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
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder – Since 1852
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Thought for the Week!
Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.
Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.
Editor's Note: You do not need a computer to send and receive email or to access the Internet;
you just need a smart phone.
you just need a smart phone.
1. EDITORIAL – MINISTRY REQUIRES STRATEGY AND LEADERSHIP:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
The ministry can be exciting and pastors who feel they are making a difference often feel the excitement of ministry. Some pastors are fortunate to be in pastoral situations where the people have been trained and the people are motivated and are excited about the ministry of the local church.
Exciting ministry is the positive side of ministry; and that’s the ministry all of us had hoped and the ministry about which we all dreamed – a fulltime ministry, preaching the Gospel to a receptive congregation where lives were changed and people were converted; a church with a vibrant youth program and choirs that sang to the glory of God.
Many of us never thought about the connectional budget when we were called to ministry because we were so excited about the call to ministry and the possibility to serve God; and to make a difference in our community and in the world.
As exciting as the ministry can be, there can also be a dark-side of ministry.
Sometimes pastors are thrust into difficult situations and at other times pastors create difficult situations for themselves and their congregations; and in either situation, ministry is not exciting or exhilarating.
The reality is that in every pastorate, on every level, there will be good days and bad days.
When I was a youngster, I always had the highest respect for the clergy, more than for my doctors, because doctors gave me needles and pressed a piece of wood on my tongue and I always experienced pain with my visit to the doctor’s office. On the other hand, my pastor seemed so happy and had all of the answers for all of our problems. Our pastor could chastise adults and young people when they were wrong; and give praise when they did what was right.
People are on their best behavior on Sunday morning, so I always saw the best side of the people who attended our church. When I was young and the grown folks got on church talk, I and the other children were told to go outside or into another room. I had not attended a business meeting so I had not experienced the other side of ministry.
As time has progressed, and with experience, I came to see that ministry could be a difficult profession. I really didn’t see the dark-side of ministry until I entered the pastorate. “Back in the day” ministerial candidates going through the Board of Examiners in the Philadelphia Conference were shielded from the dark-side of ministry. We were told that ministry was doing to be difficult, but we didn’t experience the reality of the difficulty of ministry. In those days we didn’t meet weekly with the Boards of Examiners as is done today.
The reality hit me
At my first church, the first time I met with my stewards, they said with one voice, “We cannot afford to pay…” They were referring to my salary! And, then they went on, with one voice, to say that they felt that they couldn’t pay the Conference Claims. And, then they said, with one voice, that they couldn’t afford to pay the presiding elder assessments. We had just had a wonderful worship service and that meeting was after the worship service. The demeanor of the group attending the meeting had changed, from what it was during worship service to what it became in the church meeting. And, in the church meeting, they spoke with authority.
I decided not to tell them about the moving expenses because our household goods were not due to arrive until two weeks later. Things seemed “dark” and, to think, I had moved with my wife and two small children, almost 700 miles, from Philadelphia to Kentucky.
But I had a plan
I had a plan; and I had not learned it in seminary. At that point I had one semester of seminary under my belt.
I learned how to deal with that situation, and other pastoral challenges from my pastor during the qualification of ordination process, the Rev. B.C. Burton; from my time with the Board of Examiners; my father-in-law, the Rev. C. E. Blake; and other pastors who shared their pastoral experiences with those of us who were aspiring to the pastoral ministry.
I took a deep breath and responded that we needed to look at the all facets of the church’s programs and to assess the income and set up a budget that we could all agree upon. I asked them if they had a budget and, knowing full well that they did not have one, asked if they could provide me with a copy so that I could see what they had done the previous year. Of course they did not have a budget. Their strategy, like many churches, even today; had been, “functioning week to week, and hoping for the best.”
The Board of Examiners of the Philadelphia Conference stressed, effective ministry required strong pastoral leadership, participation of the laity, congregational goals and objectives and a local church a budget. I recalled, not only the Board of Examiners, but the old (they seemed old to me at the time) preachers sharing their pastoral experiences and how they handled challenges that arose in their congregations.
As I stood in front of the stewards and who else attended that meeting on Sunday, July 24, 1966 at Shorter Chapel AME Church in Paris, Kentucky, I quickly reviewed in my mind everything I had been taught by my pastoral leaders, the Board of Examiners, my father-in-law and the old preachers on the sidewalk and it boiled down to two things: strategy and leadership. I needed to provide leadership and I needed to have a strategy for ministry.
Pastors without a plan
I suspect that some pastors arrive at the pastoral appointment and inquire about how the church has been doing ministry, inquire about the pastoral package, and if they can get the pastoral package settled to their satisfaction; end the meeting with “We will continue as you have been doing.” Little, or no leadership and no strategy for ministry is a perfect formula for failure; failure later, if not sooner.
Ministry is a difficult profession
Let me say here, ministry is a difficult profession and most ministers are underpaid. The ministry is probably the most underpaid profession, and most of us in ministry knew that the ministry was not a high paying profession when we accepted the call to ministry; and those entering the ministry today should know that the ministry is a low-paying profession. Knowing that, men and women called of God and being shepherds of God’s program must “never falter and never fail” in giving of their best abilities to the high calling of ministry.
The profession of ministry is not a “catch as catch can” profession
The pastoral ministry is not a “catch as catch can” profession. In other words the ministry is not, aimless, arbitrary, desultory, erratic, haphazard, helter-skelter, hit-or-miss, scattered, or slapdash. Effective ministry takes work and skill. Effective and productive ministry is not a profession that “just anybody can do.”
Two skills needed
If a pastor is going to have a successful ministry he or she needs to sharpen his or her pastoral skills. There are many skill-sets needed for successful ministry, but I will dwell on just two needed skills: strategy and leadership.
Lack of strategic planning
I suspect that too many pastors, along with the local church leadership in many churches, fail to develop a strategy for ministry. Some pastors and churches do ministry in an aimless, arbitrary, desultory, erratic, haphazard, helter-skelter, “hit-or-miss way”; no planning and no strategy. When pastors fail do take the time to develop a strategy for ministry, the door is open for failure on many levels. Without a planned strategy for ministry; a financial disaster always “raises its ugly head,” whenever the local church experiences a heavy rain, sudden snowfall, or other unforeseen emergency.
When a church fails to develop a strategy for ministry, the pastor’s salary and other salaries remain low and church is always in a financial crisis.
An indication of a lack of strategy exists when a church struggles to pay the pastor’s salary, struggles to pay the presiding elder’ assessments or fails to meet its connectional budget obligation. And, a real problem exists when the members are not concerned or do not see the importance of meeting their spiritual and financial obligations.
What is strategy?
The term strategy is a word of military origin and it refers to a plan of action designed to achieve a particular goal or set of goals.
