THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (2/26/09)

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: A RETURN TO THE BASICS OF BIBLICAL LITERACY AND BIBLICAL EXPERTISE:

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

Sometimes we come across people who falsely claim membership in a church or in an organization. There are people who say they are members of the church who haven’t been in a church for years and have been dropped from the rolls. There are people who falsely claim that they are members of college fraternities and sororities; the Masons, the Elks and other organizations. Those individuals want to be identified with those organizations without making the sacrifice or paying the price for membership.

There are some folks who make the claim that they served in the military and a lot of times they get away with their false claims, but many have been exposed as charlatans.

The Marine Corps is the one branch of the military that has made it easier to expose those who make claims of having served as a Marine. Let me say that I was not in the Marine Corps, but I was a chaplain who was an Army paratrooper.

Now, back to the Marine Corps

If someone tells you that they were a Marine, there are several questions you could ask; that any person who served in the Marines could answer.

The first question any person who finished boot camp could answer: “When is the Marine Corps birthday?” If he or she cannot answer that question, you could almost be certain that they were not in the Marine Corps. The answer is November 10th; the Marine Corps was founded on November 10, 1775. They “pound” that date into every Marine’s head and those who serve do not forget that date, or at least they don’t forget November 10th.

You can check out anyone who tells you that they finished airborne (paratrooper) training by saying, “Hit it” and anyone who had finished jump school would know what position to take. I won’t give away the answer to that command.

If you wanted to check a person more carefully who claimed that they had been in the Marine Corps, you would ask them to recite the Marine Corps Rifleman’s Creed. Older former Marines might not be able to recite the entire creed word for word; but they should be able to give a gist of the creed. If they can’t give a gist of the creed, that person is probably a fraud.

The Marine Corps Rifleman’s Creed

This is my rifle. There are many like it, but this one is mine. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life. Without me my rifle is useless. Without my rifle, I am useless. I must fire my rifle true. I must shoot straighter than the enemy who is trying to kill me. I must shoot him before he shoots me. I will. My rifle and I know that what counts in war is not the rounds we fire, the noise of our burst, or the smoke we make. We know that it is the hits that count. We will hit.

My rifle is human, even as I am human, because it is my life. Thus, I will learn it as a brother. I will learn its weaknesses, its strengths, its parts, its accessories, its sights and its barrel. I will keep my rifle clean and ready, even as I am clean and ready. We will become part of each other.

Before God I swear this creed. My rifle and I are the defenders of my country. We are the masters of our enemy. We are the saviors of my life.

So be it, until victory is America's and there is no enemy, but peace.

In boot camp at Parris Island or San Diego, and in the Basic School at Quantico, no one escapes from the Rifleman's Creed; every Marine is trained, first and foremost, as a rifleman.

A Marine Corps Lesson for the AME Church

There is lesson that the Marine Corps can teach us. The African Methodist Episcopal Church needs to return to a few of our basic tenets. Like the Marines, there are a few things that every member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church should know; a few questions that we should all be able to answer, especially the clergy.

Basic questions every AME should be able to answer

- When and where, was Richard Allen’s born?

- What year did Richard Allen and others walk out of St. George Methodist Episcopal Church? Every AME should at least know the year when Richard Allen and the others walked out of St. George Church.

- What year, and where, was the AME Church incorporated?

Not only should members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church know something about the AME Church, but they should also have some basic knowledge about the Bible. Of course we should know how many books are in the Bible and how the Bible is broken down within the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament; 5 books of Law; 12 books of history; 5 books of poetry; 17 books of prophecy and within the books of prophecy, 4 major prophets, 13 minor prophets; and which are the pre-exilic, exilic and post-exilic prophets.

And every AME should know the division of the New Testament. They should know something about the four gospels and which ones are the synoptic gospels. They should know that there is one book of history in the New Testament and should be able to distinguish the Pauline Epistles from the general Epistles. Every AME should know that there is one book of Revelation, who wrote it and it should never be referred to it in the plural, i.e., the Book of Revelations.

Every pastor should know how the Bible came to be and to distinguish between the various versions of the Bible and should be familiar with the significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls and how they relate to the various versions of scripture that we have today. Ministers should be familiar with the footnotes and what is meant when we see references of the Masoretic Texts and references in biblical footnotes of codex Sinaiticus.

Every pastor and those in the ministry should know about the early Church Fathers and the various Councils and what happened at those Councils and about the Reformation and why we have certain liturgical worship events and how those events tie into the Old Testament, the New Testament, the early church traditions, the Reformation and in Methodism.

We are a biblical-based church, at least we used to be, and we should be a biblically-based Church today.

The Bible is our sword; it’s our weapon. Jesus used the Word to rebut Satan when Satan tried to tempt him when he had finished praying and fasting for forty days and forty nights. Jesus’ rebuttal included, “It is written…”

All of us need to return to the basics of biblical literacy and biblical expertise; and the way that we can accomplish that is to recommit ourselves to individual and collective biblical studies.

I have written an AME Members’ Creed based on "The Marine Corps Rifleman’s Creed."

The AME Members’ Creed ©

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

This is my Bible. There are many like it, but my Bible is mine. My Bible is my life. I must master it as I must master my life. Without me my Bible is useless. Without my Bible, I am useless. I must fire my Bible true by “rightly dividing the word of truth.” I must shoot straighter than the enemy (Satan) who is trying to kill me. I must shoot Satan in my life before Satan shoots me. I will. My Bible and I know that what counts in spiritual warfare is not the rounds we fire, the noise of our burst, or the smoke we make. We know that it is the hits that count. We will hit.

My Bible is human, even as I am human, because my Bible is my life. Thus, I will learn it as a brother or sister. I will learn to “rightly divide the truth”, its strengths, its parts; the Old Testament, the New Testament, the biblical references, biblical footnotes, study notes, the Concordance, biblical maps; I will learn all of the parts of the Bible. I will keep my Bible available and ready, even as I am available and ready. My Bible and I will become part of each other; I will read it everyday.

Before God I swear this creed. My Bible and I are the defenders of my faith and of my Church. My Bible and I are the masters of our enemies, both human and spiritual. My Bible and I are the saviors of my life.

So be it, until victory is Christ’s and there is no enemy, but peace. ©

2. WILEY T. BERNARD HONORED:

By Sister Billie Dixon Irving

On Sunday, February 15, 2009, at 3:30 p.m., one of our former Tennessee Conference Lay Presidents, Mr. Wiley T. Bernard (1914-2000), was honored by his hometown with the naming of, and “Dedication of the Wiley T. Bernard School Exhibit Building” in his memory, and to honor his accomplishments for the service rendered to the Wilson County community. The building is located at the James E. Ward Agricultural Center, 945 E. Baddour Parkway in Lebanon, Tenn.

