THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (1/22/09)

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 – PRESIDENT BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA, THE 44TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES…:

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

Ladies and Gentlemen: “President Barack Hussein Obama, the 44th President of the United States and First Lady Michelle Obama” has a nice ring to it and it sounds so good.

I have attended and watched several inaugurations during my lifetime, but I never witnessed an inaugural event as the Obama Inauguration.

It was truly a celebration and it will go down in history as one of the greatest events of the 21st Century.

The Obama inauguration was an international event. It was a multicultural event. It was an intergenerational event. It was a multiracial event. It was an ecumenical event. It was an interfaith event. It was a human event. It was a celebratory event. The Obama inauguration was America at its best.

President Barack Obama’s election affirms the founding Fathers’ creed, “… that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed…” President Barack Obama, who is a black American, has taken leadership of the greatest nation on earth.

The election and swearing-in of President Barack Obama is 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.

I need to say again that President Barack Obama is not “the black President,” rather he is the President who happens to be black. He is President of all of America and he is the President of all Americans.

President Barack Obama is every American’s President and it is going to take commitment from every segment of this great nation of ours to return this country to some sense of economic normalcy and to regain the international respect for America as a leader in human rights

Like the presidents before him, President Obama will be criticized, sometimes negatively caricatured, talked about and mistreated; and black people must understand that criticism of his presidency will not occur because he is black; he will be criticized because he is the President; all presidents have been criticized. Any criticism of President Barack Obama will not be a criticism of black people; and those who criticize him are not racists. Criticism goes with the job.

We can be sure that President Obama will be working in the best interests of all Americans - blacks, white, red, browns, and yellow Americans; and that’s as it should be.

The closing paragraph of the Reverend Joseph Lowery’s inaugural benediction spoke volumes, “… we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around ... when yellow will be mellow ... when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right…” was a Powerful word and a challenge for all Americans.

We all, collectively and individually; black, white, red, yellow and brown need to work for the equal rights of all Americans – Muslims, Hindus, everybody; even for those with whom we might not agree.

I will say it again that 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 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. We must be adamant in saying that education is the way to achieve upward mobility and economic stability.

I hope that our young people will return to the notion of setting high academic goals and dispelling the notion that the only way they can get ahead is to excel in athletics and in entertainment. This is a new day and “the sky is the limit.”

If we, Americans, will all work together, the words in the benediction of the Reverend Joseph Lowery will become a reality; blacks will not be asked to “step back,” brown folks can stick around, yellow folks will be mellow, red folks will be able to get ahead; and white folks will embrace what is right.”

President Barack Obama 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; the most powerful leader in the world and I am glad about it.

Ladies and Gentlemen: “President Barack Hussein Obama, the 44th President of the United States and First Lady Michelle Obama” sounds so good to me.

2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:

- To the Editor:

Re: Presiding Elder O. H. Brown article in The Christian Recorder

I want to personally thank you and AMEC Sunday School Union staff for publishing the life reflections and legacy of my husband, Presiding Elder O. H. Brown, in the November 17th issue of The Christian Recorder. When I received the December 29th issue with the Memorial Acknowledgment, I held back the tears of a job well-done by you and the AMEC Sunday School Union staff; with a feeling that my husband was pleased.

The appreciation I feel can hardly be put into words. Thank you for your commitment and dedication as the Editor of The Christian Recorder of the AMEC, the oldest black newspaper in America.

Gratefully,
Ernestyne K. Brown

- To the Editor:

Re: The Inaugural events

It is interesting that the route Obama is taking on his Express is made up of stops that are important in the life of Richard Allen, the founder of the African Methodist Episcopal church; Philadelphia, Delaware, and Maryland.

We took a similar itinerary during the Bicentennial year of the AME Church.

All the commentators seem to be pointing out similarities between Obama and MLK, Obama and JFK, and of course, his route is based on Lincoln's and he is bringing a lot of attention to historical moments, but President Obama’s pioneering spirit is similar to Bishop Richard Allen.

Mrs. Jeanette T. Johns, Author
The Upward Journey: A Centenarian’s Chronicle – Personal Stories of Bishop Decatur Ward Nichols


- To the Editor

Re: Editorial, Love for the African Methodist Episcopal Church

I am glad to see that someone is holding to the traditional services of the AME Church. So many of our AME Churches have changed the Order of Worship that it is very hard to recognize if we are in an AME Church; the way the order of service is conducted.

I am an AME by birth and I love its order of service from the depth of my heart.

Pastor Jimmy D. Howard, Sr.

- To the Editor:

Re: Editorial, Love for the African Methodist Episcopal Church

I was reading your editorial response this week in which you commented about screening the seminaries that we allow our AME preachers to attend; it appears to me that we have allowed teachings that are not in line with the traditions of our Zion. AMEN!


- To the Editor:

Re: Editorial, Love for the African Methodist Episcopal Church

As I read your editorial entitled: “I am not a Baptist, I am not Pentecostal and I am not a member of a non-denominational church; I am African Methodist Episcopal and I am glad about it” I could only gasp in awe. You placed into print my thoughts, feelings and concerns for my beloved African Methodist Episcopal Church. More specifically, the editorial captured the seemingly blatant dismantling of the AME “Liturgical” worship and instilling the “Free” worship manner at my local AME church.

I am a life long AMEer as my parents had me baptized as a child into the African Methodist Episcopal faith. As I grew up and matured, I found my love for God, worship, service to others and principles for living within African Methodism. So, I understand exactly what you are saying and what you mean in the editorial. It is not a “put down” on any other religious denominations or other peoples Freedom of Religion choices. Since it our choice to worship as AME, the “Liturgical” worship environment should be professed within the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

The “Liturgical” worship of the AME Church truly invokes the presence of the Holy Spirit from the “Call to Worship”, “The Morning Hymn” through the “Decalogue”, “Affirmation of Faith” and concluding with the “Doxology”. I must certainly include the “Prayer of General Confession”, the “Collects” all the Prayers and sung responses in preparation for partaking of “The Holy Communion” gives way to an awe inspiring worship experience. When all the components of the AME “Liturgical” worship are an integral part of the worship experience, I am glad to be in the house of the Lord. While the prayers are fervent, the choir is majestic in song, the preaching is dynamic however, with the dispelling of the AME liturgy from the worship service I leave the worship service discontented.

My greatest concern and sadness also is the “forcing” of the “Free” worship upon AME congregations under the guise that tradition is outdated and everything changes. I also feel that the church is doing a disservice to the young people and that the community is losing a generation of morally conscience people. Additionally, “Free” worship severs the Connectional characteristic of the AME Church. When AME congregants attend other AME Churches, Church Conferences and services, they will not be able to actively participate in the AME “Liturgical” worship.

By my choice I am not a Baptist, I am not a Pentecostal and I am not a member of a nondenominational church; I am a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. I love African Methodism and I am glad about it.

3. INAUGURAL THOUGHTS FROM BISHOP ADAM JEFFERSON RICHARDSON:

The Inauguration was awesome (and I generally only use that word when I speak of Divinity). I am still in awe of the moment. Now that's incredible. I know we still live a racist world, but DC was a different place yesterday. Young black men, I swear, were walking a little taller; their backs a lot straighter. Black people in general, (male and female, old and young) were basking in the glow. They are under no illusion that President Obama is the Messiah. But there is a sense of hopefulness and optimism in the air, and a belief that what appeared to be impossible is not only possible, but is also even probable. If this could happen at the highest level of our nation (which required the help and a lot of votes of white people, too) also insinuates that other things are now also possible and achievable.

White people were clearly in the moment, too. Little old people, and young folks, were wrapped in Obama scarves and winter skull caps, and tee-shirts and jackets with Obama's name or image emblazoned front and back.

Imagine hearing two million people yelling O-BA-MA as we waited in weather that felt like 16 degrees (officially 30) to hear the 35 words of the oath of office (plus "So help me God") administered and flubbed by Chief Justice John Roberts. Man, what a moment!!!

Call me an old softy, or out-of-touch, or perhaps just a lover of civility and decorum, but I shuddered when many of the attendees booed President Bush when he was introduced. I anticipated that it would happen; but for me it was totally uncalled for, and distasteful. I thought it was also inappropriate when someone started to sing "Na, na, na, na good-bye." It was picked up by the crowd before he could get to the second set of "na, na, na, nas."