Gerry Johnson, Kevan Scholes, and Richard Whittington in, Exploring Corporate Strategy say, "Strategy is the direction and scope of an organization over the long-term: which achieves advantage for the organization through its configuration of resources within a challenging environment…”
In other words, in the context of ministry, strategy is about where the local church hopes to go in the short and longterm; about what the local church should be doing to get to its desired destination; and importantly, what the local church can be doing to maintain a competitive edge in the community where it does ministry.
Every local church should review and determine which resources, competencies, and skill-sets are needed to fulfill its spiritual and financial objectives. Strategic outcomes will not surface through aimless, arbitrary, desultory, erratic, haphazard, helter-skelter, hit-or-miss, catch-as-catch-can, “let’s do it the way we have always done it and hope for the best” ministry.
Effective ministry takes work, skill, and planning. Ministry is a battle and strategy is a needed component of ministry. Developing a strategy and making good decisions today, shape a better tomorrow.
Leadership
Good things don’t just happen and strategy does not, just happen. Effective strategic planning takes effective leadership. Local churches without good leadership do ministry in an aimless, arbitrary, desultory, erratic, haphazard, helter-skelter, hit-or-miss, catch-as-catch-can, “let’s do it the way we have always done it and hope for the best” ministry.
I suspect that some pastors and some of the local church leaders fail to provide effective leadership and some pastors lead by their exuberant personalities; not by their leadership abilities. Some pastors will do everything they can to avoid conflict and they want to be liked by everyone.
Leadership takes courage and requires the leader to take risks. Leaders risk rejection. Leadership requires competence and patience. Leaders facilitate goal-setting and provide supervision. Leaders know the importance of making sound and timely decisions; and leaders understand the importance of good problem-solving, decisionmaking, and planning.
Pastoral leadership is a process by which the pastor influences the leadership team and the congregation to accomplish objectives; and directs the local church in a way that makes it a more effective organization that meets the needs of the local congregation and the community it serves.
In other words, pastoral leadership is a process whereby the pastor influences the church leadership and the congregation to achieve common goals; which presupposes that the pastor has a strategic sense of the mission of the connectional and local church; and the needs of the community.
Outstanding pastors develop themselves through a never-ending process of continuing education, self-study, training, and experience. Effective pastoral leaders know who they are and whose they are; and they know their own strengths and weaknesses. Effective leaders know when to delegate.
Pastoral leaders understand that their success is not measured by who they think they are or how good a job they think they are doing; they understand that their success is affirmed and measured by the leaders and members of the congregation.
I am going there
Good leaders build teams and teams are not be built by sermons and facilitating congregations to “get their praises on.” A spirit-filled sermon is a good thing and “getting our praises on” is a good thing, but teambuilding and leadership requires other skill-sets; that we, I suspect, in the AME Church, are not developing in our pastoral leadership teams.
Strategy and leadership are important attributes in building a strong congregation. When churches fail to meet their spiritual and financial obligations, it’s an indication that one or both, strategy and/or leadership are absent.
Sometimes one or both are absent because of incompetence or failure to see their importance and at other times, one or both are absent because the pastor and /or the leadership of the congregation just doesn’t give a darn!
The philosophy of “functioning week to week and hoping for the best” is not effective ministry; rather it is a formula for failure and frustration.
2. “YOU ASK”:
Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle
“I Ask”
I have a question that may affect not only my church, but also others in the conference.
Does the African Methodist Episcopal Church have any guidelines on when and how often an audit should be accomplished on their accounts? I have been a member of my church for approximately three years and to my knowledge an audit has not been accomplished. Also, I have noticed that most financial reports do not have an itemized expenditure list, which does not allow parishioners to see where our church funds are being spent.
I would appreciate any information that you could provide.
Louis G. Reaves
Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle’s Response to the Question:
Yes, the AME Church does have guidelines related to Auditing of its accounts. However these guidelines basically refer to the Connectional Church and its various departments. Technically it begins with the General Conference approving an "overall budget" for the denomination, which included its various departments and agencies
- This approved budget had been developed by the General Board following the leadership of the Commission on Statistics and Finance
- Annually, all departments and agencies receiving funds from the General Budget are required to submit a written report of its activities and a Certified Audit to the Commissions that oversee its work.
- Each Episcopal District is permitted to have an elected Budget Committee. Its job is to formulate and present to each Annual Conference for approval an internal receipt and disbursement budget. Annually, this committee is to give a CERTIFIED report to the Annual Conferences and to the General Board.
- Every four years at the General Conference each of the departments and agencies submit a summary of the four years of General Board reporting and the Certified Audits for final approval or rejection. Basically, this is the accountability system of the General Church and Episcopal Districts’ financial management process.
Note: My, and several others', personal observations:
- The length of time allotted at the General Board for full disclosure of these reports and audits is woefully inadequate. A maximum of one-hour for each agency and department except for Statistics and Finance; they are given two hours.
- The number of members elected to the General Board (5) from each Episcopal District to oversee these departments and agencies. There are more than fifteen (15) departments and agencies. Those five (5) persons are assigned to a minimum of three Commissions that they are to oversee. At one hour intervals they use the same five or six rooms. Most are meeting simultaneously. The number of persons actually attempting to oversee a year’s work, plus its certified audit of hundreds to millions of dollars per year is woefully inadequate.
- The length of time allotted at the General Conference to hear and finalize activities of the many departments and to fully examine the same is woefully inadequate. There are over thirty committees the General Conference delegates are assigned to and to which they are appointed to serve. There was a time when each report was "received and referred to the ‘appropriate Committee,’” except in the case of Resolutions. This doesn't happen anymore. The General Conference sits as a "Committee of the whole" to hear and deal with each department's report.
However, your question seems to be more specific. You make reference to being a member of the local church for three years… The process of financial accountability is somewhat different at the local church level. It does not lend itself to "individual member scrutiny" except in the specific department or agency in which the member is affiliated, i.e., choir, usher board, missionary society, etc. Nevertheless, the process is as follows:
At the beginning of the conference year the pastor in consultation with the Official Board presents to the Church Conference the proposed line-item budget for the conference year. This budget should include all finances required for the effective operating and support of the various enterprises of the local church and its community: the Annual Conference, Presiding Elders’ District, Episcopal District, and the Connectional Church. The budget also includes all of the methods and sources of funding, i.e., tithes, offerings, special days, Board assessments, etc and timelines, which will be used to generate the funds for the implementation of the local church's budget. The Church Conference is convened to discuss/debate, the local church's overall budget (It should be noted that there will exist within this budget some items which can be discussed, but not changed or be voted upon by the Church Conference). (a) What it is for? (b) How much will it cost? (c). When it is due? (d) Where will the funds come from? (e) What will be the individual member’s commitment? (f) What will be the departments / agencies commitment? (g) What are the other sources of income, etc., and final adjustments. After which, will follow the local church budget approval.
