THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (9/11/09)

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 –NEEDED SKILLS FOR MINISTRY TODAY:

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

There are a lot of things going on around the world. The war and escalating military deaths in Afghanistan, the war or the drawdown in Iraq, the drought in parts of Kenya, the alleged genocide in Darfur, the tensions on the Korean peninsula, and concerns about the nuclear intentions of Iran are among the many worries of Americans and people abroad.

The United States is the most powerful nation in the world, but not only are U.S. citizens concerned about what’s going on around the world, but there are anxieties about what’s going on in America. High unemployment, the sagging economy, increasing crime, the spirited debated about healthcare, the issue of what to do about undocumented residents, the increased presence of illegal drugs, deficiencies in the education system, home foreclosures, and a host of other issues.

And, in the United States, there are issues that African American and other minority groups, and especially the African Methodist Episcopal Church need to address. The issues include the elevated African American high school dropout rates, HIV/AIDS, the high unemployment rates among black Americans, the higher incidence of unwed mothers; recent figures cite, most African American babies born today, are born out of wedlock.

The issues of drugs and violent crime; how to motivate black youth; and even the problem of the absence of supermarkets in some black communities are daily concerns. Try finding a drug store in some black areas; if there are any, they are few and far between.

The global African Methodist Episcopal Church is concerned about the issues that affect the international community.

When I think about the issues that all Americans, in general face; and in particular that black Americans face; and issues that confront people in local geographical areas all over the world, I am reminded of the awesome responsibilities of our AME pastors, local congregations, and the Connectional Church.

Pastors and local churches must look beyond the walls and the property of their local edifices. A worship service is not a Sunday morning-only event. Sermons are more than retelling a Bible story. The focus of worship has to be more than “getting our praise on” and making worshippers feel good. Ministry is more than, in the words of Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, “a whoop and a collar.”

A pastor today, probably more than at any time in the last two decades, has the responsibility to a pastor to the “whole person.”

There is more to the world, than what is in the Bible; the Bible is very important and every pastor needs to be knowledgeable about the Bible, but, pastors have to be knowledgeable, not only about things religious, but about global and local issues.

I am afraid that some of us in ministry allow ourselves to be so parochial that we limit our scope of ministry to preaching. Oftentimes, we measure pastoral success in terms of positive comments people make in response to our preaching and how successful we are in maintaining a relative peace in the local church; and added to those, our success in raising the budget and paying the bills. Ministry is broader; ministry is about the saving Grace of Jesus Christ and our relationship with God and the world around us.

What are the needed skills for ministry today?

The list is probably too exhaustive for this space, but let me list a few.

A successful pastor must be a man or woman of prayer. A successful pastor should have a love for the Bible and be knowledgeable about the Bible; must love Jesus Christ, and have a burden for saving souls.

Studying the Bible and mastering the scriptures is a lifetime endeavor; it’s not a onetime event. Pastors need to be immersed in the Word of God and has to be committed to a lifetime of learning; learning never ends.

A pastor should take sermon preparation and sermon delivery seriously.

A pastor should be a competent counselor, but having said that, the pastor should know his or her counseling limitations and when it’s appropriate to refer persons to a more competent therapist.

A pastor should have competent leadership skills and know that leadership, like learning, is a lifetime endeavor. A pastor must have a genuine love for people; both those he or she likes, and those he or she doesn’t like. A pastor should possess strong pastoral skills and a love and commitment to do the pastoral duties of visiting the sick and shut-in, visit those incarcerated, even those who are guilty; care for the dying and those who are bereaved; and taking care of the sacraments.

In addition to the ministry skills listed above, there are other skills that a pastor needs in today’s volatile environment.

Successful pastors need to possess social skills that help them to relate to the larger community. Pastors should be engaged in the affairs of the state and local government. Effective pastors attend meetings and develop relationships with state and local government leaders; develop relationships with corporate leaders, and other area clergy leaders. Those churches near military installations should develop strong relationships with military leaders. Pastors can get more done for their churches and members when they are on a first-name relationship with the community “movers and shakers.” It’s hard to say, “No” to a friend and developing close relationships beyond the local church enhances ministry. I am amazed at the numbers of pastors who have not developed community relationships.

Pastors should be well-read; I am equally amazed at pastors who do not subscribe to their local newspapers or national news magazines. Newspapers and news magazines allow one to intelligently ingest the facts without the facts being skewed by news commentators. There is a different perspective on a news story delivered by FOX and CNN. Reading different newspapers and op-ed columns written from different perspectives give readers an opportunity do draw their own conclusions and make analyses independent of news commentators or what they heard someone say in a barbershop.

The people sitting in the pews are intelligent, well-read, and want their pastors to provide intelligent comments and in-depth analyses when commenting on social and global issues. Pastors should be able to make intelligent comments and share their solutions and conclusions about the Afghanistan War, the economy, healthcare, crime, child-rearing, and other relevant issues with which church members are grappling.

Pastors should be able to call social agencies and say, “I am sending ‘so and so’ there for some assistance that I know you can provide.” If a relationship has been established, the response would be, “Pastor send them down right away and we will take care of the problem.”

If a relationship has not been established, a response might be, “Now, who is this? Pastor of which church? Has the person been here before? No, you can’t just send them down, you will need to make an appointment; call …”

When pastoral relationships have been established, a telephone will almost always take of the problem when pastors call social agencies, governmental agencies, employers, the court system, the jail, the school board, the mayor’s office, the governor’s office, the unemployment office, or whatever office.

When a pastor calls, and the person on the other end asks, “Now, who is this?” the pastoral relationship has not been established.

Remember, “It’s hard to say ‘No’ to a friend or to someone you know.”

An effective pastor needs a wide array of skills to be an outstanding pastor; not just things religious, but must be skilled in what’s happening in world affairs. The Apostle Paul said we “must be all things to all people” and Jesus tells us to “Go to all the Word…”

Developing pastoral skills is a lifetime of pastoral and professional learning.

Editor’s Note: The Editor will be preaching this Sunday, September 13, 2009 at the 11 a.m. service at St. Philip Monumental AME in Savannah, Georgia. The Rev. George Moore is the pastor.

Dr. Johnny Barbour, the Secretary-Treasurer and Publisher of the AMEC Sunday School Union will be preaching at Payne Chapel AME Church in Nashville, Tennessee.

2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:

- To the Editor:

RE: Editorial – What’s The Answer

I'm a life long AME and have been concerned about our issues. I must confess that I don't know what the answers are, but it seems to me that some of our pastors don't listen. They don't listen to the leaders they have appointed or the leaders that that are elected by the congregation; those they have placed on ballots.

I have heard it said that the AME Church is not a democracy; if that is so, why do you appoint individuals to the steward board or place his or her name in nomination to take care of the church's temporal concerns. Pastors say the AME Church is a tithing church but some pastors don't tithe. This is what members see when pastors appoint members to the finance committee. Many of our churches are old and in need of repair, but come what may, we have to send thousands of dollars to pay annual conference assessments and a pastors success is based on raising his or her assessments.

I think it's time to put egos aside and some pastors, presiding elders and bishops should realize that they do not have a corner of the market on education or common sense. Laypersons have a stake in this AME Church too!

In closing, I don't know what the answer is, but I do know the answer is not, “to cut and run.”

I think a true AME should fight to make our Church a better Church.

John Hall III


- To the Editor

RE: TCR Online BREAKING NEWS sent on 9/4/09: The Department of Christian Education will launch a new Church School lesson series for Young Adults

This is great news!!! Over the last decade or so I have lamented about the lack of attention and low priority we as a church place on Church School development. I have served as a Church School teacher, Assistant District Church School Superintendent and local Superintendent in my 30 years of teaching Church School to youth and adults. As I travel across the US I see first hand the woefully low Church School attendance in our AME churches. Our Episcopal leaders (Bishops and General Officers), Presiding Elders, Pastors, Stewards, Trustees and most importantly parents need to commit to correcting the Church School "drop-out" rate. Hopefully the creation of this new product will serve a two-fold goal of diversifying our educational product mix and recruiting/retaining our young adult population. Dr. Ingram and his and staff are to be commended for this new initiative.