Anyway, I am praying for President Obama and his family and the nation. I truly believe this was ordained; in much the same way as we would celebrate the Martin King Holiday on Monday, and on the succeeding day inaugurate the first African American president. No one but God could have put a calendar together like that. This was more theologically significant than a mere historic coincidence.

Anyway, I guess you can tell I was impressed

Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr.

4. A WORD ABOUT THE INAUGURATION FROM NAMIBIA:

Today, January 20, 2009, history is in the making! President Barak Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. It is our prayer that God will move the USA Government, as it always does under rule of the Democratic Party, to alter its foreign policy and end the senseless wars in many parts of the world; and we also pray that the economic recess in the United States will end. We wish the citizens of the United States God’s richest blessings.

The Richard Allen AME Church, Swakopmund under the leadership of the Rev. William A Balie, with only 137 full members, of whom half are either unemployed or underemployed, is busy constructing a beautiful church building which can seat around 800 people.

We are from the Namibia Annual Conference in the 15th Episcopal District under the able leadership of Bishop Wilfred J Messiah.

Last Sunday I conducted the Quarterly Conference; I conducted the Quarterly Conference and was blessed with the positive energy of the members at Swakopmund, Namibia's ultimate coastal tourist destination.

These few members deserve our support, because they want to erect a church that will stand out, reflecting the proud history of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. I pray, as I write this message, that the Spirit of the Lord will move you, to make a financial donation toward this building project.

Kindly make out your cheques to Richard Allen AME Church and mail to:

The Rev. William Andrew Balie,
Richard Allen AME Church
P O Box 612
Walvisbay
Republic of Namibia

5. DEAR FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS OF THE TWENTIETH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:

I am grateful that God and the Church have looked upon me with favor and grace and have granted me the privilege of serving the African Methodist Episcopal Church as one of its bishops. I am also appreciative of the privilege to serve as Presiding Bishop of the Twentieth Episcopal District, which is comprised of Uganda, Malawi, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.

During my recent series of annual conferences, I saw first-hand a mountain of challenges – challenges that Mother McAllister, I, and others are committed and determined to meet. We are determined, with God’s help and the help of friends such as you, to make a major positive difference in the lives of our brothers and sisters in the Twentieth District.

As stated, the challenges of the district are many. Life expectancy is about 35 years of age because of the AIDS pandemic and the lack of adequate health care, including water purification. In most areas of the district, other than walking, the only mode of transportation is bicycling. It is not uncommon to see people walking or riding bicycles for miles to get water, to go to church, and to arrive at any other destination. Many of our members are living with HIV or AIDS, and so many more have died from the complication of AIDS, leaving young children to fend for themselves. The fortunate ones are finding temporary shelter in orphanages. One of our members, who is close to 80 years of age and lives in Malawi, has 13 grandchildren living with him. All of their parents have died from the complication of AIDS. During the North Malawi Annual Conference, his wife died of natural causes. I attended her funeral. He now has to be father and mother to those 13 children. I am assisting them with school fees, because paying school fees is a major problem in the district for children of all ages, and also for students attending seminaries.

Churches in Malawi and some in Zimbabwe consist of homemade brick, dirt floors, and outdoor toilets with no running water, a few benches (most sit on the ground), no pulpits, no heating or cooling systems, no electricity, and having window openings without material in them such as glass. In Malawi, annual conferences are held outdoors. Additionally, there is no Episcopal residence, no Episcopal headquarters, and no Episcopal vehicle. The Bishop and the Supervisor live in hotels, motels, and “no tells.” Vehicles must be rented and drivers hired.

We desperately need your financial assistance. We need help with student fees, the construction of several churches, the renovation of many other churches, and the building of a health clinic in both Malawi and Zimbabwe. We need help in improving and maintaining our 100 plus AME schools. You can help us by becoming a partner with the Twentieth District by giving a consistent periodical basis or a generous one-time donation.

When making your donation, you may designate the area to which you want it applied. If no designation is made, your gift will be applied to the ministry where it is most needed. You may send your contribution to Dr. James R. Archie, treasurer, at P. O. Box 5899, Florence, SC 29502.

If you have any questions concerning these ministry opportunities, you may contact me at my USA address or telephone, or Mrs. Thelma B. Archie, the Executive Assistant to the Bishop, at P. O. Box 5899, Florence, SC 29502, Telephone and fax: 843-665-1944, or email: thelmaarchie616@aol.com.

Thank you for your anticipated supported.

Bishop Julius H. McAllister, Sr.

6. RETIRED EDUCATORS HONORED ALPHONSO VARNER:

Peach County Retired Educators Association held its' monthly meeting Monday, January 5, 2009.

Mrs. Beverly Roberts, President of Georgia Retired Educators Association was the special guest. She informed the Unit of goals, which are being implemented under her leadership.

One of the goals is to honor a retired educator with a "Golden Key Award" at each Unit in Georgia.

Mrs. Gloria Harris, Unit President read the criteria for the recipient of the award which reads, "In appreciation of continuous exemplary fellowship, service, and support and for opening the door of opportunity for so many others."

Alphonso B. Varner, affectionately called "Hubba, Hubba," was selected by his peers to be honored. He graciously thanked the attendees for this distinguished honor.

7. THE AMEC STRATEGIC PLANNING CORE COMMITTEE (SPCC) - CONTINUING IN STEP WITH OUR ‘ZION:

Since September 2002, the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC) has been engaged in an international Strategic Planning initiative, gathering and analyzing data in the AMEC around the world; laboring to assure the continued growth and development of the church for the future. During the 48th Quadrennial Session of the AMEC, held at the Americas Center in St. Louis, MO, July 4 – 11; 2008, the members of the delegation recognized the value and importance of the work of the Strategic Planning Core Committee (SPCC) of the AMEC. As a result, the members of the delegation voted to continue the efforts of the SPCC, making it an adjunct committee to the AMEC General Board.

With excitement and anticipation, the members of this newly formed adjunct committee held its organizational meeting on Monday, December 8, 2008, during the AMEC General Board and Bishops’ Council Meeting at the Convention center in North Charleston, South Carolina. The Strategic Planning Commission Chairperson, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, lead the charge as the group began its work.
Bishop McKenzie opened the meeting by familiarizing newly appointed members and reminding veteran members of this committee of the accomplishments that had already been realized through the power of God, the work of this committee; and, the blessings of the Bishops’ Council and General Conference delegations in both 2004 and 2008.

The initial report of the SPCC was presented to and accepted by the 47th Quadrennial Conference delegation in July 2004 in Indianapolis, IN. As a result of the initial findings and report of the SPCC, the delegation passed eleven (11) of the thirty – nine (39) bills presented and accepted the forty – seven recommendations for implementation. In 2008, the delegation of the 48th Quadrennial Conference passed an additional five (5) bills presented and voted to make the SPCC an adjunct committee of the AMEC General Board.

Following a very productive meeting, the Strategic Planning Committee presented the following report to the General Board and Council of Bishops:

The Organization
Bishop McKenzie appointed and charged a nominating committee to make recommendations for the organization. The following organization was recommended and accepted:

Bishop Vashti M. McKenzie, Commission Chairperson
The Rev. Dr. Lugenia Johnson, Commission Vice Chairperson
6th Episcopal District

The Rev. Cory Watts, Commission Secretary
8th Episcopal District

Miss Kelli Brown, Commission Assistant Secretary,
3rd Episcopal District

The Recommendations:

The following recommendations for the work of the SPCC and the continued growth and development of the AMEC were presented to the General Board and Council of Bishops:

The Strategic Planning Committee recommends:

1. The AME Church continue to consider the original Forty–seven recommendations contained the 2004 Strategic Planning Report as a guide for future development.

2. Each General Board Commission would look at the implementation process and use it as a resource for future growth and development of the Church.

3. The report of the mapping of the Episcopal Districts be placed on DVD and/or online for widespread use in the Church.

4. We examine the Redistricting Feasibility Draft Report Booklet as a basis for new church development and update the information during the 2010 census.

5. The church maximizes the use of current technology in an effort to become more progressive in the manner in which we seek to do ministry.

6. The AMEC adopt as a goal to allow the Strategic Planning Committee to evolve into a long range planning component to provide research, data, and statistical support for growth and development of the AME Church as a whole.

Article Submitted by the Rev. Dr. Lugenia Johnson, Senior Pastor Mount Zion AME Church – Kennesaw, GA in the Sixth Episcopal District of the AMEC.