- The Steward Board/Commission on Finance has the responsibility of the implementation of the receipts and disbursements of the budget. They operate under the auspices of the Official Board. The receipts, disbursements of each department or agency are to be monitored and accounted for by the Official Board.
- The report of the church's condition is to be reported back to the various departments and agencies by the persons who are official members of the Official Board, i.e., class leaders, stewards, trustees, stewardesses, etc.
- Many Churches include in the weekly/monthly/quarterly bulletin an accounting of the previous weekly-monthly/quarterly receipts, disbursements and balances
- The Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 2008 does not require certified audits of the various departments and agencies in the local church. However, it does require an honest, moral, spiritual and financial report be given to the specific department, Official Board and Quarterly Conference.
- It has been universally understood that a member in good-standing in the local church could attend any meeting of the various departments and under certain circumstances, enter into the discussion of said department, but has no right to disrupt or vote in said session.
It is understood that the all inclusive local church's budget, which identifies both the line-item disbursements and the sources of funding is discussed, debated, adjusted and approved by the local church during a duly-called Church Conference. The implementation of said approved budget is the responsibility of the Official Board of that local church. Any changes to this approved document should be the result of new insight, information coming to the local church. It is understood that for the good of the order, the Official Board would request another Church Conference for the purpose of enlightening the membership of the proposed adjustments, etc.
If the Official Board conducts the affairs of the local church with adequate transparency there should never be a need for an individual member or group of members demanding to see "The Books" or calling for an investigation.
3. THE 2011 REPORT OF THE 144TH KENTUCKY ANNUAL CONFERENCE COORDINATOR:
*Sister Doris J. Coffey
Once more God has delivered us through another milestone, hosting the 144th Kentucky Annual Conference, and we are grateful for God’s goodness, grace and mercy. For it was God alone who gave us the strength, the courage and the know-how to host another successful annual conference. Thus, the 144th Kentucky Annual Conference went off without a hitch, without an unkind word, without a ruffled feather, but with love and harmony of, “We Can Do This!”
A special thanks to the very fine members of Historic St. Paul AME Church in Lexington who so willingly and tirelessly gave of their time, talents and energy. Special commendations to Sisters Dinah Johnson, Janice (mint lady) Floyd, Marie Shye, Lillian Gentry, Carrie Newton, Marian Collins, Valeria Swope, Liz Conner, Betty Carter, Betty Young, Paulette Coleman, Ella Smith, Michele Coffey, Linda Brown, Paula Campbell, Priscilla Sullivan, Bryan, Vincent for their faithfulness and dedication. To the MEN of St. Paul – Brothers Harold Jackson, John Fullwood, Ted Butler, Tim Coleman, Clarence Smith who went above and beyond to make the conference a success and Lucien Willhite (choir member).
Thank you to the Stewardesses who served and to Sister Betsy (Quinn Chapel) who was on her post daily. To the Ushers, the Musicians (Beverly, Lutisha, Steve, Nolan and anybody, somebody and everybody who helped during the conference and especially those who served at the reception for the Bishop. “We Can Do This!”
I cannot possibly write this “thank you” without mentioning the dynamic dual-duty, “duo” Myron and Jean Coleman who served as delegate / alternate, host / hostess – you name it. They wore many hats – no doubt about it they now truly understand the term “multi-tasking.”
There are no words in the English language to express my appreciation and gratitude to my beloved friend, sister and Assistant Melva Diane Payne – I have trained you well my sister and you are now ready to coordinate the 148th Kentucky Annual Conference.
Lest I be remiss – a special thank you to First Alliance Church for the use of their magnificent facilities – especially to Art, Mason, Blaze and Melanie, blessings to you.
Activities of the Conference
August 23, 2011 – Tuesday was Missionary Day where our own Sister Ella Jean Smith was honored at a Banquet for her eight years of service as President of the Kentucky Conference Missionary Society.
August 24, the 144th Session of the Kentucky Annual Conference opened with the business session, roll call and the Nehemiah Nation noonday Hour of Power and Opening Worship Service with communion at 7 p.m.
August 25 – Conference Institute, business session, pastoral reports, Hour of Power and Lay Witness Night.
August 26 – Conference Institute (Professor Adam J. Banks) business session and committee reports, Memorial/ Ordination Service, YPD Night and Reception for the Bishop and Supervisor.
August 27 – Church School, Retirement service, and Closing Service with resolution and Pastoral Appointments.
Highlights
The Theme of the 144th Kentucky Annual Conference “An Incredible Call to Serve: Innovation – Isaiah 43:19
Sermons We Heard:
Tuesday – “A Three-fold Work Ethic”, Reverend LeVeesha Pryor
Wednesday – Hour of Power – “The Good News is the Bad News was Wrong” by the Rev. A. D. Reed. Opening Sermon – “You Better Not Forget” by the Rev. William Robert Thomas Hale
Thursday – Hour of Power – “Position yourself for Service by the Rev. Kelvin Robinson
Friday – Ordination Service “Enjoy the Journey” by Reverend Michael Bean – St. Paul AME Church Columbus, Ohio
Saturday – Closing Worship Service “We Can Do This!” by Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie
Kentucky Annual Conference ministerial and lay delegates for the 49th General Conference convening June 22, 2012 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Ministerial Delegates:
Jermaine Wilson
William Jenkins
James Smith
Troy Thomas
Everett Hobson
Lay Delegates
Myrna Herron
Rita Conner
Renee Smith
Sammy Clay
Bryan Campbell
Note: The Rev. Kelvin Robinson was the first ministerial alternate delegate, the Rev. William Hale was the 2nd ministerial alternate delegate and the Rev. Maxine Thomas made third ministerial alternate delegate.
Quotable Quotes
“If you mess up you have to pay the price.” “Why come to church Sunday after Sunday, week after week, and not enjoy the journey – there is so much mess everywhere else.” “What do you want?” “God blesses us for a purpose.” “Watch the detractors!” “We are troubled on every side yet joys are flowing – stop complaining.” “Enjoy the journey!” Reverend Michael Bean, Sr.
Bishop’s sermon: “We Can Do This” had a five point message:
1. Lift the People Up – people need inspiration, people need to be loved – see people as God sees them.
2. Look People Over – Identify people’s gift. Challenge the people
3. Let People In – Open doors, open hearts to accept the people. Make a commitment
4. Line People Up – Train the people – make disciples of them
5. Let People Out – send them out beyond the four walls
More Pointers from the Bishop
“Move from what we are ‘gonna’ do to, “This is what we have done’; there are methodologies out there – explore them; it’s hard to want more for people who don’t want more for themselves; we have the spirit of contentment, don’t be satisfied with your own status quo; and present the Gospel on a plate from which the people can eat.”
