Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor, The Christian Recorder
1. EDITORIAL - DID THE NUMBER 3200 + MEAN ANYTHING TO YOU IN 2007; DOES THE NUMBER 4000 + MEAN ANYTHING TO YOU NOW?:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
In March 2007 I wrote an editorial “Does the Number 3200+ Mean Anything to You?” I wrote then that “The number 3200+ is an important number, but apparently the number 3200+ means little, or nothing, to President George Bush and to those around him.”
I had hoped that the number 3200+ meant something to our readers because the Department of Defense had identified 3200+ American Service members who have died since the start of the Iraq war. I went on to say that not long before we had reached the 3200+milestone, the Department of Defense had posted the number of U.S. deaths at 2000.
The sad thing for me, and which brings tears to my eyes, is that the number, one year later, has reached over 4000 American service persons that have been killed in Iraq. Soldiers, Airmen, and Marines are still dying every day and we are still sending more service members to their deaths.
It’s a shame; and all of us should hang our heads in shame until we bring our young men and women home. Like Viet Nam, when all of this is over, many citizens and the media, and even service members, will all call the deaths of Americans in this war, a waste of precious lives. President Bush and Vice-President Cheney don’t even seem to be concerned about the deaths of our young men and women. The service members’ deaths are not even front-page news anymore. President Bush just continues to say, “We must stay the course.”
I still believe that the troops need to come home now; the soldiers want to come home now. The families of the soldiers want them to come home now. Most people do not want our service members embroiled in the mishaps and missteps of President Maliki.
So, why are we still in Iraq?
Does Iraq represent a survival, vital or strategic risk to our nation? Those are the reasons nations go to war. Could it be oil? Are we keeping our troops in Iraq to protect our rights to their oil? I suspect so. The Basra region is sitting on a lot of oil. I guess that we have stayed so long and lost so many lives that the President and the Vice President want to get something out of this fiasco. I think that hoping that Iraq will become an American-cloned democracy has been abandoned long ago. It has to be oil!
I have not heard the president make that specific claim that we are staying the course because of the oil. I have read that he and his advisers had hoped that the oil would have paid for our involvement in the war. It would have been great if it had worked out that way, the same way it would have been great if we had found weapons of mass destruction or if it could have proven that Saddam Hussein was responsible for 9-11.
Though, I have not personally heard the President say that oil is the motivation for staying the course in Iraq, I have repeatedly heard the president and vice-President tell us that our remaining in Iraq makes us safer. Cheney continues to say, “If we pull our soldiers out of Iraq, the terrorists will come here to America.” I would again remind Cheney that all of the 9/11 terrorists were all Saudis.
So, what is the Bush administration’s logic? I am at a loss and most Americans are at a loss. The war’s cost is in the trillions of dollars. There are nine zeros in a trillion, i.e. 1,000,000,000,000; that’s a lot of zeros and a lot of money that could do a lot of good thing in America, if we applied some of those dollars to upgrade our deteriorating educational systems and applied some of it to our ineffective prison reform programs. And, don’t be surprised if by the end of all of this that we might find out the war cost a quadrillion dollars or more; there are fifteen zeroes in a quadrillion.
The money that we are spending on the Iraq war could be better spent right here in America. We could us some of that money to fund anti-poverty programs, medical research, and needed military upgrades, especially housing for family members on military bases.
I wonder why the government could bail our Bear Stearns, yet the government is hesitant to assist the homeowners who are at risk of losing their home to foreclosure. And, oh, by the way, 80,000 jobs were lost during the month of March.
I will say it again, whenever we pull out of Iraq tomorrow or three years from now, there will be a fight over who will be in charge. The Shias, the Sunnis, the Kurds will “fuss and fight” and either the Shias or Iran will most probably emerge as the governing influence of Iraq.
Three retired U.S. Army generals; Maj. Gen. Robert Scales, Jr., Lt. Gen. William Odom and Gen. Barry McCaffrey, predicted chaos in Iraq when U.S. forces are withdrawn. Gen. McCaffrey has predicted that the U.S. will withdraw forces from Iraq over the next three years because the U.S. had “no political will” to continue. He went to say that “our allies have abandoned us.” McCaffrey said, “It is all over.” I certainly hope so.
In the end, when all of this is over, the Iraqis themselves will decide who will run the country and I hope that we would not have lost another 4000 U.S. service members by the time they will decide who will run the country.
We are going to pay for the “sins” of this war for a long time.
2. THE CHURCH PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE MINISTRY OF THE REVEREND DR. A. LEE HENDERSON:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The homegoing service for Dr. A. Lee Henderson was held on a bright sunny Southern California day at Grant AME Church in Los Angeles on Monday, April 7, 2008.
The bishops, general officers, mourners and family members had arrived from far and near; mostly from far away to say goodbye to one of the great legends of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Dr. Alfred Lee Henderson. Grant AME Church and Pastor Leslie White were poised to be the ultimate hosts.
Bishop John Hurst Adams, the eulogist, started out his message with, “I don’t know how the man did all that he did.”
On the way to the church, the Reverend E. L. Wright from Texas said, “A. Lee was some football player. His nickname was ‘Rip’; he was called, ‘Rip’ because in a football game, he would get down in his three-point stance and when the play started, he would rip out of that stance and rip whoever was in front of him. He was a tough football player.”
Dr. Dennis Dickerson, Historiographer said, “When the 1984 General Conference in Kansas City, Missouri elected A. Lee Henderson as Secretary-Treasurer of the A.M.E. Sunday School Union, he brought special skills to the office. Just as Charles Spencer Smith founded the Sunday School Union, acquired its first facility, published major texts for adults and youth, and just as Henry Allen Belin, Jr. built a new physical plant and printed updated Sunday School literature, histories, and theologies for the denomination, A. Lee Henderson brought the latest innovations in printing and technology to change the face of A.M.E. publishing. Not only did ministers and members acknowledge and affirm these contributions, but prizes and awards came from professional and trade organizations.”
Dr. Henderson’s wife, Bobbye, said that one of his favorite books was Jonathan Livingston Seagull, written by Richard Bach and likened his perseverance to Jonathan Livingston Seagull. Mrs. Bobbye Henderson said that her husband was “her sweetheart, her king, hero, provider, soul-mate, best friend, lover, housekeeper, caregiver and everything, and for 30 years of wonderful memories and making me the happiest woman in the world.”
The Reverend Dr. Henderson was the epitome of the itinerant ministry; he provided pastoral oversight in seven states: Texas, Ohio, Oregon, Washington, California, Tennessee, and Nevada. Indeed, Bishop Adams made and excellent point when he said, “I don’t know how the man did all that he did.”
Alfred Lee Henderson, or Rip as he was affectionally known, departed this life at 10:31 a.m. on Sunday, March 30, 2008 after a lengthy illness. He was the oldest of three children born to Exia Mae Gray and Albert Wyatt, February 17, 1931 in Marlin, Texas. He was adopted and raised by Albert Henderson. His parents and his brother, James, preceded him in death. He was married to Verna L. Henderson and to this union two daughters, Alisha Cheri and Roslyn Letitia were born. In 1978 he was united in marriage to Bobby J. Minter.
Dr. Henderson received his early education in Marlin, Texas and Ardmore, Oklahoma. After graduation from high school the educational path took him to Paul Quinn College in Waco; Wilberforce University; the Urban Training Center in Chicago; Our Lady of the Lake, San Antonio; and the United States International University in San Diego. He received the B.S., B.Th, MS, MA, Ed.D and honorary D.D. and LL.D degrees.
Dr. Henderson’s record of achievement grew along with his sports honors and was featured on the cover of Look Magazine. He broke the bias deadlock against African Americans, accelerating into position as principal of Clearview Schools in Bastrop, Texas. He taught social studies and coached athletics in the public school system for seven years.
He was ordained an itinerant deacon in 1951 by Bishop Joseph Gomez, who was at that time the presiding prelate of the Tenth Episcopal District and ordained an itinerant elder on August 14, 1956 in the Central Texas Annual Conference by the then presiding prelate, Bishop H. Thomas Primm.
Heeding the call to the ministry, Alfred served as an associate minister under Pastor Therion E. Cobbs at Bethel AME Church San Diego in the early '50s.
Dr. Henderson served in leadership positions on the General Board of the AME Church and various other committees. He was given credit for helping many ministers achieving their dreams of being elected bishops in the AME Church.
Dr. Henderson served as pastor of Bethel AME Church in Mechanicsburg, Ohio; Shorter Chapel AME Church, Giddings, Texas, Bethel AME Church, Yakima, Washington; Bethel AME Church, Oxnard, California; Ebenezer AME Church, Stockton, California; Parks Chapel AME Church, Pacoima, California; Price Chapel AME Church, Los Angeles; Bethel AME Church, Portland, Oregon; St paul AME Church, Berkley, California, and Second AME Church in Los Angeles.
He was the pastor of Second AME Church when, in 1984, he was elected as the seventh Secretary-Treasurer/President-Publisher of the Sunday School Union / AMEC Publishing House, fulfilling a lifetime dream. His innovations enriched the scope of all publishing enterprise. The AMEC Publishing House was the recipient of numerous awards of excellence, merit and recognition for outstanding layout, design, and color. He was the author of many books and articles.
As one of the few African American publishers of magazines, he won an international award from the Pew & Rockefeller Foundation for the magazine he founded, "The Communicator." The World book Fair in Frankfurt, Germany elected him vice-president to its International Publishers’ Association.
A recipient of Howard Divinity School’s, Achievement Award; Dr. Henderson was also awarded the Congress of National Black Churches Servant to the Community designation. In 1988, Shorter College conferred upon him its Minister Fellowship. He was recognized in 1983 with the Outstanding Service Award by the City of Los Angeles. In Portland, Oregon, he served on the Board of Directors of the Child Care Coordinating Council, and as its Chairman from 1971-73.
Two years after retiring as the Secretary-Treasurer/President-Publisher of the Sunday School Union / AMEC Publishing House, Dr. Henderson was not satisfied with being fully retired from the active ministry because he felt that God had planted his feet in Las Vegas to continue to work for God. And after much prayer and consultation with the presiding elder and the bishop, he was obedient to God's Will; and as a result, Fountain of Hope AME Church was birthed - "An underground explosion of the waters of eternal life for a thirsty world."
Dr. Henderson personal legacy is one of perseverance and entrepreneurial principles. He leaves to cherish and honor his memory and rich legacy his loving and devoted wife of 30 years, Bobbye; daughters, A. Cheri (John) Parham, College Park, Georgia; Roslyn (Shawn) Turner, Corona, California; step-daughters, Sandra (John) Traylor, Tracy, California; Vickie (Barbatunde) Johnathan; Alisa Taylor; stepson, Theodore Atkinson, Oakland, California; sisters, Dorothy (James) Moore, Ardmore, Oklahoma; Artelia Wilson, Little Rock, Arkansas; OraDee (Willie) Jennings, Duncanville, Texas; brother, Tommy (Cheryl) Wyatt, Duncanville, Texas; Son in the ministry, the Reverend Leslie (Renee) White; extended family, Rose (Bert) Maiden, Pine Bluff, Arkansas; Cheryl Everett, San Diego, California; eleven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Dr. Alfred Lee Henderson had a full ministry and lived a full life to the glory of God.
* Parts of this article were extracted from the obituary that was printed in the Reverend Dr. Alfred Lee Henderson Celebration of Life bulletin.
3. A GENERAL OFFICER'S TRIBUTE TO A. LEE HENDERSON:
Dr. Dennis C. Dickerson
When a General Officer is elected in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the denomination entrusts to that person a special ministry. He or she serves the entirety of African Methodism in an office that no one else occupies. There are nine (9) General Officers, but among them there is only one Historiographer, Treasurer, General Secretary, Editor of The Christian Recorder, and only one Executive Director of Christian Education, only one Annuities and Investments, Global Ministry and Witness, and Church Growth and Development; and only one President / Publisher of the A.M.E. Sunday School Union. Each has particular abilities and discharges duties as the singular person within the A.M.E. Church, responsible for one of these nine offices.
When the 1984 General Conference in Kansas City, Missouri elected A. Lee Henderson as Secretary-Treasurer of the A.M.E. Sunday School Union, he brought special skills to the office. Just as Charles Spencer Smith founded the Sunday School Union, acquired its first facility, published major texts for adults and youth, and just as Henry Allen Belin, Jr. built a new physical plant and printed updated Sunday School literature, histories, and theologies for the denomination, A. Lee Henderson brought the latest innovations in printing and technology to change the face of A.M.E. publishing. Not only did ministers and members acknowledge and affirm these contributions, but prizes and awards came from professional and trade organizations.
From where did these talents come? Did they come from Marlin, Texas, his place birth; from Paul Quinn, Wilberforce, Payne Theological Seminary or from the other institutions where he matriculated; from the pastorates where he served in Texas, Ohio, Washington, Pacoima and Los Angeles, California, or Portland, Oregon; from his experiences in journalism and publishing especially as the owner of the PORTLAND OBSERVER-perhaps, all of these experiences contributed something to making him the man, the minister, the General Officer that he became. But, ultimately, these talents came from God; God confers talents upon us; God entrusts responsibilities to us; God provides us opportunities to exercise our gifts; and the church, following the lead of the Holy Spirit, elevates persons of special skills to positions of significance to serve African Methodism.
Additionally, A. Lee Henderson thoroughly understood and affirmed the “genius” of the Wesleyan ministry. To be an Elder in God’s Holy Church was the highest calling whatever office one might be appointed or elected to hold. Hence, as he retired from the Office of General Officer, he retained his attachment to the itinerancy, resumed active participation in the Southern California Annual Conference, and became the founding pastor of Fountain of Hope African Methodist Episcopal Church in Las Vegas, Nevada.
He served thousands of congregations he as Publisher at the A.M.E. Sunday School Union. Now, he was back on the front lines of pastoral ministry. Coming full circle showed love for God, for African Methodism, and for the primacy of preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, doing ministry among the Lord’s people.
This General Officer, A. Lee Henderson, illustrated how the Lord blesses the church and puts in place significant servants to do ministry.-whether preaching, teaching, healing, evangelizing, publishing the Word of God or establishing a new congregation.
So, here’s to a General Officer and Elder in the Church of God and a partner and spouse, Bobbye J. Henderson, who took publishing and pasturing to a higher level-not as a vocation, but as a calling to serve the people of God. Because of this dedication from both Hendersons, African Methodism is better equipped to do the Lord’s work.
4. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
- To the Editor:
RE: The “Sins” of the Musician
Another “sin” you may want to add is a musician who does not give money in any collections, doesn’t pays tithes, and who does not dress appropriately for church worship service.
Pastor Jimmy D. Howard, Sr.
Daytona Beach District of
The Central Conference of the Eleventh Episcopal District,
Merritt Island, Florida 32953
5. ANOTHER PRESPECTIVE ON LEADERSHIP IN THE AME CHURCH:
I read with, with great interest, your description of the “leadership problem” that exists in our Zion. I think this is a concern we all have lamented over at one point or another. We have been in the “pew” cringing watching mediocrity perpetuated as “tradition” morphs into “traditionalism”. The leader moves to continue programs that have very rarely proven successful seemingly expecting some miraculous new result. The reason most often sighted for this misguided attempt to inspire is “that’s the way it’s always been done”.
We have moved to the pulpit, now in charge, and we are expected to “hit the ground running” with all kinds of innovative ways to do what we do better. The problem is that we soon find (certainly the first appointment) that there is so much more to moving what we believe will work. What seemed like a good idea, at least what looked good on paper is met with a scary level of opposition. What makes it more of a challenge is not the fact that the idea is not good but that it is designed to move against the “norm”.
