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January 4, 2016
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THE OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE shah eo METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
"
“y NECOROER
VOLUME 165,NO.7 = “GOD OUR FATHER = CHRIST OUR REDEEMER = THE HOLY SPIRIT OUR COMFORTER = HUMANKIND OUR FAMILY” JANUARY 4, 2016
THE-CHRISTIAN-RECORDER-ORG
Williams’ deep spirit of love and faith. All came to pay
tribute to this exemplary bishop whose greatness flows
from his profound humility, open-heartedness, loving-
kindness, anointed spirit and the divine grace given to
Meditation Based on
Isaiah 40:18... noose D6)
=Ssi2@27it
. ee 6 e e =— pon §
> . . . = HDT 4 *
onthisl SSULE BISHOP & MOTHER WILLIAMS Honored by Sixth Districtand =32°2 :
eee . . . : =-Ors7}
eeeess Connectional A.M.E. Church at Their Retirement Celebration = =047 0;
Editorial: A New Year's Challenge ‘hursday, October 22, 2015, as part of the Sixth | years of ministerial service to the A.M.E. Church. = 4 z z Og
Se Ovaachers .................. DZ, Episcopal District’s Midyear festivities, approximately In his welcome letter found at the beginning of the = % + y 00
. 1,500 people gathered from across the globe to pay tribute | evening’s printed program, Bishop Williams stated, “| pray = 8 m mH s
The AMEC Connectional Day of to one of the most prolific bishops in recent A.M.E. Church | that Mother Dear and | were able to convey a spirit of ree ng 3 ii 5
ane meeoresday. 3} F Ed Lf. > love and faith during our visitations across each Episcopal = a 2
p ' emamssascarin‘inis [Doe 7 ‘ shes district in which we served.” Many of the attendeeswho = 2) 3
Reader ResponseS...ccesacsses Das : traveled from far and near knew firsthand of Bishop = a x
The 2016 Candidates’ Guidelines
for Submitting News Items
a po
The Truth Is the Light........... pO
The Watch Meeting Night Services
in Black AMEFICA.........-esese po
mg
Richard Allen, A.M.E. Church Founder,
on New Black Heritage Stamp and
This Year's Founder's Day....... pea
“Ad: Green if 20t6———
Elect Henry E. Green, Jr. ... Do),
A Unique MLK Day
CG)SU 1G Des)
Retired Bishop Robert Webster congratulating Bishop Williams. 4
| him directly by God.
In attendance were: Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram, Bishop
Reginald T. Jackson and Supervisor Jackson, Bishop Paul
J.M. Kawimbe, Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Jr., Bishop McKinley
Young, retired Bishop Frank C. Cummings, retired Bishop
; Zedekiah Grady and Supervisor Grady, retired Bishop
Information About the GDC Executive ie Cornal Henning, Sr., retired Bishop Robert Webster, retired
Board Meeting 0... [DellO) Bishop Preston W, Williams I ¥ Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, General Officer Rev. Dr.
and Dr. Wilma D. Webb Williams, ; i
Host of Friends Attends Homegoing Presiding Prelate & Episcopal gS Teresa Fry Brown and Episcopal Committee continued on p4
Service for E. Catherine Shepherd Supervisor, 6th District AMEC "#”
in Philadelphia ........ce.e palo
Annual Conference
Set Ce pO
history. Colleagues, friends and family convened
Allegheny-Scranton District's 7™ at The Classic Center in Athens, Georgia, U.S.A.,
Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.. to honor the Right Rev. Dr. Preston W. Williams
Cabiieth olll, ll and Supervisor Wilma D. Webb Williams as
oe : they celebrated their impending retirement
The 2"° Episcopal District Invites from Episcopal and pastoral service in the
You to The Celebration... Pell African Methodist Episcopal Church.
As an Episcopal team, this momentous occa-
The NCC Denounces Donald Trump's
sion marked the end of 16 years of superb
Demagoguery That Muslims Be
Banned From Entering Episcopal service as leaders of the 17th District
SWIRL CGV orccesceccevsessarseveee Dell) (2000-2004), 7th District (2004-2012) and 6th
‘ District (2012-2016). For Bishop Williams, this x ;
Ad: Here We Grow Again! elegant event served as a fitting salute to 57 | Ms Brenda Comelius, presents Bishop Williams with a proclamation from the United States House of Represen-
ank" Johnson, U.S. Representative for Georgia's 4th Congressional District.
Dr. Terence L. Mays, Sr... ysl)
MT. NEBO A.M.E. CHURCH
A SHAREPARTNER
By Lenny Williams, Eugene Williams
and Vickie Williams
tatives from the office of Henry “H
GREATER MT. NEBO (GMN)
A.M.E. CHURCH in Bowie,
Maryland, led by Pastor Rev. Dr. Jonathan L. }p
Weaver, has been a SHARE participant for nearly
23 years. The founders were Daisy Stith, Eric
Williams, Theresa Grant Hamilton, Laura Miller,
Gerri Lynch, Elizabeth Coates and Robert Coates.
The SHARE team at GMN has enlisted a
_.continued on p12
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THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
f.
It’s that time of the year again — the end of the old year and the beginning of a new
year.
It’s the time of the year when a lot of people think about their New Year’s resolu-
tions, especially resolutions that they hope will help them to achieve goals that might
enhance their lifestyles.
A lot of people set goals like losing weight, getting in better physical shape, spend-
ing more quality time with family, laughing more, enjoying life, getting out of debt,
saving and investing and managing income better, modifying behaviors they want to
change, ridding themselves of bad habits or changing the way they live and view life
and some even vow to have a more disciplined prayer life and to be more disciplined
DR. CALVIN H. SYDNOR Ill
The 20th Editor of
The Christian Recorder
in reading the Bible.
There are others who ignore New Year’s resolutions. They ignore New Year’s resolutions because they don’t
have the discipline or desire to attempt changes in their lives, so they just bypass the process.
New Year’s resolutions
New Year’s resolutions can add “spice and challenge” to a person’s life. The making of New Year’s resolutions
challenges individuals to change their “normal” behavior or routine. Resolutions can challenge us to do things
differently, which might improve or broaden our lives.
The Babylonians, Hebrews, Romans and the early Christians all had rituals that affirmed life-style changes.
Fasting during the Advent and Lenten seasons is just one example.
In Judaism, Bar Mitzvahs, Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement), Passover, Rosh Hashanah and Chanukah were
opportunities for individuals to change the direction of their lives.
In Methodism and other Christian denominations, baptism and even the Watch Night Service gave parishioners
the opportunity, not only to share the past year’s struggles, but also to prepare for the year ahead by praying
and making resolutions.
New Year’s resolutions
We all need to improve our physical health. Probably
most of us need to eat healthier, lose weight, abstain
from bad and destructive habits, rid ourselves of
negativism, think more positively, gossip less, laugh
“more; enjoy tife; rest; relax more, rid ourselves of debt,
inflexible and sometimes unforgiving.
Many clergy do not know how to relax and “let their
hair down” and have fun. Some preachers most often
seem to be “looking and acting like something is always
wrong.”
We-change our-voicesand:speectr patterns tosound
OF | en «
pay our bills on time, stop procrastinating, become
more committed Christians and commit to being better
persons.
Some resolutions that might be helpful for
clergy
lam clergy myself, and in my opinion, we clergy are
among the most uptight persons on the planet.
Generally, clergy tend to be opinionated, sometimes
more holy, especially when we pray in worship
services.
Ever notice how some preachers walk with a stiff
neck, appearing as if they are looking for something
or looking beyond the people to whom they are speak-
ing? Some pastors spend so much time looking and
acting holy to the point that they are unapproachable.
Some preachers don’t act human and the result is that
parishioners don’t treat them as human.
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
| The Christian Recorder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (USPS 016880) is
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Send Check or
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JANUARY 4, 2016
2
A NEW YEAR'S CHALLENGE FOR PREACHERS.
Here is what | am saying
Preachers - bishops, general officers, connectional
officers, presiding elders and pastors - would benefit
by making New Year’s resolutions, one of which is
to act like a human being, smile more and be “down
to earth” and enjoy ministry. Share a joke and act as
if you are enjoying life.
| have met so many preachers who don’t have a
hobby or any meaningful physical activities. They don’t
go to the gym or the “Y,.” They don’t have a mechanism
that allows for release of their frustrations. They don’t
play a musical instrument or participate in any activity
other than the church, They don’t go to the movies or
to plays and sadly, sometimes they don’t spend enough
time with their families; they only go to church!
| was talking to a clergy friend recently and he shared
with me that his father, a pastor, dressed in a suit and
tie every day, even if he wasn’t going out of the house. He
also shared that even when his dad, who loved to fish,
went fishing; he wore a suit and tie. | have seen pastors
who go to picnics in a suit and tie. | have seen pastors
at amusement parks in a suit and tie.
If a pastor doesn’t have a hobby or diversions for
relaxation, a New Year’s resolution might be a great
place to start. Some church members need to learn
to relax, too! | suspect if more clergy and church
members learned to relax and enjoy life, there might
be less conflict in many of our churches.
If you have played a musical instrument in high
school or college or always wanted to play a musical
instrument, pick an instrument and learn to play it;
schedute-tessons-and-set-aside that time, for YOu
Sometimes | want to encourage pastors to sit, relax
and do nothing! They would be amazed at how much
better they would feel. Some people call it
meditation.
| have said it before and | will say it again, preachers
need to read books other than the Bible. If a pastor
wants to be informed, he or she needs to read news-
papers, news magazines and the A.M.E. Church
periodicals. ..continued on p3
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By Dr. Val Eloby-Slade, Evangelist
THE AMEC CONNECTIONAL DAY OF PRAYER WILL BE WEDNESDAY APRIL 13, 2016
EXTRA! EXTRA! EXTRA! Read All About It!
The time is quickly approaching when all of
God's children will be gathering for the 2016
AMEC Connectional Day of Prayer.
The glorious day of prayer and praise will
be taking place on Wednesday, April 13, 2016.
There are “Save the Date” flyers and note-cards
being distributed to all Episcopal districts.
Hopefully you have seen them.
This year’s Connectional Day of Prayer will be
a date that you will not want to miss, so mark
your calendars, update your note book and
send out invites on FaceBook, Twitter and feel
..From A New p2
are well-read. And, don’t fool yourself; parishioners
In other words, successful pastors
know if their pastor is well-read.
If you haven't been a reader, a wonderful New Year’s
resolution would be to subscribe to newspapers and
other periodicals and read them! Have a cup of coffee,
a cup of tea, a cup of hot chocolate or glass of milk and
sit down and read for 20-30 minutes everyday! You
don’t have time? Get up earlier and make time! Take
time for a daily walk, run or swim. Everyone needs
some physical exercise!
Physical activity is important and it is evident that
the clergy need to spend more time in physical activi-
ties, such as walking, running, jogging or swimming;
and the additional benefit is that it gives you time to
commune with God.
~~ Playing organized sports is also a wonderful way to
get in or stay in shape and the additional benefit is that
it gives you an opportunity to share your faith with
others.
The place where pastors prepare sermons and
have a desk is appropriately called a “study” and for
good reason. It is not the “pastor’s office,” it’s the
“oastor’s study.” Mental preparation in ministry is
important and | suspect many pastors of every denomi-
nation could benefit greatly with increased reading
and studying.
| think you get the point
Effective pastors are well-rounded and balanced
physically, mentally, psychologically, biblically, theologi-
cally; and with a human bearing.
A great starting point for all of us, clergy and
laity, is to think seriously about New Year’s resolu-
tions for 2016.
You should think about it and prepare your hearts
and minds for self-improvement and thinking about
YOU and thinking about YOU is not being selfish!
New Year’s resolutions are for everyone, but | hope
every preacher will accept a “self, for YOU challenge”
of a challenging New Year’s resolution; a resolution
that will benefit YOU because a New Year’s resolution
is for YOU and not necessarily for anyone else, but if
YOU take care of YOU, your family, your church mem-
bers, your friends and your acquaintances will be the
beneficiaries of “YOU taking car of YOU!”
free to text the event and date now!
The Jubilee Prayer Team 2016 under the lead-
ership of Bishop McKinley Young, Bishop E. Earl
McCloud, Jr. and the Rev. Dorisalene Hughes
have been fasting and praying since last year
for the special anointing of the Holy Spirit to in-
fuse the 2016 Connectional Day of Prayer events
with a magnification of our Lord and Savior Je-
sus Christ throughout Episcopal districts 1 - 20.
In March, the Jubilee Prayer Team will distrib-
ute the “dial-in conference numbers” to all the
Episcopal districts.
To the Editor
RE: TCR Editorial — I Am Amazed:
Iam immensely grateful to have my story, “A South
Carolina Story About Hope,” published in The Chris- |
tian Recorder, and that what I learned from Aesthetic |
Realism, the education founded by the philosopher
Eli Siegel, about the cause and answer to racism, is support other organizations that celebrate significant
: Black History events. I’m amazed and disappointed!
reaching such a diverse readership.
To use a phrase that you care for and wrote about
in a mighty way in that issue—I am amazed.
Amazed at how swiftly it happened. Amazed to
see what TCR includes--which I’ve begun reading |
and learning from; for instance, the story about the
Governor of Delaware issuing an 1 i ; j :
gran, abo '0ey) teeny heen kept hidden from us due to miseducation and
slavery! I spoke with a friend (Leamon Hood, an | 4p pressive racism, Iam afraid that we are not pro-
unsung pioneer of civil rights) who lives i aot
2 uaa tease vil rights) who Tives in Dela : grammed to celebrate ourselves.
ware, and told him that because of what I read in :
The Christian Recorder, V'll be expressing thanks
to the Governor for his important announcement.
Amazed to learn more of the earliest history
of the Watch Night Service, which I have written
about without fully knowing this history.
And amazed that one can read TCR in about 91
different languages! Amazed at, for instance, Yid-
dish and Yoruba -- what a beautiful combination.
It is also amazing how my story reached you. I
thank Dr. Jayme Williams, who read it first in the
Tennessee Tribune and called her friend Bishop |
Frederick C. James (age 93) in South Carolina to
congratulate him. Then Bishop James called me in
New York to tell me about Dr. Williams and to sug- |
gest that I call her in Atlanta. I did call, and our
lively conversation led to her directing me to you
this editorial because, like most of our Black History
and The Christian Recorder.
All of this brings to mind a line from a poem |
by Eli Siegel which I love, “It’s a very connected
: will? And I can’t think of a more expressive title for
this editorial. What you have here says it all.
world, Marianne.” Yes, indeed!
Best regards from a new friend,
Alice Bernstein
a
PS. I'm taking the liberty of emailing you a current update
about my book, “The People of Clarendon County” -- A Play by
Ossie Davis, and the Answer to Racism. Central to this impor-
tant history, and a key character in the Ossie Davis play, is the
A.M. Minister Joseph Armstrong DeLaine. Amazing, once
more, how the world is connected.
RE: TCR Editorial — I Am Amazed:
narrative. Thanks!!!
Richard H. Sinkfield, Attorney at Law
AMECPUBLISHINGHOUSE.COM
Get ready! Get ready, and get ready! You will
surely be blessed by reserving the date, Wednes-
day, April 13, 2016, the African Methodist Episco-
pal Church Connectional Day of Prayer, which
has been endorsed by the Council of Bishops.
If you would like to be a part of the prayer warriors
and intercessors team, email your contact informa-
tion to Jubileeprayerteam2016@gmail.com.
Bishop McKinley Young, Chair
The Rev. Dorisalene Hughes, Director
Submitted by Evg. Dr. Val Eloby-Slader
‘gt READER RESPONSES
To the Editor
RE: TCR Editorial — 1 Am Amazed:
I am also truly amazed that either we don’t know
or realize the significance of our history, specifically
regarding the 13th Amendment. Churches should
celebrate the significant events in our history and
Judge William Marsh
To the Editor
RE: TCR Editorial — I Am Amazed:
This is true. We have so much history that has
Judge Loretta Moore
To the Editor
RE: TCR Editorial — I Am Amazed:
This was such an impressive editorial! The con-
tent, of course, is one thing - but I was totally im-
|_pressed that you had me wondering about the source
of the Editor’s amazement for the longest time. I
found myself hankering to know: “What on earth
is the Editor amazed about?” This made the answer
even more of something to be scrutinized. I saw a
photo of President Obama and others observing a
moment of silence for the occasion of the ratification
of the 13th Amendment. And I must say that I was
“amazed” at that moment because I certainly had
not realized the importance of that date. Thanks for
events, it is another example of something we should
be impressing upon our children. If we don’t, who
Mrs. Jeanette T. Johns
To the Editor
LO Ue BO
RE: TCR Editorial — 1 Am Amazed:
Good evening. I was reading the TCR editorial
and about to write you on how much I learned. You
i are on target about Dec. 6 and Dec. 18. We should
To the Editor : celebrate these significant events. I suspect we do
i not because the whole idea of slavery is a loaded
' topic historically and loaded due to its aftermath
: even now. Thanks for an enlightening piece! It is
Thoughtful, provocative, informative and timely |
| amazing that we do not know these dates.
Dr. A. Oveta Fuller, Ph.D., Dept. of Microbiolo-
gy and Immunology, University of Michigan O90
a
===== DSC04283.JPG =====
Dr. John’ FGreengPresident-Deap of Turner Theological Seminaty,
presents a plaque'to Bishop Willams, “In grateful appreciation for your
exceptional leaderstiip.and support,of theological educationvas:Chairman
of the Board.of Trustees (201252016).”
y 1
The Rev. Dr. Harold Mayberry, Senior Pastor, First A.M.E. Church, Oakland,
California, and Chairman, Episcopal Committee, A.M.E. Church.
The Rev. Dr. Juennarl
Keith, Presiding Elder,
Mount Pleasant District,
7th Episcopal District
A.M.E. Church.
"= wad esa
LR: Attorney Renardo Hicks, General Counsel for thept Episcopal Distr
and Morris Brown College, Bishop Williams & Ambassador Young. »
Ambassador Andrew
Young delivering the
keynote address.
Ms. Gloria Byrd, 1st\Vice President, Connectional Lay Organization, & Mr.
Michael Brown, President, 6th Episcapal-District-kay-Organization.
The Rev. Alan H.
Wicker, President, 6th
Episcopal District
Presiding Elders’
Council.
The Rev, Dr. Edward L. Wheeler,
President of the
Interdenominational
Theological Center (ITC),
“| believe history will
look back and
Bishop
Preston W. Williams ||
will be
regarded
as the
Bishop
of Church
Growth
and
Expansion.”
The Rev. Dr. Leah G. Fitchue, former President of Payne Theological
Seminary, delivering the opening prayer.
Bishop W. Darin Moore,
Presiding Prelate, Western District,
AN@RE. Zion Church delivering the sermon.
The Honorable Nancy Denson, Mayor of the city
of Athens, Georgia, presents Bishop Williams:
with a proclamation and a key to the city.
===== DSC04284.JPG =====
Bishop Gregory G.M.
Master of Ceremény, Mr Michael Thurmond, Esquire, and Mistress of Ceremony, pan sued
Ms. Xernona Clayton, Président and CEO of the Trumpet Awards Foundation, i iliams children: Prestingj Arnold, Prisci District
. es Attorney Keith Wiener,
“Bishop Williams has
always been focused
on the preeminent
Bishop Paul J.M. Kawimbe, \ , question, which is:
The Honorable Rev’ Karen Balt GeorgiasState-Refresentative of- District 94, presents Presiding Prelate, 19th ‘ (| ,, what is the right
Bishop Williams witha Resolution from the Georgia House of ae Episcopal District. thing to do.”
ty NC apne : {
un Ct was A is
% yy Motte
S a ae ken: =
"
SEU 7a ; j
—— — a 1 =
semaine: PPT TI Ue Wa a a
UMNNDF ce
Mr. Jeremy Satterwhite, President, 6th Episcopal
District YPD, and other 6th District officials,
congratulating Bishop and Mother Williams =
===== DSC04285.JPG =====
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
JANUARY 4, 2016
MEDITATION BASED ON ISAIAH 40:1-8
By the Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby*
Ive
just returned from a Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, holiday weekend speaking
engagement in Lexington, Kentucky - a quick trip that necessitated my flying
rather than driving, as I've often done in the past. I enjoy flying, and the “kid”
in me always leads me to choose a window seat so that I can enjoy the scenery
My flight to Kentucky allowed me to see the flat terrain of America’s eastern coast give way to
the Blue Ridge and Cumberland ranges of the Appalachian Mountains. Driving through those
mountains means traversing winding - and mildly intimidating - roads carved into the mountain-
side, marveling at the stunning beauty of massive peaks so high that they’re often shrouded in
clouds and at cavernous valleys with deep rivers and crystal clear lakes far below. From five miles
above the earth, however, those majestic mountains look like nothing more than small hills - fly-
ing provides a totally different perspective.
I offer that lesson in “perspective” to you as
you traverse the roads of life, for all mountains
and valleys are not physical in nature. Life in
this world often presents us with massive moun-
tains of confusion, challenge and disappointment.
Life in this world often carries us through deep
valleys of stress, strain and uncertainty. Life
is filled with daunting obstacles that are
sometimes hard to avoid, in spite of our best
efforts to steer a clear path to well-being by the
available means of this world.
We'll all see our share of mountains and valleys
in life, but when we let the Lord guide us, we can
make the journey successfully. The God who cre-
ated the mountains and valleys - the God who
created us - has the power to put life’s obstacles
THE 2016 CANDIDATES’ GUIDELINES FOR SUBMITTING NEWS ITEMS TO TCR
in perspective and, as the
prophet Isaiah said, to fill in
life’s valleys and bring down
life’s mountains so that we
can safely find our way to new
hope, new peace of mind, new
strength and new victory.
You'll face more than your share of mountains
and valleys in life, but turn them over to the God
who can give us safe passage, regardless of what
stands in our way. You’ll walk on safe and smooth
ground, find new clarity and meaning in life, and
know why one hymn writer said, “All along this
pilgrim journey, Savior, let me walk with thee.”
Get ready for Sunday, and have a great day
in your house of worship!
“The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby is the Presiding Elder of the
Beaufort District of the South Carolina Annual Conference of the
Seventh Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
will publish news received from the 2016 candidates for election
at the 50th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference. If
TCR
| the phrase or any semblance of the phrase, “Candidate for election/reelection...,”
| the article becomes an advertisement. Advertisements are still available to be
purchased for publication in the “print edition of ‘The Christian Recorder.”
De ||
Candidates’ news items should be submitted in accordance with ““The Guidelines
for Submitting Articles to The Christian Recorder.” All submissions will be in
Word format or imbedded (pasted) in an email message.
THETRUTH ISTHE LIGHT
BIBLICAL TEXT: “This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of
Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on
him.” — JOHN 2:11 (KJV)
, O text is from the Gospel account of the first miracle per-
: Uu YT formed by Jesus Christ. The manifestation of this miracle
set in motion the earthly ministry of our Lord. Jesus came to earth ona
definite, pre-ordained mission. To accomplish his purpose, it was nec-
essary that men recognize him and respond to him as the Son of God.
Jesus was a patient, gifted teacher with the ability to intertwine the
mundane activities of daily living with Heaven's most valuable lessons.
His parabolic style of teaching confounded the scholars while reaching
out to the hearts of the common man. And by the use of miracles, Jesus
publicly revealed himself to be the Son of God.
We need to understand that Jesus’
miracles were never selfish. In fact,
his miracles were always executed
for the benefit of someone in need
and brought forth an essential
revelation. The first of seven mir-
acles recorded by John is where
Jesus turned water into wine at a
wedding. John was a true evange-
list and this account of the wedding
event in his New Testament Gospel,
written from an evangelistic view-
point, is an attempt to win new
converts to Jesus.
We can conclude that this wed-
ding in Cana was a large one, or
certainly larger than anticipated,
because the wine soon ran out.
Jesus acted both unexpectedly and
generously when he came to the
aid of the new bride and groom,
filling their pots with new wine.
By the Rev. Dr. CHARLES R. Watkins, Jr.*
However, there is an even greater
significance of this wedding gift.
With his simple command to “fill
the pots,” Jesus reveals his super-
natural power over nature. After
all, ‘all things were made by him;
and without him was not anything
made that was made.” Jesus exer-
cised his Divinity and certified his
blessing with this wedding gift.
But that’s not all. With the command
to “fill the pots,” Jesus reveals his
ability to make the last better than
the first. The wine he creates is
better than the wine served by the
hostess.
At the Cana wedding, Jesus
begins his ministry with the cre-
ation of new wine. And the Bible
shows us that three years later, at
the Feast of the Passover, Jesus
closed out his earthly ministry with
the Last Supper wine as a testament
of his blood, which was shed for
the remission of sin.
Jesus is inviting us today to come
to his feast! The
table is set and the
invitations have Oe ——"—
gone out. No gift is necessary; the
greatest gift has already been
given. We are invited to come and
fill our vessels with his new wine.
This new wine Jesus offers us will
set us free from our agonies and
afflictions; free from our burdens
and battles; free from our conflicts
and crises.
We are invited to come and fill
our vessels with Jesus’ new wine
that will free us from discourage-
ment and danger, heaviness and
hardships, pressures and problems,
trials and tribulations! Jesus is
inviting us today to come to his
feast! The table is set. All things
are ready. We just have to come to
the feast!
*The Rev. Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr. is
the Pastor of Morris Brown A.M.E. Church in
Charleston, SC.
THE WATCH MEETING NIGHT SERVICES IN BLACK AMERICA
Dr, Calvin H. Sydnor III, The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
Wi are in the New Year and pastors and local church leaders, hopefully
(4 planned for Watch Meeting Night services.
The Watch Night worship service has been a strong African Methodist tradition from
the very beginnings of the A.M.E. Church. I mention that because there has been a
revisionist account that originally stated that the genesis of Watch Night services in
black communities are traced back to gatherings on December 31, 1862, also known
as “Freedom’s Eve” when blacks came together in churches and private homes to await
the news that the Emancipation Proclamation was going to become law.
The revisionist account of the Watch Night Service says, “Black folks have gathered
in churches annually on New Year’s Eve ever since, praising God for bringing us safely
through another year.” The story is heartwarming, but there is more to the story.
Today, the Watch Night Service is held in a lot of black and white churches;
and the Emancipation Proclamation story has relevance and I am certain that the
night of December 31, 1862 had a special meaning for the slaves. However,
President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation did not free all of the slaves,
only the slaves in the slave-holding states, but I am also certain, for those who
took advantage of the emancipation order, December 31st remained a significant
day in their lives as long as they lived.
But, the Watch Night Service didn’t begin in 1862; it began many years prior to
that date.
The Watch Night Service reportedly began with the Moravians in Germany
and was picked up by John Wesley who incorporated the service in Methodism.
In England, Europe and in America, the early Methodists and other religious
groups also observed Watch Night services; the Moravians _ ., continued on p7
===== DSC04286.JPG =====
i
..From The Watch p6 certainly did. The noted homiletician, Charles H, Spurgeon,
a Baptist preacher, preached a Watch Night Sermon on December 31, 1855 and
took his text from Lamentations 2:19.
In America, among the earliest Watch Night services was probably held at St.
George Church in Philadelphia where Richard Allen and other blacks were
members.
To say that the Watch Meeting services began in the mid-1800’s is a myth. It
is certain that Richard Allen celebrated Watch Meeting Night services at St.
George Church and it would follow that Watch Meeting Night services were held
at Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia.
Originally, Watch Night services were held to deepen the spiritual life of
the Methodists and Wesley himself explained in his journal that Watch Night
services in England were generally held between 8:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m.
on the Friday nearest the full moon “so that participants walked safely home
«From Bishop p4 Georgia; Rev. Dr. John
Green, President/Dean of Turner
Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia;
Rev. Dr. Stanley Pritchett, President of
Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia;
Bishop W. Darin Moore, Presiding Prelate,
Western District, A.M.E. Zion Church;
and the Honorable Nancy Denton, Mayor
of the city of Athens, Georgia.
The affair began at 7:00 p.m. as the
distinguished guests processed into the
ballroom announced by the Master of
Ceremony, Mr. Michael Thurmond,
Esquire, and the Mistress of Ceremony,
Ms. Xernona Clayton, President and CEO
of the Trumpet Awards Foundation. With
natural chemistry, the two MC’s ushered
the evening along with bright smiles and
warm laughter which added to the joyful
atmosphere.
The opening prayer was a powerful
invocation delivered by Dr. Leah G.
Fitchue, President of Payne Seminary,
whose spirited message was reflective
of her great admiration and respect for
Bishop Williams. For more than a decade
Bishop Williams and Dr. Fitchue have
developed an extraordinary working
relationship often teaming up to educate,
elevate and inspire the hearts, minds and
souls of thousands of clergy and laity.
Together, they have presented numerous
theological institutes in various Episcopal
districts, bringing the brightest theolo-
gians out of the classrooms of academia
and directly to the people of the A.M.E.
Church. Through the divinely inspired
work of these two extraordinary A.M.E.
leaders, thousands of clergy and laity
were able to access seminary level train-
ing in the comfort of their own local
church communities. Similarly, numerous
A.M.E. clergy were awarded scholarships
to attend Payne Seminary, which made
possible their pursuit of their formal
educations in the form of Master of
Divinity degrees. On this special evening,
Dr. Fitchue’s presence and prayers were
a testament to the great things that she
and Bishop Williams accomplished togeth-
er. The fertile seeds that these two excep-
tional servant-leaders sowed will form
their historical legacy of education, eleva-
ion and empowerment which will live
on long after they both have gone from
here to eternity.
Bishop Williams’ four children, Arnold,
Stella, Priscilla and Prestina, made their
way to the dais to offer insight about
their father from a family perspective.
Lovingly they shared stories from their
childhood and sang gospel songs as tribute
to their father and praise to God.
Following the Occasion delivered by
the Rev. Dr. John Foster, Senior Pastor of
Big Bethel A.M.E. Church in Atlanta,
Georgia, Bishop Williams was presented
with a proclamation from the United
States House of Representatives from
the office of Henry “Hank” Johnson, U.S.
Representative for Georgia’s 4th
Congressional District, which in part read:
“Whereas, Bishop Preston Warren
Williams Il has provided stellar leadership
to his church on an international level...
Whereas, with the support of his wife
Dr. Wilma Delores Webb Williams, and
under the guidance of God, has pioneered
and sustained the 6th Episcopal District,
as an instrument in our nation that uplifts
the physical, spiritual and mental welfare
of our citizens; and Whereas, this remark-
able and tenacious man of God has given
hope to the hopeless, fed the hungry and
is a beacon of light to those in need; and
Whereas, Bishop Williams is a spiritual
warrior, a man of compassion, a fearless
leader and a servant to all, but most of
all a visionary who has shared his passion
to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ; and
Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the
Ath District of Georgia has set aside this
day to honor and recognize Bishop Preston
Warren Williams II, as he celebrates
service in ministry and to salute him as
he retires from pastoral leadership; A
true man of excellence. Now, therefore,
|, Henry C. ‘Hank’ Johnson, Jr. do hereby
proclaim October 22, 2015 as Bishop
Preston Warren Williams II Day in the 4th
Congressional District.”
Similarly, the Honorable Rev. Karen
Bennett, Georgia State Representative
of District 94, presented Bishop Williams
with a resolution from the Georgia House
of Representatives which in part read:
“Whereas, during his illustrious career,
RUCHARD ALLE, MLE CHURCH FUNDER, OW NEW BLACK HERITAGE STA
Every A.M_E. should purchase a block of Richard
Allen postage stamps. Join Ms. Carol Croskey and St
Paul A.M_E. - Ocala, Florida (the Rev. Patrick J. Sasnett,
Pastor) and organize a “Richard Allen Stamp WALK
IN.” Take a group to your local post office; buy stamps
(for the year, monthly supply to mail your bills, gifts
for special people in your life). If your group exhausts
the supply, ask your local postmaster to order more.
lhis year’s Founder's Day should be one of signifi-
cance at every A.M.E, Church!
through moonlit streets.”
*Richard Allen, the A.M.E. church founder
image is on a new Black Heritage stamp.
In 19th Century Philadelphia, the Methodists continued the practice of Watch
Night services on New Year’s Eve. The newly-formed A.M.E. Church members,
wherever A.M.E. churches were located, celebrated Watch Meeting Night
services.
Watch Meeting Night Service is a tradition that I hope will continue because
we have a lot for which to be thankful. All of us have a testimony to give, a song
to sing and a prayer to be prayed.
In the black community, the Watch Meeting Night began with us, the African
Methodist Episcopal Church, and with the Right Reverend Richard Allen, the
first consecrated and elected bishop.
Though other denominations have Watch Night services, Watch Meeting Night
worship is a Methodist tradition and we should never, ever, forget it.
Atlanta’s Board of Education, serving 19
years in various capacities as President,
Vice President, Chairman of the
Superintendent Search Committee and
Chairman of the Finance Committee; and
Whereas, he has served as the pastor of
numerous A.M.E. Church congregations
throughout the state of Georgia, includ-
ing Bethel A.M.E. Church in Augusta,
Georgia, Paradise A.M.E. Church in
Jefferson, Georgia, Saint Mark A.M.E.
church in Athens, Georgia, and Allen
Temple, Saint Paul and Trinity A.M.E.
churches in Atlanta, Georgia; and
Whereas, he has been instrumental in
saving Morris Brown College for the
A.M.E. Church, the state of Georgia and
the nation, as an historic institution of
higher learning with a long and proud
history that is dedicated to uplifting the
minds, spirits and souls of our country’s
youth; and Whereas, it is abundantly
fitting and proper that the outstanding
accomplishments of this remarkable
Georgian be appropriately recognized.
Now, therefore, be it resolved that
Reverend Dr. Preston Warren Williams II
is recognized and honored for the immea-
surable contributions he has made
throughout the state of Georgia and the
world and extended best wishes for suc-
cess in his future endeavors.”
The Honorable Nancy Denson, Mayor
of the city of Athens, Georgia, where the
evening’s affair was held, presented
Bishop Williams with both a proclamation
and a key to the city. In part the procla-
mation read: “Whereas, Bishop Williams
was instrumental in bringing several of
the A.M.E. Church’s annual meetings to
Athens, Georgia which has had a pro-
foundly positive impact on the Athens
economy and bolstered the business and
civic community relationships with the
A.M.E. Church; and Whereas, Athens is
home to numerous colleges and universi-
ties, we salute Bishop Williams for his
successful efforts in saving Morris Brown
College for the A.M.E. Church, the state
of Georgia and the nation, so that future
generations will be able to attend this
historic institution of higher learning; and
Whereas, the Unified Government of
Athens-Clarke County, Georgia commends
AMECPUBLISHINGHOUSE.COM
Bishop Williams for the significant eco-
nomic, social, political and theological
contributions he has made to communi-
ties throughout the state of Georgia, the
nation and the world. Now, therefore, |,
Nancy B. Denson, Mayor of the Unified
Government of Athens-Clarke County,
Georgia extend congratulations to Bishop
Preston Warren Williams Il and wish him
success and happiness in his future
endeavors as he prepares to retire from
57 years of ministerial service in the
African Methodist Episcopal Church.”
Mayor Denson further stated that
although the awarding of the key to the
city of Athens is extremely rare, she was
compelled to present the key to Bishop
Williams as a token of gratitude for his
lifetime spent in service to others.
One of the evening’s keynote addresses
was delivered by Ambassador Andrew
Jackson Young, American politician, dip-
lomat, activist and pastor from Georgia
who served as a Congressman from
Georgia’s 5th Congressional District, the
United States Ambassador to the United
Nations and Mayor of Atlanta. He served
as President of the National Council of
Churches U.S.A., was a member of the
Southern Christian Leadership Conference
(SCLC) during the 1960’s Civil Rights
Movement and was a supporter and friend
of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ambassador
Young was greeted with a standing ovation
and rousing applause as he spoke pas-
sionately about the excellent work accom-
plished by the Atlanta City School Board
during Bishop Williams’ tenure as President
of the Board. He commented on the often
divisive dynamics and contentious issues
that plague contemporary governmental
leadership and reflected that, “We did
not have those types of problems when
Preston Williams was President of the
Board. Under his leadership we had a
spirit-led Board that was about doing the
greatest good for our citizens and
communities.”
Ambassador Young asserted that,
“This nation is fractured, polarized and
we will continue to need your relation-
ship with God to intercede on our
behalf... One of our proudest moments
was when Emanuel ..continued on p9
y Bishop Williams was actively involved in
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MINISTRY
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Led Mount Hermon AMEC, Miami Founder of the Richard Allen
Gardens, FL in completing a $6.2 Leadership Academy (First
million Worship Center and all-Boys Charter School in the
Community Center in 2007 State of Florida in 2007)
Purchased 4 acres of land for Grant Purchased 3 acres of land for Ne
Memorial AMEC, Jacksonville, FL Bethel AMEC, Jacksonville, FL
Purchased 5 acres of land for Increased Membership and
Mount Hermon AMEC, Miami Stewardship at every
Gardens, FL congregation and District serve
PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER of the AMEC Sunday School Union
===== DSC04288.JPG =====
..From Bishop p7 A.M.E. Church in Charleston, South Carolina stood together as
Christians in the face of tragedy and showed the nation and world what God's grace
can do... Bishop Williams has been a blessing in the U.S. and Africa having accom-
plished extraordinary things there.”
Picking up where Ambassador Young left off, the Rev. Dr. Edward L. Wheeler,
President of the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC), came to the podium
and made one of the evening’s most memorable statements. Dr. Wheeler said,
“Bishop Richard Allen is known as the founding father of our Zion. Bishop Daniel
Payne is known as the Bishop of Education. But | believe history will look back and
Bishop Preston W. Williams || will be regarded as the Bishop of Church Growth and
Expansion.” As Ambassador Young had earlier stated that Bishop Williams was, “A
blessing to Africa,” Dr. Wheeler also referenced the extraordinary work accomplished
by Bishop Williams during his tenure as the Presiding Prelate of the 17th Episcopal
District, which at that time encompassed eight (8) countries in Central Africa.
During four years under Bishop Williams’ leadership (2000-2004), the 17th District
grew ata stunning rate, adding tens of thousands of members to its roles, expand-
ing the District’s membership to 1,040 churches. The District grew from seven (7)
annual conferences to sixteen (16), and from twenty-four (24) presiding elder
districts to eighty-six (86). This astronomical increase in membership required that
the 17th District be split into two separate parts forming a new 20th Episcopal
District at the 47th session of the General Conference. This historic feat was accom-
plished with the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the blessing of God, and according
to Dr. Wheeler will cement Bishop Williams’ legacy as one of the most prolific
bishops, in regard to church growth and expansion, in the entire history of the
African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Next, Bishop Williams’ life-long attorney and friend, Mr. Keith Wiener, Esquire,
spoke about the character of the man he had known for more than 40 years. Mr.
Weiner stated, “As Bishop Williams’ attorney my job has been to advise Bishop
Williams as to what he can do according to the law. However, Bishop Williams has
always been more interested in, not what he can do legally, but what he should do
morally. Bishop Williams has always been focused on the preeminent question, which
is: What is the right thing to do?”
Following Attorney Weiner, numerous individuals and organizations made heartfelt
presentations filled with appreciation and gratitude to Bishop and Mother Williams,
including: retired Bishop Frank C. Cummings; retired Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry;
retired Bishop Cornal G. Henning, Sr.; Bishop Paul J.M. Kawimbe; the Rev. Dr. Harold
Mayberry, Senior Pastor, First A.M.E. Church, Oakland, California, and Chairman,
Episcopal Committee, A.M.E. Church; the Rev. Alan H. Wicker, President, 6th District
Presiding Elders’ Council; the Rev. Dr. Juennarl Keith, Presiding Elder, Mount Pleasant
District, 7th District A.M.E. Church; Mrs. Barbara Clayton Hudson, President, 6th
District WMS; Mr. Michael Brown, President, 6th District Lay Organization; Ms. Kabrina
Bass, Episcopal Director, 6th District Christian Education, Ms. Sandie Brown, Episcopal
Commissioner, 6th District DMC; Mrs. Dorothy Ridley, Episcopal President, 6th District
MSWWO Plus PK’s; the Rev. Vandy Simmons, Episcopal President, 6th District Sons
of Allen; the Rev. Velma Grant, Episcopal President, 6th District Women In Ministry;
Mrs. Monica Bryant, Episcopal Director, 6th District YPD; Ms. Victoria Jenkins, mem-
ber of the Morris Brown College Board of Trustees; the Rev. Dr. William Watley,
Senior Pastor, Saint Philip A.M.E. Church, Atlanta, GA; Attorney Renardo Hicks, General
Counsel, 6th District A.M.E. Church; and Dr. Sheila Cook and the Rev. Veronica Lewis,
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
After a sumptuous meal and a well-preached word delivered by Bishop W. Darin
Moore, Presiding Prelate of the Western District of the A.M.E. Zion Church, the grand
moment had finally arrived as the two honorees, arm-in-arm, approached the micro-
phone to say a word together. As is the way they led each church and Episcopal
district to which they were assigned, they stood together, side-by-side, as one; a
team of two sent to teach and preach, guide, inspire and love.
In a soft and sweet tone, Mother Williams opened by saying, “1 will bless the Lord
at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in
the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us
exalt his name together... Thank you for helping us celebrate our retirement. We
have given our time, wisdom and knowledge in trying to help our Zion grow in the
ways of God. We have tried to teach through example, always using the Bible as our
guide to show how God would have us to love each other and pray for one another...
Think on those things which you have been taught to do for Christ and work on them.
Give God your heart, read and study your Bible. Allow God to speak to you... Let us
make good use and not squander the time he has given to us. | would like to close
with one of our favorite hymns which says, ‘Let Jesus lead you. Let Jesus lead you.
He’s a mighty good leader. He led my father. He led my mother. All the way from
earth to heaven. Let Jesus lead you all the way.”
The final words of the evening were reserved for the chief-preacher, the
master-pastor who was born in a tiny southern town in rural Georgia; who at a
young age answered the call from Christ to lead his people to salvation, who
through the anointing of the Holy Spirit and the grace of God rose to the apex
of ecclesiastical leadership as a bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
A UNIQUE MLK DAY CELEBRATION
By Mrs, Jeanette T. Johns*
Hollywood Full Gospel Baptist Cathedral, Long Island, NY has been sponsoring
a Martin Luther King, Jr, breakfast for 10 years and I’ve attended almost all of them.
They had as their MC last year Alisha Laventure, a favorite black news anchor
on the local TV station, After last year’s program they got a big splash in the paper
and | was sorry I’d missed it. So imagine my surprise when I arrived at the breakfast
this year and saw Alisha Laventure first thing. She must have done a good job last
year because they had her back to do the job again. And yes, she was excellent. Her
words were well chosen and she was brief. This year they had her introduce each
of the Leadership Award honorees and I could hardly believe that she took a full-
page bio and condensed it into about 2-3 paragraphs and it seemed that she gave
each one his/her due, That was just an excellent way to handle this large program
of 14 honorees. My granddaughter, Jeanne Marve, had been an honoree 4 years ago,
She was selected because she had decided to use her masquerade ball birthday party
to raise money for the Marfan Syndrome Association (her dad’s ailment).
Aside from having this excellent, beautiful woman as MC, the other part of the
program that I need to tell you about is that in addition to paying tribute to MLK
they decided on a theme, “Remembering the Beautiful Nine.”
The journal cover was designed with a picture of MLK, photos of each of the
Charleston 9 across his shoulder area near the bottom of the page, and Emanuel
A.M.E. Church in the background. That was a pleasant surprise for me, too. But
we’re not “there” yet.” They utilized a huge screen at each end of the room and
started the program with the words of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” - all 3 verses -
beautifully shown there.
Bishop Andy C. Lewter, Jr., Pastor, became pastor of the church when his father,
the Rev. Andy C. Lewter, Sr. retired a few years ago. I remember that the Rev. Sr.
was friends with MLK and once had him speak at that church during the height of
MLK’s popularity with the Civil Rights Movement. The Rev. King, Sr. (Daddy King)
had also spoken there.
Saving the best for last! Bishop Lewter had interviewed the Rev. Norvel Goff,
currently serving as Interim Pastor of Mother Emanuel, and this interview was
presented on that huge screen for all to see. Bishop Lewter posed short, succinct
questions and the Rev. Goff then proceeded to speak at will. His answers were
lengthy and full of information and inspiration. It was the most unique and appropri-
ate presentation that I could have imagined happening for this occasion. Also,
included in the journal was a letter from the Rev. Goff thanking Bishop Lewter for
this program honoring the memory of the “Mother Emanuel Nine.”
It was explained that many years after the assassination of MLK, there came the
assassination of these 9 members of Mother Emanuel as they sat in a Wednesday
night Bible study. The perpetrator said later that his intention was to start a race war.
This is far from what happened. As Rev. Goff told us, in the days following this
horrible event great diversity has been represented as people from various races now
attend both the Wednesday night Bible study and the Sunday morning worship
services. This is the exact opposite of what was intended by the shooter.
The person who was in charge of the breakfast for the first 8 years ironed out the
kinks each year, producing a better and better program each time. I know that must
have been difficult, but it is always good to see progress in any of our major events.
I can’t speak for last year, but this year the Committee has taken all of what the first
Chairperson did and moved this occasion right on up to a much higher level. I’m
sure the change of venue had something to do with it because there was much more
space, making things more comfortable. Also, let me just tell you one more thing
that really impressed me.
The breakfast menu was just SO good! They had CHEESE GRITS! At our local
diners, for cheese grits they just slap a slice of cheese on top of the grits, so the
cheese does not actually melt into the grits. This place actually served yellow grits,
the yellow being caused by the cheddar cheese having been melted into the grits.
That got immediate extra “Brownie Points” from me. And here’s my last thing. They
served nice, crispy bacon that was laid out in a pan that was lined at the bottom with
slices of bread which absorbed the excess fat. I immediately thought of cruise ships
- and maybe you’ve had this experience, too - that serve bacon that is SO greasy
that you can just see the grease all over the bacon. There were potatoes, eggs and
other breakfast items, different kinds of breads and lots of sliced fruit.
Just wanted to share with you an excellent MLK day celebration!
Leaning into the microphone with his booming baritone voice, Bishop Preston
Warren Williams II brought a lifetime of experience to his closing remarks, which
were, “Thank you. Thank you to everyone who came tonight to support Mother
Dear and I. We are overjoyed with your presence at this occasion which is so
special to us. Thank you for all of your support over the years and we ask for
your continued prayers as Mother and | prepare to close this chapter of Episcopal
service and open a new chapter full of exciting possibilities. As always, we will
continue working for the Lord and we encourage you to include Christ in all that
you do. We love you, go in peace, do well and God bless you.”
AMECPUBLISHINGHOUSE.COM
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THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
.-From Mia Wortham p1 As a child,
Judge Mia Wortham Spells became infatu
ated with the legal process. She listened
carefully when her father absorbed
instruction on recorded tapes of legal
courses he took by correspondence. The
late Rev. William Hopson was a presiding
elder in the Pittsburgh District of the |
A.M. Church. He was blind, but was | she then pursued and received her law
never handicapped in his faith or his | degree from the University of Dayton in
knowledge of the Word and he instilled | 1986. Initially joining the 3rd Episcopal
his passion for God and the A.M.E. | District's Wayman A.M.E. Chapel, Mia
Church in his daughter. She later com- | was a member of Greater Allen A.M.E,
missioned those same values in her law | She found a strong adviser in the Rey.
practice and as a prosecutor. “Often | Dr. Floyd Alexander, whom she knew as
because of life’s circumstances, people | a friend of her father. Through his con-
don’t follow the Golden Rule, either | firmation, she became legal counsel for
because of drugs, alcohol, lack of family | the Church’s 3rd District and became a
involvement, lack of love or self love,” | spiritual daughter of Bishop McKinley
says the newly elected Dayton (Ohio) | Young. Her support was further strength-
Municipal Court Judge. Wortham Spells | ened by another spiritual father, Presiding
has had much practice advocating this | Elder Rev. Earl G. Harris, who pastored
biblical principle. She has 28 years | in Pittsburgh and also knew her father
experience as a practicing attorney in | well. All three were in attendance when
Dayton and has sat on the judicial bench | she took the oath of office on January
as an acting judge before winning her | 3rd at the historic Old Courthouse in
six-year term on November 3rd. downtown Dayton.
The active community advocate first Wortham Spells says she will combine
entertained becoming an administrator | her love for church and the law to create
of justice 12 years ago. Her belief that | equal justice in her decision making.
a comprehensive drug program can be | “You take an oath to follow the law
an instrument to reduce crime fuels her | whether you agree or not, you have to
faith in servant leadership. “I saw people | follow the law, but even the law has its
who made huge mistakes and didn’t | limits. Your conscience has to guide
have the ability to overcome those mis- | you.” She acknowledges for the most
takes and will live the rest of their lives | part, the Judeo-Christian ethics upon
suffering as a result. I have seen devas- | which laws are based are in step with
tation to their families and to their com- | biblical precepts. So she will always be
munities,” she says. “I wanted to work | guided by her faith, her moral censor
in the legal field to do what I believe is | and her legal understanding. Tenets that,
necessary in terms of programs, proba- | at an early age, she learned to develop
tion, community service and anything | as the building blocks of her life.
else that can assist people who come
| through the legal system.”
Growing up as the daughter of an
| itinerant preacher, Dayton’s newest judge |
calls Pennsylvania her home state, After )
high school, she made her way to Ohio |
to attend Wilberforce University, her
father’s alma mater, Graduating in 1977, |
FIRST EPISCOPAL DISTRICT
FOURTEENTH EPISCOPAL
A.M.E, CHURCH DISTRICT
A.M.E, CHURCH
BISHOP CLEMENT W. FUGH
; FEBRUARY 27, 2016
COTE D'IVOIRE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
St. Augustine's A.M.E. Church, Host Church
Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire
The Rev. Desus S. Darkoh, Host Pastor
BISHOP GREGORY G. M. INGRAM
MARCH 1-6, 2016
DELAWARE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
MARCH 2, 2016
WMS DAY
Delaware Ministerial Alliance, Host
MARCH 8-13, 2016
BERMUDA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
MARCH 9, 2016
WMS DAY
Bermuda Ministerial Alliance, Host
MARCH 4-6, 2016
SIERRA LEONE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Bishop Campbell A.M.E. Church, Host Church
Freetown, Sierra Leone
The Rev. Joseph P. A. Wilhelm, Host Pastor
MARCH 28-APRIL 3, 2016
NEW JERSEY ANNUAL CONFERENCE
MARCH 29, 2016
WMS DAY
Atlantic City District, Host
MARCH 11, 2016
NIGERIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Christ Love A.M.E. Church, Host Church
lle Ife, Nigeria
The Rev. Margaret Fadehan, Host Pastor
APRIL 12-17, 2016
NEW ENGLAND ANNUAL CONFERENCE
APRIL 13, 2016
WMS DAY
Bethel, Bloomfield, Host
MARCH 15, 2016
TOGO/BENIN ANNUAL CONFERENCE
St. John A.M.E. Church, Host Church
Lome, Togo
The Rev. John Afawoubo, Host Pastor
APRIL 25-MAY 1, 2016
NEW YORK ANNUAL CONFERENCE
APRIL 26, 2016
WMS DAY
Bridge Street, Host
MARCH 18-20, 2016
GHANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Host Church
Takoradi (Sekondi), Ghana
The Rev. Stephen Ainu, Host Pastor
MARCH 23-25, 2016
CENTRAL LIBERIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Empowerment Temple A.M.E. Church, Host Church
Monrovia, Liberia
The Rev. Dr. Katurah Cooper, Host Pastor
MAY 10-14, 2016
WESTERN NEW YORK ANNUAL CONFERENCE
MAY 11, 2016
WMS DAY
St. John, Niagara Falls, Host
ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULES
ae MAY 16-22, 2016 MARCH 29-31, 2016.
PHILADELPHIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE LIBERIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
MAY 17, 2016 Mt. Ashton A.M.E. Church, Host Church
WMS DAY
Cape Palmas, Liberia
Mother Bethel, Host The Rev. Tar-Kolo Miller, Host Pastor
GDC Executive Board Meeting
February 22-24, 2016
Hilton Hotel Trinidad
Port of Spain, Trinidad
TEL: +1-868-624-3211 FAX: +1-868-624-4485
METHODIST
Accommodations:
Standard king room single/double occupancy - USD129/139 plus taxes daily
INFORMATION ABOUT THE GDC EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING
| bishopwhite130@aol.com or the Rev. Wayne Anthony; elder.anthony@yahoo.com.
Standard double rooms, double occupancy - USD149 plus taxes daily - includes
complimentary breakfast and guest room internet.
Bishop David R. Daniels, Chair
Bishop John F. White, Host
The Rev. Wayne Anthony, Host Presiding Elder
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me, Bishop John F. White:
HOST OF FRIENDS ATTENDS HOMEGOING SERVICE FOR E. CATHERINE SHEPHERD IN PHILADELPHIA
By Sister Angelena Spears*
came from all over the Philadelphia Annual Conference to
Th cy say goodbye to a very special friend, E. Catherine Shepherd,
who lived to be 88 years old and made many friends across the years.
Sister Shepherd died on December 23. Those who came to her funeral service
which was held on New Year’s Eve included three presiding elders and two
bishops. The two bishops were Sister Shepherd’s own bishop, the Right Rev.
Gregory G.M. Ingram of the First Episcopal District; and Bishop Jeffrey N.
Leath of the 13th Episcopal District. Sister Mary L. Motoo, the president of |
the First Episcopal District Lay Organization, traveled from New York to be |
at the service.
In anticipation of the large turnout, the service was held at St. Matthew A.MLE. |
Church, Philadelphia, instead of Sister Shepherd’s home church, Metropolitan
A.ME., Lansdowne - where she had been a member for over six decades.
Sister Shepherd had served on the Steward Board, as President of the
Trustee Board, was a member of the Finance Committee and had held several
leadership positions in the Philadelphia Conference Lay Organization.
Sister Shepherd had also played a pivotal role when Metropolitan moved
in 2011 from its location in North Philadelphia to suburban Lansdowne.
The Rev, Teressa Fuller, of Metropolitan’s ministerial staff, was the offici-
ant for the service, and Metropolitan’s Pastor, the Rev. Jeffrey Johnson, gave
the eulogy.
Every person who spoke during the ceremony painted the same picture:
_ Sister Shepherd was loving, she would give to anyone in need, she knew
The Discipline, she loved God and loved her church, and she was a
mentor.
Those who spoke also offered words of comfort and appreciation to Sister
Deborah Stancil, the widow of the late Rev. Bealie Stancil, a former pastor of
Metropolitan. Sister Stancil had been Sister Shepherd’s friend and devoted
caretaker.
The Rev. Clarence A. Martin, who served as the Pastor of Metropolitan
from 2004 to 2015, remembered Sister Shepherd as a friend. ., continued on p11
===== DSC04290.JPG =====
ALLEGHENY-SCRANTON DISTRICT'S 7
DR. MARTIN
Submitted by: Shelly Brown - Allegheny Scranton District Administrative Assistant
ANNUAL
LUTHER KING, JR. CELEBRATION
Clairton, Pennsylvania
h e BLISTERING BITTER COLD WEATHER
did not stop clergy, laity, friends and family
from convening at First African Methodist Episcopal Church
in Clairton, Pennsylvania to attend the 7th Annual Dr. Martin
Luther, Jr. Celebration “Keep the Dream Alive” on Monday,
January 18, 2016.
The Worship Leader was the Reverend Rodrecus Johnson, Jr.,
Pastor of St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church, Pittsburgh,
| Was done by the Reverend Melva Hartzog, Pastor of Bethel African
Methodist Episcopal Church, Tarentum, Pennsylvania. A very
special “Happy Birthday” was sung by the congregation to Mrs.
Juanita Arterberry, member of St. James African Methodist
Episcopal Church, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The combined
choirs of Wayman Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church,
New Brighton, Pennsylvania and St. John African Methodist
Episcopal Church, Bridgewater, Pennsylvania rendered the |
| Celebration Award for their dedi-
cation and commitment to service
inside and outside of the church
| were: Deaconess Florence Cuspard
Lott, Wayman Chapel African
Methodist Episcopal Church, New
Brighton, Pennsylvania, Mrs.
Lowell Owens, First African
Pennsylvania. Praise and Worship ushered in the Spirit of the Lord
by Evangelist Elizabeth Henderson, Greater Allen African Methodist
Episcopal Church, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Following the ascrip-
tion of praise, the Call to Worship and the singing of “The Battle
Hymn of the Republic,” the invocation was rendered by the Reverend
Melvin D. Wilson, Jr., Pastor of Payne Chapel African Methodist
Episcopal Church, Duquesne, Pennsylvania and the welcome by
Host Pastor, the Reverend Linda Moore, First African Methodist
Episcopal Church, Clairton, Pennsylvania. First A.M.E. Church
Choir rendered two selections, “Goin’ Up Yonder” and “Order My
Steps.” The Reverend Dr. Judith C. Moore, Pastor of Greater Allen
African Methodist Episcopal Church, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania gave
the Occasion. The Reverend Ragin Dykes, Pastor of New Life African
Methodist Episcopal Church, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania read Psalm
9:1-10 and the Reverend Dr. James Harris, Pastor of Park Place
African Methodist Episcopal Church, Homestead, Pennsylvania
read Romans 8:28-32. The Presentation of the Presiding Elder
selections “How to Reach the Masses” and “Still Away.”
The Reverend Dr. Eric L.
Brown, Presiding Elder,
Allegheny District, Third
Episcopal District, presented
the guest preacher, the Reverend
Tawan Bailey, Pastor of
Wayman Chapel African
Methodist Episcopal Church,
New Brighton and St. John
African Methodist Episcopal
Church, Bridgewater, PA.
The Reverend Tawan Bailey’s
theme was “I’m on the Midnight
Shift.” The scripture, Mark
14:32-42, Exodus 14:16-22.
Jesus specifically asked James,
THE 2” EPISCOPAL DISTRICT INVITES YOU TO THE CELEBRATION
The seeking, serving,
Spirit-filled Second Episcopal —
|
District will host their annual —
Founder’s Day Celebration
February 18-20, 2016 at Reid
Temple A.M.H. Church,
11400 Glenn Dale Blvd.,
Glenn Dale, MD 20769.
We are celebrating the
retirement of the dynamic
leadership of Bishop William
Phillips DeVeaux, Sr. and
Episcopal Supervisor Patricia
Ann Morris DeVeaux.
You are invited to join the
Second Episcopal District in
the festivities and to offer
your words of commendation
and congratulations on our
online guestbook.
Visit: www.wac-guestbook. |
org for more information |
and/or to submit your
message.
For more information,
please visit: www.endamec.
org or contact the Rev. Dr.
Valdes Snipes-Bennett at
(208) 8428-3788.
Congratulatory correspon-
dences may be sent to the
Second Episcopal District’s
office at 1134 11th Street,
NW, Third Floor, Washington,
DC 20001.
Important Times and
Dates:
Opening Worship Service
- Thursday, February 18th
at 7:30 p.m.
Plenary Session - Friday,
February 19th at 10:30 a.m.
SED Lay Luncheon - Friday,
February 19th at 12 noon
Retirement Celebration -
Friday, February 19th at 7:30
p.m.
Closing Business Session
- Saturday, February 20th
at 9:00 a.m.
Retirement Celebration
Coordinators:
The Rev. Evelyn G. Dunn,
Presiding Elder- Southern
District, North Carolina
Conference
The Rev. Dr. Ronald E.
Braxton, Presiding Elder
-Potomac District,
Washington Conference. 400
THE NCC DENOUNCES DONALD TRUMPS DEMAGOGUERY
THAT MUSLIMS BE BANNED FROM ENTERING THE COUNTRY
Washington: It is gratifying that
many faith leaders, media figures
and politicians have denounced
the demand by Republican presi-
dential candidate Donald Trump
that Muslims be banned from
entering the country. The National
Council of Churches joins our
voice to those who have
expressed outrage at his
comments.
At the recent meeting of the
Governing Board of the NCC, a
statement on hateful rhetoric was
adopted which “calls on all can-
didates for office to refrain from
utilizing speech that reflects
hatred of others and results in
the division of society as a way
to promote their candidacies.”
This statement speaks to the
address Mr. Trump’s most recent
comments.
The New York Times has car-
ried out a careful examination
of Mr. Trump’s rhetoric and has
concluded it bears disturbing
demagogic tendencies similar to
“Goldwater, George Wallace,
Joseph McCarthy, Huey Long
and Pat Buchanan, who used
fiery language to try to win favor
with struggling or scared
Americans.” Demagogic rhetoric,
while sometimes popular, is dam-
aging to the body politic and we
reiterate our request that political
candidates not employ it.
Finally, we not only express our
solidarity with our Muslim sisters
and brothers, we pledge to protect
and shelter them physically and
deeds. It is a certainty that many
Christians will give active aid and
assistance to Muslims if efforts
are made to ban them, register
them or harm them.
We urge Christians across the
nation to respond to hate with
love, and to the stranger with
hospitality and generosity, taking
the Great Commandment to heart:
“Teacher, which commandment
in the law is the greatest?” He
said to him, “You shall love the
Lord your God with all your heart,
and with all your soul, and with
all your mind.’ This is the greatest
and first commandment. And a
second is like it: ‘You shall love
your neighbor as yourself.’ On
these two commandments hang
all the law and the prophets.” -
Methodist Episcopal Church,
Clairton, Pennsylvania, Reverend
Maureen Cross Bolden, St. James
African Methodist Episcopal
Church, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Peter and John to watch and |
pray; but as we all know they
fell asleep. Martin Luther King,
Jr. called upon the church to
take action and accountability
for the injustices that were hap- and the Reverend Mark Alexander,
| Pastor of Bethel African Methodist
pening. To be on the night shift, | “™
you MUST tarry, watch and Episcopal Church, New Castle,
| Pennsylvania. Each recipient
pray! The Invitation to
| was presented a plaque by
Discipleship as well as Altar
Call was rendered by the | Presiding Elder Reverend Dr.
Eric L. Brown.
Reverend Rodrecus Johnson,
At the conclusion of the cel-
Jr.; everyone joined in signing |
“All to Jesus, I Surrender All,” | ebration, a circle was formed
The recipients of the 7th Annual | and everyone joined in the sing-
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. | ing of “We Shall Overcome.”
From Host of Friends p10 He said she was a quiet, unassum-
ing person who never spoke above a whisper and was a
help to every pastor.
“Every church should have a spirit of Catherine
Shepherd,” said the Rev. Martin.
“She would lead any testimony with Psalm 34; I will
bless the Lord at all times...Oh taste and see that the
Lord is good,” said Rev. Martin, who now is the Pastor
of Waters Memorial A.M.E. in Philadelphia.
The Rev. Leroy Ladson, another former pastor of
Metropolitan, recalled when he was sent to the church
in the late 1990’s. “When I got to Metropolitan I found
a lady like none other I have ever met in my entire min-
istry,” he said.
“She was a jewel, a princess ... she had a way with
people,” said Rev. Ladson, who traveled from New England
to be at the service.
Three presiding elders from the Philadelphia Annual
Conference participated in the service and shared fond
memories of Sister Shepherd. Presiding Elder Jocelyn
Hart of the Philadelphia District referenced her dedica-
tion and Presiding Elder Charles Lett, of the West Mainline
District, spoke of her wisdom and faithfulness and called
her a “model layman.”
Sister Shepherd’s presiding elder, the Rev. Dr. Janet J.
Sturdivant, of the South Philadelphia District, spoke
about how Sister Shepherd “enjoyed life and tried to help
others enjoy theirs.” Presiding Elder Sturdivant also
shared a poignant memory of a recent visit she had with
Sister Shepherd just days before she passed away.
Loving memories were shared by Sister Cheryl
Hammond Hopewell, the President of the Philadelphia
Conference Lay Organization, who said Sister Shepherd
had taken her under her wings when she joined the Lay
Organization as a young adult. Brother Walter C. Jeffers,
the Director of Public Relations for the Connectional Lay
Organization, expressed similar sentiments
..continued on p12
larger matter but does not spiritually with our words and our _ Matthew 22:36-40 (NRSV)
Nee e ee ee
===== DSC04291.JPG =====
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
..From Mt Nebop1 remarkable group
of people in support of the mission
of providing fresh, healthy food to
those in the community who need
it. There are more than a dozen
devoted members who pick up, bag,
drive, and help coordinate all of the
activities that make the SHARE
Ministry a great success.
Founder Daisy Stith, 88 years
old, is still working, making cour-
tesy calls to all the participants the
night before delivery and by bring-
ing a delicious breakfast to all
SHARE team members.
Lenny Williams is up before dawn to direct the 4:30
am transportation committee with dedicated drivers and
baggers Robert Adair and Anthony Payne. They are |
assisted by Mare Rogers and Vernon Owens who are |
also members of the pickup crew. Eugene Williams and
Lenny Williams are SHARE ministry advisors.
The food is handed off to GMN’s faithful 6:00 a.m.
baggers who include Lorraine Willis, Florie Purnell,
Rachael Purnell, Linda Jones, Wendy Jenkins and Eugene
Williams. They also deliver curbside service with a |
warm and Godly smile to their customers.
SHARE volunteers are rewarded by the warm feelings
that come from serving others with nutritious food. In
fact, the GMN SHARE team often prays with recipients
when they bring their food.
..From Host of Friends p11 of being nurtured by Sister Shepherd.
Bishop Leath, who happened to be in the Philadelphia area during
the week of the service, said he “couldn’t be in Philadelphia and not
come to Sister Shepherd’s service.”
Bishop Leath, who was elected to the episcopacy while serving as
the Pastor of Mother Bethel, Philadelphia, shared several attributes
he had noticed about Sister Shepherd over the years.
In addition to the traditional SHARE activities at
Greater Mt. Nebo, new Coordinator, Vickie E. Williams,
and her husband Eugene Williams extended the program
through a sponsorship program. They have enlisted
several organizations, including the GMN church fam-
ily, noon day Bible study family and Rev. Jackson, who |
all donate funds to help seniors and families who need |
assistance in purchasing their value packages. This effort
providing them with greatly needed food supplies.
Vickie says, “I have a tremendous feeling of accom-
plishment when I’m working with our awesome GMN |
SHARE team members to feed seniors and families who
can’t always put food on their tables.”
Each month, she works extra hard to expand the
sponsorship program by emailing and making per-
sonal calls to friends, conducting visits to companies
in the community and, especially,
talking with the church family
who are strongly supportive of
the program.
The GMN SHARE ministry
also provides community service
hours to school students. And it
provides assistance to the heads
<
“Pye never known E. Catherine Shepherd to be disrespectful,” |
said Bishop Leath. “She knew how to wield power and she was j
never bitter when she didn’t get her way.”
He also summoned others to follow Sister Shepherd’s wisdom of
“making friends with people several generations behind you.” He
said passing along wisdom to people several generations below you
is a key element in succession.
Bishop Leath further added that the Lay Organization should
have a workshop that studies Sister Shepherd's leadership skills.
Bishop Gregory Ingram summed up the sentiments of how much }
Sister Shepherd’s life had impacted others when he said: “Every
man or woman must ask themselves - is this world a better place
because you passed through?”
Bishop Ingram then affirmed, “We are here today — not because
she [Sister Shepherd] died - but because she lived!”
i
HERE
JANUARY 4, 2016
of households by helping them to become more self-
sufficient and connecting them to government agen-
cies for support.
The GMN team is seeking to enlist other churches
and organizations as partners to grow the SHARE
program. For example, they have a partnership with
Alzenia Hamlin and others at her senior resident’s
| building and with Evelyn Wallace, President of the
helps to support more than 20 seniors and families by |
Missionary Society.
The GMN SHARE ministry is also indebted to the
office staff at the church. Tabitha Washington promotes
the ministry to the church membership through the
Revelation Weekly newsletter. Vida Lawson and Alfonso
Jones provide the SHARE ministry video announce-
ments. Additionally, thanks go to Vida Lawson for
managing the books. Audrey Hamilton, Patrick Lynch,
Deidre Singleton, John Simms and Antwan Griffin help
the program by opening the doors of the church on
delivery days between 5:45 am - 6:00 am. Sandy Scott
is the team member who makes sure the SHARE flyers
are printed.
As Vickie Williams says, “We thank God for leading
this great ministry and thank Pastor Jonathan L. Weaver
for his support. We’ve come this far by faith and we
are depending on God to guide our future endeavors.”
\
Presiding Elder, East Tennessee
13th Episcopal District
DIRECTOR OF EVANGELISM
tmayes5116@aol.com
for a
wet
_ EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF
CHURCH GROWTH: it ps
“AND DEVELOPMENT 2046
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-
Date
-
2016-1-4
