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 GENERAL CONFERENCE IS ALMOST HERE – LET’S TAKE THE TECHNOLOGY LEAP TO INCREASE EFFICIENCY AND SAVE MONEY:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
The General Conference is fast approaching and I hope, 8 years into the millennium that we will utilize technology in ways that are consistent with the current technologies that are available to us. The African Methodist Episcopal Church needs to “step up to the ‘technology’ plate” as other denominations, especially the United Methodists, are doing.
For instance The Christian Recorder will publish daily General Conference updates, some of which will be in “real time.” We will not publish paper reports; so that means, that some of you who have not already done so, might wish to do what you have to do, to be able to access the daily General Conference reports electronically.
You do not need to buy a laptop and you don’t need wireless connectivity; what you will need, if you don’t have one, is a Blackberry mobile phone or a smartphone, both of which are, relatively, inexpensive.
Those mobile phones, and perhaps some others, have the capability for you to send and receive emails and email attachments; and you don’t need to have a computer at home. I know, with a Blackberry phone, they give you a Blackberry email address and as I said, some of the smartphone might do the same thing, but I am not sure about that. I just got off the phone with Blackberry representative and have confirmed that with a Blackberry phone one would not have to have a computer to receive and send emails.
For those of you who have computers, getting a Blackberry or a smartphone is a no-brainer; purchase a phone that will redirect all of the emails that you receive from your computer to your mobile phone.
Here is where I am going with all of this: We waste too much paper and as a result run up the costs for holding meetings.
It’s a new paradigm, but paperless meetings are what corporate America and the military establishment are doing; simply to save money.
Here is a perfect example. We are publishing the General Conference Agenda in this issue (5/15/08) of The Christian Recorder Online and it is also posted on the official AME Church Website [http://www.ame-church.com/]; and the schedule will also be published in several editions of the print editions of The Christian Recorder, so there is no reason to print up thousands of General Conference Agendas to be handed out to the participants when we get to St. Louis.
Delegate, alternate delegates, observers can download the General Conference Agenda or clip the Agenda out of the print edition of The Christian Recorder and bring the Agenda with them to the General Conference. Those without computers can go to the public library and download and print the General Conference Agenda. There is no need to provide General Conference Agendas in St. Louis to attendees that we have already made available. Visitors and attendees who may not have had access to this information can purchase General Conference schedules. So, if any General Conference schedules are printed, they should be sold; not given away.
And, only official persons certified and approved by the AME Church should be allowed to sell General Conference Agendas, or for that matter, anything related to the General Conference.
Perhaps not at this General Conference, but in future General Conferences, bills, resolutions and reports should be posted online and that persons with their mobile phones or laptops and access and no paper reports. Paper reports should be “for sale.”
As a reminder, the daily General Conference reports generated by The Christian Recorder will be available on the internet and on mobile phones that have the capability of receiving emails; so, there is no need for daily paper General Conference reports.
If not at this General Conference, in the future, all of our AME meeting venues should be held in wireless environments. The AME Church, as a denomination, needs to think “green” and cut costs so that we can be better stewards of the funds entrusted to us.
If we want different results, we have to do things differently because we can’t so things the same old way and expect different results.
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2. THE 48TH QUADRENNIAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH AGENDA:
“Equipping the Saints, Empowering the People, Transforming the World”
Location: The America’s Center, St. Louis, Missouri
Date: July 4-11, 2008
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Chair, General Conference Commission
Bishop McKinley Young, Chair, Program Committee
Bishop John Richard Bryant, Host Bishop
Bishop Philip Robert Cousin Sr., Senior Bishop
Bishop Paul Jones Mulenga Kawimbe, President, Council of Bishops
OFFICIAL PROGRAM
Pre-General Conference Activities
Friday, June 27, 2008
9:00 A.M. - Revisions Committee
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
9:00 A.M. - Credentials Committee
10:00 A.M. - Rules Committee
Thursday, July 3, 2008
10:00 A.M. - General Conference Commission
3:00 - 5:00 P.M.
Health Commission
Orientation for new and returning delegates
7:30 P.M / Fifth Episcopal District Banquet
Thursday, July 3, 2008 (Doors Open at 6:00 p.m.)
Bishop John Richard Bryant, Host Bishop
GENERAL CONFERENCE AGENDA
Friday, July 4, 2008 / First Day
10:00 a.m. / Opening Worship Service
Bishop Philip Robert Cousin Sr., Worship Leader
Bishop John Richard Bryant, Preacher
1:00 p.m. / Lunch
3:00 p.m. / Business Session I
Bishop Philip Robert Cousin Sr., Presiding
Devotional Period
Roll Call
Credentials Committee Report
Rules Committee Report
General Conference Commission
Election of General Secretary and Staff
Election of the Episcopal Committee Chairperson
Announcements
Adjournment*
6:00 p.m. / Dinner
*No Evening Business Session, however, committees may meet as designated in assigned venues.
Saturday, July 5, 2008 / Second Day
6:00 - 7:00 a.m. / A Call to Early Morning Prayer
7:00 – 8:00 a.m. / Episcopal District Delegation and Committee Meetings
8:00 – 9:00 a.m. / Bible Study
Bishop James Levert Davis, Presiding
Dr. James C. Wade, Leader
Executive Director, Department of Church Growth & Development
9:00 – 12:00 / Business Session II
Bishop John Richard Bryant, Presiding
Call to Order
Episcopal Address
Announcements
Adjournment
12:00 Noon / Lunch
2:00 – 5:30 p.m. / Business Session III
Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle Sr., Presiding
Call to Order
Devotional Period
Minutes
Reports:
Treasurer
General Secretary
Department of Annuity Investments &Insurance
Episcopal Committee’s (First)
Revisions Committee’s (First)
Sunday School Union
Department of Christian Education
Announcements
Adjournment
6:00 p.m. / Dinner
8:00 – 9:45 p.m. / Business Session IV
Bishop McKinley Young, Presiding
Call to Order
Devotional Period
Reports:
Revision Committee’s (Second Report)
Election Commission
SADA
Department of Global Witness and Ministry
Global Development Council (GDC)
Department of Research and Scholarship
The Christian Recorder
Department of Church Growth & Development
Announcements
Adjournment
9:45 – 10:00 p.m. / Evening Prayers
Sunday, July 6, 2008 / Third Day
8:00 a.m. / Church School
Dr. Daryl B. Ingram, Executive Director, Department of Christian Education
10:00 a.m. / Worship Service and Holy Communion
Bishop Robert Vaughn Webster, Presiding
Bishop Zedekiah LaZett Grady, Preaching
3:00 p.m. / The Christian Debutante-Masters Dedication (Hotel), Department of Christian Education
Bishop Robert Vaughn Webster, Commission Chair
Dr. Daryl B. Ingram, Executive Director
6:00 – 9:00 p.m. / Special Event Featuring: “Sunday Best”
10:00 p.m. / Youth and Young Adult Explosion (Hotel), Department of Christian Education
Monday, July 7, 2008 / Fourth Day
6:00 – 7:00 a.m. / A Call to Early Morning Prayer
7:00 - 8:00 a.m. / Episcopal District Delegation and Committee Meetings
8:00 - 9:00 a.m. / Proclamation
Bishop David Rwhynica Daniels Jr., Presiding
Department of Church Growth and Development
9:00 – 12:00 / Business Session V
Bishop Cornal Garnett Henning Sr., Presiding
Call to Order
Minutes
Reports:
Lay Organization
Women’s Missionary Society
Revision Committee’s (Third)
Debutante Master’s Commission
Educational Institutions
Theological Institutions
Episcopal District Projects
Episcopal Committee (Second)
Overseas Development
Social Action
Sons of Allen
Women In Ministry
Announcements
Adjournment
12:00 Noon / Lunch
2:00 - 5:30 p.m. / Business Session VI
Bishop William Phillips DeVeaux, Presiding
Call to Order
Devotional Period
Reports:
Commission on Stewardship & Finance
Revisions Committee (Fourth)
Connectional Music
Memoirs
State of the Church
Health Commission
Economic Development
Public Relations
Announcements
Adjournment
6:00 p.m. / Dinner
8:00 – 9:45 p.m. / Business Session VII
Bishop Theodore Larry Kirkland, Presiding
Call to Order
Devotional Period
Reports:
Revisions Committee (Fifth)
Reception of Fraternal Delegates
CONVO’s IX, X, XI
Strategic Planning
Announcements
Adjournment
9:45 – 10:00 p.m. / Evening Prayers
Tuesday, July 8, 2008 / Fifth Day
6:00 – 7:00 a.m. / A Call to Early Morning Prayer
7:00 – 8:00 a.m. / Episcopal District Delegation and Committee Meetings
8:00 – 9:00 a.m. / Bible Study
Bishop Samuel Lawrence Green Sr., Presiding
Department of Church Growth and Development
9:00 – 12:00 / Business Session VIII
Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson Jr., Presiding
Call to Order
Minutes
Reports:
Revisions Committee (Sixth)
Episcopal Committee (Third)
Judicial Council
Announcements
Adjournment
12:00 Noon / Lunch
2:00 – 5:30 p.m. / Business Session IX
Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, Presiding
Call to Order
Devotional Period
Reports:
Revisions Committee (Seventh)
Budget & Finance Committee
Announcements
Adjournment
6:00 p.m. / Dinner
8:00 – 9:45 p.m. / “An Evening with the Arts” Presented by the Committee on Music and Christian Arts Ministry (Hotel Ballroom)
Wednesday, July 9, 2008 / Sixth Day
6:00 – 7:00 a.m. / A Call to Early Morning Prayer
7:00 – 8:00 a.m. / Episcopal District Delegation and Committee Meetings
8:00 a.m. / Proclamation
Bishop Sarah Frances Davis, Presiding
Department of Church Growth and Development
9:00 - 12:00 / Business Session X
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding
Call to Order
Devotional Period
Minutes
Reports:
Revisions Committee (Eighth--last opportunity to present new legislation)
Budget and Finance Committee (Final)
Announcements
Adjournment
12:00 Noon / Lunch
2:00-5:30 p.m. / Business Session XI
Bishop Gregory Gerald McKinley Ingram, Presiding
Call to Order
Devotional Period
Minutes
Revisions Committee (Ninth Report)
Scholarly Papers on Matters of Faith and Witness
Announcements
Adjournment
5:45 – 6:00 p.m. / Evening Prayers
6:00 p.m. / Dinner
8:00 – 9:45 p.m. / Retirement Service for Bishops
Bishop Preston Warren Williams II, Presiding
Thursday, July 10, 2008 / Seventh Day
6:00 – 7:00 a.m. / A Call to Early Morning Prayer
7:00- 8:00 a.m. / Episcopal District Delegation and Committee Meetings
8:00 – 9:00 a.m. / Bible Study
Bishop E. Earl McCloud Jr., Presiding
9:00 a.m. / Business Session XII
Bishop Wilfred Jacobus Messiah, Presiding
Election of Bishops, General Officers and Judicial Council
Announcements
Adjournment
12:00 Noon / Lunch
2:00 – 5:30 p.m. / Business Session XIII**
Bishop Paul Jones Mulenga Kawimbe, Presiding
Call to Order
Devotional Period
Episcopal District Nominations
Council of Bishops Nominations
Installation of General Officers
Minutes
Resolutions
Revisions Committee (Final Report)
Announcements
Adjournment
5:45 – 6:00 p.m. / Evening Prayers
6:00 p.m. / Dinner
**In the event of time overruns, the session will move to Friday morning prior to the Consecration Service
Friday, July 11, 2008 / Eighth Day
9:00 a.m. / Consecration Service
Bishop John Richard Bryant, Worship Leader
Bishop Philip Robert Cousin Sr., Senior Bishop, Preaching
11:30 a.m. / Business Session XIV
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Presiding
Call to Order
Assignment of Bishops
Adjournment
General Board Meeting
Bishop McKinley Young, outgoing President of General Board, Organizer
4:00 p.m. / General Board Organization (Hotel)
Other Connectional Activities
Thursday, July 3, 2008
9:00 a.m. / 5th District Golf Tournament
Saturday, July 5, 2008
6:30 a.m. / CONN-M-SWAWO Breakfast
Sunday, July 6, 2008
6:30 a.m. / Payne Theological Seminary Breakfast
1:00 p.m. / Connectional Lay Organization Luncheon
1:30 – 3:30 p.m. / WIM Meeting
Monday, July 7, 2008
6:30 a.m. / 2nd District Breakfast
6:30 a.m. / 6th District Breakfast
6:30 a.m. / 7th District Breakfast
6:30 a.m. / 11th District Breakfast
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
6:30 a.m. / Connectional WMS Breakfast
6:30 a.m. / Turner Theological Seminary Alumni Breakfast
Wednesday, July 9 2008
6:30 a.m. / 1st District Breakfast
6:30 a.m. / 3rd District Breakfast
6:30 a.m. / 10th District Breakfast
6:30 a.m. / 13th District Breakfast
6:30 a.m. / 16th District Breakfast
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2. FOR ALL OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE INFORMATION:
http://www.ame-church.com/news-and-events/general-conference/quadrennial08.php
3. THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER BOOK LIST:
I am recommending several books that I found interesting this past week. William H. Willomon’s book, A Guide to Preaching and Leading Worship is an excellent little book for preachers and laity. It is profound and practical as one reviewer wrote.
Another great book that I read is, A Hop, Skip and Jump Through the Bible, by Dr. J. Ellsworth Kalas, the President of Asbury theological Seminary.
The third book is Supreme Discomfort – The Divided Soul of Clarence Thomas, written by Kevin Merida and Michael Fletcher. Merida is an associate editor at The Washington Post and Fletcher covers the White House for The Washington Post. The New York Times Book Review says of the book, “The authors superbly deconstruct Thomas’s multiple narratives of critical life-events-the accounts vary depending on his audience-and it says much for their intellectual integrity that though they are clearly critical of their subject, their presentation allows readers to make their own judgments.
All three books are readable and informative.
4. LOS ANGELES STREET TO BE RENAMED FOR THE RIGHT REVEREND H. HARTFORD BROOKINS:
The City of Los Angeles will give honor to the Right Reverend Hamel Hartford Brookins by re-naming the intersection of 49th Street and Gramercy Place as “Bishop Hamel Hartford Brookins Square” on Sunday, June 8, 2008 at 3 p.m.
Ceremonies will be held in front of Brookins Community AME Church, which is located at 49th & Gramercy Place, Los Angeles, California.
Bishop Brookins will be there to witness this honor, and it would be heartwarming for him if you would be there too.
5. “SIZZLING!” - THE ST. PAUL-MINNEAPOLIS DISTRICT CONFERENCE:
By Charles Hallman, District Reporter
At the time, it was a simple adjective. There after, it quickly grew to become part of the district’s official title.
Sizzling.
This is what Kent Gulred, pastor of Christus Victor Lutheran Church in Apple Valley, Minn., told the fourth session of the “Sizzling” St. Paul Minneapolis District Conference, April 24-26, as he briefly witnessed: “Lutherans don’t sizzle, we smolder,” admits Gulred.
All agree that the 2008 District Conference sizzled from start to finish; whether the event was a workshop or worship. Hearts were spiritually set ablaze; minds were opened as teaching was imparted.
“We need to let the anointing flow and get out of the box,” noted Sister Ernestine McDonald, a member of Wayman AME (Minneapolis).
“I have been going to conferences since 1994,” the Rev. Denita Williams, pastor, St. Mark’s AME (Duluth, Minn.) observed. “I never have been to a conference where the Holy Spirit was present before we got there, and continued to flow throughout the conference.”
The Lily of the Valley AME Church, which joined the district in September, 2007, and holds weekly services at Christus Victor, served as host church; rarely is a new church chosen for such an honor.
“It was hard work but I thank the Lord for the opportunity,” notes Lily of The Valley AME pastor, the Rev. William Smith, “You never really know what you can do until you get the test, and we were put to the test: physically, spiritually and mentally.”
As in previous conferences, this year’s conference also featured great preaching and teaching.
The Rev. A.D. Tyson III of St. Stephens AME (Chicago) delivered the opening worship sermon. He used Nehemiah 4: 1-12 as he spoke on “Making Something out of Nothing.”
Chicago Conference South District Presiding Elder, the Rev. Thomas Hughes, continued this theme later during the evening service sermon, in which his subject was, “Making Wise Choices.”
“God has to take us out of one thing, and put us into something else,” Hughes began his sermon, using Joshua 24: 14-15. Too many people don’t use worship properly; attending church for the wrong reasons, he pointed out. Worship “is not like flipping on the TV,” the presiding elder continued, “You can’t flip the channel to Sunday morning at 10:45 and it is worship time.”
The Rev. Sharon Moore (St. James AME, St. Paul, Minnesota) said Hughes was Jeremiah-like. She explained, “We live in a day where preachers are no longer prophets. What we received today is a prophetic message.” She went on to say, “People in the 21st Century don’t want to hear the truth. Presiding Elder Hughes wasn’t afraid to attack the faithful.”
Earlier that day, Hughes spoke on church finances. “The point that I wanted to make is that God does things with decency and order. He requires of us to render to Caesar what’s Caesar, and unto God what’s God’s. If God (is) lifted, the church will grow.”
The Rev. Stephen Kirk of Generis Partners in Atlanta, Ga. was the speaker during the Hour of Power worship service on the conference’s second day. He also facilitated a stewardship and finance workshop. “This is not a pep talk on how to raise more money,” he warned the participants beforehand, “Stewardship is not about giving but being a manager and what are you doing with what has been entrusted to you.”