What we come to find out very quickly is our knowledge of Scripture, our efficient writing; our ability to manage our time effectively and our gift for preaching does not always translate into effective leadership.
Leadership is not magic! It is not a position of command moving people by telling them what to do. It is certainly not belittling or demeaning the “followship” when they don’t readily follow the instructions you give.
The first and, in my opinion, the most critical characteristic in leadership is one’s decision to become a leader. It is critical that at some point one makes a conscious decision to take on the responsibility to provide the vision, direction and inspiration that will move others to success. After making the decision to lead then it is incumbent upon the leader to take the necessary steps to put to work the appropriate combination of traits, skills and ambition.
Certainly, among the traits and skills necessary to lead, the leader must recognize the importance of ethical behavior. It is extremely critical, for obvious reasons, that ethics and values be visible in the actions of the leader. One major problem with leadership on every level seems to be a lack of trust. It is conceivable that if there is never a clear picture of the leader’s values some mistrust may result. Conversely, leaders diligently and forthrightly identifying and sharing their values by living their values daily will create trust.
Leaders who, by example, exhibit a high level of ethical behavior are a powerful influence on the actions of those they are called to lead. We can look to many scriptural references that define inspiration however; a secular definition attributed to the late Coach Vince Lombardi is, in my opinion, quite adequate. Coach Lombardi said, “Leadership is based on a spiritual quality; the power to inspire, the power to inspire others to follow.”
We expect leaders, in our Zion, to be inspirational. Among the traits and skills required in leadership the ability to inspire is critical. Our leaders must be able to inspire the “followship” to reach great heights of performance and success. To be inspirational we must expect our leaders to possess a high degree of passion and purpose. In order to be effective our leaders must communicate that passion and purpose to those who they are called to lead. It is critical that the leader share passion and purpose in such a manner that the “followship” feels passionate as well. Leaders must help communicate the “big picture,” helping to keep the focus on the mission.
“So often we send newly ordained persons to pastor local churches with their minds filled with materials from outdated books and a lot of preaching techniques, but those persons have not been thoroughly trained in the art of leadership.”
I believe that we can all agree that we can get much from our reading and studying. However, much of what we will accomplish in developing leadership will come from our experiences.
We cannot escape the fact that we need to put a greater emphases on a continuing effort to provide relevant “on going” educational opportunities for leadership at every level. There is a need to motivate leadership at every level to seek opportunities to fine tune their craft as there is always a way to do things we are doing better.
Finally, critical to inspiration is the perception of the integrity of the leader. Clearly, vision, passion and purpose are extremely important to the success of any ministry however; “followship” will never be inspired if they cannot trust “leadership”.
Submitted by: Rev. Charles R. Watkins, Jr., B.S., M.Div., (Doctoral Candidate, The Theological School, Drew University)
6. GROUNDBREAKING AT DUPAGE AME CHURCH:
On a sunny and bright First Sunday of April 2008 DuPage AME Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. James F. Miller, Senior Pastor and Rev. Lana Parks Miller, Executive Pastor, a Groundbreaking Ceremony was held for their Administration and Education building addition. The Rt. Rev. Philip R. Cousin, Sr., Presiding Prelate of the 4th Episcopal District and Senior Bishop of the AME Church, preached the 11:15 a.m. with power out of the depths of his heart. His subject was “The Best Is Yet to Come” taken from John 12:27. The sanctuary was filled to overflow capacity and Bishop Cousin lifted the congregation to their feet at least a half a dozen times.
Bishop Cousin’s preaching continued the spirit that had been present in the previous two morning worship services. At 7 a.m. Licentiate Connie Dickerson preached from Hebrews 11:1-2. She recounted the history of DuPage from its humble beginnings in a small 70 seat chapel through its hotel sojourn into the current facility which was completed 12 years ago. As she excitedly acknowledged God’s intervention in further expanding His kingdom, her subject was “We’ve Come This Far by Faith.”
At 8:15 a.m. the Rev. Dr. Clement W. Fugh, General Secretary and Chief Information Officer of the AME Church, preached what can only be referred to as a sermon classic relating the struggle of kingdom building with an artistic and imaginative scriptural interpretation of the historic story of Dante’s Inferno. He took the subject of “A Journey through Hell.” Dr. Fugh ended his sermon with shouts of praise from the congregation as he assured us that even in hell, God’s love is present and God’s grace is sufficient.
After the 11:15 a.m. Communion was served the congregation retired outside to the west lawn of the church. The Disciplinary Dedication Service was lead by Bishop Cousin and Rev. Clarence G. Robinson, Jr., Presiding Elder of the North District of the Chicago Conference of which DuPage AMEC is apart, along with Pastors Miller, Kevin Webb, Vice-Chair of the Trustee Board, and Elaine Mass, Co-Pastor Steward. Brother Louis Garland, 3 time Lay Delegate to the General Conference and Vice-Chair of the Steward Board was not present due to out of the country travel.
The new addition will total approximately 10,000 square feet on 3 levels each with approximately 3,300 square feet. It will include a lower level multipurpose Fellowship Hall expansion, a ground level expansion which will house a bookstore, a chapel, a private preschool daycare, and expansions and renovations to the existing restrooms and narthex. The upper level will be an expansive administrative suite including a board room for twenty, offices, reception area, copy equipment room, staff lounge, etc. All facilities will feature state of the art computer/audio/video throughout. In addition to the building itself, a new landscape and lighted parking lot with approximately 70 additional spaces will complete this project estimated to cost $3 million.
The Pastors Miller are in their 19th year of pastoral leadership at DuPage AME Church. The congregation has grown from 150 members to nearly 2500 with an annual budget that has increased from $98,000.00 to $2.5 million. DuPage AMEC has a 16 person ministerial staff, 27 paid employees, and an official board of 203 good and faithful church officers. Located in DuPage County, 20 miles west of Chicago which has only a 3% African American population, DuPage AMEC is now the largest African-American worshipping congregation in the county.
Dr. Miller is the author of a book entitled “Go Build a Church: Spiritual Administration for Growth.” Initially the book was self published by Dr. Miller but has enjoyed such broad acceptance across the ecumenical landscape, and specifically in the AME Church, that the Pilgrim Press Publishing House has contracted for the rights and will republish and redistribute the book with it’s Fall 2008 grouping. “Go Build a Church” is endorsed in writing by many of the most dynamic church leaders both AME and from other denominations. It emphasizes optimizing church resources resulting in measurable increases in church attendance, tithes and offerings, and more harmonious local church culture threw spiritual perspectives on administration. Dr. Miller believes that local church administration is a most neglected but highly important component for a healthy church.
The congregation reluctantly left the bright sunshine and warmth and went back inside the Fellowship Hall to enjoy a full soul food dinner and a wonderful fellowship. We thank God for our Bishop the Rt. Rev. Philip R. Cousin, Rev. Dr. Clement W. Fugh, AME Church General Secretary, Presiding Elder Clarence G. Robinson Jr., and the host of saints that took time to “acknowledge God so that He may continue to direct our path.”
7. BMG AWESOME INSIGHT NEWSLETTER - A CHURCH LEADER'S GUIDE TO COMMUNICATIONS:
Are you inviting the community this Mother's Day? Sunday, May 11th may be the third largest attendance Sunday this year. Studies have shown that this Sunday's attendance comes close to Christmas and Easter for a lot of congregations. Interestingly, unchurched men are often found in the pews on Mother's Day. They come to honor their mothers, grandmothers, aunts wives, sisters and other females who have touched their lives. Again I ask, will your members invite the community this Mother's Day?
Intentionally inviting those who may be unchurched may be one of the best ways to celebrate this Mother's Day. As we continue to seek ways to be even more faithful to the Great Commission, it may be time to remind members to intentionally reach out and invite the community. As I conduct seminars with congregations of various denominations across the country, I am often amazed at how few people can really say they extended an invitation to visit their church. Many people say they simply never think about inviting someone. Let's take a minute to encourage members to invite and welcome others to our congregations.
Welcome to this issue of BMG Awesome Insight Newsletter. Whether you are trying to reach the "unchurched” in the community or you want to hear "awesome" more, this issue shares a few tips to help reach out and invite.
As we embrace this spring 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
*Used with permission of Sister Lynette Hawkins, BMG Awesome Insight Newsletter. Visit the BMG Awesome Website for more great ideas for growing your church membership. Sister Hawkins is also available to lead workshops.
8. REMEMBERING DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.’S LEGACY:
The Rev. Delanda S. Johnson
All cross the nation Americans remembered April 4, 1968.
Some reflected back and asked themselves, “Where was I when Dr. King was assassinated?” “How did this make me feel?” And the more important question, “Where do we go from here?”
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who was this man? One would say that he was a man of many dreams and visions; a man of peace/non-violence; a man who was a drum major for justice and equality.
But, I would say that Dr. King was, first and foremost, a man of God. He was a man who only wanted this nation to come together as one and not see each other in black and white.
I recently had the opportunity to visit Atlanta, Georgia, a city that is barely 150 years old, but has enough history for three times its age. Being in Atlanta, one could reflect back to slavery, war, utter destruction, civil disobedience, tragedy, triumph, and more, but today Atlantans continue to enthusiastically embrace the newest technology.
Atlantans were early embracers of the railroad, the telephones, the automobile, and the airplane.
Henry Grady, one of the early civic leaders and the managing editor of The Atlanta Constitution had a vision for Atlanta; one of the first cities to hit on the idea of promoting itself as a destination for ambitious entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship continues to flourish in Atlanta today.
On the 40th Anniversary of Dr. King’s death, thousands ascended to the King Center; the repository of King’s Tomb and to King’s birth home on Auburn Avenue.
The Martin Luther King, Jr., National Historic Site was established in 1980 in order to protect and interpret for the benefit, inspiration, and education of present and future generations the places where Dr. King was born, lived, worked, worshipped, and where he is buried.
The late Coretta Scott King and other supporters established the King Center in June 1968 and the tomb and Eternal Flame was dedicated in 1977. In the early 1970’s, Dr. King’s body was moved from Southview Cemetery to the nearly site at Ebenezer Baptist Church.
The Historic Fire Station No. 6, Atlanta’s oldest standing firehouse that is now a museum, tells the story of desegregation of the city’s fire department, was built in 1894.
The Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church was built in 1914-1922. In February 1948, Dr. King was ordained and appointed associate pastor, where his father, affectionately know as “Daddy King,” was the pastor.
For the last eight years of his life, Dr. King served as Ebenezer’s co-pastor with his father.
King, who served as the SCLC first president used Ebenezer to meet and plan civil rights strategies based on the principles of nonviolent direct action.
Last and the most important is the King Birth Home built in 1895. King was born January 15, 1929, in his grandparents’ home. For his first 12 years, Dr. King lived in a multi-generation household. The birth home has been restored and furnished to reflect the 1930s and 1940s.
Words cannot express the way that I felt when I toured all of these sites. Even though I was too young to recall the events of that era, I felt the presence of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mrs. Coretta Scott King.
I as watched the young people tour the King sites I wondered if they really knew the significance or the King Center. I also wondered if, as they grow into adulthood, will they keep Dr. King’s dream of equality for everyone alive?
I wondered, if he were alive today, what would Dr. King think of the world today?
How would he handle the young men wearing their pants down to their knees showing all of their underwear and instead of trying to make money the right way; getting involved with illegal activities for fast money and/or gang involvement?
I believed that Dr. King, a man who thought of himself last, would probably say, “I was a good and faithful servant who loved the Lord and who wanted to make things better for black Americans.”
I believe that he would also ask, “Why are the young and some older African Americans trying to turn the clock back in time? Did my death not mean anything?”
And I believe that he would go on to say, “The Promised Land that I envisioned is not the promise land of today.”
9. BLACK CHURCH 101:
*The Reverend Dr. Joseph Darby
Picture this: You’ve been “church shopping” in a new city and find a church that seems promising. It’s well attended, the people are friendly and welcoming, there are ministries that speak to your needs and those of your family, but one thing bothers you. It seems that at times, the very eloquent and active pastor is often too radical, too confrontational and too “over the top” in his preaching. In one sermon, he calls God’s wrath down upon the nation. In another sermon, he berates seemingly devoted church folks for engaging in empty, meaningless worship and tells them to take aggressive social action that might upset the accepted status quo. In still another sermon, he rejects peace and seems to advocate taking up arms to force change, and even labels the widely respected leaders of the church and the state as snakes and hypocrites who are bound for hell.
You like the church, but some of the pastor’s words seem to be too radical, violent, judgmental and controversial; and far too removed from the words of the Jesus who advocated peace and love. Do you join the church, or do you walk away and find another one where the preacher is more conventional and in tune with what seems to be polite and socially acceptable thinking? If you walk away, then you walk away from Moses, who championed freedom for God’s people from slavery and oppression in Egypt. You walk away from prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah and Amos, who gave voice to God’s call for justice and equity and God’s condemnation of empty, ritualistic worship. You walk away from Jesus, who said that he came not to bring peace, but a sword to upset the status quo, and who called the political and religious leaders of his day who preserved the status quo and played it safe a hypocritical brood of vipers who could not escape being condemned to hell.
If you chose to stay and join the church, then congratulations - you just passed “Black Church 101.” America needs that introductory course to understand and appreciate the spirit of the recently and wrongfully vilified words of the Reverend Doctor Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr., the retired pastor of Chicago’s Trinity United Church of Christ. Political and media pundits, and possibly a few of Presidential candidate Barack Obama’s political opponents, have seized upon short sound bites from Reverend Wright’s sermons to paint him as anti-white and anti-American, and to call for candidate Obama - a member of Trinity - to reject and repudiate the pastor who led him into the church.
Those who are outraged and apoplectic about those short sound bites and who wonder why any preacher would say such things have no insight into or understanding of the historically black church. Scholars like James Cone and Gayraud Wilmore systematized black liberation theology in the early 1970's, but the roots of black liberation theology are interwoven with the roots of the Judeo-Christian faith tradition. The consistent themes that run throughout Jewish and Christian Scripture are liberation from physical and spiritual oppression and the daily practice of religion that attains that liberation. While those goals were blurred and obscured in Western Christianity for centuries, they were rediscovered by the black church in America from its beginnings.
Those who were stolen from Africa to build America as slaves were subjected to a perversion of “Christian religion” as a means of social control. They were taught by those who claimed to own them that they were cursed as descendants of Noah’s dark skinned son Ham and that it was “God’s will” that they be good slaves and obey their masters. They saw the inconsistency in that, and were blessed to learn the truth in brush arbors and praise houses, where they heard the story of the liberation of the Hebrews from Egyptian slavery and the delivery of God’s children in the fiery furnace and the lion’s den. They learned those lessons from black preachers, who may not have been well educated, but who learned to rightly interpret Scripture, to preach the promise of freedom, identity and self reliance and to encourage, console and inspire those who faced daily oppression.
Men like Richard Allen and James Varick preached liberation and justice when they established African-American denominations; lay people like Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, Denmark Vesey and Harriet Tubman found their inspiration to fight for freedom in the words of black preachers. When there was a need to stand against those who destroyed the gains of post-Civil War Reconstruction and imposed American apartheid through Jim Crow Laws, black preachers like Henry McNeal Turner spoke truth to power.
When lynching and brutality forced black Americans to flee the south, black churches and black preachers in the North, Midwest and West were there to welcome them. When the Niagara Movement evolved into the NAACP almost a century ago, black preachers like Reverdy Cassius Ransom were there. When someone needed to file suit to bring an end to separate and unequal schools; preachers who were NAACP members like Joseph A. DeLaine stepped forward. Countless and less noted black preachers have served as NAACP officers, manned picket lines, registered voters and led people of good will to stand against injustice and inequality. When there was a need for political action, preachers like Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. led the way. When the time came for America to be changed for the better, preachers like Martin Luther King, Jr., Joseph Lowery and Benjamin Hooks became the point people in the modern battle for civil rights.
