THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (8/31/05)
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 GENERAL OFFICERS OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH:
The General Officers of the African Methodist Episcopal Church are pledging to contribute personal contribution of $1,000.00 each in response to Hurricane Katrina. The checks collected will be made payable to the AME Church and the collective donation will be disbursed as directed by the bishops of the Church. The bishops will meet to determine the appropriate collection and disbursement of all funds collected by the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
2. LETTER TO THE EDITOR:
Thank you for keeping us posted
I am deeply saddened by the bad new that a being spread by the media, including The Christian Recorder. There are few people in the world beside Mozambicans that know what natural and unnatural tragedies can do in the lives of its people.
I want all of those persons who have been affected by Hurricane Katrina that I am lifting then up in prayer. There are times in our lives when we need something higher than ourselves and sometimes we cannot understand what we want or need, but God knows. There are things I am not going to be able to give but I know that there is Someone who owns everything, and that is God. So, I am submitting my prayers for those who are suffering to the Almighty God.
I know that the people affected by the hurricane are facing the worst time of their lives and I am praying to God, and I believe that God is going to bring good out of these this tragedy.
Please let me share some comfort from the Word of God that comforted me during the 2000 floods here in Mozambique.
“Stand still”
Exodus 14.13-15
13. And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.
14. The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.
15. And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? Speak unto the children of Israel that they go forward:
From someone who feels what you are feeling.
Rev. Dionisio Mazuze
Maputo
Mozambique
3. THE CHAPLAINS CORNER:
Letter sent to Bishops Cousin (Senior Bishop), Ingram (President of the Council of Bishops, McCloud (Endorsing Agent), Richardson (Chaplain Brown’s Presiding Bishop), Henning (Presiding Bishop where Hurricane Katrina struck), and Kirkland (Presiding Bishop where Hurricane Katrina struck)
I would like to inform you that our ship, the USS BATAAN (LHD-5), has arrived off the coast of New Orleans, LA in support of the JTF Katrina relief effort. We have been designated as command and control platform for this inter-agency relief effort. Our sailors, as well as those en route to the area, are actively supporting the victims of Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf Coast area.
Chaplain Mike Klepacki (Roman Catholic) and I have been designated as the senior and deputy chaplains respectively in charge of providing and facilitating pastoral support for the area in coordination with local civilian clergy and chaplains from other branches of the Armed Forces. Over the next several weeks, our responsibilities will be many, some of which are unclear at this moment. I do, however, solicit the prayers of the entire Church as we minister, of course, but most importantly for all the people who have been directly affected by the storm.
Bishop Henning, I would appreciate it if you could provide a reliable phone number so that I may keep you abreast of our efforts in the area.
Thanks and God bless you!
Yours in Christ,
Chaplain David R. Brown
USS BATAAN (LHD-5)
Joint Task Force Katrina
Editors note: Chaplain Brown, please look in on some of our AME Churches. I know that you will do that, without my asking you to do so. It is certainly good to have an AME on the ground in this situation
4. NEWS FROM AROUND THE AME CHURCH:
- Pearl Street AME Church in Jackson, Mississippi set up a shelter during Hurricane Katrina
The Reverend Dr. Samuel Boyd, pastor of Pearl Street AME Church organized church members to set up a shelter for those persons who needed a safe place to “ride out the storm.” This was the first time the church has served as a hurricane shelter.
- Turner Theological Seminary students, graduates, friends are asked to help victims of Hurricane Katrina
As the Gulf Coast recovers from the wrath of Katrina, Turner Fellowship is Launching Operation Helping Hands to collect water, non-perishable food items, flashlights, batteries, personal items (soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, socks, t-shirts) to aid in the recovery effort.
No money please, if you are unable to purchase the items, please send a gift card. Boxes will be placed in Talbot Hall. Please do whatever you can to help.
Life, Liberation, Peace
The Reverend Kecia A. Lewis President,
Turner Fellowship
702 Martin Luther King Jr Drive, SW #421
Atlanta, Georgia (404) 588-1519
- The Reverend Dr. Jamal Bryant to host TBN show
The Reverend Dr. Jamal-Harrison Bryant will be the host on TBN on Tuesday, September 13, 2005 at 10 pm. Special guest will be Pastor Sheryl Brady, Rev.
Jasmine Sculark, Pastor J. E. Sturvivant, and Jonathan Nelson & Purpose as the musical guest.
