THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (3/20/08)

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


The entire staff of The Christian Recorder wishes the AME Church family and all of our subscribers a Very Happy and Blessed Easter! Jesus Christ died and arose for our sins and we are thankful. We wish for all of you a blessed season of Pentecost, Which follows Easter, as we continue to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!


1. EDITORIAL - IS THERE A WORD? IS THERE ANY WORD?:

Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III

There have been editorials, comments from newscasters, religious leaders, op-ed column writers, letters to the editor, and opinions bantered back and work by "Joe and Jane" citizen about the video-sound-bite of the Reverend Dr. Jeremiah Wright's comments about America and about Senator Barack Obama's speech that urges the U.S. to grapple with the race issue. Senator Obama's speech was one the most articulate and most impressive speeches given by any politician. Obama addressed issues and he addressed the issue of his relationship with his pastor, the Reverend Dr. Jeremiah Wright.

The comments from newscasters that I have heard on the major television networks have been startling. Their negative comments, especially about Dr. Jeremiah Wright tell me that they have little or no understanding or sensitivity of black America and absolutely no understanding of the black church or black preaching.

Some of the comments that I heard from white evangelicals showed complete ignorance about prophetic preaching, especially in the black church and a lack of the preaching style of the biblical prophets. It underscored for me, the perception that I have of some white churches' "feel good" sermons, of "think it and believe it, everything is okay.”

I have seen some predominantly white churches inundated with American flags; with sermon titles on their bulletin boards that implies the sermon was going to be, "America, right or wrong…" And, the reason that many white Christians don't understand the black church is because they are insulated in their own churches and the statement that Mr. Obama quoted in his speech, which has been around for years, "Sunday morning at 11 a.m. is the most segregated hour in America.” I wonder what seminaries, particularly the so-called evangelical seminaries are teaching their students. The racial divide is as real today as it was 20 years ago.

Preaching in black churches is an important part of ministry; and I know that is true in some white churches also.

I also know that in some white churches, if a sermon hits too close to home, that some of the white members would walk out and disassociate themselves from the pastor and the church. This happened many times during the '50's and '60's when some prophetic white preachers dared to stand up for civil and human rights; many of the pastors were expelled from their pulpits.

There is a different mindset for preaching in white and black churches. “Feel good sermons” are not generally tolerated in black churches.

Prophetic preaching, spiritual preaching, hard preaching, relevant preaching, challenging preaching and controversial preaching is the norm in many black churches. Sometimes the preaching is so challenging and personal, that some parishioners must think, "Now, the pastor has gone to meddling.”

Black church members usually don't walk out; black parishioners are brought up to believe that the preacher is the man or woman of God and that he or she is speaking what "thus saith the Lord." In the AME Church, we refer to the preaching moment as that time when “the Preacher,” Jesus Christ comes and “delivers the sermon.”

In black churches we speak out loud in response to prophetic preaching, we stand on our feet, we shout, we get happy; that's all a part of the black religious experience.

We don't walk out or abandon preachers who preach something we may not agree with; that's not a part of our culture. I was so happy to hear Barack Obama say the he was not going to abandon his preacher, Pastor Wright, as he wouldn't abandon his maternal grandmother who also said things that he did not agree with.

The media is inundated with responses to Rev. Wright's willingness to be a prophetic preacher and appreciative and in awe of Senator Barack Obama's magnificent message and challenge to America to address the racial and gender divide; if not now, when?

There are others; many others who are critical of Pastor Wright and Senator Barack Obama. We live in a free country and, sometimes we agree and at other times, disagree, but it is always educational to hear and read what individuals and organizations have to say about both sides of issues.

Let me put his out there: I wonder if there is a word on all of this from the episcopal leadership of the AME Church? Our bishops and other leaders can be very vocal at our AME meetings, but sometimes silent when the AME Constituency needs to hear the voice of the Churches' leadership.

2. CONNECTIONAL DAY OF PRAYER:

The AME Churches’ First Connectional Day of Prayer period will be Sundown-Friday, April 11 to Sundown-Sunday April 23 with the general theme, "Pray On--Feeding the Soul: 'It is Well with my Soul."

For more information contact: PrayerAMEC2008@aol.com-202/674-PRAY=7729

3. REVEREND WILLIAM M. CAMPBELL, JR., FLAMING FIRE MINISTRIES GIVES A REPORT FROM MONROVIA, LIBERIA:

Baraki na amani! (Swahili for Blessings and Peace).

The Lord is blessing here in Liberia. Last week the 118th session of the Liberia Annual Conference took place at Gibbs AME Church in Buchanan, Liberia. That is about 2 hours away from Monrovia. What a Spirit-filled conference it was. We were blessed to teach during the day and preach the evening revival.

On Saturday, we preached the Ordination Service. What an honor. The message: Just Go! On Sunday, we preached the closing sermon of the annual conference; again another high honor for which we are grateful.

Yesterday I saw the campus of AME University. It was beyond my expectations. The AME Church in Liberia is one of the most respected institutions in the country. The University has an enrollment of 3,100 students! The last graduating class in November was 404 students! Our educational system which includes primary schools, high school (named Monrovia College) and AME University is one of the largest educational systems in the country. AME University is the 2nd largest university behind the University of Liberia. It is awesome what we our doing here, which is in many cases more than what we do in the U.S.

Today the revival begins at the mother church - Eliza Turner AME. It is positioned right next to AME University which is next to the 14th Episcopal District headquarters building. That is all just around the corner from our new 35 bed medical center.

Keep us and the AME Church in prayer.

Gleah (Peace in Bassa which is the language of the bishop),

Pastor William C. Campbell, Jr.
Flaming Fire Ministries
Post Office Box 10776
Killeen, Texas 76547-0776
www.flamingfire21.org

4. SAINT ANDREW TEAMS UP WITH TYLER PERRY’S “MEET THE BROWNS”:

On Saturday, March 15, at 10 AM, a group of more than 200 volunteers from the congregation and ministries of Saint Andrew A.M.E. Church (“The Saint”) in Memphis, TN, its associated childcare center, elementary school and community center, and members of the local neighborhood association and area residents, engaged in a day of community service - an underlying theme of Tyler Perry’s new movie, “Meet The Browns,” released on March 21. Because of St. Andrew’s history of ministry in South Memphis, the church was one of only two churches in the nation invited by the Tyler Perry studio to provide a meaningful example of how groups can significantly impact their neighborhoods through volunteer service. The movie studio provided support funds, T-shirts and assistance with promoting the day of service.

The event involved a community clean-up of abandoned properties, vacant lots, and alleys in our low- to moderate-income, inner-city neighborhood surrounding the church; where St. Andrew builds and rehabilitates housing, provides social services and youth programs, and enjoys a productive partnership with community residents. In consultation with its neighbors, The Saint chose to join area homeowners and residents in this major project, which they felt would provide a valuable service to them. The effort also complemented St. Andrew’s ongoing residential and community development work in South Memphis. Pressing on through rain showers, the volunteers started from a central site, and targeted multiple sites previously identified by the neighborhood association. The event featured multigenerational involvement; with children, their parents and seniors all working side by side. The local City Councilman, Edmund Ford, Jr., and representatives of the City of Memphis’ anti-blight and City Beautiful offices offered their assistance and presence to the event.

St. Andrew is one of the most unusual churches in the nation, with an enterprise of ministries, programs and corporations which form a multifaceted, faith-based, social service and community development agency. A plethora of externally-supported programs and public-private partnerships bring relevant community-based services to South Memphis.

St. Andrew's theme, “Ministering to Memphis – Spirit, Soul, and Body,” has birthed program development in social service outreach, community education, childcare and Pre-K education, after-school enrichment and economic development. The growing, 7-day-a-week church offers a diversity of preventive health services, aerobics, multi-sport athletics, creative arts and affinity group fellowships; and youth programs as varied as a step ministry, abstinence-based programs, and liturgical dance. Further expanding its ministry, St. Andrew incorporated The Works, Inc., its associated, faith-based, Community Development Corporation. The Works has brought true "renaissance" to the church's neighborhood, through the development of affordable single family and rental housing for 113 families. A certified provider of homeowner and homebuyer counseling services, The Works recently launched Tennessee’s only licensed non-profit mortgage brokerage, to offset the prevalence of predatory lenders. St. Andrew’s CDC also sponsors The Circles of Success Learning Academy – the church’s associated K-5 public charter elementary school; founded to innovatively educate children deemed to be at risk of failure in mainstream, traditional classroom settings. With over 80 full- and part-time employees, The St. Andrew enterprise has been responsible for $20,000,000 in total investment in housing and community development in South Memphis.

The Rev. Kenneth S. Robinson, M.D., who recently completed a term in the Tennessee Governor’s Cabinet as the state’s Commissioner of Health, is St. Andrew’s Pastor and Chief Executive. A Harvard-trained internist, he has been nationally recognized by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the United Way of America for his work in building a healthy community in the church’s neighborhood. His wife and co-pastor, Rev. Marilynn S. Robinson, MPH - an alumna of Harvard College and Yale School of Public Health, and the Senior Vice President of St. Francis Hospital in Memphis - provided coordinating leadership for this event.

Story Contact Person: Rev. Kenneth S. Robinson, 901-948-3441; ksrcalled@aol.com

5. GRANT AME CHURCH, LOS ANGELES TO PLANT AN AME CHURCH IN ANCHORAGE, ALASKA:

The Lord has placed upon my heart to spread the gospel and plant a church in the city of Anchorage, Alaska!!! The African Methodist Episcopal Church has one church in Alaska and that church is located in Fairbanks, Alaska, 330 miles from Anchorage, which is the largest city in Alaska, Anchorage is a prime community to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and plant a church! Anchorage is a striving city with a number of black churches. The AMEZ, CME, COGIC, National Baptists have thriving congregations in Anchorage and Fairbanks too. It is past time for an AME Church to be planted in Anchorage.

This is a great faith adventure to break new ground for African Methodism, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. So consider this my personal invitation to you, to step out on faith, and come let us focus an evangelism focus in Anchorage, Alaska for Jesus Christ and plant the African Methodist Episcopal Church in that great city.

The Invitation: Adventure with God! Evangelism and church planting in Anchorage, Alaska, June 16th - 20th, 2008; sponsored by Wings of Faith, a ministry of Grant AME Church.

The General Contact and Project Chair, is the Reverend Jeneen Robinson. She may be reached at: 1-310-927-2685 Cell; 1-323-564-1151 Church Office; or e- mail jeneenrobinson@yahoo.com.

For travel information and to receive a travel brochure, please contact Dr. Leslie White or the Reverend Jeneen Robinson.

We go with the fervent blessings of our Episcopal Father, the Right Reverend John Richard Bryant. I may be reached at 323-806-5232 Cell, or 323-564-1151 office.

The Reverend Dr. Leslie R. White, pastor
Grant AME Church

6. PASTORAL STATEMENT REGARDING THE MINISTRY AND WITNESS OF DR. JEREMIAH WRIGHT, PASTOR OF TRINITY UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST IN CHICAGO, IL, AND SENATOR BARAK OBAMA:

Delivered to St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church, Newark New Jersey on Sunday, March 16, 2008

By the Reverend Dr. William D. Watley, Senior Pastor

Since his bid for the presidency of the United States, the membership of Senator Barak Obama of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago and his friendship with his former pastor, Dr. Jeremiah Wright, have been made campaign issues and given full blown coverage in the media during the past week. I would like make several points regarding this much publicized ancillary issue with its incendiary and biased reporting that has the potential of sidetracking the American public from real survival subject matters that face this country.

First, regarding Dr. Jeremiah Wright and Trinity Church; I have personally known Dr. Wright for a number of years and even though we do not agree on everything; I most certainly take issue and umbrage with the image that is being painted of him by much of the media. In spite of the snippets that have been played over and over again from his sermons, and the spin given to it, I can assure you that Dr. Wright is solid, sane, scholarly, and spiritual. Trinity Church, in my opinion, is one of the most respected, progressive, inclusive, and significant houses of worship in this nation. Senator Obama worships in a stable, sound, nurturing, and prophetic Christian community and his pastor brings a solid and sane word to his congregation. He has no reason to be ashamed or apologetic of either his pastor or his church.

While some would interpret Trinity’s slogan of “Unapologetically Black and Unashamedly Christian” as racist, no one labels the Roman Catholic Church, the Greek Orthodox Church, the Dutch Reformed Church or the American Baptist Church as such. And they should not be given such a label. No one raises any eyebrows when they hear the expression German Lutheran. Trinity United Church of Christ should not be classified in this way. They are ethnically affirming the community they serve just as the African Methodist Episcopal Church (a denomination which split from the Methodist Church over the issues of slavery and racism) is affirming of its members. Celebrating ethnic heritage or national affiliation is not racism, but a way of affirming historic identity.

Could it be possible that even in this post modern era of exploding myths and falling idols, many are still paranoid at the mention of the word “black”? The hysteria that certain persons and portions of the media are attempting to create stems from the fact that there are significant elements in our society and culture are still just as mortified at the mention of the word “black” today as they were in 1968 when popular singer James Brown shouted, “Say it Loud! I’m Black and I’m Proud!” Only those who have been victims of centuries of caricaturing and stereotyping can understand and appreciate the declaration of positive black identity, not as a divisive strategy or as an expression of hate, but as pastoral self love and a much needed corrective to a tragic history of ingrained self-rejection.

