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: A LOT FOR WHICH TO BE THANKFUL:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
We wish all of our subscribers and readers a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving.
We have so much for which to be thankful. I am thankful for life, for my family and friends. I am thankful for my Church, the African Methodist Episcopal Church and especially for the opportunity granted to me to serve as the Editor of The Christian Recorder (TCR); I have the best ministry in the entire Church.
I am thankful for the many people who write articles and for the many people who inquire about writing articles. I am thankful for the many people who share their concerns and love for the AME Church. I am thankful for our episcopal leadership and for my fellow general officers. I am thankful for the AME Church’s Connectional leadership; for our presiding elders, pastors and laity. I am especially thankful for our youth and young adults. We have some brilliant young people and young adults in the AME Church.
I am appreciative for our AME academic institutions, schools, and institutes; and the fine work they are doing, with not enough funding, yet always producing top-flight graduates and productive citizens.
God has been good to the AME Church and its global ministry. God has been good to the AME Church and to each of us, in spite of our shortcomings. Some folks complain about the budget, yet if we look at the budget, most of the funds go to the support of our academic institutions and global ministries. Compared to other well-endowed denominations, the AME Church does so much with limited funding; and I am thankful for what the African Methodist Episcopal Church is able to do in the spirit of our founder, the Right Reverend Richard Allen and the Free African Society; and that the Church has remained faithful to the Preamble of the Free African Society that it, “served the black community, gave aid to the widowed, the sick, and the jobless. It regulated marriages, taught thrift, censured drunkenness, condemned adultery, and attempted to improve the morals of its members. I am thankful for the foundation of the Free African Society.
When we first arrived in Nashville, I visited my United Methodist counterpart and I was in awe of the facilities, staffing and funding. I was in awe, but I would not change places and I am not envious; I am thankful for the ministry my Church has given to me and I am committed to work with the available resources; and I will not complain.
I am thankful for the people who love our Zion. I am especially thankful for the pastors of our smaller churches; they are the “heart-beat” of the ministry of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. They labor week after week; month after month; and year after year. I am thankful for the smaller churches because most of our churches are mid-sized or small churches without endowments and without rich members. The ministry of our smaller churches is where “the rubber hits the road.” I suspect that most of our successful pastors were nurtured in smaller congregations.
I am also thankful for the dedication and commitment of the laity of the AME Church. Most of them remain faithful in good times and bad times and for that I am thankful. I made some dumb decisions when I was a young pastor and I am thankful that I had Cornelia Faulkner, Naomi Smith, Alberta Rice, Ralph Smith, and others who had the love and commitment for the Church to be patient with me. They taught me the “ins and outs” of ministry and pastoring. At the time, I thought that I was teaching them, but they were teaching me.
Yep, this Thanksgiving, I have so much for which to be thankful, and I am thankful; and, I believe that you are thankful too and we all can affirm,
“Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen!
2. EDITOR’S NOTE:
I am especially thankful for all of those who submit articles to The Christian Recorder and am resubmitting the Guidelines for submitting articles to TCR. I am requesting that those of you who want to submit articles please familiarize yourselves with our guidelines.
3. SUBMITTING ARTICLES TO THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
- Articles should contain a strong lead, an article-body that develops and delivers on the lead, and a definitive conclusion with an international audience in mind. Articles should address who, what, when, where, and how. Writers are discouraged from using acronyms and figures of speech that do not translate efficiently into foreign languages and other cultures. Examples like “GMKT” and phrases like, “Bring home the bacon”,” …just pulling your leg” or “That’s mixing apples and oranges” should be avoided.
- Only electronic submissions are accepted. Articles should be in IBM-compatible Microsoft Word format, 12 pt., Times New Roman, Verdana, Arial, Courier, etc., and sent as an email attachment. The email address for submissions is chsydnor@bellsouth.net
- No hard-copy or handwritten articles will be accepted.
- Insure the correct spelling of all names.
- Check the submitted article carefully and get the article right the first time! If you have to correct an article, resend the entire corrected article.
- All articles must have the name of the author(s) as a part of the article. Please provide the author’s title, i.e., Mr., Mrs., Ms. or Ms; Dr., the Rev., Attorney, Licentiate, Lic., Deaconess, Chaplain, etc.
- Articles submitted to The Christian Recorder should not be submitted simultaneously to another publication, nor be under consideration by another publisher at the time of submission.
- If the article is a reprint, written reprint permission must accompany the article.
- Please, no “cut and paste” or copied articles from other sources; we do not want plagiarized articles!
- Do not abbreviate brother or sister; spell them out.
- Submit articles in upper and lower case text. No all-upper-case or all-lower-case-texts. No bolding or underlining.
- All articles must single-spaced
- No automatic formatting
- Spell-check and use standard grammar. Proof all articles before forwarding
- All articles must be accompanied by telephone phone number and a valid email address, and church affiliation.
- Articles about and from members of the AME Church will take precedence over non-AME articles.
- All articles for publication will be screened, proofed and edited.
- Unused articles and photos will not be returned.
- Photos have to be in PDF, jpeg, tif or a similar photo format; or hard-copy format; not in Word format or part of a text format. Color photos are $35 each for the color separation fee. The AMEC Sunday School Union is the entity that takes care of the photo color separation fees, which costs $35 per photo. The telephone number for the AMEC Sunday School Union is 615-256-5882; ask for Mr. Wright to make arrangement for payment of the fees. Please let me know how many photos you would like to use and your plan to make payment for the Color separation fees when you forward photos.
- Again, make sure that all names are spelled correctly!
4. WORLD AIDS DAY – DECEMBER 1, 2008 - WE SHOULD ALL BE CONCERNED:
*Mrs. Gwendolyn B. Williams HIV/AIDS
December 1, 2008 is World AIDS Day and the World Health Organization is encouraging us to participate in this observation of the pandemic that is affecting millions of us in the heterosexual and homosexual community.
Men, women and children’s lives are being impacted.HIV/AIDS is a major health crisis among the African, Latino and African American Community.
Since 1980 we have learned much about the Disease, its transmission, what the process is and prevention strategies .There is no cure for AIDS, but there are treatments that allow individuals infected to live longer.
In 2004 50% of all new cases of HIV/AIDS occurred in the African American Community, the majority of the new cases were women. Unfortunately there are few organizations in the African American community focused on prevention, we need to mobilize the faith community, schools (all grade levels)and other African American social and civic organizations to find an approach to solving this problem. There are few foundations or organizations focused on fund-raising in the area of HIV/AIDS prevention in the African American community.
Basic Concepts about AIDS*
It is an infectious disease
It is a preventable disease
There are things one can do to reduce the risk if infection
There are resources available for information and/or help regarding AIDS
There are personal, societal, political and economic implications of AIDS
We owe it to ourselves and the larger society to actively work to prevent and eradicate AIDS.
Contact the American Red Cross for training, posters and training material targeting African Americans for a small cost.
*Mrs. Gwendolyn B. Williams is the Executive Director of the Connectional Health Commission of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
5. CELEBRATING THE RENAMING OF JOHANNESBURG GENERAL HOSPITAL:
The African Methodist Episcopal Church is proud to be a part of the Celebratory Prayer Service following the renaming of the Johannesburg General Hospital to Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital that took place in September 2008, by the Gauteng Provincial Government.
The Celebratory Prayer Service was held at the Auditorium, Administration Building, Jubilee Street, Parktown North on 23 November 2008, 14h30.
Mrs. Bertha Gxowa (MP and President of Women’s Missionary Society) Gauteng Health MEC, Mr. Brian Hlongwa (invited), and Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath addressed the service. A representative of the Maxeke family, Mr. Clement Mannya, also responded to the renaming of the hospital.
More than eight hundred worshippers participated in the prayer service, including staff and patients at the hospital.
The AME Church welcomed the decision to rename hospital salute the boldness of the decision the Gauteng Provincial Government took to acknowledge and honour the late Dr. Charlotte Maxeke in this manner.
The presiding prelate of the 19th Episcopal District, the Right Reverend Jeffrey Leath, said, “We can only hope that this and the next generations will draw inspiration to model themselves against the ideals she lived, laboured and died for - the restoration of human dignity; the equality of all people; and, justice for the poor, women and marginalized of society. We are grateful to the hospital management for allowing us the privilege to stand on the precincts and offer a prayerful support to the hospital.”
For further information and arrangement of interviews, contact the Rev. Teboho G. Klaas at 076 692 9583 or tgk@sacc.org.za
The late Dr. Charlotte Maxeke is an important link toward the merger of the Ethiopian Church, which was founded by the Rev. Mangena Mokone, her uncle, with the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Her influence forged solidarity among and between African-Americans and South(ern) Africans. Her shoulders were so wide as to carry the aspirations of Africans and articulate them fearlessly, even at the risk of her own life..
This union yielded not only the establishment of the AME Church, but also educational institutions for and among the poor. In Evaton, today, for instance, monumentally stands the Wilberforce Institute and Community College which she has been instrumental in founding together with her husband. Many prominent business, academic and religious in Southern Africa have been trained at this institute which continues to play a pivotal role in the training of new generations of leaders.
The denomination is now more than 160 years firmly established in many South African townships and villages. In the Methodist family, in South Africa, it is second after the Methodist Church in Southern Africa, in terms of the denominational membership. It is known by the colourful Women’s Missionary Society uniform with leopard hat.
The Rev. Teboho G. Klaas is the Director: Health Programme
South African Council of Churches
6. DR. PAULETTE COLEMAN, AN AME, APPOINTED TO NASHVILLE AIRPORT AUTHORITY’S ARTS AT THE AIRPORT FOUNDATION’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) Board of Commissioners approved the appointments of five members to the Arts at the Airport Foundation’s Board of Directors. New members include Dr. Paulette Coleman and Janice Zeitlin. Re-appointed members include Nathaniel Harris, Phil Ponder, and Seab Tuck.
“The Arts at the Airport Board oversees one of the most important customer-service aspects of our airports,” said Raul Regalado, president and CEO of the MNAA. “We are fortunate to have such a talented group of Foundation board members who are devoted to sharing the arts with our passengers and guests – a very tangible, visible way of providing the Nashville Airports Experience to our customers.”
Working closely with the MNAA and its Board of Commissioners, the Arts at the Airport Foundation Board showcases the region's visual and performing arts through its Arts at the Airport program. The award-winning Arts at the Airport program reviews and presents works by local, regional, and national artists for the enjoyment and enrichment of Nashville International Airport's (BNA) and John C. Tune Airport’s (JWN) passengers and visitors. In addition to visual art, Arts at the Airport includes music since it is an integral part of Nashville. The arts come alive daily with musical performances on stages throughout BNA’s passenger terminal.
Arts at the Airport receives funding for the visual arts from MNAA, and supplemental funding from the Tennessee Arts Commission. Music performances are sponsored by the MNAA. For more information about Arts at the Airport, visit www.flynashville.com.
New Board Members
Dr. Paulette Coleman, Ph.D., brings expertise to the board in both museum and art education. Coleman earned a certification for Museum Studies from Harvard University. She has a Ph.D. in Urban Planning from MIT. In 1971, Coleman completed a Fellowship in International Studies for the University of Denver focused on International Race Relations. She has served as the chair of the Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission and is presently serving on the National Endowment for the Arts Grant Review Panel. She will serve a two-year unexpired term.
Airport Authority Announces Appointments to Arts at the Airport Board/Page 2
Janice Zeitlin, a former social worker with 20 years of experience with the State of
Tennessee’s Family and Children’s Services, founded Zeitgeist Art Gallery in 1994. Zeitgeist, located in Hillsboro Village, was established as a commitment to the community and to local artists to show work that stimulates the viewer, provokes a conversation and supports the development of local art and artists. Zeitlin has served on the boards of Nashville Shakespeare Festival, Sinking Creek Film Festival, and the Humanities Council. She will serve a two-year unexpired term.
Re-appointed Board Members
Nathaniel Harris is a respected gallery owner and art advocate. In August 1987, Harris established Woodcuts Frame Shop located at 1613 Jefferson Street in Nashville. The gallery offers hundreds of open and limited edition prints, serigraphs, original pieces, framed art cards, figurines and custom framing. Woodcuts Frame Shop serves as a source for African-American artwork for Nashville and the State of Tennessee. Harris will serve on the board for a three-year term.
Phil Ponder has established a recognized niche in Middle Tennessee artwork with the development of his popular painting technique. He is best known for his limited edition prints of skylines and famous architecture. The success of his "hobby," which began in 1979, prompted him to accept art as a second career in 1989. He was an executive with Genesco, Inc. for 30 years. He also served as a member of the Metropolitan Nashville Council. Ponder will serve on the board for a three-year term.
Seab Tuck, Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA), has extensive experience in all aspects of design projects. He serves as a partner with Tuck-Hinton Architects. Tuck has promoted design as a creative collaboration and communal value, as well as formal art – which is evident by many Nashville landmark projects, including the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum. Tuck will serve on the board for a three-year term.
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The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) was established in 1970, and owns and operates the Nashville International Airport (BNA) and John C. Tune Airport (JWN). For more information, please visit www.flynashville.com.
7. “AME BISHOP OF THE LARGEST BLACK DENOMINATION IN AMERICA TO SPEAK IN ORANGE COUNTY FOR THE FIRST TIME”:
Where/When: Sunday, November 30, 2008, 10:30 am at Christ Our Redeemer AME Church, 46 Maxwell, Irvine CA 92618
What: The African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church is the oldest black denomination in America. Bishop T. Larry Kirkland is the episcopal leader of fourteen Western American states for the AME church. This is the Bishop’s first visit to Orange County. The Bishop’s message of spiritual liberation, social responsibility, and celebration of the first black president of the United States will stimulate controversy and celebration.
Who: Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, Sr. was elected and consecrated the one hundred fourteenth Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1996 in Louisville, Kentucky. His first assignment was to the Seventeenth Episcopal District encompassing the countries of Zaire, Zambia, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Malawi and Zimbabwe. After four years of international service, the General Conference of 2000 assigned Bishop Kirkland to serve as the Ecumenical Officer for the Denomination. In 2001, he served as the President of the Council of Bishops.
About COR – Christ Our Church AME (COR) Church is a multi-racial African Methodist Episcopal Church located in Orange County, CA. COR Church is the largest AME Church in Orange County providing help for underserved constituents, social justice programs, gang prevention and intervention programs, and economic development initiatives. For more information about the church call Rev. Mark Whitlock, Senior Minister, Christ Our Redeemer AME Church at (949) 955-0014.
Christ Our Redeemer AME Church
46 Maxwell
Irvine, California 92618
1-949-955-0014
8. EVANGELIST CATHERINE L. CARSON AGAIN ON TOUR IN GERMANY:
*The Reverend Dr. Michael C. Carson
Anyone that has heard of or has heard Evangelist Catherine L. Carson knows that she truly is a songstress!
From November 29, 2008 through December 28, 2008 Evangelist Cathy once again will be on tour with the David A. Tobin’s Gospel Singers “Angels Do Sing" tour in Germany.
Concerning the tour Tobin shares “Angels Do Sing" is a mix of old and new songs and really about the gospel music that is around us each day, like Angels. We can't see them but we know they are with us. I hope it helps people to see and hear theirs a bit of gospel in many songs.”
Brother David continues “Most of the singers are from the USA but some have been living in Europe. I think it is really nice to live in Germany as I do in Hannover and do Gospel Music here. It really gives me a better sense of what music people here know and love. The singers living here live with other Germans so we're not singing for strangers, we are singing with and for friends and family.”
The following is where Evangelist Cathy will be ministering with the “Angels Do Sing” tour: Altenburg, Darmstadt, Bad Elster, Ballenstedt, Belzig, Bremen, Coswig, Dessau, Fürstenwalde, Halberstadt, Halle (Saale), Hannover, Helmstedt, Hettstedt, Köthen, Krostitz, Lutherstadt Eisleben, Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Mechernich-Satzvey, Merseburg, Naumburg, Querfurt, Rudolstadt, Salzwedel, Schildau, Stassfurt, Storkow, and Wiesenburg.
Cathy is truly an anointed soloist as well as a Holy Ghost filled speaker and gifted teacher. She is a member of the Union Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church in Benton Harbor, Michigan.
She accepted Christ at the early age of nine and began singing in the church choir for the Beauty Grove Primitive Baptist Church (Trenton, New Jersey). She graduated from Trenton High School (Trenton, New Jersey), and studied at Earlham College (Richmond, Indiana). She has performed and ministered in a number of solo projects, church, and community workshop choirs and venues.
From November 2006 to January 2007 Cathy sung with the David A Tobin “Soul of Winter” production in an extensive tour of Germany.
Sister Carson is a Licensed Certified Evangelist in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, a dynamic speaker, and a well-prepared biblical studies leader and teacher.
Evangelist Cathy is married to The Reverend Dr. Michael C. Carson. They have a twin son Mychal D. Carson, Jr. and daughter Kendra Monique Carson. They have three grandsons Michael J. Carson, III, Keiron M. Sanders, Jailen Michael Clifton Carson, one granddaughter Ja’Mauryionne Catherine Ja’Naye Carson. They are expecting from Mychal Jr., and his wife Jamie Carson a new grand child in May 2009.
It has been stated that ten year old Michael III., has Evangelist Cathy’s gift of song as he sings at Wayman Chapel AME Church in Kokomo, Indiana where he attends with his mother, Kendra.
No matter if Cathy is speaking or singing all who are present will feel the anointing and fire that comes deep from within her soul!
To describe David A. Tobin-if you merged Dr. Bobby Jones and Tyler Perry you would have Brother Tobin. Cathy and David’s Mother is Sister Alice Tobin of Trenton, New Jersey and their father is Brother Earl Tobin (deceased).
Brother Tobin also hails from Trenton, New Jersey and now resides in Germany. David is Cathy’s younger brother who has sought after Cathy for years to minister in song with him. In 2006-2007 he was successful as well as now in 2008!
Cathy is currently in the studio working on her first CD project entitled “Hymns.” Evangelist Carson can be contacted at carsonvision@acd.net.
For photos and videos of the “Angels Do Sing” 2006-2007 tour, upcoming 2008 tour venue dates, times, places, and ticket information please contact www.datgospelsingers.com.
*The Reverend Dr. Michael C. Carson is the Director of Public Relations for the Fourth Episcopal District and is the pastor Union Memorial AME Church in Benton Harbor, Michigan.
9. THIRTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT HAD A BLESSED PLANNING MEETING:
The Thirteenth Episcopal District Planning Meeting convened in Lexington, Kentucky on November 6 – 8, 2008 hosted by Historic St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church under the leadership of the Reverend Kenneth Jerome Golphin, Presiding Elder of the Kentucky Conference Lexington District and the Reverend Troy Thomas host pastor. Pastor Thomas, Reverend Maxi and the St. Paul Church Family known for their skill in entertainment, stayed true to form by elevating the bar of entertaining a district meeting to a whole new level. They were at the beck and call to every whim of the district, you need only ask and it was granted.
The atmosphere already charged with excitement with the Planning Meeting being just two days following one of the greatest events in history, especially in our time – the election of an African American as President of the United States of America, namely Barack Hussein Obama. Emotions were high, the people were excited, encouraged to press on and ready to give thanks and praise to Almighty God, who promised never to leave us, that the last shall be first and the first last, that if you wait on Him, trust Him, acknowledge Him, obey Him, He will give you the desires of your heart..
The Planning meeting was held off site of the church at St. John Missionary Baptist Church located at 511 Thurman Drive; a first for them to host another denomination, to have the first elected female Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church grace their sanctuary and pulpit. Bishop Jerome Norwood said “it was inspiring to witness the worship experiences and observe the first elected female Bishop in action – he said it was an honor to have the Bishop on the premises, as in Lexington it is not common practice for the denominations to worship openly together.” He stated that he was happy that St. John was available and that we chose to use their facility for a district meeting.
It was the perfect facility for an AME meeting with spacious class rooms, a large dining area and an impressive sanctuary. All conferences: Kentucky, West Kentucky, East and West Tennessee and Tennessee including General Officers, Clergy and Spouses, Missionaries, Laity were well represented at the Planning Meeting.
Thursday evening following a delectable dinner prepared by Pastor (Chef) Thomas and members of St. Paul and served in the Bishop’s parlor at the Lexington Downtown Hotel (formerly the Radisson) the meeting began with a Covenant Worship Service and Communion at St. John Missionary Baptist Church. The Kentucky Conference Choir with their melodious and harmonious voices set the tone for the service with a praise session leading into the Worship Service. An unusual rendition of the Decalogue by host pastor – Reverend Thomas and the Conference choir was a special blessing, with shouts of “Amens” from the worshippers. The Brownings (the Reverend Granger and the Rev. Joann) of Ebenezer AME Church in Fort Washington, Maryland; a dynamic preaching duo, delivering a dual sermon entitled “Our Time has Come; and Yes We Can” evoked shouts of praise and enthusiasm as the entire church body held on to every word. The sermon was very timely in light of the election of our new President Barack Obama and how far God has brought us. Spirits were ablaze, the presence of the Lord was “in the house,” and the members of the Planning Meeting shouted Hallelujah! Our time has come and yes we can. Praises went up to Almighty God for God’s goodness, God’s mercy and God’s blessings. Hearts were revived, couples renewed their vows silently to each other as it were a covenant relationship worship service. At the end of the service couples “jumped the broom.” (Jumping over the broom symbolizes various things depending on the culture. Among southern Africans, who were largely not a part of the Atlantic slave trade, it represented the wife's commitment or willingness to clean the courtyard of the new home she had joined). Bishop and Supervisor Stan were the first to jump the broom.
Friday, November 7, 2008 the day began with registration, devotions and morning Meditation with the Reverend Johnny Watson of Bethel AME Church, Knoxville, Tennessee rendering an enlightening and powerful message entitled “Yes We Can” taken from the book of Exodus, chapter 3 verses 11 and 12, following the meditation was the Opening Plenary session and Component meetings of the WMS, School of Prophets, District Trustees, Christian Education and Camp Primm Simmons. The 12 o’clock noonday Hour of Power with the Reverend Darrel K. Scott, pastor of New Lewis AME Church brought a mighty sermon, entitled, “Tear down the Roof.”
After a delicious lunch, the 13th District returned to other component meetings for the Lay Organization, Nehemiah Nation/Sons of Allen, WIM, Believe Inc, CDMD and YPD District Officers.
It was not easy for those attending the afternoon sessions to pay attention, because all hearts and minds were filled with anticipation to the evening’s event – a gospel concert featuring Ms Vickie Winans, sponsored by Believe, Inc at the Centenary United Methodist Church 2800 Tates Creek Road.
No one was disappointed – the vivacious and versatile Ms Vickie Winans held the crowd spell bound as she told jokes about her childhood and growing up with eleven siblings, along with jabs at women and the things they go through to look good – interjected with hit songs such as “Long as I Got King Jesus”, “The Rainbow”, and others. Her finale “Shake Yourself Loose” she invited her “biggest” fan Keith Isaiah Washington (Paducah) to come and sing with her. It was a grand finale! Following the concert – fans swarmed the entrance of the Church to purchase CD’s, DVD’s, T-shirts, pens, etc. A reception was held for the renowned Ms Vickie Winans in the church assembly area, where fans could have their pictures taken with her. By all accounts the concert was well received and enjoyed by all.
Saturday, November 8, 2008 – 8:30 a.m. devotions and Covenant Relationship Workshops and what a joy and enlightenment that was – there were workshops for everyone beginning with, “Honeymoon in Hurricane Season: Strategies for Obtaining and Sustaining a Long Term Covenanted Relationship” presented by the Reverend Troy and the Reverend Maxine Thomas; “Chicken Soup for New Beginnings” – Strategies for Starting to Build New Couple Relations after being recently Widowed or Divorced, presented by the Reverend Sherry Miller; “It Takes Two”: Christian Singles – How to build Healthy Relationships presented by the Reverend Dr. James and Mrs. Faye Walker; and “Simon says, ‘stoop,’ but God, says, ‘Stand’” – Relationship Smarts for Teens and Young Adults, presented by the Reverend Alice Cato.
The Covenant Relationship Workshops were a new thing to the district, but also in celebration of Bishop Vashti and Supervisor Stan McKenzie’s 40th wedding anniversary (many more anniversaries Bishop and Supervisor) but proved to be very successful and informative. The idea is that during these times of stress and many negative outside forces impacting relationships, it is imperative to teach strategies for improving how Christians work together for the betterment of sustaining long term covenant relationships. The focus was on Spiritual oneness, roles and expectations, communication, conflict resolution, finances and intimacy. After the workshop, the participants reconvened in the sanctuary for the final remarks by Bishop and Supervisor who shared sage wisdom of what it takes to make a marriage work.
The afternoon session consisted of Components and Finance Reports, the distribution of the Annual Conference minutes and the District Calendar; followed by the Noonday Meditation and the preached word by the Reverend James “Book” Smith, pastor of St. Paul AME Church, Versailles, Kentucky. His sermon subject was “Wait on the Promise” – he preached and he preached and he preached, “Wait on the Promise.”
We, the thirteenth district got the message and we are waiting on the Promise – but while we wait there is much work to do; the 2008-2012 Vision was cast by our illustrious, vitalizing, vibrant, valiant, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie. “Be Ye Transformed” Romans 12:2; John 14:12: The Called – The Chosen – The Commissioned – The Committed An Incredible Call to Serve – A Great Past – A Greater Future.
Transformation is a process and tools should be developed for transformation.
Our Goal is to transform lives, transform homes, communities, Nations, transform Worship, ministry, members, giving; and transform evangelism, church growth, leadership, administration, instructions and technology- “Be Ye Transformed!”
2008 – Casting the Vision
2009 – Catching the Vision
2010 – Confirming the Vision
2011 – Coaching the Vision
2012 – Completing the Vision
The vision includes Nehemiah Nation (Transformers), a CEO Program; Technology: Call to the wall – prayers, scriptures and inspiration; School of Prophets – COPE = Creating Opportunities for Progress Everywhere; Missions; 2012 – Transforming the way we raise funds; Camp Primm Simmons and Believe Inc.
Bishop’s message was clear, the vision is before us – the key words are transformation and believe, there is much work to do for all of us both Clergy and Laity.
And so we come to the close of another blessed Thirteenth Episcopal District Meeting, the Lord be praised and commendations to Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, to Historic St. Paul AME Church Lexington (Pastor Troy I. Thomas), St. John Missionary Baptist Church (Bishop Jerome Norwood) and Centenary United Methodist Church (Pastor David R. Thomas) as they have made history in promoting Lexington as the city of Brotherly love – truly understanding that we are all laborers together with God – serving the same God, looking forward to that blessed hope (of one day) the glorious appearance of our Great God and our Savior Jesus Christ in whom we all believe.
The preached word has gone forth, the songs of Zion have been sung, prayers of the righteous have been prayed, the Spirit has prevailed, the presence of the Lord has been with us, the vision has been revealed, pastoral appointments have been assigned and the message is understood for Jesus said – “If thou canst believe, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE, to him that believeth, “Believeth thou this?”
We are Called (we press toward the mark of the high calling of God); We are Chosen (a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation called out of darkness into his marvelous light); We are Commissioned (go ye therefore) and We are Committed; We are not ashamed (for we know whom we have believed and we are persuaded that He is able to keep us).
Yes we can! We can be transformed and believe.
Sister Doris J. Coffey, Reporter to The Christian Recorder
Kentucky Conference – Lexington District
10. NEW PASTOR OF MOTHER BETHEL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH STANDS ON BROAD SHOULDERS OF PREDECESSORS AND BRINGS PASSION FOR HISTORY:
The Rev. Mark Kelly Tyler, Ph.D., is named the 52nd pastor of historic Mother Bethel AME Church in Philadelphia. Historic Mother Bethel AME Church in Philadelphia Pennsylvania is the oldest property continuously owned by black Americans.
Dr. Tyler is a dynamic preacher and pastor, having led congregations in California, Missouri, Ohio, and New Jersey.
Dr. Tyler is also a skilled teacher serving as an adjunct professor at Payne Theological Seminary in Ohio and New Brunswick Theological Seminary in New Jersey. He has become widely known across the AME Church for his love of AME Church history. His passion and knowledge are not only demonstrated in his sermons and teachings, but also during his recent candidacy to be elected for the office of Historiographer in the AME Church. During the year-long campaign, Dr. Tyler developed a grassroots following using such efforts as his blog: Tyler’s AME History Notes (www.markkellytyler.blogspot.com).
While Dr. Tyler’s aspiration to serve as Historiographer was not realized at the General Conference, the loss turned into a gain by paving the way for him to be selected as the 52nd pastor of Mother Bethel. He is excited about this new chapter in his ministry that fuses his passion for history with his love of serving as a pastor in the AME Church. “It is a tremendous honor to serve as the pastor of Mother Bethel,” Tyler said of his appointment. “This congregation has stood as a beacon of hope for citizens of Philadelphia for more than 200 years. But far beyond the borders of the “City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection,” Mother Bethel is also a symbol of liberation, hope and self-help for members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church throughout the world,” Tyler added.
Dr. Tyler succeeds Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath, who served at the head of Mother Bethel for the past 15 years. Bishop Leath was elected and consecrated as the 128th Bishop at the 48th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of AME Church in July 2008. Elected at the head of his class, Bishop Leath now serves as the presiding prelate of the 19th Episcopal District of the AME Church in South Africa.
Consequently, the pastor that Bishop Leath succeeded in 1993 was the Right Rev. Richard F. Norris the 116th elected and consecrated bishop, who was elected to the episcopacy in 2000. Bishop Norris is the current presiding prelate of the 1st Episcopal District.
Dr. Tyler received his new assignment from the hand of Bishop Norris in early November.
Dr. Tyler is a native of Oakland, CA. He is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University with a B.A. in Religion; Payne Theological Seminary with the M.Div.; and the University of Dayton with a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership.
Mother Bethel’s building and Museum are located on the corner of 6th and Lombard Streets. It is open for guided tours Tuesdays through Saturday, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., and Sundays after the 8 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. worship services.
Submitted by Ms. Dolores Lyons, Phone: (215) 925-0616; Email: MotherBethel@aol.com
11. THE AFRICAN AMERICAN DREAM:
The Reverend Ernest L. Gordon
The nation made a mad dash to pubs, sports bars, Star Bucks, election parties, churches, or homes to be with family to await the election’s outcome after the voting polls closed on Election Day 2008. Cell phones buzzed! Text messages, emails, and blogs went out at record breaking speed! Americans will remember where they were and what they were doing when the news broke that Senator John McCain’s path to the White House had been cut off at every juncture and that president elect Barack Obama had won the presidency by a landslide. David Plouffe and David Axelrod master minded a campaign strategy that turned several traditionally “red” states “blue.” They master minded a strategy that broke the mold of traditional campaigning.
On November 4, 2008, America broke a long standing curse and elected the first African American, Barack Obama, to serve as president of the Unites States. Electing Barack Obama as the nation’s first African American president is the ultimate the realization of the American dream. Many African Americans that survived slavery, and Jim Crowism, that crossed Selma’s bridge, that endured Bull Conner’s dogs and fire hoses, that participated in picketing, sit-ins, boycotts, freedom rides, and marched on Washington died before their dreams and hopes were realized. This was the day that freedom fighters and civil rights activists such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Emmett Till, Rosa Parks, Coretta Scott King, Shirley Chisholm, Thurgood Marshall, Malcolm X longed to see.
Barack Obama’s presidential election is the result of the undying hopes, dreams, and prayers of many. In fact, during the 2008 General Conference in St. Louis Missouri, a host of AME bishops prayed, anointed and laid hands on democratic presidential nominee (for those who say that AME bishops don’t have a line to the Lord, think again, laugh). Upon leaving the General Conference, presiding elders, pastors and lay persons returned to their congregations encouraging voter registration and getting the vote out. The Sixth Episcopal District, under the leadership of Bishop William P. DeVeaux and Dr. Pam made a serious effort to turn Georgia “blue.” Local missionary societies and lay organizations worked closely with presidential campaign workers to register voters and provide transportation during early voting as well as on Election Day.
For us who witnessed the making of history, it was a moment of rejoicing, celebration and redemption. One of the most moving moments was to hear the quiver in John Lewis’ voice and to witness the river of tears that flooded the eyes and cheeks of Reverend Jessie Jackson. Of course, John Lewis and Jessie Jackson were not the only ones weeping over the win, but Americans as well as people all over the world sniffled and dabbed their eyes to catch a falling tear as the first family, Barack, Michelle, Shasha and Malia took the stage before the American people. People in Kenya, Australia, Japan, China, Russia, the Middle East and other pockets of the world watched and celebrated the making of American history.
The 2008, presidential election will enter the archives of American history as one of the great presidential elections of the nation. Obama’s rise to the presidency stands in the line of great presidential elections such as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson and William Jefferson Clinton. These presidents emerged at a time when the nation was faced with crises. The nation was in its infancy stage when Washington became president. The nation was divided over slavery and found itself in a great civil war when Lincoln became president. When FDR came into office, the nation was going through the Great Depression. When Kennedy came into office race relations were at an all time low. Likewise with Johnson, race relations were worsening and the Vietnam War was in full force. William Jefferson Clinton emerged at a time when the nation was in a major recession as a result of “Reganomics.” Today as the nations first African American presidents prepares to take office the nation finds itself it great crises on many fronts: war in the Middle East, job loss, factory downsizing, economic avalanches, financial catastrophes, and Wall Street bailouts.
However, in spite of the various challenges before America, the nation and the world is optimistic that Obama will bring a fresh perspective to the presidency and the way America is viewed by other nations and people of around the world. The national polls have already shown that president elect Obama’s rating are equally as high as Bush’s are rating are low: Obama 76% to the good and Bush 76% to the bad.
Furthermore, Obama’s multicultural exposure, intellectualism and charismatic presence will serve as major assets in leading the nation. The world has been waiting for the day when America would be restored to the golden age of honesty, integrity and dignity, virtues that the nation seemed have either lost or abandoned during the Bush years. Although there is much work to do in healing the nation and healing international relationships, there is a buzz of optimism buzzing through the nation and the world that “change” is coming. African Americans can feel much better about themselves now that a long standing curse has been broken. African Americans no longer have to limit their aspirations to becoming just white collars workers, doctors, lawyers, teachers, ministers, professional athletes, music artists, entertainment stars, and politicians. Today an African American can become president of the United States of America (with the right stuff). At the same time, African Americans must realize that the bar of expectation and self actualization has just been raised. Although African Americans celebrate in a personal way this unprecedented achievement, Obama is in every sense the people’s president. It is to the credit of “Blacks, Whites, Hispanics, Mexican Americans, Latinos, Asians, Indians, Democrats, Republicans, Independents, men, women, gay, straight, rich, poor, educated, uneducated, disabled and able, and those from various religious, economic and political backgrounds that brought to reality a dream long deferred.” What an awesome feeling for African Americans to wake up on the day after the election to an American dream, instead of a nightmare.
12. THE JOY OF SERVING THE LORD JESUS IS ALWAYS MY SOURCE OF STRENGTH:
The Rev. Willem Simon Hanse
After a week long intense debate at the United Nations Chambers on United Nations Reforms in the context of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, I am now preparing to attend worship at Greater Allen Cathedral in NYC this morning and to return to the UN later in the evening.
God has been good to me, a young barefoot boy from St. James AME Church, Mariental to return to the UN for the fourth year in a row, to participate in discussions how Governments (executive branch of State and Government) at multilateral levels, such as the Africa Union, European Union, United Nations, etc can be hold accountable by the Parliaments (legislatures) - the people. Power is corrupt and absolute power is absolutely corrupt and thus power should be "diluted" in the hands of the people.
Off late, Presidents all over the world commit their nations to go to war unilaterally without consulting cabinets or getting approval from Parliaments, contrary to the spirit and letter of national constitutions. Also, whereas wars in the past were mostly between nations, nowadays it is against institutions, organisations and groups of people. Look at the work of pirates along the eastern coast of Africa, where ships are held captive for ransom. It is in this context that National Parliaments are enticed to play a new role in the international arena in the context of the IPU.
For members of the AME Church, it is important to note that the US Government is not a member of the world parliament (IPU) and are not bound be the ethics and conduct of this important international multilateral institution - that is not desirable and AME leaders having influence with President-elect Barack Obama and Speaker Pelosi of the Congress should work on this. We must encourage world leaders to sit around the table to discuss issues affecting humanity.
On the same score, it is my humble view that the Global Development Council and other organs and agencies of the African Methodist Episcopal Church must start and/or continue to include the Millennium Development Goals in our strategic plans. In this regard, I will call upon all bishops in districts 14-20 to use the MDG's as important indicators of our developmental programs. The AME Church must strive to be relevant to the times we operate in. My Government in Namibia has implemented Vision 2030, and my conference must thus assist Government in reaching the targets set in 2030. Our mission and ministry must be about servicing the needs of our people, wherever they are.
In conclusion, I am humbly and prayerfully writing this missive to solicit your support for my Campaign for Episcopal Service in 2012.
God has showed me the vision, in order to make a difference in the quality of life of our people. May the good Lord bless the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The Rev. Willem Simon Hanse is a candidate for Episcopal Service in 2012 and serves as the Presiding Elder of the Hoachanas District (15th Episcopal District and is the Secretary of the Global Development Council
13. AME SCOUTING IS ALIVE, VIBRANT AND ACTIVE:
I have received several calls from scouting leaders all over the country that have never heard of AAMES or the CED Department of the AME Church. We need you all in Washington, DC to represent the AME Church as an invited guest.
Please visit: www.ameced.com
Please review each of the menu items listened and copied from the website. This Scouting website should be the main focus right now that will supply you online information about AME. We as AME have been asked by the National Office of the Boy Scouts of America to make sure that 1000 AME scouts be in attendance of the 2010 national Jamboree at Fort AP Hill, Va.
I pray that all the work of AME scout leaders did not go in vain. We started the process of being recognized way back in the 1990’s to gain recognition as a national organization that represented AME scouting programs that made sure we shared each other our unique issues as African American scouting organizations. There is a history story on our journey to how we got to where we are today. Bishop John Bryant, Bishop Z. L. Grady, Bishop McKinley Young , Dr. Kenneth Hill took us to that hill that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. talked about in his famous speech that he gave in Memphis, Tennessee. I was a young Boy Scout in E. St. Louis, Illinois when I first heard Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. intoned those words; the next day he was gone.
Dr. Daryl B. Ingram is currently working to insure that the AME Church is a part of the dream. I serve as the national treasurer of AAME from 1996 until 2006 and I understand that without corporate financial support our organization is at a disadvantage competing with other denominations with getting our children to events we sponsor, but also events that are presented on a national and global stage. As AMEs we must give our Zion the opportunity to enhance the vision. Believe me it is not about what we as individuals gain for our own glory but it’s about our children and our organization as we participate as a people that is recognized as members of the United States of America.
I pour my heart out to you as AME to keep hope alive.
We must keep the dream alive.
Please revue all that is listed below. This way you will always know who AAMES are and what we are about.
Please Join today or review later.
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4ejh2_martin-luther-king-jrs-last-speech_politics
Anthony Franklin Sr.
Connectional Director of Boy Scouting for the AME Church
14. THE ALLEGHENY SCRANTON DISTRICT 2008-2009 PLANNING MEETING WENT “GREEN”:
Submitted by Shelly Brown Allegheny Scranton District Secretary
On Saturday, November 8, 2008, clergy and laity of the Allegheny Scranton District met at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Tarentum, PA. The host pastor Reverend JoElla Williams.
The newest pastor appointed to the District, Reverend Charles Julius Ruff, pastor of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church Meadville, PA, preached on the topic “It’s All about Love”. The scripture for the topic was taken from I Corinthians 13:1-3. We all were given a gift by the Holy Spirit. God loves everyone of us so much that he gave His only begotten Son; now that is true love!
The worship service was projected so no bulletins were printed. The Business Session commenced as a slide presentation was gone over by Presiding Elder Reverend Dr. Eric L. Brown. The presentation covered “Where do Conference claims go?” as well as the legislation that was passed at the General Conference in July 2008.
Dr. Brown introduced to some and presented to others the newest pastors appointed to the Allegheny Scranton District: Reverend Mildred Taylor, Bethel AME Church, Scranton, PA; Reverend Geoffrey Tate, St. Mark AME Church, Wilkinsburg, PA; Reverend Charles Julius Ruff, Bethel AME Church, Meadville, PA; Reverend JoElla Williams, Bethel AME Church, Tarentum, PA.
“Moving toward Christian Excellence in Service” I Corinthians 12:31 is the 2008-2009 theme for the Allegheny Scranton District. The 7-Point Plan for Growth as well as the “Adopt the Church” will continue this Conference year.
15. CHANGE HARDLY EVER TRAVELS SMOOTH PATHS:
I have often heard "be careful what you ask for, you just might get it"
When we call for change we must be mentally and emotionally ready no matter what the changes may be; there will always be opposition to changes. Some of us are fearful of change because we don't know what the changes will bring and how the changes may affect our lives. Changing calls for us to either give up something or give more of something. Changing oftentimes exposes our pretenses. It sometimes calls for an attitudinal adjustment. It awakes us out of complacency and routs us out of our comfort zone. There are those who desire and demand change but we do not want to be disturbed. Changes don't always fulfill our expectations and therefore we experience disappointments. Changes produce positive and negative results it depends on how we view the change. It depends on what the change is designed to do. There are always side effects to changes. Most changes do not bring about immediate results. It takes time for any change to become noticeable and effective. Being patience is vitally important when seeking changes.
In the book of First Samuel chapter eight, when Samuel was getting old and it was time to pass the baton of judging to someone else, the people no longer wanted a judge. They wanted a change. They wanted a king like the other nations. Samuel prayed to the Lord for guidance and the Lord instructed Samuel to grant the people’s request, but to also tell the people all of the responsibilities that went with having a king. Samuel explained to the people, but they insisted on having a king. And if you have not read the story, please do. You will find that they came to regret the very change they so desired.
Jesus came into the world to bring about a change. The change has to do with how we treat one another. There were those then and now who defied/defy the changes he brought. Some of us, followers, have not yet adjusted to the changes.
Love your enemies
Do good to them who hate you
Bless them that curse you
Pray for them who despitefully use you and persecute you.
These are the orders Jesus gave.
And now after two thousand years of teaching and preaching, some of us still find it difficult in adjusting to those changes.
Howbeit we sang: What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought since Jesus came into my heart."
It has always been my position, that if you desire and demand a change, you should have something to offer. Changes are necessary because far too often we, as individuals and institutions become complacent. And complacency is the seed of deterioration.
So when changes do come we must be ready to accept and adjust, whether the change is positive or negative.
And, for most of us, “Changes will come; ready or not.”
The Rev. N. T. Pitts is a retired AME pastor who lives in Eatonville, Florida
16. THE ATLANTA NORTH GEORGIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE WIM SPONSORS BOOK SIGNING OF, "CAN A SISTAH GET A LITTLE BIT OF HELP":
The Atlanta North Georgia Annual Conference Women in Ministry recently sponsored and invited the community to join the Rev. Dr. Teresa Fry Brown for a reading, discussion and signing of her latest book, “Can A Sistah Get A Little Help - Advice and Encouragement for Black Women.”
The book signing was held on Saturday, Nov. 15 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Greater Smith Chapel AME Church, 183 Mayson Ave., Atlanta, where the Rev. Toni Belin Ingram, MDiv is the pastor.
The audience, comprised of both ordained and lay women, had an opportunity to get firsthand advice during a Q & A with Dr. Fry Brown, an associate professor of homiletics at Emory University; who is known for her inspirational advice.
Copies of Dr. Brown’s book were available at the event. Refreshments were provided.
The Rev. Velma E. Grant,
ANGC Women in Ministry Coordinator
17. UNITED CELEBRATION OF LIBERATION:
*DeLishia Boykin Wilson
The Catalyst for the Black Church Movement was the protest for religious, social and economic liberation led by Richard Allen and Absalom Jones. Years later, Christians joined together to honor the steadfast courage and unify to demonstrate reconciliation and freedom. November 16, 2008 marked such a celebratory experience as representatives of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) and the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas (AEST) joined together in historical reflection, prayer for projected future and unified worship to celebrate Liberation Sunday. The theme was “From Richard Allen and Absalom Jones to Barack Obama”.
The visionary for this event and reception was Mrs. Ernestine Lee Henning, the founder and chair of the board of the Richard Allen Foundation and the Episcopal Supervisor of the Third Episcopal District of the AME Church, which includes the region of the Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio. The event was hosted by the Richard Allen Foundation at AEST located at 6361 Lancaster Avenue in the city of Philadelphia.
The service order included historical perspectives on the inception of the historical churches, Mother Bethel A.M.E Church and The African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas. Mother Bethel is the charter church of the AME Church and African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas is the charter church of the African Episcopal Church. While denominations differ with the date on record, the understanding is identical that African Americans began theses Churches in the 1700’s to create an atmosphere for prayer, worship and praise with freedom. The Richard Allen Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that advocates development of the Black Community through self-help, education and economic empowerment.
Richard Allen, the founder of Mother Bethel A.M.E Church and Absalom Jones, founder of the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas shared common views and values for the physical and spiritual liberation of Christians with a sun-kissed hue. This decision prompted the establishment of these churches. As a result, many denominations including the African Methodist Episcopal Zion (AMEZ) Church, the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church and the Black Episcopal Diocese were established promoting such unity and freedom.
Liberation service participants included Father Martini Shaw, pastor of the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, the Rev. Mark Tyler, newly appointed pastor of Mother Bethel A.M.E Church, the Reverend DeLishia Boykin Wilson, pastor of Bethel A.M.E Church of Reading, PA, Ronald Brown, founder of Pennsylvania Juneteenth Coalition, Edith Moore Stephens, Historical Society of Mother Bethel and Art Sudler, Historical Society of St. Thomas. The central focus of the program was the dramatic presentation on emancipation by Mrs. Phoebe Bailey, a representative of Bethel-Harambee of Bethel A.M.E Church of Lancaster, PA.
The service order was both diversified and informative, engaging each congregant in the reflection of the past and encouragement for the future.
The culmination of the service was the Declaration of Liberation, which was chartered by the Richard Allen Foundation in 1997. The third Sunday of every November is the declared Liberation Sunday. Participants, congregants and visitors were deeply moved by the unified effort and soul stirring presentations. “I love history, and this service helped me to embrace the heritage of African Methodism and to encourage unity of all believers” said Michelle Bates, attendant and member of Bethel A.M.E Church of Reading, PA.
Our heritage and our future is dependant upon the liberation of the people in various aspects of life. As African Americans experience tremendous leaps of progress, the message is conveyed to all generations to embrace our heritage and work cooperatively for a greater future. One, noted advancement is the great accomplishment made in the United States of American in the election of Senator Barack Obama as the next president. This liberation affects all citizens of the world and promotes the combined states and district as “One Nation under God with liberty and justice for all.”
*Delishia Boykin Wilson is a free lance writer of religious affairs. She is also the pastor of Bethel AME Church of Reading, PA and the author of nationally acclaimed Positioned for a Breakthrough.
18. SEASONED PASTOR GOES BACK TO SCHOOL AND PUBLICALLY SHARES HIS GRADES:
This year marks 18 years since the last time I ever sat down in a lecture room, taught and examined. It has been a great time for me and many of the people around me. I received best wishes and prayers for the decision to go back to school and write examination. The four modules are some I have passed in the second semester I found in the University website. For two modules (viz., Homiletics and Pastoral Skills/Development), I am below a distinction with just less than 1%. Don’t know what this means but I am still excited with this because it has something to do with people I have rubbed shoulders and the fact that I have to do these on almost daily basis.
Results for 21507465
BYBV222 055 Passed
BYBV322 061 Passed
HOVM671 073 Passed
MISS671 057 Passed
The reason I share this with you is the inspiration you always have in my life and ministry. In one or many ways, you impart something which makes me look forward to achieving greater than what I have already. As I prepare for the second leg of the degree, next year, I continue to look up to you for your prayers, inspiration and support. Bishop Henning, I still keep your email about what you think of me. Bishop Richardson, I treasure your book, memory of practical impartation through preaching and conversation. Dr. Flowers, I keep your prophetic word over my life. Dr. Sydnor, I take your cheerful spirit with me all this way. Bishop Leath, your yesterday’ best wishes (you have always done that) into the exam room today rings and I am getting there in the next 15 minutes.
The Rev. Teboho G. Klaas
19. CENSUS BUREAU TO HIRE 2,000 ACROSS STATE (KENTUCKY):
The U.S. Census Bureau has opened local census offices in Lexington and Louisville and is hoping to hire more than 2,000 people across the state's (Kentucky) 120 counties.
Positions available include address listers, office clerks, recruiting assistants, crew leaders and field operation supervisors.
The census employees will help develop an address list in spring 2009. The address list will be used to deliver census questionnaires in 2010. The jobs are temporary; some are full time and others part time. Census jobs offer flexible schedules and allow close-to-home employment. Pay starts at $10.50 per hour and varies depending on job and location.
Those interested in applying for these jobs should go to http://www.2010censusjobs.gov/ for job descriptions, qualifications and applications. Potential applicants also can call toll free 1-866-861-2010. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, age 18 and older, and pass a basic aptitude test. Most jobs require a valid driver's license and use of a car.
"It's important that we have qualified people who know their communities to help develop our confidential address list" said William W. Hatcher, regional director for the Charlotte Regional Census Center, which supports 2010 Census operations in Kentucky and four other states: North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. "These important jobs offer good pay, allow flexible hours and permit people to work in their communities, for their communities. Census jobs count in many ways."
Census results are used to determine the number of congressional seats for each state, the shape of legislative districts and local government districts, and how $300 billion in federal funds is distributed annually to communities across the country.
In 2009, the Census Bureau will open five additional census offices in Kentucky to carry out the 2010 Census. Nationwide, the Census Bureau will open nearly 500 offices during peak census activities.
The current wave of hiring for address list development will be followed by a second wave of hiring that will begin next year and continue into 2010. The second wave of hiring will be mainly for census takers. The census takers will go door to door to collect confidential information from people who have not returned their census questionnaires by mail.
April 1, 2010 is Census Day, the reference date for collecting census information.
Editor’s Note: I am sure the Census Bureau will be hiring in other states also.
20. CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST JULIAN BOND SERVES LAST TERM AS NAACP CHAIRMAN, REMAINS ON NATIONAL BOARD:
After 10 years of volunteer service as the NAACP National Board Chairman Julian Bond, 68 announced he would not seek reelection when his term ends in February 2009.
"This is the time for renewal. We have dynamic new leadership. The country has a new President in Barack Obama; the organization has a new CEO in Benjamin Jealous, and we'll soon have a new Chairman of the NAACP Board. The NAACP and the country are in good hands," he added.
In a letter to Board members, Bond wrote that he would not run for reelection as Chairman of the National Board; however, he will remain on the Board. He also intends to run for reelection to the Board when his three-year term ends.
"It has always been my plan to serve until the Centennial which will be underway in February when my term ends," said Bond. "I'm not resigning, I'm just not running for reelection," he added.
NAACP Board members and officers are volunteers in elected positions. The Chairmanship is a one-year term and Board members serve a three-year term.
For Bond, this decision was part of a life change. "Being Chairman has been a wonderful honor however, it has been more time demanding than anything I've ever done. I'm ready to let a new generation of leaders lead," he said.
"We appreciate Chairman Bond's commitment and look forward to his continued active involvement on the Board," said Benjamin Todd Jealous.
About Julian Bond
Julian Bond was elected as the Chairman of the Board of NAACP in 1998. In 2002, Bond was awarded the National Freedom Award, a prestigious award whose recipients in past years include Jackie Robinson, Bill Clinton, Oprah Winfrey and Rosa Parks.
The holder of twenty-five honorary degrees, Bond is a Distinguished Professor at American University in Washington, DC, and a Professor in history at the University of Virginia.
Submitted by Contact: Carla Sims, Tel (202) 463-2940 x1007 or (202) 360-9959; email: Carlasims@verizon.net
21. POLL SHOWS HOW AMERICANS WILL BE CELEBRATING THANKSGIVING THIS YEAR:
Meaning and Values Surrounding the Holiday Are of High Importance
New York, November 24, 2008... There's more than one way that Americans celebrate Thanksgiving, as revealed in the results of a new poll conducted by Guideposts.com. When asked, "How will you be spending Thanksgiving this year?" The top answer, even in this down economy, was 39% of respondents saying: "Traveling to see relatives and friends." Perhaps even more indicative of the state of the economy, the #2 answer was that 24% said they would "Be serving food at a shelter." Other responses were: 14% "Hosting family and friends," 12% "Attending church services" and 11% answered "Not celebrating." The poll was conducted between 11/17 and 11/22 among over 3400 online respondents.
"When we see these results, showing that nearly 1 in 4 of those who took the poll are serving in shelters, it underscores the fact that many Americans take seriously the meaning and values surrounding Thanksgiving -- that of gratitude and thankfulness expressed by helping and sharing with others," according to Anne Simpkinson, Online Managing Editor at Guideposts. "Guideposts.com. has strong, inspirational content and stories about real people whose faith-filled lives and experiences are an inspiration to all of us this holiday."
Two of the Thanksgiving stories featured on the site highlight the strong commitment people have to helping others during the holidays. The first is "Mr. Thanksgiving" about a Moline, Illinois grocer, Bob Vogelbaugh, whose first little potluck dinner for people in need over 38 years ago has grown to serving thousands of free turkey dinners each year. Another, "Trouble at the Melrose Diner" by Richard Kubach, is about a very special south Philadelphia, PA neighborhood institution that was threatened by a Thanksgiving Day water main flood and about who showed up to help.
Guidepost knows many Americans, including our readers, love to share their good fortunes and help others. These stories and others at http://www.guidepostsmag.com/thanksgiving/ highlight our shared sense of community, provide holiday inspiration, and help strengthen the values Americans hold dear.
22. CORRECTION:
The article "Ohio Annual Conference Extraordinaire!" in the October 20, 2008 issue of The Christian Recorder Online incorrectly named the Rev. Dr. Lyman W. Liggins as retiring from traveling. The correct name is the Rev. Dr. Thomas E. Liggins. We regret any inconvenience from this error.
Thank you again.
Annie Marie Garraway
23. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICES:
- The Rev. Dr. Robert A. Strode, Pastor of Saint John AME Church, Frankfort, KY was appointed by Supreme Court Chief Justice John D. Minton, Jr., as a lay member on the Board of Governors of the Kentucky Bar Association. Dr. Strode's appointment is a two-year term, which commenced on November 12, 2008.
Congratulatory communications may be sent to: IAMABIBLEMAN@aol.com
Submitted by:
Mrs. Shelby G. Strode (Thankful wife)
- The Rev. Melvin E. Wilson, Pastor of St. Luke A. M. E. Church, New York, NY and 1st Lady Michelle, proudly announce that their daughter Lauren has been accepted as a fellow for the 2009 Young People FOR (YP4) Progressive Leaders sponsored by the People For The American Way Foundation. Young People For (YP4) is a strategic long-term leadership development program that identifies, engages and empowers the newest generation of progressive leaders to create lasting change in their communities.
Lauren, a YP4 2009 Fellow, will be attending a five-day National Summit in Washington, D.C. in February 2009 (all expenses paid) which kicks off the yearlong fellowship program for college students. She was nominated, and a committee came to Wilberforce and monitored her "leadership and people skills in action" as she worked to register people to vote for the presidential campaign.
Congratulatory messages may be sent to: Pastor@stlukeamecnyc.org or to: stlukeamec@aol.com
- The Rev. V. Cora Stovall, Pastor of Mulberry Circuit (East Tennessee Conference) proudly announces the birth of her granddaughter, Kara Lynn Diana Valentine, born November 15, 2008 in Clarksville, Tennessee. The proud parents are U.S. Army Specialist Nelson and VeRissa Daniella Valentine.
Congratulatory messages may be sent to: funnyeyez@hotmail.com
24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: The Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, Inc.
The Rev. Dr. Ella Mitchell, died peacefully in her sleep last night and is now at home with God, surrounded by the saints. In her final days, she was comforted by family, friends who loved her and her faithful husband, Dr. Henry Mitchell. We ask that you keep the Mitchell family in your prayers as you move throughout the day and in your quiet moments.
Mama Ella truly was a sturdy Black bridge over whom we have crossed. We owe her much and give praise she passed our way. As information about her memorial services and plans are finalized, we will keep you informed.
Dr. Iva E. Carruthers
General Secretary
Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, Inc.
25. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Regretfully announcing the passing of the Rev. A. C. Rocquemore, a 28-year 10th Episcopal District pastor, who had pastored on the Greater Fort Worth District, Northwest Texas Conference until his retirement on September 13, 2008.
The funeral has been held.
The Rev. Rocquemore is survived by his wife, Sister Erma Rocquemore, three daughters, Tasha, Janet, Fatina, one grandson, Bradley, three brothers, and four sisters, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Condolences may be sent to
Sister Erma Rocquemore
3400 Woodbridge Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76140
Ph: (817) 478-0116
26. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
With regret we inform you of the death of Mrs. Laverne Sweat, spouse of the Reverend Wink Sweat, Sr. on Friday, November 22, 2008. The Reverend Sweat is the pastor of Saint James AME Church in Covington, Kentucky. Mrs. Sweat was a former YPD Director for the West Kentucky Conference, as well as serving in various other positions in the WMS and Ministers Spouses.
Visitation & Celebration
Visitation will be Wednesday, November 26, 2008 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Richmond, KY. The Homegoing will be celebrated at the church at 1:00 p.m. The pastor of Saint Paul is the Reverend William R.T. Hale. The Presiding Bishop is the Right Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie.
Contact
The Rev. Wink Sweat, Sr.
118 Lynn St
Covington, KY 41011
(859) 581-9669
WSweatWinkCo@aol.com
Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church
The Rev. William R.T. Hale
437 Francis Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475
(859) 625-0041
http://www.saintpaulrichmond.com/NewCreation/index.html
Oldham, Roberts & Powell Funeral Home
1110 Barnes Mill Rd
Richmond, KY 40475
(859) 623-2422?
27. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Announcing with regret the passing of Mrs. Sylvie Lovell Bullock Smith, daughter of Dr. Saundra A. Bullock, pastor of St. John AME Church, Gibsonville, NC; Eastern District-Western North Carolina Conference; Rev. J. Bernard Wilder, Presiding Elder, Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr., Presiding Prelate, 2nd Episcopal District.
Sylvie Lovell Bullock Smith, of Knightdale, North Carolina passed on Thursday, November 20, 2008.
Service arrangements:
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Visitation:
12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Funeral:
1:00 p.m.
Orange Grove Baptist Church
505 East End Avenue
Durham, NC
Interment: Markham Memorial Gardens, Durham, NC
Professional services entrusted to:
Lea Funeral Home
2500 Poole Road
Raleigh, NC 27610
919-231-1000 Phone
919-231-7883 Fax
www.leafuneralhome.com
The family will also receive friends at 2309 Ellington Street, Durham, NC, the home of Dr. Saundra A. Bullock.
Condolences can be sent to:
Dr. Saundra A. Bullock
2309 Ellington Street
Durham, NC 27704
(919) 956-6411
(919) 672-1528
sbullock19@nc.rr.com
Mr. Howard L. Smith (Husband of Mrs. Sylvie Lovell Bullock Smith)
909 Hadel Place
Knightdale, NC 27545
(919) 539-2214
(919) 795-0886
28. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to announce the passing of Mrs. Lucille Coffee, the mother of the Rev. Anthony L. Thomas, Sr., pastor of New Salem AME Church Nashville, Tennessee. Mrs. Coffee passed away on Thursday, November 13, 2008, in Memphis, Tennessee, after a lengthy illness.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Reverend Anthony L. Thomas, Sr.
1704 Carvel Avenue
Nashville, Tennessee 37203
Phone: 931/624-6631 or 615/242-6688
29. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regretfully announce the passing of Sister Ruby Lee Anders on November 5, 2008. Sister Anders was the grandmother of Sister Ardina Washington, the wife of the Rev. Mark A. Washington, pastor of Armstrong AME Church-Arlington, Texas (Greater Fort Worth District-Northwest Texas Conference).
The funeral has been held.
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Mark A. and Sister Ardina Washington
10229 Trail Ridge Drive
Benbrook, Texas 76126
Ph: (817) 689-6571
30. 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
31. 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.
Archive of The Christian Recorder Online from 2004-2016; Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
11/14/2008
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (11/13/08)
Bishop Richard Franklin Norris - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor, The Christian Recorder
1. EDITORIAL – WE ARE ALL OBLIGATED TO COMMIT OURSELVES TO, “YES I WILL”:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
The election of Barack Obama was a historic event for this country; and for countries around the world. This is certainly a new day and we, as Americans, have taken a bold step in electing an American who is black to lead our great nation.
President-Elect Barack Obama, his family, the new administration and the nation need our prayers.
As excited as we are about President-elect Obama’s victory and the signal it sends about the openness in electing a president who is black, and the many persons of color who said, “I never thought at I would see the time when American would elect a black president” and as exhilarating as the election of President-elect Barack Obama was and as happy as so many of us are, we must remember that challenges still exist. Many blacks and whites that thought that we would not see a person who was black, elected to the U.S. presidency; and there were an equal number of persons who said, in their minds, and were committed to the notion that, “the nation would never elect a black president.” The reality is that everyone was not, and is not happy with the outcome of the election; and that’s okay. My thought is, “Get over it! President Barack Obama is every American’s President!
It is going to take commitment from every segment of this great nation of ours to move this country to fulfill its creed that we are all, indeed, “created equal.”
We, as black people, need to recommit ourselves to excellence because there is too much crime in the black community; too much black on black crime; too much disrespect for education; too many young black boys and men walking around with their pant hung down over their behinds; too many thugs and drugs in the black community; too many young black kids taking soft subjects in school; and too many black men and women in prison. There are too many black youth who think that the path to success is either sports or entertainment. The election of Barack Obama should signal to us, a more excellent way. Generations of blacks, and whites, have been adamant in saying, education is the way to achieve upward mobility and economic stability. Unfortunately, some in the black community, to their, and our, detriment, rejected the notion about the importance of education.
Barack Obama’s theme was “Yes we can” and the morning after the election, people were saying, “Yes, we did,” and since the election, some have been chanting, “Yes, we will.”
The election of President-elect Barack Obama affirmed, “Yes we can, yes we did, and, yes we will.” Those are great words and great thoughts, but it is now time for each one of us to commit ourselves to President-elect Obama’s dream and our commitment must be, “Yes I will!” Each one of us needs to own a part of the dream.
The election of President Barack Obama should encourage our young people to set high goals. Barack Obama is an example of a man whose family did not have a lot of money, but knew the value of education. He got a good education, stayed focus, gave back to the community, remained spiritually faithful, wore suits, was successful and is the first person of color to be elected president of the United States. He was a model citizen.
The time is past when our young people think that the only way to get ahead is achieving in athletics and in entertainment. We are in a new day, “the sky is the limit.” We need to take responsibility, step up to the plate, and say, “Yes I will!”
President-elect Barack Obama will assume the presidency of the United States on January 20, 2009 and he will be the President for all Americans. He is not the black President; he is the President who happens to be black. Like the presidents before him, he will be criticized, sometimes negatively caricatured, talked about and mistreated; and black people must understand that criticism of his presidency will not happen because he is black; he will be criticized because he is the president. Any criticisms of President Barack Obama will not be a criticism of black people; as black people, let’s not be paranoid and let’s “thicken our skin.”
President Obama will work for all Americans and sometime it might seem as if he might not be working in the interest of black Americans, but in working for all Americans he will be working for the best interests of blacks, white, red, browns, and yellow Americans.
We must remember that President-elect Barack Obama is not the black President; he is the President who happens to be black and he is the President of all Americans, the President of all 50 States and the President of all U.S. territories. He is the leader of the free world and the most powerful leader in the world.
Barack Obama, the President of the United States of America.
2. BREAKING NEWS – NEWLY APPOINTED PASTOR OF MOTHER BETHEL AME CHURCH, PHILADELPHIA:
The Reverend Dr. Mark Tyler has been appointed as the pastor of Mother Bethel AME Church in Philadelphia.
3. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
- To the Editorr:
Congratulations to Barack Obama - President Elect of the United States of America! “Yes We Can.”
Best Wishes and Congratulations to all the members of AMEC.
This message was received from the Rev. Sarah & the Rev. Abraham Peddiny, Presiding Elders; and from all of the Pastors and members of AME-India.
4. CORRECTION – AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH-INDIA REPORT:
The AME-India YPD meeting scheduled on the November 15, 2008 is being sponsored by the Fourth Episcopal District, Chicago Annual Young People and not by the California Conference YPD as reported in the article that appeared in last week’s issue of The Christian Recorder Online. The African Methodist Episcopal Church-India wants to acknowledge the Fourth Episcopal District, Chicago Annual Conference Young People for their contribution.
5. AME BISHOP USHERS IN AMERICA'S FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT WITH PRAYER:
By Rev. William Cooper Jr.
CHICAGO – Each step took the Rt. Rev. Philip R. Cousin Sr. closer to the podium and a sea of 250,000 people who had gathered at Grant Park to witness history.
For Bishop Cousin, it was a moment that he and many African Americans thought would never happen during their lifetime. Yet, Bishop Cousin stood at history’s gate, ready to usher in America’s first black Commander in Chief - President-elect Barack Obama.
After nurturing an eight-year relationship with the President-elect, Bishop Cousin was tapped to do the opening prayer at Chicago’s Grant Park, where President-elect Obama would make his acceptance speech. Because of Bishop Cousin, the African Methodist Episcopal Church also took center-stage that night as he, the 96th Consecrated and Elected AME Bishop, offered the blessing upon a new era for humankind.
As Bishop Cousin scanned the crowd, he thought to himself “I guess Heaven is going to be like this.” He proceeded to pray, offering condolences to President-elect Obama and his family on the loss of his grandmother.
As he prayed, his wife, Dr. M. Joan Cousin, stood proudly in the VIP section. She was beaming because a black man had been elected president and her husband played a key role in making it happen.
“I’m happy that we lived to see this day,” Dr. Cousin said afterwards. “God has truly broadened Bishop’s territory.”
And with five sons, all of whom serve as AME pastors, the Cousin legacy is destined to continue for generations to come. A child of the parsonage himself, the honor gave Bishop Cousin pause to reflect upon his father, the Rev. S.A. Cousin, and era in which he was a pastor.
“It’s overwhelming when you see all of the changes that have happened in my 75 years,” he said. “I’ve seen us come from segregation through the Civil Rights movement up to now. It’s remarkable.”
Bishop Cousin said offering the prayer for president-elect Obama ranked high among his ministerial accomplishments. He likened it to the moment in 1976, when he was elected bishop.
“It’s an experience I’ll never forget,” Bishop Cousin said.
But he’s no stranger to the world stage. Bishop Cousin has met with Pope John Paul II, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu to name a few. He served as the first African American to lead the National Council of Churches, where he was president from 1983 to 1987.
He was selected by Ebony Magazine as one of the 100 most influential African Americans.
In 2000, when he was appointed presiding prelate of the Fourth Episcopal District of the AME Church, which comprises Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and three Canadian provinces, is when Bishop Cousin met President-elect Obama. At the time, President-elect Obama was campaigning for a seat in the United States Senate.
Bishop Cousin said President-elect Obama attended the Chicago Annual Conference, where he addressed the delegates and sought their support. Their relationship continued to grow after he was elected to the Senate.
Bishop Cousin was among a select group that then- Senator Obama shared his decision to run for president. Again, Bishop Cousin had the wisdom to support him.
As the Senior Bishop, Bishop Cousin was instrumental in getting President-elect Obama to address the 48th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference held in St. Louis in July 2008. The visit received worldwide media coverage and once again showed the AME church at the forefront of history.
“We were excited to have him come,” Bishop Cousin recalled. “He came and the church was blessed by his presence.”
It was at this General Conference that Bishop Cousin retired, after a monumental ministerial career. Despite his retirement, God wasn’t through with using Bishop Cousin, according to his wife, Dr. Cousin.
The call came to do the prayer for President-elect Obama unexpectedly. And yet, it was an opportunity that Bishop Cousin had spent a lifetime preparing for.
Reflecting upon this miraculous moment, Bishop Cousin said President-elect Obama’s victory has special meaning for all Americans, especially for those of us whose faith is rooted in African Methodism.
“We should never let go of our dreams and never lose sight of our heritage,” Bishop Cousin said. “I’m certain that this is a message to let us know that God is still in charge.”
*The Rev. William Cooper Jr. is pastor at Macedonia AME Church in Boca Raton, FL., which is in the 11th Episcopal District, where Bishop McKinley Young is the presiding prelate. Rev. Cooper is a former staff writer with The Palm Beach Post, located in West Palm Beach, FL. His email is bcooper779@aol.com
6. THE YOUNGEST CERTIFIED CHURCH SCHOOL TEACHER:
*The Rev. Ernest J. Garrison
On September 20, 2008, the Michigan Annual Conference came together to award those persons who met the requirements for Church School Teacher and Superintendent Certification for the 2008-2009 Conference Year. Among those being celebrated was 13 year old Byron Pleasant (2nd left) of Mt. Morris, Michigan who made history as the youngest person to be certificated as “Church School Teacher”. Byron is a 9th grader at Powers Catholic High School in Flint and has aspiration of becoming a lawyer. He is a member of Vernon Chapel A.M.E. Church-Flint, Michigan where the Reverend Ernest J. Garrison (far left) is pastor and the designer of the Church School Certification System in the 4th Episcopal District. Byron was presented his certificate by the Reverend Amelia D. Graham (third left), Superintendent of the Michigan Annual Conference with the Reverend Minnie Autry, Registrar.
Byron is presently assigned to the primary division where he is teaching preschool thru 3rd grade, under the direction of Sister Bessie Straham, Superintendent of Church School at Vernon Chapel.
*The Rev. Ernest J. Garrison is the pastor of Vernon Chapel AME Church and serves as the Church School Superintendent for the 4th Episcopal District
7. ECONOMIC TIMES ARE TOUGH AND SOME UNSCRUPULOUS FOLKS ARE ATTEMPTING TO SCAM CHURCHES:
AME Churches need to be on the look out for scam artists who have resurfaced and are attempting to prey upon our churches. .
A man called Ward Chapel in Little Rock, Arkansas last Sunday (November 9, 2008) and asked for the pastor.
I was not there, so one of the stewards took the message. The caller stated that he was the Reverend Charles Johnson, pastor of Bethel AME Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and went on to share that some of his members were moving to Little Rock and they were looking for a church home. He left his telephone number (917-804-0368) and asked that the pastor would call him back.
This evening around 6:30, I called the number. To my surprise, it was the exact same scam artists that had called my house about two years ago. The story had not changed. This man told me that he had a niece by the name of Diane Williams, whose job had transferred her to Arkansas. She was a loan officer for the federal government HUD program. She had four children and she played the piano and organ. I asked him who I could thank for referring him to Ward Chapel. He hesitated and started to say Bishop Ingram, but stopped and asked me who my bishop was. I gave him a fictitious name and he asked what denomination was my church. I answered AME, and then he said that "Bishop Norris of the 1st Episcopal District" had referred him. He said that his niece was enroute to Arkansas as we spoke and began to give me her mobile number (678-489-5845). I told him that I would call her as soon as I got off the phone with him.
I reported the call to Bishop Green because I knew it was a scam. If I had called "Diane Williams" she would have gotten my number and called me back saying that she was having automobile problems and needed to borrow some money because all she had was her government check, which she would be unable to cash. She would ask that money be wired to the shop in which she was getting the car repaired and if money was wired, she would become a ghost along with the money.
I am hoping the phone numbers I was able to include will help catch these thieves.
The Reverend S.I. Bowers
8. GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (GDC) MEETING, FEBRUARY 25-27, 2009:
This email is to officially announce the Global Development Council (GDC) Meeting scheduled for February 25-27, 2009, in Mbabane, Swaziland. The 18th Episcopal District is pleased to serve as your host. The following information is important for your planning:
The nearest airport is in Manzini, Swaziland and Attendees should plan to arrive on February 25th. February 26th will be a full day of meetings. February 27th will conclude the meeting at noon.
The official meeting site will be the Mountain Inn, P. O. Box 223, Mbabane, H100 Swaziland. Telephone 268-404-2773; Fax: 268-404-5393; email: info@mountaininn.sz; website: www.mountaininn.sz.
The Hotel Rates:
Double Bed and Breakfast, E585.00 E=Emalangeni (Swazi Currency)
Single Bed and Breakfast, E475.00.
The spill-over hotels are The City Inn and The Emafini Hotel. Both are part of the Mountain Inn. The Mountain Inn will provide shuttle service if required.
The rates for The City Inn, E500.00 Double Bed & Breakfast; E400.00 Single Bed and Breakfast.
The Emafini Hotel, E200.00 per person and E40.00 for Breakfast.
The Bishops are asked to make your reservations at the Royal Swazi Spa, P/P Ezulwini, H106, Mbabane, Swaziland Telephone 268-416-5000; Fax: 268-416-6800 email: swazisun@sanint.co.sz; website: www.suninternational.com. Rates: E2325.00 Double Bed and Breakfast
Registration is E25.00 per person including Bishops.
Attendees with agenda items should forward them to Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah at: wjmessiah2004@yahoo.com
The hosts for the GDC: Presiding Elder Solomon J. C. Nxumalo, P. O. Box A28, Swazi Plaza, Mbabane, Swaziland, telephone: 268-421-2255 or 268-615-0365; FAX: 268-421-2255; email: solomonj@realnet.co.sz
Presiding Elder Albert B. Thwala, P. O. Box 5, Mbabane, Swaziland; Cell: 268-605-1854; email: bafana149@yahoo.co.uk
The Rev. Italy Nyasti, Pastor, Collins Chapel AME Church, P. O. Box 76, Mbabane, Swaziland; Cell:268-626-4773 or 268-405-0566.
Ms. Makhosazana P. Khoza; email: khozam@cmac.org.sz
The opening worship will be held on February 25th at 7:00 p.m.at Collins Chapel AME Church, followed by the first business session. The Collins Chapel AME Church Choir will provide music. Bishop Sarah F. Davis, Presiding Bishop of the 16th Episcopal District will be the Preacher.
The 18th Episcopal District will provide a reception on February 25th at the conclusion of the day and will provide dinner for all attendees on February 26th.
For additional information, contact Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Jr. at email: emccloudjr@aol.com or 011-266-2232-0869.
We look forward to seeing you in the beautiful country of Swaziland on February 25-27, 2009.
9. AME NAMED 1ST WOMAN AND 6TH PRESIDENT OF MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY:
*The Rev. Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt, PhD
As the nation witnessed history being made with the election of Senator Barack Obama as the first African-American President of the United States, history has also been made at a Historically Black University located in the Mississippi Delta town of Itta Bena, Mississippi by a member of the AME Church.
In January 2009 MVSU will be under the executive administration of its 1st woman president, Dr. Donna H. Oliver who comes to MVSU from Edward Waters College (EWC) in Jacksonville, Florida. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and her experience that she has garnered from Elon University to Bennett College to Edward Waters. At EWC, Dr. Oliver has served as the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs.
Dr. Oliver has a distinguished career in K-12 public schools as a biology and chemistry teacher, college professor and K-16 administrator that spans some 30 years. She has earned many distinguished awards including 1986 North Carolina Teacher of the Year and the1987 National Teacher of the Year Crystal Apple Award which was presented to her at the Oval Office by President Ronald Reagan. She earned her undergraduate degree in biology and education from Elon College; her master’s of education degree in biology and curriculum and instruction from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro; a master’s of science degree in educational administration with licensure as a K-12 principal from North Carolina A & T University; and her Ph.D in Curriculum and Teaching with a concentration in multicultural education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
She and her husband, Mr. James C. Oliver, have one daughter Rachel Oliver-Cobbin who is married to Keith James Cobbin. Keith and Rachel have two children, a son Cameron James Oliver Cobbin and a daughter Raina Lael Oliver Cobbin. Mr. and Mrs. Oliver are life long members of the AME Church and when in North Carolina were members of Wayman’s Chapel AME Church in Graham, NC. While at Wayman’s Chapel, Dr. Oliver served as the church organist for 25 years, was a member of the Steward’s Board, a former class leader, Vice Chair of the Layman’s Society, Assistant Church Secretary, Co-Chair of the Church’s 100 Year Celebration Steering Committee, and Choir Director for the Senior and Gospel Choirs.
It is with excitement and anticipation that the constituencies of Mississippi Valley State University look forward to this daughter of Richard and Sarah Allen coming and rendering her service unto the Lord through higher education. Her dynamic personality, her impressive intellect and her stellar experience will no doubt take Mississippi Valley State University, the youngest HBU in Mississippi, to its next level in academic excellence.
*The Rev. Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt, PhD – Pastor is the Solomon Chapel AME Church in
Cleveland, Mississippi and serves as Assistant Professor of Social Work at Mississippi Valley State University
10. VICTORY JUST THE BEGINNING:
By the Rev. Dr. Joseph Darby
Special to The Post and Courier
Sunday, November 9, 2008
More than a year ago, I shared a clergy breakfast table with Barack and Michelle Obama. I'd been invited to present him, and wanted to do more than read from his bio.
That initial conversation led me to tell one of my clergy colleagues, "He really would be an excellent president — too bad America won't give him the opportunity." I said that based upon expectations from past experience. He'd get good black support and courteous but not substantial white support, everyone would agree that he was impressive, and America would say that one day when he was "ready," he might become vice president.
I've never been so delighted to be absolutely wrong.
The more I spoke with him, the more I realized that his vision for America went beyond politics as usual. I was also amazed to see that his campaign staff and volunteers were a mosaic of racial and cultural diversity, and I was stunned when very white and very Midwestern Iowa made him their caucus choice.
During the primary and general election races, I was elated to see that America could finally go beyond racial politics as usual, at least in this case. Obama was labeled as a religious zealot, as woefully inexperienced, as an "empty suit" who was all talk and no action and as a friend of crooked businessmen and terrorists, but his polling and support held steady — people were actually listening to him and sharing his vision. When the news broke at 11 p.m. on election night that he was the projected winner, I was absolutely thrilled, but not surprised. The campaign process showed that America was ready for the new direction offered by a transformational candidate, regardless of the color of that candidate.
I'm not so naive as to believe that Obama's election is the sign of a "post-racial" America. Many citizens were still ready to believe and spread baseless and negative rumors about Obama. Many citizens who were somehow able to "know" and "trust" Sarah Palin after her instant appearance on the national political scene still said that they didn't "know" or "trust" Obama. While many white South Carolinians did support Obama, the state was still divided, with Obama winning primarily along the I-95 corridor and Sen. John McCain winning primarily in the Upstate, a pattern that reflects our state's political and racial geography.
Our nation, state and community still have miles to go to achieve equity, fairness and understanding, but Obama represents a big step in that direction. He stands as affirmation of the hope and possibilities that America can offer to all citizens when we get things right. I say that as I write on the anniversary of my mother's death 34 years ago, remembering what she taught me: "Do your best, stand up for yourself, stand up for others, and there's no limit where God will take you."
I say that as the father of two sons, both of whom reflected on the election in ways that speak to new hope. My older son's Facebook blog says, "As I rode down I-26 to work, I reflected on the enormity of the day and the 400-plus years that led to this historic moment. This is the fulfillment of the promise of the American Dream. This is truly a 'big deal,' however, the real work begins today. I'm ready. Are you?" My youngest son simply sent a text message that said, "My president is black, and I'm living in a free country."
It really is morning in America.
*The Rev. Joseph A. Darby is pastor of Morris Brown AME Church in Charleston.
Copyright © 1997 - 2007 the Evening Post Publishing Co.
Used with permission of The Post and Courier (Charleston, SC)
11. CONGRATULATORY SERVICE HELD FOR BISHOP LEATH AT MOTHER BETHEL:
*Sister Angelena Spears
On Thursday, October 16, 2008, pastors, presiding elders, community leaders and laity of the African Methodist Episcopal Church convened at Mother Bethel AME Church to take part in the congratulatory service for newly elected Bishop, the Right Reverend Jeffrey N. Leath, who now presides over the 19th Episcopal District in the Republic of South Africa.
The service was the brainchild of the Rev. Marguerite Handy, who worked closely with Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, the presiding prelate of the 1st Episcopal District. Bishop Norris presided over the event. Based upon the turnout and the positive feedback, the service was a success.
Citations and resolutions were read, and remarks of well-wishes were given by city officials. Among those who gave remarks were, Jannie L. Blackwell, Philadelphia councilwoman; Tanya Hall, executive director of the city’s Multicultural Affairs Congress; and Ahmeenah Young, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority.
The sentiments expressed were bittersweet, and echoed those of Young who said she had a “heavy heart.” She referred to Bishop Leath as the “quiet in a storm” and said there had been attended many of the city’s meetings where “people were going crazy and all we had to do was look at him and straighten up.”
The Rev. Marguerite Handy, who is the executive director of the Mayor's Office of Faith-Based Initiatives for the City of Philadelphia and an associate pastor at Mt. Pisgah AME Church Philadelphia, said putting the service together was easy because so many people loved Bishop Leath and were anxious to participate in the celebration honoring him.
During the program, Mother Mary Ann Norris, the Episcopal Supervisor for the First Episcopal District, presented a medallion to Mrs. Susan Leath, who is now the Episcopal Supervisor of the 19th Episcopal District.
The music during the service was reverent and included selections from the Rev. Jay Broadnax, pastor of Mt. Pisgah AME Church, Philadelphia, who sang “My Soul Has Been Anchored in the Lord,” and the Rev. Maurice Hughes, the pastor of New Bethel AME Church, Germantown, who is a gifted saxophonist and played a stirring rendition of, “Amazing Grace.”
Clergy from throughout the Philadelphia area attended the celebration. Father Martini Shaw, pastor of St. Thomas African Episcopal Church; Bishop Peter Hwang of the Korean Association, USA; the Rev. William B. Moore, pastor of Tenth Memorial Baptist Church; the Rev. Bonnie Camarda, president of Hispanic Clergy of Philadelphia; Bishop Omega Shelton of The Church of The Lord Jesus Christ; and Bishop Benjamin F. Patterson Jr., who is the pastor of Greater Bibleway Temple gave remarks.
AME pastors who participated in the service included the Rev. James Baker, pastor of Morris Brown AME Church, Philadelphia and the Rev. Ellis Washington, pastor of St. Matthew AME Church in West Philadelphia; who is also the president of the Black Clergy of Philadelphia & Vicinity.
Bishop Norris observed Bishop Leath as “a humble man, a man of character and a man of stick-to-itiveness, who at the General Conference in St. Louis, received favor for his dedication to God.”
The Rev. Terrence C. Hensford, pastor of Ward AME Church, Philadelphia, and president of the AME Preacher’s Meeting, recalled being with Bishop Leath, prior to leaving for St. Louis, Rev. Leath desired to visit and pray at the tomb of Richard Allen, which is located in the basement of Mother Bethel. Rev. Hensford said, “Bishop Leath prayed a mighty prayer. He never asked God for anything for himself. He prayed that God would bless the African Methodist Episcopal Church.”
All of the presiding elders of the Philadelphia Conference took part in the service. Presiding Elder Joseph D. Patterson, Sr., of the West-Mainline District offered heartfelt remarks. Presiding Elder Vernard Leak, the recently-appointed presiding elder of the Philadelphia District introduced Bishop Norris; and Presiding Elder Charles H. Lett, Sr., of the South District, offered the closing prayer.
Bishop Leath thanked Bishop Norris and Mother Mary Ann Norris for their wonderful kindness and for their presence. He thanked everyone who attended the celebration and he thanked the members of Mother Bethel for their kindheartedness over the years.
*Sister Angelena Spears is the Philadelphia Annual Conference Reporter
12. IF I ONLY HAD ONE WISH:
Youngsters discover why greed is a bad thing in a delightfully illustrated Christian story. Isabelle and Chris Wooly are two young sheep who learn a valuable lesson in the book, If I Only Had One Wish.
If you had one wish, what would it be? Brother and Sister Chris and
Isabelle Wooly dream about what they would want if given one wish.
Isabelle is sweet and innocent, but Chris has bigger dreams. Luckily, Mom is there with wise words and the bible to back her up.
In this story, based on Luke 18:25, the sheep enter a world of chocolate rivers and lakes and they also enter a world of wealth.
About the Author: Christina Cooper is a married mother of three. She is active in her local church, Phillip Chapel AME Church, where she leads the Youth Department. Christina was motivated to write this story by God and her religion. Because it is increasingly difficult to be a child, she feels that it is important to go back to the older way of teaching children, while providing a modern twist.
In her spare time, Christina enjoys writing and drawing. More faith-based stories about Isabelle and Chris Wooly are in the works.
Publisher’s website:
http://www.eloquentbooks.com/IfIOnlyHadOneWish.html
For media inquiries, appearances, or other publicity — please contact:
Ellen Green — PressManager@aegpublishinggroup.com, AEG Publishing Group, Inc., 845 Third Avenue, 6th floor-6016 – New York, NY 10022
http://www.Strategicbookpublishing.com http://www.EloquentBooks.com
http://www.StrategicBookMarketing.com
Corporate Office: 1-888-808-6190
13. THE BERMUDA ANNUAL CONFERENCE LAUNCHES ‘AFFINITY’ ECONOMIC PROGRAM WITH BERMUDA BASED CAPITAL G BANK:
By Bermuda Conference Press
On November 6, 2008 marked the date of history in the making. A partnership of significant proportions was launched amid high expectations between Bermuda based Capital G Bank and the Bermuda Conference of Churches.
The Right Reverend Richard F. Norris, Chairman of the Board of Trustees; Presiding Elder Malcolm Eve; and Reverend Lorne Bean, Vice- Chair of the Board of Trustees welcomed an enthused crowd of onlookers as Capital G Bank rolled out the membership portion of the Affinity Program in first class style.
Much credit is due to the leadership of Bishop Norris as he led the Bermuda Conference into this long awaited partnership of economic development. Thousands of AME members on the Island are being encouraged to join what is a ‘first of its kind’ economic plan that will benefit those who participate.
According to Bishop Norris, “Today’s announcement is historic in that it represents the most significant advance in economic development for the AME Church, our members and our mandate is to continue the kingdom building of God.”
Members will receive preferential rates, savings on purchases, and the opportunity for the church to receive a portion of the savings. The program is anticipating an annual revenue stream of at least $300 to $500,000 in revenue, based on membership participation. The potential income will allow the Bermuda Conference to created financing for social programs and possible building projects to start.
The participating eleven churches have already realized significant savings on property and car insurance rates. In the Bermuda publication of the Royal Gazette Newspaper Bishop Norris stated that this was only the beginning. Other benefits of the program include discounted mortgages and cash back on credit card purchases.
Said Bishop Norris ", While we are not principally looking to use it as a tool for evangelism, it clearly is a tool for evangelism because there are persons who will gravitate wherever benefits are derived", he said ", Even if they come without that (religious) intention, it's hard to stay near to the fire and not get warm."
Grant Gibbons, from the Gibbons Group of Companies, to which Capital G belongs, told the press conference: "The bottom line is that this clearly is a program that has been put together to benefit the church and its members". He described the "unique partnership" as "important and historic" for both parties and said it was in keeping with the community-minded aims of his grandfather Edmund Gibbons, when he went into business in 1916.
The program takes in bank accounts, debit cards, mortgages, loans, insurance services, and shopping, with Gibbons Group companies such as Bermuda Motors, Colonial Insurance and Burrows Lightbourn involved. The President of the bank, Mr. John Kephart said additional companies from outside the Gibbons Group could eventually join the scheme, including local restaurants.
The Affinity idea was initiated by Bishop Philip R. Cousin, now retired. Those also assisting Bishop Norris in reaching this point are Mr. Nalton Brangman, a member of Bright Temple, and the Reverend Leonard Santucci, who assisted with the plan at its first inception, 1998.
Submitted by the Rev. Lanel D. Guyton
14. “WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT MOVES” - THE ONE HUNDRED TWENTY SECOND SESSION OF THE MICHIGAN ANNUAL CONFERENCE”:
*The Reverend Dr. Michael C. Carson
*The Reverend Barbara Anthony
*The Reverend Lila R. Martin
In order to ensure that The 122nd Session of the Michigan Annual Conference (August 20-26, 2008) was going to be a deeply moving experience as The Reverend Dr. Howard S. Thurman put it for “Head and Heart,” Senior Bishop and Fourth Episcopal District Presiding Prelate John Richard Bryant along with The Fourth Episcopal District Supervisor Reverend Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant truly must have “tarried-long” petitioning a mighty move of God.
This move of God was evidenced at the Hyatt Hotel in Dearborn, Michigan. The Annual Conference was well-hosted by Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church (Detroit, Michigan), Pastor Dr. H. Michael Lemmons. The Annual Conference “Camp Meeting” was simply a major spiritual event to be sure!
It was very evident that great prayer and matchless leadership were provided by Michigan North District Presiding Elder Delano L. Bowman, Sr. and Michigan South District Presiding Elder Norman V. Osborne. Nothing was overlooked in the planning and execution of the Annual Conference!
In Romans 10:13-14 it is clearly stated “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. …how shall they hear without a preacher? Truly there were ample opportunities for the word of God to be preached.
The “preaching moments” began with The Annual Sermon delivered by The Reverend Andre Spivey. He took his text from St. Mark 5:14-15. The sermon was entitled “Lord help me, I’m about to lose my mind!”
The Evening Sermon was delivered by The Reverend Nathan Dixon. His text was Ezekiel 37:1-11. His sermon topic was “When you are in need of a fresh wind.”
The Thursday Noon “Hour of Power” Worship Service Sermon was delivered by The Reverend Dr. Albert D. Tyson, III. Dr. Tyson’s sermon text was Number 13:30-14:4. His sermon topic was “Watch out for the hope thieves.”
During this service Bishop Bryant presided over the Retirement of Preachers Service. Those preachers retiring were Presiding Elder Delano L. Bowman, Sr., The Reverend Amos T. Chester, and The Reverend Priscilla Carey Tucker. Retired Presiding Elder Harold C. Huggins made remarks about each retiree. The service was very moving!
The Lay Night Service under the direction of Lay President Betty J. Tuggle was wonderful! Presiding Elder Norman V. Osborne was the speaker. Dr. Osborne’s sermon text was Philippians 3:13-14. His sermon topic was “Refocusing on Ministry to Serve This Present Age.”
There were a number of awards given out during this evening. The A.D. Evans Pastor of the Year Award was given to The Reverend Dr. Robert Brumfield. The Herbert L. Dudley Lay Person of the Year Award was given to Mr. Theodore Harris.
Other award recipients were Ms. Ciara Allen, Mr. Darryl Hubbard, Mr. Andre Thompson, and Mr. Derrick Amisou.
Presiding Elder Bowman and Mrs. Mary Banks Wright were presented an award for their committed service and devotion to the Lay Organization.
The Friday Noon “Hour of Power” Worship Service Sermon was delivered by The Reverend Sudie Haynes. Rev. Haynes sermon text was St. Matthew 13-20. Her sermon topic was “How do I know Jesus?”
The Youth Night Message was delivered by Mr. Michael Young. His text was Hebrews 10:23-26. His topic was “Do it Right.”
During this evening Christian Education Awards were presented to Presiding Elder Bowman, Reverend Juanita Bowman and Reverend Christopher Kirkland, III.
Fourth Episcopal District Supervisor Reverend Dr. Bryant gave major words of wisdom to all present for Youth Night. She presented a “Spring Break Training Program” for youth between the ages of 11-17. A gender specific focus will be implemented that will keep the youth on an intentional track for the “Sons of Success” and the “Daughters of Destiny.”
The Saturday Ordination Service Preacher was The Right Reverend John F. White. Bishop White’s sermon text was 2 Corinthians 5:20 and 4:5. His sermon topic was “A Divine Call for a New Breed for a New Day.” Bishop White made it very clear that the Ordinates were “Making an irrevocable step, no looking back!”
The Sunday Morning Worship Service Sermon was delivered by The Reverend Dr. Michael C. Carson. Dr. Carson’s sermon text was Exodus 33:18. His sermon topic was “God, I just need to See Your Glory!”
The Closing Worship Service Sermon was delivered by Bishop Bryant. Bishop Bryant’s Sermon Text came from 2 Kings 5:1-6. His sermon topic was “We have life changing influence!”
Bishop Bryant reminded those present that as children of God we are to use our influence to change the world. We must open our mouths and speak up for God and we must have a prayer life in order to make a difference.
Truly the Invitation to Christian Discipleship was a major moment! Persons responded to Bishop Bryant’s request for those persons feeling sure that God had placed a special call on their lives to come forward. A family came seeking salvation and people came from “everywhere” sensing a divine call for service on their lives.
Bishop Bryant extended a powerful “call” demonstrating how to effectively evangelize and disciple during a worship service!
So many were in attendance at the closing worship service that persons had to be turned away due to maximum occupancy rules.
After the Pastoral Appointments were made, the Doxology was sung and Bishop Bryant gave the benediction. This ended a week of report receiving, teaching, excellent music, dance, meeting and greeting, reflection, spiritual formation, and much more. All of the aforementioned was due to the ministry of the 122nd Session of the Michigan Annual Conference!
The entire Annual Conference was “bathed’ in prayer,” “covered” by the Word of God, and electrified by the anointing of the Holy Spirit!
*The Reverend Dr. Michael C. Carson is the Michigan Annual Conference Director of Public Relations; the Reverend Barbara Anthony serves as the Michigan Annual Conference Secretary; and the Reverend Lila R. Martin serves as the Michigan Annual Conference Assistant Secretary
15. AMERICAN DIABETES MONTH - THEME: WHY YOU SHOULD CARE ABOUT DIABETES:
Quotes from the American Diabetes Association
23.6 million people have diabetes, 17.9 million people are diagnosed and 5.7 million people are undiagnosed, according to the American Diabetes Association If current trends continue 1out of 3 Americans and 1 in 2 minorities will develop Diabetes in their lifetime.
Diabetes is one of the most serious health problems facing African Americans.
Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not properly produce or properly use insulin, a hormone need to convert sugar, starches and other foods into energy needed for daily life.
Major types of Diabetes
Type I results from the body not producing insulin, so that sugar does not enter the cells but enters the blood stream. 5-10% of Americans have Type I Diabetes.
Type 2 results from insulin résistance where the body fails to properly use insulin. Most Americans are diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes.
Pre-diabetes occurs when a persons blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes.
One way to reduce your risk for diabetes is to know your A B C’s
•A is for A1C, which measures glucose for the past 3 months - Target less than 6.5%.
•B Blood Pressure: Target 130/80
•C Cholesterol: Target below 100.
Complications of Diabetes (Source Center for Disease Control)
•Heart disease & stroke. The risk is 2-4 times higher for people with diabetes.
•Kidney Disease - Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure.
•Amputations - 60% of nontraumatic lower limb amputations occur in people with diabetes.
•Blindness - Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults 24-70 years of age.
•Neuropathy - Abnormal or decrease sensations (numbness or tingling) starting in the toes and feet, later involving the finger and hands.
Annual dilated eye exams, routine foot exams and blood pressure checks can prevent blindness, amputations, heart disease, kidney disease and strokes.
16. BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH:
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Coalition is encouraging us to pass the word about the need for breast cancer detection and the need for mammograms. This is important for women over 40 and men.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women aside from skin cancer.
The National Cancer institute has identified the following as risk factor for breast cancer.
1. Sex-100 times more common among women.
2. Age- Increases as women grow old and especially high for women age 60 or older.
3. Personal History- Women who have had a breast disease may develop breast cancer.
4. Family History- Increases for women with mothers and sisters or close relatives have had the disease.
5. Other Risk factors include life style decisions such as diet, lack of exercise, smoking and alcohol use.
The National Cancer Institute study shows that minority women are less likely to get breast cancer than white women but are more likely to die from it.
Experts believe minority women are less likely to seek help until the cancer has advanced, reducing their survival rate; also lack of screening, lower standards of health care and unequal treatment of breast cancer are also contributing factors.
Shape magazine recommends that the following Breast Health to do list
1. Take things into your own hands and do a breast self exam every month. Use your fingers to examine your breast for lumps.
2. Scan your skin for dimpling, pouches, redness, rashes, scaling or discharge from nipples.
3. Check your family history.
4. Get screened.
The American Cancer Society recommends getting a mammogram at age 40.Women with a family history of breast cancer should start 10 years earlier than the age of the relative at the time of their diagnosis.
Men and Breast Cancer
The difference between male and female breast cancer can result in the male being diagnosed at a latter stage.
One difference is breast size; men have little breast tissue which makes it easy to feel small masses. For the same reason Cancer do not grow before reaching the skin, causing the cancer to spread to the muscle below resulting in it spreading beyond the breast.
Symptoms;
- A lump or swelling in the chest area.
- Dimpling or pouches in the skin.
- Nipple facing inward.
- Redness or scaling of the nipple or skin.
- Discharge from nipples.
Stages progress the same as in women, the cancer can spread to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body.
Early detection and treatment is most important,
From, the American Cancer Society
17. A POST ELECTION REFLECTION:
*The Rev. Carey A. Grady
Recently, I flipped through an old college textbook; a Two-Volume set called the Black/African Diaspora. What is Diaspora? The word Diaspora in Hebrew and in Greek means dispersion or a scattering or sowing of seeds. A Diaspora exists whenever a population or group of people who share a common ethnic identity, are forced or voluntarily leave their homeland to live abroad. The area where the ethnic group settles is called the Diaspora. Most of the time, a Diaspora was birthed when ethnic groups left there homeland to avoid persecution or were taken forcefully from their land, i.e., being captured as prisoners of war or captured to be sold into slavery.
The Black Diaspora courses at Howard University were Humanities electives for students in the College of Arts and Sciences and required courses for History majors. The idea was a student of history couldn’t understand the magnitude of the human story without understanding from whence he/she comes and where his/her people have gone.
The term Diaspora in the Americas and around the world is usually associated with the scattering of the world Jewish population after World War II. However, the Jewish Diaspora dates back to the era of the Prophets, particularly Isaiah and Jeremiah, when the children of Israel were banished from their land after the split of Israel into two nations, Judah and Israel.
However, many ethnic groups are part of a Diaspora. There is an African Diaspora. There is an Asian, Native American and European Diaspora. There is an Armenian, British, Mexican, Turkish and Iraqi Diaspora. There is a Dominican, Haitian, and Jamaican Diaspora. It seems that people and ethnic groups all over the world have been scattered from their homeland for various reasons and found homes in different countries and continent’s.
The United States of America is one country where many Diaspora people have found comfort and solace and proudly call America home. The Presidential election earlier this week, was a sign of Hope that America is truly being the land of the Brave and the Home of the Free, for thousands and millions of people across the globe.
When we think about the magnitude of God’s Creations (humanity across the world), we can really say we serve an awesome God. But on a Biblical, metaphorical and allegorical note, we are all Diaspora people from the Garden of Eden. That would make all humanity part of the Edenic Diaspora.
*The Rev. Carey A. Grady is the pastor, St. Peter AME Church
www.stpeterdecatur.com
18. 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.
19. BUILDING KINGDOM PARTNERSHIPS WITH CHURCHES AND MISSION ORGANIZATIONS:
*Phil Granger, CEO and president of The Mission Society
The Mission Society Shares Curriculum and Training All Over the World
(Norcross/Atlanta, GA – November 12, 2008) – The Mission Society, a Christian-based organization that develops diverse programs and ministries, has what some might call a unique approach to missions. The Mission Society reaches out to churches and other mission organizations in an effort to demonstrate how the local church is God’s vehicle to send missionaries out into the world. According to Dick McClain, Vice President for Ministry Operations, The Mission Society equips the church to do this strategically, by training them and giving them the tools they need. “We give away our curriculum to churches and other mission sending organizations all over the world,” said McClain.
The Mission Society has reached out to several other mission sending organizations including OMS International, SIM (Serving in Mission), International Teams, and World Gospel Mission, and has shared materials, along with training, with these groups. “By working together, we can cultivate even more churches and help more unreached people in the world,” said McClain.
One organization has gone further than any other with The Mission Society’s model. World Gospel Mission, based in Marion, IN, has recently finished the training and will soon move into the implementation phase. According to Todd Eckhardt, Director of World Connection for World Gospel Mission, their organization has already implemented the materials and gone into six churches in conjunction with The Mission Society.
“We have received wonderful feedback from the churches where we’ve teamed up with The Mission Society,” said Eckhardt. “The first reaction is ‘wow, mission organizations are working together,’ and they are pleasantly surprised. But it’s not a competition. Everything we do is for the Kingdom.”
Eckhardt hopes that even when they are going into churches by themselves to teach church leaders about missions, they will continue to have a working relationship with The Mission Society. Stan Self, Senior Director of Church Ministry for The Mission Society concurs and takes it one step further--into the mission field. “We are trying to support even more missionaries, and if someone is called to go to a country or state where we don’t have a presence, then we work in partnership with other mission sending organizations so people can go where they feel called to go,” said Self.
The Mission Society offers many workshops which provide intensive training experiences for pastors and church leaders who are serious about helping their church become more mission-minded. Two key programs are the Global Outreach Weekend (GOW) and the Global Impact Celebration (GIC).
A Global Outreach Weekend includes a six-hour seminar on a Friday evening and Saturday morning, and ministry to the entire congregation in Sunday worship and Sunday school classes or small groups. The Global Outreach seminar provides a deeper understanding of the biblical basis of the church’s mission both at home and around the world. It offers a fresh perspective on the peoples of the world. Participants are challenged to greater involvement in outreach. The seminar is designed for church leadership as well as for the entire congregation.
A Global Impact Celebration is designed to mobilize the entire congregation for global outreach by “bringing the world into your church" and by personalizing missions through interaction with cross-cultural workers and hands-on involvement with mission projects.
St. John’s United Methodist Church in Aiken, SC experienced a GOW in February 2007 and a GIC in January 2008, and is getting ready for its second GIC in January 2009. Rev. George Howle, senior pastor of the 1,600 member church has seen how these events have spiritually changed the church and him personally.
“When the folks from The Mission Society came for our Global Outreach Weekend they told us the needs of the world and that one-third of the world does not know Christ,” said Rev. Howle. “They asked me to go to Kenya, Africa with them to train pastors there, and by the time the weekend was over I was convinced I needed to go. The 10-day trip was a life changing experience for me and the vision caught on in the church.”
For example, the church usually gave about $50,000 annually to missions. After its first Global Impact Celebration, where the church met several missionaries from The Mission Society, they raised $240,000 for missions that year! The church has also sent teams on short-term mission trips to Honduras and Kenya, and they support six missionaries all over the world.
“This has truly changed the focus and direction of the church,” said Rev. Howle. “We have learned that missions add to and vitalize a church and GOW and GIC give the local church a way to see how they can become so directly involved in missions and a real part of it. We can make a huge difference in a small part of the world and we are constantly looking to God to see what He wants us to do and where He wants us to go.”
Founded in 1984 in the Wesleyan tradition, The Mission Society recruits, trains, and sends Christian missionaries to minister around the world. At present, The Mission Society has more than 225 missionaries in 32 countries. The Mission Society develops diverse programs and ministries in accordance with its missionaries’ unique callings and gifts, ranging from well-drilling and the arts to more traditional ministries such as teaching English and church planting. Its church ministry department provides seminars, workshops, and mentoring for congregations in the United States and overseas, helping equip churches for strategic outreach in their own communities and throughout the world. For more information on The Mission Society and its church ministry curriculum, call 1.800.478.8963 or visit www.themissionsociety.org.
*Phil Granger is the CEO and president of The Mission Society
20. IS IT ENOUGH TO BE NICE:
The Rev. Tobias L. Pace
How horrible it will be for you when everyone says nice things about you. That's the way their ancestors treated the false prophets. – Luke 6:26 (GOD’S WORD)
Nice is typically filled with well intended, empty expressions, and non-committed feelings of concern. I can be nice to everyone I meet. Some call it being polite. But being nice doesn’t mean I care. When I care, I act on my concern. When I care I have compassion and I don’t want my brother to suffer. Compassion is filled with spirit led devoted actions of support and comfort. Compassion helps meet needs, helps make people feel accepted, and helps make others fell worthwhile.
Jesus told Peter, “Feed my lambs.” He asked Peter, first, this question, “Do you love me?” Peter replied, “Yes, Lord. You know I love you.” Jesus proceeded to ask Peter twice more if he loved Him. Peter answered, “Yes” both times. Jesus replied, “take care of my sheep,” and “feed my sheep” consecutively. Jesus told Peter this to allow him to redeem himself and to reinforce the message that Peter’s charge was to take care of the less fortunate believers and those who did not know Jesus, of the lost and the unsaved.
What did Jesus mean when he commanded Peter to do these things? He meant for Peter and all disciples, or followers of Christ, to be the hands and feet of Jesus. He meant for us to meet the needs of the people. Who are Jesus’ lambs and sheep? Are we all not God’s children?
James writes, “Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:15-16)
The Rev. Tobias L. Pace is the pastor of Bethel AME Church, Shelbyville, Kentucky
tobias.pace@insightbb.com
http://www.bethelameshelbyville.org
Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain - Psalm 127:1
21. THERE’S STILL TIME TO REGISTER FOR A NEW AND DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE OFFERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF CHURCH GROWTH AND EVANGELISM:
The Rev. Dr. James C. Wade, Executive Director of the Department of Church Growth and Evangelism, together with Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah, Commission Chairman, is calling all clergy and laity to mark their calendars, pack their bags and head to the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront Hotel, Jacksonville FL., January 6-9, 2009 for the 22nd Annual Seminar on Church Growth and Evangelism. “Returning to the Biblical Mandate of Witnessing to and Evangelizing Your Community (the World) [Acts 1:8] promises to be a spirit-led, faith filled time of dynamic reaching, teaching and preaching. The Rt. Rev. McKinley Young, Presiding Prelate, 11th Episcopal District is the Seminar Host Bishop.
In this day and age, when all manners of assault are raging against Christianity and the people of God, it is imperative for clergy and laity to be effectively spiritually readied and positioned to defend the faith and win souls for Christ’s Kingdom. Moreover, there is a need for pastors, other ministry personnel and laity to work in tandem and be involved in evangelism and discipleship if churches are going to grow. This Annual Seminar guarantees to provide all with solid teaching and preaching that will give persons something new and relevant as they go forth in service to the Lord.
On Monday January 5, 7pm, Bishop Sarah F. Davis, Presiding Prelate, 16th Episcopal District will lead attendees in An Evening of Teaching on and a Time of Prayer. On Friday January 9 at 6 pm, there will be a Children, Youth and Young Adult Evangelism Convocation. This event is designed to make sure that all our children, youth and young adults are saved and will also teach them how to evangelize their peers.
The Rev. Dr. Floyd Flake, Senior Pastor, Allen Cathedral AME Church, Jamaica NY., will present during a plenary session, “The Need for Discipleship Training.” In addition, Dr. Flake will facilitate two sessions for clergy, “Changing the Culture of Evangelism” and “Communicating the Vision for Evangelism.” He will also facilitate a session for laity on “The Culture of Evangelism.”
This Seminar has sections/sessions for: Presiding Elders, Pastors and Ministers, Youth Pastors and Workers, Children’s Ministry, Ministry to Men, Ministry to Women, Prison/Angel Tree Ministry, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Ministry, HIV/AIDS Ministry, Prayer Ministry, Health Ministry, Healing Ministry, Church Planting, Media Ministry, E-Evangelism, Music Ministry and Cross Culture Ministry.
The Seminar Registration fee is: $130.00 on or before December 5, 2008; $150.00 after December 5, 2008 and On-site. Credit card payments are accepted.
What is more, the brand new Evangelism Certification Program will launch during this Seminar as well! This two (2) year program is guaranteed to educate and equip students in the very depths of evangelism, so that once coursework is completed, persons will be more than prepared to reach others anywhere for Christ Jesus. In partnership with Edward Waters College, Jacksonville FL., persons can obtain CEU’s for their work done through the Certification program. This certification program offers five (5) tracks for persons to chose from: Basic: Provides the foundational requisite skills, knowledge and ability for students to evangelize their community; Laity: Provides laity with the foundational requisite skills, knowledge and ability for students to engage in evangelism and evangelistic activities in any contextual setting; Pastors: Provides pastors with the requisite skills, knowledge and ability to educate and prepare their local congregations in purposeful, transformational evangelism; Children and Youth Evangelism: Provides persons with the foundational requisite skills, knowledge and ability to specialize in evangelistic witnessing to children and youth and; Church Planting: Provides persons with the foundational requisite skills and knowledge to specialize in evangelism and evangelistic activities unique to church planting.
This certification program is designed for persons who:
1) are pastors seeking to grow their local churches spiritually and numerically;
2) are not seeking licensure or ordination and have a passion for evangelism;
3) are ordained, but are without pastoral charges and have a passion for evangelism;
4) are presently in the Board of Examiners process but are not called to parish or pulpit ministry exclusively – the comprehensive training in evangelism will fill a void missed in the Board of Examiners process;
5) are called by the Holy Spirit to be evangelists and have received license at the Quarterly Conference to preach;
6) are called by the Holy Spirit to be church planters and have received license at the Quarterly Conference to preach;
7) by the unction of the Holy Spirit are compelled to serve children and youth;
8) and willing to serve the AME Church by preparing persons to renew stagnate and declining churches.
All certification courses are taught by qualified persons who bring both passion and knowledge concerning the courses. Students will earn certification hours during selected attendance and participation in events and/or sessions at the Annual Seminar. In addition, students can earn certification hours through Independent Study courses which will be made available. The Evangelism Certification Registration fee is: $225.00, $60.00 for college students with id. Registration is open until December 5, 2008. Credit card payments are accepted.
To register online for either the 22nd Annual Seminar on Church Growth and Evangelism or the Evangelism Certification Program go to www.ameharvest.org or call (901) 523-2777 for additional information and registration materials. Either way you choose to do, just do it! Our prayers and hopes are that we will see you in Jacksonville, FL. in January 2009!
22. DEPARTMENT OF CHURCH OF CHURCH GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT EVANGELISM CERTIFICATION PROGRAM:
The Department of Church Growth and Development of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in its quest to prepare laborers for the harvest, will offer evangelism certification training to equip future ambassadors to “be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks [them] to give the reason for the hope that [they] have” (1 Peter 3:15 NIV). Five separate certification tracks will be offered:
Basic Evangelism Certification
This certification training will equip ambassadors with more than the necessary foundational skills and abilities to evangelize their community.
Evangelism Certification for Pastors
This certification training will equip pastors with more than the necessary skills and abilities to educate and prepare their local congregation in purposeful evangelism.
Evangelism Certification for Laity
This certification will equip laity with more than the necessary skills and abilities to engage in evangelism and evangelistic activities in any context.
Evangelism Certification in Church Planting
This certification training will equip ambassadors with more than the necessary foundational skills and abilities which allows them to specialize in Church Planting.
Evangelism Certification in Children and Youth Evangelism
This certification training will equip ambassadors with more than the necessary foundational skills and abilities which will allow them to specialize in evangelistic children and youth ministries.
23. THE REV. LANEL GUYTON, PASTOR OF ST. PAUL -BERMUDA DELIVERS KEYNOTE ADDRESS FOR THE BERMUDA INDUSTRIAL UNION:
“It’s Time to Come Back to the Table”
On August 29, 2008 our pastor, the Reverend Lanel D. Guyton was honored as the keynote speaker for the Bermuda Industrial Union at the luxurious South Hampton Princess Hotel. As the guest of President Chris Furbert and the esteemed members and supporters of the BIU, this event culminated into a night to remember. Rev. Guyton delivered a powerful and moving speech that became a clarion call for those whom were present to do whatever was necessary to carry the torch of heroes past.
In a night that honored past and present members of the Union movement heard Rev. Guyton appealing to the wider body to continue the progress made by those being honored. His plea was for all parties to come back to the table in an effort to solve many of the social ills affecting the community.
Said Rev. Guyton, “Tonight we celebrate what has become a life-long struggle for justice and equality for all Bermudians alike, but in particular, black Bermudians. Laying at the foundation of this struggle is the organization we celebrate the BIU, an organization that is the epitome of organized bodies, speaking on behalf of the oppressed, the disenfranchised, the discriminated, and the unfairly treated.
In another portion of his address, he reflected on the need for all to make a concentrated effort to lift one another up. “The object of the enemy is to pit the leaders against one another in an endless war of political fodder that does nothing to solve the issues that eat away at the very fabric of our society. Instead of fighting each other down, we should focus on building one another up. This was the Union’s strategy, to unify and come to the table and hammer out a plan of action, a plan of progression.
Past guest speakers of the BIU Banquet included the U.S. Secretary of Labor, Bill Usery (2002); Community Activist Rev. Al Sharpton (2004); Jamaican Senator, Trevor Monroe (2005); Rev. Martin Luther King, III (2006); U.S. Congressman, Bennie Thompson (2007).
In attendance was the former Premier Dame Jennifer Smith; Honorable Randolph Horton, Minister of Education; Honorable Nelson Bascome, Minister of Health; Honorable Derrick Burgess, Minister of Works and Engineering and a host of dignitaries; Rev. Betty Furbert Woolridge, pastor or Allen Temple, Bermuda; Rev. Quinton Ming, Jr., associate minister St. Paul; and a large delegation of member representatives from St. Paul AME Church in support of their pastor.
24. THE SOUTH DISTRICT QUARTERLY CONFERENCE, MIAMI, FLORIDA:
Meeting opened with devotional hymn #52, Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah, followed by prayer from the Rev. Samuel Sullivan. The scripture (Isaiah 6:1-10) was read by the Rev. Santarvis Brown, Ph.D, a newly ordained itinerant elder. Hymn #139, “Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed” was sung and the Rev. Sullivan introduced the Rev. John L. Bodison, the Presiding Elder who commenced with the organization of the conference.
Ms. Altamease Mitchell and Ms. Yolanda Nixon served as secretaries and Mrs. Gwendolyn Dickson as reporter. Marshall’s were selected and boundaries set, which were the first ten pews in the middle aisle of the sanctuary.
The minutes were read silently and it was moved and seconded that they be accepted with any necessary corrections.
The meeting proceeded with reports being made from the Steward Board which included accolades to Bishop Young for returning Rev. Sullivan to Greater Bethel and Elder Bodison to the South District. Reports from the Trustee Board, the Stewardess Ministry and Lay Organization were read and accepted. All Boards represented thanked the Bishop for returning the pastor to Bethel.
Rev. Sullivan moved that the reports from the remaining boards and clubs be accepted as printed, it was seconded by Mr. Hargrove.
Elder Bodison thanked everyone for their participation and asked for our prayers during his tenure at Bethel in Key West. Elder Bodison also advised that we were in a new quadrennial and hopefully will return with new solutions. He stated we should not have the great increase in the budget we have had in the past and some churches in the South District are stressed. Elder noted we have not dealt with this budget increase in 4 years, but we have dealt with an increase within the District.
Elder Bodison requested information reference the amendments and the Judges on the election ballot stating “we need to know which amendments and which judges are in the best interest of the black community.” This information will be dispersed to other churches.
Following the Elder’s remarks, a memorial service was held for those who departed during this quarter. Hymn # 487, "If When You Give the Best of Your Service" was sung and a scripture (Psalm 30:1-5) was read by Rev. Sullivan.
A candlelight ceremony preceded members speaking on the life of the deceased: Sisters Frankie Jackson, Velma Brinson, Louise Strong, Mary Dingle, and Ruth Hysmith.
Following the singing of hymn #355, Farther Along, Presiding Elder Bodison concluded the meeting with a closing prayer and benediction.
Greater Bethel AME Church is located at 245 NW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33136.
Gwendolyn Y. Dickson, Reporter
25. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Eighth Episcopal District Family is saddened to share news of the passing of Mrs. Mildred McCain, the sister of Presiding Elder William Hardiman, Grenada District-Northeast West Mississippi Conference. Mrs. Mildred McCain passed on Thursday, November 6, 2008.
Professional Service and Arrangements for Mrs. Mildred McCain:
Clark-Williams Funeral Home
602 Cherry Street
Grenada, Mississippi 38901
Phone: (662) 226-3451
Fax: (662) 226-3404
Funeral:
Friday, November 14, 2008
11:00 a.m.
Mt. Ora African Methodist Episcopal Church
312 Moose Lodge Road
Grenada, Mississippi 38901
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Presiding Elder William Hardiman
P.O. Box 1124
Tunica, Mississippi 38676
Phone: (662) 357-3842
E-mail: whardiman0207@comcast.net
26. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of the Rev. Lorenzo E. Ausbie, long-time Tenth Episcopal District Pastor. Rev. Ausbie is survived by his children, Gregory and Esther, a host of grandchildren, family and friends.
The funeral has been held.
Condolences may be sent to:
The Ausbie Family
918 Willaby Street
Channelview, Texas 77530
27. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Fifth Episcopal District is saddened to announce the passing of Mr. Ruben L. Williams, the father of Mrs. Annie Battle Bolden, Secretary - Fifth Episcopal District Administrative Office; Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, Presiding Prelate.
Mr. Ruben L. Williams passed on Tuesday, November 11, 2008.
Arrangements for Mr. Ruben L. Williams:
Funeral Service:
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
11:00 a.m.
Southside Baptist Church
104th and San Pedro Street
Los Angeles, CA
Professional services provided by:
Simpson's Family Mortuary
Condolences can be sent to:
Mrs. Annie Battle Bolden and family
5950 Buckingham Parkway #202
Culver City, CA 90230.
Email: abbolden@pacbell.net
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.
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor, The Christian Recorder
1. EDITORIAL – WE ARE ALL OBLIGATED TO COMMIT OURSELVES TO, “YES I WILL”:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
The election of Barack Obama was a historic event for this country; and for countries around the world. This is certainly a new day and we, as Americans, have taken a bold step in electing an American who is black to lead our great nation.
President-Elect Barack Obama, his family, the new administration and the nation need our prayers.
As excited as we are about President-elect Obama’s victory and the signal it sends about the openness in electing a president who is black, and the many persons of color who said, “I never thought at I would see the time when American would elect a black president” and as exhilarating as the election of President-elect Barack Obama was and as happy as so many of us are, we must remember that challenges still exist. Many blacks and whites that thought that we would not see a person who was black, elected to the U.S. presidency; and there were an equal number of persons who said, in their minds, and were committed to the notion that, “the nation would never elect a black president.” The reality is that everyone was not, and is not happy with the outcome of the election; and that’s okay. My thought is, “Get over it! President Barack Obama is every American’s President!
It is going to take commitment from every segment of this great nation of ours to move this country to fulfill its creed that we are all, indeed, “created equal.”
We, as black people, need to recommit ourselves to excellence because there is too much crime in the black community; too much black on black crime; too much disrespect for education; too many young black boys and men walking around with their pant hung down over their behinds; too many thugs and drugs in the black community; too many young black kids taking soft subjects in school; and too many black men and women in prison. There are too many black youth who think that the path to success is either sports or entertainment. The election of Barack Obama should signal to us, a more excellent way. Generations of blacks, and whites, have been adamant in saying, education is the way to achieve upward mobility and economic stability. Unfortunately, some in the black community, to their, and our, detriment, rejected the notion about the importance of education.
Barack Obama’s theme was “Yes we can” and the morning after the election, people were saying, “Yes, we did,” and since the election, some have been chanting, “Yes, we will.”
The election of President-elect Barack Obama affirmed, “Yes we can, yes we did, and, yes we will.” Those are great words and great thoughts, but it is now time for each one of us to commit ourselves to President-elect Obama’s dream and our commitment must be, “Yes I will!” Each one of us needs to own a part of the dream.
The election of President Barack Obama should encourage our young people to set high goals. Barack Obama is an example of a man whose family did not have a lot of money, but knew the value of education. He got a good education, stayed focus, gave back to the community, remained spiritually faithful, wore suits, was successful and is the first person of color to be elected president of the United States. He was a model citizen.
The time is past when our young people think that the only way to get ahead is achieving in athletics and in entertainment. We are in a new day, “the sky is the limit.” We need to take responsibility, step up to the plate, and say, “Yes I will!”
President-elect Barack Obama will assume the presidency of the United States on January 20, 2009 and he will be the President for all Americans. He is not the black President; he is the President who happens to be black. Like the presidents before him, he will be criticized, sometimes negatively caricatured, talked about and mistreated; and black people must understand that criticism of his presidency will not happen because he is black; he will be criticized because he is the president. Any criticisms of President Barack Obama will not be a criticism of black people; as black people, let’s not be paranoid and let’s “thicken our skin.”
President Obama will work for all Americans and sometime it might seem as if he might not be working in the interest of black Americans, but in working for all Americans he will be working for the best interests of blacks, white, red, browns, and yellow Americans.
We must remember that President-elect Barack Obama is not the black President; he is the President who happens to be black and he is the President of all Americans, the President of all 50 States and the President of all U.S. territories. He is the leader of the free world and the most powerful leader in the world.
Barack Obama, the President of the United States of America.
2. BREAKING NEWS – NEWLY APPOINTED PASTOR OF MOTHER BETHEL AME CHURCH, PHILADELPHIA:
The Reverend Dr. Mark Tyler has been appointed as the pastor of Mother Bethel AME Church in Philadelphia.
3. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
- To the Editorr:
Congratulations to Barack Obama - President Elect of the United States of America! “Yes We Can.”
Best Wishes and Congratulations to all the members of AMEC.
This message was received from the Rev. Sarah & the Rev. Abraham Peddiny, Presiding Elders; and from all of the Pastors and members of AME-India.
4. CORRECTION – AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH-INDIA REPORT:
The AME-India YPD meeting scheduled on the November 15, 2008 is being sponsored by the Fourth Episcopal District, Chicago Annual Young People and not by the California Conference YPD as reported in the article that appeared in last week’s issue of The Christian Recorder Online. The African Methodist Episcopal Church-India wants to acknowledge the Fourth Episcopal District, Chicago Annual Conference Young People for their contribution.
5. AME BISHOP USHERS IN AMERICA'S FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT WITH PRAYER:
By Rev. William Cooper Jr.
CHICAGO – Each step took the Rt. Rev. Philip R. Cousin Sr. closer to the podium and a sea of 250,000 people who had gathered at Grant Park to witness history.
For Bishop Cousin, it was a moment that he and many African Americans thought would never happen during their lifetime. Yet, Bishop Cousin stood at history’s gate, ready to usher in America’s first black Commander in Chief - President-elect Barack Obama.
After nurturing an eight-year relationship with the President-elect, Bishop Cousin was tapped to do the opening prayer at Chicago’s Grant Park, where President-elect Obama would make his acceptance speech. Because of Bishop Cousin, the African Methodist Episcopal Church also took center-stage that night as he, the 96th Consecrated and Elected AME Bishop, offered the blessing upon a new era for humankind.
As Bishop Cousin scanned the crowd, he thought to himself “I guess Heaven is going to be like this.” He proceeded to pray, offering condolences to President-elect Obama and his family on the loss of his grandmother.
As he prayed, his wife, Dr. M. Joan Cousin, stood proudly in the VIP section. She was beaming because a black man had been elected president and her husband played a key role in making it happen.
“I’m happy that we lived to see this day,” Dr. Cousin said afterwards. “God has truly broadened Bishop’s territory.”
And with five sons, all of whom serve as AME pastors, the Cousin legacy is destined to continue for generations to come. A child of the parsonage himself, the honor gave Bishop Cousin pause to reflect upon his father, the Rev. S.A. Cousin, and era in which he was a pastor.
“It’s overwhelming when you see all of the changes that have happened in my 75 years,” he said. “I’ve seen us come from segregation through the Civil Rights movement up to now. It’s remarkable.”
Bishop Cousin said offering the prayer for president-elect Obama ranked high among his ministerial accomplishments. He likened it to the moment in 1976, when he was elected bishop.
“It’s an experience I’ll never forget,” Bishop Cousin said.
But he’s no stranger to the world stage. Bishop Cousin has met with Pope John Paul II, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu to name a few. He served as the first African American to lead the National Council of Churches, where he was president from 1983 to 1987.
He was selected by Ebony Magazine as one of the 100 most influential African Americans.
In 2000, when he was appointed presiding prelate of the Fourth Episcopal District of the AME Church, which comprises Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and three Canadian provinces, is when Bishop Cousin met President-elect Obama. At the time, President-elect Obama was campaigning for a seat in the United States Senate.
Bishop Cousin said President-elect Obama attended the Chicago Annual Conference, where he addressed the delegates and sought their support. Their relationship continued to grow after he was elected to the Senate.
Bishop Cousin was among a select group that then- Senator Obama shared his decision to run for president. Again, Bishop Cousin had the wisdom to support him.
As the Senior Bishop, Bishop Cousin was instrumental in getting President-elect Obama to address the 48th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference held in St. Louis in July 2008. The visit received worldwide media coverage and once again showed the AME church at the forefront of history.
“We were excited to have him come,” Bishop Cousin recalled. “He came and the church was blessed by his presence.”
It was at this General Conference that Bishop Cousin retired, after a monumental ministerial career. Despite his retirement, God wasn’t through with using Bishop Cousin, according to his wife, Dr. Cousin.
The call came to do the prayer for President-elect Obama unexpectedly. And yet, it was an opportunity that Bishop Cousin had spent a lifetime preparing for.
Reflecting upon this miraculous moment, Bishop Cousin said President-elect Obama’s victory has special meaning for all Americans, especially for those of us whose faith is rooted in African Methodism.
“We should never let go of our dreams and never lose sight of our heritage,” Bishop Cousin said. “I’m certain that this is a message to let us know that God is still in charge.”
*The Rev. William Cooper Jr. is pastor at Macedonia AME Church in Boca Raton, FL., which is in the 11th Episcopal District, where Bishop McKinley Young is the presiding prelate. Rev. Cooper is a former staff writer with The Palm Beach Post, located in West Palm Beach, FL. His email is bcooper779@aol.com
6. THE YOUNGEST CERTIFIED CHURCH SCHOOL TEACHER:
*The Rev. Ernest J. Garrison
On September 20, 2008, the Michigan Annual Conference came together to award those persons who met the requirements for Church School Teacher and Superintendent Certification for the 2008-2009 Conference Year. Among those being celebrated was 13 year old Byron Pleasant (2nd left) of Mt. Morris, Michigan who made history as the youngest person to be certificated as “Church School Teacher”. Byron is a 9th grader at Powers Catholic High School in Flint and has aspiration of becoming a lawyer. He is a member of Vernon Chapel A.M.E. Church-Flint, Michigan where the Reverend Ernest J. Garrison (far left) is pastor and the designer of the Church School Certification System in the 4th Episcopal District. Byron was presented his certificate by the Reverend Amelia D. Graham (third left), Superintendent of the Michigan Annual Conference with the Reverend Minnie Autry, Registrar.
Byron is presently assigned to the primary division where he is teaching preschool thru 3rd grade, under the direction of Sister Bessie Straham, Superintendent of Church School at Vernon Chapel.
*The Rev. Ernest J. Garrison is the pastor of Vernon Chapel AME Church and serves as the Church School Superintendent for the 4th Episcopal District
7. ECONOMIC TIMES ARE TOUGH AND SOME UNSCRUPULOUS FOLKS ARE ATTEMPTING TO SCAM CHURCHES:
AME Churches need to be on the look out for scam artists who have resurfaced and are attempting to prey upon our churches. .
A man called Ward Chapel in Little Rock, Arkansas last Sunday (November 9, 2008) and asked for the pastor.
I was not there, so one of the stewards took the message. The caller stated that he was the Reverend Charles Johnson, pastor of Bethel AME Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and went on to share that some of his members were moving to Little Rock and they were looking for a church home. He left his telephone number (917-804-0368) and asked that the pastor would call him back.
This evening around 6:30, I called the number. To my surprise, it was the exact same scam artists that had called my house about two years ago. The story had not changed. This man told me that he had a niece by the name of Diane Williams, whose job had transferred her to Arkansas. She was a loan officer for the federal government HUD program. She had four children and she played the piano and organ. I asked him who I could thank for referring him to Ward Chapel. He hesitated and started to say Bishop Ingram, but stopped and asked me who my bishop was. I gave him a fictitious name and he asked what denomination was my church. I answered AME, and then he said that "Bishop Norris of the 1st Episcopal District" had referred him. He said that his niece was enroute to Arkansas as we spoke and began to give me her mobile number (678-489-5845). I told him that I would call her as soon as I got off the phone with him.
I reported the call to Bishop Green because I knew it was a scam. If I had called "Diane Williams" she would have gotten my number and called me back saying that she was having automobile problems and needed to borrow some money because all she had was her government check, which she would be unable to cash. She would ask that money be wired to the shop in which she was getting the car repaired and if money was wired, she would become a ghost along with the money.
I am hoping the phone numbers I was able to include will help catch these thieves.
The Reverend S.I. Bowers
8. GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (GDC) MEETING, FEBRUARY 25-27, 2009:
This email is to officially announce the Global Development Council (GDC) Meeting scheduled for February 25-27, 2009, in Mbabane, Swaziland. The 18th Episcopal District is pleased to serve as your host. The following information is important for your planning:
The nearest airport is in Manzini, Swaziland and Attendees should plan to arrive on February 25th. February 26th will be a full day of meetings. February 27th will conclude the meeting at noon.
The official meeting site will be the Mountain Inn, P. O. Box 223, Mbabane, H100 Swaziland. Telephone 268-404-2773; Fax: 268-404-5393; email: info@mountaininn.sz; website: www.mountaininn.sz.
The Hotel Rates:
Double Bed and Breakfast, E585.00 E=Emalangeni (Swazi Currency)
Single Bed and Breakfast, E475.00.
The spill-over hotels are The City Inn and The Emafini Hotel. Both are part of the Mountain Inn. The Mountain Inn will provide shuttle service if required.
The rates for The City Inn, E500.00 Double Bed & Breakfast; E400.00 Single Bed and Breakfast.
The Emafini Hotel, E200.00 per person and E40.00 for Breakfast.
The Bishops are asked to make your reservations at the Royal Swazi Spa, P/P Ezulwini, H106, Mbabane, Swaziland Telephone 268-416-5000; Fax: 268-416-6800 email: swazisun@sanint.co.sz; website: www.suninternational.com. Rates: E2325.00 Double Bed and Breakfast
Registration is E25.00 per person including Bishops.
Attendees with agenda items should forward them to Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah at: wjmessiah2004@yahoo.com
The hosts for the GDC: Presiding Elder Solomon J. C. Nxumalo, P. O. Box A28, Swazi Plaza, Mbabane, Swaziland, telephone: 268-421-2255 or 268-615-0365; FAX: 268-421-2255; email: solomonj@realnet.co.sz
Presiding Elder Albert B. Thwala, P. O. Box 5, Mbabane, Swaziland; Cell: 268-605-1854; email: bafana149@yahoo.co.uk
The Rev. Italy Nyasti, Pastor, Collins Chapel AME Church, P. O. Box 76, Mbabane, Swaziland; Cell:268-626-4773 or 268-405-0566.
Ms. Makhosazana P. Khoza; email: khozam@cmac.org.sz
The opening worship will be held on February 25th at 7:00 p.m.at Collins Chapel AME Church, followed by the first business session. The Collins Chapel AME Church Choir will provide music. Bishop Sarah F. Davis, Presiding Bishop of the 16th Episcopal District will be the Preacher.
The 18th Episcopal District will provide a reception on February 25th at the conclusion of the day and will provide dinner for all attendees on February 26th.
For additional information, contact Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Jr. at email: emccloudjr@aol.com or 011-266-2232-0869.
We look forward to seeing you in the beautiful country of Swaziland on February 25-27, 2009.
9. AME NAMED 1ST WOMAN AND 6TH PRESIDENT OF MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY:
*The Rev. Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt, PhD
As the nation witnessed history being made with the election of Senator Barack Obama as the first African-American President of the United States, history has also been made at a Historically Black University located in the Mississippi Delta town of Itta Bena, Mississippi by a member of the AME Church.
In January 2009 MVSU will be under the executive administration of its 1st woman president, Dr. Donna H. Oliver who comes to MVSU from Edward Waters College (EWC) in Jacksonville, Florida. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and her experience that she has garnered from Elon University to Bennett College to Edward Waters. At EWC, Dr. Oliver has served as the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs.
Dr. Oliver has a distinguished career in K-12 public schools as a biology and chemistry teacher, college professor and K-16 administrator that spans some 30 years. She has earned many distinguished awards including 1986 North Carolina Teacher of the Year and the1987 National Teacher of the Year Crystal Apple Award which was presented to her at the Oval Office by President Ronald Reagan. She earned her undergraduate degree in biology and education from Elon College; her master’s of education degree in biology and curriculum and instruction from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro; a master’s of science degree in educational administration with licensure as a K-12 principal from North Carolina A & T University; and her Ph.D in Curriculum and Teaching with a concentration in multicultural education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
She and her husband, Mr. James C. Oliver, have one daughter Rachel Oliver-Cobbin who is married to Keith James Cobbin. Keith and Rachel have two children, a son Cameron James Oliver Cobbin and a daughter Raina Lael Oliver Cobbin. Mr. and Mrs. Oliver are life long members of the AME Church and when in North Carolina were members of Wayman’s Chapel AME Church in Graham, NC. While at Wayman’s Chapel, Dr. Oliver served as the church organist for 25 years, was a member of the Steward’s Board, a former class leader, Vice Chair of the Layman’s Society, Assistant Church Secretary, Co-Chair of the Church’s 100 Year Celebration Steering Committee, and Choir Director for the Senior and Gospel Choirs.
It is with excitement and anticipation that the constituencies of Mississippi Valley State University look forward to this daughter of Richard and Sarah Allen coming and rendering her service unto the Lord through higher education. Her dynamic personality, her impressive intellect and her stellar experience will no doubt take Mississippi Valley State University, the youngest HBU in Mississippi, to its next level in academic excellence.
*The Rev. Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt, PhD – Pastor is the Solomon Chapel AME Church in
Cleveland, Mississippi and serves as Assistant Professor of Social Work at Mississippi Valley State University
10. VICTORY JUST THE BEGINNING:
By the Rev. Dr. Joseph Darby
Special to The Post and Courier
Sunday, November 9, 2008
More than a year ago, I shared a clergy breakfast table with Barack and Michelle Obama. I'd been invited to present him, and wanted to do more than read from his bio.
That initial conversation led me to tell one of my clergy colleagues, "He really would be an excellent president — too bad America won't give him the opportunity." I said that based upon expectations from past experience. He'd get good black support and courteous but not substantial white support, everyone would agree that he was impressive, and America would say that one day when he was "ready," he might become vice president.
I've never been so delighted to be absolutely wrong.
The more I spoke with him, the more I realized that his vision for America went beyond politics as usual. I was also amazed to see that his campaign staff and volunteers were a mosaic of racial and cultural diversity, and I was stunned when very white and very Midwestern Iowa made him their caucus choice.
During the primary and general election races, I was elated to see that America could finally go beyond racial politics as usual, at least in this case. Obama was labeled as a religious zealot, as woefully inexperienced, as an "empty suit" who was all talk and no action and as a friend of crooked businessmen and terrorists, but his polling and support held steady — people were actually listening to him and sharing his vision. When the news broke at 11 p.m. on election night that he was the projected winner, I was absolutely thrilled, but not surprised. The campaign process showed that America was ready for the new direction offered by a transformational candidate, regardless of the color of that candidate.
I'm not so naive as to believe that Obama's election is the sign of a "post-racial" America. Many citizens were still ready to believe and spread baseless and negative rumors about Obama. Many citizens who were somehow able to "know" and "trust" Sarah Palin after her instant appearance on the national political scene still said that they didn't "know" or "trust" Obama. While many white South Carolinians did support Obama, the state was still divided, with Obama winning primarily along the I-95 corridor and Sen. John McCain winning primarily in the Upstate, a pattern that reflects our state's political and racial geography.
Our nation, state and community still have miles to go to achieve equity, fairness and understanding, but Obama represents a big step in that direction. He stands as affirmation of the hope and possibilities that America can offer to all citizens when we get things right. I say that as I write on the anniversary of my mother's death 34 years ago, remembering what she taught me: "Do your best, stand up for yourself, stand up for others, and there's no limit where God will take you."
I say that as the father of two sons, both of whom reflected on the election in ways that speak to new hope. My older son's Facebook blog says, "As I rode down I-26 to work, I reflected on the enormity of the day and the 400-plus years that led to this historic moment. This is the fulfillment of the promise of the American Dream. This is truly a 'big deal,' however, the real work begins today. I'm ready. Are you?" My youngest son simply sent a text message that said, "My president is black, and I'm living in a free country."
It really is morning in America.
*The Rev. Joseph A. Darby is pastor of Morris Brown AME Church in Charleston.
Copyright © 1997 - 2007 the Evening Post Publishing Co.
Used with permission of The Post and Courier (Charleston, SC)
11. CONGRATULATORY SERVICE HELD FOR BISHOP LEATH AT MOTHER BETHEL:
*Sister Angelena Spears
On Thursday, October 16, 2008, pastors, presiding elders, community leaders and laity of the African Methodist Episcopal Church convened at Mother Bethel AME Church to take part in the congratulatory service for newly elected Bishop, the Right Reverend Jeffrey N. Leath, who now presides over the 19th Episcopal District in the Republic of South Africa.
The service was the brainchild of the Rev. Marguerite Handy, who worked closely with Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, the presiding prelate of the 1st Episcopal District. Bishop Norris presided over the event. Based upon the turnout and the positive feedback, the service was a success.
Citations and resolutions were read, and remarks of well-wishes were given by city officials. Among those who gave remarks were, Jannie L. Blackwell, Philadelphia councilwoman; Tanya Hall, executive director of the city’s Multicultural Affairs Congress; and Ahmeenah Young, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority.
The sentiments expressed were bittersweet, and echoed those of Young who said she had a “heavy heart.” She referred to Bishop Leath as the “quiet in a storm” and said there had been attended many of the city’s meetings where “people were going crazy and all we had to do was look at him and straighten up.”
The Rev. Marguerite Handy, who is the executive director of the Mayor's Office of Faith-Based Initiatives for the City of Philadelphia and an associate pastor at Mt. Pisgah AME Church Philadelphia, said putting the service together was easy because so many people loved Bishop Leath and were anxious to participate in the celebration honoring him.
During the program, Mother Mary Ann Norris, the Episcopal Supervisor for the First Episcopal District, presented a medallion to Mrs. Susan Leath, who is now the Episcopal Supervisor of the 19th Episcopal District.
The music during the service was reverent and included selections from the Rev. Jay Broadnax, pastor of Mt. Pisgah AME Church, Philadelphia, who sang “My Soul Has Been Anchored in the Lord,” and the Rev. Maurice Hughes, the pastor of New Bethel AME Church, Germantown, who is a gifted saxophonist and played a stirring rendition of, “Amazing Grace.”
Clergy from throughout the Philadelphia area attended the celebration. Father Martini Shaw, pastor of St. Thomas African Episcopal Church; Bishop Peter Hwang of the Korean Association, USA; the Rev. William B. Moore, pastor of Tenth Memorial Baptist Church; the Rev. Bonnie Camarda, president of Hispanic Clergy of Philadelphia; Bishop Omega Shelton of The Church of The Lord Jesus Christ; and Bishop Benjamin F. Patterson Jr., who is the pastor of Greater Bibleway Temple gave remarks.
AME pastors who participated in the service included the Rev. James Baker, pastor of Morris Brown AME Church, Philadelphia and the Rev. Ellis Washington, pastor of St. Matthew AME Church in West Philadelphia; who is also the president of the Black Clergy of Philadelphia & Vicinity.
Bishop Norris observed Bishop Leath as “a humble man, a man of character and a man of stick-to-itiveness, who at the General Conference in St. Louis, received favor for his dedication to God.”
The Rev. Terrence C. Hensford, pastor of Ward AME Church, Philadelphia, and president of the AME Preacher’s Meeting, recalled being with Bishop Leath, prior to leaving for St. Louis, Rev. Leath desired to visit and pray at the tomb of Richard Allen, which is located in the basement of Mother Bethel. Rev. Hensford said, “Bishop Leath prayed a mighty prayer. He never asked God for anything for himself. He prayed that God would bless the African Methodist Episcopal Church.”
All of the presiding elders of the Philadelphia Conference took part in the service. Presiding Elder Joseph D. Patterson, Sr., of the West-Mainline District offered heartfelt remarks. Presiding Elder Vernard Leak, the recently-appointed presiding elder of the Philadelphia District introduced Bishop Norris; and Presiding Elder Charles H. Lett, Sr., of the South District, offered the closing prayer.
Bishop Leath thanked Bishop Norris and Mother Mary Ann Norris for their wonderful kindness and for their presence. He thanked everyone who attended the celebration and he thanked the members of Mother Bethel for their kindheartedness over the years.
*Sister Angelena Spears is the Philadelphia Annual Conference Reporter
12. IF I ONLY HAD ONE WISH:
Youngsters discover why greed is a bad thing in a delightfully illustrated Christian story. Isabelle and Chris Wooly are two young sheep who learn a valuable lesson in the book, If I Only Had One Wish.
If you had one wish, what would it be? Brother and Sister Chris and
Isabelle Wooly dream about what they would want if given one wish.
Isabelle is sweet and innocent, but Chris has bigger dreams. Luckily, Mom is there with wise words and the bible to back her up.
In this story, based on Luke 18:25, the sheep enter a world of chocolate rivers and lakes and they also enter a world of wealth.
About the Author: Christina Cooper is a married mother of three. She is active in her local church, Phillip Chapel AME Church, where she leads the Youth Department. Christina was motivated to write this story by God and her religion. Because it is increasingly difficult to be a child, she feels that it is important to go back to the older way of teaching children, while providing a modern twist.
In her spare time, Christina enjoys writing and drawing. More faith-based stories about Isabelle and Chris Wooly are in the works.
Publisher’s website:
http://www.eloquentbooks.com/IfIOnlyHadOneWish.html
For media inquiries, appearances, or other publicity — please contact:
Ellen Green — PressManager@aegpublishinggroup.com, AEG Publishing Group, Inc., 845 Third Avenue, 6th floor-6016 – New York, NY 10022
http://www.Strategicbookpublishing.com http://www.EloquentBooks.com
http://www.StrategicBookMarketing.com
Corporate Office: 1-888-808-6190
13. THE BERMUDA ANNUAL CONFERENCE LAUNCHES ‘AFFINITY’ ECONOMIC PROGRAM WITH BERMUDA BASED CAPITAL G BANK:
By Bermuda Conference Press
On November 6, 2008 marked the date of history in the making. A partnership of significant proportions was launched amid high expectations between Bermuda based Capital G Bank and the Bermuda Conference of Churches.
The Right Reverend Richard F. Norris, Chairman of the Board of Trustees; Presiding Elder Malcolm Eve; and Reverend Lorne Bean, Vice- Chair of the Board of Trustees welcomed an enthused crowd of onlookers as Capital G Bank rolled out the membership portion of the Affinity Program in first class style.
Much credit is due to the leadership of Bishop Norris as he led the Bermuda Conference into this long awaited partnership of economic development. Thousands of AME members on the Island are being encouraged to join what is a ‘first of its kind’ economic plan that will benefit those who participate.
According to Bishop Norris, “Today’s announcement is historic in that it represents the most significant advance in economic development for the AME Church, our members and our mandate is to continue the kingdom building of God.”
Members will receive preferential rates, savings on purchases, and the opportunity for the church to receive a portion of the savings. The program is anticipating an annual revenue stream of at least $300 to $500,000 in revenue, based on membership participation. The potential income will allow the Bermuda Conference to created financing for social programs and possible building projects to start.
The participating eleven churches have already realized significant savings on property and car insurance rates. In the Bermuda publication of the Royal Gazette Newspaper Bishop Norris stated that this was only the beginning. Other benefits of the program include discounted mortgages and cash back on credit card purchases.
Said Bishop Norris ", While we are not principally looking to use it as a tool for evangelism, it clearly is a tool for evangelism because there are persons who will gravitate wherever benefits are derived", he said ", Even if they come without that (religious) intention, it's hard to stay near to the fire and not get warm."
Grant Gibbons, from the Gibbons Group of Companies, to which Capital G belongs, told the press conference: "The bottom line is that this clearly is a program that has been put together to benefit the church and its members". He described the "unique partnership" as "important and historic" for both parties and said it was in keeping with the community-minded aims of his grandfather Edmund Gibbons, when he went into business in 1916.
The program takes in bank accounts, debit cards, mortgages, loans, insurance services, and shopping, with Gibbons Group companies such as Bermuda Motors, Colonial Insurance and Burrows Lightbourn involved. The President of the bank, Mr. John Kephart said additional companies from outside the Gibbons Group could eventually join the scheme, including local restaurants.
The Affinity idea was initiated by Bishop Philip R. Cousin, now retired. Those also assisting Bishop Norris in reaching this point are Mr. Nalton Brangman, a member of Bright Temple, and the Reverend Leonard Santucci, who assisted with the plan at its first inception, 1998.
Submitted by the Rev. Lanel D. Guyton
14. “WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT MOVES” - THE ONE HUNDRED TWENTY SECOND SESSION OF THE MICHIGAN ANNUAL CONFERENCE”:
*The Reverend Dr. Michael C. Carson
*The Reverend Barbara Anthony
*The Reverend Lila R. Martin
In order to ensure that The 122nd Session of the Michigan Annual Conference (August 20-26, 2008) was going to be a deeply moving experience as The Reverend Dr. Howard S. Thurman put it for “Head and Heart,” Senior Bishop and Fourth Episcopal District Presiding Prelate John Richard Bryant along with The Fourth Episcopal District Supervisor Reverend Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant truly must have “tarried-long” petitioning a mighty move of God.
This move of God was evidenced at the Hyatt Hotel in Dearborn, Michigan. The Annual Conference was well-hosted by Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church (Detroit, Michigan), Pastor Dr. H. Michael Lemmons. The Annual Conference “Camp Meeting” was simply a major spiritual event to be sure!
It was very evident that great prayer and matchless leadership were provided by Michigan North District Presiding Elder Delano L. Bowman, Sr. and Michigan South District Presiding Elder Norman V. Osborne. Nothing was overlooked in the planning and execution of the Annual Conference!
In Romans 10:13-14 it is clearly stated “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. …how shall they hear without a preacher? Truly there were ample opportunities for the word of God to be preached.
The “preaching moments” began with The Annual Sermon delivered by The Reverend Andre Spivey. He took his text from St. Mark 5:14-15. The sermon was entitled “Lord help me, I’m about to lose my mind!”
The Evening Sermon was delivered by The Reverend Nathan Dixon. His text was Ezekiel 37:1-11. His sermon topic was “When you are in need of a fresh wind.”
The Thursday Noon “Hour of Power” Worship Service Sermon was delivered by The Reverend Dr. Albert D. Tyson, III. Dr. Tyson’s sermon text was Number 13:30-14:4. His sermon topic was “Watch out for the hope thieves.”
During this service Bishop Bryant presided over the Retirement of Preachers Service. Those preachers retiring were Presiding Elder Delano L. Bowman, Sr., The Reverend Amos T. Chester, and The Reverend Priscilla Carey Tucker. Retired Presiding Elder Harold C. Huggins made remarks about each retiree. The service was very moving!
The Lay Night Service under the direction of Lay President Betty J. Tuggle was wonderful! Presiding Elder Norman V. Osborne was the speaker. Dr. Osborne’s sermon text was Philippians 3:13-14. His sermon topic was “Refocusing on Ministry to Serve This Present Age.”
There were a number of awards given out during this evening. The A.D. Evans Pastor of the Year Award was given to The Reverend Dr. Robert Brumfield. The Herbert L. Dudley Lay Person of the Year Award was given to Mr. Theodore Harris.
Other award recipients were Ms. Ciara Allen, Mr. Darryl Hubbard, Mr. Andre Thompson, and Mr. Derrick Amisou.
Presiding Elder Bowman and Mrs. Mary Banks Wright were presented an award for their committed service and devotion to the Lay Organization.
The Friday Noon “Hour of Power” Worship Service Sermon was delivered by The Reverend Sudie Haynes. Rev. Haynes sermon text was St. Matthew 13-20. Her sermon topic was “How do I know Jesus?”
The Youth Night Message was delivered by Mr. Michael Young. His text was Hebrews 10:23-26. His topic was “Do it Right.”
During this evening Christian Education Awards were presented to Presiding Elder Bowman, Reverend Juanita Bowman and Reverend Christopher Kirkland, III.
Fourth Episcopal District Supervisor Reverend Dr. Bryant gave major words of wisdom to all present for Youth Night. She presented a “Spring Break Training Program” for youth between the ages of 11-17. A gender specific focus will be implemented that will keep the youth on an intentional track for the “Sons of Success” and the “Daughters of Destiny.”
The Saturday Ordination Service Preacher was The Right Reverend John F. White. Bishop White’s sermon text was 2 Corinthians 5:20 and 4:5. His sermon topic was “A Divine Call for a New Breed for a New Day.” Bishop White made it very clear that the Ordinates were “Making an irrevocable step, no looking back!”
The Sunday Morning Worship Service Sermon was delivered by The Reverend Dr. Michael C. Carson. Dr. Carson’s sermon text was Exodus 33:18. His sermon topic was “God, I just need to See Your Glory!”
The Closing Worship Service Sermon was delivered by Bishop Bryant. Bishop Bryant’s Sermon Text came from 2 Kings 5:1-6. His sermon topic was “We have life changing influence!”
Bishop Bryant reminded those present that as children of God we are to use our influence to change the world. We must open our mouths and speak up for God and we must have a prayer life in order to make a difference.
Truly the Invitation to Christian Discipleship was a major moment! Persons responded to Bishop Bryant’s request for those persons feeling sure that God had placed a special call on their lives to come forward. A family came seeking salvation and people came from “everywhere” sensing a divine call for service on their lives.
Bishop Bryant extended a powerful “call” demonstrating how to effectively evangelize and disciple during a worship service!
So many were in attendance at the closing worship service that persons had to be turned away due to maximum occupancy rules.
After the Pastoral Appointments were made, the Doxology was sung and Bishop Bryant gave the benediction. This ended a week of report receiving, teaching, excellent music, dance, meeting and greeting, reflection, spiritual formation, and much more. All of the aforementioned was due to the ministry of the 122nd Session of the Michigan Annual Conference!
The entire Annual Conference was “bathed’ in prayer,” “covered” by the Word of God, and electrified by the anointing of the Holy Spirit!
*The Reverend Dr. Michael C. Carson is the Michigan Annual Conference Director of Public Relations; the Reverend Barbara Anthony serves as the Michigan Annual Conference Secretary; and the Reverend Lila R. Martin serves as the Michigan Annual Conference Assistant Secretary
15. AMERICAN DIABETES MONTH - THEME: WHY YOU SHOULD CARE ABOUT DIABETES:
Quotes from the American Diabetes Association
23.6 million people have diabetes, 17.9 million people are diagnosed and 5.7 million people are undiagnosed, according to the American Diabetes Association If current trends continue 1out of 3 Americans and 1 in 2 minorities will develop Diabetes in their lifetime.
Diabetes is one of the most serious health problems facing African Americans.
Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not properly produce or properly use insulin, a hormone need to convert sugar, starches and other foods into energy needed for daily life.
Major types of Diabetes
Type I results from the body not producing insulin, so that sugar does not enter the cells but enters the blood stream. 5-10% of Americans have Type I Diabetes.
Type 2 results from insulin résistance where the body fails to properly use insulin. Most Americans are diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes.
Pre-diabetes occurs when a persons blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes.
One way to reduce your risk for diabetes is to know your A B C’s
•A is for A1C, which measures glucose for the past 3 months - Target less than 6.5%.
•B Blood Pressure: Target 130/80
•C Cholesterol: Target below 100.
Complications of Diabetes (Source Center for Disease Control)
•Heart disease & stroke. The risk is 2-4 times higher for people with diabetes.
•Kidney Disease - Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure.
•Amputations - 60% of nontraumatic lower limb amputations occur in people with diabetes.
•Blindness - Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults 24-70 years of age.
•Neuropathy - Abnormal or decrease sensations (numbness or tingling) starting in the toes and feet, later involving the finger and hands.
Annual dilated eye exams, routine foot exams and blood pressure checks can prevent blindness, amputations, heart disease, kidney disease and strokes.
16. BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH:
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Coalition is encouraging us to pass the word about the need for breast cancer detection and the need for mammograms. This is important for women over 40 and men.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women aside from skin cancer.
The National Cancer institute has identified the following as risk factor for breast cancer.
1. Sex-100 times more common among women.
2. Age- Increases as women grow old and especially high for women age 60 or older.
3. Personal History- Women who have had a breast disease may develop breast cancer.
4. Family History- Increases for women with mothers and sisters or close relatives have had the disease.
5. Other Risk factors include life style decisions such as diet, lack of exercise, smoking and alcohol use.
The National Cancer Institute study shows that minority women are less likely to get breast cancer than white women but are more likely to die from it.
Experts believe minority women are less likely to seek help until the cancer has advanced, reducing their survival rate; also lack of screening, lower standards of health care and unequal treatment of breast cancer are also contributing factors.
Shape magazine recommends that the following Breast Health to do list
1. Take things into your own hands and do a breast self exam every month. Use your fingers to examine your breast for lumps.
2. Scan your skin for dimpling, pouches, redness, rashes, scaling or discharge from nipples.
3. Check your family history.
4. Get screened.
The American Cancer Society recommends getting a mammogram at age 40.Women with a family history of breast cancer should start 10 years earlier than the age of the relative at the time of their diagnosis.
Men and Breast Cancer
The difference between male and female breast cancer can result in the male being diagnosed at a latter stage.
One difference is breast size; men have little breast tissue which makes it easy to feel small masses. For the same reason Cancer do not grow before reaching the skin, causing the cancer to spread to the muscle below resulting in it spreading beyond the breast.
Symptoms;
- A lump or swelling in the chest area.
- Dimpling or pouches in the skin.
- Nipple facing inward.
- Redness or scaling of the nipple or skin.
- Discharge from nipples.
Stages progress the same as in women, the cancer can spread to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body.
Early detection and treatment is most important,
From, the American Cancer Society
17. A POST ELECTION REFLECTION:
*The Rev. Carey A. Grady
Recently, I flipped through an old college textbook; a Two-Volume set called the Black/African Diaspora. What is Diaspora? The word Diaspora in Hebrew and in Greek means dispersion or a scattering or sowing of seeds. A Diaspora exists whenever a population or group of people who share a common ethnic identity, are forced or voluntarily leave their homeland to live abroad. The area where the ethnic group settles is called the Diaspora. Most of the time, a Diaspora was birthed when ethnic groups left there homeland to avoid persecution or were taken forcefully from their land, i.e., being captured as prisoners of war or captured to be sold into slavery.
The Black Diaspora courses at Howard University were Humanities electives for students in the College of Arts and Sciences and required courses for History majors. The idea was a student of history couldn’t understand the magnitude of the human story without understanding from whence he/she comes and where his/her people have gone.
The term Diaspora in the Americas and around the world is usually associated with the scattering of the world Jewish population after World War II. However, the Jewish Diaspora dates back to the era of the Prophets, particularly Isaiah and Jeremiah, when the children of Israel were banished from their land after the split of Israel into two nations, Judah and Israel.
However, many ethnic groups are part of a Diaspora. There is an African Diaspora. There is an Asian, Native American and European Diaspora. There is an Armenian, British, Mexican, Turkish and Iraqi Diaspora. There is a Dominican, Haitian, and Jamaican Diaspora. It seems that people and ethnic groups all over the world have been scattered from their homeland for various reasons and found homes in different countries and continent’s.
The United States of America is one country where many Diaspora people have found comfort and solace and proudly call America home. The Presidential election earlier this week, was a sign of Hope that America is truly being the land of the Brave and the Home of the Free, for thousands and millions of people across the globe.
When we think about the magnitude of God’s Creations (humanity across the world), we can really say we serve an awesome God. But on a Biblical, metaphorical and allegorical note, we are all Diaspora people from the Garden of Eden. That would make all humanity part of the Edenic Diaspora.
*The Rev. Carey A. Grady is the pastor, St. Peter AME Church
www.stpeterdecatur.com
18. 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.
19. BUILDING KINGDOM PARTNERSHIPS WITH CHURCHES AND MISSION ORGANIZATIONS:
*Phil Granger, CEO and president of The Mission Society
The Mission Society Shares Curriculum and Training All Over the World
(Norcross/Atlanta, GA – November 12, 2008) – The Mission Society, a Christian-based organization that develops diverse programs and ministries, has what some might call a unique approach to missions. The Mission Society reaches out to churches and other mission organizations in an effort to demonstrate how the local church is God’s vehicle to send missionaries out into the world. According to Dick McClain, Vice President for Ministry Operations, The Mission Society equips the church to do this strategically, by training them and giving them the tools they need. “We give away our curriculum to churches and other mission sending organizations all over the world,” said McClain.
The Mission Society has reached out to several other mission sending organizations including OMS International, SIM (Serving in Mission), International Teams, and World Gospel Mission, and has shared materials, along with training, with these groups. “By working together, we can cultivate even more churches and help more unreached people in the world,” said McClain.
One organization has gone further than any other with The Mission Society’s model. World Gospel Mission, based in Marion, IN, has recently finished the training and will soon move into the implementation phase. According to Todd Eckhardt, Director of World Connection for World Gospel Mission, their organization has already implemented the materials and gone into six churches in conjunction with The Mission Society.
“We have received wonderful feedback from the churches where we’ve teamed up with The Mission Society,” said Eckhardt. “The first reaction is ‘wow, mission organizations are working together,’ and they are pleasantly surprised. But it’s not a competition. Everything we do is for the Kingdom.”
Eckhardt hopes that even when they are going into churches by themselves to teach church leaders about missions, they will continue to have a working relationship with The Mission Society. Stan Self, Senior Director of Church Ministry for The Mission Society concurs and takes it one step further--into the mission field. “We are trying to support even more missionaries, and if someone is called to go to a country or state where we don’t have a presence, then we work in partnership with other mission sending organizations so people can go where they feel called to go,” said Self.
The Mission Society offers many workshops which provide intensive training experiences for pastors and church leaders who are serious about helping their church become more mission-minded. Two key programs are the Global Outreach Weekend (GOW) and the Global Impact Celebration (GIC).
A Global Outreach Weekend includes a six-hour seminar on a Friday evening and Saturday morning, and ministry to the entire congregation in Sunday worship and Sunday school classes or small groups. The Global Outreach seminar provides a deeper understanding of the biblical basis of the church’s mission both at home and around the world. It offers a fresh perspective on the peoples of the world. Participants are challenged to greater involvement in outreach. The seminar is designed for church leadership as well as for the entire congregation.
A Global Impact Celebration is designed to mobilize the entire congregation for global outreach by “bringing the world into your church" and by personalizing missions through interaction with cross-cultural workers and hands-on involvement with mission projects.
St. John’s United Methodist Church in Aiken, SC experienced a GOW in February 2007 and a GIC in January 2008, and is getting ready for its second GIC in January 2009. Rev. George Howle, senior pastor of the 1,600 member church has seen how these events have spiritually changed the church and him personally.
“When the folks from The Mission Society came for our Global Outreach Weekend they told us the needs of the world and that one-third of the world does not know Christ,” said Rev. Howle. “They asked me to go to Kenya, Africa with them to train pastors there, and by the time the weekend was over I was convinced I needed to go. The 10-day trip was a life changing experience for me and the vision caught on in the church.”
For example, the church usually gave about $50,000 annually to missions. After its first Global Impact Celebration, where the church met several missionaries from The Mission Society, they raised $240,000 for missions that year! The church has also sent teams on short-term mission trips to Honduras and Kenya, and they support six missionaries all over the world.
“This has truly changed the focus and direction of the church,” said Rev. Howle. “We have learned that missions add to and vitalize a church and GOW and GIC give the local church a way to see how they can become so directly involved in missions and a real part of it. We can make a huge difference in a small part of the world and we are constantly looking to God to see what He wants us to do and where He wants us to go.”
Founded in 1984 in the Wesleyan tradition, The Mission Society recruits, trains, and sends Christian missionaries to minister around the world. At present, The Mission Society has more than 225 missionaries in 32 countries. The Mission Society develops diverse programs and ministries in accordance with its missionaries’ unique callings and gifts, ranging from well-drilling and the arts to more traditional ministries such as teaching English and church planting. Its church ministry department provides seminars, workshops, and mentoring for congregations in the United States and overseas, helping equip churches for strategic outreach in their own communities and throughout the world. For more information on The Mission Society and its church ministry curriculum, call 1.800.478.8963 or visit www.themissionsociety.org.
*Phil Granger is the CEO and president of The Mission Society
20. IS IT ENOUGH TO BE NICE:
The Rev. Tobias L. Pace
How horrible it will be for you when everyone says nice things about you. That's the way their ancestors treated the false prophets. – Luke 6:26 (GOD’S WORD)
Nice is typically filled with well intended, empty expressions, and non-committed feelings of concern. I can be nice to everyone I meet. Some call it being polite. But being nice doesn’t mean I care. When I care, I act on my concern. When I care I have compassion and I don’t want my brother to suffer. Compassion is filled with spirit led devoted actions of support and comfort. Compassion helps meet needs, helps make people feel accepted, and helps make others fell worthwhile.
Jesus told Peter, “Feed my lambs.” He asked Peter, first, this question, “Do you love me?” Peter replied, “Yes, Lord. You know I love you.” Jesus proceeded to ask Peter twice more if he loved Him. Peter answered, “Yes” both times. Jesus replied, “take care of my sheep,” and “feed my sheep” consecutively. Jesus told Peter this to allow him to redeem himself and to reinforce the message that Peter’s charge was to take care of the less fortunate believers and those who did not know Jesus, of the lost and the unsaved.
What did Jesus mean when he commanded Peter to do these things? He meant for Peter and all disciples, or followers of Christ, to be the hands and feet of Jesus. He meant for us to meet the needs of the people. Who are Jesus’ lambs and sheep? Are we all not God’s children?
James writes, “Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:15-16)
The Rev. Tobias L. Pace is the pastor of Bethel AME Church, Shelbyville, Kentucky
tobias.pace@insightbb.com
http://www.bethelameshelbyville.org
Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain - Psalm 127:1
21. THERE’S STILL TIME TO REGISTER FOR A NEW AND DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE OFFERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF CHURCH GROWTH AND EVANGELISM:
The Rev. Dr. James C. Wade, Executive Director of the Department of Church Growth and Evangelism, together with Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah, Commission Chairman, is calling all clergy and laity to mark their calendars, pack their bags and head to the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront Hotel, Jacksonville FL., January 6-9, 2009 for the 22nd Annual Seminar on Church Growth and Evangelism. “Returning to the Biblical Mandate of Witnessing to and Evangelizing Your Community (the World) [Acts 1:8] promises to be a spirit-led, faith filled time of dynamic reaching, teaching and preaching. The Rt. Rev. McKinley Young, Presiding Prelate, 11th Episcopal District is the Seminar Host Bishop.
In this day and age, when all manners of assault are raging against Christianity and the people of God, it is imperative for clergy and laity to be effectively spiritually readied and positioned to defend the faith and win souls for Christ’s Kingdom. Moreover, there is a need for pastors, other ministry personnel and laity to work in tandem and be involved in evangelism and discipleship if churches are going to grow. This Annual Seminar guarantees to provide all with solid teaching and preaching that will give persons something new and relevant as they go forth in service to the Lord.
On Monday January 5, 7pm, Bishop Sarah F. Davis, Presiding Prelate, 16th Episcopal District will lead attendees in An Evening of Teaching on and a Time of Prayer. On Friday January 9 at 6 pm, there will be a Children, Youth and Young Adult Evangelism Convocation. This event is designed to make sure that all our children, youth and young adults are saved and will also teach them how to evangelize their peers.
The Rev. Dr. Floyd Flake, Senior Pastor, Allen Cathedral AME Church, Jamaica NY., will present during a plenary session, “The Need for Discipleship Training.” In addition, Dr. Flake will facilitate two sessions for clergy, “Changing the Culture of Evangelism” and “Communicating the Vision for Evangelism.” He will also facilitate a session for laity on “The Culture of Evangelism.”
This Seminar has sections/sessions for: Presiding Elders, Pastors and Ministers, Youth Pastors and Workers, Children’s Ministry, Ministry to Men, Ministry to Women, Prison/Angel Tree Ministry, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Ministry, HIV/AIDS Ministry, Prayer Ministry, Health Ministry, Healing Ministry, Church Planting, Media Ministry, E-Evangelism, Music Ministry and Cross Culture Ministry.
The Seminar Registration fee is: $130.00 on or before December 5, 2008; $150.00 after December 5, 2008 and On-site. Credit card payments are accepted.
What is more, the brand new Evangelism Certification Program will launch during this Seminar as well! This two (2) year program is guaranteed to educate and equip students in the very depths of evangelism, so that once coursework is completed, persons will be more than prepared to reach others anywhere for Christ Jesus. In partnership with Edward Waters College, Jacksonville FL., persons can obtain CEU’s for their work done through the Certification program. This certification program offers five (5) tracks for persons to chose from: Basic: Provides the foundational requisite skills, knowledge and ability for students to evangelize their community; Laity: Provides laity with the foundational requisite skills, knowledge and ability for students to engage in evangelism and evangelistic activities in any contextual setting; Pastors: Provides pastors with the requisite skills, knowledge and ability to educate and prepare their local congregations in purposeful, transformational evangelism; Children and Youth Evangelism: Provides persons with the foundational requisite skills, knowledge and ability to specialize in evangelistic witnessing to children and youth and; Church Planting: Provides persons with the foundational requisite skills and knowledge to specialize in evangelism and evangelistic activities unique to church planting.
This certification program is designed for persons who:
1) are pastors seeking to grow their local churches spiritually and numerically;
2) are not seeking licensure or ordination and have a passion for evangelism;
3) are ordained, but are without pastoral charges and have a passion for evangelism;
4) are presently in the Board of Examiners process but are not called to parish or pulpit ministry exclusively – the comprehensive training in evangelism will fill a void missed in the Board of Examiners process;
5) are called by the Holy Spirit to be evangelists and have received license at the Quarterly Conference to preach;
6) are called by the Holy Spirit to be church planters and have received license at the Quarterly Conference to preach;
7) by the unction of the Holy Spirit are compelled to serve children and youth;
8) and willing to serve the AME Church by preparing persons to renew stagnate and declining churches.
All certification courses are taught by qualified persons who bring both passion and knowledge concerning the courses. Students will earn certification hours during selected attendance and participation in events and/or sessions at the Annual Seminar. In addition, students can earn certification hours through Independent Study courses which will be made available. The Evangelism Certification Registration fee is: $225.00, $60.00 for college students with id. Registration is open until December 5, 2008. Credit card payments are accepted.
To register online for either the 22nd Annual Seminar on Church Growth and Evangelism or the Evangelism Certification Program go to www.ameharvest.org or call (901) 523-2777 for additional information and registration materials. Either way you choose to do, just do it! Our prayers and hopes are that we will see you in Jacksonville, FL. in January 2009!
22. DEPARTMENT OF CHURCH OF CHURCH GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT EVANGELISM CERTIFICATION PROGRAM:
The Department of Church Growth and Development of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in its quest to prepare laborers for the harvest, will offer evangelism certification training to equip future ambassadors to “be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks [them] to give the reason for the hope that [they] have” (1 Peter 3:15 NIV). Five separate certification tracks will be offered:
Basic Evangelism Certification
This certification training will equip ambassadors with more than the necessary foundational skills and abilities to evangelize their community.
Evangelism Certification for Pastors
This certification training will equip pastors with more than the necessary skills and abilities to educate and prepare their local congregation in purposeful evangelism.
Evangelism Certification for Laity
This certification will equip laity with more than the necessary skills and abilities to engage in evangelism and evangelistic activities in any context.
Evangelism Certification in Church Planting
This certification training will equip ambassadors with more than the necessary foundational skills and abilities which allows them to specialize in Church Planting.
Evangelism Certification in Children and Youth Evangelism
This certification training will equip ambassadors with more than the necessary foundational skills and abilities which will allow them to specialize in evangelistic children and youth ministries.
23. THE REV. LANEL GUYTON, PASTOR OF ST. PAUL -BERMUDA DELIVERS KEYNOTE ADDRESS FOR THE BERMUDA INDUSTRIAL UNION:
“It’s Time to Come Back to the Table”
On August 29, 2008 our pastor, the Reverend Lanel D. Guyton was honored as the keynote speaker for the Bermuda Industrial Union at the luxurious South Hampton Princess Hotel. As the guest of President Chris Furbert and the esteemed members and supporters of the BIU, this event culminated into a night to remember. Rev. Guyton delivered a powerful and moving speech that became a clarion call for those whom were present to do whatever was necessary to carry the torch of heroes past.
In a night that honored past and present members of the Union movement heard Rev. Guyton appealing to the wider body to continue the progress made by those being honored. His plea was for all parties to come back to the table in an effort to solve many of the social ills affecting the community.
Said Rev. Guyton, “Tonight we celebrate what has become a life-long struggle for justice and equality for all Bermudians alike, but in particular, black Bermudians. Laying at the foundation of this struggle is the organization we celebrate the BIU, an organization that is the epitome of organized bodies, speaking on behalf of the oppressed, the disenfranchised, the discriminated, and the unfairly treated.
In another portion of his address, he reflected on the need for all to make a concentrated effort to lift one another up. “The object of the enemy is to pit the leaders against one another in an endless war of political fodder that does nothing to solve the issues that eat away at the very fabric of our society. Instead of fighting each other down, we should focus on building one another up. This was the Union’s strategy, to unify and come to the table and hammer out a plan of action, a plan of progression.
Past guest speakers of the BIU Banquet included the U.S. Secretary of Labor, Bill Usery (2002); Community Activist Rev. Al Sharpton (2004); Jamaican Senator, Trevor Monroe (2005); Rev. Martin Luther King, III (2006); U.S. Congressman, Bennie Thompson (2007).
In attendance was the former Premier Dame Jennifer Smith; Honorable Randolph Horton, Minister of Education; Honorable Nelson Bascome, Minister of Health; Honorable Derrick Burgess, Minister of Works and Engineering and a host of dignitaries; Rev. Betty Furbert Woolridge, pastor or Allen Temple, Bermuda; Rev. Quinton Ming, Jr., associate minister St. Paul; and a large delegation of member representatives from St. Paul AME Church in support of their pastor.
24. THE SOUTH DISTRICT QUARTERLY CONFERENCE, MIAMI, FLORIDA:
Meeting opened with devotional hymn #52, Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah, followed by prayer from the Rev. Samuel Sullivan. The scripture (Isaiah 6:1-10) was read by the Rev. Santarvis Brown, Ph.D, a newly ordained itinerant elder. Hymn #139, “Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed” was sung and the Rev. Sullivan introduced the Rev. John L. Bodison, the Presiding Elder who commenced with the organization of the conference.
Ms. Altamease Mitchell and Ms. Yolanda Nixon served as secretaries and Mrs. Gwendolyn Dickson as reporter. Marshall’s were selected and boundaries set, which were the first ten pews in the middle aisle of the sanctuary.
The minutes were read silently and it was moved and seconded that they be accepted with any necessary corrections.
The meeting proceeded with reports being made from the Steward Board which included accolades to Bishop Young for returning Rev. Sullivan to Greater Bethel and Elder Bodison to the South District. Reports from the Trustee Board, the Stewardess Ministry and Lay Organization were read and accepted. All Boards represented thanked the Bishop for returning the pastor to Bethel.
Rev. Sullivan moved that the reports from the remaining boards and clubs be accepted as printed, it was seconded by Mr. Hargrove.
Elder Bodison thanked everyone for their participation and asked for our prayers during his tenure at Bethel in Key West. Elder Bodison also advised that we were in a new quadrennial and hopefully will return with new solutions. He stated we should not have the great increase in the budget we have had in the past and some churches in the South District are stressed. Elder noted we have not dealt with this budget increase in 4 years, but we have dealt with an increase within the District.
Elder Bodison requested information reference the amendments and the Judges on the election ballot stating “we need to know which amendments and which judges are in the best interest of the black community.” This information will be dispersed to other churches.
Following the Elder’s remarks, a memorial service was held for those who departed during this quarter. Hymn # 487, "If When You Give the Best of Your Service" was sung and a scripture (Psalm 30:1-5) was read by Rev. Sullivan.
A candlelight ceremony preceded members speaking on the life of the deceased: Sisters Frankie Jackson, Velma Brinson, Louise Strong, Mary Dingle, and Ruth Hysmith.
Following the singing of hymn #355, Farther Along, Presiding Elder Bodison concluded the meeting with a closing prayer and benediction.
Greater Bethel AME Church is located at 245 NW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33136.
Gwendolyn Y. Dickson, Reporter
25. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Eighth Episcopal District Family is saddened to share news of the passing of Mrs. Mildred McCain, the sister of Presiding Elder William Hardiman, Grenada District-Northeast West Mississippi Conference. Mrs. Mildred McCain passed on Thursday, November 6, 2008.
Professional Service and Arrangements for Mrs. Mildred McCain:
Clark-Williams Funeral Home
602 Cherry Street
Grenada, Mississippi 38901
Phone: (662) 226-3451
Fax: (662) 226-3404
Funeral:
Friday, November 14, 2008
11:00 a.m.
Mt. Ora African Methodist Episcopal Church
312 Moose Lodge Road
Grenada, Mississippi 38901
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Presiding Elder William Hardiman
P.O. Box 1124
Tunica, Mississippi 38676
Phone: (662) 357-3842
E-mail: whardiman0207@comcast.net
26. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of the Rev. Lorenzo E. Ausbie, long-time Tenth Episcopal District Pastor. Rev. Ausbie is survived by his children, Gregory and Esther, a host of grandchildren, family and friends.
The funeral has been held.
Condolences may be sent to:
The Ausbie Family
918 Willaby Street
Channelview, Texas 77530
27. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Fifth Episcopal District is saddened to announce the passing of Mr. Ruben L. Williams, the father of Mrs. Annie Battle Bolden, Secretary - Fifth Episcopal District Administrative Office; Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, Presiding Prelate.
Mr. Ruben L. Williams passed on Tuesday, November 11, 2008.
Arrangements for Mr. Ruben L. Williams:
Funeral Service:
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
11:00 a.m.
Southside Baptist Church
104th and San Pedro Street
Los Angeles, CA
Professional services provided by:
Simpson's Family Mortuary
Condolences can be sent to:
Mrs. Annie Battle Bolden and family
5950 Buckingham Parkway #202
Culver City, CA 90230.
Email: abbolden@pacbell.net
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.
