THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (1/30/06)

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 OPENING WORSHIP SERVICE OF THE CONNECTIONAL WOMEN’S MISSIONARY SOCIETY WAS A CELEBRATION:

The Missionaries gathered in Cincinnati, Ohio at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on January 25 – 28, 2006. The Bishops of the Church, General Officers, Connectional Officers, presiding elders, pastors, laity and friends and missionary colleagues from the African Methodist Episcopal Zion and Christian Methodist Episcopal churches, joined them.

The evening worship celebration of the Connectional Women’s Missionary Society was indeed a celebratory event. About a 1000 worshippers gathered for the opening worship service that was held on Wednesday evening. The dignity and liturgical elegance of the Communion Service was African Methodism at its best. Bishop Daniel Payne would have been proud. The Third Episcopal District Choir was professional in their musical renditions of hymns, Negro spirituals, and gospel music. Refreshingly, a men’s chorus from the 3rd Episcopal District Choir rendered a selection at the Women’ Missionary Society meeting. The musical selections were superb, enhanced by the sound system, which worked without glitches and it was evident that the Connectional Women’s Missionary and district coordinators of the event had performed all pre-execution checks. It was a great lesson in how “a meeting should be conducted.”

Most of the Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church were present and marched in the with the leadership of the Connectional Women’s Society. The Episcopal order of the processional as the choir and congregation sang, “Thine is the Glory” was led by Bishop Zedekiah L. Grady followed by Bishops Sarah Frances Davis, Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Paul Jones Mulenga Kawimbe, Wilfred Jacobus Messiah, Gregory Gerald McKinley Ingram, Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Richard Franklin Norris, Adam Jefferson Richardson, Theodore Larry Kirkland, Cornal Garnett Henning, McKinley Young, Richard Allen Chappelle, John Richard Bryant, Robert Vaughn Webster, and Philip Robert Cousin, Sr.

The Call to Worship and the invitation to worship was extended and led by the Right Reverend Philip Robert Cousin, Senior Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and Presiding Prelate of the Fourth Episcopal District. All of the bishops took part in the worship liturgy. Mrs. Barbara P. Lowe and Dr. Bella G. Parker participated by reading the Old Testament and Epistle scripture lessons. Mrs. Jamesina M. Evans, Connectional WMS President gave words of greeting and welcome. Ms Cheryl T. Jones read the announcements. General Officers present for the opening service were, Richard Allen Lewis, Clement W. Fugh, Johnny Barbour, Jr., George F. Flowers, Daryl B. Ingram, Calvin H. Sydnor III and Retired Officer General Robert H. Reid, Jr.

The preacher of the hour was the Right Reverend Robert Vaughn Webster who preached a powerful sermon entitled, “The God of a Second Chance” with his text taken from II Kings 20:1-15. Bishop Webster started out asking the question, “Who will be able to stand on our shoulders?” He went on to say, “Boys and girls today, need shoulders to stand on.”

He then went on to explain that Hezekiah was good king who did what was right in the sight of the Lord (II Kings 18:3-8). (Editor’s note: Only three other Judean kings are commended for doing right in the sight of God: Asa (I Kings 15:11, Jehoshaphat (I Kings 22:43, and Josiah (II Kings 22:2). Bishop Webster explained that Hezekiah received strength by turning his face to the temple and praying to the Lord. Hezekiah turned his face away from Isaiah as he prayed to the Lord. The preacher described Hezekiah as a man who believed, “Prayer changed things.”

Bishop Webster went on to say, “Fasting is never complete without prayer; hope is not complete with out prayer; Bible study is not complete without prayer, and worship is not complete without prayer.” Bishop Webster explained that prayer consists of adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and petition. He went on to say, “The mission of the church is not geographical, it should be Christological, or Christ centered. We should be as concerned about the person next door as we are about the persons living in a foreign land. The church is all about what is outside of the doors of the church.”

Bishop Webster chastised preachers for riding around with their car windows rolled up. He told the preachers “to put the car windows down so that you can see and feel the oppression in our communities.” He added, “Preachers need to visit the courtrooms and get to know the judges because our relationship with justice system might result in more equitable sentences for the poor.” He also wanted preachers to know that “It’s not in the building that you purchase or build, but in the souls that you save.”

The preacher exhorted the congregation to spend more time on our knees and if we pray, without ceasing, God will hear our prayers and answer our prayer as he did when he added years to Hezekiah’s life.

The sermon prepared the congregants for Holy Communion. We celebrated the Lord’s Supper and concluded the service with a wonderful repast that was adequately staffed.

2. THE JOINT INSTITUTE FOR MINISTERS:

The Joint Institute for ministers of the 8th ,10th , and 12th Episcopal Districts will be held April 17-20, 2006 at the Clarion Hotel Shreveport, 1419 East 70th Street, Shreveport, Louisiana 71105, Telephone 318-797-9900; / FAX 418-798-0833.

Ask for Joint Institute for Ministers - AME Church
$72.00 per night (1-4 occupants)

3. THE TWELFTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT (ARKANSAS AND OKLAHOMA) FOUNDERS DAY CELEBRATION:

The 12th Episcopal district, along with the African Methodist Episcopal Church is celebrating the church’s 219 years as an organized denomination and of its founder, the Right Reverend Richard Allen.

The public is cordially invited to attend the worship celebrations.

February 12, 2006

Vernon AME Church
311 North Greenwood
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74120

Keynote Speaker

Reverend Roger Alford


February 19, 2006
St. John AME Church
1117 West Pullen
Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71601

Keynote Speaker
Reverend Chestine Sims

The public is invited.

For further information contact:
Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle, Presiding Prelate- 501-375-4310
Ann Gilkey, PR Director- 501-835-6382
Rev. Charles Frost, CS Coordinator-501-834-1092

4. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FIRST QUARTERLY CONFERENCE FOR THE SOUTH JACKSONVILLE FLORIDA DISTRICT CLUSTER:

The December 20, 2005 First Quarterly Conference for the South Jacksonville Florida Cluster was held in Hastings Florida at Mt. Zion AME Church, the Reverend Lorenzo Law is the pastor. Presiding Elder Robert Mitchell, accompanied by his wife, Dorothy Mitchell, presided over the meeting.

Other churches in attendance from the St. Augustine, Florida area were, St. Paul AME, Pastored by the Rev. Oliver Simmons, St. Luke AME, Pastored by the Rev. Vivian Smith Fountain, Hurst Chapel AME, Pastored by the Rev. Mattie Taylor.

Thirty stewards were confirmed, with more to be confirmed later. Brother George C. Smith of Mt. Zion was granted a license to preach in the AME denomination. Brittany Laws, daughter of Rev. Lorenzo and Gertie Laws of Mt. Zion, was recognized as the President of the District Y.P.D. Mention was made of the AME slogan: “There’s a Place for You in the AME Church.” It was also mentioned that the District Conference would be held in February (9-10), at St Paul AME, 85 ML King Avenue, in St. Augustine.

The Reverend Hermon Fountain’s appointment as local Elder was noted. The Rev. Fountain, the husband of the Rev. Vivian S. Fountain of St. Luke, also provided melodious music for the conference. Earlier, Rev. Mattie Taylor of Hurst Chapel offered a very moving prayer.

During the announcements, it was mentioned that Bishop McKinley Young had appointed a Higher Education Commission. A goal of this commission is to fund a four-year scholarship to Edward Waters College in Jacksonville.

Presiding Elder Mitchell led the closing hymn, “What a Fellowship.” The Rev. Oliver Simmons offered the Benediction and blessing of the food.

The Rev. Laws and the congregation of Mt. Zion provided a bountiful repast. A warm time of fellowship followed this productive and orderly gathering.

Submitted by Kathleen H. Smith
St. Paul AME Church, St. Augustine, Florida

5. THE HAMPTON UNIVERSITY MINISTERS CONFERENCE:

A message from the Reverend Dr. Timothy Boddie

The Registration has begun. If you would like brochures mailed out to you please call my office and request them. Call 757-727-5340 or 757-728-6601 and Ask for Kendra or Tammy.
Peace and blessings,

6. THE THIRTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT IS PLANNING TO CHARTER A BUS TO THE HAMPTON MINISTERS’ CONFERENCE AND PROVIDE HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS:

Travel Hampton, Virginia and return on a deluxe motor coach.

Accommodations will be provided at the Comfort Inn Newport News, VA, which is approximately 10 – 15 minutes from Hampton University and includes a deluxe continental breakfast each morning http://www.blogger.com/www.choicehotels.com, simply follow the link for Comfort Inn in Newport News, Virginia. Accommodations for the duration of the Conference are:

Single - $616
Double - $393
Triple - $319
Quad - $285

The price of the hotel room increases on a daily basis, so we need to move fast. Please share this info with your constituencies.

Submitted by the Rev. Tyronda Howse Burgess
Executive Aide to Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie

7. IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE VISION OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.:

Antoinette S. Johnson

It was truly a celebration! On Monday, January 16, the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was commemorated at Mount Zion A.M.E. Church in New Brunswick, NJ for the First Annual New Brunswick Faith-Based Collaborative Ecumenical Program. The program was the first of its kind held in the New Brunswick area and was spearheaded by Mount Zion’s exuberant pastor the Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Hooper. The Keynote Speaker was Rev. Reginald T. Jackson, executive director of the Black Ministers Council of New Jersey and he is the pastor of St. Matthew A.M.E. Church in Orange, New Jersey.

The pulpit was filled to capacity with an impressive group of ministers representing many different faiths, and service began with praise and worship provided by the Suydam Street Reformed Church from New Brunswick. Attendees received a welcomed treat by experiencing the praise and worship in both English and Spanish. Program participants included: Rev. Susan Kramer-Mills, pastor of First Reformed Church; Rev. Kevin E. Taylor, pastor of Unity Fellowship Church; Mr. Kevin Kelly, St. Peter’s The Apostle RC Church; The Sacred Heart Church Choir; Mr. Mario Vargas, director of neighborhood initiatives, New Brunswick Tomorrow; The Unity Fellowship Church Choir; Rev. Harroldean Ashton, vicar of St. Albans Episcopal Church; The Mount Zion A.M.E. Mass Choir; Rev. Vicente Martinez, pastor of Suydam Street Reformed Church; and Rabbi Daniel Fellman, Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple. The worship leader was the Rev. Dr. Hooper. Also in attendance were Middlesex County Freeholder Blanquita B. Valenti and Mr. Jeffrey Vega, president of New Brunswick Tomorrow.

Throughout the service, the Sacred Heart Church Choir who sang an outstanding refrain of “Psalm 46” as well as a memorable rendition of “When I Look Back over My Life” sang by the Unity Fellowship Church Choir blessed worshippers.

As music and praise filled the sanctuary, worshippers waited in anticipation of the keynote address, which was delivered with much conviction by Rev. Jackson. The sermon, “Why We Can’t Wait,” adapted from a publication of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was very moving and powerful. As stated by Rev. Jackson, “It was thought [by those on the other side of the plight] that Rev. Dr. King, Jr. was pushing too hard and moving too fast for the equality of African Americans.” Those heavily affected by discrimination and racism could not sit by and “wait” for those who are the most powerful in the world to decide when Blacks, Browns, and the poor would achieve equality.

Rev. Jackson also informed the audience that Rev. Dr. King profoundly and prophetically spoke about discrimination not necessarily being based upon the color of one’s skin but it would be based upon economics. “In the next century, discrimination will not be based upon race, it would be based upon economic factors, whoever doesn’t have education in this technological age will not be able to stand in this society,” – Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Additionally, Rev. Jackson informed the audience that even though New Jersey is the wealthiest state in the nation it is also the third poorest in the nation. Astoundingly, almost 40% of residents in New Jersey live in poverty and 30% of African Americans are living in poverty with the hospital emergency room being the only access to health care. Essentially, being poor [black, brown, and white] is equivalent to being powerless. “Without a good education, the civil rights act will not help much, and there are too many people getting rich off of our pain and suffering, stated Rev. Jackson.” The odds against becoming successful without an education are high. To that fact, African Americans currently have a 50% drop out rate for those entering the 9th grade subsequently making it difficult to become successful without a good education. Education is being looked upon as a privilege instead of a civil right. All should be given the same access to a quality education but that is not happening.

As the sermon approached its ending, Rev. Jackson drove his points home by having attendees take a look into the future concerning what the church could do in the midst of all of the civil rights challenges being faced. In order for people to reach justice and equality, the priorities of the church need to change. Pastors should focus on preparing their congregants to live fruitful lives on earth and to fight for peace, justice and equality because “if there is no justice there is no peace,” stated Rev. Jackson. Also, today’s Pastors need to decide whether they want to be prophets or puppets and should not let political leadership dictate how they conduct themselves pertaining to community involvement, leadership in the church, etc. Too many pastors are being placed on pedestals in order to be kept in their place. “If you are on a pedestal, you cannot move to far without falling off,” stated Rev. Jackson. Lastly, if we are faithful, we need to know nothing is accomplished without struggle. Struggle is a necessary ingredient in accomplishing anything.

Rev. Jackson has certainly laid the foundation with his powerful points of the lingering inequality that minorities and the poor have faced yesterday and today. “He has challenged us to move out of our comfort zones,” stated Rev. Dr. Hooper.

Too many believe that the civil rights movement is over due to the blood, sweat, and tears that people have endured. Undoubtedly, the movement is not over. The love for self was the foundation to keeping the movement strong and unmovable. As the program ended, Rev. Vicente Martinez profoundly stated, “Was not Jesus an extremist for love? What kind of extremist will we be – for love or hate?” Certainly many accomplishments have been made, however much work is still left to be done. In realizing and living Dr. King’s dream, the service ended with Black, White, and Hispanic hand-in-hand singing a moving rendition of “We Shall Overcome.” Remember his vision. Love is the key

8. THE REV. DR. JESSICA KENDALL INGRAM TO HOST INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S CONVOCATION 2006 IN DALLAS, TEXAS:

By Rev. Salatheia Bryant-Honors

The Rev. Dr. Jessica Kendall Ingram, Episcopal Supervisor of the Tenth Episcopal District, will host the International Women's Convocation Aug. 16-Aug 19 2006 in Dallas, Texas.

Since 1985 Rev. Jessica, as she is affectionately called in the Tenth District, has been calling women together for special spiritual-enrichment experiences that have been life-changing.

The 2006 convocation is designed to bring more than 2,000 women from the United States, Africa, Canada, Europe and the Caribbean together in one location for a divine experience.

Rev. Jessica calls the convocation, “Divine Expectations.”

"God instructed me to tell women to come to Dallas expecting to be blessed beyond measure. God has assured me that every expectation that you have of him will be met," she said. "You can expect to be changed through the preached word; you can expect to be delivered from those forces that have hindered you; you can expect for the praise and worship to take you to a new dimension."

The convocation will be held Aug. 16-Aug 19 2006 and will be packed with spiritual and personal development workshops designed to build up the mind, body and spirit of women from all walks of life, every hue and cross denominational lines.

The convocation will include powerful teaching and preaching from more than 30 preachers. The convocation promises to have something for everyone including a 200-voice convocation choir, South African praise team, liturgical dancers and an international cultural night. Gospel recording artist Karen Clark-Sheard will also perform during the convocation.

Early bird registration for the event runs through March 15. Early registration is $210. Regular registration is $240.

The convocation will be held at the Hilton (formerly the Wyndam) Anatole Hotel in Dallas. Room rates are $125/single or double; $145/ triple or quad.

Convocation preachers and workshop facilitators include the Rev. Dr. Jo Ann Browning, the Rev. Brenda Little, the Rev. Dr. Claudette Copeland, and the Rev. Dr. Renita Weems. The Honors Luncheon will recognize five outstanding women in our Zion who have been trailblazers. The luncheon will honor Bishops Sarah Davis, Carolyn Guidry and Vashti Murphy McKenzie, the Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant and Dr. Jayme Williams Coleman. The speaker for the luncheon will be Patricia Russell-McCloud.

Rev. Jessica said the convocation will offer sisters an opportunity to connect with other sisters and give them a fresh encounter with God.

"You can expect to meet sisters and connect with them from across the world. You can expect a miracle in your life and you can expect to leave this International Women's Convocation living in Divine Expectations each day," said Rev. Jessica.

For more information, or to receive a registration brochure call: 214-333-2642 or E-mail ADMIN@AMEC-10THDIST.ORG

9. "HBCU CONNECT" SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION:

We have just updated our scholarship guidelines and we are now accepting applications for our 2006 HBCU Scholarship program. For details please go
to: http://www.blogger.com/www.hbcuconnect.com/scholarships.html

For a listing of even more scholarships targeted to African Americans and HBCU Students, visit our online Scholarship Database at:
http://www.blogger.com/www.hbcuconnect.com/cgi-bin/scholarships.cgi

Please, even if you do not need a scholarship, please let, as many people know about this opportunity as you can. Thanks for being a member!

Sincerely,

William R. Moss III,
President & CEO
http://www.blogger.com/www.HBCUConnect.com

750 Cross Pointe Rd.
Suite Q
Columbus, Ohio 43230
614.864.4446 (office)
215.893.5398 (fax)

10. FREE NURSING PROGRAM AT UNIVERSITY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (UDC):

If you know of anyone between 18-28 years old, interested in the nursing field, University of the District of Columbia (UDC) is offering FREE tuition, FREE books, a $250 monthly stipend, and guaranteed job placement as a nurse at Providence Hospital upon graduation (it's a 3 year program) with a starting salary of $40,000. The program is recruiting new students now! Please contact Ms. Beshon Smith, (202)266-5481 or email Bsmith@urbanalliance.org

11. THE CHOSEN WOMEN OF GOD CONFERENCE 2006:

On behalf of the members of Mt. Zion AME Church in Deland, Florida where the Rev. Grandville Anderson is the Pastor; it is our delight to announce the Chosen Women of God Conference 2006! Theme: Women Standing In Unity! Eph. 4:12.

The conference dates are Friday, February 17 thru Sunday, February 19, 2006.
Friday "Ladies, Get Your Praise On" Night Out Worship Service!
Saturday "Life Changing Sessions":
(1) Teens on the Scene Youth Talk Session!

(2) Let us do It Christ Way! Young Adult Session

(3) I am a Women and I deserve to be treated Like One!

(4) Me and My Big Mouth!

A "Faith Talk" Luncheon by Sister Jackie Weary
Sunday "Women's Day Services":
11 a.m. the Rev. Dr. Ellen Jones Guest Preacher!
4 p.m. Bishop Julia Whitehurst-Wade Guest Preacher!!!!

Continental Breakfast, Lunch, Door Prizes, Entertainment and more!
We hope that you can join us in this wonderful celebration! Men, do not feel left out, you are absolutely invited too!

For more information please contact: The Rev. Dr. Lisa Jones at 407-341-8757 or by email: mtzionamedeland@bellsouth.net or chaplainlmjones@yahoo.com. Church phone: 386-736-1578.

The Church Address: 935 South Adelle Avenue Deland, Florida 32720

12. NEW FILM EXPLORES THE PASSION OF THE BLACK CHURCH:

"The Second Chance" Brings Faith to the Streets

Nashville, TN (BlackNews.com) - Same faith; same city; different worlds! That is the message of the movie, The Second Chance, being released in 35 key markets on Friday, February 17. The Sony Pictures release, with veteran stage actor and playwright, Jeff Obafemi Carr, focuses on a seldom-discussed topic: diversity on Sunday morning!

"Beyond issues of color, this movie catches the differences of mission that can separate or unite," said Bishop T. D. Jakes.

As Jake Sanders, Jeff Carr makes moviegoers feel the heartbeat of the bold, street-smart pastor of an inner-city church that reaches people where they hurt. Jake confronts the real-world problems of racism, prostitution, drugs, violence, economic disparity and how ministry tackles these harsh realities. GRAMMY and Dove recording artist Michael W. Smith costars as Ethan Jenkins, the unorthodox, Gucci shoe-wearing white associate pastor of a suburban mega-church who is sent to work with Jake at The Second Chance Community Church.
When Jake takes Ethan on a tour of his hood, Ethan's false impressions become the basis for their finding the common ground of their dedication.

Lisa Arrindell Anderson (Clockers; Madea's Family Reunion) gives a capable, satisfying performance as Jake's wife, Amanda.

"This film embraces the empowering gift of our diversity," commented Dr. Floyd Prude, Jr., pastor of a Midwestern black church. "I'm confident that the faith community will use this picture as a tool to open a dialogue that has been too long coming."

Steve Taylor directs The Second Chance from an original screenplay co-written with Chip Arnold and Ben Pearson. Executive producers are Ben Howard and Michael Hagerty. The Provident Films project was shot entirely on location in Nashville, Tennessee. With drug references, its rated PG-13. Additional markets will be added in March.

To view the trailer and/or to find local showings nearest you, visit http://www.thesecondchancemovie.com/

Jeff Obafemi Carr's web site is: http://www.jeffobafemicarr.com/

13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

From: Dr. William Smith, Jr., Presiding Elder
Seventh Episcopal District, Columbia SC

Our heartfelt love and prayers are extended to the Lucas family as we deeply regret announcing the passing of Mrs. Jessie Lee Lucas who passed away on Monday, January 23, 2006. She is the mother of the Rev. Tabitha Lucas Miller, pastor of Greater Hopewell AMEC (7th Episcopal District, AMEC).

The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

Funeral Service:

Sunday, January 29, 2006 - 2:00 pm

Old Kingston Missionary Baptist Church Prattville, Alabama, telephone (334) 361-9447, the Rev. Mitchell Brown, Liturgist

Funeral Home:

Phillips Riley Funeral Home
2284 West Fairview Avenue
Montgomery, AL 36108

(334) 263-0477

Condolences may be sent to:
Family of Mrs. Jessie Lee Lucas
1308 County Road 21
North Prattville, AL 36067

or

The Rev. Tabitha Lucas Miller
1208 Dothan Road
Columbia, SC 29210

Cell: (803) 530-3342

Please remember the Rev. Tabitha Lucas Miller and family in your prayers!

14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Marshall Mitchell. He was the brother of Rev. Jacovas Mitchell, who is the pastor of Turner Memorial AME Church (Manhattan District, New York Annual Conference).

The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

Funeral - Saturday, January 28, 2006
Service - 1:00 p.m.

Morris Brown A.M.E. Church
13 Morris Street
Charleston, SC 29403

The Rev. Joseph A. Darby, Pastor
Phone: 843-723-1961
Fax: 843-723-6320

Condolences may be sent to: The Rev. Jacovas Mitchell and family c/o Fielding Funeral Home, 122 Logan StreetCharleston, SC 29403

Fax: 843-722-8795

Please keep Rev. Jacovas Mitchell and the family in your prayers.

15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

From: w.hanse@parliament.gov.na
Bishop Samuel Lawrence Green, Sr, Presiding Bishop
Fifteenth Episcopal District

This missive comes to inform you that the Rev. Andreas van der Westhuizen, a Superannuated Preacher of the Namibia Annual Conference has passed on to be with the Lord last night. The Rev. Van der Westhuizen, aged 77 years, has pastored the following churches in Namibia: St. Johns AME Church, Walvisbay; D. D. Memorial AME Church, Rehoboth, Silo AME Church, Tsumispark; and the founder of the present-day St. Andrews AME Church, Khomasdal. He retired from the active ministry in 1987, when Bishop Henry A Belin presided over the Namibia Annual Conference.

The provisional memorial and funeral arrangements are as follows:

Friday 27 January 2006 at 19h00: Opening Memorial Service at the Iris Street residence, Khomasdal, Sunday 29 January 2006 at 15h00: Official Memorial Service at the Iris Street residence. Khomasdal, Wednesday 1 February 2006 at 19h00: Ecumenical Memorial Service at the St. Andrews AME Church, Khomasdal, Thursday & Friday 2-3 February 2006 at 19h00: Family Memorial Services at the Iris Street residence, Saturday 4 February 2006 at 19h00: Final Memorial Service at the Iris Street residence, and Sunday 5 February 2006 at 09h00:

Funeral Service from the St. Andrews AME Church, Khomasdal.

Inquires can be directed to:

The Rev. Betty Schroder
St. Andrews AME Church
Tel. +264 81 259 5918

Alternatively:

The Rev. Charles D Fredericks (nephew) Mt. Nebo AME ChurchTel. +264 81 296 2985

Or:

Mrs. Magdalena Boois (daughter) Tel. +264 61 215890+264 81 262 5299

16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

The days of sorrow have come upon our family once again. This time God called Joseph Chavours, Sr. to His glory. He was the father of Payne Memorial AME's First Lady Cynthia Gainey, Payne Memorial AME - 209 South King Road - Holland, Ohio 43258.

He grew up in Racine, Wisconsin and moved to Carbondale, Illinois where his last days were spent battling cancer. The Funeral Home and date where the memorial for Joseph A. Chavours, Sr. will be:

Riggin-Pillatsch Funeral Home
322 N. Division
Carterville, IL 62918 S

aturday, January 28, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. If you are sending flowers to the funeral home, order through Weller Florist in Carterville, IL. 1-800-806-6735 or send them to our address at:

Rev. and Mrs. ReLoy F. Gainey, Sr.
1762 Tecumseh St.
Toledo, Ohio 43607

(419) 242-5009

United in Christ,
The Rev. ReLoy F. Gainey, Sr., pastor Payne Memorial AME, Holland, Ohio

17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

From: mrscampbell@hotmail.com

Our prayers are extended to the Wallace and Smith family.

Sister Ardena Smith, passed Saturday, January 21, 2006. She is the mother of the Rev. Patricia Wallace, pastor of Harvest A.M.E. Church, Pahokee, FL (11th Episcopal District, South Florida Conference).

Funeral Service:

Saturday, January 28, 2006 - 11:00 am

Harvest A.M.E. Church
825 Larrimore Road
Pahokee, Florida

Church: (561) 924-4263
Fax: (561) 924-7343

Funeral Home:

Taylor Smith and West Funeral Home
900 SW Avenue 'E'
Belleglade, FL 33430

(561) 996-3048

The family is requesting in lieu of flowers that donations be given to:

Hospice of West Palm Beach County (In memory of):

Mrs. Ardena Smith 5300 'E' Avenue
West Palm Beach, FL 33407

(561) 848-5200

Family Contact Person:

The Rev. Patricia Wallace
P.O. Box 410
Pahokee, FL 33476

(561) 924-7030

Please keep this family in your prayers.

Submitted by Mrs. Marva Campbell, President
South Florida Conference Ministers Spouses Alliance

18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE- UPDATED ADDRESS:

From: Presiding Elder Linda Thomas-Martin

Reference the late Reverend J. R. Williams:

New address and telephone number for condolences to be sent to Helen Williams widow of Reverend J. R. Williams.

Mrs. Helen Williams
Embassy Suites-Airport Hotel
11237 Eagle Drive
St. Louis, MO 63044

Suite 310
314-739-829 (Phone)

19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

The passing of Mrs. Gertie Robinson Coleman Auguste the sister of Rev. Edsel F. Robinson, Sr., former Presiding Elder of the Augusta-Athens District, Augusta Georgia Conference, Sixth Episcopal District.

Arrangements for Mrs. Gertie Robinson Coleman Auguste:

Viewing Monday, January 30, 2006
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Sidney A. Jones Funeral Home
124 West Park Avenue
Savannah, Georgia 31401

912-234-7226 (Phone)
912- 234-6074 (Fax)

Funeral:

Tuesday, January 31, 2006
12:00 Noon

Taylor Chapel AME Church
107 Darling Street
Savannah, GA 31401

912-964-5704 (Phone)

Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. and Mrs. Edsel Robinson, Sr.
3322 Raburn Dr. SW
Atlanta, GA. 30311

Email condolences: maepearlie@mindspring.net

The Rev. and Mrs. Edsel Robinson, Sr. are currently staying at the Masters Inn in Savannah, GA.

Contact Information:

912- 354- 8560 (Hotel Phone Number); 404- 316 - 1091 (Cell)

Peace, Blessings & Power,
Pastor B. L. Francis

Please remember the Robinson family in your prayers.

20. CLERGY FAMILY 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.

21. 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.

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (1/24/06)

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 SEMINAR ON CHURCH GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT MET IN BIRMINGHAM:

Approximately 250 persons gathered in Birmingham, Alabama on January 17-20, 2006 for the 19th Annual Seminar on Church Growth and Evangelism. The Reverend Dr. James C. Wade is the Executive Director of the Department o f Church Growth and Development. The Right reverend Preston Warren Williams II is the Commission Chair. Preachers and laity attended the seminar and the folks gathered in worship room, in the vendors’ space, and in the hotel lobby. The Fish Market restaurant, not far from the hotel, was also a favorite gathering place.

The endorsed military, Veteran Affairs, and federal prison chaplains of the African Methodist Episcopal Church also met at the call of the Right Reverend E. Earl McCloud, Jr. Endorsing Agent and Ecumenical Officer of the AME Church. The Reverend Leotis Strong is the President of the AME Chaplains Association.

The opening worship service was spiritual and the ministers and laity from Georgia were in full force as they waited expectantly for their Episcopal leader to deliver the opening sermon. The praise team led the congregation in praise and thanksgiving as we sang, “We Loft Our Hands in the Sanctuary.” The Reverend Ronald Slaughter gave the invocation, the reverend T. Eric Nathan read the Old Testament lesson, and Chaplain Aimee Davis Miller read a selection from the New Testament. The Reverend Dr. Wesley Reid led the congregation in the reading of the Decalogue, after which “Rejoice,” the liturgical dance ministry from New Tyler AME Church lifted the worship experience to a high level with their interpretive dance ministry. The Reverend Carolyn Brailsford who provided special music throughout the seminar provided special music. She has a Spirit-filled voice and infectious presence.

The worship service was filled with warmth by the presence of Bishops, Philip R. Cousin, T. Larry Kirkland, Richard A. Chappelle, William Philips DeVeaux, DeVeaux, E. Earl McCloud, Zedekiah Grady, and Frank C. Cummings. Bishop Preston Warren Williams was not physically present because he recently had surgery and was unable to attend the Seminar. Though he was not physically at the seminar, Bishop Williams’ presence permeated the seminar. His presence was felt in all of the acknowledgements and particularly in the words on his behalf read by the Right Reverend Zedekiah Grady. Bishop Grady informed the seminar participants that Bishop Williams was doing nicely, wanted to be there, felt that he could have traveled there, but was obedient to his doctor who wants him to take it easy and to let the healing process “run its course.”

The following active and retired General Officers were present at the Seminar: Drs. Clement W. Fugh, Johnny Barbour, Jr., George F. Flowers, Jerome V. Harris, Daryl B. Ingram, James C. Wade, Jamye Coleman Williams, Robert H. Reid, Kenneth H. Hill, George L. Champion, Sr, and yours truly, Calvin H. Sydnor III. Connectional Officers were also present.

Bishop Grady’s Comments on behalf of Bishop Preston Warren Williams II

“To Senior Bishop Philip R. Cousin and to my ecclesiastical brothers and sisters, the bishops of the Church; to the Rt. Reverend Preston Warren Williams, Chair of the Department of Church Growth and Development, to the General Officers, and to the Connectional Officers, all presiding elders, pastors, and laypersons of the Church of Allen, I greet you in the Joy of Jesus Christ, for certainly, it is because of His goodness, His grace, and His mercy that we have the opportunity to gather once more as those committed to the mandate of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to “Go our into all of the world and preach the gospel, baptizing all nations…”

Bishop Williams asked me to fill in for him because he is under his doctor’s orders, not to travel. He is mending and asks that you pray for him.

We recognize hat even in 2006, there are still souls to be saved, there are still lives to change, there are folks who do not know how to live and treat their neighbors as they treat themselves.

We do have a tremendous opportunity today as we gather here in Birmingham, Alabama, a place of particular history, a special place in the life of our people, a place where, we, as a race organized against the tyranny of segregation and oppression, marched, and died for basic civil rights and the right to vote, and the birthplace of Rosa Parks, and the starting place of the ministry of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

How fitting then, that we are able to gather here to be spiritually fed and to rededicate our lives as servant leaders. We will hear the word of God preached several times this week. We will be led in engaging workshops and will observe innovations in worship. We will do this simply to the glory of God.

It is our hope then, that we will leave this place and that we will be rejuvenated, regenerated and rededicated to the call that so many of us answered quite a while ago. Let us go from this place ready to tell all of our young people that they are fearfully and wonderfully made. Let us leave here ready to go into neighborhoods deemed unsafe know that those imprisoned by violence outside their doors still need to hear the world of God. Let us go from this place committed to helping some young man or young women get their lives back on track after being released from some correctional facility. Let us leave here knowing that we can help victims of domestic violence, let us leave here knowing that we can bring up children who know and live the Lord. Let us leave here know that we can educate those children. Let us leave Birmingham know that we can teach our congregations to tithe. Let us leave here knowing that we can get our folks to vote. Let us depart from this place with the faithfulness of Abraham, the brashness of Jacob, the dedication of Timothy, the zeal of Paul, and the courage and conviction of Richard Allen, Henry McNeil Turner, Daniel Payne and Paul Quinn. Let us leave here knowing that there is nothing too hard for God. ‘The work is all divine.’”

The right Reverend T. Larry Kirkland followed Bishop Grady’s comments.

Bishop T. Larry Kirkland’s Welcome to the Seminar attendees

“Greetings be to you in the name of our lord and savior, Jesus Christ.

Welcome to Birmingham, Alabama, Headquarters of the 9th Episcopal district of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and host city for the 2006 AME Conference on Church Growth and Evangelism.

You are indeed in a city that is both modern and historic. It is no accident that the city of Birmingham is known as “The Magic City,” for it contains some of the best of everything that you need to have a blessed and fulfilling experience during your stay here during this week of spiritual enhancement. -

Historically speaking, the state of Alabama is the cradle of the modern civil rights movement of the 20th century, where God moved to demonstrate that the power of love and nonviolent resistance to evil is greater than the power of hate.

It was here that Rosa Parks, a member of St. Paul AME Church in Montgomery stood up for America by sitting down on a segregated bus in a seat reserved for a white man.

It was in this very city a few blocks from here four little girls gave their lives during the bombing incident at 16th Street Baptist church.

It was here that midnight riders became so vicious with their attacks that one community became known as “Dynamite Hill” and the city itself became known as “Bombingham,” instead of Birmingham.

It was here that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr stood down Eugene “bull” Conner across the street at Kelly Ingram Park facing police dogs and fire hoses and later wrote his famous “Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” explaining why a ‘line had to be drawn in the sand’ and freedom demanded “now.”

My brothers and sisters, you have come to consecrated ground.

So, we welcome you to the home of former AME Church Treasurer, Dr. A. G. Gaston, the home of Nat King Cole, the home of Jessie Owens, the adopted home of Booker T. Washington, George Washington Carver, Coretta Scott King, Ralph David Abernathy, the famous Tuskegee Airmen, baseball great, Willie Mays, the legendary ‘Brown Bomber’ of boxing Joe Louis, baseball great Hank Aaron and current Secretary of State for the United States, Condoleezza Rice.

We are proud to be in a city known for its formidable Black mayors, the legendary Richard Arrington and current Host mayor Bernard Kincaid.

This is an AME kind of place. It is our heritage to be on the vanguard of service to our people by meeting their needs spiritually and tangibly as stated in our mission statement. We are called “to serve the present age.”

You will find every attraction, amenity or service that you might possibly want or need somewhere within the city, ranging from: dining to entertainment, to sports, to healthcare at Birmingham’s world-class teaching and research hospitals. The AME Church’s Daniel Payne College campus, as well, has joined in partnership with Cooper Green Hospital to form the metro-center medical complex to serve the pre-natal and post-natal needs of black mothers in our community.

For those of you with shopping in mind, Birmingham has it. There are major malls on all ends of the city that can handle all of your shopping needs. The Riverchase Galleria Mall on south 1-65 and 1-459 is a city unto itself, complete with its own hotel in the center of the mall.

Five points south straight down 20th street (known as “Birmingham Green”) will make you think you are in the nation’s capitol at Georgetown with its fine restaurants, coffee houses boutiques and almost anything of that nature
You can imagine.

For the culturally minded, there are museums, art galleries, a planetarium, the southern research institute, the University of Alabama Birmingham complex (the state of
Alabama’s largest employer), and last but certainly not least is the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, which contains exhibits and video re-enactments of the famous events Memorializing the Alabama Civil Rights Movement. Welcome one and all.”

After the welcomes and all of the singing, the seminar attendees was ready for the Word of the Lord and what a mighty word! The Right Reverend William Phillips DeVeaux, Sr. preached a dynamic sermon entitled, “The Soul of and Evangelist.” He took his text from II Corinthians 4: 13-17. He shared with the congregation the need for evangelists to be courageous, be able to endure hardships and must know the power of the Resurrection and have a commitment to the call for ministry. Bishop pointed out that we are called to the service of God and that we are the recipients of those who served before us and especially those who suffered in spreading the gospel.

The Senior Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Right Reverend Philip R. Cousin, delivered the Communion Service sermon. The singing was magnificent and uplifting. At one point, Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle said that the service was too “high church” and he attempted to guide the service more a more evangelistic expression.

The Right Reverend Frank C. Cummings presented the preacher of the hour and he did that in a moving way. It is encouraging to feel the depth of one’s feeling as friend speaks about a friend. The congregation could feel the sincerity of Bishop Cummings as he introduced his friend, the Right Reverend Philip R. Cousin.

Bishop Cousin preached a dynamic sermon entitled, “The Vision through Hope.” He took his text from Isaiah 43:18-19. He asked the question, “What happens when the sun doesn’t shine in your ministry?” He encouraged those in ministry to look for, and find a vision of hope. He told us to understand that God promises a “new thing” and preachers must not live in a “no vision reality.” Bishop Cousin went on to say that many of our churches have become “ecclesiastical mausoleums” where dead folk live. He encourage us to know that the same God, the same Holy Ghost power “over there” at other churches, is present in our churches. Preachers and laity alike have to have a vision and the belief that God can yet do a new thing. We should not be discouraged when we face conflict and rejection. The bishop went on to say that, he had lived long enough to see mean folk change and gave a word of encouragement that God’s Arm is long enough to lift us up.

The people were brought to their feet as Bishop Cousin “put the icing on the cake.” Bishop Chappelle could smile because the sermon was a powerfully evangelistic sermon.

Holy Communion was celebrated and “a morning and an evening was the first day” of the 19th Annual Seminar on Church Growth and Development. “And God saw that it was good.”

Editor’s note: Hopefully, a more in-depth article about the 19th Annual Seminar on Church Growth and Evangelism will be received from the staff of that department.

2. THE YOUNG PEOPLE’S CORNER - “MY THOUGHTS ON THE STANDARDIZED ACHIEVEMENT TEST”:

By John Foster Jr.

(John Foster, Jr. is an 18 year-old graduating senior at Alexander High School in Douglasville, Georgia. He also serves as junior usher and Church School member at St. Philip African Methodist Episcopal Church in Savannah, Georgia where his father – Rev. Dr. John Foster – serves as senior pastor)

To many, the new Standardized Achievement Test (SAT) may seem very intimidating: the institution of higher-level math problems, longer reading passages, and the addition of an essay. In reality, there is no need to worry; the new SAT in many ways is similar to the old one, in the way that you can prepare for it. First, let us compare the two.

The old SAT consisted of two sections, Math and Verbal, each were scored on a scale of 200-800 (for a total of 1600), and was a total of three hours long. Each Math and Verbal section had 13-35 questions on it, and was 15-30 minutes in length. One section of the SAT was experimental. The Verbal section consisted of sentence completions, analogies, and critical reading, each type of question, especially sentence completion and analogy, required a facility with vocabulary. The Math section consisted of five-choice questions, four-choice quantitative comparisons, and grid-ins. The Math section, although being more subject-oriented than the Verbal, still did not require knowledge beyond a Sophomore Geometry Class. Many critics would say that this SAT depended too much on thinking skills and not so much on retention skills. This would lead to; you guessed it, the creation of the new current SAT.

The current new SAT is a radical revamping of the old SAT. The much loathed analogies and Quantitative Comparisons were removed, the verbal was renamed “Critical Reading”, the Writing and Essay sections were taken from the SAT II and put into this one. For those abstract thinkers, the new math section is bad news: higher-level math questions have been added to include material from Junior Algebra II. The New SAT is 3 hours and 45 minutes in length, and now consist of two experimental sections, up from one on the old one. Each section will still be scored on 200-800 scale (the essay will be scored on a scale of 0-12, and will be averaged into your writing score). Therefore, people will stop calling the nerdy quiet kid in the back of the class “Mr. 1600” and now will start calling him “Mr. 2400.” Each Math, Verbal, and Writing section will still consist of 13-35 questions, each 15-35 minutes in length, and there will be an independent essay section of 25 minutes.

Despite all these radical changes though, the New SAT is just as "coachable" as the old one. Kaplan, Princeton Review, College Board etc, are all selling prep books for the New SAT, so that says something about the persistence of the test’s “coachability” across revisions. You can take prep classes as well. You may also prepare for the new SAT online. There are various websites available including http://www.kaplain.com/, http://www.princetonreview.com/, and http://www.collegeboard.com/. So, go ahead, gear yourself up for the newest section of “The Big Test.”

I, myself, have had a chance to experience both worlds of the SAT. I took the old version of the SAT twice, in November of 2004 and January of 2005. The only problem I had with the verbal section was with analogies, which I found to be too abstract and time consuming for a speedy test-taker such as myself. The math section on the old one is comparable in difficulty to the math section on the new one. I did however; find the Quantitative Comparison section to be a little pestering.

I took the new one only once, in October of this past year. I actually welcomed the addition of the Writing Section and Essay, since I considered that to be my strength. I actually welcomed the removal of analogies and Quantitative Comparisons, since I disliked those types of problems with a passion. The removal of analogies made the Verbal (now called “Critical Reading”) considerably easier for me; the math section was not that much different. Although the test was nearly four hours long, I kept a cool manner.

John Foster Jr. was recently admitted to Hampton University, Hampton, VA. He has received a 4-year full-tuition scholarship and will attend Hampton University beginning Fall 2006.


3. THANK YOU MESSAGE FROM MRS. CONNIE SPEIGHTS RICHARDSON, SUPERVISOR OF THE SECOND EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:

Dear AME Church Family:

In the various seasons of our life, it becomes clearer how much Christian love, fellowship and support means. I write this message to share my sincere thanks and appreciation to persons throughout the AME Connection who extended various expressions of compassion to my family.

Last year included several unexpected challenges including my illness and subsequent recovery as well as the death of my mother, Mrs. Sarah Baker Speights. I am most appreciative of the comfort I received through the prayers, cards, calls, emails, telegrams, flowers and other gifts. Your demonstration of caring was helpful and timely. Please know that I am eternally grateful for every act of kindness extended to my family and me.

Philippians 1:3, 4 expresses my thoughts, "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making requests with joy.”

Most sincerely,
Connie Speights Richardson

4. THE GLOBAL CORNER – A TESTIMONY AND AN EXAMPLE FOR COMMITMENT:

Zackie Achmat is the National Chairperson of the Treatment Action Campaign, an advocacy group for HIV treatment in South Africa. Some few years ago, his health was reported to have deteriorated – at almost a defining moment of living with AIDS. He refused taking antiretroviral, which he advocated for and even brought them into the country without permission. Even the former President, Tata Nelson Mandela, had to intervene cajoling him to take ARVs. He refuse, not because he didn’t trust ARVs to help him or disrespected the world’ statesmen, but he simply needed done was that government would make ARV treatment accessible to hundreds and thousands of people who needed it most. Today, South Africa is providing ARV treatment, albeit slow in doing so. Briefly, he tells his story here below.

Rev. Teboho G. Klaas
National Director: HIV/AIDS Programme
South African Council of Churches
9th Floor, Khotso House
62 Marshall House, Johannesburg 2001
Tel: +27 11 241 7811/2/6
Fax: +27 11 838 4818 or +27 11 492 4818
Mobile: +27 82 412 2960
Email: tgk@sacc.org

++++++++++++++

Dear All

My CD4 count has increased from 201 when I started ARV therapy on 5 September 2003 to 626 on 5 January 2006. My viral load is undetectable. Physically I am fitter than I have been in 20 years despite a heart attack last year. I have had no further ARV side-effects since the peripheral neuropathy from stavudine – I am doing really well on AZT/lamivudine and nevirapine.

Thanks to every TAC activist who has made this possible for me and tens of thousands of people in South Africa.

Zackie Achmat

5. AN INNOVATIVE VOICE IN THE NINTH DISTRICT:

The Reverend Frederick Joseph McCullough’s ascension to the pulpit of Payne Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Birmingham, Alabama on the first Sunday of December 2005 was indeed a present of joy for the congregation. After the Planning Meeting of the Ninth Episcopal District in November 2005, Bishop T. Larry Kirkland addressed the members of Payne Chapel and gave them optimistic hope that the arrival of their newly appointed pastor would be by the first Sunday of December who would be anointed, capable, and ready to take this great congregation to another level in the Titusville community. “Stand still and wait on the Lord, see His salvation manifest among you… I leave you in the charge of your proficient Presiding Elder, the Reverend Dwight E. Dillard of the South Birmingham- Huntsville District until December 4, 2005.”

When Sunday morning came, the Reverends Frederick Joseph McCullough and Courtnee Mills-McCullough along with Presiding Elder Walters Daniels of the South Atlanta District arrived from the Sixth Episcopal District to Birmingham, Alabama the “magical, miraculous city” of the Ninth Episcopal District accompanied by Bishop T. Larry Kirkland and Supervisor Mary Kirkland, Presiding Elder Dwight E. Dillard, and District Coordinator Christine Dillard. It was a new day of reckoning for Payne Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church and the Titusville community.

The Reverend McCullough preached from Isaiah 6:1-8 and used as his subject, “Send Me, I’ll Go.” He emphasized 4 R’s we need to become useful for God’s Kingdom purposes, “Recognize How Great God Is, Realize How sinful we are, Receive God’s Forgiveness and Respond to God’s Call.

Reverend McCullough’s sermon pointed out that God empowers us to do the work of the kingdom. This work of the kingdom is the work of representing God to others. We cannot extend the forgiveness of God to others until we have received the forgiveness of God ourselves. We are not equipped to bring the burning coal that will cleanse someone else until it has touched us and cleansed us. The painful cleansing process was necessary before Isaiah could fulfill the task to which God was calling him. Before we accept God’s call to speak for him to those around us, we must be cleansed as Isaiah was, confessing our sins and submitting to God’s control. Letting God purify us may be painful, but we must be purified so that we can truly represent God, who is pure and holy.
He pointed out that there is one more thing that has to happen before we become useful to God. We must respond to the call of God. We must respond with, Isaiah’s statement, “Here Am I, Send Me”

We must step up. When God says, “Go!” we go. The sermon was both poignant and prophetic and Rev. McCullough’s sermon was right on-time and he continues this prophetic zeal every Sunday.

Payne Chapel’s new pastor, a leader who takes initiative and ready to lead the people to new challenges. The churches foundation has been shaken from their complacency of a good church to the manifestation of God’s great church. Rev. McCullough believes that the aspirations of a Great Church are within reach. "What God can't do cannot be done," he said. "If we have the faith, God has the power, Go Forth.”

Rev. McCullough is a drum major for the Lord, with a sociable, easygoing manner, and powerful preaching style that draws congregants to their feet, especially when he breaks out in song. He freely dispenses jokes, hugs, and details about his personal life; straight talk about inner church workings, in contrast to the more reserved traditional ministers.

He often says, "Go Forth." In over a month of traveling I-20 from Atlanta to Birmingham, Rev. McCullough has taught, informed, and refreshed the members in a leadership conference and Church Conference. His skilled innovative voice articulated pertinent biblical, doctrinal, and financial facts of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. “Preparing people for a Prepared Place” is the vision of Payne Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church. We are at the forefront of some very exciting things at Payne under the leadership of the Reverend Frederick Joseph McCullough who will lead the church to reach a contemporary world by equipping us to hold on to the traditions that are relevant, but change some of our methods of ministry to reach the global world.. As he first preached, “When hope dies you need a mission in the world. You need to get your focus off yourself, your problems, and what is wrong in your world, and focus on what God is doing in the world. You need to see the bigger picture and get on board with God’s eternal purposes.”

6. THE REV. DR. JESSICA KENDALL INGRAM TO HOST INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S CONVOCATION 2006 IN DALLAS, TEXAS:

By Rev. Salatheia Bryant-Honors

The Rev. Dr. Jessica Kendall Ingram, Episcopal Supervisor of the Tenth Episcopal District, will host the International Women's Convocation 2006 this summer in Dallas, Texas.

Since 1985 Rev. Jessica, as she is affectionately called in the Tenth District, has been calling women together for special spiritual-enrichment experiences that have been life-changing.

The 2006 convocation is designed to bring more than 2,000 women from the United States, Africa, Canada, Europe and the Caribbean together in one location for a divine experience.

Rev. Jessica calls the convocation, “Divine Expectations.”

"God instructed me to tell women to come to Dallas expecting to be blessed beyond measure. God has assured me that every expectation that you have of him will be met," she said. "You can expect to be changed through the preached word; you can expect to be delivered from those forces that have hindered you; you can expect for the praise and worship to take you to a new dimension."

The convocation will be packed with spiritual and personal development workshops designed to build up the mind, body and spirit of women from all walks of life, every hue and cross denominational lines.

The convocation will include powerful teaching and preaching from more than 30 preachers. The convocation promises to have something for everyone including a 200-voice convocation choir, South African praise team, liturgical dancers and an international cultural night. Gospel recording artist Karen Clark-Sheard will also perform during the convocation.

Early bird registration for the event runs through March 15. Early registration is $210. Regular registration is $240.

The convocation will be held at the Hilton (formerly the Wyndam) Anatole Hotel in Dallas. Room rates are $125/single or double; $145/ triple or quad.

Convocation preachers and workshop facilitators include the Rev. Dr. Jo Ann Browning, the Rev. Brenda Little, the Rev. Dr. Claudette Copeland, and the Rev. Dr. Renita Weems. The Honors Luncheon will recognize five outstanding women in our Zion who have been trailblazers. The luncheon will honor Bishops Sarah Davis, Carolyn Guidry and Vashti Murphy McKenzie, the Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant and Dr. Jayme Williams Coleman. The speaker for the luncheon will be Patricia Russell-McCloud.

Rev. Jessica said the convocation will offer sisters an opportunity to connect with other sisters and give them a fresh encounter with God.

"You can expect to meet sisters and connect with them from across the world. You can expect a miracle in your life and you can expect to leave this International Women's Convocation living in Divine Expectations each day," said Rev. Jessica.

For more information, or to receive a registration brochure call: 214-333-2642 or E-mail ADMIN@AMEC-10THDIST.ORG

7. NORTHWEST MISSOURI CONFERENCE PART OF CONTINUING EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP WITH SAINT PAUL SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY:


At the 2005 Planning Meeting of the Fifth Episcopal District, Bishop John R. Bryant received the Theological Education Report, which included the initial recommendations of the Theological Education Liaison presented by the Rev. Sakena Young-Scaggs.

One of the recommendations put forth in the report was that “current pastors and ministers should be encouraged to utilize and be equipped with information on continuing education programs and projects which are accessible to them both in their regions and nationally.” The Rev. Robert Shaw, pastor of Allen Chapel (Kansas City, MO) and president of the Methodist Ministers’ Fellowship (MMF) of Greater Kansas City, Missouri, along with the Rev. Sherri E. Wood-Powe, pastor of Sterling Chapel (Lee’s Summit, MO) and chair of the Continuing Education Partnership between the MMF and Saint Paul School of Theology (Kansas City, MO) were already on course. With the Rev. Wood-Powe serving as the liaison, Rev. Shaw met with Dr. Myron McCoy (president of Saint Paul School of Theology) and a continuing education partnership established. This partnership provides an “Opportunity for clergy, ministers-in-training, and laity to sharpen their skills so they can effectively serve this present age,” stated Rev. Shaw.

The inaugural event of the partnership will take place on February 15, 2006. Dr. William B. McClain, Mary Elizabeth McGehee Joyce, Professor of Preaching, Wesley Theological Seminary (Washington, D.C.) will lecture on Vital Preaching and Worship Today. This lecture will allow persons attending to not only sit at the feet of one of this country’s acclaimed preaching academicians, but it will also provide clergy with the opportunity to learn and dialogue in areas of foremost importance to ministry – preaching and worship.

Submitted by the Rev. Sherri E. Wood-Powe on behalf of the NWMO Conference Publicity Committee

8. THIRTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT FOUNDER’S DAY 2006:

The 13th District Founder’s Day celebration will be held Thursday, February 9, 2006 – Saturday, February 11, 2006 at Greater Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1300 South Street, Nashville, Tennessee. The Rev. Michael Broadnax will be our host pastor.

Blocks of rooms have been reserved at the following hotels.

1. The Courtyard Marriott, – HOST HOTEL, 901 West End Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee, Room rate is $104/night. Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-245-1959. Reservation deadline is 1-23-2006 to receive special group rate.

2. Holiday Inn Express, 920 Broadway, Nashville, Tennessee, Room rate is $89/night. Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-465-4329. Reservation deadline is 1-24-2006 to receive special group rate.

3. Hampton Inn – Vanderbilt, 1919 West End Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee, Room rate is $99/night. Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-HAMPTON or dialing the hotel directly at 615-329-1144. Reservation deadline is 1-20-2006 to receive special group rate.

When making reservations remember to request the 13th Episcopal District Founder’s Day Meeting for the A.M.E. Church rate.

9. SAINT PAUL AME CHURCH, VALDOSTA, GEORGIA CELEBRATES FOUNDER’S DAY AND BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH DYNAMIC PREACHING:

We invite you to share with us as we celebrate the Founding of the AME Church and Black Heritage (History) Month. Saint Paul will do so by engaging in its second annual “’Sistas’ of the Word Preaching Explosion.”

The following dynamic preaching women will proclaim the Word of the Lord during this month:

February 5, 2006, the Rev. Jacqueline D. Smith, Presiding Elder of the Albany-Valdosta District, at 11:00 AM

February 12, 2006: the Rev. Sarah Sims Billups, Pastor of Ebenezer AME Church, Greensboro, GA at 11:00 AM

February 19, 2006: the Rev. Elizabeth Yates, Pastor of Greater Tanner AME Church, Quincy, Fl. at 8:00 AM & 11:00 AM

February 26, 2006: the Rev. Maria Mallory White, Associate Minister, New Mt. Zion AME Church, at 11:00 AM


Peace, Blessings, & Power,Pastor B. L. Francis

10. COMING TO PBS IN FEBRUARY IS THE FOUR PART SERIES, “SLAVERY AND THE MAKING OF AMERICA,” PRODUCED BY DANTE JAMES, AND NARRATED BY MORGAN FREEMAN:

Coming to PBS on February 9 and on February 16 from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., is the four part series, “Slavery and the Making of America,” produced by Dante James, and narrated by Morgan Freeman.

Dante is an incredible filmmaker who has produced many award-wining films among them biographies on Marian Anderson and A. Philip Randolph. He worked with the late great filmmaker Henry Hampton at Blackside and was the executive producer of Hampton's last series entitled, This Far by Faith: African American Spiritual Journeys. Slavery and the Making of America tell the story of slavery from the point of view of the enslaved. The series recognizes the strength, humanity, and dignity of the enslaved and redefines them as pro-active freedom fighters not passive victims. There are also two web sites for the series.

http://www.pbs.org/slavery

http://www.slaveryinamerica.com

In the past, Slavery in America has featured several noted African American biographies, including Richard Allen.

http://www.slaveryinamerica.org/narratives/bio_richard_allen.htm

It is essential to inform friends, family and encourage them to watch.

If we can create a large audience for this important series, PBS will be encouraged to produce and air more programs that address the African-American experience. Remember, Black History is American History! Submitted by Stephanie and Eric Stradford

11. OIL COMPANIES TO REPORT HUGE EARNINGS:

Starting this Wednesday, Jan. 25, the world's major oil companies will report huge earnings increases for 2005. ConocoPhillips reports Wednesday; Chevron, Friday; ExxonMobil on Monday, Jan. 30; Royal Dutch Shell, Thursday, Feb. 2; and British Petroleum on Tuesday, Feb. 7.

Editor Sydnor has joined the Society of Professional Journalist (SPJ) and as a member has been invite to participate in a tele-seminar scheduled for this Thursday, Jan. 26, to brief journalists on the surge in oil company profits and the world market forces pushing earnings skyward. The tele-seminar is aimed at reporters, editors and producers who cover business, energy and related issues.

Editor Sydnor believes the economy impacts the Black American community, in general and specifically, the AME community and as my sister-in-law, the Reverend Cheryl Blake Hoskins says, “you can’t eat if you are not sitting at the table.” The Editor plans to represent the African Methodist Episcopal Church in as many areas as possible.

Editor Sydnor also is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ)

12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Final arrangements for the Rev. J. R. Williams:

"Servant of God Well Done Rest from Your Employ"

Wake: Thursday, January 26, 2006, 6:00 P.M.-9:00 P.M.

St. Peter A.M.E. Church, 4730 Margaretta
St. Louis, Missouri 63115
Tel: 314-381-3345 FAX No. 314-381-7877

Email: STPETERAME@MSN.COM

Family Hour: Friday, January 27, 2006, 10:00 A.M.-11:00 A.M.
St. Peter A.M.E. Church, 4730 Margaretta
St. Louis, Mo. 63115

TEL: 314-381-3345
FAX: 314-381-7877

Funeral Services
Friday, January 27, 2006, 11:00 A.M.
St. Peter A.M.E. Church
4730 Margaretta
St. Louis, Mo 63115

TEL: 314-381-3345 FAX NO.: 314-381-7877
E-MAIL: STPETERAME@MSN.COM

Mortuary: Austin Layne Mortuary
7239 W. Florissant
St. Louis, Mo 63136

Tel: 314-381-6900
FAX: 314-381-5475
http://www.laynemortuary.com/

Condolences can be sent to:

Mrs. Helen R. Williams
4217 Shreve Ave.
St. Louis, Mo 63115
TEL: 314-385-6481

Submitted By: Presiding Elder Linda Thomas-Martin

Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate
Thirteenth Episcopal District
African Methodist Episcopal Church

13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

From: Bishop Wilfred Jacobus Messiah,
wjmessiah2004@yahoo.com
Presiding Bishop Twentieth Episcopal District

It is with deep regret that the 20th Episcopal District announces the passing of the Rev. Dolly Vengesayi on Sunday 22nd January 2006.

Rev. Vengesayi was the former Episcopal YPD Director for the 17th Episcopal District. Rev. Dolly was ordained an Itinerant Deacon at the First Session of the Northeast Zimbabwe Annual Conference 2004 by the Rt. Rev. Wilfred J. Messiah and was the distinguished Pastor of Forbes/Vengesayi Chapel - Harare, Zimbabwe.

She leaves to mourn her husband, Brother Wingfield T. Vengesayi, her church family and the entire 20th Episcopal District. Her burial will take place on Wednesday January 25, 2006.

We solicit your prayers for the Vengesayi family.

"What then shall we say of these things, if God be for us, who then shall be against us."

Bishop Messiah

14. CLERGY FAMILY 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.

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (1/23/06)

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. COMMENTS FROM THE EDITOR:

- The Editor attended the 19th Annual Seminar on Church Growth and Evangelism that was held in Birmingham, Alabama last week and the previous week, he traveled to Hampton, Virginia to speak at Fort Monroe, Virginia for the installation’s Martin Luther King Commemorative Service. This week we will be in Cincinnati for the Connectional Women’s Missionary Society Meeting.

We will write an article about the Church Growth and Evangelism Meeting and welcome articles from the Church Growth and Evangelism Department, as well as from the Connectional Women’s Missionary Society Meeting.

- By now, every AME should have received and read the Special Katrina Issue of The Christian Recorder. The AME Publisher, Dr. Johnny Barbour and his staff at the AME Publishing House printed over 66,000 copies that we distributed throughout the Church. A copy was supposed to be given to every AME family without charge. If you have not received your copy, please contact your pastor or presiding elder. If a presiding elder has not received his or her copies, he or she should contact his or her presiding bishop.

- As a result of the 66,000-copy edition of The Christian Recorder, we have fallen behind in our distribution schedule. We are catching up and the Editor and the Publisher are committed to getting The Christian Recorder to you on time. Please bear with us as we catch up in getting the issues back on schedule. We are also getting the online edition caught up as a result of the traveling these past two weeks.

- Retired Presiding Elder, the Rev. E. Lewis Branch suggested that The Christian Recorder feature articles about retired Presiding Elders who had dedicated their lives to our Zion. He suggested the title, “Where Are They Now?”

The Christian Recorder staff has accepted the suggestion and challenge of Reverend Branch and will accept articles about retired AME Ministers. Reverend Branch has agreed to do a series of articles for The Christian Recorder. I invite others of you to submit articles also. Let us “give flowers” to our retired clergy persons while they are still alive. Many of them have done and great work and in their ministry refused to “come down off the wall.”

The Reverend Dr. E. Lewis Branch submits the first article on the ministry of the Reverend Dr. Vernon I. Lowe.

2. “WHERE ARE THEY NOW?” - THE REVEREND DR. VERNON I. LOWE:

Dr. Vernon I. Lowe was born in Bermuda and married Eunice (Raynor) Lowe. They are the parents of four (4) children, three sons and one daughter. Dr. Lowe accepted his call to the ministry in 1953 while a member of Vernon Temple A.M.E. Church, Huntington, New York under the pastorate of Rev. Wendell J. Foster. The late Bishop George W. Baber ordained Dr. Lowe both deacon and an elder.

He was trained in the public schools of Bermuda. Furthered his education in the USA, New York, Bethel Bible School where he received his Bachelor and Master’s degree. Dr. Lowe was awarded the Doctor of Divinity degree from a university in South Africa,

Dr. Lowe served in the pastorate for thirty years in the following churches, all in the New York area – Mt. Pleasant AMEC, Morris Brown AMEC, Bethel AMEC, where he increased the membership from 46 to over 400 members.

Bishop Richard Allen Hildebrand appointed him Presiding Elder. He served in the Buffalo/Albany District for seven years, five years in the Brooklyn/West Chester District and fourteen years in the Jamaica/Long Island District. He retired April 2005. He now resides in Hunting, New York.

He was the immediate past president of the Connectional Presiding Elders’ Council where he served for four years elevating the public status of Presiding Elders. He continues to preach and giving council to young men and women entering the ministry. At present, his son, Robert Lowe is pastoring at Mt. Moriah AMEC, which has grown from 45 to over 4,000 members under his administration. He is also a TV preacher.

3. BISHOP RICHARD ALLEN CHAPPELLE, PRESIDING BISHOP OF THE 12TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT WARNS CHURCHES THAT SCAM ARTISTS ARE STILL COMMITTING FRAUD AGAINST AME CHURCHES:

The following account was forwarded by Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle

This evening I was contacted by a "Pastor Davis", who supposedly was sending me one of his members transferring to Arkansas because of her job, who he alleged was Bishop Adam J. Richardson's niece. He claimed that "Bishop Richardson" was with him and was “placed on the phone.” This person on the other end of the telephone spoke very friendly, as though he knew me personally and asked that I take care of his niece; he told me that he was at the airport and was about to catch a flight. He gave the phone back to "Pastor Davis," who then proceeded to tell me all about my soon-to-be member, "Diane Williams." He told me that she had four children, two girls and two boys. He also told me that she was a Federal Government HUD Loan Officer, whose job had been transferred to Arkansas. He went on to say that, she was driving enroute as we spoke and was approximately six hours away. Pastor Davis told me that Diane Williams played the piano and organ and that her husband had recently died of cancer and had served as a pastor under Bishop Ming.

Pastor Davis told me he had been trying to contact me all evening and it was then I realized it was he who had been "block calling" me. I had answered the telephone this time because a wireless number came up (646-510-0359).

Pastor Davis gave me a cell number to contact "Diane Williams" (202-374-6219), which I did not do immediately because I figured if she were 6 hours out, there would be no need to call her so soon.

I left the house for approximately an hour and when I returned there were 16 missed blocked calls on my phone and one message. The caller identified herself as Diane Williams and said that she had had a small accident. It became quickly evident that money was the motive of the call. She wanted me to vouch for her to the mechanic that had fixed her car, after being towed to his shop, because they would not take her personal check. Basically, she and the mechanic wanted me to go to Wal-Mart and wire $425 because she had given him all of her cash ($225.00). She warned me that her (blocked) cell phone battery was low and asked if she could call me back if we were disconnected. We were disconnected and she did call collect from the pay phone number 713-654-7483. This time she put the mechanic on the phone I asked him for the name of his shop. He gave me the same name of the shop that she had given me, "Firestone Emergency Road Service." I knew that a road service was not a shop so I asked him for a phone number that I could call him back and this “threw them for a loop.” He started to give me a "218" Area Code but made some excuse about the FAX being hooked up and said he would allow the woman to use his shop phone to call me back and give me the number within the next few minutes. This gave me the opportunity to look up on the internet the area codes. The areas codes from their phone calls had come out of Washington, D.C., Houston, Texas, New York, and Minnesota.

Diane Williams did call back, proceeded with her story, and attempted to give me another number, at which time I told her that I had contacted Bishop Richardson and he had stated that he did not even know her. She gasped and told someone, "She called Bishop Richardson." She was then instructed to hang up and she did.

Please pass this on to all of the AME pastors that you know. Somehow, someone has gotten an AME directory and I suspect that we have been targeted.

I really had not spoken to Bishop Richardson, but they did not know that.

Be blessed, be careful, and beware!

Written by the Reverend Shirley Inkton Bowers

4. CLARIFICATION - MS. AMANDA WILSON, WHO WILL BE WORKING IN SWAZILAND, IS FROM THE 13TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:

Ms. Amanda Wilson, who will be working at the Village in Mbabane Swaziland (18th District), in March, is from the 13th District, and is a member of Bethel AME in Knoxville (Rev. Johnny Watson is her pastor).

Submitted by Supervisor Stan McKenzie

5. CITY-WIDE GOSPEL REVIVAL: A NEW LEVEL OF LIVING IN 2006:

The Louisville area African Methodist Episcopal Churches are sponsoring a citywide revival at Quinn Chapel A. M. E. Church, 1901 W. Muhammad Ali Boulevard in Louisville, Kentucky on January 25 – 27, 2006 (Wednesday – Friday) at 6:45 p.m. nightly. The Reverend Dr. Pedro Basden is the Pastor of Quinn Chapel.

The guest Evangelist will be the Rev. Terence Gray, pastor of St. Mark A. M. E. Church, Orlando, Florida

The revival theme is, “Spirituality – Unification – Growth”

6. KING FOR A DAY:

"The noblest goal is not conquest of enemies but reconciliation with adversaries.” - Coretta Scott King, King Day 2006

By Stephanie and Eric Stradford

FAS2 ATLANTA, Monday January 16, 2006 – Martin Luther King, III stood with his mom and on his dad’s shoulders to address the dream. Mrs. King’s oldest son told reporters, "Typically a holiday means to chill and cool out. One day we will get there, but this is not the time to do that yet."
Mrs. Coretta Scott King speaks at Ebenezer Baptist Church. Photo AP
As eldest son of the legendary civil rights family, Martin Luther King, III stepped up to proclaim, "The primary message is that, as we every year approach the King holiday, that we are closer to the dream and vision of Martin Luther King, Jr., but we have not achieved it yet, so this is a day of service. It's a day that we should re-commit ourselves," he said.

The Kings are far from immune to the normal stuff families endure in this land of deferred dreams. But, despite the challenges, Martin, Bernice, Dexter, and Yolanda are rising above the rhetoric to that era of healing and wholeness in America dreamed of by their slain father.

Mother Coretta Scott King’s visit to Ebenezer Baptist Church brought with it a message of hope and caution. "The noblest goal is not conquest of enemies but reconciliation with adversaries. We must remember in this election year that Republicans, Democrats, conservatives and liberals, we are all sisters and brothers," she said. “Like Martin Luther King, Jr., we must never allow our dialogue to become degraded by insults and humiliation, and we must always respect the dignity and humanity of our adversaries.”

King's widow has been recovering from a stroke she suffered last summer that also left her partially paralyzed. Still she rose to rally her offspring and movement beneficiaries to a national defense of the poor people’s throne. Mrs. King had not been seen publicly since last year's King Holiday ceremonies in Atlanta. Doctors had predicted a slow recovery and some were convinced that last year was her last King Day.

Instead, Mother King stood in the place where Black mothers have been needed since before the U.S. government said, “Y’all free now.” It is the first King Day since the death of Mother Rosa Parks, Dr. C. DeLores Tucker and Father of Affirmative Action Enforcement, Dr. Arthur Allen Fletcher.

History records that Dr. King’s legacy of struggle for equality and justice is for all people. They are messages about unity, painting a world where people of all colors, creeds, backgrounds, and faiths work together for a brighter future.

In King’s world, notable black American intellectuals such as Dr. Thomas Sowell, Dr. Alan Keyes, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, former Secretary of State Colin Powell and current Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice might be edified as champions for human rights, if only for a day.

Mrs. King’s words of wisdom for 2006 dug deeper than the divisive politics of 21st Century America. The Kings' four children are just beginning to realize that “noblest goal” of which their mother spoke. The perceived battle over who controls their father's message of nonviolence provides yet another opportunity for healing and wholeness.

The National Park Service, which in 1995 miscounted the number of men in a Million Man March, might have an interest in taking over the King Center from the King family. But, perhaps there is a better deal brewing that adds value to the family business by uniting with an extended family of beneficiaries.

"We get in the habit of trying to tear down noble figures from time to time. I think it's just human nature," said U.S. Representative John Lewis, who first met King at age 18. Lewis spoke at the 1963 March on Washington just before King delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech.

Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin said, "It's important for us to come together, to find solutions for poverty, to find solutions for peace, and, for me as mayor, to use my position and the soapbox, the bully pulpit, to advocate for the eradication of poverty and for peace and good will…Perhaps some prefer to honor the dreamer while ignoring or fighting the dream," she said.

Marty King’s reality for King Day 2006 is that family is family. Members of Rosa Parks’ family faced the same reality after Mother Parks died. Even after death, “Quiet Strength” lives. The value in Parks’ December 1, 1955 demonstration will barely fund a cup of coffee if mismanaged in the hands of greedy, selfish people.

Dr. King’s birthday must be more than just a holiday or a chance for political bantering. It must celebrate a man who gambled on a better America despite the risks to his family. If relegated to the oppressors, and the historians they hire, King Day is likely to be remembered as a prophetic weeping and gnashing of teeth until, and unless you decide otherwise.

Contributing reports by Jerry Brooks, The Washington Dispatch, Associated Press, and IXIA 11 Alive News, Atlanta.

7. WATTS CHURCH KICKS-OFF ITS CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF MINISTRY WITH “A CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP & ARTS” SUN., JAN. 29; FEATURES INCLUDE DRAMA, DANCE, POETRY AND CHRISTIAN RAP:

LOS ANGELES — (January 16, 2006) — Grant A.M.E. Church is celebrating! The Watts Church kicks-off its yearlong centennial celebration of ministry with “A Celebration of Worship & Arts” on Sunday, Jan. 29, at 4:30 p.m.

“This event promises to be ‘hallelujah good time’ in the Lord,” said the Rev. Leslie R. White with a wide smile. “We are bursting at the seams with joy as we reflect on God’s goodness. We are looking forward to sharing that joy and excitement with the community as we worship the Lord through the arts.”

The 90-minute extravaganza features creative expressions of praise including drama, liturgical dance, music and sign language. Participants include:

· The Joyful Praise Dance Ministry – directed by famed choreographer and professionally trained dancer Steven Semien, the Joyful Praise Dancers have left parishioners in awe with past performances of “Wade in the Water,” “Hallelujah You’re Worthy” and “Are you Ready for a Miracle?”

· The Illuminations Drama Ministry – their debut performance last December of “A Conscience Revisited” was so powerful that an encore performance was added earlier this month. Led by former General Hospital actress Senait Ashenafi, the cast will present “Relgiontree.com,” an inspiring piece on shopping for religion.

· G-Boy Union – click88, L-Brown, and Grant’s own TripLL-H have become staples of the 11 a.m. worship service each third Sunday. Their electrifying presentations incorporate the right combination of Scripture and hip hop to make your head rock to the beat and for your mind think about the awesome nature of Jesus Christ.

· Dramatic presentations – Grant’s own Lesia Bridgewater, Ian Lawrence, Ebony Malbry and Judith Robinson will present the Lord’s Prayer and Psalm 23 in dramatic fashion. Look for the incorporation of African themes and sign language for added sensory effect.

· Spoken-word poetry – Resident poet par excellence Theresa Lawrence and guest poets from Carson High School will leave congregants spellbound with their stimulating original poems and interpretive reading of featured selections.

· Melodies from heaven – Grant’s renowned choirs, under the direction of critically acclaimed composer Byron Smith, and anointed and esteemed musicians Chris R. Jordan and Theresa Jones-Bailey, have taken seriously the command to “make a joyful noise unto the Lord.” Thusly, the Junior, New Spirit Nation, Voices for Christ and Adult choirs will sing unto the Lord Sunday afternoon.

· Special guests – including the gospel choirs of Ward and Second A.M.E. churches along with New Philadelphia A.M.E. Church, Rancho Domingo. So sought-after are these ensembles that Ward’s choir, for example, was featured on NBC’s “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.”

According to White, the fact that the program is uniquely nestled between Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Day and the start of African American History Month is “an added bonus” as the Church reflects on its own history in the Watts community.

The event also coincides with a planned trip to Atlanta in early February, where White and the aforementioned ministries will present at the Founder’s Day Celebration of Turner Theological Seminary.

Grant A.M.E. Church is located at 10435 South Central Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90002. Services are heard on the radio each Sunday morning at 6 a.m. on KJLH 102.3 FM. Join us for worship on Sundays at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. and for Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Hour of Power begins at 11:30 a.m. and Thursday night Soul Food starts at 6 pm.

All are welcome; admission is free. For driving directions or for more information visit www.GrantAMEChurch.org or contact the Church office at 323-564-1151.
Contact: Rev. Kevin T. Taylor, Telephone (323) 564-1151

8. A FAMILY TRIBUTE FOR THE REVEREND ALDUSTUS EARL JORDAN, JR. - MARCH 2, 1927 – DECEMBER 28, 2005:

Aldustus Earl Jordan, Jr. was born in Stamford, Connecticut on March 2, 1927 as the first child to the former Mary Elizabeth Brooks and Aldustus Earl Jordan. After residing in Stamford for about one year, the family moved to Jamaica, Long Island, New York. It was in Jamaica that the family was made complete with the birth of Elizabeth, Preston, and Edward. As he grew up, he was called Junior or “June” for short by family and friends.

Education was stressed in the home and Aldustus attended Public School No. 40 and 116. Because of his high scholastic ability, he was eligible for “Rapid Advancement Classes” on the Junior High School level. He was an honor student at Shimer Junior High School and continued to complete the Senior High Curriculum at Brooklyn Automotive Trade School.

He married the former Ernestine Martha Adams and to this union was born five children—Aldustus III, Ernestine Sharon, Ernest, Michael, and Kevin. Many years following the death of Ernestine, he married the former Elaine Crawford and a sixth child was born, Edward (Pookie).

Between seventeen and eighteen years of age, Aldustus received the divine call to preach the word of God and he faithfully accepted and obeyed God’s call. Upon receiving a scholarship, he entered and graduated from Shelton College and National Bible Institute in New York City. Many fruitful and spiritual hours were spent as a member of Allen A.M.E. church in Jamaica with the pastor and mentor Rev. William McKinley Dawkins. In 1947, Aldustus gained admittance into the A.M.E. New York Conference as one of God’s anointed.

Reverend Jordan’s first ministerial appointments were located on Long Island at Trinity A.M.E. Church in Smithtown and Allen A.M.E. Church in Northport. He would hold service at one church in the morning and the other in the afternoon. In 1956, the family left New York where he accepted the pastorate of Ebenezer A.M.E. Church in Rahway, New Jersey for two years. He also served as Secretary for the New Brunswick District, Ministerial Alliance and Secretary to the New Jersey Annual Conference, and as a member of the board of Urban Renewal for the City of Rahway.

In 1958, Reverend Jordan was appointed pastor of Trinity A.M.E. Church in Long Branch, New Jersey. In 1959, he was appointed by then New Jersey Governor Robert B. Meyner as the State’s representative to the City of Long Branch Housing Authority and urban renewal agency and was elected to the position of Vice-Chairman of the Long Branch Housing Authority. In 1961, he was elected to the Board of Directors of the Interested Citizens Civic Organization. He was later endorsed by the organization as a candidate for City Council representing Ward 5. In 1963, he received the Citizens Committee Award recognizing outstanding service to City of Long Branch.

In 1965, he became pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Huntington, New York where he quickly emerged as both a spiritual leader and a community organizer. He secured federal funds for the Huntington Community Action Center and became its first director. He is also well known for his “Buck for A Bus Campaign” that raised funds to purchase a new bus for the Huntington Headstart Program. The Summer Camp that he started for the community’s poor children at East Woods School continues to this day.

He would later pastor at Greater Bethel A.M.E. in Harlem, Bethel Tabernacle A.M.E in Brooklyn, and Calvary A.M.E. in Glen Cove. He retired from the active ministry in 2003.

He is survived by his wife Elaine; siblings Elizabeth, Preston, and Edward; six children, Aldustus III, Ernestine Sharon, Ernest, Michael, Kevin, and Edward; six grandsons Aldustus Edward, David, Trevis, Calder, Lloyd (L. J.), and Reed; sister-in-laws Alma and Margie; daughter-in-laws Barbara, Claire, and Rosamund; son-in-law Lloyd James, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and those who have adopted him as their father.

The life of Reverend A. Earl Jordan is characterized by strong faith in God, love for all humanity, and an unbending commitment to social justice. He was loving, compassionate, and tough when necessary. We celebrate his passing to his final reward and thank him for a job well done.

9. MT. ZION A.M.E CHURCH -CHOSEN WOMEN OF GOD CONFERENCE 2006:

The Women of Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church Of DeLand, Florida will be having our Annual Women Conference

Date:
February 17 thru February 19, 2006

Theme: Women Standing in Unity

Therefore, I the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:1-2

Please come and join us in this great celebration.

Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church
935 South Adelle Avenue
DeLand, Florida
Church Phone#: 386-736-1578

Reverend Grandville Anderson, Pastor

10. NASHVILLE BLACK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADDS ORGANIZATION DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT TO ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Nashville, TN (BlackNews.com) - Darren L. Johnson, author and organization development consultant, who is responsible for leading the Nashville Black Chamber of Commerce through its 2005 organizational redesign, has accepted a position on the Board of Directors for that organization, beginning January 2006.

In a recent interview regarding Johnson's leadership efforts in 2005, Charles Sueing, Chairman of the Nashville Black Chambers Board of Directors stated, "Darren stepped up to the plate and accepted the position of Interim Executive Director, later titled Interim President. He applied his "Inside Out Learning" principles to shape and define the Chamber. Johnson's advice was for the Chamber to cease all activities in 2005 until it was prepared to step out anew. The Board heeded the advice and thus began Johnson's two steps back approach."

According to Sueing, by taking two steps back, the chamber made time to develop and implement a strategy to address [it's] challenges.

As the Interim President, Johnson's strategic leadership effort included a total system redesign of the Nashville Black Chamber of Commerce. He completed an organizational audit, revamped its financial records, re-designed the website (www.nashvilleblackchamber.org), and relocated the office.

According to Johnson, "Taking two steps back was part of an effort to create a new image and position the Black Chamber as an organization that can successfully assist & support Black owned businesses and their partners throughout Nashville."
Johnson also partnered the Chamber with the founders of Coffee Talk Nashville, a networking event that happens every third Thursday morning at Kijiji Coffee House in Nashville.

Although Johnson's contract officially ended on September 7, 2005, he remained in the position until December 31, 2005 to assist the Black Chamber through its transition. He has agreed to be on the Board of Directors beginning in January 2006.

For more information about the Nashville Black Chamber, call 615-876-9634.
InsideOut Learning, Inc. offers organization development consulting and coaching. They are the publishers of the Letting Go of Stuff book and CD series. (www.lettinggoofstuff.com)

11. THE PASTOR’S CORNER - FAN THE FLAME – FAITH:

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you…Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. (II Timothy 1: 6 & 2: 15)

The Apostle Paul reminds young Timothy and us to “fan into flame the gift of God that is in [us].” He later describes living a life of sound solid faith as a means of fanning the flame of eternal and abundant life that is ours through Jesus Christ.

The ideal or standard for the Christian life is to secure or gain the approval of God. The order of authority is however often reversed to suggest that it is God’s goal to win the approval of people. It is as though God is simply a blessing dispenser. Faith is then incorrectly taught as a practice through which the believer can manage his or her relationship with God for the purpose of receiving the blessings we desire. Nothing is further from the “TRUTH” (John 14: 6). Paul instructs Timothy, and us “to do our best to present ourselves to God as one approved” by God. In doing so, we “fan into flame the gift of God, which is in [us].” II Timothy 1: 6)

What is it that wins the approval of God? Hebrews 11: 6 tells us faith pleases God because “without faith it is impossible to please God.” Faith is the active belief that God is who God says God is. Let us dissect this definition using Hebrews 11: 6 as our template.

Active – “…because anyone who comes to Him…” To come to God denotes action on our part.

Belief that God is – we “must believe that He exists.” We must not only acknowledge but also trust in His existence. James 2: 19 says, “You believe there is one God. Good! Even demons believe that – and shudder.” And, James 2: 18 adds, “I will show you my faith by what I do.” Our actions must reflect our belief in His existence – that is real faith.

Who God says God is – “He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” We are to focus on knowing God intimately and not just on knowing what God has for us.
What Source Can I Access to Develop Faith? Romans 10: 17 (NIV) tells us, “Faith comes from hearing the message and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” The message is (Romans 10:9) the proclamation of the finished work of Christ. Jesus is Lord. God raised Him from the dead. And, everyone who calls (Romans 10: 13) on the name of the Lord will be saved. We are saved from sin, guilt and the destructive habits that can rob us of life. Therefore, we are to study and seek the word of God in order to have life.

Fan the flame of eternal life. Fan the flame of abundant life. Attend worship services, weekly. Study and read the word, daily. Because “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Fan the flame!

Pastor James Moody
Quinn Chapel, Chicago

12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Rev. Charles McAllister. He was the pastor of Mt. Zion AME Church in Columbia, Pennsylvania (Harrisburg District). The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

Viewing and Funeral Service– Monday, January 23, 2006

Viewing - 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Service – 11:00 a.m.

Church of Deliverance
201 Bradford Avenue
Downingtown, PA 19335

Funeral Home:
Emmett Golden Hunt Memorial Chapel
427 East Lincoln Highway
Coatesville, Pennsylvania 19320

Funeral – Saturday, January 28, 2006

Service – 1:00 p.m.

St. Phillip AMEZ Church
Acorn Branch Road
Wilmington, North Carolina 28405

French I. Davis Funeral Home
316 North 6th Street
Wilmington, North Carolina 28401

Condolences may be sent to his wife:

The Rev. Patricia McAllister
1193 Glenside Road
Downingtown, PA 19335

Phone: 610-873-0948

Please keep Rev. Patricia McAllister and the family in your prayers

13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

From: Presiding Elder Linda F. Thomas-Martin

Our heartfelt love and prayers are extended to the William family as we deeply regret announcing the passing of Reverend John R. Williams. He was known throughout the Church as “JR.”

The Reverend John R. Williams was the retired pastor of Greater St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church, Louisville, Kentucky, Presiding Elder emeritus of the West Kentucky Annual Conference under the jurisdiction of the Thirteenth Episcopal District and organist extraordinaire. Reverend Williams passed on January 20th at 12:45 PM.

Funeral service arrangements will be forth coming.

Please remember Sister Helen Williams and family in your prayers.

14. CLERGY FAMILY 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.

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (115/06)

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. UPDATED CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE RIGHT REVEREND WILFRED J. AND SUPERVISOR CAROL I. MESSIAH:

Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah & Supervisor Carol I. Messiah
23 Herte Street
Peerless Park North
Kraaifontein, Cape 7570
Republic of South Africa

011 27 21 987 4825 (h) telefax
011 27 82 836 0955 cell (SA)
1 302 562 7293 cell (USA)
wjmessiah2004@yahoo.com

Submitted by Supervisor Carol I. Messiah

2. THANK YOU FROM BISHOP MESSIAH:

Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah, the Rev. Paul J. Messiah and the entire Messiah family wish to thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers during our time of bereavement. Please know that your thoughts and prayers help us to make it through.

Again, thank you and may God's richest blessings be yours.

Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah
Presiding Prelate
20th Episcopal District

3. BISHOP PHILIP COUSIN PLENARY SPEAKER AND GUEST PREACHER:

Bishop Cousin will be the Plenary Speaker & Preacher on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. at the 2006 Congress on Urban Ministry, sponsored by the Seminary Consortium for Urban Pastoral Education (SCUPE); www.SCUPE.com ).
This event will be held at the Hyatt Regency at McCormick Place, 2233 S. Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago, Illinois. The telephone number is 800-233-1234.

Received from the 4th Episcopal District Office (Qiana)

4. AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE IN THE WEB LINKED BELOW:

Although this observance is not a part of our work plan for the WMS-African American Denominational Leadership Health Initiative, it is yet another opportunity to collaborate or participate in your respective communities.

Please place this link online for information http://www.blackaidsday.org/.

Saundra Lucas
WMS National Health Director

5. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING CELEBRATION, ST. MARK AME CHURCH, MILWAUKEE:

On Sunday, January 15, 2006, St. Mark AME Church celebrates the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by recognizing the contributions of local community supporters, Lucinda Gordon and Dr. Ruben K. Harpole.

The Dr. King celebration will take place during the 11:00 a.m. worship service. The guest speaker is Rev. Walter Reid, retired AME pastor of Trinity AME Church, Lansing, Michigan. The public is invited to come and join in the celebration and remembrance of Dr. King.

St. Mark AME Church is located at 1616 W. Atkinson Avenue. For more information please contact Roy C. Hill, at (414) 562-8030. The Reverend Darryl R. Williams is the Pastor.
Special Martin Luther King Jr. Edition of the Pastors Page

To paraphrase Martin Luther King, Jr., “Every person lives in two realms, the internal and the external.” The internal realm has to do with the things of the spirit and soul. The external realm has to do with the material world -- mastering it so that it serves our needs. “The problem,” King says, “Is that we have allowed the external realm to take over the matter of developing our soul, which has become lost at the expense of our over-concern with the material world. “Therefore, we have guided missiles and misguided men!

If we do not do the internal work to become better people, technology becomes dangerous in our hands. And doing the work to eradicate racism, sexism, classicism and other social ills will never be realized because people with under-developed souls do not see this as important. Arnold Taynbee, a noted historian once said, “Close to thirty civilizations have risen upon the face of the earth. Almost all of them fell, not because of external invasions, but by internal decay.”

Jesus makes it clear that “the soul work” is our primary work when He asks us “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and then lose his soul?” St. Mark, let’s honor God -- and honor Dr. King -- by first allowing God to make us the right person; and after we becoming the right person, we will do the right things.

Visit St. Mark's website for more information: www.stmarkame-ilwaukee.com

6. CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS INTERNSHIP:

Who: College undergraduates (including graduating seniors)

What: Congressional internship program where students work for Members of the Congressional Black Caucus.

When: CBCF must receive your application by February 6,2006.

Program dates: May 28, 2006 - July 29, 2006

Where: Washington, DC, where students are provided with housing and a
Stipend.

Why: Join the next generation of leaders who will enter the halls of power to shape the country and the world.

How: Visit http://www.cbcfinc.org/ for more information and an application.

APPLY NOW!

Troy G. Clair
Congressional Internship & Program Coordinator
Coordinator of the Emerging Leaders Empowerment Series
President, CBCF Leadership Network of Alumni
202-263-2821 (p) 202-263-0845 (f)
1720 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington DC 20036

7. THE EIGHTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT JANUARY TO DECEMBER 2006 CALENDAR (ENGLISH)

www.18thdistrictamec.org

JANUARY

01 Happy New Year!

02 Bishop and Supervisor Leave for USA

18 Bishops’ Council Retreat

25 SADA Board Meeting – Cincinnati, Ohio

26-28 Connectional WMS Executive Board Meeting, Cincinnati, Ohio

FEBRUARY

04 Bishop Sarah returns to Maseru

16-25 Bishop Sarah’s Teaching Seminars - Beira District, Beira, Mozambique

25-28 Bishop Sarah’s Teaching Seminars – Maputo District, Maputo, Mozambique

MARCH

01-04 Selulahsandla Board Meeting; Welcome Reception for Sojourner Amanda Wilson at Selulahsandla Vashti Village - Mbabane Swaziland

13-15 Global Development Council Executive Board Meeting in Port of Spain Trinidad

22-24 Bishop Preaching, Columbus, Georgia; Annual Conference

26 Bishop Preaching, Bethel A.M.E. Church, Wilmington, Delaware

APRIL

10-13 18TH District Young Adults “Examining the Journey to the Cross.” A Holy week Bible Study at the F. C. James Center

14 EASTER SUNDAY

18-27 18th District Council Of Scribes – Translation Summit No. 1, Gaborone, Botswana

25 18th District RAYAC Convention, 18th District WMS Executive Meeting (17:00)

26-29 Mid-Year Christian Education Conference- I, Gaborone, Botswana

MAY

04-06 Mid-Year Christian Education Conference - Ii, Maputo, Mozambique

JUNE

05-09 Hampton University Ministers’ Conference, Hampton, Virginia

11 Bishop Sarah Preaches at Bethel AME – San Diego

26-28 General Board And Bishops’ Council – South Carolina

JULY

02-07 Connectional Christian Education Convention, Orlando, Florida

12-19 Federation of Methodist Uniting Women – Seoul, South Korea

20-25 World Methodist Council of Churches – Seoul, South Korea

AUGUST

23 Mozambique WMS Convention – Xai-Xai District - Mozambique

24-27 Mozambique Annual Conference, Xai-Xai District - Mozambique

30 Botswana WMS Convention - Lobatse, Botswana

31 Botswana Annual Conference - Lobatse, Botswana

SEPTEMBER

01-03 Botswana Annual Conference - Lobatse, Botswana

07-11 The Reverend Dr. Claudette Copeland and Destiny Ministries USA, Sojourney to Gaborone, Botswana and minister with the 18th District in Gaborone and at the M. Joan Cousin Center

OCTOBER

10 18TH District WMS Executive Meeting

11 Swaziland WMS Convention

12-15 Swaziland Annual Conference,
Christ Our Redeemer A.M.E.C. -
Lobamba Lomdzala, Swaziland,
The Rev. N. Nxumalo, Host Pastor

17 AME Schools Annual Educators’ Conference - Swaziland

25 Northeast Lesotho WMS Convention

26-28 Northeast Lesotho Annual Conference
Allen Temple A.M.E..C.,
Mokhotlong,
The Rev. M. M. Thabane, Host Pastor

NOVEMBER

08 Lesotho WMS Convention

09-12 Lesotho Annual Conference
McKenzie A.M.E.Church,
The Rev. L. Mohato, Host Pastor

28 Presiding Elders’ Retreat - Maseru, Lesotho

29 2nd Annual Prayer Conclave - Emmanuel A.M.E.C., Maseru, Lesotho, the Rev. F. D. Rafube, Host Pastor

DECEMBER

14-16 1ST Math and Science Teachers’ Institute for Selected A.M.E. School Math and Science. Teachers – Dr. Carol T. Mitchell, University of Omaha, Nebraska

18-22 1ST Summer Science Institute for Outstanding Math and Science Students in A.M.E. Schools in Swaziland and Lesotho - Dr. Carol T. Mitchell, University of Omaha, Institute teacher

25 CHRISTMAS DAY

31 A.M.E. Watch Night Service at F. C. James Center, Maseru, Lesotho

Revision: December 31, 2005

8. O DÉCIMO OITAVO DISTRITO EPISCOPAL JANEIRO AO CALENDÁRIO DE DEZEMBRO 2006 (PORTUGUESE):

www.18thdistrictamec.org

JANEIRO

01 Ano novo feliz!

02 Licença do Bishop e do supervisor para EUA

18 Recuo do conselho dos bishops

25 Reunião de placa de SADA - Cincinnati, Ohio

26-28 Reunião de placa executiva de Connectional WMS, Cincinnati, Ohio

FEVEREIRO

04 O Bishop Sarah retorna a Maseru

16-25 Teaching Seminário do Bishop Sarah - o distrito de Beira, Beira, Mozambique

25-28 Teaching Seminário do Bishop Sarah - o distrito de Maputo, Maputo, Mozambique

MARÇO

01-04 reunião de placa de Selulahsandla; Recepção bem-vinda para Sojourner Amanda Wilson em Vila de Selulahsandla Vashti - Mbabane Suazilândia

13-15 reunião de placa executiva global do conselho do desenvolvimento no porto de Spain Trinidad

22-24 Bishop Preaching, Columbo, Geórgia; Conferência anual

26 Bishop Preaching, igreja do Bethel A.M.E., Wilmington, Delaware

ABRIL

10-13 adultos novos do 18o distrito “que examinam a viagem à cruz.” Um estudo do Bible da semana Holy em o centro do F. C. James

14 EASTER DOMINGO

18-27 18o conselho de distrito dos escreventes - Summit No. 1 da tradução, Gaborone, Botswana

25 18o Convenção do distrito RAYAC, 18a reunião executiva do distrito WMS (17: 00)

26-29 conferência Christian I da instrução do Mid-Year, Gaborone, Botswana

MAIO

04-06 conferência Christian da instrução do Mid-Year - Ii, Maputo, Mozambique

JUNHO

05-09conferência dos ministros da universidade de Hampton, Hampton, Virgínia

11 Bishop Sarah Preaches no Bethel AME - San Diego

26-28 General Placa e Conselho dos Bishops - Carolina sul

JULHO

02-07 Convenção Christian da instrução de Connectional, Orlando, Florida

12-19 Federation de mulheres unindo-se do Methodist - Seoul, Coreia sul

20-25 Conselho Methodist do mundo das igrejas - Seoul, Coreia sul

AGOSTO

23 Convenção de Mozambique WMS - distrito de Xai-Xai - Mozambique

24-27 Conferência anual de Mozambique, distrito de Xai-Xai - Mozambique

30 Convenção de Botswana WMS - Lobatse, Botswana

31 Conferênciaanual de Botswana -Lobatse, Botswana

SETEMBRO

01-03 Conferênciaanual de Botswana -Lobatse, Botswana

07-11 o Dr. Claudette Copeland de Reverend e Ministries EUA do Destiny, Sojourney a Gaborone, Botswana e ministro com o 18o distrito em Gaborone e no centro do primo do M. Joan

OUTUBRO

10 18o Reunião executiva do distrito WMS

11 Convenção de Suazilândia WMS

12-15 conferência anual de Suazilândia,
Christ nosso Redeemer A.M.E.C. -
Lobamba Lomdzala, Suazilândia,
O Rev. N. Nxumalo, Pastor do anfitrião

17 AME educa a conferência dos educadores anuais - Suazilândia

25 Convenção do nordeste de Lesotho WMS

26-28 Conferência Anual do Nordeste de Lesotho
Temple A.M.E.C. de Allen,
Mokhotlong,
O Rev. M.M. Thabane, Pastor do anfitrião

NOVEMBRO

08 Convenção de Lesotho WMS

09-12 Conferência anual de Lesotho
McKenzie A.M.E.Church,
O Rev. L. Mohato, Pastor do anfitrião

28 Recuo das pessoas idosas Presiding - Maseru, Lesotho

29 2o Conclave anual do Prayer - Emmanuel A.M.E.C., Maseru, Lesotho, o Rev. F.D. Rafube, Pastor do anfitrião

DEZEMBRO

14-16 1o Instituto dos Professores do Math e da ciência para o Math e a ciência selecionados da escola de A.M.E. Professores - Dr. Carol T. Mitchell, Universidade de Omaha, Nebraska

18-22 1o Instituto da ciência do verão para estudantes proeminentes do Math e da ciência em escolas de A.M.E. em Suazilândia e em Lesotho - o Dr. Carol T. Mitchell, Universidade de Omaha, institui o professor

25 DIA DO CHRISTMAS

31 A.M.E. Serviço de noite do relógio no centro do F. C. James, Maseru, Lesotho

Revisão: Dezembro 31, 2005


9. ELEVENTH ANNUAL WOMEN IN THE FAITH SISTERS’ CONFERENCE CONVENES JAN. 21-25 AT GRANT A.M.E. CHURCH IN WATTS; THE REVERENDS KANYERE EATON AND D. NAJUMA SMITH FEATURED SPEAKERS:

LOS ANGELES — (January 12, 2006) — The Rev. Kanyere Eaton, executive director of the New York-based Sister Fund, and the Rev. Damali Najuma Smith, pastor of St. James A.M.E. Church in Los Angeles, are the featured speakers for the 11th Annual Women in the Faith Sisters’ Conference Jan. 21-25.

Eaton will address the 11 a.m. worship service on Sunday, Jan. 22, and will be the revivalist for the 7:30 p.m. worship services Monday through Wednesday at Grant A.M.E. Church in Watts. Likewise, Smith will keynote the 8 a.m. Sunday service, and lead the nightly workshops at 6:30 p.m.

“We are blessed that Rev. Smith and Rev. Eaton have accepted our invitation to share in the 2006 Sisters’ Conference,” noted the Rev. Leslie R. White, the esteemed pastor of Grant.

“As we focus on women ages 18-35 at the 2006 Conference,” White continued, “we know Rev. Smith and Rev. Eaton will encourage, inspire and empower a new generation of Christian women to embody our conference theme, ‘Tell God Yes! My Soul Says Yes!’”

Indeed, both distinguished speakers are trailblazers in women’s ministry.

Eaton leads The Sister Fund, a small, private foundation dedicated to the economic, social, political and spiritual empowerment of women and girls. A graduate of Columbia and Cornel universities and a doctoral candidate at San Francisco Theological Seminary, Eaton is an associate minister at the Redeemed Church of Jesus Christ in Mt. Vernon, New York.

Prior to her pastorate, Smith was actively involved at First A.M.E. Church in Los Angeles, and has since founded a number of youth and women’s ministries, including SYNC – Sisters Yielding N Covenant, a quarterly breakfast fellowship of women. She has earned degrees from Pepperdine and Woodbury universities, and is presently pursuing her theology degree from the Southern California School of Ministry.

First-time Chairwoman Sharolyn Gailliard is excited about the 2006 Conference and looks forward to being blessed by both women of God.

“Rev. Smith set ablaze the 2005 Sisters’ Conference with her dynamic Prayer Breakfast message, ‘I will not die with this issue!’ and Rev. Eaton’s work with The Sister Fund has earned her critical acclaim in professional circles,” Gailliard said. “We know we are in for a treat this year!”

Gailliard and her dynamic team have been working tirelessly to organize the Conference events, which begin Saturday, Jan. 21 at 10 a.m. with a worship service at the Union Rescue Mission, 545 S. San Pedro Street, Los Angeles. Eaton will be the featured speaker.

The Women in the Faith Sisters’ Choir, led by renowned musician, Theresa Jones-Bailey, will also be featured throughout the Conference.

Organizers will celebrate the legacy of Dr. King and will be on hand to distribute Conference literature at the Kingdom Day Parade on Monday, Jan. 16.

Grant A.M.E. Church is located at 10435 South Central Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90002. Services are heard on the radio each Sunday morning at 6 a.m. on KJLH 102.3 FM. Join us for worship on Sundays at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. and for Sunday School at 9:30 a.m.

Sisters’ Conference workshops, led by Smith, begin at 6:30 p.m. and are followed at 7:30 p.m. with worship service where Eaton is the preacher. All are welcome.

For driving directions or for more information visit www.GrantAMEChurch.org or contact the Church office at 323-564-1151.

10. THE WEST KENTUCKY ANNUAL CONFERENCE SPONSORS “A TIME TO BREATHE: WOMEN, WHOLENESS, WELLNESS:

What is A Time to Breathe: Women, Wholeness, Wellness? This a proposed program to reach women of all ages to promote a life span of health. It is our belief that health and wellness is physical, mental, spiritual, and social.

MISSION STATEMENT: We are aware that many women in our churches and communities lead unhealthy lives, which lead to poor health , isolation, and loss of hope. We are partnering with the Louisville Metro Health Department ‘s Office of Faith and Health in developing health and wellness programs.

GOALS:
- Our general goal is to develop and manage a health and wellness program for AME Church Women and the Louisville Community Women to meet weekly.
- To identify a vision for health and wholeness and healthy lifestyles, to enrich the participant's health, and to promote and cultivate a life span of health and fellowship among women of all ages.

OBJECTIVES
- Our objectives are to minister to women of all ages through information such as healthcare, physical activities, nutritional counseling, seminars, testimonies, profiles, etc.
- To foster fellowship among the family of African Methodism, and to encourage spiritual growth.

Who is this for? We endeavor to reach women of all ages: AME Church women and Community Women. We're here to listen to your needs and desires, this will help us better to serve you. Feel free to express any concerns. All AME Church Health Coordinators in West KY are asked to attend.

Where will the program be held? Eight neighborhoods have been identified to partner with the Louisville Metro Health Department; and the Russell Neighborhood and Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church is one of them. So the program will be formed and facilitated at Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church.

How much does the Women’s Health and Wellness Program cost? The Women’s Health and Wellness Program is free to the participants, and they must reside in Jefferson County. The Louisville Metro Health Department will provide the resources for the group, including physical activity and nutritional counseling. CPR “Train the Trainer to Train Others” will also be provided.

How do I begin? More information will be provide after the Holidays. Please watch for this additional information as to days, times, activities, etc.

We thank each woman in advance for her support and participation! 'HELP US TO HELP YOU!'

Mrs. Alma Pittman, Director, West KY Health and Wellness
Reverend Dr. Pedro K. Basden, Pastor, Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church
Dr. Adewale Troutman, MD, MA, MPH, Director, Louisville Metro Health Department
Judy Jones, Office of Faith & Health, Louisville Metro Health Department

11. “A SERVANT’S CELEBRATION OF RETIREMENT” - HONORING THE REVEREND THOMAS B. DESUE:

By Angela Surcey Garner

One the most anointed, blessed, hard-working, wise, intellectual and articulate Elders of the African Methodist Episcopal Church was honored in a Retirement Celebration on Thursday night, December 15, 2005 at The Ramona Pavilion in Jacksonville, FL. The Reverend Thomas Benjamin DeSue retired during the East Annual Conference from his present position as Executive Administrative Assistant to the Bishop. Elder DeSue became licensed to preach in the A.M.E. Church in 1954. His first wife preceded him in death. They were blessed with four sons: Thomas, William, Nathan and Gary. He is now married to Lonnye B. DeSue; his loving, dedicated, faithful, graceful and queenly partner in love, who planned this gala affair for her husband.

The Celebration began at 7 p.m. as people continued to arrive in formal and dressy attire. The hosts were adorned in black suits, white shirts, red cummerbunds and bow ties; the hostesses were adorned in formal and beautiful red suits or dresses. The tickets were $50 but none were taken at the door. All tables were full as our Toastmasters of Ceremonies, Sister Peggy Rice Johnson, of St. Andrew A.M.E. Church and The Reverend Marvin C. Zanders, II, Pastor of St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Jacksonville, took the microphone to begin the celebration.

Our song of celebration, “Joy to the World” was sung by all with uplifted voices. The prayer was given by The Reverend E.J. Parker, Pastor of Greater Payne A.M.E. Church, in his very eloquent way. After all sang “Silent Night,” The Reverend James Graham read the Scripture. Two beautiful solos, “Beams of Heaven” and “How to Reach the Masses”, were soulfully sung by the honoree’s nephew, Brother Jerald DeSue. After the grace, given by the Reverend Moses Thomas, dinner was served.

The menu consisted of roasted chicken, smothered pork chops, rice pilaf, seasoned dressing, country-style green beans, large dinner rolls and several choices for dessert. The food was delicious! The servers were gracious and helpful. The head tables were served while other tables were called by the hostesses to go get their food. There were two head tables. The one on my right included (from right to left) Bishop Richard Hildebrand, Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young and her mother, Mrs. Mamie Jackson, our Presiding Prelate, Bishop McKinley Young, Mrs. Lonnye B. DeSue, Reverend Thomas B. DeSue, my first lady, Mrs. Winifred H. Zanders and my Pastor, Reverend Marvin C. Zanders, II. The table on the left was for Elder DeSue’s family members including two of his sons, Thomas and William DeSue.

With a few guests still dining, we moved into the main portion of the celebration – “Thomas Benjamin Desue: This is Your Life.” It included several persons who would speak of Elder DeSue regarding different intervals of his life. We began the slideshow, entitled, “A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words – A Tribute in Love to the Reverend Thomas Benjamin DeSue”, which ran throughout each person’s presentation. The presentation featured many photos of Elder DeSue – then and now, his family, friends, associates, and trips to Africa, The Bahamas and other Conferences. Many faces and activities of the Elder were revealed during the slideshow.

The Reverend Robert Dell spoke of the Elder “Growing up in Starke, FL”, followed by Sister Helen Bruce, who spoke of his “Membership at Payne Chapel, Jacksonville and entering the Ministry.” The tribute continued as The Reverend Eugene Washington shared memories of Elder DeSue’s days at “Saint Mathews, Greenville, FL, from 1957-60.” The Reverend Lorenzo Laws was blessed to have spent many years with the Elder as he introduced his days at “Henry Gordon, Saint James Eastside, Jacksonville, 1960-63 and Mount Zion, Hastings, FL from 1964-68.” Brother Arnett Chase shared memories of Elder DeSue’s days at Saint Paul, St. Augustine, 1968-1981.” Sister Eleanor Gay concluded this portion of “Thomas Benjamin DeSue: This is Your Life” by remembering the Elder’s days at “Historic Mount Zion, Jacksonville, from 1981-87.”

The second portion of this fabulous toast to celebrate Elder DeSue was entitled, “Memoirs.” These persons were closest to him in living and working relationships. This verbal presentation was led by two of his sons, Thomas and William DeSue, who introduced the Elder “As a Father.” As they spoke of their father, I could hear the love and respect they each had for him. I learned that Elder DeSue is a wonderful father and he loves his “grands” and “great-grands.” Reverend Mark Griffin spoke of the Elder “As a Presiding Elder”, then “As a Colleague” was presented by Presiding Elder Leroy Kennon. Elder DeSue was a hard-working member of the Financial Staff and Presiding Elder John Bodison spoke of him first. Reverend Marvin C. Zanders, II also spoke of Elder DeSue “As a Member of the Financial Staff”, in which we learned of the wisdom and teachings of the Elder to younger members of the staff. His guidance was unmatchable and “tough love” was sometimes used to train those going through the learning process. Finally, Bishop Richard Hildebrand and our Bishop, The Right Reverend McKinley Young spoke the Elder of “As God’s Servant”. The Elder always gave God his best and blessed those around him with the example of a hard-worker with the wisdom of God. Elder DeSue was presented as a father, friend, associate and excellent leader to many and touched the lives of all he came in contact with.

The honoree spoke last and was overwhelmed by all of the wonderful things that were said about him. Elder DeSue thanked his wife, Mrs. Lonnye B. DeSue, his family, friends, colleagues, all of the hosts and hostesses and his guests for sharing the night with him. He assured us that he would enjoy his retirement and that he planned to spend much time with his “grands” and “great-grands.” After the Elder gave the Benediction, most of the guests fellowshipped with him and his family before leaving. This was a fabulous celebration, one I am sure Elder DeSue will remember for a lifetime.

12. DEVOTIONAL SERMON OUTLINE – “FAN THE FLAME - POWER, LOVE, SELF-DISCIPLINE”:

I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but of spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. (II Timothy 1: 5-7)

The apostle Paul says to young Timothy and us “I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you.” Paul recalls for us all how we have been taught the will of God. Paul now admonishes us to apply what God has given us – put it to use. We have been (Acts 6: 6) appointed and anointed to serve God. The flame is the operation of the Holy Spirit who dwells within. By the power of His Spirit, God empowers us to live abundant life or life to the full (John 10: 10). The word for life used here is Zoë – life that has eternal value and quality. This is a life characterized by power, love, and self-discipline (II Timothy 1: 7) – a life that everybody wants to live.

Paul reminds Timothy and us that it is the Holy Spirit, not a spirit of timidity or fear that God has given to us. Fear enslaves and is the opposite of freedom and impedes or blocks our capacity to operate. Fear steals life and is the root of so many of our destructive attitudes and behaviors:

Stagnation – is characterized by being the frozen chosen, stuck in past, pretensions, and being afraid to fail at something new.
Strongholds – being ensnared or tangled in past practices, habits or sins.
Selfishness – self-interest: me first; greed: not enough, I must have more; self-protection: control or distrust of others because they may hurt me.

Just as one lighting a fire in a fireplace must fan into flame the kindling, we must fan into flame the Spirit of power, love, and self-discipline God has placed in us. His Spirit operating in us overcomes fear and opens the door to life that has eternal value and quality.

Power – I am no longer afraid to act.
Power is the capacity to act or do (Acts 1: 8). Jesus told His disciples to stay in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit had come upon them and they had received power. This is God’s supernatural power operating in me. God can do so much more through me than I think can be done. God’s Spirit breaks through, knocks down walls, and opens doors. As I trust God to bring His power to bear on my life, fear dissipates, because I am relying on the power of an Almighty God, not power of my own.

Love – I am no longer afraid of others.
Love is the loftiest preference one person demonstrates for another (John 3: 16). God demonstrated His love for us as He sacrificed His best – His only Son for our salvation. Love is the presence of Christ’s nature in me (I John 4: 15-16), because “God is love.” And, “Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.” “There is no fear in love (I John 4: 18). Therefore, there is no need for self interest – me first. There is no need for control distrust, conflict, or protecting myself from others because others may hurt me, when “we know and rely on the love God has for us (I John 4: 16). Instead, His Spirit causes us to love others – and to love them just as they are.

Self-discipline – I am no longer controlled by past practices, habits or sins.
Self-discipline is the wisdom (Proverbs 17: 16) to know what is right and the self-control (Proverbs 23:4 Galatians 5: 22-23) to do it. So often, we know what is right but experience difficulty in simply doing it. Paul reminds us to fan the flame of God’s Spirit who dwells in us. God’s divine power demolishes strongholds in my life (II Corinthians 10: 3-4). His power “demolishes arguments and pretensions set up against the knowledge of God (v. 5a).” And, He empowers me to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ (v. 5b).”

It is the will of God that every person on earth live a life free of fear that enslaves us and robs us of the abundant, full life Jesus Christ came for us to have. It is God’s will that we live lives characterized by power, love, and self-discipline, thereby fulfilling His will for our lives. Fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you. Every morning, invite the Holy Spirit to come into your life. Invite Him to fill you with His power love, and self-discipline.

Pastor James M. Moody, Sr. Quinn Chapel AME Church2401 South Wabash AvenueChicago, Illinois 60616

13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

(Received from the Rev. Cassandra A. Sparrow)

The passing of Sister Neda Coates, sister of the Rev. Seawood Blackstone (retired minister in the Washington Annual Conference and former pastor of Ebenezer AME Church - Galesville, Maryland).

Arrangements are as follows:

Friday, January 13, 2006
Viewing: 6:00 - 7:30 PM followed by remarks from clergy unable to attend funeral

Location:

Elkridge Christian Community Church
6327 Meadow Ridge Road
Elkridge, Maryland 21075

410-796-1534

Saturday, January 14, 2006
Family Hour: 11:00 - 11:30 AM
Homegoing Service: Immediately Following Family Hour

Location:
Columbia Community Church
8516 Thomas Williams Way
Columbia, Maryland 21045

Condolences may be sent to the following address:

The Rev. Seawood Blackstone
7316 Roosevelt Boulevard
Elkridge, Maryland 21075

14. CLERGY FAMILY 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.

12. 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.

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (1/11/06)

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. AND, THE WORD ON THE STREET…:

The Rev. Golphin assigned to Quinn Chapel AME Church, Paris, Tennessee
The Rev. James E. Smith appointed to St. Paul AME Church, Versailles, Kentucky.
The Rev Joshua Hale assigned to Davis Chapel AME Church, Somerset, Kentucky

2. BISHOP MCKENZIE TO DELIVER MLK SPEECH FOR THE U. S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY:

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with keynote speaker, the Right Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate of the Thirteenth Episcopal District. The celebration will be held on Thursday January 12, 2006, 10:00 a.m. at the Ronald Reagan Trade Center Amphitheater, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC

3. CHICAGO AREA CHURCHES GIVEN OPPORTUNITY TO APPLY FOR GRANTS:

The Retirement Research Foundation provides grants for churches in the Chicago area to make their churches accessible to the elderly and disabled.
It may be a good funding source for those AME churches that need to make improvements for the elderly in their congregations. For information - www.rrf.org/forapplicants/accessiblefaith.html

Be Blessed,
The Rev. F. Waters

4. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

From: president@youthusa.org

Mrs. Juliette Dickson Burnett, the mother of Reverend Miriam J. Burnett, MD, departed this life to be with the Lord on January 9, 2006. Dr. Burnett is a Connectional Officer of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and serves as Medical Director.

Arrangements

Friday, January 13, 2006

St. Albans Congregational Church
172-17 Linden Blvd.
St. Albans, New York 11434

Directions: www.mapquest.com

718-657-828210: 00 AM - Viewing
11:00 AM Celebration of Life
Interment will follow at the Calverton National Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to:

Rev. Dr. Miriam J. Burnett and Family
109-39 177th Street
Jamaica, New York 11433

CONDOLENCES:

By email to: mjbamehealth@yahoo.com

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions for cancer research are made in memory of Juliette Dickson Burnett to the American Cancer Society. For donation details, please visit: www.cancer.org/docroot/DON/don_0.asp .

lease keep Dr. Burnett, her father, sister and family in your prayers.

5. CLERGY FAMILY NOTICE:

From: chsydnor@bellsouth.net

Theresa May Williams, 60, of Cynthiana, the daughter of the Reverend Robbie Williams, died Saturday at Edgemont Nursing Home in Cynthiana. She was a registered nurse and a member of Shorter Chapel AME Church, Paris. Reverend Robbie Williams is a retired pastor of the Kentucky Annual Conference and recently served as one of the associate pastors at Shorter Chapel AME Church, Paris Kentucky.

Survivors include a son, Raymond Williams of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; her mother, Rev. Robbie Wheeler of Louisville; brothers, Rev. A.D. Chenault of Lexington, Leslie Lester of Paris, James Jackson of Lexington and Joe Williams Jr. of Cynthiana; sisters, Barbara Trammell and Regina Willis, both of Louisville, Rose Oldham of Cynthiana, Helen Williams and Martha Thurman, both of Lexington; and her fiancé, Jimmy Washington of Fort Lauderdale.

Services will be at noon Thursday at Jimtown Baptist Church, Fayette County. Visitation will begin there at 11 a.m. Thursday. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Bourbon County.

6. CLERGY FAMILY 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.

7. 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.

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (1/9/06)

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. BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION FOR BISHOP HILDEBRAND:

A 90th Birthday Celebration for Bishop Richard Allen Hildebrand is scheduled for Saturday, February 4, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. at the Clarion Airport Hotel located at 2101 Dixie Clipper Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32218. Tickets are $50.00 each. RSVP is requested by January 23, 2006. Bishop McKinley Young, Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young, Macedonia A.M.E. Church, and the Reverend Patrick J. “Reddick” Sasnett are sponsoring the celebration.

Request for tickets and information for the event can be obtained from Macedonia A.M.E. Church, P.O. Box 6216, Fernandina Beach, FL 32035.

Submitted by the Reverend Patrick J. Sasnett

2. PEARL STREET AME CHURCH, JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI YOUTH ATTAINS EAGLE RANK:

The highest honor for a boy scout was awarded last Saturday afternoon in Jackson, Mississippi.

Terrance Evans received the rank of Eagle Scout in front of family and friends at the Pearl Street AME Church. Scouting officials, as well as the superintendent of Jackson Public Schools, spoke about Evans' character and accomplishments. While a scout, Terrance Evans painted a nursing home for one of his Eagle project. Terrance Evans is the only scout in the Central Mississippi District to reach Eagle Scout this year.

3. SISTER GWENDOLYN WILLIAMS SHARES HER MENTORS:

I had a lot of mentor beginning with Bishop George N Collins, then the Rev. Collins, pastor of Union.

Bishop Frank C Cummings
Bishop Frank M Reid
Bishop Phillip Cousins
Bishop John Adams
Bishop Fredrick Talbot
Bishop Vernon Byrd
Bishop Vinton Anderson

Supervisor Martha Cummings
Supervisor Onedia Collins

Mrs. Alma Polk
Mrs. Anna Heath
Miss Saddie Bell Barrow
Miss L Dina Robinson
Mrs. Lorena Muse
Mrs. Mary Collins
Dr. Joseph McKinney
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Bailey
Mr. & Mrs. Feron Charles

Rev. L G Clarke
Rev. T B Brown
Rev. W J Jackson

Presiding Elder Malvin Black
Presiding Elder J. K. Holiday
Presiding Elder N L Lumzy

These were my guides in the church from YPD, ACE League, RAYC, and Church School to present time. I thank God for them seeing something in me that would benefit my growth as a child of God and the Church. That is how I learned about the Connectional Church.

I also had mentors in the U. S. Army Chaplaincy when I was a nurse and an Army wife.

Gwendolyn Butler Williams,
Executive Director
Health Commission AME Church

4. SISTER CONSTANCE MURPHY WILL BE 102 YEARS OLD:

Please note that on February 1, 2006, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie’s Aunt, Sister Constance Murphy will be 102 years young. Her mind is still sharp and she is still getting around.

You may send a card or a gift to

Mrs. Constance Murphy
C/o St. John's Convent and Guest House
233 Cummer Avenue
Toronto, ON M2M 2E8

5. THE RIGHT REVEREND E. EARL MCCLOUD WILL DELIVER MLK MESSAGE AT BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, MISSISSIPPI:

Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Jr. Office of Ecumenical & Urban Affairs will be the guest speaker at Barksdale AFB, LA for the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Holiday. Bishop McCloud will also speak at a Protestant Worship Service, Wednesday, 11 January 2006, Chapel 1, at 6:30 p.m. for a one-day

6. THE REVEREND DR CALVIN H. SYDNOR III WILL DELIVER THE MLK MESSAGE AT FORT MONROE, VIRGINIA:

The Editor, a retired U.S. Army chaplain, will be the speaker for MLK at Fort Monroe, Virginia on Thursday, January 12, 2006 at the Post Theater. Dr. Sydnor was the Command Chaplain for the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) upon retirement from the Army Chaplaincy. Following his retirement, he served as the Director of the Religious Studies Program at Hampton University for five years prior to being elected as the 20th editor of The Christian Recorder, the official newspaper of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the oldest historically black newspaper in the United States.

7. TURNER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY CELEBRATES 112 YEARS OF PREPARING WOMEN AND MEN FOR MINISTRY:

Theme: “Celebrating Our History, Pursuing Our Future”
February 7-9, 2006

Dr. Daniel W. Jacobs, Sr., President and Bishop William P. DeVeaux, Chairman of the Trustee Board invite graduates, students and friends to meet on the campus of the Interdenominational Theological Center and Flipper Temple AME Church for the informative and inspiring gathering.

Workshops Include:

· “Can the Floppy Disk Generation Minister to A CD Rom Generation?” The Rev. Ellis Washington will moderate the session.

· “Succeeding In the First Pastorate.” The Rev. Larry Hudson is the Moderator.

Alumni and students will participate in all workshops and lectures and worship services.

Dr. Jacquelyn Grant will present the Henry McNeal Turner Memorial Lecture on Wednesday morning and Dr. Carolyn Ann Knight will give the Bishop William Reid Wilkes, Sr. Lecture Wednesday afternoon.

Bishop Samuel L. Green will deliver the Image Awards Sermon on Wednesday night at Flipper Temple AME Church.

Bishop Preston Warren Williams, II will deliver the keynote sermon on Thursday at 11:00 AM.

The Alumni Association headed by the Reverend Ammie Miller will hold a reception on Monday February 6, 2006 at Paschal’s Castleberry Restaurant in pre-Founders’ Day activities. The Turner Seminary Student Fellowship will sponsor a Welcome Worship Service at Flipper Temple on Monday also. The Reverend Dr. C. T. Vivian will speak at an Alumni Breakfast on Tuesday morning at ITC. The Alumni Association Worship service will be held on Tuesday, February 7, 2006 with The Reverend Dr. Leslie R. White preaching.

Conversations with Bishops and faculty will also be held, moderated by Bishop DeVeaux and Dr. Carolyn McCrary.

The Holiday Inn Airport North is the host hotel (1-866-750-3364) and Paschals at Castleberry Hill (404-221-0375).

For more information, please contact the seminary at 404-527-0080.

8. GREATER BETHEL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH SPONSORS LADIES IN RED SERVICE TO BENEFIT KATRINA VICTIMS:

On Sunday, December 4, 2005, there were women from all over Mississippi gathered at the historic Greater Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Ellisville, Mississippi for the Ladies in Red. Women celebrated the season with joyous songs of thanksgiving and praise, and the men of the church for support and love joined them.

This church was affected by Hurricane Katrina, yet is raising funds to assist others who were affected. This is following the pastor’s instruction on giving according to the word of God, “Give and it shall come back to you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over.”

The service a special time in which twelve ladies shared from “The Twelve Blessings of Christmas”. This included faith, hope, love, joy, peace, friendship, unity, music, giving, and others. It was a spirit-filled service with these speakers, songs of praise by Ms. Florrine Herron, the Eighth Episcopal District Minister of Music and words of encouragement by our dedicated pastor, the Reverend DeLishia Boykin-Wilson.

One of our speakers, Sister Grenda shared on joy. It was touching for all in the place because Grenda lost her home and all material possessions yet she still declared, “The joy of the Lord is my strength.”

Other highlights included the word on Unity, when Sis. Shirley Keys demonstrated the true meaning of unity by bringing her four sisters to the front of the church and showing the love of Jesus towards each one.

The Twelve Blessings of Christmas speakers included Sisters Shirley Keys, Danita Bruner, Flora Henderson, Gloria Thompson, Sheila George, Lillie Jean, Rosa Montgomery, Alicia Montgomery, Minister Julia Evans, and Evangelist Moore. We were also favored by music from Mrs. Betty Braziel, the first lady of St. Andrew African Methodist Episcopal Church in Gulfport, Mississippi.

The Praise Dancers danced like David danced from the song “Glorious” by Martha Munuzzi. It reminds us of our purpose with the words “I was created to make your praise glorious.”

This service, chaired by Sister Christine McGilberry, was a wonderfully blessed occasion full with the blessings of the holiday season. We thank God for this beautiful celebration and the families that will be aided as a result. To God be the glory!

9. STATE OF THE TEMPORAL ECONOMY OF FREE AFRICANS:

By Stephanie and Eric Stradford

FAS2, January 2, 2006, Atlanta -- While remnant beneficiaries from the 20th Century Civil Rights movement posture on Wall Street and Pennsylvania Ave, historically disadvantaged entrepreneurs in Georgia are rediscovering some endless possibilities for kingdom building in a land they were clearly destined to inhabit and possess. They will be looking closer at 18th century economic systems that sustained free Africans throughout their press for equal representation in the human race.

Some 80,000 Georgians either “worship” or “go to church” at one of the 580 affiliated stations of the African Methodist Episcopal Church across their state. They are among the first in a family of 3.5 million beneficiaries to embrace a timely theme, “Living Better Everyday.” “These are exciting times,” said David R. Bishop, IV, pastor of First AME, Atlanta. “We’re not living in the past; we’re finding value in our rich history that impacts our economy today. It helps to have 80,000 brothers and sisters working together on the same mission.” Theirs is mission which daily challenges a nation of means to examine its own purpose for being.

10. THE WOMEN’S’ MISSIONARY SOCIETY ANNOUNCES A SPECIAL WORKSHOP THAT WILL BE HELD AT THE 2006 WMS EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING:

The Isis Project- A National Program Of The Balm In Gilead, Inc.

Sponsored by The Commission on Christian Social Action
Who should attend: Persons who are interested in starting or enhancing a Health Care Ministry in the local church! (Space is limited to 100 persons)
When: Friday, January 27, 2006 from 2 - 4 pm

The Presenters

Lucille C. Norville Perez, M.D.
Dr. Perez is the National Health Director, Health Advocacy Division of the NAACP. In August 2001, Dr. Perez was elected as the 102nd president of the National Medical Association (NMA), the nation's oldest and largest professional scientific organization representing the country's 37,000 African American physicians. Previously, Dr. Perez served as the Associate Director of the Center for Substance Abuse and Prevention (SAMHSA/DHHS). A widely sought after lecturer, Dr. Perez's has received numerous honors, including a Congressional Black Caucus Special Achievement Award and a Distinguished Service Award from the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

The Reverend Dr. Susan Newman
The Reverend Dr. Susan Newman is Minister of Peoples Congregational United Church of Christ, Washington, D. C. and serves the District Government as the Special Assistant to the Mayor for Religious Affairs. She is an inspirational, motivational, and humorous speaker whose soul stirring, thought-provoking insights on healthy relationships from a spiritual perspective are garnering nationwide attention and acclaim. Hailed by Ebony Magazine as one of the Top Black Women Preachers in America, Dr. Newman has moved audiences throughout the United States, Switzerland and Ghana to hallelujahs and social action.

Her book, Oh God! A Black Woman’s Guide to Sex and Spirituality (Random House, 2002) proposes a new sexual ethic for women of faith. This groundbreaking book has been hailed by spiritual, academic, and community leaders and has brought a new blueprint for sexual and spiritual health and balance to millions of women and men. Her latest book, Your Inner Eve, brings the power of truth, warmth of wit and humor, and the essence of heart and soul to light in a way that will help every woman rediscover and reaffirm the Divine with herself.

Tamika Felder
Tamika Felder is a cervical cancer survivor and activist. At the age of 25, Tamika was diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer and underwent a radical hysterectomy. In January 2005, Tamika created Tamika and Friends, a nonprofit organization designed to raise awareness about cervical cancer and its link to the human papillomavirus. She travels the country on her mission of HPV and cervical cancer awareness and is currently producing an awareness campaign that includes a documentary film, public service announcements, and town hall forums - all funded from her own efforts. Tamika's story was featured in the June 2003 issue of Essence Magazine. In January 2004, Tamika partnered with the National Council of Negro Women to register over 100 women to get their annual pap test along with HPV testing for Cervical Cancer Awareness month. She has participated in numerous initiatives, including serving as Community representative for the President's Cancer Panel (September 2003) and acting as a survivor spokesperson for the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

The following listing of events are provided to give you up-to-date information on programs, seminars, conferences, exhibits, and other affairs of interest to the African American church community

11. 2006 INTERDENOMINATIONAL CONFERENCES AND CONVENTIONS CALENDAR:

CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST
National Leadership Conference
January 9-12
Phoenix, AZ
CONTACT : COGIC Convention Services 901-522-1331

NATIONAL BAPTIST CONVENTION USA, INC.
Joint Mid-Winter Board Session
January 16-19Nashville, TNCONTACT: www.nationalbaptist.com

AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
January 11 – 13, 2006
Church World Service and Department of Global Witness andMinistry Meeting
Indianapolis, Indiana

AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
January 17– 20, 2006 19th Annual Seminar on Church Growth and Evangelism
Birmingham Sheraton Civic Center
Birmingham, Alabama
Registration: $120.00 before December 10, 2005
$140.00 after December 11, 2005

Hotel information: Birmingham Sheraton Civic Center Reservations Department
2101 Richard Arrington, Jr. Blvd. NorthBirmingham, AL 35203
Phone: (205) 307-3000Fax: (205) 307-3085
Hotel Room Rates: $105.00 (Single, Double, Triple, Quad)

THE SAMUEL DEWITT PROCTOR PASTORS AND LAY CONFERENCE
February 6-9Jacksonville, FL
CONTACT: 773-548-6619, www.sdpconference.org

AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Women’s Missionary Society
January 24 – 28, 2006Executive Board MeetingCincinnati, Ohio

AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
February 20 – 26, 2006
Fourteenth Episcopal District
Dedication of Office and Resource Center
Monrovia, Liberia
More details to follow

NATIONAL MISSIONARY BAPTIST CONVENTION OF AMERICA
Winter Board Meeting
February 20-24
Dallas, TX
CONTACT: 323-846-1950, www.nmbca.com

AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
March 1-11, 20062006
Lay Excursion to South Africa
Follow this link for detailed information about the trip:
http://xodusint.com/1/Itineraries.ASP (You will then need to click the "South Africa" link that appears at the bottom of the page.)

COLUMBUS BAPTIST PASTORS’ CONFERENCE SIMULTANEOUS REVIVALCONFERENCE
March 26-31
Columbus, OH
CONTACT: 614-258-9583

AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
March 27 – 28, 2006
Strategic Planning/Redistricting Committee
Nashville, Tennessee

AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
April 20 – 22, 2006
Ministries in Christian Education
Nashville, Tennessee

FESTIVAL OF HOMILETICS
May 15-19
Atlanta, GA
CONTACT: 800-866-8631

HAMPTON MINISTERS’ CONFERENCE
June 4-9
Hampton University, Hampton, VA
CONTACT: Timothy Boddie 757-727-5340, www.hampton.edu

NATIONAL MISSIONARY BAPTIST CONVENTION OF AMERICA
Summer Board Meeting
June 13
Nashville, TN
CONTACT: 323-846-1950, www.nmbca.com

NATIONAL BAPTIST CONVENTION OF AMERICA
June 19-23
Location: TBACONTACT: Darlene Blunt 214-942-3311

NATIONAL BAPTIST USA, INC
June 19-23
Baltimore, MD
CONTACT: 615-228-6292, x321

AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
General Board and Bishops Council
June 25-28
Location: Charleston, SC
CONTACT: Dr. Clement Fugh, www.AME-Church.com

AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
July 2 -7, 2006, 25th Connectional Christian Education Congress
Coronado Springs Resort of Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida.

Room rates: $99 per night for single/double ($15 per person per night for additional persons) $199 per night for junior suite$250 per night for one-bedroom suite $350 per night for two-bedroom suite
Contact: Dr. Daryl Ingram, dingram@ameced.com

ARCHBISHOP JAMES PATTERSON LYKE CONFERENCE
Lyke Conference
July 5-9
Chicago, IL
CONTACT: Andrew Lyke 312-751-8264, alyke@archchicago.org , www.lykeconference.com

ARCHBISHOP JAMES PATTERSON LYKE CONFERENCE
Fr. Clarence Rivers Institute pre-conference
July 5-6
Chicago, IL
CONTACT: Andrew Lyke 312-751-8264, alyke@archchicago.org , www.lykeconference.com

E. K. BAILEY MINISTRIES, INC., PREACHING CONFERENCE
July 10-14Fairmont Hotel, Dallas, TX
CONTACT: Olivia DeBerry 972-708-9979, ekbmhears@aol.com

WORLD METHODIST COUNCIL
July 20– 25, 2006 Seoul, KoreaTheme: "God in Christ Reconciling"

THE KINGDOM CONFERENCE
July 19-22
Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MD
CONTACT: Rev. Valorie Wells 410-945-3000, www.newpsalmist.org

MEGAFEST: WOMAN, THOU ART LOOSED & MAN POWER
July 19-22
Location: TBA
CONTACT: 877-TDJ-MEGA

NATIONAL BLACK NAZARENE CONFERENCE

August 3-6Dallas, TX
CONTACT: 800-738-7167

PROGRESSIVE BAPTIST CONVENTION
Annual Session
August 7-11Cincinnati, OHCONTACT: 202-396-0558

CONVENING OF THE EVANGELISTSA
Conference for Ministry Minded People
August 16-19
Location: TBA
CONTACT: 561-863-9192

GAMALI LECTURE SERIES

August 30 - September 1
Columbus, OH
CONTACT: Harold A. Hudson 614-258-9933

NATIONAL BAPTIST CONVENTION OF AMERICA
Annual Session
September 4-8
Location: TBA
CONTACT: Darlene Blunt 214-942-3311

NATIONAL BAPTIST USA, INC.
Annual Session
September 4-8
Dallas, TX
CONTACT: 615-228-6292, x321

NATIONAL MISSIONARY BAPTIST CONVENTION OF AMERICA
Annual Session
September 4-8
Los Angeles, CA
CONTACT: 323-846-1950, www.nmbca.com

WOMEN IN MINISTRY CONFERENCE
September 18-21
Atlanta, GACONTACT: 770-696-5100

12. CHURCH WORLD SERVICE SADDENED BY DEATH OF LOU RAWLS:

NEW YORK - Jan 6 - Humanitarian agency Church World Service is saddened today by the death of Grammy-award singer Lou Rawls, who recorded public service announcements for the agency late last year as one of his last acts of goodwill. The singer was well known for his charitable activities as he was for his smooth four-octave range. He founded the Lou Rawls Parade of Stars Telethon, which raised millions of dollars for the United Negro College Fund.

Says CWS Executive Director Rev John L. McCullough, "Lou Rawls seems to have made the support of humanitarian work one of his last acts." When Rawls's illness was announced in December, McCullough said, "It is a measure of his own courage and his commitment to working to help people who have had their lives changed suddenly by disaster that Mr. Rawls enthusiastically recorded these appeals for us, even as his own life is being changed by illness."

The spots are part of Church World Service's ongoing campaign to remind people that the agency's work of disaster relief and recovery is a continuing task in a world where devastating hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis and other disasters can turn people’s lives upside down in a moment.

"Just as this work carries on," says McCullough, "so will Lou Rawls' memory in the lifetime of music he has left us to enjoy. We continue to hold his family close in prayer."

Media Contacts:

Lesley Crosson, (212) 870-2676, lcrosson@churchworldservice.org Jan Dragin - 24/7 - (781) 925-1526, jdragin@gis.net ##

13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Mrs. Earnestine Barnett, the wife of The Reverend Theodore Barnett, Pastor of New Bethel A.M.E. Church, Hialeah Florida, South Conference, 11th Episcopal District passed on Wednesday, January 4, 2006.

Funeral Arrangements
Family Visitation:
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
5:00 PM
New Bethel AME Church
2275 W. 5th Way
Hialeah, FL 33010
305-888-4365(Phone)

Funeral:
Thursday, January 12, 2006
11:00 AM
Greater St. Paul AME Church
3680 Thomas Avenue Miami, FL 33133 305-448-2742 (Phone)

Services are entrusted to:
Poitier's Funeral Home2300 NW 62nd St.
Miami, FL 33142
305-638-5030 (Phone)
305-635-9665 (Fax)

Condolences may be sent to:
Rev. Theodore Barnett6420 S.W. 62nd CourtSouth Miami, FL 33143
305-665-6731

14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

From: RAChappelle@worldnet.att.net

Dr. Nathaniel C. Irving, Retired, Former Pastor of Avery Chapel AME Church Oklahoma City, OK, Bethel "Big Bethel" AME Church, Little Rock, AR, Union AME Church, Little Rock, AR and Former Dean of Jackson Theological Seminary, Little Rock, AR of the 12th Episcopal District passed on Saturday, January 7, 2006.

His wife, Mrs. Virginia H. Irving, survives Dr. Irving. He is the father of nine (9) children including Rev. Michelle K. T. Moulden (mktmoulden@sbcglobal.net) Pastor of Vernon AME Church, Tulsa, OK; Rev. Ralph O. Thomas Pastor of Salters Chapel AME Church, Langston, OK; and Rev. Scott Thomas Pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church, Wynnewood, OK

Funeral Arrangements

Saturday, January 14, 2006
11:00 AM
Avery Chapel AME Church
1425 North Kelham AvenueOklahoma City, OK 73111
Rev. Isaac N. Hudson, Jr., Pastor
405-424-3331 (Phone)

Services are entrusted to:
McKay Funeral Home1616 N.E. 36th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73111
405-424-3339 (Phone)

Condolences may be sent to:
The Irving Family
241 N.W. 90th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73114

15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Mr. Tommy Young, the uncle of Presiding Elder Ralph Johnson, Lexington District, Kentucky Conference passed.

Funeral service for Mr. Tommy Young was held on Saturday, January 7, 2006 in Wadley, Georgia at 2:00 in the afternoon.

Presiding Elder Ralph Johnson was the eulogist.

Condolences may be sent to:

Presiding Elder Ralph Johnson and family
213 Gatone Drive
Hendersonville, TN 37075
Email condolences to: ameomega@bellsouth.net

16. CLERGY FAMILY 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.

17. 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.

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (1/5/06)

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 WOMEN’S’ MISSIONARY SOCIETY ANNOUNCES A SPECIAL WORKSHOP THAT WILL BE HELD AT THE 2006 WMS EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING:

The Isis Project- A National Program Of The Balm In Gilead, Inc.

Sponsored by The Commission on Christian Social Action

Who should attend: Persons who are interested in starting or enhancing a Health Care Ministry in the local church! (Space is limited to 100 persons)

When: Friday, January 27, 2006 from 2 - 4 pm

The Presenters

Lucille C. Norville Perez, M.D.
Dr. Perez is the National Health Director, Health Advocacy Division of the NAACP. In August 2001, Dr. Perez was elected as the 102nd president of the National Medical Association (NMA), the nation's oldest and largest professional scientific organization representing the country's 37,000 African American physicians. Previously, Dr. Perez served as the Associate Director of the Center for Substance Abuse and Prevention (SAMHSA/DHHS). A widely sought after lecturer, Dr. Perez's has received numerous honors, including a Congressional Black Caucus Special Achievement Award and a Distinguished Service Award from the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

The Reverend Dr. Susan Newman
The Reverend Dr. Susan Newman is Minister of Peoples Congregational United Church of Christ, Washington, D. C. and serves the District Government as the Special Assistant to the Mayor for Religious Affairs. She is an inspirational, motivational, and humorous speaker whose soul stirring, thought-provoking insights on healthy relationships from a spiritual perspective are garnering nationwide attention and acclaim. Hailed by Ebony Magazine as one of the Top Black Women Preachers in America, Dr. Newman has moved audiences throughout the United States, Switzerland and Ghana to hallelujahs and social action.

Her book, Oh God! A Black Woman’s Guide to Sex and Spirituality (Random House, 2002) proposes a new sexual ethic for women of faith. This groundbreaking book has been hailed by spiritual, academic, and community leaders and has brought a new blueprint for sexual and spiritual health and balance to millions of women and men. Her latest book, Your Inner Eve, brings the power of truth, warmth of wit and humor, and the essence of heart and soul to light in a way that will help every woman rediscover and reaffirm the Divine with herself.

Tamika Felder
Tamika Felder is a cervical cancer survivor and activist. At the age of 25, Tamika was diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer and underwent a radical hysterectomy. In January 2005, Tamika created Tamika and Friends, a nonprofit organization designed to raise awareness about cervical cancer and its link to the human papillomavirus. She travels the country on her mission of HPV and cervical cancer awareness and is currently producing an awareness campaign that includes a documentary film, public service announcements, and town hall forums - all funded from her own efforts. Tamika's story was featured in the June 2003 issue of Essence Magazine. In January 2004, Tamika partnered with the National Council of Negro Women to register over 100 women to get their annual pap test along with HPV testing for Cervical Cancer Awareness month. She has participated in numerous initiatives, including serving as Community representative for the President's Cancer Panel (September 2003) and acting as a survivor spokesperson for the Lance Armstrong Foundation.


2. THE CONNECTIONAL HEALTH COMMISSION WANTS YOU TO SAVE THIS DATE! - JUNE 23 – 27, 2006:

The Connectional Health Commission 2nd Leadership Training will be held June 23-27, 2006 at the Embassy Suites in Charleston, South Carolina.
.
All Health Directors on all levels and Connectional groups, prevention specialists and interested persons are invited to attend.

Put it on your calendars now!

Submitted By Sister Gwendolyn Williams

3. LIKE MANY OF YOU, I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH GREAT PASTORS AND MENTORS:

I want to thank God for the great pastors and presiding elders who were mentors to me. They all were inspirational and impacted upon me as a person and upon my ministry.

Bishop Frederick D, Jordan, gave me my first pastoral appointment and mentor

The Rev. T. S. Clements, my first model for ministry (pre-teen, teen and adult)
The Rev. A. Earl Jordon, planted the seed for ministry
The Rev. Jesse F. Owens, my father in the ministry
The Reverend D. M. Owens, Presiding Elder who licensed me
The Rev. B. C. Burton, pastored me through the ordination process
The Rev. C. E. Blake, my father-in-law, friend, and mentor for ministry
The Rev. Charles D. Brice, my friend in ministry
The Reverend J. Pater Ashworth, model for ministry
The Reverend H. Ralph Jackson, mentor and encourager for my ministry
The Reverend H. L Starks, mentor and encourager for ministry
The Reverend Willie K. Marshall, my first Presiding Elder as a pastor
The Reverend Gaddy, Presiding Elder
The Rev. Howard S. Clark, mentor and supporter
The Reverend W. W. Reid, preaching mentor and modeled friendship.
The Reverend J. E. Newell, Presiding Elder during my early years
The Reverend Roscoe Pierson, Lexington Theological Seminary

And, a host of others, too numerous to mention. This list started with my pastors, but the other names just surfaced in my mind. I thank God for how they influenced my life

Editor’s note: Send a list of your mentors to The Christian Recorder: chsydnor@bellsouth.net

4. SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES ABOUT THE MOURNERS OR MOANERS’ BENCH:

This message is for our older readers as I am certain that our younger readers will not know anything about the “moaners’ bench,” or is it “mourners’ bench.”

If anyone can remember your experiences, please share them with The Christian Recorder. Was it called a "moaner's bench" or a "mourner's bench".

It would be Interesting to learn what happened in various churches. Please be sure to give the city (town) and state where your experience happened.

5. DR. DENNIS DICKERSON, HISTORIOGRAPHER AND EDITOR OF THE A.M.E. CHURCH REVIEW TO BE THE MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. OBSERVANCE SPEAKER AT THE SCARRITT-BENNETT CENTER:

The Scarritt-Bennett Center will host its Annual Soul Food Luncheon Buffet featuring Southern-Style Comfort Foods.

The service celebrating the contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will be in the Wightman Chapel on January 18, 2006 at 10-11 AM

The speaker will be featuring Dr. Dennis Dickerson, an ordained minister and General Officer in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and Professor of History at Vanderbilt University.

The Belmont School of Music Chamber Choir and Belmont United Methodist organist Gayle Sullivan will provide music. Co-sponsored by the Upper Room and the General Board of Discipleship, this event is free and open to the public.

A Soul Food Luncheon will be served immediately following the service in the Susie Gray Dining Hall. The cost for the meal will be $12 per person; call 615.340.7500 for reservations.

6. ST. MARK A.M.E. CHURCH, MILWAUKEE TO CELEBRATE THE LIFE AND WORKS OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.:

Milwaukee, Wisconsin. On Sunday, January 15, 2006, St. Mark AME Church celebrates the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by recognizing the contributions of local community supporters, Lucinda Gordon and Dr. Ruben K. Harpole.

The Dr. King celebration will take place during the 11:00 a.m. worship service. The guest speaker is Rev. Walter Reid, retired AME pastor of Trinity AME Church, Lansing, Michigan. The public is invited to come and join in the celebration and remembrance of Dr. King.

St. Mark AME Church is located at 1616 W. Atkinson Avenue. For more information, please contact Roy C. Hill, at (414) 562-8030. The Reverend Darryl R. Williams is the Pastor.

7. SEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT’S SONS OF ALLEN SPONSOR COLLEGE SUPPORT BANQUET:

Former NFL Player and Educator addresses African-American Christian Men’s Group

Under the auspices of The Right Reverend Preston Warren Williams, II, the Presiding Prelate of the Seventh District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Mt. Olive AME Church’s Men’s Missionary Group, the Sons of Allen, sponsored its Third Annual College Support Banquet. According to John Abraham, President of the group, “This year’s banquet was one of our best yet.” The keynote speaker was Mr. Ronnie Burgess, who has the distinction of having played in the National Football League. Also, an accomplished life long educator, Mr. Burgess previously served as Principal of Myrtle Beach High School and currently serves as Principal of Saint James High School for the Horry County School District.

Mr. Burgess spoke concerning the high level of values required of our young men and women in today’s society and particularly addressed the need for African-American men to make a concerted effort to ensure equality in our educational system. He stated that, “Equality begins and ends with learning.” He also commented that if our young people are effectively to compete in today’s society we must set high standards and maintain a strong and steady pace in leading and directing our youth.

Mr. Burgess encouraged all of the young people at the banquet to establish a clear career plan and work hard towards making that plan a reality. He wisely advised them to create a best-case scenario “plan A” as well as an alternate plan in the event that things do not work out. On a personal note, Mr. Burgess shared that he was in the midst of a very promising NFL career when an injury forced his early retirement. Because he had a secondary plan, he was able to shift gears and move on with his life. All who were present found Mr. Burgess’s presentation enlightening and inspiring.

In 2006, the Mt. Olive Sons of Allen plan to sponsor several events including a "Boys to Men" rap sessions for local church and community youth, a community outreach initiative and The Second Annual Summer Golf Tournament.

The Reverend Roger L. Washington, Presiding Pastor of Mt. Olive AME Church, stated that, “This Third Annual College Support Banquet holds special significance because our African-American men, in spite of being profiled, marginalized, criticized and stereotyped by the larger society, must continue to step up in building a better tomorrow. African-American men and women are too often portrayed in less then favorable terms by the local and national media. In recognizing these and other challenges, it is significant that we take note of the Sons of Allen’s commitment towards supporting our young men and women as they strive to obtain higher education.”

The Annual College Support Banquet ensures that children who are in need can turn to a support system specifically designed to help them. There is additional Sons of Allen support in collaboration with the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice aimed towards mentoring at-risk youth.

This is a personal invitation to all churches, pastors, preachers, youth ministers, community leaders and members to take a stand and share this information with the members of your churches and community as we encourage and support our youth.

Together we can make a difference.

Persons interested in supporting the Sons of Allen College Support Banquet may call 843.448.5541 or mail financial contribution to Sons of Allen, 1108 Carver Street, Myrtle Beach, SC, 29577.

Written by:

Bennie J. Swans, Jr. & Benjamin Harrison

Submitted by:

Benjamin Harrison
Public Relations Director
7th District AME Church
Tel 803.935.0500
Fax 803.935.0830
HarrisonAMEMedia@aol.com

8. AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY HELPS UNTANGLE THE WEB OF CANCER INFORMATION ONLINE:

Source: American Cancer Society February 2005

For the more than 1.3 million people expected to be diagnosed with cancer this year, the Internet will be a key resource for finding critical information about their disease. Many of these online users will start by typing the keyword “cancer” into a standard search engine only to pull up hundreds of thousands of sites about cancer. Where do they go from here?

The American Cancer Society encourages Internet users to rely on Web sites from credible organizations to ensure that they are getting the most up-to-date and accurate information. The Society considers its Web site, www.cancer.org, an important extension of the Society’s mission to provide lifesaving information to the public. The site has been recently expanded to include an interactive online cancer resource center, containing in-depth information on every major cancer type. Also through the resource center, visitors can order American Cancer Society free publications, gain access to recent news articles, and find additional on- and off-line resources relating to the specified cancer type.

The cancer information on the Society’s Web site is written and reviewed by a team of health and medical professionals. A literary professional translates medical terminology into lay language to ensure that the information can be easily understood. Information is reviewed and updated at least once a year, or immediately if a major development occurs.

Visitors to www.cancer.org can also access the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Survivors Network (CSN), which offers a variety of opportunities to learn about cancer and interact with others who have experienced cancer. CSN users can read discussions from people with similar cancer backgrounds and can participate in online conversations to share experiences. The site also offers users the ability to build their own Web page or search books, articles, Web sites and support groups.

The American Cancer Society’s Web site is made possible in part by support from donations to Relay for Life in your community. For more information, visit www.cancer.org.

§ Looking for cancer resources on the Web? The American Cancer Society’s Web site, www.cancer.org, is loaded with information about cancer. But, the site also offers much more. Check it out at www.cancer.org.

§ Hearing the words “You have cancer” can be frightening. But, there is no need to make the journey alone. The American Cancer Society provides numerous resources and programs to assist those with cancer. Call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org to contact someone who understands.

§ The National Cancer Information Center puts a wealth of cancer information at your fingertips. Specially-trained Cancer Information Specialists can answer your questions whether you are a cancer patient, cancer survivor, a loved one of someone with cancer or just curious about the disease. Call 1-800-ACS-2345 any time day or night to learn how our Cancer Information Specialists can help.

§ The amount of health information on the Internet can be overwhelming. Thankfully, the American Cancer Society makes finding useful cancer information easy. When you visit www.cancer.org you will find the most reliable, up-to-date cancer information available. Visit www.cancer.org to learn how your American Cancer Society can help you or someone you love.

§ The American Cancer Society knows the value of reliable information. That is why we strive to provide the latest cancer facts to anyone who needs them. Call 1-800-ACS-2345 or log on to www.cancer.org anytime, day or night. Knowing the facts about cancer could save your life and the lives of those you love.

9. WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES: “POLITICIANS NEED CLEAR ETHICS GUIDELINES”:

New York, January 4, 2006 -- Lobbyist Jack Abramoff's decision to cooperate with federal investigators in what is being called Washington's biggest ethics scandal in recent memory has sent tremors throughout the capital.

None of this is surprising, said the General Secretary of the National Council of Churches USA, but it could have been avoided if Congress had adopted "a universally accepted and enforceable code of ethics."

The Rev. Dr. Bob Edgar called on religious leaders -- including those on the religious right -- to demand Congress to begin working on those ethical guidelines now.

Edgar called on Dr. James Dobson to join in such a call Sunday night (Jan. 8) when he addresses millions of his followers on the Justice Sunday III broadcast.

"As a Christian minister and a former member of Congress," Edgar said, "I am convinced that a universally accepted and enforceable code of ethics -- not just promises and empty words -- is the best assurance that we the people will be honestly served, and that politicians will be led away from the moral pitfalls of unchecked temptation."

Edgar made it clear that religious leaders are not calling for a code of ethics out of a sense of moral superiority.

"Our ancient scriptures make it clear that sin is a basic flaw in the human character, correctable only by humble obedience to God and adherence to God's law. The New Testament makes it clear that 'all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.'"

"In these treacherous times," Edgar said, "the sinful have included politicians, industrialists, judges, attorneys, and, yes, ever servants of the church. As dismayed as we are by the behavior of politicians who flocked to Jack Abramoff's bountiful trough, church persons know we are not qualified to cast the first stone against them."

But, religious leaders do call for "a strict and comprehensive set of ethical guidelines that can be agreed to by politicians, government officials and public servants of both parties at every level of government.

The full text of Edgar's statement follows:

Jack Abramoff's admission in federal court Tuesday that he is guilty of conspiracy, tax evasion and mail fraud may be creating tremors among Washington officials -- Democrat and Republican -- with whom he has been entangled. But, it comes as no surprise to people of faith.

Our ancient scriptures make it clear that sin is a basic flaw in the human character, correctable only by humble obedience to God and adherence to God’s law. The New Testament makes it clear that "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." In these treacherous times, the sinful have included politicians, industrialists, judges, attorneys, and, yes, even servants of the church. As dismayed as we are by the behavior of politicians who flocked to Jack Abramoff's bountiful trough, church persons know we are not qualified to cast the first stone against them.

What we do call for, however, is a strict and comprehensive set of ethical guidelines that can be agreed to by politicians, government officials and public servants of both parties at every level of government. As a Christian minister and a former member of Congress, I am convinced that a universally accepted and enforceable code of ethics -- not promises and empty words -- is the best assurance that we the people will be honestly served, and that those politicians will be led away from the moral pitfalls of unchecked temptation.

The scandal now developing in Washington calls for a bipartisan commitment to reform. Whatever is done must transcend party and transcend ideological points of view. I call on all religious leaders to join together to insist that Congress must undertake the immediate drafting and implementation of bold, comprehensive and cleansing ethics guidelines.

I call on my friend, Dr. James Dobson, to take advantage of his platform this Sunday, when he addresses millions of faithful persons during Justice Sunday III to join with us in publicly demanding that Congress take this step toward ethical reform.

One of the reasons such egregious scandals by our elected officials are possible is that politics and greed have conspired to prevent the formation of ethical guidelines. Common Cause, a non-partisan public advocacy group, has advocated ethics reform legislation that would slow the revolving door between Congress and the lobbying industry, strengthen lobbying disclosure requirements, and curb the excesses in privately funded trips and gifts for Members of Congress and their staffs. There may other proposals worth looking at, but this would be a good place to begin.

The Abramoff Scandal in Washington is a clear signal that the time to begin is now. With the Prophet Amos we pray: "Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream." [Amos 5:24 NRSV]

_____
The National Council of Churches USA is composed of 35 Protestant, Anglican, Orthodox, historic African American and peace communions representing 45 million Christians in 100,000 local congregations in the United States.

Contact NCC News: Philip E. Jenks, 212-870-2252, pjenks@ncccusa.org; or Leslie Tune, 202-544-2350, ltune@ncccusa.org

10. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of the Aunt of the Rt. Rev. Wilfred Jacobus Messiah and the Reverend Paul Joseph Messiah.

Mrs. Elizabeth Cele departed this life on the December 31, 2005. She was the sister of the late Presiding Elder Paul Johannes Messiah.

Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, January 8th at 2:00 P.M. at St. Peter's A.M.E. Church, Kylemore, Stellenbosch.

Condolences can be sent to:

wjmessiah2004@yahoo.com

Or to the home of

Bishop Messiah
23 Herte Street
Peerless Park North
Kraaifontein, Cape 7570

Tel. 011 27 21 987 4825

11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

From: reverendrevball@hotmail.com

We thank God for the cards, support, and contributions we received concerning the death of our father, Willie Eugene Ball, on Dec. 27, 2005.

Now we need your prayers more than ever. Gregory Ball, Jr, the only son of the Reverend Gregory Ball tragically died on Monday, January 2nd in Baltimore, Maryland. Funeral services for the late Gregory Ball, Jr. (son of Rev. Gregory Ball, Pastor of Brown's A.M.E. Church Smithfield, VA) are as follows:

Viewing of the body:

Monday, January 9, 2006
3:00 - 7:00 PM

Homegoing Service:

Tuesday, January 10, 2006 at Noon Both services will take place at:

Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church
20 West Montgomery Street
Baltimore, MD 21230

Eulogist: Bishop Adam J. Richardson Presiding Bishop of the 2nd Episcopal District
Rev. Charles Baugh, Pastor

Phone: 410-783-0190 (Please call before faxing)

Funeral arrangements entrusted to:

Wesley Chavis Funeral Home
2007 Eastern Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21231

410-342-7400 (office)
410-342-4797 (fax)

We know God will see us through this very difficult time. In lieu of flowers we ask contributions be made to:

The Gregory Ball Jr. Memorial Fund
c/o Atlantic Financial Federal Credit Union
40 Schilling Rd. Hunt Valley, MD 21031
Acct. # 2001330-ID #01

OR

Bown's A.M.E. Church
655 Main Street
P.O. Box 99
Smithfield, VA 23431

If you send contributions to this address, please make checks payable to Brown's African Methodist Episcopal Church. In the memo section please note: Gregory Ball Jr. Memorial Fund

Thank you again and may God Bless.

Rev. and Mrs. Gregory Ball, Sr.
6 Madrone Place
Hampton, VA 23666

757-838-0685
Email: reverendrevball@hotmail.com

12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

From: 1wim@htcomp.net

The Rev. Mary Miller, Pastor of Lee Chapel A.M.E. Church-Brownwood, Texas, stepfather, (Rev. Lawrence Sculark) passed.

Rev. Sculark's Homegoing Service will be held Saturday, January 7, 2006, at 11 A.M. at United Baptist Church in Cleveland, Mississippi.

United Baptist Church
1101 Martin Luther King Dr.
Cleveland, Mississippi 38732

Ph: (662) 843-3120

Rev. Sculark's remains have been entrusted to Eddie Robinson FuneralHome.

Eddie Robinson Funeral Home
1126 Fox Street
Grenada, Mississippi 38901

Ph: (662) 226-3123

Condolences may be sent to:

Mrs. Evie Sculark
P. O. Box 227
Rome, Mississippi 38768

Ph: (662) 345-6594

13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Sister Scharlotte Rhodes the sister of Rev. Joanie Walker-Nickerson passed.

Service Arrangements for Sister Rhodes:

Wake: Thursday, January 5, 2006
7:15 P.M.

Golden Gate Funeral Home
110 E. Pleasant Run
Dallas, Texas 75146
Ph: (972) 218-7232

Sis. Rhodes Homegoing Service will be at 11 A.M., Friday, January 6, 2006, at Golden Gate Funeral Home in Dallas, Texas.

Condolences may be sent to:

The Rev. Joanie Walker-Nickerson
6324 Forest Knoll Trail
Dallas, Texas 75232

Ph: (214) 375-2145

14. CLERGY FAMILY 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.

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (1/2/06)

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 NEW YEAR’S MESSAGE FROM THE RIGHT REVEREND A. J. RICHARDSON, PRESIDING PRELATE OF THE SECOND EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:

On the eve of the turning of the calendar to a new page identified by a new number, I thought of the wondrous possibilities and the unknown quantities that may unfold.

Of the wondrous possibilities, I pray that your year will be filled with all the joy, love, hope, happiness, prosperity, peace, personal contentment, satisfaction, achievement, and goodwill that can be contained in each succeeding day of the year. I pray that your decisions will be wise, and that the consequences of poor choices will be minor and soon overcome with the apparent and important lessons learned from the experience. I pray that you will end each day with a satisfied look on your face and pride in your heart, knowing you have done your best. I pray that you will have enough energy to complete the tasks placed into your capable hands, that your body can keep up with your mind and that your mind will remain active, alert, and brilliantly creative. I pray that your friends will be many and your real enemies few, with the knowledge of knowing who both are and the sense to know the difference.

Of the unknown quantities, I pray that you will have sufficient grace to stare down any foe, and the capacity of leadership and appropriate follow-ship to handle any burden or walk any path or overcome any obstacle or solve any problem or lift any load, or face any challenge; with the understanding that it's a good thing we cannot know when disaster is in our forecast. Such knowledge would likely paralyze us, and prevent any interaction that would ultimately benefit our families, our community, or the world -- however large or small our world may be. So, I pray that your faith will be sufficient to match your challenges, climb your mountains, or brave the storms that may be in your future.

In short, I pray that your New Year will be blessed: hopeful, happy, helpful, holy, healthy, and full of good humor.

A. J. Richardson
Presiding Prelate, 2nd Episcopal District
AME Church

2. 2006 WISH LIST FROM THE EDITOR (CON’T)

- That pastors will memorize the AME liturgy, i.e., Call to Worship, the full Decalogue, or at least the abridged Decalogue, and most certainly the Summary of the Decalogue, the Communion Service, and the Marriage ceremony.

Editor’s note: I can recite it pretty much from memory when someone else is reading it, but always rely on the hymnal, worship book, bulletin or The Discipline when I am asked to do one of the acts of liturgy. I can remember as a child the Reverend W. Stevenson doing every part of the liturgy from memory.

My 2006 resolution is to memorize the Call to Worship and the Decalogue and not use any aid when I am leading either of those portions of the liturgy. .

- That bishops will allow, and insist upon, closure for pastors and congregation affected by changes in pastoral appointments.

- That pastors will take responsibility for their reassignment and not let the bishop or presiding elder be the “fall-person” when the losing congregation complains about the reappointment. Pastors who are reassigned should explain the itinerancy system in the AME Church. Pastoral closure with the congregation should be positive and upbeat.

3. WISH LIST FOR THE AME CHURCH FROM THE REVEREND DARGENAE’ PATTERSON:

- That pastors of churches focus on the message and not the minutes (time-frame) of the sermon.

- That other ministers be giving an opportunity to share a message with fellow ministers at meetings, etc and the pastor not be afraid to allow the ministers on the staff to preach to the congregation say on Friday evenings or something similar.

- We as servants of the Most High shake the favoritism, and "clicks" realizing there is no one better in the gates of heaven.

- We can work more on the message from God and not the show that may be on display.

- Other ministers be given responsibilities (not running the church) in order to assist the pastor of these mega-churches in being fulltime pastors and utilizing their study time with the Lord.

- As a Connectional family that seasoned pastors be given opportunity to share more of their stories at conferences, workshops, Board of Examiners Institute, and not focus on the individuals' calling and personal happenings in their life.

That the Spirit of the Lord be with pastors which, will allow them to discern what to say and not to say, do and not do.

The Rev. Dargenae' Patterson

4. THE EDITOR’S TRIBUTE TO THE REVEREND ALDUSTUS EARL JORDAN, SR.:

The Reverend Aldustus Earl Jordan was an important person in my life. When I moved to Rahway, New Jersey in November 1957, he was the pastor of Ebenezer AME Church. I went to Second Baptist Church on my first Sunday in Rahway. It seemed to be where all of the young people attended church. I just did not get a good feeling and I knew that was not the spiritual home for me.

The next Sunday, I went to Sunday School at Ebenezer AME Church on Central Avenue and the minute I walked onto the church, I knew that I had found my spiritual home. The Reverend A. Earl Jordan introduced himself to me as soon as I entered the building. After a few minutes with him, it was confirmed in my mind that I had found “church home” before I had even attended the morning worship service. I knew that I was going to join Ebenezer. I could not wait for the sermon to end and for the invitation to be extended. I probably went forward before the congregation started singing and before Reverend Jordan extended the invitation. I joined Ebenezer on that cold November morning in 1957. I had found a church home and I had found a pastor. I remember that Reverend Jordan was young and he had a large family.

He was the young pastor of Ebenezer and I understood that he was in his late 20’s, As I said, when he greeted me as I walked into Ebenezer, I knew that I had found a church home; actually I found more than a church home. I found a family. His family became my family. He saw something in me and he mentored me from the time we met.

He would take me with his wife and children when he went to visit his family (or his wife’s family) in New York. I spent a lot to time with him and he knew that I was “running away from the ministry.” He told me to “take my time” and I would know what God had in mind for me. I worked in my newfound home at Ebenezer AME Church. Reverend Jordan took me to my first annual conference. It was in Jersey City, New Jersey. The Right Reverend George Baber was the presiding bishop. I attended the ordination service on a Saturday in 1958. Reverend Jordan laid the foundation for my ministry.

Reverend Jordan was transferred from Ebenezer and I remember how hurt the congregation was when he was assigned to another charge. I can remember how hurt I was. I cannot remember where he was assigned, I just know that his, and his family’s departure, saddened us all.

I did not get an opportunity to acknowledge my call to the ministry because it seemed now that his reassignment was sudden. The Reverend Jesse F. Owens was assigned to Ebenezer and I accepted my call to ministry, but Reverend Jordan had planted the seed for ministry.

I finished college and seminary and pastored in the Kentucky Annual Conference. I went into the Army as a Chaplain and when I attended the Advanced Chaplains Course, I reconnected with Reverend Jordan and he was so happy to learn of my progress. He was pastoring in Harlem and he had me to preach for him. It was an opportunity that I will never forget. After that, we saw each other at General Conferences, he was excited about my ministry, and I was excited about his ministry. Reverend Jordan was as proud of me as he was of his children.

I retired from the military chaplaincy after 28 years and was elected as the 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder at the 47th Quadrennial General Conference that was held in Indianapolis in 2004. I count the Reverend Aldustus Earl Jordan, Sr. as a mentor, friend, and an inspiration for my ministry and especially as one of the foundation blocks in my position as a General Officer in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. I will always remember the young pastor I had as a teenager who ministered so well to young people. I recall his sermons and especially his admiration for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Reverend Aldustus Earl Jordan, Sr, was a true embodiment of Bishop Richard Allen and the Free African Society. Reverend Jordan did the work that was assigned to his hands and he influenced a number of lives and most importantly, my life.

He will be missed and I hope that I can be, and am, the inspiration to others as The Reverend Aldustus Earl Jordan was.

5. WE HAVE COME ALONG WAY, BUT WE HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO:

We have come a long way or so it seemed until Christmas day 2005.

My daughter was blessed with two versions of the doll at the top of her Christmas Wish List, Baby Annabell. She received the Original (white) Baby Annabell from her Godparents and the Ethnic (black) Baby Annabell from Santa, her parents.

There were subtle differences between the two dolls that my daughter did not notice in her excitement. She did not notice that the Original (white version) came in a window box covered with cellophane to protect it from dust and dirt, while the Ethnic (black version) came in an uncovered window box. Maybe our daughter missed the fact that the Original had a cute donut shaped baby bottle decorated with a floating heart and a sheep face top which matched her outfit, while the Ethnic baby had an old-fashioned bottle decorated with the sheep face decal. My daughter did notice the Original came with a diaper. The diaper was missing from the Ethnic version.

I noticed these differences immediately and remembered the sinking feeling I felt as a little girl when I realized the white dolls were always more beautiful than the black dolls. How I longed for a black baby doll with beautiful brown skin and manageable hair. That longing was always met with disappointment when I received an ash-black doll with matted hair. Back then, I thought, “the white doll must be better. She has the 'good hair' adorned with pretty bows and the fancy dress trimmed in lace.” The white dolls were definitely more pleasing to the eye than its black counterpart was. I am thinking now that it may have been the accessories that created the difference in my mind.

Yes, the message is as clear to me today, as it was 30 years ago, the perception created and maintained that one group of people is superior to another group of people. The packaging and accessories send the message, and very plainly, that whites are better than blacks are. What a terrible message to send to an innocent group of youngsters. How many other ways is this trend of thought still being silently, but blatantly communicated to our black youth?

And, to add injury to the insult is that the Ethnic Baby Annabell costs, on the average, $5 more than the Original. In what other venues are we spending more for less, based on ethnicity?

So, on Christmas day 2005, as my daughter tore open the boxes of her two new dolls, I asked myself, “Have we really come a long way?” And, my reply was, “Yes, but we still have a long way to go!”

Editor’s note: Joanna Wells Sydnor Kibwe is Editor Sydnor’s Daughter-in-law and lives in Hampton, Virginia

6. ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF TURNER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY PREPARES FOR THEIR ANNUAL DAY AT THE 112TH FOUNDERS DAY CELEBRATION ON FEBRUARY 7, 2008:

The Rev. Kyle C. Gibson

The Alumni Association of Turner Theological Seminary has been hard at work over the past year putting together an alumni day that represents the make up of our talented and gifted alumni. We would like to take this time to invite you to celebrate and witness what the new administration has in store for you. This will be the first Founder’s Day Celebration under the leadership of our new President, Rev Ammie Davis-Miller, who has made a commitment to make the Alumni Association of Turner Seminary the best. On Monday, February 6, 2006 the Executive Board and Standing Committees will meet at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 President Miller has planned a welcome reception at Paschal’s Restaurant for Alumni and Friends.

Tuesday’s morning, at 8:30 a.m. the Alumni Association will host their annual Breakfast Gala where the Keynote Speaker will be Civil Rights Leader C. T. Vivian. Vivian was a close friend and lieutenant of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He is the Founder of Black Actions Strategies and Information Center (BASIC), was a Freedom Rider and a member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. The cost of this breakfast is $20.00 and it will be held at the Interdenominational Theological Center (I. T. C.) Cafe; all proceeds for the breakfast will go toward the Alumni Association’s Fund Development Campaign, which is used to raise funds for Turner Theological Seminary.

Following the Breakfast, the Alumni Association will hold its Annual Business Session in the Franklin Auditorium on the campus of I. T. C. The members of Turner Alumni will discuss several important issues that guide our illustrious institution to a higher level. At the conclusion of the Alumni meeting, we will break for lunch, and then come together for a Wreath Laying Ceremony at South View Cemetery, the Grave Site of Bishop Henry McNeal Turner.

On returning to campus, the Alumni will sponsor a Workshop titled: Can the Floppy Disk Generation Minister to A C-Rom Generation. Our Moderator, The Reverend Ellis Washington, in response to the topic, responding saying “the question is rather "How Can The Floppy Disk Generation Minister To A CD-Rom Generation?" He also reminds us “that we must minister across generational lines is a given if we are to survive and remain relevant!” The members of the panel are: Melee Connor, Julius McAllister Jr., John White II, Bobby Cox, Estella Shiraz, and Kevin McKeithen.

We will then take a break and return for the Alumni Worship Service. This year our Preacher will be The Reverend Dr. Leslie White of Grant A.M.E. Church in Los Angeles, CA. This year’s Alumni Day will be one of the best we have ever had. Make your plans now to be there, hope to see you as we “Celebrate our History and Culture: Pursuing our Future.”

7. KENTUCKY CONFERENCE LEADERSHIP TRAINING FOR STEWARDS, TRUSTEES AND CLASS LEADERS:

Saturday, January 7, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at St. Paul A.M.E. Church, 215 Douglas Avenue, Versailles, Kentucky. Registration fee is $5.00 per person (lunch)

Please note that two sessions for each leadership group has been scheduled to allow those serving in dual roles to receive the appropriate training.

Training Schedule:

10:00-10:30: Plenary Session
10:30-12:00 Noon: Concurrent Session I
Stewards –

The Rev. Ralph Johnson, Instructor
Trustees – Rev. Dr. Robert A. Strode, Instructor
Class Leaders – Rev. Frederick E. Hale, Instructor

12:00 Noon: Lunch

1:00-2:30: Concurrent Session II

Stewards – Presiding Elder Ralph Johnson, Instructor
Trustees - Rev. Dr. Robert A. Strode, Instructor
Class Leaders – Rev. Frederick E. Hale, Instructor

8. ST. JAMES AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE SELECTED AS HOST CHURCH FOR 5TH NATIONAL OBSERVANCE OF JUSTICE SUNDAY:

St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church, Memphis, along with the National Alliance of Faith and Justice (NAFJ) of the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice, invite you and your congregation to participate in the 5th National Observance of Justice Sunday weekend. Memphis has been selected as the host city for 2006 and St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church has the honor of being the 2006 host church.

The mission of NAFJ is to promote the value of the inclusion of faith in addressing consequences and resolution of crime. For the past five years, our organization has received a Grant of Rights to utilize Dr. King’s quotes and images in conjunction with the goals and principles of Justice Sunday.

NAFJ is focusing on Dr. King’s advocating “the social gospel” through:

- Offenders returning in massive numbers to communities that are unprepared to receive them
- Children whose parent(s) are incarcerated
- Disproportionate incarceration of people of color due to disparaging sentencing
- Youth who are currently enslaved by drugs, gangs, and disruptive behaviors

On Saturday, January 14, 2006, from 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon, local and national Faith and Justice representatives will meet to engage in a positive dialogue and strategic planning session to “Rally the Armies of Faith, Justice and Compassion” in our community. Activities for children and young adults are at St. James from 1:30 – 5 p.m. McGruff, the crime-fighting dog, has been invited. First Book has been invited to provide free books for young children. Opportunities for youth to envision themselves as “drum majors for freedom” will be offered through historic Underground Railroad simulations that are similar to today’s challenges, video excerpts from “The Intolerable Burden” and workshops on the “Pen or Pencil” will be available to provide the youth with a “Road to Somewhere”. On Sunday, January 15, we invite you to worship with us for a “Service to Encourage” worship experience at 10 a.m. at St. James A.M.E. Church, 600 N. Fourth St., Memphis.

We hope you and your YPD Department will share with us during this 2-day event. We look forward to meeting and working with you. For further information on these events and how you can participate, please contact Sister Beverly Goines at 901.603.3047.

Yours in the Struggle,


Rev. Walter Winstead Reid, Jr., Pastor
St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church

Mrs. Beverly T. Goines
Co-Chair Public Relations Commission
St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church
901.603.3047

Justice Sunday Committee:

Rev. Walter Winstead Reid, Jr.
Beverly T. Goines
Gale Millen
Gwen Foxx
Evelyn Thurman
Gale Scott
E. Jean Gill
Essie Thurman
Irma Higgs
Jodie Higgs
Dorothy Rozier

St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church
600 North Fourth Street
Memphis, TN 38107
Phone: 901.525.2017; Fax: 901.525.6233

Visit us @ www.stjamesame-memphis.org
Listen to us at 2 p.m. Sundays on local station, AM 1340 WLOK

9. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Mrs. Helen B. Isom, ministers widow, 6th Episcopal District, former Parliamentarian of the Connectional WMS passed.

Arrangements
Funeral:
Thursday, January 5, 2006
11:00 AM
Turner Monumental AME Church66 Howard Street, NE Atlanta, GA 30317
404-378-5970 (Phone)

Services are entrusted to:

Willie A Watkins Funeral Home
1003 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd., SW
Atlanta, GA 30310
(404) 758-1731 (Phone)
404) 758-3246 (Fax)

Condolences may be sent to the family of Mrs. Helen B. Isom:

Send condolences to:

Turner Monumental AME Church (Address above)
Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home (Address above)

10. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Amber Chambliss, the daughter of Mr. Francis Chambliss (member of Union Bethel AME Church, New Orleans, LA) and Mrs. Jean Chambliss, former residents of New Orleans, LA now residing in Baton Rouge, LA.

Amber Chambliss is the niece of Captain Carroll R. Chambliss, US Navy Retired.

Arrangements:

Funeral
Tuesday, January 3, 2006
10:30 AM
St. Jean Vianney Catholic Church
16166 South Harrells Ferry Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
225-753-7950 (Phone)
225-753-7965 (Fax)

Condolences may be sent to:
Caption Carroll R. Chambliss, US Navy Retired
200 N. Pickett St. # 708
Alexandria, VA 22304
703-823-2616 (Phone)
Email condolences:cchambliss1@comcast.net

11. CLERGY FAMILY 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.

12. 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.