8. NEWS AROUND THE AME CHURCH:

We are pleased to announce that the Ray of Hope Counseling Center was dedicated to the glory of God on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009. The counseling center is a ministry of Ward Chapel AME Church in Montevallo, Alabama, under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Eric C. Little; the Rt. Rev. James L. Davis, Bishop of the 9th Episcopal District.

The counseling center will provide Christian Counseling and Substance Abuse Services for the members of Ward Chapel as well as the community of Montevallo and surrounding areas. An After-School Enrichment Program is also one of the programs the center provides. For more information, visit our website at www.rayofhopecenter.org

9. THE FIRST INAUGURATION:

The Rev. Tobias L. Pace

Then Samuel said to the people, "Come, let us go to Gilgal and there reaffirm the kingship." So all the people went to Gilgal and confirmed Saul as king in the presence of the Lord. There they sacrificed fellowship offerings before the Lord, and Saul and all the Israelites held a great celebration. – 1 Samuel 11:14-15

An inauguration is a formal induction into office. It is a formal beginning or introduction. Saul was officially the first man to be inaugurated as king of Jerusalem. How he became king is quite interesting. In the eighth chapter of first Samuel it is recorded that the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel and said, “You are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.” And after that request a king was identified and selected by God.

God warned the people through Samuel that the king would not rule them according to their own wishes and interests alone, but according to his perception of the best interests of the people, the land; the world as he knew it, and himself. He would encroach on their land and their rights. He would create a staff to serve him and their salaries would be provided by the people. He would tax them. He would use their young men to fight in his army and make weapons of war. He would use their young women to sell his goods. But the people persisted and demanded for a king.

So we see in the eleventh chapter the confirmation of Saul as king and the call for the first inauguration of a king in Israel. And what did the people say? “Who was it that asked, ‘Shall Saul reign over us?’… Although the people asked for a leader, they almost immediately rejected Saul’s leadership when he decided to spare the lives of the Ammonites who the Israelites had recently defeated. But Saul with grace and compassion said, “No one shall be put to death today, for this day the Lord rescued Israel.” Saul was able to lead the Israelites to victory after the Spirit of God came upon him in power. God not only blessed Saul to lead the people, but He anointed him. There is much more to this story especially concerning Saul. But one thing we can see is this: although God did not intend for the people to be led by anyone but God, God still blessed the people with an effective leader.

Today the United States of America has inaugurated its 44th President. This president to some is like a savior, to others an anti-Christ, and to others as meaningless as any other politician. For many, including myself, this inauguration is the most important one of my lifetime thus far, because it is The First Inauguration of an African American President of the United States of America. What does this mean to me? It affirms there is still hope in a land which promises freedom and justice to all. There is hope for equality and opportunity. There is hope for liberty. Regardless of who or what Barak Obama is to you, he is, nevertheless, the President of the United States of America, with the blessings of our God to rule over this country with compassion, decisively and justly. I encourage you all, as did Samuel to “Come, let us go to Washington D.C. and there reaffirm the kingship.” Let us all join in the celebration and agree to pray that our new President be obedient and submissive to the authority of the Lord Almighty.

Read: 1 Samuel 8 – 11

Prayer: Heavenly Father, today I praise your Holy name, for you have brought to pass an event which many thought we would never see, and for some an event they never wanted to see. I pray, God, you allow our hearts and minds to be calmed and ready us for the days to come. Help us, Lord, to honor you in all we do. I seek your protection and guidance over our new leader, his family, his staff, and this nation. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen!


The Rev. Tobias L. Pace
tobias.pace@insightbb.com

10. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICES:

- Lady Tamara Gibson, first Lady of Anderson Chapel AME Church in Tallahassee, Florida recently successfully passed her nursing board exams. She is the wife of the Reverend Dr. Kyle "K.C." Gibson, senior pastor, Anderson Chapel AME Church.

Congratulatory messages can be e-mailed to: Tamaragibgon@bellsouth.net

- On Sunday January 11, 2009 our mother celebrated her 80th birthday. The event was held in a lovely community center decorated in Champaign colored roses and gold trimming. Her family gathered from as far away as Japan; children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and many friends. Our mother received tributes from Kansas State Senator David Haley, who was in attendance, made comments and read a proclamation; and from Missouri State Representative Will Kraus. It was a fun and sometimes-emotional event. Everything was beautiful and I am grateful to God for allowing us the opportunity to create a real sense of joy in our mother's life and share such a precious time with her.

Belated birthday wishes can be e-mailed to: RevHeermance@kc.rr.com

- Maurice Holloman of Minneapolis, Minnesota, the son of Mrs. Gwendolyn T. and the Reverend C. E. Jenkins (retired Presiding Elder, South Conference, 11th Episcopal District), currently the Senior Logistics Director for Neuromodulation, has accepted the project leadership role for the second phase of the Distribution Network Assessment (DNA). Maurice will report directly to the Vice President of Medtronic Operations and will be responsible for leading the implementation of recommendations from the DNA studies. He joined Medtronic in 2005 as part of the Gastroenterology/Urology organization where he led the Operation's organization.

In 2007, he joined Neuromodulation as an Operations Core Team Leader where he was responsible for representing Operations functional areas (IT, manufacturing, and supply chain) on new product commercialization teams. Prior to joining Medtronic, Maurice held significant leadership positions in Operations at Novartis, ConAgra, and Procter & Gamble. Maurice received his BA in Civil Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and his MBA from the University of Phoenix.

Congratulatory messages can be e-mailed to: maurice.holloman@medtronic.com

Or to the proud parents:

Mrs. Gwendolyn T. Jenkins: cjen615360@aol.com

The Reverend C. E. Jenkins: neal2339@aol.com

11. GENERAL OFFICER FAMILY BEREAVEMENTS NOTICE:

Mrs. Oswanna Dickerson, the mother of the Rev. Dr. Dennis Dickerson, Historiographer/Executive Director of the Department of Research and Scholarship and the Editor of The A.M.E. Church Review passed on Sunday, January 18, 2009.

Funeral Services:
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Visitation - 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Funeral to follow at 11:00 a.m.
Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church
1300 South Street
Nashville, TN 37212
(615) 256-1509
Rev. Michael D. Broadnax, Sr., pastor

Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, Eulogist
Presiding Prelate
1st Episcopal District, A.M.E. Church

Family Visitation:
Friday evening, January 23, 2009
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Lewis and Wright Funeral Directors
2500 Clarksville Hwy
Nashville, TN 37208
Phone: (615) 255-2371
Fax: (615) 255-4926

Professional Services in Nashville Entrusted to:
Lewis and Wright Funeral Directors

Service of Remembrance:
Monday, January 26, 2009
New Bethel A.M.E. Church
6153 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19142
Rev. Maurice Hughes, Pastor
Visitation: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Service at 11: a.m.

Interment to follow at: Ivy Hill Cemetery
1201 Easton Rd.
Philadelphia, PA 19150
(215) 248-4533

Professional Services in Philadelphia Entrusted to:

Congleton Funeral Home
Green & Logan Street
Philadelphia, PA 19144

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

The Scholarship Fund
Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church
1300 South Street
Nashville, TN 37212

Family Contact:
Dr. & Mrs. Dennis C. Dickerson & Family
212 Aspenwood Lane
Nashville, TN 37221
(615) 662-0531

whhbutler@cs.com

Or
MaryDickerson@comcast.net

12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Sarah Johnson, the mother of Presiding Elder Alvan N. Johnson (New York Conference, Brooklyn-West Chester District). The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

Viewing - Friday, January 23 2009

Viewing - 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Clark, Bell & Bell Funeral home
319 Barbour Street
Hartford, CT

Viewing and Funeral - Saturday, January 24, 2009

Viewing - 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Homegoing Service - 11:00 a.m.

Charles Street AME Church
551 Warren Street
Roxbury, MA 02121
Phone: 617-442-7770
Fax: 617-427-1215

The Rev. Gregory G. Groover, Pastor

Condolences may be sent to:

The Rev. Alvan N. Johnson and Family
15 Reed Court
Bloomfield, CT 06002

13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Funeral Services for the Reverend Vergie Huff, local minister at Visitors Chapel A.M.E. Church, Hot Springs, Arkansas will be held on Friday, January 23, 2009, 11:00 a.m. at Visitors Chapel AME Church.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The family of Reverend Vergie Huff
319 Church Street
Hot Springs, AR 71901
Phone: (501) 623-6873

14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We are saddened to announce the passing of Mrs. Marie Legolie, mother of the Rev Wesley A. D. Legolie III (Western Cape, South Africa). Mrs. Legolie went home to be with the Lord on the 16th January 2009 after a prolonged illness. We ask the AME Church family for their prayers as we struggle through this very difficult time.

