THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (2/15/08)

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: THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER IS USING TECHNOLOGY TO TAKE EVANGELISM TO THE NEXT LEVEL:

Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III

Yesterday, I sent a video-clip of Mount Herman AME Church in Ft. Lauderdale where I preached for Founder’s Day. Dr. John White is the pastor. I made a video-clip after the worship service, using a relatively low cost, high-tech, user-friendly video recorder. The outdoor quality is diminished by noise distraction. I plan to videotape an indoor event to evaluate its quality. If we feel that the indoor quality, because I am going to share the test video with all of the subscribers, is up to standard, then I believe that the video-camera would be an ideal low-cost method for videotaping worship services. It’s a new product that I read about in The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.

The Christian Recorder is attempting to carry the African Methodist Episcopal church to the next level as it relates to technology as a vehicle for evangelism. We are not doing nearly enough and we have not “scratched the surface” in the use of technology as tool for evangelism.

The Mount Herman video-clip went out to subscribers of The Christian Recorder, so those who directly access The Christian Recorder Online did not receive the video-clip. Those who are formally subscribed to The Christian Recorder receive news breaks and up-to-date news releases.

I am trying to learn the "ins and outs" of podcasting and how to send video-clips; this is an "on-the-job" learning experience.

I reiterate my belief that AME Churches need to use media resources as tools for evangelism and I want to share how to do that by learning myself; and learning from some of the pastors and laity who already have the skills for this aspect of ministry. Let me say, that I thank those of you who have offered advice and techniques for podcasting; I know far more today than I did yesterday.

Please bear with me as we take this "first leap" into this aspect of The Christian Recorder ministry. Hopefully, the technology, or my handling of it, will get better and take on a more professional presentation.

I welcome your comments/suggestions/recommendations.

Several reminders to those who wish to submit an article to The Christian Recorder, the first and foremost is that only electronic submissions of articles will be accepted; we will not accept hard-copy submissions of articles. Technology is here to stay; it’s not going away and we need to embrace it.

Submitted articles should contain a strong lead, an article-body that develops and delivers on the lead, and a definitive conclusion with an international audience in mind. Articles should address who, what, when, where, and how. Writers are discouraged from using acronyms and figures of speech that do not translate efficiently into foreign languages and other cultures. Examples like “GMKT” and phrases like, “Bring home the bacon”,” …just pulling your leg” or “That’s mixing apples and oranges” should be avoided.

- Check the submitted article carefully and get the article right the first time! If you have to correct an article, resend the entire corrected article.

- Only electronic submissions are accepted. Articles should be in IBM-compatible Microsoft Word format, 12 pt., Times New Roman, Verdana, Arial, Courier, etc., and sent as an email attachment. The email address for submissions is chsydnor@bellsouth.net

- All articles must have the name of the author(s) as a part of the article. Please provide the author’s title, i.e., Mr., Mrs., Ms (Ms without the period; it is not an abbreviation), Dr., Rev., Attorney, Licentiate, Lic., Deaconess, Chaplain, etc.

- Articles submitted to The Christian Recorder should not be submitted simultaneously to another publication, nor be under consideration by other publisher at the time of submission.

- If the article is a reprint, written reprint permission must accompany the article.

- Please, no “cut and paste” or copied articles from other sources; we do not want plagiarized articles!

- Do not abbreviate brother or sister; spell them out.

- Upper and lower case text. No all-upper-case or all-lower-case-texts. No bolding or underlining.

- Single-spaced

- No automatic formatting

- Spell-check and use standard grammar
- Make sure that all names are spelled correctly.

- No hard-copy or handwritten articles

- All articles must be accompanied by telephone phone number and a valid email address, and church affiliation.

- Members of the AME Church will take precedence over non-AMEs.

- All articles for publication will be screened, proofed and edited.

- Unused articles and photos will not be returned.

- Photos have to be in PDF, jpeg, tif or a similar photo format; or hard-copy format; not in Word format or part of a text format. Color photos are $35 each for the color separation fee. Let me know how many photos you want in the article.

2. DR. GEORGE FLOWERS WILL BE TOURING THE TENNESSEE AND KENTUCKY STORM- DAMAGED AREAS:

Dr. George Flowers will be touring Tennessee and Kentucky with a team from Church World Service to assess the damages of the storm and to offer assistance to the victims.

Dr. Flowers and the team from Church World Service will be in the areas for four days along with other organizations.

Dr. George F. Flowers
Department of Global Witness and Ministry


3. THE COUNCIL OF BISHOPS AND THE GENERAL CONFERENCE COMMISSION SUPPORT A CALL TO PRAYER ON SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 2008 AS A CONNECTIONAL DAY OF PRAYER:

Prayer Makes a Difference

Let Us Pray For:

• Our beloved “Connection” of General, Annual, P.E. District, and Church Conferences

• The Bishops, General Officers, Presiding Elders, Pastors, Clergy, and Lay youth and adult members as we prepare for the 48th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference

• One another as we seek to live ‘saved’ lives at home, at work, in the community and everywhere

• Salvation in our suffering world’s human and spiritual conditions

Nature of the Prayer Call:

- Sunday, April 13th—Prayer Worship Service(s) or Convocations

- Saturday, April 12th—Prayer meetings, vigils, retreats, walks and related prayer centered, salvation-centered, evangelical and therapeutic programs or activities

Ad Hoc Prayer Committee for the 48th Quadrennial General Conference Commission:

The Right Reverend Sarah F. Davis – Chairperson; Presiding Prelate, 18th Episcopal District

The Reverend Dorisalene Hughes – Coordinator; Prayer Leader, 5th Episcopal District

Exhorter Dr. T. Carlton Richardson – Assistant Coordinator; Prayer Leader, 2nd Episcopal District

For Prayer Support and Materials: PrayerAMEC2008@aol.com or telephone: 202-674-PRAY/202-674-7729

4. ST. PAUL AME CHURCH LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY WELCOMES NEW PASTOR AND FIRST FAMILY:

Historic St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Lexington, Kentucky undergoes a spiritual transformation with the appointment of the dynamic ministerial team the Reverends Troy and Maxine Thomas from Philadelphia, PA.

It happened on Saturday, December 2, 2007 at Greater Bethel AME Church in Nashville during the closing of the 13th District Planning Meeting when to the surprise of some and delight of others the Right Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate of the Thirteenth Episcopal District appointed the Reverend Troy I. Thomas as pastor of Historic St. Paul Lexington.

The spiritual transformation began on Sunday, December 9, 2007 when Reverend Troy and his family, the Reverend Maxine, Tricia, and their daughters, Traci and Trina arrived at Historic St. Paul for the first time. He came in reviving, rejuvenating, and uplifting the congregation with his energizing manner of delivering the Word. As the members sat in awe of this great transformation taking place, they were compelled to get excited and proclaim that God is still in control and Jesus Christ is the King of our life.

Before his sermon Reverend Thomas announced that he loves to preach (and preach he does) and he told the congregation “If you don’t help me, I will preach all day.” His first sermon at St. Paul: “There’s a Blessing in Pressing.” Philippians 3:13-14; Forgetting those things behind and pressing forward – too many believers give up, throw in the towel, become negative. Life gets tough, we all go through some stuff, but you have to learn how to forget some stuff, the good is in front of you St. Paul. God wants us to understand this morning that there is a blessing in pressing.

We are at a new level of worship, praise, celebration and commitment, pressing our way through believing that healing, deliverance and financial restoration will come. Pastor Thomas implored us to see a brighter day ahead for St. Paul, to forget about yesterday and press on, the past is the past.

And so, it goes Sunday after Sunday such sermons as: Where Is Your Faith? Hebrews 11:5-6; by faith we believe, we receive, we take back; What a Night! Luke 2: 8-10, This might remind you of a night that was not so holy, but in the Christian church, one night stands out above all others – a night God had already preordained – one night when God spoke. Every night ends with a day of rising.

January 2008, the first Sunday of the New Year the St. Paul Church Family experienced first hand the realization of just what God has done, and is doing for us as a church when the dynamic duo delivered a dual sermon entitled, “Do Something about It,” taken from Nehemiah 2:17-18. We have too many excuses – too old, too young, can’t pray, too busy, etc. The preachers encouraged us to develop a Nehemiah spirit – when there is a problem, face it; God will give you the strength. See the need and rise to the occasion. Capture the vision and Do Something about It. “My God is Able,” from Jude 1: 20-25. God is beyond our everyday circumstances – believe that God is able. Jude brings us to the conclusion to commit to a God who is able to keep you from falling, not only physically, but from falling out of spiritual grace and keep our spirits from falling. No matter what is said: God is Able.

February 3, 2008 Reverend Maxine Thomas was appointed as assistant pastor of Historic St. Paul AME Church and delivered the morning message entitled, “God is not Through with Me Yet,” taken from Ephesians 2:10. Rev. Maxine said, “We are all a work in progress.”

Founder’s Day was celebrated on Sunday, February 10, 2007 with the congregation dressed in African attire and bright colors. The sermon for the celebration was “This is my Story,” taken from Acts 3: 6-10. The preacher focused upon the fact that all of us have struggled in some form or the other and all of us have a story to tell. Too often in the church we don’t know each other’s story. When God steps in our story gets changed, it is rewritten and new chapters are added. Whatever your story, it is just a foretaste of God’s love.

If asked to describe Pastor Thomas the response would be, he is an enthusiastic, energetic, press-forward, spiritual motivator. With the brief sermon excerpts listed, I can not begin to apprise you of the wonderful, motivating, uplifting, spiritually rewarding, soul-stirring, heart-changing sermons we have been blessed to hear, since the spiritual transformation began at Historic St. Paul; rarely do we see such energy, such enthusiasm, such excitement about the Word and understand the potential possibilities of the church.

I feel privileged to see the change in attitudes toward praising. I am blessed by the joyful spirits of the saints, hopeful about the increased attendance in worship services, Bible Study and prayerful spirit of the church.

I am thankful for Bishop McKenzie’s foresight to reach beyond the boundaries of Kentucky and Tennessee and infuse some “new blood,” with a fresh approach, a willingness to serve all people, and a return to what we once St. Paul Lexington. Truly we are experiencing the blessings and favor of God.

The Thomas’ are now native Lexingtonians; they reside at 1325 Copper Run Boulevard. On Sunday, March 9, 2009 we will celebrate this blessing of the Thomas Family with a “welcome to St. Paul and the Lexington Community program” and reception at 4:00 p.m. St. Paul AME Church extends a welcome to everyone to come and share with us in welcoming the Thomas family.

Doris J. Coffey, St. Paul AME Church

5. THE ALLEGHENY SCRANTON DISTRICT CELEBRATES FOUNDER’S DAY, PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA:

The Allegheny Scranton District celebrated Founder’s Day on Sunday, February 10, 2008 at Calvary A.M.E. Church in Braddock, PA. The host pastor was the Reverend Lois Thomas.

Due to inclement weather, about a half hour before the service was to begin, the electricity in the church went out; but all in attendance shook Satan off our backs and the service began with candles being lit in the sanctuary. This was a surreal experience as to how Richard Allen and members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church worshiped back in the day when there was no electricity.

The ministry of music being provided by various choirs of the District; Wayman Chapel – New Brighton; Calvary - Braddock; and St. John – Bridgewater, the Holy Spirit was in the place. Feet were tapping and hands were clapping!

Reverend Dr. Eric L. Brown, Presiding Elder of the Allegheny Scranton District, introduced the Reverend P. Robert Tate, Presiding Elder of the North Ohio Conference, Youngstown District; the guest preacher for the occasion.

Presiding Elder Tate preached with power and conviction from the subject, "Servants Called to Make a Difference" taken from I Peter 4:10-11. He stated "that which we have already, hold fast until I come". The three things that everyone has are body, soul and spirit. With the body, we can't make a difference without God. God's church has many vessels which are planted but it takes water and cultivation for it to grow - God will give the increase. With the soul - God breathed life into you. With the spirit - we all can make a difference with God.

As we celebrate Founder's Day, Richard Allen was a servant who truly was called to make a difference!

Submitted by – Shelly Brown
Allegheny Scranton District Secretary

6. BISHOP WILLIAM PHILLIPS DEVEAUX TO PREACH AT CANDLER SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY:

Bishop William Phillips DeVeaux, the presiding prelate of the Sixth Episcopal District (State of Georgia) of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church will preach at the 11:00 a.m. chapel service in William R. Cannon Chapel at Emory University in celebration of the A.M.E. Church Founder’s Day on Thursday, Feb. 21.

DeVeaux is recognized in the field of theological education for his achievements as the executive director of the Fund for Theological Education Inc. During his tenure, scholarships to Black, Hispanic and students of other ethnic backgrounds were granted to support their theological education.

DeVeaux attended Howard University where he was elected junior and senior class president and Basileus of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. While a student at Howard, he answered the call to ordained ministry. He later served in the United States Army as a chaplain.

In addition to a bachelor’s degree from Howard University, he earned a bachelor of sacred theology degree from Boston University as well as master's and doctorate degrees from Vanderbilt University. He has served on the faculties of Meharry Medical College, Princeton Theological Seminary and Howard University School of Divinity.

The event is sponsored by the A.M.E. Connection, a student organization at Candler that seeks to provide educational support, networking, spiritual well-being and a sense of community for students who are members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

The AME Connection also seeks to provide a connecting link between local AME churches and students, and develop ways of working together ecumenically with other campus organizations. Some of the organization’s recent projects include: providing Thanksgiving Dinner for Alternate Life Paths Program Inc., a not-for-profit organization to assist "high-risk" and "at-risk" youths; and donating items to Big Bethel AME Clothing Bank.

7. CHAPLAIN BROWN ADDRESSES STUDENTS AT EDWARD WATERS COLLEGE:

On January 28th, Chaplain David R. Brown had the opportunity to address students at Edward Waters College regarding the unique ministry of the Navy Chaplain. Chaplain Brown, who is currently stationed in Atlanta, GA, serves as a chaplain program officer for Navy Recruiting Region East. Chaplain Brown was hosted by the Rev. D. Lovett Sconiers, JD, MDIV, who serves as the Director of Campus Ministry, Chaplain and professor of religion for the college.

The students from the Introduction to Biblical Studies were shown a video presentation about navy chaplains followed by a brief period of questions & answers. After the presentation, the students asked a range of questions about chaplain ministry as well as military pay and benefits, deployment, family life, and travel.

“I started out in ministry as the pastor of a local church”, Chaplain Brown said, “and I really enjoyed it. Then I was introduced to a Navy Chaplain recruiter, and it completely changed my life.” One student asked Chaplain Brown to name some of his favorite places he has visited around the world. “Tokyo, Rome and Antigua top the list,” he answered.

Chaplain Brown has been an Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church for thirteen years and has been an active duty chaplain for twelve years. As a chaplain program recruiter, he is responsible for the following Navy recruiting districts: Atlanta, Jacksonville, Miami, New Orleans, Nashville, Ohio and Michigan.

8. WILL YOUNGER ADULTS UNDER 40 YEARS OLD BE ABLE TO FIND YOUR CHURCH:

*Lynette Hawkins

Will younger adults under 40 years old be able to find your church? I ask this question after visiting a church in Virginia a few weeks ago. I looked around and more than fifty percent of the congregation was under 40 years old. This was inspiring. When the pastor greeted guests, he asked how they found the church. Interestingly, several people mentioned the web. This was not surprising given the findings of the CyberFaith Report for Pew Internet & American Life Project that reveals more than 3 million people a day visit the Internet for religious and spiritual information. As I think about Lenten season and Easter Sunday, I can not help but wonder if the next generation of believers will find you this season?

Long are the days that young adults and young families think first to pull out a gigantic copy of the yellow pages to find the address of a church. Today, the first impulse may be to "Google" to see where the local churches are located. Recently, I spoke with a young man 26 years old who was just settling into a new community. He mentioned that he had visited a couple of churches. I asked how he found them and his answer was simply, "I surfed the web for churches and found several in my zip code." Another interesting point from a NC city's chamber of commerce web site's statistics revealed approximately 60,000 hits(visits) a month with about 7,000 of those hits viewing local churches' information. Again, these small revelations make me wonder, will young adults find your church this Easter?

Welcome to this issue of BMG Awesome Insight Newsletter. Whether you are trying to reach the "unchurched young adults" in the community or you want to hear "awesome" more, this issue shares a few tips to help reach out. As you know Easter is often a time when unchurched people decide to attend church. For some, that means looking to find a church to attend. The opportunity to renew our spirits and share our faith is here. Let's make every effort to grow in our own understanding so we can even more readily share our faith with those that may not know Christ.

