THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (3/27/08)

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

"Evil prevails because men (and women) of goodwill are silent."
18th Century British statesmen and orator

Submitted by Dr. Jamye Coleman Williams

1. EDITORIAL – THE AME CHURCH HAS A LEADERSHIP PROBLEM:

Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III

I believe that the Church has a leadership problem and it is not anything new. The leadership problem has been around for long time.

I have heard the laity speak about the leadership problem, actually, I heard the laity talk about the leadership problem long before I was called to the ministry.

I have heard pastors talk about it and I have heard presiding elders speak about the leadership problem. I have heard bishops and general officers speak about the leadership problem we have in the AME Church. The bishop who gave me my first pastoral appointment, Bishop Frederick D. Jordan, often spoke about the leadership problem. The leadership problem is not geographically confined; it’s a problem in the United States and overseas.

And, as important as the issue of leadership is, it seems to be one of the most neglected aspects of ministry. The AME Discipline seems silent on the issue of leadership training.

The section in The Discipline beginning on page 90 that deals with Ministerial Education: Conference Course of Study addresses, the Bible, church tradition, preaching, theology, church administration worship, black preaching, black theology; and many of the books are dated and out of print. And, oh by the way, there is not one text on leadership. The bibliography for preaching is exhaustive, and though preaching is important, preaching alone does not determine pastoral competence or local church effectiveness.

So often we send newly ordained persons to pastor local churches with their minds filled with materials from outdated books and a lot of preaching techniques, but those persons have not been thoroughly trained in the art of leadership.

There seems to be a perception, not only are newly ordained ministers sent out without adequate leadership training, but that persons are appointed as presiding elders without formal leadership training.

In the local church, officers are appointed, elected and confirmed without any formal leadership training and when local church officers do not function to the expected level, disparaging comments are heard from pastors and from church members.

Colleges and universities across the nation have set up leadership programs because they understand the importance of leadership in organizations and they know that high performing organizations have high performing leaders. The military has been a leader in leadership education; they teach leadership at every rank from private to general. Corporate America stresses the importance of and provides for ongoing leadership training.

The AME Church needs to take a serious look at leadership training at all levels of ministry; and ongoing competent leadership training should be provided for the laity and the clergy. I suspect for some of our pastors that formal training comes to an end when they are ordained or finish seminary. I have heard educators say, “Repetition is good pedagogy” and they are correct, repetitive leadership training would raise the level of pastoral competence.

An organization or a church without competent leadership does not function at an efficient level.

Sadly, we have some pastors who cannot motivate people and as a result the churches they pastor are stagnant. On the other hand, we have some dynamic pastors who are moving congregations from one level of competence to a higher level of competence; from good to great; the difference is leadership.

I am afraid, across the church, no matter what subject is being addressed, that some of our ministers’ institutes evolve into whooping and preaching sessions that make the participants feel good, but does not add to pastoral competencies. How often have we seen clergy arrive at so-called training institutes without writing paper, notebooks and even something to write with? That is as ludicrous as university students would be, going to class without books, paper or pens.

Leadership is defined as “an ability to lead: the ability to guide, direct, or influence people.”

The definition for leadership can be applied to shepherds and sheep and since the Bible follows the shepherd / sheep model, that same definition can also be applied to pastors’ relationship with local church members; presiding elders’ leadership role with ministers and laity in a presiding elder district; and to bishops and their relationship with clergy and laity in episcopal districts.

Persons who study with the Boards of Examiners need formal leadership training throughout the entire process. Pastors need ongoing training and workshops; presiding elders need formal training prior to assuming the responsibilities of being a presiding elder. And, the operative words are, “ongoing training.” Leadership training is not a one-time event.

The Church has a leadership problem. The problem needs to be addressed.

In the meantime, here are a couple of ideas I shared when I taught leadership at Hampton University; nothing new, just a few leadership tidbits.

- “Be willing to change and adapt”

Success comes from a series of adjustments along the path of learning. This ability makes your mistakes worthwhile and enables you to keep things fresh and flowing in a positive direction.

"If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we aren't really living. "Gail Sheehy

- “Shun mediocrity and never become a friend with complacency.”

When you do begin to rise above mediocrity, don't allow yourself to be lulled into a false sense of security. The only antidote to stagnation is to keep moving. A successful leader is one who continues to learn, grow, and develop.

- “Life is a series of compromises.”

“The only true freedom each of us has in life is the freedom to choose. But once we choose, we become the servant of our choices.” John C. Maxwell

- “Sometimes your attitude will carry you beyond your abilities.

You are not what you think you are. What you think, you are.

- “Admit it when you are wrong.”

Don't let the fear of the unknown block you from moving forward. When you step out, there's always the possibility of making some wrong decisions along the way. Don't be so concerned about being right that you play the blame game or deny being wrong altogether. If you're wrong, admit it so you can move on to a solution and continue to progress.

"One of the hardest things in this world is to admit you are wrong. And nothing is more helpful in resolving a situation than its frank admission." Benjamin Disraeli

- “Face up to mistakes.”

Mistakes are a part of learning. You will never succeed if you do not try. And anyone who has ever tried something new has made mistakes. To face up to mistakes and adjust where necessary is a mark of mental maturity, personal strength and individual character.

- “Be open to new learning.”

Just because you've always done something one way, doesn't make it the best for today. Be willing to try out new ideas and information that come your way. Know that God is a God of strategy. If you are open and willing, He will give to you exactly what you need, when you need it. “Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.” (Proverbs 19:20)

"Change should be a friend. Slowness to change usually means fear of the new." Philip Crosby

And, finally, Leadership, morals and ethics “fly” under one banner - “Character is what you do when no one is watching.”

2. CONNECTIONAL DAY OF PRAYER:

The AME Churches’ First Connectional Day of Prayer period will be Sundown-Friday, April 11 to Sundown-Sunday April 13 with the general theme, "Pray On--Feeding the Soul: 'It is Well with my Soul."

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

3. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:

- To the Editor –

I want to express my sincere appreciation for your thoughtful, relevant editorials. I am particularly grateful for your recent one dealing with the Senator Barack Obama-Rev. Jeremiah Wright controversy. We do indeed need an official word from our leaders.

I am thankful for Bishop William P. DeVeaux's statement on behalf of the Sixth District; the pastoral statement by Rev. Dr. William D. Watley delivered at St. James, Newark, on Sunday, March 16; and that submitted by Ms. Jackie DuPont-Walker on behalf of Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair of the Commission on Social Action.

I continue to quote one of my favorite 18th Century British statesmen and orators who declared that "evil prevails because men (and women) of goodwill are silent."

Peace and blessings,

Dr. Jamye Coleman Williams

- To the Editor –

I'm glad that you've been sharing with the Connection the response that leaders in the AME Church are taking in response to the assault on the black church and Liberation Theology as a whole. Furthermore, I think that this is an interesting time to look at the structure of our denomination and how it helps/hinders our advocacy. I don't know if the Council of Bishops has met or is planning on issuing a statement, but it's in times like these when I wish that the Church could speak with one voice and many echoes.

John Thomas IIIPh.D. StudentDepartment of Political ScienceUniversity of Chicagojthomas3@uchicago.edu

- To the Editor –

Liberation theology is what most of the black churches were birth out of. I too support and agree with Rev. Wright preaching and Senator Obama's stand not to denounce him. His character, good judgment and respect will indeed continue to rest upon him as he faces obstacles that will only strengthen him.

Rev. Handy
Bethel AME, Baltimore

3. SOCIAL ACTION COMMISSION OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH STATEMENT IN DEFENSE OF THE REV. JEREMIAH WRIGHT AND THE BEST OF PROPHETIC TRADITION IN THE BLACK CHURCH:

Several months ago, early in the Democratic race for the nomination to run for president, conservative radio pundits began attacking Senator Barak Obama by playing a small snippet of a sound bite from one of the sermons delivered by his pastor, the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright who was the spiritual leader of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago.

Some of Dr. Wright’s critics loudly declared that his prophetic preaching style of denouncing white racism was in fact, “reverse racism.”

By repeatedly broadcasting 20 second sound bites from some of the powerful sermons delivered by Rev. Wright, media pundits from all of the major media, right wing, moderates and left-wing broadcasters have repeatedly shaped a distorted view of Rev. Wright and as a result, the news coverage has reflected negatively upon Senator Barack Obama.

On March 18, 2008, Senator Obama made a brilliant defense of himself and his membership at Trinity Church, as well as, his personal relationship with Reverend Jeremiah Wright. He disavowed and denounced the “words” of Rev. Wright in the video-sound bite that was played over and over in broadcasts in the United States and perhaps, all over the world. Senator Obama also addressed the destructive nature of racial oppression and the resultant anger and resentment left in its wake. For many, Mr. Obama’s speech was on-target, for others it was not enough. Senator Obama needs no one to defend him; however, beyond the attacks on Senator Obama, there is a greater concern.

The attacks of the media; the so-called conservative, and liberal or “moderate” critics have not only attacked Senator Obama, but much more significantly, have attacked the traditions of preaching, the black religious traditions; the cultural and spiritual traditions that have encouraged and helped black Americans to persevere for over 375 years of racial and economic oppression.

White and some black commentators have expressed shock and dismay because of a few brief video sound-bites. Newscasters are critical of Dr. Wright, express dismay that a pastor would condemn the United States, even though the U.S. supported racist policies of apartheid in South Africa that kept Nelson Mandela imprisoned. Those in the media express shock that a black pastor would question whether we should sing “God Bless America,” while remembering the injustices against people of color, the lynching of black men for decades without serious intervention by the government, and using black Americans as medical guinea pigs as the government did with its syphilis program in Tuskegee.

Many broadcasters and whites fail to understand that black pastors are expected to question the moral authority of the U.S. government in a world in which the wealthy are allowed to benefit because their wealth and political connections. Black preachers are expected to vehemently speak out when America allows genocide to be perpetrated by dictators who support U.S. policies.

Like the so-called liberal ministers in Alabama who chastised Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as he sat imprisoned in a Birmingham Jail, these news pundits charge Rev. Wright, and by extension the black church, with “mixing politics with religion” and misleading “ignorant black people” into an adversarial relationship with “their government.” And like those so-called “liberal” white preachers in Alabama who attacked Dr. King, several have even quoted various biblical texts as evidence that Rev. Wright, and Trinity United Church of Christ are not following Christian biblical principles.

It is our responsibility to understand that God does not sit outside the walls of human history and it is our responsibility to stand up in defense of, not only Reverend Jeremiah Wright, but also in defense of the best prophetic biblical traditions.

The words and actions of some media pundits seem to imply that Senator Obama and black people should renounce our historical and religious heritage, our culture and our faith before we can be accepted into the American “mainstream.” Those who criticize appear willing to accept black Americans, only if we do not remind America of the struggles we, as black people, have had to overcome.

To ask black clergy, and laity, to remain silent in the face of a continuing racist reality is no different than Pharaoh demanding that Moses and Aaron be quiet in the face of Egyptian cruelty. It is no different than the Old Testament elite demanding that Isaiah remain silent about the treatment of widows and orphans; and no different than Jesus remaining silent at the exploitation of the poor.

The black preacher and black Christians, in the prophetic tradition of Black Liberation Theology, from Richard Allen, the founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church; Bishop Morris Brown, Bishop Paul Quinn, Bishop Daniel Payne, and Bishop Henry McNeil Turner to the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, walk in a proud tradition.

In the past, as well as now, we sit surrounded by great men and women who have refused to bend down to a “state religion.”

The so-called conservatives who demand that we separate ourselves from our prophetic tradition are doing nothing less than calling on us to deny our God.

This is a time of testing, not only for America, but for us, as black and white Americans, and many of us have decided that we will not bow down to the God of an American “state religion.”

We have the biblical lessons of Daniel; of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. We have the lessons of John, the Revelator, on the Isle of Patmos, and we have the example of Jesus.

We, the members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church proudly embrace the Rev. Jeremiah Wright and Trinity United Church of Christ as walking well within the best biblical traditions and the best traditions of black prophetic preaching and a faith that has brought us, “This Far by Faith,” because we have come too far to turn around now.

Editor’s Note: The Press Advisory appended below is released on behalf of the AME Church by the Social Action Commission Chair - Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry reference our denomination’s position in the dialogue about the coverage of one of the prophetic voices in religion and a champion of the Black Church, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, D. Min.

Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry is available for comment by phone: Mobile: 323-574-4332 or Voice: 323-293-6555

Signed by Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Social Action Commission Chair

Submitted by Mrs. "Jackie" Dupont-Walker, Social Action Commission, AME Church

4. THE SIXTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT ISSUES STATEMENT OF SUPPORT FOR THE REVEREND JEREMIAH WRIGHT:

March 19, 2008

We, the Sixth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, representing more than 80,000 members and clergy in the State of Georgia, USA, express support for our clergy colleague, the Reverend Dr. Jeremiah Wright, Jr., retired pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ. Rev. Wright is a renowned religious scholar, nurturing pastor and outstanding preacher. He built Trinity from a small flock of eighty to a grand congregation of 8,000 members. Our friend and fellow minister of the gospel has been vilified in the national media for practicing the Great Commission to go ye preach and baptize in my name. Indeed, Rev. Wright has received untold criticism for bringing souls to Christ, the very thing that he was specifically ordained to do.

We repudiate the irresponsible and shameful behavior of the national media for replaying and sensationalizing Rev. Wright’s words out of context simply to accommodate a salacious sound-byte. Quite frankly African Americans articulate and use language differently than whites by juxtaposing words to paint indelible psychological pictures. For example, in the overplayed sound-byte Rev. Wright was not cursing America or its people. Rather he was pointing out historical and modern day incidents of racial intolerance or violence that were both heinous and damnable.