5. REVEREND DR. EARLE H. IFILL, PRESIDING ELDER OF THE ATLANTA EAST DISTRICT, CONVENED THE DISTRICT’S PLANNING MEETING:
“Good, Better, Best – never let it rest until Good is Better and Better is Best”. These words describe the attitude of the Atlanta East District for the ensuing year.
The Reverend Dr. Earle H. Ifill, Presiding Elder of the Atlanta East District, convened the district’s planning meeting on Saturday morning, July 8, 2005, at the Saint Paul A.M.E. Church, Madison, Georgia. He came just as Nehemiah, with a “mind to work”. The agenda was presented and the Presiding Elder shared his vision for an improved work for Christ this conference year.
Pastors and members of the Atlanta East District gathered with burning desires to accept responsibilities and forge ahead to meet the challenges that were set forth. Officers were elected; committees were formed; thoughts were exchanged and commitments were made by both pastors and laypersons.
Several topics of interest were discussed in-depth during the meeting. The one topic receiving the most attention, however, was the concern for our young people. Presiding Elder Ifill began the discussion by stating that he would like to see more involvement by our young people – that meaning more than just singing in the choir.
Other comments relative to young people’s involvement were: Ministries for the youth
should be increased; youth should be made to feel comfortable as they speak openly, thus, allowing creativity; begin a Sunday School class or Bible Study session geared toward the youth, instructing them to live this “faith” that we sing and preach about. Also, our youth should be brought to church meetings so that they may learn about their church and how church business is conducted.
The food for thought that was shared by Presiding Elder Ifill, as he encouraged each of us to develop a sense of “expectancy” was, “Come expecting a Miracle, depart claiming Victory!” When we come to church, he said, we should come expecting God to work miracles in our midst, when we depart; we should leave giving victorious testimonies of what God has done.
Welcome to the “Far East” was extended by the Host Pastor, Reverend Cedric L. Cotton and we were warmly greeted by the loving members of Saint Paul, giving all a much “at home feeling” – a feeling that certainly added greatly to the success of a most informative meeting. Yes, we departed claiming VICTORY!
The Atlanta East theme, “One in Spirit and Purpose,” is embraced throughout the District and serves as a common goal through the Ministry of Evangelism, Christian Education, Mission and Spiritual Development.
Submitted by Betty S. Willingham, Reporter
6. STANDING ROOM ONLY AT SEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT'S 2005 PALMETTO ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
From Sunday August 21st to Friday August 26th, the Seventh Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, which encompasses the entire state of South Carolina, convened in downtown Charleston to celebrate their 2005 Palmetto Annual Conference.
"It is an honor and privilege for The Greater St. Luke AME Church to host this momentous occasion. We welcome Bishop and Mrs. Preston Warren Williams II and all members of the 95th Session of the Palmetto Annual Conference to the great city of Charleston,” stated the Hosting Pastor Reverend L Talmage Baker. The Palmetto Conference is comprised of the Mt. Pleasant, Kingstree and Georgetown Districts and with approximately 50,000 local members is the largest of six annual conferences held in the Seventh Episcopal District. Over 6,000 AME church clergy and delegates attended this gathering during which over 20 separate Conference Committees addressed issues such as: The State of the Church and Country, Family Life, Christian Education, Temperance, Evangelism, Women's and Youth Ministries, Social Action, and Prison and Hospital Ministries. The Annual Conference is where the entire church body comes together to assess what has been accomplished during the previous year and set goals for the upcoming year. "The convening of the Annual Conference has always been the focal point of African Methodism,” further states Reverend LT Baker. "Here we enter with an updated commitment to do the work, unify in spiritual oneness, and obey the will of God. As we gather let us be ever aware of the abiding relationship of each component - the clergy, Women's Missionary Society, and laity - as necessary in the kingdom building of today, tomorrow and eternity.”
The pre-Conference activities opened on Sunday with a dedicatory ceremony for over 200 DMC children. The kids and their educators beamed with pride as each young person took a step forward in their Christian walk. Nine Book Awards of $200 each were given to graduating high school seniors to help with book costs in college.
Monday was still labeled pre-Conference and during that morning and afternoon, as well as throughout the week, various Ministries focused primarily on business. However, that evening the Son's of Allen under the leadership of their President Reverend Joseph Darby held a worship service that got the Conference gears moving forward. Their all male choir was represented in full force! The passion and power of these many men was deeply felt by the 1200 worshippers that filled the church.
