THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (2/19/10)

Bishop Richard Franklin Norris - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder

1. EDITORIAL – THE LEADERSHIP LESSONS OF THE RIGHT REV. RICHARD ALLEN ARE RELEVANT TODAY:

Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III,
The 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder

Bishop Richard Allen was born 250 years ago, came into this world as a slave, he and his family were sold by one slave master to another, he did not have the opportunity to attend public or private school, was not a high school graduate, purchased his freedom by the time he was 20 years old, never attended college, did not have an opportunity to attend seminary, had no Wall Street investments, was considered a second-class citizen because of his race, was rejected by his fellow church members at St. George’s Methodist Episcopal Church, pulled off of his knees while in prayer, and criticized, even when he attempted to do the right thing.

Richard Allen’s life had the recipe for failure and mediocrity, but he did not let the circumstances of his birth, his station in life or what other persons thought about him, define his reality. In spite of all of the negativity in his life, the economic constraints, and the racial and religious prejudice he experienced; Richard Allen excelled and proved himself to be a leader.

His legacy and leadership lessons are worthy to be emulated by clergy and laity, not only clergy and laity of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, but by people of all denominations and faith groups. His leadership lessons are universal and timeless.

I want to share several leadership lessons of Richard Allen from my soon to be published book, The Leadership Lessons of the Right Rev. Richard Allen.

Richard Allen’s model of leadership is relevant and effective today. Organizations will be more efficient if persons in leadership positions would follow the leadership lessons of the Right Rev. Richard Allen.

- Richard Allen had vision and refused to accept the status quo:

Richard Allen said, “I had it often impressed upon my mind that I should one day enjoy my freedom; for slavery is a bitter pill, notwithstanding we had a good master.”

- Richard Allen did not let the circumstances of his birth define his reality:

Richard Allen had a determination to be free. He worked nights and at off-hours cutting cord wood and doing odd jobs and by the time he was 20, bought his freedom.

- Richard Allen was not deterred by setbacks and rejection:

Richard Allen was “read out” of the Free African Society because he was not in agreement with the organization’s position of adopting the quiet Quaker style of worship because he felt that blacks needed a more spiritually spontaneously expressive style of worship that he experienced with the Methodists. When Richard Allen experienced persecution from the Methodist leadership and from some of the blacks who remained at St. George’s, he remarked that he was “… thankful to Almighty God, who was our deliverer.”

- Richard Allen understood the concept that the church extended beyond the church building:

Richard Allen did as much, or more work in the community as he did within the environs of Mother Bethel. He worked tirelessly during the 1793 Philadelphia Yellow Fever Epidemic, was a community leader in Philadelphia among blacks and whites and was active in the abolitionist movement.

- Richard Allen recognized the importance of education:

Shortly after Bethel’s founding, Richard Allen established a children's day school and an adult night school.

- Richard Allen did not quit because of opposition:

The blacks, who remained at St. George's after the 1787 schism, accused Richard Allen of segregating the races and there was the continuous struggle with the trustees at St. George's who fought to control Mother Bethel's affairs.

Many of the challenges that Richard Allen faced still exist today and people who do not tackle their challenges and demons are surrounded by unfulfilled lives and even failure.

There are individuals today who are slaves to their own inability to conquer the fears and demons in their lives. Some do not see the value of training and education; others are trapped in an economic quagmire and haven’t developed a strategy to overcome their predicament; still others are victims or perpetrators of crime; and many individuals have accepted their “station in life” and have become satisfied, and even comfortable with the status quo.

Some organizations, even some AME Churches, have the same attributes as individuals in not rising above the slave state of mind, unable to conquer their fears and demons, and see little value of even attempting to move from “poor to good” or from “good to great.” Some organizations and some churches refuse to see the value of education and training or to see the importance of maintaining a high ethical environment and have become satisfied with their state of affairs that currently exist.

Those organizations and individuals need to examine and adopt the “The Leadership Lessons of the Right Rev. Richard Allen.

His legacy and leadership lessons are worthy to be emulated by clergy and laity because his leadership lessons are universal and timeless.

2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:

To the Editor:

RE: Editorial – Richard Allen’s Legacy and Memory Should be “Sacredly Cherished”

The absence of the mention of Richard Allen in any church on Founder’s Day Sunday was scandalous and shows laziness, apathy, and lack of pastoral oversight. When we don't do what's necessary to educate our children about our roots, what can we expect for the future? It's an insult to the entire African Methodist Episcopal Church not to even mention its founder on "Founder's Day." At least a mention of Richard Allen should have come across every pulpit last Sunday!

Name Withheld

3. A SERVICE OF SACRED WORSHIP IN MEMORY OF THE REVEREND DR. SHERMAN L. GREENE, JR. -1906 – 2010:

*Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III

The homegoing celebration for the Rev. Dr. Sherman L. Greene, Jr., a life-long member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, was held on Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at Bethel AME Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where the Rev. Dr. Joseph N. Cousin, Sr. serves as the pastor.

Dr. Greene was a retired pastor, retired General Officer and former college president. He served as a General Officer as the Secretary-Treasurer, Educational Institutions. He served as president of Campbell College in Vicksburg, Mississippi and president of Paul Quinn College in Waco, Texas.

Beautiful Bethel AME Church, located at 900 John A. Woods Drive in Ann Arbor is a beautiful facility and was the appropriate place for friends, colleagues, and family to bid farewell to such a distinguished retired General Officer and churchman.

The Right Rev. John R. Bryant, Senior Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the Presiding Prelate of the 4th Episcopal District; and the Right Rev. C. Garnett Henning, Presiding Prelate of the 3rd Episcopal District were in attendance and were worship participants in the homegoing celebration.

General Officers, Dr. Richard Allen Lewis, AMEC Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer; Dr. Clement W. Fugh, General Secretary/CIO; Dr. Daryl B. Ingram, Executive Director, Department of Christian Education; and Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor of The Christian Recorder attended the homegoing of their fellow General Officer.

Bishop John R. Bryant delivered a powerful eulogy and challenged the congregation to live as Dr. Greene had lived. Bishop Bryant had known Dr. Greene for many years and shared how Dr. Greene had been his mentor.

Dr. Clement W. Fugh delivered words of tribute on behalf of the active and retired General Officers and the Bethel AME Church combined choir, accompanied by Mr. Bob Brake provided superb musical selections.

The Rev. Cousin, pastor of Bethel AME Church, Ann Arbor was the worship leader for the homegoing service. The Rev. Michael Cousin, brother of Pastor Joseph Cousin read the Old Testament scripture. Other participants included the Rev. Dr. Robert Brumfield, pastor of Oak Grove AME Church in Detroit, Michigan; and the Rev. Dr. David Saunders. The Rev. Norman V. Osborne, Presiding Elder of the South District, Michigan Annual Conference; the Rev. H. Michel Lemming, Presiding Elder of the North District of the Michigan Annual Conference both gave moving tribute about Dr. Greene and his mentorship of young pastors.

Ms. Barbara Robinson, Fourth District Lay officer and a member of Bethel, Ann Arbor gave comments about Dr. Greene as a person and how personable he was and shared with the congregation Dr. Greene’s love for Bethel. Granddaughter Gwen Criglar also gave moving comments about her grandfather.

Dr. Greene’s grandmother was a slave and his father was the 51st elected and consecrated bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

He was educated at Shorter College in Little Rock, Arkansas and Wilberforce University in Ohio. He earned a Master of Divinity from Payne Theological Seminary and later awarded the honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Payne Theological Seminary. He also held a master’s degree from Columbia University.

Dr. Greene was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

When he was a young man he fell I love with the former Zadie Elizabeth Morgan and they were married for 65 years. She preceded him in death in 1992. The couple had two children; Velma Greene Clarke, who preceded him in death in 2003 and Sherman III. His son, Sherman Greene III retired from social work and lives in New York City.

Dr. Greene answered the call to ministry in 1932 was ordained an elder by his father, Bishop Sherman Lawrence Greene.

Dr. Greene was appointed to his first pastorate when he was 26 years old. He served congregations in Louisiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and Massachusetts. He served as presiding elder in two different episcopal districts, and also served as president of two AME colleges.

He retired in 1976 and moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan when he was 76 years old so that he could live near his daughter.

Dr. Greene has one granddaughter, Gwendolyn Criglar; a great-granddaughter, Fakisha, and a great-great granddaughter, Taylor. He had an extended family and caregivers, Bertha Clemons, Lisa, and Peter.

The congregation at Bethel AME Church in Ann Arbor celebrated his 100th Birthday in May 2007 with a special worship service and party. At the time, he told his friends the simple formula he discovered for success and happiness in life, “You need education and you need religion,” he said.

*This article was written with the assistance of Mrs. Gwen Criglar and the homegoing worship bulletin


4. 16TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT GRATEFUL FOR DONOR SUPPORT of $65,000:

The 16th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is grateful for the generous support of the Church’s Earthquake Disaster Relief efforts. To date the 16th Episcopal District has received from donors directly, $65,000 rounded to the nearest thousand.

I will publish on a monthly basis the amounts sent to the 16th Episcopal District and deposited in the special Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund Account in the 16th District.

Bishop Sarah F. Davis
Presiding Prelate, 16th Episcopal District

5. MRS. ADRIAN MORRIS, CONNECTIONAL OFFICER AND 3RD EPISCOPAL DISTRICT LAYPERSON SHARES A GREAT FOUNDER’S DAY IDEA:

If your church is still celebrating Founder’s Day, there might be time to use this idea.