The lay organization and youth worship service, held on the conference’s second day, was, “a Pentecostal experience,” notes Presiding Elder Alphonse Reff, Sr. “We had an overflow of young people. They could’ve been anywhere else on a rainy Friday night, yet they came and showed us that they are not isolated from the church as some of us claim they are.”
The Rev. Steve Perkins, pastor of Bethel AME (Des Moines, Iowa) preached on overcoming, using Revelation 2:3. “God wants to reward the overcomer,” says Perkins. “We have to be able to see and hear with it is that God wants to say to us when God gives us the signal.”
Perkins also led workshops on praise and worship, and spiritual gifts. After attending and participating in all four district conferences, “I can say this year has been the most productive and spiritual,” he remarked, adding that he is deeply appreciative to Reff. “I am grateful that he has used me in the music ministry, praise and worship ministry and preaching ministry. I come here for my love of him and my love of God and the people of God.”
The district’s women ministers and pastors closed the conference. “You are first class, and you carry yourself as first class carriers of the Gospel,” Reff told them. Moore adds that the presiding elder “not only supports us but respects us,” something she thinks doesn’t often occur for other districts’ female ministers.
Speaking on the conference’s overall theme, “Preparing hearts for the harvest,” along with the text (John 4: 27-38), Williams preached, “In order to prepare our hearts for the harvest, we must have something pumping through the heart.” Christians need “living waters” pumping through the heart but the arteries are clogged, she continues. “If we believe in Jesus as the Son of the Living God, (then) why are we on a bypass machine,” she asks. “We have been on a bypass machine for years and years. When are we (to) begin to ask God for that living water?”
The “sizzling” St. Paul-Minneapolis District, which spans Minnesota and Iowa, is doing things right, says Hughes. “It appears that Presiding Elder Reff still is focused on Christ. God has just blessed his ministry. I think it is yet to be seen what’s going to happen. It is my belief that (the district) probably will become one of the largest districts in the Chicago Conference because it has so much turf and area to grow.”
“I am encouraged by the direction that Rev. (Reff) is taking the district,” says St. Paul-Minneapolis Christian Education Director, the Rev. Janet Johnson (Wayman AME, Minneapolis).
Reff provides “positive leadership,” Hughes adds, predicting, “In the next four to eight years, the district will be stronger than the other districts that we have. I think God is going to bless the area.”
“The District Conference is about teaching,” concludes Reff. “Dr. Hughes taught us. Dr. Kirk taught us. You should be able to leave here motivated to lead our church.”
6. THE AME CHURCH HONORS THE MINISTRY OF THE REV. DR. DELANO L. BOWMAN, SR.:
The Rev. Dr. Delano L. Bowman, Sr., General Board Member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the Presiding Elder of the “notable” North District of the Michigan Annual Conference of African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, since 2004, entered the ministry in 1962, as a youth minister at Greater Quinn AME Church, Detroit, Michigan.
Presiding Elder Bowman has worked tirelessly both in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and in the community. He has served as pastor and religious/community leader for more than 48 years.
Dr. Bowman was educated in the Saginaw and Detroit Public schools. He attended Wayne County Community College, the University of Detroit, Wayne State University, and Payne Theological Seminary. He was the recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from Monrovia College and Institute, Monrovia, Liberia, as a result of his religious and community leadership.
As a pastor, Dr. Bowman, received pastoral appointments reflecting his ever increasing knowledge of the AME Church, preaching skills, and his ability manage a growing congregation, beginning with an interim appointment to St. John AME Church, River Rouge, in 1968.
Rev. Bowman was appointed to the following churches as pastor: St. Paul AME Church, Port Huron, in 1970; Union Memorial AME Church, Benton Harbor, in 1980; Bethel AME Church, Saginaw, in 1988; St. Stephen AME Church, Detroit, 1997; and finally appointed as Presiding Elder of the North District, Michigan Conference, in 2004.
Wherever Rev. Dr. Bowman was assigned, the church grew significantly. Not only was there spiritual growth but there was also temporal material growth as well.
As a community leader, Rev. Dr. Bowman volunteered his time serving his community during all of his pastorates.
While at St. Paul AME Church, Port Huron, he opened a foster care facility and developed the CETA Program, which employed thirty people, while rebuilding the church at a cost of $100,000. He also served as a board member on many city/county councils and committees.
While at Union Memorial AME Church, Benton Harbor, there was significant church growth and many youth programs were brought to fruition under his leadership. He also served as a Board Member on several city/county commissions, including chair of the Benton Harbor Compensation Committee and served on the City Planning Commission.
During his pastorate at Bethel Saginaw, he completed a 1.6 million dollar Education/Multi-Purpose Building and added a new building for the Day Care to house an additional 65 children.
Dr. Bowman was involved in several church renovation projects, including the purchase of several lots, and added parking spaces during his pastorate at St. Stephen AME Church, Detroit.
Since becoming Presiding Elder of the North District, Michigan Conference, known as the “notable” North District, Dr. Bowman has exceeded all expectations; and both pastors and laity celebrate his continuing knowledge, skills and abilities, shown through his leadership.
Presiding Elder Bowman has received numerous religious and community recognition and awards. Among them are: “2008 Trail Blazer Humanitarian Award, ” North District, Michigan Conference; Life Member-NAACP, and awarded “Black Men of America” award; “Minister of the Year,” Fredrick Douglas Award -1996, Michigan Sate Representatives and Senate Honorary Resolutions 151 and 163, for “Pursuit of Civil Rights and Salvations of Souls,”; and the Michael
J. Hanley, State Representative Award; just to name a few.
Dr. Bowman is the son of the Rev. William S. and Flora Nance Bowman. He has been married to the Rev. Juanita Louise Hamilton-Bowman for 55 years. They are the proud parents of three children, Delano, Jr., Vikki Green, and Sharon and Ronald Hilliard (son-in-law); and five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
7. FIFTEEN GOLD AWARD RECIPIENTS ARE WALKING WITH PRIDE:
All fifteen girls in Girl Scout Troop 1388 earned their Girl Scout Gold Award. They were presented with their Gold Award pins on Monday, May 12, 2008 at a ceremony held by their Girl Scout Council. The girls meet every other Saturday at DuPage AME Church in Lisle, IL, and are the charter organization for the troop.
The Gold Award is the highest award that a Girl Scout can earn. It is a national award, with national standards; it represents girls’ time, leadership, creativity and effort contributed to making their community better. They must spend 30 hours in a leadership role and 40 hours doing career exploration in addition to a community based project that requires 65 hours or more. Each year less than 6% of the eligible registered Girl Scouts in grades 10-12 earn the award.
Several of the girls utilized their Christian foundation to educate the community or benefit their church:
•One project was called “Abstinence: Your Life, Your Choice”. The goal of this project was to educate young teens of the negative consequences of engaging in pre-martial sex.
•One project was called “Japan through the eyes of a Kodomo.” A girl chosen as a Student Ambassador to Japan wanted to promote world peace by educating the children in her church community about children in Japan. She wanted them to understand that although children in Japan looked difference they shared similar needs and values as the children in America.
•One project was called “Stepping into our history”. The goal of this project was to educate the community that there is a rich legacy behind stepping and to educate other churches in her community that a stepping ministry was a great way to involve teens and send out a positive message to the congregation.
•One project was called “Music Therapy: A Happy Note”. The goal of this project was to show children in the community how to use Christian and Classical music as therapy to deal with difficult situations.
•One project was called “Spiking your way to success”. The goal of this project was to prepare pre-teens for high school sports and to educate them on how to be good Christian leaders.
•One project was called a “Love Connection: A Grandparent Day celebration”. The goal of this project was to encourage the community to spend more time with Senior Citizens and to celebrate Grandparent’s Day.
•One project was called “CTC Fabulous playroom makeover”. This Girl Scout wanted to approve the appearance of her church’s playroom. She based her design off of Genesis 1:1. She gave the playroom a make over by painting it, making curtains and sorting all of the toys and books into new bins and bookcases.
Their Christian backgrounds were crucial in helping them to overcome obstacles and preserve when things went wrong. They all demonstrated their belief that “Though Christ all things are possible.”
As a reward for all of their hard work and dedication the girls will be traveling to the Girl Scout center in Cuernavaca, Mexico in August this summer for 9 days. At the center they will have the once-in-a-lifetime experience of getting to know girls from all over the world. They will have the opportunity to bond and get to know girls from Columbia, England, Canada, Antigua, Barbados and Trinidad during their stay at the Girl Scout center.
Submitted by Mrs. Anita Debarlaben Brown
8. ECO-EVENT - VISUAL OPPORTUNITY UNVEILED BY THE REV. DR. CECELIA WILLIAMS BRYANT AND KATHLEEN A. WILSON:
Los Angeles, CA. Women’s Global Resource and Development Initiative, Inc, (W.G.R.D.I., Inc.), founded by the Rev. Cecelia Williams Bryant commissioned artist Kathleen Atkins Wilson to create “The Awakening”, a painting to honor Nobel laureate, Dr. Wangari Muta Maathai, native of Kenya, and be the symbol for “Ecological Justice Day of Awakening”.
Kathleen A. Wilson and the Rev. Cecelia Williams Bryant unveiled this masterwork in front of a thrilled crowd at Ward African Methodist Episcopal Church during “Ecological Justice Day of Awakening”, a festive community ecology celebration, which included a passionate key note address by Maathai, honor to Ms. Anna Marie Carter, “The Seed Lady of California”, dance, poetry, singing and worship. Kathleen Atkins Wilson stated: “This Baobab Tree is dressed in all seasons. At its core emerges “Mother of Trees”, custodian of the earth. Listening, she holds its sphere in her hands and hears the sapling tree yearn to be planted. A planted seed is the beginning of all life. It is “The Awakening” of many possibilities. Let us passionately care for our ecosystem as deeply as it cares for us.”
Wangari Muta Maathai, affectionately called “Mother of Trees” won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004. She founded the Green Belt Movement which has planted more than 30 million trees since 1977. Her mission during this visit to the U.S. is to “try to get young people to understand the value of protecting the environment and the value of thinking about the environment that is not just in their neighborhoods but far from where they live.” “The Awakening” painting brings this thought to a universal consciousness not only for the present but for generations to come. This is the power of an art image and the seed planted during this eco-event.
“The Awakening” has been published in a lovely canvas edition. It is 11” x 22”, limited to only 100 in the edition and is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. The purchase price is $375.00, (not including purchase options). The proceeds will benefit W.G.R.D.I., Inc.’s mission to promote self-esteem in women and children through self-help projects around the globe.
The inspiring work may be purchased by calling W.G.R.D.I, Inc. at (323) 730-7707 or Kathleen A. Wilson & Associates at (323) 292-0972.
You may also see additional artworks by this celebrated artist at her website: http://www.kathleenwilson.com/.
Submitted by Kathleen A. Wilson
E-mail: kathleen8581@sbcglobal.net
9. THE SEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT SAYS “THANK YOU” TO BISHOP PRESTON W. AND DR. WILMA D. WILLIAMS:
Saturday, May 3rd, the Seventh Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (South Carolina) convened on the coast, near the cool waters of the Atlantic Ocean to celebrate four years (2004-2008) of superb Episcopal service rendered by The Right Reverend Preston W. Williams II, Presiding Prelate, and Dr. Wilma D. Webb Williams, Episcopal Supervisor. Clergy and laity from across the state flocked to beautiful Myrtle Beach, SC, to attend a celebratory banquet honoring South Carolina’s Episcopal leadership team for a job well done. The Honorable John Rhodes, Mayor of Myrtle Beach, A.M.E. General Officers Dr. Richard A. Lewis, Treasurer/CFO, and Dr. George W. Flowers, Executive Director of Global Witness & Ministry, Connectional Officer Mrs. Paulette Cryer, YPD Director, retired Bishop and Mrs. Zedekiah L. Grady, presiding elders, pastors, laity, colleagues, friends and family all came to pay their respects to Bishop and Mother Williams who have embraced the entire Seventh Episcopal District and during the past four years led them towards greater spiritual, physical, and financial well-being.
At 6:30 pm the ceremony began and the honored guests made their way into the Convention Center of the Sheraton Myrtle Beach Hotel. From hundreds of tables adorned with purple and yellow lilies the banquet guests socialized, ate and enjoyed the evening’s festivities. Throughout the night a variety of church and state officials, clergy and laity, business associates, friends and family came to the podium to offer kind words of appreciation to Bishop and Dr. Williams.
The Rev. Dr. Allen W. Parrott, Presiding Elder of the Kingstree District and Episcopal Chairman of Christian Education, thanked Bishop Williams for his leadership in elevating the theological proficiency of the entire 7th District. According to Dr. Parrott, through the creation of a Christian Education Task Force specifically designed to identify and address the myriad educational needs of the 7th District; the implementation of bi-annual Theological Seminary Institutes where for the past four years 7th District clergy and laity have studied seminary-level biblical theology side-by-side; the establishment of a certification process whereby teachers responsible for educating members of the local church are required to obtain 36 hours of course instruction to become fully certified – with nearly one thousand 7th District members having completed the certification process thus far; and the provision of academic scholarships for 7th District A.M.E. students to attend Payne Seminary in Wilberforce, Ohio, and Turner Seminary in Atlanta, GA, Bishop Williams has blazed a bold and progressive trail leading toward a better theologically trained and consequently more intellectually and spiritually empowered 7th District clergy and laity.
The Rev. Dr. Charles E. Young, President of Allen University in Columbia, SC, thanked Bishop Williams for his excellent service as Chairman of the Board and his steadfast support in advancing the university toward higher ground. Dr. Young informed the banquet guests that through the complete reorganization of the university’s Board of Trustees; the orchestration of a deal with the National Bank of South Carolina (NBSC) whereby Allen University’s outstanding debt was restructured at a rate significantly below market value; the university’s successful reaffirmation of accreditation by the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges (SACS) which will last 10 years until 2017; and, among other projects, the recent groundbreaking on a $16 million dollar Student Residence Center which will house 480 students in new state-of-the-art facilities, Bishop Williams has propelled the university toward a bright and prosperous future and initiated what is being called a renaissance at Allen University.
The Rev. Clementa Pickney, SC Senator and Presiding Elder of the Wateree District, and Rev. Carl Anderson, pastor of Greater Saint Stephen A.M.E. Church, Georgetown and member of the SC House of Representatives, presented a resolution on behalf of the South Carolina General Assembly honoring Bishop Williams for his four years of service as presiding prelate of the 7th Episcopal District. A portion of the resolution read, “Whereas, a gifted preacher, teacher, leader, and social activist, Bishop Williams is often sought after for his power to illuminate biblical scripture. He gives freely of his time to worthy causes in South Carolina and beyond … His reputation preceded him, as he already had become known for expansion of his churches, for continually encouraging both clergy and laity to pursue higher education and helping many to achieve it, and for generating numerous projects that have benefited untold numbers of disadvantaged individuals … It is with great pleasure that the members of the General Assembly express to Bishop Williams their best wishes for many more years of fruitful service. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Senate and the House of Representatives.”
The Rev. Dr. Richard A. Lewis presented the evening’s keynote address and referred to Bishop and Dr. Williams as “servants of service.” He thanked Bishop Williams on both a personal and professional level for all of the good work being accomplished by the A.M.E. Church in the state of South Carolina. Dr. Lewis also acknowledged the vitally important role which the 7th Episcopal District plays in the overall financial well-being of the connectional A.M.E. Church, stating that, “When the 7th District gets a financial cold, the connectional church catches pneumonia!”
During the course of the evening Brother Norman Deas, Episcopal President, Lay Organization, Sister Bernice Sanders, Episcopal President, WMS, Sister Cheryl Swinton, Episcopal Director, YPD, Bro. George Brown, Episcopal President, Sons of Allen, Rev. Dr. Gregory Grooms, Chair, School of Religion, Allen University, Sister Felita Grady Davis, Episcopal Commissioner, DMC, Brother Joe Benton, Special Assistant for Faith Based Initiatives, SC Department of Juvenile Justice, Sister Lula Cleckley, Episcopal President, MSWWO & PK’s, and a host of others publicly offered their well-wishes to Bishop and Dr. Williams.
On behalf of the entire 7th Episcopal District, Rev. Charles Graves, Episcopal President of the Presiding Elders’ Council, presented to Bishop Williams an Award of Excellence, which read, “In recognition of his outstanding service rendered to the members of the Seventh Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, as it is written in First Timothy 5:17, ‘Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.’” Similarly, Sister Odessa Graves, Episcopal President of the Presiding Elders’ Spouses Alliance, presented to Mother Williams an Award of Excellence which served as “recognition of your outstanding service rendered to the members of the Presiding Elders’ Spouses Council, the Women’s Missionary Society, the Young Peoples Division, the Ministers’ Spouses, Widows, and Widowers Organization, and the Debutantes and Masters’ Commission.”
At evening’s end, the Right Reverend Preston W. Williams II, Presiding Prelate of the 7th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, offered closing remarks to the multitude of assembled guests. After all of the pomp and circumstance of this elegant affair Bishop Williams refocused all hearts and minds on that which is truly important – Jesus the Christ. Bishop Williams emphatically declared that, “Jesus promised to never leave you and me!” He then rhetorically asked, “How long is ‘never’ and what does ‘never’ mean?” Bishop Williams replied that, “Never has no beginning and no end; it is infinite like God himself. And having promised us never, if my children refuse to speak to me ever again – God will still be there! If I lose every cent in my pocket and become completely broke – God will still be there! If after these many years together my wife up and leaves me – God will still be there! And after I take my final breath and my soul slips and slides down the slopes of eternity – God will be there! He will never leave me, or you!”
