Bishop Richard Franklin Norris - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder – Since 1852
1. EDITORIAL – AND NOW, THE OP-ED:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
The Christian Recorder is starting a new column and we need your help!
The Christian Recorder is growing and, with both the print and internet versions, is being read by more people. One does not need to type in the web address to access the online version of The Christian Recorder; simply type, “The Christian Recorder” in the browser and pages and pages of The Christian Recorder will be available.
We have had positive responses to the additions made in The Christian Recorder that include the column written by the Rev. N.T. Pitts; the “You Ask” column written by retired Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle; and the “Reader Response to Editorial and Other Issues.” And, now, we are getting ready to add another column.
We are pleased that readers are responding and we appreciate all of the positive comments. But, having said that, we didn’t get to this point alone; the staffs, upstairs and downstairs, at the AMEC Sunday School Union, under the leadership of Dr. Johnny Barbour are diligent and most capable. They are the unsung heroes and heroines who are responsible of putting the newspaper together and mailing out The Christian Recorder and the other AME periodicals. And, we probably don’t say it enough, but thanks are extended to all of my immediate predecessors, Dr. Robert Reid (18th Editor) and Dr. Ricky Spain, (19th Editor); they, and the previous editors paved the way to get us where we are today.
The evidence
If you have a key word, you can Google any article that has been published in The Christian Recorder, which indicates that TCR is moving “into the mainstream.” Growth precipitates change and we are looking at how we can make The Christian Recorder better.
The Rationale
On numerous occasions I have had readers come to me with comments about a particular editorial, and sometimes that person was in agreement with the position I had written and at other time a person has expressed disagreement.
One “hot-button” item has been my position on Itinerant Elders not accepting pastoral appointments. I have had several preachers who have come up to me to share why they are not in the pastoral ministry, and often their reasons seem valid. In each instance, I have invited the person to write an article to state his or her position, but I have noticed that they are hesitant at addressing, what they consider to be a sensitive issue. I believe we, AMEs, are sometimes critical of people who might question the AME-way of doing things or the AME-way of thinking.
I can understand their hesitancy, but I feel that we are at a point that we can share and read, with non-attribution, different view points on AME issues; or at least we should be at that point. And, if we are not at that point, we need to get to that point. Openness is a healthy attribute for any organization, and especially so for the Church.
The plan: op-ed articles
I would like to offer the opportunity for individuals to submit op-ed articles because sometimes we received letters to the editor that might be more appropriate as an op-ed article than as a letter to the editor. So, I would like to give people, who like to write, an opportunity to submit op-ed articles.
Op-ed articles appear in every major newspaper in the United States and probably overseas. Often, when I read The New York Times; the op-ed page is the first place I start. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia explains that op-ed is abbreviated from “opposite the editorial page.” An op-ed article is a newspaper article that expresses the opinions of a writer identified by name who is usually unaffiliated with the newspaper's staff.
Some points to remember
Sources that address op-ed writing stress the importance of timely submission on “hot issues” and the importance of focusing on the issue and encourage op-ed writers to focus on a single point, and do it well. An op-ed article should be based on facts, research, or experience.
Op-ed writers are encouraged to use the active, rather than the passive voice, so instead of writing, "It is hoped that the AME Church will …,” instead, write, "I hope the AME Church will…" The active voice is easier to read, and it leaves no doubt about who is doing the hoping, recommending or other action.
Op-ed articles in The Christian Recorder should not make personal attacks and should avoid tiresome rebuttals and “tit for tat” arguments.
I believe effective op-ed articles will model openness that will be healthy for our Zion and will reflect positively on the AME Church.
Our Rules
If you do choose to submit an article, be sure to include your contact information; anonymous op-ed articles will not be published. Some articles may be rejected; if a submission is rejected, it is rejected.
We are off to a great start!
Our first op-ed article appears in today’s issue of The Christian Recorder Online and is written by Mrs. Loretta Moore, Esq. and is entitled, “Council of Bishops’ Statement Raised More Questions and Precipitated Rumors.”
Editor's Note: Editor Sydnor will be in Hilton Head Island next week and will also attend the WMS Executive Board Meeting in Charleston, South Carolina
2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
- To the Editor:
RE: Article, Africa Must Define Herself, by the Rev Tulane Msibi in the January 6, 2011 issue of TCR Online
Again, Rev. Msibi provides thought provoking commentary on the situation of African Methodism on the African continent. I wish to make a clarification regarding the Rev. Msibi's statement concerning my response to his article on indigenous leadership.
In the article the Rev. Msibi writes: "John Thomas III, in his response to my article says there are people who are more equal than others. Well, we all know that’s how people can perceive themselves, but it is contrary to the doctrine of human creation."
This is a misquote from a response made in the May 20, 2010 edition of "The Christian Recorder." My actual words were: "At the very core of the topic is the future of the Connection and our perspective of African Methodism. We are one body in Christ with different parts, but at times it seems as if some parts are more equal than others."
I want to make sure that if my words are to be used that they are proper in form and correct in context.
John Thomas III
3. OP-ED: COUNCIL OF BISHOPS’ STATEMENT RAISED MORE QUESTIONS AND PRECIPITATED RUMORS:
*Loretta Moore
I found the January 13, 2011 editorial of The Christian Recorder Online, In the Interim of the General Conference, “The Buck Stops” with the Council of Bishops, quite thought-provoking and I am trying to read between the lines.
Certainly it should be clearly-understood that The Christian Recorder, the Official Newspaper of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is the “official news voice” of the AME Church. A statement to that effect should be a standard byline in all of its publications. Similarly, there should be no issue with the authority of the Council of Bishops to make decisions in the interim of the General Conference; although a question remains in the minds of many AMEs as to who is the Church's official spokesperson.
In today’s fast-technological climate, the Church will be preoccupied with an uphill, never-ending battle in an attempt to restrain individual transmission of information via "tell an AME", telephone, telegraph or the myriad social networking systems enabled through the internet. People are free to choose to believe what they want to believe. I would respectfully suggest that the best way to quell the impact of false rumors is for the “many official arms” of the Church, including the Council of Bishops, to be as transparent and forthcoming as possible, without violating personal confidences. For example, a most recently issued statement from the Council of Bishops, released by The Christian Recorder Online on January 5, 2011, seemed to raise more questions than it answered. Thus, in such circumstances some people may be more prone to create and spread their own fallacious explanations. At the same time, others may seek explanations from any source when too many important questions are left unanswered.
Was it Ben Franklin who said, "Believe none of what you hear and half of what you see"? This adage has been around well before the advent of the internet but at least as long as the AME Church.
*Loretta Moore is a retired law professor, freelance writer and mediator. She is a member of Allen Chapel AME Church in Kansas City, Missouri.
4. “YOU ASK”:
Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle
I Ask:
Is it appropriate for someone who has not been ordained to robe-up? I know of three members of the church have professed their calling to the ministry: a teenager, a person over fifty years of age and a third person. They received licenses from presiding elder. Is it appropriate for them to wear robes?
Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle’s Response to the Question:
This is another of our "Catch Twenty-two" question.
There is nothing written in the The Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 2008 connected to the practice of "Robe Up."
In Africa there is "the wearing of gowns."
From Biblical times the wearing of vestments were reserved for certain persons set apart for "priestly functions." The importance/significance of the vestments depended upon the rank of the individual, i.e. priest and high priest.
As far back as my entering the ministry, the bishops, presiding elders, and pastors held the wearing of robes to an extremely high standard. When I accepted the call to the AME Ministry in the early 60's I wasn't allowed to wear the clergy vestments of any type at any AME function. My Pastor informed me, after I was ordained an Itinerant Deacon, that I could wear a robe/gown in the local church. I had one of my father's robes, but the pastor advised me to remove the academic bars from the sleeves before I could even wear it. In conjunction with this, just for information purposes, I wasn't allowed to preach my "Trial Sermon" from the pulpit; I preached my “trial sermon” from down inside the chancel near the communion table.
Thus, in times past it was the tradition that vestments were reserved for those who had been ordained; as I would emphasize, "In Times Past."
There now seems to be different interpretations within the church and within certain regions of the denomination. Then there is another phenomenon that seems to be "catching on." Some pastors, general officers and bishops are refraining from wearing vestments even while performing priestly / preaching / ecclesiastical responsibilities.
There has always been a significant symbolic relationship between the "priestly class" and the wearing of vestments. The “who and when” of it has evolved over time, but it is my understanding that the wearing of robes / vestments is reserved to certain individuals after obtaining certain "credentials."
Unfortunately this may varies from episcopal district to episcopal district; from annual conference to annual conference; from presiding elder district to presiding elder district; from local church to local church until someone legislates what our connectional position shall be.
5. GET READY! GET READY! GET READY FOR FOUNDER’S DAY AND FOR THE RELEASE OF MOVIE, ‘RICHARD ALLEN, APOSTLE OF FREEDOM”:
Mrs. Leslie Tyler
Founder’s Day celebrations should be planned now.
The African Methodist Episcopal church is celebrating the 251st Birthday of the Founding Father of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Mother Bethel AME Church is providing resources for local AME Churches around the world and an excellent documentary film about Richard Allen will be released and it will be available on Sunday, February 13, 2011 at 12-midnight. Local congregations are encouraged to organize Richard Allen Watch Parties.
- Word search game and answers are attached to this message
- View the trailer of the Richard Allen film: http://www.motherbethel.org/allen/index.html
“Watch Party” Toolkit
How You Can Watch on Sunday February 13, 2011 starting at Midnight 12 a.m.
- Log onto www.MotherBethel.org
- Click on the “Church” page
- Click on the picture of Bishop Richard Allen in the upper right hand corner
- Press the play button and watch the film “on demand” (anytime you want)
How You Can Host Your “Watch Party” for the Bishop Richard Allen film
(Try these steps before February 13th to work out all technical difficulties)
- Bring a computer with internet access* into your fellowship hall or meeting place
- Hook your computer up to a big screen TV or power-point type projector
- Follow “How You Can Watch…” instructions above
- Play the video
- Invite local historians and have a panel discussion about Bishop Allen and the film
- Have activities for children (see attached sheets created on Edhelper.com)
- Serve refreshments – have a birthday cake with Bishop Allen’s picture (he would turn 251 on Monday February 14, 2011)
*High-speed internet access works best. If your facility is not “WI-FI” ready, you can hook some laptop computers up to cell phones to establish internet access in remote locations.
1). View a sample clip
2). Learn how to become a sponsor
3). Download instructions on "How to Watch" on February 13, 2011
4). Download "Watch Party" Toolkit with tips on how to host a viewing party at your church or home
5). Download activities for children that are based on Bishop Richard Allen's story
6). "Like" the new film on Bishop Allen on Facebook
http://www.motherbethel.org/allen/details.html
6. PRESIDENT OBAMA AND HIS FAMILY ATTENDED WORSHIP SERVICE AT METROPOLITAN AME CHURCH, THE “NATIONAL CATHEDRAL OF AFRICAN METHODISM”:
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama attended Sunday services at a Metropolitan AME Church in Washington, DC, where the pastor is the Rev. Dr. Ronald E. Braxton. Metropolitan AME Church is located near the White House. During the worship service, the congregation prayed for the people of Tucson, Arizona, where a gunman went on a shooting spree last weekend that killed six people and wounded 13 others, including Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, an Arizona Democrat.
The congregation sang birthday wishes to the first lady, who turns 47-years old on Monday, January 17, 2011.
7. BISHOP ADAM JEFFERSON RICHARDSON REFLECTS ON THE VISIT OF PRESIDENT OBAMA AND HIS FAMILY TO METROPOLITAN AME CHURCH:
Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, the Presiding Prelate of the Second Episcopal District, shares his reflection on the presidential family’s visit to Metropolitan AME Church.
“The Obamas came to the pastor's office for a round of photographs and a respectful moment or two with each of us. They are gracious people. I was asked to pray in a circle of holding hands before exiting for the sanctuary. They seemed grateful and at home with the time of prayer. Pastor Braxton escorted them to their seats, along with the Supervisor.
The big Allen organ held forth. It was a glorious sound: ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing.’ The choir blessed our hearts. A thoughtful, but passionate, prayer was offered, the officers were as meticulous as the Secret Service, the people worshiped (including many in the balcony), the bishop greeted, the pastor preached, Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King, Jr. were given Honorable mention, along with Paul and Esther, and Jesus was exalted! Dr. Marie Braxton actually invited the Obamas to join Metropolitan, inviting the children to Sunday School and the youth orchestra, to be pastor to and girlfriends with Mrs Obama, and certain that they could ‘find something for the president to do.’
It was a glorious day. One little boy, however, upstaged everybody with his welcome address. At the conclusion of it, the President invited him over to shake his hand and to have his wife and children to shake his hand. The handshake and hug was a ‘brotherly’ thing that will not soon be forgotten. No other president could have offered a handshake and hug like that.
Among those in attendance at the service at Metropolitan, Washington was Bishop and Mrs. McKinley Young, Bishop and Mrs. David Daniels, and 2nd Episcopal District Supervisor Connie Richardson.”
8. THE “I HAVE A DREAM SPEECH” REVISITED:
*COL (Ret) James E. Williams, Jr., United States Army, MS, SPHR
Annually, prior to the Martin Luther King, Jr.(MLK) holiday week-end, I re-read his " I Have a Dream Speech" The speech reminds me of where we were in 1963 concerning race relations in the United States and where we must go to enable us to truly form a "more perfect union."
The speech was given on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC on August 28, 1963 - my birthday. On August 28 1963, I was commanding an Honest John Rocket Battery, a unit of the 3rd Armored Division. The battery called home - Fliegerhorst Kaserne, West Germany, however, we were on a mission in the Fulda Gap supporting the "Big Punch" contingency mission for the 3rd Armored Division. The division was commanded by General Creighton Abrams (one of General Patton's World War II (WWII) armored (tank) commanders). My battalion commander was LTC (Lieutenant Colonel) John W. Vessey, Jr., who had been a 1st sergeant in WWII, received a battlefield commission and retired from the Armed Forces as Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff. I have been blessed that my early commissioned service was mentored by these outstanding military leaders.
I have always felt a sense of frustration that I was not in the United States during the turbulent early '60's to participate in the "freedom struggles," however, I believed then and continue to believe today that my military service and the service of other minorities provided credibility to those who fought for freedom at home while we fought for freedom overseas. How could you not grant all US citizens their God given right to freedom when many were willing to share their blood, sweat and tears to “support and defend the constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic”
Dr King truly understood that, if we were going to be true to the articles of the Constitution of the United States, we as a people had to accept, respect and protect all of its citizens.
Read the speech (see attachment) reflect on where we were as a nation concerning race relations in 1963, the tremendous improvements that have been made since then, but don’t forget the continual ugly face of racism that continues to plague all of us, black and white in many aspects of our daily lives.
I hope that all of you enjoyed the MLK holiday weekend.
**COL (Ret) James E. Williams, Jr. is a prostate cancer survivor diagnosed in 1991. He worked as a human resources director for 15 years after retiring from the Army. COL Williams is Board Chairman, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Coalition, Chair, Intercultural Cancer Council (ICC); a member Governor’s (Pennsylvania) Cancer Control, Prevention and Research Advisory Board. Jim has appeared on NBC's Weekend Today program and was featured in Good Housekeeping, Cure, Prevention, CR, MaleCall, The Voice and other magazines and newsletters speaking on the topic of prostate cancer prevention and treatment. Colonel Williams grew up in Bethel AME Church, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania
9. FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS DO NOT STEAL MEN AWAY FROM SONS OF ALLEN SERVICE:
By Angelena Spears
Philadelphia Conference Reporter
More than 100 men gathered at St. Paul AME Church in Philadelphia for the Sons of Allen Installation Service on Sunday, January 9, 2011. What was equally impressive – was that the district-wide service took place at almost the same time as a decisive Philadelphia Eagle Super Bowl playoff game.
The preacher for the event was Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, who commended the men of the South Philadelphia District for “breaking away from their tailgating and coming out of their man caves” – to attend the special service.
The district’s elder, the Rev. James E. F. Lawrence, also thanked the men for “putting God first.”
Although the church attempted to accommodate the men by having a large screen television mounted on the wall in the fellowship hall -- once the service began, all hearts and minds appeared to be engaged in the worship.
Bishop Norris preached passionately from I Timothy, and his theme was “The Place of Men in the Church.”
Bishop Norris talked about the importance of having strong Sons of Allen Organizations in local churches and said, unfortunately, in some congregations men are “as scarce as hen’s teeth.” He said he was pleased with the large turnout of men in the service. When he asked all of the men in the sanctuary to stand – it was well over 100, which included representatives from each of the district’s 17 churches, who had come to be installed as presidents of their local organizations.
Although Bishop Norris was quick to acknowledge how important women have always been to the sustenance of the church, he told the men that their involvement was essential to keep the church strong. He then summoned the men to be “saved,” and said there is nothing lacking in masculinity when you are saved.
“A saved man will have a testimony,” declared Bishop Norris.
At the end of the service, the bishop officiated at the installation of the officers' ceremony.
During the ceremony, Brother Gregory Seawell, of New Bethel AME Church, Germantown, was installed as the president of the district’s Sons of Allen, and the Rev. Eugene V. McDuffy, pastor of St. Paul AME Church, Philadelphia, was installed as the district’s chairman of the organization.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Bishop Norris saluted the men.
10. DR. ROBERT BRUMFIELD’S 30TH YEAR IN PASTORAL MINISTRY AND 10TH PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY AT OAK GROVE:
Submitted by: Mrs. Jacqueline Lawson
Oak Grove African Methodist Episcopal Church recently celebrated Dr. Robert Brumfield’s 30th Year in Pastoral Ministry and 10th Pastoral Anniversary at Oak Grove. The occasion, co-chaired by Mrs. Margaret Hails and Mr. James Boyce, featured the celebratory theme “…A Righteous Man Will Be Remembered Forever” (Psalms 112:6 NIV), fitting for the Shepherd of the House.
The week-long festivities began with an elegant black-tie gala at the Marriott Hotel in Detroit. Oak Grove members, clergy, community leaders, family and friends of Dr. Brumfield celebrated with him and First Lady, Sharon Brumfield.
The Master of Ceremony, Delroy Lindo, star of stage, screen, and television served as the quintessential host. Mr. Lindo’s wit and style were the perfect catalyst for an engaging evening. Congratulatory proclamations and well- wishes were presented by a diverse cross section of the community: Bishop James Davis, 9th Episcopal District, AME Church, retired Bishop Frank C. Cummings; Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, 13th Congressional District; the Rev. Greg Roberts, State of Michigan, Office of Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships; the Rev. Andre Spivey, Detroit City Council member and pastor of St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Detroit; and Michael D. Grundy, Executive Director, Wayne County Health Choice. Additionally, Pastor Brumfield was presented with an anniversary number 30 New Orleans Saints custom “who dat nation” jersey by his adoring daughter Janine Brumfield.
The celebration continued with a three-night revival with some of the most dynamic preachers in the city of Detroit. Bishop Edgar L. Vann, pastor, Second Ebenezer Church, Detroit; the Rev. Dr. Wilma Johnson, pastor, New Prospect Missionary Baptist Church, Detroit; and Bishop J. Drew Sheard, pastor of Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God In Christ, Detroit all brought powerful messages of strength, commitment; and dedication highlighting the work God has done through Dr. Brumfield.
The entire spirit-filled week was a testament of love for Dr. Brumfield – an indisputably righteous man that will be long-remembered.
11. IRS PUBLICATION 1828 FOR CHURCHES:
Every pastor and all church officers should read the IRS Publication for Churches. Pastors should read the entire document and become familiar with it. http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1828.pdf. There have been some changes and additional requirements and pastors and church officers need to be aware of the changes. As the Rev. Melvin Wilson commented, “Information is power.”
12. NY JETS PLAYER & GRAMMY AWARD WINNING PRODUCER SIGN ON TO SUPPORT NEW FILM ABOUT BISHOP RICHARD ALLEN:
By Leslie Tyler
Fresh off a victory over the New England Patriots, NY Jets Offensive Lineman D’Brickashaw Ferguson steps in to support the new film about Bishop Richard Allen. Ferguson, a lifelong member of the AME Church, and his foundation “The D’Brickashaw Ferguson Foundation” is making the free, online presentation possible for millions of AME church members around the globe. In addition to music by the distinguished Wilberforce University Choir, under the direction of Jeremy Winston, the film score is composed by Grammy award winning producer Phil Davis of PHD Productions in Atlanta, Georgia. Davis has produced music with famous artists like Will Downing and Rachelle Farrell. Davis also once played piano for Big Bethel AME Church in Atlanta, Georgia. The film entitled Bishop Richard Allen: Apostle of Freedom is the first ever documentary about the life of Bishop Richard Allen, church founder and abolitionist. The film will premiere online on Sunday February 13, 2011, the day before what would have been Bishop Allen’s 251st birthday. You will be able to view the entire 23-minute film on the Mother Bethel AME Church website (www.MotherBethel.org). The film will remain online indefinitely. You will also be able to order your own, personal copy of the DVD starting February 13, 2011, also through the Mother Bethel website. There are more than three million AME church members around the globe, and many of them are expected to log on and watch the film on February 13th “on demand” for free. Church leaders and church members are organizing “watch parties” of the film at their homes and churches. The film will be viewed by AME’s on at least five continents.
Bishop Richard Allen Apostle of Freedom is a docudrama that was produced by Mother Bethel AME Church (www.MotherBethel.org) thanks to a generous gift from The Lomax Family Foundation (Dr. Walter Lomax, owner of LEVAS Communications which owns WURD-AM). “This is the first high quality, PBS style documentary on the life of Bishop Allen, arguably one of America’s founding fathers,” says Mother Bethel’s pastor the Rev. Mark Kelly Tyler, PhD., who also served as Executive Producer, Producer and writer for the film. The docudrama was filmed in Philadelphia by “History Making Productions.”
Bishop Richard Allen Apostle of Freedom was shot in Philadelphia with Philadelphia area actors, and extras who are members of both Mother Bethel AME Church (the congregation Bishop Allen started in 1794) and Historic St. George’s UMC (the church that Allen walked out of because of racial segregation). The short film tells some stories from Bishop Allen’s life adapted from his autobiography. The Bishop Allen character narrates the film as the voice of Bishop Allen. He also re-enacts historic moments like the infamous ‘walk-out’ from St. George’s United Methodist Church due to racial segregation. The intense scene was actually filmed in the balcony of Historic St. George’s. The film also has expert analysis from AME scholars and leaders including Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, who oversees the First Episcopal District; Dr. Dennis Dickerson, Historiographer of the AME Church; Dr. Jacqueline Grant, and Professor Richard Newman author of the most recent Allen biography.
Mother Bethel is seeking sponsors for the February 13th online premiere. Potential sponsors can view a free clip of the film at:
http://www.motherbethel.org/allen/index.html. Sponsorship can be obtained through the following levels: Diamond ($1,000), Platinum ($500) and Gold ($250). Funds raised from sponsorship will go to help translate the film into different languages so that the film can be viewed in all AME churches around the globe. The money will also help fund future projects. “We are currently in the planning stages of more documentaries that will tell the story of our church’s forefathers,” says Rev. Dr. Mark Tyler. “Our history is an important American story rich with accomplishments, conflict and drama.”
For more information about the film go to www.MotherBethel.org or call (215) 925-0616
13. PITTSBURGH ANNUAL CONFERENCE - 2nd ANNUAL DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. CELEBRATION:
*Shelly Brown
Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania
Under the Episcopal Leadership of the Rt. Rev. C. Garnett Henning and Mother Ernestine Lee Henning the Clergy, laity, friends and family came to St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania on Monday, January 17, 2011 to attend the 2nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther, Jr. Celebration under the theme “Keep the Dream Alive.”
Praise and Worship ushered in the Spirit of the Lord by the melodious voices of Wilkinsburg’s St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church choir.
The Worship Leader for the celebration was the Reverend Dr. James H. McLemore, Presiding Elder Pittsburgh District. Following the ascription of praise by Presiding Elder McLemore, the Call to Worship was given by the Reverend Yolanda S. Wright, pastor St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, McKeesport, Pennsylvania, followed by the singing of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” The invocation was given by the Reverend Samuel Chambers, pastor Wayman Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, New Brighton, Pennsylvania.
The worshippers were warmly welcomed by host pastor, the Reverend Geoffrey E. Tate, II. The St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church Choir rendered a selection, “I Cried Holy.” The Reverend Kary Williams, Jr., pastor, Payne Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Duquesne, Pennsylvania read Psalm 9:1-10 and the Reverend Mortty Ivy, pastor Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Monongahela, Pennsylvania read Romans 8:28-32. St. Mark African Methodist Church Choir rendered the selection “I Come to the Garden Alone”.
The Reverend Dr. Eric L. Brown, Presiding Elder Allegheny Scranton District (2012 Candidate General Secretary/Chief Information Officer) presented the preacher, the Reverend Dr. Steven Jackson, pastor Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church Gospel Choir sang two musical selections, “Lord, Help Me to Hold Out” and “I am kept by His Grace.”
The Reverend Dr. Steven Jackson’s theme was “Whatever happened to the prophet, the preacher?” The scripture Judges 18:1-8 and 17-19. In his provocative message, Dr. Jackson asked the waiting congregation where have the prophet preachers been since the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1967. He further stated that preachers today are either contemporary or scared to speak out against social injustice and equality! He also said “There are also modern preachers who glorify themselves instead of God” and went on to say, “Black people are a people of the Word who come from a preaching tradition and to achieve this, we need to get along; start understanding a little better; keep commitments; give respect; offer some encouragement; and finally we need to ask for forgiveness.”
The recipients of the 2nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards for their dedication and commitment to service inside and outside of the church were: The Reverend Lawrence Thompson, pastor Brown Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Mrs. Annabelle Henry, St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, McKeesport, Pennsylvania; the Reverend Dr. Judith C. Moore, pastor First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Clairton, Pennsylvania; and Mrs. Barbara Lyles, Wayman Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, New Brighton, Pennsylvania. Each recipient was presented with plaque by their respective Presiding Elder.
The celebration concluded with the acknowledgement of the District Coordinators: Lady Margo Brown, of the Allegheny Scranton District and Mrs. Donna McLemore, as well as the Conference Leadership and other Visitors. A reception was held in the church undercroft following the benediction.
*Shelly Brown is the Administrative Assistant of the Allegheny Scranton District
14. AME MISSIONARY ELECTED OFFICER AND MEMBER OF THE CHRISTIAN SERVICE CHARITIES (CSC) BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Ida Tyree-Hyche, J.D., newly-elected member of the Christian Service Charities Board of Directors for a two year term, 2011-2012, was recently elected an Officer during the CSC Board's meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina. Ms. Tyree-Hyche is the Board's new Secretary.
Christian Service Charities, located in Annandale, Virginia, is a federation of over 80 religious non-profit charitable organizations that participate in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). The organization, which ranks fourth in the nation of federal employees contributing to the CFC, showcases charities that epitomize serving humanity in God's name; thereby, helping millions of impoverished and starving people globally.
Ida Tyree Hyche, a federal employee with the Army Materiel Command at Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Alabama, represents the federal agency community on the board.
She is currently a candidate for International Editor of The AME Church Women's Missionary Society (WMS) Magazine and serves as the Ninth Episcopal District Director of the Young People's Division of the WMS.
15. INVITATION – YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED:
I take this occasion to announce to you the date and time of the retirement service for Presiding Elder, William A. Dyson, Sr. Reverend Dyson will be retiring from the Portsmouth/Richmond/Roanoke District of the Virginia Conference. The retirement service will be held at Third Street Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Richmond, Virginia, at 6 O'clock p.m. on Friday April 8, 2011.
Please mark this date on your Calendar. You will be receiving up dates about this affair as we progress with this event.
Submitted by the Rev. Godfrey Patterson
16. THE ARIZONA TRAGEDY:
Dr. Eric C. Little
Like so many people in America, I was saddened to hear about the recent tragedy in Tucson, Arizona. There have been mass murders before, and unfortunately, there will likely be others. Perhaps I was moved by the scope of death and carnage caused by one demented individual; the families whose lives will never be the same, and particularly the death of 9 year-old Christina Taylor Green.
There are those on both sides of the political aisle who seek to blame political rhetoric for Loughner's murderous acts. Others point to hate-filled politics that encourage a "my opinion is the only right one" kind of mentality. However, in the midst of tragedy it is human nature to seek someone or something to blame; to find something that will make sense of the madness.
For sure, I do not condone the tenor of today’s politics; but as the evidence so far suggests, Loughner was mentally unstable. Someone who knew him reported that his obsession with Rep. Giffords began several years ago when he attended a political event she sponsored. At the time, he asked her a question and didn't like the response he received. Apparently, he dwelt on that response until it consumed him. At the end of the day, nobody really knows what was in his mind on the day he decided to go on a killing spree.
Tragedies of this nature often compel us to ask “Why?” Even the prophets of old wrestled with trying to understand the chaos of their time. Habakkuk asked God, “Why do You show me iniquity and wrong…and cause me to see perverseness and trouble? For destruction and violence are before me; and there is strife and contention” (Hab. 1:3 - AMP). We may never fully understand why God allows tragedies of this nature, or any other tragedy for that matter. Perhaps it is better to ask questions that begin with “What?” What can we learn from this (or any) tragedy that can make us more compassionate and less critical of our fellowman? What can we do as a nation to reconcile our differences and seek to better understand each other? What can we do to curb the tide of gun violence that takes so many innocent lives each year? These are questions that can be answered, if we are willing to truly search for the answers.
Those of us who work in the field of mental health understand the dangers of an unstable mind, which leads to the final point of this letter. I think it would benefit all of us, clergy and laity alike, to educate ourselves about mental illness and its impact on our churches and communities. As clergy, we should think twice before we berate our parishioners from the pulpit for taking anti-depressants or any other type of psychotropic medication. We should strive to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental illness within our own congregations, and help those individuals find the resources they need to heal. And of course, we should continue to preach a gospel that offers deliverance to the captives, healing to the broken-hearted, and liberty to those who are bruised by the vicissitudes of life.
Eric C. Little, PhD, CCDP-D
Co-Occurring Disorders Professional – Diplomat
Pastor, Saint Luke A.M.E. Church, Louisville, AL
17. KINNAMON PRAISES NEW OBAMA POLICIES TOWARD CUBA; AN IMPORTANT FIRST STEP TOWARD JUST AND OPEN RELATIONS:
New York, January 18, 2011 -- The general secretary of the National Council of Churches welcomed the White House decision announced Friday that will lift travel restrictions between the United States and Cuba to make it easier for religious groups in both countries to engage with one another.
The Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon was invited to participate in a White House conference call Friday during which the changes were announced. The meeting was attended by AME Senior Bishop John Bryant.
"I was delighted to hear the news," Kinnamon said. "We had been asking President Obama to take these steps since the beginning of his administration -- most notably in a face-to-face meeting with the President and heads of NCC member communions in the White House last November.
The need for unrestricted communication between U.S. and Cuban religious groups was also lifted up during a rare visit to the United States by a delegation from the Cuban Council of Churches in November 2010.
The Cuban group addressed the General Assembly of the NCC and Church World Service in New Orleans.
The eight-person Cuban delegation, which was invited to the United States by the National Council of Churches, also met with members of the Obama Administration and Congressional representatives in Washington. According to a press release issued following a December 1 press conference in Havana, the group was told by Dan Restrepo, White House senior advisor for Latin America, that the Administration is "committed to not interfere in the internal situation in Cuba. In spite of our differences there is a policy of respect toward Cuba."
Kinnamon said the call for more open relations with Cuba "has been pressed by a united front of our member communions, our sister agency, Church World Service, as well as by our interfaith partners and other persons of good will."
"The White House announcement is an important first step toward more just and open relations between the U.S. and Cuba," Kinnamon said. "We look forward to the day when the U.S. embargo of Cuba will be lifted completely."
The White House said Friday that the change in policy is intended to "enhance contact with the Cuban people and support civil society through purposeful travel, including religious, cultural and educational travel." Under the new policy, religious organizations will be allowed to sponsor religious travel to Cuba under a general license.
In addition, accredited institutions of higher education will be allowed to "sponsor travel to Cuba for course work for academic credit under a general license; allowing students to participate through academic institutions other that their own; and facilitating instructor support from adjunct and part-time staff."
The order creates a general license for U.S. individuals and groups to send money to religious institutions in Cuba in support of religious activities.
All U.S. international airports may now apply to provide services to licensed charters to and from Cuba under the conditions of the order.
Since its founding in 1950, the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA has been the leading force for shared ecumenical witness among Christians in the United States. The NCC's 37 member communions -- from a wide spectrum of Protestant, Anglican, Orthodox, Evangelical, historic African American and Living Peace churches -- include 45 million persons in more than 100,000 local congregations in communities across the nation.
NCC News contact: Philip E. Jenks, 212-870-2228 (office), 646-853-4212 (cell), pjenks@ncccusa.org
18. CHURCH LEADERS MAKE RESPONSE TO "LETTER FROM BIRMINGHAM JAIL":
BIRMINGHAM, Jan. 14, 2011 – Participants at the annual meeting of Christian Churches Together in the U.S.A. (CCT) have issued a response to the "Letter from Birmingham Jail."
The response and a kink to Dr. King’s “Letter From Birmingham Jail” are appended below. If you have never read Dr. King’s Letter, “Letter From Birmingham Jail” please read it:
http://www.stanford.edu/group/King/liberation_curriculum/pdfs/letterfrombirmingham_wwcw.pdf
The CCT church leaders, who were in Birmingham Jan. 11-14, 2011, to examine the issue of domestic poverty through the lens of racism, noted that apparently no one has ever issued a clergy response to Dr. King's famous letter.
Martin Luther King Jr.'s letter was an answer to a message from a group of clergy in Birmingham in 1963. In their "Call for Unity," the clergy appealed for restraint and "common sense," and a withdrawal of support for the civil rights demonstrations.
In their one-page letter, the church leaders remember with gratitude the sacrifices of the leaders of the civil rights movement, who demonstrated the power of Christian, nonviolent action. They also express repentance that "some of us have not progressed far enough beyond the initial message from the Birmingham clergy."
"Too often our follow-through has been far less than our spoken commitments. Too often we have chosen to be comfortable rather than prophetic. Too often we have chosen not to see the evidence of a racism that is less overt but still permeates our national life in corrosive ways."
In their experiences at the Civil Rights Institute and the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, the church leaders, who were of multiple races and represented a wide range of church backgrounds, found inspiration and renewed commitment. They describe two windows at the church – one where the face of Jesus had been blown out from the bombing in 1963 that killed four girls, and the other that depicts a Christ figure who with one hand rejects the injustice of the world and with the other extends forgiveness.
"In the spirit of this loving Jesus, and in the spirit of those who committed their very lives to that love, we renew our commitment to ending racism in all forms. We begin by taking time on Monday, January 17, to reread the "Letter from Birmingham Jail"--along with the message from the Birmingham clergy that prompted King's letter--and to reflect on its meaning for us today. We urge all within our churches to do the same."
Formed in 2007, CCT is the broadest Christian fellowship in the country, with members from the Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Historic Black, and Evangelical/Pentecostal families. In addition to 36 national communions, its membership includes six national organizations--the American Bible Society, Bread for the World, Evangelicals for Social Action, Habitat for Humanity, Sojourners, and World Vision. For the full letter and a list of the member communions, go to www.christianchurchestogether.org.
2011 Letter from Birmingham
We have gathered this week in Birmingham as representatives of the churches and organizations that make up Christian Churches Together (CCT). We came to examine poverty through the lens of racism.
After experiences at the Civil Rights Institute and the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, we have felt compelled to make a response to the "Letter from Birmingham Jail." Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous letter was an answer to a message from a group of clergy in Birmingham. So far as we know, no one has ever issued a clergy response to Dr. King's letter.
Remembering. We begin by expressing profound gratitude to the leaders of the civil rights movement whose sacrifices have moved us closer to God's justice. Those leaders and thousands who followed their lead accomplished more than many could imagine, and demonstrated the power of Christian, nonviolent action. We celebrate the remarkable strides made through their courageous witness.
Repenting. We recognize, however, that some of us have not progressed far enough beyond the initial message from the Birmingham clergy. Though virtually all our institutions have formal statements against racism, too often our follow-through has been far less than our spoken commitments. Too often we have elected to be comfortable rather than prophetic. Too often we have chosen not to see the evidence of a racism that is less overt but still permeates our national life in corrosive ways.
Renewing. Though chastened by the unfinished nature of the work before us, we are inspired by the witness we saw reflected in both the history and the present-day ministry of the organizations we have visited in Birmingham. Dr. King's letter speaks powerfully to us today, even as it did in 1963.
We remember two windows in the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church. In one window, the face of Jesus had been blown away by the bomb that murdered four girls in 1963. The other window, a gift to the congregation after the tragedy, depicts a Christ figure that with one hand rejects the injustice of the world--and with the other extends forgiveness.
In the spirit of this loving Jesus, and in the spirit of those who committed their very lives to that love, we renew our struggle to end racism in all forms. We begin by taking time on Monday, January 17, to reread the "Letter from Birmingham Jail" – along with the message from the Birmingham clergy that prompted Dr. King's letter – and to reflect on its meaning for us today. We urge all within our churches to join us.
King’s letter:
http://www.stanford.edu/group/King/liberation_curriculum/pdfs/letterfrombirmingham_wwcw.pdf
Clergy letter:
http://mlk-kpp01.stanford.edu/kingweb/popular_requests/frequentdocs/clergy.pdf.
19. I’VE BEEN CALLED TO SERVE, SO I’VE COME TO SERVE:
*The Rev. Vickie Lynnette Williams,
Just like Jesus, a humble, caring, compassionate, and loving servant,
I’ve come to serve.
Just like Jesus, a human being humiliated, shamed, disrespected, but committed and focus about service.
I’ve come to serve.
Despite the silver cuffs so unnecessarily, and painfully squeezed ever so tightly on my wrists and ankles,
I have come to serve.
Despite the pain of controlling injections, unnecessary prescriptions, and shameful confessions,
Despite an unnecessary arrest which involved pepper spray being sprayed into my eyes,
I have come to serve.
Eleven shelters later, Disrespectful teachers, principals, DSS social workers, mental health providers, food pantry volunteers, clergy, professing devout Christians, Probation, Unemployment, SSI, FOOD STAMPS …
I have Come to Serve.
Incest survivor and an over comer of domestic violence
I am Here Just to Serve.
Nonetheless, as I continue being transformed, regenerated, renewed, and healed of the pains and shames of my past,
I Will Serve.
Even though I am too often ignored, rejected, disrespect, and misunderstood, however always protected by the Spirit of God,
I Will Serve.
Just like Jesus, a man of love, compassion, and empowerment,
I Will Continue to Serve.
Just remember, we do not need fame, fortune, or power – God has all Power!
We are grateful for love, respect, and acceptance.
We Have Come to Serve.
Currently, I am serving the marginalized: convicted criminals, thieves, past pimps, prostitutes, drug dealers, ex cons, homeless men and women, as I serve the church, I am also serving at Children’s Hospital. Serving blind and deaf children, children with missing limbs, babies who are terminally ill, children who are struggling with reading and writing and the church family.
Nonetheless, because of the People of God, the Power of God, and the Word of God, I am transforming into who God has destine me to be;
So, I Have Only Come to Serve.
I don’t need, or desire, Fame, Power, or anymore disrespect; WHY?
Because I Have Come to Serve as I complete and endure my trials, tribulations, and challenging tests.
I’ve come to serve.
* The Rev. V. Lynnette Williams is an Itinerate Deacon and is on the ministerial staff at Saint Paul AME Church in Cambridge, Massachusetts where the Rev. Marcellus Norris is the pastor.
20. ADMONISHED TO REMEMBER:
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts
Remembering seems to be a difficult task for some of us. When we are born, we are born with a blank mind; we know nothing.
We cannot remember things we have not experienced, have not been told or those things we have not learned.
As we live and grow, our experiences become indelible on our minds as ink is to a blotter. It is then and only then that we are expected, required and admonished to remember. How often have we heard the expressions; “I can’t remember” or “I can’t recall” and even, “I forgot.” We are just so forgetful!
Some of us have selective memory and some have a serious case of “convenient amnesia.” In other words, we remember what we want to remember.
There are various things that we do to remind us of things, like events and appointments, we don’ want to forget. We use bookmarkers and highlights, and alarm clocks and wakeup calls. We lay cornerstones and memorials. We leave Wills, and we wear wedding rings to remind us of our marriage vows. We leave notes on our refrigerators to remind us of things we don’t want to forget. Photo albums and heirlooms are reminders for us. If we are blessed and become famous, streets, highways and buildings are named in our honor, so others won’t forget us.
Humankind has always had problems remembering. There are numerous references throughout the Bible where God tells the people to remember. Over and over again, the people had to have their memories jogged.
Sometimes it takes tragic disruptions of our “normalcy” to jolt us into remembering.
Some of us forget during good times and only remember the bad times.
When we remember, we do one of three things: We remember and regret, we remember and repent, or we remember, rejoice and give thanks.
Remember the Sabbath - Exodus 20:8
And thou shalt remember - Deuteronomy 8:2
Remember now thy creator in the days.., - Ecclesiastes 12
I have seen couples get angry when one of them couldn’t remember the day and times they met and how long they have been married. I think most of us would agree that wives expect the husbands to remember.
In my early days of schooling we had to memorize; we “had” to memorize.
It was a good teaching tool. Even at this age I can still recite passages I memorized when I was in grade school.
Today, children are not challenged to memorize as they did when I was a child. Their minds do not get the mental exercises they need. All they have to do is pull out a computer, and “zip,” there it is!
Much of recorded in history came by way of “mouth to ear,” or oral history, because somebody remembered.
I sympathize with the elderly when they are not able to remember some things because of their deteriorating mental capability. But, I can’t accept the fact that many young people have a hard time remembering.
The thing that astounds me most is when you ask a “seasoned” church member to give a Bible verse. The first thing comes of his or her mouth is, “Jesus wept.” It is the easiest verse to remember. It is unbelievable. It is because some of us don’t think it’s important to remember Bible verses.
All of the years that many parishioners have attended church the only Bible verse they can remember is, “Jesus wept.” Jesus is probably weeping because of the large numbers of His followers can only remember, “Jesus wept.”
Our young people are falling into the same rut. Young people can remember the lyrics to every song of the top ten songs on the secular circuit, but they find it hard to remember a Bible verse except “Jesus wept,” and some of them are not familiar with that Bible verse.
Jesus left no markers, left no Will, left no highways or streets named after Him, left no heirlooms, left no epitaph, but he simply took bread and wine and admonished his disciples to eat the bread and drink the wine often as a “memory jogger.” Luke 22:17-20
Jesus knew that his sacrifice would soon be forgotten as people went about their daily activities, so he used bread and wine as simple reminders.
There is no saving power in the bread and there is no magic in the wine, but they serve as reminders that we have been redeemed by the shedding of His blood and we have been saved. The bread and wine are symbols of his broken body and shed blood. They serve to jog our memory, and in doing so, we should be thankful, glorify Him, and lift Him up.
Thought for Today: Of all of the things we may forget; we never forget the people we owe.
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts [Ptaegar@AOL.Com], Author, Counselor, Teacher, and Humorist, is a retired Itinerant Elder who lives in Eatonville, Florida
21. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- Congratulations to Sister Jackie Dupont Walker recipient of The National Human Rights Advocacy Award
Sister Jackie Dupont Walker, Consultant / Director of the Social Action Commission of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, was the recipient of The National Human Rights Advocacy Award. The award was presented to Sister DuPont Walker on Friday, January 7, 2011 by Church Women United in recognition of her Tireless, Unselfish, and Magnanimous Efforts in "living and making the challenge" of promoting human rights.
Congratulatory responses can be emailed to: JDUPONTW@aol.com
- Congratulations to the Reverend Dr. Constance C. Wheeler-Evans
The Reverend Dr. Constance C. Wheeler-Evans, Senior Pastor, Wayman Good Hope AME Church, Severna Park, Maryland was recently appointed as a trustee to represent the African Methodist Episcopal Church on the Washington Theological Consortium Board. The board members include but are not limited to the Presidents and Deans of 11 Theological Schools. The mission of the Consortium is to provide an ecumenical context, within the region of the Nation's Capital, for equipping leaders to serve the mission and ministry of the church in the world. It also will make known and provide the means for member institutions to share their rich theological and spiritual resources with students, faculties and laity. The consortium will seek to embody and witness more perfectly, through its membership, to the unity that is ours, so that all may believe. The board of trustees meets quarterly and the Reverend Dr. Constance C. Wheeler-Evans will serve for 5 terms. The Rev. Wheeler-Evans is honored to represent the AME Church and ask for your prayers.
Congratulatory responses can be sent to:
The Rev. Dr. Constance C. Wheeler-Evans, Senior Pastor
Wayman Good Hope AME Church
100 Hoyle Lane
Severna Park, Maryland 21146
Phone: 410-647-4867
Email: revccw@aol.com
22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to share news of the passing of Brother Albert Chaney, the father of the Reverend Joe Chaney, pastor of Rocky Hill AME Church, Greensburg, Louisiana. Brother Chaney passed on Sunday, January 16, 2011.
Service arrangements for Albert Chaney:
Funeral:
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 12 Noon
Mount Everett A.M.E. Church
3289 Hwy 37
Greensburg, Louisiana 70441
Phone: 225-222-6820
The Rev. Troy Grimes, pastor
Services are entrusted to:
MJR Friendly Service Funeral Home
87 Paddio Johnson Lane
Greensburg, Louisiana 70441
Phone: (225) 222-4479
Fax: (225) 665-3285
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Reverend Joe Chaney
279 Chaney Road
Greensburg, Louisiana 70441
Phone: (985) 514-3842
Email: JoeC@Sthelenaso.org
23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of the Reverend Joseph H. Grant of Georgetown, South Carolina. The Reverend Joseph H. Grant, son of the late Reverend Joseph J. & Mrs. Lillie Mae Grant passed on Wednesday, January 12, 2011.
Funeral Services for the Reverend Joseph H. Grant was held on Monday, January 17, 2011 at Arnett AME Church in Georgetown, South Carolina.
The late Rev. Grant is survived by his daughter: Zenobia Kay Grant of Georgetown, South Carolina; Granddaughter, Alexis Grant; Siblings: Mr. Frank (Norma) Grant, Georgetown, South Carolina; Mrs. Patricia (Charles) Smalls, Columbia, South Carolina; Dr. Jacquelyn Grant Collier, Interdenominational Theological Seminary, Atlanta, Georgia; Ms. Dell Omega Grant of Georgetown, South Carolina; the Rev. Rosalyn G. Coleman, Presiding Elder of the Georgetown District, 7th, Episcopal District; the Rev. Dr. Debora F. Grant, Pastor, St. John AME Church, Columbus Georgia.
Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
RCOLEMAN003@sc.rr.com
MNMCOLEMAN@sc.rr.com
Or:
Presiding Elder Rosalyn G. Coleman
804 Palm Street
Georgetown, South Carolina 29440
Phone:
(803) 414-2857
(404) 625-0099
24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
This comes to inform you that the sister-in-law of Presiding Elder Eugene Brannon (Pine Bluff South District) has passed.
Mrs. Helen Brannon died Sunday, January 16, 2011 in New York, and will be eulogized by Presiding Elder Eugene Brannon on Saturday, January 22, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. in New York. We ask for your prayers as the Presiding Elder travels, and we request prayers for the family.
Condolences may be sent to:
Presiding Elder and Mrs. Eugene Brannon
1104 Giles Street
Little Rock, AR 72204
Email: eugene_brannon@sbcglobal.net
25. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
This communication comes to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Suzan Rochelle. Mrs. Rochelle is the sister of Mrs. Shelia Cole Washington and the sister-in-law of the Reverend Michael Washington, pastor of Allen Chapel AME Church, Sweet Home, Arkansas.
Service Arrangements for Mrs. Suzan Rochelle:
The funeral has been held.
Condolences may be sent to Reverend and Mrs. Michael Washington at:
#5 Eagle Glenn Cove
Little Rock, AR 72223
26. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action
Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
E-mail: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Web page: http://www.amecfic.org/
Phone: (615) 837-9736 (H)
Phone: (615) 833-6936 (O)
Cell: (615) 403-7751
BLOG: http://ameccfic.blogspot.com /
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMEC_CFIC
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220
27. 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.
Archive of The Christian Recorder Online from 2004-2016; Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
1/13/2011
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (1/13/11)
Bishop Richard Franklin Norris - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr.Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder – Since 1852
- Richard Allen's Birth date: February 14, 1760
- Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent falls on March 9, 2011.
- Easter Sunday will be celebrated on April 24, 2011
1. EDITORIAL – IN THE INTERIM OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE, “THE BUCK STOP” WITH THE COUNCIL OF BISHOPS :
Dr.Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
Churches, like other organizations, experience conflict. The African Methodist Episcopal Church also experiences conflict. People take sides in conflict and in religious organizations, and especially in the AME Church; people are serious about whatever side they take in conflicts.
Church conflicts are almost never routine; they are almost always, serious; and people feel strongly about the positions they take in conflicts.
The AME Church is experiencing conflicts in local churches, in presiding elder districts, on the annual conference level and even on the Connectional church level. On all levels, the people involved feel strongly about the positions they have taken, and they want their voices to be heard.
In times past, people would send letters, often anonymously, through the mail to as many mailing addresses that the sender had available.
Technology with the use of email, video-clips and social networking has provided additional venues for disseminating both accurate and inaccurate information; and for disseminating information in nanoseconds.
Unfortunately, the internet allows people to share their opinions, their biases, their points of view, provide inaccurate information, allows them disparage others, and to share truthful information. The gamut of information shared on the internet can run from one end of the spectrum to another. One cannot believe everything one reads on the Internet.
When people are involved in conflict, they often take strong positions, which can precipitate emotions that can result in inflexibility that prohibits them from accommodating other points of view; and this is especially true with religious issues. It is difficult for people who have taken a position in the religious realm to accommodate the opposing point of view. Religious people are probably most inflexible in tolerating opposing viewpoints; and religious people rarely change their minds. Those of us who are older know first-hand how inflexible church people can be and how long church people hold grudges. For a globalperspective just look at the turmoil between Muslims and Jews in Palestine.
AMEs are just like other folks
AMEs know how to express displeasure. When there are strongly-held positions of conflict in AME local churches, presiding elder districts, at the annual conference level and on the Connectional Church level, AMEs know how to vent and are not hesitant to make their views known. And, in today’s climate, things go all over the Internet, over the telephone and through the mail. And, it’s unfortunate that some people believe everything they read on the Internet.
People throughout our Zion routinely receive information that someone or some group wants to express their view on a particular situation. AMEs are passionate about how they see any situation that involves the AME Church. And, more often than not, their opponents will share their side of the issue; and they are just as passionate about their points of view.
The Christian Recorder receives passionate requests for information to be published in The Christian Recorder.
The Official Newspaper of the AME Church
As the Official Newspaper of the African Methodist Episcopal Church since 1852, The Christian Recorder is the voice for the Church and it has to be a responsible voice “of and for” the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
It is not that The Christian Recorder is “not interested” in news about the Church; The Christian Recorder is interested, but it has to insure that “news” is balanced, accurate and relevant to the Church.
The subscribers to The Christian Recorder want balanced news and would not want the Official Newspaper of the African Methodist Episcopal Church to publish unsubstantiated opinions and slanted viewpoints. There is an old adage that cautions, “Don’t believe anything you hear and only half of what you see.” In other words be cautious when passing information.
If one thinks about it; it’s not heard to see the position of The Christian Recorder. Someone shares his or her side of a volatile issue and it sounds, believable, plausible and newsworthy, but later, a person or persons from the other side shares their side of the issue and their side sounds equally believable, plausible and newsworthy. So, the issue becomes, “What is the truth?”
Responsible journalism does not publish a news items based upon the opinions of people involved in a particular situation; that would not be “news,” that would be opinions and maybe even untruths or unsubstantiated “facts.”
In the case of newsworthy controversies, large secular newspapers send out investigative reporters to sort out the facts and to get at the truth. The Christian Recorder and other religious newspapers, unlike large secular news organizations, do not have investigative reporters, nor should we, because denominational newspapers do not have similar missions as secular news organizations.
The Church has the rules in place to handle conflict
The Mothers and Fathers of the AME Church set up procedures for handling conflicts and The Discipline clearly lays out the procedures to be followed on all levels; in the local church; at the annual conference, and on the connectional level.
The problem is a simple one
The problem organizations experience is a human problem. Most of us want our way and conflict is exacerbated when an individual or individuals want their way so much, that they are willing to ignore the rules and regulations of the organization. And we, in the AME Church are no different. People who ignore the established rules, whether in a secular organization, in the AME Church, on the Connectional level, or in the local church, do so because they value their needs and wishes above that of the organization.
It’s a simple problem, but solving it is difficult
It’s difficult because some people are not loyal to the organization or it might be that some individuals have not taken the time to learn the rules of the organization. Or, it just might be that some people just want everything to go the way they think it should go.
On the Connectional level
When an issue has been addressed by the Council of Bishops, the issue is settled: the discussion has ended. This is true in the African Methodist Episcopal Church as well as in the United Methodist Church.
In the African Methodist Episcopal Church, “The Council of Bishops is the Executive Branch of the Connectional Church. It has the general oversight of the church during the interim of General Conferences.”
In the military; in any military unit in the world, when the command has issued an order, even if some of the subordinate leaders disagree, when the order is given, everyone salutes and executes the order; that makes for a successful execution of the mission. Anyone who goes against the order, in any army in the world, is charged with treason, which is punishable by death.
We are not recommending that anyone is put to death, but only to make the point that putting our wishes above the organization is a serious offense, especially since every ordained person in the African Methodist Episcopal Church has pledged to be obedient to the “Chief ministers to whom is committed the charge and government over you, following with a glad mind and will their godly admonitions, submitting yourselves to their godly judgment.”
The Christian Recorder
In the instance when the Council of Bishop renders a decision and it is published in The Christian Recorder, any news or comments related to the issue of the rendered decision will only be received or approved from or by the Council of Bishops because, agree or disagree, the Council of Bishops is the final word in the interim of the General Conference.
2. “YOU ASK”:
I Ask:
Bishop Chappelle - What is the AME Church’s position on armor bearers? I've only seen one AME Church utilize this position and I was wondering what, if any, is the AME Church's take on the use of pastors using armor bearers?
Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle’s Response to the Question:
The AME Church to the best of my knowledge does not have a "Position" in our system called armor bearers.
The term and usage presently is not wide-spread in the denomination. However, I was introduced to the term while serving in the Twelfth Episcopal District. During one of our ecumenical services the guest preacher from another denomination had this "person" with him and she entered the pulpit and delivered to him, handkerchiefs, manuscript for his message and his Bible. Then, she poured his water and put it on the lectern.
After the message he left the pulpit and went to the church's office. His armor bearer went with him and upon his return, it was noted that his shirt and tie had been changed.
During his acknowledgment of those who had traveled with him, he acknowledged her as his "armor bearer."
What we had witnessed was a far-cry from the biblical connotation of an "armor bearer." We must assume that the pastor considered his armor (1) the Bible (2) Manuscript (3) Handkerchief (4) A change of wet clothing.
The biblical definition of an armor bearer carried with it, "other duties and responsibilities" beyond caring and assisting with the leader’s armor.
Our clergy who were present jokingly suggested to Mother B. Chappelle, that perhaps I should get a "young attractive armor bearer," like the guest preacher.
Her reply, without cracking a smile was that she was “my armor bearer!"
As I recall, during myministry as a pastor, General Officer and presiding Bishop, she has never once, in over 40 years, handled "my armor."
But, in reality there have historically been those who "aided" the leaders in our denomination as drivers, bag carriers, messengers, valets, body guards, marshals, cellphone answerer, and who provided assistance in various ways.
In the local church we recognize the Board of Stewards as the cabinet of the pastor. They are known to be the “inner circle" of the pastor.
In times past we even had titles which were not necessarily per Discipline such as, "Holy Steward and Pastor Steward." And, in the past two decades, we, in the AME Church, have had the tendency of "picking up / emulating / imitating" many of the phrases and "isms" of other denominations, which specifically have no place in our theology, polity or policy.
I can think of a term which is more prevalent than "armor bearer" and that term is, "Senior pastor."
Another worship negative is the practice of the pastor remaining inthe office until time to preach and appearing as if he/she was the "main event.”
Our doctrine specifically calls for "a person" to be assigned as "the Pastor-In -Charge."
It is my understanding, that it is not correct, according to our doctrine, polity and policy, to assign more than one person to a given "pastoral appointment."
More and more we are hearing of leaders handing out "assistant pastor" appointments. Thus, it is a mystery to me how a given appointment can have someone designated as "the senior pastor."
Hopefully, we have not gravitated to the use of the term, “armor bearer.”
3. PASTOR GEORGE MOORE: A LIVING LEGEND:
Jamye ColemanWilliams
On April 30, 2011, the life and work of Pastor George Moore—the designated 2009 Living Legend, by Bishop William P. DeVeaux—will be celebrated at St. Philip AME Church, his successful pastorate of forty –one years. In anticipation of his retirement, plans are underway to recognize the unique achievements of this servant leader.
Unique is his achievement in growing a membership from 200 in 1970 to some 4000 families four decades later. Unusual is his leadership in motivating a congregation to embrace his dream of helping people through bringing their lives together. This Pastor Moore has been able to do at St. Philip AME Church through instituting numerous ministries, including: an active Youth AdultMinistry ; an accredited Child Development Center, serving 100 families; a 28-year old Credit Union approaching $100 million in assets; and its 15-year old Harwood Home for homeless families. The crowning achievement came in 2006 with the building of the 700,000 square foot George Moore Complex Center, which houses the Administration Suite, Family Life Center, Gymnasium, Nursery, Teen Center, Arts Room, Dance Studio, Bookstore, and Credit Union.
This Living Legend—the Reverend George Moore—was born in Georgia; educated at Washington High School, Atlanta; was graduated from Morris Brown College and Turner Theological Seminary. Answering a call to theministry in 1956, being ordained a Deacon in 1958 and an Elder in 1960 led him to serve three churches before becoming the shepherd at St. Philip.
Pastor Moore has been an inspiration not only to numerous lay persons but also a mentor to over thirty (30) sons and daughters inministry . His personal ministry has extended beyond the walls of his church into the total community. His organizational memberships and elective offices include: the Prince Hall Masons; NAACP; American Management Association; Atlanta Chamber of Commerce; Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity; Board of Trustees of Morris Brown College and of Turner Theological Seminary.
Pastor Moore has been the recipient of numerous honors and awards from such as the following: the DeKalb County NAACP, the Gospel Music Workshop of America, the Sons of Allen, The Atlanta Chronicle, and Wilberforce University. Both Turner Seminary of the Interdenominational Theological Center and Morris Brown College awarded him the Honorary Doctor of Divinity (DD) degree and the Doctor of Humane Letters (DHL), respectively.
A devoted family man, Pastor Moore has been married to the former Nettie Mae Lewis for 50 years. They are the parents of Rev. George Moore, pastor, St. Philip AME Monumental, Savannah, GA; L’Tanya M. Moore, national recording artist; L’Tarra Moore, computer specialist; three grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.
Save the date: April 30, 2011. Come and share in the glory of Pastor George Moore’s retirement celebration.
4. THE JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME:
*The Reverend Jonathan L. Weaver is the pastor of Greater Mt. Nebo AME Church in Bowie, Maryland
It was an experience that was unforgettable; spending three months away from the daily rigors of pastoral life, having an opportunity to meet members of the A.M.E. Church and other fascinating people in England, France, and six African nations, from mid-May to mid-August, as a result of a grant that Greater Mt. Nebo A.M.E. Church in Bowie, Maryland received from The Lilly Endowment, headquartered in Indianapolis. Indiana. It has been my honor and privilege to serve as Greater Mt. Nebo’s pastor for twenty-two years, and through the grant, my wife, Pamela, and I were able to represent our church, one of the one hundred congregationsnationwide selected by the Endowment, to participate in their Clergy Congregational Renewal Program (CCRP) in 2010. The spirit of African Methodism was exceedingly evident, everywhere we traveled!
In France, we were blessed to visit the only A.M.E. Church in the country, located in the beautiful city of Lyon, where Jean-Paul and Nene Basunga, serve as Co-Pastors. This vibrant congregation of four hundred members, called New Covenant, was established eight years ago as a non-denominational church. After I was introduced to the Basungas through a mutual friend four years ago, they, along with eight of their members, came to the United States for a ten day visit in 2008, where members of Greater Mt. Nebo hosted them in their homes. They attended worship service with us, participated in our annual Pan African Festival, and held discussions with Bishop Sarah F. Davis, Presiding Prelate of the 16th Episcopal District by phone about the idea of becoming a part of the A.M.E. Church. Those discussions with Bishop Davis, and a subsequent visit to Lyon by the Rev. Melynda Clarke from the Greater Mt. Nebo Ministerial Staff, per the request of Bishop Davis, to provide intensive training regarding our denomination for Co-Pastors Basunga and their leadership, culminated in their becoming New Covenant A.M.E. Church in 2009. Because of this exciting new component for the A.M.E. Church, what was previously called the London Annual Conference is now the European Annual Conference. What a mighty God we serve!
Rwanda, a part of the Seventeenth Episcopal District, and our first stop in Africa after a brief layover in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is truly one of God’s miracles. Upon our return to the United States, I have asked many people, what is the first thing that comes to their mind when I mention Rwanda. Invariably, their response is either genocide or Hotel Rwanda, the movie depicting the terrible genocide that occurred in that country in 1994; where over 800,000 people were massacred in a four month period of time. An astounding transformation has taken place there; peace and tranquility prevail, and we sensed no ethnic strife among the people. In fact, the two Presiding Elders there, the Rev. Felix Uwamahoro and the Rev. Elie Habimana, shared with us that the two groups which had been at odds for many years, the Hutus and the Tutsi, were in many instances worshipping together in A.M.E. Churches and marrying one another. When asked about any role played by local A.M.E. pastors in promoting reconciliation in the country, I was awestruck as they described how A.M.E. pastors have entered prisons where they have ministered to those who had committed atrocities during the 1994 massacre, and inspired prisoners to repent and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Then, upon being released from prisons, some of the former perpetrators of genocidal acts have been accompanied by A.M.E. pastors to the stricken villages where crimes were committed, and they have sought and received forgiveness from the villagers for what they did! What an awesome manifestation of God’s grace and mercy!
Despite the fact that the A.M.E. Church has only had a presence in Rwanda for six years, it is truly having a significant impact on the spiritual fabric of the nation, particularly as it relates to reconciliation. According to the Presiding Elders, more could be done to nurture and grow our denomination’s presence there, however, if more persons from the A.M.E. Church in the United States, clergy and lay, would visit them. This was a recurring sentiment throughout our travels in Europe and Africa. After visiting an A.M.E. Church in the town of Gisenyi, in the Western Region of Rwanda, Presiding Elder Uwamahoro expressed the feeling held by some A.M.E. brothers and sisters outside the United States: “We are a part of a big family, but sometimes we seem like we are the forgotten children in the family.”
Regrettably both local and national media in the United States provide virtually no coverage about Africa, with the exception of news events surrounding famine, natural disasters, or political upheaval. Rwanda, aptly described as “The Land of a Thousand Hills,” is one of numerous African nations which is undergoing economic growth and experiencing political stability. This land-locked country is also one of the cleanest nations I have ever seen. When planning to build a home on a plot of land, it is mandated by the national government of Rwanda that the owner plant a certain number of trees and flowers on his property! While there are no direct flights to Rwanda from the United States, I would certainly urge A.M.E. members to visit this incredibly beautiful place. They will encounter people, clergy and lay alike, who love to worship the Lord with great passion, and who are extremely desirous to meet their A.M.E. counterparts from the United States and other parts of the world.
Similarly, in all of the other countries we visited-Namibia, Lesotho, Malawi, and South Africa, we were the recipients of great hospitality as well. Therefore, I don’t want to be terribly biased regarding Rwanda; there is much to be seen and experienced in the other countries we visited in Africa as well. In Malawi (part of the Twentieth Episcopal District), for example, we were blessed to be hosted by The Right Honorable Joyce Banda, currently the only woman serving as the Vice President of an African nation. In 1995, Mrs. Banda, prior to her ascendancy to the Vice Presidency in 2008, was the recipient of a $50,000 prize from the non-governmental organization, The Hunger Project, headquartered in the United States, for her advocacy on behalf of women and children. With that cash award, she established The Joyce Banda Foundation (www.joycebandafoundation.org), which has built two secondary schools in Malawi for children who have become orphans due to their parents dying from AIDS. Currently the two schools have a total enrollment exceeding one thousand students! Pamela and I were blessed to visit both schools as guests of Vice President Banda.
Bishops E. Earl McCloud, Jeffrey Leath, and Wilfred Messiah were so helpful in facilitating our visits to Namibia, Lesotho and South Africa. We are also extremely grateful to the presiding elders, pastors, laypersons, missionaries, members of various YPDs, and others who made our stay truly memorable and historic. I am grateful that my bishop, the Rt. Rev. Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr., endorsed and embraced this unique opportunity, along with my Presiding Elder, the Rev. Dr. Louis-Charles Harvey. Moreover, the Washington Annual Conference Missionary Society, under the leadership of Sister D. Faye Conley, the Washington Annual Conference Lay Organization, led at the time by Sis. Patricia Matthews, and scores of pastors and laypersons, made contributions that enabled us to donate desperately sought after A.M.E. Church Hymnals, copies of The Doctrine and Discipline of The African Methodist Episcopal Church (2008 edition), and other A.M.E. printed materials that were enthusiastically received by congregations throughout our journey.
I hope that other A.M.E. Churches will consider this fascinating, unique opportunity. If interested, visit the Lilly Endowment website (www.lillyendowment.org), and feel free to contact me as well (jonathanwea@gmail.com). When Pamela and I returned, it was clearly evident that our church family, while they missed us (as we did them), grew and continues to grow, spiritually and numerically. We are so appreciative to a tremendously supportive ministerial staff, and a faithful cadre of lay leaders. Without their unwavering support, it would have been very difficult to leave for such an extended period of time and have a sense of calm in doing so! However, because of the depth of commitment and love the Greater Mt. Nebo Church Family has shown us over the years, Pamela and I were enriched by our extraordinary encounters, and enjoyed a truly once in a lifetime experience!
*The Reverend Jonathan L. Weaver is the pastor of Greater Mt. Nebo AME Church in Bowie, Maryland
5. FILM, “BISHOP RICHARD ALLEN APOSTLE OF FREEDOM”:
“Watch Parties” forming as world online premiere of Bishop Richard Allen documentary nears– Advanced media screenings now available.
The first ever documentary about the life of Bishop Richard Allen, Church founder and abolitionist, will premiere online at midnight (12 a.m.)on Sunday February 13, 2011, the day before what would have been Bishop Allen’s 251st birthday. More than three million AME church members around the globe will have the opportunity to log onto the Mother Bethel website (www.MotherBethel.org) and watch the film “on demand” for free. Church leaders and church members around the world are organizing “watch parties” of the film at their homes and churches. It’s estimated the film will be viewed by more than 3-million AME’s on five continents including here in the United States, Bermuda, The Caribbean, South America, Europe, India, and Africa. The media is invited to an advance, online preview of the entire film entitled “Bishop Richard Allen Apostle of Freedom.” Requests to see the exclusive media advance online screening must be in writing and emailed to Leslie Patterson-Tyler Leslie@TylerMadePR.com.
Bishop Richard Allen Apostle of Freedom is a 23 minute docudrama that was produced by Mother Bethel AME Church (www.MotherBethel.org) thanks to a generous gift from The Lomax Family Foundation (Dr. Walter Lomax, owner of LEVAS Communications which owns WURD-AM). “This is the first high quality, PBS style documentary on the life of Bishop Allen, arguably one of America’s founding fathers,” says Mother Bethel’s pastor the Rev. Mark Kelly Tyler,PhD ., who also served as Executive Producer, Producer and writer for the film. The docudrama was filmed in Philadelphia by Sam Katz and “History Making Productions” (www.historymakingproductions.com).
Bishop Richard Allen Apostle of Freedom was shot with Philadelphia area actors, and extras who are members of both Mother Bethel AME Church (the congregation Bishop Allen started in 1794) and Historic St. George’s UMC (the church that Allen walked out of because of racial segregation). The short film tells the story of Bishop Allen adapted from his autobiography. The Bishop Allen character narrates the film as the voice of Bishop Allen. He also re-enacts historic moments in Bishop Allen’s life, to include the infamous ‘walk-out’ from St. George’s United Methodist Church due to racial segregation. The intense scene was actually filmed in the balcony of Historic St. George’s. The film also has expert analysis from AME scholars and leaders including Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, who oversees the First Episcopal District; Dr. Dennis Dickerson, Historiographer of the AME Church; and Richard Newman author of the most recent Allen biography.
Mother Bethel is seeking sponsors for the February 13th online premiere. Potential sponsors can view a free clip of the film at: http://www.motherbethel.org/allen/index.html . Sponsorship can be obtained through the following levels: Diamond ($1,000), Platinum ($500) and Gold ($250). Funds raised from sponsorship will go to help translate the film into different languages so that the film can be viewed in all AME churches around the globe. The money will also help fund future projects. “We are currently in the planning stages of more documentaries that will tell the story of our church’s forefathers,” says Rev. Dr. Mark Tyler. “Our history is an important American story rich with accomplishments, conflict and drama.”
For more information about the film go to www.MotherBethel.org or call (215) 925-0616.
All media inquiries should be directed to Leslie Patterson-Tyler at (609) 247-2632 or Leslie@TylerMadePR.com
About Bishop Richard Allen
Born as a slave to Colonial Chief Justice Benjamin Chew, owner of the Cliveden Estate in Germantown, Allen later purchased his freedom from a Delaware slave owner who bought him as a child. He went on to distinguish himself as more than just a church leader. He hauled salt for theContinental Army during the American Revolution; he acted bravely in caring for the dying and burying the dead in the Yellow Fever Outbreak of 1793; he and Absalom Jones were the holders of the first copyright by African Americans when they published their rebuttal to Matthew Carey's account of the Yellow Fever Outbreak; he was a successful entrepreneur, claiming George Washington 's Executive Mansion on 6th and Market Streets as a customer of his chimney sweep business; he opened his doors to those fleeing slavery on what would become known as the Underground Railroad as an Abolitionist; he organized one of the first major protests by African Americans when 3,000 people gathered at Mother Bethel Church to denounce the American Colonization Society's plan to send free Blacks to Africa; and, he had an active correspondence with the president of Haiti to the point that he sent missionaries to that nation in the 1820s to help them organize build infrastructure.
Bishop Allen is most known for his bold act of independence against the racial and religious intolerance of his time when he walked out of the segregated pews at St. George's Methodist Church in the late 1700s. This act ultimately led to the establishment of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1816, which grew out of Mother Bethel and similar congregations in the northeast. This was America's first denomination established by African Americans and Allen became the first Bishop.
Contact: Leslie Tyler
Phone: (609) 247-2632
Email: Leslie@TylerMadePR.com
6. THE 153RD SESSION OF THE LOUISIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE OCTOBER 18-24, 2010, ALLEN CHAPEL A. M. E. CHURCH, BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA:
The 153rd Session Of The Louisiana Annual Conference was held October 18-24, 2010 At Allen Chapel A. M. E. Church in Baton Rouge, La 70805
The Right Reverend Carolyn Tyler-Guidry, with great proficiency and cerebration, presided over the proceedings of the 153rd Session of the Louisiana Annual Conference with the theme: “Serving with Integrity” from Titus 2: 7-8.
The Rev. Bland Washington, Sr.; his lovely wife First Lady, Mrs. Brenda Washington; members of Allen Chapel; Presiding Elder, the Reverend David J. Campbell, Jr.; and the District Consultant, Mrs. Geneva Campbell, hosted the annual conference very ably. A standing ovation with commendations of praise and thanks for detail considerations were given for the hosting of the conference to theteam -players.
The Reverend Mary Lucas, Conference Coordinator of Women inMinistry , Monday, October 18, 2020 at 10:00 a. m., began the annual meeting with devotion and a business session. Workshops with topics: “Can a Sistah Get A Little Help, I Think I am Going Out of My Mind and Haiti” were facilitated by The Reverends Belinda Washington, Mary Lucas and Dr. Jennie L. Curry. After the election of officers for 2011, the evening service was concluded with a very powerful and energizing message by The Rev. Dr. Leoda Topps, Episcopal Coordinator: “Just Press On,” Philippians 3: 12-15.
Sister Brenda G. Hurst, First Lady of Grant Chapel A. M. E. Church and LA Conference W. M. S. President, began the Annual Day with devotion, annual reports, election of officers, and Night-In-White Service/Capping and Pinning Ceremony, and announcements of Book Stipend Awards. “Missionaries: Boldly Serving by Divine Inspiration” was the theme. Episcopal Supervisor of Missions, Mrs. Lola Nixon-Cheltenham, Mrs. Ethel Morrison, Episcopal President and Mrs. Lois Helen Cyprian, former Episcopal President facilitated the events.
With the hallelujah-spirited singing of Holy, Holy, Holy by the conference choir accompanied with angelic music and the processional of pastors, presiding elders, the Presiding Prelate of the Eighth Episcopal District, Reverend Carolyn Tyler-Guidry and the congregation standing for protocol, the opening service of the conference began. The Rev. Marshall Holiday, Pastor of Quinn Chapel, Tangipahoa, LA preached the opening sermon, “Jesus Puts Joy in Your House,” Luke 19:1-10. In the sermon Rev. Holiday described how Jesus went to be a guest with a man who was a sinner, but He came out from the dinner with a saved man!
After roll call with scripture verses, the conference was organized.
After the meeting of the Board of Examiners, their report concluded with the following recommendations for ordination: Two Itinerant Elders, four Itinerant Deacons, two Local Elders and four Local Deacons.
Some of the Conference reports received by Bishops Guidry and The Right Reverend Julius Harrison McAllister, Sr., of the 20th Episcopal District, guest of Bishop Guidry, includeThe State of the Church, Church School, Women in Ministry , Christian Education, Church Growth and Evangelism, Stewardship and The Lay Organization. Bishop Guidry called for the reading of the Disciplinary Questions by Conference Secretary, Rev. Mary Lucas.
The Rev. Cedell Raggs, Pastor of Mt. Olive A. M. E. Church, facilitated “A Local Church Institute” with sessions on class leaders, stewards, trustees and the official board every morning of the conference at 8:00 A. M. Every day, there was a “packed house” each day. With each question asked, the facilitator answered without a challenge.
During the Lay Witness Night Services with the theme: Building Leaders for Christ Through Christian Training, Sister Patricia Campbell, Conference President, presented the speaker, Brother Melvin Davis, Episcopal Lay First Vice-President. His subject: “Will the Real Lay Leaders Please Stand Up” was taken from Ephesians 6:11-13. The Rev. Sylvester Marshall, pastor of Greater Salter Chapel and Lay Pastor of the Year, was presented a plaque of commendations, as well as to Presiding Elders: Rev. David J. Campbell, Jr., Western New Orleans-Baton Rouge District; the Reverend Otis S. Lewis, Greater New Orleans-Greensburg District; and th the Reverend J. K. Holiday, Central New Orleans-Bogalusa District.
The Sons Of Allen presented a celebration of praise and worship service with devotion, a speaker, Mr.Michael Jackson , Mayor of the Village of Tangipahoa, who was presented by the Conference Coordinator, the Reverend Sherman Berry. Plaques were presented to Outstanding Sons of Allen of each church.
For the Ordination Services Bishop Julius McAllister, Sr., Prelate of the 20th Episcopal District, delivered the Ordination Sermon entitled, “Things You Ought to Know Before You Make This Commitment.” Bishop McAllister chose his text from Matthew 16:24 and Second Timothy 4:1-2. Three salient points of the message were: (1) theministry will cost you something and it does not come cheap and (2) you are entrusted with the sacred responsibility to preach the gospel and (3) preach the word in season and out of season. This was a very powerful message to the ordinands and the families, friends and congregation assembled.
Retirement and Memorial Services were facilitated by the Reverend Ranches Hall, Crystal Springs AME Church, who acknowledged the homegoing of the late Mother Yvonne Chinakila Mulenga Kawimbe, wife of the Right Reverend Paul J. M. Kawimbe, Prelate of the 17th Episcopal District. Several ministers retired which included, the Rev. Marjorie Cobb, the Rev. Marshall Holiday, the Rev. Cedell Raggs and the Rev. LeRoy Taylor.
Sister Josie Shopshire, Conference YPD Director facilitated the business sessions of the YPD with the assistance of Conference YPD President, Ms. Leslie Carter. Officers for 2010-2011 and delegates to the Quadrennial were elected. During the evening services, youths celebrated with spirited songs, solos and dances for the theme: “Young People Glowing and Growing for Christ.” Sister Courtney D. Johnson, YPD Director at St. Luke AME Church, facilitated the evening service of celebration. Featured lead singers, of the choir, include Ms. Janesa Hall, a PK from Crystal Springs AME Church and Ms. Earldrika Johnson from St. Luke AME Church in New Orleans where Rev. John R. Perry, Sr., serves as Pastor.
On Sunday morning, the Church School activities were facilitated by Conference Superintendent, Rev. Mary Lucas, District Church School Superintendents and teachers. Brother Marques Smith reviewed the Lesson. Episcopal Superintendent, Brother Henry B. Edwards and Mrs. Myrtis Johnson, Episcopal Christian Education Director were recognized during the closing activities.
The Closing Message was delivered by The Right Reverend Carolyn Tyler-Guidry, the 122nd Elected and Consecrated Bishop of the A. M. E. Church. Her sermon was entitled “What Is The Church?” and the text was taken from Matthew 16:13-23. In the sermon, Bishop Guidry emphasized Jesus’ claim of ownership of the church in which He brings people together in common and that it is built on a firm foundation. Bishop Guidry preached with power and precise elocution to the congregation who had come to see where their pastors were to be assigned for another year.
With the awarding of certificates, ordination credentials to the new ordinands and the reading of pastoral appointments, the 153rd Session of the Louisiana Annual Conference was concluded. Oh what a conference!
7. A CELEBRATION - 95TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION FOR RETIRED BISHOP RICHARD ALLEN HILDEBRAND:
Announcing the 95th Birthday Celebration Worship Service to be held for Bishop Richard Allen Hildebrand; attached the letter announcing the celebration and the invitation from the 11th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
For additional details contact:
Debra R. Taylor
Office Manager
11th Episcopal District AME Church
Office: (904) 355-8262
FAX: (904) 356-1617
Cell: (214) 783-7033
Bishop McKinley Young, Presiding Prelate of the 11th Episcopal District
Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young, Episcopal Supervisor
8. BETHEL AME CHURCH, HUNTINGTON MEMBER INDUCTED INTO SUFFOLK COUNTY WOMEN’S HALL OF FAME:
*Mrs. Jeanette Johns
At a gala luncheon held at Watermill Inn in Smithtown, Long Island, NY Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy paid tribute to Dolores (Dee) Thompson as she was inducted into the Suffolk County Women’s Hall of Fame. Inclusion in the Hall of Fame reflects selfless devotion of energies and talents to the advancement and well-being of the women in the county. Executive Levy said that he was pleased to honor this remarkable woman and was glad to thank her personally for all the good work she has done and continues to do. Suffolk County, he said, is a better place thanks to her efforts.
As an inductee she will be featured along with the 29 other Hall of Fame members who have individual plaques and photographs displayed in thesouthwest corner of the Plaza in the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge. This installation, which was unveiled in July, recognizes all recipients of the award since its beginnings in 1994.
Inductee Dolores Thompson lives, breathes, and talks the ideal of caring for others who cannot always represent themselves. She has served as the Branch President of the Huntington NAACP, sponsoring community activities and contributing significantly to the well being of her beloved Town of Huntington and County of Suffolk. Under Mrs. Thompson’s leadership, her Branch has been a beacon in the community. Annually, the Huntington NAACP bestows substantial university scholarships to a minimum of 12 youth. The funds are obtained from contributions collected from local businesses.
Mrs. Thompson has also used her superior leadership skills to help other NAACP branches. Under the auspices of a “Long Island Coalition of NAACP Branches,” funds have been raised to assist various branches with operating expenses, thereby increasing awareness of the various branches of the NAACP across Long Island. More than 1,500 individuals have attended the annual Freedom Fund luncheons sponsored by this coalition.
In addition, as part of a campaign to assist with hiring minority police officers, Mrs. Thompson worked closely with County Executive Levy and Suffolk Police Commissioner Richard Dormer, creating a plan of action to ensure that quality candidates were informed aboutthe police application and test processes.
Mrs. Thompson also formed a youth program known as the Huntington Station Enrichment Center for Boys and Girls. Through this program, children can come after school and on weekends to participate in fun-filled activities at a modest cost, keeping them off the streets and in a safe place.
Dee serves on several boards including the Huntington Hospital, where she continues to provide her expertise in implementing policy.
As an active and dedicated member of Bethel AME Church in Huntington, Long Island, NY she is known throughout the New York Annual Conference and First Episcopal District. She has served for many years as Budget Chair of the New York Conference Lay Organization and Treasurer of the Frank C. Cummings Scholarship Fund, as well as a Delegate on both NY Conference and General Conference levels. Over the years she has served in many leadership capacities in her church and at present serves Bethel as a member of the Board of Trustees and Finance Committee Chair. When requested, she has hosted the Annual Church Picnic, which has provided her an opportunity to display her hidden culinary talents as she prepares most of the menu for more than 100 people. Her pastor is the Rev. Larry D. Jennings, Jr.
*Mrs. Jeanette T. Johns is the author of The Upward Journey, A Centenarian’s Chronicle – Personal Stories of Bishop Decatur Ward Nichols, Revered Clergyman of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
9. THE REV. DR. E. GAIL ANDERSON HOLNESS WILL BE PREACHING AT THE HISTORIC ST. ALBANS EPISCOPAL CHURCH WISCONSIN AVE NW:
The Rev. Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness, pastor Christ Our Redeemer AME Church will be the guest preacher at the historic St. Albans Episcopal Church located at 3001 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Washington, DC this Sunday, January 16, 2011 for three worship services: 8:00 am, 9:15 am and the 11:15 am. The theme for this Sunday’s worship services: “The Rev. Dr.Martin Luther King, Jr holiday season.”
St. Albans Episcopal church is a 150-year-old church where social outreach is important, and there is high percentage of congressmen, ambassadors, well-travelled members attend.
10. POWERFUL PLANNING AND POWERFUL PRAISE IN THE 13TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:
The Rev. Anica Howard
The November Planning Meeting of the Thirteenth Episcopal District, under the leadership of Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie and Supervisor Stan McKenzie, was filled with sizzle, spirit and substance. The Planning Meeting in Memphis, TN opened with a Fellowship Dinner between the AMEs and CMEs at the site of the meeting, the Memphis Marriott East – followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion on contemporary issues facing our churches. Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick, III, Presiding Prelate of the First Episcopal District, CME Church, was the guest preacher at the Thursday evening opening worship service.
Friday was filled with workshops and worship. A wide diversity of components met to plan their work and forge the path for the next Conference year; including the WMS, the Clergy School of the Prophets, District Trustees, Christian Education, Lay Organization, Nehemiah Nation/Sons of Allen, Women inMinistry , Believe, Inc., YPD District Officers and Conference Presidents, Richard Allen Young Adult Council, Christian Debutantes and Masters Commission, and Camp Primm-Simmons. The Rev. Dr. Harold Mayberry, pastor of First AME Church, in Oakland, CA, and Chairman of the Episcopal Committee, delivered a powerful Word at the Hour of Power. Choir members, from all across the five Annual Conferences of the Thirteenth Episcopal District, came together to rehearse all day in preparation for the evening concert, as well as the District Liturgical Dance ministry .
Friday evening, the electricity was evident throughout the packed house at St. Andrew AME Church, as the crowd anticipated an incredible concert featuring recording artist, Byron Cage. Bishop McKenzie’s voice rang out, “Join me, as we get ready for an evening of praise, led by the Prince of Praise, Mr. Byron Cage!” The over 100-voice choir filled the sanctuary as they provided spirited, vocally exceptional back-up for our guest, directed by St. Andrew’s Minister of Music, Brother Jamie Murphy. Parishioners were on their feet, hand-clapping and foot-stomping, as the anointing continued to fill the church. The District Liturgical DanceMinistry , with over 70 men, women and youth, brought a new interpretation to Byron Cage’s hit song, “Broken, but Healed” as they ministered the word at the altar and down the aisles of the 1,000 seat worship center. The new sanctuary, with its tiered and generous pulpit platforms and choir seating, and state-of-the art audiovisual media, provided the perfect setting for this multi-ministry praise extravaganza!
The benefit concert was a most successful endeavor for Believe, Inc., a non-profit organization that represents the secular, educational, economic, community development and outreach efforts of the Thirteenth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Believe, Inc. seeks to identify new resources and to provide small grants to churches, organizations, and individuals who are members of the Thirteenth Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church.
The final day of the Planning Meeting began with a Prayer Breakfast sponsored by the Thirteenth District Lay Organization. The featured speaker was the District’s endorsed candidate for the Episcopacy, the Rev. Dr. Clement Fugh, Chief Information Officer of the AME Church.
Byron Cage continued to bless the conference as he presented a spirit-filled, Plenary Session on Praise and Worship. Mindful that the Thirteenth District is hosting the 2012 General Conference of the AME Church in Nashville, TN, the Rev Roderick Belin provided a comprehensive update on the “Team 13” planning process and strategic organization that is in place. The atmosphere then abruptly shifted as attendees then were exhorted to sign-up for Team 13! Mini-footballs were thrown all over the room from player to player, as we were reminded that individuals win games, but teams win championships!
Bishop McKenzie closed The Planning Meeting with a series of forward-looking appointments, including appointing Rev. Troy Thomas, as the Presiding Elder of the Lexington District of the Kentucky Conference; and his wife, Rev. Maxine Thomas, to be the new Episcopal District President of Women inMinistry .
The Rev. Walter Reid and his kind and accommodating congregation of St. James AME Church provided excellent hosting of the meeting, leaving no logistical or hospitality stone unturned; as did the Rev. Kenneth Robinson, MD, and the Rev. Marilynn Robinson, pastor and co-pastor of St. Andrew, in hosting the Believe, Inc. concert. Pastors W. M.Williams , Quinten L. Smith, Hilda D. Taylor, and Agnes Henderson, and the members of their churches Providence, Greater Payne Chapel, Greenwood, and Mt. Olive AME Churches, served as co-hosts. Presiding Elders C. Robert Finch and Linda F. Martin, host and co-host Presiding Elders, were thoughtful and gracious in their leadership.
We left the 2010 Planning Meeting with a renewed spirit, a new challenge, and a greater understanding of the work to be done.
11. BISHOP VASHTI MURPHY MCKENZIE KEYNOTE SPEAKER FOR MLK EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION CELEBRATION:
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie will be the keynote speaker for theMartin Luther King, Jr . Emancipation Proclamation celebration for the Huntsville, Alabama area
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, one of the nation's best preachers, according to Ebony magazine, will deliver this year's keynote address Jan. 14, 2011, at the city-wide Dr.Martin Luther King Jr .-Emancipation Proclamation Celebration by the Greater Huntsville Interdenominational Ministerial Fellowship. The MLK area-wide celebration will be held at 7 p.m. at Progressive Union Missionary Baptist Church, 1917 Brandontown Road N.W., Huntsville, Alabama .
Bishop McKenzie last spoke in Huntsville in May as commencement speaker for the spring graduation atAlabama A&M University.
Music for the Jan. 14 event will be provided by an area-wide choir. Program highlights will also include the presentation of the Dr.Martin Luther King Jr . Service Award and scholarships.
This message extracted from: http://blog.al.com/living-times/2011/01/bishop_mckenzie_to_deliver_mlk.html
12. WAYMAN CHAPEL, A SMALL CHURCH WITH A BIG HEART, BELIEVES "A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY":
October 31, 2009 the Rev. Samuel W. Chambers was assigned to the pastorate of Wayman Chapel AME Church in New Brighton, Pennsylvania. Upon arriving, it was discovered there was work to be done and he and his wife of 45 years prayed and asked God for direction and the will to be obedient to God’s response.
As Rev. Chambers proceeded in his role as pastor, First Lady Chambers realized that she, too, had a job to do; and soon after their arrival, invited those interested in outreachministry to meet her at the parsonage. The result of this meeting gave “birth” to “The Helping Hands” of Wayman Chapel AME Church.
The first program sponsored was very successful. It was “Mr. /Miss Achiever for Christ” utilizing the youth of the church, along with the adult members of the congregation.
The second project was a beautiful “Tom Thumb Wedding” under the guidance of the Rev. Wilma Smith, a member of “The Helping Hands” and who is also one ofthe assistant pastors of Wayman Chapel AME Church. We invited other youth from other churches to participate in the program.
This made a beautiful “ecumenical wedding,” included "special” gifts and “wedding cake.” The church was packed with family and friends of the "bride and groom.”
The “Tom thumb Wedding” led up to the latest project that was held during the Christmas holidays of 2010. It had been a hard working year for the congregation and a moment of laughter was needed.
The members of the church and community “put their best feet forward” as “The Helping Hands” successfully sponsored a fashion show. The Rev. Samuel W. Chambers and First Lady Chambers even modeled. We all had great fun.
Mrs. Chambers began to focus on a bus trip and began untiringly organizing a festive Christmas trip which was opened to the church and community.
On December 11, 2010, fifty-two excited passengers boarded a 56-passenger tour bus for their trip of fun, festivity, and fellowship!
The first stop was to the SarrisCandy Factory of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, which was total surprise. The Sarris Candy Factory was decorated beautifully and gifts from candy to crystal were purchased.
Boarding the bus again, we headed to the Ohio Valley Mall. That stop was enjoyed by both the men and women. The festive spirit and the Christmas songfest and laughter will be long-remembered.
Our next stop was Mehlman’s Restaurant. After feasting together, we boarded the bus again and our next and final stop of the trip was the Oglebay Festival of Lights in Wheeling, West Virginia.
Many aboard had not seen the beautiful display of lights at the Oglebay Festival of Lights program and display was enjoyed by the youngest to the oldest. The guide who came aboard gave the history of each display and the questions asked of her proved the interest and the delight shared by everyone.
The bus had left Wayman Chapel at 11:00 in the morning and returned at 11:00 p.m. Everyone got off the bus looking forward to the next trip!
There is yet one more thing to share.
We had collected 53 beautifully knitted lap-robes and foot warmers, which were lovingly wrapped and presented to patients in each of the nursing homes in the area and we have already begun making plans for next year so that more may be given out. The hugs and tears touched us each and let us know our “little had gone a long way!”
Also, each homebound shut-in member of Wayman Chapel AME Church received a food gift certificate in his or her Christmas card.
We are not a large congregation at Wayman Chapel and neither is “The Helping Hands,” a large group, but we believe if God is in the midst, “few in number” are able to prayerfully accomplish much and we do give God all praise and glory for all God does for us and through us.
It is our prayer that Christ will be seen in theministry of “The Helping Hands” of Wayman Chapel AME in New Brighton, Pennsylvania and that we will always be ready to let God use us to bring joy and fulfillment to our church and to the community.
We are proud to be a part of the Allegheny/Scranton District of the Pittsburgh Annual Conference where the Dr. Eric L. Brown serves as Presiding Elder and Sister Margo Brown serves as the First Lady of the District. We are a part of the 3rd Episcopal District under Bishop C. Garnett Henning and Supervisor Ernestine Lee Henning.
Sister Erma J. Chambers
13. THE REV. DR. CONSTANCE WHEELER-EVANS REPRESENTS AME CHURCH:
The Rev. Dr. Constance Wheeler-Evans was recently appointed as a trustee to represent the African Methodist Episcopal Church on the Washington Theological Consortium Board. The board members include but are not limited to the Presidents and Deans of 11 theological schools.
The mission of the Consortium is to provide an ecumenical context, within the region of the Nation's capital, for equipping leaders to serve the mission andministry of the church in the world. It provides the means for member institutions to share their rich theological and spiritual resources with students, faculties and laity.
The board of trustees meets quarterly and Dr. Wheeler-Evans will serve for 5 terms. She said, “I am honored to represent our Church on this board and I do ask for your prayers.”
The Rev Dr. Constance C. Wheeler-Evans the pastor-in-charge of Wayman Good Hope AME Church in Severna Park, Maryland.
14. THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH SEEKS SENSIBILITY IN A TIME OF NATIONAL SORROW:
The people of the United States have shown their resiliency over and over, standing in unity in the face of adversity while resolving any internal conflicts as “family.” Once again, Americans face an ugliness that we believe does not reflect the spirit of our country. No explanation is sufficient to justify the shootings that occurred in Tucson, Arizona on this past Saturday. So, we join with our fellow Americans in decrying the senseless acts of violence that have claimed the lives of six individuals, and caused injury to another 14 persons. Our prayers are continuous for the healing of those wounded, for their families, for the perpetrator and his family who have also suffered, and for this entire nation.
We also join with our fellow Americans in supporting the statements of President Obama who has pledged to make every resource available to bring the person(s) who are responsible to justice, mindful of the fact that everyone deserves their day in court.
Finally, we are compelled to speak out against the climate that would lend any credence to solving problems or disagreements with arms. We have all agreed that “war” is never the answer, but too often we resort to that means. Now, we see the fruits of glorifying guns and arms as tools of threat, intimidation, or resolution of disagreements.
The alleged perpetrator of this reprehensible action may be emotionallydisturbed , but others in a similar condition may respond to inflammatory words in dangerous ways. Spouting violent rhetoric that can motivate those similarly disturbed is like throwing a match into a can of gasoline - the result can be horrendous.
The thought attributed to Edmund Burke and paraphrased here, that; “All that it takes for evil to prevail is for good people to do nothing… or say nothing” must guide us in the days ahead. It is our calling to be the voice for the voiceless and to speak truth to power vs. seeking political correctness. People of Faith must not remain silent while any suggestion of eliminating another with whom we disagree becomes the broadcasted solution. We must decry racism, sexism, and any forms of discrimination especially when masked as a “movement” to deceive the people. We must enact legislation, use the electronic airways, and submit opinions to the print media – stating unequivocally, “Enough is enough.”
Our liberty is at risk if justice is not served for the victims of this tragic occurrence. As people of faith we must be in prayer, preparing to make a difference and never forget, that, “Whenever a separation is made between liberty and justice, neither is safe.” We must guard that legacy and leave a clear message for future generations.
African Methodist Episcopal Church Social Action Commission:
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chairperson
213-494-9493 - voice
Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker, Director
Email: jdupontw@aol.com
15. LOUISVILLE MAYOR WILL PRESENT FREEDOM AWARD TO AME CHARLIE JOHNSON:
Presentation during King “Keepers of the Dream” Concert Jan. 16
Louisville (January 11, 2011) – Mayor Greg Fischer today announced that Charlie Johnson is the 2011 recipient of Louisville Metro’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Award. Johnson is an entrepreneur and businessman who built one of the largest minority-owned companies in the nation.
Fischer will present the award Sunday, January 16, during the free “Keepers of the Dream” concert dedicated to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., 5:00 p.m. at the Kentucky Center’s Bomhard Theater, 501 W. Main St.
The concert and arts celebration is presented by ArtsReach and will feature musical and theatrical presentations by the Jubilee Singers, Keith McGill, Louisville Central Community Center, ArtsReach Violin and Dance Studios, River City Drum Corps, Louisville Lion Dance Team, Keith Cook, Louisville Central Community Center, Str8 Legit, RCDC Mentoring Music Production Group, Louisville Youth Choir, O’Dell Henderson, Bates Memorial Choir and the Shelby County High School Chamber Singers.
“As a businessman, entrepreneur and someone who has opened the doors of opportunity for countless people in Louisville, Charlie Johnson is richly deserving of this award,” Fischer said. “Charlie is large in stature and impact, but works quietly to touch lives and make Louisville a much better city.”
“I am honored to be chosen for this award and am grateful that Mayor Fischer will be giving this honor to me in his first term,” Johnson said. “I have always tried to give back to my community and be an example of what Dr. King gave up his life for.”
Johnson is the CEO of Immanuel Realty, LLC, where he is working with other groups for rehabilitation of Louisville’s inner-city Central Area. He operates several businesses, including GENESIS Beauty Salon and Barber Shop and GENESIS Beauty Supply.
A former pro football player and Ford Motor Co. employee, Johnson started and operated several trucking firms including Active Transportation and C.W. Johnson Xpress. At one time, Active Transportation had revenues of more than $500 million and was one of the Top 100 Black-owned companies in the nation.
Johnson has been a strong supporter of education on many fronts. He chaired the Chestnut Street YMCA Black Achievers program which provided $1.2 million for scholarships. He is a former chair of the Louisville-based National Center for Family Literacy; donated $100,000 to start a scholarship fund at Spalding University for at-risk inner city males, and founded and funded $300,000 of a $500,000 endowed scholarship for Louisville youth to attend Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina. He also provided the University of Louisville with $1 million to endow a chair in Logistics and Distribution for minority students.
Johnson was born in Columbus, Georgia, where he was an outstanding football player. He graduated in 1962 and received numerous scholarship offers and chose the University of Louisville where he was all conference player for three years. He played professionally for both the San Francisco 49’ers and Baltimore Colts. In 1989, he was inducted into the University of Louisville Athletic Hall of Fame. He was the first African American graduate of U of L to be appointed by the governor to the University Board of Trustees.
He has also served on numerous boards and foundations including PNC Bank, Benedict College, Spalding University, Lincoln Heritage Council Boy Scouts of America, Muhammad Ali Center, African-American Venture Capital Fund, LLC, Kentuckiana Minority Supplier Development Council and the Louisville Urban League, In addition, Johnson serves on the Kentucky Public Transportation Infrastructure Authority.
Johnson holds a Doctorate of Law from Benedict College, a Doctorate of Humane Letters from Wilberforce University, a Doctorate of Civil Law from Simmons University and a Doctor of Law from Spalding University.
Charlie Johnson is a member of Quinn Chapel AME Church in Louisville where the Rev. Dr. Pedro Basden is the pastor. Charlie and Betty Johnson, his wife gave over a million dollars to build Quinn Chapel AME Church in Louisville and donated the seed money for the 13th Episcopal District’s Believe, Inc. (Bishop Vashti McKenzie)
Norton Healthcare is the presenting sponsor of the Freedom Award. This year’s award is a blown glass design created by Ché Rhodes, Associate Professor, Head of Glass, University of Louisville Hite Art Institute.
The Freedom Award, first presented in 1987, recognizes citizens that have dedicated their lives to promoting justice, peace, freedom, non-violence, racial equality and civic activism. Previous winners include Merv Aubespin, Dr. Bernard Minnis, Ben Richmond, Raoul Cunningham, Georgia Davis Powers, Ed Hamilton, Lyman T. Johnson, Beverly Watts, Sam Watkins and Deborah Todd.
If you go
“Keepers of the Dream” A Community Arts Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Vision.
Sunday, January 16, 5:00 p.m.
Kentucky Center, Bomhard Theater, 501 W. Main St.
Admission is free, no tickets required. Arrive early for the best seats.
The celebration is presented by ArtsReach and will feature musical and theatrical presentations by the Jubilee Singers, Keith McGill, Louisville Central Community Center, ArtsReach Violin and Dance Studios, River City Drum Corps, Louisville Lion Dance Team, Keith Cook, Louisville Central Community Center, Str8 Legit, RCDC Mentoring Music Production Group, Louisville Youth Choir, O’Dell Henderson, Bates Memorial Choir and the Shelby County High School Chamber Singers.
16. REFLECTIONS ON THE 24TH ANNUAL SEMINAR ON CHURCH GROWTH AND EVANGELISM:
*The Rev. Dr. Helen M. Bolden-Rogers
My reflection time after returning from the multi-sensory experience in Los Angeles took me to an almost buy-in to principles of Calvinism because without any doubt, my attendance at the 24th Annual Seminar on Church Growth was divinely pre-ordained.
The Rev. Dr. James C. Wade is the Executive Director of the AME Church Department of Church Growth and Development and sponsor of the 24th Annual Seminar on Church Growth and Evangelism. Dr. Wade grew up and was ordained to ministry while a member of St. Matthew AME Church in Lansing, Michigan. I was appointed as the pastor at St. Matthew almost five years ago, but precious memories of Dr. Wade still linger at St. Matthew.
After the blessing of becoming personally acquainted with Dr. Wade, his passion and excitement for ministry was contagious. It infected me. It reignited a spark for a myriad of possibilities for reaching non-believers through deliberate and thoughtful missional initiatives.
My initial response to the invitation to his seminar was grounded in honesty and based on realism born out of ‘negativity.’ The idea of attending was powerful and exciting, however I had not done prior planning for such an expense so soon after the Christmas holidays; moreover, asking my church for assistance was not an option.
Nevertheless, I was driven by a force outside logic. I submitted registration materials and dared to make a flight reservation. In a regular conversation with a pastor friend from the CME Church, I even blurted out an invitation to join me. She had previous exposure to Dr. Wade’s presentations and gleefully accepted the invitation!
Our flight from Flint, Michigan to Chicago and then to Los Angeles was problem-free. Our hotel registration was arranged by Dr. Cheryl Green, a member of Dr. Wade’s staff. Our room at the plush Hilton Los Angeles Airport Hotel even had a wonderful view.
The presentations were penetrating, profound, practical, prayer-based, and full of information and the sessions were dynamic. Praise and worship included soul-stirring music and the worship service was full of powerful Holy Spirit-filled preaching.
Very appropriately, our also enjoyable return flight took us home in a different direction: Los Angeles to Kansas City onto Milwaukee and finally home to Flint.
I don’t pretend to know how the experience came about. No logic can explain what at first glance appears to be capriciousness and coincidence. It was not coincidence; it was the providence of God. I know that because in my heart, I hear the words of Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them who love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.”
The energy and ambience of the gathering reflected the leadership and ministry style of its Director, the Rev. Dr. James C. Wade.
I thank God for being connected to Dr. Wade through St. Matthew African Methodist Episcopal Church. I also enthusiastically look forward to fruitfulness from all that I saw, heard, thought and felt in the phenomenal 24th Annual Seminar on Church Growth.
I am looking forward, with faith, to next year’s 25th Annual Seminar on Church Growth that is scheduled to be held in Virginia!
*The Rev. Dr. Helen M. Bolden-Rogers is the pastor of St. Matthew AMEC, Lansing, Michigan
17. “CAN YOU SHOW GOD’S GRACE?”:
Presiding Elder Benjamin Ridley Challenges the EMMD
East Macon-Milledgeville District Conference
It was the week before Thanksgiving when the Macon Conference East Macon-Milledgeville District came together for the Annual District Conference.
The East Macon-Milledgeville District has survived, sustained and grown over the last 16 years under the dynamic leadership of our beloved Presiding Elder Benjamin Ridley. Elder Ridley is known in and around the district and community as “Elder Ben, the Peoples Friend” and he was as always accompanied and supported by his stellar First Lady, Sister Dorothy E. Ridley.
Our District motto is, “God Will Not Be without a Witness” however, the Annual District Conference theme was a riveting question, “Can You Show God’s Grace?” The conference was hosted by Pastor David and First Lady Karen Luke and the Flipper Chapel AME Church family in Milledgeville, Georgia.
Activities began with Friday evening opening worship service. The praise and worship team of Flipper Chapel ushered in the Holy Spirit and we were all in full worship mode.
We began with the traditional hymn, “Amazing Grace,” reading of the scripture and then a rousing and thought provoking message from the Rev. Forrest Dickey of Jordan Chapel AME Church. Pastor Dickey was introduced by his wife, Sister Lydia Dickey. He brought a message out of the book of John, chapter 21, verses 15-19 entitled, “It Comes with the Territory.”
Day two of the conference began with praise and worship led by licentiates from various churches in the District. With the awakening of the Holy Spirit early on that Saturday morning, as always, there was much to share and learn for all in attendance. The line-up of workshops was for the benefit of our youth as well as the adults in attendance. The topics ranged from “Be Safe and Prepared,” presented by Detective James Thompson of the Milledgeville Police Department. There was also an excellent and informative presentation on Financial Survival Strategies, by Mr. Billy Pitts, President / CEO of Mutual Financial Group.
There was discussion and sharing of information for all as well on a current national threat, “Diabetes.” The adults were led in the discussion, “When Sugar is not always Sweet,” presented by Dr. Cassandra G. Tancil, President/CEO of BCPS Co. The youth were educated about Diabetes and nutrition by Sister Patricia Phillips, EMMD YPD Director with a film entitled, “Are You Eating the Right Things?” and discussion about eating habits. They also had lots of fun and the opportunity to participate in a Spelling Bee coordinated by Sister Barbara West, East Macon-Milledgeville District Christian Education Director, Sister Verneda Appling, Macon Conference Christian Education Director and Sister Marilyn Norfleet, East Macon-Milledgeville District Recording Secretary. Other youth exercised their creative talents by doing “Arts & Crafts” appropriate for the season with Sister Debra Barnes. As always, there was something for everyone and plenty of opportunities to learn, share and fellowship.
The second day of the conference brought us yet another inspirational message from the Rev. L. Bernard Sutton, recently assigned as pastor of Salem AME Church in Gray, Georgia and the newest addition to Elder Ridley's powerful and dynamic team of Pastors. Rev. Sutton was introduced by his wife, Rev. Hope Sutton and he gave us a thought provoking message from the book of John, chapter 11 v. 44, entitled, “Loose for a Purpose”. This was a great opportunity for all members of the District to meet this dynamic couple and hear God’s word from the newest pastor in our District.
The close of the conference came after the “Hour of Power”, with the district reports, announcements, resolutions and lunch. All was well in the Macon Georgia Conference East Macon Milledgeville District and while we were revived, we were also reminded that as we deal with each other and life, it is important to remember that every day, in every way, we have opportunities to set the example for others by asking of ourselves first, “Can We Show God’s Grace?”
Submitted by Sister Diane C. Allen
St. James AME Church
East Macon Milledgeville District
Bradley, Georgia
18. A CALL TO PRAYER FOR HAITI ON WEDNESDAY JANUARY 12TH – ONE YEAR LATER:
Please join Bishop Sarah and Supervisor Claytie Davis, Jr., and the 16th Episcopal District Church family in Prayer for the people of Haiti. Please include the people of Haiti in your daily prayers.
On January 12, 2010, between 4:30 and 5:00 p.m. (EST) the lives of all Haitians were changed never to be the same again.
Specifically Join us in praying for the AME SADA personnel at our 6 Clinics and Headquarters office, our Haiti Annual Conference Church families, and the work that remains to be done to build a “New Haiti!”
Pray for our AME Church families at:
St. Paul AMEC, Port-au-Prince
Loula Brokenton AMEC, Mariani
Christine Smith AMEC, Kenscoff
Bethel AMEC, Cabaret
John Hurst AMEC, Gressier
L.L. Berry AMEC, Gonaives
Rosetta-Lee AMEC, Petite-Place-Cazeau
Canaan Christ Revient AMEC, Tombe Gateau
Mary Beckett AMEC, Croix-des-Bouquets
Christ Revient AMEC, Petit-Goave
Siloe AMEC, Mirebalais
Annabel Freeland, Bayonnais Garteau
Pray for our AME Presiding Elders and Pastors:
Presiding Elder Joel Mehu
The Reverend François Murat
The Reverend Jean Robert Petit
The Reverend Toussaint St. Louis
The Reverend Berthony Saint-Marc
The Reverend Justin D. Pierre
Presiding Elder Jean Joel Maurice
The Reverend Jules Andre’ Pierre
The Reverend Jean Emarc
The Reverend Jacques L. Michelet Mars
The Reverend Gabriel Cherry
Let us pray for all of the people of Haiti!
This is a call for daily prayer
19. NEWLY APPOINTED PRESIDING ELDER HOLDS FIRST QUARTERLY CONFERENCE AT ST. ANDREW AMEC:
Hazel B. Martin
The First Quarterly Conference of this conference year was held on January 4, 2011, at St. Andrew AME Church, 125 9th Street South, Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32250, Rev. William J. Simmons, Pastor. Greetings for the New Year were extended to all. Presentation and formal introduction of the Reverend Tony D. Hansberry, newly appointed Presiding Elder of the Suwannee-North District were given by Pastor Simmons.
The host pastor, Rev. Dr. W.J. Simmons, presided over the order of services. Opening Hymn, “I Am Thine, Oh Lord”; Prayer by Brother Lewis N. Palmer, Jr.
Presiding Elder Hansberry preached from the subject, “After Jesus’ Birth,” Luke 2:7. We were admonished to hear, see, and act differently since Jesus has come into the world and specifically into our lives, all to the Glory of God.
Presiding Elder Hansberry called the Conference to order and organized with the belonging persons serving; Sister Bettye J. Palmer, Secretary, Brother A. Blake Zeigler, Marshall, and Sister Hazel Martin, Reporter.
Presiding Elder Hansberry conducted the business of the conference and gave commendations to all members who serve on boards and auxiliaries and reminded them of their duties and responsibilities as servants.
Sister Dana Bass was confirmed as the Church School Superintendent and Brother Lewis N. Palmer, Jr., Steward, was elected as the District Steward. He will serve as delegate to the District Conference at Historic Mt. Zion AME Church on February 10-11, 2011.
The business was completed and Presiding Elder Hansberry closed with the charge, “There is work to be done, continue to do the work that you are doing to enhance the areas that need to be enhanced.”
Closing Prayer was given by Presiding Elder Tony D. Hansberry.
20. THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC, THEATRE & DANCE PRESENTS THE PIPE ORGAN IN AFRICAN-AMERICAN WORSHIP:
The Pipe Organ in African-American Worship is a one-day symposium exploring the past, present and future of the pipe organ in African-American worship traditions.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Hill Auditorium, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Dr. James Kibbie, Director
Program and registration information:
http://www.music.umich.edu/departments/organ/African-AmericanSymposium.htm
Email: jkibbie@umich.edu
Phone: 734-764-1591
Group recital:
8:00 pm in Hill Auditorium
Open to the public at no charge
Program Committee:
Dr. Norah Duncan IV (Wayne State University, Detroit, MI)
Dr. Brandon Spence (Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Denver, CO)
Dr. Herman Taylor (Emeritus, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL)
Additional Symposium Presenters:
Dr. James Abbington (Emory University, Atlanta, GA)
Dr. Wayne Barr (Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL)
Dr. Calvert Johnson (Agnes Scott College, Decatur, GA)
Dr. Naki Sung Kripfgans (First Methodist Church, Ann Arbor, MI)
Dr. Mickey Thomas Terry (St. Mary’s Church, Clinton, MD)
Sylvia Wall (Graduate student in Church Music, University of Michigan)
Dr. Anthony Williams (Fisk University, Nashville, TN)
Presented with generous support from Dr. Barbara Furin Sloat, the Robert Glasgow Keyboard Faculty Support Fund endowed by Susan and Eugene Goodson, and the University of Michigan Office of Vice-President for Research
21. MEHARRY MEDICAL COLLEGE ANNOUNCES NEW DEAN, SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY:
Cynthia Yeldell
(Nashville, Tenn.) – (January 10, 2010) –President and CEO of Meharry Medical College, Wayne J. Riley, M.D., MPH, MBA, MACP has announced that Janet H. Southerland, D.D.S., Ph.D., has been named Dean of the School of Dentistry at Meharry Medical College. Dr. Southerland, currently, the chairperson of the Department of Hospital Dentistry and chief of the oral medicine service at University of North Carolina School (UNC) of Dentistry and Hospitals and Clinics, will begin her new appointment at Meharry on March 1.
“We had an impressive, diverse and exceptionally qualified applicant pool,” said Dr. Riley. “Dr. Southerland’s outstanding academic achievements, impressive work in dental services and dental education, superb interpersonal skills, and leadership acumen impressed the search committee. She received my enthusiastic nomination and received the unanimous confirmation by our Board of Trustees to assume the deanship of our School of Dentistry. She will serve Meharry, our dental students and the local and national community with distinction and lead our dental education program to new heights.”
“This is the most exciting thing that I could ever have imagined . . . the opportunity to do something like this,” Dr. Southerland said. “I was attracted to Meharry Medical College because of the strong tradition of the School of Dentistry. This is an opportunity for me to bring new vision and new energy and build upon a solid foundation.”
In her new role, Dr. Southerland will serve as the School of Dentistry’s chief administrative and academic officer responsible for developing academic programs, maintaining the quality of the dental curriculum, recruiting faculty and developing dental research programs. She will also serve as a tenured Professor in the school and serve as one of the nine members of Meharry’s executive management team.
Dr. Southerland received her D.D.S. at the UNC School of Dentistry in 1989, has a B.S. in Dental Hygiene and a B.A. in Zoology, both earned at UNC. She also completed a master’s of public health (MPH) degree from the UNC School of Public Health and a Ph.D. in Oral Biology from the UNC School of Dentistry.
Her research interests involve the study of the relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease and early detection and interventions for oral cancer.
“Dr. Janet Southerland is a highly trained, nationally known and clear thinking dental educator who is at home as a team-player, but who has risen to assume key leadership positions in hospital dentistry and oral medicine,” said John W. Stamm, D.D.S., Interim Dean & Alumni Distinguished Professor of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry. “Janet has a broad background in academic dentistry and has mastered the art of remaining calm and organized when demands on her increase. These qualities, and more, will enable Dr. Southerland to serve, with skill and dedication, as Meharry’s next Dean of Dentistry.”
She is involved in a number of organizations that include: the American Dental Association, American Association of Dental Research, the International Association for Dental Research, the Old North State Dental Society, the North Carolina Dental Society, the North Carolina Diabetes Advisory Board, The Robert Wood Johnson (RWJ) National Advisory Committee, the Summer Medical and Dental Education Program(SMDEP) program funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the North Carolina Cancer Control Committee.
About the School of Dentistry
The School of Dentistry at Meharry Medical College continues to be a national resource in the education of African-American dentists. Meharry graduated the highest number of African-American dentists for the 2008-09 and 2009-10 academic years of all dental schools in the United States. The School continues to improve the educational program to enhance student performance and the performance of the faculty, staff and physical facilities. The School of Dentistry admits approximately 55 students selected from an applicant pool of nearly 2000. Many of our graduates go on to practice in underserved, underrepresented communities.
About Meharry Medical College
Meharry Medical College founded in 1876, is the nation’s largest private, independent historically black academic health center dedicated solely to educating minority and other health professionals. True to its heritage, it is a United Methodist Church affiliated institution. The College is particularly well known for its uniquely nurturing, highly effective educational programs; emerging preeminence in health disparities research; culturally sensitive, evidence-based health services and significant contribution to the diversity of the nation’s health professions workforce. Diverse Issues in Higher Education’s ranking of institutions annually lists Meharry as a leading national educator of African Americans with M.D. and D.D.S. degrees and Ph.D. degrees in the biomedical sciences. Visit www.mmc.eduto learn more.
22. FIRST EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:
Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, Presiding Prelate
Mrs. Mary Norris, Episcopal Supervisor
Bermuda Annual Conference
March 1, 2011: Evangelist Day
March 2, 2011: The W.M.S. Conference Branch Annual Meeting
Missionary Sermon: The Rev. Howard Dill
March 3-6, 2011: Annual Conference:
The Fairmont Southampton Hotel & Spa
South Shore Road
Southampton, Bermuda
Presiding Elder: (441) 239-0194
Host – Ministerial Alliance
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Betty Furbert-Woolridge
Annual Sermon: The Rev. Betty Furbert-Woolridge
New Jersey Annual Conference
March 19, 2011: Evangelist Day
March 20, 2011: The W.M.S. Conference Branch Annual Meeting
Missionary Sermon: The Rev. Linda Rassman
March 21-27, 2011: Annual Conference
Saint James A.M.E. Church
588 Martin Luther King Blvd.
Newark, NJ 07192
Church (973)622-1344
Pastor (973) 669-3252
Host Pastor: The Rev. William Watley
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Howard L. Grant
Annual Sermon: The Rev. Reginald Jackson
New England Annual Conference
April 4, 2011: Evangelist Day
April 5, 2011: The W.M.S. Conference Branch Annual Meeting
Missionary Sermon: The Rev. Richard W. Clark
April 6-10, 2011: Annual Conference
Bethel A.M.E. Church
215 Forest Hills Street
Boston, MA 02130-3302
Church ((617)524-7900
Pastor (617)427-1245
Host Pastor: The Rev. Ray A. Hammond
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Herbert L. Eddy
Annual Sermon: The Rev. Marcellus Norris
Delaware Annual Conference
April 11, 2011: Evangelist Day
April 12, 2011: The W.M.S. Conference Branch Annual Meeting
Annual Sermon: The Rev. Manuel M. Biagas
April 13- 16, 2011: Annual Conference
Bethel A.M.E. Church
604 N. Walnut Street
Wilmington, Delaware 19801-3808
Church (302) 658-1676
Pastor (302) 765-2818
Host Pastor: The Rev. Silvester Beaman
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Charles E. Drummer, Jr.
Annual Sermon: The Rev. Karl A. Stevens
New York Annual Conference
May 8, 2011: Evangelist Day
May 9, 2011: The WMS Conference Branch Annual Meeting
Missionary Sermon: The Rev. Cosmas E. Bonaparte
May 9-15, 2011: Annual Conference
First Bethel A.M.E. Church
60 West 132nd Street
New York, NY 10037
Church (212) 862-0100
Pastor (212) 862-0100
Host Pastor: The Rev. Henry A. Belin, III
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Nicholas G. Tweed
Annual Sermon: The Rev. Kim Anderson
Western New York Annual Conference
May 2, 2011: Evangelist Day
May 3, 2011: The W.M.S. Conference Branch Annual Meeting
Missionary Sermon: The Rev. Edward B. Smart
May 4 -7, 2011: Annual Conference
Saint John A.M.E. Church
917 Garden Avenue
Niagara Falls, NY 14305
Church (716) 285-6432
Pastor (585) 223-8766
Host Pastor: The Rev. Robert Reynolds
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Carlton Gibson
Annual Sermon: The Rev. A. Iona Smith Nze
Philadelphia Annual Conference
May 23, 2011: Evangelist Day
May 24, 2011: The W.M.S. Conference Branch Annual Meeting
Missionary Sermon: The Rev. Ronald Sparks
May 25-29, 2011: Annual Conference
Saint Matthew A.M.E. Church
213 North 57th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19139
Church (215) 472-4784
Pastor (215) 477-1177
Host Pastor: The Rev. Roland C. McCall
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Charles H. Lett, Sr.
Annual Sermon: The Rev. Jocelyn K. Hart
June 16 – 18, 2011: The First Episcopal District Planning Meeting
Headquarter, 1st Episcopal District Headquarters Building
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
23. A CHRISTIAN’S ANNUAL SELF EXAMINATION:
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts
It is very seldom that any of us ever take time to examine ourselves. One year ends and another begins. “The same old soup just warmed over.”
Take this test and see where you are in your spiritual life:
On a scale 1-10 with 10 being the highest, Where do you think you are on your spiritual ladder?
Do you think God is pleased with your participation and involvement in his service this past year?
Do you honestly feel that you have given as God has prospered you this year?
Is there anyone that you feel you owe an apology? Why haven’t you done it?
Have you forgiven anyone this year? Do they know that have been forgiven?
If you have been hurt by someone and they are not aware of it, have you made it known to them? Why not?
Do you read the Bible and pray daily?
Do you attend bible study?
When was the last time you heard the Call to Worship?
Has church going become a chore and a bore?
Have you made any resolutions or promises this year that you have not kept? Why didn’t you keep them? No one needs to know your answers, but you and the Lord.
We have embarked on a New Year; are you going to be up to your same old self?
If you were given the opportunity, would you get more involved in the church activities?
Have you considered volunteering?
How is your faith?
There is something for everyone to do. Jesus said, “Go into my vineyard and work, not sit, but work. There is no such thing as a “bench/pew member”
Have a blessed New Year and make yourself and God happy with a more committed “You.”
Thought for Today: “No work, no pay.”
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts, [Ptaegar@AOL.com], Author, Counselor, Teacher, Humorist, is a retired Itinerant Elder who lives in Eatonville, Florida
24. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Congratulations To Herman Osby Kelly, III, a Member of the University of Tampa Basketball Team
Herman Osby Kelly, III a member of the University of Tampa basketball team is ranked 25th in the nation in Division II NCAA basketball. Osby Kelly is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Herman O, Kelly, Jr., pastor and first lady of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Herman Osby Kelly, III is a junior criminology major.
Note: Herman Osby Kelly, III is in the front of the photo, see link.
http://www.tampaspartans.com/article.asp?articleID=2581
Congratulatory responses can be emailed to:
Dr. and Mrs. Herman O, Kelly, Jr. - hokellyj@yahoo.com
25. EPISCOPAL FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to announce the passing of Mrs. Irene Bennett Reid, former Episcopal Supervisor, the wife of the late Bishop Frank Madison Reid, Jr and the mother of former Baltimore Mayor Kurt Schmoke and of Mrs. Carla Young, a licentiate in the Baltimore Annual Conference. Mrs. Irene B. Reid was the former Episcopal Supervisor of the 14th, 7th, 9th and 4th Episcopal Districts of the AME Church.
Former Episcopal Supervisor Irene B. Reid was the stepmother of the Rev. Frank Reid III, pastor of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, died this morning (Tuesday, January 11, 2011) at Sinai Hospital. She earned bachelor and master’s degrees, worked for the Baltimore Department of Social Services and also worked with a women’s shelter and a transitional housing program, according to the Associated Press.
Kurt Schmoke, who was mayor of Baltimore from 1987 to 1999, is dean of the Howard University School of Law in Washington.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1416475432
Arrangements for Mrs. Irene B. Reid are:
Friday, January 14, 2011
Wake: 6:00-8:00 PM
Bethel AME Church
1300 Druid Hill Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21217
Office: (410) 523-4273
FAX: (410) 523-0650
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Family Hour - 9:30 -10:30
Omega, Omega Service: 10:35
Celebration of Life - 11:00
Bethel AME Church
1300 Druid Hill Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21217
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Irene B. Reid scholarship fund at Spelman College, Atlanta GA:
Spelman College
Office of Institutional Advancement
Box 1551
350 Spelman Lane SW
Atlanta, GA 30314
Cards and Condolences may be mailed to:
The Family of Irene B. Reid
3320 Sequoia Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21215
Family Contact:
Email: KFrancette@aol.com
Phone: (410) 764-3085
Submitted by the Family of Mrs. Irene B. Reid
26. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Sister Ida Simmons, the mother of the Rev. Dr. William Simmons (Saint Andrew AMEC - Jacksonville Beach, Florida).
Sister Ida Simmons will be eulogized Saturday, January 15, 2011 at 1:00 PM:
St. John Missionary Baptist Church
30 Fred L Maxwell Blvd.
Orlando, Florida 32805
Phone: (407) 422-5725
Fax: (407) 781-0701
Dr. Rolous Frazier, Jr., Pastor
Services entrusted to:
Marvin C. Zanders Funeral Home
232 W Michael Gladden Boulevard
Apopka, Florida 32703
Phone: (407) 886-3388
Fax: (407) 886-5656
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. Dr. William Simmons
1828 Northglen Circle
Middleburg, Florida 32068
Email: billsimmons@drwilliamsimmons.com
27. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Donald P. Cheatham, the brother of Sister Brenda Cheatham Jones, First Lady of Union Community African Methodist Episcopal Church, Jacksonville, Florida, the Reverend Gregory D. Jones, Pastor.
Service Arrangements for Donald P. Cheatham:
Memorial Service:
Thursday, January 13, 2011 at 11:00 a.m.
Elizabeth Baptist Church
4245 Cascade Road SW
Atlanta, GA 30331
(404) 691-3146
Services provided by:
Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home, Inc.
1003 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd.
Atlanta, GA 30310
Phone: (404) 758-1731
(404) 758-3246 fax
E-mail: WAW1@bellsouth.net
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Cheatham Family
887 W. Marietta Street NW, Ste. S106
Atlanta, GA 30318
c/o Donald P. Cheatham II
Phone: (312) 933-4992
Expressions of sympathy may also be emailed to the Rev. and Mrs. Gregory D. Jones: revgdjonesamec@yahoo.com
Or to Donald P. Cheatham II: Doncii@hotmail.com
28. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of the Reverend Zecharias Wilmer, the brother of Reverend Roger Wilmer, the pastor of Bethel AMEC in Mercersburg, PA and St. James AMEC in Lebanon, PA (Philadelphia Conference, Harrisburg District). The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing, Wednesday, January 12, 2011 - 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Batchelor Brothers Funeral Home
7112 N. Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19126
Phone: 215-549-4700
Fax: 215-549-4703
Funeral, Thursday, January 13, 2011 at 10:00 a.m.
New Inspirational Baptist Church
4357 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19140
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:
The Reverend Roger Wilmer
7812 Spout Spring Road
Frederick, MD 21702
29. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Evangelist Gloria M. Vause, the sister of THE Reverend Johnie E. Vause, retired pastor from the Philadelphia Conference. Evangelist Vause was also the mother of Mrs. V. Dessie Vause, a member of Mt. Zion AMEC in Devon, PA. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing and Funeral, Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Viewing - 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Funeral - 11:00 a.m.
Memorial Church of God in Christ
747 Buck Lane
Haverford, PA 19041
Phone: 610-649-9446
The Rev. Nathaniel Porter, Pastor
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:
The Reverend Johnie E. Vause
599 Bessemer Street
Steelton, PA 17113
And/or
Mrs. V. Dessie Vause
15 Leopard Apt. 4V
Berwyn, PA 19312
30. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with deep regret that we announce the death of Mr. Paul Lee of Homestead, FL, the brother of Rev. Hartford Lee, Presiding Elder of the North Orlando District, Central Conference, 11th Episcopal District of the AME Church.
Services for Mr. Paul Lee
Wake:
Friday, Jan 14, 2011 at 5-7 PM
Covenant Baptist Church
1055 NW 6th Avenue
Florida City, FL 33034
The Rev. Curtis Thomas, Pastor
Ph: 305-248-5561
Funeral:
Saturday, January 15, 2011 at 10 AM
Covenant Baptist Church
1055 NW 6th Avenue
Florida City, FL 33034
The Rev. Curtis Thomas, Pastor
The Rev. Hartford Lee, Eulogist
Services Entrusted to:
Range Funeral Home
641 SW 8th Street
Homestead, FL 33030
Ph: 305 248 6989
Fax: 305 448 1670
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Hartford Lee
2450 King Richard Road
Melbourne, Fl 32935
email: LHartford@cfl.rr.com Ph: 321 254 7647 Fax: 321 254 5953
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Barrington Academy c/o Covington Baptist Church.
31. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the eternal transition of the Reverend (Mother) Velma Hayden, one of the beloved founders of Anderson Chapel AME Church, Killeen, Texas and retired presiding elders in the 10th Episcopal District. Our hearts are deeply saddened by her departure from this earthly life, but, we are also rejoicing because a true saint of the Lord has gone to receive her eternal reward.
Service arrangements for the Reverend Velma Hayden:
Wake:
Tuesday, January 11, 2011 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Anderson Chapel AMEC
1002 Jefferies Avenue
Killeen, Texas 76543
254.690.5030 - Phone
254.690.6453 - Fax
Funeral:
Wednesday, January 12, 2011 @ 1:00 PM
Anderson Chapel AMEC
1002 Jefferies Avenue
Killeen, Texas 76543
254.690.5030 - Phone
254.690.6453 - Fax
Professional Services Provided by:
Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home
1615 South Fort Hood Road
Killeen, Texas 76542-1654
254.634.2638 - Phone
254.634.7325 - Fax
Condolences can be sent to:
The family of Reverend (Mother) Velma Hayden, c/o Anderson Chapel AME Church or Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home (addresses above.)
The Rev. William M. Campbell, Jr., Pastor
Anderson Chapel AMEC
Killeen, Texas
32. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We wish to share that Mrs. Hattie Brown, the mother of the Rev. J.C. Brown, transitioned from Earthly labor to her heavenly victory, on Monday, January 3, 2011. The Rev. J.C. Brown is the pastor of St. Paul (South) AME Church, Chicago, IL, Fourth Episcopal District, Chicago Annual Conference, and South District, of the AME Church.
Service arrangements for Mrs. Hattie Brown:
Viewing Friday, January 7, 2011:
2 - 6 PM
Lewis & Walker Funeral Home
603 State Highway 49 West
Phone: (903) 665-2353
Fax: (903) 665-6747
Home Going Services will be held:
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Viewing 10 - 11 AM
Funeral Service 11 AM
First Baptist Church
105 E. Graham Street
Linden, TX 75563
Phone: (903) 756-5517
Please send all condolences to:
The Rev. J.C. & Mrs. Susan Brown
18629 Becker Terrace
Country Club Hills, IL 60478
33. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you that the mother of Presiding Elder Walter Bauldrick, Mrs. Rachel Bauldrick Cheek, made her transition today. The Rev. Bauldrick is the Presiding Elder of the Milwaukee District of the Chicago Conference, Fourth Episcopal District. Presiding Elder and Mrs. Bauldrick and family were preparing to leave on Saturday for the services of his step-father, Mr. James Cheek. Due to this latest development, the services for his step-father have been changed to include Elder Bauldrick's mother. At this time, the services are tentatively being planned for Thursday, January 13, 2011, at:
St. James AME Church
1501 N. Patterson Ave.
Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27105
The funerals for both Mr. James Waddell Cheek and & Mrs. Rachel Allen Bauldrick Cheek, Stepfather and Mother of Presiding Elder Walter Bauldrick, will be held - together - on
Thursday, January 13, 2011, at the:
St. James AME Church
1501 Patterson Avenue
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Church phone number: 336.724.3865
Viewing - 10:00 am
Funeral - 11:00 am
Burial at the:
Salisbury National Cemetery
501 Statesville Blvd.
Salisbury, North Carolina
The arrangements are being handled by:
Russell Funeral Home
822 Carl Russell Avenue
Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101-4213
Funeral home phone number: 336.722.3459
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. James AME Church, 1501 Patterson Avenue, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27105 or
First Baptist Church, 700 Highland Ave, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
The arrangements are being handled by:
Russell Funeral Home, Inc.
822 Carl Russell Ave.
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Phone: 336-722-3459
Fax: 336-631-8268
Expressions of sympathy may also be sent to:
The Rev. Walter R. Bauldrick, Sr., Presiding Elder
Milwaukee District
8691 Castle Court
Burr Ridge, IL 60527-7128
Office: (630) 655-1963
Fax: (630) 655-1983
Email: revwrb@mdamec.org
34. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action
Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
E-mail: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Web page: http://www.amecfic.org/
Phone: (615) 837-9736 (H)
Phone: (615) 833-6936 (O)
Cell: (615) 403-7751
BLOG: http://ameccfic.blogspot.com /
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMEC_CFIC
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220
35. 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 Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr.
- Richard Allen's Birth date: February 14, 1760
- Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent falls on March 9, 2011.
- Easter Sunday will be celebrated on April 24, 2011
1. EDITORIAL – IN THE INTERIM OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE, “THE BUCK STOP” WITH THE COUNCIL OF BISHOPS :
Dr.
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
Churches, like other organizations, experience conflict. The African Methodist Episcopal Church also experiences conflict. People take sides in conflict and in religious organizations, and especially in the AME Church; people are serious about whatever side they take in conflicts.
Church conflicts are almost never routine; they are almost always, serious; and people feel strongly about the positions they take in conflicts.
The AME Church is experiencing conflicts in local churches, in presiding elder districts, on the annual conference level and even on the Connectional church level. On all levels, the people involved feel strongly about the positions they have taken, and they want their voices to be heard.
In times past, people would send letters, often anonymously, through the mail to as many mailing addresses that the sender had available.
Unfortunately, the internet allows people to share their opinions, their biases, their points of view, provide inaccurate information, allows them disparage others, and to share truthful information. The gamut of information shared on the internet can run from one end of the spectrum to another. One cannot believe everything one reads on the Internet.
When people are involved in conflict, they often take strong positions, which can precipitate emotions that can result in inflexibility that prohibits them from accommodating other points of view; and this is especially true with religious issues. It is difficult for people who have taken a position in the religious realm to accommodate the opposing point of view. Religious people are probably most inflexible in tolerating opposing viewpoints; and religious people rarely change their minds. Those of us who are older know first-hand how inflexible church people can be and how long church people hold grudges. For a global
AMEs are just like other folks
AMEs know how to express displeasure. When there are strongly-held positions of conflict in AME local churches, presiding elder districts, at the annual conference level and on the Connectional Church level, AMEs know how to vent and are not hesitant to make their views known. And, in today’s climate, things go all over the Internet, over the telephone and through the mail. And, it’s unfortunate that some people believe everything they read on the Internet.
People throughout our Zion routinely receive information that someone or some group wants to express their view on a particular situation. AMEs are passionate about how they see any situation that involves the AME Church. And, more often than not, their opponents will share their side of the issue; and they are just as passionate about their points of view.
The Christian Recorder receives passionate requests for information to be published in The Christian Recorder.
The Official Newspaper of the AME Church
As the Official Newspaper of the African Methodist Episcopal Church since 1852, The Christian Recorder is the voice for the Church and it has to be a responsible voice “of and for” the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
It is not that The Christian Recorder is “not interested” in news about the Church; The Christian Recorder is interested, but it has to insure that “news” is balanced, accurate and relevant to the Church.
The subscribers to The Christian Recorder want balanced news and would not want the Official Newspaper of the African Methodist Episcopal Church to publish unsubstantiated opinions and slanted viewpoints. There is an old adage that cautions, “Don’t believe anything you hear and only half of what you see.” In other words be cautious when passing information.
If one thinks about it; it’s not heard to see the position of The Christian Recorder. Someone shares his or her side of a volatile issue and it sounds, believable, plausible and newsworthy, but later, a person or persons from the other side shares their side of the issue and their side sounds equally believable, plausible and newsworthy. So, the issue becomes, “What is the truth?”
Responsible journalism does not publish a news items based upon the opinions of people involved in a particular situation; that would not be “news,” that would be opinions and maybe even untruths or unsubstantiated “facts.”
In the case of newsworthy controversies, large secular newspapers send out investigative reporters to sort out the facts and to get at the truth. The Christian Recorder and other religious newspapers, unlike large secular news organizations, do not have investigative reporters, nor should we, because denominational newspapers do not have similar missions as secular news organizations.
The Church has the rules in place to handle conflict
The Mothers and Fathers of the AME Church set up procedures for handling conflicts and The Discipline clearly lays out the procedures to be followed on all levels; in the local church; at the annual conference, and on the connectional level.
The problem is a simple one
The problem organizations experience is a human problem. Most of us want our way and conflict is exacerbated when an individual or individuals want their way so much, that they are willing to ignore the rules and regulations of the organization. And we, in the AME Church are no different. People who ignore the established rules, whether in a secular organization, in the AME Church, on the Connectional level, or in the local church, do so because they value their needs and wishes above that of the organization.
It’s a simple problem, but solving it is difficult
It’s difficult because some people are not loyal to the organization or it might be that some individuals have not taken the time to learn the rules of the organization. Or, it just might be that some people just want everything to go the way they think it should go.
On the Connectional level
When an issue has been addressed by the Council of Bishops, the issue is settled: the discussion has ended. This is true in the African Methodist Episcopal Church as well as in the United Methodist Church.
In the African Methodist Episcopal Church, “The Council of Bishops is the Executive Branch of the Connectional Church. It has the general oversight of the church during the interim of General Conferences.”
In the military; in any military unit in the world, when the command has issued an order, even if some of the subordinate leaders disagree, when the order is given, everyone salutes and executes the order; that makes for a successful execution of the mission. Anyone who goes against the order, in any army in the world, is charged with treason, which is punishable by death.
We are not recommending that anyone is put to death, but only to make the point that putting our wishes above the organization is a serious offense, especially since every ordained person in the African Methodist Episcopal Church has pledged to be obedient to the “Chief ministers to whom is committed the charge and government over you, following with a glad mind and will their godly admonitions, submitting yourselves to their godly judgment.”
The Christian Recorder
In the instance when the Council of Bishop renders a decision and it is published in The Christian Recorder, any news or comments related to the issue of the rendered decision will only be received or approved from or by the Council of Bishops because, agree or disagree, the Council of Bishops is the final word in the interim of the General Conference.
2. “YOU ASK”:
I Ask:
Bishop Chappelle - What is the AME Church’s position on armor bearers? I've only seen one AME Church utilize this position and I was wondering what, if any, is the AME Church's take on the use of pastors using armor bearers?
Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle’s Response to the Question:
The AME Church to the best of my knowledge does not have a "Position" in our system called armor bearers.
The term and usage presently is not wide-spread in the denomination. However, I was introduced to the term while serving in the Twelfth Episcopal District. During one of our ecumenical services the guest preacher from another denomination had this "person" with him and she entered the pulpit and delivered to him, handkerchiefs, manuscript for his message and his Bible. Then, she poured his water and put it on the lectern.
After the message he left the pulpit and went to the church's office. His armor bearer went with him and upon his return, it was noted that his shirt and tie had been changed.
During his acknowledgment of those who had traveled with him, he acknowledged her as his "armor bearer."
What we had witnessed was a far-cry from the biblical connotation of an "armor bearer." We must assume that the pastor considered his armor (1) the Bible (2) Manuscript (3) Handkerchief (4) A change of wet clothing.
The biblical definition of an armor bearer carried with it, "other duties and responsibilities" beyond caring and assisting with the leader’s armor.
Our clergy who were present jokingly suggested to Mother B. Chappelle, that perhaps I should get a "young attractive armor bearer," like the guest preacher.
Her reply, without cracking a smile was that she was “my armor bearer!"
As I recall, during my
But, in reality there have historically been those who "aided" the leaders in our denomination as drivers, bag carriers, messengers, valets, body guards, marshals, cellphone answerer, and who provided assistance in various ways.
In the local church we recognize the Board of Stewards as the cabinet of the pastor. They are known to be the “inner circle" of the pastor.
In times past we even had titles which were not necessarily per Discipline such as, "Holy Steward and Pastor Steward." And, in the past two decades, we, in the AME Church, have had the tendency of "picking up / emulating / imitating" many of the phrases and "isms" of other denominations, which specifically have no place in our theology, polity or policy.
I can think of a term which is more prevalent than "armor bearer" and that term is, "Senior pastor."
Another worship negative is the practice of the pastor remaining in
Our doctrine specifically calls for "a person" to be assigned as "the Pastor-In -Charge."
It is my understanding, that it is not correct, according to our doctrine, polity and policy, to assign more than one person to a given "pastoral appointment."
More and more we are hearing of leaders handing out "assistant pastor" appointments. Thus, it is a mystery to me how a given appointment can have someone designated as "the senior pastor."
Hopefully, we have not gravitated to the use of the term, “armor bearer.”
3. PASTOR GEORGE MOORE: A LIVING LEGEND:
Jamye Coleman
On April 30, 2011, the life and work of Pastor George Moore—the designated 2009 Living Legend, by Bishop William P. DeVeaux—will be celebrated at St. Philip AME Church, his successful pastorate of forty –one years. In anticipation of his retirement, plans are underway to recognize the unique achievements of this servant leader.
Unique is his achievement in growing a membership from 200 in 1970 to some 4000 families four decades later. Unusual is his leadership in motivating a congregation to embrace his dream of helping people through bringing their lives together. This Pastor Moore has been able to do at St. Philip AME Church through instituting numerous ministries, including: an active Youth Adult
This Living Legend—the Reverend George Moore—was born in Georgia; educated at Washington High School, Atlanta; was graduated from Morris Brown College and Turner Theological Seminary. Answering a call to the
Pastor Moore has been an inspiration not only to numerous lay persons but also a mentor to over thirty (30) sons and daughters in
Pastor Moore has been the recipient of numerous honors and awards from such as the following: the DeKalb County NAACP, the Gospel Music Workshop of America, the Sons of Allen, The Atlanta Chronicle, and Wilberforce University. Both Turner Seminary of the Interdenominational Theological Center and Morris Brown College awarded him the Honorary Doctor of Divinity (DD) degree and the Doctor of Humane Letters (DHL), respectively.
A devoted family man, Pastor Moore has been married to the former Nettie Mae Lewis for 50 years. They are the parents of Rev. George Moore, pastor, St. Philip AME Monumental, Savannah, GA; L’Tanya M. Moore, national recording artist; L’Tarra Moore, computer specialist; three grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.
Save the date: April 30, 2011. Come and share in the glory of Pastor George Moore’s retirement celebration.
4. THE JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME:
*The Reverend Jonathan L. Weaver is the pastor of Greater Mt. Nebo AME Church in Bowie, Maryland
It was an experience that was unforgettable; spending three months away from the daily rigors of pastoral life, having an opportunity to meet members of the A.M.E. Church and other fascinating people in England, France, and six African nations, from mid-May to mid-August, as a result of a grant that Greater Mt. Nebo A.M.E. Church in Bowie, Maryland received from The Lilly Endowment, headquartered in Indianapolis. Indiana. It has been my honor and privilege to serve as Greater Mt. Nebo’s pastor for twenty-two years, and through the grant, my wife, Pamela, and I were able to represent our church, one of the one hundred congregations
In France, we were blessed to visit the only A.M.E. Church in the country, located in the beautiful city of Lyon, where Jean-Paul and Nene Basunga, serve as Co-Pastors. This vibrant congregation of four hundred members, called New Covenant, was established eight years ago as a non-denominational church. After I was introduced to the Basungas through a mutual friend four years ago, they, along with eight of their members, came to the United States for a ten day visit in 2008, where members of Greater Mt. Nebo hosted them in their homes. They attended worship service with us, participated in our annual Pan African Festival, and held discussions with Bishop Sarah F. Davis, Presiding Prelate of the 16th Episcopal District by phone about the idea of becoming a part of the A.M.E. Church. Those discussions with Bishop Davis, and a subsequent visit to Lyon by the Rev. Melynda Clarke from the Greater Mt. Nebo Ministerial Staff, per the request of Bishop Davis, to provide intensive training regarding our denomination for Co-Pastors Basunga and their leadership, culminated in their becoming New Covenant A.M.E. Church in 2009. Because of this exciting new component for the A.M.E. Church, what was previously called the London Annual Conference is now the European Annual Conference. What a mighty God we serve!
Rwanda, a part of the Seventeenth Episcopal District, and our first stop in Africa after a brief layover in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is truly one of God’s miracles. Upon our return to the United States, I have asked many people, what is the first thing that comes to their mind when I mention Rwanda. Invariably, their response is either genocide or Hotel Rwanda, the movie depicting the terrible genocide that occurred in that country in 1994; where over 800,000 people were massacred in a four month period of time. An astounding transformation has taken place there; peace and tranquility prevail, and we sensed no ethnic strife among the people. In fact, the two Presiding Elders there, the Rev. Felix Uwamahoro and the Rev. Elie Habimana, shared with us that the two groups which had been at odds for many years, the Hutus and the Tutsi, were in many instances worshipping together in A.M.E. Churches and marrying one another. When asked about any role played by local A.M.E. pastors in promoting reconciliation in the country, I was awestruck as they described how A.M.E. pastors have entered prisons where they have ministered to those who had committed atrocities during the 1994 massacre, and inspired prisoners to repent and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Then, upon being released from prisons, some of the former perpetrators of genocidal acts have been accompanied by A.M.E. pastors to the stricken villages where crimes were committed, and they have sought and received forgiveness from the villagers for what they did! What an awesome manifestation of God’s grace and mercy!
Despite the fact that the A.M.E. Church has only had a presence in Rwanda for six years, it is truly having a significant impact on the spiritual fabric of the nation, particularly as it relates to reconciliation. According to the Presiding Elders, more could be done to nurture and grow our denomination’s presence there, however, if more persons from the A.M.E. Church in the United States, clergy and lay, would visit them. This was a recurring sentiment throughout our travels in Europe and Africa. After visiting an A.M.E. Church in the town of Gisenyi, in the Western Region of Rwanda, Presiding Elder Uwamahoro expressed the feeling held by some A.M.E. brothers and sisters outside the United States: “We are a part of a big family, but sometimes we seem like we are the forgotten children in the family.”
Regrettably both local and national media in the United States provide virtually no coverage about Africa, with the exception of news events surrounding famine, natural disasters, or political upheaval. Rwanda, aptly described as “The Land of a Thousand Hills,” is one of numerous African nations which is undergoing economic growth and experiencing political stability. This land-locked country is also one of the cleanest nations I have ever seen. When planning to build a home on a plot of land, it is mandated by the national government of Rwanda that the owner plant a certain number of trees and flowers on his property! While there are no direct flights to Rwanda from the United States, I would certainly urge A.M.E. members to visit this incredibly beautiful place. They will encounter people, clergy and lay alike, who love to worship the Lord with great passion, and who are extremely desirous to meet their A.M.E. counterparts from the United States and other parts of the world.
Similarly, in all of the other countries we visited-Namibia, Lesotho, Malawi, and South Africa, we were the recipients of great hospitality as well. Therefore, I don’t want to be terribly biased regarding Rwanda; there is much to be seen and experienced in the other countries we visited in Africa as well. In Malawi (part of the Twentieth Episcopal District), for example, we were blessed to be hosted by The Right Honorable Joyce Banda, currently the only woman serving as the Vice President of an African nation. In 1995, Mrs. Banda, prior to her ascendancy to the Vice Presidency in 2008, was the recipient of a $50,000 prize from the non-governmental organization, The Hunger Project, headquartered in the United States, for her advocacy on behalf of women and children. With that cash award, she established The Joyce Banda Foundation (www.joycebandafoundation.org), which has built two secondary schools in Malawi for children who have become orphans due to their parents dying from AIDS. Currently the two schools have a total enrollment exceeding one thousand students! Pamela and I were blessed to visit both schools as guests of Vice President Banda.
Bishops E. Earl McCloud, Jeffrey Leath, and Wilfred Messiah were so helpful in facilitating our visits to Namibia, Lesotho and South Africa. We are also extremely grateful to the presiding elders, pastors, laypersons, missionaries, members of various YPDs, and others who made our stay truly memorable and historic. I am grateful that my bishop, the Rt. Rev. Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr., endorsed and embraced this unique opportunity, along with my Presiding Elder, the Rev. Dr. Louis-Charles Harvey. Moreover, the Washington Annual Conference Missionary Society, under the leadership of Sister D. Faye Conley, the Washington Annual Conference Lay Organization, led at the time by Sis. Patricia Matthews, and scores of pastors and laypersons, made contributions that enabled us to donate desperately sought after A.M.E. Church Hymnals, copies of The Doctrine and Discipline of The African Methodist Episcopal Church (2008 edition), and other A.M.E. printed materials that were enthusiastically received by congregations throughout our journey.
I hope that other A.M.E. Churches will consider this fascinating, unique opportunity. If interested, visit the Lilly Endowment website (www.lillyendowment.org), and feel free to contact me as well (jonathanwea@gmail.com). When Pamela and I returned, it was clearly evident that our church family, while they missed us (as we did them), grew and continues to grow, spiritually and numerically. We are so appreciative to a tremendously supportive ministerial staff, and a faithful cadre of lay leaders. Without their unwavering support, it would have been very difficult to leave for such an extended period of time and have a sense of calm in doing so! However, because of the depth of commitment and love the Greater Mt. Nebo Church Family has shown us over the years, Pamela and I were enriched by our extraordinary encounters, and enjoyed a truly once in a lifetime experience!
*The Reverend Jonathan L. Weaver is the pastor of Greater Mt. Nebo AME Church in Bowie, Maryland
5. FILM, “BISHOP RICHARD ALLEN APOSTLE OF FREEDOM”:
“Watch Parties” forming as world online premiere of Bishop Richard Allen documentary nears– Advanced media screenings now available.
The first ever documentary about the life of Bishop Richard Allen, Church founder and abolitionist, will premiere online at midnight (12 a.m.)on Sunday February 13, 2011, the day before what would have been Bishop Allen’s 251st birthday. More than three million AME church members around the globe will have the opportunity to log onto the Mother Bethel website (www.MotherBethel.org) and watch the film “on demand” for free. Church leaders and church members around the world are organizing “watch parties” of the film at their homes and churches. It’s estimated the film will be viewed by more than 3-million AME’s on five continents including here in the United States, Bermuda, The Caribbean, South America, Europe, India, and Africa. The media is invited to an advance, online preview of the entire film entitled “Bishop Richard Allen Apostle of Freedom.” Requests to see the exclusive media advance online screening must be in writing and emailed to Leslie Patterson-Tyler Leslie@TylerMadePR.com.
Bishop Richard Allen Apostle of Freedom is a 23 minute docudrama that was produced by Mother Bethel AME Church (www.MotherBethel.org) thanks to a generous gift from The Lomax Family Foundation (Dr. Walter Lomax, owner of LEVAS Communications which owns WURD-AM). “This is the first high quality, PBS style documentary on the life of Bishop Allen, arguably one of America’s founding fathers,” says Mother Bethel’s pastor the Rev. Mark Kelly Tyler,
Bishop Richard Allen Apostle of Freedom was shot with Philadelphia area actors, and extras who are members of both Mother Bethel AME Church (the congregation Bishop Allen started in 1794) and Historic St. George’s UMC (the church that Allen walked out of because of racial segregation). The short film tells the story of Bishop Allen adapted from his autobiography. The Bishop Allen character narrates the film as the voice of Bishop Allen. He also re-enacts historic moments in Bishop Allen’s life, to include the infamous ‘walk-out’ from St. George’s United Methodist Church due to racial segregation. The intense scene was actually filmed in the balcony of Historic St. George’s. The film also has expert analysis from AME scholars and leaders including Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, who oversees the First Episcopal District; Dr. Dennis Dickerson, Historiographer of the AME Church; and Richard Newman author of the most recent Allen biography.
Mother Bethel is seeking sponsors for the February 13th online premiere. Potential sponsors can view a free clip of the film at: http://www.motherbethel.org/allen/index.html . Sponsorship can be obtained through the following levels: Diamond ($1,000), Platinum ($500) and Gold ($250). Funds raised from sponsorship will go to help translate the film into different languages so that the film can be viewed in all AME churches around the globe. The money will also help fund future projects. “We are currently in the planning stages of more documentaries that will tell the story of our church’s forefathers,” says Rev. Dr. Mark Tyler. “Our history is an important American story rich with accomplishments, conflict and drama.”
For more information about the film go to www.MotherBethel.org or call (215) 925-0616.
All media inquiries should be directed to Leslie Patterson-Tyler at (609) 247-2632 or Leslie@TylerMadePR.com
About Bishop Richard Allen
Born as a slave to Colonial Chief Justice Benjamin Chew, owner of the Cliveden Estate in Germantown, Allen later purchased his freedom from a Delaware slave owner who bought him as a child. He went on to distinguish himself as more than just a church leader. He hauled salt for the
Bishop Allen is most known for his bold act of independence against the racial and religious intolerance of his time when he walked out of the segregated pews at St. George's Methodist Church in the late 1700s. This act ultimately led to the establishment of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1816, which grew out of Mother Bethel and similar congregations in the northeast. This was America's first denomination established by African Americans and Allen became the first Bishop.
Contact: Leslie Tyler
Phone: (609) 247-2632
Email: Leslie@TylerMadePR.com
6. THE 153RD SESSION OF THE LOUISIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE OCTOBER 18-24, 2010, ALLEN CHAPEL A. M. E. CHURCH, BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA:
The 153rd Session Of The Louisiana Annual Conference was held October 18-24, 2010 At Allen Chapel A. M. E. Church in Baton Rouge, La 70805
The Right Reverend Carolyn Tyler-Guidry, with great proficiency and cerebration, presided over the proceedings of the 153rd Session of the Louisiana Annual Conference with the theme: “Serving with Integrity” from Titus 2: 7-8.
The Rev. Bland Washington, Sr.; his lovely wife First Lady, Mrs. Brenda Washington; members of Allen Chapel; Presiding Elder, the Reverend David J. Campbell, Jr.; and the District Consultant, Mrs. Geneva Campbell, hosted the annual conference very ably. A standing ovation with commendations of praise and thanks for detail considerations were given for the hosting of the conference to the
The Reverend Mary Lucas, Conference Coordinator of Women in
Sister Brenda G. Hurst, First Lady of Grant Chapel A. M. E. Church and LA Conference W. M. S. President, began the Annual Day with devotion, annual reports, election of officers, and Night-In-White Service/Capping and Pinning Ceremony, and announcements of Book Stipend Awards. “Missionaries: Boldly Serving by Divine Inspiration” was the theme. Episcopal Supervisor of Missions, Mrs. Lola Nixon-Cheltenham, Mrs. Ethel Morrison, Episcopal President and Mrs. Lois Helen Cyprian, former Episcopal President facilitated the events.
With the hallelujah-spirited singing of Holy, Holy, Holy by the conference choir accompanied with angelic music and the processional of pastors, presiding elders, the Presiding Prelate of the Eighth Episcopal District, Reverend Carolyn Tyler-Guidry and the congregation standing for protocol, the opening service of the conference began. The Rev. Marshall Holiday, Pastor of Quinn Chapel, Tangipahoa, LA preached the opening sermon, “Jesus Puts Joy in Your House,” Luke 19:1-10. In the sermon Rev. Holiday described how Jesus went to be a guest with a man who was a sinner, but He came out from the dinner with a saved man!
After roll call with scripture verses, the conference was organized.
After the meeting of the Board of Examiners, their report concluded with the following recommendations for ordination: Two Itinerant Elders, four Itinerant Deacons, two Local Elders and four Local Deacons.
Some of the Conference reports received by Bishops Guidry and The Right Reverend Julius Harrison McAllister, Sr., of the 20th Episcopal District, guest of Bishop Guidry, include
The Rev. Cedell Raggs, Pastor of Mt. Olive A. M. E. Church, facilitated “A Local Church Institute” with sessions on class leaders, stewards, trustees and the official board every morning of the conference at 8:00 A. M. Every day, there was a “packed house” each day. With each question asked, the facilitator answered without a challenge.
During the Lay Witness Night Services with the theme: Building Leaders for Christ Through Christian Training, Sister Patricia Campbell, Conference President, presented the speaker, Brother Melvin Davis, Episcopal Lay First Vice-President. His subject: “Will the Real Lay Leaders Please Stand Up” was taken from Ephesians 6:11-13. The Rev. Sylvester Marshall, pastor of Greater Salter Chapel and Lay Pastor of the Year, was presented a plaque of commendations, as well as to Presiding Elders: Rev. David J. Campbell, Jr., Western New Orleans-Baton Rouge District; the Reverend Otis S. Lewis, Greater New Orleans-Greensburg District; and th the Reverend J. K. Holiday, Central New Orleans-Bogalusa District.
The Sons Of Allen presented a celebration of praise and worship service with devotion, a speaker, Mr.
For the Ordination Services Bishop Julius McAllister, Sr., Prelate of the 20th Episcopal District, delivered the Ordination Sermon entitled, “Things You Ought to Know Before You Make This Commitment.” Bishop McAllister chose his text from Matthew 16:24 and Second Timothy 4:1-2. Three salient points of the message were: (1) the
Retirement and Memorial Services were facilitated by the Reverend Ranches Hall, Crystal Springs AME Church, who acknowledged the homegoing of the late Mother Yvonne Chinakila Mulenga Kawimbe, wife of the Right Reverend Paul J. M. Kawimbe, Prelate of the 17th Episcopal District. Several ministers retired which included, the Rev. Marjorie Cobb, the Rev. Marshall Holiday, the Rev. Cedell Raggs and the Rev. LeRoy Taylor.
Sister Josie Shopshire, Conference YPD Director facilitated the business sessions of the YPD with the assistance of Conference YPD President, Ms. Leslie Carter. Officers for 2010-2011 and delegates to the Quadrennial were elected. During the evening services, youths celebrated with spirited songs, solos and dances for the theme: “Young People Glowing and Growing for Christ.” Sister Courtney D. Johnson, YPD Director at St. Luke AME Church, facilitated the evening service of celebration. Featured lead singers, of the choir, include Ms. Janesa Hall, a PK from Crystal Springs AME Church and Ms. Earldrika Johnson from St. Luke AME Church in New Orleans where Rev. John R. Perry, Sr., serves as Pastor.
On Sunday morning, the Church School activities were facilitated by Conference Superintendent, Rev. Mary Lucas, District Church School Superintendents and teachers. Brother Marques Smith reviewed the Lesson. Episcopal Superintendent, Brother Henry B. Edwards and Mrs. Myrtis Johnson, Episcopal Christian Education Director were recognized during the closing activities.
The Closing Message was delivered by The Right Reverend Carolyn Tyler-Guidry, the 122nd Elected and Consecrated Bishop of the A. M. E. Church. Her sermon was entitled “What Is The Church?” and the text was taken from Matthew 16:13-23. In the sermon, Bishop Guidry emphasized Jesus’ claim of ownership of the church in which He brings people together in common and that it is built on a firm foundation. Bishop Guidry preached with power and precise elocution to the congregation who had come to see where their pastors were to be assigned for another year.
With the awarding of certificates, ordination credentials to the new ordinands and the reading of pastoral appointments, the 153rd Session of the Louisiana Annual Conference was concluded. Oh what a conference!
7. A CELEBRATION - 95TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION FOR RETIRED BISHOP RICHARD ALLEN HILDEBRAND:
Announcing the 95th Birthday Celebration Worship Service to be held for Bishop Richard Allen Hildebrand; attached the letter announcing the celebration and the invitation from the 11th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
For additional details contact:
Debra R. Taylor
Office Manager
11th Episcopal District AME Church
Office: (904) 355-8262
FAX: (904) 356-1617
Cell: (214) 783-7033
Bishop McKinley Young, Presiding Prelate of the 11th Episcopal District
Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young, Episcopal Supervisor
8. BETHEL AME CHURCH, HUNTINGTON MEMBER INDUCTED INTO SUFFOLK COUNTY WOMEN’S HALL OF FAME:
*Mrs. Jeanette Johns
At a gala luncheon held at Watermill Inn in Smithtown, Long Island, NY Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy paid tribute to Dolores (Dee) Thompson as she was inducted into the Suffolk County Women’s Hall of Fame. Inclusion in the Hall of Fame reflects selfless devotion of energies and talents to the advancement and well-being of the women in the county. Executive Levy said that he was pleased to honor this remarkable woman and was glad to thank her personally for all the good work she has done and continues to do. Suffolk County, he said, is a better place thanks to her efforts.
As an inductee she will be featured along with the 29 other Hall of Fame members who have individual plaques and photographs displayed in the
Inductee Dolores Thompson lives, breathes, and talks the ideal of caring for others who cannot always represent themselves. She has served as the Branch President of the Huntington NAACP, sponsoring community activities and contributing significantly to the well being of her beloved Town of Huntington and County of Suffolk. Under Mrs. Thompson’s leadership, her Branch has been a beacon in the community. Annually, the Huntington NAACP bestows substantial university scholarships to a minimum of 12 youth. The funds are obtained from contributions collected from local businesses.
Mrs. Thompson has also used her superior leadership skills to help other NAACP branches. Under the auspices of a “Long Island Coalition of NAACP Branches,” funds have been raised to assist various branches with operating expenses, thereby increasing awareness of the various branches of the NAACP across Long Island. More than 1,500 individuals have attended the annual Freedom Fund luncheons sponsored by this coalition.
In addition, as part of a campaign to assist with hiring minority police officers, Mrs. Thompson worked closely with County Executive Levy and Suffolk Police Commissioner Richard Dormer, creating a plan of action to ensure that quality candidates were informed about
Mrs. Thompson also formed a youth program known as the Huntington Station Enrichment Center for Boys and Girls. Through this program, children can come after school and on weekends to participate in fun-filled activities at a modest cost, keeping them off the streets and in a safe place.
Dee serves on several boards including the Huntington Hospital, where she continues to provide her expertise in implementing policy.
As an active and dedicated member of Bethel AME Church in Huntington, Long Island, NY she is known throughout the New York Annual Conference and First Episcopal District. She has served for many years as Budget Chair of the New York Conference Lay Organization and Treasurer of the Frank C. Cummings Scholarship Fund, as well as a Delegate on both NY Conference and General Conference levels. Over the years she has served in many leadership capacities in her church and at present serves Bethel as a member of the Board of Trustees and Finance Committee Chair. When requested, she has hosted the Annual Church Picnic, which has provided her an opportunity to display her hidden culinary talents as she prepares most of the menu for more than 100 people. Her pastor is the Rev. Larry D. Jennings, Jr.
*Mrs. Jeanette T. Johns is the author of The Upward Journey, A Centenarian’s Chronicle – Personal Stories of Bishop Decatur Ward Nichols, Revered Clergyman of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
9. THE REV. DR. E. GAIL ANDERSON HOLNESS WILL BE PREACHING AT THE HISTORIC ST. ALBANS EPISCOPAL CHURCH WISCONSIN AVE NW:
The Rev. Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness, pastor Christ Our Redeemer AME Church will be the guest preacher at the historic St. Albans Episcopal Church located at 3001 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Washington, DC this Sunday, January 16, 2011 for three worship services: 8:00 am, 9:15 am and the 11:15 am. The theme for this Sunday’s worship services: “The Rev. Dr.
St. Albans Episcopal church is a 150-year-old church where social outreach is important, and there is high percentage of congressmen, ambassadors, well-travelled members attend.
10. POWERFUL PLANNING AND POWERFUL PRAISE IN THE 13TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:
The Rev. Anica Howard
The November Planning Meeting of the Thirteenth Episcopal District, under the leadership of Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie and Supervisor Stan McKenzie, was filled with sizzle, spirit and substance. The Planning Meeting in Memphis, TN opened with a Fellowship Dinner between the AMEs and CMEs at the site of the meeting, the Memphis Marriott East – followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion on contemporary issues facing our churches. Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick, III, Presiding Prelate of the First Episcopal District, CME Church, was the guest preacher at the Thursday evening opening worship service.
Friday was filled with workshops and worship. A wide diversity of components met to plan their work and forge the path for the next Conference year; including the WMS, the Clergy School of the Prophets, District Trustees, Christian Education, Lay Organization, Nehemiah Nation/Sons of Allen, Women in
Friday evening, the electricity was evident throughout the packed house at St. Andrew AME Church, as the crowd anticipated an incredible concert featuring recording artist, Byron Cage. Bishop McKenzie’s voice rang out, “Join me, as we get ready for an evening of praise, led by the Prince of Praise, Mr. Byron Cage!” The over 100-voice choir filled the sanctuary as they provided spirited, vocally exceptional back-up for our guest, directed by St. Andrew’s Minister of Music, Brother Jamie Murphy. Parishioners were on their feet, hand-clapping and foot-stomping, as the anointing continued to fill the church. The District Liturgical Dance
The benefit concert was a most successful endeavor for Believe, Inc., a non-profit organization that represents the secular, educational, economic, community development and outreach efforts of the Thirteenth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Believe, Inc. seeks to identify new resources and to provide small grants to churches, organizations, and individuals who are members of the Thirteenth Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church.
The final day of the Planning Meeting began with a Prayer Breakfast sponsored by the Thirteenth District Lay Organization. The featured speaker was the District’s endorsed candidate for the Episcopacy, the Rev. Dr. Clement Fugh, Chief Information Officer of the AME Church.
Byron Cage continued to bless the conference as he presented a spirit-filled, Plenary Session on Praise and Worship. Mindful that the Thirteenth District is hosting the 2012 General Conference of the AME Church in Nashville, TN, the Rev Roderick Belin provided a comprehensive update on the “
Bishop McKenzie closed The Planning Meeting with a series of forward-looking appointments, including appointing Rev. Troy Thomas, as the Presiding Elder of the Lexington District of the Kentucky Conference; and his wife, Rev. Maxine Thomas, to be the new Episcopal District President of Women in
The Rev. Walter Reid and his kind and accommodating congregation of St. James AME Church provided excellent hosting of the meeting, leaving no logistical or hospitality stone unturned; as did the Rev. Kenneth Robinson, MD, and the Rev. Marilynn Robinson, pastor and co-pastor of St. Andrew, in hosting the Believe, Inc. concert. Pastors W. M.
We left the 2010 Planning Meeting with a renewed spirit, a new challenge, and a greater understanding of the work to be done.
11. BISHOP VASHTI MURPHY MCKENZIE KEYNOTE SPEAKER FOR MLK EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION CELEBRATION:
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie will be the keynote speaker for the
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, one of the nation's best preachers, according to Ebony magazine, will deliver this year's keynote address Jan. 14, 2011, at the city-wide Dr.
Bishop McKenzie last spoke in Huntsville in May as commencement speaker for the spring graduation at
Music for the Jan. 14 event will be provided by an area-wide choir. Program highlights will also include the presentation of the Dr.
This message extracted from: http://blog.al.com/living-times/2011/01/bishop_mckenzie_to_deliver_mlk.html
12. WAYMAN CHAPEL, A SMALL CHURCH WITH A BIG HEART, BELIEVES "A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY":
October 31, 2009 the Rev. Samuel W. Chambers was assigned to the pastorate of Wayman Chapel AME Church in New Brighton, Pennsylvania. Upon arriving, it was discovered there was work to be done and he and his wife of 45 years prayed and asked God for direction and the will to be obedient to God’s response.
As Rev. Chambers proceeded in his role as pastor, First Lady Chambers realized that she, too, had a job to do; and soon after their arrival, invited those interested in outreach
The first program sponsored was very successful. It was “Mr. /Miss Achiever for Christ” utilizing the youth of the church, along with the adult members of the congregation.
The second project was a beautiful “Tom Thumb Wedding” under the guidance of the Rev. Wilma Smith, a member of “The Helping Hands” and who is also one of
This made a beautiful “ecumenical wedding,” included "special” gifts and “wedding cake.” The church was packed with family and friends of the "bride and groom.”
The “Tom thumb Wedding” led up to the latest project that was held during the Christmas holidays of 2010. It had been a hard working year for the congregation and a moment of laughter was needed.
The members of the church and community “put their best feet forward” as “The Helping Hands” successfully sponsored a fashion show. The Rev. Samuel W. Chambers and First Lady Chambers even modeled. We all had great fun.
Mrs. Chambers began to focus on a bus trip and began untiringly organizing a festive Christmas trip which was opened to the church and community.
On December 11, 2010, fifty-two excited passengers boarded a 56-passenger tour bus for their trip of fun, festivity, and fellowship!
The first stop was to the Sarris
Boarding the bus again, we headed to the Ohio Valley Mall. That stop was enjoyed by both the men and women. The festive spirit and the Christmas songfest and laughter will be long-remembered.
Our next stop was Mehlman’s Restaurant. After feasting together, we boarded the bus again and our next and final stop of the trip was the Oglebay Festival of Lights in Wheeling, West Virginia.
Many aboard had not seen the beautiful display of lights at the Oglebay Festival of Lights program and display was enjoyed by the youngest to the oldest. The guide who came aboard gave the history of each display and the questions asked of her proved the interest and the delight shared by everyone.
The bus had left Wayman Chapel at 11:00 in the morning and returned at 11:00 p.m. Everyone got off the bus looking forward to the next trip!
There is yet one more thing to share.
We had collected 53 beautifully knitted lap-robes and foot warmers, which were lovingly wrapped and presented to patients in each of the nursing homes in the area and we have already begun making plans for next year so that more may be given out. The hugs and tears touched us each and let us know our “little had gone a long way!”
Also, each homebound shut-in member of Wayman Chapel AME Church received a food gift certificate in his or her Christmas card.
We are not a large congregation at Wayman Chapel and neither is “The Helping Hands,” a large group, but we believe if God is in the midst, “few in number” are able to prayerfully accomplish much and we do give God all praise and glory for all God does for us and through us.
It is our prayer that Christ will be seen in the
We are proud to be a part of the Allegheny/Scranton District of the Pittsburgh Annual Conference where the Dr. Eric L. Brown serves as Presiding Elder and Sister Margo Brown serves as the First Lady of the District. We are a part of the 3rd Episcopal District under Bishop C. Garnett Henning and Supervisor Ernestine Lee Henning.
Sister Erma J. Chambers
13. THE REV. DR. CONSTANCE WHEELER-EVANS REPRESENTS AME CHURCH:
The Rev. Dr. Constance Wheeler-Evans was recently appointed as a trustee to represent the African Methodist Episcopal Church on the Washington Theological Consortium Board. The board members include but are not limited to the Presidents and Deans of 11 theological schools.
The mission of the Consortium is to provide an ecumenical context, within the region of the Nation's capital, for equipping leaders to serve the mission and
The board of trustees meets quarterly and Dr. Wheeler-Evans will serve for 5 terms. She said, “I am honored to represent our Church on this board and I do ask for your prayers.”
The Rev Dr. Constance C. Wheeler-Evans the pastor-in-charge of Wayman Good Hope AME Church in Severna Park, Maryland.
14. THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH SEEKS SENSIBILITY IN A TIME OF NATIONAL SORROW:
The people of the United States have shown their resiliency over and over, standing in unity in the face of adversity while resolving any internal conflicts as “family.” Once again, Americans face an ugliness that we believe does not reflect the spirit of our country. No explanation is sufficient to justify the shootings that occurred in Tucson, Arizona on this past Saturday. So, we join with our fellow Americans in decrying the senseless acts of violence that have claimed the lives of six individuals, and caused injury to another 14 persons. Our prayers are continuous for the healing of those wounded, for their families, for the perpetrator and his family who have also suffered, and for this entire nation.
We also join with our fellow Americans in supporting the statements of President Obama who has pledged to make every resource available to bring the person(s) who are responsible to justice, mindful of the fact that everyone deserves their day in court.
Finally, we are compelled to speak out against the climate that would lend any credence to solving problems or disagreements with arms. We have all agreed that “war” is never the answer, but too often we resort to that means. Now, we see the fruits of glorifying guns and arms as tools of threat, intimidation, or resolution of disagreements.
The alleged perpetrator of this reprehensible action may be emotionally
The thought attributed to Edmund Burke and paraphrased here, that; “All that it takes for evil to prevail is for good people to do nothing… or say nothing” must guide us in the days ahead. It is our calling to be the voice for the voiceless and to speak truth to power vs. seeking political correctness. People of Faith must not remain silent while any suggestion of eliminating another with whom we disagree becomes the broadcasted solution. We must decry racism, sexism, and any forms of discrimination especially when masked as a “movement” to deceive the people. We must enact legislation, use the electronic airways, and submit opinions to the print media – stating unequivocally, “Enough is enough.”
Our liberty is at risk if justice is not served for the victims of this tragic occurrence. As people of faith we must be in prayer, preparing to make a difference and never forget, that, “Whenever a separation is made between liberty and justice, neither is safe.” We must guard that legacy and leave a clear message for future generations.
African Methodist Episcopal Church Social Action Commission:
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chairperson
213-494-9493 - voice
Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker, Director
Email: jdupontw@aol.com
15. LOUISVILLE MAYOR WILL PRESENT FREEDOM AWARD TO AME CHARLIE JOHNSON:
Presentation during King “Keepers of the Dream” Concert Jan. 16
Louisville (January 11, 2011) – Mayor Greg Fischer today announced that Charlie Johnson is the 2011 recipient of Louisville Metro’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Award. Johnson is an entrepreneur and businessman who built one of the largest minority-owned companies in the nation.
Fischer will present the award Sunday, January 16, during the free “Keepers of the Dream” concert dedicated to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., 5:00 p.m. at the Kentucky Center’s Bomhard Theater, 501 W. Main St.
The concert and arts celebration is presented by ArtsReach and will feature musical and theatrical presentations by the Jubilee Singers, Keith McGill, Louisville Central Community Center, ArtsReach Violin and Dance Studios, River City Drum Corps, Louisville Lion Dance Team, Keith Cook, Louisville Central Community Center, Str8 Legit, RCDC Mentoring Music Production Group, Louisville Youth Choir, O’Dell Henderson, Bates Memorial Choir and the Shelby County High School Chamber Singers.
“As a businessman, entrepreneur and someone who has opened the doors of opportunity for countless people in Louisville, Charlie Johnson is richly deserving of this award,” Fischer said. “Charlie is large in stature and impact, but works quietly to touch lives and make Louisville a much better city.”
“I am honored to be chosen for this award and am grateful that Mayor Fischer will be giving this honor to me in his first term,” Johnson said. “I have always tried to give back to my community and be an example of what Dr. King gave up his life for.”
Johnson is the CEO of Immanuel Realty, LLC, where he is working with other groups for rehabilitation of Louisville’s inner-city Central Area. He operates several businesses, including GENESIS Beauty Salon and Barber Shop and GENESIS Beauty Supply.
A former pro football player and Ford Motor Co. employee, Johnson started and operated several trucking firms including Active Transportation and C.W. Johnson Xpress. At one time, Active Transportation had revenues of more than $500 million and was one of the Top 100 Black-owned companies in the nation.
Johnson has been a strong supporter of education on many fronts. He chaired the Chestnut Street YMCA Black Achievers program which provided $1.2 million for scholarships. He is a former chair of the Louisville-based National Center for Family Literacy; donated $100,000 to start a scholarship fund at Spalding University for at-risk inner city males, and founded and funded $300,000 of a $500,000 endowed scholarship for Louisville youth to attend Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina. He also provided the University of Louisville with $1 million to endow a chair in Logistics and Distribution for minority students.
Johnson was born in Columbus, Georgia, where he was an outstanding football player. He graduated in 1962 and received numerous scholarship offers and chose the University of Louisville where he was all conference player for three years. He played professionally for both the San Francisco 49’ers and Baltimore Colts. In 1989, he was inducted into the University of Louisville Athletic Hall of Fame. He was the first African American graduate of U of L to be appointed by the governor to the University Board of Trustees.
He has also served on numerous boards and foundations including PNC Bank, Benedict College, Spalding University, Lincoln Heritage Council Boy Scouts of America, Muhammad Ali Center, African-American Venture Capital Fund, LLC, Kentuckiana Minority Supplier Development Council and the Louisville Urban League, In addition, Johnson serves on the Kentucky Public Transportation Infrastructure Authority.
Johnson holds a Doctorate of Law from Benedict College, a Doctorate of Humane Letters from Wilberforce University, a Doctorate of Civil Law from Simmons University and a Doctor of Law from Spalding University.
Charlie Johnson is a member of Quinn Chapel AME Church in Louisville where the Rev. Dr. Pedro Basden is the pastor. Charlie and Betty Johnson, his wife gave over a million dollars to build Quinn Chapel AME Church in Louisville and donated the seed money for the 13th Episcopal District’s Believe, Inc. (Bishop Vashti McKenzie)
Norton Healthcare is the presenting sponsor of the Freedom Award. This year’s award is a blown glass design created by Ché Rhodes, Associate Professor, Head of Glass, University of Louisville Hite Art Institute.
The Freedom Award, first presented in 1987, recognizes citizens that have dedicated their lives to promoting justice, peace, freedom, non-violence, racial equality and civic activism. Previous winners include Merv Aubespin, Dr. Bernard Minnis, Ben Richmond, Raoul Cunningham, Georgia Davis Powers, Ed Hamilton, Lyman T. Johnson, Beverly Watts, Sam Watkins and Deborah Todd.
If you go
“Keepers of the Dream” A Community Arts Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Vision.
Sunday, January 16, 5:00 p.m.
Kentucky Center, Bomhard Theater, 501 W. Main St.
Admission is free, no tickets required. Arrive early for the best seats.
The celebration is presented by ArtsReach and will feature musical and theatrical presentations by the Jubilee Singers, Keith McGill, Louisville Central Community Center, ArtsReach Violin and Dance Studios, River City Drum Corps, Louisville Lion Dance Team, Keith Cook, Louisville Central Community Center, Str8 Legit, RCDC Mentoring Music Production Group, Louisville Youth Choir, O’Dell Henderson, Bates Memorial Choir and the Shelby County High School Chamber Singers.
16. REFLECTIONS ON THE 24TH ANNUAL SEMINAR ON CHURCH GROWTH AND EVANGELISM:
*The Rev. Dr. Helen M. Bolden-Rogers
My reflection time after returning from the multi-sensory experience in Los Angeles took me to an almost buy-in to principles of Calvinism because without any doubt, my attendance at the 24th Annual Seminar on Church Growth was divinely pre-ordained.
The Rev. Dr. James C. Wade is the Executive Director of the AME Church Department of Church Growth and Development and sponsor of the 24th Annual Seminar on Church Growth and Evangelism. Dr. Wade grew up and was ordained to ministry while a member of St. Matthew AME Church in Lansing, Michigan. I was appointed as the pastor at St. Matthew almost five years ago, but precious memories of Dr. Wade still linger at St. Matthew.
After the blessing of becoming personally acquainted with Dr. Wade, his passion and excitement for ministry was contagious. It infected me. It reignited a spark for a myriad of possibilities for reaching non-believers through deliberate and thoughtful missional initiatives.
My initial response to the invitation to his seminar was grounded in honesty and based on realism born out of ‘negativity.’ The idea of attending was powerful and exciting, however I had not done prior planning for such an expense so soon after the Christmas holidays; moreover, asking my church for assistance was not an option.
Nevertheless, I was driven by a force outside logic. I submitted registration materials and dared to make a flight reservation. In a regular conversation with a pastor friend from the CME Church, I even blurted out an invitation to join me. She had previous exposure to Dr. Wade’s presentations and gleefully accepted the invitation!
Our flight from Flint, Michigan to Chicago and then to Los Angeles was problem-free. Our hotel registration was arranged by Dr. Cheryl Green, a member of Dr. Wade’s staff. Our room at the plush Hilton Los Angeles Airport Hotel even had a wonderful view.
The presentations were penetrating, profound, practical, prayer-based, and full of information and the sessions were dynamic. Praise and worship included soul-stirring music and the worship service was full of powerful Holy Spirit-filled preaching.
Very appropriately, our also enjoyable return flight took us home in a different direction: Los Angeles to Kansas City onto Milwaukee and finally home to Flint.
I don’t pretend to know how the experience came about. No logic can explain what at first glance appears to be capriciousness and coincidence. It was not coincidence; it was the providence of God. I know that because in my heart, I hear the words of Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them who love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.”
The energy and ambience of the gathering reflected the leadership and ministry style of its Director, the Rev. Dr. James C. Wade.
I thank God for being connected to Dr. Wade through St. Matthew African Methodist Episcopal Church. I also enthusiastically look forward to fruitfulness from all that I saw, heard, thought and felt in the phenomenal 24th Annual Seminar on Church Growth.
I am looking forward, with faith, to next year’s 25th Annual Seminar on Church Growth that is scheduled to be held in Virginia!
*The Rev. Dr. Helen M. Bolden-Rogers is the pastor of St. Matthew AMEC, Lansing, Michigan
17. “CAN YOU SHOW GOD’S GRACE?”:
Presiding Elder Benjamin Ridley Challenges the EMMD
East Macon-Milledgeville District Conference
It was the week before Thanksgiving when the Macon Conference East Macon-Milledgeville District came together for the Annual District Conference.
The East Macon-Milledgeville District has survived, sustained and grown over the last 16 years under the dynamic leadership of our beloved Presiding Elder Benjamin Ridley. Elder Ridley is known in and around the district and community as “Elder Ben, the Peoples Friend” and he was as always accompanied and supported by his stellar First Lady, Sister Dorothy E. Ridley.
Our District motto is, “God Will Not Be without a Witness” however, the Annual District Conference theme was a riveting question, “Can You Show God’s Grace?” The conference was hosted by Pastor David and First Lady Karen Luke and the Flipper Chapel AME Church family in Milledgeville, Georgia.
Activities began with Friday evening opening worship service. The praise and worship team of Flipper Chapel ushered in the Holy Spirit and we were all in full worship mode.
We began with the traditional hymn, “Amazing Grace,” reading of the scripture and then a rousing and thought provoking message from the Rev. Forrest Dickey of Jordan Chapel AME Church. Pastor Dickey was introduced by his wife, Sister Lydia Dickey. He brought a message out of the book of John, chapter 21, verses 15-19 entitled, “It Comes with the Territory.”
Day two of the conference began with praise and worship led by licentiates from various churches in the District. With the awakening of the Holy Spirit early on that Saturday morning, as always, there was much to share and learn for all in attendance. The line-up of workshops was for the benefit of our youth as well as the adults in attendance. The topics ranged from “Be Safe and Prepared,” presented by Detective James Thompson of the Milledgeville Police Department. There was also an excellent and informative presentation on Financial Survival Strategies, by Mr. Billy Pitts, President / CEO of Mutual Financial Group.
There was discussion and sharing of information for all as well on a current national threat, “Diabetes.” The adults were led in the discussion, “When Sugar is not always Sweet,” presented by Dr. Cassandra G. Tancil, President/CEO of BCPS Co. The youth were educated about Diabetes and nutrition by Sister Patricia Phillips, EMMD YPD Director with a film entitled, “Are You Eating the Right Things?” and discussion about eating habits. They also had lots of fun and the opportunity to participate in a Spelling Bee coordinated by Sister Barbara West, East Macon-Milledgeville District Christian Education Director, Sister Verneda Appling, Macon Conference Christian Education Director and Sister Marilyn Norfleet, East Macon-Milledgeville District Recording Secretary. Other youth exercised their creative talents by doing “Arts & Crafts” appropriate for the season with Sister Debra Barnes. As always, there was something for everyone and plenty of opportunities to learn, share and fellowship.
The second day of the conference brought us yet another inspirational message from the Rev. L. Bernard Sutton, recently assigned as pastor of Salem AME Church in Gray, Georgia and the newest addition to Elder Ridley's powerful and dynamic team of Pastors. Rev. Sutton was introduced by his wife, Rev. Hope Sutton and he gave us a thought provoking message from the book of John, chapter 11 v. 44, entitled, “Loose for a Purpose”. This was a great opportunity for all members of the District to meet this dynamic couple and hear God’s word from the newest pastor in our District.
The close of the conference came after the “Hour of Power”, with the district reports, announcements, resolutions and lunch. All was well in the Macon Georgia Conference East Macon Milledgeville District and while we were revived, we were also reminded that as we deal with each other and life, it is important to remember that every day, in every way, we have opportunities to set the example for others by asking of ourselves first, “Can We Show God’s Grace?”
Submitted by Sister Diane C. Allen
St. James AME Church
East Macon Milledgeville District
Bradley, Georgia
18. A CALL TO PRAYER FOR HAITI ON WEDNESDAY JANUARY 12TH – ONE YEAR LATER:
Please join Bishop Sarah and Supervisor Claytie Davis, Jr., and the 16th Episcopal District Church family in Prayer for the people of Haiti. Please include the people of Haiti in your daily prayers.
On January 12, 2010, between 4:30 and 5:00 p.m. (EST) the lives of all Haitians were changed never to be the same again.
Specifically Join us in praying for the AME SADA personnel at our 6 Clinics and Headquarters office, our Haiti Annual Conference Church families, and the work that remains to be done to build a “New Haiti!”
Pray for our AME Church families at:
St. Paul AMEC, Port-au-Prince
Loula Brokenton AMEC, Mariani
Christine Smith AMEC, Kenscoff
Bethel AMEC, Cabaret
John Hurst AMEC, Gressier
L.L. Berry AMEC, Gonaives
Rosetta-Lee AMEC, Petite-Place-Cazeau
Canaan Christ Revient AMEC, Tombe Gateau
Mary Beckett AMEC, Croix-des-Bouquets
Christ Revient AMEC, Petit-Goave
Siloe AMEC, Mirebalais
Annabel Freeland, Bayonnais Garteau
Pray for our AME Presiding Elders and Pastors:
Presiding Elder Joel Mehu
The Reverend François Murat
The Reverend Jean Robert Petit
The Reverend Toussaint St. Louis
The Reverend Berthony Saint-Marc
The Reverend Justin D. Pierre
Presiding Elder Jean Joel Maurice
The Reverend Jules Andre’ Pierre
The Reverend Jean Emarc
The Reverend Jacques L. Michelet Mars
The Reverend Gabriel Cherry
Let us pray for all of the people of Haiti!
This is a call for daily prayer
19. NEWLY APPOINTED PRESIDING ELDER HOLDS FIRST QUARTERLY CONFERENCE AT ST. ANDREW AMEC:
Hazel B. Martin
The First Quarterly Conference of this conference year was held on January 4, 2011, at St. Andrew AME Church, 125 9th Street South, Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32250, Rev. William J. Simmons, Pastor. Greetings for the New Year were extended to all. Presentation and formal introduction of the Reverend Tony D. Hansberry, newly appointed Presiding Elder of the Suwannee-North District were given by Pastor Simmons.
The host pastor, Rev. Dr. W.J. Simmons, presided over the order of services. Opening Hymn, “I Am Thine, Oh Lord”; Prayer by Brother Lewis N. Palmer, Jr.
Presiding Elder Hansberry preached from the subject, “After Jesus’ Birth,” Luke 2:7. We were admonished to hear, see, and act differently since Jesus has come into the world and specifically into our lives, all to the Glory of God.
Presiding Elder Hansberry called the Conference to order and organized with the belonging persons serving; Sister Bettye J. Palmer, Secretary, Brother A. Blake Zeigler, Marshall, and Sister Hazel Martin, Reporter.
Presiding Elder Hansberry conducted the business of the conference and gave commendations to all members who serve on boards and auxiliaries and reminded them of their duties and responsibilities as servants.
Sister Dana Bass was confirmed as the Church School Superintendent and Brother Lewis N. Palmer, Jr., Steward, was elected as the District Steward. He will serve as delegate to the District Conference at Historic Mt. Zion AME Church on February 10-11, 2011.
The business was completed and Presiding Elder Hansberry closed with the charge, “There is work to be done, continue to do the work that you are doing to enhance the areas that need to be enhanced.”
Closing Prayer was given by Presiding Elder Tony D. Hansberry.
20. THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC, THEATRE & DANCE PRESENTS THE PIPE ORGAN IN AFRICAN-AMERICAN WORSHIP:
The Pipe Organ in African-American Worship is a one-day symposium exploring the past, present and future of the pipe organ in African-American worship traditions.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Hill Auditorium, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Dr. James Kibbie, Director
Program and registration information:
http://www.music.umich.edu/departments/organ/African-AmericanSymposium.htm
Email: jkibbie@umich.edu
Phone: 734-764-1591
Group recital:
8:00 pm in Hill Auditorium
Open to the public at no charge
Program Committee:
Dr. Norah Duncan IV (Wayne State University, Detroit, MI)
Dr. Brandon Spence (Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Denver, CO)
Dr. Herman Taylor (Emeritus, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL)
Additional Symposium Presenters:
Dr. James Abbington (Emory University, Atlanta, GA)
Dr. Wayne Barr (Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL)
Dr. Calvert Johnson (Agnes Scott College, Decatur, GA)
Dr. Naki Sung Kripfgans (First Methodist Church, Ann Arbor, MI)
Dr. Mickey Thomas Terry (St. Mary’s Church, Clinton, MD)
Sylvia Wall (Graduate student in Church Music, University of Michigan)
Dr. Anthony Williams (Fisk University, Nashville, TN)
Presented with generous support from Dr. Barbara Furin Sloat, the Robert Glasgow Keyboard Faculty Support Fund endowed by Susan and Eugene Goodson, and the University of Michigan Office of Vice-President for Research
21. MEHARRY MEDICAL COLLEGE ANNOUNCES NEW DEAN, SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY:
Cynthia Yeldell
(Nashville, Tenn.) – (January 10, 2010) –President and CEO of Meharry Medical College, Wayne J. Riley, M.D., MPH, MBA, MACP has announced that Janet H. Southerland, D.D.S., Ph.D., has been named Dean of the School of Dentistry at Meharry Medical College. Dr. Southerland, currently, the chairperson of the Department of Hospital Dentistry and chief of the oral medicine service at University of North Carolina School (UNC) of Dentistry and Hospitals and Clinics, will begin her new appointment at Meharry on March 1.
“We had an impressive, diverse and exceptionally qualified applicant pool,” said Dr. Riley. “Dr. Southerland’s outstanding academic achievements, impressive work in dental services and dental education, superb interpersonal skills, and leadership acumen impressed the search committee. She received my enthusiastic nomination and received the unanimous confirmation by our Board of Trustees to assume the deanship of our School of Dentistry. She will serve Meharry, our dental students and the local and national community with distinction and lead our dental education program to new heights.”
“This is the most exciting thing that I could ever have imagined . . . the opportunity to do something like this,” Dr. Southerland said. “I was attracted to Meharry Medical College because of the strong tradition of the School of Dentistry. This is an opportunity for me to bring new vision and new energy and build upon a solid foundation.”
In her new role, Dr. Southerland will serve as the School of Dentistry’s chief administrative and academic officer responsible for developing academic programs, maintaining the quality of the dental curriculum, recruiting faculty and developing dental research programs. She will also serve as a tenured Professor in the school and serve as one of the nine members of Meharry’s executive management team.
Dr. Southerland received her D.D.S. at the UNC School of Dentistry in 1989, has a B.S. in Dental Hygiene and a B.A. in Zoology, both earned at UNC. She also completed a master’s of public health (MPH) degree from the UNC School of Public Health and a Ph.D. in Oral Biology from the UNC School of Dentistry.
Her research interests involve the study of the relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease and early detection and interventions for oral cancer.
“Dr. Janet Southerland is a highly trained, nationally known and clear thinking dental educator who is at home as a team-player, but who has risen to assume key leadership positions in hospital dentistry and oral medicine,” said John W. Stamm, D.D.S., Interim Dean & Alumni Distinguished Professor of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry. “Janet has a broad background in academic dentistry and has mastered the art of remaining calm and organized when demands on her increase. These qualities, and more, will enable Dr. Southerland to serve, with skill and dedication, as Meharry’s next Dean of Dentistry.”
She is involved in a number of organizations that include: the American Dental Association, American Association of Dental Research, the International Association for Dental Research, the Old North State Dental Society, the North Carolina Dental Society, the North Carolina Diabetes Advisory Board, The Robert Wood Johnson (RWJ) National Advisory Committee, the Summer Medical and Dental Education Program(SMDEP) program funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the North Carolina Cancer Control Committee.
About the School of Dentistry
The School of Dentistry at Meharry Medical College continues to be a national resource in the education of African-American dentists. Meharry graduated the highest number of African-American dentists for the 2008-09 and 2009-10 academic years of all dental schools in the United States. The School continues to improve the educational program to enhance student performance and the performance of the faculty, staff and physical facilities. The School of Dentistry admits approximately 55 students selected from an applicant pool of nearly 2000. Many of our graduates go on to practice in underserved, underrepresented communities.
About Meharry Medical College
Meharry Medical College founded in 1876, is the nation’s largest private, independent historically black academic health center dedicated solely to educating minority and other health professionals. True to its heritage, it is a United Methodist Church affiliated institution. The College is particularly well known for its uniquely nurturing, highly effective educational programs; emerging preeminence in health disparities research; culturally sensitive, evidence-based health services and significant contribution to the diversity of the nation’s health professions workforce. Diverse Issues in Higher Education’s ranking of institutions annually lists Meharry as a leading national educator of African Americans with M.D. and D.D.S. degrees and Ph.D. degrees in the biomedical sciences. Visit www.mmc.eduto learn more.
22. FIRST EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:
Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, Presiding Prelate
Mrs. Mary Norris, Episcopal Supervisor
Bermuda Annual Conference
March 1, 2011: Evangelist Day
March 2, 2011: The W.M.S. Conference Branch Annual Meeting
Missionary Sermon: The Rev. Howard Dill
March 3-6, 2011: Annual Conference:
The Fairmont Southampton Hotel & Spa
South Shore Road
Southampton, Bermuda
Presiding Elder: (441) 239-0194
Host – Ministerial Alliance
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Betty Furbert-Woolridge
Annual Sermon: The Rev. Betty Furbert-Woolridge
New Jersey Annual Conference
March 19, 2011: Evangelist Day
March 20, 2011: The W.M.S. Conference Branch Annual Meeting
Missionary Sermon: The Rev. Linda Rassman
March 21-27, 2011: Annual Conference
Saint James A.M.E. Church
588 Martin Luther King Blvd.
Newark, NJ 07192
Church (973)622-1344
Pastor (973) 669-3252
Host Pastor: The Rev. William Watley
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Howard L. Grant
Annual Sermon: The Rev. Reginald Jackson
New England Annual Conference
April 4, 2011: Evangelist Day
April 5, 2011: The W.M.S. Conference Branch Annual Meeting
Missionary Sermon: The Rev. Richard W. Clark
April 6-10, 2011: Annual Conference
Bethel A.M.E. Church
215 Forest Hills Street
Boston, MA 02130-3302
Church ((617)524-7900
Pastor (617)427-1245
Host Pastor: The Rev. Ray A. Hammond
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Herbert L. Eddy
Annual Sermon: The Rev. Marcellus Norris
Delaware Annual Conference
April 11, 2011: Evangelist Day
April 12, 2011: The W.M.S. Conference Branch Annual Meeting
Annual Sermon: The Rev. Manuel M. Biagas
April 13- 16, 2011: Annual Conference
Bethel A.M.E. Church
604 N. Walnut Street
Wilmington, Delaware 19801-3808
Church (302) 658-1676
Pastor (302) 765-2818
Host Pastor: The Rev. Silvester Beaman
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Charles E. Drummer, Jr.
Annual Sermon: The Rev. Karl A. Stevens
New York Annual Conference
May 8, 2011: Evangelist Day
May 9, 2011: The WMS Conference Branch Annual Meeting
Missionary Sermon: The Rev. Cosmas E. Bonaparte
May 9-15, 2011: Annual Conference
First Bethel A.M.E. Church
60 West 132nd Street
New York, NY 10037
Church (212) 862-0100
Pastor (212) 862-0100
Host Pastor: The Rev. Henry A. Belin, III
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Nicholas G. Tweed
Annual Sermon: The Rev. Kim Anderson
Western New York Annual Conference
May 2, 2011: Evangelist Day
May 3, 2011: The W.M.S. Conference Branch Annual Meeting
Missionary Sermon: The Rev. Edward B. Smart
May 4 -7, 2011: Annual Conference
Saint John A.M.E. Church
917 Garden Avenue
Niagara Falls, NY 14305
Church (716) 285-6432
Pastor (585) 223-8766
Host Pastor: The Rev. Robert Reynolds
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Carlton Gibson
Annual Sermon: The Rev. A. Iona Smith Nze
Philadelphia Annual Conference
May 23, 2011: Evangelist Day
May 24, 2011: The W.M.S. Conference Branch Annual Meeting
Missionary Sermon: The Rev. Ronald Sparks
May 25-29, 2011: Annual Conference
Saint Matthew A.M.E. Church
213 North 57th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19139
Church (215) 472-4784
Pastor (215) 477-1177
Host Pastor: The Rev. Roland C. McCall
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Charles H. Lett, Sr.
Annual Sermon: The Rev. Jocelyn K. Hart
June 16 – 18, 2011: The First Episcopal District Planning Meeting
Headquarter, 1st Episcopal District Headquarters Building
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
23. A CHRISTIAN’S ANNUAL SELF EXAMINATION:
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts
It is very seldom that any of us ever take time to examine ourselves. One year ends and another begins. “The same old soup just warmed over.”
Take this test and see where you are in your spiritual life:
On a scale 1-10 with 10 being the highest, Where do you think you are on your spiritual ladder?
Do you think God is pleased with your participation and involvement in his service this past year?
Do you honestly feel that you have given as God has prospered you this year?
Is there anyone that you feel you owe an apology? Why haven’t you done it?
Have you forgiven anyone this year? Do they know that have been forgiven?
If you have been hurt by someone and they are not aware of it, have you made it known to them? Why not?
Do you read the Bible and pray daily?
Do you attend bible study?
When was the last time you heard the Call to Worship?
Has church going become a chore and a bore?
Have you made any resolutions or promises this year that you have not kept? Why didn’t you keep them? No one needs to know your answers, but you and the Lord.
We have embarked on a New Year; are you going to be up to your same old self?
If you were given the opportunity, would you get more involved in the church activities?
Have you considered volunteering?
How is your faith?
There is something for everyone to do. Jesus said, “Go into my vineyard and work, not sit, but work. There is no such thing as a “bench/pew member”
Have a blessed New Year and make yourself and God happy with a more committed “You.”
Thought for Today: “No work, no pay.”
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts, [Ptaegar@AOL.com], Author, Counselor, Teacher, Humorist, is a retired Itinerant Elder who lives in Eatonville, Florida
24. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Congratulations To Herman Osby Kelly, III, a Member of the University of Tampa Basketball Team
Herman Osby Kelly, III a member of the University of Tampa basketball team is ranked 25th in the nation in Division II NCAA basketball. Osby Kelly is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Herman O, Kelly, Jr., pastor and first lady of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Herman Osby Kelly, III is a junior criminology major.
Note: Herman Osby Kelly, III is in the front of the photo, see link.
http://www.tampaspartans.com/article.asp?articleID=2581
Congratulatory responses can be emailed to:
Dr. and Mrs. Herman O, Kelly, Jr. - hokellyj@yahoo.com
25. EPISCOPAL FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to announce the passing of Mrs. Irene Bennett Reid, former Episcopal Supervisor, the wife of the late Bishop Frank Madison Reid, Jr and the mother of former Baltimore Mayor Kurt Schmoke and of Mrs. Carla Young, a licentiate in the Baltimore Annual Conference. Mrs. Irene B. Reid was the former Episcopal Supervisor of the 14th, 7th, 9th and 4th Episcopal Districts of the AME Church.
Former Episcopal Supervisor Irene B. Reid was the stepmother of the Rev. Frank Reid III, pastor of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, died this morning (Tuesday, January 11, 2011) at Sinai Hospital. She earned bachelor and master’s degrees, worked for the Baltimore Department of Social Services and also worked with a women’s shelter and a transitional housing program, according to the Associated Press.
Kurt Schmoke, who was mayor of Baltimore from 1987 to 1999, is dean of the Howard University School of Law in Washington.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1416475432
Arrangements for Mrs. Irene B. Reid are:
Friday, January 14, 2011
Wake: 6:00-8:00 PM
Bethel AME Church
1300 Druid Hill Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21217
Office: (410) 523-4273
FAX: (410) 523-0650
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Family Hour - 9:30 -10:30
Omega, Omega Service: 10:35
Celebration of Life - 11:00
Bethel AME Church
1300 Druid Hill Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21217
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Irene B. Reid scholarship fund at Spelman College, Atlanta GA:
Spelman College
Office of Institutional Advancement
Box 1551
350 Spelman Lane SW
Atlanta, GA 30314
Cards and Condolences may be mailed to:
The Family of Irene B. Reid
3320 Sequoia Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21215
Family Contact:
Email: KFrancette@aol.com
Phone: (410) 764-3085
Submitted by the Family of Mrs. Irene B. Reid
26. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Sister Ida Simmons, the mother of the Rev. Dr. William Simmons (Saint Andrew AMEC - Jacksonville Beach, Florida).
Sister Ida Simmons will be eulogized Saturday, January 15, 2011 at 1:00 PM:
St. John Missionary Baptist Church
30 Fred L Maxwell Blvd.
Orlando, Florida 32805
Phone: (407) 422-5725
Fax: (407) 781-0701
Dr. Rolous Frazier, Jr., Pastor
Services entrusted to:
Marvin C. Zanders Funeral Home
232 W Michael Gladden Boulevard
Apopka, Florida 32703
Phone: (407) 886-3388
Fax: (407) 886-5656
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. Dr. William Simmons
1828 Northglen Circle
Middleburg, Florida 32068
Email: billsimmons@drwilliamsimmons.com
27. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Donald P. Cheatham, the brother of Sister Brenda Cheatham Jones, First Lady of Union Community African Methodist Episcopal Church, Jacksonville, Florida, the Reverend Gregory D. Jones, Pastor.
Service Arrangements for Donald P. Cheatham:
Memorial Service:
Thursday, January 13, 2011 at 11:00 a.m.
Elizabeth Baptist Church
4245 Cascade Road SW
Atlanta, GA 30331
(404) 691-3146
Services provided by:
Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home, Inc.
1003 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd.
Atlanta, GA 30310
Phone: (404) 758-1731
(404) 758-3246 fax
E-mail: WAW1@bellsouth.net
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Cheatham Family
887 W. Marietta Street NW, Ste. S106
Atlanta, GA 30318
c/o Donald P. Cheatham II
Phone: (312) 933-4992
Expressions of sympathy may also be emailed to the Rev. and Mrs. Gregory D. Jones: revgdjonesamec@yahoo.com
Or to Donald P. Cheatham II: Doncii@hotmail.com
28. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of the Reverend Zecharias Wilmer, the brother of Reverend Roger Wilmer, the pastor of Bethel AMEC in Mercersburg, PA and St. James AMEC in Lebanon, PA (Philadelphia Conference, Harrisburg District). The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing, Wednesday, January 12, 2011 - 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Batchelor Brothers Funeral Home
7112 N. Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19126
Phone: 215-549-4700
Fax: 215-549-4703
Funeral, Thursday, January 13, 2011 at 10:00 a.m.
New Inspirational Baptist Church
4357 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19140
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:
The Reverend Roger Wilmer
7812 Spout Spring Road
Frederick, MD 21702
29. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Evangelist Gloria M. Vause, the sister of THE Reverend Johnie E. Vause, retired pastor from the Philadelphia Conference. Evangelist Vause was also the mother of Mrs. V. Dessie Vause, a member of Mt. Zion AMEC in Devon, PA. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing and Funeral, Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Viewing - 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Funeral - 11:00 a.m.
Memorial Church of God in Christ
747 Buck Lane
Haverford, PA 19041
Phone: 610-649-9446
The Rev. Nathaniel Porter, Pastor
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:
The Reverend Johnie E. Vause
599 Bessemer Street
Steelton, PA 17113
And/or
Mrs. V. Dessie Vause
15 Leopard Apt. 4V
Berwyn, PA 19312
30. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with deep regret that we announce the death of Mr. Paul Lee of Homestead, FL, the brother of Rev. Hartford Lee, Presiding Elder of the North Orlando District, Central Conference, 11th Episcopal District of the AME Church.
Services for Mr. Paul Lee
Wake:
Friday, Jan 14, 2011 at 5-7 PM
Covenant Baptist Church
1055 NW 6th Avenue
Florida City, FL 33034
The Rev. Curtis Thomas, Pastor
Ph: 305-248-5561
Funeral:
Saturday, January 15, 2011 at 10 AM
Covenant Baptist Church
1055 NW 6th Avenue
Florida City, FL 33034
The Rev. Curtis Thomas, Pastor
The Rev. Hartford Lee, Eulogist
Services Entrusted to:
Range Funeral Home
641 SW 8th Street
Homestead, FL 33030
Ph: 305 248 6989
Fax: 305 448 1670
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Hartford Lee
2450 King Richard Road
Melbourne, Fl 32935
email: LHartford@cfl.rr.com Ph: 321 254 7647 Fax: 321 254 5953
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Barrington Academy c/o Covington Baptist Church.
31. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the eternal transition of the Reverend (Mother) Velma Hayden, one of the beloved founders of Anderson Chapel AME Church, Killeen, Texas and retired presiding elders in the 10th Episcopal District. Our hearts are deeply saddened by her departure from this earthly life, but, we are also rejoicing because a true saint of the Lord has gone to receive her eternal reward.
Service arrangements for the Reverend Velma Hayden:
Wake:
Tuesday, January 11, 2011 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Anderson Chapel AMEC
1002 Jefferies Avenue
Killeen, Texas 76543
254.690.5030 - Phone
254.690.6453 - Fax
Funeral:
Wednesday, January 12, 2011 @ 1:00 PM
Anderson Chapel AMEC
1002 Jefferies Avenue
Killeen, Texas 76543
254.690.5030 - Phone
254.690.6453 - Fax
Professional Services Provided by:
Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home
1615 South Fort Hood Road
Killeen, Texas 76542-1654
254.634.2638 - Phone
254.634.7325 - Fax
Condolences can be sent to:
The family of Reverend (Mother) Velma Hayden, c/o Anderson Chapel AME Church or Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home (addresses above.)
The Rev. William M. Campbell, Jr., Pastor
Anderson Chapel AMEC
Killeen, Texas
32. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We wish to share that Mrs. Hattie Brown, the mother of the Rev. J.C. Brown, transitioned from Earthly labor to her heavenly victory, on Monday, January 3, 2011. The Rev. J.C. Brown is the pastor of St. Paul (South) AME Church, Chicago, IL, Fourth Episcopal District, Chicago Annual Conference, and South District, of the AME Church.
Service arrangements for Mrs. Hattie Brown:
Viewing Friday, January 7, 2011:
2 - 6 PM
Lewis & Walker Funeral Home
603 State Highway 49 West
Phone: (903) 665-2353
Fax: (903) 665-6747
Home Going Services will be held:
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Viewing 10 - 11 AM
Funeral Service 11 AM
First Baptist Church
105 E. Graham Street
Linden, TX 75563
Phone: (903) 756-5517
Please send all condolences to:
The Rev. J.C. & Mrs. Susan Brown
18629 Becker Terrace
Country Club Hills, IL 60478
33. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you that the mother of Presiding Elder Walter Bauldrick, Mrs. Rachel Bauldrick Cheek, made her transition today. The Rev. Bauldrick is the Presiding Elder of the Milwaukee District of the Chicago Conference, Fourth Episcopal District. Presiding Elder and Mrs. Bauldrick and family were preparing to leave on Saturday for the services of his step-father, Mr. James Cheek. Due to this latest development, the services for his step-father have been changed to include Elder Bauldrick's mother. At this time, the services are tentatively being planned for Thursday, January 13, 2011, at:
St. James AME Church
1501 N. Patterson Ave.
Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27105
The funerals for both Mr. James Waddell Cheek and & Mrs. Rachel Allen Bauldrick Cheek, Stepfather and Mother of Presiding Elder Walter Bauldrick, will be held - together - on
Thursday, January 13, 2011, at the:
St. James AME Church
1501 Patterson Avenue
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Church phone number: 336.724.3865
Viewing - 10:00 am
Funeral - 11:00 am
Burial at the:
Salisbury National Cemetery
501 Statesville Blvd.
Salisbury, North Carolina
The arrangements are being handled by:
Russell Funeral Home
822 Carl Russell Avenue
Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101-4213
Funeral home phone number: 336.722.3459
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. James AME Church, 1501 Patterson Avenue, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27105 or
First Baptist Church, 700 Highland Ave, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
The arrangements are being handled by:
Russell Funeral Home, Inc.
822 Carl Russell Ave.
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Phone: 336-722-3459
Fax: 336-631-8268
Expressions of sympathy may also be sent to:
The Rev. Walter R. Bauldrick, Sr., Presiding Elder
Milwaukee District
8691 Castle Court
Burr Ridge, IL 60527-7128
Office: (630) 655-1963
Fax: (630) 655-1983
Email: revwrb@mdamec.org
34. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action
Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
E-mail: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Web page: http://www.amecfic.org/
Phone: (615) 837-9736 (H)
Phone: (615) 833-6936 (O)
Cell: (615) 403-7751
BLOG: http://ameccfic.blogspot.com /
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMEC_CFIC
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220
35. 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.
