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 – EVERYBODY SHOULD READ THIS MESSAGE:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
Would you believe that I received a telephone call from Sister Jones this past Monday. You might recall that I happened to have heard a conversation the she and her friend, Sister Smith had in a restaurant in June at the General Board Meeting that was held in Birmingham. Two editorials were based on their conversation. One editorial was based on the conversation they had in the restaurant and the other editorial was based on a telephone call I received a couple of weeks ago from Sister Smith. I was getting ready for a third installment based upon the telephone call I received from Sister Jones on Monday. We had a great conversation. She has some creative thoughts about the AME Church and about evangelism. I could tell that she loves the AME Church.
“But”
Whenever you read “But” in the Bible, hear “But” in a sermon, or hear “But” in a conversation you can expect a transition.
So the editorial that I was planning to submit in this space has been preempted by a troubling pattern involving emails that needs to be addressed.
And this is not the first time that I have addressed this issue. Apparently people are not heeding our warnings, don’t care, don’t believe it’s an issue, or most likely haven’t figured out how to correct the issue and might not know how to get help. I hope that it’s the last reason; that they most likely haven’t figured out how to correct the issue.
What precipitated my addressing this issue once again is that it has come to my attention that a number of people in our Zion are having their computers compromised and hackers are getting into their personal data, particularly their email accounts. We are seeing more instances of bogus emails being sent claiming that someone is stranded overseas. And when that happens, email addresses and other data are lost and compromised.
How do I know that we still have a problem?
We still have a problem because I still receive multiple-addressed emails from Bishops, General Officers, Presiding Elders, Pastors, Connectional Officers, and laity. I have received several today.
I rarely get multiple addressed emails with the email addresses exposed from young people. Why? Because young people know the dangers of exposed email addresses and oftentimes they don’t want other addressees to know to whom they are sending messages.
The Solution up front
I am almost too embarrassed to say this again, but here goes.
When you FORWARD messages, REMOVE all email addresses before you forward messages. Use the Bcc Field when sending multiple addressed email messages; and use the BCC field when forwarding email messages to several people.
Why?
When we expose people’s email addresses we put them at risk for spammers and unscrupulous people who are trying to gain access to email addresses and other personal information.
We need to get smart
When you send a message with, say 25 email addresses exposed, some of the recipients, say 10 of them might forward your message with 25 exposed addressees, along with 25 addressees of their own to someone else and they, in turn, might forward the message to 50 persons and, Ad infinitum. Unscrupulous people can compromise some or all of the visible email addresses.
Who would do such a thing?
People who into sexual misconduct, people wanting to sell something (use your imagination), people who have particular political agendas, people trying to get money from gullible people, religious organizations trying to get donations; organizations promoting one cause or another who are too lazy or too cheap to develop their own mailing lists, so they get names and email addresses any way they can; political candidates, social networking organizations, people who are trying to amass email addresses so they can sell them to vendors looking for multiple email addresses.
Ever Wonder…
Ever wonder why you get so many email messages from people you don’t know; email messages from organizations that you are not affiliated with; pharmaceuticals with whom you haven’t dealt; offers for personal relationships and dates; emails extending offers that are too good to be true and emails offering to enhance your sexual prowess?
Probably has something to do with…
Most likely it has something to do with unwanted and unsolicited emails and probably has something to do with someone replying to, or forwarding your exposed email address.
What other things can happen?
For instance when you forward (Reply to all) an email from the Administrator AMEC Clergy Family Information Center, the Connectional Lay Organization, or any multiple-addressed exposed emails, you compromise them and when people receive your email with their email address visible, people can see their address as spam (unwanted and unsolicited email). The TCR email address can be forwarded, but it is a “no-reply” email address (my thanks to the Rev. Al Paris who set it up that way). The bottomline is that bad things can happen and bad things are happening more frequently as more of the members of our Zion acquire computers.
What else can you do?
The adage goes, “Curiosity killed the cat” and that’s a great message to remember as you “wade” more into the internet and exchange emails. If you don’t recognize an email address, don’t open it. Do not reply to unsolicited email offers. Don’t let curiosity “kill” or “harm” your computer.
And one other thing
Unless you have a MAC, you must purchase virus protection. My virus protection blocks harmful email messages every day. If you don’t have virus protection, your computer is infected; take my word for it!
Let me say this again
When you FORWARD messages, REMOVE all email addresses before you forward email messages. Use the Bcc Field when sending multiple addressed email messages; and use the BCC field when forwarding email messages to several people.
Don’t know how to do set up Bcc
You don’t have to call a technology expert. Grab any teenager or young person and he or she will show you how to do set up Bcc. Setting up and using Bcc would be a great deterrent of having your email and personal information compromised.
I hope everybody reads this message.
Just one more caution
Be careful with the social networking. Social networking can be a lot of fun and interacting with family and friends can be exhilarating. If you download an infected file, your system may become infected. If you don’t have virus protection, I recommend that you cease the social networking “scene” until you have installed a virus protection program on your computer.
Share this message. And you are encouraged to forward it!
2. NEW HAITI STRATEGIC PLANNING TEAM:
The Editor will be out of the office the first part of next week.
Bishop Sarah F. Davis, Presiding Prelate of the 16th Episcopal District has invited a delegation from across the AME Connection to be a part of “AMEs Working for a ‘New Haiti’ Strategic Planning Team.”
I have accepted Bishop Davis’ invitation and will be traveling to Haiti next week. The delegation will spend three days, August 30 – September 1 assessing the possible role of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in rebuilding our AME Churches, schools and clinics.
I am looking forward to sharing information about the work of the “New Haiti Strategic Planning Team.”
3. CHALLENGE V – READING THE BIBLE FROM COVER TO COVER IN 90 DAYS:
Those of us who accepted the Challenge V and who are on-track, will finish up on Monday. I am happy to say that I plan to finish up tomorrow (Saturday). I have learned a lot on this journey. Just to share one learning: In the Gospel of John, Jesus performed only seven miracles; I counted them. Between the Challenge V reading plan and this quarter’s Sunday School lessons, I learned a lot about Paul and the various churches he addressed in his epistles.
If you haven‘t tried reading the Bible from cover to cover, I strongly recommend doing so.
4. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
- To the Editor:
RE: TCR News Break - AME Georganna Sinkfield elected as the Democratic nominee for the Secretary of State of Georgia
Is it ok to not be a democrat and still be an AME? Would a Republican or an Independent candidate running for office be reported in TCR News if they were a member of the church? Maybe they have in the recent past (if there were any) and I didn't see it. I'm fairly new to TCR News and enjoy reading it, I was just curious because I'm also a fairly new member of the church and I'm black and not a Democrat. I don't have to tell you what some in our community would call me. Please respond if this message finds you.
Name Withheld
Editor’s response: Yes if an AME Republican, Independent were elected and if that accomplishment were sent to TCR, we would be honored to share the accomplishment of one of our members. As a non-profit, we cannot endorse any candidacy, but we can acknowledge a member’s accomplishments.
5. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE REV. JAMES T. GOLDEN, ESQ. - DEMOCRATIC NOMINEE FOR THE 13TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT (FLA.) SEAT IN THE US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:
Congratulations to the Rev. James T. Golden, M.Div., JD, an AME pastor, who has been elected as the first African-American Democratic nominee for the 13th Congressional District seat in the US House Of Representatives. He hopes to become the next US Congressman from Florida.
6. A MESSAGE FROM MRS. ORA EASLEY, ADMINISTRATOR AMEC CLERGY FAMILY INFORMATION CENTER:
The ministry of the AMEC Clergy Family Information Center continues to expand its outreach. Notifications are being sent to thousands of email recipients in Districts 1-20. Praise The Lord! Although growth is "a blessing" it can also be problematic, due to the fact that email notifications are sent in bulk and servers are escalating their watch for the continued increase in SPAM which floods our Inboxes daily. As the Administrator of the AMEC Clergy family Information Center and recognizing that there was a continuous increase in email recipients, I upgraded the Home Office Residential account to a Business account several months ago.
However, for the past several weeks it appears that a block has been placed on Amespouses1@bellsouth.net by some servers. This block has prevented The AMEC Clergy Family Information Center notices from reaching some AME Church families with Comcast, Hotmail, Charter mail, MSN, EmbarqMail, and CS.Com. The escalating problem only became apparent recently when telephone inquiries were received; and there were very few returned email notices from carriers notifying us that emails were not being delivered.
To eliminate the problem and to assure that all email recipients receive notifications, the AMEC Clergy Family Information Center has now secured its own domain name/email address: OeasleyL@amecfic.net.
We ask that you add the new email address to your Address Book.
Also, check your Spam folders regularly. If notices are found in the Spam folder, please click "This is not Spam."
If you wish to continue sending notices via Amespouses1@bellsouth.net you may continue to do so, however it will be good to know that we also now receive notices at OeasleyL@amecfic.net.
Thank you for your prayers and understanding.
As in the past, we shall continue to list the "Option" for you to discontinue receiving notices in each notification posted for those who wish to choose this option.
Thank you again and God Bless!
Mrs. Ora L. Easley, Administrator AMEC Clergy Family Information Center; email: OEasleyl@amecfic.net; Website: www.amecfic.org.
7. ST. LUKE AME CHURCH RETURNS TO ITS MISSION AFTER WINNING COURT JUDGMENT:
Brother Bruce Butcher
Members of the Youngstown District of the North Ohio Annual Conference, led by the Presiding Elder, the Reverend P. Robert Tate had praise and worship service Saturday, August 14, 2010 at St. Luke A.M.E. Church, 1050 E. Patterson Street, Alliance, Ohio. The worship service was the Youngstown Districts’ response to a show appreciation to the members who diligently continue to hold up the banner of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
St. Luke had been a part of the A.M.E. Church connection for over one hundred years (the church was founded in 1907), some disaffected members decided to leave the Connectional Church and wanted to take the St. Luke property with them and become St. Luke Independent Church. Bishop Henning’s was involved in the lawsuit from the moment he was assigned Bishop of the Third Episcopal District and was instrumental in negotiating the settlement (court judgment rendered in favor of the Church, April of 2010). After lengthy litigation the civil court ruled that the A. M. E. Church was the rightful owner of the property and could continue to operate in the manner it was accustomed to.
A congenial spirit pervaded the entire worship experience. The building itself was neat and clean throughout; from the pulpit to the bathrooms. The lawn was also freshly mowed and trimmed. Worshipper’s vehicles quickly filled up the parking lot as the people exchanged greetings when they entered the sanctuary. The members continue to maintain all aspects of the church.
The service began promptly at 11:00 a.m. Presiding Elder P. Robert Tate served as the worship leader. Reverend Marcia Ball, Supply Pastor, lead those present in the Call to Worship. Brother Matthew Baxter, a member of Bayard United Methodist Church served as the organist. Brother Baxter voluntarily plays for St. Luke each Sunday. The Reverend Gregory Thomas, pastor of Quinn Chapel, Cleveland and the Reverend Gwendolyn Johnson, Pastor of Reed’s Chapel, Youngstown, served as ushers.
There were feelings of gratitude and forgiveness expressed in the service. The Reverend James Harris, Presiding Elder of the Cleveland District was in attendance, and led in the Altar Call, with a dynamic prayer of forgiveness for the enemies of St Luke Church and asked for God’s blessing upon those present.
Mr. Everett Lenier thanked Bishop Henning, the Youngstown District, the North Ohio Annual Conference and the Third Episcopal District for its role in helping the members of St. Luke church to keep the church. The Rev. John Frazier, Supply Pastor, Asbury Chapel AME Church, Waynesburg was the preacher and preached from the subject, “I’m Free” (St. John 4:19-26). The sermon was well received.
The Youngstown District left a gift of $1,300 with St. Luke Church. Presiding Elder Tate stated the Third Episcopal District, will have a worship celebration in the very near future led by our Bishop, C. Garnett Henning Sr.
After the benediction we retired to the Fellowship Hall where we enjoyed fellowship and a wonderful meal.
The ministers present beside Presiding Elders Tate and Harris included; the Reverend Bruce L. Butcher, the Reverend Gwendolyn Johnson, the Reverend Frederick Kennedy, the Reverend Louise Jackson, the Reverend Eddie Renfroe, the Reverend Theresa Conner, the Reverend Marcia Ball, the Reverend Gregory Thomas, and the Reverend John Frazier.
The Churches present included; St. Paul, Akron, Reed’s Chapel, Youngstown, St. John, Struthers, St. Paul, Canton, Lee’s Chapel, Wellsville, Allen Temple, Cleveland, Asbury Chapel, Waynesburg, Quinn Chapel, Cleveland, Mt. Moriah, Maple Heights, and Allen Chapel, Ravenna.
8. INFORMATION ABOUT THE RETIREMENT OF BISHOPS:
The Bishops are the Chief Officers of the Connectional Organization. They are elected for life by a majority vote of the General Conference which meets every four years. Bishops are bound by the laws of the church to retire upon the General Conference nearest their 75th birthday.
9. KATRINA REMEMBERED - LAWYERS’ COMMITTEE RELEASES FIVE-YEAR KATRINA REPORT; CONTINUED RACIAL JUSTICE AND RECOVERY NEEDED:
Lawyers’ Committee Releases Five-Year Katrina Report and Emphasizes Need for Continued Fight for Racial Justice and Recovery Efforts Report, Released During 85th Annual National Bar Association Convention in New Orleans, Details Legal Assistance to Hurricane Victims
Washington, D.C., August 13, 2010 – This week, on the occasion of the National Bar Association’s 85th Annual Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law released “Five Years of Commitment: Providing Legal Assistance in the Gulf Post Katrina.” The report details the organization’s commitment to low-income and minority communities disproportionately affected in both Louisiana and Mississippi following the wrath of Hurricane Katrina.
“Within two weeks of the hurricane slamming ashore on August 29, 2005, a Lawyers' Committee staff attorney was on-site in the Gulf Coast assisting clients,” said Lawyers’ Committee Executive Director Barbara Arnwine. “Within a month we partnered with our Mississippi affiliate, the Mississippi Center for Justice (MCJ), and formed the Disaster Survivors Legal Assistance Initiative and quickly forged a strong partnership with the Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center.”
“Through the Initiative, the Lawyers' Committee has emerged as the leading national civil rights organization providing legal assistance to victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita,” Ms. Arnwine added. “Between 2005 and 2009, law firms contributed 34,856 pro bono hours valued at $16,121,000."
The immediate focus of the Lawyers’ Committee’s work was to support displaced homeowners and renters in obtaining assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Within two months of the storm, the Lawyers' Committee brought the first challenge to the failed response of FEMA in the landmark McWaters v. FEMA case, forcing FEMA to improve and continue providing housing assistance to tens of thousands of Hurricane Katrina victims.
Since 2005, the Lawyers’ Committee, MCJ, key board members serving on a Gulf Coast Task Force and scores of legal volunteers have supported a wide array of housing and community economic development initiatives and engaged aggressively in fair housing advocacy and litigation.
The needs in the region are still great, some further impacted by the Deepwater Horizon environmental catastrophe. In assessing the region’s continuing needs, Lawyers’ Committee staff have met with over 40 community organizations in Louisiana and Mississippi, many of which we have worked with since the Initiative was launched.
Outreach, including a weeklong visit to the Gulf Coast in April and three days in New Orleans in June, revealed significant barriers to affordable and fair housing opportunities which continue to exist, requiring both transactional and litigation assistance. In fact, local groups specifically identified an unmet need for legal assistance for community organizations engaged in affordable housing development and advocacy. A number of issues identified require particularly urgent and focused attention which local civil rights and legal services attorneys emphasized presently overwhelm their current capacity to address.
“The Lawyers’ Committee remains committed to fighting for racial justice and ongoing recovery efforts,” said Ms. Arnwine. “In addition to addressing issues of adequate housing, ongoing efforts, as detailed in the report, include collaborative title clearing for homeowners and nonprofits, organizational capacity and nonprofit restructuring, affordable housing development, community land trusts, port expansion and much more.”
About the Lawyers’ Committee
The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law (LCCRUL), a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, was formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy to involve the private bar in providing legal services to address racial discrimination. The principal mission of the Lawyers’ Committee is to secure, through the rule of law, equal justice under law, particularly in the areas of fair housing and fair lending, community development, employment discrimination, voting, education and environmental justice. For more information about the LCCRUL, visit www.lawyerscommittee.org.
10. THE WORLD METHODIST COUNCIL, AUGUST 1-3, 2011 AND WORLD METHODIST CONFERENCE, AUGUST 4-8, 2011:
We are looking forward to our time together at the World Methodist Council and Conference in Durban, South Africa, August 1-8, 2011.
For more information contact Bishop John White: (954) 416-5133.
11. REPORT FROM THE 127TH SESSION OF THE CANADIAN ANNUAL CONFERENCE HELD IN WINDSOR, ONTARIO FROM AUGUST 3RD-8TH, 2010:
The Canadian Annual Conference was held at the Holiday Inn Select in Windsor, Ontario Canada, ably hosted by Campbell AME Church, Chatham, Ontario. The host pastor was the energetic and indefatigable Rev. Alcott Alda Germany I, with assistance and support from the Rev. Cory Millben, Presiding Elder.
Presiding over the Annual Conference was the Senior Bishop of the African Methodist and Presiding Prelate of the 4th Episcopal District, the Rt. Rev. John R. Bryant with our Episcopal Supervisor, the Rev. Dr Cecilia Williams-Bryant.
The Conference activities began on Tuesday 3rd August with the Evangelism Day during which various evangelism workshops aimed at the attainment of certification were held.
The mid-day hour of power sermon was preached by Licentiate Clifford Ivory and it was entitled, "Get Your ‘But’ in Gear.” His text was from James 1:2. He admonished us to stop making excuses by the use of the word “But.” We can’t be seen only talking the talk and not walking the walk. James tells us in times of trial to have patience, wisdom, and above all faith in God. The “Buts” in our lives ought to be shifted from the “Buts” of our dire circumstance to “But God” bringing us through.
The evening worship service was another high point of the day. The word was brought by the Rev. Jerry Hatter, pastor of Brown Chapel AME Church, Ypsilanti, Michigan and also the 4th District Director of Evangelism. His sermon was entitled, “Time to Get to Work” and his text was from II Timothy 4:1-5. He said that it is time for us to go to work for the Lord in winning lost souls for Christ; and we are all called to be evangelists whether certified or not. Eleven Evangelists, all from Campbell AME Church received certification.
Day two was entirely devoted to Missionary activities with our Episcopal Supervisor, the Rev. Dr Cecilia Williams-Bryant presiding over the meetings and workshops where strategies for further enhancing the work of the Women’s Missionary Society were discussed. The day was concluded with the evening “Night in White” worship service. The Rev. Cheryl Phillips delivered a powerful sermon entitled, “We Are Well Able.” Her text was from Numbers 12:16; 13:1-3; and 13:17-33. In the text, despite the evil report from ten of the twelve spies, Caleb said they were able to possess the land; note that he didn’t say conquer it, because he believed God had already given them the land. Rev. Phillips said that as long as we believe and obey God in the vision God has given us, we are able to fulfill whatever dreams God has given us.
The official opening of the Annual Conference was on Thursday, August 5th with a welcome message from the Mayor of the city of Windsor.
The morning business session kicked off with Presiding Elder Millben reading the names of various conference appointees. The Bishop told us of the theme for the new conference year which is, “An Incredible Integrity.” He acknowledged the presence of various ministers from across the border that had come to honour us with their presence. Bishop Bryant gave us conference updates and commended the conference for our participation in response to the earthquake disaster in Haiti; being part of the mission trip to Chennai, India; and the positive impact our young people had on the people of the Dominican Republic by helping to restore a church and engaging in street evangelism ministry, which led to many souls being saved. Bishop Bryant also mentioned “The Great Gathering” in March, which was held in Columbia, South Carolina. “The Great Gathering” brought together the AME, AME Zion and CME Churches in a partnership initiative never done before.
The Bishop also informed the conference that a new property had been secured for the conference offices and work would begin soon on preparing it for occupancy.
The opening day Hour of Power mid-day service had the Rev. Brian Warren preaching a powerful message entitled, “Get Ahead” and his texts were from Deuteronomy 3:11; Acts 2:1-3; Rom. 8:26: and Mark 8:22-26. He told the worshippers that it was time to skip over the giants impeding our personal and collective growth and encouraged us to be of one-accord, even when the going gets tough because the Holy Spirit makes intercession for us and we have to come out of our comfort zones and stand up to be counted to insure that we get ahead and reach our God-given potential.
The afternoon business session began with the Annual Conference Board of Examiners presenting their report; and three new licentiates were presented to the Bishop, while other licentiates and deacons in their various years of study continue to progress satisfactorily. Two members from Central Grove AME Church were presented for consecration as deaconesses and the Rev. Milton Harris was presented for ordination as a Local Elder.
The Presiding Elder’s report and reports from the pastoral reports were given.
The evening worship service was truly a “high energy” with the word brought by the Rev. Alcott Germany. His sermon was entitled, “Stop doing it Wrong, Start doing it Right.” He emphasised the need for us to recognize the various sins in our lives, repent from them, turn a new leaf and start living the way God would have us live. He reminded everyone that the only way to keep doing it right is to have the Holy Spirit in-dwelling in us.
The next day started with a highly educative and informative workshop conducted by the Rev. Marcus Cylar which was titled, “Technology and the Church: Strange Bedfellows or Necessary Partners.” He alerted the conference that the AME church was already lagging behind in embracing and harnessing the various modes of information technology that is now readily available. He explained that embracing technology will definitely extend our reach beyond our local communities and enhance our work of evangelism, which is our primary assignment. He pointed us to various parts of the scriptures to support his views that we are indeed called to take the lead in utilizing information technology resources to fulfill the Great Commission.
The business session continued with pastors’ reports and adjourned for the noonday Hour of Power. The Hour of Power worship service was conducted by the Women In Ministry of the 4th Episcopal District and it was indeed an atmosphere of worship. The guest preacher was the Rev. Bernita Hawkins-Whitehead from the Indiana Conference and her sermon was entitled, “At Your Service.” She delivered a thought-provoking sermon which challenged us to question our motives for service. Rev. Hawkins-Whitehead asked, “Is it for self elevation, personal gain and enrichment or is it to bring lost souls to the knowledge of the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ?” She reminded everyone that only what you do for Christ will last and encouraged the congregation to endure and to follow Christ’s model for servant-leadership.
More business session reports were given in the afternoon session by the local churches and Bishop Bryant had words of advice and encouragement for all the pastors. There was never a dull moment as the Bishop’s sense of humour made for a very lively session indeed. The day ended with the Annual Evening Lay Service at which the Rev. Jivaro Smith preached a sermon entitled, “Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover” and his text was taken from 1 Samuel 16:6-7. He admonished us to refrain from making judgment calls based on our preconceived notions and stereotypes about people because, while man looks at the outward appearance, God looks at the heart. And, often, the people we regard as most insignificant, God uses for God’s glory.
Saturday, August 7th started with the memorial service. The late Episcopal Supervisor Yvonne Kawimbe and Dr. John W.P. Collier were remembered.
The Consecration and Ordination service followed the memorial service. The preacher of the hour was Presiding Elder Norman Osborne from the South District of the Michigan Annual Conference. The text of his sermon was taken from Luke 4:18-19 and his sermon was entitled, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me.” He advised the newly ordained Elder to always be led by the Holy Spirit, to respond and answer the call to ministry with humility; trust God; preach and live the word with conviction. The service ended with the Sacrament of the Holy Communion.
The YPD had their meetings with the Rev. Dr Cecilia Williams-Bryant and they elected their delegates and alternates to the YPD Quadrennial Meeting that will be held in Orlando, Florida in July 2011. They also held a three-on-three basketball competition at the University of Windsor’s basketball courts. The three-on-three basketball competition was an event filled with lots of fun and laughter and the some of the ministers who participated came to the “sad” realization that youth almost always win over age. The youth however showed humility in victory.
