THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (10/23/08)

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 – ST. PHILIP AME CHURCH, ATLANTA – SPIRITUAL, RELEVANT, MODERN, TRADITIONAL, SPIRIT-FILLED:

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

A worship experience at St. Philip AME Church is more than routine worship service; it’s an experience!

As I was arriving at St. Philip AME Church at 7:30 for the 7:45 a.m. worship service last Sunday, I saw people literally running from the parking to the church. Kids were hurrying up their parents so they could get into the sanctuary. When I got into the church, the place was abuzz with ushers and greeters, and I heard organ music being softly played. And as while we were in line getting ready for the processional, the people kept coming and coming and coming. The Reverend George Moore is the pastor of St. Philip AME Church in Atlanta, Georgia. I knew that this worship experience was going to be memorable.

The processional raised goose bumps on the back of my neck and the drama and the environment for worship was awesome.

The processional included the Sanctuary Choir, the praise dancers and the worship participants.

The Doxology was sung, followed by the call to worship, the worship hymn, the Morning Prayer, and the choral response. Boom, boom, boom, everything moved with precision and order. The Sanctuary Choir was on-target as its music ministry lifted the spiritual tenor of the service. Boom, boom, boom; the scripture, the Summary of the Decalogue, the recognition of guests, the announcements, the benevolent offering, the preparation of the sermon, the sermon, the invitation, general offering, altar call, Affirmation of Faith, the Doxology, benediction, postlude and fellowship were executed with precision, decorum and liturgical freedom that allowed for the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Admittedly, St. Philip is a mega-church, but the size of the building and numbers of participants were not the things that made me stand in awe and they were not the things that made the hairs stand on the back of my neck. I have attended and preached at large churches, medium-sized and small churches where I experienced the same phenomenon. It is not the size of the church building or the number of members on the roll. I believe that it has something to do with pastoral leadership, committed stewards, trustees and the leaders of local church organizations, and also episcopal leadership and the effective leadership of presiding elders. Ministry is teamwork from the top to the bottom, but, having said that, in the local church, “the buck” stops with the pastor.

So, it was not St. Philip’s physical plant or the size of its congregation, because St. Philip AME Church, at one time, was a small church. I asked Pastor George Moore how many members the church had when he was assigned as the pastor. He told me that he was told that there were 200 on the roll, but about 100 persons attended the services each Sunday. Today the church has about 4000 families. St. Philip did not start out with a 22 acre campus, a contiguous structure of 186,000 square feet and a budget of $4.5 million dollars. That church, and others it, grew because of pastoral leadership, dedication, commitment, and discipline. Mark Twain wrote, "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog."

I had an opportunity to observe Dr. Moore and he has such a humble spirit and awesome presence; even when he is not speaking. It had to be his influence and how he let God use him to grow the church to where it is today. We didn’t get an opportunity to speak specifically about how he accomplished his level of ministry, but I suspect that he had a plan and St. Philip didn’t grow accidently. I am certain when the road got rough and there was opposition; and the financial challenges surfaced, his pastoral leadership stayed the course. And, other successful pastors around our Zion who have successful ministries had plans and formulae in creating successful ministries and they stayed the course too.

Conversely, there are ministries that are stagnant and contentious. And, as there are formulae for success there are formulae for ministry failure, but that’s another editorial.

I observed some things at St. Philip. The worship service was an experience. It was participatory worship. It was drama. It was relevant. It was modern. It was upbeat. It had a good flow. It had movement. It involved the worshippers.

The children were involved. At the 7:45 a.m. service, there was young girl in a pew toward the back of the sanctuary that followed every move of the praise dancers and did every move the praise dancers did; that young lady was engaged in worship.

The adults were engaged.

The pastor, Dr. George Moore and his assistant, the Rev. Larry D. Jones were appropriately engaged in the worship service. No speeches by the pastor, he trusted the worship participants and allowed them to function. Rev. Jones, the model assistant pastor, experienced; did his tasks succinctly and professionally.

The Sanctuary Choir and musicians were appropriate to the liturgical movement of the service. I was later told that the Sanctuary Choir, under the direction of L’Tanya Moore, practiced every week and it showed. There is a difference between choirs that practice regularly and choirs that do not practice.

At the 11 a.m. service there were at least 50 male ushers. It was not the numbers, though the number of male ushers was impressive; the fact that the worship service had such a high representation of men in attendance was impressive. Apparently the ministry at St. Philip makes black men feel welcome because the men made up a large percentage of the worshippers at both worship services. The usher in charge was giving silent signals like a Command Sergeant Major in an U.S. Army cavalry unit. The ushers functioned with precision and precision takes practice.

I had an opportunity to speak with Sister Gloria Byrd, the President of the Sixth Episcopal District Lay Organization, who is a member of St. Philip and she said, “I love this church and that’s the reason I am a member here. We have innovative worship, while at the same time maintaining the worship traditions of African Methodism.” She went to say that there was no reason for pastors to dismantle the traditions of the African Methodist Episcopal Church because we can have creative worship that maintains the traditions of the Church.

And, that’s what I enjoyed about the worship service; creativity while at the same time maintaining the worship tradition of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. I remained a member of the AME Church through my teenage years because I enjoyed and felt spiritually inspired by the orderliness of AME Worship. Yes, I enjoyed visiting other more seemingly lively churches from time to time, but I always felt more spiritually-fed with the AME Call to Worship, prayer, scripture, the Decalogue, great well-delivered and well-researched sermons that often included quotes from famous people I hadn’t heard about, and the other acts of worship to include the Affirmation of Faith. And, yes, the Decalogue got long from time to time, but I discovered that it was not the length of the Ten Commandments, but the way the Decalogue was delivered; upbeat and with spirit, I can take the whole Decalogue every Sunday; delivered half-heatedly, the Summary of the Decalogue can be a bit much. I believe that there should be drama in worship.

We often see the listing of the postlude in many bulletins, but rarely do we hear postludes. Both worship services St. Philip had a postlude. The worshippers sat down after the benediction and the organist played a selection and it gave the worshippers time to reflect before going out into world and to the hustle and bustle of the coming week.

Many of the laity are calling for more engaged authentic AME worship and not worship that mimic other denominational traditions. St. Philip AME Church in Atlanta, Georgia exemplified AME worship at its best and I commend the pastor, officers and members for their commitment to the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

I thank God for the many AME Churches that are vibrant and full of energy. We have small, medium, large, and mega AME Churches that are faithful to the traditions of the AME Church, and for all of them, I am thankful.

Authentic worship takes work, planning, practice and training; and more training. It takes commitment and courage for pastors to stay the course and to maintain the highest traditions of the worship experience. It might mean that pastors will have to set themselves on fire because if they do, the people will come and watch them burn up.

And, for those pastors who might be struggling in the area of worship and liturgy, I would suggest that they find mentors in AME Churches like St. Philip and other churches that have vibrant worship services. Those kinds of churches exist in every area where AME Churches are located. As a matter of fact every pastor should take a Sunday or two and visit, sit in the pew, and observe successful pastors.

Ministry is not about the size of sanctuary or the membership. We can grow where we are planted or we can “grow the plant” that we have been given - "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog."


2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:

- To the Editor:

I applaud your editorial, "Ministry has to be more then raising money."

Often when I was pastoring, I faced embarrassing times when I didn't have what was asked of me, financially. Competition was as such, that other denominations in the community had more financially affluent members then me. Because African Methodist members did not speak kindly of our Churches (some are still doing so), rather then even pay Conference claims they rebel and go to other denominations and pay much, much more then conference claims.

I always had Stewards and Trustees to lift the offering; I do not believe that pastors should lift the offering. I've been to Annual Conferences where some pastors who were pastoring financially successful churches, would belittle the churches who had to put on chicken dinners and yard sales to raise their conference obligations. I preached tithing, but sometime we pastors had to be patient and allow people to grow into the tithing commitment.

I appreciate your editorial, if paid attention to, it would let the pastor do his or her job in ministering to the church; and let the stewards and trustees take care of the temporal duties.

Lastly, our membership must stop the destructive, false information that the finances in the AME Church are being taken and used by the bishops, presiding elders and pastors.

Some of our own members hurt our Church and stunt its growth.

Once again, thank you for a truth-filled article.

The Rev. Dr. Harry D. Pierson, a retired pastor

3. A THOUGHT FROM THE BISHOPS:

“Worry doesn't help tomorrow's troubles, but it does ruin today's happiness.” (C. Hayes)

We should all remember that, in this financial crisis, God is still in charge and members of the AME Church need to remember that God will take care of us, even in these times of difficulty. In spite of all that is going on, “God’s blessings are new, morning by morning; great is they faithfulness.” God's children can continue to enjoy life.

4. THE REVEREND MELVIN WILSON ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE AME MINISTERIAL ALLIANCE OF NEW YORK AND VICINITY:

The Reverend Melvin Wilson has been elected to serve as the President of the A.M.E. Ministerial Alliance of New York and Vicinity. The Alliance represents 59 A.M.E. congregations in the State of New York and over 250 ordained and licensed AME pastors, ministers and evangelists. The Alliance has a long and illustrious history and Rev. Wilson looks forward to building on the foundation that has already been laid.

The Installation of Officers Service for the AME Ministerial Alliance of New York and Vicinity to be held on Sunday, November 2, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Luke A.M.E. Church, 1872 Amsterdam Avenue (corner of 153rd and Amsterdam), New York, NY. Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, Presiding Bishop of the First Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, will be the preacher. Dinner will available from 3:00-5:30 p.m., and the service will begin promptly at 6:00 p.m.

The following persons will be installed as officers of the Alliance.: The Rev. Melvin E. Wilson, President - Elect; the Rev. Leonard Davis, First Vice President; the Rev. Jo-An Owings, Second Vice President; the Rev. Ozzie Edwards, Recording Secretary; the Rev. Mashona Davis, Asst. Recording Secretary; the Rev. Shirley Dowling, Corresponding Secretary; the Rev. Henry A. Belin III, Treasurer; the Rev. Grace Aytes, Chaplain; the Rev. James E. Booker, Jr., Reporter; and the Rev. Deborah Hicks, Parliamentarian.

5. PULASKY COUNTY, KENTUCKY LIBRARY HONORS DECEASE AME PASTOR WHO WAS A LONG-STANDING MEMBER OF THE KENTUCKY ANNUAL CONFERENCE:

The Pulaski County Library Foundation and the Munday Family cordially invite you to celebrate the 102nd birthday of the late Rev. Walter R. (Preacher) Munday with a dedication to the Munday collection.

The event will be held at the Pulaski County Public Library, 304 South Main Street, Somerset, KY 42501 on November 9, 2008 at 3:00 p.m.

Preacher Munday, as most knew him, was born in Richmond, Kentucky in 1906. He was a minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church for over 50 years, having served at Davis Chapel AME Church of Somerset for 22 years. He attended Wilberforce University in Wilberforce, Ohio where he completed a Bachelor of Arts Degree. While at Wilberforce, Preacher was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He then crossed the street to earn his Bachelor of Divinity Degree from Payne Theological Seminary.

Preacher Munday was one of Somerset’s greatest ambassadors. He spent practically every day meeting and greeting new friends on the streets of downtown Somerset. He often said that he wanted to make a new acquaintance everyday. In the words of Preacher Munday, "Really, I have enjoyed all of my speaking acquaintance over the years, for after all, what is life, but to love, and to be loved; to know and to be known; to need and to be needed."

To continue with his high standard for education, we ask you to join us in contributing to the Pulaski County Library to help future generations. Donations may be made in the form of a check, cash or a money order. No amount is too small for a great cause. Please click on the attachment for the donation form.

A reception will be held at the conclusion of the celebration

6. 7TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT’S 2008 NORTHEAST ANNUAL CONFERENCE:

From Monday, August 25th to Friday, August 29th the 7th District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, which encompasses the entire state of South Carolina, convened in Marion for the second of its 2008 annual conferences entitled the Northeast Annual Conference. This week long event was held at Saint John A.M.E. Church located at 702 Mill Street in Marion, SC, where Rev. Donnie McBride is pastor.

The Northeast Annual Conference is comprised of the Sumter, Marion, and Florence-Dillon Districts and contains approximately 25,000 local members. This was the 117th session of the Northeast Annual Conference and the following article is derived from the resolution which was submitted by Rev. Timothy A. Johnson Sr., Pastor of Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church in Woodrow, SC, and the Northeast Annual Conference Resolution Committee.

On the Friday and Saturday prior to the start of the Annual Conference, over 787 young persons, chaperones, and volunteers gathered at Marion High School for the Youth Summit which was conducted under the direction of Sis. Kabrina Bass, Episcopal Administrator/Director of Christian Education, Dr. Jon Black, Conference CED Director, Brother W.M. Jefferson, Sumter CED Director, Phyllis Reaves, Marion CED Director, Sis. Anne E. Cade, Florence-Dillon CED Director, the three Presiding Elders and many others who taught children ages six to fifteen about salvation, the scriptures, church etiquette, the parts of the church, A.M.E. history, manhood, womanhood, and the Bishops and Episcopal Districts of the church. The Youth Summit also worshipped God through praise teams, mime ministries and living history exercises. Bishop Williams made it a point to take time out of his busy schedule to meet with the youth; evidencing his strong commitment to the positive development of our young people.

Sunday evening began the pre-conference pomp and pageantry of the Debutantes and Masters (DMC) Ceremony; a celebration of Christian manhood and womanhood whereby elegantly attired young people from across the conference were honored for their many volunteer hours of community, church and school services. We take this opportunity to thank Ms. Suzette Robinson, DMC Conference Commissioner, and Rev. E. Robert Thomas, DMC Conference Associate Commissioner, and their dedicated committee members for a job well done! Thanks be to God for his wondrous love!

Monday, the Women’s Missionary Society, under the supervision of Dr. Wilma D. Webb-Williams, Episcopal Supervisor, and Sis. Henrietta Temoney, Northeast Conference WMS President, conducted a detailed business session. They also visited the Pines Nursing facility, Mullins Nursing Home, Bradford Nursing Home, and Marion Convalescent Home. The annual WMS luncheon was held at the Robinson Family Life Center and was blessed with many visiting missionary sisters.

Monday evening, the Sons of Allen provided a worship service full of spiritual entertainment, where Rev. Jonathan Greene, pastor of Salem A.M.E Church, Bucksport, SC, delivered a powerful sermon entitled, “Men Who Know Jesus.”

Tuesday morning, St. John A.M.E. Church hosted an overwhelming crowd at the opening session of the 117th Northeast Annual Conference, with Rev. Dr. William Smith Jr. serving as Worship Leader. The processional consisted of the St. John A.M.E Choir, licentiates, deacons, elders, newly appointed Bishop Julius H. McAllister, retired Bishop Zedekiah L. Grady, and our presiding Bishop, The Right Reverend Dr. Preston W. Williams II. Rev. Shenard Barnes, pastor of St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Clausen, SC, delivered an electrifying annual sermon entitled, “Forgive and Forget.” The opening ceremony culminated with Holy Communion services, with Bishop Julius H. McAllister Sr. as Chief Celebrant.

Tuesday afternoon, Rev. R. R. Hooper was selected as Conference Secretary and Rev. Berletha Taylor as Assistant Secretary. The Presiding Elders submitted names of individuals to serve as marshals, and presented their recommendations for various committees for the Annual Conference session, along with the boundaries of the conference for all ministers and lay delegates. The Marion District began their ministerial/delegates and annual reports. Bishop Julius H. McAllister Sr., the 129th elected and consecrated Bishop of the A.M.E. Church and presiding prelate of the 20th Episcopal District, presented his final annual conference report for Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, Florence, SC, and thanked the conference for their prayers and support during his candidacy.

Tuesday evening, the WMS’s Night in Mission conference theme was, “A Critical Time for Courage and Conviction for Empowerment and Change,” and the awesome WMS Choir set the tone for an evening of profound worship. The evening’s message was entitled, “Don’t You Dare Come Out Empty Handed,” composed and delivered by Rev. Georgina Pringle, St. James A.M.E. Church.

Wednesday morning, the work of the conference continued as the Marion and Sumter Districts presented ministerial/delegates and annual reports. The mid-day sermon was delivered by Rev. M. Charmaine Ragin-Whittleton, pastor of Mt. Pisgah A.M.E. Church, Sumter, SC, and was entitled, “Break Through for an Impotent Church.” Wednesday evening, greetings were brought by the Episcopal and Conference WMS and YPD leadership. The Young People and Children’s Division, under the direction of Ms. Connie Ford and her cabinet, ministered through songs of praise, liturgical dance, mime ministry, and a skit entitled, “Just Me and My Jesus.” That night the conference’s youth demonstrated their love for Christ under the theme, “Jesus – Solid As A Rock – Hold Fast With Faith.”

Thursday morning, the work of the conference continued as the Florence-Dillon District presented ministerial/delegates and annual reports. Dr. Charles Young, President of Allen University in Columbia, SC, delivered a soul inspiring mid-day message entitled, “A Desire To Please The Lord.” The dynamic Allen University Choir rendered several soul inspiring selections. The Northeast Annual Conference collected $64,235 dollars for Allen University.

Later that afternoon, the Ministers’ Spouses, Widows and Widowers Organization held their annual luncheon at The Opera House in Marion, SC. Afterwards, the Unison Health Group, along with Drs. Benita Delane, Barnett Gallmon and Wallace Brown, presented the conference with important information on screening for colon and prostate cancer, as well as the silent killer – high blood pressure.

The Christian Education Department, under the direction of Sis. Kabrina Bass, handed out pertinent information regarding the General Conference highlights and a worksheet on church etiquette.

Thursday evening, the Lay Organization was filled with the Holy Spirit, praising God to the utmost as Mr. Ricky Washington spoke on the subject, “The Party Is Over.” The Board of Examiners recommended one Itinerant Elder for ordination. Bishop Williams also presented a new outreach ministry entitled, “REACH,” and asked for 1,800 volunteers to commit to assisting with this ministry.

Friday morning, Rev. Archie Temoney, pastor of New Zion A.M.E. Church, Wysacky, SC, delivered a dynamic ordination message entitled, “If You Stay In The Word.” The Conference resolved that all characters were passed, all Disciplinary questions were read and answered positively, the Rev. Franklin Richardson was memorialized, and Rev.’s Berletha Taylor, and Preston Robinson retired.

Visitors from across the connection and the state of South Carolina were presented at the conference on all levels of the clergy, laity, WMS, YPD, and Sons of Allen. Mr. L. Carlyle Dixon, Northeast Conference Superintendent, and the Church School Committee presented a workshop entitled, “Prayerful Community.”

The closing convocation ceremony message was delivered by Bishop Julius H. McAllister Sr., entitled, “The Church Stills Lives.” Bishop Williams and the Northeast Conference presented Bishop McAllister with a gift of $15,000 dollars for the 20th Episcopal District. The conference was blessed by the anointed musical talents of Eric Jordan, Clifton Bellamy, Carolyn Davis, and Howard and Phyllis Lawson. Rev. and Mrs. Donnie McBride, and the entire St. John A.M. E. Church, hosted the 117th session of the Northeast Annual Conference with dignity and style. The entire Northeast Conference takes this opportunity to salute and applaud you for a job well done! May God continue to shower his blessings upon you all!

Be it further resolved that the members of the 117th session of the Northeast Conference continue to strive for excellence under the dynamic leadership of Bishop Preston W. Williams II and Dr. Wilma D. Webb-Williams

7. DON’T BE FOOLED BY A SCAM THAT SEEMS TO BE HEADING SOUTH:

This message was sent to the Rev. Dr. Joseph Darby from someone claiming to be Rev. Betty Wannamaker:

Hello Rev. Joseph,

Thanks a lot for your response and concern, I am glad you can help me with the money, well I am not surprised at you asking me all that questions because of the rate of scam going on at the moment, well my name is Rev. Betty Wannamaker, I am the Executive Assistant of the Bethel A.M.E. Church, and Rev. Dr. Ronnie E. Brailsford, is our Pastor and I will not because of money then let go my Christian life, here is a number to call the church 803-779-0138, you can send the money to my details below through western union transfer, all you have to do is go to the closest western union location with the money in cash and instruct the agent to wire it to my personal details below.

Rev. Betty Wannamaker
215 To 223 Staines Rd,
Hounslow/Heathrow, TW3 3JJ
Country: United Kingdom

After you must have sent the money kindly let me have the 10 digits (Mtcn) Numbers and all the details used in sending the money to me, I am counting on you okay, I will pay you as soon as I am back next week, I look forward to read from you later today.

Regards
Rev. Betty Wannamaker

This is Dr. Darby’s Response to “Rev. Betty Wannamaker.”

Rev. Wannamaker,

Thank you for your note. Before I can help you, I need the name of your Bishop and Presiding Elder, as well as the name, address and phone number of your church, so that I can verify your identity. Please excuse me for doing so, but there have been more than a few "scam" e-mails and calls to my church from dishonest people pretending to be AME preachers. I assume that's not the case for you.

I'm also forwarding your note to the editor of the AME Christian Recorder so that he can forward your response to our churches nationwide on his e-mail list.

Blessings to you,

Another response by Dr. Darby’s Response to “Rev. Betty Wannamaker”

I just spoke with Reverend Brailsford, and he tells me that Rev. Wannamaker, his office manager, is in the office, working and doing quite well. He also told me that someone hacked his church's Hotmail account and is sending misleading financial appeals like yours. Needless to say, that means that you won't be getting $2,500 from Morris Brown AME Church. Rest assured, however, that you will have my prayers that you'll reform your life and no longer try to gain funds illegally by misrepresenting the church. As my mother used to say, "God don't like ugly!"

10/22/08 Update from Dr. Joseph Darby:

No more word from them.

Editor’s Note: Don’t be fooled by people trying to make a dishonest buck.

8. THE 2009 NATIONAL BLACK CHURCH STUDIES SUMMIT:


The 5th annual Black Church Studies Summit will take place on January 22 – 24, 2009 at the Emory University Conference Center Hotel.

More than fifty professors, researchers, ministers, scholars and students, including those most often associated with the growing discipline of Black Church Studies, will come to Atlanta for a series of plenary sessions, panel discussions, workshop presentations, and public events focusing on the theme: Where Do We Go From Here- Black Church Traditions, Textures and Transformations.

The conference will open with “The Lyrics of Black Church Sacred Rhetoric” musical under the direction of Dr. James Abbington, Associate Professor of Music and Worship at Candler School of Theology on Thursday January 22 at 7:00 p.m. at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church.

“The Black Church as Social Political Change Agent” Luncheon at 11:30 on Friday January 23 will feature Dr. Walter Fluker, Professor of Philosophy and Religion, Executive Director, the Leadership Center Morehouse College.

The culminating event is the “Transformative Voices” Dinner in honor of Dr. Katie Geneva Cannon, the Annie Scales Rogers Professor of Christian Ethics at Union Theological Seminary & PSCE in Richmond, Va., a leading Christian ethicist and the first African American woman ordained in the United Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) at 6:00 p.m. Saturday January 24, 2009.

The registration is $100.00 for pastors (includes all sessions and meals); $25.00 for students ( with valid ID includes all session and meals); 10 CEUs from Emory University are available for and additional $15.00

Make check payable to Emory University (BCS Candler on the pay line)

For additional information please contact:

Dr. Teresa Fry Brown, Director,
Program of Black Church Studies
Candler School of Theology 1531 Dickey Drive 430
teresa.brown@emory.edu
Telephone: 404-727-4436

9. THE INTERDENOMINATIONAL THEOLOGICAL CENTER 2009 PASTORAL PILGRIMAGE FOR SPIRITUAL RENEWAL: VISITING GOD'S CALL - MAY 3-19, 2009:

The Interdenominational Theological Center is inviting pastors to apply for participation in the Holy Land Pilgrimage for Pastoral Renewal.

The registration fee is $350.00. Air transportation, fine accommodations and three meals a day are all provided, thanks to a generous grant to the ITC by the CF Foundation. Naturally, there will be some personal expenses, including transportation to/from Atlanta if you live less than 250 MapQuest miles away, as well as any airport parking fees.

To apply, an applicant must be a mid-career pastor serving a church as either a senior or associate pastor; be in good health and physical condition, and must be between 35-55 years of age. Pastors may belong to any Christian tradition; however, they must meet the eligibility requirement, and have a desire to refresh and reaffirm their divine call and spiritual effectiveness in ministry.

The pilgrimage is limited to 20 successful applicants. Because this is an experience requiring a one-on-one with God, spouses are not eligible to be on this trip.

The deadline for the receipt of your application is December 19, 2008. If you are selected, you will receive notification by January 30, 2009. At that time, you will be required to send a registration fee of $350 (which is your only contribution toward the pilgrimage costs).

For more information, please call the office of Dr. Temba Mafico at 404-614-6367.

Editor’s Note: We have had a number of AME pastors who have been selected for past pilgrimages. If you are interested, please apply.

10. THE GOOSE CREEK NAACP:

The Goose Creek branch of the NAACP is located in Goose Creek, South Carolina. Goose Creek is located in southeastern South Carolina, just north of Charleston. This part of South Carolina is known as the Low Country.

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is the oldest, largest and most prominent civil rights organization in America. The NAACP is a not-for-profit and non-partisan association. The National NAACP was established on February 12, 1909 by a diverse group of individuals who were concerned about racial equality and race relations in America. The local branch has been in operation since 2003.

The Goose Creek Branch of the NAACP plans to be active in the community, visible in the media, and a positive force for change and justice for the citizens we serve. We hope that both our members and the surrounding community benefit from the information, event listings, and local issues presented on this site.

The branch is a diverse group of individuals whose memberships represent the lifeblood of the branch. Membership is open to anyone who believes in the basic tenets of the Association.

The Goose Creek NAACP Branch is sponsoring NAACP VOTE HARD

Bus Tour - Part I
Saturday, October 25, 2008
South Carolina
The purpose of the bus tour is to raise awareness about the importance of voting amongst young adults. According to statistics, young adults are least participatory in the political system. However, if educated and mobilized, their vote could swing elections at the local and national levels.

The tour will begin with a morning rally in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Then each bus will make morning whistle stops and then meet in Columbia, South Carolina for a lunch VOTE HARD Prep Rally on the campus of Allen University. After lunch, each bus will continue making whistle stops and the meet in Goose Creek, South Carolina for a culminating evening event at Joshua United Methodist Church.

11. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICES:

- Herman O. Kelly, III, the son of the Rev. Dr. Herman O. Kelly, Jr., pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church-Baton Rouge, Louisiana and First Lady Mrs. Linda Kelly, a freshman at the University of Tampa was selected to play basketball for the 2008-2009 season after a tryout last spring in Tampa, Florida. He was also voted by his team, Catholic High School in Baton Rouge as the Most Improved Player, and he received the Robert Selleck Award. He is a Sports Management Major.

Congratulatory messages can be sent to: hokellyj@yahoo.com

- Wesley Alfred Stovall, the son of the Rev. V. Cora Stovall, Pastor of the Mulberry Circuit in the East Tennessee Conference accepted the call into the ministry while attending the West Tennessee Annual Conference Ordination service. Wesley Alfred Stovall is a freshman at the University of Memphis.

Congratulatory messages can be sent to: funnyeyez@hotmail.com

12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We are saddened to share news of the passing of Sister Mary L. Hayward Hatter, the wife of ehe Rev. Jerry Hatter, Pastor of Brown Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Ypsilanti, Michigan. Sister Mary Hatter passed on Wednesday, October 15, 2008.

The funeral has been held.

Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Jerry Hatter and Family
7587 Greene Farm Drive
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Phone: 734-485-3376
Email: j2hatter7@sbcglobal.net

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Brown Chapel AME Church Mary L. Hatter Scholarship Fund. Donations should be forwarded to the address listed below:

Brown Chapel AME Church
1043 W. Michigan Avenue
Ypsilanti, MI 48197

13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Connectional Officer's Son –

We are saddened to share news of the passing of Vincent Romero Walker, the son of Mrs. Jackie DuPont Walker, Consultant-Social Action Commission and Mr. Buford "Sonny" Walker.

From: Mrs. Jackie DuPont Walker
The Walker Clan had nine years to come together in love and bonding as we faced the challenge of Vincent's diagnosis with Lou Gehrig's disease. God gave us five years beyond the doctor's most optimistic prescription and for that we are so grateful. Our time together at Christmas/Anniversary Celebration was so blessed and so as we say so long to Vince, there are few regrets. We will miss Vincent but he gave us so much as he showed us how to handle life's challenges with joy, faith, hope, expectation and love.

Two weeks ago, he asked the boys to have me send up special prayers for him and on Sunday he told his beloved wife, Sherrie that he thought he was dying. When she asked "why" he simply shrugged his shoulders; but on Monday late morning, he took flight. God and he had obviously been in communication and for that connection we rejoice.

Vincent Romero Walker - son (transitioned on Monday, October 20, 2008)
Sherrie Walker - wife/widow
4708 Pismo Beach Dr
Antelope, CA 95843
916-333-2096 - home

Service arrangements:
Services for Vincent will be held at graveside on Monday, October 27, 2008 at 12:30 PM at the Sacramento Veteran's National Cemetery - 5810 Midway Rd - Dixon, CA 95620 -707-693-2460 (voice)

Services handled by:
East Lawn Mortuary
5757 Greenback Land
Sacramento, CA 95841
916-732-9800 - voice
916-331-9830 - fax

Contact Information:

Buford "Sonny" Walker and Jacquelyn "Jackie" Dupont-Walker
1621Wellington Rd
Los Angeles, CA 90019
323-734-7856 - home
213-494-9493 - cell
jdupontw@aol.com - email


14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We are saddened to share news of the passing of Mrs. Georgia Griffin on Tuesday, October 21, 2008. Mrs. Griffin is the widow of the late Rev. Archie C. Griffin, Sr., former pastor and presiding elder in the East Tennessee Annual Conference and mother of the late Rev. Phillip B. Griffin, Sr., former pastor in the East Tennessee and Tennessee Annual Conference. Survivors include children, the Rev. Etta Garth - retired AME minister, the Rev. Archie C. Griffin, Jr., pastor of Allen Temple AME Church, Chattanooga, TN, and the Rev. V. Cora Griffin Stovall - pastor of Mulberry Circuit, Lincoln County, Tennessee.

Service arrangements for Mrs. Georgia Griffin:

Funeral Service
Friday, October 24, 2008
11:00 a.m.
Warren Chapel AME Church
501 North Market Street
Chattanooga, Tennessee

Visitation will be one hour before the funeral.

Professional services are entrusted to:
John P. Franklin Funeral Home
1101 Dodds Avenue
Chattanooga, TN 37404
Phone: (423) 622-9995
Fax: (423) 622-9990

Family contact:
The Rev. Archie C. Griffin, Sr.
gsandrajc@aol.com

The Rev. V. Cora Griffin Stovall
funnyeyez@hotmail.com

The Rev. Etta Garth
4410 Delashmitt Road
Apartment 15
Hixson, TN 37343

15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We are saddened to announce the passing of Mrs. Ethelda Wise of Rock Island, Illinois, the sister of the late Rev. Dr. Edward Jackson, Retired Presiding Elder and pastor in the East Tennessee Conference, and the sister-in-law of his widow, Mrs. Carolyn Nance Jackson.

Service arrangements for Mrs. Ethelda Wise:

Family Visitation:
Sunday, October 26, 2008
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home
3030 7th Avenue
Rock Island, IL 61201
Phone: (309) 786-5421
Fax: (309) 786-5423

Funeral:
Monday, October 27, 2008
10:00 a.m.
Trinity Episcopal Church
1818 6th Avenue
Rock Island, IL 61201
Phone: (309) 788-1641

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Carolyn Nance Jackson
6028 Arlena Circle
Chattanooga, TN 37421
Phone: (423) 892-0431

16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We are saddened to announce the passing of Sister Mattie Kate Farrar on Sunday, October 19, 2008. Sister Farrar was the aunt of the Rev. DeLois Evans-Mitchell, who is the First Lady of the Greater Fort Worth District and wife of Presiding Elder Johnny Ray Mitchell (Northwest Texas Conference).

The following information has been provided:

Wake: Friday, October 24, 2007 - 6:30 P.M. - 8:30 P.M.
Lighthouse Deliverance COGIC

Homegoing Celebration will be:
Saturday October 25, 2008 - 11 A.M.

Lighthouse Deliverance COGIC
Elder C. V. Simpkins, Pastor
1913 W. E. Roberts St.
Grand Prairie, TX 75051

Sister Mattie Kate Farrar's final earthly care has been entrusted to:

Laurel Land Funeral Home
6000 South R. L. Thornton Freeway
Dallas, Texas 75232
Ph: (214) 371-1336

Condolences may be sent to:
P.E. Johnny Ray and the Rev. DeLois Mitchell
6702 Snapdragon Lane
Arlington, Texas 76002
Ph: (817) 467-5575

17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

It is with profound sadness that we report the death of Mr. DeWayne Russell on Tuesday, October 21, 2008 in Denver Colorado. Mr. Russell was the son of Mrs. Alice Byrd, who is the widow of the Reverend Curtis L. Byrd, West Tennessee Conference, 13th Episcopal District. Private services for Mr. DeWayne Russell will be held in Denver.

Messages of condolence may be sent to:
Mrs. Alice Byrd
2850 Whitney
Memphis, TN 38127
901-487-3361
cox3635@hotmail.com


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

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

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

19. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:

The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend 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 (10/16/08)

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

TWO THOUGHTS FOR THE WEEK:

- "The best thing to do with good ideas is to pass them on; good ideas are not worth anything if you keep them to yourself."

- “Never allow someone to be your priority while allowing yourself to be their option.”

1. EDITORIAL – WHAT I WOULD DO DIFFERENTLY IN MY PREACHING MINISTRY IF I HAD TO DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN:

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

I recently read a commentary on preaching by a well-known homiletician who said that the problem with many sermons is that many preachers today do not preach relevant sermons and preachers do not consistently preach sermons that relate to the experiences of the people sitting in the pews. He went to say that too often preachers preach their “pet” themes and focused their sermons on worn-out texts, repetitive phrases and that their weekly sermons do not follow any kind of liturgical order or biblical theme. It appeared to him that too many preachers randomly selected their sermons without a lot of forethought. I cringed a bit because I thought to myself, “Opps, been there, done that.” There have times when trying to write a sermon that the “well was dry.” Like some of you I have had Saturday night “revelations” and even some late Sunday morning homiletical “exercises.” Inspired, correctly prepared sermons take a lot of work.

I think a lot about preaching and sometimes when I am in deep thought about preaching, I go over in my mind what I would do differently, if I could do my preaching ministry over again.

I would spend more time in preparation for sermons. I have wasted a lot of time doing a hundred-and-one great things, while putting off preparing sermons. I used to tell myself that I wanted to get everything “off my plate” before sitting down to prepare my sermon. That was a recipe for Saturday night or Sunday morning sermon non-preparation. Great preachers spend hours preparing sermons. And, some of my great sermons were the results of inspiration, preparation and delivery. I learned a long time ago that well-delivered sermons are a result of extensive preparation.

If I had it to do over again, I would take the risk and the inconvenience of letting my parishioners know ahead of time what I text I was going to preach each Sunday, and, in that way, those members who wanted to, could prepare themselves for the message.

If I had it to do over again, I would take a year and preach through the Bible. I would try to get the congregation on the same Bible reading schedule and would promise them that I would preach a text from one of the scheduled daily readings. Too often we preach great sermons on great texts, but the people in the pews do not have the back-story of the text and often they cannot follow the development of the sermon. The people are so gracious and no matter how good or poorly the sermon delivery, the folks will say, “Nice sermon pastor” or “That was a great message.” I have often wondered what would happen to psyche of pastors if the parishioners shook our hands at the end of the service and told us the truth; “That was a lousy sermon” or “Reverend that sermon was too long and didn’t make any sense.” Or, “Pastor did you take the time to prepare that message with us in mind or were you thinking of something else.”

If I had it to do over again, I would use the lectionary because that would insure that I didn’t just preach my special interests and it would insure that I studied to prepare sermons and would give me a wide swath of Biblical materials. The lectionary preaching requires discipline, and like a lot of preachers, I needed more sermon preparation discipline. Oh yes, I used the lectionary from time to time, but found it easy to stay away from it when lessons had the more difficult texts that needed a lot of research. And each time I stayed away, it was harder and harder to get back to the lectionary.

I would read more. I would more books, the daily newspapers, the AME periodicals, read poems so my sermons would have more depth that might precipitate church members to read more. My sermons would have a biblical context as well as current context. I would pay more attention to exegesis and hermeneutics and less eisegesis and proof-texting. I would make my sermons relevant for the congregation. I would address social and economic issues. I would make my sermons relevant for the different age groups in the congregation.

If I had it to do over again, I would preach more sermons that emphasized the Good News of Jesus Christ and less about how bad the people were. Every sermon should have some good news and of God’s grace. Sometimes my messages, especially the sermons during the early part of my ministry, were about all of the bad things the people were doing that they must have thought that they could never be “good enough” to go to heaven.

If I had it to do over again, I would tell people more often that God loves them; that Jesus Christ loves them and the Holy Spirit is present to sustain them and comfort them in every situation that might be confronting them. I would preach more New Testament and less Old Testament.

Eventually, I learned that if I addressed some of the issues in my life, my sermons would have relevance because I was experiencing the same issues as the folks sitting in the pews. I had financial problems, issues raising our children, relational issues, spiritual issues and even issues dealing with sin. When people would say, “Reverend, you stepped all over my toes this morning,” I would respond, “I tried to stepped on all of my toes because I believe if I stepped on my toes, I might step on a few of your toes.”

If I had it to do over again, I would be sensitive to the length of my sermons. I have said many times, “There are no bad short sermons.” Unless a preacher is very, very good, a sermon should last no longer than about twenty-minutes or so. We live in an age where things happen in short increments. We, preachers, need to be sensitive to the medical conditions of people in the pews, some on diuretics, others are diabetics, and there are other medical conditions that prohibit parishioners sitting comfortably for long periods of time. There was a time when there was nothing else to do on Sundays but go to church, but like it or not, times have changed.

And lastly, I would clearly distinguish bad habits from sins. All bad habits are not sins. I have heard preachers beat up on people for just being human; and I have done it myself. But, I discovered that I have the same challenges as, “Joe the Plumber” and the “hockey-moms.”

Editor’s Note: Editor Sydnor will be preaching this Sunday at St. Philip AME Church in Atlanta, Georgia for the 7:45 a.m. and 11 a.m. services. The Rev. Dr. George Moore, Sr. is the pastor. St. Philip AME Church is located at 240 Candler Road, SE, Atlanta, Georgia.

2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:

- To the Editor:

RE: Financial Crisis

We need someone in a church leadership capacity to tell us that things are going to be alright; someone to calm us down in this frenetic atmosphere. The news gets worse every night and each reporter seems to try to make the situation sound more dire than the person who reported it a half hour before. I suppose that's his/her job. Surely, as Christians, we should be able to look to our Christian leaders to give us some calm and soothing words. That is their job. We do know that God is still in charge, but after hearing the nightly news, we need to be reminded.

- To the Editor:

RE: Breaking News items

I just wanted to drop you a quick note to thank you for all of the information and breaking news events that you share with the subscribers of The Christian Recorder. The Christian Recorder is very informative, inviting, has integrity, is well-organized, well-written, as well as, a professional periodical.

Thank you for all the work and research that you and your staff put into it.

Gloria C. Bennett, Pastor
Marietta Chapel, Marietta, GA

To the Editor:

RE: The Rev. Dr. Clyde Oden Responds To The Financial Crisis…

I wish more AME would read The Christian Recorder. I was so enlightened after reading the article by Dr. Clyde Oden in reference to financial crisis.

I do not understand why the AME Church does not try to instill more "Conference Calls" or have more electronic meetings. There are busloads of people going to various meetings and some of our churches can barely make their assessments because so many of the members do not tithe or unemployed; and some people do not put any money in the offering plate. Our Bishop has reminded us that God is the Head of the church and God is the only One we should be concerned about impressing. I hope that out stewards, trustees and members will realize this. The African Methodist Episcopal Church is our rich and wonderful Zion.

I wish all pastors taught Bible Study and made The AME Discipline required reading.

Please keep up the thoughtful education with The Christian Recorder.

Tina Stephens

3. NEWS BREAK: UPDATE ON HAITI DISASTER RELIEF:

Supervisor Claytie and I are grateful for the assistance you have given to the 16th Episcopal District in our efforts to meet the most urgent needs of our AME Church families in Haiti. As of September 30, 2008, we have received $17,050.00 from some very generous partners in the US.

We certainly want to thank those who have sent donations making this relief effort possible. A special thank you is extended to Greater Allen Cathedral AME Church, Jamaica, NY ($10,000.00) and First AMEC, Manassas, Virginia ($3,000) for their generous contributions received last week.

We are working closely with the AME Service and Development Agency, (SADA), and its Executive Director, Mr. Robert Nicholas who is assisting us in getting the needed food and emergency health items to our Church families.

On Wednesday, October 8, 2008, Supervisor and I will travel to Haiti from Kingston to get a firsthand look at the devastation. We have scheduled visits to the areas hardest hit and will have meetings with our Presiding Elders, Pastors and Lay persons to hear from them how best to assist them going forward.

We believe our visit will give us a better understanding of immediate needs, how best to address those needs, and help our brothers and sisters get back to some degree of normalcy.

On a long term basis, housing and economic stability will be the most critical issues. Agriculture fields and livestock have been destroyed. Additionally, our AME churches and schools in Haiti have been destroyed and will have to be rebuilt.

You can help by continuing to pray for all the people of Haiti and by sending your contributions today for the Haiti – Hurricane Relief Fund to:

Sixteenth Episcopal District AMEC
P.O. Box 821308
Houston, Texas 77282-1308

Bishop Sarah F. Davis

4. NASHVILLE AREA MEMBERS OF THE AME CHURCH GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY FOR A PRIVATE SCREENING OF THE SECRET LIVES OF BEES:

The Grace Hill Media provided the opportunity for the Nashville, Tennessee area members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church to have a private screening of THE SECRET LIVES OF BEES starring Queen Latifah on Tuesday night at the Green Hills Theater in Nashville.

The private screening of THE SECRET LIVES OF BEES was a great event and the people really enjoyed the movie. The Green hills Theater looked like an AME Annual Conference. There were over 300 persons in attendance. Presiding Elder Robert Keesee and Presiding Elder Troy Merritt were among the attendees as were pastors and leaders among the laity. The screening was held in the largest auditorium at the Green Hills AMC Theater.

THE SECRET LIVES OF BEES was a tremendous movie and as evidence, when the movie ended, there was enthusiastic applause. A number of high school and college students attended the movie also. The movie precipitated audience interaction and it was evident that those in attendance enjoyed the movie.

Grace Media has also prepared a Bible Study that goes with the movie:
http://www.wingclips.com/ and http://www.sermonspice.com/. The movie, THE SECRET LIVES OF BEES, has all kinds of teaching moments for church Bible studies and for secondary and college ethics courses.

The persons who attended the movie gave positive feedback and many stayed behind to read the movie credits that were shown at the movie’s conclusion. Small groups of people were standing round conversing long after the movie had ended.

The African Methodist Episcopal Church thanks Grace Hill Media for extending this opportunity to the Nashville, Tennessee area members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church to have a private screening of THE SECRET LIVES OF BEES.

5. A MUST-READ! ... PERTINENT INFORMATION ABOUT THE FINANCIAL CRISIS AND ITS IMPACT UPON EVERY AMERICAN:

*the information appended below was written by Mr. Corey Barrington Davis, the son of Bishop Sarah and Supervisor Claytie Davis

Don’t ask for whom the bailout tolls, it tolls for thee…

To the uninitiated, this may look like a “bailout” of Wall Street (as the talking heads on television would have you believe). Using pejorative terms for the “Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008” belies the fact that the bill is really to alleviate the underlying problem that is crippling the economy of the US (and many other countries around the world).

We all know that real estate is an issue. The old view was that you couldn't go wrong by owning real estate. However, we know that it is no longer (if it was ever) true. The pubic is often mesmerized by slick talking politicians or fast talking reporters. However, facts often get lost in all of the rhetoric when the “spin cycle” is on high.

Fact: the latest reading of home prices as measured by the Case Shiller Index (the most widely used benchmark for housing prices) indicates that values have fallen by over 20% since their peak. Some prices have fallen so low; the actual replacement cost of a home is more than the current selling price. Further, there are areas with homes for sale that are below the cost of the land on which the home sits. Why? Banks are afraid to lend. If people can’t get mortgages, the number of sellers will out number buyers which will further exacerbate the downward spiral (law of supply and demand - too much supply, not enough demand, prices go down). Just as the market overshot on the way up, it has overshot on the way down. One may argue how we got to where we are today, but that won’t solve our ills.

The fundamental problem at the root of the current economic crisis is the frozen credit market.

Fact: Credit is the lifeblood of our economy, without it, industry – large and small – can not function. Beyond home loans, banks are unwilling to extend credit for cars, refrigerators, small businesses or even churches (yes, churches need credit too). Without going into the esoteric world of financial instruments*, here is a simple example of the frozen state of the current credit market.

Fact: Bank of America recently announced it would no longer lend to McDonald’s franchisees.

Fact: Bank of America, is the country’s largest bank by market value. Fact: McDonald’s is one of the world’s best known brands. What does that say to “Main Street” and “mom and pop” businesses? If McDonald’s – a $16 billion company – can’t get a loan, the local mechanic or grocery store owner will surely find it difficult (if at all possible) to get credit.

An example of what this does to the economy is as follows: if the person who owns the local auto repair shop is not able to buy supplies, he loses business. If he loses business, he will have to reduce his work force and ultimately have to close his shop because it is no longer profitable. Without the shop, he won’t have income to pay his mortgage. If he can’t pay his mortgage, the bank will foreclose on his house – and the vicious cycle continues.

The bill (which changes on an hourly basis) is really to “rescue” the creditors and clients of “Wall Street.” These are pension funds, endowments, money market funds and college savings funds (or stated differently, “Main Street”) who actually own the "toxic" paper that is talked about on the nightly news. Wall Street only served as a conduit, or broker, enabling the mortgage morass – in which we are currently engulfed – to grow to unprecedented proportions. Yes, they did make a handy profit in the process, but they didn’t have any stake in the game – they simply collected a “toll”. Don't shoot the messenger!

Rather than pointing fingers, our elected officials need to pass a plan that will enable banks to lend again. There is no instruction manual that will provide a framework. Thus, the best plan is one that has been developed by people who know most about the problem.

Fact: Hank Paulson is the former CEO of a major investment bank (Goldman Sachs) and is now the current Treasury Secretary. Under his stewardship, we should be confident that a thoughtful plan has been created by talented people who are working with all of our interests in mind.

Fact: the people who wrote the plan know more about the problem than the “Monday morning quarterbacks” at home who have been calling their political representatives claiming they don’t want to bailout Wall Street. Why then, do we want to let the uninformed public craft policy? We don’t have to cut off our nose to spite our face. With the proper plan in place, the credit market may begin to thaw. Without a plan, we could very well face the direst economic crisis to hit the U.S.

*The LIBOR rate (London InterBank Offered Rate), which is the rate banks charge each other for borrowing overnight, is a prime example of how deep the freeze is in the credit market. Over trillion dollars (nightly) is transacted in the InterBank market. After the Lehman bankruptcy, the rate – which had been at 3.11% – jumped to 6.44% (30 year fixed mortgage rates were lower at the time). Imagine if your cost of funding more than doubled within a matter of minutes? If banks won’t lend to each other; in the words of James Lovell from the Apollo 13 Mission: “Houston, we have a problem…”

*Corey Barrington Davis, who lives and works in New York as an Investment Banker, is the son of Bishop Sarah and Supervisor Claytie Davis Jr. He is a Harvard MBA Graduate and has been in investment banking for more than fourteen years.

6. PRAY FOR PEACE—FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT:

The Executive Committee of the World Methodist Council, meeting in Sydney, Australia in 2007, gave approval to a request that Council member Churches engage in praying for peace in the world beginning on the first Sunday in Advent each year. This year Advent begins on Sunday, November 30, 2008.

As a Council member Church I am asking all members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church to join others around the world intentionally praying for peace in the world on the first Sunday in Advent. Advent is a wonderful season for all AME's to be in prayer for world peace. Will you join us in prayer?

Resources for this Advent prayer emphasis are available on line from the Council’s Division of World Evangelism at: www.worldmethodist.org

Bishop John F. White
Ecumenical and Urban Affairs Officer
African Methodist Episcopal Church

7. OHIO ANNUAL CONFERENCE EXTRAORDINAIRE!

*Dr. Annie Marie Garraway and Ms. Odella Welch

The much anticipated 178th session of the Ohio Annual Conference of the 3rd Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church was a conference extraordinaire! Held September 24-28, 2008, the delegates from the 39 churches comprising the conference, their guests, and the host church members were electrified from beginning to end. The host church, St. John A.M.E. Church of Worthington, Ohio, and the host pastor, the Rev. Jermaine Covington, ensured smooth, efficient, and friendly operations throughout the conference. These efforts resonated with the theme for the conference, “Moving toward Christian Excellence”. The Host Presiding Elder - the Rev. Dr. Charles Holmes – and the Co-Host Presiding Elder – the Rev. Dr. Anthony Gatewood, provided continuous support for the conference.

The conference was immediately preceded by the Missionary Society Annual Day and the highly spirited Night-In-White Witness Service, which provided the conference participants their first opportunity to receive their newly appointed 3rd Episcopal District Bishop, the Rt. Rev. C. Garnett Henning Sr. The message for the evening, “Following Jesus” was delivered by the Rev. Dr. William S. Wheatley of Mt. Vernon Ave. A.M.E. Church, Columbus, Ohio.

Processing to the soaring music of “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name”, the conference clergy and participants set the tone for the Opening Worship and Holy Communion Service on Wednesday morning, September 24th. The St. John A.M.E. Mass Choir rendered selections such as “O Lord How Excellent is Thy Name”, preparing the way for the Rev. Dr. Ruth McCants-Locke, Holy Trinity A.M.E. Church, Wilberforce, Ohio, to deliver her powerful message on breaking through. That evening, the conference welcomed invited guests including Worthington Mayor Harvey Minton, representatives from the offices of the U.S. Senators from Ohio, city council members from Columbus and Worthington, and Board of Education superintendents and members from Columbus, Worthington and Westerville, with a VIP reception which Bishop Henning attended. The opening night program followed, with rousing selections by the Men’s Choirs from Bethel, St. Paul, St. Mark, Mt. Vernon, St. Paul London, and St. John A.M.E. Churches. A revival message by Rev. Gregory Edmonds of Raleigh, North Carolina culminated an astounding day and evening.

Business sessions and Noon Day service on Thursday were conducted efficiently, leaving everyone in a mood to welcome the world-renowned Wilberforce University Choir. Under the direction of Dr. Jeremy Winston, the choir began the program with a soaring rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing”, immediately bringing the audience to its feet. Other selections included “Daniel, Daniel, Servant of the Lord”, “The Impossible Dream”, and “Great is Thy Faithfulness”, among several others. This concert was followed by a second evening of revival, with the message again provided by the Rev. Edmonds.

Emphasis on the Laity powered Friday’s sessions, with color accents – ladies in blue and men in black. Sister LaDonna Liggins served as worship leader for the service. Brother Carl White, 2nd Vice President of the Ohio Conference rendered an emotional prayer response, “I Love the Lord, He Heard My Cry”. Scriptures from the Old and New Testament were read by the Rev. Michael Menefield, Payne Trinity A.M.E., Newark, Ohio and Sister Robin Walker, St. Paul, Cedarville, Ohio. The Men’s Group of United A.M.E. in Xenia, Ohio, provided worship in song which included a “spiritual rap.”

Sister Elaine Wilson welcomed conferees and attendees to the evening Lay Service. Bishop Henning introduced the Rev. Dr. Gregory Edmonds, Pastor of St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Raleigh, North Carolina. His sermon topic was “No Buts About It” (Whatever Life Brings). The choirs from Trinity A.M.E. Church, Springfield and St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Columbus provided worship in song.

The Ordination Service on Saturday morning recognized the Rev. Dr. Lyman W. Liggins, Presiding Elder of the Dayton District, for completion of faithful service, who is retiring from traveling, but not from service. The Rev. Liggins began his service in 1955 at St. Paul, Westerville, and then was assigned to St. John A.M.E., Worthington, Ohio. He is a graduate of the Ohio State University and Syracuse University. The St. John A.M.E. Church Mass Choir provided worship in song. Bishop Henning introduced Dr. Leah Fitchue, President of Payne Theological Seminary.

On Saturday, a full day of activities occupied the Young People’s Division (YPD). Five new officers were elected, and discussion centered around how best to keep the YPD active. The YPD helped conduct the service on Saturday night. A combined choir from the participating church YPDs performed a selection of favorites as well as the YPD signature slogan. The YPD plans more frequent meetings, the next being in February, 2009.

Over 400 attendees joined in the Closing Service of the conference on Sunday afternoon at the Worthington United Methodist Church in Worthington, Ohio. Bishop Henning referenced Luke 15:11-20 for his sermon, “Give Me Mine to Make Me Yours”. Choral selections were provided by the St. John A.M.E. Church Mass Choir. The service concluded with the reports of Committees and the reading of appointments.

Throughout the conference, the host church provided the highest quality of service to the conference attendees. Golf carts and the church bus provided transportation between the parking lot and the church, as well as between the church and neighboring office complex where the host church provided meal service. Nearly 600 delicious and healthy meals were served. The 178th Session of the Ohio Annual Conference of the 3rd Episcopal District was indeed a conference extraordinaire!

Authors:
*Dr. Annie Marie Garraway and Ms. Odella Welch, Co-Chairs of the Publicity Subcommittee of the St. John A.M.E. Church Annual Conference Steering Committee; Garraway’s email address is amgarraway@aol.com; Welch’s email address is wot560@aol.com

Mr. Nicholas Coombs, a member of the Young People’s Division of the St. John A.M.E. Church, also contributed to this article.

Mr. Will Rodgers served as photographer for the Conference, and provided the photos accompanying this article; Rodgers’ email is will@willrodgers.com

The St. John A.M.E. Church is located at 7700 Crosswoods Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43235; Telephone: 614-888-0894; The Rev. Jermaine Covington is pastor. The church’s email address is stjohnamechurch@rrohio.com

8. THE POWER OF ONE:

*Paulette Coleman, Ph.D.

On Saturday, June 7, 2008, Sen. Hillary Clinton ended her historic 17 month candidacy to become the first female President of the United States. Sen. Obama Barack thus became the presumptive Democratic nominee for President of the United States securing the required 2,118 delegates to claim the nomination. His opponent is Sen. John McCain who had already established himself as the presumptive Republican presidential nominee.

Sen. Barack is the first African American with a realistic possibility of being elected President of the United States, though not the first African American to run for the nation’s highest office. That title goes to the Rev. Clennon King (1920-2000) who was the candidate of the Independent Afro-American Party in 1960. He ran eleventh out of a field of twelve presidential candidates and received 1485 votes. It is also important to acknowledge the historic campaigns for nomination to the presidency of the two major political parties’ presidential campaigns of Shirley Chisholm (1924-2005) a Democrat who ran in 1972. The Rev. Jesse Jackson (1946- ) a presidential candidate in 1984 and 1988. In 1988 and 1992, Dr. Lenora Fulani (1950- ) ran for President as an Independent. Republic Alan Keyes (1950- ) ran as a Republican in 1996 and 2000. In 2004, the Rev. Al Sharpton (1954- ) and Senator Carol Moseley Braun ran as Democrats. Their valiant efforts, though considered by many long shots, arguably helped to pave the way for Sen. Obama’s groundbreaking candidacy in 2008.

Christians should be active politically for a number of reasons. First, there is a biblical imperative to do so because all political power is delegated by God (Romans 13:1). It is God’s customary practice to delegate authority to men and women in the society. Other reasons Christians should be involved politically are duty, responsibility, leadership, love for our brothers and sisters, and a basic compassion for human kind. Biblical passages supporting the basic premise that Christians must be involved politically include Mark 12, I Timothy 2:1-3, and Acts 5. Whether we like it or not, as American citizens we are involved in politics. We are assessed taxes; we are counted by the census; and we are all included in assorted databases and government computer systems, often involuntarily.

Christians should also rank among the most politically informed and astute Americans who vote. Voting implies that as believers we will be familiar with the candidates and the issues on the ballot and that we will go beyond the sound bites to cast an informed faith-based vote. As Christians and African Methodists with a deep religious heritage of self-help, self-determination, economic and political empowerment, and protest we are compelled to vote and engage in the political affairs of our time. For many politically active Christians the two key issues are abortion and gay rights. One Vote Under God-The Role of Faith in the 2008 Presidential Campaign, is a website that profiles the presidential candidates and their positions on an expanded list of issues including abortion, gay rights, stem cell research, education, faith-based initiatives, environment, death penalty, and religious extremism. The list was limited and failed to include many of the issues that we as African Methodists are concerned about such as the global economic meltdown, poverty, unemployment, health insurance, the mortgage crisis, national security, disaster response and readiness, social security, and so much more. Because we have been silent, the Religious Right and others have hijacked the political agenda to exclude these very pertinent issues. All is not lost and we must use the next few weeks to insure our voices are heard and responded to on the issues of concern in our communities. We must convince all registered African American and other voters that one vote does count and can make a difference.

Never underestimate the power of one vote:

• In 1645 one vote gave Oliver Cromwell control of England.

• In 1649 one vote caused Charles I of England to be executed.

• In 1714 one vote placed King George I on the throne of England and restored the monarchy.

• In 1776 one vote gave America the English language instead of German (according to folklore).

• In 1800 one vote in the Electoral College gave Thomas Jefferson the Presidency over Aaron Burr.

• In 1845 one vote brought Texas into the Union.

• In 1868 one vote saved President Andrew Johnson from impeachment.

• In 1876 one vote gave Rutherford D. Hayes the Presidency of the United States.

• In 1916 one vote won Woodrow Wilson the Presidency by carrying California by less than one vote per precinct.

• In 1923 one vote gave Adolph Hitler leadership of the Nazi Party.

• In 1941, one vote saved the Selective Service Act (the draft) just weeks before the attack on Pearl Harbor.

• In 1948 one vote gave Harry Truman the Presidency by carrying California by less than one vote per precinct.

• In 1960 one vote per precinct in Illinois would have given Richard Nixon the presidency over John F. Kennedy.

• In 1962 one vote per precinct was the margin of victory in the governors’ races in Maine, Rhode Island, and North Dakota.

• In 1994 one vote allowed the U.S. House of Representatives to enact a law banning specific classes of assault weapons.

Since one vote has made a difference throughout history, the AME Church should lead in community-wide efforts to insure the largest voter turnout ever in precincts that have low levels of voter turnout on election ay. All components of the AME Church (including the Lay Organization, Y.P.D., W.M.S. RAYAC, Sons of Allen, etc.) should rally their constituents and join forces with community groups such as the NAACP, unions, sororities, fraternities, League of Women Voters, fraternal organizations, etc. to conduct Get Out the Vote (GOTV) campaigns. Following the lead of AME V-Alert, the voter education and mobilization initiative of the Connectional Lay Organization and the Social Action Commission AMEs everywhere in America must get out and vote on November 4, 2008. Given the fact that unprecedented numbers of voters are expected on Election Day, please take advantage of the opportunity to vote early. Voting is a right and responsibility that should be exercised by every Christian and every AME.

*Dr. Paulette Coleman is a retired General Officer

9. SOUTH PHILADELPHIA DISTRICT CHURCH SCHOOL HAS ENGAGING TRAINING WORKSHOPS FOR TEACHERS AND CHURCH SCHOOL WORKERS:

By Angelena Spears
Philadelphia Conference Reporter

Church school superintendents, teachers and workers who attended the South Philadelphia Church School training workshops on Saturday, September 13, did not leave empty-handed. Instead, everyone came away with a wealth of information on how to make church school more interesting and engaging for young people.

The workshops were held at Hickman Temple AME Church, Philadelphia, and were organized by the district’s head superintendent and assistant, Jean Adams, of Wesley AME Church, Swarthmore, and Shirley Richards, of Morris Brown AME Church, Philadelphia.

The workshops were based on the district’s theme: Transforming Negative Behavior into Positive Christian Character.

One goal was to show teachers how to use today’s technology in the church school classroom. The necessity for this class was stressed by Sister Adams who told the teachers, “Gone are the days when you can just stand in front of a class and read from a book. You have to learn how to engage today’s young people.”

The first presenter was Lynne Showell, of Wesley, who trains state employees on how to use computers. In her opening, Sister Showell asked the teachers to share with the group any Internet sites they found helpful in preparing their church school lessons.

The list that was generated included a Web site from Calvary Children’s Church; puzzlemaker.com – a site that allows you to create your own crossword puzzles; crosswalk.com – where you can download different translations of the bible in an easy-to-print format; and the list went on.

Sister Adams suggested that teachers consider using their cell phones to send positive text messages to their students. She said a large Baptist church in Philadelphia uses this approach very effectively. That church sends a bible verse to the students every day and ends each message with: “Have a blessed day.”

As the group began to brainstorm ideas, it was decided that they would begin a Web site to connect the youth in the district’s 17 churches.

The two other presenters were Cathy Thornton Brownlee of Zion AME Church, Philadelphia, and Tiffany Lett Martin of Zion AME Church, Norristown. Both of whom are public school teachers. Sister Brownlee teaches 5th and 6th grades at Middle Years Alternative School in Philadelphia, and Sister Martin teaches third grade at Ridge Park Elementary School, Conshohocken.

Sister Brownlee stressed the importance of inquiry-based learning – especially with teens and pre-teens.

She said it is very important to present information in a way that makes the students think – instead of force-feeding them information. “Tell me – I forget. Show me – I remember. Involve me – I understand,” Sister Brownlee told the group.

Sister Martin shared teaching techniques designed to keep students’ attention. She said the attention span of most children is only 10 minutes, and the attention span for adults is about the same.

She said if we know that after 10 minutes we are losing our students’ attention, we have to learn how to “mix it up.”

She told teachers that reading the lesson must involve elevating our voices, being dramatic and even acting out the lesson – to capture our students’ attention.

Within her presentation, Sister Martin (who is also the daughter of the South Philadelphia District’s Presiding Elder, Charles H. Lett, Sr.) involved the teachers in a snow-ball fight using tightly wad pieces of paper. After about 60 seconds of throwing the papers back and forth at each other, the teachers were asked to stop and pick up one of the paper snowballs and open them.

She explained that each snowball paper had something written on it, and the goal was to find the person whose paper had a matching word or idea. For instance, one person might have the words “Bishop Norris” and another person might have the words “Mother Norris.”

It was obvious from the fun the adults were having, that this would be a great game to incorporate in a Sunday morning church school class.

At the onset of the workshops, Elder Lett stopped by to greet and encourage the church school workers. Although he had been at a preacher’s retreat earlier that morning in Delaware, he told the group how important it was to him that he be able to attend at least a portion of the training sessions.

The host pastor, the Rev. Jocelyn Hart, was asked to give the closing remarks. And instead of a short, “Thank you for coming to Hickman Temple,” she delivered an inspiring message to the church school workers, based on the district’s theme, ‘Transforming Negatives Behavior into Positive Christian Character,” and Romans 12:2.

The Rev. Hart congratulated the church school workers for their commitment to finding new technology to enhance their teaching skills.

She explained that the word transform means to “change the very nature, purpose and function of something,” and said this is what she believes church school workers do in the lives of the church school students.

She said, “Sometimes we underestimate the transforming power of church school.”

Rev. Hart ended by saying that “whenever we get God involved in anything, there is going to be change.”

At the end of the informative and motivating workshop, everyone sat down to a delicious lunch prepared by the members of Hickman Temple. A special thanks was also given to the host superintendent, Verneice Richardson.

10. GOODBYE MORTGAGE - MORTGAGE PAID OFF AHEAD OF SCHEDULE:

Wednesday October 1st was an historic day in the life of Johnson Chapel as Pastor Mike Barta and CFO/Treasurer Charles W. Fant traveled to Irvine, CA with a cashiers check in the amount of $38,359.58, the exact amount needed to pay off the existing mortgage on our Sanctuary.

In taking this action, authorized by a unanimous vote of the Official Board in it's meeting of September 20, 2008, the church closes its books on an indebtedness that extends back to the building of our present sanctuary in 1978. The loan was refinanced in April of 1996 in an effort to take advantage of more favorable interest rates and thereby reduce the burden on the churches monthly cash flow.

By eliminating the mortgage some two years and seven months ahead of schedule, the church frees up much needed funds, a portion of which will be used to cover the cost of leasing a 1500 square foot modular office/classroom facility that will be temporarily located on the lot where our new two story 10,700 square foot Family Life Center is slated to be built. The City of Santa Ana has communicated their willingness to permit the placement of such a facility for a period not to exceed 12 months, while the Church completes the fundraising and final approval process necessarily to make the Family Life Center a reality.

A formal mortgage burning celebration is scheduled for early December.

James Pruitt, minister of music, Retires beloved staff member steps down due to illness

James Randolph Pruitt, our beloved Minister of Music here at Johnson Chapel for the past six years, and a faithful musician, vocalist, and leader in the field of church music for over 40 years, has retired after struggling with significant health issues for the past year. Officially on a medical leave of absence since shortly after Easter of this past year, Brother Pruitt fought valiantly to regain sufficient health and strength to be able to return to the ministry that meant so much to him and all of us here at Johnson Chapel. Unfortunately, a series of mild strokes that he suffered over this past month has made the prospect of such a return unlikely at this time.

Brother Pruitt was visibly stronger and in great spirits upon the occasion of the Pastor's visit this past week. He and his beloved mother, Thelma, plan to retain their membership here at Johnson Chapel and to attend worship as often as his health and strength permit.

On August 12, 2007, the Johnson Chapel Church Family held a special afternoon celebration to honor Brother Pruitt for his forty-three years of dedicated and outstanding service to the ministry of music. Friends, co-workers, as well as those who had been touched by Brother Pruitt's incredible musical gifts were given the opportunity to share their love and appreciation for this true servant of God.

A formal retirement celebration in Brother Pruitt's honor will be held in the coming weeks. Watch the bulletin and/or your email for specific details or contact the church office for more information.

Johnson Chapel AME Church,
Located at the Corner of First and Bristol
Mailing Address: PO Box 3715
Santa Ana, CA 92703
714.972.8983
The Rev. Michael L. Barta, Pastor

11. BISHOP VASHTI MURPHY MCKENZIE SPEARHEADS EVENT FEATURING GOSPEL LEGEND VICKI WINANS:

Nashville, TN. Gospel entertainment legend Vicki Winans will perform at a stellar event to focus on families. The special affair will take place Friday, November 7 at 7 p.m. at Centenary United Methodist Church, located at 2800 Tates Creek Rd, in Lexington, Ky. Tickets are $25.00.

Winans has been singing gospel for many years. She has earned awards in many categories from various awards programs. She has an extensive repertoire. Her label debut Vicki Winans rose to number 10 on the gospel charts, spawning the hit “Work it out” and “We shall behold Him.”
She is a highly regarded gospel recording artist who connects with her audience and sings from the heart.

Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, presiding prelate of the 13th Episcopal District, says “We are thrilled to have the great Vicki Winans perform as part of our annual community outreach event, sponsored by Believe, Inc. “She brings her soul-stirring sounds that embrace us all,” said Bishop McKenzie.

In addition to the concert, there will be a workshop on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 8 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. with the focus “A Celebration of Covenant Relationships.” During these times of stress and many outside forces on husband-wife relationships, it is imperative to stress the importance of couples working together for the betterment of their marriage, said Joe Turner, chair of the Believe Board of Directors. Additionally, there will be workshops for singles to provide focus for getting involved in healthy relationships. The workshop will also be held at Centenary UM Church.

These events end the 13th District’s 2008 Planning Meeting held Nov. 6-8. The Friday and Saturday activities are sponsored by Believe, Inc., an outreach non-profit of the 13th District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. For more information contact the 13th Episcopal District Office in Nashville at 615.242.6814 or contact Rev. Troy Thomas at 859.255.7945 in Lexington.

12. THE COUNTRY IS IN A MESS AND THE AME CHURCH MUST COME TO THE RESCUE:

*The Rev. N.T. Pitts

Men with money without morals are messy and mean men. This country is a mess all because of men with money without morals.

It makes no sense what is happening to our economy. People losing jobs, homes, and retirement benefits. Some are killing their families, others are robbing stealing and committing suicide, all brought on by immoral men with money.

People are being ejected from their homes with their furniture placed on the street. What I can't understand is; why are people put out of their homes that nobody else wants. We all know that when there is no life in a building it deteriorates. So it does not make economic sense to put people out and then lose the value of a house that no one is willing and ready to purchase. It seems that those men and women with money should re-evaluate the process of foreclosure; I can't see how any of them could have a good night’s sleep. Maybe they get a good night’s sleep because they have no morals. How could they go on vacations and dine at and wine and puffing on their stinky cigars while people are suffering?

Some of our communities and strip malls are looking like ghost towns. The only difference there is in our time and the times of the old west is there are no tumbleweeds blowing through the streets but there is trash and transients.

It grieves me to see children up-rooted and tossed here and there all because of the acts of mean and messy men with money without morals.

I pray and hope that every eligible voter, regardless of the weather, make plans to get to the polls and vote and while voting pray for those who have money, but no morals.

The church must fill the void; the AME Church must come to the rescue.

*The Rev. N.T. Pitts, Pastor is a retired pastor living in Eatonville, Florida

13. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HANDBOOK HELPS CLERGY FACE UNWELCOME TRUTH:

Breaking the Silence

The Church Responds to Domestic Violence by Anne O. Weatherholt is a handbook about domestic violence from a spiritual perspective. Here clergy, church leaders, parish nurses, volunteers, and others will learn to recognize the signs of domestic abuse and learn ways that church communities can offer help to those who are caught in abusive relationships.

The publication of Breaking the Silence syncs up with Domestic Violence Awareness Month that is observed every year in October. Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from the first "Day of Unity" observed in October 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Breaking the Silence is action-oriented in that it includes a checklist to determine if a relationship is potentially violent; clergy resources for counseling, worship, and congregational outreach; information for youth; and pages that can be customized with local and national contact numbers.

Every day, women from all walks of life are intimidated, beaten, and sexually assaulted by their intimate partners. You already know someone who has felt the terror and intimidation of domestic violence. According to a 2006 Harris Poll quoted on the National Domestic Violence Hotline Statistics in June 2008, approximately 33 million or 15 percent of all U.S. adults admit that they were a victim of domestic violence.

According to Weatherholt, the Episcopal Church has been responding to the issue of domestic violence and providing materials for education and awareness since the 1980s through progressively passing resolutions through the General Convention of the Episcopal Church.

In 1985, the Episcopal Church passed a resolution that instructed "each diocese to ‘provide and promote programs at each internal level that will raise Episcopalians' consciousness of violence in their lives and in the institutions of church and society...'"

This first resolution dealt with working to change the attitudes and behavior grounded in the many forms of violence: poverty, racism, human and national relationships, drug dependency, ecological insults, crime, domestic brutality and other forms of destructive behavior.

In 1988, another resolution was passed through the General Convention that dealt solely with domestic abuse:

"...the General Convention passed a resolution specifically designed to direct each Diocese to: (1) establish and conduct training workshops for clergy and laity to identify the signs of battering and sexual abuse of women and children; (2) produce a register for the clergy and laity of available resources within their communities, such as support services, shelters, and entitlement programs; and (3) encourage clergy and laity to consult with and refer victims to professionally trained counselors and support groups."

Anne O. Weatherholt, an Episcopal priest, has served on the boards of Heartly House Shelter in Frederick, Maryland, and Citizens Assisting to Shelter the Abused (CASA) in Hagerstown, Maryland, and has done staff training on the spiritual side of recovery from domestic violence. She serves on the Family Violence Council of Washington County, Maryland. A chaplain for Maryland State Police, she writes a weekly column for Hagerstown Herald Mail. She has published many articles on the topic of domestic abuse.

Breaking the Silence: The Church Responds to Domestic Violence
978-0-8192-2320-3 * $16.00 * Paper * 136 Pages * 5 x 7 * September 2008

Headquartered in New York City, Church Publishing Incorporated is the official publisher of worship materials for the Episcopal Church in the U.S., and publishes a variety of trade books through its Seabury, Church Publishing, and Morehouse Publishing imprints.

14. A TRIBUTE TO CENTENARIAN GEORGIA ADDISON:

Georgia (Lolles) Addison, affectionately known as “Sweetie Pie”, was born October 29, 1908 in Festus, Missouri to Mr. and Mrs. George Lolles. Her mother was a school teacher and her father worked in the factory. Her parents loved the Lord and kept her and her two brothers in church. Her father played the coronet. Her parents died young and one brother is also deceased. She has no family in the Detroit area but does have extended family in other parts of the country.

Georgia quit school at the age of twelve to help her grandmother raise the grandmother’s thirteen children, which included two sets of twins. She did day work for Mr. Monahan who later became a judge in the Detroit judicial system. After he became a judge he gave Georgia an autographed photograph of himself which Georgia proudly displays amongst the dozens of figurines and other photographs of family and church members in her home.

Georgia Lolles married Irving Addison. She doesn’t remember the year they got married. There were no children from that union. Mr. Addison is deceased.

Georgia joined St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church when she came to Detroit under the Rev. J. A. Charleston. She smiles and says she doesn’t remember exactly when that was. She loves the Lord and reverently says “God is a good God” and that she doesn’t “play with God.” She was a member of the Nurses Guild at St. Paul until she could no longer minister to those in need due to her advanced age. She proudly states she has never missed a funeral at St. Paul. She stated St. Paul has a lovely Pastor, Rev. Andre L. Spivey, and his family. It gives her joy to receive a hug from Pastor Spivey’s three year old daughter Kendall.

Georgia states she loves everybody and she exemplifies that love through her kind and tender attention to everyone she comes into contact with. When her assistant Alisha takes her out to shop, Georgia states everyone comes out from behind their business counters to give her a hug. At church adults and children alike seek her out on Sunday mornings to get a piece or two of the ever present supply of peppermints and tissue that Georgia gives to everyone along with a smile and a “Bless you”. She calls everybody Sweetie Girl or Sweetie Boy no matter their age or station. It is important to her that women wear hose and sensible shoes.

Georgia doesn’t have a favorite flower. She loves all flowers. Her favorite colors are blue, pink and yellow. Her favorite foods are bananas and “stuff” with potassium in them. She also loves pecans that have already been shelled.

Georgia Addison is a kind and loving, God fearing woman who has a gentle soul. We at St. Paul AME Church, Detroit, Michigan are blessed to have her among us. We wish her continued blessings from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ upon the occasion of her 100th birthday.

Mrs. Adrienne Jones, a Steward at St. Paul AME Church

15. ARE YOU A MEMBER OF THE "USE TO" CLUB:

*The Rev. N.T. Pitts

Never before I have seen the membership of any club increase as rapidly as the membership of the "Use-to" club.

No matter where I go weather it be at a church service, or shopping, at a ball game or at a special function, I always meet somebody who had become a member of the 'Use to" club either by choice or by intimidation.

Allow me to elucidate. I have met ministers of other denominations who readily tell me that they "use to" be ministers in the AME Church. And they left because they could not do what they wanted to do, whatever that means.

But listen to those who are still members:

I use to sing in the choir
I use to be a Trustee
I use to be a Steward
I use to be a class leader
I use to be an usher
I use to go to Sunday school
I use to teach in Sunday School
We use to have good church services
We use to have good Sunday School Conventions.
We use to have good District and Annual conference.

This reminds me of the children down by the rivers of Babylon. Psalms 137: They were, in a sense, saying we "use" to sing the songs of Zion. And how can we sing now in a strange land.

We talk about the same God yesterday, today and forever, but yet we find it difficult to continue doing what we "use" to do. Why is it so difficult to do what you "use" to do? You are not in a strange land. You may be under a new administration but you are not in a strange land. The Holy Ghost is still the Holy Ghost. Some of the reasons people give for joining the "use to" club will astound you.

Don't take my word for it just ask some of those who use to be active in the church why they are not still active. And you will be surprise the answers you may get.

Ask the former Church school teacher why she/he is not teaching any longer. Ask the former choir member why she/he no longer sings in the choir. But don't be surprise when you ask the former trustee and Steward why they are no longer a trustee or a steward.
That will open up another "can of worms".

Oh, by the way, I use to be a pastor in the AME Church but you and I know why; I am now retired. I am not ashamed and I am proud to be a member of the 'use to" club.

*The Rev. N.T. Pitts is a retired pastor who lives in Eatonville, Florida

16. NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES: U.S. CHRISTIANS STAND SOLIDLY WITH PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS IN INDIA:

New York, October 13, 2008 -- Christians make up two percent of the population of India, and for the past 10 months they have been subject to violent attacks at the hands of Hindus.

"This persecution of Christians in India must stop!" declared National Council of Churches General Secretary Michael Kinnamon at a rally of the National Association of Indian Christians near United Nations headquarters in New York. "We in the United States stand with you in this time of anxiety and suffering. You are not alone!"

Kinnamon, who has taught at the United Theological College in Bangalore, India, and has other close ties to the world's most populous democracy, added his voice last week to that of Pope Benedict XVI and other powerful Christians around the world who condemned the violence.

Even if he had no ties with India, Kinnamon said, he believed it was important to stand in solidarity with Indian Christians. "As the apostle Paul has written, when one part of the body of Christ suffers, all suffer together with it. And beyond that, the gospel of God’s gracious love for all people calls us to stand against injustice, to stand against the denial of human rights, regardless of the victim’s religion."

The most recent spate of violence against Christians began August 23 when a popular Hindu leader was brutally murdered. Law enforcement authorities say Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati was killed by political radicals, but many Hindus have blamed Christians for the crime.
According to Somini Sengupta in the New York Times, animosities between two indigenous groups in India’s state of Orissa have sparked the outbreaks. The Panas were converted to Christianity by Roman Catholic and Pentecostal missionaries, while the Kandhas – followers of Swami Laxmanananda – turned to Hindu practices. Resentments between the groups intensified as the Christian Panas were favored for government jobs.

The Times reports that tensions “exploded with a fury since the killing of Swami Laxmanananda.” Now roaming bands of Hindus confront Christians in their villages, burning their bibles and threatening to burn their houses if they don’t convert to Hinduism.

Kinnamon noted that India's constitution guarantees religious freedom, and the nation has a long tradition of religious tolerance. "Religious extremism does not belong to the soul of India," he said. "Let us today say “No” to such extremism. Let us say “No” to the persecution of any neighbors. And let us stand firmly in support of those who suffer, including our sisters and brothers in the Indian church."

17. THE REV. RONALD SLAUGHTER TO PRESENT AT THE NATIONAL FORUM ON THE BLACK CHURCH:

The Rev. Ronald L. Slaughter, senior pastor of Saint Paul AME Church in Macon, Georgia has been invited to The National Forum on the Black Church that is being presented by the Candler School of Theology and Vanderbilt University Divinity School. The National Forum on the Black Church will be held January 22-24, 2009 at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.

Lecturers and Honorees at this forum include Dr's. Fluker and Katie Cannon. Rev. Slaughter's presentation is titled "It's A New Season": Not Your Mama's Church.

For registration information please visit Candler School of Theology at Emory University Web Site: http://www.candler.emory.edu/

18. SCAMS ARE STILL BEING PERPETRATED; EVERYOINE SHOULD BE VIGILANT:

*The Rev. Herman L. Gladney

The scam concerning people pretending to be friends of Bishop Richardson is still going on. All AME pastors, church administrators, and members should remain vigilant and alert.

On Sunday, October 12, 2008, about 1:30 P.M. Emmanuel AME Church, Fredericksburg, VA received a call supposedly from a Rev. Lamont Johnson, the Pastor of Mother Bethel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The caller relayed to Pastor Gladney that some of his relatives were relocating from Pennsylvania to Fredericksburg, VA and that Bishop Richardson had referred him to Emmanuel. The caller stated he was good friends with Bishop Richardson and his relatives were members of Mother Bethel and would be good members at Emmanuel. One of them was also a musician.

On Monday about 2:00 P.M. Pastor Gladney received a call from a "Sister Williams" who was related to the pastor of Mother Bethel. She said that she was on her way to Fredericksburg but had a minor accident in Dover, Delaware, pulling a U-Haul trailer with her van. The accident damaged the van's axle and it was in the shop being repaired. She wanted to let me know what was going on. She called back about 4:00 P.M. and stated that the repairs cost $879.00 but she only had $400.00 and requested that I help her. She put the "repairman" on the phone and he stated what a nice person she was and that she had four children with her. He went on to say he couldn't release her van without having all the money and that I could go to a Wal-Mart store and put the money into their account for her. At this point I couldn't contain myself any longer and let him know that he'd called the wrong person and that I was fully aware of this scam. Upon hearing this he hung up and no one has called again about this situation.

Please be advised that this scam is still going on. These people are good at what they do and sound very convincing. But don't give in to this trickery because it's only designed to separate you from your money. "The Lord giveth and the scam artists taketh away, if you let them". And once you give them your money there is nothing that can be done to get it back.

Hopefully this helps you by alerting you not to fall for strange and suspicious telephone calls. The first thought that came to my mind was "why is she calling me asking for help when she's related to the Pastor of Mother Bethel?" This didn't make any sense to me and therefore I didn't fall for the scam. Be blessed.

*The Rev. Herman L. Gladney is the pastor of Emmanuel AME Church, Fredericksburg, VA 22405; telephone, (703) 899-4376

Editor’s Note: The Christian Recorder has published this type of scam several times and if anyone falls for this scam; it’s their own fault. This is a very reason everyone, especially our pastors should be subscribed to, and read, The Christian Recorder.

19. AFRICAN AMERICAN WORSHIP RESOURCE MATERIALS AND LECTIONARY:

http://www.theafricanamericanlectionary.org/PopupLectionaryReading.asp?LRID=47

20. THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES - BIBLE STUDY GUIDE:

http://www.wingclipscom/ and http://www.sermonspice.com/.

21. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS CHAPLAIN SERVICE COMMUNITY OUTREACH INITIATIVES:

The purpose of this initiative is to provide training to local clergy engaged in serving veterans or those who are interested in doing so.

The VA Chaplain Service enlists faith-based and other community organizations to provide outreach and other services to returning veterans.

Local VA chaplains will conduct half-day training events throughout the country to provide education and resources for clergy members and others regarding physical, mental, and spiritual health issues experienced by some returning warriors and their families.

For more information, contact: James.Burnett@va.gov.

· October 22-23, 2008: Chicago/Hines, IL

· November 12, 2008: Ft. Harrison, TX

· November 20, 2008: Syracuse, NY

22. MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW - THE 115TH FOUNDERS’ CONVOCATION; THE ISAAC R. CLARK PASTORS’ CONFERENCE AND MUSIC WORKSHOP:

Bishop William P. DeVeaux, Chairman
Dr. John F. Green, D.Min, President/Dean

115th Founder's Convocation
The Isaac R. Clark Pastors’ Conference and Music Workshop
(Continuing Education Units available)

February 2nd – 5th 2009

February 2, 2009:
9:00 a.m. Alumni Association Executive Meeting
11.00am Founders’ Week Kickoff Service
4:00pm Alumni Association Business Session
7:00pm Image Awards Worship Service

February 3, 2009
8:30am Morning Worship Service
10.00am Dr. Isaac R. Clark Memorial Lecture 1
1:30pm Dr. Isaac R. Clark Memorial Lecture 11
3:30pm Music Workshop Lecture 1
7:30pm Evening Worship Service

February 4, 2009
8:30am Morning Worship Service
10.00am H.M. Turner-W.R. Wilkes Memorial Lecture 1
1:30pm H.M. Turner-W.R. Wilkes Memorial Lecture 11
3:30pm Music Workshop Lecture 11
7:30pm Evening Worship Service

Housing:
Holiday Inn Select
450 Capital Ave
Atlanta, GA 30312
404-591-2000
Rate $90.00

More details to follow.

Submitted by the Rev. Amanda Kelley, M.Div., MACE,
Administrative Assistant to President Green
Turner Theological Seminary at ITC
FAX: 404-527-0080, 404-527-4687

23. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICES:

- Presiding Elder & Mrs. H. Charles Farris of the Phoenix-Albuquerque District, Desert Mountain Annual Conference, celebrated 45 years of marriage on September 20, 2008.

Congratulatory greetings can be sent to:
Presiding Elder & Mrs. H. Charles Farris
14126 W. Country Gables Dr.
Surprise, AZ 85379

Email: crjfarris@yahoo.com

- Stanley Hearst, II, the son of the Rev. Dr. S. Hearst, Sr., Pastor of Bethel AME Church, Moorestown, NJ to preach his trial sermon. Stanley Hearst II is a graduate of Penn State University.

Stanley Hearst, II: "Saved by the blood of Jesus-Christ! In Jesus' Presence there is Fullness of Joy! "

Wednesday, October 15, 2008
7:30pm

St. Matthew AME Church
57th and Summer Streets
(Between Vine and Race)
Philadelphia, PA

Come and witness this young man, as he serves as an Ambassador for Jesus. Come and hear what this child of God has to say. Please keep him in your prayers.

Communications can be e-mailed to: drhearst1954@hotmail.com

24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We sadly announce the passing of Rev. Sylvester Laudermill - Former pastor in the Fifth Episcopal District - Former Connectional Director of Music of the A.M.E. Church.

The funeral has been held.

Condolences may be sent to his wife and brother:

Mrs. Pamela Laudermill
Kevin Laudermill
4334 S. Walton Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90037
kbl1123@yahoo.com

25. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We announce with regret the passing of Mr. Wiley Phillips, the brother of the Rev. Felix Phillips, pastor of Israel Chapel AME Church-West Columbia, Texas, and the brother-in-law of the Rev. Alma Phillips, Pastor of Paul Quinn AME Church-Bastrop, Texas. Mr. Wiley Phillips passed on October 4, 2008.

The funeral has been held.

Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Felix Phillips & Rev. Alma Phillips
4032 Junker Street
Rosenberg, Texas 77471
Phone: (281) 341-5239

26. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We announce with regret the passing of Dr. Collie Coleman, who served as the President of Allen University from 1984-1994. Dr. Coleman passed on Tuesday, October 7, 2008 in Lumberton, North Carolina.

The funeral has been held.

Submit online condolences:
http://www.fayobserver.com/obituaries/memorial?id=307095

27. CELERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We are saddened to share news of the passing of Sayonara Wallace, the daughter of Presiding Elder Pollie Wallace Ragsdale, (Tulsa District-Central Northeast Oklahoma Annual Conference). Sayonara Wallace, age 43, passed on Monday, October 13, 2008 after a brief illness.

Service arrangements for Sayonara Wallace:

Viewing:
Friday, October 17, 2006
12:00 Noon until 7 PM
Keith Bigelow Funeral Directors
1414 N Norfolk Avenue
Tulsa, OK 74106-4405
Phone: (918) 592-2233
Fax: (918) 592-2236

Funeral:

Saturday October 18, 2008
1:00 PM
St. Paul AME Church
648 East 46th Street, North
Tulsa, OK 74126
Phone: (918) 425-4568

Condolences may be sent to Presiding Elder Ragsdale at:

1807 North Quincy Avenue, #B
Tulsa, OK 74106
Phone: (918) 592-5666 or (918) 585-1419

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

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

Mrs. 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

29. 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.