All of those preachers and nameless others spoke, and still speak truth to power. The black church and black preachers have always been courageously prophetic rather than accommodating and pragmatic. Since the days of slavery, the historically black church has been a haven for those who have been dehumanized and demeaned and a vehicle for them to rise both physically and spiritually in an America that relegated them to second class citizenship and cloaked bigotry in religion. Black preachers have always been outspoken and sometimes controversial and reviled heralds of freedom and fairness, walking not in the passive footsteps of a “neutered” Jesus, but in the bold and authentic footsteps of the Jesus who spoke truth to the religious and political powers of his day and who was falsely accused and executed for doing so.
Many of the institutions that were the foundation of black America have crumbled, but the church still has the capacity to be an independent voice of conscience and progress. That’s why one of the mandatory standing committee for the NAACP at all levels is dedicated to Religious Affairs. All good black preachers sometimes say things that their members might hesitate to openly say in an America where race still matters and where those who tell the truth might not be physically lynched, but can still be economically or politically lynched if they run afoul of the powers that be. The current wave of controversy that has been aimed at Barack Obama is a reminder of that, and does have Biblical precedent. When a Jewish exile named Daniel rose to a position of authority in Babylon, those in the Babylonian majority tried and failed to bring him down through questioning his accountability, capability and efficiency and finally said, “Our only chance of finding grounds for accusing Daniel will be in connection with his religion.”
The black church and black preachers have always been criticized by those with limited knowledge and insight and abundant insecurity. The black church and black preachers still speak truth to power in a way that makes those who practice “comfortable cultural Christianity” uncomfortable and that pointedly challenges America to be what it claims to be: “One nation, under God with liberty and justice for all.” Those who can’t set the agenda for the black church from beyond the church and are ignorant of the full work of the church often fear the black church and black clergy.
Regardless of those who cannot and will not understand and who will condemn the words of Jeremiah Wright and other prophets of freedom, the black church will always be an authentic voice of liberation and inspiration that actively confronts the sins of greed and racism and that does so as a partner in progress with the NAACP. In spite of efforts to buy and use the black church, real black preachers will always be on the case, believing that even in unjust and critical times, God is still on the throne.
The Reverend Joseph A. Darby
Senior Pastor, Morris Brown AME Church, Charleston, South Carolina
First Vice President, The Charleston Branch NAACP
10. DR. NORMAN HUTCHINS AND MYRNA SUMMERS TO SERVE AS CONSULTANTS FOR EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT CHURCH MUSIC WORKSHOP OF AMERICA:
Dr. Jimmie James, Jr.
Jackson, MS - The Annual Church Music Workshop of America is celebrating its 32nd year with nationally acclaimed musical consultants. The workshop, co-sponsored by the Eighth Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church and Jackson State University, is scheduled for Monday through Thursday, June 16-19, 2008 in the F.D. Hall Music Center on the JSU campus. Focusing on the theme, Music and Worship: A Celebration of Life; the workshop features a variety of seminars relating to various aspects of worship service music.
Well known for its unique instructional methods, the workshop draws church musicians from throughout the nation. Church Music Workshop director and JSU music department chairman Dr. Jimmie James, Jr. said the program seeks to improve church music locally, nationally and internationally. Bishop C. Garnett Henning, presiding prelate, indicates that this year our outstanding consultants and other workshop personnel insure that the 32nd Annual Workshop will be a unique experience enriching the music quality and life of all participants.
The seminars, designed to provide practical and helpful experiences for the church musician, include: “The Return of Stolen Music,” “Introduction to Spontaneous Praise Music,” “Worship in the Key of David,” “Pro Tools for the Church Musician,” “Creative Power-The Sound of Heaven and Earth,” “Hymns of the African American Church, “ “Church Choir Decorum” and many others.
“Recent workshops have included the latest technology and have given guidance to the technological applications that prepare participants for the new century, explained James, who serves as Connectional Director of Music Emeritus for the A.M.E. Church and Minister of Music at Pearl Street A.M.E. Church in Jackson. In November, 2007, he completed a four year term as Chairman of Region 8 of the National Association of Schools of Music. As Chairman, he represented the states of MS, AL, KY and TN on the NASM Board of Directors.
Lead consultant for the workshop will be Dr. Norman Hutchins. Hutchings of Los Angeles, CA was called into the ministry at the age of eight. He now travels the country ministering to the Body of Christ through Preaching, Teaching and Singing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He is a multiple Stellar and Dove Award nominee with four hit albums to his credit, Battlefield, God’s Gotta Blessing With My Name On It, Jesus I Love You, Emmanuel, and his newest releases God Is Up To Something and A Move of God Is On The Way. These are just a few of his songs which are still topping the Billboard Gospel Charts.
Writer and arranger, Evangelist Myrna Summers is the minister of Music at Reid Temple A.M.E. Church in Glendale, Maryland. Evangelist Summers is the leader of the church’s five choirs, orchestra and is the Director of Reid Temple’s Mass Choir. Summers has been performing professionally for over four decades in the United States and Europe. She was nominated for Grammy Awards for her original compositions God Gave Me a Song, Give Me Something to Hold on To, and Mountain Get Out of My Way; her latest CD project with the Reid Temple A.M.E. Mass Choir, was released in December of 2006.
Also making an appearance will be Dr. James Abbington, Associate Professor of Music at Emory University Candler School of Religion who will conduct a GIA Publications Reading Session. Well-known musicians Dr. Roland Carter and Dr. Don Lee White will serve as special consultants. Dr. Robert E. James, a Hattiesburg native and President of Carver State Bank of Savannah, GA and an expert on issues related to church finances, will deliver the keynote address on June 16th at 1:30 p.m.
Serving as presenters during the four-day workshop will be Phyllis Lewis-Hale, soprano, as Assistant Professor of Music and Opera Workshop Director at Jackson State University. Florine Herron, Director of Music for the Eighth Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church; Lannie Spann McBride, is a noted Elementary Music Specialist and Jackson State University Lecturer who will direct the children’s workshop. James M. Hawkins , director of the award winning Jim Hill High School Choir; Cynthia Palmer, gospel artist; and Fennoyee Thomas, Associate Dean at Texas Southern University, and Andrew Lewis, a JSU graduate assistant and technology expert.
The closing workshop concert will be held on Thursday, June 19, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. in the Rose McCoy Auditorium featuring Dr. Norman Hutchins, Myrna Summers and other artists. The early registration fee for the workshop is $100 per person, which includes all music and materials with a reduction for multiple registrations from one church. After June 1, the fee is $125. The children’s registration fee is $25 which includes a workshop tee-shirt. Concert tickets in advance will be $5 in advance and $10 the day of the concert. Academic credit and CEU credit are available for graduate and undergraduate students. Final registration will be held on Monday, June 16, 2007 at 8:00 a.m. in the F.D. Hall Music Center.
The Jackson Marriott Hotel is the official hotel for the workshop. It is located at 200 E. Amite Street in Jackson. The phone number is 800/256-9194. The fax number is 601/355-1704. The Jackson Marriott Hotel is a full service hotel. The rate is $99.00 plus tax. Reservations should be made before May 16, 2008. On-campus housing is available in the beautiful new Campbell College Suites at a rate of $25.00 per person per night if you provide your own linen. The rate is $32.00 per person per night if the University provides the linen. To view the housing web site, please visit www.jsums.edu/housing Contact the Department of Music to reserve accommodations on campus. .For more information, call Dr. Jimmie James Jr., Workshop Director and JSU music department chairman at (601) 979-2141. You may also reach Dr. James by e-mail at: jimmie.james@jsums.edu. Additional information is available by visiting www.jsums.edu/cmu.
11. ZIMBABWE'S ECONOMY ADDS TO RETIREES'MISERY:
By Kathy L. Gilbert*
HARARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS)-Selling little yellow balls of "Cockroach Kill" used to help the Rev. Kenneth Shamu put food on the table.
Now even income from that small business is gone because the soaring inflation rate in Zimbabwe has made it impossible to buy the ingredients - sugar, eggs and Borax.
Creative solutions have helped the Shamus survive since his retirement as a United Methodist pastor in 1995. Shamu stopped receiving any pension funds from the church in 2004. Even before they stopped, he was not receiving enough to live on, he said.
Zimbabwe's political and economic situation only adds to the misery.
"The economy changes every two weeks," said the Rev. Lovemore Nyanungo, who retired from active ministry after serving the church for 39 years.
The government of Zimbabwe sets the current inflation rate around 7,000 percent, but independent estimates put it at 13,000 percent or higher.
A liter of petrol costs Zim$12 million (US$3 on the parallel market), up from Zim$6 million (US$1.60) late last year. It costs bus commuters Zim$3 million (just under a dollar) for an average trip - three times more than they paid just before last Christmas.
It is reported that four out of five of the country's 12 million people live below the poverty line and a quarter have fled, mainly to neighboring countries.
"I really appreciate the help of the local church," Nyanungo said. But even with that help, he still has to carefully consider how much he and his wife spend; and what activities they do. At times, he also must rely on help from his five children or friends.
"I knew when I was an active pastor I would not get much when I retired," he said. "I think retired pastors should continue to get paid the same as active pastors or at least a percentage that would be a livable wage."
The United Methodist Church's General Conference, its largest legislative body, has launched an effort called the Central Conference Pension Initiative to ensure retirees and surviving spouses retire with dignity and hope.
Pension is 'peanuts'
Though The United Methodist Church's greatest growth is in Africa, Eastern Europe and the Philippines, pension funds are minimal or nonexistent for pastors in those areas. Many of them have faithfully served for 20, 30, 40 or more years.
When retired Zimbabwe Bishop Abel T. Muzorewa thinks about the pension funds for retired pastors, he said he is "filled with guilt."
"The pastors have nothing. It is peanuts; it is meaningless. It shouldn't even be called a pension," he said. "Now that I am retired, I can't do much about it but talk, talk, talk so others can change the situation."
A news team from United Methodist Communications and members of the denomination's Board of Pension and Health Benefits visited Zimbabwe in 2005 to gain an understanding of the needs and the context for pensions in that African country.
The Central Conference Pension Initiative is being carried out by five church agencies: the Board of Pension and Health Benefits, the General Council on Finance and Administration, the Board of Global Ministries, the United Methodist Publishing House and United Methodist Communications. The pension board projects that a $50 million endowment is needed to sustain the central conference pension benefit fund.
"It would be a blessed venture, and I wish all those who have been enabled by God to have some money in their pockets would pour money into the pension fund for all of Africa," Muzorewa said.
In Zimbabwe, retired pastors and surviving spouses don't receive regular pension support from the church. This year, an emergency grant of $68 was provided through the initiative and the Board of Global Ministries. Zimbabwe has 36 retirees and 34 surviving spouses.
Shamu is glad he took Muzorewa's advice years ago, when the bishop told him to plan for the future. "He mentioned buying a house, and now that is what I tell the pastors I meet," the retired pastor said. "If I didn't have a house, I would be suffering more than I am today."
Hard adjustments
The Rev. Willis Makunkie had a hard time adjusting to retirement after being a United Methodist pastor for 34 years.
"I had to come up with some ideas of things to do," he said. During his years as a pastor, he served nine circuits and a six-year term as a district superintendent. He still performs some church duties when asked, such as weddings, funerals and baptisms.
Another hard adjustment for him and two of his neighbors, who are surviving spouses of retired pastors, is the lack of any money from the church in their retirement years.
"Sometimes I live on charity, money from family or friends," he explains. He also tries to raise vegetables to eat, but the lack of water in his area of Zimbabwe makes that difficult.
"If the church had something to help, I would appreciate it," he said. "But if they have nothing, what can I do?"
Rosemary Chidzikwe, widow of a retired pastor, said she is not receiving any pension from the church and hasn't for a long time. Her husband, the Rev. Josiah Chidzikwe died in 1990. He was able to set aside a little money and buy the house she lives in, she said. Some of their income came from a maize-grinding mill they once operated for the community.
"It is difficult to survive," said Chidzikwe, who is not in good health. "But I think the church has done their part." She gets help from a sister who lives with her.
Martha Matongo, also a widow, said her husband died in 1970, but she doesn't remember how many years he served before retirement.
"It is difficult, but I depend on God because he is one who gave us this service," said Matongo who is also in poor health. "I am always ill, and I have to walk with this stick," she said, waving it in the air.
She sometimes gets help from growing and selling yams, and her children help when they can. She lives with her grandchildren who help her find water and other things she needs.
"God is providing," she said.
Other retirees share that quiet faith. Shamu said that even though retired pastors in Zimbabwe seem to be forgotten, he still has a deep love for the church.
"I was born in The United Methodist Church, and I have never joined any other church. It means a lot to me. I am a Methodist until the end of my life."
More information on how to get involved is available by going to www.ccpi-umc.org, writing to ccpi@gbophb.org or calling (847) 866-4230.
*Gilbert is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in Nashville, Tenn.
News media contact: Kathy L. Gilbert, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org .
*Used with permission of the United Methodist News Service
12. THE FORMER DIRECTOR AND OFFICERS OF THE SIXTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT AME CHURCH 1966-1980 PRESENT THE YPD’ERS REUNION CELEBRATION:
The YPD’ers Reunion Celebration will be held September 12-13, 2008 with the theme, “Grow, Glow, and Go for Christ”
Celebrate with us on Friday, September 12, 2008, 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. with a fellowship, meet and greet session at Paschal’s Castleberry Inn.
On Saturday, September 13, 2008, 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. the group will tour of Morris Brown College, followed by a Celebration Luncheon at 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Allen Temple AME Church, 1625 Simpson Road, Atlanta, Georgia.
Hotel Accommodations:
Paschal’s Castleberry Inn
186 North Side Dr., N.W.
Atlanta, Georgia 30313
(404) 893-4663
Registration: $ 50.00 Make check or money order payable to “Former Y.P. D. Reunion” and mail to:
Mrs. Jacquelyn T. Atkins
2900 Handy Dr., N.W.
Atlanta, Georgia 30318
(404) 792-2768
Room Rates:
Singles - $74.99
DBL/Full - $101.99
The registration deadline: August 15, 2008
For more information contact:
Mrs. Helen Booth (Former YPD Director), (229) 838-4441 or (706) 566-6100 or Mr. Albert Abrams (Former YPD President), ajabrams@cox.net
This event is endorsed by Bishop William P. and Dr. Pam DeVeaux, our Episcopal Leaders of the Sixth Episcopal District.
All proceeds will be donated to Morris Brown College
13. MOREHOUSE ANNOUNCES THE 2008 BACCALAUREATE AND COMMENCEMENT SPEAKERS:
When more than 500 men from the class of 2008 grace the Martin Luther King International Chapel for the last time as undergraduates before becoming Morehouse Men, they will be inspired by a Baccalaureate message delivered by H. Beecher Hicks, senior pastor of the six-thousand member historic Metropolitan Baptist Church in Washington, D.C.
Since his election in June 1977, Hicks has served as the fifth senior minister in the congregation’s 140-year history. The church’s various commercial and social service ventures have placed Metropolitan among the world’s most productive religious and civic institutions.
The Baccalaureate service for Morehouse will take place on Saturday, May 17 at 3 p.m. in the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel. Baccalaureate is the last spiritual assembly the class will have before they receive their degrees during commencement the next morning. Commencement will take place on Sunday, April 18 at 8 a.m. on the century campus.
The Commencement speaker is Morehouse alumnus Emmett D. Carson, Ph.D.
Carson graduated from Morehouse in 1981. He currently serves as the first CEO and President of the Silicon Valley Community Foundation. The community foundation is dedicated to advancing civic engagement to address the most challenging problems facing California’s San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.
Carson serves on several nonprofit boards including the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, Northern California Grant Makers and Southern Education Foundation. He is a past chair of the Council on Foundations and has received numerous nonprofit leadership awards including recognition by The Non-profit Times as one of the 50 most influential non-profit leaders in the United States. He received his doctorate and master’s in public administration and public and international affairs from Princeton University and a bachelor's degree in economics, Phi Beta Kappa, from Morehouse College.
14. THE 2008 FIRST EPISCOPAL DISTRICT SCHEDULE OF ANNUAL CONFERENCES:
NEW JERSEY ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Evangelist Day: March 3, 2008
WMS Conference Branch Annual Meeting: March 4, 2008
Annual Conference Dates: March 5-9, 2008
Annual Conference Location:
Sheraton Hotel and Convention Center
2 Miss America Way
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Richard T. Druid, Tel, (908) 756-8878
Host District: Atlantic City District
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Richard T. Druid
BERMUDA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Evangelist Day: March 11, 2008
WMS Conference Branch Annual Meeting: March 12, 2008
Conference Dates: March 13-16, 2008
Annual Conference Location:
The Fairmont Southampton Princess Resort Midocean Amphitheater
Southampton SB 03 Bermuda
Host Church Telephone: (441) 239-0605
Host - Ministerial Alliance
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Malcolm Eve, Tel, (441) 239-1054
DELAWARE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Evangelist Day: April 8, 2008
WMS Conference Branch Annual Meeting: April 9, 2008
Conference Dates: April 10-13, 2008
Annual Conference Location:
Asbury A.M.E. Church
Telephone: (610) 874-2110
1712-28 Providence Avenue
Chester, PA 19013
Host Pastor: The Rev. Janet J. Sturdivant, Tel, (609) 384-0381
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Charles E. Drummer, Jr.
NEW YORK ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Evangelist Day: April 21, 2008
WMS Conference Branch Annual Meeting: April 22, 2008
Annual Conference Dates: April 23-27, 2008
Annual Conference Location:
Bridge Street A.M.E. Church
Telephone: (718)452-3936
277 Stuyvesant Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11221
Host Pastor: The Rev. David B. Cousin, Sr., Tel, (914) 576-7442
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Alvan N. Johnson
WESTERN NEW YORK ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Evangelist Day: April 29, 2008
WMS Conference Branch Annual Meeting: April 30, 2008
Conference Dates: May 1-4, 2008
Annual Conference Location:
St. John A.M.E. Church
Telephone: (716) 285-6432
917 Garden Avenue
Niagara Falls, NY 14305
Host Pastor: The Rev. Stanley Smith, Tel., (716) 285-5924
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. James E. F. Lawrence
NEW ENGLAND ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Evangelist Day: May 13, 2008
WMS Conference Branch Annual Meeting: May 14, 2008
Annual Conference Dates: May 15-18, 2008
Annual Conference Location:
Bethel A.M.E Church
Telephone: (203) 348-3879
150 Fairfield Avenue
Stamford, CT 06902
Host Pastor: The Rev. LeRoy Ladson, Jr., Telephone: (203) 978-1501
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Herbert L. Eddy
THE PHILADELPHIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church
Telephone: (215) 925-0616
419 Richard Allen Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Host Pastor: The Rev. Jeffrey N. Leath, Tel., (215) 848-9548
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Winton M. Hill III
FIRST DISTRICT PLANNING MEETING:
June 12-14
THE 48TH QUADRENNIAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE:
July 3 – 11, 2008
St. Louis, Missouri
FIRST DISTRICT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION CONGRESS
July 21-24, 2008
Wesley College
Dover, Delaware
FIRST DISTRICT LAY ANNUAL MEETING
July 25-26, 2008
Sheraton Hotel
Dover, Delaware
FIRST DISTRICT YPD MEETING
October 10-12, 2008
Sheraton Hotel
Dover, Delaware
FALL CONVOCATION
November 6-8. 2008
First District Headquarters Building
3801 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
15. CLERGY AND EPISCOPACY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
- Bishop and Mrs. E. Earl McCloud, Jr., Office of Ecumenical & Urban Affairs, celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on March 12, 2008.
Congratulatory messages can be emailed to: emccloudjr@aol.com
Or:
Bishop and Mrs. E. Earl McCloud, Jr.
P.O. Box 310043
Atlanta, GA 31131-0043
Phone: 770) 458-7220
Fax: (404) 691-1092
- The Reverend Helen Marie Bolden-Rogers successfully defended her doctoral dissertation at the Ecumenical Theological Seminary in Detroit, Michigan on March 31, 2008. She will be awarded the D.Min Degree at the commencement exercises to be held on May 31, 2008.
Rev. Bolden-Rogers, formally of the 13th Episcopal District, is the Pastor of St. Matthew AME Church in Lansing, Michigan; North District-Michigan Conference, 4th Episcopal District; Rev. Dr. Delano Bowman, Presiding Elder and Bishop Philip R. Cousin, Presiding Prelate.
Dr. Marsha Foster-Boyd, an ordained elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church serves as President of Ecumenical Theological Seminary.
Congratulatory messages can be sent to: revhelen@sbcglobal.net
- Tamara Gibson, the wife of The Reverend Dr. Kyle C. Gibson, Senior Pastor of Bethel AME Church Deland Florida, completed her nursing program at Keiser University and was pinned on March 28, 2008 at the Boca Raton Community Hospital. She was awarded The Compassionate Heart Award for recognition as the student who is most caring and compassionate.
Notes of Congratulations can be sent to Tamara at
tamaragibson@bellsouth.net
- Kristina Hayward, Dr. Calvin Sydnor's former student and protégé, is currently matriculating as a first year student at Wesley Theological Seminary. Sister Kristina Hayward is the daughter of the Reverends Samuel and Althea Hayward of the Second Episcopal District. The Washington Conference Board of Examiners has advised her that they will be recommending that she be elected and ordained an itinerant deacon at this upcoming session of the Washington Annual Conference.
Congratulatory messages may be sent to the Revs. Samuel and Althea J. Hayward: graceschild@hotmail.com
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
With regret we announce the passing on April 5th, 2008 of Sister Willie B. Goodspeed, wife of the late Rev. Daniel S. Goodspeed, who pastored various AME Churches throughout the Tenth Episcopal District. Sister Goodspeed was a member of Historic Allen Chapel AME Church, Fort Worth, Texas where the Rev. George Willis, III serves as the pastor.
Service arrangements for Sister Goodspeed:
A Memorial Service will be held at 7:00 P.M. Friday, April 11, 2008
Greater Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church
4628 Avenue J
Fort Worth, Texas 76105
The Rev. Grady Anderson, pastor
Graveside Service will be held Saturday, April 12, 2008, 12 Noon
Cedar Hill Memorial Park
8199 US Highway 287
Arlington, Texas
Ph: (817) 478-1878
Sister Goodspeed's final earthly care has been entrusted to:
Baker Funeral Home
301 E. Rosedale Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
Ph: (817) 332-4468
Condolences may be sent to:
Mr. Danny S. Goodspeed (Son)
4813 Bratcher
Fort Worth, Texas 76119
Ph: (817) 536-5667 or (817) 999-4352
17. FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Homegoing Service for Mr. G. G. (George Grant) Young, Church School Superintendent of the East Mississippi Annual Conference will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at:
Bethel AME Church
214 S. Monroe St.
Yazoo City, Ms 39194
Services in trusted to:
Shaffer and Collins Funeral Home
247 W. Sixth St,
Yazoo City, Ms. 39194
Phone 662-746-3985
The Right Rev. Cornal Garnett Henning, Sr. presiding bishop
The Rev. Jacob W. Hilton, presiding elder
The Rev. Bene L. Bowens, pastor
18. 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
19. 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
4/03/2008
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (4/3/08)
Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor, The Christian Recorder
1. EDITORIAL – THE SINS OF THE CHURCH MUSICIAN:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
1). The musician who is always late for worship.
2). The musician who decides what the choir is going to sing during the worship service.
3). The musician who has not familiarized him or herself with the African Methodist Episcopal liturgy.
4). The musician who tries to “make something happen” in worship by playing the so-called, “Pentecostal shout chords.”
5). The musician who does not know how to teach the choir members their parts, i.e., S.A,T.B., who encourages loudness rather than teaching choir members their musical parts.
6). The musician who has to always leave early; can’t stay until the end of the worship service; and who probably arrived to worship late.
7). The musician who doesn’t remain in the sanctuary during the sermon.
8). The musician who doesn’t know how to coordinate the music with the sermon text or the liturgical season. (Of course the pastor has some responsibility in sharing with the musician the biblical text and the liturgical emphasis that the pastor would like to musician to follow).
9). The musician who gets angry with the pastor and “sits down” on the pastor in worship, and tries to dampen worship.
10). The musician who does not arrive in time to play a prelude and/or in a rush to depart that he or she does not bother to play a postlude.
11). The musician who day-dreams, engaged in conversation with choir members during the worship service, and especially during the Communion Service and as a result hinders the liturgical or spiritual movement of the worship service.
12). The musician who doesn’t know how the play hymns and who doesn’t practice or learn to play hymns and anthems. And, also the musician who doesn’t know how to play gospel music and who doesn’t practice or learn to play gospel hymns.
13). The musician who doesn’t know how to play in all of the musical keys; who only plays in a couple of keys like C major, F major, G major, major and B flat. Hymns, particularly, are written in certain keys because the hymn can be sung better in certain keys. Ever wonder why some musicians carry their own keyboards when the choir goes out sing? If, during worship, another musician plays in a key that they can’t play in; they can transpose the key on their keyboard.
14). The musician who only teaches, what I call, “7-11” songs; seven phrases sung 11 times, over and over and over again.
15). The musician who is excited when the choir is singing or when he or she is playing the musical instrument, but tunes out during the sermon and other parts of the worship service.
16). The musician who allows choir members to sing even when they fail attend choir practice.
17). The musician who allows choir members to sing even when choir members arrive after the worship service has begun and allow choir members, “who have to do something” to leave worship services early.
18). The musician who doesn’t insist on having choir rehearsals.
19). The musician who is engaged in his or her cellphone during the worship service.
20). The musician who thinks that he or she, instead of the pastor, is the leader for worship.
2. THE EDITOR’S TEACHING MOMENT – THE USE OF “THE” WITH THE USE OF, “REVEREND”:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
Have you ever wondered why The Christian Recorder and other periodicals and books use “The” or “the” with the use to the title, “Reverend”?
When “Reverend” or “Right Reverend” is used before a name, “Reverend / Rev.” should be preceded by “the” because “Reverend / Rev.” is not a noun, it is an adjective and is always preceded by, “the”. “The” is used before nouns.
In a sentence, you would not say, “Blue car is fast” because “blue” as used in the sentence is an adjective and the correct way to form the sentence would be, “The blue car was fast” or “When we went to the racetrack, the blue car was fast.”
In the beginning of a sentence, the “T” in “the” is capitalized and in the middle of a sentence, the “t” in “the” is in the lower case, thus:
“The Rev. John Smith preached an outstanding sermon.”
“An outstanding sermon was delivered by the Rev. John Smith.”
Overlaying the car analogy on a Sunday bulletin cover, you would not list:
Blue car is fast
Red car is faster
Purple car is fastest
Rather:
The blue car is fast
The red car is faster
The purple car is fastest
Therefore, as an example, not:
Reverend Charlotte Blake Sydnor, pastor
Reverend Troy Merritt, presiding elder
Right Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie, presiding prelate
But rather,
The Reverend Charlotte Blake Sydnor, pastor
The Reverend Troy Merritt, presiding elder
The Right Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie, presiding prelate
Editor’s Note: I am addressing the use of “the” with “Reverend”; not the order of protocol.
3. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
- To the Editor –
I love reading your editorials because they challenge me to reflect on my development as a chaplain and AME minister. This particular editorial on leadership hits the nail on the head in our Zion , community and nation. In my experience leadership examples have told me often to "do as I say, and not as I do." The only thing this has accomplished in my perspective is bad press. I have read Steven Covey's 7 highly effective habits of leadership, President Lincoln on leadership, and others. I was very impressed with reading Former Secretary of State Colin Powell's principles on leadership. His leadership principles are simple, clear, and puts focus on the people and processes more so than on the leader. Here are a few examples:
(1). "Organization doesn't really accomplish anything. Plans don't accomplish anything, either. Theories of management don't much matter. Endeavors succeed or fail because of the people involved. Only by attracting the best people will you accomplish great deeds."
(2). "Never let your ego get so close to your position that when your position goes, your ego goes with it."
(3). "The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them. They have either lost confidence that you can help them or concluded that you do not care. Either case is a failure of leadership."
I am of the opinion that in order for our Zion to improve on ministerial leadership and development, it must de-emphasize running for the highest office, and re-emphasize our mission, effective ministry models and offer leadership to our congregations and communities.
I remember an experience I had after I graduated from seminary. I inquired about a possible appointment to a church, and was quickly told, "I don't have anything for you."
Then I was asked if I had alternate plans. I responded that I did, and here I am back in the military. Needless to say, I never sought the counsel of this particular leader again.
Thank God there are some role models I have in the church, that lead by example.
Shawn L. Menchion Ch, Capt USAF
- To the Editor -
Re: THE AME Church has a Leadership Problem:
Congratulations Dr. Sydnor for continuing to tackle pertinent and relevant issues that confront our Zion in these troubling and complex times.
I greatly anticipate reading your editorial column each week as it provides information that is culturally relevant and in tune to the current times in which we seek to serve the 'present age'. I sincerely pray that your message has not fallen on shallow ground or on rocks, but in fertile soil where it will take root in our denomination and bring forth a new generation of leadership that is more focused on advancing the work of the kingdom than their own individual advancement. Effective and proactive leadership is sorely needed to address issues that confront us, challenge us and call us to be less reactive and become more deliberate and decisive is our approach to our ministry call.
Please know that there are those who truly applaud your willingness to go into the deep and unchartered waters so that we will hopefully not be overcome by the waves that seek to dash our forward progress as collective body seeking to do the 'missio Dei' (mission of God).
Esther K. Powers
Licentiate
ITC Class of 2010
Cleveland Chapel AME Church, McDonough, GA
(Sixth Episcopal District)
4. NOTICE FROM PRESIDENT OF THE JUDICIAL COUNCIL OF THE AME CHURCH:
IN RE: THE MATTER OF ROSA MCCLOUD-BAXTER
REQUEST FOR A DECLARATORY DECISION
The Judicial Council of the African Methodist Episcopal Church intends to conduct closed deliberations of issues relating to the above-named case. The deliberations shall be in person and exclusively among the members of the Judicial Council. The deliberations shall be conducted on July 3, 2008, at the site of the General Conference.
To assist in its deliberations, the Judicial Council will accept briefs in accordance with The 2004 Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church [“Discipline”], Part XI, Section XX. H., Paragraphs 11 & 12 (page 315).
All persons, bodies, organizations, or other entities wishing to submit briefs shall submit a “Notice of Intent to Submit Brief’ [“Notice”]. Such Notice shall be sent by United States mail, first class, postage pre-paid, to:
Name: THE REV. GRANVILLE REED
Address 2002 Mt. Herman Street
Jacksonville, Florida 32206
Notices must display a postmark date of not later than midnight, April 15, 2008. Notices transmitted by any method other than as above indicated, or after the deadline, shall not be accepted.
Persons, bodies, organization, or other entities who wish acknowledgment of receipt of Notice shall include a self-addressed, postage paid return envelope.
