Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
1. A REASON BLACKS MIGHT HAVE PROPENSITY FOR HYPERTENSION:
The reason African-Americans have a propensity for high blood pressure is because when the slaves came through the Middle Passage those who had the ability to retain more salt in their systems survived. They had higher blood pressure than the ones who did not survive. That was good for that period of time. Today, we still have that in our genes; however, we no longer need it since we're no longer on slave ships. But we're stuck with those genes anyhow.
-- Dr. Mehmet Oz on "Oprah"
2. SHORTER CHAPEL A.M.E. CHURCH, FRANKLIN, TENNESSEE WELCOMES THE RIGHT REVEREND VASHTI MURPHY MCKENZIE:
Shorter Chapel A.M.E. Church, Franklin, Tennessee welcomes guest speaker, the Right Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie, presiding prelate of the 13th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church for the Sunday, May 6th, 2007 11.00 a.m. Holy Communion worship service and dedication of the Bazelia S. Harris Community Life Center.
The theme for the event will be “Unity: Spirit, Mind, and Body; Working Together in the Fullness of Christ.” The focus scripture for the dedication is, "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bound or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." I Corinthians 12:13 (MPH Bible)
The Bazelia S. Harris Community Life Center will be used for church and community outreach and uplift.
Shorter Chapel AME Church is located at 255 Natchez Street, Franklin, Tennessee, telephone: 615-790-6611. The Rev. Charlotte B. Sydnor is the pastor. Dinner will be served following Worship Service.
3. AME PRESIDING ELDER ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE NEW JERSEY COUNCIL OF CHURCHES:
The Reverend Dr. Robert C. Wade, Presiding Elder of The Camden-Trenton District, New Jersey Conference, First Episcopal District, has been elected president of the New Jersey Council of Churches. The NJCC is the state's largest ecumenical organization, composed of 16 Christian denominations with more than 3,500 congregations. The Council plays a strategic role in New Jersey as it brings a unified Christian voice to public questions and stimulates practical problem solving-frequently linking churches with coalitions of diverse organizations around important issues.
Its impact ranges from the seat of state government in Trenton and federal government in Washington, D.C. to the academic world, organizations and the region's business and labor communities. While honoring the varied backgrounds and positions of its member denominations, the Council works to clarify the Christian theological and ethical values which are the foundations for the strategies and programs which address concrete issues and social problems
Check is in the mail.
Presiding Elder Robert C. Wade, D.Min,
Camden-Trenton District
4. GAINES CHAPEL CELEBRATES FELLOWSHIP DAY AND GROUNDBREAKING FOR THEIR NEW CHURCH:
Phenix City, AL – (April 24, 2007)
On Sunday, April 24, 2007, Gaines Chapel A.M.E. Church in Phenix City, Alabama, held a groundbreaking ceremony for their new facility along with their celebration of Fellowship Day. Under the leadership of Pastor Richard Carter, who was appointed to Gaines Chapel three years ago by Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, Gaines Chapel has moved from “Vision to Victory.” Fellowship Day is an annual day held on the Fourth Sunday in April. This day was begun over fifty years ago as a partnership between Gaines Chapel A. M. E. Church and Franchise Missionary Baptist Church. The two churches, located across the street from each other, have fostered a lasting fellowship of love and peace with the mission of seeking and saving those who are lost. Ironically, the pastors of both churches lived in the same hometown and have a family connection that extends back as far as the Fellowship Day program itself.
Fellowship Day this year was different from any other, for it brought with it a day of shouting and rejoicing under the beautiful blue skies of the sunny South. With the inclusion of the groundbreaking ceremony, this day held added excitement and new meaning to the words “stepping out on faith.” On this day, the Son of God shone brightly in all His glory and His presence was strongly felt. Bishop Kirkland, who has brought the Fellowship Day message for the last two years, again electrified the congregation with his “Down Home Preaching with an Uptown Message.” On this day Bishop Kirkland chose to preach from II Samuel 5:17: “When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they went up in full force to search for him, but David heard about it and went down to the stronghold.” In his message entitled “I’m In It, To Win It,” Bishop Kirkland pointed to three things that the people of Gaines Chapel must keep in mind as they go forward in the building project and in life.
1. We must prioritize the privilege of prayer. Why? “Divine elevation causes Demonic agitation.”
2. We must develop a partnership with God.
3. We must participate in His kingdom building.
The Day was filled with prayer and praise as the Sanctuary Choir of Gaines Chapel, under the direction of the minister of music Ms. Fannie Caldwell, sang such songs as, “I Came to Magnify the Lord”, “God Is Keeping Me,” “The Struggle Is Over” and “You’re In the Right Place at the Time.” Prior to Bishop Kirkland’s sermon, Ms. Cicely Dixon rendered the occasion in which she admonished the overflowing crowd to STAND! Taking her thoughts from the theme S.T.A.N.D., which is a mnemonic that means Steadfast, Trust, And, Never, Doubt, Ms. Dixon stated, “In order for us to continue to move forward, we must to stand together. Even when people ask how we are accomplishing our task, tell them we’re standing still and waiting. Waiting on our Jehovah Jirah – Our Provider, Our Jehovah Nisse – He reigns in victory, Our Jehovah Shalom – Our Prince of Peace.” She further stated, “This morning we are standing for Him, who stood for us way back on Calvary, and He is still standing today for my sins and your sins; stand!”
Following the morning worship service Bishop, Kirkland, Presiding Elder Ralph Neal, Pastor Carter, the Stewards and Trustees led the congregation to the site of the new 2.1 million dollar church where the groundbreaking ceremony was held. The new facility will house the sanctuary, bookstore, nursery, Library, stage, baptistery, commercial kitchen and office space. To God be the glory!
Submitted by Richard Carter, Pastor
5. FIND PLACE AT STATEHOUSE FOR FLAG THAT DENOTES HISTORY, NOT HERITAGE:
By Joseph A. Darby
I thank Sen. Glenn McConnell for his measured and thoughtful words on the placement of a Confederate battle flag at the State House in the April 25 Post and Courier. I appreciate his tone because most of the letters to the editor criticizing USC Coach Steve Spurrier's recent call for the flag's removal have been far too shrill, inflammatory, derogatory, obstinate and utterly misinformed to merit a response.
Since the senator eloquently stated his case, I'd like to respond as former first vice president of the South Carolina Conference of the NAACP and as one of those who drafted the resolution for the NAACP's interstate tourism sanctions.
The senator and I disagree on what constitutes "sovereign placement." The NAACP sanctions resolution called for the flag's removal "from all places of sovereignty" in anticipation of its possible placement in front of the State House. The NAACP maintains that the only flags that should fly in front of any public building - be it a post office, a school or the Statehouse - should be the flags of existing sovereign governments. The "bipartisan compromise" has failed to settle the issue for a couple of reasons.
The first is that the "compromise" was reached among members of the Senate in the early morning hours of the day when it was passed by the Senate. By the time it reached the House of Representatives, the vote shows that bipartisan and bi-racial support had waned considerably. The second is that "compromise" requires two opposing sides to meet in the middle. There was general agreement that the flag should be moved from its former locations. The compromise discussion thereafter included two opposing positions: that the flag should be removed from the grounds entirely, and that the only possible alternative placement was at the Confederate Soldier's Monument. By that measure, one side simply prevailed and the other side did not, and that's not real compromise.
The senator also rightfully acknowledges his role in the creation of the African-American history monument. I initially served on the planning committee, as well, but stepped away when it became apparent that the African-American monument would eventually become a tactical "quid pro quo" resource to justify the placement of the flag.
Having offered that clarification; let me add a few personal words. I share the senator's passion for tolerance and mutual respect, but those virtues go both ways. I therefore encourage the senator to refrain from accusing those who believe that the issue still needs resolution of "engaging in irresponsible grandstanding," asserting that we "make a living by fanning the flames of intolerance and by selling the bigotry of victimhood" or claiming that we see the flag as a "... convenient symbol ... to promote ... agendas, to increase membership, to raise funds or sell newspapers." Mutual tolerance and mutual respect require those on opposite sides of an issue to be tolerant and respectful of each other.
I have no interest, whatsoever, in obliterating the role of the flag in Southern history. The armies that marched, fought, and died behind that flag are an interwoven element of the fabric of Southern history. That history, however, is of a nation formed in part to assure the right of states to maintain an economic system based on people owning people. Slavery is also a part of American history and the flag of the United States of America flew for a time over northern slavery. The United States of America, however, is still an existing sovereign government. The Confederate States of America no longer exists as a sovereign government.
While that history is a part of my history, the accompanying heritage is not my heritage. History is a matter of objective facts, while heritage involves a fond embrace and ownership of the causes tied to the facts. I respect the heritage of those whose ancestors fought, suffered and died for the cause they embraced and encourage them to display it by appropriate means. I can not, however, embrace their heritage.
There's adequate room on the grounds of the Statehouse for the placement of the flag in a position that clearly denotes history and not heritage, and I do hope that it's found and agreed to sooner rather than later so that the matter can be resolved and so that all South Carolinians can celebrate our shared history and offer appropriate respect to our diverse heritage.
The Rev. Joseph A. Darby is senior pastor, Morris Brown African Methodist Episcopal Church
6. SIMULTANEOUS CHRISTIAN EDUCATION DAY IN SOUTH CAROLINA:
On Saturday, March 3, 2007, under the leadership of the Right Reverend Preston W. Williams II, the Seventh Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church conducted its second annual Simultaneous Christian Education Day. This statewide event took place at 7 separate locations throughout the Seventh Episcopal District, where Christian education directors, instructors, and staff provided theological education support and services to nearly 2000 participants from across the state of South Carolina.
According to Bishop Williams, “One of the central focuses of my administration is to make certain the theological education needs of both clergy and laity are not only being met, but advanced here in the Seventh Episcopal District. My goal is to bring innovative and transformative theological education to our collective AME Church body. Simultaneous Christian Education Day is a tremendous opportunity for the entire Seventh Episcopal District to come together and increase our knowledge of Biblical theology through the study of the holy word of God.”
Consistent with 2006, this year’s 2007 Simultaneous CED Day remained focused on ‘Certification.’ In that there are 12 required classes one must take to become fully certified to teach Sunday School, Bible Study, Youth Groups, etc., the initial focus has been on identifying which areas of study are most in need by the collective Seventh Episcopal District, and making those classes available to individuals throughout the state of South Carolina.
Sister Kabrina Bass, Episcopal CED Director, states, “It is critically important that where there are needs, we make sure to be present. Through our Simultaneous Christian Education Day we are meeting the certification requirement needs of the Seventh Episcopal District. Also, through the certification of those individuals who want to learn and teach, we are building a strong theological foundation that will under gird the entire Seventh District and Connectional AME body of Christ. Because in 2006 and 2007, many individuals have now fulfilled their 12 course certification requirements, in 2008 we will focus on children ministry (ages 0-12), youth ministry (ages 13-24), adult ministry (ages 24 and up), and family ministry, by strengthening teachers’ skills in those specialized areas.”
Brother Lynwood Lewis served as Episcopal Coordinator, and at Moncks Corner AME Church in the Palmetto Conference, where the Rev. Richard A. Harkness is pastor, and both Presiding Elder Allen W. Parrott and Dr. Ila McFadden served as coordinators, ‘Religious Pluralism’ was taught by Dr. James Cooper, and ‘Christian Stewardship’ by Rev. Steven Singleton. At Mt. Pisgah AME Church in the Northeast Conference, where Rev. M. Charmaine Ragin is pastor, and both Dr. Willie Smith and the Rev. Donnie McBride served as coordinators; ‘Teaching Your Teachers’ was taught by Sister Delores Jenkins, and ‘Administering the Church School’ was taught by Presiding Elder Rosalyn Coleman. At Pine Grove AME Church in the Columbia Conference, where Rev. Lavern Witherspoon is pastor, and both Dr. Gregory Grooms Sr. and the Rev. Casey Childs served as coordinators, ‘The Historical Foundation of Christian Education’ was taught by Rev. J.C. Roberts, and ‘Survey of the Old Testament’ by Dr. Bennie Colclough. At Greater Unity AME Church in the South Carolina Conference, where Rev. Julius Steed is pastor, and both Sister Maryanne Jones and Rev. Rickey Dennis served as coordinators, ‘The Historical Foundation of Christian Education’ was taught by Rev. E. Roberts Thomas, and ‘AME Liturgy & Worship’ by Rev. Barbara Chisolm. At Long Cane AME Church in the Piedmont Conference, where Rev. Dr. Julius Johnson is pastor, and both Sister Kabrina Bass and Rev. Wayman Coleman served as coordinators, ‘Introduction to Christian Education’ was taught by Rev. Clay Barrow, and ‘AME Articles of Religion’ by Dr. J.C. Evans. At Liberty Hill AME Church in the Central Conference, where Rev. Melvin Capers is pastor, and both Dr. Juenarrl Keith and Sister Annie Simmons served as coordinators, ‘Interpersonal Communication’ was taught by Sis. Carmen Thomas, and ‘Effective Teaching’ by Dr. Vincent Johnson.
For information on the 2008 Simultaneous Christian Education Day, contact Sister Kabrina Bass at 803.935.0500 ext. 106 or adminchristianed@ame7.org .
7. THE 2007 ANNUAL WOMEN’S SPIRITUAL RETREAT—KINGDOM WOMEN WITH HOLY GHOST POWER, OUR HEARTS ARE FIXED AND OUR MINDS ARE…WILL BE HELD MAY 31-JUNE 2 AT EBENEZER AME CHURCH, FORT WASHINGTON, MARYLAND:
The 2007 Annual Women’s Spiritual Retreat—Kingdom Women with Holy Ghost Power, Our Hearts are Fixed and our Minds are Made up…for the Things of God! Our foundational scriptures are Psalm 57:7, Proverbs 3:5-6, Matthew 22:37-38, Philippians 2:5-8 and Colossians 3:1-11. God has awesome blessings in store for all of us as we celebrate Ebenezer’s 24th Annual Women’s Season and our 23rd Annual Women’s Spiritual Retreat.
Throughout the year, we have prayed that God would use this spirit-filled weekend to bless and spiritually strengthen women from near and far. As sisters travel from around the world to join us in Washington, DC, we believe that He will answer each of our individual petitions and meet every one of our specific needs.
Women of God, we ask that you commit today to experience this journey God has prepared for us all. God wants each of us to be whole in all areas of our lives. We know that once the master physician fixes our hearts and prepares our minds, we can truly be the mighty Kingdom Woman He has called each one of us to be!
It is our heart’s desire that you will join us on Thursday, May 31-Saturday, June 2 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC. Don’t miss what the Lord has planned for you—take the time that you need to be empowered spiritually—request the days off of work, make the necessary childcare arrangements and reserve your room today!
We believe that through the 2007 Women’s Spiritual Retreat experience, you will come to know in your heart, soul and mind that you are truly a Kingdom Woman with Holy Ghost Power, Our Hearts are Fixed and Our Minds are Made Up… for the Things of God!
Thank you for your love, prayers and commitment as we continue together in the journey of Kingdom building.
Pastor Jo Ann Browning
8. WHEN THE PRESENT MEETS THE PAST ALL IS HISTORY:
By Joyce Parrish O’Neal and Phyllis Parrish Alston (Teenage sisters and members of Brown Chapel AME Church in 1965)
History was made again at Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church, Selma, Alabama on Sunday, March 2, 2007. The pulpit was filled to capacity with history makers, past and present. Barak Obama, United States Senator from Illinois and presidential candidate was the keynote speaker at the church services commemorating “Bloody Sunday”. Sharing the pulpit was the Right Reverend T. Larry Kirkland, the able leader of the Anointed Ninth Episcopal District. Bishop Kirkland brought remarks and evoked the Holy Spirit reminiscent of the Mass Meetings of the 1960’s with his soulful, spiritual rendition of “I Won’t Complain.” John Lewis, U.S. House of Representatives, Rev. Joseph Lowery, former president of SCLC, Artur Davis, U.S. House of Representatives , 7th Congressional District(Alabama) and Rev. Clete Kiley, President of Faith and Politics all gave rousing remarks and recalled the importance of remembering the past as we forge a better future.
The church over flowed with civil rights activists, students and the general public. The audience included Rev. C.T. Vivian, Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, former Alabama Governor, Don Sigleman, members of Faith and Politics, members of the Black Mayors Association and a delegation from the National Park Service. A large delegation of Alabama representatives and senators was also present.
Presidential hopeful, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, also toured Brown Chapel AME Church after speaking a block away at the also famous First Baptist Church. At Brown Chapel she and her husband, former President, Bill Clinton, joined the re-enactment march across the famed Edmund Pettus Bridge along with Barak Obama and the other dignitaries and locals.
Two presidential candidates, Senator Clinton and Senator Obama, stood, spoke, prayed, sang and marched where civil rights leaders proclaimed in the 1960s, “Hands that once picked cotton will pick presidents.” As the past and the present merged on March 4, 2007, the faces in the crowd reflected both memories of a bloody past and hope for a peaceful future.
Brown Chapel’s current structure, now a National Historic Landmark, was built in 1908, by a black builder. It was the first AME church in Alabama and was founded in 1866. When opening its doors to the struggle in the 1960’s Brown Chapel continued the legacy of intolerance to social injustice left by Richard Allen, the noted founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church Under the leadership of then Bishop I.H. Bonner and pastor, Rev. P.H. Lewis, Brown Chapel played a pivotal role in marches that helped lead to the passage of the Voting Rights Act. It served as host to the Southern Christian Leadership Conference for the first three months of 1965. It was the steps of Brown Chapel where men on horses rode beating marchers as they returned to the church fleeing tear gas and night sticks and total mayhem.
Under the capable leadership of the current pastor, Rev. James E. Jackson and the current prelate, Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, the church continues to serve as a viable entity with programs that address the needs of its parishioners and the community.
The Rev. James E. Jackson, pastor
410 Martin L. King Street
Selma, Al 36703
9. REFOUNDING: BUILDING UPON THE LEGACY:
Jesus was a revolutionary in His time. Richard Allen and the Free African Society were revolutionary in their time. Many of the great legacy (now kind of stifling) Christian movements were revolutionary in their beginnings. Now more than ever, it is time for the African Methodist Episcopal church to as Bob Kobielush, President of Christian Camp and Conference Association, stated in his call to action to Camp Directors to a “Refounding.” His call should serve as a call to the A.M.E. church as well.
We have regaled the story of our Founders being pulled off of the altar ad nauseam. This great legacy no longer resonates with the younger generations. It is because we have neglected to add new perspectives by developing fresh concepts onto this heroic story. We need to be Refounders, if we are to survive.
Kobielush wrote (2007) The Refounder “exercises the very best of entrepreneurial and management behavior; rebuilds organizations into organism that have new life, passion and reason for being; and drives for change that, once again, produces a movement of God”. Further he wrote, “To reserve the slide to irrelevance, we must start with the basics, including our call to ministry. This is our reason for doing what we do. Then we must assess our situation, rediscover what is core, revisit our resolve, and employ a brand of leadership that is appropriate for the times.”
What does this means for our Zion? It is a call to go back and look at the mission of the Church. Christ called us to “make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.” Do our current gatherings of worship services and meetings reflect this great mandate from the Lord? Do our hearts burn when we hear the Word from these occasions? Do we return home feeling the charge to evangelize? Or do we cringe because of the social club-like atmosphere of most our occasions? If we are to use the concept of refounding; we must go back to the Scriptures. We must develop worship that will bring back life to our churches.
Furthermore, we must look at our denomination as it is today. We need to build upon our legacy, but not wallow in it. There are many great things that the A.M.E. church has done for society, in particular, the African-American community. There is more to be done. One of our greatest aspects is the Connectional system. This aspect is often neglected. In a world that has social networks for six year olds, why are we still hampered by useless means of communication such as Quarterly Conferences and other such meetings? Why are Annual Conferences so long? Does the General Conference really need to be ten days? Why does it take more than a year to get a copy of the current Discipline? We need to reassess the virtues of having Episcopal District. Why are we not using them to their full advantage? No local church should have to figure out taxes, laws & regulations alone. Every Episcopal District should have an office of experts in finance, law, construction, etc. available to assist pastors and staff. Our website should be the home page on every church’s desktop as the source to receive up-to-the-minute information on liturgies, themes and other topics that the church leadership needs to run effective ministries.
If we are to return to our legacy and heritage as Christians and members of the A.M.E. Church, we must resolve to become Refounders. We must return to our roots of revolution. It will be painful, but Jesus suffered on our behalf. Is our church not worth it?
Sources:
Kobielush, R. (2007). “Let Us Start Rebuilding” Executive Briefing, 5(4). Colorado Springs: Christian Camp and Conference Association
*Orletta E. Caldwell is a member of Payne Chapel A.M.E. Church, Colorado Springs CO
10. AARP AND JOINT CENTER FOR POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC STUDIES RELEASE SURVEY OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN VOTERS IN SOUTH CAROLINA:
Nearly All African-American Voters in South Carolina Think Presidential Candidates Should Commit to Action on Affordable Health Care (97%), Retirement Security (96%), and Family Financial Security (95%)
Columbia, SC (BlackNews.com) - Hours before the first Democratic presidential debate in Orangeburg, AARP and the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies have released the results of a survey designed to gain insight into the issues African-Americans voters in South Carolina want political candidates to address.
The survey results show that more than eight in ten people polled consider the issues of affordable health care (85%), strengthening Social Security (82%), and the cost of prescription drugs (81%) to be important considerations in their choice of a presidential candidate. Nearly all think candidates for President should commit to action on affordable health care (97%), retirement security (96%), and family financial security (95%).
"As observers of the South Carolina political scene are well aware, the African-American vote is very important and influential in this state," said Ralph B. Everett, the Joint Center's President and CEO. "But it is also true that African-Americans do not vote as a block, and this poll shows that they are carefully weighing the issues and will assess the multitude of candidates accordingly."
"While 81 percent of South Carolina African-Americans have employer provided, government sponsored, or individually purchased health insurance, almost half (45%) say it is very or somewhat difficult to pay their health insurance premiums. Health reform proposals from the presidential candidates should address rising health care costs faced by insured families if they are to connect with voter concerns," said Everett.
"A candidate must clearly state his or her views on health care, Social Security, and other issues important to African-Americans and the public at large, so that voters will have the opportunity to make an informed choice about which candidate to vote for," said Joyce Payne, member, AARP National Board of Directors. The survey reported that African-American voters in South Carolina are already highly engaged in the 2008 Presidential campaign. Eighty-five percent are either very or somewhat closely following coverage even though the South Carolina primary is almost one year away. To be responsive to this interest, candidates will need to aggressively reach out to African-American voters in South Carolina and nationally on issues that are important to this critical voting constituency.
Nancy LeaMond, AARP Group Executive Officer, Office of Social Impact, "African-American voters in South Carolina see that Washington is stuck in gridlock and too dominated by special interests. And AARP agrees. We need our leaders to stop bickering and work together to address the financial and health security problems that so many Americans face." Seventy-one percent feel the country is more politically divided today and 77% consider the political process in Washington to be seriously broken.
"AARP and our allies like the Joint Center are working diligently to entice and engage the candidates to create solutions, not roadblocks in solving these critical domestic issues. Through our Divided We Fail campaign, we will see these solutions and opportunities come forward."
Another important finding:
* Maintaining a strong Social Security system is important to African-American retirement security. One-third (33%) of African-American likely voters in South Carolina will rely on Social Security as their major source of income in retirement. Fewer expect to rely mainly on an employer-sponsored pension plan (19%) and more expect to rely mostly on their own retirement savings (43%).
A full copy of the study can be found at: www.aarp.org/research/legis-polit/elections/aarpsc_jointcenter.html
Background:
The AARP and the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies conducted a survey in South Carolina among 700 African-American likely voters in April of 2007. The purpose of the survey was to understand the concerns African-Americans in South Carolina want to see addressed by candidates for the respective Democratic and Republican political party nominations. AARP is proud to be working with the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies. As the premier think tank on issues of concern to African-American voters, the Joint Center provides unparalleled insight into the most important public policy issues of the day. By collaborating closely with the Joint Center, AARP seeks to both understand and highlight the unique perspectives of African-Americans.
Recently, AARP unveiled Divided We Fail (http://www.dividedwefail.org/), a national effort designed to engage the American people, elected officials and the business community to find broad-based, bi-partisan solutions to the most compelling domestic issues facing the nation - health care and the lifetime financial security of Americans. The campaign will encompass traditional grassroots work, advertising in national outlets and in the primary states, and online activities which will engage the public, business and elected officials in the debate, encouraging public leaders to offer solutions.
The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies is a national, nonprofit research and public policy institution based in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1970; it is recognized as one of the nation's premier think tanks that focus on issues of importance and concern to African Americans and other people of color. For more information about the Joint Center, visit its Web site at http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=t7ngg4bab.0.rzoypybab.dinu5xbab.39027&ts=S0242&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jointcenter.org or call 202-789-3500.
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. We produce AARP The Magazine, published bimonthly; AARP Bulletin, our monthly newspaper; AARP Segunda Juventud, our bimonthly magazine in Spanish and English; NRTA Live & Learn, our quarterly newsletter for 50+ educators; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
11. SIDLEY PRE-LAW SCHOLARS PROGRAM:
A lack of resources to attend costly LSAT preparation classes and to fund expensive law school applications is a significant factor in hindering the application to law school by many diverse students. The Sidley Pre-law Scholars Initiative is designed to help address this threshold issue by meeting the specific needs of racially diverse students seeking to attend law school. Sidley Pre-law Scholars, chosen from college juniors and seniors who demonstrate academic promise and financial need, will receive financial support to cover both tuition in a commercial LSAT preparation course, as well as application fees for as many as seven accredited law schools (up to $2,500 total). Over twenty-five colleges and universities are slated to participate in the 2007 program nationwide.
“Sidley has a significant commitment to achieving greater ethnic and racial diversity within the legal profession and the firm. We wanted to develop a program that would widen the pipeline by helping to eliminate barriers at an earlier stage in a student’s career,” said Thomas A. Cole, chairman of the firm’s Executive Committee. “Our Diversity Committee and staff are to be congratulated for developing this creative approach.”
Other critical components of the program include:
• coaching on how to complete a successful law school application;
• an additional $2,500 in scholarship assistance for the senior year of college; and
• pre-law school seminar instruction on the structure of the
American legal system, as well as an introduction to the substance of the required common law first-year courses.
“From my personal experience as a graduate of a historically black university, I know that there is a need for more financial assistance for students from historically black colleges and universities (“HBCUs”) who are hopeful of obtaining professional degrees. We believe that the Sidley Pre-law Scholars Initiative will create opportunities for graduates at HBCUs and for financially needy students from other institutions,” said Stanley Stallworth. Stallworth is the firm-wide Co-chair of the firm’s Diversity Committee, which is responsible for implementing the firm’s policies and initiatives relating to diversity and inclusion.
Drawing upon her background as an admission professional at the University of Chicago Law School, Director of Diversity Manager Kathryn R. Stell will be overseeing the Sidley Pre-law Scholars Initiative. “Working with minority undergraduates made me acutely aware of the financial barriers preventing many diverse students from becoming viable law school candidates. The Sidley Pre-law Scholars Initiative helps meet those needs of minority pre-law candidates.”
Eligibility
To be considered as a Sidley Pre-law Scholar, one must:
• Be a second semester junior or senior, graduating from college in good standing no later than June 30, 2008
• Be a native-born or naturalized U.S. citizen
• Timely submit a complete application
• Demonstrate financial need through the application and supporting materials
For the 2007 program, apply from ONE of the two applicant groups:
Applicant Group I:
Students who are enrolled at one of the following undergraduate institutions:
Alabama A&M University
Columbia University
Emory University
Florida A&M University
Fordham University
Georgetown University
Hampton University
Harvard University
Howard University
Morehouse College
New York University
Northwestern University
Princeton University Spelman College
Texas Southern University
University of California/Berkeley
University of California/Los Angeles
University of Chicago
University of Illinois/Champaign-Urbana
University of Miami
University of Michigan/Ann Arbor
University of North Carolina/Chapel Hill
University of Puerto Rico/Mayaguez
University of Southern California
University of Texas/Austin
University of Virginia
Washington University
Yale University
Applicant Group II:
Any otherwise eligible applicant from any accredited American four-year undergraduate college not listed in Group I. Up to five candidates may be selected for Group II.
To apply for the Sidley Pre-law Scholars initiative, print the attached application and submit as directed. You may also obtain a copy from Room 112 Tucker Hall on the campus of FAMU.
Applications are due by May 30, 2007.
12. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICES:
- The Board of Trust and Faculties of Vanderbilt University announce that Christina Marie Dickerson is a candidate for the Degree of Master of Arts from the Graduate Department of History at Commencement - May 11, 2007 - 9:00 A.M. - Alumni Lawn Nashville, Tennessee. Christina is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Dennis Dickerson, Historiographer/Executive Director, Research and Scholarship of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Congratulatory messages can be sent to: MaryDickerson@comcast.net
- Miss Peyton Hannah Miller was born to Jimal & Riché Miller on Tuesday, April 17th. Little Miss Peyton is the first grandchild of Rev. James & Rev. Lana Miller (DuPage AME Church - Lisle, IL). She is also the great-granddaughter of Rev. Lyman & Mrs. Cleo Parks and the late Presiding Elder Roy & Mrs. Evelyn Miller. She is also the niece of Licentiate Morgan E. Dixon.Dad, Mom, & Baby are doing well!
Congratulatory messages can be sent to: info@dupageamec.org
13. EPISCOPAL FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regrettably announce the passing of Mr. Emory Chestnut. Mr. Chestnut is the brother-in-law of the Right Reverend Preston W. Williams II, Presiding Prelate of the Seventh Episcopal District. Funeral arrangements are as follows:
Viewing Information: 12:00 Noon - Friday, April 27, 2007 Harrell's Funeral Home 400 Cherry Street East Douglas, GA 31533 912-384-2251
Funeral Service: 1:00 PM - Saturday, April 28, 2007 Sears Street Church of God by Faith Sears Street Douglas, Georgia. Funeral Director:
Harrell's Funeral Home
400 Cherry Street
East Douglas, GA 31533
Condolences may be sent to:
Harrell's Funeral Home,
400 Cherry Street
East Douglas, GA 31533
912-384-2251
Submitted by:
Carmen F. Thomas Executive Administrator to the Bishop, Seventh Episcopal District, 110 Pisgah Church Road, Columbia, SC 29203
803-935-0500 x105 Office 803-935-0830 Fax
execadmin@ame7.org mschancler@aol.com
14. GENERAL OFFICER BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Reverend Walter W. Reid, Sr., spouse of Sister Jerrie Reid; father of the Reverend Walter W. Reid, Jr., the Reverend Rodric Reid, Mrs. Deborah Reid Spencer and Mrs. Laurie Reid Jones; brother of retired General Officer, the Rev. Dr. Robert Reid, retired Editor of The Christian Recorder and the Reverend Wesley I. Reid, passed on Monday, April 23rd. Reverend Walter W. Reid was a successful pastor in the both the 13th Episcopal District and in the 4th Episcopal District. He was a preacher par excellence
Service Arrangements:
Family Visitation: Sunday, April 29, 20074:00 PM-8:00 PM
Bethel A.M.E. Church414 W. Vermont Street Indianapolis, IN 46202
317-634-7002 (Phone) 317-634-0923 (Fax)
Homegoing Service: Monday, April 30, 20071:00 PMBethel A.M.E. Church414 W. Vermont Street Indianapolis, IN 46202 317-634-7002 (Phone) 317-634-0923 (Fax)
Professional services are entrusted to: Stuart Mortuary Inc 2201 N. Illinois Street Indianapolis, Indiana 46208 (317) 925-3000 Phone: (317) 925-3204 Fax
Expressions of sympathy and condolence should be sent to:
Mrs. Jerrie Reid and Family4709 West Capitol Indianapolis, IN 46208(317) 251-0947
Email condolences may be sent to the children of The Reverend Walter W. Reid:
The Rev. and Mrs. Walter W. Reid, Jr. (E-Mail) BROWWR15@bellsouth.net
The Rev. and Mrs. Rodric Reid (E-Mail) RKRXJ6@AOL.COM
Mrs. Deborah C. Reid Spencer (E-Mail) SPENCERKNXV@AOL.COM
Mrs. Laurie Reid Jones (E-Mail) Ljones@Momentive.org
A Memorial Educational Fund has been set up in the name of the Reverend Walter W. Reid. Donations may be sent:
The Reid Learning Center
c/o Gerri Reid
P.O. Box 68542
Indianapolis, IN 46268
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs. Rena B. Washington Carmichael, mother of the Rev. A. O. Carmichael, Jr., pastor of St. Phillip AME Church of Wilmington, NC, made her transition to be at rest on April 16, 2007. Mrs. Carmichael had devoted many years of service to St. Matthew AME Church - Raleigh, NC in many different capacities.
Service Arrangements held for Mrs. Rena B. Washington Carmichael: Viewing:Haywood Funeral HomeRaleigh, NCMonday, April 23, 20071:00 pm until 8:00 pm.
Funeral services:
Tuesday April 24, 200712:00 noonSt. Matthews AME Church, 1628 Bennett StreetRaleigh, NC.
In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to the A. O. and Rean Carmichael Scholarship Memorial Fund, payable to St. Matthews AME Church, 1628 Bennett Street, Raleigh, NC 27603.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. A. O. Carmichael, Jr. and Family801 Bladen StreetWilmington, NC 28401(910) 762-4059
Or to:
St Phillip AME Church
815 North 8th Street,
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 762-3573
Submitted by: Abdue L. Knox
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs. Nancy Haithco-Price, the mother of The Reverend Jai S. Haithco, Sr., Senior Pastor of Cosmopolitan A.M.E. Church in Atlanta, Georgia died. Mrs. Haithco-Price and her husband lived in Southfield Michigan and she was a life member of the Women's Missionary Society. She was an active member of Oak Grove A.M.E. Church in Detroit, Michigan.
The Following Homegoing Observances Were Held:
Saturday, April 21, 200711:00 Family Hour12:00 NoonMemorial Service
Oak Grove A.M.E. Church19801 CherrylawnDetroit, Michigan 48221Dr. Robert Brumfield, Pastor
Monday, April 23, 200711:00 Family Hour12:00 NoonMemorial Service: Bethel A.M.E. Church535 CathaySaginaw, Michigan 48601Rev. David Saunders, Pastor
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Women's Missionary Society for either of the above churches.
Condolences for Rev. Haithco may be sent to either of the following addresses:
The Rev. Jai S. Haithco, Sr., pastor
Cosmopolitan A.M.E. Church
170 Vine Street, NW
Atlanta, Georgia 30314
Or
The Rev. Jai S. Haithco, Sr. and family
29124 Glencastle
Farmington Hills, Michigan 48336
Submitted by:BB CallowayOffice ManagerSixth Episcopal District Headquarters2900 Chamblee-Tucker Road Building ThreeAtlanta, Georgia 30341TEL: 770.220.1770FAX: 770.220.9996
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Homegoing Celebration for the Rev. Geneva Crawford, mother of the Rev. Dr. Maggie Crawford, pastor of Stearn Chapel AME Church, Bryan, Texas (North Texas Conference - Tyler District).
Service Arrangements:
Saturday, April 28, 2007
12:00 P.M. (Noon)
Evangelist Chapel A.M.E Church
The Rev. Hunt Harris-pastor
3401 Hondo Street
Houston, Texas 77051
Ph: (713) 734-6001
Presiding Elder James W. Ford will deliver the eulogy.
Final earthly care for the Rev. Geneva Crawford has been entrusted to:
Bill Clair Family Mortuary
2603 Southmore Street
Houston, Texas 77004
PH: (713) 522-9030
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Dr. Maggie Crawford
1710 Old Alvin Road, #12101
Pearland, Texas 77581
PH: (281) 485-4179 - HOME
PH: (832) 771-2862
Submitted by:
The Rev. Dr. Sherryl A. Matlock-pastor
St. James A.M.E. Church
Denton, Texas
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The homegoing of Sister America Bunton, widow of the late Rev. A. D. Bunton, and long-time musician at Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church - Italy, Texas (Paul Quinn District- Northwest Texas Conference, 10th Episcopal District.
Homegoing Celebration for Sister Bunton:
11:00 A.M. SaturdayApril 28, 2007 MT.
Zion AME Church
The Rev. Vonciel Jones-Hill, pastor
733 Hardeman Street
Italy, Texas 76651
PH: (972) 483-6656
Viewing:
Friday, April 27, 2007
From 3:00 PM- 9:00 PM
Evergreen Funeral Home
6449 Houston School Road
Dallas, Texas 75241
PH: (214) 376-1500
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Imogene McGee (sister)
1548 Serenade Lane
Dallas, Texas 75241
PH: (214) 677-4958
Submitted by:
The Rev. Dr. Sherryl A. Matlock-PastorSt. James A.M.E. ChurchDenton, Texas
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Ms. Annie Anderson, the mother of the Rev. Deidre Ellis, wife of the Rev. Geoffrey Ellis, West Kentucky Conference passed.
Service arrangements held for Ms. Annie Anderson:
Wake:
Monday, April 23rd
2:00 PM -4:00 PM and 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Funeral:
Tuesday, April 24th
11:00 a.m.
A.D. Porter Funeral Home
1300 W. Chestnut St.
Louisville, KY.
P.E. Linda Thomas MartinLouisville/Paducah DistrictWest Kentucky Conference13th Episcopal District
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of The Reverend Abram Branford, Retired Presiding Elder of the Jamaica Annual Conference, 16th Episcopal District. The Rev. Branford has been a pastor for 45 years and a presiding elder for 13 years.
He slept away peacefully at his residence in Clarendon on Saturday, April 21, 2007 while the Annual Conference was in session at his church, St. Johns A.M.E. in Clarendon. He leaves to mourn his passing, his wife, Mavis Branford; son, Shawn; daughters, Deborah, Rosalyn, Jacqueline, Maxine, Sharon and Julie; 24 grandchildren, and 10 great-grand children, other relatives and the church family.
Funeral Services will be held:
Saturday, May 5, 2007St. Johns A.M.E. ChurchClarendon, Jamaica
Professional services are entrusted to:
Whitter and Sons Co. Ltd. 30 Paisley Avenue (May Pen) Clarendon, JamaicaTelephone Number: 876 986 4146 or 876 986 4419.
Expressions of sympathy and condolence to: Mrs. Mavis Branford (his wife) Telephone number 876 986 4382
Or
Expressions of sympathy may be sent by email to Mrs. Mavis Branford and family.
Send email to: Rev. Barrington Lawrence, Presiding Elder: new4pe@yahoo.com
Or to: Winifee Lawrence, PE District PRO winifee@yahoo.com
21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Sadly, we inform you that Ms. Doris Harris, Sister of Rev. Frank T. Price, passed on Monday, April 23, 2007.
Funeral Arrangements are as follows:
Wake: Sunday, April 29, 20076:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. G. C. Williams Funeral Home Inc. 1935 West BroadwayLouisville, KY 40203(502) 772-3123 Phone (502) 772-5433 Fax
Funeral:
Monday, April 30, 200711:00 A.M.Oak Grove M. B. Church 4033 Vermont StreetLouisville, Kentucky
Condolences can be sent to: The Rev. Frank T. PriceP.O. Box 161148Louisville, KY 40216
Submitted by:
Presiding Elder Linda Thomas MartinLouisville/Paducah DistrictWest Kentucky Conference13th Episcopal District
21. 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
22. 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.
Archive of The Christian Recorder Online from 2004-2016; Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
4/23/2007
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (4/23/07)
Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
1. EDITORIAL - MY TESTIMONY:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
I hope my testimony will be a blessing to others.
I thank God for the African Methodist Episcopal Church because it has not only given me my spiritual foundation, but it also has given me, and my wife Charlotte (Rev. Charlotte B. Sydnor), the motivation to care for our physical bodies. And for that I want to publicly say, thank you to the AME Church.
This is my story.
Before I went into the military to serve as an African Methodist Episcopal Church endorsed chaplain, I pastored in the Kentucky Annual Conference at Shorter Chapel AME Church in Paris, Kentucky and at St, James AME Church in Danville, Kentucky. While assigned to Shorter Chapel, I also had pastoral oversight for Wayman Chapel, Georgetown and while assigned at St. James, had pastoral oversight for St. Andrew’s AME Church, Lancaster, Kentucky. Those churches gave me a great foundation for pastoral ministry. But, that’s not about what I want to give my testimony.
When I pastored, I was like many AME pastors; I, along with my family, served the local church with a passion, but that’s not my testimony today; I thank God for those experiences, but that’s another testimony.
While pastoring, I never had a physical examination. I went to my doctor’s office when I experienced pain or a medical problem, but never a full medical examination. I don’t recall that my wife did either. She had a doctor appointments when she was pregnant or if she had some kind of medical problem, but I do not recall that either of us ever had a full-blown medical examination. I was not alone; I don’t remember any of my fellow pastors ever talking about scheduling or having medical examinations. I went to dentist when I had a toothache or needed a filling. I never heard about flossing until I went into the Army, and by that time some of my back were gone or needed to be replaced.
I never had a physical until I went into the Army where annual physicals were required and as a result of my physicals, I saw to it that my family had regular physicals also.
In 1999, I retired from the Army and my annual physicals ceased. My dental visits ceased. I only saw a doctor or a dentist when I experienced a problem. I had reverted to my old pre-Army, AME pastor behavior of neglect.
But, I thank God for the AME Church and its quadrennial focus of Living well, Serving Well, Managing Well and Ending Well, and especially Living Well.
We moved to Nashville in 2004 and sometime in 2005, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie invited me into her office to share with me about the quadrennial focus of Living Well and all that the AME Church was going to do around that focus. She literally “preached” to me about the importance of our members and especially of our clergy’s need to live well and to take responsibility for their health. She shared with me that she and Supervisor Stan McKenzie had found a physician and a dentist. I thought to myself, this message is for me, but I didn’t do anything.
Sometime after the episode in Bishop McKenzie’s office, I was chatting with Dr. Johnny Barbour and he told me that he was not going to be in the office the following week because he was taking his physical. I was beginning to feel guilty when he asked me when my physical was scheduled. I had to admit that I had not had a physical scheduled and then I really began to feel a deeper guilt and admitted that I had not yet found a physician or a dentist. I walked out of Dr. Barbour’s office promising myself that I needed to find a primary physician and a dentist.
Shortly after the conversation in Dr. Barbour’s office, Mr. Marcus Henderson, a member at St. John AME Church in Nashville approached me about financial planning and I shared with him that I was looking for a physician and a dentist. Within hours, he gave me the name of a physician and a dentist, their telephone numbers and had contacted them to tell them that I would be calling and making appointments for me and my wife, Charlotte. I knew that the LORD was working with my situation in my conversations with Bishop McKenzie, Dr. Barbour and Mr. Henderson. And the rest is history; we are back on schedule with our physicals and dental appointments and for that, I thank the AME Church and especially for our quadrennial focus.
I praise God for my wife’s medical care, I praise God for my dental visits, which have resulted in my getting teeth implants (I cannot tell the difference between my implants and my own teeth). I praise God for my doctor’s appointments, in which I found out that I need knee replacement surgery. I am having total knee replacement surgery for both knees on May 1, 2007. I praise God for that revelation.
I will take God’s blessing anyway that God gives them to me, whether it is a “slap over the head healing,” taking pills, changing my life style, or having surgery.
So, I thank God for the people, who have spoken with me, shared with me and promised to pray for me. I thank God for all who will pray for me. Dr. Kenneth Hill, retired Secretary-Treasurer of Christian Education, gave me words of encouragement that might be encouraging to others who will be experiencing pain. He told me that he told his mother, when she had knee replacement surgery and was experiencing pain to think of the pain as, “Healing pain.” I am going to thank God for the healing pain.
That’s my testimony.
And now, a little sermon from me to all of you, especially to our preachers; we need to take better care of our physical and dental health. I hope that my testimony will inspire others to “do the right thing” and make that doctor’s appointment or that dental appointment so that you might experience Living Well so that you can Serve Well and Manage Well and Continue Well in ministry and continue to Live Well into retirement.
2. WHERE WAS THE PROMISE OF THE RESURRECTION IN THE REMARKS OF THE CHRISTIAN MINISTER AT THE VIRGINIA TECH MEMORIAL SERVICE?:
*Ms Loretta Moore
Virginia Tech is a state operated university and must follow certain constitutional guidelines pertaining to religious activities. All too often, the interpretation of such guidelines places more emphasis on the “separation of church and state” clause of the First Amendment and less attention to the First Amendment’s “freedom of exercise of religion” clause. Virginia Tech’s Convocation in honor of victims shot on its campus made me reflect on how restrictive interpretation of these constitutional clauses seems to interfere with Christians’ rights to express their beliefs. Christ’s promise of the resurrection is a vital message that gives hope to a world mourning the disastrous events that occurred at Virginia Tech. How tragic that these words could not be read at that convocation service:
“I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” John 11:25-26.
What hope these words give to the believer in Christ when read by the minister at times of death!
There were four religions represented by speakers during the convocation: Islam, Buddhism; Judaism and Christianity. All but the Christian, seemed able to impart some words of encouragement and hope based on their religious beliefs. The Muslim invoked the name of Allah and read passages from the Koran. The Buddhist quoted words of a Buddhist priest to bring encouragement. The Rabbi read from the book of Ecclesiastes and her words were repeated in Hebrew by a translator. Yet, when the Christian minister spoke, no reference to God was a part of his vocabulary.
I was deeply disappointed when the Christian representative, a Lutheran Minister, gave a very SECULAR presentation. One blog poster characterized it as “generic Christianity”. I reject the accuracy of that characterization. The minister did not say the word “God” nor read a verse of Scripture from the Bible. Needless to say, he did not invoke the name of Jesus. Even President Bush mentioned God, and prayer and referred to the Scriptures in his remarks. The Christian minister did not read any passage from the Bible, New Testament or Old. The closest he got to the resurrection promise is when he spoke in euphemistic terms of the “light of love” and the “darkness of evil”. These few excerpts demonstrate how the Christian minister began and ended:
We gather this afternoon for many purposes….We gather to share our hurts and our hopes, our petitions and our prayers. We gather together weeping…. with an agony too deep for words.
But also we gather, affirming the sovereignty of life over death. At times such as this the darkness of evil seems powerful indeed…. And yet we come to this place to testify that the light of love cannot be defeated. We come to testify that the light shineth in the darkness
Amid all our pain, we confess that the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it…Let us deny death’s power…. Let us cast our lot with hope in defiance of despair. I invite you to observe a moment of silence.
How sad, the Christian minister did not even read from the book of Psalms. How sad that the Christian minister could not read a scripture from the New Testament to give hope in place of despondency. How sad that the Christian minister could not give the promise of the resurrection.
The abrupt ending to the Christian’s words with “let us have a moment of silence” left a pall of hopelessness over those congregated in the auditorium. I looked at the empty faces in the auditorium as the TV camera panned across the crowd. Some had their faces buried in their hands or in the shoulders of a companion. Open faces revealed utter despair. The agony of the moment seemed prolonged as though everyone was waiting to hear some promise of hope.
Eventually, the band began to play softly and slowly the hymn, “Amazing Grace.” After the band finished, the dead silence returned until someone in the stands shouted an invitation to recite the prayer of “our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Virtually everyone in the audience stood to their feet and recited the Lord’s Prayer!
How is it that members of all the other religious faiths could profess their beliefs and even read passages from their holy scriptures except the Christian? Why do Christians feel compelled to compromise our beliefs so not to offend someone?. I was not offended as I heard the Muslim bless Mohammed in Arabic, the Buddhist quote the priest or the Rabbi speak in Hebrew. I do not believe there is a constitutional right not to be offended. In refusing to say the name “Jesus” we affirm that his powerful name offends. Jesus said, “And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended by me.” Matt. 11:6
I am not an ordained minister or theologian. I am just a layperson who is concerned about ministers who appear at public events to represent Christians but lack boldness to profess their Christian beliefs. Perhaps the bold ones are not invited because they have made it known that they will profess their Christian beliefs and call on the name of Jesus.
*Ms. Loretta Moore is a member and steward at Allen Chapel AME Church, where the Rev. Robert R. Shaw is pastor, Northwest Missouri Conference, 5th Episcopal District
3. CONGRESSMAN JAMES CLYBURN STATEMENT ON EARTH DAY:
WASHINGTON, DC- In honor of Earth Day, which is celebrated Sunday, April 22, 2007, House Majority Whip and Chair of the Democratic Faith Working Group, Congressman James E. Clyburn today released the following statement:
"To whom much is given, much is expected. Earth Day provides a time when we as a nation can reflect upon our responsibility to the health and well-being of our environment. Celebrated around the world, Earth Day unites people of diverse backgrounds, faith traditions, and political ideologies with the universal aim: good and equitable stewardship of our planet and its inhabitants.
"We can no longer dismiss the overwhelming evidence brought forth by scientists, environmentalists, community leaders, and the faith community regarding climate change. In order to maintain a livable earth for our children and our grandchildren, we must take strong steps to reduce harmful emissions, cease our dependence on foreign oil, and create alternative sources of renewable energy.
"Democrats have started with passing legislation that redirects subsidies for big oil into renewable and efficient energy resources. We have also launched a "greening the Capitol" initiative to make the people's house carbon neutral, and we have established a Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming to address the critical energy issues that face our nation.
"As members of a global community we have a moral obligation to work together to advance environmental policies that safeguard the gifts and resources of the earth."
4. BISHOP RICHARDSON VISITED AND PREACHED IN BLACKSBURG IN SUPPORT OF THE VIRGINIA TECH AND BLACKSBURG COMMUNITY:
Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, presiding prelate for the Second
Episcopal District of the AME Church, visited and preached on Saturday morning for a community worship service at the Blacksburg United Methodist Church at 10 a.m. The Reverend Reginald Tuck is the pastor of the Blacksburg UMC.
The Reverend Glenn Orr is the Pastor of St. Paul AME, Blacksburg, Virginia.
5. BISHOP MCKINLEY YOUNG BRINGS A MESSAGE OF HOPE AND ENCOURAGEMENT:
Kaye Hogan
"For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required." This was the message brought by Bishop McKinley Young, Presiding Prelate of the 11th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal church. Bishop Young was the guest preacher for the 75th Anniversary celebration for the Anderson Chapel AME Church in Tallahassee, Florida this past Sunday, April 15, 2007.
Bishop Young took his text from St. Luke 12:48 and commended the pastor and the members for the hard labor in coordinating the events leading to the celebratory service, “ he went on to say, “it doesn’t come by accident! Seventy five years of sovereignty and jubilance . . . you have been given a lot! you know how to reach out and touch! Your net worth is enormous! You have been richly blessed. And because you have been so richly blessed, something will be demanded of you.”
He reminded the congregation of approximately 150 that it was the church where many Blacks received their calling. Where did we learn to read? It was the church! Where did we discover our doctors, our masons, our engineers? In the church! He encouraged the audience to look up and stand tall--because God had been so abundantly good. Too much have been given, much is expected. You don’t know how much you have until you count it, and you don’t the value, until you lose it! Stand up for you know is just and true. God is counting on his believers to take a stand to what is good, true, and beautiful.
Bishop Young reflected on the recent incident involving radio talk show host, Imus and his removal from MSNBC due to indecent remarks he made about the Rutgers Girls Basketball team. He continued to encourage everyone to stand up for what you know to be right. Stand up against issues of injustices, and be an advocate for the poor.
He likened the believers to the sport of Track and Field. We are like the relay team, passing the baton to the next generation.
As such one of the highlights during the worship service was the dedication of recently purchased property. Bishop Young along with the elders (trustees and stewards) and the Young People Division dedicated three properties that will be used for future expansion and community development. In doing so, the elders were executing a Vision for the youth to one day in receive in full—passing the baton.
Recognition and honor were given to past pastors and their families who had served the Anderson Chapel AME Church.
The celebration ended jubilantly with the congregation singing, “Share Your Faith.” Fellowship and dinner followed with catered service.
Bishop McKinley Young, Our Bishop -
Bishop McKinley Young is a native of Atlanta, Georgia, the son of the late Reverend and Mrs. Lonnie C. Young of Atlanta, Georgia. He is married to Mrs. Dorothy Jackson Young of Boston, Massachusetts. They are the proud parents of Mr. Ronald and Mrs. Karyn Young-Lowe of Los Angeles, California, Reverend Julius and Mrs. Deana Young-McAllister of Detroit, Michigan, Andrea Leigh Young of Katy, Texas, Stephanie Young, a junior at Hampton University, and the proud grandparents of their granddaughter, Jennifer Renee Lowe.
After graduating from the public school system in Atlanta, Georgia, Bishop McKinley Young earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Morris Brown College. He continued his education and earned his Master of Divinity degree from Andover Newton Theological Seminary and his Master of Arts degree from the University of Chicago Divinity School. Since 1964, Bishop Young has served as a pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He pastored churches in Providence, Rhode Island; Chicago, Illinois; Evanston, Illinois and Atlanta, Georgia. Prior to being elected to the Episcopacy he served as the pastor of Big Bethel AME Church, Atlanta, Georgia.
In 1992 during the 44th Session of the General Conference of the AME Church, Bishop McKinley Young was elected the 109th Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church; he was assigned to the 15th Episcopal District, which includes the southern part of the Republic of South Africa, Namibian and Angola. In 1996, Bishop Young served as the Ecumenical and Urban Affairs Officer and the Endorsing Agent for all Chaplains within the church. During the 46th Session of the General Conference in 2000, Bishop Young was assigned to the Tenth Episcopal District, which includes over 300 churches throughout the state of Texas. This summer in Indianapolis, Indiana, during the 47th Session of the General Conference of the AME Church, Bishop Young was assigned to serve as the Presiding Prelate of the Electrifying Eleventh Episcopal District, which includes over 400 churches in Florida and the Bahamas.
6. “TECHNOLOGY IN A MORE EXCELLENT WAY”:
St. Mark AME Church Anvil Cybercafé
On April 10, 2007, several youths from the St. Mark community graduated from the first Basic Computer and Internet training class of the Anvil Cybercafé. The first participating class was students from Career Youth Development (CYD). These students were taught skills for use in their schools, job search and college preparation. The students graduated with an extra bonus, ‘they got to keep their computers.’ The students were also feted with a graduation ceremony and reception where they had the opportunity to show off their projects and accomplishments.
Jerry Turner, Jr., director of the Anvil Cybercafé, says “This project was created to help build a technological bridge for families in the community. It is designed to ensure that their children have access to the technology revolution, by providing not only computer training, but in-home computers. He says also, that the computer outreach program is further designed to provide positive options for at-risk youths and young adults within the central city.”
This program is one of three phases planned for this project prior to being opened to the general public. Phase two of the project will be a basic computing training class for seniors, which is scheduled to begin in late spring 2007. The third phase is a technology conference that will be held in late summer 2007. This conference will launch the formal opening of the Cybercafé for community use.
All classes are held at the St. Mark A.M.E. Church Quality of Life Center #2, 1530 W. Atkinson Ave.
For additional information, please contact the Church office at 414-562-8030. Rev. Darryl R. William, Pastor.
7. A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE ON DEBT AND STUDY COURSE:
*Pastor Garry MossMany of our AME local churches conduct stewardship workshops and seminars; and there will be a connectional stewardship conference in Alabama next month. Debt is a national problem. Many families and a lot churches are in debilitating debt.
Many of our bishops and pastors are concerned about the indebtedness of many of our members. They are concerned about local church debt. They encourage pastors to address the issue of debt and The Discipline encourages and even, enjoins pastors to address the issue of stewardship.
When responsible preachers share about stewardship, what they teach involves much more than what we give in the offering plate. Stewardship represents, not only knowing why we give, but more importantly how we, as stewards, manage the blessings that God provides. The question that we need to answer is how do we manage the talents that God has given us? Will we be cast off into darkness and have what we did not use appropriately taken away from us? Or, will be hear God’s voice affirming our stewardship with the proclamation, “Well done, good and faithful servant…”
”A Biblical Perspective On Debt” is a wonderful book that is included with the AME Study Series. Christian author, John Cummuta has done a great deal of research and has aired many commercials about being debt-free and growing our yield through what the Lord has provided.A few years ago the series was produced for the African Methodist Episcopal Church and it is a wonderful product and has “seeds that should be planted” in every home and church. This program is a “must have” material.I reviewed the audio and 2-book series and discovered that there are some things I need to do in my life to make better use of the gifts and resources that God has given to my family and me. I would recommend that every pastor order this wonderful resource to keep as a resource for the member of their congregation.
The Right Reverend H. Hartford Brookins cautioned, “Don let old age meet at the same time.”The cost of the Stewardship Series is reasonable.
To order visit: http://cybernation.com/gkm/debtfree/
*Pastor Garry Moss is the pastor of Faith Community AME Church in Elgin, Illinois
8. 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 Emery; 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 Renovation chairman, Bro. Stanley Morton led the way and 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. We also extend special thanks to Rosina Hardtman (financial secretary) and Sheri Wolfe (secretary to S. Morton) for their valuable contributions.
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 the 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, Sherwin Jones, Stanley Morton, Thelma Trott, Oliver Darrell, Andre Famous, Twilton Hardtman, Edwina Smith, Roland Simons, Anthony Wolffe, Ed Dyer, Alfreda Butler, Dennis Emery, Vincent Minors, Odwin Berkely, Stephen Clarke.
Members of the Steward Board present, Eunice Jones, Charlene Tyrrell, Neletha Butterfield, Mary Trott, Beverly Jones, Stephen Trott, Kingsley Simmons, Gloria Tucker, Cheryl-Lynne Wolffe, Nadine Lapsley-Dyer, Paula Fray, Eugene Creighton, Diane Outerbridge, and Cecil Smith.
Other clergy present were, Rev. Lorne Bean; Rev. Ruth Van Lowe-Smith; Rev. Micah Chandler; Rev. Betty Furbett-Woolridge Reverends Pedro A. Castro, Jr. and Stephanie D. Castro; and a host of guests and friends.
9. FAITH LEADERS UNITE TO SUPPORT HEALTH COVERAGE FOR KIDS DURING COVER THE UNINSURED WEEK. THE ECUMENICAL OFFICER OF THE AME CHURCH, THE RIGHT REVEREND E. EARL MCCLOUD SERVES ON THE INTERFAITH ADVISORY BOARD:
Rabbis, pastors, priests and imams join in support of State Children’s Health Insurance Programs; Help enroll eligible children in available programs
Washington, DC – A diverse coalition of America’s religious leaders is calling on faith communities to support health coverage for all children and to highlight the success of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).
Faith communities nationwide are supporting Cover the Uninsured Week by holding events before, during and after the Week, April 23-29. Cover the Uninsured Week is the largest nonpartisan mobilization in history seeking solutions for the nearly 45 million people who have no health insurance. The Week unites Catholic, Jewish, Protestant, Islamic and other faith communities behind a common belief that all children in America should have access to quality health care, which means they also must have comprehensive, affordable health coverage.
This year, Cover the Uninsured Week comes at a critical time, with Congress working to reauthorize SCHIP. SCHIP provides each state with federal funds for a health insurance program for vulnerable children. Organizers of the Week say that if America’s leaders fail to renew and sufficiently fund SCHIP, millions of children who desperately need health insurance will remain uninsured and without adequate health care.
“Despite having different theological and social backgrounds, our collective beliefs call upon all of us to take care of those in need and instruct us with a moral imperative to work together to ensure that all Americans have access to health care, especially children,” said Rev. Eileen W. Lindner, chairperson of the National Interfaith Advisory Board for Cover The Uninsured Week, and deputy general secretary of the National Council of Churches. “With SCHIP up for reauthorization in this Congress, we are calling upon all of our faith communities to join in supporting and expanding this worthwhile program, as well as to work energetically to enroll eligible children in health coverage programs in their communities”
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 45 million Americans have no health insurance, including about 9 million children.
“Covering kids is a value that Americans of all faiths and beliefs support,” said Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, M.D., M.B.A., president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. “We are honored to have such a diverse coalition of national faith leaders supporting our efforts during Cover the Uninsured Week. With their involvement, we can highlight the success of children’s coverage programs and underscore the moral imperative for these programs to be adequately funded.”
Faith events are being held nationwide, calling attention to this growing problem and the need to respond. Events include prayer breakfasts, collaborative meetings, community health fairs and enrollment drives. Examples include an interfaith luncheon in Detroit where faith, health care and other community leaders will discuss how to help the uninsured. In Indiana, more than 1,300 children will go to St. Vincent's Hospital in Kokomo to learn about health care and Hoosier Healthwise (Indiana’s SCHIP program).
Interfaith and faith-based materials designed for the Week, including Christian, Jewish and Muslim study guides, are available at www.CoverTheUninsured.org/faith. To locate events being held across America, discover ways to get involved or learn more about SCHIP, log on to www.CoverTheUninsured.org.
The Uninsured Week National Interfaith Advisory Board:
Rev. Eileen W. Lindner
National Council of Churches
Chairperson, National Interfaith Advisory Board
Ms. Kathleen A. Curran
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Rabbi Marla J. Feldman
Commission on Social Action of Reform Judaism
Major Ronald Foreman
The Salvation Army, National Social Services Secretary
Rabbi Steve Gutow
Executive Director, Jewish Council for Public Affairs
Dr. Richard Land
Southern Baptist Convention, The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission
Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Jr.
Ecumenical Officer, African Methodist Episcopal Church
Ms. Garland Pohl
Catholic Association of Diocesan Ecumenical and Interreligious Officers
Dr. Mary Ruth Stone
Church of God, Cleveland, Tennessee
Dr. Sayyid M. Syeed
Islamic Society of North America
Bishop Melvin Talbert
United Methodist Church
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation focuses on the pressing health and health care issues facing our country. As the nation's largest philanthropy devoted exclusively to improving the health and health care of all Americans, the Foundation works with a diverse group of organizations and individuals to identify solutions and achieve comprehensive, meaningful and timely change. For more than 30 years the Foundation has brought experience, commitment, and a rigorous, balanced approach to the problems that affect the health and health care of those it serves. When it comes to helping Americans lead healthier lives and get the care they need, the Foundation expects to make a difference in your lifetime. For more information, visit www.rwjf.org .
10. THE CHAPLAINS’ CORNER: LIEUTENANT COMMANDER DAVID R. BROWN, CHC, USN, SECOND EPISCOPAL DISTRICT VIRGINIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE APRIL 23-28, 2007:
Lieutenant Commander David R. Brown is a native Cranford, New Jersey and is an ordained Itinerant Elder within the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He has been a Navy Chaplain for eleven years and is presently serving as the Division Officer within the Command Religious Ministry Department aboard the USS BATAAN (LHD-5).
Listed below is a chronology of the significant billets he has served:
· July 2005-Present: USS BATAAN (LHD-5)
· 2002-2005: Naval Station Norfolk Chapel, Norfolk, VA.
· 2000-2002: USS SHREVEPORT (LPD-12)
· 1998-2000: Naval Training Center Great Lakes, IL
· 1995-1998: Third Battalion, Seventh Marines-Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, CA.
Lieutenant Commander Brown has earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia and a Master of Divinity Degree from Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia. He is also a graduate of the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, completing all academic requirements for Joint Professional Military Education Phase 1.
Lieutenant Commander Brown’s military awards are as follows: Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2), Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2), Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon (2), Fleet Marine Force Ribbon, National Defense Medal (2), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (Afghanistan), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2), Global War on Terrorism Medal and Humanitarian Service Medal (Hurricane Katrina Relief).
He has been married to his wife, Rayna, for thirteen years and together they have a son, Jonathan and daughter, Joanna.
To Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson:
Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ!
To God be the glory! It has been an outstanding year of ministry. By His grace and mercy, I am pleased to offer my twelfth report to the Virginia Annual Conference as a Navy Chaplain representing the African Methodist Episcopal Church. I praise God for the love and support that I continually receive from my family; my wife, Rayna, son, Jonathan, and daughter, Joanna. They are the joy and inspiration of my life.
Last year, while giving me annual report, I told you that I would be on deployment but that I would submit my report by proxy. It is still my endeavor to be a man of my word. Therefore, I have asked my pastor, the Reverend Horace B. Cross, Sr. to offer you these highlights from my ministry as a Navy Chaplain over the past conference year:
Present Assignment
I am currently assigned to the USS BATAAN (LHD-5), a multi-purpose amphibious assault ship, whose primary function is to transport United States Marines, their aircraft, vehicles and other equipment to an area of operations for off-load and employment (war-fighting). I serve as the Protestant Chaplain and Division Officer, with primary responsibility of providing for the pastoral care needs of over 3,000 Sailors, Marines and family members.
One month after the conclusion of the 2006 Virginia Annual Conference, I deployed with my ship to participate in Exercise Caribbean Lion, which is a multi-national maritime exercise with Dutch and French naval forces conducted in the South Caribbean Sea. During this six-week exercise, BATAAN hosted soldiers and Marines from both nations. In order to accommodate our guests, the Evening Prayer at Sea was conducted in both French and English.
During our exercise, our ship enjoyed port visits in Curacao, Netherlands Antilles as well as St. Thomas USVI. BATAAN Sailors conducted six community relations projects over two days on St. Thomas. These projects entailed the renovation of three public schools, child care and senior citizen’s center.
Our ship spent most of the fall (eight weeks cumulative) at sea training for our deployment. Then on January 4, 2007, the BATAAN Expeditionary Strike Group set sail for a regularly scheduled six-month deployment to the Middle East. An Expeditionary Strike Group is a conglomeration of ships and aircraft that deploy together in support of the Global War on Terror.
The spiritual needs of the crew increases during a deployment as you can imagine. Therefore, our command religious program offers eight worship services and three Bible studies per week to keep the body of Christ edified and encouraged. Also, I have had the opportunity to become a teacher for the Navy Program Afloat College Education (NPACE). As an NPACE instructor, I have taught forty Sailors in two general elective courses: “The Philosophy of World Religions” and “Survey of the Old Testament”.
Port Visits
Since our successful crossing of the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, our ship has conducted the following port visits:
Palermo, Sicily – Palermo is an island that is situated off the “tip of the boot” of Italy. Our ship spent four days in port, which allowed the crew to enjoy the sites, tastes and tours of the city.
Rome, Italy – While in Palermo, I was able to travel by train to the city of Rome. The highlights of the trip were circling the Roman Coliseum and visiting Vatican City, where I was able to tour St. Peter’s Square as well as the breathtaking St. Peter’s Basilica.
Marmaris, Turkey – Marmaris is a seaport resort city situated in the eastern Mediterranean Sea in the country of Turkey. It is a scenic, serene, “shopper’s paradise” in that the local merchants expect you to “haggle” with them for bargain-priced merchandise.
Ephesus, Turkey – I had the distinct privilege of taking a bust tour to the ancient city of Ephesus. The ruins of this prominent city of the Roman Empire were magnificent! I walked the streets where the apostle Paul walked and held a prayer meeting in the Great Amphitheater, where the Ephesians began a riot against his preaching. (See Acts 19:23-34)
Suez Canal Transit – On January 30, 2007, the BATAAN Expeditionary Strike Group transited through the Suez Canal. All along the journey, which takes 18 hours, one can view Egypt on one side of the ship and the Sinai Peninsula on the other.
Kenya – Our strike group conducted a humanitarian mission to the nation of Kenya. Medical and logistical support was provided to many Kenyans who had been suffering from what we would consider treatable illnesses. We were also able to provide many young children with important inoculations against malaria and yellow fever.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates – After spending nearly the next two months at sea, we conducted a port visit to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Dubai is a predominately Muslim country and it enjoys one of the world’s highest standards of living. In fact, the median family income for a native Emirati is about 2 million American dollars per year. Dubai is known for its opulent shopping treasures: gold, Persian carpets, and rare cooking spices; one can even purchase frankincense and myrrh.
With 2/3 of the deployment completed, we are still expected to visit the Kingdom of Bahrain, Jordan, Spain and Portugal. One note of particular importance is the fact that we have not been tasked to send our Marines into Iraq. This is perhaps the first time since the war began that an Expeditionary Strike Group has not had to send its forces into war. I would like to solicit the prayers of the entire Virginia Annual Conference that this decision not to employ forces would become the rule and not the exception. In short, praise God and pray for peace.
Conclusion
Finally, I would like to inform you that I have received orders that direct me to report to Navy Recruiting District Atlanta, GA, in August 2007. My primary responsibilities will be to represent the Navy Chaplain Corps and recruit prospective chaplains from local churches, denominational conferences, colleges, and seminaries. The area of responsibility that I will cover is the Southeast Region, which encompasses Virginia to Tennessee, Tennessee to Texas, Texas to Florida, and Puerto Rico.
Thank you for this opportunity to share. To God be the glory!
Respectfully submitted,
D. R. BROWN
Lieutenant Commander, U. S. Navy
Chaplain Corps
11. SIXTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT LAY PRESIDENT GLORIA TERESA BYRD SPEAKS AT AWARDS BANQUET:
The Macon Conference Lay Organization under the dynamic leadership of Sister Latrellis O. Dent held its 3rd Annual Richard & Sarah Allen Awards Banquet.
This glorious occasion was held Friday, March 30, 2007 at St. Peter African Methodist Episcopal Church during the Peach Blossom season in Fort Valley, Georgia. Brother Josiah Phelps and Reverend Bertram C. Smith, host local president and pastor.
Brother Ashley Ballard, St. Peter AMEC and Conference committee members planned a unique program for the audience to enjoy.
The audience sang the Lay Hymn with uplifting voices.
A powerful prayer was given by Brother Elvin Steward, Duresville AMEC-Macon District, followed with the reading of the Scripture - Romans 12:1-21 by Sister Janie M. Grayer, St. Paul AMEC, Clinton and Lay President of East Macon/Milledgeville District. A warm, hearty welcome was given by Sister Bessie McDaniel, Cleveland Chapel AMEC, Griffin District.
The gathering was favored with a song by the Macon Conference Ensemble (Sisters Latrellis O. Dent, Sara Dent, Vivian Stephens, Dorothy Wiley and Pianist Gwendolyn Farley) titled, "Lord, do it."
An inspiring introduction was given by the Conference President, Sister Latrellis Dent, Fambro Chapel AMEC of the speaker for the hour, President Gloria T. Byrd.
President Gloria Teresa Byrd, a native of Bishopville, South Carolina is an active member of St. Philip African Methodist Episcopal Church in Metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia. Ms Byrd was elected by her peers to this lofty position of President of the Sixth Episcopal District Lay Organization in December 2005.
Ms. Byrd has an enormous record of outstanding achievements in the secular and religious circles. She has served effectively as the Local Lay President of her beloved church for three years, where she developed training modules, initiated the church picnic, recognition banquet and Member Day. She is President Emeritus of the Atlanta North Georgia Lay Organization.
Ms. Byrd is a licensed Clinical Social Worker, and is the principle owner of Family Advocacy Counseling and Training Center, P.C. with military contracts. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Ms. Byrd gave the audience some food for thought as she evolved her talk on the subject, "It's About God, And Not You." Some key points were: We should be working with the right spirit; it is nothing wrong with the AME Church which has been in existence for over 200 years; we all travel in different paths, but maybe its some of the people in the church today; To have a right spirit, we need volunteers to carry out God's plan, having a personal relationship with God, love for the church, practice Christian Spirituality, using our talents; a strong relationship between the laity and clergy working harmoniously together in carrying out the building of His Kingdom on Earth; know who you are and whose you are while working God's plan.
She concluded a powerful speech by stating that it's about God, and not about us as we lead people to Christ.
Reverend Bertram Smith gave the Grace. The attendees enjoyed a delicious, scrumptious meal prepared and served by Brother Willie Harris and his competent staff.
Brother Alphonso Varner assisted with the presentation of plaques for the Laypersons of the Year presented by Sisters Latrellis Dent and Gloria Byrd.
The recipients for the prestigious Richard and Sarah Allen Awards which read in part ..."For Untiring and Dedicated Services to the District" are as follows:
East Macon/Milledgeville District
Sister Janie M. Grayer, President
*Brother James Williams Grayer, Jr.
Griffin District
Sister Bettye Draper, President
*Brother Wylie Draper, Sr.
Macon District
Sister Sara Dent, President
*Sister Lillian Werner
*denotes recipient
Sister Latrellis Dent recognized visitors and asked for final remarks from Reverend David Moore, Presiding Elder of the Griffin District and Sister Gloria T. Byrd.
The Lay Benediction ended this glorious evening of religious activities.
12. DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE SENATOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON VISITS WESLEY AME CHURCH:
By Melba Lee
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton was escorted into the sanctuary of the 130 year old Wesley African Methodist Episcopal Church in Houston, Texas by Bishop Gregory Ingram, the Presiding Prelate of the 10th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and joined by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, 18th Congressional District and Pastor Leo Griffin of Wesley AME Church to a packed sanctuary of over 1100 members and community leaders on Saturday, March 17, 2007. As the entourage entered the sanctuary, the crowd rose to their feet to receive them. Among those in attendance was Carl Davis, former Vice Chair of the Texas Democratic Party. Davis was influential in arranging the visit to Wesley, where he is a member. The atmosphere in the building had already been set with praise and worship by the Wesley Choir.
Bishop Ingram in his introduction referenced “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne. In her book Bryne states that the secret of people who influenced her life is “Attraction.” Senator Clinton is capturing the attention of people across America because she has the power of “Attraction” stated the Bishop.
Senator Clinton received a warm welcome as she rose to address the packed house. Clinton, a Methodist herself; spoke of God and referenced that we are to be stewards of God’s earth, stating that we should be more energy conscious and that in our conservation of it more jobs would be created. She feels that every American should have affordable health care. However, we are called to take necessary steps to lead healthier lives by exercising and choosing healthier diets.
On the issue of education, Clinton advocates for a “universal preschool,” a program where every American child would have the benefit of a free preschool education. She also believes that any student with high academic performance who wants to go to college should be able to.
Clinton made note that Dowling Street, where the church is located was once a thriving commercial corridor. It was a community with private businesses that were a contributor to the local economy. She believes the community can be restored to its earlier status.
Sheila Jackson Lee, the late Mickey Leland, Ann Richards and Barbara Jordan are four Texans who Senator Clinton mentioned as having had an influence on her political life.
She also acknowledged and thanked the City of Houston and Mayor Bill White for their overwhelming support and open arms to the families affected by Hurricane Katrina.
Clinton’s plan sounds like a plan that will benefit all Americans. With her work cut out for her, she is calling on all Americans to be accountable for those things that will make for a better America… a more educated, healthier, energy conscious America.
The Wesley Choir lead by soloist Tangy Reed closed the day with the Staples Singers “I’ll Take You There” as Clinton joined in excitement.
Melba Lee is Chair of the Public Relations Committee at Wesley AME Church.
13. MALCOLM GLOVER, AN AME, COORDINATES ANNUAL 21ST CENTURY POLICY MAKERS CONFERENCE ON “RACIAL, ETHNIC, AND RELIGIOUS RECONCILIATION:
*Malcolm E. Glover
The 21st Century Policy Makers Conference, which I began planning over a year ago with the help and support of some of my fellow students at the University Of Arkansas Clinton School Of Public Service, was a complete success. All conference events were held on the campus of the William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Park in Little Rock, Arkansas, from March 8-10, 2007. A partnership with the William J. Clinton Foundation, the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin, and funded with a $25,000 grant from AT&T, this student-led conference featured renowned speakers on civil rights and social justice, academic research presentations, a facilitated dialogue by faith leaders, and visits to historically significant sites. Seventy-three graduate students registered for the conference and 140 people, including students, elected officials, and members of the general public, participated overall.
As a member of the Clinton School’s inaugural class, I believe that graduate students attending our nation’s presidential schools, should form bold new coalitions and build lasting partnerships to meet the challenges of a new century. My belief in the power of collaboration made this innovative conference an historic event. The Second Annual 21st Century Policy Makers Conference marked the first time, in over 50 years, that students from presidential schools assembled in one place and discussed the potential for future collaborative partnerships. The first presidential school was created in 1948, when Princeton University renamed its School of Public and International Affairs in honor of President Woodrow Wilson. After the Wilson School, six other presidential schools were created: the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin, the George Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University, the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan, the Harry S. Truman School of Public Affairs at the University of Missouri-Columbia, and the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service.
Furthermore, the Second Annual 21st Century Policy Makers Conference was the first major event in a year filled with historic events that focus on racial reconciliation. In the coming months, Arkansas will commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the desegregation of Little Rock Central High School and the Clinton Presidential Center will have the Emancipation Proclamation on display. To further the cause of reconciliation, I am pleased to report that this conference gave participants and conference coordinators a chance to study, debate, and better understand the domestic and international complexities of reconciling racial, ethnic and religious conflicts.
Over the course of the conference, we had a phenomenal photographer who captured every historic moment on film. I have included, in this email, a few pictures from the conference for your viewing pleasure. In addition to the captions that accompany each picture, I have also included a complete list of conference speakers and the participating universities at the end of this email. Please visit www.21stcenturypolicy.org for video from the conference panel discussions and additional information.
*Malcolm E. Glover was the Conference Coordinator for the 21st Century Policy Makers Conference www.21stcenturypolicy.org
Malcolm E. Glover is a member of Falls Road A.M.E Church, Baltimore, Maryland, Washington Annual Conference. While at Florida A & M, he attended Flipper AME Church and other AME churches in the area.
14. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICES:
- Presiding Elder and Mrs. Willis N. Huggins, Sr., Ozark Troy District, South Alabama Conference, 9th Episcopal District proudly announces that their daughter Mrs. Gwendolyn Huggins-Williamson, has earned her Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership, Ed.D on March 31, 2007 from Nova Southeastern University in Ft Lauderdale, FL. She is currently employed by the Jefferson County AL Board of Education as an Exceptional Education Supervisor. She is also the sister of Kimberly Huggins Marshall, 9th Episcopal District Ministers Spouses President.
Congratulatory messages can be sent to: Gwendolyn Williamson - Bigdreams1971@aol.comP.E. and Mrs. W. Huggins - whuggins000@centurytel.net
- Congratulation, to Sherrie and Deirdre Postell, the very elegant and proud daughters of the Reverend Henry L. Postell, II and Sister Beverly Postell, the Pastor and First Lady of New Bethel A.M.E. Church Orlando, Florida who will be graduating from Bethune University in Daytona Beach, Florida, with Bachelor of Science Degrees in Biology on Saturday April 21, 2007.
- Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia announces Commencement exercises on Sunday May 13, 2007 at 10 o'clock in Armstrong Stadium. Ashleigh Diane Brock, the daughter of proud parents, Reverend and Mrs. Reginald Brock, pastor of St. Matthew A. M. E. Church, Nashville, Tennessee will graduate with a Bachelor's of Arts Degree in History. Ashleigh will graduate with honors.
Congratulatory messages can be sent to:Reverend and Mrs. Reginald Brock - gbrock1661@aol.com
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Funeral Services for Mr. Milton Keller brother of Rev. James Keller, pastor of St. Paul A. M. E. Church, Lake Charles, LA.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. James Keller, Pastor
St. Paul A. M. E. Church
1104 Jackson Street
Lake Charles, LA 70601
Church # (318) 433-2415
Home # (318) 439-2105
Service Arrangements:
Funeral:Friday, April 20, 2007
11:00 a.m.
Jimmy Pruitt Funeral Home
222 Bowling Street
Houston Texas 77003
713-651-3119
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The passing of the Reverend Roy Britton, Local Elder at Agape Temple AME Church, Dallas, Texas (Greater Dallas District-North Texas Conference, 10th Episcopal District).
HOMEGOING CELEBRATION
Friday, April 20, 2007
12:00 (Noon)Agape Temple A.M.E. Church
3432 Mingo Street
Dallas, Texas 75223
Ph: (214) 823-3281
The Rev. Ella Mae McDonald-Pastor
Rev. Roy Britton's final earthly care has been entrusted to the:
Golden Gate Funeral Home
4155 S. R. L. Thornton Freeway
Dallas, Texas
Ph: (214) 941-7332
Condolences may be sent to:Mr. Keathan Roy Britton (Son)P. O. Box 151413Dallas, Texas 75315-1413
Submitted by:
Rev. Dr. Sherryl A. Matlock-PastorSt. James A.M.E. ChurchDenton, Texas
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with sadness that we announce the death of Sister Mary L. Mitchell the wife of the late Reverend Arthur Mitchell, Sr. and the mother of Reverend Michael Mitchell, pastor of St. Stephen AME Church in Jacksonville, Florida and General Board Member.
Service arrangements for Sister Mary L. Mitchell:
Celebration Service:
Friday, April 20, 2007
6:00 p.m. - until
St. Stephen AME Church
913 W 5th Street
Jacksonville, Florida 32209
(904) 358-2399 Funeral Service
Saturday, April 21, 2006 at 11:00 a.m.
St. Stephen AME Church
913 W 5th Street
Jacksonville, Florida 32209
(904) 358-2399
Send condolences and expressions of sympathy to:
The Mitchell Family
216 Bronson Street
Jacksonville, FL 32254
StStephen913@aol.com
Services entrusted to:
Marion Graham Mortuary
900 A Philip Randolph Blvd
Jacksonville, Florida 32206
Phone: (904) 358-3949
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with sadness that we announce the death of Brother Thomas Demps, the husband of Rev. Ollie Demps, pastor of Trinity AME Church in Orlando, Florida.
Service arrangements for Brother Thomas Demps:
FuneralSaturday, April 28, 200711:00 a.m.Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church2525 W. Church Street Orlando, FL 32805407-295-6568
Services entrusted to:
Postell's Mortuary
811 N Powers Drive
Orlando, FL 32818
Phone: 407-295-3857
Fax: 407-295-0307
Send condolences and expressions of sympathy to:
The Reverend Ollie Demps
2652 Ravenall Avenue
Orlando, FL 32811
(407) 841-8945
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The passing of Reverend Mrs. Ruth Chevalier, a retired pastor, was in the ministry for over 20 years. Funeral services for Reverend Ruth Chevalier were held on Saturday, April 21, 2007 - 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul AME Church on 8540 Cohn Street, New Orleans, Louisiana. The Reverend Lester Jackson was the eulogist and the Reverend Leroy Taylor officiated.
Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family of Rev. Ruth Chevalier:
SEND:
c/o St. Paul A M E Church
8540 Cohn Street
New Orleans, LA 70118
504-861-3988
Or to:
9018 Edinburgh Street
New Orleans, LA 70118-2402
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
With sorrow we announce the passing of Mr. Cecil Ray Love, Sr., brother of the Reverend Jacquelyn Love Prim, Pastor of the Warren Chapel AME Church-Dallas, Texas-Greater Dallas District-North Texas Conference, 10th Episcopal District.
Services held:
April 21, 2007
Viewing: 10:00 a.m.
Funeral Services:
Saturday, April 21, 2007 at 11:00 a.m.
New Hope Baptist Church
5002 South Central Expressway
Dallas, Texas 75215
Condolences may be sent to:
The Revs. Paul & Jackie Prim
1505 Raintree Court
Grand Prairie, Texas 75050
972-206-2171
Submitted by:
The Rev. Dr. Sherryl A. Matlock-Pastor
St. James A.M.E. Church
Denton, Texas
21. 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
22. 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.
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
1. EDITORIAL - MY TESTIMONY:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
I hope my testimony will be a blessing to others.
I thank God for the African Methodist Episcopal Church because it has not only given me my spiritual foundation, but it also has given me, and my wife Charlotte (Rev. Charlotte B. Sydnor), the motivation to care for our physical bodies. And for that I want to publicly say, thank you to the AME Church.
This is my story.
Before I went into the military to serve as an African Methodist Episcopal Church endorsed chaplain, I pastored in the Kentucky Annual Conference at Shorter Chapel AME Church in Paris, Kentucky and at St, James AME Church in Danville, Kentucky. While assigned to Shorter Chapel, I also had pastoral oversight for Wayman Chapel, Georgetown and while assigned at St. James, had pastoral oversight for St. Andrew’s AME Church, Lancaster, Kentucky. Those churches gave me a great foundation for pastoral ministry. But, that’s not about what I want to give my testimony.
When I pastored, I was like many AME pastors; I, along with my family, served the local church with a passion, but that’s not my testimony today; I thank God for those experiences, but that’s another testimony.
While pastoring, I never had a physical examination. I went to my doctor’s office when I experienced pain or a medical problem, but never a full medical examination. I don’t recall that my wife did either. She had a doctor appointments when she was pregnant or if she had some kind of medical problem, but I do not recall that either of us ever had a full-blown medical examination. I was not alone; I don’t remember any of my fellow pastors ever talking about scheduling or having medical examinations. I went to dentist when I had a toothache or needed a filling. I never heard about flossing until I went into the Army, and by that time some of my back were gone or needed to be replaced.
I never had a physical until I went into the Army where annual physicals were required and as a result of my physicals, I saw to it that my family had regular physicals also.
In 1999, I retired from the Army and my annual physicals ceased. My dental visits ceased. I only saw a doctor or a dentist when I experienced a problem. I had reverted to my old pre-Army, AME pastor behavior of neglect.
But, I thank God for the AME Church and its quadrennial focus of Living well, Serving Well, Managing Well and Ending Well, and especially Living Well.
We moved to Nashville in 2004 and sometime in 2005, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie invited me into her office to share with me about the quadrennial focus of Living Well and all that the AME Church was going to do around that focus. She literally “preached” to me about the importance of our members and especially of our clergy’s need to live well and to take responsibility for their health. She shared with me that she and Supervisor Stan McKenzie had found a physician and a dentist. I thought to myself, this message is for me, but I didn’t do anything.
Sometime after the episode in Bishop McKenzie’s office, I was chatting with Dr. Johnny Barbour and he told me that he was not going to be in the office the following week because he was taking his physical. I was beginning to feel guilty when he asked me when my physical was scheduled. I had to admit that I had not had a physical scheduled and then I really began to feel a deeper guilt and admitted that I had not yet found a physician or a dentist. I walked out of Dr. Barbour’s office promising myself that I needed to find a primary physician and a dentist.
Shortly after the conversation in Dr. Barbour’s office, Mr. Marcus Henderson, a member at St. John AME Church in Nashville approached me about financial planning and I shared with him that I was looking for a physician and a dentist. Within hours, he gave me the name of a physician and a dentist, their telephone numbers and had contacted them to tell them that I would be calling and making appointments for me and my wife, Charlotte. I knew that the LORD was working with my situation in my conversations with Bishop McKenzie, Dr. Barbour and Mr. Henderson. And the rest is history; we are back on schedule with our physicals and dental appointments and for that, I thank the AME Church and especially for our quadrennial focus.
I praise God for my wife’s medical care, I praise God for my dental visits, which have resulted in my getting teeth implants (I cannot tell the difference between my implants and my own teeth). I praise God for my doctor’s appointments, in which I found out that I need knee replacement surgery. I am having total knee replacement surgery for both knees on May 1, 2007. I praise God for that revelation.
I will take God’s blessing anyway that God gives them to me, whether it is a “slap over the head healing,” taking pills, changing my life style, or having surgery.
So, I thank God for the people, who have spoken with me, shared with me and promised to pray for me. I thank God for all who will pray for me. Dr. Kenneth Hill, retired Secretary-Treasurer of Christian Education, gave me words of encouragement that might be encouraging to others who will be experiencing pain. He told me that he told his mother, when she had knee replacement surgery and was experiencing pain to think of the pain as, “Healing pain.” I am going to thank God for the healing pain.
That’s my testimony.
And now, a little sermon from me to all of you, especially to our preachers; we need to take better care of our physical and dental health. I hope that my testimony will inspire others to “do the right thing” and make that doctor’s appointment or that dental appointment so that you might experience Living Well so that you can Serve Well and Manage Well and Continue Well in ministry and continue to Live Well into retirement.
2. WHERE WAS THE PROMISE OF THE RESURRECTION IN THE REMARKS OF THE CHRISTIAN MINISTER AT THE VIRGINIA TECH MEMORIAL SERVICE?:
*Ms Loretta Moore
Virginia Tech is a state operated university and must follow certain constitutional guidelines pertaining to religious activities. All too often, the interpretation of such guidelines places more emphasis on the “separation of church and state” clause of the First Amendment and less attention to the First Amendment’s “freedom of exercise of religion” clause. Virginia Tech’s Convocation in honor of victims shot on its campus made me reflect on how restrictive interpretation of these constitutional clauses seems to interfere with Christians’ rights to express their beliefs. Christ’s promise of the resurrection is a vital message that gives hope to a world mourning the disastrous events that occurred at Virginia Tech. How tragic that these words could not be read at that convocation service:
“I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” John 11:25-26.
What hope these words give to the believer in Christ when read by the minister at times of death!
There were four religions represented by speakers during the convocation: Islam, Buddhism; Judaism and Christianity. All but the Christian, seemed able to impart some words of encouragement and hope based on their religious beliefs. The Muslim invoked the name of Allah and read passages from the Koran. The Buddhist quoted words of a Buddhist priest to bring encouragement. The Rabbi read from the book of Ecclesiastes and her words were repeated in Hebrew by a translator. Yet, when the Christian minister spoke, no reference to God was a part of his vocabulary.
I was deeply disappointed when the Christian representative, a Lutheran Minister, gave a very SECULAR presentation. One blog poster characterized it as “generic Christianity”. I reject the accuracy of that characterization. The minister did not say the word “God” nor read a verse of Scripture from the Bible. Needless to say, he did not invoke the name of Jesus. Even President Bush mentioned God, and prayer and referred to the Scriptures in his remarks. The Christian minister did not read any passage from the Bible, New Testament or Old. The closest he got to the resurrection promise is when he spoke in euphemistic terms of the “light of love” and the “darkness of evil”. These few excerpts demonstrate how the Christian minister began and ended:
We gather this afternoon for many purposes….We gather to share our hurts and our hopes, our petitions and our prayers. We gather together weeping…. with an agony too deep for words.
But also we gather, affirming the sovereignty of life over death. At times such as this the darkness of evil seems powerful indeed…. And yet we come to this place to testify that the light of love cannot be defeated. We come to testify that the light shineth in the darkness
Amid all our pain, we confess that the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it…Let us deny death’s power…. Let us cast our lot with hope in defiance of despair. I invite you to observe a moment of silence.
How sad, the Christian minister did not even read from the book of Psalms. How sad that the Christian minister could not read a scripture from the New Testament to give hope in place of despondency. How sad that the Christian minister could not give the promise of the resurrection.
The abrupt ending to the Christian’s words with “let us have a moment of silence” left a pall of hopelessness over those congregated in the auditorium. I looked at the empty faces in the auditorium as the TV camera panned across the crowd. Some had their faces buried in their hands or in the shoulders of a companion. Open faces revealed utter despair. The agony of the moment seemed prolonged as though everyone was waiting to hear some promise of hope.
Eventually, the band began to play softly and slowly the hymn, “Amazing Grace.” After the band finished, the dead silence returned until someone in the stands shouted an invitation to recite the prayer of “our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Virtually everyone in the audience stood to their feet and recited the Lord’s Prayer!
How is it that members of all the other religious faiths could profess their beliefs and even read passages from their holy scriptures except the Christian? Why do Christians feel compelled to compromise our beliefs so not to offend someone?. I was not offended as I heard the Muslim bless Mohammed in Arabic, the Buddhist quote the priest or the Rabbi speak in Hebrew. I do not believe there is a constitutional right not to be offended. In refusing to say the name “Jesus” we affirm that his powerful name offends. Jesus said, “And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended by me.” Matt. 11:6
I am not an ordained minister or theologian. I am just a layperson who is concerned about ministers who appear at public events to represent Christians but lack boldness to profess their Christian beliefs. Perhaps the bold ones are not invited because they have made it known that they will profess their Christian beliefs and call on the name of Jesus.
*Ms. Loretta Moore is a member and steward at Allen Chapel AME Church, where the Rev. Robert R. Shaw is pastor, Northwest Missouri Conference, 5th Episcopal District
3. CONGRESSMAN JAMES CLYBURN STATEMENT ON EARTH DAY:
WASHINGTON, DC- In honor of Earth Day, which is celebrated Sunday, April 22, 2007, House Majority Whip and Chair of the Democratic Faith Working Group, Congressman James E. Clyburn today released the following statement:
"To whom much is given, much is expected. Earth Day provides a time when we as a nation can reflect upon our responsibility to the health and well-being of our environment. Celebrated around the world, Earth Day unites people of diverse backgrounds, faith traditions, and political ideologies with the universal aim: good and equitable stewardship of our planet and its inhabitants.
"We can no longer dismiss the overwhelming evidence brought forth by scientists, environmentalists, community leaders, and the faith community regarding climate change. In order to maintain a livable earth for our children and our grandchildren, we must take strong steps to reduce harmful emissions, cease our dependence on foreign oil, and create alternative sources of renewable energy.
"Democrats have started with passing legislation that redirects subsidies for big oil into renewable and efficient energy resources. We have also launched a "greening the Capitol" initiative to make the people's house carbon neutral, and we have established a Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming to address the critical energy issues that face our nation.
"As members of a global community we have a moral obligation to work together to advance environmental policies that safeguard the gifts and resources of the earth."
4. BISHOP RICHARDSON VISITED AND PREACHED IN BLACKSBURG IN SUPPORT OF THE VIRGINIA TECH AND BLACKSBURG COMMUNITY:
Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, presiding prelate for the Second
Episcopal District of the AME Church, visited and preached on Saturday morning for a community worship service at the Blacksburg United Methodist Church at 10 a.m. The Reverend Reginald Tuck is the pastor of the Blacksburg UMC.
The Reverend Glenn Orr is the Pastor of St. Paul AME, Blacksburg, Virginia.
5. BISHOP MCKINLEY YOUNG BRINGS A MESSAGE OF HOPE AND ENCOURAGEMENT:
Kaye Hogan
"For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required." This was the message brought by Bishop McKinley Young, Presiding Prelate of the 11th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal church. Bishop Young was the guest preacher for the 75th Anniversary celebration for the Anderson Chapel AME Church in Tallahassee, Florida this past Sunday, April 15, 2007.
Bishop Young took his text from St. Luke 12:48 and commended the pastor and the members for the hard labor in coordinating the events leading to the celebratory service, “ he went on to say, “it doesn’t come by accident! Seventy five years of sovereignty and jubilance . . . you have been given a lot! you know how to reach out and touch! Your net worth is enormous! You have been richly blessed. And because you have been so richly blessed, something will be demanded of you.”
He reminded the congregation of approximately 150 that it was the church where many Blacks received their calling. Where did we learn to read? It was the church! Where did we discover our doctors, our masons, our engineers? In the church! He encouraged the audience to look up and stand tall--because God had been so abundantly good. Too much have been given, much is expected. You don’t know how much you have until you count it, and you don’t the value, until you lose it! Stand up for you know is just and true. God is counting on his believers to take a stand to what is good, true, and beautiful.
Bishop Young reflected on the recent incident involving radio talk show host, Imus and his removal from MSNBC due to indecent remarks he made about the Rutgers Girls Basketball team. He continued to encourage everyone to stand up for what you know to be right. Stand up against issues of injustices, and be an advocate for the poor.
He likened the believers to the sport of Track and Field. We are like the relay team, passing the baton to the next generation.
As such one of the highlights during the worship service was the dedication of recently purchased property. Bishop Young along with the elders (trustees and stewards) and the Young People Division dedicated three properties that will be used for future expansion and community development. In doing so, the elders were executing a Vision for the youth to one day in receive in full—passing the baton.
Recognition and honor were given to past pastors and their families who had served the Anderson Chapel AME Church.
The celebration ended jubilantly with the congregation singing, “Share Your Faith.” Fellowship and dinner followed with catered service.
Bishop McKinley Young, Our Bishop -
Bishop McKinley Young is a native of Atlanta, Georgia, the son of the late Reverend and Mrs. Lonnie C. Young of Atlanta, Georgia. He is married to Mrs. Dorothy Jackson Young of Boston, Massachusetts. They are the proud parents of Mr. Ronald and Mrs. Karyn Young-Lowe of Los Angeles, California, Reverend Julius and Mrs. Deana Young-McAllister of Detroit, Michigan, Andrea Leigh Young of Katy, Texas, Stephanie Young, a junior at Hampton University, and the proud grandparents of their granddaughter, Jennifer Renee Lowe.
After graduating from the public school system in Atlanta, Georgia, Bishop McKinley Young earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Morris Brown College. He continued his education and earned his Master of Divinity degree from Andover Newton Theological Seminary and his Master of Arts degree from the University of Chicago Divinity School. Since 1964, Bishop Young has served as a pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He pastored churches in Providence, Rhode Island; Chicago, Illinois; Evanston, Illinois and Atlanta, Georgia. Prior to being elected to the Episcopacy he served as the pastor of Big Bethel AME Church, Atlanta, Georgia.
In 1992 during the 44th Session of the General Conference of the AME Church, Bishop McKinley Young was elected the 109th Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church; he was assigned to the 15th Episcopal District, which includes the southern part of the Republic of South Africa, Namibian and Angola. In 1996, Bishop Young served as the Ecumenical and Urban Affairs Officer and the Endorsing Agent for all Chaplains within the church. During the 46th Session of the General Conference in 2000, Bishop Young was assigned to the Tenth Episcopal District, which includes over 300 churches throughout the state of Texas. This summer in Indianapolis, Indiana, during the 47th Session of the General Conference of the AME Church, Bishop Young was assigned to serve as the Presiding Prelate of the Electrifying Eleventh Episcopal District, which includes over 400 churches in Florida and the Bahamas.
6. “TECHNOLOGY IN A MORE EXCELLENT WAY”:
St. Mark AME Church Anvil Cybercafé
On April 10, 2007, several youths from the St. Mark community graduated from the first Basic Computer and Internet training class of the Anvil Cybercafé. The first participating class was students from Career Youth Development (CYD). These students were taught skills for use in their schools, job search and college preparation. The students graduated with an extra bonus, ‘they got to keep their computers.’ The students were also feted with a graduation ceremony and reception where they had the opportunity to show off their projects and accomplishments.
Jerry Turner, Jr., director of the Anvil Cybercafé, says “This project was created to help build a technological bridge for families in the community. It is designed to ensure that their children have access to the technology revolution, by providing not only computer training, but in-home computers. He says also, that the computer outreach program is further designed to provide positive options for at-risk youths and young adults within the central city.”
This program is one of three phases planned for this project prior to being opened to the general public. Phase two of the project will be a basic computing training class for seniors, which is scheduled to begin in late spring 2007. The third phase is a technology conference that will be held in late summer 2007. This conference will launch the formal opening of the Cybercafé for community use.
All classes are held at the St. Mark A.M.E. Church Quality of Life Center #2, 1530 W. Atkinson Ave.
For additional information, please contact the Church office at 414-562-8030. Rev. Darryl R. William, Pastor.
7. A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE ON DEBT AND STUDY COURSE:
*Pastor Garry MossMany of our AME local churches conduct stewardship workshops and seminars; and there will be a connectional stewardship conference in Alabama next month. Debt is a national problem. Many families and a lot churches are in debilitating debt.
Many of our bishops and pastors are concerned about the indebtedness of many of our members. They are concerned about local church debt. They encourage pastors to address the issue of debt and The Discipline encourages and even, enjoins pastors to address the issue of stewardship.
When responsible preachers share about stewardship, what they teach involves much more than what we give in the offering plate. Stewardship represents, not only knowing why we give, but more importantly how we, as stewards, manage the blessings that God provides. The question that we need to answer is how do we manage the talents that God has given us? Will we be cast off into darkness and have what we did not use appropriately taken away from us? Or, will be hear God’s voice affirming our stewardship with the proclamation, “Well done, good and faithful servant…”
”A Biblical Perspective On Debt” is a wonderful book that is included with the AME Study Series. Christian author, John Cummuta has done a great deal of research and has aired many commercials about being debt-free and growing our yield through what the Lord has provided.A few years ago the series was produced for the African Methodist Episcopal Church and it is a wonderful product and has “seeds that should be planted” in every home and church. This program is a “must have” material.I reviewed the audio and 2-book series and discovered that there are some things I need to do in my life to make better use of the gifts and resources that God has given to my family and me. I would recommend that every pastor order this wonderful resource to keep as a resource for the member of their congregation.
The Right Reverend H. Hartford Brookins cautioned, “Don let old age meet at the same time.”The cost of the Stewardship Series is reasonable.
To order visit: http://cybernation.com/gkm/debtfree/
*Pastor Garry Moss is the pastor of Faith Community AME Church in Elgin, Illinois
8. 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 Emery; 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 Renovation chairman, Bro. Stanley Morton led the way and 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. We also extend special thanks to Rosina Hardtman (financial secretary) and Sheri Wolfe (secretary to S. Morton) for their valuable contributions.
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 the 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, Sherwin Jones, Stanley Morton, Thelma Trott, Oliver Darrell, Andre Famous, Twilton Hardtman, Edwina Smith, Roland Simons, Anthony Wolffe, Ed Dyer, Alfreda Butler, Dennis Emery, Vincent Minors, Odwin Berkely, Stephen Clarke.
Members of the Steward Board present, Eunice Jones, Charlene Tyrrell, Neletha Butterfield, Mary Trott, Beverly Jones, Stephen Trott, Kingsley Simmons, Gloria Tucker, Cheryl-Lynne Wolffe, Nadine Lapsley-Dyer, Paula Fray, Eugene Creighton, Diane Outerbridge, and Cecil Smith.
Other clergy present were, Rev. Lorne Bean; Rev. Ruth Van Lowe-Smith; Rev. Micah Chandler; Rev. Betty Furbett-Woolridge Reverends Pedro A. Castro, Jr. and Stephanie D. Castro; and a host of guests and friends.
9. FAITH LEADERS UNITE TO SUPPORT HEALTH COVERAGE FOR KIDS DURING COVER THE UNINSURED WEEK. THE ECUMENICAL OFFICER OF THE AME CHURCH, THE RIGHT REVEREND E. EARL MCCLOUD SERVES ON THE INTERFAITH ADVISORY BOARD:
Rabbis, pastors, priests and imams join in support of State Children’s Health Insurance Programs; Help enroll eligible children in available programs
Washington, DC – A diverse coalition of America’s religious leaders is calling on faith communities to support health coverage for all children and to highlight the success of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).
Faith communities nationwide are supporting Cover the Uninsured Week by holding events before, during and after the Week, April 23-29. Cover the Uninsured Week is the largest nonpartisan mobilization in history seeking solutions for the nearly 45 million people who have no health insurance. The Week unites Catholic, Jewish, Protestant, Islamic and other faith communities behind a common belief that all children in America should have access to quality health care, which means they also must have comprehensive, affordable health coverage.
This year, Cover the Uninsured Week comes at a critical time, with Congress working to reauthorize SCHIP. SCHIP provides each state with federal funds for a health insurance program for vulnerable children. Organizers of the Week say that if America’s leaders fail to renew and sufficiently fund SCHIP, millions of children who desperately need health insurance will remain uninsured and without adequate health care.
“Despite having different theological and social backgrounds, our collective beliefs call upon all of us to take care of those in need and instruct us with a moral imperative to work together to ensure that all Americans have access to health care, especially children,” said Rev. Eileen W. Lindner, chairperson of the National Interfaith Advisory Board for Cover The Uninsured Week, and deputy general secretary of the National Council of Churches. “With SCHIP up for reauthorization in this Congress, we are calling upon all of our faith communities to join in supporting and expanding this worthwhile program, as well as to work energetically to enroll eligible children in health coverage programs in their communities”
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 45 million Americans have no health insurance, including about 9 million children.
“Covering kids is a value that Americans of all faiths and beliefs support,” said Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, M.D., M.B.A., president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. “We are honored to have such a diverse coalition of national faith leaders supporting our efforts during Cover the Uninsured Week. With their involvement, we can highlight the success of children’s coverage programs and underscore the moral imperative for these programs to be adequately funded.”
Faith events are being held nationwide, calling attention to this growing problem and the need to respond. Events include prayer breakfasts, collaborative meetings, community health fairs and enrollment drives. Examples include an interfaith luncheon in Detroit where faith, health care and other community leaders will discuss how to help the uninsured. In Indiana, more than 1,300 children will go to St. Vincent's Hospital in Kokomo to learn about health care and Hoosier Healthwise (Indiana’s SCHIP program).
Interfaith and faith-based materials designed for the Week, including Christian, Jewish and Muslim study guides, are available at www.CoverTheUninsured.org/faith. To locate events being held across America, discover ways to get involved or learn more about SCHIP, log on to www.CoverTheUninsured.org.
The Uninsured Week National Interfaith Advisory Board:
Rev. Eileen W. Lindner
National Council of Churches
Chairperson, National Interfaith Advisory Board
Ms. Kathleen A. Curran
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Rabbi Marla J. Feldman
Commission on Social Action of Reform Judaism
Major Ronald Foreman
The Salvation Army, National Social Services Secretary
Rabbi Steve Gutow
Executive Director, Jewish Council for Public Affairs
Dr. Richard Land
Southern Baptist Convention, The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission
Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Jr.
Ecumenical Officer, African Methodist Episcopal Church
Ms. Garland Pohl
Catholic Association of Diocesan Ecumenical and Interreligious Officers
Dr. Mary Ruth Stone
Church of God, Cleveland, Tennessee
Dr. Sayyid M. Syeed
Islamic Society of North America
Bishop Melvin Talbert
United Methodist Church
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation focuses on the pressing health and health care issues facing our country. As the nation's largest philanthropy devoted exclusively to improving the health and health care of all Americans, the Foundation works with a diverse group of organizations and individuals to identify solutions and achieve comprehensive, meaningful and timely change. For more than 30 years the Foundation has brought experience, commitment, and a rigorous, balanced approach to the problems that affect the health and health care of those it serves. When it comes to helping Americans lead healthier lives and get the care they need, the Foundation expects to make a difference in your lifetime. For more information, visit www.rwjf.org .
10. THE CHAPLAINS’ CORNER: LIEUTENANT COMMANDER DAVID R. BROWN, CHC, USN, SECOND EPISCOPAL DISTRICT VIRGINIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE APRIL 23-28, 2007:
Lieutenant Commander David R. Brown is a native Cranford, New Jersey and is an ordained Itinerant Elder within the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He has been a Navy Chaplain for eleven years and is presently serving as the Division Officer within the Command Religious Ministry Department aboard the USS BATAAN (LHD-5).
Listed below is a chronology of the significant billets he has served:
· July 2005-Present: USS BATAAN (LHD-5)
· 2002-2005: Naval Station Norfolk Chapel, Norfolk, VA.
· 2000-2002: USS SHREVEPORT (LPD-12)
· 1998-2000: Naval Training Center Great Lakes, IL
· 1995-1998: Third Battalion, Seventh Marines-Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, CA.
Lieutenant Commander Brown has earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia and a Master of Divinity Degree from Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia. He is also a graduate of the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, completing all academic requirements for Joint Professional Military Education Phase 1.
Lieutenant Commander Brown’s military awards are as follows: Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2), Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2), Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon (2), Fleet Marine Force Ribbon, National Defense Medal (2), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (Afghanistan), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2), Global War on Terrorism Medal and Humanitarian Service Medal (Hurricane Katrina Relief).
He has been married to his wife, Rayna, for thirteen years and together they have a son, Jonathan and daughter, Joanna.
To Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson:
Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ!
To God be the glory! It has been an outstanding year of ministry. By His grace and mercy, I am pleased to offer my twelfth report to the Virginia Annual Conference as a Navy Chaplain representing the African Methodist Episcopal Church. I praise God for the love and support that I continually receive from my family; my wife, Rayna, son, Jonathan, and daughter, Joanna. They are the joy and inspiration of my life.
Last year, while giving me annual report, I told you that I would be on deployment but that I would submit my report by proxy. It is still my endeavor to be a man of my word. Therefore, I have asked my pastor, the Reverend Horace B. Cross, Sr. to offer you these highlights from my ministry as a Navy Chaplain over the past conference year:
Present Assignment
I am currently assigned to the USS BATAAN (LHD-5), a multi-purpose amphibious assault ship, whose primary function is to transport United States Marines, their aircraft, vehicles and other equipment to an area of operations for off-load and employment (war-fighting). I serve as the Protestant Chaplain and Division Officer, with primary responsibility of providing for the pastoral care needs of over 3,000 Sailors, Marines and family members.
One month after the conclusion of the 2006 Virginia Annual Conference, I deployed with my ship to participate in Exercise Caribbean Lion, which is a multi-national maritime exercise with Dutch and French naval forces conducted in the South Caribbean Sea. During this six-week exercise, BATAAN hosted soldiers and Marines from both nations. In order to accommodate our guests, the Evening Prayer at Sea was conducted in both French and English.
During our exercise, our ship enjoyed port visits in Curacao, Netherlands Antilles as well as St. Thomas USVI. BATAAN Sailors conducted six community relations projects over two days on St. Thomas. These projects entailed the renovation of three public schools, child care and senior citizen’s center.
Our ship spent most of the fall (eight weeks cumulative) at sea training for our deployment. Then on January 4, 2007, the BATAAN Expeditionary Strike Group set sail for a regularly scheduled six-month deployment to the Middle East. An Expeditionary Strike Group is a conglomeration of ships and aircraft that deploy together in support of the Global War on Terror.
The spiritual needs of the crew increases during a deployment as you can imagine. Therefore, our command religious program offers eight worship services and three Bible studies per week to keep the body of Christ edified and encouraged. Also, I have had the opportunity to become a teacher for the Navy Program Afloat College Education (NPACE). As an NPACE instructor, I have taught forty Sailors in two general elective courses: “The Philosophy of World Religions” and “Survey of the Old Testament”.
Port Visits
Since our successful crossing of the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, our ship has conducted the following port visits:
Palermo, Sicily – Palermo is an island that is situated off the “tip of the boot” of Italy. Our ship spent four days in port, which allowed the crew to enjoy the sites, tastes and tours of the city.
Rome, Italy – While in Palermo, I was able to travel by train to the city of Rome. The highlights of the trip were circling the Roman Coliseum and visiting Vatican City, where I was able to tour St. Peter’s Square as well as the breathtaking St. Peter’s Basilica.
Marmaris, Turkey – Marmaris is a seaport resort city situated in the eastern Mediterranean Sea in the country of Turkey. It is a scenic, serene, “shopper’s paradise” in that the local merchants expect you to “haggle” with them for bargain-priced merchandise.
Ephesus, Turkey – I had the distinct privilege of taking a bust tour to the ancient city of Ephesus. The ruins of this prominent city of the Roman Empire were magnificent! I walked the streets where the apostle Paul walked and held a prayer meeting in the Great Amphitheater, where the Ephesians began a riot against his preaching. (See Acts 19:23-34)
Suez Canal Transit – On January 30, 2007, the BATAAN Expeditionary Strike Group transited through the Suez Canal. All along the journey, which takes 18 hours, one can view Egypt on one side of the ship and the Sinai Peninsula on the other.
Kenya – Our strike group conducted a humanitarian mission to the nation of Kenya. Medical and logistical support was provided to many Kenyans who had been suffering from what we would consider treatable illnesses. We were also able to provide many young children with important inoculations against malaria and yellow fever.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates – After spending nearly the next two months at sea, we conducted a port visit to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Dubai is a predominately Muslim country and it enjoys one of the world’s highest standards of living. In fact, the median family income for a native Emirati is about 2 million American dollars per year. Dubai is known for its opulent shopping treasures: gold, Persian carpets, and rare cooking spices; one can even purchase frankincense and myrrh.
With 2/3 of the deployment completed, we are still expected to visit the Kingdom of Bahrain, Jordan, Spain and Portugal. One note of particular importance is the fact that we have not been tasked to send our Marines into Iraq. This is perhaps the first time since the war began that an Expeditionary Strike Group has not had to send its forces into war. I would like to solicit the prayers of the entire Virginia Annual Conference that this decision not to employ forces would become the rule and not the exception. In short, praise God and pray for peace.
Conclusion
Finally, I would like to inform you that I have received orders that direct me to report to Navy Recruiting District Atlanta, GA, in August 2007. My primary responsibilities will be to represent the Navy Chaplain Corps and recruit prospective chaplains from local churches, denominational conferences, colleges, and seminaries. The area of responsibility that I will cover is the Southeast Region, which encompasses Virginia to Tennessee, Tennessee to Texas, Texas to Florida, and Puerto Rico.
Thank you for this opportunity to share. To God be the glory!
Respectfully submitted,
D. R. BROWN
Lieutenant Commander, U. S. Navy
Chaplain Corps
11. SIXTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT LAY PRESIDENT GLORIA TERESA BYRD SPEAKS AT AWARDS BANQUET:
The Macon Conference Lay Organization under the dynamic leadership of Sister Latrellis O. Dent held its 3rd Annual Richard & Sarah Allen Awards Banquet.
This glorious occasion was held Friday, March 30, 2007 at St. Peter African Methodist Episcopal Church during the Peach Blossom season in Fort Valley, Georgia. Brother Josiah Phelps and Reverend Bertram C. Smith, host local president and pastor.
Brother Ashley Ballard, St. Peter AMEC and Conference committee members planned a unique program for the audience to enjoy.
The audience sang the Lay Hymn with uplifting voices.
A powerful prayer was given by Brother Elvin Steward, Duresville AMEC-Macon District, followed with the reading of the Scripture - Romans 12:1-21 by Sister Janie M. Grayer, St. Paul AMEC, Clinton and Lay President of East Macon/Milledgeville District. A warm, hearty welcome was given by Sister Bessie McDaniel, Cleveland Chapel AMEC, Griffin District.
The gathering was favored with a song by the Macon Conference Ensemble (Sisters Latrellis O. Dent, Sara Dent, Vivian Stephens, Dorothy Wiley and Pianist Gwendolyn Farley) titled, "Lord, do it."
An inspiring introduction was given by the Conference President, Sister Latrellis Dent, Fambro Chapel AMEC of the speaker for the hour, President Gloria T. Byrd.
President Gloria Teresa Byrd, a native of Bishopville, South Carolina is an active member of St. Philip African Methodist Episcopal Church in Metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia. Ms Byrd was elected by her peers to this lofty position of President of the Sixth Episcopal District Lay Organization in December 2005.
Ms. Byrd has an enormous record of outstanding achievements in the secular and religious circles. She has served effectively as the Local Lay President of her beloved church for three years, where she developed training modules, initiated the church picnic, recognition banquet and Member Day. She is President Emeritus of the Atlanta North Georgia Lay Organization.
Ms. Byrd is a licensed Clinical Social Worker, and is the principle owner of Family Advocacy Counseling and Training Center, P.C. with military contracts. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Ms. Byrd gave the audience some food for thought as she evolved her talk on the subject, "It's About God, And Not You." Some key points were: We should be working with the right spirit; it is nothing wrong with the AME Church which has been in existence for over 200 years; we all travel in different paths, but maybe its some of the people in the church today; To have a right spirit, we need volunteers to carry out God's plan, having a personal relationship with God, love for the church, practice Christian Spirituality, using our talents; a strong relationship between the laity and clergy working harmoniously together in carrying out the building of His Kingdom on Earth; know who you are and whose you are while working God's plan.
She concluded a powerful speech by stating that it's about God, and not about us as we lead people to Christ.
Reverend Bertram Smith gave the Grace. The attendees enjoyed a delicious, scrumptious meal prepared and served by Brother Willie Harris and his competent staff.
Brother Alphonso Varner assisted with the presentation of plaques for the Laypersons of the Year presented by Sisters Latrellis Dent and Gloria Byrd.
The recipients for the prestigious Richard and Sarah Allen Awards which read in part ..."For Untiring and Dedicated Services to the District" are as follows:
East Macon/Milledgeville District
Sister Janie M. Grayer, President
*Brother James Williams Grayer, Jr.
Griffin District
Sister Bettye Draper, President
*Brother Wylie Draper, Sr.
Macon District
Sister Sara Dent, President
*Sister Lillian Werner
*denotes recipient
Sister Latrellis Dent recognized visitors and asked for final remarks from Reverend David Moore, Presiding Elder of the Griffin District and Sister Gloria T. Byrd.
The Lay Benediction ended this glorious evening of religious activities.
12. DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE SENATOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON VISITS WESLEY AME CHURCH:
By Melba Lee
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton was escorted into the sanctuary of the 130 year old Wesley African Methodist Episcopal Church in Houston, Texas by Bishop Gregory Ingram, the Presiding Prelate of the 10th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and joined by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, 18th Congressional District and Pastor Leo Griffin of Wesley AME Church to a packed sanctuary of over 1100 members and community leaders on Saturday, March 17, 2007. As the entourage entered the sanctuary, the crowd rose to their feet to receive them. Among those in attendance was Carl Davis, former Vice Chair of the Texas Democratic Party. Davis was influential in arranging the visit to Wesley, where he is a member. The atmosphere in the building had already been set with praise and worship by the Wesley Choir.
Bishop Ingram in his introduction referenced “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne. In her book Bryne states that the secret of people who influenced her life is “Attraction.” Senator Clinton is capturing the attention of people across America because she has the power of “Attraction” stated the Bishop.
Senator Clinton received a warm welcome as she rose to address the packed house. Clinton, a Methodist herself; spoke of God and referenced that we are to be stewards of God’s earth, stating that we should be more energy conscious and that in our conservation of it more jobs would be created. She feels that every American should have affordable health care. However, we are called to take necessary steps to lead healthier lives by exercising and choosing healthier diets.
On the issue of education, Clinton advocates for a “universal preschool,” a program where every American child would have the benefit of a free preschool education. She also believes that any student with high academic performance who wants to go to college should be able to.
Clinton made note that Dowling Street, where the church is located was once a thriving commercial corridor. It was a community with private businesses that were a contributor to the local economy. She believes the community can be restored to its earlier status.
Sheila Jackson Lee, the late Mickey Leland, Ann Richards and Barbara Jordan are four Texans who Senator Clinton mentioned as having had an influence on her political life.
She also acknowledged and thanked the City of Houston and Mayor Bill White for their overwhelming support and open arms to the families affected by Hurricane Katrina.
Clinton’s plan sounds like a plan that will benefit all Americans. With her work cut out for her, she is calling on all Americans to be accountable for those things that will make for a better America… a more educated, healthier, energy conscious America.
The Wesley Choir lead by soloist Tangy Reed closed the day with the Staples Singers “I’ll Take You There” as Clinton joined in excitement.
Melba Lee is Chair of the Public Relations Committee at Wesley AME Church.
13. MALCOLM GLOVER, AN AME, COORDINATES ANNUAL 21ST CENTURY POLICY MAKERS CONFERENCE ON “RACIAL, ETHNIC, AND RELIGIOUS RECONCILIATION:
*Malcolm E. Glover
The 21st Century Policy Makers Conference, which I began planning over a year ago with the help and support of some of my fellow students at the University Of Arkansas Clinton School Of Public Service, was a complete success. All conference events were held on the campus of the William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Park in Little Rock, Arkansas, from March 8-10, 2007. A partnership with the William J. Clinton Foundation, the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin, and funded with a $25,000 grant from AT&T, this student-led conference featured renowned speakers on civil rights and social justice, academic research presentations, a facilitated dialogue by faith leaders, and visits to historically significant sites. Seventy-three graduate students registered for the conference and 140 people, including students, elected officials, and members of the general public, participated overall.
As a member of the Clinton School’s inaugural class, I believe that graduate students attending our nation’s presidential schools, should form bold new coalitions and build lasting partnerships to meet the challenges of a new century. My belief in the power of collaboration made this innovative conference an historic event. The Second Annual 21st Century Policy Makers Conference marked the first time, in over 50 years, that students from presidential schools assembled in one place and discussed the potential for future collaborative partnerships. The first presidential school was created in 1948, when Princeton University renamed its School of Public and International Affairs in honor of President Woodrow Wilson. After the Wilson School, six other presidential schools were created: the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin, the George Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University, the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan, the Harry S. Truman School of Public Affairs at the University of Missouri-Columbia, and the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service.
Furthermore, the Second Annual 21st Century Policy Makers Conference was the first major event in a year filled with historic events that focus on racial reconciliation. In the coming months, Arkansas will commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the desegregation of Little Rock Central High School and the Clinton Presidential Center will have the Emancipation Proclamation on display. To further the cause of reconciliation, I am pleased to report that this conference gave participants and conference coordinators a chance to study, debate, and better understand the domestic and international complexities of reconciling racial, ethnic and religious conflicts.
Over the course of the conference, we had a phenomenal photographer who captured every historic moment on film. I have included, in this email, a few pictures from the conference for your viewing pleasure. In addition to the captions that accompany each picture, I have also included a complete list of conference speakers and the participating universities at the end of this email. Please visit www.21stcenturypolicy.org for video from the conference panel discussions and additional information.
*Malcolm E. Glover was the Conference Coordinator for the 21st Century Policy Makers Conference www.21stcenturypolicy.org
Malcolm E. Glover is a member of Falls Road A.M.E Church, Baltimore, Maryland, Washington Annual Conference. While at Florida A & M, he attended Flipper AME Church and other AME churches in the area.
14. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICES:
- Presiding Elder and Mrs. Willis N. Huggins, Sr., Ozark Troy District, South Alabama Conference, 9th Episcopal District proudly announces that their daughter Mrs. Gwendolyn Huggins-Williamson, has earned her Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership, Ed.D on March 31, 2007 from Nova Southeastern University in Ft Lauderdale, FL. She is currently employed by the Jefferson County AL Board of Education as an Exceptional Education Supervisor. She is also the sister of Kimberly Huggins Marshall, 9th Episcopal District Ministers Spouses President.
Congratulatory messages can be sent to: Gwendolyn Williamson - Bigdreams1971@aol.comP.E. and Mrs. W. Huggins - whuggins000@centurytel.net
- Congratulation, to Sherrie and Deirdre Postell, the very elegant and proud daughters of the Reverend Henry L. Postell, II and Sister Beverly Postell, the Pastor and First Lady of New Bethel A.M.E. Church Orlando, Florida who will be graduating from Bethune University in Daytona Beach, Florida, with Bachelor of Science Degrees in Biology on Saturday April 21, 2007.
- Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia announces Commencement exercises on Sunday May 13, 2007 at 10 o'clock in Armstrong Stadium. Ashleigh Diane Brock, the daughter of proud parents, Reverend and Mrs. Reginald Brock, pastor of St. Matthew A. M. E. Church, Nashville, Tennessee will graduate with a Bachelor's of Arts Degree in History. Ashleigh will graduate with honors.
Congratulatory messages can be sent to:Reverend and Mrs. Reginald Brock - gbrock1661@aol.com
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Funeral Services for Mr. Milton Keller brother of Rev. James Keller, pastor of St. Paul A. M. E. Church, Lake Charles, LA.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. James Keller, Pastor
St. Paul A. M. E. Church
1104 Jackson Street
Lake Charles, LA 70601
Church # (318) 433-2415
Home # (318) 439-2105
Service Arrangements:
Funeral:Friday, April 20, 2007
11:00 a.m.
Jimmy Pruitt Funeral Home
222 Bowling Street
Houston Texas 77003
713-651-3119
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The passing of the Reverend Roy Britton, Local Elder at Agape Temple AME Church, Dallas, Texas (Greater Dallas District-North Texas Conference, 10th Episcopal District).
HOMEGOING CELEBRATION
Friday, April 20, 2007
12:00 (Noon)Agape Temple A.M.E. Church
3432 Mingo Street
Dallas, Texas 75223
Ph: (214) 823-3281
The Rev. Ella Mae McDonald-Pastor
Rev. Roy Britton's final earthly care has been entrusted to the:
Golden Gate Funeral Home
4155 S. R. L. Thornton Freeway
Dallas, Texas
Ph: (214) 941-7332
Condolences may be sent to:Mr. Keathan Roy Britton (Son)P. O. Box 151413Dallas, Texas 75315-1413
Submitted by:
Rev. Dr. Sherryl A. Matlock-PastorSt. James A.M.E. ChurchDenton, Texas
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with sadness that we announce the death of Sister Mary L. Mitchell the wife of the late Reverend Arthur Mitchell, Sr. and the mother of Reverend Michael Mitchell, pastor of St. Stephen AME Church in Jacksonville, Florida and General Board Member.
Service arrangements for Sister Mary L. Mitchell:
Celebration Service:
Friday, April 20, 2007
6:00 p.m. - until
St. Stephen AME Church
913 W 5th Street
Jacksonville, Florida 32209
(904) 358-2399 Funeral Service
Saturday, April 21, 2006 at 11:00 a.m.
St. Stephen AME Church
913 W 5th Street
Jacksonville, Florida 32209
(904) 358-2399
Send condolences and expressions of sympathy to:
The Mitchell Family
216 Bronson Street
Jacksonville, FL 32254
StStephen913@aol.com
Services entrusted to:
Marion Graham Mortuary
900 A Philip Randolph Blvd
Jacksonville, Florida 32206
Phone: (904) 358-3949
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with sadness that we announce the death of Brother Thomas Demps, the husband of Rev. Ollie Demps, pastor of Trinity AME Church in Orlando, Florida.
Service arrangements for Brother Thomas Demps:
FuneralSaturday, April 28, 200711:00 a.m.Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church2525 W. Church Street Orlando, FL 32805407-295-6568
Services entrusted to:
Postell's Mortuary
811 N Powers Drive
Orlando, FL 32818
Phone: 407-295-3857
Fax: 407-295-0307
Send condolences and expressions of sympathy to:
The Reverend Ollie Demps
2652 Ravenall Avenue
Orlando, FL 32811
(407) 841-8945
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The passing of Reverend Mrs. Ruth Chevalier, a retired pastor, was in the ministry for over 20 years. Funeral services for Reverend Ruth Chevalier were held on Saturday, April 21, 2007 - 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul AME Church on 8540 Cohn Street, New Orleans, Louisiana. The Reverend Lester Jackson was the eulogist and the Reverend Leroy Taylor officiated.
Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family of Rev. Ruth Chevalier:
SEND:
c/o St. Paul A M E Church
8540 Cohn Street
New Orleans, LA 70118
504-861-3988
Or to:
9018 Edinburgh Street
New Orleans, LA 70118-2402
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
With sorrow we announce the passing of Mr. Cecil Ray Love, Sr., brother of the Reverend Jacquelyn Love Prim, Pastor of the Warren Chapel AME Church-Dallas, Texas-Greater Dallas District-North Texas Conference, 10th Episcopal District.
Services held:
April 21, 2007
Viewing: 10:00 a.m.
Funeral Services:
Saturday, April 21, 2007 at 11:00 a.m.
New Hope Baptist Church
5002 South Central Expressway
Dallas, Texas 75215
Condolences may be sent to:
The Revs. Paul & Jackie Prim
1505 Raintree Court
Grand Prairie, Texas 75050
972-206-2171
Submitted by:
The Rev. Dr. Sherryl A. Matlock-Pastor
St. James A.M.E. Church
Denton, Texas
21. 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
22. 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.