The Lay meeting was held in the afternoon and President of the 4th Episcopal District Lay organization, Sister Madge White made a presentation on the forthcoming 32nd Biennial Lay Convention to be hosted by the 4th District in Detroit in August 2011. She solicited the cooperation and assistance of everyone to ensure a successful hosting of the event.
The day ended with the YPD evening worship service. The theme of the service centered around various Bible quotations by our Lord Jesus Christ starting with the words, “I Am,” such as can be found in John 10:11, John 14:16 etc.; and the youth exhibited their talents and gifts by reading their various write-ups based on the “I Am” theme. The high-point of the service was the powerful move of the Holy Spirit when the Rev. Brian Warren prayed for each individual child, ably assisted by all the ministers. A lot of the young people felt the power of the anointing; they were slain in the spirit; there was healing and deliverance; and there were prophesies of greatness; and great accomplishments spoken into the lives of the young worshipers. It was an experience in the power of God they will never forget.
Sunday August 8th was the closing day of the conference. Adult and youth Sunday school were held in the morning and these were followed by the closing worship service at 10 a.m. The scripture lesson was from II Samuel 22:17-26. Bishop John R. Bryant was the preacher of the hour and his sermon was entitled, “Integrity Pays Off.” He drew our attention to the life of David whom Saul sought to kill and how David continued to be steadfast, stayed faithful and continued to trust God for his deliverance. He overcame Goliath, Saul and all other foes he faced because he had integrity, and so it ought to be with us as well. David was by no means perfect, just as we aren’t perfect either, but he was quick to acknowledge his sins and misdeeds when he was confronted with them and he genuinely repented. We too have to be honest enough to recognize the various sins in our lives, stop doing it wrong and start doing it right so we can get ahead. We have to make ourselves available for service to God and humanity and God has a use for even the most insignificant of us and we must have the constant in-dwelling of the Holy Spirit. Bishop John also said most of us only testify about what God had done in the past in our lives as if God was no longer doing anything in the present. He said we ought to have a ‘today’ testimony and continuously acknowledge the goodness of God in our lives and if we live our lives with integrity, it will pay off. At the invitation, nine people gave their lives to Christ; to God be the glory.
The pastoral appointments were then read by the Bishop and they are as follows for the new conference year:
- Grant AME Church, Toronto, the Rev. Cory Millben
- Cousin AME Church Hope Centre, Mississauga, Ontario, the Rev. Brian Warren
- Robinson AME Church, Montreal, Quebec, the Rev. Randolph Phillips
- Campbell AME Church, Chatham, Ontario, the Rev. Alcott Germany
- Central Grove AME Church, Harrow, Ontario, the Rev. Denise Johnson
- Tanner-Price AME Church, Windsor, Ontario, the Rev. Marcus Cylar
- Bethlehem Fellowship AME Church, Windsor, Ontario, the Rev. Larry Wilson, Jr
- Highland AME Church, Amherst, Nova Scotia - (position to be filled at a later date)
The Bishop thanked all the attendees at the conference and wished everyone a safe trip back home. The conference closed with the benediction from the Bishop Bryant.
The 127th Canadian Annual Conference was a huge success, the power of the Holy Spirit was indeed manifest throughout, and we have been filled with renewed zeal and vigour to go forth in this new conference year to work harder at bringing lost souls to the knowledge and saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ both within and beyond our borders.
Mr. Eniola A. Osunbunmi
2010 Canadian Conference Recorder (Grant AME Church)
12. THE 143RD SESSION OF THE KENTUCKY ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
Saint James African Methodist Episcopal Church — Covington, Kentucky
Scripture tells us that the time was right for the Birth of the Savior… And while it was a Star to the West of the Magi that began their journey … For us, is was a star in the North! For when the Kentucky Annual Conference looked for a Light to Travel by, we looked to the Northern Star of the 13th Episcopal District: Saint James African Methodist Episcopal Church in Covington, Kentucky! The Rt. Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie is the Presiding Prelate of the 13th Episcopal District and Brother Stan McKenzie is the Supervisor of Missions. The Reverend Kenneth Jerome Golphin is the Presiding Elder of the Lexington District/Kentucky Annual Conference and the Reverend Wink Sweat, Sr. was the host pastor of the 143rd Session of the Kentucky Annual Conference.
And so began the 143rd Session of the Kentucky Annual Conference! And how could we not shine like the North Star! Just look at our leadership, The “Visionary” Vashti, “Magnificent” Murphy, “Moving-Forward” McKenzie, Our Chief Pastor, together with our “Super” Supervisor Stan McKenzie… they’ve stepped from the light of national and world ministry to lead us to the Throne of our Savior one mo’ time and just like the Magi, we know something powerful is about to give birth!
The spirit and direction of the Annual Conference was set by the Quadrennial Theme of the African Methodist Episcopal Church: “A Great Past, a Greater Future, An Incredible Call to Serve: Influence, Inheritance, Integrity and Innovation!”
This year’s theme “Integrity” became our focal-point during our Pre-Conference Activities and Conference Institutes, beginning with the Women’s Missionary Societies’ Prayer Breakfast where our own Sister Susie Bates of Barnes Temple, Elsmere, talked about, “Missionaries With Integrity”; then the Reverend Vanessa Cummins, the pastor of Saint Paul, Circleville, Ohio, ministered the message, “Being Led By Integrity”; and then at the WMS ‘Night In White’ Sister Patricia Fann of Saint James, Covington, awed us with her characterization of Harriet Tubman, a “Woman of Integrity!” Along with the Minister’s Institute, where Bishop McKenzie dealt with the serious subject of “Striving for Trust!”; and General Officer, Dr. Darryl Ingram showed us how to “Lay the Foundation for Ethical Ministry!”; and then the Reverend Dr. Frederick A. Wright, the pastor of Quinn Chapel, Forest Park, Ohio, along with our own Kentucky Conference Attorney, the Honorable Reginald Thomas, taught on the topics of “Clergy and Pastoral Integrity”; the expectations for a Phenomenal & Unparalleled Annual Conference was set, and we were ready to be taken Higher & Higher & Higher.
The Clergy and Lay Training session was led by the Rev. Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III who gave a dynamic PowerPoint presentation entitled, Team Building in which he shared the steps in building local church teams for the enhancement of ministry within the Body of Christ and in the “public square.”
The 143rd Session of the Kentucky Annual Conference was called to order by our Presiding Prelate, and the roll was called. Our Chief Pastor kept us on a prayerful, spiritual and energetic pace.
The pastoral reports gave us a positive testimony into what God is doing throughout the Kentucky Annual Conference: 115 conversions, 68 baptisms, 76 accessions; and a new church in Newport, Kentucky, Blake Chapel AME Church “planted” by the Rev. Cheryl Blake Hoskins. In spite of hard times, struggling finances, and the enemy present on every side, the pastors and people stood to declare as Paul did, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed!” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9, NIV)
The Committee Reports charged us to continue doing what the church is suppose to be doing: Working in our Communities, Going into Prisons, Being Persistent in Prayer and Stewardship, Taking Action to Win Souls & Build new Congregations and Churches, Being a Servant like Christ and Striving for Excellence in ALL we do! ...
*
The Gates of Heaven opened up, and the Most High God poured Himself out upon the Kentucky Annual Conference when the preachers of the Gospel led us before God’s Throne… through the Reverend Everhart Walker who preached the Annual Sermon, “Long Captivity!”; through our Sons of Allen/Nehemiah Nation preacher the Reverend Robert Taylor who told us we ought to be, “Lending A Hand”; and at the Hour of Power, the Reverend James Howard Stowe who preached with power, “No Trust in the Land!” and at the Lay Witness Night, Sister Charliese Brown-Lewis of Saint Paul, Versailles, challenged us with the message, “It’s Time to Throw down!”; And didn’t you see for yourself the Presence and Power of the Holy Spirit when our Young People entered “His Courts with Praise and Thanksgiving”, and when Licentiate Nachia Woods, the West Kentucky Conference Y.P.D President, preached, “Even If!” And didn’t our own Kentucky Annual Conference “Whosoever Will” Choir, under the superb leadership of our own Reverend Laveeshia “Super Sing’n Soul Sistah” Pryor, bless us as they blessed the Lord with their Majestic, Magnanimous and Magnificent praise! Hallelujah!!! …
Some of our Heroes of the Faith stepped down from active pastoral duties, including one of our supply pastors, the Reverend Robert Taylor, who after faithfully serving Saint John, Greenup, for so many years, has been called back to his home church of Saint John, Frankfort, and we thank God for his dedication and passion for ministry… We honored the retirement request of the Reverend Dr. Cheryl Blake-Hoskins, whose planting of the new mission of Blake Chapel, Newport, continues to amaze and encourage us, and though her health issues force her to step-aside, her ministry will continue to have repercussions throughout the Kentucky Annual Conference for generations to come… and lastly, what can you say about the Reverend Everhart Walker whose pastoral record over the last 54 years has served as the “ULTIMATE” mark of excellence for all of those who serve throughout African Methodism! He will forever be the “Godfather of the Kentucky Annual Conference”, and his legacy will know no end! …
The Conference was blessed to elect and ordain two new Local Deacons in the persons of the Reverend Jeffery Glenn Washington and the Reverend Kenneth Milden Coffey… and a new Local Elder in the person of the Reverend Etolia Carolyn White… and a new Itinerant Elder in the person of the Reverend Stephanie May Raglin; and to set the moment in time, the Reverend Dr. Pedro Basden, the Pastor of Quinn Chapel, Louisville, Kentucky, set us ablaze with the Ordination Sermon, “Don’t Lose Your Cutting Edge!” …
We are so proud of our Presiding Elder, the Reverend Kenneth Jerome Golphin, together with our First Lady of the Lexington District, Sister Dianna Golphin, who continues to Impress Us, Encourage Us, and Empower Us by their ministry and sacrifice! Praise God for the Golphin team!!! …
We’ve been given our Marching Orders… the way has been made clear… our Bishop has entered the Holy of Holies and brought forth a Word from the Lord… a message for every pastor, parishioner, and community…: “get on with it!!!” Telling us that, victory can be won…. so, get on with it… Nothing is Impossible with God, So, get on with it… so what are we going to do? … Get on with it!
The host pastor, the Rev. Wink Sweat, along with his new bride, First Lady Yvonne Humphrey Sweat, and the congregation of Saint James African Methodist Episcopal Church of Covington, Kentucky, are to be given the Highest Commendations, for they hosted this 143rd Session in the finest fashion, making us feel like we were right at home!!! With a whole lot of faith and a spiritually positive attitude, Saint James stepped up and has shown out! They went above and beyond, making Bishop and Supervisor McKenzie, Presiding Elder and First Lady Golphin, and every Pastor, Minister, Delegate, Honored Guest, and Visitor who walked through their doors feel welcome and at home. They truly let their northern light shine… and the church shouted, “may god bless you… real good!”
The Kentucky annual conference is traveling forward, and moving upward because we know that every round goes, “Higher and Higher!” We’ve been charged up for the work and are ready to be the Preachers, Ministers and disciples whom God has called us to be!
Our Leadership has taken the lead! The issuance of Believe grants to Saint John, Monticello for General Support; Saint Paul, Lexington for General Support; and the Reverend Sharon Woods Johnson for Theological Education, are evidence that the church is giving back and providing resources to help our local churches and congregations to do ministry. So let the Kentucky Annual Conference declares; we’re ready to begin again… ready, to trade our old ways, for God’s ways, and to do it with purpose!
Let it finally be resolved, that when all was said and done, when the appointments were read and all were hopefully satisfied, definitely edified and certainly, spiritually electrified; and when we have adjourned "Sine Die”, that we’re going to crank it up all over again, step out with our anointing, “press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me” (Philippians 3:12b, NIV) and Get on with it! ... Get on with it!! ... Get on with it!
Humbly Submitted,
The Reverend William R. T. Hale, Chairperson; the Reverend Linda Murray, the Reverend Antonio Q. Stuckey, Sister Roberta Guy, Saint Matthew, Midway; Sister Susie Bates, Barnes Temple, Elsmere; Sister LeeAnn Mahoney (Young Adult Delegate), Saint James, Cynthiana; and Sister Kendra Smith (Young Adult Delegate), Shorter Chapel, Paris
13. A CALL FOR AN EXPANDED VIEW OF CHRISTIAN MISSIONS:
*John Thomas III
“Charity begins at home, but it should not end there.” Scottish proverb
“The Mission of the AME Church is to minister to the social, spiritual, and physical development of all people.” 2008 AME Book of Discipline, Part II, Section 1, #2, page 16.
The cause of global missions is very close to my heart and a key part of my personal ministry and witness. I have periodically been given the opportunity to write in this newspaper on issues affecting the development of Districts 14-20 as well as ways in which Districts 1-13 can promote better inclusion of the sisters and brothers who are not from the United States in order to make the African Methodist Episcopal Church a true Connection. At the recent session of the General Board, a senior member of the AME Church hierarchy stopped me to provide positive feedback on some of my pieces and we briefly discussed the need to focus on AME involvement in local concerns. I took his useful commentary to heart and in this article would like to highlight some issues about the oft-neglected side of missions—taking care of “home”.
From our roots in the eighteenth century Free African Society to our current endeavors, the AME Church has preached a “social gospel” seeking to minister not only to spiritual concerns, but to address issues of injustice, discrimination and poverty which effect all humankind. When we speak of “missions”, however, the focus tends to be on evangelizing and working with the “other” and not in communities close to home. It is seems that more attention is paid to the person who is going to “exotic and dangerous Country X” to work with “those people” than to the person who faithfully operates a tutoring center for “familiar” inner city youths.
In the AME Church, we have a rich legacy of proclaiming and manifesting the social gospel within and without our denomination, regardless of geographic borders. The growing challenge has been, however, to maintain a balance between the necessary work of global and local missions. At the local level, churches have done an excellent job of contributing to both parts of mission work. In the same Sunday bulletin, one can find an announcement for a tutoring program or an advertisement for a job-retraining ministry in tandem with an appeal to aid church construction in another country.
As we scale up the Connectional ladder, however, the attention given to mission work appears to consist largely of pleas to help “those” who live far from where “we” are. This situation is by no means universal. For example, time was set aside at the January 2010 Women’s Missionary Society Connectional Executive Board meeting to give grants to aid local service agencies as part of the “Missionaries on the Move” program. The general trend, however, is that we have very little sense of “local” missionary work at the Connectional level. While Day Care Centers, Credit Unions, Charter Schools, Job-Training, Tutoring Initiatives and a plethora of other service projects can be found in local churches throughout the denomination, there is no coordinated mandate or thrust to create a Connectional program or emphasis for their establishment aside from oblique references in the Book of Discipline (see pages 125 and 232). In this particular instance, AMEs in the United States can learn from members in other countries where AME schools systems and other resource networks have been established.
This lack of Connectional coordination is also cause for concern in the United States due to recent “Faith-Based Initiatives” by the Federal government to recognize the legacy of churches of serving as providers of social needs by providing grants for certain programs. While several AME Churches have been recipients of “Faith-Based Imitative” monies, the leadership of the denomination has not articulated a position as to what AME involvement in this process should be and how we should access the money. This situation is especially troubling given the involvement of several prominent persons associated with the AME Church in “Faith-Based Initiative” Offices at senior levels throughout the Federal Government. The absence of any effective denominational strategy means that we are not efficient as we could be in using these funds to further our mission.
The AME Church has a legacy of preaching and manifesting the social gospel of all of its members should be proud. For better effectiveness and visibility, we need a Connectional program to coordinate and provide information on different AME service opportunities to let people know what we have and then see where we need to go. A simple directory of AME Service Agencies published by the denomination would be a good place to start. All pastoral report forms ask for this information, so all that is would be needed would be to collate the information into a document. The Council of Bishops and the General Board needs to create an “AME Plan of Action for Service” to set broad priorities for tangible involvement in local communities. For example:
Do we need a network of AME Day Care Centers?
Should every Episcopal District have at least one AME sponsored Credit Union within it?
Do we need a network of AME Charter Schools within the United States?
We also need to use our contacts with the current Federal administration to better understand the “Faith-Based Initiative” process and how it can help the AME Church implement its mission at the National, State and Local levels. These strategies are not exclusive to the United States and implementing them within Districts 14-20 will serve to help strengthen our presence globally. While there is no question that both global and local missions are essential to our witness, we must strengthen our local missions if we are to fulfill our legacy and promise.
*John Thomas III is a Ph. D. student at the University of Chicago
14. ST. JAMES AME CHURCH VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL PUT ON THE ARMOR OF GOD AND WAS READY FOR THE BATTLE:
Trena Parks-Bradley
The Rev. Phillip Wilson and St. James AME Church Manalapan, New Jersey are still praising God for God’s presence in their week-long Vacation Bible School. Six young people were saved.
Because of the tremendous response to fliers that were posted in the community and the networking of volunteers, the registration list exceeded the expectations of Pastor Wilson, St James, and facilitator Trena Parks-Bradley.
At that point I knew we had to change the venue, there were just too many youth registered to hold VBS at St James. I went to the Board at Court Street School Educational Community Center in Freehold, New Jersey and asked to use the building and they agreed and at that point we opened up the Vacation Bible School to the community.
The week of July 26-30 was a phenomenal success with an overall average attendance of 55-60 young people. The excitement charged the atmosphere as the VBS took off with its theme “The Armor of God: Get Ready for the Battle” taken from Ephesians 6: 11-18.
Each day began with prayer, our themed scripture led by a different student each day, the pledge to the Christian Flag and our battle song “I am on the Battlefield” followed by a procession of students and teachers led by volunteers to the dining hall for dinner prepared by chef Michael A. Bradley, who was assisted a few nights by Owen McPherson and Andrea McPherson.
The students actively engaged in each day’s lessons. The primary class (1-8) taught by Jackie Simmons and assisted by Betty Phillips was filled with smiles, giggles and inquisitive minds about the various pieces of armor and why they were needed, along with a craft each day where the children crafted pieces of armor each day that they would wear for the final presentation.
The Pre-Teen class (9-12), which was the largest class of 25 students, was taught by Lisa Brown and assisted by Toi Irvin. Mrs. Brown’s class overflowed with noisy laughter, social interaction and downright fun in addition to being filled with wisdom, knowledge and a learning experience about the “The Armor of God.”
The teen/adult class was inspired each night by different presenters who spoke on their topic of the piece of armor that was assigned to them for the night. Pastor Phillip Wilson kicked off teen/adult VBS the first night with the Belt of Truth and the Breastplate of Righteousness. Dr. Latonya McRae, from Faith Tabernacle Ave A, Freehold NJ and Tree of Life Ministries came back with a powerful lesson on the Shoe of the Gospel of Peace. Michael Sanders of North Stelton AMEC in Piscataway, NJ presented his lesson on the Shield of Faith. And Reginald Dorsey, also of North Stelton AMEC wrapped it up with the Helmet of Salvation and the Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God).
Each night after class the youth were assembled outside for recreation led by Trena Parks-Bradley. Activities consisted of games that reinforced the day’s lesson. On the day the “Shield of Faith” was introduced our activity, which consisted of a shield made out of the top from a pot covered with foil with a cross placed in the middle. The shield of faith made it possible to quench the fiery darts of the devil. The fiery darts of sin, drugs, racism, poverty, suicide, negativity, bullying etc. in the form of water balloons were thrown at the youth who had to shield themselves without letting the fiery darts penetrate them getting them wet. We finished off with a water balloon fight.
The game for the “shoes of the gospel of peace” was awesome. This game is called “shoe soup”. Teams were set up and instructed to take one shoe off and put it in a pile 20 feet from your start line. The first person in each line is to look at the foot of the person behind him to see what type of shoe he is wearing, run to the pile find that shoe, run back and help the other person put it on. This game taught the youth about service and how to put others first. Sack races, balloon toss, badminton, football and other games were enjoyed as well.
Every night new faces joined the group of parents, children, volunteers and even onlookers who were amazed at the attendance the community vacation Bible school attracted.
Two Freehold Boro Police Officers, who were on bike patrol, cruising the neighborhood, stopped by and could not believe the attendance and participation of youth and volunteers in the community.
On the closing night the program consisted of the welcome by Pastor Phillip Wilson, our battle song “I’m on the Battlefield”, prayer by the pastor and scripture by Tyree Wilson.
We were graced by the presence of the Christian Blowouts from North Stelton as they played several selections. The poem, “The Armor of God” was read by Courtney McPherson and another selection “The Armor of God” by the primary class and soloist Davia Echols and Stephanie McRae. At that point each class came forward as the teacher told about the lessons the students showed off their armor they made and some of the preteens talked about what the armor is used for. There were class presentations to primary, preteen and teen/adult classes as several members from the teen/adult class told the audience what they learned through the week long VBS.
Certificates were presented to all participants, staff and volunteers and trophies were given to the teachers, chef and facilitator for their stellar performance throughout the week. The night ended with a fish fry complete with beans and rice, cabbage and fried plantains prepared by our chef.
From God, Pastor Wilson, the facilitator, teachers, chef, parents, students, volunteers, and the presence of our esteemed guest retired pastor Rev. Malcolm and Sister Nora Steele, the high participation levels by everyone helped make this vacation Bible school the best VBS I have ever witnessed. My belief is that when God gives you a vision and you are obedient he will equip you with the necessary tools to carry it out to His glory. To God be the glory for the things He has done!
Trena Parks-Bradley
15. BISHOP CUMMINGS PREACHES DURING CHURCH SCHOOL CONVENTION:
Scripture: I King 17:14 “For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord gives rain on the land.”
The Convention Theme: "God's Abundant Providence."
What a wonderful mountaintop experience the clergy, laity and friends had during the annual Macon District Church School Convention.
The exciting Macon District is headed by the spiritual team of the Reverend Alan Hale Wicker, Presiding Elder and First Lady, the Rev. Dr. Gloria J. Wicker.
The three-day session was held June 3-5, 2010 at Bethel AME Church in the "Cherry Blossom" city of Macon, Georgia where the Reverend Marvin Colbert is the host pastor. Sister Annie Marshall is the Macon District Christian Education Director and Brother Johnnie Johnson is the District Church School Superintendent.
An Oratorical Contest was held Thursday evening. Representation from some of the twenty-two churches on the District participated. The judges were the Rev. Dr. Gloria Wicker, Sister Janie Grayer and Sister Brenda Phillips.
The opening Worship Service was held Friday evening with the Reverend Ernest L. Gordon serving as worship leader. The Macon District Choir began the worship experience with Praise Service and sang soul-stirring selections throughout the Service.
The following celebrants carried out a spiritual awakening worship experience beginning with the Doxology followed with the Call to Worship by the Reverend Marvin Colbert. The opening hymn, "There's a Sweet, Sweet Spirit" was lined by the Reverend Louise Hill.
The Reverend Arthur C. Willis invoked the presence of God with a powerful prayer. Other ministers served effectively in the order of service included the Rev. Gregory Homer, the Rev. William Hopkins, and the Rev. Maria Gordon read the Scriptures; the Rev. Nathaniel Holts, the Rev. Lusora Brown and the Rev. G. Dianne Lewis did the Decalogue, benevolent offering and lined the sermon Hymn respectively.
Presiding Elder Alan H. Wicker introduced Bishop Frank C. Cummings, (Retired), the 95th Elected and Consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church to preach the convention sermon. Elder Wicker reminisced of how Bishop Cummings had a positive impact on his life. Bishop Cummings ordained him a Deacon and an Itinerant Elder in the Eighth Episcopal District and elevated him to the lofty position of Presiding Elder in the Sixth Episcopal District.
Bishop Cummings' text, Luke 8:43-44, his subject, "Stepping out on Nothing." He vividly preached about the woman who was afflicted with an issue of blood for twelve years, and with her faith, Jesus made her whole. The bishop closed his sermon by saying that God knows what you need, just seek Him and He will provide.
The Reverend Joseph Rodgers extended the Invitation to Discipleship.
Elder Wicker gave the explanation of Intinction prior to the congregants receiving elements of the Lord's Supper.
Workshops were presented on Saturday. Sister Annie Marshall outlined the grade levels for child and adolescent age groups. She assigned teachers to give presentations on the Christian Education Theme, which was the "Full Jars and Overflowing Jugs."
Bible Study was given to the adults by Rev. Ernest Gordon followed with a presentation on the subject, "How to Market Your Ministry" by the guest lecturer, Sister Bunnie Jackson Ransom.
The essay winners of the Thursday contest were:
First Place -- Raven Johnson, St. Peter AME Church, Fort Valley, Georgia, the Rev. Bertram C. Smith, Pastor
Second Place - Marissa Bonds, Duresville AME Church, Macon, Georgia, the Rev. G. Dianne Lewis, Pastor
Third Place - Breon Smith, St. Peter AME Church, Fort Valley, Georgia, the Rev. Bertram Smith, Pastor
The three day convention experiences ended with the participants enjoying a delicious repast served by the host church.
16. REVEREND BAILEY’S WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGE:
By Pam Adams
On Sunday mornings, the Rev. James Bailey is in the pulpit preaching at Ward Chapel AME Church in Peoria, Illinois. Early most weekday mornings, he’s in the gym, lifting weights, jogging and, as he puts it, trying to relive high school basketball glory days.
Reverend Bailey, 41, wants to get down to his high school playing weight — and not just because he thinks he’ll be able to run up and down the court faster. He’s setting himself up as point guard for Ward Chapel’s Healthy Living Campaign, an effort to make churches central to improving physical health, as well as spiritual health, in the black community.
“We spend so much time trying to get people to heaven, and that should be our prime focus,” he said, “but we have to have a broader sense of what salvation means.”
The campaign kicked off recently with a health fair and Bailey’s personal weight-loss challenge.
He’s asking sponsors to pledge 50 cents, $1 or $2 for every pound he loses until November. The money raised will go toward buying exercise equipment and offering fitness classes at Ward Chapel. A portion also will be donated to the United Usher Board’s scholarship fund.
Reverend Bailey wants to lose about 50 pounds, which would get him to about 170, a more desirable weight for his 5-foot-6-inch height. He plans to get away from beef, pork and sugary foods.
“I want to encourage people to be good stewards of their bodies. You can’t talk about being a good steward without leading the way yourself.”
‘It’s a responsibility’
Reverend Bailey says his weight-loss challenge and his church’s Healthy Living Campaign are about more than raising money or a former athlete trying to get in shape. As a minister, he’s seen first-hand what statistics can only itemize about the higher-than-average incidence of heart disease, hypertension and diabetes — much of it related to obesity — in black communities.
The health statistics for black people can be sobering.
They are more likely to be in fair or poor health than white people, and black women are significantly more likely to be obese than white women, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
The National Institutes of Health report a person is more likely to develop type 2 diabetes (formerly called adult-onset diabetes) if they are a member of an ethnic group, such as African Americans, or are overweight or obese.
Black people are less likely than whites to have health insurance, according to the NAMI Multicultural Action Center.
However, a Gallup poll released in June shows black adults are more likely than white or Hispanic adults to attend church weekly or almost weekly. And black people are more likely to rely on family, religious and social communities for emotional support than to turn to health-care professionals.
So a religious community can be one way to reach blacks with information about health.
Though he’s only been at Ward Chapel since October 2007, Bailey has been a minister since 1994. Over his years of visiting sick and dying church members, he said he’s often questioned whether their ailments could have been prevented with healthier lifestyles.
“It’s been difficult for me to see people lying in bed, wondering, health wise, what have they done and what have I done, as a pastor, to encourage them to be good stewards of their bodies.”
About a year ago, the state of health in the black community hit closer to home than church when his doctor told him it was not a matter of if, but when, he’d get diabetes because of his family history.
“That was startling to hear,” Bailey said.
But it also buttressed his belief that he has to set an example for his children, and the church has to set an example for the black community, body and soul.
“We have to address these issues, and it’s a responsibility the church has to take on,” he said.
The desire for Pastor Bailey is not only to address his health, but to sound the alarm for an issue that is often overlooked, and to raise funds for Ward Chapel’s fitness program that will be offered to the community beginning in January 2011.
Anyone willing to contribute to this effort can pledge 50¢, $1 or $2 for every pound Pastor Bailey loses by contacting the church at (309)676-1348 or at wardchapelame@yahoo.com
17. DR. JAMAL BRYANT GUEST PREACHER FOR THE CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS PRAYER BREAKFAST:
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation will continue in its rich tradition of hosting a spirit-filled morning with its 40th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) Prayer Breakfast from 7:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. on September 18, 2010 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
Dr. Jamal- Harrison Bryant, pastor of Empowerment Temple in Baltimore, Maryland will deliver the morning message. Empowerment Temple AME Church is one of the fastest growing AME Churches.
18. JOAN BUTTERFIELD, AN AME, CURATOR OF ONE OF THE MOST CELEBRATED ART EXHIBITS IN THE WORLD:
Read the story here: http://www.livewithculture.ca/art/art-from-the-soul-celebrates-caribana/
Curator Joan and her husband Sheridan Butterfield are members of Cousin AME Church - The Hope Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada where the Rev. Brian Warren is pastor.
Joan Butterfield’s work as curator of one of the most celebrated art exhibits held annually in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. From the Soul is the name of this year’s exhibit. Joan organizes the art show annually in conjunction with a festival called Caribana. More than 3000 people attended this year’s opening at the Royal Ontario Museum, the fifth largest museum in the world. The exhibit closes on Friday, August 13.
Joan Butterfield is an acclaimed three-dimensional decoupage artist, is a member of the Canadian Conference, Fourth Episcopal District. She is married to Sheridan Butterfield, who is a member of the AMEC General Board.
**Submitted by Sister Carol Bowie, President, CABCO Communications
19. SHORTER CHAPEL AME HOMECOMING FEATURES RECORDING ARTISTS KEVIN WHALUM, RALPH LOFTON AND THE GOSPEL SHOP QUARTET:
Shorter Chapel AME Church Franklin Tennessee’s Homecoming Service will feature recording artists Kevin Whalum, Ralph Lofton and the Gospel Shop Quartet of Franklin, Tennessee on the fifth Sunday, August 29, 2010. Brother Roderick Glover, renowned worship Leader and motivation speaker will be the special guest presenter. The Reverend Tabitha Lewis, a senior at the Duke Divinity School, Raleigh, North Carolina will be the guest preacher. Refreshments will be served after the morning worship service. Shorter Chapel is located on 255 Natchez Street, Franklin, Tennessee 37064; Telephone: (615) 790-3111.
Everyone is welcome to attend the Shorter Chapel AME Church, “Church with Family & Friends,” Homecoming celebration.
August 29, 2010 - “We are going to have a great time!”
Theme: “Keeping It Real in the Spirit” 1 Cor. 12:4
Where: Shorter Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 255 Natchez Street, Franklin, Tennessee 37064
Time: 11:00 A.M. Praise & Worship
Worship Leader/Motivation: Roderick Glover
Visiting Preacher: The Reverend Tabitha Lewis, Duke Divinity School, Raleigh, NC
Recording Artists
Guest Singer: Mr. Kevin Whalum
Organist/Pianist: Mr. Ralph Lofton
Gospel Shop Quartet, Franklin, Tennessee
The Rev. Dr. Charlotte Ann Blake Sydnor is the pastor of Shorter Chapel AME Church
20. THE CAPE TOWN DISTRICT EVANGELISM CRUSADE WILL BE LAUNCHED SEPTEMBER 24-OCTOBER 3, 2010:
We will kick off the Crusade with the showing of the Jesus Film on Friday, 24th of September at 7 p.m. at Agnes Hildebrand. The film will be shown outside to attract the maximum number of people. We will conclude the movie with an alter call.
Saturday, 25th of September, Agnes Hildebrand will host a Men's Prayer Breakfast at 9 a.m. All men are welcome. Frank Martin will be our guest speaker. After the breakfast we will do prayer-walks throughout the Hanover Park Community. (Training for the Prayer Walk will take place on Sept 18th at Agnes Hildebrand).
Sunday, 26th of September at 3:00 Agnes Hildebrand will host a Pentecostal Service for 1 hour. Clergy are invited to join us in prayer for the revival and the community.
Monday the 27th of September is youth outreach day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. We need the youth of the Cape Town District to participate. Plans are still being finalized.
Tuesday, the 28th of September will kick off the 3-day employment training program from 9 to 3 p.m. All unemployed persons are welcome. Space is limited and we can only register 80 persons. As of August 16, we had 60 slots remaining.
Also on September 28th, we will host a Rugby Clinic for boys ages 12 to 15.
We will begin promptly at 10 a.m.
On Wednesday, September 29th, the 3-day revival will begin at 7 p.m. The preacher is the Rev. Jacobus Nomdue.
The final night is Friday, October 1st and weather permitting we will be outside.
On October 3rd at 3 p.m., we will convene at Ebenezer Retreat, where the Presiding Elder Willem Simon Hanse will take us higher in the Lord. Buses will leave Hanover Park at 2:00 pm. We anticipate bringing 75 people from Hanover Park.
Certificates will be given to the participants in the employment training program.
Our proposed theme for this Crusade is "Not Afraid” taken from Isaiah 41.
Schools will be on holiday during this Crusade and we hope to feed the children lunch every day.
The Rev. Sidney Williams
Pastor Agnes Hildebrand
21. AME PASTOR SERVES THE WOMEN’S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION, NEW YORK LIBERTY TEAM CHAPLAIN:
The Rev. Crawford has served as the WNBA New York Liberty chaplain for the last three years and has provided spiritual leadership and guidance for the team.
The WNBA NY Liberty heads into Post-Season Playoffs ranked 2nd in the Eastern Conference.
On Thursday August 26th, one-hour before the 7 p.m., tip off for the WNBA Eastern Conference playoffs, the team members of the WNBA NY Liberty will gather for their pre-game chapel service. The Reverend Erika D. Crawford, pastor of Allen Temple AME Church in Mt. Vernon, NY will lead the chapel service.
Before every home game, the Liberty players and coaches, gather for a chapel service with the opposing team and the team chaplain.
Approximately 75% of players on each of the WNBA teams participate in pre-game chapel services throughout the season.
22. QUINN CHAPEL AME CHURCH MORTGAGE BURNING CELEBRATION “PAID IN FULL”:
On Sunday, May 2, 2010, Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Chillicothe, Ohio celebrated its Mortgage Burning service from the title, “Paid in Full.” The members and friends affirmed, “To God Be the Glory Great Things He Has Done.”
As early as 1796 Methodism was known in the area. Meetings were held in a log house at the Northwest corner of Second and Walnut Street or in the State House with other congregations. In the beginning, both African American and White Methodists worshiped together for a number of years.
The African American Methodists of Chillicothe were destined to experience the very conditions, which caused the founders of the African Methodist Episcopal Church to walk out of St. George Methodist Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1776. On May 30, 1821, at the home of the Rev. Peter James – on the South side of Fourth Street, between Mulberry and Paint Streets – the first AME Church facility in Chillicothe, Ohio - Quinn Chapel, was organized by the Reverend William Paul Quinn, who later became a bishop in the African American Episcopal Church. Quinn Chapel AME Church is the oldest African Methodist Church West of the Allegheny Mountains.
In 1825, the first Annual Conference was held in Chillicothe, Ohio. It was composed of sixteen preachers who came to the conference on horseback. In 1910, the present building was constructed during the pastorate of Rev. W. E. Walker. The renovation of the 1910 sanctuary was initiated in the fall of 1996 under the leadership of Rev. John S. Gaitawe.
With God’s help and the dedicated members and friends of Quinn Chapel the mortgage for the renovation of Quinn was “paid in full” under the pastoral leadership of the Rev. Acie E. Collins.
Bishop C. Garnett Henning Sr, Presiding Prelate for the 3rd Episcopal District delivered the Mortgage Burning Service sermon.
*The Rev. Acie E. Collins submitted this article
23. HISTORIOGRAPHER CONTRIBUTES TO SCHOLARLY ANTHOLOGY AND RECEIVES ENDORSEMENT FOR THE EPISCOPACY:
The Reverend Dennis C. Dickerson, Ph.D., the Senior General Officer and Historiographer/Executive Director of the Department of Research & Scholarship of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, joined other scholars in contributing essays to Henry H. Knight, III, editor, From Aldersgate to Azusa Street: Wesleyan, Holiness, and Pentecostal Visions of the New Creation. Dr. Dickerson’s three essays appeared in this valuable volume. They include “Richard Allen and the Making of Early American Methodism,” “Bishop Daniel A. Payne and the A.M.E. Mission to the ‘Ransomed,’” and “Archibald J. Carey, Jr., African Methodism, and the Public Square.”
Dr. Dickerson’s contributions exemplify The Dickerson Difference. His qualifications for episcopacy were recognized on August 20, 2010 at the 136th Session of the North Mississippi Annual Conference at Faith Community AME Church in Southaven, Mississippi where Dr. Dickerson was endorsed for the episcopacy. Dr. Dickerson extends special thanks to Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, the Reverend Fred Rags, who made the motion, Reverend Walter Greene, who seconded the motion, and to the delegates of the North Mississippi Annual Conference who unanimously passed the motion of endorsement of Dr. Dickerson’s episcopal aspirations.
24. CME BISHOP THOMAS L. HOYT, JR. ASKS PASTORS, MEMBERS, AND FRIENDS TO RALLY IN ATLANTIC BEACH SOUTH CAROLINA:
Editor’s Note: See the Story of the Arrest of the pastor and her husband below.
A “Call to Rally” in response to police confiscation of a South Carolina Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church and arresting the pastor and her husband in Atlantic Beach, South Carolina.
Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr. asks all pastors, members and friend of the “Mighty Seventh Episcopal District” to join him on September 4, 2010 at 10:00 am at 502 40th Avenue, South, Atlantic Beach, South Carolina. Bishop Hoyt said, “Together we will rally in protest of the ill-treatment of the police and city officials of Atlantic Beach, South Carolina toward the Atlantic Beach CME Church.”
The rally will begin at the Church.
Bishop Hoyt is hopeful that those pastors within a couple hundred miles radius would gather their members and friends and car-pool to the Atlantic Beach. Our presence will send a message to the authorities of Atlantic Beach, South Carolina and others who would harass and disrespect our right to worship.
A Message from CME Presiding Elder James Russell for a Call to Rally on September 4, 2010
On September 4, 2010 we, as a community of faith, want gather in peaceful protest to remind the town of Atlantic Beach, South Carolina that a church sanctuary is a “sacred place”’; a place that has historically provided refuge, asylum and/or immunity. The history of this country and all of civilization are filled with examples of persons going into a church sanctuary seeking immunity from being arrested.
The removal and arrest of Pastor Windy Price and her husband from the Atlantic Beach Christian Methodist Episcopal Church sanctuary during the worship service has limitless negative implications for worshipers everywhere. The town of Atlantic Beach has struck a gigantic blow against humanity and against the sanctity of worship.
Based on the 1st and 14th Amendments of the Constitution of the United Stated of America, we want the harassment of the pastor and members of the Atlantic Beach Christian Methodist Episcopal Church to stop immediately.
Furthermore, we call upon the town of Atlantic Beach, South Carolina to fully reimburse the Atlantic Beach Christian Methodist Episcopal Church for all expenses and fees that this congregation has incurred since the night of July 28, 2010.
Finally, we call upon the people of faith of the CME Church and all communions to come to Atlantic Beach, South Carolina on September 4, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. and join with us at the Atlantic Beach Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, 502 40th Avenue, South to show our support for Pastor Wendy Price, her husband and the congregation of Atlantic Beach CME Church; and to voice our objection to the illegal and unethical actions of the police and city officials of Atlantic Beach, South Carolina.
This rally is not just about the injustices that this pastor and congregation have experienced; it is about the threat that every individual and every church sanctuary might face if we do not show up and speak out.
The Story of the Arrest:
Police Seize South Carolina Church, Arrest Pastor and Husband
Councilwoman-elect the Rev. Windy Price was arrested in church with her husband, Darnell and charged with interfering with the police. Chief Eric Lewis and Lt. Randy Fisher of the Atlantic Beach Police Department emptied the church of its worshippers, threatened to put the Price’s nine-year old son in juvenile jail when he asked if he could go back inside to retrieve some personal items. Chief Lewis taped off the church with yellow and black crime scene tape and called a locksmith who changed the locks on the door. When asked why he was changing the locks, Lewis said, “I asked if any of you had the key and no one said anything.” The Price’s had already been taken away when Lewis asked about a key to the church.
According to Chief Lewis, he had taped the church earlier and meant there was to be no service in the church. “Someone removed my tape which is the reason for the charge of interfering with police, said Lewis and his Lt. Randy Fisher. After Lewis and Fisher arrested the Prices, they called a Horry County police van to take the other worshippers to jail but decided against it after the van arrived. Amy Breunig, a member of Atlantic Beach Concerned Citizens and the Atlantic Beach Landowners Association filed a discrimination lawsuit against the town earlier this year. “I think they would have taken all of them but they did not want to take me, the only white worshipper in the congregation today. Aside and very quietly Chief Lewis asked me to leave and I wouldn’t,” said Ms. Breunig.
“The arrest is a continuous pattern by the town of Atlantic Beach to close the CME Church and force Rev. Price, her family and members that live in the Housing Authority of Atlantic Beach out of town,” said Patricia Bellamy, President of the Atlantic Beach Concerned Citizens and a resident of the Housing Authority.
The Price’s and the CME Church have filed several lawsuits against the Town for interfering with worship services at the church and most recently a civil rights lawsuit about the violation of human rights and civil rights in the town of Atlantic Beach. The Atlantic Beach police arrested Mr. Price once before alleging that noise coming from the church during Sunday morning worship service was too loud. They also arrested Mayor Retha Pierce for an alleged hit and run accident as she was on her way into worship service at the CME Church.
Defeated Councilwomen Charlene Taylor and Josephine Isom who lost the 2009 town council election to Rev. Price still remain seated while the election protest winds its way to the South Carolina Supreme Court where the town’s last two elections have been decided. Booker’s wife, Lynda is a member of the town’s election commission. Last year she wrote a letter to a landlord asking that he evict Rev. Price from the home in which she was residing to prevent her from having a legal residence in the town at election time. “They [Taylor, Isom, and the Bookers] use the town’s police department to harass their political opponents, our church members, and Housing Authority residents” said Derrick Stanley, a youth minister at the church and resident of the Housing Authority.
Rev. Price founded the Atlantic Beach Concerned Citizens to address the town’s numerous civil rights and human rights violations. After Rev. Price won as a write-in candidate in the November 2009 town council election, the defeated candidates and town manager, William Booker allege that the church did not pass a building inspection. They gave Rev. Price a list of items that needed to be repaired and when her husband, a contractor, began the work, they issued a stop work order. The town’s building inspector gave Rev. Price a list of things that allegedly had not been completed though Chief Lewis admits they did not go inside the building to check. “We didn’t have to,” Lewis told the worshippers.
“We are making calls to HUD and the U.S. Department of Justice everyday seeking their assistance, said Ms. Bellamy “It’s going to turn into a blood bath down here and folks are going to be surprised at who in the town, county, state and federal government have dirty hands in the land grab for this oceanfront property.”
North Myrtle Beach is the city that surrounds the predominantly black town of Atlantic Beach and has begun claiming the chartered town of Atlantic Beach as one of its precincts in violation of state and federal laws. The arresting officers Lewis and Fisher are former North Myrtle Beach police officers. Both Lewis and Fisher were forced to resign from the North Myrtle Beach Police Department in November 2009. The circumstances surrounding Lewis’ resignation were never disclosed. Lewis fired Atlantic Beach’s only black police officer after his wife preached a sermon at the CME Church and hired Fisher.
Members of the CME Church held service and fellowship on the street in front of the church until almost midnight. They will be at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center at 9:00 a.m. Thursday morning for the bond hearing along with attorney Adam Whitsett from the Finney Law Firm in Columbia, South Carolina where Ret. South Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice, Ernest A. Finney, Jr., past president of the Atlantic Beach Landowners Association practices with his son, Jerry Finney.
Rev. Price is an ordained minister in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Bishop Hoyt and Elder Gilbert of the CME Church were apprised of the situation in Atlantic Beach. Elder Gilbert said, “we are moving to protect the religious freedoms afforded all people under the U.S. Constitution. We are proud of Rev. Price, her family and our church family. They are not alone.”
According to the National Conference of Black Mayors, Atlantic Beach is the last predominantly black oceanfront municipality left in the nation.
Editor’s Note: Let us not forget the famous statement attributed to the German Pastor, the Rev. Martin Niemöller (1892–1984) about the inactivity of German intellectuals following the Nazi rise to power and the purging of their chosen targets, group after group.
In Germany they first came for the Communists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.
Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.
Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Catholics,
and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant.
Then they came for me —
and by that time no one was left to speak up.
25. THE 85TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF AMERICA’S FIRST BLACK LABOR UNION:
*Melissa Bell
On August 25, 1925 the trajectory of African American and American history was changed forever. On that date, a group of Pullman porters formed the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, America’s first African American labor union.
One of those porters, 99-year-old Linus Scott, described the job as “miles of smiles, years of struggle.” This 85th anniversary celebrates the life and work of this remarkable group of men.
The founding of the Brotherhood was an important milestone in the labor movement, which had previously been all white. But more importantly, it laid the foundation for the modern civil rights movement, by proving that blacks could organize and achieve tangible results.
The Pullman porters worked on the Pullman train sleeper cars. They greeted passengers, carried luggage, made the beds, tidied the cars, served food and drink, shined shoes and were available night and day to wait on the passengers. Since they often worked 20-hour long days and were paid only $67.50 a month, they depended on tips to make enough money to support their families.
Linus J. Scott, 99, is a retired Pullman porter whose personal story illustrates the importance of the Brotherhood: “We went through miles of smiles and years of struggle. The porters were polite to the passengers, so that would be the miles of smiles, because all the times it wasn’t easy but they had to smile anyway, because of the way some of the passengers would treat them. Some people were unkind and thought they could do anything and everything. The years of struggle, we had to raise a family, because we have four children.”
“Miles of Smiles, Years of Struggle” is the title of a one hour documentary film honoring the porters and being released for home video on this 85th Anniversary of the founding of the Brotherhood. The film is based on interviews with eight porters and is narrated by Rosina Tucker, the 100-year-old wife of a porter.
Despite the poor pay and working conditions, the porters themselves were often considered to be the best and brightest of their communities, many from small towns in the American south. This image is beautifully represented in the pride shown by Paul Robeson, playing a Pullman porter in the film Emperor Jones, as he departs his hometown for a life on the rails.
The Brotherhood was formed when a small group of porters went to A. Philip Randolph and sought his help in the creation of a union of porters. Randolph was the publisher of The Messenger, a newspaper that campaigned for black rights. The union struggled for twelve years, even threatening a strike, before forcing the Pullman Company to agree to a labor contract in 1937.
Pullman porter E.D. Nixon was the instigator of the Montgomery bus boycott, the protest that brought Martin Luther King into the civil rights movement. But more broadly, the organization of the Brotherhood proved to leadership in the black community of mid-century America that organization and social protest could produce change.
In the late 1960s, the Brotherhood was absorbed into a larger union. So the men like Linus Scott, porters who were members of the original union, are now quite old and few in number. A great, largely unknown chapter in American history is quickly fading from living memory.
Miles of Smiles, Years of Struggle is available from Paul Wagner Films.
*Melissa Bell
Paul Wagner Productions
26. ISRAEL HOSTS AFRICAN RELIGIOUS LEADERS:
Israel recently hosted religious leaders from Africa in a Seminar dubbed ‘Progress from the Pulpit’, to share their experiences in the role of Faith Leadership in promoting Sustainable Development and Social Cohesion. The Rev Suzanne Matale, Secretary General of Council of Churches) Zambia) and an AME was among the persons present.
The Seminar was motivated both by the imperative need for reconciliation between peoples and faith communities as well as the importance of facilitating personal knowledge of current issues rather than depending upon sensationalist headlines for information.
The objective of the Seminar was to enrich the discourse regarding potential contributions of religious leadership to sustainable development and social cohesion and to promote constructive multi-faith dialogue between Christians, Jews and Muslims in Africa and Israel.
The delegates were senior leaders of main-stream religious communities with major following in their countries and leaders with experience of multi-faith dialogue.
The group which comprised over 10 religious leaders also paid a courtesy call on the President of Israel, H.E. Shimon Peres.
The delegation was comprised of the following religious leaders:
Archbishop John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan, Archbishop of Abuja (Nigeria); Sheikh Oumarou Malam Djibring, Vice President of Supreme Islamic Council of Cameroon (Cameroon); Monsignor Samuel Kleda, Bishop of Douala and Vice President of the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon (Cameroon); Alhaji Mamah Gado Mohammed, National Chief Imam's Spokesman (Ghana); the Rev. Dr Fred Deegbe, General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana (Ghana); Dr. Jacobus Johannes Gerber, the General Secretary of the General Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church; The Rev Suzanne Matale, Secretary General of Council of Churches )Zambia) and an AME clergy; Bishop Ivan Manuel Abrahams Director of Missions Unit at the Methodist Church of Southern Africa (South Africa); Archbishop Damião António Franklin, Metropolitan Archbishops of Luanda (Angola); and Rabbi Pinchas Zekry, Chief Rabbi of Durban (South Africa).
27. WHY DO I - WHY DO YOU - WHY DO WE - BELIEVE THE APOSTLE’S CREED – PERSONALIZED:
*Candi Beckwith-Jones
Lord, reveal in your Word what all your children young and old should know. We learn what is in your Word when praying, studying living as taught, sharing and loving as commanded.
- I believe in God the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth (Genesis 1:1 - In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth)
- And in Jesus Christ His only son our Lord (John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.)
- Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:2 - And the Spirit of God moved over the face of the waters)
- Born of the Virgin Mary (Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Matthew 1:23…which means “God with us”)
- Suffered under Pontius Pilate (John 19:1 Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged)
- Was crucified (Mark 15:24 - And they crucified him)
- Dead (Mark 15:37 with a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last and John 19:30 Jesus said, it is finished. With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit)
- And buried (John 19:41 - At the place where Jesus was crucified was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. John 19:42 - Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there)
- The third day He arose from the dead, (Matthew 27:63; 28:5-6 …”After 3 days I will rise again”: The angel said to the woman, do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.)
- He ascended into heaven (Acts 1:7-9 He said to them, it is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority, But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes and a cloud hid him from their sight).
- And sits on the right hand of God the Father almighty (Romans 8:34…who was raised to life – is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us)
- From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead (2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad)
- I believe in the Holy Spirit (John 14:26…the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you)
- The church universal (Ephesians 1:22-23 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him, who fills everything in every way)
- The communion of the saints (Psalm 149:1 Praise the Lord. Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the saints)
- The forgiveness of sins (Ephesians 1:7 - In him we have redemption through the blood the forgiveness of sins in accordance with the riches of God’s grace)
- The resurrection of the body (Romans 1:4 …by His resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord)
- And life everlasting (John 6:47 I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life)
AMEN.
*Mrs. Candi Beckwith-Jones is a member of Walker Chapel AME Church in Seattle, Washington
28. NEW REPORT “YES WE CAN” SHOWS AMERICA’S PUBLIC SCHOOLS FAIL OVER HALF THE NATION’S BLACK MALE STUDENTS:
Schott Foundation Releases Fourth State-by-State Data Set Showing an Overwhelming Majority of U.S. School Districts and States Are Failing to Provide the Resources Black Males Need to Close the National Racial Graduation Gap
Report Also Highlights Measures Needed to Address This National Crisis
New York – “Yes We Can: The 2010 Schott 50 State Report on Black Males in Public Education” reveals that the overall 2007/8 graduation rate for Black males in the U.S. was only 47 percent. The report shows that out of 50 states, half have graduation rates for Black male students below the national average. New York’s graduation rate of only 25 percent for Black male students is the lowest of any state. New York City, the district with the nation’s highest enrollment of Black students and many accolades for reform, only graduates 28 percent of its Black male students on time. These statistics—and the other alarming data in the report— point to a national education and economic crisis (see graphical map at end of release).
The fourth biennial report released by the Schott Foundation for Public Education provides state-by state data that illustrate which U.S. school districts and states are failing to provide the resources Black male students, and all students, need for the opportunity to learn. Without targeted investments to provide the core, research-proven resources to help Black male students succeed in public education, the report concludes, they are being set up to fail.
The report highlights the success of New Jersey’s Abbott plan, which demonstrates that when equitable resources are available to all students, systemic change at the state level can yield significant results. New Jersey is now the only state with a significant Black population with a greater than 65 percent high school graduation rate for Black male students.
“Taken together, the numbers in the Schott Foundation for Public Education’s report form a nightmarish picture―one that is all the more frightening for being both true and long-standing,” said Geoffrey Canada, President and CEO of the Harlem Children’s Zone, who provided the foreword in the report. “These boys are failing, but I believe that it is the responsibility of the adults around them to turn these trajectories around. All of us must ensure that we level the playing field for the hundreds of thousands of children who are at risk of continuing the cycle of generational poverty. The key to success is EDUCATION.”
“Currently, the rate at which Black males are being pushed out of school and into the pipeline to prison far exceeds the rate at which they are graduating and reaching high levels of academic achievement,” said Dr. John H. Jackson, President and CEO of the Schott Foundation for Public Education. “It is not enough to focus on saving the few. We must focus on systemic change to provide all our children the opportunity to learn.”
Highlights of the report’s findings include:
• The five worst performing districts with large Black male student enrollment are New York City, N.Y. (28%); Philadelphia, Pa. (28%); Broward County, Fla. (39%); Chicago, Ill. (44%) and Nashville, Tenn. (47%).
• The states with Black male student enrollment exceeding 100,000 that have the highest graduation rates for Black male students are New Jersey (69%), Maryland (55%), California (54%) and Pennsylvania (53%).
• Some states with small populations, such as Maine, North Dakota, New Hampshire and Vermont have graduation rates for Black males higher than the national average for White males.
• The districts with Black male student enrollment exceeding 10,000 that have highest graduation rates for Black male students are Newark, N.J. (76%); Fort Bend, Texas (68%); Baltimore County, Md. (67%) and Montgomery County, Md. (65%).
• The districts with the lowest graduation rates for Black male students are Pinellas County, Fla. (21%); Palm Beach County, Fla. (22%); Duval County, Fla. (23%); Charleston County, S.C. (24%) and Buffalo, N.Y. (25%).
• Dade County, Fla.; Cleveland, Ohio and Detroit, Mich. also have notably low graduation rates for Black male students—each at 27 percent.
The report outlines solutions—listing the “Conditions for Success” that are critical for providing a fair and substantive opportunity to learn and the “Conditions for Failure.” “Yes We Can” calls on the federal government and states to ensure that all students have a right to an opportunity to learn, not as a matter of competition or location, but as a civil and human right.
This report is being released in a context of significant critiques of the failed policies that led to this national crisis.
“By providing the public with this data, we can all hold policymakers and school districts accountable for facilitating changes to increase high school graduation rates of Black male students and educational opportunity for all students,” said Jackson.
For the full report, “Yes We Can: The 2010 Schott 50 State Report on Black Males in Public Education,” including national summary and detailed state data, go to www.blackboysreport.org.
About The Schott Foundation for Public Education
Founded in 1991, The Schott Foundation for Public Education seeks to develop and strengthen a broad-based and representative movement to achieve fully resourced high quality pre- K-12 public education. Web site: www.schottfoundation.org
29. HOW TO RID OURSELVES OF SPIRITUAL TERMITES:
*The Reverend Eraina Marie Ross-Aseme
For some time, I was wondering why it seems there is so much division in the church which is supposed to represent the body of Christ. The body of Christ is wearing splints, cast, eye patches, braces, bandages, oxygen mask and the list goes on. A few years ago I attended a workshop I can’t quite remember which organization was hosting it but there was a question that was raised in the way of the reason for so much disgruntled church workers especially Christians in the church. At the time I answered by saying that there were ‘Spiritual Termites’ causing the destruction of the body of Christ. Even though my response of calling out “Spiritual Termites” was made two or so years ago, it has always remained with me. Therefore, I want to express to those who are experiencing such devastation how to rid ourselves of spiritual termites.
Recently, I reviewed some additional information about termites from the Wikipedia Website site and it gives a full account of what termites are, how they live, how they breed and where they live. Though these same sources say that termites have a nutty flavor when consumed, spiritual termites are sour and tasteless. While a termite may seem small it can cause a lot of damage. There are other termites that also destroy; they are called spiritual termites. A spiritual termite is unlike a termite you can see with the naked eye. These spiritual termites live in families, neighborhoods, organizations but mainly in the church. Their presence in the church is recognized because the church represents the body of Christ. And the body of Christ represents the spiritual well-being of our spiritual journey in following our Lord and Jesus Christ.
Unlike termites sometimes called “white ants” spiritual termites are not seen at all. However, their presence is known after a believer has walked on a board and falls to the ground due to the decay that has occurred underneath the board. Other evidence of the presence of spiritual termites is the results of a program that backfired or illegitimate accusation. What’s more surprising is that spiritual termites plot and scheme behind the scene using as its nourishment dead stuff to feed on daily. Termites feed on dead stuff such as wood, debris, soil and waste products of animals. On the other hand, spiritual terminates feed on rumors, negative thoughts and actions, and deceptive motives, bad moods and deeds against the body of Christ, the church.
To rid ourselves of these pesky varmints we need to pray, fast and take action.
There are three scriptural passages in the Bible that make the points clear: I Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing; Acts 13:3 And when they had fasted and laid their hands on them, they sent them away; and Proverbs 29:18 Where [there is] no vision the people perish: but he that keepth the law, happy [is] he.
- Set a Time to Pray. We must pray even when we don’t feel like praying. Pray when things are up, pray when things are so low to the ground. Pray when they plot against you; pray when it seems like ‘there is a light and the end of the tunnel’. Pray when the lights are on, pray when the lights are off. Pray for our families, pray for our community and pray for your church.
- Fast regularly. Read your Bible more frequently. Make a sacrifice of those things that bring enjoyment to the soul. Instead of going out to eat; cook a simple meal at home. Don’t eat seconds. Reduce talk time and text time on the phone. Turn-off the TV, computer and video games and write a note to a friend. Do your own hair for a month. Give your customers a discount. Don’t go clothes or shoe shopping for a month. Give up your favorite dessert for a month. Give up your favorite candy bar and drink.
- Take Action. Preach unadulterated Gospel. Have Bible study. Have Church School. A month before the Conference year ends have a pre-planning meeting. However, before this time comes inform the members three months before to make plans for their organizations and auxiliaries to bring to the pre-planning meeting. Follow the plan. Fellowship often. Have an agenda at all meetings and stick to it.
These helpful tips will allow spiritual termites to go to their nest and colonies affecting those in these hidden places to vanish and make room for healthier workers in the Vineyard.
*The Reverend Eraina Marie Ross-Aseme, B.A., M. Div. (D. Min. in progress), pastor of St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church, Topeka, Kansas
30. THE NINETEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2010 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:
The Right Reverend Jeffrey N. Leath, Presiding Prelate
Susan J. Leath, MD, Episcopal Supervisor
East Annual Conference
Fifty-Ninth Session
7-10 October 2010
Mokone Memorial
8281 Msida Street
Pimville, Soweto 1801
011.938.8916
mokoneame@telkomsa.net
The Rev. B. J. Motaung, Host Pastor
The Rev. T. S. Setai, Host Presiding Elder
M.M. Mokone Annual Conference
Twenty-Sixth Session
14-17 October 2010
Mokone Temple A.M.E. Church
4541 Setshedi Street
Ga-Rankuwa, 0208
012.703.90000
nonolucky@gmail.com
The Rev. E. T. T. Msibi, Host Pastor
The Rev. L. S. Moobi, Host Presiding Elder
Natal Annual Conference
Eighty-Second Session
28-31 October 2010
Mavuso Memorial Chapel
1500 KHAYI Street
Bhekuzulu Vryheid 3100
078 747 7665
The Rev. Fezile J. Yawa, Host Pastor
The Rev. S. A. P. Mbambo, Host Presiding Elder
Orangia Annual Conference
One Hundred Thirteenth Session
4-7 November 2010
Ebenezer Mangena A.M.E. Church
3891 Lekhotla Street
Kroonstad, Free States 9500
084.826.6149
The Rev. M.S. Rankoe, Host Pastor
The Rev. M. G. Ramatong, Host Presiding Elder
West Annual Conference
One Hundred Thirteenth Session
11-14 November 2010
Moses Reid A.M.E. Church
P.O. Box 4947
Mmabatho, NW 2735
082.977.8956
The Rev. T.J. Mokebe, Host Pastor
The Rev. V. J. Maleste, Host Presiding Elder
31. NO DEFENSE ON THE FENCE:
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts
There are some folk, no matter what organization or meeting they belong or attend, be it a church conference, steward board meeting, or trustee meeting, never take part in decisionmaking and never offer any opinion and never vote, yea or nay, on any issues that may be deemed controversial. But they are the first who complain when things don’t go the way they think things should go.
I call them “fence sitters.” They sit and equivocate and vacillate in hope that they may be safe from subsequent outcomes. They feel safe in whatever directions the decisions may take and they just “bend with the wind” and “go with the flow.”
There is a danger in “fence-sitting.” During my childhood, I used to see birds, chickens, squirrels and rabbits sitting on fences. As if I had nothing better to do, I would pick up and throw rocks just to see if I could knock one of them off the fence. They were “sitting ducks.” I got pretty good and developed a sharp throwing arm and could deliver a rock to a victim sitting on the fence.
When you “fence-sit,” you are open-game and you have no defense and really don’t have a right to complain. You don’t know which side of the fence you might fall. You have no defense on the fence. The “fence sitters” are usually the first to complain when things don’t go as they thing things should go.
Joshua was addressing a group of “fence-sitters” when he admonished them to “Choose you this day whom you will serve” - Joshua 24: 15. Joshua was telling the Israelites to get off the fence.
The story of the four leprous men in II Kings 7:3-5 decided to get off the fence when they said one to another “Why sit we here until we die, if we go in we will die because the famine is in the city and if we sit here we will die” and in their “getting off the fence,” were blessed beyond measure.
In order that we may reap the benefits of God’s blessing, we have got to “get off the fence.”
“Fence-sitters” are unstable; they are afraid to take a stand; they lack self assurance and they don’t trust themselves to make right choices.
Fence-sitters are more concerned about not hurting the feelings of others and also don’t want to risk getting their feelings hurt.
When things go right they share in the celebration and if they think things might go wrong or are unsure of the way things will go, they take refuge in “sitting on the fence.”
I am certain that there would be less confusion and conflicts in our churches if there were fewer “fence sitters.”
“Fences” serve three purposes: they keep you in, they keep you out and they separate you; but they are not made to sit on.
It is hard to conceive that any duly-elected or appointed member of the church, whether it be a minister, steward, trustee or any other local church leader, would choose to “sit on a fence,” unable to make a decision, and not being able to make decision.
Especially in a church conference, there should not be any “fence sitting.”
Never be afraid to give your opinion or take a stand. Whatever you do, don’t sit on the fence; do or say something because you have no defense on the fence.
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts (ptaegar@aol.com), Author, Counselor, Teacher, Humorist is a retired AME pastor who lives in Eatonville, Florida
32. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- Congratulations to Presiding Elder Clarence Vernon Boyd, Sr.
A Retirement Celebration will be held for Presiding Elder Clarence Vernon Boyd, Sr., for fifty-three years in the ministry on August 14, 2010 at 2 p.m. The Reverend Dr. Clarence Vernon Boyd, Sr. has served faithfully as a pastor and as the spiritual leader for the Hot Springs District of the West Arkansas Conference, 12th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Alongside him has been his queenly and dedicated wife, Mrs. Birdie Marie Boyd.
Celebration Location:
Visitor's Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church
317 Church Street
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Phone: 501-623-6873
Congratulations may be emailed to: cbboyd@swbell.net
Or mail to:
The Rev. and Mrs. Clarence V. Boyd, Sr.
9700 Labette Drive
Little Rock, Arkansas 72205-6704
Phone: (501) 225-5264
- Congratulations to Rev. D. Sinclair Forbes, M.Div, Pastor Bethel AME Church, Key West, Florida
At the August 3, 2010, The City Commission Meeting in the Tropical Paradise of Key West, Rev. D. Sinclair Forbes, pastor of Bethel AME Church was appointed by the Mayor and City Commissioners to the Seven-member Citizens Review Board; an Independent Police Oversight and Review Board. Pastor Forbes will be going to the NACOLE (National Association Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement) Conference from September 20-23rd in Seattle, Washington for the National Meeting of the Oversight Board he was appointed to.
Congratulations may be emailed to: forbess@bellsouth.net
- Congratulations to Dr. Vanessa E. Cleaver:
Dr. Vanessa E. Cleaver, mother of Reginald Cleaver, Jr., our Connectional YPD President; Elyse and Timothy Cleaver, EARNED her doctorate in Education Administration from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Dr. Vanessa E. Cleaver is the daughter of Mrs. Mollie L. White and the late Mr. Learrie White, Sr; sister of Rev. Beverly R. White and Learrie White, Jr.
Congratulatory responses can be emailed to: vancleaver@sbcglobal.net
- Congratulations to Angela Linnette Thompkins:
Angela Linnette Thompkins the daughter of the Reverend Samuel and Mrs. Earnestine Thompkins, Pastor and First Lady of Saint Paul A.M.E. Church Vidalia, GA in the Augusta Georgia Conference of the Sixth Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church received her Bachelor of Science in Education from Georgia State University, Atlanta Georgia. Angela is a former Y.P.D. officer from the Macon Georgia Conference; Richard Q. Ward, Sr., Presiding Elder Wrens/Vidalia District. The Episcopal Leaders are Bishop William P. DeVeaux and Dr. PAM DeVeaux.
Congratulatory responses can be emailed to: ethompki@bellsouth.net
- Congratulations to Tiffany Marie Kelly:
Tiffany Marie Kelly, Daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Herman O. Kelly, Jr., Pastor and First lady of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a junior at St. Josephs Academy, was awarded the Academic Bar for her continued academic success by maintaining a 3.6 cumulative grade point average since her arrival.
Congratulatory responses can be emailed to: hokellyj@yahoo.com
33. EPISCOPAL FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with sorrow that we announce the passing of Mr. Jeremiah Cummings, husband of Mrs. Mary B. Cummings and the brother of the Right Reverend Frank Curtis Cummings and brother-in-law of former Episcopal Supervisor, Mrs. Martha C. Cummings. Mr. Cummings passed on Saturday, August 21, 2010.
Service arrangements for Mr. Jeremiah Cummings:
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Family Visitation: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Funeral: 11:00 AM
Mt. Olive AME Church
2525 W. Church Street
Orlando, Florida 32805
Phone: 407-295-6568
Fax: 407-294-0350
Email: info@mtoliveame.com
Lodging Accommodations
The Courtyard Marriott
1501 International Parkway
Lake Mary, Florida 32746
Phone: 407-995-1100
Group Name: Cummings Family
Room Rate: $69.00 per night
Contact person: Jennifer
Professional Services are entrusted to:
Marvin C. Zanders Funeral Home
232 W Michael Gladden Boulevard
Apopka, Florida 32703
Phone: (407) 886-3388
Fax: (407) 886-5656
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Mary B. Cummings
607 Cricklewood Terrace
Lake Mary, Florida 32746
And to:
Bishop and Mrs. Frank C. Cummings
4118 Paran Pines Dr.
Atlanta, Georgia 30327
Phone: (404) 266-3540
Email: FrankCummings@bellsouth.net
In Lieu of Flowers, contributions may be made in Memory of Mr. Jeremiah Cummings To:
(1) Mt. Olive AME Church, Orlando, Florida
(2) Edward Waters College, Jacksonville, Florida
34. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Regretfully, we announce the passing of the Reverend William Forrest Scruggs, Retired Presiding Elder in the Tennessee Conference of the Thirteenth Episcopal District, the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He is survived by wife Sister Jessye Scruggs; daughter, Wilma (Alfred) Drake; grandson Jerome (Toni) Scruggs, Sr.; great grandsons, Jerome II and Jemeel Scruggs; great great-grandson Jahlan Scruggs. Reverend Scruggs retired in 2004 having served as Presiding Elder for Thirty-five years. The Rev. William Scruggs was a member of Shorter Chapel AME Church in Franklin, Tennessee where the Rev. Dr. Charlotte B. Sydnor is the pastor.
Service Arrangements for the Reverend William Forrest Scruggs:
Friday, August 27, 2010
Family Visitation and Viewing: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Limestone Missionary Baptist Church
1613 West Main Street
Franklin, Tennessee 37064
Phone: 615/794-1125
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Family Visitation 11:00 am - 12:00 noon
Homegoing Celebration Service: 12:00 noon
Greater Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
1300 South Street
Nashville, Tennessee 37212
The Right Rev. Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate
The Right Rev. Henry Belin, Eulogist
Dr. Clement W. Fugh, Liturgist
The Rev. Michael Broadnax, pastor
Services Entrusted to:
Lewis and Wright Funeral Directors
2500 Clarksville Highway
Nashville, Tennessee 37208
Phone: 615/255-2371
Fax: 615/255-4926
Expressions and Condolences can be sent to:
Mrs. Jessye Scruggs and Family
118 Rucker Avenue
Franklin, Tennessee 37064
Phone: 615/794- 1125
Email: fewalker40@gmail.com
Submitted by: Presiding Elder Troy Merritt, Jr., South Nashville District
The Rt. Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate, Thirteenth Episcopal District
Please remember the family in your prayers.
35. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Reverend Minnie Frierson passed from earth to Glory Friday, August 20, 2010. Rev. Frierson was an Itinerate Elder in the Fourth Episcopal District, Michigan Conference. She is a former pastor of Visitor's Chapel AME Church, Detroit, Michigan where she pastored for nine years. She is also a former Women In Ministry President for the Michigan Conference. Reverend Frierson is the sister of Sister Lula Cleckley, who is the Historian of the Connectional Minister's Spouses, Widows and Widowers Organization, Plus PK's, and the Episcopal Third Vice-President of the Women's Missionary Society of the Seventh Episcopal District. Rev. Frierson is also the sister-in-law of the Rev. Robert Cleckley, pastor of Bethel AME Church (Wedgefield) in the Lancaster District, Columbia Annual Conference.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Lula Cleckley (Sister)
1746 Drexel Lake Drive
Columbia, SC 29206
Phone: (803) 622.2361
Ms. Carolyn Frierson (Daughter)
27634 Parkview Blvd. #423
Warren, Michigan 48092
Phone: (313) 458.2262
Mr. Horatio Frierson (Son)
1952 Hyde Park
Detroit, Michigan 48207
Phone: (313) 259.4403/(347) 278.7402
Submitted by Pastor Barbara J. Anthony, Mitcham Chapel AME Church, Southfield, Michigan
36. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mr. Robert E. Marks, Sr., father of the Reverend Roberta Rene McCoy, pastor of St. James AME Church of Elizabeth, Louisiana and Grover Chapel AME Church of Glenmora, Louisiana. Mr. Robert E. Marks, Sr., was a member of Hannah Chapel AME Church, Kinder, Louisiana
Service Arrangements for Robert E. Marks, Sr.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Wake: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Viewing: 11:00 AM -1:00 PM
Funeral: 1:00 PM
Kings Funeral Home
1611 Hwy 14
Lake Charles, Louisiana 70601
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. Roberta Rene McCoy
P.O. Box 424
Oberlin, Louisiana 70655
Phone: 337-401-8638
37. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
With regret we announce the transition of the Reverend Dr. Arthur S. Jones, Retired Pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, to eternal life on Tuesday, August 17, 2010. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Mrs. Erma K. Jones and sons, Arthur and Joseph Jones. The Rev. Dr. Jones' ministry as a pastor spanned over 50 years.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of love and condolence may be sent to:
Mrs. Erma K. Jones & family
1311 Tannery Circle
Midlothian, Virginia 23113
Phone (804) 714-8264
Email: knightbirdoo7@gmail.com
38. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with sorrow that we announce the death on August 12, 2010 of Ms. Marilyn Louise Hester Solomon, sister of Mrs. Constance Golphin of St Paul AME Church in Versailles, Kentucky and aunt of Presiding Elder Kenneth J. Golphin of the Lexington District, Kentucky Conference. Funeral services will be celebrated on Monday, August 23, 2010 at Smith and Gaston Funeral Home in Birmingham, Alabama at 10:00 a.m.
The funeral has been held.
Contact information:
Mrs Constance Solomon Golphin
117 Elm Street, Apt 307
Versailles, Kentucky 40383
Presiding Elder Kenneth J. Golphin
PO Box 746
Versailles, Kentucky 40383
859-333-5075
eldergolphin@aol.com
Smith and Gaston Funeral Home
102 Sixth Avenue SW
Birmingham, AL 35211
Phone Number: (205) 322-3581
39. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
With regret we announce the transition of Mrs. Deliah Ann (Herron) Lemmons to eternal life on Friday, August 13, 2010. Mrs. Lemmons was the mother of Presiding Elder H. Michael Lemmons of the North District, Michigan Annual Conference.
She leaves to mourn her husband of 71 years, Herbert G. Lemmons, of Detroit, Michigan, two sons, the Reverend H. Michael Lemmons (wife Anita) and Reverend Keith M. Lemmons, two brothers Benny Herron and Elmer Herron of Chicago, Illinois, four grandchildren, Michael Lemmons, Malcolm Lemmons, Kourtney Thurman and Rashida Webber, two great children and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who loved her dearly.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of love and condolence may be sent to:
Ebenezer AME Church
5151 West Chicago Boulevard,
Detroit, Michigan 48204,
Telephone: (313) 933-6943 or sent directly to the family at:
17491 Mount Vernon,
Southfield, Michigan 48075.
40. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to share news of the passing of Mrs. Sallie (Pitts) Womack, mother of the Reverend Floyd Womack, pastor of Lee Chapel AME Church, Morgan City, Louisiana.
The funeral has been held.
Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. and Mrs. (Sandra) Floyd Womack and Family
410 5th Street
Morgan City, Louisiana 70380
Home: (985) 384-3318
Cell Phones: (985) 517-7428 & (985) 397-6441
Or to:
The Rev. Floyd Womack, Pastor
Lee Chapel AME Church
609 Freret Street
Morgan City, Louisiana 70380
Phone: (985) 385-2636
Expressions of sympathy may be emailed to: leechapelame@aol.com or sandracwomack@aol.com .
41. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to report the passing of Mrs. Lucille T. Williams, mother-in-law of the Rev. Dr. Jeffery B. Cooper, Senior Pastor of Trinity AME Church in Atlanta, GA, and mother of Dr. Joanne E. Williams - Cooper, former Director of YPD for the Sixth Episcopal District and former First Vice President of the Sixth Episcopal District WMS. Mrs. Williams is from Baltimore, MD and had been living with her daughter and son-in-law for the past nine years.
The funeral has been held.
Donations (in lieu of flowers) can be given to the Minority Medical Student Scholarship being established at Emory School of Medicine in honor of Mrs. Lucille Williams.
Expressions of sympathy can be emailed to:
Dr. Joanne Williams
jwill05@emory.edu
The Rev. Dr. Jeffery B. Cooper
revjbc@aol.com
42. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Sister Irean Neal. Sister Neal passed away on Tuesday, August 10, 2010. She is the mother of Sister Naomi Reeves and the mother-in-law of the Reverend Jimmie E. Reeves, Pastor of Freemount AME Church, Eufaula, Alabama. Please keep the family in your prayers!
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be sent to:
The Reverend & Mrs. Jimmie E. Reeves
807 Clearmont Drive
Dothan, Alabama 36301
(334) 792-5780
43. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: Bishop Richard Franklin Norris
Subject: Homegoing Services
We regret to announce the passing of Ms. Angela Brown, the sister of Reverend Teresa Rushdan, the pastor of Bethel AME Church in Madison, NJ (New Jersey Conference, Newark District). The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Teresa Lynn Rushdan
3203 Plaza Drive
Woodbridge, NJ 07095
Email: Bethelmadison@aol.com
Or
Vaughn C. Greene Funeral Home
See information above
44. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action
Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
E-mail: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Web page: http://www.amecfic.org/
Phone: (615) 837-9736 (H)
Phone: (615) 833-6936 (O)
Cell: (615) 403-7751
BLOG: http://ameccfic.blogspot.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMEC_CFIC
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220
45. 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
8/12/2010
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (8/12/10)
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 – A FLY ON THE WALL, PART 2:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
The editorial, “A Fly on the Wall”, was not supposed to be a two-part editorial. It’s a two-part editorial because I received a telephone call from Sister Smith (or Sister Jones, I am not sure from which one) yesterday (August 9, 2010) and we talked for a long time. I felt badly when she identified herself as one of the ladies in my editorial because I thought she might have been angry and embarrassed.
She said, “Good morning Dr. Syndor.” I quickly corrected her, “My name is pronounced, “Sydnor” that’s, “S-Y-D-N-O-R.” She apologized and continued, “I read your editorial and I was one of the ladies you quoted and I am embarrassed. They are going to put me out of the AME Church!”
I assured her that I did not know her name, did know her church, did not know to which Episcopal district she belonged and that her name did not come up on my phone; only her telephone number. I assured her that I was not interested in her identity and, if I knew it, would not divulge her identity. I went on to share with her that I had served in the Army chaplaincy and understood confidentiality; and as a journalist did not divulge any of my sources. I explained that anything she said probably is being said by a number of AMEs. We had an absolutely wonderfully long conversation about the AME Church. As we ended our phone conversation, I told Sister Smith, “Now you know I am taking notes and I hope that you will not mind if I share some of this conversation with the subscribers and readers of “The Christian Recorder.” She laughed and said, “No problem; just don’t use my real name!” I reminded her that I still did not know her name and if I saw her at a connectional meeting, I would act like I had never seen her, and added, “I didn’t really see your face in Birmingham and please tell Sister Jones that her identity is safe.”
After we got past the confidentiality issues, Sister Smith told me that she was a long-time member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and that she joined the AME Church shortly after she got married. She told me that she joined the AME Church because her husband was AME and because she enjoyed the liturgy, the connectedness of our Zion and the preaching. She also said that she enjoyed the organizational structure of the AME Church and the Church’s emphasis on clergy preparation. She also shared that she is officer and is active on the local and connectional level. She emphasized that she loved the AME Church, but was troubled by some of the things she is observing and thinks the leadership of the Church should address some of the issues.
Sister Smith had a lot to say about the local and connectional Church. She said the problem of decreasing membership is not being addressed by the connectional Church. She observed that her local church and the AME Churches of her friends and acquaintances seem to be quite satisfied with a Sunday-only ministry and the result is that we have become a part-time church.
The local church
“People are not attending church as they did in years past. Our church hardly ever brings in enough money each week to cover expenses; sometimes not even enough for salaries. Our pastor has developed a habit of transferring money from an account that holds monies raised by the various organizations. Now, we know that this is legitimate for him to do, but it's not smart to have to depend on that. In past years, it has been seen as an emergency-type procedure and was seldom, if ever, used and when it was used, the money was replaced as quickly as possible! The problem arises when an organization thinks there is money and it’s not there and no one has told them that it was not there. People get the notion that the money is being misused or mismanaged; not a good situation and it's one that should be avoided. A church doesn't need negative feelings like that floating around. We keep going down the same path instead of implementing strategies and programs to deal with the problem. I keep wondering what he will do when there is no more money to transfer.”
The Lack of pastoral oversight
“Pastors assigned to the local church, fail to bring new programs, continue to conduct business as usual and expect different results. Some pastors seem to think that bringing in guest preachers and a “hot-shot” choir for a Sunday afternoon service is ministry. Sometimes it is a great ministry for the guest preacher because some of our young people get so excited that they leave our church to attend the church of the guest preacher. Do seminaries train ministers how to build and sustain congregations?”
The Quarterly Conference
“We haven’t really had a quarterly conference since Presiding Elder “X” left. When the new presiding elder came to our church, she said that she would only receive the quarterly reports from the treasurer, and from no one else. I still don’t understand that! I am still trying to find “Cluster Quarterly Conference” in The Discipline. Our folks refuse to attend the cluster meetings, and some of them suggested that we buy some stamps and just send in the quarterly reports; doing so would save time and gas.”
The Annual Conference
“Attendance at annual conference has fallen off dramatically. Annual Conference used to be a big deal. The opening and closing sessions were standing-room only and the closing service could never be held at the local church; the closing service of the annual conference was always held at a large facility. Our members just won’t go to the annual conference. I have heard some of them say that there was nothing going on at the annual conference. The pastoral reports have been almost cut out, no relevant literary reports, just some mess thrown together. The bishop doesn’t even make pastoral appointments at the annual conference. People went to the annual conference to see if they were going to get their pastor back and to see who would be moved. There is no reason to attend the annual conference unless you just want to give away money. Annual conferences used to be exciting; now they are routine, so folks have stopped attending. We don’t have to mention connectional meeting because our members won’t go. And guess what? People would not be at a General Conference if no bishops were scheduled to be elected. The election of bishops and general officers are the anchors of the General Conference. Pastoral appointments, the anchor of the itinerant ministry, made annual conferences exciting. Pardon my English, but no sense in going to the planning meeting to find out who was moved because with technology a text message will give us the same information instantaneously. ”
The Children
“We are not doing a good job of training our youth. As children, we looked forward to Christmas, Easter and Mother’s Day and we looked forward receiving our special “piece” and memorizing it. Even a 4-line verse was a big accomplishment for the 3 and 4-year olds. And yes, Sunday was the day for Sunday School and church and it became ‘life-long habit’; and we tried to instill that in our children. Today, we don’t even require our children to memorize their recitations. We give them a piece of paper copied from the internet and let the children read their parts; and it is obvious that many of our children are not good readers.
Sunday worship
“Why do we stay in church so long? Our service is three and half hours long most Sundays. Listen, we start church service at 11 a.m. and we don’t get out until about 1:30 or 2 p.m. This summer we moved our service back to 10 a.m. and guess what, we still get out of church at 1:30 or 2 p.m. And the pastor be talkin’ ‘bout the Holy Spirit and blaming the Holy Spirit for the keeping us in church all day. It’s not the Holy Spirit; it’s his long sermons, the long repetitive choir selections, long announcements and his long remarks that keep us in church all day.
Sermons:
“Let me say it again, we are in church all day because the sermon is too long. Wasn’t it Bishop Kirkland who said something about ‘three points and a hymn.’ I think Bishop Adams said a preacher ought to, ‘stand up, speak up, shut up and sit down.’ Sometimes our sermon last an hour or more and never less than 45-minutes. Do seminaries teach the Bible? It seems that when I grew up, pastors knew the Bible, they were biblical experts. Some of our pastors don’t seem to have a handle on biblical preaching. They have what I have heard Bishop Kirkland, I can’t remember the context, refer to as ‘hoot and holler’ or a “whoop and a collar” or something like that.”
I had heard an earful
It seemed that our conversation was winding down and I asked Sister Smith if she had any other thoughts. She responded, “No, you don’t want me to get started on $100 offerings and inviting folks to ‘please stand if you are willing to give one hundred dollars; don’t get me started!’ Don’t get me started on our meetings that have a registration fee and then beg for $100 offerings. If we are going to ask for an offering, what was the purpose for the registration fee? Lord have mercy; don’t get me started. What is there about operating ‘within the meeting-budget’ that we don’t understand! We better save that conversation for another time.”
Sister Smith went on to say, “I attend all of the connectional meetings and I will see you there. As a matter of fact I will make sure that my friend, who you have given the name ‘Sister Jones, and I will have lunch together and we will invite you to sit with us and you won’t have to eaves drop on our conversation. I just need to say one more time, ‘I love the AME Church!”
And, then she said something extraordinary, “I hope, no I wish, our pastors loved the AME Church as much as we, lay people, love the AME Church. It seems to me that our lay people love the AME Church, and especially our worship, the way it is; but it seems to me that our pastors don’t love or like the AME Church and our AME worship; and it seems to me and other lay folks, that the pastors are spending time trying to change the AME Church and our worship, to make it something different. Ah, but, that’s another editorial!”
And, indeed it might be another editorial!
2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
- To the Editor:
RE: Editorial comment about authored by AMEs
I read your article in the July addition of TCR and wanted to include a book I co-authored with my business partner specifically geared toward the AME Church. Both my partner and I are life-long AME members residing in the 4th Episcopal District-Michigan Conference. We are and have always been very active in our church and felt that our combined talents could be best utilized in aiding and assisting our Zion to maintain and improve on the stewardship of facilities the Lord has blessed us to have.
The title of the book is, Preventive Maintenance for Ecclesiastical Facilities. The cost is $69.95 + shipping and handling. Please include our book in your published listing of AME authored work in the next addition of The Christian Recorder. If there is any further information you would like to receive in regards to the book or our company services please do not hesitate to contact me.
Mishca R. Smith
Mishcamr2@aol.com
- To the Editor:
RE: WIM Conference in Philadelphia
I was not able to attend the WIM Conference but you and your staff writers have blessed me with your exciting reporting. Thank you all for keeping us up-to-date!
The Rev. Dianne McGlen
3. WIM CONFERENCE UPDATE FRIDAY, AUGUST 6 AND SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 2010:
*The Rev. Velma E. Grant
Posted August 6, 2010, 11:18 p.m.
This evening, Friday, August 6, 2010, the Women In Ministry embarked on a journey to remember and honor our foremothers. We boarded buses and vans to partake in a pilgrimage to Jarena Lee’s gravesite located in Lawnside, New Jersey. The Rev. Dr. Teresa Fry Brown presided over the gravesite ceremony and eloquently read a moving tribute to Jarena Lee. Each woman and also the men that were in attendance honored the memory of Jarena Lee by placing a carnation on the gravesite. It was truly a touching moment and one that will be vivid in the minds of many of us for a very long time.
Following the gravesite ceremony we all proceeded into historic Mount Pisgah, AME Church and then it was “on!”
Presiding Elder Michelle Goodloe, was the worship leader and she got the “Holy Ghost party” started, followed by the Rev. Dr. Teresa Fry Brown who reminded us that even though Jarena Lee was not ordained “...every time you pray, I am ordained, every time you shout, I am ordained...every time you take a stand for justice, I am ordained...”
The Shekinah Glory Praise Dance Ministry was a group of intergenerational females but the star of the show was little Ms. Gia Tribbett who is only six years old. Gia danced with joy, at times she missed a few steps but then she was able to catch up and move in sync with her group mates. Gia was also able to get in a couple of “toothy grins,” every now and again just to show us that she was enjoying dancing for God. The Shekinah dance team had the congregation on its feet, shouting “Glory, Praise God, and Thank You Lord.”
Next, the Rev. Dr. Jacquelyn Grant Collier invited us to prayer and encouraged us saying “...as we have praised in Liturgical dance, let us praise in prayer.” Dr. Grant Collier prayed using words adapted from Jarena Lee.
Next, the Rev. Sandra Smith Blair had the congregation in motion as she called the roll of sisters of yesteryear who did not give up despite the hardships and denials to their response to ministry. Rev. Blair told us to “look” and we did, because it seemed as if we could actually see all the sisters that she named. She said “...look around see Jarena Lee, look, see her in the sister or brother beside you…see her in the sister or brother behind you...as we are surrounded by each other, we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses...look, see the crowd of witnesses...look see the sisters that were shut out…they are now shouting…look see the first evangelist that received her pastorate...look around we celebrate them today...our sheroes, some unnamed, some recorded in AME history...the life contributions of some are known, others unknown...they were the first to navigate the space between call and response...we celebrate the certainty of their call, we celebrate their collaboration with brothers who supported their call…we are who we are, because of their perseverance...by faith they kept knocking until the door was opened...” The Rev. Blair next invited individuals in the congregation to call out the names of their District trailblazers or pioneers and the congregation affirmed each name with “we celebrate our sisters.”
The Mount Pisgah AME Church choir blessed us with two selections, the first “I am sold out...my mind is made up...” the next “When I think of the goodness of Jesus...I was sinking so deep in sin, my soul very deeply stained within but God...oh but God ...every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before.” Sometimes we sing songs over and over but there comes a time when the words take on a fresh/new meaning. Why do I say this? There were seven people in this choir and based on my spiritual calculation I came up with this formula – 7 choir members + 1 musician, multiplied by the Holy Spirit = “the church on fire.” Those two songs by this small choir had people stomping their feet, clapping or waving their hands, doing the Holy Ghost shuffle, uttering, “Thank You Lord.” One sister even danced out of her shoes (no exaggeration here), but God, oh God, sister got up and was still praising God. The Holy Ghost was in the church and among the people. I think that somebody owes Mt. Pisgah some new floors. Hallelujah!!
The fire was not extinguished because Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry spoke after the choir and said “...if this choir preaches on Sunday, I plan to invite myself to preach...we have visited the place of sacred memory....Jarena Lee, we honor her as the mother of preaching women in the African Methodist Episcopal Church...”
Next, Bishop Leath poured more fuel on the fire when he said “...has not God blessed us...we want to just pause...we have come to New Jersey for spiritual nourishment and refreshments...” Bishop Leath during his remarks (or mini sermon) brought a particular question to our attention, one that was asked of candidates by Bishops “many moons, many moons ago” and the question was, and “Do you believe it is your duty to call sinners to repentance..?” The Bishop’s response then was, “Show full proof of your ministry…” According to Bishop Leath, the question is hidden somewhere in The AME Discipline. Full proof of that ministry according to Bishop Leath - “Jarena Lee would say that was the fire that was shut up in her bones...to preach Jesus who has all power in His hands...minister with faithfulness in Jesus’ name.”
We were then dismissed by the Rev. Dr. Teresa Fry Brown who said in her final words “Lord I’m willing to run all the way.”
Even after the dismissal, the Holy Spirit lingered and people embraced the Holy Spirit, some crying and some kneeling at the altar.
Yes, my final words for this Friday night after being a witness to these events is, “Yes, Lord, I am willing to run all the way and when I can no longer run, sprint, hop or jog with my bad knee, just lift me and carry me.”
WIM- Saturday August 7, 2010, Final Day
Saturday, August 7, 2010 was a day filled with glorious surprises for the sisters and brothers that attended the final day of the Connectional AME Women in Ministry Quadrennial Conference. This was the final day to collectively embrace the theme “Navigating the Space between Call and Response,” while in Philadelphia.
The Jarena Lee Breakfast and Commissioning Service was the final moment in a week of moments, unique because of the number of attendees and the surprising events that made that Saturday morning more than just an ordinary breakfast. It was ironic that the Opening Hymn led by the Rev. Shirley I. Bowers, was No. 196, “There’s a Sweet, Sweet Spirit in this Place,” considering that the place was a Conference Room in the Hotel and also ironic that that Spirit had free reign throughout the service and changed perhaps the outcome of not only the breakfast but also the culmination of the Conference events and activities (more on that later).
In the Welcome/Occasion, Presiding Elder Betty Furbert-Woolridge reminded us that we stood on the shoulders of our fore sisters like Jarena Lee and Sarah Hughes. She also reminded us that as we navigate the space as WIM, we must take advantage of opportunities, and that religious education needs to be taught. Sister Alycia Levels ministered to us in song, an original selection entitled “Go.” Despite the technical difficulties with the sound system, we were encouraged to hear the lyrics which said “….I’ll be your mouth, I’ll be your hands…I command you to go…everything for you is ordained…Go!” Sister Alycia despite her young age ministered to us with conviction and we were ready to “Go,” knowing that it is God who issues the directive.
The first surprise of the morning was the presentation of the Jarena Lee Awards by the Connectional President, the Rev. Kimberly Detherage, Esquire. The awards were presented to three outstanding individuals that according to Rev. Detherage “…the Executive Board is not just to hold an office…but to enhance and support Women in Ministry….that we might become better leaders, not just for the church but for the community…” The first recipient was the Rev. Sandra Smith Blair, who served two terms as Connectional WIM President from 1996-2004; the second recipient was the Rev. Dr. Teresa Fry Brown, who is a Professor of Homiletics at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology; the third recipient was the Rev. Dr. Jacquelyn Grant Collier, Professor of Systematic Theology at the Interdenominational Theological Center. All three women received standing ovations and are well deserving of this award because of their tireless work to not only promote the legacy of Jarena Lee and the other named and unnamed pioneers but also because of the encouragement that each gives to seasoned as well as younger sisters and brothers in ministry. Kudos to all three, they are all appreciated.
The next surprise was the presentation to the Connectional President by the Women in Ministry First Episcopal District President, the Rev. Dietra Bell. The Rev. Bell asked her women in ministry sisters from the First District to rise, and rise they did; no less than 25% of the attendees were from the First Episcopal District. On behalf of the First Episcopal District, the Rev. Bell presented the Rev. Detherage with a “thank you” gift, which was an all expenses paid trip to Bermuda. As much as I would love Rev. Detherage to pass along that gift to me, I pray that she will make the time to enjoy that gift of love very soon, hopefully before we get to the next General Conference.
Prior to preaching Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry said that, the 50th year celebration of the ordination of women is exciting and wonderful. She also encouraged us to grab onto the seasoned sisters (referring to those that have been in ministry for a long time) and to turn around and grab the hand of a younger sister in ministry because “together we can get there.” Bishop Guidry preached from the text Luke 13:10-17, using “A Twisted Sister Meets the Balm in Gilead!’ as her borrowed theme. Bishop invited the unnamed woman in the text to speak to the congregation and the woman certainly did. Bishop donned a headscarf and in character became the unnamed woman. The woman introduced herself and said “…Thank you Bishop Carolyn, my name is Sister Noname (pronounced No-na-may)….I got used to my condition...lots of time I felt invisible…I gave up hope of having a normal life…yes, I was used to my condition…I was too weak to stand up for myself…deep in my heart I thought God had rejected me…Jesus, he laid his hands on me…wonderful, strong, brown hands, he laid them on me…”
Bishop then stepped out of character by removing the headscarf and continued preaching “…Thank you Sister Noname…look at this woman...bent over by rule, by injustice…simply the fact that Jesus saw her...not just the poor twisted body…he saw the potential in her...the worth of her praise and so Jesus sees you and sees me…you must know that Jesus has seen you..while you navigate the space between call and response…remember who called you…when Jesus touches you, there is no going back...His human eyes told him that she was a woman and yet he saw her…Praise God Jesus saw you, not who you think you are but what he can do through your life…the Lord sees you…He knew that one day a group of twisted women would meet in a place called Philadelphia…Jesus’ generous gift for a bent over woman is available to you…if you just hear the voice of Jesus say come unto me all that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest…God has blessed us with a wealth of love and peace…enjoy…continue to be used to the glory of God…how do you navigate the space between call and response…very gingerly and carefully…you want to be sure that the answer is, yes Lord, I am completely yours!”
The final surprise began with the Commissioning Prayer led by Bishop Sarah Frances Davis who prayed a powerful prayer followed by a request from Bishop Leath (who was in attendance every day with his sister Bishops Davis and Tyler Guidry). Bishop Leath requested that his sister Bishops anoint him instead of him anointing them. That was the end of our breakfast. Then the sisters and brothers in the room formed two lines and lined up to receive the anointing blessings from Bishop Davis or Bishop Tyler Guidry. The Holy Spirit, that Sweet, Sweet Spirit flowed in the room and what a sight, male and female were literally “dropping” to the floor, not pushed or shoved by any physical or visible hand but literally dropping to the floor because of the anointing in the room. It was not orchestrated or rehearsed but as they received the oil on their foreheads and a prayer from the Bishop, people fell left and right. Tables and chairs had to be moved out of the way. There was nothing else to be said after that display of just God moving in the place. No additional remarks, no songs, no prayers, the Spirit had its way and that was the closing of the Conference. Yes, there was a “Sweet, Sweet Spirit in that place and I know that it was the presence of the Lord.” Selah!
*The Rev. Velma E. Grant is the President of the 6th Episcopal District Women In Ministry
4. MEETING CONSOLIDATION IN THE AME CHURCH:
*John Thomas III
From July 25-29, I had the pleasure of attending the Connectional Christian Education Congress. When I glanced over the comprehensive schedule, I had high expectations for the meeting and was not disappointed. I witnessed informative and well-organized seminars, excellent preaching, and outstanding musical performances. I was also pleasantly surprised to find that several breakfasts and lunches were included in the registration fee and we even received free books.
In spite of all these benefits, however, no more than five hundred persons registered and attended the premiere Christian Education event in our denomination of 2.5 million members. After the closing plenary, I approached Dr. Daryl Ingram, the Executive Director of Christian Education and chatted with him about the lack of attendance. I was saddened to learn that numbers have actually been declining over the last few years. I believe that part of the problem is that members of the AME Church are oversaturated with meetings and have a tough time discerning what is “important”.
In the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, going to meetings is a way of life. The Conference system ensures that at the very least the average local member of an AME Church will be exposed to five major meetings a year: periodic Church Conferences, four local church quarterly conferences, and Annual Conference, Then there are the local governing bodies (Official, Steward and Trustee Boards) and the auxiliaries (YPD, WMS, Lay Organization, etc.). For example, if you are a steward in your local church and active in your local Lay Organization, you will be expected to attend at least twenty-seven meetings annually: four quarterly conferences and the monthly official Board meetings, and the eleven (11) annual Lay Organization meetings. This does not include Presiding Elder District Conference, Church School Convention or activities at the Annual Conference level.
When one looks at the Episcopal level and higher, the schedule becomes even more cluttered. There is Episcopal District Founder’s Day, Post-Conference Planning meeting, Mid-Year Convocation and Christian Education Congress. At the Connectional level, most of the major auxiliaries have at least one Executive Board meeting/Training institute per year. Then there’s the General Board/Bishop’s Council, CONVO, as well as the meetings sponsored by the Departments of Christian Education, Church Growth and Development, and Annuity Investment and Insurance. While members joke about “Always Meeting and Eating” and “professional AMEs”, the number of meetings is reaching an intolerable level…if it is not already there. (It is a commentary on the nature of the denomination that the most talked about issue for the past year has been the “Right-Sizing Process” for General Conference—or trying to figure out how many people get to go to the REALLY big meeting).
There is no doubt that having meetings is essential to the work of the AME Church. As we try to make ourselves more attractive to younger members, however, the plethora of meetings quickly becomes a turn-off. Even if someone could take off the time needed to go to various functions, the price of hotels and flights is an encumbrance for young adults. In its current structure, the AME Church at the Connectional level is geared towards involvement from pastors from well-off charges, retirees, students and people who own their own business. The structure also excludes substantial participation from persons who reside in Districts 14-20.
The topic of meeting consolidation is not a new phenomenon. At the 2008 General Conference, the Episcopal Address referenced the need to consolidate all meetings by 2012. While this idea was good in theory, it was quickly shot down because the constituent bodies (especially the Lay Organization) felt that they were not consulted and were being bullied into taking potentially harmful actions. Nonetheless, meeting consolidation at the Connectional level is imperative and a strategy needs to be discussed to be ready for implementation for the 2012-2016 Quadrennium.
The first (and easiest) step to cutting down meetings is to eliminate separate Executive Board meetings for major church auxiliaries and have all Executive Board meetings at the site of the General Board/Bishop’s Council. Each auxiliary (WMS, YPD, Lay Organization) could have two days with the General Board session closing the week. The denomination could also establish one week a year as a combined training session for all departments with separate meetings (Christian Education, Church Growth and Evangelism and Annuity Investment and Insurance). One major concern will be the registration fees that the organizations and departments get as funding—but a cost-sharing arrangement can surely be worked out. After we cut down on Executive Board meetings, then we can take a look at other big Connectional meetings to see how they can be made to be more efficient.
As African Methodists, we believe that tithing involves time, talent and treasure. One way that we can be better stewards of these three possessions is to reevaluate how we conduct our business and the number of meetings we have. In the past, travelling to meetings was essential due to constraints on transportation and technology. Furthermore, many persons viewed going to Connectional meetings as a mini-vacation and an opportunity to travel. In today’s world, however, “time is money”, and the AME Church must learn to be more efficient if it is to maintain its relevance. Reexamining our meeting structure is a good place to start.
*John Thomas III is a Ph.D candidate at the University of Chicago
5. FUN! FUND! FOUNDATION:
*The Rev. Cheryl Blake Hoskins
The first thing the Bible tells us about God is that God made the world, and that when God finished God said, “This is good!” It might have said, “This is good fun.” Surely, God had a good time making the world. Sometimes when we get together in church there’s not much fun to be seen, but fun belongs in times like this. In fact, Jesus said, “I come that your joy might be full.”
Fun is best when it is shared. Our fun began about six months ago as we begin planning for St. James AME Church, Danville, Kentucky and Blake Chapel AME to get together. The connection was made with the Reverend William C. Jenkins, pastor of St. James and it was on!
We decided to do a “spiritual hook-up” on Blake Chapel’s first annual Youth Day – the 2nd weekend of July 2010. The fun was put into gear!
“F” is also for “Fund”
A fund is a supply of something that can be given out when needed. We usually think of money, but we can have a fund of talents too. Real love is helping the other person or persons to find his or her talents abilities. Not only did he preach that in his sermon that Sunday morning, he show us that all our youth, and us, could do it too! Parents are expected to have a fund of understanding and care for their children but children can also, with love and understanding help their parents to grow, he said.
“F” is also for “Fundamental”
It means “at the foundation.” Reverend Jenkins reminded us that Jesus is the rock of our salvation.
I have a story and so do others that will be shared about the 2nd weekend of July!
The Rev. William C. Jenkins brought his youth, his members and his choir. Everybody in that choir had a lead voice! What a time we had in the morning and the afternoon- all I could say was, “Yes Lordy! Our cups were running over.”
We shared a weekend together with fresh fried fish, coleslaw, pinto beans, cornbread and French fried potatoes on Friday; the trip to the Aquarium on Saturday; and on Sunday ended up with Okra, Macaroni & cheese, freshly cooked collard greens, fresh green beans, tomatoes, onions, roast beef, stuffing, fried and baked chicken, coleslaw, and corn muffins!
“Fun, Fund, and foundation” - We grew together as God intended for us to do.
The Reverend William C. Jenkins was presented the stole by the Blake Chapel AME Youth and praise dancers at the 11 am service.
*The Rev. Cheryl Blake Hoskins is the pastor of Blake Chapel AME Church
6. THE 8TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2010 ANNUAL WIM MEETING AND WORSHIP:
The North Mississippi Conference Women In Ministry (WIM) of the 8th Episcopal District announces their 2010 Annual WIM meeting and worship service, Monday, August 16, 2010 at Faith Community AME Church, 7340 Greenbrook Parkway, Southaven, Mississippi.
Our featured guests are the Rev. Dr. Teresa L. Fry-Brown, Professor of Homiletics and Director of Black Church Studies at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta Georgia; and Miss Alycia Levels, Gospel Recording Artist, Atlanta Georgia. The workshops are from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. and the worship service will be at 7 p.m.
We invite you to share in this opportunity of worship, praise, empowerment and networking.
For additional information, please contact the Rev. Karen Simms, Conference Coordinator via email at kdsimms@cableone.net or (662) 417.9983
**This message was received from The Rev. Ammie Davis (Chaplain, U.S. Navy)
7. THE REV. SCOTT DINGLE, AME ITINERANT ELDER, A COLONEL IN THE U.S. ARMY, COMMANDS THE MEDICAL RECRUITING BRIGADE AT FORT KNOX, KENTUCKY:
The Rev. Scott Dingle (Colonel, Medical Service Corps, United States Army), 10th Episcopal District assumed command or the Medical Recruiting Brigade at Fort Knox, Kentucky. The Medical Recruiting Brigade has the recruiting mission for all medical professionals, chaplains, Special Operations, PSYOPS, and CIV Affairs. The article below appeared in the Turret, the Fort Knox newspaper. The article was written by Maureen Rose and is reprinted with the permission of the Fort Knox Public Affairs Office.
It’s ‘Allgood’ as Highlanders Welcome New Commander:
By Maureen Rose
Turret Associate Editor
Friday, Fort Knox’s Medical Recruiting Brigade said good-bye to its outgoing commander Col. Rafael Montagno—fondly known as “Gino”—and welcomed the new commander, Col. Scott Dingle, in a change of command ceremony under the blazing Kentucky sun on Brooks Field.
The Medical Recruiting Brigade (MRB) was activated in 2007 when it assumed command of the existing five medical recruiting battalions. They were the 1st MRBn in Fort Meade, Maryland, the 2nd MRBn of Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, the 3rd MRBn at Fort Knox, the 5th MRBn at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and the 6th MRBn in Las Vegas, Nevada. Falling under the Recruiting Command umbrella, the MRB is now responsible for medical recruiting, as well as the chaplain recruiting branch, warrant officer recruiting mission, and the Special Operations Recruiting Battalion in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
The MRB has been designated as Allgood’s Highlanders, in honor of Colonel Brian Allgood, a surgeon who was killed when the Blackhawk he was in was forced down under enemy fire near Baghdad in 2007. Dr. Allgood is the highest ranking medical officer to die in the Global War on Terror. When MRB staffers greet one another, they accompany their salute with the cry of “Highlanders” and the respondent replies with his own salute and “It’s Allgood.”
Prior to the standup of the MRB, the Recruiting Command was responsible for the Army Nurse Corps recruiting mission while other medical service recruiting missions were shared by the Office of the Surgeon General and Office of the Chief, Army Reserve. Today, the three entities are united in a partnership to recruit medical professionals to active and Army Reserve components.
U.S. Recruiting Commander Maj. Gen. Donald Campbell hosted the ceremony and congratulated the work of Col. Montagno, who had the distinction of two assignments within the MRB; first as battalion commander of the 5th Recruiting Battalion at Fort Sam Houston, then later as the brigade commander at Fort Knox.
In the two years of his command, Col. Montagno surpassed his mission goals, in spite of the stiff competition throughout health care arena for medical professionals. The general said that stretch of production was the best of any leader since MRB joined USAREC in 1995.
“Under his leadership, 7,168 professionals were added to the Army,” Maj. Gen. Campbell said.
Further, recruiting nurses and dentists has been a perpetual challenge for recruiters. The dental corps recruitment traditionally ranged from 20-31 percent, but this year has already hit the 123 percent mark. The nursing corps recruitments are enjoying similar success, thanks to Col. Montagno’s efforts.
In his final remarks, Col. Montagno said it was a bittersweet moment to say farewell to the only medical recruiting brigade in America. He thanked many others for their support, to include the command sergeants major, all of whom he considered battle buddies who provided him with patience, wisdom, and sound counsel.
“The Highlanders are better off today because of your efforts,” Col. Montagno said. “I came to the MRB with little knowledge of what it takes to be successful in recruiting.”
His voice choked with emotion, Col. Montagno left his team with one piece of advice that he had garnered from Lt. Gen. Timothy Maude: Take care of Soldiers and their families and the rest will work out. He thanked all for the opportunity to have served them and concluded with the traditional MRB greeting, “It’s Allgood. Highlander 6, out.”
Commander Dingle has come full circle since his first military assignment with the 194th Separate Armored Brigade at Fort Knox. He has had a broad range of assignments in the Medical Service Corps and most recently served in the Office of the Surgeon General and the Army Medical Command.
He told his audience that it was with great honor, pride, and humility that he looked forward to the leading the Medical Recruiting Brigade.
“We will continue to build upon your success and take it to the next level,” Col. Dingle told his predecessor. “I assure you with all goodness—and it’s Allgood—that we will succeed. Highlander 6 is back on the net.”
8. THE AFRICAN AMERICAN AND AME BOY SCOUT ATTENDANCE WAS VERY LOW AT THE 2010 NATIONAL BOY SCOUT JAMBOREE:
As of today, less than 7% of the thousands of Boy Scouts at the National Boy Scout Jamboree are African Americans. The AME Boy Scout attendance was very low at the 2010 National Boy Scout Jamboree. The African American adults on staff are less than 10%.
Day visitors to the Jamboree are near 10%. Day visitors are scouts, scout leaders, siblings, parents and family members that come to the Jamboree and visit the Jamboree site for a day. Visitors can visit the Boy Scout troops daily starting at 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
There are all types of activities for the entire family. There are a lot of exciting activities for all of the Boy Scouts at the National Boy Scout Jamboree.
I truly believe that the low attendance is related to simple economics, but we, as a people, can buy whatever we want to buy; and we need to support our youth. We have three years before the Next Jamboree comes around again and we need to begin now to plan to play a larger role in the next National Boy Scout Jamboree.
This year’s National Jamboree is a historical Jamboree because Scouting is celebrating its 100-Year Anniversary.
Guest speakers yesterday included, Secretary of the Defense Robert Gates and Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell who are both Eagle Scouts.
Scouting builds leaders and we need to help our AME youth participate in scouting.
Franklin Sr., Anthony franklinanthony@co.kane.il.us
9. THE NINTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2010 ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND PLENARY SCHEDULE:
The Right Reverend James L. Davis, Servant Bishop
Mrs. Arelis B. Davis, WMS Supervisor
First Alabama River Region Annual Conference
Wednesday, September 8, 2010 -- WMS Conference (7 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Wednesday – Saturday, Sep 8 - 11, 2010 - ANNUAL CONFERENCE
(Opening Annual Service – September 8, 2010 at 7 p.m.)
Brown AME Church
410 Martin Luther King Jr. Street
Selma, AL 36703
The Rev. Tony C. Scott, Host Pastor
The Rev. Albert L. Hyche, Host Presiding Elder
First Southeast Annual Conference
Wednesday, September 15, 2010 -- WMS Conference (7 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Wednesday – Saturday, Sep 15 - 18, 2010 - ANNUAL CONFERENCE
(Opening Annual Service – September 15, 2010 at 7 p.m.)
Enterprise Civic Center
2401 Neil Metcalf Road
Enterprise, AL 36330
Johns Chapel AME Church, Enterprise
841 Geneva Highway
Enterprise, AL 36331
The Rev. Vernon McLeod, Host Pastor
The Rev. Samuel Smith, Host Presiding Elder
First Northeast Annual Conference
Wednesday, September 22, 2010 -- WMS Conference (7 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Wednesday – Saturday, Sep 22 - 25, 2010 - ANNUAL CONFERENCE
(Opening Annual Service – September 22, 2010 at 7 p.m.)
St. Luke AME Church
1308 Auburn Street
Opelika, AL 36801
The Rev. Anthony Mays, Host Pastor
The Rev. Thomas E. Crossley, Host Presiding Elder
First Southwest Annual Conference
Wednesday, October 6, 2010 -- WMS Conference (7 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Wednesday – Saturday, Oct 6 - 9, 2010 - ANNUAL CONFERENCE
(Opening Annual Service – October 6, 2010 at 7 p.m.)
Emanuel AME Church
654 Saint Michael Street
Mobile, AL 36602
The Rev. John L. Dees, Jr., Host Pastor
The Rev. Ernest A. Rouse, Host Presiding Elder
First North West Annual Conference
Wednesday, October 20, 2010 -- WMS Conference (7 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Wednesday – Saturday, Oct 20 - 23, 2010 - ANNUAL CONFERENCE
(Opening Annual Service – October 20, 2010 at 7 p.m.)
Allen Temple AME Church, Bessemer
917 22nd Street, North
North Bessemer, AL 35020
The Rev. Dr. Lugenia Johnson, Host Pastor
The Rev. Oliver Allen, Host Presiding Elder
Plenary Meeting
Friday - Saturday, November 5 - 6, 2010
Place – TBA
10. VERIZON, THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS YOUTH FOUNDATION, AFRICAN AMERICAN UNITY CENTER AND THE YOUNG CENTER FOR ACADEMIC AND CULTURAL ENRICHMENT:
(Los Angeles, CA) Concerned about the plight of South Los Angeles youth, the Verizon Foundation, Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation, African American Unity Center, Young Center for Academic and Cultural Enrichment, Nielsen Company, the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, the EXPO Center, and other community partners have joined Brotherhood Crusade and several NBA retired players in hosting the 6th Annual Brotherhood Crusade Jim Cleamons Books and Basketball Camp the week of August 16‐20, 2010. The Thinkfinity Bowl launch and Press Conference will take place on Monday, August 16, 2010 at 12:30 PM at the EXPO Center located at 3980 Menlo Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90037.
The Books and Basketball Camp provides 125 9–15 year old youth with an opportunity to engage in a dream experience that teaches fascinating principles of math and science, financial education, social and personal life skills development, health and nutrition, chess, etiquette, and of course, basketball. A significant highlight of the camp this year will be the formal launch of the Verizon Thinkfinity Bowl, a highly engaging academic skills competition that combines the College Bowl Academic Decathlon with team debate. “We are eternally grateful that Verizon has recognized the quality and impact of our work and elected to partner with us in effectuating the changes necessary to make a difference in our community,” said Brotherhood Crusade President and CEO Charisse Bremond Weaver. “Thinkfinity Bowl is a creatively innovative initiative that builds upon the successes we have had in re‐engaging underperforming youth in school and significantly increasing their academic proficiency in core subjects. It is a testament to Verizon that Elva Lima, Asia Powell, Felicia Hudson, Gene Eng, Tim McCallion and all of the professionals at the Foundation not only recognized the need but also the impact their investment of both fiscal and personnel resources could make if prudently applied to quality programming.”
The Thinkfinity Bowl will assist the joint efforts of the African American Unity Center and Brotherhood Crusade to continue to effectuate STEM‐based programming designed to reverse the persistent failure of South Los Angeles students in math and science; re‐engage youth in school; improve the quality of academic instruction; facilitate student enrollment in and completion of post‐secondary pursuits; and reverse the strong influence of South Los Angeles' culture that creates an environment that strongly discourages success in school and in life.
“The combination of Verizon’s professional assistance, resources, and financial support will enable children and youth from environments where gang influence is stronger than academic success to benefit from highly‐effective programming that provides hope, creates meaningful change, and significantly improves quality of life. Moreover, Verizon is to be commended for creating Thinkfinity.org. It is an incredible free educational resource that anyone can use.”
“It’s the Network!!!” said ABA/NBA legend and camp co‐founder James Jones. “I know it sounds like a cliché, but Brotherhood Crusade has assembled strong and dedicated community partners like the Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation, Verizon, Nielsen, Southwest Airlines, Microsoft, The California Endowment, Nestle, NBC4, The Gas Company, Wells Fargo, Southern California Edison, Northrop Grumman, Fox, the Los Angeles Sentinel, Bank of America, Northern Trust, Broadway Federal Bank, the United States Tennis Association, the Southern California Tennis Association, Mattel, the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, the EXPO Center, the California Emergency Management Agency ‐ CalGRIP, and the Mayor’s Office of Gang Reduction and Youth Development to help provide resources to meet the unmet needs of the community.”
In the past two years, Brotherhood Crusade has improved the academic proficiency of youth participating in their youth development programs by 168% on average. Simultaneously, these youth have demonstrated significant socio‐behavioral improvements. The organization attributes this success to the ongoing support provided by the Verizon Foundation, Nielson, the Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation and all of the community partners mentioned above.
“I am honored to have such strong and committed partners” said Bremond. “Our corporate partners raise the bar when it comes to corporate philanthropy. Their commitment is evident from the moment you meet any of their representatives.”
This commitment is obviously needed. South Los Angeles middle and high school students rank worse in the state of California and among the worse in the nation in science and math academic proficiency. Moreover, nearly 90% of high school students in the Figueroa Corridor are performing at “below” or “far below” basic in core academic subjects. This, at a time when it is predicted that greater than 70% of the jobs that will be in demand in the future will involve some form of science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM).
The Brotherhood Crusade is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit institution founded in 1968 to provide necessary resources, program services and a voice of advocacy to traditionally underserved communities. Their mission is to remove and/or help individuals overcome the barriers that deter their pursuit of success and facilitate opportunities for a better quality of life, by promoting health and wellness, enhancing educational opportunities, cultivating economic growth and building community agencies and institutions. If you would like to make a contribution to the Brotherhood Crusade, please send your tax‐deductible gift to:
Brotherhood Crusade
200 East Slauson Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90011
(323) 846‐1649
www.brotherhoodcrusade.org
Ginger Campbell
SNAP Productions
11. HAS THE CROSS LOST ITS SYMBOLIC SIGNIFICANCE:
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts
There are different existing forms of the “Cross” in the religious community.
But I wonder why the Cross that symbolizes the crucifixion of Christ is so widely commercialized and worn by so many.
You can see crosses everywhere. You can see them hanging in the car windows of gangs and around their necks. You can see them dangling in the windows of foul-mouth truckers. You can see them around the necks of prostitutes, pimps, and pushers. You can see them around the necks of gamblers, transients, thieves, drug addicts and atheists.
Why has the cross become so popularized? Surely those who wear the Cross are not all Christians and believers.
You can purchase Crosses in various forms; stone, gold, brass, platinum, copper, silver, wood, cloth materials, plastics and glass. Some are overlaid with diamonds, pearls, sapphires, and other ostentatious materials.
I have seen Crosses around necks, ankles, bracelets, on earlobes and lapels.
There is no doubt that the Cross has become a popular and provocative ornament.
Why would a Cross on top of a hill in the middle of the Mohave Desert bother anyone? It did, and somebody went out and destroyed and carried it away. They may have carried it away but they will never get over it no matter what they did with it.
Some of us buy expensive attractive Crosses. The size of a Cross, the price and the attractiveness of a Cross does not make one more “Holier” than others.
Some of us admire and commend those who wear a beautiful Cross while in the meantime we forget or we ignore the symbolic significance of the Cross.
Jesus was crucified on a Cross made of wooden beams. The Cross that Jesus was crucified on was not overlaid with gold, silver, sapphires or any other ornaments. The only metal were spikes nailed in His hands and through His feet into the wooden beams. Blood and water ran down the beams.
We who wear decorative crosses make it seem as if the cross was a joy and a pleasure; it was not. We are enriching the pockets of jewelers who are making a fortune getting us to buy their creative unique designs of Crosses with no Christological intent.
There is no doubt that the Cross has become a popular addition to our jewelry collection. Many of those who wear the Cross or have it dangling in their autos have no regard to its significance, and they care less.
I place frivolous display and frivolous wear of the Cross into the category of being sacrilegious. Pardon the personal reference, but I wear a Cross made of wood, nothing flashy just wood. That does not make me any holier than anyone else, but I feel justified and comfortable in doing so.
Jesus admonished his Disciples and reminded them that if they intended to follow him, each of them had to take up the Cross and follow Him. Jesus had no inference to any physical objects. We who are believers and followers of Christ know what it means to take up the Cross, at least we should.
The question remains, has the Cross lost its symbolic significance?
The consecrated cross I’ll bear till death shall set me free
And then go home my crown to wear for there’s a crown for me.
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts ptaegar@aol.com is a retired AME pastor who lives in Eatonville, Florida
12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of the Reverend Verdie Elder Bell, Local Elder at Mother Midway AME Church, Jacksonville, FL (East Conference, Eleventh Episcopal District). The Reverend Verdie Elder Bell passed from this life to eternity on Wednesday, August 4, 2010. She was the former owner of Polly's Restaurant and known affectionately as "Miss Polly." She had been a faithful member of Mother Midway AME Church for over 50 years. She leaves to cherish her memories: Mr. Frank Bell, husband; three children, Moses Small, Felton Small and Cynthia Elder; six sisters; two brothers; and a host of other relatives, in-laws, and friends.
Funeral Service for the Reverend Verdie Elder Bell:
Friday, August 13, 2010 at 11:00 a.m.
St. Paul AME Church
6910 New Kings Road
Jacksonville, FL 32219
Telephone: (904) 764-2755
The Rev. Dr. Marvin C. Zanders II, Host pastor
Officiating, the Rev. Dr. Robert L. Mitchell, Presiding Elder, Suwannee North District
Eulogist, the Rev. Charletta C. Robinson, Pastor Mother Midway AME Church
Resolutions:
All resolutions are to be forward to Mother Midway AME Church via e-mail: mothermidwayame@bellsouth.net or fax at (904) 359-5583.
Arrangements Entrusted to:
J. E. Fralin & Sons Funeral and Cremation Services
5065 Soutel Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32208
Phone: (904) 924-9400 Fax: (904) 924-9349
Expression of sympathy may be sent to:
Mr. Frank Bell
7384 Irving Scott Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32208
Telephone: (904) 768-8244
13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Ms. Tammaria Smith, age 23, the daughter of the Rev. Stephen Smith (Angela) departed this life Wednesday night, August 4th. She is survived by her parents, four sisters, and three brothers.
The funeral has been held.
The Rev. Stephen B. Smith is the Pastor of Butler Creek African Methodist Episcopal Church located at 1959 Tobacco Road in Augusta, GA.
Condolences may be mailed to:
The Rev. and Mrs. Stephen B. Smith
3524 Jack Kelly Road
Augusta, Georgia 30906
Or you may call: (706) 798-0246
14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action
Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
E-mail: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Web page: http://www.amecfic.org/
Phone: (615) 837-9736 (H)
Phone: (615) 833-6936 (O)
Cell: (615) 403-7751
BLOG: http://ameccfic.blogspot.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMEC_CFIC
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220
15. 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 – A FLY ON THE WALL, PART 2:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
The editorial, “A Fly on the Wall”, was not supposed to be a two-part editorial. It’s a two-part editorial because I received a telephone call from Sister Smith (or Sister Jones, I am not sure from which one) yesterday (August 9, 2010) and we talked for a long time. I felt badly when she identified herself as one of the ladies in my editorial because I thought she might have been angry and embarrassed.
She said, “Good morning Dr. Syndor.” I quickly corrected her, “My name is pronounced, “Sydnor” that’s, “S-Y-D-N-O-R.” She apologized and continued, “I read your editorial and I was one of the ladies you quoted and I am embarrassed. They are going to put me out of the AME Church!”
I assured her that I did not know her name, did know her church, did not know to which Episcopal district she belonged and that her name did not come up on my phone; only her telephone number. I assured her that I was not interested in her identity and, if I knew it, would not divulge her identity. I went on to share with her that I had served in the Army chaplaincy and understood confidentiality; and as a journalist did not divulge any of my sources. I explained that anything she said probably is being said by a number of AMEs. We had an absolutely wonderfully long conversation about the AME Church. As we ended our phone conversation, I told Sister Smith, “Now you know I am taking notes and I hope that you will not mind if I share some of this conversation with the subscribers and readers of “The Christian Recorder.” She laughed and said, “No problem; just don’t use my real name!” I reminded her that I still did not know her name and if I saw her at a connectional meeting, I would act like I had never seen her, and added, “I didn’t really see your face in Birmingham and please tell Sister Jones that her identity is safe.”
After we got past the confidentiality issues, Sister Smith told me that she was a long-time member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and that she joined the AME Church shortly after she got married. She told me that she joined the AME Church because her husband was AME and because she enjoyed the liturgy, the connectedness of our Zion and the preaching. She also said that she enjoyed the organizational structure of the AME Church and the Church’s emphasis on clergy preparation. She also shared that she is officer and is active on the local and connectional level. She emphasized that she loved the AME Church, but was troubled by some of the things she is observing and thinks the leadership of the Church should address some of the issues.
Sister Smith had a lot to say about the local and connectional Church. She said the problem of decreasing membership is not being addressed by the connectional Church. She observed that her local church and the AME Churches of her friends and acquaintances seem to be quite satisfied with a Sunday-only ministry and the result is that we have become a part-time church.
The local church
“People are not attending church as they did in years past. Our church hardly ever brings in enough money each week to cover expenses; sometimes not even enough for salaries. Our pastor has developed a habit of transferring money from an account that holds monies raised by the various organizations. Now, we know that this is legitimate for him to do, but it's not smart to have to depend on that. In past years, it has been seen as an emergency-type procedure and was seldom, if ever, used and when it was used, the money was replaced as quickly as possible! The problem arises when an organization thinks there is money and it’s not there and no one has told them that it was not there. People get the notion that the money is being misused or mismanaged; not a good situation and it's one that should be avoided. A church doesn't need negative feelings like that floating around. We keep going down the same path instead of implementing strategies and programs to deal with the problem. I keep wondering what he will do when there is no more money to transfer.”
The Lack of pastoral oversight
“Pastors assigned to the local church, fail to bring new programs, continue to conduct business as usual and expect different results. Some pastors seem to think that bringing in guest preachers and a “hot-shot” choir for a Sunday afternoon service is ministry. Sometimes it is a great ministry for the guest preacher because some of our young people get so excited that they leave our church to attend the church of the guest preacher. Do seminaries train ministers how to build and sustain congregations?”
The Quarterly Conference
“We haven’t really had a quarterly conference since Presiding Elder “X” left. When the new presiding elder came to our church, she said that she would only receive the quarterly reports from the treasurer, and from no one else. I still don’t understand that! I am still trying to find “Cluster Quarterly Conference” in The Discipline. Our folks refuse to attend the cluster meetings, and some of them suggested that we buy some stamps and just send in the quarterly reports; doing so would save time and gas.”
The Annual Conference
“Attendance at annual conference has fallen off dramatically. Annual Conference used to be a big deal. The opening and closing sessions were standing-room only and the closing service could never be held at the local church; the closing service of the annual conference was always held at a large facility. Our members just won’t go to the annual conference. I have heard some of them say that there was nothing going on at the annual conference. The pastoral reports have been almost cut out, no relevant literary reports, just some mess thrown together. The bishop doesn’t even make pastoral appointments at the annual conference. People went to the annual conference to see if they were going to get their pastor back and to see who would be moved. There is no reason to attend the annual conference unless you just want to give away money. Annual conferences used to be exciting; now they are routine, so folks have stopped attending. We don’t have to mention connectional meeting because our members won’t go. And guess what? People would not be at a General Conference if no bishops were scheduled to be elected. The election of bishops and general officers are the anchors of the General Conference. Pastoral appointments, the anchor of the itinerant ministry, made annual conferences exciting. Pardon my English, but no sense in going to the planning meeting to find out who was moved because with technology a text message will give us the same information instantaneously. ”
The Children
“We are not doing a good job of training our youth. As children, we looked forward to Christmas, Easter and Mother’s Day and we looked forward receiving our special “piece” and memorizing it. Even a 4-line verse was a big accomplishment for the 3 and 4-year olds. And yes, Sunday was the day for Sunday School and church and it became ‘life-long habit’; and we tried to instill that in our children. Today, we don’t even require our children to memorize their recitations. We give them a piece of paper copied from the internet and let the children read their parts; and it is obvious that many of our children are not good readers.
Sunday worship
“Why do we stay in church so long? Our service is three and half hours long most Sundays. Listen, we start church service at 11 a.m. and we don’t get out until about 1:30 or 2 p.m. This summer we moved our service back to 10 a.m. and guess what, we still get out of church at 1:30 or 2 p.m. And the pastor be talkin’ ‘bout the Holy Spirit and blaming the Holy Spirit for the keeping us in church all day. It’s not the Holy Spirit; it’s his long sermons, the long repetitive choir selections, long announcements and his long remarks that keep us in church all day.
Sermons:
“Let me say it again, we are in church all day because the sermon is too long. Wasn’t it Bishop Kirkland who said something about ‘three points and a hymn.’ I think Bishop Adams said a preacher ought to, ‘stand up, speak up, shut up and sit down.’ Sometimes our sermon last an hour or more and never less than 45-minutes. Do seminaries teach the Bible? It seems that when I grew up, pastors knew the Bible, they were biblical experts. Some of our pastors don’t seem to have a handle on biblical preaching. They have what I have heard Bishop Kirkland, I can’t remember the context, refer to as ‘hoot and holler’ or a “whoop and a collar” or something like that.”
I had heard an earful
It seemed that our conversation was winding down and I asked Sister Smith if she had any other thoughts. She responded, “No, you don’t want me to get started on $100 offerings and inviting folks to ‘please stand if you are willing to give one hundred dollars; don’t get me started!’ Don’t get me started on our meetings that have a registration fee and then beg for $100 offerings. If we are going to ask for an offering, what was the purpose for the registration fee? Lord have mercy; don’t get me started. What is there about operating ‘within the meeting-budget’ that we don’t understand! We better save that conversation for another time.”
Sister Smith went on to say, “I attend all of the connectional meetings and I will see you there. As a matter of fact I will make sure that my friend, who you have given the name ‘Sister Jones, and I will have lunch together and we will invite you to sit with us and you won’t have to eaves drop on our conversation. I just need to say one more time, ‘I love the AME Church!”
And, then she said something extraordinary, “I hope, no I wish, our pastors loved the AME Church as much as we, lay people, love the AME Church. It seems to me that our lay people love the AME Church, and especially our worship, the way it is; but it seems to me that our pastors don’t love or like the AME Church and our AME worship; and it seems to me and other lay folks, that the pastors are spending time trying to change the AME Church and our worship, to make it something different. Ah, but, that’s another editorial!”
And, indeed it might be another editorial!
2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
- To the Editor:
RE: Editorial comment about authored by AMEs
I read your article in the July addition of TCR and wanted to include a book I co-authored with my business partner specifically geared toward the AME Church. Both my partner and I are life-long AME members residing in the 4th Episcopal District-Michigan Conference. We are and have always been very active in our church and felt that our combined talents could be best utilized in aiding and assisting our Zion to maintain and improve on the stewardship of facilities the Lord has blessed us to have.
The title of the book is, Preventive Maintenance for Ecclesiastical Facilities. The cost is $69.95 + shipping and handling. Please include our book in your published listing of AME authored work in the next addition of The Christian Recorder. If there is any further information you would like to receive in regards to the book or our company services please do not hesitate to contact me.
Mishca R. Smith
Mishcamr2@aol.com
- To the Editor:
RE: WIM Conference in Philadelphia
I was not able to attend the WIM Conference but you and your staff writers have blessed me with your exciting reporting. Thank you all for keeping us up-to-date!
The Rev. Dianne McGlen
3. WIM CONFERENCE UPDATE FRIDAY, AUGUST 6 AND SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 2010:
*The Rev. Velma E. Grant
Posted August 6, 2010, 11:18 p.m.
This evening, Friday, August 6, 2010, the Women In Ministry embarked on a journey to remember and honor our foremothers. We boarded buses and vans to partake in a pilgrimage to Jarena Lee’s gravesite located in Lawnside, New Jersey. The Rev. Dr. Teresa Fry Brown presided over the gravesite ceremony and eloquently read a moving tribute to Jarena Lee. Each woman and also the men that were in attendance honored the memory of Jarena Lee by placing a carnation on the gravesite. It was truly a touching moment and one that will be vivid in the minds of many of us for a very long time.
Following the gravesite ceremony we all proceeded into historic Mount Pisgah, AME Church and then it was “on!”
Presiding Elder Michelle Goodloe, was the worship leader and she got the “Holy Ghost party” started, followed by the Rev. Dr. Teresa Fry Brown who reminded us that even though Jarena Lee was not ordained “...every time you pray, I am ordained, every time you shout, I am ordained...every time you take a stand for justice, I am ordained...”
The Shekinah Glory Praise Dance Ministry was a group of intergenerational females but the star of the show was little Ms. Gia Tribbett who is only six years old. Gia danced with joy, at times she missed a few steps but then she was able to catch up and move in sync with her group mates. Gia was also able to get in a couple of “toothy grins,” every now and again just to show us that she was enjoying dancing for God. The Shekinah dance team had the congregation on its feet, shouting “Glory, Praise God, and Thank You Lord.”
Next, the Rev. Dr. Jacquelyn Grant Collier invited us to prayer and encouraged us saying “...as we have praised in Liturgical dance, let us praise in prayer.” Dr. Grant Collier prayed using words adapted from Jarena Lee.
Next, the Rev. Sandra Smith Blair had the congregation in motion as she called the roll of sisters of yesteryear who did not give up despite the hardships and denials to their response to ministry. Rev. Blair told us to “look” and we did, because it seemed as if we could actually see all the sisters that she named. She said “...look around see Jarena Lee, look, see her in the sister or brother beside you…see her in the sister or brother behind you...as we are surrounded by each other, we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses...look, see the crowd of witnesses...look see the sisters that were shut out…they are now shouting…look see the first evangelist that received her pastorate...look around we celebrate them today...our sheroes, some unnamed, some recorded in AME history...the life contributions of some are known, others unknown...they were the first to navigate the space between call and response...we celebrate the certainty of their call, we celebrate their collaboration with brothers who supported their call…we are who we are, because of their perseverance...by faith they kept knocking until the door was opened...” The Rev. Blair next invited individuals in the congregation to call out the names of their District trailblazers or pioneers and the congregation affirmed each name with “we celebrate our sisters.”
The Mount Pisgah AME Church choir blessed us with two selections, the first “I am sold out...my mind is made up...” the next “When I think of the goodness of Jesus...I was sinking so deep in sin, my soul very deeply stained within but God...oh but God ...every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before.” Sometimes we sing songs over and over but there comes a time when the words take on a fresh/new meaning. Why do I say this? There were seven people in this choir and based on my spiritual calculation I came up with this formula – 7 choir members + 1 musician, multiplied by the Holy Spirit = “the church on fire.” Those two songs by this small choir had people stomping their feet, clapping or waving their hands, doing the Holy Ghost shuffle, uttering, “Thank You Lord.” One sister even danced out of her shoes (no exaggeration here), but God, oh God, sister got up and was still praising God. The Holy Ghost was in the church and among the people. I think that somebody owes Mt. Pisgah some new floors. Hallelujah!!
The fire was not extinguished because Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry spoke after the choir and said “...if this choir preaches on Sunday, I plan to invite myself to preach...we have visited the place of sacred memory....Jarena Lee, we honor her as the mother of preaching women in the African Methodist Episcopal Church...”
Next, Bishop Leath poured more fuel on the fire when he said “...has not God blessed us...we want to just pause...we have come to New Jersey for spiritual nourishment and refreshments...” Bishop Leath during his remarks (or mini sermon) brought a particular question to our attention, one that was asked of candidates by Bishops “many moons, many moons ago” and the question was, and “Do you believe it is your duty to call sinners to repentance..?” The Bishop’s response then was, “Show full proof of your ministry…” According to Bishop Leath, the question is hidden somewhere in The AME Discipline. Full proof of that ministry according to Bishop Leath - “Jarena Lee would say that was the fire that was shut up in her bones...to preach Jesus who has all power in His hands...minister with faithfulness in Jesus’ name.”
We were then dismissed by the Rev. Dr. Teresa Fry Brown who said in her final words “Lord I’m willing to run all the way.”
Even after the dismissal, the Holy Spirit lingered and people embraced the Holy Spirit, some crying and some kneeling at the altar.
Yes, my final words for this Friday night after being a witness to these events is, “Yes, Lord, I am willing to run all the way and when I can no longer run, sprint, hop or jog with my bad knee, just lift me and carry me.”
WIM- Saturday August 7, 2010, Final Day
Saturday, August 7, 2010 was a day filled with glorious surprises for the sisters and brothers that attended the final day of the Connectional AME Women in Ministry Quadrennial Conference. This was the final day to collectively embrace the theme “Navigating the Space between Call and Response,” while in Philadelphia.
The Jarena Lee Breakfast and Commissioning Service was the final moment in a week of moments, unique because of the number of attendees and the surprising events that made that Saturday morning more than just an ordinary breakfast. It was ironic that the Opening Hymn led by the Rev. Shirley I. Bowers, was No. 196, “There’s a Sweet, Sweet Spirit in this Place,” considering that the place was a Conference Room in the Hotel and also ironic that that Spirit had free reign throughout the service and changed perhaps the outcome of not only the breakfast but also the culmination of the Conference events and activities (more on that later).
In the Welcome/Occasion, Presiding Elder Betty Furbert-Woolridge reminded us that we stood on the shoulders of our fore sisters like Jarena Lee and Sarah Hughes. She also reminded us that as we navigate the space as WIM, we must take advantage of opportunities, and that religious education needs to be taught. Sister Alycia Levels ministered to us in song, an original selection entitled “Go.” Despite the technical difficulties with the sound system, we were encouraged to hear the lyrics which said “….I’ll be your mouth, I’ll be your hands…I command you to go…everything for you is ordained…Go!” Sister Alycia despite her young age ministered to us with conviction and we were ready to “Go,” knowing that it is God who issues the directive.
The first surprise of the morning was the presentation of the Jarena Lee Awards by the Connectional President, the Rev. Kimberly Detherage, Esquire. The awards were presented to three outstanding individuals that according to Rev. Detherage “…the Executive Board is not just to hold an office…but to enhance and support Women in Ministry….that we might become better leaders, not just for the church but for the community…” The first recipient was the Rev. Sandra Smith Blair, who served two terms as Connectional WIM President from 1996-2004; the second recipient was the Rev. Dr. Teresa Fry Brown, who is a Professor of Homiletics at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology; the third recipient was the Rev. Dr. Jacquelyn Grant Collier, Professor of Systematic Theology at the Interdenominational Theological Center. All three women received standing ovations and are well deserving of this award because of their tireless work to not only promote the legacy of Jarena Lee and the other named and unnamed pioneers but also because of the encouragement that each gives to seasoned as well as younger sisters and brothers in ministry. Kudos to all three, they are all appreciated.
The next surprise was the presentation to the Connectional President by the Women in Ministry First Episcopal District President, the Rev. Dietra Bell. The Rev. Bell asked her women in ministry sisters from the First District to rise, and rise they did; no less than 25% of the attendees were from the First Episcopal District. On behalf of the First Episcopal District, the Rev. Bell presented the Rev. Detherage with a “thank you” gift, which was an all expenses paid trip to Bermuda. As much as I would love Rev. Detherage to pass along that gift to me, I pray that she will make the time to enjoy that gift of love very soon, hopefully before we get to the next General Conference.
Prior to preaching Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry said that, the 50th year celebration of the ordination of women is exciting and wonderful. She also encouraged us to grab onto the seasoned sisters (referring to those that have been in ministry for a long time) and to turn around and grab the hand of a younger sister in ministry because “together we can get there.” Bishop Guidry preached from the text Luke 13:10-17, using “A Twisted Sister Meets the Balm in Gilead!’ as her borrowed theme. Bishop invited the unnamed woman in the text to speak to the congregation and the woman certainly did. Bishop donned a headscarf and in character became the unnamed woman. The woman introduced herself and said “…Thank you Bishop Carolyn, my name is Sister Noname (pronounced No-na-may)….I got used to my condition...lots of time I felt invisible…I gave up hope of having a normal life…yes, I was used to my condition…I was too weak to stand up for myself…deep in my heart I thought God had rejected me…Jesus, he laid his hands on me…wonderful, strong, brown hands, he laid them on me…”
Bishop then stepped out of character by removing the headscarf and continued preaching “…Thank you Sister Noname…look at this woman...bent over by rule, by injustice…simply the fact that Jesus saw her...not just the poor twisted body…he saw the potential in her...the worth of her praise and so Jesus sees you and sees me…you must know that Jesus has seen you..while you navigate the space between call and response…remember who called you…when Jesus touches you, there is no going back...His human eyes told him that she was a woman and yet he saw her…Praise God Jesus saw you, not who you think you are but what he can do through your life…the Lord sees you…He knew that one day a group of twisted women would meet in a place called Philadelphia…Jesus’ generous gift for a bent over woman is available to you…if you just hear the voice of Jesus say come unto me all that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest…God has blessed us with a wealth of love and peace…enjoy…continue to be used to the glory of God…how do you navigate the space between call and response…very gingerly and carefully…you want to be sure that the answer is, yes Lord, I am completely yours!”
The final surprise began with the Commissioning Prayer led by Bishop Sarah Frances Davis who prayed a powerful prayer followed by a request from Bishop Leath (who was in attendance every day with his sister Bishops Davis and Tyler Guidry). Bishop Leath requested that his sister Bishops anoint him instead of him anointing them. That was the end of our breakfast. Then the sisters and brothers in the room formed two lines and lined up to receive the anointing blessings from Bishop Davis or Bishop Tyler Guidry. The Holy Spirit, that Sweet, Sweet Spirit flowed in the room and what a sight, male and female were literally “dropping” to the floor, not pushed or shoved by any physical or visible hand but literally dropping to the floor because of the anointing in the room. It was not orchestrated or rehearsed but as they received the oil on their foreheads and a prayer from the Bishop, people fell left and right. Tables and chairs had to be moved out of the way. There was nothing else to be said after that display of just God moving in the place. No additional remarks, no songs, no prayers, the Spirit had its way and that was the closing of the Conference. Yes, there was a “Sweet, Sweet Spirit in that place and I know that it was the presence of the Lord.” Selah!
*The Rev. Velma E. Grant is the President of the 6th Episcopal District Women In Ministry
4. MEETING CONSOLIDATION IN THE AME CHURCH:
*John Thomas III
From July 25-29, I had the pleasure of attending the Connectional Christian Education Congress. When I glanced over the comprehensive schedule, I had high expectations for the meeting and was not disappointed. I witnessed informative and well-organized seminars, excellent preaching, and outstanding musical performances. I was also pleasantly surprised to find that several breakfasts and lunches were included in the registration fee and we even received free books.
In spite of all these benefits, however, no more than five hundred persons registered and attended the premiere Christian Education event in our denomination of 2.5 million members. After the closing plenary, I approached Dr. Daryl Ingram, the Executive Director of Christian Education and chatted with him about the lack of attendance. I was saddened to learn that numbers have actually been declining over the last few years. I believe that part of the problem is that members of the AME Church are oversaturated with meetings and have a tough time discerning what is “important”.
In the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, going to meetings is a way of life. The Conference system ensures that at the very least the average local member of an AME Church will be exposed to five major meetings a year: periodic Church Conferences, four local church quarterly conferences, and Annual Conference, Then there are the local governing bodies (Official, Steward and Trustee Boards) and the auxiliaries (YPD, WMS, Lay Organization, etc.). For example, if you are a steward in your local church and active in your local Lay Organization, you will be expected to attend at least twenty-seven meetings annually: four quarterly conferences and the monthly official Board meetings, and the eleven (11) annual Lay Organization meetings. This does not include Presiding Elder District Conference, Church School Convention or activities at the Annual Conference level.
When one looks at the Episcopal level and higher, the schedule becomes even more cluttered. There is Episcopal District Founder’s Day, Post-Conference Planning meeting, Mid-Year Convocation and Christian Education Congress. At the Connectional level, most of the major auxiliaries have at least one Executive Board meeting/Training institute per year. Then there’s the General Board/Bishop’s Council, CONVO, as well as the meetings sponsored by the Departments of Christian Education, Church Growth and Development, and Annuity Investment and Insurance. While members joke about “Always Meeting and Eating” and “professional AMEs”, the number of meetings is reaching an intolerable level…if it is not already there. (It is a commentary on the nature of the denomination that the most talked about issue for the past year has been the “Right-Sizing Process” for General Conference—or trying to figure out how many people get to go to the REALLY big meeting).
There is no doubt that having meetings is essential to the work of the AME Church. As we try to make ourselves more attractive to younger members, however, the plethora of meetings quickly becomes a turn-off. Even if someone could take off the time needed to go to various functions, the price of hotels and flights is an encumbrance for young adults. In its current structure, the AME Church at the Connectional level is geared towards involvement from pastors from well-off charges, retirees, students and people who own their own business. The structure also excludes substantial participation from persons who reside in Districts 14-20.
The topic of meeting consolidation is not a new phenomenon. At the 2008 General Conference, the Episcopal Address referenced the need to consolidate all meetings by 2012. While this idea was good in theory, it was quickly shot down because the constituent bodies (especially the Lay Organization) felt that they were not consulted and were being bullied into taking potentially harmful actions. Nonetheless, meeting consolidation at the Connectional level is imperative and a strategy needs to be discussed to be ready for implementation for the 2012-2016 Quadrennium.
The first (and easiest) step to cutting down meetings is to eliminate separate Executive Board meetings for major church auxiliaries and have all Executive Board meetings at the site of the General Board/Bishop’s Council. Each auxiliary (WMS, YPD, Lay Organization) could have two days with the General Board session closing the week. The denomination could also establish one week a year as a combined training session for all departments with separate meetings (Christian Education, Church Growth and Evangelism and Annuity Investment and Insurance). One major concern will be the registration fees that the organizations and departments get as funding—but a cost-sharing arrangement can surely be worked out. After we cut down on Executive Board meetings, then we can take a look at other big Connectional meetings to see how they can be made to be more efficient.
As African Methodists, we believe that tithing involves time, talent and treasure. One way that we can be better stewards of these three possessions is to reevaluate how we conduct our business and the number of meetings we have. In the past, travelling to meetings was essential due to constraints on transportation and technology. Furthermore, many persons viewed going to Connectional meetings as a mini-vacation and an opportunity to travel. In today’s world, however, “time is money”, and the AME Church must learn to be more efficient if it is to maintain its relevance. Reexamining our meeting structure is a good place to start.
*John Thomas III is a Ph.D candidate at the University of Chicago
5. FUN! FUND! FOUNDATION:
*The Rev. Cheryl Blake Hoskins
The first thing the Bible tells us about God is that God made the world, and that when God finished God said, “This is good!” It might have said, “This is good fun.” Surely, God had a good time making the world. Sometimes when we get together in church there’s not much fun to be seen, but fun belongs in times like this. In fact, Jesus said, “I come that your joy might be full.”
Fun is best when it is shared. Our fun began about six months ago as we begin planning for St. James AME Church, Danville, Kentucky and Blake Chapel AME to get together. The connection was made with the Reverend William C. Jenkins, pastor of St. James and it was on!
We decided to do a “spiritual hook-up” on Blake Chapel’s first annual Youth Day – the 2nd weekend of July 2010. The fun was put into gear!
“F” is also for “Fund”
A fund is a supply of something that can be given out when needed. We usually think of money, but we can have a fund of talents too. Real love is helping the other person or persons to find his or her talents abilities. Not only did he preach that in his sermon that Sunday morning, he show us that all our youth, and us, could do it too! Parents are expected to have a fund of understanding and care for their children but children can also, with love and understanding help their parents to grow, he said.
“F” is also for “Fundamental”
It means “at the foundation.” Reverend Jenkins reminded us that Jesus is the rock of our salvation.
I have a story and so do others that will be shared about the 2nd weekend of July!
The Rev. William C. Jenkins brought his youth, his members and his choir. Everybody in that choir had a lead voice! What a time we had in the morning and the afternoon- all I could say was, “Yes Lordy! Our cups were running over.”
We shared a weekend together with fresh fried fish, coleslaw, pinto beans, cornbread and French fried potatoes on Friday; the trip to the Aquarium on Saturday; and on Sunday ended up with Okra, Macaroni & cheese, freshly cooked collard greens, fresh green beans, tomatoes, onions, roast beef, stuffing, fried and baked chicken, coleslaw, and corn muffins!
“Fun, Fund, and foundation” - We grew together as God intended for us to do.
The Reverend William C. Jenkins was presented the stole by the Blake Chapel AME Youth and praise dancers at the 11 am service.
*The Rev. Cheryl Blake Hoskins is the pastor of Blake Chapel AME Church
6. THE 8TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2010 ANNUAL WIM MEETING AND WORSHIP:
The North Mississippi Conference Women In Ministry (WIM) of the 8th Episcopal District announces their 2010 Annual WIM meeting and worship service, Monday, August 16, 2010 at Faith Community AME Church, 7340 Greenbrook Parkway, Southaven, Mississippi.
Our featured guests are the Rev. Dr. Teresa L. Fry-Brown, Professor of Homiletics and Director of Black Church Studies at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta Georgia; and Miss Alycia Levels, Gospel Recording Artist, Atlanta Georgia. The workshops are from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. and the worship service will be at 7 p.m.
We invite you to share in this opportunity of worship, praise, empowerment and networking.
For additional information, please contact the Rev. Karen Simms, Conference Coordinator via email at kdsimms@cableone.net or (662) 417.9983
**This message was received from The Rev. Ammie Davis (Chaplain, U.S. Navy)
7. THE REV. SCOTT DINGLE, AME ITINERANT ELDER, A COLONEL IN THE U.S. ARMY, COMMANDS THE MEDICAL RECRUITING BRIGADE AT FORT KNOX, KENTUCKY:
The Rev. Scott Dingle (Colonel, Medical Service Corps, United States Army), 10th Episcopal District assumed command or the Medical Recruiting Brigade at Fort Knox, Kentucky. The Medical Recruiting Brigade has the recruiting mission for all medical professionals, chaplains, Special Operations, PSYOPS, and CIV Affairs. The article below appeared in the Turret, the Fort Knox newspaper. The article was written by Maureen Rose and is reprinted with the permission of the Fort Knox Public Affairs Office.
It’s ‘Allgood’ as Highlanders Welcome New Commander:
By Maureen Rose
Turret Associate Editor
Friday, Fort Knox’s Medical Recruiting Brigade said good-bye to its outgoing commander Col. Rafael Montagno—fondly known as “Gino”—and welcomed the new commander, Col. Scott Dingle, in a change of command ceremony under the blazing Kentucky sun on Brooks Field.
The Medical Recruiting Brigade (MRB) was activated in 2007 when it assumed command of the existing five medical recruiting battalions. They were the 1st MRBn in Fort Meade, Maryland, the 2nd MRBn of Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, the 3rd MRBn at Fort Knox, the 5th MRBn at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and the 6th MRBn in Las Vegas, Nevada. Falling under the Recruiting Command umbrella, the MRB is now responsible for medical recruiting, as well as the chaplain recruiting branch, warrant officer recruiting mission, and the Special Operations Recruiting Battalion in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
The MRB has been designated as Allgood’s Highlanders, in honor of Colonel Brian Allgood, a surgeon who was killed when the Blackhawk he was in was forced down under enemy fire near Baghdad in 2007. Dr. Allgood is the highest ranking medical officer to die in the Global War on Terror. When MRB staffers greet one another, they accompany their salute with the cry of “Highlanders” and the respondent replies with his own salute and “It’s Allgood.”
Prior to the standup of the MRB, the Recruiting Command was responsible for the Army Nurse Corps recruiting mission while other medical service recruiting missions were shared by the Office of the Surgeon General and Office of the Chief, Army Reserve. Today, the three entities are united in a partnership to recruit medical professionals to active and Army Reserve components.
U.S. Recruiting Commander Maj. Gen. Donald Campbell hosted the ceremony and congratulated the work of Col. Montagno, who had the distinction of two assignments within the MRB; first as battalion commander of the 5th Recruiting Battalion at Fort Sam Houston, then later as the brigade commander at Fort Knox.
In the two years of his command, Col. Montagno surpassed his mission goals, in spite of the stiff competition throughout health care arena for medical professionals. The general said that stretch of production was the best of any leader since MRB joined USAREC in 1995.
“Under his leadership, 7,168 professionals were added to the Army,” Maj. Gen. Campbell said.
Further, recruiting nurses and dentists has been a perpetual challenge for recruiters. The dental corps recruitment traditionally ranged from 20-31 percent, but this year has already hit the 123 percent mark. The nursing corps recruitments are enjoying similar success, thanks to Col. Montagno’s efforts.
In his final remarks, Col. Montagno said it was a bittersweet moment to say farewell to the only medical recruiting brigade in America. He thanked many others for their support, to include the command sergeants major, all of whom he considered battle buddies who provided him with patience, wisdom, and sound counsel.
“The Highlanders are better off today because of your efforts,” Col. Montagno said. “I came to the MRB with little knowledge of what it takes to be successful in recruiting.”
His voice choked with emotion, Col. Montagno left his team with one piece of advice that he had garnered from Lt. Gen. Timothy Maude: Take care of Soldiers and their families and the rest will work out. He thanked all for the opportunity to have served them and concluded with the traditional MRB greeting, “It’s Allgood. Highlander 6, out.”
Commander Dingle has come full circle since his first military assignment with the 194th Separate Armored Brigade at Fort Knox. He has had a broad range of assignments in the Medical Service Corps and most recently served in the Office of the Surgeon General and the Army Medical Command.
He told his audience that it was with great honor, pride, and humility that he looked forward to the leading the Medical Recruiting Brigade.
“We will continue to build upon your success and take it to the next level,” Col. Dingle told his predecessor. “I assure you with all goodness—and it’s Allgood—that we will succeed. Highlander 6 is back on the net.”
8. THE AFRICAN AMERICAN AND AME BOY SCOUT ATTENDANCE WAS VERY LOW AT THE 2010 NATIONAL BOY SCOUT JAMBOREE:
As of today, less than 7% of the thousands of Boy Scouts at the National Boy Scout Jamboree are African Americans. The AME Boy Scout attendance was very low at the 2010 National Boy Scout Jamboree. The African American adults on staff are less than 10%.
Day visitors to the Jamboree are near 10%. Day visitors are scouts, scout leaders, siblings, parents and family members that come to the Jamboree and visit the Jamboree site for a day. Visitors can visit the Boy Scout troops daily starting at 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
There are all types of activities for the entire family. There are a lot of exciting activities for all of the Boy Scouts at the National Boy Scout Jamboree.
I truly believe that the low attendance is related to simple economics, but we, as a people, can buy whatever we want to buy; and we need to support our youth. We have three years before the Next Jamboree comes around again and we need to begin now to plan to play a larger role in the next National Boy Scout Jamboree.
This year’s National Jamboree is a historical Jamboree because Scouting is celebrating its 100-Year Anniversary.
Guest speakers yesterday included, Secretary of the Defense Robert Gates and Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell who are both Eagle Scouts.
Scouting builds leaders and we need to help our AME youth participate in scouting.
Franklin Sr., Anthony franklinanthony@co.kane.il.us
9. THE NINTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2010 ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND PLENARY SCHEDULE:
The Right Reverend James L. Davis, Servant Bishop
Mrs. Arelis B. Davis, WMS Supervisor
First Alabama River Region Annual Conference
Wednesday, September 8, 2010 -- WMS Conference (7 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Wednesday – Saturday, Sep 8 - 11, 2010 - ANNUAL CONFERENCE
(Opening Annual Service – September 8, 2010 at 7 p.m.)
Brown AME Church
410 Martin Luther King Jr. Street
Selma, AL 36703
The Rev. Tony C. Scott, Host Pastor
The Rev. Albert L. Hyche, Host Presiding Elder
First Southeast Annual Conference
Wednesday, September 15, 2010 -- WMS Conference (7 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Wednesday – Saturday, Sep 15 - 18, 2010 - ANNUAL CONFERENCE
(Opening Annual Service – September 15, 2010 at 7 p.m.)
Enterprise Civic Center
2401 Neil Metcalf Road
Enterprise, AL 36330
Johns Chapel AME Church, Enterprise
841 Geneva Highway
Enterprise, AL 36331
The Rev. Vernon McLeod, Host Pastor
The Rev. Samuel Smith, Host Presiding Elder
First Northeast Annual Conference
Wednesday, September 22, 2010 -- WMS Conference (7 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Wednesday – Saturday, Sep 22 - 25, 2010 - ANNUAL CONFERENCE
(Opening Annual Service – September 22, 2010 at 7 p.m.)
St. Luke AME Church
1308 Auburn Street
Opelika, AL 36801
The Rev. Anthony Mays, Host Pastor
The Rev. Thomas E. Crossley, Host Presiding Elder
First Southwest Annual Conference
Wednesday, October 6, 2010 -- WMS Conference (7 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Wednesday – Saturday, Oct 6 - 9, 2010 - ANNUAL CONFERENCE
(Opening Annual Service – October 6, 2010 at 7 p.m.)
Emanuel AME Church
654 Saint Michael Street
Mobile, AL 36602
The Rev. John L. Dees, Jr., Host Pastor
The Rev. Ernest A. Rouse, Host Presiding Elder
First North West Annual Conference
Wednesday, October 20, 2010 -- WMS Conference (7 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Wednesday – Saturday, Oct 20 - 23, 2010 - ANNUAL CONFERENCE
(Opening Annual Service – October 20, 2010 at 7 p.m.)
Allen Temple AME Church, Bessemer
917 22nd Street, North
North Bessemer, AL 35020
The Rev. Dr. Lugenia Johnson, Host Pastor
The Rev. Oliver Allen, Host Presiding Elder
Plenary Meeting
Friday - Saturday, November 5 - 6, 2010
Place – TBA
10. VERIZON, THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS YOUTH FOUNDATION, AFRICAN AMERICAN UNITY CENTER AND THE YOUNG CENTER FOR ACADEMIC AND CULTURAL ENRICHMENT:
(Los Angeles, CA) Concerned about the plight of South Los Angeles youth, the Verizon Foundation, Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation, African American Unity Center, Young Center for Academic and Cultural Enrichment, Nielsen Company, the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, the EXPO Center, and other community partners have joined Brotherhood Crusade and several NBA retired players in hosting the 6th Annual Brotherhood Crusade Jim Cleamons Books and Basketball Camp the week of August 16‐20, 2010. The Thinkfinity Bowl launch and Press Conference will take place on Monday, August 16, 2010 at 12:30 PM at the EXPO Center located at 3980 Menlo Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90037.
The Books and Basketball Camp provides 125 9–15 year old youth with an opportunity to engage in a dream experience that teaches fascinating principles of math and science, financial education, social and personal life skills development, health and nutrition, chess, etiquette, and of course, basketball. A significant highlight of the camp this year will be the formal launch of the Verizon Thinkfinity Bowl, a highly engaging academic skills competition that combines the College Bowl Academic Decathlon with team debate. “We are eternally grateful that Verizon has recognized the quality and impact of our work and elected to partner with us in effectuating the changes necessary to make a difference in our community,” said Brotherhood Crusade President and CEO Charisse Bremond Weaver. “Thinkfinity Bowl is a creatively innovative initiative that builds upon the successes we have had in re‐engaging underperforming youth in school and significantly increasing their academic proficiency in core subjects. It is a testament to Verizon that Elva Lima, Asia Powell, Felicia Hudson, Gene Eng, Tim McCallion and all of the professionals at the Foundation not only recognized the need but also the impact their investment of both fiscal and personnel resources could make if prudently applied to quality programming.”
The Thinkfinity Bowl will assist the joint efforts of the African American Unity Center and Brotherhood Crusade to continue to effectuate STEM‐based programming designed to reverse the persistent failure of South Los Angeles students in math and science; re‐engage youth in school; improve the quality of academic instruction; facilitate student enrollment in and completion of post‐secondary pursuits; and reverse the strong influence of South Los Angeles' culture that creates an environment that strongly discourages success in school and in life.
“The combination of Verizon’s professional assistance, resources, and financial support will enable children and youth from environments where gang influence is stronger than academic success to benefit from highly‐effective programming that provides hope, creates meaningful change, and significantly improves quality of life. Moreover, Verizon is to be commended for creating Thinkfinity.org. It is an incredible free educational resource that anyone can use.”
“It’s the Network!!!” said ABA/NBA legend and camp co‐founder James Jones. “I know it sounds like a cliché, but Brotherhood Crusade has assembled strong and dedicated community partners like the Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation, Verizon, Nielsen, Southwest Airlines, Microsoft, The California Endowment, Nestle, NBC4, The Gas Company, Wells Fargo, Southern California Edison, Northrop Grumman, Fox, the Los Angeles Sentinel, Bank of America, Northern Trust, Broadway Federal Bank, the United States Tennis Association, the Southern California Tennis Association, Mattel, the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, the EXPO Center, the California Emergency Management Agency ‐ CalGRIP, and the Mayor’s Office of Gang Reduction and Youth Development to help provide resources to meet the unmet needs of the community.”
In the past two years, Brotherhood Crusade has improved the academic proficiency of youth participating in their youth development programs by 168% on average. Simultaneously, these youth have demonstrated significant socio‐behavioral improvements. The organization attributes this success to the ongoing support provided by the Verizon Foundation, Nielson, the Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation and all of the community partners mentioned above.
“I am honored to have such strong and committed partners” said Bremond. “Our corporate partners raise the bar when it comes to corporate philanthropy. Their commitment is evident from the moment you meet any of their representatives.”
This commitment is obviously needed. South Los Angeles middle and high school students rank worse in the state of California and among the worse in the nation in science and math academic proficiency. Moreover, nearly 90% of high school students in the Figueroa Corridor are performing at “below” or “far below” basic in core academic subjects. This, at a time when it is predicted that greater than 70% of the jobs that will be in demand in the future will involve some form of science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM).
The Brotherhood Crusade is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit institution founded in 1968 to provide necessary resources, program services and a voice of advocacy to traditionally underserved communities. Their mission is to remove and/or help individuals overcome the barriers that deter their pursuit of success and facilitate opportunities for a better quality of life, by promoting health and wellness, enhancing educational opportunities, cultivating economic growth and building community agencies and institutions. If you would like to make a contribution to the Brotherhood Crusade, please send your tax‐deductible gift to:
Brotherhood Crusade
200 East Slauson Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90011
(323) 846‐1649
www.brotherhoodcrusade.org
Ginger Campbell
SNAP Productions
11. HAS THE CROSS LOST ITS SYMBOLIC SIGNIFICANCE:
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts
There are different existing forms of the “Cross” in the religious community.
But I wonder why the Cross that symbolizes the crucifixion of Christ is so widely commercialized and worn by so many.
You can see crosses everywhere. You can see them hanging in the car windows of gangs and around their necks. You can see them dangling in the windows of foul-mouth truckers. You can see them around the necks of prostitutes, pimps, and pushers. You can see them around the necks of gamblers, transients, thieves, drug addicts and atheists.
Why has the cross become so popularized? Surely those who wear the Cross are not all Christians and believers.
You can purchase Crosses in various forms; stone, gold, brass, platinum, copper, silver, wood, cloth materials, plastics and glass. Some are overlaid with diamonds, pearls, sapphires, and other ostentatious materials.
I have seen Crosses around necks, ankles, bracelets, on earlobes and lapels.
There is no doubt that the Cross has become a popular and provocative ornament.
Why would a Cross on top of a hill in the middle of the Mohave Desert bother anyone? It did, and somebody went out and destroyed and carried it away. They may have carried it away but they will never get over it no matter what they did with it.
Some of us buy expensive attractive Crosses. The size of a Cross, the price and the attractiveness of a Cross does not make one more “Holier” than others.
Some of us admire and commend those who wear a beautiful Cross while in the meantime we forget or we ignore the symbolic significance of the Cross.
Jesus was crucified on a Cross made of wooden beams. The Cross that Jesus was crucified on was not overlaid with gold, silver, sapphires or any other ornaments. The only metal were spikes nailed in His hands and through His feet into the wooden beams. Blood and water ran down the beams.
We who wear decorative crosses make it seem as if the cross was a joy and a pleasure; it was not. We are enriching the pockets of jewelers who are making a fortune getting us to buy their creative unique designs of Crosses with no Christological intent.
There is no doubt that the Cross has become a popular addition to our jewelry collection. Many of those who wear the Cross or have it dangling in their autos have no regard to its significance, and they care less.
I place frivolous display and frivolous wear of the Cross into the category of being sacrilegious. Pardon the personal reference, but I wear a Cross made of wood, nothing flashy just wood. That does not make me any holier than anyone else, but I feel justified and comfortable in doing so.
Jesus admonished his Disciples and reminded them that if they intended to follow him, each of them had to take up the Cross and follow Him. Jesus had no inference to any physical objects. We who are believers and followers of Christ know what it means to take up the Cross, at least we should.
The question remains, has the Cross lost its symbolic significance?
The consecrated cross I’ll bear till death shall set me free
And then go home my crown to wear for there’s a crown for me.
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts ptaegar@aol.com is a retired AME pastor who lives in Eatonville, Florida
12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of the Reverend Verdie Elder Bell, Local Elder at Mother Midway AME Church, Jacksonville, FL (East Conference, Eleventh Episcopal District). The Reverend Verdie Elder Bell passed from this life to eternity on Wednesday, August 4, 2010. She was the former owner of Polly's Restaurant and known affectionately as "Miss Polly." She had been a faithful member of Mother Midway AME Church for over 50 years. She leaves to cherish her memories: Mr. Frank Bell, husband; three children, Moses Small, Felton Small and Cynthia Elder; six sisters; two brothers; and a host of other relatives, in-laws, and friends.
Funeral Service for the Reverend Verdie Elder Bell:
Friday, August 13, 2010 at 11:00 a.m.
St. Paul AME Church
6910 New Kings Road
Jacksonville, FL 32219
Telephone: (904) 764-2755
The Rev. Dr. Marvin C. Zanders II, Host pastor
Officiating, the Rev. Dr. Robert L. Mitchell, Presiding Elder, Suwannee North District
Eulogist, the Rev. Charletta C. Robinson, Pastor Mother Midway AME Church
Resolutions:
All resolutions are to be forward to Mother Midway AME Church via e-mail: mothermidwayame@bellsouth.net or fax at (904) 359-5583.
Arrangements Entrusted to:
J. E. Fralin & Sons Funeral and Cremation Services
5065 Soutel Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32208
Phone: (904) 924-9400 Fax: (904) 924-9349
Expression of sympathy may be sent to:
Mr. Frank Bell
7384 Irving Scott Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32208
Telephone: (904) 768-8244
13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Ms. Tammaria Smith, age 23, the daughter of the Rev. Stephen Smith (Angela) departed this life Wednesday night, August 4th. She is survived by her parents, four sisters, and three brothers.
The funeral has been held.
The Rev. Stephen B. Smith is the Pastor of Butler Creek African Methodist Episcopal Church located at 1959 Tobacco Road in Augusta, GA.
Condolences may be mailed to:
The Rev. and Mrs. Stephen B. Smith
3524 Jack Kelly Road
Augusta, Georgia 30906
Or you may call: (706) 798-0246
14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action
Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
E-mail: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Web page: http://www.amecfic.org/
Phone: (615) 837-9736 (H)
Phone: (615) 833-6936 (O)
Cell: (615) 403-7751
BLOG: http://ameccfic.blogspot.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMEC_CFIC
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220
15. 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.
