THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (8/22/09)

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 – APOLOGIES -THIS HAS BEEN A BUSY WEEK:

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

I was scheduled to publish “What’s the Answer?” Part II. Please accept my apology for failing to have it ready for this issue.

As some of you may have read in the Congratulatory Announcements sent out by Sister Ora Easley earlier this week, the Rev. Dr. Charlotte Sydnor and I celebrated our 47th Wedding Anniversary this past Tuesday. It is good manners to respond to email messages and I (we) received so many congratulatory messages that I felt compelled to answer and I was overwhelmed by the number of messages we received. At this point let me and Dr. Charlotte say, “Thank you.” The number of messages received was overwhelming. Added to that, our anniversary is celebrated on Dr. Charlotte’s birthday. So in addition to the number of messages received, I was in charge of the Sydnor family anniversary and a birthday celebrations.

I also had to answer the Roll Call at my annual conference, the Kentucky Annual Conference that was held in Lexington, Kentucky and was the preacher for the Kentucky Annual Conference Ordination Service. Two persons were ordained; the Rev. Ralph “Tommy” Johnson was ordained a local deacon and the Rev. Avis Lynette Thompson was ordained an Itinerant Elder. The annual conference was invigorating and it was pleasure to observe the episcopal leadership team of Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie and Episcopal Supervisor Stan McKenzie. An article about the Kentucky Annual Conference is forthcoming. I arrived back in Nashville late Friday afternoon.

Today, Saturday 22, I was the presenter for Lee Chapel AME Church Ministry of Music Retreat. The Rev. Dr. Edward L. Thompson is the pastor of Lee Chapel and Sister Paula Y. Holmes serves as the Minister of Music. The retreat was a model for other local churches. Their team-building exercise was second to none. It is obvious that Sister Holmes is an outstanding and inspiring leader in the music program at Lee Chapel.

And, in addition to all of the things I had to do, the editorial work of TCR was still piling in the Inbox.

Well, I have shared all of this to say that this has been a busy week and something had to give. I will do Part II of “What’s the Answer?” in the next issue of TCR Online.

Editor’s Note: Please take this in the spirit that I intend. I appreciate all of your notes, but, you do not need to send me any more congratulatory messages. But, if you feel that you just have to send a congratulatory please send them to [cbsydnor@bellouth.net ].

PLEASE DO NOT SEND THEM TO: chsydnor@bellouth.net

2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:

- To the Editor:

RE: Editorial – What’s the answer?

I actually laughed out loud as I read your editorial, “What’s the Answer?” I can resonate with the conversation you related in the editorial that you had with the brother. I have been in worship services around the connection that made me want to step outside and look at the cornerstone or marquee to be sure that I was in an AME Church.

I believe it is partially the Stewards' fault, who don't know their duties, the Church's fault (with emphasis on the capital “C”) for allowing the "brilliant" pastors to "run" churches a muck of some of our worship services based on something they saw on television and think it's acceptable (that's another editorial for another day).

Sometimes I feel it's the seminary's fault for not really giving their students an understanding of what worship is. I had a friend tell me that as a part of a workshop she conducted for a room full of preachers, she asked them what was worship and no one could tell her. They could tell her what one does in worship, but could not define worship (may have told you this one already). Many of the attendees came up after the discussion and confessed that they were embarrassed because they couldn't answer the question. The interesting thing is that many of them were "seasoned" seminarians and pastors with several years in their pulpits

I now laugh at myself because I sound like my grandparents when referring to young folk and how they act. I also find myself becoming annoyed at pastors under 50 years of age who I feel really aren't called committed or compelled as we used to say in the WMS. It sometimes appears to be "all about the Benjamins" for them and what they can do to be proud and popular. Proud and popular now has a new meaning that I don't get.

I would agree that a town hall meeting would be inappropriate for two reasons: some things must be discussed in the privacy of the pastors' study to avoid what we've seen on television of late regarding health care reform and the fear of retribution. Pastors see as Bishops do and try to follow suit and mimic their behavior.

I refer to the Young Adult representative's speech to the Biennial Convention that was printed in the July XX issue of TCR Online. The young man said something and if anyone was listening.

A church can be mega-church or small church, but the focus should be what your fellow traveler earns for in the worship experience.

I still believe something is missing in the seminary experience and when that changes, maybe, just maybe the traveler won't have to consider being the itinerant. Seminary teachers theology, religious history, homiletics, etc., but it doesn't or can't teach worship. I am still of the opinion that students should spend a year in a church(es) on an assigned internship like student teachers do as a part of graduation. It's one thing for students to affiliate with a church while in seminary, but it's another to have to become an effective pastor. When they sent into the "real" world of pastoring a congregation, they lose something. It's hard to explain, but they do. I think if they are exposed to more than one congregation while students might help. I've noticed that they spend much too much time talking to each other comparing notes. Surely, what works in one congregation may not work in another local church.

This is gotten way too long, and I really should have waited to read part II.

Name withheld by request

3. DR. SANDRA T. THOMPSON IS INTERIM PRESIDENT OF FLORIDA MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY:

DR. Sandra T. Thompson has been selected as the Interim President of Florida Memorial University, South Florida’s only Historically Black University.

Dr. Thompson began her 30-year career with Florida Memorial as a Professor of Sociology before becoming Chairperson of the Division of Social Sciences, a post she held for nine years. Her performance as Division Chair earned her a promotion to the post of Institutional Self-Study Director.

She was selected to be Florida Memorial’s first Assistant Provost in 2002. Two years later, she was promoted to Associate Provost. Then in July 2006, she became Provost.

Dr. Thompson earned her bachelor’s degree from Voorhees College in Denmark, South Carolina; her master’s degree from Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee; her certificate of French from the University of Poitier in La Rochelle, France; her Ph.D. from the University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; and a certificate from Harvard University Graduate School of Education’s Institute of Educational Management.

She is a member of numerous civic and professional groups including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the National Association of Black Sociologists, and the Association of Women in Higher Education, Parents and Friends of Children with Autism, the Board of Trustees of Kinad, Inc, the African American Success Foundation (AASF), and the Institute of Black Family Life. In addition, she is a Steward at Greater Mt. Pleasant A.M.E. Church, Hollywood, FL, under the leadership of Pastor Eddy Moise.

A Miami native, Dr. Thompson is the widow of the late Tyree Thompson, Jr., who was a graduate of Florida Memorial, and she is the devoted mother of their two children, Rahmaan and Lillian.

Submitted by
Bishop John F. White
Commission on Seminaries, Universities, Colleges and Schools
African Methodist Episcopal Church

4. FRESHMAN MALE STUDENTS IN WORSHIP SERVICE:

Brother Alphonso Varner

What a marvelous sight to see five hundred freshman male students walking up State University Drive from the campus of The Fort Valley State University Sunday, August 9, 2009 to attend church services at St. Peter African Methodist Episcopal Church. They were escorted by FVSU campus security personnel.

The Sanctuary was filled to capacity as the worshipers experienced a Spirit-filled worship service of praises, songs, prayers, challenging remarks and a dynamic sermon preached by Reverend Richard Allen Washington, Pastor of St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church, Columbus, Georgia. The Reverend Washington used as his subject, "Game or Glory."

Dr. Larry E. Rivers, President of FVSU gave electrified challenging remarks to the students. He said to honor God first and to get a quality education during your next four or five years at this institution of higher education, and be a constructive contributing citizen in our society. You have made a wise decision by enrolling in The Fort Valley State University.

Similar echoes were voiced by Reverend Bertram C. Smith, Pastor of St. Peter AME Church and Dr. Said Sewell, Executive Director, Academic Success Center of FVSU.

Pastor Smith told the students that they are welcome to attend services and programs at St. Peter; and take an active part with the membership in glorifying God and serving humankind.

Mr. Ashley Ballard was very instrumental in coordinating with Dr. Sewell in getting the freshman male students to attend worship service. Mr. Ballard serves as Steward Board Ministry Pro tem at St. Peter and is employed at FVSU as Administrative Director and Academic Advisor.

A delicious meal was prepared and served to the attendees by Brother Willie K. Harris and his competent staff.

5. DREAMS DO COME TRUE – ST. JAMES A.M.E CHURCH, MARION, SOUTH CAROLINA:

The Rev. Georgean Pringle

Dreams did come true for 25 youth members of St. James A.M.E. Church located at 5333 South Highway 41, Marion South, who journeyed to Washington, DC July 8-11, 2009. The Pastor, Reverend Georgeann T. Pringle and Social Action Coordinator, Sister Mary Taylor began planning the trip after their experience at the Inauguration in January 2009. A group of St. James members traveled to Washington to witness history in the making. We shared hundreds of photos and our experiences with the youth and they were so excited and they expressed a wish to go “see where President Obama lives.”

By early February, we began to survey those who were serious about going to Washington. The response was overwhelming from the community and other churches. However, we decided since we had 55 persons from St. James committed from the start we would go as a church family. The date was set early, but we had no idea where the $15,000.00 estimated cost would come from. However, we had faith that through prayer and commitment God would make a way.

The St. James Learning Center under the direction of Sister Sharon Grice and Sister Connie Ford incorporated the trip in the Summer Camp program, which began on June 8th. As part of the curriculum, the campers got a lesson on the sights included in the trip. They also received etiquette training. After all, we wanted all of our children to be on their best behavior.

The committee consisted of Sister Mary Taylor, Sister Sharon Grice, Academic Excellence Coordinator; Sister Victoria Belin, Education/Culture Travel Coordinator and Brother Warren Leonard, Sons of Allen President. They worked daily making phone calls, writing letters and visiting persons for donations. Prayer and hard work paid off! We believe that when people have a mind to work nothing is impossible. By mid-June, we had received donations to sponsor 25 children. Donors from the church and the community gladly gave because they saw the blessing this trip would provide our youth.

All of the children were given memory books with assignments for each day provided by Sister Victoria Belin as follows: (a) What was your favorite placed visited today, Why? (b) What new thing did you learn today? (c) What new person in our group did you meet today? (d) Tell something about this person. (e) Once I looked out the window and … (write a least three sentences). For Saturday the children responded to two questions; (a) Did you enjoy this trip? Why/Why Not? (b) What other cities would you like to visit?

Memory books were turned in at the end of the trip. The books were judged for originally, accuracy of information, the ability to follow directions, and the ability to capture the reader’s interest through the written words of the trip experiences.

First Place, Whitney Green, second place: Makayla Johnson, third Place, Terri Grant; and honorable mentions: Charli Pringle, Selena Khorran and Bra’Zia Crawford.

This dream come true experience meant a lot to our youths. Many have never been outside Marion County and few had ever been to our Nations Capital. Most of the young people got the opportunity for the first time to stay at a four star hotel, Sheraton Four Points DC. And we are proud to report that the hotel staff constantly complimented on how well behaved our children were.

The trip was well organized from beginning to end. Memorable attractions were: US Supreme Court, US Capital, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Arlington Cemetery, World War II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Air and Space National Museum, just to name a few.

After all the touring, we all needed some time to relax. The entire church family was honored to be the guest at the home of Mr. Armstrong Williams. Mr. Williams is a most gracious host and has been a huge supporter of St. James. He was instrumental in putting together the Inauguration events as well as assisting with many of the details for this Dream Come True experience. Mr. Williams surprised us with a live taping of our group to appear on The Right Side, The Armstrong Williams Show. The children were in awe, and excited; and some were camera shy; however, we all had the opportunity to appear and speak about what we enjoyed most about the trip. Imagine the thousands of people watching the show that will see our young people and staff from St. James, Marion, South Carolina. People we will probably never get to meet, but God has blessed our young people with what may be an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

However, the evening was far from over at Mr. Williams’ home. The St. James Church family surprised their Pastor, Rev. Pringle with a birthday celebration. And surprised she was. Even for Rev. Pringle, Dreams Do Come True. She had never had a surprise birthday before, and this was her first. Surprise, Surprise, Surprise!

The dream didn’t end in Washington. On the way home, we stopped for a half day at King’s Dominion Theme Park, located in Virginia. What a time, what a time, what a time! Even the adults got a chance to relive their childhood.

Finally, this trip would not have been a success with the following dedicated chaperones: Mary Taylor, Mary Latson, Pamela Williams, Warren Leonard, Ricky Rowell, Mark Gillard, Sharon Grice, Angenette Weaver, Danielle Pee, Bobbi Jo Crawford, Victoria Belin, Eva Dell Williams, Geraldine Small, Nevada Stevenson, Peggy Israel, Dora Belin, Patricia Davis, Debra Miller, Deirdre Miller, and Eric and Tiyianna Jordan.

Our goal at St. James is transformation. We believe that a motto is more than words. It should be lived out in the lives of those who proclaim. As pastor along with her members with God being our helper, we make every effort to live out our motto: Building Bridges…Changing Lives.

We would like to extend our appreciation to MBF Tours & Travel, Pawley's Island, SC, and special thanks to Melissa for her safe driving and friendly spirit. God has truly been good to St. James A.M.E. Church. He keeps on blessings us over and over again. As we look forward to next year – we leave you with Dreams Do Come True – and God is no respecter of persons, whatever He does for some He delights to do for others!

St. James’ dreams are to be continued.

6. MOREHOUSE RENAISSANCE SIGNALS NEW LEADERSHIP AS 2009-2010 ACADEMIC YEAR BEGINS:

New Provost, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Student Services join the President’s Cabinet

Atlanta, GA – This week, Morehouse College welcomes nearly 800 new students in the class of 2013. As New Student Orientation week kicks off, the College also welcomes three new senior administrators.

After a vigorous search, Weldon Jackson has been named provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, effective January 1, 2010. Jackson, who is returning for his second stint at Morehouse, is currently the provost at Manhattan College in New York, where he has served since 1996. Jackson is a member of the 1972 class of Morehouse, where he earned a degree in political science. He earned a doctorate from Harvard University. He served as vice president for Academic Affairs at Morehouse from 1985 to 1996 and says his goal in returning to Morehouse is to help President Robert M. Franklin, Jr. advance his vision of a Renaissance at the College.

“President Franklin’s clarion call for a renewal of Morehouse to graduate ‘Renaissance Men with a social conscience and global perspective’ reverberates throughout the halls of the academy,” Jackson said. “I consider it a privilege to be asked to join the College and assist in enhancing our institutional capacity to give the world Renaissance Men that it so desperately needs,” he said.

Gwendolyn Sykes joins the College as vice president for Business and Finance/chief financial officer. Prior to joining the Morehouse executive team, she was the chief financial officer at Yale University, the first in the school’s 306-year history. In that role, Sykes was responsible for the overall financial stewardship of the University’s $1.8-billion operating budget, $32-billion investment portfolio and nearly $400 million in capital expenditures. She has worked as a presidential appointee under George W. Bush as CFO for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and as an analyst for the Department of Defense.

“It is a privilege to join Morehouse, with its distinguished history educating leaders for this country and the world,” Sykes said. “My role will be to assist Dr. Franklin in maximizing the use of the College’s resources to guarantee that it can continue to fulfill its vital mission for society and retain its position of prominence in higher education.”

Ushering in the new freshman class is William Bynum, Jr., vice president for Student Services. Bynum comes to Morehouse from Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, where he served as vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. Bynum, who has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Davidson College and a master’s and doctorate from Duke University, is no stranger to the Atlanta area. He worked in research and taught at Georgia Tech as well as associate vice president for Student Affairs at Clark Atlanta University. President Franklin said that Bynum’s veteran experience in higher education is exactly what Morehouse needs at this time.

“The culture of small liberal arts institutions is unique and requires administration by those who understand the varying needs of the community,” Franklin said. “Dr. Bynum has served two small liberal arts institutions and has demonstrated a penchant for developing and renewing student-based programming.”

Upon his return to Morehouse, President Dr. Robert M. Franklin Jr. vowed to start a Renaissance at his alma matter. His vision is to produce “Renaissance Men with a Social Conscience and Global Perspective.” Morehouse is known for producing great leaders. It was recently recognized as one of the top feeder schools to the 15 most prominent graduate and professional programs in the nation by The Wall Street Journal, called “One of the best Southeastern colleges” by The Princeton Review and ranked “America’s Hottest College for Men” by Kaplan-Newsweek.

As the nation’s largest, private liberal arts college for men, the College offers 26 majors in three academic divisions: Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and Mathematics, and Business Administration and Economics. Morehouse offers a number of programs and activities to enhance its challenging liberal arts curriculum through the Leadership Center at Morehouse College, Morehouse Research Institute, Andrew Young Center for International Affairs and the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel. In 2007, Morehouse launched a new Journalism and Sports concentration, which will one day grow into a major course of study.

Prominent alumni include Martin Luther King Jr., Nobel Peace Prize winner and civil and human rights non-violent leader; Dr. David Satcher, former U.S. Surgeon General and director of the National Center for Primary Care of Morehouse School of Medicine; Shelton “Spike” Lee, filmmaker and president of 40 Acres & A Mule Productions; Samuel L. Jackson, Academy Award-nominated actor; Maynard H. Jackson, founder of Jackson Securities and the first African American mayor of Atlanta; and Nima A. Warfield, the first African American Rhodes Scholar from a HBCU.

7. “WE COME THIS FAR BY FAITH” - A 100 YEAR MILESTONE:

The Rev. Glenda P. Murray-Kelly

What is the significance of this story some may ask. Why are we interested in reading about another church that celebrated 100 years of service? Yet, the celebration and milestone was more than the building and establishment of a church. The history of the New Mount Olive African Methodist Episcopal Church in Chesapeake, Virginia, formerly called the South Hill Circuit dates back to 1909.

The year, 1909, is a very significant year for the African-American church and the community. It’s the year that marks the history of the establishment of the NAACP. Drawing from a humble beginning, the congregation was able to on Sunday, August 2, 2009 to celebrate their 100th anniversary at 1953 Old Campostella Rd. It’s amazing how, the reconstruction of the building was in 1953 and then the congregation was able to find new land at the address of 1953. This was the sign the hand of the Lord was present. God didn’t want them to forget their humble beginning of 1953.

There was an unpredicted rain storm, but the congregation and community were still motivated to press their way into the house of the Lord to hear the anniversary message. The worship leader Steward Phillip Twine, (aka) coach Twine set the atmosphere for praise and worship. He is the grandson of a former pastor of New Mount Olive, the Rev. Cornelius Moore who was assigned to New Mount Olive back in 1930. It was the beginning of a new beginning of church history.

The Rev. Charles Harvin, Sr., Pastor, Macedonia AME Church, Suffolk, VA, and native son of New Mount Olive came equipped with a twenty member choir. While he embraced the pulpit the choir embraced the choir stand. The "minstrel of music" Sister Evelyn Scott begins to play the songs of Zion such as: "Oh' How I Love Jesus, and It’s Your Season to be blessed." The singing of those songs took the congregation back to the old days of New Mount Olive. They were affectionately known as the Stella's of music in Norfolk County under the leadership of Sister Leathel Twine, organist, the daughter to Rev. Moore.

"I remember it as if it was yesterday. On November 13, 1977, I was given an opportunity to preach. I begin my ministry under the banner of New Mount Olive, and for 72 years of my life, I have been nourished, molded and shaped by this ministry. The dream of Rev. L. L. Carter is now a reality. Will someone please tell the truth about how this church was built" said Rev. Harvin.

With a crowd of 150 people sitting in the congregation, it was easy for Charles Lee, to deliver a soul stirring message of hope to the people of God. His message Psalm 137:1-4 "Keep Pushing."

The 100 year Milestone

In 1909, a group of people mitigated from St. Luke AME Church, Oak Grove area to the Money Point area of Norfolk County (aka) Buell, Virginia. With hopes of establishing a suitable place to worship, they begun to worship in the location where First Baptist Church, Money Point is currently located. Under the leadership of Rev. Billups, in 1910 the church was accepted into the AME Church, Virginia Annual Conference. In 1913 a frame church was built at 916 Middle St. In 1953 a new construction was completed at the same location by the Rev. D. P. Felton.

Another vision was set forth to build in 1974, under Rev. L. L. Carter. Land behind the church was purchased, later to find out, they could not expand the present building, due to city ordinance regarding parking. He worked for three consecutive years in providing insight to the congregation that they could build a new church? His major objective was the church needed to have an educational facility, classrooms and a fellowship hall for the future generation(s). Under Carter the land was purchased in 1975. His administration, licensed two preachers: the Rev. Charles Harvin, Sr. and the Rev. James Edward Murray, Jr. Carter was diagnosed with cancer and died in 1978.

Seven pastors were assigned to the church after the death of Carter. These pastors who were assigned were the Rev. Raymond Pittman; the Rev. E. H. Terrell, Sr.; the Rev. Henry Jefferson; the Rev. William Grant, Jr.; the Rev. James H. Johnson; the Rev. Granger Flythe; and the Rev. Ira K. McMillan, Jr.

In December 1985, under Rev. James H. Johnson, the land was paid off. The ground breaking ceremony was conducted in January 1988 by Bishop John Hurst Adams. Bishop Hartford H. Brookins, rendered services to New Mount Olive in 1989. On September 7, 1996, the cornerstone was laid by Delegate Lionell Spruill and a Grand lodge.

Due to vandalism of the property, and other mitigating circumstances, the construction was delayed but not denied.

In March 1997, the property at 916 Middle St. was sold and the congregation rented the facility at Philadelphia Church of God in Christ, 921 Canal Dr., Chesapeake, VA. New Saint John, A.M.E. Church, Virginia Beach, VA and Greater St. Andrews, A.M.E. Church both extended their facility to the church to have early morning or afternoon service. However, due to the location of both churches the congregation elected to fellowship at the church on Canal Dr. In February 1998, a Loan and a Budget committee were appointed to secure a loan in the amount of $175,000.00. The first application submitted to Nations Bank, Norfolk, VA was disapproved because the draft financial report was submitted in error. The church did not give up.

Another application was submitted at First Coastal Bank, Virginia Beach, VA. On December 18, 1998, the loan was approved in the amount of $175,000.00. The New Mount Olive Church family and community worked hard and diligently to get the building permits to complete the work. The Trustees had pew rallies, a brick fund, the mortgage fund and a series of fundraising activity. Property located in the Ghent area of Norfolk, VA was donated by Rev. Johnson and family and was sold for $30,000.00 to assist in the completion of the work. In November 1999, Rev. Johnson and 27 members of New Mount Olive were granted permission to hold services in the fellowship hall of 1953 Old Campostella, Road.

In 1974 - 2000, Trustees who played a major role in the construction of the building were: Brothers Andrew Gray, Robert Harvin, Jr., Hosea Scott, Kenneth Gray, Garland Wilson, Raymond Edmonds, Sr., Christopher Brown, Roosevelt Felts, the late, Joseph Whitfield, Fred Trotman, Leroy Trotman, Nathaniel Coleman, Lloyd Copeland. Sisters: A. Washington, Annie Brown, Annie B. Spence, Kimeco Brown, the late Alma Hassell and Elizabeth Brooks.

In July 2000, Rev. Johnson was assigned to Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church, and Rev. Granger Flythe was assigned New Mount Olive. Under Rev. Flythe, Phase II of the construction project was completed which included: (1) completion of the interior of the sanctuary; (2) kitchen cabinets; (3) a sound system, steeple; (4) furniture for the sanctuary - including pews and (5) and the church marquee was built by Trustee Andrew Gray. The offices were fully furnished and kneeling pads around the altar were installed. A 15-passenger van was purchased under his administration. In February 2004, the facility was dedication serviced was conducted by Bishop Vinton R. Anderson. A new trustee was elected to the board, Brother Roger Graves.

On June 15, 2008, the Rev. Ira K. McMillan, Jr. was appointed as pastor of New Mount Olive.

“The families and friends came together along with the community to complete the work. We worked hard. It was Trustees Hosea Scott, Garland Wilson, Jr., Kenneth Gray, Robert Harvin, Jr., and Raymond Edmonds, Sr., and I, who made sure that the foundation was laid and the construction was a success. We got real dirty. We had a working board, we did a lot of the work ourselves, but without the Lord we could have not done this,” said Trustee Gray, former pro-tem.

With 100 years of work and struggle behind them, the congregation is admonished to understand first and foremost that it takes a lot of faith to continue the work of the Lord and it takes a multitude of people to complete the work, but it only took a faithful few to believe God that it could be done. We all must continue to “Keep Pushing.”

Sources: Hattie Mae Lloyd Goodman, (deceased), Secretary to Quarterly Conference, New Mount Olive and the late Lorraine Coleman.

8. THE MAGNETIC POWER OF THINGS:

The Rev. N. T. Pitts

Webster defines “thing” as an inanimate object. That means that “things” have no life and therefore they have no willpower, influence or persuasion.

No matter how Webster’s Dictionary defines “things,” our desire for “things” has caused heartaches, sickness, pain and suffering and has destroyed families, friends, relationships and lives. We are drawn to things for different reasons.

“Things” never bother us. We bother them.

“Things” stay put wherever they are placed. “Things” move only when people move them.

We buy “things.” We steal “things”. We rob to get “things.”

We cheat to get “things.” We work two and three jobs to get “things.”
Some even kill/murder to get “things.”

“Things” have some kind of unspecified magnetic power that draws us.

Most of our financial and physical problems are brought about by our desire and acquisition of “things” we cannot afford. There seems to be a void in our lives and we try to fill that void with “things.” Look how we grovel for “things.”

We have “things” in our possession that we cannot give a “logical” reason for having.

Some of us buy “things” with the intent of “making a statement.” We buy “things” to keep up; impress and outdo our neighbors and friends.

We buy “things” in hope of being safe, secure and happy.

We have utility rooms, storage units and safe deposit boxes to store “things” that we will never use just to boast that we owned them. We buy “things” and we lock them up for fear of others would steal them. It is without a doubt that we are slaves to “things” even though they have no conscious control over us.

It is no wonder that we find ourselves in such a mess as we are today.

“Things” or shall I say, the “thirst for things,” has brought us to our knees and even has caused many to take their lives.

What a powerful force the “things” have over us. We acquire and possess “things” that do not fill voids in our lives.

What we don’t realize is that we cannot fill a spiritual void with worldly “things” because we are spiritual beings.

A young man came to Jesus and said “Good Master what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?” Jesus cited to him the commandments and the young man responded, “I have kept all of the commandments.” Jesus told him to go sell his possessions and give to the poor. The young man went away sorrowful. He did not want to get rid of the “things” he had and he didn’t want to give to the poor.
Matthew 19:16-22

The young man was a slave to the “things” he had and could not, or would not let go of them.

It may well be good for each of us to ask ourselves the question, “Am I a slave to ‘things?’ Am I able to shake myself loose from the ‘things’ I possess?”

Just imagine how many people we could help by shaking loose of the “things” in our closets, in our utility rooms, and in our storage areas.

The “things” we possess will be destroyed by moth, rust, mildew and rodents and may even be stolen.

Resist the magnetic power of “things.”

Hold on to that, which is good and don’t let things become a security blanket.

I read recently of a homeless man who came to the conclusion that “things” didn’t matter anymore, he died. He was a millionaire, leaving millions to charity. He got rid of the “things” he had, including his fine house just to be at peace with himself.

I wish to share with you the lyrics of a song written by Harry Rudy / Rube Bloom some years ago and recorded by a numbers of singers:

Give Me the Simple Life

I don’t believe in frettin and grievin;
Why mess around with strife?
I never was cut out to step and strut out,
Give me the simple life

A cottage small is all I’m after
Not one that’s spacious and wide,
A house that rings with joy and laughter
And the ones you love inside

Some find it pleasant dinning on pheasant
Those things roll off my knife
Just serve me tomatoes, and mashed potatoes
Give me the simple life.

Some like the high road I like the low road,
Free from the care and strife.
Sounds corny and seedy, but yes, indeed-y
Give me the simple life.

What an attitude to adapt; there is important morale in that song.

With a simple life there would be less sickness, heartaches, pain and suffering. There would be less frustration and fears. Envy would have no place in our lives. “Things” will not have “attracting power.”

The Rev. N.T. Pitts, Pastor is a retired AME Pastor who lives in Eatonville, Florida

Pastor Pitts has authored 10 books. For more information contact Rev. Pitts, email: Ptaegar@aol.com.

9. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

With deep sorrow, we report the recent passing of The Reverend Carol King of the Savannah District of the Georgia Annual Conference, Sixth Episcopal District. Reverend King was the pastor of Flipper Chapel AME Church in Savannah, Georgia.

Professional Serviced Entrusted to:
Adams Funeral Home
510 Stephenson Avenue
Savannah, Georgia 31405-5973
Telephone: 912-354-6260
FAX: 912-354-6262

The funeral has been held.

Condolences may be sent to:

Flipper Chapel AME Church
The Family of Reverend Carol King
124 Pitt Street
Savannah, Georgia 31415

Telephone: 912-236-2556

10. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICES:

- With joyful hearts and uplifted hands the First Community AME Church Family of Grand Rapids, Michigan, say congratulations to the Rev. David R. Jarrett and First Lady Valerie Jarret who celebrated 35 years of marriage together on the 3rd of August, 2009.

Congratulatory responses can be forwarded to Rev. and Mrs. David R. Jarrett via email to: benjamindavidbras@gmail.com

- The Rev. W. Antoni Sinkfield and First Lady Kristy Sinkfield celebrated their 20th Wedding Anniversary on August 10, 2009. The Rev. W. Antoni Sinkfield is the pastor of St. John AME Church, Nashville, Tennessee, the Mother Church of African Methodism in the state of Tennessee.

Congratulatory responses can be emailed to Rev. and Mrs. W. Antoni Sinkfield: pastorwas@bellsouth.net

- Tiffany Marie Kelly, the daughter of the Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Herman O. Kelly, Jr. of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, was awarded an academic letter for her 3.5 GPA for her freshman year at The St. Joseph's Academy in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She is a 10th grade student and was given the award at a school wide assembly to recognize the past year accomplishments.

Tiffany’s brother, Herman Osby Kelly, III is a second year student at the University of Tampa and was awarded a varsity lettering Basketball for this past season at the University...He is an accounting major.

Congratulatory responses can be emailed to proud parents, the Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Herman O. Kelly, Jr.hokellyj@yahoo.com

- The Rev. Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, editor of The AME Christian Recorder and the Rev. Dr. Charlotte Ann Blake Sydnor, pastor of Shorter Chapel AME Church, Franklin, Tennessee, celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary on August 18, 2009. Dr. Charlotte Sydnor also celebrated her birthday on August 18th.

Congratulatory message can be forwarded to the Sydnors:

cbsydnor@aol.com: Rev. Dr. Charlotte Ann Blake Sydnor
chsydnor@bellsouth.net: Rev. Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III

- Congratulations to LaToya Hicks and Brandon Maddox on their recent marriage on July 25, 2009. LaToya is the daughter of the Rev. Tyrone Hicks and the Rev. Phyllis Hicks, pastor and first lady of St. Andrews AME Church in Sacramento, California.

Brandon Maddox the son of the Rev. Edward and Mrs. Brenda Maddox, pastor and first lady of St. Mary AME Church in Thomaston, Georgia. Latoya is a member of Mathlama AME Church in Morrow, Georgia and Brandon is a member of St. Mary AME Church, the church where his father is the pastor. The loving couple will reside in Ellenwood, Georgia.

Congratulatory responses can be emailed to: pastorhicks@sbcglobal.net

11. 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
Email: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936
Fax: (615) 833-3781
Cell: (615) 403-7751

12. 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 (8/14/09)

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 – WHAT’S THE ANSWER?:

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

On a recent trip, I happened to tell a fellow traveler that I was clergy and immediately he began a long conversation about the worship experiences at his church. It was a long conversation and all I could say, was, “Uhmmm, I understand, really, wow…” There was nothing for me to say, I just listened because that was not the first time that I found myself listening to someone pour out his or her frustration about their church experience. There was so much I wanted to say, but I listened.

One thought that came to my mind was, his pastor, and probably many others would benefit from having a “town hall meeting.” I am sure that some pastors could not handle a town hall meeting and if a pastor cannot appropriately handle a town hall meeting, it’s better not to hold one. Sometimes it might be good to have an honest non-attribution conversation.

Let me share what my fellow traveler told me.

He began the conversation, which turned out to be a one-sided conversation; he did the talking while I listened.

He said, “I love my church, but sometimes I get so frustrated and I get so hungry for the Word. I am thinking about changing churches.”

I quickly got in a question, because I could tell that this was going to be his conversation and I wanted to get my question in early, so I asked, “Why do you want to change churches?”

The flood gate opened. He responded, “Our church has changed so much. I don’t think our pastor understands us. We are a family and a neighborhood church. Our pastor wants to run our church like a mega-church. Listen; if I wanted to attend a mega-church, there are a several meg-churches I could attend, not far from our church. Our pastor has routinely changed the order of worship – changes just occur, without planning without consensus, without acceptance, and seemingly without evidence of the Holy Spirit. Changes occur without rhyme or reason; they just ‘happen’ and then we are, somehow, stuck with them. Sometimes our Sunday worship just goes on and on and becomes way too long and repetitive without real spiritual meaning, and it detracts from the true focus of the service. The pastor and the choir seems to have a great time, but it wears out those of us sitting in the pew who are not interested in hearing the same song or chorus sung 42 times in succession. We wonder if the pastor is in charge or if the organist is in charge. It seems as if the organist is in charge. At other times, it seem like the assistant pastor is in charge. The service seems so disjointed and without focus and by the time we finally get around to the sermon, which, I think, should be the focal point of worship; our brains have been overloaded and exhausted. We have a lot of singing and we get a mini-sermon or a personal testimony every time someone gets up to pray, read the scriptures, give the announcements, and the welcome of visitors. And, everybody has to say, “Good morning saints” or “Good Morning church!” Two and half hours into the worship service, people are looking at their watches and looking at the clock. By the time the pastor gets up to preach, the rustling in the congregation communicates that many sitting in the pew probably are not in the Spirit or mood to concentrate on what the preacher has to say. The children are restless; senior citizens are shuffling in and out of the sanctuary, one by one, apparently going to the bathroom. The worship seems so disjointed and I wonder why the pastor does not realize how distracted the worship service has become. I guess he doesn’t, because he is having a good time and he’s getting paid to have a good time. I just don’t know what’s going on in our church.”

I was getting ready to give some advice, but he interrupted me. He continued talking, “The pastors we had before emphasized the Word and their messages were more biblical and they addressed everyday issues. Sometimes their sermons made me feel guilty because it almost seemed as if the pastor knew the bad things I had thought or had done. The pastors we had before explained the Bible and church seemed real. Worship had a focus, but now, I don’t know what’s coming next and sometimes we get so much praise and shouting that the pastor decides not to preach. Sometimes we go two or three Sundays without a real sermon. Sometimes, it looks to me as if the pastor is jotting down his sermon notes while he is sitting in the pulpit. A couple of weeks ago, my family visited a non-denominational church and they had a service! Those folks could sing and the preacher preached the Word. I love my church, but I think it might be time to move on. Just last Sunday, my preacher didn’t get up to preach until 1:45 and we had been in church since 11 a.m. And, then he got up and started singing. And guess what? We didn’t have a Call to Worship, didn’t do the Decalogue, the opening hymn was a praise song. It turned out that the cavalier poor reading of the scripture had nothing to do with the sermon. And, besides, the scripture was so far removed from the sermon that most people probably forgot what was read. The only reason I remembered the scripture was because it was read so poorly by a person who couldn’t read and she read the word, ‘Selah’ out loud. Frankly, we could do our worship service without the Bible because our worship, of late, seems to be ‘God is good, all the time’ and ‘All the time God is good’ as well as, ‘God picked me up and turned me around and planted my feet on solid ground.’ My family is at the point of needing to hear the Word. I like good music, but I love to hear the Word; I am missing that at my church. What has happened in my church? I haven’t always felt this way. We are missing something. What’s going on in churches today? Why has my church changed? We don’t have any programs for our youth. Maybe my church is the only church experiencing these problems.”

I was ready to respond; so much was going on in my mind. I suspect that unscripted change happens more often, than not, in some of our worship services…

Next Week, PART II

2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:

- To the Editor:

Your sensitive editorial "If We Don't, the Village Idiots Will" reflects the emotions and concern I feel about our young men. Somehow thoughtful concerned Christians must try to find a solution to this problem.

Jamye Coleman Williams

3. CONNECTIONAL LAY PRESIDENT WILLIE C. GLOVER’S MESSAGE:

“In All Thy Ways Acknowledge Him And He Shall Direct Thy Paths.” Prov. 3:6

To the Bishops of the Church, Bishop C. Garnett Henning, Sr., Lay Commissioner, General Officers, Connectional Officers, Lay Executive Board, Clergy and fellow Laypersons; it is in the joy of Jesus, the Christ, I greet you.

We are rejoicing and thanking God for the overwhelming investment of trust given by you to a voice declaring “A change you can trust.” I stand on the shoulders of all the trailblazers who paved the way for our great organization from Professor Charles H. Johnson and Rueben J. Gardner to the present day. We have a noble history and heritage which we embellish and by which we are motivated.

Clearly in this day and time the clarion call for transparency, accountability and integrity must be the hallmarks as we continue the journey of serving our Church and humankind.

In my ten point platform during the campaign held high are three salient points in particular:

- A caring and loving God-centered spirit while serving others

- Accountability and Transparency

- Teaching and Training.

Implicit in these three points is that as laypersons, we become even more informed resulting in greater empowerment to bring about change for the betterment of the Church and the communities in which we live.

We must have an intergenerational approach valuing the tolerance for differences. The Joshua generation must have a greater presence in stimulating growth and change in this process. As a whole, the Lay Organization must continue to serve as a catalyst for positive change through positive law, innovative training strategies and enlightened discussions about current issues confronting the Christian community. It is my firm belief that we are equipped, energized and empowered to serve.

Again, I thank you for your trust and expressions of support in electing me as President. I also thank the previous administration for their years of unselfish service and look forward to their wisdom in the future.

We expect to continue a strong collaboration and partnership with the General Church and components.

“To God be the glory, Great things He has done” and with His help we expect even greater accomplishments!

May God continue to bless the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the Connectional Lay Organization!

Willie C. Glover, Ph. D.
President of the Connectional Lay Organization

Save the Date: The Connectional Lay Organization's Executive Board meeting will be held in Columbus, Ohio on October 22nd – 24th. Please mark your calendars as additional information is forthcoming!

4. ACCEPTANCE OF AN INVITATION TO DO MINISTRY IN THE 15TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:

The Rev. Sidney Williams

My family and I are preparing to move to the Republic of South Africa and we are looking forward to ministry in a faraway land. My wife and children are excited and I am excited. I am asking the Church to pray for us as we embark upon this exciting challenge of ministry in the 15th Episcopal District.

My grandfather, Samuel Bowman, transferred his membership from South Carolina to Mother Bethel in Philadelphia, where he served as an usher and local deacon until he passed in 1978. Because of my early memories of him, I studied the great history of the AME Church and vowed that I would follow in his footsteps.

After my grandfather’s passing I remember my mother feeling that Mother Bethel was not kid-friendly and we eventually transferred to a United Methodist Church, where I preached my first sermon at the age of 15.

Many years later, after completing college at Howard University and graduate school at the University of Pennsylvania, I returned to the AME Church under the leadership of the Rev. Fred Lucas, pastor of Bridge Street AME Church. I remember the day, January 5, 1997; I recommitted my life to Christ and decided to fully embrace my call to ministry.

It was a high time at Bridge Street because Rev. Lucas was campaigning for bishop. I didn’t understand it all then, but I did understand that winning for him, I was loosing a pastor.

Much to my surprise, he didn’t win and I still lost my pastor.

In the days and months that followed, I met my wife to be, Teresa Williams, and relocated to New Jersey, where the Reverend Donald Luster officiated my wedding.

While living in New Jersey, we learned of the marriage retreats at Ebenezer AME Church in Fort Washington, Maryland. It wasn’t long before we moved to Fort Washington and joined Ebenezer, under the pastoral leadership of the Rev. Grainger Browning.

After seeing so much diversity in the church, I made up my mind that God was calling me to the itinerant ministry.

I enrolled in seminary and at the end of my first semester I transferred to Union Bethel, Brandywine under the pastoral leadership of the Rev. Dr. Harry L. Seawright. I am sure that no one knew that the “church on the side of the road” in obscure Brandywine, Maryland would become the base camp of an episcopal campaign for a country preacher from Swansea, South Carolina. There is something about South Carolina!

Well, I have shared this random journey to share with the members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, that five years after transferring to Union Bethel, my wife and four children have accepted an invitation to minister in the 15th Episcopal District under the episcopal leadership team of Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah and Episcopal Supervisor Carol I. Messiah.

We have agreed to a minimum of three years and “standing” on Genesis 12:1-3, we believe the best is yet to come.

It is my testimony that the African Methodist Episcopal Church is alive and well and that the itinerant ministry is still valid.

I hope to keep in touch with you about our immersion experience and hope that our experience will encourage other clergy and their families to move out of their comfort zones and go where the church needs them.

While on my missionary journey, I will look forward to reading The Christian Recorder often so that I can keep abreast of the awesome things our Zion is doing.

The Rev. Sidney Williams

5. THE SECOND DISTRICT CONTINUES TO MAKE HISTORY:

By: The Rev. Glenda P. Murray-Kelly

On Monday, July 13, 2009, the Executive Board and members of the Religious, Educational and Charitable Development Projects, Inc. (R.E.D.), which is comprised of a membership of clergy and laypersons of the Second Episcopal District met to collaborate on the mission and progress of the project. The Second District serves approximately 360 churches, 114,000 members and over 1,000 clergy and the community-at-large in the states of North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC. The net value of the real estate property is valued at over $170 million.

Kittrell, NC is the place where the smallest horse in the world lives. The horse is recorded in the Guinness world book of records.

In that same town, with a population of less than 60 people, the oldest African-American church owns 238 acres of land nearest the community of Kittrell, North Carolina in Vance County, North Carolina. The location is where the historic Kittrell College once operated. The college closed in 1975 and now houses a center for the Job Corps.

The property is currently under the direct supervision and management of the North Carolina Community Development Initiative, Inc. and the Second Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The two organizations have partnered together in a cooperative effort to design and to bring economic development and activity to the rural area. For the past two years, Bishop Adam J. Richardson, and the Second Episcopal District have worked diligently to form "The Second District Religious, Educational and Charitable Development Projects, Inc." The business is an independent initiative and a free-standing 501 (c) 3 organization under the banner of the Second Episcopal District.

"We have large churches within the body of the AME Church, but, in reality we don't have a cathedral. A cathedral is not a large building; it is a place where the Bishop speaks. The Religious, Educational and Charitable Development Projects, Inc. project will be what we as those who occupy the office of the Bishop will refer to as the Second Episcopal District Cathedral. The word cathedral comes from the Greek word "cathedra," which simply means, "a place to sit.” It is the Bishop's throne in the Orthodox tradition. We need a place where the Bishop sits. I believe this is our opportunity to help the Church and the community. We anticipate building the Anderson's Village that will be a tribute to the former Bishop of Second Episcopal District, Bishop Vinton R. Anderson," said Bishop Richardson.

According to North Carolina Community Development Initiative website, HUD’s allocation of funding is that the state of North Carolina receives slightly more than $63 million in HUD and other funds.

The proposed implementation of the master plan includes a variety of development opportunities that will be beneficial to the Church, the community and to the Kittrell College Alumni. These are: (1) A Conference Center/Retreat Location; (2) Mixed-use Housing; (3) A training site for churches and corporations; (4) A youth development site; (5) A senior housing complex; and (5) A ministry and church leaders’ counseling center.

It is anticipated that a temporary facility is forthcoming and the first stages of construction will be completed by the year 2012” said Dr. Cassandra Sparrow, Executive Director of Religious, Educational and Charitable Development Projects, Inc.

It is amazing that for years the African-American community has always asked, "Where are our 40 acres and a mule?"

We have 238 acres of land and we can build our own “AME Neverland.” Can you imagine the twenty flags representing the Episcopal Districts and 5 flags representing the Annual Conferences of the Second Episcopal District surrounding the entrance way of the 238 acre estate?

Some are reluctant to dream of an AME City and there are others who believe that God is able to bring vision and hope to a land that he has appointed to the Church.

The history and the life of this project rest in the hands of all the clergy, missionary, and laypersons of the Second Episcopal District. Bishop Richard Allen had a global vision. He instilled in us a legacy of hope, a future and the determination that has lasted for over 200 years. In the 21st Century, the Church must take the initiative to believe in the impossible. We must continue to hold on to the legacy of our forefathers’ and to the promises of God.

Every Bishop assigned to the Second Episcopal District has had dreams of doing work at the Kittrell College property. The mandate and mantle of any bishop requires them to see beyond the natural while introducing change and development within the community-at-large. But the question is, can we afford this project?" said the Rev. Sidney Williams, former board member of the Religious, Educational and Charitable Development Projects, Inc.

The vision of Religious, Educational and Charitable Development Projects, Inc. has been written and the board members are confident as to the mission and the purpose of the organization. They solicit your prayer and words of encouragement as the vision to build unfold.

“We must continue to make history,” said Bishop Richardson.

If the smallest horse in the world made history in Kittrell, North Carolina, so can the oldest African American church.

For further information on Religious, Educational and Charitable Development Projects, Inc., please contact Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Presiding Prelate, 2nd Episcopal District or the Rev. Dr. Cassandra Sparrow, Executive Director, Religious, Educational and Charitable Development Projects, Inc. at (919) 521-1763 or visit.

6. THE VILLAGE IDIOTS’ WILL:

Eric Stradford

I got caught up into a soul-piercing observation by the 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder. I got so deep into the Black Male issue, “if we don’t, the village idiot will”, that I found myself sinking into the same pit of despair and disappointment as that of my distinguished mentor. I think military folks refer to it as bunker mentality if you stay there too long. Anyway, the insightful chaplain got me to thinking about why these problems continue to resurface. It’s like a family of cockroaches after a hurricane—they don’t die, they multiply!

The village idiot is like the cockroach. He seizes an opportunity. The only value he brings to the economy is a will to survive. He endows his offspring with his own values and perpetuates a legacy of negative worth. Wealth provides an important mechanism of the intergenerational transmission of inequality. Approximately half of the wealthiest people in America inherited family fortunes. Then there are those of us who have not because we don’t know that we have.

One of the least treasured assets endowed to men in the historic black church is a system of values upon which the church has evolved since 1787. Today, grown “churched” men look at a young brother and never really see him. We tend to evangelize society’s demands on the young mans’ physical appearance, and fail at ministering to his basic human needs.

Most of us who read The Christian Recorder have heard of Richard Allen. Yet, few discussions if any perpetuate value in the Temporal Economy of Free Africans. Perhaps we lose young men because we fail to endow them with a vision of their own future.

Sons of Allen is a ministry in the life of the church formed to address observations such as those presented by our editor with strategic planning around the survival of the African American male. The Sons of Allen Ministry seeks to galvanize the latent power of men for the worship of God and service to God's people equipping them through the vital, vibrant, spiritual, and social message of God and the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

A chief goal is to lead men, especially black men in the 21st century, into a saving relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Their relationship with God is nurtured through learning about the power of prayer, experiencing the wonder of worship and sensing the sacrifice of service to others. Their salvation in Christ makes men priests for their family and community.

Perhaps the family of village idiots—humanity’s cockroaches can offer some insight for turning this thing around. At some point, someone will need to talk about The Temporal Economy of Free Africans referenced in the 1816 edition of the Book of Discipline. Getting the Sons from social to economic sustainability will require a shift in how we value the Richard Allen legacy and methods we employ to offer life more abundantly to a soul in need of saving.

7. FROM PLANNING MEETING TO CHRISTIAN EDUCATION CONGRESS IN THE FOURTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:

*The Reverend Dr. Michael C. Carson

The Senior Bishop and Fourth Episcopal Presiding Prelate John Richard Bryant along with Senior Episcopal Supervisor, the Reverend Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant have had a very busy year of overseeing the work of the Fourth Episcopal District.

This column is by no means an exhaustive record of all that has been accomplished in the entirety of the Fourth. But it will serve as a great representation of what took place from the Planning Meeting to the Christian Education Congress.

The Planning meeting was held October 23-25, 2009 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Rosemont, Illinois. The meeting was awesome! Organizational “Stakeholder’s” took time to meet. The preaching was “electrifying!”

The Reverend Dr. H. Michael Lemmons Pastor of Ebenezer AME Church in Detroit, Michigan, The Reverend Charlene B. Mills Pastor of Wayman AME Church in Racine, Wisconsin, The Reverend Dr. Walter Malone Pastor of Canaan Baptist Church, Louisville, Kentucky, and The Reverend Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant Pastor of The Empowerment Temple AME Church in Baltimore, Maryland blessed the meeting in an inspiring manner through the preached word!

Bishop Bryant appointed the Rev. Dr. Lemmons as Presiding Elder of the Michigan North District in the Michigan Annual Conference and also appointed the Reverend Dr. Walter Bauldrick Presiding Elder of the Milwaukee District of the Chicago Annual Conference.

On March 12-14, 2009 Indianapolis, Indiana served as the host city for a major outpouring of the Holy Spirit in African Methodism!

The Mid-Year Convocation convened at the Adam’s Mark Hotel-Airport. The worship services were very inspiring! The AME Church Central Indiana Ministerial Alliance did a masterful job of hosting this event!

The prolific preaching for the convocation included Bishop Samuel Lawrence Green, Sr. Presiding Prelate of the 12th Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church; the Reverend Dr. Robert Brumfield Pastor of Oak Grove AME Church in Detroit, Michigan; the Reverend Dr. Terence Gray, Pastor of St. Mark AME Church in Orlando, Florida; the Reverend Arlene Glover, pastor of St. Mary AME Church in Chicago; and the Reverend Dr. Jeffrey Johnson, pastor of Eastern Star Baptist Church of Indianapolis, Indiana.

On May 11-14, 2009 The Minister’s Retreat took place at beautiful “Five-Star” Camp Baber, located in Cassopolis, Michigan. The Retreat Director, the Rev. Dr. Cecelia Greenbar, pastor of Trinity AME Church in Detroit, Michigan left no stone unturned for this landmark meeting!

There was a Golf Tournament along with other recreational activities. Massage Therapy was also offered. There was an incredible evening of stand-up Christian Comedy with Comedian Lena Green followed by a clergy “Kat Walk” fashion show.

During the retreat there was time for silent walks, morning prayers, morning, evening worship, and evening stretches. The Reverend Myra Billups Pastor of Shiloh AME Church Galveston, Texas shared her preaching ministry with outstanding and spirit-filled sermons.

The Reverend Dr. Marvin McMickle Pastor of Antioch Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio and Professor at Ashland Theological Seminary blessed the retreat with powerful lecturing and masterful preaching!

Finally the Fourth Episcopal District Christian Education Convocation took place at the Westin Hotel in Lombard, Illinois with DuPage AME Church Lisle, Illinois hosting the meeting. The Fourth Episcopal District Director of Christian Education, the Reverend Dr. James F. Miller and his staff made very sure that this meeting would be a blessing to all in attendance.

The preaching ministry at this meeting was accomplished by the prelate of the Fourteenth Episcopal District, the Right Reverend David Daniels; the Reverend Terry Marks pastor of Greater Bethel AME Church, Phoenix, Arizona; the Reverend Galda McCants pastor of Saint Paul AME Church in Springfield, Illinois; the Reverend Otis Moss, III, pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago; and the Reverend Dr. Thelma Bryant-Davis founder and co-leader of the Soul Sisters Women Ministry of First AME Church in Los Angeles, California.

The Reverend Sean Henderson McMillan pastor of Giant Steps Church in Chicago did a masterful job of integrating moral philosophy and theology in his lecture to the convocation. The St. Paul AME Church, Lexington, Kentucky’s Trinity Mime Ministry of ministered to the convocation through liturgical dance. There was also a “word” from Jonathan McKay of the Empowerment Temple AME Church of Baltimore, Maryland.

Episcopal Supervisor, the Reverend Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant coordinated and presided with Bishop Bryant in a moving and empowering Rights of Passage Worship Service “From Childhood to Discipleship.”

Music was an integral part of worship. The Fourth Episcopal District Director of Music, the Reverend Anthony Vinson Pastor of Bethel AME Church in Chicago, Illinois did a matchless job of coordinating the music for this past year.

Space will not allow us to adequately permit share the work of all the local churches and various ministries in the Fourth Episcopal District!

The Fourth Episcopal District has now entered into her series of Annual Conferences and this will allow local churches and various ministries the opportunity to give a full account of their labors for the 2008-2009 conference year.

Regarding the major work accomplished in the entirety of the Fourth Episcopal District from the Planning Meeting to the Christian Education Congress this year, if I might do some “redacting” to John 21:25; “There are also many other things that have been accomplished. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.”

Special thanks to Fourth Episcopal District Secretary and pastor of First AME Church in Gary Indiana, the Reverend Emmanuel J. Vaughn.

*The Reverend Dr. Michael C. Carson Fourth Episcopal District Director of Public Relations and Pastor Union Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church Benton Harbor, Michigan

8. MERIT VERSUS MONEY:

*The Rev. N.T. Pitts

I wonder if all of the things I was taught by my parents, my teachers, my pastors and my coaches have become obsolete.

I make this inquiry because what we are now experiencing in our society has somewhat negated or made obsolete, some of the teaching I received throughout my life. I am not naïve, but I was taught that whatever your job you have to do, do it well so that you may be worthy of higher and better things. It is called the “merit” system. The merit system is a process of promoting, hiring and electing personnel based on their ability to perform a job rather than their political and financial status.

Even the bible expresses the value of the “merit” system. “Well done good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things; enter thou unto the joy of thy Lord.” Matthew 25:23

Today it seems as if the “merit” system has become obsolete or shall I say outdated. What matters most today is money. There is no doubt that you can buy most anything if you have the money. Great sums of money are raised in the quest of seeking to attain a position or an elected office. It is without a doubt that money and merit are not compatible. And in many cases good people are left out not because they are not qualified, but all because they cannot compete financially.

There are people who are well qualified, sincere, dedicated, honest and willing to be servants rather than to be served, but they are ignored and passed over and left out. It is a pity we don’t always elect the most qualified and dedicated people. There are those who pay much so that they may be in a position to get much. And as soon as they are elected they begin working on plans how to keep their position rather than serving the people who elected them.

Take it from me, if you buy you will also sell.

I am not quite sure where the “merit” system fits in our Zion.

There are some among our ministerial ranks who have lost all hope and ambition to work harder and do more because they have come to the conclusion it really doesn’t matter. They feel locked in and held down. And when this happen, spiritual stagnation kicks in, and with this “stagnation” there comes a “power outage” and the Pastors just “mark” time. They go to meetings, answer roll call, make their report and even “pad” their report just to get points in hope of “moving upward”.

We all must realize that in the preparation of the heart there must also be preparation of the head. In these times the pulpit must be “equipped” to deal with the present complex problems we are not facing. It requires much more than quoting scriptures.

With the “merit” system there must be aspiration, preparation and perspiration. It is unfortunate that some of the pastors cannot afford to go back to school. So they have to remain and even passed over. But it may well serve them to say as Paul: “Not that I speak in respect of want; for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Philippians 4:11

We must also be reminded that being contented does not mean doing nothing.

The Boy Scout earns his ‘merit’ badge. The employee earns his/her “merit” pay. But where exactly does the “merit” system fit in our Zion?

Simon offered money to the Apostles to sell him the power of the Holy Ghost. He wanted to “buy” the Holy Ghost power. (Acts, 8:18) So I am never surprised when I see and hear politicians and other “power and position seekers” jostling, begging and buying. It seams to me that if you do your work well, and you have prepared yourself both heart and head and if the people and the “powers that be,” are honest in their choice/selection, you shouldn’t have any problem in being considered for a promotion or being elected. But it is a very difficult thing to get people to see beyond the green.

A mother brought her two sons to Jesus and asked that he grant her two sons to sit one on the right and the other on the left in the kingdom. Jesus answer to her request embraces the “merit” system when he asked the sons, are you able to go through what I am going through. Matthew 20:20-23 In other words they had to “merit” those positions. They had to undergo the trials and tribulations and whatever confronted them.

Oh by the way, there is another “M” word I should include and that word is “Morals.” Merit versus Money and Morals.

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

A bit of humor

While sitting in the lobby of my physician an elderly gentleman was checking in at the desk. The receptionist asked him what is your last four?

The man said: My last four ah Juanita, Elizabeth, Janice and Margaret. The receptionist said I don’t mean your last four wives. I want your last four SS number. The man said Oh.

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

9. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We sadly announce the sudden homegoing of Jamyll Efiom, son of Mr. Prince Patrick Efiom, and his wife, the Rev. Patricia A. Efiom. The Rev. Patricia Efiom is the pastor of Bethel AME Church, Bloomington, Indiana. Jamyll is the father of Rashan Efiom and brother to Iesha, Gregory, Theo and Brandi.

The funeral will be held on Sunday, August 16, 2009, which would have been Jamyll Efiom’s 28th birthday.

The family hour will be on Sunday 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Day Funeral Home. The service of worship is at Bethel AME Church, Bloomington, 6 pm. Send any condolences to one of the following.

Day Funeral Home
4150 East Third Street
Bloomington, Indiana 47401

Voice: (812) 336-6331
FAX: (812) 333-7290

Bethel AME Church
302 North Rogers
Bloomington, Indiana 47404

(812) 334-3216
revefiom@sbcglobal.net

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Rashan Ameer Efiom's Educational Fund c/o Day Funeral Home.


10. 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
Email: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936
Fax: (615) 833-3781
Cell: (615) 403-7751

11. 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.