Bill Dickens
Allen AME Church
Tacoma, WA

3. "RECLAIMING THE DREAM;" RECLAIMING OUR POWER:

*By Jahbrielle Henning-Rayford

Boycotts and sit-ins, water hoses and dogs. Struggle and triumph, pride and beauty. Socially conscious, "real" music and moral television shows. This was our America, Black America. The 60’s were a time of struggle, we fought for our rights. Afros and dashikis fists raised high in the air, symbolizing us. In the 70's we were bold. We were bold because we were Black and beautiful. Bold because we were Black and proud, Black and POWERFUL, and nobody could tell us anything different. We were conscious about our power as a people. We knew who we were.

I watch "Good Times", listen to the Jackson 5, and I see messages of family value and unity, and I wonder where we have gone wrong. Thinking about my generation I wonder when it all changed. How did we go from afros and raised fists to European weaves and raised middle fingers? Times have truly changed and I'm searching for the power within our people again.

I observe my peers. I watch them, pants sagging, using the n-word, ignorant of what it truly means, or worst of all not caring. I hear them using the b-word, disrespecting themselves, and degrading their sisters. What's really bad about it all is that they don't realize the level of disrespect and push it away as "just words". Many of them don't know our history, and sadly some aren't interested in it. How did we arrive here?

We have changed as a people. Our music has changed; the lyrics degrade women and portray our people negatively. Too many of our authors write about sex, drugs, and violence; which doesn't expand the intellectual mind. Some television stations exploit our people with "Reality" TV that shows Black women fighting over men, or fighting about something else (destroying Black unity). Is this truly our reality? What kind of message is this sending to the young men and women of our community? Gang violence has escalated at an alarming rate, our brothers and sisters are dying on the streets everyday. Our sense of community is almost non-existent. What happened to the days when we looked out for each other?

I've come to the conclusion that today's Black America feels as though the struggle is over. We no longer have anything to fight for, therefore there's no reason to unite. Racism and discrimination aren't as direct as in the past; there are no signs telling us that we aren't welcome. There's nothing that really make's us believe racism is still alive. We've been told that we live in a "post racial" society, and some of us have believed it.

I look at the first family of this country. I look at people like Soledad O'Brien, Roland Martin, Dr. Cornell West, Dr. Johnetta B. Cole, Dr. Julianne Malveaux, Michael Eric Dyson, and of course Oprah, I still have hope in a better America. It's up to my generation to keep the ideals of these people alive. Watching my peers, and watching the issues of our community grow, I know it's time for a change. Knowing this motivates me to educate, motivates me to create consciousness. I want to help in reclaiming the dream that our people before us envisioned. For too long we've sat back and claimed this society as just being "the way it is", for too long we've claimed that "nothing will ever change...these kids just don't understand". We can do something about these negative changes, and help to bring positive change. Adults have to once again take charge of our community. If our people had sat back and claimed that life was just the way it was, we wouldn't have the opportunity to even discuss issues such as this. I want my generation to realize and believe in the power of our people. We are beautiful, we are powerful, and BLACK IS BACK! It's time to reclaim the dream; it's time to reclaim our power.

Jahbrielle Henning-Rayford is the 15 year old granddaughter of Bishop and Mrs. Henning, Presiding prelate and Episcopal supervisor of the 3rd Episcopal District and the niece of the Rev. E. Anne Henning Byfield, Presiding Elder, South District, Indiana Annual Conference.

3. REPORT OF THE 55TH SESSION OF THE NAMIBIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE:

*The Rev. Willem Simon Hanse

The 55th Session of the Namibia Annual Conference was held at St. Mark AME Church, Gibeon from 3-6 September 2009. Bishop Wilfred J Messiah is the Presiding Prelate.

Close to 700 descended on the low-laying village of Gibeon and it was clear on the first day of conference that service delivery by the local authorities will be stretched by the influx of Gibeon. The worshippers sung “And are we yet alive”, the most popular Conference Hymn of African Methodism and filled the spacious St. Mark AME Church, Gibeon on Thursday, 3 September 2009. Reverend Albert E Biwa and his spouse Margaret and the people of St. Mark AME Church left no stone unattended to make the Episcopal family, presiding elders, pastors, delegates and visitors comfortable during these first days of the dry Spring season.

The Reverend Annetha Hangue, Dean of the Namibian Board of Examiners, delivered the powerful Annual Sermon from Revelations 3:1-6 on the theme, “Let’s do it God’s way.” The preacher encouraged the worshippers that we must always depend on God, because we may not understand today, but God will and God ways are the best, and that people must stay focused on Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith. By this belief the elders got a good report and we too are destined for a better future if we stay connected and focused on Jesus Christ doing things His in all circumstances.

Bishop Wilfred J Messiah, the 120th Bishop of the AME Church called the 55th Session of the Namibia Annual Conference to order at 14h30.

The bishop introduced the theme for this year’s annual conference series, “Restoring the house of God … Reclaiming our Heritage and Inheritance” and spoke at length about his vision and mission for the 15th Episcopal District and encouraged clergy and all leaders to refocus on how to meet the varying needs of our diverse constituency.

The bishop also alerted the conference that after travelling 3250 kilometers by road visiting fifteen villages in rural Namibia; the Episcopal team and those who traveled with them have a better appreciation of the pastors who travel these gravel roads week in and out and pray God’s blessings on the people of Namibia for keeping the AME banner high at all times.

Those accompanying bishop and mother Messiah (including this writer and later all presiding elders and the Finance Committee) witnessed financial donations made to rural local churches to either assist with local issues or with conference claims and even with conference travels and sustentation.

This is the first time that the Episcopal Leadership opened their purse to local ordinary folks. During these travels, bishop was also able to dedicate to the glory of God and inaugurate a brand new sanctuary of Robinson Chapel AME Church, Tses. In conclusion, the bishop also alerted that he will return to Namibia with the Supervisor in March 2010 to evangelize nationwide and to conclude the campaign in Windhoek with an open-air Revival Reclamation.

The Conference was marked with inspirational preaching. Rev. Angelica B Sauerwein, pastor of St Thomas AME Church, Grunau delivered the Emmaus Walk Sermon, lifting our spirits that we are destined to seat at the table with the Lord. Rev. Leslie Leukes, pastor of St. Nicholas AME Church, Kronlein preached the Memorial Sermon from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 on the theme “Do you really believe in Jesus Christ?” encouraging us that death is not final, but a temporary separation from our loved ones we will see one day in the Kingdom of God. He concluded by asserting Jesus is the way, truth and life, and has the key in His hands. The Lay Commitment Sermon was preached with conviction by the Bro. Charles Pieter, Conference Lay President, from Genesis 50:20 on the theme, “God can recycle Evil” proclaiming that no one is too bad to become good and that God can open up new opportunities if we stay focused and loyal to Him.

The spiritual revival was put in top gear when one itinerant deacon, the Rev. Cicili Christa Biwa and two local elders, the Rev. Johannes Isaack and the Rev. Jonas Tâseb were ordained.

The Rev. Paul J Messiah, visiting pastor from Zion AME Church, Worcester in the Cape Conference delivered a moving and emotional Ordination Sermon with conviction from Exodus 13:22 on the theme, “The ever present pillar of fire and cloud,” reassuring us of God’s present on our pilgrim’s journey.

The Retirement Service was honoured by the presence of His Excellency, the Honourable Sam Nujoma, the Founding Father of the Namibian Nation and who addressed the worshippers and paid tribute to the retiree, the Honourable, the Rev. Dr. Hendrik Witbooi, former Deputy Prime Minister and Captain of the /Khowese people during the Namibian liberation struggle and highlighted the important national role played by the retiree. Presiding Elder Willem Burger was the other visiting pastor from the Cape Annual Conference. Bishop Zephania Kameeta from the Lutheran Church (ELCRN) and Superintendent Schenk from the Circuit of Gladbach (German partners of Namibia Annual Conference) also participated in the ordination and retirement ceremonies.

The Closing Commissioning Service was marked with traditional pomp and pageantry. The procession was inspirational and the music was from the proverbial seventh heaven. When it was preaching time, Bishop Messiah did not disappointed but rocked the house as usual with the word, “Faces in the Vapour” encouraging us to re-dig the old wells to take charge of our inheritance, because we have witnesses in the clouds and the Holy Spirit telling us to hold on till the end. The marching orders were very clear, and from the powerful preaching, it was obvious that our prelate had indeed received a revelation and vision from God. The adjustments in Presiding Elder and Pastoral appointments at first hearing sounded unrealistic, but as the Bishop moved on and made further adjustments it was clear that church growth was the clear motivational rationale in order to restore the House of God.

*The Rev. Willem Simon Hanse is the Presiding Elder: Windhoek District and is a Candidate for Episcopal Office 2012

4. INTERNATIONAL PROTOCOL AND THE AME CHURCH: THE FLAG DILEMMA:

John Thomas III

Over the past few years, I have been allowed the privilege to contribute to this newspaper and share thoughts and insights with the Connection. In this article, I wish to share one of my personal struggles with the AME Church with the hopes and goal of helping us live up to the global mission and legacy which we African Methodists have inherited.

As a denomination, we are present in some thirty-nine (39) countries or self-governing dependencies on five continents. One of the key features at any Connectional meeting is the colorful array of flags on the dais symbolizing the international nature of the AME Church. Upon closer examination, however, one finds a haphazard jumble of banners instead of a well-organized display honoring the various nationalities of the AME Church. The standard procedure for the display of international flags in the United States is alphabetical order by English name. Flags of the states of the United States come after flags of sovereign nations...if they are even displayed at all. At AME meetings, however, flags assume an “itinerant” nature. The flag of the sovereign Republic of Liberia could be placed next to the flag of the state of Louisiana at one meeting only to be located next to the flag of the Kingdom of Swaziland at the next. And depending on the size of the stage, some flags might not get displayed at all.

This egregious disregard for the national symbols of our brothers and sisters who are not from the United States has led to several incidents. At the 2000 General Conference, the delegation from Lesotho (18th District) lodged a protest after an out-of-date national flag was used to represent them. When the Ambassador to the United States from Zimbabwe (20th District) delivered the keynote address at the 2007 Investiture of then Council of Bishops President Wilfred J. Messiah, he noted the absence of his national flag on the dais and presented the AME Church with a Zimbabwean flag at the Lay Biennial. (Actually, the AME Church already had the flag, but it was not properly placed on the dais). At the 2008 General Conference, one of the flags immediately behind President Obama and visible through his entire speech was of an old, stained and out-of-date flag from Mozambique (18th District). (To put these errors in a United States context, imagine that at a major meeting the national flag was absent from the podium or that a 48 star flag from 1955 was used to represent the country).

When I became a member of the General Board in 2004, I was appalled at the disrespectful jumble of flags on the podium and resolved to do something about it. Little did I know how difficult it would be to get “something” done. I first went to the meeting planner who directed me to the person in charge of setting up the podium display. I learned that the flags are stored with other meeting supplies in a warehouse in North Carolina. As I tried to explain to the gentlemen how the flags were supposed to be set up, I was curtly told: “The AME Church has bigger problems than flags.” Feeling somewhat frustrated, I talked with one of the Bishops who was serving a District outside of the United States, alerting them to the fact that some of their District’s flags were missing. The Bishop confessed: “I never really noticed the display. I just thought everything was up there.” The Bishop suggested that I email the President of the General Board and the Treasurer. The Treasurer cheerfully responded and directed me back to the meeting planner…but after sending a few emails over the course of a year, no action was taken.

My quixotic quest to fix the flag display became a running joke at the AME Connectional meetings. I found solace at a Strategic Planning session in Nashville when Mr. Robert Nicholas, the Executive Director of AME-SADA, noticed the same problems I did. At the 2007 Lay Biennial, I walked up to the podium to make a note of the flags and was shocked to see that several duplications were on the podium. I made a list of the national flags which were absent and emailed them to the Treasurer and the meeting planner along with a guide on the proper display of international flags. At the 2008 General Conference, I sadly noticed again that the flags were once again in their usual haphazard array. At the General Board meeting in June 2009, I brought up the issue of flags again in the Global Development Commission to the applause of several delegates and Bishops from Districts 14-20. A recommendation was written and passed by the General Board instructing the meeting planner to ensure that the flags of countries with AME Churches are properly displayed at all Connectional meetings. A cursory glance of the podium at the July Lay Biennial, however, showed that the recommendation had not been acted upon.

My preoccupation with properly displaying international flags might appear to be little more than a quibble. As a denomination, we certainly have many important issues that we need to confront and resolve. The flag display at our meetings, however, is a tangible symbol of our international nature as a church. Our lack of attention to this seemingly small detail speaks volumes about how AMEs in the United States views our brothers and sisters from Africa, the Caribbean, South America, Europe and Asia. Due to United States visa restrictions, the only presence from some countries at a Connectional meeting might be their national flag. Additionally, the flags of other countries are as much a source of national pride as are the “Stars and Stripes” to citizens of the United States. I vividly remember delegations from Angola (15th) and the Dominican Republic (16th) going on stage at the 2007 WMS Quadrennial to proudly pose for pictures with their flags…after they had sifted through the jumble to find them.

I close this article by making a general appeal to the concerned AMEs across the Connection. Please write an email to Mr. Richard Lewis (CFO/Treasurer) and/or Mrs. Anita Rankin (Connectional Meeting Planner) and please tell them to fix the flags!

(And while they’re at it, we also need new District banners to reflect the 2008 Annual Conference consolidations.)

John Thomas III (13th) is the Young Adult Representative of the Connectional Lay Organization as well as a member of the General Board.

5. FROM CHILDHOOD TO DISCIPLESHIP:

*The Reverend Dr. Michael C. Carson

Senior Supervisor Reverend Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant’s Mentoring Rites of Passage Ceremony at the Fourth Episcopal District Christian Education Congress.”

“Teach the inexperienced the ropes and give our young people a grasp on reality. Proverbs 1:4 The Message version

“Who are these who come seeking the favor of the Lord? The answer is they are our sons of daughters influencing the earth, nature, and the church. Then let us celebrate.” A congregational statement led by Senior Bishop John Richard Bryant

“You are looking at one of the planet’s diminishing resources-the Black man in America.”

“The young ladies of the Fourth Episcopal District are not to be judged by their outward appearance but they have something on the inside that has shaped not only who they are but whose they are and where they are going in life.” - Senior Episcopal Supervisor the Reverend Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant.

A mentor is “a wise and trusted counselor and teacher. The term “mentor” is taken from the classical tradition. It was the name of a character in Homer’s Odyssey.

“Mentor” an old and trusted friend of Odysseus was left behind as the warriors embarked for Troy to keep an eye on Odysseus’ household while he was off fighting a war. Odysseus son Telemakhos was in need of training and shaping. Mentor proved to be a very wise counselor to a young man in need of direction. Mentor bridged the gap between the past and future.

It is imperative that our youth receive from the church such training and guidance whereby when they enter into adulthood they will be very knowledgeable of the Lord and of life.

A mentor enters into a relationship with their protégé in order to impart their wisdom, information, experience, confidence, insight, relationships, status, and love into them. This will help to ensure that their protégé will be empowered and ready to meet the world having a Christ centered foundation.

This will greatly help the young man and woman to truly be “wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” (St. Matthew 10:16)

On July 10, 2009 The Westin Hotel in Lombard, Illinois served as the setting for a very moving and empowering Rights of Passage Worship Service “From Childhood to Discipleship.” This service was for the “Sons of Success” and the “Daughters of Destiny.”

The event was the Fourth Episcopal District’s Christian Education Congress with DuPage AME Church Lisle, Illinois hosting the meeting under the direction of DuPage AME Church pastor and Fourth Episcopal District Director of Christian Education, the Reverend Dr. James F. Miller.

The Reverend Dr. Bryant coordinated the rite of passage ceremony “From Childhood to Discipleship” worship service and presided over it along with Bishop Bryant.

The young women to be “brought across” processed in on “Order My Steps.” The young men put on a “step show” chanting “All of my love, peace, and happiness is because of Jesus Christ!”

One among the many “pearls” that the keynote speaker for the evening the Reverend Terry Marks Pastor of Greater Bethel AME Church, Phoenix, Arizona shared was “You beloved have a choice as you choose your passage. Beloved you can choose to live in the hype or you can choose to live in hope. You can choose to run the streets or you can choose to run the city.”

The Rev. Dr. Bryant called for the young men to come to the altar and then summoned the adult male clergy to come behind them to be anointed with oil. “When the oil is placed on you it’s just a kiss from God as God has a plan for your life. These young people not only need to hear a sermon they need to see a sermon. So let’s live up something before them. Amen.”

Bishop Bryant in praying for the young men lifted up, “O God these are our sons do with them what only you can do with them. Be their God!” O God let them know that there is nothing they cannot accomplish fill them with the power of the Holy Ghost let them know Jesus!”

Then the Reverend Dr. Bryant called for the young women to come to the altar and for the adult female clergy to stand behind them to anoint the young women.

She shared: “Pray for them that virginity will not be a source of shame. Pray for them that old men will keep away from them and that young men will respect them.”
The rites of passage worship service was very moving and deeply engaging for all that were present!

Can you remember when someone took the time to spend quality time with you explaining some very significant facet of life to you? Then “go do likewise!”

Mentoring is something everyone that loves the Lord and loves God’s young people should do. In fact we have a command to pour into our young people the good that has been poured into us. The Apostle Paul shared with Timothy “Now I want you to tell these same things to followers who can be trusted to tell others.” (2 Timothy 2:2 CEV)

Peace with justice, be blessed real good, attend worship, and families matter.

For more information about the “Sons of Success” and the “Daughters of Destiny” Program please contact Administrator Jo Ann Hawkins White at (773) 955-9825.

Dr. Carson can be reached at carsonvision@acd.net . He teaches on mentoring and conducts mentoring training and workshops.

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

6. CLAIMING YOUR VICTORY - CELEBRATE AND SHARE THE GOD IN YOU:

*The Reverend Dr. Michael C. Carson

Christians must always be willing to “say a word” on behalf of God. We were saved to testify, disciple, and compel men and women, boys and girls to “drink” from the living waters of Jesus Christ’s forgiveness, love, consolation, and atonement.

Paul desired to preach the gospel at Rome even though Jesus the Christ was not looked upon highly by a great number of the Romans.

The main message of the gospel of Christ was and still is very simple: "Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9)

In the midst of great opposition Paul was not ashamed, nor afraid to share the gospel of Christ.

We come into contact with people every day who need the Savior. It’s our responsibility to witness by word and deed to the fact that there is a wonderful life in Jesus Christ for whoever will choose to receive it.

Always be ready and willing to share your witness concerning what God can do for others because God has already done it for you.

The gospel music group “Mary, Mary” has a song entitled “It’s the God in me.” 1 John 4:4b shares, “Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” “It’s the God-in-me” what a profound statement of faith! As Christians we must shout out through our words and much louder by our actions “It’s the God in me.”

Be willing to share, “When you see me trying to live my life as an example for others to imitate and follow-it’s the God in me. When you see me striving to be faithful to God-it’s the God in me. When you see me trying to genuinely care for my neighbor-it’s the God in me.” Whenever I share “the four basic laws of salvation” with others, “It’s the God in me.” When you see me trying to be compassionate, “It’s the God in me.”

Never be ashamed or afraid to share what God has done and is doing for you. And always share with others that the good you do is because-it’s the God in you!

Peace with justice, be blessed real good, attend worship, and families matter.

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

7. NEWS AROUND THE AME CHURCH:

Fellow AME, Amos Saint-Jean out of the 2nd District has been nominated by major Gospel Network, Gospel Music Channel for Best Soul Gospel Music Video for their upcoming Gospel Music Video Awards.

You may remember Amos Saint Jean from the 2008 General Conference where he served as the Musical Director for our Sunday Night Gospel Concert that featured Marvin Sapp, Jonathan Nelson, L'Tanya Moore and Jermaine Sellers.

You can help him become a finalist by logging on to their website and voting daily.

Show your support by logging onto www.gospelmusicchannel.com/gmcva/soul
Click "Tell the World" by Amos Saint Jean.

You can also watch the video on You Tube by searching "Amos Saint Jean Tell the World"

The Rev. Vashti-Jasmine McKenzie Bureau Chief/ Christian Entertainment & Lifestyle www.thefabempire.com/gospelfab www.twitter.com/gospelfab

8. THE 2009 9TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE AND PLENARY SCHEDULE:

The Right Rev. James Levert Davis, Presiding Prelate
Mrs. Arelis Beevers Davis, Episcopal Supervisor

Alabama Conference
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
WMS Conference & One Day Minister’s Retreat
Wednesday – Saturday, September 9 – 12, 2009
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
St. Paul AME Church
706 East Patton Avenue
Montgomery, AL 36111

South Conference
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
WMS Conference & One Day Minister’s Retreat
Wednesday – Saturday, September 16 – 19, 2009
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
St. John AME Church
901 Dale Road
Eufaula, AL 36027

East Conference
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
WMS Conference & One Day Minister’s Retreat
Wednesday – Saturday, September 23 – 26, 2009
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Gaines Chapel AME Church
921 10th Avenue
Phenix City, AL

Central Conference
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
WMS Conference & One Day Minister’s Retreat
Wednesday – Saturday, October 14 – 17, 2009
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
St. John AME Church
6070 St. John Chapel Road
Kushia, AL 36613

North & West Conference
Monday, November 2, 2009
WMS Conference & One Day Minister’s Retreat
Tuesday – Saturday, November 3 – 7, 2009
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Sheraton – Birmingham Hotel
2101 Richard Arrington, Jr. Blvd., North
Birmingham, AL 35203

Plenary Meeting
Friday – Saturday, November 13 – 14, 2009
Fairfield Civic Center
Fairfield, AL

9. KINDNESS NEVER KILLS:

*The Rev. N.T. Pitts

Many of us make the grave mistake of taking kindness as a sign of weakness. Some of us think that people who are kind are soft, timid, lacking “guts” and afraid.

How far from the truth?

Kindness can, and does, defuse the most volatile situations. I once saw a ferocious dog humbled through an act of kindness.

One can never lose by being kind. Some of us believe that being kind somewhat diminishes our manhood/womanhood. Some people feel that being kind, questions their ability to lead, but kindness is a powerful “tool.” Kindness is a powerful disposition.

Personally, I like being kind to folks, even to my foes.

When we show kindness toward our foes, we show our strength and not our weakness. Our foes expect us to respond in a negative manner. But when we are kind to them they become confused and suspicious of our kindness. They become cautious and wonder what to make of us. Some of us think that when a person is kind to us that they want something or up to something. That is how naïve some of us can be.

Some years ago I had a member of my church who always opposed whatever I tried to do, no matter what it was; but I treated her with kindness. One day she said to me, “Pastor, why are you being nice to me?” I responded to her that I was nice to her because it is nice to be nice. Believe it or not she became one my staunch supporters.

Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, admonished them to be kind one to another. Ephesians 4:32

Paul was addressing “church folk.” He was not speaking to people on the street. Some of us, church folk, are mean-spirited and unkind; and probably should be called anything but Christian.

Some of us let our excessive pride, academic and economic achievements deprive us of the opportunity show kindness. Some of us are not even kind to our own family members.

Let me hasten to say that being kind does not mean letting people run roughshod over you or take advantage of you. It is like, advancing by retreating. It is like, a quarterback setting up a screen play.

Kindness heals, it does not hurt. Kindness mends, it does not mutilate. Kindness lifts, it does not put down. Kindness leads, it does not drive. Kindness listens it does not ignore. Kindness helps, it does not hinder. Kindness makes provisions, it does not make excuses.

Kindness and compassion are synonymous. If you are kind you are also compassionate. Jesus pointed this out in the 18th chapter of the Gospel of Matthew. Read Matthew 18: 21-35

Some of us are afraid to show kindness. We are afraid that it may be misinterpreted, so we put up a “hard front.”

Kindness does not have to sleep with one eye open. We don’t have to apologize for being kind. We can be firm and still be kind.

Being kind is a conscious act. Showing kindness is not guided by logic, but by love.

I admonish you to try kindness, instead of meanness. Try kindness, even with authority. Try kindness when you have to deal with obnoxious people.

Always keep in mind, kindness never kills. When you are kind, you travel the Jericho Road. See Luke 10:30-35

My advice for this week: Keep your eyes open and your ears peeled; the offers you hear may not be as good as they sound.

*The Rev. N.T. Pitts, Pastor is a retired AME Itinerant Elder who lives in Eatonville, Florida. He is the author of several books; for more information email: Ptaegar@AOL.Com

10. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES:

- Dr. and Mrs. Herman O. Kelly, Jr. Pastor and First Lady of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary on Saturday, September 5, 2009.

Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Presiding Prelate of the Eighth Episcopal District will lead the ceremony at Bethel. Pray for the Kelly family as they celebrate this special occasion.

Congratulatory responses can be emailed to: hokellyj@yahoo.com

- Mrs. Esther A. Nolen-Baldwin, the eldest daughter of the Late Editor of the A.M.E. Church Christian Recorder, Rev. Dr. B. J. Nolen, and her husband, Samuel L. Baldwin celebrated their 60TH wedding Anniversary, August 21, 2009.

A celebration was held at the home of their youngest daughter, Estrilla, and son-in-law, Jonathan McKinley, and family in Corona, California, along with their other six children, relatives, church members, and friends.

Also, their Pastor, the Reverend Michael Barta and First Lady, Linda, shared in celebrating Samuel and Esther Baldwin's 60TH Wedding Anniversary with the members of Johnson Chapel AME Church in Santa Ana, California.

It was, and is, God's grace, and the "agape love" they have for each other that has kept them together thus far. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!

Congratulatory responses can be emailed to: esthsam@pacbell.net

- Alicia Dixon, daughter of Reverend and Mrs. Newton G. A. Dixon, of the Sixteenth Episcopal District, is now enrolled at The University of the West Indies Law School in Barbados, where she will study for her law degree.

Congratulatory responses can be emailed to her proud father, the Rev. Newton G. A. Dixon: newgadix@yahoo.com

11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Ivernell Sytira Holman-Bailey. She was the youngest daughter of the late Elder Barnie Abraham & Winnie Elizabeth Sanders Holman. She was the mother of Robert Lee Holman and the youngest aunt of the Reverend A. J. Holman, Sr., pastor of St. Paul AME Church, Pulaski, Tennessee.

There will be a memorial service in her honor on Friday, September 11, 2009 @ 7 PM at 222 E. Mt. Pleasant Ave-Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19119.

Pastor Alan Jay Holman, Sr., a nephew in Tennessee, will be officiating.

Condolences can be sent to:

Robert Lee Holman
222 E. Mt. Pleasant Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19119.
(215) 758-0085
www.blackfrostsounds@yahoo.com

Or

The Rev. A. J. Holman, Sr.
P. O. Box 178
Pulaski, TN 38478
(270) 366-1505
www.onthespotshots@yahoo.com

12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

It is with deep regrets, that we announce the passing of the Reverend William Scott, Jr., pastor of Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Manning District in the Central Conference of the Seventh Episcopal District, Bishop Preston Warren Williams II, Presiding Prelate.

Service arrangements for Reverend William Scott, Jr:

Wake Service:
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
6:00 PM -7:00 PM
Chapel AME Church
Paxville, South Carolina

Mailing address:
Post Office Box 5078
Manning, South Carolina 29102
Phone: (803) 452-6776

Funeral Services:
Thursday, September 10, 2009
11:00 AM
New Mt. Carmel AME Church
797 Tupperware Road
Hemingway, South Carolina 29554

Services are entrusted to:
Bartelles Funeral Home
Hwy. 261
West of Hemingway
Hemingway, South Carolina 29554
Phone: (843) 558-3216 (843) 558-5700

Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Ipanna Scott
773 Rachel Road
Hemingway, South Carolina 29554
Phone: (843) 558-5653

Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be emailed to:

willscottrose@hotmail.com

13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We announce with regret, news of the passing of Mr. Jasun Bryun Wayman Dixon, son of the Rev. Dr. Waymon Dixon, pastor of St. Paul AME Church in Delray Beach, Florida.

Jasun Bryun Wayman Dixon, age 28, passed suddenly on Sunday evening, August 30, 2009 in New York City, New York.

Service arrangements for Mr. Jasun Bryun Wayman Dixon:

Tuesday, September 8, 2009
The Wake: 5-7:00 PM
The Funeral Service: 7:00 PM

Robeson & Brown Funeral Home Inc.
396 Gates Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11216
Phone: 718/622-4452

Interment: Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Rose Mount Cemetery in New Jersey

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

The family of Mr. Jasun Bryun Wayman Dixon
C/O Robeson & Brown Funeral Home Inc.
396 Gates Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11216-1403
Phone: 718/622-4452
Fax: 718/622-6545

Or to:

The Rev. Waymon Dixon
119 N.W. 5th Avenue
Delray Beach, Florida 33444
Email: wtdixon@bellsouth.net
Phone: 561/7893594

14. EPISCOPAL FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the passing of the Reverend Leeland N. Jones, Jr., a Local Deacon at Bethel AMEC in Buffalo, New York (Western New York Conference). He was an outstanding civic leader, the first black member of the Buffalo Common Council, and the uncle of Bishop Vashti M. McKenzie.

The funeral has been held.

Rev. Richard A. Stenhouse, Pastor

Eulogist - Bishop Vashti M. McKenzie
Presiding Prelate of the 13th Episcopal District AME Church

Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Eulogist
Presiding Prelate Thirteenth Episcopal District AME Church

Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be sent to:

The Family of Reverend Leeland Newton Jones, Jr.
C/O Bethel A.M.E. Church
1525 Michigan Avenue
Buffalo, New York 14209

Or to:

Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie and Supervisor Stan McKenzie
1012 Beech Tree Lane
Brentwood, Tennessee 37027

Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie and Supervisor Stan McKenzie
500 8th Avenue, South
Nashville, Tennessee 37203
615-242-6814 - Phone
615-242-2496 - FAX

Email: kergyma00@aol.com (Bishop McKenzie)

Interment:
Forest Lawn Cemetery
1411 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, BY 14209

15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

It is with regret, that we announce the passing of Mrs. Naomi West, wife of retired pastor Reverend Wendell West, who served in both the Canadian and the Michigan Annual Conferences. Mrs. West made her transition on Saturday after a lengthy illness.

The funeral has been held.

Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be sent to:

The Rev. Wendell West
Baptist Manor
30245 W. 13 Mile Rd
Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334

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.

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (9/3/09)

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 MAKES AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH WORSHIP, AUTHENTIC AME WORSHIP:

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

I have received several informative messages in response to both of my editorials, “What’s the Answer,” Parts I and II. I expected to receive some responses that agreed with the thoughts of the traveler who shared with me on a recent trip, but I was surprised that I didn’t receive a lot of messages that disagreed with the traveler or with my responses, especially in the editorial, “What’s the Answer, Part II.”

In that editorial, I shared my thoughts of what I believed was the problem with attendance, or the lack of attendance at worship services; the lack of enthusiasm with overall ministry, and the music ministry. I hoped that I was adamant that the temporal and spiritual affairs of the church fall upon the shoulders of the pastor; the “buck stops” with the pastor.

I went on to say in “What’s the Answer, Part II,” that the there were some movements in liturgy that were sacred and revered and that the most common complaint I continually heard from laity, in priority, was the absence of the Decalogue, followed by the absence of “the” or even “a” Call to Worship; ill-chosen hymns, and poorly conducted worship services.

Several persons responded with their thoughts. One person disagreed with my prioritized list and expressed the belief that the major problem in AME worship is the music ministry; that person complained that it was obvious some choirs did not practice or take the music ministry seriously.

Another person opined that it seems that too many pastors are satisfied with stagnant churches, and the person went on say that some pastors are either satisfied with the few who attend or do not know how to grow a congregation.

The most vocal complaint was, “Our church does not feel like an AME Church anymore.”

My own thoughts on the observation, “Our church does not feel like an AME Church anymore,” caused me to ask myself the question, “What makes African Methodist Episcopal Church worship, authentic AME worship?” A couple of other questions also came to mind. What makes Baptist worship, Baptist; or what makes Church of God in Christ worship, COGIC? What makes Roman Catholic worship, Roman Catholic?

Let’s take the Roman Catholic worship first. Simply stated, the Mass makes Roman Catholic worship, Roman Catholic. The Eucharist is celebrated at each Mass and is the center of Catholic worship. If the priest removed the Sacrament of the Eucharist, the worship would not be Roman Catholic. The Mass consists of two parts, the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Remove one or both of those parts and the worship ceases to be Roman Catholic.

Baptist and COGIC worship falls under the category of “Free worship.” Constrict free worship and institute a heavy dose of liturgy and Baptist and COGIC worship ceases to be authentic worship in each of those communions. In the case of the COGIC, I suspect that the absence of “tarrying for the Holy Ghost” in Sunday morning worship services causes some older COGIC worshippers to complain that the COGIC worship is not what it used to be; but the COGIC has probably kept enough COGIC tradition to maintain balance. If a Baptist preacher attempted infant baptism or sprinkling as a mode of baptism, that ordinance, as they call it, would not be Baptist.

So, “What makes African Methodist Episcopal Church worship, authentic AME worship?” I believe that it is the unique AME liturgy, along with allowing the working of the Holy Spirit, with a strong biblical message. I believe the Decalogue is important to African Methodists, as is “the” or “a” Call to Worship. Those two acts of worship are uniquely AME. I believe, if pastors would follow the African Methodist Episcopal Church Order For Morning Worship, or some semblance of it, people would know what makes African Methodist Episcopal Church worship, authentic AME worship.

Authentic liturgical worship requires coordination among clergy and other worship leaders to include the music and usher ministries. In the midst of the working of the Holy Spirit, liturgy can be spiritually powerful. The Free Church experience is different, but can be authentic too, but free worship and Holy Spirit-filled liturgical worship are two different genres.

True AME worship is Holy Spirit-filled liturgical worship that includes those liturgical movements that the Church fathers and mothers included in the AME Order of Worship, to include the Call to Worship, prayer, the scripture, the preface to the Decalogue and the Decalogue, the sermon, the invitation to Christian Discipleship, the offertory, the closing hymn/Doxology and the Benediction. The AMEC Book of Worship has all of the clues of what makes an African Methodist Episcopal Worship, AME.

I guess pastors can add “the stomp”, a step show, a medley of gospel songs, praise and worship, poetic readings, praise dancing, holy dancing and other acts of worship, but I would hope that a pastor would leave “what makes African Methodist Episcopal Church worship, authentic AME worship,” in the Sunday morning worship service.

I will say it again more specifically: the AME Church has to be faithful to the biblical, theological and doctrinal principles. I suspect that some AME Churches lack a biblical foundation, ignore theology and are not faithful to the doctrinal foundations of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

I will say it again that some of our pastors are busy trying to imitate the successful pastor down the street or across town, televangelists, and other mega-church pastors. Some of those pastors are successful because they are faithful to their historical, denominational (nondenominational), and biblical traditions. If they threw out their traditions and tried to implement our AME traditions, their success might be limited.

So, “What makes African Methodist Episcopal Church worship, authentic AME worship?” Every pastor, every steward, and every member ought to know, and if they don’t know, I hope they will find out and appreciate what makes African Methodist Episcopal Church worship, authentic AME worship.”

2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:

- To the Editor:

This is a heads up to share that there are unscrupulous attempts to get personal information in ways that seem legitimate.

Unfortunately I was the victim of such a scam and thought I could prevent others from perhaps falling into the same trap. I have had to cancel checking and credit card accounts, etc.

So, please, especially if you are an AOL user, do NOT respond to any emails asking you to update your account information.

Sent by Joan Beauchamp

3. NAMIBIA PRE-CONFERENCE VISITS BY THE 15TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT LEADERSHIP:

The Rev. Willem Simon Hanse

I greet you in Jesus' joy from the Namibia Annual Conference, 15th Episcopal District where the Right Rev. Wilfred J. Messiah is the presiding prelate and Mrs. Carol Messiah is the Episcopal Supervisor.

The 55th Session of our Annual Conference is scheduled from 3-6 September 2009 at St. Mark AME Church, Gibeon. Bishop and Supervisor Messiah have undertaken several pre-Conference activities, including historical visits to 15 rural churches in Namibia. This is significant, given the vastness of our country where travelers have to travel long distances between villages, towns and cities.

On Tuesday, 25 August 2009 bishop and mother travelled 1100 kilometres by road from Cape Town, South Africa to Keetmanshoop, Namibia. On a daily basis, our episcopal parents have travelled almost 500 kilometres each day during the past week, visiting rural churches in remote areas with a message of hope, inspiration and appreciation. Some of these churches were last visited by Bishop Henry A Belin JR during the 1984-1988 quadrennial. Some of these rural churches have seen a bishop of the AME Church for the first time in the more than six decades the AME Church is present in our conference, It was very fitting to observe the humility with which Bishop Messiah thanked the rural people for their loyalty and service to African Methodism and the financial and material gifts handed over by Supervisor to these rural folk.

Bishop and Supervisor Messiah will travel some 420 kilometres tomorrow morning (Sunday, 30 August 2009) from Mariental to Tses to dedicate to the glory of God the brand new church building of Robinson Chapel AME Church. The racist South African government, as part of the inhumane policy of apartheid based on skin colour, exiled senior citizens from Keetmanshoop to Tses. The AME Church, under the leadership of the late Bishop D G Robinson decided to organise a local church for these rejected and exiled citizens at Tses. With the apartheid "dom" pass system, only economically actives Africans were allowed in towns and citizens, and unemployed persons and pensioners were declared not wanted in urban areas. In 1983, during the leadership of the late Bishop John E Hunter, the congregation at Tses was renamed Robinson Chapel in honour of the vision and sacrifices of the late Bishop D G Robinson. For the sake of interest, we also have a D M Robinson Area of the WMS also operation in the Namibia Annual Conference.

On Monday, 31 August 2009, Bishop and Supervisor Messiah are expected to travel to Gibeon two pre-Conference activities, namely the Annual Conference Board of Christian Education Convention on Tuesday, 1 September 2009 and the Annual Missionary Convention (of the WMS/YPD).

Please pray for the Namibia Annual Conference as we expect God's blessings in our quest to restore the house of God.

*The Rev. Willem Simon Hanse, presiding elder and a candidate for Episcopal Office 2012

4. PHILADELPHIA CONFERENCE CHURCH SCHOOL ANNUAL DAY ATTRACTS AN OVERFLOW OF WORSHIPPERS:

By Angelena Spears
Philadelphia Conference Reporter

A rainstorm severe enough to flood out major expressways was not able to deter the church school superintendents and workers who attended the Philadelphia Conference Church School Annual Day on Sunday, August 3.

The overflow crowd of worshippers packed the 1st AME Church, Sharon Hill, PA for the afternoon service, which maintained a spiritual high from the processional all the way to the benediction.

The afternoon preacher was the Rev. Charles H. Lett, Sr., the newly named presiding elder of the Philadelphia Conference’s West Mainline District.

Elder Lett preached a very relevant message for the occasion, based on Luke 18:15-17, and used as his theme: “Let the Children Come.”

Elder Lett observed that in the bible story, the parents were attracted to an environment where there was good preaching, good teaching and healing – and chose that setting to bring their children to be blessed. He said today’s parents are looking for the same thing (i.e., good teaching, preaching and healing) and when they find it, they will want to bring their children to be blessed.

He said that just like the Disciples who were turning the children away – in today’s church it is often the officers – including ushers, stewards and trustees – who are standing between the parents and Jesus, and turning the children away.

He said we turn the children away when we tell the young parents that their babies are making too much noise, or scold the parents for putting dirty diapers in the wrong waste baskets.

In an easy-to-understand sermon, Elder Lett proclaimed that as church school superintendents and workers – we are called to love the children, and he pointed out how important it is for all persons who interact with our children to display kindness and love.

Throughout his sermon, Elder Lett repeatedly proclaimed – “Let the children come.” And when the invitation was offered for salvation – two little girls came forward. The two little girls were cousins, and one was accompanying the other who wanted to give her life to Christ.

At the end of the service, Sister Jeanne Chavious, the Philadelphia Conference Church School Superintendent, thanked the district superintendents and assistant superintendents for their support. And she acknowledged the presence of the new assistant superintendent for the Harrisburg District, Sister Yolanda Beattie, who will share that role with Sister Michelle Crawford.

A special thank you was given to Rev. Ruth Waters, the host superintendent, who served as worship leader for the program, and appreciation was expressed for the guest choir from Bethel AME Church, Coatesville, who did a wonderful job of singing; and to Brother Earl Knight, a gifted pianist, who has been faithful in sharing his musical talents with the church school. Brother Knight is 16 years old.

The pastors of the Philadelphia Conference who were in attendance were recognized and thanked for their support. Also recognized were Presiding Elder Vernard Leak, of the Philadelphia District, and Presiding Elder James E. F. Lawrence, the newly named presiding elder of the Philadelphia South District. All of the presiding elders were accompanied by their wives.

Sister Tona Pickett, the West Mainline District Church School superintendent, was also thanked for her role as the host superintendent, and the members of 1st AME Church were thanked for the delicious meal that was served before the service.

The Rev. Harvey Sparkman was the host pastor.

5. BISHOP CAROLYN TYLER GUIDRY TO SPEAK IN BATON ROUGE:

Dr. Herman O. Kelly

Bishop Guidry will be the preacher at the Annual Fall Board Meeting Ecumenical Service on Monday, September 28, 2009 at 7:30 pm at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where the Rev. Dr. Herman O. Kelly, Jr. is the pastor.

The Louisiana Interchurch Conference is a statewide ecumenical organization located in Baton Rouge.

Dr. Herman O. Kelly will present a paper entitled, “The Church and the Civil Rights Movement, Past, Present, and Future.”

Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church is located at 1358 South Boulevard in Baton Rouge.

6. SOCKS N’ PRAYER:

*Bea Tatum

As the temperature begins to drop and cooler weather approaches, children across the State of Alabama are getting settled into their daily routine of school and extra curriculum activities. The Ninth Episcopal District of the AME Church, under the leadership of Bishop James L. Davis, has provided over 25,000 pairs of socks to distribute to school age children at all AME Churches in Alabama. The Scripture verse adopted for this event, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1), is especially meaningful given the world’s instability and the promise of an uncertain future. “Now more than ever, it is imperative to pray for our children.” Bishop Davis further believes, “if you take care of your feet, your feet will carry your body and the rest of you.”

The Rev. Dr. Patricia A. Outlaw of St. Paul AME Church, Adamsville, Alabama stated, “The Socks N’ Prayer initiative is congruent with the mission of the AME Church. Our Mission is to minister to the social, spiritual, and physical development of all people. This unique social outreach to the larger community is available to all school children who live in proximity to our local AME Churches.”

Pastors, along with their church members, will be available to pray with young people and their parents as they seek socks for the colder days ahead. With the economic slow down which has hit all of us, the “Socks N’ Prayer” ministry is one meaningful and practical way to encourage children to stay in school.

State-wide, all local AME churches will participate in the Ninth Episcopal District’s Annual “Socks N’ Prayer” initiative on Saturday, September 5th from 10:00 a.m. until Noon. Children, along with their parents and/or guardians, are invited to attend this free give-a-way and prayer vigil.

As the Ninth Episcopal District approaches its first year anniversary under Bishop Davis’ leadership, the District continues to move forward with community outreach programs, such as this one.

*Bea Tatum is the Public Relations Director for the 9th Episcopal District

7. A POEM - WHO WILL TEACH THE CHILDREN:

By Angela Allen

Who Will Teach the Children

Who will teach the children?
That come with a darker face?
Who will make it clear
Their importance to our race?
Who will teach the children…
That come dirty, hungry and poor?
Who will make them believe education is a cure?

Who will teach the children of parents
Addicted to drugs?
Who will take it upon themselves to shower
Them with love?
Who will teach the children that
Call a shelter a home?
Who will cite them courageous
For all the nights they have roamed?
Who will teach the children
That live with violence and crime?
Who will dry their eyes
Each time a love one dies?
Who will teach the children
That come with a darker face?
Who will rescue this generation
From a heartless fate?
Who will?

8. THE 2009 SEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT CALENDAR:

The Right Reverend Preston Warren Williams II, Presiding Prelate
Dr. Wilma Delores Williams, Episcopal Supervisor

AUGUST 24 - 28, 2009
Palmetto Annual Conference
Session: 99th Session
Host Church: St Luke AME Church, Charleston
Host Pastor: The Reverend L. T. Baker
Host Presiding Elder: The Reverend Dr. Allen Parrott
Co-Host Presiding Elder: The Reverend Charles Graves
Co-Host Presiding Elder: The Reverend Rosalyn Coleman

AUGUST 31 - SEPTEMBER 4, 2009
NORTHEAST ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Session: 118th Session
Host Church: Weston Chapel AME Church, Latta
Host Pastor: The Reverend E. O. Simms
Host Presiding Elder: The Reverend Robert Cooper
Co-Host Presiding Elder: The Reverend Dr. Robert McCants
Co-Host Presiding Elder: The Reverend Dr. William Smith

SEPTEMBER 11 - 12, 2009
COLUMBIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE – YOUTH SUMMIT
Allen University

SEPTEMBER 14 - 18, 2009
COLUMBIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Session: 132nd Session
Host Church: Pine Grove AME Church, Columbia
Host Pastor: The Reverend Dr. James Cooper
Host Presiding Elder: The Reverend Joseph Postell
Co-Host Presiding Elder: The Reverend Sandy Drayton
Co-Host Presiding Elder: The Reverend Dr. James R. Glover

SEPTEMBER 18 - 19, 2009
SOUTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE – YOUTH SUMMIT
Woodland High School - St. George, SC

SEPTEMBER 21 -25, 2009
SOUTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Session: 145th Session
Host Church: Bethel AME Church, St. George
Host Pastor: The Reverend Charles Watkins
Host Presiding Elder: The Reverend Malachi Duncan
Co-Host Presiding Elder: The Reverend John H. Gillison
Co-Host Presiding Elder: The Reverend Samuel Myers

OCTOBER 2 - 3, 2009
PIEDMONT ANNUAL CONFERENCE – YOUTH SUMMIT
Location: TBD

OCTOBER 5 - 9, 2009
PIEDMONT ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Session: 100th Session
Host Church: Mt. Calvary AME Church, Gray Court
Host Pastor: The Reverend Judy Richardson
Host Presiding Elder: The Reverend Samuel McPherson
Co-Host Presiding Elder: The Reverend Oscar A. Klugh

OCTOBER 9 - 10, 2009
CENTRAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE – YOUTH SUMMIT
Lake Marion High School - Santee, SC

OCTOBER 12 - 16, 2009
CENTRAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Session: 86th Session
Host Church: Brown Chapel AME Church, Cameron
Host Pastor: The Reverend Rufus Gaymon
Host Presiding Elder: The Reverend Dr. Juenarrl Keith
Co-Host Presiding Elder: The Reverend Malachi Duncan
Co-Host Presiding Elder: The Reverend Clementa Pinckney

NOVEMBER 11 – 14, 2009
POST CONFERENCE CONVOCATION AND THEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE
Location: TBD

9. THE 2009 TENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:

The Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram, Presiding Prelate
The Reverend Dr. Jessica Kendall Ingram, Episcopal Supervisor

2009 NORTHWEST TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE
September 15 –September 19, 2009
September 12, 2009 – YPD Day
September 14, 2009 – Missionary Day
September 15, 2009 – The Gathering of Women
September 15, 2009 – Opening Worship
Host Church – Armstrong AME Church
Host Pastor- The Rev. Mark Washington

2009 NORTH TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE
September 29 – October 3, 2009
September 26, 2009 – YPD Day
September 28, 2009 – Missionary Day
September 29, 2009 – The Gathering of Women
September 29, 2009 – Opening Worship
Host Church- Rice Chapel AME Church
Host Pastor – The Rev. Dr. Gregory Kimble

2009 SOUTHWEST TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE
October 10 – October 17, 2009
October 10, 2009 – YPD Day
October 12, 2009 – Missionary Day
October 13, 2009 – The Gathering of Women
October 13, 2009 – Opening Worship
Host Churches and Pastors
Wesley-Georgetown - The Rev. John McCormick
St. Annie - The Rev. Derwin D. Gipson
Union Chapel - The Rev. Adam T. Carrington

2009 TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE
October 24 – October 31, 2009
October 24, 2009 – YPD Day
October 26, 2009 – Missionary Day
October 27, 2009 – The Gathering of Women
October 27, 2009 – Opening Worship
Host Church –South Wesley AME Church
Host Pastor – The Rev. Kevin Bullock

Planning Meeting 2009
November 12 – November 14, 2009

10. REVISED THIRTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:

September 29 – October 3, 2009
East Tennessee Annual Conference
St Paul, Chattanooga, TN

October 13 – 17, 2009
West Tennessee Annual Conference
Ward Chapel, Memphis, TN

October 27 – 31, 2009
Tennessee Annual Conference
St Paul, Columbia, TN

November 12 – 14, 2009
Thirteenth District Planning Meeting
Payne Chapel, Nashville, Tennessee

11. CLICHÉ’S---VAIN REPETITION:

*The Rev. N. T. Pitts

Webster defines a cliché as a phrase that has become dulled in meaning through constant repetition. No-one can lay claim to be the author or even have a copyright to any cliché.

Clichés are like wild fires, once they get started they go on and on from generations to generations. We have become intoxicated with the usage of clichés. And many of us use them because they sound good and are convenient and “popular.”

We use them when we don’t know what else to say. But we have no idea of the origin or significance or where they originated and why. Even when we pray we use terms we have heard others used over and over again.

Jesus’ teaching on the Mount admonished the people about the practice of using vain repetitive language when they prayed. Matthew 6:5-7.

God warned the Israelites about the usage of the proverb/cliché: “The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge.” God said to them “no more will you use that cliché.” Ezekiel 18:1-3. They used that cliché to justify their unacceptable wrongdoings.

Permit this writer to list some cliché’s of concern.

This one has been worn out: “God is good all the time, all the time God is good.” We have completely worn this one out. I don’t know where or how this one got started but it has become dull in meaning. We respond whenever it is said regardless who says it.

There are other attributes of God we could use. What about, “God is love, God is Omnipotent, God is Omniscience, God is Omnipresent, and God is forgiving.

“The Devil is busy.” You mostly hear this from church folk. They give the Devil more credit than they give God. The Devil is doing what devils do; and that is being a Devil. I wonder if we ever realize that God is also busy.

“Cleanliness is next to Godliness.” Well if this be so, we need to take a look around our churches and look under the pulpit, look in the choir rooms, closets and supply rooms, and look in the piano stool. Above all we need to take a look around our homes and we need to take a look at ourselves.

“Give God a hand clap.” I have no idea how this one got started unless it came from Psalms 47:1 “O Clap your hands all ye people shout unto God with the voice of triumph.

“Giving honor to God who is first in my life”: No kidding? We use this, but the church, to some of us, seems to be the last on our list. We are late to Sunday morning worship services and choir members arrive late to choir practices. We get to worship late and then we are in a hurry to get out of service. We refuse to tithe and we are too busy to devote any time for the work of the Lord. And we have the gall to declare God is first. We need to think seriously before we use this cliché.

This one is completely outrageous. To hear people refer to their Church as the “Holy Ghost Headquarters” is pure blasphemy. How dare any one to proclaim that their church is the headquarters of the Holy Ghost. If it be so, then why is it so hard to find anyone at Headquarters? Why is there always an answering machine?

How often have you heard people boast, “We are in the Word now”? Maybe that is why some of our churches are in trouble. The “Word” should be in you and not, “you in the Word.” Colossians 3:16

We need to be careful what we say because someone is always listening. Or maybe someone should explain what they mean when they say “we are in the Word.”

Finally, if we are not careful, saying, “Amen” can become just another cliché. Many of us say “Amen” only when it is solicited. For when we say “Amen” we are saying “I agree, I affirm, I approve, I am with you, I understand, you are right.”

Saying “Amen” does not only have to be in unison when it is written in our rituals and ceremonies. Even in our rituals and ceremonies when we say, “Amen,” we are saying, “I affirm and I approve.”

In the worship services, if nobody else says “Amen,” you should feel free to say it without solicitation if you affirm whatever is being said. We should know to what, we are saying “Amen.” Whether or not we say “Amen” requires total involvement in the worship service with both mind and spirit. And, if we are not, our “Amen” becomes just another cliché.

Now that I have said all of this, I will now say “Amen” because I affirm and approve what I have just written. And after you read this article and if you affirm what you have read just say, “Amen.”

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

You can contact Pastor Pitts at Ptaegar@AOL.Com. He has published number of books.

12. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE:

- Congratulations are extended to Ms. Alexis Gatson, upon receiving her Master of Science degree in Public and Community Health from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee on August 14, 2009.

Ms. Alexis Gatson is the daughter of the Rev. and Mrs. Alexander Gatson, pastor and first lady of Greater Ebenezer AME Church in Clarksville, Tennessee.

Congratulatory responses may be sent to the email address of her proud parents: gatsona@bellsouth.net.

13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

With regrets, we share the passing of Mrs. Rosemary Keeton, the mother of the Reverend James Keeton, who died on Thursday, August 27, 2009 in Thomasville, Georgia. Rev. Keeton is the Pastor of Mount Zion Circuit, Forsyth, GA in the Macon Annual Conference.

The funeral has been held.

14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the passing of Mrs. Charline F. Robinson, mother of Mrs. Loretta R. Story, wife of the Rev. Larry L. Story, Pastor of Turner Chapel A.M.E. Church, Columbus, Mississippi.

The funeral has been held.

Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

The Rev. and Mrs. (Loretta R.) Larry L. Story
827 6th Street South
Columbus, Mississippi 39701

Phone: (662) 327-8573
Cell: (504) 481-1869

Condolences may be emailed to: LLANDLSTORY@yahoo.com

15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the passing of Sister Harriet Duckett Truman. She was the former Financial Secretary and Treasurer of the Connectional LAY Organization of the AME Church. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

Viewing and Funeral - Friday, September 4, 2009
Viewing - 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Funeral Service - 11:00 a.m.

New Bethel AME Church
6153 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19144
Office: 215-438-2406
FAX: 215-438-2764

The Rev. Maurice M. Hughes, Pastor

Eulogist: Dr. Dennis Dickerson, Historiographer and Executive Director of the Department of Research and Scholarship, AMEC

Professional Services entrusted to:

Congleton Funeral Home
Jeanette Congleton, F.D.
67 West Logan Street
Philadelphia, PA 19144

Phone: 215-849-7327
Fax: 215-849-4782
Email: congletonfuneral@verizon.net

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family in care of Jeanette Congleton (See address information above).

16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

It is with regret that we acknowledge the passing of the Rev. Dr. Donald W. Thompson, Sr., a staunch supporter of Payne Theological Seminary, an active member of the Board of Trustees, and a great part of the National Alumni Association. Dr. Thompson was Pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Dayton, Ohio. He was an alumnus of both Wilberforce University and Payne Theological Seminary, and a former classmate of several of the AME Church Bishops.

Funeral services will be held for Dr. Thompson on Friday, September 4, 2009 at noon at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Dayton, Ohio.

Condolences can be sent to:

Tabernacle Baptist Church
380 S Broadway Street
Dayton, Ohio 45402-8212
Phone: 937-228-6393

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

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

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

18. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:

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