Lay Notebook - June, 2010

A PUBLICATION OF THE SIXTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT LAY ORGANIZATION

Volume 16, Issue 2 June, 2010 ALLEN SEMIQUINCENTINNIAL EDITION # 2 ONLINE ADDITION # 1

LAY NOTEBOOKLAY NOTEBOOKLAY NOTEBOOKLAY NOTEBOOK

THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN THE STATE OF GEORGIA

Bishop Richard Allen February 14, 1760 - March 26 1831

President’s Message Page 3

Meeting Agenda Page 3

Editorial Page 4

Local Church News Pages 5-10

District Lay News Page 12

Lay Scholarships Page 11

Lay Profile Page 14

Special Tributes Page 14

Necrology Page 15

Photos: We wish to thank all persons who contributed to the photo

display in this issue of LAY NOTEBOOKLAY NOTEBOOKLAY NOTEBOOKLAY NOTEBOOK. Special Thanks is extended too Dr. Mark Kelly Tyler, Pastor of

Mother Bethel for granting us permission to use the Richard Allen 250 Logo and his wife, Mrs. Leslie M .Tyler for sending us this logo. Thanks to Dr. Sydnor for granting permission to reprint the Saint John Steward/Trustee Day article.

LAY NOTEBOOK LAY NOTEBOOK LAY NOTEBOOK LAY NOTEBOOK is the Official publication of the Sixth District Lay Organization of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Article of interest to the Laity are welcome and should be submitted to that above e mail or mailing address one month prior to our scheduled meeting dates.

Inside This Issue

June, 2010

SIXTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT LAY ORGANIZATION OFFI-

CERS

President Gloria T. Byrd

First Vice President Michael Brown

Second Vice President Henry Chavers

Third Vice President Dr. Verma Curtis

Recording Secretary Melanie Lucear Assistant

Recording Secretary Robbiestein Stone

Corresponding Secretary Sandra Barnes Treasurer

Maudie Anderson Financial Secretary Waynefield Leonard

Chaplain Ola Irvin

Historiographer Bettye Draper

Parliamentarian Geraldine Monroe

Director of Lay Activities Cheryl Robinson

Young Adult Representative Jason Ferguson

Transportation Chairperson L. Jean Swafford Director of

Public Relations Robert T. Matthews III PRESIDENTS EMERITUS Dr. Robert Williams

Morris Hannah CONNECTIONAL

PRESIDENT EMERITUS

Dr. Katheryn Middleton Brown


CONFERENCE PRESIDENTS South - Joann Wilson Southwest - Anna Wynn Georgia - Joan Brown Augusta - Eunice Seigle Macon - Latrellis Dent

Atlanta-North Georgia - Annette Curry

PRESIDING BISHOP Bishop William Phillips DeVeaux, Sr.

EPISCOPAL DISTRICT SUPERVISOR Dr. Pam DeVeaux

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CO�TACT US Mail: Robert T. Matthews 811 Sandy Creek Drive NW Atlanta, GA 30331

E mail: [email protected]

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 2

I am so happy that so many of you have decided to arrive at Bagby State Park on Friday night. The Activity Director and First Vice President have met to plan a spe-cial treat for everyone. Prayerfully, we will begin to do some different things in Geor-gia that will attract new members to join us. We must attempt to be creative and think outside the box on all levels of the organization as you plan programs and gatherings. The "same" will not attract younger members. They must see us open-ing doors to learning opportunities and more involvement in the church. The registration forms for membership will be available to start the process of organizational member-ship. We encourage you to invite your Pastors and Pre-

siding Elders to purchase an associate membership card. We are recommending that the newsletter become a part of your membership fee since Mr. Matthews is now preparing an online newsletter. This will save the organization financially. Hopefully, you are identifying young adults in your Conferences and Pre-siding Elder Districts to work with our new elected Young Adult Representative, Jason Ferguson. Those names need to be submit-ted before June 19th. SEE YOU IN FORT GAINES, GA JUNE 18-19, 2010

Gloria T. Byrd,Gloria T. Byrd,Gloria T. Byrd,Gloria T. Byrd, Episcopal District President Episcopal District President Episcopal District President Episcopal District President

President’s Message


President

Gloria T. Byrd

OUTSIDE THE BOX!!!

THE SIXTH EXPISCOPAL DISTRICT LAY ORGANIZATION

QUARTERLY GATHERING Lay Retreat

June 18-19, 2010 Bagby State Park, Fort Gaines, GA

AGENDA AND SCHEDULE FOR JUNE 18-19, 2010

FRIDAY NIGHT/JUNE 18TH 7:00 pm.........Devotion/Grace

Fish Fry 8:15 pm……Workshop "Talk that Matters"

9:15..."Name That Tune” 10:15-until... Bid Wisk Tournament

SATURDAY/JUNE 19TH (Breakfast on your own) 10:00 am ……….Devotion

10:15 am………….Membership Treasurer’s Update

10:30 am …………AME Jeopardy (Competition between Conferences)

12:00…… Boating/Fishing/swimming/food 4:00 pm ….Prizes Distributed/Dismissal

AGENDA

Bishop William P. DeVeaux Dr. Pam DeVeaux

“Building on Our Global Legacy of Christ-Centered Leadership and Training" - Mark 16:1, Ephesians 4:11-13


WESLEYAN HOLINESS AND JOHN WESLEY CONCERNING WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED ON

THE DAY OF PENTECOST

An Editorial Reprint by Robert T. Matthews, III

(originally printed in June, 2007 LAY NOTEBOOKLAY NOTEBOOKLAY NOTEBOOKLAY NOTEBOOK In Article #5 of the 25 Articles of Religion, which John

Wesley derived from the 39 Articles of Re-ligion of the Anglican Church, we are told that the Scriptures are sufficient within themselves. Therefore anything, which can-not be read in the Scriptures or proved thereby, is not to be required for our salva-

tion, nor is it to be believed as an Article of Faith. Yet today even in some churches which are called Methodist, we sometimes witness and hear ideologies, which are extra-biblical. Theologians have a term for this. This term is eisegesis, meaning that one brings his or her own preconceived notions to the text when reading it, rather than exegesis in which one systematically and logically draws from the text its intended meaning and what it actually says. When John Wesley began the Holiness Movement, he too found instances of eisegesis and extra-biblical teach-ings and sought to correct them as he traveled to and fro in the course and work of his ministry. This was espe-cially true when it came to what was attributed to the Holy Spirit and the manifestations of the Holy Spirit in the Church. Wesley, however, warned that we ought to test the spirits to be certain that what we hear and see manifested is of God, rather than a demonic spirit, which passes itself off to be a godly one. Therefore, in Mr. Wesley’s Journals regarding his observations of the French Prophets and that of the Wales Jumpers we find the follow-ing entries: After observing one of the French Prophets who went into convulsive motions and prophesied to him, Wesley wrote, and later confirmed, that her actions appeared to him to be not of God. That same day he came back to his Methodist society with the text from 1 John 4:1, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they be of God." He told them not to judge the Spirit on the basis of appearances, common report, or by their own inward feelings.

"No, nor by any dreams, visions, or revelations supposed to be made to their souls, anymore than by their tears or any involuntary effects wrought upon their bodies."

Wesley declared the only certain test was "the law and the testimony," a reference to familiar spirits and Isaiah 8:20, which is a description of God's Word. Visiting the Wales Jumpers, Wesley wrote that after the sermon some of them would sing a hymn 30 or 40 times or more until they became agitated, leaped up and down

and then fell out like corpses on the floor. Frequent he said they would be revived, cry “Glory, Glory” and start this process once again. Wesley, once more, concluded that what he had observed was not of God. He wrote that there is no doubt that these are upright men and women who love the Lord, but they have little experience, either in the ways of God or the devices of Satan for using them. “So, Satan uses their simplicity to wear them out and to bring discredit to the work of God.” Today we sometimes hear it said that water baptism is not enough, but we must seek the “Baptism of the Holy Spirit” as well—believed to be evidenced by speaking in “tongues”. This, in fact, is also extra-biblical. No place in the Scriptures do we read that it is an attribute of the Holy Spirit to baptize anyone. The error, once again, lies in eisegesis vs. exegesis, or reading a preconceived notion into text we find in Mark 1:8. The setting, in this text, precedes the water baptism of Jesus. As John is baptizing in the Jordan, Our Lord, Him-self, came to John to be baptized. John said to his follow-ers--who later followed Jesus, “I baptize you with water but HE (referring to Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Ghost.” After Jesus’ Ascension, these Apostles recalled in Acts 1:5, that Jesus, Himself, again repeated this prophesy of John to them. So, on the Day of Pentecost, this prophesy was once and for all time fulfilled. HE, (Jesus) Our risen and ascended Lord, baptized them with the fire and the Holy Ghost, pouring out the Holy Spirit upon all flesh; and allowing them to preach the Gospel in a language which all those listening could both hear and understand. Once again they recalled what He had said to them in Acts 11:16. The Bible also clearly states that the Spirit gives life to our very existence, that is to say He “quickens” believers rather than “slaying” them as some say that He does. Thus we sing, “Come Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove, with All Thy quickening powers. Come, shed abroad a Savior’s love and that shall kindle ours.” When reading exegetically, we have no biblical evidence of believers being Spirit slain. When Christ, the Most Anointed One breathed on them and said, “receive the Holy Ghost” (John 20:22), we do not read that anyone was slain. Nor do we read that any were slain on the Day of Pentecost, but that they were quickened with new life and power. It might also be noted that as Methodists baptize with water, On the Day of Pentecost Jesus poured this Spirit baptism upon their heads. As Methodists, in the tradition of Wesleyan Holiness, we ought to always read the Word with discernment and care; remembering that if it cannot be read in the Scrip-tures, nor proved thereby, it is not to be believed as an Article of Faith, nor is it to be required of us.


St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church Celebrates Annual Lay Day

By - Brenda A. Matthews

The Lay Organization of St. John A.M.E Church located in Fairburn, Georgia held its Annual Lay Day Worship Ser-vice on Sunday, April 18, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. The pastor is Reverend B.A. Hart and the Lay Organization President is Brother Benjamin Grooms. The Theme this year was “Refocusing Our Ministry to Serve This Present Age” based on Galatians 6: 9-10. The Messenger for this day of celebration was Com-missioner William “Bill” Edwards who represents District 7 of the Fulton County Board of Commissions. Since 2000 he has been representing residents of South Fulton, Southwest Fulton, College Park, East Point, Fairburn, Hapeville, Union City, Palmetto, Chattahoochee Hills and a portion of Southwest Atlanta. The essence of the Scripture, Galatians 6 “Doing Good for All” is exemplified in his own life. He has worked diligently to preserve and enhance the overall quality of life for South Fulton residents through new and innova-tive programs such as: Senior Citizen Centers, affordable housing initiatives and other services to improve the community. His message was timely, inspiring, “Spirit Filled”, and is reflected in his actions, as a strong voice, on the Fulton County Board of Commission. He has taken his work as a Ministry and his role as Commissioner to be a servant of the people. Brother Benjamin Grooms in his remarks expressed his

thanks to Pastor Hart for inviting the Laity to be respon-sible for the Worship Service. He extended a sincere thanks to all program participants, especially Commis-sioner William “Bill” Edwards, the Officers and Members of St. John AME Church Lay Organization for an excep-tional year. He concluded his remarks by giving special thanks to Sister Virginia Henderson Harris {Advisor - St. John AME Church Lay Organization}. . Pastor Hart in his closing remarks expressed thanks to President Grooms, the leadership, and the entire organ-ized lay for realizing that service rendered is a ministry unto the Lord. He expressed appreciation to Commis-sioner Edwards for taking time out of his busy schedule to accept the invitation to share with his constituents. He acknowledged other distinguished guest as follows: Brother Eldrin Bell {former Police Chief of Atlanta and presently Clayton County Commissioner} and his family, Sister Elizabeth Carr Hurst {Councilwoman of the City of Fairburn}, and Sister Virginia Henderson Harris, RP {Parliamentarian of the Connectional Lay Organization}. After the blessing of the food and Benediction a wonder-ful reception took place in the Fellowship Hall.

Local Church Lay News

Kneeling Pastor B.A. Hart, Standing L-R, Brother Calvin Russell, Brother Benjamin Grooms (President), Sister Wilhelmenia DeVone-Harvey (Licentiate), Commissioner William "Bill" Edwards, Sister Yvonne Hudson (Historiographer/Public Relations}, Sister Alexis Drake-Howard (Director of Lay Activities), Sister Chanda Cahoon (Secretary), Sister Virginia Henderson Harris, RP (Parliamentarian Connectional Lay Organization/ Local Advisor), and Brother Ralph H. Harris

Commissioner Eldrin Bell Sister Alexis Drake-Howard (Director of Lay Activities0, Commissioner William "Bill" Edwards, and Brother Benjamin Grooms (President)

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 2

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MORRIS BROWN PRESIDENT SPEAKS FOR ST. JOHN AME

CHURCH ANNUAL STEWARD AND TRUSTEE DAY

By Virginia Henderson Harris, RP

© Copyritght Note The following artilce is a reprint from the Christian Recorder Online Edition, May 14, 2010. It is used here solely with the permission of Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor, III, the Christian Reorcer Editor.

The Annual Steward and Trustee Board Day was celebrated at St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church in Fairburn, Georgia on Sun-day, April 25, 2010. The Rev. B. A. Hart is the distinguished pastor of St. John AME Church and the Right Reverend William Phillips DeVeaux, Sr. is the esteemed Presiding Prelate is the 6th Episcopal District. The speaker for Steward and Trus-tee Day was Dr. Stanley Jerome Pritchett, Sr., the 18th elected Presi-dent of Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia. Pastor B. A. Hart expressed how honored and hum-bled he and the St. John AME Church Family were to have Dr. Stanley Jerome Pritchett, Sr. as the speaker for this auspicious occasion. Sister Betty J. North served as the worship service leader. The St. John AME Church Choir under the direc-tion of the Minister of Music, Brother Rene Lampton provided songs of joy as the presence of the Holy Spirit was present in the sanc-tuary. The Steward Board Vice chair, Sister Bonita Houston and the Trustee Board vice-chair, Brother Lora Goza extended a heartfelt welcome and overview of the occasion on behalf of the pastor, the Steward Board, and the Trustee Board Members. We were reminded of this year’s theme, “Striving for Leadership through Service and Excellence.” The Scriptural reference was Mark 9:35.

Other member of the Steward Board are: Brother Calvin Russell, Deputy; Brother Ralph H. Harris, Sister Bernice Grooms, Sister Bar-bara Brown, Brother Dion Ander-son, Dr. Leah McFerrin, Sister San-dra Smith; Sister Marchanita Huff, Brother Anthony Robinson, and Sis-ter Betty J. North. The members of the Trustee board, Brother Ronnie Freeman, Deputy; Brother George Chandler, Brother Thomas Cochran, Brother Gerald Boyd, Brother Damon Blackmon, Sister Evette Warren, Sister Pat Belcher, Sister Shirley Perry, Brother Michael Dia-mond, Brother Demetrius Knox, Brother Gerald Williams, Brother Winston Wilson and Sister Janie Goudlock. The Invocation was given by Brother Thomas Cochran, followed by the Scripture Lessons by Dr. Leah McFerrin and Brother Demetrius Knox. The Introduction of the Speaker was given by Sister Marcha-nita Huff. Sister Huff highlighted Dr. Pritchett’s academic achievements acknowledg-ing that he was the recipient of a football scholarship to Albany State University where he received the Bachelor of Science Degree in Physi-

cal Education. He later attended Georgia State University and earned the Master of Science Degree and Education Specialist Degree in Edu-cational Leadership. In 2000, he completed his Doctoral degree at Clark Atlanta University receiving the Ed. D. in Educational Leadership. Dr. Pritchett’s 35-year-long career commitment to education includes a number of outstanding positions such as, teacher and athletic coach, assistant principal, principal, and dep-uty superintendent of administration and business affairs. After retire-ment, Dr. Pritchett’s excellent edu-cational leadership qualities were still very much in demand and the Board of Trustees of Morris Brown Col-lege named him Acting President in July 2008. Dr. Pritchett brought to Morris Brown College a wealth of leader-ship and organizational experience. Dr. Pritchett says, “Morris Brown College is Still Alive!” Morris Brown College has served in a position of education excellence and historic prominence for approximately 130 years. Listed among outstanding ac-complishment under his leadership include financial audits completed through 2009, successful defense and settlement of 5 of 6 lawsuits which were being litigated, completion of the initial planning process for ac-creditation, with documentation of meeting 10 of 11 core requirements needed to apply for SACS accredita-tion candidacy, clear articulation of the Morris Brown College’s financial issues, receipt of a $1.56 million grant to fund US Department of Education’s Talent Search Program, recruitment, enrolling, and retaining of at least 250 students during the 2008-2009 year; improvement of the academic program, student out-comes, and assessment goals; au-

(Continued on page 7)

St. John AME Church Steward Board Kneeling Pastor B. A. Hart

L-R Sister Bonita Houston (Vice-chair), Sister Sandra Smith, Dr. Leah McFerren, Brother Ralph H. Harris, Sister Barbara

Brown, Sister Betty North, Brother Herman Russell (Deputy), and Sister Marchanita Huff


thorization to provide HOPE Schol-arship and Tuition Equalization Grants for students; and initiation of an online program in organizational management and leadership. Dr. Pritchett is also active outside of education. From his youth, he has been an active member of Big Bethel AME Church in Atlanta, where he currently serves as chairman pro tempore of the Steward Board. He has conducted several leadership workshops for churches and districts in the AME Church. He is also a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Frater-nity, and most recently, served as a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Grand Board of Directors. After Dr. Pritchett’s introduction, the Worship Service was in “high gear” and all hearts were ready to receive “the Word.” Dr. Pritchett began by thanking the pastor, Steward Board, Trustee Board and St. John members for the invitation. He then acknowledged other distinguished guests as follows: Atlanta South District Presiding Elder - Reverend Walter E. Daniels, his wife, the Reverend Shirley Daniels and their granddaughter; Mayor Mario Avery {recently elected the 1st Black Mayor of City of Fairburn; Pastor Conitras Houston, Sister Vir-ginia Henderson Harris, Parliamen-tarian of the Connectional Lay Or-ganization, stewards and trustees of other churches in the Atlanta South District; other visitors and proudly acknowledged his lovely wife, Dr. Sharon Lewis Pritchett. After a prayer, Dr. Pritchett deliv-ered an excellent message regarding Leadership and Service with Exodus 18:18-22 being the scriptural refer-ence. He asked, “How do we strive for leadership through service excel-lence?” His subject was “Give Up to Go Up.” He touched on the heavy load of the work in the church and how one person cannot handle it alone. In order to “Give Up to Go

Up,” Dr. Pritchett suggested that you must do the following: acknowledge God’s authority, accept your assign-ment, and anticipate the victory. The invitation to Christian Disciple-ship was extended by Pastor Hart followed by the stewardship appeal made by Brother Ralph H. Harris. Closing remarks were given by Brother Calvin Russell, deputy of the Steward Board, during which he

thanked all participants especially Drs. Stanley& Sharon Pritchett for being our special guests. Pastor Hart presented Dr. Pritchett with a “Love Offering” for Morris Brown College from the St. John AME Church Family. He then ex-pressed gratitude to Sister Bonita Houston, Brother Lora Goza, Brother Calvin Russell, Brother

Ronnie Freeman, Brother Ralph H. Harris, and all Stewards and Trustees for their level of Commitment and Service for the 2009-2010 Confer-ence Year. He thanked them for all that they have done and will do after having received these encouraging and stimulating words from the dy-namic messenger, Dr. Stanley Jerome Pritchett, Sr. Thanks were extended to others for their contribution to the success of our “Spirit-filled Service” which in-cluded the choir, the ushers, the Hospitality Committee, and the pho-tographers, Sister Brenda A. Mat-thews and Licentiate Wilhelmenia DeVone-Harvey. Pastor B. A. Hart then invited Mayor Mario Avery and Presiding Elder Daniels to the pulpit for remarks. Mayor Avery, an alumnus of Morris Brown College, presented a Procla-mation from the City of Fairburn, Georgia to Dr. Pritchett, and ex-pressed his continued support of Dr. Pritchett and Morris Brown College. Presiding Elder Walter E. Daniels joined in congratulating Pastor Hart, the Steward Board, Trustee Board, and the St. John African Methodist Church Family. He thanked Dr. Pritchett for the message and Mayor Avery for being in attendance. He advised the congregation that he and Rev. Shirley will be forwarding a check in the amount of $1000.00 to Morris Brown College. He is also working on other plans that will help maintain this grand educational insti-tution. Several graduates of this “Historic Black College” affectionately known as “Dear Ole Morris Brown” were present and included the following: Mayor Mario Avery, Class of 1991; Sister Marchanita Huff, Class of 1988; Pastor B. A. Hart, Class of 1982; and Sister Virginia Henderson Harris, Class of 1968. After the service, a reception was held in the Fellowship Hall.

City of Fairburn Proclamation being Presented to Morris Brown College President

L-R Pastor B. A. Hart, Dr. Stanley J. Pritchett, Sr., and Mayor Mario Avery

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 2

St. John AME Church Trustee Board 1st row kneeling L- R Brother Lora Goza (Vice-chair), Pastor B. A. Hart Second row Standing L-R Brother Damon Blackmond, Sister Shirley Perry, Brother Demetrius Knox, Sister Patricia Belcher, Brother Ronnie Free-man {Deputy}, Sister Evette Warren, Brother Gerald Williams, Brother Thomas Cochran, and Brother Winston Wilson.



Saint Philip Lay Organization Sponsors Violence Prevention Workshop

by Sharon E. Russell, Saint Philip AME Church Lay Organization, Atlanta East District

Lay Corresponding Secretary Saint Philip AME Church Lay Organization members were seen out in support of the Violence Has No Face:

Teen Dating Violence Prevention Workshop held at Emory University on May 15, 2010.

An audience of students, parents, teens and young adults took part in the workshop that was a col-laborative effort between the Saint Philip Lay Or-ganization, Emory Center for Injury Control, Start Strong Atlanta, More-house School of Medicine, Metropolitan Atlanta Vio-lence Prevention Partner-ship (MAVPP), Partnership Against Domestic Violence (PADV), and the Women’s

Resource Center to End Domestic Violence. The Saint Philip Lay Organization designed this work-shop as an outreach project to address the increase of teen dating violence. Held at Emory University, the workshop emphasized that education is the key to pre-venting teen actions that spiraling into path of self-destruction. Panelists and speakers included: Ms. Betty Maddox and Mrs. Erica Young – St. Philip; Dr. James Griffin – More-house School of Medicine; Jill Swift – PADV; Robert James, DeKalb County Solicitor General; Tiffany Vernon – Grady High School and Start Strong Atlanta; Dr. Willie Goodman Jr. – Interdenominational Theological Center; Dr. Hassan Crockett – Morehouse College; and Tzippo-rah Gerson – Women’s Resource Center to End Do-mestic Violence. Rev. Dr. George Moore, senior pastor of Saint Philip, was more than supportive and gave his whole-hearted blessing to the Lay Organization. Assistant Pas-tor, Rev. Larry Jones, displayed the support of the entire St. Philip Family by making remarks at the workshop. Saint Philip AME Church's Lay Organization brought attention to this important community issue by creating strong partnerships, providing impactful guest

speakers, a panel discussion, break-out sessions, and per-sonal testimonies. The target audience was youth ages 12-18 and parents/guardians; the average age of youth participants was 15 years old. At the end of the workshop, attendees completed sur-veys and responses indicated that 86% of attendees were encouraged to ask questions, and 96% felt the answers to questions were helpful to them. An overwhelming majority, 94%, felt that they now knew more about violence and what to do if it ever happens to them or a friend or family member. A great majority (96% or more) said they would use infor-mation learned from the workshop, share it with friends or relatives, and would recommend the workshop to a friend. The Saint Philip Lay Organization believes that work-shops like these will make a difference in the lives of our families and communities and plan to host another work-shop in the near future.

Other supporters / public officials that were present at the Violence Preven

Saint Philip Lay President Gregory McMichael with Start

Strong Atlanta workshop attendees.

Dekalb County Commissioner Connie Stokes along with other Saint Philip members Erica Young, Betty Maddox and Freida Minga

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 2


Bettie Banks, Gregory McMichael and Youth Participant

DeKalb County Solicitor General Robert James

ALLEN TEMPLE A.M.E. CHURCH OPEN CORNER STONE

On Easter Sunday, April 4, 2010, Allen Temple A.M.E. Church in Atlanta, Georgia, Reverend Scottie Swinney, Pastor, celebrated fifty years at its present location by opening the cornerstone on the original building which housed the church on this property. The church originally was located in the Summerhill Community in Downtown Atlanta at Clarke and Frasier Streets. However, in 1960 it was required to move due Urban Renewal and the clearing of the Right of Way for Interstate 20. Thus, it moved to the present West Side location where it has remained for the past fifty years. Also remembered on this occasion was Reverend John Albert Middleton , who relocated the church to its pre-sent location from Summerhill. Reverend Middleton continued to pastor the church for many years. He then went on to become the President of Morris Brown College, the President of Kittrell College and the pastor of Cobb Bethel African Methodist Episco-pal Church. The Committee for this occasion were the flowing:

Bro. Ronal Reed, Chairperson (Rev. Middleton’s Son-In-Law) Sis. Betty W. Clark Sis Ira Benton Cundiff Bro. James Evans

Sis Rosalyn Heard Bro. Rickey Lynch Sis. Natasha McClure Sis. Mattie Myrick Sis Esteller Phillips Sis Ann Reed Sis. Annabella M. Wright




“A CELEBRATION FOR MISSIONARY NANCY UPSHAW KELLY AGE 98”

“May the works I’ve done speak for me”. By Phyllis Gwenette Boyd, Director of Public Relations

Griffin District Lay Organization

On the beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon of April 8, 2010 at 3:00p.m., Mathalama A.M.E. Church in Morrow, GA where the Reverend Myron A. Deas is pastor joyously celebrated with Sister Nancy Upshaw Kelley her 98th birthday. Sister Gaynell Allen served as the Mistress of Ceremony for this event. The processional consisted of honoree and family, the occasion was given Sister P. Gwenette Boyd (fourth cousin), a lovely solo was rendered by Sis-ter Rosteisha Malone (great, great, great niece) and the Proclamation was eloquently given by Sister Aquita Pat-tillo. The colors white, yellow, purple and green, were exhib-ited by the great great nieces & great great nephews.

They described Sister Kelly as pure, holy, bright, caring, nurturing, royal, and as a flower. The grace and a de-lectable dinner were served. Special remarks were given by Sister Ruby Lee Jones, Rev. H.E. Terrell, former Presiding Elder of the Griffin District and Sister Daisy M. Terrell. There were many wonderful accolades. A spiritual solo was given by an 87 year old 2nd Cousin

followed by Special Thanks Sister Anita Tolbert niece. A song we sing says: “If I could help somebody....then my living shall not be in vain.” Indeed Sister Kelly helped many people, friends and family with encouraging words, holiness, spiritually, and financially.

GREATER ALL CHAPEL A.M.E. CHURCH CELEBRATES LAY DAY

Reported by Brother Alphonso B. Varner Director of Public Relations, Macon Conference Lay

Greater African Methodist Episcopal Church located in the “Cherry Blossom” city of Macon, Georgia cele-brated their Annual Lay Day activities, March 21, 2010. The Reverend Billy Graham McFadden, Pastor, Sister M a g g i e W a l k e r - V a r n e r e , L a y P r e s i d e n t This exciting day began with the Annual Lay Day Wor-ship Service at 11:00 A.M. The Reverend Oscar Gaines eloquently served as Worship Leader. The Reverend Lula Riley, Pastor of Greater Strawberry A.M.E. Church

in Dublin, Georgia delivered the sermon.

The second phase of this grand celebration was the An-nual Calendar Tea at 5:00 P.M. Sister Peggy Israel per-

formed a masterful task as Worship Leader. Evangelist

Juanita Culler gave and inspiring sermonette.

The high point of this celebration was the beautiful decoration of twelve tables filled with delicious food, representing the twelve months of the year. After the Lay Benediction and Grace, the attendees enjoyed

themselves to the scrumptious meal on display.

This exciting day ended with encouraging remarks given by Sister Maggie Walker-Varner and the Reverend Billy

G. McFadden.

Sister Faye Pope June

Sisters Mattie Walker-Varner

& Karen Jones July

Sister Lynn Tuggle February

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 2


The top three conference winners who subscribed for the most

LAY NOTEBOOKS LAY NOTEBOOKS LAY NOTEBOOKS LAY NOTEBOOKS

March 2009 - March 2010

1st Place - Macon

2nd Place - Augusta

3rd Place—Southwest

MELLIENIUM SCHOLARSHIP WINNER FOR 2010

The Millennium Scholarship was established by the Sixth Episcopal District Lay Organization on March 11, 2000 to be presented to a worthy young man or woman, of Christian Faith, in The African Methodist Episcopal Church. The purpose of this scholarship is to assist in obtaining a college education and may be used by the re-cipient at the college of his or her choice. The recipient must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and must enter a college of his or her choice in the fall immediately following the awarding of the Scholarship—enrolling in courses leading to a Baccalaureate Degree. This year’s Millennium Scholarship recipient is Wilson KeJuan Brown, who is a member of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Hinesville, GA. His Pastor is the Reverend Richie Williams. Wilson will enter Georgia Southern University in the fall. He will be majoring in Chemistry and Pre-pharmacy in preparation for a career as a Pharmacist. While attending Georgia Southern, Wilson also plans to play football. He is most grateful for this scholarship and wishes to thank the Sixth Episcopal District Lay Organization for awarding it to him.

Wilson KeJuan Brown

From left Henry Chavers (Southwest, - 3rd place); Eunice Seigle (Augusta - 2nd place); Latrellis Dent

(Macon - 1st place) Gloria Byrd, SED Lay President

and Robert Matthews, Newsletter Editor

District Lay News


MACON DISTRICT LAY AWARDS CELEBRATION

A delightful evening of activities was held for clergy and laity at the Macon District Lay Organization of the Macon Georgia Conference Annual Lay Awards Celebra-tion March 19, 2010. The host church for this festival was Duresville A.M.E. Church, Macon, Georgia where The Reverend Dianne Lewis is pastor and Sister Renee Singleton, Local Church Lay President. The proceedings of the program was in the capable hands of Sister Kimberly Glover, Mistress of the Or-der. Praise and Worship by Sister Gwendolyn Patmon, Chaplain. Brother Gerald Ellison lifted up a spiritual prayer followed with the Litany for Lay Witness led by Sister Clara Causey

A warm friendly wel-come and occasion was given by Brother Troy Veal. Singspiration was given by the Praise Team consisting of Sisters La-trellis Dent, Pamela Veal and Gwendolyn Patmon,

Pianist. Sister Mariah Veal gave the Grace. A scrumptious meal was enjoyed by the attendees, courtesy of the Hospital-ity Committee. The second phase of the program began with Christian

Comedy by Sister Gwendolyn Young. Brother Ashley Ballard, District Lay President presented the efficient Presiding Elder of the Macon District, The Reverend Alan H. Wicker. Presentation of Awards: Lay Persons of the year - Co-winners, Sister Odessa H.

McNair (St. Peter A.M.E. Church, Fort Valley) and Brother Cedric Nelson (Bethel A.M.E. Church, Powersville). Special presentation of plaques for outstanding service to Sisters Gwen-

dolyn Patmon, Vivian Stephens, Latrellis Dent, Pamela Veal, Clara Causey and Brother Alphonso Varner. Attendance Trophy presented to the church which had the most clergy and laypersons present during monthly lay meetings. Brother Varner gave the history of how this award started in 1997 and previous winners. Elder Alan H. Wicker proudly presented the trophy to Duresville A.M.E. Church. Rev. Dianne Lewis, Pastor. Sister Dorothy Wiley and Brother Cedric Nelson gave out door prizes. Sister Shirley Washington acknowledged the clergy pre-sent and other guests. This delightful evening ended with encouraging remarks given by Elder Alan Wicker, Rev. Dianne Lewis and Brother Ashley Ballard.

Augusta Conference Lay Officers elected for 2010-2011

By Eunice Seigle, President The Augusta Georgia Conference Lay Organization held its Lay Witness Night at Annual Conference at St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Vidalia, Georgia, Rev. Samuel Thomkins, Pastor and Bro. Raymond Turner, Local Lay President. Sister Dorothy Medlock, Worship Leader spearheaded the wonderful program which highlighted A dynamic preacher, Rev. Charlie Myrick, Pastor of St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Sandersville, Georgia who brought us a Spirit-filled message entitled “Mistreated, But Not De-feated.” Our Lay Director, Sis. Lorene Davis did a marvel-ous job. Installation of Officers was done by Bishop Deveaux and President Byrd. President Eunice Seigle is serving her 2nd term and she thanks God for the cooperation received from the Augusta Georgia Conference Lay members. We also have two outstanding District Presi-

dents-Judge Emanuel Larkin, Wrens-Vidalia District and Sister Ruby Dunaway-Augusta-Athens District. Dr. Elizabeth Ganious served as President of the Augusta-Athens District and is now 1st Vice President of the Au-gusta Georgia Conference Lay. We thank President Byrd & Judge Larkin for their help and support to me as we traveled to the various Lay nights across the 6th Episcopal District. Officers for 2010-2011 are:

Ms. Eunice Seigle, President- Dr. Elizabeth Ganious,1st Vice President- Ms. Dorothy Medlock, 2nd Vice President

Mr. Eugene Love, 3rd Vice President Mrs. Robbiestene Stone, Recording Secretary

Mrs. Velma Morgan, Correspondence Secretary Mrs. Roberta Daniels, Treasurer

Ms. Wilhelmina Murray-Financial Secretary Mr. Robert Rhoney, Chaplain

Mrs. Valine Curry, Historiographer Mrs. Lorene Davis, Director of Lay Activities

PAGE 13 L A Y N O T E B O O KL A Y N O T E B O O KL A Y N O T E B O O KL A Y N O T E B O O K VOLUME 16, ISSUE 2 VOLUME 16, ISSUE 2

Mrs. Nancy Smith, Public Relations Mr. Raymond Turner, Parliamentarian.

You are invited to attend our Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday, November 6, 2010-7:00P.M. - Bethel A.M.E. Church. Our Elder Ella Mae Samuels is in Walton Reha-bilitation Center in Augusta, Georgia….our prayers go out to her.

MACON CONFERENCE LAY WITNESS EXPERIENCE

By Brother Aphonso Varner The Sanctuary was filled to capacity for the Annual Macon Conference Lay Witness Experience. This reli-gious worship experience was held in conjunction with the 127th Session of the Macon Georgia Annual Confer-ence, Sixth Episcopal District, African Methodist Episco-pal Church on a pleasant Spring evening, May 4, 2010. The Greater Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church located in Macon Georgia was the host church, The Reverend Billy Graham McFadden, Host Pastor, The Reverend David L. Moore, Host Presiding Elder, Griffin District. Sister La-trellis O. Dent, Conference Lay President, Bishop Wil-liam Phillips DeVeaux, Presiding Prelate, Dr. Patricia “PAM” DeVeaux, Episcopal Supervisor. Evangelist Juanita Lamar Culler established protocol and performed an excellent task as Worship Leader. Praise and Thanksgiving led by Sister Gwen Farley lifted the spirit of the worshippers. After the Doxology was sung, Sister Dorothy Wiley led the congregation in reading the Lay Litany. The congregation lifted their voices singing the Lay Hymn followed with a dynamic Prayer by Master Chris-topher McClain. St. Phillip AME Choir sang several se-lections during the worship experience. Sister Theresa Latimore read the Scripture followed with the Summary of the Decalogue. Brother Alphonso Varner conducted the Gifts for Mission. Brother Marvin Stanley Brown eloquently introduced the 113th Elected and Consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Bishop William Phillips De-Veaux, who introduced the Preacher of the Hour, the Reverend Charles W. Dumas Jr., Pastor of St. Phillips AME Church in Griffin, Georgia. Rev. Dumas’ text was Jeremiah 18:1 and he preached on the subject, “Are You in the Potter’s Hand? Sister Phyllis G. Boyd recognized the visitors from the other five Conferences in the Sixth Episcopal District. Sister Latrellis Dent echoed thanks to the clergy and laity who shared in making this worship experience an out-standing success. Encouraging remarks were given by Sister Gloria Byrd, SED Lay President, Dr. PAM De-

Veaux and Bishop William P. DeVeaux. Sister Gloria Byrd and Bishop William DeVeaux read the challenge during the installation of the following Lay Officers for 2010-2012.

President ……………….....Sister Latrellis O. Dent First Vice President ……..Sister Bettye Draper Second Vice President…..Bro. Andrew McDaniel Third Vice President……..Sis. Janie M. Grayer Recording Secretary……..Sis. Phyllis G. Boyd Asst. Recording Secretary…Sis. Sara Dent Corresponding Secretary…..Sis. Dorothy Wiley Treasurer…………………..Bro. Cedric Nelson Financial Secretary………..Sis. Renee Singleton Chaplain ………………….Bro. Edgar Harrison Parliamentarian…………...Dr. Odessa McNair Director of Lay Activities…Bro. Ashley T. Ballard Historiographer.……..Sis. Maggie Walker-Varner Director of Public Relations....Bro. Alphonso Varner President Emeritus………Dr. Robert J. Williams

A delicious repast was served to the attendees following

the worship experience.

(Continued from page 12)


THE WONDERFUL TALENT OF ANNIE LUCILLE TARVER GREENE

By Robert T. Matthews, III The famous artist, Edgar Degas, once said: "Art is not what you see, but what you make others see." So, it is with the work of Annie Lucille Greene, whose exquisite art works transport the viewer back to a more leisurely time in the Mid-Twentieth Century or other themes of life’s familiarities. To the delight of the viewer, once she has captured your attention and drawn you in for a closer view, one discovers that the medium she uses is not watercolor, pencils, paints or crayons, but that these elaborately detailed scenes are totally reproduced with yawn. “Lucille,” as she is affectionately known by her friends and family was born in Waycross, GA and reared in Hinesville, GA. She moved to Hogansville (Troup County), GA with her mother, a school teacher, her father, a principal, and one sister when she was 12 years old. Lucille, received a B.S. Degree in Education from Albany State College (GA) and a Mater of Art Education Degree from New York University. She taught for one year in Thomasville, GA before transferring to Troup County Schools in 1955 where she taught Art until she retired in 1989. After reading a magazine article on yawn painting in 1972, she introduced this concept to her art students and dis-covered that it not only sparked their interest, but kept them extremely quiet during class. Since Art was also an elective in the schools where she taught, many of these students elected to take Art from Mrs. Greene year after

year. Many of them also later chose to pursue Art as their own career. Even though Mrs. Greene is proficient in other mediums of Art, after introducing yawn paint-ing to her students, it also became the artistic medium by which she is most widely recog-nized and known. Her work has been dis-played in a number of private and pubic exhib-its and has gotten much acclaim and won numerous awards. She is also very active in her community and belongs to many commu-nity civic organizations and clubs. Mrs. Greene is a member of Saint Paul AME Church in Hogansville, GA which she and her

mother joined when they first came to Hogansville. She has served her church in a number of capacities, which have included being chairperson of the Stewardship and Finance Committee, singing in the choir as well as playing for her church. Mrs. Greene is married to Mr. Oliver Greene, a retired Troup County Principal and Morris Brown College graduate, who belongs to McGhee Chapel, a sister AME Church. They are the proud parents of one son and one daughter—both educators in their own right. Mr. and Mrs. Greene are active members of the Lay Organization from the Local Church Level to the Connectional. “Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.” said Pablo Picasso. Thus, is the wonderful, gifted, God-given talent and legacy of Annie Lucille Greene.

In keeping with copyright we have not displayed any of the works of Mrs. Greene in this article. However, they might be viewed on her website which can be found at:

http://www.anniegreene.com/. You will also find information on this site for contacting her.

LAY PFOFILE

Annie Lucille Greene

REV. SMITH RECEIVES MASTER OF DIVINITY By Brother Alphonso B. Varner

The Fifty-First Commencement Exercise was held for graduates of Constituent Seminaries of the Interdenomi-national Theological Center Saturday, May 8, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. Ninety-seven graduates received degrees. The Reverend Bertram C. Smith, Pastor of Saint Peter African Methodist Episcopal Church, Fort Valley proudly marched to the stage to receive his Master of Divinity degree conferred upon him by Turner Theological Semi-nary. Rev. Smith and his spouse, Wendolyn Smith was elated to see many family members, church family and friends in

attendance to witness this historic academic achieve-ment in his pursuit of ex-cellence. The family of Saint Peter congratulates Rev. Ber-tram C. Smith for his out-standing academic achieve-ment. We pray for his spiritual success as he continues to serve God, Saint Peter family and the

Fort Valley community for many years to come.

CONGRATULATIONS


NECROLOGY We are deeply saddened by the passing of the following persons

since our last issue of LAY NOTELAY NOTELAY NOTELAY NOTE----

BOOK. BOOK. BOOK. BOOK. Brother Thomas Edward (Peter) Greene (70), First Vice President of the Connectional Lay Organization of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, on March, 12, 2010. Brother Greene’s funeral was held at Bethel A.M.E. Church in Mobile, AL on March 22, 2010. Sister Gloria C. (Cozy) Sim-mons (64), the 2008 Atlanta-North Georgia Conference Layperson of the Year, on March 15 2009. Al-

though she was born in GA, S i s t er Simmons spent most of her adult life in Bridgeport, CT be-fore transferring back to the Sixth District where she faithfully served in Atlanta as

President of the Lay Organization of Saint Mark A.M.E. Church. Her funeral was held at Saint Mark on March 20, 2010. Brother Rudolph Lewis Jenkins,

a faithful member of the West Atlanta District Lay Organization, on his birthday, March 16, 2010. His fu-neral was held at Allen Temple A.M.E. Church in Atlanta on March 20, 2010. Mother Yvonne C.M. Kawimbe, the wife of Bishop Paul J. M. Kawimbe (121st Bishop) and Episcopal Supervi-sor of the 17th Episcopal District on May 16, 2010. Her funeral was held at Ebenezer A.M. E Church in Lusaka, Zambia on May 25, 2010. The Reverend Lee Jerome Jones, (89), retired Presiding Elder of the Atlanta-North Georgia Con-ference on May 2, 2010. In addition to serving many years as

Presiding Elder, Rev. Jones also was a former Pastor of Saint Paul and Big B e t h e l A .M .E . Church. Rev. Jones was the widower of Mrs. Tammie Jones,

the father of Revs. Cheviene and Wallace Jones, Mrs. Eleanor Stevens, Mrs. Helen Williams and Mr. Ken-

neth Jones. His funeral was held on May 8, 2010 at Flipper Temple A.M.E. Church. We also share the sorrow of Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor, III, who lost his Mother-In-Law, Mrs. Mary Beatrice Cross Blake and Dr. George F. Flowers who lost his mother, Mrs. Georgianna Jenkins Flowers, on May 16, 2010.

There is a land of pure delight,There is a land of pure delight,There is a land of pure delight,There is a land of pure delight, Where saints immortal reign,Where saints immortal reign,Where saints immortal reign,Where saints immortal reign, Infinite day excludes the night,Infinite day excludes the night,Infinite day excludes the night,Infinite day excludes the night, And pleasures banish pain.And pleasures banish pain.And pleasures banish pain.And pleasures banish pain.

There everlasting spring abides,There everlasting spring abides,There everlasting spring abides,There everlasting spring abides, And never withering flowers:And never withering flowers:And never withering flowers:And never withering flowers:

Death, like a narrow sea, dividesDeath, like a narrow sea, dividesDeath, like a narrow sea, dividesDeath, like a narrow sea, divides This heav’nly land from ours.This heav’nly land from ours.This heav’nly land from ours.This heav’nly land from ours.

Sweet fields beyond the swelling Sweet fields beyond the swelling Sweet fields beyond the swelling Sweet fields beyond the swelling flood Stand dressed in living green:flood Stand dressed in living green:flood Stand dressed in living green:flood Stand dressed in living green: So to the Jews old Canaan stood,So to the Jews old Canaan stood,So to the Jews old Canaan stood,So to the Jews old Canaan stood, While Jordan rolled between.While Jordan rolled between.While Jordan rolled between.While Jordan rolled between.

But timorous mortals start and But timorous mortals start and But timorous mortals start and But timorous mortals start and shrink To cross this narrow sea;shrink To cross this narrow sea;shrink To cross this narrow sea;shrink To cross this narrow sea;

And linger, shivering on the brink,And linger, shivering on the brink,And linger, shivering on the brink,And linger, shivering on the brink, And fear to launch away.And fear to launch away.And fear to launch away.And fear to launch away.

O could we make our doubts remove,O could we make our doubts remove,O could we make our doubts remove,O could we make our doubts remove, Those gloomy thoughts that rise,Those gloomy thoughts that rise,Those gloomy thoughts that rise,Those gloomy thoughts that rise, And see the Canaan that we loveAnd see the Canaan that we loveAnd see the Canaan that we loveAnd see the Canaan that we love

With unbeclouded eyes!With unbeclouded eyes!With unbeclouded eyes!With unbeclouded eyes! Could we but climb where Moses Could we but climb where Moses Could we but climb where Moses Could we but climb where Moses

stood, And view the landscape o’er,stood, And view the landscape o’er,stood, And view the landscape o’er,stood, And view the landscape o’er, Not Jordan’s stream, nor death’s Not Jordan’s stream, nor death’s Not Jordan’s stream, nor death’s Not Jordan’s stream, nor death’s

cold flood, Should fright us cold flood, Should fright us cold flood, Should fright us cold flood, Should fright us from the shore.from the shore.from the shore.from the shore.

Paraphrased from Deuteronomy 34:1 By Isaac Watts

EVENT/ DATE LOCATION/CONTACT

Council of Bishops & General Board June 26-30, 2010

(Bishop James L Davis installed as Council President)

Sheraton Birmingham Hotel 2101 Arrington Jr. Blvd. N, Birmingham, AL 35203

Phone: 1 800-325-3535

Sixth District Leadership & Ministry Congress

July 20-23, 2010

Augusta Marriott Hotel & Suites Two Tenth Street, Augusta, GA 30901

Phone: 1-800-868-5354

Sixth Episcopal District Lay Biennial Convention September 16-18, 2010

Doubletree Hotel, Columbus 5351 Sidney Simons Boulevard, Columbus, GA 31904-9073

Phone: 706-327-6868

Sixth Episcopal District Mid-Year Convocation October 14-16, 2010

Saint Paul A.M.E. Church, Macon, GA 2501 Shurling Drive, Macon, GA 31211

Phone: 478-745-0507

DATES TO REMEMBER

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 2



Sixth Episcopal District Lay Organization AMEC c/o Robert T. Matthews III 811 Sandy Creek Drive, NW Atlanta, Georgia 30331

THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN THE STATE OF GEORGIA - S IXTH DISTRICT

TAKE A LOOK AT US

Drs. Stanley & Sharon Pritchett at Saint John’s Steward and Trustee Day

Morris Brown College Graduates Flank President Pritchett

L-R Sister Marchanita Huff, Sister Virginia Henderson Harris, Dr. Stanley J. Pritchett, Sr.,

and Pastor B. A. Hart

Bishop DeVeaux & President Gloria Byrd Installing New Lay Officers

Making a Difference to the Youth In Our Community

Documents

Lay Notebook - June, 2010