From the outset it must be understood that the charges of racism against Rev. Wright are simply false, as it is doubtful that the United Church of Christ, a white denomination, would have appointed him to pastor one of its churches. For us in the A.M.E. Church, and indeed African American clergy, controversy is to be expected as we preach a liberation theology that condemns any effort to persecute human beings.

In fact, our faith compels us to honor God by confronting injustice whenever and wherever it occurs. Slavery, segregation, and apartheid were acceptable to society, but to us these disgraceful practices deserved denunciation and protest. We willingly did so and our acts of defiance were defined as controversial by whites. Obviously, the two races viewed these peculiar institutions through different lenses.

We were pleased that Democratic Presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama chose the city of Philadelphia to deliver his masterful Race in America speech because it is the birthplace of the African Methodist Episcopal denomination that was founded by Richard Allen in a blacksmith shop in 1787. The race factor spawned the A.M.E. Church simply because our founders were ejected from worship at the altar of Saint George’ Methodist Episcopal. They left and formed the A.M.E. denomination which practiced our Christian faith alongside a strong social justice ministry that included:

· Opportunities for worship and Bible study
· Interpreting biblical scripture in current and understandable terms
· Opposition to slavery; and the harsh treatment inflicted upon freed blacks
· Self help to improve members’ quality of life and employability
· Creation of schools and later institutions of higher education
· Venue for fellowship and social interaction

To A.M.E.s, as well as other African Americans, the church was and remains a multiplex of activities anchored by worship but inclusive of educational, health, employment, and recreational pursuits. Traditionally for the black community, church is an extension of home where much time is spent in daily activity not specifically related to worship. This practice is unlike the larger community who often reserve their time in church strictly for worship.

As people of faith, we recognize that God in His great divinity utilizes what appears to be an adverse situation to accomplish greater purposes as epitomized in the scriptural reference all things work together for the good of them that love the Lord (Romans 8:28). To that end we applaud Senator Obama for his strength of character and integrity in refusing to denigrate Pastor Wright who so impacted the lives of himself, his wife Michelle and daughters Malia and Sasha.

More profoundly, we laud the Senator’s unflinching honesty (a rare commodity in presidential politics) as well as his leadership and great courage in illuminating the real and painful truth of race in America. Senator Obama boldly placed the issue of race squarely on the table for further discussion and as an impetus to accomplish the kind of change that he has espoused throughout the Democratic presidential campaign.

Signed by the Right Rev. William P. DeVeaux, Presiding Bishop of the Sixth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church

5. AN OPEN LETTER AND COMENTS FROM DR. BILL DICKENS TO MRS."JACKIE" DUPONT WALKER ON REPONSE TO THE “SOCIAL ACTION COMMISSION OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH STATEMENT IN DEFENSE OF THE REV. JEREMIAH WRIGHT AND THE BEST OF PROPHETIC TRADITION IN THE BLACK CHURCH”:

From Dr. Bill Dickens

I find it interesting that the AME Church feels a need to intervene about the alleged "injustice" directed at Rev. Wright. Is it really our Connectional obligation to provide a wall of protection around black clergy when they come under attack? If Wright was an AME Pastor I could understand the purpose and rationale of such a missive. However, he is not so I question the value of the letter. My dissenting views are based on my conviction that our corporate credibility could be imperiled. The AMEC, rightfully so, did not issue a statement of support for either Rev. Creflo Dollar or Bishop Eddie Long when they came under Congressional scrutiny earlier this year about their tax status. Why then are we circling the wagons around Rev. Wright? The AMEC, rightfully so, was supportive of activities in the Jenna Six Case. However, our Zion failed to acknowledge the injustice directed at the four white male Duke Lacrosse players who were falsely accused of rape by a black woman in Durham, NC. Do we not care for the white members in the AMEC as well as our black brothers and sisters? It would appear we are engaging in a form of selective outrage. Martin L. King, Jr. indicated that the existence of injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Most importantly, too often we turn a deaf ear to the injustices that occur within our Zion. Is it "just" for the proposed Connectional Church's Budget for 2009-2012 to impose economic hardship on local AME congregations when many of these congregations are one payment away from being insolvent? Is it "just" the way the 5th District Lay President has been rudely treated during their Mid-Year Conference? Is it "just" for voting rights to be restricted like they are for the 2008 Gen Conf due to the 35% reduction of GC Delegates? Given the mega challenges the AMEC face with respect to Episcopal Redistricting, Budget Deficits and a plethora of ministerial malfeasance issues, I see no need for us to get too wrapped up in the "Wright Affair". Until we address and fix our internal injustices, all of this righteous indignation about Rev. Wright, in my opinion, is a waste of time and energy and deflects our attention away from more important priorities. I'm well aware of the Presidential implications that surround Wright but the core priorities of the AMEC transcend the public musings of a UCC cleric; just my two cents. Please feel free to circulate my random thoughts to any interested party.

Bill Dickens is a member of Bethel AME Church in Tallahassee, Florida

- Mrs. "Jackie" Dupont Walker's Response to Dr. Dickens' Message:

I have read your response to the AME Church's Response to the Attack on Jeremiah Wright (a de facto attack on the Black Church, in fact). You know that I will always respect your point of view and will analyze its implications for modification of my thoughts and actions, however, on this matter, after two readings, I respectfully disagree.

When one reviews the mission of the AME Church, reads the mission of the Social Action Commission and re-visits our legacy - the notion of "caring for us and ours first" is an alien concept. From the beginning our Zion was about the good of the people of all persuasions. Today is no different.

Most importantly, the wisdom of our forbearers created a mechanism or several to correct and discuss the internal issues of ministry and administration. They even provided a vehicle for each of us to individually express our burning issues, then build consensus vs. having to build consensus prior to being heard. The internal matters that you highlight are not minor and there continues to be an open dialogue including an eminent meeting in New Orleans and Dallas for every AME to participate in that has the potential of making some very important recommendations re budget, strategic planning, the health of the church and local congregations, etc. On an ongoing basis, the General Board has a specific charge to receive your thoughts on these matters.

The Social Action Commission (SAC) is charged to keep a link open to the broader community and we are proud and honored to encourage the AME Church's partnership and engagement in insuring the quality of life, addressing the moral issues, providing alternative foci and perspectives, and proposing the cutting edge solutions that impact the communities we serve worldwide. The SAC has been an arm chair participant and silent for too long when it mattered!! We pledged in 2004 to remove the muzzle of complacency as well as the badge of joining on the bandwagon after the dust settled.

Unfortunately, to focus as you suggest would make us poor stewards, and that would be both tragic and regrettable. I urge you to continue your passion and make your voice heard where it can count, even if you begin alone and gather allies. Many of us have done that and will continue to do so on many fronts.

But for now - it is my charge to be faithful and available to sound the clarion for social justice and true equality for all, support freedom of expression and beliefs, and provide a window of clarity as needed remembering that, “When you change the way you look at things, then the things you look at change."

As always I appreciate your friendship and just you. Be well!

SIStah "Jackie"

- Dr Bill Dickens’ Response to Mrs. “Jackie” Dupont Walker:

Many thanks for your thoughtful response. Like King Agrippa told St. Paul in the Book of Acts, "thou almost maketh me a believer."