Smile – Be Flexible
During the conference Bishop McKenzie kept interjecting the command to “smile” in the lyrics of Kirk Franklin’s song “Smile.”
A Frivolous Moment
At one point during a lull in the conference something was said about senior citizens – and our beloved pastor felt the need to assist me in raising my hand to acknowledge that I was a senior citizen – to quote Professor Banks to Pastor Thomas – “If you can beat me rocking – come take my chair!”
Proud Moments
The guest preacher for the Ordination service – the Reverend Michael Bean, Sr. is the greatly loved son-in-law of Sister Juanita Hardin Wright.
The Reverend Wink Sweat, Sr., pastor of St. James AME Church Covington retired after 35 years of service in Kingdom Building.
The Reverend Price Daniel Mitchell, Jr. retired after 51 years of service – during his tenure he served many congregations throughout the district. We wish God-speed in his retirement.
The Reverend Troy I. Thomas is appointed as pastor of Historic St. Paul AME Church and as Presiding Elder of the Lexington District of the Kentucky Conference.
We Can Do This!
*Sister Doris J. Coffey is the Kentucky Annual Conference Coordinator
4. TURNER MONUMENTAL AME CHURCH, ATLANTA INVITES YOU TO ANNUAL CHRISTIAN EDUCATION SUNDAY – SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2011:
Pastor Bruce L. Francis, Sister Dorothy Brown, our Christian Education Director and the members of Turner Monumental A.M.E. Church are pleased to invite you to join us on Sunday, September 18, 2011 as we celebrate our annual Christian Education Sunday.
The day will begin with a dynamic Sunday School lesson being taught by Brother David Burgess at 8:30 a.m.
We are excited and pleased to announce that the Rev. Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor of The Christian Recorder will be our guest preacher during our worship service which will begin at 10:00 a.m.
Dr. Sydnor is a dynamic preacher, teacher, and writer, having served as a Chaplain in the U.S. Army and as the Director of the Religious Studies Program at Hampton University. Dr. Sydnor currently serves as the 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder. He was elected to that position at the 47th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference that was held in Indianapolis, Indiana in July 2004 and unanimously reelected at the 48th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference that was held in St. Louis. Missouri in July 2008.
Turner Monumental is located at 66 Howard St. NE. Atlanta Ga. 30317. You don't want to miss this awesome opportunity to be blessed by the Lord as we celebrate Christian Education and those who strive to teach about the Lord and His goodness.
Pastor Bruce Francis
5. AN AME ON THE MOVE:
Esther Hankerson, a lifelong AME is currently a member of Hemingway Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church District Heights Maryland where she has been a member for 35 years. Esther is a member of the Washington Conference of the 2nd Episcopal District and currently serves on the Social Action Committee. Esther is seeking to be elected the Sixth District County Council Representative of Prince Georges' County in Maryland.
Esther S. Hankerson has resided in Prince George’s County Maryland for more than thirty years. She was born and reared in Florida, where she attended the public schools. After graduating from high school, she earned an Associate of Arts degree from Edward Waters College; B.S. Degree from Florida A & M University; and a M.A. Degree from University of the District of Columbia. She has been a member of the National Association of Parliamentarians since 1994.
She began teaching in south Florida, which was her lifetime dream and after teaching only one year married Willie Hankerson, the love of her life. Subsequently, they relocated to Washington DC. Her teaching career resumed and lasted for more than 30 years in the District of Columbia Public School System and her position as an elected officer in the Washington Teachers’ Union lasted for nine years.
Sister Hankerson served as Chairperson of the DC Teacher Center Policy Board for six years, a Teacher Research Linker for the American Federation of Teacher’s for six years, and a member of the Metropolitan Washington Labor Council for nine years; council secretary three of those years. In each school in which she was assigned, she was elected teacher representative.
After retiring from the District of Columbia School System and Washington Teachers’ Union, she began a new career as Church Administrator for Hemingway Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church under the spiritual leadership of the late Rev. Dr. William Robert Porter and remained in that position until March of 2011. While serving in the capacity of Church Administrator under the Rev. S. E. Hayward, Esther joined the prestigious Network of Church Administrators of Prince George’s County and surrounding jurisdictions. She is an active member of the Social Action Committee of the Washington Conference Lay Organization of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
In 2008 and 2010 respectively, she was elected twice to two-year terms to the Board of Directors for Kettering Community Association (KCA). The first term on the KCA Board, she was elected secretary and the second term on the KCA Board elected Vice President, a position she currently holds.
Her interest and passion are to specifically address issues and concerns of the citizens of Maryland's Prince George's County District Six such as decreased value in homes, lack of available jobs that provide livable wages, adequate support for education and educators and safe neighborhoods -- to name a few.
Esther firmly believes she will make the difference required for improved living conditions when elected Sixth District County Council Representative because of her countless years of experience working with and for all of the people.
6. THE LIFE AND MINISTRY OF THE REV. MELVIN LLOYD GUYTON:
The Rev. Melvin Lloyd Guyton, Presiding Elder of the New Brunswick District, New Jersey Annual Conference was born on February 12, 1947, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He was the fifth of nine sons born to the Reverend Raymond and the Reverend Bertha Guyton.
When he was a young boy, the family relocated to Stockton, California where he completed his elementary and secondary education. While in high school, he received the call to the ministry. Upon graduation from high school, he matriculated at the University of California at Riverside, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Black Studies. While in college, he was ordained a Baptist minister and went on to further his education at the University of the Pacific where he received a Master of Arts Degree in Social Ethics and Religion.
In 1976, while visiting New Jersey, he met and soon after married Bernadette Monteiro. They remained in New Jersey and he united with Israel Memorial AME Church in Newark, New Jersey. At the 1979 New Jersey Annual Conference, he was reobligated as a deacon in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1982, he was ordained an Itinerant Elder by Bishop Richard Allen Hildebrand, who also appointed him to his first pastoral charge, Bethel AME Church in Paterson. After eight years of pastoring in Paterson, he was appointed to Bethel AME Church, Madison, New Jersey where he served for four years and then was appointed pastor of Bethel AME Church in Moorestown, NJ where he served for nine years. His last pastoral charge was, is home church, Israel Memorial AME Church in Newark.
On June 3, 2005, Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, Presiding Prelate of the First Episcopal District, appointed him Presiding Elder of the New Brunswick District.
The Rev. Melvin Lloyd Guyton was a real servant to the people, and he had a special affinity for youth. He had a great sense of humor and loved competition, which was evidenced in his boisterous support of the New Jersey Conference Missionaries each year at the Queens Contest in Dover, Delaware. He has also been a mentor to countless young ministers across the First Episcopal District. Above all, he was a man of integrity who always remained true to his calling.
On Monday, August 29, 2011, God called his servant home and the Rev. Guyton was welcomed by a host of angels, and God's words, "Well done, good and faithful Servant."
The Rev. Guyton was predeceased by his mother, Bertha Guyton and brother, Martin L. Guyton. He leaves to cherish fond memories, his father, the Rev. Raymond Guyton, Sr.; his wife of 35 years, Bernadette; sons, Kevin E. Guyton (Monique) of Burlington, NJ; the Rev. Lanel D. Guyton (Tanzania) of Bermuda; M. Lloyd Guyton of Cherry Hill, NJ; daughters, Darlette Guyton, of Stockton, CA, Betty Ruffins and Leah Guyton, of Linden, NJ; eight brothers, Raymond Guyton, Jr. (Brenda), Richard D. Guyton (Ora), the Rev. Booker T. Guyton (Mary), Bruce L. Guyton, Dexter W. Guyton (Carolyn), Steven A. Guyton, all of Stockton, CA, and Jimmie R. Guyton, of Sacramento, CA; mother and father-in-law, Anne and Bernard Molteiro; sisters-in-law, Bernadine Edwards and Anita Farrar; brother-in-law, Juan Monteiro; nine grandchildren, and a host of extended family members and friends.
*Extracted from Celebration of Life Bulletin for the Rev. Melvin Lloyd Guyton, Presiding Elder of the New Brunswick District of the New Jersey Annual Conference
7. AME-INDIA:
We are immensely thankful to you for your unceasing prayer support to us. We are experiencing the power of your prayers in our ministry, as well as in our country here in India. We in India recently made a united effort to fight against corruption, under the leadership of a 74 year old man named Anna Hazare, who fasted continuously for 12 days, a Gandhian in philosophy and believer on non-violence. The whole country rallied with him against corruption, it was indeed a revolution. At first the Government was defiant, and then later the government gave in to pressure, by seeing the countrywide support to the crusader. Not a single life was lost in this battle, unlike the revolutions experienced in the recent Arab uprising. There was no violence at all. God willing we will soon have a bill that will help in curbing corruption in this country. India holds 87th rank in the list of corrupted nations.
Below are some of the prayer requests and reports from our Pastors and request you to kindly continue to hold us in your prayers.
Pastor AKJV reports that just by hearing the word of God, the Holy Spirit spoke to a Hindu man by name Munikrishna, who came forward to accept Jesus as his savior. Please pray for his parents, his brother and sister, that they many also come to the knowledge of salvation.
Pastor ZVR reports that a man had been suffering from severe stomach pain, but when our Pastor laid her hands on him and prayed, there was instant healing. Pastor earnestly requests prayers for the severe opposition she faces from the rightwing Hindu fanatic groups.
Pastor RY reports of a lady named Lalitha who was brought to the fasting prayer conducted in the church. She was possessed with an evil spirit, when the whole church prayed over her and commanded the evil spirit to leave her, she was delivered. Another member of the church Mrs. Surekha, who had been pregnant and was nearing delivery, the doctors told her she has to undergo cesarean, the church prayed against it and she had a normal delivery. (In rural India normal delivery is considered as auspicious, and there is a strong dislike and disapproval of any kind of medical intervention, it is considered inauspicious.)
Pastor NJW reports of a Hindu lady named Rani, who had a tumor in her leg, but feared it was cancer. One day she took a bold step and went to her neighbor’s house during a cottage prayer meeting. The people gathered for prayer, prayed for her and the next day took her to a Christian hospital the next day, where a minor operation was done and the tumor was removed. This love and care has had a strong influence in Rani and family. Please pray for the salvation of Rani, her husband Ramakrishanayya and their daughter Ammulu.
Pastor ND reports about a Hindu couple, Mr. Sundaram and Mrs. Drakshayini, after 10 years of their marriage they did not have any issues, despite visiting many Hindu temples and pilgrimage sites. Finally they came to the church seeking a miracle, the church counseled them and prayed for them with fasting, God blessed the couple, the lady is pregnant. Please pray for their salvation. Pastor also requests prayer for the salvation of the village Sarpanch (Leader). There are no street lights in this whole village, once the sun sets, it is darkness all around, please pray for the government to provide street lights.
Pastor PD requests prayers for the salvation and healing of Mr. Chengul Rayulu (57 yrs), elder of the village, diabetic, with a leg injury. His healing will have a strong impact on the village.
Pastor G reports of a Hindu girl by name Yamuna (21 yrs), she was sick and she approached for prayer, the gospel outreach team from the church, which had gone to reach out to her village, while praying for her the team realized that she was possessed by an evil spirit, so they brought her to the church, and when the church together prayed for her, she was delivered. Please pray for her and her parents to be saved.
Pastor DR reports that he had started the construction of the church, by laying the foundation in 2009, but until recently they had not been able to complete the work. In the meantime the church had fasted and prayed for forty days. Miraculously the Lord had provided all the needs and the church construction is complete. The whole church thanks God for this providential care.
Pastor KR praises God and thanks you all for your valuable prayers. She reports that they as a church have been praying for a place of their own, for constructing a place of worship. The Lord heard their prayers and the head of the village, has donated 2178 square feet, exclusive for the construction of the church. Now the church is praying for resources for the construction of the church. The congregation requests you for their prayers.
Pastor BN reports of a 75 year old Hindu woman named Papamma, who had been suffering from heart ailment and loss of speech since one year. This lady’s son came and requested our Pastor to pray for his mother, when our Pastor prayed over the lady, it was power in the name of Jesus, which healed the woman and she was back on her feet and spoke freely to the surprise of everyone. Please pray for the salvation of this family.
Pastor SDK reports that his church was able to reach out to 90 new people with the gospel. He also reports of a 11-year-old boy who was possessed by an evil spirit, he had stopped eating, he had gained so much strength that he constantly beat up his family and spoke profanity which was absolute unbearable. The church prayed in unison and the boy was delivered from the bondage of the evil spirit, now he is absolutely normal
Pastor PR reports about a new convert from Hindu background named Satish and he requests prayers for Satish’s spiritual growth.
Pastor SA reports about a couple who did not have any issues for five years since their marriage. After the church prayed for this couple now they are blessed with a baby boy. Pastor also requests prayer for a Hindu lady named Ambiga, who accepted Jesus as her savior that she may grow in her spiritual life.
Pastor S&A request prayers for a little girl named Gomathi, who is suffering from some kind of ophthalmic problems, which the doctors have not been able to diagnose, therefore she could not be given any treatment. Her parents are Hindus and by faith they came to the Prayer cell, all the members of the cell have been praying and there has been positive signs of healing, please pray for complete healing of Gomathi and the spiritual healing of her parents.
Once again we express our gratitude to all of you who are upholding the concerns of India in your prayers. It indeed is an exciting experience to be prayed over by people world over. We thank God for all of you and pray God’s blessings on you.
Thankfully Yours,
The Rev. Sarah & the Rev. Abraham Peddiny
Presiding Elders, AME-India
8. PAST AND PRESENT SOLDIERS HONORED BY BETHEL A.M.E. CHURCH, CHESAPEAKE CITY, MARYLAND:
Chesapeake City, Maryland (Sunday, July 3, 2011)- The Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Chesapeake City where the Rev. Dana Porter Ashton is the Pastor, celebrated Independence Sunday by honoring past and present soldiers. The guest speaker for the day was Senior Master Sergeant Eric Holmes, who spoke about the true meaning of Independence Day for us as Americans and as Christians.
Senior Master Sergeant Holmes stated “Commemoration of the Declaration of Independence should be the primary reason for the remembrance. Other than historically conscious traditionalists that understand the nature of the Republic, few perceive the real purpose of the founding of America. The intention of the remembrance is to memorialize the Declaration of Independence. But the meaning of the word and certainly the idea of independence is routinely ignored and often purged from the gala. A party for the sake of enjoyment snubs the solemn legacy of the founders. Yet, those who rally their attention on patriotic fervor make an even more profound error”. He continued by stating that, “After thorough research, I found that the words “Independence” or “Independent” do not appear anywhere in the Bible. Finding that out was the easy part, however, coming to a conclusion of why that may be is deemed to be a little more involved. We were made from an image of God which makes us a part of God; therefore we could never be INDEPENDENT from God.”
Senior Master Sergeant Holmes challenged the congregation to “reclaim the inspiration and the power of God that was so obviously directing our founding fathers by encouraging us to act on that faith, live in the righteousness of Christ, and stand and fight once again for the freedom that was purchased for us by those who gave their lives.” In closing, Senior Master Sergeant Holmes offered us the following suggestions to help us refocus:
• Repent of sin and commit your life to Christ;
• If you are a Christian, quit riding the fence and choose this day whom you will serve;
• Pray for our Nation and her leaders;
• Insist that we not allow liberal rhetoric to rob us of our spiritual heritage; and
• Live your life in a manner that reflects your trust in our living God.
During the worship service, Rev. Ashton presented Certificates of Appreciation to members who have served in the military.
Submitted by the Reverend Dana Porter Ashton
9. 90TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION:
M. Clifton Miller
Mrs. Rosetta Benjamin Clifton, lifelong member of Mount Zion A. M. E. Church, Statesboro, Ga., celebrated her 90th birthday on August 6th, 2011. The celebration given by her children and their families was held at R.J’s Steak and Seafood in Statesboro, GA. Over one hundred fifty family, friends, and church members were in attendance.
Mrs. Clifton, affectionately called Sister, is an active lifelong member of Mount Zion AME Church, 6th Episcopal District, Statesboro, Georgia, where Rev. Sherry Taylor is pastor. During her lifetime, Mrs. Clifton has been Superintendent of the Sunday School, a Sunday School Teacher, a Stewardess, a member of the Missionary Society and served on other boards and committees. Each January, Mrs. Clifton presents the “I Have a Dream” speech of the late Dr. Martin Luther King. The congregation looks forward to her rendition.
Mrs. Clifton donated a set of King James Bibles to the Church to make the Bible accessible to everyone during service.
Mrs. Clifton has numerous interests; however, fishing in the family pond is her favorite. Earlier in her life, Mrs. Clifton served on a committee for the United States Department of Agriculture. She also worked with the Bulloch County government to get a road named for her late husband. Mrs. Clifton is active in the Senior Citizen Program of Bulloch County and responsible for getting transportation for rural seniors to attend activities.
Mrs. Clifton and her late husband, B. J., were blessed with three children: Dr. Ivery Clifton, Senior Associate Dean, Emeritus, University of Georgia; Gwendolyn Clifton Miller, retired educator, Glynn County Schools; and Dr. Marvin D. Clifton, physician, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Mrs. Clifton has five grandchildren and three great-grand children.
At ninety years old, Mrs. Clifton always has a jolly positive attitude. She is well liked by the people of her church and community. She has a way of encouraging young people to think positive and be the best.
After an afternoon of well wishes and presentations of “This Is Your Life”, Mrs. Clifton stood to make comments she jokingly assured the crowd that she will be at their 90th birthday if they would simply invite her.
10. BOLD INITIATIVE TAKEN BY METROPOLITAN AME CHURCH:
Metropolitan AME Church, (Washington, DC) took the bold initiative this summer to expand "the Gospel's music within and beyond the walls of the church." The church hired nearly 40 youth to learn the ministry and perform instrumental and vocal church and inspirational music during the summer.
Under the D.C. Summer Youth Employment Program, the youth had professional work experiences beneficial for musicians but also for future music ministers and church administrators. The group performed for D.C. Mayor, Vincent Gray, for the summer employment closing program, (photo attached). Dr. Lester S. Green, Jr, is Minister of Music.
The Reverend Ronald E. Braxton is Pastor of Metropolitan AME Church.
For further details, contact Vernard Dickson, 202/557-5075,
National_southern@juno.com; Chuck Carthan, 240/691-4584, musicman@carthan.com; or Michael Horton, 703/922-6118, mikehorton3@verizon.net,
Submitted by Benoit Brookens, Assistant Director, Potomac District, Washington Annual Conference, AME Church
11. REBRANDING: NOT JUST FOR RESTORATION HARDWARE:
I received a copy of the Restoration Hardware catalog last August in the mail and read an interesting piece from their CEO Gary Friedman. He wrote, “
“Every act of creation is first of all an act of destruction.” Picasso…
During the collapse of the global economy, we drew inspiration from Picasso’s words and chose not to listen to the conventional wisdom encouraging us to follow the pack and lower quality to reduce prices. Instead, we saw an opportunity to be liberated, abandoning our past to embrace the future, one that has redefined the essence of who we are. No longer mere “retailers” of home furnishings, we are now “curators” of the best historical design the world has to offer.
We’ve destroyed the previous iteration of ourselves, clearing the way to express our brand in a never-before-seen fashion.
Restoration Hardware rebranded their business. Rebranding is the process by which a product or service developed with one brand, company or product line affiliation is marketed or distributed with a different identity. This may involve radical changes to the brand's logo, brand name, image, marketing strategy, and advertising themes. For example, when Radio Shack announced they are now referring to themselves as “The Shack.”
This is instructive for our church before we go to General Conference. The AME will have to sit down and develop who we are post-recession to their Membership, seekers and the world. The dollars available for our work is dwindling on a daily basis. Many of our congregations were fighting for dollars in better economic times. Therefore, reducing everything is not the total answer. If our denomination is going to make it on the other side of this recession will have to know why they exist and tell the story. It is wise to sit down and rewrite the organization’s story. Jesus gave us our mission in the Great Commission. Richard Allen gave us our task, but we need to take these stories and retell them in a way that is compelling to a new generation.
Here are some tips from Molly Jasinski; Contributor for USA today suggests that to rebrand your organization.
1) Use your social media tools to help you, not hurt you. Keep up on them, even if it's only for an allotted amount of time every day. Keep your followers in the loop, and they'll help pass the word along for you.
2) Create a plan. Stick to it. Have steps you know you will follow, broken down in day/week/month increments, and purposefully roll your rebranding out.
3) Focus on the details. Little things -- like making sure things on your website, Facebook, Twitter are consistent -- can go a long way. People look for reliability when it comes to supporting a non-profit, and an oversight on your part could hurt.
Rebranding may be the very process that will increase our membership, and reinvigorate your current membership.
References:
Tips for charities looking to rebrand
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/kindness/post/2010/07/tips-for-charities-looking-to-rebrand-/1
Restoration Hardware: The Story of our Fall Collection.
http://www.restorationhardware.com/rh/dyn/page.jsp?id=garyfall10&link=TheStoryofOurFallCollection
Orletta Caldwell is a member of St. Stephen AME in Detroit.
12. ST. JOHN AME CHURCH, TOPEKA, KANSAS CELEBRATES 143RD ANNIVERSARY:
Topeka, August 21, 2011: Guided by our 2010-2011 theme, “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead,” (James 2:17b), on the weekend of August 20-21, 2011, the members of St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church, located in downtown Topeka, Ks. in the shadows of the Capitol Building, celebrated her 143rd Church Anniversary.
The culminating event was a worship service on Sunday, August 21 where our special guest was The Rev. Dr. Kelvin T. Calloway, pastor of Bethel AME Church in Los Angeles, Calif. and candidate for the office of Bishop 2012.
Pastor Calloway preached our hearts happy from our theme scripture using as his topic, “A Living Faith: The Remix.” Pastor Calloway reminded the parishioners that the writer of James “renames the covenant, reframes the conversation and reclaims the faith of Jesus Christ.” The congregation departed believing that truly, as the song writer put it, “We Have Come this Far by Faith.”
Special Music was provided by a joint choir from St. John and St. Mark’s AME Church in Topeka under the direction of Dr. Dorothy Pennington, Minister of Music at St. John. The Voices of Zion Choir from New Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Topeka were also on hand to render selections.
St. John was born in 1868 as a prayer circle in a rented barn just a few years after the signing of the Emancipation Declaration. Through two turns of the century, St. John has been a community of believers that has served the Lord and the Topeka community selflessly and earnestly in all of her endeavors.
The co-chairs for this event were Maxine Dawson and Floyd Graham.
The Rev. V. Gordon Glenn III serves as pastor of St. John.
13. VIEW PRESIDENT OBAMA’S SPEECH ON U.S. JOBS AND THE ECONOMY:
Did you miss President Obama’s speech last night on U.S. jobs and our economy?
Take a few minutes to watch it here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/2011/09/08/president-obama-presents-american-jobs-act
14. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE AUGUST 2011 EMPLOYMENT REPORT:
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in August 2011, the economy experienced zero net total job growth as the meager 17,000 jobs added in the private sector were totally offset by losses in the government sector. This left the overall unemployment rate unchanged at 9.1% while the black unemployment rate rose to 16.7% (from 15.9%). As fears of a double dip recession become more and more real, President Obama prepares to unveil his plan for creating jobs this Thursday, September 8.
Join us Friday, September 9, 2011 from 2-3 pm EST for a live online chat hosted by Dr. Valerie Rawlston Wilson, economist at the National Urban League, to discuss President Obama’s Jobs Plan and the August employment statistics.
15. A LESSON U.S. REPRESENTATIVE JAMES CLYBURN LEARNED FROM HIS FATHER:
James E. Clyburn
My youthful days in the AME parsonage helped me to learn about life.
I am the oldest of three boys. One day my brothers and I were having a disagreement that turned physical. Our minister father, who loved to teach through parables, called us over when he thought our altercation had gone on long enough. He gave a piece of cord string to my youngest brother, Charles, and asked him to break it. Charles couldn’t. He then gave it to my brother John and asked him to pop it. John couldn’t. Finally he gave it to me and told me to break the string. I couldn’t. Our father placed that piece of cord string between his palms and started rubbing his hands together. The more he rubbed, the more friction he created, and the cord string started to unravel — into three pieces. He gave one to each of us and told us to break them. This time when we tried, we succeeded.
Then, dad gave us the lesson: “Don’t you let the little disagreements that crop up among you create so much friction that it separates you, because if you do, the world will pop you apart and you may never realize why.”
*Extracted from a message published September 5, 2011
The writer, a U.S. representative from South Carolina, is assistant Democratic leader in the House of Representatives.
16. MID-WEEK MEDITATION - BASED ON MATTHEW 6:5-13:
*Dr. Joseph Darby
It’s amazing and aggravating that in an age when information moves at the speed of light, what’s dubiously called “customer service” moves at the pace of a snail - and a confused snail at that. I was reminded of that this week when I had a cable television problem.
I called the cable company, navigated the automated menu and reached a representative, who transferred me to another representative in Florida, who transferred me back to Charleston……..where my call was dropped. I called back, again navigated the menu and was put on hold……..where my call was again dropped. I called a third time and finally reached a very helpful lady who told me what to do to correct the problem. The irony was that in the thirty minutes it took to get a solution, I figured out and fixed the problem myself!
One of the blessings of life for God’s children is that the attentiveness of God we serve bears no resemblance whatsoever to “customer service.” God is always available to hear our every prayer. No matter what we need or how burdened down we think we are, simple prayer can help us to pause, put our minds in order, find new perspective and face life’s challenges knowing that because of Jesus, we never walk alone.
Take the time in the midst of life’s frustration, fast pace and confusion to go to God in prayer - every day and more than once a day. Your call will never be “dropped” and you’ll find your spirits lifted, your hope restored and blessed assurance that the God we serve answers prayer in ways beyond our understanding. “Customer service” and other aggravations may come our way, but the song of our ancestors in the faith is still true in 2011 - “Jesus is on the mainline; just tell Him what you want.”
If this has been a blessing to you, feel free to share it!
Get Ready for Sunday!
Join us for Worship at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. on September 11. The Combined Choir, Gospel Choir, Sunbeam Choir and Young Adult Choir will offer praise.
Sunday’s Scripture Lessons are:
Deuteronomy 6:1-12
I Corinthians 13:1-13
John 3:1-16
Sunday’s Sermons are:
8 a.m. - “Stay in Love with God”
11:00 a.m. - “Remember God’s Love”
*Dr. Joseph Darby is the pastor of Morris Brown AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina
17. GOD IS STILL IN CHARGE:
*The Rev. Gloria L. Sydnor Smith, Esq.
When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, people cannot discover anything about their future. Eccl 7:14
Every day that we live is a day that the Lord has made. It is easy to be joyful when times are good; we laugh, smile at strangers, and feel really good on the inside. It is not the same when we are experiencing bad times; we may cry, get angry with loved ones, and feel like being by ourselves. When we are going through bad times, we should consider that God made every day that comes with it. We don't know what the future holds, but since God makes every day and we are there to experience it, we are blessed, even when times are bad. As long as we are still living, our bad times have an opportunity to get better because God is still in charge.
*The Rev. Gloria L. Sydnor Smith, Esq. is the pastor of Whitman Chapel AME Church in Belpre, Ohio
18. CDC ESTIMATES THAT NEARLY HALF OF INFECTED AFRICAN AMERICANS MAY BE UNAWARE OF THEIR HIV STATUS:
The rate of HIV infection among African-American gay and bisexual men aged 18 to 29 increased 50 percent between 2006 and 2009, according to new data released by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Kevin Fenton, director of the National Center for HIV/AIDS at the CDC, said this segment of the population was the only group to experience a significant increase in new infections during that period. Speaking at a press briefing at the National HIV Prevention Conference in Atlanta on August 16, Dr. Fenton said the rise took place even as the overall number of new HIV infections in the US held steady at 50,000 cases per year.
Furthermore, the CDC estimated that nearly half of infected African Americans may be unaware of their HIV status. CDC researcher Dr. Alexandra Oster called infrequent testing and low awareness “a major concern,” with data indicating only 55 percent of this high-risk group is receiving adequate care. To increase rates of HIV testing and awareness among African American gay and bisexual men, the CDC is rolling out a new campaign called Testing Makes Us Stronger, which will feature messages posted in ads as well as on social media and in outreach programs.
“It is increasingly clear that rapid testing for HIV should play a larger role in the overall strategy to alleviate the suffering of at-risk populations as well as the population-at-large,” says Lawrence Siebert, CEO of Medford, NY-based Chembio Diagnostics, a New York-based developer and manufacturer of point-of-care diagnostic tests. “These rapid tests are capable of producing a result in as little as 15 minutes.”
Chembio’s two FDA PMA-approved, CLIA-waived, rapid HIV tests are marketed in the U.S. by Alere, Inc. The company markets its HIV 1/2 STAT-PAK® and SURE CHECK HIV 1/2 line of rapid HIV tests internationally to government and donor-funded programs directly and through distributors. Chembio has developed a patented point-of-care test platform technology, the Dual Path Platform (DPP®) technology, which has significant advantages over lateral-flow technologies. This technology is providing the company with a significant pipeline of business opportunities for the development and manufacture of new products based on DPP®. Specifically, Chembio has developed a rapid oral fluid HIV test and also a Syphilis test which are now in clinical evaluation as part of the FDA approval process.
Additionally, Chembio is working on making its unique SURE CHECK HIV over-the-counter test available for consumer self-testing, and foresees submitting it to the FDA for approval for this use. The privacy and convenience of self-testing could encourage more individuals to determine their HIV status, and to pursue treatment if it turns out that they are indeed infected.
For more information, please visit: www.chembio.com
Media Contact:
Enrique Briz
(212) 825-3210
19. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENT:
- The Mugala Family Wedding Announcement
The Rev. Faith Mundi Simfukwe & the Rev. Paul Muwemba Mugala, Sr., pastor of the newly established Shalom Tabernacle AME Church in Lusaka, Zambia, proudly announce the marriage of their oldest twin daughter, Elizabeth Chiwanza Mugala to Mr. Flavious DaCosta on Saturday, the Sixth of August, Two-Thousand and Eleven at Four o'clock in the afternoon at the AME Church National Cathedral, Metropolitan A.M.E. Church in Washington D.C.
Congratulatory messages can be emailed to:
The Rev. Paul M. Mugala, Sr.: mugalapm@gmail.com
The Rev. Faith M. Simfukwe-Mugala: faith.mugala@yahoo.com -
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Regretfully we share the passing on of Hope Christians; daughter of the Rev. N.C. Christians of the Namibia Conference of the 15th Episcopal District is shared with the Connectional Church family.
"Singing her way through life she was an inspiration to everyone she came into contact with. One of the great assets of the Y.P.D is gone to receive that eternal crown."
Condolences and expressions of sympathy for Rev. N.C. Christians and Family can be forwarded to: cjvpza@yahoo.co.uk
21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the homegoing of Sister Delores Warren, wife of the Rev. John E. Warren, pastor of Bethel/Salter AME Church-Cleburne, Texas and the mother of the Rev. Demetrius Warren, associate pastor, Bethel/Salter AME Church.
Service Arrangements for Sister Delores Warren:
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Viewing: 9:30 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
Homegoing Celebration: 12:00 P.M.
Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church
The Rev. David Baldwin, Pastor
317 N. Brazos Avenue
Cleburne, Texas 76031
Phone: (817) 645-5105
Rev. Demetrius Warren, Eulogist
The family is requesting in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to Bethel/Salter AME Church in honor of Sis. Delores Warren.
Send to:
Bethel Salter AME Church
The Rev. John E. Warren, Pastor
106 Olive Street
Cleburne, Texas 76031
Phone: (817) 645-1802
Sister Warren's final earthly care has been entrusted to:
Emanuel Funeral Home
The Rev. Ray Charles Emanuel, Owner
1721 W. Oak Street
Palestine, Texas 75801
Phone: (903) 729-3188
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. John Warren
602 Mansfield Rd.
Cleburne, Texas 76301
Phone: (817) 798-9693
Email: johnwarren1660@att.net
22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Mary Bates Blankenship, a faithful missionary leader in the AME Church (Life Member), Birmingham City Schools’ educator, and presiding elder's wife. Mrs. Mary Bates Blankenship, 81 was the widow of Presiding Elder Eddie L. Blankenship (former President, Birmingham City Council). She died on September 5, 2011. She was the mother of Attorney Donald Blankenship and Mrs. Deb Blankenship.
Service Arrangements for Mrs. Mary Bates Blankenship:
Homegoing Celebration:
Saturday, September 10, 2011
11:00 a.m.
Payne Chapel A.M.E. Church
1825 Center Way, South
Birmingham, Alabama 35205
Phone: 205-251-3412
Interment Highland Memorial Garden
Professional Services entrusted to:
Davenport & Harris Funeral Home, Inc.
301 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., SW
Birmingham, AL 35211
Phone: (205) 252-2103
Fax: (205) 252-4932
Condolences may be sent to:
The Ninth Episcopal District of the AME Church
Bishop James Levert Davis, Presiding Prelate
1040 19th Street North
Birmingham, AL 35203
205-326-4499 - Office
205-326-4434 - FAX
23. 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
24. 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.
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