In the spirit of sharing “best practices,” I am sharing the great idea that was shared me at the Cincinnati District (Ohio Annual Conference) Founder’s Day Celebration that was held at Brown Chapel AME Church where the Rev. Elmer Martin is the pastor. The Rev. Dr. Wilton Blake is the Presiding Elder of the Cincinnati District.

Mrs. Adrian Morris**, an outstanding church person and a leading Layperson in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, shared this idea with me.

Sister Morris and the laity of her church made a Founder’s Day 250th Anniversary Commemorative Badge that was the size of a calling card. On the badge was an image of Richard Allen, the dates of his birth and death and with the words, “Founder and First Consecrated Bishop – African Methodist Episcopal Church.” The commemorative badge was laminated with a clip so that the badge could be worn on the lapel or clothing. The laity of her church sold the badges for a donation of $2.50 each, a penny for each year since the birth of Richard Allen.

The badge was so well-done that when I arrived home, I removed the metal clip and have placed the badge in my Bible as a souvenir of the 250th Celebration of the birth of Richard Allen.

I thought to myself, what a nice inexpensive way to commemorate the semiquincentennial celebration of the birth of our founder, while at the same time, have a nice souvenir that can be kept as a reminder of this important milestone.

One might also note that 100 badges at $2.50 equals $250.00; not a bad fundraiser.

**Sister Morris is a member of Bethel AME Church in Lockland, Ohio and the serves as the Connectional WMS Historiographer and Statistician. She also serves as the Administrative Assistant to the Rev. Wilton Blake, Presiding Elder of the Cincinnati District (3rd Episcopal District).

6. MESSAGE FROM THE REV. DR. MARK TYLER REQUESTING ASSISTANCE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE MINISTRY OF BISHOP RICHARD A. HILDEBRAND:


I'm currently in the process of recording Bishop Richard A. Hildebrand's life events on video and audio. Hopefully, this project will assist him in writing his autobiography. As many of you know, Bishop Hildebrand recently celebrated his 94th birthday this month and is looking forward to celebrating the Bicentennial Quadrennial General Conference in 2016 that will be held in Philadelphia.

It would be helpful is if any of you who worked with or served under Bishop Hildebrand would share any stories or events that you remember about him. Any information that any of you would be willing to share would be helpful in writing Bishop Hildebrand’s autobiography.

Please share this request with others who knew him.

Thank you for your help.

Mark Kelly Tyler, Ph.D
Senior Pastor
Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
419 South 6th Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19147
215-925-0616


7. RESPONSE TO BISHOP JEFFREY LEATH AND BISHOP ADAM J. RICHARDSON’S COMMENTS, “METHODISTS TACKLE INEFFECTIVE CLERGY, CONGREGATIONS”:

*Brother Jessie Herbert Kirkland II

Reference is made to the articles, written in The Christian Recorder (Print edition), dated November 16, 2009, by Bishop Jeffrey Leath and Bishop Adam J. Richardson’s response to TCR

Newsbreak-United Methodist Tackle in effective Clergy Congregations.

In my opinion, one must have good communication skills, to be an effective leader and/or minister. The Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church emphasizes one should have at least two years of college or an associate degree. One should major in a discipline requiring communication skills and leadership skills to facilitate the mastery of connecting to people in congregation.

The basic foundation and authority of one’s desire to preach the gospel is already established by their acknowledgement to accept the call from God to preach the Word. It is through our personal belief in God through Jesus Christ, as stated in Romans 10:9-10; “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt believe in the heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation for the scripture saith, who so ever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.”

I believe that the growth of a congregation is a reflection of the total commitment of the pastor’s compliance and obedience to God’s Commandments. The sheep hear the Shepherd’s voice and they will follow it

This is not complicated stuff. Everything is so simple - even a child can lead. We, as a people, are always looking for someone to lead us through the hardships of these economic conditions, chaos, rioting, out of control crime in our neighborhoods and whenever things go wrong in our environments and get out of control. People are always watching us and if we follow the footsteps of Jesus Christ, somebody just might follow our footsteps.

God placed humankind on earth to be the caretaker and we, as men and women, should step up and obey God’s commandments, resulting in an increase in saving souls, congregations and Godly people answering the call in the ministry.

We should love one another. St. Matthew 22:37-40 says, “Thou shalt love the LORD thy GOD with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with thy entire mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

James 1:5-6. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraided not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”

James 1:22-25. “But be ye doers of the word and not hears only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholds himself, and goeth his way and straightway forget what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in hid deed.”

I humbly say these words in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

*Brother Jessie Herbert Kirkland II is a faithful member of Visitors Chapel A.M.E. Church in El Paso, Texas 79903.

8. WEBSITE BEING DEVELOPED TO CONNECT RETIRED AME CLERGY:

The Rev. Alton Paris, retired AME pastor is developing a new website. He is hoping to connect the retired “servants” (clergy) of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The website is not finished, but individuals are invited to take a look at it and comment and share suggestions about the website. Go to: http://retired-amem.rev-al-paris.net.
Persons wishing to make comments / suggestions can drop a note to the Rev. Alton Paris, email: pastor101@gmail.com

9. BISHOP KIRKLAND OFFERS A RECIPE FOR AFRICAN-AMERICAN AND AFRICAN METHODIST PROGRESS:

*The Rev. V. Gordon Glenn III

Bethel AME Church, Kansas City, Missouri hosted the Midwest Conference Founder’s Day Celebration

Kansas City, MO, February 14, 2010: For the first time since the former Northwest Missouri Conference and the former Kansas-Nebraska Conference came together to form the Midwest Conference, there was one Founder’s Day celebration held on the same day in the same place for the whole conference to experience together. For this auspicious occasion, Bishop T. Larry Kirkland was the preacher and Bethel AME Church in Kansas City, Missouri was the place.

Following the processional, host pastor, The Rev. Spencer L. Booker, led the assembled congregation in the Call to Worship and in the reverent singing of the Negro National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

The program committee made sure that the liturgists were inclusive of the ministry components that make up the Midwest Conference. It began with Sister Margaret Rhone, representing the Clergy Family Organization, offering up the opening prayer. It continued with the Women’s Missionary Society, who offered the Scripture lessons, represented by Sister Thelma Cunningham, President and Sister Kelly Rhea, 2nd Vice President.

Protocol was established and The Occasion was offered by AME Ministerial Alliance President, The Rev. Gordon Glenn, who made note of the 250th anniversary of the birth of our founder, Richard Allen, hailing him as the example of the preacher, prophet, and protestor who, with others, gave birth to the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

The Midwest Conference Adult Choir, under the direction of the 5th Episcopal District Co-director of Music, Sister Ida Gordon-Williams took us to the highest heights of praise with selections: “For this, I Give You Praise” and “God Is.”

From the balcony of Bethel rang out the melodious sounds of the Midwest Conference Youth Choir, under the direction of the Rev. Bridget Mitchell, who sang “He Has Done Marvelous Things.”

Continuing the theme of inclusiveness, The Founder’s Day Litany was lead by YPD President Sister Sakaaja Sowell and 2nd Vice President Brother Garret Palmer.

The worship leader, the Rev. Steven A. Cousin, Presiding Elder of the Midwest South District called on the Rev. Eraina Aseme, who read proclamations from government officials representing the three states that the Midwest Conference occupies, namely: Governor of Missouri, the Mayor/CEO of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County, Kansas, the Mayor of Omaha, Nebraska, the Mayor of Topeka, Kansas and the Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri.

Following the presentation of Bishop Kirkland by Presiding Elder Donna F. Roberson of the Midwest North District, Bishop Kirkland had us on our feet as by singing one of his favorite hymns, “Like a Ship That’s Tossed and Driven.”

Bishop Kirkland preached our hearts happy from Jeremiah 29: 4-9, “A Recipe for African-American and African Methodist Progress.”

Bishop Kirkland advised us, if we wish to have progress in our Church, we must do three things: (1) Reestablish our spiritual priorities, (2) Develop some financial independence, and (3) Don’t listen to the false prophets.

The Spirit “showed up and showed out” as the Invitation to Christian Discipleship was extended by the Women In Ministry (WIM) representative, the Rev. Brenda Smith while Brother Brandon Stancil of Allen Chapel AME Church in Kansas City, Missouri, and the Rev. Booker lead the congregation in singing, “Never Would have made it.”

Presiding Elders Roberson and Cousin along with the Founder’s Day Committee, Pastor Booker and the whole Bethel AME Church family left no stone unturned in their hospitality and willingness to go beyond the call of duty to ensure that this first, and perhaps not last, Midwest Conference Founder’s Day Celebration was a blessing to God and to the assembled congregation.

*The Rev. V. Gordon Glenn III serves as the Midwest South District Publicity Chair & Midwest Conference Co-Director of Public Relations


10. BISHOP C. GARNETT HENNING, SR. GUEST PREACHER FOR FOUNDER’S DAY CELEBRATION IN ALIQUIPPA, PENNSYLVANIA:

*Miss Shelly Brown

The Allegheny Scranton District celebrated Founder’s Day on Sunday, February 14, 2010 at New Ebenezer A.M.E. Church in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. The host pastor was the Reverend Dr. Helen M. Burton.

As clergy and laity assembled, the ministry of music was provided by various choirs of the District; Wayman Chapel – New Brighton; Bethel - Tarentum; and the host church choir New Ebenezer - Aliquippa, the Holy Spirit was in the place. Feet were tapping and hands were clapping!