It is reassuring to me that we can have informed and honest debate in our Zion absent the malicious and vitriolic disagreement so often associated with such topics. Then again, I wouldn't expect anything less from the daughter of PE King Solomon DuPont and the first black woman graduate of Florida State University.

Mrs. Jackie Dupont Walker’s Response to Dr. Bill Dickens:

Yes, it is great to have earnest dialogue about the things that matter and both of us are clear that God's work and our being stationed in the "Church of Allen" matter!! I guess Bethel - Tallahassee is still the birthplace of free thinkers, passionate believers, and committed warriors - and I am biased!!

Keep the faith and be well!

SIStah "Jackie"

6. THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH ANNOUNCES THE FIFTEENTH QUADRENNIAL DEBUTANTE-MASTER DEDICATION CEREMONY:

The Christian Debutante-Master Dedication Commission invites everyone to share in the Fifteenth Quadrennial Debutante-Master Dedication Ceremony at the 48Th General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church on Sunday, July 6, 2008, 3:00 p.m. at The Convention Center in St. Louis, Missouri.

Bishop Robert Vaughn Webster is the Chair of the Commission on Christian Education. The Rev. Dr. Daryl Ingram is the Secretary/Treasurer, Department of Christian Education. Loretta Hill is the Administrator of the Christian Debutante-Master Dedication Commission and Sister Gloria Massey Ward, DMC Dedication CO-Chair; Sister Felita Grady Davis, DMC Dedication Co-Chair.

Should you need additional information contact: Sister Loretta Hill at 512-926-6648 or email: loretta_hill@sbcglobal.net

7. PRESIDENT / DEAN NAMED FOR THURNER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY:

The Reverend Dr. John Green has been selected as the Dean / President of Turner Theological Seminary.

He has been the pastor of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Tallahassee, Florida since November 4, 1996. He was appointed by Bishop Frank C. Cummings, who was the presiding prelate of the 11th Episcopal District at that time.

Turner Theological Seminary is one of the constituent institutions of the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC).

8. AME PASTOR CLOSES AND OPENS TWO CONFERENCES AT YALE UNIVERSITY:

Yale University welcomed Rev. Tony Lee, pastor of Community of Hope A.M.E. Church in Temple, Hills, Maryland, to bring the message on the closing day of the 13th Annual Black Solidarity Conference: “The Ballot or the Bullet: Revitalizing the Revolution “at Yale College and for the opening of the Annual All-School conference: “Yale and New Haven: Living Together” at Yale Divinity School.

The Black Solidarity Conference brought together hundreds of black undergraduates from colleges and universities such as Harvard, Wilberforce, and Morehouse. The students discussed health, environment, and education issues affecting the black community and heard from speakers such as Tavis Smiley and the new governor of New York, David Patterson. Rev. Lee spoke at the closing worship service on Sunday, March 2.

The next day, Rev. Lee opened Yale Divinity’s Annual All-School Conference that encouraged seminarians to explore further ways to minister through immediate and practical community action. Speakers included various city officials, immigration activists, and performance artists.

In 2006, Rev. Lee founded Community of Hope A.M.E. Church which has grown to over 900 members and emphasizes outreach programs known as SHEETS: Spirituality, Health, Education, Economics, Technology and Social. For example, periodically, all ages of the congregation are encouraged to undergo HIV/AIDS testing during the worship service. Before founding Community of Hope, Rev. Lee served as the Senior Minister to Young Adults at Ebenezer A.M.E. Church in Ft. Washington, Maryland, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Grainger Browning, Jr. and Rev. Dr. Jo Ann Browning.

Rev. Tony Lee was co-hosted by Shakira Sanchez-Collins, an AME licensed preacher and Associate Minister of the student-run Black Church at Yale, and Rahiel Tesfamariam, the co-director of the Yale Social Action Committee.

Submitted by:
Shakira Sanchez-Collins
Yale University Senior
St. James A.M.E. Church, Orange Park, Florida

9. AME CHURCH PRAISE DANCERS & ASHANTI CULTURAL ARTS ON THEIR WAY TO NEW YORK:

By: M. Camellia Brown, Teen Writer

With over 20 dancers ranging from ages six to 17, Steps of Praise of Mount Hermon AME Church in Miami, Florida and the Ashanti Cultural Arts Dancers are enroute to New York City during the upcoming Spring Break week at the end of March 2008. These talented and gifted dancers will be taking private lessons from the renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Dance Theatre of Harlem and the Julliard School and Dance.

“The importance of Worship and Praises to God is one of the highest callings of honor that an individual can surrender unto God,” says Ms. Jemilah L. Jones, who teaches and prepares youth for professional dancing, and who is an Alumna of Florida A & M University in Tallahassee.

“Training begins weekly with mediation and with each dancer understanding the purpose of dancing and giving God the Honor,” says Ms. Jones. Her career begin as early, as seven years old and she feels that it is a blessing to give back to her church with the gift of dance and bless children who are all blessings of Jesus Christ.

Ms. Jones is the daughter of Ms. Linda Houston Jones and the late Mr. Emridge Jones, Jr., Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. Emridge Jones, Sr., and the late Mrs. Norma Jones of Chicago, Illinois; former members of Greater Institutional AME Church in Chicago, and the granddaughter of the late Presiding Elder O. H. Houston and Mrs. M.C. Houston of Daytona Beach, Florida. .

The Dancers have been raising funds for their trip throughout the year and churches and persons who would like to help the dancers may contact Linda Houston Jones, founder of Ashanti Cultural Arts, Inc. at (754) 422-4638 all donations are tax deductible.

The Rev. Dr. John F. White, Pastor of Mt. Herman AME Church in Miami, Florida.

10. MONROVIA, LIBERIA. 65 SOULS COME TO THE LORD IN HOLY WEEK REVIVAL AND MISSION WORK!

Reverend William M. Campbell, Jr.

The Lord is indeed doing great things here through Bishop David Daniels and the wonderful people of the 14th Episcopal District. On last Saturday (03.15.2008) I had an opportunity, along with several others, to visit Bishop Daniels' hometown - Tomboetown (sp) in Rivercess. We viewed a 12 classroom school under construction with a 350 seat community center which will also be used for worship. Indeed I have never seen the church shine so brightly. We own literally thousands of acres of land in this country which is under development now.

Yesterday, Wednesday 19 March, I went with Bishop and another group to Royseville to see the rebuilding of an historic site which had not been used in more than a decade. This site is now also under construction to be restored as a school complete with full girls dormitory for boarding. There are five (5) under construction or renovation and an additional eight (8) to come shortly. When it is all completed the school will serve hundreds of students. The chapel in the one of the buildings is also a site for one of our churches.

While visiting, Bishop Daniels led our group of about 14 to have a time of worship. We called the workers in and praised the Lord with song, prayer and a brief word: “Shake Up! Glory Down! Peace Out” from Haggai 2:1-9 was what we were blessed to share. 12 workers from the construction team gave their lives to the Lord! To God be the glory!

