GOOD NEWS—31 Years Page 1 NOVEMBER 2017

VOL. 32, NO. 09 WOMEN’S HOME AND OVERSEAS MISSIONARY SOCIETY NOVEMBER 2017

A FIRST AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL ZION CHURCH (BROOKLYN, NEW YORK) MISSION EDUCATION PUBLICATION

GOOD NEWS—31 Years Page 2 NOVEMBER 2017

Inside This Issue Page

YAMS Historical Review 3

NY Conference Mission Ed Workshop 5

First Church Missionaries In Action 7

NYC District Tri-Meeting & Lay Sunday 8

Mission Education: Effective Mission Ed Program 9

November Days 10

Senior Thing: Advocating for Elder’s Care 11

Advent & CED Winter Meeting 12

December is World Hunger Month 13

World AIDS Day & Annie W Blackwell 14

Young Adult Missionary Society 2017 Founders’ Day Special Project

Donations to Purchase Supplies for The Adlise Porter Vocational School -- Klikor, Ghana

Dr. Adlise I. Porter Organizing Coordinator of the Young Adult Missionary Society

*Send donations to purchase supplies for

Adlise Porter School to: Mrs. Rosetta Dunham, Executive Director, WH&OMS

PO Box 26846, Charlotte, NC 25221-6846

**This project is in support of the Bureau of Supply Outreach Projects For more information contact:

Joy Kennedy, PhD, General Coordinator of YAMS joyforyams@gmail.com

Y.A.M. S. PURPOSE

To unite women ages 22-40 of The African Method-ist Episcopal Zion Church for mission service in the church and community. Among the prime objectives will be social concerns such as child abuse, teenage

pregnancy, drug dependency, world hunger, etc.;

Provide an opportunity for the personal and individ-

ual Christian growth of members;

Provide an opportunity for Christian witness through the use of their time, talent, and treasure to

support the mission; and

Provide experiences that will enable Young Adult Missionaries to perpetuate the continued growth of the Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Socie-ty, the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church,

and the kingdom of God.

GOOD NEWS—31 Years Page 3 NOVEMBER 2017

Young Adult Missionary Society Brief

Historical Review .Young Adult Missionaries around

the A.M.E. Zion Connection will observe Y.A.M.S. Founder's Day during the month of November -- to commemorate the founding and organization of the Young Adult Missionary Society, and to remember with love Dr. Willa Mae Rice, Founder of the Young Adult Missionary Society, and Dr. Adlise Ivey Porter, the Organizing Coordinator, who worked tirelessly promoting the Y.A.M.S. and organizing Y.A.M.S. Societies all across the connection.

The idea that the young women of the WH&OM Society become an organized body of the Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society was present-

ed by Dr. Willa Mae Rice, the twelfth President, at her first Executive Board meeting in Dallas, Texas in January 1972. Dr. Rice recognized that we were losing so many of our young women who were beginning to feel uncomfortable meeting with junior high schoolers but were not yet ready to move into what they knew as the senior missionary society.

She saw the importance of organizing Y.A.M.S. Departments in local churches to close the gap in the age brackets which included able young adults between the ages of 27 and 40; the young careerists, college graduates invading the job market, young parents starting families and homes; or just individuals who were in the church as youth but had drifted away.

Dr. Rice presented her resolution that young adult women between the ages of 27 and 40 become an organized part of the Society at the 18th Quadrennial Convention in Los Angeles, California, in 1975. The res-olution was not adopted, but in 1979

at the 19th Quadrennial Convention held in Miami, FL, the delegates vot-ed to bring the YAMS in under the umbrella of the Parent Body It was not until the 20th Quadrennial Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1983 that the Young Adult Missionary Society was adopt-ed as a separate department of the W.H.&O. M. Society.

It was hard work getting the resolu-tion adopted. Young adult women banded together under the leadership of JoAnn Holmes, for the purpose of supporting the resolution that would make Y.A.M.S. a separate department. Daisy Hogg and Ora White brought to the convention the resolution submitted by First AME Zion Church, San Francisco, California.

With the support and guidance of Mrs. Alcestis Coleman, then General President, Mrs. Janie Speaks, Mis-sionary Supervisor, and Dr. Willa Mae Rice, YAMS worked feverishly to introduce the resolution which was adopted and established the Young Adult Missionary Society as a separate department of the WH&OM Society instead of being under the umbrella of the Parent Body.

The convention also voted that the Second Vice President, Dr. Adlise Ivey Porter, who was just elected, would be the first General Coordinator of the Young Adult Missionary Society, and would have the responsibilities of writing the initial departmental and operational guidelines, designing the initial program of Biblical studies and social concerns activities; and providing leadership in the formation, imsple-mentation and operation of local units.

Dr. Porter “hit the road running” and traveled thousands of miles to local and district churches and meet-

ing sites to demonstrate and teach missionaries how to implement the organizational and operational plan God gave her for the Y.A.M.S. -- and it all paid off.

As a separate Department, district and local units of Young Adult Missionary Societies were organized and moved forward with great momentum all over the connection under the leadership of Dr. Porter.

At the 1987 convention in Boston, Massachusetts, delegates approved a resolution to provide for a General Coordinator of the Young Adult Missionary Society as another general officer. The Convention also adopted the symbol, song, motto and purpose developed by Dr. Porter, as the offi-cial symbolism of the YAMS depart-ment; and approved the observance of Willa Mae Rice Day to be held in November.

In 1991, at the 22nd Quadrennial Convention in New Orleans, JoAnn Bowens Holmes of Charlotte, NC became the first elected General Coordinator of the Young Adult Missionary Society.

The observance of Willa Mae Rice Day was changed by the convention to Founders Day to honor Dr. Willa Mae Rice as the Founder of the Young Adult Missionary Society and Dr. Adlise Ivey Porter as the Organizing Coordinator.

Delegates to the 1995 Convention in Detroit, Michigan, voted to change the age of the membership of the Y.A.M.S. from 27-40 to 22 to 40, and amended the Purpose.

At the 24th Quadrennial Conven-tion in 1999, Sandra B. Crowder was elected 3rd General YAMS Coordina-tor. Dawn Walker, was elected 4th YAMS Coordinator in 2007 at the 26th Quadrennial Convention in Or-lando, FL, in 2015, during the 28th Quadrennial Convention in Orlando, FL, Dr. Joy L. Kennedy was elected as the 5th General Coordinator of the Young Adult Missionary Society.