Mr. Wiley T. Barnard graduated from Tennessee A&I State College in 1940 with a B.S. Degree in Agriculture. In 1959, he earned a M.S. Degree in Poultry Science. He served as County Agriculture Extension Agent in Wilson County from 1946 until his retirement in 1979. He was the second African American Agriculture Extension Agent to serve in the county. Mr. Bernard is remembered for his enthusiasm and ingenuity. The USDA recognized his many accomplishments by awarding him the Distinguished Service Award in 1959. He was inducted into the Tennessee State University Hall of Fame in 1998.

Brother Bernard, a member of Winters Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Lebanon, Tennessee, became active with the Tennessee Conference Lay Organization following his accompanying the delegation on the chartered bus to attend the 1979 Biennial held in Philadelphia, Penna.

Notable attendees were present from the community on behalf of the Wilson County Government and the James E. Ward Agricultural Center. Introductions and presentations were made by Mr. Larry Tomlinson, Director of the Center; Mrs. Sandra Ward, Brother Bernard’s granddaughter; Mrs. Patricia Lockett, family member; Mr. Hale Moss, Chair of Wilson County State Fair; Representative Stratton Bone and Jeff Joines, Commissioner, 21st District; and Mr. J. W. McGuire, Extension Agent who replaced Brother Bernard upon his retirement in 1979. The Rev. Willis Orr, Pastor of Winters Chapel, Ms. Johnny White, along with other church members, family, and friends were among the persons who came to witness this grand occasion. Other members from the Tennessee Conference Lay Organization who accompanied me were Janet Campbell, Annie Taft and Patricia Vaughn.

This celebration was coordinated by the Agricultural Management Committee and thanks were extended to those persons. A picture of Brother Bernard and the dedication plaque of this occasion are hung on the entrance wall. Mrs. Patricia Lockett stated she is in possession of many pictures and artifacts from Brother Bernard’s collection which she will coordinate with the Agricultural Committee for archival establishment of his many awards and community involvement.

3. AME PREACHER DELIVERS DEVOTIONAL AT THE GEORGIA STATE SENATE:

The Reverend Ronald L. Slaughter delivered the “Pastor of the Day” Devotional at the Georgia State Senate on Thursday, February 26, 2009. The devotional was entitled, “Bread (Resources) Even in a Famine” taken from Genesis 42:1-2; 43:1-2, 11 and was inspired by the sermon delivered by the Rev. Dr. William D. Watley at the 2009 Turner Theological Seminary Founder's Day Celebration. The Rev. Ronald L. Slaughter is the Senior Pastor of Saint Paul AME in Macon, Georgia.

The Pastor of the Day Message:

Long before America and Georgia had to deal with a time of financial difficulty, Jacob and his sons knew how it felt to live in a famine. A famine had spread over the entire country leaving many people homeless, jobless, hungry, and hopeless. Jacob learned that even though there was a famine in the land, there was still Bread somewhere. He sent his sons to Egypt twice to purchase grain so that his family could eat and not die. Jacob was using his 401K, savings, and investments to purchase grain in Egypt. On the second trip to Egypt, Jacob instructed his sons to take a gift to the supplier. They took with them some balm, honey, spices, myrrh, pistachio nuts, and almonds. This act of kindness was a customary practice when approaching a superior.

The encouraging implications of the text is that although the country in which Jacob was a citizen of was experiencing a famine, God still had Bread (Resources) right down the street in Egypt. Jacob had his sons to take a little honey because he must have believed that things would be better received when a little sweetness, compassion, understanding, and concern are expressed. Today, I ask that the Georgia Senate will consider using a little honey in desperate times like these. Moreover, as Senators, never forget that God always has Bread (Resources) somewhere. However, like Jacob, you must be willing to travel across the aisle and do whatever needs to be done to feed the people you represent. Finally, the people you represent may not have given you honey, spices, myrrh, or almonds, but they gave you the best gift they had, their votes. Be encouraged, because there is Bread (Resources) somewhere.

4. FROM ASSISTANCE TO A MORE EXCELLENT WAY:

The Rev. Dr. Helen Bolden-Rogers

My doctoral dissertation, “Assistance for Ministry Transition into the Pastorate,” morphed into a model for fostering pastoral effectiveness, entitled, “A More Excellent Way: A Survival Guide for New Pastors.”

My dissertation presented an alternative approach for mentoring new pastors based, in part, on wisdom gathered from effective pastors in the North Michigan District of the Michigan Annual Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Scholarly investigation aided by qualitative research through recorded interviews with the nine pastors produced the contents of the guide, who were designated as most effective by the then North District Presiding Elder, the Rev. Delano Bowman. The nine pastors who assisted were the Rev. P. David Saunders, Bethel AME in Saginaw, the Rev. H. Michael Lemmons, Ebenezer AME, Detroit, (now presiding elder); the Rev. David Jarrett , First Community AME, Grand Rapids; the Rev. Gerald Cardwell, St. John AME in River Rouge; the Rev. Stanley Sims, Quinn Chapel, Flint; the Rev. Lila R. Martin, Newman AME, Pontiac; the Rev. Daniel Reid, Greater Quinn AME in Detroit; and the Rev. Gloria Clark, St. Matthew AME in Detroit.

The Pauline letters provided an immediate biblical warrant and paradigm for the idea that I termed, “Biblio-mentoring” (biblio meaning, “to read”). Paul wrote letters of instruction and guidance as he mentored Timothy and Titus, his new-pastor- sons in the faith.

Since successfully completing the dissertation that included two citations from Dr. Sydnor, I have been nothing short of being amazed at the number of articles and letters in The Christian Recorder relating to my research question, thesis statement and literature review. I found encouragement, confirmation, and more.

The knowledge that others are engaging in similar reflection, dialogue, and conversation encouraged me in the yet-to-be revealed validity of my undertaking. I am grateful for confirmation reminiscent of Elijah as recorded in the account of 1 Kings when he learned of others who were likewise concerned and committed.

Finally having time to catch up on reading The Recorder issues missed, skimmed and scanned during the dissertation-writing period, a new breath of fresh air blew over and through me with salient articles such as the July 16, 2007, editorial “Who is to Blame?”

Finally the tired old game of ‘Ain’t it Awful’ played by members of congregations in more of our AME Churches than I can count, can be seen for what it really is; a cop-out based on ignorance. Even if unwise and insecure pastors attempt to stack the steward board deck with cronies and non-thinking “yes persons,” the power and choice rests with the membership to either “confirm or not confirm them.” How many of our members know this and who bears the responsibility to inform them?

