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May 17, 2010
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VOL. 159, NO. 17
By Rev. Donna Anderson, M.Div.
On January 12, 2010, millions of Americans watched the news in
disbelief as reports regarding the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti
were shown. Newscast after newscast reported staggering numbers
of dead as the video portions revealed collapsed buildings and
broken bodies. Knowing that Haiti, ranked 149th out of 182 coun-
tries in the Western Hemisphere, lacks resources to respond to an
earthquake of this magnitude, the Trinity A.M.E. Church YPD
President, Hazelmarie Anderson, knew she had to help.
With the full support from her pastor, the Rev. Dr. Reginald
Blount, the Rev. Donna Anderson, youth director, and the com-
bined youth ministries of Trinity A.M.E. Church, YPD President
Anderson successfully obtained sponsors for donations of tickets
and food for a Spaghetti Dinner Fund Raiser. This resulted in
...Continued on p9
$1400.00 raised for the A.M.E. Church
and Darnel Presley
INDIGENOUS LEADERSHIP IS STILL A HOT TOPIC IN THE A.M.E. CHURCH
By John Thomas III*
“Indigenous Leadership” continues to be a
hot topic on the Connectional scene. There is
no question that the AcIM.B. Church took the
right step in 2004 by making the bench of
bishops more culturally diverse. The election
of three African bishops was a beginning, not a
solution, to addressing the issues of leadership
and development in districts 14-20.
The differences of opinion regarding “indige-
nous leadership” have become clearer since the
watershed 2004 General Conference.
The predominant understanding of indige-
nous leadership is that persons from districts
14-20 need to be elected to serve in districts 14-
20. This perception is borne out of years of
issues regarding the quality of Episcopal over-
sight outside of the United States. The under-
lying assumption for this viewpoint is that an
indigenous Bishop will be better able to super-
vise the work of the Church than a foreign-born
Bishop. Many denominations have “indigenous
leadership” and almost every denomination
with the office of Bishop allows that office to
be-a local person either elected or appointed by
the denomination.
The A.M_E. experiment in “indigenous leader-
ship” through bishops is frequently touted at Con-
nectional meetings as a success and there is no
doubt that the three “indigenous” bishops have
performed well. The current implementation of
“indigenous leadership” has several structural
conflicts which might make it untenable in the
long-term. In the A.M.E. Church, bishops may
serve no more than two consecutive terms in a
given District before being moved. That means
that a Bishop may be “indigenous” (i.e. serve
their home District) for no more than eight years.
In 2012, we will be faced with the fact that the
“indigenous” bishops of districts 14 and 17 must
be moved because they have served eight years
in their districts. Some :
...Continued p4
MAY 2 7 2010
“GOD OUR FATHER = CHRIST OUR REDEEMER = THE HOLY SPIRIT OUR COMFORTER = HUMANKIND OUR FAMILY”
TRINITY A.M.E. CHURCH YOUTH RAISE
$1400.00 FOR HAITI QUAKE VICTIMS
MAY 17, 2010
Front Row L-R: Ryan Reyes, Nigel Bullock; 2nd Row L-R: Cynthia Green, Janel
Booker, Rev. Dr. Reginald Blount, Sophia Martinelli and Hazelmarie Anderson; Back
Row L-R: Jahrell Sparks, Chris Cooper, Rev. Donna Anderson M.Div., Terrence Bullocks
WARD CHAPEL A.M.E. CHURCH,
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI HOSTS
FIRST EVER MIDWEST SOUTH
DISTRICT CONFERENCE
Kansas City, Mo, April 8-10, 2010: For
the first time since the Midwest Conference
of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
consolidated from three presiding elder dis-
tricts to just two, namely the Midwest
South District and the Midwest North Dis-
trict, the newly formed Midwest South Dis-
trict, which encompasses A.M.E. churches
in both Kansas and Missouri from Kansas
City to the Oklahoma border, held its first
District Conference under the capable lead-
ership of Presiding Elder Steven A. Cousin,
Sr., April 8-10, 2010.
The host for this historic occasion was
Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church in Kansas City,
MO, and the Host Pastor was the Rev. Roger
D. Jackson. The theme, which guided the
worship, reports and institute, lifted from 2
Corinthians 4:7,
...Continued on p10
ee
MACON DISTRICT ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE
Service.” Wednesday, February, 17, 2010.
“By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the
ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and from dust you
will return.” Genesis 3:19
Macon District of the Macon Georgia Conference, Sixth Episcopal Dis-
trict, African Methodist Episcopal Church held a Holy “Ash Wednesday
The Reverend Alan Hale Wicker, Presiding Elder of the District, held this
|
ayers Lab!
Holy Worship Service at Saint James A.M.E. Church in Macon, Georgia.
The Reverend Dante Rome, Host Pastor. Sister Annie Marshall, Christian
Education Director, Macon District. Clergy and laity representing twenty
two churches were in attendance.
The Macon District Choir under the direction of Sister Latrellis O. Dent
opened the worship service experiences by invoking the spirit with Praise
and Thanksgiving. Songs of Zion were interspersed throughout the Service.
The Reverend Ernest L. Gordon, Pastor of Greater Continued p5
Presiding Elder Alan H. Wicker preaching the Word
Ly
‘“NOLONIHSWM
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NOSGHYWHOTY ‘ff *W dOHSId
===== DSC03989.JPG =====
2 THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
MAY 17, 2010
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor Ill
The 20th Editor of The
Christian Recorder
I said in a previous editorial, “Too many pas-
tors function as team captains. They lead Trustee
and Steward Board meetings, take over the choir,
take charge of the Church School, lead youth meetings, sign all of the
checks and actively involve themselves in the details and in every
activity of the local church.” The reason some pastors/coaches join
and play as an active player on the church/team is because the
church/team is not very good and if the church/team is going to be suc-
cessful, the pastor/coach has to function as a church/team member as
well as a pastor/coach. I suspect that Michael Jordan was the coach,
player and team captain for the Washington Wizards because, at that
time, the team was not too good; and without Jordan, the team would
have been more dysfunctional.
Too many “pick up basketball games” type local churches
It seems to me that too many churches function like pickup basketball
games. Everybody seems to want to do his or her own thing and the actions
of individuals take precedence over teamwork. Organizations in the local
church function independent of each other. Team captain/officers and
pastor/coaches are often in adversarial relationships, rather than in a com-
plimentary relationship, which results in a lack of loyalty to the
church/team.
There is very little, or no, authority in a pickup basketball game. In
a pickup basketball game, there are no referees or coaches. There is
not a de jure team captain, except that the “baddest and best” player
usually serves as the de facto team captain; the position to function as
the captain is not formalized, just understood to be so. Whatever fouls
a player can get away with is the rule of the game. Fouls are committed
and arguments"and even tights start over an excessive foul or fouls that
cannot be resolved. Whoever shouts the loudest or whoever is the
“biggest and the baddest” usually prevails in disagreements over fouls
in pickup games. Pickup basketball games tend to create conflict
rather than order.
Some churches function as an ad hoc organization
Unfortunately some churches function like pickup basketball games —
whoever is “biggest and baddest” prevails; sometimes it is the pastor and
at other times it’s an influential member or members who might be rein-
The Christian Recorder
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SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION OF THE A.M.E. CHURCH,
500 Eighth Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203-4181
Som She
THE PASTOR IS NOT THE TEAM CAPTAIN
forced by a large number of family members who belong to the church
and/or by his or her relationship with the membership that developed
over a number of years.
Effective organizations have to have someone in charge. A successful
team needs a coach, a team captain or captains and members of the
team must be committed to the team, respect authority and follow the
leadership of the team captain and the coach, and when those three
entities work together, the result most often is a winning team!
Winning teams have players who are committed to winning and win-
ning teams know the importance of leadership and authority. I disliked
my first football coach at Rahway High School. I knew he was a racist;
no doubt about it. Other team members knew it too, but that didn’t stop
us from giving our best because we wanted to be winners and we
couldn’t be winners if we were whiners.
You see a lot of whiners in pick-up basketball games and so often
pick-up basketball games turn into melees and many of the games end
abruptly. Player often quit in the middle of pickup basketball games.
Players that work together as a team become committed to the team
and know the importance of team loyalty. Successful teams have few
quitters because quitters are viewed as losers; and winners do not like
to be viewed as losers. There were many cold and snowy football prac-
tice days at Rahway High School and I wanted to quit, but quitting was
not an option because the peer pressure would have been too great and
besides, I wanted to be a winner.
Winners and losers
There is a vast difference between effective churches and ineffective
dysfunctional churches. Effective churches’ leadership and member-
ship function as teams and experience growth; ineffective churches’
leadership and membership function like “pickup basketball games”
and are most often dysfunctional and lack growth.
There are warning signals for dysfunctional churches. If a church
has been in the same community for 50, 70, or 100 years and its mem-
bership is less than say 100 and it is struggling to make ends meet, and
other churches in the area are growing; something is terribly wrong.
There are a lot of large churches that are dysfunctional as well and
there are warning signals for them too. Churches riddled with conflict,
excessive membership turnover, high turnover, Continued on p7
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May 17, 2010
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER 3
kek ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULES kirken
SEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT
A.M.E. CHURCH
FIRST EPISCOPAL DISTRICT
A.M.E. CHURCH
BISHOP RICHARD FRANKLIN NORRIS
MAY 20-23, 2010
WESTERN NEW YORK ANNUAL
CONFERENCE
MAY 19, 2010
WMS CONVENTION
First Israel A.M.E Church
381 Hamilton Street
Albany, NY 12210
Church Phone: (518) 463-8779
Pastor's Phone: (518) 427-6769
The Rev. Edward B. Smart, Host Pastor
The Rev. Carlton Gibson, Host PE.
MAY 26-30, 2010
PHILADELPHIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE ;
MAY 25, 2010
WMS CONVENTION
Bethel A.M.E. Church
450-512 E. Strawberry Street
Lancaster, PA 17602
Church Phone: (717) 393-8379
Pastor's Phone: (717) 392-8559
The Rev. Edward M. Bailey, Host Pastor
The Rev. Lawrence C. Henryhand, Host PE.
SECOND EPISCOPAL DISTRICT
A.M.E. CHURCH
BISHOP ADAM JEFFERSON
RICHARDSON, JR.
MAY 18-22, 2010
WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA ANNUAL :
CONFERENCE
St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Co-Host Church
Chapel Hill, NC
The Rev. Thomas 0. Nixon, Co-Host Pastor :
: St. Matthew A.M.E. Church, Raleigh, NC, Co- :
Host Church
The Rev. Marion Robinson, Co-Host Pastor
Hilton North Raleigh Hotel and Conference :
Center, Host Site
3415 Wake Forest Road
The Rev. Larnie G. Horton, Host PE
The Rev. J. Bernard Wilder, Assoc. PE
JUNE 1-5, 2010
NORTH CAROLINA ANNUAL
CONFERENCE
McCormick's Chapel, Co-Host Church
Lumberton, NC
The Rev. Dr. Judy Johnson, Co-Host Pastor
Mt. Horeb A.M.E. Church, Co-Host Church
Evergreen, NC
The Rev. Ruth Pugh, Co-Host Pastor
Ohovah A.M.E. Church, Co-Host Church
Barnesville, NC
The Rev. Janice Harris, Co-Host Pastor
: Sea Trail Golf Resort and Convention Center,
Host Site
211 Clubhouse Road
Sunset Beach, NC
The Rev. Evelyn Gail Dunn, Host PE
The Rev. Larry Stanwyk Hinton, Assoc. PE
BISHOP PRESTON WARREN WILLIAMS II :
AUGUST 23-27, 2010
PALMETTO ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Greater Goodwill A.M.E. Church, Host Church :
Mt. Pleasant, SC
The Rev. Herbert Temoney, Host Pastor
The Rev. Charles Graves, Host PE.
The Rev. Rosalyn Coleman, Co-Host PE.
The Rev. Dr. Allen W. Parrott, Co-Host PE.
AUGUST 30-SEPTEMBER 3, 2010
NORTHEAST ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Bethel A.M.E. Church
Conway, SC
The Rey. Richard W. Crummy, Host Pastor
The Rev. Dr. William Smith, Host PE.
The Rev. Robert Cooper, Co-Host PE.
The Rev. Dr. Robert McCants, Co-Host PE.
SEPTEMBER 13-17, 2010
COLUMBIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Emmanuel A.M.E. Church
Columbia, SC
The Rev. Reginald Morton, Host Pastor
The Rev. Sandy Drayton, Host PE.
The Rev. Dr. James R. Glover, Co-Host PE.
The Rev. Joseph Postell, Co-Host PE.
SEPTEMBER 20-24, 2010
SOUTH CAROLINA ANNUAL
CONFERENCE
St. Stephen A.M.E. Church
Hardeeville, SC
The Rev. Jonathan Roberts, Host Pastor
The Rev. Samue/ Myers, Host PE
The Rey. John H. Gillison, Co-Host PE.
The Rev. Malachi Duncan, Co-Host PE.
OCTOBER 4-8, 2010
PIEDMONT ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Long Cane A.M.E. Church
Abbeville, SC
The Rev. Julius M. Johnson, Host Pastor
The Rev. Samuel L. McPherson, Host PE
The Rev. Judy Richardson, Co-Host PE.
OCTOBER 11-15, 2010
CENTRAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Butler Chapel A.M.E. Church
Orangeburg, SC
The Rev. Helen Zeigler, Host Pastor
The Rev. Barbara Chisholm, Host PE
The Rev. Dr. Juenarrl Keith, Co-Host PE
The Rev. Harry Wilson, Co-Host PE
EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT
A.M.E. CHURCH
BISHOP CAROLYN TYLER GUIDRY
AUGUST 18-22, 2010
NORTH MISSISSIPPI ANNUAL
CONFERENCE
AUGUST 17, 2010
WMS CONVENTION
Faith Community A.M.E. Church
7340 Greenbrook Parkway
Southaven, MS 38671
Church Phone: (662) 393-4740
The Rev. Johnny Johnson, Jr, Host Pastor
The Rev. William Hardiman, Host PE
SEPTEMBER 22-26, 2010
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI ANNUAL
CONFERENCE
SEPTEMBER 21, 2010
WMS CONVENTION
Zion Chapel (Natchez)
228 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive
Natchez, MS 39120
Church Phone: (601) 442-1396
The Rev. Birdon Mitchell, Host Pastor
The Rev. George W. Tyler, Host PE.
OCTOBER 6-10, 2010
CENTRAL/NORTH LOUISIANA ANNUAL
CONFERENCE
OCTOBER 5, 2010
WMS CONVENTION
Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church
510 North 11th Street
Monroe, LA 71111
Church Phone: (318) 323-6382
The Rev. Cynthia Harris, Host Pastor
The Rev. Michele Goodloe, Host PE.
OCTOBER 20-24, 2010
LOUISIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
OCTOBER 19, 2010
WMS CONVENTION
Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church
6175 Scenic Highway
Baton Rouge, LA 70805
Church Phone: (225) 356-0719
The Rev. Bland Washington, Host Pastor
The Rev. David J. Campbell, Host PE.
EIGHTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT
A.M.E. CHURCH
BISHOP ERRENOUS EARL MCCLOUD
AUGUST 19-21, 2010
BOTSWANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
AUGUST 18, 2010
WMS CONVENTION
Motsweli wa Botshelo A.M.E. Church, Host
Church
PO. Box 601693
Gaborone, Botswana
The Rev. Mpho Moruakgomo, Host Pastor
The Rev. Mpho Moruakgomo, Host PRE
SEPTEMBER 16-18, 2010
MOZAMBIQUE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
SEPTEMBER 15, 2010
WMS CONVENTION
* Grauziwe Chapel A.M.E. Church, Host Church
Shipping Account Department
Rua de Poder Popular 216
Beira, Mozambique
The Rev. Flora Manuel, Host Pastor
The Rev. Jose Bussane, Host PE
SEPTEMBER 23-25, 2010
SWAZILAND ANNUAL CONFERENCE
SEPTEMBER 22, 2010
WMS CONVENTION
Labotsibeni Memorial A.M.E. Church, Host
Church
PO. Box 34
Manzini, Swaziland
The Rev. Sibongile P Nxumalo, Host Pastor
The Rev. Solomon J. Nxumalo, Host PE
OCTOBER 14-16, 2010
NORTHEAST LESOTHO ANNUAL
CONFERENCE
OCTOBER 13, 2010
WMS CONVENTION
Botha-Bothe A.M.E. Church, Host Church
PO. Box 730
Botha-Bothe 400
The Rev. Solomon Libete, Host Pastor
The Rev. M. T. Machefo, Host PE
OCTOBER 14-16, 2010
LESOTHO ANNUAL CONFERENCE
OCTOBER 13, 2010
WMS CONVENTION
Agnes Ball A.M.E. Church
C/O PO. Box 223
Maseru 100, Lesotho
The Rev. Beatrice Motokoa, Host Pastor
The Rev. D.EM. Rafube, Host PE.
TWENTIETH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT
A.M.E, CHURCH
BISHOP JULIUS HARRISON
MCALLISTER, SR.
: JULY 28-31, 2010 :
: MALAWI NORTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE :
: JULY 27, 2010 :
WMS CONVENTION
kama AMEC, Host Church
Buyonde
Kyera, Tanzania
The Rev. Dauden Mwaipinga, Host Pastor
The Rev. Wilson M. Ngulube, Host PE.
AUGUST 4-8, 2010
MALAWI CENTRAL ANNUAL
CONFERENCE
AUGUST 3, 2010
WMS CONVENTION
Mdabwi AMEC, Host Church
: Kasungu, Malawi =
: The Rev. Manuel M. Chamamba, Host Pastor :
: & PE. :
: AUGUST 11-15, 2010 :
> MALAWI SOUTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE :
: AUGUST 10, 2010 :
WMS CONVENTION
Thomas Chapel AMEC, Host Church
Salima, Malawi
The Rev. Davison Moyo, Host Pastor
The Rev. Vorster Nkhoma, PE.
AUGUST 25-29, 2010
SOUTHWEST ZIMBABWE ANNUAL
CONFERENCE
AUGUST 24, 2010
WMS CONVENTION
Ball Tabernacle AMEC, Host Church
Nketa Drive, Mpopoma
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
The Rev. Phillip S. Gava, Host Pastor & PE.
SEPTEMBER 1-5, 2010
CENTRAL ZIMBABWE ANNUAL
CONFERENCE
AUGUST 31, 2010
WMS CONVENTION
Gow Temple AMEC, Host Church
Mucheke A. Mabyira 5
Masvingo, Zimbabwe :
The Rev. Piet Muparuri, Host Pastor and PE. :
SEPTEMBER 8-12, 2010
NORTHEAST ZIMBABWE ANNUAL
CONFERENCE
SEPTEMBER 7, 2010
WMS CONVENTION
Phillip Life Centre AMEC, Host Church
New Marlborough
Harare, Zimbabwe
The Rev. Israel Chimuse, Host Pastor
The Rev. Dereck Mapanga, Host PE
“By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to
the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and from dust
you will return.” Genesis 3:19
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4 THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
____ 13TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT TEAM-13 MAKING A DIFFERENCE
L3TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT JOINING FIGHT AGAINST PROSTATE CANCER
MAY 17, 2010
he 13th Episcopal District will be joining forces with churches across the county in a nationwide Father’s Day Rally against Prostate Cancer
.9 > : ° ay eo ‘ ane
on June 20, 2010. Did you know that African American men have a 60% higher prostate cancer incidence rate and a 150% higher death rate than
Aye . - . “ ‘ - S ‘ ALC “
all other men? This is the largest racial disparity for any type of cancer. To address this crisis Prostate Health Education Network (PHEN) imple
mented a “Father's Day Rally ag¢ 23 > Cancer” : . . ir affor
he iy Rally against Prostate Cancer” and we will be joining their effort, For more information on the national campaign go to:
www.RAPCancer.org.
fon
We will be asking each church in the 13th Episcopal District to participate. In the coming alli?
weeks, you will receive more information about how
your church can participate.
2010 Believe Grant Applications Due June 1, 2010
As most of you know, Believe Incorporated is a non-
profit organization that represents the secular educa-
tional, economic, community development and
outreach efforts of the 13th Episcopal District of the
African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church. Believe
Incorporated seeks to identify new resources and pro-
vide small grants to churches, organizations, and indi-
viduals who are members of the 13th Episcopal District
of the A.M.E. Church.
If you are in a 13th District A.M.E. Church in need of
financial support for a project or an individual needing
help with theological training, please go to the Believe
Inc. website to learn more (www.believeinc.org).
13th Episcopal District Has Official Facebook Page
The 13th Episcopal District now has an Official
Facebook Page. Become a fan and stay connected with
The Washington Post
On Faith 2@
the happenings in the 13th. The link to the page is www.facebook.com/team13a.m.e.
Bishop McKenzie Is a Faith Columnist in the Washington Post
Bishop McKenzie has been selected by the Washington Post to be an “On Faith” Columnist where she joins others including T. D. Jakes, Arch-
bishop Tutu, Norman Lear, and Garner Taylor addressing key issues. Read her latest column at: http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/pan-
elists/vashti_murphy_mckenzie/2010/04/obama_as_a_leader_and_a_black_man.html.
In addition, you can hear a daily devotion by subscribing to www.thisisyourwakeupcallonline.com or get a daily prayer by subscribing to
www.vashtimckenzie.blogspot.com.
to serve people
A
to love God
A
to lead the Church
Reverend Dr. Eric L. Brown
African Methodis val Church
GENERAL SECRETARY/CIO
The Reverend Eric L. Brown, D. Min., Presiding Elder of the Allegheny/Scranton
District, Pittsburgh Annual Conference of the Third Episcopal District of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church presents himself as the candidate to be elected as the
6 General Secretary/Chief Information Officer. His service is and has been
both faithful and productive.
Dr. Brown has in the interest of the African Methodist Episcopal Church traveled to
South Korea, Australia, and Chile. Moving upon invitation, Dr. Brown has also traveled
throughout the connection conducting workshops and sharing information about the
Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
..From Indigenous Leadership on pl...
would argue that a Bishop elected
from districts 14-20 has a greater
affinity for those areas than an
American and would still be
“indigenous” to an extent. (That is
akin to believing that a Mexican
can be Bishop in a Canadian
Church because both countries are
in North America). Our “indige-
nous” bishops deal with the same
language and cultural barriers that
our United States-born bishops
have encountered due to the inter-
national character of their districts.
For instance, an English speaking
Bishop presides over the predomi-
nately French speaking 17th Dis-
trict. The Bishop of the 14th
District presides over five different
countries. The Bishop of the 15th
District spent four years as the
“non-indigenous” Bishop of the
20th District before being assigned
to his homeland in 2008.
While having bishops from dis-
tricts 14-20 is important, the
issues affecting our churches in
areas outside the United States
cannot solely be resolved with
“indigenous” Episcopal leader-
ship. Because the 14th, 15th, 16th,
17th, 18th and 20th districts are
composed of several different
countries, the concept of “indige-
nous leadership” is relative. Most
of the day to day decisions in dis-
tricts 14-20 are made by presiding
elders and lay leaders. While the
Bishop is the ultimate authority,
the lack of a strategy to nurture
and support capable clergy and lay
leadership outside the United
States has contributed to the
uneven development of the
church. This is the “indigenous
leadership” which we need to be
concerned with. The problem is
compounded when countries are
divided into Annual Conference
and/or Presiding Elder districts
with no clear national leader other
than the Presiding Bishop. When
an Annual Conference is a nation,
a different approach must be used.
' The lack of such strategy has crip-
pled the A.M.E. Church’s ability
to deal with the political realities
and structures of certain areas. For
example, many of our nations do
not have an A.M_E. office because
the Episcopal District office is
viewed as the Conference head-
quarters. This absence of national
presence weakens the A.M_E.
Church presence.
If the A.M.E. Church is truly
serious about “indigenous lead-
ership” for areas outside the
United States, persons from the
16th, 18th, 19th and 20th Districts
must be | Continued on p10
pe
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MAY 17, 2010
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER 5
...From Macon District on pl... Turner Tabernacle A.M.E. Church,
Macon, Georgia served as Worship Leader. He set the tone of the ser-
vice with opening sentences and led the congregation in Praying the
Prayer of Confession and the
Litany, followed with the Hymn,
“Lord Who Throughout These
Forty Days.” A powerful Pastoral
Prayer was delivered by Reverend
Dante Rome.
The Scripture Reading, Joel 2:1-
2; 12-17. The enlightment of the
Occasion was given by Sister Annie
Marshall, Macon District CED.
The Macon District Choir lifted
the roof off of the house singing
several songs... “Have Thy Way
Lord;” “Blest the Lord;” “The Lord
Our God is Wonderful.”
The Preached Word was deliv-
ered by Elder Alan H. Wicker. His
text was from the Book of Psalms
51:1-7 and he preached on the sub-
By The MHAME Communications Ministry
The Mount Hermon African Methodist Episcopal Church, 401 North-
west 7th Terrace, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida celebrated its 104th Church
Anniversary on Sunday, April 18, 2010 on this memorable occasion. The
Guest Speaker was Bishop McKinley Young, the Presiding Prelate of the
Eleventh Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.)
Church. The Reverend Willie J. Cook, Sr., M.Div, is the pastor.
The theme for this church anniversary is “Empowering People,
Impacting Communities and Changing Lives.”
Mount Hermon African Methodist Church of Ft. Lauderdale has a
rich and glorious history; founded in 1906, Mount Hermon is the oldest
A.M_E. Church and the second oldest Black church in the Fort Laud-
erdale area. With a humble beginning, Mount Hermon started as a
small group of worshippers in the township of Fort Lauderdale who
would gather on Sundays to hold religious services outdoors under a
tree. A few of the worshippers from this group purchased property from
the Dallas Land Company on April 25, 1906. The founders of this Zion
ECUMENICAL LEADERS RECALL
DOROTHY I. HEIGHT AS A TIRELESS
SUPPORTER OF CHURCH UNITY
Reverends Dianne Lewis (left) and Louise Smith Hill administering the ashes
under the watchful eyes of Elder Wicker.
named it “Mount Hermon African Methodist
Episcopal Church.” They were led by the Rev-
erend W.A. Woods and the Reverend Mark
Smith, Annie T. Reed, Mamie McGill and I. H.
Williams.
HONORING
PRESIDING ELDER
REV. RALPH L. WILSON
Washington, April 20, 2010 -- Dorothy I. Height, who began her AND
activist career as a teenager marching in New York’s Times Square
shouting, “Stop the lynching,” was remembered Tuesday as one of the
last great voices of the American Civil Rights Movement.
Height, 98, who led the National Council of Negro Women for four
decades and continued to speak out on justice issues in her 90s, died
early today.
“We remember Dr. Height both as a civil rights leader and as a tire-
less champion of church unity,” said the Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon,
General Secretary of the National Council of Churches.
“History will not forget the contributions Dorothy Height made to
the cause of freedom and justice,” Kinnamon said. “We in the church
will never forget the essential role her faith played in motivating her
lifelong quest on behalf of persons of all ages, races and ethnicities.
She knew that persons of faith can be an irresistible force for justice
when we join hearts and hands, and she was a leader in that march
throughout most of our lifetimes.”
A United Methodist, Height was the first recipient in 2004 of the
National Council of Churches J. Irwin Miller Award, named for one of
the Council’s lay presidents, Kinnamon noted.
Presenting the award was Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt of the Christian
Methodist Episcopal Church, and NCC President in 2004.
“Briends, I cannot think of anyone who is more deserving ol thesls
Irwin Miller Award than Dorothy Height,” Hoyt said at the time. “She
is a living legend in the movement for civil rights in this nation. She
has dedicated herself to improving the
SISTER JOYCE WILSON
A Celebration of Service
Bishop Young was assigned to the Eleventh
Episcopal District in 2004 by the 47th Quadren-
nial Session of the General Conference of the African Methodist Epis-
copal Church. This assignment places Bishop Young over some 440
churches throughout the state of Florida and the Bahamas. Bishop
Young also serves as the Chair of the Board of Trustees for Edward
Waters College, Jacksonville, Florida. Bishop |. Continued on p11
ject “Clean Me Up, God.” Some key points made: We must admit that
we have sinned in God’s sight; Look inward to see how dirty we are; We
must use these forty days to change our ways and go in a new direction
and cleanse ourselves; Ask God to
clean me up; You will receive for-
giveness by God.
The congregation repeated the
General Confession followed with
the Imposition of Ashes to the wor-
shippers at the Altar administered
by Elder Alan H. Wicker and
assisted by the Reverends Dianne
Lewis and Louise Smith Hill. The
minister marks the forehead of each
person with the ashes, using the fol-
lowing words... REMEMBER
THAT YOU ARE DUST AND TO
DUST YOU SHALL RETURN BUT
THE STEADFAST LOVE OF THE
LORD ENDURES FOREVER.
Fellowship greetings closed out
this Sacred Holy Service.
a
Vou are thutted ta altend ~~
for Rey. Ralph L. Wilson and Sister Joyce Wilson
Presiding Elder of the Tallahassee District
of the Florida Conference of the 11th Epicopal District
FRIDAY, JULY 9, 2010
AT 7:00 PM
Alfred Lawson Center
on the campus of
Florida A&M University
Tallahassee, Florida
Ticket price: $50
For ticket sales please contact:
Rev. Anton Elwood, Senior Minister
New Moun! n AME Church
Tallahassee, Florida
850-222-4201
Mrs. Eileen Warner _
Souvernir Journal Chair
instruct926@aol.com
Tallahassee, Florida, Co-Chair
850-576-7501
Continued on p10
of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
For Souvenir Journal information, please contact
For Additional Information please contact:
Rev. Dr, Julius H. McAllister, Jr. Senior Minister
Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
For more information:
www.elderralphwilson.com
rict and Florida Conference
Superintendent
——————_
===== DSC03993.JPG =====
6 THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER MAY 17, 2010
THE 143rd SESSION OF THE ALLEGHENY SCRANTON DISTRICT
CONFERENCE CHURCH PRESS REPORT
CLAIRTON, PENNSYLVANIA
By Ms. Shelly Brown"
On Thursday, February 18, 2010, pastors, delegates, evangelists, presidents of missionary societies, presidents of lay organizations and youth
representatives were received with the Joy of the Lord and with open arms by the Host Pastor, the Reverend Dr. Judith Co ines a husband
Mr. Leo Moore, and the members of First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Clairton, Pennsylvania. —
ie Reverend James E. Murray, Jr., pastor of St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania led Bible Study which
was taken from I Corinthians 12:27-31. In this chapter Paul begins to address the issue of spiritual gifts and that spiritual gifts, though diverse
come from the same Spirit and are to be used for the benefit of all. ie a
The Reverend Dr. Eric L. Brown, Presiding Elder (candidate General Secretary/CIO 2012), called the 143rd Session of the Allegheny Scranton
District Conference to order. The theme for this District Conference was “Moving toward Christian Excellence in Service,” I Corinthians 12:31
The Reverend Linda Moore, Pastor of St. John A.M.E. Church — Bridgewater, Pennsylvania was the preacher for the Opening Worship Cele-
bration. Reverend Moore utilized Mark 5:21-35 as her text. The theme was “Clear the Room.” Sometimes we have to show up where Jesus is
Jairus’ daughter was dying and he went to met Jesus. On the way to Jairus’ house, Jesus was touched on the hem of his garment by the ites.
with the issue of blood. Jesus is a multitasker (he can work on more than one situation at a time). As Jesus approached the house, people were
weeping and said that the child was dead. Jesus told them that she is just sleeping and they laughed at him. Jesus “cleared the room” of all dis-
tractions so that he could work a miracle.
The Reverend JoElla Williams, Pastor of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church — Tarentum, Pennsylvania conducted Workshop #1 enti-
tled “Planning the Year in the Local Church.” It is very important that every church follow protocol. It starts with the Bishop providing his cal-
endar; then the Presiding Elder, and finally the Pastor of the local church. Plan your work and work your plan. A church violates The Book of
Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 2008 if a monthly official board meeting is not held.
The Reverend Dr. Helen M. Burton, Pastor of New Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church — Aliquippa, Pennsylvania conducted Work-
shop #2 entitled “Evangelism: How to Catch Fish and Clean Them.”
The Ecumenical Worship Celebration commenced Thursday evening with the Reverend Dr. William Calloway, First Mt. Olive Baptist Church —
Clairton, Pennsylvania whose theme was “He May Not Come When You Want Him but He’s Always on Time.” The sermon was taken from John
11:21. Reverend Calloway compared the church with Mary, Martha and Lazarus. He expressed how they represented what every church needs; a
worker, a worshiper and a witness. He also used the phrase “stay in your lane”. ie., complete your work and allow others to complete theirs.
Friday, February 19, 2010: The morning business session began with Dr. Brown introducing Reverend Dr. Eugene Schoolfield II, Pastor, St.
James African Methodist Episcopal Church — Erie, Pennsylvania. He conducted Workshop #3 —“Is Ministry a Calling or a Career?” Reverend
Schoolfield declared that ministry must be a calling and not a career. Romans 1:1 states “ministry is by invitation only.” God will equip you for
the job you need to do. You must meet these qualifications and prove the validity of your calling.
Workshop #4 - “Where Do Our Conference Claims Go?” was conducted by the Reverend Kary Williams, Jr., - Pastor, Payne Chapel African
Methodist Episcopal Church — Duquesne, Pennsylvania. Our Conference Claims pay Mid-Year and Annual Conference assessments, presiding
elders’ salaries, pastors and delegates’ travel, and other district and conference requests.
God’s messenger for the Hour of Power Worship Celebration was the Reverend David W. Bethea, pastor Park Place African Methodist Epis-
copal Church — Homestead, Pennsylvania. He referenced Luke 13:1-9. His sermon “A Servants Plea — There Is Still Time” calls for us to allow
divine justice, divine mercy and divine grace in all that we do and ask for.
The conference was blessed to have the following persons visit from outside of the Allegheny Scranton District: Presiding Elder Percy Tate,
the Youngstown District; Presiding Elder James Harris, the Cleveland District; Presiding Elder James McLemore, the Pittsburgh District; Brother
Bert Ogden, a member of the General Board and Campaign Manager for Dr. Eric L. Brown’s quest to become the 6th General Secretary; Miss
Lauren Bethea, a member of the Episcopal Committee and Park Place A.M.E. Church in Homestead, PA; the Reverend Arthur Doctor, pastor of
St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Washington, PA. :
Friday afternoon’s Business Session began with Committee reports on the 7 Point Plan for Growth:
Evangelism: The Reverend Acquanetta Osborne Gwendolyn Cooley; Pittsburgh Conference W.M.S. 2nd Vice Presi-
Education: The Reverend Dr. Judith C. Moore
Evaluation: The Reverend Melva Hartzog
Expansion: The Reverend Kary Williams, Jr.
Emphasis on Youth: The Reverend Chery! Ruffin
Empowerment: The Reverend Dr. Helen M. Burton
Economic Development: The Reverend James E. Murray, Jr.
The 6th Annual Musical Extravaganza certainly had everyone’s feet
tapping and hands clapping as pastors and guests rendered Spirit filled
selections.
Saturday, February 20, 2010: The 3rd Annual Sons of Allen breakfast
meeting was called to order by the Allegheny Scranton District Sons of
Allen Director, the Reverend Kary Williams, Jr. He explained the struc-
ture of the Sons of Allen in the African Methodist Episcopal Church
which is to bring other men to Christ.
The organization of the 2009-2010 Sons of Allen of the Allegheny
Scranton District is:
District Coordinator: Reverend Kary Williams, Jr.
President: Reverend Samuel Chambers
Vice President: Brother Samuel Chambers
Recording Secretary: Rev. Lawrence Haynes, Jr.
Correspondence Secretary: Brother Vernon Kelly
Treasurer: Brother David Moore
Morning Business Session, Saturday, February 20, 2010: Greetings
and updates from the following: Pittsburgh Conference Y.P.D. Director,
dent, Barbara Lyles; Allegheny Scranton District Church School
Superintendent, Valerie McElvy, Allegheny Scranton W.I.M., Rev-
erend Chery! Ruffin on behalf of Reverend Melva Hartzog.
The Board of Examiners Committee made the following recommen-
dations:
2nd year course study: Licentiate Orbelle Henderson, Payne Chapel
AME. Church — Duquesne, Pennsylvania.
The Memorial Service chaired by the Reverend Samuel Chambers
who paid tribute to those who left the church militant and entered into
the church triumphant. Those names were Wynon Chaplin — St. Mark
AME. Church, Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania; Delphia Hughes — Bethel
AME. Church, Tarentum, Pennsylvania; Dina Gran Creighton — St.
James A.M_E. Church — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Michele Day Moore
— St. James A.M. Church, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Presiding Elder Eric and Lady Margo Brown expressed sincere
appreciation to the Allegheny Scranton District pastors, officers and
laity. They both expressed gratitude to the pastor and members of First
African Methodist Episcopal Church for their willingness to serve and
hospitality shown this District Conference.
The Spoken Word for the Closing Communion Worship Celebration
was given by the Reverend Dr. Darlene Jenkins, Pastor, St. Paul
African Methodist Church — Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. Reverend
Jenkins text was from Philippians 2:5-11. Her theme, “Utilizing the
Name of Jesus,” taught us regardless of your circumstance Jesus is able
...Continued on p7
el ta i SOE SSS
===== DSC03994.JPG =====
MAY 17, 2010 THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
LOCAL CHURCH ADDS ANGEL FOOD PROGRAM
Murph-Emmanuel A.M.E. Church in North Highlands, California, for the past several months, has distributed free food and clothing to as
many as 300 families residing in and around the working class North Highland neighborhood, ="
Beginning this week, the 200 member congregation has taken steps to add an additional dimension to that outreach effort by becoming a host
ee a national non-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated to providing affordable high quality food to
First established in 1994 to provide relief to struggling families in the Macon, GA area, Angel Food Ministries serves hundreds of thousands
of families across 42 states. In 2008, the Angel Food Program provided $120 million in direct food assistance to American famiting “ oi
viding fresh, brand name food for a fraction of the retail price. By purchasing food in bulk directly from some of the top rales athe
country, food is discounted by up to 50% of retail. A standard medium-sized box of food may be purchased for $30 and contains top quality
food staples from every food group including chicken or beef, milk, eggs, vegetables and fruits. The menu selections vary each month and con-
sist of both fresh and frozen items, helping individuals and families to save money without sacrificing quality. Participation in the Angel Food
Program is Open to anyone and, according to the Rey. Michael Barta, Senior Pastor of Murph-Emmanuel, there are no income requirements
limits on the quantity of boxes that can be purchased nor are there any applications or qualifications for eligibility. The program is nies
equipped to accept participants from S.N.A.P. (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
According to Pastor Barta, the Murph-Emmanuel Congregation is committed to continuing both its free food distribution ministry as well as
Angel Food, its reduced cost grocery distribution program, to the residents of North Highland and the greater Sacramento area.
“The two programs serve different segments of our community” Barta said. “The free food program is designed to help folk with few, if any,
resources while Angel Food is there for folk with access to some resources who just need a little help in getting through the month. Both needs
are real given today’s tough economic climate and both groups deserve our help.”
Murph-Emmanuel A.M.E. Church is located at 4151 Don Julio Blvd. in North Highlands, California. Persons interested in obtaining more
information about either of its food distribution programs may call the Church at 916.332.7749 or in the case of the Angel Food Program, go
online to www.angelfoodministries.com.
..From The 143rd Session on p6... to break barriers.
The Resolutions Committee chaired by the Reverend Dr. Helen M.
Burton marvelously entertained us as usual.
Presiding Elder Brown was the Chief Celebrant of the Holy Com-
munion. He was assisted by retired Presiding Elder Samson
...From The Pastor Is Not on p2..._ of church officers, a lack of young
people in the congregation, a history of not accepting pastoral leadership,
uninvolved lay participation, low-energy pastoral leadership, Sunday-
only ministry, and sanctuary-limited ministry are a few of the warning
signals for smaller and larger churches.
Some large and small churches are so conflict-infected that church
growth and ministry are severely inhibited and without outside inter-
vention, will continue dysfunctional ministry.
Change — Yes, churches can change, if they want to change
Dysfunctional churches need to face and admit their dysfunction and
seek ways to reverse their dysfunction. Dysfunctional churches with dys-
functional leaders cannot continue functioning the same way and expect
difference results. It takes a strategy to reverse dysfunction and it takes a
radical strategy to reverse or turnaround long-standing dysfunction. The
strategy has to have the active involvement of the pastor/coach, the offi-
cers/team captains, and the members/players and often involves bringing
Manoah Cooper.
All hearts and minds were clear as we were dismissed from this
143rd Session of the Allegheny Scranton District Conference.
*Miss Shelly Brown is the Allegheny Scranton District Administra-
tive Assistant.
in outside team-building experts. I am afraid that many churches do not
want to change because they have become comfortable with their dysfunc-
tion. A church that wants to honor the Great Commission must be Christ-
centered and focused upon ministry.
Anyone or any organization can change if they have the mind and a
will_to do so.
The coach, team captain, and team model works at all levels.
On the Episcopal District level, the bishop is the coach, the presiding
elders are the team captains and the clergy make up the team.
On the presiding elder district level, the presiding elder is the coach,
the pastors are the team captains and the clergy and presiding elder dis-
trict officers make up the team. The local congregation is not the pre-
siding elder’s team. The local congregation is the pastor’s team.
As sport leagues have divisions and divisions of responsibilities, so
the church has divisions and levels of responsibilities and it is impor-
tant that each level of responsibility knows its boundaries.
2010 SOCIAL WORK CONGRESS WILL EXPLORE WAYS TO DEVELOP NEW GENERATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS
Congress Engaged Social Work Students
and Up-and-Coming Social Work Leaders
WASHINGTON— The 2010 Social Work
Congress brought together 350 leaders in the
social work profession to create a plan to
develop the next generation of social workers
and address issues that challenge the fast-
growing social work profession.
The Congress, which was convened and sup-
ported by 12 social work organizations, was
held April 22-23 at the Hyatt Regency on
Capitol Hill. The event featured a briefing by
members of the U.S. Congress who are social
workers, a speech from Jared Bernstein, chief
economist and economic policy advisor to Vice
President Biden, and appearances by noted
authors Daniel Brook and Kirstin Downey.
Co-conveners were the National Association
of Social Workers, Council on Social Work
Education, National Association of Deans and
Directors of the Schools of Social Work, and
the Association of Baccalaureate Social Work
Program Directors.
“The social work profession is expected to
grow faster than average over the next eight
years and we must prepare a new generation of
social workers to step into the roles and shoes
of those of us who are retiring in the next
decade,” said Elizabeth Clark, PhD, ACSW,
MPH, Executive Director of the National Asso-
ciation of Social Workers.
“We are also facing huge social and eco-
nomic upheaval so we will use the Congress to
encourage leaders in our profession to step up
and be heard,” Clark said. “That is why this
year’s theme — ‘Reaffirm, Revisit and Re-
imagine the Profession’ — is so fitting.”
The Congress began with participants
looking at a “diagnostic statement” drafted by
the co-convening organizations. They then
voted by group on a set of 10 imperatives to
advance the profession.
A 2010 Student Social Work Congress was
held virtually in conjunction with the live
Social Work Congress. The Student Social
Work Congress connected 400 social work stu-
dents in classrooms around the nation. The col-
leges were geographically dispersed and
included classes from historically black col-
leges and universities and other minority
serving universities. Students viewed the gen-
eral sessions and the final voting process. They
also chatted with one another live, participated
in polls, and voted on final imperatives.
NASW Assurance Services was the pre-
senting sponsor. Event supporters included the
Association of Oncology Social Work, the
Association of Social Work Boards, Clinical
Social Work Association, Association of Black
Social Workers, National Network of Social
Work Managers, Society for Social Work Lead-
ership in Health Care, Society for Social Work
and Research, and the Group for the Advance-
ment of Doctoral Education in Social Work.
The National Association of Social Workers
(NASW), in Washington, DC, is the largest
membership organization of professional social
workers with 150,000 members. It promotes,
develops, and protects the practice of social
work and social workers. NASW also seeks to
enhance the well being of individuals, families,
and communities through its advocacy.
===== DSC03995.JPG =====
8 THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER MAY 17, 2010
Bishop William P. DeVeaux, our Sixth
Episcopal leader of the state of Georgia,
presented the First District Bishop, the
Rt. Rev. Richard Franklin Norris, to
preach the Opening Founder's Day
Sermon.
/ The Sixth Episcopal District Founder's Day Celebration
By Rev. Solomon Giles
The distinguished native
of Georgia preached a
® powerful sermon to a
WR capacity crowd on this
%} Founder's Day Celebra-
Py | tion of Richard Allen.
‘neces tm DAY CREE
SEs D
ers VO neem Peale pee
ay si sora
ied Hee!
Presiding Elder John W. Bass of the Southern
r District gave the opening hymn of praise.
sy - end
®
PMG; PAM DeVeaux and Bishop William P.
DeVeaux, along with Pastor George Moore, Jr.,
—— and Mrs. Shirley Taylor, the First Lady of the
West Savannah District: Enjoying the beautiful
sight of the Founder's Day Parade.
Founder's Day Celebration
in Savannah, GA-at the Mother Church, Saint Philip Monumental with Pastor George Moore, Jr.
===== DSC03996.JPG =====
MAY 17, 2010
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER 9
THIRD EPISCOPAL DISTRICT MID-YEAR CONVOCATION
COLUMBUS, OHIO, MARCH 18-20
By Rev. Gloria L. Sydnor Smith, Esq.*
The Third District Mid-year/Founder’s Day Convocation, hosted by
Bishop C. Garnett Henning, Sr. and Episcopal Supervisor Ernestine
Henning, focused on social justice issues within the African American
Community. Presiding Elder Wilton I. Blake (Cincinnati District) con-
ducted an early morning Bible Study class that addressed social justice
issues from a biblical viewpoint and also discussed the social justice
issues that we face today; poor education, single parent households,
ex-con re-entry, addictions, employment, and economic development.
The Reverend Dr. Mark Kelly Tyler, Pastor of Mother Bethel, pre-
sented a workshop on the history of Social Justice within the A.M.E.
Church, entitled, “Richard Allen, Apostle of Freedom - A Model for
Social Justice & Ministry.” Rev. Tyler pointed out that the A.M.E.
Church began with the activism of Richard Allen and Absalom Jones
for walking out of St. George’s when the Methodist Episcopal Church
decided that African Americans should be subject to them rather than
to God. Rev. Tyler effectively argued that church ministry is not lim-
ited to “preaching Jesus” in the pulpit. But the church must go outside
the walls of the church to address social justice issues in this nation
and the world.
There are social justice issues in our community that cannot be
ignored. And African American churches need to do everything they
can to address these issues.
Later, there was a panel discussion (Rev. Earl G. Harris/Rev.
Madonna Gray/Rev. Dale Snyder/Rev. Shane Floyd), entitled “A Min-
istry of Social Justice,” on ways that the A.M.E. Church and its leaders
can address social justice issues. There was a lot of discussion on jobs,
improving education and the plight of African American children in
the foster care system throughout the United States. African Ameri-
cans need to invest their time and money in our children. We can
create our own agencies and 501(3)(c) corporations rather than rely on
others to “help” our children.
Instead of reacting to social justice issues, we need to take action
and do something. As Rev. Gray stated, “It takes a village to raise a
village.”
*The Rev. Gloria L. Sydnor Smith, Esq., is the Pastor of Whitman
Chapel A.M.E. Church in Belpre, Ohio.
DR. BILL DICKENS SHARES LITTLE-
KNOWN FACTS ABOUT RICHARD ALLEN
GLEANED FROM FREEDOM'S PROPHET
AUTHORED BY DR. RICHARD NEWMAN
By Bill Dickens
[recently purchased and finished reading Freedom's Prophet, Dr. Richard
Newman’s splendid 2008 biography on Bishop Richard Allen. The paper-
back edition is organized into ten chapters covering approximately 340
pages. The book is well-researched and presents a balanced and fair picture
of Bishop Allen without engaging in unnecessary deification of the person.
We do this too often (deification) for both Allen and Dr. M. L. King, Jr. The
book makes a compelling and convincing argument that Allen’s role in his-
tory should be understood in the context of him as an early American
Founding Father because of his keen understanding of the principles
embedded in the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution and
applying those principles in his quest for moral uplift of African people.
Here are (at a minimum) Ten Interesting Things readers will learn from the
biography. This book (Freedom’s Prophet) is truly a must-read for any
AME. member serious about wanting to understand their Founding Father.
1. Richard Allen’s eulogy of President George Washington.
2. Walkout at St. George Methodist Episcopal occurring probably
1792 and not 1787.
3. Richard Allen’s remarkable business acumen as a chimney sweep
businessman.
4. Daniel Coker’s contribution as the Ist elected (not consecrated) A.M.E.
Bishop. Coker subsequently declined the position and yielded to Allen.
5. Jacob Tapisco’s role as Allen’s Associate Minister at Mother Bethel
and co-author of the first A.M_E. Discipline.
6. Rev. John Emory’s (Emory University is named after him) role in hin-
dering Allen’s quest for an independent A.ME. Church. Because of
Emory’s obstinate behavior, Allen founded the A.M.E. Church without
READER RESPONSE
_TOEDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES
To the Editor
RE: “The Pastor 1s Not the Team Captain”
In your article “The Pastor Is Not the Team Captain,” why is it that
you did not include the class leaders? It seems to me that we under -
estimate the importance of the Class Leader, when discussing the offi-
cers of the church.
Vertie J, Young
Bethel A.M.E. Church
San Antonio, Texas
Editor’s Comment: Thank you for the reminder, class leaders are an
important part of the team. Sorry for overlooking the class leaders.
To the Editor
I appreciate receiving and reading The Christian Recorder Online
and regularly forward the articles (particularly those that might foster
conversation) to my email contacts. Only yesterday, one of the items
discussed and agreed on by several individuals at an Atlanta North
Georgia Annual Conference Women in Ministry event was the need
for the A.M.E. Church as well as Women In Ministry to develop
strategies to market itself utilizing contemporary tools of communi-
cation. Your remark in the submission only confirms and underscores
the need for a marketing strategy utilizing contemporary tools of
communication. Great job!
On another note, the essay “The Black Church Is Dead,” sparked
some FaceBook conversation, where some individuals agreed and
others disagreed about the author’s conclusion about the Black
Church. While I do not believe that the Black Church is dead, I will
state that it (the church) might need some resuscitation to improve its
vital signs. Dr. Cone is correct and it was also an appropriate way to
conclude your article but sometimes we still do not like criticism even
from within the family. are ;
Peace!
~ “Fhe Rev. Velma E. Grant
To the Editor
I recently read a hard copy of The Christian Recorder and realized
how much I miss receiving the paper. I think I will go back to a sub-
scription. It is easier reading. z 'g
To the Editor
ee
RE: Breaking News
Thank you so much for these updates!
Sister Monica Bailey
Muskogee, Oklahoma
the need for presiding elders.
7. Rev. Peter Spencer’s role in establishing the first independent black
denomination (African Union Methodist Protestant Church in 1813).
This occurred three years before the A.M.E. denomination was formed.
8. Allen’s repurchase of Mother Bethel for an amount of $10,000.00.
A white Presiding Elder, using legal and financial chicanery, forced
Bethel to be closed and put on an auction block.
9.A church split at Mother Bethel. Several disgruntled Bethelites
regarding Allen’s management style breakaway and form the
‘Wesley Church.’
10. Allen’s political economy support of:
African Colonization (rebuked by his Bethel members who were
staunchly anti-colonizers)
Haitian Emigration (Allen wanted freed blacks to emigrate to Haiti
in hope of economic prosperity and political freedom).
_..From Trinity on p1... Haiti Quake Relief Fund. We praise God for
allowing our youth to touch and transform lives for Christ!
Trinity A.M.E. Church has 125 members and is located in
Waukegan, Illinois. The Rev. Dr. Reginald Blount is the pastor of
Trinity A.M.E. Church.
——————— as
===== DSC03997.JPG =====
10 THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
MAY 17, 2010
SS sensmseeeseeeeeeeeeseeeseeeeeeeeeene mee eemasasasmamssemnamemmamueam eT ee
...From Ward Chapel on pl... was “An
Excellent Ministry.”
The Conference opened with worship on
Thursday evening. As has become the custom of
this team of presiding elders, Presiding Elder
Donna F. Roberson of the Midwest North District
preached the opening message entitled, “Watch
Your Mouth” from Proverbs 18. Elder Roberson
reminded us that “there is power in your words,
so watch your mouth” and to consider four things
before repeating information: “Is it true?”, “Is it
complete?”, “Is it necessary?”, and “Is it kind?”
The Ward Chapel Choir took us to higher
heights in worship through song, reminding us
that “He Made the Difference” and that we serve
a “God of a Second Chance.”
Following Roll Call of clergy and district
stewards on Friday morning, the second day of
the Midwest South District Conference was
under-way with a conference institute presented
by the Rev. Dr. Joseph N. Cousin, Sr., pastor of
Bethel A.M.E. Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan
and the brother of Presiding Elder Cousin. Dr.
Cousin related excellence in ministry with
putting God first and being dedicated to offering
excellent customer service.
Dr. Cousin, who is a graduate from Hampton
University, Boston University School of The-
ology and Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary,
noted that “people rate churches by what they
experience and will come back when they have
received quality service” and that “we insult God
when we present less than excellence in music,
preaching and friendliness.”
Dr. Cousin concluded the institute by leading us
through the Vision (what we will become), Mission
(why we are here) and Plan (how we will get there)
of excellence in ministry to multiple standing ova-
tions and shouts of “Glory, Hallelujah!”
That Spirit of Excellence continued at the noon
day Hour of Power worship experience as the Rey.
Carieta Cain Grizzell, newly appointed pastor of
Grant Chapel A.M.E, Church in Wichita, KS
preached us happy from the subject, “Turn Your
Mess into a Message” from the theme scripture,
which was read by her husband, the Rey, Martin
Grizzell, pastor of Myers Chapel A.M.E. Church,
Great Bend, KS. She reminded us that “God has
entrusted us with His ministry in spite of our mess!”
That evening, the youth took charge of the wor-
ship service during youth night. Youth from across
the district took part in the liturgy which featured
the Ward Chapel Youth Choir who sang,
“Remember, God Is Standing By” and “Jesus Is on
the Main Line.” Also featured were the praise
dancers from Allan Chapel A.M.E. Church of
Kansas City, KS and Ebenezer A.M.E. Church of
Kansas City, MO.
The Youth Night preacher was our institute leader
Dr. Cousin, who focused on our theme scripture,
admonishing us that “it’s not about us.” Dr. Cousin
re-emphasized to us that “excellence in ministry is
not about you, but it’s about God” and that “every
excellent thing in our lives comes from God.”
Youth night closed with an altar prayer being
offered for the preachers and laity to be com-
mitted to excellence in ministry.
A gift of pew Bibles was presented by the pastors
of the district led by Pastor Anthony Steele of St.
Paul A.M.E. Church, Wichita, KS and Pastor Roger
Jackson, to the pastoral team of Pastors Darlene and
Adam Easley who pastor churches in Independence,
Parsons, Coffeyville and Independence, KS.
District. stewards, pastors, and component
leaders from the Women’s Missionary Society and
the Lay Organization were on hand throughout the
District Conference to make reports on the work
thus far this conference year and for the on-going
work of the Church.
At the final hour of power on the last day, we
ended where we began in excellence in worship
and praise. Special music was presented by the
gospel ensemble “Inspired” from Boonville, MO,
who sang “God Has Smiled on Me,” “Work on
Me” and “(God Said) He’ll Make Things Alright.”
The Rey. William Sheppard, pastor of St.
Matthew’s Chapel in Boonville, MO preached
us happy from Genesis 32:24-28, a sermon
which proposed the provocative notion that,
“There is a Wrestling Match within God’s
Church.” Pastor Sheppard admonished us
against “wrestling over stuff we have no control
of’ and concluded that “God is tired of the
wrestling match going on in our churches.”
The spirit of excellence permeated throughout
the District Conference from the sermons that
were preached, to the reports that were given and
the teaching that was received. The good people
of Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church in Kansas City,
MO, under the leadership of Pastor Roger
Jackson opened their doors and hearts to the
Midwest South District Conference making all
attendees feel at home.
In the wake of the Midwest South District Con-
ference, under the leadership of a true pastors’
pastor, Presiding Elder Steven A. Cousin, Sr., we are
on track to continue to purposely exhibit “An Excel-
lent Ministry” for our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.
...From Ecumenical on p65...
quality of life for African-Amer-
ican women and children. She is
known internationally for her
work for human rights for all. The
world is truly a better place
because of the work and witness of
Dr. Dorothy Irene Height.
“Dr. Height is also an unas-
suming and gracious woman of
God. When you first see her,
impeccably dressed from head to
toe, with a soft smile, and a twinkle
in her eye, you would not imagine
what a powerful woman she has
become.”
Height was also honored by
Church Women United in 1999 as
a recipient of the CWU Human
Rights Award.
“Dr. Height was a tremendous
supporter of Church Women
United since our beginning in
1941,” said Djamillah Samad,
Church Women United national
executive in New York.
Height and her friend Eleanor
Roosevelt, then First Lady, saw
the organization as an important
witness for peace on the brink of
the Second World War. “We are
going to miss her greatly. It was
through the leadership and guid-
ance of women like Dr. Height
that working with social justice
issues from a Christian perspec-
tive became and remains the focus
of CWU today,” Samad said.
In 1937, while she was working
at the Harlem YWCA, Height met
famed educator Mary McLeod
Bethune, the founder of the
National Council of Negro Women,
and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt,
who had come to speak at a meeting
of Bethune’s organization. Height
eventually rose to leadership roles
in both the council and the YWCA.
In 2006, the National Council of
Churches staff was invited to pre-
view performances of a musical
about the life of Dorothy Height, “If
This Hat Could Talk.” The “hat”
referred to Height’s wide-brimmed
trademark hats that she wore
throughout her life.
...From Indigenous Leadership on p4...
eight year Episcopal term limit must be addressed. The current met
bishops also needs to be evaluated. The United Methodist Church and the A.M
ture without sacrificing their Connectional nature. Fully implementing “indigenous leadership
Connectional Church. The process, however, must continue in a systematic and thoughtful fashion.
elevated to the Episcopacy as soon as possible, more Episcopal districts are needed in Africa, and the
hod of an American dominated General Conference electing and assigning
. Zion Church made similar adjustments to their governing struc-
” has the potential to strengthen the work of the
THE AMEC HIV/AIDS INITIATIVE
AME. churches and disseminating information. By the end of the Annual
The AMEC HIV/AIDS initiative was the fulfillment of a dream and
answer to the prayers of the Rev. Bernard Smith. After numerous meetings
with Bishop McKinley Young, members of the State of Florida Department
of Health Bureau of HIV/AIDS, and the then active HIV/AIDS Action Com-
mittee of Greene Chapel in Largo, Florida, the future began to unfold.
Originally, seven churches within Hillsborough and Pinellas County,
Florida participated in a pilot program, which offered education and free
testing to their communities. This program was very successful and was
funded by Abbott Pharmaceuticals. The evidence of this pilot was presented
to Bishop Young and the Westcoast Annual Conference. Bishop McKinley
Young then met with Tom Liberti, Chief of the Bureau of HIV/AIDS for the
Florida Department of Health. The result of this meeting was the co-signing
of a Memorandum of Agreement between the two. The purpose of the agree-
ment was to establish a minimum of | A.M.E. Church in every county in the
State of Florida. The HIV/AIDS Action committee began contacting the
EEE
CEC Conference, held during the month of July, 2009, a total of 80 churches
signed up to be a registered test site or test location.
WAD 2009 was celebrated by all the churches; this is what we can
do when GOD show his FAVOR upon his work.
Submitted by The HIV/AIDS Action Committee, Pinellas County, Florida
Edith Ellerson
The Rev. Bernard Smith
St. James A.M.E.
1436 South Madison Ave.
Clearwater, Fl. 33756
727-442-2336
727-480-6830 Cell
===== DSC03998.JPG =====
MAY 17, 2010
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
11
By Rev_N.T. Pitts”
what he/she wants.
God.”
By Dr. Monica C. Jones*
Matthew 7:24: Very truly, I tell you, anyone
who hears my word and believes him who sent
me has eternal life, and does not come under
judgment, but has passed from death to life.
Psalm 119:49-50: Remember your word to
your servant, in which you have made me
hope. This is my comfort in my distress, that
your promise gives me life.
These Holy Words say better than any writer
what our Lord and Savior provides for us as we
bid farewell to loved ones. We are human, and
in our humanity we do not want to watch family
members and friends die. Yet, as clergy and
ministers of the Gospel, we, too, must shed
tears while being a comfort to others.
...From Bishop McKinley on p5...
Young served as the Presiding his
BODACIOUS ROBBERS
do, but one day he set aside to worship Him in
Spirit and in truth. We have taken the six and
most of the seventh and have reluctantly given
God a couple of hours of His day; and we have
the audacity to boast that we have not robbed
God. How bold can we be?
We have robbed God by not acknowledging
His graciousness and we are taking the credit for
our accomplishments.
We have robbed God by failing to present our bodies as living sac-
rifices holy and acceptable according to His will.
We have robbed God by not using the time He gave us to teach our
children His laws and statutes and using it for our own selfish pur-
poses while our children are being led away captive by the tempta-
There are numerous references in regard to
thieves and robbers throughout the Bible.
There is a difference between a thief and a robber. Their MO is dif-
ferent but their goal is the same. The goal of a thief and a robber is to
take the property of others by force and intimidation. The thief waits
for the right time when he/she thinks that there is no one around or
nobody is looking. He/she does not anticipate hurting or killing
anyone but circumstances may impel them to do so. A robber has no
reservations when it comes to killing or hurting an individual; he/she
is prepared to do whatever it takes, and that includes killing to get
The Old Testament book of Malachi asks the question, “Will a man
rob God?” Malachi 3:8. Will a man/woman be foolish enough to even
attempt to rob One who is omnipresent, omnipotent and omniscient?
One has to be awfully foolish or totally insane to even think about
robbing such a one with such great attributes.
Many of us will hasten to say, “I have not, and I am not robbing
Malachi said, “You have robbed God through tithes and offerings.”
Many of us may boast that we have never robbed anybody, but
don’t be too hasty in making such a declaration. In the Ten Com-
mandments God gave humankind six days to do whatever he had to
education by
tions of the world.
than “I was blessed.”
WHEN WE GRIEVE
As the Georgia Conference worshiped
recently at the home going of a fallen member
of the cloth in the Sixth Episcopal District, I
watched solemnly as speaker after speaker
spoke of the good works of this great pastor and
our Presiding Prelate, Bishop DeVeaux, gave
words of encouragement. I listened to the beau-
tiful songs of hope and pondered about the
apparent finality of it all. I did not know Rev.
Benson personally, but I stood with dozens of
others in his honor and shared in the grief that
could be felt so deeply. Periodically, my
thoughts went to how fragile life can be as I
remembered other home going services that
were taking place on that same day around the
A.M.E. Connection.
When death comes, whether unexpected or
obtaining
Church. This formed the Angola
We rob God when we spend time talking about our good luck rather
than about His good love. We are quick to say “I was lucky” rather
We must keep in mind that the things we do may surprise some
people, but we can never surprise God. Using the phrase used by
some athletes we are saying to God, “In Your face.”
Are you a bodacious robber? Think about it.
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts (Ptaegar@aol.com), author, teacher, counselor,
and humorist is a retired A.M.E. pastor living in Eatonville, Florida.
not, we feel the pain; however, when it is sudden,
the shock can paralyze us. No words seem to
help. We cry. We hurt. We grieve. And yet, the
Psalmist declares to us, that in our distress, this
is our comfort: The Lord’s promise gives us life!
When we grieve, we are being human. God
expects us to cry. But if we are to truly be the
Lord’s faithful children, carrying the banner,
high, our grief must give way to gratitude — the
gratitude in knowing that our God is still good,
and when God calls our loved ones, they have
passed on not to death, but from death to life.
And so it is.
*The Reverend Dr. Monica C. Jones is the
newly appointed pastor of Flipper Chapel AMEC
in the Savannah District, Savannah, Georgia.
ode (eel Ne Se
Bishop Young was re-elected to
Bishop of the 10th Episcopal Dis-
trict, (Texas) for the Quadren-
nium 2000-2004. During this
Quadrennium Bishop Young
chaired the Board of Trustees for
Paul Quinn College.
From 1996 through 2000,
Bishop Young was the Ecumenical
and Urban Affairs Officer for the
AME. Church, and the Endorsing
Agent for all chaplains in the
denomination. In 1992, Bishop
Young was elected and conse-
crated the 109th Bishop of the
AME. Church; and was assigned
to the 15th Episcopal District,
which includes the southern part
of the Republic of South Africa,
Namibia and Angola.
Bishop Young is a native of
Atlanta, a son of the parsonage
and a product of the public
schools of Atlanta. He furthered
degrees from Morris Brown Col-
lege, Atlanta; Andover Newton
Theological School, Newton
Centre, Massachusetts; and the
University of Chicago Divinity
School, Chicago, Illinois. Bishop
Young received the Doctor of
Humane Letters (Honorary) from
Morris Brown College and Paul
Quinn College and a Doctor of
Divinity (Honorary) from
Edward Waters College.
In South Africa, he led mem-
bers of the 15th Episcopal District
in the Centennial Celebration of
the A.M.E. Church in Southern
Africa. While serving as Secre-
tary of the Council of Bishops,
and Presiding Bishop of the 15th
Episcopal District, he participated
in the reception of 12,000 mem-
bers of the Angola Independent
Methodist Church into the A.M.E.
Annual Conference of the 15th
Episcopal District of the A.M.E.
Church.
Bishop Young Chairs the Board
of Directors for A.M.E.-SADA,
the Service and Development
Agency of the A.M.E. Church
providing leadership in Interna-
tional Development. He also
serves as Chair of the Commis-
sion on Annuity Investment and
Insurance. Previously, he served
as President of the General Board,
Chair of the Commission on
Global Witness and Ministry, and
Women In Ministry.
He serves with honor and dis-
tinction as a member of the Exec-
utive Committee of the World
Methodist Council, the Executive
Committee of the Central Com-
mittee of the World Council of
Churches (WCC) 1998-2006.
the Central Committee of the
WCC at the Ninth (9th) Assembly
in Porto Alegre, Brazil in 2006.
Bishop Young is married to
Dorothy Jackson Young of Boston,
Massachusetts. They are the par-
ents of Mr. Ron and Mrs. Karyn
Young-Lowe; The Reverend Julius
and Mrs. Deana Young McAllister;
Mr. Roderick and Mrs. Andrea
Young Jones, Miss Stephanie Lynn
Young and grandparents of Little
Miss Jennifer Renee Lowe, Master
Julius Harrison McAllister, III,
Master Peyton Leigh Jones, Master
Colin McKinley Young McAl-
lister, Little Miss Jessica Christine
Lowe, and Master Dylan David
Jeremiah McAllister.
*The Reverend Edrena
Houston Brown, MACE
tributed to this article.
con-
===== DSC03999.JPG =====
12. THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER MAY 17, 2010
/ 1, 2
@ arnican METHODIST eae CHURCH
Gg" Episcopal Distriet
Will Close their Doors at Uf 40 i
We are taking the Witness to the Streets in Ou Own Communities
from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 orm;
BISHOPS’ COUNCIL AND GENERAL BOARD
MEETING JUNE 27 - 30, 2010
7:00PM
For more information
contact the 9th Episcopal ‘i < < WI T H
District Office at
‘ if}
205.326.4499 or =| SPECIAL
www.ninthamec.org : ’ F
GUESTS
DR. ROBERT MICHAEL FRANKLIN KURT CARR
PRESIDENT OF MOREHOUSE COLLEGE AND THE KURT CARR SINGERS
ATLANTA, GA
BIRMINGHAM JEFFERSON CONVENTION COMPLEX
2100 RICHARD ARRINGTON JR. BLVD. NORTH * BIRMINGHAM, AL
BLACK TIE AFFAIR - TICKETS $75.00
James L. Davis, Servant Bishop -- Arelis B. Davis, WMS Supervisor
-
Date
-
2010-5-17