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GOOD NEWS is published monthly [except August and 2 July/s during each quadrennium] by the Mission Education Committee of the Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society, First African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, 54 MacDonough Street, Brooklyn, New York 11216; 718.638.3343; and made available electronically via link on GN website: goodnewsfirstchurch.org.

MATTIE WILSON TAYLOR, EDITOR

Dr. Marvin D. Hooks, Sr., Pastor

Deadline for submission of articles is the 20th of each month. Material may be emailed to Editor: goodnewseditor@aol.com. All articles subject to review and edit by Editor.

If interested in access to monthly GN publication, enter email address at goodnewsfirstchurch.org. Send comments/questions to goodnewsdigital@gmail.com. Annual Subscription to GOOD NEWS is $15.00, made payable to “First AME Zion Church” and either mailed to First AME Zion Church at the address listed above (attention GOOD NEWS) or paid via PayPal on the Good News website: goodnewsfirstchurch.org.

A Thanksgiving Prayer

Lord, our power is shut off and suddenly we become thankful for electricity.

Our garbage is not picked up and suddenly we become thankful for the garbage collector's weekly stop.

A good friend dies and suddenly we discov-er how much she meant to us.

Our water becomes too polluted to drink, and suddenly we appreciate pure water.

Why is it, Lord, that we take for granted the uncounted blessings of life until they are re-moved from us?

We take for granted the mind you have giv-en us, the beauty of the earth around us, the rain and soil combining to produce our food, the love of family and friends.

This Thanksgiving we thank you for being patient with us, for not forgetting us when we forget you, for loving and forgiving us, for mu-sic and singing, for rest and leisure, for those who understand us, for laughter and joy.

Most of all we thank thee for not withhold-ing the blessings of life from us, even though we take them for granted.

Amen

MISSION STUDY

Ten Guidelines for Effective Prayer

1. Set aside a few minutes every day. Do not say anything; simply practice thinking about God. This will make your mind spiritually receptive.

2. Then pray orally using simple, natural words. Tell God everything that is on your mind. Do not think you must use stereotyped, pious phrases. Talk to God in your own natural language. He understands.

3. Pray as you go about the business of the day. Utter minute prayers by closing your eyes to shut out the world and concentrating briefly on God’s presence. The more you do this every day, the nearer you will feel God’s presence.

4. Do not always ask for something when you pray. Spend most of your prayer time giving thanks for God Himself and His blessings.

5. Pray with the belief that sincere prayers can reach out and surround your loved ones with God’s love and protection.

6. Never use negative thoughts in prayer. Only positive thoughts get results.

7. Always express willingness to accept God’s will. Ask for what you want, but be willing to take what God gives you. It may be better than what you ask for.

8. Practice the attitude of putting everything in God’s hands. Ask for the ability to do your best and to leave the result to God.

9. Pray for people you do not like or who have mistreated you. Resentment is guaranteed to short-circuit spiritual power.

10. Make a list of people for whom to pray. The more you pray for others, the more positive results you will note from your prayers.

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The New York Conference Mission Education Workshop under the leader-ship of Shirley Jackson, Mission Education Director, was another first-class event—educational, informative, interesting, entertaining — and more. The workshop was held at St. Catherine A.M.E. Zion Church in New Rochelle, NY; the Rev. Dr. Wallace Nobel, pastor. The St. Catherine members were excellent hosts which greatly added to the success of the workshop.

Participants received name badges & packets that included the booklet, “The Life Book” which addresses the question, “What is Life About” written primarily for youth (see pg 15), and began the workshop with continental breakfast

Opening Plenary Session entitled “Helping Hands.” The Helping Hands Workshop turned into a Health & Wellness Workshop because of the unexpected absence of the planned presenter. Three missionaries answered the call for help and volunteered to talk to us as follows:

Rosalind Guilford, Mother Walls, Church, RN who works with Kidney patients on dialysis talked about blood pressure, proper diet, heart disease, and more.

Rosalind Cole-Waring, Greater Centennial Church, RN counsels Seniors re. help care discussed diet, healthy habits for Seniors, where and how to get help. We were each given an “Emergency Medical Door Bag Card” for recording vital medical information and contact names/numbers —to be hung on the doorknob for emergency medical service workers, physicians and other health care professionals to have needed info handy if they come to our homes in an emergency.

Juel Hodge, Greater Centennial Church, former Assistant District Attorney, gave info on the legal documents needed by all: Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy, Living Wills, Wills, etc.

Each offered her contact information to give follow-up help to members, if needed

Each participant was given a “Shout to the Lord” megaphone which we used to loudly proclaim our faith and make a joyful noise at designated times all during the day.

Three breakout sessions based on our Study focus for the year—Personal Instruction— were held. Each participant was able to go to each session determined by the color on the badge. The workshops were interesting and informative.

The Breakout Sessions were: (1) The Mission Link, (Ruth Stevens, NYC District President, and Wilhelmina Lee, NY City District Mission Education Director, presenters); (2) Bridging the Gap (Jo-Ann Monroe, Westchester District Mission Education Director and Sharnisha Wheeler, Long Island District Mission Education Director, presenters; and (3) All About Affiliates (Betty Ford, Long Island District President, and Marsha Henderson, Westchester District President, presenters).

“The Mission Link” or the Mission Link vs. the Missing Link vs. Weakest Link. How are we using what God gave us? Emphasis was on mission education, particularly the four blocks of our meetings: Creative Worship, Meaningful Study, Business & Fellowship (not just eating). We discussed how our meetings and Societies in general should Inspire, Inform, Challenge & Motivate. We also reviewed the Society’s General Purpose.

“Bridging The Gap” session gave participants an opportunity to discuss how we can attract and keep the interest of children, youth, young adults and adults—with each having a meaningful part in programs and activities. One Example: youth teaching adult how to access Bible on phone, log onto the church’s website or church on face book.

“All About Affiliates [AAA]” highlighted our Ecumenical Affiliates and Ecumenical Outreach Groups listed on page 49 of the WH&OMS Constitution. District Affiliate Representatives gave brief descriptions of each and/or provided handouts with information.

The lunch prepared by the St. Catherine culinary staff was tasty, hot and filling; members dined and fellowshipped together before con-tinuing with the day’s program.

Sara Cherrington, General Secretary of the Bureau of Supply, gave important information about Supply Department projects, lifting up the overwhelming success of the Pillow Case Dresses project. She reported that barrels of dresses, toiletries and other items were recently shipped to Trinidad, Liberia and other areas; and that support will be extended to Roatan, Honduras and Puerto Rico, where a NY Conference member is coordinating a shipment to her home area.

Vanessa Clayton, General Life Members Chairman, announced that $5,000 had been awarded in Life Scholarships and that the Fund must be replenished so more scholarships can be given next year. She asked for donations to be sent for the scholarship fund and encouraged those who are not Life Members (red & white stole), or

New York Conference Mission Education Workshop Highlights

Theme: “Ready, Set, Know”

Cont’d on page 6

GOOD NEWS—31 Years Page 6 NOVEMBER 2017

Life Matrons or Patrons (purple & gold stole) and for matrons and patrons to invest in the Heart for Overseas Missions Pin, striving to become Medallion recipients by investing in at least 3 pins before the Society’s quadrennial convention.

Marcella Shelton introduced Jo-Ann Monroe, member of Greater Centennial AME Zion Church, who announced her candidacy for the office of General Secretary, Bureau of Supply.

Mattie Taylor gave highlights from the Leadership Training Seminar in Knoxville, Tennessee last summer. The General Society’s next Leadership Training Insti-tute will be April 26-29, 2018, at Camp Dorothy Walls Retreat Center in Black Mountain, NC. Missionaries were encouraged to set the date aside and plan to attend. Those who had never attended a general institute were especially encouraged to think about going, experiencing the retreat

Greetings were brought by Joyce Franklin, District President, Jersey City District, New Jersey Confer-ence. She, along with five other missionaries, were in attendance. The New Jersey Conference is now a part of the North Eastern Episcopal District.

After remarks by The Reverend Dr. Wallace Noble, pastor, we repeated the Missionary Benediction and departed. Our thanks to Mrs. Jackson, the New York Conference Mission Education Committee, the registrars, the culinary staff and members of St. Catherine, and all who helped to make this 2017 workshop the success that it was.

Mission Education Workshop “Ready, Set, Know”

Continued from page 5

Jo-Ann Monroe Candidate For

General Secretary Bureau of Supply

Dr. Wallace Noble & Betty Ford

Joyce Franklin

Marsha Henderson &

Shirley Jackson

Vanessa Clayton

& Ruth Young

Jersey Sisters

GOOD NEWS—31 Years Page 7 NOVEMBER 2017

The Life Members Council Annual Luncheon was held on Sunday afternoon, October 8th, 2017. The program included Scripture read by Sis. Kim-berly Douglas, and prayer by Sis. Wilhelmina Lee. Sis. Shirley Shelborne brought the message – on Personal Instruction the third component of the Society’s Quadrennial Theme. Sis. Shelborne’s message was very uplifting.

We all enjoyed a wonderful afternoon of fellow-ship and “good food”.

The Life Members Council 2017 Anniversary was held on Sunday, October 22, 2017 as part of the morning worship service. Sis. Victoria Robert-son, Chairman, invited members to join the Life Members Council, letting church members know the role the Council plays as part of the Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society. The Life Members Council is the educational arm of the So-ciety.

It was a blessed service. To God be the Glory!

On Wednesday, September 20, staff gathered to cele-brate the 50th anniversary of Human Resources Admin-istration (HRA) of New York City, which was founded in 1966 as a super-agency that included what are now De-partment of Social Services (DSS), HRA, and Depart-ment of Homeless Services (DHS), as well as the Admin-istration for Children’s Services and many other pro-grams now administered by other City agencies.

The event included special recognition for staff mem-bers who have served the agency for 50 years or more, and also included a short documentary featuring inter-views with the still-active staff members with over 50

years of service to HRA, and with senior staff who shared their perspectives on the agency. The honorees were presented with plaques commemorating their years of service.

Those honored include: Wilhelmina Lee, 60 years of service;

Leonard Eskenasy, 57 years; Beverly Carrington, 55 years; Eleanor Armstrong, 55 years; Helen Hol-ness-Brown, 53 years; Morris Borock, 53 years; Gerald Siebert, 52 years; Emil Cohill, 51 years; John Reilly, 51 years; Emma McMillin, 50 years.

Speaker Shirley Shelborne

& Chairman Victoria Robertson A Few of Attendees at Annual Luncheon

Sister Wilhelmina Lee Honored

Life Members Celebrate

GOOD NEWS—31 Years Page 8 NOVEMBER 2017

The Tri-Meeting of the New

York City District Women’s

Home and Overseas Mission-

ary Society (Sis. Ruth Young,

District President), Christian

Education Department (Bro.

Cartez Johnson, District Di-

rector) and Lay Council (Sis.

Virginia Montague, District

President) was very informa-

tive. The Reverend A. Al-

fred Carson is Presiding El-

der. The day

began with the WH&OM So-ciety Prayer Breakfast, Wendy Grimes Jones, District Secretary, Bu-reau of Supply, was the Wor-ship Leader. Worship partic-ipants were Edith Mayfield, Verdelle Cunningham, and Dorian Carson. Wilhelmina Lee, District Mission Educa-tion Director, presented the Quadrennial Theme focus on Personal Instruction.

Rev. Ezra Maize, pastor of Caldwell welcomed us, and navigated the food line.

During the business ses-sion four district officers were re-elected to serve an-other year: Ruth Nixon, Re-cording Secretary; Pensacola Hines, Corresponding Secre-tary; Cynthia Wilson, Treas-urer; and Kathryn Warren, Reporter. Pillow Case Dress-es were collected for the Supply Department project. Information given by depart-mental district officers:

BUDS: Dorian Carson, Buds Supt., reminded youth leaders about the Buds Tee Shirts $15.00, and the My Buddy subscription at $14.00 a year.

Y’s Secretary Edith May-field reported that the Dis-trict raised $750.00 for the Piano Victory Project; and announced the New York Conference Y Retreat to be held January 13, 2018, 8:30am – 3:30pm at Greater Centennial AME Zion Church, Mount Vernon NY.

YAMS District Coordina-

tor, Verdelle Cunningham, gave information about the New York Conference Young Adult Missionary Society Retreat on November 10-12, 2017 at the Wain-wright House in Rye, NY. Registration $150.00; $75.00 for one day Saturday; and also provided information about costs for the YAMS Blazer: $116-$140.00 and Vest $77.00 - $94.00.

Following

the WH&OM Society ses-sion Virginia Montague District Presi-dent and Co-ordinator for Voters Registration, conduct-ed the election of District Lay Council Officers — all re-elected to serve another year.

Members were urged to become Lay Council Life Members and to encourage the local church members to become paid members of the Lay Council or to become life members and receive the stole.

There is a friendly contest for the most new Life mem-berships reported. The cost of the Lay Life membership is $175.00, which includes the stole.

New York City District Holds Tri-Meeting

Saturday, September 16, 2017

Caldwell Temple AME Zion Church Bronx NY

Ruth Young

Virginia Montague

Lay Day Observed At First Church

By Wilhelmina Lee Lay Council President

Connectional Lay Day Observance was held on Sunday, October 15 during the Sunday worship. The Lay Speaker was Sister Clorisa L. Cook, who is employed with the New York City Board of Education as a Legal Counsel. Our speaker has a long history in the law field. She worked as an Assistant District Attorney for the Bronx DA’s Office, be-longs to several fraternal, civil and social organizations as president, vice president, secretary and other offices within these groups.

Sister Cook was raised in First Church and is the third gen-eration of Bro. Elmer and Sis. Eva Walker, the daughter of Bro. Johnny and Sister Margaret Cook. She has served as Director of the Inspirational Voices of Praise, served as Trus-tee, Local Secretary of Youth Missionary Society (Y), W.H.O.M.S and currently sings with the Combined Choir and the Cathedral Choir.

Her subject was the first component of the four year theme: “Refocusing on Our Purpose”. Sister Cook reviewed the five principles of the Lay Council, the history of the A.M.E. Zion Church and our purpose as a disciple of Christ. She took us on a simulated bus trip. We were warned to put on our seat belts because the road could get bumpy and rough. On our journey we looked at the generation gaps in the church and how communication is a problem between the millennials and the “seasoned saints”. The younger generation is tech-nologically savvy and do not understand what it is to struggle for what they need, as they come from a two parent working family household or a working single family household and pretty much get what they want from their parents. So they do not understand what is meant by “I had hard times when I was growing up”. The X’s, Y’s and even the Z’s cannot compre-hend what the older generation is talking about.

Our trip covered how the church is losing our seasoned saints and they are taking with them the knowledge, skills, information and recipes and no one is trying to gather that information while they are still amongst us. She admonished us for doing hurtful things to others in the church, but stated it is okay to apologize, make up and be the church that God wants for his followers. She stated that if Jesus was here with us, He would not be in the church building doing the same old thing over and over and expecting the church to grow. To remain the “first”, we have to change the way we do things or we will continue to be stagnated. Jesus would be on the corner, talking to people who needed to come into the church and serve. We have got to be progressive and change how we do things in order to remain relevant. Sister Clorisa got a standing ovation from a large number of young adults in attendance joined by the “season saints”. I am not sure I did justice to her deliverance and message, but this is what I came away with.

Participants: Leonard Spears, scripture; Eleanor Rollins, Affirmation of Faith; Verdelle Cunningham, Responsive Reading; Lottie Tann, Special Appeal; Sermonic Selection “There Is A Bright Side Somewhere”, Irma Sanders; Wilhel-mina S. Lee, Presiding.

First Church will be making a donation in response to the appeal by the International Connectional Lay President to Hurricane Harvey victims and Clinton College, Rock Hill S.C.

GOOD NEWS—31 Years Page 9 NOVEMBER 2017

An effective continuous, year-round mission education program can be developed at the local church so that the members of the Society and congregation will be better informed and motivated to organize and set goals for the mission program and to work as one in mission for the master.

Mission Education is a primary component of Christ’s commission to us as given to the disciples (Mathew 28:19-20). It follows that the purpose of the Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society at all levels must include mission education as a continuous process.

If we are going to be effective missionaries and disciples of Christ, we must study to show ourselves approved by God, workmen that need not be ashamed.

An all-around, effective Mission Education Program in the local church will include: Spiritual Life, Evangelism, Mission Outreach, Program, and Literature.

Spiritual Life promotes growth

and development of the spiritual life of the members. It goes beyond opening and closing meetings.

The local president or her designee and/or the mission education leader suggests developmental materials and resources for the group; develops other dimensions for the groups’ spiritual

life; and suggests creative ways by which worship and devotions may be held.

Evangelism brings to the group a

program of evangelism, reaching out to bring the fold to Christ, and a program of soul-winning, witnessing, and converting.

The local president or her designee develops ways and means for the whole Society to be included.

Mission Outreach implements

that part of the WH&OM Society purpose of participation in the mission ministry at home and overseas.

The local president or her designee is to consider and present ways by which the church can reach beyond its own congregation to others. Select those program ideas that will help the Society and congregation become involved in reaching out to others, such as prison ministry, soup kitchens, voter registration in the community, mentoring, tutoring, volunteering in hospices, nursing homes, etc., to name a very few.

Program provides plans and/or

activities to fulfill and carry out the mission education purpose, the mis-sion emphasis, and the quadrennial theme focus, such as Youth Forums, Seminars on Domestic Violence,

Substance Abuse, and AIDS awareness.

The leader along with a committee may also coordinate leadership training workshops in the local church—inviting district officers and other appropriate persons as workshop leaders.

Literature and Mission Education

are so closely related that each may enrich or limit the effectiveness of the other.

The local president or her designee could be responsible for obtaining and distributing mission literature—ordering not only from the WH&OM Society but from other sources such as Friendship Press, and especially those recommended at the District Mass Meetings, Annual Conference, seminars, workshops, Institutes, etc. Literature can be obtained, not only for use by the WH&OM Society, but for distribution to the congregation.

Be as creative as possible when distributing literature so that it will be read and not wasted. Perhaps the Y’s or Buds could hand out leaflets, etc., as people leave the church on Sunday, using a leaflet which describes a program, project or event. Make displays with literature. In general, find ways to create interest in the content so that people will know why they should read the material.

Components of An Effective Mission Education Program in

The Local Church

GOOD NEWS—31 Years Page 10 NOVEMBER 2017

National Bible Week Celebrated Week of

November 12-18 Since 1941, starting with President Franklin Delano

Roosevelt, every US president has declared the week of Thanksgiving, National Bible Week. This year the Nation-al Bible Organization is celebrating the week before Thanksgiving. It will be the 76th year.

The National Broadcasting Company (NBC) which was a leading national radio station at the time, invited the founders of the National Bible Association to read the Bi-ble on air all day. .At the same time, the leaders of the Na-tional Bible Association were invited by President Frank-lin Delano Roosevelt to come to the White House for the following day to present him with a Bible to inaugurate the first National Bible Week. These glorious plans were in place but tragedy interrupted them. The day that they were going to read the Bible on NBC radio was December 7th, 1941, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

The founders sent President Roosevelt a telegram telling him that they and the nation would be praying for him and that of course they would not attempt to come to the White House. NBC called and told them that though they could not read the Bible all day on the air, would they come to the studio and read the Bible on air between the news re-ports about the disaster.

Radio stations across America piggybacked on NBC’s programming at this point as they were only one of the few broadcasters nationwide who at the time had same day international coverage. So that day, Americans heard the comforting words of the Bible as they contemplated the worst single day foreign attack on US soil in history.

Join us and others around the world, as we celebrate the Bible and participate with us as we honor the scrip-tures through the International Day of the Bible on November 12, 2017 at 12:00 Noon.

https://nationalbible.org/nationalbibleweek/

There are numerous activities or events that will encourage people to read the Bible for themselves. Some are: Organize an interfaith service honoring the Bible; Conduct a drama competition among Sunday school students in which each class enacts a Bible story; Organize Bible reading groups; Organize a drive to collect used Bibles to be sent to people who cannot afford to purchase a Bible of their own; Enlist volunteers to regularly read the Bible to the elderly who live alone or in retirement or nursing homes.

Did You Know….. The Star of Zion was born at the 13th Ses-

sion of the North Carolina Annual Confer-ence held in Phillips Chapel, Washington, North Carolina, November 25, 1876. The Star was established through the wisdom of Bishop James W. Hood who appointed Rev. John A. Tyler, editor.

The Star which started as a one page jour-nal had been published the first year by Mr. A.S. Richardson of New Bern, NC and re-mained primarily a North Carolina Confer-ence project until the General Conference of 1880, when it was readily received by the delegates. Mr. A.S. Richardson was elected editor. Hence the Star of Zion be-came the official organ of the AME Zion Church, and operated weekly.

The Star of Zion is now published month-ly; yearly subscription rate—$38.00 mailed to The Star of Zion, PO Box 26770, Charlotte NC28221. The Editor is Addie Lisby

Observing Thanksgiving

As a day that gives voice to our highest ideals, Thanks-giving can be a time to…..

Remember with gratitude and humility that we alone are not responsible for whatever bounty is in our lives;

Share what we have with others, and include in our celebrations those who would otherwise be alone;

Commit ourselves to creating a world where hun-gry children are fed, the homeless are provided with shelter, and those who suffer discrimination because of race, sex, religion or age are respected.

As we enjoy the Thanksgiving day festivities with

family and friends, let us remember to respond to the pleas of the millions of hungry, homeless, unloved vic-tims of social, political and economic injustice.

Let us pray to God for compassionate hearts for oth-ers as we lift our hearts in grateful praise to God from whom all blessings flow.

GOOD NEWS—31 Years Page 11 NOVEMBER 2017

Is your elder getting the care she or he needs? Maybe the elder does not get sufficient attention from the staff at the hospital or nursing home or maybe the elder finds that his or her home health aide shows up late every day. You can make sure your elder gets the services he or she deserves by stepping in as an advocate for quality care.

Because hospitals and nursing homes, like many other businesses and services, are often understaffed or undergoing down sizing, it is more important than ever that you communicate with providers to ensure that your elder receives the highest quality care.

Stay in touch with nurses and attendants and address any problems immediately. If you cannot resolve problems by talking to your usual contact, you will need to get in touch with the supervisor, write a letter, and contact the appropriate consumer and regulatory agencies.

Basic Elder Advocacy: Solving Problems

Your basic approach to solving problems in service for your elder will be the same with many situations. Regardless of the type of care your elder receives, use these basic advocacy steps:

Maintain good relations. You can prevent problems with your elder’s care by keeping in touch with providers. If you show staff you are involved with your elder’s care, they are more likely to go out of their way for him or her. Don’t forget to thank providers for their efforts when you meet or speak by phone. Or send a thank-you card or a small gift expressing your appreciation.

Explain any problems calmly. When you first notice a lapse in your elder’s care, talk to the person with whom your elder has direct contact (e.g., the hospital nurse, nursing home attendant, or home

health aide). Arrange an informal meeting, or if you live far away, speak on the phone.

Start with a friendly, non-accusatory approach. It’s easy to become emotional when the well-being of someone you love is at stake, but becoming angry with the person who can help you is usually counterproductive. If you think you might lose your cool, practice role-playing with a friend or ask a relative to stand in for you. Calmly explain the issue and ask what can be done. Try to develop a partnership: “How can we work together to solve this problem?”

Keep records. As soon as you notice a problem, keep notes of meetings, phone calls, and letters on an “Elder Care Log”. Referring to your log when talking to staff members and advocates will help you explain the history of the problem and steps you have already taken. Even if you think the problem is minor and will be solved easily, keep records. Sometimes seemingly minor concerns turn into major problems.

Talk to the supervisor. If your elder’s direct contact does not respond to your conversation, you will need to contact his/her supervisor (e.g., the head nurse or director of nursing care). Arrange an in-person or phone meeting. Using a cooperative tone, explain the history of the problem and what you wish to be done. Be sure to get a specific action plan from this person, including what he or she will do to solve the problem and when it will be done.

Write a letter. Once you have talked with the supervisor, it is a good idea to write a letter summarizing your conversation, including the agreed-upon action plan. Send the letter to the supervisor with whom you spoke, and if applicable, address a copy to his/her boss. You may need to include copies of doctor’s orders or contracts relevant to the problem (never send originals). If the problem continues, give the supervisor another call and ask, “What additional steps can you take to solve the problem?” If the problem continues, send a second letter (by registered mail) outlining the steps you have taken and how the problem remains unsolved despite your efforts.

Get Help. Send a copy of the letter to relevant regulatory, consumer, and aging organizations. Look for aging advocates within your community, including ombudsmen, elder law services and government organizations. Certain problems, such as serious deficiencies in care and ongoing violations of rights, may require legal representation. You may need to contact an elder law attorney.

Express your caring. When you carefully monitor your elder’s care and keep in touch with providers, you are sending a powerful message of your concern. Even a few phone calls to check in with staff members will help assure that your older relatives get the best care. When you hear of a problem with your elder’s care, don’t hesitate to bring it up to appropriate staff members and follow up with a letter and/or assistance from other organizations, if needed. Remember, by advocating for your elder’s care, you are showing your love through action.

State Office of the Aging

IT’S A SENIOR THING

Advocating for Your Elder’s Care

“It’s A Senior Thing” is a regular column on issues of interest to Good News readers 50 years & older (and their caregivers).

GOOD NEWS—31 Years Page 12 NOVEMBER 2017

2nd Quarterly Mass Meeting

NEW YORK CITY DISTRICT

Saturday, December 2, 2017 9:00 AM

Rush Temple AME Zion Church

119-48 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11434 718-542-2933

OUTREACH:

Toys (unwrapped)

Ruth Stevens, District President Rev. A. Alfred Carson, Presiding Elder

Advent December 3-24, 2017

The season of Advent, which comes from the Latin word adventus meaning “coming” or “visit," begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. Advent is the begin-ning of the liturgical year for Christians. [Liturgical -- from liturgy, which means the forms and functions of public worship.]

During Advent, we prepare for, and anticipate, the coming of Christ. We remember the longing of Jews for a Messiah and our own longing for, and need of, forgiveness, salvation and a new beginning. Even as we look back and celebrate the birth of Jesus in a humble stable in Bethle-hem, we also look forward anticipating the sec-ond coming of Christ as the fulfillment of all that was promised by his first coming.

http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/what-is-advent

This year’s Winter Meeting is about worship: develop-ing music and worship arts ministries, engaging youth and young adults, relevant ways of engaging the liturgical sea-sons, developing the skills to effectively lead worship, and much more. Most importantly, this meeting is about the love of God and how we live worship in our daily lives. Truthville 2017: ADORATION is for you!

There is something for everyone at Truth-ville! Youth will have an exciting program in which they will learn what it means to worship God with their talents and gifts and authentically honor God with their lives.

Pastors and clergy will have experiences that will offer insights into designing worship that empowers people to deeply connect the Gospel story revealed in the liturgical calendar to real life. We are excited to again feature the “Preaching Practicum” for clergy and the new “Lift Your Voice” public speaking session for laity.

Experiences for Christian Educators will include teaching on the true importance of the liturgical calendar as a discipleship tool, tips on leading and teaching spiritual formation practices, and insights into developing meaning-ful worship experiences with children and youth.

Young Adults will have a great opportunity to grow together as they wrestle with many of the pressing ques-tions of faith that lay on their hearts. Through this, they will come to know meaningful ways they can connect with Christ, get in tune with God’s voice and God’s presence in their lives, and find ways to live worship in their commu-nities.

As always, the Varick Children’s Winter Camp and the Just for Seniors program will offer our children and seniors fun and creative opportunities to discover, learn, and fellowship.

Regular Registration (Oct 18—Dec 4) Children 3-12, $110; Youth 13-21-$140; Young Adults 22-40 —$165; Adults 41-74, $195; Senior Citizens 75 & over,

$25.

On-Site Registration (Dec 27-30) Note: After Dec 7, those who have not registered

will have to register on site Children 3-12, $120; Youth 13-21-$165; Young Adults 22-40 —$185; Adults 41-74, $210; Senior Citizens 75 & over,

$25.

Christian Education Department

Mid-Winter Meeting December 27-30, 2017

Truthville 2017: Truthville 2017:

ADORATIONADORATION

Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel 265 Peachtree Center Ave NE

Atlanta Georgia 30303

800-228-9290 / 404-521-0000

GOOD NEWS—31 Years Page 13 NOVEMBER 2017

Hunger Is Feelings "A Little Activity For Your Society"

While statistics are helpful in learning about hunger, the following questions may help you get more fully into the issue by understanding hunger on an emotional, rather than factual, level. Consider the following questions:

1. What are the dangers of thinking statistically about hungry people? How can we understand them in more human ways?

3. Take a few silent moments to imagine that you have to decide between paying rent on your farm (to avoid eviction and the loss of your livelihood) or not feeding your family enough food to guarantee their good health. No friends, no relatives can help you. How does such a decision make you feel? What do you think you would do?

4. If hunger is, in part, the frustration of having to make impossible choices, what does that tell us about the solution?

5. What are some ways we might be helping to undercut the power of hungry people? What are some ways we might further their power?

6. If we see hunger not as numbers but as families coping with anguish, grief, humiliation and fear, how would our approach to finding solutions be different?

From "Hunger:Learning for Action" by Church World Service

Individual/Family: Study causes of hunger; contribute to and/or join hunger organizations; partcipate in poor peoples' organizations; reduce consumption to share with people in need; form education and advocacy support groups.

Church: Study scriptures on hunger/poverty; include hunger concerns in prayer; contribute to international relief and development work; learn about our denomination's hunger/poverty programs; start a food pantry or donate food to a pantry; include hunger/poverty in congregational worship; volunteer overseas; partner with poor churches in U.S; volunteer at soup kitchen, pantry, or night shelter; adopt servant-advocate lifestyle; take hunger concerns to district; conference and connectional church levels.

Public Policy: Study hunger policy; follow current hunger bills; study legislators’ voting records; write letters and editorials to newspapers; call, write legislators about hunger issues; partici-pate in Bread for the World’s Offering of Letters campaign; contribute and participate in political campaigns; take a delegation to legislators or in-vite legislators to a forum, meeting, etc; run for office!

The Women’s Home and Over-seas Missionary Society observes the first Sunday in December an-nually as World Hunger Sunday and the month of December as World Hunger Month—a time to share our blessings with those in need around the world, as well as an opportunity to express our grat-itude for the bountiful blessings God has given us by giving unself-ishly to others.

We are reminded during this time of the many men, women and children around the world who suffer daily the pains of hunger. Hunger is found on every habitable continent in the world. It is caused by wars, famine, natural disasters, human greed and injustice.

As followers of Christ, it is imperative that our mission and ministry include anti-hunger activities. Many churches have heeded the Master’s mandate to feed the hungry by establishing pantries and soup kitchens. Others are supportive of local or community facilities designed for the purpose of feeding the hungry. These activities are certainly needed, appreciated and must be continued.

A Little Bit of History The objective of World Hunger

Sunday is to help in a spiritual way by sharing and giving of our monetary gifts as we attempt to relieve the sufferings of the hungry.

In 1982 the Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society heeded the cries of the millions of our sisters and brothers dying of starvation by adopting the first Sunday in December as “World Hunger Sunday” and launched a $20,000 drive for World Hunger Relief at the Executive Board meeting in August 1982.

The first observance was on December 6, 1982. All Departments of the Society and segments of the church were urged to be involved in this humanitarian

venture. Mrs. Alcestis M. Coleman was the General President. Mrs. Mildred Harvey was Secretary of Overseas Supply (as then known) and Chair of the World Hunger Committee, who motivated the Society by providing innovative materials and methods of asking. She was responsible for the promotional materials and for preparing a program.

Since World Hunger has been a major focus of the Society, thousands of dollars have been raised and contributed to various hunger causes and projects.

The General Officer responsible for the promotion of the World Hunger program is the Secretary of the Bureau of Supply who prepares a program annually and distributes it throughout the connection.

First Church WH&OM Society

Hunger Drive

KICK-OFF

Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017

First Church members are asked to bring canned goods and non-perishable food staples to the church during the month of De-cember. The donations will be given to needy families in the community through CAMBA, an organization that helps the more than half million needy families in Brooklyn.

CAMBA’s suggested Needed Items include Canned Tuna, Salm-on and Chicken | Dried Milk | Beans | Fruit | Vegetables | Pasta | Cereal | Peanut Butter | 100% Fruit Juice .

Monetary Donations will also be accepted.

GOOD NEWS—31 Years Page 14 NOVEMBER 2017

The United Nations' (UN) World AIDS Day is held on December 1 each year to honor AIDS victims. It also focuses on issues surround-ing HIV (human immunode-ficiency virus) and AIDS (acquired immune deficien-cy syndrome).

What Do People Do? World AIDS Day is the

focal point of the World AIDS Campaign, which is active all year round. On December 1, there are many health education campaigns that promote the day. Anti-discrimination activities are also launched on or around this date.

Many people hold events on World AIDS Day to remember people died of AIDS-related conditions. One example is an AIDS Memorial Quilt project, which allows friends and family members of a de-ceased AIDS sufferer to construct quilt panels, which are then exhibited throughout the United States.

Public Life World AIDS Day is a

global observance and not a public holiday.

Background AIDS stands for

"acquired immune deficien-cy syndrome" or "acquired immunodeficiency syn-drome" and denotes a con-dition, which results from the damage done by HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) to the immune sys-tem. The condition was first identified in 1981 and the name "AIDS" was first introduced on July 27, 1982.

HIV can only be trans-mitted between people through direct contact of a mucous membrane or the blood stream with a bodily fluid. Hence, there has been a lot of stigma around the spread of HIV and people living with HIV and AIDS. It has been estimated that around 33 million people around the world have been infected with HIV and that around two million people die from AIDS related con-ditions each year.

On October 27, 1988, the UN General Assembly offi-cially recognized that the World Health Organization declared December 1, 1988, to be World AIDS Day. World AIDS Day has also been observed on this date each year since then.

Symbol A simple red ribbon is

one of the most widely rec-ognized symbols of HIV and AIDS and the people who live with these condi-tions. The symbol was pre-sented by the Visual AIDS Artists Caucus in 1991. The individuals in this group wished to create a symbol to raise consciousness of HIV and AIDS. The red ribbon was originally in-tended to be worn as a badge, but is now used in a wide variety of ways.

Annie W. Blackwell Day

Mrs. Annie Walker Blackwell was born in Chester, SC, August 21, 1862, the oldest daughter of the pioneer presiding elder of Zion’s work in South Carolina, Reverend Dublin I Walker and Mrs. Matilda Walker. Her parents set the founda-tion, which in later years proved to be a firm one, for Annie seemingly never forgot the fireside home training. It was instilled deep and nothing uprooted it. History tells us that her parents, through dedication and love for the Church, do-nated the spot of land for the first A.M.E. Zion Church to be erected in South Carolina.

At age 25, on December 7, 1887, Annie married Rev. George Lincoln Blackwell, who later became a Bishop of the A.M.E. Zion Church, elected in 1908. During this period, Bishops' wives were not addressed as Supervisors as they are today, but Vice Presidents. Mrs. Blackwell assumed the role of Vice President. It was her recommendation that laid the groundwork for the change in title from Vice President to Supervisor.

In 1904 Annie Blackwell was elected Corresponding Secretary of the WH&OM Society (a position later known as Executive Secretary). She brought the office to a high state of respect and efficiency to the point that its importance was outstanding. Her executive ability and administrative works were so powerful and continuously creative that she was re-elected in five successive General Conventions.

In his history on the AME Zion Church, Bishop Walls describes Mrs. Walker as “the woman who did more in the history of the Society to construct the organization connectionwide than any other one person.” Annie Blackwell was a visionary. She envisioned the economic potential of the society’s life membership program provided for in the constitution — and she kept at it. As the result of her perseverance, the first persons were enrolled as life members at the Missionary Convention held at Metropolitan Church, Norfolk, Virginia in 1906. Her mot-to was, "Keep Everlastingly at it."

She saw the urgent need for additional training in Africa for young people. Among numerous projects her dream and chief desire was that of building a girls’ school in order that they might equip themselves for more effective service. She worked toward this dream that did not materialize until after her passing. She died on her thirty-fifth wedding anniversary, December 7, 1922, and was buried in Eden Cemetery, Phila-delphia, PA. Thus this is the date in which the Denomination holds sacred to the memory of Annie Walker Blackwell.

[In 1935, the position of Corresponding Secretary was restructured and renamed Executive Secretary. In 2015 the position of Executive Secretary was reclassified from an elected position to a Hired one and renamed Executive Director.]

Source: “A.M.E. Zion Church, Reality of the Black Church” by Bishop William Jacob Walls

Honored Annually

On December 7 Or The nearest Sunday

December 1st Is World AIDS Day

GOOD NEWS—31 Years Page 15 NOVEMBER 2017

The New York Conference YOUth Secretar-ies are delighted to present Guest Facilitator, Vicki Breaux, General Secretary, YOUth Mis-sionaries (WHOMS ~AME Zion Church) at a YOUth retreat to be held at Greater Centennial A.M.E. Zion Church, Mount Vernon, NY on Saturday, January 13, 2018, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Registration is $10-youth; $15-adults. On-site registration is $15-youth; $20-adults

For more information contact the NY Confer-

ence YOUth Secretaries: Anita Bullock (845-362-0224/ neetb001@aol.com), Westchester Dis-trict; Tawanda Harris (916-996-9149/ zwrdirec-

tor@gmail.com) Long Island District; or Edith Mayfield (917-882-5638/ Y4H1m@yahoo.com) New York City District

What is The Life Book?

God's Word in a format students love to give

as a gift The Life Book contains a short recap of the Old Testament,

the entire Gospel of John (ESV), scriptural answers to issues teens face, and an opportunity to trust Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Throughout The Life Book, the margins are filled with hand-written teen reaction ranging from an agnostic to a strong believ-er. This unique interactive approach points teens back into the scripture being talked about. The Life Book is 110 pages, measures 5" x 5" and can be viewed at thelifebook.com.

Note: Each participant at the 2017 New York Conference Work-

shop received a copy of the “Life Book” — (see page 5)

2018 YOUth Retreat

Food for Thought

Since it's the early worm that gets eat-en by the bird, sleep late.

The second mouse gets the cheese.

When everything's coming your way, you're probably in the wrong lane.

Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.

We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names, and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.

Accept that some days you're the pi-geon, and some days you're the statue.

Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.

Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can be recalled by their maker.

GOOD NEWS—31 Years Page 16 NOVEMBER 2017

YOUNG ADULT MISSIONARY SOCIETY FOUNDERS DAY OBSERVANCE

November 2017

WORLD COMMUNITY DAY—CHURCH WOMEN UNITED

Friday, November 3, 2017

NCNW’S 15TH UNCOMMON HEIGHT GALA

Friday, November 17, 2017—JW Marriott Hotel, Washington DC

ELECTION DAY — VOTE!

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

NEW YORK CONFERENCE YOUNG ADULT MISSIONARY SOCIETY RETREAT

Friday-Sunday, November 10-12, 2017 — Wainwright House, Rye, NY

WORLD AIDS DAY

Friday, December 1, 2017

NEW YORK CITY DISTRICT TRI-MEETING

Saturday, December 2, 2017—Rush Temple AME Zion Church, Jamaica NY

WORLD HUNGER SUNDAY

Sunday, December 3, 2017

ANNIE W BLACKWELL ANNIVERSARY OBSERVANCE

Sunday, December 3, 2017

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT MID-WINTER MEETING

Atlanta Marriott Marquis, 265 Peachtree Center Ave NE, Atlanta Georgia

Wednesday-Saturday, December 27-30, 2017

NEW YORK CONFERENCE YOUTH RETREAT

Saturday, January 13, 2018—Greater Centennial AME Zion Church, Mt Vernon, NY

VICTORY DAY — YOUTH MISSIONARY SOCIETY

Sunday, January 14, 2018

80th ANNIVERSARY WH&OM SOCIETY STATES TEA

Sunday, January 14, 2018 — First AME Zion Church, Brooklyn, NY

MARIE L. CLINTON ANNIVERSARY OBSERVANCE

Sunday, January 28, 2018

BOARD OF BISHOPS/INTERNATIONAL MINISTERS & LAY ASSNOCIATION MEETING

Monday-Friday, February 12-16, 2018—Norfolk Waterside Marriott, Norfolk, VA

2018 W.H.&O.M. SOCIETY GENERAL LEADERSHIP TRAINING INSTITUTE

Thursday-Sunday, April 26-29, 2018, Camp Dorothy Walls, Black Mountain, NC

HARRIET TUBMAN PILGRIMAGE & SUMMIT

Thursday-Saturday, May 31-June 2, 2018 — Auburn, NY

NEW YORK ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Hosted by Rush Temple AME Zion Church, Jamaica NY

Wednesday-Sunday, June 20-24, 2018 — Westchester Marriott, Tarrytown, NY

CONNECTIONAL COUNCIL A.M.E. ZION CHURCH

Sheraton Birmingham Hotel — Birmingham, Alabama

Wednesday-Saturday, July 18-21, 2018

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION QUADRENNIAL CONVENTION

Sheraton Birmingham Hotel & Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center

Saturday-Thursday, July 21-26, 2018 — Birmingham, AL

NORTH AMERICA AREA SEMINAR— WORLD FEDERATION OF MEHODIST AND

UNITING CHURCH WOMEN

Tuesday-Monday, Oct 30– Nov 5, 2018; Hilton Trinidad Hotel & Conference Center, Trinidad, VI

29th QUADRENNIAL CONVENTION—W.H.&O.M. SOCIETY

Monday-Saturday, July 15-20, 2019—Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel, Orlando, FL

Sis. Victorinne Britton Nov. 01 Rev. Ruby J. Smith Nov. 01 Bro. Justin Jean-Jacques Nov. 02 Bro. Jasper McCormick Nov. 04 Sis. Eleanor Jordan Nov. 06 Rev. Monty Witherspoon-Brown Nov. 07 Rev. Dr. Richard Chapple Nov. 08 Sis. Victoria Sanders Nov. 08 Sis. Velveline Faye Ugbomah Nov. 09 Rev. Gregor Miles Nov. 10 Bro. Robert E. Leake Nov. 14 Sis. Theresa Acolatse Nov. 14 Sis. Christina Jackson Penrose Nov. 16 Sis. Aurelia Brown Nov. 17 Sis. Sandra Miles Nov. 18 Sis. Felicia-Lynn Staton Nov. 18 Rev. Henrico White Nov. 20 Sis. Mary Hicklin McNeely Nov. 21 Sis. Sandra Upshur Arnette Nov. 22 Sis. Tanya M. Walker Nov. 25 Sis. Nancy E. Russell Nov. 27 Rev. Isidoa Branch, Sr. Nov. 27 Sis. C. Thelma Brown Nov. 28 Sis. Mercedies Webber Nov. 29 Sis. KiRondi Harris Branch Nov. 29 Sis. Marilyn Vaughn Nov. 30 Bro. Aaron T. Sanders Nov. 30 Sis. Angie Kelly Benn Nov. 30

Belated Birthday Greetings

Sis. Carolyn Teagle Oct. 22

We pause to remember….. Reverend Dr. G. Michael Tydus, Presiding Elder Buffalo District, Western NY Conference, died Wednesday, October 18 and was funeralized Saturday, October 28 from St. Paul AME Zion Church, Buffalo, NY

Rev. Maxine S. Woody, wife of Rev. Charles H. Woody, former pastor, Mother Walls AME Zion Church, Bronx, NY, home-going service was held Thursday, November 2, at The Rock Hill AME Zion Church, Concord, NC.

Reverend Cecil Muschett, Superannuated Minis-ter at The Mother AME Zion Church, NY City and the husband of the Reverend Regina Muschett, funer-al service was held Friday, November 3rd from

Mother Zion.

We are deeply saddened by the deaths of our sister and brothers and will greatly miss them. We pray that God will comfort and sustain each family and all who mourn.