This outpouring continued in the revival at the mother church - Eliza Turner. The messages we shared were: "I Just Can’t Take it Anymore," "What Do You Want Now?" and tonight "I Got You Covered."

The soul report:
Tuesday – 7 souls saved
Wednesday - 24 (plus 12 at Royseville)
Thursday – 22 souls saved

At the conclusion of the service tonight we celebrated the Last Supper dipping the bread in the wine cup in the old traditional manner. Also, I was gowned with a beautiful African garment with a hat (crown). In the words of Mother Clemmie (Bishop Daniels mother-in-law), I am officially a Liberian Boy. Praise the Lord for the opportunity to come home. One of the other highlights of the trip was today when I got an opportunity to have an audience with the Vice President of the country, The Honorable Joseph Boakai. What blessings we shared as the present leadership has respect for the work of Bishop Daniels and the AME Church here in Liberia.

Reverend William M. Campbell, Jr.
Flaming Fire Ministries
Post Office Box 10776
Killeen, Texas 76547-0776
http://www.flamingfire21.org/

11. COMMISSIONER DARNELL SALUTES TURNER SEMINARY PRESIDENT / DEAN, THE REV. DR. JACOBS ON HIS RETIREMENT:

Fulton County District 5 Commissioner Emma I. Darnell presents a congratulatory proclamation to Rev. Dr. Daniel Wesley Jacobs, Sr., who retired in February 2008 after 23 years as President/Dean of Turner Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC). During his more than 50 years in Atlanta, the third-generation AME preacher also pastored a number of churches, taught at Morris Brown and ITC, was a financial broker and a Fulton County Adult Probation Officer. Also shown are (from left): Commission Chairman John H. Eaves; Dr. Betty Clark; Tisa Jones; Mrs. Mary Jacobs; Commissioner Nancy A. Boxill; Vice Chairman William “Bill” Edwards; Rev. Amanda Kelley; Commissioner Robb Pitts; Rev. Karen Anderson, Turner Theological Seminary Student Fellowship President; Rev. Larry Hudson, St. Mark AME Church; Rev. Matthew Shannon; Dr. Michael Battle, President of ITC; and Dr. Marvin Thomas, President/Dean of the Phillips School of Theology (CME). (Photo courtesy of the Fulton County Office of Community Relations)

Submitted by Mr. William Durant, Office of Community Relations, a Division of the County Manager's Office

12. THE PASSING OF BROTHER JAMES H.S. SMITH, ONE OF THE AMEC TECHNOLOGY PIONEERS:

We are saddened to announce the passing of Mr. James H.S. Smith. Brother Smith was one of the pioneers of technology in the AME Church.

The funeral Information for Mr. James H.S. Smith is as follows:

Friday, March 28, 2008:

A viewing will be held Joseph Brown Funeral Home, 2140 N. Fulton Ave., Baltimore, Md., 21217 on Friday from 5:00 pm - 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 29, 2008:

A wake will be held at Ebenezer AME Church, 20 West Montgomery Street, Baltimore, Md., 21230 at Ebenezer AME Church, 20 West Montgomery Street, Baltimore, Md., 21230 at 11 a.m. The funeral will be held at 12 Noon at Ebenezer AME Church.

13. ANTIOCH AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH EXPANDS INTO ROCKDALE COUNTY:

By Staff Writer, Jarrett Britton Washington

Antioch AME Church is located in Stone Mountain, GA, which is part of the greater Atlanta Metro Area.

An old hymn of the church says that “{we} have a charge to keep and a God to glorify, to meet this present age.” This being true, the mandate of God is being met by Antioch African Methodist Episcopal Church under the leadership of the Reverend Dr. Stafford J. Wicker, Senior Pastor. On November 22, 2007, (Thanksgiving morning) Antioch AME Church opened the doors to its third location, resting 30 miles away from the main campus in Stone Mountain, GA in the ever-growing city of Conyers, GA of Metro-Atlanta in Rockdale County.

Rockdale County is noted as one of the fastest growing counties for African Americans in the state of Georgia. Within a 15 mile radius of the church exists over 8,500 African American families. Directly across from the 15 acre plot of land that the church rests is the very large Johnson Park of Rockdale County.

In the fall of 2006, Pastor Wicker adopted the mantra for his ministry as being one that “reaches one more for Christ.” Pastor Wicker continually encourages the Antioch family to make every effort to bring persons to Christ and to strive for closer relationships with Christ. God’s name be praised!

Almost 1 year later from the date of Pastor’s vision of “reaching one more for Christ,” Antioch grows into Rockdale County. Antioch is one of two AME congregations in Rockdale County.

To prepare for this venture, pastor Wicker started conducting leadership skill-shops on multi-location churches. The staff of Antioch began reading Doing Multi Locational church by Geoff Surant to prepare for doing ministry in another place. Planning meetings and various presentations were organized and conducted to prepare the leadership and staff for the church’s grand opening. Prior to the official opening of December 16, 2007, major church events such as Thanksgiving Day Worship Service, the church’s annual Christmas Concert and an Open house were scheduled at the newly acquired site. Each event was geared to attract persons from the surrounding community.

A total of four worship services are held each Sunday at Antioch AME Church. 7 AM service is held at the Elam Road location; 8:45 AM and 11 AM services are held at the South Hairston Road location; and 10 AM service is held at Ebenezer Road (Conyers) location.

The Reverend Dr. Stafford J. Wicker is a candidate for Episcopal Service in 2008. Very evident in his ministry is his care and attention to honor the gifts of God through the celebration of God’s servants. The vision is to reach one more for Christ through creative ministries that reach out to and attract the unchurched. Reverend Wicker firmly believes in the church of Allen and the accomplishments, through God, that have been made thus far and the potential to go even further. In the words of Pastor Wicker: “I find comfort in knowing that I have been called to assist God in the perfecting of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. “ For additional information regarding the candidacy of Reverend Wicker, please visit his website at www.wickerforbishop.com

Brother Jarrett Washington is employed as the Youth and Young Adult Ministries Coordinator at Antioch African Methodist Episcopal Church and works vigorously on the Wicker for Bishop Campaign. He is a graduating senior at Turner Theological Seminary at the ITC in Atlanta, GA where he is a candidate for the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) and Master of Arts in Christian Education (MACE). He is the Immediate Past President of the 7th Episcopal District YPD and Turner Student Fellowship.

14. CARL DAVIS HONORED IN WHO’S WHO IN BLACK HOUSTON:

Carl Davis, a 10th Episcopal District Lay Leader was selected as one of the honorees in the 2nd Edition of Who’s Who in Black Houston on March 20, 2008 at the Unveiling Ceremony at the Intercontinental Hotel. Who’s Who mission is to highlight the positive achievements of African-Americans and captures a cross-section of personalities that help make the Gulf Coast city of Houston unique. It provides a valuable resource and networking guide for the entire community. This highly anticipated publication and event, themed “Letting Our Children See What They Can Be,” captured mini-profiles featuring corporate executives, physicians, attorneys, entrepreneurs, media professionals, entertainers, academic, religious and community leaders.