Secondly, I would like to say a word about freedom of speech. While we as a country celebrate freedom of speech, we are still uncomfortable with those who take the freedom of speech seriously enough to critique the policies of our nation that contradict our founding principles. These persons are labeled as unpatriotic. Rather than being offended by critique, I look beyond rhetorical flourishes and excesses that are inherent to oratory of whatever ilk, whether religious, political, business, and academic, and ask if the essence of what is being said is true. The reality is this, what Dr. Martin Luther King said years ago, still rings true. Our country that started out as a defender of select poor, since the rights of Africans were never part of the equation, has been on the wrong side of a world revolution for years. I am personally uncomfortable with members of clergy who never offer any word of critique regarding social justice issues and who swallow hook, line, and sinker anything that the conservative right sells no matter what the nefarious implications of that agenda might be. Freedom of speech means the right to be critical and criticism is not to be associated with being unpatriotic.

Third, I would point out that while many are offended by some of Dr. Wright’s comments and analyses of this country, I wonder if they have read closely the preaching of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Amos, Obadiah, Zephaniah, Haggai, John the Baptist, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Many of the Old Testament prophets called for the judgment of God on their people. Our Lord Jesus Christ had prophetic bite and righteous indignation regarding injustice. Unless news commentators have truly studied the scriptures, they are not qualified to understand or judge prophetic critique.

Fourth, African Americans who look at history from the underside, have a different perspective of reality than others who have been in a position of majority advantage. White America has yet to understand or appreciate that perspective or to really grasp the sense of alienation that a number of blacks feel based upon this country’s historic and institutional treatment of us. Yet in spite of this country’s track record with us we have fought in all of its wars, paid our taxes, and never failed our country when we have been called upon to rally to its defense.

Fifth, this latest foray of the media into the religious affiliation of Barak Obama is just another attempt to discredit him and separate him from the interracial and intergenerational constituency that has given him victory after victory in this presidential contest. In the opinion of this preacher and citizen, he is still a major unifying force and voice of hope, among others, for a new, brighter, and better America. While we will all make our decisions regarding a presidential choice, I would just caution all people not to believe the hype of a sensationalistic media whose agenda is not an accurate reporting of the news but the spinning of news in ways that attract the most attention, sells the most products, and brings in the greatest profit. While some in the media may be uncomfortable with the tone of preaching that takes place in a number of churches, there are many others who are offended with the way much of the media spins stories out of context and intentionally omits information because for them, as long as it sells, it is simply business as usual.

Now is the time for all of us who are concerned and passionate about the future of this nation to declare, “Business as usual is no longer acceptable!” Now is the time for change. The words of Deutero-Isaiah spoken so long ago in another context to another people, can serve as our rallying cry for America. He said, “For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until her vindication shines out like the dawn, and her salvation like a burning torch” (Isaiah 62: 1, NRSV). So let each of us say, “For [America’s] sake I will not keep silent, and for [this nations’] sake I will not rest, until her vindication shines out like the dawn, and her salvation like a burning torch.”

7. WORLD RENOWNED TENOR COMES HOME TO EBENEZER AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH DETROIT:

By Velma R. Dortch

In demand nationally and internationally for more than four decades, Mr. George Shirley displays no signs of lethargy. And his limitless talent as a performer, teacher and lecturer can now boast the addition of ‘narrator.’

“The quality of the vocal soloist was so consistently high that the music and words shone to the strongest possible effect. One of the Production’s greatest assets was narrator and tenor soloist George Shirley…. Shirley … brought immense authority and dignity to the narration,” said Seattle Times reporter, Melidan Bargreen, referring to “Montage to Martin,” Mr. Shirley’s recent tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.

Mr. Shirley, who has performed more than 80 operatic roles in his more than 40-year-career, came home November 17 to share his history-making talent with his hometown and his history-making church.

As part of its Black History Month celebration, the Historic Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church Detroit, under the auspices of the Black History Month Committee, presented Mr. George Shirley - Music of Faith. Ebenezer Detroit, which recently received Historical Designation from the Detroit City Council, is pastured by the Rev. Dr. H. Michael Lemmons. The eagerly anticipated concert also featured Mr. John Massenburg on the Aeolian Skinner Organ and Mr. Tyrone Mills on piano.

As snow and rain accumulated under a cold February sky, Ebenezer’s sanctuary was warm and cozy. Mr. Shirley’s astonishing tenor voice added further warmth with selections like, The Lord’s Prayer, Ave Maria, Great Is Thy Faithfulness and Give Me Jesus, to name a few.

Thunderous applause for Mr. Shirley’s mastery continued throughout the afternoon. And, as he greeted his multi-ethnic audience, he commented that he loved the applause but asked that it be withheld until the completion of each group of songs. It was an impossible request, made even more impossible by an adoring audience that was eager to experience the indescribable sound of the world renowned tenor. The passionate crowd was on its feet offering “bravos” at the completion of each song. If the continual applause presented a hardship for Mr. Shirley, it wasn’t evident, as he simply waited for the accolades to subside and proceeded to the next selection. His graciousness is perhaps explained in an earlier interview with famed radio announcer and producer, Bruce Duffie. Duffie asked Mr. Shirley, “Are you conscience of the audience every time you go out there?” “Yes,” replied, Mr. Shirley. “… The audience gives you energy. They are very much a part of it. It’s a partnership,” he said.

Born in Indianapolis, George Shirley’s love of music and his gift of singing were first recognized when, at the age of six, his family relocated to Detroit. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Shirley began music lessons and became an active vocalist at area churches. He joined Ebenezer and became an integral part of its music ministry.

In 1955, Mr. Shirley received his bachelor’s degree in music education from Wayne State University. The following year, his long, astonishing compilation of ‘firsts,’ were made manifest when he was drafted into the United States Army and became the ‘first’ African American member of the United States Army Chorus. After his tour of duty ended, Mr. Shirley moved to New York, where his career really began to soar. He made his debut performing with a small opera troupe in Woodstock, NY in their production of Die Fledermaus.

Mr. Shirley won the Metropolitan Opera Auditions in 1961 with an awesome performance of Nessun dorma, becoming ‘The Met’s’ ‘first’ African American tenor to sing leading roles. He remained a mainstay with ‘The Met,’ for 11 seasons.

Adding to his impressive portfolio, the virtuoso of versatility has recorded with RCA, Columbia, Decca, Angel, Vanguard, CRI and Philips Records. In 1968, he received a Grammy Award for his RCA recording of the role of Ferrando in Mozart’s Cosi fan tutte.

When Mr. Shirley performed the role of Sportin’ Life in Gerhwin’s opera Porgy and Bess in the Bregenz Festival in Austria, it was the ‘first’ time in his lengthy career that he performed the role in a staged production of what is arguably America’s most famous verismo opera.

Continuing with his penchant for setting records, Mr. Shirley was the ‘first’ African American to be appointed to a high school teaching position in music in Detroit.

His extensive list of accomplishments includes being selected one of the Distinguished Scholar-Teachers for the 1985-86 school year at the University of Maryland, College Park, where he served as Professor of voice from 1980 to 1987. In September, 1987, he was invited to join the faculty of the School of Music of the University of Michigan (U of M), Ann Arbor. At U of M’s July, 1992 meeting, the Board of Regents named Mr. Shirley the Joseph Edgar Maddy Distinguished University Professor of Music.

He holds honorary degrees from Wilberforce University, Montclair State College, Lake Forest College, and the University of Northern Iowa.

Among his many appointments and positions, Mr. Shirley served as a Senior Fellow in the University of Michigan Society of Fellows. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Pi Kappa Lambda, Phi Kappa Phi, and the Omicron Delta Kappa, along with a plethora of other universities and organizations.

Mr. Shirley is married to the former Gladys Lee Ishop and they have two children, Olwyn and Lyle.

8. BLACK MARRIAGE DAY - MARCH 30TH:

www.firstthings.org
www.blackmarriageday.com

On March 30, First Things First will join more than 200 organizations and places of worship across the country to celebrate Black Marriage Day. National organizers have set a goal to have 5,000 African American married couples across America renew their sacred vows.

First Things First is urging local churches and organizations to encourage couples to show their support of marriage by conducting a vow renewal ceremony on that day.

The black community is in need of a legacy of strong healthy marriages, said Dr. Rozario Slack, director of Marriage, Fathering, and Family Initiatives. We encourage local churches to demonstrate their support for marriage in celebration of Black Marriage Day.

Marriage in the African American Community is on the decline. Today, African Americans have the lowest marriage rate of any racial group in the United States. According to the U.S. Census, 43.3 percent of black men and 41.9 percent of black women in America have never been married. In 30 years, the overall marriage rate in the United States declined by 17 percent, but for African Americans, it fell by 34 percent.

It is estimated that 80 percent of all African American children will spend their childhood living apart from their fathers. While an estimated seventy percent of African American children are born to unmarried mothers.

First Things First wants to send a message to the next generation of black couples that long lasting marriages are important, said Dr. Slack.

There are many ways to celebrate Black Marriage Day 2008. FTF encourages people to exhaust their creativity and offer programs that reach a range of the black community to include couples, singles and youth.

9. DISMAL HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION RATES VIOLATE FLORIDA CONSTITUTION, SAYS ACLU LAWSUIT:

Palm Beach County Reflects Disturbing National Crisis

WEST PALM BEACH, FL – Charging that shamefully low high school graduation rates demonstrate a violation of students’ constitutional right to a high quality education, the American Civil Liberties Union filed a first-of-its-kind class action lawsuit today against the Palm Beach County School District. It is estimated that as many as one in three Palm Beach County students does not graduate on time with a regular diploma, a figure that is well below both the state and national averages. This case is the first legal challenge in the country that focuses on the issue of low graduation rates and that requires a school district to graduate more of its students.

“If Palm Beach County is not graduating a third or more of its students, it is by definition providing an inadequate education,” said Chris Hansen, a senior staff attorney with the ACLU. “Unfortunately, this is just one example of a larger disturbing trend of poor graduation rates across the country.”

The ACLU’s legal challenge, filed on behalf of parents and students in the district, charges that the Palm Beach County School District violates the state constitution’s declaration of the “fundamental value” of educating children and the right that free public education be “uniform, efficient, safe, secure and high quality.” The ACLU is not seeking additional funding or any specific remedial measures, only that the school district improves its graduation rates without pushing students out of the system. The lawsuit also seeks to put in place a uniform and reliable graduation rate calculation that accurately accounts for every student enrolled in Palm Beach County’s high schools. Currently, there are multiple, inconsistent graduation rate measures that are inaccurate and inflated.

In addition to low graduation rates among all students in Palm Beach County, there is a significant disparity between the graduation rates of African-American and Hispanic students and those of white students.

For the past five years, the gap between black and white graduation rates has remained approximately 30%, while the gap between Hispanic and white graduation rates has been about 20%. According to the ACLU’s legal challenge, the stark difference in graduation rates along racial lines is evidence enough of the school district’s constitutional violations. The lawsuit, however, aims to improve the graduation rates for all students enrolled in Palm Beach County.

“A high quality education for every child is not a luxury, but a constitutional requirement,” said Muslima Lewis, Director of the ACLU of Florida’s Racial Justice Project. “The Palm Beach County School District must be held accountable for upholding the Florida constitutional mandate to make high quality education a reality for all students, regardless of age, race, special needs, ethnicity or gender. Students and teachers in Palm Beach County deserve an environment that ensures success, not failure – the District owes it to them and to our community.”

Graduation rates are not just a problem in Palm Beach, but throughout the country. However, there are school districts with similar demographics that perform substantially better, proving that Palm Beach, too, can do better. For example, in 2004, using a respected methodology developed by the Harvard Civil Rights Project and the Urban Institute, the schools systems in Maryland’s Baltimore and Montgomery counties and Virginia’s Fairfax County had graduation rates slightly above 80 percent, compared to only 56.1 percent in Palm Beach County. Accordingly, Palm Beach County’s low high school graduation rate and the disparity between the graduation rate of African-American and Hispanic students and that of white students cannot be attributed to socio-economic status, immigrant status or student transfers to private schools.

High school dropouts are far more likely than graduates to be unemployed, in prison and living in poverty. A recent independent study reported last week in the Washington Post showed that high school dropouts in the District of Columbia stand to lose $615 million in lifetime earnings compared to graduates. The study also found that the city would save more than $20 million in health care costs if D.C.’s high school dropouts graduated.

Attorneys in today’s case are Hansen, Vanita Gupta and Larry Schwartzol of the ACLU Racial Justice Program, Lewis of the ACLU of Florida, Deborah N. Archer of the New York Law School Racial Justice Project and cooperating attorney Ramona Hupp.

A copy of the legal complaint in this case is available at: www.aclu.org/racialjustice/edu/34507lgl20080318.html

More information on the ACLU Racial Justice Program is available at: www.aclu.org/racialjustice/index.html

More information on the New York Law School Racial Justice Project is available at: www.nyls.edu/pages/5368.asp

10. THE REVEREND EDRENA HOUSTON BROWN ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR SECRETARY/TREASURER FOR CHRISTIAN EDUCATION:

The Reverend Edrena Houston Brown announces her candidacy for the position of Secretary/Treasurer for Christian Education “2008.” She is an Itinerant Elder in the AME Church, the Eleventh Episcopal District. She is a graduate of Turner Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center, Atlanta, Georgia where she earned the Master of Arts Degree in Christian Education.

My Father, the late Presiding Elder O.H. Houston, served proudly as the Chief Marshall for the Council of Bishops, and had served in that position for 27 years when he died 1996. Before his death, he inspired me to publish, The Cultural Connection Magazine “The Candidates Outlook” in promoting Candidates for Bishop and General Officers” in advertising and marketing their campaigns.

Rev. Edrena Houston Brown, MACE

11. YPD GIVES H.U.G.S. TO THE HOMELESS:

The bible says it’s more blessed to give than to receive and the youth of St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Lexington, Kentucky, put that saying to the test by giving H.U.G.S. to some needy people in Lexington.

Over the 2007 Christmas holiday, the YPD of St. Paul collected Hats, Underwear, Gloves and Socks (HUGS) from church members and friends.
The generosity was overwhelming with the YPD gathering five large garbage bags of clothes.

In February of this year the YPD personally delivered their supply of HUGS to a local outreach center where they personally passed out all the packages of hats, gloves, underwear and socks they had. The recipients of the gifts were so thankful that they personally thanked every young person and gave them real hugs and lots of praise.

For the young people, this was quite an experience and gave them a true understanding of how blessed they are.

12. NEW YORK CONFERENCE 2008 FOUNDER’S DAY REPORT:

By Mrs. Annette Webb, Dir. N Y Conference Board of CE
The Rev. Paul S. Owings, Chairman, NY Conference Board of CE

The First Episcopal District African Methodist Episcopal Church Christian Education Department Founder’s Day Celebration was held on Saturday, February 9, 2008 at the District Headquarters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The District’s youth, grades nine through twelve, were invited to participate in the 2008 Founder’s Day Essay Contest. The Essay Contest provided an opportunity for our youth to have input in the development of the First Episcopal District’s Inspirational Theme for the 2009 – 2012 Quadrennial Period. Contestants wrote essays based on a scripture and theme. Winners were selected by a Committee selected by the First District Christian Education Executive Director, Rev. Dr. James E. Deas, Sr.

The Quilt Contest encouraged youth, adults, young adults, and seniors to contribute in the creation of a quilt for each Presiding Elder District that honors our founding fathers and mothers of all 300+ local churches of the First Episcopal District. Presiding Elders, Pastors, Christian Education Chairpersons, Directors and local church members cooperated in completing quilts which detail our past history and project our future.

The New York Conference is proud to announce the following winners:

Essay Contest

First Place, 10th Grade
Torey Norris Clarkson, Age 14, St. Mark AME Church
Jackson Heights, NY, Jeanette Wade, CE Director
Rev. Howard H. L. Dill, Pastor

First Place, 11th Grade (tie)
Eunique Eaves, Age 16, St. Mark AME Church
Jackson Heights, NY, Jeanette Wade, CE Director
Rev. Howard H. L. Dill, Pastor

First Place, 11th Grade (tie)
Barry Paige, Age 16, First Bethel AME Church
New York, NY, Ms. Lois Knox, CE Director
Rev. Henry A. Belin, III, Pastor

The Grand Prize Essay winner was Barry Paige. The theme of his essay theme was “We Lift As We Climb.” His Scripture was Matthew 18:1 -5: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” This Scripture and theme will be used by the First District for the next four years.

Quilt Contest

First Place
Jamaica/Long Island Presiding Elder District
Presiding Elder Henrietta Fullard
Barbara Cheatham, District Chairperson

We will always go forth to serve!

13. BMG AWESOME INSIGHT NEWSLETTER - A CHURCH LEADER'S GUIDE TO COMMUNICATIONS:

*Lynette Hawkins

Are you ready to welcome someone who knows nothing about your church this Easter Sunday? I ask this question after being a first-time visitor at a church in Virginia. We checked three entrances before we found the entrance door to the sanctuary. Will this happen at your church? Keep in mind the guests who know very little about your church and the worship experience. How easy will it be to visit your congregation this Sunday?

Welcoming starts in the parking lot and goes all the way to Sunday School and post worship coffee hour. As we prepare for Resurrection Sunday in a very few days, let's make sure we are mindful that someone may appear who knows absolutely nothing about your church or denomination. As we strive to be even more faithful to the Great Commission, let's take a mental check list of how ready we are to welcome. After all research shows that Easter is one of the more popular times for unchurched people to visit church. Is your congregation ready?

Welcome to this issue of BMG Awesome Insight Newsletter. Whether you are trying to reach the "unchurched " in the community or you want to hear "awesome" more, this issue shares a few tips to help reach out.

As you know Easter is often a time when unchurched people decide to attend church. For some, that may mean wandering into a congregation where they know no one and have no knowledge of how things are done. The opportunity to renew our spirits and share our faith is here.

Let's make every effort to grow in our own understanding so we can even more readily share our faith with those that may not know Christ. Will Sunday Be Guest-Friendly? A Young Family May Be Seeking A Church Home.

Ponder this: Matt and Beth, parents of two toddlers, are thirty years old. Matt's family did not regularly go to church while Beth was once a member of the youth choir at her church. Both have been away from regular church attendance for more than 5 years. This week, Beth suggests to Matt that they attend church on Easter Sunday. Matt is a little hesitant because he can't remember much about church but he agrees to go along. Beth gets the kids ready. Will your church appear welcoming to Matt, Beth and the kids?

Get ready, get ready, company is coming this Easter! Matt and Beth are not alone. Easter is often a time of the year that unchurched people appear on church door steps. Does the outside sign say the time for worship? Are the worship times on the voicemail message and church website? Is it easy to figure out what door to enter? Is it clear where the church nursery is located? Are enough bulletins being printed? Can newcomers figure out what's going on and when to sit and stand during worship? In other words, will Matt and Beth feel like you were expecting them this Easter?

It's not too late. You still have time to make sure Matt, Beth and other guests sense the love of Jesus in all that you do this Easter.
Here are a few things you can do in the next few days.

- Update the outside marquee sign and church phone voicemail with worship times

- Clean up outside and beautify the lawn before Sunday.

- Stand in the parking lot and ask yourself, "Will guests be able to find their way in?"

- Clear out the clutter in the entrance/narthex and create a welcoming entrance. Ask yourself, "Is this area welcoming into the worship experience?"

- Assign friendly greeters to all entrance doors of the church and parking lot.

- Plan a time during the worship service for guests and members to greet. For some congregations this may already be a part of the service.

- Instruct ushers to be on alert for new faces.

- Seat guests with friendly members to connect with others.

- Take a second look at the bulletin and explain any insider words and communion (if appropriate). Print extra copies of the bulletin to insure that there are enough bulletins for everyone.

- Instruct liturgist or worship leader to explain any insider words that may be unfamiliar to those visiting.

- Plan a special welcome message for guests but do not make them feel awkward by standing and saying "what church they are from."
Encourage members to stick around after worship service to welcome and greet guests.

Will Guests Come Back After Easter?

Be Ready to Invite Them Back. Often, visitors (guests) come to our church Easter and we never see them again. Sometimes it is because we don't capture their name to invite them back. I was at a church a few weeks ago and they had a wonderful greeters' ministry. They even planned a visitors' reception after worship but at no time did they get my name and contact information.

Before your guests leave this Easter, get their names, addresses and email addresses. Be ready to invite them back for the Spring Concert, Vacation Bible School or simply another worship service. If you have a guest book in the narthex, be sure ushers are monitoring to encourage guests sign in. If you're using pew pads or guest cards have enough and have them ready.

Welcome your Easter guests and extend the invitation to come back. Be ready to follow up and say thanks for coming. Prepare to invite guests back!

Is Your Church Creating Inward Puddles? Isn't Time to Break Outward into the Water?

The Reality: Studies reveal some Mainline Protestant Denomination Churches have declined by thousands of members in recent years. Some denominations' churches average less than one adult baptism per year. A third of the population has no spiritual home.

Our Dream: We dream of many churches turning outward to make disciples. We dream of ministry leaders creating action plans that include reaching out, inviting and welcoming those who are yet to come. We dream of equipping church leaders with practical ideas to reach the next generation of believers.

Used with permission of Lynette Hawkins, BMG Awesome Insight: info@awesomeinsight.com

14. ST. CHARLES “KICKS-OFF” A PROGRAM TO INTRODUCE A NEW GENERATION OF AME MEMBERS TO “ONE ANOTHER”:

Soccer On State founder and pastor of Faith Community AME Church, St. Charles, the Reverend Garry Moss, “kicks-off” a program to introduce a new generation of AME members to “one another” by conducting a one week summer camp for the Chicago conference in June.

As pastor of one of our newest churches, Pastor Moss has sought to “introduce”, “invite” and “include” young families to Faith Community in new ways. He was forced to look at church growth and development in new ways because in the Fox Valley where Faith Community is located, people of color have many choices when it comes to worship. Less than 2 miles from where Faith Community conducts worship services there are several non-denominational mega-churches with over 15,000 members. Most have on site departments that include youth activity zone complexes, sports programs and life enrichment centers that have everything from coffee bars to high-tech development centers. While it is true that a number of AME churches are beginning to take advantage of technology and to some degree church marketing, the fact remains that young adults with children know little about the AME church and in many cases never seek to learn more about it. As a result churches like Willow Creek, Christ Church, Harvest Church and Calvary Church continue to see a growing number of people of color attend and join.

A reality that we must face is that few families who belong to AME churches rarely if ever meet one another, let alone fellowship together. What better way to bring the new generation together than by allowing their children to fellowship together? This is what Moss hopes to change this summer and by using the highly successful Soccer On State program as the model, Pastor Moss will conduct a one week soccer camp for all Chicago area AME churches in June. Details can be obtained by sending an email to pastorgmoss@faithcommunityame.org or call 847-289-5000. If the camp is successful, Pastor Moss hopes to expand the week long soccer camp program nationally.

15. CONFERENCES WILL BID FAREWELL TO 16 BISHOPS:

A UMNS Report
By Linda Green*

Some United Methodist annual (regional) conferences meeting this spring and summer will say goodbye to retiring bishops and become better acquainted with the candidates they have endorsed to succeed them.

The 2008 meetings will be the last for 11 retiring U.S. bishops. In July, their successors will be chosen by jurisdictional conferences, and the new bishops will begin serving effective Sept. 1. In addition, five bishops from the central conferences - regions in Africa, Asia and Europe - will retire this year or next.

Annual conference is the second of three major church-wide events this year in the United States. The 2008 General Conference, the denomination's top legislative body, convenes once every four years and meets April 23-May 2 in Fort Worth, Texas. Afterwards, the church's 63 U.S. annual conferences meet individually during the spring and early summer, followed by the conferences for the five U.S. jurisdictions, which also convene once every four years, in July.

Bishops hold the top clergy positions in The United Methodist Church and are elected in the United States for life. Bishops in Africa, Europe and Asia are elected for a specific term, and if they are not re-elected, they return to the pastorate and are no longer considered a bishop. Bishops outside the United States who retire while serving their term are considered bishops for life.

Retiring U.S. bishops as of Aug. 31 include one Hispanic man, one African-American man, four white men, two African-American women and three white women.

Church law requires U.S. bishops to retire after jurisdictional conference if turning 66 on or before July 1 of the jurisdictional year. Outside of the United States, different disciplinary requirements dictate the mandatory retirement age for bishops.

A Task Force to Study the Episcopacy is asking the 2008 General Conference to increase the mandatory retirement age by two years to 68.

Four bishops in the central conferences also are retiring this year:
- Joseph Humper of Sierra Leone; Benjamin Justo and Solito Toquero of the Philippines; and João Somane Machado of Mozambique. The retirement of Bishop Øystein Olsen of the Nordic and Baltic Area of Europe is effective in 2009. Their successors will be chosen at their respective central conference gatherings, which are held at various times throughout the year.

Jurisdictional conferences

The North Central Jurisdiction Conference convenes July 15-19 in Grand Rapids, Mich. Delegates will elect a bishop to succeed retiring Bishop Sharon Brown Christopher.

The Northeastern Jurisdiction Conference meets July 16-18 in Harrisburg, Pa., and will fill three openings left by the retirements of Bishops Violet Fisher, Jane Middleton and Susan Hassinger. Hassinger has served as an interim bishop to fulfill the unexpired term of Bishop Susan Morrison, who retired in 2006 for health reasons.

When the delegates meet, they could decide to merge the episcopal areas of New York West and Albany, folding four conferences into one and reducing the number of bishops in the jurisdiction from 10 to nine. The proposed date for the change is 2010.

The South Central Jurisdiction meets July 16-19 in Dallas, where the retirements of four bishops will be on the agenda. Retiring are Bishops Benjamin Chamness, William Hutchinson, Joel Martinez and Alfred Norris. Norris has been serving as interim bishop since 2006 following the death of Bishop Rhymes Moncure.

The Southeastern Jurisdiction Conference convenes July 16-19 in Lake Junaluska, N.C., where delegates will elect a bishop to succeed retiring Bishop J. Lawrence McCleskey.

The Western Jurisdiction Conference meets July 16-19 in Portland, Ore., and will fill two openings being left by the retirement of Bishop Beverly Shamana and the voluntary resignation of Bishop Edward Paup. Paup was elected March 11 to lead the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, the church's mission agency, effective Sept. 1.

Annual conferences

The annual conference is the "basic unit" of the church, according to the denomination's Book of Discipline. It may include an entire state, part of a state or even parts of two or more states. In addition, three U.S. missionary conferences rely on the denomination for funding.

During the annual conference gatherings in the United States, Africa, Europe and the Philippines, one-year appointments of all conference clergy members are announced. New deacons and elders are ordained, candidates for ordination approved, and special projects and ministries recognized. A bishop presides over each annual session.

The first session of 2008 conference gatherings was held in February when the Northwest Philippines Conference convened. The U.S. gatherings begin in May when the Red Bird Missionary Conference convenes May 9-10 in Coalgood, Ky., and will conclude June 22 with the adjournments of the California-Pacific Annual Conference in Redlands, Calif., and the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference in Moscow, Idaho.

*Reprinted with the permission of the United Methodist News Service

16. JACKIE ROBINSON FOUNDATION EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM APPLICATION DEADLINE IS MARCH 31, 2008:

The Program Provides Four-Year Scholarships for Higher Education and Leadership Development Training

February 11, 2008 New York—Applications for the Jackie Robinson Foundation Education and Leadership Development Program are now available exclusively online at the Foundation’s website, www.jackierobinson.org. Completed applications must be submitted by 11:59pm ET on March 31, 2008

The Foundation, established in 1973 to perpetuate Jackie Robinson’s pioneering legacy, provides four year college scholarships to minority students with records of academic achievement, leadership capacity, civic engagement and financial need. More than financial assistance, the Education and Leadership Development Program offers all Jackie Robinson Foundation scholarship recipients a comprehensive set of support services including mentoring, networking opportunities, career exploration programming and practical life skills training. Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholars may use the award at the four year college or university of their choice.

Last year nearly 3,000 students from across the country applied for the prestigious scholarship. Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholars are chosen by regional selection committees consisting of academic, corporate and civic leaders. The rigorous and highly selective admission process includes an interview and several essays.

This academic year, the Foundation is providing $3.1 million in scholarship support and programmatic assistance to 259 Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholars at 93colleges and universities. Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholars are drawn from across the nation, representing 30 states. Since the inception of the program, Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholars have maintained a remarkable 97% graduation rate, more than twice the national average for minority students. The Foundation has provided more than 1,200 scholarships in its history. Jackie Robinson Foundation Alumni go on to become part of a dynamic Alumni Association whose ranks include the first African American golfer in the Ivy League, an internationally touring classical pianist who was a former Miss America runner-up, a partner at a leading Wall Street investment bank and scores of doctors, teachers and lawyers.

Applicants and parents should visit the Foundation’s website at www.jackierobinson.org for additional information. Corporate and individual donors interested in sponsoring Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholars should contact the Foundation at (212) 290-8600.

17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

The Rev. Mary W. Robinson's sister died on March l7, 2008 in Pensacola Florida. Sister Margaret Owens was the pastor's eldest beloved sister and was a life long member of Zion Hope Primitive Baptist Church, Pensacola, Florida.

Joe Morris & Son's Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Services will be March 20, 10:00 AM at Zion Hope Primitive Baptist Church, 201 West Leonard Street, Pensacola, Florida 3250l. Internment will be at the Pensacola Naval Station.

Addresses:

Joe Morris & Son's Funeral Home
706 North Devilliers Street
Pensacola, Fl 3250l

Phone: (850) 432-3436
Fax: (850) 433-4179

Zion Hope Primitive Baptist Church
201 West Leonard Street
Pensacola, Fl 3250l

18. 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

19. 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 (3/15/08)

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

1. MEET THE GENERAL OFFICERS OF THE AME CHURCH:

- General Officer Dr. Dennis C. Dickerson, Historiographer / Executive - Director, Department of Research and Scholarship

Dr. Dennis C. Dickerson serves as the Historiographer/Executive - Director, Department of Research and Scholarship for the AME Church. Dr. Dickerson has served since 1988 as Historiographer of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and in this capacity has written Religion, Race, and Region: Research Notes on A.M.E. Church History (Nashville, A.M.E. Sunday School Union, 1995) and A Liberated Past: Explorations in A.M.E. Church History (Nashville, A.M.E. Sunday School Union, 2003), and has been Editor of The A.M.E. Church Review since 2000. he pastored three congregations in Massachusetts, New York & Tennessee respectively. He is a native of Duquesne, Pennsylvania.

Dr. Dickerson received his B.A., from Lincoln University (PA); M.A., Ph.D. from Washington University; and M.Div., Vanderbilt University. Dr. Dickerson serves as the James M. Lawson, Jr. Professor of History at Vanderbilt University. Dr. Dickerson specializes in American Labor History, the History of the U. S. civil rights movement, and African American religious history. He also is interested in the social history of American medicine and Wesleyan studies.

He has written Out of the Crucible: Black Steel Workers in Western Pennsylvania, 1875-1980 (Albany, State University of New York Press, 1986) which chronicles the failed century long struggle of black steel laborers to attain occupational parity with their Caucasian counterparts. He also wrote Militant Mediator: Whitney M. Young, Jr. (Lexington, University Press of Kentucky, 1998) which analyzes the leadership of a major leader in the U. S. civil rights movement in the 1960s. This book was awarded the 1999 Distinguished Book from the National Conference of Black Political Scientists. Presently, he is completing Protestant Preachers in the Public Square: The Careys of Chicago, which examines the intersection between religion and politics in the careers of two clergy/politicians during most of the 20th century. The book is under contract to the University Press of Mississippi. He has received grants and fellowships to support his research and writing from the American Philosophical Society, the National Endowment of the Humanities, the Rockefeller Foundation, the American Council of Learned Societies, and the Louisville Institute.

He has been a member and presenter at the 11th Oxford Institute on Methodist Theological Studies in 2002 and at the 12th Oxford Institute on Methodist Theological Studies in 2007 at Christ Church College, Oxford University, Oxford, England. In 2006 he was a scholar-in-residence at the Methodist University of Sao Paulo/Faculty of Theology (Universidade Metodista de Sao Paulo Faculdade de Teologia in Sao Paulo, Brazil). He served as President of the American Society of Church History in 2004. In January 2008 he joined the Editorial Board of Religion and American Culture: A Journal of Interpretation.

Before coming to Vanderbilt Dickerson taught at Williams College from 1976 to 1999 and was Stanfield Professor of History, Chairman of the Department of History, and Chairman of the Afro-American Studies Program. He has also taught at Rhodes College, Yale Divinity School, and Payne Theological Seminary.

Dr. Dickerson is the Chair of the Board of Trustees of the American Bible Society.

Dr. Dickerson has been married to Mary A. E. Dickerson for 31 years. They have four children and four grandchildren. His hobbies are swimming and bicycling and he likes to read and travel.

Dr. Dickerson is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

- General Officer Dr. Richard Allen Lewis, Treasurer/CFO AMEC Finance Department

Dr. Richard Allen Lewis was born in Nashville, Tennessee, was elected in 1996 and reelected in 2000 and 2004 as Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer. He received his B.S. degree from Tennessee State University and the Associate degree from the John A. Gupton College of Mortuary Science in Nashville. He is also a graduate of the American institute of Banking in Nashville and the School of Banking of the South at Louisiana State University. Shorter College conferred upon him the honorary L.H.D.

He served as a Commercial Lending Officer at the First American National Bank, now (AmSouth Bank), and later became President and Chief Executive Officer of the Citizens Savings Bank & Trust Company and Chairman of the Board of Directors. He is the proprietor of Nashville’s Lewis & Wright Funeral Directors. He is a member of Lee Chapel AME Church in Nashville and sings in the choir. He has served on the Board of Regents in the State of Tennessee.

His address, “A Wake Up Call” was published in The A.M.E. Church Review, October-December 2002.

Dr. Lewis’ hobbies are traveling and reading business books and business periodicals. He also has a love for viewing the Godfather movies; he says that he watched the Godfather movie about fifteen times, his wife, Mrs. Delorise Lewis, says that he has watched them about one hundred times.

Dr. Lewis is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

He has been married to Mrs. Delorise Lewis for almost 44 years, and are the proud parents of two sons.

- General Officer Dr. Clement W. Fugh, General Secretary/CIO

Dr. Clement W. Fugh is General Secretary and Chief Information Officer of the African Methodist Episcopal Church; he served over thirty years as pastor to congregations in Tennessee, Kentucky and Ohio. He was the pastor of Greater Bethel AME Church, Nashville when he was elected as the General Secretary and was the pastor when Greater Bethel built the beautiful multi-million dollar edifice.

Dr. Fugh earned his B.B.A at the University of Memphis; Th.M., Boston University School of Theology; and D.Min from United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio. He has done additional studies at Atlanta University, Payne Theological Seminary and Memphis Theological Seminary.

Dr. Fugh was a contributor to Liberation and Unity, a COCU sponsored devotional; the African American Devotional Bible; and to The Pastor's Manual for the Twenty-First Century; he served as Secretary to the Committee on Worship and Liturgy that gave to the AMEC the Bicentennial Hymnal and the AMEC Book of Worship; and, he has been involved in the revision and compilation of The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church since 1980.

He has served on the Board of Directors of Citizens Saving Bank of Nashville, Tennessee.

His hobby is reading and he is a shopping connoisseur. He shops at high-end stores and he does not pass any distinguished stores that sell bow ties, which he ties himself. Dr. Fugh loves hot teas with lemon and Starbucks, not for its coffee, but for its tea. There probably isn’t a Starbucks near any Interstate exit within a 400 mile radius of Nashville that he doesn’t know its location.

Dr. Fugh is married to Mrs. Alexis Fugh and they are the proud parents of two adult children, Marcia and Joseph.

- General Officer Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Secretary Treasurer, Sunday School Union

Johnny Barbour, Jr., has given of himself for more than forty years as a servant of the AME Church and was active in the Civil Right Movement in Mississippi in the 50’s and 60’s. He pastored Heard Chapel AME Church in Greenwood, Mississippi and Bethlehem AME Church in Winona, Mississippi, where he purchased the property to build a new church. As a fulltime pastor, he served at Bethel AME Church in Yazoo City, Mississippi; renovated churches in Meridian and Laurel, Mississippi; built a church in Forest, Mississippi; built a parsonage and education building at Fayette, Mississippi. As pastor of Saint Matthew AME Church, Shreveport, Louisiana, he completely renovated the church and parsonage, purchased and developed a parking lot, a project of over $200,000. As pastor of Pearl Street AME Church in Jackson, he led the congregation in the purchasing a new facility valued at $2.5 million dollars.

Johnny Barbour is a servant of the people and a leader for the people.

As a student during the years 1958 to 1960, he served as the President of the Intercollegiate Chapter of the NAACP, and led the first “Bus Sit-in” in the state of Mississippi. He was the first coordinator for Voter Registration Education in that state.

He has served as President of the Connectional Pastors’ Council of the AME Church, and as a member of the General Board. He has served as Chairman of the Revisions Committee for two quadrennials, and is a member of the Compilation Committee. He has served as a member of the Highway Commission for the state of Mississippi. He was actively involved in the election of the first Black mayor of the city of Jackson. As a pastor, he was a spiritual leader and a capable administrator.

Dr. Barbour was born in Greenwood, Mississippi, the son of Johnny and Zula Davis Barbour.

Dr. Barbour earned an Associate of Arts Degree from J.P. Campbell College, Jackson, Mississippi; a Diploma in theology from the E.W. Lampton School of Religion; a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg. He did further study at the Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson. Dr. Barbour is an alumnus of the Urban Training Center for Christian Mission, Chicago, Illinois and was awarded the Doctor of Divinity Degree from Payne Theological Seminary, Wilberforce, Ohio.

He is a member of the American Welfare Association, 100 Concerned Clergy, NAACP, SCLC, Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation, YMCA, International Toastmasters Club, Prince Hall Masons, IBPOE of W.

His hobbies are working and gardening. Additionally, he likes to restore antique cars and he owns eight of them.

Dr. Barbour has been married to Mrs. Clara Mae Jackson Barbour for 46 years; they have one son, Thomas Monroe Barbour and two grandchildren, Thomas Monroe Barbour III, and Brianna Kathleen Barbour.

- General Officer Dr. George F. Flowers, Secretary-Treasurer, Department of Missions (Global Witness Ministry)

Dr. George Flowers was born in Columbia, South Carolina and was elected as the Director of the Department of Global Witness and Ministry in 2000 and was reelected in 2004. He received his A.B. Degree from Allen University, the M.Div degree from the Interdenominational Theological Center Turner), and the D.Min from Boston University.

His pastorates in South Carolina included the Rock Hill Mission in Columbia, the Little Mountain Circuit in Little Mountain, Weston Chapel in Greenwood, Friendship in Clinton, the Bluffton Circuit in Bluffton/Hilton Head, Liberty Hill in Summerton, St. Luke, Charleston, and Williams Chapel, Orangeburg. At Williams Chapel, he led the congregation to purchase a Wicks Pipe Organ, supervised the church beautification project, raised funds for new pews for the choirs, and inaugurated a successful campaign for $153, 478 to pay the mortgage on the church’s Family Life Center.

Dr. Flowers also served as a chaplain in the United States Army. He served in the United States and overseas.

His civic contributions included serving on the boards of the Charleston Housing Authority and the Orangeburg-Calhoun United Way. He was a Board Member for the AME Sponsored Reid House of Christian Service. He was a delegate to the World Methodist Conference in 1986 in Nairobi, Kenya and in Singapore in 1991. His travels have taken him to other parts of Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean. He serves on the Board of Directors of Church World Service.

Dr. Flowers’ hobbies are reading and traveling and he is an accomplished organist.

He is a Life Member of Omega Phi Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Dr. Flowers and his wife, Mrs. Phoenicia Brown Flowers, are the parents of Nicole Gabriel, George Jr., and Martyn Lloyd.

- General Officer Dr. Jerome V. Harris, Executive Director, Department of Annuity Investments and Insurance

Dr. Jerome V. Harris serves as the Executive Director, Department of Annuity Investments and Insurance. He was elected in 2000 and was reelected in 2004.

Prior to his election to the office of General Officer of the Church in July 2000, Dr. Harris served as a pastor for 30 years, which also included serving as Presiding Elder on two separate occasions in the Ninth Episcopal District.

His last pastorate was at Historic Brown Chapel African Methodist Episcopal in Selma, Alabama where he served for seven years and was instrumental in securing the Historic Landmark status for Brown Chapel from the U.S. Department of the Interior in recognition of its pivotal role in the Civil Rights’ Movement.

He also served as the pastor of St. Peter, Montgomery, Quinn Chapel, Uniontown, St. Joseph, Autaugaville, St. Paul, Troy, and St. Paul in Montgomery, Alabama. Dr. Harris also served as presiding elder of the Troy District in the South Alabama Conference and the in the Montgomery District in the Alabama Annual Conference.

He was educated at Alabama State University, the School of Banking at Louisiana State University, and the Omega Senior Management Commercial School of Banking of San Francisco. He was also awarded the honorary Doctor of Divinity degree.

Dr. Harris served in the United State Army from 1963 until 1969 and was honorably discharged a Sergeant (E-5).

In December 2000, Dr. Harris retired as a Senior Vice President, Group Manager and Regional Economic Development Officer with the Regions Financial Corporation where he served for thirty (30) years.

Dr. Harris is the seventh elected Executive Director of the AMEC Department of Annuity Investments & Insurance.

He is married to Mrs. Sandra Elaine Anderson Harris and they are the parents of Christopher Jerome Harris.

- General Officer Dr. James C. Wade, Executive Director, Department of Church Growth and Development

Dr. James C. Wade, Sr., elected as the Executive Director of the Department of Church Growth and Development in 2004, was a veteran pastor in the Fourth Episcopal district. Among his major appointments were St. Paul AME Church (Downtown) Detroit and Ebenezer AME Church in Evanston, Illinois. He was educated at Great Lakes Bible College, St. Ambrose College, Logos College, and Faith Grant College.

Prior to his election as a general officer, he traveled extensively to evangelize throughout the United States, the Caribbean and Africa. He brought 26 churches in Uganda into the 17th Episcopal District.

In a ten-day crusade in Nigeria in 2000, his efforts yielded 300 converts to Christianity. In 2001, at another evangelistic crusade, 50 persons in Jamaica confessed to Jesus Christ. He also spearheaded the development of free medical clinics and the rehabilitation of five churches.

In 2004, on a return to Jamaica, 54 converts joined the AME Church and a school was built at St. Matthew AME Church.

Dr. Wade enjoys traveling and gardening; he love working with flowers.

He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Omega, Inc.

Dr. Wade is married to Dr. Julia Wade and they have two sons and three grandchildren.

- General Officer Dr. Daryl Ingram, Secretary-Treasurer, Department of Christian Education

Dr. Daryl Ingram, born in Georgia, was elected the fifth Executive Director of the Christian Education Department of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 2004.

Dr. Ingram served as pastor to Smith Chapel AME Church, Locust Grove, Georgia; Smith Chapel AME Church, Eastland, Texas; Sherman Chapel AME Church, Plano, Texas; Salter Chapel AME Church, Cleburne, Texas; Murph-Miller Memorial AME Church, Dallas, Texas; St. John AME Church, Mexia, Texas; and Allen Chapel AME Church, Fort Worth, Texas. He served as the Presiding Elder of the Greater Fort Worth District in the North Texas Annual Conference and was serving in that position when he was elected as Executive Director of the Christian Education Department.

Dr. Ingram earned a Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering degree from Georgia Institute of Technology, a Master of Business Administration from Harding-Simmons University, a Master of Divinity from the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, and a Doctor of Ministry in 1995 from United Theological Seminary.

Dr. Ingram serves in ecumenical and world affairs actively participating in the National Council of Churches in the U.S.A., and the World Methodist Council. He is the Secretary of the Paul Quinn College Board of Trustees, a member of the Executive Committee of Prairie View Ministers Conference, and a member of Interfaith Worker Justice Board of Trustees. He is a veteran of the United States Air Force and the Texas Air National Guard from which he has retired.

Dr. Ingram served fifteen years as the Director of Christian Education for the Tenth Episcopal District; thirty years as a church school teacher, workshop leader, and facilitator; and was a founding member of the AME Church Fellowship of Christian Educators. He was the host of the 1994 AME Church Connectional Christian Education Congress while serving as the pastor of Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church in Fort Worth, Texas.

Dr. Ingram’s hobbies are working out at the YMCA, reading and traveling. He is also a high-end shopper.

He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Dr. Ingram is married to Mrs. Patricia A. Ingram and they have four children and seven grandchildren.

- General Officer Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder, The Official Newspaper of the AME Church

Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor, III is the Editor of The Christian Recorder, the official newspaper of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He was elected to that position at the 47th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference that was held in Indianapolis, Indiana in July 2004.

He attended Wilberforce University and received his baccalaureate degree from Cheyney University. He received his Doctor of Ministry degree at Lexington Theological Seminary and is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and the U.S. Army War College.

Dr. Sydnor served as the Director of the online Bachelor of Arts Degree Program in Religious Studies at Hampton University from 1999 until 2004. He also served as an Assistant Professor of Ethics and Religion. He is currently an adjunct professor of religion and ethics for Hampton University and teaches online courses for the HU Religious Studies Program.

Dr. Sydnor served as a United States Army Chaplain for twenty-eight years and provided pastoral care in support of soldiers and their families. He retired as a colonel. He was awarded numerous military honors and decorations, including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Parachutist Badge. Dr. Sydnor made 86 Parachute jumps while on active duty.

He served in numerous locations in the United States, in Germany and was the Command Chaplain for the VII (U.S.) Corps and was assigned to that unit during deployment to Southwest Asia for Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990. During his last military assignment, Dr. Sydnor served as the Command Chaplain for United States Army Training and Doctrine Command where he provided pastoral leadership and technical supervision to the senior chaplains at the seventeen military installations located throughout the United States.

He is an experienced trainer of clergy in pastoral leadership, biblical theology, administration and organizational effectiveness. Prior to entering the United States Army, he served as the Dean of the Joint Pastors' Institute at Lane College providing theological education for ministers in the African Methodist Episcopal, African Methodist Episcopal Zion and Christian Methodist Episcopal Churches in Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama and Arkansas.

He is the author of the booklet; "Some thoughts on being an Effective Chaplain" published by the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command and “Understanding Islam" an individual study project, which is used as a supplemental text for Islam and World Religion classes at Hampton University. He has published many articles in denominational periodicals and conducts marriage, values clarification, and ministers' retreats.

Dr. Sydnor serves on the Board of Trustees at Lexington Theological Seminary and serves on the Board of Directors of the Sloan-Consortium.

Dr. Sydnor is a Life Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and was named “2004 Citizen of the Year” by Kappa Iota Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Dr. Sydnor is married to the Reverend Charlotte Ann (Blake) Sydnor, pastor of Shorter Chapel AME Church in Franklin, Tennessee and a D.Min Candidate at United Theological Seminary. They will have been married for 46 years August and are the parents of three children, Gloria, Calvin, and Christopher and have 12 grandchildren. His hobbies are cooking, walking, and playing the piano. He is connoisseur of shopping at Wal-Mart, Target and Value City.

Interesting Facts:

- All of the General Officers are married
- Two General Officers served churches named, “Bethel”
- Two General Officers were born in Pennsylvania
- Three General Officers served in the U.S. Military
- Two General Officers served as military chaplains
- Two General Officers served as full-time university professors
- Six General Officers are members of Fraternities
- Two General Officers served as presiding elders

Editor’ Note: All of the General Officers are candidates for reelection at the 48th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference that will be held in St. Louis o July 4 – 11, 2008.

2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:

- To the Editor

RE: Affordable Evangelism Resources

I totally agree with Dr. Sydnor when he states, “The AME Church has got to keep rolling forward.” I admire his steadfast commitment to sharing information in diverse formats. The technology is in place; and so are the people who can help to make use of it.

There are a number of elders, deacons and “wannabees” with a word from God for modern media. Unfortunately, there are hundreds, perhaps thousands more with a word of false prophecy or empty promise—and they supply meaningless content to what could be your virtual pulpit.

Earlier this year, I attended King Day services at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. The preacher of the hour was The Rt. Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate of the 13th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. We'd hoped to capture parts of her sermon on video for the virtual pulpit.

Oh well, my video was shaky, the lighting was not the best, and my photographic composition abilities were worst than a 54 year old diabetic’s with low blood sugar; so much for the means and methodology.

The message followed many mini-sermonettes and eloquent speeches from learned people, and yet challenged sitters to get off the pew and onto the battlefield. I was truly moved by this spiritually enriched global communicator, and hope that other media technicians, operators and communicators can get on board with a common vision for the Universal Church.

http://www.georgiafbci.net/Selma.htm

Eric Stradford
TheEnterpriZe

- To the Editor

RE: [Tcr-3/13/08] NEWS ARTICLE: Sex Infections Found in Quarter of Teenage Girls

Thank you for putting this article out there. As a Health Educator and Certified Nurse Practitioner, I applaud you. This is a very serious issue that seems to get worse by the minute. And of course, your final statement is correct, that if it is affecting young women then it is certainly affecting young men. We do need to keep it "Real." Education is the key.

Dr. Connie S. Richardson, ARNP-C
Second Episcopal District Supervisor

4. NOTICE FROM PRESIDENT OF THE JUDICIAL COUNCIL OF THE AME CHURCH:

IN RE: THE MATTER OF ROSA MCCLOUD-BAXTER
REQUEST FOR A DECLARATORY DECISION

The Judicial Council of the African Methodist Episcopal Church intends to conduct closed deliberations of issues relating to the above-named case. The deliberations shall be in person and exclusively among the members of the Judicial Council. The deliberations shall be conducted on July 3, 2008, at the site of the General Conference.

To assist in its deliberations, the Judicial Council will accept briefs in accordance with The 2004 Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church [“Discipline”], Part XI, Section XX. H., Paragraphs 11 & 12 (page 315).

All persons, bodies, organizations, or other entities wishing to submit briefs shall submit a “Notice of Intent to Submit Brief’ [“Notice”]. Such Notice shall be sent by United States mail, first class, postage pre-paid, to:

Name: REV. GRANVILLE REED
Address 2002 Mt. Herman Street
Jacksonville, Florida 32209

Notices must display a postmark date of not later than midnight, April 15, 2008. Notices transmitted by any method other than as above indicated, or after the deadline, shall not be accepted.

Persons, bodies, organization, or other entities who wish acknowledgment of receipt of Notice shall include a self-addressed, postage paid return envelope.

Briefs shall be accepted from only those persons, bodies, organizations or other entities who file a Notice on or before the above-stated deadline. Those persons, bodies, organizations, or other entities shall receive detailed instructions regarding briefs after the closing date for the submission of Notices.
ENTERED AND SIGNED this 3rd day of March 2008.

/Signed/

PATRICIA MAYBERRY
President
The Judicial Council of the AME Church

5. PAYNE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY LAUNCHES DOCTOR OF MINISTRY PROGRAM:

Dr. Leah Gaskin Fitchue, President of Payne Theological Seminary, is pleased to announce a wonderful new opportunity taking place at the seminary. In keeping with its rich tradition of training men and women for scholarship, social advocacy, and Christian ministry, Payne Theological Seminary is pleased to describe the launching of its new Doctor of Ministry Program in theological and ministerial education. The Doctor of Ministry program signals a dynamic collaboration between Payne Theological Seminary, Wilberforce, Ohio, and Bakke Graduate University of Ministry, Seattle, Washington. This collaboration has birthed an exciting three-year program designed for experienced leaders in ministry who want to pursue continued professional ministry development.

Payne’s mission is to prepare men and women for leadership in the Black Church. We believe the Payne-Bakke Doctor of Ministry program offers the only doctoral curriculum in the United States to combine an African American perspective and a global Christian context, with special emphasis on ministry in urban centers in order that the students in the program can be equipped to minister effectively in the global city.

On January 14, 2008, the newest group of Doctor of Ministry students was immersed into a program that will no doubt transform them and their ministries. Payne students came from all over the United States to join and journey with students from Nigeria, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Uganda, and Kazakhstan. The week long experience, titled Overture I, compared the first learning experience to a musical overture which introduces snippets of the music to come and themes that will be heard throughout the production. Overture I introduced the themes and experiential approaches to doctoral study that are structured around transformational leadership for the global city. Overture I provided the students the unique opportunity to walk the streets of Seattle with Dr. Ray Bakke, President of Bakke Graduate University of Ministry and to visit ministries where God is at work, to dialogue with recognized experts from a variety of leadership and ministry fields, to read, to journal their experiences and to then debrief with each other.

As expected, the students’ perspectives were broadened and in some instances changed dramatically, while lights went on regarding what was happening in them and their own ministries. The Payne-Bakke Doctor of Ministry Program, Overture I, in Seattle was an adventurous, convicting, and challenging experience for the students in attendance, six of whom represented Payne’s inaugural Doctor of Ministry class. Those who comprised this first cohort are: they are: Rev. Stanley Smith, Pastor of St. John AME in Niagara Falls, NY., Rev. Silvester Scott Beaman pastor of Bethel AME in Wilmington Delaware; the Rev. Manual Mathew Biagas, pastor of Murphy AME Church; the Rev. Gwendolyn J. Johnson, pastor of Reed’s Chapel AME Church in Youngstown, Ohio; the Rev. John W. Howard, pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Atlantic City, NJ; and the Rev. Sylvia Moseley of Omega Baptist Church in Dayton, Ohio; comprised Payne’s first cohort.

Payne’s President, Dr. Fitchue and Bakke Graduate University of Ministry President, Dr. Bakke, birthed the experiential doctor of ministry concept while professional colleagues at Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary. They have been joined with Dr. Harold Dean Trulear, Associate Professor of Applied Theology at Howard University in Washington, D.C., who serves as Consultant to the President for Academic Affairs at Payne.

Just as surgeons are prepared in the operating room to become surgeons, Payne is looking for gifted ministers and missionary professionals to join us in this medical model as we utilize our cities around the world as laboratories, and practitioners as professors. The Payne Bakke Doctor of Ministry Program is designed to integrate the theory and practice of ministry within the context of the students’ ministry location, and the global arena through their required participation in a cohort conducted in Africa or Asia.

Interested persons may inquire by phone 937 376-2946 Ext. 228 or Toll-Free (888) 816-8933 Ext. 228 or download an application on the Payne website, www.payne.edu. Applications are being accepted for the June 2008 and January 2009 cohort groups.

Submitted by Dr. Leah Fitchue, President, Payne Theological Seminary
1230 Wilberforce-Clifton Road, P.O. Box 474
Wilberforce, Ohio 45384
937-376-2946

6. THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH CHRISTIAN DEBUTANTE—MASTER DEDICATION COMMISSION ANNOUNCES 15TH DEDICATION CEREMONY:

The Connectional Christian Debutante Master Dedication Commission of the African Methodist Episcopal Church will hold its 15th Dedication Ceremony on Sunday, July 6, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. at the Renaissance Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri. This dedication ceremony will showcase debutantes and masters who have received training in spiritual, physical, and social programs; have completed a required curriculum and are now ready to be presented to the church. These young men and women are pledging to give greater Christian service. Additionally, sub-debutantes, sub-masters, and junior Allenites will participate in the ceremony.

The dedication ceremony is two fold: (1). To present young people who have given their lives to Christ and worked hard to complete their required service programs; (2). To help provide scholarship funds to support the debs and masters who seek continuing education. In order to achieve this goal, we are soliciting your support of the Souvenir Journal that will be prepared to commemorate this occasion. We are requesting your financial support in the way of purchasing an ad to be placed in the Souvenir Journal. All ads for the Souvenir Journal, including monies, must be received by Wednesday, April 30, 2008. Ads should be camera ready and any accompanying pictures should be glossy black and white. Thank you for your support of the Christian Debutante-Masters Commission. We would love to have you present at the dedication ceremony in St. Louis.

For additional information contact Mrs. Loretta Hill
General Administrator, Christian Debutante-Masters Commission: loretta_hill@sbcglobal.net

7. PAYNE SEMINARY HOSTS NAVY RECRUITER:

Payne Theological Seminary recently hosted an officer recruiter from Navy Recruiting District (NRD) Ohio. Chief Warrant Officer James Eveland from NRD Ohio visited Payne Seminary on the evening of February 26, 2008. Chaplain David Brown, the Navy Region East Chaplain Program Officer, accompanied him on the visit.

Warrant Officer Eveland and Chaplain Brown were introduced to seminary students during the chapel service that precedes evening classes. After the service, students were treated to a pizza dinner compliments of NRD Ohio and offered a video presentation about the various opportunities for ministry within the Navy Chaplain Corps.

8. THE CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE CELEBRATES FOUNDER’S DAY:

On February 10, 2008, the California Conference commemorated the Rt. Reverend Richard Allen, founder of the A.M.E. Church. Born February 14, 1760, Allen was a visionary before his time and together with Absalom Jones founded the Free African Society that later became the African Church of Philadelphia that grew into the African Methodist Episcopal Church that is now international and has over 2 million members world-wide.

The Founder’s Day Worship Service was hosted by Parks Chapel A.M.E. Church, an 89 year old congregation in Oakland, California, the Rev. Benjamin Hollins, Senior Pastor and Presiding Elders Rev. Dr. Booker T. Guyton and Dr. Vernon S. Burroughs.
Reflections by the Presiding Elder...

"We are blessed with the rich heritage and legacy of our founder, Richard Allen. On this Founder's Day, it is a blessing to see the people of God respond in such great numbers in praise and worship thanking God for our founder and appreciating where God has brought us." Presiding Elder Booker T. Guyton, Sr., Oakland/San Joaquin District, California Conference.

“It is important to place emphasis on our history. The founding of the A.M.E. Church as I see it is the first civil rights movement in this country. This year’s celebration of singing and praise was done with so much excitement and energy. The joy of the Lord was really in Parks Chapel.” Presiding Elder Dr. Vernon S. Burroughs, San Francisco/Sacramento District, California Conference.

In honor of Richard Allen’s contributions, the Founder’s Day Litany was led by Rev. Francine Brookins, Senior Pastor, Wright Chapel A.M.E. Church San Francisco. Mrs. Loe Ressie Montgomery-Branch, California Conference Lay Organization President, presented a historical statement of the A.M.E. Church and the development of the Connectional Lay Organization.

Regina Bryels, President of the 5th District Economic Development Fund (EDF) Board of Directors, and California Conference WMS President, presented the purpose of the Economic Development Fund and made a progress report:

• $70,000 in scholarships was awarded to A.M.E students in 2007.
• Construction continues of a hotel in St. Louis valued at 9 million dollars.
• Local churches throughout the 5th District have received EDF loans.
• Senior and low-income housing has been developed.

The California Conference EDF accountants made the following report:

• Total Developers: 599
• Total money raised: $30,150.00

Praise dancing and celebration through music presented by the churches in the California Conference offered spirited worship and praise for approximately 1,000 members in attendance. The youth reminded the California Conference of why the contributions of Richard Allen and other historical African Americans are celebrated, through music presented by the YPD Choir singing Negro spirituals and a captivating oratorical presentation entitled “Grace” by David Miles, Price Chapel AME Church Los Angeles.

The California Conference joins with the Connectional A.M.E. Church in continuing to remember and to teach our history, and the work of our Founder, Richard Allen, and others who built the A.M.E. church on a solid rock that has grown for 221 years.
Mr. Walter Mitchell, Allen Chapel San Francisco took photos.

Submitted by Mrs. Marilyn Lovelace-Grant, California Conference Director of Public Relations

9. PAN-METHODISTS REASSESS ROLES ON UNITED METHODIST - BOARDS - THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH HAS WITHDRAWN ITS SUPPORT:

By Linda Green*

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (UMNS)-The African Methodist Episcopal Church has withdrawn its support of a resolution affirming full communion with the other denominations in the Pan-Methodist Commission, and it is reconsidering having representatives on United Methodist agencies.

Speaking at the March 6-8 meeting of the Pan-Methodist Commission, Bishop Earl McCloud, the ecumenical officer for the AME Church, said the withdrawal was based on a series of events, primarily those that led up to the dismissal of the Rev. Larry Pickens as leader of The United Methodist Church's ecumenical agency.
Last November, the commission adopted a resolution affirming full communion and mutual support of the churches in the Pan-Methodist Commission. But since then, the bishop said, "I've changed my mind."

"I do not agree presently with the resolution and will not take it to our General Conference" for adoption, he said. Other pan-Methodist denominations will consider the resolution at their General Conference gatherings in 2008 and 2010.
The 40-member body includes representatives of The United Methodist Church and five historically African-American Methodist churches: the African Methodist Episcopal, African Methodist Episcopal Zion, Christian Methodist Episcopal, Union American Methodist Episcopal and African Union Methodist Protestant denominations.
Established in 2000 by the top legislative bodies of the African Methodist Episcopal, African Methodist Episcopal Zion, Christian Methodist and United Methodist churches, the commission works to foster cooperation among its member denominations in evangelism, missions, publications, social concerns and higher education.

Following the 2000 General Conference's Acts of Repentance, where The United Methodist Church apologized for actions that caused blacks to leave its predecessor churches in the 18th and 19th centuries, representatives of the historically black pan-Methodist churches were placed on the boards of directors of United Methodist agencies.

Those members who have served for eight years reported to the commission that their experiences had been educational and filled with opportunities to "see The United Methodist Church in action," said Juanita Bryant, a representative from the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.

Members who served on the Commission of Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns questioned the process that led to the dismissal of Pickens, who was the agency's first African-American chief executive. Last December, the three pan-Methodist representatives on that agency were unhappy enough with the process that they left the commission meeting after Pickens' dismissal.

No inkling

A chief concern, according to McCloud and Lula Howard of the AMEZ Church, was that the full commission never had a chance to vote specifically on whether to re-elect Pickens. "I never had an inkling to what was going on," Howard said.
Instead, members were presented with a motion from the commission's personnel committee to elect retired Bishop Fritz Mutti as the temporary leader and to initiate a search for Pickens' replacement.

"I was hurt," Howard said. "I have seen people dealt with on personnel issues before but never in the manner that this was handled." Her concern was whether Pickens, who had only been on the job a year, was being compared with his predecessor, who had held the position 12 years. She also wondered if personal vendettas had led to Pickens' dismissal.

Nebraska Bishop Ann Sherer, president of the Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns, said she could not legally talk about the process or personnel matters, but she told the commission that "our relationship with each another is vital." She said she wanted to find ways to address their concerns.
"We live in a culture which in essence is white privilege and racism, and I know that," Sherer said. "I also know that when you have an internal personnel process, you have to follow that process."

She added that the presence of pan-Methodists on the Christian Unity commission and other boards is needed. "You have made real contributions to our community."

Questions about roles

"It was a gracious invitation by the part of The United Methodist Church to ask us to serve, but I don't see our church becoming more involved in this. I'm questioning within my own heart and soul the real value since they (the United Methodists) have been doing this and we haven't, (and) whether it is something we ought to continue," McCloud said.

Some members of the Pan-Methodist Commission questioned their participation on the boards and agencies because it exposes them to some of the inner workings of a denomination.

Others said that, because of different church structures, United Methodists have not yet been able to serve on the boards of the other pan-Methodist churches.
"While it is my responsibility to put AMEs there (on the United Methodist boards), I would do not that again," McCloud said. "There are some positives to this program, but I think the negatives outweigh the positives."

AMEZ Bishop Nathaniel Jarrett, the Pan-Methodist Commission's chairman, said the Pickens situation had adversely impacted the commission. He asked if pan-Methodist participation on United Methodist boards and agencies should be revisited in the future. "The intent was good and it may still be, but at some point we need to talk about it again," he said.

Byrd Bonner, a United Methodist representative to the commission, said the placement of pan-Methodists has been a mandate of The United Methodist Church for the last eight years, and "The United Methodist Church would be much less whole and led by the Holy Spirit" if AME representation was absent from the boards and agencies.
"Nobody ever thought it would be a bed of roses," he said, "but it is a two-way street." He added that stress points often lead to a deeper faith journey.
A snowstorm prevented Bishop Fritz Mutti, interim leader of the Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns, from attending the meeting. In a March 10 letter to the Pan-Methodist Commission, he said, "Our relationships, strained as they are, still hold the possibility of reconciliation and hope for our four communions. I pray every day that God will bless our common effort and enable us to bear meaningful witness to our Lord Jesus Christ."

What the Lord requires

A highlight of each commission meeting is a community-wide worship service hosted by a pan-Methodist congregation. Broadway Temple African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church was the site of the March 7 gathering. Jarrett provided the keynote sermon.
Jarrett, who is retiring from the episcopacy this summer, used the service to give the commission its marching orders for the future. Basing a double question on Micah 6:8, he asked: What does the Lord require of you, and does the Lord require too much of us?

"The Lord has directed us to be where we need to be not only as a commission but as a Methodist people," he said. The commission has come full circle in its journey as a pan- Methodist organization seeking to understand the common ministry to which it has been called. "We find ourselves back where we started 29 years ago...."
The commission is the result of the merger of the Commission on Pan Methodist Cooperation and the Commission on Pan-Methodist Union. Since 1996, the commission has had an ongoing struggle around issues of cooperation and what union means.
In 2007, the bishops attending the Consultation of Methodist Bishops in Atlanta voted to remove the words "cooperation" and "union" from the commission's name, making it the Pan-Methodist Commission. The commission works under the vision of "One body, many members."

"Our aim at the beginning and our aim now is a cooperative ministry witnessing together as a people called Methodists," Jarrett said. For nearly 30 years, the commission members, in a variety of forms, have consulted, envisioned and worked together, but the commission may have been asking the wrong questions "in seeking answers that could never satisfy the longings of our souls," he said.

While commission members often wrestled with what was required and expected of one another, the question, Jarrett said, should have been: "What does the Lord require of us?"

The answer, he said, is to do justly, love mercy and kindness, and walk humbly with God. Jarrett proceeded to define and elaborate on each requirement and told the commission that God has something in store for it.

"The commission can't work it out, theologize it out or think it out," he said. "Why don't we do just do what the Lord requires, and if we meet his requirements, he will take us where we need to be and do for us what we need to have done."
In other activities, commission members:

Refined the commission's report to the 2008 General Conferences of the AME, AMEZ and UM churches and the 2010 General Conference of the CME church.

Updated the commission's "One Voice" brochure to include two communions - African Union Methodist Protestant and Union American Methodist Episcopal -that have joined the commission.

Scheduled the next meeting for Nov. 21-22 in Louisville, Ky., and named Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church as host for the community worship service.

*Green is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in Nashville, Tenn.
News media contact: Linda Green, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470

Used with permission of the United Methodist News Service

10. SOUTHERN BAPTIST LEADERS SAY IT IS TIME FOR INDIVIDUALS, CHURCHES, COMMUNITIES, AND GOVERNMENTS TO ACT:

ATLANTA, March 10, 2008—Prominent and influential Southern Baptist leaders called for a “unified moral voice” on the need for people to care for creation and to take a “position of prudence” in “taking responsibility for human contributions to global climate change” in a declaration signed by 46 leaders and released today.

Demonstrating new conviction by key pastors, denominational leaders and heads of Southern Baptist institutions, the leaders signed a comprehensive declaration that stakes out positions far beyond former SBC statements and pledges to “give serious consideration to responsible policies that effectively address” environmental and climate change concerns.

The declaration identifies the denomination’s past pronouncements on the environment as “too timid” and moves beyond the resolution on global warming adopted at the 2007 Southern Baptist Convention.

"Today marks a new day for many Southern Baptists, as we pledge to take seriously Scripture's creation care mandates in light of pressing environmental realities, said Jonathan Merritt, 25, a student at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and the project director who has rallied fellow Southern Baptists – including many leaders of the denomination – to address environmental issues. “Environmental crises are theological problems, and Southern Baptists will honestly engage these problems with a spirit of humility and compassion," Merritt said.

Signatories include

• Frank Page, president of the Southern Baptist Convention (2006-Present), Taylors, South Carolina
• James Merritt, former president of the SBC (2000-2002) and pastor of CrossPointe Church, Duluth, Georgia
• Jack Graham, former president of the SBC (2002-2004) and pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church, Plano, Texas
• Danny Akin, president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, North Carolina
• David Dockery, president of Union University, Jackson, Tennessee
• Timothy George, President of Beeson Divinity School of Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama, and Senior Editor of Christianity Today
• Ken Whitten, pastor of Idlewild Baptist Church, Tampa, Florida
• Ronnie Floyd, pastor of First Baptist, Springdale, Arkansas
• Herschael York, President of the Kentucky Baptist Convention and Professor at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

Media Teleconference with Southern Baptist Spokespersons

Jonathan and James Merritt and Danny Akin will conduct a media teleconference Monday, March 10, at 2 p.m. EST. They will make prepared statements and be available for one hour to answer media questions.

To participate in the teleconference, call 1-800-918-9578.

Timothy George said: “As evangelical, Bible-believing Christians, Southern Baptists want to take seriously the stewardship God has granted us to care for his creation. We have taken bold steps to uphold the sanctity of human life in the midst of a culture of death and we must continue to be advocates for ‘the least of these.’ But we also recognize that ‘the earth is the Lord’s,’ and we bear a special responsibility — precisely as Christians and as Baptists — to treat with protective care and concern the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the earth on which we live, move, and have our being as persons made in the image of God. With this new statement, Southern Baptists, more boldly than ever before, own this responsibility and we invite others to join us in this worthy effort.”

“This declaration seeks to address the biblical call to the stewardship of God's creation. In doing so, it serves as a timely response to contemporary environmental concerns in our culture,” Dockery said.

“This is a call to be informed and get involved in caring for creation, what John Calvin called ‘the theater of God’s glory,’” said Akin. “Here we find a challenge to be prudent, wise and active as biblical stewards of God’s good gift.”

James Merritt added: "Southern Baptists should lead the way in modeling proper care of the environment in both practice and precept because this is a God-created world that deserves the very best of our ecological stewardship. This declaration advances our voice on these important issues in a prudent yet firm way.”

The declaration offers four sections with the following headings:

• Humans must care for creation and take responsibility for our contributions to environmental degradation

• It is prudent to address global climate change
• Christian moral convictions and our Southern Baptist doctrines demand our environmental stewardship
• It is time for individuals, churches, communities, and governments to act.

For the text of the full declaration of a complete list of signatories, go to www.baptistcreationcare.org. To interview spokespersons for A Southern Baptist Declaration on the Environment and Climate Change, contact Mitch Leff at mitch@schroderpr.com or cell (404) 861-4769, or Amber Rigsby at amber@schroderpr.com or cell (678) 644-7249.

11. JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC - CHURCH AND PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:

Gospel Artist Norman Hutchins is coming to Jackson. Dr. Hutchins will be joined by Evangelist Myrna Summers and conductor/author James Abbington as featured consultants for the 32nd Annual Church Music Workshop of America at Jackson State University June 16-19 with a concert on Thursday, June 19th at 7pm in the Rose McCoy Auditorium featuring these artists and the workshop choir. Well-known musicians Roland Carter and Don Lee White will serve as special consultants. There will be sessions for ministers, musicians, adult choir members, youth choir members and children. Dr. Hutchins’ latest release is God Is Up To Something and Evangelist Summers, the Minister of Music at Reid Temple A.M.E. Church in Glendale, Maryland, is known for her original compositions God Gave Me A Song and Mountain Get Out Of My Way, her latest CD with the Reid Temple A.M.E. Mass Choir. Dr. Abbington will conduct a GIA reading session. The early registration fee is $100 which includes all music and materials. After June 1, the fee is $125. The beautiful Marriott Jackson is the official hotel with a workshop rate of $99 plus taxes, single or double. Please call 1-800-256-9194 or 601-969-5100 to reserve a room.

For workshop information, call Dr. Jimmie James, Jr., at 601/979-2141, e-mail him at jimmie.james@jsums.edu

12. NEW LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR WOMEN IN MINISTRY:

Powerful Publication Targets Growing Number of Female Clergy

(PEMBROKE PINES, Florida) - A new publication, CALLED Magazine, is the first of its kind. The magazine targets the increasing number of females in ministry. The powerful publication is a resource to inspire, inform and enlighten the growing number of women in ministry across the globe. One in every eight clergy members is a woman, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

"The numbers of women in ministry are increasing rapidly, and CALLED Magazine has a readership that is global and cross gender. Pastors and ministerial leaders from all corners of the world are subscribing and some men are even purchasing
the publication for themselves because of the rich resources that we provide," said Marsha DuCille, publisher of CALLED Magazine. "We offer quite an assortment of articles on a wide range of topics including how to run an effective ministry, grant writing resources, handling church finances and marketing, just to name a few."

In 1994, 19 percent of Presbyterian Church Clergy members were female, as were 30 percent of the Unitarian-Universalist Association Clergy members, according to a study in the mid-1990s by Barbara Brown Zikmund, Patricia Chang, and Asdair Lummis.

Although the magazine has already faced opposition and received hate mail from more conservative denominations, the magazine is dedicated to improving the lives of women in ministerial leadership by providing ministerial resources, timely information, Biblical inspiration, ministerial fellowship, and an uplifting, refreshing look at what it is to be a woman in ministry today. Many male pastors and men in ministry have even chosen to purchase gift subscriptions.

"We are providing articles to assist female pastors in the day-to-day complexities of being a spiritual shepherdess to a modern-day flock; - as well as being a woman with spiritual, relational, emotional, physical, fashionable and relational needs."

Called Magazine provides resources for women pastors, including conferences, events and articles with titles such as, "Secrets of Highly Successful Female Pastors" and "10 Practices of an Effective Ministry."

"There are so many women out there who can benefit from this resource, and the sisterhood of knowing they are not alone," said DuCille. "This magazine brings together not only women, but men, families, and everyone involved in the ministry and everyday lives of these mighty women of God.
We feel strongly that people will welcome us once they see all of the benefits we provide."

CALLED Magazine offers readers a one-year subscription for $29.95. To purchase, visit www.calledmagazine.com. The magazine is also an ideal venue for businesses targeting church leaders and ministers for advertising purposes. Contact Michelle Earnhart, Advertising Sales Director, at 323-228-0793, or email michelle@calledmagazine.com.

For more information, contact publisher Marsha DuCille at publisher@calledmagazine.com or visit www.calledmagazine.com .

13. INCARCERATION VS. EDUCATION - REPRODUCING RACISM AND POVERTY IN AMERICA:

*Dr. Manning Marable

Since 2004, former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards campaigned across the U.S. with a simple message: that there are essentially “two Americas,” separated by a chasm of inequality, defined largely by race and class. It was a truthful message that the vast majority of Americans didn’t want to acknowledge, or even hear. Yet the larger meaning of Edwards’ message may be more significant to the future of U.S. politics, than even the historic presidential campaign of Barack Obama.

Americans are reinforced to believe that individuals are largely in control of their own destiny. Hard work, sacrifice, and personal effort, we are told, determine what happens to us. But increasingly, the fundamental institutions of American society function unfairly, restricting access and opportunity for millions of people. The greatest example of this is the present-day criminal justice system.

Let us start with the basic facts. As of 2008, one out of every one hundred American adults is living behind bars. According to a December 2007 study of the American Civil Liberties Union, “Race and Ethnicity in America,” in the past thirty years there has been a 500 percent increase in the number of Americans behind bars, amounting to 2.2 million people, which represent 25 percent of the world’s prison population. This prison population is disproportionately black and brown. As of 2006, the U.S. penal population was 46 percent white, 41 percent African American, and 19 percent Latino. In practical terms, by 2001, about one out of every six African-American males had experienced jail or imprisonment. Based on current trends, over one out of three black men will experience imprisonment during their lives.

There is overwhelming evidence that the overrepresentation of blacks in prisons is largely due to discrimination in every phase of the criminal justice system. According to the 2007 ACLU study, for example, African Americans comprised 11 percent of Texas’ population, but 40 percent of the state’s prisoners. Blacks in Texas are incarcerated at roughly five times the rate of whites. Despite the fact that blacks statistically represent fewer than 10 percent of drug abusers, in Texas 50 percent of all prisoners incarcerated in state prisons and two-thirds of all those in jails for “drug delivery offenses” are African Americans.

A similar pattern is found within the juvenile justice system. According to the 2007 ACLU study, African-American youth amount to 15 percent of all American juveniles. However, they represent 26 percent of all juveniles who are arrested by the police nationwide. They are 58 percent of all youth who are sentenced to serve time in state prisons. In California, Latino youth are two times more likely than whites to be sentenced to prison; for African-American youth in California, it is six times the incarceration rate.

What are the practical political consequences of the mass incarceration of black Americans? In New York State, for example, the prison populations play a significant role in how some state legislative districts are drawn up. In New York’s 45th senatorial district, located in the extreme northern corner of upstate New York, there are thirteen state prisons, with 14,000 prisoners, all of whom are counted as residents. Prisoners in New York are disenfranchised – they cannot vote – yet their numbers help to create a Republican state senatorial district. These “prison districts” now exist all over the United States.

The most obscene dimension of the national compulsion to incarcerate has been the deliberate criminalization of young black people, with the construction of a “school-to-prison pipeline.”

Under the cover of “zero tolerance” for all forms of “disobedience,” too many school administrators are aggressively and unfairly removing black youth from schools. Statistically, African-American youths are two to three times more likely than whites to be suspended, and far more likely to be corporally punished or expelled. According to the ACLU’s study, “nationally, African American students comprise 17 percent of the student population, but account for 36 percent of school suspensions and 31 percent of expulsions. In New Jersey, for instance, black students are nearly 60 times more likely to be expelled than their white counterparts. In Iowa, blacks make up just 5 percent of the statewide public school enrollment, but account for 22 percent of suspensions.” Too many black children are taught at an early age that their only future resides in a prison or jail.

Meanwhile, state after state is reducing its investments in education, while expanding its expenditures in correctional facilities. According to the Chronicle of Higher Education (March 14, 2008), between 1987 and 2007, states spent an average of a 21 percent increase on higher education, but expanded their corrections budgets by an average of 127 percent. Today, for the first time in recent history, there are now five states that spend more state money on prisons than on public colleges – Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, Oregon, and Vermont. The ugly tradeoff not to educate but to incarcerate continues.


*Dr. Manning Marable is Professor of Public Affairs, History and African-American Studies at Columbia University, where he also directs the Center for Contemporary Black History. The author and editor of over two dozen books, Dr. Marable’s most recent publication is Seeking Higher Ground: The Katrina Crisis, co-edited with Kristen Clarke. “Along the Color Line” appears in over hundreds of publications worldwide, and is available at http://www.manningmarable.net

14. VENABLE CHAPEL AME CHURCH BAPTISMS:

There are great things happening at Venable Chapel AME Church under the leadership of the Right Rev. Cornal G. Henning Sr., presiding bishop; the Rev. Malvin J. Black Jr., Presiding Elder; and the Rev. Troy T. Grimes, pastor.

On Wednesday evening, May 23, 2007, there were eight children who accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior and were baptized in the Amite River in Darlington, Louisiana. Their ages ranged from five months to eighteen years old. There is no age limit on being baptized for the Lord! Although it was raining and the sun was not shining, God was shining in our hearts! We had a glorious time giving our children back to the Lord! There is a joy knowing that children want to live for Jesus!

Submitted By:
Sister Vanessa McClendon

15. THE PASTOR’S CORNER - PALM SUNDAY:

Rev. James Moody

People of Excellence See Life through God’s Eyes (Matthew 21:1-11)

The Palm Sunday lesson lies in what those in Jerusalem saw and why they saw it versus what God sent and why God sent it. The people saw Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem as proof of their righteous posture before God. After all, God was finally sending someone to vindicate them by freeing them from the hand of Roman rule. The temple had been reconstructed in their city and the prophet from Nazareth had arrived. This was in their eyes the heralding of a time of great economic, social and political blessing.

Jesus said earlier, “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6:22-23).

This was a time of great blessing. Yet, it’s in our times of greatest blessing when we face the greatest danger. In our times of greatest blessing it’s easier to take for granted God is blessing us because of “who we are.” In our times of greatest blessing it’s easier to be blinded by the light of our success or become complacent in our abundance.

In the book, “The Final Quest,” author Rick Joiner tells the story of the spiritual warriors who had defeated Satan’s army in battle. When the warriors returned to their camp, the people were so grateful for the victory their champions had achieved, they chose to polish their armor. The armor of the victorious warriors shined so brightly the warriors were blinded by the light and couldn’t see the enemy sneaking closer to attack.

“But if the eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness.” What we see is determined by the interpretation we give it.
The people of Jerusalem saw an earthly king when God sent the Perfect Sacrifice.

The people of Jerusalem saw a conquering general when God sent a Suffering Servant.

The people of Jerusalem saw a political leader when God sent a humble Lamb.

The people of Jerusalem saw the material when God sent His Spirit.

Why did God send the Perfect Sacrifice, the Suffering Servant, the humble Lamb, His Spirit? He sent His Son to restore us to a right relationship with Himself. The lesson of Palm Sunday reminds us to look beyond earthly kings, conquering generals, political leaders, and material blessings to see God through His eyes. As God’s people of excellence, let’s recognize Palm Sunday and all of Holy Week through the eyes of our loving Father – the eyes of relationship.

It’s all about relationship!

Pastor Jim Moody

16. THE 2007-2008 DISTRICT AND CONNECTIONAL CALENDAR DATES FOR THE SIXTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:

The Right Reverend William Phillips DeVeaux, Presiding Prelate
Dr. Pam DeVeaux, Episcopal Supervisor

SOUTH GEORGIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

March 1, 2008: South Conference YPD Annual Day
March 2, 2008: South Conference DMC Annual Day
March 3, 2008: South Conference WMS Annual Day

March 4-7, 2008: South Georgia Annual Conference
Bethel A.M.E. Church, Quitman
1203 South Court Street
Quitman, GA 31643

Telephone: 229-263-8900

The Reverend Ronnie Averett, Host Pastor
The Reverend Jacqueline Smith, Host Presiding Elder

March 16-22, 2008: HOLY WEEK
March 23, 2008: EASTER SUNDAY

SOUTHWEST GEORGIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

March 24, 2008: Southwest Conference WMS Annual Day

March 25-28, 2008: Southwest Georgia Annual Conference
Saint Paul, Columbus
4900 Saint Mary’s Road
Columbus, GA 31907

Telephone: 706-682-2927

The Reverend James A. Alexander, Host Pastor
The Reverend Elijah Smith, Host Presiding Elder

March 29, 2008 Southwest Conference YPD Annual Day
March 29, 2008 Southwest Conference DMC Annual Day

(OLD) GEORGIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

April 12, 2008 (Old) Georgia Conference YPD Annual Day
April 12, 2008 (Old) Georgia Conference DMC Annual Day
April 7, 2008 (Old) Georgia Conference WMS Annual Day

April 8-11, 2008: (Old) Georgia Annual Conference
Saint Philip Monumental A.M.E. Church
1112 Jefferson Street
Savannah, Georgia 31402

Telephone: 912-233-8547

The Reverend George Moore, Jr., Host Pastor
The Reverend Henry Frasier, Host Presiding Elder

April 14-16, 2008: CONVO XI/GENERAL BOARD MEETING

Marriott Dallas/Addison Quorum by the Galleria
14901 Dallas Parkway
Dallas, TX 75254

Group rate: $135.00
To make reservations, call (800) 228-9290 or (972) 661-2800 and ask for the AME Church room block.

Proposed Areas of Consideration

• Faith, Order and Ministry
• General Budget and Funding the Ministry
• A Proposal for the Education Ministry of the Church
• Advancing Legislation to the Revisions Committee

April 17-19, 2008: GENERAL BOARD, DALLAS, TEXAS

AUGUSTA GEORGIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

April 19, 2008: Augusta Conference YPD Annual Day
April 20, 2008: Augusta Conference DMC Annual Day
April 21, 2008: Augusta Conference WMS Annual Day

April 22-25, 2008: Augusta Georgia Annual Conference
Bethel A.M.E. Church
623 Crawford Avenue
Augusta, GA 30903

Telephone: 706-736-4060
FAX: 706-736-0083

The Reverend Mark S. Pierson, Host Pastor
The Reverend Ella M. Samuels, Host Presiding Elder

MACON GEORGIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

May 3, 2008: Macon Conference YPD Annual Day
May 4, 2008: Macon Conference DMC Annual Day
May 5, 2008: Macon Conference WMS Annual Day

May 6-9, 2008: Macon Georgia Annual Conference
Saint Paul A.M.E. Church
2501 Shurling Drive
Macon, GA 31217

Telephone: 478-745-0507
Website: www.saintpaulame.org

The Reverend Ronald L. Slaughter, Host Pastor
The Reverend Benjamin Ridley, Host Presiding Elder

ATLANTA NORTH GEORGIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE:

May 17, 2008: Atlanta North Conference YPD Annual Day
May 18, 2008: Atlanta North Conference DMC Annual Day
May 19, 2008: Atlanta North Conference WMS Annual Day

May 20-23, 2008: Atlanta North Georgia Annual Conference
Saint Philip
240 Candler Road SE
Atlanta, GA 30317

Telephone: 404-371-0749
FAX: 404-378-5257

The Reverend George Moore, Sr., Host Pastor
The Reverend Dr. Earle H. Ifill, Host Presiding Elder
www.saintphilip.org

June 9-10, 2008: SIXTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT POST PLANNING MEETING

Augusta Marriott Hotel and Suites Conference Center
Two Tenth Street
Augusta, Georgia

706-722-8900

The Reverend Mark S. Pierson, Co-Host Pastor
The Reverend Richard A. Smith, Co-Host Pastor
The Reverend Ella M. Samuels, Host Presiding Elder

June 10-13, 2008: 2008 LEADERSHIP AND MINISTRY CONGRESS

Augusta Marriott Hotel and Suites Conference Center
Two Tenth Street
Augusta, Georgia

706-722-8900

The Reverend Mark S. Pierson, Co-Host Pastor
The Reverend Richard A. Smith, Co-Host Pastor
The Reverend Ella M. Samuels, Host Presiding Elder

July 4-11, 2008: 48TH QUADRENNIAL SESSION, GENERAL CONFERENCE 2008
America's Center
Convention Center
St. Louis, MO

17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Sister Diane Williams, daughter of Mrs. Reatha L. Smith and the late Rev. Richard D. Smith, Sr., Presiding Elder of the North District-Illinois Conference, 4th Episcopal District passed on Saturday, March 1, 2008, after a long battle with cancer.

The funeral has been held.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Sister Reatha Smith
1914 3rd Avenue
East Moline, IL 61244

(901) 361-8155 (TN contact phone number)
Cell phone contact number for Sister Ileta Smith-Knight, 217-597-1184 (daughter of Sister Reatha Smith).

Email condolences to: dddhi@aol.com

18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

The Reverend Lindeni Nyoni, Pastor of Mandafane A.M.E. Church, Hhohho District, Swaziland Annual Conference has passed. The Memorial Service will be held on Friday, March 7, 2008, and the funeral will be Saturday morning, March 8, 2008, 06h30, in her village in Swaziland. The Right Reverend Sarah F. Davis will deliver the eulogy.

Please keep Brother Danger Nyoni, our AME Secretary of Education in Swaziland, and his family in your prayers.

19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of the Rev. Virginia Martin, which occurred on Tuesday, March 4, 2008. Rev. Martin was a former Episcopal President of the Women's Missionary Society.

The funeral has been held

Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:

The family of Virginia Martin
C/o St. James AME Church
101 North New York Avenue
Atlantic City, NJ 08401

and/or

The family of Virginia Martin
22 W. Woodland Ave.
Pleasantville, NJ 08232

20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

This message is to announce the passing of Mrs. Fedora Britt McGee, the 103-year-old mother of Mrs. Gladys Sparrow, former first lady of Lee Memorial AME Church, Kensington, Maryland. Until the end of her earthly journey, Mrs. McGee was strong in her faith in God, and was a loving source of wisdom for many people. She attended AME Churches in Maryland with her family, while maintaining ties with her home church in Franklin, Virginia. Mrs. McGee was also the beloved mother-in-law of the Rev. David J. Sparrow, superannuated minister and former pastor of Lee Memorial AME Church, and the grandmother of the Rev. Dr. Cassandra A. Sparrow, itinerant elder and executive director of the Second District Religious, Educational and Charitable Development Projects, Inc.

The funeral has been held.

Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:

Mrs. Gladys Sparrow
6479 Meadow Ridge Road
Elkridge, Maryland 21075

Email: CASparrow02@aol.com

21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the passing of Sister Earnestine Lyle, mother of Sister JoAnn Hoffman-Past Connectional P.M.E. Director on Monday, February 25th, 2008.

The funeral has been held

Condolences may be sent to:

Sister JoAnn Hoffman
825 Bella Circle, Apt. #601
Fort Worth, Texas 76120
Ph: (817) 275-7727
Email: joahoff@sbcglobal.net

22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the passing of Mr. Herbert Standifer, brother of the Rev. Nathaniel C. Standifer, Pastor of Sims Chapel A.M.E. Church-Stamford, Texas (Northwest Texas Conference-Greater Fort Worth District) on Sunday, February 24th, 2008.

The funeral has been held.

Condolences may be sent to:

Rev. Nathaniel C. Standifer
201 Tabor Drive
Arlington, Texas 76002

Ph. (817) 987-8929

23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

It is with sorrow we inform you of the death of the Rev. Ned Knowles, on Wednesday, March 5, 2008. Rev. Knowles was a retired itinerant elder and the former pastor of Allen Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Lewisburg, Tennessee. Upon his retirement Rev. Knowles joined Shorter Chapel AME Church where the Rev. Charlotte B. Sydnor is the pastor.

The funeral has been held.

Cards and other expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family members:

Mrs. Mary Mills
1776 W. Main Street
Franklin, TN 37064

Mrs. Maggie Cannon
2604 Brittany Drive
Nashville, TN 37064

Rev. Latham Mills, Jr.
6236 Twilight Trail
Morrow, Georgia 30260

Or to Shorter Chapel AME Church:

Shorter Chapel AME Church
255 Natchez Street
Franklin, TN 37064

Phone: 615-790-6611
Fax: 615-791-6023

24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Funeral arrangements for Mr. William Simmons, the father of Mrs. Barbara Chester and the father-in-law of the Reverend Amos T. Chester are as follows:

The funeral has been held.

Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Barbara Chester
44 Hidden Lane
Battle Creek, Michigan 49017

25. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:

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

Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
E-mail: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936
Fax: (615) 833-3781
Cell: (615) 403-7751

26. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:

The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of The Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement.