THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE (2/28/05)

AME ALERT! AME ALERT! AME ALERT! AME ALERT! AME ALERT!

UPDATE FROM BISHOP ADAM JEFFERSON RICHARDSON:

I have another meeting in the morning with the police. They have concluded that the "crime" they can investigate (for the sake of legal protocols and cooperation with other police agencies) is "identity theft." This is the most sinister operation I have witnessed in a long time. We have gotten calls from various parts of the 2nd, 5th, and 13th Districts. I am sure there are others.

If your readers will alert me, I will pass on their information to the police here so that they can begin the connection with other agencies around the country. The reason a crime like this one is so difficult to investigate and prosecute is precisely why the FBI said they could not touch it: the crimes are all local, though they are occuring all over the country. That means that wherever the money was transferred from, that would be the place where the case would have to be prosecuted -- IF the perpetrators are ever caught.

Again,thanks for your assistance.

Bishop Adam Jeffereson

Your replies may be sent to chsydnor@bellsouth.net

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE (2/28/05)

Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor

1. HAVE YOU, YOUR CHURCH, OR ANYONE YOU KNOW BEEN SCAMMED? BISHOP RICHARDSON AND THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH IS ASKING FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE AND FOR YOUR VIGILANCE IN NOT BEING A VICTIM OF SCAM ARTISTS USING THE COVER OF THE AME CHURCH. CHRISTIAN RECORDER READERS MAY REPLY TO chsydnor@bellsouth.net:

Dr. Sydnor and Dr. Fugh,

Greetings in HIS great name. I need to enlist your help in sending an alert regarding a scam being perpetrated in my name across the entire connection. I am meeting with authorities and it would help to have an idea about the magnitude of the scam: who has been victimized and for what amount; who has been targeted and where they are located. It is a vicious ploy and we need to stop it before anyone else is victimized. There are too many legitimate needs to which we could respond than to be turned off by the sinister needs of social leeches. The sad thing is that I suspect that the perpetrators are AMEs or former AMEs (perhaps even a ring of pastors). They (he and she) know too much about us (our organization and personnel).

The Christian Recorder and email network, and the AME Website of the General Secretary, would be helpful in identifying the extent of the damage and persons who have been contacted by the scam artists. More than a month ago, Dr. Fugh made an announcement on the official website, but there have been numerous "contacts" and "hits" since then and several persons have sent money thinking that they were being helpful.

It's an old scam. I was contacted while still the pastor of Bethel, Tallahassee. At the time, more than eight years ago, it was Bishop Z. L. Grady's "niece" who was allegedly moving to Tallahassee with three children, a major job promotion, who would be joining our church the following Sunday, but whose car broke down en route and needed roadside assistance to the tune of $800. That amount should have been sent via Western Union.

Now, the scam artists are not only using my name, but they have also begun to identify themselves as me. That's called identity theft.

Let's see if we can't get responses from persons who have been burned by the scam -- using my good name and sponging off of the goodwill of good pastors who were attempting to do a good deed. Perhaps "victims" would be forthcoming so that we can determine the damage that has been done. Other persons who were suspicious about the ploy and did not respond should also let me know so that we can determine the potential damage that may have been accomplished.

We need their names, location (city and state), and the amount of money involved. If they were only contacted but did not respond, we need that information also. We need the same information (name, city, state) and the amount requested. If they sent money by Western Union, it would be helpful if we had a copy of the transaction, or at least the date and location of the transaction. If they have filed a police report, we need the date and the name of the police department.

We have always said that the AMEC has the best network in the world. Let's see if we can use our network to help one another by stopping the further victimization of our churches and pastors.

Yours in His Service,

Adam J. Richardson
Bishop

2. THE EDITOR’S CORNER:

- The Winners:

Sister Delores Kennedy-Williams and the Reverend Dr. Sidney Williams won for answering the question about the most recent General Conference when no bishops were elected. Sister Kennedy-Williams answered, the General Conference of 1904 when no bishops were elected. A General Officer was elected. Reverend Williams “pulled one out of the bag” and reminded us that there was a called meeting of the General Conference in 1946 that was held in Little Rock, Arkansas. No bishops were elected and two bishops were expelled and one bishop was suspended.

The winner for the high school / middle school question was Stephen Green, age 12, a student at Lakeview Middle School in Winter Garden, Florida.

Stephen also took the initiative and answered correctly the question posed to seminarians / applicants for ministry who are going through the Conference Course of Study. Stephen Green, a 12 year old, is commended for his study of African Methodism. Our long-time readers might remember the article written by Stephen’s brother, Adam, who wrote about the youth retreat at St. Mark AME Church in Orlando.

The question about the “Four Horsemen” of the AME Church for College / young adults was correctly answered by Kendra Golphin, 18 year old freshman at Wilberforce University.

Sister Kennedy-Williams and P.E. Williams won a copy of Bishop Nichols’ book written by Jeanette T. Johns. Stephen won one-year subscriptions for The Christian Recorder and The A.M.E. Church Review and Kendra won a subscription for the subscription for The A.M.E. Church Review.

The questions and the correct answers are appended below.

- High school / middle school question: Where was Bishop Allen born, Philadelphia or Delaware? Answer: Bishop Richard Allen was born in Philadelphia.

Here is where I received my Information:

http://earlyamerica.com/review/spring97/allen.html

- College age / young adult question: Who were the “Four Horsemen” of the African Methodist Episcopal Church? Write a brief synopsis of each of their ministries.

Answer: The “Four Horsemen” of the AME church were: Richard Allen, William Paul Quinn, Daniel A. Payne, and Henry M. Turner.

Richard Allen- was the founder and the 1st Bishop of the AME church. He was ordained in 1799. In 1794 Richard Allen's black smith shop was dedicated as a church. Richard Allen was consecrated as its first Bishop at the General Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 10, 1816.

William Paul Quinn- The fourth Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He was ordained a deacon in 1818 then ordained an elder in 1838. He pastored in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Illinois. He became the Senior Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church may 9, 1849.

Daniel A. Payne- The sixth Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Bishop Payne was ordained an elder in the Lutheran Church in 1837. He pastored churches in Washington, New York and Baltimore. During his tenure, he presided over the 1st, 3rd, 2nd, and 7th Districts. He organized the South Carolina Conference in 1865, and founded Wilberforce University in 1856 where he became the first Black President of a college in America. Payne served as the President of Wilberforce University for 13 years.

Henry M. Turner- The twelfth Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Bishop Turner was first licensed to preach in the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1860 and an elder in 1862. He organized A.M.E. Churches all over the state of Georgia. Bishop Turner served as a Presiding Elder in Georgia. He was elected the Business Manager of the Publication Department. He founded the Southern Christian Recorder, the Voice of Missions and the Women's Christian Recorder.

- Question for seminarians and applicants for ministry who are going through the Conference Course of Study: Which bishop never held an annual conference, nor ordained a minister; but continued to minister like other ministers? He was the only bishop to resign. Answer: Bishop Edward Waters

Heartfelt congratulations to all of our winners!

Trivia Question: Who was the first elected bishop of the AME Church?

Whoever gives the best account of the election will have his or her answer printed in The Christian Recorder Online and in the hardcopy of The Christian Recorder. Please answer in your own words.

The winner will receive a free copy of The Romance of African Methodism by George A. Singleton.

3. THIRTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT CELEBRATES AN UNFORGETTABLE FOUNDER’S DAY:

Memphis, Tenn. – The 13th Episcopal of the AME Church celebrated Founder’s Day in Memphis Feb. 10-12, at St. Andrew AME Church, pastored by the Reverend Dr. Kenneth S. Robinson who is also the Commissioner of Health for the State of Tennessee. The Reverend John E. Madison, Sr., Presiding Elder of the South Memphis District and the Reverend Robert Finch, Presiding Elder of the North Memphis District, set the stage for an unforgettable Founder’s Day. They, along with their pastors and laity, rolled out the “red carpet” for Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, presiding prelate for the 13th Episcopal District along her husband, Supervisor of Missions Stan McKenzie. Bishop McKenzie is the first female elected and consecrated bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and is the President of the Council of Bishops and Brother Stan McKenzie is the first male Episcopal Supervisor.

“Founder’s Day is the season for us to drink again from the wells of our heritage,” Bishop McKenzie said proudly, and went on to say, “We dip our cups deep into the rich waters of AME achievements. We are refreshed by the courage of those who launched out into the deep treacherous waters of institutional building. It is a time to revisit out traditions and create new ones for the 21st century.”

The Founder’s Day theme, “Believe, Renew, Resource, Rebuild, Regimen and Results,” was the spiritual backdrop for the three-day celebration that attracted huge crowds who were excited and anxious to follow the vision and to “Believe” what God had revealed to their Episcopal leader that greater works could be done in the Thirteenth Episcopal District.

The first order of business for Founder’s Day was the Presiding Elders’ Institute conducted by Bishop McKenzie, followed by a luncheon in St. Andrew’s newly renovated Family Life Center. A representative from Works, Inc., a non- profit corporation under the umbrella of St. Andrew’s ministry, made a presentation on “How to assists ministries with government funds for community development.”

Founder’s Day officially opens

Later that evening, Dr. Floyd Flake, senior pastor of the 18,600-member Greater Allen AME Cathedral of Jamaica, New York, preached a jubilant opening worship service about “What Do You Do When You Get What You Ask For?” The soul-stirring message focused on five sisters who prayed and finally received their inheritance in Joshua, chapter 12, after being a part of a great legacy from the descendants of Joseph.

Shelby County Mayor A. C. Wharton welcomed the congregation and presented Bishop McKenzie and Pastor Flake with gifts from Shelby County. Memphis Mayor W. W. Herenton met with Bishop McKenzie and Supervisor Stan McKenzie on Friday.

The Founder’s Day Activities included early morning prayer sessions, exercise in St. Andrew’s gymnasium and nutritious meals served by St. Andrew’s. Bishop McKenzie said, “We need to renew our bodies with exercising and walking” and reminded the Thirteenth District, “The cross is both horizontal and vertical. We are promoting healthy eating habits and healthy spiritual habits.”

The Reverend Ronald L. Owens, retired Army Chaplain and now, pastor of Bethel AME Church in Augusta, Georgia, conducted a powerful workshop on how to establish cohesive, healthy relations with God and collegial relations with each other. Workshop participants engaged in dialogue about conflict resolution and problem-solving techniques. “We will have conflicts in the church,” Dr. Owens said and went on to explain, “They can come about as a result of our different gifts.”

Preaching, praise and dance were an integral part of Founder’s Day. An Hour of Power started at noon Friday. Rev. W. Antoni Sinkfield, pastor of St. John AME Church in Nashville, delivered a thought-provoking message, “Reaching for Grapes, Living like Grasshoppers, and Dealing with Giants.” On Friday night, the Reverend Jonathan Weaver, pastor of Mt. Nebo AME Church in Bowie, Maryland, spoke out prophetically in his sermon entitled “Under Protective Custody.” He graphically illustrated that the righteous suffer afflictions but the Lord delivers the righteous and helps them to navigate their way through difficulties. The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the Editor of The Christian Recorder preached the sermon about the “Women with the Issue of Blood” entitled, “Hit and Miss.” He pointed out that sometimes we want to “touch the hem of the Master’s garment” without accountability. Founder’s Day featured glorious praise music nightly from St. Andrew’s choir and praise-dancers. The “Men in Motion” led an explosive, dramatic, dance routine with banners, evoking sustain applause the congregation. The musical rendition of, “The Best is Yet to Come” was inspiration for Presiding Elder Madison’s introduction of Bishop McKenzie’s vision who said, “The best is not yet to come, but is already in progress.”

Ministry in action

On Saturday morning, the Nehemiah Nation, a men and young adult ministry, journeyed to Palestine AME Church in Memphis, pastored by Reverend Quinton Smith to help make improvements on the church’s structure. A group of 50 men repaired the roof, painted, raked leaves, and made other repairs. The outreach sparked enthusiasm when Bishop McKenzie, dressed in her Nehemiah Nation attire, witnessed the work in progress. Bishop McKenzie coined The Nehemiah Nation after the Prophet Nehemiah, because he was a praying man of God who brought about spiritual revival by rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. “Men are the walls of our communities – protecting, providing safety and security,” she said.

Using innovative outreach methods to impact people with the Gospel, Bishop McKenzie, has established the Nehemiah Nation, School of the Prophets, an institute for continuing education for the Thirteenth Episcopal District clergy, AME Pages, AME Works Day, and Believe, Inc.

Bishop McKenzie meets the Memphis media

In the weeks leading up to Founder’s Day, Presiding Elder Madison and Presiding Elder Finch, served notice on the City of Memphis that the AME’s, were coming to Memphis to celebrate Founder’s Day with its history-making, first female elected and consecrated bishop and the first male Episcopal Supervisor. Bishop McKenzie was the guest on live radio and television talk shows. Callers and well-wishers on the “Janice Fullilove Show,” praised Bishop McKenzie for her faith and courage in answering her “call from God.” Local newspapers published exclusive feature articles about the Thirteenth District Founder’s Day and Bishop and Supervisor McKenzie. Presiding Elder Madison was quoted in The Commercial Appeal saying “History is being made with Bishop McKenzie and she’s shepherding a rebirth in our Church.” Presiding Elder Finch told one newspaper, “We are learning how to resolve conflicts within our local churches and turn to one another for help as a result of Bishop McKenzie’s leadership; we are discovering how to be good AME’s.”

From St. Andrew to St. James

The Founder’s Day celebration made a swift transition from South Memphis to North Memphis with a 10 a.m. service at St. James AME Church, pastored by the Reverend Walter W. Reid, Jr. Three television stations sent their crews to get one final interview before Bishop McKenzie graced the pulpit.

Bishop McKenzie spoke from Psalm 37:18 - 19. Her dynamic preaching and biblical exegesis exhorted the congregation to praise God in spite of what they might be going through. The congregation, erupting in shouts of praise, included Memphis Judge Earnestine Dorse, the Sorors of Delta Sigma Theta, and the renowned Memphis fashion designer, Barbara Perkins.

After the worship service, Presiding Elder Madison and his wife, Mrs. Willie Ann, led a speeding convoy that escorted Bishop McKenzie and her entourage across Interstate I-240 for another Founder’s Day service in Parsons, Tennessee.

Submitted by Patricia Rogers, Memphis area public relations agent


4. DEVOTIONAL: GOING FORWARD WITH GOD: YOUR PART COUNTS:

For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body – whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free – and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where should the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. (I Corinthians 12: 13-14, 17-18 NIV)

The passage above informs us that God has established an important role for each part of the body to play in His plan of redemption. Frequently when we think of the roles we play in the body of Christ, we describe them as member of the usher board, missionary society, official board, Sunday school, Lay organization, or clergy of some level. These descriptions are related to the parts we play in the formal structure of our churches. But, what about the spiritual parts we play as part of the body of Christ?

I Corinthians chapter 12 describes the body as many parts. The parts of the body described here are spiritual parts. The Church goes forward with God as the Holy Spirit manifests Himself in individual believers. These manifestations occur in three dimensions outlined by scripture…

Submitted by the Reverend James Moody, Quinn Chapel, Chicago, Illinois

(Read the complete article in The Christian Recorder)

Subscribe to the hardcopy Christian Recorder and receive it in the mail. You may call 800-648-8724 and make your payment using your credit card.

Or, you may send $26.00 check or money order for a one-year subscription to:

The Christian Recorder
512 8th Avenue South
Nashville, Tennessee 37203-4181

BREAKING NEWS!!!!!

Tune in to C-Span all day today, Saturday, February 26 beginning at 8 a.m. EST. - all day!

Tavis Smiley (with co-host Tom Joyner) Presents the State of the Black Union 2005. The program is entitled, "Road to Health and Defining the African American Agenda.

African American leaders from all walks of American life will appear on the program.

Bishop Vashti McKenzie, a bishop in the AME Church will appear on the program in the segment beginning at 3 p.m. EST until the program's conclusion. She is the presiding prelate of the 13th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.


Bishop McKenzie is the only AME religious leader on the program of national "heavy weights."

Tune in to C-Span and see Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Dr. M. Joycelyn Elders, Minister Louis Farrakhan, Bishop Eddie Long, the Reverend Al Sharpton, Dr. Cornel West, the Reverend Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, et.al.

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE (2/25/05)

Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor

1. EDITOR’S CORNER:

The Winner(s) who answer(s) the question(s) concerning AME History will be announced in the next issue.

2. BISHOP MCKENZIE WILL BE THE KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT THE 13TH ANNUAL AFRICAN AMERICAN CHURCH DAY ON CAPITOL HILL:

Bishop McKenzie will be the keynote speaker at the 13th annual African American Church Day on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, March 1, 2005 – 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at Tennessee State University at the Avon Williams Campus on the 3rd floor Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee.

The purpose of African American Church Day on Capitol Hill is to educate the public regarding the legislative process and to focus on economic justice and equality through political advocacy and influence.

The public is invited and a free continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Submitted by Dr. Richard Lewis, Treasurer/CFO, AMEC Finance Department.

3. BETHEL, HUNTINGTON, NY WELCOMES PASTOR MICHAEL D. WASHINGTON:

Led by the efforts of the Steward Board and Sister Jennifer C. White, Chairperson, members and friends of Bethel A.M.E. Church, Huntington, NY joined to participate in a Community Welcome for the 32nd Pastor of the church. After opening with the invocation by Rev. George D. Spearmon, Jr.; scripture reading by Sister Victoria Motley; and explanation of the occasion by Sister Thelma Abidally, the next portion of the program proceeded. Words of welcome and encouragement to Rev. Washington were given by Bro. Donald Bentley on behalf of the Steward Board and Sis. Quetta Latimer on behalf of the Trustee Board. A representative of Frank Petrone, Supervisor of the Town of Huntington, extended a welcome on behalf of town officials. Bernard Reverdin of Old First Presbyterian Church welcomed Rev. Washington on behalf of the community churches and expressed a desire to continue the previously established frequent and varied fellowship exchanges between the churches. Music for the occasion was furnished by The Male Chorus, under the direction of Bro. Ulysses H. Spicer.

Rev. Dr. William R. Spencer spoke for the Ministerial Staff of Bethel, offering support, assistance, and loyalty to the new pastor. Rev. Vernon I. Lowe, Presiding Elder of the Jamaica-Long Island District and President of the Presiding Elders Council spoke in glowing terms about Rev. Washington and challenged the congregation to receive him wholeheartedly and to be in full support of his administration.

A personal highlight of the occasion was that Rev. E. Timothy Nathan, pastor of Payne Chapel A.M.E. Church, Birmingham, AL, was in attendance and was a participant on the program. Rev. Washington and Rev. Nathan were seminary students together at Turner Theological Seminary in Atlanta, GA and have remained close friends since that time.

Pastor Washington arrived at Bethel, Huntington just in time to help celebrate the 161st anniversary of this historic church. He brings with him a willingness and eagerness to serve God’s people in Huntington. He quickly discovered the need of the congregants to be comforted and assured that he understands their concerns, given the recent events in the history of the church. Because of his deep understanding, this transition in leadership progresses smoothly. Pastor Washington began immediately to set forth his plans for the congregation to meet certain goals.

Rev. Washington is particularly interested in working with all members of the Huntington area clergy. He plans to become a member of the Huntington Hospital Chaplaincy Team and wishes to become an integral art of the Huntington community, in general. He places great stress on the importance of family and emphasizes the necessity for unity in all phases of our work for God. He envisions moving Bethel forward one step at a time and firmly believes that God will lead him and enable him to go forth with His work in this particular area of His vineyard.

4. REBUILDING ON THE LEGACY OF THE PAST, STANDING ON THE HOPE OF THE PRESENT, WHILE STRIVING FOR SPIRITUAL AND ECONOMIC LIBERATION FOR ALL PEOPLE:

By Charita Johnson-Burgess, Member of St. Mark A.M.E. Church

A Founder’s Day that was truly blessed by the Lord was held in the Thirteenth Episcopal District on Sunday, February 13th at St. Mark A.M.E. Church in Parsons, Tennessee, where the Reverend Sabrina Transou is the pastor. The Right Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie is the presiding prelate of the Thirteenth Episcopal District. This year’s Founder’s Day theme was, “Rebuilding on the Legacy of the Past, Standing on the Hope of the Present, While Striving for Spiritual and Economic Liberation for All People.”

The day was filled with history, inspiration, and reflection. The morning worship service began with a soul-inspiring sermon delivered by the Reverend Sabrina Transou who stated, “Before you know where you’re going, you have to know where you’re coming from.” Her text was taken from Habakkuk 2:2-4 with a focus on, “Their vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak.” She reminding the worshipers that their vision should be God’s vision for them; and when they trust God who gives them the vision, they will need to hold on to it, and in the end their vision will bear fruit. Reverend Transou closed her sermon with an admonition for each person to commend his or her spirit and vision into the Hands of the Lord as Moses was commended to the Lord after his birth; so must each of us commend our spirits, our visions, and ourselves to the Lord.

The high spiritual time of the morning service was followed by the rapture of the afternoon service with the inspiring message of Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie. Bishop McKenzie focused on the challenge of transitioning from the “ordinary life to extraordinary life.” Bishop McKenzie’s inspirational delivery had the congregation on its feet in praise and thanksgiving. She reminded the congregation that each person was a unique individual in the image of God and that God has a song for each person, that only he or she could sing. Bishop McKenzie went on to explain that God had a prayer for each person, that only he or she could pray; a sermon that only he or she could preach; because there is something in this world that God has appointed for each person, and what God gives to each person, only that person can do. Bishop McKenzie’s sermon directed those in attendance to the three needs that take them, “From the ordinary the extraordinary.” She went on to say, “People must be as Moses was: God directed; not moving before asking for God’s direction; God equipped, knowing that you are equipped with what is needed to carry out God’s task; and holding on to the assurance that God will not send you a alone - God will send each person, ‘an Aaron’ who is knowledgeable about what you must achieve.” Bishop McKenzie encouraged the congregation, “Do not to worry about having all the information, for when God directs and equips you, God will send someone with you…

(Read the complete article in The Christian Recorder)

Subscribe to the hardcopy Christian Recorder and receive it in the mail. You may call 800-648-8724 and make your payment using your credit card.

Or, you may send $26.00 check or money order for a one-year subscription to:

The Christian Recorder
512 8th Avenue South
Nashville, Tennessee 37203-4181

5. TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE “GULF COAST MINISTERIAL ALLIANCE ANNOUNCES HOLY WEEK AND EASTER SUNRISE SERVICES:

The Texas Conference "Gulf Coast Ministerial Alliance" will begin its Holy Week Services at Payne Cathedral of Faith AME Church, 2701 Lee Street, Houston, Texas. The Reverend Marshall Hobbs is the host pastor.

Holy Week worship services will begin Tuesday night March 22, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. nightly through Friday March 25. The alliance Easter Sunrise Service will at Payne Cathedral on Easter Sunday morning, March 27, at 6:00 a.m. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy the telling of "THE GOOD NEWS."

The Reverend Hunt Harris, President; the Reverend Herman Reese, Coordinator

6. LETTER TO THE EDITOR:

Dear Dr. Sydnor

To God be the glory!!

I salute Presiding Elder Sidney W. Williams, Jr. for allowing us to glimpse into his past. Such an experience and cogent statement about what happened in the past should awaken us also.

By the way, for those that may not have known, on January 29, 2005, the Reverend Sidney W. Williams, Jr. celebrated 50 years of ministry at 3rd Street Bethel AMEC in Richmond, Virginia.

The Church of Allen continues to salute you Presiding Elder Williams!

The Reverend Norman VickThe Virginia Annual Conference

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE (2/24/05)

Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor

1. THE EDITOR’S CORNER:

The winner is…! Dr. Bill Dickens who posed the question, shares his thoughts about who should be declared the winner:

“The correct year I was looking for was indeed 1904. I thought it was obvious that the original question implied Quadrennial General Conference and not Special Sessions.

Now, according to the Richard Allen Museum, Bishop David Henry Sims was the 55th elected and consecrated bishop (elected in 1932) and served 33 years. I'm confused by the reference to Sims name and the number of bishops expelled in 1946. Sims served well beyond 1946. Now it is true that Bishop Curry, the 60th elected and consecrated bishop, elected in 1940, served only 6 years. The end of his tenure on the bench coincides with the expulsion vote of 1946. Presiding Elder Williams makes an interesting case but it is in my opinion a noteworthy footnote, not a correct answer. Special Sessions are, by definition, not Quadrennial General Conferences. Bishop Sims was not expelled in 1946.

I vote to give the gift book to the subscriber who correctly identified the year as 1904.

However, in the true spirit of Christian collegiality we all benefited from Presiding Elder Williams’ timely entry. His contribution merits a "runner-up" award. If you have an extra copy of Bishop Nichols’ book pass it on to Reverend Williams.

Bro. Bill Dickens
Asst. District Church School Superintendent
Tallahassee District
Tallahassee, Florida

Editor’s Comment:

According to the Encyclopaedia of African Methodism compiled by Bishop R. R. Wright, page 19, Bishop D. H. Sims was indeed expelled at the extra session of the General Conference held in Little Rock, Arkansas.

We would appreciate If Dr. Dennis Dickerson, AME Church Historiographer or any other “historian” of African Methodism would clarify the issue of Bishop Sims’ tenure.

- Dr. Sydnor

I know I can't win the prize because I work in Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie’s office here at the AME Publishing House and I had the assistance of several General Officers; but I found the trivia question quite fascinating and it gave me an opportunity to study some AME History during Black History Month. Thank you.

The answer to the question of when was the last time we held a General Conference when no Bishops were elected was 1904. During the conference the delegates considered legislation, worshipped and elected/re-elected some General Officers. During his opening address at the 1904 Quadrennial General Conference, Bishop Cornelius T. Shaffer's recommended that the General Conference not elect any new Bishops because the Church had enough bishops to superintend the work of the Church; so no bishops were elected.

I would like to thank Dr. Dennis Dickerson for giving me access to and for reviewing the minutes of the 1904 General Conference with me.

Kindest Regards
The Rev. Tyronda Howse Burgess
Executive Aide to Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie

- Dear Editor Sydnor,

There is no doubt that Presiding Elder Sidney Williams is one of the sharpest minds in the Church, and has served on the General Board for 32 years. Since he answered the question, and provided the fine details surrounding the special session, he should be given the prize, hands down; I learned something, from his answer.

Valerie Gary Bell
General Board
2nd Episcopal District

- One of the responses received surmised that Presiding Elder Williams may have been present at the 1946 called session of the General Conference. Appended below is his response:

“My Father attended the called-session of the General Conference held in Little Rock. He was a true friend of Bishop Monroe H. Davis and stood with him faithfully. Dad was severely penalized for his fidelity to Bishop Davis. He was demoted and was reassigned from Mt. Moriah AME Church, Annapolis, Maryland to St. Paul AME Church, Newport News, Virginia. Another supporter of Bishop Davis, the Reverend J. E. Reese was reassigned from Bethel AME, Baltimore to Bethel AME Church, Hampton, Virginia. There were others who were punished also. The AME Church accepted negative actions of reprisal in those days. The Minister’s Bill of Rights was not a part of Church law at that time. Dad never regretted the price that he paid. He instilled in me that manhood requires a willingness to stand on principle and that no price is too high. It greatly affected my life. I was not thinking about ministry at that time. It was a seed sown that bore fruit many seasons later.

Forgive me for the personal reflection. I needed to revisit those moments of years ago.”

SWW

- The Winners:

Sister Delores Kennedy-Williams
5th Connectional President
Women’s Missionary Society,
African Methodist Episcopal Church.

The Reverend Dr. Sidney Williams,
Presiding Elder
The Richmond, Roanoke, Portsmouth District of the
Virginia Annual Conference

2. AME HISTORY

The Christian Recorder Online is instituting a question and answer forum, from time to time, in hopes of raising the awareness and knowledge of our constituency of the history of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Small prizes will be awarded and the correct responses will be published in the Christian Recorder or in one of the other periodicals of the AME Church as appropriate.

Some Questions will be open to all. At other times there will be question categories, e.g., adults, seminarians and applicants for ministry who are going through the Conference Course of Study, college age young adults to age 22 and high school and middle school students. Respondents in all categories are asked to provide his or her home mailing address with his or her response; and your age category and where you attend school and church.

The first person to answer correctly will be declared the winner. Email your answers to: chsydnor@bellsouth.net .

If you don’t have a computer, you may send responses from your local Library or local church if they have Internet access.

Today, we are going to ask a question in each category.

High School Middle School Question: Where was Bishop Allen born?

Complication:

In the book, “The Dogmas and Precepts of the Fathers” by Bishop Monroe H. Davis” on page 91, it says, “The founder of the African Methodism (Richard Allen) was born a slave in the State of Delaware. He purchased his freedom and moved to Philadelphia.”

In the book, “Life, Experience, Etc, of the Rt. Rev. Richard Allen,” it quotes Allen as saying, “I was born in the year of our Lord 1760, on February 14th a slave to Benjamin Chew, of Philadelphia. My mother and father and four children of us were sold into Delaware State, near Dover”

You may research the question in the library; or ask your pastor or an adult leader in your church to help you answer the question correctly.

Prize: One-year subscription to the AME periodical of your choice.

College age young adult question: Who were the “Four Horsemen” of the African Methodist Episcopal Church? Write a brief synopsis of each of their ministries.

Prize: One-year subscription to The A.M.E. Church Review.

Question for seminarians and applicants for ministry who are going through the Conference Course of Study: Which bishop never held an annual conference, nor ordained a minister; but continued to minister like other ministers. He was the only bishop to resign?

Prize: One-year subscription to the AME periodical of your choice.

Dr. Dennis Dickerson, AME Church Historiographer, will be the final arbiter of the responses received.

3. MEMORANDUM FROM DR. DARRYL INGRAM, SECRETARY-TREASURER, DEPARTMENT OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION:

The Bishops’ Council of the AME Church has instituted a Quadrennial Focus that will guide and shape the programmatic agenda for the Church. All departments and connectional organizations are requested to use the annual themes in planning their activities, especially the teaching moments. The Christian Education Department will be the lead agency in guiding the process.

The focus is based on John 10:10b; “… I came so everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest.” (Contemporary English Version)

The themes are as follows:

June 2005-May 2006 “Living Well”
June 2006-May 2007 “Serving Well”
June 2007-May 2008 “Managing Well”
June 2008-May 2009 “Ending or Finishing Well”

The focus begins officially June 1, 2005 with “Living Well.”

Editor’s Comment: “Spread the word!

4. "THE DOGMAS AND PRECEPTS OF THE FATHERS" WRITTEN BY BISHOP MONROE H. DAVIS:

The Reverend Dr. Darryl Ingram, Secretary-Treasurer, Department of Christian Education, after much begging and cajoling, let me borrow his book, "The Dogmas and Precepts of the Fathers" written by Bishop Monroe H. Davis. I had never seen the book before yesterday. I understand that Dr. Jamye Coleman Williams won’t even let anyone borrow her copy. I can understand why. This book is “loaded” with AME history, polity and doctrine.

I am willing to pay $25 if anyone has a copy that they want to sell. I need my own book that I can mark up and I know that Dr. Ingram does not want me to mark in his book. I need a copy of this book!

5. CHANGE IN THE MEETING PLACE OF THE LOS ANGELES MINISTERIAL ALLIANCE:

The Ministerial Alliance Meeting for March 1, 2005, shall not be at the Ward A. M. E. Church. They have a funeral that will prevent us from having our meeting there.

Our March 1st, meeting will take place at Grant A. M. E. Church, 10435 South Central Avenue. Los Angeles, California. We shall meet in the Fellowship Hall of the church. Phone number is 323-564-1151. Our meeting shall begin at 10:30 a.m. A wonderful Brunch/Lunch shall be served as well. Please be present and on time. Our major agenda item shall be getting ready for our Good Friday Services, March 25th 12:00 noon, at First A. M. E. Los Angeles.

Grace and Power
Pastor Leslie R. White
President of the Los Angeles & Vicinity A. M. E. Ministerial Alliance.

6. BEREAVEMENT NOTICE - NINTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:

We announce the passing of Mr. Warren G. Kirkland, brother of Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, Presiding Bishop of the Ninth Episcopal District. Homegoing Services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 26, 2005 at:

Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Ridgeview Memorial Park, Inc.
Hwy 75, Exit 38 Ridgeview Drive
(P.O. Box 1007)
McKinney, Texas 75070-1007

Messages may be sent to:

Bishop & Mrs. T. Larry Kirkland & Family
2120 Park Brook Lane
Birmingham, AL 35215

Mrs. Idella Kirkland & Family
3405 Woodson Drive
McKinney, TX 75070

Please remember the family in your prayers.
God Bless!

7. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Regretfully we share news of the passing of Rev. James M. Harris, a former pastor in the Tennessee Conference.

The home going service for Rev. James M. Harris:

Friday, February 25, 2005
Visitation @ 11:00 a.m.
The funeral to follow @ 12 noon
St. Paul A.M.E. Church
3340 W. Hamilton Avenue
Nashville, TN 37218
(615) 876-7219 (phone)

Rev. Harold Love, Pastor

Services are being provided by:

Holmes Funeral Home
1408 Jo Johnston Avenue
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 329-2462 (phone)
(6150 329-2526 (fax)

Condolences can be sent to:

Mrs. Lillie Harris
730 Work Drive
Nashville, TN 37207
(615) 876-1067

Submitted by:
Genia Brown

8. ALL BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS SUBMITTED BY:

Ora L. Easley, President
CONN-M-SWAWO +PK'SEmail: Amespouses1@aol.com
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Fax: (615) 833-3781

Websites:

http://www.amemswwpk.org/
CONN-M-SWAWO + P.K.'S Home Page
http://connmswawo3.com/
AME Church Clergy Family Forum
http://connmswawo3.com/membership.html
CONN-M-SWAWO + P.K.'S Membership Listing

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE (2/23/05)

Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor

THE EDITOR'S CORNER:

The winner will be announced tomorrow. 1904 was the year when no bishops were elected and someone claimed that prize, but Presiding Elder Sidney Williams has issued a challenge and says the last time that a General Conference was held and no Bishop elected was in 1946. An extra session fo the General Conference was held in 1946 in Little Rock Arkansas. Bishops D. H. Sims and G. E Curry were expelled; and M. H. Davis was suspended until February 1947; and, no bishops were elected. Bishop Daves was reinstated in 1947.

I should have stated the question: "...the last Quadrennial General Conference...?"

Editor's Question: Should the Reverend Sidney W. Williams share the prize? Or should the person who answered the question with 1904 receive the prize?


1. PASTOR LESLIE WHITE WILL BE ONE YEAR OLDER AND THERE WILL BE A PARTY TO CELEBRATE:

Pastor Leslie White's birthday celebration will be held on Sunday, March 6, at: The Reef on the Water- 880 Harbor Scenic Dr. - Long Beach (directions will be provided). It will be held in the Garden Room (capacity, 150 persons). Those that plan to attend please RSVP to Cheryl Baylark ASAP! The cost is $35.00 per person. Cost does not include a gift. The menu will consist of: cheese & fresh fruit - house salad with raspberry vinaigrette. Choice of entree chicken chasseur or prime rib of beef (choice must be made in advance). Entrees will be served with rice, seasonal vegetables, dessert, rolls & butter, coffee or tea. Cost is inclusive of service charge and sales tax. Payment must be with cash or check (checks may to made out to Donald Scott). When responding, please let Cheryl know if you will be bringing a guest.

Grace and Peace,
Don Scott

2. BEREAVEMENT NOTICE - SEVENTH DISTRICT:

Regretfully we share the news of the passing of Mrs. Davidetta Padmore of Washington DC. Mrs. Padmore is the mother of the Reverend Rickey C. Dennis, Pastor of Saint James AME Church, Wando, SC. Funeral Services are scheduled for 9:00 am on Saturday, February 26 at:

Woodside United Methodist Church
900 Georgia Avenue
Silver Spring, Maryland S

ervices are being provided by:

Capitol Mortuary, Inc.
1425 Maryland Avenue,
NEWashington, DC
Phone: 202-399-6999
Fax: 202-388-1928
Condolences can be sent to

The Reverend Dennis at:
397 Springview Drive
Summerville, South Carolina 29483
Phone: 843-832-9343
P
lease remember the family in your prayers.
God Bless!
Ora L. Easley, President
CONN-M-SWAWO +PK'S
Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Fax: (615) 833-3781

WEB SITES
http://www.amemswwpk.org/
CONN-M-SWAWO + P.K.'S Home Page
http://connmswawo3.com/
AME Church Clergy Family Forum
http://connmswawo3.com/membership.html
CONN-M-SWAWO + P.K.'S Membership Listing

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE (2/21/05)

Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor

1. DR. BILL DICKENS THROWS OUT A TRIVIA QUESTION. THE FIRST PERSON WHO RESPONDS CORRECTLY WILL RECEIVE A PRIZE:

Dr. Sydnor -

I am greatly enjoying the online AME correspondence. I have an AME Trivia Question for your subscribers. Since AME History is black History I believe that it is a timely submission.
Here's the question.

When was the last General Conference held when there was no election of a Bishop(s)?
Briefly explain why this happened and tell us what the delegates did at that General Conference.

Subscribers can respond to the online Recorder: chsydnor@bellsouth.net

Bill DickensTallahassee, FL

Editor's comment:

The first person with the correct answer will receive a free copy of the book about Bishop D. Ward Nichols authored by Jeanette T. Johns, a retired librarian from Farmingdale, NY entitled, “The Upward Journey: A Centenarian's Chronicle” and will have their response printed in The Christian Recorder.

Bishops, General Officers and employees of the Sunday School Union may not participate in this trivia question.

2. THE NEW U.S. SECURITY ENVOY TO THE MIDDLE EAST, LIEUTENANT GENERAL WILLIAM (KIP) WARD IS AN AME:

Lieutenant General William E Ward ("Kip") is the new US security envoy to the Middle East. In that position, he will be the new security coordinator between Israelis and Palestinians.
Lieutenant General William Ward is a member of Falls Road A.M.E. Church, Baltimore, Maryland (Washington Conference). His late grandfather, the Reverend Joseph H. Cashen, was the pastor of Falls Road A.M.E. Church for over 32 years. His Mother, Mrs. Phylis Ward and other family members still attend our church. Lieutenant General William E Ward continues to support the various ministries of our church.

Gen Ward is a graduate of Morgan State University and received a master's degree in political science from Pennsylvania State University. He has taught at West Point and was the assistant commander of the 82d Airborne Division based at Fort Bragg, N.C., and later served as the commanding general of the 25th Infantry Division, based at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. General Ward is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

In his position as U.S. Security envoy to the Middle East, Gen. Ward follows in the footsteps of, among others, four-star Marine Gen Anthony Zinni and former CIA director George Tenet.

Please lift him in prayer as he moves to this very difficult assignment in the Middle East.

The Rev. Arthur B. GloverPastor, Falls Road A.M.E. Church

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE (2/20/05)

Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor

1. A REPLY FROM THE REVEREND DR. GERALD A. COOPER CONCERNING THE TERM, “POSITIVE LAW”:

Dear Dr. Sydnor,

Despite the practicing attorney's unfamiliarity with the phrase, "positive law" is a legal term. She probably did not study the term in law school because it is not a term that requires study, nor is it a term that is or needs to be used very often. Many outstanding attorneys probably went through law school without ever using the term and find little or no use for it in practice. Nevertheless, Black's Law Dictionary, a standard legal resource, defines positive law as "Law actually and specifically enacted or adopted by proper authority for the government of an organized jural society." In other words, "positive law" is what many people would simply call "law."

While I have not had the need to use the term, I have often heard it used in AME circles. I have always taken the use of the term in the A.M.E. context as an attempt to distinguish law specifically set forth in the Discipline (i.e. positive law) from interpretations of the law and/or from A.M.E. traditions and practices that are not specifically set forth in the Discipline. Using the term in this manner is similar to using it in a legal context to distinguish legislation enacted by a legislative body from case law handed down by the courts. The phrase is probably unnecessary in most instances, but it is harmless so long as we have a common understanding of what we mean when we use it.

Peace,

Gerald A. Cooper (Esq.)
PastorSt. James A.M.E. Church
Cleveland, Ohio

Editor’s Reply:

Dr. Cooper –

Thank you so much for the clarification. What I failed to mention in my article was the statement by the lawyer and the Church representative was, as you stated, “positive law" is what many people would simply call "law."

Thank you for your response. I will certainly share your response with our readers.

2. REPLY FROM THE REVEREND CAROLE NELSON-INGRAM CONCERNING THE TERM, “POSITIVE LAW”:

Dr. Sydnor,

First - I love the work you are doing stimulating discussion on our "AME Ways!" Thanks.
I remember hearing the old timers speak of “Positive Law” and I am trying to remember if I ever saw it defined or if there was anything written about it anywhere. I hope that the voice of some of the elder-elders who may not get on the computer will find their way into this discussion.

I will listen to some of the hours of interview tapes I have with a couple of them who have gone to be with God to see if any of them have addressed this issue.

Thank you again, for touching upon some of the “untouchable subjects.”

Blessings,
The Rev. Carole Nelson-Ingram

3. OFFICIAL EPISCOPAL DISTRICT WEBSITES GIVEN TO ME OR THAT I COULD FIND ON THE INTERNET. SOME OF THEM NEED TO BE UPDATED. REQUEST ALL EPISCOPAL DISTRICTS REVIEW / SEND YOUR OFFICIAL WEB ADDRESS TO chsydnor@bellsouth.net :

Episcopal Districts:

1. http://www.firstdistrictame.com/html/district.htm
2. http://www.2ndamec.org/
3. Third District
4. Fourth District
5. Fifth District
6. Sixth District
7. http://www.amec3000.org/7th_District/
8. Eighth District -
9. Ninth District
10. Tenth District
11. Eleventh District
12. Twelfth District
13. Thirteenth District
14. Fourteenth District
15. http://www.amec3000.org/15th_district/
16. http://www.ame16th.com/
17. http://www.amec3000.org/17th_District/
18. Eighteenth District
19. http://www.amec3000.org/19th_District/
20. Twentieth District

4. SOME OF YOU ARE RECEIVING GIBBERISH IN YOUR CHRISTIAN RECORDER EMAIL MESSAGES. A MESSAGE FROM THE WEBMASTER:

The problem is in the Encoding Setting of each person's E-Mail Client. If one is using Microsoft Outlook do this: Click on View -> Encoding and select Unicode (UT-8).

If Unicode (UT-8) is not visible when Encoding is selected, select More and the options will be expanded.

If you are using any other mail client, do whatever it takes to set your Encoding to Unicode (UT-8).

If the instructions above seem too complicated, go to
http://www.the-christian-recorder.org/tcr-online/ and read The Christian Recorder.

5. LETTER TO THE EDITOR:

Re: "Giving Our Best to the Rural Churches" by Rev. Dr. La Sure: I would, as a lay person, like to remark that many in the clergy have egos that make them resentful of even being given an appointment to a small church in an urban setting, to say nothing of being assigned to a rural church.

I am in agreement with the premise of your remarks in general, but I am, unfortunately, thinking of examples I have seen of clergy who don't do such a bang-up job in "the city"; and the rural church would probably not be given any better care.

This subject has many ramifications that are not easily answered, but you are imminently correct.

Joann K. Blake
Cincinnati, Ohio

6. A MEDITATION: "GOING FORWARD WITH GOD: UNITY OF THE BODY":

Submitted by the Reverend James M. Moody, Sr.

The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body – whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free – and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. (I Corinthians 12: 12-13)

The Church is the body of Jesus Christ in the world today. The Church is a single unit made up of many different parts. The concept of a unit is one of binding together many parts to make one whole. The Church as a unified, living entity is the binding together of all denominations and “non-denominations,” individual congregations, ministries and auxiliaries within a congregation, and individuals who are recipients of the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2: 8).

This is the Church – many coming together as one. The Holy Spirit is the glue that binds the Church together. Through the baptism of the Holy Spirit, we are all unified, as He erases all the false and insignificant distinctions that would divide the body of Christ.

Galatians 3: 26-28 tells us “all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” The Holy Spirit through Paul tells us we are all then children of God and all distinctions are removed. The imagery given here is that of everyone wearing the same uniform
– Jesus Christ.

Many of us have seen school children all dressed in the same uniform as they make their way to school. The wearing of uniforms facilitates unity in the process. Social and economic distinctions are removed. Everyone is the same. There is more opportunity to focus on the common mission of all involved. Doors of cooperation and efficacy are opened. Conflicts are avoided. Students can be more confident allowing for broader and effective participation.

What a picture of the Church, the body of Christ as we clothe ourselves with Christ. Social and economic distinctions are removed. Everyone is the same. There is more opportunity to focus on the common mission of all involved. Doors of cooperation and efficacy are opened. Conflicts are avoided. Members can be more confident allowing for broader and effective participation.

Ephesians 4: 1-3 & 11-13 gives us God’s directives on maintaining unity in the body of Christ.

1. v. 1 - Live each day and address every circumstance in a manner worthy of the name of Jesus Christ. “We are Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. (II Corinthians 5: 20)

2. v. 2a – Conduct ourselves in a humble and gentle manner, recognizing that our own righteousness is but “filthy rags” in His sight, and our boast is in Christ Jesus alone.

3. v. 2b – Be patient and willing to shoulder the weight of each other’s failings, shortcomings, and burdens. “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)”

4. v. 3 - Work to keep peace in the body of Christ. Peace is not the absence of disagreement or differences in perspective; it is maintaining the character and identity of Christ in the midst of disagreement or differences in perspective.

5. v. 11-12 – Submit to the authority of the spiritual offices established by God for His Church. Those who function as apostles (sent ones), prophets, evangelists, and pastor/teachers have been placed by the Father throughout the body of Christ as lay and clergy and empowered by the Holy Spirit to prepare God’s people for the work of the Church.

As we seek to fulfill God’s directives we will “be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (Ephesians 4: 13, 16)

The Reverend James M. Moody, Sr. serves as Senior Pastor of Quinn Chapel AME Church, Chicago, Illinois

7. A BIT OF HUMOR, ENTITLED, “JUDGE NOT” SHARED BY THE REVEREND GREGORY NETTLES. IT HAS A GREAT PREACHING POINT:

I was shocked, confused, bewildered as I entered Heaven's door, Not by the beauty of it all, by the lights or its decor.

But it was the folks in Heaven who made me sputter and gasp-- The thieves, the liars, the sinners, the alcoholics, the trash.

There stood the kid from seventh grade who swiped my lunch money twice. Next to him was my old neighbor who never said anything nice.

Herb, who I always thought was rotting away in hell, Was sitting pretty on cloud nine, looking incredibly well.

I nudged Jesus, "What's the deal? I would love to hear Your take. How'd all these sinners get up here? God must've made a mistake.

And why's everyone so quiet, so somber? "Give me a clue."

"Hush, child," said He.

"They're all in shock. No one thought they'd see you."

(Author unknown)

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE (2/18/05)

Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour. Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor

1. THE EDITOR’S CORNER:

Have you ever been in a discussion with an AME preacher or a leading AME layperson about a church issue and have him, or her reference, “Positive Law?” I have, and usually that would be the end of the discussion because I was intimidated when he or she cited “Positive Law” because I didn’t know what “Positive Law” was, or its definition. I have had several persons to tell me that they have had the same experience of being “stopped” by a person injecting the term, “Positive Law” into the discussion.

“The cat’s out of the bag!” I did some research and there is no such thing as, “Positive Law.” I asked a practicing attorney this morning to define for me, “Positive Law.” She responded, “What?” I responded, “Did you study or have defined for you in law school the term, ‘Positive Law?’” She responded, and I could sense a smile in her voice, “No, I have never heard of the term, ‘Positive Law’.”

Well, like we preacher, lawyers don’t know everything; even though some of them think they do, I decided to ask a respected AME Church authority who shall remain unnamed. I asked him the same question thinking that perhaps “Positive Law “was “an AME thing.” He quickly responded, “No, there is not such thing as ‘Positive Law’ and I don’t know where or when that got started.” He went on to say. “ It’s an AME thing that someone cited a long time ago and AME’s picked it up and now we hear people getting up in General Conferences and in other meeting citing, “Positive Law.”

Well. “The Cat is out of the bag” – apparently there is no such “animal” as, “Positive Law.”
You may continue to use the term, but I won’t be impressed and that term will no longer stop me in my tracks.

Does anyone have a different opinion or a definition that you would care to share. Please feel free to do chsydnor@bellsouth.net

2. CONNECTIONAL MEETINGS ARE POSTED ON THE OFFICIAL AMEC WEBSITE.
VISIT THAT WEBSITE TO SEE WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE AME CHURCH:

http://www.ame-church.com/newsevents.html#meetings

3. THE STRATEGIC PLANNING IS A MEETING FOR ALL THOSE WHO WANT THE BEST FOR THE AME CHURCH:

Strategic Planning
March 7-8, 2005
Marriott Nashville Airport Hotel
600 Merritt Drive
Nashville, TN 37214

Room Rates:
$ 109.00 Single; $ 119.00 Double (Breakfast included for both)

4. SECOND EPISCOPAL DISTRICT FOUNDER’S DAY HUGE SUCCESS:

By Eva Williams Second District Bureau Chief, The AME Herald. Used by permission.

On February 10 – 12, congregations of the 2nd Episcopal District came together for an observation and celebration of the AME Church founders -- Richard and Sarah Allen – and 218 years of AMEC service and ministry proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. For this gathering, Bishop and Supervisor Richardson had developed an agenda with specialized emphasis on men, but the following goals touched the entire body of Christ.

1.) To be inspired by positive preaching and informed by relevant teaching to encourage creativity, commitment, and consistency in men in 100% of our churches;

2.) To receive appropriate tools to address current trends in the culture and their impact on the church.

3.) To consider viable, tested paradigms as strategies to holistically minister to men;

4.) To establish an expectation that follow-up will be tangible through the Son’s of Allen Men’s Ministry and Men’s Night in each Annual Conference

5.) To establish procedures for evaluating and quantifying the progress of men’s ministry in the Episcopal District

Keynote Sermon

The Rt. Rev. John Hurst Adams – one of the former presiding prelates of the 2nd Episcopal District -- gave the keynote sermon. In his message for the awaiting congregants gathered in the nation’s capital, Bishop Adams directed congregants to the third chapter of Galatians:

“O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? .This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?Are ye so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?”

Bishop Adams reminded worshipers that these words can be directed to the A.M.E. Church today and he advised people of the need to re-discover who we are, confess our sins, re-affirm that we will keep God first in all things, perpetually renew our commitment, and proceed with great faith.

Men’s Ministry Service

The Men’s Ministry hosted “2000 Men in a Men’s Night Explosion.” For this service, Presiding Prelate Adam Jefferson Richardson wrote a Call to Worship – written especially for men -- and the King’s Men of Ebenezer A.M.E.C in Fort Washington, Maryland rendered the music. The Rev. Dr. Floyd Flake (pastor of Allen Cathedral A.M.E.C. in Jamaica, New York and President of Wilberforce University) delivered the Word. Following the sermon, the Rev. Jamal H. Bryant (pastor of Empowerment Temple A.M.E. Church in Baltimore, Maryland) lifted a Spirit-filled rousing invitation.

Workshops

In a series of workshop, congregants heard three A.M.E. ministers address contemporary paradigm for responsible manhood and relevant ministry:

Dr. Cecil “Chip” Murray (recently retired pastor of First A.M.E. Church in Los Angeles, California) on “Paradigms for Creating a Nurturing Environment in Establishing a Men’s Ministry”

Rev. Dr. Floyd Flake, on “Paradigms for Actualizing Self-Worth among African American Men”

Rev. Dr. Frank M. Reid (pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Baltimore, Maryland) on “Paradigms of Gospel Proclamation to Men in the 21st Century”

Celebration of Assignment of the Bishop

The three-day session included a service celebrating the assignment of Adam Jefferson Richardson as Bishop of the 2nd Episcopal District. For this service, there were music selections by the Washington Conference Choir and a special music selection by Bishop Richardson’s son.

This service also included presentations and greetings from local politicians and Methodist Bishops. A “Covenant Service” included the recitation of the charge of the Church community and the Bishop, and affirmations by the Bishop with presentation of the signs of Episcopal Ministry (e.g. the pastoral staff).

Other Sessions

In addition to the component meetings that included organization business and educational segments on AME history and health issues, the Lay Organization hosted a luncheon to raise funds for scholarships.

Bishop Richardson closed the session with an overview of the schedule and priorities for the upcoming Annual Conferences.

5. PRAYER REQUEST:

Rev. Willie, Sr. and Mrs. Jackie Weary request your prayers for their son, Willie Weary, Jr., age 16, as he delivers his 1st Eulogy of one of his good friends, "Ms. Eli Craven" age 16 who was killed on last Friday night. The funeral services will be Friday, February 18, 2005, at 11:00 AM at Antioch Baptist Church, Tulsa, OK, Rev. M. C. Potter, Pastor. Thanking you in advance for all your support and prayers.

6. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:

Good Morning,

Thank you continuously for your updates, as well as, pertinent information. Obviously, in the 12th we are proud of W.R. "Smokie" Norful, Jr. and the success he has in the gospel music industry. He just recently won another Grammy. He along with other AME's, such as Byron Cage, need our support in prayers and purchases.

Maybe something in the Christian Recorder can help them. Smokie's information can be found at www.smokienorful.com . If I am able to get it, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette had an article in the state paper concerning his win. Also, my bishop, the Right Reverend Richard A. Chappelle, Sr. nominated some us to go to the World Methodist Council/World Evangelism meeting in April at St. Simmons Isle, GA.

My wife and I will be going to represent the 12th Episcopal District at this meeting. Do you know of the other Episcopal Districts representatives? It is the Order of the FLAME meeting.

Thank you for your assistance.

Shalom, Rev. Gregory C. Nettles
Phil. 4:1

Dear Editor

I have been in a discussion like this (Distribution of Communion) and on some other issues involving Districts 14-20, namely lay speakers and I'm sure you have also.

We really have to think outside of the continental United States more and more these days. I believe that the Episcopal Leadership in the districts mentioned both the Americans and the Africans will make the points that we discuss worth considering long before 2008. I do however; think that the Task Forces to come will take a better look at our Book of Discipline. It may be that we need to let the Discipline be the Discipline and start to consider writing interpretations for everyday use. You have probably figured out by now that I work for a governmental agency. We have laws that are in a statute book, but we also have policy to implement the brilliance of our legislature.

Carol Croskey

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THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE (2/17/05)

Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour. Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor

Bishop Ingram, Dr. Barbour and I thank you for your support of The Christian Recorder Online. We have had of 10,000 "hits" on the Website since we started it in September.

1. THE EDITOR’S CORNER:

Appended below are readers’ thoughts about Holy Communion and who serves it in the African Methodist Episcopal Church

- The Reverend Granville Reed:

In reading the Discipline, I find that Holy Communion is a sacrament. Sacraments can be administered by ordained clergy. It would be improper for a lay person to distribute elements of the Holy Communion.

- The Reverend Dr. Joseph Darby

Let me throw my two cents worth in on whether Stewards and Licentiates can serve Communion after consecration. The Book of Discipline says, "The duties of a Deacon are to preach the Word of God, assist the Elder in distributing the Communion; and, in the absence of the Elder, administer the Sacrament of Baptism, perform the rite of matrimony, and be a guardian of the church's laws (2000 edition, page 112)."

I believe that the Discipline spells that out to make it plain that the distribution of Communion is a job assigned to ordained clergy. Laity (like Stewardesses) can handle the elements, and must do so to prepare them for consecration and to replenish them, but distribution should be done by ordained clergy. The argument that Stewards and Licentiates can distribute Communion because the Discipline doesn't say they can't is creative. By that argument, however,
then Stewards and Licentiates could also do Baptisms and perform marriages. The Discipline doesn't say they can't, and they're also duties assigned to Deacons in the passage noted above! I think we simply need to remember that Deacons in the African Methodist Episcopal Church are Ordained Clergy, and not borrow from other traditions where Deacons are viewed in a different light and could arguably be compared to Stewards in our Zion. We also need to resist the temptation to speed up Communion because we have licentiates available. Morris Brown AME Church currently has two, but they don't distribute Communion. If we call ourselves AME's, then we ought to know what we believe and what we practice, and not bend it for the sake of convenience or to be like others to draw members!

The Reverend William Howard Smith

I'm depending on my memory, and yes, I do recall that stewards assisted in the distribution of the elements of the Lord's Supper where I grew up. During my time in graduate school, one of the refreshing events that I participated in was the chapel services and the giving of the Lords Supper. We used the common cup. In later years, after the elements were consecrated by the pastor of a United Methodist Church, the elements were distributed later by lay people. The sick were visited and given the elements by lay people. The result was the congregation grew! Visitations were beign done by persons other than the pastor.

You've got me to thinking now!

- The Reverend Al Paris

I don't think that it is necessary address this issue in The Discipline because the Service of Ordination and The Service of Holy Communion clearly define the offices of Deacon and Elder and the Authority of each. When ordaining Deacons, the Bishop states the office of deacon, "It appertaineth to the office of a Deacon to assist the Elder in Divine Service. And especially when he/she administers the Holy Communion, to help him/her in the distribution thereof..."

Then the Bishop laying his/her hands one each candidate for the office of Deacon says, "Take thou authority to execute the office of Deacon in the Church of God in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen." It is significant that the Bishop does not convey the "authority to administer the holy sacrament in the congregation" as he/she does in the Ordination of Elders.

At that moment, the Deacon has the authority to "assist the Elder in Divine Service when he / she administers the Holy Communion" and to "help him/her in the distribution thereof."

The Service of the Holy Communion is clear concerning the role of the Elder by stating repeatedly, "The Elder shall . . .” However there still remains the question of: "Does the Elder have the authority to direct the Deacon or Licentiate is to perform any act during the Service of Holy Communion?"

Traditionally our elders allow Deacons to assist in everything except consecration of the elements. As a Deacon, my pastor allowed me to assist in this manner under his direct supervision. This was done, as he stated, as part of my training process. This was very helpful to me when I became an Elder.

Other verbal comments heard

"What about the churches in the rural areas? I am thinking about churches in remote locations such as in Districts 14 – 20 where ordained elders are far removed from their parishes. Should Communion be denied them because there is not an Elder in the area?"

"We are a global church and should think globally when we address issue such as this. Too often we think parochially and what might work here in the mainstream of the United States does not work in third-world countries. Update and change are not 'bad words.'"

"I am glad that we are talking about this issue. And while I am at it, we need to update the some of the language in the Book of Discipline. What is 'Appertaineth' and when did you ever hear anyone use that word in a conversation? I came across that word when I was researching the issue."

"The Book of Discipline does not state as a prohibition that Stewards and licentiates cannot distribute Communion. The Discipline addresses the consecration issue, not the distribution issue."

2. GIVING OF OUR BEST TO RURAL CHURCHES

By George R. La Sure, D.Min.

“…unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required…”Lk.12.48b KJV

Rural and small membership churches comprise the undeniable backbone of our great Zion, the African Methodist Episcopal Church. No matter where they might be located, they are an integral part of the larger church. More than likely, their status (congregation size and location) are not likely to change much in the foreseeable future. They are likely to remain rural or small membership churches.

When pastors are appointed to rural and small membership churches there is just as much a need for them to have a vision, a plan and a commitment to serve as there would be if a pastor were assigned to a larger church (500 plus membership) in a major city. When the new pastor enters the door the parishioners in rural churches are expecting competent leadership to assist them in meeting their future needs and goals.

More likely in rural churches it might be that no specific or identifiable goals have been appropriately identified via any structured or disciplined planning process, ever. A pastor, literally, will have to “take the bull by the horns and steer” the rural and small membership church in a direction that will ensure its maximum potential for growth and development in the next three to five years. In order for appropriate planning and execution activity to take place, the pastor must make a personal commitment to stay the course (in that church) for three to five years to provide the leadership and presence that the rural and small membership churches so sorely need. When the people feel that the pastor will be there for a considerable period of time, they will more willingly invest their time and energy to get the job done. They will embrace a needed sense of continuity of purpose.

The pastor of the rural and small membership church must accept his/her pastoral assignment as a Godly challenge to promote individual integrity and spiritual wholeness and, to positively impact the communities where they serve. The pastor has an opportunity to teach the congregation the background and the history of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and, to appropriately relate that history to the specific setting of that particular church. The
pastor also has the opportunity to explain the Doctrine and the Discipline of the A.M.E. Church in a way that the parishioners “get on board” with the Connectional Church and begin to gain a significant understanding that they are “a part” and not “set apart.”

An effective rural and small membership church pastor must have the theological training and background sufficient to provide effective leadership and ministry for the congregants as they implement strategies that are geared toward improving their present spiritual condition as they make plans for purposeful growth in the future. The day is past and gone for “paste and patch” rural and small membership church ministry. Our future rural and small membership church growth requires that we critically review and analyze our present rural and small membership church condition and, to prepare an appropriate statement of strategy will undergird its future health and growth.

In the years to come, the health and the wholeness of the A.M.E. Church will be dependent upon a healthy rural and small membership church. The AMEC can no longer “make do” with its current rationale for making rural and small membership church assignments. We must put forth our very best effort to send the best qualified and committed pastors that we have. The landscape for the rural and small membership church is changing. We must be able to recognize the change and make appropriate preparation for sound future growth and development. No matter where our people are located, they deserve the very best that we have.

3. THE SOUTH NASHVILLE DISTRICT CONFERENCE:

The South Nashville District Conference of the A.M.E. Church will take place on February 25 - 26, 2005 at Jones Chapel Church, Mt Pleasant, Tennessee.The Conference will open at 7 p.m. next Friday with a worship service. The Reverend Charlotte Ann Blake Sydnor, pastor of Shorter Chapel AME Church, Franklin, Tennessee, is the scheduled preacher. Reverend Sydnor transferred from the Virginia Annual Conference where she served as pastor of Holly Grove AME Church in Windsor, Virginia. She also served on the Board of Examiners. She also served as the Director of Counseling Services at Hampton University, Hampton, Virginia and was an AME endorsed chaplain for the Veterans Administration.

Reverend Sydnor holds a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Sociology from Fayetteville State University (Fayetteville, North Carolina), a Master of Religious Studies from Central Baptist Seminary (Kansas City, Kansas) and a Master of Divinity Degree from Wesley Theological Seminary (Washington, DC). She has done post-graduate studies at Baylor University in Biblical Studies and did additional studies at North Carolina State University.

On Saturday various workshops will be presented, according to the Reverend Troy Merritt, the Presiding Elder of the South Nashville District. He served as pastor of St. Paul AME Church, Columbia, Tennessee prior to being appointed to provide pastoral oversight and leadership to 26 churches.

The closing worship service will feature the preaching of the Reverend Roderick Dewayne Belin, a native of Nashville, Tennessee, He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Morehouse College, Atlanta, Georgia and the Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in New York City.

He excelled in his academic pursuits and earned numerous awards and recognition for his scholarship and musical abilities. As a young man, he committed his life to God as a servant leader in the furtherance of kingdom excellence. He has served as youth pastor, assistant pastor and executive administrator for the St. Phillip AME Church in Atlanta, Georgia and the Greater Allen Cathedral AME in Jamaica, New York.

Reverend Belin has been embraced nationally and internationally as a preacher, teacher, workshop leader and conference convener.

Prior to transferring to the 13th Episcopal District, he pastored Williams Chapel AME Church in Orangeburg, South Carolina.

Reverend Belin’s pastoral appointment is to organize a new congregation in the Williamson and Davidson County area.

Reverend Belin’s father, Retired Bishop Henry Allen Belin, Jr., once pastored St. Paul AME Church in Columbia, Tennessee.

4. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:

- Dear Sirs:

A friend gave me some copies of the Christian Recorder which I found very interesting, well-written and enjoyable. Enclosed is my check in the amount of $26.00 for a subscription.

May God continue to bless and strengthen you.

Sister C. B. Hackshaw
East Elmhurst, NY

- Dear Editor:

I want to congratulate you and your staff on the editions of The Christian Recorder. The beautiful picture of our Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie was so queenly.

Teddy’s story brought tears to my eyes as I read it. It again reminded me of my card class teacher, Mrs. Garner when I was five years old (I am now 86). The flip chart she used that matched the card she gave us each Sunday. Sunday School became a part of who I am doing through the years, and I never, ever forgot her. I have told this story everywhere I have been. I wanted to be like her. She made Jesus come alive in my heart.

I used some of her tactics in a Bible study class on “The Bad Girls in the Bible” and dressed up like Jezebel. The Holy Spirit came down as we talked about God’s love.

Yours Truly in Christ,
Mary B. Cross Blake

- Dear Dr. Sydnor

Thank God you are the Editor of the oldest, continuously published, black religious paper in the country. I eagerly anticipate receiving my copies of the Recorder because your editorials are extremely informative and contain useful and interesting data about the Bible, the Church, and what it teaches.

I hope that the Episcopal Districts will cooperate and will submit their news in a timely manner for publication.

I have two items I would like to submit for your consideration:

(1). The office of the Ecumenical Bishop and the duties of said office. When and why was it established?

(2) Your editorial regarding Dr. Frank M. Reid’s letter to The Baltimore Sun, you stated that he had pointed out the problems without listing any solutions.

My copy of the article in the Baltimore Sun listed a number of solutions that I considered “workable.” Your comments regarding the solutions?

Linda J. Bolding
St. James AME Temple
Dallas, Texas

EDITOR’S RESPONSE:

Thank you for your kind letter and the questions.

(1) I called Bishop R. Vinton Anderson, who retired at the last General Conference and who served superbly as the Ecumenical Officer 1984 – 1988.

The Office of the Ecumenical Bishop was established in 1968. Bishop Frederick D. Jordan was the first Ecumenical Officer. Bishop E. Earl McCloud Jr. is the currently assigned Ecumenical Bishop.

The Ecumenical Bishop is the endorsing authority for the African Methodist Episcopal Church and in that capacity endorses chaplains to serve in the Armed Forces, federal prisons, and the Veterans Administration. Additionally, the Ecumenical Officer is also the Church’s representative to all ecumenical agencies to include the World Council of Churches, the National Council of Churches and the Consultation on Church Union (COCU).

Bishop Anderson served as the Vice President of the National Conference of Ministry to the Armed Forces (NCMAF) and for almost eights years served as the President of the World Council of Churches. The Ecumenical office is also the Church’s liaison to the world Methodist bodies. The position of the Ecumenical Officer is significant and the assigned bishops have represented us well. Bishop McKinley Young also held significant positions in the World and National Council of Churches as well as with NCMAF.

In addition to Bishop Anderson, Bishops McKinley Young, Frederick H. Talbot, and H. Hartford Brookins also served as the Ecumenical Officer. The late Bishop Frederick Jordan and the late Bishop Harold Bearden also served as the Ecumenical Officer for the AME Church.

(2) The Baltimore Sun article quoted Dr. Frank Reid as referring to the AME Church as being demonic, along other issues that he raised. I saw the issues he raised, but I did not see any proposed tangible solutions (and that may have been his intent). And especially, I did not see anything in the article which indicated to me that he was trying to work within the denomination to address issues within the system, i.e., working with Strategic Planning initiative.

In my opinion, the AME Church is a wonderful God-filled, Bible-believing Church with a wonderful Book of Discipline whose rules we need to follow. I do not believe that the AME Church is demonic. I would not remain a member of an organization that I felt was demonic.

I hope that my responses to your questions help. We will be writing more on both of these issues.

- Dear Sir:

I began reading the Editorial – “A New Year’s Resolution: “Hands – It’s Important How You use them by Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III in the December 20,2004 issue of The Christian Recorder, and to my dismay I found that the article was to be continued on page 7 is nowhere to found on page 7.

If possible, please rerun this editorial in its entirety.

William Bryant
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

EDITOR'S RESPONSE:

Thank you for your letter and I am happy that you enjoyed reading the article. The omission of part of the article was done in error. It was a glitch I failed to catch. We corrected that article in the next issue.

5. BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

The homegoing Services for Mr. Herbert C. Rouse, Sr., brother of Presiding Elder Ernest Rouse, will be Friday, February 18, 2005 at 1:00 P.M. at Good Shepherd Baptist Church in Augusta, Georgia.

Messages may be sent to Rev. Rouse:

2210 Division Street
Mobile, AL 36617

Ph. 251-456-9065

Or

Mrs. Lillian Rouse
1731 Essie McIntyre Blvd.
Augusta, GA. 30904
Ph: 706-733-7623

Kinney & Walton Funeral Home
3618 Peach Orchard
Augusta, GA 30906
Ph: 706-790-8858

Please remember the Rouse family in your prayers.

6. ALL BEREAVEMENT NOTICES ARE SUBMITTED BY:

God Bless!Ora L. Easley, President
CONN-M-SWAWO +PK'S
Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
Phone: (615) 837-9736Fax: (615) 833-3781
WEBSITES: http://www.amemswwpk.org/
CONN-M-SWAWO + P.K.'S Home Pagehttp://connmswawo3.com/
AME Church Clergy Family Forumhttp://connmswawo3.com/membership.html
CONN-M-SWAWO + P.K.'S Membership Listing

7. SUBSCRIBE FOR HOME DELIVERY OF THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:

Send $26 for a one-year subscription payable to:
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THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE (2/17/05)

Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour. Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor

Bishop Ingram, Dr. Barbour and I thank you for your support of The Christian Recorder Online. We have had of 10,000 "hits" on the Website since we started it in September.

1. THE EDITOR’S CORNER:

Appended below are readers’ thoughts about Holy Communion and who serves it in the African Methodist Episcopal Church

- The Reverend Granville Reed:

In reading the Discipline, I find that Holy Communion is a sacrament. Sacraments can be administered by ordained clergy. It would be improper for a lay person to distribute elements of the Holy Communion.

- The Reverend Dr. Joseph Darby

Let me throw my two cents worth in on whether Stewards and Licentiates can serve Communion after consecration. The Book of Discipline says, "The duties of a Deacon are to preach the Word of God, assist the Elder in distributing the Communion; and, in the absence of the Elder, administer the Sacrament of Baptism, perform the rite of matrimony, and be a guardian of the church's laws (2000 edition, page 112)."


I believe that the Discipline spells that out to make it plain that the distribution of Communion is a job assigned to ordained clergy. Laity (like Stewardesses) can handle the elements, and must do so to prepare them for consecration and to replenish them, but distribution should be done by ordained clergy. The argument that Stewards and Licentiates can distribute Communion because the Discipline doesn't say they can't is creative. By that argument, however,
then Stewards and Licentiates could also do Baptisms and perform marriages. The Discipline doesn't say they can't, and they're also duties assigned to Deacons in the passage noted above! I think we simply need to remember that Deacons in the African Methodist Episcopal Church are Ordained Clergy, and not borrow from other traditions where Deacons are viewed in a different light and could arguably be compared to Stewards in our Zion. We also need to resist the temptation to speed up Communion because we have licentiates available. Morris Brown AME Church currently has two, but they don't distribute Communion. If we call ourselves AME's, then we ought to know what we believe and what we practice, and not bend it for the sake of convenience or to be like others to draw members!

The Reverend William Howard Smith
>
I'm depending on my memory, and yes, I do recall that stewards assisted in the distribution of the elements of the Lord's Supper where I grew up. During my time in graduate school, one of the refreshing events that I participated in was the chapel services and the giving of the Lords Supper. We used the common cup. In later years, after the elements were consecrated by the pastor of a United Methodist Church, the elements were distributed later by lay people. The sick were visited and given the elements by lay people. The result was the congregation grew! Visitations were beign done by persons other than the pastor.

You've got me to thinking now!

- The Reverend Al Paris

I don't think that it is necessary address this issue in The Discipline because the Service of Ordination and The Service of Holy Communion clearly define the offices of Deacon and Elder and the Authority of each. When ordaining Deacons, the Bishop states the office of deacon, "It appertaineth to the office of a Deacon to assist the Elder in Divine Service. And especially when he/she administers the Holy Communion, to help him/her in the distribution thereof..."

Then the Bishop laying his/her hands one each candidate for the office of Deacon says, "Take thou authority to execute the office of Deacon in the Church of God in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen." It is significant that the Bishop does not convey the "authority to administer the holy sacrament in the congregation" as he/she does in the Ordination of Elders.

At that moment, the Deacon has the authority to "assist the Elder in Divine Service when he / she administers the Holy Communion" and to "help him/her in the distribution thereof."

The Service of the Holy Communion is clear concerning the role of the Elder by stating repeatedly, "The Elder shall . . .” However there still remains the question of: "Does the Elder have the authority to direct the Deacon or Licentiate is to perform any act during the Service of Holy Communion?"

Traditionally our elders allow Deacons to assist in everything except consecration of the elements. As a Deacon, my pastor allowed me to assist in this manner under his direct supervision. This was done, as he stated, as part of my training process. This was very helpful to me when I became an Elder.

Other verbal comments heard

"What about the churches in the rural areas? I am thinking about churches in remote locations such as in Districts 14 – 20 where ordained elders are far removed from their parishes. Should Communion be denied them because there is not an Elder in the area?"

"We are a global church and should think globally when we address issue such as this. Too often we think parochially and what might work here in the mainstream of the United States does not work in third-world countries. Update and change are not 'bad words.'"

"I am glad that we are talking about this issue. And while I am at it, we need to update the some of the language in the Book of Discipline. What is 'Appertaineth' and when did you ever hear anyone use that word in a conversation? I came across that word when I was researching the issue."

"The Book of Discipline does not state as a prohibition that Stewards and licentiates cannot distribute Communion. The Discipline addresses the consecration issue, not the distribution issue."

2. GIVING OF OUR BEST TO RURAL CHURCHES

By George R. La Sure, D.Min.

“…unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required…”Lk.12.48b KJV

Rural and small membership churches comprise the undeniable backbone of our great Zion, the African Methodist Episcopal Church. No matter where they might be located, they are an integral part of the larger church. More than likely, their status (congregation size and location) are not likely to change much in the foreseeable future. They are likely to remain rural or small membership churches.

When pastors are appointed to rural and small membership churches there is just as much a need for them to have a vision, a plan and a commitment to serve as there would be if a pastor were assigned to a larger church (500 plus membership) in a major city. When the new pastor enters the door the parishioners in rural churches are expecting competent leadership to assist them in meeting their future needs and goals.

More likely in rural churches it might be that no specific or identifiable goals have been appropriately identified via any structured or disciplined planning process, ever. A pastor, literally, will have to “take the bull by the horns and steer” the rural and small membership church in a direction that will ensure its maximum potential for growth and development in the next three to five years. In order for appropriate planning and execution activity to take place, the pastor must make a personal commitment to stay the course (in that church) for three to five years to provide the leadership and presence that the rural and small membership churches so sorely need. When the people feel that the pastor will be there for a considerable period of time, they will more willingly invest their time and energy to get the job done. They will embrace a needed sense of continuity of purpose.

The pastor of the rural and small membership church must accept his/her pastoral assignment as a Godly challenge to promote individual integrity and spiritual wholeness and, to positively impact the communities where they serve. The pastor has an opportunity to teach the congregation the background and the history of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and, to appropriately relate that history to the specific setting of that particular church. The
pastor also has the opportunity to explain the Doctrine and the Discipline of the A.M.E. Church in a way that the parishioners “get on board” with the Connectional Church and begin to gain a significant understanding that they are “a part” and not “set apart.”

An effective rural and small membership church pastor must have the theological training and background sufficient to provide effective leadership and ministry for the congregants as they implement strategies that are geared toward improving their present spiritual condition as they make plans for purposeful growth in the future. The day is past and gone for “paste and patch” rural and small membership church ministry. Our future rural and small membership church growth requires that we critically review and analyze our present rural and small membership church condition and, to prepare an appropriate statement of strategy will undergird its future health and growth.

In the years to come, the health and the wholeness of the A.M.E. Church will be dependent upon a healthy rural and small membership church. The AMEC can no longer “make do” with its current rationale for making rural and small membership church assignments. We must put forth our very best effort to send the best qualified and committed pastors that we have. The landscape for the rural and small membership church is changing. We must be able to recognize the change and make appropriate preparation for sound future growth and development. No matter where our people are located, they deserve the very best that we have.

3. THE SOUTH NASHVILLE DISTRICT CONFERENCE:

The South Nashville District Conference of the A.M.E. Church will take place on February 25 - 26, 2005 at Jones Chapel Church, Mt Pleasant, Tennessee.The Conference will open at 7 p.m. next Friday with a worship service. The Reverend Charlotte Ann Blake Sydnor, pastor of Shorter Chapel AME Church, Franklin, Tennessee, is the scheduled preacher. Reverend Sydnor transferred from the Virginia Annual Conference where she served as pastor of Holly Grove AME Church in Windsor, Virginia. She also served on the Board of Examiners. She also served as the Director of Counseling Services at Hampton University, Hampton, Virginia and was an AME endorsed chaplain for the Veterans Administration.

Reverend Sydnor holds a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Sociology from Fayetteville State University (Fayetteville, North Carolina), a Master of Religious Studies from Central Baptist Seminary (Kansas City, Kansas) and a Master of Divinity Degree from Wesley Theological Seminary (Washington, DC). She has done post-graduate studies at Baylor University in Biblical Studies and did additional studies at North Carolina State University.

On Saturday various workshops will be presented, according to the Reverend Troy Merritt, the Presiding Elder of the South Nashville District. He served as pastor of St. Paul AME Church, Columbia, Tennessee prior to being appointed to provide pastoral oversight and leadership to 26 churches.

The closing worship service will feature the preaching of the Reverend Roderick Dewayne Belin, a native of Nashville, Tennessee, He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Morehouse College, Atlanta, Georgia and the Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in New York City.

He excelled in his academic pursuits and earned numerous awards and recognition for his scholarship and musical abilities. As a young man, he committed his life to God as a servant leader in the furtherance of kingdom excellence. He has served as youth pastor, assistant pastor and executive administrator for the St. Phillip AME Church in Atlanta, Georgia and the Greater Allen Cathedral AME in Jamaica, New York.

Reverend Belin has been embraced nationally and internationally as a preacher, teacher, workshop leader and conference convener.

Prior to transferring to the 13th Episcopal District, he pastored Williams Chapel AME Church in Orangeburg, South Carolina.

Reverend Belin’s pastoral appointment is to organize a new congregation in the Williamson and Davidson County area.

Reverend Belin’s father, Retired Bishop Henry Allen Belin, Jr., once pastored St. Paul AME Church in Columbia, Tennessee.

4. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:

- Dear Sirs:

A friend gave me some copies of the Christian Recorder which I found very interesting, well-written and enjoyable. Enclosed is my check in the amount of $26.00 for a subscription.

May God continue to bless and strengthen you.

Sister C. B. Hackshaw
East Elmhurst, NY

- Dear Editor:

I want to congratulate you and your staff on the editions of The Christian Recorder. The beautiful picture of our Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie was so queenly.

Teddy’s story brought tears to my eyes as I read it. It again reminded me of my card class teacher, Mrs. Garner when I was five years old (I am now 86). The flip chart she used that matched the card she gave us each Sunday. Sunday School became a part of who I am doing through the years, and I never, ever forgot her. I have told this story everywhere I have been. I wanted to be like her. She made Jesus come alive in my heart.

I used some of her tactics in a Bible study class on “The Bad Girls in the Bible” and dressed up like Jezebel. The Holy Spirit came down as we talked about God’s love.

Yours Truly in Christ,
Mary B. Cross Blake

- Dear Dr. Sydnor

Thank God you are the Editor of the oldest, continuously published, black religious paper in the country. I eagerly anticipate receiving my copies of the Recorder because your editorials are extremely informative and contain useful and interesting data about the Bible, the Church, and what it teaches.

I hope that the Episcopal Districts will cooperate and will submit their news in a timely manner for publication.

I have two items I would like to submit for your consideration:

(1). The office of the Ecumenical Bishop and the duties of said office. When and why was it established?

(2) Your editorial regarding Dr. Frank M. Reid’s letter to The Baltimore Sun, you stated that he had pointed out the problems without listing any solutions.

My copy of the article in the Baltimore Sun listed a number of solutions that I considered “workable.” Your comments regarding the solutions?

Linda J. Bolding
St. James AME Temple
Dallas, Texas

EDITOR’S RESPONSE:

Thank you for your kind letter and the questions.

(1) I called Bishop R. Vinton Anderson, who retired at the last General Conference and who served superbly as the Ecumenical Officer 1984 – 1988.

The Office of the Ecumenical Bishop was established in 1968. Bishop Frederick D. Jordan was the first Ecumenical Officer. Bishop E. Earl McCloud Jr. is the currently assigned Ecumenical Bishop.

The Ecumenical Bishop is the endorsing authority for the African Methodist Episcopal Church and in that capacity endorses chaplains to serve in the Armed Forces, federal prisons, and the Veterans Administration. Additionally, the Ecumenical Officer is also the Church’s representative to all ecumenical agencies to include the World Council of Churches, the National Council of Churches and the Consultation on Church Union (COCU).

Bishop Anderson served as the Vice President of the National Conference of Ministry to the Armed Forces (NCMAF) and for almost eights years served as the President of the World Council of Churches. The Ecumenical office is also the Church’s liaison to the world Methodist bodies. The position of the Ecumenical Officer is significant and the assigned bishops have represented us well. Bishop McKinley Young also held significant positions in the World and National Council of Churches as well as with NCMAF.

In addition to Bishop Anderson, Bishops McKinley Young, Frederick H. Talbot, and H. Hartford Brookins also served as the Ecumenical Officer. The late Bishop Frederick Jordan and the late Bishop Harold Bearden also served as the Ecumenical Officer for the AME Church.

(2) The Baltimore Sun article quoted Dr. Frank Reid as referring to the AME Church as being demonic, along other issues that he raised. I saw the issues he raised, but I did not see any proposed tangible solutions (and that may have been his intent). And especially, I did not see anything in the article which indicated to me that he was trying to work within the denomination to address issues within the system, i.e., working with Strategic Planning initiative.

In my opinion, the AME Church is a wonderful God-filled, Bible-believing Church with a wonderful Book of Discipline whose rules we need to follow. I do not believe that the AME Church is demonic. I would not remain a member of an organization that I felt was demonic.

I hope that my responses to your questions help. We will be writing more on both of these issues.

- Dear Sir:

I began reading the Editorial – “A New Year’s Resolution: “Hands – It’s Important How You use them by Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III in the December 20,2004 issue of The Christian Recorder, and to my dismay I found that the article was to be continued on page 7 is nowhere to found on page 7.

If possible, please rerun this editorial in its entirety.

William Bryant
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

EDITOR'S RESPONSE:

Thank you for your letter and I am happy that you enjoyed reading the article. The omission of part of the article was done in error. It was a glitch I failed to catch. We corrected that article in the next issue.

5. BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

The homegoing Services for Mr. Herbert C. Rouse, Sr., brother of Presiding Elder Ernest Rouse, will be Friday, February 18, 2005 at 1:00 P.M. at Good Shepherd Baptist Church in Augusta, Georgia.

Messages may be sent to Rev. Rouse:

2210 Division Street
Mobile, AL 36617

Ph. 251-456-9065

Or

Mrs. Lillian Rouse
1731 Essie McIntyre Blvd.
Augusta, GA. 30904
Ph: 706-733-7623

Kinney & Walton Funeral Home
3618 Peach Orchard
Augusta, GA 30906
Ph: 706-790-8858

Please remember the Rouse family in your prayers.

6. ALL BEREAVEMENT NOTICES ARE SUBMITTED BY:

God Bless!Ora L. Easley, President
CONN-M-SWAWO +PK'S
Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
Phone: (615) 837-9736Fax: (615) 833-3781
WEBSITES: http://www.amemswwpk.org/
CONN-M-SWAWO + P.K.'S Home Pagehttp://connmswawo3.com/
AME Church Clergy Family Forumhttp://connmswawo3.com/membership.html
CONN-M-SWAWO + P.K.'S Membership Listing

7. SUBSCRIBE FOR HOME DELIVERY OF THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:

Send $26 for a one-year subscription payable to:
The Christian Recorder
500 Eighth Avenue South
Nashville, Tennessee 37203-4181

8. SIGN UP FOR THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE:

Please sign-up at http://www.the-christian-recorder.org/

If you wish receive the Christian Recorder Online. It takes less than a minute.

If you are not on the mailing list, the way to access the Christian Recorder Online: http://www.the-christian-recorder.org/tcr-online/

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE (2/17/05)

Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour. Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor

Bishop Ingram, Dr. Barbour and I thank you for your support of The Christian Recorder Online. We have had of 10,000 "hits" on the Website since we started it in September.

1. THE EDITOR’S CORNER:

Appended below are readers’ thoughts about Holy Communion and who serves it in the African Methodist Episcopal Church

- The Reverend Granville Reed:

In reading the Discipline, I find that Holy Communion is a sacrament. Sacraments can be administered by ordained clergy. It would be improper for a lay person to distribute elements of the Holy Communion.

- The Reverend Dr. Joseph Darby

Let me throw my two cents worth in on whether Stewards and Licentiates can serve Communion after consecration. The Book of Discipline says, "The duties of a Deacon are to preach the Word of God, assist the Elder in distributing the Communion; and, in the absence of the Elder, administer the Sacrament of Baptism, perform the rite of matrimony, and be a guardian of the church's laws (2000 edition, page 112)."

I believe that the Discipline spells that out to make it plain that the distribution of Communion is a job assigned to ordained clergy. Laity (like Stewardesses) can handle the elements, and must do so to prepare them for consecration and to replenish them, but distribution should be done by ordained clergy. The argument that Stewards and Licentiates can distribute Communion because the Discipline doesn't say they can't is creative. By that argument, however,
then Stewards and Licentiates could also do Baptisms and perform marriages. The Discipline doesn't say they can't, and they're also duties assigned to Deacons in the passage noted above! I think we simply need to remember that Deacons in the African Methodist Episcopal Church are Ordained Clergy, and not borrow from other traditions where Deacons are viewed in a different light and could arguably be compared to Stewards in our Zion. We also need to resist the temptation to speed up Communion because we have licentiates available. Morris Brown AME Church currently has two, but they don't distribute Communion. If we call ourselves AME's, then we ought to know what we believe and what we practice, and not bend it for the sake of convenience or to be like others to draw members!

The Reverend William Howard Smith

I'm depending on my memory, and yes, I do recall that stewards assisted in the distribution of the elements of the Lord's Supper where I grew up. During my time in graduate school, one of the refreshing events that I participated in was the chapel services and the giving of the Lords Supper. We used the common cup. In later years, after the elements were consecrated by the pastor of a United Methodist Church, the elements were distributed later by lay people. The sick were visited and given the elements by lay people. The result was the congregation grew! Visitations were beign done by persons other than the pastor.

You've got me to thinking now!

- The Reverend Al Paris

I don't think that it is necessary address this issue in The Discipline because the Service of Ordination and The Service of Holy Communion clearly define the offices of Deacon and Elder and the Authority of each. When ordaining Deacons, the Bishop states the office of deacon, "It appertaineth to the office of a Deacon to assist the Elder in Divine Service. And especially when he/she administers the Holy Communion, to help him/her in the distribution thereof..."

Then the Bishop laying his/her hands one each candidate for the office of Deacon says, "Take thou authority to execute the office of Deacon in the Church of God in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen." It is significant that the Bishop does not convey the "authority to administer the holy sacrament in the congregation" as he/she does in the Ordination of Elders.

At that moment, the Deacon has the authority to "assist the Elder in Divine Service when he / she administers the Holy Communion" and to "help him/her in the distribution thereof."

The Service of the Holy Communion is clear concerning the role of the Elder by stating repeatedly, "The Elder shall . . .” However there still remains the question of: "Does the Elder have the authority to direct the Deacon or Licentiate is to perform any act during the Service of Holy Communion?"

Traditionally our elders allow Deacons to assist in everything except consecration of the elements. As a Deacon, my pastor allowed me to assist in this manner under his direct supervision. This was done, as he stated, as part of my training process. This was very helpful to me when I became an Elder.

Other verbal comments heard

"What about the churches in the rural areas? I am thinking about churches in remote locations such as in Districts 14 – 20 where ordained elders are far removed from their parishes. Should Communion be denied them because there is not an Elder in the area?"

"We are a global church and should think globally when we address issue such as this. Too often we think parochially and what might work here in the mainstream of the United States does not work in third-world countries. Update and change are not 'bad words.'"

"I am glad that we are talking about this issue. And while I am at it, we need to update the some of the language in the Book of Discipline. What is 'Appertaineth' and when did you ever hear anyone use that word in a conversation? I came across that word when I was researching the issue."

"The Book of Discipline does not state as a prohibition that Stewards and licentiates cannot distribute Communion. The Discipline addresses the consecration issue, not the distribution issue."

2. GIVING OF OUR BEST TO RURAL CHURCHES

By George R. La Sure, D.Min.

“…unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required…”Lk.12.48b KJV

Rural and small membership churches comprise the undeniable backbone of our great Zion, the African Methodist Episcopal Church. No matter where they might be located, they are an integral part of the larger church. More than likely, their status (congregation size and location) are not likely to change much in the foreseeable future. They are likely to remain rural or small membership churches.

When pastors are appointed to rural and small membership churches there is just as much a need for them to have a vision, a plan and a commitment to serve as there would be if a pastor were assigned to a larger church (500 plus membership) in a major city. When the new pastor enters the door the parishioners in rural churches are expecting competent leadership to assist them in meeting their future needs and goals.

More likely in rural churches it might be that no specific or identifiable goals have been appropriately identified via any structured or disciplined planning process, ever. A pastor, literally, will have to “take the bull by the horns and steer” the rural and small membership church in a direction that will ensure its maximum potential for growth and development in the next three to five years. In order for appropriate planning and execution activity to take place, the pastor must make a personal commitment to stay the course (in that church) for three to five years to provide the leadership and presence that the rural and small membership churches so sorely need. When the people feel that the pastor will be there for a considerable period of time, they will more willingly invest their time and energy to get the job done. They will embrace a needed sense of continuity of purpose.

The pastor of the rural and small membership church must accept his/her pastoral assignment as a Godly challenge to promote individual integrity and spiritual wholeness and, to positively impact the communities where they serve. The pastor has an opportunity to teach the congregation the background and the history of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and, to appropriately relate that history to the specific setting of that particular church. The
pastor also has the opportunity to explain the Doctrine and the Discipline of the A.M.E. Church in a way that the parishioners “get on board” with the Connectional Church and begin to gain a significant understanding that they are “a part” and not “set apart.”

An effective rural and small membership church pastor must have the theological training and background sufficient to provide effective leadership and ministry for the congregants as they implement strategies that are geared toward improving their present spiritual condition as they make plans for purposeful growth in the future. The day is past and gone for “paste and patch” rural and small membership church ministry. Our future rural and small membership church growth requires that we critically review and analyze our present rural and small membership church condition and, to prepare an appropriate statement of strategy will undergird its future health and growth.

In the years to come, the health and the wholeness of the A.M.E. Church will be dependent upon a healthy rural and small membership church. The AMEC can no longer “make do” with its current rationale for making rural and small membership church assignments. We must put forth our very best effort to send the best qualified and committed pastors that we have. The landscape for the rural and small membership church is changing. We must be able to recognize the change and make appropriate preparation for sound future growth and development. No matter where our people are located, they deserve the very best that we have.

3. THE SOUTH NASHVILLE DISTRICT CONFERENCE:

The South Nashville District Conference of the A.M.E. Church will take place on February 25 - 26, 2005 at Jones Chapel Church, Mt Pleasant, Tennessee.The Conference will open at 7 p.m. next Friday with a worship service. The Reverend Charlotte Ann Blake Sydnor, pastor of Shorter Chapel AME Church, Franklin, Tennessee, is the scheduled preacher. Reverend Sydnor transferred from the Virginia Annual Conference where she served as pastor of Holly Grove AME Church in Windsor, Virginia. She also served on the Board of Examiners. She also served as the Director of Counseling Services at Hampton University, Hampton, Virginia and was an AME endorsed chaplain for the Veterans Administration.

Reverend Sydnor holds a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Sociology from Fayetteville State University (Fayetteville, North Carolina), a Master of Religious Studies from Central Baptist Seminary (Kansas City, Kansas) and a Master of Divinity Degree from Wesley Theological Seminary (Washington, DC). She has done post-graduate studies at Baylor University in Biblical Studies and did additional studies at North Carolina State University.

On Saturday various workshops will be presented, according to the Reverend Troy Merritt, the Presiding Elder of the South Nashville District. He served as pastor of St. Paul AME Church, Columbia, Tennessee prior to being appointed to provide pastoral oversight and leadership to 26 churches.

The closing worship service will feature the preaching of the Reverend Roderick Dewayne Belin, a native of Nashville, Tennessee, He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Morehouse College, Atlanta, Georgia and the Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in New York City.

He excelled in his academic pursuits and earned numerous awards and recognition for his scholarship and musical abilities. As a young man, he committed his life to God as a servant leader in the furtherance of kingdom excellence. He has served as youth pastor, assistant pastor and executive administrator for the St. Phillip AME Church in Atlanta, Georgia and the Greater Allen Cathedral AME in Jamaica, New York.

Reverend Belin has been embraced nationally and internationally as a preacher, teacher, workshop leader and conference convener.

Prior to transferring to the 13th Episcopal District, he pastored Williams Chapel AME Church in Orangeburg, South Carolina.

Reverend Belin’s pastoral appointment is to organize a new congregation in the Williamson and Davidson County area.

Reverend Belin’s father, Retired Bishop Henry Allen Belin, Jr., once pastored St. Paul AME Church in Columbia, Tennessee.

4. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:

- Dear Sirs:

A friend gave me some copies of the Christian Recorder which I found very interesting, well-written and enjoyable. Enclosed is my check in the amount of $26.00 for a subscription.

May God continue to bless and strengthen you.

Sister C. B. Hackshaw
East Elmhurst, NY

- Dear Editor:

I want to congratulate you and your staff on the editions of The Christian Recorder. The beautiful picture of our Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie was so queenly.

Teddy’s story brought tears to my eyes as I read it. It again reminded me of my card class teacher, Mrs. Garner when I was five years old (I am now 86). The flip chart she used that matched the card she gave us each Sunday. Sunday School became a part of who I am doing through the years, and I never, ever forgot her. I have told this story everywhere I have been. I wanted to be like her. She made Jesus come alive in my heart.

I used some of her tactics in a Bible study class on “The Bad Girls in the Bible” and dressed up like Jezebel. The Holy Spirit came down as we talked about God’s love.

Yours Truly in Christ,
Mary B. Cross Blake

- Dear Dr. Sydnor

Thank God you are the Editor of the oldest, continuously published, black religious paper in the country. I eagerly anticipate receiving my copies of the Recorder because your editorials are extremely informative and contain useful and interesting data about the Bible, the Church, and what it teaches.

I hope that the Episcopal Districts will cooperate and will submit their news in a timely manner for publication.

I have two items I would like to submit for your consideration:

(1). The office of the Ecumenical Bishop and the duties of said office. When and why was it established?

(2) Your editorial regarding Dr. Frank M. Reid’s letter to The Baltimore Sun, you stated that he had pointed out the problems without listing any solutions.

My copy of the article in the Baltimore Sun listed a number of solutions that I considered “workable.” Your comments regarding the solutions?

Linda J. Bolding
St. James AME Temple
Dallas, Texas

EDITOR’S RESPONSE:

Thank you for your kind letter and the questions.

(1) I called Bishop R. Vinton Anderson, who retired at the last General Conference and who served superbly as the Ecumenical Officer 1984 – 1988.

The Office of the Ecumenical Bishop was established in 1968. Bishop Frederick D. Jordan was the first Ecumenical Officer. Bishop E. Earl McCloud Jr. is the currently assigned Ecumenical Bishop.

The Ecumenical Bishop is the endorsing authority for the African Methodist Episcopal Church and in that capacity endorses chaplains to serve in the Armed Forces, federal prisons, and the Veterans Administration. Additionally, the Ecumenical Officer is also the Church’s representative to all ecumenical agencies to include the World Council of Churches, the National Council of Churches and the Consultation on Church Union (COCU).

Bishop Anderson served as the Vice President of the National Conference of Ministry to the Armed Forces (NCMAF) and for almost eights years served as the President of the World Council of Churches. The Ecumenical office is also the Church’s liaison to the world Methodist bodies. The position of the Ecumenical Officer is significant and the assigned bishops have represented us well. Bishop McKinley Young also held significant positions in the World and National Council of Churches as well as with NCMAF.

In addition to Bishop Anderson, Bishops McKinley Young, Frederick H. Talbot, and H. Hartford Brookins also served as the Ecumenical Officer. The late Bishop Frederick Jordan and the late Bishop Harold Bearden also served as the Ecumenical Officer for the AME Church.

(2) The Baltimore Sun article quoted Dr. Frank Reid as referring to the AME Church as being demonic, along other issues that he raised. I saw the issues he raised, but I did not see any proposed tangible solutions (and that may have been his intent). And especially, I did not see anything in the article which indicated to me that he was trying to work within the denomination to address issues within the system, i.e., working with Strategic Planning initiative.

In my opinion, the AME Church is a wonderful God-filled, Bible-believing Church with a wonderful Book of Discipline whose rules we need to follow. I do not believe that the AME Church is demonic. I would not remain a member of an organization that I felt was demonic.

I hope that my responses to your questions help. We will be writing more on both of these issues.

- Dear Sir:

I began reading the Editorial – “A New Year’s Resolution: “Hands – It’s Important How You use them by Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III in the December 20,2004 issue of The Christian Recorder, and to my dismay I found that the article was to be continued on page 7 is nowhere to found on page 7.

If possible, please rerun this editorial in its entirety.

William Bryant
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

EDITOR'S RESPONSE:

Thank you for your letter and I am happy that you enjoyed reading the article. The omission of part of the article was done in error. It was a glitch I failed to catch. We corrected that article in the next issue.

5. BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

The homegoing Services for Mr. Herbert C. Rouse, Sr., brother of Presiding Elder Ernest Rouse, will be Friday, February 18, 2005 at 1:00 P.M. at Good Shepherd Baptist Church in Augusta, Georgia.

Messages may be sent to Rev. Rouse:

2210 Division Street
Mobile, AL 36617

Ph. 251-456-9065

Or

Mrs. Lillian Rouse
1731 Essie McIntyre Blvd.
Augusta, GA. 30904
Ph: 706-733-7623

Kinney & Walton Funeral Home
3618 Peach Orchard
Augusta, GA 30906
Ph: 706-790-8858

Please remember the Rouse family in your prayers.

6. ALL BEREAVEMENT NOTICES ARE SUBMITTED BY:

God Bless!Ora L. Easley, President
CONN-M-SWAWO +PK'S
Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
Phone: (615) 837-9736Fax: (615) 833-3781
WEBSITES: http://www.amemswwpk.org/
CONN-M-SWAWO + P.K.'S Home Pagehttp://connmswawo3.com/
AME Church Clergy Family Forumhttp://connmswawo3.com/membership.html
CONN-M-SWAWO + P.K.'S Membership Listing

7. SUBSCRIBE FOR HOME DELIVERY OF THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:

Send $26 for a one-year subscription payable to:
The Christian Recorder
500 Eighth Avenue South
Nashville, Tennessee 37203-4181

8. SIGN UP FOR THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE:

Please sign-up at http://www.the-christian-recorder.org/

If you wish receive the Christian Recorder Online. It takes less than a minute.

If you are not on the mailing list, the way to access the Christian Recorder Online: http://www.the-christian-recorder.org/tcr-online/

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE (2/16/05))

1. THE EDITOR’S CORNER:

I wrote in the Editor’s Corner of the February 9th Issue of The Christian Recorder Online:

Today, I had two interesting conversations about whether or not Stewards or Licentiates could serve communion. The issue is not who consecrates the elements of communion, only ordained Itinerate Elders can, but who is authorized to serve it according to The Discipline. I was always taught that one could not participate in the handling of the elements of Communion until after being ordained a deacon. I went back and looked carefully at The Discipline and spoke with two bishops…

Here are several responses received about the question concerning the distribution of Holy Communion.

- Only Itinerant Elders and ordained deacons can distribute Communion

- Licensed ministers can help distribute Communion after it has been consecrated

- Stewards can distribute Communion after it has been consecrated

- There is nothing in the Discipline of AME Church that says only Itinerant Elders and ordained deacons can distribute Communion. The Discipline only
addresses who consecrates Communion

- The Discipline needs to address this issue more thoroughly

What are your thoughts?

2. WHY AM I AME! (PART 1 OF 4):

By the Reverend Kyle C. Gibson

About a year ago while I attend my graduation at the 45th commencement exercises from Turner Seminary of the Interdenominational Theological Center, in Atlanta, Georgia, I sat next to student graduating from Johnson C. Smith Seminary (Presbyterian) and she asked me the question, "Why are you an AME?"

Fortunately for her, the graduation service was only 2 ½ hours long. I have an intense love for history, especially African American History. The African Methodist Episcopal Church has a wealth of history that must be retold so that the legacy of African Methodism can continue to minister to the spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, and environmental needs of all people.
My heart swells with pride every time I hear the story of Bishop Richard Allen. Richard Allen was born into slavery on February 14, 1760 in Philadelphia.

According to recorded narratives of slave life, Richard Allen should have lived his life as a slave and died. But history records a much different story. At the age of 7, Allen was sold with his family to a farmer in Delaware. This incident shows that God’s hands were fixed on the future founder of the AME Church while he was still a child. It was rare for a slave to be sold with the entire family.

Compared to the lives of most slaves, young Richard’s life was a relatively happy one. And his owners treated him very fair. When Allen was 17, he recall’s in his biography, “The Life, Experience and Gospel Labors of the Rt. Rev. Richard Allen” that he had heard reports of a great meeting being held deep in the woods. The meetings were held in this in out of the way places because Delaware law forbidden religious meetings for blacks without the presence of a white person the curious Allen decided to see for him self what everyone was talking about. What Allen discovered was a Methodist circuit rider, better known as a traveling preacher proclaiming the gospel.

This meeting marked a great change in his life, his spiritual awakening into Christianity. The change was dramatic and immediate for Allen, for he came to see himself as a human being who was loved by God, a status that no slave trader or master could take from him.

Allen joined the Methodist society under the leadership John Gray and discovered a theological concept of divine love and was moved to lead a more diligent righteous life. It was through Methodism that Allen found a faith in tune with his own experience. He enjoyed the religious emphasis Methodism placed on individual responsibility and its attacks on slavery.

At the time of Allen’s conversion his master allowed him to attend worship every two weeks. Other slave owners attempted to discourage Allen’s owner to allow his slaves to attend the services, their reason was they felt religion would make slaves last. In order to convince his master that this was not the case, Allen worked even harder. He wanted the world to know that religion had made him a better person. In order to insure that his master was convinced, he even skipped attending the services so he could go beyond what was required in his chores.

Allen’s Owner began to boast to others that Allen had become a better worker because of their faith. As a result of Allen’s commitment, his owner allowed the circuit rider to conduct services on his farm so all his slaves had the chance to be converted. The preacher that came to preach on the Stokeley farm was a former slave owner named Rev. Freeborn Garretson. He was renown in his day for his tireless attacks on slavery; he was a powerful speaker whose words often moved slaveholders to free their slaves. Garretson preached a text from Daniel 5:27 titled “Thou art weighed in the balance, and art found wanting”. This sermon changed Allen’s inner life as well as the life of his owner. Stokeley was deep in dept and told Allen that he wanted to free him but could not do it for free. But he advised Allen that he could buy his freedom. Allen worked extra hours and odd jobs at night. At the age of 20, Allen lifted the yoke of slavery from around his neck.

Allen now found him self in a peculiar predicament. In the 1780’s work options were very limited for a black man. But Allen made earned his keep by cutting wood and working in the brickyard. For the first time in his life, Allen had to provide his basic needs. His food, shelter, and clothing had been taking care of by someone else, but he took whatever work he could. During the American Revolutionary War, Allen drove a salt wagon. It was during this time that
received his first opportunities to preach.

Allen’s preaching was received very well from the beginning. At the end of the war, Allen began preaching full time, stopping to work as a day laborer only when his money ran out. It was unheard of for a black man with no formal education to become an itinerant preacher. Allen traveled with several of Methodism’s great evangelist and was present when Methodism established itself as the Methodist Episcopal Church (Present Day United Methodist Church).
Allen was invited by the new head of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Bishop Francis Asbury to tour the south with him. Allen was warned that he would have to take his meals and sleep in the coach for a free black was still an unusual sight in the South. After careful consideration, Allen ultimately turned down the Bishop’s offer. The thought of being forced back into slavery was too much for Allen to risk.

In 1786, Allen received an invitation to preach at St. George’s Methodist Episcopal Church, it was here that Allen launched into his vocation full time.

Though Allen was free from the bondages of slavery, he could not release the grip that racism had on society. Ironically, it was the racial confrontation at St. George’s that gave birth to The African Methodist Episcopal Church.

On November morning in 1787, Richard Allen and other black Methodist decided to walk out of the church that refused to allow them to worship freely. Do you know this story? EVERY AME SHOULD. While Allen was praying, he heard a commotion, when he looked up he noticed a trustee attempting to pull Absalom Jones to his feet instructing him to go to the gallery to pray, Jones only wanted to complete his prayer, but the officer refused. They were instructed that the were not allowed to pray in the front of the church , but in the designated places reserved for them, out of sight and out of mind.

Allen decided enough was enough and told the white members of St. Georges that they would never again be troubled with him. When Allen led this exodus from the church, it was the first organized protest by African Americans. This walk out led to the formation of the Free Africa Society, an organization aimed at providing assistants to the needy in the black community. The Free Methodist Society was a substitute for the Methodist church and the society took on a
variety of spiritual and religious functions.

Eventually, Allen was able to break free from the Methodist Episcopal Church and establish “The First Black Denomination in the United States, which we know today as the African Methodist Episcopal Church. This only a portion of what I was able to recite to my classmate on why I was AME.
Over the next few weeks, I will provide each of you with the remainder of the conversation on why I an AME.

3. THE CHAPLAINS CORNER

Chaplain Lonzie Symonette. AME Ordained Itinerant Elder


The Professional AMEC Chaplain

I really appreciate the AME Chaplains' Corner of our Christian Recorder. January 17th, 2005 Chaplains' Corner edition stated, "The vocation of the chaplain
is quite unique and is often referred to as 'ministry beyond the sanctuary. . . . We have the privilege of bringing the ministry of Christ, His love, guidance, and most importantly, the assurance of His presence, within institutional settings that the traditional pastor may not be called or trained to provide" was especially affirming for the professional chaplain like me. Yes, we do serve, ". . . within the Department of Veteran's Affairs, Bureau of Federal Prisons . . . state and local hospitals, hospices and prisons." The Lord has ALL the bases covered for redemption and is very inclusive using integrated ministry in our AMEC Zion to reach the spiritually lost, disenfranchised, sick and dying. GLORY!!!!!!!!! From prenatal care through aging the hospital/hospice chaplain provides spiritual care support to patients and families. As I write this article there is a two month old infant that has been a patient for one month and down the hallway is a 100 year old patient. I serve in a 46 bed acute in-patient hospice
facility...

Chaplain Lonzie Symonette. AME Ordained Itinerant Elder
WIM Coordinator Rocky Mountain District
Desert Mountain Annual Conference,
Asst. Minister, Payne Chapel AMEC

(Read the rest of the Article in The Chrsitian Recorder)


4. FAITH, CLIMATE AND PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING:


By Bishop John Chane, Episcopal Diocese of Washington,
Rabbi David Saperstein, Executive Director, The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism,
Dr. Sayyid M. Syeed, Secretary General, Islamic Society of North America

Today, February 16th, people from a variety of faiths in Washington and around our country will offer prayers of thanksgiving. Why? The date is not marked in traditional religious calendars, nor does it commemorate a significant religious event in the U.S. Indeed, the thanks given will be directed to God and toward other nations around the world. February 16th has religious significance because, we believe, global warming is one of the key religious issues of our
day. On the 16th, as the Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change first takes effect for its 128 signatory countries, we, each in our way, plan to give thanks to all the nations taking just, equitable and effective steps to combat global warming by reducing the world’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Global warming is a religious issue because, despite our differing religious traditions, we are all grateful for the gift of creation. As the Psalmist writes: “How manifold are Your works, O God! In wisdom You have made them all. The earth is full of Your creatures.” (Psalm 104:24) Anything that threatens those wondrous works should be of concern to people of all faiths – and global warming presents a profound threat to the well-being of all life on earth, from polar bears to city dwellers to denizens of the equatorial rain forests.

But global warming is also an issue of faith because we believe that all people are equal in God’s sight, equally created in the Divine spirit and worthy of Divine love. As the recent tsunamis showed, natural disasters (which one might think would not discriminate between the poor and the powerful) typically harm most the economically disadvantaged and those whose well-being Hubert Humphrey called the moral test of a society: “those who are at the dawn of life,
the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the aged; and those who are in the shadow of life, the sick, the needy, and the handicapped.” The floods, droughts, and diseases that global warming would inflict will hurt first and foremost the most vulnerable – because they do not have the economic or political power to protect themselves or the resources to recover once harmed. The Hebrew Bible’s exhortation: “Justice, justice shall you pursue,” (Deuteronomy 16:20) requires us today to do our utmost to prevent the many injustices that global warming would bring in its wake. As this is expressed in the Muslim tradition, “Indeed, God commands justice, the actualization of goodness and the realization of beauty” (Qur’an 16:90).

As people of faith, we also share a commitment to the long view, to the well-being of future generations. Too often, our government and society heavily “discount” the future, giving the momentary convenience of today greater weight than the risk to our children’s children. In the tradition of Catholic social teaching, this is expressed as the virtue of prudence, the deliberate, thoughtful basis for taking or avoiding action to achieve an eventual moral good. Continuing on our present path, wasting energy and producing prodigious amounts of greenhouse gases, is neither prudent nor just to generations to come. We should recall instead the teachings of Proverbs that “the wise foresee danger and take cover, while fools keep going and suffer for it” (22:3) and that “the good person leaves an inheritance to one’s children’s children.” (13:22)
Thus, we are grateful to all the nations, including the signatories of the Protocol, who are seeking to do justly and act wisely by taking steps right now to combat future global warming. We are also seeking to show moral leadership by “walking the talk.” Thus, for example, congregations and other religious institutions in this area, from our faith traditions and many others, have joined with a new project, Greater Washington Interfaith Power and Light, to teach
about energy and faith and to take concrete steps to reduce energy use and to purchase energy that neither pollutes nor produces greenhouse gases.

We seek to remind this great and generous nation that true success cannot be measured by the size of one’s car but rather by the depth of one’s soul – by how we care for this wondrous planet, by how our deeds value and protect all our brothers and sisters, whether near or far, poor or powerful, living now or from generations yet to come. Our nation has been given many blessings – and we believe that from everyone who has been given much, much will be expected. May
our nation move quickly to fulfill these expectations, take leadership in addressing global warming, and thus establish a more just, sustainable world for
all of God’s children.

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE (2/15//05)

1. THE GLOBAL CORNER

THE FIRST ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE OF PRAYER, PRAISE AND THE WORD IN THE 18TH DISTRICT (http://www.18thdistrictamec.org/)

Men and women and boys and girls came! The Right Reverend Sarah Davis, Presiding Prelate of the 18th Episcopal District was there! Persons of various faiths and from other churches; youth, lay preachers and pastors of the African Methodist Episcopal Church all gathered on Ash Wednesday 2005 for the first of its kind Ash Wednesday Service of Prayer, Praise and the Word. The invitational flyers announcing the special gathering had been circulating in and around the Maseru area and had been announced on the radio since early January.

The F. C. James Center Hall was on Ash Wednesday night a sanctuary of approximately 200 persons waiting in great anticipation for what was to take place. At 6:45 p.m. Evangelist Monaletsana Jameson Qhobela, worship leader and Director of Prayer for the 18th District, opened the service with singing and prayer. As the Evangelist prayed, the presence of the Lord was ushered in. The singing, the praise, and the praying elevated the congregation to an awesome level of worship. Everyone was in a spiritual posture of waiting and did not want to be anywhere else, but there. The Evangelist invited four persons, including a youth to come forth and offer prayers. Each offered up to the Lord a song of praise and prayers.

Bishop Davis was introduced as the teacher of the night by Presiding Elder F. D. Rafube, president of the Presiding Elders’ Council of the 18th Episcopal District.

Ash Wednesday is a well known day to most Christians, but many members of the A.M.E. Church in Lesotho did not know the significance of Ash Wednesday. Bishop Sarah taught with authority, conviction and power; sharing answers to the “whys” of Ash Wednesday and then explaining the opportunities Christians have for self-examination in the 40 days of Lent which follow. Many of the clergy and the congregation expressed appreciation for the “eye opening” teaching done by the Bishop and the new information that was shared with them. Nine of the many young people present were invited to assist the Bishop in her teaching about what Ash Wednesday "is "and "what it is not." Handouts were provided for everyone concerning Ash Wednesday, the Disciplines of Lent and Fasting and Prayer. The entire program and the congregational prayer of committal were conducted in English and Sesotho.

Following the teaching and invitation to discipleship, Bishop Sarah asked for 50 persons who were willing to deny themselves an activity, a habit or food during the next 40 days, so that that they might commune with God and join her in fasting. Fifty-plus persons came forward. Bishop Sarah then prayed for their commitment and their strength in the Lord for the journey of Lent. Everyone was then asked to stand and pray the prayer of Psalm (Pesaleme) 51:10-17.

The going forth prayer and benediction was given by Bishop Davis. Everyone was encouraged to share their love with others before leaving the hall and to continue to “look within” as they departed from the worship hall.

It was truly a God ordained night in the 18th Episcopal District.

May the good Lord keep and secure the Episcopal, leadership of the 18th Episcopal District who has come with a vision and is implementing it through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Today, the members of the African Methodist .Episcopal Church in the 18th Episcopal District, not only know about, but understand the meaning of Lent and Ash Wednesday.

Humbly submitted: Evangelist Monaletsana Jameson Qhobela

2. FEBRUARY 26 SYMPOSIUM AIMS TO RAISE AWARENESS OF HIV/AIDS,FEATURES KAISER PERMANENTE PLAY, FREE HIV TESTING:

LOS ANGELES — (February 14, 2005) — “People perish for lack of knowledge,” wrote the Old Testament prophet Hosea. It follows then, that fewer African American men and women will die of HIV/AIDS if they are properly educated on ways to prevent its spread.

That’s the premise of the Feb. 26 Community Symposium entitled, “No Secrets: The Truth and Facts about HIV/AIDS,” at Grant A.M.E. Church in Watts. The event is sponsored by the Bishop Vashti M. McKenzie unit of the Willie B. Webster Women’s Missionary Society.

The nominal cost includes breakfast and a play by the Kaiser Permanente Foundation dramatizing real-life examples of the effects of the disease. Kaiser representatives will lead a discussion and answer questions. Los Angeles’ King/Drew University Mobile Testing Unit will also be onsite to provide free HIV testing.

“We want to dispel the myths and clear any misconceptions or misunderstandings about HIV/AIDS,” explained event co-coordinator Kenya Francis, 24. “This disease is devastating the Black community in alarming numbers. It’s taking away potential spouses, it’s leaving children without parents and it’s isolating a large segment of the Black population. The time to act is now!”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that AIDS is a leading cause of death among black women aged 25-44 years and among black men aged 25-54 years. Black men are nearly nine times more likely than white men to have AIDS, and Black women are 23 times more likely than white women to have AIDS.

“We cannot turn our backs on our brothers and sisters who have contracted this disease,” added co-coordinator Sharolyn Gailliard, 29. “Nor can we sit back and watch other members of our generation and members of the family of God suffer needlessly. We’re spreading the word that HIV/AIDS is preventable and its continued effect on our community is inexcusable.”

The Feb. 26 Symposium is the latest in a string of AIDS-related events sponsored by or supported by Grant, noted Pastor Leslie R. White.

On Feb. 9, for example, the Church hosted Southern California’s historically Black Methodist denominations for Ash Wednesday worship. At White’s suggestion, the $4,000 in proceeds benefited the African American Women’s Health & Education Foundation, which sponsors the Southern California Regional 5K AIDS Walk for Women and Children.

Grant was the largest ecumenical contributor to the 2004 AIDS Walk, through sponsorships, pledges and participants, according to U.S. Rep. Juanita Millender-McDonald (D-CA, 37th District). Likewise scores of people were educated and tested during an AIDS awareness event last June.

Yet, as long as people are contracting and suffering from the disease more must be done, added committee member Ebony Malbry, 22.

“Regardless of whether or not you are sexually active, HIV/AIDS affects you,” Malbry said. “If you don’t know and you don’t take the proper precautions, you can get infected. And that’s exactly what we are trying to prevent.”

Donations are $10 per person and $15 at the door; sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact the Church Office at (323) 564-1151 or visit www.GrantAMEChurch.org.

Submitted by the Rev. Kevin T. Taylor

3. MEDITATION: “GOING FORWARD WITH GOD”:

The Reverend Jim Moody

"I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood; you have no life in you. On hearing it, many of His disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” "From this time many of His disciples turned back and no longer followed Him.” (John 6: 53, 60, 66)

Jesus’ teaching offered those following Him a deeper insight into the life-changing plan of salvation offered by the Father through His Son Jesus Christ (John 6: 26-29, 35-40). When God expresses a truth in my life by His Holy Spirit and through His word, if I don’t live in it, I will as Oswald Chambers says, “sink into a point of view that is contrary to God” and never intended by God for my life (John 6: 41-42).

Whenever Jesus speaks I am faced with only two options. According to Chambers, I can be “A Disciple or A Deserter!” I can never be the same after Jesus reveals truth (v. 60). I will either “turn back and no longer follow him” (v. 66) or I will follow Him and “know that He is the Holy One of God” (v. 69).

John chapter 6 outlines for us a number of steps we can apply in our lives as we go forward with God.

Steps in going forward with God:

1. John 6: 1-13 – God reveals Himself in ways I experience but may not understand, as He did in Christ feeding the multitudes with five loaves and two fish.

2. John 6: 22-25, 28, & 30-31 – I am to be honest with myself and with God in my inquiries. Ask Him to give me what I lack in my understanding of His nature.

3. John 6: 41-45, 52, & 63 – Maintain and address the spiritual context and content of God’s response to my inquiry (II Corinthians 10:5). Satan tries to get me to create a false line of separation between my actions and my spiritual life (v. 52) and the temporal and eternal aspects of my life (v. 42). They are connected through Christ. God is trying to teach me something – I will receive the lesson from God (v. 45).

4. John 6: 60-65 – God strikes at the heart of the matter blocking my progress as a disciple. His words can be hard for me to accept (v.60). To reveal His truth, God may intentionally offend me at the point of my reluctance (v. 61). This is His light removing darkness.

5. John 6: 66-67 – Jesus again invites me to follow Him. Some of us are right now receiving this additional invitation to follow Him, as God has already revealed the point of reluctance in our lives.

6. John 6: 68-69 – I acknowledge my dependence on Jesus Christ as my source of life, expressing my faith in Him (v. 68). “Lord to whom shall I go? You have the words of eternal life. I believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.” Faith is the active belief that God is who God says God is (v. 69).

As we enter the year 2005, let’s walk the walk of faith, going forward with God. Take a moment to pray this simple prayer,

“Lord, you have the words of eternal life. Therefore, reveal to me and remove from me, anything that struggles against the life of Christ in me.”

Let’s go forward with God!

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE (2/14/05)

The Christian Recorder Online

Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications

The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour. Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor


1. THE EDITOR’S CORNER:

The Thirteenth Episcopal District Founder’s Day was a celebration of excellence. Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie and Supervisor Stan McKenzie exemplified biblical leadership for the 21st Century. The theme throughout, “You’ve got to believe…!” The underlying focus for all of those attending: Renew, Resource, Rebuild, Regimen, and Results.” There was no room for misunderstanding the intent of the Episcopal team as everything was in writing - everything!

The spirit of camaraderie and teamwork pervaded the entire celebratory event. The Reverend Ronald L. Owens, retired Army Chaplain and pastor of Bethel AME Church in Hinesville, Georgia was the Founder’s Day facilitator. He facilitated sessions for the presiding elders breakout session and for the plenary sessions on conflict resolution, leadership problem-solving, separating issues from events and overcoming barriers. One pastor remarked, “This is refreshing and invigorating.” Another said, “This bishop is moving us in the right direction!”

The inspiring sermons by the Reverend Dr. Floyd H. Flake, President of Wilberforce University and the senior pastor of Allen Cathedral in New York City; the Reverend Jonathan L. Weaver senior pastor of Greater Mt. Nebo AME Church, Bowie, Maryland; and the Reverend Antoni Sinkfield, senior pastor of St. John AME Church, Nashville, Tennessee kept the Founder’s Day Celebration on a high spiritual plane. It was an invigorating “pause that refreshes” for those who were fortunate enough to have attended Founder’s Day.

St. Andrew’s AME Church family and the Reverend Dr. Kenneth S. Robinson were the ultimate hosts. Every “base” was covered, every “I” was dotted, and every “t” was crossed. It’s worth a visit to St. Andrew AME Church just to see its ministry to the community. They have a full nursery, elementary school, and an alternative middle school that operates out of the church. The church, independent of Founder’s Day, was a place bustling with activities.

The food was healthy on all points. Baked chicken, roasted potatoes, pasta, egg-beaters and scrambled eggs for those who were “allergic” to eggbeaters. The church did not serve fried foods or unhealthy “ebonic” cuisine. Bishop McKenzie is leading and modeling for the district, “living well.” Reverend Robinson is a medical doctor and is fully qualified to show churches how to serve healthy foods. In addition to healthy eating, there were aerobic sessions and opportunity for walking or jogging built into the sessions each morning of Founder’s Day.

And, not to neglect the spiritual dimension of healthy living, each day began with “Morning Glory Prayer Ministry” where Founder’s Day attendees could participate in prayer before going to morning exercise sessions.

Organizational meetings were held for the Nehemiah Nation; the School of the Prophets, the district component for continuing education; AME Pages, AME Works Day and Believe, Inc.

(Read more in the Christian Recorder)

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2. JOYCE AYERS NIXON, MAYOR OF CAPITOL HEIGHTS, MARYLAND

Submitted by Dr. Bill Ayers, Jr

Joyce Ayers Nixon, a member of Ward Memorial A.M.E. Church in Washington D.C. is mayor of the Incorporated Town of Capitol Heights, Maryland, She is a champion of the physically challenged-blind and other disabling conditions. A nurse by training and special education instructor in the District of Columbia for more than 10 years, Mayor Nixon has always supported the causes of the disenfranchised. A woman of many interests and pursuits, Mayor Nixon relishes life and finds strength and commitment in the words of Mark Yost, “History, although sometimes made u of the few acts of the great, is more often shaped by the many acts of the small.”

Mayor Nixon was elected in May 2002 and serves as the chief elected official of Capitol Heights, a Prince George’s County suburban township with more than 4,000 residents. She is the second female mayor of the Town since its inception in June 1910. While the position of mayor is part-time in the municipal government, her determination, commitment and effort to make a difference in the lives of the residents is far greater than part-time. She spends countless hours seeking ways to improve the lives and conditions of the people she has promised to serve. Mayor Nixon is an experienced legislator and spokesperson for people of all races, ages, and conditions. Prior to serving as Mayor, she served on the Town Council from 1985 to 1990.

Mayor Nixon’s family is very proud of her for the accomplishments she has attained, in addition to being thankful for the healing of God in Mayor Nixon’s being a breast cancer survivor. She has been blessed and we have …

(Read the full article in the Christian Recorder)

3. DEVOTIONAL: “I NEED A DRINK”:

The Rev. DeLishia Boykin Wilson

“Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Mount Horeb; and you shall strike the rock, and water shall come out of it, that the people might drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel” (Exodus 17:6, AMP)

The children of Israel experienced a time of drought, when they did not have water to drink. This was crucial to them, because water was a necessity for survival. To say the least, they were in a situation by which they did not know when their breakthrough was coming or if their breakthrough was coming.

In the lives that we live, we often know that the hand of the Lord is upon us, we know that our breakthrough is on the way, and we still find ourselves experiencing drought, because we do not have what we “need” for survival at the level we seek to maintain. We have all been in this situation at some point in our lives, which causes total dependence upon the Lord because it inflicts reflection to the realization that we cannot bear our situations alone...

(Read the full article in the Christian Recorder)

4. PRESIDENT CHARLES E. YOUNG PROCLAIMS “ALLEN UNIVERSITY IS ALIVE AND WELL!” IN INAUGURAL ADDRESS AND SETS AN AGENDA OF GROWTH FOR THE NEXT FEW YEARS

COLUMBIA-February 11, 2005-Allen University culminated its 135th Founder’s Day celebration with the formal Installation of its 23rd President, Dr. Charles E. Young. The ceremony was held at 10 a.m. in Adams Gymnatorium. A reception followed.

The institution traditionally observes Founder’s Day during the second week in February, the same week as its founding organization, the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. This year’s theme is “Creating Excellence Through Scholarship.”

Dr. Young’s inaugural address is printed below in its entirety.

“To the Right Reverend Preston Warren Williams II, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Allen University, our distinguished Board of Trustees, the President’s Advisory Board, fellow Presidents, College and University delegates, distinguished guests, platform participants, faculty and staff, alumni and most importantly, students of Allen University… Bishop F.C. James, former Chairman of the Board of Allen University, Mother Williams, Mrs. Theresa Gregg James, Mayor Bob Coble, and other elected municipal, state and federal officials and their representatives... Former members of the Board of Trustees, Reverend B. J. Glover, former President of Allen University.”

“I also wish to acknowledge family members who are present today… My mother, who just celebrated her 93rd birthday; my wife, Mrs. Sandra Young; our two children, Charlotte and Christopher; my oldest brother Reverend Willie J. Young of Middletown, Conn.; my youngest sister, Mrs. Patricia White; James Hunter and Allen Etheridge, who are brothers to me; and two very close family friends, Mrs. Diane Sansbury and Ms. Seamore.”

“I am elated to be surrounded today by friends and colleagues, Presiding Elders, Pastors and lay leadership. Your presence today is an affirmation of God’s goodness to my family and me, and your commitment to education. My thanks to the inaugural committee, who labored untiringly. Your devoted service shall always be cherished memories.”

“Today, we reflect on the past, savor the present, and look to the future.” “I would like to begin, by thanking a few of the people responsible for the fact that I am standing before you today in this capacity. My father, the late Olin Young, and my mother, Pauline Young, who brought me up in a stable loving Christian home; teaching me the value of education and hard work; my wife, Sandra, who saw me through some low points in my life but never doubted my value and purpose; to Bishop Williams, a man of his word and a man of vision, who assured me that Allen has a future and gave me the opportunity to be a part of her future; Dr. Robertson McQuilkin (former President of Columbia International University), who financed my entire doctoral studies and instilled in me the confidence that I could endure the rigor of post-graduate work; the late Presiding Elder S.A. Brown and Mrs. Marian Brown, who supported me through Seminary, both financially and morally; the late Presiding Elder C.R. Hawthorne, who opened many doors for me in ministry and assisted me with my dissertation research; Bishops Barney Blain and Richard Watkins, who nurtured me in the faith. These and many others have in some way invested in me and served as an example of ‘servant-hood’.”“One hundred thirty-five years ago, an AME bishop by the name of John Milford Brown — with presiding elders, pastors and laypersons — made a decision to start a school to train teachers and preachers. But, before long, they had created an educational enterprise; this educational enterprise was designed to carry out the three basic functions of a University. First, to teach; second, to accumulate great stories of acquired and systematized knowledge in the form of books and collections; and, third, to investigate.”

“This group of creative thinkers later opened schools for elementary and secondary education. These were God-fearing men and women who literally believed that all truth is God’s truth, and that learning in the context of faith produced a better citizen. Together, they invested their meager wages and great faith in the future of young men and women.”

“These men and women believed that a trained mind is the greatest defense against oppression, poverty and inequality. Their faith is a personification of the old Negro thought, which states: ‘If it had not been for the Lord on our side, where would I be. He kept my enemies away, he turned my midnight into day.’ These men and women turned the midnight of ignorance and fear into the daylight of scholarship and leadership.”

“Today we reflect on the past, savor the present, and look to the future. I remember in 1976, as a very young preacher standing on the grounds of Allen University, listening to the critics speak of Allen’s past — yet doubting Allen’s future. Some prophesied that Allen would never rise again. It was the visionary leadership of persons like Bishop F. C. James, alumni and other supporters who believed that with God all things are possible. And, as the 23rd President of this great University, I am here to declare that Allen University is alive and doing well. And, it is presently in good hands with Bishop Preston Warren Williams and the Board of Trustees, capable faculty and staff, and the current President, I might add.” “I am still asked, however, ‘Why do we need an Allen University?’ “Let me answer by asking: ‘What would the world be like without an Allen University?’”

“I suppose there would still be wars and there would still be seasons of peace; there would still be marriages and there would still be divorces; there would still be racism and there would still be reconciliation; there would still be terrorism and there would still be truces, there would be crime, thefts, and the homeless.”“But there would not be a Dr. Theresa Gregg James, a Dr. John R. Stevenson, a Dr. Liz Bell, a Judge Mildred McDuffie, a Senator Kay Patterson, a Senator Ralph Anderson, a Senator Clementa Pinckney, Representatives Joe E. Brown, Bill Clyburn, Floyd Breedland nor Mack Hines; there would not be a Bishop F. C. James, Bishop Z. L. Grady, Bishop Richard Allen Hilderbrand, Bishop David Daniels, there wouldn’t even be an Alonzo Middleton.”

“Imagine a world without these courageous and intelligent leaders? So, Allen is here to produce men and women to lead, to heal, to educate, to legislate, to preside, to represent, and to proclaim truth in a world that has far too few people of good will and integrity.”

“I believe in Allen University! I believe in God’s purpose for this institution of higher education. I believe the world needs an Allen University! The challenge for Allen today is not merely to avoid a financial crisis, or even to painstakingly keep our doors open at all costs. The challenge is to “create excellence through scholarship” at a time when excellence in education is more important than ever. It has not been given to Allen to become all things to all people or to become the largest comprehensive University in the Southeast; it is ours to be selective in our educational programs and deliberate in the outcome for our students.”“Today, Allen carries out her mission facing new challenges. Our prisons are filled with young African American males. I was appalled when I learned of the demographic forecasting used to determine where prisons should be built. Forecasters identify communities where the population is largely black or brown and high school students are reading on a third or fourth grade level - Prime Prison territory. Today, only half of our nation’s minority students graduate from high school along with their peers. African American males’ graduation rates are even lower.”

“Fewer African American students are being admitted to public universities around the country. If the current trend continues over the next 20 years, African American males in the medical profession will be almost nonexistent.”“Added to this dilemma, the institution of higher standards and high-stakes tests in an effort to raise student achievement will only cause the situation to worsen. Allen University is therefore tasked with the responsibility to prepare her graduates of today to be as effective as her graduates of yesterday.”“I see the primary concern of Allen University today to be the same as it always has been: to teach the mind to think, the hands to work and the heart to love. What Allen University wants more than anything now, is to give to our country and the world, educated men and women of character. It is her hope that there will develop here, generation after generation, now as in the past, thoughtful men and women, who through their beliefs and actions, will go on to renew and strengthen true quality in the world’s life. Men and women of knowledge and faith who, ready to learn from others, will make an effort at honest appraisal of their culture, will recognize both its strength and its weakness, will try to see these aspects separately and fairly, and who then, not complaining, or criticizing unreasonably, or turning away in arrogant indifference, will set about working where they can, to improve the culture and to make not its shabbiness but its goodness available to others.”

“Our success, therefore, will depend on the combined efforts of each one of you in this room today. From the faculty must come the inspiration to meet our intellectual challenge creatively. From administration must come the skills to conserve resources wisely and create the framework in which talented students and professors can do their best work. And, from each one of you; our friends and alums must come the moral and financial support that will be needed for Allen to maintain the essential quality it must have in order to capitalize fully on the opportunities before it.”

“Allen University is committed to ‘Excellence in Scholarship.’ She will, therefore, remain relevant and effective. Allen will stay centered on her niche and focus on our mission. I see Allen University’s focus in five broad areas.”“First is the humanities. This discipline will lay the foundation which will give our students an appreciation for the arts, music and cultural diversity. It is here that students will enhance and strengthen their writing, speaking and social skills. It is imperative that courses in this discipline be designed to challenge every student’s thinking and to expand their capacity.”

“The second area is Religion. Because our roots are in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, we must continue to produce quality preachers for our pulpits. Preachers who are competent and compassionate… Preachers who are skilled in communication and community service... Our curriculum will be broad enough to meet the needs of any who desire ministry training.”
“The third area is Math, Natural Sciences and Technology. The need for skilled physicians, physicists and scientists is increasing annually. Allen University will become a part of the solution by providing quality graduates in the health professions and other related areas. We are pleased that this Division has become the fastest growing academic program on our campus. We have added two highly qualified Ph.D.s to this Division and will continue to strengthen this area by employing additional high quality faculty and by upgrading our classrooms and labs.”
“The fourth area is Business Administration. This is currently our largest academic program. However, we will move towards adding a concentration in accounting and finance. There is a dearth of qualified persons with excellent accounting and financial skills. In the area of Business Administration, Allen University will also continue to provide opportunities for non-traditional (adult) students to complete their college education. For many adults this is a deep desire. For others, it is a promise made to their mothers years ago. This program will be offered in a format that fits the schedules of individuals who work full-time.”

“Education is the fifth area. Historically, Allen University has produced teachers for elementary and secondary education. We desire to continue this great legacy. Therefore, we must find news ways to deliver this program in a manner that does not frustrate our students or become a financial burden to the University and students.”

“In order to realize our vision, some immediate work has to be done. Currently, we have one building in which most of our classes are held. We have already begun to identify funding sources to renovate Gibbs Hall and upgrade its science labs. We are grateful to announce that we have to date $2.2 million on hand to begin the renovation of Chappelle Hall. This building, once restored, will become the center for our business and finance programs and will also house administrative and faculty offices.”

“While the renovation of Chappelle Hall and Gibbs Hall represents the first phase in a building program, other construction projects are on the horizon as well. Flipper Library is one of six national historic buildings on our campus. We propose to renovate that building and use it for arts and the humanities. This means that a new construction to replace its use as a library will be required. Here, we propose building a first class Leadership Development and Academic Enhancement Center. Congressman James Clyburn (a member of the Board of Trustees) has already begun identifying funding for this project. This will be a single building which houses three Centers of Excellence.”

“The first center will be a Learning Resource Center. The second Center will be a Research and Technology Center that services all students on all educational levels. The Research and Technology Center will serve to strengthen individuals’ standardized testing capacity for SAT, PACT, GMAT, GRE and similar exams. In addition, this center will equip students in technology and computer science. Finally, it will serve as a research site for professional development for faculty and staff. The third Center of excellence will be Academic Enhancement. This center will house our reading and writing labs, as well as distance learning facilities.”

“We will also address our student housing needs. This plan calls for a 400-bed student housing complex, equipped with dinning facilities and Internet access in each room. Once the infrastructure is in place, we will aggressively implement our recruitment and retention model using a Total Life Curriculum model. Total Life Curriculum model is captured in our motto: ‘We teach the mind to think, the hand to work and the heart to love.’ We will bring students into an environment conducive to learning and success.”

“We will seek out capable students who are college ready. However, not all of our students come with the same capacity to do college work. Some will come with weaknesses in math, English and writing; some will not have great study habits or thinking skills, or know the value of timeliness, or how to properly present themselves to the public. Our objective is to bring them in as they are and give them the best of arts, sciences, and instill in them integrity, excellence, respect, accountability and faith. This will then prepare them to serve and to lead in a world in desperate need of people with sound character and sound skills, people who are creative, scholarly, and exemplify excellence.”

“We must prepare our students to function in what economist Richard Florida calls the ‘Creative Economy.’ This is an economy powered by human creativity. This is a shift from the agricultural economy of the 1900s or the industrial economy of the 40s and 50s. With this in mind, it becomes imperative that Allen University aid our students to become the people God created them to be. Each individual is created by God with some degree of creativity. This creativity, says Florida, involves distinct kinds of thinking, and habits that must be cultivated both in the individual and in the surrounding society. Students must also be cultivated. Each student who arrives on our campus is viewed as an individual with value and purpose. Students do not come to us as fully grown plants. They come as bulbs in need of cultivation. In the cultivation process, we let them see what we want them to be. They come as bulbs, God created them to be tulips. We bring them into a safe, clean, nurturing, learning environment. We are committed to giving them the right amount of rain, the right amount of sunshine and place them in the right temperature.”

“This is a bulb. (Dr. Young lifts a tulip bulb) God created it to be a tulip. It needs the right environment, at the right temperature, the right amount of sunshine, the right amount of rain. Give it time and it will become what God created it to be.” (Dr. Young raises a tulip)

Founded in 1870 by the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Allen University is an academic community whose mission is to provide education with a strong commitment to teaching and community service. Allen – the oldest historically Black university in South Carolina to be established by African Americans – is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

For additonal information contact:

Jason Darby Director of Marketing & Public Relations
Allen University 1530 Harden Street
Columbia, SC 29204

VOICE: 803.376.5749
FAX: 803.758.2694
http://www.allenuniversity.edu

5. BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Mrs. Willa B. Simon, wife of retired pastor, The Reverend Rayford R. Simon, Lee Chapel A. M. E. Church, Brownwood, Texas, passed away Friday, February 11, 2005.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Willa B. Simon: Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Viewing 11:00 a.m.
Services 12:00 Noon
Lee Chapel A. M. E. Church
911 Beaver Street
Brownwood, Texas 76801

Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Rayford R. Simon
911 Beaver Street
Brownwood, TX 76801

6. ALL BEREAVEMENT NOTICES ARE SUBMITTED BY:

God Bless!Ora L. Easley, President

CONN-M-SWAWO +PK'S
Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
Phone: (615) 837-9736
FAX: (615) 833-3781
WEBSITES: http://www.amemswwpk.org/
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AME Church Clergy Family Forum
http://connmswawo3.com/membership.html
CONN-M-SWAWO + P.K.'S Membership Listing

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE (2/9/05)

1. IN MEMORY:

Today’s edition of The Christian Recorder Online is dedicated to the memory of Bishop Cornelious Egbert Thomas (May 4, 1917 – December 6, 2004)

This dedicatory article is late. The Editor of The Christian Recorder was ill during the funeral of Bishop Thomas and time just “got away” and the days passed… We offer our apologies to the Thomas family. This article will also appear in The Christian Recorder.

Bishop Cornelious Egbert Thomas is gone, but not forgotten. He was a faithful man of God who was loved by all who worked and served with him. He had a stellar ministry and was a man of significant gifts. He is missed.

Bishop Cornelious Egbert Thomas was a man who loved God and man who loved to pray. It was part of his daily activities. Mrs. Clara Walton, the Administrative Assistant to the Publisher of the AMEC Publishing House, fondly recalls the prayer discipline of Bishop Thomas when he served as the presiding prelate of the Thirteenth Episcopal District. “When Bishop Thomas was the Bishop of the Thirteenth, he would stop by that chapel (AMEC Publishing House Chapel) everyday before going into his office.” She went on to say, “He would get on his knees and have an “old fashioned prayer meeting” by himself. He was faithful to prayer.”

Bishop Thomas was also a lover of hymns. His reputation for hymnody is legend around the church. Bishop Thomas could show the congregation how a hymn should be sung. His life exemplified a life-long love affair with African Methodism.

Bishop Cornelious Egbert Thomas was born in Hamburg, Alabama to the late James and Serena Thomas. He attended elementary and high school in the Perry County (Alabama) school system. Bishop Thomas had a love for education and with determination, graduated from Daniel Payne College in Birmingham, Alabama with an A.B. degree. He went on to earn the Master of Divinity degree from Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia.

Bishop Thomas met the love of his life, Susie Jamar and they were married on September 16, 1947. To that union two children were born, Cornelia and James Egbert. Upon his death they had been married over 58 years.

Bishop Thomas was called to preach and answered his call to ministry after moving to Birmingham. He joined Bethel AME Church in Ensley and was licensed to preach after answering his call to ministry. He proclaimed the powerful, prophetic Word of God with urgency, and presented God’s gospel in a challenging way.

His first pastorate was at St. Mark A.M.E. Church, Ensley. He also served congregations on the Flat Top Circuit (Woods Chapel and St. Paul) and Bethel A.M.E. Church, Ensley. He was appointed as the 37th pastor of St. John AME Church, Birmingham, Alabama in 1952. He pastored that church for twenty four years.

During his pastorate at St. John, he won numerous souls to Christ, retired a huge mortgage, remodeled and renovated the church structure. He developed and organized the first African American federally chartered credit union in the State of Alabama, instituted a thriving early childhood development center and served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Citizen’s Federal Savings and Loan Association. In the decade of the 1960’s, Bishop Thomas led St. John A.M.E. Church in a massive capital campaign drive. And in 1971, a $1.1 million edifice was erected and dedicated on the corner of 15th Street and 7th Avenue North.

His numerous and civic and social affiliations cultivated the extension of worship beyond the church edifice and reached into the city jail, and beyond. During the Civil Rights’ Movement he stood firmly for justice and equality. He also played a role in reaching out to the victims of the racially motivated bombings at Sixteenth Street Baptist Church where four little black girls were murdered and other children and adults were injured.

The Reverend Cornelious Egbert Thomas was elected the 99th bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church at the 40th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the African Methodists Episcopal Church that was held in Atlanta, Georgia.

Bishop Thomas served as the presiding prelate of the 17th Episcopal District (Central Africa), the 13th Episcopal District (Tennessee and Kentucky) and the 9th Episcopal District (Alabama).
As bishop of the 17th Episcopal District, he redeemed a 560-acre farm and Episcopal Residence at a cost of $150,000. In Zimbabwe, he established a secondary school consisting of eleven modern buildings located on fifteen acres, with over 1,000 students. In the 13th Episcopal District, Bishop Thomas left and Expansion Fund of over $100,000.

I fondly remember Bishop Thomas and recall when I was in the Army and stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, I was planning to attend the Kentucky Annual Conference. The Annual Conference was going to be held in Paducah, Kentucky, but I found out, at the last minute, that the annual conference date had been moved to a week earlier. I called Bishop Thomas immediately; it was the day before the start of the rescheduled annual conference. I asked Bishop Thomas if I could be excused and told him that I would overnight my financial obligations. He quickly responded, “Ah, chaplain, don’t worry about it, I will put in your offerings.” I responded, “Thank you, Bishop, but I will overnight the money and address the envelope to you. Do you have the church address?” Bishop Thomas responded, “I am not going to give it to you. Don’t worry about it. Chaplain, we will take care of you.” I have never forgotten his kindness and giving spirit and I have tried to pass that on.

In 1989, Bishop Thomas was assigned to serve the people of Alabama. He did a number of great things. He was kind and pastoral. He was a shepherd to his preachers. Under his astute leadership, the entire $1.5 million debt of Daniel Payne College was retired. Bishop Thomas was a committed professional and a sincere man of God.

Bishop Thomas made his transition from these “mundane” shores to God’s “celestial shores” on Monday, December 4, 2005.

Bishop Cornelious Egbert Thomas is survived by his wife, Susie Jamar Thomas, a daughter, Cornelia T. Jordan, a son, James Egbert Thomas (Dawn), two grandchildren, Cornelious Egbert Thomas II and James Michael Thomas and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

2. AN INVITATION FROM THE RAYC TO ATTEND HIS SUMMER’S 2005 YOUNG ADULT CONCLAVE, JUNE 23-26, 2005 IN LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA:

Greeting to you in Jesus Joy!

We are quickly approaching a new year in the work of Young Adult Ministries. It is our hope each of you will consider being a part of the Richard Allen Young Adult Council. Additionally, we are personally inviting you to be present at the 2005 Young Adult Conclave, June 23-26, 2005 in Los Angels, CA. Do you need an oil change in you spiritual life? Come and get you oil change as we have chosen for a theme: “Anoint Us with Fresh Oil. The conclave will be a life changing experience for all. You are now able to register for the conclave and make your hotel reservations on our website: www.rayac.org. (If you have any questions you may also email us at rayacinfo@rayac.org you will receive an answer within 48 hours.)

Upon going to the website you will see more information on the RAYAC, Interactive activities and opportunity to ask the Leadership of the RAYAC about a variety of issues surrounding young adults.

For those persons that do not have internet access you may feel free to contact the RAYAC Office at: 414-358-3022.

Editor's Comment: We love to get information well-ahead of the event. The RAYC is to be commended. Please mark your calendars now.

3. INFORMATION ABOUT THIS SUMMER’S 2005 YOUNG ADULT CONCLAVE, JUNE 23-26, 2005 IN LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA. THEME: “ANOINTING, FOR A NEW GENERATION OF AME’S”:

Written by: Bro. Karion E. Hogan

When looking up the word “conclave” on the Merriam - Webster Online Dictionary, We were given the definition “a gathering of a group or organization”. The Richard Allen Young Adult Council is sponsoring the “Young Adult Conclave” in Los Angeles, CA June 23-26, 2005. This will be a gathering of young adults from throughout the Connectional African Methodist Episcopal Church seeking a refreshing from the Lord. The theme, “Anoint Us with Fresh Oils” speaks to the young adult population of our Zion that is seeking a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit and those who are thirsty for the presence of God.

While the Conclave is designed to draw young adults between the ages of 18-39 to Los Angeles, we invite anyone who is interested in ascending to a higher dimension in God. The goal of this meeting is for those who already know the Lord to leave Los Angeles forever changed and for those who are unsaved to meet and embrace Jesus and His salvation power.

This four - day meeting will be hosted by the Fifth Episcopal District and the Los Angels AME Churches under the Leadership of Bishop and Rev. John Bryant. The dynamic workshops and power packed, spirit - filled worship services will take place at the Westin Hotel at the Los Angels Airport. The Preacher for the Opening worship will be the Rev. Terrence Gray, the newly appointed Pastor of St. Mark AME Church Orlando, Florida. The weekend will also include several skill shops, with topics including but not limited to Spiritual connection with God, Financial freedom, Family life, and leadership in local churches, an upscale social event and a Cultural Extravaganza, which will be an evening dedicated to displaying the rich and diverse cultures of this Southern California Region.

During the meeting, there will be an opportunity to tour the Greater Los Angeles area to experience the fine dining, shopping, and tourist attractions. Manhattan Beach, Hollywood, and Beverly Hills are all in close proximity to the Westin LAX there will be vendors that will provide various items on-site. The registration fee for this spirit-filled event is $135 (Which includes entrance to all workshops, kit, seminars, and two meal functions). To register for the Young Adult Conclave or for more information, please go to www.rayac.org.

Submitted by Tanya V. Phillips and Karion E. Hogan, General Chairpersons
Jerry Turner, Jr. Connectional President

Bishop Robert V. Webster, Commission
ChairDr. Daryl Ingram, Executive Secretary

4. THE EIGHTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT WEBSITE IS “UP AND RUNNING:

Please check http://www.18thdistrictamec.org/ to see what Bishop Sarah Davis and Episcopal Supervisor Claytie Davis are doing in Lesotho, Botswana, Swaziland and Mozambique.

5. THE FIRST EPISCOPAL DISTRICT WEBSITE IS “UP AND RUNNING”:

http://www.firstdistrictame.com/html/district.htm

6. THE EDITOR’S CORNER:

Today, I had two interesting conversations about whether or not Stewards or Licentiates could serve communion. The issue is not who consecrates the elements of communion, only ordained Itinerate Elders can, but who is authorized to serve it according to The Discipline. I was always taught that one could not participate in the handling of the elements of Communion until after being ordained a deacon. I went back and looked carefully at The Discipline and spoke with two bishops…

(Read more discussion on this in The Christian Recorder)

And if you want to participate in the discussion, email your comments to me at chsydnor@bellsouth.net . Please no anonymous comments.

7. THE THIRTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT FOUNDER’S DAY:

We will be on our way tomorrow morning to the Thirteenth Episcopal District Founder’s Day Celebration that will be held in Memphis, Tennessee.

8. THE PASSING OF SISTER DOROTHY BENDER, MOTHER OF SISTER PAT JOHNSON, WIFE OF PRESDING ELDER JOHNSON, PRESDING ELDER OF THE LEXINGTON DISTRICT (KENTUCKY ANNUAL CONFERENCE):

It is with much sadness that we report that Presiding Elder Ralph Johnson's Mother-In-Law passed Tuesday, February 8th, at 11:30 a.m.

Please remember Sister Pat, Presiding Elder, and all of the family, as they walk by faith through the grieving process.

The Homegoing Celebration of Mrs. Dorothy Bender is scheduled for Friday, February 11, 2005 at 12 noon, at First Baptist Church, 290 East Winchester Street, Gallatin, Tennessee 37066.

The arrangements are being cared for by Johnson-Coleman Funeral Home, 723 Anthony Street, Gallatin, Tennessee 37066 - (615) 452-2060.

9. FUNERAL NOTICES FROM THE FIRST EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:

We regret to inform you of the passing of the following persons in the First Episcopal District:

- Frank Wade, the father of Rev. Carl Wade, Pastor at Bethel AME Church, Camden, New Jersey.

All Services will be held Saturday, February 12, 2005

Viewing - 9:00 am - 11:00 a.m.
Masonic Service - 10:00 a.m.
Funeral Service - 11:00 am

Mt. Zion AME Church
135 Perry Street
Trenton, NJ 08618

Rev. J. Stanley Justice, Pastor
Church Phone: 609-695-4475
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Mary Alliene Wade
221 Revfrew Ave.
Trenton, NJ 08618

Or
Rev. Carl Wade
24 Newell Ave.
Trenton, NJ 08618

- Ruth Daniels, the wife of the late, retired Rev. David Daniels, who was a pastor in the Philadelphia Conference of the First Episcopal District.Services will be held Saturday, February 12, 2005

Viewing - 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Funeral Service - 10:00 a.m.
Hickman Temple AME Church
5001 Baltimore Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19143
Rev. Vernal E. Simms, Pastor
Church Phone: 215-476-5340

Condolences may be sent to:
Family of Ruth Danielsc/o Ms. Karen Booker738 E. Providence RoadAldan, PA 19018

- The Reverend James T. Frederick, an associate minister at Mother Bethel AME Church and the father of Ramona Brown.

Services will be held Thursday, February 10, 2005
Viewing - 9:00 am- 11:00 a.m.
Funeral Service - 11:00 a.m.
Mother Bethel AME Church
419 Richard Allen Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19147

Rev. Jeffrey Leath, Pastor
Church Phone: 215-925-0616

Please remember the Wade, the Daniels and the Frederick families in your prayers during this time of their bereavement.

10. ALL BEREAVEMENT NOTICES ARE SUBMITTED BY:

God Bless!Ora L. Easley, President
CONN-M-SWAWO +PK'SEmail: Amespouses1@aol.com
Phone: (615) 837-9736Fax: (615) 833-3781
WEB SITES: http://www.amemswwpk.org/
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THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE (2/7/05)

1. THE EDITOR’S CORNER:

Synopsis of the life of Bishop Richard Allen

Richard Allen was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on February 14, 1760. He was converted when he was seventeen years old and licensed to preach when he was 22. He was 27 years old when he and the other blacks walked out of St. George’s Methodist Episcopal Church. He was 40 years old when he was ordained a deacon by Bishop Francis Asbury. He was consecrated a bishop (1816) when he was 56 years old. The first A.M.E. Hymnal was published in 1818. Bishop Morris Brown was elected bishop-assistant to Bishop Allen at the General Conference held in Philadelphia in 1828. Bishop Allen died on March 31, 1831.

Richard Allen on His Conversion

I was a child and lived with him (Benjamin Chew) until I was upwards of twenty years of age, during which time I was awakened and brought to see myself, poor, wretched and undone, and without the mercy of God must be lost. Shortly after, I obtained mercy through the blood of Christ, and was constrained to exhort my old companions to seek the Lord. I went rejoicing for several days and was happy in the Lord, in conversing with many old, experienced Christians. I was brought under doubts, and was tempted to believe I was deceived, and was constrained to seek the Lord afresh. I went with my head bowed down for many days. My sins were a heavy burden. I was tempted to believe there was no mercy for me. I cried to the Lord both day and night. One night I thought hell would be my portion. I cried unto Him who delighteth to hear the prayers of a poor sinner, and all of a sudden my dungeon shook, my chains flew off, and glory to God, I cried. My soul was filled. I cried, enough for me-the Savior died. Now my confidence was strengthened that the Lord, for Christ’s sake, had heard my prayers and pardoned my sins.

Richard Allen on His Response to His Conversion

I was constrained to go from house to house, exhorting my old companions, and telling to all around what a dear Savior I had found. I joined the Methodist Society and met in class at Benjamin Wells’s, in the forest, Delaware state. John Gray was the class leader. I met in his class for several years.

Richard Allen Explains Why He and the Other Blacks Left St. George’s M.E. Church

A number of us usually attended St. George’s Church in Fourth Street; and when the colored people began to get numerous in attending the church, they moved us from the seats we usually sat on, and placed us around the wall, and on Sabbath morning we went to church and the sexton stood at the door, and told us to go in the gallery. He told us to go, and we would see where to sit. We expected to take the seats over the ones we formerly occupied below, not knowing any better. We took those seats. Meeting had begun, and they were nearly done singing, and just as we got to the seats, the elder said, “Let us pray.” We had not been long on our knees before I heard considerable scuffling and low talking. I raised my head up and saw one of the trustees, H—M--, having hold of the Rev. Absalom Jones, pulling him up off of his knees, and saying, “You must get up –you must not kneel here.” Mr. Jones replied, “Wait until the prayer is over.” Mr. H--M—said, “No, you must get up now, or I will call for aid and force you away.” Mr. Jones said, “Wait until prayer is over, and I will get up and trouble you no more.” With that he beckoned to one of the other trustees, Mr. L—S—to come to his assistance. He came, and went to William White to pull him up. By this time prayer was over, and we all sent out of the church in a body, and they were no more plagued with us in the church. This raised a great excitement and inquiry among the citizens, in so much that I believe they were ashamed of their conduct. But my dear Lord was with us, and we were filled with fresh vigor to get a house erected to worship God in.

The passages above were extracted from, The Experience and Gospel labors of The Rt. Rev. Richard Allen, written by Richard Allen, himself, with a Preface by Dr. A. Lee Henderson.

Dr. A. Lee Henderson encouraged all people to read the book written by Richard Allen. He shared that Bishop Allen, born a slave, “…freed himself from the tyranny of segregation to establish the first African Methodist Episcopal Church in God’s Kingdom.” Dr. Henderson wrote in the Introduction, “Richard Allen was the first ordained preacher of African descent in America, and was elected in absentia. Both he and Daniel Coker were elected the first day, but when Allen appeared the second day he took the position that two bishops were not needed at the time of organization. Coker resigned and Allen was set apart.”

The experience and Gospel labors of The Rt. Rev. Richard Allen is published by the AMEC Sunday School Union, Nashville, Tennessee and may be purchased by calling 1-800-648-8724 and make your payment using your credit card. The book will be sent to you immediately. Or you may send your check for $5.60 and the book will be mailed to you.

The AMEC Sunday School Union
500 8th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37203.

Editor’s Comment: I would hope that every AME minister and every layperson has or will purchase a copy of this modestly priced book.

Editor’s Comment: I have attended Founder’s Day observances and note that sometimes, Bishop Richard Allen’s name is not mentioned. When I was growing up, I used to hear Richard Allen’s name, from time to time, mentioned in sermons. I don’t hear as much today about Richard Allen as I used to hear in church in worship services.

On behalf of the Rt. Reverend Gregory G.M. Ingram, Chair, Commission on Publications and the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher, we encourage all clergy and laity go back to "our roots" and look anew to the life of Richard Allen and the other early leaders of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Their struggles are ours; though many things change, there are many struggles that remain the same.

The Sunday School Union has a number of excellent books, e.g., The Romance of African Methodism written by the late Dr. George Singleton, A Liberated Past: Explorations in AME Church History, and Research notes on A.M.E. Church History, both written by Dr. Dennis Dickerson, Historiographer of the AME Church. Dr. Dickerson has other books available. Also available, The Role of the Stewards written by Dr. A. Lee Henderson, History of the African Methodist Episcopal Church written by Bishop Daniel A. Payne, Methodist Polity authored by Bishop Henry McNeal Turner, What A.M.E.’s Believe written by Bishop John Hurst Adams. Jeanette T. Johns, who is a retired librarian authored, The Upward Journey: A Centenarian's Chronicle, a book about the late Bishop Decatur Ward Nichols. There are numerous other books available for at the AME Sunday School Union. Call 800.648-8724 for more information.

Other books that can be purchased from major book stores is Journey to the Well by Bishop Vashti McKenzie (she has two other books available), Herstory as a Woman Pastor Preacher written by the Reverend Barbara J. Barbour and From Boy Preacher to Serving God and Humanity written by the Reverend O’Neal Hayes Brown, Sr. and The Christian Recorder, A.M.E. Church 1854 -1902 written by the late Gilbert Anthony Williams

2. THE LENTEN SEASON BEGINS THIS WEDNESDAY:

This Wednesday, February 9, 2005 is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the Lenten Season. Lent is a forty-day period before Easter that begins on Ash Wednesday. Sundays are not counted in the forty day count when the forty days are counted, because Sundays commemorate the Resurrection.

The liturgical color for the altar and the liturgical vestments, i.e.., stole, for those who observe the liturgical color cycle is purple.

3. HOLY WEEK:

Begins on Palm Sunday and goes to Easter. Holy Week commemorates the Passion (Suffering) of Jesus.

4. EASTER:

Easter will be observed this year on March 27, 2005.

5. METROPOLITAN AME CHURCH, AUSTIN, TEXAS WELCOMES NEW FIRST FAMILY:

By Frank W. Owens, Trustee

Austin, Texas… Metropolitan AME Church rolled out the red carpet in a gala evening to welcome our dynamic and energizing pastor, Rev. N. Jordan Mkwanazi and his lovely wife, Rev. Henrietta Sullivan Mkwanazi with gratitude, love and joy on January 28, 2005.

This spiritually vibrant and superb Pastoral Team was assigned to Metropolitan AME Church, November 13, 2004 by the Rt. Rev. Gregory G.M. Ingram, Presiding Prelate of the Tenth Episcopal District.

The program was sponsored by the Stewards of the Church. The program proceeded as follows: Opening of the program by the Mistress of Ceremony, Sister Dorothy Madison; Prelude by Sister Gloria Ross; Entrance of the Honorees; Invocation, Brother Eural Smothers; the Occasion, Brother Gerald Henderson; Music was provided by the group, “Total Quality”; Words of Welcome, Sister Gwendolyn Lawson, Steward Board Pro Tem. Others who joined in welcoming of our Pastoral Team were: Travis County Judge, The Honorable Sam Bisco; Austin Capital District, Reverend Dr. W. Raymond Bryant, Senior Pastor of Grant AME Worship Center; Associate Ministers, Trustees, Ministry Heads, members and friends of Metropolitan shared in on this Special Occasion.

A delicious dinner was served that pleasantly satisfied every ones appetite. This was a very heart-felt occasion that was enjoyed by everyone who attended the welcome for Pastor and First Lady Mkwanazi.

Our Pastoral Team has humbly and graciously accepted the leadership responsibilities with a great insight for a new direction for Metropolitan… this is GOOD NEWS! Pastor Mkwanazi’s motto for Metropolitan is” The Fountain of Praise.” The Pastoral Team is working diligently toward increasing the membership, improving church facilities, uplifting the spiritual life of he Church and most importantly, adhering to an agenda that is available to ALL members to study the word of God through weekly Bible Study.

Under the dynamic leadership of Pastor Mkwanazi and Rev. Henrietta, we, the members of Metropolitan look forward to taking Metropolitan AME Church, Austin, Texas to a greater level in our effort to do God’s work and achieve his Glory!

It is with God’s grace, mercy and love that we the members of Metropolitan accept full responsibility, in cooperating to the fullest extent with our new Pastor, Rev. N. Jordan Mkwanazi and Rev. Henrietta Sullivan Mkwanazi.

Pastor Mkwanazi and Rev. Henrietta…WELCOME, WELCOME, WELCOME to Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church…”THE FOUNTAIN OF PRAISE”!

6. THE PHILADELPHIA (MOTHER) DISTRICT OF AFRICAN METHODISM WILL GIVE BIRTH TO WOMEN’S GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2005:

By the Rev. Maxine L. Thomas

In answer to the call to provide continued nurturing in the Word through preaching, teaching and ministering that produces holistic healing, and spiritual empowerment for women to fulfill their God purposed destiny, the Philadelphia (Mother) District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, where the Rev. Dr. Henrietta Scott Fullard is the Presiding Elder will give birth to its first Annual Women’s Conference on Friday, November 18 thru Saturday, November 19, 2005 at the First District Plaza, 3801 Market Street in Philadelphia, PA.

Titled, Women’s General Assembly 2005, “AND SHE SHALL BRING FORTH,” and using Luke 1:31 as a scriptural foundation, the conference will aid in the process of women identifying that which God has placed …

(Read the complete article in The Christian Recorder in March in the all women’s edition of The Christian Recorder in celebration of Women’s History Month.)

7. SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER

Subscribe to The Christian Recorder and have the hard-copy paper edition mailed directly to your home! You may call 1-800-648-8724 and make your payment using your credit card. Or send $26.00 check or money order for a one year subscription to:

The Christian Recorder
500 8th Avenue South,
Nashville, TN 37203.

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE (2/4//05)

1. THE EDITOR’S CORNER:

- I just returned from the Turner Theological Seminary’s Founder’s Day celebration and what a celebration! Great presentations and great preaching! Coverage of the Turner Theological Seminary Founder’s Day will appear in both the online and hard-copy editions of The Christian Recorder.

- I am interested in getting news from across the Church. So far, the First, Second, Fifth, Thirteenth, Sixteenth, and several of the African Districts consistently forward their news and events. I would like for all of the Episcopal Districts to be consistent in sending articles about the news and upcoming events taking place in their districts. Individual churches are also encouraged to utilize The Christian Recorder. We are your source for news about what is happening in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and for sharing what is happening in your districts and in your local churches.

- A reminder: We publish the hard-copy edition of The Christian Recorder every two weeks, just long enough for news to get “stale” and added to that we have to stay about two weeks ahead in submitting issues to the Publisher for printing. It’s a tricky operation and, as you might imagine, time is critical. That is why I believe that the online edition is so important for up-to-the date news. When events happen and you want it in the hard-copy edition, your writers have to get it to us quickly.

- Subscriptions are important. We, as AME’s, need to support our publications – all of them. Especially, every person who is an applicant for ministry should subscribe to all of our publications. The A.M.E. Church Review is the academic and theological venue for dissemination of doctrine, history, and issues related to the polity of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Ministers and laypersons need to be faithful in keeping updated – subscribing to The A.M.E Church Review is the way to keep you updated. And, for the news about what is happening in the A.M.E. Church – you need to subscribe to The Christian Recorder!

2. BLACK METHODISTS BEGIN LENTEN SEASON WITH WORSHIPFUL REFLECTION; JOINT ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE FEB. 9

Submitted by the Reverend Kevin Taylor

LOS ANGELES — (January 31, 2005) — On Wednesday, Feb. 9, Christians all over the world mark the beginning of the Lenten season with prayers, fasts and quiet introspection. For the leaders and parishioners of the Southland’s historically Black Methodist Churches, the evening will be filled with worship and reflection on the plight of the African-American community.

“Out of the ashes is the manifestation of the kingdom of God absent of denominational walls that have historically divided a broken community,” explained the Rev. Mark Whitlock, pastor of Christ Our Redeemer A.M.E. Church of Irvine. “This service represents a wise beginning to a living end — the beginning of a unified worshiping body and an end to territorial boundaries.”

Whitlock and members of the African Methodist Episcopal, African Methodist Episcopal Zion and Christian Methodist Episcopal churches will gather for Ash Wednesday service in what is believed to be a first-of-its-kind event in the area.

The 7 p.m. special service will be held at Grant A.M.E. Church, 10435 S. Central Avenue in Los Angeles and features a mass Methodist choir.

“We need to transcend our institutional mindsets and do something for the kingdom of God,” Whitlock continued. “God has been calling his Church to come together to do kingdom work which means representing him in the community. And what better way can we do that than by coming together.”

Bishops John R. Bryant and Henry M. Williamson of the A.M.E. and C.M.E. churches, respectively, will lead the teaching and preaching for the evening. Likewise, clergy of the three denominations will be on hand to ceremonially place ashes on worshipers’ foreheads as a sign of humility before God and as a symbol of mourning and sorrow.

The tradition, which generally uses the ashes of the previous year’s Palm Sunday palms, is known as the “imposition of ashes” and is how the day earned its name.

It is apropos that the event coincides with the beginning of the 40-day Lenten season, a time of reflection, introspection and sacrifice, explained the Rev. Leslie R. White, host pastor of Watts’ largest congregation.

“As we journey through the Lenten season, we embark on the same 40-day period that Jesus fasted and prayed in the wilderness prior to beginning his pubic ministry,” White noted. “As we consider how we too might become living sacrifices to God, we must consider the needs of the community around us.”

Rallying to save the King/Drew hospital that serves the minority community, fighting to improve education and working to raise awareness and reduce the incidence of HIV/AIDS are ways to do just that, White added, and is why they are major themes of the evening.
Like Ash Wednesday itself, the three denominations are deeply rooted in history as well — each with ties to the Methodist Episcopal Church, which officially became the United Methodist Church in 1968.

The A.M.E. Church, for example, was founded in Philadelphia in 1787 by the Rt. Rev. Richard Allen after he and other freed slaves were not permitted to worship freely. The A.M.E. Zion Church began under similar circumstances nine years later in nearby New York City under the leadership of James Varick.

The C.M.E. Church came on the scene soon after the Civil War as the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church in America. In 1930 they dropped “in America,” and in 1954 they became the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.

According to the 2001 Yearbook of American & Canadian Churches, the denominations have a combined membership of more than 4.5 million members in more than 12,000 congregations around the world.

For the Rev. Kwesi R. Kamau, pastor of Amos Memorial C.M.E. Church of Los Angeles, the event is an opportunity to emphasize the “very concrete and significant role” that the three denominations have played in the African-American community.

“The question has always been raised when something goes down in the community, ‘Where is the church?’” Kamau noted. “We don’t always come out with t-shirts with crosses, but in every significant cause the Church has been involved and in leadership roles…. We want to highlight the fact that God’s Church has been represented in meeting the needs of our community that night and in the months and years to come.”

For more information, contact Grant A.M.E. Church at (323) 564-1151 or visit www.grantamechurch.org.

For Immediate Release Contact: Rev. Kevin T. TaylorJanuary 31, 2005 (323) 564-1151

3. HISTORICALLY BLACK METHODIST CHURCHES UNITE IN WORSHIP AND PURPOSE FEB. 9; ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE FOCUSES ON KING/DREW MEDICAL CENTER, EDUCATION AND HIV/AIDS AWARENESS:

Submitted by the Reverend Kevin Taylor

LOS ANGELES — (January 31, 2005) — In 22 years of ministry, the Rev. Bonnie Hines has seen just about everything: natural disaster, gang and domestic violence, layoffs, teen pregnancy, divorce and more.

But there is nothing natural about the education system, the HIV/AIDS pandemic and the proposed closing of King/Drew Medical Center that’s plaguing Los Angeles’ Black community, she says.

So when Hines, the new pastor of First A.M.E. Zion Church in Los Angeles, got a call to help plan a Wesleyan worship service with those issues as its core focus, she jumped at the opportunity.
“In all of the congregations that I have served,” Hines said, “HIV/AIDS has touched each and every one. It’s running rampant — there is no way that you can’t be touched by it.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, AIDS is a leading cause of death among black women aged 25-44 years and among black men aged 25-54 years. Black men are nearly nine times more likely than white men to have AIDS, and Black women are 23 times more likely than white women to have AIDS.

The situation is just as bleak when it comes to education. A recent report of the National Center of Education Statistics shows Blacks more likely to drop out of high school than whites and while, the proportion of Blacks completing college increased between 1975 and 2000, Blacks still remained less likely than Whites to earn degrees.

That’s why Hines and other leaders of the African Methodist Episcopal, African Methodist Episcopal Zion and Christian Methodist Episcopal Churches will unite in worship and purpose on Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2005 at 7 p.m. at Grant A.M.E. Church in Watts.

The event comes just two days after the CDC-sponsored National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day and less than two months after the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted to close the trauma unit at King/Drew.

“Historically African-Americans have looked to the Black Church to be the change agent in our community,” Hines said. “Through this event the historically Black Methodist bodies are being more purposeful and deliberate than ever. We want people to walk away with the sense that the African-American Church is still that voice and is still that change agent in our community.”
The service is the result of months of brainstorming by bishops of the three groups — the Rt. Revs. John R. Bryant, Roy A. Holmes and Henry M. Williamson of the A.M.E., A.M.E.Z. and C.M.E. churches, respectively — on ways the denominations can leverage their power to impact the community.

“Our denominations share a rich history and heritage of serving God’s people,” explained the Rev. Leslie R. White, host pastor of Watts’ largest congregation. “I believe our bishops recognized that we can do more by standing united than when we tackle these issues separately. So we gather together to ask the Lord to strengthen our faith as we strengthen our resolve to save King/Drew, improve education and eradicate HIV/AIDS.”

White says the proceeds from the service will be donated to the African American Women Health & Education Foundation, which sponsors the Southern California Regional 5K AIDS Walk for Women and Children in April.

The service will also feature a combined Southern California Black Methodist Choir, teaching by Bryant, preaching by Williamson and a special presentation from U.S. Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald (D-California, District 37).

The Rev. Kwesi R. Kamau, pastor of Amos Memorial C.M.E. Church of Los Angeles, says the service is an opportunity to declare victory on these social issues.

“In the Black Church the power of our worship experience is that we’re celebrating a victory won,” Kamau said. “The first is Christ’s victory over death which gives everyone hope and a new chance of life. Second, we celebrate victory in our communities…From civil rights to women’s rights to economic justice; the Black Church has been the backbone to help make that happen. In 2005, we’ve come together to celebrate what God has done in and through our lives and how He will help us alleviate these issues in our community.”

And when the benediction is offered at the close of Wednesday’s service, Kamau prays that it won’t be the last time that the denominations come together in this manner.

“I hope that this will be the beginning of something great in terms of…laying a foundation of cooperation for the Black churches across the region. I hope that we can do this at least once a year,” he said.

For more information, contact Grant A.M.E. Church at (323) 564-1151 or visit www.grantamechurh.org.

Also see the National African-American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Web site, www.blackaidsday.org and visit the Southern California Regional 5K AIDS Walk for Women and Children at www.scraidswalk.org.

For Immediate Release Contact: Rev. Kevin T. TaylorJanuary 31, 2005 (323) 564-1151

4. THE PHILADELPHIA DISTRICT COMMEMORATES THE REV. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

Rev. Dr. Esther L. Seales And Rev. Maxine L. Thomas

“Take away from me the noise of your songs; for I will not hear the melody of your stringed instruments. But let justice run down like water, and righteousness like amighty stream!’ Amos 5:23, 24

The power of the Holy Ghost fell upon all who witnessed the proclamation of God’s Word, as our bishop, the Right Reverend Richard Franklin Norris, presiding prelate of the First Episcopal District expounded on the subject “Justice and Righteousness” as he preached the sermon for the Philadelphia District’s First Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Service which was held Sunday January 16, 2005 at Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church in Philadelphia, PA at 4:00 p.m.

Bishop Norris challenged all assembled to make sure our lives correspond to the songs of Zion that we sing. “God is not impressed with our singing. But God desires righteousness and justice from us,” Bishop Norris said.

He reminded us that America had better get ready for a day of reckoning for the wrongs that have been done, the bombs that we have dropped on innocent people, the diseases that we have caused, the hunger that we have spread, and for all of the inequities of life. “We are hard pressed to explain why we are in Iraq. As a nation, one day we will have to explain why our ships sat out on the bay and watched while hundreds of our boys and girls in Monrovia, Liberia were being killed. We are living in a critical and difficult time…a time where there is a lack of justice and a lack of righteousness.”

The power and conviction of the preached Word caused those assembled to stand and praise God as a witness because the preacher let us know that there is still hope because Jesus Christ paid the price for us with his shed blood on Calvary.

Bishop Norris took us to the mountain top. He said, “I am still dreaming the dreams of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Let righteousness run down and let justice exude America. Let righteousness come forth from the Allegheny Mountains in Pennsylvania, from the snowcapped Rockies in Colorado, from Lookout Mountain in Tennessee… from every village and every hamlet….”

“I am so glad that the debt has been paid. There is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Emmanuel’s veins, and sinners plunged beneath the flood, lose all their guilty stains.”

“Let Justice Roll down and Righteousness come forth, and God will do a new thing!” Bishop Norris proclaimed the Word with power and authority as he applauded the work of Dr. King and challenged his listeners to ascend to higher heights of accountability and with paralleled victory and vision lay claim to the dream that will move us forward as we continue to proclaim liberty and justice for all.

The Rev. Dr. Henrietta Scott Fullard, Presiding Elder of the Philadelphia District had the vision for the District’s First Annual Martin Luther King Commemoration Service. During the service, Elder Fullard recalled her experiences growing up in the south under “Jim Crow” Laws. In retrospect, she continued: “I grew up in a segregated south …

(Read the complete article in The Christian Recorder)

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6. SMALL CHURCH WITH BIG PLANS: PASADENA'S BROWN MEMORIAL A.M.E. CHURCH TO RETIRE DEBT, RENOVATE AND ADDRESS HOMELESSNESS IN 2005

Submitted by the Reverend Kevin Taylor

PASADENA, Calif. - (January 31, 2005) - Don't let his small membership roster fool you. The Rev. Carlton V. Rickman Jr. of Brown Memorial A.M.E.Church in Pasadena is a man on a mission: retire the Church's debt, address homelessness in the community and most importantly, save 100 souls by year's end.

The anointed, charismatic Rickman was appointed pastor of Brown Memorial in October 2004. Already he's reduced the existing debt by nearly 7 percent, begun a feeding program for persons down on their luck, sought 501(C)(3) status and declared victory over the church's financial situation by March 2005.

"My vision for the church is that Brown will become a source of spiritual, social, political and economic empowerment for the people within the community," said Rickman, a 17-year veteran of ministry in the A.M.E.Church, 16 of which were spent at pastoral charges in Ohio and West Virginia.

In the long-term, Rickman is working toward affordable housing, youth mentorship and tutoring, job placement and job referral programs, and access to affordable healthcare for neighborhood residents.

In the short-term, however, he is feverishly working to retire the $72,000 debt that's plagued the congregation for more many years. Once it's liquidated in mid-March, Rickman will need another $40,500 for new renovations - a new roof and energy efficient wiring among them.

To accomplish the goal, he's enlisted a cadre of spirit-filled preachers, including the Rev. Leslie R. White of Grant A.M.E. Church in the heart of Watts. White was the keynote speaker for the Mortgage Liquidation/Church Renovation Rally Kick-off on Sunday, Jan. 23, where another 4 percent was shaved from the debt through the offering.

White's sermon, "Fix this House!" was taken from Jeremiah 7:1-4 and encouraged the nearly 150 persons in attendance to develop a "strong social and moral consciousness that is not in conflict with the financial obligations of the church…”

(Read the complete article in The Chrsitian Recorder)

7. SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER

Subscribe to The Christian Recorder and have the hard-copy paper edition mailed directly to your home! You may call 1-800-648-8724 and make your payment using your credit card. Or send $26.00 check or money order for a one year subscription to:

The Christian Recorder
500 8th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37203

8. NEWS FROM JOHNSON CHAPEL, SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA:

- Johnson Chapel is proud to welcome the 122nd elected and consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Rt. Reverend Carolyn Tyler-Guidry to our pulpit as the preacher of the hour this Sunday as a part of our First Sunday Communion Worship Service. Bishop Guidry, our former Presiding Elder, is the second women elected to the bench of Bishops in the 218 year History of the AME Church and is currently assigned to be the 16th Episcopal District which covers the Caribbean, London, Holland and South America. As a part of the worship service, Bishop Tyler Guidry will also be formally presented with a check in the amount of $2,000 which represents the amount collected from the Johnson Chapel Church Family for emergency disaster relief in the Caribbean Welcome Bishop Carolyn Tyler-Guidry!

- This Wednesday, February 9, 2005 at 7:00 p.m., the Johnson Chapel Church Family will be joining with Bishop John Richard Bryant and A.M.E.s from across Southern California, Bishop Henry Williamson and Members of the CME Church as well as Bishop Roy Holmes and members of the AME Zion Church in a joint Worship Service designed to “Tear Down Denominational Walls.” The service will be held at Grant AME Church Los Angeles. Transportation from Johnson Chapel will be provided for all those who are interested in attending. Please reserve your seat by signing up today at the Information Station. Vans will be leaving the church at 5:30 p.m. and are anticipated to return at approximately 10:00 p.m..

For more information please contact the church office at (714) 972-8983

- Honors Johnson Chapel Heroes On behalf of the Dr. John Howard Morrow Award of Merit Selection Committee as well as the entire Johnson Chapel Church Family, the Pastor is extremely pleased and most proud to announce our 2005 Honorees. They are: Jackie Thompson, Alvin Alaman, Rayford Rodgers and Mattie Lang. This years list of Johnson Chapel “Heroes” is truly an eclectic one in terms of age, gender as well as the nature of the contributions to church and community that each have made. The one constant among all four is that they are all, extremely positive Christians role models who demonstrate a passionate love for God that manifests itself in a life-long pattern of service to others. In a day and time where individuals in our culture and society are afforded “Hero” status for significantly less reason than that, we proudly take this occasion to stand together as a Church Family to salute these four individuals and to lift them up as genuine “Heroes from Within”. Each of our 2005 Award Recipients will represent Johnson Chapel in this Saturday’s Orange County Black History Parade. Each will also be individually honored (in the order in which they appear above) on each of the four Sundays of February as part of our Church’s Black History Month Celebration. This Sunday (First Sunday) we will be honoring Sister Jackie Thompson.

9. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Reverend Lee F. Lewis which occurred on Wednesday, January 26, 2005.

FUNERAL SERVICE:Funeral Service was held on Monday, January 31, 2005Funeral - 11:00 a.m.
St. Matthew A.M.E. Church
215 North 57th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19131

Condolences can be sent to the family:
Mrs. Helen Lewis
544 North 63rd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19151

Please remember the Lewis family in your prayers during this time of their bereavement.

10. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regretfully report the death of the Mother of one of our Presiding Elders in the 16th District. Mrs. Ilene Morris, mother of Presiding Elder Andrew C. Morris-Grant passed away in Queenstown, Georgetown Guyana. Funeral arrangements are pending.

Condolences may be sent to
The Rev. Andrew C. Morris-Grant
209 New Garden Street
Queenstown Georgetown, Guyana

Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry

11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Mrs. Mamie Brown McClellan Fripp, the mother of Mrs. Paulette Cryer, The Connectional Director of the Young People's Division, and the mother-in-law of Rev. Eugene Cryer, Jr. passed away after a brave duration of illness on Wednesday morning, January 26, 2005.

The homegoing celebration was held January 31, 2005, at 1:00 p.m. in Greater Trinity AME Church, Charleston, South Carolina. The eulogy was delivered by senior pastor, Rev. Robert Stokes.

Condolences may be sent to:

Mrs. Paulette Cryer
7739 Outlook Drive
North Charleston, SC 29418

(843) 552-2034
Email: PMCRYER@aol.com

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hospice of Charleston or the Trinity AME Church YPD Scholarship Fund.

Submitted by: Lula S. Cleckley, President
7th Episcopal District M-SWAWO

Please remember Sister Paulette Cryer and family in your prayers.

12. ALL CLERGY FAMILY BREAVEMENT NOTICES RECEIVED FROM:

Ora L. Easley, PresidentCONN-M-SWAWO +PK'S
Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
Phone: (615) 837-9736Fax: (615) 833-3781
WEBSITES: http://www.amemswwpk.org/CONN-M-SWAWO + P.K.'S Home Page: http://connmswawo3.com/

AME Church Clergy Family Forum: http://connmswawo3.com/membership.html
CONN-M-SWAWO + P.K.'S Membership Listing