THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (9/18/08)

Bishop Richard Franklin Norris - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor, The Christian Recorder

1. EDITORIAL –THE MILITARY HAS LEARNED FROM THE CHURCH; AND THE CHURCH CAN LEARN FROM THE MILITARY - PART 2:

Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder

Part 1 of this editorial addressed the military’s use of the term, “doctrine,” which appears to be a term that the military “borrowed” from the religious sector. The editorial also addressed some things the AME Church might want to learn from the military, such as, efficiency reports, promotions of qualified persons, both clergy and lay, and a strict expectation and accountability for integrity. The editorial ended with the expectation that persons in leadership positions should possess the right mental attitude and the right mental aptitude to fill the positions of leadership in the local and connectional Church.

Teamwork is important in the military because of the nature if its mission, and because of its mission, the military has a strong concept and expectation of teamwork.

In the military, it is the expectation that everyone, up and down the chain of command, knows the value of working as a team. Anyone who has played a team sport knows that when the coach goes over strategy and plays, everybody on the team sees the same chalkboard or screen and every player sees the assignment of every team member. The military follows the same protocol. Every military team member knows the responsibilities of everyone on the team. Those who try to go it alone have their careers curtailed and they revert to being civilians. In staff meetings, which are held regularly, there are no surprises because there is a written agenda that’s followed. Another reason for the “no surprises” is that there is almost always a “meeting before the meeting.” If you want to drive an active, former, or retired military person “crazy” in a meeting, just announce “You all don’t know this, but I want to tell you…,” in other words, spring a surprise, because a surprise, good or bad, is not indicative of teamwork.

Sometimes it appears that church members are going in one direction, the pastor in another direction, and the presiding elder going, in yet, another direction; which does not model “functioning as a team.”

I suspect that there are times when a bishop gives a directive to a presiding elder, that directive does not get disseminated to all of the pastors, much less to the local church membership. There are instances where a presiding elder passes information to pastors who fail to disseminate the information to the local church.

Following the military model and protocol, when a bishop has a meeting with presiding elders, the presiding elders should immediately have a meeting with all of the pastors. Yep, meetings are a hassle and very few of us like them, but if an organization is going to function as a team, information is important and necessary. And, yes, I know about gasoline prices and the long distances of some of the presiding elder districts; but all meetings do not require travel. Telephonic meetings would be the answer to high fuel costs and long distances; and it eliminates excuses. If a presiding elder had a telephonic meeting at 9 p.m., I don’t think that any pastor would have to be excused because he or she had a funeral.

When presiding elders have meetings with pastors, the assumption is that the meeting was important and the contents of the meeting would require action and that the pressing elder disseminated information would be helpful to the local church leadership. And, following the military model again, pastors, after meeting with the presiding elder, should meet with their local church officers. I suspect that in most cases, ultimately the local church has to respond to any directives from the presiding elder and the bishop. Some business needs to be taken care of before Sunday and yep, I know that it’s a hassle to call meetings. Ain’t no sense in making everybody get in their cars to drive to a meeting; here again, a telephonic meeting could be called. As a matter of fact, a bishop could have telephonic meetings with his or her presiding elders. Actually, the technology is in place to hold video-teleconference meetings where attendees participate from their homes.

In the military, when a leader gives an order, everyone in the chain of command is expected to execute; no excuses. I have heard and even observed in years past on numerous occasions; a bishop gives an order or directive and the presiding elder and pastors simply ignored it. We have all seen pastors who have ignored the directives of their presiding elder. And, all of us have experienced church members and church officers ignore pastoral directives; and all of those instances demonstrate a lack of teamwork.

The General Secretary’s office requires electronic reports, but I would bet; if I were a betting person; that he still receives hardcopy reports. The Christian Recorder stopped receiving hardcopy articles almost four years ago and a few people still want to send in hardcopy articles. Hardcopy reports and computer disks are remnants of the last century. The Twenty-First Century technology is electronic, telephonic, High Definition, 3-G, and now 4-G.

And, while I am on technology, young people get most of their information from computers. Churches that use newspaper announcements and radio spots are using last century’s information technology. Young people resonate with information flashed on a screen more than they do accessing information from a church bulletin. The military has made the transition; the Church needs to make the transition. I hope that all of the bishops have given the directive for all churches and pastors to be connected to the internet. If the bishops haven’t given that directive; society has!

There is a story in the artillery community where a sergeant announced to the commander that the enemy was in firing range and the commander, who had been in the Army for a long time, responded to the young sergeant, “If the enemy is in range, so are we and we don’t have time to mess around. We either need to retreat out of range or prepare to fire.” The moral of that story extends far beyond the military illustration. If a pastor has it in his or her mind to expurgate someone who disagree him or her; the pastor needs to understand that if the person they want to expurgate is in range; the pastor is in range also. In organizational conflict, action has to be taken and hopefully taken without casualties and one way is to stay out of the range of fire. The military thought is, “Keep your friends close; but keep your enemies closer.”

The military addresses conflict head-on regularly through conflict resolution workshops and training and it seems to me that conflict resolution is needed in many of our churches. As I heard Dr. Frank Madison Reid III say some years ago, “Oppressed people are masters at oppressing others.” Some of our churches need to be taught how to handle anger appropriately and how to have a “fair fight.” Some of our pastors and church leaders need training in the area of conflict resolution and in other areas that affect congregational life.

It’s a good thing that organizations can learn from each other.

Editor’s Note: Maybe a Part 3 later.

2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:

- To the Editor:

RE: Editorial, The Military has Learned from the Church; and the Church Can Learn from the Military - Part 1

Thank you for addressing a much needed topic for those of us who love the AME Church and its mission "to save the lost and serve the needy."

I believe if we are to grow, we must pray and change from our "wicked ways" and if we are to move the ministry forward, we must "seek the wisdom and face of God" and make adjustments in our attitudes.

More importantly, the leaders of our church we must not only preach, we must also teach. No one can lead where they will not go, nor can one teach what they do not know or understand.
Local leaders and clergy who consistently show an unwillingness to learn how to lead and serve in the church can be a sign of both fear; and a lack of vision. Fear and faith cannot reside at the same time in heart and mind.

"Love casts out fear" and “Without vision” (prophecy of God's Word, God's Will and God's Way), “a people perish” (diminish and decline in things of the Spirit)."

Therefore, there is a need for meaningful change in leadership roles where there is something observably wrong or missing in carrying out the "Great Commission."

Thanks for your thoughtful and challenging words; too often, unspoken and not discussed in our conference meetings. The lack of integrity among our leadership in some of our local, district and conference levels of both laity and clergy continues to do more harm to the body of Christ and to our witness for discipleship and stewardship; and hinders local and connectional church growth than anything else.

Something has to be done! If we won't do something, then God forbid, and shame on us.

A Concerned Pastor
(Name withheld by request)

3. AN EXCHANGE OF IDEAS AND THOUGHTS IN RESPONSE TO THE EDITORIAL - THE MILITARY HAS LEARNED FROM THE CHURCH; AND THE CHURCH CAN LEARN FROM THE MILITARY - PART 1:

To the Editor:

I truly enjoy your editorials and think that they are on target. You address issues that focus on local leadership of pastors who are "congregational killers" and the congregation cannot do anything because a bishop, often, does not have the option of reassigning a pastor who needs to be reassigned because the Ministers' Bill of Rights places limitations upon bishops.

Do you have any suggestions that might help to remedy this situation? Church's memberships have deceased, stewardship has declined, and many of our church structures have deteriorated. The perception in many of our churches is that some pastors seem more comfortable with members and local church officers they can control.
While I value your editorials, citing suggestions to deal with pastors who do not respect the AME Doctrine, would be helpful.

The Rev. Emma Jean Ghee Leche, Ph.D
Itinerate Elder
Washington, DC

- Editor’s Note: The message below is Dr. Paulette Coleman’s response to “Rev. Jean’s” comments; and her response the editorial, The Military has Learned from the Church; and the Church Can Learn from the Military - Part 1. Both messages are being used with the permission of the writers.

- Dear “Rev. Jean”:

Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

I am not certain that the Ministers’ Bill of Rights actually places limitations on bishops.

After I read your comments, I went back to The Discipline (2004) and took a look at the Ministers’ Bill of Rights. It does provide the opportunity to reassign pastors to “a pastoral appointment equal to their abilities, training, and experience, when available (page 112).

Several questions are raised from this portion of the Bill of Rights. How are the abilities, training, and experience of objectively determined? How is the determination made regarding availability?

“The new appointment, when available, should be comparable to or better than the previous one, provided the pastor has not been found guilty under Judicial Administration. The action may result in location or an appointment that reflects the Church’s current standing at the time of his or her departure.”

Who or what determines the Church’s current standing at the time of the pastor’s departure? The case might be made that even in the absence of a guilty finding under Judicial Administration, a pastor can be located or appointed to a charge that reflects his/her present Church’s current standing at the time of his or her departure. Again fairness, objectivity, and transparency must prevail when making such determinations.

I think Dr. Sydnor’s points about efficiency reports in the military (also known as evaluations or performance appraisals) have relevance for pastors and presiding elders. What if there were clearly defined performance measures or goals for pastors and presiding elders that are articulated at the beginning of the year (rating period)? Additionally, suppose the Church had a system for periodically monitoring the servants of the Church to determine progress toward achieving their pre-determined and mutually-agreed upon goals and milestones. What if there were then resources such as coaching, professional development and other training opportunities available to insure achievement of the annual goals? I believe there is a reasonable expectation that the end of year results should reveal a high percentage of the achieved goals.

Similarly, I think evaluations or performance appraisals are also necessary for laity in the local church, especially for stewards, trustees, and presidents/directors/heads of organizations and ministries. Ostensibly, General Officers and Bishops have such a review annually at the General Board and quadrennially at the General Conference. Pastors, arguably have a similar review at the Annual Conference. The limitations of all of these existing and potentially powerful accountability systems is that they are all self-reported with little or no outside and objective verification.

Another challenge in the general areas of performance measurement, outcomes driven results, and productivity is that our current system is combative and accusatory. It would be helpful if the Church could create an environment in which systems and processes could be put in place to insure that all leaders (clergy and lay) are equipped to succeed by achieving their individual and local church goals. By extension the leaders and members would then have the skills, resources, etc. to achieve the Great Commission and our denominationally specific mission.

We should all be reminded that evaluations and performance appraisals are only one part of a comprehensive personnel policy. Best practices in nonprofit management demonstrate that the ideal performance appraisal management cycle, involves a continuous five phase process of planning, execution, assessment, review, and appraisal. Further, best practices also indicate that performance appraisals should be done annually either at the end of the Conference year or the calendar year, or the anniversary of the leaders’ hiring, or some other mutually agreed upon time. Servants of the Church should be assessed against established job standards and requirements; mutually agreed upon goals within a specific timeframe; and measurable performance that is defined and supported by documented evidence.

Thanks for igniting these thought and allowing me the opportunity to respond to your comments.

*Paulette Coleman, Ph.D. is a retired General Officer

4. DR. RODGER REED RESPONDS TO THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER BREAKING NEWS: AME CHURCH BUILDING DESTROYED IN INDIA:

Editor’s Note: Dr. Reed specifically commented on my recommend that the AME Church Episcopal Leadership contact the State Department and lodge a request for assistance in urging the government of India to protect our members and church properties in India. A formal complaint needs to be made to the highest levels the U.S. government and to the highest levels of the government of India.

To the Editor:

I agree that the church needs to take a stand. However, the responsibility for that stand demands a response from the global Christian churches. The World Council of Churches should partner with any and all Protestant churches to approach this problem. As we push for such a response in Council meetings, there also needs to be a unified effort by the traditional black Methodist churches. The outcry needs to be directed by traditional established unions who fail to do any more than pray and make a resolution. The World Methodist Council needs to address this situation with all of their resources (diplomatic, teaching tools, economic and educational tools, etc.). Further, perhaps we have not been as responsible as we could because we, the global AME Church, have not been educated on the issues and therefore no real interest has been forged. Perhaps our Christian Education Department needs to develop a teaching tool around the subjects of global issues that demand an educated, focused Christian response by people of faith. One of our weaknesses is the fact that we have failed, historically, to empower our Departments with finances and staff to begin this task. We may be bogged down in issues of trust when God is calling for a response from God’s people around love and justice.

As it relates to our ministry in India, I would like to receive more information as it concerns the AME Church in India. To my understanding, which is very limited, Christian churches in that country run contrary to centuries of imbedded religious beliefs. Further, violence is not uncommon to those who embrace Christianity in some areas of India. While I believe deeply that we must pray for those, whose hard work has been destroyed, we must also become informed of the conditions under which we attempted this missionary effort. I really believe that as a denomination, we have an obligation to become fully informed about India. While this is an issue which ought to engage the Protestant community as a whole, there is much we may be able to do as a denomination in concert with the other members of the Pan-African movement.

As it relates to the larger Protestant community, the World Council of Methodist as well as the World Council of Churches ought to embrace the situation. To my thinking, the Christian church in India is going to require interventions in diplomacy, raising cultural awareness among indigenous population, slow and painstaking approaches to win the hearts and minds of local officials and much more. There must be an overarching strategy from the highest levels of the AME Church in concert with the government that is embraced by the people before we are going to have a successful missionary effort, in India, as well as other parts of the world.

I agree that the church needs to take a stand. However, the responsibility for that stand demands a partnering with any and all Protestant churches to approach this situation. The WCC and the World Methodist Council needs to address with all of their resources (diplomatic, teaching tools, economic and educational tools, etc.) this situation.

We need to do more than pray and make resolutions. The major Black Methodist bodies, working together, might well begin a work of placing vital issues before the people and developing a strategy for success. This is not a win “in a few days or months” project. We must be in it for the long-haul.

Well, we must pray; and now the discussion centers on: "What is prayer?" Is Prayer the uttering of words toward Heaven or is there a broader response which leads to "prayer actions" which is praying that demands that those who pray…make a commitment which goes beyond bended knees, etc.

Well, there is much we need to continue to ponder. My prayer is that we, as a denomination, begin to place into action positive responses to major issues rather than indulging in negative issues which do not unite us. We are far better than that because we can “do all things through Christ ... for He does strengthen.”

Well, these are things to continue to ponder.

*Dr. Rodger Reed, Sr. the pastor of Campbell AME Church in Southeast Washington, DC

Editor’s Note: India has about 1 billion people of which about 80% are Hindu, 14% are Muslim, 2% are Christian, and 6% followers of other religions.

Historically, India has had a high level of religious tolerance until 1998 when the Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party came to power. Some Hindu leaders attempted to get a bill to prohibited religious conversions and to prohibit people from proselytizing. They were especially concerned about the influence of the Christian Church.

The AME Church does not condone the violence to our members and the destruction of African Methodist Episcopal Churches.

5. 8TH DISTRICT DISASTER RELIEF DISTRIBUTION CENTER IS GROWING:

Monday, September 15, 2008

As organizations from the government, non-profit agencies, as well as religious institutions scramble to coordinate their support, the 8th Episcopal District is standing tall in the midst of the storm. Many of the disaster relief relationships that were established during the wake of Hurricane Katrina have been utilized during the current storm season. As well many new relationships have been made that have elevated the position of the 8th Episcopal District in disaster response. Reverend Belinda Washington is the lead person in the facilitation of the 8th District Disaster Relief Distribution Center based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Currently the federal government has made disaster declarations in both Louisiana and Texas therefore FEMA and other governmental agencies have been activated to bring emergency response help. Rev. Washington is sitting at the table of coordination as well she serves as a Louisiana point of contact for distribution of goods in Southern Louisiana for the 8th Episcopal District and beyond.
Deliveries have already been made to AME churches in southern Louisiana like Nelson Chapel AME Church in Napoleonville LA. Rev. Richard Starks has been doing well with keeping his members supplied with necessities through the distribution center. This area was hard hit by Hurricane Gustav and was spared most of the wrath of Hurricane Ike. Flooding in these areas still took place and support is still necessary. Currently the 8th District Disaster Relief Distribution Center is deploying two (2) U-Haul trucks for delivery to church sites.

Should you or you church want to coordinate to send supplies to 8th District Disaster Relief Distribution Center, please contact Rev. Cory Watts (revcorywatts@hotmail.com) and/or Rev. Belinda Washington (belinwash@gmail.com) before sending any items or financial support so that we will be able to better direct the support. The distribution center is located at the following address:

8th District Disaster Relief Distribution Center
2312 Scenic Highway
Baton Rouge, LA 70802

The Reverend Cory M Watts
Bonner Campbell Disaster Shelter
Relief Shelter Site Director
revcorywatts@hotmail.com
404-840-3563 - cell

Bonner Campbell College
18449 Old Hwy 80
Edwards, MS
601-852-5401

6. MEMBER OF THE AME ON THE COVER OF JET MAGAZINE:

Brother Carl Davis of Houston, Texas is pictured in this week edition of Jet Magazine dated September 15, 2008.

On the cover is Barack Obama waving to the crowd after his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado. Brother Davis was a delegate to that historical convention. There is a photo on Page 34 of some of the nearly 1200 African American Delegates to the convention and Carl Davis is in the front row.

Please get a copy of this edition because it was truly an historical occasion and we are proud that Carl Davis, a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church was a part of that memorable convention.

If you keep a copy of Jet Magazine and if you desire, Brother Carl Davis will autograph the magazine for you.

7. THE LUTISHA COLEMAN-MORTON MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP:

If there ever was a woman who could make a piano walk and talk it would have to be Lutisha Coleman-Morton. Lutisha has been playing the piano since the age of five and has never let the love of the ivories go. Now her family is keeping Lutisha’s love of music alive by awarding $1,000 to a deserving music student annually for up to five years at Kentucky State University.

The scholarship was the dream of Lutisha’s son, Lawrence Coleman, who wanted to honor his mother’s legacy and her love of music. So he talked with his brothers and sister and they got the ball rolling.

On August 1, 2008, all their work paid off as more than 100 of Lutisha’s family and friends gathered for the first annual “Lutisha Coleman-Morton Music Scholarship Gala”. It was a night to raise money for the scholarship and to honor Lutisha’s contributions to several musical events across the Central Kentucky area over the years. The night included musical presentations from several outstanding African-American students who have made music a part of their lives. The night ended with a special musical presentation by the honoree herself, Mrs. Lutisha Coleman-Morton.

Lutisha has served as Minister of Music at Quinn Chapel AME Church, Lexington; Kentucky Conference Choir Director; Kentucky Conference YPD Choir Director; assistant music therapist and assistant recreation director at Eastern State Hospital and music instructor for several schools within the Fayette County School System.

Submitted by Ms. Valeria Swope

8. STUDIES FIND DRAMATIC INCREASE IN SUICIDE AMONG ADOLESCENT AFRICAN-AMERICAN MALES:

By Dr. Henrie M. Treadwell

ATLANTA-Not long ago, the words “suicide” and “African Americans” were almost never mentioned in the same breath. Despite confronting challenges from slavery to Jim Crow to structural racism, blacks rarely took their own lives. It was a positive health disparity. Until now.

There is alarming evidence that the suicide rate for young African-American men is escalating, and just as much evidence that America’s health-care system is ill-equipped to curb it.

Dr. Claire Xanthos, a health services research specialist, recently wrote a policy paper citing studies showing that from 1980 to 1995, the suicide rate for black adolescents rose from 5.6 to per 100,000 of the population. Put in starker terms: this doubling of the suicide rate for young black males has made it the third-leading cause of death among that demographic group.

Clearly, it is a complex problem that is directly related to life experiences of young African-American males in America. While the suicide rate for young black men has risen, the suicide rate for black women remains among the lowest of any demographic group.

So why are our young black men killing themselves?

Dr. Xanthos concludes there are many factors, and among them are the race-related challenges that these youths face. The data show that they go to jail, drop out of school and become victims of crime at rates far higher than their white counterparts. Moreover, young black males are more likely than not to live in a family environment that is less than ideal; roughly 70 percent of African Americans live in single-parent homes.

The combination of family stress, violence in their communities, and the stigma and discrimination they face is taking a toll on young black males. Some mental health specialists, such as Dr. Alvin Poussaint, argue that “death by cop” incidents should be counted as suicide. These are occasions when black youths are despondent and won’t commit suicide, but purposely break the law so someone else will kill them.

“How many young men who put themselves in situations where it’s very likely that they’re going to get shot to death are actually committing suicide?” asked Dr. Poussaint in a recent interview on National Public Radio. “There is such a thing as what we call victim-precipitated homicide, which is suicide. The most classic example would be suicide by cop, which you read about in the newspaper from time to time, where people wanted to be shot to be killed because they were suicidal, but they didn’t want to do it themselves…because there’s still a stigma attached to committing suicide, so they’d rather have someone else kill them or have it seem like an accident.”

This rising suicide tide can impact middle-class black teenagers in white suburbs, as well as those in inner-city neighborhoods. In fact, Dr. Xanthos argues that black youths living in white communities often face the trauma of not relating to their white neighbors and also feeling estranged from blacks from poorer, urban settings. Certainly, the death of James Dungy, the 18-year-old son of Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy, underscored that suicide can strike the rich and poor.

What’s clear is that black communities, healthcare professionals and public health officials must mobilize to meet the challenges presented by this problem.

The stigma towards mental illness in the black communities is so taboo that obvious signs that someone has a problem are frequently ignored, even by close family members and friends. The first step must come from parents and friends recognizing the behavior patterns that indicate someone has a problem, and then working to get help for that person.

There is also a crucial role to be played by public health programs, such as Medicaid, which must make it easier for young black men to receive counseling and treatments. But once these teens get to treatment facilities another problem develops: the lack of black therapists, counselors and psychiatrists. According to data, blacks are about four percent of the nation’s psychiatrists, three percent of the psychologists and seven percent of social workers. It’s imperative that more African Americans be trained for those positions. The problems weighing on many black youths are created by racism and the family, educational and urban tensions that they face in everyday life. In these instances, an African-American counselor or physician who may be more likely to grasp the situation is needed to provide assistance.

Dr. Xanthos also raises the need for more “bicultural’’ training for young black males. Or put another way, it is learning to survive in a white society. Such training would better prepare black youths for integration into schools and workplaces that are predominantly white, while also preparing black youths to confront and overcome the discrimination they are likely to face in American society. This problem can no longer be ignored. It must be faced in our homes, our communities and by public officials in schools and health facilities.

The reality is that young black males face some of the biggest hurdles in our society, and if they are going succeed we all must do a better job of identifying people with problems and facilitating the treatment that can put them on a successful path.

*Used with permission of Dr. Melva B. Robertson, Health Communications Specialist, Community Voices: Healthcare for the Underserved, National Center for Primary Care, Morehouse School of Medicine

9. QUARTERLY CONFERENCE AT GREATER BETHEL AME CHURCH, MIAMI, A LEARNING AND TEACHING EVENT:

Greater Bethel AME Church, 245 NW 8th Street Miami, Florida held its Quarterly Conference that opened with devotional hymns “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior,” and “Standing on the Promises.” The Quarterly Conference opening prayer and scripture was given by the pastor, the Rev. Samuel E. Sullivan.

The Rev. Samuel E. Sullivan introduced the Rev. John F. Bodison, the Presiding Elder commenced with the necessary procedures of organizing the Quarterly Conference. Ms. Altamease Mitchell served as secretary and Mrs. Gwen Dickson was appointed reporter. Marshals were selected and boundaries set which were the first ten pews in the middle aisle of the sanctuary.

The minutes were read silently and it was moved by Sister Nina Parker that the minutes be accepted with corrections if necessary, Mr. Hargrove seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Before reading the organizational reports, the presiding elder advised that we would need to submit, to the District, a copy of our corporation papers and the declaration page (first page) of the deed to Greater Bethel. This request was coming from the attorney for the Episcopal District.

The meeting proceeded with report of the Steward Board. In the Steward Board’s report the Stewards asked that the Bishop McKinley Young, in his Godly wisdom, return our pastor and presiding elder.

The Trustee Board and the Church School reports were read. Brother Arlester Shorter moved that the remaining board reports be accepted.

Presiding Elder Bodison advised he would like for all the reports to be read since it was the last quarter in the conference year. The remaining board’s reports were read: the Symonette Mass Choir, Lay Organization, Male Usher Board, and the Sons of Allen. All clubs and boards gave a verbal request that the pastor be returned to Greater Bethel and the Elder be returned to the District.

Elder Bodison advised against being partial to one presidential candidate over another; and that they needed to treat both presidential candidates equally. The Elder encouraged everyone to vote for the candidate of their choice and there should be no favoritism from the pulpit. Brother Goldsby expressed their joy at the election and consecration of the Right Reverend John F. White.

Brother Santarvius Brown read his report to the members stating some of his accomplishments since entering into the field of ministry and advised that he is now attending Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary studying Greek, Hebrew, Christian History, and Christian Ethics. Brother Brown’s report was accepted with commendation.

During the memorial ceremony, Brother Buster McFadden spoke on the life of Brother William (Bill) Sawyer who passed on April 11, 2008.

Rev. Sullivan made final remarks and thanked everyone for their attendance.

Meeting adjourned with prayer by Elder Bodison.

Gwendolyn Y. Dickson, Reporter

10. EPISCOPAL FAMILY PRAYER REQUEST:

Please pray for Herbert Brookins the brother of Bishop H. H. Brookins.

Mr. Herbert Brookins had a blood clot removed from the base of his neck. The surgery was a success. Please pray for his speedy recovery and remember his brother’s wife, Shirley and their family.

Get well cards and expressions for Mr. Herbert Brookins can be sent to the following address:

Mr. Herbert Brookins5608 BowcroftLos Angeles, Ca 90043

Also, please keep Bishop Brookins, who is in a nursing home, lifted in prayer.

Get well cards and expressions to Bishop Brookins can be sent to the following address:

Bishop H. H. Brookins
Brier Oak Nursing Facility5154 SunsetLos Angeles, Ca 90027
Thank you in advance and God bless!

Received from: The Reverend Rosalynn K. Brookins, Former Episcopal Supervisor

The information in this message was received from Mrs. Ora L. Easley, Administrator AMEC Clergy Family Information Center

11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Brother William D. Stovall, husband of the Reverend V. Cora Stovall, Pastor of Mt. View AME Church in Winchester, Tennessee.

Brother William D. Stovall, the 3rd place winner of the connectional 1st gentleman contest sponsored by CONN-M-SWAWO + PK'S at the Breakfast event held during General Conference 2008 and a long-time survivor of sickle cell disease, passed on Tuesday morning, September 16th.

Service arrangements for Brother William D. Stovall:

Family Visitation:
Thursday, September 18, 2008
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
John P. Franklin Funeral Home
1101 Dodds Avenue
Chattanooga, TN 37404
Phone: (423) 622-9995
Fax: (423) 622-9990

The Funeral:
Friday, September 19, 2008
12:00 Noon
Warren Chapel AME Church
501 N. Market Street
Chattanooga, TN 37405
(Phone) 423-267-0702
The Rev. Dr. Terence Mayes, Pastor

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. V. Cora Stovall and family
1905 Bella Vista Drive
Chattanooga, TN 37421

Phone: (423) 490-1557
Email: funnyeyez@hotmail.com

Sandra C. Griffin, D.Min, President, East Tennessee Conference Ministers' Spouses (Sister-in-law of Bro. Stovall)

The Rev. Kenneth H. Hill, Ph.D., Presiding Elder
Chattanooga District-East Tennessee Annual Conference

12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of the Rev. James L. Dandridge, a retired pastor in the First Episcopal District. Rev. Dandridge was a prolific preacher and a prominent community leader in both the Delaware and Philadelphia Conferences. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

Viewing, Sunday, September 21, 2008, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Terry Funeral Home
4203 Haverford Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: 215-222-2828

Viewing and Funeral, Monday, September 22, 2008
Viewing - 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Funeral - 11:00 a.m.

Mt. Pisgah A.M.E. Church
428 North 41st Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: 215-386-6181
Fax: 215-386-3341

The Rev. Jay B. Broadnax, Pastor

Bishop Richard F. Norris, Eulogist

Condolences may be sent to:

William Dandridge (son) and Gloria Wilson (sister-in-law)
2773 Island Avenue
Philadelphia, Pa 19153
Phone: 215-365-5124

13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Rev. John Kemp, a retired pastor in the First Episcopal District. Rev. Kemp was the former pastor of several churches in the New York Conference. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

Viewing and Funeral, Thursday, September 25, 2008
Viewing - 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Funeral - 7:00 p.m.

St. John A.M.E. Church
664 Halsey Street
Brooklyn, NY 11233
Phone: 718-574-8202
Fax: 718-574-8202

The Rev. Paul S. Owings, Pastor

Condolences may be sent to:

Gregory Kemp
431 Berriman Street
Brooklyn, NY 11208

14. 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

15. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:

The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Richard Franklin Norris; 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 (9/13/08)

Bishop Richard Franklin Norris - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor, The Christian Recorder

1. EDITORIAL –THE MILITARY HAS LEARNED FROM THE CHURCH; AND THE CHURCH CAN LEARN FROM THE MILITARY - PART 1:

Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder

The military and the ministry have a lot in common. I noticed when I attended the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, that throughout the classes on military strategy, the term, “doctrine” was used repeatedly. The instructors used the term so much and emphasized the importance of knowing and following military doctrine that it sounded like I was in church.

Doctrine was stressed so much and with such emphasis that I came to understand that following doctrine in military strategy was not a recommendation, but a commandment and it didn’t take me long to understand that the military and religion are intertwined.

The dictionary uses religion and the military in its definition of the term, doctrine.

Simply stated in military strategy classes, the point was made that when taking a military objective, every commander and the chain of command in every sector of the operation has to know the rules of engagement and the doctrine in how a military objective is accomplished. One commander cannot say of a common military objective, “I will do it this way” and another commander participating in the same military operation saying, “I will accomplish the objective in my own way.” That kind of thinking does not follow military doctrine and results in failure. If commanders in different sectors follow the doctrine of the operation, all of them are “singing off the same sheet of music” and victory will most often be the result.

Every pastor of every AME Church all over the world should follow the Doctrine of the AME Church. Pastors cannot “do their own thing.” When we “do our own thing” we are moving the organization in the direction of failure.

I suspect that the armies all over the world borrowed the concept of “doctrine” in military operation from the religious sector.

Denominations and churches know the importance of doctrine and when churches neglect doctrine, it’s the beginning of the demise of that religious institution. Churches, even independent churches have rules of doctrine that they follow. And, as the military learned from religion, there is a lot that the African Methodist Episcopal church can learn from the military.

I suspect that the AME Church learned protocol from the military. The AME protocol is as military as I have seen in any organization. Established AME protocol is as rigorous, and maybe more scrupulous, than it is in the military; so the military and the religious community learn from each other.

I would like to lift up a few more things that I think the AME Church can learn from the military.

The chain of command is a military institution. One of the first things that one learns upon entering the military is the chain of command. Every soldier, sailor, airman, marine or coast guardsman understand the chain of command and the consequences of disrespecting the chain of command. In some local churches, the laity does not exhibit respect for pastors, presiding elders or bishops. Some pastors show little respect for presiding elders and others show little respect for their episcopal leadership. Sometimes there is disrespectfulness up and down the AME chain of supervision and it doesn’t enhance the body of Christ or the work of the Church.

The quickest way for an officer to be exited out of the military is for him or her to fail to keep his or her word; integrity is a big issue. In the military, when you say that you are going to do something you had better do it. I have repeatedly heard stories and observed instances of clergy and laity says they were going to do something, but failed to follow through and “fail to close the loop.” The issue is integrity. When a person gives his or her word in the military, he or she had better follow-through. In some of our churches we have stewards and trustees who have never read The Discipline and fail to maintain the duties of their responsibilities; that’s an integrity issue.

Everybody in the military is responsible and accountable to someone; from the private to the general. Every soldier receives an efficiency report; a job performance evaluation each year. That evaluation determines if that officer or non-commissioned officer will get promoted. Commanding generals get efficiency reports as to every person in the chain of command. The efficiency report is a “big thing.” In the Army, part of the efficiency reports tells how the officer has met his or her established career goals.

Pastors don’t get efficiency reports; or rather when they make their annual conference reports, they would have prepared the annual conference report themselves. They stand on floor of the annual conference and extol the great work they, themselves have done. I wonder what would happen if presiding were required to give each pastor a written evaluation report each year. One thing for sure, a written evaluation by the presiding elder would solve the issue of pastors’ lack of respect for the presiding elders. And what would happen if local church officers were required to give input to the pastoral efficiency reports. And, what would happen if pastors wrote efficiency reports on all stewards and trustees. We are talking about accountability.

Promotion to a higher rank in the military is based upon potential and not upon the success that an officer or non-commissioned officer has done in his or her present position. The rationale is that just because an officer or a non-commissioned officer has functioned successfully at a particular level does not mean he or she will function effectively at the next higher level. The objective is to assign officers and non-commissioned officers according to their abilities.

In some of our local church, stewards are assigned and trustees are nominated because they are liked by the pastor or they might be popular in the local church; and too often the wrong persons are placed in positions of local church leadership who are not qualified and people wonder why church programs fail and local church membership remains stagnant.

Why a pastor would place someone on the steward board or nominate someone to be a trustee who has filed bankruptcy or had his or her automobile repossessed. They might be nice people, but if they can’t maintain their own financial stability, why would anyone think that they would handle the local church’s finances responsibly. Some pastors keep reappointing “small thinkers” to local church positions that need “big thinkers.” If a steward or a trustee’s personal finances are always in disarray and they are always broke, why would they be concerned if the local church’s finances are in disarray or if the church is broke? Church officers, whose homes are not clean, certainly would not be concerned about their church’s cleanliness; and if they don’t paint their homes regularly, replace their carpet regularly or replace the curtains and draperies in their homes regularly, why would they be concerned about taking care of those things at the church. A local church officer who is on welfare or disability probably would not be too concerned about giving the pastor a raise and a pastor who can’t get a raise certainly is not too concerned about a presiding elder’s salary.