Pending service arrangements will be shared.

Professional services are being provided by:
Doves Funerals
9 Bethel Street
Paarl, 7646
+27 (21) 872 6491
blackie.swart@doves.co.za
www.doves.co.za

Family Contact:
34 Tarentaal Street
Hillcrest
Wellington, 7655
Western Cape, South Africa
+27 (21) 864 2908 (home)
E-mail: legolie@mweb.co.za (The Rev W Legolie)

15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We are saddened to announce the passing of Mr. Donald Mitchem, Sr. He was the brother of the Reverend Karen Carter, pastor of Shekina Glory AME Church, Louisville, KY.

Service Arrangements:
Friday, January 23, 2009
Wake: 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
Funeral: 12:00 Noon
W P Porter Mortuary
2611 Virginia Ave.
Louisville, Kentucky 40211
Phone: (502) 775-5555

Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Karen Y. Carter
1524 Prentice
Louisville, KY 40210
karencrtr4@yahoo.com

16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We are saddened to announce the passing of Mr. James Vasser, who went home to be with the Lord at noon on Friday, January 16, 2009. Mr. Vasser was the 101 year-old grandfather of the Rev. Delphine L. Vasser, Pastor of St. John AME Church-Mexia, Texas (Northwest Texas Conference-Paul Quinn District), the Rev. Dr. Marshall S. Hobbs, Sr., Presiding Elder; the Rt. Rev. Gregory G.M. Ingram, Presiding Bishop.

His Homegoing Celebration will be at 11:00 A.M. - Thursday, January 22, 2009 at:
Bethel United Methodist Church
1309 North Ballenger
Flint, Michigan 48504
Ph: (810) 238-3843

Mr. James Vasser's final earthly care has been entrusted to the:
Lawrence E. Moon Mortuary
906 W. Flint Park Blvd
Flint, Michigan 48505
Phone: (810) 789-6666

Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Delphine L. Vasser
5440 N. Jim Miller Road, Apt. #834
Dallas, TX 75227
Cell Phone: (214) 577-6264

17. 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

18. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:

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

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (1/15/09)

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 – AN ANSWER AND CLARIFICATION TO A QUESTION ABOUT LOVE FOR THE AME CHURCH:

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

Last week's editorial, "I am not a Baptist, I am not a Pentecostal and I am not a member of a nondenominational church…" precipitated a response from one of our readers who asked for clarification. He asked, "I would like to know what you mean when you say, "They (the Pentecostals) can do the Pentecostal thing better than we can?” He went on to ask, "... are you referring to their form of praise and worship and how they allow God to let them operate their worship services with various gifts of the spirit?”

The second part of his question raised more questions and affirms my need to clarify the intent of the editorial.

I am happy for the person who has chosen to be member of another denomination and that is their choice.

When I stated, "I am not a Baptist, I am not a Pentecostal and I am not a member of a nondenominational church…," it had nothing to do with how the parishioners of those churches respond in worship. I don’t see those churches as being more spiritual than AME Churches. Let me dispel the notion that Pentecostals and other non-Methodist churches have a “copyright” on spirited worship and the manifestation of the various gifts of the Holy Spirit. The African Methodist Episcopal Church as I have known it; has always celebrated praise and worship. I have seen parishioners shout on the Decalogue; and the preaching in AME Churches is second to none.

The issue for me is “Free” worship vs. "Liturgical” worship; and liturgical worship in the African Methodist Episcopal Church has always had space for the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

In talking about liturgy and worship, I am saddened when AME pastors try to impose “Free” worship in a liturgical worship environment, and I am specifically referring to some of our pastors who have abandoned the liturgy, traditions, and practices of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. We are not a “Free Church” and our pastors have not, for the most part, been trained in “Free” worship tradition. That’s the distinction I was attempting to make. The Pentecostals can do the “Free” worship form better than we can because they have been trained to do so and it’s their tradition. And, perhaps the time has come for the AME Church, as the United Methodist Church has done, to closer screen the seminaries that we allow and approve our ministerial candidates to attend.

So what is Free Church Worship?

The Free Church worship experience is quite different from Liturgical Worship. Worship in the Free Church tradition can differ from Sunday to Sunday. While the Free Church worship components include hymns, scripture, prayer, announcements, a sermon, invitation to discipleship or tarrying for the Holy Ghost and a free-will offering; there is no set order of worship or rituals, and most often their clerics do not wear religious garments.

Baptists are the largest of the Free Church denominations; others include, Church of Christ, Church of God, Church of God in Christ, Bible Churches, Assemblies of God, the United Church of Christ, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Charismatic groups, other Pentecostal churches, and many non- denominational churches. Generally, the Free Church denominations do not use books of worship, the lectionary or other resources for worshippers; they refuse to use worship service books because they see it as a violation of their worship freedom.

The African Methodist Episcopal Church along with other mainline or liturgical denominations that include other Methodist bodies, Lutherans, Reformed, the Episcopal Church, and Presbyterian bodies follow an order of worship that gives stability and order to worship; and that is the purpose of our AME Order of Worship."

I like order in worship, but I also like expressive worship. I grew up with folks shouting and getting happy. I love that kind of worship expression, but, at the same time, I don’t expect that everyone will respond the same way to the unction of the Holy Spirit; some will pat their feet, some will rock back and forth, others will shout and still others will be reflective. The AME Church allows freedom in worship.

For me, touching the worshipper next to me is not a priority in worship; in worship, I am trying to connect with God and to commit my life to God so that I will be obedient to God’s Word so that I can love my neighbor and treat others as God would want me to treat others throughout the week. I want to be obedient to the Summary of the Decalogue, as well as to the Decalogue.

Some AME clergy may need to be reminded that Methodism grew out of holiness. We are probably the first Protestant body (Methodism) to embrace holiness, and I think, either some of our pastors and members do not know that, or we have forgotten that part of our heritage. I want our pastors and members to know our heritage and to remain faithful to our spiritual traditions.

I, personally, don’t mind creativity in worship, but I do object when pastors indiscriminately dismantle the AME liturgy because they have not taken the time to discover why the liturgical elements were initially and eventually put into the worship ritual. I don’t mind innovation, but in the end, when I attend an AME worship service, anywhere in the world; I need to know that I have attended an AME worship service.

I want to close with my response to the question of the reader who precipitated this editorial, when he asked, “Are you referring to their (Pentecostal worship) form of praise and worship and how they allow God to let them operate their worship services with various gifts of the spirit?”

The AME Church, at least the ones I attended, pastored, and one I attend today, have all had praise and worship with evidences of the various gifts of the Holy Spirit.

The African Methodist Episcopal Church, when pastored correctly, with gifted pastoral leadership, is a liturgical Church that allows the presence and function of the Holy Spirit. I am glad that, “I am not a Baptist, I am not a Pentecostal and I am not a member of a nondenominational church; I am a Methodist and more specifically I am an African Methodist, and I am glad about it!”

If you are a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, I hope that you are glad to be an AME too!

If you are not a member of a church and love liturgy, order and Holy Spirit-filled worship services, visit an AME Church in your area. We have some great AME Churches all over the world, so wherever you go, you will be connected to African Methodism.

2. TENNESSEE GOVERNOR BREDESEN APPOINTS JOHN WESTLEY MCCLARTY, AN AME, TO THE COURT OF APPEALS:

NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen today (1/15/09) appointed John Westley McClarty, a member of Warren Chapel AME Church in Chattanooga, to the Tennessee Court of Appeals, Eastern Section.

McClarty, who is a solo practitioner in Chattanooga, fills a vacancy created in September by the Governor’s appointment of Sharon Gail Lee to the Tennessee Supreme Court.

“John McClarty has developed extensive civil and criminal trial experience in his career, and I am confident he will carry out his duties on the Court of Appeals in the same thoughtful and professional manner in which he has practiced law in Tennessee for more than 30 years,” said Bredesen. “I am pleased to appoint John to this seat, and I appreciate his willingness to serve in this position.”

McClarty, 60, has been a member of the Chattanooga Bar Association and the Chattanooga Trial Lawyers Association since 1976. A member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and the National Bar Association, he received a Bachelor of Science from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tenn., and a Juris Doctor Degree from the Southern University School of Law in Baton Rouge, La.

“I am honored to be appointed by Governor Bredesen to serve the citizens of Tennessee on the Court of Appeals,” said McClarty. “I will bring to this appointment a commitment to equal justice under the law for all parties and my belief that the business of the court should be conducted in a manner that demonstrates respect and dignity for all who come before it.”

A U.S. Army veteran, McClarty received the Army Good Conduct Medal and the Army Commendation Medal for his service. He served previously as Chair of the Tennessee Registry of Election Finance and the Hamilton County Police Department Civil Service Board.

McClarty is a lifetime member of the NAACP and associate pastor of the Warren Chapel AME Church.

3. THE INVESTITURE OF BISHOP PAUL J. M. KAWIMBE, PRESIDENT OF THE GLOBAL COUNCIL OF BISHOPS:

Monday, December 8, 2008 at 7 p.m., at the Convention Center in North Charleston, South Carolina, the connectional African Methodist Episcopal Church convened to invest Bishop Paul J.M. Kawimbe as President of the global Council of Bishops. Approximately one thousand attendees gathered to witness this remarkable international event. Nineteen presiding Bishops of the global A.M.E. Church, which now extends to 5 continents, were present in North Charleston, along with a host of retired Bishops, General Officers, pastors, clergy, laity, family and friends.

Special presentations were made on behalf of U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn, 6th Congressional District (South Carolina), and Ambassador Dr. Ingonge Mbikusita-Lewanika, Zambian Ambassador to the United States. Also in attendance were a plethora of economic, social and political leaders from throughout South Carolina and the world.

Bishop Paul Kawimbe currently presides in Africa over the 17th Episcopal District which encompasses Burundi, Congo Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda and Zambia. A native of Lusaka, Zambia, Bishop Kawimbe represents an important expansion in indigenous African leadership within the A.M.E. Church. Interestingly, Bishop Kawimbe believes that the current greatest potential for A.M.E. Church growth exists on his native continent of Africa, where the A.M.E. Church is expanding exponentially.

Monday evening, Bishop Paul J.M. Kawimbe and Supervisor Yvonne C.M. Kawimbe literally danced down the red carpet as they entered the grand ballroom to a rousing round of cheers and applause. Holding hands they two-stepped their way up the aisle to a beautiful African song with all banquet attendees standing on their feet dancing and clapping in time.

The Master and Mistress of Ceremony were the Rev. Paul Mugala, Senior Pastor, and the Rev. Faith Mugala, Associate Minister of Pleasant Valley A.M.E. Church, Detroit Michigan. The welcome was offered by Bishop Preston W. Williams II, Presiding Prelate of the 7th Episcopal District and Host Bishop of the investiture event who stated, “We thank you for your presence here in South Carolina and ask that you pray for the wisdom and well-being of Bishop Paul J.M. Kawimbe as he is invested as President of the global Council of Bishops.” Bishop Williams played an integral role in the election of Bishop Kawimbe as the 121st consecrated Bishop of the A.M.E. Church, and both Bishops share a reciprocal father-son spiritual relationship.

A section of the program entitled ‘the occasion” was given by Mr. Nicholas Chilukuta, Bethel A.M.E. Church, Lusaka, Zambia. Reflections of Bishop Kawimbe as a teacher were presented by Dr. Osbert Sikazwe, Bethel A.M.E. Church Lusaka, Zambia; Bishop Kawimbe as a leader by the Rev. Moses Achola, Pastor, Bethel A.M.E. Church Nakuru, Kenya; Bishop as an advocate by the Rev. Dr. James Webb, former pastor, Bethel A.M.E. Church Lusaka, Zambia; Bishop as a family man by Mr. Emmanuel & Master Joshua Kawimbe, sons of Bishop Paul & Supervisor Yvonne Kawimbe; and Bishop as a friend by the Rev. Dr. Ricky Spain, retired General Officer, A.M.E. Church. A special tribute to Supervisor Yvonne Kawimbe was offered by Mrs. Amy Sikazwe, Maranatha A.M.E. Church, Lusaka, Zambia, and the keynote speech delivered by the Rev. Dr. Frank Madison Reid III, Pastor, Bethel A.M.E. Church, Baltimore, Maryland.

Toward the close of the evening, Bishop Kawimbe offered his acceptance address and rhetorically asked, “What legacy will we leave for those who come after us?” Bishop Kawimbe encouraged his fellow Bishops, and all leaders of the church on all levels, to continue challenging themselves to find new ways of meeting the ever-changing needs of this 21st century world. As the attendees filed out of the banquet hall, all knew that they had witnessed an intellectually stimulating, culturally broadening, and spiritually inspiring event.

The following afternoon, Tuesday, December 9, Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr. of Charleston, SC, sponsored a luncheon for the A.M.E. leadership during which he presented a resolution on behalf of the city of Charleston honoring Bishop Kawimbe’s investment as President of the Council of Bishops.

The resolution read: Whereas the 7th Episcopal District served as the Host District for the General Board of the Global African Methodist Episcopal Church, December 7-9, 2008, at the North Charleston Convention Center; and The Right Reverend Paul J. M. Kawimbe, Presiding Prelate of the 17th Episcopal District, was invested as the President of the Global Council of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church on December 8, 2008; and the Right Reverend Paul J.M. Kawimbe serves areas of Burundi, Congo Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda and Zambia; and also serves as a Zambian Religious Diplomat; and in addition to The Right Reverend Paul J. M. Kawimbe’s regular service, he has given generously of his time and effort in the support of many worthy organizations: Board Chair of Agape Credit Services; Board Chair of New Development Communication Consultancy Agency; Board Chair of Lusaka Clean Environment; Vice Chair, Board of Governors, Damishael Christian Academy; Board Member Bible Society of Zambia; and member of the Global Evangelical Accrediting Commission; and with the love and encouragement of his wife, Yvonne C. M. Kawimbe, and fine family, the Right Reverend Paul J. M. Kawimbe has been a powerful influence for good and has earned and justly deserves this honor for his many years of service to the African Methodist Episcopal Church; I, Joseph P. Riley, Jr., Mayor, City of Charleston, do hereby extend to the Right Reverend Paul J.M. Kawimbe sincere congratulations and further extend my very best wishes for many successful years ahead.

Article by Benjamin Harrison, Public Relations Director, 7th District A.M.E. Church
www.prdirector@ame7.org

4. PRECIOUS MEMORIES: OUR CHURCH, OUR HISTORY AND OUR CULTURE IN THE AGE OF OBAMA:

By Dr. Frank M. Reid, III
Senior Pastor – Bethel AME Church – Baltimore
February 2009

One of the historic moments in Gospel music history was when Aretha Franklin and James Cleveland did a gospel album together. Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, was at the heights of her power. James Cleveland was the Godfather/King of gospel music and the two of them teaming up excited those in the church and the streets. This historic collaboration was an act of remembering.

Young Aretha grew up singing in the Detroit church where her father, the Rev. C. L. Franklin, was the pastor. Yet, Pastor Franklin was much more than just a pastor. He was one of Black America's most popular preachers and leaders. Records and later, tapes of his sermons were sold and listened to throughout the nation. It was in the New Bethel Baptist Church, the church her father founded, that Aretha was filled with the spirit and that would later transform her into the Queen of Soul. It was while listening to her father preach powerful messages that intertwined deep thought, deep emotions and pragmatic action that she learned how her unique skills and talents could be used to inspire people to make a difference and change the world.

On Tuesday, January 20, 2009, this daughter of the Black church and a preeminent Black preacher sang on the steps of the Capitol as part of President Obama's inauguration ceremony. Her very presence and powerful musical presentation at the Inauguration is a reminder of how important the past is in the present. It is a reminder of the day that Mahalia Jackson sang in the shadow of the Lincoln Monument and Martin Luther King, Jr. thundered I Have a Dream! It is a reminder to remember the influence that the past has in shaping the present and the future.

Aretha's roots in the black church tradition are a reminder of the significant role that the black church plays and continues to play in American and African American history. The black church is the foundation of African-American freedom, development and success. African-American Christianity is the mother of our music, the inspiration for our educational quest, the foundation of our politics and the institution that encouraged and organized our early economic development strategies. The black church gave us the vision and values that increased our strength for the struggle. In short, it helped us survive until the doors were opened for us to succeed.

Today, those "Precious Memories" are being lost. Secularized post-modern African-American culture seeks to demean, diminish the contributions of black church, and African-American sacred culture. These proponents of cultural deconstruction want us to forget slavery, the struggle, our spirituality, survival strategies and success. They are hoping that a combination of cultural amnesia and intellectual Alzheimer’s will make people forget the dream.

