Bishop Richard Franklin Norris - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder
1. EDITORIAL – IF WE DON’T, OTHER DENOMINATIONS WILL:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III,
The 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder
The media accounts of the devastation of earthquake and after-shocks in Haiti have been mind-boggling; almost surreal, and hard to believe. Deaths from the Earthquake is estimated to be upwards of 75,000 and projected, by some estimates to reach 200,000. The aftershocks have added to the feeling of helplessness, not only to the Haitians and to those who arrived there to assist them, but also to those of us around the world that view and listen to the events in Haiti on our television sets and radios.
In the midst of all of the devastation, we are heartened by the good news stories of survivors being pulled from the rubble and for orphans flown to the United States. We were excited about the decision that gives Haitian nationals Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to those who were in the United States as of January 12, 2010. It’s my hope that all of us will work to change TPS, Temporary Protected Status to, PPS, Permanent Protected Status. The United States allows the Cubans to receive protected status and it’s time for the United States to designate protective status for Haitians.
The United States, the United Nations and nations from around the world have arrived in Haiti and are providing extraordinary disaster relief efforts. The United States military and agencies from the private sector are providing “off the chart” support for the Haitians.
We have been encouraged by the AME news that we have received from Bishop Sarah F. Davis, Dr. George F. Flowers, Navy Chaplain LCDR Glenda Jennings Harrison; and the real-time, within hours of the earthquake in Haiti report from Sister Elvire Douglas, who lives in Haiti and serves as the Connectional Assistant Recording Secretary of the Women Missionary Society and is the 16th Episcopal District Director of Disaster Preparedness.
We have also been encouraged by the expeditious response from the Council of Bishops who issued a statement, held a news conference and provided guidance and structure for the AME Church’s procedure to receive and disperse donations for Disaster Relief in Haiti and Malawi (The full report has not come in from Malawi).
The news reports from Haiti are exhaustive, the loss of lives and structural damages are catastrophic. Katrina was bad, but Haiti is worse. The response to help “fix” Haiti will not go away anytime soon and that brings me to the AME Church’s response. The Council of Bishops has designated two Sundays for AME Churches to collect special offerings for the Disaster Effort. It is important for the AME leadership and the members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church to understand that the special offerings taken on two consecutive Sundays is a wonderful gesture, but it’s only a beginning. We will need to dig deeply and consistently, not only with money, but with human resources and with equipment and supplies. As the authorities sort out all of the recovery and rebuilding issues, the AME Church will need to develop a long-range plan to assist our ministry in Haiti, in Malawi too, and in other devastated areas.
We already know that our flagship church in Haiti, Eglese St. Paul AME is destroyed and some, if not all of our other churches in Haiti are damaged, if not destroyed. As of this writing we do not know if all of our pastors are alive. One thing that we do know is that we will need to have a massive rebuilding strategy in Haiti. We cannot be passive in assisting our people in Haiti. We need to be as aggressive as we have ever been; even more assertive than the aggressiveness that the church exhibited during the Katrina Hurricane recovery effort. The Church has a responsibility to take care of the clergy and laity and churches will need to be rebuilt as quickly as possible.
Our flagship church, Eglese St. Paul AME needs to be rebuilt quickly, to send a strong signal that the AME Church is serious about our overseas ministry. A commitment to rebuild lives and churches is going to take a lot of money, a lot of offerings, a lot of giving, and a lot of personal and congregational sacrifice; not one time, not two times, but a lot of times.
Since Tuesday, January 12, 2010, we are living a new paradigm; it is not “business as usual,” and we will need to modify our thinking. If we make the sacrifice and give until it hurts, we will be blessed beyond measure.
Yes, some of our churches in the United States are hurting and some of our overseas churches are hurting too; but none of us are hurting as the Haitians are, with over 75,000 persons dead, many buried without being properly identified; that’s hard to fathom.
The African Methodist Episcopal Church must be available and rise up to the task of rebuilding the AME Church in Haiti and in Malawi and in other devastated areas.
If we don’t take care of our people, other denominations will!
Editor’s Note: If you want to receive breaking news, news updates, you need to subscribe to The Christian Recorder Online at www.the-christian-recorder.org.
2. UPDATE FROM SISTER ELVIRE DOUGLAS HAITI EARTHQUAKE REPORT:
Sister Elvire Douglas lives in Haiti
Friday, January 15, 2010
- Sister Douglas’ adopted daughter who lives with her is missing and she suspects that the child is not alive since her school collapsed “like a sandwich” between the floors of the building.
- St. Paul AME, Port-Au-Prince is completely destroyed.
- Sister Douglas has not heard from her other family members to know how they are doing.
- Sister Douglas’ home suffered medium damage.
- Our Presiding Elder, the Reverend Joel Mehu is alive and well as is his immediate family. Praise the Lord!!
- There is no news on Presiding Elder, the Reverend Joel Maurice or any of our other preachers and church members.
- The Clinic next door to St. Paul is not destroyed too badly.
- Other Churches in Port-Au-Prince, Mary Beckett AME and Lula Brockington AME are damaged.
- Lula Brockington AME School was destroyed.
- Sister Douglas has no information at this time regarding the remaining nine churches and four schools of the AME Church in Haiti and neither does she have information about other church members at this time.
- Sister Douglas further reports: “We are sleeping on the street, football field, park any spot away from concrete blocks. The scenes are beyond imagination…Apocalyptic.
- Port-au-Prince is destroyed at 85%; we are facing serious food shortage, medicines, drinking water as there are no stores or market to purchase anything.
- The question is for how long we will stay in this situation, time will tell. Have mercy upon us, God knows best.
- The airport is closed to commercial flight; it seems that the building is crack so not safe for passengers and workers.
At this moment working hard to organize response at the office, no time to cry the death there are so many needs, we have to take care of the injuries, the survivors…”
Bishop Davis says, “We thank God that Sister Elvire and Presiding Elder Mehu and family are alive and doing well. Let us continue to pray for good news as we get reports on others in the Haiti Conference. The churches in Haiti need assistance. Please continue to pray for us.”
*Sister Elvire Douglas is the Connectional Assistant Recording Secretary of the WMS; Treasurer of the Haiti Annual Conference; 16th District Director of Disaster Preparedness; and Official Interpreter for Bishop Sarah Davis
3. CHAPLAIN LCDR GLENDA JENNINGS HARRISON REPORTS FROM HAITI:
- Report on Haiti # 1:
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Chaplain, LCDR Harrison
I was told at 1130 hours on Friday night, January 15, 2010 that I was to report for a briefing and was on a team to enter Haiti at 0500 hours on Saturday morning, January 16th. We arrived in Haiti at approximately 0700 hours Sunday morning. Joint Operations Headquarters is based at the Toussaint L' Overture Airport.
I was up until 0245 hours Sunday morning preparing reports for my Command Chaplain and preparing a report for the AME Church.
I am pleased to report that with the locals’ help I was able to contact and speak personally with both AME Presiding Elders and they are doing well.
There is a considerable amount of damage to a few churches in my report I will give you as much detail as possible. The Presiding Elders, while they do speak English, their accent is very heavy and difficult to understand; some of what was being said with the airport noise, as well the fact that I was using one of the local’s cell phones.
Unfortunately, my French is extremely limited; I have more of a background in Spanish. Be that as it may, it was a long day...I embarked back on the ship at around 1700 hours (5:00 p.m.) and was then called into a Mass Casualty.
We have at least 5-7 Haitians on our hospital ward aboard the ship and a brand new baby who was born, with a couple of my Haitian sailors they served as Creole interpreters for me while I provided ministry. At least three persons had to have amputations done and my medical staff has been pushed beyond the limits.
I thank God for the chaplains aboard the ship who are assisting; however I'm being called in because of my specialty in Cross-Cultural Counseling and Ethics. God has moved on-board this ship in a powerful way and I see a lot of good that will come from this experience. The team is pulling together as this experience has assisted in helping our majority brothers and sisters better understand and become more comfortable with people of color from other backgrounds.
I need to prepare for the evening Gospel Praise and Worship service, which is held at 1900 (7:00 p.m.) in the Ship's Foc'sle (the largest space available on the ship). We normally have an attendance of 150 and it is usually standing-room only; it will be interesting to see the numbers for tonight.
In the midst of preparation, I still must provide pastoral counseling and check on patients in the medical wards.
LCDR Glenda Jennings Harrison
Glenda.Harrison@cvn70.navy.mil
Principal Assistant to the Command Chaplain
Religious Ministries Department
USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70)
- Report on Haiti # 2
Monday, January 18, 2010
The report provides a detailed account regarding the situation in Haiti, as well as information on the areas surrounding many of our AME Churches in the area.
The Command Chaplain is seeking approval from the chain-of-command at this moment for me to go into the area tomorrow due to more developing events. If my Command Chaplain gets approval, I will be on the grounds again with our Roman Catholic Chaplain (French-Canadian) and two Religious Program Specialists first thing in the morning.
Upon entering Haiti, I was greeted by Captain Eusebia Rios, CHC, USAF who is providing overall joint-coverage for military personnel currently based at Toussaint L' Overture airport.
The criteria for Haitian citizens to leave at this time must adhere to the below-listed criteria:
-- must be an American citizen
-- must have had an emergent medical need that requires immediate attention
-- must have relatives in the U.S., Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica or other countries and proof that relatives can take them in.
The following list is provided of the twelve (12) AME Churches located in Haiti that fall within the 2 Districts:
The St. Paul District - Presiding Elder, the Rev. Joel Mehu, Petionville
- St. Paul AME Church - 1 Rue St. Paul at D'ennery, Port au Prince (Church hit hard it is located in the middle of downtown Port au Prince).
- Loulabro Kenton AME Church - Mariani 12, Number 26, Port au Prince; area hit hard according to locals.
- Canaan Christ Revient AME Church - Tombe Gateau Rt De Route Jacmel; area hit hard, not sure if church was actually damaged; very likely damaged based upon information received from locals.
- Rosetta-Lee AME Church - 17 En Face Village de L ‘incarnation Petit Place, Caveau-Port au Prince; may be a problem, there are reports of damage in this area.
- Christine Smith AME Church - Fort-Jacques, 75 Athis No. 48 Kenfcoff/P-Ville (not really certain of the damage; however there are reports of possible damage).
- Siloe Mirebalais AME Church - Plateau Central; this area is okay according to the locals.
The Mary Beckett District - Presiding Elder, the Rev. Jean Joel Maurice, Croix' Ves Bouquets
- Bethel AME Church - Betel Cabaret (not certain about this church) locals seem to believe that the area in question was not badly damaged.
- Mary Beckett AME Church - Duval 22 No. 1, Crois-Des-Bouquett (locals informed me that this area was hit very hard and heavily damaged. However, could not verify if Mary Beckett sustained damage.
- L.L. Berry AME Church - Toussable No. 36, Gonaives (area believed to be okay).
- Annabell Freeland AME Church - Bayonnaise, Garteau 20 #15; locals believe that this area suffered heavy damage as it is located near Jacmel.
- Christ Revient AME Church - Kafou Mouchejan 5E, Section De Petiti-Grove; locals indicate that this area was hit pretty hard.
- John Hurst AME Church - Grassier (locals report this area was heavily damaged, however they have no information regarding the church specifically).
Information received by the Presiding Elders indicates that several churches in both Districts were heavily damaged and two schools also sustained damages. I was unable to ascertain whether any of our clinics sustained damages. For the record there may be misspellings in church addresses due to poor communication lines on the ship, which makes it difficult to hear clearly due to satellite phone communication, which causes much static and feedback.
I hope this information is helpful. The military, along with relief workers, are working around-the-clock to better assess the damage. Equipment is also on the way; however it's pretty bad; just think Katrina, magnified.
Information received by the Presiding Elders indicates that several churches in both Districts were heavily damaged and two schools also sustained damages. I was unable to ascertain whether any of our clinics sustained damages. For the record there may be misspellings in church addresses due to poor communication lines on the ship, which makes it difficult to hear clearly due to satellite phone communication, which causes much static and feedback.
LCDR Glenda Jennings Harrison
Glenda.Harrison@cvn70.navy.mil
Principal Assistant to the Command Chaplain
Religious Ministries Department
USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70)
Editor’s Note: Chaplain Harrison’s reports are much appreciated by the Bishops, General Officers, Connectional Officers, presiding elders, pastors, and members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and for all of the persons who read The Christian Recorder.
4. THE COUNCIL OF BISHOPS’ SUPPORT OF EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS IN AND HAITI AND MALAWI:
- Every congregation in the twenty (20) Episcopal Districts of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is tasked to collect funds over the next two Sundays (January 17 and January 24, 2010) so that the AME Church can provide assistance to earthquakes victims in Haiti and Malawi. Collected funds will be forwarded to the appropriate Episcopal District office.
- Military, Veterans Affairs, and federal chaplains endorsed by the African Methodist Episcopal Church will forward their individual and collected funds to the office of Bishop John F. White I, the AMEC Endorsing Agent / Ecumenical Officer. (Address listed in The Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 2008)
For updates on the AME Church’s efforts, visit the AMEC Official website: http://www,ame-church.com.
5. STATEMENT FROM HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY JANET NAPOLITANO:
“As part of the Department’s ongoing efforts to assist Haiti following Tuesday’s devastating earthquake, I am announcing the designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals who were in the United States as of January 12, 2010. This is a disaster of historic proportions and this designation will allow eligible Haitian nationals in the United States to continue living and working in our country for the next 18 months. Providing a temporary refuge for Haitian nationals who are currently in the United States and whose personal safety would be endangered by returning to Haiti is part of this Administration’s continuing efforts to support Haiti’s recovery.”
Editor’s Note: We all need to work to change TPS, Temporary Protected Status to PPS, Permanent Protected Status.
6. AME BISHOP FOR HAITI - COMMUNITY-WIDE SERVICES IN MIAMI GARDENS AND ORLANDO, FLORIDA:
ORLANDO/MIAMI GARDENS —The Right Reverend Sarah Frances Davis, who serves as bishop of the 16th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church—which includes the country of Haiti—will lead South and Central Florida Methodists and other concerned constituents in community-wide services of prayer and support Thursday, January 21, 2010, at 7 p.m. at Mt. Hermon A.M.E. Church in Miami Gardens, Fla., and Friday, January 22, 2010, at 7 p.m. at St. Mark A.M.E. Church in Orlando, Fla.
“As family, friends, and neighbors, we are gathering in two of our leading churches in Florida to share in spiritual and financial solidarity with our brothers and sisters in earthquake-ravaged Haiti,” said Bishop Davis, who will serve as the preacher for both worship services. “With concern and compassion, we come together to minister to the grieving, give voice to our collective hope and make tangible our support.”
Twelve churches and six primary and secondary schools comprise the Haiti Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Four of the congregations are based in Port-au-Prince, the nation’s capital, which January 12, 2010, suffered an earthquake registering 7.0 on the 12-point Richter scale. In the wake of the catastrophe, national and international news organizations are reporting thousands dead and millions more missing, injured and homeless.
“We have heard from Sister Elvire Medna-Douglas, Women’s Missionary Society Connectional Assistant Recording Secretary and translator for the Bishop and Supervisor,” Bishop Davis reported on the 16th District Web site. “Sister Douglas reports that she was several miles outside the city at the time of the earthquake but felt the tremors. She, too, has not been able to reach any of her family or church members as of this time. [Further,] we have not been able to get through to any of the presiding elders, pastors or members of the churches in Port-au-Prince as of this time.”
While relief efforts for the island nation are mobilizing around the globe, South and Central Florida residents, with their geographic proximity as well as close community and family connections to Haiti, are acutely affected by this tragedy, said Bishop McKinley Young, the presiding bishop of the 11th Episcopal District, which encompasses Florida and the Bahamas. “Haiti’s tears are our tears, and our hearts are heavy as we monitor reports of the magnitude of the devastation,” said Bishop Young. “Continuing in the ministry of Jesus Christ and the unique historic legacy of community support that gave birth to the A.M.E. Church, we stand with our brothers and sisters in Haiti to uphold them and pour out our love toward them during this immense crisis.”
In addition to the funds collected at the two special worship services, financial support for the 16th Episcopal District relief efforts in Haiti may be contributed online via PayPal through the “Partner with us” link at http://ame16th.com/node/173 with the notation “for Haiti Earthquake Relief.” Checks designated “for Haiti Earthquake Relief” made payable to “The 16th Episcopal District A.M.E. Church” may be mailed to P.O. Box 821308, Houston, Texas 77282-1308.
For more information on Thursday’s prayer service, please contact Rev. White at (305) 621-5067. Please contact St. Mark A.M.E., (407) 422-6941, for regarding Friday’s service.
The 126th elected and consecrated bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Bishop Sarah Frances Davis is only the third woman in the more than 200-year history of the denomination to ascend to the level of episcopal service. In her current assignment as the presiding prelate of the 16th Episcopal District, which is comprised of churches and schools in South America, Windward Islands, the Caribbean Islands, Cuba and Europe, Bishop Davis is affectionately known as the “Prayer Bishop” because of her consistent emphasis on the importance of prayer in the life of the Church. Bishop Davis, who resides in the AMEC episcopal residence in Kingston, Jamaica, is a lifetime member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., the oldest African American sorority in the United States, and she is married to Claytie Davis Jr., a retired manager of Southwestern Bell, who now serves as the Episcopal Supervisor of Missions for the 16th Episcopal District.
7. TRIBUTES TO THE LATE REV. DR. JOHN W. P. COLLIER, JR. - A MAN OF GREATNESS:
June 5th 1912 marked the beginning of a journey where the two became one and unto them a son was born.
The Rev. John W.P. Collier, Jr. was born in Plainfield N.J. to the late Reverend John W. P. Collier Sr. and Mrs. Annie Poole Collier on October 3rd, 1914. As a son of the parsonage, John was introduced to Christ at a very early age. At Mt. Zion AME Church in Plainfield, New Jersey, where his father served as pastor, John began to formulate his theological thoughts and practices.
“One could have easily predicted the path his (John’s) life would take.”
Jamye Coleman Williams
John studied at Wilberforce University earning a B.S. degree in Social Administration. As a student he was chaplain to the Lampados Club Omega Psi Phi Fraternity (though he did not pledge Omega, he later pledged Alpha Phi Alpha). He was president of three organizations, the John G. Mitchell Literary Society at Payne Theological Seminary, the Junior Seminary Class, and the Allied Youth Movement. In 1936, Rev. Collier earned his B.D. (M. Div.) from Payne Theological Seminary. He completed his residence requirement for the M.A. in Missions and Rural Church studies at Drew Theological Seminary in Madison, New Jersey. Wilberforce University and Morris Brown College conferred upon Rev. John Collier, Jr., the Doctor of Divinity and the Doctor of Humane Letters, respectfully.
“Dr. Collier has not sought power or position, but has been willing to serve the church as prophet, preacher, teacher and servant.” Bishop Frank C. Cummings
For more than seventy years, John has served the African Methodist Episcopal Church as Pastor, Chaplain, Professor, General Officer, Missionary, Editor and Mentor. As pastor, he served a total of nine churches in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia conferences of the First Episcopal District. In 1969, he was elected to serve the connectional church as Secretary-Treasurer of Missions and Editor of the Voice of Missions. In 1984, Rev. Collier took an early retirement from his position as Secretary- Treasurer of the Department of Missions of the AME Church to become a full-time missionary with the late Bishop John Hunter. (Because of the untimely death of Bishop Hunter, this did not happen.)
“John Collier was a most effective and culturally sensitive Secretary of Missions.”
Bishop Frederick Hilborn Talbot.
During his tenure as Secretary-Treasurer, John visited 27 of the 29 countries in Africa where there is an AME presence, and churches in South America, England and Canada. After retirement, he served as the Administrative Assistant to Bishop Frank C. Cummings in the First Episcopal District. Still not tired, at the request of Bishop Cummings, Rev. Collier served as the Administrative Dean of Benjamin F. Lee Theological Seminary at Edward Waters in Jacksonville Florida. From 2000 to 2008, John with his wife, Jacquelyn, served as co-editors of the Voice of Missions Magazine.
“His phenomenal accomplishments in ministry and missions have made a tremendous impact in the lives of people around the globe,” Dr. George F. Flowers
In addition to serving as Secretary-Treasurer of the Department of Missions of the AME Church from 1969 to 1984, Rev. Collier was a delegate to the AME General Conference since 1948 and served as a delegate to the World Methodist Conference in Nairobi, Kenya in 1986 and Singapore in 1991. Rev. Collier has also served as Vice President of the General Board of the New Jersey Council of Churches.
“My fondest memory of Dr. Collier was his fight for fair opportunities for [African American] school administrators” The Rev. Joseph L. Roberts, Jr.
John Collier fought a good fight, kept the faith, and as a result, some measure of justice rolled down in Newark, New Jersey. Before 1960, there were no school administrators of color serving in the Newark School system. John organized a group known as Citizens Concerned for Progressive Education (CCPE). Under his leadership, and in partnership with the Reverend Joseph Roberts, pastor emeritus of the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church of Atlanta, GA and another courageous and faithful servant, inequity in the Newark public school system was challenged. As a result of this movement, African American educators had access to positions of Vice Principal and Principal. Further, as a Civil Rights Leader and a member of the Interfaith, Interracial Freedom Riders, John was dedicated to establishing and upholding the dignity of humankind. In 1961, John was leader of the first Interfaith Interracial Freedom Rider group, which included 18 clergypersons, who were jailed in Tallahassee, Florida because of their refusal to obey unconstitutional discriminating laws. (They tried to purchase coffee at the airport cafe). In 1962, he was a member of the Prayer Pilgrimage to Albany, Georgia, where 75 Protestant Roman Catholic and Jewish clergy and lay persons were jailed for what was claimed to be unlawful and disorderly assembly.
“He is the kind of man one could identify not only as a paradigm of ministerial excellence but also a model of a 21st century husband. He is a shining example for young preachers and a reminder to older preachers of what it is we ought to be about” Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson
On September 30, 1995, John married Jacquelyn Grant in Atlanta, Georgia. They commuted between Jacksonville, Florida and Atlanta, Georgia and in 2001 made Atlanta, Georgia their permanent home.
To celebrate his legacy is his devoted wife, Jacquelyn Grant of Atlanta, Georgia; two children, John W.P. Collier, III of Philadelphia and Joan Kathleen Collier of the Poconos; a stepson, Gregory Savage of Seattle, Washington; two grandsons, Eric Collier of the Poconos and Darrell Edwards of Austin, TX; two sisters, Virginia C. Jones of Monroe Township, NJ and Annie C. Parker of Rahway NJ; and one brother Andrew Benjamin Collier of Monroe Township, NJ. Parents-in-law, (the Rev.) Joseph J. and Lillie M. Grant of Georgetown, SC; four sisters-in-law, Patricia A. (Charles) Smalls of Columbia, SC; Dell O. Grant of Georgetown, SC, (the Rev.) Rosalyn Grant [(the Rev.) Melvin] Coleman of Columbia, SC, (the Rev. Dr.) Debora Grant of Atlanta, Georgia; two brothers-in-law, Frank (Norma) Grant of Georgetown, SC, (the Rev.) Joseph H. Grant of Georgetown, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his first wife Gertrude Collier (1978) and his second wife, Mary Louise Savage Collier (1993).
A word of Thanks:
Someone said, give me my flowers while I yet live so I can enjoy them. As many persons with similar experiences, John enjoyed many “thank you” as reflected in the many plaques and certificates to numerous to hang.
Therefore, a special request was made that in lieu of flowers, contributions could be made to a fund, “The Lord’s/God’s Share”, to be used for mission works important to John. The funds collected will be used for book scholarships and the work of small churches.
8. ST. LUKE AME CHURCH, BIRMINGHAM, HOSTS LEGAL DAY 2010:
Birmingham, January 12, 2010 -- On Saturday January 30, 2010, St. Luke AME Church will host Legal Day 2010 “Wills, Advanced Directives, & Powers of Attorney – What You Need to Know to Protect Your Family and Your Assets!” This seminar will be facilitated by representatives from Alabama Legal Services, a non-profit organization that provides legal assistance to individuals in Alabama. St. Luke AME is located at 2801 21st Avenue, North Birmingham.
Seminar topics will include the nuts and bolts of a will, advanced directive, and power of attorney. Attendees will learn why they need a will even if they believe they don’t have anything to bequeath, how to get their families to accept their final wishes as to asset distribution and medical decisions, and what to do if a person does not act according to the provisions of a power of attorney agreement. “We all love our families, and we must be proactive in protecting them, and protecting all we have worked for,” stated Rev. Brian K. Blackwell, pastor of St. Luke AME. “A will is a basic instrument, easily prepared, that can accomplish this goal. And advanced directives give our families specific instructions as to what we want to happen should if we can no longer make decisions for ourselves. Our families need us to take care of this business sooner, not later. Tomorrow is not promised to any of us.”
As an added bonus, those attendees age 60 plus and live in Jefferson County may be eligible to receive a free will prepared by Alabama Legal Services. Also, lunch will be provided to all attendees.
St. Luke AME Church is led by Rev. Brian K. Blackwell and its mission is to minister to the spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, and environmental needs of all people by spreading Christ’s liberating gospel through word and deed. St. Luke AME is committed to praising God, empowering our members, and serving our communities.
For more information regarding Legal Day, contact Lynita Blackwell at (770) 605-9438 or lynitamb@yahoo.com.
9. THE 9TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT LAUNCHES DYNAMIC, EVANGELISTIC PROGRAM:
Excitement and anticipation filled the air as more than two hundred and forty (240) clergy from across the 9th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and some of the Baptist Churches in the area, gathered at Saint John AME Church, Birmingham, Alabama, on Saturday, January 9th from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., for the first in a series of “Share Your Faith” witnessing workshops. Participants in this event were equipped to share their faith through the evangelistic, faith sharing technique developed by the late Dr. D. James Kennedy; and, discussed in the fourth edition of his book, Evangelism Explosion.
Under the leadership of Servant Bishop James L. Davis, the theme, “Equipping the Saints to Ignite the World for Christ” has been adopted by the 9th Episcopal District. The focus for the remainder of this Quadrennium is Evangelism, Church Growth, and Spiritual Development. Bishop Davis has emphasized that at every opportunity, the leaders and members of each congregation will be engaged in studies, discussions, and presentations strengthening their ability to implement this dynamic witnessing program. The workshops are also one component of the overall effort to see more than five thousand souls added to the kingdom each year.
On May 23rd, Pentecost Sunday, every congregation in the 9th District will worship early and spend the hours of 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in their surrounding neighborhoods seeking out and witnessing to those who have not yet received salvation. Persons from across the connection are invited to join the Pentecost 2010 evangelism thrust. Additional information is available by contacting the committee at PENTECOST2010@yahoo.com.
During the “Share Your Faith” workshop, the presenter, The Rev. William Dan Allison, Area Director of Search Ministries of Birmingham, Alabama, captivated the participants through such topics as “The Call to Share Our Faith: Why It’s So Hard to Share”; “Overcoming the Fear of Witnessing”; and “Developing a Love for the Lost”. Participants were also given opportunities to practice the “Share Your Faith” witnessing technique. Four additional sessions have been planned. Congregations will have an opportunity to have a team of individuals trained in the “Share Your Faith” witnessing technique.
The remaining sessions are scheduled as follows:
Saturday, January 23, 2010 – Northwest Conference
– Saint Paul AMEC – Birmingham (Smithfield), Alabama
Saturday, February 13, 2010 – Southwest Conference
– Gaines Chapel AMEC - Atmore, Alabama
Saturday, February 20, 2010 – Northeast & Alabama Conference
- Saint Paul AMEC – Montgomery, Alabama
Saturday, March 6, 2010 – southeast Conference
– Saint Paul AMEC – Troy, Alabama
These sessions are open to leaders, members of congregations, and ministries of other denominations and/or fellowships in the 9th Episcopal District as well as across the connectional AME Church. Anyone desiring to participate in one of the witness training sessions or to have members of their congregations participate in the training may contact the 9th Episcopal district office at 205.326.4499.
Written By: The Rev. Dr. Lugenia Johnson, 9th District Director of Evangelism; edited and submitted by: Bea Tatum, 9th District Public Relations Director
10. WHAT THE ANVIL IS NOT:
*The Rev. Eraina M. Ross-Aseme
Time and time again, the symbol of the anvil representing the African Methodist Episcopal Church is plastered to all types of things, mainly documents to show the affiliation with the denomination. Throughout the years our symbol has taken on unauthorized revisions that have changed the appearance of it. Despite the new look in some cases of the A.M.E. logo, the picture of the anvil seems to be present in the design no matter what else has been created, and rightfully should be.
When a close look is taken at the anvil it appears to be just a piece of awkwardly shaped block of heavy metal used by smiths. An anvil is not just a heavy piece of metal. But in reality it stands for a sign of strength to make things happen. In most blacksmith shops the smiths work in an environment that most of us would find difficult to endure. The precision that it takes to forge a piece of metal to a desired state takes patience and dedication. No wonder our founder Bishop Richard Allen used the anvil as the first pulpit in finding the Free Society and later became the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Blacksmiths wear non-flammable clothing to protect them from being injured in removing heated metal from containers to be prepared to its final form. Bishop Richard Allen wore special clothing as he preached from the Bible while placed on the anvil. The clothing he wore is the same clothing believers should be wearing today. The Bible says in the Book of Ephesians 6:11, “Put On the Whole Armour of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Just think if Richard Allen did not prepare himself for the battle; he may have been injured.
All the equipment in the blacksmith shop cannot have been effective in making an instrument if one key element was missing, and that is, the fire. The fire gives the metal the chance to be melted to be formed in a different state. Therefore, the foundation of the A.M.E. Church has two sources of the significance of the fire both physically and spiritually in showing the importance of the fire in our spiritual journey. The bible says in the Gospel of John 14:16, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever.” As a result, Richard Allen’s occupation as a blacksmith was in touch with fire on a daily basis both physically and spiritually.
Just think if the smiths did not have any fire to melt down the metals; there would not have been equipment and tools to be used by the people in the community. Same scenario somewhat of a different twist, if Jesus never went to the cross and died for our sins, buried and rose on the third day leaving us the Comforter, the fire as the Holy Spirit would not have been available to empower God’s people to break new ground. And more importantly, sinners would not have the opportunity to be saved to have eternal life.
Remember the anvil is not just a piece of awkwardly shaped metal to take up space, but a symbol of strength of how God used a believer that was touched by the Fire of the Holy Spirit to lead others to reach for an atmosphere to worship Him. This strength exhibited by the anvil should make the fire within us grab every opportunity to do kingdom building even if it calls us to go beyond our comfort zone. When the fire is present within a believer God has anointed them to a point on the spiritual journey that is not comprehended by unbelievers. But through spiritually tongs the believer can help lift up the name of Jesus to lead others to experience the Fire. This Fire will help shape and mold us for Christ’s service.
*The Rev. Eraina M. Ross-Aseme is an Itinerant Elder of the Midwest Conference, Fifth Episcopal District
11. FAITH AND TECHNOLOGY: MOVING OUTSIDE OF THE WALLS AND CLIMBING OVER THE DIGITAL DIVIDE:
*Brittney L. Laws
Just years ago, churches were moving onto the technological frontier by building websites. But, today local churches and youth ministries have made their presence known on social networking sites. These sites help African Methodist Episcopal Churches spread the gospel and aid in easing communication within the YPD and church community.
Social networking is a way for individuals to expand their social contacts. Communities, such as Facebook and Twitter, facilitate this expansion. When members join social sites, they often try to find those with common interests. Within the A.M.E. Church, these common interests include church growth, YPD and youth ministries.
Twitter, a site that lets its members send short messages to their friends, is the newest website for outreach. A.M.E. Churches, such as Greater St. Luke in East St. Louis, Illinois, use Twitter to reach a younger audience. Their youth ministry, LiveWire, posts messages about events that take place for YPD’ers. Other churches, like St. Paul in Hamilton, Bermuda, are on the Twitter wagon too. These churches rely on more than just the church bulletin to remind members of church happenings.
A more familiar social networking site, Facebook, has a larger A.M.E. representation. Many churches follow the trend of creating groups on the site. Members of Facebook join these groups and messages and updates can be emailed to them. St. Paul in Hamilton, Bermuda found Facebook to be more useful. St. Paul AME pastor, the Rev. Dr. Lanel D. Guyton, noted, “Twitter has not caught on well here on the island of Bermuda. The Facebook page has been a very successful tool in networking, communicating church activities and acting as a sort of mini-web page.”
Those affiliated with the A.M.E. Church have also found a following on Facebook. Minister’s Spouses, YPD’ers, Pastor’s Kids and A.M.E. Church Reformers have connected and exchanged information within their respective groups. Nearly every division has made a name for itself on the social site.
Instead of using a third-party site, the Connectional YPD made a network of its own. YPDspace was created in July 2008 by the Connectional Technology Chair, Ravonne Jones. With a membership count of more than 1,000, YPDspace connects young people within the Connection. The site lets members create their own pages. It encourages them to join their District’s group page as well. Along with 20 Episcopal District group pages, the “YPD’ers” and Directors are represented. Videos and picture slideshows have been added by members of the YPDspace community. They advance the sharing of inter-district ideas by posting messages on discussion board walls.
Jones, a member of Smith Chapel of Dallas Texas and a student at Prairie View A&M, learned about creating networks through a professor at her University. Jones said that since the site’s launch, “YPDers have been very responsive and willing to join.”
Stepping out of the box, Jones said, is the key to retaining numbers. She also stated, “In this 21st century, they have to realize that we, young adults, are leaving because of that mind-set and our church is slowing dying.”
When it comes to the mixing of faith and technology, Jones said, “[It] is ever changing and fast paced, what is relevant today will no longer be relevant tomorrow. The message of Jesus Christ can and will be spread despite the changes in technology.”
*Brittney L. Laws (brittneylaws@gmail.com)is a member of New Mt. Zion AME, Tallahassee, Florida and is the 11th District YPD Communications Secretary and 3rd-year Public Relations Student
12. GOD’S JUST GETTING STARTED:
*The Rev. James M. Moody
When Joshua was old and well advanced in years, the Lord said to him, “You are very old, and there are still very large areas of land to be taken over. (Joshua 13:1)
God said to Joshua, “There are still very large areas... to be taken over.” The people of God had entered the “Promised Land”. They carved out, possessed and controlled a circle in the middle of the “Promised Land.” God positioned His people in the place of blessing but, there was still much to be taken possession of - “God’s Just Getting Started!”
In the year 2009, we have seen the hand of God at work in the lives of congregation members and in our own lives.
God has put so many of us in the place of blessing. God showed you He could care for you in the midst of layoffs and slowed business. God doesn’t want you to stop there. Revise that resume. Send those emails. Make those client calls.
Marriages are on the mend. Relationships are coming back together. Don’t stop there. Your marriage is to reflect the very relationship of Christ and His Church.
The healing you prayed for, for yourself or your loved one, has been made real. Now God calls you to “Take up your mat and walk.” Now is the time to go to the temple “leaping and praising God.”
Your relationship with God is now more real to you than ever before in your life; you’ve established yourself in a church home, don’t stop there; “Study to show yourself approved by God.” “Excel in the ministry of giving.” “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Are you operating with a “Slave Theology?” Is your relationship with God characterized by an attitude of “Not Enough”, lack, not seeing God as our source? Are you among the people whom God brought out of Egypt but continually wanted to go back into slavery? Remember, it wasn’t that good. They saw themselves as inadequate; and kept rehearsing their days as slaves like the little boy who kept pulling the bandage off of the scrape on his knee, showing it to everybody, until it became infected? Look forward to what God has for you.
Perhaps you’ve adopted a “Wilderness Theology?” an attitude toward God of “Just Enough,” adequate, minimum, just getting by. Some of the people God brought to the Promised Land decided they could stay at the place they already occupied. “This is good enough.” They were out of slavery but not free to experience all that God had for them.
Finally, many of us have embraced a “Promised Land Theology.” We recognize there is always “More Than Enough.” We see God as our source. Our testimony is one of trusting God and obeying and following God’s commands regardless of fear, or feelings, or the ideas of others (Joshua 14: 7-9). With our love for God as our motivation and our trust in God’s care for us as our expectation, we confidently move forward recognizing, “God’s Just Getting Started!”
*The Rev. James M. Moody is the pastor of Quinn Chapel AME Church, Chicago.
13. AME-INDIA PRAYER REPORT JANUARY 2010:
*The Rev Sarah Peddiny and the Rev. Abraham Peddiny
AME-India wishes you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year. The Lord has been so good and faithful to add this New Year into our lives, but at the same time we realize that God has gifted us this year not for our own good selves but to do something valuable in building the Kingdom of God. We sincerely want to thank you all for you valuable prayer support you have been rendering to us faithfully. We are indeed very grateful to you for this. Following are some more prayer points for you to uphold our ministry in prayer.
We are in touch with the news about the devastation in Haiti and remember in our prayers for the people who are suffering there, especially our AME brothers and sisters.
Pastor C requests prayer for Mr. Subramaniyam and his wife Parvathiamma, both Hindus. They had a business dealing with rice, but slowly their business was on a downward trend. They took a lot of debts and being unable to repay they are on the verge of committing suicide. They sought Pastor C’s help, he has explained God’s plan and purpose for their lives, please pray that they may come to know the Lord and be salvaged from their debts.
Pastor G requests prayers for the Hindu extremists who disturb the Gospel work in his village. He conducts the worship service in one of the believer’s house; one day a group of 25 young Hindus have strongly warned him not to conduct prayers there. This has scared of the five families who recently accepted Jesus and are waiting to be baptised. Please pray for God’s protection and guidance.
Pastor PM & EM praise God for healing Mr. Vinod who was suffering from excess water in the brain (a rare complication) and Mr. Vimal who was suffering from an unknown fever. They also praise God for another miraculous healing of Ms. Kalyani, who had a broken leg, doctors said she could only walk after six months, but through the Lord’s healing she walked in two weeks and came to the church unaided. Mr. Pradeep and Mrs. Sujata had no issues even after five and half years of their marriage. But our Pastors and the church prayed for them, Sujata conceived. The couple had secretly pledged to donate a keyboard to the church, when Sujata conceived, they acted on their pledge, and to the surprise of the Pastors this was exactly the keyboard they had been praying for since a long time. It’s amazing how the Lord guides and provides.
Pastor D requests prayer for a lady named Jyothi, she comes from a Hindu family but of late she has put her faith in Jesus. She was married six years back but till now she has no issues, now her mother-in-law is forcing her husband to marry someone else who can bear a child for them, for the family line to continue. Jyothi is very worried and depressed, but nevertheless she believes that Jesus would bless her with a child. Please pray that the Lord would hear her prayers and open her womb to bear a child for the family.
Pastor JW requests prayers for Mr. Sudhakar and Mrs. Kannakka. Both of them come from very strong Hindu families. For the last seven years Mr. Sudhakar has been suffering from weakness in the nerve system. Our Pastor is ministering to them. They want to come to the church, but are strongly prevented by their family members. Please pray for a breakthrough in this situation and for a miraculous healing for Mr. Sudhakar and spiritual healing for the couple.
Pastor S requests prayers for Mr. Chinna Bujji, who’s been suffering from a kidney related problem since last six years. A staunch Hindu, yet our pastor has been able to share gospel with this person and lead him to the church. Please pray for complete healing of this person, so that he might become a mighty witness for Jesus.
Pastor SP rejoices in the faith of a six year old boy Roshan, who is the son of a member of his church. Roshan was given food offered to the idols in his school on a Hindu religious function, but he bravely refused to eat, this aroused curiosity in minds of the school authorities and they invited the Pastor through the Roshan and his family to come and share the Gospel. It’s amazing how the Lord works. Mathew a member of this church testified, that on a fine day in the end of the month when Mathew had no money with him, he prayed to God to provide his needs, God led him to the book-shelf and made him pick a book there, which had Rs. 200/- in it. Another lady Mrs. Mangalam Mary pledged to give money to the Lord than to the Doctor for her healing. The Lord honoured her faith and healed her. A Hindu lady whose husband was a drunkard and strongly opposed her weakness towards the Christian faith, she prayed and came to the church for the first time, her husband came to know of this but the Lord had shut his mouth, he never said anything to her about going to the church. Please pray for the salvation of this family.
Pastor KPR reports that they had organised a gospel meeting during the Christmas season about one hundred Nepali speaking expatriates attended the meeting. Many of them are Hindu by faith, they have heard the gospel, please pray that the Holy Spirit would lead them to faith in Jesus. Two expatriate couples from Hindu faith have come to the Lord and severed their ties with their ancestral beliefs. Please pray that they may grow in the Lord. Pastor KPR requests prayers for himself as he wants to reach out to the Nepali expatriates in the neighbouring states and he also needs the right resource persons to care for the ministry and lend him a helping hand.
Pastor JD requests prayer for Mr. Sundar who till recently was a habitual alcoholic and strongly opposed to the Gospel. But amazingly the Lord has brought him to the knowledge of salvation. He is now regularly attending the church but his friends are ridiculing and making fun of his new found faith. Please pay that he may grow stronger in the Lord, and become a living witness to his friends to lead them to Jesus.
Pastor A requests prayers for Mr. Jeevan Kumar and his wife Sundari. Both belong to the Hindu faith. Sundari had been possessed by an evil spirit, but through the prayers and ministry of our Pastor she was relived of the evil spirit. Please pray for the couple to realize the seriousness of following the Lord Jesus and remaining clean, otherwise their situation would be worse than before.
Pastor SR requests prayers for Mr. Chandra Naidu who is married and has four children. Three years back he fell from a coconut tree and broke his back. He was paralyzed below his waist. Though staunch Hindus, they accepted Jesus as their Saviour when our Pastor shared the Gospel with the family. They are now regularly coming to the church; Mr. Naidu comes to church on a tri-cycle with the help of his wife. Please pray that they may all grow in the Lord.
Pastor N requests prayers for Mrs. Babji, who comes from a high caste Hindu family but has been undergoing severe financial crisis. She had lost all peace and given up hope to live. God led our Pastor to this lady to pray for her and share God’s love with her. Amazingly she responded positively and accepted Jesus as her personal Saviour, she at last found peace and is enjoying the new found peace in Jesus. Please pray for her entire family to come to know the Lord.
Pastor DR requests prayers for Mr. & Mrs. MK, a staunch Hindu couple. They were recently blessed with a baby boy, but due to some complication in the pregnancy and delivery, the baby boy is in a very critical condition. Please pray for the healing of the boy and the spiritual healing of the parents as our Pastor continues to minister to them.
We also request you for your prayers for the AME-India convocation which is scheduled from 30th April to the 7th May 2010. Once again we thank you for your valuable prayers.
*The Rev Sarah Peddiny and the Rev. Abraham Peddiny
14. PITTSBURGH ANNUAL CONFERENCE FIRST ANNUAL DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. CELEBRATION:
Submitted by: Miss Shelly Brown – Allegheny Scranton District Administrative Assistant
The cold crisp weather in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania did not stop clergy, laity, friends and family from convening at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church and attending the 1st Annual Dr. Martin Luther, Jr. Celebration, “Keeping the Dream Alive.”
The Worship Leader was the Reverend Dr. Eric L. Brown, Presiding Elder Allegheny Scranton District, who is also a Candidate for AMEC General Secretary/CIO 2012.
Praise and Worship ushered in the Spirit of the Lord by the choir from Greater Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Following the ascription of praise, the Call to Worship and the singing of, “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”; the invocation was rendered by the Reverend David Bethea, pastor Park Place African Methodist Episcopal Church, Homestead, Pennsylvania; and the welcome by the host pastor, the Reverend Nathaniel Colvin. The Greater Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church Choir rendered a selection, “Come Let us Worship the Lord.” The Reverend Dr. Judith C. Moore, pastor First African Methodist Episcopal Church Clairton, Pennsylvania read Psalm 9:1-10 and the Reverend Linda Moore, pastor St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church Bridgewater, Pennsylvania read Romans 8:28-32. Greater Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church Choir rendered the selection “Be Blessed.”
The Reverend Dr. James H. McLemore, Presiding Elder Pittsburgh District, presented the guest preacher, the Reverend Hubert Hutchinson, pastor Shiloh Community Baptist Church, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
A musical selection was rendered by Shiloh Community Baptist Church Choir they sang “He’s Done Enough”.
The Reverend Hubert Hutchinson’s theme was “Greatness through Blackness”. The scripture Isaiah 43:18-19. The history of the black man is rich. There is more to our history than just killing and drugs. We have roots that helped us get to where we are today. Our ancestors were slaves and they built the White House. Now we have a black president living in the White House.
The invitation to Discipleship as well as altar call was given by the Reverend Dr. Eugene Schoolfield II, pastor St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church, Erie, Pennsylvania; everyone joined in signing, “All to Jesus I Surrender.”
The recipients of the 1st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Award for their dedication and commitment to service inside and outside of the church were: The Reverend Samuel Chambers, pastor Wayman Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, New Brighton Pennsylvania; Mrs. Annie Mae Davis, St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; the Reverend Rhonda Frazier Higgins, pastor Wayman-Quinn African Methodist Episcopal Church in Monessen, Pennsylvania; and Mrs. Lillie Wheeler, Park Place African Methodist Episcopal Church, Homestead, Pennsylvania. Each recipient was presented a plaque by their respective Presiding Elder.
15. REPORT OF THE 142ND SESSION OF THE TENNESSEE ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
The 142nd Session of the Tennessee Annual Conference was held October 29-31, 2009 at St. Paul AME Church, Columbia, Tennessee, under the vibrant leadership of Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate, 13th Episcopal District, and Supervisor Mr. Stan McKenzie, Supervisor of Missions and Youth Services; two Presiding Elders: the Rev. Troy Merritt, Jr. host Presiding Elder of the South Nashville District, and the Rev. Robert E. Keesee, co-host Presiding Elder of the North Nashville District. The Rev. Dr. James H. Walker, first lady, Mrs. Faye Walker and the membership of St. Paul A.M.E. Church entertained the Tennessee Annual Conference in grand style and precision leaving no stones unturned as we assemble together to worship our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ and to give account of our service to this great Zion over the past year.
The Women’s Missionary Society began the week of services on Tuesday morning with their Annual Day at the Country Hearth Inn. Tennessee Conference President Faye Bentley, along with the other Women’s Missionary Society leadership did a wonderful job of planning the business session and services for the day. Supervisor Stan McKenzie gave high praises to Tennessee Conference Missionary Society for being the first in the District to go totally green (paperless) with their reports and presentations. All reports and presentations given at the Conference were done by PowerPoint which was very enlightening. At the noonday hour the Missionaries moved from business to worship. The noonday hour of power was lead with music from the Women’s Missionary Society Choir and the preached word from the Rev. Wanda Kelly. Rev. Kelly encouraged the Missionaries with a word from the Lord using as a subject “Wait on the Lord” taken from Isaiah 40:31. She reminded them to keep the faith and remember Jesus came to save men from themselves therefore we must put on the whole armor of God, and be ready for service as we serve this present age. While the Women’s Missionary Society was conducting their business, the members of the clergy were in a mandatory meeting that dealt with sexual harassment at St. Paul A.M.E. Church. The Women’s Missionary Society concluded with an evening service. The service was a musical program featuring various guests from throughout the Tennessee Conference.
On Wednesday morning Bishop McKenzie opened the business session of the 142nd Session of the Annual Conference. The conference began with Roll Call, the organization of the conference, Presiding Elders summary of Finance Reports, and report of the Board of Examiners. Retired Bishop Fredrick H. Talbot was present and greeted the Annual Conference in his very modest fashion wishing everyone well and stated that his prayer was for a spirit filled Annual Conference. The Nehemiah Nation/Sons of Allen led the Wednesday Noonday Service. The worship leader for this worship experience was the Rev. Victor Goodman and the Male Chorus of St. Paul, along with members of the Nehemiah Nation sang songs of praises unto the Lord to set the stage for the preached word. The Rev. Jeffery Norfleet, Sr. was the preacher of the hour, and he lifted up Ephesians 3:20-21, and used as a subject “Yes God is Able”. Rev. Norfleet challenged his listeners to trust and believe in our Lord and Savior and we can do anything but fail. He reminded his audience of the story of the Little Engine that could if we keep a positive attitude while running this race. We think we can, we believe we can. No, we know we can make it. Therefore we must hold on to our faith and know that God is able. The afternoon Conference Institute facilitator was the Rev. Dr. Clement Fugh, General Secretary / CFO. He instructed the conference members by summarizing the newly approved legislation of the 2008 Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The Rev. Dr. Clement Fugh is a candidate for Episcopal service. The second half of the afternoon Conference Institute was conducted by Mr. Walter Searcy, Attorney at Law on the newly passed Clergy Misconduct policy.
Wednesday night was the Opening Service of the Tennessee Annual Conference, along with the Holy Communion Service. The worship Leader for this service was Presiding Elder Troy Merritt, Jr. Presiding Elder of the South Nashville District. The music for this service was rendered by the dynamic Tennessee Conference Choir, under the direction of Mr. Sam Robinson and choir of Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church, Nashville, TN. The Rev. Michael Broadnax was the preacher of the hour and he set the house on fire. He focused on Luke 10:1-7, 17-20, and entreated us with the subject “You Had a Good Year.” He encouraged us in order to have a good year we need to enlarge our prayer life and our love life should have gotten better that is in Christ. As children of God we should rejoice when we are up and rejoice when we are down. Nevertheless regardless of what we are going through we must continue to pray in season and out of season trusting God to see us through. Bishop McKenzie welcomed the following guest to the Annual Conference General Officers Daryl Ingram Executive Director of the AMEC Department of Christian Education, and Calvin Sydnor Executive Director of Editor of the Christian Recorder.
On Thursday morning the Conference reconvened with the devotion led by the students in the Board of Examiners and the Conference Institute lead by the Rev. Lisa Hammonds who reviewed the Articles of Religion. The business session followed under the direction of Bishop McKenzie with a report from the Tennessee Board of Examiners. Pastoral reports were given beginning with the Pastors and Delegates of the North Nashville District under the direction of Presiding Elder Robert E. Keesee. At high noon the Membership paused from the business of the Conference and turned their focus upon praising the Lord. The worship leader for this worship experience was the Rev. Lavan Strickland, and music was rendered by the Webb Grove A.M.E. Church Choir. The Rev. Janie Dowdy-Dandridge was the preacher of the hour and she was wrapped in power from on high let all of us know to “Take Your Power Back” taken from Luke 10:19. With a high voltage, and electrifying tone, she challenged her listeners to go back to the rock in Jesus Christ and take back what the devil has stolen from us as we continue to serve this present age. Lathered by the Holy Spirit, she encouraged us to position ourselves for victory through Christ Jesus.
The Conference reassembled in the afternoon under the direction of Bishop McKenzie, to finish the reports from the Pastors and Delegates of the North Nashville District, and they were followed by the reports of the Pastors and Delegates of the South Nashville District under the direction of Presiding Elder Troy Merritt, Jr. Thursday night was Lay Witness Night and the Worship Leader of this service was Sis. Pat Johnson. Various members of the Tennessee Conference Lay Organization were participants through out the worship experience. The Rev. W. Antoni Sinkfield succumbed in Holy Ghost fire entered the ring as a matador in charismatic rhythmic movement. His text was taken from John 4:21-24 and he lifted as a subject, In Spirit and in Truth: The Right Way to Worship God. He instructed his audience in order to fully worship the Lord we must transform our thinking and reshape our lives to God. The object of our worship, the operation of our worship and the occupation of our worship must be focused upon the Lord. There was a humorous skit presented by the Ladies of St. Paul AMEC that brought smiles and applauds from the audience. The words of thanks and final remarks of the evening were given by Mrs. Barbara Ivery, President of the Tennessee Conference Lay Organization.
The Conference continued of Friday morning with devotion lead by the students of the Board of Examiners. The Conference Institute was lead by the Rev. Lisa Hammonds who continued to review the Articles of Religion, and the Dr. Connie Graves, MD, discussed current health concerns. Under the direction of Bishop McKenzie, the Conference continued its business session with the reports of the Pastors and Delegates of the South Nashville District. Bishop McKenzie recognized the Rev. Michael Mitchell, pastor of St. Stephen AME Church in Jacksonville, FL and a candidate for Episcopal service, who greeted the Conference. At the noonday hour the Conference prepared for the Ordination Service through the ceremonial laying on of hands and bible burial as they surrendered to the heart of God. The service of Word, Ordination, and Sacrament charged the Ordinates for achievable duty. The Rev. Dr. Dennis Dickerson, Executive Director of the AMEC Department of Research and Scholarship issued a challenge “Doing Ministry on the Edge”. Dr. Dickerson stated that Jesus did Ministry on the edge as sharp as a razor blade, pure, precise, and perfect, and we are to do the same. The text was taken from Matthew 13:52. The Rev. Dr. Dennis Dickerson is a candidate for Episcopal service. Those elected and ordained Deacons were: Selicia Y. Webster Dawson, Donny Williams, Anica L. Howard, Veronica D. Jones, and Linda S. Rainge. Elected and ordained elders: Anthea Marie Cone Dunn and Sonya Vanetta Brown Deloatch. The deaconesses consecrated were: Ellen Berry, Mederia DeBerry, Sara Taylor, and Mazie King. The afternoon business session continued when Bishop McKenzie resumed as the chair and called the Conference to order. She called for the South Nashville District to continue with their reports, and reports from the Literary and Administrative Committees of the Annual Conference.
On Friday evening the Tennessee Conference Young Peoples Department took control on the worship service. An incredible call to serve was the focal point for the Young People’s Department, as the youth of the church displayed their love for the Lord through an uplifting music selection “I was Born to Win”, a liturgical dance, “Ministry in Motion” and the Wayman Chapel Male dancers as they stirred up their gifts unto the Lord. Miacia Porter the 13th Episcopal District Young Peoples Department President stated we are in the same boat and we will rock this boat together. Her text was Matthew 28:17-20 the question was asked “What will be your mark in the church.” The Youth of the Tennessee Conference was wonderfully blessed as they obediently gave God the highest praise.
On Saturday morning Bishop McKenzie called the business session to order as the final Literary and Administrative Committees reports were made. Mrs. Norma McCellan of Lee Chapel AMEC Nashville, TN invited the 143rd Session of the Tennessee Annual Conference to be held at Lee Chapel where the Rev. Edward Thompson serves as pastor. This ended the business session for the 142nd Session of the Tennessee Annual Conference. Following the business session the Memorial Committee gave special tribute to the late Rev. Shawanda Parker and others mentioned by members of the Conference. The Rev. Joe Southall served as Worship Leader for this service, as they memorialized those that had gone from labor to rest. They spoke of the gracious and loving memories of those warriors that have been taken from their physical race to take their place with Jesus Christ. Absent from the body – present with the Lord. The Retirement service was an elegant and uplifting tribute as well as an appreciation for the work of Reverends James McKissack, Patricia Carter and Patrick Ann Clay-Joyner. Presiding Elder Troy Merritt, Jr. served as Worship Leader for this service. The Rev. Patrick Ann Clay-Joyner moved the Conference as she shared her many years of experience as a Pastor and she encouraged her listeners to continue to trust God as they travel this Christian journey. Bishop McKenzie reminded the current pastors and ministers to seek the guidance of Rev. Clay-Joyner because of her many years of toil and experience in this great Zion.
As we entered into the closing worship service, the presence of the Holy Spirit arose in the sanctuary. The Worship Leader for this closing service was the Presiding Elder Robert E. Keesee. The jubilant joyous voices of the Tennessee Conference Choir as well as the energetic spiritual innocence of the Tennessee Conference Young Peoples Department lifted up our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ through song and praise. Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie delivered the closing sermon as she preached God’s word in her own unique fashion. Bishop McKenzie rocked the house as she used for a subject “What Keeps You up at Night?” Her text was taken from Psalm 37:1 and she spoke clearly to us through the burning purging fire. Bishop McKenzie emphasized Do What You Gotta Do: praise God for your haters and intimidators; trust in God; do good, do what is right, noble, & kind; delight yourself in the Lord; make your commitment to God; be still and listen to the Lord; don’t jump the gun and refrain from anger, “Put a lid on it.” Bishop McKenzie left no stone unturned as she lifted up the mighty name of Jesus the Christ.
At the closing business session, Mrs. Linda Faye Bentley, Women’s Missionary Society President, presented Mr. Stan McKenzie, Supervisor of Missions and Youth Services, and former Supervisor, Dr. Sylvia Ross Talbot, which in turn presented the Women’s Missionary Society and Young People Department Officers with certificates for 2009-2010. Mrs. Barbara Ivery, President of the Tennessee Conference Lay Organization followed them by presenting certificates to the 2009-2010 officers of the Lay Organization. Believe Inc. continued to bless the Conference by presenting seven $1000.00 grants to the following churches for continuing the kingdom building process. Jones Chapel, Martin Chapel, Shorter Chapel, Webb Grove, Trinity, Hopewell, and St. Paul-Columbia were the recipients of the 2009 grants. There was a standing ovation given to the Rev. Dr. James Walker, first lady Mrs. Faye Walker and the membership of St. Paul A.M.E. Church for entertaining 142nd Session of the Tennessee Annual Conference. Bishop McKenzie concluded the Conference by giving certificates to the various components of the Conference and pastoral appointments. Presiding Elder Troy Merritt, Jr. moved the Conference close Sine Die. The motion was carried and the conference adjourned at 3:45 pm.
Submitted by the Rev. Jeffery Norfleet, Sr. Reporter to the Church Paper
16. MACON DISTRICT MAKES UNLEAVENED BREAD AND WINE:
By Brother Cedric D. Nelson
Under the dynamic leadership of the Presiding Elder, the Reverend Alan Hale and Dr. Gloria Wicker “The Wicker Team”, the Macon Georgia District has been involved in a series of African Methodist Episcopal Church Boards Training Workshops, beginning with a Christian Education Workshop in September presented by our Presiding Elder, the Reverend Alan Hale Wicker.
The workshops are primarily facilitated by Macon Georgia District Christian Education Department. This department is faithfully directed by Sister Annie Marshall of Saint Peter AME Church Fort Valley, GA. The second workshop scheduled in the 2009-2010 Conference Year was for the trustees. The next workshop hosted by the Reverend Ernest Gordon and Turner Tabernacle Church Family was for Stewards of the Macon Georgia District.
The presenter of the trustee workshop was the Reverend Charles A. Lewis. On November 13, he and the Steward Chapel Church Family hosted the Stewardess’s Workshop. Stewardesses, officers, and pastors from twenty-two churches on the Macon Georgia District that participated in this workshop attended.
The training was presented by our Presiding Elder, Reverend Alan Hale and Dr. Gloria Wicker “The Wicker Team.” They were assisted by the Reverend Bertram C. Smith, pastor of Saint Peter AME Church, Fort Valley, Georgia. Reverend Smith was assisted by Dr. Crystal Brown M.D. who also has a Family Medical Practice in Fort Valley. Presiding Elder Alan H. Wicker theologized the workshop with a scripture from Matthew 23:11, “The greatest among you will be your servant.” An explanation of the duties of a stewardesses and an explanation of the liturgical calendar and the church seasonal colors were explained.
Dr. Gloria Wicker did a hands-on demonstration on how to mix and bake unleavened bread.
During this workshop, Reverend Bertram C. Smith demonstrated easy steps of wine making for the purpose of communion. Lastly, Dr. Crystal Brown presented a very enlighten training on the subject of communion hygiene.
17. A CALL FOR ACTS OF RANDOM KINDNESS:
*The Rev., N.T. Pitts
There is no doubt that we are living in a dangerous world. Many of us live in fear and suspicion. We have installed sophisticated devices and fences. Some of us are even afraid to answer our phones and doorbells. People are being robbed, killed, and held as hostages at random. There is an epidemic of “randomness” among us.
Webster defines “random” as; chance, haphazard. None of us are immune to becoming victims of random violent acts. School campuses, churches, sports activities, malls and the work places are no longer safe. They have been targets of random violence resulting in the deaths of innocent people, which includes babies, students, worshippers, sports fans and vacationers.
With that scenario, we must counteract random violence with acts of random kindness. We must not let random violence overshadow the opportunity for us to do random deeds.
We are admonished in Galatians 6:10, that whenever there is an opportunity we should “Do good to all men, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” I am sure that there have been numerous times whereby we could have done a good deed, but didn’t.
The fickle-minded criminal seizes every opportunity to commit violent acts; to steal, rob and kill. Therefore we, as believers, should seize every opportunity as well to do some acts of kindness, randomly.
If we see a brother or sister has a need and we shut up our bowels of compassion how can we say we are followers of Christ. It shouldn’t always be necessary to be asked for help. If we are vigilant, and we should be, and see someone in need, headed for trouble, or being taken advantage of, we should go to their aid and warn them or go to their rescue; that is what being a Christian is all about.
Far too often we hear people say “I don’t want to get involved,” but if you see something or know something is wrong, you are already involved. Unfortunately, there are some among us whose pride won’t let them ask for help and that’s unfortunate.
We should never glory in another person’s downfall. We should never wish bad things to happen to other people regardless of whatever he or she did or didn’t do.
There are numerous ways by which we can perform acts of random kindness. We shouldn’t do this just for the sake of getting praises from mankind. The Bible admonishes us when we do good deeds not to sound a gong; for whatever we do in secret God will reward us openly.
I believe, without a doubt, there will be times when the opportunity presents itself for us to do some acts of kindness when it’s inconvenient. I am sure that the Samaritan on the Jericho road did not leave home anticipating helping anyone, but the opportunity was there. Oftentimes it calls for some sacrifices and sometimes we have to go out of our way and even change our agenda. The Priest and the Levite went out of their way to avoid doing an act of kindness. Some of us go out of our way to keep from speaking to one another.
So, with random shooting, random kidnapping, random robbery and our young black men randomly fathering children, we should add to that list, random kindness.
I am certain that if we practice, randomly, doing good deeds, our society would be much different than what it is today.
As in other situations, caution is advised. We are not advocating nosing into other folk affairs, but we must use the common sense approach. If we are vigilant it will not be difficult to determine if a person is in need.
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcome me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” Matthew 25:35-36 NRSV
Free advice
If you are serious about staying in shape and loosing weight try out-running your shadow. It won’t cost you a dime.
*The Rev., N.T. Pitts, (Ptaegar@aol.com) is a retired AME pastor who lives in Eatonville, Florida
18. EPISCOPAL FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mrs. Gene Alexander who was the cousin of Mother Mary Norris and Mr. Jean Haughton, the brother in law of Bishop Richard F. Norris. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing and Funeral for Mrs. Gene Alexander, Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Viewing - 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Funeral - 11:00 a.m.
Allen A.M.E. Church
65 Fisher Avenue
White Plains, NY 10606
Phone: 914-761-4397
The Rev. Virginia Sanders, Pastor
Viewing and Funeral for Mr. Jean Haughton, Friday, January 22, 2010
Viewing - 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Funeral - 9:00 a.m.
Ward A.M.E. Church
728 North 43rd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: 215-222-7992
Fax: 215-222-9209
The Rev. Terrence C. Hensford, pastor & eulogist
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Bishop and Mrs. Richard F. Norris
1626 N. 72nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19151
Phone: 215-477-9247
Fax: 215-477-0233
Or
First Episcopal District AME Church
3801 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215-662-0506
215-662-0199 - FAX
Expressions of sympathy may be emailed to:
clinton@1stdistrict-ame.com
19. GENERAL OFFICER BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
With deep regret we announce the passing of Dr. Sherman Lawrence Greene, Jr., retired General Officer who served as Secretary of Education, past president of Campbell College, former presiding elder, former pastor and son of Bishop Sherman Lawrence Greene, Sr.; the 51st elected and consecrated bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He leaves to mourn his passing, a son, Sherman L. Greene, III, a granddaughter, Gwendolyn Criglar, a great granddaughter, Fikisha Taylor and a great-great granddaughter, Taylor Fills.
Service Arrangements for Dr. Sherman Lawrence Greene, Jr.:
Funeral:
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
11:00 A.M.
Bethel AME Church
900 John A. Woods Drive
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105
Telephone: 734-663-3800
Fax: 734-663-4369
The senior bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Bishop John R. Bryant will be the Eulogist.
There will be a viewing and visitation immediately preceding the funeral service from 10:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.
Professional Services for Dr. Sherman Lawrence Greene, Jr., retired General Officer provided by:
C & H Community Home for Funerals
James G. Herron, Funeral Director/Owner
411 South Adams Street
Ypsilanti Michigan 48197
Phone: (734) 482-9889
Fax (734) 482-0874
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Bethel AME Church in care of Dr. Joseph N. Cousin.
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Reverend Eleanor V. Melton, a retired pastor from the New Jersey Annual Conference. Rev. Melton was also the sister of Reverend Lynda T. Rassmann, Pastor of St. Paul AME Church, Pleasantville, New Jersey.
The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing and Funeral for Reverend Eleanor V. Melton, Monday, January 25, 2010
Viewing - 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Funeral - 11:00 a.m.
St. Paul A.M.E. Church
1203 Harrison Avenue
Pleasantville, NJ 08232
Phone: 609-641-2109
Fax: 609-645-1522
The Rev. Lynda T. Rassmanns, Pastor
Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, Eulogist
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Reverend Lynda T. Rassmann
5041 Tremont Avenue
Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
Phone: 609-653-6250
Fax: 609-653-7068
21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of the Reverend Mildred Jackson, a local elder in the Philadelphia Annual Conference. Rev. Jackson was also the mother of the Reverend Calvin W. Jackson, pastor of Thornbury AME Church, Glen Mills, Pennsylvania.
The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements. Viewing and Funeral for Reverend Mildred Jackson, Saturday, January 30, 2010
Viewing - 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Funeral - 10:00 a.m.
Mt. Teman A.M.E. Church
160 Madison Avenue
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
Phone: 908-351-2625
Fax: 908-351-1302
The Rev. Larry E. Dixon, Pastor
The Rev. Kenneth L. Saunders, Eulogist
Pastor of North Stelton AME Church, Piscataway, New Jersey
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Reverend Calvin W. Jackson
167 Sugarberry Drive
New Castle, DE 19720
22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce news of the passing of the Reverend Dr. James R. Tanner on Tuesday, January 19, 2010. Rev. Dr. James Tanner, a local elder at St. James A.M.E. Church in Cleveland, Ohio for 47 years, was also a graduate of Wilberforce University (1943), and a member of the Wilberforce University Board of Trustees.
Service arrangements for the Reverend Dr. James R. Tanner:
Public Viewing: Sunday, January 24, 2010
1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Lucas Memorial Chapel
9010 Garfield Blvd.
Garfield Heights, Ohio 44125
Phone: 440-735-3030
Fax: 216-341-2036
Monday, January 25, 2010
Family Visitation: 10:00 AM
Alpha's Service: 10:30 AM
Funeral: 11:00 AM
St. James AME Church
8401 Cedar Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44103
Phone: 216-231-3562
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Alma M. Tanner
3715 Warrensville Center Road, Apt #513
Shaker Heights, Ohio 44122
The Rev. Gerald A. Cooper, Pastor
St. James AME Church
Cleveland, Ohio
23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
On Sunday, January 3, 2010, Frank Cole, Jr. passed away. He was the father of Rev. Cheryl Phillips and father-in-law of Rev. William D. Phillips, Pastor of Park Memorial AME in Romulus, Michigan and the grandfather of Rev. Donald L. Phillips, Pastor of Lewis Chapel AME in Albion, Michigan, South District, Michigan Conference; Rev. Norman V. Osborne, Presiding Elder and Bishop John R. Bryant, Presiding Prelate of the 4th Episcopal District and Senior Bishop.
Visitation and Viewing:
The funeral has been held.
Online guest book at: http://www.jameshcole.com/
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Cheryl and the Rev. William D. Phillips
30333 Huntington Drive, Apt. 2
Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334
Telephone: (248) 973-9303
phillipszoe2003@yahoo.com
24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mrs. Margaret Elizabeth Doughty, the mother of First Lady Irene Montague and mother-in-law of Presiding Elder Ernest L. Montague, Eastern District, Baltimore Conference, on Wednesday, January 6, 2010.
The following information has been shared regarding the Homegoing Celebration for Mrs. Doughty:
The funeral has been held.
Condolences may be sent to:
Presiding Elder Ernest L. and Mrs. Irene Montague
P. O. Box 1104
Randallstown, Maryland 21133
Phone: (410) 496-5902
Fax: (410) 496-5903
Email: Iren678@aol.com (Mrs. Irene Montague)
25. 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
26. 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.
Archive of The Christian Recorder Online from 2004-2016; Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
1/15/2010
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (01/15/10)
Bishop Richard Franklin Norris - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder
1. EDITORIAL – WE CAN DO OUR PART, DO IT WITH A CHEERFUL HEART AND FEEL GOOD ABOUT IT:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III,
The 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder
This issue will be largely devoted to mainly to Haiti and to Malawi. Those of you who are subscribed to The Christian Recorder (TCR) Online receive Breaking News and regular updates about the devastating issues in Haiti and Malawi. Those of you who are not subscribed to TCR and who choose to check the TCR website do not receive Breaking News and news updates. Subscribers have been kept up-to-date on all of the activities in Haiti and Malawi and you receive news as we receive it. Subscribers cannot complain about “not getting enough AME news.”
Malawi suffered the devastation of an earthquake several weeks ago and many of the residents of Malawi are without homes. A number of the members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church are among those who are homeless. Bishop Julius McAllister and SADA Executive Director, Robert Nicholas, visited Malawi to assess the damage and the need. The news media reported extensive structural damage and several deaths in Malawi and the earthquake did not get a lot of attention by the U.S. news media. TCR will publish the damage assessment and need when Bishop McAllister and Mr. Nicholas return from Malawi.
The massive 7.0 earthquake in Haiti has been devastating in terms of structural damage and loss of life. The American Red Cross estimates the loss of lives in Haiti will exceed 100,000 and other agencies and Haitian officials expect up to 200,000 Haitian deaths. Both projections of deaths are difficult to fathom.
As of this date, we do not have any word about the AME Churches in Port au Prince and the surrounding areas. We do know that the Palace is severely damaged and the Roman Catholic Cathedral, close to the palace is severely damaged; and we know that Eglese St. Paul AME is located near the palace.
We do not know the condition of the churches in the Port au Prince District of the Haiti Annual Conference: Saint-Paul AMEC, Rosetta-Lee AMEC, Christine Smith AMEC, Canaan Christ Révient AMEC, and Loulabro Kenton AMEC; nor do we know, at this time, the condition of the AME Churches in the other areas of Haiti: Mary Becket AMEC in Croix-des-Bouquets, L.L. Berry AMEC in Gonaives, Annabel Freeland AMEC, Bethel AMEC, and Christ Révient AMEC in Section de Petit-Goâve. But one thing we can be certain of is that all of the churches in Haiti will need our sustained support.
The Haiti earthquake news coverage has been exhaustive and I must say that I am proud of the President of the United States and all of the people from the United States and from around the world who are making personal sacrifices and helping the Haitians. The U.S. military and the military from the U.N. member nations are to be commended.
The Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church are to be commended for the proactive steps they have taken in organizing the AME Church to collect funds in order to help those in need, members of the AME Church and others who are suffering. Each bishop is mobilizing his or her episcopal district to collect funds for the Haiti earthquake victims.
The bishops, under the leadership of the President of the Council of Bishops, the Right Rev. Carolyn Tyler Guidry and Senior Bishop, the Right Rev. John R. Bryant, held a news conference in Cary, North Carolina on Friday and issued a Public Statement that was covered by the various news agencies.
The Presiding Prelate of the 16th Episcopal District, the Right Rev. Sarah Davis, has been tenacious in coordinating and providing guidance in determining the appropriate response needed for the 16th District. Bishop Davis and Episcopal Supervisor Claytie Davis are to be commended for their prompt response to the devastation in Haiti. Dr. George Flowers, the Executive Director of the Department of Global Witness and the Commission Chair and the Right Rev. James Davis are to be commended for their expeditious response and preparation for the massive assistance that will be needed. Kudos to Mr. Robert Nicholas, Executive Director of SADA, for the support SADA will give to the victims of the earthquake victims in Haiti and to the Rev. Dr. Miriam Burnett, MD, MPH, Medical Director for the AME Connectional Health Commission, who is mobilizing healthcare professionals to travel to Haiti and Malawi to provide medical assistance.
Kudos is also given to Dr. Clement W. Fugh who is continually updating the AME Official Website to keep the Church abreast of the events in Haiti.
Bishops, General Officers, pastors and laity are working behind the scenes, making telephone calls and preparing their congregations to make the Herculean financial sacrifices that will be needed in this austere economic environment. The assistance to Haiti will be a long-term project and the African Methodist Episcopal Church is proactively responding and the Bishops of the AME Church are making their voices heard.
The AME Church and its leaders are expeditiously responding to the devastating earthquake in Haiti. We all need to be expeditious in response to the earthquake in Haiti and be prepared to dig deeply to assist our brothers and sisters in Haiti. We all need to make a sacrifice, whether $1, $5, $10, $15, $20, $50, $100, $500, $1000 or one million dollars. We can all afford something and we should be prepared to make multiple donations to this project, while at the same time maintaining our commitment and stewardship to our local churches. Giving a donation(s) for the earthquake victims is not an “either / or” situation, it’s an “and” situation. We give to the Haiti earthquake victims “and” at the same time maintain our financial responsibility to our individual churches.
We can do this; the people in the United States have responded and have donated over $73 million since Tuesday’s earthquake.
We, the members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, can do our part and we can do it with a cheerful heart and we will feel good about it, individually and as a denomination.
Editor’s Note: I am posting below some of the Breaking News Items that were sent out this week.
2. THE COUNCIL OF BISHOPS OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL (AME) CHURCH WILL HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE:
The Council of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church will hold press Conference today (1/14/10) at 11 a.m. in Cary, North Carolina
The African Methodist Episcopal Church’s Council of Bishops in its Winter Session organized fundraising efforts through the Department of Global Witness and Ministry, the 16th Episcopal District and the Service and Development Agency (SADA). There will be a press conference in Cary, North Carolina this morning at 11 a.m. (Eastern Standard Time) on the AME Church’s response to the disasters in Haiti and Malawi.
3. THE COUNCIL OF BISHOPS OF THE AME CHURCH, BISHOP CAROLYN TYLER GUIDRY, PRESIDENT, ISSUES PUBLIC STATEMENT CONCERNING HAITI AND MALAWI EARTHQUAKES:
January 14, 2010
(Cary, NC) The Council of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church stopped its winter session which included deliberations about the earthquake in Malawi upon learning of the devastating earthquake in Haiti. “We want the members of the AME Church in both Malawi and Haiti to know that your Church stands ready to mobilize with its partners (US AID, NGOs, American Red Cross and other faith bodies) to deliver humanitarian relief as quickly as possible,” declares Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, President of the Council of Bishops.
Our hearts are heavy and because of our connection, we have moved quickly to coordinate with fellow AMEs to answer the call to service. The Department of Global Missions and the Presiding Bishops of both the 16th District (including Haiti) as well as the 20th District (including Malawi) along with SADA (the Service and Development Agency) are actively gathering information and we anxiously await reports of the plight of our brothers and sisters, and the extent of need. We have begun prayers for the safety of all in the affected countries and for location of family members, and neighbors whose whereabouts are currently unknown.
We learned much from Hurricane Katrina and those lessons will guide us as we work in this new response. In fact, the US government is contemplating the auction of the trailers manufactured for families in the gulf areas but never used or without a current need. We urge President Obama to consider sending those trailers to Haiti, Malawi and the other affected regions along with the other relief supplies.
The Council of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, along with Bishop Sarah F. Davis, who is making arrangements to return to Haiti, and Bishop Julius McAllister, who is in Malawi stand in solidarity with the people of both countries. The Council has begun fundraising efforts by donating funds from the sale of publication of an annual resource guide. Even as we face economic hardships in the United States, your bishops urge and encourage all of the members of the AME Church to quickly respond by sending monetary donations so that the staff of the Richard Allen Health Clinic may continue to provide healthcare. The schools in both countries may be shelter resources so our support is critically needed. It has received the support of the Dept of Global Witness, the Women’s Missionary Society, and expects to receive the support from other ministries of our international body. Local congregations are urged to accept donations for the next two Sundays and forward as follows:
1) Donations for Haiti can immediately be made at www.ame16th.com as well as through the Department of Global Missions and Witness, under the direction of General Officer, Dr. George Flowers and Chairman Bishop James Davis.
2) Donations for Malawi may be sent to the Dept of Global Missions also.
(Published in TCR Online on January 14, 2010)
4. DEPARTMENT OF GLOBAL WITNESS (DR. GEORGE F. FLOWERS) MAKES INITIAL STATEMENT ABOUT EARTHQUAKE IN HAITI:
AMEC Department of Global Witness (Dr. George F. Flowers) Makes Initial Statement about Earthquake in Haiti and Call for Assistance. Additional information is forthcoming.
Department of Global Witness and Ministry
Church World Service
Emergency Response Program
Haiti Earthquake Response
If there is a place on Earth that could have done without an earthquake right now, it’s Haiti.
A 7.0-magnitude quake struck Haiti Tuesday, shattering buildings forever changing lives. While authorities still don’t know the extent of the damage, it is estimated that 3 million people may be affected by Haiti’s worst earthquake in 200 years. One survivor reports there are thousands of people roaming the streets, looking for shelter.
Haiti is already the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, with 8 out of 10 people living in extreme poverty. It’s a place where many in the world have turned their backs, but not the African Methodism or the Church World Service.
Now, a massive earthquake has hit this already vulnerable island nation, and the needs there are greater than ever before. Please donate now…we need your immediate help!
Global Witness companion, Church World Service has an established presence in Haiti, with our partners Service Chretien d’ Haiti, Christian Aid, SKDE an Ecumenical Foundation for Peace and Justice. EFPJ’s House of Hope is a day school CWS supports in Port au Prince, as well as the Richard Allen Hildebrand Clinic that the AME Church supports in Port au Prince. Preliminary information indicates the school and clinic are damaged, and staffs are trying to determine the well-being of their colleagues and children and patients.
We’re working to help our partners in this time of urgent need—will you take a moment to make this possible? You make it all happen.
Please stay tuned for more information and updates on GWM and CWS response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti. And, join us in praying for the people affected by this earthquake. (Please do not collect goods, supplies, or commodities for distribution).
George F. Flowers
gwmame@bellsouth.net
Executive Director
Global Witness and Ministry
African Methodist Episcopal Church
1 866-211-9934
5. EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT MESSAGE TO CLERGY AND LAITY:
I have received many phone calls from you expressing your empathy and desire to help the victims of the devastating Earthquake in Haiti.
I am asking that all churches in the Eighth Episcopal District to declare Sunday January 17, 2010, “Haitian and Malawi Disaster Relief Day.” We are making an urgent plea for generous donations to our Missionary Offerings, and earmark the funds collected as “Aid for the Haitians and Malawi Disaster Relief.”
Please bring or send all funds collected to the Eighth Episcopal District office Tuesday, January 19, 2010.
Malawi (20th Episcopal District) and Haiti (16th Episcopal District) have both suffered catastrophic loss of life and property in recent earthquakes. We know all so well the devastation that occurs with a natural disaster. All pastors, missionary societies, and all other departments are being asked to raise or give an offering for the disaster relief of the people in both Haiti and Malawi.
Please be compassionate in your giving as you reflect on the support and compassion that the Connectional Church shared during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and Rita in our District. It is our time to share the love and support to our church families in time of need as the Eighth Episcopal District Family.
In the Master's Service,
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry
6. 13TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT MESSAGE TO CLERGY AND LAITY:
We have a dual tragedy that as Christians and AME's we need to respond immediately.
The Council of Bishops in its winter session organized fund raising efforts through the Department of Global Witness and Ministry, the 16th Episcopal District and SADA. There will be a press conference in Cary, North Carolina tomorrow morning at 11 a.m. EST on the AME Church’s response to this disaster.
Funds from the sale of The Anvil, the annual resource guide of the Council of Bishops will be divided evenly between the 16th District where an earthquake struck yesterday and the 20th District, where an earthquake struck earlier. The Women's Missionary Society is giving an initial donation tomorrow and will preparing for a more substantial response. All of this is to demonstrate our immediate response to this immediate need.
I'm encouraging all of our churches to issue a special appeal this Sunday not only to our church members but to the community at large. Lift special a special offering please! Send or bring your contributions to the 13th District office by Tuesday, January 19, 2010 so that we may send it in the name of the people of Tennessee and Kentucky as our initial effort to help in the recovery process.
This is a critical times in the life of the people of Haiti and Malawi. We need to be in prayer for them. At this time we have no information if the Richard Allen Clinic is still functioning. We are praying that it wasn't destroyed but is able to help victims needing medical attention. There are also schools, churches and a plethora of people who will be looking to us in the coming days to be a source and resource of help.
As we have done in the past, let us rise to the occasion to be a blessing to both Malawi and Haiti.
By he Grace of God,
Bishop Vashti McKenzie
7. MESSAGE FROM THE CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION / AMEC:
It is with a sad heart that I greet you during the devastation and turmoil being suffered by our sisters and brothers in Haiti and Malawi.
The magnitude of the disaster can only be imaged as we witness so many people struggling for life and the horror of so many lives lost.
How quickly a way of life can be made even worst in seconds. It’s time for us to mobilize to assist Haiti and Malawi and the people of the 16th and 20th Episcopal Districts who are experiencing catastrophic tragedy.
The most powerful force we have is prayer. I’ve asked our Chaplain to pray and publish a prayer of comfort and consolation. I am asking all laity to do at least two things to help the distressed of the 16th and 20th Episcopal Districts. Pray and share financially.
Please contribute to the Connectional Lay Disaster Relief Fund; we will in turn contribute to the AME effort through the Office of Global Witness and Ministry, Dr. George F. Flowers, Executive Director and the Service and Development Agency (SADA), Mr. Robert Nicolas, Director. Brother Nicolas is a native of Haiti. Please remember him and family in your prayers.
Bishop Sarah F. Davis is the presiding prelate in Haiti and Bishop Julius H. McAllister is the presiding prelate in Malawi.
Dr. Willie C. Glover
President, The Connectional Lay Organization.
8. INFORMATION FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO WOULD LIKE TO SEND CHECKS / MONEY ORDERS:
Episcopal Districts would like to coordinate and consolidate donated funds and are requesting local congregations to collect funds over the next two Sundays and forward to their Episcopal District Office so that the AME Church will have an accounting of and an audit trail of the collected funds. Those persons wanting to make individual donations can access the AMEC Official Website, which provides updates on the Haiti and Malawi earthquake relief efforts. Stay updated on the situation in Haiti by visiting the AMEC Official Website: http://www.ame-church.com/
You can mail your check to the district office:
The 16th Episcopal District AME Church
P.O. Box 821308
Houston, Texas 77282-1308
Or:
Please make your checks payable to:
Haiti Relief Fund Malawi Earthquake Relief
AME Church-Global Witness and Ministry
Charleston Executive Park
1587 Savannah Highway, Suite A
Charleston, SC 29407-7820
9. MEDIA RELEASE FROM THE 15TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT (NAMIBIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE):
The Rev. Willem Simon Hanse
The presiding elders, officers and members of the Namibia Annual Conference in the 15th Episcopal District under the leadership of Bishop Wilfred Jacobus Messiah wish to extend our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the Government and the people of Haiti and to the members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The images sent out on televisions all across the world are heart-wrenching, and we particularly give our prayers and support to those uncertain about the status of their loves ones trapped beneath the rubble.
Africa and African Diaspora have historical, political, intellectual and sentimental attachment to Haiti. It was in Haiti that African Diaspora fought and won a heroic victory of liberation against colonial forces and established an independent state in the Americas.
May God bless the reconstruction and rehabilitation work of the Haitian people and may their take their deceased loves ones to their eternal resting place with the thought that “earth’s loss is heaven’s gain.”
The Rev. Willem Simon Hanse
revwshansepe@yahoo.com
Windhoek District
The Rev. Dr. Andreas Biwa
Keetmanshoop District
The Rev. Neels Jacobus Simon
Lüderitz District
The Rev. Daniel Schmidt
Hoachanas District
The Rev. Albert Eberhard Biwa
P. O Box 50278,
Bachbrecht, Namibia
Gibeon District
10. CONNECTIONAL HEALTH COMMISSION APPEALS FOR ASSISTANCE FROM HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS:
Message from the Rev. Dr. Miriam Burnett, Medical Director, AME Church Connectional Health Commission:
The AME Connectional Health Commission is preparing to respond to the urgent medical needs of our brothers and sisters in Haiti and Malawi.
Request all Healthcare professionals send me an email indicating their present and future availability to travel to Haiti and Malawi.
Efforts will be coordinated through AME SADA (Mr. Nichols), Bishop Sarah Davis and Dr. Flowers in order facilitate this process.
The Rev. Miriam Burnett, MD, MPH
mjbchcamec@yahoo.com
Medical Director
AME Connectional Health Commission
11. PRAYER ANSWERED FOR HAITIAN EARTHQUAKE VICTIM:
Prayer Request
Rock-Andral Ludger is a native of Haiti and under the care of our own Reverend Etolia White of Saint John in Frankfort. He has to my knowledge not been in contact with his family, and the Reverend White is requesting special prayer from us in this matter. Please join me in requesting God's protection for his and other families in Haiti (as well as in Malawi) affected by the earthquake and for God’s peace for those who wait and worry. (January 14, 2010, 6:27 PM)
Kenneth J. Golphin, Presiding Elder
Kentucky Conference/Lexington District
Prayer Answered
Prayers availeth much! Thanks be to God for His blessings today. At 10:10 p.m., we heard word from Haiti indicating that Rock-Andral Ludger’s family is safe, although now homeless. Praise be to God! Thank you to all who called upon His name and will continue to call upon God for those who are suffering this great catastrophe. Thank you, Father, for all of your blessings and for answered prayer. (January 14, 2010 10:26 PM)
The Rev. Etolia White
12. HAITI EARTHQUAKE UPDATE FROM THE AMEC DEPARTMENT OF GLOBAL WITNESS AND MINISTRY:
January 15, 2010
Support Temporary Protected Status for Haitians Affected by Devastating Earthquake:
Ask Congress and DHS to grant Temporary Protected Status for Haitians in the U.S. as part of a comprehensive response to the current humanitarian crisis
Tuesday’s 7.0 –magnitude earthquake in Haiti resulted in great human casualties and widespread structural damages in the Western Hemisphere’s poorest nation. While relief efforts are underway, CWS urges Communions to contact your congressional representatives and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to ask that the United States grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians in the U.S. as part of a comprehensive response to the current humanitarian crisis.
The Haitian government does not have the necessary funds or infrastructure to undertake relief and reconstruction efforts on its own – also making it temporarily unable to accept returns of Haitians nationals. Before this latest disaster, Haiti was still in the process of rebuilding following a series of hurricanes that hit the country in September of 2008. Haitian President Rene’ Preval requested that the United States grant Temporary Protected Status to Haitians following the 2008 storms, in order to better allow the Haitian government to focus on providing lifesaving assistance to those persons affected by the disaster within their own borders.
In a previous update (yesterday) we mentioned that The Executive Director of the Department of Global Witness and bishops: (James L. Davis, Commission Chair of Global Witness; Sarah Davis, Haiti’s Bishop, and William P. DeVeaux, General Board President; and The Reverend Ron Owens) were scheduled to leave for Port-au-Prince, Haiti Tuesday, January 19th – 21st. However, due to State Department Advisory Alert not to travel to Haiti and the cancellation of Spirit Air Flight this group must wait for a short time before traveling.
Dr. George F. Flowers
Executive Director
Global Witness and Ministry
African Methodist Episcopal Church
Email: gwmame@bellsouth.net
13. AME CHAPLAIN ASSISTING THE HAITIANS:
*Bishop John White I
AME Navy Chaplain, LCDR Glenda Jennings Harrison, Chaplain Corps, USN of the USS Carl Vinson is in Haiti as a part of the earthquake relief and recovery mission.
I ask that Church will keep her and the other military personal as well as the people of Haiti in their prayers. I also informed her that we do have AME Churches in Haiti and the Richard Allen Hildebrand Health Clinic.
*Bishop John White I is the Ecumenical Officer and endorsing Agent
14. IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM THE CENTER FOR FAITH-BASED & NEIGHBORHOOD PARTNERSHIPS:
Locating Family Members:
The State Department Operations Center has set up the following number for Americans seeking information about family members in Haiti: 1-888-407-4747.
Monetary Donations:
Monetary donations are the most effective form of assistance because they allow humanitarian organizations to purchase (often within the affected region itself) the exact type and quantity of items needed by those affected by the crisis. Read about the advantages of monetary donations.
For those interesting in helping immediately, simply text "HAITI" to "90999" and a donation of $10 will be given automatically to the Red Cross to help with relief efforts, charged to your cell phone bill. Or you can go online to relief organizations to make a contribution to the disaster relief efforts
Commodity Contributions
While monetary donations are preferred to commodity contributions, there may be rare instances when a commodity contribution would be of value to relief operations.
- See a list of conditions which are necessary to ensure that a commodity contribution is appropriate.
- Read about handling appropriate commodity contributions.
- If a commodity collection has already been made, but there are problems identifying a need in the affected region for the commodities or an organization to accept them, read about some alternate ideas.
Volunteering
Volunteer opportunities in disaster settings are extremely rare, and are usually limited to people with prior disaster experience and technical skills (such as health, engineering, etc). To register your skills and experience for a possible volunteer opportunity, go to http://www.cidi.org/reg_off.htm. For opportunities to volunteer overseas in non-disaster settings, visit http://www.usaid.gov/cgi-bin/goodbye?http://www.serve.gov/. Or read about Volunteers for Prosperity http://www.usaid.gov/cgi-bin/goodbye?http://www.volunteersforprosperity.gov, a volunteer program managed by USAID. For more information on volunteering, visit http://www.interaction.org/disaster/volunteering.html.
Alexia Kelley
Director, Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
15. NEW DETERMINATION FOR A NEW DECADE:
*Dr. Joseph Darby
The Keynote Message for the “Ties That Bind” Conference of politically progressive South Carolina organizations - http://www.tiesthatbindsc.org - at the headquarters of the South Carolina Education Association, Columbia, South Carolina on Saturday, January 9, 2010.
Prepared and presented by the Reverend Dr. Joseph A. Darby, Senior Pastor of Morris Brown African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina and Board President of the South Carolina Christian Action Council.
We’re in the first month of a new decade, and I’m glad that we are, because the last decade was rough. The last decade saw our nation embroiled in warfare, attacks on our civil liberties and the near collapse of our economy, all because of political decisions that favored the few instead of the many.
The last decade saw mean spirited rhetoric and actions by those who would hunt down, imprison and expel those that they call “illegal immigrants,” forgetting that by their standards, their ancestors who first came here from Europe could also have been called “illegal immigrants.” The last decade saw the loss of American jobs and attacks on collective bargaining because corporations focused not on civic responsibility but on building up their financial bottom lines, and willing politicians were their partners on doing so. The last decade saw attacks on public education by those for whom reform means not owning up to and correcting past inequities, but creating new inequities by giving public finds to private schools and creating “private-public” charter schools.
The last decade was ruled by those who care more about building bigger prisons for drug offenders, preserving Confederate heritage and keeping our state in the dark ages than about cleaning up the environment, providing affordable health care and housing and making liberty and justice for all a reality.
The last decade was rough, but we have a new President and a more progressive Congress in this new decade, we have the chance to make positive electoral changes in our state and communities in this new decade, we have the chance to shape and impact public policy and repair the damage of the last decade and change our communities, state and nation for the better in this new decade, but we can’t do it in one day at one conference or only with those who are here.
Our legislature will be open for business this week, and if we’re to assure that they work for us and not on us, then we have to stand together and stay together and lobby together and vote wisely together, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Was right, “Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle.” When we realize and reinforce that and act based on the ties that bind us together, then we can make new progress, secure new liberty and equity, and do so with new determination for a new decade.
We need new determination for a new decade, and that requires escaping from what a wise friend of mine calls the “APE” that prevents our taking unified action - Agenda, Power and Ego. We can’t fail to work together unless our particular organization gets to set the full agenda, unless we get to pick and choose who we work with on the basis on how we get along, unless we get to claim credit for what goes right and to blame others when things go wrong.
The civil rights revolution of the mid-twentieth century changed America in ways that were thought to be impossible because a wide range of organizations and people with different agendas, different ideas, different personalities and even old rivalries and grudges and issues laid aside all that divided them and worked together to reach a common goal.
When we have the determination to overcome Agenda, Power and Ego and pursue common goals in this new decade, then we can create good jobs for all and see that every public school is a quality public school, see that factories no longer locate near and pollute poor communities and that no one has to go to the emergency room for basic medical care. We can build a better state and nation where equal opportunity and equal justice under the law become realities and where those seeking to better themselves can do so in the spirit articulated by James Brown, who first said in song, “I don’t want nobody to give me nothing, just open up the door and I’ll get it myself.”
We need new determination for a new decade, and that means doing things that might take us out of our comfort zones. I say that as one who affirms my faith tradition’s mandate to “speak the truth in love,” but also knowing from experience that those who have no love for those who don’t think or act or think like them might not respond to loving persuasion and might need a little “somethin’ somethin’” else.
It’s nice to hold peaceful vigils to protest unjust laws, but sometimes you have to get in the faces of those who make those laws. It’s nice to legally advocate for those who make it to America from other nations as best they can looking for a better life, but sometimes you have to stand with them to confront those who would deny them the promise of freedom out of fear that they might end up in the minority. It’s nice to condemn those who use their cloak of morality to spread hatred and division, but sometimes you have to point out that some of them don’t meet their own moral standard. It’s nice to be close to those in political power, but sometimes you have to call them out when they either make bad laws or look the other way while bad laws are made in the name of political collegiality.
New determination in a new decade may require new strategies that might cost you some good will among those in political control, might cause some doors to be closed in your face for not being polite and accommodating enough, might cause some folks to stop smiling at you and might even cause some politicians who love you at election time and forget you the rest of the time to wonder why you’re suddenly on their case, but Frederick Douglass was right, “Power concedes nothing without a demand,” new determination requires doing the right think, whether it’s popular and politically acceptable or not, some may say that the time isn’t right, but it’s never the wrong time to do the right thing.
When we do not what’s comfortable and safe and unfailingly polite and do the right thing by speaking truth to power through our words and deeds, then we’ll have new determination for a new decade. We’ll tell those who now carry tea bags instead of flaming crosses and who claim to speak for America that we’re Americans too, stand up to demagogues like Senator Jim DeMint, let him know that he does not speak for every South Carolinian, and every time he spouts his version of the truth, we can borrow the words of his political soul mate Representative Joe Wilson and say, “You lie.” We’ll tell politicians of every party and color who forget that the seats they occupy are not their seats but the people’s seats that it’s time to do good or be gone, tell advertisers who sponsor the Rush Limbaughs and Glenn Becks of this world that if you don’t respect our positions, you won’t get our business.
When we firmly and assertively and strategically speak trust to power and stop just going along to get along. We can change the rules of the game, go beyond business as usual, and say by our words and deeds as did those who faced down fire hoses and police dogs four or five decades ago, “I ain’t gonna let nobody turn me around.”
It’s good to be here today, thank all of you for being here today, but if we do nothing else when we leave here today, let’s leave here with new strategies, new commitment, new relationships and new determination for a new decade. George Bush set up “free speech zones” to keep his critics at bay and out of the media spotlight, but armed protestors are allowed to get close to President Barack Obama’s public appearances we need new determination for a new decade. Wealthy corporations that make bad financial decisions receive public assistance to survive, while poor people who make bad financial decisions are left to suffer; we need new determination for a new decade. Bigoted politicians want to stop and strip search those coming to America with names like Abdul and Mohammed, but would let those with names like “shoe bomber” Richard Reed pass through, we need new determination for a new decade.
Rich folks like Howard Rich are spending big money and buying political support in our state to create a new system of public education that features public-private schools and “school choice” that would make our schools very separate and very unequal again, we need new determination in a new decade. In many cities, you can be pulled over and hassled by the police simply for being a young black or Latino man in a decent car; we need new determination in a new decade. Schools along South Carolina’s very white and very Republican I-85 corridor are well funded and successful, while schools along South Carolina’s very black and very Democratic I-95 corridor are struggling to survive; we need new determination for a new decade.
People who play cards in their own homes in our state are subject to arrest if too many players are there, but our state runs its own numbers game, calls it the “Education Lottery” and allows predatory lenders who run roughshod over the poor to do business with minimal regulation as a “public service,” we need new determination for a new decade. Poor, white blue collar workers who ought to be the natural allies of those gathered here are led by carefully crafted fear games to vote against their own best interest by those who tell them to look beyond their poverty and find consolation in the color of their skin; we need new determination for a new decade.
The times are too tough, the needs are too great for us to do political business as usual and do the same old things in the same old ways with the same old players, we have to find new common ground and do new things to fight new battles to realize the lofty promise that our nation will guarantee liberty and justice not for some, but for all, we need new determination for a new decade.
We can find it when we take to heart the words penned by James Weldon Johnson over ten decades ago, “Facing the rising sun of a new day begun, let us march on till victory is won.” When we have new determination for a new decade, we’ll march on and see good schools in Anderson County and in Allendale County, march on and see equitable law enforcement in Lexington County and in Lee County, march on and see quality housing in Greenville and in Greelyville, march on and see new jobs in Spartanburg and in Santee, march on and see environmental equity and equal justice in Newberry and in North Charleston.
We’ll have new determination and new direction and keep on marching, saying as did those in my faith tradition said just this side of slavery, before we had well dressed choirs and padded pews and pretty sanctuaries, “I’ve come this far, I find no fault, I feel like going on.” We need new determination for a new decade.
*Dr. Joseph Darby is the pastor in charge at Morris Brown AME Church, Charleston, South Carolina
16. LET’S GET OUT OF THE BLACKSMITH SHOP, AND GO EVANGELIZE:
Recently, I blogged the following statement regarding the merger in Midwest region on http://www.kcdministries.net/ that said, “The Midwest Conference has not yet [begun] touching the surface of what the Conference can be. As I've traveled the Connection we (AMEs) especially the Midwest must began writing legislation that can help meet the needs in these changing times; there is an unlimited amount of software available for church management…” and it made me feel….
As I reflect on what was posted; this statement is applicable to the Connectional Church. In other words replace the word ‘Midwest and Midwest Conference” with the words ‘Connectional Church’ and the words Connectional Church previously mentioned in the blog with Christendom. For clarification, the Midwest Conference of the Fifth Episcopal District consists of the central and western part of Missouri and two other states: Kansas and Nebraska. Under the previous Presiding Prelate, Bishop John R. Bryant the 106th elected and consecrated bishop received a resolution from the merger committee of both conferences: Northwest Missouri and Kansas Nebraska at the Midyear Conference in March 2006 summarizing the following statement about bringing the two conferences together: shares many things in common; benefit from shared resources; conserve time and travel and number of meetings; and will make a stronger unit. Furthermore, the merger was approved at the 48th General Conference. In my opinion, if the consolidation did not occur the Midwest region may have experienced further weakening and scattered resources at a faster pace.
Several churches in our Zion are doing quite well and are moving steady without missing a beat while others are struggling to make ends meet. No longer should the offering plate be a primary source of income for the church to do ministry. Therefore, the local church must look for ways to invest in partnerships to generate a stream of financial income and other resources to do ministry. All areas of the church must be managed: staff, finances and the building. Through our Quarterly Conferences at the local church these three areas are reported on but even with that this process needs to be reviewed to close up the gaps of mediocre administration. As I mentioned earlier there is software available for churches. Recently I have learned of some additional church management software on the market: Shelby, LOGOS and ACS Technologies. There are lower cost software packages such as Power church and Servant PC Resource. Simply search the web under church management software (CMS) for other software companies. Each software company will list its features on its designated website.
We can go as far as to say that each region in the Connection should invest in a franchise to generate the income to do effective ministry. The investment can be made after much research has been done. A few business ventures owned by religious groups come to mind when speaking of entrepreneurship are the following: Walgreens and Marriott Hotel, and back in the day Sinclair gas service stations. And of course, the Wingate Inn in Weldon Springs, Missouri near St. Louis, Missouri, a 100-room hotel owned by the members of the Fifth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. According to sources, the Wingate Inn is the first hotel owned by African Americans. Nevertheless, we pride ourselves in self-help but we are losing ground in what used to be one of our strong points in African Methodism.
For more than two hundred years, we continue to celebrate the boldness of our founder Bishop Richard Allen and others marching out of St. George’s Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to start the African Methodist Episcopal Church in a blacksmith shop. But we have not left the blacksmith shop since that time. Now, let us take what we have seen in the blacksmith shop for two centuries and began hammering out the opportunities to take advantage of what God has given us and “evangelize.”
The Rev. Eraina Marie Ross-Aseme, B.A., M. Div.
An Itinerant Elder of the Midwest Conference of the Fifth Episcopal District
17. THE REV. RODERICK DWAYNE BELIN DEVELOPS A SUPERB WORSHIP AND PERSONAL DEVOTIONAL RESOURCES:
*The Rev. Roderick Dwayne Belin
The Rev. Roderick Dwayne Belin has developed the following resources (appended below and attached) for use in congregations, small groups and private devotions as we seek to serve the people of Haiti and to understand tragedies and natural disasters.
Other resources and links are available at the Rev. Belin’s website: http://www.ibelin.me/category/worship-resources/
The Reverend Roderick Dwayne Belin is the pastor of Kairos Community African Methodist Episcopal Church, 5511 Edmondson Pike Suite 105, Nashville, Tennessee 37211; telephone: (615)332-3320; infor@kcame.org / www.kcame.org
Roderick Dwayne Belin
www.iBelin.me
AME Church Disaster Response: An Appeal©
How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.
– 1 John 3: 17-18
Our Brothers and Sisters in Haiti suffered a terrible tragedy on Tuesday, January 12, 2010. The massive loss of life and the cost of damages caused by the earthquake will not be estimated for some time. The presidential residence, the parliament building, hotels, and houses have been destroyed. Men, women, boys and girls are suffering as they wait for medical treatment in overcrowded hospitals and on the sidewalks outside.
Haiti is one of the poorest countries on the earth and this tragedy increases the suffering of God’s people in Haiti immeasurably. It is estimated that one-third of the 3 million people in Haiti are affected by the earthquake. The images coming out of Haiti show people searching for family members and loved ones through rubble and debris.
You must help. People are desperately in need of our prayers and our help. The African Methodist Episcopal Church, called to meet the emergent needs of God’s children with urgency, is already on the ground in Haiti working to search and rescue, provide water and to minister the Presence of God.
If our work in Haiti is to continue effectively, your financial contribution is needed. Give in a special offering today or go directly to the AME Church website and contribute there: www.ame-church.com
Readings for the 2nd Sunday After Epiphany Year C
Isaiah 62:1-5
Psalm 36:5-10
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
John 2:1-11
Possible themes to explore from these passages in light of the earthquake in Haiti include:
The Enduring Love of God for All Creation
“The Beloved Community”
Extreme hospitality
Unity
When human limitation meets God’s power
The Gifts of God to a Broken People (water/Baptism; wine/Communion; Gifts of the Spirit)
The Gifts of God for the Common Good
Appropriate passages for use in other ways:
Psalm 18
Psalm 46
Hymns appropriate to the occasion:
O God Our Help in Ages Past 61
When Peace Like a River 448
Be Not Dismayed Whate’er Betide 437
From Every Stormy Wind that Blows 419
His Eye is On the Sparrow 435
A Litany Crying Out for God’s Mercy
For the people of Haiti who are suffering the affects of the earthquake,
O Lord, we cry out to You for Your mercy.
For those still clinging to life beneath the rubble
O Lord, we cry out to You for Your mercy.
For each and every man, woman, boy and girl who are looking for loved ones and hoping to find them alive,
O Lord, we cry out to You for Your mercy.
For the workers from all over the world who labor to rescue, keep peace, minister and heal,
O Lord, we cry out to You for Your mercy.
For the ministers and laypeople who are with the suffering ministering to them Your Presence,
O Lord, we cry out to You for Your mercy.
For the memories of your Children who lost their lives in this tragedy,
O Lord, we cry out to You for Your mercy, Your strength and Your grace.
For the people of Haiti and for all who suffer in any place in this hour
O Lord, we cry out to You for Your mercy. AMEN
A Prayer for How to Help
Lord, we acknowledge that You are here, that You never left us even when all around us seemed to be falling apart. We are overcome by grief as we see the images of tragedy, as we hear the cries for help, and feel the pain of others’ suffering. Give ear, O Lord to the cries from our hearts and bring light to darkness, joy to sorrow, healing to pain. We come Lord for rest from the weariness of shock. We come seeking Your guiding hand in how we can respond.
How can we express Your love, O Lord? How can we be Your hands, O Lord? Give us strength and courage to do what pleases You, that we can put Your love in action, by word and deed and make Your presence known. Loving Father, Healer, Restorer, and Source of all hope, remove from us those things that prevent Your love from flowing through us. May we make a difference in someone’s life that they may come to know Your redeeming love and put their trust in You.
We ask this in the Name of Him who suffered for us, Jesus Christ our Lord, AMEN
(This prayer was written by Carlene L. Douglas, Nashville, TN)
A Prayer for People Still Trapped in the Rubble
O God, Creator and Sustainer of all that is, we come to You in reverence and humility thanking You for the great privilege of prayer. With our hearts heavy from grief and our minds filled with questions, we come to you! Once again and, as always, we need Your grace and mercy. God, we trust Your wisdom in all things.
Our hearts are filled with anguish for our sisters and brothers who are trapped in the rubble in Haiti who are still hoping and praying to be found before their spirits leave their bodies.
O God our Keeper! Your Word tells us, if we make our beds in Sheol, You are right there. So, show Yourself, manifest Your Presence to our sisters and brothers who are right now still trapped debris. Glorify Yourself in the rubble!
O God our Comforter! Wrap your loving arms around our Haitian sisters and brothers who are longing for to see their family members and loved ones again.
O God our Sustainer! Empower and strengthen rescue workers, keepers of the peace, medical personnel and preachers of your Gospel with your Holy Spirit.
O God our Peace! Breathe on Haiti.
O God our Healer! Heal broken bodies, troubled minds and sorrowing hearts.
O God our Joy! Penetrate the grief, pain and sorrow by the great power of your Presence that all may know, even in tragedies, that you are the Lord.
In Jesus’ holy name, AMEN
Haiti – Caring Enough to Ask Why
A Meditation
What do we think about what has happened in Haiti? Pat Robertson has proffered a spiritual reason for this tragedy that is frighteningly hateful. A young friend has just tweeted simply, “Theodicy?” which is a defense of the goodness of God in the face of “evil.” These two are among a host of people who are struggling to understand how and why such horrible occurrences happen in the world. The tsunami which took place in 2004 and Hurricane Katrina gave rise to similar questionings. At the root of many of the questions really is; why would God let something like this happen to God’s creation?
Even the people who bequeathed to us the writings that make up the book of Genesis wrestled with why tragedies happen. I suppose we are no closer to finding a satisfactory answer now than then. Well, let me just speak for myself: I have no answers, but I care. I care deeply. I care enough to act and I care enough to ask.
Yes, I will contribute financially to the relief effort and encourage friends and those I serve to do the same. But, beyond this, I will do the much harder work of grieving the dead. I will sit still and, at least, try to wrap my mind around the scope of the loss of life. I will work hard not to hear the big number of the nameless, faceless others who died in the tragedy. Instead, I will try to mourn individual people… mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, babies of specific and particular backgrounds who have ceased to hope, to love. I will look up and out into space imagining the direction of these brothers and sisters who have taken transit to the next realm and I will re-member them. I will name them and not number them. I will remember; I will put the broken back together in my heart. I will love these individual people.
Of course, I will ask “why?” But having the answer is not as important as caring enough to ask the question.
This resource above and attached is copyrighted. ©
18. FAULT FINDERS:
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts
There are some of us who can, and do, find faults in anything, everything and anybody. No matter what it may be or no matter who it may be and what they may be doing, some of us will find a fault. I believe that some of us find faults in others because of our jealousy. We find faults because we are lacking the opportunity and short of the desired capabilities of what is expected of us. Finding faults is easy if that is all you are looking for. Finding fault is the forerunner of making excuses.
I am sure you have heard these:
How was church today? It was alright but...
Did you enjoy the Preacher? He was ok, but…
Did you like that solo that sister B did? It was alright but…
Did you see that dress she had own? Yes, but it didn’t do anything for her…
Do you tithe? I would but I don’t like the way they handle the money…
It seems that “fault finders” always use the preposition “but.”
As Jesus stood before Pilate with all of the trumped up charges against him, Pilate said to the multitude I find no fault in this man. Luke 23:4
The Pharisees and the Scribes found fault in the disciples not washing their hands before eating. Mark 7:2
The Pharisees and scribes found fault with Jesus eating and drinking with sinners. Luke 15:2.
This is the way that many of us miss the central point of Christianity. We must go among them if we expect to win them.
Some of the Disciples found fault in the woman washing the feet of Jesus with precious ointments. Mark 14:3-5
Finding faults is a convenient way for us not to participate, and not to give credit to who credit is due. It is a way of “coping out.”
The songwriter penned: “In the midst of faults and failure stand by me,” which points to that fact that none of us are faultless and we are not perfect.
Those of us who spend our precious time looking for faults in others could use that valuable time looking into a mirror.
We must keep in mind that there is a difference between finding faults and making constructive criticisms. I am sure that all of us, at one time or another, could have stood some constructive criticism. But finding faults just to be finding fault is futile. The person who does not like or accept constructive criticism is doomed for failure.
Brethren if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Galatians 6:1
I learned these few lines when I was in elementary school: There is so much good in the worse of us. There is so much bad in the best of us. So it doesn’t behoove any of us, to talk about the rest of us.
Question
What do you say about a person who boasts about not wanting anything any body else doesn’t want, but goes down town and buys a used car?
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts, Ptaegar@AOL.Com author, teacher, counselor, and humorist is a retired AME pastor who resides in Eatonville, Florida
19. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- The Honorable Rev. André L. Spivey, the pastor of St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Detroit, Michigan, was sworn in at the City of Detroit Inauguration last week along with the Mayor, City Clerk and eight other council members.
The first time candidate was elected to the Detroit City Council from a field of 168 candidates. He came in tenth place in the August Primary and in November, he finished in sixth place to win a seat on the nine member full-time board. The Hon. Rev. Spivey will help to make decisions to approve city contracts, create ordinances, reduce crime, reduce the budget deficit and create an atmosphere for job creation.
There have been laypersons from the AME Church in Detroit who have served on the Detroit Council City but the Honorable Rev. Spivey is the first AME pastor to serve on the council. The Hon. Rev. Spivey has a Bachelor's Degree from Morehouse College, a Master of Divinity from Colgate Rochester Divinity School and is completing a master's thesis at Central Michigan University.
Congratulatory messages can be emailed to: cdavis@spamec.org
- Presiding Elder Kenneth and Mrs. Dianna Golphin are very pleased to announce the graduation of their daughter, Chastity Renay Golphin, from the Northern Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. The African American Student Union graduation exercises were held on Friday evening, December 18, 2009 at 7:00. The University graduation exercises were held on Saturday morning, December 19 at 9:00. Chastity plans to continue studies at Northern Kentucky towards a Masters in Communication.
Contact Information:
Chastity Renay Golphin
golphinc1@nku.edu
Presiding Elder Kenneth J. Golphin
eldergolphin@aol.com
Mrs. Dianna B. Golphin
mrsgolphin@aol.com
- Mrs. Mary M. Hughes, mother of Presiding Elder Thomas M. Hughes, South District of the Chicago Conference of the 4th Episcopal District, celebrated her 96th birthday on Saturday, November 21, 2009.
Mrs. Mary M. Hughes extends gratitude to the many friends and well wishers, who joined her family in celebrating her birthday. "It is one of the most enjoyable birthdays that I have ever had, and you helped to make it so. The memory will linger always.”
Congratulatory messages can be emailed to:
Presiding Elder Thomas M. Hughes,
South District-Chicago Conference
petmhughes299@sbcglobal.net
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the sudden passing of Sister Lorene Ford Hickman, of Ozark, Alabama. Sister Hickman passed away on Sunday, January 10, 2010. She is the mother-in-law of Rev. Lionel Green, Pastor of St. Samaritan AME Church, Coldwater, Mississippi, and the mother of Mrs. Betty Green (first lady). Rev. Lionel Green, pastors in the North Mississippi Conference on the Clarksdale District, Rev. J.L. Moore, Presiding Elder.
Funeral Services for Sister Lorene Ford Hickman:
Saturday January 16, 2010
11:00 a.m.
Church of God by Faith
214 King Street
Ozark, Alabama, 36360
Elder J.C. Smith, Pastor
All condolences can be sent to:
Holman Funeral Home
995 South Union Avenue
Ozark, Alabama, 36360
Phone: (334)-774-5348
www.Holmanfuneralhome.com.
The Rev. and Mrs. Lionel Green can be reached by cell phone: (251) 753-1008
21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Dianne A. Bryant, the sister of the Rev. Ronald Freeman, pastor of St. Luke AME Church, Daugherty, Virginia and the sister-in-law of Mrs. Nona Freeman, first lady.
Funeral Services will be held for Mrs. Dianne A. Bryant at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at the:
Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church
2357 L Road
Chestertown, Maryland 21620
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. & Mrs. Ronald Freeman
4712 Chalfont Drive
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23464
(757) 467-4422
(757) 439-2472 (Mobile)
Communications may also be sent via the Rev. Freeman's niece, Michele Foster, to the following email address: shelbel1@yahoo.com
22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Brother John Leonard Druid, who passed away on Friday, January 8, 2010. He was the brother of Presiding Elder Richard T. Druid (New Jersey Conference, Atlantic City District). The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing and Funeral, Saturday, January 16, 2010
Viewing - 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Funeral - 11:00 a.m.
Allen A.M.E. Church
1717 Bishop Richard Allen Ave.
Atlantic City, NJ 08041
Phone: 609-345-6452
Fax: 609-345-0010
The Rev. Samuel L. Hayes, Jr., Pastor
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Presiding Elder Richard T. Druid
5 Hemlock Drive
Edison, NJ 08820
908-754-0166
23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Sister Lynell Davis. She was the mother of the Rev. Rita Story, Pastor of Burks Chapel AME Church, Paducah, Kentucky.
Service Arrangement for Sister Lynell Davis:
Family Visitation and Service will be held at:
Harrison Street Missionary Baptist Church
1126 Harrison Street
Paducah, Kentucky 42001
Phone: 270-442-8946
Family Visitation:
Friday, January 15, 2010 - 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Service: Saturday, January 16, 2010 - 12:00 Noon
Professional services provided by:
Pettus Funeral Home
1229 Madison Street
Paducah, Kentucky 42001
Phone: 270-442-5749
Fax: 270-442-0272
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Reverend Rita Story, Pastor
Burks Chapel AME Church
635 Ohio Street
Paducah, Kentucky 42003
Phone: 270-443-9390
Phone: 270-564-3425
Email: ritastory@aol.com
24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mother Leanna Hill. She was the grandmother of Dr. Derek H. Anderson, Connectional RAYAC President and Member of the AME Church Board of Trustees and grandmother-in-law to Mrs. Aimee Hurst Anderson, Ohio Conference YPD Director, and great grandmother of Master Cory Isaiah Anderson.
Service arrangements for Mother Leanna Hill:
Friday, January 15, 2010
Viewing: 11:00 a.m.
The Celebration Service: 12:00 Noon
St. Paul A.M.E. Church
1108 Second Avenue
Charleston, West Virginia 25302
304-343-3085 (P)
304-346-5838 (F)
Condolences may be sent to:
Dr. Derek Anderson & Family
3191 E. Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio 43209
Email: DerekStPaul@aol.com
25. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Thurman Dennie, the husband of the Rev. Dr. Deborah T. Dennie, the immediate past 13th Episcopal District WIM president. Thurman Dennie passed on Friday, January 8, 2010.
The funeral has been held.
Words of comfort, cards, etc. may be sent to:
The Rev. Dr. Deborah T. Dennie
1479 Pinecrest
Memphis, Tennessee 38111
26. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mr. Cecil Alberty, the brother of Presiding Elder Clarence Boyd, President of the Presiding Elders' Council for the 12th Episcopal District, and Presiding Elder of the Hot Springs District, West Arkansas Annual Conference, and the brother-in-law of Mrs. Birdie M. Boyd, First Lady of the Hot Springs District and 1st Vice President of CONN-M-SWAWO + PK'S.
Service Arrangements for Mr. Cecil Alberty:
Funeral:
Friday, January 15, 2010
11:00 a.m.
Mrs. J. W. Jones Memorial Chapel
703 North 10th Street
Kansas City, Kansas 66102
Phone: (913) 321-0253
Fax: (913) 321-1444
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Presiding Elder and Mrs. Clarence Boyd
9700 LaBette Drive
Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
Phone: 501-747-1829
Cell: 501-944-5416
Home email: cbboyd@swbell.net
Office email: cvbfeb1935@global.net
27. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with sorrow that we announce the death on Saturday, January 9, 2010, of Mr. James H. Thurman Sr., father of The Reverend Sharon Johnson, pastor of Wilson Chapel AME Church in Parksville, Kentucky.
Service Arrangements for Mr. James H. Thurman Sr.:
There will be visitation 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. on Friday, January 15, 2010, with the funeral to follow at 11:30 a.m. at the First Corinthian Baptist Church in Frankfort, Kentucky.
First Corinthian Baptist Church
214 Murray Street
Frankfort, Kentucky 40601-2945
502.875.1569
O. L. Hughes and Sons Mortuary
322 East Third Street
Lexington, Kentucky 40508-1945
859.233.7112
Contact:
The Rev. Sharon Johnson
john5477@bellsouth.net
P.O. Box 944
Wilsonville, Kentucky 40423-0944
28. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs. Wesiona Walker entered into eternal rest on Friday, January 8, 2010. Mrs. Walker was 89 years old at the time of her death. She was a life member of the Women's Missionary Society of the AME Church and a faithful member of The St. John AME Church in Eufaula, Alabama. Along with nine (9) living children, she leaves to mourn her death, the Rev. David Walker, pastor of Bethel AME Church in Gainesville, Georgia.
Recognition of Mrs. Walker's 90th Birthday and Visitation with Family:
Friday, January 15, 2010, 6:30 PM
Sanford Memorial Chapel Funeral Home
549 S. Randolph Avenue
Eufaula, Alabama 36027
334-687-6900
334-687-4500 fax
Funeral: Saturday, January 16, 2010, 12 Noon
ST. John A.M.E. Church
901 Dale Road
Eufaula, Alabama 36027
Condolences may be sent to:
The Walker Family
% The Reverend David Walker
P. O. Box 2703
Aiken, South Carolina 29802
(803) 640-7200 or (803) 640-9888
Email: dawlk@aol.com
29. 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
30. 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 Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder
1. EDITORIAL – WE CAN DO OUR PART, DO IT WITH A CHEERFUL HEART AND FEEL GOOD ABOUT IT:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III,
The 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder
This issue will be largely devoted to mainly to Haiti and to Malawi. Those of you who are subscribed to The Christian Recorder (TCR) Online receive Breaking News and regular updates about the devastating issues in Haiti and Malawi. Those of you who are not subscribed to TCR and who choose to check the TCR website do not receive Breaking News and news updates. Subscribers have been kept up-to-date on all of the activities in Haiti and Malawi and you receive news as we receive it. Subscribers cannot complain about “not getting enough AME news.”
Malawi suffered the devastation of an earthquake several weeks ago and many of the residents of Malawi are without homes. A number of the members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church are among those who are homeless. Bishop Julius McAllister and SADA Executive Director, Robert Nicholas, visited Malawi to assess the damage and the need. The news media reported extensive structural damage and several deaths in Malawi and the earthquake did not get a lot of attention by the U.S. news media. TCR will publish the damage assessment and need when Bishop McAllister and Mr. Nicholas return from Malawi.
The massive 7.0 earthquake in Haiti has been devastating in terms of structural damage and loss of life. The American Red Cross estimates the loss of lives in Haiti will exceed 100,000 and other agencies and Haitian officials expect up to 200,000 Haitian deaths. Both projections of deaths are difficult to fathom.
As of this date, we do not have any word about the AME Churches in Port au Prince and the surrounding areas. We do know that the Palace is severely damaged and the Roman Catholic Cathedral, close to the palace is severely damaged; and we know that Eglese St. Paul AME is located near the palace.
We do not know the condition of the churches in the Port au Prince District of the Haiti Annual Conference: Saint-Paul AMEC, Rosetta-Lee AMEC, Christine Smith AMEC, Canaan Christ Révient AMEC, and Loulabro Kenton AMEC; nor do we know, at this time, the condition of the AME Churches in the other areas of Haiti: Mary Becket AMEC in Croix-des-Bouquets, L.L. Berry AMEC in Gonaives, Annabel Freeland AMEC, Bethel AMEC, and Christ Révient AMEC in Section de Petit-Goâve. But one thing we can be certain of is that all of the churches in Haiti will need our sustained support.
The Haiti earthquake news coverage has been exhaustive and I must say that I am proud of the President of the United States and all of the people from the United States and from around the world who are making personal sacrifices and helping the Haitians. The U.S. military and the military from the U.N. member nations are to be commended.
The Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church are to be commended for the proactive steps they have taken in organizing the AME Church to collect funds in order to help those in need, members of the AME Church and others who are suffering. Each bishop is mobilizing his or her episcopal district to collect funds for the Haiti earthquake victims.
The bishops, under the leadership of the President of the Council of Bishops, the Right Rev. Carolyn Tyler Guidry and Senior Bishop, the Right Rev. John R. Bryant, held a news conference in Cary, North Carolina on Friday and issued a Public Statement that was covered by the various news agencies.
The Presiding Prelate of the 16th Episcopal District, the Right Rev. Sarah Davis, has been tenacious in coordinating and providing guidance in determining the appropriate response needed for the 16th District. Bishop Davis and Episcopal Supervisor Claytie Davis are to be commended for their prompt response to the devastation in Haiti. Dr. George Flowers, the Executive Director of the Department of Global Witness and the Commission Chair and the Right Rev. James Davis are to be commended for their expeditious response and preparation for the massive assistance that will be needed. Kudos to Mr. Robert Nicholas, Executive Director of SADA, for the support SADA will give to the victims of the earthquake victims in Haiti and to the Rev. Dr. Miriam Burnett, MD, MPH, Medical Director for the AME Connectional Health Commission, who is mobilizing healthcare professionals to travel to Haiti and Malawi to provide medical assistance.
Kudos is also given to Dr. Clement W. Fugh who is continually updating the AME Official Website to keep the Church abreast of the events in Haiti.
Bishops, General Officers, pastors and laity are working behind the scenes, making telephone calls and preparing their congregations to make the Herculean financial sacrifices that will be needed in this austere economic environment. The assistance to Haiti will be a long-term project and the African Methodist Episcopal Church is proactively responding and the Bishops of the AME Church are making their voices heard.
The AME Church and its leaders are expeditiously responding to the devastating earthquake in Haiti. We all need to be expeditious in response to the earthquake in Haiti and be prepared to dig deeply to assist our brothers and sisters in Haiti. We all need to make a sacrifice, whether $1, $5, $10, $15, $20, $50, $100, $500, $1000 or one million dollars. We can all afford something and we should be prepared to make multiple donations to this project, while at the same time maintaining our commitment and stewardship to our local churches. Giving a donation(s) for the earthquake victims is not an “either / or” situation, it’s an “and” situation. We give to the Haiti earthquake victims “and” at the same time maintain our financial responsibility to our individual churches.
We can do this; the people in the United States have responded and have donated over $73 million since Tuesday’s earthquake.
We, the members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, can do our part and we can do it with a cheerful heart and we will feel good about it, individually and as a denomination.
Editor’s Note: I am posting below some of the Breaking News Items that were sent out this week.
2. THE COUNCIL OF BISHOPS OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL (AME) CHURCH WILL HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE:
The Council of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church will hold press Conference today (1/14/10) at 11 a.m. in Cary, North Carolina
The African Methodist Episcopal Church’s Council of Bishops in its Winter Session organized fundraising efforts through the Department of Global Witness and Ministry, the 16th Episcopal District and the Service and Development Agency (SADA). There will be a press conference in Cary, North Carolina this morning at 11 a.m. (Eastern Standard Time) on the AME Church’s response to the disasters in Haiti and Malawi.
3. THE COUNCIL OF BISHOPS OF THE AME CHURCH, BISHOP CAROLYN TYLER GUIDRY, PRESIDENT, ISSUES PUBLIC STATEMENT CONCERNING HAITI AND MALAWI EARTHQUAKES:
January 14, 2010
(Cary, NC) The Council of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church stopped its winter session which included deliberations about the earthquake in Malawi upon learning of the devastating earthquake in Haiti. “We want the members of the AME Church in both Malawi and Haiti to know that your Church stands ready to mobilize with its partners (US AID, NGOs, American Red Cross and other faith bodies) to deliver humanitarian relief as quickly as possible,” declares Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, President of the Council of Bishops.
Our hearts are heavy and because of our connection, we have moved quickly to coordinate with fellow AMEs to answer the call to service. The Department of Global Missions and the Presiding Bishops of both the 16th District (including Haiti) as well as the 20th District (including Malawi) along with SADA (the Service and Development Agency) are actively gathering information and we anxiously await reports of the plight of our brothers and sisters, and the extent of need. We have begun prayers for the safety of all in the affected countries and for location of family members, and neighbors whose whereabouts are currently unknown.
We learned much from Hurricane Katrina and those lessons will guide us as we work in this new response. In fact, the US government is contemplating the auction of the trailers manufactured for families in the gulf areas but never used or without a current need. We urge President Obama to consider sending those trailers to Haiti, Malawi and the other affected regions along with the other relief supplies.
The Council of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, along with Bishop Sarah F. Davis, who is making arrangements to return to Haiti, and Bishop Julius McAllister, who is in Malawi stand in solidarity with the people of both countries. The Council has begun fundraising efforts by donating funds from the sale of publication of an annual resource guide. Even as we face economic hardships in the United States, your bishops urge and encourage all of the members of the AME Church to quickly respond by sending monetary donations so that the staff of the Richard Allen Health Clinic may continue to provide healthcare. The schools in both countries may be shelter resources so our support is critically needed. It has received the support of the Dept of Global Witness, the Women’s Missionary Society, and expects to receive the support from other ministries of our international body. Local congregations are urged to accept donations for the next two Sundays and forward as follows:
1) Donations for Haiti can immediately be made at www.ame16th.com as well as through the Department of Global Missions and Witness, under the direction of General Officer, Dr. George Flowers and Chairman Bishop James Davis.
2) Donations for Malawi may be sent to the Dept of Global Missions also.
(Published in TCR Online on January 14, 2010)
4. DEPARTMENT OF GLOBAL WITNESS (DR. GEORGE F. FLOWERS) MAKES INITIAL STATEMENT ABOUT EARTHQUAKE IN HAITI:
AMEC Department of Global Witness (Dr. George F. Flowers) Makes Initial Statement about Earthquake in Haiti and Call for Assistance. Additional information is forthcoming.
Department of Global Witness and Ministry
Church World Service
Emergency Response Program
Haiti Earthquake Response
If there is a place on Earth that could have done without an earthquake right now, it’s Haiti.
A 7.0-magnitude quake struck Haiti Tuesday, shattering buildings forever changing lives. While authorities still don’t know the extent of the damage, it is estimated that 3 million people may be affected by Haiti’s worst earthquake in 200 years. One survivor reports there are thousands of people roaming the streets, looking for shelter.
Haiti is already the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, with 8 out of 10 people living in extreme poverty. It’s a place where many in the world have turned their backs, but not the African Methodism or the Church World Service.
Now, a massive earthquake has hit this already vulnerable island nation, and the needs there are greater than ever before. Please donate now…we need your immediate help!
Global Witness companion, Church World Service has an established presence in Haiti, with our partners Service Chretien d’ Haiti, Christian Aid, SKDE an Ecumenical Foundation for Peace and Justice. EFPJ’s House of Hope is a day school CWS supports in Port au Prince, as well as the Richard Allen Hildebrand Clinic that the AME Church supports in Port au Prince. Preliminary information indicates the school and clinic are damaged, and staffs are trying to determine the well-being of their colleagues and children and patients.
We’re working to help our partners in this time of urgent need—will you take a moment to make this possible? You make it all happen.
Please stay tuned for more information and updates on GWM and CWS response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti. And, join us in praying for the people affected by this earthquake. (Please do not collect goods, supplies, or commodities for distribution).
George F. Flowers
gwmame@bellsouth.net
Executive Director
Global Witness and Ministry
African Methodist Episcopal Church
1 866-211-9934
5. EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT MESSAGE TO CLERGY AND LAITY:
I have received many phone calls from you expressing your empathy and desire to help the victims of the devastating Earthquake in Haiti.
I am asking that all churches in the Eighth Episcopal District to declare Sunday January 17, 2010, “Haitian and Malawi Disaster Relief Day.” We are making an urgent plea for generous donations to our Missionary Offerings, and earmark the funds collected as “Aid for the Haitians and Malawi Disaster Relief.”
Please bring or send all funds collected to the Eighth Episcopal District office Tuesday, January 19, 2010.
Malawi (20th Episcopal District) and Haiti (16th Episcopal District) have both suffered catastrophic loss of life and property in recent earthquakes. We know all so well the devastation that occurs with a natural disaster. All pastors, missionary societies, and all other departments are being asked to raise or give an offering for the disaster relief of the people in both Haiti and Malawi.
Please be compassionate in your giving as you reflect on the support and compassion that the Connectional Church shared during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and Rita in our District. It is our time to share the love and support to our church families in time of need as the Eighth Episcopal District Family.
In the Master's Service,
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry
6. 13TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT MESSAGE TO CLERGY AND LAITY:
We have a dual tragedy that as Christians and AME's we need to respond immediately.
The Council of Bishops in its winter session organized fund raising efforts through the Department of Global Witness and Ministry, the 16th Episcopal District and SADA. There will be a press conference in Cary, North Carolina tomorrow morning at 11 a.m. EST on the AME Church’s response to this disaster.
Funds from the sale of The Anvil, the annual resource guide of the Council of Bishops will be divided evenly between the 16th District where an earthquake struck yesterday and the 20th District, where an earthquake struck earlier. The Women's Missionary Society is giving an initial donation tomorrow and will preparing for a more substantial response. All of this is to demonstrate our immediate response to this immediate need.
I'm encouraging all of our churches to issue a special appeal this Sunday not only to our church members but to the community at large. Lift special a special offering please! Send or bring your contributions to the 13th District office by Tuesday, January 19, 2010 so that we may send it in the name of the people of Tennessee and Kentucky as our initial effort to help in the recovery process.
This is a critical times in the life of the people of Haiti and Malawi. We need to be in prayer for them. At this time we have no information if the Richard Allen Clinic is still functioning. We are praying that it wasn't destroyed but is able to help victims needing medical attention. There are also schools, churches and a plethora of people who will be looking to us in the coming days to be a source and resource of help.
As we have done in the past, let us rise to the occasion to be a blessing to both Malawi and Haiti.
By he Grace of God,
Bishop Vashti McKenzie
7. MESSAGE FROM THE CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION / AMEC:
It is with a sad heart that I greet you during the devastation and turmoil being suffered by our sisters and brothers in Haiti and Malawi.
The magnitude of the disaster can only be imaged as we witness so many people struggling for life and the horror of so many lives lost.
How quickly a way of life can be made even worst in seconds. It’s time for us to mobilize to assist Haiti and Malawi and the people of the 16th and 20th Episcopal Districts who are experiencing catastrophic tragedy.
The most powerful force we have is prayer. I’ve asked our Chaplain to pray and publish a prayer of comfort and consolation. I am asking all laity to do at least two things to help the distressed of the 16th and 20th Episcopal Districts. Pray and share financially.
Please contribute to the Connectional Lay Disaster Relief Fund; we will in turn contribute to the AME effort through the Office of Global Witness and Ministry, Dr. George F. Flowers, Executive Director and the Service and Development Agency (SADA), Mr. Robert Nicolas, Director. Brother Nicolas is a native of Haiti. Please remember him and family in your prayers.
Bishop Sarah F. Davis is the presiding prelate in Haiti and Bishop Julius H. McAllister is the presiding prelate in Malawi.
Dr. Willie C. Glover
President, The Connectional Lay Organization.
8. INFORMATION FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO WOULD LIKE TO SEND CHECKS / MONEY ORDERS:
Episcopal Districts would like to coordinate and consolidate donated funds and are requesting local congregations to collect funds over the next two Sundays and forward to their Episcopal District Office so that the AME Church will have an accounting of and an audit trail of the collected funds. Those persons wanting to make individual donations can access the AMEC Official Website, which provides updates on the Haiti and Malawi earthquake relief efforts. Stay updated on the situation in Haiti by visiting the AMEC Official Website: http://www.ame-church.com/
You can mail your check to the district office:
The 16th Episcopal District AME Church
P.O. Box 821308
Houston, Texas 77282-1308
Or:
Please make your checks payable to:
Haiti Relief Fund Malawi Earthquake Relief
AME Church-Global Witness and Ministry
Charleston Executive Park
1587 Savannah Highway, Suite A
Charleston, SC 29407-7820
9. MEDIA RELEASE FROM THE 15TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT (NAMIBIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE):
The Rev. Willem Simon Hanse
The presiding elders, officers and members of the Namibia Annual Conference in the 15th Episcopal District under the leadership of Bishop Wilfred Jacobus Messiah wish to extend our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the Government and the people of Haiti and to the members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The images sent out on televisions all across the world are heart-wrenching, and we particularly give our prayers and support to those uncertain about the status of their loves ones trapped beneath the rubble.
Africa and African Diaspora have historical, political, intellectual and sentimental attachment to Haiti. It was in Haiti that African Diaspora fought and won a heroic victory of liberation against colonial forces and established an independent state in the Americas.
May God bless the reconstruction and rehabilitation work of the Haitian people and may their take their deceased loves ones to their eternal resting place with the thought that “earth’s loss is heaven’s gain.”
The Rev. Willem Simon Hanse
revwshansepe@yahoo.com
Windhoek District
The Rev. Dr. Andreas Biwa
Keetmanshoop District
The Rev. Neels Jacobus Simon
Lüderitz District
The Rev. Daniel Schmidt
Hoachanas District
The Rev. Albert Eberhard Biwa
P. O Box 50278,
Bachbrecht, Namibia
Gibeon District
10. CONNECTIONAL HEALTH COMMISSION APPEALS FOR ASSISTANCE FROM HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS:
Message from the Rev. Dr. Miriam Burnett, Medical Director, AME Church Connectional Health Commission:
The AME Connectional Health Commission is preparing to respond to the urgent medical needs of our brothers and sisters in Haiti and Malawi.
Request all Healthcare professionals send me an email indicating their present and future availability to travel to Haiti and Malawi.
Efforts will be coordinated through AME SADA (Mr. Nichols), Bishop Sarah Davis and Dr. Flowers in order facilitate this process.
The Rev. Miriam Burnett, MD, MPH
mjbchcamec@yahoo.com
Medical Director
AME Connectional Health Commission
11. PRAYER ANSWERED FOR HAITIAN EARTHQUAKE VICTIM:
Prayer Request
Rock-Andral Ludger is a native of Haiti and under the care of our own Reverend Etolia White of Saint John in Frankfort. He has to my knowledge not been in contact with his family, and the Reverend White is requesting special prayer from us in this matter. Please join me in requesting God's protection for his and other families in Haiti (as well as in Malawi) affected by the earthquake and for God’s peace for those who wait and worry. (January 14, 2010, 6:27 PM)
Kenneth J. Golphin, Presiding Elder
Kentucky Conference/Lexington District
Prayer Answered
Prayers availeth much! Thanks be to God for His blessings today. At 10:10 p.m., we heard word from Haiti indicating that Rock-Andral Ludger’s family is safe, although now homeless. Praise be to God! Thank you to all who called upon His name and will continue to call upon God for those who are suffering this great catastrophe. Thank you, Father, for all of your blessings and for answered prayer. (January 14, 2010 10:26 PM)
The Rev. Etolia White
12. HAITI EARTHQUAKE UPDATE FROM THE AMEC DEPARTMENT OF GLOBAL WITNESS AND MINISTRY:
January 15, 2010
Support Temporary Protected Status for Haitians Affected by Devastating Earthquake:
Ask Congress and DHS to grant Temporary Protected Status for Haitians in the U.S. as part of a comprehensive response to the current humanitarian crisis
Tuesday’s 7.0 –magnitude earthquake in Haiti resulted in great human casualties and widespread structural damages in the Western Hemisphere’s poorest nation. While relief efforts are underway, CWS urges Communions to contact your congressional representatives and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to ask that the United States grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians in the U.S. as part of a comprehensive response to the current humanitarian crisis.
The Haitian government does not have the necessary funds or infrastructure to undertake relief and reconstruction efforts on its own – also making it temporarily unable to accept returns of Haitians nationals. Before this latest disaster, Haiti was still in the process of rebuilding following a series of hurricanes that hit the country in September of 2008. Haitian President Rene’ Preval requested that the United States grant Temporary Protected Status to Haitians following the 2008 storms, in order to better allow the Haitian government to focus on providing lifesaving assistance to those persons affected by the disaster within their own borders.
In a previous update (yesterday) we mentioned that The Executive Director of the Department of Global Witness and bishops: (James L. Davis, Commission Chair of Global Witness; Sarah Davis, Haiti’s Bishop, and William P. DeVeaux, General Board President; and The Reverend Ron Owens) were scheduled to leave for Port-au-Prince, Haiti Tuesday, January 19th – 21st. However, due to State Department Advisory Alert not to travel to Haiti and the cancellation of Spirit Air Flight this group must wait for a short time before traveling.
Dr. George F. Flowers
Executive Director
Global Witness and Ministry
African Methodist Episcopal Church
Email: gwmame@bellsouth.net
13. AME CHAPLAIN ASSISTING THE HAITIANS:
*Bishop John White I
AME Navy Chaplain, LCDR Glenda Jennings Harrison, Chaplain Corps, USN of the USS Carl Vinson is in Haiti as a part of the earthquake relief and recovery mission.
I ask that Church will keep her and the other military personal as well as the people of Haiti in their prayers. I also informed her that we do have AME Churches in Haiti and the Richard Allen Hildebrand Health Clinic.
*Bishop John White I is the Ecumenical Officer and endorsing Agent
14. IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM THE CENTER FOR FAITH-BASED & NEIGHBORHOOD PARTNERSHIPS:
Locating Family Members:
The State Department Operations Center has set up the following number for Americans seeking information about family members in Haiti: 1-888-407-4747.
Monetary Donations:
Monetary donations are the most effective form of assistance because they allow humanitarian organizations to purchase (often within the affected region itself) the exact type and quantity of items needed by those affected by the crisis. Read about the advantages of monetary donations.
For those interesting in helping immediately, simply text "HAITI" to "90999" and a donation of $10 will be given automatically to the Red Cross to help with relief efforts, charged to your cell phone bill. Or you can go online to relief organizations to make a contribution to the disaster relief efforts
Commodity Contributions
While monetary donations are preferred to commodity contributions, there may be rare instances when a commodity contribution would be of value to relief operations.
- See a list of conditions which are necessary to ensure that a commodity contribution is appropriate.
- Read about handling appropriate commodity contributions.
- If a commodity collection has already been made, but there are problems identifying a need in the affected region for the commodities or an organization to accept them, read about some alternate ideas.
Volunteering
Volunteer opportunities in disaster settings are extremely rare, and are usually limited to people with prior disaster experience and technical skills (such as health, engineering, etc). To register your skills and experience for a possible volunteer opportunity, go to http://www.cidi.org/reg_off.htm. For opportunities to volunteer overseas in non-disaster settings, visit http://www.usaid.gov/cgi-bin/goodbye?http://www.serve.gov/. Or read about Volunteers for Prosperity http://www.usaid.gov/cgi-bin/goodbye?http://www.volunteersforprosperity.gov, a volunteer program managed by USAID. For more information on volunteering, visit http://www.interaction.org/disaster/volunteering.html.
Alexia Kelley
Director, Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
15. NEW DETERMINATION FOR A NEW DECADE:
*Dr. Joseph Darby
The Keynote Message for the “Ties That Bind” Conference of politically progressive South Carolina organizations - http://www.tiesthatbindsc.org - at the headquarters of the South Carolina Education Association, Columbia, South Carolina on Saturday, January 9, 2010.
Prepared and presented by the Reverend Dr. Joseph A. Darby, Senior Pastor of Morris Brown African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina and Board President of the South Carolina Christian Action Council.
We’re in the first month of a new decade, and I’m glad that we are, because the last decade was rough. The last decade saw our nation embroiled in warfare, attacks on our civil liberties and the near collapse of our economy, all because of political decisions that favored the few instead of the many.
The last decade saw mean spirited rhetoric and actions by those who would hunt down, imprison and expel those that they call “illegal immigrants,” forgetting that by their standards, their ancestors who first came here from Europe could also have been called “illegal immigrants.” The last decade saw the loss of American jobs and attacks on collective bargaining because corporations focused not on civic responsibility but on building up their financial bottom lines, and willing politicians were their partners on doing so. The last decade saw attacks on public education by those for whom reform means not owning up to and correcting past inequities, but creating new inequities by giving public finds to private schools and creating “private-public” charter schools.
The last decade was ruled by those who care more about building bigger prisons for drug offenders, preserving Confederate heritage and keeping our state in the dark ages than about cleaning up the environment, providing affordable health care and housing and making liberty and justice for all a reality.
The last decade was rough, but we have a new President and a more progressive Congress in this new decade, we have the chance to make positive electoral changes in our state and communities in this new decade, we have the chance to shape and impact public policy and repair the damage of the last decade and change our communities, state and nation for the better in this new decade, but we can’t do it in one day at one conference or only with those who are here.
Our legislature will be open for business this week, and if we’re to assure that they work for us and not on us, then we have to stand together and stay together and lobby together and vote wisely together, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Was right, “Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle.” When we realize and reinforce that and act based on the ties that bind us together, then we can make new progress, secure new liberty and equity, and do so with new determination for a new decade.
We need new determination for a new decade, and that requires escaping from what a wise friend of mine calls the “APE” that prevents our taking unified action - Agenda, Power and Ego. We can’t fail to work together unless our particular organization gets to set the full agenda, unless we get to pick and choose who we work with on the basis on how we get along, unless we get to claim credit for what goes right and to blame others when things go wrong.
The civil rights revolution of the mid-twentieth century changed America in ways that were thought to be impossible because a wide range of organizations and people with different agendas, different ideas, different personalities and even old rivalries and grudges and issues laid aside all that divided them and worked together to reach a common goal.
When we have the determination to overcome Agenda, Power and Ego and pursue common goals in this new decade, then we can create good jobs for all and see that every public school is a quality public school, see that factories no longer locate near and pollute poor communities and that no one has to go to the emergency room for basic medical care. We can build a better state and nation where equal opportunity and equal justice under the law become realities and where those seeking to better themselves can do so in the spirit articulated by James Brown, who first said in song, “I don’t want nobody to give me nothing, just open up the door and I’ll get it myself.”
We need new determination for a new decade, and that means doing things that might take us out of our comfort zones. I say that as one who affirms my faith tradition’s mandate to “speak the truth in love,” but also knowing from experience that those who have no love for those who don’t think or act or think like them might not respond to loving persuasion and might need a little “somethin’ somethin’” else.
It’s nice to hold peaceful vigils to protest unjust laws, but sometimes you have to get in the faces of those who make those laws. It’s nice to legally advocate for those who make it to America from other nations as best they can looking for a better life, but sometimes you have to stand with them to confront those who would deny them the promise of freedom out of fear that they might end up in the minority. It’s nice to condemn those who use their cloak of morality to spread hatred and division, but sometimes you have to point out that some of them don’t meet their own moral standard. It’s nice to be close to those in political power, but sometimes you have to call them out when they either make bad laws or look the other way while bad laws are made in the name of political collegiality.
New determination in a new decade may require new strategies that might cost you some good will among those in political control, might cause some doors to be closed in your face for not being polite and accommodating enough, might cause some folks to stop smiling at you and might even cause some politicians who love you at election time and forget you the rest of the time to wonder why you’re suddenly on their case, but Frederick Douglass was right, “Power concedes nothing without a demand,” new determination requires doing the right think, whether it’s popular and politically acceptable or not, some may say that the time isn’t right, but it’s never the wrong time to do the right thing.
When we do not what’s comfortable and safe and unfailingly polite and do the right thing by speaking truth to power through our words and deeds, then we’ll have new determination for a new decade. We’ll tell those who now carry tea bags instead of flaming crosses and who claim to speak for America that we’re Americans too, stand up to demagogues like Senator Jim DeMint, let him know that he does not speak for every South Carolinian, and every time he spouts his version of the truth, we can borrow the words of his political soul mate Representative Joe Wilson and say, “You lie.” We’ll tell politicians of every party and color who forget that the seats they occupy are not their seats but the people’s seats that it’s time to do good or be gone, tell advertisers who sponsor the Rush Limbaughs and Glenn Becks of this world that if you don’t respect our positions, you won’t get our business.
When we firmly and assertively and strategically speak trust to power and stop just going along to get along. We can change the rules of the game, go beyond business as usual, and say by our words and deeds as did those who faced down fire hoses and police dogs four or five decades ago, “I ain’t gonna let nobody turn me around.”
It’s good to be here today, thank all of you for being here today, but if we do nothing else when we leave here today, let’s leave here with new strategies, new commitment, new relationships and new determination for a new decade. George Bush set up “free speech zones” to keep his critics at bay and out of the media spotlight, but armed protestors are allowed to get close to President Barack Obama’s public appearances we need new determination for a new decade. Wealthy corporations that make bad financial decisions receive public assistance to survive, while poor people who make bad financial decisions are left to suffer; we need new determination for a new decade. Bigoted politicians want to stop and strip search those coming to America with names like Abdul and Mohammed, but would let those with names like “shoe bomber” Richard Reed pass through, we need new determination for a new decade.
Rich folks like Howard Rich are spending big money and buying political support in our state to create a new system of public education that features public-private schools and “school choice” that would make our schools very separate and very unequal again, we need new determination in a new decade. In many cities, you can be pulled over and hassled by the police simply for being a young black or Latino man in a decent car; we need new determination in a new decade. Schools along South Carolina’s very white and very Republican I-85 corridor are well funded and successful, while schools along South Carolina’s very black and very Democratic I-95 corridor are struggling to survive; we need new determination for a new decade.
People who play cards in their own homes in our state are subject to arrest if too many players are there, but our state runs its own numbers game, calls it the “Education Lottery” and allows predatory lenders who run roughshod over the poor to do business with minimal regulation as a “public service,” we need new determination for a new decade. Poor, white blue collar workers who ought to be the natural allies of those gathered here are led by carefully crafted fear games to vote against their own best interest by those who tell them to look beyond their poverty and find consolation in the color of their skin; we need new determination for a new decade.
The times are too tough, the needs are too great for us to do political business as usual and do the same old things in the same old ways with the same old players, we have to find new common ground and do new things to fight new battles to realize the lofty promise that our nation will guarantee liberty and justice not for some, but for all, we need new determination for a new decade.
We can find it when we take to heart the words penned by James Weldon Johnson over ten decades ago, “Facing the rising sun of a new day begun, let us march on till victory is won.” When we have new determination for a new decade, we’ll march on and see good schools in Anderson County and in Allendale County, march on and see equitable law enforcement in Lexington County and in Lee County, march on and see quality housing in Greenville and in Greelyville, march on and see new jobs in Spartanburg and in Santee, march on and see environmental equity and equal justice in Newberry and in North Charleston.
We’ll have new determination and new direction and keep on marching, saying as did those in my faith tradition said just this side of slavery, before we had well dressed choirs and padded pews and pretty sanctuaries, “I’ve come this far, I find no fault, I feel like going on.” We need new determination for a new decade.
*Dr. Joseph Darby is the pastor in charge at Morris Brown AME Church, Charleston, South Carolina
16. LET’S GET OUT OF THE BLACKSMITH SHOP, AND GO EVANGELIZE:
Recently, I blogged the following statement regarding the merger in Midwest region on http://www.kcdministries.net/ that said, “The Midwest Conference has not yet [begun] touching the surface of what the Conference can be. As I've traveled the Connection we (AMEs) especially the Midwest must began writing legislation that can help meet the needs in these changing times; there is an unlimited amount of software available for church management…” and it made me feel….
As I reflect on what was posted; this statement is applicable to the Connectional Church. In other words replace the word ‘Midwest and Midwest Conference” with the words ‘Connectional Church’ and the words Connectional Church previously mentioned in the blog with Christendom. For clarification, the Midwest Conference of the Fifth Episcopal District consists of the central and western part of Missouri and two other states: Kansas and Nebraska. Under the previous Presiding Prelate, Bishop John R. Bryant the 106th elected and consecrated bishop received a resolution from the merger committee of both conferences: Northwest Missouri and Kansas Nebraska at the Midyear Conference in March 2006 summarizing the following statement about bringing the two conferences together: shares many things in common; benefit from shared resources; conserve time and travel and number of meetings; and will make a stronger unit. Furthermore, the merger was approved at the 48th General Conference. In my opinion, if the consolidation did not occur the Midwest region may have experienced further weakening and scattered resources at a faster pace.
Several churches in our Zion are doing quite well and are moving steady without missing a beat while others are struggling to make ends meet. No longer should the offering plate be a primary source of income for the church to do ministry. Therefore, the local church must look for ways to invest in partnerships to generate a stream of financial income and other resources to do ministry. All areas of the church must be managed: staff, finances and the building. Through our Quarterly Conferences at the local church these three areas are reported on but even with that this process needs to be reviewed to close up the gaps of mediocre administration. As I mentioned earlier there is software available for churches. Recently I have learned of some additional church management software on the market: Shelby, LOGOS and ACS Technologies. There are lower cost software packages such as Power church and Servant PC Resource. Simply search the web under church management software (CMS) for other software companies. Each software company will list its features on its designated website.
We can go as far as to say that each region in the Connection should invest in a franchise to generate the income to do effective ministry. The investment can be made after much research has been done. A few business ventures owned by religious groups come to mind when speaking of entrepreneurship are the following: Walgreens and Marriott Hotel, and back in the day Sinclair gas service stations. And of course, the Wingate Inn in Weldon Springs, Missouri near St. Louis, Missouri, a 100-room hotel owned by the members of the Fifth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. According to sources, the Wingate Inn is the first hotel owned by African Americans. Nevertheless, we pride ourselves in self-help but we are losing ground in what used to be one of our strong points in African Methodism.
For more than two hundred years, we continue to celebrate the boldness of our founder Bishop Richard Allen and others marching out of St. George’s Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to start the African Methodist Episcopal Church in a blacksmith shop. But we have not left the blacksmith shop since that time. Now, let us take what we have seen in the blacksmith shop for two centuries and began hammering out the opportunities to take advantage of what God has given us and “evangelize.”
The Rev. Eraina Marie Ross-Aseme, B.A., M. Div.
An Itinerant Elder of the Midwest Conference of the Fifth Episcopal District
17. THE REV. RODERICK DWAYNE BELIN DEVELOPS A SUPERB WORSHIP AND PERSONAL DEVOTIONAL RESOURCES:
*The Rev. Roderick Dwayne Belin
The Rev. Roderick Dwayne Belin has developed the following resources (appended below and attached) for use in congregations, small groups and private devotions as we seek to serve the people of Haiti and to understand tragedies and natural disasters.
Other resources and links are available at the Rev. Belin’s website: http://www.ibelin.me/category/worship-resources/
The Reverend Roderick Dwayne Belin is the pastor of Kairos Community African Methodist Episcopal Church, 5511 Edmondson Pike Suite 105, Nashville, Tennessee 37211; telephone: (615)332-3320; infor@kcame.org / www.kcame.org
Roderick Dwayne Belin
www.iBelin.me
AME Church Disaster Response: An Appeal©
How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.
– 1 John 3: 17-18
Our Brothers and Sisters in Haiti suffered a terrible tragedy on Tuesday, January 12, 2010. The massive loss of life and the cost of damages caused by the earthquake will not be estimated for some time. The presidential residence, the parliament building, hotels, and houses have been destroyed. Men, women, boys and girls are suffering as they wait for medical treatment in overcrowded hospitals and on the sidewalks outside.
Haiti is one of the poorest countries on the earth and this tragedy increases the suffering of God’s people in Haiti immeasurably. It is estimated that one-third of the 3 million people in Haiti are affected by the earthquake. The images coming out of Haiti show people searching for family members and loved ones through rubble and debris.
You must help. People are desperately in need of our prayers and our help. The African Methodist Episcopal Church, called to meet the emergent needs of God’s children with urgency, is already on the ground in Haiti working to search and rescue, provide water and to minister the Presence of God.
If our work in Haiti is to continue effectively, your financial contribution is needed. Give in a special offering today or go directly to the AME Church website and contribute there: www.ame-church.com
Readings for the 2nd Sunday After Epiphany Year C
Isaiah 62:1-5
Psalm 36:5-10
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
John 2:1-11
Possible themes to explore from these passages in light of the earthquake in Haiti include:
The Enduring Love of God for All Creation
“The Beloved Community”
Extreme hospitality
Unity
When human limitation meets God’s power
The Gifts of God to a Broken People (water/Baptism; wine/Communion; Gifts of the Spirit)
The Gifts of God for the Common Good
Appropriate passages for use in other ways:
Psalm 18
Psalm 46
Hymns appropriate to the occasion:
O God Our Help in Ages Past 61
When Peace Like a River 448
Be Not Dismayed Whate’er Betide 437
From Every Stormy Wind that Blows 419
His Eye is On the Sparrow 435
A Litany Crying Out for God’s Mercy
For the people of Haiti who are suffering the affects of the earthquake,
O Lord, we cry out to You for Your mercy.
For those still clinging to life beneath the rubble
O Lord, we cry out to You for Your mercy.
For each and every man, woman, boy and girl who are looking for loved ones and hoping to find them alive,
O Lord, we cry out to You for Your mercy.
For the workers from all over the world who labor to rescue, keep peace, minister and heal,
O Lord, we cry out to You for Your mercy.
For the ministers and laypeople who are with the suffering ministering to them Your Presence,
O Lord, we cry out to You for Your mercy.
For the memories of your Children who lost their lives in this tragedy,
O Lord, we cry out to You for Your mercy, Your strength and Your grace.
For the people of Haiti and for all who suffer in any place in this hour
O Lord, we cry out to You for Your mercy. AMEN
A Prayer for How to Help
Lord, we acknowledge that You are here, that You never left us even when all around us seemed to be falling apart. We are overcome by grief as we see the images of tragedy, as we hear the cries for help, and feel the pain of others’ suffering. Give ear, O Lord to the cries from our hearts and bring light to darkness, joy to sorrow, healing to pain. We come Lord for rest from the weariness of shock. We come seeking Your guiding hand in how we can respond.
How can we express Your love, O Lord? How can we be Your hands, O Lord? Give us strength and courage to do what pleases You, that we can put Your love in action, by word and deed and make Your presence known. Loving Father, Healer, Restorer, and Source of all hope, remove from us those things that prevent Your love from flowing through us. May we make a difference in someone’s life that they may come to know Your redeeming love and put their trust in You.
We ask this in the Name of Him who suffered for us, Jesus Christ our Lord, AMEN
(This prayer was written by Carlene L. Douglas, Nashville, TN)
A Prayer for People Still Trapped in the Rubble
O God, Creator and Sustainer of all that is, we come to You in reverence and humility thanking You for the great privilege of prayer. With our hearts heavy from grief and our minds filled with questions, we come to you! Once again and, as always, we need Your grace and mercy. God, we trust Your wisdom in all things.
Our hearts are filled with anguish for our sisters and brothers who are trapped in the rubble in Haiti who are still hoping and praying to be found before their spirits leave their bodies.
O God our Keeper! Your Word tells us, if we make our beds in Sheol, You are right there. So, show Yourself, manifest Your Presence to our sisters and brothers who are right now still trapped debris. Glorify Yourself in the rubble!
O God our Comforter! Wrap your loving arms around our Haitian sisters and brothers who are longing for to see their family members and loved ones again.
O God our Sustainer! Empower and strengthen rescue workers, keepers of the peace, medical personnel and preachers of your Gospel with your Holy Spirit.
O God our Peace! Breathe on Haiti.
O God our Healer! Heal broken bodies, troubled minds and sorrowing hearts.
O God our Joy! Penetrate the grief, pain and sorrow by the great power of your Presence that all may know, even in tragedies, that you are the Lord.
In Jesus’ holy name, AMEN
Haiti – Caring Enough to Ask Why
A Meditation
What do we think about what has happened in Haiti? Pat Robertson has proffered a spiritual reason for this tragedy that is frighteningly hateful. A young friend has just tweeted simply, “Theodicy?” which is a defense of the goodness of God in the face of “evil.” These two are among a host of people who are struggling to understand how and why such horrible occurrences happen in the world. The tsunami which took place in 2004 and Hurricane Katrina gave rise to similar questionings. At the root of many of the questions really is; why would God let something like this happen to God’s creation?
Even the people who bequeathed to us the writings that make up the book of Genesis wrestled with why tragedies happen. I suppose we are no closer to finding a satisfactory answer now than then. Well, let me just speak for myself: I have no answers, but I care. I care deeply. I care enough to act and I care enough to ask.
Yes, I will contribute financially to the relief effort and encourage friends and those I serve to do the same. But, beyond this, I will do the much harder work of grieving the dead. I will sit still and, at least, try to wrap my mind around the scope of the loss of life. I will work hard not to hear the big number of the nameless, faceless others who died in the tragedy. Instead, I will try to mourn individual people… mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, babies of specific and particular backgrounds who have ceased to hope, to love. I will look up and out into space imagining the direction of these brothers and sisters who have taken transit to the next realm and I will re-member them. I will name them and not number them. I will remember; I will put the broken back together in my heart. I will love these individual people.
Of course, I will ask “why?” But having the answer is not as important as caring enough to ask the question.
This resource above and attached is copyrighted. ©
18. FAULT FINDERS:
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts
There are some of us who can, and do, find faults in anything, everything and anybody. No matter what it may be or no matter who it may be and what they may be doing, some of us will find a fault. I believe that some of us find faults in others because of our jealousy. We find faults because we are lacking the opportunity and short of the desired capabilities of what is expected of us. Finding faults is easy if that is all you are looking for. Finding fault is the forerunner of making excuses.
I am sure you have heard these:
How was church today? It was alright but...
Did you enjoy the Preacher? He was ok, but…
Did you like that solo that sister B did? It was alright but…
Did you see that dress she had own? Yes, but it didn’t do anything for her…
Do you tithe? I would but I don’t like the way they handle the money…
It seems that “fault finders” always use the preposition “but.”
As Jesus stood before Pilate with all of the trumped up charges against him, Pilate said to the multitude I find no fault in this man. Luke 23:4
The Pharisees and the Scribes found fault in the disciples not washing their hands before eating. Mark 7:2
The Pharisees and scribes found fault with Jesus eating and drinking with sinners. Luke 15:2.
This is the way that many of us miss the central point of Christianity. We must go among them if we expect to win them.
Some of the Disciples found fault in the woman washing the feet of Jesus with precious ointments. Mark 14:3-5
Finding faults is a convenient way for us not to participate, and not to give credit to who credit is due. It is a way of “coping out.”
The songwriter penned: “In the midst of faults and failure stand by me,” which points to that fact that none of us are faultless and we are not perfect.
Those of us who spend our precious time looking for faults in others could use that valuable time looking into a mirror.
We must keep in mind that there is a difference between finding faults and making constructive criticisms. I am sure that all of us, at one time or another, could have stood some constructive criticism. But finding faults just to be finding fault is futile. The person who does not like or accept constructive criticism is doomed for failure.
Brethren if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Galatians 6:1
I learned these few lines when I was in elementary school: There is so much good in the worse of us. There is so much bad in the best of us. So it doesn’t behoove any of us, to talk about the rest of us.
Question
What do you say about a person who boasts about not wanting anything any body else doesn’t want, but goes down town and buys a used car?
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts, Ptaegar@AOL.Com author, teacher, counselor, and humorist is a retired AME pastor who resides in Eatonville, Florida
19. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- The Honorable Rev. André L. Spivey, the pastor of St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Detroit, Michigan, was sworn in at the City of Detroit Inauguration last week along with the Mayor, City Clerk and eight other council members.
The first time candidate was elected to the Detroit City Council from a field of 168 candidates. He came in tenth place in the August Primary and in November, he finished in sixth place to win a seat on the nine member full-time board. The Hon. Rev. Spivey will help to make decisions to approve city contracts, create ordinances, reduce crime, reduce the budget deficit and create an atmosphere for job creation.
There have been laypersons from the AME Church in Detroit who have served on the Detroit Council City but the Honorable Rev. Spivey is the first AME pastor to serve on the council. The Hon. Rev. Spivey has a Bachelor's Degree from Morehouse College, a Master of Divinity from Colgate Rochester Divinity School and is completing a master's thesis at Central Michigan University.
Congratulatory messages can be emailed to: cdavis@spamec.org
- Presiding Elder Kenneth and Mrs. Dianna Golphin are very pleased to announce the graduation of their daughter, Chastity Renay Golphin, from the Northern Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. The African American Student Union graduation exercises were held on Friday evening, December 18, 2009 at 7:00. The University graduation exercises were held on Saturday morning, December 19 at 9:00. Chastity plans to continue studies at Northern Kentucky towards a Masters in Communication.
Contact Information:
Chastity Renay Golphin
golphinc1@nku.edu
Presiding Elder Kenneth J. Golphin
eldergolphin@aol.com
Mrs. Dianna B. Golphin
mrsgolphin@aol.com
- Mrs. Mary M. Hughes, mother of Presiding Elder Thomas M. Hughes, South District of the Chicago Conference of the 4th Episcopal District, celebrated her 96th birthday on Saturday, November 21, 2009.
Mrs. Mary M. Hughes extends gratitude to the many friends and well wishers, who joined her family in celebrating her birthday. "It is one of the most enjoyable birthdays that I have ever had, and you helped to make it so. The memory will linger always.”
Congratulatory messages can be emailed to:
Presiding Elder Thomas M. Hughes,
South District-Chicago Conference
petmhughes299@sbcglobal.net
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the sudden passing of Sister Lorene Ford Hickman, of Ozark, Alabama. Sister Hickman passed away on Sunday, January 10, 2010. She is the mother-in-law of Rev. Lionel Green, Pastor of St. Samaritan AME Church, Coldwater, Mississippi, and the mother of Mrs. Betty Green (first lady). Rev. Lionel Green, pastors in the North Mississippi Conference on the Clarksdale District, Rev. J.L. Moore, Presiding Elder.
Funeral Services for Sister Lorene Ford Hickman:
Saturday January 16, 2010
11:00 a.m.
Church of God by Faith
214 King Street
Ozark, Alabama, 36360
Elder J.C. Smith, Pastor
All condolences can be sent to:
Holman Funeral Home
995 South Union Avenue
Ozark, Alabama, 36360
Phone: (334)-774-5348
www.Holmanfuneralhome.com.
The Rev. and Mrs. Lionel Green can be reached by cell phone: (251) 753-1008
21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Dianne A. Bryant, the sister of the Rev. Ronald Freeman, pastor of St. Luke AME Church, Daugherty, Virginia and the sister-in-law of Mrs. Nona Freeman, first lady.
Funeral Services will be held for Mrs. Dianne A. Bryant at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at the:
Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church
2357 L Road
Chestertown, Maryland 21620
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. & Mrs. Ronald Freeman
4712 Chalfont Drive
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23464
(757) 467-4422
(757) 439-2472 (Mobile)
Communications may also be sent via the Rev. Freeman's niece, Michele Foster, to the following email address: shelbel1@yahoo.com
22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Brother John Leonard Druid, who passed away on Friday, January 8, 2010. He was the brother of Presiding Elder Richard T. Druid (New Jersey Conference, Atlantic City District). The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing and Funeral, Saturday, January 16, 2010
Viewing - 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Funeral - 11:00 a.m.
Allen A.M.E. Church
1717 Bishop Richard Allen Ave.
Atlantic City, NJ 08041
Phone: 609-345-6452
Fax: 609-345-0010
The Rev. Samuel L. Hayes, Jr., Pastor
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Presiding Elder Richard T. Druid
5 Hemlock Drive
Edison, NJ 08820
908-754-0166
23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Sister Lynell Davis. She was the mother of the Rev. Rita Story, Pastor of Burks Chapel AME Church, Paducah, Kentucky.
Service Arrangement for Sister Lynell Davis:
Family Visitation and Service will be held at:
Harrison Street Missionary Baptist Church
1126 Harrison Street
Paducah, Kentucky 42001
Phone: 270-442-8946
Family Visitation:
Friday, January 15, 2010 - 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Service: Saturday, January 16, 2010 - 12:00 Noon
Professional services provided by:
Pettus Funeral Home
1229 Madison Street
Paducah, Kentucky 42001
Phone: 270-442-5749
Fax: 270-442-0272
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Reverend Rita Story, Pastor
Burks Chapel AME Church
635 Ohio Street
Paducah, Kentucky 42003
Phone: 270-443-9390
Phone: 270-564-3425
Email: ritastory@aol.com
24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mother Leanna Hill. She was the grandmother of Dr. Derek H. Anderson, Connectional RAYAC President and Member of the AME Church Board of Trustees and grandmother-in-law to Mrs. Aimee Hurst Anderson, Ohio Conference YPD Director, and great grandmother of Master Cory Isaiah Anderson.
Service arrangements for Mother Leanna Hill:
Friday, January 15, 2010
Viewing: 11:00 a.m.
The Celebration Service: 12:00 Noon
St. Paul A.M.E. Church
1108 Second Avenue
Charleston, West Virginia 25302
304-343-3085 (P)
304-346-5838 (F)
Condolences may be sent to:
Dr. Derek Anderson & Family
3191 E. Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio 43209
Email: DerekStPaul@aol.com
25. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Thurman Dennie, the husband of the Rev. Dr. Deborah T. Dennie, the immediate past 13th Episcopal District WIM president. Thurman Dennie passed on Friday, January 8, 2010.
The funeral has been held.
Words of comfort, cards, etc. may be sent to:
The Rev. Dr. Deborah T. Dennie
1479 Pinecrest
Memphis, Tennessee 38111
26. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mr. Cecil Alberty, the brother of Presiding Elder Clarence Boyd, President of the Presiding Elders' Council for the 12th Episcopal District, and Presiding Elder of the Hot Springs District, West Arkansas Annual Conference, and the brother-in-law of Mrs. Birdie M. Boyd, First Lady of the Hot Springs District and 1st Vice President of CONN-M-SWAWO + PK'S.
Service Arrangements for Mr. Cecil Alberty:
Funeral:
Friday, January 15, 2010
11:00 a.m.
Mrs. J. W. Jones Memorial Chapel
703 North 10th Street
Kansas City, Kansas 66102
Phone: (913) 321-0253
Fax: (913) 321-1444
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Presiding Elder and Mrs. Clarence Boyd
9700 LaBette Drive
Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
Phone: 501-747-1829
Cell: 501-944-5416
Home email: cbboyd@swbell.net
Office email: cvbfeb1935@global.net
27. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with sorrow that we announce the death on Saturday, January 9, 2010, of Mr. James H. Thurman Sr., father of The Reverend Sharon Johnson, pastor of Wilson Chapel AME Church in Parksville, Kentucky.
Service Arrangements for Mr. James H. Thurman Sr.:
There will be visitation 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. on Friday, January 15, 2010, with the funeral to follow at 11:30 a.m. at the First Corinthian Baptist Church in Frankfort, Kentucky.
First Corinthian Baptist Church
214 Murray Street
Frankfort, Kentucky 40601-2945
502.875.1569
O. L. Hughes and Sons Mortuary
322 East Third Street
Lexington, Kentucky 40508-1945
859.233.7112
Contact:
The Rev. Sharon Johnson
john5477@bellsouth.net
P.O. Box 944
Wilsonville, Kentucky 40423-0944
28. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs. Wesiona Walker entered into eternal rest on Friday, January 8, 2010. Mrs. Walker was 89 years old at the time of her death. She was a life member of the Women's Missionary Society of the AME Church and a faithful member of The St. John AME Church in Eufaula, Alabama. Along with nine (9) living children, she leaves to mourn her death, the Rev. David Walker, pastor of Bethel AME Church in Gainesville, Georgia.
Recognition of Mrs. Walker's 90th Birthday and Visitation with Family:
Friday, January 15, 2010, 6:30 PM
Sanford Memorial Chapel Funeral Home
549 S. Randolph Avenue
Eufaula, Alabama 36027
334-687-6900
334-687-4500 fax
Funeral: Saturday, January 16, 2010, 12 Noon
ST. John A.M.E. Church
901 Dale Road
Eufaula, Alabama 36027
Condolences may be sent to:
The Walker Family
% The Reverend David Walker
P. O. Box 2703
Aiken, South Carolina 29802
(803) 640-7200 or (803) 640-9888
Email: dawlk@aol.com
29. 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
30. 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.
