THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (8/8/09)

Bishop Richard Franklin Norris - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor, The Christian Recorder

1. EDITORIAL – IF WE DON’T, THE VILLAGE IDIOTS WILL:

Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder

Last week I was in Cincinnati, Ohio and saw images of black men that discouraged me. I saw images of black men that I thought, as African Americans, were behind us. I thought Barack Obama’s election as President of the United States had eliminated those images.

Recently, I saw several effective and well-done email messages that, I thought, had put those images, as I saw, to rest.

Each time I saw one of those images, I shook my head in disbelief and sadness. Those images told me that, we as a people, have a distance to go and a lot of ground to make up.

The images I saw were images of failure and a lack of hope. They were images of hopelessness and despair. They were images of “I don’t care” and “there ain’t no use.” They were images of anguish and depression. They were images of poverty and loss of purpose. They were images of failure and disappointment. They were images of discontent and low self-esteem.

I am sure you have seen those images. I would hope that you were just as saddened by those images when you saw them as I was, when I saw them.

The object of each of those images, and in each case it was a male, was not a danger, at least when I saw him, to anyone else. He, and in some cases, it was a group of males, were not bothering anyone. Most of them seemed happy and even jubilant. Many of them were smiling, laughing and joking with their friends.

And, though they appeared happy, I was sad. I felt despair. I felt hopeless and helpless. I wanted to say something, but I didn’t know what to say or if it was appropriate to say anything. I was at a loss for words. I tried to make sense of what I saw, but logic defied me.

No, I had not visited a prison or a jail. The young men I saw were not prisoners; at least not in the legal sense. They were freely walking the streets of Cincinnati.

So, what caused my despair?

My despair was caused by the young men after young men I saw walking with their pants below their waists; their pants slung down, not just below their waists, but halfway down their thighs. All of their underwear and parts of their thighs were exposed. In the past we complained about the pants of young men hanging down over their buttocks, but the young men I saw had taken wearing their pants to a lower level.

I was saddened because the images I saw told me that those young men have given up and have lost hope. They have lost hope in society and more sadly, they have lost hope in themselves. And, even more sadly, society has given up on them. Employers have given up on them. I suspect the church has given up on them.

In a sense, how low one wears his pants or how one short and tight ones wears her skirts does not define his or her inner being, but in another sense, it does because we get “one opportunity to make a first impression.” And sometimes that first impression is the last impression.

I am going to keep this with the young men because they were the images that precipitate this missive.

Somehow, we must get to our young men and show them a better way. Young men wearing pants below their buttocks will not be gainfully employed; as a matter of fact they have settled upon poverty, and, if they decide later to come into the mainstream, it will be too late because the cycle of poverty will have been cast.

Somehow many of our young men have grasped negative images and have shunned the images of success. They have shunned the “faith of our fathers and mothers” and have embraced the images of slavery, incarceration, and hopelessness. They avoid academics and think that they can shoot the basketball, carry the football or sing their way to success. I suspect that many of our young men think that physical prowess is the way to get ahead. Somehow they have not comprehended that physical prowess can only last a season, but intellectual prowess can last a lifetime.

I am saddened by what I see in some of our communities. I know that we can do better. God is still the answer. Jesus still lives. The king of Rock and Roll is dead; the king of Pop is dead, but Jesus Christ is still alive. Somehow we have to get the Word of God to a hopeless generation that has been reared by rebellious parents and grandparents.

The Church is still the answer, but we must find ways of reaching the lost and the “walking dead” and provide them with answers that will help them to turn their lives around and “get on fire” for Jesus Christ.

A hot-shot gospel choir ain’t gonna do it; a hip-hop worship presentation ain’t gonna do it. The unadulterated Word of God is what is needed to change this generation.

As I said, those young men I saw, who saddened me, were not prisoners in the legal sense. But in reality, in their own minds, they are prisoners and worse than prisoners; they are in slavery; not necessarily physical slavery, but mental slavery. Mental slavery and mental incarceration is just as debilitating as physical slavery and physical incarceration. We need a 21st Century Emancipation Proclamation!

It truly takes a village and the church to raise children. If the village and the church does not take care of our children, other entities, ones that we don't like, will. Dr. Robert Franklin, the Morehouse College President astutely observed, "If the village elders don't stand up and teach our children, the village idiots will" and in the case of the young men wearing their pants below their buttocks and their other acts aberrant behaviors; it’s obvious to me that the village idiots have taken control of some of our young people.

2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:

- To the Editor:

I’m curious as to how others who accepted the “Challenge to Read the Bible Cover to Cover in 90 Days” are doing. If on-schedule, more than half the required readings in the challenge has been completed at this point, and it would be interesting and encouraging to read some feed- back from some of the participants.

I personally find that reading at this level, is gratifying, and to be able to engage and absorb God’s Word at an accelerated rate has increased my attention, concentration and breadth of my comprehension of the Bible. I was previously a dedicated reader of the Bible in 365 days, but I have created a new habit and plan to be a continuous 90-day reader.

Thank you for this challenge.

Milton L. Weathers
Steward
Oak Grove African Methodist Church
Detroit, Mich.
Psalm 68:4 (KJV)

Editor’s Comment: I am a 90-Day advocate too. I like the more intense challenge.

3. PAYNE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY DEDICATES REVERDY C. RANSOM MEMORIAL LIBRARY:

Payne Theological Seminary dedicated the new Bishop Reverdy C. Ransom Memorial Library facility on May 8, 2009. The Bishop Reverdy C. Ransom Memorial Library was a labor of love for Payne Theological Seminary and is the school’s first free standing library facility.

Bishop Reverdy Cassius Ransom (1861 – 1959) graduated from Wilberforce University in 1886 and was ordained a deacon and licensed to preach in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. His pastoral appointments were churches in Pennsylvania, Tennessee, South Carolina and New York.

Bishop Ransom was elected the forty-eighth Bishop to the episcopacy in 1924 following a distinguished twelve year period as editor of The A.M.E. Church Review, a position to which he was elected in 1912.

Considered a visionary, in 1913, Bishop Ransom established a mission in Manhattan, the Church of Simon of Cyrene that developed a significant ministry to destitute African Americans. He also organized the first Board of Deaconesses, a practice still in use today throughout African Methodism.

Under the direction of Bishop Vinton R. Anderson (Chairman, Board of Trustees and Alumnus), President Dr. Leah Gaskin Fitchue and the Board of Trustees began the process for the new library in 2004. Board Member, Dr. Donald Thompson (Alumnus) led the feasibility committee; Bishop Robert V. Webster (Alumnus) led Board of Trustees liaison efforts with Mr. Kevin Holland of Moody Nolan, architect and site manager as well as the selection of Miles-McClellan Construction & Development Company, a partially minority owned firm, who built the library. Seminary Finance Director Mr. Alan Costner negotiated with Mr. Alan Tucker of PNC Bank; and with Bishop Webster and Dr. Fitchue a favorable loan was negotiated.

While fundraising was underway, monthly meetings of the Library Construction Committee moved the physical building process forward: The committee members were: Dr. Fitchue President, Payne Theological Seminary; Mr. Alan Costner, Financial Consultant; Dr. Roger Evans, Library Committee Chair; Mr. George T. Johnson, Librarian; Ms. Elise Peyroux, Business Office; Mrs. Marilyn Hatcher, Special Projects/Public Relations; Mr. Kevin Holland, Architect and Miles – McClellan Contractors.

Bishop Norris chaired the Library Capital Campaign. The Library Capital Campaign achieved 100% giving participation from all of Payne’s major constituents, including the Board of Trustees, administration, faculty, staff, students, alumni and Friends for Payne.

Bishop Anderson challenged the Payne Alumni Association to a match gift. As a result, the Reverend Bruce Butcher, President, Payne Alumni Association, encouraged the alumni to lend full support to the library fundraising effort.

Dr. Fitchue presided over the library dedication service. Bishop Jeffery N. Leath, Nineteenth Episcopal District, gave the invocation; Bishop C. Garnett Henning, Sr., Vice Chair, Board of Trustees, Third Episcopal District and Alumni welcomed the community to this historical event; Bishop John F. White, Ecumenical Officer and Director of Urban Affairs, led the congregation in a litany; Bishop Robert V. Webster, Board of Trustees member, expressed the occasion; Bishop Richard F. Norris, First Episcopal District, stated the purpose for the dedication and acknowledged all supporters of Payne’s efforts to maintain Bishop Ransom’s memory; and Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Eighth Episcopal District, presented the many dignitaries who traveled to the Seminary. Music was provided by Reverend Dr. John E. Freeman, Alumnus, Mr. Marshall Stills and Mr. Archie McPhearson.

Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah, Alumnus, presiding prelate of the 15th Episcopal District prayed for the building of the archives and retired Bishop, the Right Rev. Zedekiah L. Grady, Board of Trustees member offered special prayer.

The highlight of the service was the dedication and ribbon cutting of the new library by Bishop Vinton R. Anderson. Bishop Anderson recalled Bishop Ransom as “the Sage of Tawawa” and his presence inspired many students on the campuses of Payne Theological Seminary and Wilberforce University. The benediction was pronounced by Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, presiding prelate of the 5th Episcopal District. Present at the dedication were family members of Bishop Ransom from Ohio, California and Texas. Mr. Curtis Ransom, grandson of Bishop Reverdy C. Ransom, gave remarks and pledged $10,000 to the library fund on behalf of the Ransom family.

The Dedication Planning Committee consisted of Dr. Fitchue, the Reverend Dr. L. A. Gatewood, the Reverend Jules Dunham Howie, Mrs. Adrienne A. Morris, Ms. Jacky Johnson and Mrs. Marilyn Hatcher. The Advisory Committee members of the supporting districts were Bishop John R. Bryant, Sr. Bishop, presiding prelate of the 4th Episcopal District; Bishop C. Garnett Henning, Sr., presiding prelate of the 3rd Episcopal District; Bishop Theodore L. Kirkland, 5th Episcopal District; Bishop Richard F. Norris, presiding prelate of the 1st Episcopal District; Bishop Adam J. Richardson, presiding prelate of the 2nd Episcopal District; and Bishop Vashti M. McKenzie, presiding prelate of the 13th Episcopal District. Additional members of the Advisory Committee were Presiding Elder Louis C. Harvey, past President of the Seminary; Presiding Elder Winton Hill; the Reverend Pedro Basden; the Reverend John McCants, Alumnus; Reverend Dr. Albert Tyson, III, Board member; the Reverend Leslie White; the Reverend Dr. Frederick Wright; Ms. Latanya D. Germany; Mrs. Wimphrey Jenkins, Board member; Mr. Norman Logan; Ms. Ametta Reaves and Mr. Thomas Sutton, Sr.

The new library is seven thousand square feet and through the advocacy of Dr. Fitchue has certain green features that support optimal efficiency.

The Reverend Dr. Dennis C. Dickerson, Historiographer/Executive Director, Department of Research & Scholarship of the AME Church, proposed a twofold purpose for the new library: (1) it is a main repository for denominational records and should be considered for donation of papers and books by AMEs and (2) the Reverdy C. Ransom Library can be the heritage center for African Methodism – a meeting place for conferences, symposia, and study sites for scholars and students doing research on the AME heritage.

The Bishop Reverdy C. Ransom Memorial Library fundraising efforts continue in order to develop state-of-the-art digital systems.

Donations can be sent to Payne Theological Seminary, P. O. Box 474, Wilberforce, OH 45384. Credit card contributions, please call (937) 376-2946 x205.

Submitted by: Reverend Wilma L. Taylor, BS, M.Div.
Alumna 2003, Payne Theological Seminary
WLTaylor93@comcast.net

4. BE AN ORGAN DONOR - "THE GREATEST ACT OF LOVE YOU CAN GIVE":

*Mrs. Leslie Tyler

“The doctor said you either get a lung transplant, or you die.” It was
those words that pushed the Rev. Gabriel Hardeman to overcome all anxiety and fear about undergoing one of the most complex surgeries in the world. Rev. Hardeman knew lung transplant surgery could not be any worse than the pain and suffering he had experienced for nearly a decade. “They first found my lung disorder in 2000,” says Rev. Hardeman. “The problems got worse, and worse, and worse. Then about four years ago I had to start carrying an oxygen tank.” He says he had a lot of other side-effects from the illness and the medications. “I had a lot of coughing and congestion, and I gained a lot of weight from the extra steroid medication they prescribed.” He also developed steroid induced glaucoma and had a constant ringing in his ears. So after praying and having conversations with his doctors; wife, Annette; and close family members, Rev. Hardeman decided to get on the lung transplant list. “I got turned down at Emory and at Johns Hopkins University. They classified me as ‘high risk’ because of my cardiovascular disease that developed from the weight gain.”

While that was very discouraging, it was not enough to make him lose hope.

He began researching other places. He searched reputable hospitals in a city where he knew someone so he’d have somewhere to stay during recovery after the operation. “That’s when I decided to come home to
Philadelphia.”

The Rev. Gabriel Hardeman was accepted at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in January and after being placed on the list he waited.

“I moved into my mother-in-law’s house on January 21 (2009) and got all kinds of prayers, intercessory messages and emails offering support. I spent a lot of time in front of my computer worrying.”

Rev. Hardeman says then one day something told him to stop worrying, work on your sermons and read the bible. Then on February 16, nearly a month later, Rev. Hardeman got the call that a “lung match” had been found. “They told me to be at admissions in an hour. I was there in half an hour,” he says with a laugh.

The surgery was a success and after a short stay in ICU, Rev. Hardeman was moved into a regular room. He says the hardest part about his operation was the rehabilitation.

In March he underwent a battery of daily tests, blood work and lab assessments. He also underwent, what he describes as, the most intense physical therapy he’d ever experienced.

But, he says, that’s a small price to pay for getting a second chance at life. “I’m up to two miles on the treadmill in the time it used to take me to do one mile. I can go up stairs and preach a lot easier than before.”

Hardeman, himself, is an organ donor – and had been long before his illness. He says it doesn’t make sense for anyone not to be an organ donor. “Being an organ donor is the greatest act of love you can show humankind. You won’t be around to see the miracle happen, but you’ll die knowing you made a difference not just for one person, but for an entire family.”

Do your part - become an organ donor. You can register to be an organ donor at Mother Bethel AME Church in Philadelphia on Saturday September 19 between the hours of 9 am-3 pm. Experts will be on hand to answer your questions. If you live outside of the Philadelphia region and want to be an organ donor, you may register by calling 1-800-DONORS-1 (1-800-366-6771). An estimated 18 people die everyday on the organ transplant waiting list.

*Mrs. Leslie Tyler is the President of Tyler-Made Productions, www.TylerMadePR.com

5. THE TOP 10 ORGAN DONOR MYTHS:

Source: The Mayo Clinic

Submitted by *Mrs. Leslie Tyler

Myth No. 1: If I agree to donate my organs, my doctor or the emergency room staff won't work as hard to save my life. They'll remove my organs as soon as possible to save somebody else.

Reality: When you go to the hospital for treatment, doctors focus on saving your life — not somebody else's. You'll be seen by a doctor whose specialty most closely matches your particular emergency. The doctor in charge of your care has nothing to do with transplantation.

Myth No. 2: Maybe I won't really be dead when they sign my death certificate. It'll be too late for me if they've taken my organs for transplantation. I might have otherwise recovered.

Reality: Although it's a popular topic in the tabloids, in reality, people don't start to wiggle a toe after they're declared dead. In fact, people who have agreed to organ donation are given more tests to determine that they are truly dead than are those who haven't agreed to organ donation.

Myth No. 3: Organ donation is against my religion.

Reality: Organ donation is consistent with the beliefs of most religions. This includes Catholicism, Protestantism, Islam and most branches of Judaism. If you're unsure of or uncomfortable with your faith's position on donation, ask a member of your clergy. Another option is to check the federal Web site OrganDonor.gov, which provides religious views on organ donation and transplantation by denomination.

Myth No. 4: I'm under age 18. I'm too young to make this decision.

Reality: That's true, in a legal sense. But your parents can authorize this decision. You can express to your parents your wish to donate, and your parents can give their consent knowing that it's what you wanted. Children, too, are in need of organ transplants, and they usually need organs smaller than those an adult can provide.

Myth No. 5: I want my loved one to have an open-casket funeral. That can't happen if his or her organs or tissues have been donated.

Reality: Organ and tissue donation doesn't interfere with having an open-casket funeral. The donor's body is clothed for burial, so there are no visible signs of organ or tissue donation. For eye donation, an artificial eye is inserted, the lids are closed, and no one can tell any difference. For bone donation, a rod is inserted where bone is removed. With skin donation, a very thin layer of skin similar to a sunburn peel is taken from the donor's back. Because the donor is clothed and lying on his or her back in the casket, no one can see any difference.

Myth No. 6: I'm too old to donate. Nobody would want my organs.

Reality: There's no defined cutoff age for donating organs. Organs have been successfully transplanted from donors in their 70s and 80s. The decision to use your organs is based on strict medical criteria, not age. Don't disqualify yourself prematurely. Let the doctors decide at your time of death whether your organs and tissues are suitable for transplantation.

Myth No. 7: I'm not in the greatest health, and my eyesight is poor. Nobody would want my organs or tissues.

Reality: Very few medical conditions automatically disqualify you from donating organs. The decision to use an organ is based on strict medical criteria. It may turn out that certain organs are not suitable for transplantation, but other organs and tissues may be fine. Don't disqualify yourself prematurely. Only medical professionals at the time of your death can determine whether your organs are suitable for transplantation.

Myth No. 8: I would like to donate one of my kidneys now, rather than wait until my death. But I hear you can't do that unless you're a close family member of someone in need.

Reality: While that used to be the case, it isn't any longer. Whether it's a distant family member, friend or complete stranger you want to help, you can donate a kidney through certain transplant centers.

If you decide to become a living donor, you will undergo extensive questioning to ensure that you are aware of the risks and make sure you're giving away your kidney out of pure goodwill and not in return for financial gain. You will also undergo testing to determine that your kidneys are in good shape and that you can live a healthy life with just one kidney.

You can also donate blood or bone marrow during your lifetime. Contact your local chapter of the American Red Cross for details on where you can donate or sign up.

Myth No. 9: Rich, famous and powerful people always seem to move to the front of the line when they need a donor organ. There's no way to ensure that my organs will go to those who've waited the longest or are the neediest.

Reality: The rich and famous aren't given priority when it comes to allocating organs. It may seem that way because of the amount of publicity generated when celebrities receive a transplant, but they are treated no differently from anyone else. In fact, the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), the organization responsible for maintaining the national organ transplant network, subjects all celebrity transplants to an internal audit to make sure the organ allocation was appropriate.

Myth No. 10: My family will be charged if I donate my organs.

Reality: The organ donor's family is never charged for donating. The family is charged for the cost of all final efforts to save your life, and those costs are sometimes misinterpreted as costs related to organ donation. Costs for organ removal go to the transplant recipient.

*Mrs. Leslie Tyler is the President of Tyler-Made Productions, www.TylerMadePR.com

6. STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY SELECTS AME ITINERANT ELDER TO BE UNIVERSITY CHAPLAIN:

The Board of Directors of Protestant Campus Ministry at Stony Brook University is pleased to announce they have called the Rev. Brenda D. Ford to be PCM's new Chaplain. Chaplain Brenda has a Masters of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary and a Masters of Science degree from Long Island University. She is the Senior Pastor at Trinity African Methodist Episcopal Church in Smithtown, NY. In her part-time position as PCM's campus minister, Chaplain Brenda will minister to undergraduate and graduate students and to faculty and staff. She has had a wealth of educational and professional experiences that well-qualify her for this position.

7. REPORT FROM THE 31ST BIENNIAL SESSION OF THE CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION:

By John Thomas III

The 31st Biennial Session of the Connectional Lay Organization (CLO) of the African Methodist Episcopal Church was held from July 26-30, 2009 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Over 1400 delegates, alternates and observers gathered to participate in business and Christian fellowship under the leadership of CLO President Jesse L. Burns, Jr. (11th) and General Board Lay Commission Chairperson Bishop C. Garnett Henning. The 12th Episcopal District hosted the meeting under the guidance of Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr. and Episcopal District Lay President David Fielding.

Organized activities for the Biennial began on Saturday July 25th with several cultural and historical excursions around Little Rock available for early arriving delegates. Additionally, the 12th Episcopal Young Adult Lay members sponsored a sumptuous fish-fry welcome event.

Sunday July 26th was packed with the normal organizational particulars of any large-scale convention. Registration, Committee meetings and the final Executive Board meeting of the 2007-2009 Biennium were the orders of the day. These matters, however, were somewhat rushed due to the impending Monday election.

The AME V-Alert program sponsored a Candidates’ Forum attended by almost 400 delegates keen on learning about those willing to take up the mantle of CLO leadership.

The opening worship service under the direction of Senior Bishop John R. Bryant featured the participation of all active Bishops assigned to Districts 1-13, many of the active Bishops assigned to Districts 14-20 and several retired Bishops. The 12th Episcopal District Choir is to be commended for using a creative blend of contemporary and traditional music throughout the service. Bishop Green delivered the sermon entitled “Serving When Your Time Comes” (Proverbs 18:16 and II Kings 3:4-11). The message reminded those assembled that they should not worry about unnoticed talents or missed opportunities because God rewards the service of the faithful.

After the service closed, the various Episcopal Districts adjourned to their meetings in preparation for the Monday election.

The 31st CLO Biennial officially convened on Monday July 27th.

After organizational matters reports and a visit from Arkansas Governor Mike Beebee, the Hour of Power was held with Mr. Peter C. Groff, Director of the Center for Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships at the United States Department of Education and member of Campbell Chapel AME in Denver, Colorado as speaker. In his message “We are not there yet, but we have time” (Galatians 6:7-10), Mr. Goff exhorted the CLO and the AME Church to live up to its potential of service.

The afternoon business session opened with the Presidential Address. Mr. Burns rendered an expansive accounting of his service as well as his plans for future endeavors if reelected. After duly accepting the report and commending Mr. Burns, the Biennial entered into election procedures.

The process was delayed for over half an hour due to the desire of the Credentials Committee to account for every legitimate delegate. They are to be commended for their attention to detail.

Judicial Council President Patricia Mayberry and Bishop Henning are also to be commended for the manner in which they presided over the election. In a noted change, the assembly decided to elect each office seriatim instead of voting for all on a single ballot.

Dr. Willie C. Glover of the 3rd Episcopal District became the 7th elected President of the CLO on the 2nd ballot for that office. After the election, the assembly recessed due to the lateness of the hour in order to prepare for the Host District Welcome Reception. The 12th District also sponsored a fellowship night for the Young Adults in which one of the highlights was the attendance and active participation of Host Bishop Samuel L. Green.

The Biennial reconvened Tuesday morning continuing with the business which had been postponed due to the election.

In another noted change, the Biennial Young Adult Explosion worship service was celebrated as the Wednesday Hour of Power instead of as a nightly revival. This welcome shift allowed more persons to participate and enjoy the worship experience led by Young Adults.

The Rev. Elhajj Levell (12th) and Ms. Laquilla Boyce, 12th District YPD President jointly served as worship leaders. The service featured a blend of traditional and contemporary forms of praise including praise teams and liturgical dance as the Young Adults of the 12th Episcopal District exhibited their various talents. The Rev. Ronald Slaughter of St. Paul AME, Macon, GA (6th) delivered the message “A Prayer for your Pastor” (Ephesians 6:19-20). Rev. Slaughter showed that a young adult service need not only focus on young adults as he enjoined the entire lay organization to strengthen the clergy/lay relationship through fervent prayer and support. At the close of the service, a presentation was made to outgoing Connectional Young Adult Representative (YAR) Brent Shepard (10th) in recognition of his service and work by YAR-elect John Thomas III (13th) on behalf of the Young Adults of the Lay Organization.

The Biennial session recessed after the service in order for the members to participate in the various workshop opportunities. A plethora of workshops were held on diverse topics such as economic empowerment, spiritual development, healthcare, and changes to the 2008 Book of Discipline. On Tuesday evening, the 3rd Biennial Black Tie Event was held with $30,888.45 raised for Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina. The festivities of the event carried on long into the evening, with many participants migrating to the lobby for an impromptu dance session with a live band.

On Wednesday, the business of the 31st Biennial continued with committee reports and the 2009-2011 Budget being the order of the day. Despite the absence of key personnel and records from the outgoing administration, the assembly was able to pass a budget which will be left in the hands of the Executive Board for further revision. Wednesday afternoon featured additional workshops on topics such as spirituality, evangelism and young adult involvement. In the evening, the Biennial Scholarship and Awards banquet was held. Mrs. Marian Bacon White (Past President, 11th Episcopal District Lay Organization) was recognized as the Outstanding Layperson of the Biennium.

The following scholarships were awarded:

The Dr. Jayme Coleman Williams Scholarship was awarded to Felicity Price from the 11th Episcopal District; the Dr. Joseph McKinney Scholarship was awarded to Vashti. J Little from the 2nd Episcopal District; and the Mr. J.D. Williams Scholarship was awarded to Meryl Ashley Williams from the 5th Episcopal District.

After the banquet, the 12th Episcopal District Young Adults sponsored a Young Adult excursion to the Riverfront, which was well-attended.

Conscious of time constraints, the Biennial assembled at 7 a.m. on Thursday morning in order to complete its business.

One of the highlights was the speech of Young Adult Representative Brent Shephard (10th) to the assembly in which he candidly discussed issues and challenges which African Methodism must address if it is to survive.

After several committee reports, the installation service for new officers was held with outgoing Connectional Director of Lay Activities Florence Warren (2nd) serving as worship leader. In a testament to the importance of the CLO to African Methodism, present Lay Commissioner; Bishop C. Garnet Henning; past Lay Commission Chairpersons, Bishop Robert V. Webster and Bishop Samuel L. Green, as well as Bishop Vashti McKenzie were on hand to participate in the ceremony. In spite of his time constraints, Bishop Henning delivered an inspiring message challenging the new Executive Board to live up to its responsibilities and have a clear vision for its goals.

Following the sermon, the new officers were formally installed and Dr. Willie C. Glover delivered his first address to the CLO as its President. In addition to profusely thanking his supporters, Dr. Glover made several executive appointments and named the Biennial Black Tie Affair in honor of outgoing President Jesse L. Burns, Jr.

The business session resumed with the final committee reports and the welcome extended by the 4th Episcopal District to the Biennial for its 2011 session in Detroit, Michigan.

In his last act of office, Mr. Burns asked all persons assembled to write a positive thought on paper in lieu of the traditional closing count-off. He requested that the Historiographer file these testimonials in the archives as a testament to the vitality of the CLO.

The 31st Biennial Session of the Connectional Lay Organization will go down in history as an historic occasion not for the CLO but for African Methodism as a whole.

The “Green Initiative” was largely a success with technology being efficiently used to limit printing expenses.

Better logistical support and scheduling were needed, however, as delegates were frequently seen rushing to and from various meetings due to session overruns and lack of available materials. As with most new initiatives, holding the election on the first business day presented some unforeseen logistical issues, yet it appeared to be a step in the right direction and an earlier election time should be considered seriously for use at the 2012 General Conference.

Young Adults were far more visible at the Biennial than previous ones and the CLO appears to be making progress on initiatives to recruit and involve more Young Adults.

The 12th Episcopal District superbly hosted the event and set the bar high for 4th Episcopal District and other future hosts. The CLO leaves the 31st Biennial a stronger body with a renewed vision to serve the Kingdom of God on Earth through the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Presidential Appointments:

Advisory Council: Mr. Richard A. Lewis (CFO of the AME Church); Mrs. Valerie G. Bell (2nd Episcopal District); Mr. Norman Deas (7th Episcopal District); and Mr. John Thomas III (Connectional YAR). Chairperson of the Legislative Task Force: Dr. Cellestine Cheeks (2nd Episcopal District); Chairperson of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee, Mrs. Ethel Waters Jenkins (3rd Episcopal District).

The list of the elected officers has already been published in TCR.

8. ASK THE LAWYER/PASTOR:

The Rev. Cornelius B. Scott, Attorney and AME Pastor

Question: As a member of an AME Church, member of the Stewardship & Finance Committee, I wanted to find out if there is a policy regarding how church finances are to be handled regarding taxation of income. A couple of scenarios are provided below:

If a guest preacher comes to your church on two occasions and the church pays the person $400 each visit, is the church responsible for generating a W-2 Tax form to document payment greater than $600 for that year?

Name withheld

Lawyer/Pastor: This is a good question, due to the importance of African Methodist Episcopal (AME) local churches handling financial affairs with integrity and precision.

Unlike other exempt organizations, a church is not required to withhold income tax from the compensation that it pays to its duly ordained, commission or licensed ministers for performing services in the exercise of their ministry. An employee minister may, however, enter into a voluntary withholding agreement with a church by completing Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate.

A church should report compensation paid to a minister on the W-2 Form, Wage and Tax Statement, if the minister is an employee of the church. If the minister is an independent contractor, however, compensation should be reported on IRS Form 1099- MISC, Miscellaneous Income. In your scenario, it appears that the guest preacher is an independent contractor; therefore, your church should complete the IRS Form 1099- MISC, Miscellaneous Income.

Generally, churches and religious organizations are required to withhold report and pay income and FICA tax for their employees. If church workers are employed by the church, the church may be required to pay employment tax. If your church wants the IRS to make the determination as to whether your church worker is an employee, the church (or worker) should file Form SS-8 (Determination of Employee Worker Status for Purposes of Federal Employment Taxes and Income Tax Withholding) with the IRS.

Question: How should a local church handle payments to a minister/preacher who assists the pastor in conducting ecclesiastical services? The minister is here in the United States on a visa from his home country in Africa, and is paid a stipend for services rendered in the local church? Is the local church required to provide the minister with a W-2 Tax Form to account for income over $600 per year when the minister is not a US citizen?

Name Withheld

Lawyer/Pastor: This question is significant, because it illuminates the distinctive mission and history of the AME church, within the world-wide mission of our Lord Jesus Christ. (See The Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Part I, Introduction.) My response to this question would apply to almost any individual, regardless of citizenship.

It appears that the preacher is probably not an employee but an independent contractor; therefore, your church should complete IRS Form 1099 (MISC, Miscellaneous Income). If any AME Church wants a definite determination as to whether a preacher (who assists the pastor in conducting service) is considered an employee, I would suggest filing IRS Form SS-8.

Please note that my response is given under the assumption that the preacher from Africa has an appropriate visa that allows him or her to work and a tax identification number. For further information, please refer to the IRS website: www.irs.gov and view the Tax Guide for Churches and Religious Organizations, or consult an attorney who regularly practices Tax Law and/or Immigration Law.

9. “PETER PAN” SYNDROME AND THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH:

John Thomas III

The inspiration for this article came from certain events which occurred at the recent Lay Biennial as well as several articles which have appeared in this newspaper as of late regarding Youth and Young Adult involvement in the AME Church. As a point of departure, I use the story Peter Pan by English author James Barrie. Peter Pan (also known as “The Boy who never grew up”) has become a symbol of eternal childhood and the youthful bliss. Residing in “Neverland”, he attempts to persuade a group of English children to stay with him and linger in perpetual childhood. At the end of the story, however, the children do return to their parents and assume their responsibilities in the real world. In the AME Church, the lack of opportunities for Youth and Young Adult involvement has created a situation in which younger lay and clergy both find themselves trapped in a type of “Neverland” where they are unable to develop their spiritual gifts in structured church ministry.* The end result is has been a group of Young Adult AMEs that has found it difficult to grow up in their service to the AME Church.

For many years, the various components of the AME Church labored under the assumption that Young Adult encompassed the age group 18-30. All of the General Board, General Conference, and Lay Organization delegate set-asides were created with that group in mind. In the late 1990s, a paradigm shift occurred as pastors and laity realized that a gaping hole existed in AME pews and organizations from the ages 18-40. The Young Women’s Initiative (YWI) of the Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) was created to address this issue within that specific organization and the Richard Allen Young Adult Council (RAYAC) shifted its age group to 26-39 in order to better serve the “missing” age group. As Rev. Dr. Nathan Dixon (4th) and I have pointed out in previous articles, the efficacy of these organizations to staunch the Young Adult hemorrhage is debatable. I believe one reason for this is because we are trying to apply a solution created for one era to the problems of a totally different time.

The delegate set-asides for 18-30 were a product of the “Youth Revolution” of the 1970s in which several young clergy and laity agitated for a greater involvement in the role of the Church. Some of the most prominent participants are significant lay leaders, pastors at major AME Churches, or serving as Bishops. While the delegate slots appeared to do their job for that generation, the momentum of the “Youth Revolution” was lost around 1984 with the demise of the “Youth Commission” of the General Board. Somewhere along the way, the institutional AME Church lost its interest in mentoring younger persons (especially laity) for more responsibility down the road. When big meetings occur, persons are quick to find a Young Adult delegate to fill a slot for a vote. Many times, however, these delegates have not had access to significant leadership opportunities and are definitely not expected to exercise a leadership role at the meeting. The Connectional Lay Organization (CLO) made a big step at the 31st Biennial by appoint Young Adult Chairs or Co-Chairs for all committees. This strategy should be reviewed for the other major meetings of the AME Church.

I am not saying that no mentoring occurs. Throughout my life, I have witnessed many positive episodes where seasoned church members have taken younger members (including myself) under their wings. My concern, however, comes with the extent of the AME Church’s willingness to let Young Adults enter into leadership roles. When one looks at a major AME meeting, one sees a cluster of Young Adult delegates from 18-30 and then a gap until age 45 at the earliest. Being banished to the netherworld of 30-50 is a fear which many active Young Adult AMEs have had at some point. Let us use the following hypothetical: You get to go to a couple of General Conferences and Biennials and maybe even serve on the General Board. Just when you’re beginning to get the hang of things, you find yourself at age 32 running against the 77 year old chairperson pro-tempore of your local church Steward Board who’s been going to General Conference since 1976 and wants “one more time.” While they recognize your “potential,” the local pastor or perhaps the local Lay President gently admonishes you to “wait your turn”…even though you have already successfully debated on the floor of the General Conference and the older delegate comes to you to know what happened. This situation is far too common in our local Churches as talented Young Adults with proven experience and skills are told they need more “time”. As a Church, we must realize that age and life experience (while valuable) are not the only valuable skills that a person can contribute to a position.

The issue of position holding is also acute in our Connectional auxiliaries who are in desperate need of new blood and innovation but choke off the participation of Young Adults outside of “designated” activities. As a Church we have a tradition of allowing persons to stay on Executive Boards for decades at a time. This issue is especially noticeable in the Lay Organization, where elections at many levels are little more than games of musical chairs. Additionally, Lay Organization members frequently hold offices on multiple levels of the Church. I refuse to believe that there is such a dearth of talent that a person needs to hold four (4) offices (albeit at different levels) in the same organization. The WMS has laudably implemented strict tenure of office requirements as well as limited the number of concurrent offices that can be served to two (2). Yet, the overwhelming majority of life-members at any WMS Quadrennial demonstrate that much more work needs to be done to incorporate younger members into the body.

Locked out of opportunities for mature service, some Young Adults seek to cling to the few structured avenues for church access they have for as long as possible. Enter the “Peter Pan Syndrome”. Numerous attempts have been made to raise the Young Adult set aside age for the General Conference and the Lay Organization from 30 to 35 and even 40. At this Biennial, several persons futilely attempted to adjust the 18-30 election age limitation on the Young Adult Representative position so that “older” Young Adults could contest the office. I even saw a proposal for the creation of a “Young Adult” Vice-Presidency for persons aged 26-45 made by a much older “Young Adult”. At age 27 and nearing the end of my Young Adult status, I can readily sympathize with “older” Young Adults who wish to “stay in the game”. One cannot permanently remain a Young Adult, however, and I believe that attempts to extend the age limit are unfair to younger AMEs waiting for their chance to shine. The real issue lies in getting Young Adults in positions for which they are fully qualified and competent and not have them clinging to age specific positions which were designed for younger persons to become exposed to the General Church. In my opinion, a 40 year old has no business running as a Young Adult. The problems of age 30-40 are not sufficient experience, but rather the willingness of established Church organizations to accept their proven leadership skills and talents.

The acute lack of opportunities for Young Adults for service in the AME Church has created a situation in which many Young Adults have divorced themselves completely from Connectional organizations and concentrated on local ministries more relevant to their needs. Many Young Adults have had to make the bitter choice between AME loyalty and spiritual fulfillment, often choosing to leave the AME Church so that they might have a place to grow. So…what can we do? First, we must recognize that there is a problem. Bishop John F. White has called for a Connectional retreat of AMEs under 40. This event needs to be held within the next year and supported by the various auxiliaries of the AME Church and the Council of Bishops so that a structured discussion might be held with an action plan being developed. Second, we must define the problem. While we are indeed missing persons ages 18-40 from our churches, a “one-size fits all” solution will not address this issue. We need to discretely develop strategies for 18-22, 23-30, and 31-40 recognizing that several life stages are encompassed in our missing group. Third, we need to evaluate our institutions and see what needs to be changed. Discussions need to be held about everything from liturgy reform to the YPD age limit to the purpose of RAYAC. We must take a hard look at our auxiliaries and ministries and see if we are indeed consigning Young Adults to a “Neverland” by admonishing them to “wait their turn”. I believe that the intelligent minds of African Methodism will come up with a solution to retool the AME Church to not only serve the present, but also future generations. We must, however, not be afraid to make the necessary changes needed in order to survive.

*Author’s Note: While this article deals largely with the issues effecting Young Adult laity, the lack of career development opportunities commiserate with the educational and professional experience of Young Adult clergy is also a noted cause for concern.

John Thomas III (13th Episcopal District) is the Young Adult Representative of the Connectional Lay Organization as well as a member of the General Board.

10. BROTHER CARL DAVIS CHAIR OF CELEBRATION OF SEPTEMBER AS GOSPEL MUSIC HERITAGE MONTH:

Gospel Recording Artist Byron Cage who will be the headliner for the Gospel Music Heritage Month Celebration at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (Washington, DC) during their Open House Arts Festival on September 12, 2009. AME, Carl Davis has been appointed to serve as chair of the event. Churches and other civic organizations are encouraged to celebrate September as Gospel Music Heritage Month. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) and Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-Arkansas) offered a resolution designating September as Gospel Music Heritage Month.

Sheila Jackson Lee Member of Congress from the 18th Congressional District (Texas) said, “I have worked in collaboration with Senator Blanche Lincoln, Gospel Music Advocate Carl Davis, Gospel Music Channel, Gospel Music Association and The Grammys to designate September of 2009 as ‘Gospel Music Heritage Month.” I extend my gratitude and appreciation to these gracious individuals and insightful organizations who had the vision and foresight needed to recognize the importance of gospel music to modern culture and to celebrate its rich history.”

11. BELIEVE INC. HOSTS SUCCESSFUL 2009 BRONZE GOLF TOURNAMENT:

Dr. Phyllis Brooks

The Silver Golf Tournament is scheduled for July 2010

Nashville, TN. The African Methodist Episcopal Church's 13th Episcopal District's inaugural golf tournament, called the Bronze Golf Tournament was held on Tuesday, July 7 at Two Rivers Golf Course in Nashville, Tennessee. More than 15 teams participated in the golf tournament.

The team winner of the tournament was from the West Tennessee Conference, the North Memphis District, which included Darrel Freeman, Charles Sueing, Wamon Buggs and Kevil Whalum. Presiding Elder Robert C. Finch was the sponsor.

The runner-up team consisted of Raymond Bryant, Leo Griffin, Daryl Ingram and George Johnson.

The tournament was sponsored by Believe, Inc., the philanthropic arm of the 13th Episcopal District.

Funds from the event will provide scholarships for students and support for small and rural churches. The organization also provides start-up funds for new ministries. Projects funded include after-school and drug treatment programs.

“We had a blessed event,” said Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, presiding prelate of the 13th Episcopal District. “We had great weather, good food, wonderful fellowship and golfers who delighted in participating in such a spirit-filled event,” McKenzie said.

The golf tournament is yet another way the church is reaching out to its parishioners with activities beyond the walls of the sanctuary.

The golf tournament included a variety of activities leading up to the tournament, including golf lessons.

Joe Turner, President of Believe, Inc., and Chief Coordinator of the golf tournament said, “We are thrilled about this accomplishment and appreciate the golfers and all the volunteers who helped to make the event a great success.”

The event was the first of four golf tournaments, sponsored by Believe. Next year’s event, The Silver Golf Tournament will be on July 13, 2010 at Harpeth Hills Golf Course in Nashville. The golf tournaments are part of a four-year plan leading up to the African Methodist Episcopal Church 2012 Quadrennial Session of General Conference that will be held in Nashville in July 2012.

For information visit the Web site at www.believeinc.org. Registration information, dates of events and a 2009 Bronze Tournament Golf Pro Shop is also available. Contact Joe Turner at 615. 391.0523.

12. CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST) PULLS CONVENTION FROM SOUTH CAROLINA IN PROTEST OF CONFEDERATE FLAG ISSUE:

Indianapolis, Ind. – Disciples News Service – July 31, 2009 -- Representatives at the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) biennial convention voted today to uphold an economic boycott in South Carolina and move the group’s 2010 meeting from Charleston.

The National Convocation, a group of African-American Disciples, decided to cancel plans to meet in Charleston in 2010. This action followed a request by South Carolina NAACP leaders to support an ongoing tourism boycott protesting the continued display of the Confederate flag on the State House grounds.

South Carolina NAACP officials approached Convocation leaders last week requesting the change, according to the Rev. Timothy James, administrative secretary of the National Convocation. The National Convocation is a ministry within the structure of the Disciples to support and strengthen African American congregations’ partnership in the total mission of the church.

The Confederate flag for many represents a symbol of oppression, said the Rev. Matt Harris of Los Angeles in comments to the group. The banner originally flew above the State Capitol to protest passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, South Carolina NAACP President Lonnie Randolph said at the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) gathering in Indianapolis.

Pressure from the civil rights community led South Carolina government officials to move flag from the top of the state capitol. The flag, however, continues to fly on state-owned property nearby. In response, tourism, business, civic and other organizations nationwide have supported a call not to hold conventions in the state.

“We don’t even need to take a vote,” said South Carolina Regional Pastor Sotello Long, following impassioned presentations by South Carolina NAACP representatives. The group voted overwhelming to support the boycott with only one dissenting vote.

The group also approved working with the national NAACP to negotiate contract details. An alternate site for the 2010 National Convocation was not decided at today’s meeting. Cities under consideration include Chicago, New York and Washington, DC.

Written By: Cliff Willis

Contact: Wanda Bryant Wills
Executive Director of Communications,
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
317-713-2496 or David L. Shank, 317-293-5590; (cell) 317-753-1440

From Disciples News Service, last Updated Aug 01, 2009

13. AME CHAPLAINS SCHEDULED TO GRADUATE FROM THE UNITED STATES ARMY CHAPLAIN SCHOOL:

The following AME students are currently enrolled in the United States Army Chaplain Center and School at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. The graduation ceremony will be held on August 28, 2009 at Fort Jackson.

Active Duty: Chaplain (1LT) Stephanie Handy

Reserve Component:

2LT Delphoney Nash-2nd District-Virginia
1LT Barron Chisolm-2nd District-North Carolina
1LT Eugene Johnson-9th District-Alabama
1LT Stephanie Handy-2nd District-Baltimore

Brother Fredrick Wilson -7th District-(Williams Chapel) is a CIMT Student

14. THE 2009 TWELFTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:

OKLAHOMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
September 1, 2009 - WMS Annual Convention
September 2 - September 5, 2009
First AMEC, Host Church
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

The Reverend Larry Banks, Host Pastor
The Reverend Lonnie Johnson, Host Presiding Elder
The Reverend Roger Alford, Associate Presiding Elder

CENTRAL NORTHEAST OKLAHOMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
September 8, 2009 – WMS Annual Convention
September 9- 12, 2009 – Annual Conference
Vernon AMEC, Host Church
Tulsa, Oklahoma

The Reverend Michelle Moulden, Host Pastor
The Reverend Pollie Wallace, Host Presiding Elder
The Reverend Wayne Johnson, Associate Presiding Elder

EAST NORTHEAST ARKANSAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE
September 22, 2009 – WMS Annual Convention
September 23 – 26, 2009 – Annual Conference
Bethel AMEC, Host Church
Batesville, Arkansas

The Reverend Moses Green, Host Pastor
The Reverend Napoleon Davis, Host Presiding Elder
The Reverend Johnny Kelly, Associate Presiding Elder

CENTRAL ARKANSAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE
September 29, 2009 – WMS Annual Convention
September 30 – October 3, 2009 – Annual Conference
Allen Temple AMEC, Co-Host Church
Mt. Pleasant AMEC, Co-Host Church
Pine Bluff, Arkansas

The Reverend Randolph Martin, Co-Host Pastor
The Reverend Kent Broughton, Co-Host Pastor
The Reverend Eugene Brannon, Host Presiding Elder
The Reverend Clarence Reynolds, Associate Presiding Elder

SOUTH ARKANSAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE
October 13, 2009– WMS Annual Convention
October 14 – 17, 2009 – Annual Conference
St. James AMEC, Host Church
Warren, Arkansas

The Reverend Johnny Johnson, Host Pastor
The Reverend Samuel L. Arnold, Host Presiding Elder
The Reverend James Hooper, Associate Presiding Elder

WEST ARKANSAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE
October 20, 2009 – WMS Annual Convention
October 21 – 24, 2009 – Annual Conference
Bethel AMEC, Host Church
Hope, Arkansas

The Reverend Carroll Anderson, Host Pastor
The Reverend Thomas Adair, Host Presiding Elder
The Reverend Clarence Boyd, Associate Presiding Elder

ARKANSAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE
October 27, 2009 – WMS Annual Convention
October 28 – 31, 2009 – Annual Conference
Moody Chapel AMEC, Host Church
Little Rock, Arkansas

The Reverend Hezekiah Stewart, Host Pastor
The Reverend Thomas Allen, Host Presiding Elder
The Reverend Clarence Guy, Associate Presiding Elder

TWELFTH DISTRICT FALL CONVOCATION AND PLANNING CONFERENCE

November 12 – 14, 2009
Bethel AME Church, Host Church
North Little Rock, Arkansas

The Reverend Tyrone Broomfield, Host Pastor
The Reverend Clarence Guy, Host Presiding Elder
The Reverend Thomas Allen, Associate Presiding Elder

12th Episcopal District Website has up-to-date information: www.12thdistrictame.com

15. FAMILY FAILURE---THE BREAKDOWN:

*The Rev. N.T. Pitts

Socrates is thought to have been born in 470 B.C. and died/executed in 399 B.C. at the age of seventy one.

Socrates lived in an era of affluence and he was concerned about the poor. He attacked those who were so concerned with their quest for material goods that they neglected the needs of their children.

He was concerned about the status of parents with their children when he wrote, “If I could I climb to the highest places in Athens, I would lift up my voice and proclaim; fellow citizens why do you turn and scrape every stone to gather wealth, and take so little care of the children to whom you must someday relinquish it all?”

Socrates also said, “Children nowadays love luxury. They have bad manners, contempt for authority they allow disrespect for elders and love chatter in place of exercise.”

It seems as if Socrates is speaking to us in these times.

The conditions we find our communities and our nation in the United States and around the world is nothing new.

Our youth have gone wild and coldhearted. They are caught up with a malady of “instant mania.” They want it, and they want now.

We can buy instant coffee and instant tea, instant grits and we ca even buy instant pancake mix.

Not only can we purchase instant food, we can even acquire instant academic degrees in hope of gaining instant success.
There is also instant cash so that we may have instant happiness.

And, when our children do not get what they want, instantly, they become rebellious.

The old saying goes, “it makes no sense to close the gate after the cows have gotten out.” You cannot expect a tree to grow straight when it is set out crooked.

We are admonished in the book of Deuteronomy, Chapter 6, to teach our children diligently and talk to them when we are sitting in our house and when we are walking and even at bedtime.

Whatever our society has become, we must not blame the system, we must not blame the teachers, and we must not blame the changing times. We, the family, must shoulder the total blame. We are to blame!

Every family must take the blame for the breakdown of our communities. As the family goes, so goes the nation. When parents don’t do what they should, and ought to do, they are damned and doomed; and so are our communities. We are now reaping the consequences of “family failure.”

There is no way of getting around it. Can you imagine a child living in his or her parent’s home, has no job, does no chores around the house, eating and sleeping between clean sheets, telling parents, “stay out of my room”?

Can you believe that some parents lock their bedroom doors when they go to bed for fear of their children?

The family has failed because parents have abdicated their responsibilities to their children.

Can you believe that there some parents who allow their daughters to have their boy friends to spend the night in “their” room and boys bringing their girl friends over to spend the night in their room? What do you think they are going to do, read the Bible?

There are children with credit cards, but no job. Some have large sums of money in their pockets, but no job. Children bring home things they didn’t buy and parents never question them. They don’t work and don’t do any chores around the house. They just lounge around all day and run the streets at night.

The trouble is there are too many delinquent parents raising delinquent children.

We have government officials and psychologist trying to tell parents how to raise kids, when their own families are in shambles; and some don’t even have children.

All we need to do is to go back to the basics and the basics are in the Bible. “Train up a child the way he/she should go…” --Proverbs 22:6

This may not sit well with some, but, it is not enough for us to go to church every Sunday, praising the Lord, holding up holy hands while our children stay home dying a moral, spiritual and social death. Our children’s blood is on our hands. We will be, and are held accountable.

It is deceptive to have people teaching other people’s children in Church School while they cannot, or will not, get their own children, grandchildren and others of their family to participate in the church’s activities. We must not dare correct other people’s children while ours have gone wild.

Not a day goes by that we don’t read about, or hear about some young boy or girl’s body being found in some alley or dumped in some vacant lot or field.

It is so strange that I hardly ever hear any parent admitting that their child has “taken the wrong road.” No matter what they do you will always hear them say “He is a good boy” or “She is a good girl.” It’s always the group down the street. Parents won’t admit that they have failed. Denying that you have failed does not exonerate you.

We may not want to admit it, but black families did not have all these social problems before integration. Black families participated in their schools and communities. There were some minor problems but not the problems on today’s scale.

Something has gone wrong and it is because families have failed.

There is much more that I could say but I think I have said enough for now. Take a look at your family!

*The Rev. N.T. Pitts is a retired AME pastor who lives in Eatonville, Florida

16. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE:

- Episcopal Family Birth Announcement

The Presiding Prelate of the Eleventh Episcopal District, Bishop McKinley Young and the Episcopal Supervisor, Dorothy Jackson Young are proud to announce the arrival of their seventh grandchild and fifth grandson, Noah Parker Jones born on July 9, 2009 weighing 6 pounds and 10 ounces and is 19 inches long. Baby Noah lives in Houston, Texas with his parents, Roderick and Andrea (Young) Jones and big brother Peyton.

Congratulatory responses can be emailed to the proud parents: andyjones@att.net

- Promotion of Chaplain David R. Brown

The Ecumenical & Urban Affairs Officer and Endorsing Agent of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is more than honored to announce the promotion of Lieutenant Commander, David R. Brown U. S. Navy Chaplain Corps, to Commander David R. Brown. The promotion ceremony of Commander David R. Brown took place on Monday, August 3, 2009, at the Naval Station in Norfolk, VA. The following persons participated in Commander’s David R. Brown promotion ceremony; LT Winnie Walmsley, CHC, USN, Bishop John F. White, Ecumenical Officer and Endorser for the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Rev. Andre P. Jefferson, Sr., Pastor of Bethel AME Church, Hampton, VA, Rev. Horace B. Cross, Sr., Lee’s Chapel AME Church, Chesapeake, VA, and CAPT William D. Valentine, Jr., USN (Retired) administering the Commissioning Oath.

Commander David R. Brown is on current duty with the Navy Recruiting Command located in Smyrna, GA. Commander Brown is married to Rayna Turner and the father of two Children.

We congratulate Commander Brown and his family for this wonderful achievement. We are very proud of our Chaplains who represent the African Methodist Episcopal Church as Armed Force Chaplains around the world. We encourage each of you to keep these wonderful men and women of God in your prayers. You can send words of congratulations and encouragements to Commander Brown at davidbrown60088@yahoo.com.

Bishop John F. White
Ecumenical & Urban Affairs Officer and
Endorsing Agent
African Methodist Episcopal Church

- 99th Birthday Celebration

Mrs. Ella B. Couch, widow of the Reverend W. T. Couch of the Tennessee Annual Conference, Thirteenth Episcopal District, celebrated her 99th birthday on Sunday, August 2, 2009. The Church School Department of the St. Peter's African Methodist Episcopal Church, Clarksville, Tennessee spearheaded a surprise birthday celebration following the morning service.

Mrs. Ella B. Couch is currently the oldest member of St. Peter's African Methodist Episcopal Church, Clarksville, Tennessee. She is a Life Member of the Women's Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and continues to participate on the local, area and conference levels. Mrs. Couch serves as the organist for St. Peter's Church every Sunday, the Reverend Dennis D. Lawson I, is the pastor.

Belated birthday greetings and congratulations can be sent to Mrs. Couch’s home:

Mrs. Ella B. Couch
722 Main Street
Clarksville, Tennessee 37040

17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the passing of Sister Enid Meiklejohn, widow of the late Presiding Elder Joshua Meiklejohn of the Jamaica Conference, 16th Episcopal District on Saturday, July 25, 2009, at the age of 95. Sister Meiklejohn was a retired Basic School Teacher, and founder of two Early Childhood Schools in St. Catherine, Jamaica, namely AME Basic at Selby's and St. Patrick AME Basic at Red Ground. She was a Life Member of the Women's Missionary Society and member of St. Patrick AME Church, Red Ground, St. Catherine, Jamaica.

Condolences may be sent to the family of Sister Meiklejohn via Presiding Elder Leonora Prince,
Email: princesslus@yahoo.com

Submitted by,

Sandra Pyke-Anthony
1st Lady-Trinidad & Tobago, Grenada Districts
Windward Islands Conference

18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We are saddened to announce news of the passing of Ricky L. Lyle, the brother of Mrs. JoAnn Hoffman, former officer of the Connectional Women's Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Ricky L. Lyle, 56, of Fort Worth, Texas passed on Monday, August 3, 2009 at a local hospital.

Service arrangements for Ricky L. Lyle:

Friday, August 7, 2009
Wake: 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Gregory W. Spencer Funeral Directors
4000 Miller Avenue
Fort Worth, Texas 76119
Phone: (817) 531-8666
Fax: (817) 535-3135

Saturday, August 8, 2009
Funeral: 11:00 a.m.
St. James A.M.E. Church
5020 Ramey Avenue
Fort Worth, Texas 76105
Phone: (817) 536-7814

The Rev. Damon Blakeley, Pastor

The Rev. Johnny Ray Mitchell, Presiding Elder
Greater Fort Worth District-Northwest Texas Annual Conference

Monday, August 10, 2009
Burial: 10:30 a.m.
DFW National Cemetery
Dallas, Texas

Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

Mrs. JoAnn Hoffman
805 Bella Circle, Apt. # 601
Fort Worth, Texas 76120
Phone: (817) 275-7727
Email: jahoff@sbcglobal.net

19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

The Turner Chapel AME Church Family of Marietta, Georgia is saddened to share news of the passing of the Reverend Alfredia Steward.

Service arrangements for Reverend Alfredia Steward:

Saturday, August 8, 2009
Viewing: 9:00 AM
Homegoing Celebration: 10:00 AM

Turner Chapel AME Church
492 North Marietta Parkway
Marietta, Georgia 30060
Phone: (770) 422-6791

The Rev. Kenneth E. Marcus, Pastor

Interment will be at Kennesaw Memorial Gardens and the repast will be immediately following in the fellowship hall at Turner Chapel AME Church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Alfredia Steward Memorial Fund at any Bank of America location.

Condolences may be sent to:

The Family of Rev. Alfredia Steward
2805 Northwood Court SW
Marietta, Georgia 30060

20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to share news of the passing of Mrs. Brenda Lewis-Primm, the mother of Sister Markita Primm, Licentiate at St. Paul AME Church (SW) Detroit, Michigan, the Rev. Dr. Jeffery L. Baker, Pastor; the Rev. H. Michael Lemmons, Presiding Elder of the notable North District-Michigan Annual Conference and Bishop John R. Bryant, Senior Bishop, Presiding Prelate of the Fourth Episcopal District.

Mrs. Brenda Lewis-Primm was a member of Greater Quinn AME Church in Detroit, Michigan, the Rev. Daniel J. Reid, pastor.

Service Arrangements Mrs. Brenda Lewis-Primm:

Public Visitation:
Sunday and Monday (August 9 & 10, 2009)
9:00 AM - 9:00 p.m.

James H. Cole Home for Funerals
2624 West Grand Blvd.
Detroit, Michigan 48208
Phone: (313) 873-0771
Fax: (313) 972-4405

Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Family Hour: 10:30 a.m.
Funeral: 11:30 a.m.
Greater Quinn AME Church
13501 Rosa Parks Blvd. @ Davison
Detroit, Michigan 48238

Phone: (313) 867-8380

Interment: Woodlawn Cemetery, Woodward at State Fair Avenue West.

Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

Markita and Cortney Primm
18968 Prevost
Detroit, Michigan 48235
Phone: (313) 659-9772

Condolences may be emailed to: markitawvsualum@yahoo.com

21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:

The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action

Mrs. Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
Email: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936
Fax: (615) 833-3781
Cell: (615) 403-7751

22. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:

The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Richard Franklin Norris; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of The Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement.

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (7/31/09)

Bishop Richard Franklin Norris - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor, The Christian Recorder

1. EDITORIAL – OUR AMEC SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION STANDS SECOND TO NONE; RECEIVES FIVE AWARDS:

Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder

"Their ice is not colder; our ice is just as cold! We are award winners!"

Sometimes we, some of the members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, don’t realize our blessings. Some of us tend to think that departments in other denominations are more efficient, but I am proud to announce that the AMEC Sunday School Union has received “Best Category 2009 Printing Industry Association of the South Graphic Awards.” The AMEC Sunday School Union received not one, not two, but five Best of Categories.

The AMEC Sunday School Union was awarded the 2009 PIAS Best of Category for the AMEC General Conference 2008 Worship Book; the AMEC General Conference 2008 Bookmark; The A.M.E. Church Review (April-June 2008); the Strategic Planning Implementation Handbook; and for the Secret Chamber (July 1 - Oct. 7, 2008).

The 2009 PIAS Graphic Awards were presented at the Printing Industry Association of the South 35th Annual Convention that was held at the Hilton Sandestin Resort, Destin, Florida on June 23, 2009.

The PIAS Graphic Awards competition is designed to recognize and honor the creation, design and production of the industry’s best printed materials which have impact, appeal and are effective as marketing communications.

The Printing Industry Association of the South (PIAS) is a non-profit trade association, dedicated to assisting the entire industry to continue to expand in the region and help the industry prosper. PIAS covers the seven-state region of Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and West Virginia.

“The African Methodist Episcopal Church is proud to receive this recognition from the PIAS,” said Dr. Johnny Barbour, President / Publisher of the AMEC Sunday School Union. Dr. Barbour commended his staff for their professionalism and dedication. He went on to say that they were the unsung heroes of the AMEC Sunday School Union. They are, indeed, the unsung heroes of the AMEC Sunday School Union.

The “Best Category 2009 Printing Industry Association of the South Graphic Awards” did not just happen. It took the dedicated work of a number of individuals, the unsung heroes of the AMEC Sunday School Union.

Meet the unsung heroes of the AMEC Sunday School Union

The team leader is Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr.

The front office is staffed by Mr. Andre Wright, a graduate of Morehouse College, who serves as the Administrative Assistant; Mrs. Sheila Collier, Data Entry Technician; Mrs. Mary Gunn, Data Entry Technician and Monroe Barbour who has been working in the office this summer and during holidays when he is off from college. They are the doorkeepers for the AMEC Sunday School Union. When you call the AMEC Sunday School Union and order materials and supplies, you most likely speak with Mrs. Collier or Mrs. Gunn. Mr. Andre Wright, the Administrative Assistant does it all and also handles advertisements and payment and collection of color separation fees.

The Graphics Department is the heart of the organization.

Andrew Stanfield

Andrew Stanfield goes by the nickname, “Andy,” and began working at the AMEC Sunday School Union in 2003. Stanfield is a native of Louisiana and was raised in military communities; his father was career military, a paratrooper who retired from the Air Force. Andy is the grammarian and proof reader for all printed materials that go out from the AMEC Sunday School Union. He is a 1996 graduate of Louisiana Tech University, and graduated Cum Laude. He attended law school at LSU, but decided upon a different career path. He moved to Nashville and attended graduate school at Trevecca Nazarene University. He also worked in various warehouse and telephone headset jobs before being hired by Dr. Johnny Barbour to work at the AMEC Sunday School Union. Stanfield is single but says he in “negotiations.” He says that he likes to hike and kayak in his “limited amount of spare time.” He says that he loves his job at the AMEC Sunday School Union and thoroughly enjoys working with his fellow team members in the Graphics Department.

Orlando Dotson

Orlando Dotson, age twenty-nine is a native Mississippian, arrived in Nashville in the fall of 1998 on a football scholarship at Tennessee State University. While at TSU, Orlando lettered all four years at the Defensive-end position. Following his eligibility, he fulfilled the services as a graduate assistant for the TSU football team, in addition to completing his curriculum to attain a diploma in the field of Studio Art with a focus in Graphic Design. While an undergraduate student at TSU, he was an honor student, regularly on the Dean’s List and was a member of the Artist Guild.

In 2003, upon graduation from TSU, Orlando obtained a position at the AMEC Sunday School Union as a Graphic Designer. Dotson says, “There is a hands’-on learning process here at the Union, which has helped me to hone my skills and use my artistic talents to become in integral part of Graphics Department.” Dotson is directly involved with AMEC Sunday School Union publications of The Missionary Magazine, The A.M.E. Church Review and various Children’s Quarterlies. He says that he enjoys working at the AMEC Sunday School Union.

Micheal Russell

Micheal Russell has been a graphic artist with the AMEC Sunday School Union for almost 4 years. He is the Graphic Artist for The Christian Recorder, The Gospel Speaker, The Voice of Missions, specialty ads / sales communications and logo /stationery development.

Russell graduated from Hardin County High School in 1985 from a small southern town called Hookers Bend, Tennessee. He was awarded an academic scholarship to attend Middle Tennessee State University. He majored in commercial art with a minor in English. Russell says he has been an artist since age 5 and looking at Sesame Street. As a self-professed geek, Russell confesses to being only mildly familiar with sports. During his years at MTSU, he became a varsity cheerleader which actually turned him towards fitness and health. “Diabetes runs in my family, so ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,’” Russell quips.

Russell quickly rattled off several of his favorite quotes: “If we can’t, then we must”; “Get busy living or get busy dying”…Morgan Freeman/Shawshank Redemption; “Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others” and “Time erodes the shores of memory” ….Micheal Russell

Russell received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Middle Tennessee State University in 1990 and was employed with a school fundraising company for many years creating national sales collaterals, t-shirt designs, and tradeshow demonstrations as senior graphic artist and Director of Marketing prior to joining the AMEC Sunday School Union.

Russell said, “I have always been fascinated by creation and creativity. I enjoy listening to people communicate their ideas and passions and translating them into some graphic depiction. I love graphics.”

Originally an illustrator and stone lithographer, Russell admits that he gave in to paying the bills. His graphic talent helped him work through college and find gainful employment in the years that followed. He said, “I’ve worn my share of hats in forty-two years; but the same things still excite me. I just like making things! Graphics allow me to create something and have a product to show for the process afterwards.”

From his earliest times, he has drawn strength from his grandmother, Cornella Mae Nichols who walked him to St. Paul AME Church every Sunday practically from birth. He shared, “My mother, Anna Russell passed from lung cancer just prior to my coming to the Sunday School Union. Her smile was always my inspiration. I still miss seeing it on her face and in her eyes. My father, Robert E. Russell has always remained my hero. From his dogmatic work ethic, to his honesty, to his consistent presence of character—I remain in his shadow, thankful for his countless contributions to my life. I catch myself sometimes quoting his wisdom and expressions. It makes me chuckle.”

The first of six, Russell has two brothers, Christopher and Gregory; and three beautiful sisters, Gwendolyn, Michelle, and Shayla. Russell says we never had much growing up but what we had was priceless. I have a great family.

Russell resides in Lebanon, Tennessee with his adorable wife, Linda, of seven years. He jokes seriously and said, “Having Linda as my wife and the mother of our children was the single best decision I ever made.” They have two children, Jason and Nicholas who have brought them countless joys and are writing great testimonies. Russell said looking back over his fifteen year graphic career---“I’m creating the best stuff I ever have; I hope to never quit saying that. I have had the privilege of working with great people and an amazing team. We are all uniquely gifted for the tasks ahead. We peer forward in uncertain times united, creative and ambitious; but mostly just grateful.”

Andy Stanfield, Orlando Dotson, and Micheal Russell are the real heroes of all of the AMEC publications. Reading their biographical sketches tells the whole story. They are competent, dedicated, loyal and well-qualified. The five 2009 PIAS Best of Category Graphic Awards were conferred upon the AMEC Sunday School Union because of their competent, dedicated and proficient work.

We know that a team is made up of a “sum of its whole” and that there are many unnamed individuals who contribute to the success of the organization. The AME Sunday School Union has a big team in the basement of the Sunday School Union who operates the printing presses and does a myriad of jobs that also contributed to the 2009 PIAS Best of Category Graphic Awards that were bestowed upon the AMEC Sunday School Union.

To all of them, Dr. Johnny Barbour and those of us in the African Methodist Episcopal Church say, “Thank You!”

2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:

- To the Editor:

RE: Editorial – We are busy church, and there is no time to rest, because blessed people are…

I liked your statement that you attributed to the Rev. Louis Charles Harvey, “Blessed people are busy people,” but I would also like to advance the notion that “Busy people are blessed people.” My logic: All blessed people are not necessarily busy people, but busy people are blessed to be able to be busy. Thus: "Busy people are blessed people."

So, I think that it goes both ways.

Name Withheld

Editor’s Note: I believe you have a point. I like your logic and I am sure that Dr. Louis Charles Harvey likes your logic too.

3. ELECTED OFFICERS OF THE 31ST BIENNIAL SESSION OF THE CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION:

The election of officers at the 31st Biennial Session of the Connectional Lay Organization Meeting was held on July 27, 2009 in Little Rock, Arkansas.

President - Dr. Willie Glover (721 Votes)
1st Vice-President – Thomas Greene (744 Votes)
2nd Vice-President – Matikane Makiti (Unopposed)
3rd Vice-President – F. Jane Chandler Harris (632 Votes)
Recording Secretary – Gloria DeVeaux-Cobb (Unopposed)
Asst. Recording Secretary – Doris M. Bell (804 Votes)
Corresponding Secretary – Eileen Warner (Unopposed)
Financial Secretary – Richard L. Bowden (588 Votes)
Treasurer – Darwin Eldridge (Unopposed)
Historiographer – Pamela Tilley (Unopposed)
Parliamentarian – Virginia Henderson Harris (Unopposed)
Director of Public Relations – Alphonso Times (Unopposed)
Director of Lay Activities – Edith B. Cartledge (610 Votes)
Chaplain – Joyce Bracy Vaughn (703 Votes)
Young Adult Representative – John Thomas, III (Unopposed)

4. OUTGOING SPEECH DELIVERED BY BRENT SHEPARD, PAST YOUNG ADULT REPRESENTATIVE, CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION:

*Brent Shepard
Young Adult 10th Episcopal District

This speech was delivered on July 30, 2009 at the 31st Connectional Lay Biennial that was held in Little Rock Arkansas

Brothers and sisters in Christ, it has been a tremendous honor to have served as the Young Adult Representative (YAR) for the Connectional Lay Organization of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. My time here has been extremely educational. I have been so very blessed to have had the opportunity to work with some wonderfully amazing people. Amazing people like Danyel Moulden, YAR of the 12th District; Corian Wilson also of the 12th; and the other young adults of the 12th who have worked tirelessly, rolling out the red carpet for us here in Little Rock, beginning with the fish-fry on Saturday. Those of you, who were fortunate enough to have attended, can bear witness to some serious hospitality and some really good catfish, cake, peach cobbler, banana pudding, and other appetizing items. These young adults have set the bar high for districts who will host future lay biennial meetings.

Young adults of the 12th, I thank you and I applaud you; amazing young adults like Connectional YAR-elect John Thomas III and Starr Battle, YAR of the 2nd Episcopal District, who have been with me these past two years serving as advisers and friends. The leadership of the CLO, President Burns and the Executive Board, have been extremely supportive of me and of issues concerning young adults. To you good people, I am grateful.

I, as I would imagine everyone here, love the AME Church. The legacy of those who came before us is unparalleled. No other church has the rich and distinguished history that our Church has. I feel nothing but pride when I reflect on this history; a history of which I am now a part. However, as I reflect further, I find myself asking “How well have I served my church? How well have we upheld this legacy?”

During this Biennial convention, we’ve heard the word “accountability.” Everyone uses it now, “accountability”, and “accountability.”

We demand that our leadership be held accountable, as we should, but, how about us? Have we, laypersons, held ourselves accountable?

Former Black Panther member, Eldridge Cleaver, once said that either you’re part of the solution or you’re part of the problem. Ask yourselves, “On what end of this spectrum do you fall?”

Consider this, the average age of the Lay organization member is somewhere in the 60’s. There is a huge migration of young adults from the AME Church. The Lay specifies young adult as 18-30 but the group that’s missing extends up to about 40.

Why are they leaving? Where are they going? Who should be held accountable?

The answer lies with the person in the mirror. The answer lies with us. Our Church cannot survive without new blood.

However, we are either unable or unwilling to deal effectively with this issue. Young adults, generally aren’t old enough to have gotten used to a “We do it this way because this is the way it’s always been done” mentality. This mentality has caused us to be resistant to change; caused us to become powerless in truly addressing the needs of our young adults and thus, the needs of our future.

Young adults are result driven. We like to see progress. Progress is not having two of our schools, Morris Brown College and Paul Quinn College, lose their accreditation. That’s not progress; that’s an embarrassment.

Maybe we, as a Church have grown too big, too fancy. We’ve become accustomed to a lifestyle that’s difficult to maintain, especially during these times and under our current dwindling finances and declining membership.

We, AMEs, like to look good. When we do something, we do it big. Our conferences and connectional meetings are held at these lavish and luxurious hotels, yet, we have churches who are struggling to decide how they are going to pay their budgets and at the same time, trying to keep their lights on.

Is this what our legacy has become? We have pastors so worried about disappointing the Bishop because they cannot meet their budgets and they resort to measures, totally disregarding The Discipline, in some cases that may in fact harm their churches.

I can’t be the only one who sees this. Young adults can’t be the only ones who see this?

Truth is we all see it. What do we do about it?

We see officers; stewards and trustees, in our local churches who know little to nothing about African Methodism, serving only to go along with any and everything the pastor says and does.

We see the mismanagement of church finances on all levels. We see pastors run churches into the ground, remain at the same church for years and never moved, never helped, never reprimanded. In the event they are moved we punish another church by sending him or her with the same skill-set, no training, and no professional development, only to repeat the cycle.

We see the way we elect bishops and hear about some of the foolishness that allegedly goes on behind the “curtains,” then pretend like its okay. We hear of all kinds of questionable things, too numerous to list here, and what do we do about it? Certainly, not what we should, if we want to grow.

We realize no church, no situation, no organization is perfect, but we, as African Methodists, have got to do better.

Accountability; we have to hold our bishops accountable, our general officers and other elected leaders, our presiding elders, and our pastors accountable. And above all, we have to hold ourselves accountable.

We want the AME Church to be attractive to the young adults and youth? We need to hold ourselves accountable. We need to take charge and make the AME Church attractive to everyone; the young and the not so young. How many of you are happy with the current state of African Methodism? How many of you, if you had not put in 30, 40 years of hard work into this organization and into this church, would want to remain a part of it? If you don’t like it, you know we don’t.

Seasoned members and young adults need each other. We, young adults, need you to train and to mentor us.

You need us to keep the legacy alive; someone to whom you can pass on the torch.

Provide us with meaningful opportunities to serve and grow; not token appointments and gestures; we, young adults, pay attention.

We’re looking to you for guidance and direction. Be good stewards. Don’t be afraid to stand up and speak out against wrongdoing and only to talk about your displeasure amongst your friends later over the telephone. Teach us the right way to run this African Methodist Episcopal Church, the way our founder, Richard Allen, intended it to be run. We have a legacy. A legacy that stretches back 222 years. We have a responsibility to be good stewards.

This is a call to action. Lay Persons, this is your Church. It doesn’t belong to the Bishops, General Board, General Officers, Lay Presidents, and Executive Boards, any of that. It belongs to you. It belongs to us. We are responsible for the fate of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. We have to hold ourselves accountable.

Brent Shepard
Young Adult Representative, CLO 2005-09

5. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE PAYNE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY GRADUATING CLASS OF 2009:

Dr. Leah Gaskin Fitchue, President,
Payne Theological Seminary, Wilberforce, Ohio
The 2009 graduating class is the largest graduating class in the history of PTS.

THE 2009 Graduating Class (In alphabetical order)

1. Clark, Larry - Columbia, South Carolina
2. Conyers, Harold - Irmo, South Carolina
3. Cooper, Mila - Cleveland, Ohio
4. Fabor, Dorine - Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina
5. Goodwater, Rose - Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina
6. Graham, Melvin - Rocky Mount, North Carolina
7. Grate, Benjamin - Georgetown, South Carolina
8. Green, Johnathan - Florence, South Carolina
9. Green, Theodore - Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina
10. Hodge, Mary Ann - Mullins, South Carolina
11. Jackson, Cynthia - Jersey City, New Jersey
12. Jackson, Robert - Lewis, Delaware
13. Kataka, Francis - Harare, Zimbabwe
14. McMillian, Janice - Little River, South Carolina
15. Richardson, Roger - Huntsville, Alabama
16. Richburg, Bernard - Summerton, South Carolina
17. Roberts, William - Dayton, Ohio
18. Spann, Silas - Gadsden, South Carolina
19. Smalls-Salley, Merrielee - Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina
20. Tolbert, Sondrea - Nashville, Tennessee
21. Wilson-Guffin, Sarita - Cordova, Tennessee

Submitted by:

Rachel Wilson, Receptionist
Payne Theological Seminary
1230 Wilberforce-Clifton Road
PO Box 474
Wilberforce, Ohio 45384
www.payne.edu

6. BISHOP WILLIAMS CALLS FOR FOCUS ON YOUTH:

*Benjamin Harrison

During the past several years many traditional denominations have noted that young people, in ever-increasing numbers, are leaving their local churches, those of their forebears, and striking out onto their own. These young adults are departing from the churches in which they were raised to explore the multifarious religious offerings of the 21st century’s new denominational Diaspora. This recent dynamic has left many traditional denominations, like the AME Church, wondering where many of their youth have gone.

Perhaps these young folks are leaving their local churches and denominations as a result of the explosion of new technologies such as cell phones, computers and the internet which allow their hearts and minds to reach far beyond their local communities, across oceans and continents into every corner of the globe. Perhaps they are leaving due to the perennial advancement of travel whereby cars and trains, buses and planes make it increasingly easy to move beyond cities, states and countries. Maybe it’s a sign of the times as American social dynamics evolve into a post-modern era where young black people are no longer focused on the collective struggle for freedom from slavery and segregation, but instead on the individual realization of the capitalist American dream. Or maybe this new rebellious generation is simply no longer interested in being bound by tradition and instead is seeking new ways of relating to God in the new millennium. Whatever the case, this dilemma is the result of a combination of these and myriad other factors which have forced traditional denominations to rethink their approach as it pertains to youth.

In light of this trend, The Right Reverend Dr. Preston W. Williams II, presiding Bishop of the Seventh Episcopal District, has called for a focus on the recruitment and retention of AME youth, as well as the education and development of all youth throughout South Carolina, both inside and outside of the church’s walls. Though, under Bishop Williams’ leadership, the AME Church has established partnerships with more than 80 local and state agencies throughout South Carolina, the following paragraphs offer a brief overview of a few programs which illuminate Bishop Williams’ high level of interest and concern regarding the importance of youth.

Church Visitations

Currently, Bishop Williams is in the process of physically visiting the more than 600 AME Churches throughout South Carolina, an endeavor which has not been attempted by an A.M.E. Bishop within the past 50 years, if ever. During each visitation Bishop Williams has dialogued face-to-face with the local congregants, admonishing them that issues related to the area’s youth must be at the top of each church’s agenda. According to Bishop Williams, “It is ministry in partnership with the Holy Spirit that is an essential component of any successful church.” Thus, Bishop Williams has asked all AME Church’s statewide to focus on children’s and youth ministries by establishing areas in each church, outside of the sanctuary, where babies, toddlers and appropriate aged children can be safely supervised by adults during Sunday service. There, children can play with religious books, games and engage in activities that will help them learn far more than if they were present in the sanctuary listening to a preacher exegete the word of God through a sermon intended for adults. Also, Bishop Williams has sought to break away from the traditional dynamic whereby church stewards and trustees often hold their positions for twenty, thirty and forty consecutive years, making it virtually impossible for young adults to participate in the process of governing the church. Thus, he has suggested that all pastors consider replacing at least one third of their steward and trustee boards with young adults. Bishop Williams states, “In this way young adults are more engaged and empowered and therefore have a greater chance of remaining connected to, instead of alienated from, the church.”

Youth Summits

In reaching out to the youth of South Carolina, both inside and outside the walls of the church, in 2004 Bishop Williams established a series of statewide youth summits which take place between August and October of each year. These summits are open to all children between the ages of 6 to 15 regardless of race, class, gender, religious or non-religious background, and offer an ecumenical opportunity for children to come together and learn about topics and issues essential to their development as healthy Christians. During these summits children are instructed on topics such as: Salvation, the Scriptures, Church Etiquette, and the Parts of the Church, Church History, Manhood, Womanhood, Church Liturgy, Biblical Studies, and Career Exploration. They also worship God through praise teams, mime ministries and other youth oriented activities. Between 2006 and 2008, eighteen youth summits have been conducted throughout South Carolina, with 2,250 adult chaperones and 7,500 children who participated.

Young Adult Initiative (YAI)

In reaching out to the young adults of South Carolina, Bishop Williams established the Young Adult Initiative through which people between the ages of 18 to 40 are provided opportunities to take greater levels of authority and control in ministry. These individuals are able to network and attend courses and workshops designed to enhance their leadership skills in areas such as: Entrepreneurship, Investments, Home Ownership, and Voter Empowerment. Through the YAI, Bishop Williams is creating space in the church for this age demographic by empowering them to do ministry in their own paradigm and cultural context. Bishop Williams states, “Today’s youth possess distinct requirements, concerns and perspectives than older generations. Thus, we must establish creative opportunities for the church to nurture and empower tomorrow’s leaders.”

Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ)

In July 2005, the AME Church and the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) partnered in a collective effort to provide South Carolina's at-risk youth with support and services designed to maximize their potential as positive and productive members of the larger South Carolinian society. Through this collaboration, between 2004 – 2008, four AME Teen After School (TASC) Centers have been established in Greenville, Lexington, Georgetown and Richland Counties; more than 32 AME Auxiliary Probation Officers (APO’s) have been recruited, which represent half of all DJJ APO’s statewide; and $100,000 dollars was pledged by Bishop Williams on behalf of the AME Church as foundational funds for the building of a Community Connections Center at the DJJ institutional complex in Columbia, SC, which was completed September 2008 and which now allows for more private family visitation, enhanced treatment and provides a transitional living area for youth being paroled back into South Carolina’s communities. According to Bishop Williams, “There is no greater gift we can give than our time, energy, resources and love to those who have lost their way. It is our responsibility as Christians and citizens of South Carolina to assist those who are in need. As opposed to locking the door and throwing away the key, we propose encouragement, support and rehabilitation. In helping troubled youth, we help ourselves.” As a result of these and other significant accomplishments stemming from the AME – DJJ partnership, in 2007 Bishop Williams was honored by the DJJ with the Outstanding Community Leader Award.

Eyes on the Child

September 2008, the AME Church, the South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS), and Richland County School District One announced a partnership involving these three organizations entitled “Eyes On The Child (EOTC).” This program was created by Bishop Williams and the SCDSS to provide support to at-risk children so as to enhance their performance in school and promote their overall growth and development. SCDSS and Richland One school officials identify children in need of additional assistance in meeting their educational goals and volunteers from the AME Church are then paired with the students to provide support, guidance and encouragement. Each week, for a minimum of one hour, the volunteer’s role is to visit the child at school, eat lunch with the child, and engage in the interests of that child. Dr. Kathleen Hayes, SCDSS State Director, explains, “We believe this ‘extra’ set of eyes on the child will result in another positive relationship for the child and a more successful educational outcome.” The EOTC program was launched as a pilot program at Weber and Sandel High Schools in Richland County School District One where 20 AME volunteers have mentored 22 youth and in 2010 the program will be implemented statewide.

Through these and other various AME related ministries, programs and partnerships, both inside and outside the walls of the church, Bishop Williams and the Seventh Episcopal District are deeply engaged in an Episcopal ministry that is committed to the betterment of the collective youth of South Carolina. Under Bishop Williams’ tutelage, as the Seventh Episcopal District continues to grow into the full realization that times are changing and children are growing up faster as a result of being exposed to more and different information earlier in life, it is now making a necessary shift in its paradigm of thought and its approach to educating, empowering and evangelizing young people.

*Benjamin Harrison is the Public Relations Director for the 7th District, AME Church

7. YOUTH IN THE SPOTLIGHT: 11TH DISTRICT YPD’ER COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY BECOMES AN OUTSTANDING COLLEGE ENTREPRENEUR:

By: Marissa C. Brown

In today’s society there are many youth and young adults making a positive difference in our world. Many of the youth and young adults are members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

A young, intellectual, an astounding youth of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and presently serving as Communications Secretary of the Eleventh Episcopal District where Bishop McKinley Young serves as the presiding prelate is Brittney L. Laws, the daughter of the Reverend Lorenzo Laws and Mrs. Gerti Laws. The Rev. Lorenzo Laws is the pastor of Mt. Zion AME Church, in Hastings, Florida.

Brittney is a junior at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida. She is majoring in Public Relations/Journalism and has a minor in Business Administration. She hopes to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in 2011. She is a member of the speech and debate team, the activities committee for the junior class and a candidate for Miss Diamond/Miss McQuinn.

Brittany recalls that she was first inspired by her friends, instructors and classmates. As a hobby she would bake cookies for her friends and they would tell her how good the cookies were and that she, needed to market the cookies. She accepted their advice and proceeded to do so and now she is an outstanding entrepreneur.

She has set the pace at Florida A&M, the Tallahassee, Florida community with her competitive spirit as a public relations and business major. Her God-given talent in baking cookies has inspired her to become an entrepreneur. She says, "I will utilize my business Administration degree in further operating my business on a global level after graduation."

She has advertised on Facebook for advertising and communications in marketing her product.

8. DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT - IT’S YOUR CHOICE:

The Rev. Frederick Eugene Hale

Debbie and I ate dinner at the local Chinese restaurant this weekend with our youngest grandson. For some reason I didn’t consume my fortune cookie until today while waiting for Sister Debbie who was shopping for quilt material. Lo and behold this cookie actually had a saying worth remembering and even passing on to those who might read these words. “Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.”

How much of our unhappiness is because we fret, worry and forget to lean on Jesus! Yes it is simplistic but it’s true we are responsible for our own happiness.

The Rev. Frederick Eugene Hale

9. I DON’T OR I CAN’T:

*The Rev. N.T. Pitts

There are many of us who are quick to proclaim “I don’t do that anymore.” But in reality we can’t do that, whatever it is, anymore. We give the impression that we have reformed and now living a pious life. Very few of us ever acknowledge that we can’t. There is a phrase that I coined some years ago, in matter of fact, I did a sermon on it and that is, “Do what you can, while you can, before you can’t.” You are welcome to use it if you desire.

The preacher in the book of Ecclesiastes stated it this way:
Remember now thy creator in the days of thy youth while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say I have no pleasure in them. Ecclesiastes 12:1

Paul echoed somewhat the same when he wrote to the Galatians and admonished them, “As we have therefore opportunity…” Galatians 6:10

There are things I would like to continue doing but I can’t. I would like to walk eighteen holes of golf, but I can’t. I would like to bowl four or five games per week, but I can’t. I would like to continue walking four miles a day, but I can’t. Its not that I don’t want to, I just can’t. So since I can’t I don’t.

When the preacher mentioned the evil days he was speaking about the intrusion of those “Itis boys.” I am sure you know them or heard of them. If you haven’t, just keep on living – I am referring to, Bursitis, Neuritis and Arthritis - those boys don’t play. When they jump on you, there is nothing you can say, but “I can’t.”

It is nothing to be ashamed of to admit that you can’t. But it is a pity that you didn’t do what you should have done when you could have done it. But we must not use our disabilities as a means of proclaiming “holiness.” Some of us would still be doing what we have been doing if we could but we can’t. Sometimes our disabilities serve to get our attention and to remind us that we didn’t do what we should have done when we could have done it. I repeat, “Do what you can while you can, before you can’t”.

While you have a good job and making money you should give as you ought. While you have the voice to sing, sing while you can.
While you have the opportunity to visit the sick, do it.
While you have the opportunity to go to Bible study, go.
While you have the opportunity to bless somebody do it.

The Priest and the Levite blew their opportunity along the Jericho road. The rich man who lived sumptuously blew his opportunity.

Let’s face it, some of us would still be going out to “shake a leg” if we could, but we can’t, but we say we don’t as if we have changed.

So I admonish you to “Do what you can, while you can, before you can’t. But do it all to the glory of God.

A bit of humor:

The Sunday school teacher was teaching about the man who fell among thieves and was robbed. The teacher asked the class, why did the Priest and the Levite crossed over to the other side of the street. A young boy in the back of the class said they crossed over to the other side because they saw that the man was already robbed.

*The Rev. N.T. Pitts is a retired AME pastor who lives in Eatonville, Florida

10. EPISCOPACY AND CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES:

- Our sincere felicitations to Bishop Wilfred Jacobus Messiah, Presiding Prelate of the Fifteenth Episcopal District, to the Rev. Paul J.R. Messiah, pastor of Zion Worcester in the Western Cape and the Rev. William Charles Legolie II, pastor of Metropolitan Mitchells Plain, Cape Town, South Africa, who celebrated their 30th anniversary in the ministry recently. We are thankful unto the Lord for their commitment to His service and the African Methodist Episcopal Church shown over the past years. God still uses fallible men and women to bring sinners to repentance and these fine gentlemen have proved no exception. May they continue to be an example to all those who would follow Christ and commit their lives to His service in this manner.

Congratulatory responses can be emailed to:

Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah: wjmessiah2004@yahoo.com

The Rev. Paul J. R. Messiah: revpaulmessiah@yahooco.uk

The Rev. Charles Legolie II: vaame@mweb.co.za

- Presiding Elder James D. Holmes and Mrs. Hermine L Holmes of the Greenville-Greenwood District of the Eighth Episcopal District will celebrate their 40th Wedding Anniversary on Saturday, July 25, 2009 at 5:00 pm at the Faith Community African Methodist Episcopal Church in Southaven, Mississippi.

Congratulatory responses can be emailed to: herminebh@yahoo.com

- Congratulations to the Reverend Roger O. Alford in receiving his Doctorate in Theology and Biblical Studies. The Reverend Roger O. Alford is the Presiding Elder of the Lawton District-Oklahoma Conference of the 12th Episcopal District, Bishop Samuel Lawrence Green, Presiding Prelate.

Congratulatory responses can be emailed to: ralford11@yahoo.com

- The Rev. Dr. Benjamin N. Thomas, Sr. and Mrs. Beverly Thomas announce the marriage of their son, Mr. Benjamin N. Thomas, Jr. to Miss Tamara Garrison. This joyous occasion took place on Saturday, June 20, 2009. Benjamin Jr., is a graduate of Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana (Accounting) with Virgo Publishing Company, and is presently a student at the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) Seminary and also serves as the Young Adult Minister at Tanner Chapel A.M.E. Church. Benjamin Jr. is a candidate for ordination as an Itinerant Deacon. The new Mrs. Tamara Thomas is a graduate of Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles, California (Choral Conducting) and presently teaches music at the NFL Academy and also serves as the musician for the Young Adult Praise team and Jewel Choir.

The Rev. Benjamin N. Thomas, Sr. is the Senior Pastor of Tanner Chapel A.M.E. Church in Phoenix, Arizona and Mrs. Thomas is the Fifth Episcopal District WMS President.

Congratulatory responses can be emailed to: tgarrison11@gmail.com

- Congratulations and commendations are extended to the Reverend Lorenzo Laws, pastor of Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church in Hastings, Florida. Pastor Laws is a May 16, 2009 graduate of Asbury Theological Seminary, Orlando, Florida, earning the Masters of Divinity Degree. Pastor Laws is also a graduate of Bethune Cookman University, Daytona Beach, Florida and is the proud husband of Mrs. Gerti Laws and father of Brittney L. Laws, a junior at Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Florida.

On behalf of your family, friends, clergy and members of Mt. Zion AMEC we salute you on this wonderful accomplishment.

Congratulations may be sent to: llaws5@bellsouth.net

11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the passing of Mr. James Owens, Sr., who passed on July 24, 2009. He is the father of Rev. James Owens, Jr., Local Elder and Associate Minister at Bethel A.M.E. Church in Knoxville, Tennessee, East Tennessee Conference.

Service arrangements for Mr. James Owens, Sr:

The funeral has been held.

Condolences may be mailed to:
The Rev. James Owens, Jr.
C/O Bethel A.M.E. Church
2460 Parkview Avenue
Knoxville, Tennessee, 37917

12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the passing of Mrs. Cynthia E. Woolridge, the mother of Rev. Trevor E. Woolridge, pastor of Bethel AME Church, Lansdowne, PA (Philadelphia Conference, South District). The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

The funeral has been held.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

The Rev. Trevor E. Woolridge
41 Northgate Village
Burlington, NJ 08016

Or

Bethel AME Church
122B Bartram Avenue
Lansdowne, PA 19050

FAX: 441-293-2576
Email: mpofbda@aol.com or bethelamec@verizon.net

13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

The Family of the Reverend Sarah Eversley announces her passing on Wednesday, July 8, 2009. After blessing us through her life works for 95 years, she will be deeply missed by family and friends.

Services held for the Reverend Sarah Eversley, Local Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and mother of Josephine (Eversley) Lambert and mother-in-law of the Reverend Dr. Colin Marae Lambert (2nd Episcopal District):

The funeral has been held

Expressions of sympathy may be emailed to: jolambert53@yahoo.com

14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:

The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action

Mrs. Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
Email: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936
Fax: (615) 833-3781
Cell: (615) 403-7751

15. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:

The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Richard Franklin Norris; 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.