10. ST. LUKE, NASHVILLE MEN’S AND WOMEN’S DAY RALLY:
The Quarterly Conference was held at St. Luke AME Church in Gallatin on April 13, 2008, and Presiding Elder Robert E. Keesee preached at the morning worship service and conducted the Quarterly Conference. With all paperwork in order, St. Luke reported one marriage and one death for the quarter.
St. Luke cordially invites everyone to attend their annual Men and Women's Day on Sunday, May 18th. Women's day activities are scheduled for the morning service at 10:45 a.m. and Men's Day activities are scheduled for the afternoon service at 3:00 p.m.
St. Luke AME Church is located at 355 N. Blythe Ave., Gallatin, Tennessee and the Reverend Jimmie Plummer is the pastor. For more information on upcoming events please call 615-452-3137.
Submitted by Miss Tamiko Black
11. LEADERSHIP CROSSES COLOR LINES:
*Dr. Joseph A. Darby
Richard Brewer, a very wise and eloquent member of Morris Brown AME Church, likes to remind the children of our church in this age of information technology to "be careful to peruse your dictionaries." That sage advice sent me to my dictionary when I was asked to say a word about leadership. I found a good definition: "The capacity or ability to guide, influence, inspire and direct others." That definition speaks volumes in the ongoing debate about "black leadership."
Many people fondly remember the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and lament the fact that no one else like him has come forward to "lead" the black community.
Some of those who exercise that fond remembrance, however, do so because of a few short and often played "sound bites" from two of his many speeches, but forget that in his day Dr. King was vilified and feared by many and was told by some black and white clergy that his message was harsh, ill-timed and overly confrontational.
Many people today debate the effect of the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright's words on the presidential candidacy of Sen. Barack Obama, and wonder how a man who says what he says could be a "black leader."
"Leadership" in the black community is a continual point of interest, especially beyond the black community, and I find that to be interesting and mildly insulting.
I asked a white friend before I began this column, "Who are the leaders of the white community?" His response was a blank stare followed by a "Say what?"
He then noted how hard that question is to answer, since leadership means many things, isn't confined to those in any single vocation or profession, and since the concept of a "white leader" sounds strange at best and ominous at worst.
I agree with my friend, and think that the same thing applies to the black community.
Fifty years ago, black community leadership often came from the clergy, especially in the American South. There is a long tradition of prophetic pointedness in the historically black church, and black clergy weren't directly dependent on the white community for their economic well-being. Black community leadership today, however, is as hard a concept to define as it is in the larger community.
"Leadership" can include, but is not limited to, clergy, laity who are active in their faith communities, those in the political arena, those who volunteer and work in community and professional organizations and those who inspire and motivate their nuclear and extended families.
"Leadership," the capacity or ability to guide, influence, inspire and direct others, is not the exclusive domain of those in any race, class or profession.
A "designated black community leader" is as dated a concept as that of a "designated white community leader." Those who fret about it are often the same folks who disagree on what the "black agenda" should be: Demanding rights or correcting intra-community ills.
One well-meaning soul said that well when he asked an African-American speaker at an event I recently attended, "Do you belong to the Bill Cosby camp or the Al Sharpton camp?"
The truth is that the black community and those who profess leadership in the black community have never been monolithic or single-minded. Even in the days when there was a united front against de jure segregation, there were significant disagreements when it came to strategy. Reducing the status of black Americans to that of mindless sheep who need to be "led" is insulting.
Suggesting that black folk have to either stand for equal rights or repair intra-community ills because both things can't be done at the same time, or to suggest that social ills are a "black thing" and not a "people thing," is equally insulting.
"Leadership" in the 21st century crosses lines of color, and no one individual — Wright, Obama, Dr. James Dobson or even George Bush — has the corner on leadership or makes pronouncements that are universally accepted by all citizens or by any entire segment of the American cultural mosaic.
The test of good leadership lies in something that one of my late preacher-uncles told me when I answered the call to ministry: "Speak out and do your work, but remember that you can't make yourself a leader, people have to do that. If you're leading and you look around and no one is following you, then you're not a leader."
*The Rev. Joseph A. Darby is senior pastor of Morris Brown AME Church
**Used with permission of The Post and Courier (Charleston, SC)
12. AME, MS CECELIA GORE RECOGNIZED FOR PHILANTROPIC ACCOMLISHMENTS:
Cecelia Gore, a member of St. Mark AME Church in Milwaukee was recently honored as a change agent in Milwaukee for her untiring efforts as Program Director for the Jane Bradley Pettit Foundation; a recent article states the she, "...promotes the vision of one of Milwaukee’s most outstanding women and enshrines her legacy as a generous community leader and philanthropist." Ms Gore, that article stated is not only a change agent, not only for the city of Milwaukee, but a change-agent for the nation.
The Foundation she serves focuses on arts and culture, health, education, community and social development with a target population that includes, low income and disadvantaged individuals, youth, elderly, women and girls.
Cecelia comes from a long line of AMEs and her father and sister are members of St. Mark AME Church in Milwaukee and her uncle, the Rev. Dr. Joseph Darby is the pastor of Morris Brown AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina.
Her Father, William Gore worked for Milwaukee County over a thirty-year period. In his role as director of Psychiatric Social Work for the Mental Health complex and chairman of Milwaukee’s Fire and Police Commission over a fourteen-year period
Ms Gore graduated with honors from Alverno College. Before joining the foundation, she worked at the Wisconsin Gas Company for 23 years.
*Information in this article was extracted from an online article written by Patricia O’Flynn Pattillo, Milwaukee Community Journal
13. THE WOMEN’S MISSIONARY SOCIETY AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH CONNECTIONAL HANDY SIMMONS SCHOLARSHIP:
Editor's note: Applicants will need to reformat this document if it is downloaded from this venue.
Bishop Richard Norris, Commission Chairman
Dr. George Flowers, Executive Director
Dr. Jamesina M. Evans, President
Dr. Bella G. Parker, Second Vice-President
Dr. Loretta Howell, Connectional Commissioner
To honor the memory and dedicated service rendered by Mary F. Handy, who organized the Parent Mite Missionary Society in 1907, and Sandy G. Simmons, the first President of The Women’s Home and Foreign Missions 1915-1927, we continue to offer financial assistance to our youth in their efforts to further their education. It is our hope that in doing so, they will commit their skills, talents, and service to the African Methodist Episcopal Church and their country.
Who is eligible to apply?
•Active members of the A. M. E. Church and the Young Peoples Department.
•Current high school seniors who will be attending college in the upcoming fall.
•Students who are presently pursuing a Bachelor or Associate (technical) degree.
Criteria for consideration:
•Academic performance
•Quality and level of church participation
•Completed essay that addresses the topic.
•Leadership and extracurricular activities
•Reference letters
•Financial Need
Application Requirements:
•Completed application (typed or scanned into computer).
•Three letters of recommendations (typed on official letterhead)
A school official (required)
Local church Pastor (required)
Local YPD Director
Local Missionary President
•An official transcript from applicant’s current high school or college (must have seal).
•A 500-700 word essay describing applicant’s commitment to and plans for using his/her skills and talents to enhance the ministry and witness of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
•A copy of applicant’s acceptance to a post secondary school. (High school seniors).
•A wallet size photograph no larger than 3 1/2 by 3 ½ is preferred.
Scholarships range from $300.00 to $1,000.00
Applicants must submit all requested materials to the Conference Handy-Simmons Commissioner who will sign the application and forward materials to the District Commissioner. The District Commissioner will sign the application secure, the signature of the Episcopal Supervisor and forward materials to the Connectional Commissioner. Applications must include all required signatures to be considered for the scholarship award.
Handy Simmons Scholarship Essay Evaluation Criteria
Essay (typed) will be evaluated on the following criteria.
Content:
•Essay is to be a minimum of 500 words but not to exceed 700 words.
•The topic is clearly addressed.
•Ideas are developed and support the topic.
•The writing demonstrates a sense of completeness.
Grammatical Structure:
•No run on or sentence fragments.
•Correct subject/verb agreement and verb tense.
•Correct use of singular and plural noun forms.
•Correct/appropriate use of punctuation
•Appropriate/ correct word choice.
•Free of spelling errors.
Organization:
•The ideas flow and fit together.
•The details are sequential in logical order
•The writing has a clear beginning, middle, and end.
•The ideas are presented in varied and innovative use of words, phrases, and sentences.
I leave you a THIRST FOR KNOWLEDGE.
“We must rear purposeful men and women equipped with vision, mental clarity, health, and education.” Mary McLeod Bethune
The Women’s Missionary Society
Of The African Methodist Episcopal Church
Connectional Handy-Simmons Scholarship Application
Name_____________________________________. ____M ___F
Home Address__________________________________
Home telephone number ( ) _____________________ Date of Birth______
Age______ Martial Status: Number Dependents______
Parent’s Name and Occupation:
Father: _______________________
Mother_________________________
Church Membership:
Name and Address of Church: : ________________________
Episcopal District: _______________________Annual Conference: ___
Please list church activities you are involved in on the local, conference, district or connectional level. Please provide a brief description of each including the length of your involvement _________________________
Academic Background: GPA: __________ Full Time ____Part Time_____
Please provide the name and address of the College or University in which you are currently enrolled or the one to which you have been accepted:
Major_________ Minor________
Current Year in Studies: ________________ Projected Graduation Date_____
Academic Honors: ___________________________
The amount of financial aid you are requesting from this fund?
Please provide a brief but specific reason for the requested amount: _____
What other sources of financial aid (loans, scholarships, grants) are you currently receiving or have applied for? __________________
List the names of the three people who will be writing your letters of recommendation.
Pastor__________________________________________
WMS President___________________________________
YPD Director____________________________________
School Official_________________________________
Please be certain that you have completed the entire application, attached all requested materials including a photograph.
Submit materials to your Conference Branch Handy Simmons Commissioner.
Required Signatures:
Applicant: _______________________________________ Date: ___
Conference Scholarship Commissioner: ________________________________
District Handy Scholarship Commissioner:
Episcopal Supervisor: ____________________________________
ALL MATERIALS MUST BE RECEIVED BY JUNE 30TH.
Please send them to:
Dr. Loretta Howell
5107 Huntcrest Drive
Mableton, GA 30126
Phone (770-732-0200
14. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE:
- Herman A. and Loretta F. Hill celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on May 3, 2008. Loretta is Administrator of the Christian Debutante-Master Commission for the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Congratulatory messages may be sent to: loretta_hill@sbcglobal.net
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mr. Milton Darby who passed away on Sunday, May 4, 2008. He was the father in law of the Rev. Trevor E. Woolridge, pastor at Bethel AMEC in Lansdowne, PA (Philadelphia Conference, South District).
The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Funeral- Friday, May 9, 2008
Funeral:1:00 p.m.
Brown Chapel AME Church
195 Brown Chapel Road
Elloree, SC 29047
Phone: 803-823-2957/435-8605
Fax: 803-823-2339
Pastor – The Rev. Rufus Gaymon
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Mattie Mae Darby (widow)
772 Majority Road
Orangeburg, SC 29115
Or
Mrs. Delphine Woolridge
38 Taisley Lane
Burlington, NJ 08016
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of the Reverend Charles Hill. The Reverend Hill retired in the Arkansas Annual Conference, 12th Episcopal District, and affiliated with the Allen Temple A.M.E. Church, Pine Bluff, AR.
The funeral has been held.
Condolences may be extended to the family via his daughter:
Mrs. Carolyn Norful
9414 Timber Valley
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 413-0056
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of the Reverend Blanche K. Green who was the mother-in-law of the Reverend Carlos Bounds, pastor at Bethel AMEC in Bryn Mawr, Penna. (Philadelphia Conference, West District). Reverend Green served as an Itinerant Deacon at Bethel AMEC.
The funeral has been held.
Bethel AME Church
50 South Merion Avenue
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Phone: 610-527-6674
Fax: 610-527-8391
The Rev. Gerald H. Hesson, Pastor at Mt. Zion AME Church, Bridgeton, NJ
Eulogist and Officiating
Interment: Greenlawn Cemetery, Aston, PA
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Amy Green Bounds and Kia Green
5056 Dermond Road
Drexel Hill, PA 19026
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
5/08/2008
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (5/8/08)
Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor, The Christian Recorder
1. SOME OF THE THINGS MY MOTHER TAUGHT ME:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
- “You can’t change others, you can only change yourself.”
- “The dog that bears the bone carries the bone” or “She or he who bears the tale carries the tale.”
- “It’s not what people call you; it’s what you answer to.”
- “Admit when you are wrong.”
Don't let the fear of the unknown stop your progress. When you step out, there's always the possibility of making some wrong decisions along the way. Don't be so concerned about being right that you play the blame game or deny being wrong altogether. If you are wrong, admit it so you can move on to a solution and continue to progress.
“The person of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.” (Proverbs. 10:9)
"One of the hardest things in this world is to admit you are wrong. And nothing is more helpful in resolving a situation than its frank admission." Benjamin Disraeli
- “Face up to mistakes.”
Mistakes are a part of learning. You will never succeed if you do not try. And anyone who has ever tried something new has made mistakes. To face up to mistakes and adjust where necessary is a mark of mental maturity, personal strength and individual character.
- You can’t stay in the bed all day.”
“Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty.” Proverbs 20:13a
- “Be open to new learning.”
Just because you've always done something one way, doesn't make it the best for today. Be willing to try out new ideas and information that come your way. Know that God is a God of strategy. If you are open and willing, He will give to you exactly what you need, when you need it. “Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.” (Proverbs 19:20)
"Change should be a friend. Slowness to change usually means fear of the new." Philip Crosby
- Be willing to change and adapt.
Success comes from a series of adjustments along the path of learning. This ability makes your mistakes worthwhile and enables you to keep things fresh and flowing in a positive direction.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6)
"If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we aren't really living. "Gail Sheehy
- “Shun mediocrity and never become a friend with complacency”
When you do begin to rise above mediocrity, don't allow yourself to be lulled into a false sense of security. The only antidote to stagnation is to keep moving. A successful leader is one who continues to learn, grow, and develop into the person that God has designed him or her to be.
“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)
- “Life is a series of compromises.”
“The only true freedom each of us has in life is the freedom to choose. But once we choose, we become the servant of our choices.” John C. Maxwell
- “Sometimes your attitude will carry you beyond your abilities.”
- “You are not what you think you are. What you think, you are.”
- “Character is what you do when no one is watching.”
- “Don’t say everything that comes to your mind.”
- “A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.” Proverbs 29:11
- “Learn to Love and learn to live each moment in love.”
- “Love is a choice.”
- “Maim them with kindness; kill them with love.”
2. THE 48TH QUADRENNIAL SESSION OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH GENERAL CONFERENCE NEWS WILL BE AVAILABLE DAILY:
*Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
The Christian Recorder, the official newspaper of the African Methodist Episcopal Church will provide daily coverage of General Conference that meets in St. Louis July 3-11.
The Christian Recorder will post General Conference news daily. The General Conference news coverage will be available in English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Dutch.
The ongoing coverage will be available both online and by e-mail.
The Christian Recorder subscribers will automatically receive all of the English-language news stories. Foreign language news stories will have to be requested. The Christian Recorder's coverage of the General Conference will allow subscribers to get the news almost as it happens during the course of the day. People who aren't currently subscribers but would like to receive this free service can sign up at www.the-christian-recorder.org.
All of the news team's content will be accessible at www.the-christian-recorder.org on July 4, 2008.
The Christian Recorder is looking into audio and video streaming.
3. THE FIFTEENTH QUADRENNIAL DEBUTANTE-MASTER DEDICATION CEREMONY AT THE 48TH GENERAL CONFERENCE:
The Connectional Christian Debutante-Master Dedication Commission Cordially invites you, your family, and friends to share in the Fifteenth Quadrennial Debutante-Master Dedication Ceremony, which will be held at the in St. Louis at the 48th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The dedication ceremony will be held on Sunday, July 6, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. at the Grand Renaissance Hotel, 800 Washington Avenue in St. Louis.
The Right Rev. Robert Vaughn Webster is the chair of the Commission on Christian Education; the Rev. Dr. Daryl B. Ingram is Secretary- Treasurer of the Department of Christian Education; Mrs. Loretta Hill is the Administrator for the Christian Debutante-Masters; Mrs. Gloria Ward is the co-chair of DMC Dedication; and Mrs. Felita Grady Davis, co-chair, DMC Dedication.
4. A LIFE TO REMEMBER - THE REV. DR. GEORGE LOVELACE CHAMPION, SR.- PASTOR, HUSBAND, FATHER, EDUCATOR, AUTHOR, EVANGELIST, COMMUNITY LEADER, HUMANITARIAN:
*Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
The Homegoing celebration for the Reverend Dr. George Champion was a homegoing fit for a champion. The Right Reverend McKinley Young, presiding prelate for the 11th Episcopal District served as the chief liturgist and the Right Reverend Philip R. Cousin, the senior Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church delivered the eulogy. The Right Reverend Richard Allen Chappelle, presiding prelate of the 12th Episcopal District and retired bishop, retired bishop, the Rt. Rev. Frank C. Cummings, and retired bishop, the Right Reverend Zedekiah Grady were in attendance as well as general officers: the Rev. Dr. Dennis Dickerson, Dr. Richard Allen Lewis, the Rev. Dr. Clement Fugh, the Rev. Dr. Johnny Barbour, the Rev. Dr. George F. Flowers; the Rev. Dr. Daryl Ingram, the Rev. Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the Rev. Dr. Ricky Spain and the Rev. Dr. Kenneth H. Hill . Connectional officers and clergy from the 11th Episcopal District and from across the AME Church was in attendance to bid farewell to “Champ.”