As we embrace this season, it is my prayer that congregations continue to seek ways to reach the unchurched, share the Good News and make disciples. I urge you to share this issue of BMG Awesome Newsletter for Church Leaders with a colleague in ministry. Encourage them to sign up for the newsletter at www.awesomeinsight.com.

*Lynette Hawkins
info@awesomeinsight.com
BMG Awesome Insight Newsletter
A Church Leader's Guide to Communications

Editor's Note: The BMG Awesome Insight Newsletter is an outstanding resource; simply go to http://www.awesomeinsight.com/

9. “HOW MANY TREES WILL DIE FOR THE 48TH SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH”:

Although to date, African Methodism has not been at the forefront of the call for environmental justice; a thread of eco-spirituality runs vibrantly through our worship. In our doxology we sing——

“Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below.”

In our confession of faith we open with these words——

“I believe in God the Father Almighty
Maker of Heaven and Earth۰۰۰”

In our hymns, both ancient and modern, reverence for creation is extant:
“O Lord, my God
when I in awesome wonder
consider all the worlds Thy hands have made
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.”
Or
“I believe for every drop of rain that falls
a flower grows۰۰۰۰
Every time I hear a new born baby cry
Or touch a leaf or see the sky,
Then I know why I believe.”

Surely, we realize that the God of our redemption is also, Lord of all creation. Yet we too, like other Black denominations have sat in idle distraction as our home——planet earth——was being openly and violently ravaged. We are under prepared to face the consequences.
The waters, the air, the ecosystem, the forests —— all that was “good” in the beginning —— is now toxic, weak, vulnerable and endangered.
“Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.”

In his work, The Cosmic Circle — Jesus and Ecology, Edward P. Echlin writes:

“Thirsty Palestinian Arabs and African peasants struggle to survive on fewer than 30 litres of water per day. In Britain, people consume an estimated 135 litres a day. In Las Vegas, people consume an estimated 1500 litres a day. “ What about us? What about the African Methodist Episcopal Church? Will we be guilty of perpetuating the holocaust against the earth? Will indulgence, excess and waste be our global ecological witness at the 48th General conference in St Louis? Or will we as “stewards of the mercies of God” initiate policies, practices and liturgies for the renewal of the earth?

“The earth is the Lord’s
and the fullness thereof.
The world and they who dwell therein.”
(Psalm 24:1)

“They who dwell therein” includes the birds, the butterflies, the bees, as well as, all lions and tigers and alligators. To our shame, humanity is on a path that will render “the fullness” a wilderness. The Hour of Repentance has come. A radically fresh understanding of our relationship to planet earth can emerge from prayer, reflection and honest discussion both locally and connectionally. Psalm 8:6 says that
we have been “given dominion.” In humility, let us shape an ecological witness of grace and sustainability. Let us covenant in all things to acknowledge, preserve and protect the integrity of creation. Let us pass on to succeeding generations a legacy of Earth care and reverence that they will faithfully honor.

I would like to offer to those who will receive them, 12 steps to Ecological Compassion, as we worship and witness in this nuclear millennium. May the ancestors, in the “cloud of witnesses” who surround us in St Louis, rejoice and be glad!
(Proverbs 3:19-20), (Proverbs 8:22-32), (Isaiah 63:17-18; 21-22).

Bless Creation Daily (I Chronicles 29:10-13) (Psalm 145:6).
Pack with Simplicity (Jeremiah 29:7) (Matthew 6:26-29).
Recycle Daily (Matthew 16:19) (Galatians 5:25)
Conserve Water (Psalm 8:6) (Psalm 23:106) (Matthew 9:13)
Conserve Electricity (Ephesians 3:20) (II Corinthians 6:1-7).
No Smoking (Romans 12:1) (I Thess 1:5).
Use Recycled Paper (2 Chronicles 7:14) (Hebrews 9:14).
Walk (Genesis 17:10-2) (Isaiah 30:20-21).
Minimize use of cell phones, iPods, computers, televisions, radios (I Corinthians 4:20) (Revelation 7:15).
Minimize Credit Card Debt (Proverbs 10:4) (Hebrews 18:5).
Portion Control (prevents excess and waste) (Deut 8:3) (Matthew 6:16-18) (Romans 14:17).
Plant a tree, dig a well, provide seeds, and/or donate a generator!

At the close of the General Conference, give a personal financial gift to:
Rebuild New Orleans (8th District).
Development (Districts 14 – 20).
Bless the Dalits of India (5th District).
II Corinthians 8:1-9, 9:1-7
Colossians 3:8-17
Hebrews 13:16.

Whoever in the Redeeming Love of Jesus Christ lives a life of Ecological compassion will make heaven smile. You will evoke a new humanity, a more abundant posterity, a song of healing. The 48th General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is positioned to be God’s transforming presence in the world. We can exchange Sacrament for indulgence, simplicity for excess, humility for chaos, cleanliness for clutter and preservation for duplication as we struggle to restore the goodness of the planet. Let us make Kingdom use of all our time and all of our resources,

“Sing, O Heavens, for the Lord has done it;
shout, O depths of the earth,
break forth into singing,
O mountains,
O forest, and every tree in it!
For the Lord has redeemed Jacob,
And will be glorified in Israel.”
(Isaiah 44: 23).

Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant
Episcopal Supervisor
Fifth Episcopal District

10. MY OPINION – A NEED FOR A FISCAL TRANSFORMATIONAL MOVEMENT:

The AME Church is no stronger in the broken places of Budget Development than it was in 1956. “Fo, and No Mo” became the rallying cry of a General Conference Delegation determined to eradicate a system plagued with “Special Appeals” after the budget had been adopted. This “Four Dollars and No More per Member Budget Formula” was a resounding repudiation of a flawed budget development system that provided gaping loopholes for Episcopal Leadership abuse.

In case you have not been paying attention, the fiscal system of the AME Church continues to be Undercapitalized, Poorly Subsidized, and Scarcely Scrutinized during a time of “National Economic Distress.” Tradition (“The AME Way”), which is the critical bulwark that has kept the church out of bankruptcy, is showing signs of cracking. Consequently, the system is perceived as a “bottomless pit” which fosters a spirit of no confidence at the local church level. Pastors, who are usually the “First Responders” to the onslaught of heated inquiries, are ill equipped to explain away our seriously flawed Budget process.

Our general constituency, battered by a sinking housing market, rising unemployment and a serious credit crunch, is demanding that any increase of the 2008/2012 budget be based, in large measure, upon a critical analysis of the present and prospective net impact of such an increase on the fiscal dynamics of the local congregation. Historically, we have closed each successive General Conference “sine die” with a seriously flawed budget document which: 1) significantly enhanced Administration and Support of the hierarchical structure; 2) gave lip service and a small bone to Higher Education, and 3) provided little more than a “process” for the assignment of pastors to the local church. We should be worried that all the problems weighing on the economy, and our own fiscal irresponsibility, could prompt our members to sharply limit, or even stop supporting the “Connectional Apparatus.”

Additionally, the budget development process is systemically shrouded in secrecy. The CFO, Council of Bishops, and the General Board’s Commission on Statistics and Finance, carry every proposed budget element close to the vest, much like the induction rites of a secret society. The process denies input or participation from the very stakeholders who are expected to enthusiastically endorse and support the final product. This cause and effect scenario sets in motion distrust and hostility, which manifests itself in counter-productive ways at the General Conference level, at the point of decision. Thus, we are forced to expend an inordinate amount of time, which impacts cost, debating and yelling about the efficacy of each line item proposal.

On page 45 of the 2004 “Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church,” we are formally known as “The African Methodist Episcopal Church, Incorporated.” By definition the AME Church is the “Body Corporate.” Within that context, the Body Corporate has an inherent responsibility to its stakeholders to meet its mission objectives in the most efficient and effective matter possible, while maintaining a targeted level of fiduciary solvency and accountability.

In a Balance Sheet of a “Solvent” corporation, the Assets and Liabilities are always equal. The successful corporation, of course, owns more than it owes, and any excess of assets over the claims of creditors (known as dividends or profits) belong to the “owners” of the corporation. However, in the AME Church’s “Upside Down” corporate construct, the principal providers of the asset base (the local church), receives little more than a continuous bombardment of new or additional financial requirements (via Apportionment Sheets), which are directed toward financing the corpus, to feed the head…dividends expected, but none received.

Rural America has an expression: “If the Ox is in the ditch, someone has to get in the ditch and get him out, then, build a fence so that he does not venture in again.” At this junction of our history, we need leaders with uncommon common sense – people who know the church – who are true to their calling – who know that our fiscal crisis gives us an opportunity to become stronger in our broken places. This type of leader must have the confidence and courage to “Get the Ox out of the Ditch, and build a fence to keep him out!”

Regrettably, I have observed that candidates for “Episcopal Service” have offered nothing more than their oratorical prowess, which is easily dissipated from their airy lack of substance on matters of our fiscal broken places as a church. I have also observed that the AME Church’s Episcopal leadership lacks the inherent unity necessary to bring about the harmonic convergence required to direct the church toward a common remedy, and an appreciable level of fiscal responsibility. As a consequence, we continue to experience “fiduciary reform inertia” which, if not corrected will contribute to a radical falling away of support at the local church level.

Thus, my call for a “Fiscal Transformational Movement” to stop the deficit budget madness, which continues to be characterized by unfunded and under-funded economic trauma, along with exorbitant interest payments on loans from “other folks” financial institutions. The urgency of our predicament reminds me that: “Procrastination is the archenemy of crisis management. Sometimes a crisis becomes one simply because someone has failed to lead.” By definition, a crisis is a crucial or decisive point or situation, a turning point. Our budget dilemma is a turning point, a defining moment in the life of African Methodism when we have an opportunity to choose to lead.

Proposed Fiscal Transformational Remedies

1) Revision of the Budget Development Process to include a provision for Annual Conference Ratification of the proposed budget, at the site of each Annual Conference, after the election of delegates. This adjustment would lend transparency to the issues and offer an opportunity for “informed” expressions from the “Designated Payees” or Constituent Stakeholders. The need for Transparency and Accountability in the budget development process cannot be overstated.

2) Reduce travel and related funding, for the 2008/2012 Quadrennial, system-wide by 25%.

3) Restrict Departmental Seminars and Institutes to a Semi-Quadrennial format.

4) Study the “Economies of Scale” theory, and reconsider combining and/or dissolving departments and functions where critical factors of funding, staff, production, property and mission could result in the greatest profit. This planning application could lead to new, lower, minimum-cost combinations of critical factors.

5) Passage of a “Hold the Line” budget for the 2008/2012 Quadrennial, with the exceptions of a 4.3% CPI increase and a $500,000 set aside to fund the 2012 General Conference. This adjustment would provide sufficient time for the system to recover from the present Economic Recession. We must not ignore the reality that every local church is adversely affected by joblessness, mortgage defaults, higher energy and auto fuel costs, and higher food, clothing, and education costs.

6) Downsizing the “Administrative” burden doing the 2008/2012 Quadrennial by:

a) Not electing new Bishops at the St. Louis General Conference.
b) Utilizing the experience and availability of Retired Bishops to cover certain aspects of the work.
c) Organizing an “Intensive and Intentional” Redistricting Analysis, and preparing enabling legislation to accomplish the proposed redistricting by 2012.
d) Reducing General Conference travel and sustentation expenses of Episcopal Districts 14-20 from $1M to $500K.
e) Discontinue “Stipends” for participation on Connectional Boards, Commissions, and Committees. Pay only travel and sustentation as warranted.

7) Create the proposed “Reserve Development Fund” with a 7% set aside of the General Budget for two Quadrennials. Use 80% to fund succeeding General Budgets and 20% to recapitalize the fund.

Wrap Up

In 1912, the finest and safest vessel that has ever been built, the unsinkable “Titanic,” struck an iceberg and sank with nearly everyone on board. The staggering fact is not that the ship went down, but that she went down after fifteen hours of radio warnings, her engines at full speed, her band playing, her passengers dancing, and, apparently nobody caring a darn that there was ice ahead. That to me is the staggering reality about my beloved AME Church Ship of Zion –years of warnings of impending danger everywhere, engines of “same old – same old” at full speed propelling us, Episcopal bands playing, clergy and lay passengers dancing, and nobody caring a darn that we are no stronger in the fiscal broken places than we were in 1956.

Rev. Richard E. Tankerson, Pastor
Greater Ball Tabernacle AME Church
111 Dunaff Street
San Antonio, TX 78219
Email: rtankerson@satx.rr.com
210-481-1538 (Res.)
210-310-8425 (Cell)

11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Funeral information for Mrs. Eunice Pettigrew, the mother of Mrs. C. Ann Thomas and the mother-in-law of the Rev. Dr. Mickarl D. Thomas, Sr., pastor of Grant Memorial A.M.E. Church in Chicago, IL.)

The funeral has been held

Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Mickarl D. Thomas, Sr.
Grant Memorial A.M.E. Church
4017 S. Drexel Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60653
773-285-5819

Email: grantmame@ameritech.net

12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We sadly announce the death of Mr. Edward P. Griffin of Youngstown, Oh. Mr. Griffin was the brother of the late Rev. Archie C. Griffin, Sr., former pastor and presiding elder in the East Tennessee Conference, and the uncle of Rev. Etta Griffin Garth - Retired from the West Kentucky Conference, Rev., Dr. V., Cora Griffin Stovall-Pastor of Mount View AME Church in Winchester, Tennessee, and Rev. Archie Griffin, Jr., - Pastor of Berry Chapel AME Church in Lynchburg, Tennessee. The funeral will be held on Friday, February 15, 2008 at Saint Andrews AME Church, Youngstown, Ohio at 11:00 a.m.

Family contacts:

Rev. Etta Griffin Garth
4410 Delashmitt Road
Apartment 15
Hixson, TN 37343

Rev. Dr. V. Cora Griffin Stovall
funnyeyez@hotmail.com

Rev. Archie C. Griffin, Jr.
gsandrajc@aol.com

Submitted by:
Rev. Dr. V. Cora Griffin Stovall

13. 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

14. 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 CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (2/8/08)

Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor

NEWS ALERT- AME CHURCH RESPONDS TO STORM VICTIMS:

For Immediate Release –

Arrangements with the Symetra Financial and Insurance(Retirement Annuity Plan) and Standard Life Insurance Companies (Group Life Insurance Plan) to process claims on an expedited basis for our pastors and /or their dependents who were effected by the tornadic storms that converged on Tennessee earlier this week. If we have pastors who have suffered financially, i.e. home damage, loss, etc OR (heaven forbid) have suffered a loss of life and need to make an emergency claim for a "Hardship” annuity distribution or death claim, please have them contact my department as follows: AMEC Department of Annuity Investments and Insurance, P.O. Box 1857, Memphis, TN 38101 Telephone (Toll Free) 1-800-992-6327, Direct (901) 527-2006 or Fax (901) 527-2007. These should be addressed to my attention so that a faster decision can be made. PLEASE NOTE; these requests must be accompanied by some form of written confirmation of need (Red Cross, Pending Insurance Claim, etc. as required under IRS Regulations.

If you need further information, please give me a call

Jerome V. Harris
Executive Director/Plan Administrator
Telephone: (901) 527-2006
Email: jvharris@mindspring.com

1. EDITORIAL – THE BIGGEST “SIN” TODAY IN THE AME CHURCH:

*Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III

In this editorial space we have dealt with the “sins” of a local church member, the “sins” the local church officer, the “sins” the pastor, and the “sins” of the presiding elder.

We have addressed the issue of gossip, innuendo, and rumors that run rampant both, on the Internet and in groups of clergy and laity gathered in the halls at our episcopal district and connectional meetings. Additionally, we have addressed the blame for many of the failures in the local church to weak stewards and poor pastoral leadership.

As big as those “sins” are, neither of them is the biggest “sin” facing the AME Church today. Unfortunately, the biggest “sin” facing the AME Church today is the biggest “sin” facing other churches, especially historically black denominations. So, the AME Church does not bear this “sin” alone, but that does not lessen the consequences of the “sin”; in fact, this “sin” afflicts the AMEZ, CME, the Baptists, COGIC and the other historically black denominations, and this makes the “sin” all the more insidious and deadly.

I cannot address this “sin” that afflicts the other denominations, only as it afflicts the AME Church.

The “sin” I am speaking about is the “sin” of the AME Church’s failure to consistently, aggressively and effectively address the HIV/AIDS pandemic at all levels of our Zion. More than 26 million people in the United States have died of AID since 1981 and 40 million more worldwide are infected. The number of people being infected with HIV/AIDS is on the increase and black Americans have the highest rate of the increase of HIV/AID in the United States. And in that number, black American women have the highest increase. HIV/AIDS rate in Africa is astronomical. HIV/AIDS is reaching epidemic proportions and the people in our communities and in our churches in the United States and in the overseas districts are not immune and will not escape the consequences of this malady. Ignoring it, will not eradicate or lessen its pervasiveness.

So, what is the “sin”? The AME Church is are not consistently, aggressively and effectively attacking the HIV/AIDS problem.

Yes, we had HIV/AIDS testing at the General Board/Bishops’ Council in Columbus, Ohio this past June; and yes, it was a start, and it made a big splash in several media outlets, but only a relatively few persons got tested. We should have had long lines, but we didn’t. We had a lot of hype, but the hype seems to have died down. I don’t hear of AME Churches providing HIV/AIDS testing. HIV/AIDS testing and education are keys to attacking this problem.

We have pastors who are focused upon parishioners “getting their praises on” and having long altar calls and choirs singing, “seven-eleven” songs; seven-word phrases, eleven times over and over and over again, while infected people are sitting in the pews and others are residing in our communities, many of whom, don’t even know that they are infected. Instead of parishioners “getting their praises on,” they need to be getting tested of HIV/AIDS virus.

Instead of pastors trying to get a “whoop,” more pastors need to be delivering encouraging, yet somber messages about HIV/AIDS, especially risk factors and the importance of testing; and other social issues that negatively affects the quality of life. And, pastors who really want to do something will coordinate with health professionals to provide HIV/AIDS testing and counseling as an extension of the worship experience. Instead of the “whoop,” pastors need to be “real” and deliver messages that address risky behavior: promiscuity, unprotected sex, failure to use of condoms if you are having casual sex, and the use of the use of illegal drugs; sermons addressing those issues will take work.

Pastors and teachers in our churches should not be afraid to appropriately address the issue HIV/ADS and its link to sex and illegal drugs. Young people know about sex and even young kids know about sex. Commercials on the six o’clock news are quite graphic in discussing erectile dysfunction, and believe me; the kids can put two and two together and they know that the commercial is addressing sex.

The AME Church, and other church’s “sin,” is failing to address the relevant issue of HIV/AIDS.

And, the especially sad thing about the AME Church is that we have been warned about the issue of HIV/AIDS for a long time. We have a prophetess, who, when asked, “Can these bones live?” responded, “Yes,” if we openly address the issue of HIV/AIDS, provide education and testing. The prophetess is Dr. M. Joan Cousin.

Dr. M. Joan Cousin has been leading the fight against HIV/AIDS

Dr. M. Joan Cousin, Supervisor of the Women’s Missionary Society of the Fourth Episcopal District and the wife of the Senior Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Right Reverend Philip Cousin has been the pioneer in the fight against HIV/AIDS. She didn’t want the Church to be saddled with this “sin,” but I am afraid, that like Israel and Judah, the AME Church is disobedient.

Dr. Cousin was an advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and testing when she and Bishop Cousin were assigned to the 9th Episcopal District.

“Back in the day,” HIV/AIDS was not a popular subject to be discussed, especially in church, because it was thought to be a gay-oriented sexually transmitted disease and a disease that was the result of illegal drug use. Churches didn’t waste a lot of time focusing on HIV/AIDS because it was not “our” problem. Today, HIV/AIDS is our problem and everybody’s problem. It’s a heterosexual problem; and it will continue to be a killer in many of our communities if we fail to address this “sin.”

Studies show that the new HIV/AIDS infections have decreased, among the gay community, because of education, the use of condoms, and abstinence. So, the HIV/AIDS fight is not a hopeless fight.

Dr. Cousin, the AME pioneer and heroine in the fight against AIDS is still in the fight. She was the leader and the person who was instrumental for the HIV/AIDS testing at the General Board/Bishops’ Council meeting in the Columbus this past June. She was recently honored by Dr. Pam DeVeaux and the 6th Episcopal District Women’s Conference that was held in Atlanta in October 2007.

Dr. Cousin is nationally and internationally known for her crusade against HIV and AIDS; under her leadership, HIV and AIDS centers have been established throughout the world.

Additionally, while serving in the Ninth Episcopal District, she established the AME Mission Center in Birmingham for feeding and clothing those in need. In the Eleventh District she initiated the Sarah Allen Home to feed and clothe the homeless in Miami with special interest in the Haitians who were housed in prison in Florida. Under her leadership, eleven Care Stations were established throughout Florida and the Bahamas Islands. In the First Episcopal District, a Health Awareness Center was established in partnership with the New Jersey Housing Authority. In honor of her outstanding humanitarian services, the Center was named for her. Under her direction a curriculum guide, “AIDS Prevention through Education,” was written. The guide, edited by Dr. Catherine Walker, is being used throughout sub-Sahara Africa.

Dr. Cousin is presently serving in the Fourth Episcopal District where she continues her ministry of missions. The Bettye Allen Center in Chicago is the most recently opened one. In addition, she has established the More Excellent Way Project to assist women, children, and families affected by HIV and AIDS; and thousands of dollars have been contributed to the Mission in Lobatse, Botswana

Dr. Cousin has been the recipient of many awards and honors. Among those are citations from President Bush for AIDS education; a citation from the Center for Disease Control; Black Women’s Agenda; an invitation to the White House under President Bill Clinton to dialogue on issues impacting people and families affected by HIV and AIDS. She was also cited in the Congressional Record for her HIV and AIDS efforts. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Board Member of the Balm in Gilead, the National Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, a Life Member of the NAACP, she is also serving on the Board of the M. Joan Cousin Empowerment Center, in Lobatse, Botswana.

As an Episcopal Supervisor, Dr. Cousin is a counselor to ministers’ spouses and a teacher for missionaries, preparing them for their roles in the Church. Her desire for women to tell their life experiences for future generations inspired, How I Got Over, a book of love, faith, hope and courage.

She is a mother of five sons, all of whom are AME preachers: Philip, Jr., Steven, David, Michael, and Joseph.

So, there is no reason, especially for the African Methodist Episcopal Church to be a participant in the biggest “sin” that exists in the AME Church today.

The Christian Recorder salutes Dr. M. Joan Cousin, a prophetess and heroine.

* Dr. Jamye Coleman William provided information for this editorial

2. CALLING ALL FORMER 6th EPISCOPAL DISTRICT YPD DIRECTORS, PRESIDENTS AND YPDERS:

Calling all former YPD Directors, Presidents, and YPDers of the 6th Episopal District, AME Church from 1966-1980.

A YPD Reunion celebration will be held September 12-13, 2008 in Atlanta, Georgia.

If you plan to attend the Reunion Celebration please contact Mrs. Jackie Atkins, telephone, (404) 792-2768 or the former Director, Mrs. Helen Booth, telephone, (229) 838-4441 or email: helenbooth158@bellsouth.net at your earliest convenenice. Additonal information is forth coming.

Submitted by Mrs. Helen Booth

3. AME PASTOR SELECTED ONE OF GEORGIA’S TOP 40 AFRICAN AMERICANS UNDER 40:

The Reverend Ronald Slaughter has been selected by, The Georgia Informer, a newspaper that covers the entire state of Georgia, as one of the Top 40 African Americans under 40 in the entire state. Please log onto www.gainformer.com scroll to the middle of the page and click on the link for the Top 40 under 40 to view Reverend Slaughter’s biographical sketch and photo.

St. Paul AME Church, Macon, Georgia Website: www.saintpaulame.org

4. CLIMBING CANADIAN CONFERENCE HOSTS FAREWELL CRUISE AT THE SEAT OF CANADIAN ANNUAL CONFERENCE HONORING BISHOP AN MRS. PHILIP R. COUSIN:

This year’s Canadian Annual Conference marked the beginning the of The Right Reverend Philip R. Cousin’s last conference circuit as an active bishop. It was with both great excitement and greater sadness that the Climbing Canadian Conference gathered in Toronto, Ontario this year.

The Annual Conference was hosted by Grant AME Church in Toronto. The church is located at 2029 Gerrard St. E. Toronto, ON M4E 2B3. The pastor is the Reverend Cory A. Millben, who is also the Presiding Elder of the Canadian Conference. Presiding Elder Millben, along with First Lady, Mrs. Carrie Millben and their two sons were the ultimate first family hosts.

Anyone who has attended or participated in an Annual Conference knows first-hand that conference time is full-out work – workshops to attend, church business to sort and present, learning from our bishop, and, of course, plenty of praise and worship. By the end of the day, which always seems to come later and later as conference progresses, one just wants to hit the pillow for a few hours of sleep. Not often is there time to relax, unwind, or be casual. Annual conference is a hectic time indeed.

This year, however, The Climbing Canadian Conference planned time to do just that – relax, unwind, and be casual. On Friday August 10th, approximately 150 of us boarded the “Mariposa Belle” one of the Toronto Harbour cruise ships for a three-hour tour of the Toronto Islands. This was indeed an opportunity to mix, mingle, eat, fellowship, and honour our presiding prelate, Bishop Philip R. Cousin Senior Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

After a short delay and several jokes about a television program about a much-more-infamous-three-hour-tour, we were on our way. No event would be complete without greetings from Toronto Mayor, the Honourable David Miller. In his statement, he commented about what a comfort it is to witness a revival of religion in his city, and he attributed much of the success Toronto enjoys to individuals of organizations such as the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He further noted that conferences are an occasion to reflect and to look forward. With those words read to us by our host for the evening, the festivities truly began.

Throughout and after dinner, we were free to roam the ship, enjoy the two bands (jazz on the upper deck and calypso on the middle deck), and fellowship on the lower deck. As I walked the ship, I overheard laughter, I saw joy, and I felt much love – love for each other, love for our Conference, and love for our Bishop and Supervisor. I also felt the love that our Bishop and Supervisor have for the Canadian Conference.

When Presiding Elder Millben asked me to write an article for The Christian Recorder about the evening, I was overwhelmed and humbled. I was also grateful for the opportunity to talk with the ministers, licentiates, conference presidents, and everyone about our Bishop and Supervisor.

Here is just a sampling of what was said.

“There are literally hundreds of things that could be said about Bishop Cousin. He has had more influence than anyone on my ministry. He is a model pastor, bishop, and statesman.” (Presiding Elder Cory Millben - Grant Toronto)

“There’s so much to say. He (bishop) stayed down-to-earth to the last, having fun, intermingling, just being able to take off the title of bishop for a minute and get in touch with his youthful self. The manner in which he received the love shown to him shows his appreciation. Everyone knows he has done a marvelous work in the Canadian Conference and has left a solid foundation that anyone after can build on.” (The Rev. Randolph Phillips Robinson Montreal)

“He showed us that we needed to get an education to be prepared, that we need to know what we are preaching about. He encouraged me to go back to school.” (Rev. Arnita Traylor - Campbell - Chatham)

“He is insightful, he doesn’t make quick judgments but he feels you out, knowing what to tell you at the proper time. He encourages you in the proper way. This is what we need – to be told the truth with insight and love.” (Brother Milton Harris, Licentiate – Central Grove - Harrow)

When asked about the Bishop’s influence or most memorable interaction, every minister commented on the moment of ordination, when the Bishop Cousin laid his hands upon their heads and blessed them.

This year, I was presented as a licentiate to the Bishop. I must add my own sense of humility and power of God I received from Bishop Cousin. It is one thing to go before the Board of Examiners, but it is completely something else when Bishop Cousin asks you if you think you are called to win souls to Christ, and then tells you to now go and do it. You get up, and you go do it.

At the end of the day, the accolades are distant memories, the awards gather dust. What matters, is not what was said or presented; what matters is the footprint one leaves behind. In Genesis 12, “The Lord said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (Verses 1 – 3, NIV)

Bishop Philip R. Cousin listened to God, and like Abraham, left your country, your people and went to the land that God showed you. You have blessed this Canadian Conference, this Climbing Canadian Conference.

When asked your reflection about the Canadian Conference, you said that Canadians are sincere, warm, open in spirit, and genuinely loving.

Bishop, that is only us returning the love you and the Supervisor have given us these past few years. As Rev. Phillips said, you have left a solid foundation upon that anyone can continue to build.

Thank you, Bishop Cousin and Supervisor Cousin, for your love, your faithfulness, your kindness, your straightforwardness, your patience, your blessing, and your example. The Climbing Canadian Conference already misses you and the Climbing Canadian Conference will continue the good work that you have done and that God has started in us.

Submitted by Sister Joann Foote, Tanner/Price AME Church, Windsor, Ontario, Canada

5. A CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM…THE YOUTH OF NEW ALLEN SPEAK THROUGH “THE INN OF BETHLEHEM”:

Submitted by Mondella Woods

The youth of New Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church, Memphis, Tennessee, put on a superb play to remind us that there was no room in “The Inn of Bethlehem” for the Christ child to be delivered, so Mary and Joseph were sent to the stables. You know the story.

The spirit-filled performance made a great impact on the participants. Young people were able to witness and fulfill the desire to make room for Christ in their lives and make a commitment for the year. The youth filled the front of New Allen’s sanctuary on December 23, 2007, in their costumes, spiritually renewed. The unique costumes, sheep, cattle, shepherds, roman soldiers, women of Nazareth, Mary, Joseph and the Christ Child, were custom-made for this performance by the Youth Department Staff, Mrs. Louise Burton and Mrs. Wanda Marchie.

An ensemble, under the direction of Mr. C. R. Strong, enhanced the performance with musical instruments and an Alleluia good time was experienced.

At the end of the performance, the message from the youth was, there was no room for the Christ child in “The Inn of Bethlehem.”

We often encounter people who have no room for Jesus today. Is there room for Jesus in your heart and in your life today?

Mrs. Ann Williams, Director of Christian Education
Mrs. Dorothy Prewitt, Youth Department Staff
Ms. Karen Butler, YPD Director
The Reverend Willie V. Woods, Pastor

6. FOURTH ANNUAL A.G. GASTON CONFERENCE FEATURES REV. FLOYD HAROLD FLAKE AND BUSINESS MOGUL MICHAEL ROBERTS:

Newest "State of Black Business in Birmingham" Reports on Community Collaboration for Economic Empowerment

Birmingham, AL (BlackNews.com) - The 2008 Annual A.G. Gaston Conference is set for February 19 and 20 in Birmingham, featuring renowned community leader, the Rev. Floyd Flake of New York, and the return of the 21st Century business mogul, Michael Roberts of St. Louis.

"Building on the success of the 2007 conference, this year we want to focus on what can happen when an inner-city retail and housing entrepreneur like Michael Roberts meets with representatives of the faith community like Rev. Floyd Flake, to generate business development opportunities," says Bob Dickerson, one of the conference organizers.

Dickerson, Executive Director of the Birmingham Business Resource Center, says this year's conference -- Economic Empowerment through Community Collaboration -- will bring these two powerhouse speakers whose experiences are setting the standards for economic development in under-served communities. "What we hope will come out of this conference are examples of the kinds of collaborative efforts African Americans should take to empower ourselves through business ownership and cooperation across various sectors of our community," he said.

The 2007 conference saw greater inclusion of the faith community, a theme that continues in 2008 with the Rev. Flake, senior pastor of the 23,000 member Greater Allen African Methodist Episcopal Cathedral in Jamaica, Queens, New York. Under his 21-year pastorate, Allen A.M.E.'s annual non-profit operating budget has reached nearly $24 million.

Flake and his congregation are nationally renowned for expansive commercial and residential developments, its 500-student private school, and its various commercial and social service enterprises. Its community-building efforts have made Allen A.M.E. among the nation's most productive religious and urban development institutions. If the church were a for-profit entity, it would be one of the nation's 100 largest African American-owned enterprises.

Dickerson says Flake and his church started with buying and renovating old buildings and apartments; then they ended up with retail shopping centers. "These sorts of developments drive a sense of community and set the groundwork for property appreciation, which upgrades depressed communities," he says.

He calls Roberts the 21st Century version of A.G. Gaston who, like his predecessor, found a need and filled it. Roberts and his brother worked to breathe new life into old retail outlets and build new housing in inner-city St. Louis, MO., communities where many bankers were not willing to invest money. The Roberts brothers' business acumen turned those investments into bigger deals that today include commercial and residential real estate holdings, hotels, radio stations and communications towers.

"Together, Flake and Roberts represent what can happen when well-educated, smart and business-savvy entrepreneurs -- through faith-based organizations, families and other groups -- put their collaborative energies back into improving their own communities," Dickerson says.

The A.G. Gaston Conference continues to shine a light on the plight of Black-owned businesses and its implications for the broader community. Blacks are 30 percent of the Birmingham region's population, which should mean that they own a proportionate number of businesses that generate a proportionate percent of the revenue in this $100-billion-plus market. "Unfortunately, the world is so far from perfect that black businesses in Birmingham generate only one half of one percent of the total market," Dickerson says. Statistics are similarly skewed in other cities across the U.S.

In 2007, the conference's third annual "The State of Black Business in Birmingham" white paper found that, if Blacks owned businesses at the same rate as whites, there would be 18,000 more businesses, with payrolls generating $720 million more than what they do now. That kind of money flowing through the Black community would have a significant positive social impact and boost the entire region's economy, the paper concluded.

The Rev. Gerald Austin, founder and CEO of The Center for Urban Missions, will author the conference's 2008 white paper entitled, The Role of the Church in Community Economic Development.

The Fourth Annual A.G. Gaston Conference will also honor local small businesses and feature several general sessions with the keynote speakers as well as other special announcements.

The conference was founded by Dickerson and Gaynelle Adams Jackson of Advanced Planning Services.

For More Information about the Conference:

Registration for the two-day conference is $75 for early-bird registrants and $125 after Feb. 8, 2008. To register for the conference and get more detailed information about the schedule and speakers, visit the conference website www.aggastonexpo.com. For any questions, contact the Birmingham Business Resource Center at (205) 250-6380 or e-mail INFO@bbrc.biz .

About Dr. A.G. Gaston
Dubbed "Entrepreneur of the Century" by Black Enterprise Magazine, Dr. A.G. Gaston (1892-1996), for whom the conference was named, was one of the richest black men in America. He overcame poverty and the lack of educational opportunities to become a virtual giant in the world of business and commerce. "Gaston made these phenomenal accomplishments during a period when abject and overt racial discrimination was the way of life in Birmingham", Dickerson says. The conference holds up Gaston's time-honored principles and practices as encouragement for other blacks who must overcome barriers as they strive to succeed.

7. AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN INDIA (ASIA):

Report for January 2008

God has indeed been very merciful to all of us in the past year. The year 2008 began with a new vision, commitment and zeal to serve God through the ministries of AME-India and work for its growth and establishment. Under the leadership of Bishop John and Rev. Cee, we feel very privileged to continue in the work entrusted to us. They have been pillars of support to us. We also thank all the members of Global AME who are earnestly praying for the AME-India and its ministries.

On 9th -10th January 2008, Rev. Sarah, Rev. Abraham and Rev. Darryl Taylor, went as a team to visit the Eastern Hills of Tamilnadu, in response to the invitation of Mr. Abhimanan, a Badaga Hindu convert. This region is primarily dominated by different tribes, of them one of the most prominent tribe is the Badaga tribe. Over the years, due to the missionary intervention of many different missions, a good number of people from this tribe converted to Christianity. The lack of proper spiritual nurture and care had left them as weak Christians. Of late due to the missionary work of the Hindu fanatics a lot of the Badagas are converting to Hinduism, including some of the Christian Badagas. The established churches do not cater to their needs. One of their greatest needs is a burial ground. The AME-India delegation met with the Christian leaders and spoke to them exploring possibilities of extending Pastoral care for the Badaga Christians and working with them to acquire a burial ground of their own. Mr. Abhimanan, through his prayers, was so convinced of the leading of God, that he has tendered his resignation from the present job to serve God through AME-India for the welfare of his own people. We praise God for this opening and request you for your prayers for the ministry among the Badagas and their need for a burial ground.

On the 15th -16th January 2008, Rev. Sarah, Rev. Abraham, Rev. Darryl Taylor and Rev. Prakash Robert as a team visited Tranquebar, 300 kilometers from the city of Chennai, a small town on the cost of Bay of Bengal, which used of be a Danish colony during the Colonial Era. This town is historically an important place, because this is where Bartholomew Zeignbalg, the first protestant missionary to the Asian continent came and landed. From this town comes the Rev. Samuel Ramachandran, who is a convert from Hindu background, and has tremendous zeal to serve God among his people. He hails from the fishing community of this region and he faces a lot of opposition from his community for faith in Jesus. In the midst of this opposition he has been able to initiate two worshipping groups in two different places. The AME-India delegation went there to inaugurate to house fellowships and give moral support and encouragement to Rev. Samuel Ramachandran. We praise God for this wonderful opportunity to minister to these people and we request you for your prayers for the increase of faith of the new worship groups and for the protection of Rev. Samuel Ramachandran.

Elder Samuel reports that a girl by name Vasuki came to know the Lord and through her prayers and her testimony eventually her mother also accepted Jesus as her personal Saviour. But the father of the girl was very angry with both Vasuki and her mother. Being a habitual drunkard, the father used to physically abuse them, but through persistent prayers, now the Lord has touched him and he has been saved by the blood of Jesus and has completely given up drinking alcohol. Praise the Lord for saving the family; let us continue to pray for the spiritual growth of these new believers. Elder Samuel also informs that he is teaching and preparing 10 people for baptism. They are all new converts.

Elder Vijaymani, from Bangalore informs that Mr. Dhavid's eight year old son, Branu who was suffering from Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD); he had been a difficult child for the parents to control and train. At the AME-India convocation, Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant called out saying that one boy is having a lot of trouble, and the parents recognized the words and brought Branu to the altar for prayer, Dr. Jamal prayed for Branu, he has been healed. Since then till now Branu has been very obedient and is able to concentrate in his studies. The parents Mr. Dhavid and Mrs. Sangeeta are grateful to God for this healing and they thank God for Dr. Jamal Bryant. Elder Vijaymani also informs that he had baptized Vivian Joshua, Blessana Joshua, Andrew Peter and Mrs. Vijayalakshmi. Mr. Ramesh and Mrs. Vijayalakshmi had been married for ten years, but they could not get along with each other well, so they had applied for divorce, but due to the timely intervention of Mrs. Greeni Vijayamani, (wife of Elder Vijayamani) and her regular visits to this family for prayer and counseling, has resulted in the union of the couple. Now they happily live together and are growing in the Lord.

Brother Alexander from Bangalore who is a Transfemoral Amputee, requests for special prayers as he is urgently in need of prosthesis. His prosthesis has been worn out and he is having infection in the amputated leg. He is also diabetic. He requests for prayers for a new prosthesis, which is costing about Rs. 75,000.00 (US$1924.00 @ Rs.39.00). He is unemployed and his wife is the sole bread-winner. They live with their two school going boys and their aged parents. Despite his physical condition he climbs to the second floor to attend to the activities of the church, he is an active member of the church and a prayer warrior. Please remember him in your prayers. He has been able to raise 30% of the cost for the prosthetics and he requests prayer, for God to provide the balance. Kindly remember him in your prayers.

Rev. Peter Morris requests special prayers for Mrs. Valli, who is HIV positive. She is a widower and has two daughters. AME-India helped with finance to start a fast-food shop on the Marina beach. She had been earning through this, for the sustenance of herself and the two daughters. Now suddenly she has become very sick. Please pray for her healing.

Both Pastor Sourabha Beborta and Pastor Dibyajyothi Limma request for prayers for safety as they serve the Lord in an adverse situation where there is a lot of opposition from the Hindus. They specially request prayers for a place of worship.

We are happy to inform you that the Self Help Groups, Savings and Thrift Schemes and the Micro-Finance Schemes that had been initiated in different places and regularly functioning. It is very encouraging to see the zeal and sincerity of the women who are involved in these programmes. We thank you for your valuable prayers for these projects.

Please do continue to pray for the ministry of AME-India. It’s only a baby and it’s got a long way to go. It needs the grace of God and your prayer support to grow. AME-India thanks you all for reading this patiently and for your valuable prayers.

The Rev. Sarah Peddiny & the Rev. Abraham Peddiny
Presiding Elders
AME-India
ameindia07@gmail.com

8. BISHOP & MRS. ADAM J. RICHARDSON, JR. NEHEMIAH MINISTRY CATALYST EASTERN DISTRICT OF THE WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA CONFERENCE BENEFIT DINNER:

On January 5, 2008, at Saint Paul A.M.E. Church, Raleigh NC, beginning at 5:30 p.m., the Eastern District of the Western North Carolina Conference launched a benefit dinner as an expansion to the Nehemiah Ministry.

Presiding Prelate of the 2nd Episcopal District, the Right Reverend Adam J. Richardson initiated the Nehemiah Ministry in 2004 as one of his seven-point visions for the Second Episcopal District. It is designed to assist smaller congregations with financial support as well as offer monetary relief for improvement of the physical structure of the church. A number of small churches have benefited from the Nehemiah Ministry. Bishop and Mrs. Connie Richardson’s compassion and concern exemplify Christ’s love for His church.

It is this same spirit that the Reverend J. Bernard Wilder, Presiding Elder of the Eastern District of the Western North Carolina Conference developed a plan of action to make a profound tangible difference for the economically challenged churches of the Eastern District. He is committed to “providing means for church growth and empowerment as well as improve the physical facilities of the churches in the district to create an aesthetic view for worship because God’s house deserves the best.”

Rev. Wilder planned a gala-drama entertainment dinner affair to supplement the Nehemiah Ministry. Rev Wilder stated, “We must be proactive, innovative and creative, as we continue in the right direction with God as our leader and guide.”

The purpose for the benefit dinner was to promote and encourage church growth, empower the church to strive to progress physically, spiritually and numerically. A committee was organized to recommend the allocation of these funds.

The response and attendance was overwhelming. Ministers and spouses, missionary societies, laity of the Eastern District, and other friends attended the Nehemiah Night. Everyone welcomed Emeritus Presiding Elder & Mrs. Tyson L. Coble.

This event was held at Saint Paul A.M.E. Church, Raleigh, North Carolina where the Rev. Gregory Edmonds serves as Pastor. The Rev. Cynthia Kelly was the Mistress of ceremony and the Rev. Harry Simpson gave the prayer. The welcome address was given by the Rev. Gregory Edmonds and Presiding Elder Wilder gave the purpose. Rev. Vernell McAdoo gave remarks and Ms Shirley Smith and Ms Tonya Dula were the Event photographers. Other participants included the Rev. Robert J. Bland who provided technical support, Gospel Comedian, Mr. Sebastian Johnson. Other participants included the Rev. and Mrs. Miles who portrayed Adam and Eve, Rev. Holmes and Ms. Holmes portrayed Joseph and Mary having a heated discussion about being the baby’s daddy, the Rev. Randolph Lynch and the Rev. Rene Shade,

The District is totally excited and elated with great anticipation about the Nehemiah Ministry and an annual banquet is being planned.

Event Reporter, the Rev. Phyllis T Royal

9. AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH MUSIC AND CHRISTIAN ARTS MINISTRY NEW SONG SEARCH 2008:

Guidelines and Procedures

The Music and Christian Arts Ministry is encouraging interested musicians and song writers to submit an original composition or arrangement of published music to be considered for publication and presentation during the 2008 General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in St. Louis, Missouri. Interested persons may submit no more than two (2) hymns with text and two (2) anthems. The music may be co-composed. The requirements are listed below:

THEMATIC REFLECTION: Lyrics should reflect any one or combination of these focus points: “Equipping the Saints”, “Faith”, “Empowering the People of God”, “Guidance”, “The Holy Spirit”, “Transforming the World”, “Service”, and “Life in God’s World”.

I. Traditional Hymn Tune and Text (choose one of the meters listed below):

- Common Meter (CM)
- Long Meter (LM)
- Short Meter (SM)

II. Other Metered Hymn Forms, i.e. LM with refrain; LMD (Double) with refrain; etc.
(See index of tunes- Metrical, 809 in the AME Hymnal):

III. An arrangement of published hymn(s) tune and text (Include any combination of the characteristics listed below):

- Extended syllabic phrases; non-rhythmic
- Contemporary version of a traditional hymn tune and text
- Other cultural influences


IV. Contemporary Hymn (syncopated rhythms and jazz/gospel influences may be included):

- Strong African or Afro/Caribbean rhythmic influences
- African cultural dialect (lyrics)
- Other cultural language or influence

V. An anthem (SATB) with piano, organ, and/or full band, orchestra or instrumental ensemble accompaniment and written especially for General Conference 2008).

Rules

A. Deadline for submission is April 15, 2008

B. All entries must be accompanied with a written score and a recorded CD of the composition

C. Hymns must have 4 or 5 stanzas. Four part voicing is desired

D. The music score must be printed from computer software or with a neat legible hand scripted notation. Prepare (at least) a piano and voice recording of your music on a cassette or CD and three (3) copies of the Music score to submit to the Selection Committee.

E. A selection committee will choose the 3 best composition(s). These selected compositions will be sung at the General Conference 2008. All compositions that are entered and meet the requirements will receive appropriate acknowledgement or recognition.

F. The A. M. E. Church will have permission to use the selected compositions for the event.

G. The top three compositions/arrangements will receive the following awards:

a. 1st Place - $750
b. 2nd Place- $500
c. 3rd Place- $250

H. Participation is open to anyone who wishes to enter a composition/arrangement (including bishops, general officers, connectional officers, pastors, musicians, etc.). However, members of the MCAM Executive Board or the Selection Committee are not eligible to receive a “Top Three” award.

For additional information please contact Cordelia Bennett at (405) 427-1579, phone or email: bennettkrazylala@aol.com or Willie J. Williams at (305) 681-2883, phone or email: williejwilliams@yahoo.com .

New Music Submission Form

Composer/Arranger: ______________________________________
Mailing Address: __________________________________________
Email: __________________________________Fax:.____________
Phone: (_____) ________- ___________
Cell (_____) ______ - _____________

Episcopal District: ____________Bishop: ________________

Song Title: ______________________________________________

Style: ___________________________________________________

What is the focus of the lyrics as listed in the “Thematic Reflection” of the Guidelines and Procedures? ____________________________
______________________________________________________

Signature: ___________________ Date: _________________


____________________________
(MCAM Representative) (Date Received)

Please complete this form and send it along with a CD or cassette recording and three (3) copies of the music score to: Mrs. Cordelia Bennett, Chair, New Music Search Committee, 1713 N. E. 44th, Oklahoma City, OK 73111

10. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

With regret, we share news of the passing of Mrs. Mary Esther Blake James, the mother of Reverend Claude Ray James, Pastor of Allen Temple A.M.E. Church, Atlanta, GA on Friday, January 25, 2008.

The funeral has been held.

Condolences may also be forwarded to the church:
Allen Temple A.M.E. Church
1625 Simpson Road NW
Atlanta, GA 30314
Telephone: 404-794-3316

11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of the Rev James Hill, Sr., who passed away on Thursday, January 31, 2008. Rev. Hill was the Presiding Elder for the Dover District in the Delaware Conference. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

Viewing - Sunday, February 10, 2008
Viewing - 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Bennie Smith Funeral Home
717 W. Division Street
Dover, DE 19904
Phone: 302-678-8747
Fax: 302-744-9350

Viewing and Funeral - Monday, February 11, 2008
Viewing - 11:00 a.m. - 11:55 a.m.
Funeral - 12 noon

Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church
101 North Queen Street
Dover, DE 19904
Phone: 302-678-3478
Fax: 302-678-9192

Rev. Wayne Johnson, Pastor

Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Eleanor Hill and family
966 Boggs Drive
Dover, DE
Phone: 302-678-8887
Fax: 302-678-0506

Or

Mrs. Eleanor Hill and Family
c/o Mt. Zion AME Church
101 North Queen Street
Dover, DE 19904

12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Sister Lula Mae Howard (age 97) of Norwood, GA, the wife (for 81 years) of Retired Pastor, Rev. Willie James Howard passed away Monday, February 4, 2008 in the McDuffie Medical Center in Thomson, GA.

Sister Howard served many years in the Women's Missionary Society of the AME Church. She served in the South West Conference (6th Episcopal District) as Conference Worship Leader and she served as the Swainsboro-Vidalia Presiding Elder District (6th District - Augusta Conference) Chairperson for 71/2 years. Mrs. Howard was also a member of the Ministers' Spouses/Widows/Widowers' and PK's in the Augusta Conference.

She is survived by her husband, Reverend Willie James Howard, a daughter Mrs. Dorothy Moss and many grand children, great-grand children and great-great-grand children.

The funeral has been held.

Condolences may be sent to:
Rev. Willie James Howard
Post Office Box 59
Norwood, Georgia 30821

Services have been entrusted to:
Thomson Funeral System
536 Martin Luther King Street
Thomson, GA 30824
(706) 595-3110

13. 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

14. 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.