A few weeks ago, Dr. Harold A. Carter, Sr. , pastor of the New Shiloh Baptist Church in Baltimore, and I were talking about the then President-elect’s journey to the White House. Dr. Carter, who knew Doctor King personally, talked about how if you closed your eyes when Obama speaks, you can hear the cadence and structure of Dr. King. Indeed, Dr. Carter shared that in many ways, President Obama is a secularized version of Dr. King. As I thought about the conversation, I looked at the process of Joseph’s life and discovered that initially, Joseph was a dreamer. His dreams led him into slavery, servitude and imprisonment. That period of Joseph’s life is what I call “Joseph's King stage.”

Then Joseph became an interpreter of dreams. At the 2004 Democratic Convention, in the speech that brought him to the nation’s attention, Obama interpreted the American Dream in such a dynamic way that when he ran for President, this interpreter of dreams was elevated to administer the achievement of that dream. All of this was built upon the foundation of the culture, history and destiny of the African-American church at its best.

When I traveled to Israel over a decade ago, I was struck by the number of times I would see the following words: Never Forget! It hit me that much of the power of the Hebrew Bible is built upon one word, “Remember!”

During this historic season, I encourage you to “Remember.” Remember who God is and how good God has been to you. Remember where your family came from and where it is going. Remember how Jesus has never left or forsaken you. Remember your past, thank God for your present and move boldly into your future.

The words to Precious Memories were written by the legendary Roberta Martin and Georgia Jones. When King James and Queen Aretha sang the words, their soul power combined with these words are a moving combination:

Precious mem---ries
How they linger,
How they ever flood my soul,
In the stillness
of the midnight
Sacred secrets He'll unfold.

Precious mem-ries
How I prize them
As the weary years unfold
Jesus whispers,
"I'll be with you."
What a comfort to my soul.

When I heard New Shiloh Deacon, Larry Young, Radio station WOLB talk show celebrity and former State Senator, close out his prayer for President Obama’s inauguration with these precious memories, I was once again deeply moved and touched by the power of remembering.

Senator Young declared, "The Rev. Nat turner will open the inaugural celebration in heaven with prayers of thanksgiving, while John Brown assures his sons that the Harper's Ferry was not the beginning and that this Inaugural Ball will not be the end, but the dawn of a new beginning. Now, there's a grand foursome--Malcolm X and Betty Shabazz sharing laughs with Martin and Coretta Scott King. And my goodness; is that Rosa Parks out there on the dance floor with A. Philip Randolph? Seated at a nearby table, Frederick Douglass has a captive audience in W.E.B. Dubois and Fannie Lou Hamer; and Medgar Evers has just joined them.

Marian Anderson was asked to sing tonight, but she only agreed to do it if accompanied by Marvin Gaye, John Lennon and Jimi Hendrix. Look, there's Harriet Tubman. No one knows how she arrived, but there she is. And my guess is that, when the time comes, no one will see her leave.

Has anyone seen the Father of black America, Richard Allen the founder of the free African Society and the first bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church? Why, there he is with his partner Absalom Jones...

Thank God for Precious Memories.

5. THE STRUGGLES OF MORRIS BROWN COLLEGE ARE THE STRUGGLES OF THE AME CHURCH:

*Mr. John Thomas III

Last month another chapter in the tragic saga of Morris Brown was written as institution officials struggled to find money to turn the water back on for renting basketball players from Atlanta Metro College. While the necessary funds were raised, the students left because of the water outage. And if this situation wasn’t bad enough, Jordan Hall—a principal piece of campus real estate—found itself on the auction block. Thankfully, school officials were able to negotiate a reprieve in order to reach a lasting arrangement with the bond holders. In contrast to these dark tidings, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution continues to report stories of loyal supporters— including a teenager named Terrence McKenzie who contributed his trip money for Barack Obama’s inauguration to save his mother’s alma mater. While many persons and churches have given to Morris Brown in its time of need, more commitment is needed from the denomination that gave birth to this “haven for hungry souls.”

Morris Brown is an intrinsic part of our missionary work. It is a tangible manifestation of Richard Allen and Daniel Payne’s desire to minister not only to the spirit but to the mind. Indeed, I wouldn’t be typing this article today if it were not for Morris Brown. My father, aunts and countless other relatives passed through her halls. My family story is but one of tens of thousands. While the efforts of Bishop William DeVeaux, Dr. Stanley Pritchett and their collective staff have been truly Herculean, the Connectional AME Church can and must do more.

I remember the urgent appeals made for Morris Brown’s survival after the debt troubles ballooned and several actions taken by the AME Church CFO Richard Lewis. Yet, a comprehensive strategy to save Morris Brown involving the entire Connection never emerged. The situation at the school is no less dire now, but it appears that the AME Church’s attention has wandered. The school’s debt of millions is daunting. Compared to the money we raise to sit, talk and dine at Connectional meetings, however, it’s a drop in the bucket. (If you doubt this, ask the Connectional Meeting Planner). If we are to save Morris Brown, it must become a Connectional priority. Terrence McKenzie’s sacrifice is a model for us all. Our Bishops and lay leaders need to develop a plan to give Bishop DeVeaux and Dr. Pritchett the financial resources for this situation.

Money, as we well know, does not resolve all issues. The situation at Morris Brown is a wake-up call to the AME Church to be a better steward of its institutions of higher education. At some point all of our institutions of higher learning have had a crisis—many of them avoidable. If the vision of Allen, Payne and countless others is to survive, the AME Connection together must make honest appraisals and decisions about the future of the AME Church involvement in higher education. Without a clear vision, it is only a matter of time before our schools perish.

*John Thomas III is a Ph.D. Graduate Student in the Department of Political Science at the University of Chicago and a member of the General Board Commission on Seminaries, Universities, Colleges and Schools

6. AFRICAN AMERICAN BOYS CAN LEARN SOMETHING FROM PRESIDENT OBAMA:

*Dr. James B. Ewers, Jr.

President Barack Obama’s victory meant a lot to all Americans. His candidacy resulted in more new registered voters than at any other time in American history.

As we reflect now on his Democratic primary battle with Senator Hillary Clinton it is safe to say that this country was energized by seeing a woman and an African American compete for the highest office in the land. I believe that women everywhere hailed the accomplishments of Senator Clinton. Young girls are now thinking that they could someday become president of the United States of America.

It is in that same vein that I think young African American boys have also been buoyed by President Obama’s achievement. To my mind, I hope that that the bar has been raised for African American boys.

There are many aspects of President Obama’s demeanor that can serve as a road map for young African American boys. Obviously there are both seen and unseen traits that he has. At or near the top is self-respect. His self-respect did not just begin when he became successful. He had it as a child. As we all know, he was raised primarily by his mother and his grandparents. He also developed goals and had dreams at an early age. Somewhere in his thought process was that he had to factor in getting an education in order to achieve his goals. His respect for other people is tied to his own self-respect.

Throughout his march to the presidency, we saw that people of both races along with the young and the old were attracted to him. One of my old expressions is that in order to get respect, you must first be willing to give respect. I have long held the opinion that respect is earned and is not an entitlement. Obama has been able to move effortlessly through environments where the vast majority of people, at times, have not looked like him.

Another character trait that has endeared President Obama to the American electorate is his grace under fire. He had the ability throughout to deal with pressure packed moments and not show his agitation or frustration. As he said early on folks were examining his kindergarten papers yet he remained unruffled. His critics attacked the fact that he was black, yet he was undaunted.

One of the most defining moments for me was the speech that he gave on race in Philadelphia. It was thoughtful and eloquent; yet it is unfortunate that in 2009, race is still at the windowsill of our discontent. In his Philadelphia speech, he made his enemies his footstool and did it in such a respectable manner that he won over even more supporters.

His inner qualities and his outward appearance was simply a winning combination. His adroitness when it came to his communication skills certainly gave him a clear and distinct advantage. The naysayers of course said that “anybody” can give a good speech. Of course when you are losing you tend to make those kinds of statements. Obama’s appearance was always presidential with or without a suit and his trademark white shirt and stripped tie. His level of confidence transcended whatever he wore.

I hope young black boys have been paying attention and have learned something positive during this two year process that has led Barack Obama to become this nation’s 44th President. Do they see him as a role model? If the answer is yes, then self-respect and character must become more important in their lives.

African American parents and love-providers must become more proactive and we must raise our own level of expectation about what we expect; and more importantly what we are willing to do about it.

It is exciting that President-elect Barack will be in the White House soon, but it also means that each of us must take care of our house too.

While some will call it “uppity” it is imperative that our young men learn to speak correctly. We still have far too many African American young men who don’t see the advantage in speaking standard English. If young African males want to enjoy the many fruits of success, they will first, have to learn how to master the English language.

Not all black boys will go to Harvard Law School like Obama, but at a bare minimum, they must graduate from high school and get a job with a training component and advancement to it. Having at least an associate’s degree is now being seen as a means to achieve a decent quality of life.

Wearing droopy pants and oversized jackets will not help young African American men get jobs or respect.

Young African American males will not be a participant of President Barack Obama’s mantra of, “Yes we can,” when they are standing on the corner of despair and disappointment; and lamenting the system.

As African American males, we all have choices. I was young once and I, too, had some choices to make. Many of us older black men had the good sense to listen to our elders and followed their rules for success.

Young African American males can see someone who looks like them as President of the United States of America. But in all of their jubilation and exhilaration they must remember one thing and that is success won’t grab them, they must grab success.

*James B. Ewers, Jr., Ed.D is Associate Dean for Student Affairs and the Director of Community Partnerships at Miami University, Middletown, Ohio.

7. KENTUCKY LIBRARY AND MUSEUM KENTUCKY STREET BOWLING GREEN, KENTUCKY:

SATURDAY, JANUARY 24, 2009
9:00 AM -2:00 PM

Western Kentucky University and the Kentucky African American Encyclopedia Project will present a symposium on black life and culture in the Commonwealth.

The keynote speaker will be Dr. Dennis C. Dickerson, Professor, Vanderbilt University and author of Militant Mediator: Whitney M. Young Jr. The book has been named as Distinguished Book by the National Conference of Black Political Scientists. Dr. Dickerson teaches American and African American history at Vanderbilt University and is a member of Vanderbilt’s Religious Studies Department. An ordained minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, he has served president of the American Society of Church History and serves as Executive Director of Research and Scholarship/Historiographer for the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

In addition to his many publications and books, he serves as the Editor of The A.M.E Church Review, one of the oldest (1884 to the present)) scholarly church journals.

Dr. Dickerson is also a candidate to become a bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Other presenters at the Symposium sessions include:

Maxine Ray, New Era Planning Committee, Bowling Green, Kentucky;
Mike Morrow, West Kentucky African American Heritage and Research
Center, Russellville, Kentucky; Dr. Saundra Ardrey, Associate Professor and head of the WKU Department of Political Science; Dr. Patricia Minter, Associate Professor, WKU Department of History and Karen McDaniel, Visiting Assistant Professor in the EKU African American Studies/Women Studies Programs and General Co-editor of the Kentucky African American Encyclopedia.

All sessions are free and open to the public. Refreshments and lunch will be provided.

For more information, contact Dr. John Hardin, 270.745.2233 or via e-mail: john.hardin@wku.edu

8. AN OPEN INVITATION FOR PERSONS TO ATTEND TWO EVENTS SPONSORED BY THE WORLD METHODIST EVANGELISM INSTITUTE OF THE WORLD METHODIST COUNCIL:

Submitted by the Rt. Rev. John White, Ecumenical Officer for the AME Church

Two coming evangelism events for this year at which pastors and lay persons are invited to attend:

1. The New Zealand Evangelism Seminar in New Zealand from April 28 – May 4, 2009, and,

2. The Africa South Evangelism Seminar in South Africa from August 18-26, 2009.

These evangelism conferences are part of a series of World Methodist/Wesleyan seminars being held around the world as we focus on God’s witness through our worldwide movement and developing missionary and missional congregations in our movement. The theme of each conference is: “That the World May Know Jesus Christ.” Please put these dates on your calendar, pray for our plans, and recommend these conferences to your pastors and lay persons.
The New Zealand Evangelism Seminar will take place from April 25 – May 5, 2009 (travel dates included) in Auckland, New Zealand, including the post conference tour. The early bird registration deadline with a $260.00 registration fee is February 22, based on a first-come first-served basis. The $450.00 per person room/board/tour costs due by April 1. The initial $100.00 airfare deposit is also due February 22 and the rest of the airfare of only $1,650.00. Our travel agent can also arrange special connecting flights at reduced cost.

The Africa South Evangelism Seminar will take place from August 14-27, 2009 (travel dates included) in Johannesburg, South Africa, including the pre-seminar tour. The early bird registration deadline with a $250.00 registration fee is March 25, based on a first-come first-served basis. The $500.00 per person room/board/tour costs due by July 27. The initial $100.00 airfare deposit is also due March 25 and the rest of the airfare of only $1,500.00. Our travel agent can also arrange special connecting flights at reduced cost.

Delegates should register on our website at wmei@emory.edu or you may wish to send nominations by email.

We pray for you and your Conference. Please feel free to copy these materials and send to key persons in your Conference.

Winston O. R. Worrell, Director
World Methodist Evangelism Institute
1256 Briarcliff Road
Atlanta, GA 30306
Tel.: 404-727-6344
FAX: 404-727-5236

9. ORANGE COUNTY CALIFORNIA PREPARES FOR “OC REV. MARTIN L. KING WEEK”:

The Rev. Mark Whitlock

The Black and Jewish Community celebrate the life of Rev. Dr. Martin L. King”

WHAT: Christ Our Redeemer Church hosts the tenth annual “OC King Week.” OC King Week is a series of events scheduled to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King. “There would be no President Barack Obama if not for Rev. Dr. Martin L. King”, says Rev. Mark Whitlock

WHO: Confirmed groups and participants include: Anti Defamation League (ADL), UCI Olive Tree Initiative, Irvine Multi-Cultural Association, UCI Students, OC Ministerial Alliance, Oden Commission, OC NAACP, OC Black Chamber of Commerce, 100 Black Men of OC, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, KJLH Radio, KOCE Public Television and Southern California Edison.

WHEN and WHERE: OC KING A Day of Dialogue: UCI Olive Tree Initiative, ADL and COR hosts a community forum between Muslim, Jews, and Blacks concerning strained relations in the Middle East. This coalition for peace in the Middle East believes in King’s non violent approach.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009, 7 pm at COR

OC King Film Festival: “Citizen King” A PBS Video explores the last few years of Dr. Martin L. King’s life beyond the civil rights movement, to become a champion of the poor and opponent to the war in Vietnam. This program is designed for youth and young adults. Dinner will be served. No charge.

Friday, January 16, 2009, 7 pm at COR

OC KING Day at COR: Dr. Richard Rose, University of LaVerne is scheduled to speak at COR’s Dr. King Day Service. The Irvine Multi-Cultural Association is being honored by COR for outstanding service to Orange County Community.

Sunday, January 18, 2009, 10:30 am at COR

OC King Lunch and Learn Event: COR sponsors a luncheon with the Irvine Multi-Cultural Association to gain a greater understanding of Dr. King. Dr. Richard Rose from University of LaVerne will lead a discussion on race relations in a post Barack Obama election era.
Sunday, January 18, 2009, 1 pm at COR

The 10th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Scholarship Gospel Concert at the University Synagogue: Gospel recording artists, Christ Our Redeemer AME Church Choir, University Synagogue Choir, Bryant Temple AME Church, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority steppers, and the Dr. King Man and Woman of the Year Awards ceremony.

Sunday, January 18, 2009, 5 pm at the University Synagogue, 3400 Michelson, Irvine, CA

OC King Worship Celebration: The Minister’s Conference Fellowship of OC sponsors the largest worship service honoring the life of Dr. Martin Luther King in Southern CA.

Monday, January 19, 2009, 11 am at Second Baptist Church, 4300 Westminster Blvd., Santa Ana, CA

About COR Church - Christ Our Redeemer African Methodist Episcopal (COR) Church is a multi-cultural and multi-racial church in Orange County. COR is the largest AME Church in Orange County.

For more information about OC King Week, call Rev. Mark Whitlock, Senior Minister, Christ Our Redeemer Church at (949) 955-0014.

Christ Our Redeemer AME Church
46 Maxwell
Irvine, California 92618

10. AN INVITATION FROM UNITED THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY:

The United Theological Seminary invites you to its January Intensive that will be held January 26-30 in Trotwood, Ohio (near Dayton). Many exciting preachers and lecturers will speak on the topic, “Training and Equipping Youth for Evangelism.” Bishop Violet Fisher will preach at the opening worship on Monday, January 26, at 11:00 at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, 5301 Free Pike, Trotwood, Ohio.

For a complete review of all speakers and locations, please click here: http://united.edu/academics/dminschedule0109.shtml

All events are free and open to the Public and no reservations are necessary.

The Rev. Josephine Whitely-Fields, Ph.D
Associate Dean of Doctoral Studies
United Theological Seminary
4501 Denlinger Road
Trotwood, OH 45426

Phone: 937-529-2201 X 3800
Fax: 937-529-2296
jwhitelyfields@united.edu

11. HOTEL INFORMATION FOR GOD FIRST-HOLY CONVOCATION AND PASTORS’ CONFERENCE:

The Renaissance Convention Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma is fully booked for the “God First - Holy Convocation and Pastor's Conference” that will be held in the 12th Episcopal District on March 5-7, 2009.

Please find overflow hotel information below:

Homewood Suites by Hilton - (Located one block from the Renaissance Convention Center), telephone: 918-392-7700; Rate: $104.00 + Tax

Dates Available for Reservations: (Check-In) - Wednesday, March 4, 2009 - (Check-Out) Saturday, March 7, 2009

Suites Available:
1 Bedroom King
1 Bedroom Queen

Group Name for Reservations - African Methodist Episcopal Church

Marriott Spring Hill Suites - (Located directly across the street from the Renaissance Convention Center), telephone: 918-254-1777; Rate: $104.00 + Tax

Dates Available for Reservations: (Check-In) Wednesday, March 4, 2009 - (Check-out) Saturday, March 7, 2009

Suites Available:
King Suite
Double Queen Suite

Group Name for Reservations - African Methodist Episcopal Church

For more information, call: 918-855-1727 and ask for Ms. Michelle K.T. Moulden

12. THE 14TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2009 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:

The Right Reverend David Rwhynica Daniels, Presiding Prelate
Mrs. Irene Moifoi Daniels, Episcopal Supervisor

COTE D’IVOIRE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
February 12, 2009 WMS Annual Convention
February 13-15, 2009 Annual Conference
Host Church: Bryant AME Church
Vridi-Canal, Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire, West Africa
Host Pastor: The Rev. Kenneth Ansah
Host Presiding Elder: Rev. Shadrach Adamptey

NIGERIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
February 19, 2009 WMS Annual Convention
February 20-22, 2009 Annual Conference
Host Church: Bethel AME Church, Iju-Lagos
Host Pastor: The Rev. Boniface Essien
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. D. O. Sam

GDC- - GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
February 25-27, 2009
Manzini, Swaziland (18th Episcopal District)

TOGO/BENIN ANNUAL CONFERENCE
March 5, 2009 WMS Annual Convention
March 6-8, 2009 Annual Conference
Host Church: Norris AME Church
Lome, Togo, West Africa
Host Pastor: The Rev. John Afawoubo
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Julien Segniagbeto

SIERRA LEONE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
March 18, 2009 WMS Annual Convention
March 19-22, 2009 Annual Conference
Host Church: Bishop Howard AME Church
Host Pastor: The Rev Eric Jones
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev Isaac Showers
Host District: Freetown District

GHANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
March 11, 2009 WMS Annual Convention
March 12-15, 2009 Annual Conference
Host Church: Bethel AME Church
Accra, Ghana, West Africa
Host Pastor: The Rev. Collier C. Coleman
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Emmanuel Ofori11

LIBERIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
April 13-14, 2009 WMS Annual Convention
April 15-19. 2009 Annual Conference
Host Church: Eliza Turner Mem. AME Church
Host District: Monrovia District
Host Pastor: The Rev. Takolo Miller
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Dr. E. Topoe Johnson

CENTRAL LIBERIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
April 20-21, 2009 WMS Annual Convention
April 22-26, 2009 Annual Conference
Host Church: Geda AME Church
Host District: Central District
Host Pastor: The Rev. Cassius L. Barclay
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. V. Bryant Kporyor

13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

With regret we inform you of the death of the Rev. Glenn R. Collins, former pastor of several AME churches in the Indiana Annual Conference, 4th Episcopal District until illness prohibited his pastoring in 2006. Rev. Collins was also the Conference Superintendent of the Indiana Conference Sunday School for several years.

His service is Thursday, January 15, 2009 at 11:00 am with the family hour preceding. Please continue to pray for his wife, Bonnie, children, Deidre, Joshua, Brittany, Netra and Wanda as well as other family members.

The services will be held at:

St. John AME Church
1669 North Columbia Avenue
Indianapolis, Indiana 46202.

317 924-4044(church)
317 925-1001(fax)
The Rev. William L. Gary, Pastor

Mortuary:

Lavenias and Summers House of Funerals
5811 East 38th Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46218

317 547-5814(office)
317 547-5098(fax)

14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

This is to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Lucille Christmon. She was the mother of Rev. Kenneth A. Christmon, pastor of Providence AME Church, Indianapolis, Indiana, and grandmother of Rev. Kenneth Charles Christmon, pastor of St. Paul AME Church, Indianapolis, Indiana.

The funeral will be held on Friday, January 16, 2009 at 12:00 noon at Bethel AME Church, Richmond, Indiana. The family hour will be at 10:00 am. Please be in prayer for the entire Christmon family.

The funeral home is:
Community Family Funeral Home
101 West Main Street
Richmond, Indiana
Office: 765 983-2040
Fax 765 983 1912

The church is:
Bethel AME Church
200 South 6th Street
Richmond, IN 47373
Office/FAX: 765 962-7241
Rev Barbara L. Harris, Pastor.

Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Kenneth A. Christmon
4303 South C. Street
Richmond, IN 46374

765-966-4751
Email: kaca40@aol.com

15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regretfully inform you of the passing of the Rev. Clarence Greer, retired pastor of the West Tennessee Annual Conference who made his transition on Sunday morning January 11, 2009, at approximately 5:30 am. Rev. Greer pastored several charges in the WTN Conference, including Mt. Pisgah, Millington, TN, Greater Payne Chapel, Memphis, historic Clayborn-Ball Temple, and Mt. Sinai AME Church. Rev. Greer leaves to cherish his memory, a devoted and loving wife, Mrs. Hazel Strong Greer of Memphis, TN.

Acts of kindness and words of comfort can be sent to Mrs. Greer at 885 East Drive, Memphis, TN 38108 or she can be contacted at 901-452-8458.

The family will receive friends on Friday evening from 5:00 pm to 7 pm at his home church Greenwood AME where the Rev. Hilda Taylor is pastor.

Funeral Services will be held:
Saturday January 17, 2009
11:00 AM
St. James AME Church
600 North Fourth Street
Memphis, TN 38107
Phone: (901) 525-2017
The Rev. Walter Reid Jr., pastor

Professional services provided by:
Jeffersons Mortuary
7788 Church Street
Millington, TN 38055

Phone: (901) 872-8800
Fax: (901) 872-4722

Dr. C. Robert Finch, Presiding Elder
North Memphis District-West TN Conference
2771 Colony Park Drive
Memphis, TN 38118
901.794.4025 Office/794.7844 Fax
http://www.northmemphispedistrict.org/home.htm

16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the passing of Carlton N. Tucker, of Los Angeles CA, brother of Gwendolyn T. Jenkins and brother-in-law of Rev. Cornelius E. Jenkins, (Retired Presiding Elder) of the South Conference, Eleventh Episcopal District.

Homegoing services:
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Holy Cross Mortuary
5835 W. Slauson Avenue
Culver City, CA 90230
Phone: (310) 836-5500
Fax: (310) 836-3598

Viewing - 11:00 am (Pacific Time)
Mass (services) - 1:00 pm (Pacific Time)

The family request No Flowers; in lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

Tucker-Jenkins Scholarship Fund
Greater Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church
The Rev. Joyce Moore, Pastor
2416 S. Lipscomb Street
Melbourne, FL 32901

Or:

Beverly P. Tucker
RE: Scholarship
1633 W. 122nd St.
Los Angeles, CA 90047

Other acts of sympathy may be sent to:

The Rev. & Mrs. C. E. Jenkins
2403 Dunbar Avenue
Melbourne, FL 32901
Phone (321) 727-3418
Fax (321) 722-0970
Email: Cjen615360@aol.com

17. 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

18. 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.