THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER Online

8/27/2009

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (8/27/09)

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, PART II:

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

In my recent Editorial, What’s the Answer, I recounted the conversation I had with a fellow traveler who told me that he was going to leave the AME Church. In the editorial, I said that I thought that we were going to have a shared conversation, but he quickly took charge of the conversation; he talked and I listened. He shared his frustration and reiterated his love for the AME Church, but he was frustrated at all of the changes that were taking place in his local church. He felt that his local church was missing something. He asked, “What’s going on in churches today?”

After he shared a litany of issues, he concluded with the questions, “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 and I was trying to figure out where to start. I was getting ready to respond when his transportation arrived and he had to leave. We shook hands and he told me that he had enjoyed our conversation and we said our good-byes.

But, I hadn’t had an opportunity to respond. He had gotten his side out, but I was left hanging, and my mind was working overtime. So, I had a conversation with myself. So many things were going through my mind and I didn’t know where to start. I tried to recall and address the points my fellow traveler raised so I could continue the conversation with myself.

My thoughts…

Let me say upfront, in the local church, the pastor is responsible for all that happens or fails to happen in terms of the success or failure of the local church program; the same is true for the presiding elder in the presiding elder district and the same is true of the bishop in his or her episcopal district.

I don’t have the hard data for why some people decide to leave the AME Church, but I suspect that much of it has to do with problems with pastoral leadership, unfulfilled spiritual worship services, lack of biblical preaching, absence of youth programs, Sunday-only use of the local church facilities, congregational mess; and the absence of focused and well-rounded spiritual programs.

Some of those issues surface because pastors and local church officers have not strategized about which direction the local church should take. Pastors have one idea about how the church should function and the members have another idea; oftentimes, the pastor wins the battle, but loses the war. In other words, some pastors have not provided the climate for members to take “ownership and partnership” of the pastoral program. In a voluntary program, as in a church, people “vote” with their presence and with their money.

Some pastors make unscripted changes in worship, and I suspect that it happens more often than not, because they have not studied, nor do they understand worship and liturgy. They do not understand the “flow” and transitions that take place in the worship service. Worship is more than singing, praying, praising and preaching. Leading worship takes skill and leading worship is a “gift” that has to be cultivated. Worship is not a casual function. Worship is more than the sermon. Certainly, the sermon should be the apex of worship, but worship begins when worshippers enter the sanctuary. Some would advocate that worship begins in the parking lot or when worshippers approach the church facility. Worship is a corporate experience, and that means that worship is a shared experience; a sharing and interacting of pastor and laity. Worship is not the pastor’s activity. Pastors who say, “My church” or “My congregation” tends to think of the church in terms of belonging to them. It might be more appropriate for a pastor to more inclusive and say, “Our church” or “Our congregation.”

The AME Church is a “Connectional” Church and, believe it or not, there are some folks who became members of the AME Church because of its liturgy and because of the episcopacy. They like worship that has order, while at the same time, worship that is filled with the Holy Spirit; in other words, spirited liturgical worship. There are others who care little about liturgy, but the wise pastor considers both sides before making drastic changes in worship.

There are worshippers, both clergy and laity, who love the traditions of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and there are some movements in liturgy that are sacred and revered. Among the laity, sacrosanct liturgical movements include, the Doxology, the AME Call to Worship, the Decalogue, and the Gloria Patri, and the sermon; and a well prepared biblically sound sermon. The most common complaint I hear is the absence of the Decalogue. The next highest complaint I hear is the absence of the Call to Worship and inappropriate chosen hymns. And, let’s face it and be honest, some of our worship services are raggedy.

There are some traditions among the clergy that are sacrosanct. The annual conference with the AME Call to Worship and the opening hymn, “And, Are We Yet Alive” are sacred. “And, Are We Yet Alive” has been sung by Methodists since the 1700s. Each year, pastors are moved by that great hymn written by Charles Wesley that expresses thanks to God for another opportunity to see co-laborers in ministry, some of whom we haven’t seen since the last annual conference. Unashamed tears of pastors are visible when the stanza is sung that says, “What troubles have we seen, what mighty conflicts past, fightings without, and fears within, since we assembled last!” John Wesley, himself, began the custom of opening the annual meeting of Methodists by singing the hymn, “And, Are We Yet Alive.” Our founder, Bishop Richard Allen sung the hymn and it is, indeed, a cherished tradition.

Sometimes, AME worship and the architectural styles of the sanctuary send conflicting messages to worshippers.

When I go into a Roman Catholic, Episcopal or Lutheran church I expect that the focus of worship to be the Eucharist. The architectural design of the split chancel is the first clue. When I enter a nondenominational church I expect the focus of the worship to be music and praise; the theater type architectural design with the plexiglass pulpit so that worshippers can always see the choir is the first clue. When I enter most AME Churches, I expect the focus of worship to be the sermon; and again, the architectural design of the centered pulpit leads me to that conclusion. But often in the case of the centered pulpit, the sermon is not the focus of worship, instead music and praise seems to be the focus of worship and sometimes the worship hymns and choir selections seemed to be out of place as in the case of one song I heard that said, “Lord, You Need us.” It could just be me, but I thought it was the other way around, “LORD, We Need You.” Or another song I heard on the radio, “God, We Give You Grace.” The centered pulpit implies the preeminence of the sermon. The Bible on the altar also tells me that God’s Word takes precedence in worship; it’s more important than the choir and more important than the announcements or the pastor’s comments on the announcements.

And, finally, a church has to be faithful to its biblical, theological and doctrinal principles. Too many churches lack a biblical foundation, ignore theology and are not faithful to the AME Church’s doctrinal foundations. Some of our pastors are busy trying to imitate televangelists and other mega-church pastors.

Believe it or not, some worshippers choose to attend small churches because they like small churches. To attempt to give a small church a mega-church worship experience may be frustrating for the pastor and worshippers alike.

When people become frustrated in worship, they move on. If a pastor and officers find that their church is losing membership, it might be time to take an inventory of what’s going on and what needs to change. Ask the people, they will tell you.

What’s the answer? Talk to the people. The people have to feel that they have ownership in the religious program. The people make an investment with their tithes and offerings each week and they need to see a spiritual return on their investment. If there is no spiritual return, many people move on.

2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:

- To the Editor

RE: Challenge II - Reading the Bible from Cover to Cover in 90 Days

I'm in! I just purchased the Zondervan cover-to-cover and was waiting to set a date to start and was looking for an accountability partner. Praise God for angels unaware. 9/1 is in my phone as D-day. Thanks for including me in your journey.

Shalom,

The Rev. Lisa Hammond
Nashville, Tennessee

- To the Editor:

RE: Challenge II - Reading the Bible from Cover to Cover in 90 Days

I had to take a moment to write and say "thank you." You are so right about a Bible that feels good to you. I am convinced that when I try to read a Bible that does not feel comfortable I don't get the full results of my efforts. It is imperative, in my mind that a person and their Bible have got to know each other. Whenever I need to find a particular Scripture that may be evading me I go to my "comfortable" Bible and lo and behold it will open to that passage immediately or I'll be able to find it in a few minutes. Your testimony warmed my heart. Many, many thanks.

The Rev. Andra Hoxie
Manassas, Virginia

- To the Editor:

RE: Challenge II - Reading the Bible from Cover to Cover in 90 Days

I took up your challenge a few weeks ago and just completed the book of Daniel. I don't believe I will complete the Bible in 90 days, but will do my best while flying into various Forward Operating Bases in Iraq.

If I can do it being shot at I know others can do it, instead of watching Television.

Blessings

Chaplain Shawn Menchion

*The Rev. Shawn Menchion is an Itinerant AME Elder serving as a Chaplain in Iraq

3. FROM A 15-YEAR-OLD BLACK FEMALE - DEAR BET, WHY…:

*Janita Patrick

Dear Debra Lee,

I’m Janita Patrick, a 15-year-old African-American female from Cincinnati. Recently, I watched the 2009 BET Awards and felt the strongest urge to reach out to the program. My family is of the typical middle-class variety; both parents and four brothers. See, I’m a junior in high school (got skipped), so naturally EVERYBODY in my age group watches BET. I’m used to seeing the sagging pants, tattoos, lack of emphasis on reading and respecting women that makes up your videos. People in my class live this out everyday, while teachers tell us that we’re acting just like the people in your shows.

“In your shows” - that struck me as odd, because I would think that with your show being the primary outlet for black entertainers and musicians, and considering the context of blacks in this country, there’s a social responsibility factor to consider. I would never blame BET alone for the way a great deal of my classmates act and talk and dress. Everybody makes their own choices. However, if anybody is aware the power of television on impressionable minds, it’s the people running the television operations. If you are not aware, then perhaps you shouldn’t be running the operation.

Guess who watches your network the most? Not those who are intelligent enough to discern foolishness from substance, but those who are barely teenagers, impressionable and believing everything they see on television. It’s awfully cruel to plant seeds of ignorance in fertile minds. You know it’s really bad when the co-founder of BET, Sheila Johnson, said that she “really doesn’t watch it” anymore.

I am constantly fighting against the images and messages put forth on your program. What made you think that it’s okay to bring my classmates on stage to dance behind Lil Wayne and Drake to a song talking about boffing “every girl in the world”? Why does reality train wrecks have to thrown in our faces? Are you aware of the achievement gap going in inner-city African-American communities? A report from America’s Promise Alliance, a non-profit group started by Colin Powell, recently stated that 47 percent of high school students in the nation’s top 50 cities don’t graduate. (Fifty-four percent of males of color in Ingham County graduated from high school, compared to 74 percent of white males). This isn’t because of BET per se, but I don’t see any episodes on your show doing anything to counteract this disturbing trend. In fact, your show is a part of this cycle of media depicting us at our worst.

My older brother told me something about profit being the number one goal for every business. I’m not sure I understand what that means, but I do know that your shows have to be entertaining enough to generate viewers, which is how you make your money. But surely our culture is rich enough to entertain without anything extra to “boost” ratings; why the over-the-top foolery? I listen to classmates talk about Baldwin Hills like it’s the Manhattan Project. It doesn’t take much effort to produce a throng of degenerative reality shows, nor does it take much to eliminate socially conscious shows off the air. MTV isn’t much better, but since when do two wrongs ever make a right? It’s one thing for white television shows to depict us in a particular way, but for black television shows to do it is baffling.

Why do you hate us?

All of the values that my parents seek to instill in me and my brothers seem to be contradicted by a more powerful force from the media, and your show is at the forefront. Your network is the only network that features rap videos and shows exclusively to children of my color. I know that you have no control over the music that the artists put out, but you do have influence as to how you air these videos. I’m sure if a stand was taken to use the talent in your organization to actually crank out thought-provoking entertaining shows and videos, then artists will follow suit. Being that they need you as much as you need them.

There was one awkward segment in the BET Awards when Jamie Foxx singled out three black doctors-turned-authors, but the introduction was so powerless that many of the viewers had no idea who they were. Had they been introduced as Sampson Davis, Rameck Hunt and George Jenkins, three brothers who overcame major obstacles to become a success without the use of lyrics that berate women, the sale of illegal substance that destroy communities or through raps about loose gunplay, then maybe my classmates would have come to school talking about more than Beyonce, T-Pain’s Big A** Chain and Soulja Boy Tell Em’s hopping out the bed.

But they weren’t introduced like that. It seemed like a throwaway obligatory tribute to appease some irritated fans. It missed the mark “big time.” Ask Michelle Obama if she watches BET or encourages Sasha and Malia to do so. Ask President Obama. It’s a reason he is the leader of the free world, and it isn’t because of buffoonery exists today.

You’d be surprised how smart young black children can be with the absence of blacks embarrassing themselves. If your goal is to deter engaged, forward-thinking articulate black minds, then consider your goal fulfilled. It’s hard-pressed to think that your shows are working to promote cultural betterment. However, it’s quite easy to conclude that the destruction of black children through the glorification of immoral behavior and rushed production is by design. Poison is being swallowed by every viewer who adores your network, and the worse thing is, these viewers - my classmates - are not even aware what they’re swallowing.

There is nothing edifying for black women on your show. I don’t judge people who do throng to your programs though; I mean if a jet crashes in right in front of me, I’ll watch it too. That’s why I don’t flip by your channel…I don’t even want to be sucked in.

I have aspirations of acquiring a law degree and possibly entering the public sphere, so I can counteract conditions in my community perpetuated by the images on your channel. So I should thank you, because in a weird sense, your shoddy programming is the wind behind my back. And it is my hope that I can accomplish my dreams despite BET’s pictorial messages, because Lord knows it won’t be because of them.

Sincerely,

*Janita Patrick is a 15 year-old high school junior who lives in Cincinnati, Ohio

Editor's Note: Several weeks ago I wrote about my experience in Cincinnati and disappointment at seeing young black men wearing their trousers below their buttock, halfway down their thighs and so when I received this article in my Inbox from a young lady in Cincinnati, I was encouraged and wanted to share this article with our readers. All may not be lost.

4. ASK THE LAWYER/PASTOR:

The Rev. Cornelius Scott, Attorney

Question: Can AME Churches hold raffles? Does The Discipline address the issues of raffles? I saw an announcement in an AME Church Sunday Bulletin where the church was raffling off a television, NFL football tickets and other items. I thought our Church could not hold raffles. Is there a change in The Book of Discipline 2008?

[Please withhold my name and location.]

Answer: The answer is unequivocally no. The Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, 2008 (hereinafter referred to as “The Discipline”) clearly addresses the issue of raffles. The Discipline states that “no lottery, raffle, or other games of chance shall be used in raising money for any purpose”. (See The Discipline, p. 80 # 8). The Discipline is the supreme law of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Inc. (See p. 45)

The Discipline establishes that “tithing” shall be the official doctrinal stewardship position of the AME Church. It specifically mandates that every pastor, presiding elder and presiding bishop should admonish and encourage members to become regular tithers. (Ibid., Pp. 41-43)

Additionally, according to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), charitable organizations and churches that engage in such fund-raisers as raffles, lotteries or other games of chance if regularly carried on may result in an unrelated business income and the income may be taxable. (See: www.irs.gov)

Email Ask the Lawyer-Pastor: cornelius@ssscott.com

5. THROUGH MY EYES…SOUTH AFRICA:

*Mr. Antoine Smith

I am a member of Quinn Chapel AME in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Rev. Dr. Frederick Wight is the pastor.

I would like to thank God for our Athletes in Action team’s safe travels and for all the people that I met during my recent trip to Johannesburg, South Africa. I was blessed to go on a trip sponsored by Athletes in Action (AIA), the athletic ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ (CCC). We used the game of basketball as a platform to share the gospel and provide hope to the South Africans with whom we came in contact. Even though soccer and rugby are the top two sports in South Africa, we believe the seeds we planted among students, players, and coaches will reap the harvest that manifest God’s glory and goodness.

It is through my eyes that I feel compelled to share my visit and experiences in Johannesburg, South Africa:

Through my eyes, I saw a country, the Republic of South Africa that in many ways is like the United States with its technology and modern conveniences.

Through my eyes, I saw Johannesburg, a modern and bustling metropolis of 3,888,180 and the population of the Greater Johannesburg Metropolitan Area with a population of 10,267,700.

Through my eyes, I saw a city where nearly every home or apartment complex was surrounded by a wall or gate with an electric fence or barbed-wire across the top of the wall.

Through my eyes, I saw a town of Alexandra cluttered with entrepreneurs selling everything from tires to fresh chicken on the streets.

Through my eyes, I saw a room full of high school, Olympic hopefuls praising and worshipping God with all their hearts on a cold winter night in Johannesburg. When it’s summer here, it’s winter there.

Through my eyes, I witnessed a group of high school senior girls pay reverence to the Lord, even though most of their families are in poverty and their school lacked the necessary textbooks and computers required to compete in the 21st Century.

Through my eyes, I saw the pictures in the Hector Pieterson Museum and the chronological events that lead to the Soweto Uprising on June 16, 1976.

Through my eyes, I visited the old home of Nelson Mandela in the town of Soweto and looked down the next block where the Archbishop Desmond Tutu once lived.

Through my eyes, I saw a city of Johannesburg filled with excitement and construction because of the 2010 World Cup will be held in South Africa next year.

Through my eyes, I saw thousands of poor homes in neighborhoods in need of electricity, running water, and a sanitary way of disposing their garbage.

Through my eyes, I saw the people of Johannesburg, South Africa transitioning from the effects of apartheid.

Through my eyes, I witnessed nearly 200 people accept Christ at an 11,000 seat auditorium at Rhema Bible Church where the pastor preached that the people of Christ need to make an impact on our world.

I saw and witnessed a lot of things in South Africa and Team South Africa (AIA) made no hesitation in sharing the Word of God and allowing anyone, young and old, the opportunity to accept Christ into their lives.

The encouraging aspect about the whole trip was witnessing the Hope that is present among the people we encountered in Johannesburg, South Africa.

We know through God’s Word that the God-kind of hope is anchored in the souls of men and women that believe in Him.
Lastly, it was through my eyes that I saw and humbly stood next to the 20 foot symbol of hope that inspires all the people of South Africa and people all over the world: Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.

*Antoine Smith is a member of Quinn chapel AME Church in Cincinnati and an assistant basketball coach at Northern Kentucky University. He is the son-in-law of the Rev. Dr. Calvin and the Rev. Dr. Charlotte Sydnor. He is married to Sister Gloria Sydnor Smith, an attorney and a member of the ministerial staff at Quinn Chapel.

6. PARLIAMENTARIAN…HISTORICAL ELECTION:

The Connectional Lay Organization (CLO) meeting in its 31st Biennial Session, elected a Lady to the position of Parliamentarian. I believe this is the first time that a lady has been elected to this lofty and critical position in the Connectional Lay Organization.

The CLO meeting held in Little Rock, Arkansas, July 26-30, 2009 elected Mrs. Virginia Henderson Harris, who was unopposed on the ballot, when the Secretary presented a majority vote on behalf of all unopposed candidates. The assembly accepted this proposition and history was made. Mrs. Virginia Henderson Harris is a long time fixture on the AME Connectional Church scene and is accorded a sound congratulation from those of us who have worked with her over the years.

Mrs. Harris, a 4th Generation Member of the AME Church, was born in Cartersville, Georgia to the late parents Robert and Reba Henderson (both 3rd Generation AMEC Members). She is the wife of Mr. Ralph H. Harris of Detroit, Michigan (an AME Church Member and Retired Executive of the Ford Motor Company). They are graced with twin daughters Valerie Y. and Veronica Y. Harris (2004 Graduates of Clark Atlanta and Georgia State Universities, respectively).

Ascending to this prestigious Parliamentarian position, Mrs. Harris amassed and impressive catalogue of credentials, experiences, commendations, and accolades throughout a multi-faceted path. She is a 1968 graduate of Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia, furthering her studies at Atlanta (GA) University and Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. Mrs. Harris is a licensed Realtor, served as Troop Leader of Girl Scouts of America for more than 10 years, all while completing a 32 year stint with Delta Air Lines as an International Meeting and Group Sales Representative (Retired). She is a Registered Parliamentarian of the National Association of Parliamentarians (passing all required examinations), the Georgia Association of Parliamentarians, and the Atlanta, Georgia Unit of Parliamentarians.

In her community, Mrs. Harris is a member of St. John AME Church in Fairburn, Georgia where Reverend Brian A. Hart is the pastor. In 1995, she organized the St. John AME Church Lay Organization and served as its initial President, continuing to serve for three years. Presiding Elder District activities include holding the office of President of the Atlanta South District Lay Organization (1996, 1998, 2000, and 2002); appointment as Chairperson of the Atlanta South District Nehemiah Committee (2002-2005); and election as President Emeritus of the Atlanta South District Lay Organization (2004).

Madame Parliamentarian’s Annual Conference achievements are even more extensive and include: Election as the Atlanta-North Georgia Conference Director of Lay Activities (1998, 2000); Recipient of the Atlanta-North Georgia Conference Lay Organization President’s Award for Outstanding and Dedicated Service (2000, 2002) and the Organization’s Award for 8 Years of Outstanding Leadership as President of the Atlanta South District Lay Organization (2004); Member of the Atlanta-North Georgia Conference Board of Trustees (2000- Present): Election as President of the Atlanta-North Georgia Conference Lay Organization (2006); and a host of other accomplishments.

In the 6th Episcopal District, this elected Parliamentarian served as Chairperson of the Sixth Episcopal District Lay Organization Scholarship Committee (1999 – 2005); was elected Secretary of the District’s delegation to the 2008 General Conference of the AMEC (2007)’ and authored a number of articles for the “ The Sixth Episcopal District Lay Notebook” (the Official Newsletter of the Organization).

At the Connectional Level, our historically elected Parliamentarian has served as Delegate to the Biennial Lay Convention on numerous occasions. She functioned as an Observer to the 45th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference AMEC (1996); was elected as a Delegate to the 46th, 47th, and 48th Quadrennials Sessions (2000, 2004, 2008); elected Secretary of the Connectional Lay Biennial Convention Recommendations Committee; elected to the General Board of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (2004, 2008); and attained countless other accolades that serve on to further extol Mrs. Harris’ merits in her ascension to this prestigious post.

I would like you to join me in welcoming, presenting to some, and introducing to others, Mrs. Virginia Henderson Harris, Parliamentarian of the Connectional Lay Organization. With this monumental course of action, the AME Church established itself as an innovative organization, launching a far reaching precedent where the election of a Lady to such lofty status will no longer be and event of historical proportion, but a routine process in doing business.

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. – Proverbs 29:18

Where there is no law, but every man does what is right in his own eyes, there is the least of real liberty. – Henry M. Robert

Article by: Mr. Vittoro D. Hunter
Dr. Samuel A. Hunter

7. REPORT ON THE DOWNTOWN CHINGOLA AME CHURCH PREACH-A-THON CONFERENCE 2009:

Copperbelt West District, South West Zambia Conference
17th Episcopal District

Praise the Lord Saints!!! On behalf of the Downtown Chingola AME Church family and indeed on my own behalf, I am excited to inform you all that the 2009 International Preach-A-Thon Conference that kicked off Friday, July 31 successfully ended on Monday, August 3, 2009. It was such a wonderful, exciting and a huge success for a church that is less than one year old since it was given the status of "stand alone" (Charge). Delegates voluntarily came from as far as the Republic of South Africa, Malawi, Botswana, Democratic Republic of the Congo and host country Zambia, hence the use of the word “international”. Awesomely, the four days conference was held in four different facilities as follows:

* Main Hall, Chingola Basic School
* Mini Hall, Chingola Basic School
* Protea Hotel Conference Centre, Chingola
* Classy Restaurant on 22-15th Street

The main conference guest speakers were:-

1) The Rev. Lekubela S Moobi, Rustenburg, South Africa
2) The Rev. Upenyu Gidieon, Gaborone, Botswana
3) The Rev. Tedious Katuta, Gaborone, Botswana
4) Bishop Joseph S Kazhila, Chingola, Zambia
5) The Rev Winner Simbeye, Chingola, Zambia
6) Mrs. Miniver M Phiri, Kitwe, Zambia
7) Moses Funete - Chililabombwe, Zambia

Licentiate Abbot Mulenga Chintala and Stanley Mulenga were conference interpreters. The Reverend Peter Mwenya, Presiding Elder, Copperbelt West District, Officially opened the conference on Saturday, July 1, 2009. During the Sunday worship experience on August 2nd 2009, we were honored to have the presence of Rev Leonard Chola, Bishop’s Administrative Assistant, Presiding Elder of Copper belt East District who was with us the whole day. The total number of pastors and bishops, and partners of Senior Pastor Mwandu who checked in was thirty-six (36). All of them made huge sacrifices and were given an opportunity to address the dinners during the grand finale come together party held on Monday, August 3rd 2009 at the newly opened Classy Restaurant at plot 22, 15th Street, Chingola, Zambia. Results of the 2009 International Conference are already visible less than three weeks since doors closed. The church is living up to the conference theme of "Being Empowered to reach the un-reached and unchurched."

The following is a testimony we would like to share with you all and may it be an encouragement to others would be saints.

2009 Preach-A-Thon Testimony

It was on Sunday, August 2, 2009; Senior Pastor Royd Mwandu reached out to Brother Muke in the company of Brother Matthews Brother Sibanda and Brother Sebastian Kondashi. What started as an ordinary encounter has ended up to being an extraordinary one. Having met the senior pastor that morning at the fuel pump station, Brother Muke exclaimed, "You are indeed a man of God. Consider me a member of your church and I will be with you next Sunday."

Later that day in the afternoon, he, in the company of other friends, was drinking alcohol and it was during that time that a divine command went to him and told him to leave and go to Downtown AME Church. The conference was in the second half at Protea Hotel. He obeyed but when he came, security denied him entry because he was drunk. Not wanting to miss his mission, he devised a system and wrote on a piece of paper to which he attached His National Registration Card (NRC). The note read "Pastor, I am Muke whom you met this morning. Please I cannot wait to come and worship next Sunday. I am stranded at the guard’s gate and need you to help me come to where you are right now." I have been denied access because I am drunk. Senior Pastor Mwandu asked brother Matthews to go and get him and with an order to security to give him access which was granted. Brother Muke came in the sanctuary with joy and confidence. Immediately, pastor Mwandu called him in front and embraced him. Asked to say what had brought him to church sooner than promised he explained he had been in the company of other friends drinking alcohol. While drinking a divine call came to him and told him to leave and go to Downtown AME Church at the Protea Hotel. He said that he was drunk and wanted the church to take him in just as he was and that from that day, he would not drink alcohol any more. Senior pastor Mwandu invited all the pastors present to join him to surround brother Muke while holding hands. The Reverend Winner Simbeye offered a prayer leading him to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and savior and when the Amen was pronounced, the whole church made a joyful noise unto the Lord while applauding.

Since that time, Brother Muke has been a regular member of Downtown AME Church. He says “In my condition then, I was not expecting Downtown to embrace me in a friendly and comely manner.” The song lyric, “What a friend we have in Jesus” was and still is applicable to him and all of us. Praise the Lord!

The journey is on and plans for the 2010 International Preach-A-Thon conference are already under way. If you would like to be included on the list of anticipated sponsors, delegates and speakers please do not hesitate to do so. We are extending this invitation to “whosoever will” across the globe to come and join us July-August 2010.

Visit our website: http://ourchurch.com/member/s/StThomasZambia. Our photo album page is updated and please do not forget to drop a word in our guestbook so we may mark your visitation.

The Rev Royd Mwandu, senior pastor
+260-966-786632
royd.mwandu@kcm.co.zm

8. 2ND EPISCOPAL DISTRICT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION CONFERENCE:

Sister Gloria L. Keaton

Picture this… youth representing AME Churches from across the 2nd Episcopal District which encompasses Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and our nation’s capitol, Washington DC.

Picture this: over 800 adult chaperones who willingly and lovingly agreed to accompany the almost 1100 young people to the 2nd Episcopal District’s Christian Education congress. Adult and youth delegates along with their chaperones gathered at the Hampton Convention Center in Hampton, Virginia from Sunday, July 12th through Wednesday, July 15th, 2009 to reenergize, renew, be inspired, study, contemplate and respond to the issues raised by the Congress’ theme, Yes We Can! Choices!

Upon arrival at the Hampton Convention Center in Hampton, Virginia on Sunday, debs, sub-debs, masters and junior Allenites went through their preparations for the evening’s ceremony. Upon completion of the rehearsal the participants returned to the hotel to prepare for the ceremony. Dressed in formal attire, our 2nd District young people were ready to dedicate themselves to living a Christian lifestyle. The young ladies and gentlemen had studied their DMC curriculum and were ready to meet the challenges of the world armed with the knowledge that God‘s protection was theirs for the asking as they made Choices.

Monday morning dawned brightly with the promise of a day filled with new and exciting activities that would begin to support the theme of our gathering: Yes We Can! Choices!

Our youth delegates delighted in Praising God through the Arts led by Sister Rachel Preston, Bro. Eric Domenick, the Rev. Audrey Jackson and the Rev. Robert Brown in step show, liturgical dancing, rap and mime.

As I visited each of the afternoon workshops, squeals of laughter, melodic voices, pensive and focused faces could be seen in each of the rooms. I listened to the young people lift the Lord’s name in song. It was clear to this observer that these young people take their ministry gifts seriously!!

Congress participants left the afternoon session knowing that they were well on their way to having a personal understanding of the “yes, you can” charge.

Various clergy and lay participated in the Opening Service. Bishop Adam J Richardson recognized the presence of Bishop Paul Kawimbe, Presiding Prelate of the 17th Episcopal District and presented the speaker for our opening worship service, the Rev. Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant.

Dr. Bryant spoke on the sermon topic: The Last Man Standing and challenged the congregants with the compelling words: “you really aren’t mature in God unless you can go through your gift by yourself.” Just imagine being in a large ballroom in the Hampton convention center at that service, full of descendents of African people- and a history of social activism raising their voice in song and worshipping the Lord where 120 young people gave their lives to Christ!

Day 2 started with Bible Study led by the Rev. Dr. Gwendolyn Boyd. Workshops designed to explore the Congress theme were provided for all as outlined in the chart below:

The Rev. Deborah Inyamah, Sister Kim Howard, the Rev. Kam Howard, the Rev. Chalice Overy, Sister Christian Belton, the Rev. Dr. Isaiah Harvin, the Rev. Kim Moss, the Rev. Brandon Davis, the Rev. Joseph Pridgen, the Rev. Anna Mosby, the Rev. Alphonso McGlen, and the Rev. Morris Reddon were workshop presenters.

The noted biblical scholar, the Rev. Dr. Cain Hope Felder, who also served as the SED Scholar in Residence, provided insights on the topic: The Past and The Present during the plenary session. He implored the audience both young and old to determine ways to conduct ministry that will attract a 21st Century audience.

The Congress also hosted Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu in the second plenary session. Speaking directly to the youth, Dr. Kunjufu encouraged the young people to strive to be excellent.

On the afternoon of the 2nd day of the Congress, participants had another opportunity to hone their “worship through the arts” talents. Again laughter and energetic participation by all was the rule of the day. By the end of the afternoon the participants began to have the light bulb illuminate around the answer to our initial charge question….choices.

The evening of the 2nd full night of the Congress was set aside as Family Night. Youth games, movies and music provided by a DJ channeled the energies of our young and young at heart. As some of the chaperones left the evening’s activities, someone asked, “Ben-gay anyone?”

Our last morning at Congress dawned brightly. Led in Bible Study by The Rev. Daryl Kearney and The Rev. Vanessa Copeland, we gathered again to consider our theme…

Supporting our theme, the youth had another opportunity to make choices in the Life Application Workshops; choices and presenters were Sister Christian Belton, Sister Kim Howard, Brother Akil Dickens, Sister Belton, the Rev. Robinson, the Rev. Dr. Patti Thompson, the Rev. David Robinson, the Rev. Gwen Wise Blackman, and the Rev. Wayne Beatty.

The youth, having been challenged by presenters the previous day, asked for presenters in the following areas: engineering, psychology, culinary arts, lawyer, music performance & production, forensic science, fashion design, accounting, physical education, cosmetology, political science, theatre arts and production and journalism. Adults trained and licensed in these areas, offered their gifts and insight as the youth lived the theme Yes, we can! Choices!

Adults continued their work in bringing meaning to the theme by attending workshops.

At mid-day the Krunk Prayer Service was held in the Grand Ballroom. For the uninitiated, krunk is defined as something or an entity that is energized. Guided by The Rev. Brent Edwards, we used this time to learn how to pray and what to pray for. An outline for the prayer service included call to prayer, praise, adoration, thanksgiving, confession, petition, intercession, last word and listening.

Not only did we pray for ourselves, we prayed for our families, schoolmates, community, presidential candidates and for a better world. Music for this service was provided by the Congress Youth Choir. The afternoon session gave participants another opportunity to select from a variety of workshops outlined in earlier paragraphs of this article.

The Closing Service - Brother Akil Dickerson served as the worship leader for the Congress 2009 final worship experience. While the traditional AME order of service was printed in the program, there was nothing traditional about the service. Our youth led each component of the service as they showcased some of the gifts shared and practiced during the arts component of the week-rap, mime, step and liturgical dance were featured. Bishop Richardson introduced the speakers of the hour - The Rev. Tony and the Rev. Bill Lee, pastor and minister to youth from Community of Hope AME Church, located in Hillcrest Heights, Maryland. Their joint sermon topic: Number 1 Hits foreshadowed the message of hope for all in attendance. The Rev. Tony and the Rev. Bill Lee emphatically and very colorfully reminded us of the fact that just like Michael Jackson had hit songs on the pop music charts, God created us all to be #1 in the world as we live up to the potential that is in all of us! Four more youth dedicated their lives as the altar filled with persons desiring prayer!

To God Be the Glory for all of the participants, including the Presiding Elders and their spouses, Pastors and their Spouses, Clergy, Missionary, Laymen and especially the Youth of the Second Episcopal District!

Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson – Presiding Prelate; Mrs. Connie Speights Richardson, Supervisor of Missions; Sister Robin Porter Smith, Director of Christian Education, and Mrs. Shirley Cason Reed, DMC Commissioner

Submitted by Sister Gloria L. Keaton

9. NEW BETHEL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, ORLANDO TO HOST THE 110TH SESSION OF THE CENTRAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE:

The Rev. Henry L. Postell II

Orlando, Florida-The New Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church located at 4201 West Columbia Street in Orlando, Florida will host the 110th Session of the Central Annual Conference beginning on Saturday, August 29, 2009 thru Friday, September 4, 2009.

The Reverend Henry L. Postell, II, Host Pastor and the New Bethel Church Family are working hard to assure the success of this year’s annual conference. The Central Annual Conference is comprised of three districts: The North Orlando District, Lead by Presiding Elder and Mrs. Hartford Lee, host team; The Orlando District led by Presiding Elder and Mrs. Leroy Kennon; and the Daytona Beach District, led by Presiding Elder and Mrs. J. O. Williams. Our Episcopal Team, Bishop McKinley Young and Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young will lead us throughout the week as the pastors and delegates gather to give praises to God for another year’s work.

The joy of the annual conference is for us to join together and to sing in the words of the hymnwriter, “And, Are We Yet alive.”

Pre-conference activities will begin on Saturday at New Bethel with the YPD’ers in charge. On Sunday, the Debutantes and Master’s Annual ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. at St. Mark AME Church. On Monday, August 31st, the Central Conference WMS Meeting will take place at New Bethel AME Church and the worship service will begin at 7 PM at St. Mark AME Church.

On Tuesday, September 1, the opening of the Conference and remaining services will take place at the host site, St. Mark AME Church, 1968 Bruton Boulevard, Orlando where Revered Terence R. Gray is the Pastor.

Bishop McKinley Young is the presiding prelate of the 11th Episcopal District. The Reverend Hartford Lee is the host presiding elder.

10. ITC PRESIDENT, MICHAEL A. BATTLE, ACCEPTS POST AS U.S. AMBASSADOR TO THE AFRICAN UNION:

August 10, 2009, Atlanta, GA - Dr. Michael A. Battle, President of the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) will leave that office after an exemplary six-year term to become the U.S. representative to the African Union with the rank of ambassador. The Addis Ababa, Ethiopia-based organization integrates the political interests of 53 African nations. The U.S. Senate confirmed the appointment on August 7, 2009. The swearing in ceremony was held on Friday, August 21, 2009, Washington, D.C.

Dr. Joseph L. Crawford Sr., President of the ITC Board of Trustees commented, “This is a well deserved honor for our president and a very proud moment for the ITC family. President Battle has taken the ITC to a higher level in our expectations of excellence at every juncture of its operations, its imaging, and its academic growth. Certainly, he is equipped for this awesome experience and will bring the kind of leadership to the position that he readily gives in any venue just as he has given to ITC - that builds bridges and engenders cooperation.” Dr. Crawford announced that the Board will appoint an Interim President, effective, September 1, 2009. A search committee will also begin its work to find a permanent replacement by the 2010-2011 academic year.

Dr. Battle leaves the ITC, as board member, Michael Gist says, “with a bitter-sweet feeling. I’m excited for the move, for he is so deserving; however, I’ll miss him greatly – he’s done such a tremendous job and made such a difference in so many ways at ITC.”

When Dr. Battle arrived on the ITC campus in August 2003, he immediately began addressing the most pressing issues facing the institution; among them the seminary’s pending probationary accreditation status with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). “SACS offered me a year to make things right and we fulfilled the task and were reinstated within six months”. Since then, Dr. Battle has cultivated an administrative team that is well-versed in accreditation policies and procedures as the institution continues to operate with a very secure adherence to the standards of both SACS and the Association of Theological Schools in preparation for its next review.

An extremely capable and visionary administrator across denominational lines, the new ambassador leaves a rich legacy of achievement at ITC, Dr. Battle has led the institution in the development of a Ten Year Strategic Plan and has accomplished many of the mandates of the plan to include: major renovations and upgrades throughout the campus, making a substantial “green footprint” in the environment and in the curriculum in keeping with its TheoEcology initiative; expanding its academic program to offer the graduate degree via a Distance Learning-Online module, and creating partnerships throughout the church, civic and corporate communities.

Dr. Battle commented, “My tenure at ITC has been an exceptionally fulfilling one. The uniqueness of this institution with several different denominations and layers of administration ironically has been good preparation for what I will encounter on a grander scale with the participating nations in the African Union. I leave ITC with gratitude to those who served with me in a manner that was respectful, affirming, and that were essential to the progress of one of God’s best theological academies. It has been a good season and now, my wife Linda, and I will pray for the same reception as I accept this new appointment and we prepare to make new friends in Ethiopia.”

The ITC faculty, staff, students, alumni and supporters had a Sending Forth Celebration for its president on Tuesday, August 18, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. in the ITC Chapel.

Contact: Jane Jelks Jones
(404) 527-7718
Karla Simpson Brown
(404) 614-6394

11. THE PROFILE OF A CHRISTIAN:

*The Rev. N.T. Pitts

We are now embroiled in a serious conflict of “racial profiling”, and it is a reality. Racial profiling is easy, because it involves our physical features and cultural practices. When it come to “religious profiling” it is virtually impossible to determine if a person is a Christian by mere observation.

Several times I have, foolishly, sat in the Mall trying to see if I could spot or guest who may possibly be a Christian. I came up blank because I had no specifics by which to go by. It is reasonable to assume that there are no special or unique physical features that would assist us in identifying a Christian.

We are admonished to “walk circumspectly not as fools but as wise”. Ephesians 5:15. Surely that does not mean that we have a special way of “walking” that would identify us as Christians. But “walking” is symbolic of how we comport ourselves. It involves our attitude our conduct and how we deal with and treat others. We cannot tell whether a person is a Christian until we have some kind of interaction purposely or casual with him/her.

What was it that made it so easy for that Maid to identify Peter as he stood outside of the courtyard where Jesus was being tried? What kind of profile did he project that made her identify him as one of Jesus followers? Mark 14: 70

Ye shall know them by their fruits. Matthew 7:16

Please note that we are known by our fruits and not by our “figure”. Being a Christian has nothing to do with our physique. There are diversities of weight, height and other physical features. Some of us walk fast and some walk slow. But none of the above has anything to do with us being Christian. We surely can’t ID Christians by the way they dress. There is no certain style or fashion worn only by Christians. James 2:1-4

Then the question, "Can we, just by observation, profile Christians?"

The answer is obvious.

It is this writer’s opinion that the only way we could determine who is a Christian is by the four M’s:

- The Mind: Philippians 2:5 Galatians 6:3 Philippians 4:8
- The Mouth: James 1:26 Proverbs 15:26
- The Manner: Ephesians 5:15; Matthew 5:15; Malachi 6:10; Psalms 19:14
- The Motive: Matthew 6:1-7

What did the Shunammite woman see that made her come to the conclusion that Elisha was a “holy” man of God? II Kings 4:9. She even went to the expense of adding another room to her house just for him. There was something about him that brought her to that conclusion. Surely it was not the way he was dressed. It had to be the four M’s.

It should never become necessary for any of us to tell people that we are Christians. If it does, that means that there is something that we are doing or not doing that is representative of Christians. I cringe whenever I hear people boast of being “a born again Christian.” Is there any other kind? Every time I hear that a “flag” goes up. It is possible to act like a Christian but we can never “look” like a Christian. So therefore it is difficult to ‘profile” Christians.

Just keep in mind, "by their fruits" and not by their figure you shall know them.

*The Rev. N.T. Pitts is a retired AME pastor who lives in Eatonville, Florida; Email: Ptaegar@AOL.Com

My Thought for Today: People who are always talking negative suffer from a “topical” depression.

12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce news of the passing of Mrs. Evelyna Shields Edge, 86, sister of Retired Presiding Elder T. E. Shields, Sr. of the Florence-Dillon District, Northeast Annual Conference, 7th Episcopal District, Bishop Preston Warren Williams II, Presiding Prelate.

Service arrangements for Mrs. Evelyna Shields Edge:

Family Visitation:

Wednesday, August 26, 2009
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Shields Funeral Home, Inc.
2410 Shields Road & Highway 57 South
Little River, South Carolina 29566
Phone: 843-399-6029

Funeral:

Thursday, August 27, 2009
2:00 p.m.
Mt. Zion AME Church
Mt. Zion Road
Little River, South Carolina 29566
The Reverend James B. Leonard, Pastor

Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

The Reverend Theron E. Shields, Sr.
2550 Shields Road
Little River, South Carolina 29566

Home Phone: 843-399-6029
Fax Phone: 843-399-5708

13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to share the news of the passing of Mrs. Carrie G. James, the wife of Dr. Jimmie James, Jr., Connectional Director Emeritus of the Music and Christian Arts Ministry of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and Retired Chair of the Department of Music at Jackson State University. Mrs. Carrie G. James passed on Monday at St. Dominic Memorial Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi.

Service arrangements for Mrs. Carrie G. James:

Family hour is scheduled for:
Friday, August 28, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
Black's Chapel Missionary Baptist Church
3425 Robinson Road
Jackson, Mississippi 39209

Funeral Services will be held on:
Saturday, August 29, 2009 at 1:00 p.m.
Pearl Street AME Church
2519 Robinson Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39209
The Rev. Dr. Samuel H. Boyd, Pastor
Phone: 601/352-6087

Professional Services entrusted to:
Westhaven Memorial Funeral Home
3680 Robinson Road
Jackson, Mississippi 39209

Phone: 601/922-3666

In lieu of flowers the family requests that monetary donations be made to: The Jimmie and Carrie James Scholarship at Jackson State University. Checks should be mailed to: Dr. Jimmie James, Jr., 2815 Hemingway Circle, Jackson, Mississippi 39209.

Dr. James can be reached at 601/969-3328
(Home), 601/950-0219 (Cell) or
(Email) jjames7538@aol.com

14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce news of the passing of Mrs. Gwendolyn Jenkins, wife of Retired Presiding Elder C. E. Jenkins of the North District, South Florida Annual Conference, 11th Episcopal District, Bishop McKinley Young, Presiding Prelate.

Mrs. Gwendolyn Jenkins passed early today, Tuesday, August 25th. Today, August 25th was the 32nd wedding anniversary of Presiding Elder C. E. Jenkins (Retired) and Mrs. Gwendolyn T. Jenkins.

Service arrangements for Mrs. Gwendolyn Jenkins:

Family Visitation:
Friday, August 28, 2009
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Greater Allen Chapel AME Church
2416 S. Lipscomb St
Melbourne, Fl 32901
Phone: 321-724-1557

Homegoing Service:
Saturday, August 29, 2009
11:00 am.
Greater Allen Chapel AME Church
2416 S. Lipscomb St
Melbourne, Fl 32901
The Rev. Joyce J. Moore, Pastor

Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

The Reverend C. E. Jenkins
2403 Dunbar St.
Melbourne, Fl 32901
Home Phone: 321-727-3418
Email: Neal2339@aol.com

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to:

The Tucker-Jenkins Scholarship Fund
c/o Greater Allen Chapel AME Church
2416 S. Lipscomb St.
Melbourne Fl 32901

15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to share the news of the passing of Mr. Abram Plummer, the father of The Reverend Lee Plummer, Pastor of St. James, Quincy, Florida and Sister Marie Plummer, Florida Conference YPD Director on Sunday, August 23, 2009.

The services are as follows:

Visitation at the Mortuary:

Friday, August 28, 2009
3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Richardson Funeral Family Care
2627 S Adams St
Tallahassee, Florida 32301-6380
(850) 576-4144?

Funeral Service:

Saturday, August 29, 2009
11:00 a.m.
St. Phillip AME Church ~Monticello
08 Phillip Road
Monticello, Florida 32344-6908

Telephone: (850) 997-4226
The Reverend Julius W. Tisdale, Pastor

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that donations be sent to:

Hospice Care of Centre Pointe Health And Rehab Center
2255 Centerville Road
Tallahassee, Florida 32308-4315
(850) 298-6811

Services entrusted to:

Richardson Funeral Family Care
2627 S Adams St
Tallahassee, Florida 32301-6380
(850) 576-4144

16. 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

17. 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.

8/27/2009

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (8/27/09)

8/22/2009

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