A appears in The Christian Recorder editorial dated, July 30, 2007, entitled, “Sometimes We are too Busy in Ministry…” and therein I found a very plausible answer to the question of responsibility; it is the pastor’ responsibility to keep the congregation informed. It is reasonable to expect pastors to be free of the “Sin of the Lack of Authentic Academic and Theological Credentials and the Fascination with the unearned title of, “doctor.” (See TCR Online editorial of August 27, 2007).

A pastor with secure faith, God-given confidence and valid academic preparation has no need to only “stack the deck” with stewards who rubber-stamp all of the pastor’s program. A pastor should welcome and even seek out diverse opinions, ideas and approaches.

The September 24, 2007 issue moved seamlessly into the extreme need for ongoing ministerial education and training that includes board of examiners members was startling in its cogency.

Even more evidence to support the relevance of my undertaking and my lingering concerns came from Dr. Sydnor’s bold assertion concerning problematic church leadership in the editorial dated, May 19, 2008. The editorial was a reminder for me as I completed my independent study for the M.Div degree at Memphis Theological Seminary. The study, entitled, “From then to Now: A Critical Examination and Commentary of Ascendant and Declining Leadership in the AME Church” offered a striking contrast between effective leadership for which the Church was known from its inception and what appears to be a unfortunate perception of its decline. Not believing in coincidence, I chose to believe in the intervention of divine providence as I read even more articles and editorials in The Christian Recorder.

The articles and editorials in The Christian Recorder were intricately connected and related to what has become for me, more than an academic exercise in search of a degree. I was excited as I read the July 28, 2008 in The Christian Recorder, “Clergy Effectiveness Study Will Enhance Training, Says Leader,” by Vicki Brown (UMNS report); the August 13, 2007, “The Twelve Sins of A Pastor”; and subsequent editorials; and the December 29, 2008 article by the Rev. George R. La Sure, D.Min, which asks, “Where Are We?” are inescapable examples of concerned love for the AME Church.

As I came near to catching -up on reading issues of The Christian Recorder, the idea of connectedness became more and more apparent. Editorials from January 12, 2009 and January 26 articles along with the article by the Rev. Monica C. Jones, Ph.D entitled, “Practical Preparation: More Important than Ever,” served to make the connection an inexplicable but nonetheless absolute fact.

What I think I know is there is a pressing need for intentional and deliberate attention to the “huge white elephants” in the corner that for too long we have chosen to ignore.

With both humility and boldness, I suggest the necessity to acknowledge and confront the “elephants”; and like a “connect- the- dots” exercise, start at number one so that we can promote and enhance pastoral effectiveness.

I am motivated and inspired to submit for publication in The Christian Recorder, “Toward A More Excellent Way: A Survival Guide for New AMEC Pastors” with revisions that include all that the Divine Providence has provided.

Anticipating possible ripple effects of this initiative, an apt and appropriate conclusion comes from the ending of the December 29, 2008 editorial, “A Lot for Which to be Thankful.”

“’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! “

* The Rev. Dr. Helen Bolden-Rogers is the pastor St. Matthew AME Church in Lansing, Michigan. She earned her M.Div at Memphis Theological Seminary (2002) and her D. Min at Ecumenical theological Seminary (Detroit) in 2008.

Editor’s Note: Dr. Marsha Foster-Boyd, an AME Itinerant Elder is the President of Ecumenical Theological Seminary.

5. BETHEL AMEC, MILFORD, DELAWARE CELEBRATES 150 YEARS OF MINISTRY:

* Sister Edna M. Sharp

The Pastor, the Rev. Gregory P. Nelson, led the members in a historical celebration as Bethel AME Church; Milford, Delaware celebrated 150 years of service to the Church and to the community.

It was pouring rain on November 30, 2008, however it was a happy festive time as our Bishop, the Right Rev. Richard F. Norris, Delaware Governor, the Honorable Ruth Ann Minner, Delaware Senator Gary Simpson, Milford Mayor Daniel Marabello and a life-long member of Bethel, Mrs. Millicent E. Turner unveiled the Historical Marker. Mrs. Turner who is 96-years-old was excited to be a part of such a festive and Historical Occasion.

Mother Mary Ann Norris, Presiding Elder Charles E. Drummer, Jr and Mrs. Helen H. Drummer and Presiding Elder Winton M. Hill III and Mrs. Janis Hill were at the Historic Celebration.

In the year 1859, several persons desirous of having a place to worship of their own, began holding services in a house on North Street in Milford, Delaware. After several years they decided to build a church. Property was purchased in the 5th Street area of Church Street. They worshipped there for over 40 years. In, or about, 1892 a church was built on North West 4th Street, which is where the present church stands.

Bishop Richard Franklin Norris delivered a dynamic sermon taken from 1 Corinthians 13:13 “And now abideth, faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” What a timely 150th Anniversary Message!

Pastors who have been appointed Bethel, Milford:

The Rev. Peter Hall
The Rev. Stiles
The Rev. Lamont P. Herring
The Rev. Joseph W. Whalen, Sr.
The Rev. D.S. Neal
The Rev. Williams
The Rev. William Trader
The Rev. Williams
The Rev. Hearn
The Rev .Ernest E. Hensley
The Rev. John A. Chinn
The Rev. Joseph Beavers
The Rev. Martin L. Oliver
The Rev. Joseph D. Tull
The Rev. John Bright
The Rev. Ernest E. Curry
The Rev. Vernal Alford
The Rev. James Hill, Sr.
The Rev. Joseph F. Whalen, Sr.
The Rev. B. Leslie James
The Rev. Nelson P. Gregory (Present Pastor)

*The Rev. Jean M. Sudler served as interim pastor following the deaths of the Rev. Curry and the Rev. Joseph Whalen. The Rev. Joseph D. Tull and the Rev. James Hill, Sr. served as Presiding Elders.

“It was really incredible to see so many people come out when the weather was so bad”, said Moria Conlan of the Delaware Public Archives, who works with the state’s Historical Marker program.

6. U. S. MARSHAL FEATURED AT SONS OF ALLEN PRAYER BREAKFAST:

The Rev. Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt, PhD

For the third year in the month of January, the Sons of Allen (SOA) of Solomon Chapel AME Church in Cleveland, Mississippi held their annual prayer breakfast to support their ACT Ministry. This ministry supports high school athletes in taking the American College Test (ACT) beginning in the 10th grade twice a year in an attempt to increase their chances of entering a 4 year institution of higher learning.

This year, the guest speaker for the ecumenical prayer breakfast was the U. S. Marshal for the Southern District of Mississippi, Mr. Nehemiah Flowers. Marshal Flowers holds the distinction of being one of three African American U. S. Marshals since Reconstruction. It was ironic that he would be in Bolivar County because this was the county where another African American U. S. Marshal, Blanche K. Bruce once resided.