Briefs shall be accepted from only those persons, bodies, organizations or other entities who file a Notice on or before the above-stated deadline. Those persons, bodies, organizations, or other entities shall receive detailed instructions regarding briefs after the closing date for the submission of Notices.
ENTERED AND SIGNED this 3rd day of March 2008.
/Signed/
PATRICIA MAYBERRY
President
The Judicial Council of the AME Church
5. CONNECTIONAL DAY OF PRAYER:
The AME Churches’ First Connectional Day of Prayer period will be Sundown-Friday, April 11 to Sundown-Sunday April 13 with the general theme, "Pray On--Feeding the Soul: 'It is Well with my Soul."
For more information contact: PrayerAMEC2008@aol.com -202/674- 7729
6. THE THIRD EPISCOPAL DISTRICT GENERAL CONFERENCE DELEGATION ORGANIZED:
Under the leadership of the Right Reverend Robert Vaughn Webster, Presiding Bishop of the Third District, the General Conference delegates met in Columbus, Ohio on Thursday, March 27, 2008.
The following persons were elected:
Delegation Chairman, the Rev. Dr. Floyd W. Alexander
Vice-Chairman, Dr. Willie Glover
Secretary, the Rev. Dr. Charles Holmes
Treasurer, the Rev. Dr. Thomas Liggins, the Rev. James Murray and the Rev. L. Anthony Gatewood
Episcopal Committee Members:
The Rev. Dr. Taylor T. Thompson
The Rev. Dr. Otis Gordon
Ms. Ametta Reaves
Ms. Angela Bethea (Y)
Submitted by the Rev. Dr. Taylor T. Thompson, Pastor, St. John AME, Cleveland, Ohio
7. NEWS AROUND THE AME CHURCH:
The Rev. Edrena Houston Brown, MACE
- The Retirement Celebration of Senior Bishop Phillip Robert Cousin, Sr., and Dr. M. Joan Cousin, Episcopal Supervisor of the 4th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church will be held on Friday, April 4, 2008 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Rosemount, Il., at 7:00 p.m., for further information please call the Episcopal Headquarters (773) 373-6587.
- The Reverend Lorenzo Laws, pastor Mount Zion A.M.E. Church, 601 Washington Street, Hastings, Florida will host the monthly community NAACP meeting Thursday, April 3, 2008 at 7:00 p.m., the community is cordially invited to attend this meeting of importance.
- Greater Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, 215 N.W. 5th Street Dania, Florida, the Rev. A. J. Davis, M.Div., is the pastor will observe its Annual Spring Revival, April 1-4, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. the preacher will be the Rev. Jimmy J. Thompson, presiding elder of the celebrated Central District of the South Conference, the Eleventh Episcopal District.
- Saint Paul A.M.E. Church, 3345 North Haverhill Road, West Palm Beach, Florida will conduct a Church Growth Seminar on April 10-11, 2008. Friday, April 10, 2008, 7:00 p.m., -9:00 p.m., and Saturday, April 11, 2008 beginning 9:30 a.m., until 1:00 p.m. The facilitator will be the Rev. Dr. George L. Champion and guest preacher for the Sunday, April 12, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. worship service. Dr. Champion is a Former General Officer of the AME Church, Department of Church Growth and Evangelism and presently a candidate for Bishop 2008. The Rev. Charles Scott is the pastor. For further information (561) 242-0001.
- Saturday, April 12th - All Men 18 & up - Saint Paul A.M.E. Church, 6910 New Kings Road, Jacksonville, Florida where the Rev. Marvin L. Zanders is the pastor. Calling ALL MEN to a special meeting For Men, With Men, By Men - as Pastor Zanders presents a series: "The Quest for Authentic Manhood." Bring another man with you - a friend, co-worker, neighbor, aged 18 and up - ALL are invited. Join us for this fellowship, Saturdays before 2nd Sunday each month.
- April 15, 2008 at 11:00 a.m., Bishop C. Garnett Henning of the Eighth Episcopal District will be delivering the sermons for St. Mark A.M.E. Church, the Rev. Donald Johnson, Fernwood, Miss. and at 3:00 p.m. The Ground Breaking Ceremony at Leonard Chapel AME Church where the Rev. Waydell Dyson of Independence, Miss., is the pastor.
- DuPage A.M.E. Church, 4300 Yackley Avenue, Lisle, Il., will celebrate "The Groundbreaking By Grace...Again Ceremony" on Sunday, April 6, 2008 after the 11:15 a.m., worship service. Senior Bishop and Presiding Prelate of the 4th Episcopal District, Bishop Phillip R. Cousin will preach for this historic event. The community is cordially invited to attend. The Rev. Dr. James F. Miller, Pastor. For further information, please call (630) 969-9800.
8. COLUMBIA DISTRICT OPENS OFFICES IN DOWNTOWN COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA:
*Mr. Benjamin Harrison
On Saturday, March 8, 2008, for the first time in the 130 year history of the Seventh Episcopal District’s Columbia Conference, the Columbia District opened its own office space located in the heart of downtown Columbia. The new district offices are located at 1529 Hampton Street, Suite 100 and are housed in the same building which serves as the South Carolina Democratic Party’s statewide headquarters.
Bishop Preston W. Williams II, Presiding Prelate of the Seventh Episcopal District remarked, “It is wonderful to see the A.M.E. Church continuing to expand its work deep into the capital city of South Carolina. These new offices will help the Columbia District to conduct its business in a comfortable and professional setting, and better connect with the people and organizations that run this great city and state.”
Bishop Williams, the Rev. Sandy W. Drayton, Presiding Elder of the Columbia District, and a host of A.M.E. clergy and laity held a dedicatory ceremony to celebrate the official opening of approximately 1500 square feet of prime office space which will serve the various ministries of the Columbia District. The office comes well-equipped with a fully furnished board room, and 7 separate work spaces which Elder Drayton has made available not only to the Columbia District, but to its neighboring districts as well; neighboring districts need only contact the Columbia District office to request use of the space.
Where for centuries presiding elders, pastors and staff have usually worked out of churches, homes, and briefcases, their ability to conduct church-business in a more corporate environment has been rare. Elder Drayton explains that, “These new offices afford the Columbia District a tremendous opportunity to expand its ministries. From downtown Columbia, the center of this city and state, we will be able to connect with both the religious and corporate communities of the Seventh Episcopal District in an environment that is conducive to accomplishment and progress.”
Elder Drayton has set aside a portion of the office space for the creation of a bookstore which will carry a variety of publications such as A.M.E. periodicals, bishop-required reading for elders and pastors, Christian education texts, and more; all available to the entire Seventh Episcopal District. Additionally, Elder Drayton plans to build an A.M.E. archive which captures the essence of A.M.E. history and is compiled by a district historiographer.
These new offices were acquired by the Columbia District through the personal connections of Allen D. Etheredge Sr., member of Turner Memorial A.M.E. Church in West Columbia, SC. There Mr. Etheredge serves on the Steward Board, Finance Committee, and VP of Pastors’ Advocacy Board, among others. As a result of a 15 year friendship between Mr. Etheredge and one of the principals of Baker & Baker Real Estate of Columbia, SC, Mr. Etheredge was able to negotiate the use of this office space at no cost to the A.M.E. Church.
Mrs. Theresa M. Hawthorne, unofficial historiographer of both the Columbia Conference and A.M.E. Church in general, and wife of former Presiding Elder Clarke R. Hawthorne Sr., confirmed that this is the first time that any district in the Columbia Conference has had its own office out of which to work. Mrs. Hawthorne added a special note of congratulations to Elder Drayton stating, “Presiding Elder Drayton is a people person. He is a ‘we’ presiding elder. He is all about where ‘we’ are going and what ‘we’ are doing together as a church.”
In closing, the Dedication Committee wrote, “Thank you to the Columbia District pastors and laity for all of your sacrifices that made this day and event possible. Thanks to Bro. Allen D. Etheredge for your leadership in securing this office suite. Thanks to Presiding Elder & Mrs. Drayton for your superb leadership. Thanks to Bishop Preston Warren Williams and Mother Wilma Williams for your godly guidance.”
*Mr. Benjamin Harrison is the Public Relations Director for the 7th Episcopal District
9. OUTSTANDING LEADER, PASTOR AND TEACHER , THE REV. ROYD MWANDU HELPING CHILDREN WITH EDUCATIONAL NEEDS IN THE 17TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:
The Rev. Edrena Houston Brown, MACE
An outstanding Man of God, the Reverend Royd Mwandu, Cooperbelt West District, Chingola, Zambia, answered the call to preach in 1993 during the episcopal leadership of Bishop Robert V. Webster and was ordained a deacon and Itinerant Elder under the Leadership of Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, who followed Bishop Webster as the presiding prelate of the district.
On December 10th 1995, the Rev. Mwandu was relocated out of the St. Thomas boundary and became the first pastor since 1964 to begin a new church in the inner city known as “Downtown Branch of St. Thomas, Kasompe” in the Seventeenth Episcopal District. He accepted his first appointment as pastor of St. Thomas AME Church with a membership of thirteen members; the church grew to a membership of 557; 398 members are in full connection including children and young adults.
The membership of the Downtown Branch, which is an English-based church, has grown from zero to 187 members. The Branch was privileged to host the 2007 Presiding Elder’s District Conference.
Under the Illustrious Leadership of the Right Rev. Paul J.M. Kawimbe, presiding prelate of the 17th Episcopal District, Pastor Mwandu was appointed Director of Christian Education for the South West Zambia Conference.
His life demonstrates his love for God, spiritual growth, education and training he says, “The number of untrained ministers is unacceptable and yet we do not have institutions of higher learning.” Pastor Mwandu acknowledges that, his training has been self-taught through the use of computer training, his employment and experience and through certification courses in attaining growth and development.
He is a widely sought-after preacher, especially where he preaches for conferences of independent Pentecostals, Roman Catholic Churches and the United Church of Zambia, not to mention the intense AME schedule, with invitations extending to December 2008. He has an intense desire for children and their parents to obtain education.
The Rev. Mwandu is helping children with their educational needs through after-school programs, resources from the internet, and from other available sources. His wife, first lady Connie Mwandu, complements is ministry. Their teaching includes assisting widow, children and families to acquire lifetime skills so that they will not resort to prostitution.
Also, children are being assisted through the “Good Samaritan Centre” of St. Thomas AME Church to graduate from high school.
St. Thomas AME Church is building a downtown branch for a sanctuary, parish hall, business center and ten classrooms where preparation for learning can take place in teaching children and provide a conductive environment for learning. Land has been allocated for this project, with the hope that this dream will soon become a reality.
Pastor Mwanda indicated the need for Bibles, computers, laptops, and video-projectors,
Pastor Mwanda indicated that the church and community have lost a good number of reliable and dependable members because of HIV/AIDS; sometimes he buries two persons on the same day.
He hopes to implement an exchange program with young people in the united States so that African students can experience lime in the UAS and young people from the USA can experience life in the Motherland of Africa and its AME Churches. He feels that young people in Africa, including adults, have lack of exposure to the realities of life in the USA, and as a result, take what they watch in movies to represent the reality of life in America. Some of the young people have adopted the drug, sexual, and “gangsta” mentality, and thereby discarding the indigenous African culture. The bilateral exchange program will help African children to remain focused on the preservation of traditional culture, without losing their African heritage. American children who participate in the program will gain from the experience also.
The Rev. Mwandu would like to see a General Conference held in Africa; a formalization of a clergy preaching exchange program; an opportunity for pastors and lay delegates attending the 2008 General Conference from the overseas districts to be given an opportunity to remain the United States and visit AME Churches for the two weeks following the General Conference to appreciate variations in liturgy, traditions, customs to firm up the global connectional ties between the USA and the overseas districts. Additionally, he would like to see the bar of theological and academic excellence raised.
Congratulations to the Rev. Mwandu for being nominated as Clergy of the Week and inspiring others to provide for the children, because children are our future.
*If you would like to nominate a clergy, layperson or youth of the week, please email your request to the Reverend Edrena Houston Brown, ebrown49@hotmail.com
10. BETHEL A.M.E. CHURCH, COLUMBIA, SC COMPLETES $3 MILLION NEW SCHOOL BUILDING PROJECT:
By Veronica-Carol Brailsford and Warren Bolton, Associate Editor for The State Newspaper
The Bethel A.M.E. Church campus, where the Rev. Dr. Ronnie Elijah Brailsford, Sr. is the pastor, has new reason to celebrate. A $3,000,000, 12,000 square feet addition to the campus’ north side has now been completed and is open to educate more than 400 students.
“A legacy of education continues as this $3,000,000 project is completed today. Thousands of children’s lives have been and will continue to be enriched because of the faith, vision, obedience and hard work of this generation. Children, yet unborn, will one day say, “Thank God for a people who loved children enough to sacrifice for them to have a brighter future.” Thus, today’s completion of the new building is another among many milestones for the Bethel Learning Centers and Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, said the Rev. Dr. Ronnie Brailsford, Sr. in his remarks to parents, students and teachers during the school’s open house. The Rev. Brailsford is the 15 year pastor of Bethel AME Church and a 2008 candidate for Episcopal Service.
Twelve plus years ago, the beginning of Bethel Learning Centers (BLC) was birthed out of challenge, obedience, vision and faith! God issued the challenge, called for obedience, encouraged faith and made provision for the vision to become a reality. To God be the glory! Great things he has done, is doing and will do.
The Bethel Learning Centers (BLC), are a Christian-based, uniformed preschool, academy and after school that serve children ages 8 weeks to fifth grade. The schools boasts of a highly credentialed and well trained staff that loves God and children. They are committed to quality education in a Christian context. Thus, we use the Abeka Curriculum which is Christian- based. Furthermore, the school offers Spanish, Music, Karate, Computer Science and Physical Education. Presently, the Bethel Learning Centers are one of only three predominantly African American Elementary schools accredited in South Carolina by the South Carolina Independent School Association (S.C.I.S.A.).
The Bethel Learning Centers consist of an Infant/Toddler Program (Ages 8 weeks-2 years old); Child Development Center (ages 2-4 years); Christian Academy (K-5 to 5th grade) and an after school Educational Excellence Program (K-5 to 8th grade). The spiritual, mental, emotional, academic and numerical growth has been exemplary throughout the years, and God has given the increase! Proverbs 22:6 states, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” The learning centers continue to partner with parents and others to make that a reality. School Headmaster, Patricia Blakeney says, “We thank God that we are able to provide an excellent education, and so much more!”
The vision for the BLC came from God through Pastor Brailsford and had a very humble beginning. Pastor Brailsford shared the conviction placed upon him one Sunday morning as he talked about the challenges with students receiving a quality education in many parts of South Carolina. The Spirit of the Lord said, “You can continue to curse the dark, or light a candle in the dark.” In other words, it was time to stop talking and start doing something about the problem. Initially, this led to partnering with E. E. Taylor Elementary School by providing an after school tutorial program. Retired and active school teachers, who were members of the church, volunteered to tutor students. The church’s impact was significant as parents shared how their children progressed to some of them making the honor roll. There were only 10-15 children daily, but the seeds of success and vision had been sown and taken roots.
The lack of space for educational training at the Sumter Street site was a great limitation to the vision. However, with the September 18, 1995 relocation to 819 Woodrow Street, a campus of 86,000 square feet with 107 classrooms and offices, the establishment of a Child Development Center, Christian Academy, After school Program and eventual Kids University Summer Camp became a reality. God provided the space and increase as the BLC grew to be larger each year. As it grew numerically, its quality spiritually and academically, became par excellent!
This led to the learning centers’ first accreditation in the year 2003 and recertification in the year 2007. The school’s reputation grew so fast that over 200 students were declined in a two year period due to a lack of space. Thus, the search began for more space beyond the campus. As a result, the church’s decision to build a new building on the north section of the campus was made.
Building of the new facility allows the learning centers to educate nearly 200 additional children. Thus, construction was initiated April 2007 and completed January 2008. The new project includes several classrooms, a cafeteria, kitchen, conference room, welcome center, teacher’s lounge, health and wellness room, and an outdoor amphitheater, and adds an additional 12,000 square feet of occupied space to the campus’ once already massive 92,000 square feet.
Many special thanks go to the members of the Stewards, Trustee, and Education Boards, along with the many church members and community partners who embraced, promoted and implemented the vision for this facility to be built. Also gratitude goes to the leadership of Bethel A.M.E. Church, the Bethel Learning Centers, the administration, teachers, parents, family members and friends, but most of all the children who have worked so hard to make this one of the best schools in the state of South Carolina.
11. THE REV. JOSEPH SUNDAY: NO NEST EGG AFTER 33 YEARS:
By Linda Green*
MONROVIA, Liberia (UMNS)--The types of churches led by the Rev. Joseph Sunday for 33 years did not pay enough for him to accumulate a retirement nest egg.
Sunday, 77, who retired from active ministry in 2002, led rural churches and worked on circuits where he would be sent to United Methodist congregations "that sometimes paid me L$25," he says.
Upon retirement, he expected to receive something from the denomination's Liberia Annual Conference. Although he planned as best as he could, "it did not enable me to accumulate any money because of the kinds of churches I was pastoring."
In addition to a US$60 quarterly pension, Sunday receives a stipend as the chaplain/counselor for the Monrovia Central Prison. The United Methodist Church is one of several churches sponsoring the Prison Fellowship of Liberia.
Sunday says that in spite of his "inadequate" pension, he is grateful. He would like to see his quarterly pension increase to not only enable the purchase of a bag of rice, plus fish, but to leave enough money afterward for other needs.
"A bag of rice lasts a month," says Sunday, who leads a family of seven. Sometimes one of his children will bring in some money, but it is not sufficient, he says.
The United Methodist Church, through its Central Conference Pension Initiative, is developing model systems aimed at providing an adequate pension to retired pastors, surviving spouses and church lay workers in Liberia and elsewhere. More information is available at www.ccpi-umc.org.
"We eat once a day," Sunday says. "We are used to it. We adapted ourselves to that condition. We eat small bread, then we cook that one meal at the end of the day."
That is not unusual in Liberia, which is trying to rebuild after a long civil war. Says Sunday: "Most Liberians, now, eat once a day."
- Green is a news writer for United Methodist News Service in Nashville, Tenn.
*Used with the permission of the United Methodist News Service (Linda Green)
Editor's Note: We can imagine what it is like for retired AME pastors in our overseas districts and we might be surprised about the difficulties and challenges facing a lot of our retired pastors in the U.S.A. I have heard that there are some retired pastors on food stamps.
12. FOUR (4) YEARS OF FREE COLLEGE TUITION OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL AFRICAN AMERICAN MALES:
Do you know any Black Males (who are Seniors in high school) who want to go to college for FREE. The black colleges are looking for future Black Male Teachers and will send them to Universities/Colleges FOUR (4) YEARS FREE; THIS IS FOR MALES ONLY.
1. Have parents fill out this application.
2. Read the Mission Statement. There are Ten (10) different South
Carolina Colleges or Universities including:
Benedict College
http://www.callmemister.clemson.edu/schools/benedict.htm
Claflin University
http://www.callmemister.clemson.edu/schools/claflin.htm
Clemson University
http://www.callmemister.clemson.edu/schools/clemson.htm
Morris College
http://www.callmemister.clemson.edu/schools/morris.htm
South Carolina State University
http://www.callmemister.clemson.edu/schools/southcarolinastate.htm
Greenville Technical College
http://www.callmemister.clemson.edu/schools/greenvilletech.htm
Midlands Technical College
http:// www.callmemister.clemson.edu/schools/midlands.htm
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College
http://www.callmemister.clemson.edu/schools/
orangeburgcalhountech.htm
Tri-County Technical College
http://www.callmemister.clemson.edu/schools/tricountytech.htm
Trident Technical College
http://www.callmemister.clemson.edu/schools/tridenttech.htm
13. THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST (UCC):
The United Church of Christ (UCC), of which Trinity UCC of Chicago, the congregation pastored by the Reverend Jeremiah Wright, ran a full-page ad on page A-11 in today's issue (4/2/08) of The New York Times to explain the tenets and history of the UCC.
"Much has been said about the United Church of Christ in recent weeks, much of it hurtful for many in our country, including members of Trinity UCC in Chicago. That is why we are eager to share the broad and diverse story of the United Church of Christ, one that we celebrate.
With all Christians, we rest in God’s amazing grace and hear God’s voice in the words of Scripture. Yet, the UCC is unique to some because we do not require uniformity of belief. We are a church of open ideas, extravagant welcome and evangelical courage. Our passion for democracy extends to both government and church, where decision-making rests within each congregation. We support liberty in our pulpits, just as we affirm the individual conscience of our 1.2-million members to agree, disagree and wrestle with life’s biggest questions in a spirit of love.
Our story is this nation’s story. We are the people of the Mayflower. More than 600 of our 5,700 congregations were formed before 1776. Eleven signers of the Declaration of Independence were members of UCC predecessor bodies.
As early abolitionists, we came to the aid of the Amistad captives and founded hundreds of schools across the South after the Civil War. We were the first mainline church to ordain an African-American (1785), a woman (1853) and an openly gay pastor (1972). We were also the first to form a foreign mission society (1810). Our multi-ethnic membership includes persons from every immigrant group, as well as native peoples and descendants of freed slaves.
Our unity is not dependent upon uniform agreement, but in our shared allegiance to Jesus Christ. Ours is a risk-taking church, because ours is a risk-taking God."
http://www.ucc.org/
14. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
The Rev. Gerald A. Cooper, Pastor of St. James AME Church, Cleveland, Ohio and the Rev. Mila Cooper, Pastor of Mt. Moriah AME Church in Maple Heights, Ohio proudly announce the birth of their second child. Their newest addition, a daughter, Mariah Nicole Cooper was born on Monday, March 17th at 8:29 a.m., weighing 6 lbs, 12 oz. Older sister, PK Nia Cooper (age 13) is excited to have a little sister!
Congratulatory messages may be sent to:
The Revs. Gerald & Mila Cooper
11008 Reservoir Place Drive
Cleveland, Ohio 44104
mpc4dst@yahoo.com
gacooper7@yahoo.com
15. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
- The Rev. Latham Mills, pastor of the New Zion Hill A.M.E. Church in Thomson, Georgia; and Sharon Mills will be celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary on April 23, 2008.
Congratulatory Messages may be emailed to the Rev and Mrs. Latham Mills: latmills55@aol.com
- I am so pleased that our daughter, Kristina Hayward, Dr. Sydnor’s former student and protégé, is currently matriculating (first year) at Wesley Theological Seminary. Sister Kristina Hayward is the daughter of the Reverends Samuel and Althea Hayward of the Second Episcopal District. The Washington Conference Board of Examiners has advised her that they will be recommending that she be elected and ordained an itinerant deacon at this upcoming session of the Washington Annual Conference. She is very excited and we are as well. Please continue to hold us in your prayers.
Congratulatory messages may be sent to the Revs. Samuel and Althea J. Hayward: graceschild@hotmail.com
- On February 25, 2008 Brother Dennis C. Dickerson, Jr. learned that he was accepted in Fall 2008 to the M.Div. program at Vanderbilt Divinity School. He earned the B.A. from the University of Memphis in 2007 and remained another year for additional study in Greek. He is the son of General Officer Dennis C. Dickerson and Mrs. Mary A. E. Dickerson.
Congratulatory Messages may be emailed to: Mrs. Mary A. E. Dickerson: MaryDickerson@comcast.net or to Dr. Dennis C. Dickerson WhhButler@cs.com
- One of God's faithful servants, the Rev. Dr. Clarence G. Robinson, who has labored faithfully in ministry. His pastorates included the following churches: Ebenezer, Detroit, MI; Bethel, Saginaw, MI; Emmanuel Temple, Chicago, St. Mark in Milwaukee, WI, Olivet, South Bend, IN, and Youth Pastor, Bethel, Evanston, IL, Baber, Chicago was his first charge.
Following the death of Dr. Wilfred Reid in August 2001, Bishop Philip R. Cousin assigned Dr. Clarence G. Robinson as Presiding Elder of the Chicago Conference-North District, which he refers to as the "Nurturing" North District.
Presiding Elder Robinson and Sister Edith have been married for 55 years. He has served in ministry for 53 years. He and Sister Edith will be honored to have you join in the Celebration of Service of his retirement, Friday, April 18, 2008, 7:00 P.M. at the Chateau Del Mar, 8301 West 95th Street, Hickory Hills, IL. The Donation for this event is $50.00
For further information contact Bethel AME Church #847-864-4264 or 847-864-5120
16. RETIRED GENERAL OFFICER BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Dr. Alfred Lee Henderson, (Retired General Officer) former Secretary-Treasurer of the A.M.E. Sunday School Union passed on Sunday morning, March 30, 2008. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Celebration of Life Service
Monday, April 7, 2008
11:00 a.m.
Grant A.M.E. Church
10435 S. Central Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90002
The Rev. Leslie White, Pastor
Phone: (323) 564-1151
Office Fax: (323) 564-5027
Lying in State:
8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Visitation with the family
10.00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Professional Services entrusted to:
Angelus Funeral Home
3875 S. Crenshaw Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90008
Phone: (323) 296-6666
Fax: (323) 296-1302
Interment:
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
1:00 p.m.
Palms Memorial Park
6701 North Jones Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89131
Phone: (702) 464-8460
Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Bobbye Henderson and family
10117 Los Padres Place
Las Vegas, NV 89134
Phone: (702) 243-0965
E-mail: bobbyej50@hotmail.com
Please remember Sister Bobbye Henderson and family in your prayers.
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs. Lynda Joyce Ellis Sanders went to be with the Lord on March 19, 2008. Mrs. Sanders was the wife of the Reverend Prince Sanders, a pastor in the Ninth Episcopal District, Alabama Annual Conference, Montgomery District.
Public viewing
Friday, march 28, 2008
After 12:00 noon, funeral home
Funeral service
Saturday, march 29, 2008
1:00 p.m.
Saint John A.M.E. Church
708 15th street, north
Birmingham, AL
The Rev. James r. Rumph, pastor
Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, eulogist
Funeral director:
Davenport and Harris Funeral Home
301 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SW
Birmingham, AL 35211
Ph 205-252-2103
Interment: Elmwood Cemetery
600 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SW
Birmingham, al 35211
Messages of comfort may be sent to:
The Reverend Prince Sanders & family
501 Avenue V
Birmingham, AL 35214
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of the Rev. Micah D. Chandler on Saturday, March 29, 2008. The Rev. Chandler was the pastor of Heard Chapel AME Church in Pembroke, Bermuda. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing - Saturday, April 5, 2008
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Heard Chapel AME Church
North Village, Pembroke
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Viewing and Funeral will be held at St. Paul AME Church
Corner of Court & Victoria Streets
Viewing - 2:00 to 2:255 p.m.
Homegoing Service 3:00 p.m.
Interment, St. John Anglican Church Cemetery, Pembroke
St. Paul AME Church
P. O. Box HM 361
(Corner of Court & Victoria Streets)
Hamilton HM Bermuda 12
Phone: 441-292-0505
Fax: 441-292-9247
The Rev. Lanel Guyton, Pastor
Bishop Richard F. Norris, Eulogist
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Donna-Lee Chandler
e-mail: acute@logic.bm
fax: 441-297-4381
or
St. Paul AME Church
See information above
19. 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
20. 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, The Christian Recorder
1. EDITORIAL – THE SINS OF THE CHURCH MUSICIAN:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
1). The musician who is always late for worship.
2). The musician who decides what the choir is going to sing during the worship service.
3). The musician who has not familiarized him or herself with the African Methodist Episcopal liturgy.
4). The musician who tries to “make something happen” in worship by playing the so-called, “Pentecostal shout chords.”
5). The musician who does not know how to teach the choir members their parts, i.e., S.A,T.B., who encourages loudness rather than teaching choir members their musical parts.
6). The musician who has to always leave early; can’t stay until the end of the worship service; and who probably arrived to worship late.
7). The musician who doesn’t remain in the sanctuary during the sermon.
8). The musician who doesn’t know how to coordinate the music with the sermon text or the liturgical season. (Of course the pastor has some responsibility in sharing with the musician the biblical text and the liturgical emphasis that the pastor would like to musician to follow).
9). The musician who gets angry with the pastor and “sits down” on the pastor in worship, and tries to dampen worship.
10). The musician who does not arrive in time to play a prelude and/or in a rush to depart that he or she does not bother to play a postlude.
11). The musician who day-dreams, engaged in conversation with choir members during the worship service, and especially during the Communion Service and as a result hinders the liturgical or spiritual movement of the worship service.
12). The musician who doesn’t know how the play hymns and who doesn’t practice or learn to play hymns and anthems. And, also the musician who doesn’t know how to play gospel music and who doesn’t practice or learn to play gospel hymns.
13). The musician who doesn’t know how to play in all of the musical keys; who only plays in a couple of keys like C major, F major, G major, major and B flat. Hymns, particularly, are written in certain keys because the hymn can be sung better in certain keys. Ever wonder why some musicians carry their own keyboards when the choir goes out sing? If, during worship, another musician plays in a key that they can’t play in; they can transpose the key on their keyboard.
14). The musician who only teaches, what I call, “7-11” songs; seven phrases sung 11 times, over and over and over again.
15). The musician who is excited when the choir is singing or when he or she is playing the musical instrument, but tunes out during the sermon and other parts of the worship service.
16). The musician who allows choir members to sing even when they fail attend choir practice.
17). The musician who allows choir members to sing even when choir members arrive after the worship service has begun and allow choir members, “who have to do something” to leave worship services early.
18). The musician who doesn’t insist on having choir rehearsals.
19). The musician who is engaged in his or her cellphone during the worship service.
20). The musician who thinks that he or she, instead of the pastor, is the leader for worship.
2. THE EDITOR’S TEACHING MOMENT – THE USE OF “THE” WITH THE USE OF, “REVEREND”:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
Have you ever wondered why The Christian Recorder and other periodicals and books use “The” or “the” with the use to the title, “Reverend”?
When “Reverend” or “Right Reverend” is used before a name, “Reverend / Rev.” should be preceded by “the” because “Reverend / Rev.” is not a noun, it is an adjective and is always preceded by, “the”. “The” is used before nouns.
In a sentence, you would not say, “Blue car is fast” because “blue” as used in the sentence is an adjective and the correct way to form the sentence would be, “The blue car was fast” or “When we went to the racetrack, the blue car was fast.”
In the beginning of a sentence, the “T” in “the” is capitalized and in the middle of a sentence, the “t” in “the” is in the lower case, thus:
“The Rev. John Smith preached an outstanding sermon.”
“An outstanding sermon was delivered by the Rev. John Smith.”
Overlaying the car analogy on a Sunday bulletin cover, you would not list:
Blue car is fast
Red car is faster
Purple car is fastest
Rather:
The blue car is fast
The red car is faster
The purple car is fastest
Therefore, as an example, not:
Reverend Charlotte Blake Sydnor, pastor
Reverend Troy Merritt, presiding elder
Right Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie, presiding prelate
But rather,
The Reverend Charlotte Blake Sydnor, pastor
The Reverend Troy Merritt, presiding elder
The Right Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie, presiding prelate
Editor’s Note: I am addressing the use of “the” with “Reverend”; not the order of protocol.
3. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
- To the Editor –
I love reading your editorials because they challenge me to reflect on my development as a chaplain and AME minister. This particular editorial on leadership hits the nail on the head in our Zion , community and nation. In my experience leadership examples have told me often to "do as I say, and not as I do." The only thing this has accomplished in my perspective is bad press. I have read Steven Covey's 7 highly effective habits of leadership, President Lincoln on leadership, and others. I was very impressed with reading Former Secretary of State Colin Powell's principles on leadership. His leadership principles are simple, clear, and puts focus on the people and processes more so than on the leader. Here are a few examples:
(1). "Organization doesn't really accomplish anything. Plans don't accomplish anything, either. Theories of management don't much matter. Endeavors succeed or fail because of the people involved. Only by attracting the best people will you accomplish great deeds."
(2). "Never let your ego get so close to your position that when your position goes, your ego goes with it."
(3). "The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them. They have either lost confidence that you can help them or concluded that you do not care. Either case is a failure of leadership."
I am of the opinion that in order for our Zion to improve on ministerial leadership and development, it must de-emphasize running for the highest office, and re-emphasize our mission, effective ministry models and offer leadership to our congregations and communities.
I remember an experience I had after I graduated from seminary. I inquired about a possible appointment to a church, and was quickly told, "I don't have anything for you."
Then I was asked if I had alternate plans. I responded that I did, and here I am back in the military. Needless to say, I never sought the counsel of this particular leader again.
Thank God there are some role models I have in the church, that lead by example.
Shawn L. Menchion Ch, Capt USAF
- To the Editor -
Re: THE AME Church has a Leadership Problem:
Congratulations Dr. Sydnor for continuing to tackle pertinent and relevant issues that confront our Zion in these troubling and complex times.
I greatly anticipate reading your editorial column each week as it provides information that is culturally relevant and in tune to the current times in which we seek to serve the 'present age'. I sincerely pray that your message has not fallen on shallow ground or on rocks, but in fertile soil where it will take root in our denomination and bring forth a new generation of leadership that is more focused on advancing the work of the kingdom than their own individual advancement. Effective and proactive leadership is sorely needed to address issues that confront us, challenge us and call us to be less reactive and become more deliberate and decisive is our approach to our ministry call.
Please know that there are those who truly applaud your willingness to go into the deep and unchartered waters so that we will hopefully not be overcome by the waves that seek to dash our forward progress as collective body seeking to do the 'missio Dei' (mission of God).
Esther K. Powers
Licentiate
ITC Class of 2010
Cleveland Chapel AME Church, McDonough, GA
(Sixth Episcopal District)
4. NOTICE FROM PRESIDENT OF THE JUDICIAL COUNCIL OF THE AME CHURCH:
IN RE: THE MATTER OF ROSA MCCLOUD-BAXTER
REQUEST FOR A DECLARATORY DECISION
The Judicial Council of the African Methodist Episcopal Church intends to conduct closed deliberations of issues relating to the above-named case. The deliberations shall be in person and exclusively among the members of the Judicial Council. The deliberations shall be conducted on July 3, 2008, at the site of the General Conference.
To assist in its deliberations, the Judicial Council will accept briefs in accordance with The 2004 Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church [“Discipline”], Part XI, Section XX. H., Paragraphs 11 & 12 (page 315).
All persons, bodies, organizations, or other entities wishing to submit briefs shall submit a “Notice of Intent to Submit Brief’ [“Notice”]. Such Notice shall be sent by United States mail, first class, postage pre-paid, to:
Name: THE REV. GRANVILLE REED
Address 2002 Mt. Herman Street
Jacksonville, Florida 32206
Notices must display a postmark date of not later than midnight, April 15, 2008. Notices transmitted by any method other than as above indicated, or after the deadline, shall not be accepted.
Persons, bodies, organization, or other entities who wish acknowledgment of receipt of Notice shall include a self-addressed, postage paid return envelope.
Briefs shall be accepted from only those persons, bodies, organizations or other entities who file a Notice on or before the above-stated deadline. Those persons, bodies, organizations, or other entities shall receive detailed instructions regarding briefs after the closing date for the submission of Notices.
ENTERED AND SIGNED this 3rd day of March 2008.
/Signed/
PATRICIA MAYBERRY
President
The Judicial Council of the AME Church
5. CONNECTIONAL DAY OF PRAYER:
The AME Churches’ First Connectional Day of Prayer period will be Sundown-Friday, April 11 to Sundown-Sunday April 13 with the general theme, "Pray On--Feeding the Soul: 'It is Well with my Soul."
For more information contact: PrayerAMEC2008@aol.com -202/674- 7729
6. THE THIRD EPISCOPAL DISTRICT GENERAL CONFERENCE DELEGATION ORGANIZED:
Under the leadership of the Right Reverend Robert Vaughn Webster, Presiding Bishop of the Third District, the General Conference delegates met in Columbus, Ohio on Thursday, March 27, 2008.
The following persons were elected:
Delegation Chairman, the Rev. Dr. Floyd W. Alexander
Vice-Chairman, Dr. Willie Glover
Secretary, the Rev. Dr. Charles Holmes
Treasurer, the Rev. Dr. Thomas Liggins, the Rev. James Murray and the Rev. L. Anthony Gatewood
Episcopal Committee Members:
The Rev. Dr. Taylor T. Thompson
The Rev. Dr. Otis Gordon
Ms. Ametta Reaves
Ms. Angela Bethea (Y)
Submitted by the Rev. Dr. Taylor T. Thompson, Pastor, St. John AME, Cleveland, Ohio
7. NEWS AROUND THE AME CHURCH:
The Rev. Edrena Houston Brown, MACE
- The Retirement Celebration of Senior Bishop Phillip Robert Cousin, Sr., and Dr. M. Joan Cousin, Episcopal Supervisor of the 4th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church will be held on Friday, April 4, 2008 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Rosemount, Il., at 7:00 p.m., for further information please call the Episcopal Headquarters (773) 373-6587.
- The Reverend Lorenzo Laws, pastor Mount Zion A.M.E. Church, 601 Washington Street, Hastings, Florida will host the monthly community NAACP meeting Thursday, April 3, 2008 at 7:00 p.m., the community is cordially invited to attend this meeting of importance.
- Greater Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, 215 N.W. 5th Street Dania, Florida, the Rev. A. J. Davis, M.Div., is the pastor will observe its Annual Spring Revival, April 1-4, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. the preacher will be the Rev. Jimmy J. Thompson, presiding elder of the celebrated Central District of the South Conference, the Eleventh Episcopal District.
- Saint Paul A.M.E. Church, 3345 North Haverhill Road, West Palm Beach, Florida will conduct a Church Growth Seminar on April 10-11, 2008. Friday, April 10, 2008, 7:00 p.m., -9:00 p.m., and Saturday, April 11, 2008 beginning 9:30 a.m., until 1:00 p.m. The facilitator will be the Rev. Dr. George L. Champion and guest preacher for the Sunday, April 12, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. worship service. Dr. Champion is a Former General Officer of the AME Church, Department of Church Growth and Evangelism and presently a candidate for Bishop 2008. The Rev. Charles Scott is the pastor. For further information (561) 242-0001.
- Saturday, April 12th - All Men 18 & up - Saint Paul A.M.E. Church, 6910 New Kings Road, Jacksonville, Florida where the Rev. Marvin L. Zanders is the pastor. Calling ALL MEN to a special meeting For Men, With Men, By Men - as Pastor Zanders presents a series: "The Quest for Authentic Manhood." Bring another man with you - a friend, co-worker, neighbor, aged 18 and up - ALL are invited. Join us for this fellowship, Saturdays before 2nd Sunday each month.
- April 15, 2008 at 11:00 a.m., Bishop C. Garnett Henning of the Eighth Episcopal District will be delivering the sermons for St. Mark A.M.E. Church, the Rev. Donald Johnson, Fernwood, Miss. and at 3:00 p.m. The Ground Breaking Ceremony at Leonard Chapel AME Church where the Rev. Waydell Dyson of Independence, Miss., is the pastor.
- DuPage A.M.E. Church, 4300 Yackley Avenue, Lisle, Il., will celebrate "The Groundbreaking By Grace...Again Ceremony" on Sunday, April 6, 2008 after the 11:15 a.m., worship service. Senior Bishop and Presiding Prelate of the 4th Episcopal District, Bishop Phillip R. Cousin will preach for this historic event. The community is cordially invited to attend. The Rev. Dr. James F. Miller, Pastor. For further information, please call (630) 969-9800.
8. COLUMBIA DISTRICT OPENS OFFICES IN DOWNTOWN COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA:
*Mr. Benjamin Harrison
On Saturday, March 8, 2008, for the first time in the 130 year history of the Seventh Episcopal District’s Columbia Conference, the Columbia District opened its own office space located in the heart of downtown Columbia. The new district offices are located at 1529 Hampton Street, Suite 100 and are housed in the same building which serves as the South Carolina Democratic Party’s statewide headquarters.
Bishop Preston W. Williams II, Presiding Prelate of the Seventh Episcopal District remarked, “It is wonderful to see the A.M.E. Church continuing to expand its work deep into the capital city of South Carolina. These new offices will help the Columbia District to conduct its business in a comfortable and professional setting, and better connect with the people and organizations that run this great city and state.”
Bishop Williams, the Rev. Sandy W. Drayton, Presiding Elder of the Columbia District, and a host of A.M.E. clergy and laity held a dedicatory ceremony to celebrate the official opening of approximately 1500 square feet of prime office space which will serve the various ministries of the Columbia District. The office comes well-equipped with a fully furnished board room, and 7 separate work spaces which Elder Drayton has made available not only to the Columbia District, but to its neighboring districts as well; neighboring districts need only contact the Columbia District office to request use of the space.
Where for centuries presiding elders, pastors and staff have usually worked out of churches, homes, and briefcases, their ability to conduct church-business in a more corporate environment has been rare. Elder Drayton explains that, “These new offices afford the Columbia District a tremendous opportunity to expand its ministries. From downtown Columbia, the center of this city and state, we will be able to connect with both the religious and corporate communities of the Seventh Episcopal District in an environment that is conducive to accomplishment and progress.”
Elder Drayton has set aside a portion of the office space for the creation of a bookstore which will carry a variety of publications such as A.M.E. periodicals, bishop-required reading for elders and pastors, Christian education texts, and more; all available to the entire Seventh Episcopal District. Additionally, Elder Drayton plans to build an A.M.E. archive which captures the essence of A.M.E. history and is compiled by a district historiographer.
These new offices were acquired by the Columbia District through the personal connections of Allen D. Etheredge Sr., member of Turner Memorial A.M.E. Church in West Columbia, SC. There Mr. Etheredge serves on the Steward Board, Finance Committee, and VP of Pastors’ Advocacy Board, among others. As a result of a 15 year friendship between Mr. Etheredge and one of the principals of Baker & Baker Real Estate of Columbia, SC, Mr. Etheredge was able to negotiate the use of this office space at no cost to the A.M.E. Church.
Mrs. Theresa M. Hawthorne, unofficial historiographer of both the Columbia Conference and A.M.E. Church in general, and wife of former Presiding Elder Clarke R. Hawthorne Sr., confirmed that this is the first time that any district in the Columbia Conference has had its own office out of which to work. Mrs. Hawthorne added a special note of congratulations to Elder Drayton stating, “Presiding Elder Drayton is a people person. He is a ‘we’ presiding elder. He is all about where ‘we’ are going and what ‘we’ are doing together as a church.”
In closing, the Dedication Committee wrote, “Thank you to the Columbia District pastors and laity for all of your sacrifices that made this day and event possible. Thanks to Bro. Allen D. Etheredge for your leadership in securing this office suite. Thanks to Presiding Elder & Mrs. Drayton for your superb leadership. Thanks to Bishop Preston Warren Williams and Mother Wilma Williams for your godly guidance.”
*Mr. Benjamin Harrison is the Public Relations Director for the 7th Episcopal District
9. OUTSTANDING LEADER, PASTOR AND TEACHER , THE REV. ROYD MWANDU HELPING CHILDREN WITH EDUCATIONAL NEEDS IN THE 17TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:
The Rev. Edrena Houston Brown, MACE
An outstanding Man of God, the Reverend Royd Mwandu, Cooperbelt West District, Chingola, Zambia, answered the call to preach in 1993 during the episcopal leadership of Bishop Robert V. Webster and was ordained a deacon and Itinerant Elder under the Leadership of Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, who followed Bishop Webster as the presiding prelate of the district.
On December 10th 1995, the Rev. Mwandu was relocated out of the St. Thomas boundary and became the first pastor since 1964 to begin a new church in the inner city known as “Downtown Branch of St. Thomas, Kasompe” in the Seventeenth Episcopal District. He accepted his first appointment as pastor of St. Thomas AME Church with a membership of thirteen members; the church grew to a membership of 557; 398 members are in full connection including children and young adults.
The membership of the Downtown Branch, which is an English-based church, has grown from zero to 187 members. The Branch was privileged to host the 2007 Presiding Elder’s District Conference.
Under the Illustrious Leadership of the Right Rev. Paul J.M. Kawimbe, presiding prelate of the 17th Episcopal District, Pastor Mwandu was appointed Director of Christian Education for the South West Zambia Conference.
His life demonstrates his love for God, spiritual growth, education and training he says, “The number of untrained ministers is unacceptable and yet we do not have institutions of higher learning.” Pastor Mwandu acknowledges that, his training has been self-taught through the use of computer training, his employment and experience and through certification courses in attaining growth and development.
He is a widely sought-after preacher, especially where he preaches for conferences of independent Pentecostals, Roman Catholic Churches and the United Church of Zambia, not to mention the intense AME schedule, with invitations extending to December 2008. He has an intense desire for children and their parents to obtain education.
The Rev. Mwandu is helping children with their educational needs through after-school programs, resources from the internet, and from other available sources. His wife, first lady Connie Mwandu, complements is ministry. Their teaching includes assisting widow, children and families to acquire lifetime skills so that they will not resort to prostitution.
Also, children are being assisted through the “Good Samaritan Centre” of St. Thomas AME Church to graduate from high school.
St. Thomas AME Church is building a downtown branch for a sanctuary, parish hall, business center and ten classrooms where preparation for learning can take place in teaching children and provide a conductive environment for learning. Land has been allocated for this project, with the hope that this dream will soon become a reality.
Pastor Mwanda indicated the need for Bibles, computers, laptops, and video-projectors,
Pastor Mwanda indicated that the church and community have lost a good number of reliable and dependable members because of HIV/AIDS; sometimes he buries two persons on the same day.
He hopes to implement an exchange program with young people in the united States so that African students can experience lime in the UAS and young people from the USA can experience life in the Motherland of Africa and its AME Churches. He feels that young people in Africa, including adults, have lack of exposure to the realities of life in the USA, and as a result, take what they watch in movies to represent the reality of life in America. Some of the young people have adopted the drug, sexual, and “gangsta” mentality, and thereby discarding the indigenous African culture. The bilateral exchange program will help African children to remain focused on the preservation of traditional culture, without losing their African heritage. American children who participate in the program will gain from the experience also.
The Rev. Mwandu would like to see a General Conference held in Africa; a formalization of a clergy preaching exchange program; an opportunity for pastors and lay delegates attending the 2008 General Conference from the overseas districts to be given an opportunity to remain the United States and visit AME Churches for the two weeks following the General Conference to appreciate variations in liturgy, traditions, customs to firm up the global connectional ties between the USA and the overseas districts. Additionally, he would like to see the bar of theological and academic excellence raised.
Congratulations to the Rev. Mwandu for being nominated as Clergy of the Week and inspiring others to provide for the children, because children are our future.
*If you would like to nominate a clergy, layperson or youth of the week, please email your request to the Reverend Edrena Houston Brown, ebrown49@hotmail.com
10. BETHEL A.M.E. CHURCH, COLUMBIA, SC COMPLETES $3 MILLION NEW SCHOOL BUILDING PROJECT:
By Veronica-Carol Brailsford and Warren Bolton, Associate Editor for The State Newspaper
The Bethel A.M.E. Church campus, where the Rev. Dr. Ronnie Elijah Brailsford, Sr. is the pastor, has new reason to celebrate. A $3,000,000, 12,000 square feet addition to the campus’ north side has now been completed and is open to educate more than 400 students.
“A legacy of education continues as this $3,000,000 project is completed today. Thousands of children’s lives have been and will continue to be enriched because of the faith, vision, obedience and hard work of this generation. Children, yet unborn, will one day say, “Thank God for a people who loved children enough to sacrifice for them to have a brighter future.” Thus, today’s completion of the new building is another among many milestones for the Bethel Learning Centers and Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, said the Rev. Dr. Ronnie Brailsford, Sr. in his remarks to parents, students and teachers during the school’s open house. The Rev. Brailsford is the 15 year pastor of Bethel AME Church and a 2008 candidate for Episcopal Service.
Twelve plus years ago, the beginning of Bethel Learning Centers (BLC) was birthed out of challenge, obedience, vision and faith! God issued the challenge, called for obedience, encouraged faith and made provision for the vision to become a reality. To God be the glory! Great things he has done, is doing and will do.
The Bethel Learning Centers (BLC), are a Christian-based, uniformed preschool, academy and after school that serve children ages 8 weeks to fifth grade. The schools boasts of a highly credentialed and well trained staff that loves God and children. They are committed to quality education in a Christian context. Thus, we use the Abeka Curriculum which is Christian- based. Furthermore, the school offers Spanish, Music, Karate, Computer Science and Physical Education. Presently, the Bethel Learning Centers are one of only three predominantly African American Elementary schools accredited in South Carolina by the South Carolina Independent School Association (S.C.I.S.A.).
The Bethel Learning Centers consist of an Infant/Toddler Program (Ages 8 weeks-2 years old); Child Development Center (ages 2-4 years); Christian Academy (K-5 to 5th grade) and an after school Educational Excellence Program (K-5 to 8th grade). The spiritual, mental, emotional, academic and numerical growth has been exemplary throughout the years, and God has given the increase! Proverbs 22:6 states, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” The learning centers continue to partner with parents and others to make that a reality. School Headmaster, Patricia Blakeney says, “We thank God that we are able to provide an excellent education, and so much more!”
The vision for the BLC came from God through Pastor Brailsford and had a very humble beginning. Pastor Brailsford shared the conviction placed upon him one Sunday morning as he talked about the challenges with students receiving a quality education in many parts of South Carolina. The Spirit of the Lord said, “You can continue to curse the dark, or light a candle in the dark.” In other words, it was time to stop talking and start doing something about the problem. Initially, this led to partnering with E. E. Taylor Elementary School by providing an after school tutorial program. Retired and active school teachers, who were members of the church, volunteered to tutor students. The church’s impact was significant as parents shared how their children progressed to some of them making the honor roll. There were only 10-15 children daily, but the seeds of success and vision had been sown and taken roots.
The lack of space for educational training at the Sumter Street site was a great limitation to the vision. However, with the September 18, 1995 relocation to 819 Woodrow Street, a campus of 86,000 square feet with 107 classrooms and offices, the establishment of a Child Development Center, Christian Academy, After school Program and eventual Kids University Summer Camp became a reality. God provided the space and increase as the BLC grew to be larger each year. As it grew numerically, its quality spiritually and academically, became par excellent!
This led to the learning centers’ first accreditation in the year 2003 and recertification in the year 2007. The school’s reputation grew so fast that over 200 students were declined in a two year period due to a lack of space. Thus, the search began for more space beyond the campus. As a result, the church’s decision to build a new building on the north section of the campus was made.
Building of the new facility allows the learning centers to educate nearly 200 additional children. Thus, construction was initiated April 2007 and completed January 2008. The new project includes several classrooms, a cafeteria, kitchen, conference room, welcome center, teacher’s lounge, health and wellness room, and an outdoor amphitheater, and adds an additional 12,000 square feet of occupied space to the campus’ once already massive 92,000 square feet.
Many special thanks go to the members of the Stewards, Trustee, and Education Boards, along with the many church members and community partners who embraced, promoted and implemented the vision for this facility to be built. Also gratitude goes to the leadership of Bethel A.M.E. Church, the Bethel Learning Centers, the administration, teachers, parents, family members and friends, but most of all the children who have worked so hard to make this one of the best schools in the state of South Carolina.
11. THE REV. JOSEPH SUNDAY: NO NEST EGG AFTER 33 YEARS:
By Linda Green*
MONROVIA, Liberia (UMNS)--The types of churches led by the Rev. Joseph Sunday for 33 years did not pay enough for him to accumulate a retirement nest egg.
Sunday, 77, who retired from active ministry in 2002, led rural churches and worked on circuits where he would be sent to United Methodist congregations "that sometimes paid me L$25," he says.
Upon retirement, he expected to receive something from the denomination's Liberia Annual Conference. Although he planned as best as he could, "it did not enable me to accumulate any money because of the kinds of churches I was pastoring."
In addition to a US$60 quarterly pension, Sunday receives a stipend as the chaplain/counselor for the Monrovia Central Prison. The United Methodist Church is one of several churches sponsoring the Prison Fellowship of Liberia.
Sunday says that in spite of his "inadequate" pension, he is grateful. He would like to see his quarterly pension increase to not only enable the purchase of a bag of rice, plus fish, but to leave enough money afterward for other needs.
"A bag of rice lasts a month," says Sunday, who leads a family of seven. Sometimes one of his children will bring in some money, but it is not sufficient, he says.
The United Methodist Church, through its Central Conference Pension Initiative, is developing model systems aimed at providing an adequate pension to retired pastors, surviving spouses and church lay workers in Liberia and elsewhere. More information is available at www.ccpi-umc.org.
"We eat once a day," Sunday says. "We are used to it. We adapted ourselves to that condition. We eat small bread, then we cook that one meal at the end of the day."
That is not unusual in Liberia, which is trying to rebuild after a long civil war. Says Sunday: "Most Liberians, now, eat once a day."
- Green is a news writer for United Methodist News Service in Nashville, Tenn.
*Used with the permission of the United Methodist News Service (Linda Green)
Editor's Note: We can imagine what it is like for retired AME pastors in our overseas districts and we might be surprised about the difficulties and challenges facing a lot of our retired pastors in the U.S.A. I have heard that there are some retired pastors on food stamps.
12. FOUR (4) YEARS OF FREE COLLEGE TUITION OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL AFRICAN AMERICAN MALES:
Do you know any Black Males (who are Seniors in high school) who want to go to college for FREE. The black colleges are looking for future Black Male Teachers and will send them to Universities/Colleges FOUR (4) YEARS FREE; THIS IS FOR MALES ONLY.
1. Have parents fill out this application.
2. Read the Mission Statement. There are Ten (10) different South
Carolina Colleges or Universities including:
Benedict College
http://www.callmemister.clemson.edu/schools/benedict.htm
Claflin University
http://www.callmemister.clemson.edu/schools/claflin.htm
Clemson University
http://www.callmemister.clemson.edu/schools/clemson.htm
Morris College
http://www.callmemister.clemson.edu/schools/morris.htm
South Carolina State University
http://www.callmemister.clemson.edu/schools/southcarolinastate.htm
Greenville Technical College
http://www.callmemister.clemson.edu/schools/greenvilletech.htm
Midlands Technical College
http:// www.callmemister.clemson.edu/schools/midlands.htm
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College
http://www.callmemister.clemson.edu/schools/
orangeburgcalhountech.htm
Tri-County Technical College
http://www.callmemister.clemson.edu/schools/tricountytech.htm
Trident Technical College
http://www.callmemister.clemson.edu/schools/tridenttech.htm
13. THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST (UCC):
The United Church of Christ (UCC), of which Trinity UCC of Chicago, the congregation pastored by the Reverend Jeremiah Wright, ran a full-page ad on page A-11 in today's issue (4/2/08) of The New York Times to explain the tenets and history of the UCC.
"Much has been said about the United Church of Christ in recent weeks, much of it hurtful for many in our country, including members of Trinity UCC in Chicago. That is why we are eager to share the broad and diverse story of the United Church of Christ, one that we celebrate.
With all Christians, we rest in God’s amazing grace and hear God’s voice in the words of Scripture. Yet, the UCC is unique to some because we do not require uniformity of belief. We are a church of open ideas, extravagant welcome and evangelical courage. Our passion for democracy extends to both government and church, where decision-making rests within each congregation. We support liberty in our pulpits, just as we affirm the individual conscience of our 1.2-million members to agree, disagree and wrestle with life’s biggest questions in a spirit of love.
Our story is this nation’s story. We are the people of the Mayflower. More than 600 of our 5,700 congregations were formed before 1776. Eleven signers of the Declaration of Independence were members of UCC predecessor bodies.
As early abolitionists, we came to the aid of the Amistad captives and founded hundreds of schools across the South after the Civil War. We were the first mainline church to ordain an African-American (1785), a woman (1853) and an openly gay pastor (1972). We were also the first to form a foreign mission society (1810). Our multi-ethnic membership includes persons from every immigrant group, as well as native peoples and descendants of freed slaves.
Our unity is not dependent upon uniform agreement, but in our shared allegiance to Jesus Christ. Ours is a risk-taking church, because ours is a risk-taking God."
http://www.ucc.org/
14. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
The Rev. Gerald A. Cooper, Pastor of St. James AME Church, Cleveland, Ohio and the Rev. Mila Cooper, Pastor of Mt. Moriah AME Church in Maple Heights, Ohio proudly announce the birth of their second child. Their newest addition, a daughter, Mariah Nicole Cooper was born on Monday, March 17th at 8:29 a.m., weighing 6 lbs, 12 oz. Older sister, PK Nia Cooper (age 13) is excited to have a little sister!
Congratulatory messages may be sent to:
The Revs. Gerald & Mila Cooper
11008 Reservoir Place Drive
Cleveland, Ohio 44104
mpc4dst@yahoo.com
gacooper7@yahoo.com
15. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
- The Rev. Latham Mills, pastor of the New Zion Hill A.M.E. Church in Thomson, Georgia; and Sharon Mills will be celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary on April 23, 2008.
Congratulatory Messages may be emailed to the Rev and Mrs. Latham Mills: latmills55@aol.com
- I am so pleased that our daughter, Kristina Hayward, Dr. Sydnor’s former student and protégé, is currently matriculating (first year) at Wesley Theological Seminary. Sister Kristina Hayward is the daughter of the Reverends Samuel and Althea Hayward of the Second Episcopal District. The Washington Conference Board of Examiners has advised her that they will be recommending that she be elected and ordained an itinerant deacon at this upcoming session of the Washington Annual Conference. She is very excited and we are as well. Please continue to hold us in your prayers.
Congratulatory messages may be sent to the Revs. Samuel and Althea J. Hayward: graceschild@hotmail.com
- On February 25, 2008 Brother Dennis C. Dickerson, Jr. learned that he was accepted in Fall 2008 to the M.Div. program at Vanderbilt Divinity School. He earned the B.A. from the University of Memphis in 2007 and remained another year for additional study in Greek. He is the son of General Officer Dennis C. Dickerson and Mrs. Mary A. E. Dickerson.
Congratulatory Messages may be emailed to: Mrs. Mary A. E. Dickerson: MaryDickerson@comcast.net or to Dr. Dennis C. Dickerson WhhButler@cs.com
- One of God's faithful servants, the Rev. Dr. Clarence G. Robinson, who has labored faithfully in ministry. His pastorates included the following churches: Ebenezer, Detroit, MI; Bethel, Saginaw, MI; Emmanuel Temple, Chicago, St. Mark in Milwaukee, WI, Olivet, South Bend, IN, and Youth Pastor, Bethel, Evanston, IL, Baber, Chicago was his first charge.
Following the death of Dr. Wilfred Reid in August 2001, Bishop Philip R. Cousin assigned Dr. Clarence G. Robinson as Presiding Elder of the Chicago Conference-North District, which he refers to as the "Nurturing" North District.
Presiding Elder Robinson and Sister Edith have been married for 55 years. He has served in ministry for 53 years. He and Sister Edith will be honored to have you join in the Celebration of Service of his retirement, Friday, April 18, 2008, 7:00 P.M. at the Chateau Del Mar, 8301 West 95th Street, Hickory Hills, IL. The Donation for this event is $50.00
For further information contact Bethel AME Church #847-864-4264 or 847-864-5120
16. RETIRED GENERAL OFFICER BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Dr. Alfred Lee Henderson, (Retired General Officer) former Secretary-Treasurer of the A.M.E. Sunday School Union passed on Sunday morning, March 30, 2008. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Celebration of Life Service
Monday, April 7, 2008
11:00 a.m.
Grant A.M.E. Church
10435 S. Central Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90002
The Rev. Leslie White, Pastor
Phone: (323) 564-1151
Office Fax: (323) 564-5027
Lying in State:
8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Visitation with the family
10.00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Professional Services entrusted to:
Angelus Funeral Home
3875 S. Crenshaw Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90008
Phone: (323) 296-6666
Fax: (323) 296-1302
Interment:
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
1:00 p.m.
Palms Memorial Park
6701 North Jones Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89131
Phone: (702) 464-8460
Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Bobbye Henderson and family
10117 Los Padres Place
Las Vegas, NV 89134
Phone: (702) 243-0965
E-mail: bobbyej50@hotmail.com
Please remember Sister Bobbye Henderson and family in your prayers.
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs. Lynda Joyce Ellis Sanders went to be with the Lord on March 19, 2008. Mrs. Sanders was the wife of the Reverend Prince Sanders, a pastor in the Ninth Episcopal District, Alabama Annual Conference, Montgomery District.
Public viewing
Friday, march 28, 2008
After 12:00 noon, funeral home
Funeral service
Saturday, march 29, 2008
1:00 p.m.
Saint John A.M.E. Church
708 15th street, north
Birmingham, AL
The Rev. James r. Rumph, pastor
Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, eulogist
Funeral director:
Davenport and Harris Funeral Home
301 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SW
Birmingham, AL 35211
Ph 205-252-2103
Interment: Elmwood Cemetery
600 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SW
Birmingham, al 35211
Messages of comfort may be sent to:
The Reverend Prince Sanders & family
501 Avenue V
Birmingham, AL 35214
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of the Rev. Micah D. Chandler on Saturday, March 29, 2008. The Rev. Chandler was the pastor of Heard Chapel AME Church in Pembroke, Bermuda. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing - Saturday, April 5, 2008
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Heard Chapel AME Church
North Village, Pembroke
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Viewing and Funeral will be held at St. Paul AME Church
Corner of Court & Victoria Streets
Viewing - 2:00 to 2:255 p.m.
Homegoing Service 3:00 p.m.
Interment, St. John Anglican Church Cemetery, Pembroke
St. Paul AME Church
P. O. Box HM 361
(Corner of Court & Victoria Streets)
Hamilton HM Bermuda 12
Phone: 441-292-0505
Fax: 441-292-9247
The Rev. Lanel Guyton, Pastor
Bishop Richard F. Norris, Eulogist
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Donna-Lee Chandler
e-mail: acute@logic.bm
fax: 441-297-4381
or
St. Paul AME Church
See information above
19. 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
20. 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.