Carl Davis was honored as a community leader who has made major contributions to enhance the quality of life for all Americans. His current position is Senior Community Liaison for the City of Houston. He is responsible for a myriad of duties, the most comprehensive of which is that he works closely with the Mayor and City Council on affordable housing and neighborhood issues that are related to city governance and constituents’ interests. He is an appointee to the Port of Houston’s Small Business Advisory Board to assist in recruiting businesses to contract for work with the Port. He also serves on the Holocaust Museum of Houston Community Outreach Committee.

As a member of the Houston Host Committee, he worked with Mayor Pro-Tem Michael Berry and Mathew Knowles, manger of Destiny’s Child to secure the production of the “Stellar Gospel Music Awards” in Houston. Both the 2004 and 2005 shows were successfully taped at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

Carl is very active in the Texas Democratic Party and has served the party in several capacities, including his election in 1998 as the first male African American Vice Chair of the Texas Democratic Party. He also represented the State of Texas on the Democratic National Committee, the governing body of the Democratic Party.

Carl’s most recent honor was the naming of a scholarship award in his honor. The Carl Davis Community Scholars awards were established last year to recognize high school seniors who contribute service to their communities “over and beyond” the expectations commonly held for teenagers. In the first year, a total of eight students from Yates, Kashmere, Washington, Madison, and Westbury high school each received a $1000 scholarship from the foundation established in Carl’s honor by his former boss Mayor Pro Tem Michael Berry through the Greater Houston Community Foundation.

He is a lifelong member of Wesley African Methodist Episcopal Church in Houston where the Rev. Leo Griffin is his pastor. He is actively engaged in the Lay governance of AME affairs. Additionally he serves as one of the National Coordinators for the “AME V-Alert”, which is a voter education, registration and mobilization program.
Carl is a proud graduate of historic Jack Yates High School and the University of North Texas where he pursued undergraduate and post graduate work.

*Carl Davis is the Senior Community Liaison, City of Houston, Planning and Development Department, carl.davis@cityofhouston.net

15. NEWS FROM THE NINTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:

*Brother K.J. Anthony, Teen writer

The Mid-Year Convocation 2008 convened and opened on March 14-15, 2008 at Payne Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Birmingham, Alabama with pastors, ministers, laypersons, and missionaries from the six annual conferences of the Ninth Episcopal District.

The convocation opened up at 9:30 a.m. with contemporary praise and worship.

Bishop Kirkland addressed the congregation and then presented the Reverend Dr. Tommy Lewis, the pastor of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama who presented a workshop on Church Growth.

The first session began with the importance and principles of church growth.

After the inspiring lecture, the anointing of the Holy Spirit fell upon the participants as the church began the Noonday Hour of Power with high praise; the choir sung from the depths of their hearts.

The Reverend Ronald Sterling, the pastor of Saint Stephen AME Church (Birmingham) - one of the thriving churches in the North Alabama Conference, preached a powerful sermon, "Healing to the Wounded Church," which came from Luke 4: 16-20.After Lunch and a brief devotion, Dr. Tommy Lewis continued the second session and shared with us, “the fundamentals of praise and worship through Church Growth.”

Following his presentation, the Mid-Year participants took a moment to relax.

At 7:00 p.m. after the Call to Worship, the Holy Ghost came in and took over as the Payne Chapel and St. Mark Choirs under the direction of the Reverend Fredrick McCullough and Sister Rosemary Buffer; the Spirit was high and was on high alert. The Bishop presented the preacher of the evening, the Reverend Dr. Marvin C. Zander II, who preached a powerful, down-home message that reminded and challenged us, "Don’t Forget to Say Thanks," which came from Luke 17:11-19. After the inspiring sermon and the benediction, we went back to the comforts of our homes and hotel rooms, to await the final day of the Holy Mid-Year Convocation.The final day of the convocation started with an educational workshop about being fit for the Master's use by Elder Eddie Williams of, More Than Conquerors Faith Church, Birmingham, Alabama. He stressed ways to avoid various health problems and shared that the participants must pray with every doctor's diagnosis. He also said that a good remedy for high blood pressure and a way to avoid cancer is to drink a teaspoon of Brigg's Apple Cider Vinegar daily.After the workshop, Bishop Kirkland called for the organization of the General Conference. The delegation leader, the Reverend Albert L.H. Hyche and the various organizations stated that they were pleased to have 65 delegates going to the General Conference.

After the organizational meeting for the General Conference, Dr. Tommy Lewis continued the third and final session of the Church Growth Workshop. In his concluding statement, he stated, "In order for the church to grow, there must be love within the body of Christ." The Lecture turned into an old-fashioned, down-home Baptist whoopin' sermon.

Bishop Kirkland asked the newly appointed pastor of Uchee Chapel AME Church in Phenix City, Alabama, the Reverend Dr. Chevienne Jones, the to sing a song; he sang "My Soul Is Anchored."

After the song, the Bishop thanked Dr. Lewis for the lecture and thanked Dr. Jones. Also, Bishop Kirkland made a statement that the Church that the re-entered the A.M.E. Connection is doing well and is considered to be a fast growing congregation. He commented that he is happy that the church is doing well, applauded their efforts, and that the pastor is doing well at the church.For a brief moment, the Bishop called upon Dr. Roger Richardson, pastor, St. Paul AME Church, Hurtsboro, Alabama to talk about and give some information about the newly founded Kirkland Institute on the Daniel Payne College Campus.

The Kirkland Institute is an institute that provides education and outreach services to disadvantaged individuals to improve the quality of life in the state of Alabama. The institute accomplishes this by utilizing partnerships and collaborates to meet the needs of disadvantaged individuals and their families. The institute is committed to engaging individuals in a way that is holistic, thereby enabling them to overcome the many barriers to achieving their goals. The institute provides programs in the following areas: Youth Outreach, Welfare Development, Family Financial Management, and Business Development & Investing.After the workshop, the worship service began and the spirit of God fell down on the Anointed Ninth. The Presiding Prelate of the 17th Episcopal District, Bishop Paul J.M. Kawimbe preached a powerful, prophetic, electrifying message, "Fear Not," which came from Genesis 15. The Convocation ended with the Spirit of God and the Ninth Episcopal District was empowered during this convocation to be strong and to go forth and continue the work of ministry.In conclusion, I end this article with a statement from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s book, "Strength to Love." (1963). "The Church must be reminded that it is not the master or the servant of the state, but rather the conscience of the state. It must be a guide and the critic of the state, and never its tool. If the church does not recapture its prophetic zeal, it will become an irrelevant social club without moral or spiritual authority."Submitted by: Brother Kelvin J. Anthony, Associate Minister, Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church, Bessemer, Alabama

16. THE ECONOMICS OF WAR: FROM KING TO OBAMA”

*Dr. Manning Marable

Over forty years ago, on April 4, 1967, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered an historic, antiwar address at New York City’s Riverside Church. King declared that the social programs of President Lyndon Johnson’s administration, widely termed “The Great Society,” had been “shot down over the battlefields of Vietnam.” King announced that “it would be very inconsistent for me to teach and preach nonviolence in this situation and applaud violence when thousands and thousands of people, both adults and children, are being maimed and many killed in this war.” Eleven days later, in New York City’s Central Park, King led a rally of 125,000 in protest against the Vietnam War.

In this presidential campaign year, the candidate speaking most decisively within the tradition of Dr. King’s Riverside Church peace address is Illinois Senator Barack Obama. In a major address on March 20 at the University of Charleston, Obama urged the electorate to consider the destructive impact Bush’s five-year-long war in Iraq had on the U.S. economy. Obama observed: “The more than $10 billion we’re spending each month in Iraq is money we could be investing here at home. Just think about what battles we could be fighting instead of fighting this misguided war.” Obama showed the ability to break down the $10 billion Iraq War bill to illustrate how every U.S. family was bearing part of the financial burden. “When Iraq is costing each household about $100 a month, you’re paying a price for this war,” Obama declared. “No matter what the costs, no matter what the consequences, John McCain seems determined to carry out a third [Bush] term. That’s an outcome America can’t afford.”

Every day, the nation is slipping further into a serious economic crisis, while President Bush mindlessly tap dances outside the White House. Between September, 2007 and January, 2008, the median price for a U.S. home fell 6 percent compared to one year earlier. The private sector economy lost 26,000 jobs in January, 2008, and another 101,000 jobs in February.

The economic “Great Unknown,” of course, is the size of the bad debt generated by mortgage refinancing, and the leveraged debt of investment banks like Bear Stearns. Tens of millions of Americans heavily borrowed against the rising value of their homes to pay for home remodeling, to cover the costs of their children’s college education, and to pay medical bills. The banks irresponsibly sold subprime mortgages that reaped super profits, but saddled low income families with mortgage obligations they could not afford. Today, about nine million American families are currently behind in their mortgage payments. One to two million Americans will declare bankruptcy during the next twelve months.

Obama’s immediate task is to link the current economic and mortgage crisis being experienced by millions of Americans, with the political economy of the Iraq War. The place for Obama to start would be to remind voters of the distance between Bush’s promises about the projected economic costs of the conflict vs. the reality. The federal government is incapable of addressing domestic economic problems, he might argue, because the Iraq War cost is so expensive.

Five years ago, the Bush administration promised Americans that the cost for invading and occupying Iraq militarily would be approximately $50 to $60 billion. By the fifth anniversary of the Iraq invasion, this March, the Pentagon admitted that military expenditures now exceed $600 million. The Congressional Budget Office, a nonpartisan center, sets the real cost somewhere between $1 trillion and $2 trillion.

Nobel Prize-winning economist, Joseph Stiglitz, my faculty colleague at Columbia University, estimates that the long term cost for Bush’s war in Iraq will exceed $4 trillion. The best way to comprehend this enormous waste of money and human lives that the United States government has carried out is to measure the unmet needs and obligations we are failing to address. Several days ago, for example, Hillary Clinton estimated the cost of the Iraq War at “well over $1 trillion. That is enough to provide health care to all 47 million uninsured Americans and quality pre-kindergarten for every American child, solve the housing crisis once and for all, make college affordable for every American student and provide tax relief to tens of millions of middle-class families.”

Even some thoughtful Republicans who supported the Iraq War now recognize how terribly wrong their estimates were for how much the conflict would cost. Take the case of economist Lawrence B. Lindsey, Bush’s first chief economic adviser. Lindsey was fired from his post years ago because he estimated that the war could cost $100 billion to $200 billion. Lindsay’s preliminary figures were right, but he underestimated how long U.S. troops would be stationed and fighting in Iraq. Now, Republican Presidential candidate John McCain promises us that American troops could be stationed and fighting in Iraq for one hundred years.

Obama’s biggest challenge, however, is to explain to the American people that both imperialist wars abroad and periodic economic crises at home represent a structural failure within America’s economic and political system. This was, of course, the realization of Martin Luther King Jr. just before his assassination. “For years I labored with the idea of reforming the existing institutions of society,” King declared in 1966, “a little change here, a little change there. Now I feel quite differently.”

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/

17. COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HOSTS SYMPOSIUM ON SCIENCE, RELIGION AND ETHICS:

Two-day event will examine whether brain chemistry can affect one’s moral judgment, free will

WHAT: Notable scientists, theologians, seminarians, atheists and academics will meet for a two-day symposium at Columbia University to discuss the relationship between science and morality. Lectures will explore questions such as “How does brain chemistry affect one’s ethical judgment and free will?”; “Do science and faith complement each other?”; “How do people know the difference between right and wrong?”; “Can morality be explained by natural selection?”

Certain lectures will argue the limitations of science when placed within the broader context of religion and humanism; other lectures will expose theologians to the most relevant aspects of chemical and biological science. Connections will also be made between neuroscience and spirituality, and between brain and mind.

Notable Speakers:

Jeffrey Sachs, director of the Earth Institute
Rev. James A. Forbes, president of the Healing of Nations Foundation

Charles Townes, Nobel laureate and astrophysics professor at the University of California, Berkeley

Sponsors:
The Center for the Study of Science and Religion
The Fetzer Institute
The Earth Institute

When: Sunday, March 30, and Monday, March 31

Where:
Columbia University, Low Library Rotunda
Broadway and W. 116th Street
(Subway: #1 Train to 116th Street/Columbia University)

The event is free and open to the public. Advanced registration is required. For more information or to register, visit http://www.columbia.edu/cu/cssr/symposia.html or contact Eleni Nikitopolous at en2142@columbia.edu .

The Center for the Study of Science and Religion is an interdisciplinary forum, run by the Columbia University Earth Institute, designed to draw connections between science and religion and stimulate dialogue about the deeper questions of the world and its relation to humanity. The center explores the social, medical, moral and political implications of science and religion through lectures and seminars, design courses, training programs and research projects. Special emphasis is placed on social planning, scientific research policy, genetic science and the protection of the planet.

The Columbia University Earth Institute is an interdisciplinary research center addressing complex issues facing the planet and its inhabitants, with particular focus on sustainable development and the needs of the poor. Under the direction of Professor Jeffrey Sachs, the Earth Institute supports pioneering projects in the biological, engineering, health and social sciences.

18. LOUISVILLE SEMINARY MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY PROGRAM HAS OPENINGS FOR FALL 2008:

Great News from Louisville Seminary!

Do you know someone who is considering application for the Masters of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy Degree Program but missed the Feb. 1 deadline? The GREAT NEWS is that we have more openings for the program, and we have opened up the application process again for Fall 2008 admission!

We will accept applications and schedule interviews on a rolling basis until our remaining spots are filled. So, first come, first served.
To complete the application you need to submit the application form, essays, transcripts, references, and $60 application fee.
To get more information on the admissions process and to submit your application online, go to Application Procedures

Worried about financial aid? It’s not too late to apply for financial aid for Fall 2008. Remember that Louisville Seminary has a generous financial aid program, with some students qualifying for a full tuition grant. More than 75% of our students receive some financial assistance from us.

Come visit us!

We would love for you to come visit us. We will reimburse your travel expenses up to $100 for a first time visit or up to $200 if you have submitted an application for admission. Schedule your individual or group visit by calling or emailing us.
We would love to hear from you! Email our office at admissions@lpts.edu or call 800.264.1839.

Submitted by the Rev. Cheri Harper, Director of Recruitment and Admissions, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
1044 Alta Vista Road
Louisville, KY 40205-1798
502.992.9371
800.264.1839, ext. 371

19. MIAMI PASTOR DEFINES BLACK LIBERATION THEOLOGY:

*Pastor K. K. Owens

The very word "theology" means, “the science of God.” Theology was intended to complement a "Theocracy," which is defined as the rule of God.

A democracy, which is the rule of the people, will always be disturbed with a theocracy.

Black Liberation theology came into existence through the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1787 when blacks, who prayed at the St. George Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, were pulled off of their knees while praying in the balcony to make room for some of the white parishioners. Absolom Jones and Richard Allen led them out of the St. George Church and the AME Church was born; and so was black liberation theology, but not by the choice of black people. It was precipitated by the actions of white church members.

I believe that black liberation theology is a contradiction in terms because, "theology” in its purest form was designed by God to solve the issues that race might precipitate. Not only was the liberation of black people the intent, but the liberation of all people was God's intent. It would be liberation from, “The kingdom of self, to the kingdom of God, where the soul of a person would be more important than the color of the skin.”

I believe that Pastor Jeremiah Wright was simply saying, "Blessed is the Nation whose God is the Lord." I further believe that Senator Obama will have a challenge between his convictions and his and the people’s preferences because he is trying to lead a Democracy, not a Theocracy.

In closing, black liberation theology heals black people. What God desires is the healing of all people. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “If my people which are called by my name would humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and I will heal the land.”

May God continue to disturb us all until He can see Himself in, not only America, but in the world.

*Pastor K. K. Owens, the son of the Rev. Dr. John Q. Owens and is a graduate of Strayer University.

20. DEVOTIONAL - EMPTY HEARTS:

*Chaplain (MAJ) Addison Burgess, Sr.

Many times I have asked God this question. Who am I that you should love me? Every time He says I am His child and I am precious to Him. When I finally realized who Jesus is and what a Great Friend He is, my life changed.

Our hearts are barren and empty of love for others until Jesus puts His Love in our hearts. All of us are born with a selfish nature, which carries over when we grow up. It is only by allowing Jesus to work through our hearts and lives that we can love others and be effective as He wants us to be for Him.

How about your heart today, is it filled with the Love of Jesus? Are others seeing the Joy of Jesus on your face? When you talk, do others hear the Compassion and Love of Jesus in what you say?

So many people are hurting inside and they desperately need this Joy and Love of Jesus. I urge you to let Jesus fill your heart with His Love and Joy so that you can be a vessel fit for the Master’s use.
*Chaplain (MAJ) Addison Burgess, Sr., a U.S. Army chaplain, is an ordained Itinerant Elder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

21. ANNOUNCEMENT - ST. JOHN BAPTIST CHURCH, LOCATED IN COLUMBIA, MD, IS CURRENTLY SEEKING A PART TIME MINISTER OF MUSIC:

St. John Baptist Church, located in Columbia, MD, is currently seeking a part time Minister of Music. This is a paid position and salary is negotiable dependent upon experience. Candidate must be proficient in playing the piano/organ, playing by ear and reading music. Experience should include gospel, spirituals, hymns, and praise and worship. The person hired will be the musician for two choirs; substituting as an accompanist when needed. The person will also be responsible for overseeing the music ministry budget.

Interested candidates should contact hrdept@stjohnbaptistchurch.org for more information and to submit a resume.

22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

This communication comes to inform you that Dr. Edith Altheimer, former Connectional WMS Officer, WMS Life Member and the widow of Presiding Elder Berton C. Altheimer (former Presiding Elder of the North Little Rock/Fort Smith District, Arkansas Annual Conference) died early, Tuesday morning, March 18, 2008.

Funeral Service for Dr. Edith Altheimer will be held:

Friday, March 28, 2008, 11:00 a.m.
Bethel A.M.E. Church,
600 North Cedar Street,
North Little Rock, AR 72114.

Services have been entrusted to:
Ruffin and Jarrett Funeral Home
1200 South Chester Street
Little Rock, AR 72202
(501) 372-1305

Condolences for the family may be directed to Dr Altheimer's home:

11800 Pleasant Forest Drive
Little Rock, AR 72212
501-224-1733.

23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Mrs. Vernell Walker, the mother-in-law of Jackie Dupont-Walker (Consultant, Social Action Commission A.M.E. Church) transcended on Monday from St. John of God Care Center at the age of 89. Please lift up the Walker family, especially Jackie's husband Sonny in prayer as they prepare for the homegoing celebration.

Service Arrangements:

Date: Friday, March 28, 2008
Time: 10 AM
Place: St. Paul Catholic Church - 1920 S Bronson Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90019 (one block each of Crenshaw Blvd. off Washington Blvd.)

Viewing:
Thursday, March 27, 2008
3:00 p.m.
Inglewood Park Cemetery Mortuary
3803 W. Manchester Blvd
Inglewood, CA
310-412-6811 (Phone)
310-672-3932 (Fax)

The family is receiving friends & can be reached at:

1621 Wellington Rd
Los Angeles, CA 90019
(off Crenshaw Blvd - between Washington Blvd. and Venice Ave.)
Telephone: 323-734-7856

Expressions of sympathy can be e-mailed to: JDUPONTW@aol.com

24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Please be informed of the passing of Sis. Iris Lilian Pietersen at the age of 77, a member of Sims Chapel in the Cape Peninsula East District, the Cape Annual Conference, Fifteenth Episcopal District.
Sister Pietersen is the mother of the Rev. Mark Ellen Pietersen the pastor of Mt. Zion AME Church, De Doorns in the Cape Eden District of the Cape Annual Conference.

A funeral arrangement for Sister Iris Lilian Pietersen was held on Saturday, 22 March 2008 at Sims Chapel, Stellenbosch at 11am.

Email condolences may be forwarded to Rev. Pietersen at: mepietersen@webmail.co.za or telephonically: 073 024 4193 or 023 356 2175.

Submitted by:
Nigel Titus

25. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Mr. Willie H. Watson, Jr., a member of Mount Canaan Missionary Baptist Church, and the father of Rev. Johnny R. Watson, Sr. (Angela) Pastor of Bethel AME Church, Knoxville, TN; went home to glory on March 20, 2008 at the age of 86. He leaves to cherish his memories a wife of 66 years, Lucille Watson, 8 children, 25 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

The funeral has been held.

Expressions of sympathy can be emailed to johnrev55@comcast.net

Or

Rev. Johnny R. Watson, Sr., Pastor
Bethel AME Church
2460 Parkview Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37917

26. 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

27. 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 (3/20/08)

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.