St. Mark AME Church and its pastor, the Rev. Terence R. Gray was gracious in accommodating the large crowd and insuring that the celebration was befitting for a Champion. The Central Conference Choir was magnificent and the Rev. LeRoy Kennon, Presiding Elder, of the Orlando District, who gave the invocation, set the tone for the service.
The Scriptures were given by the Rev. Willie Mae Hogan, pastor of Mt. Sinai AME Church, Medulla, Florida; the Rev. J. Arthur McDonald, pastor of St. Matthews AMEC, Summerton, South Carolina: and the Rev. Gillard Glover, pastor First AMEC in Palm Coast, Florida.
Expressions were delivered by Mr. Jim Way, President, Capernaum Ministry, Lakeland, Florida, the Rev. Randolph Bracy, Jr., Senior Pastor of New Covenant, Orlando, Florida and the Rev. Dr. Mack King Carter, Sr. Pastor of Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Mr. Gregory Teague sang a solo and Reflections were given by Community, Political, Education leaders or their designees, Commissioner Samuel B. Ings, City of Orlando, District 6, Ms Kathleen “Kat” Gordon, OCPS, School Board Member, District 5; the Rev. Willie C. Barnes, President of the African American Council of Christian Clergy in Orlando.
Additional reflections were given by the Rev. Thelma Shaw Young, Retired Presiding Elder West Florida Conference; Mr. A. J. Kleckley, Steward, St. Mark A.M.E. Church, Orlando; the Rev. Edrena Houston Brown of Ft. Lauderdale; the Rev. Henry E. Green, Son in Ministry Jr., pastor Mt. Hermon A.M.E. Church, Miami. A solo tribute was given by Bishop Thomas S. Lee, Jr., pastor of EBON Temple in Orlando; the Rev. Dr. Dennis Dickerson, Historiographer / Executive Director, Department of Research and Scholarship; retired bishop, the Rt. Rev. Frank C. Cummings; Mr. Love Williams, St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church, Plant City, Florida, Brother George L. Champion, Jr., Son of Dr. Champion and a member of St. Philip A.M.E. Church in Atlanta; and the Rev. Ann Champion Shaw, Dr. Champion's daughter, of Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church, Kansas City, Missouri.
The Resolutions were acknowledged by the Rev. Cynthia Hinson Graham, Assistant Pastor pf New Covenant in Orlando and the acknowledgements were given by Mrs. Joyce McCoy, St. James A.M.E. Church, Sanford, Florida.
The sermonic hymn, “It Is Well With My Soul” was lined by the Rev. Dr. John F. Green, pastor of Bethel AME Church, Tallahassee and the Dean designate of Turner Theological Seminary at ITC in Atlanta, GA
Nativity
The genesis of the life of George Lovelace Champion was God’s blessing to the union of the Rev. and Mrs. George M. and Annie Mae Williams Champion of Jacksonville, Florida. He was the oldest of four children.
Family
Dr. Champion treasured being a husband and founder. He was married to Bettie F. Davis Champion. They were the parents of six children: George L. Champion, Jr., Kevin R. Davis, Sr. (Angela), Tymy M. Champion, Rev. Ann Champion Shaw (Rev. Robert R. Shaw), David M. Champion, Jon R. Frazier. His biological family, included brothers and sisters: Jessie Champion Jenkins (John E.), Lewis G. Champion (Ruth), Patience Champion Mitchell; sister-in-law: Lonnie J. Ford (Jim); adopted sister: Dee Frazier; grandchildren: Dyrell Brown Champion, Kevin R. Davis, Jr., Raven N. L. Shaw, Robert R. Shaw, III; nieces and nephews: Joycelyn Jenkins Thomas, Perry Plaine (Marsha), Atty. Lynita Mitchell Blackwell (Rev. Brian Blackwell), Patricia A. Mitchell, Jamye L. Ford, Jamia R. Ford; grand-nieces and grand-nephews: Edward R. Thomas, Aaron R. Thomas, Jessica L. Thomas, Perry Plaine, Jr., Brianna Plaine, Justin C. Young, Jr., Angelica G. Blackwell; and a host of cousins. His extended family includes numerous Godchildren and many friends.
Religious Affiliations
Rev. Dr. Champion inherited a Christian legacy by birth into a family of believers. In their daily living and through their affiliation in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, they exhibited strong Christian values. He was a fourth generation African Methodist Itinerant Elder.
Education
His formal education included obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Edward Waters College in Jacksonville (1965); Masters of Divinity degree from Turner Theological Seminary ITC in Atlanta, Georgia (1967); Doctoral Study at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, Pittsburgh, PA. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Edward Waters College.
Professional Career
In his professional career, he has served God’s people well. He has achieved celebrated status as an accomplished Visionary, Pastor, Author, Educator, and Ecumenist. At the time of his death, he was serving as pastor of Historic St. James AMEC in Sanford, Florida. He was influential in serving God’s people as Master Pastor serving churches in Florida and Georgia; Dean of Turner Theological Seminary ITC, Atlanta Georgia; Dream Keeper and Builder of Saint Mark A.M.E. Church, Orlando, Florida; Dean of B. F. Lee Seminary, Jacksonville, Florida; member of the World Evangelism of the World Methodist Council; General Officer of the African Methodist Episcopal Church; and Workshop Presenter for Orange County Public Schools. His services and pastoral charges began in 1966 and included, St. Mark AMEC, Lumpkin, Georgia; Rock Temple AMEC, Conyers, Georgia; St. John AMEC, Atlanta; St. Mark AMEC, Orlando; St. Paul AMEC, Tampa; St. Paul AMEC, Delray Beach, Florida; Bethel AMEC, Lakeland, Florida; Greater Grant AMEC, Jacksonville, Florida; St. Paul AMEC, Ft. Pierce, Florida; General Officer, AME Church Department of Evangelism; Bethel AMEC, Gainesville, Florida; and upon his death, was serving as the pastor of St. James AMEC, Sanford, Florida.
Professional Contributions
Distinguished as a pastor, builder, evangelist, eloquent orator, lecturer and church administrator, he published extensively and authored 10 books on Christian Education and Ministerial Training. His sermons, lectures, and consulting are known throughout the country. A partial listing of significant committees on which he served are: Board of Trustees of Edward Waters College, Executive Committee of the Florida Council of Churches, Member of the World Evangelism of the World Methodist Council, and Past delegate to the National Assembly of Consultation on Church Union. He was founder of the African American Council of Christian Clergy (AACCC), Orlando, FL.
Selected Achievements as a General Officer
As Executive Director of the Department of Growth and Development of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (1992-2004), he was distinguished in establishing ten ministries and developed an administrative staff of 25 Connectional, Regional and Episcopal directors; facilitated the training and certification of over 350 ministry workers in the Prison and Evangelistic Ministries; and expanded The Secret Chamber devotional subscription base by 80% during his tenure as Executive Director, Department of Church Growth and Development.
Publications
He wrote and published several books for the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the African-American church as well, which include:
- The Pastor’s Manual of the A.M.E. Church, Volumes I and II
- The New Catechism for Youth, Probationers and Members of African Methodism
- Black Methodism Basic Beliefs
- Christian Education for the African American Church
- The Pastor’s Manual for the 21st Century Church, Volumes I and II
- The African Methodist Evangelistic Network Manual
- 100 Illustrations for Preaching and Speaking
- Reaching, Teaching and Growing African-American Believers
Affiliations (Partial Listing):
-Theta Phi International Scholastic Society
-Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
-The Toastmasters International
-NAACP
-Rainbow PUSH Coalition
-National Council of Churches
-Ecumenist Member of the World Evangelism of the World Methodist Council
-Executive Committee of the Florida Council of Churches
-Past Delegate to the National Assembly of Constitution on Church Union
The Reverend Dr. George Lovelace Champion, Sr. led a life of extraordinary courage and strength. He was sent to us by God “for such a time as this” and leaves a legacy inspired by his visionary and ingenious mind.
Throughout his illustrious career he mentored and fostered 66 sons and daughters in the ministry. He afforded his family, friends, members of his church and those who knew him the opportunity to participate in, "The Champion Experience: the experience of a Champion through - The Man, The Legend, and The Legacy."
*Extracted from the Homegoing program bulletin and the obituary of the late Reverend Dr. George Lovelace Champion
6. THE RIGHT REVEREND GREGORY G.M. INGRAM PREACHED FOR THE 160TH REEDY ANNIVERSARY SERVICE:
By the Rev. Salatheia Bryant-Honors
The 160th church anniversary service began with the choir and congregation singing, “We’ve Come This Far by Faith” as Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram, the presiding prelate of the 10th episcopal district and other ministers made their way into the historic Galveston, Texas church sanctuary.
The Mother Church of African Methodism in Texas celebrated its 160th anniversary in grand style with Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram, the presiding prelate of the Tenth Episcopal District, and others joining in the spirited celebration service that took place March 9. The theme for the occasion was “Remembering the Past, Ministering in the Present and Preparing for the Future.” Members of the church came dressed in black and gold.
Bishop Ingram preached “Let’s Celebrate.” He said the anniversary was a cause for celebration.
“Nothing critiques us so much as history. If we read it right, it gives us a greater perspective of what God has done,” said Bishop Ingram. “Here we are remembering where God has brought us. We have a right and a reason to celebrate.”
The church was filled with worshippers and pastors from throughout the Tenth Episcopal District. In addition to the service, the Trustee Board also rededicated a marquee in honor of Dr. R.H. Stanton, who served as a member of the trustee board under the leadership of three pastors before his death. The congregation also honored Bro. Theasel Henderson, a longtime Steward, for his work to the church. The sanctuary was decorated with pictures of the past. The church’s archives room was also opened for visitors to examine Reedy’s historic artifacts.
Galveston Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas also addressed the congregation.
Senior pastor Reginald K. Honors said the event was a service to remember.
“The service and the celebration both symbolized Reedy’s commitment to reflecting on what God has done while embracing the possibility of a bright future,” said Reginald Honors. “The singing, the atmosphere and Bishop’s message to celebrate all worked to renew our resolve to continue our push forward in ministry to the Galveston community.”
Reedy has a beautiful sanctuary with stained-glass windows and a three-tired chandelier dating back to the early 1900s.
It features an arched ceiling of polished wood enhanced and supported by decorative beams. Reedy also has a pipe organ that is one of only two organs of its kind in the country.
The Reverends Robert Jefferies, Arthur Ferguson and Brenda Payne, the last three pastors of Reedy attended the service and participated on program. The Rev. Robert Jefferies served Reedy for 18 years and the Rev. Brenda Payne was Reedy’s first female pastor, who served until she was reappointed in November 2006.
At the 2006 planning meeting Bishop Ingram appointed the ministry team of the reverends Reginald and Salatheia Honors to serve as the pastoral team at the church.
The chairwomen for the church’s 160th church anniversary were Sister Cornelia Harris Banks, a former Galveston city council member, Alva Courtney and Stephanie Wilson, a NASA astronaut. Courtney’s father served as Reedy’s 35th pastor. She grew up in the church’s parsonage.
The Galveston Heritage Chorale performed during the service along with the Reedy Chapel Senior Choir.
Reedy was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
For those interested in purchasing a DVD of the service or purchasing a commemorative glass plate ($15) that includes a brief history of the church please call 281-835-0519 or write Reedy Chapel P.O. Box 16047, Galveston, TX 77552.
7. DR. SIDNEY A. RIBEAU NAMED HOWARD'S 16TH PRESIDENT:
Dr. Sidney A. Ribeau, Ph.D., has been officially named President of Howard University. Presently, he is president of Bowling Green State University and was the Board of Trustee's unanimous choice. Ribeau will assume presidency on Aug. 1, 2008.
From The Hilltop, the Student newspaper of Howard University
http://www.thehilltoponline.com/?reffeature=htmlbreakingnewsedition
8. THE SECOND S.S. MORRIS SCHOLARSHIP AWARD:
*Dr. Daryl B. Ingram
The Christian Education Department of the African Methodist Episcopal Church has awarded the Dr. S.S. Morris Sr. Christian Education Scholarship to Bro. Daniel Johnson, a second year student at Turner Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center of Atlanta, Georgia.
The scholarship is given annually by the Department to a student at either Payne or Turner Theological Seminary who is majoring Christian Education. Bro. Johnson is the second recipient of this scholarship named for this pioneering Christian Educator of our Zion.
Brother Johnson understands the value of education in Christian ministry and has completed the Church Educator certification. He is a dedicated, talented Christian man with a genuine concern and love of people and commitment to professional Christian ministry. He serves as youth Church School teacher and sings in the Gospel and Men’s choirs.
*Dr. Daryl B. Ingram is the Secretary-Treasurer, Department of Christian Education
9. STREET MINISTRY AT THE GENERAL CONFERENCE: WORKERS NEEDED:
The Dr. James C. Wade of the Department of Church Growth and Development of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is seeking persons to help do Street Ministry on July 3 & 5, 2008 in the city of St. Louis.
There will be a training session prior to going out into the street. Anyone wishing to be a part of this great event of Evangelism should email their name, address, church membership, pastor’s name and episcopal district by email to Dr. Wade: ameharvest@bellsouth.net
If you need further information, please feel free to call the Department of Church Growth and Development: (901) 523 - 2702/523- 2777.
10. MR. STAN MCKENZIE ANNOUNCES THAT AVIS RENTAL CAR IS THE SUPPLIER FOR AME CHURCH GENERAL CONFERENCE:
Mr. Stan McKenzie announces that Avis Rental Car is the supplier for the AME Church General Conference. The Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) Number is GO27978 (it’s a zero after the G).
You may use the Worldwide Discount Number to get a discount on your car rentals beginning immediately and for 10 days following the General Conference.
11. HAMPTON UNIVERSITY MINISTER’S CONFERENCE – AME LUNCHEON:
The 94th Annual Hampton University Ministers’ Conference and 74th Annual Choir Directors’ Organists’ Guild Workshop will be held June 1-6, 2008, on the beautiful campus of Hampton University.
The AME Luncheon will be held at the Hampton Marina Hotel (formerly, the Radisson Hotel) on Thursday, June 5, 2008 at 1:30 p.m.
For more information about the HU Conference: http://minconf.hamptonu.edu/
The Rev. Andre Jefferson, the pastor of Bethel AME Church in Hampton is the coordinator of the AME Luncheon. The Right Reverend Adam Jefferson Richardson is the presiding prelate of the 2nd Episcopal District.
12. CALLING ALL YOUNG PEOPLE OF REGISTERED DELEGATES, ALTERNATES AND OBSERVERS! CAMP AME AND TEEN AME AT THE SITE OF THE 48TH QUADRENNIAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE:
The Fifth Episcopal District Young People’s Division in conjunction with African American Educators and Healthcare Professionals will host CAMP AME
– God Don’t Make No Junk (I Timothy 4:12) for young people ages 4 – 11 and TEEN AME, the Joshua Generation: Leadership for a New Day, ages 12–17.
Camp Dates are Friday, July 4 – Thursday, July 10, 2008, from 9:00AM – 4:30 PM daily.
Our Camp staff includes certified educators in the 5th Episcopal District. The healthcare professionals for CAMP AME/Teen AME are licensed healthcare professionals. Volunteer Aides are YPD Directors, Advisors and Youth Leaders.
Camp Registration is $15 per day and includes Educational and Cultural Experiences, Lunch and 2 snacks each day. Only young people whose parent/guardian is registered with the General Conference as a Delegate, Alternate or Observer may register for CAMP AME/TEEN AME. The Registration Fee is for the entire day or any portion of a day. All fees are payable in advance. Registration fee only applies to the date requested and is not transferable or refundable. Upon receipt of a completed registration form and payment of fee, an application will emailed.
Tentative Daily Activities Updated On May 1, 2008
Camp AME (ages 4—11)
Camp Focus: Each day, the children will be provided a multi-faceted experience of learning, Christian faith, cultural activities and fun. All CAMP AME activities are on-site.
Camp T-Shirt: $10
Friday, July 4th: Water Fun Activities and Independence Day Celebration!
Saturday, July 5th: Creative Arts - Everybody’s Birthday Party
Sunday, July 6th: Getting to Know Jesus! Worship Experience
Monday, July 7th: Science Spectacular with the St. Louis Children’s Museum
Tuesday, July 8th: Math, Science & Medical Fair with St. Louis Science Center
Wednesday, July 9th: Creative Movement
Thursday, July 10th: It’s a Small World After All
Teen AME (ages 12 —17)
Camp Focus: A faith-based experience that includes Discipleship, Ecological Outreach, Conflict Resolution and Cultural Awareness. Activities will be on and off-site.
Camp T-Shirt: $15
Friday, July 4th: Jesus, Reggae and Bar-b-Que
Saturday, July 5th: World of Mission Ecological Outreach With Missouri Department of Conservation* and Quinn Chapel AME Church*
Sunday, July 6th: Discipleship; Youth Worship & Christian Film Festival
Monday, July 7th: Black World History Museum and Tour of Black St. Louis
Tuesday, July 8th: Math, Science & Medical Fair/Washington University Medical School
Wednesday, July 9th: Missouri History Museum in Forest Park, and more!!
Thursday, July 10th: Six Flags St. Louis*
Note: *Participants must participate during “World of Mission” day to attend Six Flags.
We look forward to sharing this great experience with our young people.
The deadline to register young people is Friday, June 27, 2008.
For planning purposes, we are unable to accept on-site registrations!
To receive a copy of the updated CAMP AME/TEEN AME flyer, go to amec5th.org, email us at campame@aol.com. You may also contact us at 303.863.7887.
Bishop John R. Bryant, Presiding Prelate
Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant, Episcopal Supervisor
Beverly Thomas, Episcopal WMS President
Richelle Fry Skinner, Episcopal YPD Director
Ka’Dijah Brown, Episcopal YPD President
Blanche Abernathy, Registrar
13. PROPOSED GENERAL CONFERENCE LEGISLATION IS AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW ON THE OFFICIAL AME WEBSITE:
As we approach the General Conference I would like to remind all that the proposed legislation is available for review at the official AME Church website. To view it the link is: http://www.ame-church.com/news-and-events/general-conference/legislation.php.
The Rev. Jerome Stembridge
http://mtzionameprinceton.com/
14. TOP RECRUITER AND HIS MOTHER, BOTH ACTIVE MEMBERS OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH HONORED BY THE U.S. NAVY:
During a recent U.S. Navy Awards Ceremony at the Pentagon and U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, DC, two ardent members of the African Methodist Episcopal church from one family were honored with extraordinary awards from the U.S. Navy.
Machinist Mate 1st Class (S.W.) Jeffrey Leon Harp was honored as the Recruiter of the Years (RC) NRD Raleigh, and his mother, Mrs. Bernetha Glenn Harp was honored with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Commander of the Navy Recruiting Command.
Both of the U.S. Navy Honorees are active members at Trinity AME Church, Newberry, South Carolina where the pastor is the Reverend Dr. Elijah Sutton. Both mother and daughter are active in Trinity AME Church.
Mrs. Bernetha Glenn Harp is a member of the Women’s Missionary Society, the Stewardess Board, the Trustee Board; Bible School teacher; and Assistant Superintendent of the Sunday School.
Machinist Mate 1st Class (SW) Jeffrey Leon Harp is a member of the Male Chorus; a member of the Junior Steward Board and he is active in Bible Study.
As the Navy Enlisted Recruiter of the Year, AME Jeffrey Leon Harp was honored as one of the thirteen best of more than five-thousand Navy recruiters nation-wide.
In January, 2008 Top Recruiter Jeffrey Leon Harp and his Mother, Mrs. Bernetha Glenn Harp enjoyed six days of luncheons, tours and honors as guests of the U.S. Navy.
Machinist Mate 1st Class (SW) Jeffrey Leon Harp is the second cousin of the Right Reverend Frederick Calhoun James, retired AME Bishop. Mrs. Bernetha Glenn Harp is the first cousin of Bishop James; her mother and Bishop James’ father were siblings.
Submitted by Miss Wilhelmenia E. Miller
15. PENNSYLVANIA GOVERNOR RENDELL HONORS TWO AMES WHO WERE AMONG 18 HONORED FOR CONTRIBUTION, LEADERSHIP IN TOURISM INDUSTRY:
Governor Edward G. Rendell has inducted the first 18 Pennsylvanians into the Keystone Society for Tourism, the highest honor the commonwealth presents to leaders in the tourism industry.
The Governor bestowed the honor during the first Governor's Conference on Tourism in Gettysburg, which was created to focus on preserving the
distinctive character of a community while building economic development through cultural and place-based tourism.
Two AMEs were inducted into the Keystone Society for Tourism: the Rev. Edward M. Bailey, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, ChurchTowne of Lancaster and Mrs. Phoebe Bailey, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, ChurchTowne of Lancaster
16. THE 85TH SESSION OF THE DELAWARE ANNUAL CONFERENCE SPECIAL RESOLUTION:
To: Bishop Richard F. Norris, Mother Mary Ann Norris, Presiding Elder Charles E. Drummer, Jr. Acting Presiding Elder Wayne A. Johnson, Sr., Pastors, Ministers, Spouses, Delegates, Connectional Officers and Friends of the Delaware Annual Conference.
WHEREAS the members of the Delaware Annual conference are saddened by the death of the Rev. Sr James Hill, Sr., Presiding Elder of the Dover District.
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the Delaware Annual Conference acknowledges his life and legacy by remembering his many contributions to African Methodism, and we extend to Mrs. Hill and her family condolences and heartfelt sympathy.
WHEREAS the Right Richard F. Norris and Episcopal Supervisor Mother Mary Ann Norris have served four years in the First Episcopal District with outstanding vision, gracious guidance, business savvy, and compassionate care;
BE IT RESOLVED that with a unified voice we go to the 48th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference 2008 with determination to return Bishop and Mother Norris to the First Episcopal District for the next four years.
WHEREAS President Bush in his State of the Union Address on January 17, 2008 discussed “the hard decisions about peace and war, change in the domestic economy , rising competition in the world economy, health and welfare of our citizens, these issues call for vigorous debate, and I think it is fair to say we’ve answered the call”.
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the church of Allen will continue to embrace all people, acknowledging their particular needs and unique circumstances, and that we seek change and do not accept Bush’s words because they are “just words”.
WHEREAS the United States of America’s current debt exceeds nine trillion (not million, not billion), our national debt is in the excess of nine trillion;
WHEREAS this debt endangers the financial future of our children and grandchildren;
BE IT FUTHER RESOLVED that the candidates present unique opportunities that we may never again witness in our lifetime. The current 8 year administration results make it extremely urgent we will vote and elect an administration dedicated lowering the debt and cutting our taxes.
WHEREAS school accountability is critical and that all schools should be accountable for the physical and emotional well being of students, student learning, teacher learning, equity and access, and ongoing improvement of student achievement;
BE IT RESOLVED the African Methodist Episcopal church advocates and supports parent and teacher collaborations and sufficient funding to enable teachers to improve their teaching standards.
WHEREAS the African Methodist Episcopal Church has a historical logo, tagline, that allows us to be recognizable on a global scale. Our Personal Brand Message (PBM) comes from our content, unique value, proposition and a process of self evaluation. It involves marketing what is really in our name. It calls for us to identify our uniqueness, and how we can promote our uniqueness.
BE IT RESOLVED that the most important element in most entities is brand identify, therefore, the Delaware Annual conference must be proactive in getting its market share in the population visible in Delaware.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Delaware Annual conference stakeholders must realize the best efforts in the work of kingdom, simply trying harder is not the guaranteed solution. The solution from God may lie in trying differently. The difference is not in effort, but in the way the Delaware Conference markets its Personal Brand Message (PBM).
WHEREAS the Rev. Dr. Janet J. Sturdivant and the Asbury African Methodist Episcopal Church hosted the 85th Session of the Delaware Annual Conference in Chester, PA on April 8-13, 2008 with unprecedented hospitality.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Bishop Norris, Mother Norris and the members of the Delaware Annual Conference are forever appreciative, grateful and totally satisfied.
In conclusion, The Committee on special Resolutions requests that the Conference Reporters, Pastors and Delegates disseminate this report and the Social Action report to the local media and congregations.
Respectfully Submitted by the Committee on Special Resolutions: The Reverends: Idola Williams Batson, Natalie P. Alford, Carolyn V. Jordan. All Conference Officers & The social Action committee
17. “GOD IS TRYIN’ TO TELL YOU SOMETHING” - HONORING OUR AME HERITAGE AND “THE COLOR PURPLE:
Rev. Frederick Allen, Jr. and Mrs. Diane Allen
Neatly tucked away along a country road of beautiful rolling green pastures in Eatonton, Georgia, you will find a memorial in the making. The Ward Chapel Historical Museum, Inc. committee plans to honor multiple legacies.
In June, 2002, a committee was initiated by Rev. Ralph and Mrs. Antoinette Bass, now residents of Thomaston, Georgia, Larry Moore, a local historian, Eatonton Mayor John Reid and his wife, Commissioner Janie Reid . Other local clergy, community leaders and volunteers have joined the effort now to bring Ward Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church back to life. This is the church where Alice Walker, author of “The Color Purple” and the first African American female to receive the Pulitzer Prize grew up and received her spiritual training as a child.
The Ward Chapel Historical Museum, Inc. project will also honor the contributions of African Americans in Putnam County and the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The remnants of what will be a special events church and museum was once an African Methodist Episcopal Church located in Eatonton, Georgia. A search through deeds and property documents confirm that Ward Chapel was first established in 1813 by a slave owner. Its purpose was to offer a place of worship for his slaves. According to records written as recently as 1985, the land was donated to the congregation by Mrs. Sarah H. Ward in 1880 and the building was established on Ward Chapel Road. A deed for the building was recorded in the Putnam County Courthouse in 1886.
Over the years, the church was destroyed by fire twice, once in May, 1919 and again in the early 1940’s.
It has not been an operating house of worship for many years however; the sweet, sweet spirit of our Elders is still in the air surrounding this building even as it barely stands today. Plans are beginning to materialize and the committee is prepared now to accept financial assistance, donations and prayers from our brothers and sisters in Christ.
The plan is to honor and acknowledge the history of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. We will bring dignity and honor to Richard Allen and others who quietly and prayerfully led some of our ancestors to build what is now known throughout the world as the African Methodist Episcopal Church. We will trace the AME Church from the humble beginning when Richard Allen and others were asked to leave a place of worship simply because of the color of their skin. Continued growth, commitment to communities and contributions from then to now will be documented for all to see and honor their memories. The museum will also commemorate all those who came behind our Founders and continued to teach and sponsor growth as well as reach back over the oceans and years of degradation of our ancestors with humble beginnings as a people in Africa .Their dedication to preaching and teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ created our growth as a denomination and has spread over many years and many miles to touch the lives of so many in a positive and uplifting manner. This dual legacy will also eventually offer a Youth and Community Foundation.
One individual with roots in this very environment of strength and unity is poet and author, Alice Walker. As a child, she and family members regularly attended services and participated in activities of Ward Chapel AME Church. Our training has taught us from the book of Proverbs, in chapter 22 v6, “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
As an adult with a social conscience and a voice that can be heard all over the world, it is not hard to imagine Alice Walker as a child, sitting in Sunday services, seeing the Elders at work to make a difference in the community and being a recipient of their encouragement. She grew up with a sense of faith that she could be successful regardless of anything that others may consider to be hindrances.
We need to honor the work of the Elders who came before us at Ward Chapel AME Church for offering that training and direction to Alice Walker. Those humble beginnings have molded her spirit to what it is today.
The purpose of the Youth Foundation will be to offer life skills training and extra curricular activities that will encourage and allow the youth of Putnam County and the surrounding areas to dream as big as Alice Walker once dreamed. This Youth Foundation will assist them in the realization of these dreams by exposing them to the world of higher education and the arts.
The time has come for us to pull together to make a difference in all of our communities. This historic site will not only honor and commemorate those who trained us up in the way we should go, but also those like Alice Walker who encourage and speak to people of all places, cultures and ethnicities today and continue to share the wisdom she has acquired in her transition to the role of Elder in our community and our world.
God is tryin’ to tell us that the time has come for us to honor our heritage and create venues such as this that will transcend generations and instill a sense of priceless pride for our children.
The deeds are prepared, the architects have drawn the outline, and the future for our children is our responsibility. The committee respectfully requests donations from our sisters and brothers in Christ and from the community at large to support this project.
We are legally operating as Ward Chapel Historical Museum, Inc., with non-profit status. If you would like to make a donation, please do so and the appropriate tax identification information will be provided.
Donations may be submitted via mail directly to the following address: Ward Chapel Historical Museum, Inc. P.O. Box 4244 Eatonton, Georgia 31024.
Diane Moss-Allen
18. PETER GROFF UNANIMOUSLY ELECTED FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN PRESIDENT OF COLORADO SENATE:
*Chaplain Lonzie Symonette
Senator Peter Groff lives in the 5th Episcopal District where the Right Reverend John R. Bryant is Presiding Prelate and the Episcopal Supervisor is the Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant. The Presiding Elder is Andrew L. Simpson, Jr., Rocky Mountain District of the Desert Mountain Conference.
A Democrat, and a child of God, Peter Groff is a member of Campbell AMEC, Denver Colorado, where Peter’s wife the Reverend Regina Groff is the pastor. Reverend Regina is completing the PhD program at University of Denver in May 2008. The Groffs’ have two darling children - Malachi, age 7 and Moriah, age 5.
Senator Groff was elected Senate president earlier this year, making him the first African American in state history to hold the post. “I understand that it is not just my hand that takes the gavel today,” Groff said as the Legislature convened for a 120-day session. “I understand that it is the hands of my relatives who toiled under the overseer’s whip on the red clay of Georgia that take this gavel today on the red carpet of the Colorado Senate.”
Senator Goff’s wife, Pastor Regina, “led the senators in the traditional morning prayer, closing by asking God to help “the one who holds the gavel.’" Senator Groff responded at the conclusion of the prayer, “Thank you, honey.”
In the speech, Groff quoted a favorite Bible verse from Isaiah, “You shall be called the repairer of the breach and the restorer of pathways to dwell.” From a family of lifelong AME members, the senator who is forty-four years old, was born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in Denver, Colorado. His parents are the former State Senator Regis Groff and Mrs. Ada Groff. Sister Ada is the Desert Mountain Conference Lay Organization Parliamentarian and assistant recording secretary of the Fifth Episcopal District Lay Organization. Two of Senator Peter Groff’s great grandparents were AME ministers.
In the state president position, he also became the highest-ranking black elected official in Colorado, third in the line of succession to the governor. In addition to his work at the capital, Peter founded the Center for African American Policy (CAAP) at the University of Denver in 1997, where he is currently the executive director and a senior lecturer, teaching courses on race in politics and public policy.
In 2004, Senator Groff co-authored a book with Denver City Council President Michael Hancock entitled, Standing in the Gap: Leadership in the 21st Century, focusing on Black leaders in American politics. Peter is also a founding publisher of Blackpolicy.org along with Charles D. Ellison, senior fellow at the CAAP. The two also write a monthly column for The Washington Times.
According to Peter, his biggest accomplishments included Colorado becoming the first state to outlaw racial profiling; an accomplishment he maneuvered while in the minority party of the House and while the state had a republican governor. Other major successes were requiring booster seats for young children, securing funding to combat disparities in the health care system, and getting a two-thirds Senate vote for Referendum C, which revised state tax laws to maintain funding for various government programs.
*Chaplain Lonzie Symonette is a Hospice & Palliative Care Board Certified Association of Professional Chaplain and an Itinerant Elder, Payne Chapel AMEC. She is also the Rocky Mountain District Reporter
19. THE DESERT MOUNTAIN CONFERENCE LAY ORGANIZATION 14TH ANNUAL MEETING:
*Chaplain Lonzie Symonette
The Desert Mountain Conference Lay organization 14th Annual Meeting was held April 24-26, 2008. The meeting was hosted by Payne Chapel AMEC, Colorado Springs where the Rev. Jesse Brown, Jr. is the pastor. The guest speaker for the closing banquet was the Honorable Peter Groff, who is also a member of the Lay Organization. The title of his talk was “We Have Time,” taken Galatians 6:10. Leadership support was present in the persons of the Presiding Elder of the Rocky Mountain District, the Rev. Andrew L. Simpson Jr. and Mr. Thomas Sutton, Sr., of Phoenix, AZ, President of the 5th Episcopal District Lay Organization and his wife, Evelyn. The President of the Desert Mountain Conference Lay Organization, L. C. DeMon Carey, of Phoenix, Arizona and his wife, Sister Ivy, along with many D/MCLO Officers and members were in attendance. A large gathering of the Colorado Springs community, including YPD’ers and supporting AMEC membership from across the Desert Mountain Conference were also in attendance.
The minister of music, Brother Sam Bryant, blessed the gathering with piano selections. In addition, we lifted up the Name of Jesus by a hand-clapping solo led by Pastor Jesse Brown Jr. The Payne Chapel Mass choir under the directorship of Brother Sam was a part of the evening program.
Before the Lay Organization banquet began, Senator Groff was asked, “What was one of the many highlights you have experienced since taking the seat of Presidency? After a pause and thoughtful consideration he said, “It was when I spoke to the chamber on MLK Day. I have spoken before on MLK Day, but this time, as President, it was different."
When asked what had been one of the most distasteful times he had experienced since being elected President? He replied, "When politics takes priority over policies."
Senator Groff is unapologetic about his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He would be one of the first to tell anybody, "I've come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord, Trusting in His holy Word, He has never failed me yet."
Presiding Elder Andrew L. Simpson held the Rocky Mountain District Conference at Allen AMEC, Cheyenne, Wyoming, May 1st-3rd
The Pastor of Allen AMEC is Carieta Cain Grizzell. Pastor Grizzell and her husband the Rev. Martin Grizzell traveled from Cheyenne, Wyoming to the afternoon service of WIM 4th Annual Day held in Denver, CO, April 27, 2008.
*Chaplain Lonzie Symonette is a Hospice & Palliative Care Board Certified Association of Professional Chaplain and an Itinerant Elder, Payne Chapel AMEC. She is also the Rocky Mountain District Reporter
20. FOURTH ANNUAL ROCKY MOUNTAIN DISTRICT WOMEN IN MINISTRY (WIM) WORSHIP SERVICE DAY:
*Chaplain Lonzie Symonette
Fourth Annual Rocky Mountain District Women In Ministry (WIM) Worship Service Day was held at Shorter Community AMEC, Denver, CO, April 27th, 2008. The Pastor of Shorter is Joseph C. Nixon. The Theme for the WIM annual event was: Managing Well—Don’t Back Down; Empowering Women In Ministry; Scripture Text: Hebrews 10:35; I Thessalonians. 5:11.
Six preaching Women In Ministry of the Rocky Mountain District proclaimed the Word of God with power, authority and great joy.
The preachers were Evangelist Jean A. Green, a member at Christ Our Redeemer, Pastor Charlene A. Wisher, Sisters Nichole L. Johnson and Sefra K. Powell, members at Shorter Community, Pastor Joseph C. Nixon, Exhorter Zelda Lawson, Allen AMEC, Cheyenne, Wyoming; Pastor Carieta Cain Grizzell, Itinerate Deacon; Sister Vernell Murphy a member at Payne Chapel, Colorado Springs; Pastor Jesse Brown Jr., Itinerate Deacon; Sister Dorothy Whitaker a member at Jordan Chapel, Denver; and Pastor Benjamin D. Watson, Sr.
The Old Rugged Cross was sung by Sister Rochele Love. The Reverend Naomi O. Harris, the RMD WIM Coordinator worked tirelessly and prayerfully with the entire team of over fifteen WIM in organizing this annual event. Neighboring AME Churches supported and joined in carrying out the WIM mission: To define, enhance, support, and expand the presence of women in ministry in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Because of JESUS, all is well in The Rocky Mountain District.
*Chaplain Lonzie Symonette is a Hospice & Palliative Care Board Certified Association of Professional Chaplain and an Itinerant Elder, Payne Chapel AMEC. She is also the Rocky Mountain District Reporter
21. SISTER ETHEL COFFEE BROWN BECOMES DEACONESS AT ST. JAMES A.M.E. CHURCH, LIVE OAKS, FLORIDA:
Sister Ethel Coffee Brown, 84, of St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church of Live Oak was consecrated a deaconess. The responsibilities of a deaconess are to encourage, foster and improve the general interests of the church, cheer the fallen, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick and train others for the work of a deaconess.
The Rev. John Hurst Adams, retired bishop, performed the consecration rites. Sharing in the ceremony were the Rev. Marian Gibbons, pastor of St. James Church, Live Oak, the Rev. Latonja Floyd, the Rev. Hudson Williamson and the Rev. Michael Mitchell.
22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We announce with regret the passing of Mrs. Ritchie Hartsfield Brown, Freshman Seminar Coordinator/Instructor at Bethune-Cookman University, the Sister of Mrs. Penny H. White and the sister-in-law of the Rev. Dr. John F. White, Sr., Pastor of Mount Hermon A.M.E. Church in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Memorial Service and Homegoing Celebration for Mrs. Ritchie Hartsfield Brown are as follows:
Memorial service:
Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at 11:00 AM
Bethune-Cookman University Campus Chapel
640 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd
Daytona Beach, FL 32141
(386) 481-2000
Professional services:
Thompson Funeral Home
901 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd.
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
The Homegoing Celebration:
Friday, May 9, 2008 at 11:00 AM
Fountain Chapel AME Church
821 Eugenia Street
Tallahassee, FL 32310
850-222-3800
Professional services:
Strong and Jones Funeral Home
551 W. Carolina St
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Expressions of condolences may be sent to
Rev. Dr. John F. & Penny H. White
3065 S W 189th Avenue
Miramar, FL 33029
954-438-6378 or 954-665-3101
Email expressions: phw137@bellsouth.net
23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Presiding Elder Joseph D. Tull who passed away on Wednesday, April 30, 2008. He was the retired Presiding Elder of the Dover District in the Delaware Conference. Rev. Tull also served as the First Episcopal District Statistician for many years.
The funeral has been held.
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Charlotte Tull
113 Dorman Street
P. O. Box 57
Harrington, DE 19952
Phone: 302-398-8277
Or
Mt. Zion AME Church
see above for information
Please remember the family of Reverend Joseph D. Tull in your prayers.
24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Presiding Elder Theodore R. Evans (Jamesina), Omaha/Wichita District-Kansas/Nebraska Conference, lost his brother, Mr. Emmett Gill, Sr. this week in Durham, NC.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of sympathy for Presiding Elder and Mrs. Theodore R. Evans may be sent to:
4330 Southeast 25th Street
Topeka, KS 66605
(785) 232-2009
E-mail: Jmete1@aol.com.
25. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Sister Pauline Wright who passed away on Sunday, April 27, 2008. She was the mother-in-law of Rev. Cecil Bonds, pastor of Mt. Zion AME Church in Riverton, New Jersey (New Jersey Conference, Camden/Trenton District). The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
The funeral has been held.
Condolences may be sent to:
Reverends Cecil and Jean Bonds
17 Paris Lane
Avenel, NJ 07001
Phone: 732-634-7346
Fax: 732-634-5365
Please remember the family of Sister Pauline Wright in your prayers.
Dolores M. Clinton
1st Episcopal District
phone: 215-662-0506
FAX: 215-662-0199
26. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Rev. Johnnie L. Hunter - Pastor of the Norwood Circuit - in the Sixth Episcopal District, Augusta Georgia Conference/Augusta-Athens District lost her mother (Mrs. Adell Davis Maze) in death. Mrs. Adell Davis Maze succumbed to her death on Saturday, April 26th.
The funeral has been held.
Condolences may be sent to:
Reverend Johnnie L. Hunter
133 Lawson Lane
Sandersville, GA 31082
Phone 478 - 552-6438
27. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Please be informed that Bro. Basil Mabole the father-in-law of Rev. Mark E. Pietersen our Pastor at Mt. Zion AME Church in De Doorns ( Fifteenth Episcopal District) passed on to Glory this morning (5 May 2008) just before 5 a.m.
Condolences can be sent to Rev. Mark at 084 603 5676 or 073 024 4193 or mepietersen@webmail.co.za
28. 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
29. 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. SOME OF THE THINGS MY MOTHER TAUGHT ME:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
- “You can’t change others, you can only change yourself.”
- “The dog that bears the bone carries the bone” or “She or he who bears the tale carries the tale.”
- “It’s not what people call you; it’s what you answer to.”
- “Admit when you are wrong.”
Don't let the fear of the unknown stop your progress. When you step out, there's always the possibility of making some wrong decisions along the way. Don't be so concerned about being right that you play the blame game or deny being wrong altogether. If you are wrong, admit it so you can move on to a solution and continue to progress.
“The person of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.” (Proverbs. 10:9)
"One of the hardest things in this world is to admit you are wrong. And nothing is more helpful in resolving a situation than its frank admission." Benjamin Disraeli
- “Face up to mistakes.”
Mistakes are a part of learning. You will never succeed if you do not try. And anyone who has ever tried something new has made mistakes. To face up to mistakes and adjust where necessary is a mark of mental maturity, personal strength and individual character.
- You can’t stay in the bed all day.”
“Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty.” Proverbs 20:13a
- “Be open to new learning.”
Just because you've always done something one way, doesn't make it the best for today. Be willing to try out new ideas and information that come your way. Know that God is a God of strategy. If you are open and willing, He will give to you exactly what you need, when you need it. “Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.” (Proverbs 19:20)
"Change should be a friend. Slowness to change usually means fear of the new." Philip Crosby
- Be willing to change and adapt.
Success comes from a series of adjustments along the path of learning. This ability makes your mistakes worthwhile and enables you to keep things fresh and flowing in a positive direction.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6)
"If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we aren't really living. "Gail Sheehy
- “Shun mediocrity and never become a friend with complacency”
When you do begin to rise above mediocrity, don't allow yourself to be lulled into a false sense of security. The only antidote to stagnation is to keep moving. A successful leader is one who continues to learn, grow, and develop into the person that God has designed him or her to be.
“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)
- “Life is a series of compromises.”
“The only true freedom each of us has in life is the freedom to choose. But once we choose, we become the servant of our choices.” John C. Maxwell
- “Sometimes your attitude will carry you beyond your abilities.”
- “You are not what you think you are. What you think, you are.”
- “Character is what you do when no one is watching.”
- “Don’t say everything that comes to your mind.”
- “A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.” Proverbs 29:11
- “Learn to Love and learn to live each moment in love.”
- “Love is a choice.”
- “Maim them with kindness; kill them with love.”
2. THE 48TH QUADRENNIAL SESSION OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH GENERAL CONFERENCE NEWS WILL BE AVAILABLE DAILY:
*Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
The Christian Recorder, the official newspaper of the African Methodist Episcopal Church will provide daily coverage of General Conference that meets in St. Louis July 3-11.
The Christian Recorder will post General Conference news daily. The General Conference news coverage will be available in English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Dutch.
The ongoing coverage will be available both online and by e-mail.
The Christian Recorder subscribers will automatically receive all of the English-language news stories. Foreign language news stories will have to be requested. The Christian Recorder's coverage of the General Conference will allow subscribers to get the news almost as it happens during the course of the day. People who aren't currently subscribers but would like to receive this free service can sign up at www.the-christian-recorder.org.
All of the news team's content will be accessible at www.the-christian-recorder.org on July 4, 2008.
The Christian Recorder is looking into audio and video streaming.
3. THE FIFTEENTH QUADRENNIAL DEBUTANTE-MASTER DEDICATION CEREMONY AT THE 48TH GENERAL CONFERENCE:
The Connectional Christian Debutante-Master Dedication Commission Cordially invites you, your family, and friends to share in the Fifteenth Quadrennial Debutante-Master Dedication Ceremony, which will be held at the in St. Louis at the 48th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The dedication ceremony will be held on Sunday, July 6, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. at the Grand Renaissance Hotel, 800 Washington Avenue in St. Louis.
The Right Rev. Robert Vaughn Webster is the chair of the Commission on Christian Education; the Rev. Dr. Daryl B. Ingram is Secretary- Treasurer of the Department of Christian Education; Mrs. Loretta Hill is the Administrator for the Christian Debutante-Masters; Mrs. Gloria Ward is the co-chair of DMC Dedication; and Mrs. Felita Grady Davis, co-chair, DMC Dedication.
4. A LIFE TO REMEMBER - THE REV. DR. GEORGE LOVELACE CHAMPION, SR.- PASTOR, HUSBAND, FATHER, EDUCATOR, AUTHOR, EVANGELIST, COMMUNITY LEADER, HUMANITARIAN:
*Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
The Homegoing celebration for the Reverend Dr. George Champion was a homegoing fit for a champion. The Right Reverend McKinley Young, presiding prelate for the 11th Episcopal District served as the chief liturgist and the Right Reverend Philip R. Cousin, the senior Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church delivered the eulogy. The Right Reverend Richard Allen Chappelle, presiding prelate of the 12th Episcopal District and retired bishop, retired bishop, the Rt. Rev. Frank C. Cummings, and retired bishop, the Right Reverend Zedekiah Grady were in attendance as well as general officers: the Rev. Dr. Dennis Dickerson, Dr. Richard Allen Lewis, the Rev. Dr. Clement Fugh, the Rev. Dr. Johnny Barbour, the Rev. Dr. George F. Flowers; the Rev. Dr. Daryl Ingram, the Rev. Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the Rev. Dr. Ricky Spain and the Rev. Dr. Kenneth H. Hill . Connectional officers and clergy from the 11th Episcopal District and from across the AME Church was in attendance to bid farewell to “Champ.”
St. Mark AME Church and its pastor, the Rev. Terence R. Gray was gracious in accommodating the large crowd and insuring that the celebration was befitting for a Champion. The Central Conference Choir was magnificent and the Rev. LeRoy Kennon, Presiding Elder, of the Orlando District, who gave the invocation, set the tone for the service.
The Scriptures were given by the Rev. Willie Mae Hogan, pastor of Mt. Sinai AME Church, Medulla, Florida; the Rev. J. Arthur McDonald, pastor of St. Matthews AMEC, Summerton, South Carolina: and the Rev. Gillard Glover, pastor First AMEC in Palm Coast, Florida.
Expressions were delivered by Mr. Jim Way, President, Capernaum Ministry, Lakeland, Florida, the Rev. Randolph Bracy, Jr., Senior Pastor of New Covenant, Orlando, Florida and the Rev. Dr. Mack King Carter, Sr. Pastor of Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Mr. Gregory Teague sang a solo and Reflections were given by Community, Political, Education leaders or their designees, Commissioner Samuel B. Ings, City of Orlando, District 6, Ms Kathleen “Kat” Gordon, OCPS, School Board Member, District 5; the Rev. Willie C. Barnes, President of the African American Council of Christian Clergy in Orlando.
Additional reflections were given by the Rev. Thelma Shaw Young, Retired Presiding Elder West Florida Conference; Mr. A. J. Kleckley, Steward, St. Mark A.M.E. Church, Orlando; the Rev. Edrena Houston Brown of Ft. Lauderdale; the Rev. Henry E. Green, Son in Ministry Jr., pastor Mt. Hermon A.M.E. Church, Miami. A solo tribute was given by Bishop Thomas S. Lee, Jr., pastor of EBON Temple in Orlando; the Rev. Dr. Dennis Dickerson, Historiographer / Executive Director, Department of Research and Scholarship; retired bishop, the Rt. Rev. Frank C. Cummings; Mr. Love Williams, St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church, Plant City, Florida, Brother George L. Champion, Jr., Son of Dr. Champion and a member of St. Philip A.M.E. Church in Atlanta; and the Rev. Ann Champion Shaw, Dr. Champion's daughter, of Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church, Kansas City, Missouri.
The Resolutions were acknowledged by the Rev. Cynthia Hinson Graham, Assistant Pastor pf New Covenant in Orlando and the acknowledgements were given by Mrs. Joyce McCoy, St. James A.M.E. Church, Sanford, Florida.
The sermonic hymn, “It Is Well With My Soul” was lined by the Rev. Dr. John F. Green, pastor of Bethel AME Church, Tallahassee and the Dean designate of Turner Theological Seminary at ITC in Atlanta, GA
Nativity
The genesis of the life of George Lovelace Champion was God’s blessing to the union of the Rev. and Mrs. George M. and Annie Mae Williams Champion of Jacksonville, Florida. He was the oldest of four children.
Family
Dr. Champion treasured being a husband and founder. He was married to Bettie F. Davis Champion. They were the parents of six children: George L. Champion, Jr., Kevin R. Davis, Sr. (Angela), Tymy M. Champion, Rev. Ann Champion Shaw (Rev. Robert R. Shaw), David M. Champion, Jon R. Frazier. His biological family, included brothers and sisters: Jessie Champion Jenkins (John E.), Lewis G. Champion (Ruth), Patience Champion Mitchell; sister-in-law: Lonnie J. Ford (Jim); adopted sister: Dee Frazier; grandchildren: Dyrell Brown Champion, Kevin R. Davis, Jr., Raven N. L. Shaw, Robert R. Shaw, III; nieces and nephews: Joycelyn Jenkins Thomas, Perry Plaine (Marsha), Atty. Lynita Mitchell Blackwell (Rev. Brian Blackwell), Patricia A. Mitchell, Jamye L. Ford, Jamia R. Ford; grand-nieces and grand-nephews: Edward R. Thomas, Aaron R. Thomas, Jessica L. Thomas, Perry Plaine, Jr., Brianna Plaine, Justin C. Young, Jr., Angelica G. Blackwell; and a host of cousins. His extended family includes numerous Godchildren and many friends.
Religious Affiliations
Rev. Dr. Champion inherited a Christian legacy by birth into a family of believers. In their daily living and through their affiliation in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, they exhibited strong Christian values. He was a fourth generation African Methodist Itinerant Elder.
Education
His formal education included obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Edward Waters College in Jacksonville (1965); Masters of Divinity degree from Turner Theological Seminary ITC in Atlanta, Georgia (1967); Doctoral Study at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, Pittsburgh, PA. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Edward Waters College.
Professional Career
In his professional career, he has served God’s people well. He has achieved celebrated status as an accomplished Visionary, Pastor, Author, Educator, and Ecumenist. At the time of his death, he was serving as pastor of Historic St. James AMEC in Sanford, Florida. He was influential in serving God’s people as Master Pastor serving churches in Florida and Georgia; Dean of Turner Theological Seminary ITC, Atlanta Georgia; Dream Keeper and Builder of Saint Mark A.M.E. Church, Orlando, Florida; Dean of B. F. Lee Seminary, Jacksonville, Florida; member of the World Evangelism of the World Methodist Council; General Officer of the African Methodist Episcopal Church; and Workshop Presenter for Orange County Public Schools. His services and pastoral charges began in 1966 and included, St. Mark AMEC, Lumpkin, Georgia; Rock Temple AMEC, Conyers, Georgia; St. John AMEC, Atlanta; St. Mark AMEC, Orlando; St. Paul AMEC, Tampa; St. Paul AMEC, Delray Beach, Florida; Bethel AMEC, Lakeland, Florida; Greater Grant AMEC, Jacksonville, Florida; St. Paul AMEC, Ft. Pierce, Florida; General Officer, AME Church Department of Evangelism; Bethel AMEC, Gainesville, Florida; and upon his death, was serving as the pastor of St. James AMEC, Sanford, Florida.
Professional Contributions
Distinguished as a pastor, builder, evangelist, eloquent orator, lecturer and church administrator, he published extensively and authored 10 books on Christian Education and Ministerial Training. His sermons, lectures, and consulting are known throughout the country. A partial listing of significant committees on which he served are: Board of Trustees of Edward Waters College, Executive Committee of the Florida Council of Churches, Member of the World Evangelism of the World Methodist Council, and Past delegate to the National Assembly of Consultation on Church Union. He was founder of the African American Council of Christian Clergy (AACCC), Orlando, FL.
Selected Achievements as a General Officer
As Executive Director of the Department of Growth and Development of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (1992-2004), he was distinguished in establishing ten ministries and developed an administrative staff of 25 Connectional, Regional and Episcopal directors; facilitated the training and certification of over 350 ministry workers in the Prison and Evangelistic Ministries; and expanded The Secret Chamber devotional subscription base by 80% during his tenure as Executive Director, Department of Church Growth and Development.
Publications
He wrote and published several books for the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the African-American church as well, which include:
- The Pastor’s Manual of the A.M.E. Church, Volumes I and II
- The New Catechism for Youth, Probationers and Members of African Methodism
- Black Methodism Basic Beliefs
- Christian Education for the African American Church
- The Pastor’s Manual for the 21st Century Church, Volumes I and II
- The African Methodist Evangelistic Network Manual
- 100 Illustrations for Preaching and Speaking
- Reaching, Teaching and Growing African-American Believers
Affiliations (Partial Listing):
-Theta Phi International Scholastic Society
-Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
-The Toastmasters International
-NAACP
-Rainbow PUSH Coalition
-National Council of Churches
-Ecumenist Member of the World Evangelism of the World Methodist Council
-Executive Committee of the Florida Council of Churches
-Past Delegate to the National Assembly of Constitution on Church Union
The Reverend Dr. George Lovelace Champion, Sr. led a life of extraordinary courage and strength. He was sent to us by God “for such a time as this” and leaves a legacy inspired by his visionary and ingenious mind.
Throughout his illustrious career he mentored and fostered 66 sons and daughters in the ministry. He afforded his family, friends, members of his church and those who knew him the opportunity to participate in, "The Champion Experience: the experience of a Champion through - The Man, The Legend, and The Legacy."
*Extracted from the Homegoing program bulletin and the obituary of the late Reverend Dr. George Lovelace Champion
6. THE RIGHT REVEREND GREGORY G.M. INGRAM PREACHED FOR THE 160TH REEDY ANNIVERSARY SERVICE:
By the Rev. Salatheia Bryant-Honors
The 160th church anniversary service began with the choir and congregation singing, “We’ve Come This Far by Faith” as Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram, the presiding prelate of the 10th episcopal district and other ministers made their way into the historic Galveston, Texas church sanctuary.
The Mother Church of African Methodism in Texas celebrated its 160th anniversary in grand style with Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram, the presiding prelate of the Tenth Episcopal District, and others joining in the spirited celebration service that took place March 9. The theme for the occasion was “Remembering the Past, Ministering in the Present and Preparing for the Future.” Members of the church came dressed in black and gold.
Bishop Ingram preached “Let’s Celebrate.” He said the anniversary was a cause for celebration.
“Nothing critiques us so much as history. If we read it right, it gives us a greater perspective of what God has done,” said Bishop Ingram. “Here we are remembering where God has brought us. We have a right and a reason to celebrate.”
The church was filled with worshippers and pastors from throughout the Tenth Episcopal District. In addition to the service, the Trustee Board also rededicated a marquee in honor of Dr. R.H. Stanton, who served as a member of the trustee board under the leadership of three pastors before his death. The congregation also honored Bro. Theasel Henderson, a longtime Steward, for his work to the church. The sanctuary was decorated with pictures of the past. The church’s archives room was also opened for visitors to examine Reedy’s historic artifacts.
Galveston Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas also addressed the congregation.
Senior pastor Reginald K. Honors said the event was a service to remember.
“The service and the celebration both symbolized Reedy’s commitment to reflecting on what God has done while embracing the possibility of a bright future,” said Reginald Honors. “The singing, the atmosphere and Bishop’s message to celebrate all worked to renew our resolve to continue our push forward in ministry to the Galveston community.”
Reedy has a beautiful sanctuary with stained-glass windows and a three-tired chandelier dating back to the early 1900s.
It features an arched ceiling of polished wood enhanced and supported by decorative beams. Reedy also has a pipe organ that is one of only two organs of its kind in the country.
The Reverends Robert Jefferies, Arthur Ferguson and Brenda Payne, the last three pastors of Reedy attended the service and participated on program. The Rev. Robert Jefferies served Reedy for 18 years and the Rev. Brenda Payne was Reedy’s first female pastor, who served until she was reappointed in November 2006.
At the 2006 planning meeting Bishop Ingram appointed the ministry team of the reverends Reginald and Salatheia Honors to serve as the pastoral team at the church.
The chairwomen for the church’s 160th church anniversary were Sister Cornelia Harris Banks, a former Galveston city council member, Alva Courtney and Stephanie Wilson, a NASA astronaut. Courtney’s father served as Reedy’s 35th pastor. She grew up in the church’s parsonage.
The Galveston Heritage Chorale performed during the service along with the Reedy Chapel Senior Choir.
Reedy was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
For those interested in purchasing a DVD of the service or purchasing a commemorative glass plate ($15) that includes a brief history of the church please call 281-835-0519 or write Reedy Chapel P.O. Box 16047, Galveston, TX 77552.
7. DR. SIDNEY A. RIBEAU NAMED HOWARD'S 16TH PRESIDENT:
Dr. Sidney A. Ribeau, Ph.D., has been officially named President of Howard University. Presently, he is president of Bowling Green State University and was the Board of Trustee's unanimous choice. Ribeau will assume presidency on Aug. 1, 2008.
From The Hilltop, the Student newspaper of Howard University
http://www.thehilltoponline.com/?reffeature=htmlbreakingnewsedition
8. THE SECOND S.S. MORRIS SCHOLARSHIP AWARD:
*Dr. Daryl B. Ingram
The Christian Education Department of the African Methodist Episcopal Church has awarded the Dr. S.S. Morris Sr. Christian Education Scholarship to Bro. Daniel Johnson, a second year student at Turner Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center of Atlanta, Georgia.
The scholarship is given annually by the Department to a student at either Payne or Turner Theological Seminary who is majoring Christian Education. Bro. Johnson is the second recipient of this scholarship named for this pioneering Christian Educator of our Zion.
Brother Johnson understands the value of education in Christian ministry and has completed the Church Educator certification. He is a dedicated, talented Christian man with a genuine concern and love of people and commitment to professional Christian ministry. He serves as youth Church School teacher and sings in the Gospel and Men’s choirs.
*Dr. Daryl B. Ingram is the Secretary-Treasurer, Department of Christian Education
9. STREET MINISTRY AT THE GENERAL CONFERENCE: WORKERS NEEDED:
The Dr. James C. Wade of the Department of Church Growth and Development of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is seeking persons to help do Street Ministry on July 3 & 5, 2008 in the city of St. Louis.
There will be a training session prior to going out into the street. Anyone wishing to be a part of this great event of Evangelism should email their name, address, church membership, pastor’s name and episcopal district by email to Dr. Wade: ameharvest@bellsouth.net
If you need further information, please feel free to call the Department of Church Growth and Development: (901) 523 - 2702/523- 2777.
10. MR. STAN MCKENZIE ANNOUNCES THAT AVIS RENTAL CAR IS THE SUPPLIER FOR AME CHURCH GENERAL CONFERENCE:
Mr. Stan McKenzie announces that Avis Rental Car is the supplier for the AME Church General Conference. The Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) Number is GO27978 (it’s a zero after the G).
You may use the Worldwide Discount Number to get a discount on your car rentals beginning immediately and for 10 days following the General Conference.
11. HAMPTON UNIVERSITY MINISTER’S CONFERENCE – AME LUNCHEON:
The 94th Annual Hampton University Ministers’ Conference and 74th Annual Choir Directors’ Organists’ Guild Workshop will be held June 1-6, 2008, on the beautiful campus of Hampton University.
The AME Luncheon will be held at the Hampton Marina Hotel (formerly, the Radisson Hotel) on Thursday, June 5, 2008 at 1:30 p.m.
For more information about the HU Conference: http://minconf.hamptonu.edu/
The Rev. Andre Jefferson, the pastor of Bethel AME Church in Hampton is the coordinator of the AME Luncheon. The Right Reverend Adam Jefferson Richardson is the presiding prelate of the 2nd Episcopal District.
12. CALLING ALL YOUNG PEOPLE OF REGISTERED DELEGATES, ALTERNATES AND OBSERVERS! CAMP AME AND TEEN AME AT THE SITE OF THE 48TH QUADRENNIAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE:
The Fifth Episcopal District Young People’s Division in conjunction with African American Educators and Healthcare Professionals will host CAMP AME
– God Don’t Make No Junk (I Timothy 4:12) for young people ages 4 – 11 and TEEN AME, the Joshua Generation: Leadership for a New Day, ages 12–17.
Camp Dates are Friday, July 4 – Thursday, July 10, 2008, from 9:00AM – 4:30 PM daily.
Our Camp staff includes certified educators in the 5th Episcopal District. The healthcare professionals for CAMP AME/Teen AME are licensed healthcare professionals. Volunteer Aides are YPD Directors, Advisors and Youth Leaders.
Camp Registration is $15 per day and includes Educational and Cultural Experiences, Lunch and 2 snacks each day. Only young people whose parent/guardian is registered with the General Conference as a Delegate, Alternate or Observer may register for CAMP AME/TEEN AME. The Registration Fee is for the entire day or any portion of a day. All fees are payable in advance. Registration fee only applies to the date requested and is not transferable or refundable. Upon receipt of a completed registration form and payment of fee, an application will emailed.
Tentative Daily Activities Updated On May 1, 2008
Camp AME (ages 4—11)
Camp Focus: Each day, the children will be provided a multi-faceted experience of learning, Christian faith, cultural activities and fun. All CAMP AME activities are on-site.
Camp T-Shirt: $10
Friday, July 4th: Water Fun Activities and Independence Day Celebration!
Saturday, July 5th: Creative Arts - Everybody’s Birthday Party
Sunday, July 6th: Getting to Know Jesus! Worship Experience
Monday, July 7th: Science Spectacular with the St. Louis Children’s Museum
Tuesday, July 8th: Math, Science & Medical Fair with St. Louis Science Center
Wednesday, July 9th: Creative Movement
Thursday, July 10th: It’s a Small World After All
Teen AME (ages 12 —17)
Camp Focus: A faith-based experience that includes Discipleship, Ecological Outreach, Conflict Resolution and Cultural Awareness. Activities will be on and off-site.
Camp T-Shirt: $15
Friday, July 4th: Jesus, Reggae and Bar-b-Que
Saturday, July 5th: World of Mission Ecological Outreach With Missouri Department of Conservation* and Quinn Chapel AME Church*
Sunday, July 6th: Discipleship; Youth Worship & Christian Film Festival
Monday, July 7th: Black World History Museum and Tour of Black St. Louis
Tuesday, July 8th: Math, Science & Medical Fair/Washington University Medical School
Wednesday, July 9th: Missouri History Museum in Forest Park, and more!!
Thursday, July 10th: Six Flags St. Louis*
Note: *Participants must participate during “World of Mission” day to attend Six Flags.
We look forward to sharing this great experience with our young people.
The deadline to register young people is Friday, June 27, 2008.
For planning purposes, we are unable to accept on-site registrations!
To receive a copy of the updated CAMP AME/TEEN AME flyer, go to amec5th.org, email us at campame@aol.com. You may also contact us at 303.863.7887.
Bishop John R. Bryant, Presiding Prelate
Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant, Episcopal Supervisor
Beverly Thomas, Episcopal WMS President
Richelle Fry Skinner, Episcopal YPD Director
Ka’Dijah Brown, Episcopal YPD President
Blanche Abernathy, Registrar
13. PROPOSED GENERAL CONFERENCE LEGISLATION IS AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW ON THE OFFICIAL AME WEBSITE:
As we approach the General Conference I would like to remind all that the proposed legislation is available for review at the official AME Church website. To view it the link is: http://www.ame-church.com/news-and-events/general-conference/legislation.php.
The Rev. Jerome Stembridge
http://mtzionameprinceton.com/
14. TOP RECRUITER AND HIS MOTHER, BOTH ACTIVE MEMBERS OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH HONORED BY THE U.S. NAVY:
During a recent U.S. Navy Awards Ceremony at the Pentagon and U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, DC, two ardent members of the African Methodist Episcopal church from one family were honored with extraordinary awards from the U.S. Navy.
Machinist Mate 1st Class (S.W.) Jeffrey Leon Harp was honored as the Recruiter of the Years (RC) NRD Raleigh, and his mother, Mrs. Bernetha Glenn Harp was honored with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Commander of the Navy Recruiting Command.
Both of the U.S. Navy Honorees are active members at Trinity AME Church, Newberry, South Carolina where the pastor is the Reverend Dr. Elijah Sutton. Both mother and daughter are active in Trinity AME Church.
Mrs. Bernetha Glenn Harp is a member of the Women’s Missionary Society, the Stewardess Board, the Trustee Board; Bible School teacher; and Assistant Superintendent of the Sunday School.
Machinist Mate 1st Class (SW) Jeffrey Leon Harp is a member of the Male Chorus; a member of the Junior Steward Board and he is active in Bible Study.
As the Navy Enlisted Recruiter of the Year, AME Jeffrey Leon Harp was honored as one of the thirteen best of more than five-thousand Navy recruiters nation-wide.
In January, 2008 Top Recruiter Jeffrey Leon Harp and his Mother, Mrs. Bernetha Glenn Harp enjoyed six days of luncheons, tours and honors as guests of the U.S. Navy.
Machinist Mate 1st Class (SW) Jeffrey Leon Harp is the second cousin of the Right Reverend Frederick Calhoun James, retired AME Bishop. Mrs. Bernetha Glenn Harp is the first cousin of Bishop James; her mother and Bishop James’ father were siblings.
Submitted by Miss Wilhelmenia E. Miller
15. PENNSYLVANIA GOVERNOR RENDELL HONORS TWO AMES WHO WERE AMONG 18 HONORED FOR CONTRIBUTION, LEADERSHIP IN TOURISM INDUSTRY:
Governor Edward G. Rendell has inducted the first 18 Pennsylvanians into the Keystone Society for Tourism, the highest honor the commonwealth presents to leaders in the tourism industry.
The Governor bestowed the honor during the first Governor's Conference on Tourism in Gettysburg, which was created to focus on preserving the
distinctive character of a community while building economic development through cultural and place-based tourism.
Two AMEs were inducted into the Keystone Society for Tourism: the Rev. Edward M. Bailey, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, ChurchTowne of Lancaster and Mrs. Phoebe Bailey, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, ChurchTowne of Lancaster
16. THE 85TH SESSION OF THE DELAWARE ANNUAL CONFERENCE SPECIAL RESOLUTION:
To: Bishop Richard F. Norris, Mother Mary Ann Norris, Presiding Elder Charles E. Drummer, Jr. Acting Presiding Elder Wayne A. Johnson, Sr., Pastors, Ministers, Spouses, Delegates, Connectional Officers and Friends of the Delaware Annual Conference.
WHEREAS the members of the Delaware Annual conference are saddened by the death of the Rev. Sr James Hill, Sr., Presiding Elder of the Dover District.
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the Delaware Annual Conference acknowledges his life and legacy by remembering his many contributions to African Methodism, and we extend to Mrs. Hill and her family condolences and heartfelt sympathy.
WHEREAS the Right Richard F. Norris and Episcopal Supervisor Mother Mary Ann Norris have served four years in the First Episcopal District with outstanding vision, gracious guidance, business savvy, and compassionate care;
BE IT RESOLVED that with a unified voice we go to the 48th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference 2008 with determination to return Bishop and Mother Norris to the First Episcopal District for the next four years.
WHEREAS President Bush in his State of the Union Address on January 17, 2008 discussed “the hard decisions about peace and war, change in the domestic economy , rising competition in the world economy, health and welfare of our citizens, these issues call for vigorous debate, and I think it is fair to say we’ve answered the call”.
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the church of Allen will continue to embrace all people, acknowledging their particular needs and unique circumstances, and that we seek change and do not accept Bush’s words because they are “just words”.
WHEREAS the United States of America’s current debt exceeds nine trillion (not million, not billion), our national debt is in the excess of nine trillion;
WHEREAS this debt endangers the financial future of our children and grandchildren;
BE IT FUTHER RESOLVED that the candidates present unique opportunities that we may never again witness in our lifetime. The current 8 year administration results make it extremely urgent we will vote and elect an administration dedicated lowering the debt and cutting our taxes.
WHEREAS school accountability is critical and that all schools should be accountable for the physical and emotional well being of students, student learning, teacher learning, equity and access, and ongoing improvement of student achievement;
BE IT RESOLVED the African Methodist Episcopal church advocates and supports parent and teacher collaborations and sufficient funding to enable teachers to improve their teaching standards.
WHEREAS the African Methodist Episcopal Church has a historical logo, tagline, that allows us to be recognizable on a global scale. Our Personal Brand Message (PBM) comes from our content, unique value, proposition and a process of self evaluation. It involves marketing what is really in our name. It calls for us to identify our uniqueness, and how we can promote our uniqueness.
BE IT RESOLVED that the most important element in most entities is brand identify, therefore, the Delaware Annual conference must be proactive in getting its market share in the population visible in Delaware.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Delaware Annual conference stakeholders must realize the best efforts in the work of kingdom, simply trying harder is not the guaranteed solution. The solution from God may lie in trying differently. The difference is not in effort, but in the way the Delaware Conference markets its Personal Brand Message (PBM).
WHEREAS the Rev. Dr. Janet J. Sturdivant and the Asbury African Methodist Episcopal Church hosted the 85th Session of the Delaware Annual Conference in Chester, PA on April 8-13, 2008 with unprecedented hospitality.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Bishop Norris, Mother Norris and the members of the Delaware Annual Conference are forever appreciative, grateful and totally satisfied.
In conclusion, The Committee on special Resolutions requests that the Conference Reporters, Pastors and Delegates disseminate this report and the Social Action report to the local media and congregations.
Respectfully Submitted by the Committee on Special Resolutions: The Reverends: Idola Williams Batson, Natalie P. Alford, Carolyn V. Jordan. All Conference Officers & The social Action committee
17. “GOD IS TRYIN’ TO TELL YOU SOMETHING” - HONORING OUR AME HERITAGE AND “THE COLOR PURPLE:
Rev. Frederick Allen, Jr. and Mrs. Diane Allen
Neatly tucked away along a country road of beautiful rolling green pastures in Eatonton, Georgia, you will find a memorial in the making. The Ward Chapel Historical Museum, Inc. committee plans to honor multiple legacies.
In June, 2002, a committee was initiated by Rev. Ralph and Mrs. Antoinette Bass, now residents of Thomaston, Georgia, Larry Moore, a local historian, Eatonton Mayor John Reid and his wife, Commissioner Janie Reid . Other local clergy, community leaders and volunteers have joined the effort now to bring Ward Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church back to life. This is the church where Alice Walker, author of “The Color Purple” and the first African American female to receive the Pulitzer Prize grew up and received her spiritual training as a child.
The Ward Chapel Historical Museum, Inc. project will also honor the contributions of African Americans in Putnam County and the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The remnants of what will be a special events church and museum was once an African Methodist Episcopal Church located in Eatonton, Georgia. A search through deeds and property documents confirm that Ward Chapel was first established in 1813 by a slave owner. Its purpose was to offer a place of worship for his slaves. According to records written as recently as 1985, the land was donated to the congregation by Mrs. Sarah H. Ward in 1880 and the building was established on Ward Chapel Road. A deed for the building was recorded in the Putnam County Courthouse in 1886.
Over the years, the church was destroyed by fire twice, once in May, 1919 and again in the early 1940’s.
It has not been an operating house of worship for many years however; the sweet, sweet spirit of our Elders is still in the air surrounding this building even as it barely stands today. Plans are beginning to materialize and the committee is prepared now to accept financial assistance, donations and prayers from our brothers and sisters in Christ.
The plan is to honor and acknowledge the history of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. We will bring dignity and honor to Richard Allen and others who quietly and prayerfully led some of our ancestors to build what is now known throughout the world as the African Methodist Episcopal Church. We will trace the AME Church from the humble beginning when Richard Allen and others were asked to leave a place of worship simply because of the color of their skin. Continued growth, commitment to communities and contributions from then to now will be documented for all to see and honor their memories. The museum will also commemorate all those who came behind our Founders and continued to teach and sponsor growth as well as reach back over the oceans and years of degradation of our ancestors with humble beginnings as a people in Africa .Their dedication to preaching and teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ created our growth as a denomination and has spread over many years and many miles to touch the lives of so many in a positive and uplifting manner. This dual legacy will also eventually offer a Youth and Community Foundation.
One individual with roots in this very environment of strength and unity is poet and author, Alice Walker. As a child, she and family members regularly attended services and participated in activities of Ward Chapel AME Church. Our training has taught us from the book of Proverbs, in chapter 22 v6, “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
As an adult with a social conscience and a voice that can be heard all over the world, it is not hard to imagine Alice Walker as a child, sitting in Sunday services, seeing the Elders at work to make a difference in the community and being a recipient of their encouragement. She grew up with a sense of faith that she could be successful regardless of anything that others may consider to be hindrances.
We need to honor the work of the Elders who came before us at Ward Chapel AME Church for offering that training and direction to Alice Walker. Those humble beginnings have molded her spirit to what it is today.
The purpose of the Youth Foundation will be to offer life skills training and extra curricular activities that will encourage and allow the youth of Putnam County and the surrounding areas to dream as big as Alice Walker once dreamed. This Youth Foundation will assist them in the realization of these dreams by exposing them to the world of higher education and the arts.
The time has come for us to pull together to make a difference in all of our communities. This historic site will not only honor and commemorate those who trained us up in the way we should go, but also those like Alice Walker who encourage and speak to people of all places, cultures and ethnicities today and continue to share the wisdom she has acquired in her transition to the role of Elder in our community and our world.
God is tryin’ to tell us that the time has come for us to honor our heritage and create venues such as this that will transcend generations and instill a sense of priceless pride for our children.
The deeds are prepared, the architects have drawn the outline, and the future for our children is our responsibility. The committee respectfully requests donations from our sisters and brothers in Christ and from the community at large to support this project.
We are legally operating as Ward Chapel Historical Museum, Inc., with non-profit status. If you would like to make a donation, please do so and the appropriate tax identification information will be provided.
Donations may be submitted via mail directly to the following address: Ward Chapel Historical Museum, Inc. P.O. Box 4244 Eatonton, Georgia 31024.
Diane Moss-Allen
18. PETER GROFF UNANIMOUSLY ELECTED FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN PRESIDENT OF COLORADO SENATE:
*Chaplain Lonzie Symonette
Senator Peter Groff lives in the 5th Episcopal District where the Right Reverend John R. Bryant is Presiding Prelate and the Episcopal Supervisor is the Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant. The Presiding Elder is Andrew L. Simpson, Jr., Rocky Mountain District of the Desert Mountain Conference.
A Democrat, and a child of God, Peter Groff is a member of Campbell AMEC, Denver Colorado, where Peter’s wife the Reverend Regina Groff is the pastor. Reverend Regina is completing the PhD program at University of Denver in May 2008. The Groffs’ have two darling children - Malachi, age 7 and Moriah, age 5.
Senator Groff was elected Senate president earlier this year, making him the first African American in state history to hold the post. “I understand that it is not just my hand that takes the gavel today,” Groff said as the Legislature convened for a 120-day session. “I understand that it is the hands of my relatives who toiled under the overseer’s whip on the red clay of Georgia that take this gavel today on the red carpet of the Colorado Senate.”
Senator Goff’s wife, Pastor Regina, “led the senators in the traditional morning prayer, closing by asking God to help “the one who holds the gavel.’" Senator Groff responded at the conclusion of the prayer, “Thank you, honey.”
In the speech, Groff quoted a favorite Bible verse from Isaiah, “You shall be called the repairer of the breach and the restorer of pathways to dwell.” From a family of lifelong AME members, the senator who is forty-four years old, was born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in Denver, Colorado. His parents are the former State Senator Regis Groff and Mrs. Ada Groff. Sister Ada is the Desert Mountain Conference Lay Organization Parliamentarian and assistant recording secretary of the Fifth Episcopal District Lay Organization. Two of Senator Peter Groff’s great grandparents were AME ministers.
In the state president position, he also became the highest-ranking black elected official in Colorado, third in the line of succession to the governor. In addition to his work at the capital, Peter founded the Center for African American Policy (CAAP) at the University of Denver in 1997, where he is currently the executive director and a senior lecturer, teaching courses on race in politics and public policy.
In 2004, Senator Groff co-authored a book with Denver City Council President Michael Hancock entitled, Standing in the Gap: Leadership in the 21st Century, focusing on Black leaders in American politics. Peter is also a founding publisher of Blackpolicy.org along with Charles D. Ellison, senior fellow at the CAAP. The two also write a monthly column for The Washington Times.
According to Peter, his biggest accomplishments included Colorado becoming the first state to outlaw racial profiling; an accomplishment he maneuvered while in the minority party of the House and while the state had a republican governor. Other major successes were requiring booster seats for young children, securing funding to combat disparities in the health care system, and getting a two-thirds Senate vote for Referendum C, which revised state tax laws to maintain funding for various government programs.
*Chaplain Lonzie Symonette is a Hospice & Palliative Care Board Certified Association of Professional Chaplain and an Itinerant Elder, Payne Chapel AMEC. She is also the Rocky Mountain District Reporter
19. THE DESERT MOUNTAIN CONFERENCE LAY ORGANIZATION 14TH ANNUAL MEETING:
*Chaplain Lonzie Symonette
The Desert Mountain Conference Lay organization 14th Annual Meeting was held April 24-26, 2008. The meeting was hosted by Payne Chapel AMEC, Colorado Springs where the Rev. Jesse Brown, Jr. is the pastor. The guest speaker for the closing banquet was the Honorable Peter Groff, who is also a member of the Lay Organization. The title of his talk was “We Have Time,” taken Galatians 6:10. Leadership support was present in the persons of the Presiding Elder of the Rocky Mountain District, the Rev. Andrew L. Simpson Jr. and Mr. Thomas Sutton, Sr., of Phoenix, AZ, President of the 5th Episcopal District Lay Organization and his wife, Evelyn. The President of the Desert Mountain Conference Lay Organization, L. C. DeMon Carey, of Phoenix, Arizona and his wife, Sister Ivy, along with many D/MCLO Officers and members were in attendance. A large gathering of the Colorado Springs community, including YPD’ers and supporting AMEC membership from across the Desert Mountain Conference were also in attendance.
The minister of music, Brother Sam Bryant, blessed the gathering with piano selections. In addition, we lifted up the Name of Jesus by a hand-clapping solo led by Pastor Jesse Brown Jr. The Payne Chapel Mass choir under the directorship of Brother Sam was a part of the evening program.
Before the Lay Organization banquet began, Senator Groff was asked, “What was one of the many highlights you have experienced since taking the seat of Presidency? After a pause and thoughtful consideration he said, “It was when I spoke to the chamber on MLK Day. I have spoken before on MLK Day, but this time, as President, it was different."
When asked what had been one of the most distasteful times he had experienced since being elected President? He replied, "When politics takes priority over policies."
Senator Groff is unapologetic about his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He would be one of the first to tell anybody, "I've come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord, Trusting in His holy Word, He has never failed me yet."
Presiding Elder Andrew L. Simpson held the Rocky Mountain District Conference at Allen AMEC, Cheyenne, Wyoming, May 1st-3rd
The Pastor of Allen AMEC is Carieta Cain Grizzell. Pastor Grizzell and her husband the Rev. Martin Grizzell traveled from Cheyenne, Wyoming to the afternoon service of WIM 4th Annual Day held in Denver, CO, April 27, 2008.
*Chaplain Lonzie Symonette is a Hospice & Palliative Care Board Certified Association of Professional Chaplain and an Itinerant Elder, Payne Chapel AMEC. She is also the Rocky Mountain District Reporter
20. FOURTH ANNUAL ROCKY MOUNTAIN DISTRICT WOMEN IN MINISTRY (WIM) WORSHIP SERVICE DAY:
*Chaplain Lonzie Symonette
Fourth Annual Rocky Mountain District Women In Ministry (WIM) Worship Service Day was held at Shorter Community AMEC, Denver, CO, April 27th, 2008. The Pastor of Shorter is Joseph C. Nixon. The Theme for the WIM annual event was: Managing Well—Don’t Back Down; Empowering Women In Ministry; Scripture Text: Hebrews 10:35; I Thessalonians. 5:11.
Six preaching Women In Ministry of the Rocky Mountain District proclaimed the Word of God with power, authority and great joy.
The preachers were Evangelist Jean A. Green, a member at Christ Our Redeemer, Pastor Charlene A. Wisher, Sisters Nichole L. Johnson and Sefra K. Powell, members at Shorter Community, Pastor Joseph C. Nixon, Exhorter Zelda Lawson, Allen AMEC, Cheyenne, Wyoming; Pastor Carieta Cain Grizzell, Itinerate Deacon; Sister Vernell Murphy a member at Payne Chapel, Colorado Springs; Pastor Jesse Brown Jr., Itinerate Deacon; Sister Dorothy Whitaker a member at Jordan Chapel, Denver; and Pastor Benjamin D. Watson, Sr.
The Old Rugged Cross was sung by Sister Rochele Love. The Reverend Naomi O. Harris, the RMD WIM Coordinator worked tirelessly and prayerfully with the entire team of over fifteen WIM in organizing this annual event. Neighboring AME Churches supported and joined in carrying out the WIM mission: To define, enhance, support, and expand the presence of women in ministry in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Because of JESUS, all is well in The Rocky Mountain District.
*Chaplain Lonzie Symonette is a Hospice & Palliative Care Board Certified Association of Professional Chaplain and an Itinerant Elder, Payne Chapel AMEC. She is also the Rocky Mountain District Reporter
21. SISTER ETHEL COFFEE BROWN BECOMES DEACONESS AT ST. JAMES A.M.E. CHURCH, LIVE OAKS, FLORIDA:
Sister Ethel Coffee Brown, 84, of St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church of Live Oak was consecrated a deaconess. The responsibilities of a deaconess are to encourage, foster and improve the general interests of the church, cheer the fallen, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick and train others for the work of a deaconess.
The Rev. John Hurst Adams, retired bishop, performed the consecration rites. Sharing in the ceremony were the Rev. Marian Gibbons, pastor of St. James Church, Live Oak, the Rev. Latonja Floyd, the Rev. Hudson Williamson and the Rev. Michael Mitchell.
22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We announce with regret the passing of Mrs. Ritchie Hartsfield Brown, Freshman Seminar Coordinator/Instructor at Bethune-Cookman University, the Sister of Mrs. Penny H. White and the sister-in-law of the Rev. Dr. John F. White, Sr., Pastor of Mount Hermon A.M.E. Church in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Memorial Service and Homegoing Celebration for Mrs. Ritchie Hartsfield Brown are as follows:
Memorial service:
Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at 11:00 AM
Bethune-Cookman University Campus Chapel
640 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd
Daytona Beach, FL 32141
(386) 481-2000
Professional services:
Thompson Funeral Home
901 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd.
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
The Homegoing Celebration:
Friday, May 9, 2008 at 11:00 AM
Fountain Chapel AME Church
821 Eugenia Street
Tallahassee, FL 32310
850-222-3800
Professional services:
Strong and Jones Funeral Home
551 W. Carolina St
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Expressions of condolences may be sent to
Rev. Dr. John F. & Penny H. White
3065 S W 189th Avenue
Miramar, FL 33029
954-438-6378 or 954-665-3101
Email expressions: phw137@bellsouth.net
23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Presiding Elder Joseph D. Tull who passed away on Wednesday, April 30, 2008. He was the retired Presiding Elder of the Dover District in the Delaware Conference. Rev. Tull also served as the First Episcopal District Statistician for many years.
The funeral has been held.
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Charlotte Tull
113 Dorman Street
P. O. Box 57
Harrington, DE 19952
Phone: 302-398-8277
Or
Mt. Zion AME Church
see above for information
Please remember the family of Reverend Joseph D. Tull in your prayers.
24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Presiding Elder Theodore R. Evans (Jamesina), Omaha/Wichita District-Kansas/Nebraska Conference, lost his brother, Mr. Emmett Gill, Sr. this week in Durham, NC.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of sympathy for Presiding Elder and Mrs. Theodore R. Evans may be sent to:
4330 Southeast 25th Street
Topeka, KS 66605
(785) 232-2009
E-mail: Jmete1@aol.com.
25. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Sister Pauline Wright who passed away on Sunday, April 27, 2008. She was the mother-in-law of Rev. Cecil Bonds, pastor of Mt. Zion AME Church in Riverton, New Jersey (New Jersey Conference, Camden/Trenton District). The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
The funeral has been held.
Condolences may be sent to:
Reverends Cecil and Jean Bonds
17 Paris Lane
Avenel, NJ 07001
Phone: 732-634-7346
Fax: 732-634-5365
Please remember the family of Sister Pauline Wright in your prayers.
Dolores M. Clinton
1st Episcopal District
phone: 215-662-0506
FAX: 215-662-0199
26. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Rev. Johnnie L. Hunter - Pastor of the Norwood Circuit - in the Sixth Episcopal District, Augusta Georgia Conference/Augusta-Athens District lost her mother (Mrs. Adell Davis Maze) in death. Mrs. Adell Davis Maze succumbed to her death on Saturday, April 26th.
The funeral has been held.
Condolences may be sent to:
Reverend Johnnie L. Hunter
133 Lawson Lane
Sandersville, GA 31082
Phone 478 - 552-6438
27. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Please be informed that Bro. Basil Mabole the father-in-law of Rev. Mark E. Pietersen our Pastor at Mt. Zion AME Church in De Doorns ( Fifteenth Episcopal District) passed on to Glory this morning (5 May 2008) just before 5 a.m.
Condolences can be sent to Rev. Mark at 084 603 5676 or 073 024 4193 or mepietersen@webmail.co.za
28. 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
29. 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.