A pastor who is a leader knows the importance of placing the right people in the right positions. Persons who are given leadership positions in the local churches must also have the right mental attitude and the right mental aptitude to fill the positions of leadership.

Editor’s note: Part 2 in the next issue.

2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:

- To the Editor:

Re: Breaking News from Payne Theological Seminary

The AME church has made another positive impact! To God be the Glory!

dvictory64@aol.com

3. EMERGENCY SITUATION REPORT: 2008 HURRICANE IKE

Department of Global Witness and Ministry
Church World Service and Witness
Emergency Response Program

CWS Emergency Situation Report:

The Texas Coastline

September 12, 2008

SITUATION:

A monster-size Hurricane Ike (Category 2) bore down on the Texas Coast late Friday and into early this morning, threatening to rattle the sparkling skyscrapers of American’s fourth largest city. It shut down the heart of the U.S. oil industry for days and obliterates waterfront towns already flooded with over waist-high water.

This storm was close to a Category 3 storm with winds of 110 mph, and was expected to strengthen by the time the eye hit land. The storm came ashore near Galveston and pass almost directly over Houston.

Nearly 1 million people evacuated coastal communities in the days leading up to the storm; tens of thousands ignored calls to leave and decided to tough it out. According to our source of partners on the scene as of this report, there are no deaths.

Galveston fire crews rescued more than 300 people who were walking through flooded streets, clutching clothes and other belongings as they tried to wade to safety. Heavy bands of rain and high winds have already caused enormous damage to many communities across Texas coastline. Power was knocked out to hundreds of thousands of customers in Louisiana and along the Texas coast.

Disaster Relief crews from the various Communions are preparing to go to Texas as early as Monday to join other mission groups and organizations to extend help and hope to the people of the various communities.

As of this release, I have been in communication with Bishop Gregory Ingram regarding the AME response efforts through Global Witness and Ministry and our partner, CWS however, this morning we are waiting on a response from those in the field who can give an assessment regarding our church facilities and other properties damaged or destroyed.

According to Bishop Ingram thousands of evacuees are living in shelters as far away as Austin and are in need of the basic necessities.

Ike is the first major hurricane to hit the U.S. since Katrina devastated New Orleans and Mississippi three years ago. For Houston, it is the first major hurricane since Alicia in August 1983 came ashore on Galveston Island, killing 21 people and causing $2 billion in damage.
As soon as new information is available we will notify the African Methodist Episcopal Church. In the meantime, let us covet our brothers and sisters in prayer during the cleanup and restoration period.

Immediate Items needed:

Bleach, rubber boosts, household supplies, toiletries, baby supplies, water and juices, etc.

CWS-GWM RESPONSE: There is another storm in the Atlantic as we write; Hurricane Josephine. Stay alert and be prepared!

Hotline, (800) 297-1516

CWS Emergency Response Program special contacts: (212) 870-3151
GWM Emergency Response Program special contacts: (843) 852-2645

Dr. George F. Flowers
Executive Director
Dept. of Global Witness and Ministry

4. BONNER CAMPBELL DISASTER SHELTER IS OPEN TO SOUTHERN LOUISIANA AND TEXAS:

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Both southern Texas (10th Episcopal District) and southern Louisiana (8th Episcopal District) are in the path of Hurricane Ike and may need to be evacuated in the next few days. Upon the approval of the presiding prelate of the 8th Episcopal District, Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, the Bonner Campbell Disaster Shelter will be open to those evacuees from Hurricane Ike. Not only do we ask for prayer for the property and safe travel of the evacuees we also ask that you pray for the Bonner Campbell Disaster Shelter as we again prepare to accept evacuees.

We were blessed with an outpouring of 8th district and local ecumenical support from Jackson, Vicksburg, and Edwards Mississippi, whereas 171 evacuees received food, shelter, and other necessities for a period of 5 days. I was shocked to become the director and I was also shocked that those that I requested support of blessed us "...exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think..." Ephesians 3:20

The American Red Cross should receive high accommodations for their quick response with cots and other shelter needs. The historical relationship between the AME church and the Red Cross will be strengthened in the 8th. God blessed us with everything that we needed and more.

Any persons that require assistance please contact Rev. Cory Watts by email at revcorywatts@hotmail.com or Dr. Samuel Boyd at Pearl Street AME Church at (601) 352-6087 to make arrangements for arrival. The site is located at the following address:

Bonner Campbell College
18449 Old Hwy 80
Edwards, MS

Forthcoming (tentatively tomorrow morning) is an online method of donations that will be created on the 8th District Website http://www.8thdistrictamec.com. Because of the rapid nature of hurricanes and low staffing we ask that the church would be patient and prepared to send support as soon as they are notified.

The Reverend Cory M Watts
Bonner Campbell Disaster Shelter
Relief Shelter Site Director

revcorywatts@hotmail.com
Cell: 404-840-3563 - cell

Bonner Campbell College
18449 Old Hwy 80
Edwards, MS

Tel: 601-852-5401

5. THE 1ST HISTORIC MIDWEST CONFERENCE:

*By the Rev. Eraina M. Ross – Aseme, Public Relations Chairperson of the Midwest Annual Conference of the Fifth Episcopal District

August 24, 2008 – August 31, 2008

The formerly known conferences Kansas Nebraska Conference and Northwest Missouri Conference which were voted to merge at the 46th General Conference merged had its first Midwest Annual Conference at the Jack Reardon Convention Center in Kansas City, Kansas. Bishop Theodore Larry Kirkland, the 114th consecrated Bishop is the new appointed Presiding Prelate of the Fifth Episcopal District and his lovely spouse Mrs. Mary Kirkland, Episcopal Supervisor of newly formed conference was greeted with open arms. Bishop Kirkland arrived in the evening of August 23, 2008 at the MCI airport in Kansas City Missouri as he was greeted by the members of the Midwest Annual Conference. The Presiding Elders districts are as follows: the Rev. Theodore R. Evans, Sr., Omaha-Wichita; the Rev. Donna F. Roberson, Kansas City South and the Rev. Steven Cousin, Sr., Kansas City District.

Soon, the Jack Reardon Convention Center would be occupied thousands of people to host the first Midwest Annual Conference. As the attendees entered the hotel, vendors dotted the corridor on the street level of the convention center with services and goods to be purchased.

The next day, August 24, 2008 a pre-conference musical was held at the host church, Bethel A.M.E. Church, Kansas City, Missouri, host Pastor Rev. Spencer F. Barrett. The musical was under the direction of Ms Michelle R. Casey, the Conference Director who is a member of St. John A.M.E. Church, Kansas City, Missouri. The musical was spirit-filled and the church was packed on the lower level and balcony.

Not only did we start off in worshipping God in spirit and truth in the music ministry on Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m., the Women in Ministry held three workshops to better equip individuals for safety, healthy living and worship.

The members of W.I.M. elected Rev. Marcia Jackson as Coordinator to lead the organization for the next year along with other officers under the direction of Rev. Pamela Mason, President of the Fifth District Women in Ministry. That evening, the Rev. Rochelle Settle an Itinerant Elder of the Fifth Episcopal District electrified the crowd in a musical concert that wild the crowd at the Jack Reardon Convention Center. She along with her husband, Rev. Barry Settle serves the members of Willis Chapel A.M.E. Church, Kansas City, Missouri.

Additionally, clergy persons had to rise early in the morning to meet the Bishop for breakfast at the hotel. Bishop T. Larry Kirkland shared information about what he is expecting from clergy serving in the Midwest Conference. Bishop Kirkland stated several times that he is looking for production. Also, Bishop Kirkland addressed a few questions. The meal served was mouthwatering.

The Episcopal Supervisor Mrs. Mary Kirkland came into the Midwest Annual Conference like a whirlwind getting the missionary sisters organized to the work of missions in the Midwest Conference. As mentioned before the Midwest Conference is comprised of three states: Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. The missionaries from these three states voted Mrs. Thelma Cunningham as President to lead the Missionary Society along with other officers. Mrs. Mary Kirkland did not hesitate in interacting with the missionaries and their schedule activities. In the evening the hotel ballroom was converted into a field of white lilies as the missionaries were decked out in their white wardrobe and marching in with lilted candles.

At the opening session, Wednesday morning, Rev. Dr. C. Dennis Williams instructed the members and friends of the Midwest Annual Conference on how to have effective ministry in the local church. In the Conference Institute the facilitator provided several handouts for the attendees. Some of the handouts consisted of templates that the local church could reproduce to improve their ministry at the local church. Rev. Williams made a strong emphasis on Men’s Ministry and Youth Ministry shared strategies to get more men and youth in the church and keep them. He stated it’s good to do evangelism but the local church must be organized to keep new members. At the same time Rev. Williams suggested that CEO’s are looking for a church home but do not want to experience the Corporate World on Sunday morning. For three days, the Conference Institute was held to share information with the members of the Conference. The Conference Institute was wonderfully facilitated and many flooded the information booth to take back to the local church. The Midwest Annual Conference was graced with several visitors from across the Connection. Lunch for the Bishop and his guest were hosted a various locations throughout the week as many of the churches supplied their church vans to accommodate the outings. On a daily basis after lunch the business sessions continued.

During Roll call special notes were taken: two pastors in Omaha, Nebraska left our Zion to other denominations, the Revs Portia Cavitt and the Rev. David Arthur. Also, the Rev. Larry King asked to retire from active service as a pastor; it was granted.

The opening sermon was preached by Rev. Mark Smith, pastor of St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Wichita, Kansas, he urged the members and friends of the 1st Historic Midwest Annual Conference to rely on faith to get you through. The next day, the noonday hour of power, the Rev. Darryl Walker, the pastor of Turner Memorial A.M.E. Church in Hyatt Heights, Maryland preached a message that stirred the crowd. And, Rev. James A. Terrance, Jr., pastor of Friendship Baptist Church, Kansas City, Missouri preached for the Sons of Thunder night. On Thursday, the noonday hour of power was preached by four preachers each had five minutes. Bishop Kirkland selected each clergy randomly. They were: Revs. Betty Witherspoon, the Rev. Percell Hector, the Rev. Rachel Williams and the Rev. Edwin Donaldson

Upon the permission of the Presiding Prelate of the Fifth Episcopal District Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, the Rev. Eraina M. Ross Aseme asked to approach the rostrum. Rev. Aseme announced her candidacy to run for Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church at the next General Conference in the year of Two Thousand and Twelve. The crowd applauded strongly.

The Lay Organization’s night was filled with dramatization through song, dance and a puppet theatre. History of the Lay Organization was given and Life Members were recognized. Bro. Thomas Sutton, President of the Lay Organization of the Fifth Episcopal District and his queenly wife were present of the Midwest Annual Conference. No new officers to report during press time. A breakfast was hosted by the Lay Organization. During such time Bishop Kirkland shared his vision and entertained questions from those in attendance.

Bishop Frank Cummings, the 95th Consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church who is retired, joined Bishop Kirkland and the members of the Midwest Annual Conference for the session. Bishop Cummings preached the first ordination service; his subject was Bearing Healthy Fruit, the Gospel of John Chapter 15:1-8.

In the evening the young people converted the once ballroom into a construction site by placing road blocks with various message on them. The construction theme let the attendees of the conference that there was some work being done and rebuilding was taken place. Gail McClendon was voted by the YPDers to be the leader of the Young People’s Division. Mrs. Rochelle Fry-Skinner YPD President of the Fifth Episcopal District along with her handsome husband accompanied her.

Sunday School was held on the closing day with several students and adults in attendance under the direction of Mrs. Gloria Watson and Mr. Henry Pearly, the Sunday School Superintendents of the Midwest Annual Conference. Members were asked to come early due to the estimated record number of attendees for annual conference. As estimated the closing session of the 1st Historical Midwest Annual Conference was jammed-packed with attendees and the ballroom had standing room only. Bishop Kirkland was impressed at the record number of #2,000 attendees. Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, the 114th consecrated Bishop of the A.M.E. Church delivered a soul stirring message, "Shake off the Snakes," Acts Chapter 28. The crowd stood, shouted, and clapped for the new Episcopal team as we go to another level of service for the Lord Jesus Christ.
:
The following is a list of ministers who received a temporary appointment at the Midwest Annual Conference: Rev. Mark Smith, St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Wichita, KS; the Rev. Carmi Woods, Ebenezer A.M.E. Church, Kansas City, MO; the Rev. Anthony Steele, First A.M.E. Church, Kansas City, KS; the Rev. Robert Shaw, Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church, Kansas City, MO; the Rev. Penny Pitchford, Bethel A.M.E. Church, Manhattan, KS; the Rev. Edwin Donaldson, Grant Chapel A.M.E. Church, Wichita, KS. Moved to Churches: the Rev. Keith Cordier from Ebenezer-Grant, Saint Joseph's Missouri to Cain Grant, Kansas City, Missouri; the Rev. Steve Barnes from Saint Luke, Liberty, Missouri to St. Luke, Kansas City, Kansas; the Rev. Percel Hector from St. James, Arkansas City, Kansas to Bethel, Omaha, Nebraska; the Rev. Adrian Young from Bethel, Omaha, Nebraska to St. James, Arkansas City, Kansas (returned his appointment); the Rev. Benjamin Finnell from Cain-Grant, Kansas City, Missouri to Allen, Omaha, Nebraska; the Rev. Damon Thornhill from Handy Chapel, Joplin, Missouri to Saint Paul, Independence, Missouri; the Rev. Jonathan Wright from Saint Paul, Independence, Missouri to Ebenezer-Grant, St. Joseph, Missouri; the Rev. Barbara Harper to St. Luke, Liberty, Missouri; the Rev. Euzell Ball, Jr. to Mt. Olive, Emporia, Kansas; the Rev. Viola Jones from Bethel, Winfield, Kansas to Ward Chapel, Junction City, Kansas; the Rev. Stephen Pearson (stationed at Ward Chapel, Junction City) did not receive an appointment. He is traveling with Bishop Kirkland until an appointment in Southern California becomes available.

Throughout this historical annual conference people made new friends and the ballroom will never be the same. The new dynamic duel, Bishop T. Larry Kirkland and Mrs. Mary Kirkland will build on what has been established taking the Midwest Conference to reach higher heights. We thank God for our previous dynamic Episcopal Team, Bishop John R. Bryant and Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant all of their hard work.

*The Rev. Eraina M. Ross–Aseme is the Public Relations Chairperson of the Midwest Annual Conference of the Fifth Episcopal District

6. THE FIRST HISTORIC MIDWEST ANNUAL CONFERENCE RESOLUTION:

August 31, 2008

To: Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, Episcopal Supervisor Mary Kirkland, Presiding Elders, Pastors, delegates and members of the conference.

Whereas; the first session of the Midwest Annual Conference convened on Monday, August 25th with the “Women In Ministry” Breakfast followed by three workshops. Rev. Steven Barnes gave a presentation on “Self-Defense.” Dr. Lynette Sparkman-Barnes addressed “Wellness” and Rev. Shirley Heermance presented concepts and elements dealing with “Worship”.
In the evening, the conference was blessed from heaven as Rev. Rochelle Settles ministered in concert and several of the women in ministry received the Jarena Lee Award.

Whereas; early Tuesday morning, the Pastors dined with Bishop Larry Kirkland. In this time of fellowship, Bishop Kirkland made the following statement: “As the bishop, he had no friends to reward and no enemies to punish. The pastors would be promoted according to production”.
Under the leadership of our new Episcopal supervisor, Mary Kirkland, the Women’s Missionary Society conducted its first Historic Session. Items addressed during the day were (a) the election of officers for the new conference year; (b) Roll Call of Angels, and (c) the presentation of the Cleo B. Love Award. On Tuesday evening the WMS held its “Witness Night”. The theme for the program was “Preparing for the Next Level of Missions”.

Whereas; on Wednesday, the Rev. Dr. C. Dennis Williams was the facilitator for the Conference Institute. He placed emphasis upon the establishment of a Men’s Ministry and Youth Ministry, essential for future growth in our churches. Pastors, Delegates, officers and members of the Midwest Conference answered Roll Call as a result of the Awesome and plentiful grace of God. There was the organization of the conference so that the business of this conference could commence. The focus of the WMS Hour of Power was upon “Ecology”. Ms. Kim Randolph proclaimed that “Being made in the image of God is synonymous with caring for God’s earth”. Next, Rev. Karla Cooper stated that “Ecology would suggest that we not only hug trees, but that we learn to hug one another. To save souls in the same way that we save aluminum cans. …we need to be concerned with human ecology, with compassion and love, and the ecology of prayer”.

Whereas, God has blessed the people of the Midwest Annual Conference, we came in unity (the former Northwest Missouri and the Kansas Nebraska Conferences) to celebrate the formation of a new conference, (specifically the First Historic Midwest Conference) in the opening worship service.

Whereas, Rev. Dr. Mark Smith made history by preaching the First Annual Sermon of the Midwest Annual Conference by challenging the congregants to “Launch out into the deep. Never give up, because faith says ‘give it another chance’”. It was electrifying!

Whereas, Thursday morning began with the continuation of our institute entitled “Models of Evangelism for Leaders and Clergy”. In the words of the presenter: “Leaders must be practitioners of spirituality and they must be trustworthy. Do not be a drive by Christian. We must meet the needs of the community by participation. Sheep beget sheep. Equip your sheep to be workers, to be productive.” The Rev. Daryl Walker delivered the message for the Hour of Power using 1st Samuel the 11th chapter for his text. The conference received encouragement as he exclaimed “Hold on! Help is on the way”! Later on that evening, the Rev. James A. Terrance, Jr. from Friendship Baptist Church, Kansas City, Kansas reminded us of the need for man to meet Jesus and that none of us can measure up to Jesus.

Whereas, on Friday morning Rev. C. Dennis Williams concluded his teaching, and may the conference ponder on the truths presented. Those truths being: first, Churches that grow are ministry–driven. Second, a ministry driven-church is loving, worshiping, evangelizing and learning. The Rev. Dr. Larry King retired from active service as an Itinerant Elder in the AME Church. During Friday’s Hour of Power, Dr. Betty Witherspoon declared “We are to leave our stuff behind and press on toward the mark for the prize of our high calling of God in Christ Jesus”. Dr. Percell Hector informed the conference that “we must undergo a spiritual arrest, so we can be transformed from a persecutor of Jesus to recruiter for Him. Rev. Rachel proclaimed that “We have to be shifted and then we must turn back and help strengthen our brothers and sisters”. Rev. Edwin Donaldson, using Mark 7:24 told us that “You must be determined to get the crumbs of our blessing.” Friday evening, the Lay Organization held their annual Lay Witness Service. The Word went forth in song, dance and puppet theatre. There was a brief statement about the beginnings of the Lay Organization in the early 1900’s. Life members were recognized.

Whereas, Saturday morning, the Lay Organization hosted a breakfast for the Bishop. Bishop Kirkland expressed his thanks to the Lay Organization for electing him to come and serve in the Fifth Episcopal District. He offered suggestions for teamwork, accountability and for utilization of available technology to do the work of the church. Bishop Kirkland made an inquiry into the moral character of the preachers in the conference, after which it was determined that the characters of all the preachers were passed upon examination.

Whereas, The location and time of the next Midwest Annual Conference is at the call of the Bishop. The congregation of First AME Church Kansas City, Kansas expressed a desire to host the next Midwest Annual Conference. It was determined by a majority vote that Rev. Anthony Steele would be the host chair of the second historic Midwest Annual Conference.

Whereas; Bishop Kirkland entertained a motion for adjournment business session of the 2008 Midwest Annual Conference and the motion was seconded and approved thus adjourning the session.

Whereas; Bishop Frank Cummings, the 95th consecrated Bishop of the AME Church, preached the first ordination Sermon of the first historic Midwest Annual Conference entitled: “Bearing Healthy Fruit”. He shared three directives based on John 15: 1-8;

(1) Follow the example of Christ and stay connected to the source;
(2) We must unload ourselves of the things we don’t need.
(3) Be excited and joyful in bearing fruit.

Whereas; Seven holy women were consecrated Deaconess and two candidates were elected and ordained as itinerant Deacons, namely, Sis Jacquelyn Ford and Bro. Euzall Ball, Jr.

Whereas; on Friday and Saturday the young people participated in several workshops which included The Body Is the Temple of God, which was a DOD/SOS initiative and Spiritual Warfare presentation. The conference was taken to the mountaintop during the creative and spiritual realm beginning with the anointing of the youth first then the rest of the attendees. Souls underwent construction as they received a spiritual makeover. And the young people presented 10% of the offering to the Fishers of Men community organization to help with the salvation and care of youth. At the end of the service approximately 20-30n youth answered the call to ministry.

Whereas; the first conference Sunday school opened at 9:00 AM with a total of 23 attendee plus 3 teachers. The lesson text was taken from John 13:13-14

Whereas, Bishop T. Larry Kirkland the 114 consecrated Bishop of the AME Church was privileged to baptize his first accession, namely Robert Ryland Shaw, III.

Whereas; Bishop Kirkland delivered the sermon at the closing service and instructed the church of Allen in the new Historic Midwest Annual Conference to “shake off the snakes that try to bite you.” His text was taken from Acts the 28th chapter.

Be it resolved: That in this Historic Midwest Annual Conference we will demonstrate Teamwork and Unity with the purpose of serving the Lord and will be woven together as we strive to attain the common goals of commitment to the Lord, the AME Church and its Mission with wisdom, following the directives and requests from our Episcopal Leadership Team. We will be a ministry-driven-church, claiming and reclaiming souls in the name of Jesus.

Be it finally resolved that Rev. Spencer Barrett of Bethel A.M.E. Church along with the entire Historic Midwest Annual Conference Committee did host the event in a magnificent and professional manner.

We owe you a debt of gratitude. We the Resolution Committee ask you to stand and give them some appreciation.

Respectfully and humbly submitted, the Resolution Committee:

The Rev. Darlene Easley, the Rev. Stacy Evans, the Rev. Valencia Jackson, the Rev. Sandra Radford, the Rev. Shirley Heermance, the Rev. Willie Morris, and the Rev. A.M.K. Easley and Sister Kay Davis and Sister Linda Cousin.

7. GUEST REVIVALIST/EVANGELIST FOR NORTH OHIO ANNUAL CONFERENCE, OCTOBER 8-10, 2008, 8 P.M. AT ST. JOHN AME, CLEVELAND:

The Reverend Dr. Grainger Browning, Jr. is the Senior Pastor of Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church of Fort Washington, Maryland where the Right Reverend Adam J. Richardson, Jr. is the Presiding Bishop of the Second Episcopal District and Rev. Louis-Charles Harvey, Ph.D. is the Presiding Elder of the Potomac District. Pastor Browning was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He is married to the Reverend Dr. Jo Ann Browning, Co-Pastor of Ebenezer A.M.E. Church and is the proud father of Candace, a student at Hampton University and Grainger III, a married student at Morehouse College, and grandfather of Grainger IV and Kaylah.

Pastor Browning is a 1974 graduate of Hampton University, Hampton, Virginia earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in History-Education. He was awarded a Master of Divinity Degree in 1982 from Howard University Divinity School where he was awarded the Benjamin E. Mays Theological Fellowship and listed in Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities. Additionally, he received Doctor of Divinity Degrees from Payne Theological Seminary, Wilberforce, Ohio and from the A.M.E. University in Monrovia, Liberia. Before being called into ministry, Pastor Browning was a high school educator with the Newton Massachusetts Public School System, serving as Department Chairperson in Social Science. While living in the Boston area, Rev. Browning was also Vice President of the Boston NAACP in 1982-1983. Pastor Browning is a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

Pastor Browning was called to preach in 1979, while he was a member at St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He was appointed Pastor of Ebenezer A.M.E. Church in 1983 with a membership of 17 and a budget of $12,000. Under his leadership, the membership now exceeds 10,000 with more than 100 ministries and a budget of $12 million, ministering to the spiritual, educational, political, social, economic, health, and recreational needs of the community. During his tenure as Pastor, Rev. Dr. Grainger Browning has led Ebenezer A.M.E. Church in donating nearly $2 million in scholarships to high school graduates and returning college students.

Rev. Browning currently serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of Wilberforce University (after serving as Vice Chairman from 2002-2006) and Payne Theological Seminary in Wilberforce, Ohio. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Rainbow/People United to Save Humanity (PUSH) Coalition. In that capacity, he has traveled on several delegations with Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. to Israel, Palestine, Sudan, Libya, Lebanon, Syria, and Ghana, meeting the Head of State in each one of these countries. Rev. Browning has traveled extensively throughout the African continent while ministering in Senegal, Gambia, Lesotho, Zambia, South Africa, Liberia and Egypt.

To all of the above, what he is today and ever hopes to be, Reverend Browning gives his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ all the honor, the glory and the praise!

Get Ready for Revival!
October 8-10, 2008- 8 p.m.
St. John AME Church
2261 E. 40th & Central Ave., Cleveland
For more information, call 216-431-2560
Come and be blessed!

“When the day of Pentecost was fully come …” Acts 2.1f

8. AME-INDIA REPORT FOR AUGUST 2008:

Praise the Lord for all the good things that the Lord has done. We are delighted to be back with the testimonies and the marvelous things that the Lord has been doing in the lives of the people, through the ministry of our Pastors. But before we could do that, with a heavy heart we want to inform you that there has been a severe outbreak of violence against the Christians in the State of Orissa, situated in the south-eastern part of India.

It all started on August 23rd, 2008 with the murder of a fanatic Hindu leader along with his four accomplices, by the Maoist Naxalites of the region, who have publicly claimed the responsibility for their act. The slain Hindu leader was known for his atrocities on the Christians and Muslims this region. The district administration has never held him responsible for any of his acts. Soon after his death was declared, rampaging Hindu mobs brandishing guns, swords, knives, bombs and stuff, targeted the Christians, because they had been waiting for some excuse to target the Christians, who have been labeled by the Hindus of this region as "conversion terrorists", the Muslims are called as "theology-inspired terrorists". One of the news reporter states that, when the violence is part of drumming up sectarian hatred for ethnic cleansing, the target group can be blamed for no reason. Indeed there is a from of ethnic cleansing that is systematically going on in the states ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party, the rightists who are vehemently anti-Muslims and anti-Christians.

From here on began the vandalizing of homes, torching places of worship, social and economic boycotts, churches are destroyed, Bibles burned, Christians murdered. A nun has been raped, a woman was burnt alive, 2 Pastors among 24 killed, Ramesh Diggal a Christian was hacked into 15 pieces. At Bhubaneshwar, the state capital, an orphanage was completely destroyed, in the same city; a Bishop's house was destroyed. Overall more than 400 churches are burnt down, 4014 houses in 300 villages destroyed, 50,000 Christian adults and children are hiding in the forests. They do not have access to food, drinking water and shelter. This is rainy season in this region.

When the attacks were perpetrated against the Christians, the police were called away from the district for other assignments. Some villages were assigned with one police personnel, and what can one do against a crazy frenzied mob. The affected people have no confidence in the district administration. All across the country Christians have rallied against these atrocities; Christian educational institutions remained closed on particular days to express their solidarity with the affected Christians. Christian church bodies and other secular fronts have met the highest government authorities and political leaders seeking justice and protection for the people affected. We just need to continue to pray for peace and calmness to be restored. God has to act to bring comfort to the people affected. Please pray for this urgent matter.

Pastor Daniel Raj reports from Kamaraj Nagar about a couple Mr. Subba Rao and Mrs. Subadramma who were very rich and lived a very sophisticated life. Their sophistication was to such extent that they got addicted to alcoholism and several other addictions which resulted in landing them on the streets. They lost all their wealth and became paupers. They lost their peace and quarreled everyday. They finally decided to end their lives by committing suicide. This is when God leads Pastor Daniel Raj to their house, he shared about God's love to them they believed and accept Jesus as their Saviour. God restored their peace; they found jobs to supplement their needs and became self-sufficient. They regularly attend worship and are preparing for baptism. God's works are marvelous.

Pastor John Wesley reports from K.B.R. Puram about two brothers Raju and Rajiv, who have been members of RSS* (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is a right-wing socio-cultural body, who are vehemently anti-Christian). The siblings have been constantly opposing and attacking any form of gospel work in their locality. In the past they have also beaten up Christian evangelists. Pastor Wesley had been constantly praying for them. When the church got together and prayed for them, they all had a vision of bleeding Jesus on the cross, telling them that he loved and cared for the two brothers. The church was filled with awe at this vision. To everyone's surprise the two brothers invited Pastor Wesley to their house to pray for them, they not only opened their hearts to Jesus but also opened their house for the church to gather for worship, as they did not have a place to worship. Pastor Wesley also reports that at a later stage the church got together to purchase a piece of land and build a shed spending US$2000/-, but it has been razed to the ground by forces of the local administration who had been against the Christians in this village. It’s a great loss for these Christians, as almost all of them are from below the poverty line. Please pray that the Lord would provide them a place of their own to worship.

Pastor John David reports about Mrs. Annapoorna, a very strong, conservative and fanatic Hindu, who was deserted by her husband after 14 years of their marriage. She lived with her four sons. Her husband had left a lot of debts to repay, so the loan sharks pressurized her to repay her husband's loan. She had no income to even feed the family. The gods did not come to her aid in this time of need. Unable to bear the burden she decided to commit suicide. One day she heard Pastor David preaching in open-air on the theme of, 'casting burdens on Jesus'. She came to him to get rid of her burdens, ending up in surrendering her life to Jesus and attaining peace and rest. Now she is witnessing Jesus in her village and God is using her as a mighty instrument. Praise the Lord!!!!!

Sister Nagomi reports from Puttur about a man named Bhaskar and his wife Padmavathi who were committed Hindus belonging to the middle class economical family. Whenever Sister Nagomi visited their place to preach the gospel, this couple vehemently opposed her and chased her away. Suddenly Manoj the 15 year old son of the mentioned couple fell severely ill and did not respond to the medical treatments rendered to him. One day when Sister Nagomi visited this place to share about Jesus, she found the couple in tears, she share about Jesus and his healing miracles with them. They believed and allowed her to pray for their son Manoj, she continued to do so for a month regularly and God answered her prayer by healing him. This resulted in the conversion of the whole family, as they committed their lives to Jesus and accepted him as their personal Saviour. They are preparing themselves now to receive baptism.

Sister Subbamma reports from Pallur about a Hindu devotee of Kali Mrs. Mangamma, she was possessed with evil spirit, which enabled her to foretell people about their lives, this gained her popularity. People used her services and offered her alcohol in return. Some even misbehaved with her. Her life was very pathetic. God burdened Mrs. Subbamma for this lady, she started prayer walking around the temple where Mrs. Mangamma resided, looking for an opportunity to share God's word with her. God gave her the opportunity; she shared God's love with her, resulting in deliverance from the evil spirit and the salvation of the lady. She gained the inner peace within, her life is completely transformed. Now she is witnessing Jesus in the village and attends the church, while preparing for baptism. Praise the Lord!!!!

Pastor Daniel reports from Mullapudi about a lady named Mrs. Meena, deserted by her husband, lived with her son Ravi and daughter Neeraja. Neeraja was differently-abled because she was unable to walk, because some sickness had affected the nerves in her legs. No amount of medical treatment had helped her walk. Mrs. Meena was disappointed with the Hindu gods and goddesses whom she worshipped, because they could not heal her daughter. Without her husband's support, along with her differently-abled daughter, Mrs. Meena's life was miserable. She approached Pastor Daniel with tears asking him to do something about her daughter. Pastor Daniel along with the members of his church visited their house and prayed over Neeraja while applying prayer oil. God miraculously touched her and healed her. Today she walks as a living testimony, which has brought the whole family and the village to come to Jesus and accept him as their personal Saviour.

Brother Gopi reports from Parameshwara Mangalam about a man named Yellaiah a devout Hindu and a devotee of Ayyiappa, a famous deity in South India. His wife Devi is a converted Christian who prayed for his salvation. He could not tolerate her new-found faith; he used to beat her up to discourage her from praying to Jesus. One day Yellaiah fell sick , He and his parents spent a lot of money on black magic and also on medical treatment but to of no respite. Finally he was brought to Brother Gopi's church where his wife worshipped. The entire church got together and prayed for his healing by applying prayer oil. He was healed. He accepted Jesus along with his parents and other members of the family. They are attending worship regularly and are preparing for baptism.

Pastor Chiranjeevi reports from Kodur about a Hindu lady named Bhagyamma who lived by rearing and tending sheep and goats. She heard about Jesus many times in her life but never believed because she was very committed to her ancestral faith. Recently there was an unknown animal epidemic which killed the sheep and goats of that region. A great many people lost their animals. She was struck with fear, as it was her only means of survival. She invited Pastor Chiranjeevi to pray for her sheep and goats. She vowed that if God spared her animals she would commit her life to Jesus. God spared her animals; she accepted Jesus as her Saviour and is witnessing him today.

Pastor Stephen Raju from Kanava Mitta reports of a widow named Chengamma. Her only son Seenu was the apple of her eye. After his marriage, he started giving into alcoholism. Unable to bear the everyday quarrels of a drunken husband, his wife Kanakamma to walk out on him. Chengamma was deeply disturbed, she went from temple to temple, praying to the Hindu gods and goddesses to release her son from alcoholism, but nothing happened. Finally she approached Pastor Stephen to pray for her son. Pastor Stephen started regularly visiting Seenu and praying for him. Finally God answered his prayed and released Seenu from alcoholism. Both the mother and son accepted Jesus as their Saviour and are now attending the church. Kanakamma came back and joined with Seenu, it is a happy family now, yet Kanakamma is yet to accept Jesus. Please pray for her.

Pastor Anil from Kasim Mitta reports of a lady named Salamma who lived with her drunkard husband, who never earned anything, but lived on his wife's earnings. Salamma was a small time vegetable vendor. The government had given her a piece of land as part of the government's welfare schemes, but unfortunately she was not given any legal documents claiming that she was the owner of the land. When other came to know about this they planned to occupy her land. Since it was her only hope for survival she came to the church looking for some solution. She heard about Jesus, and the Pastor assured her that Jesus can rescue her from her woes. She accepted Jesus and miraculously her land has been restored to her. God's ways a marvelous.

Pastor Ramesh from Pallavaram requests prayer for a person named Muthu, who has heard the gospel and wants to commit his life to Jesus but there is a very strong opposition from his parents who are committed Hindus. Please pray for a breakthrough. Nothing is impossible for our God. Pastor Ramesh also requests prayer for Mr. Ponnuswami, an atheist who has been taking time to listen to the gospel, let us pray fervently for the Holy Spirit to work in him and bring him to the feet of the cross. He also requests for prayer for himself as he is looking for a rented house. He lives with his wife Alice and a two month old girl baby.

Pastor Joshua Vijaymani reports of a lady named Mrs. Usha who was possessed by an evil spirit and tormented by an unknown fear. After the church prayed over her she has been delivered from it and living for Christ boldly. Another educated Hindu lady named Mrs. Kempamma was set on fire by her husband Mr. Moorty by way of dowry harassment. God saved her and now she is being healed of the burns. He also requests prayer for Mrs. Poonkudi a Hindu woman who wants to become a follower of Jesus and be baptized, but her husband, a Hindu himself, is vehemently opposing her. Please also pray for Mrs. Greeni Vijayamani who has not been keeping well of late – she needs the healing tough of God on herself. Please also pray a deaf and dumb couple Mr. Raju and Mrs. Kavita, who have recently parted their ways from their marital commitment. They have a daughter named Ruth.

AME Pastors, Pastor Saurabha Beborta and Pastor Dibyajyothi Limma who serve the Lord in the troubled state of Orissa are safe, but they are under the grip of fear, for they do not know when the perpetrators will turn their ire on their area. Let us continue to pray for their safety.

Once again we plead you for your prayers for the Christians in Orissa and we thank you for your prayers for us. God bless you all.

The Rev. Sarah and the Rev. Abraham Peddiny
Presiding Elders, AME-India

PS: For any further information please write to us at ameindia07@gmail.com

9. JASON DARBY GREADUATES FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA:

At Carolina, Jason Darby learned what he’ll need to go the distance.

A Columbia native, Darby returned to his hometown to work so that he could also pursue a Master of Mass Communications from Carolina. He graduated in May 2005.

“I knew about the reputation of the program,” he said. “I’ve worked as the PR director at Allen University. It’s been great for me. It’s given me more skills for the job and prepared me for whatever comes along. The faculty was great and really knowledgeable; I enjoyed the opportunity.”

Darby attended South Carolina State University as an undergraduate and said what he’ll remember most about Carolina is its diversity.

“Coming from an HBC (historically black college) background, and coming to a different kind of institute and meeting a more diverse group,” he said. “And the skills I picked up. I started working in PR at 19 and learned as I went along. To be able to have theory to put with the practices I’ve been learning the past eight, nine years has been beneficial.

“It has me convinced I’ll be able to go far.”

This information was extracted from the University of South Carolina Website:
http://uscnews.admin.sc.edu/portal/content/photos/item.php?catid=12&pid=63

10. 7TH DISTRICT, SCDSS & RICHLAND ONE FORM PARTNERSHIP IN EYES ON THE CHILD PROGRAM:

Monday, September 8, at 11 AM, the 7th District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS), and Richland County School District One held a press conference to announce a new partnership involving these three organizations entitled “Eyes on the Child.” The press conference took place at Reid Chapel AME Church located at 704 Gabriel Street in Columbia, SC where Rev. Dr. Norvel Goff is pastor.

The featured speakers of the event included Dr. Kathleen Hayes, Director of SCDSS, Dr. Wilma D. Webb Williams, Episcopal Supervisor, 7th District AME Church, Dr. Percy Mack, Superintendent of Richland School District One, Mayor Robert D. Coble of Columbia, SC, Wendy Brawley, Chairwoman of the Richland County School Board of Commissioners, and Bishop Preston W. Williams II, presiding Bishop of the AME Church in South Carolina.

In front of a sanctuary filled with press conference attendees and women missionaries in full regalia, the speakers explained that the Eyes on the Child program was created by Bishop Williams and the SCDSS to provide support to at-risk children so as to enhance their performance in school and promote their overall growth and development. SCDSS and Richland One school officials will identify children in need of additional assistance in meeting their educational goals. Volunteers from the AME Church will then be paired with the students to provide support, guidance and encouragement. Dr. Hayes thanked Bishop Williams for his vision and leadership in partnering the 7th District with the SCDSS for the betterment of the children of South Carolina.

Bishop Williams and the SCDSS developed the Eyes On The Child program based on two central ideas: (1) that parents and children feel supported and encouraged when there are adults on whom they can depend and with whom they can develop positive relationships and; (2) that at-risk children benefit from positive role models who listen to them and promote their self-esteem, confidence and growth. Through this volunteer program, children will receive individual attention and positive reinforcement from caring adults from the 7th District AME Church. Each week, for a minimum of one hour, the volunteer’s role will be to visit the child at school, eat lunch with the child, and engage in the interests of that child.

Dr. Hayes stated, “We believe this ‘extra’ set of eyes on the child will result in another positive relationship for the child and a more successful educational outcome.” Bishop Williams commended the numerous 7th District AME Church members who have already pledged their volunteer support, stating, “We are pleased, proud, and appreciative of the many men and women within our denomination who have answered the call to serve the most vulnerable segment of our society, at-risk youth. In helping our youth, we help ourselves.”

The Eyes on the Child program will be launched as a pilot program in Richland County School District One and then established statewide. Rev. James Glover, Presiding Elder of the Lancaster District, noted that all 17 presiding elders within the 7th District have already identified elementary schools within their respective districts where volunteers will be able to support, encourage and nurture at-risk youth. Thus, once the pilot phase has been completed during the coming months, the expansion of the project into a statewide program should be a relatively smooth transition. For information on how to volunteer for the Eyes On The Child program contact Ms. Kabrina Bass, 7th District Christian Education Director, at 803.935.0500 or christianed@ame7.org.

Benjamin Harrison
Public Relations Director
7th District AME Church
Tel 803.935.0500
Cell 803.528.7104
HarrisonAMEMedia@aol.com

11. THE FREE BIBLE STUDY GUIDE FOR THE FILM THE FAMILY THAT PREYS IS NOW AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD AND USE:

The film opens this weekend on Sept. 12th. Make it a special evening and invite your friends to come with you! Enjoy this study guide as a discussion starter and guide to the biblical principles utilized in this film. The study guide is attached to this email and you can download the corresponding video clips from the film at: www.wingclips.com. Come Wednesday you can also download the clips from www.sermonspice.com

12. PAYNE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY HIRES FIRST FULLTIME FEMALE FACULTY MEMBER:

As the 16th and first woman President of Payne Theological Seminary, I am excited and pleased to announce that the Board of Trustees and the Faculty of Payne Theological Seminary has approved the hiring of Renee Harrison, Ph.D. to serve as a faculty member of the Payne Theological Seminary family. Dr. Harrison has accepted the position and becomes the first African American woman to serve as a full-time member of the faculty of PTS, effective for the 2008-2009 academic year.

Dr. Harrison served as Visiting Assistant Professor and Acting Director of Black Church Studies at Emory University, Candler School of Theology prior to her faulty appointment at Payne Theological Seminary. Dr. Harrison holds a B.A. from California State University Northridge, a Masters of Divinity degree from Interdenominational Theological Center, and a Ph.D. from Emory University.

As the first woman President of Payne Theological Seminary, an opportunity made available to me by the distinguished accomplishments of persons who serve the African Methodism at the highest levels, notably, General Officer, Dr. Jamye Coleman Williams, and Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie. I am indeed grateful for the opportunity to welcome the first full time female faculty member of Payne Theological Seminary in its more than 160 year illustrious history.

As the only free standing AME seminary and the oldest free standing seminary in the world, Payne has worked over the years to position itself as a crucible of Afrocentric theological education committed to preparing ministerial leaders of African Methodism and the ecumenical community. Clearly, the addition of Dr. Renee Harrison, an exciting and dynamic scholar, Payne Theological Seminary now expands its capacity to serve with a diversified population of persons seeking to hear and respond to God’s call on their lives and in the building of God’s Kingdom.

The entire Payne Theological Seminary family joins me in welcoming Dr. Renee Harrison.

Leah Gaskin Fitchue, Ed.D.
President, Payne Theological Seminary
1230 Wilberforce-Clifton Road
Wilberforce, Ohio 45384
937-376-2946 ext 209
mlewis@payne.edu or mhatcher@payne.edu

13. PAYNE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY ANNOUNCES THE APPOINTMENT OF THE REVEREND DR. JASON CURRY AS ITS NEW ACADEMIC DEAN:

On behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Payne Theological Seminary, school president Reverend. Dr. Leah Gaskin Fitchue is pleased to announce the appointment of the Reverend Dr. Jason Curry as its new Academic Dean. Dr. Curry began his duties on July 1, 2008, having completed seven years as Dean of the Chapel and Assistant Professor of Religion and Philosophy at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee.

“This is a critical moment in our history,” offered President Fitchue, “as our seminary, and its supporting denomination, The African Methodist Episcopal Church, face the challenges of ministry in the 21st century. As we implement our new curriculum, with its traditional anchorage in biblical, historical and theological studies and new emphases on HIV/AIDS crisis, criminal justice and incarceration and family and community issues, we look to Dr. Curry to assume the role of intellectual and administrative leader of our school.”

Dr. Curry, an ordained AME minister, was graduated from Morehouse College and completed studies at Harvard Divinity School. He holds the Ph.D. degree in Religion and Personality from Vanderbilt University. “Payne Theological Seminary embraces a rich and longstanding tradition of providing leadership in ecclesiastical circles throughout the nation,” said the new dean. “I am proud to be a member of this dynamic administrative and academic team that is actively engaged in resolving the challenges that are currently confronting our ecumenical and interfaith communities. I look forward to the opportunity to continue to identify and utilize both capital and human resources in order to improve the lives of individuals and families throughout our global community.”

Payne’s recent addition of a Doctor of Ministry degree with a focus on Global Missions, and their expanding online distance learning program add to its uniqueness among theological seminaries in general, and historically Black institutions of higher learning in particular. It is already the oldest free standing historically Black seminary in the United States, having been commissioned in 1844 and fully beginning its mission as the theological department of Wilberforce University in 1856. Its founder and first president, AME Bishop Daniel Alexander Payne was among the first African Americans to earn a seminary degree, having been graduated from the Lutheran Theological Seminary of Gettysburg, and was a champion of education among 19th century African Americans. “He left to the school that bears his name a strong vision for me to follow, said Dr. Curry. “So High a Mission, So Holy a Calling.”

Dr. Harold Dean Trulear
Adjunct Faculty
Payne Theological Seminary
1230 Wilberforce-Clifton Road
Wilberforce, Ohio 45384
937-976-2946 X 209

14. THE PASTOR’S CORNER – S.H.A.P.E.: FINDING AND FULFILLING YOUR UNIQUE PURPOSE FOR LIFE:

*The Rev. James M. Moody is the pastor of Quinn Chapel AME Church, Chicago

Spiritual Gifts Revelation

When the Apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them. They had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:14-17

While studying our “S.H.A.P.E.” – “Your God-given special design and the specific difference God desires for you to make on earth for His glory” – the word of God reminded me of the following truths.

God is a Trinity – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. God is three who are one. God the Father calls us into relationship with Himself and sent God the Son to sacrifice His life and rise from the dead to save us from His wrath into right relationship, all done by the power of God the Holy Spirit. This is orthodox, fundamental Christianity.

Acts 8:14-17; Acts 19:1-7 – We are to receive the Holy Spirit. Have you asked Him to enter into you and fill you with His presence and to demonstrate His power through the working of Spiritual gifts through your life?

I Corinthians 12:4-5 – The Holy Spirit must be allowed to work or manifest or make real the gifts of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

We cannot counterfeit the gifts of the Spirit because (John 3: 1-8) the Holy Spirit is attempting to give birth to something spiritual in us at a spiritual level. Any attempt to counterfeit the work of the Holy Spirit is a form of what is known as being carnal.

We can sometimes lose sight of the working of the Spirit and attempt to bring about results at the level of our soul (will, intellect, or emotions) or body (drives, instincts, or physical operations). This results in an abortion of what the Holy Spirit was giving birth to in the person’s life and in the lives of those God was trying to reach.

A person with the gift of leadership may attempt to lead in his/her own will, intellect, or emotions and not by the wisdom of the Spirit. Instead of shared vision, cooperation and empowerment among those being led, the results are confusion, conflict, frustration, bitterness, etc. People get hurt, disrespected, or worse.

A person with the gift of mercy may attempt to force others to change. Instead of growth, empowerment, and transformation in the lives of those in need of help, the results are conflict, resentment, division, etc. People get manipulated, disrespected or worse.

A person with the gift of evangelism may attempt to impose the gospel and the need to share it on others. Instead of conversion in the lives of those targeted to receive the good news and building of the kingdom, the results are an inappropriate level of intensity, an exaggerated sense of urgency, impatience, division, etc. People resent the approach and miss the message of God’s love.

This list need not go on any further. We all get the picture.

Luke 1:26-38 – The Holy Spirit is attempting to give birth to something spiritual in us at a spiritual level that is manifest or made evident in the physical realm. As the angel Gabriel spoke to Mary the Mother of Jesus, he told her, “You will…give birth to…the Son of the Most High.” Because of all the evidence to the contrary, Mary questioned the veracity of the claim. The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be…the Son of God.” It was in yielding to the presence of the Holy Spirit that Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” The Son of God was born to her. Our Savior was brought into the physical realm. Salvation was purchased on the Cross of Calvary. And resurrection power lifted us all into new life. Now that’s Good News!

I highly recommend Erik Rees’ book, “S.H.A.P.E.” for any person desiring to answer the question, “What will be the contribution of my life?” Textbooks, workbooks, and a video learning series are available for individuals and groups at http://www.purposedriven.com/en-US/SHAPE/welcome.htm.

*The Rev. James M. Moody is the pastor of Quinn Chapel AME Church, Chicago

15. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:

- The Rev. Dr. Cornelius Hudson, Senior Pastor of Bethel Temple, Fort Worth proudly announces the birth of his first grandchild, Bryant Thompson, Jr., a healthy 5lb. 10 oz. baby boy.

The Rev. Hudson is the Senior Pastor of Bethel Temple AME Church in Fort Worth, Texas.

Congratulatory messages may be sent to:

The Rev. Dr. Cornelius Hudson, Pastor
Bethel Temple
The Administrative Offices
4731 E. Lancaster Avenue
Fort Worth, Texas 76103

Email: cornelius.hudson@gmail.com
817-496-9200 Church Main Line
817-534-4900 Administrative Office
817-886-7400 Pastor Hudson's Office

- Joshua Matthew Jenkins and Tiffany Michelle Belmont were united in Holy Matrimony on Sunday, August 31, 2008 at the Robinson Chapel AME Church, Chicago, IL. Rev. Dr. Ida V. James officiated. The Rev. Dr. Theodore Moran is the pastor of Robinson Chapel. Joshua Jenkins is the son of the Rev. Samuel and the Rev. Wanda Jenkins, pastors of Caison Memorial AME Church, Markham, IL.

Congratulatory messages may be sent to: samuelljenkinsjr@yahoo.com

- Dr. Asha Zakiya Ivey has accepted a faculty position in the Department of Psychology at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Ivey completed her post-doctoral work at Emory University in August 2008. Dr. Ivey is the daughter of the Reverend Ronald L. Ivey, Pastor of St. Matthews A.M.E. Church in Bronx, New York and First Lady Cynthia L. Ivey, President of The New York Conference Ministers Spouses and Member-At-Large of The New York Conference Women's Missionary Society.

Congratulatory messages may be sent to: belovedcommunity@msn.com

- Ashley Booker graduated from Frederick Douglas Academy in Harlem on June 26, 2008. She received four awards: Hayden Foundation Award, Association of AP Award, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Scholarship Award and the PTA Scholarship. Ashley will be attending Bates College in Lewiston, Maine in the fall. She is the daughter of The Reverend James E. Booker, Jr., Pastor of St. John A.M.E. Church in Harlem, New York and First Lady Crystal Wilson Booker.

Congratulatory messages may be sent to: Abooker212@yahoo.com

16. CONNECTIONAL OFFICER FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We share with regret, news of the passing of the sister of Dr. Dorothy Adams Peck, immediate past President, Women's Missionary Society African Methodist Episcopal Church.

(News release) from Dr. Dorothy Adams Peck and Professor Samuel Adams

Madame Olla Adams, Veteran linguist and long-time New York educator died Wednesday at Manor Care of West Palm Beach following a bout with cancer.

Madame Adams, a native of Waycross, Georgia, was the first known African-American to win a Fulbright Fellowship for study of French immediately after the international fellowships were launched in the early 1950s.

She taught at Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia, Edward Waters College in Jacksonville, Florida, and at other Historically Black Colleges in North Carolina before entering the New York School System, from which she retired five years ago.

For a number of years she recruited and led teams of American students on study-abroad trips to France to hone foreign language skills and gain cross-cultural knowledge of the life and culture of the French. Parents and students were included in those programs.

After skipping grades through Waycross's Center High School, Ms. Adams gained early entry to Morris Brown College; She later began teaching undergraduate French at Atlanta University.

She was the first member of her family to attend college, and she became the catalyst that led her five siblings and peers to pursue graduate degrees in medicine, dentistry, education and the arts.

Her sister is Dr. Dorothy Adams Peck, the former area superintendent of Palm Beach County School District and the past international president of the Women's Missionary Society, African Methodist Episcopal Church. Her surviving brother is Samuel Adams, the two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist and professor emeritus of University of Kansas, whom Newsweek noted as the nation's first black journalist assigned by mainstream media to cover the nation's 1960s civil rights beat.

The three other brothers are deceased. They were James Adams of Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. Carlton Z. Adams of Sacramento, California, and Dr. Curtis N. Adams of Baltimore, Maryland.

Dr. Peck said, "Just as my sister's September 11 death came on a date that coincides with the 9-11 date terrorism struck here New York home town. Her May 5 birthday four score years ago also came on a date made famous in Santo Domingo".

Services for Ms. Adams will be held on Friday, September 19, 2008 at 1:00 PM at:

Payne Chapel AME Church
801 9th Street
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) 832-2035

A wake will be held at Payne Chapel on Thursday, September 18 starting at 6:00 PM.

Arrangements are being made by:

Coleman Funeral Home
1215 N Tamarind Avenue
West Palm Beach, Florida 33401
Phone: (561) 833-1705
Fax: (561) 653-3154

Lodging arrangements may be made at: Doubletree Hotel Airport, 1808 North Australian Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL, (561) 684-6888.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Coleman Funeral Home:

Or to:

Dr. Dorothy Adams Peck and Family
4001 Haden Avenue
West Palm Beach, FL 33407

Phone: (561) 845-1941
Fax: (561) 842-9976
Email: peckdorothy@bellsouth.net

17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

The Right Rev. Adam J. Richardson, Jr., presiding prelate and Episcopal Supervisor, Mrs. Connie S. Richardson, of the Second Episcopal District acknowledge the passing of the Rev. Clifton Roscoe Wilson, the husband of Mrs. Geraldine Wilson.

The funeral has been held.

Condolences may be sent to Rev. Wilson's wife:

Mrs. Geraldine Wilson
1538 Carrolton Way
Chesapeake, VA 23320
(757) 410-8380

Presiding Elder C. W. Morris
Norfolk/Eastern Shore District
Virginia Annual Conference
(757) 999-7014
presidingelder1@verizon.net

18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We Share with regret, news of the passing of the Rev. Nancy Horton Sweet, the sister of the Reverend Dr. Larnie G. Horton, Presiding Elder of the Western District-Western North Carolina Conference, 2nd Episcopal District.

The Rev. Nancy Horton Sweet passed on Thursday, September 4, 2008.

The funeral has been held.

Messages of sympathy may be sent to:
The Sweet/Horton Families
c/o The DeBaptiste Funeral Home
(Address above)

Or

Expressions may be sent to:
Presiding Elder Larnie G. Horton & Family
1301 Granada Drive
Raleigh, NC 27612-5120
Phone: (919) 782-4803

19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Sister Mattie M. Harvey, mother of the Rev. Robert Harvey, pastor of Robinson Community AME Church, Indianapolis, Indiana. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

The funeral has been held.

Please send condolences to the church.

Funeral Home:
Walker Funeral Services
566 North Waters Street
Decatur, Illinois 62523
(217) 362-6214 (office)
(217) 362-6221 (fax)

The Rev. E. Anne Henning Byfield
Presiding Elder, South District
Indiana Annual Conference
Fourth Episcopal District
www.sdin.org

20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Sharing with regret, news of the passing of Mr. Waymon Plummer of Miami, Florida; the uncle of Rev. Jimmie L. Plummer, Pastor of St. Luke AME Church - Gallatin, TN. Mr. Waymon Plummer passed on Sunday morning, September 7, 2008.

Service Arrangements for Mr. Waymon Plummer:

Funeral Services:
Saturday, September 13, 2008
1:00 p.m.

New Bethel AME Church
1820 New Buckeye Road
East Dublin, GA 31027
Phone: (478) 275-0614
The Rev. A.J. Jones, Pastor
The Rev. Jimmie L. Plummer, Eulogist

Services are entrusted to:
Dudley Funeral Home
617 East Jackson Street
Dublin, GA 31021
Phone: (478) 272-5511
Fax: (478) 272-5228

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family of Mr. Waymon Plummer (addresses above).

Or to:

The Rev. Jimmie L. Plummer and Family
St. Luke AME Church
355 North Blythe Street
Gallatin, TN 37066
Phone: (615) 452-3137

Email condolences to: jlpddpjp2@comcast.net

21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Eric Sudler, the grandson of the Reverend Charles Dennis, a retired pastor of the Dover District, Delaware Conference.

The funeral has been held.

Condolences may be sent to:

The Rev. Charles Dennis and family
18078 Beach Highway
Ellendale, DE 19941

22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We are saddened to share news of the passing of The Reverend O. H. Brown on September 6, 2008. The Reverend O. H. Brown was a Retired Presiding Elder in the Missouri Annual Conference, 5TH Episcopal District, Bishop Theodore Larry Kirkland, Presiding Prelate.

The funeral has been held.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

Mrs. Ernestyne Brown and family
700 Dewayne Drive
Florissant, Missouri 63031
Phone: (314) 838-5911
Email: stlcape@sbcglobal.net

23. 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

24. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:

The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Richard Franklin Norris; 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.