Marshal Flowers talked with the crowd, which included athletes who had benefited from the ACT Ministry, about making sure they were on a sound foundation which included their faith, their family, and their education. A former football player at the University of Oklahoma, Marshal Flowers made his speech animated with illustrations with the athletes in various football formations to demonstrate and drive his points home.

Present for this prayer breakfast were Mr. Steven L. Pruitt, who initiated and who coordinates the prayer breakfast each year and who is the spouse of Pastor Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt. The Rev. Timothy Stallworth, 8th District Director of the Sons of Allen; Brother Benn E. Walker, Conference Coordinator of the SOA and local coordinator at Solomon Chapel; the Rev. Seth Still of the Reformed University Fellowship; and Rev. J. T. Jackson of St. James M. B. Church also attended the prayer breakfast. The Chambers’ Special, an a cappella male group rendered special musical selections for the occasion.

Community leaders and members were also present to support the effort held at The Senator’s Place, a local restaurant, owned and operated by State Senator Willie Simmons, who is also a member of the Solomon Chapel Sons of Allen.

Since its inception, approximately 30 athletes in the Mississippi Delta region have benefited from this ministry.

*The Rev. Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt, PhD, is the pastor of Solomon Chapel AME Church in Cleveland, Mississippi

7. FORMER DIRECTOR AND YPDERS OF THE 1966-1980 ERA GATHERED IN ATLANTA, GEORGIA FOR A REUNION:

By Mrs. Jakie Willis and Mrs. Fannie Perrymond

Celebration of times Past, Present, and Future

The celebration of former director and YPDers of the 1966-1980 era began with a Fellowship “meet and greet” activity at Morris Brown College.

We were royally entertained by the Morris Brown College Choir. As we entered the building, the choir could be heard rehearsing their melodious voices that caused everyone to stop and listen.

Later in the evening, they performed three beautiful selections: “Let Everything Praise the Lord”, “Wear Our Prayers”, and “I’ve Been Buked,” under the leadership of Dr. Greg McPherson. The performance was followed by those in attendance renewing old friendship and enjoying delicious refreshments. Remarks were given by Mrs. Helen Booth, former YPD Director. She gave them a challenge on education and gave each one a token of the former YPDers. Remarks were also given by Ms. Toledo Riley, Women’s Missionary Society President of the Atlanta North Georgia Conference and Mrs. Jackie Atkins, former YPD Director.

The second phase of the celebration was held on Saturday, September 13th at Allen Temple AME Church; the Rev. Claude James was the host pastor. The atmosphere and setting were conducive for the occasion; green and white was everywhere. The Rev. Lola G. Russell, former Connection YPD President, and the Rev. Phillip Wilson, former YPD President, served as toastmistress and toastmaster, respectively. We were greeted by Minister Loujuana A. Simmons and led to the throne of grace by the Reverend Cassandra M. Hill. All of the ministers on the program are former YPDers.

Ms. Samia Geddings entertained us with a liturgical dance with the Lord’s Prayer as music; she was dynamic.

The Memorial Service was conducted by Mrs. Anita Hunnicut. A large white candle was lighted and the names of all deceased YPDers, YPD Directors, Supervisors, and Bishops of that era were read. The audience then sang, “This Is My Mission”, followed with grace by Mr. Ruben Sands.

The delicious meal was enjoyed by all. After lunch, a dialogue “As We Did It 1966-1980” was presented by Mrs. Booth, former Director and Mr. Albert Abrams, former President of the State. They gave the history of accomplishments and achievements during their time in office.

An electrifying presentation, “The YPDers Today,” was given by Mrs. Terri Wooden, YPD Director of the Southwest Georgia Conference. Mrs. Wooden brought us up-to-date on the YPD happenings of today. Two other liturgical dances were presented. Mrs. Wooden’s dancers, the “Allen’s Total Praisers,” from Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church, Americus, Georgia and the “Heavenly Angel” by Miss Mariah Jackson of Bethel A.M.E. Church, Richland, Georgia, both were superb.

A time of reflections was provided for Bishops, Supervisors, Presiding Elders, Pastors, Former YPDers, Morris Brown College President, and others. Those in attendance were recognized and several made remarks.

Photos of past events were on display. During the “Morris Brown Appeal,” monies were collected to be given to the college for scholarships. Director Booth was elated over the success of our former YPDers and of so many who have gone into the ministry. The entire celebration was a great success. Accolades were given to all who participated.

8. AME CHURCH MUSIC AND CHRISTIAN ARTS MINISTRY MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP:

This message is the formal announcement for the African Methodist Episcopal Church Music and Christian Arts Ministry Music Scholarship.

You may go to http://www.ameced.com/ to download the application.

Music Scholarship Guidelines:

The purpose of The Music and Christian Arts Ministry Music Scholarship is to provide scholarship assistance to students who pursue an undergraduate degree in music. Upon completion of study, the recipient should plan to assume a music leadership position in a local African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Eligibility Requirements:

- Must be a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
- Must be a graduate of a high school in an Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
- Must attend an AME College or University, or an accredited Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the fall of the year the applicant plans to matriculate in college, with a major in music.
- Provide official admission document from the AME College/University, or Historically Black College or University.

The Scholarship Award:

The amount of the scholarship is two thousand dollars ($2,000). The scholarship award will be sent, in two equal payments, directly to the student upon proof of enrollment. In the event the recipient is unable to attend school in the fall of the year of application or to complete the academic year (two semesters or equivalent), the award will be forfeited and shall be returned to the Connectional Music and Christian Arts Ministry. Recipient of the scholarship should make every effort to assume a music position in a local AME Church. The search for a music position shall be for two years for each award received. Failure to comply will result in a forfeiture of all funds received, and the student must return the full amount of the scholarship award(s). Every legal effort will be pursued to retrieve the funds.

Application Requirements:

Applicant must submit the following materials in one package:

- A completed application (must be typed or scanned into the computer).

- A current official high school transcript (must have official seal).

- Three character letters of reference: one from the student’s music teacher/director, a teacher or administrator of the student’s high school who is familiar with the student’s academic achievement and music performance level, and the applicant’s pastor.

- A one page essay entitled “Why I Should Be Awarded This Scholarship.” The essay must be typed or word processed with size 12 fonts and double-spaced.

- A CD or cassette recording that sufficiently represents the student’s ability and level of performance. The recording shall be verified by the student’s music teacher/director.

- Applicant may submit in writing any information which would enhance the probability of being selected that has not been covered in previous responses.

- To be considered, all materials must be received by the deadline date.

- A scholarship recipient may apply for a second year if he/she has accumulated a 3.3 or above academic average with at least 30 semester credit hours.

- Completed application and materials must be received by April 10, 2009.

Mail all materials to: The Rev. Farrell J. Duncombe, Chair; Music Scholarship Committee, 7013 Wyngrove Court, Montgomery, Alabama 36117

- Bishop Vashti McKenzie Murphy, Chair, Commission on Christian Education
- Dr. Daryl Ingram, Executive Secretary, Department of Christian Education
- Dr. Willie J. Williams, Director, Music and Christian Arts Ministry


9. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Mr. Jimmy Erskine Seward, the son of Retired Presiding Elder Lee M. Seward and the Late Mrs. Lula Pressley Seward of the Seventh Episcopal District.

The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements:

Funeral:
Friday, February 27, 2009

Viewing: 10:00 a.m.
Service in Memory: 11:00 a.m.
First Baptist Church - Glenarden
3600 Brightseat Road
Landover, MD 20785
Phone: (301) 773-3600
Fax: (301) 341-5660
The Rev. John K. Jenkins, Sr., Pastor

Expressions of Sympathy and Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Lee M. Seward and Family
46 Samson Circle
Columbia, SC 29203
Phone: (803) 754-1978

10. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Deacon Horace D. Hill, the father of First Lady Althea K. Ball and the father-in-law of the Rev. Gregory Ball, Sr., Pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church Easton, Maryland. Deacon Horace Hill was blessed on February 14, 2009 to see his 88th birthday before going home to be with the Lord on Sunday morning, February 22, 2009.

Homegoing Celebration for Horace D. Hill:
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Wake: 11:00 AM.
Funeral: 12:00 PM
Hill's Temple First Born Church of the Living God
799 South Arlington Street
Akron, Ohio 44306
Phone: (330)-773-2809

Arrangements by:
Stewart & Calhoun Funeral Home
529 W. Thornton Street
Akron, Ohio 44307
Phone: (330)-535-1543
www.stewartcalhoun.com

Memorial offerings may be made in his memory to:
The Alzheimer's Association
Eastern Shore Regional Office
209-C Milford Street
Salisbury, MD 21804
Phone: (410) 543-1163

Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. and Mrs. Gregory Ball and Family
313 Pacific Avenue
Cambridge, MD 21613
Phone: (410) 221-1804
Email: reverendrevball@hotmail.com

11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Mr. Seward Curtis Brown, Sr., the father of the Rev. Ronnie Brown, pastor of Good Hope AME Church, Cope, South Carolina; Orangeburg District-Central Conference, Seventh Episcopal District.

Service arrangements for Mr. Seward Curtis Brown, Sr:

Viewing:
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Dimery & Rogers Funeral Home
1100 East Main Street
Kingstree, SC 29556
Phone: (843) 354-6002
Fax: (843) 354-6557

Funeral Services:
Thursday, February 26, 2009
1:00 PM
Chavis AME Church
2793 S. State Hwy. 41/51
Hemingway, SC 29554
Phone: (843) 558-3326

Expressions of Sympathy and Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Ronnie (Gwendolyn) Brown
Post Office Box 730
Hemingway, SC 29554
Phone: (843) 558-3010
Fax: (843) 558-6711
Email: rjbrownsc@aol.com

12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Anne Matthews on Saturday, February 21, 2009. Mrs. Matthews was the oldest sister of First Lady Mary E. White, the sister-in-law of the Rev. Donald T. White, Pastor of St. Peter A.M.E. Church, Nashville, Tennessee, and the aunt of the Rev. Dennis D. Lawson I, Pastor of St. Peter AME Church in Clarksville, Tennessee.

Services for Mrs. Anne Matthews:

Saturday, February 28, 2009
11:00 AM
St. James Episcopal Church
865 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10021

Phone: (212) 288-4100
Fax: (212) 650-0304
www.stjames.org

The Rev. Brenda G. Husson, Rector, officiating, assisted by the Rev. Dr. James A. Forbes, Jr., Senior Minister Emeritus, Riverside Church

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

The Rev. and Mrs. Donald T. White (Mary E.)
2960 Franklin Pike
Nashville, TN 37204
Phone: (615) 292-1062
Cell: (615) 202-3983
Email: maryewhite615@bellsouth.net

And to:

The Rev. Dennis D. Lawson I
1013 Chateau Valley Court
Nashville, TN 37207
Phone: (615) 226-3167
Cell: (615) 504-8417
Email: Alphalaws@aol.com

13. 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

14. 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 (2/21/09)

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 – THE LENTEN SEASON-A JOURNEY FROM ASH WEDNESDAY TO EASTER AND A TIME TO DRAW NEARER TO GOD:

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

The 2009 Lenten season begins on Wednesday, February 25, 2009. Many Christians today use the Lenten season as a period of time for introspection, self examination, and repentance.

The Lenten season always begins on Ash Wednesday, the seventh Wednesday before Easter Sunday. Its name comes from the ancient practice of placing ashes on worshippers’ foreheads as a sign of humility before God, a symbol of mourning and sorrow at the death that sin brings into the world.

Some AME Churches, and many Protestant churches practice the tradition of placing ashes on parishioners’ forehead as a part of the Ash Wednesday worship service. Many AME Churches do not participate in the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of parishioners, choosing simply to have a simple Ash Wednesday service.

Ash Wednesday provides an opportunity for parishioners to anticipate and participate in the recollection and reflection of the death of Jesus on the Cross, and also places worshippers in a position to realize the consequences of sin. Ash Wednesday is a somber day of reflection upon what needs to change in our lives if we are to be committed Christians.

Our spiritual journey should be more than reflecting upon what we have or upon what we do not have. The religious experience should be more encompassing than reflecting upon how good God has been to us or our ability to “get our praise on” or to “name and claim our blessings.”

Sin is still a reality in the world and sin is also a reality for all of us. Sin is real and each one of us needs to confront sin in our lives.

The Lenten season gives us a focused opportunity, collectively and individually, to reflect upon those things in our lives that separate us from the presence of God.

The Lenten season is observed for 40 days leading up to Easter. Since Sundays celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus, the six Sundays that occur during Lent are not counted as part of the 40 days of Lent, and are referred to as the Sundays “in” Lent.

The number 40 is connected with many biblical events, but especially with the forty days Jesus spent in the wilderness preparing for His ministry and by the temptation.

The last week of Lent is called “Holy Week,” which includes Maundy Thursday, Good Friday. Good Friday is when churches have the worship service of the Seven Last Words (seven statements that Jesus uttered on the cross). The Lenten season ends at midnight on the Saturday before Easter Sunday.

The worship service of the Seven Last Words is usually scheduled between 12 noon and 3 p.m., when Jesus hung on the Cross. Jesus was taken down from the Cross around 3 o’clock, before sundown because the Jews didn’t want to violate the Sabbath by handling his body after sundown because, in the Jewish reckoning of time, Saturday began after sundown on Friday. See Genesis 1:5b –“… And the evening and the morning were the first day.” The Jewish reckoning of time, the day begins at sundown. We start the day after midnight or at the break of day in the morning. The Jewish Sabbath (Saturday) begins at sundown on Friday. In our reckoning of time, the new day begins after midnight or at the break of day.

Getting back to the Lenten season; Lent has traditionally been marked by penitential prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Some Christians today still observe a rigid schedule of fasting on certain days during Lent, especially the giving up of meat, alcohol, desserts, and other types of food or behaviors.

Most Christian churches that observe Lent, focus on Lent as a time of prayer, especially penance, repenting for failures and sin as a way to focus on the need for God’s Grace. It is really a preparation to celebrate God’s marvelous redemption at Easter; and the life that we live, and the spiritual growth that we hope for, as Christians.

Lent is a time for somber contemplation and repentance as we humbly recognize our sins and failures. The Lenten season is a time for us to focus on the need for God's grace as we seek to respond anew to God's presence in our lives and in the world.

Easter is the destination of our Lenten journey. The Lenten journey allows us to seek and struggle in partnership and community toward peace with justice in our communities and around the world and to reconcile our spiritual lives with the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:

- To the Editor:

How great to hear from Brother Billy Dickens and to learn that he is as actively engaged in lay ministry in Tacoma as he was in Tallahassee, Florida.

I also had questions about how we as a denomination had two founding years. For me, the resolution came from an entrepreneur in Washington, DC whose company celebrated two different dates: the conception date, which in our case would be the 1787 date, was the date he conceived the idea of his enterprise. The second date was the date his company was legally incorporated in the District of Columbia. Similarly we celebrate our incorporation date of 1816 as the date we became officially and legally recognized as a denomination / corporation. Both are perfectly legitimate for me.

Acknowledging the conception date is very important because in the intervening years from 1787 to 1816 there was considerable ministry activity, community engagement, and litigation going on that should not be discounted. It could be argued that without that work, the incorporation in 1816 might not have occurred.

The first General Conference was convened in 1816 and thus the upcoming Bi-centennial General Conference of 2016 is quite appropriate. Some may recall that in 1787 we celebrated the bi-centennial of the AME Church and for me that was very appropriate because the walkout is a seminal event in the history of the AME Church and served as the genesis for the activities that lead to the incorporation.

Paulette Coleman

- To the Editor:

RE: Editorial – Three Questions you Might want to Answer

I see members read into the church all of the time after completing new members' class. I was read into the church over 30 years ago. It's not new and I assume every church practices it, oh well.

As for administering Sacraments to persons in their homes, my experience was like yours. I missed that section in the AMEC Book of Worship; I will check it out also.

The issue of praying prior to worship, I agree with you there as well. I also have devil's advocate moments as opposed to senior moments and sometimes view it as a habit and no serious prayer is prayed. I think some of clergy aren't on their knees long enough to say anything, hopefully it's at least "Lord, have mercy".

My take is that we are taking issue with the celebration of the Founders' when we don't remember 222 years. I still want to know where this school of thought is coming from if that is what it is. Perhaps Dr. Dennis Dickerson needs to write something about this.

(Name withheld by request)

- To the Editor:

I have read new members into full membership in all of the churches I have pastored. I also, remind our old members what is required of them to help support the new members’ spiritual life and to help them learn about the African Methodist Episcopal Church. In fact, at my new charge, I have taken in 2 new members in the last 2 weeks and on last night; I reminded the Stewards and Class leaders as per The Discipline what their responsibilities are to the new members.

Pastor Jimmy D. Howard, Sr.

- To the Editor:

I had to get on my "soapbox" and answer the first question - "When have you seen a new member read into the church?" I saw it when I did it last month at Morris Brown - I do it for all new members when they complete membership classes. They come up after the invitation, are read in, and then fellowshipped in by handshake (only by the Stewards and Trustees at our church, since everyone doing so would take a lot of time)! I grew up with the tradition, and preserve the tradition.

I'm "old school" enough to believe that those who join the church should still come to the altar during the invitation and state their intention - not just show up at membership classes and mystically be placed on the roll. Those who put our polity together had good sense - they knew that standing before the church and answering those questions - after attending instructive classes - has meaning and impact that makes better members who value the responsibilities of membership. It amazes me that we can put folks through arduous procedures to join frats, sororities and lodges, but allow them to simply "walk" into the church - we value things more when they come with effort. Sadly, we too often (1) are so anxious to report authentic "conversions and accessions" on the Annual Conference floor that we count anyone who might show up, and (2) we've drifted so far away from our Order for Worship and denominational identity that we play down good traditions.

At least once a year, I actually use the tradition as a "teaching tool" and take the time to remind the congregation of what each question means - especially the one that says, "Will you cheerfully be governed by The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church?" I quote it anytime someone asks in a meeting why the pastor has so much latitude in the AME Church or why we have to pay the General Budget! :-)

The Rev. Dr. Joseph Darby, Pastor
Morris Brown AME Church, Charleston, SC

3. MACEDONIA AME CHURCH’S 2ND ANNUAL BROTHER-2-BROTHER REVIVAL:

Macedonia AME Church 6235 Stagecoach Road, Rex, Georgia invites you to our Second Annual Brother-2-Brother Revival on February 16 - 19, 2009. The Rev. Bruce L. Frances is the pastor of Macedonia AME Church,

Our revivalists this year will be the Rev. Kenneth Marcus, pastor of The Cathedral at Turner Chapel, Marietta, Georgia on February 16-17 and the Rev. Marcus Gibson, pastor of the Greater Shady Grove Baptist Church, Columbus, Georgia on February 18-19.

Praise and Worship through music will be provided by the music ministries of Turner Cathedral, Ben Hill United Methodist, Atlanta, Antioch A.M.E., Lithonia, and Macedonia AME Churches.

To close out our Brother's Month Celebration during our 10:45 AM worship Service on Sunday February 21, 2009, our guest preacher for the occasion will be the President and Dean of Turner Theological Seminary, the Rev. Dr. John Green.

Bruce L. Francis, Pastor
Macedonia A.M.E. Church

4. NEWS FROM THE NEW ENGLAND:

*The Rev. Barbara J. Simmons

Winter of 2009

Is there a word from New England? Yes, in the midst of digging out of snow, and ice-skating, when to many of us do not skate, I am happy to say, we are yet alive. On behalf of our leaders Bishop, Richard Norris and Mother Norris, Presiding Elder Herbert L. Eddy, Rev. Amelia Eddy, pastors, ministers, spouses, officers and members of the New England Conference, Happy New Year to all. It is with great excitement that we welcome back Bishop Richard Norris, distinguished Presiding Prelate of the First Episcopal District and Mother Mary Ann Norris, Supervisor.

157th Session of the New England Conference convened by Bishop Norris, and hosted by Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in the lovely city of Stamford Connecticut, where the host pastors was the Rev. Leroy Ladson, Jr. and host Presiding Elder Herbert L. Eddy.

This was a memorable conference, as public officials from all levels of government greeted and welcomed Bishop Norris, Mother Norris and members of the New England Conference. Visitors gathered for the opening day where Rev. Teresa Smith preached the opening day service. Four Itinerant Elders, one Itinerant Deacon and five Local Elders were ordained on Saturday, May 18; the preacher for the ordination service was Bishop Davis.

On Sunday, May 18, Bishop Norris preached a soul stirring closing service.

The New England area looks forward to the 158th Session of the New England Annual Conference, which will be hosted by St. Paul AME Church, Cambridge, Massachusetts. The Rev. Dr. Leroy Attles is the pastor. This will mark the last conference for Rev. and Mrs. Attles, as Rev. Attles retires after a long pastorate in New England. They will be greatly missed.

Certainly, 2009 is a monumental year, as we celebrated the inauguration of our first African American President Barak Obama, these are difficult times, but as African Americans, we have survived even more difficult times, yet we have managed to survive with God’s help. Let us never forget “On Christ the solid rock we stand, all other ground is sinking sand.”

As pastors and laypersons we can no longer hold on to the gospel just for ourselves, we must spread it. We may not know what the future holds, but we still know who holds the future. Let us pray for one another.

*The Rev. Barbara J. Simmons is the pastor of Bethel Plymouth AME, Plymouth, Massachusetts and is the Reporter

5. THE SON OF ST. JOHN AME CHURCH FIRST FAMILY SELECTED TO SERVE IN THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION:

The members of the St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church, “the Mother Church of African Methodism in the State of Tennessee,” are both excited and delighted that the Rev. Joshua P. Dubois, oldest son of our pastor and first lady, the Rev. W. Antoni and Kristy Sinkfield has been selected to serve in the Obama Administration. President Barack Obama appointed the Rev. Dubois (St. John’s First Son) as the Director of the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships.

Prepared by Ralph L. Holmes, Church Trustee
St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church
Nashville, Tennessee
Email: sainjohname@aol.com

6. SENIOR BISHOP JOHN R. BRYANT VISITS PRISON FOR VALENTINE’S DAY:

The Right Reverend John Richard Bryant, Presiding Prelate of the Fourth Episcopal District and Senior Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church visited the Michigan Department of Corrections, Mound Correctional Facility in Detroit, Michigan on the evening of Valentine’s Day February 14, 2009. This visit celebrated Black History Month at the facility.

Bishop Bryant is making good on his promise, to the Fourth Episcopal District, to visit mission churches, prisons, and support the local Lay Organizations.

This historic visit to the prison was part of a “whirlwind weekend” for Bishop Bryant, which began with a two hour Training Seminar, including questions and answers, on Saturday February 14, 2009 at the Michigan Conference Lay Organization Winter Workshop, held in Bloomfield, Michigan. Bishop Bryant ended with the Michigan Annual Conference Founder’s Day Worship Service on Sunday February 15, 2009 afternoon held Saint Paul A.M.E. Church, Detroit, Michigan where Reverend Andre Spivey is the pastor.

Bishop Bryant, accepted the invitation to preach at the Mound Correctional Facility, from Senior Institution Chaplain Reverend LeRoy White, an Itinerant Elder serving in the Michigan Annual Conference, assigned to the Mound Correctional Facility.

Bishop Bryant was accompanied by both of the Michigan Annual Conference Presiding Elders; Reverend Dr. Norman V. Osborne and the Reverend Dr. H. Michael Lemmons. Other guests included Reverend Howard Tranumn, Volunteer Assistant Chaplain at the Mound Correctional Facility, the Reverend Jeffery Baker, Pastor, Saint Paul, Southwest AME Church, Detroit, Michigan. The Reverend Jeffery Baker brought members of Saint Paul Southwest’s choir.

The Reverend Larry J. Bell, Pastor, Vernon Chapel AME Church, Detroit, Michigan and his wife, the Reverend Danita Bell, were in attendance. Vernon Chapel has an active Volunteer Prison Ministry at the Mound Correctional Facility. Others in attendance were Ms. Artina Hardman, Michigan Department of Corrections Parole Board Member and a member of Allen Temple A.M.E Church, Detroit, Michigan, the Reverend Gloria Clark Pastor of Saint Matthew A.M.E. Church Detroit, Michigan (she served as a worship participant), and Mrs. Madge White, Fourth District Lay President. Sister White is also an active Prison Ministry Volunteer, and the wife of Chaplain LeRoy White.

During this highly emotive and spirit-filled worship experience, led by Chaplain White, all in attendance enjoyed the singing of the Chaplain’s Protestant Choir, accompanied by musicians on the keyboard, bass guitar, rhythm guitar, drums, and conga. The guests along with the more than two-hundred prisoners in attendance were truly blessed by the choir’s rendition of “Soon I Will Be Done Wid Da Troubles of Da World.”

A prisoner tribute to Bishop Richard Allen was concluded with the singing of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” The Saint Paul Southwest Choir provided a sermonic selection, which was spiritually uplifting, for all those present.

The Christian prisoners have formed their own church within the prison called the “Open Arms Ministry Church,” following the religious tenants of African Methodism.

The high point of the worship experience was the Bishop Bryant’s sermon. He was truly led by the Holy Spirit and preached a dynamic and thought provoking sermon entitled, “Hidden Treasures.”

All prisoners and guests present gave Bishop Bryant a standing ovation, along with shouts and praises at the conclusion of his message.

At the end of the worship service Bishop Bryant and Chaplain White shook every prisoner’s hands attending the worship experience and wished them well.

This article was written by Madge M. White, Fourth Episcopal District Lay President and edited by the Reverend Dr. Michael C. Carson Fourth Episcopal District Director of Public Relations, who is the pastor Union Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church Benton Harbor, Michigan.

7. SATAN'S SEASON:

*The Rev. N.T. Pitts

The preacher in the book of Ecclesiastes (3:1), states, “To everything there is a season.”

In the book of Revelation (20:3) it is stated that Satan will be loosed for a season; and there is no doubt that in the midst of all of the inconceivable atrocities being committed on all levels of our society, that this is Satan's season.

One has only to read some of the headlines:

"Woman kills baby by placing it in a microwave oven..."

"Two men abducted girl age 17 raped, murdered and eat her body parts..."

"Woman kills baby girl and disposed of her in trash bag..."

"Priest arrested for molesting boys over a period of years...”

"Sunday school teacher for selling drugs in basement of the church..."

"Man kills couple; and sits and has lunch over their bodies...”

"Woman kills man and cuts up his body and scatters his remains in woods..."

"Man arrested fore the murder of 300 people and placing their bodies in acid..."

The headlines in our daily newspapers go on and on; and don't forget the Jim Jones, Jonestown incident.

Satan is having a field-day in his season. We are in the midst of Satan's season. Young minds are being seared with foreign and strange doctrines. Some of the most dangerous young people have become cold-blooded killers. They are being enticed to commit acts of evil, disguised as good.

Satan is having a "good" season.

No organization, not even the church, is immune in this season.

The Church is supposed to change the world, but the world is changing the Church. Programs and events of the world have taken seed in our Churches.

There is one thing for sure and that is, the Holy Spirit doesn't need any help. The Holy Spirit is not like the "hamburger helper." The Holy Spirit can stop Satan’s advance.

When I was a young lad I used to hear people say, "I'll beat the Devil out of you…"

Somebody needs to beat the Devil out of some of us.

Or shall I used a more modern term, “We need to ‘slam dunk’ the Devil.”

I don't know when Satan's season began, but one thing I do know and that is we are in the midst of it. And before Satan is bound, he will destroy many. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

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

8. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Retired Presiding Elder, the Reverend Willie J. Nelson, of the Columbia District in the Seventh Episcopal District.

The funeral has been held.

Cards and other expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Carrie Richburg Nelson (wife) & family
3935 Pearl Street
Columbia, SC 29203
Phone (803) 765-1673

Or expressions of sympathy may be emailed to:
meansj32@gmail.com

jmeans6@aol.com

9. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We are saddened to announce the passing of Mr. Charlie H. Jones, the father of the Rev. Daniel Jones, pastor of Allen Chapel AME Church, Cincinnati, Ohio; South Ohio Annual Conference, Third Episcopal District.

The funeral has been held.

Correspondences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Hall-Jordan and Pretty Memorial Chapel

Or to:

The Rev. Daniel Jones, Pastor
Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church
6271 Simpson Avenue
College Hill
Cincinnati, OH 45224
Phone: (513) 542-1952 (P/F)

10. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you that the Rev. William A. Tucker, assistant pastor at St. John AME Church, Cleveland, Ohio passed on Feb. 10, 2009. Rev. William A. Tucker was the husband of Sister Helen Tucker and the father of Sister Deborah Tucker of Chicago. Rev. Tucker served God and the St. John Church family faithfully.

The funeral has been held.

View and sign Guest Book: http://obits.cleveland.com/Cleveland/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=124035874

Condolences may be sent to:

Mrs. Helen Tucker and Family
3622 Lindholm Road
Cleveland, Ohio 44120

Telephone: (216) 283-2434

11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Emma Snow, the mother of the Rev. Dr. Carlton Taylor, pastor of Allen Chapel AME Church, Pensacola, FL.

The funeral has been held.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

The Rev. Dr. Carlton Taylor, Pastor
Allen Chapel AME Church
500 Guillemard Street
Pensacola, FL 32501

Church phone: (850) 433-2404

Home: (850) 476-0496
Email: taylorclev@bellsouth.net

12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Mr. Johnny Anderson, father of the Reverend Carroll G. Anderson, pastor of Bethel AME Church, Hope, Arkansas. Mr. Johnny Anderson, a member of Bethel AME Church in Warren, Arkansas passed on Wednesday, February 11, 2009.

The funeral has been held.

Condolences may be sent to:

The Rev. and Mrs. (Carolyn) Carroll G. Anderson
5208 West 23rd Street
Little Rock, AR 72204
Phone: (501) 664-2759 or (501) 590-9891

13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the passing of Mrs. Velma Chambers, mother of the Reverend Dr. Phyllis Hicks, itinerant deacon at St. Andrews AME Church, Sacramento, California (California Conference), Mrs. Linda Nesbit, California Conference WMS officer, and the mother-in-law of the Rev. Dr. Tyrone Hicks, pastor of St. Andrews AME Church, Sacramento. In addition to her daughters, she is survived by her husband, Augustus Chambers, nine grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Velma Chambers was a charter member of Murph-Emmanuel AME Church, North Highlands, California. Mrs. Chambers passed away on Friday, February 6, 2009.

The funeral has been held.

Expressions of sympathy may be extended to:
The Rev. Dr. Phyllis Hicks and Family
4140 Singing Tree Way
Antelope, CA 95843
Phone: (916) 729-4604

14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the passing of the Reverend William B. (W. B.) Langham, Sr. on Sunday, February 15, 2009. Rev. Langham was the pastor of Gaines Chapel A.M.E. Church - Dallas, Texas (North Texas Conference-Greater Dallas District) at the time of his passing.

Service Arrangements for the Rev. William B. (W.B.) Langham, Sr:

The funeral has been held.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

Mrs. Novella Langham (Wife)
201 Cotillion Road
Fort Worth, Texas 76134
Phone: (817) 293-5167

Submitted by:
Rev. Dr. Sherryl A. Matlock, Pastor
St. James A.M.E. Church
Denton, Texas

15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We are saddened to share the news of the passing of the Reverend Daryl Bowden, Local Elder, St. Paul A.M.E. Church, San Bernardino, CA. He was called from labor to reward on Wednesday, February 11, 2009.

The funeral has been held.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The family of the Rev. Daryl Bowden
10340 Via Apolina Dr.
Moreno Valley, CA 92557-2705

Please keep the entire Bowden Family in your prayers.

16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Mr. Morris L. Stewart, Jr., the brother of Reverend Latisha Stewart Smith, Founding Pastor of Castaic A.M.E. Church Mission in Castaic, CA. Mr. Morris L. Stewart, Jr. passed on February 12, 2009.

The funeral has been held.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

The Rev. Latisha Stewart Smith
1950 Mentone Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91103-1429
Phone: (626) 616-2138
E-mail: lstewartsm@aol.com

17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you that funeral services were held for Mr. Willie Gordon on February 3, 2009 at the Frank R. Bell Funeral Home in Brooklyn, NY. Mr. Willie Gordon was the brother of Rev. Sammie L. Gordon, Sr., pastor and the brother in-law of first lady Hester B. Gordon, Prodigal A.M.E. Church, Swansea, SC (7th Episcopal District).

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

The Rev. and Mrs. Sammie L. Gordon, Sr.
1425 Sunset Street
Orangeburg, SC 29115
Phone: (803) 534-5351
slgordon37@bellsouth.net

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

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

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

19. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:

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