Tuesday was the official opening celebration. Reverend Carl Anderson who is also a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives preached an emotional sermon in which he reflected on his personal struggle with the loss of his 21 year old soldier son this year in Iraq. His wife had to be escorted out of the sanctuary for being overcome with grief and yet in the end his inspiring message was that “we all have a story to tell” and that “no matter what trials and tribulations come our way we must thank God for bringing us through.”
Tuesday evening was the women's answer to the Son's of Allen. That night was their time to shine. Dressed in all white the Women's Missionary Society filled the church to capacity and their choir sang like angels. The beauty of their voices sent chills through people and drew continuous standing ovations. Before a packed house their collective voice called the Holy Ghost into the place.
Wednesday was Youth Day and the Young Peoples Division ran the show. The youth preached to the adults showing off their budding leadership skills. They sang and danced as their parents and teachers applauded.
Thursday's focal point was the highly anticipated arrival of Reverend Charles Young, the President of Allen University. Reverend Young updated the 1200 AME supporters as to the progress being made by the University. He worked through a hefty To-Do List involving library construction, new rooms for students and additional academic buildings. But, after business was taken care of, he then took care of business. His voice changed from a pure intellectual pitch and began swaying up and down as he transitioned from University President into Low Country Preacher. He broke down the dynamics behind achieving a "great attitude" and by the end of his sermon; every person in the room was on their feet yelling and shouting about the goodness of God! Witnessing Reverend Young preach is something everyone should have the privilege to do at least once in their lives.
Friday was the final day of the Conference and the anticipation of Bishop Williams’ Pastoral appointments electrified the Palmetto area. This final day represented the culmination, the apex of the entire week's events. After five days of fabulous singers and phenomenal orators, it appeared there was no higher place to go, no greater level of energy to be attained. Then Bishop Preston Warren Williams II the Presiding Prelate of all the AME churches in South Carolina stood to his feet and strode to the pulpit. He looked out upon the congregation, opened his mouth and began to sing. No band, no chorus, just a single clear voice. Rich in baritone he serenaded the standing room only crowd that jammed itself into the sanctuary to see their leader.
From his first to last note, Bishop Williams sang from the depths of his soul and left nothing aside. He poured himself out in tune to the people of God and one by one, they stood to their feet succumbing to the power of his voice and spirit. Refrain after refrain he opened his heart wider until it was clear all were witnessing something very special. When the melody faded, he began speaking with a bass filled vibrato. His message delivered with words half sung and half spoken. He leaned forward, all eyes fixed upon him and all ears straining to receive his every word.
He began by speaking of God as “the infinite and supreme One; everywhere at all times which no human mind can fathom.” He quantified God as “beyond our comprehension” and yet qualified God as one who “speaks to and through us.” He added, “It is God’s son Jesus Christ whom He has put in charge of all He has and it is through Jesus that we can relate to the Almighty.” Bishop Williams then shared his sacred secret code word upon which he faithfully relies - “Jesus!” He encouraged all to join in using that special code word in good and bad times!
From the depths of his soul, Bishop Williams twisted and contorted as he surrendered to the Holy Spirit, which used him to send this divine message to the 1300 spellbound worshippers. The energy swelled until everyone was on their feet imploring him to preach! The elder statesman concluded his sermon revealing, “Husbands and wives may leave us, friends and jobs may come and go, even life itself must certainly end, but through it all Jesus promised to never leave our side. When all else fails Jesus will always be standing by your side.” He appealed for all to “Stand on His word! Stand on His word!”
After the Holy Ghost came and left Bishop Williams proceeded with the business of 90 pastoral appointments and the 2005 Palmetto Annual Conference came to an end.
7. MISSIONARIES ACCOMPLISHING THE WORK OF GOD IN ADDRESSING HIV/AIDS
Written by the God Fearing Members of the Emma S. Ransom Missionary Society of Lee Chapel AME Church
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate of the 13th Episcopal District tenure is well under way, as she has implemented a Works Day that would involve members of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in this area to be exhibited as a church that is community aware. Works Day was held on the 1st Saturday of March when persons of this fabulous denomination cleaned, racked, spoke and guided others in need in a Christian spirit.
In response to the Connectional theme of "The Church Response to HIV/AIDS," 55 members of the Emma S. Ransom Women's Missionary Society (WMS) of Lee Chapel, 1732 Scovel St., extended their service into a four-day Mission project. The Society began with the preparation of Care/Love Bags, followed by a presentation at the Campus for Human Development (CUD - located at 532 Ave. S., Nashville) and concluded with distribution of the tokens of Love to members of the church.
