THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (10/31/05)
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (10/31/05)
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. HONOR THY MOTHER - "ROSA PARKS, QUIET STRENGTH, AND WILL OF STEEL":
By Stephanie and Eric Stradford
October 31, 2005, Montgomery, AL – Three girls stood ominously in the shadows of the 8,000 or so visitors who dropped by St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church here. Only a few of us actually saw them, even though millions more watched via live television. We gazed into the wooden coffin for a last look at the church deaconess whose place in history will forever be marked by something a nation failed to achieve.
Elaine Steele, co-founder of the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute of Detroit “willed” or “hoped for” an image of Mother’s value. The late Dr. C. DeLores Tucker spoke will into being in 1990 when the nation ceremoniously anointed and appointed Dr. Rosa Parks the Mother of the Modern Day Civil Rights Movement. “I thought that lady died a long time ago,” said a grocery store employee. “I hadn’t heard anything about her in years.”
The little known American Value, “quiet strength” is not likely to be traded on the NASDAQ, legislated in the statehouse, or even judged by the unworthy. This American value sat on a pew in church, then on a bus, and now among the saints honored on All Saints Day—that little known value that follows the Eve of All Hallows.
The Rt. Reverend T. Larry Kirkland, presiding bishop of AME Churches across Alabama joined Pastor Joseph “Joe” Rembert to comfort a nation of mourners in our clumsy attempt to honor thy Mother. The Rt. Reverend Carolyn Tyler Guidry, chair of the AME Church’s Commission on Social Actions joined hands with Dr. Joseph Lowry, President Emeritus, Southern Christian Leadership Conference, The Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Founder and President, Rainbow/Push Coalition, and NAACP Chief Executive Officer Bruce S. Gordon, for a moment of prayerful empowerment—prayer changes things.
“We shall overcome,” the familiar “fight song” for American Civil Rights still sings of an unborn hope. There is still no guarantee of “Voting Rights” for African Americans even today. Ideals and practices of oppression inbred in sons of the confederacy fester still beneath an unleveled playing field. The thought of revisiting the 381 day Montgomery Bus Boycott haunts the empowered as well as the oppressed on this Eve of All Hallows. Alabama Governor Robert Riley perhaps set the tone for the nation when he ordered all flags in Alabama to be flown at half-mast. “We shall overcome,” though not yet real, is becoming a shared value for a lot more folks.
The “quiet strength” witnessed during Mother Park’s transition revisits a deferred American value and forces our nation to the "table of reconciliation." Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Jr. Ecumenical Officer of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Commission on Social Actions committed themselves and their access to 3.5 million historically disadvantaged Americans to a 381-day timeline for healing America. “The Commission on Social Action of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is committed to preserving the legacy of Rosa Parks as we approach the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of her arrest. Her legacy of service and commitment to personal justice will be the inspiration for us to continue to struggle to maintain the freedoms gained by her efforts, and to fight to eliminate those injustices that remain in our society,” said Tyler-Guidry.
Pastor Joe Rembert and St. Paul AME Church, Montgomery is already ushering in the 50th Anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott through their nearly flawless valuation of “quiet strength.” Brother Harvey Monroe “stewarded” the St. Paul AME family as they “carried out the spirit of the Free African Society.”
Thousands stood with the lady who sat in Mother’s seat. Elaine Steele was but a 16 year old when she met Mother Parks at the Stockton Sewing Company in Detroit. Her seat of honor was most appropriate.
Three young girls came quietly just after midnight. “No one knows who they were or from where they came,” said Mark T. Kerrin, President, ESPWorld SecureNet, Mrs. Parks’ personal bodyguard. “She was maybe 7 or 8 years old. She stood with two other young ladies as the last visitors,” he said. “She looked back as she walked past a pew where Mrs. Parks had sat in worship. “The three walk out of the sanctuary and into the night. No one saw where they went,” said Pastor Rembert. “No one knew who they were.”
Like the lady who sat on a bus, their quiet moment ushered in a spirit of reconciliation for empowered and disenfranchised Americans alike.
The movement is simply to Honor Thy Mother. The socioeconomic action is a 381-day timeline starting December 1, 2005 in recognition of the 50th anniversary of Mrs. Parks' arrest and the Montgomery Bus Boycott. This commemoration will also celebrate her life's work with young people through the Rosa & Raymond Parks Institute for Self-Development.
Submitted by Brother Eric and Sister Stephanie Stradford
Free African Society
FAS2,
2. LETTER TO THE EDITOR:
Dear Editor
I was happier than David was when he was invited to the house of the Lord on Saturday morning, when I was on my way to Manhica - 70 km from my home in Maputo. I was going to Manhica for the memorial service of Sister Amelia’s brother who died six months ago. He was a member of the William Philips DeVeaux AME Church, where I am Pastor.
It was a rainy and I had purchased “Savana,” a seminary, newspaper. The trip was so quiet and peaceful and I had a refreshing time reading the newspaper.
In that experience, I found something that filled me with joy when I turned to the last page of Savana, there was a picture of a woman on the bus, that was the only picture on that page I read the title and there was a amazing thing in that title. It said, “The mother of Civil Rights Movement died this week.”
He reporter made a brief comment about mother Rosa Parks, but in my heart, I felt something different. An old man who sat by me saw me smiling, and, asked, “Did you know her?” I said no.
The man didn’t respond and kept quiet for a long period, and I surmised that there must have been something going on in his mind, because it is not everyday on a bus or train that a persons sees a young man looking at a picture of an old woman, and in this case, seated on a bus, smiling. I hoped that he did not think that I was not in my right mind.
Five minutes after his question I turned to him proudly I said, “The woman in the picture was a member of my Church!”
It occurs to me, “Yes, there was something that we have in common, no matter where we live and that is, we are AMEs.
Dionisio Joao Mazuze
Coca Cola, Sabco Mocambique
Performance Finance
tel: 258 21 400190
fax;258 21 400375
cell:258 82 3551600
av. OUA nº 270 P.O.Box 1441
email: dmazuze@ccs.co.za
email 2: dmazuze@yahoo.com
3. BISHOP JOHN HURST ADAMS AND DR. DOLLY DESSELLE ADAMS’ VISIT TO LIBERIA:
On Friday, August 19, 2005, SN Brussels Airline Flight – touched down at the Roberts International Airport (RIA) Liberia, and among the passengers disembarking were retired senior Bishop of the AME Church, the Rt. Rev. John Hurst Adams and his wife Dr. Dolly Desselle Adams. They were visiting Liberia as the guests of Bishop and Mrs. David R. Daniels, Jr., presiding prelate of the 14th Episcopal District, Liberia Annual Conference, Dr. Levi B. Zangai, President of AME University, and the AME University faculty staff and students.
The arrival of Bishop and Dr. Adams to Liberia was unique in many ways. First, this was their first visit to Liberia and the 14th Episcopal District, since Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr., was assigned as the presiding prelate to the 14th Episcopal District. Second, Dr. Dolly Desselle Adams arrived in Liberia on her birthday, and they spent their 49th Wedding Anniversary in Africa, thus breaking an old family tradition. Third, Bishop Adams delivered the Sixth Commencement Convocation Address of the AME University, where both he and his wife, Dr. Dolly D. Adams were given honorary doctoral degrees. The visit of Bishop and Dr. Adams commenced with a Thanksgiving Service on Friday, August 19, 2005.
On Sunday, August 21, 2005, Bishop and Dr. Adams were given a surprise reception in honor of their 49th Wedding Anniversary and to honor Dr. Dolly D. Adams’ Birthday celebration in Africa. Bishop and Mrs. David R. Daniels, Jr. the AME Church family, President Levi B. Zangai and the AME University family, hosted the reception.
The Adams’ were thrilled by the cultural performances and a Christian dance group comprised of kids and speeches.
During the occasion, Dr. Adams was gowned Honorary Chief by the AME University, and both Bishop Adams and his wife were showered with many gifts, as an expression of the love, admiration, and appreciation from all of the components of the Church, including the AME University family and Bishop and Mrs. David R. Daniels, Jr. Among the many dignitaries who graced the occasion were His Excellency Wesley Momo Johnson, Vice Chairman, national Transitional Government of Liberia, Dr. Charles Clarke, Member of the national Transitional Legislative Assembly, and the Mayor of the City of Monrovia, the Honorary Ophelia Hoff-Saytumah.
The trip to Liberia continued on Tuesday, August 23, 2005 with their participation in the Sixth Commencement Convocation of the AME University. During the commencement, the degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred on the Rt. Rev. John Hurst Adams, and the degree of Doctor of Humanity was conferred on Dr. Dolly Desselle Adams.
Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr., Chairman, AMEU Board of Trustees and the Administration of the AME University climaxed the Adams’ visit with a sumptuous luncheon in their honor.
Bishop and Dr. Adams expressed delight in being able to visit Liberia and said that they had no regrets in spending their 49th Wedding Anniversary in Liberia. They expressed their pleasure at the superb work being done by Bishop and Mrs. Daniels and promised to partner with them and the 14th Episcopal District.
Bishop Dr. John Hurst Adams declared himself an alumnus of the AME University and said that in matters relating to the AME University, he will speak “like a lion and not like a rabbit.”
Bishop and Mrs. Adams left Liberia on Wednesday, August 24, 2005, bringing to an end, a very cordial visit.
Submitted by the Reverend Tarkolo Miller
4. THE 14th EPISCOPAL DISTRICT AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH REVISED DEDICATION CELEBRATION SCHEDULE FEBRUARY 12 - MARCH 1, 2006 IN MONROVIA, LIBERIA, WEST AFRICA:
I. Sunday, February 12- Friday, 17: Pre-dedication Citywide Revival Bethel AME Church;
II. Sunday, February 19: Arrival of Overseas Guests from the United States;
III. Sunday – Tuesday, February 20-21: Rest and Relaxation Day for the Guest (to recoup from travel fatigue);
IV. Wednesday, February 22: Arrival of Honored Overseas Guests from the United States of America;
V. Thursday, February 23: Dedication of Bishop Richard F. Norris Administration Building Headquarter of the 14th Episcopal District with Bishop Richard F. Norris – Chief Celebrant at 10:30 AM;
Formal Welcome Reception & Luncheon for Guests at 12:00 Noon;
Formal Worship Service with Bishop John R. Bryant as Preacher at 5:00 PM;
VI. Friday, February 24: Induction of Dr. Levi B. Zangai, President of AME University and the Lunching of AMEU Endowment Fund, with Bishop C. Garrett Henning, Sr. as Preacher and Bishop Vashti M. McKenzie as Chief Celebrant at 9:30 AM;
Induction Luncheon & Cultural Event for Honored Guests at 2:00 PM;
Free time for Rest and Relaxation at 4:00 PM;
VII. Saturday, February 25: Half-day work at Jordan Agricultural Institute soon, to be Agricultural College for AME University at 7:30 AM (Please bring your jeans along with working clothes/shoes);
VIII. Sunday, February 26: All Bishops and General Officers will be assigned to preach at varies AME Churches in the Liberia Annual Conference at 9:00 AM;
IX. Sunday, February 26: Dedication of “Hatcher, Henning, Norris Human Resource Center” Bishop Philip Cousin, Sr., Senior Bishop of the AME Church, will be the Preacher and Chief Celebrant of the Dedicatory Service at 12:30 PM;
X. Sunday, February 27: Departure of our Honored Overseas Guests for the United States;
XI. Wednesday, March 1: Departure of our honored overseas guests for the United States.
5. UPDATE ON SEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT AME CHURCH/DJJ PARTNERSHIP:
Almost four months ago, Monday July 11th 2005 Bishop Williams’ 7th District of the AME Church signed a historic Memorandum of Agreement with Governor Mark Sanford’s South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) whereby these two organizations partnered in a collective effort to provide South Carolina's at-risk youth with support and services designed to maximize their potential as positive and productive members of the larger South Carolinian society.
"One of the direct aims of our AME Church is to reach the people of God who are most in need in our society,” states presiding Bishop Preston Warren Williams II. "The Beauty of this agreement is that it extends beyond cultural boundaries and across generational lines to uplift the young people of South Carolina. Furthermore, in connecting divine faith with economic support the 7th District of the AME Church and the SC DJJ will improve the lives of many of our community's families here in South Carolina and ultimately throughout the nation and world."
The Memorandum of Agreement proposed the following efforts:
1. The 7th Episcopal District, which encompasses over 600 churches statewide, will assist the DJJ in creating additional After School Centers for at-risk youth throughout South Carolina with a particular focus on rural areas.
2. One full-time and one part-time DJJ staff member from the DJJ Division of Community Services will work directly with the AME Bishop's Office to assist in the coordination of all joint ventures as well to chair an advisory council of AME and DJJ officials.
3. The 7th Episcopal District will assist in the recruiting of between 5 to 7 volunteers from each of the six AME Districts throughout the state who will work with the DJJ staff in the guidance of youth who are on probation or parole.
4. The 7th Episcopal District will assist the DJJ in obtaining funds to create new and augment existing delinquency programs and services.
Since the signing of that agreement Joe Benton has been placed as the full-time liaison to the 7th District AME Church to plan and coordinate activities that will positively affect the lives of South Carolina’s at-risk youth. To date the AME - DJJ partnership has helped to recruit 30 new Auxiliary Probation Officers from AME churches in Charleston, Orangeburg, Greenville, York, Florence and Richland counties. These officers will carry caseloads while working closely with DJJ staff. Progress is also being made in opening additional teen after school centers at AME churches throughout South Carolina. Mr. Benton is also developing an advisory council of AME and DJJ representatives.
For more information contact:
Joe Benton
803.935.0500
Submitted by:
Benjamin Harrison
Public Relations Director
7th District AME Church
Tel 803.935.0500
Cell 803.528.7104
Fax 803.935.0830
HarrisonAMEMedia@aol.com
6. THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER QUIZ:
All three questions must be answered fully within 24 hours of the posting of this issue.
The Challenge
- Name four bishops who were the sons of General Officers
- Name four General Officers who served in two different General Officer positions
- Names the General Officers and their positions who were elected to the Episcopacy.
The Prize: 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.”
Previous winners can select a one-year subscription to any AME periodical. Winners subscribed to all of the periodical will be given additional choices of books in the AMEC Bookstore.
7. SAINT JAMES AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH IS HOSTING A WOMEN’S NIGHT REVIVAL:
On Friday, November 4, 2005, 7:00 p.m., Saint James African Methodist Episcopal Church is hosting a Women’s Night Revival. The theme for this uplifting, empowering, spirit filled service is “The Bold, the Beautiful and the Blessed Woman of God.”
We have invited three anointed women of God to bring forth the word of God. If you are a woman or a man, you will find these messages to be poignant, pertinent, and positive. (Yes, we are making this service open to everyone who desires to hear the word of God.)
Listed below are the topics and speakers of the worship service.
The Bold Woman of God
Sister Doris Coffey
Exhorter at Historic Saint Paul A.M.E. Church, Lexington, Kentucky
The Beautiful Woman of God
Evangelist Roselyn Hendrickson
Associate Minister at Bethel Harvest Church, Lexington, Kentucky
The Blessed Woman of God
Reverend Veta Steward
Associate Minister at Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church, Lexington, Kentucky
If you have any questions please contact Reverend Antonio Q Stuckey at (home) 859- 231-9435 or (cell) 859-221-7101.
In Christian Fellowship
Reverend Antonio Q. Stuckey and the members of Saint James A.M.E Church
Cynthiana, Kentucky.
8. SEARCHES UNDERWAY FOR TWO NCC COMMUNICATION POSTS:
Your help is requested to find outstanding candidates for two positions on the Communication Commission's staff in New York. The posts are for Technical Services Manager and Director of Media Relations and Web Editor. Both have an application deadline of November 28. Hopefully, the successful candidates will be on the job early in 2006.
We thank several Commission committee chairs -- Ed Cimafonte (Episcopal Church), Paul Edison-Swift (ELCA), and John Brooks (ELCA) -- for their help in shaping the descriptions on which the searches are based.
These and other employment opportunities with the Council are on the web at http://www.ncccusa.org/jobs/jobshome.html. Please forward these position descriptions to persons you feel would make strong contributions to our work together.
9. RELIGIOUS PUNDITS:
Protestants Give Ever-Smaller Share of Income to Church Causes
Debra E. Blum, in the current issue of Chronicle of Philanthropy, reports that Protestants are donating a smaller and smaller share of their after-tax incomes to churches. That finding is from a new report by Empty Tomb, an Illinois religious research group, based on data collected annually by the NCC for our Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches. It includes giving patterns of nearly 30 million Protestant church members.
The report says, "The main decline has come in the form of gifts to church-run charitable activities, which, as a percentage of take-home pay, dropped to a 36-year low. An analysis of 146,000 Protestant congregations shows that in 2003 -- the latest year for which data are available -- church members gave an average of 2.6 percent of their income to churches, marking the second year of decline."
Church members gave, on average, just under $683 each to their churches in 2003, a drop from the previous year, after adjusting for inflation. Of the total contribution, the amount earmarked to meet a congregation's own financial needs, such as building maintenance and salaries, edged up slightly. Congregation members gave an average of 0.38 percent of their incomes to "benevolences," or gifts to support church-related missions, education, and social services. That proportion is the lowest share since data collection began in 1968, when church members gave 0.66 percent of their incomes for church-run charitable programs.
"The canary in the coal mine is gasping," says Sylvia Ronsvalle, co-founder of Empty Tomb. She points out that the decline in church giving as a share of income and, particularly, the drop in support for activities outside the church may be troubling trends for the entire nonprofit world. Religious groups receive the biggest share of all donations each year.
She says one indicator that churches may not be focusing enough on a key philanthropic value -- altruism -- is a shift over the past century away from spending church donations on efforts abroad. Empty Tomb's own survey of 28 Protestant denominations found that for every dollar donated to a congregation, denominations spent two cents on overseas missions. Similar data from the 1920s, Empty Tomb's report says, show denominations spending seven cents on every dollar on such efforts.
"It looks like philanthropy is being reinterpreted as giving to things that benefit you," Ms. Ronsvalle says, "not to things outside yourself, things that demonstrate true altruism."
Further data from the study is on the web. Copies of the report, "The State of Church Giving Through 2003," are available for $28 each, plus shipping charges, from
Empty Tomb,
301 North Fourth Street,
P.O. Box 2404,
Champaign, Ill. 61824-2404;
(217) 356-9519.
10. WORLD METHODIST EVANGELISM INSTITUTE ANNOUNCEMENT25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS IN 2007
We are extremely pleased to announce and invite all Methodists/Wesleyans worldwide to participate in our Institute's 25th Anniversary Celebrations in 2007 in three ways below. This is the next worldwide evangelism celebration following the 2006 World Methodist Conference in Korea. In 25 years, we have trained evangelists in over 120 countries. Join us in this celebration.
ATTEND THE EIGHTH INTERNATIONAL EVANGELISM SEMINAR IN ATLANTA IN 2007.
All worldwide Methodist/Wesleyan conferences and districts are invited to send lay and clergy delegates to the upcoming World Methodist 8th International Evangelism Seminar in Atlanta, from June 19-27, 2007. Three hundred world evangelists and world leaders are expected. CEU credits for pastors and academic credit for seminary students will be available. Please advertise this conference to your district pastors and lay persons. Registration forms will be sent out later.
ORGANIZE PRE-SEMINAR AND/OR POST-SEMINAR EVANGELISTIC MISSIONS IN JUNE 2007
Methodist/Wesleyan conferences/districts in the United States are invited to organize pre- and post-seminar evangelistic missions and invite one or more of our 8th International Evangelism Seminar evangelist(s) to come and preach/teach in evangelistic events in their region, either June 15-18, 2007 or June 28-July 2, 2007. We envision, for example, that UMC, AME, NAZARENE, CME, FREE METHODIST, AME ZION, WESLEYAN annual conferences could together organize such missions in their city/region, and fully sponsor the invited 8th international Methodist/Wesleyan evangelist(s). Click here to register interest or you may reply by email.CHURCHES SPONSOR INTERNATIONAL EVANGELISTS
Individual North American Methodist/Wesleyan churches and members also have the option to sponsor international evangelists coming to this 8th International Evangelism Seminar. It will be a time of great excitement, evangelism training, witnessing, preaching, and learning with the world Methodist family. These sponsoring churches/individuals may or may not invite their sponsored evangelists to come and preach/teach in their churches. Interested churches/individuals may click here or reply to this email.
If you or members of your conference/district/church have further questions about this time of celebration please contact us by return e-mail at wmei@emory.edu or by fax at 404-727-5236, or click here to request further information. We will gladly contact you directly.
We pray for you and your ministry.
Dr. Winston O. R. WorrellDirectorWorld Methodist Evangelism Institute of the World Methodist Council1703 Clifton Road, F-3, Atlanta, GA 30329Tel. 404-727-6344, Fax. 404-727-5236
Website: www.wmei.wsFax: 404-727-5236
11. BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Sarah Rhoades. She was the sister of Rev. David Randolph, pastor of Bethel AMEC, Kennett Square and Rev. Rachel Scott, retired pastor of Wesley AMEC, Swarthmore. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing – Monday, October 31, 2005
9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Mt. Zion Greater Harvest Ministry IND #2
2501 North Market Street
Wilmington, DE 19802
Funeral – Monday, October 31, 2005
Service – 11:00 a.m.
Mt. Zion Greater Harvest Ministry IND #2
See above address
Dawn S. Christopher, Prophet
Phone: 302-762-5651 ext. 3
Condolences may be sent to:
Ms. Gwen Rhoades (daughter)
5336 Wakefield Street
Philadelphia, PA 19144
Please keep the family of Mrs. Sarah Rhoades in your prayers.
12. BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Regretfully we share news of the passing of Sis. Ulma McCormick (widow of the late Dr. B. L. McCormick) on Wednesday, October 26, 2005.
Sister McCormick was a dedicated and faithful member of Baker Chapel AME Church, Fort Worth, Texas where Dr. McCormick was Pastor for more than 25 years.
Funeral:
Wednesday, November 3, 2005
11:00 AM
Baker Chapel AME Church
1050 East Humbolt Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
(817) 336-5326 (Phone)
(817) 334-8857 (Fax)
Rev. Walter R. McDonald, Pastor
Funeral services have been entrusted to:
Historic Baker Funeral Home
301 East Rosedale Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
(817) 332-4468 (Phone)
(817) 339-1443 (Fax)Condolences may be sent c/o of the Family of Mrs. Ulma McCormick to the above addresses.
Or
The Family of Mrs. Ulma McCormick
1312 Illinois Avenue
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
(817) 336-1951 (Phone)
Please remember the family of Sis. McCormick in your prayers.
13. A KENTUCKY ANNUAL CONFERENCE ICON, EMMA M. GARNER, HAS PASSED:
GARNER, Emma M., 87, widow of Charles L. "Chris" Garner passed on Thurs., Oct. 27, 2005, at St. Joseph Hospice Care Center. She was a native of Fayette County, born Dec. 8, 1917 to the late Reece and Lue Ella Miller. She attended Lexington Public Schools, a 1935 graduate of Douglas High School. She was Salutatorian and last living member of her senior class. She joined St. Paul AME Church at an early age under Rev. George A. Singleton and served faithfully until her health declined. She served her church in many capacities; Superintendent of Sunday School (27 years), President of Missionary Society (9 years), Area Chairman No. 3 of the Kentucky Conference (13 years), Life Member of Missionary Society, Vice President Senior Usher Board, Treasurer Stewardess Board No 3, Layman Organization, and twice a delegate to the General Conference. She was also a member of the Church Women United, American War Mothers Dora Miller Chapter, a founding member and President of Zeta Amicae, in addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by a daughter Evelyn. She leaves to cherish her memory six children; Helen White of Lexington, KY, Barbara Gamer of Harvey, LA, Charles L. Garner, Jr. of Louisville, KY, Thelma (William) Emerson, III of Lexington, KY, Teresa (Roy) Coleman of Gretna, LA, and Beverly (Gary) Jones of San Diego, CA.; twelve grandchildren; Alvinus (Carman White, Jr., Stephanie (Calvin) Samuels, Jeannette (Charles) Jackson, Keith (Kristie) Garner, Kimberly (Albert) Terhune, Andre (Rhonda) White, Denise Emerson, Tihisha (Troy) Rawlings, Tameel (David) Benders, Kareem Garner, Damaja Jones, Bianca Jones, Thirteen great -grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, two brothers; Charles (Anna) Miller, and Robert (Carrie) Miller, two sisters; Helen Shelby and Nancy Miller all of Lexington, KY, a host of cousins, nephews, nieces and friends, and many adopted children. Visitation Tues. Nov. 1, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at St. Paul AME Church, 251 N. Upper St. Memorial Services Weds., Nov. 2 at 1:00 pm. Smith & Smith in charge of arrangements.
Editor’s Note: I have known Sister Garner since 1966 when I went to my first pastoral appointment in 1966 at Shorter Chapel AME Church in Paris, Kentucky. Her smile and encouraging words were an inspiration to my wife, the Reverend Charlotte Blake Sydnor and me.
14. 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.
15. 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