Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
ADDENDUM + ANNOUNCEMENT ADDENDUM + ANNOUNCEMENT
THE 9TH BIENNIAL CONNECTIONAL STEWARDSHIP AND ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT CONFERENCE, BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA:
The Group rate is $115 until April 15th and you must mention the AMEC Stewardship Conference
The 2007 Connectional Stewardship and Economic Empowerment Conference will be held May 1-4, 2007 at the Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center, Birmingham, Alabama.
The general theme of the conference is “Equipping God’s Church with New Paradigms of Holistic Stewardship,” which was selected to capture and encompass the full intent and import of the philosophy of “Living Well,” the focus of the AME Church during this quadrennium.
The conference will include the inspired teachings of some of the most distinguished stewardship professionals of our Zion, such as the Right Reverend John Hurst Adams, the Right Reverend Gregory G.M. Ingram, Dr. Gwendolyn Boyd, Dr. C. Dennis Williams, Dr. Leroy Attles and Dr. James F. Miller.
The opening night worship service on May 1st will feature the Right Reverend Philip R. Cousin, Sr. Other Conference preachers include, The Right Reverend John R. Bryant on Wednesday, May 2nd), and the Right Reverend Henry A. Belin, Jr. on May 3rd. The noonday “Hour of Power” sermons will feature the Reverends Sylvester Beaman, Marvin Zanders and Wayne Johnson.
Conference registration is $125 and registration forms may be downloaded from the AME Department of Annuity Investments and Insurance Website: http://amecdaii.org/ and sent to the Department of Annuity Investments and Insurance.
Hotel accommodations may be made directly with the hotel or online by going to http://amecdaii.org/ and clicking on the circular image above the Sheraton symbol or simply click on the Sheraton symbol on the department’s website.
The Group rate is $115 until April 15th and you must mention the AMEC Stewardship Conference.
Rooms are going fast so make your reservation today!
The Group rate is $115 until April 15th and you must mention the AMEC Stewardship Conference
The 2007 Connectional Stewardship and Economic Empowerment Conference will be held May 1-4, 2007 at the Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center, Birmingham, Alabama.
The general theme of the conference is “Equipping God’s Church with New Paradigms of Holistic Stewardship,” which was selected to capture and encompass the full intent and import of the philosophy of “Living Well,” the focus of the AME Church during this quadrennium.
The conference will include the inspired teachings of some of the most distinguished stewardship professionals of our Zion, such as the Right Reverend John Hurst Adams, the Right Reverend Gregory G.M. Ingram, Dr. Gwendolyn Boyd, Dr. C. Dennis Williams, Dr. Leroy Attles and Dr. James F. Miller.
The opening night worship service on May 1st will feature the Right Reverend Philip R. Cousin, Sr. Other Conference preachers include, The Right Reverend John R. Bryant on Wednesday, May 2nd), and the Right Reverend Henry A. Belin, Jr. on May 3rd. The noonday “Hour of Power” sermons will feature the Reverends Sylvester Beaman, Marvin Zanders and Wayne Johnson.
Conference registration is $125 and registration forms may be downloaded from the AME Department of Annuity Investments and Insurance Website: http://amecdaii.org/ and sent to the Department of Annuity Investments and Insurance.
Hotel accommodations may be made directly with the hotel or online by going to http://amecdaii.org/ and clicking on the circular image above the Sheraton symbol or simply click on the Sheraton symbol on the department’s website.
The Group rate is $115 until April 15th and you must mention the AMEC Stewardship Conference.
Rooms are going fast so make your reservation today!
The Right Reverend Philip Robert Cousin, Sr.,
Senior Bishop and Commission Chair
The Right Reverend T. Larry Kirkland,
Host
Dr. Jerome V. Harris,
Executive Director
Senior Bishop and Commission Chair
The Right Reverend T. Larry Kirkland,
Host
Dr. Jerome V. Harris,
Executive Director
1. EDITORIAL – TEACHERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
Recently, the Reverend Dr. Joseph Darby, the pastor of Morris Brown AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina sent me an email, which told the story in which several professionals were chatting about how much money they earned.
A CEO, after making a snide remark about the teaching profession, asked one of the guests, Susan, who happened to have been a teacher what she made, replied, "You want to know what I make? I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could. I make a C+ feel like the winner of the Congressional Medal of Honor. I make kids sit through 40-minutes of study hall in absolute silence. You want to know what I make. I make kids wonder. I make them question. I make them criticize. I make them apologize and mean it. I make them write.
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
Recently, the Reverend Dr. Joseph Darby, the pastor of Morris Brown AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina sent me an email, which told the story in which several professionals were chatting about how much money they earned.
A CEO, after making a snide remark about the teaching profession, asked one of the guests, Susan, who happened to have been a teacher what she made, replied, "You want to know what I make? I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could. I make a C+ feel like the winner of the Congressional Medal of Honor. I make kids sit through 40-minutes of study hall in absolute silence. You want to know what I make. I make kids wonder. I make them question. I make them criticize. I make them apologize and mean it. I make them write.
I make them read, read, read. I make them show all their work in Math and perfect their final drafts in English. I make them understand that if you have the brains, and follow your heart, and if someone ever tries to judge you by what you make, you must pay no attention because they just didn't learn." Susan paused and then continued. "You want to know what I make, I make a difference. What do you make?"
After reading the email, I thought about the teachers who made a difference in my life. I felt led to respond to Reverend Darby and share with him the names of the teachers who made a difference in my life. I couldn’t remember all of their names, but I was surprised at how many names I remembered.
The teachers who made a difference in my life:
- Miss Collier who taught grades 1-6 in a one-room school house way out in the country in Piney River, in Nelson County Virginia. The school and our homes did not have electricity or running water. Heat was provided by a pot-bellied stove in the middle of the room. There was no such thing, at that time, as child abuse. Miss Collier wielded a mean switch, of which I was a recipient.
- Miss Maxwell who taught 4th grade at Coppin Laboratory School, at the then Cheyney State Teachers College in Cheyney, Pennsylvania when I was in boarding school at Sunnycrest Farm for Negro Boys. It was a school run by the Quakers.
- Mrs. Ellis, who also taught at Coppin Laboratory School, taught my 5th grade class.
- Mr. Strothers my Sunday school teacher at Bethel AME Church in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. The Reverend T. S. Clements was the pastor.
- Miss Dugan taught my 8th grade at 15th Avenue School in Newark, New Jersey.
- My art teacher at 15th Avenue School in Newark, NJ, whose name escapes me, was the most important mentor to me in grammar school. She encouraged me to attend Arts High School in Newark. Arts High gave me a great academic foundation. We moved to Rahway, New Jersey where I attended Rahway high School.
- Miss D’Amato who gave me piano lessons at Rahway High School in Rahway, New Jersey.
- The typing teacher at Rahway High School, whose name I cannot remember who agreed, after I asked, to teach a typing class after school if I could find 10 students. I found more than 10 students.
- Sister Wynn my Sunday school teacher at Ebenezer AME Church, Rahway, New Jersey. The Reverend Aldustus Jordan and the Reverend Jesse F. Owens were my pastors at Ebenezer, Rahway. Rev. Owens was my father in the ministry.
- Miss Isabel Askew my history professor at Wilberforce University. She didn’t take any stuff and knew how to motivate and teach history.
- Miss Jackson, my English professor at Wilberforce University. She didn’t take any stuff either. Miss Jackson reminded me of my grandmother, but I quickly learned she was not my grandmother substitute. She would say, “Mister…” and let you know that you had to do the work required and that a student could not smile his or her way to a passing grade.
- Dr. Yvonne Walker Taylor my English Literature professor at Wilberforce University was “Miss Walker” when I attended Wilberforce. I had a crush on her and I believe that Rodger Reed and the other guys in the class did too, but she didn’t have a crush on us. She held our “academic feet to the fire.”
- Mr. Norville Smith my Social Science professor at Cheyney University who knew how to bring the best in all of his students.
- The Rev. Roscoe Pierson my Bibliography professor and mentor at Lexington Theological Seminar, Lexington, Kentucky. He made it possible for me to travel to the West Indies and get some semblance of a global perspective of ministry.
Thanks, Rev. Joe Darby for giving me an opportunity to acknowledge some of the significant teachers who were instrumental in my life.
Do you remember the teachers who were instrumental in your lives?
2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
To the Editor:
RE: The 95th Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and Mother Cummings are Enjoying Retirement
Thanks, for the refreshing article on Bishop and Mother Cummings’ retirement in the January 15, 2007 edition of The Christian Recorder. It was a breath of fresh air to hear something positive about growing old and enjoying it. We hear so much talk about the “aging church,” that it is nice to hear about people enjoying a natural part of life (retirement). Young people should be encouraged to know that transitioning from an active and productive life in the AME Church can be peaceful and filled with happiness.
Yours truly,
Dr. Ethel H. Russaw
Chicago, Illinois
3. THE REVEREND DR. JOE DARBY RESPONDS TO EDITORIAL:
I appreciated your editorial on whether the pastoral ministry has gotten too busy, too big and too important. The ideal answer should be "no" but in some cases, the sad answer is probably "yes." Evidence of that can be found whenever AME clergy gather to chat at any level of the connection. There’s little dialogue about the work of pastoral ministry, programs or ideas. There is, however, plenty of denominational "gossip," a bit of bragging from some of us about the size and prestige of our churches and our substantial salaries and "packages" and a bit of grumbling from those whose primary goal in pastoral ministry is to get a higher paying and more prestigious pulpit. From conversations with colleagues, it appears that the problem is ecumenical (and probably interfaith) and is a sign of the present age, when prestige counts more than people and when pragmatism stifles prophecy.
I’d suggest three possible legislative means of refocusing on competent and professional pastoral ministry as we press on toward the General Conference, out of the belief that continual reminders and continual prayer will help us to continually be humble and committed pastors and servants of the Lord.
The first is to revisit Part V of the Discipline, which deals with The Ministry. The subsection on the rules, responsibilities and personal life of a pastor are partially historical, sometimes repetitive and overly broad. My guess is that many of our pastors never read that part of the Discipline or practice what it sets forth. We need to update that section, separate history from relevant and contemporary instruction, make the end result a part of the regular curriculum for the Boards of Examiners and see that the subsection is formally reviewed annually with all pastors in each Presiding Elder District.
The second is to address the need for continuing education. Some Districts, like the Seventh, are making strides in that direction, but it should be a mandatory denominational standard, as is the case for attorneys and physicians. If other professionals require continuing education to maintain their credentials, then the same should be true for clergy. It might also help if that continuing education includes Clinical Pastoral Education. I’ve found that to be a humbling experience to remind us of the magnitude of the needs of those in our churches and communities.
The third is to address the need for professional accountability and competence. Our positive law now requires background checks, physical and psychological examinations and substance abuse testing for those seeking admission to an Annual Conference. When I attended a Board of Examiners’ session and those requirements were being reviewed with the classes, one of my colleagues leaned toward me and quietly said, "Thank God that’s not retroactive!"
Maybe it should be. As our system now exists, those who make it to Elder’s ordination are "home free" in terms of objective review of their competency. That allows "problem pastors" to simply bounce from church to church, often without referral to a Committee on Ministerial Efficiency. When referrals are made, "collegial kindness and courtesy" sometimes inhibit needed actions. If the rules applied to candidates for ministry were applied quadrennially to those in pastoral ministry, then problems could be identified and troubled pastors could be counseled and directed to other ministries where their gifts and graces could be more effectively used.
If we are to maintain an effective pastoral ministry, then those of us who love to apply "fire to the feet" of those entering ministry ought not mind a little heat ourselves every now and then. Along the way, we might just be better pastors and remember that we’re called to be "shepherds" and not "cowboys," for shepherds humbly guide and nurture the "sheep," while cowboys go for personal glory and drive the "herd."
The Rev. Joseph Darby is the pastor of Morris Brown AME Church, Charleston, SC
4. THE DEDICATION OF THE ST. PAUL AME CHURCH PARSONAGE IN BERMUDA:
On Saturday March 10, 2007 history was made and a legacy was embarked upon as the Rt. Rev. Richard Franklin Norris, Presiding Prelate of the First Episcopal District, assisted by Presiding Elder Malcolm L. Eve, and the Trustee board of St. Paul A.M.E. Church dedicated their new parsonage so named “Dulwich.”
Although the clouds were dark and dreary this in no way darkened the spirits of those who attended this festive occasion. This day would be a day of rejoicing, celebration and the culmination of years of vision planning, organizing and fundraising that began under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Conway Simmons. Under his leadership, St. Paul would become financially fit, as Rev. Dr. Simmons led the church in the burning of the Centennial Hall mortgage. Rev. Dr. Simmons was also credited with purchasing a valuable piece of property running adjacent to the current parsonage, which proved to this day to be an excellent land purchase.
In June of 2005 the Rev. Lanel D. Guyton was appointed as the St. Paul pastor and charged to continue the vision of building the new parsonage. The beginning of this reality was marked on April 13, 2006 as the official ground breaking ceremony was held.
Those who would have a positive stake in the rebuilding of the home which would be utilized by many pastors to come were introduced. The architectural firm of Entasis which is owned by Michael Emory; the Bank of Bermuda; and AJW Construction, were among those presented.
The ribbon cutting ceremony marked the completion of what once was a mere dream of the members of the board of trustees. The Building and Acquisition committee led by Bro. Stanley Morton oversaw the entire project. Many thanks are extended to the Parsonage committee and its chairperson, Bro. Oliver Darrell who along with the other members sacrificed their time and talents to make this project a reality.
The chosen color is a soft blue, accented by the color white and gives the house an ever present glow fit for Bermuda. Located right off the North Shore coast line, the architectural design encompasses everything about Bermuda. The house spans over 4,000 square feet, with a larger then normal one car garage, a spacious brown marble accented kitchen, breakfast nook, dining room, community room, living room, pastors study. The first floor also boasts a guest house complete with a kitchen and bath, and a private entrance at rear of the home. The upstairs begins with a half spiral staircase leading to the loft, two bedrooms and a master suite complete with a balcony over looking the North Shore.
Also in attendance at the Dedication of the Parsonage was Mother Mary Ann Norris; Sis. Elvia Eve; Rev. Dr. Jerome Harris, General Officer, and Mrs. Harris; Presiding Elder Herbert Eddy, and Mrs. Eddy; Dr. Earl Jefferson, and Mrs. Jefferson; Tanzania Guyton; Lloyd Guyton (son 4 yrs old); Gisselle Guyton (daughter 3 yrs. old); former pastors, Rev. Conway Simmons, and Mrs. Simmons; Rev. Dr. Wilbur Lowe, Jr., and Mrs. Lowe; Rev. Judith Ann Gardner; Rev. Quinton Ming, Jr.; Dame Jennifer Smith, M. P.; Honorable Neletha Butterfield, M. P. Members of the board of Trustees present, Rev. Lanel D. Guyton, Sherwin Jones, Stanley Morton, Thelma Trott, Oliver Darrell, Andre Famous, Twilton Hardtman, Edwina Smith, Roland Simons, Anthony Wolffe, Ed Dyer, Alfreda Butler, Dennis Emory, Vincent Minors, Odwin Berkely, Stephen Clarke.
Other clergy present were former associate ministers of St. Paul, the Rev. Ruth Van Lowe-Smith, and The Rev. Lorne Bean. The Rev. Micah Chandler and the Rev. Betty Furbett-Woolridge were in attendance as well as a host of guests and friends.
5. 13th EPISCOPAL DISTRICT DEVOTIONAL BOOKLET, “FROM THE CROSS TO PENTECOST” IS STILL AVAILABLE:
The 13th Episcopal district has a limited number of this year's devotional booklet, From the Cross to Pentecost. The cost of the Devotional is $5.00 (plus postage, if mailed). Please contact the District Office at (615) 242-6814 or 13thEpiscopal@bellsouth.net to secure your Devotional.
Remember, as a District we will be spending the 50 days between Resurrection Sunday and Pentecost Sunday reading our From the Cross to Pentecost Devotionals, daily praying when we rise in the morning and fasting on Wednesdays from sun up to sun down.
Let's commit ourselves to these spiritual disciplines and see if God won't draw near to us and open for us the windows of heaven and pour out blessings we won't have room enough to receive.
Blessings
Rev. Tyronda Howse Burgess
Executive Aide to Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie
6. SCOUT MINISTRY REPORT FOR SAINT PETER AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, SAINT LOUIS, MISSOURI:
This is the eleventh year for Girl Scouts at St. Peter. Troop 377 is registered as a multi-level/multi-age troop serving all Girl Scout levels- Daisy Girl Scouts through Senior Girl Scouts, ages 5 through 17. There are presently 48 girls registered.
The Girl Scout Council of Greater St. Louis is presently the largest council in the U. S. serving over 63,000 girls and over 17,000 volunteers. The Board of Directors has two seats reserved for girl members. Since 1999, Troop 377 has had a girl member on the Board of Directors- except for 2005.
Highlights of the first ten years:
- 6 Gold Awards earned
- 16 Silver Awards earned (10 in 2004)
- 3 Bronze Awards earned
- 4 God and Me Religious Recognitions earned
- 8 God and Family Religious Recognitions earned
- 3 God and Church Religious Recognitions earned
- 2 God and Life Religious Recognitions earned
- 4 God and Service Religious Recognitions presented
- 2 Bishop’s Award of Excellence
- Cadette Scouts traveled to Disney World, Chicago and the Mall of America
- Senior Scouts traveled to England, New Mexico
In 2007 the following awards will be presented
- 2 Gold Awards
- 4 Silver Awards
- 3 Bronze Awards
- 1 God and Family Religious Recognition
- 1 God and Church Religious Recognition
- 2 God and Service Religious Recognitions
One Senior Scout plans to travel to Peru
Each year Troop 377 performs hundreds of hours of community service. In April the troop participates in a Council-wide community service project called “April Showers”. The girls place bags on doors of homes throughout the area on one Saturday morning and return the following Saturday to pick up the bags in hopes that they are filled with personal care items. The items are counted and donated to pantries locally for distribution. The pantry at St. Peter is the recipient of the items colleted. This is the 10th year for the drive. In 2006, over 1.5 million items were collected.
The Senior Girl Scouts also volunteer on a regular basis at Food Outreach, a food pantry for persons living with HIV, AIDS or cancer.
For the past five years, the troop has lead the service on Girl Scout Sunday. This year was no exception. Girl Scouts of all ages lead the service on March 11, 2007. The troop also participates in Presentation Sunday- a girl lead service organized by the Protestant Committee of the Girl Scout Council of Greater St. Louis. At this service, any Girl Scout who has earned one of the God and Country Religious Recognitions is acknowledged and presented an additional patch.
The Reverend Anthony Steele, Sr. is the pastor of St. Peter AME Church and Vivianne Frye-Perry is the Scout Ministry Director
7. STRIVE IN MOZAMBIQUE AFFECTS MEMBERS OF THE AME CHURCH:
The Right Reverend Sarah Davis is asking the 18th Episcopal District and the AME Church to with her in prayer for the people of Mozambique as news of the explosions in the region have increased and is constantly in the news.
Below are two e-mails received from Sister Sara Zandamela Moiane (Maputo) and the Reverend Dionisio Mazuze (Xai-Xai) concerning what is going on there.
Continue to remember all the Mozambiquans in your prayers.
Bishop Sarah Davis
EMAILS RECEIVED FROM THE REGION:
(a) From Sister Sara in Maputo:
Thank you very much for being with us in these moments.
We really need your prayers. There are still many people in the hospitals and dying day by day and due to this conflict, the homes of many people have been destroyed and their lives left in disarray.
Regards,
Sister Sara
(b) From the Reverend Mazuze in Xai-Xai:
Good Day Bishop:
I knew on Friday morning that when you received the information about the hostilities in the region that you would be concerned, but what happened to us on Friday was not covered by the news media. We had problems with electricity, however, by the grace of God, we have been saved and we are going to continue to pray for all who suffered on Saturday at William DeVeaux at 4 p.m.
May God bless you.
Rev. Mazuze
(c) Email Message from Bishop Sarah Davis to the 18th District Presiding Elders:
Please go to the Yahoo Website given to read about the deaths in Mozambique.
Please join me in prayer for the people of Mozambique.
I have not heard how this has impacted any of our Church family.
Bishop Sarah
Editor’s Note: An article about the Maputo blast from Church World Service appears below. Please pray for our members and all of the people in Mozambique.
8. TRANSFORMING ARMS TO PLOUGHSHARES' TEAM NOW REMOVING LEFTOVER UNEXPLODED ORDNANCE FOLLOWING MAPUTO BLAST:
Maputo, Mozambique, March 27, 2007 -- As funerals and mourning continue following last Thursday's explosion at an arms depot just outside Maputo, Mozambique, which killed 101 people, a diminutive woman checked in with the teams collecting other unexploded rockets that remain in the affected residential areas of Mahotas, the CMC quarter and Magoanine.
Tammi Mott, coordinator for the Southern Africa Regional Office of global humanitarian agency Church World Service (CWS), was there to offer encouragement and an assistance grant today. But she had, literally, dug herself in over the weekend.
Mott volunteered last weekend, to help members of the Christian Council of Mozambique's (CCM) skilled Transforming Arms to Ploughshares (in Portuguese, Transformacao de Armas em Enxadas, or TAE) team, as they helped collect and haul away hundreds of unexploded rockets.
Today Mott reports, "So far, they've removed 95 in all, and now in the community of Zimpeto alone, 37 rockets."
Mott says the Transforming Arms to Ploughshares team began assisting in the government-led weapons collection on Friday (March 23) and retrieved a dozen unexploded rockets that day. The teams worked in 96-degree Fahrenheit temperatures, removing rockets that weighed up to 112 kg (246 pounds) and were buried up to two meters in the ground.
Over the next two weeks the TAE Team expects to remove another 300 rockets from residential compounds -- deadly souvenirs of Mozambique's civil war, which ended in 1992. Reuters reports that teams working in the affected area have recovered more than 3,000 weapons so far.
Of the massive blast last week that killed 101 and injured more than 450 people, Mott said, "the village of Magoanine was overwhelmed. The people are still reeling and in grief."
On Saturday (March 31), the Christian Council of Mozambique will lead a prayer service at the armory.
The neighborhoods between the Mahlazine arsenal and Maputo city were the most severely affected, with more than 400 houses destroyed and an estimated one in twenty hit by the rockets, missiles or ammunition that rained down after the explosion.
Mott, whose office is in Maputo, reported seeing houses with holes in the walls where rockets had entered one place, passed through, and out the other side. Some homes were minimally damaged, others devastated.
"On Saturday, the residents were obviously stricken. Many assisted us.
But they were so tense," she said.
CCM's Transforming Arms to Ploughshares team is removing the rockets and transporting them to the Mozambique Defense armory, where it is estimated that more than 1,000 rockets and missiles already have been recovered from last week's blast. Most of the rockets are reported to be obsolete Soviet-made weapons.
Collecting and destroying weapons has been the major focus of the Christian-based Transforming Arms to Ploughshares program since 1995.
The internationally recognized weapons-for-tools exchange program has received strong support from the Government of Mozambique, and as of 2006 the Christian Council of Mozambique has lead in the collection, destruction and transformation of more than 700,000 weapons in the country.
Outside Maputo, the Transforming Arms to Ploughshares team and other government teams have been dealing with the immediate aftermath of the weekend's destruction, without all the high tech devices Americans are accustomed to seeing on television action dramas. Working with a military technician team member, Mott says the team used "the tools of their experience, their skill, incredible efficiency, and pure physical strength."
'Anywhere else, a team of analysts collecting data and a $250,000 armored vehicle'
"I just couldn't help thinking what it would be like elsewhere," she said. "Some team would come to study the situation for a day, then another to analyze the data collected, then another would arrive with a $250,000 armored vehicle to remove the thing."
In its ongoing work, and with support from Church World Service, "Transforming Arms to Ploughshares" has exchanged arms for tools like sewing machines, hoes and bikes. But Mott says, "Because the program was so successful, in recent months, the collection program has moved on to the next level."
“The team is no longer working just with individuals but now is involving whole communities,” she says, "exchanging weapons for development programs such as Church World Service's 'Water for Life' resources that further help communities gain the skills and build the resources that enable them to have, own and maintain their own clean water resources."
On September 11, 2006, a whole community in Mozambique exchanged its arms for a school. In a related Transforming Arms to Ploughshares trauma healing project participants turned weapons into bold sculptures. A new Church World Service program to launch this May will combine the two concepts. Communities will exchange their weapons for a community-maintained water system and a local artist will sculpt some of the collected arms into a memorial to transformation and peace, to be embedded in the water structure.
Church World Service has partnered with the Christian Council of Mozambique since the country's struggle for independence and throughout its civil war. Its focus now is on rehabilitation and sustainable development efforts.
In the aftermath of the explosion, the Christian Council's Women's Section and Women's Society Executive Board conducted a blood drive in anticipation of shortages at Maputo Central Hospital. Parishes attached to CCM member churches are offering prayers and comfort for those who lost their loved ones.
Media Contacts
Lesley Crosson, (212) 870-2676, lcrosson@churchworldservice.org Jan Dragin - 24/7 - (781) 925-1526, jdragin@gis.net
9. NEWS AROUND THE AME CHURCH:
- The Reverend Edrena Houston Brown, reports that the Rev. T. R. Francisco will host the Pompano Beach Ecumenical City Wide Revival and Resurrection Services on behalf of the Pompano Beach Ministerial Alliance Fellowship began on Wednesday evening Bethel A.M.E. Church, located at 605 Esther Rolle Avenue, Pompano Beach, Florida.
"The Last Seven Words" will be delivered by ministers of the Ecumenical Alliance Fellowship on Friday, April 8, 2007. The service will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Easter sunrise worship services will begin at 6:30 a.m. The Reverend Aaron Wiggins, who serves as president of the Ecumenical Fellowship and the pastor of New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Pompano Beach, Florida, will deliver the sermon.
The purpose of the annual Revival and Resurrection Day services is for the community to worship and commune together in preparing for the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
10. WHAT THE AME CHURCH CAN DO TO REALIZE THE HIV/AIDS NATIONAL GOALS:
*Saundra Lucas
The days and work during March 22-25, 2007 will be forever imprinted in my memory as a time where people came together for a common cause that is relevant to our people’s very survival! I was invited to take part in a strategic planning summit to help create a mass Black response to effectively address the HIV/AIDS epidemic in our families, communities, and cities. Persons from across the country and across many disciplines and organizations, including the faith community, were represented as was listed in the national press release from The Black AIDS Institute.
The “church” has had its share of criticism from without and within about the lack of involvement around the issue of HIV/AIDS. However, I can strongly say that the church has been visible and vital in the HIV/AIDS arena over these 26 years, although in most cases, it has not been well publicized. Alas, a new paradigm is taking place. A copy of the article in the March 26th issue of Jet magazine with our President of the Council of Bishop’s (Bishop Preston Warren Williams) statement about HIV/AIDS is on the national stage. The Christian Recorder and The Women’s Missionary Magazine, on the international stage, have published numerous articles over the last 2 years of the work that is being done in AME churches across the Connection. These have indeed reinforced the position that the church has been involved. In fact, the work done in Africa and the Caribbean has been well documented.
My personal involvement at the Summit represented, “A view from the faith community" and particularly about the work that the Women’s Missionary Society has done around HIV/AIDS. As a backdrop, a partnership of the three historically black Methodist Denominations collaborated with the Balm In Gilead, Inc. a little over 2 years ago, to enhance and strengthen the capacity in each denomination to support engagement of local churches to develop a systematic and sustainable response to HIV/AIDS and other health ministries. It was the vision of our President, Mrs. Jamesina Evans to appoint a National Health Director to coordinate the work of Episcopal District appointees to get all of this done and, more importantly, to now have a means for systematically documenting the work that the AME churches are doing to promote HIV/AIDS ministries.
Goals set at the Summit for all Organizations:
- Reducing the rates of HIV infection among African Americans by half in five years
- Increasing the percentage of African Americans who know their status, whether positive or negative
- Increasing the number of HIV-positive Blacks who are in appropriate care and treatment
- Eliminating the range of stigmas that have too long both fueled new infections and stood in the way f communal and individual action to stop AIDS
What the AME Church can do to realize the National goals:
- Promote and offer HIV testing at our meetings including Connectional meetings of all Departments.
- Leaders of the Departments can publicly participate in testing to reduce the stigma.
- Promote health/wellness related curricula in Seminary training and as a part of Christian Education.
- Provide systematic training in establishing and/or strengthening HIV/AIDS and other health related ministries for churches throughout the Connection.
- Specifically promote an atmosphere of hope and healing within our churches that reduces stigma for those persons in our congregations living with the virus, at risk for contracting the virus, and for those persons who are family members of the same.
- Provide capacity for all health ministry efforts at every level so that “Living Well” becomes the norm.
*Saundra S. Lucas is the National Health Director, Women’s Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
11. ST. PAUL A.M.E. CHURCH IN HAMILTON BERMUDA PRESENTS, “TAKING THE CITY BY STORM, REVIVAL NOW”:
Coming May 16-18, 2007, under the dynamic leadership of the Rev. Lanel D. Guyton and the faithful disciples of St. Paul Church, was born the idea of ushering in the presence of God to take back what rightfully belongs to Him. The Rev. Matthew L. Watley, executive assistant to the pastor at Reid Temple A.M.E. Washington DC and founder of Exousiaministries.com is the revivalist. He is a dynamic and gifted preacher who preaches with passion and power. An air of excitement has already covered the island of Bermuda in what is anticipated to be a night of expectancy. We are expecting to be blessed, delivered and set free!
The men, women, and children of our Zion have collectively join forces with the entire Bermuda Conference which is led by the illustrious Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, and Mother Mary Ann Norris to be revived, refilled and rejuvenated to carry on the work of the Lord. This revival was born on the heels of the very successful Bermuda Super Soulfest which drew the unsaved as well as the saved closer to God in August of 2006. This is the year of completion, join us and be revived!
Special guests include Rev. Pedro Castro and Vernon Temple AME. Church; Rev. Blanche Burchall and Glory Temple of the New Testament Churches of God; Rev. Dr. Maria Seaman and Shekinah Worship Centre; Rev. Dr. Larry Lowe, Jr. and Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church; Presiding Elder Rev. Malcolm L. Eve and Bethel A.M.E. Church; and the Bermuda Conference Liturgical Dancers led by the Rev. Joyce Hayward
12. AUTHOR JOHN PAUL LEDERACH AND CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER JAMES LAWSON TO SPEAK AT PEACE CONFERENCE:
NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 5, 2007/GBOD/ -- The United Methodist General Board of Discipleship (GBOD) and the JUSTPEACE Center for Mediation and Conflict Transformation will co-sponsor “Imagination and Peacebuilding,” April 11-13, 2007 at The Upper Room in Jackson Hall Auditorium, located at 1908 Grand Ave., Nashville, Tenn.
Among those scheduled to participate are John Paul Lederach and the Rev. James Lawson.
Lederach, (http://kroc.nd.edu/faculty_staff/faculty/lederach.shtml) author, professor and leader in the field of moral imagination, will give the keynote address at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 12 in Jackson Hall Auditorium.
“Imagination is the key missing ingredient in the church and the world in our responses to conflict. This conference is an opportunity for the community to understand the role of the imagination in peacebuilding and to develop practices that unleash our creativity as ministers of reconciliation," said the Rev. Thomas W. Porter, executive director of JUSTPEACE.
The Rev. James Lawson (http://www.pbs.org/thisfarbyfaith/witnesses/james_lawson.html), United Methodist pastor and civil rights justice leader, will lead a plenary session on “Moral Imagination and Nonviolence” from 3:15 p.m. -4:15 p.m. on Thursday, April 12.
“These powerful plenary leaders will help us explore with one another not only method and technique, but the art and soul of peacebuilding and conflict transformation, including metaphors and stories that can help us break free of destructive cycles of violence to imagine new possibilities,” says the Rev. Stephen Bryant, associate general secretary of GBOD and world editor of The Upper Room daily devotional guide.
The peace building conference, which explores the role of imagination and the arts when engaging conflict, begins with registration at 4:00 p.m., April 11 and ends at 12 noon April 13.
The registration fee is $185. To register online visit justpeaceumc.org or e-mail justpeace@justpeaceumc.org.
JUSTPEACE Center for Mediation and Conflict Transformation is a mission of The United Methodist Church to engage conflict constructively in ways that strive for justice, reconciliation, resource preservation and restoration of community in and through The United Methodist Church and with the Church universal to the world in which we live.
GBOD’s mission is to support annual conference and local church leaders for their task of equipping world-changing disciples. An agency of The United Methodist Church, GBOD is located at 1908 Grand Avenue in Nashville, Tenn. For more information, call the Media Relations Office toll free at (877) 899-2780, Ext. 7017.
Submitted by Jeanette Pinkston, Director
Media Relations Office,
(615) 340-7017
jpinkston@gbod.org
13. UNITED METHODIST CHURCH ATTORNEY: KEEP POLITICS OUT OF THE PULPIT:
A UMNS Report
By Linda Green*
As election season intensifies and politicians line up at the church door to shake hands and stump for their campaigns, an attorney for The United Methodist Church advises churches and clergy against endorsing or opposing candidates for elected office.
"Churches should take stands on appropriate issues, but it cannot be a substantial part of their ministry," said Jim Allen, general counsel of the United Methodist Council on Finance and Administration.
In the United States, candidates from all political parties often are seen in pulpits or at church functions delivering their messages or seeking endorsements.
However, after investigating numerous complaints of inappropriate political activity by nonprofits during the 2004 presidential campaign, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service has stepped up efforts to enforce laws that limit churches and charities from involvement in partisan campaigns.
In 2005, the IRS began warning churches and nonprofits that political campaign activism could endanger their tax-exempt status.
The tax agency unveiled its Political Activity Compliance Initiative to expedite investigation of claims of improper campaigning in churches. Thus, the IRS no longer is waiting to probe a church's activities after it files an annual tax return or for the end of a tax year. A three-member committee reviews complaints and votes whether to investigate.
Tax Code enforcement
The restriction for churches engaging in political activism is not based on the First Amendment clause that is the basis for separation of church and state, but rather the result of a 1954 Tax Code provision championed by then - U.S. Sen. Lyndon Johnson as a way to stop political rivals from using nonprofits to campaign against him. The restriction has been amended to ban opposing political candidates as well.
In the early years, the IRS did not seriously enforce the provision but periodically issued guidelines for churches and political activity.
The 2006 IRS guide is designed to clearly define the role that churches, hospitals, universities and other entities can play in political matters. It states the rules are "not intended to restrict free expression on political matters" by organizational leaders who speak for themselves as long as they say that they are not speaking in behalf of their group.
The guide also makes clear that, under 501(c)(3) of the IRS code, violating such prohibitions "may result in denial or revocation of tax-exempt status and the imposition of certain excise taxes" - issues of obvious importance to churches and other charitable organizations.
"The mission of our church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ," said Allen. "We try to maximize the church's resources to fulfill our mission, and one way we do that is by legally minimizing our income tax burden."
What's allowed, what's not
Allen said clergy should avoid political activism from the pulpit. "My first piece of advice would be to not invite candidates to speak in the pulpit, if the church is in the United States," he said.
Any statement interpreted as either endorsing or opposing a candidate is against IRS guidelines, regardless of whether a name is mentioned. For instance, a pastor declaring that "all good Christians should go to the polls and vote for the Christian candidate" would be improper if one candidate is known to be a Christian and the other is not, he said.
The prohibition extends beyond the pulpit into other church-sponsored events. "It does not matter if the activity is in the pulpit, fellowship hall, the vestibule or newsletter," he said. "It also does not matter whether the person doing or permitting the endorsement on behalf of the church is the pastor or a member."
Churches and tax-exempt organizations can hold voter education activities, including public forums and publishing voter education guides, if conducted in a nonpartisan manner. They also may encourage people to register to vote in a nonpartisan manner.
The guide cautions churches and nonprofits about their use of the World Wide Web as well. "If an organization posts something on its Web site that favors or opposes a candidate for public office, the organization will be treated the same as if it distributed printed material, oral statements or broadcasts that favored or opposed a candidate," the guide states.
The same is true for any links listed on a church Web site, even if the church has no control over the content of the linked site. A church is responsible for the consequences of establishing and maintaining that link and may reduce its risk by monitoring the linked content and adjusting the links accordingly.
The church's stance
The United Methodist Church's stance on political activism can be found in its Social Principles and its Book of Resolutions.
The Social Principles speak to human issues in the contemporary world from a political and theological foundation. Its section called "The Political Community" says the church must hold governments responsible for protecting the rights of people to fair and free elections. It also says the church should continually "exert a strong ethical influence upon the state, supporting policies and programs deemed to be just and opposing policies and program that are unjust."
The Book of Resolutions addresses a wide range of social issues and concerns and says churches have the right and duty to speak and act corporately on matters of pubic policy involving basic moral or ethical issues and questions.
In the wake of the divisive 2004 elections, many Christian leaders expressed that the church must guard its autonomy in political matters so as not to distract from its primary mission of proclaiming Jesus Christ to the world, making disciples and serving as an agent of love, peace and forgiveness.
Allen advises churches to understand clearly the IRS guidelines and even to seek legal counsel when faced with issues that could violate those guidelines.
Also, while no United Methodist church has had its tax-exempt status revoked, the pastor and elected local church leadership should respond quickly to any complaint of inappropriate political activism.
Allen acknowledges that it is a difficult tightrope to walk, but an important one - both for the purposes of following U.S. law and staying true to the church's core mission.
"Churches should take stands on appropriate issues, but that should be an insubstantial part of their ministry," he said.
*Green is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in Nashville, Tenn.
Reprinted with the permission of the United Methodist News Service
13. AMC FELLOWS PROGRAM -- YOUR HELP IS NEEDED TO RECRUIT CANDIDATES FOR THIS PROGRAM:
The U.S. Army Materiel Command (AMC) Fellows Program is designed to develop Pentathletes for the Army Civilian Corps through academic study, self-development, and on-the-job training. IMCOM has partnered with AMC to support the Fellows Program. Fellows are trained to meet the functional requirements of at least two Career Programs and must earn a Masters Degree from a premier College. Class 8 Fellows are currently being recruited for a start date of July 2007.
If you know individuals, who are recent college graduates and have demonstrated superior academic achievement, have them apply for the Fellows Program. We especially need your help to recruit engineering undergraduates with a specialty that would support engineering career programs CP-16 (non-construction) and CP-18 (construction). AMC plans to hire 100 Fellows during the next several weeks, five Fellows are targeted to be placed within IMCOM. This program brings new talent into the Army workforce and will help build our successor workforce as we lose valuable members of our current workforce due to retirements and other attrition. This is a great career opportunity and allows recent college graduates to support our Army.
The Fellows Program is a 5 year program that starts at the AMC Logistics Leadership Center (ALLC) in Texarkana, Texas, where selected candidates will enter into the Federal service as a GS-7 and earn a Masters Degree. After 13 months at the ALLC, they will begin a series of on-the-job training assignments, where they will learn two career programs.
Interested recent college graduates may visit the AMC Fellows recruitment web site at www.AMCcareers.com. Individuals interested in being placed into IMCOM organizations should type "Recruited by IMCOM" in the remarks block. Positions are limited and the competition is tough. The AMC Fellow Program has a successful record of hiring candidates with diverse backgrounds, age ranges, and academic credentials. Our HQ IMCOM POC is Michael Brown at (703) 602-0911 or michael.brown3@hqda.army.mil .
Submitted by Philip F. E. DeMaris
Philip F. E. DeMarais is Chief, Workforce Development Installation Management Command
2511 Jefferson Davis Highway (For USPS Mail only)
2530 Crystal Drive (Physical Building Address)
Arlington, VA 22202
Voice: 703-602-4461 (DSN 332)
philip.demarais@hqda.army.mil
14. NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES HAS JOB OPENING FOR A PROGRAM DIRECTOR FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY:
Job Description
Program Director for Women’s Ministry
The National Council of Churches (NCC) is the leading ecumenical organization among Christians in the United States. It encompasses 35 member communions which include Anglican, Orthodox, Protestant, African American communions and historic peace churches. The Council serves as both a convener and voice for a faith constituency of almost 50 million people and over 100,000 congregations in all 50 states. It is organized around five program commissions and does extensive work in research, Bible translation, Christian education, theological and interfaith dialogue, witness through the media, and advocacy around issues of social justice and public policy.
Position Description:
The Program Director for Women’s Ministry provides leadership in the development of women in positions of authority and responsibility within the structures and programs of the NCC and its member churches. The Program Director works to identify and assist in the development of new opportunities for the inclusion and advancement of women leaders.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provides leadership in the development of women in positions of authority and responsibility within the NCC, as members of the NCC staff, as officers and members of the Governing Board, and as officers and members of the commissions of the Council.
- Provides leadership in the development and support of women’s programs within the member churches of the NCC.
- Provides leadership in the development of programs and experiences that contribute to the ecumenical formation of all women, and especially young women.
- Works as an important part of the NCC staff team, collaborating with other program and administrative staff to foster projects that further the work of and support of women’s programs and NCC initiatives.
- Works to develop relationships with member communions and other related ecumenical organizations, foundations and others.
- Analyzes and critiques denominational structures highlighting progress and setbacks for women in the ecumenical movement and reporting this to denominational leadership and others involved in order to assist the member churches in better understanding the implications of recognizable trends.
- Assists the Committee on Nominations to ensure the presence of women amongst the leadership and membership of all committees and commissions of the Council.
- Provides oversight and guidance for the Faith and Feminism program.
- Works with communications staff to ensure that appropriate materials, articles and announcements are provided through all the media opportunities of the council and its member churches to encourage women’s participation and leadership in programs of the NCC and of its member communions.
- Works to strengthen the current financial support from the member churches to women’s ministries and find new funding possibilities to enable the highest level of focus on women’s ministries.
- Communicates regularly with grass roots religious women to develop and enhance leadership models for social justice activism.
- Provides staff support to the Justice for Women’s Working Group.
- Works to raise awareness in a variety of venues of the Council’s emphasis on women’s ministries.
Qualifications:
- Masters degree in a related field (ecumenical, interfaith, justice & advocacy, theological) or equivalent experience.
- Three (3) years experience with a focus on women’s programs in church related settings.
- Experience in ecumenical and denominational educational ministries at the judicatory level.
- Required skills include organizational skills, ability to motivate and work with individuals, organize, administer and coordinate committees, communication skills in writing and public speaking, and skills and experience in fundraising and development.
- Have a substantive understanding of gender issues.
- Be a self-starter and able to work in a variety of situations with many people and programs of differing backgrounds and church polity.
• Ability to travel.
Location:
The Program Director for Women’s Ministry will be based in the NCC headquarters in New York.
Reporting Relationships:
The Program Director for Women’s Ministry will report programmatically to the Associate General Secretary for Justice and Advocacy. The position reports administratively to the Deputy General Secretary for Administration and Finance.
Application Process:
Please send a cover letter and resume to:
Program Director for Women’s Ministry Search
ATTN: Ms. Joan Gardner
National Council of Churches
475 Riverside Drive, Rm. 812
New York, NY 10115
Electronic applications preferred.
Questions may be directed to Ms. Joan Gardner, Human Resources at jgardner@ncccusa.org . No calls please.
Deadline: April 30, 2007
The National Council of Churches is an equal opportunity employer. For more information about the NCC, please go to www.ncccusa.org.
*** It is preferred that in order to be considered for this position a candidate be a member in good standing of one of the NCCCUSA member communions. A complete listing of the member churches of the NCC can be found on the website listed above.
Submitted by the Right Reverend E. Earl McCloud
Editor’s Note: I know that there are AMEs who are qualified. You cannot be selected if you do not submit and application.
15. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
The engagement of Jason Christopher Darby of Columbia, South Carolina and Sharmell Liat Brown of Dallas Texas. The wedding is set for February 8, 2008. Jason is the son of the Rev. Joseph A. Darby and Mrs. Mary B. Darby, pastor and First Lady of Morris Brown AME Church, Charleston, South Carolina.
Email congratulatory messages: jaydarby77@gmail.com
Submitted by:
The Rev. Joseph A. Darby, Pastor
Morris Brown AME Church
Charleston, South Carolina
16. CHRISTIAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Pan-Methodist Update Bereavement Notice
Regretfully we share news of the passing of Bishop Charles L. Helton the 49th Bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Service arrangements for Bishop Charles L. Helton are pending.
Please remember the family in prayer.
From: Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
With deep sorrow, we report the recent passing of the Reverend William L. Eason, Sr. He was the proud father of two sons in the ministry, the Reverend Gregory Eason, Sr., the pastor of Big Bethel A.M.E. Church of Atlanta, Georgia and the Reverend William L. Eason, Jr. of Saint Paul A.M.E. Church of Ellabell, Georgia. The Reverend William Eason, Sr. was the beloved pastor of Saint Luke A.M.E. Church of the Lyons Circuit of the Wrens-Vidalia District of the Augusta Georgia Annual Conference.
Professional Serviced Entrusted to:
Whitaker Funeral Home
25 N. Kennedy Street
Metter, GA 30439
912-685-5158
912-685-3884(fax)
Service arrangements:
Wake
Friday, March 30, 2007; 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Whitaker Funeral Home
25 N. Kennedy Street
Metter, GA 30439
912-685-5158
912-685-3884(fax)
(Phi Beta Sigma Service will be held at close of the wake service.)
Viewing
Saturday, March 31, 2007; 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Wilcox Auditorium
(Located in the Board of Education Building)
210 South College Street
Metter, GA 30439
912-685-5713 (Please direct all inquiries to the funeral home)
Homegoing Service:
Saturday, March 31, 2007; 11:00 a.m.
Wilcox Auditorium
(Located in the Board of Education Building)
210 South College Street
Metter, GA 30439
912-685-5713 (Please direct all inquiries to the funeral home)
Location of Repast:
Saint Luke A.M.E. Church Fellowship Hall
327 E. Columbia Avenue
Lyons, GA 30436
912-526-7881
(No fax available)
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Doretha Eason
Route 2, Box 266
Cobbtown, GA 30420
912-684-4566
Or
Whitaker Funeral Home
25 N. Kennedy Street
Metter, GA 30439
912-685-5158
912-685-3884(fax)
Submitted by:
BB Calloway
AME Sixth District Headquarters
2900 Chamblee Tucker Road
Building Three
Atlanta, GA 30341
770-220-1770
770-220-9996(fax)
www.sixthepiscopaldistrict.org
AME.SEDHeadquarters@sixthepiscopaldistrict.org
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs. Irene Williams, the grandmother of Rev. Birdie Parker, passed away on Monday, March 26, 2007. Rev. Birdie Parker is an associate minister at Campbell Chapel A.M.E. Church, in Pulaski, TN where her husband, Pastor Joseph Parker is the pastor.
Service Arrangements
Family visitation
Friday, March 30, 2007
1:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.
Funeral
Saturday, March 31, 2007
11:00 A.M.
West Memorial Funeral Home
103 Jefferson Street
Starkville, MS 39759
(662) 323-6674 Phone
(662) 323-9531 Fax
Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Rev. Birdie Parker
960 La Vergne Lane
La Vergne, TN 37086
(615) 793 - 0921
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Regretfully, we share the following bereavement notice from the Sixth Episcopal District:
With deep sorrow, we report the recent passing of The Reverend William Eason. He was the proud father of two sons in the ministry, the Reverend Gregory Eason, Sr., pastor of Big Bethel A.M.E. Church of Atlanta, Georgia and the Reverend William L. Eason, Sr. pastor of Saint Paul A.M.E. Church of Ellabell, Georgia. Reverend William Eason was the beloved pastor of Saint Luke A.M.E. Church of the Lyons Circuit of the Wrens-Vidalia District of the Augusta Georgia Annual Conference.
Professional Serviced Entrusted to:
Whitaker Funeral Home
25 N. Kennedy Street
Metter, GA 30439
912-685-5158
912-685-3884(fax)
Service arrangements:
Wake
Friday, March 30, 2007; 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Whitaker Funeral Home
25 N. Kennedy Street
Metter, GA 30439
912-685-5158
912-685-3884(fax)
(Phi Beta Sigma Service will be held at close of the wake service.)
Viewing
Saturday, March 31, 2007; 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Wilcox Auditorium
(Located in the Board of Education Building)
210 South College Street
Metter, GA 30439
912-685-5713 (Please direct all inquiries to the funeral home)
Homegoing Service:
Saturday, March 31, 2007; 11:00 a.m.
Wilcox Auditorium
(Located in the Board of Education Building)
210 South College Street
Metter, GA 30439
912-685-5713 (Please direct all inquiries to the funeral home)
Location of Repast:
Saint Luke A.M.E. Church Fellowship Hall
327 E. Columbia Avenue
Lyons, GA 30436
912-526-7881
(No fax available)
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Doretha Eason
Route 2, Box 266
Cobbtown, GA 30420
912-684-4566
Or
Whitaker Funeral Home
25 N. Kennedy Street
Metter, GA 30439
912-685-5158
912-685-3884(fax)
Submitted by:
BB Calloway
AME Sixth District Headquarters
2900 Chamblee Tucker Road
Building Three
Atlanta, GA 30341
770-220-1770
770-220-9996(fax)
www.sixthepiscopaldistrict.org
AME.SEDHeadquarters@sixthepiscopaldistrict.org
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs. Irene Williams, the grandmother of Rev. Birdie Parker, passed away on Monday, March 26, 2007. Rev. Birdie Parker is an associate minister at Campbell Chapel A.M.E. Church, in Pulaski, TN where her husband, Pastor Joseph Parker is the pastor.
Service Arrangements
Family visitation
Friday, March 30, 2007
1:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.
Funeral
Saturday, March 31, 2007
11:00 A.M.
West Memorial Funeral Home
103 Jefferson Street
Starkville, MS 39759
(662) 323-6674 Phone
(662) 323-9531 Fax
Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. Birdie Parker
960 La Vergne Lane
La Vergne, TN 37086
(615) 793 - 0921
Bereavement Notice
From: The 8th Episcopal District - A.M.E. Church
21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Herbert E. Fields, age 63 of Slidell, LA died on Monday, March 26, 2007 in Nicholson, Mississippi. He is the brother of The Reverend Frederick L. Fields, pastor of St. James AME Church, Picayune, MS
Service arrangements for Herbert E. Fields
Visitation:
Saturday, March 31, 2007
10:00 am - 11: am
Hartzell Mt. Zion United Methodist Church
41040 Hwy. 190 East
Slidell, LA
(985) 643-3555 Phone
Memorial Service:
Saturday, March 31, 2007
11:00 am
Hartzell Mt. Zion United Methodist Church
41040 Hwy. 190 East
Slidell, LA
Arrangements are entrusted to:
McDonald Funeral Home
401 W. Canal St
Picayune, MS 39466
(601) 798-1212 Phone
(601) 798-2332 Fax
Condolences may be sent to:
Rev. Frederick L. Fields
57049 McManus Road
Slidell, La 70461
(985) 502-3175 Phone
Email fredfields@peoplepc.com
Or to:
St. James AME Church
c/o Pastor Frederick L. Fields
700 Jones Street
Picayune, MS 39466
Submitted by:
Evelyn H. Markey
Office Manager
8th Episcopal District - A.M.E. Church
4480 Gen DeGaulle Drive - Suite 210 A
New Orleans, LA 70131
Please remember the bereaved family in your prayers.
God Bless!
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
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936
Fax: (615) 833-3781
Cell: (615) 403-7751
23. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; 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.
