that boasts 100 members or more, also from a mega-church.

We are guilty of making a “mega-mistake” if we delude ourselves into making the assumption that “big” equals “better”. Big, however big, begins with the power of “one”. Jesus provides an essential insight as to the real relevance of numbers in the Christian experience: Where there are two or three gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst. This insight should tell us that there is no “big me” or “big you” in the church. But, there is.

Rarely is it the case that persons who represent the African American rural and small membership church are in positions of leadership within the lofty hierarchy of the African American Church. Politics and status and “special anointing” determine position and posture within the African American Church. “Little People” really don’t count except that they contribute disproportionately high assessments to the larger body. The reality perception is that “they can pay, but they can’t play”.

Life teaches us that time brings about a change. The winds of change are howling around the African American Church’s door and, it is incumbent upon the identifiable leadership to take note, adjust and repair. A new day is dawning that provides new hope for the downtrodden and oppressed masses within the African American Church.

The rural and small membership African American Church provides the “personal touch” that is endemic to the African American experience. No matter how big we might be today, at some point the African American rural and small membership church positively impacted our overall growth and development. Something about it is in the blood, the very essence of the African American experience. Whether we were in church, or not, we respected and revered the presence of the African American rural and small membership church, wherever we were.

Migration, of necessity, even for survival’s sake, and modern day migratory patterns undergird the essential truth of the African American rural and small membership church in our lives. Many of these churches celebrate “Homecoming” which provide opportunities for brothers and sisters of every hue to re-unite with family and friends who have been separated by time and distance. There is a need for celebration, renewal and remembrance. There is a need for a continuing connection and, a renewed and re-structured purpose and direction.

9. 137TH ANNUAL SESSION OF THE NORTH LOUISIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE 8TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT WHERE THE NAME OF JESUS WAS EDIFIED AND THE DEVIL WAS HORRIFIED:

The 137th Session of the North Louisiana Conference convened, Wednesday, October 10, 2007 at St. Matthew African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1610 Murphy Street, Shreveport, Louisiana where “the name of Jesus was edified and the devil was horrified.”

Bishop C. Garnett Henning, Sr., presided with love, authority, efficiency and dignity; and Mrs. Yvonne Henning-Parks, our Episcopal Supervisor exhibited patience, understanding, praise, love and support.

Pre-conference activities began Saturday, October 6 with the Christian Debutante-Master Dedication Ceremony under the direction of Mrs. Kizzy Wilmore, wherein 7 young ladies dedicated their lives to a higher Christian service in the AME Church, Ms. Virginia Lampkins gave the words of wisdom. On Sunday, October 7 a gala event was held to celebrate the eight years of service for the capable leadership of the outgoing President of the Women’s Missionary Society Mrs. Eula Smith.

The North Louisiana Conference Women’s Missionary Society presented their night in white program by presenting 18 members for capping, 11 of which were between the ages of 18-40, showcasing the Young Women’s Initiative, and presenting the Queen of the North La Conference, Rita Coleman, Dr. Shirley Hopkins-Davis, 1st Vice-President of the Connectional WMS was the Speaker.

Presiding Elders David J. Campbell, Jr., host and Earl A. James and pastors’ Annual Reports reflected their personalities, uniqueness, accountability, and diversity.

The Board of Examiners executed effectively its duties and responsibilities by making recommendations and referrals that one candidate be admitted on trial to preach in the AME Church and ordinations resulting in Rev. Carneta Cooper being elected and ordained a Local Elder at St. Mary AME Church-Shreveport and Rev. Willie B. Johnson, Jr. being elected and ordained as an Itinerate Elder. The Rev. Lisa Rowe and the Rev. Bettie Rhodes were elected and ordained as Local Deacons at New Bethel AME Church-Springhill and St. Matthew AME Church-Shreveport, respectively.

Committees presented their reports with enthusiasm and vision for the future works of the church.

The Sons of Allen, under the superb leadership of Brother Robert Alford reflected the total involvement of men as they exemplified their love, and devotion to God.

The conference institute featuring Rev. Jimmy McDonald was life changing and riveting through “The Power of Healing”, explaining the difference between the Gift of Healing and a Healing Ministry.

The Lay Organization, under the leadership of Mrs. Doretha Green exemplified their theme “Laity Sowing Seeds beyond the Walls: A Rearview Mirror Glimpse.”

A memorial service was conducted to reflect the life of Bishop Robert Thomas and the Rev. Sheppard Murray.

The Young People’s Division of the North Louisiana Conference under the direction of Mrs. Cynthia Holman and her staff, conducted business in an effective and efficient manner, and presented an array of talents during the Youth Night Celebration “Evening with the Stars”. The youth were challenged by Miss April Stanford, YPD 8th District First Vice President, with a star studded message, “Finding the Strength to Shine Through Difficult Moments”; text: Phil 4:13.

The Conference Choir under the direction of Mrs. Mattie Jackson, assisted by Mr. Jonathan Fountain, Mr. Michael Harris, Mary Bennett and Ms. Florine Herron lifted up Songs of Zion, creating an atmosphere of authentic praise and worship.

Brother Bernard Wade and his staff gave a detailed report and conducted biblical studies through the Church School, “Jacob’s Dream at Bethel.”

The Holy Spirit showed up and showed out as the preached word kindled a flame through the sermons delivered by God’s messengers;

Rev. Spencer Booker, 6th Episcopal District-Atlanta, Georgia was the guest revivalist. He preached dynamic sermons entitled, “Order of the Day”, “How to Be Abundantly Blessed”, “There ought to be results in Preaching”, and “It’s Telling Time.”

The Rev. Josephine M. Franklin, pastor St. Mary AME Church-Colfax, Louisiana preached a moving Annual Sermon from the text, Isaiah 50:11. Her subject was “Rekindle the Flame” (Annual Sermon);

The Rev. Dr. Ronnie E. Brailsford, pastor Bethel AME Church, Columbia, S.C. preached the second day noon service. He preached from the text, Acts 4:29-31 and his subject was, “When the people of God Pray”
The Rev. George Tyler, presiding elder of the Natchez-Port Gibson District, Mississippi Conference preached the ordination sermon. He took his text from Matthew 17:14-21. His subject was, “Pray at Midnight and Stay Connected.”

The Rev. Spencer E. Gunn from New Jeremiah AME Church (Northeast-West Mississippi Conference preached the closing sermon and used as his subject, ”The Purpose of Our Pain” from Jeremiah 29:4-11.

The Conference gave a special thanks to Bishop Henning and Mrs. Parks for their superb leadership, vision, and guidance for eight years in the Eighth Episcopal District and for their vision of “Energizing, Equipping, and Encouraging.”

10. THIRTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT PLANNING MEETING; NOVEMBER 29 – DECEMBER 1, 2007:

The Right Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate
Mr. Stan McKenzie, Episcopal Supervisor

The Hotel Preston, 733 Briley Parkway, Nashville, Tennessee

Proposed Schedule

Thursday, November 29, 2007
12:00 noon Presiding Elders Meeting with Bishop
(approx. 15 – 20 people)
2:00 pm Legislative Task Force
(approx. 25 – 40 people)
4:00 pm General Conference Delegation Meeting
(approx. 40 – 60 people)
7:00 pm Worship Service of Word & Sacrament (Communion)
(approx. 300 – 400 people)

Friday, November 30, 2007
7:00 am Breakfast (on your own)
7:30 am The 1000 Prayer Warriors (approx. 25 – 50 people)
8:00 – 8:45 am Opening Plenary (approx. 300 people)
9:00 – 10:30 am Components Meet
Lay Organization (Largest group of people)
District Trustees (10 – 20 people)
Clergy/School of the Prophets(2nd largest group)
DMC (approx 10 – 25)
10:45 – 12:00 Components Meet
The Believe Board (approx. 10 – 20 people)
Nehemiah Nation/Sons of Allen (Largest Group)
Women In Ministry (approx. 35 – 45 people)
Clergy Spouses (approx. 20 – 25)
Camp Prim Simmons Board (10 – 20 people)
12:15 – 1:15 pm Hour of Power Worship Service (approx. 300 people)
1:30 – 2:45 pm Lunch (provided) [approx. 300 – 350]
3:00 – 4:00 pm Legislative Task Force (approx. 300 – 350)
4:00 – 5:00 pm Component Updates
District Trustees
Finance Report
5:00 pm Dinner (on your own)
7:00 pm Tennessee Performing Arts Center--“Sometimes I Cry”

Saturday, December 1, 2007 (all sessions at Greater Bethel AMEC)
7:30 – 8:40 am Continental Breakfast (Great Bethel Main Fellowship Hall)
8:00 am The 1000 Prayer Warriors
8:00 – 9:30 am WMS (Upper Fellowship Hall)
9:30 – 10:30 am YPD Elections (Lower Fellowship Hall)
9:00 – 10:30 am Clergy Only Session (Chapel)
10:30 – 11:50 am AIDS Program—“Straight Talk for our Youth” (Sanctuary)
13 and over
10:30 – 12:30 Special Session for Youth under 13
11:50 – 12:30 Question and Answer Period
12:30 pm Closing of Planning Session/Pastoral Appointments/Adjournment
1:30 pm AIDS FAIR


11. ADDITIONAL HOTEL INFORMATION ABOUT THE 2007 13TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT PLANNING MEETING:

Lee Chapel and St. John AME Churches of Nashville are thrilled to serve as the co-hosts of the 2007 13th Episcopal District Planning Meeting of the African Methodist Episcopal Church on November 29 – December 1, 2007. We invite you to share in this meeting as we do the business of our church, face the challenges of this present age and ultimately praise and worship the Lord our God.

We have secured the following hotel to host the meeting, and to provide for your comfort and convenience:

The Hotel Preston (Host Hotel)
733 Briley Parkway
Nashville, TN 37203

www.hotelpreston.com
(615) 361–5900
Toll Free: 1 (877) 361-5500
Fax (615) 367 – 4483

Double or King Rate: $89.00/night (15.25% room tax without Tennessee Tax Exemption Form) Tax exemption form must be presented at check in with valid form of company check or credit card.

***All Reservations Must Be Made By October 31, 2007. The Hotel will continue to accept reservations beyond this date on the basis of availability.

For further information or questions, please contact Rev. W. Antoni Sinkfield at (615) 320 - 1026 or fax to (615) 320 – 3091. Email: wsinkfield@aol.com or sainjohname@aol.com.

Thank you for your cooperation and God bless.

*Submitted by the Rev. W. Antoni Sinkfield, Pastor of St. John AME Church, Nashville


12. THE 2008 GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE:

Global Development Council Executive Meeting will convene in the 17th District on February 5 - 8, 2008. Additional information is forthcoming.

13. NEWS FROM SAINT JOHN AME CHURCH NASHVILLE:

The Rev. W. Antoni Sinkfield continues to lead St. John AME church with a heavenly vision based on and constrained by the Word of God.

During the Third Quarter of the 2007 Annual Conference Year, St. John AME Church continues in its stated mission emphasis “To dynamically present Jesus Christ to all whom we influence producing spirit-filled disciple for the Kingdom.”

The 4th Quarterly Conference convened on September 17, 2007. The Presiding Elder, Reverend Robert E. Keesee, called the Conference to order with the Pastor of St. John, Reverend W. Antoni Sinkfield assisting. Sister Angela Booker was elected the Quarterly Conference Secretary, and Brother Reggie Farris was elected as the Conference Reporter. The Business Session followed with the general report from the disciplinary questions by the secretary. This quarterly report was a reflection on how Rev. Sinkfield has led the St. John congregation to embrace the reality that to be a Christian body means to be Christ - like in a very practical everyday sense in our calling, our character and our conduct.

The following events occurred in the life of the church during the 3rd Quarter:

Youth/Young Adult Weekend
It was truly a blessing to see that God is taking the Youth Department of St. John AME to a new level of spiritual excellence. The 2007 Annual Weekend, which took place July 6 – 8, 2007, was awesome Praise and Worship weekend. Our theme for this year was "Stomp the Devil--Make Your Enemy Your Footstool." The Holy Spirit was definitely in the house. One member described it as “A powerful, awesome, Holy Spirit synergy in the room!”

We were able to stomp the devil through spoken word, singing praise, step dancing and dramatic dance. St. John was well represented with our very own newly created dance team, spoken word artists, and of course the best choir in the city "The Posse in Praise (P.I.P.)." We had the pleasure of being blessed by spoken word artist "Midnyght Sun." He shared his testimony with us through spoken word. His message was quite life changing for our youth.

Our wonderful guest speaker was Dr. Sandra Holt, Director of the Honors Program at Tennessee State University. We applaud Rev. Lee Brown, Jr., Sister Kayla Cleggett, Sister Nerissa Campbell and Brother Cedric Burns for their excellent leadership.

Church School/Vacation Bible School
During this quarter, St. John AME Church transitioned from the traditional Sunday morning church school time of 9:45 AM to Wednesday evening at 5:45 PM. Our initial goal was to capitalize on the Bible Study/Tutorial Program that had been progressing successfully over the last year. This beautiful merger has been considered a success by all of our members, and it is quite evident by the active participation of the teachers, staff, the church organizations and the increasing number of members that attend each Wednesday night.

On Sunday, August 26, 2007, we celebrated our Annual Church School Day by allowing the congregation to experience what takes place each Wednesday evening here at St. John. Rev. W. Antoni Sinkfield's message was taken from the theme “Great Food, Great Fellowship & Great Feasting on God's Word.”. His message came from two texts in the Old Testament, Deuteronomy 8:3 and Psalm 119:103 and he encouraged us to Feast - Eat and Drink until we are full! A church school pictorial review was shown as a finale during the Annual Church School Day encapsulating events that had taken place in the life of the church school during the last 6 months of its existence and including the Vacation Bible School activities that took place during the week of July 9 -13, 2007.

Our Vacation Bible School theme was “Graduate to Great the Jesus Way.” Channel 4 (a local NBC affiliate station) featured a photo of the students and workers in their “4 the Summer” segment on Friday, August 17. Charlotte West, Director of Christian Education stated, “We thank God for our continued successful program implementation which helps us have more effective Bible study for all ages. Learning about God, Serving God and Living for God are good things in His sight!”

Pastor’s Aid Board Celebration
The Pastor’s Aid Board sponsored The 3rd Annual Gospel Extravaganza at St. John AME Church on July 27, 2007. This event continues to usher in the Spirit of the Lord in high praise and thanksgiving! We welcomed local radio personality Damon King back to MC the program, and Sister Ruby Moseby welcomed us in the only way she can do – with perfection. The event began with a salutatory documentary in honor of our military, provided by the Tennessee National Guard.

As St. John continues to grow, so does our talents. The P.I.P. (Posse in Praise) rendered several selections in their usual professional manner as a primo gospel group, blending in harmony gloriously! Our Dance Ministry performed beautifully as did a newcomer to the city, Ms. Jazmin Burton; who moved with her family from Saginaw, Michigan. Jaz’s mime interpretation and our dancers’ performances were awesomely inspiring. D & K and Family also performed a theatrical dance. The two brothers and cousin praise the Lord with their rhythmic moves and leaps. Minister Danny Brooks and Sister Sonja Hopkins returned for encore singing performances that brought us to our feet. New on the program was our own Brother Ivan Ruth who brought the spoken word, full of testimony and praise. This brother has a story to tell! St. John’s Brothers of Zion ‘and Friends’ provided our GRAND finale. The Extravaganza once again was an incredible event, and is a wonderful way for God’s people to experience the joy of song, dance, expression and music, as well as great fellowship. The Pastor’s Aid Board appreciates all the support we’re given, and will continue to bring Nashville’s brightest stars offering the Highest Praise to Almighty God.

Usher’s Anniversary
On Sunday, August 12, 2007, the St. John AME Usher Board celebrated their Annual Day. The junior ushers participated in the 11:00 am worship service as our own pastor, Rev. W. Antoni Sinkfield preached a powerful message entitled “God’s Ushers!” Rev. Jimmie Plummer of St. Luke AME Church in Gallatin, TN was the dynamic speaker for the 3:00 pm service, and the St. Luke choir rendered the music. We were also blessed to have the Mime Ministry from Greater Bethel AME Church of Nashville, TN, and soloist Ms Velvelon McMurray to help make this annual day a spirit-filled occasion.

As a special project for the Usher’s Annual Day, the congregation helped the Usher Board donate 175 lbs of can goods to the Second Harvest Food Bank. Margaret Jarrett, the president of St. John’s Usher Board said, “To God be the Glory for an uplifting, awesome, spirit-filled day. Truly the presence of the Lord was in St. John church. Mere words cannot adequately express to each and everyone how grateful we are for all the support that was given.”

Men’s Weekend
The Brothers of Zion Men’s Ministry of St. John AME Church celebrated its Annual Weekend on August 17-19, 2007. We praise God for the men who thought it not robbery to help to organize and facilitate this awesome weekend of praise! The events of this weekend included a Men’s Fellowship Bus trip to Memphis, Tennessee on Friday August 17, 2007. A group of brothers from St. John traveled to Memphis to enjoy a day of spiritual fellowship, along with tours of the Stax Museum of American Soul Music and of St. Andrews AME Church of Memphis pastored by the Rev. Dr. Kenneth S. Robinson. The day ended with the brothers sharing lunch together before returning to Nashville on Friday afternoon.

"Jazz at St. John" was the Saturday Outreach Program sponsored by the Brothers of Zion. This event included a Jazz Session organized by Brother Michael Evans that also included the Spoken Word. The Men also organized a food tasting to unveil the “Taste of St. John” cookbook, which was the brainchild of Men's Weekend Chairman, Ralph Holmes. Brother Holmes hope was that our cookbook would help to bring back one of the most enjoyed aspects of family life. In this age of “we don’t have time,” the men of St. John are bringing cooking back!

Our Mighty Men’s Weekend cumulated with a powerful Sunday morning worship experience featuring our guest speaker, Mr. Derek Young, the President of the Bridges Academy. Bridges Academy is a tuition-supported, Christ-centered, college preparatory middle and high school designed to transform Nashville's inner city male youths into community leaders. The 2007 Men’s Weekend was a wonderful time for us to celebrate Christian manhood and the powerful role that God has given to us to be models of Christ to all whom we influence.
The Biggest Loser Contest

The pastor and first lady of St. John, the Rev. W. Antoni and Sister Kristy Sinkfield, have embarked on their own version of the popular TV series "The Biggest Loser" to incite the congregants and community members to change their lifestyles for a healthier future. St. John AME Church's Biggest Loser contest will not only provide a fun, supportive forum for losing weight, but will strive to address the very real and critical issues of health and wellness for the members of the congregation and the community it serves.

The Biggest Loser contest will provide a collective accountability and support system for all who choose to participate. This competition began with the first weigh in on August 1, 2007, and will conclude on Wednesday, January 2, 2008. Participants will each pay $1 at the initial weigh-in. Each week individual weight updates will be submitted to and recorded by a central "weight keeper." All participants are identified by a number so no one knows who the biggest loser is until the end of the contest. Weekly updates are provided on the total amount of pounds lost by the group.

Evangelism Event – African Street Festival
We, having been called by the Holy Gospel and brought to repentance and faith, know the blessings of God’s love. We know the cost of Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross. We have the forgiveness of our sins through Jesus’ shed blood on the cross. We have the joy of salvation and the promise of heaven. Evangelism through the local church comes in all different shades and styles, models and methods, while the message of the gospel always remains the same. Through our Ministry on Membership and Evangelism, we are given the tools to take the Gospel to all of creation. And our challenge as a congregation this year is to strengthen our mission and evangelism identity.

The African Street Festival was held on September 14-16, 2007 in Nashville, TN. The festival is one of the city's premiere events attracting people of all ages, and from all sectors of the region. This event had over 150 vendors from around the country selling all types of items, and we were there Testifying that GOD is real and that if you want to know more about Him, then come on to St. John and worship with us. At this year’s African Street Festival, which is sponsored and held on the main campus of Tennessee State University, the St. John AME Church Ministry on Membership and Evangelism had the distinct honor of being the only church that sponsored a booth. This festival, over the years, has grown and now attracts more than 100,000 people interested in African and African American culture. Over 500 people visited our booth and saw our commercial stating who we are at St. John, who we serve and where we are located.

This idea to take St. John’s message of “Testifying, Teaching, Touching, Training and giving Thanks to GOD” to the people was Sis Kathryn Branch’s vision. Sister Branch felt that one of the better ways to get this message out would be to team up with the African American Cultural Alliance in reaching out to the community. The students that visited our booth (and a lot of students visited our booth) were glad to hear that there was a church located close to the school that did not mind praising the Lord! During the African Street Festival, St. John gave out prizes to anyone who could quote there favorite Bible verse. Many other A.M.E.’s from other churches in the community came by the booth for support as well. Overall, it was a great experience to be able to reach out to our community by Testifying, Teaching, Touching, Training and giving Thanks to GOD in the midst of so many people

Whites Creek High School Pre-Game Meal and Chapel Ministry
Finally during this quarter, St. John has started a new ministry—the Whites Creek High School Chapel Ministry. This ministry was formed to minister to the Whites Creek High School Football team on Fridays, sharing with them their pre-game meal and a chapel service before their games! The first one was held on Friday, September 14, 2007 from 2:45 - 4:00 pm. During this chapel service, members of the church greeted and served these young men and their coaches, and shared the love of Jesus Christ with them each week. Following each meal, a dynamic speaker would bring a message of hope and challenge to the team before they hit the field.

The 4th Quarterly Conference ended with Presiding Elder Robert E. Keesee commending Reverend W. Antoni Sinkfield and the entire St. John AME congregation for the continued growth in their membership and bringing disciples to Christ!

*Submitted by Licentiate Reginald Farris

14. MOVIE TO FEATURE WILEY COLLEGE HISTORIC DEBATE TEAM:

A UMNS Report
By Linda Green*

It is not every day that Denzel Washington and Oprah Winfrey do a movie together about a historically black college with fewer than 1,000 students.

But that's what happened when the pair learned about a David and Goliath match-up in which Wiley College's 1935 debate team won a national championship against Harvard University and also beat other perennial oratorical powerhouses.

In 2004, the United Methodist-related college in Marshall, Texas, began to receive inquiries from Hollywood about Melvin B. Tolson, leader of Wiley's first debate team.

"We started getting calls and researching ourselves for them," said Veronica Clark, Wiley's director of public relations.
The Wiley staff learned that over a 15-year period, Tolson's teams lost only one of 75 debates. The Wiley Forensic Society competed against historically black colleges, but earned national attention with its debates against the University of Southern California and Harvard University. The winning team was composed of four men (including Tolson) and one woman.

"After we did our research, it was submitted to Mr. Washington and the production company, and from there a script was developed," said Clark.

The Great Debaters

Scheduled for release Dec. 25, "The Great Debaters" is being produced by Winfrey's Harpo Productions. Washington is both director and star. Filming began in early 2006 and wrapped over the summer. Most of the scenes were filmed in Louisiana with brief scenes on the Wiley campus and at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass.

"Everyone is extremely excited," Clark said. "It is not everyday that Denzel Washington and Oprah Winfrey want to do a movie about a college, especially one about a college our size." The liberal arts college has 926 students enrolled.

"As soon as we learned of the movie at Wiley, the alumni have just been bombarding the college with telephone calls," Clark said. "This is exciting. It just doesn't get any better than this. Not to mention that a great story is being told about newbies coming onto the debate scene and doing so well."

The Marshall community also was excited about Washington's arrival. "He came to campus in sweatpants and a baseball cap," said Clark. "He was here to work (and) he was very approachable."
Since racial diversity was needed in the film, students and community members came out in droves. Other actors in the film include Forest Whitaker, Columbus Short, Jermaine Williams, J.D. Evermore, John Heard, Kimberly Elise, Nate Parker, Justice Leak, Jurnee Smollett and Denzel Whitaker.

The story of Melvin Tolson

Tolson was born in 1898 in Moberly, Mo., to a Methodist Episcopal pastor and his wife. His father served churches in Missouri and Iowa.
A graduate of historically black Lincoln (Pa.) University, Tolson was hired by Wiley College in 1924 to teach English and speech. He also coached junior varsity football, directed the theater club and organized the Wiley Forensic Society.

Tolson was a mentor and teacher to civil rights activist James Farmer Jr. and Herman Sweat, an African American who was refused admission into the University of Texas Law School. Action by the law school resulted in a Supreme Court decision that challenged the "separate but equal" doctrine of racial segregation, a policy established by the 1896 case of Plessey vs. Ferguson.

He left Wiley in 1947 to teach at historically black Langston (Okla.) University. That same year, Liberia declared him its poet laureate. Beginning in 1952, he served two terms as mayor of all-black Langston. He died in 1966.
Resurrecting a legacy

The movie has instilled a sense of pride in the students and the Marshall community. The debate team, defunct after Tolson left the school in 1947, was resurrected in the last academic year and won a debate against Morehouse University. Clark called the win "icing on the cake."

In an interview with the Marshall (Texas) News Messenger, Washington said he thought the Wiley debaters "would be just a really wonderful story to tell. It's about the spoken word -- something you don't see much in film -- and about education and about debating."
Washington said this part of the story of blacks in America needs to be told -- that there is a huge gap between the end of the Civil War and the climax of the civil rights struggle in 1964. He called the movie a "David and Goliath" story.

He also said the spoken word is an important part of current hip-hop culture, and the debating film shows the roots of that tradition. "Our oral history is rich and deep, and debating is a big part of it, a part I didn't know about. It's something I want to share on the film with others," he told the newspaper.

Wiley College is the first historically black college west of the Mississippi River. It was founded in 1873 by Bishop Issac Wiley of the Methodist Episcopal Church and the Freedman's Aid Society to prepare the newly emancipated people for the future. The college is one of 11 historically black United Methodist-related institutions of higher education and is financially supported by the denomination's Black College Fund.

*Green is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in Nashville, Tenn.

**Used by permission of the United Methodist News Service

15. UNITED METHODIST MINISTRY CANDIDATES SHIFTING TO ONLINE APPLICATIONS:

By Vicki Brown*

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - More than 800 ministry candidates have completed their application online since Jan. 2, doubling the 400 applications received and processed using the old paper system during the same period.

The online process was launched last January by the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry, the agency overseeing the church's licensed and ordained leadership.

Staff with the agency expects that, by January 2008, all candidates with Internet access will complete the enrollment online.

"The online candidacy application system is a major step in streamlining a complex and time-sensitive process," said the Rev. Sharon Rubey, director of candidacy and conference relations.

"It should dramatically decrease the almost 25 percent of candidacy applications that are returned, delayed or not completed because of lack of accessibility to required information or people," said Rubey, who is responsible for the candidacy program for ordination and licensing.

While the total number of applications this year is comparable to previous years, the online process gives candidates the possibility of completing their enrollment and receiving their candidacy guidebook within half the time, according to Rubey.

Each annual conference candidacy registrar has the ability to enter, maintain and update their candidacy mentor file online, "which should improve the response time to the candidates," said Rubey.

"… The new system puts the successful completion of entering the candidacy process into the hands of those who are closest to making a difference in the life and decision-making of the candidate: the candidacy registrar, the candidacy mentor and the district superintendent."

Rubey said the online system is another way to foster development of new clergy leaders for The United Methodist Church. The change helps to address one of the denomination's top priorities for the beginning of the new century amidst an acknowledged "leadership crisis" of ordained clergy in the United States. A 2006 report revealed that less than 5 percent of United Methodist elders are under age 35.

"One of the crucial pieces in addressing the graying of both the clergy and the church is invitation to and development of young clergy," Rubey said. "We belong to a connectional church through our people and programs, and we live in a connectional world through Internet and online capability. And young clergy candidates expect to be able to complete applications and paperwork online.

"Each one of those applicants is potentially an elder for your local church or a deacon serving to connect the response of the church to the needs of the world," she said.

For more information, contact 615-340-7374, or e-mail candidacycoordinator@gbhem.org.

*Brown is an associate editor and writer in the Office of Interpretation, United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

News media contact: Linda Green, (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.

**This article used with the permission of the United Methodist News Service

16. MEDITATION - GOD IS READY TO BLESS YOU:

Reverend Berlinda A. Love

We serve a God who wants us to be blessed. God is rich financially, physically, professionally, and spiritually, and is able to do exceedingly more than we desire or expect of him. The problem with most of us, however, is that we often do not step up to the plate and either someone else gets a blessing or the blessing gets put aside until we are ready, willing, and able to receive what God has for us.

First, we must believe that God can bless us and that he wants to bless us. Too often we doubt God, because blessings may not come when we need or want them to, or because of unforeseen problems in our lives that are more than we can bear. The book of Psalms is full of messages that speak of God’s ability to give us all that we need. Psalm 6:25-34 paints a vivid picture of God’s sovereign protection over each of us. The psalmist uses nature, the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, as a demonstration of what God will do for us. Thus, he tells us not to worry about life, what we will eat or drink, or what we will wear, for life is more important than food or clothes. Then he continues with a magnificent illustration of the birds of the air that neither sows, reap, nor store away in barns, and how our heavenly father feeds them, and the lilies of the field that neither labor nor spin and God dresses them better than even Solomon in his splendor. His message to us is that if God can go this for things that will fade away in time, certainly he can do the same for us. God knows what we need. He just wants our full submission to his will so that he can bless us.

We must believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths that God indeed wants to bless us! Why would God be selfish when everything belongs to him? His cup of grace is always overflowing. I am a fervent believer that God wants to take us out of that place of need and want and place us into his storehouse of abundant blessings. He wants us to be arrayed in his glory, so that others will see that God has blessed us! Oh, can I get a witness? Many of us want to ride in small or midsized cars when God wants us to have a Cadillac, Mercedes, or Rolls. Very often we accept poverty as our fate in life when all God wants us to do is ask, be faithful, and receive. God is calling us to come forth and be blessed! Our mindsets should always be, as Dr. Maya Angelou has said in her fabulous poem, “and still I rise”. We must have an inner motivation to rise above the pettiness of the world and claim our share of the promise that God has given to all of Creation. God wants us to rise from poverty to power and prestige. Psalm 34:8 says, “O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusts in him”. Children learn early in life to give thanks for their food by saying, ‘God is great. God is good, and we thank him for our food. By his hand we must be fed. Give us, Lord our daily bread.’ They also learn to put their faith and trust in God to protect and take care of them when at night they pray, ‘Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake. I pray the Lord my soul to take.’

The greatest testimony that we can give to someone who is hurting or depressed is our witness of how good the Lord has been to us. Even in the midst of trouble in our lives, when we can stand up and say, ‘I love you Lord, you heard my cry, and pitied every groan. Long as I live, when trouble comes I’ll hasten to your throne’, somebody that we are ministering to is going to be convicted. Most people have no problem loving God when everything is going right, but the test of a true Christian is, ‘can you love God when everything is going wrong?’ Somebody ought to help me! God has truly brought us from a mighty long way.

Everyone has experienced some misfortune in life. Things have happened that have caused us to at some point consider throwing in the towel and remaining in our season of distress and grief. We often question ourselves as to why we should go before a mighty God to bless us when our lives have been so problematic. We must believe that God is the God of second chances. God desires for us to bounce back! Having created us in his image, God already knows everything about us and what we will do, even before we do it. The amazing thing about God, however, as recorded in 1 John 1:9 is, “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The trouble is that we underestimate the power of God to fix anything. He can blot out your past and give you a new beginning. Take your burdens to the Lord and leave them there! Psalm 24:1-2 states that “The earth is the Lord’s and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.” We serve a great God! When man says no, God says yes. When we come to the end of the line, God steps in, picks us up, and carries us to the finish line. God can do whatever he wants to do, because he is sovereign! Our Heavenly Father does not want us in bondage. He wants us to be free to carry the Good News of Jesus Christ throughout the world. Are you ready for a blessing? Can you handle the abundant grace that God is getting ready to pour over your life? Are you an anointed servant of God? Can you tell somebody else that God loves them and wants to bless them? If you can say yes to these questions, then you are ready to receive God’s tremendous outpouring of love on your life, and you are ready to bless others along the way. ‘If I can help somebody along the way, then my living shall not be in vain’. God is ready to bless you!

17. CHURCH WORLD SERVICE POSITION OPENING ANNOUNCEMENT:

Position Title: Development Associate for Regional & Family Foundations and Corporations
Reports To: Director of Foundation and Corporate Gifts
Location: Elkhart, Indiana
Team: Resource Development Department
Grade: 5 – Starting Salary $50,000
Status: • Non-Exempt  Exempt
 Bargaining Unit  Non-Bargaining Unit

Send Resume to: Church World Service
Office of Human Resources – KWL
P.O. Box 968
Elkhart, IN 46515

or fax to 574/266-0087
or e-mail to cwshr@churchworldservice.org

Application Deadline: November 12, 2007

Primary Purpose:

The incumbent seeks foundation and corporation contributions that are compatible with the overall development strategy and mission of Church World Service and its partners. The incumbent also prepares adaptations of proposals and specific promotional tools for solicitation of congregations and individuals as assigned. The incumbent will research, develop and edit proposals for submission to funding sources, as well as provide timely compliance reporting as assigned. The incumbent will be a self-starter who works well with minimal supervision.

Essential Duties:

•Works closely with the Director for Foundation and Corporation Gifts.
•Works with Church World Service colleagues to produce timely and effective grant proposals for regional and family foundations and corporations, as well as to support the solicitation of congregational mission groups and major gift prospects.
•Assists in the research of past/current giving patterns of foundations and corporations, including deadlines for submission of grant proposals.
•Serve as an in-house resource on foundation and corporate giving, particularly to assist US-based regional offices.
•Write, review and edit grant proposals to ensure all requirements are met.
•Travel as needed to help support US-based regional offices in grant solicitation
•Conduct follow-up with appropriate foundations and corporations' staff as assigned.
•Strengthen organizational relationships with regional and family foundations and corporations through timely submissions and securing all requested information relevant to grants solicited or approved.
•Ensure reporting requirements are met for any projects for which foundation and corporate contributions are secured, as well as reports required by Community Resource Program and the Resource Development Department Major Gift program.
•Ensure adherence to Church World Service funding protocols.
•Prepare reports on grant development activities as requested.
•Perform other related duties and special projects as requested.

Qualifications

Education:
Bachelor’s degree in a related field and/or relevant work experiences.

Experience:
The successful candidate will have a minimum of five years experience in proposal development and writing and/or comparable professional skills, preferably with regionally based or family foundations. Experience at writing proposals to generate revenues from foundation and corporate donors as well as churches, preferably for a faith-based organization.

Competencies
Communications: Demonstrate “transparency of information” by articulating program strategies, priorities, standards and expectations to staff and stakeholders. Communicate by example a personal commitment to CWS values. Represent CWS in varied forums, effectively interpreting its mission, values and programs and inspiring audiences to support its work. Understand the importance of good media relations and demonstrate comfort and confidence in communicating with media representatives. Conduct negotiations with local stakeholders with integrity and sensitivity, ensuring all relevant information is clearly communicated and documented. Provide critical insight, perspective and expertise.

Constituent Relationships: Manage relationships with stakeholders and work within their structure to identify programmatic linkages, plan and implement services and activities, and coordinate resolutions to problems. Identify potential constituents with whom to build relationships and flesh out details of those relationships within the context of CWS’s mission, values and policies. Participate in developing recommendations and implementing policies governing relations with stakeholders. Resolve issues of concern to maintain effective constituent relationships.

Job Knowledge: Has a thorough understanding of the faith-based nature of CWS and is able to articulate that nature to varied audiences. Knows “broad stroke” information about CWS programs and services, where to find more detailed information and how programs and services intersect. Demonstrate knowledge of effective business management practices. Assure CWS mission and values are not compromised in achievement of goals and priorities. Keep up to date with “best practices” and establish or adapt procedures that balance business performance with CWS’s ministry and values. Model creative and effective use of technology.

Leadership: Build consensus with colleagues, stakeholders and management in support of new initiatives. Successfully manage multiple projects simultaneously. Invite critical analysis and perspectives from stakeholders and act on their recommendations to improve program effectiveness.

Program Planning and Management: In collaboration with the Director Family and Regional Foundations implement and evaluate fund raising activities, establishing implementation steps and time frames. Participate in gathering and analyzing information from internal and external stakeholders. Build consensus with colleagues, stakeholders and management in support of new initiatives. Successfully manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Resource Building and Stewardship: Plan budget needed for program activities. Manage relationships with partners and stakeholders to assure continued support. Develop opportunities to build support for CWS among new partners. Interact with staff and systems to make sure resources are used effectively. Promote CWS’s mission, programs and services and inspire people to support them. Interpret CWS’s policies on stewardship and accountability for its resources to the public.

Other Skills:
Computer and telecommunication technology knowledge and skills are necessary. Successful candidate must also possess outstanding oral and written presentation skills. Ability to travel as needed.

*Submitted by the Right Rev. E Earl McCloud Jr [emccloudjr@aol.com]

18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Sister Alice Curtis, the mother of Phyllis Tweed, wife of Rev. Nicolas Tweed, pastor of Macedonia AME Church in Flushing, New York (New York Conference, Brooklyn-West Chester District). The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

The Funeral had been held.

Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:

Mrs. Phyllis Tweed and family
c/o St. Paul A.M.E. Church
see address above
Email: stpaulame@ibl.bm

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.

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (10/18/07)

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 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.