Several members of the active and vibrant group gave an approximate 30-minute HIV/AIDS presentation, moderated by Mrs. Amelia Bryant during their visit on March 3, 2005. The session began with a very detailed questionnaire in which many of the women were very well informed about the myths and facts of HIV/AIDS. Mrs. Bryant then showed "AIDS is About Secrets" Video that chronicled 3 relationships of women that contracted the disease from men THEY THOUGHT WERE CARING AND HONEST. The Missionaries ended this very enlightening day by giving bags of incidental items as a love token to each participant.
It is hoped that the HIV/AIDS information was received in similar spirit in which it was provided. Furthermore, we fervently pray that the participation at the Center would assist the Lee Chapel Missionaries in responding to those afflicted with this insidious disease just as Christ would. In addition, the Society's participation in the 1st Works Day concluded on March 5, 2005 with the delivery of Care/Love Bags to the sick and shut-ins of the church.
The Works Day will continue each year and we pray the city of Nashville will be so inclined to participate. For further information of the purpose, goals and theme of this great activity contact, Mr. Stan McKenzie, the Children's and Women's Mission Supervisor of the 13th District at the AME Publishing Building.
Carrie Jernigan, TN Conference WMS President
Mattie Dixon, Local WMS President
Rev. Edward L. Thompson, Pastor
8. DEBUTANTES AND MASTERS SHINE AT SEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT’S PALMETTO ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
From Monday August 22nd to Friday August 26th the 7th District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, which encompasses the entire state of South Carolina, convened in Charleston for the first of its 2005 Annual Conferences entitled The Palmetto Conference. This weeklong event was held at The Greater St. Luke AME Church located at 78 Gordon Street in downtown Charleston. The pre-Conference activities began Sunday night August 21st where under the supervision of Carol Rouse, the Palmetto Commissioner of the Debutantes and Masters Commission (DMC), over 200 children were honored during their dedicatory ceremony. There were 34 Debutantes and 30 Masters who represented graduating high school seniors, 76 Sub-Debutantes and Masters who ranged from 12–16 years old, and 71 Allenites who stretched from 5-11 years of age.
Beaming with pride Ms. Rouse stated that, “The DMC Program is more than a beauty pageant. Our children are taught social etiquette, how to prepare for and take the SAT’s, to write resumes and to apply for jobs, to manage their credit and to avoid debt, to dress for success, to do make-up and proper grooming, even to deal with issues of budding sexuality. We even offer seminars where experts are brought in to speak to the children on a variety of issues.”
According to MS. Rouse under the leadership of Bishop Preston Warren Williams II, these and many other components of the DMC program were nurtured throughout the year. In particular, Bishop Williams encouraged a focus on Christian education and at his request; a new DMC Christian education curriculum was implemented this past May. Ms. Rouse certified that, “This new curriculum goes beyond standard Sunday school.” Not only are DMC children taught Biblical knowledge through courses entitled, “The Lord’s Prayer, The ABC Bible Verses, the 23rd Psalms, The Pentateuch, The Four Gospels, The Major Prophets, and The Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ,” but also they are exposed to Afro centric secular knowledge as well with, “The History of the AME Church” and “Sixty-Six African-American Achievers.”
From the DMC’s inception at the General Conference in Chicago in 1952, to its introduction to the Seventh District in 1993, this is the very first time the program has balanced its traditional focus towards social etiquette with such a comprehensive Christian educational curriculum. According to Ms. Rouse, “Where before a piece was missing, now the educational component has made the program more complete.”
Where in the past written tests had a 70% minimum grade requirement, this year Ms. Rouse, who sensed her students’ higher potential, raised the bar to 90% and all children in the DMC program met or exceeded that level of expectation. Also, where previously 20 hours of community service had been the minimum requirement, to help the children better understand the importance of service to others; Ms. Rouse increased the number of hours to 50.
That Sunday night and for the first time 9 Book Awards of $200 each were given to deserving high school seniors to help pay for the cost of college books and as all the children shined as they graduated to another level of Christian life their educators beamed with pride in having helped lead them there.
9. KAIROS COMMUNITY A.M.E. CHURCH, NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE WILL HOST ITS FIRST ANNUAL FAMILY CONFERENCE:
Kairos Community A.M.E. Church will host its First Annual Family Conference on September 15-18, 2005. The conference will be at the church which is located at 4506 Nolensville Pike in South Nashville (Old Lake Providence church), an area rich with ethnic and cultural diversity.
Based on the growing realization that one of the best ways to help individuals is by strengthening their families, we have chosen the following as our conference theme: God’s Vision for Your Family: From Dreaming to Doing. The conference will not lobby for particular policies, programs or ideologies. Instead, it will provide families with both spiritual and secular tools that will assist them in cultivating their dreams for their families to fruition. We seek to provide education to every person in our community regardless of religion, race and ethnicity. Language interpreters will be present at the conference.
The Family Conference will feature keynote speakers from across the country, including former Congressman, Dr. Floyd Flake from New York, Dr. Elaine M. Flake, Henry Allen Belin, III, M.Div., Rita Sinkfield Belin, Esq., JoAnne Marie Terrell, Ph.D., and Dr. Michael Joseph Brown. The Saturday track-sessions will address the following topics: finances, mental health, wellness, rearing children, caring for elderly relatives and a special track for high-school-aged students. The sessions of mental health and wellness will focus on issues in communities of color. Each participant will receive a conference packet that provides an easy-to-understand synthesis of the presentations, additional resources on the specified topic and a community resource booklet.
Registration is $25.00 per adult, which includes all meals. If you have any questions or need brochures with registration information, please contact Nyasha Justice at 615-618-6453. Online registration is also available at www.kairoscommunitychurch.org
You would not want to miss this great move of God in the Nashville community! The Rev. Roderick Dwayne Belin, Pastor, and the members of Kairos Community would welcome your presence.
10. ST. JOHN AME CHURCH, NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE HELD SUCCESSFUL HOLISTIC HEALTH FAIR”--AUGUST 4-7, 2005:
“Excellent, impressive, well-organized, comprehensive, and fabulous” were the superlatives most frequently used to describe the successful four-day Holistic Health Workshop and Fair given by St. John AME Church in Nashville, Tennessee—August 4 –7, 2005.
Led by St. John’s brilliant, energetic, and dynamic pastor, Rev. W. Antoni Sinkfield and equally gifted First Lady, Kristy Sinkfield, nearly 500 participants experienced the soul stirring, mind lifting, and life altering activities. The participants included St. John members, friends and members from Lee Chapel, Trinity, Greater Bethel, and St. Luke AME churches, community residents, sponsors, and vendors. Invitations were extended to the entire Nashville community.
The theme “Health, Welfare, and the Holy Spirit” contained the holistic message emphasized through each of the activities and events of the Fair. The overall focus was on physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The primary focus of the Fair was obesity, nutrition, and exercise as noted by Jeanne G. Arradondo, Health Committee Chair, in her rousing welcoming remarks. She stated, “Statistically, more than half of the American people are obese or fat. African Americans have double trouble. Pills and drugs are not the answer. Proper nutrition and exercise are major influences.”
Each of the program speakers delivered excellent presentations as documented by participant evaluations. On the opening night, Rev. Dr. Kenneth S. Robinson, illustrious pastor of the St. Andrew AME Church in Memphis, TN and notable Commissioner of Health for the state of Tennessee, gave a challenging, inspiring and informative message entitled “Healed;” which included personal experiences regarding his family’s faith and spiritual development in the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. Dr. Robinson praised St. John and Rev. Sinkfield for their commitment to hold such an extensive health event and he shared riveting and enthusiastic words for maintaining holistically healthy lifestyles.
The Rev. Michael Broadnax of Greater Bethel AME Church—Nashville, TN served as Worship Leader for St. John’s opening night “Health Revival. His Greater Bethel AMEC Choir led by Sam Robinson, provided mountain moving musical renditions.
On Friday night, Mitchell Parks, M.D., a young psychiatrist affiliated with Meharry Medical College and Vanderbilt University, provided comprehensive slides and a lecture on issues dealing with drugs and alcohol. He was well-received and allowed time for questions and answers from the appreciative audience.
Registration preceded each event. Each participant received a registration kit with health literature, calendars, paper and pens, coupons for items, an evaluation form, and other handouts. Also, wonderful and generously donated door prizes were given after each event. In addition, delicious, attractive, healthy refreshments were served in the Coleman Fellowship Hall of St. John Church.
On Saturday, nearby Wharton Middle School was the site of the Fair throughout the day. St. John and Health Committee Members wore specially made green tee shirts to be easily recognized and assist all Health fair participants. Presentations were made on breast cancer, nutrition, exercise, and obesity management. Along with this, police officers and emergency vehicle technicians also spoke to the youth on safety. A fire truck from Metropolitan Nashville was also available for children to explore and ask questions of the Chief. They also explored an emergency vehicle with the technicians.
The youth had special activities including healthy foods (which they created), obstacle courses, jumping rope, and jumbo exercise balls. Each child received a generously donated door prize and other benefits.
The Thomas-Hardy Internal Medicine Society of Meharry Medical College gave glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol screenings. They were conducted by Dr. James Potts and Johniene Thomas, MSPH. Several persons were advised to seek additional medical care as a result of these screenings. Delicious, donated freshly grilled turkey burgers with all the trimmings, fresh fruit, fruit juices, tea, bottled water, and fresh popcorn were served.
On Sunday, Rev. Sinkfield gave a super sized, soul filled, soul food sermon entitled “Putting in What You Want to Come Out.” He combined the holistic message with practical facts concerning the harmful effects of several popular fast foods, and positive solutions to unnecessary problems associated with minority health styles, education, and spiritual influences.
In addition to the August 4-7 activities, on August 13, twenty-nine individuals participated in Life Line Screenings held at St. John. The vascular screenings were provided to prevent or determine previously undetected health/life-threatening problems. Thirteen of St. John’s senior members received one free screening through a drawing provided by several church members and Life Line Screening. Jory Simmons, M.D., and Health Committee Member, coordinated this activity.
The twenty-seven members of St. John AME Church’s Health Committee are Rev. W. Antoni Sinkfield, Jeanne G. Arradondo, MSW (Chair); Cecil Cone, M.D., (Co-Chair); Deborah Owens, Nurse (Co-Chair); Philecia Avery, Pharmacist; Walretta Chandler, Nurse; Dawn DeVeaux, Ph.D.; Cynthia Evans, Michael Evans, Bertie Gardner, Paula Holmes, Ralph Holmes, Joi Johnson, Pat Johnson, Erskine Lytle, Mercedes Lytle, Charlotte Phillips, Nurse; Lola Pope, Nurse; Delores Shockley, Ph.D.; Elizabeth Shute, Kristy Sinkfield, M.Ed; Jory Simmons, Sr., M.D; Robert Smith, Harriett Thomas, Nurse, Brenda Walker, Susan Walker, and Charlotte West.
Volunteers were Helen Bratcher, Brandon Kimmins, MSPH; Carolyn Osborne,
MSPH; Sheena Putman, Rodchandra Minnis, Carol Pope, Nurse; Mary Singleton, Nurse; Shannon Watson, Mia Washington, Spencer Washington, Tangueray Bigham,
Lonnie Chandler, Annie Harlan, Cletis Pope, St. John Usher Board, Margaret Vanlier Jarrett, President; Jean Arnell, Nurse; Nicole Chandler, Earline Hudson, Mamie Maclin, Nurse; April Arnell, Cedric Burns, Lee Brown, Jr. and Melynda Simmons.
In summary, there were 27 Health Committee Members, 16 committees, 59 sponsors, 27 vendors, and 16 volunteers who all pulled together to make this event a blessing to the community and an honor to the Lord. The sponsors generously donated money, food, door prizes, publicity, and good will. There will be on-going activity leading to the next Health Fair. This will include proposed quarterly organizational sessions and health-related communications to the church and the community at large. St. John AME Church of Nashville, TN is partnering with the Connectional AME Church’s agenda to be as health as God has called us to be. Plans are currently under way for the 2006 Health Workshop and Fair.
Submitted by Jeanne G. Arradondo, Health Fair Chairperson
11. BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Regretfully we share news of the passing of Mrs. Miranda Moore, mother of Sis. Norma Bean. Sister Bean is the immediate past Connectional Worship Director - Women's Missionary Society and the wife of retired Presiding Elder Elmo A. Bean.
Arrangements:
Funeral Service
Thursday, September 1, 2005
10:00 AM
Mitchell Chapel A.M.E. Church
182 South Adams Street
Mansfield, Ohio 44902
(419) 524-9932
Rev. Nathaniel Colvin, Pastor
Condolences may be sent to:
Rev. & Mrs. Elmo Bean
20290 Linda Drive
Euclid, Ohio 44117
From: Mila P. Cooper, Third Episcopal District
Please remember the family in your prayers.
12. BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action Clergy Family Information Center
Mrs. Ora L. Easley - Administrator Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
(Nashville, Tennessee Contact) Phone: (615) 837-9736 Fax: (615) 833-3781
(Memphis, Tennessee Contact) (901) 578-4554 (Phone & Fax)
Please remember these families in your prayers.
13. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of the Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement.