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March 10, 2008
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!
MAR 1 8 2008
ECEUW i&
THE OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE AFRIC
CHRISTIAN
VOL. 157, NO. 12
Chaplain Brown
Addresses Students at
Edward Waters College
On January 28th, Chaplain
David R. Brown had_ the
opportunity to address stu-
dents at Edward Waters Col-
lege regarding the unique ministry of the Navy
Chaplain. Chaplain Brown, who is currently
stationed in Atlanta, GA, serves as a chaplain
program officer for Navy Recruiting Region
East. Chaplain Brown was hosted by the Rev.
D. Lovett Sconiers, JD, MDIV, who serves as
the Director of Campus Ministry, Chaplain and
Professor of Religion for the college.
The students from the Introduction to Bib-
lical Studies were shown a video presentation
about navy chaplains followed by a brief period
of questions & answers. After the presentation,
the students asked a range of questions about
chaplain ministry as well as military pay and
benefits, deployment, family life, and travel.
“I started out in ministry as the Pastor of
a local church,” Chaplain Brown said, “and
I really enjoyed it. Continued on p11
___ Special Weather Report A.M.E..
HURRICANE “REED”
Emerges on the Coast of Miami
The forecast has just
changed in South Florida;
there is a hurricane brewing
on the south side of Miami.
There is no need to board up
your homes or skip town.
There is no need to call
FEMA or even the Red
Cross. This storm is coming to make saints
out of lost souls. Don’t call for help or run for
shelter; this is the Lord’s doing and it’s mar-
velous in our eyes. The Rev. Dr. Anthony
Reed, Sr., the electrifying Pastor of Martin
Memorial A.M.E. Church, was awarded by
Florida Senator Fredericka Wilson and
gospel legend Dr. Continued on p10
St. Andrew Makes Contribution
to Heifer International
St. Andrew A.ML.E.
Church in Little Rock,
Arkansas where the Rev.
R.W. Alexander, Sr., is the
Pastor, made a contribution
to Heifer International on
January 25, 2008. The con-
tribution totaled $744.00 and
will be used to purchase animals and training
to help families in Africa become self sus-
taining. The funds were raised through the
St. Andrew Church School. Superintendent
of Church School, Charles Stewart, pre-
sented the check to | Continued on p10
ee EPISCOPAL CHURCH
HA
RECORDER
GOD OUR FATHER > CHRIST OUR REDEEMER * MAN OUR BROTHER
MARCH 10, 2008
THE INTERNATIONAL TEACHING MISSION:
Rev. Dr. Earl G. Harris and Dr. Jeanette Harris Journey to
Africa on Educational and Humanitarian Mission
By Loga Michelle Odom __
Dayton, Ohio:
And a vision appeared to Paul in the night;
There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed
him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and
help us. After Paul had seen the vision, we
got ready at once to leave for Macedonia,
concluding that God had called us to preach
the gospel to them. Acts 16:9-10
Background
Conversations among friends ultimately led
to a journey to the motherland to share knowl-
edge and resources gained here in America.
The friends included Rt. Rev. Bishop Paul J.
M. Kawimbe, Presiding Bishop of the Seven-
teenth Episcopal District, Rt. Rev. Wilfred
Jacobus Messiah, Presiding Bishop of the
Twentieth Episcopal District, and Rev. Dr.
Earl G. Harris, Pastor of Greater Allen A.M.E.
Church in Dayton, Ohio, a candidate for Epis-
copal Service.
—What-started-as talks, took shape-as a plan,
and climactically led to an educational and
humanitarian mission. Eleven people from
southwest the = U:S; con
Ohio departed
November 26, 2007, on a 15-day journey to
South Africa, Southeast Africa and South-Cen-
tral Africa with a training plan to expand the
minds and resources to purify the water of
their brothers and sisters in Malawi and
Zambia. Because there was a natural connec-
tion between the overwhelming need in Africa
expressed by the bishops and the passion Rev.
Dr. Harris has for educating our youth, the
tour, sponsored by Rey. Dr. Earl G. Harris and
his wife, Dr. Jeanette Harris, was assisted in
part by grants from The Thomas B. Fordham
Foundation, Proctor and Gamble Corporation
(P&G), and Dr. & Mrs. David Ponitz.
Participants
The dynamic Harris couple was accompanied
on the trip by members of the professional staff
of Richard Allen Schools (RAS), engineers
from Proctor and Gamble, employees of the
United States government, and members of
Greater Allen AMEC. They included:
Michelle Thomas, Deputy Superintendent
and Principal, RAS (Downtown Campus), Doc-
toral candidate in Educational Leadership.
Yolanda Clark, Principal, RAS (Salem
Avenue Campus) and Master Teacher/Trainer,
TOP: Dr. Jeanette
Harris presents Susan
Banda with a RAS
t-shirt while Bishop
Kawimbe and Rev.
Harris look on.
LEFT: Bishop Kawimbe
and Rev. Dr. Harris
present certificates to
trainees.
..more photos p4-5.
_.Continued on p6
NOSOU!
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14.
15.
16.
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18.
— THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER » MARCH 10, 2008 —
Calvin H Syenor il OF A PRESIDING ELDER
. The presiding elder who is long-winded, holds long Quarterly Conferences, gives long-winded speeches at his or her District Conference
and the same at the Sunday School Convention; talking about things of which very few folks are interested, especially when they are ready
to go home. '
The presiding elder who tries to “pastor” churches in his or her district, especially the churches where he or she served as a previous pastor
The presiding elder who interferes in the affairs of local churches on his or her district and who interferes with the local church pastor’s rela-
tionship with the pastor’s ministerial staff.
idinoe mW) v.18 > rae Wy > er) reacted 1 » ” acnaci: } irmi Pay
The preaiding elder who Bases the phrase, “With the power invested in me...” especially when confirming stewards and who fails to have the mem-
bers of the Quarterly Conference to vote to confirm the stewards.
. The presiding elder who doesn’t treat all pastors and churches equally and favors certain pastors and churches over others.
The presiding elder who does not have the courage to recommend in writing to the bishop that an ineffective pastor needs to be reassigned to
another charge; or who fails to inform the bishop that the “marriage” of a local church and a pastor just doesn’t fit and impedes ministry.
. The presiding elder who does not have the courage to stand up for a pastor in a situation where the presiding elder thinks that a pastor should
not be moved; but who the bishop thinks should be moved.
. The presiding elder who is just the collector of funds, and who fails to mentor and teach the clergy and laity of the district.
The part-time presiding elder who fails to do a fulltime presiding elder ministry, fails to hold Quarterly Conference in every church and cir-
cuit “every three months, four times a year” and fails to visit all of the charges in his or her presiding elder district.
The presiding elder who fails to determine the efficiency of each pastor, the effectiveness of the ministry of each church, and who fails to
give proper direction to all the affairs of all of the churches in his or her presiding elder district.
The presiding elder who thinks that he or she is a bishop and mimics the behavior and demeanor of the bishop when he or she conducts Quar-
terly Conferences; and when he or she presides at his or her District Conference and Sunday School Convention.
The presiding elder who maintains inappropriate relationships with lay members in his or her presiding elder district, especially those who
“milk” information about pastors and the local church.
The presiding elder who serves part-time, does not maintain office hours and/or fails to provide professional and ecclesiastical advice to the
pastors in his or her district.
The presiding elder whose business cards have a P.O. Box, rather than a home or office address.
The presiding elder who has not taken the time to learn how to use a computer and who refuses or is unable to submit electronic-reports to
his or her bishop and to the General Secretary.
The presiding elder who has not taken the time to be proficient about the contents in The Discipline.
The presiding elder who fails to fellowship with the ministers in his or her district and who fails to have social functions, which allows the
presiding elder and ministers to get to know one another more intimately and form deeper relationships that precipitates increased morale.
The presiding elder who is a “taker” and not a “giver”; who receives gifts, but doesn’t give gifts. Retired Presiding Elder I. W. Knight, in
the Virginia Annual Conference was an example of a “giving” presiding elder. I am sure there are other presiding elders, across our Zion,
who are “givers.” Presiding Elder Knight sponsored a Christmas Party for all of the clergy families in his district and at the conclusion of
the full-course dinner and Christmas program, gave each person a Christmas Gift.
The Christian Recorder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (USPS 016880)
is published bi-weekly by the AMEC Sunday School Union, 500 Eighth Avenue South,
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FIRST EPISCOPAL DISTRICT
AM.E. CHURCH
BISHOP RICHARD FRANKLIN NORRIS
MARCH 11, 2008
WMS Day
MARCH 12-16, 2008
Bermuda Annual Conference
APRIL 8, 2008
WMS Day
APRIL 9-13, 2008
Delaware Annual Conference
APRIL 21, 2008
WMS Day
APRIL 22-27, 2008
New York Annual Conference
APRIL 30, 2008
WMS Day
MAY 1-4, 2008
Western New York Annual Conference
MAY 13, 2008
WMS Day
MAY 14-18, 2008
New England Annual Conference
MAY 19, 2008
WMS Day
MAY 20-25, 2008
Philadelphia Annual Conference
SECOND EPISCOPAL DISTRICT
A.M.E. CHURCH
BISHOP ADAM JEFFERSON RICHARDSON, JR.
MARCH 24-29, 2008
BALTIMORE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
St. John A.M.E. Church, Host Church
Baltimore, MD
Marriott Hote! at BWI/Thurgood Marshall
Airport, Conference Site
Pastor's Phone: (410) 728-0809
The Rev. Dr. Peggy Wall, Host Pastor
The Rev. Ernest L. Montague, Host PE.
The Rev. Dr. Earle M. Brooks, Assoc. PE.
APRIL 7-APRIL 12, 2008
WASHINGTON ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Union Bethel A.M.E. Church, Co-Host Church
Brandywine, MD
The Rev. Dr. Harry L. Seawright,
Co-Host Pastor
Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church, Co-Host Church
Washington, DC
The Rey. Dr. Michael E. Bell, Co-Host Pastor
Ward Memorial A.M.E. Church,
Co-Host Church
Washington, DC
The Rev. Dr. Conrad K. Pridgen,
Co-Host Pastor
Hemingway Memorial A.M.E. Church, Co-
Host Church
District Heights, MD
The Rev. Samuel Hayward, Co-Host Pastor
Reid Temple A.M.E. Church, Glenn Dale, MD,
Conference Site
Pastor's Phone: (301) 372-6036
The Rev. Goodwin Douglas, Host PE.
The Rev. Dr. Louis-Charles Harvey, Assoc. PE.
APRIL 21-26, 2008
VIRGINIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Third Street Bethel A.M.E. Church, Host Church
Richmond, VA
— THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER » MARCH 10, 2008 —
MAY 5-10, 2008
NORTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
St. Philip A.M.E. Church, Co-Host Church
Wilmington, NC
The Rev. DeOther Melvin, Co-Host Pastor
Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, Co-Host Church
Wilmington, NC
The Rev. Charles Davis, Co-Host Pastor
St. James A.M.E. Church, Co-Host Church
Castle Hayne, NC
The Rev. Dr. Roosevelt L. Holmes, Co-Host Pastor
Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church, Co-Host Church
Wilmington, NC
The Rev. Dr. Anthony Watson, Co-Host Pastor
Sea Trail Golf Resort and Conference Center,
Sunset Beach, NC, Conference Site
Pastor's Phone: (910) 762-3573
The Rev. Evelyn Gail Dunn, Host PE.
The Rev. Larry Stanwyk Hinton, Assoc. PE.
MAY 19-24, 2008
WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Greater Bethe! A.M.E. Church, Host Church
Greensboro, NC
Sheraton Hotel and Joseph S. Koury
Convention Center, Conference Site
Pastor's Phone: (336) 273-5268
The Rev. Dr. Norman W. Handy, Jr., Host Pastor
The Rev. Benjamin S. Foust, Host PE.
The Rev. J. Bernard Wilder, Assoc. PE.
The Rev. Larnie G. Horton, Assoc. PE.
FOURTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT
A.M.E. CHURCH
BISHOP PHILIP ROBERT COUSIN, SR.
AUGUST 3-10, 2008
CANADIAN ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Host: Grant AMEC, Toronto
Crowne Plaza Toronto
416-449-4111 or 877-474-6835
Room Rate: $129 single; $139 double; $149
triple; $159 quad (Canadian/plus tax)
Reservation Deadline: July 11; Free parking
The Rev. Cory Millben, Host Pastor and P. E.
AUGUST 18-25, 2008
MICHIGAN ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Host: Ebenezer AMEC, Detroit, MI
Hyatt Regency Hotel, Dearborn, MI
313-593-1234 or 800-233-1234
Room Rate: $109 single/double/triple/quad plus tax
Reservation Deadline: August 8; Free parking
The Rev. H. Michael Lemmons, Host Pastor
SEPTEMBER 7-14, 2008
ILLINOIS ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Host: Ward Chapel AMEC, Peoria, IL
Site to be determined
The Rev. James Bailey, Host Pastor
SEPTEMBER 21-28, 2008
INDIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Host: Central Indiana Ministerial Alliance
Site to be determined
The Rev. Samuel Sumner, President
OCTOBER 5-12, 2008
CHICAGO ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Host: Coppin AMEC, Chicago, IL
Wyndham Hotel, Lisle, IL
Room Rate: $115 flat plus tax
Reservation Deadline: September 3; Free parking
The Rev. Walter Bauldrick, Host Pastor
OCTOBER 23-25, 2008
FOURTH DISTRICT PLANNING MEETING
Crowne Plaza O'Hare, Rosemont, IL
Room Rate: $99 flat plus tax
Reservation Deadline: October 8
Parking: $5 per day with in/out privileges for
hotel guests only
wwiwwiww Annual Conference Schedules «+11
FOURTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT
A.M.E. CHURCH
BISHOP DAVID RWHYNICA DANIELS, JR.
MARCH 16-18, 2008
W.M.S. ANNUAL CONVENTION
MARCH 19-23, 2008
LIBERIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Gibbs A.M.E. Church
Timpo District
The Rev. J. Othaniel Vah, Host Pastor
The Rev. Kenneth J. Brown, Host PE
FIFTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT
A.M.E. CHURCH
BISHOP SAMUEL L. GREEN, SR.
MARCH 6-8, 2008
MID-YEAR CONVOCATION 2008
MARCH 8, 2008
GENERAL CONFERENCE DELEGATION MEETING
St. Marys AMEC
Kimberley, South Africa
The Reverend T. J. Mogadile, Host Pastor
The Reverend Senkgwane J. Dithipe, Host
Presiding Elder
MARCH 15, 2008
15TH DISTRICT DELEGATION
Meeting at 9:00 a.m.
TWENTIETH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT
A.M.E. CHURCH
BISHOP WILFRED J. MESSIAH
APRIL 16-20, 2008
MID-YEAR AND CHRISTIAN
EDUCATION CONGRESS
Gumtree A.M.E. Church
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
The Rev. Eustace B. Ginya, Host Pastor
DAILY INSPIRATION
FROM ZONDERVAN
No matter how much we’ve
learned about the Bible, there is
always more—much more—to
discover. Even scholars have
only scratched the surface of
what there is to learn about God
through his Word. So, with the
help of God’s Spirit, our reading
and studying of God’s Word
always holds the promise of
greater discovery and learning
for all of us. Visit:
http://zondervaninspire.blogsp
ot.com/.
Zondervan, 5300 Patterson
Avenue SE, Grand Rapids, MI
49530, USA.
A
I
chee sehen sell cl «ley edhe
W WT WY WY WY Lr VF
BISHOP WILLIAM
PHILLIPS DEVEAUX
PREACHED AT CANDLER
SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
Bishop William Phillips
DeVeaux, the Presiding Prelate
of the Sixth Episcopal District
(State of Georgia) of the African
Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.)
Church spoke at the 11:00 a.m,
Chape! Service in William R.
Cannon Chapel at Emory Uni-
versity in celebration of the
A.M.E. Church Founder’s Day
on Thursday, Feb. 21.
DeVeaux is recognized in the
field of theological education
for his achievements as the
Executive Director of the Fund
for Theological Education Inc.
During his tenure, scholarships
to Black, Hispanic and students
of other ethnic backgrounds
were granted to support their
theological education.
DeVeaux attended Howard
University where he was
elected junior and senior class
president and the Basileus of
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.
While a student at Howard, he
answered the call to ordained
ministry. He later served in the
United States Army as a line-
In addition to a bachelor’s
degree from Howard Univer-
sity, he earned a bachelor of
sacred theology degree from
Boston University as well as
master’s and doctorate degrees
from Vanderbilt University. He
has served on the faculties of
Meharry Medical College,
Princeton Theological Semi-
nary, and Howard University
School of Divinity.
The event is sponsored by the
A.M.E. Connection, a student
organization at Candler that
seeks to provide educational
support, networking, spiritual
well-being, and a sense of com-
munity for students who are
members of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church.
The A.M.E. Connection also
seeks to provide a connecting
link between local A.M.E.
churches and students, and
develop ways of working
together ecumenically with
other campus organizations.
Some of the organization’s
recent projects include: pro-
viding Thanksgiving Dinner for
Alternate Life Paths Program
Inc., a not-for-profit organiza-
tion to assist “high-risk” and
“at-risk” youths; and donating
items to Big Bethel A.M.E.
Clothing Bank. 90
===== DSC03934.JPG =====
— THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER » MARCH 10, 2008 —
|
iste I the ompletion ¢ the ministe jal cours 2 B Of Me ssiah ind Rev {arris CC )
N
] l ? 1 the completion of the
‘ 3ishop Messiah, Rev. Harris, and the ar Mayor of Kas
ie artis, and the former Mayor of Kasungu award one of the min
| ructional course. 3) RAS principal Aleta
7 Benson trains in Malawi. 4) Bishop Kawimbe and Rev. Dr. Earl Harris with teaching team
in Lusaka. 5) Left to right: Jeanette Harris, Supervisor Kawimbe, and Susan Banda. 6) Kim
\ berly Cockrell and Jeanette Harris train in Zambia. 7) Bishop Kawimbe and Dr. Harris with
mand participants. 8) Dr. Jeanette Harris training on leadership
PAGE RIGHT: 1) Left to right: RAS staff members Kim Cockrell, Michelle Thomas, Kelli Flucas, Aleta Benson, and Yolanda Clark in Malawi. 2) The 86-year-old former
Mayor of Kasungu speaks to the teachers and pastors. 3) Aleta Benson and Michelle Thomas with students in Malawi. 4) Bishop and Supervisor Messiah along
with Rev. Dr. Earl Harris and Mrs. Harris with some of the ministers who attended the training sessions 5) PSI staff purifying water for drinking. 6) Demonstration
of the water purification by PSI staff. 7) Bishop Kawimbe speaking to the participants at the closing session In Lusaka. 8) A school in Kasungu. 9) Teachers that
ttended the training in Malawi. 10) Bishop and Supervisor Messiah with Rev. Dr. Earl Harris, Mrs. Harris, and the teaching team in Lilongwe
axes th ain Nal, 10) sop ad Superior Mesh wit Ro Ea Horie Me Has one SNS
===== DSC03935.JPG =====
— THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER : MARCH 10, 2008 —
KC
UE
~
===== DSC03936.JPG =====
..From The International Teaching Mission on pl...
Master’s in Educational Leadership.
Aleta Townsel-Benson, Principal, RAS (Hamilton Campus),
Master’s of Education.
Kimberly Cockrell, Director of Curriculum Development, RAS, BA in
English Writing and Cinema and pursuing a Master’s in Education.
Kelli Gilbert Flucas, Lead Teacher, RAS, BS in Elementary Educa-
tion, and pursuing a Master’s in Education.
Casandra Strudwick, Chemical Engineer, Proctor and Gamble.
Christy Novomesky, Chemical Engineer, Proctor and Gamble.
Michelle Hopkins, Chairman of the Board for Kids Count of Dayton,
Inc., a school authorizing agency, and Chief of NATO for the United
States government.
Darryl Kinney, self-employed Licensed Master Carpenter associated
with Greater Allen AMEC and Richard Allen Schools.
Educational Mission
The journey had three purposes: 1) train educators in curriculum
development and instructional methods used by Richard Allen Schools;
2) provide water purification products and instruction in the use of
water purification resources; and 3) train ministers in sermon prepara-
tion techniques.
Bishop Wilfred Messiah and Supervisor Carol Messiah hosted the
team in Malawi, and Bishop Paul Kawimbe and Supervisor Kawimbe
hosted the team in Zambia. The International Teacher-Training Summit
began on Sunday, November 25, 2007, with Rev. Dr. Earl Harris
preaching a sermon “Down, But Not Done” at Mokone AMEC in
Soweto, Republic of South Africa, where Rev. B. J. Motaung is the
Pastor. Mokone AMEC was formerly pastored by Bishop Messiah.
Training for teachers and ministers was conducted in Kasungu, the
former capital of Malawi, at Chayammba Secondary School and at
Ebenezer A.M.E. Church in Lusaka, Zambia.
“We trained approximately 300 staff, including 186 teachers and
over 20 pastors in Malawi” said Rev. Harris. He conducted the training
for the ministers and pastors, and Mrs. Harris and the RAS instruc-
tional staff trained the primary, secondary, and high school teachers.
Trainees included both A.M.E.s and non-A.M.E. teachers. “The quiet
secret in the 20th District,” Dr. Jeanette Harris stated, “is that the 20th
District has approximately 48 A.M.E. schools.”
In Zambia, the team trained approximately 86 teachers and 15 pas-
tors. The teachers in both countries were excited, enthusiastic, and
eager to learn effective and innovative strategies to educate their stu-
dents, regardless of conditions or lack of teaching materials.
The attendees were awarded certificates totaling three Continuing
Education Units which were authorized by the state of Ohio Board of
Education through Richard Allen Schools.
As agreed by the bishops of the districts, Richard Allen Schools will
host at least three teachers from each district for a nine-week period,
beginning August 2008.
Humanitarian Assistance
P&G was the key partner for the water purification portion of the
mission. P&G, through Population Services International (PSI),
developed a tablet to purify water. The Harris’s negotiated a favor-
able rate with the company for purchasing the tablets, and the com-
pany provided engineering staff who trained residents on how to use
the purification system.
P&G partnered with Richard Allen Schools, Greater Allen AMEC,
the Third District Women’s Missionary Society, Bethel AMEC,
Oxford, Ohio, and the South Ohio Annual Conference Women’s Mis-
sionary Society to provide more than 50,000 tablets to purify 250,000
liters of clean drinking water for children and families. The team, along
with P&G staff, arranged for additional water purification to be pur-
chased by the residents for .05 cents per tablet. Each tablet will purify
five liters of water.
The introduction of resources to purify water gives hope by helping
transform contaminated water into clean drinking water. All of the par-
ticipants watched the purification of the water. To every individual in
attendance, the purification process seemed almost miraculous.
This innovative purification method dramatically reduces contami-
nated drinking-water-related illnesses, thereby saving the lives of many
children. Much of the local water is filled with pollutants, bacteria, par-
asites, and viruses. With every drink, children and adults face the risk
of illnesses, such as severe diarrhea, which can result in death. More
than 5,000 children die every day from diseases caused by drinking
unsafe water. The team’s goal is to reduce that number substantially.
The students and other teachers of Richard Allen Schools were not
— THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER » MARCH 10, 2008 —
left out of this humanitarian mission, “About a month before we left.”
continued Dr, Harris, “our students started raising funds for us to take
something additional to the students in Africa. RAS students, moti-
vated by what they learned in health class, wanted to share with chil-
dren on the continent some of the personal care items they studied, The
students bought toothpaste, tooth brushes, and flip flops to share with
their brothers and sisters in Africa. The RAS faculty provided teachers
in Malawi and Zambia with notebooks, pens, pencils, and other
teaching materials.”
Richard Allen Schools :
Richard Allen Schools is well-qualified to take on the task of training
educators. “In fact, Richard Allen Academy IJ (Downtown Campus) is
the number one elementary school in Dayton, Ohio,” said Dr. Harris,
“as rated by the state of Ohio.” Richard Allen Schools have been rated
first, third and fourth in academic performance among 33 traditional
and community elementary schools in the city of Dayton for the past
four years. The schools are ranked by Performance Index Score, which
is the state of Ohio’s measure of a school’s yearly performance across
all tests its students take.
“Richard Allen Schools visualize a future of unlimited achieve-
ment and success for our students premised on a close partnership
with our customer-families,” reads the RAS vision statement. “This
vision is grounded in the conviction that students want and need to
seek truth and knowledge in a wholesome, supportive, and rigorous
school setting.”
Richard Allen Schools are committed to educating students in the
spirit of the life of the courageous leader Bishop Richard Allen. Each
school day every student is challenged to emulate the ideals of our
namesake, including self-discipline and self-reliance.
The foundation of the Richard Allen Schools began in 1990 when
Rey. Dr. Earl G. Harris initiated and directed a tutorial program for dis-
advantaged students in the Dayton community named MAGIC (Max-
imum Academic Growth in Church). Parents and community leaders
were concerned about their children because of the declining educa-
tional rating in the Dayton Public School District.
The RAS school district started in 1996 with a private school, West-
Park Academy. The first charter school, Richard Allen Academy,
opened in 1999. “Our school district includes pre-K, starting with three
year olds, to eighth graders,’ Dr. Harris continued. “We have been
encouraged and entreated by our parents to open a high school and will
probably start the high school next year.”
Richard Allen has four schools in Dayton and one school in
Hamilton, Ohio. RAS also manages a school in Atlanta named New
Life Academy of Excellence. This school opened in August of 2007.
Another RAS organization is authorized to license other charter
schools throughout the state. “We have 13 schools that we license,”
said Dr. Harris. Nearly 1,100 students attend Richard Allen Schools
and the schools it manages. “When you include the schools that we
actually license, and Richard Allen,” said Dr. Harris, “we are respon-
sible for the education of over 3,500 students in Ohio.” Richard Allen
has approximately 130 employees.
Rey. Harris attributes the success of these schools to God and “the
educational philosophy of the entire Richard Allen School district
that failure is not an option.” Dr. Jeanette Harris believes that high
educational standards reap high achievement and increases self-
esteem. “Every child can and must learn,” she said. “This philos-
ophy is reinforced throughout the schools in the curriculum and
extracurricular activities. In fact, our curriculum, while age-specific
and interactive, is more demanding than what is required at most
public or private schools.”
This journey of nearly 9,000 miles is a testament to what can be
accomplished when great minds focus on doing God’s work. The
friends — Bishop Kawimbe, Bishop Messiah and Rev. Harris —
whose conversations served as the vision and impetus for this
journey — touched thousands of lives with food for thought and
pure water for the body. “Faith without deeds is no different than
building a house on sand, which is quickly washed away.”
Matthew 7:26-27.
We are to reach out with the love of God to anyone in need, not with
words, but with actions. We are to do so because Christ gave his life
forus. 1 John 3:16-18. Mf
===== DSC03937.JPG =====
— THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER » MARCH 10, 2008 —
A.M.E. PASTOR TO BE INSTALLED AS PRESIDENT OF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Rey. Latisha Stewart Smith, Pastor of Castaic Community A.M.E,
Church Mission was installed as the Castaic Chamber of Commerce
President March 1, 2008 at the Embassy Suites, 28508 Westinghouse
Place Valencia, CA, 91355, 661-257-3111.
Rey. Smith's relationship with the Chamber began in 2004 as the
Pastor of Castaic Community Church. She was appointed to the Board
of Directors in 2005, and became an integral part of the community by
organizing grand openings for new businesses and providing counsel to
individuals who sought her out for various reasons.
Apout Castaic COMMUNITY A.M.E. CHURCH MISSION
Rey. Smith planted the Castaic Community Church in 2004 with the
The church is a
growing ministry of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in the Los
vision of building a multi-cultural congregation.
SEARCH COMMITTEE FOR A NEW WCC
GENERAL SECRETARY BEGINS ITS WORK
Presided by an African woman, with a membership that
includes three youth, eight women, four Orthodox and a
strong representation from the South, the search committee
for a new World Council of Churches (WCC) General Sec-
retary has already begun to work.
The 18-member search committee was appointed by the
WCC central committee late evening on 19 February. The
committee’s task is to screen candidates for the position of
WCC General Secretary. The current General Secretary, Rev.
Dr. Samuel Kobia, announced earlier at the 13-20 February
central committee meeting that he would not seek an exten-
sion to his term, which ends 31 December 2008.
Ten of the search committee members were elected by
the central committee through paper ballots. The member
receiving the most votes, Dr. Agnes Abuom, was
appointed as its moderator. The executive committee pro-
posed six more members under procedures designed to
provide for regional, gender, church tradition and age bal-
ances. The two vice-moderators of the central committee
serve-as ex-offictomembers.-_-"——“—~—~ OC~;~*S
Some concerns were registered at the session in which the
search committee slate was approved. One of them referred to
the fact that 10 out of its 18 members are also members of the
executive committee, which was perceived as a possible con-
centration of power. Another concern referred to the compo-
sition of the Orthodox representation, which lacked
representatives from Slavonic Orthodoxy.
Next steps
Before Kobia ends his term as General Secretary in
December, an Acting General Secretary will be appointed
by the WCC executive committee at its meeting in Sep-
tember 2008. The Acting General Secretary will assume
office as from 1 January 2009 until the new general secre-
tary elected by the WCC central committee at its meeting in
September 2009 takes office, likely by the end of 2009.
“Dr. Kobia has our full support to carry on his duties until the
end of his term,” said WCC central committee moderator Rev. Dr.
Walter Altmann, speaking at a press conference on 19 February.
At the last session of the meeting, the moderator reiter-
ated the heartfelt gratitude of the central committee for
Kobia’s services to the Council. “My commitment to the
WCC and the ecumenical movement is constant,” Kobia
said at that session. “Ecumenism is in my blood and
bones, and whatever I do next it will be a continuation of
what I have done over many years,” he added.
The search committee met for the first time on the evening
of 19 February, after the WCC central committee invoked
God’s guidance for its work. At its first meeting the search
committee looked at its work guidelines and at the job
description for the General Secretary position, which will be
revised in consultation with central committee members. The
central committee approved a timetable for the process.
The search committee will conduct a thorough screening of
candidates, and is expected to submit one name to the WCC
central committee for approval. The search committee members
are from the various faith group members of the WCC.
For additional information, check out the WCC Website.
Angeles Pasadena District of the Sth Episcopal District where the Rt.
Rey. John Richard Bryant serves as the Presiding Bishop and Rey. La
Grant Moore is the Presiding Elder.
This accomplishment as the Castaic Chamber President is evidence
of the church plant taking root in the Castaic Community. It affords
Rey. Smith and the current membership the significant opportunity for
achieving the church’s mission statement, “To create a multi-cultural
ministry in the Castaic Lake region for whosoever will come to seek a
soul saving fellowship with God through Jesus Christ, and a life of
humble service.”
Congratulatory messages may be sent to the Rev. Latisha Stewart
Smith, 27305 W. Live Oak Road #A-431, Castaic, CA 91384-4520;
email: castaicchurch @ aol.com; telephone: 661-877-5244.
ACTION AMEC CORNER
By Rev. John Q. Owens, Director
“Social Imperatives Begging Our Attention Immediately”
The Presidential Election for 2008, as important as it is, seems to be taking attention
from other very important issues: health and wellness issues, energy and global warming
issues, housing issues, safety issues, peace initiatives for a shrinking world issues and
social issues in a global era.
As the elected Social Action Consultant/Director, I am lifting up again, the recommen-
dations that I submitted to the Social Action Commission, which received no action! I pray
that each individual Episcopal district and local church will embrace these, along with
whatever the local Social Action Team proposes!
I Called to the Commission’s Attention the Following:
¢ Nuclear proliferation in many areas of the world.
¢ Nuclear waste disposal.
¢ The high cost of prescription drugs and other senior citizens’ issues.
¢ The school board issues of community or state oversight too quickly proposed.
¢ The funding of schools becoming a huge problem due to size of the areas’ tax base.
¢ The serious issues plaguing the continent of Africa, including genocide, rape, starva-
tion, proper education, natural resource mishandling, oil revenue, inequitable educa-
tion opportunities, disease, encroachment, refugee camps and tribal animosities!
+ Immigration issues from all parts of the world; with special notice of the number of
drownings by the people trying to come to these shores in inadequate vessels.
* The continuing loss of life and injury of American troops in Iraq and the hardship
caused to their family and friends.
* Global warming, deforestation, storm and fire damage to many of our states and the con-
tinuing recovery of the Eighth and Ninth Episcopal districts from the ravages of Katrina.
* As a member of the Chaplains’ Commission of the AMEC and ex-officio member of the
Health Commission, I lift up the hope and prayer that all three commissions could join
together before the General Conference to do something to lift the moral of our chap-
lains, our troops at home and overseas, and their families in a very substantive way.
*The issues of space exploration, ecology, the criminal justice system’s obvious
inequities, high cost of living for the working poor, high gasoline costs, affirmative
action issues, and unemployment due to outsourcing, are just a few of the issues facing
us today “crying loud for our attention!”
Recommendations
I recommend that this Commission lobby Bishop McCloud, Ecumenical Officer, to sug-
gest to churches uniting in Christ, “That an effort of joint concern for current social issues
be explored and published!”
I lift up the fact that Bishop Kawimbe and the Health Commission has suggested that
the Social Action Commission join them in lobbying the leaders of our Zion to speak out
forcefully in the next edition of our position papers on the subject of the AIDS pandemic,
the forced family planning policies, as articulated by “Amnesty International,” and other
related issues, such as forced labor, slavery, military incursion and genocide in the over-
seas districts, as well as current problems here at home!
“I recommend very highly this book, which is outstanding (Abingdon Press Studies in
Christian Ethics and Economic Life): Christian Social Ethics in a Global Era by Max L.
Stackhouse, Peter L. Berger, Dennis P. McCann and M. Douglas Meeks. I’ve never been
more impressed with this reading, in all of my other research.”
Here again, are my recommendations made to the General Board Meeting, 2007!
Love, peace, joy and social awareness for this New Year 2008.
For issues of concern, contact:
DrJohnQOwens @aol.com
www.senate.gov.com
"oration information, check out the WCC Website) _ S20 eS
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— THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER » MARCH 10, 2008 —
~ Faithful, Fruitful, Futuristic ~
Committed to preserving the precious legacy
and tradition of African Methodism through
Evangelism
Economic Development
Equipping the Laity for Ministry
Education
Ecumenical and Global Witness
“But be sure to fear the LORD and SERVE him
faithfully with all your heart; consider what
great things he has done for you.”
— 1 SAMUEL 12:24
Gu & ig
issior”
MOUNT HERMON AME CHURCH
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
===== DSC03939.JPG =====
THE REVEREND DR. RONNIE ELIJAH BRAILSFORD, SR.
2008 CANDIDATE FOR EPISCOPAL SERVICE
"Pastor of Historic Bethel A.M.E. Church
Columbia, South Carolina
A CHRIST-CEN
PEOPLE-ORIENTED,
SERVANT LEADER
“BUT SEEK YE FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD,
AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS; AND ALL THESE
THINGS SHALL BE ADDED UNTO YOU’.
ST. MATTHEW 6:33 (KJV)
Proven Leadership:
A.M.E. Church Leadership
Credentials Committee (1996)
Episcopal Committee (2000)
General Board (2000-2004)
Ministerial Retirement Board-Secretary
General Conference Commission
Executive Committee
Community Leadership:
Former Chair of Columbia Urban League Board
Trustee, Sisters of Charity Foundation
of South Carolina
Trustee, Allen University
Chairman, Bethel Learning Centers
Board Member, Renaissance Foundation
Brailsford for Bishop 2008
P.O. Box 7004
Columbia, SC 29202
Phone: 803-779-0138
email: bforbishop@aol.com
www.brailsfordforbishop.com
Ministry and Church Expansion:
Church Growth & Development:
(15 years at Bethel A.M.E. Church)
Established 62 new ministries
Purchase of a $5,000,000.00 campus
of 1 1/2 city blocks
86,000 square feet of building space
107 classrooms and offices
4 Buildings: Sanctuary, Education,
Administration and Family Life Center
4 Houses
Chapel
Cafeteria
Completely modernized with campus
upgrades of $1,400,000.00
Membership:
1,700 plus new joiners
4,000 plus conversions
Annual Finances:
From $160,000.00 in 1992 to
$2,200,000.00 plus annually--
Church and School only
Evangelism (Beyond the walls):
* Television Broadcasts
Thousands Reached Weekly
* Radio Broadcast-Thousands Weekly
Education & Economic Development:
* 52 jobs for Church members and the
community on Campus
Real Estate Property
Established the Renaissance Foundation:
$5,700,000.00 Cultural Arts Center in process
Partners to provide 200 family housing units--
generates $1,000,000.00 plus annually
Founded the Bethel Learning Centers:
An accredited school--Presently, 277 children;
new building will accommodate 200 additional
children
$3,000,000.00 Project: New School Building
Erected (2007)--Opens January 2, 2008
Updated 11/9/07
===== DSC03940.JPG =====
10 — THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER » MARCH 10, 2008 —
..From Special Weather on pl... Bobby Jones, with the “Emergent
Pastor 2007” award.
It was a night to remember in the big city of Miami, Florida, where
everything was jumping including the Holy Ghost. A young A.M.E.
pastor, who is all the way outside the box and burning with fire, was
highlighted and awarded top honors from state and local officials while
being blessed by the one and only icon of gospel music, Dr. Bobby
Jones. As a kick off benefit to bring forth the vision of Dr. Jones’ new
multimillion dollar Gospel Music Museum Complex, the renowned
artist highlighted four community leaders in Miami who are shifting
the city by the power of God. Senator Fredericka Wilson and Com-
missioner Michele Spence-Jones of the city of Miami were among the
dignitaries who gathered at the Mahogany Grill in Northwest Miami to
honor four community leaders within the city who deserved great
honors for their contribution to community change and
empowerment. The “Emergent Pastor” award went to a
thirty-year-old spiritual giant whose gentle steps of grace
and vision has led to the explosive growth of a mighty
ministry in the Miami, Florida area.
The Rev. Dr. Anthony Reed, who serves as the Pastor of
what many call “The #1 Hangout on Sundays” or Martin
Memorial A.M.E. Church, has led his congregation to
experience incomparable growth. Although this young
“Hip Hop” preacher has served the church for a short time,
the church has taken on over 450 new souls in just a year
and nine months. The church has experienced such growth
that it has moved to three worship experiences on Sunday
and is now one of the fastest growing A.M.E. churches in
the state of Florida. A family man and accomplished musi-
cian, Rev. Reed has led in the transformation of the Rich-
mond Heights area of Miami. He is a 2002 Master of
Divinity graduate of Turner Theological Seminary at the
Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta,
Georgia and a 2007 Doctor of Ministry graduate of United
Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. He’s married to — Oe z
Lady Karen Reed and is the father of Anthony Reed IL. Pictured from left to right: Dr. Bobby Jones, Lady Karen Reed, Rev. Dr. Anthony Reed, State
Senator Fredericka Wilson, and city of Miami Commissioner Michele Spence-Jones
When asked about the supernatural growth occurring at the
church, his response is simply said in these words: “The
Bible is unfolding everyday. When the glory of God is present, people will. come from miles and miles tobe made whole. Signs and wonders
are being performed in and around the church by God and the Lord is adding to the church daily those that should be saved. The Lord’s name be
praised. Hallelujah!”
...From Saint Andrew on pl... Jo Luck, President and CEO of Heifer International.
Stewart said, “Our small church realizes that we can have an impact on changing the
world and doing the work of Christ and showing his love through our sharing. Each
Sunday morning, members of the Church School bring quarters to be placed in the
Heifer Peace Pipe. The Peace Pipe is a clear plastic tube, approximately 36 inches high,
on a wooden base, into which the quarters fit perfectly. Once filled each tube contains
$120.00 which is the amount to buy a goat, sheep, or two trios of rabbits. During the
year the Church School members, along with the Martin Luther King Heritage Center,
filled over six (6) Peace Pipes to get our total.”
Heifer International is a sustainable development program that uses livestock and
other animals and training to help families become self sustaining. Heifer has programs
in over 50 countries around the world and in 39 states in the United States.
Charles Stewart is immediate past Chairman of the
Board of Directors of Heifer International and a life long
member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Stewart recently led a study tour to Tanzania, East Africa,
to see first hand the impact of gifts to Heifer on the poor.
Stewart also thanked and recognized Rev. R. W. Alexander,
Sr. for his leadership and support of the fundraising efforts
of the St. Andrew Church School for Heifer.
Article submitted by:
Mr. Charles Stewart, Church School Superintendent
Reverend R.W. Alexander, Sr., Pastor
Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle, Presiding Bishop
Mrs. Ann Gilkey, Arkansas Conference Public Rela-
tions Director
===== DSC03941.JPG =====
— THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER » MARCH 10, 2008 —
...From Chaplain Brown on p1.... Then | was introduced to a Navy
Chaplain recruiter, and it completely changed my life.” One student
asked Chaplain Brown to name some of his favorite places he has
visited around the world. “Tokyo, Rome and Antigua top the list,”
he answered.
Chaplain Brown has been an Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist
Episcopal Church for thirteen years and has been an active duty chap-
lain for twelve years, As a chaplain program recruiter, he is responsible
for the following Navy recruiting districts: Atlanta, Jacksonville,
Miami, New Orleans, Nashville, Ohio and Michigan.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
The Paying for College Student Resource Guide is provided yearly as a courtesy of U.S. Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (Con-
gressional District 34-CA). The 2008 edition of the Resource Guide contains info on national scholarships, internships, fellowships,
books, and web sites.
To download the Resource Guide, go to: http://www.house.gov/roybal-allard/2008 Resource Guide.pdf.
Please share this info with any high school or college students with whom you may be in contact so that they can take advantage of these
many opportunities.
*Minority and African American Scholarships*
For the young ones you know and love.
This site has 5 pages of Minority and African American Scholarships & Internship Opportunities.
http://www.littleafrica.com/resources/scholarships.htm.
*Submitted by the Rev. Melvin E. Wilson, Pastor/Teacher, St. Luke A.M.E. Church, 1872 Amsterdam Avenue at 153rd St., NY 10031
“Make a difference for future
generations of women.
Get involved with the Sister Study.”
—Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie
Presiding Prelate, 13th Episcopal District
African Methodist Episcopal Church
Help find the causes of breast cancer.
Visit www.sisterstudy.org Did your sister have breast cancer?
or call toll-free Join the Sister Study today
1 -877-4-SISTER if you are a woman between 35 and 74 years old,
(1 -877-474-7837). and you have never had breast cancer yourself,
and you live in the U.S. or Puerto Rico,
Deaf/Hard of Hearing call and your sister, living or deceased, related to you
1-866-TTY-4SIS
by blood, had breast cancer.
(1-866-889-4747).
THE It’s easy! No medicine, medical treatments, or changes to habits, diet, or daily
y S i S I E R life are required.
\
y . > IU. 2B @ Black women should participate in the Sister Study because we often Goethe
disease at a younger age and have more aggressive tumors. In fact, we have
Conducted by the National Insti f Environm: cal Health Sciences, one of the National Instituces : hn the UBS
ce elth of dhe Ws. Department of Health and Human Services, with additional funding from NIE the highest breast cancer death rate of women i
National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities
wa
===== DSC03942.JPG =====
— THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER » MARCH 10, 2008 —
CLIMBING CANADIAN CONFERENCE HOSTS FAREWELL CRUISE AT THE SEAT OF CANADIAN ANNUAL CONFERENCE
HONORING BISHOP AND MRS. PHILIP R. COUSIN
This year’s Canadian Annual
Conference marked the beginning
of the Right Reverend Philip R.
Cousin’s last conference circuit as
an active bishop. It was with both
great excitement and greater sad-
ness that the Climbing Canadian
Conference gathered in Toronto,
Ontario this year.
The Annual Conference was
hosted by Grant A.M.E. Church in
Toronto. The church is located at
2029 Gerrard St., E. Toronto, ON
M4E 2B3. The Pastor is the Rev-
erend Cory A- Millben, who is also
the Presiding Elder of the Canadian
Conference. Presiding Elder Millben,
along with First Lady, Mrs. Carrie
Millben and their two sons were the
ultimate first family hosts.
Anyone who has attended or par-
ticipated in an Annual Conference
knows first-hand that conference
time is full-out work — workshops
to attend, church business to sort
and present, learning from our
Bishop, and, of course, plenty of
praise and worship. By the end of
the day, which always seems to
come later and later as conference
progresses, one just wants to hit the
pillow for a few hours of sleep.
Not often is there time to relax,
unwind, or be casual. Annual con-
ference is a hectic time indeed.
This year, however, the
Climbing Canadian Conference
planned time to do just that —
relax, unwind, and be casual. On
Friday, August 10th, approxi-
mately 150 of us boarded the
“Mariposa Belle” one of the
Toronto Harbour cruise ships for a
three-hour tour of the Toronto
Islands. This was indeed an oppor-
tunity to mix, mingle, eat, fellow-
ship, and honour our Presiding
Prelate, Bishop Philip R. Cousin,
Senior Bishop of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church.
After a short delay and several
jokes about a television program
about a much-more-infamous-
three-hour-tour, we were on our
way. No event would be complete
without greetings from Toronto
Mayor, the Honourable David
Miller. In his statement, he com-
mented about what a comfort it is
chers to assist with ministry at
relocated to New York and Ath
nd prospective candidates may co
to witness a revival of religion in
his city, and he attributed much of
the success Toronto enjoys to indi-
viduals of organizations such as
the African Methodist Episcopal
Church. He further noted that con-
ferences are an occasion to reflect
and to look forward. With those
words read to us by our host for the
evening, the festivities truly began.
Throughout and after dinner, we
were free to roam the ship, enjoy
the two bands (jazz on the upper
deck and calypso on the middle
deck), and fellowship on the lower
deck. As I walked the ship, I over-
heard laughter, I saw joy, and I felt
much love — love for each other,
love for our Conference, and love
for our Bishop and Supervisor. I
also felt the love that our Bishop
and Supervisor have for the Cana-
dian Conference. _
When Presiding Elder Millben
asked me to write an article for The
Christian Recorder about the
evening, I was overwhelmed and
humbled. I was also grateful for the
opportunity to talk with the minis-
ters, licentiates, conference presi-
dents, and everyone about our
Bishop and Supervisor.
Here is just a sampling of what
was said.
“There are literally hundreds of
things that could be said about Bishop
Cousin. He has had more
influence than anyone on
my ministry. He is a
model pastor, bishop,
and statesman.” (Pre-
siding Elder Cory
Millben - Grant-Toronto)
“There's so much to
say. He (Bishop) stayed
down-to-earth to the last,
having fun, intermin-
gling, just being able to
take off the title of bishop
for a minute and get in
touch with his youthful
self. The manner in
which he received the
love shown to him shows
his appreciation. Everyone
knows he has done a
marvelous work in the
Canadian Conference
and has left a solid foun-
People Are Saying...
Bishop Gregory Ingram has written an incredibly
informative, insightful, and inspiring book for new
members and others who want to understand the
church. From beginning to end this book captures your
attention and keeps you wanting to learn more. His
creative and unique approach to helping people learn
about being a Christian and African Methodism is an
excellent too! for pastors and churches to use.
~ Bishop Philip R. Cousin, Sr., Senior Bishop
The S.A.T. Manual for African Methodism is a gift to
the church. All the material found in this manual is
worth reading. One in particular must be given serious
attention, In matters of Christian stewardship, Bishop
Ingram has a proven track record; his definition and
chapter on stewardship is right on target
Masterfully written, extraordinarily arranged,
and well thought out. Not just a book of the
present but a book that leads to a great
future...Should be in the home of every
AME. for their spiritual well-being. sen
~ Rev. Dr. Daryl B. Ingram, Executive Director
AMEC Christian Education Department
dation that anyone after can build on.”
(The Rev. Randolph Phillips Robinson-
Montreal)
“He showed us that we needed to
get an education to be prepared, that
we need to know what we are
preaching about. He encouraged me to
go back to school.” (Rey. Arnita
Traylor - Campbell - Chatham)
“He is insightful, he doesn’t make
quick judgments but he feels you out,
knowing what to tell you at the proper
time. He encourages you in the proper
way. This is what we need — to be told
the truth with insight and love.”
(Brother Milton Harris, Licentiate —
Central Grove - Harrow)
When asked about the Bishop’s
influence or most memorable
interaction, every minister com-
mented on the moment of ordina-
tion, when Bishop Cousin laid his
hands upon their heads and
blessed them.
This year, I was presented as a
licentiate to the Bishop. I must add
my own sense of humility and
power of God I received from
Bishop Cousin. It is one thing to
go before the Board of Examiners,
but it is completely something else
when Bishop Cousin asks you if
you think you are called to win
souls to Christ, and then tells you
to now go and do it. You get up,
and you go do it.
INCREDIBLY INFORMATIVE
MASTERFULLY WRITTEN
SPIRITUALLY EQUIPPING
RIGHT ON TAR G Eee
Dr. Grecory G. M. INGRAM
Gregory G. M. Ingram is the 118th elected and consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal
Church. For more than three decades, he has provided outstanding leadership as a preacher, teacher,
and lecturer, with a particular expertise in stewardship.
~ Bishop Richard Norris
RESOURCE FoR
WHO WANT TO
GREGORY G. M.
At the end of the day, the acco-
lades are distant memories, the
awards gather dust. What matters
is not what was said or presented;
what matters is the footprint one
leaves behind. In Genesis 12,
“The Lord said to Abram, “Leave
your country, your people and
your father’s household and go to
the land I will show you. I will
make you into a great nation and
I will bless you; I will make your
name great, and you will be a
blessing. I will bless those who
bless you, and whoever curses
you I will curse; and all peoples
on earth will be blessed through
you.’” (Verses 1 — 3, NIV)
Bishop Philip R. Cousin listened
to God, and like Abraham, left
your country, your people, and
went to the land that God showed
you. You have blessed this Cana-
dian Conference, this Climbing
Canadian Conference.
When asked your reflection
about the Canadian Conference,
you said that Canadians are sin-
cere, warm, open in spirit, and
genuinely loving.
Bishop, that is only us
returning the love you and the
Supervisor have given us these
past few years. As Rev. Phillips
said, you have left a solid founda-
Hon Upen Continued on p13
a
ri
AN INSTRUC TIONAL Gu
FOR TEACHING NEW MEA
AND
OTHERS
NDERSTAND
THE CHURCH
INGRAM
===== DSC03943.JPG =====
— THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER » MARCH 10, 200
PREACHING OPPORTUNITY
FOR NASHVILLE AREA PREACHERS
Baptist Hospital Call for Chapel Preachers
WHAT DOES
IT TAKE TO BE
AN EFFECTIVE
SERVANT LEADER
IN THE CHURCH?
ra
Note: This is an ongoing need,
Baptist Hospital has a small 20 minute chapel service every
Wednesday generally attended by 15-20 staff. In choosing
preachers for the chapel service, the Pastoral Services Dept. al
Baptist pulls from a list of ministers who have volunteered to
speak for 5-10 minutes on a topic of their choice. The volunteer
preachers tend to be Southern Baptist and Church of Christ and
Pastoral Services would welcome Divinity students and denom-
inational diversity. The hospital can’t pay speakers, but does
treat them to lunch with the (3-4) chaplains in the Physicians’
Dining Room after the service, which is always a nicely catered
meal. If you're thinking about CPE, this is a good opportunity
to visit. It's also a great way to practice giving a short sermon
for a small, very appreciative group. Sign up for the new year
with friends from your homiletics class!
Chapel is Wednesdays from 12:00-12:20 p.m. Baptist is
located at 21st & Church, a short walk from campus.
To volunteer contact Kathleen Potts, Assistant to the
Director of Pastoral Services, phone: (615) 284-7495
email: kathleen.potts @ baptisthospital.com.
FOUNDER’S DAY only $15.00
Church leadershi ing i i i i
RICHARD ALLEN RESOURCE carey patised and ef) segue today eset ape bees es sed ee ae
transformation and leadership style of Jesus.
Church leadership must
surmount and undo emerging
ideologies and ideas of
leadership that are currently
practiced and are in vogue
today. Few topics have been
more studied and written
about than the transformation
and leadership style of Jesus.
Preparing a message for Founder’s Day? The Reverend
Jeanette Pinkston shared this resource, a new book about Equipping the Saints for Service seeks to break new ground in examining the biblical model of
Richard Allen authored by Richard S. Newman: leadership and challenges the church to critically study our method of selecting and electing leaders by
Freedom's Prop tots Bic hop Richard Allen bridging theory and practice so we might build up the body of Christ in African Methodism.
= >
the A.M.E. Church, and the Black F ounding Fathers Equipping the Saints for Service explores this dynamic and others including:
Richard S. Newman. * The biblical model for leadership
+ Traits and qualifications for servant leadership Order Your Copy Today!
NYU, $34.95 (342p) ISBN 978-0-8147-5826-7 * Leadership expectations, action and principles Call AMEC Sunday cao Nae
( + The seven S’s of leadership (214) 333-2632 or (615) 256-5882
_In_ this elegant and insightful biography, historian
Newman (The Transformation of American Abolitionism)
offers a vivid portrait of Bishop Richard Allen DR. ARTHUR JONES
(1760-1831), a tireless preacher committed to ending
slavery and fostering equality for blacks in post-revolu- TO PUBLISH NEW BOOK
tionary America. Born a slave in Philadelphia, Allen con- :
verted to Methodism when he was 17 during a revival held Arthur S. Jones Religious Enterprises announced the publication, on Feb. 15th, 2008,
at his master’s house. After obtaining his freedom, Allen of a new book by Arthur S. Jones, noted author and President/CEO of the company.
helped to establish two of the most important black-led The book is titled “God and Me,” with the subtitle, "A Black Preacher Talks with the
organizations in early America: the Free African Society, 4 Almighty One-On-One.”
benevolent organization, and Bethel Church, the birthplace
of the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church, one
of the most powerful African American denominations in “The Birds, the Bees, and the A.M.E-s.,” a humorous look at life in the African
the United States. Although Allen is best remembered for Methodist Episcopal Church; and “500 Golden Proverbs,” a compilation of sayings
his religious leadership, his work moved far beyond these —_ from his 50-year career as a pastor in the A.M.E. Church.
circles. According to Newman, his ability to create inde-
pendent black organizations as well as initiate a published
discourse among free blacks established him as one of the
nation’s founding leaders. Newman’s beautifully written format is a dialogue between God and me. However, I am convinced that those who read
study is not only a first-rate social history of the early it, both clergy and laypersons, will find it enjoyable, inspirational, and compelling.”
Republic and African American culture and religion, it also For information and purchasing, interested persons may go to www.jonesreli-
provides a detailed sketch of Allen that is sure to become a : .
Ns : g prises.org.
the definitive biography of the leader. 4 O
BIBLICAL RESOURCES-SEARCHABLE ONLINE BIBLE WEBSITES
| Here is a great resource for sermons and Bible studies. You can download any passage of the Bible from this Zondervan Website and it also
has the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible: http://www.zondervanbiblesearch.com/ResultsPassage.aspx?Passage=mark+8%,
I have found this site to be very user friendly. You can cut and paste biblical passages into Word Documents or directly into email messages.
Another biblical resource is Bible Gateway: http://www. biblegateway.com/passage/?search=language=english.
Bible Gateway can beoaccessed in languages other than English and has concordances and commentaries.
This Website, http://www.internetdynamics.com/pub/ve/bibles.html, gives a list of biblical resources that might be helpful, i.e. commentaries,
study Bibles, etc. ;
A.S.J. Religious Enterprises has recently published two other books by Dr. Jones,
The new book will be offered for sale at the retail price of $18. In a statement, the
author states: “Some will find this book provocative, perhaps even controversial. The
From Climbing on p12... which anyone can continue to build. ‘misses you and the Climbing Canadian Conference will continue the good
Thank you, Bishop Cousin and Supervisor Cousin, for your love, your work that you have done and that God has started in us.
faithfulness, your kindness, your straightforwardness, your patience, your Submitted by Sister Joann Foote, Tanner/Price A.M.E. Church,
blessing, and your example. The Climbing Canadian Conference already Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Oe
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Accommodations:
14
SCHEDULE FOR CONVO XI, GENERAL
BOARD MEETING, AND GENERAL
CONFERENCE COMMISSION
CONVO XI:
10:00 a.m., Monday, April 14 thru 5:00
p.m., Tuesday, April 15, 2008
General Board Meeting:
— THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER * MARCH 10, 2008 —
A CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM... THE
YOUTH OF NEW ALLEN SPEAK
THROUGH “THE INN OF BETHLEHEM”
Submitted by Mondella Woods
The youth of New Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church, Memphis, Tennessee, put on a
7:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 15 thru 3:00 p.m., superb play to remind us that there was no room in “The Inn of Bethlehem” for the Christ child
Wednesday, April 16, 2008 to be delivered, so Mary and Joseph were sent to the stables. You know the story.
The spirit-filled performance made a great impact on the participants. Young people were able
General Conference Commission:
3:00 — 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Marriott Dallas/Addison Quorum by the
Galleria
14901 Dallas Parkway
Dallas, TX 75254
Group rate: $135.00
To make reservations, call (800) 228-9290
or (972) 661-2800 and ask for the “A.M.E.
Church room block.”
Deadline for making your reservation is
March 14, 2008.
to witness and fulfill the desire to make room for Christ in their lives and make a commitment
for the year. The youth filled the front of New Allen’s sanctuary on December 23, 2007, in their
costumes, spiritually renewed. The unique costumes, sheep, cattle, shepherds, Roman soldiers,
women of Nazareth, Mary, Joseph and the Christ Child, were custom-made for this performance
by the Youth Department Staff, Mrs. Louise Burton and Mrs. Wanda Marchie.
An ensemble, under the direction of Mr. C. R. Strong, enhanced the performance with
musical instruments and an Alleluia good time was experienced.
At the end of the performance, the message from the youth was, there was no room for the
Christ child in “The Inn of Bethlehem.”
We often encounter people who have no room for Jesus today. Is there room for Jesus in your
heart and in your life today?
Mrs. Ann Williams, Director of Christian Education
Mrs. Dorothy Prewitt, Youth Department Staff
Ms. Karen Butler, YPD Director
The Reverend Willie V. Woods, Pastor
FOURTH ANNUAL A.G. GASTON CONFERENCE FEATURES
REV. FLOYD HAROLD FLAKE AND BUSINESS MOGUL MICHAEL ROBERTS
Newest “State of Black Business in Birmingham”
Reports on Community Collaboration for Economic Empowerment
Birmingham, AL (BlackNews.com) - The 2008 Annual A.G.
Gaston Conference was set for February 19 and 20 in Birmingham,
featuring renowned community leader, the Rev. Floyd Flake of New
York, and the return of the 21st Century business mogul, Michael
Roberts of St. Louis.
“Building on the success of the 2007 conference, this year we
wanted to focus on what can happen when an inner-city retail and
housing entrepreneur like Michael Roberts meets with representa-
tives of the faith community like Rev. Floyd Flake, to generate busi-
ness development opportunities,’ says Bob Dickerson, one of the
conference organizers.
Dickerson, Executive Director of the Birmingham Business
Resource Center, says this year's conference -- Economic Empower-
ment through Community Collaboration -- brought these two power-
house speakers whose experiences are setting the standards for
economic development in under-served communities. “What we hope
will come out of this conference are examples of the kinds of collabo-
rative efforts African Americans should take to empower ourselves
through business ownership and cooperation across various sectors of
our community,” he said.
The 2007 conference saw greater inclusion of the faith commu-
nity, a theme that continued in 2008 with the Rev. Flake, Senior
Pastor of the 23,000 member Greater Allen African Methodist Epis-
copal Cathedral in Jamaica, Queens, New York. Under his 21-year
pastorate, Allen A.M.E.'s annual non-profit operating budget has
reached nearly $24 million.
Flake and his congregation are nationally renowned for expansive
commercial and residential developments, its 500-student private
school, and its various commercial and social service enterprises. Its
community-building efforts have made Allen A.M.E. among the
nation's most productive religious and urban development institutions.
If the church were a for-profit entity, it would be one of the nation's 100
largest African American-owned enterprises.
Dickerson says Flake and his church started with buying and reno-
vating old buildings and apartments; then they ended up with retail
shopping centers. “These sorts of developments drive a sense of com-
munity and set the groundwork for property appreciation, which
upgrades depressed communities,” he says.
He calls Roberts the 21st Century version of A.G. Gaston who,
like his predecessor, founda need and filled it. Roberts and his
brother worked to breathe new life into old retail outlets and build
new housing in inner-city St. Louis, MO, communities where many
bankers were not willing to invest money. The Roberts brothers'
business acumen turned those investments into bigger deals that
today include commercial and residential real estate holdings,
hotels, radio stations and communications towers.
“Together, Flake and Roberts represent what can happen when well-
educated, smart and business-savvy entrepreneurs -- through faith-
based organizations, families and other groups -- put their collaborative
energies back into improving their own communities,” Dickerson says.
The A.G. Gaston Conference continues to shine a light on the plight
of black-owned businesses and its implications for the broader com-
munity. Blacks are 30 percent of the Birmingham region's population,
which should mean that they own a proportionate number of businesses
that generate a proportionate percent of the revenue in this $100-bil-
lion-plus market. “Unfortunately, the world is so far from perfect that
black businesses in Birmingham generate only one half of one percent
of the total market,’ Dickerson says. Statistics are similarly skewed in
other cities across the U.S.
In 2007, the conference's third annual “The State of Black Business
in Birmingham” white paper found that, if blacks owned businesses at
the same rate as whites, there would be 18,000 more businesses, with
payrolls generating $720 million more than what they do now. That
kind of money flowing through the black community would have a sig-
nificant positive social impact and boost the entire region's economy,
the paper concluded.
The Rev. Gerald Austin, founder and CEO of The Center for Urban
Missions, will author the conference's 2008 white paper entitled, “The
Role of the Church in Community Economic Development.”
The Fourth Annual A.G. Gaston Conference will also honor local
small businesses and feature several general sessions with the keynote
speakers as well as other special announcements.
The conference was founded by Dickerson and Gaynelle Adams
Jackson of Advanced Planning Services.
About Dr. A.G. Gaston
Dubbed “Entrepreneur of the Century” by Black Enterprise Maga-
zine, Dr. A.G. Gaston (1892-1996), for whom the conference was
named, was one of the richest black men in America. He overcame
poverty and the lack of educational opportunities to become a virtual
giant in the world of business and commerce. “Gaston made these phe-
nomenal accomplishments during a period when abject and overt racial
discrimination was the way of life in Birmingham,” Dickerson says.
The conference holds up Gaston's time-honored principles and prac-
tices as encouragement for other blacks who must overcome barriers as
they strive to succeed. WOO
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— THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER » MARCH 10, 2008 —
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL POSITIONS
Cover letter to potential applicants
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is launching an exciting
recruitment campaign to hire future air traffic controllers. We are
seeking bright, professional, and highly motivated individuals to fill a
number of air traffic controller jobs throughout the country. The air
traffic controller occupation is one of the most rewarding and dynamic
jobs in the Federal government. We are seeking your assistance to
spread this information to your students:
The qualifications for these positions are:
* three years of progressively responsible work experience and/or
* a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor’s degree, or an
equivalent combination of work experience and college credits
* certain kinds of aviation experience may be qualifying
* applicants must be U. S. citizens
* the maximum entry age is 30
The FAA will train the people hired for these positions. All selectees
must spend up to 18 weeks at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City,
Oklahoma, and meet all other requirements before continuing their
training at their air traffic facility.
The vacancy announcements contain all the information on how to
apply and will be published on line at http://jobs.faa.gov. At this time,
we are recruiting for positions nationwide. The vacancy announcement
may be found at http://jobs.faa.gov/asap_detail.asp?vac_id=102077. All
selected applicants will be administered the AT-SAT examination.
We encourage you to inform your students, community organiza-
tions, and acquaintances about these upcoming announcements and job
opportunities.
Sincerely,
Miriam A. Vega
Federal Aviation Administration
EEO Specialist
Office of Civil Rights
Tel: 202-385-8440
Miriam. Vega @faa.gov
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is soliciting interest for
entry-level air traffic control positions throughout the United States.
he various locations can be found at http://jobs.faa.gov.
Salary range is based on duty location and will be determined at the
time of placement. No permanent change of station or relocation
expenses will be paid for initial appointment to these positions.
Prior experience or training in air traffic control is not required, You
may qualify for these positions on the basis of work experience, college
education, or a combination of work experience and college credits. To
qualify based on work experience, you must have three years of pro-
gressively responsible experience that demonstrates the potential for
learning and performing air traffic control work.
To qualify based on education, you must have a full four-year course
of study leading to a bachelor’s degree. You may also qualify by com-
bining your work experience and college credits. One year of under-
graduate study (30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours) is equivalent to
nine months of general work experience.
The maximum age for applying to these positions is 30. You must be
hired prior to reaching your 31st birthday. These positions are covered
by the air traffic controller special retirement program, and specialists
are subject to mandatory separation at age 56.
U.S. citizenship is required. You will be interviewed. You must be
proficient in English to speak over radios, intercoms, and similar com-
munications equipment. You must also pass a medical examination that
includes psychological screening prior to appointment, a security/back-
ground investigation, and a pre-employment drug test.
FAA will train you for these positions. As a new air traffic control
specialist, you will spend the first several weeks of employment in an
intense training program at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, OK.
While attending Academy training, you will be on a temporary appoint-
ment. Upon successful completion of the training program and other
employment requirements, you will continue to train at your assigned
FAA facility on a permanent appointment.
To apply for these positions, please go to http://jobs.faa.gov and click
on FAA Career Opportunities. Once there, choose 2152 in the Series
drop-down box. That will take you to the open announcements. You
will see “Click HERE to Apply Now” on the job announcement for
your desired location. Be sure to include your cell phone number and
e-mail address. You can also find the open announcements on
www.Careerbuilder.com.
RaisingLEADERS
ChangingLIVES
CONGREGATIONS that nurture Christian vocation shape young hearts
and minds according to God's call and strengthen the church with gifted
leaders. To support congregations in this work, Calling Congregations
provides a range of initiatives and assistance including:
Coaching, grants and online resources
Matching funds for seminarian support
Workshops, conferences and training events
To learn more or get involved, please visit our Web site:
www.thefund.org/calling
ana Calling Congregations
An Initiative of The Fund for Theological Education
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— THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER » MARCH 10, 2008 —
ANTIOCH AME
SOUTH HAIRSTON ROAD CAMPUS
STONE MOUNTAIN, GA
+ Administrative and ministerial offices
+ 500-seat sanctuary
* 5,000 square foot Fellowship Hall
* Classroom and conference
room space
+ Midweek Worship Services
* Tuesday evening bible study
classes
ANTIOCH AME * 8:45 am and 11:00 am weekly
ELAM ROAD CAMPUS worship services
* Sunday School 9:00 am
T
STONE MOUNTAIN, GA * The ROCK Youth Church 11:00 AM
+ Renovated sanctuary * 16-acre site
+ Fully equipped state-of-the art kitchen
+ Fully operational day care
center featuring before and
after school programs
+ 5 bedroom rental house
* 2 playgrounds
+ 9,000 square foot
gymnasium
+ Computer Lab
* Tutorial Services
+ 7:00 am services weekly
* 18-acre site
ANTIOCH AME
EBENEZER ROAD CAMPUS
CONYERS, GA
*Purchased October 2007
* Newly renovated sanctuary
* Fully equipped state-of-the-art
kitchen
+ Multi-purpose hall
¢ Nestled in one of the fastest
growing African American
communities in the state
of Georgia
* 10:00 am weekly
worship services
¢ 16-acre site
ya - se WICKER, PASTOR
NTIOCH AME CHURCH
Ss "| oe Se ae OK D s ‘STONI MOUNTAIN, GEORGIA
-
WWW.WICKERFORBISHOK SG
COKE P.O. Box 830995, STONE MOUNTAIN, GEVGOSs
TELEPHONE 404-299-8423 }
SHOP
nes ee eee eee
-
Date
-
2008-3-10
