THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE (11/2/04)

1. INVESTITURE BANQUET OF BISHOP VASHTI MURPHY MCKENZIE, PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL OF BISHOPS:

The Investiture Banquet for Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie will be held on Monday, December 6, 2004 at 7 p.m. at the at Gaylord’s Opryland Hotel, Nashville, Tennessee

2. NEWS FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH (www.ame-church.com) ABOUT THE GENERAL BOARD AND COUNCIL OF BISHOPS:

December 6-8, 2004
General Board Meeting Agenda
(This will download an
Acrobat PDF version of the Agenda)

3. AME MINISTERIAL ALLIANCE WILL SPONSOR ELECTION DAY VOTER RALLY:

The AME Ministerial Alliance of Washington and Vicinity is sponsoring a

"Get Out the Vote" Rally and Prayer Vigil, Tuesday November 2, 2004, 11:00-am to 12:00 pm at Brown Memorial AME Church, 130 Constitution Avenue, NE, Washington, DC. Light Refreshments will be served. Transportation to the polls is available (Call: 202-543-0473)

4. THE THIRTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT PLANNING MEETING WAS A MODEL FOR KERYGMA AND DIDACHE:

Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie exemplified the model of leadership at the Thirteenth Episcopal Planning Meeting that was held at Greater Bethel AME, Nashville, Tennessee. She has a vision and as a model transformational leader, shared her vision, and encouraged team members of the Thirteenth Episcopal District to provide input, and sought consensus. Bishop McKenzie models the priestly and prophetic aspects of ministry.

Bishop McKenzie is about business. She had things written down and provided copies to everyone. There was a “Sweet, Sweet Spirit” at the Planning Conference. The offerings were lifted in a spiritual manner; and people gave freely and generously.

The Planning Meeting had a spiritual component from beginning to the very end. The highlight of the planning Meeting was the creative sermon delivered by Bishop John Bryant and Dr. Cecelia Bryant. Spiritually awesome; kerygma and didache actualized! The music provided by the Combined Choir of the Tennessee Annual Conference and the Greater Bethel choirs was awesome. I can appreciate that Nashville is the music capital of the world.

The financial report provided by the Bishop is model that other Episcopal leaders might want to borrow. And, what a written and fully explained financial report she gave! The financial report was prepared by a youthful looking female MBA /Certified Public Accountant (Sorry that I missed her name). The General Officers sitting near me remarked, to a person that they had never seen such a professional and in-depth Episcopal District financial report. Bishop McKenzie went over the financial report in detail so everyone could understand it. And not only did the Bishop and her superb staff give a financial report, but she also gave the results of a spiritual assessment and needs of each Annual Conference; all of it in writing. Bishop McKenzie and Supervisor Stan McKenzie are decisive leaders. And, do they have a staff…!

(Read more in The Christian Recorder)

Appended below are pastoral assignments made at the Thirteenth Episcopal District Planning Meeting

The Reverend Dr. Kenneth Hill, retired Executive Secretary of the Department of Christian Education of the AME Church was assigned as a presiding elder in the East Tennessee Annual Conference.

The Reverend Charles Robert Finch, former pastor of New Tyler AMEC, Memphis, Tennessee was appointed Presiding Elder of the North Memphis District (West Tennessee Annual Conference).

The Reverend Lawrence O. Twiggs retired.

The Reverend Walter W. Reid, Jr. was reassigned to the pastorate of St James AME Church, Memphis, TN.

The Reverend William W. Easley, the pastor of Greater Bethel AME Church, Nashville, will remain as pastor until November 21, after which he will assume the pastorate of New Tyler AME Church, Memphis, Tennessee.

The Reverend Reginald Brock was assigned as the pastor of St Matthew AME Church, Nashville, Tennessee.

The Reverend Anthony Singfield was assigned as the pastor of St John AME Church, Nashville, Tennessee.

The Reverend Jermaine Wilson was transferred from St. Paul AME Church, Richmond, Kentucky was assigned as pastor of Young’s Chapel AME Church, Louisville, KY

The Reverend A. D. Reed was assigned as the pastor of St Paul Richmond, Kentucky.

The Reverend Roderick Belin was given an appointment to begin a new work in the Brentwood-Williamson County area, the fastest growing region in Tennessee and the eighth wealthiest county in the United States.

The Reverend Charlotte Ann Blake Sydnor was assigned as pastor of Shorter Chapel AME Church, Franklin, Tennessee.

5. HOMECOMING 2004 CELEBRATION AT BETHEL A.M.E. CHURCH, BRYN MAWR, PA:

Submitted by Sister Darryl Lynn McLain

All who attended Bethel Bryn Mawr’s “Homecoming 2004 Family and Friends Day” had a good day. The church was packed, each pew was filled, the spirit was high, the mass choir lifted their voices to the glory of God, and the musicians were jammin’ in the Lord!

God truly blessed our celebration service with the word from our own A.M.E. Christian Recorder editor, Rev. Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor, III, who had served at Bethel Bryn Mawr as the youth and assistant pastor from 1963 to 1966. His message, titled “Running with the Horses,” inspired both members and guests. Taken from Jeremiah 12, verses 1 to 5, his message was short and to the point, telling us that there are two types of people:

Those who can’t run give up and tire easily, and those who are like the prophet Jeremiah and complain about everything. The question imposed to the congregation from verse 5 was indeed food for though: “If running with the footman tires you, how are you gonna keep up when the horseman comes?”

Many friends and former members of Bethel Bryn Mawr were on the program, led by Brother Ernest Davis of Mt. Pisgah AME Church, Philadelphia, PA, who served as Worship Leader. The mass choir, led by organist and director Brother Ernest Whyte and accompanied by Sister Carolyn Vance on the keyboards sang soul stirring and inspirational songs such as “I’ll Fly Away” and “Total Praise.” Drummers Brother Brett Richardson, (congas) and Sister Darryl Lynn McLain, (drums), kept the beat going and had several congregation members on their feet.

Rev. Marcellus A. Norris, pastor of Bethel Bryn Mawr, (the oldest black church on the original main line founded in 1878), commented on the morning service by saying that he and first lady Dawn Norris were anxious to meet those members who have moved to different locations and the friends and families of the present members. Pastor Norris was pleased at such a large turnout.

The church’s motto, “A Church with a Heart to Worship”, was truly the place to be that morning. God truly honored and blessed the endeavors of the Homecoming Committee, and the members of Bethel Bryn Mawr. We invite you to fellowship with us on the morning of Sunday, November 14^th, for our 91^st Annual Women’s Day. The guest preacher is Rev. Rachel St. Claire of St. James AME Church, Newark, New Jersey. Come and be blessed!

6. MONTHLY NEWSLETTER AT BETHEL AME CHURCH, BRYN MAWR, PA

“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.”

II Corinthians 5:20

We are pleased to announce the publication of our monthly newsletter title “The Ambassador”, at Bethel Bryn Mawr. This monthly publication is about 6-8 pages and contains information on AME connectional events, the church’s upcoming events, recaps on bible study by Pastor Marcellus A. Norris, a segment from the pastor’s assistant, Rev. Denise Reynolds, Bible quiz and word find, and a moment in Black History. In upcoming issues there will be other articles such as health information geared toward senior citizens, and a segment for children and youth. The first issue was presented on Sunday October 10, 2004, at the celebration of Bethel Bryn Mawr’s Homecoming 2004, Family & Friends Day. Over 160 copies were issued to members and guests, with each issue containing a commemorative bookmark.

The newsletter is based on the concept of keeping church members aware of what is going in the local and connectional church, and also aims toward keeping members who are in nursing homes, hospitalized, or sick and shut in up to date with the bible studies, events, announcements, both local and connectional.

God is blessing Bethel Bryn Mawr in a mighty way. Our vision is to keep people up to date with AME, local church and community events. Our goal is to reach the masses within our church family, and out to the community by keeping them informed of what our church is doing. As the saying goes, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste!”

7. A PRAISE REPORT FROM THE REVEREND DR. LESLIE WHITE:

Praise The Lord, Praise The Lord, and Praise the Lord. Renee is recovering at home. She came home this morning. Our address is: 3766 Crestway Place, Los Angeles, 90043; Phone 323-291-9462. We still seek an interest in your prayers.

Grace and Power;

Leslie R. White.

8. SAINT PHILIP MIONUMENTAL FIRST ANNUAL COMMUNITY CITY-WIDE REVIVAL:

God is truly blessing the members of St. Philip Monumental AME Church, by hundreds members old and young, friends and Preachers packed the church to be uplifted in a Community City-wide revival where are them for the week was: “Revive Us Lord for Greater Service”: John 14:12.

The Revivalist for the week was our former Pastor and friend The Rev. Dr. Lewis E. Logan, II the Senior Pastor of Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church of Los Angeles, CA.

Our souls were set on fire for the word which was confirmed by the number of persons that attended the Revival... Our Pastor the Rev. George A. Moore also took this opportunity to honor a number of persons either in the community or connect to the church for their outstanding leadership and commitment to working with the AME Church for the uplifting of God’s kingdom. On that Thursday night which was the last night of the Revival – the members of Monumental present Dr. Logan with a plague that had a picture of the church on it. This was presented for the Vision that he gave to Monumental when he served as her pastor for seven years.

If you are interested in receiving video or audio tapes of any of the services during the revival please e-mail Lyndamj9558@aol.com or call the church at (912) 233-8547 ext. 22.

Respectfully submitted

Lynda Martin-James

Public Relations Minister

9. MOTHER CHURCH OF GEORGIA WELCOMES NEW PASTOR:

Submitted by: Lynda Martin-James, Public Relation Minister

On June 11, 2004, in one of his last acts as an active bishop, the Right Reverend Frank C. Cummings, then Presiding Prelate of the Sixth Episcopal District assigned the Rev. Dr. George A. Moore, Jr. as the 41^st pastor of St. Philip Monumental African Methodist Episcopal Church, Savannah, Georgia. Pastor Moore appointed his son, the Reverend Kevin T. Moore the Youth Pastor of the Church.

The members of Monumental are excited about their new leadership and expect that the appointment of Reverend Moore will take their church to the “next level.” The first sermon that Pastor Moore preached at St. Philip Monumental was entitled, “Respect.”

The church’s new theme for the rest of the conference year is, “God is doing a New Thing!”

10. SENDING NEWS TO THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE:

If you want to send articles to The Christian Recorder or to The Christian Recorder Online, send them directly to me at chsydnor@erols.com

11. QUESTIONS ABOUT THE HOME DELIVERY OF YOUR CHRISTIAN RECORDER:

Call: 800.648-8724

12. SUBSCRIBE FOR HOME DELIVERY OF THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:

Send $26, payable to: "The Christian Recorder," 500 Eighth, Avenue South, Nashville, Tennessee 37203-4181 for a one-year subscription. Or you may subscribe to the Christian Recorder be calling (800) 648-8724 and make your payment using your credit card.

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Please sign-up at http://www.the-christian-recorder.org/ if
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14. THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL
CHURCH: www.ame-church.com

15. AME SPOUSES WEBSITES:

http://www.amemswwpk.org
http://www.connmswawo3.org

16. THE AME/WIM WEBSITE: www.amewim.org

17 WEBSITE FOR THE AMEC CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION:

http://www.amec-connectionallay.org/home.htm

18. MORE AME NEWS: http://www.ameherald.com/

19. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ABOVE. NEWS FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH (www.ame-church.com) ABOUT THE GENERAL BOARD AND COUNCIL OF BISHOPS:

December 6-8, 2004
General Board Meeting Agenda
(This will download an
Acrobat PDF version of the Agenda)

20. INVESTITUTRE BANQUET OF BISHOP VASHTI MURPHY MCKENZIE, PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL OF BISHOPS:

The Investiture Banquet for Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie will be held on Monday, December 6, 2004 at 7 p.m. at the at Gaylord’s Opryland Hotel, Nashville, Tennessee

Notes From The Editor 10/28/2004

1. SUBSCRIBE FOR HOME DELIVERY OF THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:

Send $26, payable to: "The Christian Recorder," 500 Eighth, Avenue South, Nashville, Tennessee 37203-4181 for a one-year subscription. Or you may subscribe to the Christian Recorder be calling (800) 648-8724 and make your payment using your credit card.

2. CHURCH, DSS TEAM UP TO HELP S.C. RESIDENTS

Officials with the South Carolina Department of Social Services and the Seventh District Office of the African Methodist Episcopal Church announced a partnership Monday to help South Carolinians in need.

The partnership is designed to help needy children, their families and vulnerable adults find needed assistance. The AME-DSS partnership will link the church with individuals and families who need additional assistance.

The two groups will work together on a wide variety of programs, including recruiting foster and adoptive families, starting and supporting food pantries and summer food service programs, and providing transportation for welfare-to-work clients.

For more information about the partnership, or to find out how other faith organizations can partner with DSS, call Wilbert Lewis, director of faith-based initiatives at DSS, at (803) 898-7855.
The Reverend Dr. Joe Darby

3. THE THIRTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT PLANNING MEETING HAS ITS PREACHER FOR THE CLOSING SERVICE:

Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie will deliver the closing message at the Thirteenth Episcopal District Planning Meeting this Friday, October 29, 2004, 12 o'clock noon.

4. TICKETS FOR BISHOP VASHTI MCKENZIE'S INVESTITURE BANQUET:

Checks and money orders for Bishop Vashti McKenzie's Investiture Banquet should be sent to: The Thirteenth Episcopal District Office, 500 8th Avenue, South, Nashville, Tennessee 37203; telephone number: 615-242-6814

5. THE REVEREND DR. CHARLES H. LETT PRESIDES OVER HIS FIRST DISTRICT CONFERENCE IN PHILADELPHIA

The heavens opened up and the blessing came down when an estimated 500 persons attended the South Philadelphia District Conference that was held October 1 at Metropolitan A.M.E. Church in Philadelphia.

The conference was novel in that it was the first one led by the district’s newly named presiding elder, the Rev. Dr. Charles H. Lett, Sr. Dr. Lett was named presiding elder of the district in June, after the retirement of the now late Dr. Herman A. Rhodes, who had held the position since 1995.

Those who attended the conference were blessed by two powerful sermons. The mid-day message was delivered during what is traditionally called “The Hour of Power Service.” The preacher was the Rev. Dr. Natalie Alford, who is the pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church in West Chester, PA, Later in the day, the Rev. D. Albert Turk, pastor of Zion A.M.E. Church in Philadelphia, and also a candidate for bishop during the General Conference, delivered the second powerful message.

For many people at the conference, it was their first time to hear Dr. Alford, who had been relocated to the district during the Annual Conference in May. Prior to that, Dr. Alford had been the pastor of Agape A.M.E. Church in Buffalo, NY.

“Everybody knows that Rev. Turk is a great preacher,” commented Elder Lett. “But what really took everybody by surprise was the noonday service by Dr. Alford.”

Dr. Alford’s sermon title was “God Set Us Up.” Her sermon was based on Isaiah 45:1-7 with special emphasis on verse 4: “For Jacob my servant’s sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me.”

During the business portion of the day, reports were received from all 17 churches within the district. In addition, the Lay Organization, Missionary Society, Christian Education, YPD, and Evangelist Department gave reports.

Also during the conference, the Ministerial Orders Committee presented three candidates to the ministry.

In addition to the powerful sermons, a highlight of the event was the three informative workshops that were held after lunch.

Calvin Tucker, the vice president of development of Berean Bank (now Advance Bank), which is a black-owned bank in Philadelphia, presented a workshop titled “What Churches Need to Get a Bank Loan.”

The Rev. Eloise Averhart, an associate pastor at Morris Brown A.M.E. Church in Philadelphia, presented a workshop titled, “A Three-Point Strategy for Maintaining Energy and Enthusiasm in Ministry.”

The Rev. Dr. Joseph N. Cousin, the pastor of Morris Brown, presented a workshop on leadership. Rev. Cousin is the son of Bishop Philip R. Cousin of the Fourth Episcopal District.

Dr. Lett indicated that he had been pleased overall with his first district conference. He was especially pleased with the large attendance, and he praised the host church, and the host pastor and his wife, the Rev. Clarence A. Martin Sr. and the Rev. E. Joyce Martin, for their hospitality and the excellent and abundant food.

Prior to his appointment as presiding elder, Dr. Lett served as pastor of A.M.E. Union in Philadelphia for 8 and ½ years. He has been in the ministry for over 25 years, and has also served as pastor of Disney A.M.E Church, Philadelphia, and Bethel A.M.E. Church, Bryn Mawr, PA.

He and his wife Sylvia are both natives of Atlanta. The couple has three children: Charles Jr., David, and Tiffany (married to Bryant Martin Sr.), and one grandson.

Angelena Spears, member of Bethel AME Church, Reading, wrote this article,
Pennsylvania. Contact info: 610-678-0108. Cell: 610-763-1842

6. APPEAL FROM THE REVEREND WILLEM SIMON HANSE, ST. JAMES AME CHURCH MARIENTAL, REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA:

Thankful to God and Bishop Green, Sr for re-appointment to the St. James AME Church, Mariental, my wife and I have decided to start a family project whereby we would like to raise money with friends from across the AME Connection to purchase a new Yamaha CLP 120 Clavinova organ. The quotation has been issued to the sum of N$20 695-50 ($3 507-71 US) from TakeNoteMusic company.

The St. James AME Church, Mariental was established on 3 July 1946 by the late Rev. Jakobus Jod, together with 8 other congregations after our forefathers decided to break ties with the German Rhynish Missionary Society. Over the leadership of numerous pastors, the church has grown from strength to strength. This congregation has 373 full members at the moment, and we would like to send to you a profile of the church under a separate cover by mail.

We are writing this missive, with the hope and prayer, that you and your family, as well as possibly your church members will find a proper cause in our Church to work for. The time is now ripe for the consolidation of ties that exists within the AME connectional family. By supporting this project financially and with your prayers, I believe we can start a new season of smart partnership between our two congregations. This will open up new understanding amongst our ordinary members on the local church levels, because I am convinced that our ministry and witness must be visible on the local Church if we want the Great Commission manifested in our Zion.

Please help us to help ourselves. Kindly assist us with a voluntary financial donation, by sending your donation cheque made out to the St. James Special Projects.

We trust that our prayerful request will enjoy your benevolent response.

May God bless the AME Church and all of our ministries!

Sincerely,
Rev. Willem Simon Hanse
St. James AME Church
P O Box 78
Mariental
Republic of Namibia

THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE A.M.E. CHURCH: http://www.ame-church.com
MORE A.M.E. NEWS MAY BE READ ON: http://www.ameherald.com/