The Reverend Dr. Eric L. Brown, Presiding Elder of the Allegheny Scranton District, a candidate for General Secretary/CIO 2012, introduced the Right Reverend C. Garnett Henning, Sr., Presiding Prelate 3rd Episcopal District, the guest preacher for the occasion.

Bishop Henning preached with power and conviction from the subject, "Renewing Our Faith" taken from Isaiah 51:1-11. He stated just as the Israelites had a great challenge whether to stay right where they were and die; go over to the other camp and die; or go towards the Army and may be die, they chose not to give up. Just as Richard Allen was challenged, he didn't give up. Not giving up is in our DNA. The foundation that Richard Allen stood on is the same foundation we need to stand on today which is the Rock! God has a future for the African Methodist Episcopal Church as God's way supersedes everything else.

*Miss Shelly Brown is the Allegheny Scranton District Administrative Assistant

11. LUKENS HISTORIC DISTRICT TO PRESENT COMMUNITY LEADER, GLADYS FLAMER, 103, WITH REBECCA LUKENS AWARD:

Coatesville, PA -- February 17, 2010 -- The Graystone Society, located in the Lukens National Historic District in Coatesville, Pennsylvania has announced its fourth annual Rebecca Lukens Award to be presented to noted Coatesville and Chester County community, church and political leader, Gladys Flamer.

Gladys Flamer has been a faithful member of Hutchinson UAME Church in Coatesville since 1925. The Union American Methodist Episcopal (UAME) Church was organized by Peter Spencer in 1813. The UAME Church was a group of black Methodists who formed an independent denomination that came to be known as the African Union Church, now UAME Church.

The Graystone Society honors individuals who exhibit the qualities of Rebecca Lukens, which commemorate Rebecca Lukens' 216th birthday.

Gladys Flamer was born in 1906 in Christiana and was one of thirteen children, was just a young girl out of Benner High School when she took the job as laundress at the home of Lukens Steel resident, Robert Wolcott at his estate in Thorndale. Eventually, through hard work and dedication, she would achieve the position of head cook. Gladys remembers her days at The Wolcott Estate, "as sometimes polishing silver for two days straight," or watching the "dogs as big as cows" being walked.

Because education was hard to come by, especially for African-American girls, Mrs. Flamer's parents aligned their daughter with people who had the benefit of a higher education. One such group hailed from Cheyney University and traveled to meet then-first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt for a luncheon in the White House. Mrs. Flamer recalls, "Three cars traveled from Coatesville to the White House from Cheyney. Most of those people are dead now. God blessed me to be here after they have gone." Seven decades later that same university would bestow a full scholarship upon Mrs. Flamer.

Mrs. Flamer's illustrious and diversified career would take her in many directions. She once owned a beauty shop in Coatesville for twenty years. She was a License Practical Nurse at the VA Medical Center and Embreeville Hospital. She also worked for Lukens Steel and the Pennsylvania Railroad. Many also remember her tenure as a sales associate at Strawbridge and Clothier at the age of 90.

She is an active member of Hutchinson UAME Church and is politically shrewd. Her dedication to her community includes membership in The Coatesville Historical Commission, The Eastern Stars, The Better Community Group and Better Housing and Politics, the Sick Committee, the Coatesville Senior Center, the local NAACP and the Hyacinth Federated Club (among others). She is a Judge of Elections in her fifth ward and she still attends Council Meetings. She continues to bake homemade pies and serves lunch to the Thursday Retired Men's Club. She received a host of awards and honors for dedicated service and devotion to hard work in many of these organizations.

Mrs. Flamer says her secret to longevity is, "Serving the Lord. I was raised in the church. The saints are supposed to take care of the Lord's Temple."

The Rebecca Lukens Award will be presented to Gladys Flamer at a reception in the Lukens Executive Office Building, 50 South First Avenue, in Coatesville, Pa., on March 18, 2010, from 5 to 7 p.m. Tickets and reservations are required. This event also is made possible through the kindness of the following sponsors:

For event information and reservations, please contact The Graystone Society at 610-384-9282 or graystone@lukensnhd.org.

For more information on this release, kindly contact Melinda Williams at The Williams Group, 610-518-4888 or visit: www.thewilliamsgroup.info.

For event information/reservations, kindly contact The Graystone Society at 610-384-9282 or graystone@lukensnhd.org

12. THE 2010 SEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT CALENDAR:

The Right Rev. Preston Warren Williams, Presiding Prelate
Mrs. Wilma Delores Williams, Episcopal Supervisor

MARCH 3 – 5, 2010 MID-YEAR CONVOCATION
Florence Civic Center
Florence, SC

MARCH 6, 2010 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION: SIMULTANEOUS CHRISTIAN EDUCATION DAY
Simultaneous – 6 locations
South Carolina

MARCH 12 – 14, 2010 MINISTERS SPOUSES, WIDOWS, AND WIDOWERS ORGANIZATION + KIDS
(MSWWO + PKS)
Embassy Suites Greenville Golf Resort & Conference Centers
Greenville, SC

MARCH 25, 2010 FIRST LADIES LUNCHEON
Location TBD

MARCH 26 – 28, 2010 SED YPD RETREAT
Location TBD

APRIL 9 – 11, 2010 CONNECTIONAL YPD LEADERSHIP TRAINING INSTITUTE

APRIL 15 – 17, 2010 CONNECTIONAL CHRISTIAN EDUCATION MINISTRIES MEETING

APRIL 23 – 25, 2010 CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION (CLO) EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING
Detroit, MI

APRIL 30, 2010 ALLEN UNIVERSITY’S BACCALAUREATE SERVICES

MAY 1, 2010 ALLEN UNIVERSITY’S COMMENCEMENT

MAY 2 – 6, 2010 CONNECTIONAL CONFERENCE ON STEWARDSHIP AND COMMITMENT
Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront Hotel
Jacksonville, FL

JUNE 10 – 12, 2010 SEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT LAY ORGANIZATION’S CONVENTION
Central Annual Conference Hosting
Williams Chapel
Orangeburg, SC

JUNE 23 – 25, 2010 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION LEADERS CONGRESS (16+)
Florence Civic Center
Florence, SC

JUNE 27 – 30, 2010 GENERAL BOARD AND COUNCIL OF BISHOPS MEETING
Investiture: June 28, 2010
Council of Bishops Worship Service: June 28, 2010
Birmingham, AL

JULY 17, 2010 BISHOP PRESTON W. WILLIAMS II BIRTHDAY


AUGUST 14, 2010 DR. WILMA DELORES WEBB-WILLIAMS’ BIRTHDAY


AUGUST 20 – 21, 2010 PALMETTO ANNUAL CONFERENCE – YOUTH SUMMIT
Location TBD

AUGUST 22, 2010 PALMETTO ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DMC
Location TBD

AUGUST 23 – 27, 2010 PALMETTO ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Session 100th Session
Host Church Greater Goodwill AME Church, Mt. Pleasant
Host Pastor The Reverend Herbert Temoney
Host Presiding Elder The Reverend Charles Graves
Co-Host Presiding Elder The Reverend Rosalyn Coleman
Co-Host Presiding Elder The Reverend Dr. Allen W. Parrott

AUGUST 27 – 28, 2010 NORTHEAST ANNUAL CONFERENCE – YOUTH SUMMIT
Location TBD

AUGUST 29, 2010 NORTHEAST ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DMC
Location TBD

AUGUST 30 – NORTHEAST ANNUAL CONFERENCE

SEPTEMBER 3, 2010
Session 119th Session
Host Church Bethel AME Church, Conway
Host Pastor The Reverend Richard W. Crummy
Host Presiding Elder The Reverend Dr. William Smith
Co-Host Presiding Elder The Reverend Robert Cooper
Co-Host Presiding Elder The Reverend Dr. Robert McCants

SEPTEMBER 10 – 11, 2010 COLUMBIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE – YOUTH SUMMIT
Location Allen University

SEPTEMBER 12, 2010 COLUMBIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DMC
Location TBD

SEPTEMBER 13 – 17, 2010 COLUMBIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Session 133rd Session
Host Church Emmanuel AME Church, Columbia
Host Pastor The Reverend Reginald Morton
Host Presiding Elder The Reverend Sandy Drayton
Co-Host Presiding Elder The Reverend Dr. James R. Glover
Co-Host Presiding Elder The Reverend Joseph Postell

SEPTEMBER 17 – 18, 2010 SOUTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE – YOUTH SUMMIT
Location TBD

SEPTEMBER 19, 2010 SOUTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DMC
Location TBD

SEPTEMBER 20 – 24, 2010 SOUTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Session 146th Session
Host Church St. Stephen AME Church, Hardeeville
Host Pastor The Reverend Jonathan Roberts
Host Presiding Elder The Reverend Samuel Myers
Co-Host Presiding Elder The Reverend John H. Gillison
Co-Host Presiding Elder The Reverend Malachi Duncan

OCTOBER 1 – 2, 2010 PIEDMONT ANNUAL CONFERENCE – YOUTH SUMMIT
Location TBD

OCTOBER 3, 2010 PIEDMONT ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DMC
Location TBD

OCTOBER 4 – 8, 2010 PIEDMONT ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Session 101th Session
Host Church Long Cane AME Church, Abbeville
Host Pastor The Reverend Julius M. Johnson
Host Presiding Elder The Reverend Samuel L. McPherson
Co-Host Presiding Elder The Reverend Judy Richardson

OCTOBER 8 – 9, 2010 CENTRAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE – YOUTH SUMMIT
Location TBD

OCTOBER 10, 2010 CENTRAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DMC
Location TBD

OCTOBER 11 – 15, 2010 CENTRAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Session 87th Session
Host Church Butler Chapel AME Church, Orangeburg
Host Pastor The Reverend Helen Zeigler
Host Presiding Elder The Reverend Barbara Chisholm
Co-Host Presiding Elder The Reverend Dr. Juenarrl Keith
Co-Host Presiding Elder The Reverend Harry Wilson

NOVEMBER 10 – 12, 2010 POST CONFERENCE CONVOCATION AND THEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE
Florence Convention Center
Florence, SC

13. THE 14TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2010 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:

The Right Rev. David Rwhynica Daniels, Jr., Presiding Prelate
Mrs. Irene Moifoi Daniels, Episcopal Supervisor

NIGERIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
March 11, 2010: W. M. S. Annual Convention
March 12 – 14, 2010: Annual Conference
Host Church: All Saints AME, Iju-Lagos
Host Pastor: The Rev. Margaret Fadehan
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Boniface Essien

COTE D’IVOIRE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
March 19, 2010: W. M. S. Annual Convention
March 20 – 21, 2010: Annual Conference
Host Church: Bryant AME Church
Vridi-Canal, Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire, West Africa
Host Pastor: The Rev. Kenneth Ansah
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Shadrach Adamptey

GHANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
March 24, 2010: W. M. S. Annual Convention
March 25 – 28, 2010: Annual Conference
Host Church: Gethsemane AME
Sekondi, Ghana, West Africa
Host Pastor: The Rev. Albert Amoah
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Anthony Ainu

TOGO/BENIN ANNUAL CONFERENCE
April 1, 2010: W. M. S. Annual Convention
April 2 - 4, 2010: Annual Conference
Host Church: Norris AME Church
Lome, Togo, West Africa
Host Pastor: The Rev. John Afawoubo
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Julien Segniagbeto

LIBERIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
April 6 - 7, 2010: W. M. S. Annual Convention
April 8 – 11, 2010: Annual Conference
Host Church: Eliza Turner Mem. AME Church
Host District: Monrovia District
Host Pastor: The Rev. Takolo Miller
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Dr. E. Topoe Johnson

CENTRAL LIBERIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
April 12 – 13, 2010: W. M. S. Annual Convention
April 14 – 18, 2010: Annual Conference
Host District: Central District
Host Church: Empowerment Temple AME Church
Host Pastor: The Rev. Katurah York Cooper
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. V. Bryant Kporyor

SIERRA LEONE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
April 21, 2010: W.M.S. Annual Convention
April 22 - 25, 2010: Annual Conference
Host Church: St. Helena AME Church
Bai Bureh Road Kissy, Freetown, Sierra Leone, West Africa
Host Pastor: The Reverend Jonathan AS Hooke
Host Presiding Elder: The Reverend Isaac Showers


14. IF WE WERE ALL RICH:

*The Rev. N.T. Pitts

Before I get into my article, let me share with you one of my poems from my book: Thoughts, Quips, Musings and Poems.

Longed not My Soul for Gold
Longed not, my soul for gold
For that, men sought for fame
For that, men have shamed their name
For that, men have lost their pride
For that, men have murdered and died
Treachery, deceit and acts untold
For that, many men have lost their souls.

What kind of world would this world be, if everyone was rich? Of course the possibility of everybody being rich is unrealistic, unthinkable and inconceivable.

Getting rich seems to be the ultimate goal of most of us. It has been said that if we took all of the money in the world and divided it equally among all individuals it would eventually end up back in the hands of those who originally had it; and those who didn’t have it would try, by any means, to get the money they once has.

The operative word is greed.

There is something inside of us that causes us to believe that becoming rich will bring happiness and peace to our lives.

We hear so much about the war on poverty. Well, that is a war we will never win. Jesus said that the poor will always be with us. John 12:8

Some are poor because of circumstances and others are poor by choice.

What I mean about that is, there are some of us who are just plain lazy and have no ambition. Take, for example the talents Jesus spoke of in the 25th chapter of Matthew: one servant was given five talents, the other two and to another one. The individual with the one was too lazy to put his talent to work so he buried his. That is typical of some of us today. The Master gave to each according to his or her ability. Many of us want a hog when we can’t handle a pig. We want a million when we can’t manage a mill.

If we were all rich who would work for whom? Who would do the menial tasks? In other words, who would do the dirty work?

Being rich does not assure us happiness. We often hear about millionaires committing suicide and killing their family members. You would think that a person who is rich and has a lot of money wouldn’t have any problems. How wrong can we be? I just wonder what is it that drives a wealthy person to commit suicide. Can you imagine a wealthy man throwing himself in front of a fast moving train? Can you imagine a rich man putting a shotgun to his head and taking his own life? What is it that drives individuals to take out insurance policies on family members and then have them killed just for the money?

What a drives a rich person to commit despicable acts is the same thing that drives poor people to do despicable things. In both instances there is something missing in their lives. In the case of a rich person, there is something missing that money and position cannot buy.

I have heard about people who have won lotteries who wish that they hadn’t won the lottery. Money became their master and their manager.

Just keep in mind that I’m not a fool, it takes money to survive in this world of economics, but if you think that being rich will bring you peace and happiness, just think again.

I think I will stop here. There is a Part 2 coming.

Awesome wonder
If you are wondering how great God is, think on this: of all of the millions of people who have lived there has never been found duplicate fingerprints, nor has there been found identical snowflakes.

*The Rev. N.T. Pitts Ptaegar@AOL.Com, Author, Teacher, Counselor Humorist is a retired AME pastor who lives in Eatonville, Florida. His motto: Never too busy to listen.


15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the passing of the Reverend Wilson O'Daniel Rideout on Thursday, February 11, 2010.

The Rev. Wilson O'Daniel Rideout began his ministry in 1959. He founded and built Gomez Chapel AME Church in Rockford, Illinois, where he served as pastor for 21 years before being appointed the pastor of Payne Memorial AME Church in Waterloo, Iowa, where he served for 19 years. Rev. Rideout retired after 45 years of faithful service.

Service arrangements for the Reverend Wilson O. Rideout:

Funeral Service: Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at 1:00 PM
Payne Memorial AME Church
1044 Mobile Street
Waterloo, Iowa 50703
Phone: (319) 233-8189
The Rev. Denita R. Williams, pastor

Funeral Service: Friday, February 19, 2010 at 12:00 PM
Gomez Chapel AME Church
1509 Michigan Avenue
Rockford, Illinois 61102
Phone: (815) 962-3608
The Rev. Fred Lambert, Pastor

Professional services entrusted to:

The Kearns, Huisman-Schumacher Chapel
3146 Kimball Avenue
Waterloo, Iowa 50702
Phone: (319) 233-3146

Online Memorials:
http://www.funeralplan.com/kearnsfuneralservice/obits?id=191291

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

Priscilla and Jerry Marshall, 958 Campton Drive - Rockford, Illinois 61102

16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Reverend Walter Cox, pastor of Wilson Chapel A.M.E. Church in Memphis, Tennessee. The Reverend Walter Cox passed early this morning, Thursday, February 18, 2010.

Service arrangements are pending and will be forthcoming, with contact information. Please remember his spouse, First Lady Linda Cox and family in your prayers.


17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to share news of the passing of Mrs. Virene Mason Roberts, the widow of the late Reverend Leonard J. Roberts. Mrs. Roberts was a long-time member of Lewis Memorial AME Church in Jacksonville, Florida; Alachua-Suwannee District, East Annual Conference of the 11th Episcopal District, Bishop McKinley Young, Presiding Bishop and Dr. Dorothy J. Young, Episcopal Supervisor. Mrs. Virene Mason Roberts, age 97, passed away on Sunday, February 14, 2010.

Service arrangements for Mrs. Virene Mason Roberts:

Friday, February 19, 2010
Public Viewing and Family Visitation - 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

T. S. Warden Funeral Home
8110 West 44th Street
Jacksonville, Florida 32208
Phone: (904) 765-1234
Fax: (904) 765-1549

Saturday, February 20, 2010
Funeral Services - 11:00 AM

Lewis Memorial AME Church
2123 Talladega Road
Jacksonville, Florida 32209
Phone: (904) 768-8440
The Rev. Doris Sherman, Pastor

Expression of sympathy may be sent to:


Mrs. Picola Wiggins
5223 Bunche Drive
Jacksonville, Florida 32209
Phone: (904) 768-1227

Book of Memories:

http://wardenfh.frontrunnerpro.com/runtime/62382/runtime.php?SiteId=62382&NavigatorId=245846&viewOpt=dpaneOnly&ItemId=392986&op=tributeMemorialCandles

18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:

The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action

Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
E-mail: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Web page: http://www.amecfic.org/
Phone: (615) 837-9736 (H)
Phone: (615) 833-6936 (O)
Cell: (615) 403-7751

BLOG: http://ameccfic.blogspot.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMEC_CFIC

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220

19. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:

The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Richard Franklin Norris; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of The Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement.

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (2/12/10)

Bishop Richard Franklin Norris - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder

1. EDITORIAL – RICHARD ALLEN’S LEGACY AND MEMORY SHOULD BE “SACREDLY CHERISHED”:

Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III,
The 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder

Sunday is Founder’s Day across the African Methodist Episcopal Church and I hope that all of our Churches across our Zion will be faithful in observing Founder’s Day. Richard Allen was born on February 14, 1760; that was 250 years ago. We should all be greeting each other with, “Happy Founder’s Day.”

Every Church in the Connections should be celebrating Founder’s Day because of the legacy of the Right Rev. Richard Allen, the first elected and consecrated bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Richard Allen was also the first black bishop in the United States. He founded the first black religious denomination in the United States. He built the first black house of worship in the United States. He was the forerunner of the Red Cross; since the Red Cross was not organized until 1881. He and his companions were the “Red Cross” during the 1793 Yellow Fever epidemic in Philadelphia. When we think of the organization of black denominations, the Civil Rights’ Movement, all branches of liberation theology, education in general, HBCUs, the Red Cross, racial and gender equality we should remember Richard Allen. His legacy is one that we should never forget.

Something nags at me and my gut tells me that a number of our Churches will meet tomorrow and it will be worship as usual and no mention of Richard Allen. I have seen some churches observe Founder’s Day with the wearing of dashikis and cute poems, and those things are fine, but Founder’s Day should be more than a cursory observance, it should be an intentional celebration with a focus on our founder, the Right Rev. Richard Allen.

Richard Allen was man who was born a slave, had a vision of being a free man, worked on his own time cutting cord wood, doing odd jobs and by the time he was 20 years old, had bought his freedom. In his own words, in spite of having a relatively good master, Allen said, “I had it often impressed upon my mind that I should one day enjoy my freedom; for slavery is a bitter pill…”

Not only did he endure slavery, but he also endured racism and inequality. He endured rebuke and adversity, not only from whites, but from blacks as well. He was man who had a vision, knew how to stay focused, and didn’t let adversity discourage him. And perhaps most importantly, he did not let the circumstances of his birth or the institutional racism that he endured, define his reality.

Dr. Richard S. Newman, in his outstanding book, Freedom’s Prophet, says the Richard Allen was “essentially the forerunner of modern civil rights activists, for his belief in nonviolent but confrontational reform offered lessons for virtually every black leader who followed in his wake.” It is important for African Methodists to understand that Richard Allen was the forerunner of the Civil Rights’ Movement. Each year, we honor the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and it is right that we do so, but we should never forget that Richard Allen was the Father of the Civil Rights’ Movement. He influenced and had an impact upon the thinking of Frederick Douglass, W.E.B. DuBois, the early bishops of the AME Church and apparently many white leaders such as Francis Asbury, Benjamin Rush and others.

Richard Allen’s influence goes beyond the African Methodist Episcopal Church and his actions have significantly impacted the religious and social landscape of America, the Caribbean and the Continent of Africa. Not only is Richard Allen the Father of the Civil Rights’ Movement, he is the Father of liberationist theology. Richard Allen “planted the seeds” for all branches of liberation theology so that academicians and theologians could cultivate and nurture his revolutionary thinking of equality for all. Richard Allen was a man before his time.

Newman in Freedom’s Prophet, reports that Frederick Douglass paid tribute to Richard Allen at the Chicago World’s Fair in September 1893. Frederick Douglass said of Allen, “Among the remarkable men whose names have found deserved place in American annals; there is not one who will be longer remembered or whose memory will be more sacredly cherished by coming generations of colored Americans than will the name and character of Richard Allen.” Douglass also said that Richard Allen was the author of a “new Declaration of Independence” and racial equality.

Yes, this Sunday is Founder’s Day and our celebration of Founder’s Day should follow the model of Moses’ sermon to the Israelites recorded in Deuteronomy 11: 19-21; “You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, that your days and the days of your children may be multiplied in the land of which the LORD swore to your fathers to give them, like the days of the heavens above the earth.”

For African Methodists around the world, Richard Allen’s legacy must continue to live and his memory should be “sacredly cherished” by all Americans.

Happy Founder’s Day!

If you failed to plan something appropriate for Founder’s Day, plan something next Sunday or the Sunday after next; but by all means do something.

2. SUNDAY IS FOUNDER’S DAY - ANNIVERSARY TRIBUTES HONORING RICHARD ALLEN:

From The Philadelphia Inquirer:

Below are special events celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the birth of Richard Allen, founder of the Free African Society and the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the first black denomination in Philadelphia. Allen was born into slavery, bought his own freedom, and became in every sense an American "founding father." He was a man who never stopped pushing for full African participation in the nation's life, a progenitor of the Underground Railroad, a moral force in early American civic debate, and an entrepreneur who contracted to clean George Washington's chimneys at the President's House.

- Stephan Salisbury

Today, Friday, February 12, 2010

First Episcopal District Founder's Day Lecture on the life of Bishop Allen delivered by Richard Newman, author of Freedom's Prophet: Bishop Richard Allen, the A.M.E. Church, and the Black Founding Fathers, 10 a.m., First District Headquarters, 3801 Market St. The Rev. Dennis C. Dickerson, historiographer and executive director of the department of research and scholarship of the A.M.E. Church, will deliver the response. A.M.E. Bishop Richard Franklin Norris will serve as presenter.

First Episcopal District Founder's Day Worship Service will be held at 7:30 p.m., Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church, Lombard and Sixth Streets. Guest preacher will be Bishop John Bryant, senior bishop, Fourth Episcopal District. A.M.E. Bishop Richard Franklin Norris will serve as presenter.

Saturday

Free concert featuring the Wilberforce University Choir, 5 p.m., Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church, the Rev. Mark Kelly Tyler, host pastor.

Sunday

Bishop Allen's 250th birthday, Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church, 11 a.m. Preacher will be Bishop Richard Franklin Norris. Guest choir will be the Wilberforce University Choir. The Rev. Mark Kelly Tyler will be host pastor. Following the service, the Anvil for Allen, created by Moore College of Art and Design instructor Gail Gaines, will be unveiled.
In addition, the Historical Society of Pennsylvania and the Library Company of Philadelphia have mounted a joint online exhibition of historical materials related to Richard Allen. The exhibit will remain up indefinitely at http://www.hsp.org/default.aspx?id=1466.
The Sunday Inquirer will offer special coverage on the anniversary of Richard Allen's birth.

- Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III will be preaching Founder’s Day sermons in Cincinnati, Ohio

Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder, the official newspaper of the African Methodist Episcopal Church will be preaching at Allen Temple AME Church, Cincinnati for the 11 a.m. worship service. The Reverend Dr. Alphonse Allen, Jr. is the pastor of Allen Temple AME Church. Allen Temple AME Church is located 7030 Reading Road in Cincinnati.

Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III will also be preaching at 4 p.m. for Founder’s Day Service for the Cincinnati District in Cincinnati, Ohio at Brown Chapel AME Church, 2804 Alms Place in Cincinnati. The Rev. Dr. Wilton Blake is the Presiding Elder for the Cincinnati District of the Ohio Annual Conference and the Rev. Elmer Martin is the pastor of Brown Chapel AME Church.

3. THE 2010 BIENNIAL STEWARDSHIP AND SHARING CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA (USA):

The 2010 Biennial Stewardship and Sharing Conference will be held at the Hyatt regency Riverfront Hotel in Jacksonville, Florida on May 2 – 5, 2010. The pre-registration is $125 not later than April 15, 2010. Participants can register online at www.amecdaii.org.

The theme of the conference is “Any Given (ing) Sunday.”

https://www.amecdaii.org/2010stewardshipconference/registration/

Dr. Jerome V. Harris is the Executive Director/Plan Administrator of the Department of Annuity Investments and Insurance

For additional information contact the Department of Annuity Investment and Insurance (901) 527-2006

4. NOTICE IN RE THE MATTER OF JOHN THOMAS, III REQUEST FOR DECLARATORY DECISION:

The Judicial Council of the African Methodist Episcopal Church intends to conduct closed deliberations of issues relating to the election of the Youth delegate to the General Conference. The issue posed by Mr. Thomas is as follows:

The conflicting interpretation of Part VII, 1, C, Section 2, Lay Delegates, and Part VII, 1, C, Section 3b The Book of Discipline, 2008, page 213. The issue concerns the process for election where some Annual Conferences elect the Youth Lay delegate and the Adult Lay delegate on the same slate, with the stipulation the Youth with the highest number of votes must be a Lay delegate. If other Youths receive the required number of votes for election, they are considered elected as Lay delegates. In one Annual Conference, this resulted in a General Conference Lay delegation with a majority of Youth. Other Annual Conferences only allow one Youth to be elected placing all Youth candidates on a slate separate from the Adult Lay delegates.

The deliberations shall be exclusively among the members of the Judicial Council. To assist in its deliberations, the Judicial Council will accept briefs in accordance with The Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, 2008 [Discipline], Part XI, Section XX.H., paragraphs 11 & 12 (page 316).

All persons, bodies wishing to submit briefs shall submit a “Notice of Intent to Submit Brief” [‘Notice”]. Such notice shall be sent by United States mail, first class, postage prepaid, to:

Name:

THE REV. GRANVILLE REED
SECRETARY, JUDICIAL COUNCIL OF THE AME CHURCH

Address:

2002 MT. HERMAN STREET
JACKSONVILLE, FL 32206

Notices must display a postmark date of no later than midnight March 5, 2010. Notices transmitted by any method other than indicated above, or after the deadline, shall not be accepted. Persons, bodies, organizations, or other entities who wish acknowledgment of receipt of Notice shall include a self-addressed, postage pre-paid envelope.

Briefs shall be accepted from only those persons, bodies, organizations, or other entities who file a Notice on or before the above-stated deadline. Those persons, bodies, organizations, or other entities filing a notice, shall receive detailed instructions regarding briefs after the closing date for the submissions of Notices.

ENTERED AND SIGNED this 12th day of February, 2010

//s//

PATRICIA M. MAYBERRY
President
The Judicial Council of the AME Church

5. THE 7TH DISTRICT’S 2009 NORTHEAST ANNUAL CONFERENCE:

*Benjamin Harrison
*The Rev. Timothy Johnson

The Northeast Annual Conference of the 7th Episcopal District was held August 31 –September 4, 2009 in Latta, South Carolina. The week long event was held at Weston Chapel AME Church located at 428 South Richardson Street in Latta, SC, where the Rev. Leonard Simmons is pastor. The Northeast Annual Conference is comprised of the Sumter, Marion, and Florence-Dillon Districts. This was the 118th Session of the Northeast Annual Conference.

The following article is based upon the Annual Conference Resolution submitted by the Rev. Timothy Johnson, pastor of Mount Olive AME Church and the Northeast Annual Conference Resolution Committee.

Friday and Saturday, over 763 young persons, chaperones and volunteers gathered at Latta High School for the annual youth summit which was conducted under the direction of Sis. Kabrina Bass, Episcopal Christian Education (CED) Administrator/Director, Rev. Dr. Friendly Gadson, Conference CED Director, Brother W. M. Jefferson, Sumter CED Director, Jonathan Greene, Marion CED Director, Anne Cade, Florence-Dillon CED Director, Presiding Elders Robert Cooper, R. L. McCants and William Smith Jr., and many others who teach children ages six to fifteen about Christian concepts such as salvation, the scriptures, church etiquette, the parts of the church, AME history, and the Bishops and Episcopal Districts of the Church. The Church also praised God through praise teams, mime ministries, drama and technology.

Sunday afternoon, during the pre-conference pomp and pageantry of the Debutantes and Masters (DMC) ceremony, elegantly attired young people from across the Conference were honored for their many volunteer hours of community, church and school service. We take this opportunity to thank Ms. Suzette Robinson, DMC Conference Commissioner and Rev. Robert Thomas, DMC Conference Associate Commissioner, and their dedicated committee members for a job well done.

Monday morning: The Women’s Missionary Society, under the supervision of Dr. Wilma D. Webb-Williams, Episcopal Supervisor, and Sis. Zelda Moses, Northeast Conference WMS President, with many missionaries in attendance, carried out a detailed business session. They also visited McKenzie Adult Care, Pines Nursing Facility, and an emergency shelter in Latta. The annual WMS luncheon was held at the Wellness Center in Dillon and they were blessed with many visiting missionary sisters. Later that evening, the Sons of Allen provided us with an inspired evening of spiritual entertainment and Rev. Johnnie Coe, pastor of St. Matthew AME Church, Hamer, SC, delivered a powerful sermon entitled, “Quality Goes In, Before the Name Goes On!”

Tuesday morning, Weston Chapel AME Church hosted an overwhelming crowd at the opening session of the 118th Northeast Annual Conference which convened with Presiding Elder William Smith Jr. as Worship Leader. The processional consisted of the Weston Chapel AME Choir, licentiates, deacons, elders, General Officer George Flowers, retired Bishop Z.L. Grady and our presiding Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Preston W. Williams II. Rev. Dr. M. Charmaine Ragin-Whittleton, pastor of Mount Pisgah AME Church, Sumter, SC, delivered an electrifying annual sermon entitled, “Reflections for Spiritual Transformation!” The opening ceremony was culminated by Holy Communion services, with Bishop Williams as Chief Celebrant.

Tuesday evening, the WMS’s Night in Mission Conference theme was, “Women of God Serving the Multitude!” The awesome WMS Choir set the tone for an amazing night of worship. The evening message was entitled, “How Do We Serve the Multitude,” and was delivered by Rev. Janice McMillan, pastor of St. Mark AME Church, Olanta, SC.

Wednesday morning, the Marion and Florence-Dillon Districts presented their ministerial-delegates and annual reports. Wednesday’s midday sermon entitled, “Trusting God,” was delivered by Rev. Daniel Simmons II. Wednesday evening, the Young People and Children’s Division, under the leadership of Ms. Connie Ford and her cabinet, demonstrated their love for Christ under the theme, “Walking in the Favor of God!” Greetings were brought to the Conference from the Episcopal and Conference WMS and YPD leadership and the youth and young adults ministered through songs of praise, liturgical dance, mime ministry and an inspirational message from Sis. Paulette Cryer, Connectional YPD Director.

The work of the Conference continued Thursday morning with the Sumter District presenting its ministerial-delegates and annual reports and Rev. D. Pennie Damon delivering a soul-inspiring midday message. Allen University’s dynamic choir rendered several soul-stirring selections and the Northeast Annual Conference collected $65,500 dollars for Allen University. The Conference then received a state of Allen University update by Dr. Charles Young, President of Allen University.

Thursday afternoon, the Ministers’ Spouses, Widows and Widowers Organization held their annual luncheon at the Wellness Center in Latta, SC, and Bro. Wallace Brown from Unison Health Group, along with Dr. Green Neal, presented the Conference with dynamic information on various health issues, followed by an informative question and answer session. Later that day, the Conference was blessed with words of wisdom from our presiding Bishop who read excerpts from the book entitled, “Organic Leadership” by Neil Cole. The Conference also received presentations on sexual harassment from Sister Liner, and the “Eyes on the Child” program from Sister Louallen.

The Lay Organization’s evening was filled with the Holy Spirit, praising God to the utmost as they recognized the many wonderful contributions of Bro. Lynwood Lewis. The Conference received additional information from Sister Harriet Cunningham regarding the Faith, Activity and Nutrition (F.A.N) program and Dr. Ila McFadden regarding the swine flu.

The Board of Examiners recommended and the Conference conferred ordination for three Itinerant Deacons and three Itinerant Elders. Bishop Julius H. McAllister Sr., presiding prelate of the 20th Episcopal District, delivered the ordination message entitled, “Things you ought to know before you make this commitment!”

The Rev. Eliza Black retired during this Annual Conference and Rev.’s John Platt Jr. and Leroy Fred were memorialized. Visitors from across the Connection and the state of South Carolina were presented at the Conference from all levels of the clergy, laity, WMS, YPD, and Sons of Allen. Brother L. Carlyle Dixon, Northeast Conference Superintendent, and the Church School Committee presented the workshop, “Leadership: Strong and Courageous!”

The closing convocation ceremony message was delivered by Rev. Dr. George F. Flowers, General Officer, Global Witness and Ministry, entitled “Stay Connected to the Vine.” The Conference gave Global Witness and Ministry an offering of $3,803 dollars.

The Rev. and Mrs. Leonard Simmons and the entire Weston Chapel AME Church hosted the 118th session of the Northeast South Carolina Annual Conference with dignity and style! The Northeast Conference would like to salute and applaud the entire Weston Chapel church family for a job well done! May God continue to shower His blessings upon you! Be it further resolved that the members of the 118th session of the Northeast Conference will continue to strive for excellence under the dynamic leadership of Bishop Preston W. Williams II and Dr. Wilma D. Webb-Williams.

*Benjamin Harrison is the Public Relations Director for the 7th District
*The Rev. Timothy Johnson is the pastor of Mount Olive AME Church in Sumter, South Carolina

6. AME PRESIDING ELDER ELECTED AS PAST MOST WORSHIPFUL, GRAND HALL STATE OF OHIO:

Congratulations to the Rite Worshipful Wilton E. Blake, who was elected as the Past Most Worshipful, Grand Lodge Prince Hall state of Ohio in December. He was also promoted to presiding elder of Cincinnati District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in January.

He served as Worshipful Master of The Pride of The Valley Lodge #95 and works tirelessly as our presiding Treasurer.

Dr. Blake is a Board Certified Chaplain by the National Association of Veterans Affairs Chaplains, and the Association of Professional Chaplains and has achieved two Doctorates in Seminary, a Doctorate in Humane Letters, Masters of Business Administration, Masters in Theology, and a Bachelor of Science

His Masonic brothers said, “Brother Blake is truly a fine example of what a Mason should be and a Beacon of Light for all us to follow. We love you Rite Worshipful Blake and wish you continued success.”

7. MOUNT JOY BRINGS JOY TO THE COMMUNITY:

The Reverend Rae-Lynn Kingeter

On December 23, 2009 the faces of many children brimmed with excitement as they were handed brightly decorated gifts for Christmas. For the parents of these children, many of whom would have otherwise not been able to buy Christmas gifts, this was a wonderful blessing. This holiday miracle came about as a result of the collaborative effort between Mount Joy African Methodist Episcopal Church in Monkton, MD and Soul Harvest Church and Ministries in Catonsville, Maryland. As a result over 200 hundred families were provided with gifts, dinner, and fellowship. This worship experience included a children’s choir, the preached Word, and the opportunity to talk with the pastors and members of both congregations.

According to the Reverend Rae-Lynn Kingeter, pastor of Mount Joy African Methodist Episcopal Church, this event was designed to be a blessing to the children of incarcerated parents and the underprivileged in the greater Baltimore area. By registering with Toys for Tots or Angel Tree, families were able to participate in this event and connect with these two ministries which each had volunteers to greet the guests and assist with gift distribution. The catalyst for Mount Joy’s involvement was ignited by the generosity of the parents in the Monkton community who expressed their desire to help families in need. After a conversation with a good friend and minister at Soul Harvest Church and Ministries, Pastor Kingeter put out a call to action to the community. The response was overwhelming and the donation from local families in the Monkton, Sparks and Butler Community in Northern Baltimore County as well as Toys for Tots numbered over 1000 toys. Some of the giveaways included bicycles, guitar hero for X-Box 360, and educational gifts such as maps and footed globes.

This is only one of many ways the Mount Joy family hopes to impact the community and demonstrate the message of the gospel. Pastor Kingeter, who was just recently appointed to serve this congregation, has a vision for ministry and outreach that is intended to improve the lives of its community’s residents. The vision for 2010 includes the launch of Adam’s House, a substance abuse group led by a board certified, licensed, and trained addictions counselor, as well as an upcoming Health Awareness month with a focus on physical, mental, and spiritual health. Like many other congregations, Mount Joy was moved to action by the earthquake in Haiti. Understanding that Haiti will not only need immediate assistance, but help in the months to come, and forthcoming initiative called Pass the Baton is in the works. The intention is to send shipping batons (mailing tubes) with male and female personal hygiene items. As expressed in Mount Joy’s 2010 theme- Always Moving Forward- this congregation is determined to move forward in Christ, improving the lives of their brothers and sisters as they do.

*The Rev Rae-Lynn Kingeter is the pastor of Mt. Joy AME Church in Monkton, Maryland

8. CHRIST OUR REDEEMER AME CHURCH (DC) HOLDS CALL TO PRAYER AND BIBLE STUDY VIA CONFERENCE CALL:

Christ Our Redeemer AME Church (DC) will hold it regular Call to Prayer and Bible Study via conference call Wednesday due to the impending weather. Please have your bible available, we are in the book of Genesis.

God bless
The Rev. Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness, Pastor

9. AME CHURCH “HANDLED” LAST WEEKEND’S SNOWSTORM AND DIDN’T LET THE SNOWSTORM HANDLE IT:

“Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Pennsauken, New Jersey was blessed to have worship service at the church on Sunday. The trustees of the church arranged for snow removal and we had over thirty members and visitors to attend the Sunday morning worship service. We did postpone communion service until this Sunday.”

Lanxton L. Washington, M.Div., Pastor
Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
Pennsauken, New Jersey

10. RACING THE FCC MIC DEADLINE - WHAT CHURCHES MUST DO BY JUNE 12, 2010 —AND WHY:

Tyler Charles

Monday, February 8, 2010

Churches, businesses, and other organizations that use wireless microphones operating in the 700 MHz band (698-806 MHz) must stop doing so by June 12, according to a decision last month by the Federal Communications Commission.

Many churches own wireless mics in the 700 MHz band ("Understanding New Wireless Microphone Restrictions," May/June 2009, Your Church) and continue to operate them, even though the FCC's digital television transition last year signaled a ban to that activity eventually would come. The FCC estimates that 25 percent of wireless mics operate in the spectrum, meaning thousands of churches likely are affected.

Ever since the FCC auctioned off the rights to the 700 MHz band in 2008, it was only a matter of time before the new owners (Verizon and AT&T, among others) would receive sole access to the sections of the spectrum for which they paid billions of dollars. These frequencies will be used (and in some cases, are already being used) by public safety agencies and next-generation (4G) wireless devices.

The FCC says it is ready to help organizations affected by the changes.

"We're doing everything we can to notify as many of these organizations as possible," says Matthew Nodine, chief of staff for the FCC's Wireless Communications Bureau.

For users who are unsure whether their devices need to be replaced, the FCC compiled a list of affected devices:
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones/manufacturers.html. Users with further questions can call 1-888-CALL-FCC. The FCC recommends contacting the manufacturers with any technical questions, Nodine says.

Churches who don't comply face fines. Those that do comply likely face the cost of buying new equipment, although some may find low-cost—or no-cost—solutions in the short term if they can live without a wireless setup.

The key, microphone manufacturers say, is that churches shouldn't wait to act, since June 12 is a firm deadline, and problems likely will emerge even sooner.

"The reality is that users will begin to suffer dropouts and interference from the new data traffic anyway, so at some point in the next few months [their wireless devices] won't work well anyway," says Chris Lyons, manager of technical and educational communications for Shure Inc., a microphone and audio systems provider.

Unlicensed use

Most churches never received a license for operating 700 MHz wireless microphones, but used them anyway without authorization. That wasn't illegal, Nodine says, but it will become illegal with the June 12 deadline.

For the few churches that did receive 700 MHz licenses, they're out of luck with the deadline, too.

"It should also be clearly pointed out that this vacating of the band includes licensed and unlicensed devices," says Kent Margraves, national applications manager for Sennheiser Electronic Corporation, another microphone manufacturer. "It does not matter if the user holds a license."

Facing Penalties

So what happens if a church continues to use these wireless devices after the deadline?

"There's going to be a wide array of potential penalties, including civil and/or criminal penalties," Nodine says. "We always look at things on a case-by-case basis, but obviously, any interference with public safety will be looked at with greater scrutiny."

Nodine says some users will be asked to stop using their devices prior to the deadline.

"In certain areas of the country, commercial enterprises are going to start implementing new devices, and if users cause interference, they'll be given 60 days to stop," Nodine says. "Essentially, if they're causing interference, they need to stop immediately."

Nodine also says that users should know if they're causing interference.

"Typically, if they're receiving interference, then they're also causing it," he says.

Despite all of the attention given to the clearing of the 700 MHz band, Lyons says some churches are just now finding out about it—and despite what some think, everyone needs to comply with the new rule.

"A surprising number of customers seem to think they don't need to comply because 'the FCC doesn't have people driving around with scanners' looking for people using wireless mics in the 700 MHz band," Lyons says. "But the companies who paid billions of dollars for the licenses to use spectrum in the 700 MHz band definitely do have the people, skill, and equipment to do just that."

In addition to incurring fines from the FCC, a church that continues to use its 700 MHz wireless devices could even jeopardize the health of those attending services.

"What if someone has a heart attack during the service?" Lyons says. "When the paramedics rush in to help him, the pastor's own wireless mic could prevent the paramedics from using their walkie-talkies. This scenario may seem unlikely, but it is absolutely possible."

Possible Solutions

The FCC says some tinkering with existing mics that use the 700 MHz spectrum may resolve the problem, but mic experts say that won't work for most.

"A very large percentage of those that operate in the 700 MHz band can be re-tuned," Nodine says.

Lyons and Margraves both suggest that the FCC's suggestion is ambitious.

"I think that only a small fraction of users have systems that can be re-tuned to operate in a different band," Lyons says.

"There are a number of systems on the market that can be re-tuned," Margraves says. "But there are also many, many systems on the market that operate in fixed frequency ranges. They may be 'frequency agile' but have a fixed bandwidth of several TV stations wide, which cannot be changed, short of a complete overhaul.

"In those instances, system replacement is the best option."

In addition to reviewing the FCC's list to see if certain models can be re-tuned, churches should consult with the equipment manufacturer about the possibility.

Some manufacturers are still offering return rebates to affected users. Both Sennheiser and Shure have extended their rebate programs through June 30, and both companies accept systems made by other manufacturers.

If churches don't have the money to replace their wireless mics, Lyons and Margraves recommend turning to wired microphones.

"If a user doesn't have the budget to replace their 700 MHz systems now, they must turn them off and switch to wired mics until the money becomes available," Lyons says.

Margraves recommends reevaluating the number of RF systems that are needed on a weekly basis.

"Some churches find that they only need their full stock of wireless systems at special events like concerts and pageants," Margraves says. "If that is the case, it is worth considering wireless systems rental for those occasions. Quality rental suppliers will have up-to-date equipment."

Christianity Today.com: http://www.christianitytoday.com/global/printer.html?/yc/musicaudio/microphones/racingthefccmicdeadline.html

Tyler Charles is a freelance writer living in Delaware, Ohio.
Copyright © 2010 by the author or Christianity Today, Inc./Your Church magazine.

11. 2010 YEARBOOK OF CHURCHES CHRONICLES TRENDS:

Catholics, Mormons, Assemblies of God growing; Mainline churches report a continuing decline.

New York, February 12, 2010 -- The National Council of Churches' 2010 Yearbook of American & Canadian Churches reports membership gains in the Catholic Church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Assemblies of God, among others.

The 78th annual edition of the Yearbook also reports a continuing decline in membership of virtually all mainline denominations. And the Southern Baptist Convention, the nation's second largest denomination and long a reliable generator of church growth, reported a decline in membership for the second year in a row, down 0.24 percent to 16,266,920.

The Catholic Church, the nation's largest at more than 68 million members, also reported a slight membership loss in 2009 but rebounded this year with a robust growth of 1.49 percent.

The Latter-day Saints grew 1.71 percent to 5,873,408 members and the Assemblies of God grew 1.27 percent to 2,863,265 members, according to figures reported in the 2010 Yearbook.

Other churches that continued to post membership gains in 2010 are Jehovah's Witnesses, up 2 percent to 1,092,169 members, and Church of God (Cleveland, Tenn.), up 1.76 percent to 1,053,642 members.

Churches reporting the highest membership losses are the Presbyterian Church (USA), down 3.28 percent to 2,941,412; American Baptist Churches in the USA, down 2 percent to 1,358,351; and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, down 1.92 percent to 4,709,956 members.

Membership figures reported in the 2010 Yearbook were collected by the churches in 2008 and reported to the Yearbook in 2009.

However, eleven of the 25 largest churches did not report updated figures: the Church of God in Christ; the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.; the National Baptist Convention of America, Inc.; the African Methodist Episcopal Church; the National Missionary Baptist Convention of America; the Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc.; Churches of Christ; Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America; Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc.; Baptist Bible Fellowship International; and Christian Churches and Churches of Christ.

The Rev. Dr. Eileen W. Lindner, editor of the annual Yearbook since 1998, noted that many observers have attributed accelerated membership decline of some churches to "an increasing secularization of American postmodern society, and its disproportionate impact on liberal religious groups."

But Lindner advised caution in assessing the causes of decline.

"American society as a whole has not experienced the kind and rate of secularization so clearly demonstrated during the last quarter century in Western Europe. Indeed, American church membership trends have defied gravity particularly where the Pentecostal experience is included."

In addition, the largest plurality of immigrants to the U.S. in the last 50 years has been Christian in their religious affiliation, Lindner notes.

"In an era in which we have come to expect the inevitable advance of secularism in the U.S., the influx of robust Christian communities among new immigrants once again amends the topographical map."

More study is needed to determine the potential changes in the American landscape "occasioned by the in-migration of new immigrant churches over the last forty years," Lindner writes. But the impacts of the new immigration on the faith community have been profound.

Church financial trends are also reported in the Yearbook. The financial reporting in the 2010 Yearbook is based on the financial income reports of the 64 churches reporting. The almost 45 million members of these churches contributed almost $36 billion, showing a decrease in the total income to the churches of $26 million.

The 2010 Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches reports on 227 national church bodies. Statistics in the yearbook reflect "continued high overall church participation, and account for the religious affiliation of over 163 million Americans," the editor reports.

The Yearbook also includes a directory of 234 U.S. local and regional ecumenical bodies with program and contact information and provides listings of theological seminaries and bible schools, religious periodicals and guides to religious research including church archive listings.

Information in the Yearbook is kept up to date in two regular electronic updates each year. Access to this Internet data is provided through a unique passcode printed inside the back cover.

Total church membership reported in the 2010 Yearbook is 147,384,631 members, up 0.49 percent over 2009.

The top 25 churches reported in the 2010 Yearbook are in order of size:
1. The Catholic Church, 68,115,001 members, up 1.49 percent.

2. Southern Baptist Convention, 16,228,438 members, down 0.24 percent.

3. The United Methodist Church, 7,853,987 members, down 0.98 percent.

4. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5,974,041 members, up 1.71 percent.

5. The Church of God in Christ, 5,499,875 members, no membership updates reported.

6. National Baptist Convention, U.S.A., Inc, 5,000,000 members, no membership updates reported.

7. Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 4,633,887 members, down 1.62 percent.

8. National Baptist Convention of America, Inc., 3,500,000 members, no membership updates reported.

9. Assemblies of God (ranked 10 last year), 2,899,702 members, up 1.27 percent.

10. Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) 1(ranked 9 last year), 2,844,952 members, down 3.28 percent.

11. African Methodist Episcopal Church, 2,500,000 members, no membership updates reported.

11. National Missionary Baptist Convention of America, 2,500,000 members, no membership updates reported.

11. Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc. 2,500,000 members, no membership updates reported.

14. The Lutheran Church-- Missouri Synod (LCMS), 2,337,349 members, down 1.92 percent.

15. The Episcopal Church, 2,057,292 members, down 2.81 percent.

16. Churches of Christ, 1,639,495 members, no membership updates reported.

17. Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, 1,500,000 members, no membership updates reported.

17. Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc., 1,500,000 members, no membership updates reported.

19. The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, 1,400,000 members, members, no membership updates reported.

20. American Baptist Churches in the U.S.A., 1,331,127 members, down 2.00 percent.

21. Baptist Bible Fellowship International (ranked 22 last year), 1,200,000 members, no membership updates reported.

22. Jehovah’s Witnesses (ranked 23 last year) 1,114,009 members, up 2.00 percent.

23. United Church of Christ (ranked 22 last year), 1,111,691 members, down 2.93 percent.

24. Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee), (ranked 25 last year), 1,072,169 members, up 1.76 percent.

25. Christian Churches and Churches of Christ (ranked 24 last year), 1,071,616 members, no membership updates reported.

12. YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY TO PRAY:

*The Rev. N.T. Pitts

Humankind has been praying in some form or another ever since the beginning of time. Whether a man or woman prayed to an object, planets, a plant, an animal or a mysterious force/power he or she prayed. People have done so because they have concluded that there had to be a power or force higher then humankind that controls the universe. So people prayed for whatever they wanted in hope that their prayers would be answered.

Each of us can pray; although there are some who claim that they don’t know how.

Our prayers don’t have to be done orally in order that others can hear us. You don’t have to have any degrees in order to pray.

There are those who believe that praying is useless. They say that praying is just “whistling in the dark.”

If you can talk you can pray. If you have a mind and a need you can pray silently.

God hears us even before we speak. He hears our thinking. We are admonished to pray for one another; it does not cost one dime. I deplore those who “prey” upon the innocent by requesting a sum of money so that they may pray for them; it is ungodly and hypocritical.

There is no charge for praying. There is no “prayer bank” that we can draw on. That is why we are admonished always to “pray without ceasing,” but our prayers must be sincere. We have to pray believing.

When we pray, we must not pray with our fingers crossed; holding a wishbone or some “good luck charm.” If we go to bed wondering if our prayers have been heard, it means that you have not prayed, believing.

You don’t have to be eloquent in order to pray. God does not grade our grammar but God considers our need and our sincerity in prayer. God does not check our adjectives, God checks our attitude. God does not check our prepositions but he does check our disposition. We don’t need a license or a permit to pray. The effectiveness of a prayer is not in the saying, but in the praying.

A young girl went to her daddy and said, “Daddy, I would ask you for five dollars, but I know you are not going to give it to me. And her daddy said, “You are right if that’s what you think; I will not give you five dollars.”

There are some among us who are not sure that our prayers have been answered because we expect our prayers to be answered in the manner that we desire. Keeping that in mind, I am sure prayers have been answered, but we did not recognize or realize that our prayers were answered. What we don’t realize is that, “God works in mysterious ways His wonders to perform.”

I don’t know what our mental state would be if God were to answer our prayers exactly as we wanted them to be answered.

Some of us are just like that little girl. We pray in doubt and with uncertainty. You don’t play or pay when you pray.

One thing we must keep in mind and that is, we should never pray for harm to come to anyone. If you do, your prayer would probably bounce off the ceiling right back to you.

I have some serious concerns with those who send money to strangers in hope of being prayed for. What makes you think that those “prayer merchants” praying is more effective than yours or the prayers of your pastor? What makes you think that they can get a prayer through faster than you or your pastor? All you are doing is filling their pockets and supporting their luxurious lifestyles.

What happened to the old prayer meetings where souls were serious?

For all of you, I pray that God would shower his blessing upon you and listen to your supplications, and this does not cost you one dime.

Question:

Where is the dividing line between concern and worry?
How do you distinguish between liking and loving?

*The Rev. N.T. Pitts, Author, Teacher, Counselor, Humorist (Ptaegar@AOL.Com) is a retired AME pastor who lives in Eatonville, Florida

13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:


We regret to announce the passing of Rev. George Wright, a Local Elder in the New York Conference and the husband of the late Rev. Bertha S. Wright, former pastor of St. James AMEC, New York City (Manhattan District). The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.


Viewing - Monday, February 15, 2010
Viewing - 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

St. James AME Church
2010 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10035
Phone: 212-369-2020

Deborah A. McCaffity, Pastor

Funeral - Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Funeral - 10:00 a.m.

First AME Bethel
60 West 132nd Street
New York, New York 10037
Phone: 212-862-0100
Fax: 212-634-1323

The Rev. Henry A. Belin, III, Pastor

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

Sister Mary Rosetta Wright-Williams
1868 White Plains Road Apt. 3B
Bronx, NY 10462

Or Fax to: George H. Weldon Funeral Home, telephone: 212-860-7235

14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

It is with deep regret, that we announce the passing of Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Wilson Leach, the mother of the Reverend Harry L. Wilson, Presiding Elder of the Manning District in the Central South Carolina Conference, Seventh Episcopal District.


Funeral Service for Sister Mary Elizabeth Wilson Leach:
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 1:00 PM
Unionville A. M. E. Church
1339 Swimming Pen Road
Mayesville, South Carolina 29104

Professional Service entrusted to:
Sumter Funeral Service
623 Manning Avenue
Sumter, South Carolina 29150
803-778-1149
803-778-2719 (fax)

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

Presiding Elder & Mrs. Harry L. Wilson
Post Office Box 12961
Florence, South Carolina 29504-2961
(843) 269-1543 (cell)
(843) 317-9484 (home)
Email: revharrylwilson@aol.com

15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the passing of Mr. Wilbert B. Garrett, brother of Mrs. Brenda G. Hurst, Louisiana Conference WMS President of the 8th Episcopal District, and PK Advisor for Conn-M-SWAWO+PK's of the AME Church. He was the brother-in-law of the Rev. Mack C. Hurst, pastor of Grant Chapel AME Church, Amite, Louisiana.

Service arrangements for Mr. Wilbert B. Garrett:

Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 10:00 AM
Gaines Chapel AME Church
69340 Phillips Road
Tangipahoa, Louisiana 70465
Rev. Lawrence Morris, Pastor

Professional services entrusted to:
Richardson Funeral Home
501 NW Central Avenue
Amite, Louisiana 70422
Phone: (985) 748-4224
Phone: (985) 748-2558

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

Mrs. Brenda G. Hurst
P.O. Box 1059
Greensburg, Louisiana 70441
Phone: (985) 634-8513 cell
Phone: (225) 222-6088 home
Email: bghurst@yahoo.com

16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:

The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action

Mrs. Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
Email: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936
Fax: (615) 833-3781
Cell: (615) 403-7751

17. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:

The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Richard Franklin Norris; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of The Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement.