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 –THE ART OF WAR BY SUN TZU CAN PROVIDE LEARNING LESSONS FOR PASTORS (AND LAITY):
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
One of the most interesting non-religious books I read during my time in the Army was The Art of War by Sun Tzu, a warrior-philosopher who wrote, what many believe was the most influential book on the strategy of war. Sun Tzu’s book has been studied by politicians, executives and military leaders since ancient times. From the first time I read the book, I thought that many of the principles Sun Tzu addressed could be applicable to the ministry. After all, the ministry and the church repeatedly use the military motif as in, “We are soldiers in the Army of the Lord” and “We are on the Battlefield for the Lord.”
The Art of War was written sometime around the 6th Century BC and it is a book is about military strategy and war. But it’s more than that; it’s more than a study about the battlefield, it’s an excellent study about interpersonal relationships; the strategy of conflict, the importance of knowledge; the critical importance of possessing the necessary skills, competence and knowledge. The book deals with psychology, the art of communicating goals and objectives to subordinates.
Sun Tzu taught that strategy was more than planning and was more than accomplishing mundane war tasks. The Art of War develops the notion that war is a serious and competitive event that requires rapid and appropriate decisionmaking in a volatile environment, if victory is the expected outcome.
The more I examined The Art of War, the more I thought about the church and ministry. The church is at war with Satan and with many of the social issues in society.
Pastors are at war and the laity is at war; and sadly, they think they are at war with each other. And, if clergy and laity are at war with each other the victory is being won by another entity. And, even more sadly, clergy are often at war with each other; and laity at war with laity. We are also at war in our homes, on our jobs and in our schools. Life is war and sometimes we have not identified the real enemy.
In my opinion, that was what was going on in Viet Nam and that’s what’s going on in Afghanistan; we are fighting, but we have not identified and amassed our forces against the real enemy. But, what’s happening in Afghanistan and the infighting that taking place in churches all over the world is another editorial.
This editorial focuses upon what pastors can learn from The Art of War by Sun Tzu, particularly as it relates to ministry and working with parishioners.
Selected “gems” from The Art of War
- “If you know the enemy and know yourself you need not fear the results of a hundred battles.”
Let’s face it, pastoring is a battle. Sun Tzu’s words are great advice for pastors because it is important for pastors to take the time to get to know their people; it’s called pastoral visitation.
In every congregation, there are friends and foes; an astute pastor gets to know all of them. Building relationships is time-consuming and for those who are impatient, it will seem like a waste of time, but building relationships is not a waste of time.
But, not only must pastors get to know their parishioners, they must also know who they are as persons and must know their capabilities, and more importantly, know their own limitations.
If you know your people and you know yourself, you will be in a better position to facilitate the winning of the battles in the pastoral ministry.
- “To a surrounded enemy, you must leave a way of escape.”
In any kind of interpersonal or pastoral relationships where there is a potential for conflict. A good leader always allows an “avenue of escape.” Sun Tzu advised, “Never back your enemy in a corner,” always allow an “avenue of escape” because if you don’t, the enemy, when backed into the corner, will fight like a cornered cat” and your victory can turn into defeat. In conflict, allow the person who feels defeated the opportunity to “save face.”
- “The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.”
If a local church disagreement can be solved without “a fight,” that should be the preferred option, but oftentimes, “a fight” cannot be avoided because the situation cannot be resolved without “a fight.” Sun Tzu says, “The best victory is when the opponent surrenders of its own accord before there are any actual hostilities... It is best to win without fighting.”
- “A winning army realizes the conditions for victory first, then fights; the losing army fights first then seeks victory.”
Pastors have the responsibility to assess each situation and in every decision the pastor must have some sense of what outcomes will be the result of their decisions. A pastor who makes an “off the top of the head decision” is like the military leader who “fights first then seeks victory.” The wise pastor assesses the ecclesiastical environment and the terrain; seeks guidance from his or her leaders; and is cognizant of the conditions for victory first, then fights. In other words, wise leaders win before they fight, while unwise leaders fight to win.
- “If words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood, the general is to blame."
A pastor must give clear guidance and directions. The pastor is the leader and the chief tactician; command is not a shared responsibility. Somebody is in charge and in the local church, that task belongs to the pastor. The pastoral staff, the stewards and trustees must understand the vision and direction of the ministry and have the responsibility to “execute the order of battle.” This presupposes that the pastor has given and articulated clear guidance and direction for the ministry.
- If the general’s orders are clear, and the soldiers nevertheless disobey, then it is the fault of their officers.”
So often in some our local churches, the ministry suffers for lack of involvement of the steward and trustee boards. In some cases members of the steward and trustee boards do not understand their responsibilities; in others, they have no interest in performing their duties; or the pastor has knowingly placed nonfunctioning members on the steward board and carelessly nominated low performing persons for the trustee board. In either of the examples listed, the officers of the local church provide no guidance or leadership to the membership and it is not their fault; it’s the fault of the local church leadership and “the buck” stops with the pastor. The leadership vision of the local church has to be understood and embraced by the membership. The stewards, trustees and the heads of organizations have to take responsibility for any failure of the ministry program if they fail to carry out their responsibilities.
The pastor is not a “Lone Ranger” and besides, “the Lone Ranger” was a fictional figure. If the pastor gives clear guidance and has motivated the local church leaders, the opportunity for success is greater and the local church leaders have a stake in the success of the ministry program.
- “The general who wins the battle makes many calculations in his temple before the battle is fought.”
Successful pastoral programs involve prior thought, planning and strategy because successful pastoral programs do not happen without planning. Planning takes time and the best pastoral planning takes place when the pastor involves committed local church officers and the membership.
- “The general who loses makes but few calculations beforehand.”
I suspect that most church programs that fail, fail because of a lack of planning by the pastor, uncommitted or under-committed local church officers, unmotivated members who care little about the pastoral program, and local church apathy because the leadership has not found…
Editor’s Note: This editorial will be continued in the next issue.
2. HAITI UPDATE – SEPTEMBER 30, 2010:
The AME Haiti update was held via teleconference this afternoon (9/30/10). Bishop Sarah Davis, Presiding Prelate for the 16th Episcopal District chaired the meeting and informed us that St. Paul AME Church (Eglese St. Paula AME) in Port au Prince has been demolished and removed.
Additional updates are forthcoming.
3. STORM FORCES EVACUATIONS IN HAITI:
A sudden storm that swept through Haiti caused damage to thousands of tents and killed at least five people, including three children, around Port-au-Prince, a city still reeling from last January’s massive earthquake. With most of the quake’s 1.5 million homeless survivors still living in sprawling tent cities, the city is especially vulnerable to bad weather—only 13,500 temporary shelters have been built in the last eight months. “There was no indication, no warning. It was unexpected,” said a spokeswoman with the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
4. PRAYER REQUEST FOR PRAYER FOR A MISSIONARY TEAM HEADED TO HAITI:
In a few days Joyce Books and I will depart for Haiti with 11 other brothers and sisters in Christ on our mission trip to Haiti. Our team will spend a week ministering to the people in Caneille--a village in the mountainous region of northeast Haiti. We hope to take the love of Jesus Christ to the villagers by offering a 2-day women’s retreat, a 2-day men’s retreat, and a VBS for children. We’ll do whatever else we can do to offer the hope that comes with knowing Christ. We will be in Haiti, Oct. 4-11, 2010.
Both of us prayed earnestly for the Lord's guidance in reaching a decision to go to Haiti. We know the Lord led us to the decision. The mission trip will give us the opportunity to share our compassion, our love, and the gifts God has given us. Christ said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15
We ask you to earnestly join us as prayer partners on this mission trip because we will need the Lord's protection and guidance. Specifically we ask prayers for:
- Traveling mercies for the team, especially for mountainous road driving to and from Caneille.
- That the Lord will oversee our health, give us energy, stamina and sound minds as we discern His will.
- For the team leaders that the Lord will give them wisdom, guidance, and patience, and for the team that the Fruit of the Spirit will be evident in each life.
- That the hearts of the people will be ripe for the harvest, that all our efforts will bring honor and glory to Jesus Christ and that many may come to know Him.
If you wish to follow our mission trip by receiving email updates during the week of the trip, you may do this ahead of time:
Go to: http://www.promisechild.com/; Click on "Email/Newsletter Sign Up" under the children's picture. Scroll down & add your email address in the box.
Again, Joyce and I are grateful for all who have given us support and supplies for this mission trip. And we thank you for your prayers.
Ruth May Siegrist
rumaysieg@aol.com
5. THE SECOND EPISCOPAL DISTRICT CONVENES YOUTH CONGRESS:
Over 1,850 youth, clergy and lay converged on the Hampton Convention Center in Hampton, Virginia to attend the 2nd Episcopal District’s 5th Annual Christian Education Congress. The theme of the Congress centered on the transformational founder of the AME Church – Richard Allen and was entitled “Transformers! More than meets the eye!”
The 2nd Episcopal District visionary Episcopal team of Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson and Mrs. Connie Speights Richardson issued the call for clergy and laity of all ages to attend the Annual Christian Education Congress. Adults and young people arrived from the hills and seashores of Maryland and Virginia, the mountains of Virginia and western North Carolina, and from the Washington-Baltimore metropolitan areas. When Bishop and Mrs. Richardson issues a call to assemble, the people of the 2nd Episcopal District know they are going to be inspired, supported, challenged, stretched, and will experience intellectual and spiritual growth!
The transformational experience began on Sunday when 48 debutantes and masters along with sub-debutantes, sub-masters and junior Allenites were presented by Mrs. Shirley Cason Reed, 2nd Episcopal District DMC Commissioner, and her team.
Ms. Robin Porter Smith, 2nd Episcopal District Christian Education Director welcomed the Congress attendees at the Monday Opening Service where the worship leader was Presiding Elder Conrad Pridgen. Bishop Samuel L. Green, Presiding Prelate of the 12th Episcopal District brought the message, “Being Brand New.” Bishop Green reminded us that we are “New Creatures in Christ” and that our potential is much greater in Christ because we sit in, “Unlimitedness!”
Transformation continued in Bible Study with the Rev. Abdue Knox, the Rev. Daryl Kearney and the Rev. Vanessa Copeland.
The plenary session was inspired by the words of the Rev. Brent Edwards. Following the plenary session, the participants selected to attend the following workshops: “2 the Sky”, “Reach out, Build up and Let Go!”, “Up, up and away to Build God’s kingdom”, and “Transform, Conform, Deform - Which one will you choose?” The participants attended panel discussions entitled, “Evangelizing in the age of strange fires” and “Evangelism in the 21st Century.”
Workshop presenters and panelists included the Rev. Angela Anderson, the Rev Robert Brown, the Rev. Myra Burton, the Rev. Oretha Cross, the Rev. Jay Gamble, the Rev. Herman Gladney, the Rev. William Gray, the Rev. Harold Hayes, the Rev. Allonia Holmes, the Rev. Abdue Knox, the Rev. Alphonso McGlen, the Rev. Chalice Overy, the Rev. Joseph Pridgen, the Rev. Anthony Radcliff, the Rev. John Swann, the Rev. Patti Thompson, the Rev. Norman Vick, the Rev. Robert Yarbrough; Sister Shawan Burke, Sister Carla Kincaid; and Brother Douglas Bynum and Brother Foster Lee.
Youth participants praised God through the arts in a “stepping,” liturgical dance and rap taught respectively by the Rev. Robert Yarbrough, the Rev. Audrey Jackson and the Rev. Robert Brown. Mime was taught by special artists from New York City and choir, by Brother Eric Domenick.
The Rev. Chalice Overy was the preacher for the Tuesday midday service and the Wednesday Krunk Prayer Service was conducted by the Rev. Tamara Kersey and Brother Maceo Harris.
Brother Eddie Scott led the youth oriented closing worship service. The Rap group provided the Call to Worship while the mime group provided the invocation. Our young children danced the Invocation response and the step team rendered a selection. Choral selections were provided by the Youth Congress Choir. The Rev. Charles Anthony Robinson encouraged us to use our talents to share the good news and “Make it do what it do!”
Youth Congress participants were armed with the tools to become Transformers!
Submitted by Sister Gloria L. Keaton, 2nd Episcopal District
6. SOUTH OHIO ANNUAL CONFERENCE PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS AND THE LIST OF CANDIDATES FOR CONNECTIONAL OFFICES:
The South Ohio Conference of the Third Episcopal District closed yesterday (9/26/10).
The South Ohio Conference was hosted by Quinn chapel AME Church where the Rev. Dr. Frederick A. Wright, Jr. is the pastor. The Right Rev. C. Garnett Henning is the Presiding Prelate of the Third Episcopal District and Mrs. Ernestine Henning is the WMS Episcopal Supervisor.
Pastoral Appointments for South Ohio Annual Conference:
The Rev. William Roberts - appointed to Shorter Chapel, Greenfield, Ohio from Liberty Valley Beavercreek
Open Charges in South Ohio Annual Conference:
Liberty Valley AME Church, Beavercreek
Payne Chapel AME Church, Hamilton
Delaney Chapel AME Church, Georgetown
Candidates for Connectional Offices from the Third Episcopal District
Marlyce McCants, Worship Director
Dr. Jeanette Harris, Treasurer
Bianca Nixon, Historiographer
**Submitted by the Rev. Gloria Smith, Conference Reporter
7. THE “POWERFUL” PITTSBURGH CONFERENCE GIVES ESSENCE TO ITS EPISCOPAL DISTRICT THEME: “MOVING TOWARD CHRISTIAN EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE”:
*The Rev. JoElla Williams
The entire week of the 143rd Session of the 2010 Pittsburgh Annual Conference was outstanding.
The Rt. Reverend C. Garnett Henning is the Presiding Bishop of the Third Episcopal District.
The Pittsburgh Missionary Society’s Theme: Building Bridges
The Missionary Society gave great account of their leadership with the leadership of the “Gracious” 3rd Episcopal District Supervisor, Mrs. Ernestine Lee Henning!
The Missionary Sermon was preached by the Rev. Cheryl Ruffin. The subject of her message was, “Building Bridges.” Her sermon stressed the importance of building bridges and went on to explain the importance of staying connected.
The Reverend Lawrence Thompson preached the evening service for the Missionary Society’s “Night in White.” The Rev. Lawrence Thompson’s sermon focused on” the bridge to Jesus.”
The Pittsburgh Missionary Society and the Margaret Cauley Committee presented an awarded in the amount of $500 for an educational scholarship gift to a worthy student.
Episcopal Supervisor Henning and Third District President Kathy Reid shared comments about their trip to Liberia and Ghana, West Africa. They dug wells to bring fresh water to our brothers and sisters. The Pittsburgh Conference celebrated with them in recognizing God’s goodness in far reaching lands. The African Methodist Church, the 3rd Episcopal District and the Pittsburgh Annual Conference are indeed moving on a Global Imperative in doing Christian Excellence beyond the local church.
The Opening Worship Service of 143rd Session of the Pittsburgh Annual
Conference was a spiritual beacon of light.
The Annual Sermon was preached by the Rev. David W. Bethea. His Sermon topic was, “Our Calling.” He took his text from 1 Samuel 3:1-10 and reminded the congregation that Eli and Samuel, the characters in the text, were not the main focus of the text; but God was the main character in the text!
As the organization of the conference began, Bishop C. Garnett Henning’s leadership and wisdom guided the Annual Conference from beginning to the end.
The Host Presiding Elder, the Rev. Dr. James McLemore of the Pittsburgh District and the Associate Presiding Elder, the Rev. Dr. Eric L. Brown of The Allegheny-Scranton District and all pastors were called upon to give account of their pastoral stewardship.
The pastors of the Pittsburgh Conference gave their reports and shared their creative ministries with the notion that the “We are moving toward Christian excellence - With “A Great Past, A Greater Future, and n Incredible Call to Serve.”
All Literary Reports were presented and a great dialogue followed.
The Lay organizations officers and delegates were confirmed by Bishop C. Garnett Henning and 3rd Episcopal District Lay President Ametta Reaves.
Our Revivalist, the Rev.Dr. Ann Lightner Fuller preached an uncompromising word from Genesis 22:1-5. Her topic was, “Trust in God When you Don’t Why. When she finished preaching, the Spiritual celebration continued as deliverance took place at the altar.
The second night of revival, Dr. Lightner Fuller preached from Psalms 73:1-9; 16-18 with the topic, “An Until Moment.” She indicated that we often struggle up to the moment we enter the sanctuary and when the power of God intervenes; that’s, “An Until Moment.”
There was great preaching throughout the conference.
The Rev. Dr. Charles Holmes preached from Romans 10:9-13; his message,” A Heart that Yearns for Others.”
The Rev. Dr. Floyd Alexander preached a dynamic sermon. His focus was, “What it Takes to Dance.”
A host of visitors from other conferences throughout the 3rd Episcopal District attended the conference and clergy and laity, alike, came to celebrate with Bishop Henning, Mother Ernestine Henning and the Pittsburgh Annual Conference. Bishop Henning gave special recognition to government officials who attended the conference.
The Rt. Rev. Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Presiding Prelate of the 8th Episcopal District was the preacher for the closing worship service. She preached a dynamic sermon from “The Great Commission.” Her sermon was taken from Matthew 28:18 and her resounding theme was, “We are Commanded to Go.”
Bishop Henning, using Godly judgment, gave out the pastoral appointments and encouraged the pastors to expect an even greater ministry in the coming year.
The hospitality provided the St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Washington, Pennsylvania was “second to none!” The Host Pastor: Reverend Author E. Doctor
Respectfully Submitted,
*The Rev. JoElla Williams is the Pittsburgh Conference Coordinator for Public Relations
8. CME BISHOP TO PREACH AME ORDINATION SERVICE, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2010:
The North Ohio Annual Conference of the A.M.E. Church will be meeting at Lee Memorial A.M.E. Church, 861 E. 105th Street, Cleveland, Ohio, October 20-24, 2010 where the Rev. Dr. Wesley I. Reid is the host pastor.
Bishop C. Garnett Henning, Sr., Presiding Bishop of the Third Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and Bishop Sylvester Williams is the Presiding Bishop of the Second Episcopal District of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.
The Rt. Rev. Dr. Sylvester Williams is the last of three children born to Edward and Georgiana Williams. Growing up in a small rural town in Hale County, Alabama, Rev. Williams was surrounded by a loving family who taught him values such as respect and caring for each other, honoring your word, being responsible, but more importantly to love the Lord. As Rev. Williams watched his family, particularly his mother and father, display these values, he became more keenly aware of his calling and how God partnered with them to shape him for ministry.
Bishop Williams' parents not only taught him social and spiritual values, they instilled educational values as well. Having received his early education in the Hale County School System, he continued his education by attending the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL where he earned a B.S. degree in Health Care Management. Between his studies at UA, he earned an A .A. degree in Mortuary Science from Jefferson State Jr. College in Birmingham, AL. Later, having accepted the call to ministry, he furthered his education at the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) in Atlanta, GA where he received the Master of Divinity degree. Desiring to be the best he can be, he obtained The Doctorate of Ministry Degree from ITC.
After accepting the call to ministry in 1981, Bishop Williams has served the Church and community in many capacities which included pastoral leadership at Owens Chapel, New Church, Emory Chapel, and Franconia CME Church from 1981-1988 in Alabama; Mt. Olive CME Church in Orlando, FL in 1988, and Southside CME Church in Birmingham, AL where he served as pastor from 1989-2002.
Rev. Williams has served as the Chaplain of Brookwood Hospice in Birmingham. He was a member of the Joint Board of Finance for the Birmingham Annual Conference, a member of the Board of Trustees at Miles College, and served as Chairman, Board of Directors, for the Commission on Religion in Appalachia.
Bishop Williams recently attended, along with 21 other ministers selected by the Interdenominational Theological Center, a dynamic 15-day Holy Land Pilgrimage for Pastoral Renewal where the Word of God truly came to life. At present, Rev. Williams is the Chairman of the Joint Board of Finance for the Southeast Missouri, Illinois, and Wisconsin Region, Budget Director for the Third Episcopal District, and for the past six years, has been the proud pastor of Carter Temple CME Church in Chicago.
Bishop Williams is married to the former Carmen Elaine Leonard. They have three children: Samantha, Sylvia, and Sylvester II.
9. THE REV. DR. WILLIAM D. WATLEY WILL BE THE GUEST REVIVALIST FOR THE NORTH OHIO ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
The Rev. Dr. William D. Watley will be the guest Revivalist for the North Ohio Annual Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church meeting beginning Wednesday, October 20, 2010. The Wilberforce University Choir will be presented in concert on Friday, October 22, 2010.
The North Ohio Annual Conference of the A.M.E. Church will be meeting at Lee Memorial A.M.E. Church, 861 E. 105th Street, Cleveland, Ohio, October 20-24, 2010 where the Rev. Dr. Wesley I. Reid is the host pastor.
The Reverend William D. Watley, Ph.D. will be preaching Wednesday and Thursday, October 20th and 21st evening at 7 p.m.
The Reverend William D. Watley, Ph.D. is the beloved Senior Pastor of the historic St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church in Newark, NJ. Under his leadership, St. James has grown spiritually, numerically, and financially. Membership has tripled, the number of weekly worship services has doubled, and the annual church income has increased by 700%.
Dr. Watley’s ministry is characterized by a multifaceted approach that aims to provide holistic care to those he serves. To this end, he established the St. James Social Services Corporation which oversees a daily feeding program and food pantry that dispenses over 89,000 meals annually, a clothes closet that distributes over 20,000 articles of clothing per year, an Intergenerational After School Care Program and Safe Haven Summer Peace Camp for children, as well as various emergency service, mentoring, literacy and employment training programs for adults. Dr. Watley is the visionary and founder of St. James Preparatory School, a state of the art Christian middle and high school for grades 7-12 with a 100% college acceptance rate and the only high school built from the ground by the AME Church during the 20th century. He was instrumental in forming a partnership between New Jersey Medical School’s Department of Family Medicine, University Hospital and St. James Church to bring the University Center for Family Medicine to the St. James Prep campus. In addition, Rev. Watley is the chairperson of the Board of Directors for the 220 unit St. James Towers.
Dr. Watley is an innovative worship leader who has made the Wednesday “Sweet Hour of Praise” Service world renowned for its dynamic worship and inspirational messages. This service has become a model for other ministries across the nation. Now in its sixteenth year, the service has grown from one worshipper to nearly eight hundred weekly. Most recently, Dr. Watley has launched his 1 church in 2 locations initiative by adding a contemporary, multicultural Sunday worship service which is held in a movie theatre in the suburban Essex County area. In addition, a Dot.com ministry was implemented to execute Dr. Watley’s vision for a global ministry. Dot.com has made weekly worship services, sermons, bible studies, and prayers easily accessible to the masses via the internet where viewers from over 45 countries regularly log on.
A preacher par excellence, Dr. Watley’s homiletical ability is both nationally and internationally recognized. He has the distinction of being the Conference Preacher for the Hampton University Ministers’ Conference for two consecutive years as well as a Conference Lecturer. At the invitation of the Church of God in Christ, Inc., Dr. Watley preached to over 20,000 people at their annual fall convention. He was a lecturer for the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church’s Pastor’s Conference held at Philips School of Theology. Dr. Watley has preached at the Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas, as well as Bishop T.D. Jakes’ Men Are Builders Conference. Moreover, Dr. Watley has preached on the continents of Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and South America in addition to the island nations of Cuba, Barbados, Bahamas, Bermuda, and Trinidad.
A mentor and educator, Dr. Watley served as President and Distinguished Professor of Religion of Paul Quinn College in Waco, Texas. He was a visiting professor at the New Brunswick Theological Seminary, New York Theological Seminary, and Princeton Theological Seminary as well as a guest lecturer at Harvard University, Payne and Turner Theological Seminaries.
A prolific author, Dr. Watley has written sixteen books and has authored several booklets and articles throughout the past two decades. He is the founder and C.E.O. of New Seasons Press, the publishing division of William Watley Ministries.
In January 2002, Dr. Watley was the first African American to be appointed Chief Executive Officer and Secretary of the New Jersey Commerce & Economic Growth Commission responsible for implementing considerable aspects of New Jersey’s economic policy. He led the first trade mission from New Jersey to South Africa and convened the first state-wide conference on Commerce for New Jersey’s business community. Over 1500 business persons participated.
Dr. Watley has served as both a member and officeholder for several prominent organizations over the last twenty years. An ecumenical leader, Dr. Watley served as the Associate General Secretary of the Council on Church Union (COCU), a member of the Missions Unit for the World Council of Churches (WCC), and a member of the Governing Board for the National Council of Churches (NCC). He served on the Board of Directors for Beth Israel and Horizon/Mercy Hospitals, the United Negro College Fund and the Fund for Theological Education. In addition, he was a member of the Advisory Boards for First Union Bank, the African American Pulpit, and the Interpreter’s Bible Commentaries.
Dr. Watley received his Bachelor of Arts in Theology from St. Louis University and a Master of Divinity from the Interdenominational Theological Center. He received a Master of Philosophy and his Doctor of Philosophy-Ethics from Columbia University. In addition, he completed post-doctoral work at the Ecumenical Institute in Coligny, Switzerland and Harvard’s Institute for Educational Management.
10. WILBERFORCE UNIVERSITY CHOIR WILL SING AT THE NORTH OHIO ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON EDUCATION NIGHT:
Wilberforce University Choir will be performing on Friday evening, October 22, 2010 as part of the North Ohio Annual Conference Education Night.
The Wilberforce University Choir traces its roots back to 1878 as a standing reminder of the days when the traveling chorus was the life and support for many of our historically black colleges and universities; of which Wilberforce University stands proud as the first. Over the years, the Choir has traveled extensively and has undergone the leadership of several directors. Today’s Choir is composed of more than fifty singers, led by Director Jeremy Winston. The Choir’s repertoire includes a variety of artistic genres, such as the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern eras of the Classical style, the African-American concert and traditional spirituals, traditional and contemporary gospel, vocal and instrumental jazz, as well as opera and Broadway styles.
Since Mr. Winston has led the Choir, it has embarked on an exciting artistic path. For its annual Spring Concert in April of 2004, the Choir hosted tenor Roderick Dixon from the critically acclaimed Cook, Dixon and Young and 3 Mo’ Tenors, in a one-time performance of Adolphus Hailstork’s I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes. In November 2004, the Choir introduced its annual fall concert at the Greater Allen AME Cathedral in Jamaica Queens, New York which featured jazz artist Rachelle Ferrell. In April 2005, the second annual Spring Concert hosted Ray Charles’ longtime manager and business partner, Joe Adams, as he presented the first Ray Charles Award to opera star Kathleen Battle. This evening extravaganza featured the Wilberforce University Choir and Grammy Award Winners Take6 honoring the operatic artistry of Ms. Battle and the musical genius of Ray Charles.
The Wilberforce University does two annual national tours, in spring and summer. During Spring Break at Wilberforce University, the Choir travels to the East Coast, and concertizes in cities including New York, Philadelphia, Wilmington, and D.C. The Summer Tour has taken the Choir West, to perform in cities such as Boise, Seattle, Tacoma, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. The Choir last performed on Millennium Stage in spring of 2008.
Wynton Marsalis said that he was “deeply honored” to have The Choir perform with him and the Lincoln Jazz Orchestra on the World Premiere of his Mass at the Lincoln Jazz Center in New York City. Featuring many soloists from Wilberforce University Choir, this performance was broadcast live over XM Radio and aired live on the Lincoln Jazz Center’s website. Two weeks later, the Choir was featured at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. The choir shared the stage of the most significant American jazz festival with Kim Burrell, Byron Cage, Stevie Wonder, and many others.
Mr. Jeremy Winston is the Director, Wilberforce University Choir and Distinguished Ray Charles Chair of Sacred and Choral Music of Wilberforce University.
11. TIME MAGAZINE FEATURES AME:
Time magazine features Sister Josalyn Tresvant McGhee, a member of St. James AME Church, Memphis
Follow this link: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2017210,00.html
12. STEPHEN A. GREEN ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE FRESHMAN CLASS AT MOREHOUSE COLLEGE:
Stephen A. Green, son of Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr., who was elected President of the freshmen class at Morehouse College, Atlanta, Georgia.
Stephen's contact email: stephengreen1@aol.com
Sister Josalyn Tresvant McGhee, a member of St. James AME Memphis left the banking industry to become a teacher in Memphis, Tennessee. Sister B.T. Goines, a member of St. James AME Church in Memphis who provided this information said, “A good AME doing good things in Memphis!”
13. DOCUMENTARY FILM -“HOLE IN THE HEAD… A LIFE REVEALED”:
Summary by Dr, Dennis Dickerson: The film, “Hole in the Head…A Life Revealed” is about an A.M.E. who was harmed back in the 1920s in Indiana in a scientific experiment gone awry; it was similar to the infamous Tuskegee syphilis case.
This compelling human-interest story is highly moving as it vividly conveys the triumph of the human spirit overcoming horrific crimes of medical experimentation. It is also a story of tremendous moral character, and how the lives of two friends (one the victim and the hero of the story, the other a caring friend who saw it as his duty to bring the story to light), were changed forever through their friendship.
This feature length documentary titled, “Hole In the Head… A Life Revealed” tells the story of Vertus Hardiman and nine other children ages 5-8, all attending the same elementary school in Lyles Station Indiana, who in 1927, were severely irradiated during a medical experiment conducted at the local county hospital. The experiment was misrepresented as a newly developed cure for the scalp fungus known as ringworm. In reality the ringworm fungus was merely the lure used to gain access to unsuspecting children whose parents signed permission slips for the treatment blindly.
Vertus Hardiman was the youngest victim and now at age 84, after 20 years of a friendly relationship with Wilbert spanning the church (both are members of the church choir), for the first time in his life fully unburdens himself to Wilbert with an incredible story of a stark medical crime. The crime had severe physical complications for Vertus – namely, a harshly irradiated and malformed head, with an actual hole in the skull.
Remarkably, not one person in Vertus’ community had ever been aware of this situation – because he always wore a wig and woolen beanie right up to the time he disclosed it to Wilbert. During filming Vertus bears his secret and in his own words says, “For over 80 years only four individuals outside a few medical specialists have ever seen my condition; I hide it because I look like some monster.” Over his life he was criticized, teased and scorned by those who had no idea what the wig hid for 80 years.
Wilbert’s in-depth research led to his discovering four additional survivors of this horrific event and their collective accounts formed the basis for a fully rounded view of this incredible story. Other surviving victims had astonishing similarities, but none as far-reaching and severe as Vertus.
This documentary also shows that the Lyles Station experiments were not an isolated event. One such example involved radiation experiments performed against one hundred thousand darker-skinned immigrant children in Israel in 1951, a tragedy financed by the United States Army. Amazingly, many of these victims arrived on U.S. soil in cages for further study, an attempt to determine human reaction to over-exposure to radiation.
But as remarkable and shocking as the story may appear, this film is not a “witch hunt” or an indictment of inhumane medical- government experimentation. Instead “Hole in the Head… A Life Revealed” reflects the incredible strength of one man, Vertus Hardiman, who survived the harshest imaginable circumstances through the power of the human spirit. His simplicity and life philosophy always brought uplift to the spirits of all he touched.
Over 1200 viewers have taken part in the initial private screenings of this film. Their reactions suggest that it not only encouraged them to more willingly accept the differences of others, but to accept them without undue challenge or debate. Many vowed to think of Vertus and the lessons he communicated whenever they felt the urge to complain.
Perhaps others would likewise prosper if they too were allowed a visit with Vertus Hardiman and witness firsthand how he carved his way to happiness, using love for others and a huge spirit to love and forgive; perhaps a timely message needed by a world today.
For further information, please contact Wilbert Smith Ph.D., Managing Partner, Smith Leonard Productions, 2235 N. Lake Ave. Suite 111, Altadena, California 91001, Phone (626) 375-1367.
14. EXCELLENT VIDEO ABOUT THE NEWEST CPR PROCEDURE:
Excellent video about the newest CPR recommendations - Well worth 5-minutes of your time - http://tinyurl.com/2fx8r59
This is a very important video regarding the latest CPR procedure. Please watch and forward to your friends and family, a life may be saved utilizing this new procedure.
Click Here: http://tinyurl.com/2fx8r59
15. THE PEW CHARITABLE TRUSTS REPORT - COLLATERAL COSTS: INCARCERATION'S EFFECT ON ECONOMIC MOBILITY:
TCR Editor’s Comment: Every pastor and anyone interested in prison reform, equal justice, the impact of incarceration upon the black community should read the full Pew’s economic study. We should be appalled that “More young (20– to 34-year-old African-American men with-out a high school diploma or GED are behind bars (37 per¬cent) than employed (26 percent).” I hope that all of you will take the time to read the full report:
http://www.pewtrusts.org/uploadedFiles/wwwpewtrustsorg/Reports/Economic_Mobility/Collateral%20Costs%20FINAL.pdf?n=5996
Dwight Lewis, a columnist for The Tennessean (Nashville, Tennessee) wrote an excellent summary as a part of his column in this morning’s (9/30/2010) edition:
“• One in 87 working-aged white men is in prison or jail, com¬pared with 1 in 36 His¬panic men and 1 in 12 African-American men.
• More young (20– to 34-year-old African-American men with¬out a high school diploma or GED are behind bars (37 percent) than employed (26 percent).
• A history of serving time reduces hourly wages for men by approximately 11 percent, annual employment by nine weeks and annual earnings by 40 percent.
• By age 48, the typical former inmate will have earned $179,000 less than if he had never been incarcerated.
• Of former inmates who were in the lowest fifth of the male earnings distribution in 1986, two-thirds remained on the bot¬tom rung in 2006, twice the num¬ber of those who were not incarcerated.
• 54 per¬cent of inmates are parents with minor children: more than 120,000 moth¬ers and 1.1 mil¬lion fathers.
• 2.7 million children have a parent behind bars; 1 in every 28 children (3.6 per¬cent) has a parent incarcerated, up from 1 in 125 just 25 years ago. Two-thirds of these children’s parents were incarcerated for non-violent offenses.
• One in nine African-American children (11.4 percent), 1 in 28 Hispanic children (3.5 percent) and 1 in 57 white children (1.8 per¬cent) have an incarcerated parent.”
The Pew Charitable Trusts Summary:
Sep 28, 2010
Collateral Costs: Incarceration’s Effect on Economic Mobility is a collaborative effort between Pew’s Economic Mobility Project and its Public Safety Performance Project (PSPP). The report examines the impact of incarceration on the economic opportunity and mobility of former inmates and their families. In addition, Collateral Costs examines the prison population by race/ethnicity and educational levels. It finds that incarceration reduces former inmates’ earnings by 40 percent and limits their future economic mobility and that one in every 28 children in America has a parent behind bars, up from one in 125 just 25 years ago. The report’s findings are based on research by Professor Bruce Western of Harvard University and Professor Becky Pettit of the University of Washington.
The Full Report:
http://www.pewtrusts.org/uploadedFiles/wwwpewtrustsorg/Reports/Economic_Mobility/Collateral%20Costs%20FINAL.pdf?n=5996
16. ANIMATED MOVIE -- FEATURING THE "YOUTOONS" EXPLAINS THE CURRENT HEALTH CARE SYSTEM:
Animated Movie -- featuring the "YouToons" -- explains the problems with the current health care system, the changes that are happening now, and the big changes coming in 2014
Click on the Link: http://healthreform.kff.org/the-animation.aspx
Confused about how the new health reform law really works? This short, animated movie -- featuring the "YouToons" -- explains the problems with the current health care system, the changes that are happening now, and the big changes coming in 2014.
TCR Editor’s Note: This might be a great resource to share with your local church members if you have audio-video capabilities.
17. ARTICLES IN THE NEW YORK TIMES AND PEW FORUM ABOUT RELIGIOUS AND BIBLICAL LITERACY:
Both articles highlight the need for increased Biblical and religious literacy. All of our churches should have Church School and Bible Study programs and those venues are excellent opportunities to provide religious and biblical training.
Take the short test in The New York Times before reading the article: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/09/28/us/religion-quiz.html
Take the Pew Forum Quiz – a little harder: http://features.pewforum.org/quiz/us-religious-knowledge/?q=1
18. MOREHOUSE CUTS THE RIBBON ON STATE-OF-THE-ART BUILDING NAMED FOR RAY CHARLES:
ATLANTA, September 28, 2010- It has been nearly a decade in the making, but on Wednesday, September 29, 2010, music will have a new home at Morehouse. The Ray Charles Performing Arts Center and Music Academic Building are located on the corner of Joseph E. Lowery Blvd and West End Avenue and boasts 76, 000 square feet. It includes the 650-seat Emma and Joe Adams Concert Hall; a motorized orchestra pit; 12 faculty studios; nine practice rooms; two rehearsal rooms and three academic labs, including the David Geffen Keyboard Digital Music Lab. A special ribbon cutting will take place at 2 p.m. on September 29th with the dedication of the auditorium and a preview performance to follow.
“It’s thrilling,” said President Robert M. Franklin. “The Ray Charles Performing Arts Center and Music Academic Building symbolize a sense of unleashing creativity, genius and energy within the Morehouse community – energy that will radiate outward into the larger community.”
The Ray Charles Performing Arts Center is named after the 12-time Grammy-award winner who was known in the music industry at the “Genius.” Charles’ relationship with Morehouse began nine years ago when he was invited to Atlanta to perform with the College’s jazz ensemble. He received an honorary degree from Morehouse and became a long-time friend and supporter of the College. His support came in the form of an initial $2-million commitment to help Morehouse find, educate and inspire the next generation of music pioneers. Since then, the College has received an additional $3 million from the Ray Charles Foundation.
Uzee Brown, chair of the Morehouse Music Department said the focus of the building is on training musicians and vocalists, bringing music performance and teaching together under one roof in a state-of-the-art, technologically savvy building.
“We want the facility to be the laboratory and ultimately we will present the finished project to the public in the performance hall,” Brown said.
The Concert Hall, named for Charles’ long-time manager Joe Adams and his wife, Emma, will feature a new Steinway-D Concert Grand piano. The building also will include: an electronic piano lab, which includes 16 electronic pianos; a composition lab with preproduction workstations designed to teach students the art of arrangement and production; a listening acquisition lab; and a state-of-the-art digital/analog recording studio. There also is space for about 200 people to sit on blankets immediately in front of the stage on The Eugene Mitchell Performance Lawn area on the backside of the building.
19. A POOL OF FOOLS:
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts
A few days ago a man by the name of Watkins came to the conclusion that God didn’t make the world. He has a right to his opinion, but what I would like for the “learned” Watkins to tell me is, if God didn’t make the world then who did? The Bible in Psalm 14:1 says, “The fool has said in his heart there is no God” and that tells me that Mr. Watkins has just joined the ‘Pool of Fools.” It has been said that a fool is born every day.
Job asked the question, “Canst thou by searching find out God? Canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? Job 11:7
There are numerous references throughout the Bible in regard to fools.
The writer of Proverbs said “Fools despise wisdom.”
One has to be a fool to acknowledge a creation and then deny that there is a Creator.
Only a fool would recognize an architectural structure and declare that there is no Architect. Only a fool would acknowledge the presence of power and deny that there is a Power House or Power Giver. Only a fool would accept and enjoy the provisions of life and disregard the Provider.
Nebuchadnezzar was a fool when he walked out on his patio and took credit for his vast kingdom (Daniel chapter 4). Pharaoh of Egypt was a fool when he thought that he could prevent the Israelites from being freed from the claws of slavery (Exodus).
The chief priests and the scribes made fools of themselves when they asked Jesus if it was lawful to give tribute to Caesar (Luke 20:22).
Pilate was a fool when he thought that he could stop the Resurrection by placing guards at the tomb where Jesus was buried.
The “pool of fools” is full and is constantly filling.
You become a member of the pool of fools:
- If you think that you could do anything to anybody and not be held accountable;
- If you confess with your mouth hat Jesus is Lord but don’t believe in your heart;
- If you go through life pretending with the expectation of succeeding;
- If you think that you can tell one lie;
- If you go through life believing that you have all the knowledge worth knowing;
- If you feel or even think that the world owes you something;
- If you think that you can get something for nothing
- If you think that the world cannot go on without you
- If you think that you can enjoy the blessing of God without being committed, dedicated, sacrificing, and sharing;
And if you judge the effectiveness and influence of the AME Church by what is happening in your local church, you have become a member of the ‘Pool of Fools.”
Most recently a gentleman claimed that he could explain how Moses and the children crossed the Red Sea. He used his computerize analysis to confirm his declaration and had completely ignored the power of God to turn back the Red Sea. He also has become a member of the ‘Pool of Fools.”
The Bible is plain enough for me and any believer.
Of all of the organizations you may join, never become a member of the ‘Pool of Fools.”
It was once said that “It is best to be thought a fool than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt.”
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts, (ptaegar@aol.com), author teacher, counselor, humorist, is a Retired AME Itinerant Elder who lives in Eatonville, Florida
20. CLERGY AND EPISCOPAL FAMILY CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES:
- President of Morehouse College freshmen class
-Stephen A. Green, son of Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr., who was elected President of the freshmen class at Morehouse College, Atlanta, Georgia.
Stephen's contact email: stephengreen1@aol.com
-The Birth of Little Miss Taylor Joi Joseph
Congratulations to proud parents, Mr. and Mrs. Paul (Marcia Fugh) Joseph and proud grandparents, Dr. and Mrs. Clement W. Fugh (General Secretary/Chief Information Officer AMEC). Little Miss Taylor Joi Joseph was born Monday, September 27, 2010 at 11:02 a.m., weighing 6 lbs. 11 oz.
Congratulatory responses can be mailed to:
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Joseph
588 Castlegate Drive
Nashville, Tennessee 37217
Or emailed to:
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Joseph: MDFugh@yahoo.com
Dr. and Mrs. Clement Fugh: cio@ame-church.com
- Congratulations to the Reverend Leah Gaskin Fitchue, Ed.D
Princeton Theological Seminary Honors the Reverend Leah Gaskin Fitchue, Ed.D., President, Payne Theological Seminary, 2010 Distinguished Alumna
Dr. Leah Gaskin Fitchue, President of Payne Theological Seminary, the first African American female president of any institution in the 262-member Association of Theological Schools, and the first female president of any historically Black theological seminary, is being honored as a 2010 Distinguished Alumna by Princeton Theological Seminary.
The Reunion 2010 Presidential Dinner will be held October 25, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. in the Mackay Campus Center, Princeton Theological Seminary. Tickets are $30.00. Make checks payable to: Princeton Theological Seminary. Mail to PO Box 821, Princeton, NJ 08542; attn: Ms. Karen Assenheimer. Credit cards: call 609-497-7756. The courtesy of a reply is also requested by October 15th to Payne Theological Seminary at (937) 376-2946 x 209.
- Congratulations to Commander (SEL) Glenda Jennings Harrison
Commander (SEL) Glenda Jennings Harrison reported to Arlington National Cemetery on August 2, 2010 as the first female chaplain to serve in the capacity of Senior Navy Chaplain. She currently supervises a staff of four and officially began her duties on August 30, 2010. As of this date, she has conducted over 63 funerals and is proud to represent the Second Episcopal District's Washington Conference under the leadership of Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr. She indicated that her life has come full circle as her grandmother the late Frances Mason Jones who once owned a funeral home trained her well on taking care of those experiencing grief and loss. Further, she intends to minister to her families with dignity and is honored to serve the families of our military men and women in uniform. As Chaplain Jennings Harrison acclimates back to the DC area (after being away from home for over 13 years) and in between her many responsibilities with the Navy she periodically manages to volunteer her time to Courtney House working with abused teenagers between the ages of 14-18.
Congratulatory responses can be emailed to: shereegj601@yahoo.com
- Congratulations to Carla Lorraine Bouie
Carla Lorraine Bouie, the daughter of the Reverend Michael K. Bouie, pastor of Allen Temple AME Church, Tampa, Florida and connectional WMS Officer, Barbara McNeely-Bouie delivered her trial sermon on Sunday, September 26th at Allen Chapel AME Church, Daytona Beach, Florida at 7:45 am.
Congratulatory responses can be emailed to: carla.bouie@gmail.com
- Congratulations to Nyki H. Caldwell
Nyki H. Caldwell, the daughter of Dr. Jerry Caldwell and the Rev. Dr. Oveta Fuller-Caldwell, spouse and pastor of Bethel AME Church, Adrian, Michigan was recognized in a ceremony at her high school as a Trimester Academic Scholar (the only African American in this group) in September 2010. This required achieving a 3.5 or above GPA for all three trimesters of the 2009-10 school year.
Nyki is also the State of Michigan 2010 High School Division 1 high jump champion finishing #1 in both indoor and outdoor track and field (T&F) state meets. She is an All-State and an All American Scholar-Athlete by finishing 3rd in the nation at the New Balance Nationals T&F meet in summer 2010. With a high jump P.R. of 5'9", in August she was named to the prestigious 2010 Michigan Dream Team for T&F. Nyki is a senior at Dexter High School, Dexter, Michigan, a member of Bethel AME Church-Adrian, Michigan and currently is exploring college possibilities.
Congratulatory responses can be emailed to: fullerao@umich.edu
- Congratulations to Tiffany Marie Kelly
Tiffany Marie Kelly, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Herman O. Kelly, Jr. first family of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana was elected for membership in the Aquinas Chapter of the National Honor Society for The St. Joseph's Academy in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Congratulatory responses can be emailed to: hokellyj@yahoo.com
21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Our hearts are saddened to announce the passing of Arron Jerome Whittington on Tuesday, September 28th. Arron is the husband of Patricia Irene Montague-Whittington and the son-in-law of Presiding Elder Ernest L. Montague, Sr. and Mrs. Irene Montague, Eastern District of the Baltimore Conference. He is also the brother of Mrs. Donette Branch, wife of Pastor Johnnie Branch.
Services will be held as follows:
Sunday, October 3, 2010 - Viewing
10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
March Funeral Homes
4300 Wabash Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21215
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM Family will receive guests
Monday, October 4, 2010 - Homegoing Celebration
10:30 AM - Wake
11:00 AM - Service of Celebration
Trinity A.M.E. Church
2140 E. Hoffman Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21213
In lieu of flowers, in the memory of Arron, please send donations to: The Media Ministry of Trinity AME Church, 2140 E. Hoffman Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21213.
All other communications may be sent to:
Patricia Montague-Whittington
C/o Presiding Elder Ernest L. Montague and First Lady Irene Montague
P.O. Box 1104
Randallstown, Maryland 21133
410-496-5902 Home
410-496-5903 Fax
Elder Ernest L. Montague: emont123@aol.com
First Lady Irene Montague: iren678@aol.com
22. 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
23. 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
9/23/2010
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (9/23/10)
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
--Inspirational Moment - Proud To be an AME--
Click Here: http://www.motherbethel.org/
1. EDITORIAL – WE DON’T HAVE “A DOG IN THIS FIGHT”:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
I have heard the idiom or metaphor all my life; “I don’t have a dog in this fight” and I took that to mean that the person was not going to get involved or the person was saying, “I'm staying out of this issue.”
The news media is all over Bishop Eddie Long and the allegations surrounding him are all over the place. It seems that everybody is talking about it. Email messages are going back and forth and the social networking systems are abuzz with opinions about Bishop Long.
Let me say upfront, that I have never met Bishop Eddie Long.
I heard the news surrounding Bishop Long on CNN. I also read about it on the CNN Website and as I scrolled down to the bottom of the page I saw a reference to the AME Church that someone, I assumed to be an AME, had placed in the Comment Section on the CNN Website. The statement was not substantive or specific; it was just a negative one sentence comment that would have been better left unsaid because the AME Church does not have any connection to Bishop Long or to his ministry. When I read it, I shook my head in disbelief because I thought, “What does the Bishop Eddie Long situation have to do with the AME Church?”
Any hint of a scandal energizes the news media and individuals
It almost seems that there are those in the media and in the social networking arena who are taking delight in what is happening with Bishop Eddie Long. There are those who are using this issue to malign all clergy; and people who do that have concluded already that Bishop Eddie Long is guilty. And they probably think that all Roman Catholic priests are pedophiles. They have a penchant for connecting “dots that shouldn’t be connected.” I wonder about the motives of people who take delight in the misfortunes of others, whether it is the misfortunes of the perpetrator or the victims.
I have no idea whether Bishop Long is guilty or innocent. I have no idea if the people who are bringing charges against him are telling the truth. The authorities will have to do a full investigation and the legal system will have to decide the outcome.
I do know that this situation has to be catastrophic for Bishop Eddie Long and his family and for those who accuse him and their families and for the members of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church.
Bishop Long’s situation is also difficult for religious bodies across the United States and for members of the clergy, regardless of denominational affiliation because there are those persons, in the church and outside of the church, who want to think that “all preachers are bad.”
I suspect that there are those persons who have already determined that Bishop Eddie Long is guilty and are probably saying, “I knew something was not right about him.”
There are others who probably have come to the conclusion that his accusers are not credible thinking that they have made the accusations because they are after money.
And, unfortunately, there are those, black, white, red, yellow, and brown who will overlay this unfortunate situation on African American clergy and black religious organizations.
I believe that we, as Christians, should not be anxious to “jump into this fight” and we should not feel any exhilaration about whatever comes out of this situation; nothing good can come out of this situation; lives and reputations are ruined.
We should, instead, be saddened because any negativity that surfaces against any segment of the body of Christ casts a negative mark against Christian everywhere.
All Christians should be in prayer
I believe that all Christians should be in prayer for Bishop Eddie Long and for his family and for those who are accusing him and for their families; for New Birth Baptist Church; and for Christians all over the world.
Bad news
Unfortunately, there are those who revel in bad news and innuendo and are energized with alleged religious mess and doubly thrilled when allegations surface in black religious community. Telephones are ringing “off the hook”; email messages are being exchanged, and people are speculating about Bishop Long’s guilt; and about the credibility of his accusers. The news media is ecstatic and I suspect this Sunday at New Birth Baptist Church will be a “circus”; and that will be unfortunate.
AMEs should be in prayer
We, the members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church should be in prayer. This is not a time to revel in someone else’s unfortunate situation.
Those AMEs who like to “lump” all bad news into one bundle, need to be reminded that the news about Bishop Eddie Long is not about the African Methodist Episcopal Church; and any disparaging comments about our Zion in reference to what is going on in that situation is inappropriate because “we don’t have a dog in that fight.” Instead, we should have compassion and be in prayer for those who are involved in that unfortunate situation.
And this would be a good time for all of us to remember the words of Jesus, “Let anyone among you who is without sin be first to throw a stone…” (John 8:7)
2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
- To the Editor:
RE: The Passing of Mrs. Clara Walton
I am just reading this and I too am saddened by your news. Miss Clara was the biggest help to me when I served on the Compilation Committee many years ago. Had it not been for her and Bobbye Henderson, I might have lost my entire assigned portion of The Discipline I was working on because I was a "green, green" computer /word processing user. They kept Bishop Chappelle from putting me off the committee.
Name withheld by request
- To the Editor:
RE: Bishop Sarah Davis’ Building a New Haiti Initiative
I first want to highly commend Bishop Sarah Davis for her foresight in pooling talents from various Episcopal Districts to aid our members of the Haiti Annual Conference in constructing a long-term strategy for development. This is a true partnership in keeping with our self-help origins from the Free African Society. Before we can begin to lobby major donors and governments, we first must know what must be done. This initiative is a step in the right direction.
The AME Church has historically served as a strong advocate for Haitian sovereignty and the columns of this very paper were a bulwark of opposition to the unjust United States military occupation of Haiti in the early 20th century. In all of our endeavors and language, we must focus on empowering the people of Haiti and not replicating (even unknowingly) the imperialist and paternalistic attitudes towards this nation of which the major world powers have been guilty for decades.
This invigorated focus on missions in the AME Church gives us an opportunity to reevaluate our perspective on global development. The plan for action that is being drafted for Haiti is something that is sorely needed in many of the countries where we work. In previous articles I have highlighted the absence of a coordinated strategy for the AMEC global development. While there is probably no area outside the United States in greater need of help at this time than Haiti, we must look for balance in our mission endeavors and have real targets and goals for our ministries in every country that we serve--even the United States.
John Thomas III
- To the Editor:
RE: The Richard Allen Hymn
When the Richard Allen Hymn was approved as the AME anthem and authorized to be added to our hymnal, the original wording of the motto, "Man our brother...," after the motion was made, a delegate stood up and moved to amend the hymn to conform to the language in the motto that had just been changed. Another sensible delegate pointed out that the lyrics were written to fit the music and the work was copyrighted material, owned by the composer and the General Conference could not change it. So now we have an “inclusive" motto and an anthem containing "exclusive" lyrics. This troubles me how we jump on band wagons and hastily "roll down the hill" without thinking matters through carefully! This is the concern I have with so many church folks jumping on the historic preservation bandwagon.
Name withheld
3. THE DEATH OF AMEC SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION ICON:
Mrs. Clara Walton longtime Administrative Assistant at the AMEC Sunday School Union Passed this morning (9/21/10)
Dr. Johnny Barbour, President/Publisher of the AMEC Sunday School Union is saddened to announce that Mrs. Clara Walton long-time Administrative Assistant at the AMEC Sunday School Union passed this morning.
Mrs. Walton worked at the AMEC Sunday School Union for over 50 years. Sister Walton was a member of Payne Chapel AME Church Nashville, Tennessee where the Rev. Sidney Bryant is the pastor.
Additional information forthcoming.
4. BISHOP WILLIAM P. DEVEAUX ISSUES AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE – “ATTENTION GEORGIA RESIDENTS”:
Early Voting for the November Elections began September 20, 2010 and will end on October 29, 2010 in all Georgia counties. Your vote will ensure total participation. The African American community needs to be especially diligent in voting because every vote counts.
5. THE OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE RESIGNATION OF WMS PRESIDENT, DR. JAMESINA EVANS AND THE APPOINTMENT OF DR. SHIRLEY HOPKINS DAVIS AS PRESIDENT OF THE AMEC WMS:
Press release from the Commission Chair of Global Witness and Ministry African Methodist Episcopal Church, Bishop James L. Davis, Chairperson
The Commission on Global Witness and Ministry regrettably announces the resignation of WMS President, Dr. Jamesina Evans. Dr. Evans leaves her post for personal reasons and we commend her for her dedicated service to the Women’s Missionary Society and to the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
In these cases of unforeseen circumstances we witness the power of the connection. In accordance to the bylaws of the WMS, the First Vice President has the responsibility to carry out duties in the absence, disability, or resignation of the President. In that esteem the Commission on Administration recommends that Dr. Shirley Hopkins Davis serves as the Connectional President of the Women’s Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 2008 clearly states in Part XII (Connectional Society and Organization) Section 1 (The Women’s Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church) Bylaws (Connectional Level) Article IV (Executive Board) Section 2 (Purpose and Duties) Page 329 (items b and i):
In accordance with the Constitution, the Executive Board shall act during the interim of the Quadrennial Convention. The duties of the Executive Board shall be to:
b. approve or disapprove the actions of the Commission on Administration
i. fill the vacancies in elected offices until the next Quadrennial Convention, as provided in these Bylaws.
The Executive Board will affirm the actions of the Commission on Administration at their next official meeting.
/S/
James L. Davis
Chair of Global Witness & Ministry – AME Church
**The Official Letter signed by Bishop James L. Davis can be viewed on the Official AMEC Website: http://www.ame-church.com/
6. MCAM SEEKS QUALIFIED PERSON TO LEAD AMEC CONNECTIONAL DRAMA MINISTRY:
The Music and Christian Arts Ministry (MCAM) of the AME Church Is conducting a national search to find a person to lead the African Methodist Episcopal Church Connectional Drama Ministry.
The Rev. Anthony B. Vinson, Director of the AMEC Music and Christian Arts Ministry said, “We are currently looking for person either with theatrical training or extensive experience in the area of drama, especially as it relates to ministry. The only absolute prerequisite is that the person loves God, has a heart and passion for Drama Ministry and is either a member or employee of an AMEC.”
Persons knowing applicants are asked to forward referrals and interested applicants should submit his or her resume, a list of experiences or YouTube clips of their drama ministry. Rev. Vinson went on to say, “Any type of recordings or YouTube clips of your drama ministry or personal performance would be extremely helpful.”
Please send resumes, YouTube or video-clips to:
The Rev. Anthony B. Vinson, Sr.
Director, AMEC Music and Christian Arts Ministry
1035 E. 49th Street
Chicago, IL 60615
Email: anthonybvinsonsr@aol.com
7. TRAINING THEM UP TO THROW AWAY: THE ABSENCE OF A COLLEGE-AGED MINISTRY IN THE AME CHURCH:
By John Thomas III
As the Fall Semester speeds ahead, parents and students alike are adjusting to the renewed academic year. Freshmen are finally beginning to know their campuses and seniors are anticipating an end to their “higher learning.”
In addition to their studies, many AME young adults will be exposed to various different faith traditions and worship experiences. True to the scripture, a vast majority of them will not depart from their training and will find themselves in a church from time to time. Whether that church is AME, however, is another story. The college-aged years (18-25) are a time for self-definition and growth. Free from the pressures of home, young men and women strike out on their own and begin to realize what the “real world” is like. Part of that journey is embracing and nurturing one’s own walk with Christ. Unfortunately, as many of our college-aged members grow closer to Christ, they move further away from the AME Church. This has been a topic of great interest and concern of young adults across the Connection for many years. The failure to keep college-aged persons in the denomination falls squarely on the shoulders of the Connectional Church at all its levels.
After being trained about the Connectional Church in the YPD and seeing the international grandeur of our denomination at our big meetings, it is more than a little disconcerting to realize that there is no organized system for a person moving to a new area to get to find an AME Church outside of the phonebook or the AME Church Online Directory. Our lack of visible intent as a denomination to attract college students and persons of that age group means that our most precious resource—our future leaders—become prey for other more astute and enterprising persons. All too common we hear the narrative of an active member, maybe even a Conference or District YPD Officer, who goes to college and ends up joining a completely different place of worship and forever leaves the Church of Allen. How does this happen?
A prominent Nashville pastor with a booming college ministry once stated, “I don’t steal sheep. I just grow grass.” People go where their needs are met. The AME Church as a denomination does not provide much in the way of spiritual growth and Christian fellowship for college-aged persons. We don’t make ourselves easily accessible or attractive. I have vivid memories of Sunday morning in the Atlanta University Center when buses from several large Baptist and non-denominational churches would line up in front of Clark Atlanta University’s Student Center. If I wanted to find the Methodist, Catholic or Episcopalian campus ministries all I had to do was look for the clearly marked building or sign in the Dean of Students Office. In the midst of all this, the AMEs were nowhere to be found. We do have many local churches with ministries that work with college-aged students both local and away. But as a denomination, we do not use the benefits of the Connectional Church to implement any type of ministry to retain and recruit college-aged persons.
While it may seem that college-aged students are an unimportant part of our Church due to a combination of their transient nature and their lack of income, they are actually one of our most valuable resources. We tend to forget that people do not stay young forever and the student that your church fed today might be an Ambassador or Fortune 500 Executive tomorrow and still remember the spiritual grounding that the AME Church gave her when she needed them. The Connection must get past its short-sightedness and realize that by failing to retain our college-aged members and recruit others, we are putting our long-term survival at stake.
As with most concerns in the AME Church, a solution to the problem has already been created by wise persons many years ago. In the Article XI, Section 7 of the YPD Connectional Bylaws (page 381 of the Discipline), a clear outline is given for a Campus Ministry under the auspices of the YPD from the Connectional level down to the Local Church. Reactivating and investing in this process would be a good place to start in making the Connectional Church care for its college-aged students. While not every AME Church can (or should) have a ministry for college-aged persons, every Annual Conference should have some way of reaching out to college-aged AMEs (especially those away from their local churches). This is especially important for AMEs attending school in rural areas where attending an AME Church is impractical. Furthermore, a college-ministry program has a multiplier effect because it will attract persons of that age group that might not be in college but wish for Christian fellowship with kindred spirits.
The lack of a college-aged ministry is a denominational emergency. Serious attention must be paid to not only training our young adults, but ensuring that the denomination is a tangible presence in their growth and development. We will not retain all of the children who baptized at our altars. We should do our best, however, to extend the “true” right hand of fellowship to guide them along their Christian journey.
John Thomas III (13th District) is a graduate student in the Ph.D. program in Political Science at the University of Chicago.
8. THE REV. PAUL AND THE REV. FAITH MUGALA ASSIGNED TO ZAMBIA, AFRICA AND PLAN TO BUILD A NEW CHURCH:
September 22nd, 2010
An Open Letter to all Our Dear Episcopal Fathers, Mothers, Connectional & General Officers, & Co-Workers of our great Zion,
Greetings in the matchless, majestic and marvelous name of our risen Savior Jesus Christ. It is our hope and prayer that all is well with you and yours. For most of you, this mail comes as a surprise letter. However, to a few of you this is not a surprise at all. God has called us [the Rev. Faith & the Rev. Paul Mugala] to a new assignment in Zambia, Africa after ten years of service as a Pastor in the Michigan conference of the 4th Episcopal District.
This assignment is one that both my wife and I have accepted with a sense of passion and urgency. We have been in collaboration with God along with both the Presiding Prelate of the 4th Episcopal District, our Senior Bishop of the A.M.E. Church the Rt. Rev. John R. Bryant and the Presiding Prelate of the 17th Episcopal District Bishop Paul J.M. Kawimbe.
My wife and I are grateful and do appreciate the education and ministerial experience we have been privileged to receive from God through Edward Waters College, St. Stephen A.M.E. Church in Jacksonville, Florida under the then Pastor now retired Bishop Robert Vaughn Webster and the late Supervisor Carole Webster, Big Bethel A.M.E. Church under the leaderships of the then Pastors now Bishop McKinley Young and Supervisor Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young; and Bishop James Levert Davis and Supervisor Arelis Beevers Davis, and last but not least Oak Grove A.M.E. Church under the then Pastor and now Bishop Gregory Gerald McKinley Ingram and Supervisor Rev. Dr. Jessica Kendal Ingram who groomed us - me in particular through both my itinerant orders of our great Zion.
Our appreciations do not end there. In 2001 God, through His divine providence saw fit for us to be given the Pastoral assignment through the then Senior Bishop and Presiding Prelate of the 4th Episcopal District Bishop Philip Robert Cousin, Sr. and Supervisor Dr. M. Joann Cousin. We were assigned to Bethel A.M.E. Church in Adrian, Michigan where we served until October 2004, when we were assigned to Pleasant Valley A.M.E. Church in the city of Belleville, Michigan. We count it a blessing and privilege to have served under Senior Bishops back to back from 2004 to the present moment. We are equally indebted to our Senior Bishop and Presiding Prelate of the 4th Episcopal District the Rt. Rev. John Richard Bryant and the Senior Supervisor the Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant who have nurtured us in a unique and dynamic manner as God leads them. We are truly grateful and appreciate all their love, care, and sharing of their spiritual gifts.
This is true of Bishop Paul J.M. Kawimbe & the late Supervisor Yvonne Chinakila Mulenga Kawimbe who have welcomed us with open and encouraging arms. We need and do solicit your prayers as we take on this new challenge in pursuit of excellence in all the endeavors ahead of us. As you will see in the enclosed Shalom Tabernacle AME Church’s introductory brochure – the assignment is to pursue a Kingdom Focused Standard with a mandate to impact the Spirituality, Social Responsibility, and Stewardship of God’s invaluable Resources – His People.
Most of the so-called Third World Countries are basically Consumer Economies with very little or no wealth to be injected in critical Human Resources Development programs and projects. If we do not rise to formulate strategies and plans to counter the many challenges; on the average most of the citizens of these countries will continue to experience adverse living conditions. Hence the sense of urgency and passion of the Shalom Tabernacle Vision to participate in tackling these mountains of life one at a time. We truly believe that we are called equipped, and empowered to be the difference wherever we find ourselves. Although we officially begin our new work in the 17th Episcopal District from the First Sunday of November 2010; we have already established a congregation which is currently meeting every Sunday in various locations in Lusaka, and occasionally during my few visits we all meet together on Sunday afternoon at Chrismar Hotel in Lusaka, Zambia.
Not only are we soliciting your prayers but your financial and other material support as well. We have an immediate need to purchase land at an amount equivalent to $150,000 on which the Church and School will be built. Major buildings will be named after the Sponsor partners relative to their level of contributions. The various halls and special rooms such as the Board Rooms and Chapel will be named after the Diamond & Platinum partners. The rest of the partners will be placed on the Stewardship Tree which will be on display in the special Stakeholders' Hall Of Fame. All contributors and partners will be updated on the progress of the Vision periodically. Additionally, we are compiling a Memorial Souvenir Journal in which you may place ads to mark the occasion of New Beginnings for Shalom Tabernacle. Please email me for rates and information about advertisements. And, please feel free to contact me via email for any additional information. My email address: mugalapm@yahoo.com or info@shalomtabernacle.com
On behalf of the unknown beneficiaries of your compassion and kindness, we do thank and praise God for all you do.
The Rev. Paul M. Mugala, Sr.
9. HISTORIOGRAPHER SPEAKS AT QUINN CHAPEL CHICAGO:
The Reverend Dennis C. Dickerson, Ph.D., the Historiographer / Executive Director of the Department of Research & Scholarship of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the author of African American Preachers And Politics: The Careys Of Chicago (Jackson, University Press of Mississippi, 2010) will lecture and preach at Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church in Chicago, Illinois. On Saturday, September 25, 2010 the Black Chicago History Forum will present Dr. Dickerson, who is the James M. Lawson, Jr. Professor of History at Vanderbilt University, to discuss his book at Quinn Chapel at 1:30 P.M. He will lecture about Bishop Archibald J. Carey, Sr. and Reverend Archibald J. Carey, Jr., two clergy/politicians who were pastors at Quinn Chapel. A book signing will follow. On Sunday, September 26, 2010 Dr. Dickerson will deliver the sermon from Quinn Chapel's historic pulpit. Reverend James Moody is the pastor of Quinn Chapel and Dr. Dickerson's host. Dr. Dickerson is a candidate for the episcopacy at the 2012 General Conference.
10. 136th SESSION OF THE NORTH MISSISSIPPI ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
The Right Rev. Carolyn Tyler Guidry is the Presiding Prelate of the 8th Episcopal District.
Resolution
August 16-22, 2010
Whereas, on Monday, August 16, 2010 prior to the official opening of the Annual Conference, the North Mississippi Annual Conference Women In Ministry under the direction of Coordinator, the Reverend Karen Simms, and Episcopal President, Sister Leoda Topps, led us in a worship service entitled “God’s Leading Ladies”. The Rev. Dr. Theresa Fry Brown warmed our hearts with her sermon “Just Preach”; and
Whereas, the Women’s Missionary Society’s, theme for this Conference Year was “Savoring the Past and Soaring into the Future,” convened on Tuesday August 17, 2010 under the leadership of Episcopal Supervisor, Mrs. Lola Nixon Cheltenham, Episcopal President, Mrs. Ethel Morrison and the direction of North Mississippi Annual Conference President, Mrs. Adrienne Marshall-McNeal, with the election of delegates conducted, and a capping ceremony for new members during a spirit-filled time and a “Witness Night Program” with speaker Sister Autherine Metcalf Williams from Genesis 1:26 “Women Made In the Image of God”; and
Whereas, the Connectional theme “Serving with Integrity” was lifted by Bishop Tyler Guidry with examples for understanding integrity. The scripture for the theme is “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity…” Titus 2: 7-8; and
Whereas, The 136th Session of the North Mississippi Conference convened on Wednesday, August 18, 2010 with worship service at 10:00 am with the Rev. William Hardiman, Jr. as Worship Leader. The inspiring and uplifting Annual Sermon was preached by the Rev. Jeffrey Williams, pastor of Allen Chapel, Mark, MS & Pilgrim Rest, Clarksdale, MS AME Churches; Text: Jeremiah 18:1-6, Subject: “Extreme Makeover”; and
Following the invitation to Discipleship, the Bishop called for special guest, Sister Alycia Levels, of Another Level Productions, who rendered a selection entitled “He Saved Me”.
After the Affirmation of Faith, the Celebrant Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, presiding elders, pastors and congregation proceeded with the partaking of the Service of the Holy Communion.
Whereas, Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry convened the business session with the roll call, organization of the conference, and the Board of Examiners’ Report; and
Whereas, in the afternoon Bishop Tyler Guidry called for the conclusion of the Board of Examiners Report, Presiding Elders Hardiman, Moore and Holmes gave their District reports followed by Pastors’ Reports; and
Whereas, Wednesday evening service was led by the Sons of Allen, under the direction of the Rev. Michael Martin, using the Theme: “Godly Men Bringing Forth Fruit In Due Season” with Brother Jordan Sipp who offered Words of Inspiration using “Pass the Salt” as his reference on Men Making a Difference; and
Whereas, on August 19, 2010 Conference Institute Presenter was, the Rev. Moses Simms, pastor of Greater Powell Chapel AME Church, Grenada, Mississippi. The Conference Institute topic was Leadership; and
Whereas, on August 19, 2010 the preacher for the Hour of Power Service was the Rev. Annie C. Watson, Itinerant Elder, retired from the Fifth Episcopal District preaching from Luke 15:11-32 “Showing the Love of a Father”; and
Whereas, Bishop Tyler Guidry called for the Literary reports and Ministerial Efficiency Committee report; and
Whereas, in the Thursday evening Ecumenical Service, The Rev. Eric Lee, pastor of St. Paul M.B. Church of Olive Branch, MS, a former Harlem Globetrotters basketball player, preached from Acts 16:25-29; using the subject “A Great Example of Good Servants”; and
Whereas, on Friday, August 20, 2010, the Hour of Power was preached by the Rev. Jimmy Harper. His subject was “Without Jesus the Riches of this World Will Bring Destruction to the Soul” taken from Luke 16:19-31; and
Whereas, Lay Witness Night creatively presented “The Fruit of the Spirit”; and
Whereas, on Saturday, August 21, 2010 in the service of Memorial, Retirement and Consecration the preacher the Rev. Cedell Raggs, pastor of Mt. Olive AME Church, Slidell, LA, reminded us that “The Lord Is My Shepherd” taken from Psalm 23. The Conference honored the service of the Rev. Fred D. Raggs and his lovely wife Mrs. Ophelia Raggs in recognition of his retirement. We thanked God for the addition of a new Deaconess Sister. Mary Witherspoon, and we remember the life and service of Bishop James Haskell Mayo, Supervisor Yvonne Kawimbe, and the Rev. Kelvin Cooper; and
Whereas, the Young People’s and Children’s Division of the North Mississippi Branch Women’s Missionary Society convened and elected delegates for the 2011 Quadrennial. The worship experience was blessed by a special guest “Sister Jekalyn Carr” and the preacher the Rev. Reginald Guy blessed our souls with his message entitled “Keep Going” from 2 Corinthians 12:6-10; and
Whereas, the North Mississippi Conference was blessed with the presence of many visitors from the Eighth district, the 1st, 5th, 6th, 13th districts and general officer Dennis Dickerson; and
Whereas, Sunday, August 22, 2010 began with Church School under the direction of Episcopal Superintendent, Brother Henry Edwards and Conference Superintendent, Brother Ronnie Young. The subject was “Growing in Joy and Peace” and text was Philippians 4:2-14; and
Whereas, the Closing Worship Service of the 136th Session of the North Mississippi Annual Conference was blessed by the message of Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry entitled “A Pattern for Imitation” from Titus 2:7-8, which stirred our hearts encouraged our souls; therefore be it
Resolved, that the 136th Session of the North Mississippi Annual Conference owes a debt of gratitude to the Rev. Johnny Johnson and the Faith Community African Methodist Episcopal Church Family for the genuine, warm, courteous, and generous manner in which they hosted the North Mississippi Annual Conference. At this time we ask the members of the North Mississippi Annual Conference to stand and give the pastor and wonderful people of Faith Community AME Church a round of applause; and be it further
Resolved, that we rejoice in God’s wisdom for the efficient and faithful Eighth Episcopal Leadership Team of the Right Reverend Carolyn Tyler Guidry and Episcopal Supervisor, Mrs. Lola Nixon Cheltenham who are examples of “Serving With Integrity.”
Graciously submitted this 22nd day of August 2010, the Committee on Resolutions:
The Reverend Carolyn Habersham, the Reverend Michael Martin, Sister Beatrice Peace, Brother Leo Marshall, Sister Betty Holland, and Brother James Berry, Jr.
Submitted to The Christian Recorder by Janet Brown, Reporter North Mississippi Conference/ Greater Disney Chapel AMEC
11. WEST ARKANSAS CONFERENCE COMMITTEE: STATE OF THE CHURCH:
Bishop Samuel L. Green, Presiding Prelate
The West Arkansas Annual Conference was held August 24-26, 2010 at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1501 Caddo Street, Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71923
The committee on the State of the Church wishes to submit the following report:
The Church stands today as an expression of the promise of Jesus the Christ that, “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” And it (the Church) must continue to expect that God will do just what he said. Jesus Christ established His Church and gave it a mission. The scriptures indicate He intended it to be a warm and loving fellowship of His faithful disciples, and a source of strength and purpose for them.
The existence of the Church is manifested throughout the world today in its visible sense by a community of believers who are prepared to allow the rule of God to dominate their lives. These nucleuses of disciples whether small or large must promote the growth of the church through a holistic plan of outreach to minister and positively impact the entire world.
In execution of that plan, the local church must not be discouraged or otherwise distracted by its size or capacity. The visible church must be a prepared organism that serves as a spiritual hospital in its own realm.
For the past two decades the North American continent has witnessed a dramatic increase in the number of large churches, or what is called “mega churches” (congregations of 1,000 or more). Statistics reflect that during the very time mega churches have sprouted across the landscape, the proportion of Americans who claim to be “born again” has remained a constant 32 percent. Critics claim that the surge of mega churches even in the midst of troubled economics is only a transfer of membership other than a God experiencing event at the expense of the small church.
The National Council of Churches report that total church membership is up 0.49 percent from 2009. In these changing times, we thank God that the A.M.E. Church remains one of the country’s leading denominations. The same report reflects that the A.M.E. Church still ranks 11th of the top 25 denominations tied with the National Missionary Baptist Convention of America and the Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc.
This conference year, the Rt. Rev. Samuel L. Green, Sr., has lead the Twelfth Episcopal District by the continuing theme of “God First” with a focus on “Kingdom Leadership” training. Bishop Green’s emphasis on effective prayer, evangelism, and God’s Law and Order for both clergy and lay serves to strengthen and empower the collective ministries of our district.
The 12th Episcopal District is not dead and the West Arkansas Conference endeavors to follow the leadership of our Episcopal leader in strengthening the State of the Church by putting “God First.”
Humbly submitted,
The Rev. Michael B. Harris, the Rev. C.O. Dansby, the Rev. Joyce Campbell, the Rev. Cornelius Hollinshed, the Rev. Rex Smith, and Sister Gloria Young and Sister Ethel Halton
12. WEST ARKANSAS CONFERENCE COMMITTEE: TEMPERANCE - “BEARING GOOD FRUIT UNDER PRESSURE”:
Bishop Samuel L. Green, Presiding Prelate
The West Arkansas Annual Conference was held August 24-26, 2010 at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1501 Caddo Street, Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71923
July 28, 2010
The Committee on Temperance wishes to submit the following report:
Why does Paul arrange this list in this order? The list begins with love and ends with temperance/self-control. Did Paul arrange this list in this order because it takes love to precipitate all the other characteristics and if a person walks in the Spirit, the fruit will culminate in temperance? Temperance is the fruit that, when applied to life, provides the right balance to glorify God. Understood this way, temperance/self-control is not the least of fruit of the Spirit, but a major goal.
Our behavior as representatives of God affects the witness of the Universal Church, our AMEC Zion, the 12th Episcopal District, the West Arkansas Conference and our local churches. The challenges in ministry demand the development of this character trait. In the service of God, temperance or self-control means yielding to the right authority (Romans 6:11-18). Temperance places "you under a stronger Master" than you and causes you to live by His commands. Who is in control of your life? Yielding to the influences of the Holy Spirit on the heart can make one temperate in all indulgences; teach one to restrain his/her passions, and to govern oneself in the fear and admonition of the Lord. As servants of God we must exercise temperance, especially under pressure of trials and tribulations. Nothing does more damage to the Christian witness of our Zion, than a lack of temperance/self-control.
Temperance or self-control depends upon a resolve to establish and yield to boundaries and guiding principles from the Word of God for behavior, actions, and thought processes. We have a great cloud of witnesses who exercised temperance under pressure. Joseph under sexual pressure yielded to his boundary to respect another man’s wife. This resulted in the power of self-control to flee from Potiphar’s wife. To God be the Glory! Daniel under political pressure, yielded to his principles related to prayer. This resulted in the power of self-control to pray to withstand worshipping another God. To God be the Glory! Jesus under the pressure of persecution, yielded to the will of God. This resulted in the power of self-control to sacrifice that others would have the right to the power of “temperance” in times of need. Jesus’ example of self-control under the pressure of persecution provides the ultimate model that we can look to as the author and finisher of our faith. To God be the Glory!
These witnesses lived by their commitments, not their emotions. They did the right thing, even when their human flesh was under pressure to yield. “A person without self-control is as defenseless as a city with broken down walls” (Proverbs 25:28 NLT). This paints the picture of a city whose walls have been so nearly destroyed as to be without defense against an enemy; so is the man who has not restraint against anger, lust, and the other unbridled emotions that destroy the personality. The mind is the source or origin of all we do and say; therefore we must begin with our mind. Proverbs 4:23 teaches “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Consequently we must guard our thoughts and desires.
The members of the West Arkansas Conference are encouraged not to just merely go through the motions and wish for temperance or self-control, but to make the decision to bring all of our being under the authority of our Lord. Bring every thought into captivity, that we might serve Christ and live for Him all the days of our lives. It is the one who has control of his/her thoughts, speech, and actions that can properly resist Satan and his temptations and emerge as more than a conqueror when pressured to yield. When we “Put God First” and exercise the fruit of temperance it will enable us to live our lives purposefully and resolutely in agreement with the Word of God. To God Be the Glory!
The Rev. Joyce Campbell, the Rev. Thomas Brazil, the Rev. Larry Ross, the Rev. Cornelius Hollinshed, the Rev. Angela Smith, Sister Nellie McBride, Sister Lavenia Hicks, Sister Verdia Box, Brother Melvin Stewart
13. THE WEST ARKANSAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE - REPORT OF STATE OF THE COUNTRY:
Bishop Samuel L. Green, Presiding Prelate
The West Arkansas Annual Conference was held August 24-26, 2010 at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1501 Caddo Street, Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71923
Big battle in Washington: Bush’s tax cuts to expire soon
An epic fight is brewing over what Congress and President Obama should do about the expiring Bush tax cuts, with such substantial economic and political consequences that it could shape the fall elections and fiscal policy for years to come.
Democratic leaders, including President Obama, say they are intent on letting the tax cuts for the wealthy expire as scheduled at the end of the year. But they have pledged to continue the lower tax rates for individuals earning less than $200,000 and families earning less than $250,000 – what Democrats call the middle class.
Most Republicans want to extend the tax cuts for everyone, and some Democrats agree, saying it would be unwise to raise taxes on anyone while the economy remains weak. If no action is taken, taxes on income, dividends, capital gains and estates would all rise.
The issue has generated little public attention this year as Congress grappled with health care, financial regulation, energy, a Supreme Court nomination and other divisive topics. But it will move to the top of the Agenda when lawmakers return to Washington in September from their summer recess, just as midterm campaign gets under way in earnest.
Beyond the implication for family checkbooks, the tax fight will serve as a proxy for the bigger political clashes of the year, including the size of government.
“It has enormous ramifications for the fall and clearly will be one of the dominant issues,” said Senator Ron Wyden, Democrat of Oregon. “This is code for the role of the federal government, the debate over the size of government and the priorities of the nation.”
If no tax legislation is passed, all the major tax reductions passed under President George W. Bush in 2001 and 2003 will expire, with rates reverting overnight on December 31.
A decision on the tax issue could come just as President Obama’s National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform reaches a December deadline to propose remedies for addressing the long-term debt problems.
Resource: The New York Times, Sunday, July 25, 2010
The NAACP
According to the president of The NAACP, Ben Jealous, the Tea Party is chock full of racist people bent on harming African-Americans.
Speaking at the organization’s annual convention Mr. Jealous let loose on the Tea Party folk: “Here comes the genetic descendent of the White Citizens Council, burst from its coffin, carrying signs and slogans like “Lynch Barack Hussein Obama ….”
It is long past time for all American to drop the skin color deal.
America’s motto continues to be “Out of Many, One.”
Out in the Gulf
New Orleans – Crews hurried to get back to work on plugging BP’s leaky oil well Saturday after Tropical Storm Bonnie fizzled, and engineers hoped for a window of clear weather long enough to stop the gusher for good.
But with peak hurricane season starting in early August, chances are the next big storm is right on Bonnie’s heels.
In the past 10 years, an average of five storms has hit the Gulf each hurricane season. This year, two have struck already - - Bonnie and Hurricane Alex at the end of June, which delayed clean up of BP’s massive oil spill for a week even though it didn’t get closer than 500 miles from the well. “Usually you don’t see the first hurricane statistically until August 10,” said Dennis Feltgen, a spokesman for the National Hurricane Center in Miami. “The 2010 hurricane season is running just ahead of a typical pace.
And in Conclusion
In our country today, we are hoping for, and praying for peace. So the question is, where can we find peace in a country where the crime rate is at an all time high, where mines are collapsing and killing miners, where fires are burning out of control, massive flooding are taking lives and homes, where we see mothers taking their own children’s lives, and where school shootings are still taking place. We are living in perilous times. Well, the apostle Paul tells us in the 5th Chapter of Romans: that peace, the state of peace and spiritual blessedness is a direct result of our faith in Christ Jesus. Faith in that foundation is our rock! If we return unto God, get on track spiritually, then will God hear our cry and answer our call.
Recommendations:
Encourage others to register to vote. Vote - Stay informed on issues concerning The State of the Country at all times.
Dr. Anna Burnett Graham, the Rev. Byron Miller, the Rev. Linda F. Butler, the Rev. Donnie Tank, Sister Betty Buffington, Sister Ida Thomas and Brother Garland Puckett
14. ORANGE PARK, FLORIDA PASTOR AWARDED WOMAN OF THE YEAR:
The Rev. Dr. Alesia S. Ford-Burse received a Woman of the Year Award by the Women of Color Cultural Foundation for her work as a Community Activist. She challenged the Clay County School Board for hiring disparity which resulted in several minorities obtaining jobs this school year. Dr. Alesia Ford-Burse is the Senior Pastor of St. James AME Church in Orange Park, Florida.
The Women of Color Cultural Foundation is an organization in Jacksonville, Florida that provides college scholarships as well as provides funds to women with cancer. Dr. Alesia Ford-Burse was recognized as the Women of the Year for her work as a Community Activist. She along with other community leaders challenged the disparity in hiring practices with the Clay County School Board which resulted in many jobs for minorities within the Clay County School System.
15. SOUTH ATLANTA DISTRICT WOMEN’S MISSIONARY SOCIETY (AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH) ANNUAL CANCER WALK:
The South Atlanta District Women’s Missionary Society’s 2nd Annual Cancer walk will be held on Saturday, October 9, 2010. The walk starts at 9:00 am (rain or shine).
Knights Monumental AME Church, 224 Red Oak Road, Stockbridge, Georgia 30281 is serving as the “host Church” for this year’s Annual Cancer Walk.
Register as soon as possible.
For additional information contact:
Mary Ann Moreland (404) 696-1496 or Mildred Reed at (678) 289-1775
Contribution to The American Cancer Society
16. THE REV. DR. CHARLOTTE B. SYDNOR HAS BEEN NAMED MENTOR FOR THE DOCTOR OF MINISTRY PROGRAM AT UNITED THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, DAYTON, OHIO:
Dr. Charlotte Sydnor will be the Mentor for the focus area: “Prophetic Ministry in the Public Square for the 21st Century”
The Course Description:
This focus group will engage in the process of finding ways to bridge the gap between the role of the church and the community, the sacred and secular. The purpose is to offer practical witness of the gospel of Jesus Christ through service models for church and community partnership ministries. The group will seek alternatives and opportunities to reach beyond the walls of the church in following Old and New Testament traditions of prophetic ministry in the world. The attempt of this group is to examine how the church in the community can relate from Liberation Theology and Public Theology perspectives.
Mentor:
Dr. Charlotte B. Sydnor is the pastor of Historic Shorter Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Franklin, Tennessee
For further information about the Doctor of Ministry Program at United Theological Seminary contact: www.united.edu
17. A SPIRITUALITY OF RESISTANCE:
*The Rev. Dr. Melinda Contreras-Byrd
While watching a movie several months ago I was immediately captivated by a scene pictured in the background of the movie.
I was so amazed by what I saw that I felt led to do some research on this site I had seen in the movie. I knew virtually nothing about the country and had had absolutely no prior interest in learning its history. In fact--- when it came to places to visit--it wasn’t even on my “long list.”
But oddly enough, the pictures of the site remained emblazoned in my memory and despite the lack of logic behind my feelings----I knew it was a place that I needed to see in person.
I returned from my pilgrimage on Tuesday September 7th.
The country is Lithuania and the place is called, The Hill of Crosses.
If you go online, you will be able to see the awesome display of crosses of varied materials and sizes. They spread out almost as far as one can see. (http://www.sacredsites.com/europe/lithuania/lithuania.html)
While the earliest history of the site is disparate - the most recent story behind the creation of this sacred spectacle is easily as captivating and intriguing as the visual sight itself.
Allow me to tell a version of the story
The small out of the way town of Siauliai had a hill and the hill held a cross (or a few crosses) that had been there for generations.
During the Soviet occupation the crosses were removed.
The next day, other crosses stood in their places. The planting and removal of the crosses turned into an on-going pull and tug that held important psycho-spiritual and political symbolism for both sides.
The Christians of Siauliai demonstrated their resistance to the occupation by continuing to replace crosses every time they were removed.
It is reported that communist leaders boasted that they would be able to destroy the church of Lithuania in two decades. Consequently they went about the job of seizing churches and turning them into storage houses, museums and places of business. Priests and others who dared to teach the Bible to youths were murdered or imprisoned in accord with the Moscow created criminal codes of that time. Enrollment in seminaries was limited and faith-based publications were dismantled. Contrary to the Soviet expected result; these enactments gave birth to a Christian underground movement. 1 (Lithuania is noted to have had the largest number of dissident publications in the Soviet Union).
As is often the case—faith mixes with struggle in the face of oppression. God was in the Lithuanian people’s struggle in many forms of unusual resistance such as the Hill of Crosses.
Between the periods of 1987-1991 a resistance movement began in Estonia and moved out into Latvia and Lithuania. Reminiscent of the civil rights movement in the United States, these dissidents chose to face down their oppressors by the use of songs of nationalism and Christian faith. Singing songs that they had been forbidden to sing—they linked arms in the public square in defiance, in faith and in righteous indignation and determination. This movement swept through the Baltic States and came to be called “The singing revolution.”
And God was present in Lithuania as God was present in the form of Richard Allen, Harriet Tubman, Absalom Jones or Denmark Vesey in the liberation struggles of Black people in the U.S.A. God was present in Lithuania as God was present in the form of Oscar Romero and Father Ernesto Cardenal in the liberation struggles of people in Central America.
History records that In Lithuania God was also present in the struggle, by the creation of the underground voice of “The Chronicles of the Catholic Church of Lithuania.” God was present in the establishment of a Catholic Committee for the Defense of the Rights of Believers. God was present in the form of persons such as Sister Nijole Sadunaite who was exiled and sentenced to work camp for her participation in the religious underground. It was within this caldron of upheaval that the reestablishment of the Hill of Crosses took place.
In the face of the suppression of religious freedom, not only those of Siauliai continued to erect crosses. Others showed solidarity by joining in the struggle to raise new crosses to replace those that were being constantly removed. The site soon held a growing number of crosses that today are estimated to be in excess of one hundred thousand and growing. This reality is truly miraculous given the fact that according to Dr Vytenis Rimkus: “In the spring of 1961 the Soviet power decided to deal with the Hill of Crosses. With the assistance of soldiers, under the strictest control, the crosses were demolished: wooden crosses were burnt, (sic) metal crosses were brought to scrap warehouses; those of stone and concrete were laid out in building the roads or buried (sic). The hill was guarded so that nobody would attempt to erect crosses, but at night, new ones, nevertheless reappeared…. Attempts were made to flood the territory and to turn the Hill of Crosses into a hardly accessible island. For many years, approach roads to the hill were guarded, the state numbers on the car plates were registered.”
Notably, three or four times during the occupation the soviets bulldozed the hill in an effort to rid themselves of these symbols of faith and resistance.
Against all odds, and for more than 50 years Lithuania waged a largely non-violent battle for the right to speak its own language, sing its own national anthem, govern its own self and worship its own God.
Lithuania is a country with a proud history. Its fortitude can be said to have been the straw that broke the USSR camel's back.
In March of 1990 Lithuania declared its final independence, although it wasn’t internationally recognized as such until 1991. In the wake of Lithuania’s successful move for independence other Baltic nations followed suit, thus toppling for all time the mighty USSR.
I was surprised to learn that much of their struggle went on during recent years and although I recall hearing of discord in the "Baltic states," I had no knowledge of the nature of our country’s involvement, or the great importance of this struggle in a place so remote from the United States.
During my visit to Lithuania, I was blessed to be able to stand on this sacred hill and to plant a cross in solidarity.
I believe that people of faith and struggle are more alike than we are different.
My cross was made of wood and adorned with gold colored furniture tacks and several smaller crosses of various sizes and shapes.
At the top of the cross is a laminate with the symbol and history of the AME church. Our Church stands in history as not only the first Black denomination in the United States, but as a Black institution whose history likewise sets it apart as a vehicle of resistance against tyranny and oppression. At the bottom of my cross is a laminate bearing the words to the third verse of “Lift Every Voice and Sing”
“God of our weary years, God of our silent tears
Thou who has brought us thus far on our way
Thou who has by thy might, led us into the light
Keep us forever in the path we pray.
Lest our feet stray from the places our God where we met thee
Lest our heart, drunk with the wine of the world we forget thee.
Shadowed beneath thy hand
May we forever stand
True to our God---true to our native land! “
Last week I traveled many miles to leave a cross for those pilgrims who visit the Hill of Crosses each year from the Baltic’s and other European countries. It is my hope that those who read English will be moved by the powerful truth represented by my humble offering. However, I am of the opinion that irrespective of the language of any inscriptions---the cross has the power to speak. It was this power that reached through the movie screen and drew me into a foreign country on an unforgettable pilgrimage to Lithuania.
The truth is, God dwells in the history of a righteous struggle, and unites people of faith in every generation, and in every land.
I thank God for the privilege of having visited this holy hill and for the gift of solidarity born of struggle.
*The Rev. Dr. Melinda Contreras-Byrd is a licensed clinical psychologist and ordained Elder. She serves on the ministerial staff at Grant Chapel A.M.E. Church in Trenton, New Jersey where her husband the Rev. Vernon R. Byrd, Jr. serves as pastor.
18. AME CHURCHES ARE OFFERED THEATER PRODUCTIONS FOR FUND RAISING:
The Reverend Lance E. Brown, a retired minister of the United Methodist Church and his wife, the Reverend Patricia Turner-Brown who serves as Youth Pastor at Ebenezer A.M.E. Church in Detroit, Michigan are the owners of Public Awareness Theatre, based in Detroit. The Rev. Lance Brown is playwright, producer, and director of five successful national touring stage productions.
The Rev. Lance Brown said, “As an extension of my ministry, it is our intent to offer to churches throughout the connection our services in presenting our works. Our primary venues are colleges/universities, high schools, municipal auditoriums, churches, and federal educational programs-GEAR-UP, Upward Bound, and TRIO. In addition, we service Job Corps Centers and military installations.”
Fund raising opportunities include:
Several productions offered as fundraisers include: I'm Saved, which deals with a church and pastor on their spiritual journey; The First Semester, the story of five African-American students on a majority campus who face the choices, decisions, and consequences of their actions; Sunset High, designed especially for middle and high school students who deal on a day to day basis with bullying, snitching, and peer pressure; and Love Doesn't Have To Hurt, which deals with a young lady who is a victim of domestic violence. She has a questionable past that comes back to haunt her during her senior year of college. She finds herself torn between her abuser and a young man who has answered God's call to be a preacher, and who knows nothing of her questionable past.
Public Awareness Theatre, Inc. is currently working with Ebenezer AME Church in Detroit, and Bethel AME Church in Saginaw, Michigan, assisting them in generating funds to enhance ongoing and/or to develop new ministries in the church, and to address the need for church repairs and/or improvements.
Public Awareness Theatre, Inc.
The Reverend Lance E. Brown, publicawareness@aol.com
Public Awareness Theatre, Inc.
Public Awareness Theatre, Inc., founded in 1984, is a touring traveling theatrical ministry based in Detroit, Michigan. They have performed in over 38 states in a variety of forums including municipal auditoriums, college and university campuses, and for students in middle and high schools. Performances have also been presented for the TRIO and GEAR-UP programs, the United States Department of Labor Job Corps Centers, and military installations.
Reverend Lance Edmond Brown is the founder/owner of Public Awareness Theatre, Inc., an extension of his ministry to God’s people. He is also the playwright, producer, and director of five successful touring stage productions: ONE CHILD’S PRAYER, a serious drama dealing with the sensitive issue of a young child who is a victim of abuse; I’M SAVED, with its hand clapping, foot tapping gospel and contemporary music that addresses issues of a local church on its spiritual journey; THE FIRST SEMESTER a story of the five African-American students on a majority campus, who are faced with making choices, decisions, and the consequences; SUNSET HIGH which addresses challenges faced by today’s middle and high school students; and LOVE DOESN'T HAVE TO HURT, one woman’s struggle with domestic violence on a college campus.
A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Rev. Brown is an ordained minister of the United Methodist Church. He is a graduate of Concordia University of Wisconsin (Bachelor of Arts), and Gammon Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity) in Atlanta, Ga. His areas of concentration are Pastoral Counseling and Church Administration. Reverend Brown has served as associate pastor of St. Paul UMC in Shreveport, Louisiana, a chaplain at Our Lady of the Lakes Hospital in Baton, Rouge, as senior pastor of Wesley UMC in Bunkie, Louisiana, and as the senior pastor of Brooks UMC in New Orleans, Louisiana. Currently, Reverend Brown is pursuing the Doctor of Ministry degree at the Ecumenical Theological Seminary in Detroit, Michigan
The Reverend Lance Brown is married to the Reverend Patricia A. Turner-Brown, an ordained minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. She serves as pastor of Youth Ministries at Ebenezer A.M.E. Church in Detroit, Michigan. A retired instrumental and vocal music teacher of the Detroit Public Schools, "Reverend Pat" is also an accomplished violinist. They are the parents of three adult children and the proud grandparents of six.
The Reverend Lance and the Reverend Pat believe that a serving ministry is one that meets the needs of God’s people, regardless of denomination, race, or creed. Their motto is, “We are here to serve!"
19. BROTHER ANTHONY FRANKLIN, SR, AAMES, HAS COMPUTERS TO GIVE AWAY TO AME CHURCHES:
Contact Brother Franklin directly: franklinanthony@co.kane.il.us
Brother Anthony Franklin Sr.’s Message
I have received Dell computers from The Fraternal Order of Police of Kane County and expect to receive 75 + more computer in a few weeks.
All of the computers are Dell GX270 with 1 gig of memory minimal, a full license copy of Windows XP service Pack 3, Microsoft Office, Adobe acrobat reader, and AVG Antivirus software. Some have DVD's and some have CD Rom's.
The computers will come only with a keyboard and a mouse. The County chose not to replace the 19 inch flat monitors at this time. I may get them sometime later. So the recipient will need to get their own monitors.
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/opgx270/en/ug/smtabout.htm#1184271
We only need one letter from each requesting church addressed to the Association of A.M.E. Boy Scouts & AME Christian Education Department and mailed to franklinanthony@co.kane.il.us.
The Troop/ Pack I will be working with will directly donate to them as we get them ready.
Because of the cost of shipping the computers we will need to work with the church on a delivery process. Letter of request can be mailed directly to me for details: franklinanthony@co.kane.il.us
AAMES has no budget for shipping.
20. ARE THERE ANY QUESTIONS?:
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts
How often have you sat in meetings or in a class and the leader/teacher asked ‘or there any questions?
There are answers waiting for questions and there are questions that should be asked.
However we must admit that there are times when people asked a question that they hope that there would be no answer.
Some of us get irritated when people ask us questions because we don’t know the answer or don’t want to give an honest answer.
People who are not prepared do not like to entertain questions, especially when they don’t have answers.
There are some of us who would like to ask questions, but for “sake of peace,” don’t ask the question.
Questions make us think; or they should make us think.
Questions make some of us uncomfortable. Questions convict us. Questions expose our lack of knowledge.
Some of us classify some questions as silly, but to the individual it may be of utmost importance. No question is too silly to be asked.
There is nothing wrong with asking questions and nothing wrong in asking serious questions. Some of us ask questions, but really don’t want to know the answers.
Columbus asked a question about the shape of the earth and history remembers him.
Newton asked many questions and history also remembers him.
Moses was bold enough to questioned God. Moses wanted to know who God was. Living in a polytheistic society he needed to validate his claim that he represented God Almighty. It’s alright to ask God questions.
Gideon asked God how he would be able to save Israel since he was just a poor man from a poor family.
The Psalmist asked God how long would the wicked triumph?
In the midst of Job’s dilemma, he had the audacity to questioned God. God then asked Job several questions; “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Do you know on what the foundation is fastened? Who cause it to rain? Who laid the cornerstones? Where were you when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?”
Jesus, at the age of twelve, was found sitting in the temple among doctors and lawyers asking them tough questions.
A young lawyer asked Jesus, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus asked the young lawyer what was written in the law and the lawyer answered correctly ending with the statement that one had to love one’s neighbor as himself. It would have been fine if the lawyer had ended the conversation, but he apparently wanted to justify himself and asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus told him the parable of the “Good Samaritan” and asked the lawyer who was the neighbor in the parable; the priest, the Levite or the hated Samaritan? The lawyer answered correctly that the Samaritan was the neighbor of the man who fell among thieves. Jesus commended him for the correct answer and told him to go and do likewise.
We are living in a highly technological and computerized society. There are numerous questions that should be asked. Our youth need to ask question.
Unfortunately, many of our youth feel that they have all of the necessary answers and as a consequence find themselves embroiled in destructive living. They disregard the wisdom of the elderly and find themselves caught in a web of frustrations and disappointments. They act as if there is no tomorrow. Some have cold hearts. Respect and morality are not in their vocabulary. Some seems to place no value on life. There would be fewer young graves and the juvenile detentions centers would be less populated if they would just ask questions.
Asking questions can save your life. Asking questions can prevent embarrassment. Asking questions can enrich your intellect. Asking questions can help us find our way. Asking questions can break down barriers. Asking questions can clear up misunderstandings.
I was taught that the only dumb question was the question that needed to be asked that was not asked.
Now with all of that being said, “Are there any questions?”
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts (Ptaegar@aol.com) is a retired Itinerant Elder who lives in Eatonville, Florida
21. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENT:
Congratulations to Herman Osby Kelly III
Herman Osby Kelly III, son of Dr. and Mrs. Herman O. Kelly, Jr., Pastor and First Lady of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Baton Rouge, Louisiana received the Connectional Handy-Simmons Scholarship. Herman Osby Kelly, III is a student at the University of Tampa majoring in Criminology. He also received a Basketball scholarship for the 2010-2011 season at University of Tampa.
Congratulatory responses can be emailed to: hokellyj@yahoo.com
22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of the Reverend Lawrence E. Hunt on Tuesday, September 21st. Rev. Hunt served the Baltimore Conference for many years with dedication, integrity, and dignity.
Services will be held as follows:
Saturday, October 2, 2010 - Wake
11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Bethel A.M. E. Church
1300 Druid Hill Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21217
The Rev. Dr. Frank M. Reid, III, Pastor
Sunday, October 3, 2010 - Homegoing Celebration
1:00 PM
Trinity A.M.E. Church
12100 School Street
Ridgely, Maryland 21660
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: The Lawrence E. Hunt Memorial Library Fund, Trinity AME Church, P. O. Box 361, 12100 School Street, Ridgely, Maryland 21660.
All other communications may be sent to:
Ms. Tamara Brown
3624 Clifmar Road
Windsor Mills, Maryland 21244
Services entrusted to: Benny Smith Mortuary, Dover, Delaware
23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of the Reverend Isaac Shaw, Sr., retired pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The Reverend Isaac Shaw, Sr., father of the Reverend Lester Shaw, pastor of Payne Memorial AME Church, New Orleans, Louisiana, went home to be with the Lord on Sept. 18, 2010, at approximately 11:40 p.m. at his residence.
Service Arrangements for Reverend Isaac Shaw, Sr.:
Thursday, September 23, 2010
1:00 p.m.
Bethel AME Church
125 Denwiddie Street
McComb, Mississippi 39648
Rev. Russell Obee, pastor
Phone: 601-684-9620
Viewing: Wednesday, September 22, 2010
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Professional services are entrusted to:
Cook-Enterprise Funeral Home
4080 Highway 51 Mm
McComb, MS 39648
Phone: (601) 684-7093
Online obituary: http://www.enterprise-journal.com/obituaries/article_6d501fba-c59e-11df-95e5-001cc4c002e0.html
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Lester Shaw
376 Oak Point Drive
LaPlace, LA 70068
Phone: (985) 651-4937
lmslas2731@yahoo.com or paynemem@bellsouth.net
24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are sorry to announce the passing of Mrs. Ella Louise Brown, mother of the Reverend John E. Brown, Jr., pastor of Hosanna AME Church, Darlington, Maryland. Mrs. Ella Louise Brown passed on Saturday morning.
The arrangements are as follows:
Thursday, September 23rd - 6:00 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Wake - Brown's Funeral Home
Friday, September 24th - 6:00 p.m. - until
A time for Sharing - St. Stephens AME Church - Rev. William Gray, III, Pastor
Saturday, September 25th
10:00 a.m. - 11: a.m. - Wake
11:00 a.m. Home going Celebration - St. Stephens AME Church
St. Stephens AME Church
1601 Old Eastern Avenue
Essex, Maryland 21221
410-686-9392-Office
443-772-0850-Fax
Professional services entrusted to:
William C. Brown Community Funeral Home
1206 W. North Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21217
Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. John E. Brown (the Rev. Naomi Brown)
421 Rock Run Place
Havre de Grace, Maryland 21078
410-734-0481
floridamae63@hotmail.com
25. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with both great sadness and joyous celebration that we announce the passing of the Reverend Janet Lenore Swift on Sept. 17, 2010 at the Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, MO. The Rev. Janet Swift served this great Zion for 25 years with integrity, dignity and dedication. “Rev. Shorty” (as she was lovingly called) served God's people well! She pastored Trinity AME- Salt Lake City, Utah; Willis Chapel-Kansas City, MO.; Prince Chapel-La Jolla, CA. and finally Fountain of Hope -Las Vegas, NV. Rev. Swift though small in stature was truly a giant in the eyes and hearts of those whom she fed a hot meal, loved unconditionally and gave words of encouragement to “stay in the race and complete the journey.”
Ironically, whenever she spoke of death she always said there was only one thing that she wanted on her headstone, therefore with final parting words of encouragement and comfort we say to you: She Believed God!
Services will be held on Thursday, Sept. 23, 2010
Willis Chapel AMEC - The Rev. Barry Settle, Pastor
5332 S. Benton Ave, Kansas City, MO. 64130
Interment at Forest Hill Cemetery
(Exact time not yet determined - please check www.caringbridge.org/visit/revjanetswift or contact Eley & Sons)
Condolences can be sent to:
E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel
4707 E. Truman Rd
Kansas City, MO. 64127
816-924-8700
Fax# 816-924-8701
26. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to share news of the untimely passing of Jon Leonadas (Jon Jon) Crutchfield, son of the late Presiding Elder John R. Crutchfield of the Western North Carolina Conference, 2nd Episcopal District and Mrs. Mary Crutchfield. Jon Leonadas (Jon Jon) Crutchfield, age 37, was killed tragically in a car accident.
The funeral has been held.
Condolences and Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Mother Crutchfield & Family.
Mrs. Mary Crutchfield & Family
3222 Duke Homestead
Durham, North Carolina 27705
Phone: (919) 451-9781 or (919) 471-5599
27. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
In celebration of a life well lived, we share news of the homegoing of Mrs. Lillian T. Simmons on Thursday, September 16, 2010, 3:00 in the afternoon. Our beloved Aunt Lillian (102 years old) slept away and went home to be with the Lord. She was the daughter of the Reverend Joseph L. Thomas an Itinerant Elder and pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal Church for 37 years. Her life-long membership was at St. Paul AME Church, New Orleans, Louisiana, in the 8th Episcopal District, Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, presiding prelate, the Reverend Cory Watts, pastor. Following hurricane Katrina, Mrs. Simmons relocated to Slidell, Mississippi and for the last few years she worshipped at Mt. Olive AME Church in Slidell, Louisiana, Greater Mt. Zion A M E Church - Pearlington, Mississippi and St. James A M E Church - Picayune, Mississippi.
She leaves behind 5 nieces and 4 nephews, and a host of great nieces and nephews. Her nephew, the Reverend F. L Fields is pastor of Greater Mt. Zion AME Church, Pearlington, Mississippi and St. James AME Church, Picayune, Mississippi and nephew Venson (Maxine) Fields from Anderson Chapel AME Church in Wichita Falls, Texas.
Service arrangements for Mrs. Lillian T. Simmons:
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Viewing: 9:00 a.m.
Homegoing Celebration: 10:00 a.m.
St. Paul AME Church
8540 Cohn St
New Orleans, LA 70118
Phone: (504) 861-3988
The Rev. Herbert Spears, Eulogist
The Rev. Frederick L. Fields, Officiating
The Rev. Cory Watts, Pastor
Condolences may be sent to:
Pastor F. L Fields
58100 F. Fields Lane
Slidell, La. 70461
Phone: (985) 649-3175 or cell (985) 502-3175
Or emailed to: fredfields@charter.net or fredfields@peoplepc.com
28. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Please remember in prayer the Reverend John and Sister Marilyn Norfleet, pastor and first lady of St. James AME Church, Macon, Georgia as they grieve the loss of their grandson, Matthew Jeremy Norfleet, II (infant) and niece, Ms. Marquita Miller.
Homegoing services for Master Jeremy Norfleet II are scheduled as follows:
The funeral for Master Jeremy Norfleet II has been held.
The Homegoing services for Ms. Marquita Miller are scheduled as follows:
Saturday, September 25, 2010
2:00 p.m.
Agape Storage Christian Center
Greenville, MS
Professional Services are entrusted to:
Frye Funeral Home
608 North Broad Street
Leland, MS 38756
Phone: (662) 686-4853
Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. John Norfleet, III and Sister Marilyn Norfleet
205 Joycliff Circle
Macon, Georgia 31211
Phone: 478-745-9323
Expressions of sympathy may be emailed to: blessed478@aol.com
29. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mrs. Iris "Sissy" Cheatom, mother of the Reverend Toussaint L. Cheatom, pastor of Saint Peter's AME Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of sympathy may also be sent to:
The Rev. Toussaint L. Cheatom, Pastor
Saint Peter's AME Church
401 E. 41st Street
Minneapolis, MN 55409
Email: pastorcheatom@gmail.com
Office: (612) 825-9750
Fax: (612) 825-0490
Office Email: stpetersame@msn.com
30. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
With saddened hearts we announce the passing of Mrs. Gwendolyn (Bizzelle) Thomas, the grandmother of Presiding Elder/Pastor Michelle K.T. Moulden, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The funeral has been held.
In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to:
Cyrene AME Church
227 W. Ash Street
Piqua, Ohio 45356
Expressions of sympathy may be emailed to: mktmoulden@sbcglobal.net
31. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We sorrowfully regret to inform you of the passing of Ms. Edna M. McPherson. She is the beloved sister of the Reverend Samuel L. (Shirley) McPherson, Presiding Elder of the Abbeville-Greenwood District and the Reverend Francis McPherson, Pastor of Friendship AMEC, Mount Pleasant, SC. Ms. McPherson died Saturday, September 11, 2010 in Charleston, SC.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of Sympathy and Condolences may be sent to:
Presiding Elder Samuel L. and Mrs. Shirley McPherson
Home: 1910 Ivy Hall Road, Charleston, SC 29407
Phone: (843) 556-4457
Office: P.O. Box 3027, Greenwood, SC 29648
Phone: (864) 227-1200
Fax: (864) 227-2800
Email: samlmcph@aol.com
The Reverend Francis McPherson
5137-A Marseilles Drive
North Charleston, SC 29418
Phone: (843) 552-8192
32. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mr. Moses Shepherd, Jr., the father of the Reverend Glenn Shepherd, pastor at Campbell AMEC in Philadelphia, PA (Philadelphia Conference, Philadelphia District). The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing and Funeral, Saturday, September 18, 2010
Viewing: 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Funeral: 10:00 a.m.
Rising Sun Baptist Church
745 South 12th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: 215-923-8776
The Rev. Harry Bronson, Pastor
Internment:
Eden Cemetery
1434 Springfield Road
Collingdale, PA 19023
610-583-8737
Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Glenn Shepherd
7905 Deer Run Road
Laverock, PA 19038
Phone: 215-884-0361
Fax: 215-884-3265
Or
Campbell AME Church
1657 Kinsey Street
Philadelphia, PA 19124
Phone: 215-288-2748
Fax: 215-288-3277
33. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with saddened hearts that we announce the passing of Mr. Raymond Clyde Colston, the brother of the Rev. Leroy Colston the pastor of New St. John A.M.E. Church - Tallahassee, FL on Tuesday, September 7, 2010.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Leroy Colston
909 McGee St
Quincy, FL 32351-3206
34. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to share news of the passing of Sister Lillie B. Luke, mother of the Reverend David Luke, pastor of Flipper Chapel AME in Milledgeville, Georgia, and mother-in-law of Sister Karen Luke, East Macon Milledgeville District WMS Area Chairperson. Sister Lillie B. Luke of Phenix City, Alabama passed on Wednesday, September 9, 2010.
Service Arrangements:
The Funeral has been held.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Pastor David & Karen Luke
P.O. Box 1438
Hardwick, Georgia 31034
Phone: (770) 317-5290
35. 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
36. 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
--Inspirational Moment - Proud To be an AME--
Click Here: http://www.motherbethel.org/
1. EDITORIAL – WE DON’T HAVE “A DOG IN THIS FIGHT”:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
I have heard the idiom or metaphor all my life; “I don’t have a dog in this fight” and I took that to mean that the person was not going to get involved or the person was saying, “I'm staying out of this issue.”
The news media is all over Bishop Eddie Long and the allegations surrounding him are all over the place. It seems that everybody is talking about it. Email messages are going back and forth and the social networking systems are abuzz with opinions about Bishop Long.
Let me say upfront, that I have never met Bishop Eddie Long.
I heard the news surrounding Bishop Long on CNN. I also read about it on the CNN Website and as I scrolled down to the bottom of the page I saw a reference to the AME Church that someone, I assumed to be an AME, had placed in the Comment Section on the CNN Website. The statement was not substantive or specific; it was just a negative one sentence comment that would have been better left unsaid because the AME Church does not have any connection to Bishop Long or to his ministry. When I read it, I shook my head in disbelief because I thought, “What does the Bishop Eddie Long situation have to do with the AME Church?”
Any hint of a scandal energizes the news media and individuals
It almost seems that there are those in the media and in the social networking arena who are taking delight in what is happening with Bishop Eddie Long. There are those who are using this issue to malign all clergy; and people who do that have concluded already that Bishop Eddie Long is guilty. And they probably think that all Roman Catholic priests are pedophiles. They have a penchant for connecting “dots that shouldn’t be connected.” I wonder about the motives of people who take delight in the misfortunes of others, whether it is the misfortunes of the perpetrator or the victims.
I have no idea whether Bishop Long is guilty or innocent. I have no idea if the people who are bringing charges against him are telling the truth. The authorities will have to do a full investigation and the legal system will have to decide the outcome.
I do know that this situation has to be catastrophic for Bishop Eddie Long and his family and for those who accuse him and their families and for the members of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church.
Bishop Long’s situation is also difficult for religious bodies across the United States and for members of the clergy, regardless of denominational affiliation because there are those persons, in the church and outside of the church, who want to think that “all preachers are bad.”
I suspect that there are those persons who have already determined that Bishop Eddie Long is guilty and are probably saying, “I knew something was not right about him.”
There are others who probably have come to the conclusion that his accusers are not credible thinking that they have made the accusations because they are after money.
And, unfortunately, there are those, black, white, red, yellow, and brown who will overlay this unfortunate situation on African American clergy and black religious organizations.
I believe that we, as Christians, should not be anxious to “jump into this fight” and we should not feel any exhilaration about whatever comes out of this situation; nothing good can come out of this situation; lives and reputations are ruined.
We should, instead, be saddened because any negativity that surfaces against any segment of the body of Christ casts a negative mark against Christian everywhere.
All Christians should be in prayer
I believe that all Christians should be in prayer for Bishop Eddie Long and for his family and for those who are accusing him and for their families; for New Birth Baptist Church; and for Christians all over the world.
Bad news
Unfortunately, there are those who revel in bad news and innuendo and are energized with alleged religious mess and doubly thrilled when allegations surface in black religious community. Telephones are ringing “off the hook”; email messages are being exchanged, and people are speculating about Bishop Long’s guilt; and about the credibility of his accusers. The news media is ecstatic and I suspect this Sunday at New Birth Baptist Church will be a “circus”; and that will be unfortunate.
AMEs should be in prayer
We, the members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church should be in prayer. This is not a time to revel in someone else’s unfortunate situation.
Those AMEs who like to “lump” all bad news into one bundle, need to be reminded that the news about Bishop Eddie Long is not about the African Methodist Episcopal Church; and any disparaging comments about our Zion in reference to what is going on in that situation is inappropriate because “we don’t have a dog in that fight.” Instead, we should have compassion and be in prayer for those who are involved in that unfortunate situation.
And this would be a good time for all of us to remember the words of Jesus, “Let anyone among you who is without sin be first to throw a stone…” (John 8:7)
2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
- To the Editor:
RE: The Passing of Mrs. Clara Walton
I am just reading this and I too am saddened by your news. Miss Clara was the biggest help to me when I served on the Compilation Committee many years ago. Had it not been for her and Bobbye Henderson, I might have lost my entire assigned portion of The Discipline I was working on because I was a "green, green" computer /word processing user. They kept Bishop Chappelle from putting me off the committee.
Name withheld by request
- To the Editor:
RE: Bishop Sarah Davis’ Building a New Haiti Initiative
I first want to highly commend Bishop Sarah Davis for her foresight in pooling talents from various Episcopal Districts to aid our members of the Haiti Annual Conference in constructing a long-term strategy for development. This is a true partnership in keeping with our self-help origins from the Free African Society. Before we can begin to lobby major donors and governments, we first must know what must be done. This initiative is a step in the right direction.
The AME Church has historically served as a strong advocate for Haitian sovereignty and the columns of this very paper were a bulwark of opposition to the unjust United States military occupation of Haiti in the early 20th century. In all of our endeavors and language, we must focus on empowering the people of Haiti and not replicating (even unknowingly) the imperialist and paternalistic attitudes towards this nation of which the major world powers have been guilty for decades.
This invigorated focus on missions in the AME Church gives us an opportunity to reevaluate our perspective on global development. The plan for action that is being drafted for Haiti is something that is sorely needed in many of the countries where we work. In previous articles I have highlighted the absence of a coordinated strategy for the AMEC global development. While there is probably no area outside the United States in greater need of help at this time than Haiti, we must look for balance in our mission endeavors and have real targets and goals for our ministries in every country that we serve--even the United States.
John Thomas III
- To the Editor:
RE: The Richard Allen Hymn
When the Richard Allen Hymn was approved as the AME anthem and authorized to be added to our hymnal, the original wording of the motto, "Man our brother...," after the motion was made, a delegate stood up and moved to amend the hymn to conform to the language in the motto that had just been changed. Another sensible delegate pointed out that the lyrics were written to fit the music and the work was copyrighted material, owned by the composer and the General Conference could not change it. So now we have an “inclusive" motto and an anthem containing "exclusive" lyrics. This troubles me how we jump on band wagons and hastily "roll down the hill" without thinking matters through carefully! This is the concern I have with so many church folks jumping on the historic preservation bandwagon.
Name withheld
3. THE DEATH OF AMEC SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION ICON:
Mrs. Clara Walton longtime Administrative Assistant at the AMEC Sunday School Union Passed this morning (9/21/10)
Dr. Johnny Barbour, President/Publisher of the AMEC Sunday School Union is saddened to announce that Mrs. Clara Walton long-time Administrative Assistant at the AMEC Sunday School Union passed this morning.
Mrs. Walton worked at the AMEC Sunday School Union for over 50 years. Sister Walton was a member of Payne Chapel AME Church Nashville, Tennessee where the Rev. Sidney Bryant is the pastor.
Additional information forthcoming.
4. BISHOP WILLIAM P. DEVEAUX ISSUES AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE – “ATTENTION GEORGIA RESIDENTS”:
Early Voting for the November Elections began September 20, 2010 and will end on October 29, 2010 in all Georgia counties. Your vote will ensure total participation. The African American community needs to be especially diligent in voting because every vote counts.
5. THE OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE RESIGNATION OF WMS PRESIDENT, DR. JAMESINA EVANS AND THE APPOINTMENT OF DR. SHIRLEY HOPKINS DAVIS AS PRESIDENT OF THE AMEC WMS:
Press release from the Commission Chair of Global Witness and Ministry African Methodist Episcopal Church, Bishop James L. Davis, Chairperson
The Commission on Global Witness and Ministry regrettably announces the resignation of WMS President, Dr. Jamesina Evans. Dr. Evans leaves her post for personal reasons and we commend her for her dedicated service to the Women’s Missionary Society and to the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
In these cases of unforeseen circumstances we witness the power of the connection. In accordance to the bylaws of the WMS, the First Vice President has the responsibility to carry out duties in the absence, disability, or resignation of the President. In that esteem the Commission on Administration recommends that Dr. Shirley Hopkins Davis serves as the Connectional President of the Women’s Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 2008 clearly states in Part XII (Connectional Society and Organization) Section 1 (The Women’s Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church) Bylaws (Connectional Level) Article IV (Executive Board) Section 2 (Purpose and Duties) Page 329 (items b and i):
In accordance with the Constitution, the Executive Board shall act during the interim of the Quadrennial Convention. The duties of the Executive Board shall be to:
b. approve or disapprove the actions of the Commission on Administration
i. fill the vacancies in elected offices until the next Quadrennial Convention, as provided in these Bylaws.
The Executive Board will affirm the actions of the Commission on Administration at their next official meeting.
/S/
James L. Davis
Chair of Global Witness & Ministry – AME Church
**The Official Letter signed by Bishop James L. Davis can be viewed on the Official AMEC Website: http://www.ame-church.com/
6. MCAM SEEKS QUALIFIED PERSON TO LEAD AMEC CONNECTIONAL DRAMA MINISTRY:
The Music and Christian Arts Ministry (MCAM) of the AME Church Is conducting a national search to find a person to lead the African Methodist Episcopal Church Connectional Drama Ministry.
The Rev. Anthony B. Vinson, Director of the AMEC Music and Christian Arts Ministry said, “We are currently looking for person either with theatrical training or extensive experience in the area of drama, especially as it relates to ministry. The only absolute prerequisite is that the person loves God, has a heart and passion for Drama Ministry and is either a member or employee of an AMEC.”
Persons knowing applicants are asked to forward referrals and interested applicants should submit his or her resume, a list of experiences or YouTube clips of their drama ministry. Rev. Vinson went on to say, “Any type of recordings or YouTube clips of your drama ministry or personal performance would be extremely helpful.”
Please send resumes, YouTube or video-clips to:
The Rev. Anthony B. Vinson, Sr.
Director, AMEC Music and Christian Arts Ministry
1035 E. 49th Street
Chicago, IL 60615
Email: anthonybvinsonsr@aol.com
7. TRAINING THEM UP TO THROW AWAY: THE ABSENCE OF A COLLEGE-AGED MINISTRY IN THE AME CHURCH:
By John Thomas III
As the Fall Semester speeds ahead, parents and students alike are adjusting to the renewed academic year. Freshmen are finally beginning to know their campuses and seniors are anticipating an end to their “higher learning.”
In addition to their studies, many AME young adults will be exposed to various different faith traditions and worship experiences. True to the scripture, a vast majority of them will not depart from their training and will find themselves in a church from time to time. Whether that church is AME, however, is another story. The college-aged years (18-25) are a time for self-definition and growth. Free from the pressures of home, young men and women strike out on their own and begin to realize what the “real world” is like. Part of that journey is embracing and nurturing one’s own walk with Christ. Unfortunately, as many of our college-aged members grow closer to Christ, they move further away from the AME Church. This has been a topic of great interest and concern of young adults across the Connection for many years. The failure to keep college-aged persons in the denomination falls squarely on the shoulders of the Connectional Church at all its levels.
After being trained about the Connectional Church in the YPD and seeing the international grandeur of our denomination at our big meetings, it is more than a little disconcerting to realize that there is no organized system for a person moving to a new area to get to find an AME Church outside of the phonebook or the AME Church Online Directory. Our lack of visible intent as a denomination to attract college students and persons of that age group means that our most precious resource—our future leaders—become prey for other more astute and enterprising persons. All too common we hear the narrative of an active member, maybe even a Conference or District YPD Officer, who goes to college and ends up joining a completely different place of worship and forever leaves the Church of Allen. How does this happen?
A prominent Nashville pastor with a booming college ministry once stated, “I don’t steal sheep. I just grow grass.” People go where their needs are met. The AME Church as a denomination does not provide much in the way of spiritual growth and Christian fellowship for college-aged persons. We don’t make ourselves easily accessible or attractive. I have vivid memories of Sunday morning in the Atlanta University Center when buses from several large Baptist and non-denominational churches would line up in front of Clark Atlanta University’s Student Center. If I wanted to find the Methodist, Catholic or Episcopalian campus ministries all I had to do was look for the clearly marked building or sign in the Dean of Students Office. In the midst of all this, the AMEs were nowhere to be found. We do have many local churches with ministries that work with college-aged students both local and away. But as a denomination, we do not use the benefits of the Connectional Church to implement any type of ministry to retain and recruit college-aged persons.
While it may seem that college-aged students are an unimportant part of our Church due to a combination of their transient nature and their lack of income, they are actually one of our most valuable resources. We tend to forget that people do not stay young forever and the student that your church fed today might be an Ambassador or Fortune 500 Executive tomorrow and still remember the spiritual grounding that the AME Church gave her when she needed them. The Connection must get past its short-sightedness and realize that by failing to retain our college-aged members and recruit others, we are putting our long-term survival at stake.
As with most concerns in the AME Church, a solution to the problem has already been created by wise persons many years ago. In the Article XI, Section 7 of the YPD Connectional Bylaws (page 381 of the Discipline), a clear outline is given for a Campus Ministry under the auspices of the YPD from the Connectional level down to the Local Church. Reactivating and investing in this process would be a good place to start in making the Connectional Church care for its college-aged students. While not every AME Church can (or should) have a ministry for college-aged persons, every Annual Conference should have some way of reaching out to college-aged AMEs (especially those away from their local churches). This is especially important for AMEs attending school in rural areas where attending an AME Church is impractical. Furthermore, a college-ministry program has a multiplier effect because it will attract persons of that age group that might not be in college but wish for Christian fellowship with kindred spirits.
The lack of a college-aged ministry is a denominational emergency. Serious attention must be paid to not only training our young adults, but ensuring that the denomination is a tangible presence in their growth and development. We will not retain all of the children who baptized at our altars. We should do our best, however, to extend the “true” right hand of fellowship to guide them along their Christian journey.
John Thomas III (13th District) is a graduate student in the Ph.D. program in Political Science at the University of Chicago.
8. THE REV. PAUL AND THE REV. FAITH MUGALA ASSIGNED TO ZAMBIA, AFRICA AND PLAN TO BUILD A NEW CHURCH:
September 22nd, 2010
An Open Letter to all Our Dear Episcopal Fathers, Mothers, Connectional & General Officers, & Co-Workers of our great Zion,
Greetings in the matchless, majestic and marvelous name of our risen Savior Jesus Christ. It is our hope and prayer that all is well with you and yours. For most of you, this mail comes as a surprise letter. However, to a few of you this is not a surprise at all. God has called us [the Rev. Faith & the Rev. Paul Mugala] to a new assignment in Zambia, Africa after ten years of service as a Pastor in the Michigan conference of the 4th Episcopal District.
This assignment is one that both my wife and I have accepted with a sense of passion and urgency. We have been in collaboration with God along with both the Presiding Prelate of the 4th Episcopal District, our Senior Bishop of the A.M.E. Church the Rt. Rev. John R. Bryant and the Presiding Prelate of the 17th Episcopal District Bishop Paul J.M. Kawimbe.
My wife and I are grateful and do appreciate the education and ministerial experience we have been privileged to receive from God through Edward Waters College, St. Stephen A.M.E. Church in Jacksonville, Florida under the then Pastor now retired Bishop Robert Vaughn Webster and the late Supervisor Carole Webster, Big Bethel A.M.E. Church under the leaderships of the then Pastors now Bishop McKinley Young and Supervisor Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young; and Bishop James Levert Davis and Supervisor Arelis Beevers Davis, and last but not least Oak Grove A.M.E. Church under the then Pastor and now Bishop Gregory Gerald McKinley Ingram and Supervisor Rev. Dr. Jessica Kendal Ingram who groomed us - me in particular through both my itinerant orders of our great Zion.
Our appreciations do not end there. In 2001 God, through His divine providence saw fit for us to be given the Pastoral assignment through the then Senior Bishop and Presiding Prelate of the 4th Episcopal District Bishop Philip Robert Cousin, Sr. and Supervisor Dr. M. Joann Cousin. We were assigned to Bethel A.M.E. Church in Adrian, Michigan where we served until October 2004, when we were assigned to Pleasant Valley A.M.E. Church in the city of Belleville, Michigan. We count it a blessing and privilege to have served under Senior Bishops back to back from 2004 to the present moment. We are equally indebted to our Senior Bishop and Presiding Prelate of the 4th Episcopal District the Rt. Rev. John Richard Bryant and the Senior Supervisor the Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant who have nurtured us in a unique and dynamic manner as God leads them. We are truly grateful and appreciate all their love, care, and sharing of their spiritual gifts.
This is true of Bishop Paul J.M. Kawimbe & the late Supervisor Yvonne Chinakila Mulenga Kawimbe who have welcomed us with open and encouraging arms. We need and do solicit your prayers as we take on this new challenge in pursuit of excellence in all the endeavors ahead of us. As you will see in the enclosed Shalom Tabernacle AME Church’s introductory brochure – the assignment is to pursue a Kingdom Focused Standard with a mandate to impact the Spirituality, Social Responsibility, and Stewardship of God’s invaluable Resources – His People.
Most of the so-called Third World Countries are basically Consumer Economies with very little or no wealth to be injected in critical Human Resources Development programs and projects. If we do not rise to formulate strategies and plans to counter the many challenges; on the average most of the citizens of these countries will continue to experience adverse living conditions. Hence the sense of urgency and passion of the Shalom Tabernacle Vision to participate in tackling these mountains of life one at a time. We truly believe that we are called equipped, and empowered to be the difference wherever we find ourselves. Although we officially begin our new work in the 17th Episcopal District from the First Sunday of November 2010; we have already established a congregation which is currently meeting every Sunday in various locations in Lusaka, and occasionally during my few visits we all meet together on Sunday afternoon at Chrismar Hotel in Lusaka, Zambia.
Not only are we soliciting your prayers but your financial and other material support as well. We have an immediate need to purchase land at an amount equivalent to $150,000 on which the Church and School will be built. Major buildings will be named after the Sponsor partners relative to their level of contributions. The various halls and special rooms such as the Board Rooms and Chapel will be named after the Diamond & Platinum partners. The rest of the partners will be placed on the Stewardship Tree which will be on display in the special Stakeholders' Hall Of Fame. All contributors and partners will be updated on the progress of the Vision periodically. Additionally, we are compiling a Memorial Souvenir Journal in which you may place ads to mark the occasion of New Beginnings for Shalom Tabernacle. Please email me for rates and information about advertisements. And, please feel free to contact me via email for any additional information. My email address: mugalapm@yahoo.com or info@shalomtabernacle.com
On behalf of the unknown beneficiaries of your compassion and kindness, we do thank and praise God for all you do.
The Rev. Paul M. Mugala, Sr.
9. HISTORIOGRAPHER SPEAKS AT QUINN CHAPEL CHICAGO:
The Reverend Dennis C. Dickerson, Ph.D., the Historiographer / Executive Director of the Department of Research & Scholarship of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the author of African American Preachers And Politics: The Careys Of Chicago (Jackson, University Press of Mississippi, 2010) will lecture and preach at Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church in Chicago, Illinois. On Saturday, September 25, 2010 the Black Chicago History Forum will present Dr. Dickerson, who is the James M. Lawson, Jr. Professor of History at Vanderbilt University, to discuss his book at Quinn Chapel at 1:30 P.M. He will lecture about Bishop Archibald J. Carey, Sr. and Reverend Archibald J. Carey, Jr., two clergy/politicians who were pastors at Quinn Chapel. A book signing will follow. On Sunday, September 26, 2010 Dr. Dickerson will deliver the sermon from Quinn Chapel's historic pulpit. Reverend James Moody is the pastor of Quinn Chapel and Dr. Dickerson's host. Dr. Dickerson is a candidate for the episcopacy at the 2012 General Conference.
10. 136th SESSION OF THE NORTH MISSISSIPPI ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
The Right Rev. Carolyn Tyler Guidry is the Presiding Prelate of the 8th Episcopal District.
Resolution
August 16-22, 2010
Whereas, on Monday, August 16, 2010 prior to the official opening of the Annual Conference, the North Mississippi Annual Conference Women In Ministry under the direction of Coordinator, the Reverend Karen Simms, and Episcopal President, Sister Leoda Topps, led us in a worship service entitled “God’s Leading Ladies”. The Rev. Dr. Theresa Fry Brown warmed our hearts with her sermon “Just Preach”; and
Whereas, the Women’s Missionary Society’s, theme for this Conference Year was “Savoring the Past and Soaring into the Future,” convened on Tuesday August 17, 2010 under the leadership of Episcopal Supervisor, Mrs. Lola Nixon Cheltenham, Episcopal President, Mrs. Ethel Morrison and the direction of North Mississippi Annual Conference President, Mrs. Adrienne Marshall-McNeal, with the election of delegates conducted, and a capping ceremony for new members during a spirit-filled time and a “Witness Night Program” with speaker Sister Autherine Metcalf Williams from Genesis 1:26 “Women Made In the Image of God”; and
Whereas, the Connectional theme “Serving with Integrity” was lifted by Bishop Tyler Guidry with examples for understanding integrity. The scripture for the theme is “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity…” Titus 2: 7-8; and
Whereas, The 136th Session of the North Mississippi Conference convened on Wednesday, August 18, 2010 with worship service at 10:00 am with the Rev. William Hardiman, Jr. as Worship Leader. The inspiring and uplifting Annual Sermon was preached by the Rev. Jeffrey Williams, pastor of Allen Chapel, Mark, MS & Pilgrim Rest, Clarksdale, MS AME Churches; Text: Jeremiah 18:1-6, Subject: “Extreme Makeover”; and
Following the invitation to Discipleship, the Bishop called for special guest, Sister Alycia Levels, of Another Level Productions, who rendered a selection entitled “He Saved Me”.
After the Affirmation of Faith, the Celebrant Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, presiding elders, pastors and congregation proceeded with the partaking of the Service of the Holy Communion.
Whereas, Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry convened the business session with the roll call, organization of the conference, and the Board of Examiners’ Report; and
Whereas, in the afternoon Bishop Tyler Guidry called for the conclusion of the Board of Examiners Report, Presiding Elders Hardiman, Moore and Holmes gave their District reports followed by Pastors’ Reports; and
Whereas, Wednesday evening service was led by the Sons of Allen, under the direction of the Rev. Michael Martin, using the Theme: “Godly Men Bringing Forth Fruit In Due Season” with Brother Jordan Sipp who offered Words of Inspiration using “Pass the Salt” as his reference on Men Making a Difference; and
Whereas, on August 19, 2010 Conference Institute Presenter was, the Rev. Moses Simms, pastor of Greater Powell Chapel AME Church, Grenada, Mississippi. The Conference Institute topic was Leadership; and
Whereas, on August 19, 2010 the preacher for the Hour of Power Service was the Rev. Annie C. Watson, Itinerant Elder, retired from the Fifth Episcopal District preaching from Luke 15:11-32 “Showing the Love of a Father”; and
Whereas, Bishop Tyler Guidry called for the Literary reports and Ministerial Efficiency Committee report; and
Whereas, in the Thursday evening Ecumenical Service, The Rev. Eric Lee, pastor of St. Paul M.B. Church of Olive Branch, MS, a former Harlem Globetrotters basketball player, preached from Acts 16:25-29; using the subject “A Great Example of Good Servants”; and
Whereas, on Friday, August 20, 2010, the Hour of Power was preached by the Rev. Jimmy Harper. His subject was “Without Jesus the Riches of this World Will Bring Destruction to the Soul” taken from Luke 16:19-31; and
Whereas, Lay Witness Night creatively presented “The Fruit of the Spirit”; and
Whereas, on Saturday, August 21, 2010 in the service of Memorial, Retirement and Consecration the preacher the Rev. Cedell Raggs, pastor of Mt. Olive AME Church, Slidell, LA, reminded us that “The Lord Is My Shepherd” taken from Psalm 23. The Conference honored the service of the Rev. Fred D. Raggs and his lovely wife Mrs. Ophelia Raggs in recognition of his retirement. We thanked God for the addition of a new Deaconess Sister. Mary Witherspoon, and we remember the life and service of Bishop James Haskell Mayo, Supervisor Yvonne Kawimbe, and the Rev. Kelvin Cooper; and
Whereas, the Young People’s and Children’s Division of the North Mississippi Branch Women’s Missionary Society convened and elected delegates for the 2011 Quadrennial. The worship experience was blessed by a special guest “Sister Jekalyn Carr” and the preacher the Rev. Reginald Guy blessed our souls with his message entitled “Keep Going” from 2 Corinthians 12:6-10; and
Whereas, the North Mississippi Conference was blessed with the presence of many visitors from the Eighth district, the 1st, 5th, 6th, 13th districts and general officer Dennis Dickerson; and
Whereas, Sunday, August 22, 2010 began with Church School under the direction of Episcopal Superintendent, Brother Henry Edwards and Conference Superintendent, Brother Ronnie Young. The subject was “Growing in Joy and Peace” and text was Philippians 4:2-14; and
Whereas, the Closing Worship Service of the 136th Session of the North Mississippi Annual Conference was blessed by the message of Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry entitled “A Pattern for Imitation” from Titus 2:7-8, which stirred our hearts encouraged our souls; therefore be it
Resolved, that the 136th Session of the North Mississippi Annual Conference owes a debt of gratitude to the Rev. Johnny Johnson and the Faith Community African Methodist Episcopal Church Family for the genuine, warm, courteous, and generous manner in which they hosted the North Mississippi Annual Conference. At this time we ask the members of the North Mississippi Annual Conference to stand and give the pastor and wonderful people of Faith Community AME Church a round of applause; and be it further
Resolved, that we rejoice in God’s wisdom for the efficient and faithful Eighth Episcopal Leadership Team of the Right Reverend Carolyn Tyler Guidry and Episcopal Supervisor, Mrs. Lola Nixon Cheltenham who are examples of “Serving With Integrity.”
Graciously submitted this 22nd day of August 2010, the Committee on Resolutions:
The Reverend Carolyn Habersham, the Reverend Michael Martin, Sister Beatrice Peace, Brother Leo Marshall, Sister Betty Holland, and Brother James Berry, Jr.
Submitted to The Christian Recorder by Janet Brown, Reporter North Mississippi Conference/ Greater Disney Chapel AMEC
11. WEST ARKANSAS CONFERENCE COMMITTEE: STATE OF THE CHURCH:
Bishop Samuel L. Green, Presiding Prelate
The West Arkansas Annual Conference was held August 24-26, 2010 at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1501 Caddo Street, Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71923
The committee on the State of the Church wishes to submit the following report:
The Church stands today as an expression of the promise of Jesus the Christ that, “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” And it (the Church) must continue to expect that God will do just what he said. Jesus Christ established His Church and gave it a mission. The scriptures indicate He intended it to be a warm and loving fellowship of His faithful disciples, and a source of strength and purpose for them.
The existence of the Church is manifested throughout the world today in its visible sense by a community of believers who are prepared to allow the rule of God to dominate their lives. These nucleuses of disciples whether small or large must promote the growth of the church through a holistic plan of outreach to minister and positively impact the entire world.
In execution of that plan, the local church must not be discouraged or otherwise distracted by its size or capacity. The visible church must be a prepared organism that serves as a spiritual hospital in its own realm.
For the past two decades the North American continent has witnessed a dramatic increase in the number of large churches, or what is called “mega churches” (congregations of 1,000 or more). Statistics reflect that during the very time mega churches have sprouted across the landscape, the proportion of Americans who claim to be “born again” has remained a constant 32 percent. Critics claim that the surge of mega churches even in the midst of troubled economics is only a transfer of membership other than a God experiencing event at the expense of the small church.
The National Council of Churches report that total church membership is up 0.49 percent from 2009. In these changing times, we thank God that the A.M.E. Church remains one of the country’s leading denominations. The same report reflects that the A.M.E. Church still ranks 11th of the top 25 denominations tied with the National Missionary Baptist Convention of America and the Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc.
This conference year, the Rt. Rev. Samuel L. Green, Sr., has lead the Twelfth Episcopal District by the continuing theme of “God First” with a focus on “Kingdom Leadership” training. Bishop Green’s emphasis on effective prayer, evangelism, and God’s Law and Order for both clergy and lay serves to strengthen and empower the collective ministries of our district.
The 12th Episcopal District is not dead and the West Arkansas Conference endeavors to follow the leadership of our Episcopal leader in strengthening the State of the Church by putting “God First.”
Humbly submitted,
The Rev. Michael B. Harris, the Rev. C.O. Dansby, the Rev. Joyce Campbell, the Rev. Cornelius Hollinshed, the Rev. Rex Smith, and Sister Gloria Young and Sister Ethel Halton
12. WEST ARKANSAS CONFERENCE COMMITTEE: TEMPERANCE - “BEARING GOOD FRUIT UNDER PRESSURE”:
Bishop Samuel L. Green, Presiding Prelate
The West Arkansas Annual Conference was held August 24-26, 2010 at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1501 Caddo Street, Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71923
July 28, 2010
The Committee on Temperance wishes to submit the following report:
Why does Paul arrange this list in this order? The list begins with love and ends with temperance/self-control. Did Paul arrange this list in this order because it takes love to precipitate all the other characteristics and if a person walks in the Spirit, the fruit will culminate in temperance? Temperance is the fruit that, when applied to life, provides the right balance to glorify God. Understood this way, temperance/self-control is not the least of fruit of the Spirit, but a major goal.
Our behavior as representatives of God affects the witness of the Universal Church, our AMEC Zion, the 12th Episcopal District, the West Arkansas Conference and our local churches. The challenges in ministry demand the development of this character trait. In the service of God, temperance or self-control means yielding to the right authority (Romans 6:11-18). Temperance places "you under a stronger Master" than you and causes you to live by His commands. Who is in control of your life? Yielding to the influences of the Holy Spirit on the heart can make one temperate in all indulgences; teach one to restrain his/her passions, and to govern oneself in the fear and admonition of the Lord. As servants of God we must exercise temperance, especially under pressure of trials and tribulations. Nothing does more damage to the Christian witness of our Zion, than a lack of temperance/self-control.
Temperance or self-control depends upon a resolve to establish and yield to boundaries and guiding principles from the Word of God for behavior, actions, and thought processes. We have a great cloud of witnesses who exercised temperance under pressure. Joseph under sexual pressure yielded to his boundary to respect another man’s wife. This resulted in the power of self-control to flee from Potiphar’s wife. To God be the Glory! Daniel under political pressure, yielded to his principles related to prayer. This resulted in the power of self-control to pray to withstand worshipping another God. To God be the Glory! Jesus under the pressure of persecution, yielded to the will of God. This resulted in the power of self-control to sacrifice that others would have the right to the power of “temperance” in times of need. Jesus’ example of self-control under the pressure of persecution provides the ultimate model that we can look to as the author and finisher of our faith. To God be the Glory!
These witnesses lived by their commitments, not their emotions. They did the right thing, even when their human flesh was under pressure to yield. “A person without self-control is as defenseless as a city with broken down walls” (Proverbs 25:28 NLT). This paints the picture of a city whose walls have been so nearly destroyed as to be without defense against an enemy; so is the man who has not restraint against anger, lust, and the other unbridled emotions that destroy the personality. The mind is the source or origin of all we do and say; therefore we must begin with our mind. Proverbs 4:23 teaches “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Consequently we must guard our thoughts and desires.
The members of the West Arkansas Conference are encouraged not to just merely go through the motions and wish for temperance or self-control, but to make the decision to bring all of our being under the authority of our Lord. Bring every thought into captivity, that we might serve Christ and live for Him all the days of our lives. It is the one who has control of his/her thoughts, speech, and actions that can properly resist Satan and his temptations and emerge as more than a conqueror when pressured to yield. When we “Put God First” and exercise the fruit of temperance it will enable us to live our lives purposefully and resolutely in agreement with the Word of God. To God Be the Glory!
The Rev. Joyce Campbell, the Rev. Thomas Brazil, the Rev. Larry Ross, the Rev. Cornelius Hollinshed, the Rev. Angela Smith, Sister Nellie McBride, Sister Lavenia Hicks, Sister Verdia Box, Brother Melvin Stewart
13. THE WEST ARKANSAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE - REPORT OF STATE OF THE COUNTRY:
Bishop Samuel L. Green, Presiding Prelate
The West Arkansas Annual Conference was held August 24-26, 2010 at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1501 Caddo Street, Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71923
Big battle in Washington: Bush’s tax cuts to expire soon
An epic fight is brewing over what Congress and President Obama should do about the expiring Bush tax cuts, with such substantial economic and political consequences that it could shape the fall elections and fiscal policy for years to come.
Democratic leaders, including President Obama, say they are intent on letting the tax cuts for the wealthy expire as scheduled at the end of the year. But they have pledged to continue the lower tax rates for individuals earning less than $200,000 and families earning less than $250,000 – what Democrats call the middle class.
Most Republicans want to extend the tax cuts for everyone, and some Democrats agree, saying it would be unwise to raise taxes on anyone while the economy remains weak. If no action is taken, taxes on income, dividends, capital gains and estates would all rise.
The issue has generated little public attention this year as Congress grappled with health care, financial regulation, energy, a Supreme Court nomination and other divisive topics. But it will move to the top of the Agenda when lawmakers return to Washington in September from their summer recess, just as midterm campaign gets under way in earnest.
Beyond the implication for family checkbooks, the tax fight will serve as a proxy for the bigger political clashes of the year, including the size of government.
“It has enormous ramifications for the fall and clearly will be one of the dominant issues,” said Senator Ron Wyden, Democrat of Oregon. “This is code for the role of the federal government, the debate over the size of government and the priorities of the nation.”
If no tax legislation is passed, all the major tax reductions passed under President George W. Bush in 2001 and 2003 will expire, with rates reverting overnight on December 31.
A decision on the tax issue could come just as President Obama’s National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform reaches a December deadline to propose remedies for addressing the long-term debt problems.
Resource: The New York Times, Sunday, July 25, 2010
The NAACP
According to the president of The NAACP, Ben Jealous, the Tea Party is chock full of racist people bent on harming African-Americans.
Speaking at the organization’s annual convention Mr. Jealous let loose on the Tea Party folk: “Here comes the genetic descendent of the White Citizens Council, burst from its coffin, carrying signs and slogans like “Lynch Barack Hussein Obama ….”
It is long past time for all American to drop the skin color deal.
America’s motto continues to be “Out of Many, One.”
Out in the Gulf
New Orleans – Crews hurried to get back to work on plugging BP’s leaky oil well Saturday after Tropical Storm Bonnie fizzled, and engineers hoped for a window of clear weather long enough to stop the gusher for good.
But with peak hurricane season starting in early August, chances are the next big storm is right on Bonnie’s heels.
In the past 10 years, an average of five storms has hit the Gulf each hurricane season. This year, two have struck already - - Bonnie and Hurricane Alex at the end of June, which delayed clean up of BP’s massive oil spill for a week even though it didn’t get closer than 500 miles from the well. “Usually you don’t see the first hurricane statistically until August 10,” said Dennis Feltgen, a spokesman for the National Hurricane Center in Miami. “The 2010 hurricane season is running just ahead of a typical pace.
And in Conclusion
In our country today, we are hoping for, and praying for peace. So the question is, where can we find peace in a country where the crime rate is at an all time high, where mines are collapsing and killing miners, where fires are burning out of control, massive flooding are taking lives and homes, where we see mothers taking their own children’s lives, and where school shootings are still taking place. We are living in perilous times. Well, the apostle Paul tells us in the 5th Chapter of Romans: that peace, the state of peace and spiritual blessedness is a direct result of our faith in Christ Jesus. Faith in that foundation is our rock! If we return unto God, get on track spiritually, then will God hear our cry and answer our call.
Recommendations:
Encourage others to register to vote. Vote - Stay informed on issues concerning The State of the Country at all times.
Dr. Anna Burnett Graham, the Rev. Byron Miller, the Rev. Linda F. Butler, the Rev. Donnie Tank, Sister Betty Buffington, Sister Ida Thomas and Brother Garland Puckett
14. ORANGE PARK, FLORIDA PASTOR AWARDED WOMAN OF THE YEAR:
The Rev. Dr. Alesia S. Ford-Burse received a Woman of the Year Award by the Women of Color Cultural Foundation for her work as a Community Activist. She challenged the Clay County School Board for hiring disparity which resulted in several minorities obtaining jobs this school year. Dr. Alesia Ford-Burse is the Senior Pastor of St. James AME Church in Orange Park, Florida.
The Women of Color Cultural Foundation is an organization in Jacksonville, Florida that provides college scholarships as well as provides funds to women with cancer. Dr. Alesia Ford-Burse was recognized as the Women of the Year for her work as a Community Activist. She along with other community leaders challenged the disparity in hiring practices with the Clay County School Board which resulted in many jobs for minorities within the Clay County School System.
15. SOUTH ATLANTA DISTRICT WOMEN’S MISSIONARY SOCIETY (AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH) ANNUAL CANCER WALK:
The South Atlanta District Women’s Missionary Society’s 2nd Annual Cancer walk will be held on Saturday, October 9, 2010. The walk starts at 9:00 am (rain or shine).
Knights Monumental AME Church, 224 Red Oak Road, Stockbridge, Georgia 30281 is serving as the “host Church” for this year’s Annual Cancer Walk.
Register as soon as possible.
For additional information contact:
Mary Ann Moreland (404) 696-1496 or Mildred Reed at (678) 289-1775
Contribution to The American Cancer Society
16. THE REV. DR. CHARLOTTE B. SYDNOR HAS BEEN NAMED MENTOR FOR THE DOCTOR OF MINISTRY PROGRAM AT UNITED THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, DAYTON, OHIO:
Dr. Charlotte Sydnor will be the Mentor for the focus area: “Prophetic Ministry in the Public Square for the 21st Century”
The Course Description:
This focus group will engage in the process of finding ways to bridge the gap between the role of the church and the community, the sacred and secular. The purpose is to offer practical witness of the gospel of Jesus Christ through service models for church and community partnership ministries. The group will seek alternatives and opportunities to reach beyond the walls of the church in following Old and New Testament traditions of prophetic ministry in the world. The attempt of this group is to examine how the church in the community can relate from Liberation Theology and Public Theology perspectives.
Mentor:
Dr. Charlotte B. Sydnor is the pastor of Historic Shorter Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Franklin, Tennessee
For further information about the Doctor of Ministry Program at United Theological Seminary contact: www.united.edu
17. A SPIRITUALITY OF RESISTANCE:
*The Rev. Dr. Melinda Contreras-Byrd
While watching a movie several months ago I was immediately captivated by a scene pictured in the background of the movie.
I was so amazed by what I saw that I felt led to do some research on this site I had seen in the movie. I knew virtually nothing about the country and had had absolutely no prior interest in learning its history. In fact--- when it came to places to visit--it wasn’t even on my “long list.”
But oddly enough, the pictures of the site remained emblazoned in my memory and despite the lack of logic behind my feelings----I knew it was a place that I needed to see in person.
I returned from my pilgrimage on Tuesday September 7th.
The country is Lithuania and the place is called, The Hill of Crosses.
If you go online, you will be able to see the awesome display of crosses of varied materials and sizes. They spread out almost as far as one can see. (http://www.sacredsites.com/europe/lithuania/lithuania.html)
While the earliest history of the site is disparate - the most recent story behind the creation of this sacred spectacle is easily as captivating and intriguing as the visual sight itself.
Allow me to tell a version of the story
The small out of the way town of Siauliai had a hill and the hill held a cross (or a few crosses) that had been there for generations.
During the Soviet occupation the crosses were removed.
The next day, other crosses stood in their places. The planting and removal of the crosses turned into an on-going pull and tug that held important psycho-spiritual and political symbolism for both sides.
The Christians of Siauliai demonstrated their resistance to the occupation by continuing to replace crosses every time they were removed.
It is reported that communist leaders boasted that they would be able to destroy the church of Lithuania in two decades. Consequently they went about the job of seizing churches and turning them into storage houses, museums and places of business. Priests and others who dared to teach the Bible to youths were murdered or imprisoned in accord with the Moscow created criminal codes of that time. Enrollment in seminaries was limited and faith-based publications were dismantled. Contrary to the Soviet expected result; these enactments gave birth to a Christian underground movement. 1 (Lithuania is noted to have had the largest number of dissident publications in the Soviet Union).
As is often the case—faith mixes with struggle in the face of oppression. God was in the Lithuanian people’s struggle in many forms of unusual resistance such as the Hill of Crosses.
Between the periods of 1987-1991 a resistance movement began in Estonia and moved out into Latvia and Lithuania. Reminiscent of the civil rights movement in the United States, these dissidents chose to face down their oppressors by the use of songs of nationalism and Christian faith. Singing songs that they had been forbidden to sing—they linked arms in the public square in defiance, in faith and in righteous indignation and determination. This movement swept through the Baltic States and came to be called “The singing revolution.”
And God was present in Lithuania as God was present in the form of Richard Allen, Harriet Tubman, Absalom Jones or Denmark Vesey in the liberation struggles of Black people in the U.S.A. God was present in Lithuania as God was present in the form of Oscar Romero and Father Ernesto Cardenal in the liberation struggles of people in Central America.
History records that In Lithuania God was also present in the struggle, by the creation of the underground voice of “The Chronicles of the Catholic Church of Lithuania.” God was present in the establishment of a Catholic Committee for the Defense of the Rights of Believers. God was present in the form of persons such as Sister Nijole Sadunaite who was exiled and sentenced to work camp for her participation in the religious underground. It was within this caldron of upheaval that the reestablishment of the Hill of Crosses took place.
In the face of the suppression of religious freedom, not only those of Siauliai continued to erect crosses. Others showed solidarity by joining in the struggle to raise new crosses to replace those that were being constantly removed. The site soon held a growing number of crosses that today are estimated to be in excess of one hundred thousand and growing. This reality is truly miraculous given the fact that according to Dr Vytenis Rimkus: “In the spring of 1961 the Soviet power decided to deal with the Hill of Crosses. With the assistance of soldiers, under the strictest control, the crosses were demolished: wooden crosses were burnt, (sic) metal crosses were brought to scrap warehouses; those of stone and concrete were laid out in building the roads or buried (sic). The hill was guarded so that nobody would attempt to erect crosses, but at night, new ones, nevertheless reappeared…. Attempts were made to flood the territory and to turn the Hill of Crosses into a hardly accessible island. For many years, approach roads to the hill were guarded, the state numbers on the car plates were registered.”
Notably, three or four times during the occupation the soviets bulldozed the hill in an effort to rid themselves of these symbols of faith and resistance.
Against all odds, and for more than 50 years Lithuania waged a largely non-violent battle for the right to speak its own language, sing its own national anthem, govern its own self and worship its own God.
Lithuania is a country with a proud history. Its fortitude can be said to have been the straw that broke the USSR camel's back.
In March of 1990 Lithuania declared its final independence, although it wasn’t internationally recognized as such until 1991. In the wake of Lithuania’s successful move for independence other Baltic nations followed suit, thus toppling for all time the mighty USSR.
I was surprised to learn that much of their struggle went on during recent years and although I recall hearing of discord in the "Baltic states," I had no knowledge of the nature of our country’s involvement, or the great importance of this struggle in a place so remote from the United States.
During my visit to Lithuania, I was blessed to be able to stand on this sacred hill and to plant a cross in solidarity.
I believe that people of faith and struggle are more alike than we are different.
My cross was made of wood and adorned with gold colored furniture tacks and several smaller crosses of various sizes and shapes.
At the top of the cross is a laminate with the symbol and history of the AME church. Our Church stands in history as not only the first Black denomination in the United States, but as a Black institution whose history likewise sets it apart as a vehicle of resistance against tyranny and oppression. At the bottom of my cross is a laminate bearing the words to the third verse of “Lift Every Voice and Sing”
“God of our weary years, God of our silent tears
Thou who has brought us thus far on our way
Thou who has by thy might, led us into the light
Keep us forever in the path we pray.
Lest our feet stray from the places our God where we met thee
Lest our heart, drunk with the wine of the world we forget thee.
Shadowed beneath thy hand
May we forever stand
True to our God---true to our native land! “
Last week I traveled many miles to leave a cross for those pilgrims who visit the Hill of Crosses each year from the Baltic’s and other European countries. It is my hope that those who read English will be moved by the powerful truth represented by my humble offering. However, I am of the opinion that irrespective of the language of any inscriptions---the cross has the power to speak. It was this power that reached through the movie screen and drew me into a foreign country on an unforgettable pilgrimage to Lithuania.
The truth is, God dwells in the history of a righteous struggle, and unites people of faith in every generation, and in every land.
I thank God for the privilege of having visited this holy hill and for the gift of solidarity born of struggle.
*The Rev. Dr. Melinda Contreras-Byrd is a licensed clinical psychologist and ordained Elder. She serves on the ministerial staff at Grant Chapel A.M.E. Church in Trenton, New Jersey where her husband the Rev. Vernon R. Byrd, Jr. serves as pastor.
18. AME CHURCHES ARE OFFERED THEATER PRODUCTIONS FOR FUND RAISING:
The Reverend Lance E. Brown, a retired minister of the United Methodist Church and his wife, the Reverend Patricia Turner-Brown who serves as Youth Pastor at Ebenezer A.M.E. Church in Detroit, Michigan are the owners of Public Awareness Theatre, based in Detroit. The Rev. Lance Brown is playwright, producer, and director of five successful national touring stage productions.
The Rev. Lance Brown said, “As an extension of my ministry, it is our intent to offer to churches throughout the connection our services in presenting our works. Our primary venues are colleges/universities, high schools, municipal auditoriums, churches, and federal educational programs-GEAR-UP, Upward Bound, and TRIO. In addition, we service Job Corps Centers and military installations.”
Fund raising opportunities include:
Several productions offered as fundraisers include: I'm Saved, which deals with a church and pastor on their spiritual journey; The First Semester, the story of five African-American students on a majority campus who face the choices, decisions, and consequences of their actions; Sunset High, designed especially for middle and high school students who deal on a day to day basis with bullying, snitching, and peer pressure; and Love Doesn't Have To Hurt, which deals with a young lady who is a victim of domestic violence. She has a questionable past that comes back to haunt her during her senior year of college. She finds herself torn between her abuser and a young man who has answered God's call to be a preacher, and who knows nothing of her questionable past.
Public Awareness Theatre, Inc. is currently working with Ebenezer AME Church in Detroit, and Bethel AME Church in Saginaw, Michigan, assisting them in generating funds to enhance ongoing and/or to develop new ministries in the church, and to address the need for church repairs and/or improvements.
Public Awareness Theatre, Inc.
The Reverend Lance E. Brown, publicawareness@aol.com
Public Awareness Theatre, Inc.
Public Awareness Theatre, Inc., founded in 1984, is a touring traveling theatrical ministry based in Detroit, Michigan. They have performed in over 38 states in a variety of forums including municipal auditoriums, college and university campuses, and for students in middle and high schools. Performances have also been presented for the TRIO and GEAR-UP programs, the United States Department of Labor Job Corps Centers, and military installations.
Reverend Lance Edmond Brown is the founder/owner of Public Awareness Theatre, Inc., an extension of his ministry to God’s people. He is also the playwright, producer, and director of five successful touring stage productions: ONE CHILD’S PRAYER, a serious drama dealing with the sensitive issue of a young child who is a victim of abuse; I’M SAVED, with its hand clapping, foot tapping gospel and contemporary music that addresses issues of a local church on its spiritual journey; THE FIRST SEMESTER a story of the five African-American students on a majority campus, who are faced with making choices, decisions, and the consequences; SUNSET HIGH which addresses challenges faced by today’s middle and high school students; and LOVE DOESN'T HAVE TO HURT, one woman’s struggle with domestic violence on a college campus.
A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Rev. Brown is an ordained minister of the United Methodist Church. He is a graduate of Concordia University of Wisconsin (Bachelor of Arts), and Gammon Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity) in Atlanta, Ga. His areas of concentration are Pastoral Counseling and Church Administration. Reverend Brown has served as associate pastor of St. Paul UMC in Shreveport, Louisiana, a chaplain at Our Lady of the Lakes Hospital in Baton, Rouge, as senior pastor of Wesley UMC in Bunkie, Louisiana, and as the senior pastor of Brooks UMC in New Orleans, Louisiana. Currently, Reverend Brown is pursuing the Doctor of Ministry degree at the Ecumenical Theological Seminary in Detroit, Michigan
The Reverend Lance Brown is married to the Reverend Patricia A. Turner-Brown, an ordained minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. She serves as pastor of Youth Ministries at Ebenezer A.M.E. Church in Detroit, Michigan. A retired instrumental and vocal music teacher of the Detroit Public Schools, "Reverend Pat" is also an accomplished violinist. They are the parents of three adult children and the proud grandparents of six.
The Reverend Lance and the Reverend Pat believe that a serving ministry is one that meets the needs of God’s people, regardless of denomination, race, or creed. Their motto is, “We are here to serve!"
19. BROTHER ANTHONY FRANKLIN, SR, AAMES, HAS COMPUTERS TO GIVE AWAY TO AME CHURCHES:
Contact Brother Franklin directly: franklinanthony@co.kane.il.us
Brother Anthony Franklin Sr.’s Message
I have received Dell computers from The Fraternal Order of Police of Kane County and expect to receive 75 + more computer in a few weeks.
All of the computers are Dell GX270 with 1 gig of memory minimal, a full license copy of Windows XP service Pack 3, Microsoft Office, Adobe acrobat reader, and AVG Antivirus software. Some have DVD's and some have CD Rom's.
The computers will come only with a keyboard and a mouse. The County chose not to replace the 19 inch flat monitors at this time. I may get them sometime later. So the recipient will need to get their own monitors.
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/opgx270/en/ug/smtabout.htm#1184271
We only need one letter from each requesting church addressed to the Association of A.M.E. Boy Scouts & AME Christian Education Department and mailed to franklinanthony@co.kane.il.us.
The Troop/ Pack I will be working with will directly donate to them as we get them ready.
Because of the cost of shipping the computers we will need to work with the church on a delivery process. Letter of request can be mailed directly to me for details: franklinanthony@co.kane.il.us
AAMES has no budget for shipping.
20. ARE THERE ANY QUESTIONS?:
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts
How often have you sat in meetings or in a class and the leader/teacher asked ‘or there any questions?
There are answers waiting for questions and there are questions that should be asked.
However we must admit that there are times when people asked a question that they hope that there would be no answer.
Some of us get irritated when people ask us questions because we don’t know the answer or don’t want to give an honest answer.
People who are not prepared do not like to entertain questions, especially when they don’t have answers.
There are some of us who would like to ask questions, but for “sake of peace,” don’t ask the question.
Questions make us think; or they should make us think.
Questions make some of us uncomfortable. Questions convict us. Questions expose our lack of knowledge.
Some of us classify some questions as silly, but to the individual it may be of utmost importance. No question is too silly to be asked.
There is nothing wrong with asking questions and nothing wrong in asking serious questions. Some of us ask questions, but really don’t want to know the answers.
Columbus asked a question about the shape of the earth and history remembers him.
Newton asked many questions and history also remembers him.
Moses was bold enough to questioned God. Moses wanted to know who God was. Living in a polytheistic society he needed to validate his claim that he represented God Almighty. It’s alright to ask God questions.
Gideon asked God how he would be able to save Israel since he was just a poor man from a poor family.
The Psalmist asked God how long would the wicked triumph?
In the midst of Job’s dilemma, he had the audacity to questioned God. God then asked Job several questions; “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Do you know on what the foundation is fastened? Who cause it to rain? Who laid the cornerstones? Where were you when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?”
Jesus, at the age of twelve, was found sitting in the temple among doctors and lawyers asking them tough questions.
A young lawyer asked Jesus, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus asked the young lawyer what was written in the law and the lawyer answered correctly ending with the statement that one had to love one’s neighbor as himself. It would have been fine if the lawyer had ended the conversation, but he apparently wanted to justify himself and asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus told him the parable of the “Good Samaritan” and asked the lawyer who was the neighbor in the parable; the priest, the Levite or the hated Samaritan? The lawyer answered correctly that the Samaritan was the neighbor of the man who fell among thieves. Jesus commended him for the correct answer and told him to go and do likewise.
We are living in a highly technological and computerized society. There are numerous questions that should be asked. Our youth need to ask question.
Unfortunately, many of our youth feel that they have all of the necessary answers and as a consequence find themselves embroiled in destructive living. They disregard the wisdom of the elderly and find themselves caught in a web of frustrations and disappointments. They act as if there is no tomorrow. Some have cold hearts. Respect and morality are not in their vocabulary. Some seems to place no value on life. There would be fewer young graves and the juvenile detentions centers would be less populated if they would just ask questions.
Asking questions can save your life. Asking questions can prevent embarrassment. Asking questions can enrich your intellect. Asking questions can help us find our way. Asking questions can break down barriers. Asking questions can clear up misunderstandings.
I was taught that the only dumb question was the question that needed to be asked that was not asked.
Now with all of that being said, “Are there any questions?”
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts (Ptaegar@aol.com) is a retired Itinerant Elder who lives in Eatonville, Florida
21. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENT:
Congratulations to Herman Osby Kelly III
Herman Osby Kelly III, son of Dr. and Mrs. Herman O. Kelly, Jr., Pastor and First Lady of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Baton Rouge, Louisiana received the Connectional Handy-Simmons Scholarship. Herman Osby Kelly, III is a student at the University of Tampa majoring in Criminology. He also received a Basketball scholarship for the 2010-2011 season at University of Tampa.
Congratulatory responses can be emailed to: hokellyj@yahoo.com
22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of the Reverend Lawrence E. Hunt on Tuesday, September 21st. Rev. Hunt served the Baltimore Conference for many years with dedication, integrity, and dignity.
Services will be held as follows:
Saturday, October 2, 2010 - Wake
11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Bethel A.M. E. Church
1300 Druid Hill Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21217
The Rev. Dr. Frank M. Reid, III, Pastor
Sunday, October 3, 2010 - Homegoing Celebration
1:00 PM
Trinity A.M.E. Church
12100 School Street
Ridgely, Maryland 21660
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: The Lawrence E. Hunt Memorial Library Fund, Trinity AME Church, P. O. Box 361, 12100 School Street, Ridgely, Maryland 21660.
All other communications may be sent to:
Ms. Tamara Brown
3624 Clifmar Road
Windsor Mills, Maryland 21244
Services entrusted to: Benny Smith Mortuary, Dover, Delaware
23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of the Reverend Isaac Shaw, Sr., retired pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The Reverend Isaac Shaw, Sr., father of the Reverend Lester Shaw, pastor of Payne Memorial AME Church, New Orleans, Louisiana, went home to be with the Lord on Sept. 18, 2010, at approximately 11:40 p.m. at his residence.
Service Arrangements for Reverend Isaac Shaw, Sr.:
Thursday, September 23, 2010
1:00 p.m.
Bethel AME Church
125 Denwiddie Street
McComb, Mississippi 39648
Rev. Russell Obee, pastor
Phone: 601-684-9620
Viewing: Wednesday, September 22, 2010
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Professional services are entrusted to:
Cook-Enterprise Funeral Home
4080 Highway 51 Mm
McComb, MS 39648
Phone: (601) 684-7093
Online obituary: http://www.enterprise-journal.com/obituaries/article_6d501fba-c59e-11df-95e5-001cc4c002e0.html
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Lester Shaw
376 Oak Point Drive
LaPlace, LA 70068
Phone: (985) 651-4937
lmslas2731@yahoo.com or paynemem@bellsouth.net
24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are sorry to announce the passing of Mrs. Ella Louise Brown, mother of the Reverend John E. Brown, Jr., pastor of Hosanna AME Church, Darlington, Maryland. Mrs. Ella Louise Brown passed on Saturday morning.
The arrangements are as follows:
Thursday, September 23rd - 6:00 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Wake - Brown's Funeral Home
Friday, September 24th - 6:00 p.m. - until
A time for Sharing - St. Stephens AME Church - Rev. William Gray, III, Pastor
Saturday, September 25th
10:00 a.m. - 11: a.m. - Wake
11:00 a.m. Home going Celebration - St. Stephens AME Church
St. Stephens AME Church
1601 Old Eastern Avenue
Essex, Maryland 21221
410-686-9392-Office
443-772-0850-Fax
Professional services entrusted to:
William C. Brown Community Funeral Home
1206 W. North Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21217
Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. John E. Brown (the Rev. Naomi Brown)
421 Rock Run Place
Havre de Grace, Maryland 21078
410-734-0481
floridamae63@hotmail.com
25. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with both great sadness and joyous celebration that we announce the passing of the Reverend Janet Lenore Swift on Sept. 17, 2010 at the Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, MO. The Rev. Janet Swift served this great Zion for 25 years with integrity, dignity and dedication. “Rev. Shorty” (as she was lovingly called) served God's people well! She pastored Trinity AME- Salt Lake City, Utah; Willis Chapel-Kansas City, MO.; Prince Chapel-La Jolla, CA. and finally Fountain of Hope -Las Vegas, NV. Rev. Swift though small in stature was truly a giant in the eyes and hearts of those whom she fed a hot meal, loved unconditionally and gave words of encouragement to “stay in the race and complete the journey.”
Ironically, whenever she spoke of death she always said there was only one thing that she wanted on her headstone, therefore with final parting words of encouragement and comfort we say to you: She Believed God!
Services will be held on Thursday, Sept. 23, 2010
Willis Chapel AMEC - The Rev. Barry Settle, Pastor
5332 S. Benton Ave, Kansas City, MO. 64130
Interment at Forest Hill Cemetery
(Exact time not yet determined - please check www.caringbridge.org/visit/revjanetswift or contact Eley & Sons)
Condolences can be sent to:
E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel
4707 E. Truman Rd
Kansas City, MO. 64127
816-924-8700
Fax# 816-924-8701
26. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to share news of the untimely passing of Jon Leonadas (Jon Jon) Crutchfield, son of the late Presiding Elder John R. Crutchfield of the Western North Carolina Conference, 2nd Episcopal District and Mrs. Mary Crutchfield. Jon Leonadas (Jon Jon) Crutchfield, age 37, was killed tragically in a car accident.
The funeral has been held.
Condolences and Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Mother Crutchfield & Family.
Mrs. Mary Crutchfield & Family
3222 Duke Homestead
Durham, North Carolina 27705
Phone: (919) 451-9781 or (919) 471-5599
27. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
In celebration of a life well lived, we share news of the homegoing of Mrs. Lillian T. Simmons on Thursday, September 16, 2010, 3:00 in the afternoon. Our beloved Aunt Lillian (102 years old) slept away and went home to be with the Lord. She was the daughter of the Reverend Joseph L. Thomas an Itinerant Elder and pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal Church for 37 years. Her life-long membership was at St. Paul AME Church, New Orleans, Louisiana, in the 8th Episcopal District, Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, presiding prelate, the Reverend Cory Watts, pastor. Following hurricane Katrina, Mrs. Simmons relocated to Slidell, Mississippi and for the last few years she worshipped at Mt. Olive AME Church in Slidell, Louisiana, Greater Mt. Zion A M E Church - Pearlington, Mississippi and St. James A M E Church - Picayune, Mississippi.
She leaves behind 5 nieces and 4 nephews, and a host of great nieces and nephews. Her nephew, the Reverend F. L Fields is pastor of Greater Mt. Zion AME Church, Pearlington, Mississippi and St. James AME Church, Picayune, Mississippi and nephew Venson (Maxine) Fields from Anderson Chapel AME Church in Wichita Falls, Texas.
Service arrangements for Mrs. Lillian T. Simmons:
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Viewing: 9:00 a.m.
Homegoing Celebration: 10:00 a.m.
St. Paul AME Church
8540 Cohn St
New Orleans, LA 70118
Phone: (504) 861-3988
The Rev. Herbert Spears, Eulogist
The Rev. Frederick L. Fields, Officiating
The Rev. Cory Watts, Pastor
Condolences may be sent to:
Pastor F. L Fields
58100 F. Fields Lane
Slidell, La. 70461
Phone: (985) 649-3175 or cell (985) 502-3175
Or emailed to: fredfields@charter.net or fredfields@peoplepc.com
28. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Please remember in prayer the Reverend John and Sister Marilyn Norfleet, pastor and first lady of St. James AME Church, Macon, Georgia as they grieve the loss of their grandson, Matthew Jeremy Norfleet, II (infant) and niece, Ms. Marquita Miller.
Homegoing services for Master Jeremy Norfleet II are scheduled as follows:
The funeral for Master Jeremy Norfleet II has been held.
The Homegoing services for Ms. Marquita Miller are scheduled as follows:
Saturday, September 25, 2010
2:00 p.m.
Agape Storage Christian Center
Greenville, MS
Professional Services are entrusted to:
Frye Funeral Home
608 North Broad Street
Leland, MS 38756
Phone: (662) 686-4853
Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. John Norfleet, III and Sister Marilyn Norfleet
205 Joycliff Circle
Macon, Georgia 31211
Phone: 478-745-9323
Expressions of sympathy may be emailed to: blessed478@aol.com
29. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mrs. Iris "Sissy" Cheatom, mother of the Reverend Toussaint L. Cheatom, pastor of Saint Peter's AME Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of sympathy may also be sent to:
The Rev. Toussaint L. Cheatom, Pastor
Saint Peter's AME Church
401 E. 41st Street
Minneapolis, MN 55409
Email: pastorcheatom@gmail.com
Office: (612) 825-9750
Fax: (612) 825-0490
Office Email: stpetersame@msn.com
30. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
With saddened hearts we announce the passing of Mrs. Gwendolyn (Bizzelle) Thomas, the grandmother of Presiding Elder/Pastor Michelle K.T. Moulden, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The funeral has been held.
In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to:
Cyrene AME Church
227 W. Ash Street
Piqua, Ohio 45356
Expressions of sympathy may be emailed to: mktmoulden@sbcglobal.net
31. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We sorrowfully regret to inform you of the passing of Ms. Edna M. McPherson. She is the beloved sister of the Reverend Samuel L. (Shirley) McPherson, Presiding Elder of the Abbeville-Greenwood District and the Reverend Francis McPherson, Pastor of Friendship AMEC, Mount Pleasant, SC. Ms. McPherson died Saturday, September 11, 2010 in Charleston, SC.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of Sympathy and Condolences may be sent to:
Presiding Elder Samuel L. and Mrs. Shirley McPherson
Home: 1910 Ivy Hall Road, Charleston, SC 29407
Phone: (843) 556-4457
Office: P.O. Box 3027, Greenwood, SC 29648
Phone: (864) 227-1200
Fax: (864) 227-2800
Email: samlmcph@aol.com
The Reverend Francis McPherson
5137-A Marseilles Drive
North Charleston, SC 29418
Phone: (843) 552-8192
32. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mr. Moses Shepherd, Jr., the father of the Reverend Glenn Shepherd, pastor at Campbell AMEC in Philadelphia, PA (Philadelphia Conference, Philadelphia District). The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing and Funeral, Saturday, September 18, 2010
Viewing: 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Funeral: 10:00 a.m.
Rising Sun Baptist Church
745 South 12th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: 215-923-8776
The Rev. Harry Bronson, Pastor
Internment:
Eden Cemetery
1434 Springfield Road
Collingdale, PA 19023
610-583-8737
Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Glenn Shepherd
7905 Deer Run Road
Laverock, PA 19038
Phone: 215-884-0361
Fax: 215-884-3265
Or
Campbell AME Church
1657 Kinsey Street
Philadelphia, PA 19124
Phone: 215-288-2748
Fax: 215-288-3277
33. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with saddened hearts that we announce the passing of Mr. Raymond Clyde Colston, the brother of the Rev. Leroy Colston the pastor of New St. John A.M.E. Church - Tallahassee, FL on Tuesday, September 7, 2010.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Leroy Colston
909 McGee St
Quincy, FL 32351-3206
34. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to share news of the passing of Sister Lillie B. Luke, mother of the Reverend David Luke, pastor of Flipper Chapel AME in Milledgeville, Georgia, and mother-in-law of Sister Karen Luke, East Macon Milledgeville District WMS Area Chairperson. Sister Lillie B. Luke of Phenix City, Alabama passed on Wednesday, September 9, 2010.
Service Arrangements:
The Funeral has been held.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Pastor David & Karen Luke
P.O. Box 1438
Hardwick, Georgia 31034
Phone: (770) 317-5290
35. 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
36. 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.
