Annual Conference - Camden District | Southwest Conference

Transcription

9th Episcopal District
African Methodist
Episcopal Church
Annual Conference
Schedule of Worship
and Program Guide
Presiding Prelate
Bishop Harry L. Seawright
Episcopal Supervisor
Reverend Sherita M. Seawright
1|Page
AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
“God Our Creator,
Christ Our Redeemer,
The Holy Spirit Our Comforter,
Humankind Our Family”
2016
ANNUAL CONFERENCE SERIES
B ISHOP H ARRY L.S EAWRIGHT
Presiding Prelate
R EVEREND S HERITA M. S EAWRIGHT
WMS Supervisor

M A I L I NG A D D R E S S
Post Office Box 11705
Birmingham, AL 35202
E P I S C OP A L D I S T R IC T O F F IC E
1500 Daniel Payne Drive
205.326.4499 (Office)
205.326.4434 (Fax)
www.ninthamec.org
2|Page
Our Episcopal Leaders
3|Page
From the Bishop’s Heart
Dear Members of the 9th Episcopal District,
I greet you in the name of Jesus Christ! My heart rejoices
over what God has bestowed upon me through the
election and consecration as the 133rd Bishop in the
African Methodist Episcopal Church. Episcopal Supervisor,
Reverend Sherita M. Seawright, our children Shari and
Matthew and our grandson Cameron will always
remember Monday, July 11, 2016! I am grateful for the
vote of confidence from all the Delegates during the 50 th
Quadrennial Session of the General Conference. To be
elected during our bicentennial celebration truly exceeded
anything I could imagine!
I am honored that the 9th Episcopal District is my first
episcopal appointment and thank you for your warm
welcome during our initial meeting at the conclusion of the
General Conference. Prior to my assignment, I visited and
worshipped with you a few times at the Daniel Payne
Community Plaza in Birmingham. I commend you on your
steadfast faith and commitment to own such a jewel. It is a
strong testimony to the legacy of African Methodism and
the Holy Spirit-filled vision of our founder, Bishop Richard
Allen.
While we work, serve, worship and grow together, I look
forward to getting to know each of you. As our District
answers God’s call to rise to a higher level of service, I stand
on the promise that God does exceedingly, abundantly
more than we can ask or think, according to the power that
works in us. This promise gives me hope that God’s blessings
will flow and our Zion will thrive.
I respect the wisdom and the philosophy of our founders.
My vision for the AME Church is to create an atmosphere
that strengthens the Spirit of God upon which this
denomination was founded. As I lead the 9th Episcopal
District and serve the present age, I challenge us all to
encourage, empower and enable everyone we encounter
from children, youth and young adults to seniors.
4|Page
Because I am a self-proclaimed “people-person,” I
welcome the opportunity to greet each of you in the days
and months ahead. In the meantime, I may be reached via
email at BishopHLS133@gmail.com or by phone, after
September 12, 2016, at the 9th Episcopal District office at
(205) 326-4499.
Thank you in advance for your prayers, assistance and
support and remember I am praying for you also.
Because of Christ, I am,
Bishop Harry L. Seawright
Presiding Prelate of the 9th Episcopal District of the AME Church
5|Page
Table of Contents
3
Episcopal Leaders
4-5
The Bishop’s Word
6
Table of Contents
7-9
Annual Conferences, Plenary Dates & Venues
10
The Bishops
11
The Bishops in Retrospect & Respect
12
General Officers & Retired General Officers
13
Ninth Episcopal District Officers and Staff
14
Presiding Elders
15-17
Component Leaders
18-21
Annual Conferences Agenda & Daily Schedule
22-32
Annual Conference Sermons and Committees
33-34
The Opening Worship Service
35
A Night of Revival Service
36-44
The Ordination and Communion Service
45
The Retirement Celebration Service
46
The Memorial Moment Service
47-48
The Closing Worship Service
48
The Commissioning Service
49-54
The Annual Conference Singing
54
The Conference at Worship
Missionary Benediction
Lay Organization Quadrennial Theme
The Lay Benediction
55
Disciplinary Questions
6|Page
2016 Annual Conference Schedule
7TH SESSION OF THE NORTHWEST ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Tuesday, September 6, 2016 – WMS Annual Convention
Wednesday – Saturday, September 7–10, 2016  Business, Training & Worship
(Opening Annual Service – Wednesday, September 7, 2016 at 6:30pm)
St. Mark AME Church, Dora – Rev. Sheila Williams – Host Church & Pastor
St. Mark AME Church, Mason City – Rev. Gloria Patrick – Host Church & Pastor
Allen Chapel AME Church, Woodlawn – Rev. Venita Farness – Host Church & Pastor
Reverend Oliver Allen, Host Presiding Elder
Reverend Dwight E. Dillard, Host Presiding Elder
Held at
DANIEL PAYNE COMMUNITY PLAZA
1500 Daniel Payne Drive, Birmingham, AL 35214
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
The Westin Birmingham
2221 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd, North * Birmingham, AL 35203 * 205.307.3600
Singles/Doubles: $159.00 + Tax
Sheraton Hotel Birmingham
2101 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd, North * Birmingham, AL 35203 * 205.324.5000
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
1733 Fulton Road * Fultondale, AL 35068 * 205.439.6300
Best Western Plus – Carlton Suites
140 State Farm Parkway * Homewood, AL 35209 * 205.940.9990
Kings/Corp.Suites: $99.00 + Tax; Family Suites/Doubles: $109.00 + Tax
SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 IS THE DEADLINE FOR ALL GROUP RATES
Note: Please confirm all room rates and deadline dates with the
Host Pastor/Church or the hotel(s) listed.
7TH SESSION OF THE SOUTHEAST ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Tuesday, September 13, 2016 – WMS Annual Convention
Wednesday – Saturday, September 14–17, 2016 – Business, Training & Worship
(Opening Annual Service – Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016 at 6:30pm)
John’s Chapel AME Church, Enterprise
605 Geneva Highway, Enterprise, AL 36330 * 334.393.2661
Reverend Trevor Woolridge, Host Pastor
Reverend Johnny Rutledge, Host Presiding Elder
Candlewood Suites
203 Brabham Drive * Enterprise, AL 36330 * 334.308.1102
August 19, 2016 IS THE DEADLINE FOR THE GROUP RATE
7|Page
7TH SESSION OF THE ALABAMA RIVER REGION ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Tuesday, October 4, 2016 – WMS Annual Convention
Wednesday – Saturday, October 5-8, 2016 – Business, Training & Worship
(Opening Annual Service – Wednesday, October 5, 2016 at 6:30pm)
St. Paul AME Church, Montgomery
706 East Patton Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36111
Reverend Dr. Farrell Duncombe, Host Pastor
Reverend Albert L. Hyche, Host Presiding Elder
Embassy Suites Montgomery
300 Tallapoosa Street * Montgomery, AL 36104
Kings/Doubles $144.00 + Tax; Self-daily parking: $10.00 or Valet $15.00
and Free Breakfast.
Hampton Inn
100 Commerce Street * Montgomery, AL 36104
Kings/Doubles $144.00 + Tax; Studio $154.00 +Tax
Self-daily parking $5.00 or Valet $10.00.
Double Tree
120 Madison Avenue * Montgomery, AL 36104
Kings $139.00 + Tax; Parking $10.00.
Marriott Courtyard
5555 Carmichael Road * Montgomery, AL 36117
Kings/Doubles $89.00--$103.71 + Tax; Call Moses Williams at 334.272.5533
7TH SESSION OF THE NORTHEAST ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Wednesday – Saturday, October 12-15, 2016 – Business, Training & Worship
Washington Chapel AME Church, Tuskegee
2508 Old Montgomery Road, Tuskegee, AL 36088
Reverend Andrew Holtz, Jr., Host Pastor
Reverend Dr. Letitia Watford, Host Presiding Elder
Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center at Tuskegee University
1 Booker T. Washington Boulevard * Tuskegee Institute, AL 36088
334.727.3000 or 1.800.949.6161
Single/Double: $75.00 + Tax
Block ID: Washington Chapel
Cut-off Date: September 20, 2016
8|Page
7TH SESSION OF THE SOUTHWEST ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Wednesday – Saturday, October 19 – 22, 2016 – Business, Training & Worship
St. Paul AME Church, Mobile
1251 Rev. A.T. Days Street, Mobile, AL 36605
Reverend Robert J. Rumley, Host Pastor
Reverend Johnnie M. Bryant, Host Presiding Elder
Hampton Inn and Suites - Downtown Historic District
62 South Royal Street * Mobile, AL 36602 * 251.436.8787
Double/King $119.00 + Tax;
Complimentary Breakfast; Parking: $9.00/night
October 1, 2016 IS THE DEADLINE FOR THE GROUP RATE
Group Rate Code: SWA
PRE-PLENARY MEETING
Presiding Elders’ Meeting with Bishop
Daniel Payne Community Plaza, Birmingham
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
PLENARY MEETING
Daniel Payne Community Plaza, Birmingham
November 10 – 12, 2016
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS: TBA
9|Page
The Bishops of the A. M. E. Church
DISTRICTS
ELECTED
1ST …………………… 118 ……………
BISHOPS
GREGORY GERALD MCKINLEY INGRAM
2ND……………….…… 123 ……………
JAMES LEVERT DAVIS
3 ……………….…… 109 ……………
MCKINLEY YOUNG
4 …………….……… 130 ……………
JOHN FRANKLIN WHITE
5 …………….……… 131 ……………
CLEMENT W. FUGH
6 ……………….…… 132 ……………
REGINALD T. JACKSON
7 …………….……… 125 ……………
SAMUEL LAWRENCE GREEN, SR.
8 ………….………… 129 ……………
JULIUS HARRISON MCALLISTER, SR.
9 ………….………… 133 ……………
HARRY LEE SEAWRIGHT
10 …………………
VASHTI MURPHY MCKENZIE
RD
TH
TH
TH
TH
TH
TH
TH
117 ……………
11 ………………….. 115 ……………
ADAM JEFFERSON RICHARDSON, JR.
12 ……….………… 134 ……………
MICHAEL LEON MITCHELL
13 ……….………… 128 ……………
JEFFREY NATHANIEL LEATH
14 ……….…………. 127 ……………
E. EARL MCCLOUD, JR.
15 ……….…………. 124 ……………
DAVID RWHYNICA DANIELS, JR.
16 ………………….. 135 ……………
E. ANNE HENNING BYFIELD
17 ………………..… 120 ……………
WILFRED JACOBUS MESSIAH
18 ………….………. 137 ……………
STAFFORD J.N. WICKER
19 ………………….. 121 ……………
PAUL JONES MULENGA KAWIMBE
20 ………………….. 136 ……………
RONNIE ELIJAH BRAILSFORD, SR.
ECUMENICAL OFFICER 138…………..
FRANK MADISON REID, III
TH
TH
TH
TH
TH
TH
TH
TH
TH
TH
The Retired Bishops
BISHOPS
N O.
JOHN HURST ADAMS……………………………………………………
FREDERICK HILBORN TALBOT………………….…..…………………
FREDERICK CALHOUN JAMES…………….…………………………..
FRANK CURTIS CUMMINGS………………….………………………..
PHILIP ROBERT COUSIN, SR. ………………….………………………
HENRY ALLEN BELIN, JR. ………………….…………………………..
JOHN RICHARD BRYANT ……………………………………………….
ROBERT VAUGHN WEBSTER ………………….………………………
ZEDEKIAH LAZETT GRADY ………………….………………….………
CORNAL GARNETT HENNING, SR. ………………………..………..
WILLIAM PHILLIPS DEVEAUX, SR. ……………………..……………
THEODORE LARRY KIRKLAND …………………………………………
RICHARD FRANKLIN NORRIS ………………………………..………..
PRESTON WARREN WILLIAMS, II ……………………………………
CAROLYN TYLER-GUIDRY ………………….…………………………..
87
90
93
95
96
104
106
110
111
112
113
114
116
119
122
10 | P a g e
The Bishops who have served the Ninth Episcopal District
In Retrospect & Respect
BISHOPS
SERVED
JOHN MIFFLIN BROWN
1868 – 1872
THOMAS M. D. WARD
1872 – 1878
J. P. CAMPBELL
1878 – 1880
ALEXANDER WASHINGTON WAYMAN
1880 – 1884
DANIEL ALEXANDER PAYNE
1884 – 1888
WESLEY JOHN GAINES
1888 – 1892
ABRAM GRANT
1892 – 1896
HENRY MCNEAL TURNER
1896 – 1900
WESLEY JOHN GAINES
1900 – 1904
LEVI JENKINS COPPIN
1904 – 1908
HENRY B. PARKS
1908
JOSHUA H. JONES
1908 – 1916
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN LEE
1916 – 1924
WILLIAM A. FOUNTAIN
1924 – 1928
ROBERT A. GRANT
1928 – 1936
DAVID H. SIMS
1936 – 1940
DECATUR W. NICHOLS
1940 – 1948
SHERMAN L. GREENE
1948 – 1951
WILLIAM A. FOUNTAIN
1951 – 1952
ISAIAH H. BONNER
1952 – 1956
CAREY A. GIBBS
1956 – 1960
ISAIAH H. BONNER
1960 – 1968
HUBERT N. ROBINSON
1968 – 1972
VINTON R. ANDERSON
1972 – 1976
PHILIP R. COUSIN, SR.
1976 – 1984
FRANK M. REID, JR.
1984 – 1989
CORNELIUS E. THOMAS
1989 – 1996
ZEDEKIAH L. GRADY
1996 – 2002
THEODORE L. KIRKLAND, SR.
2002 – 2008
JAMES LEVERT DAVIS
2008 – 2016
HARRY LEE SEAWRIGHT
2016 –
11 | P a g e
General Officers of the A.M.E. Church
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER………………………….. Dr. Richard A. Lewis, Sr.
SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION…………………………… Rev. Roderick D. Belin
GLOBAL WITNESS AND MINISTRY……….……….… Dr. George F. Flowers
EMPLOYMENT SECURITY…………………………..… Dr. Jerome V. Harris
CHURCH GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT……………. Dr. James Wade
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION……………………………… Rev. Garland F. Pierce
EDITOR, AME CHRISTIAN RECORDER………………. Mr. John Thomas, III
GENERAL SECRETARY………………………………… Dr. Jeffery Cooper
RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP………………..……… Dr. Teresa Fry-Brown
Retired General Officers
Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr.
Dr. Paulette Coleman
Dr. Dennis C. Dickerson
Dr. Kenneth H. Hill
Dr. Daryl B. Ingram
Dr. Hercules Miles
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor, III
Dr. Jamye Coleman Williams
12 | P a g e
The Episcopal District Officers and Staff
Bishop Harry L. Seawright, PRESIDING PRELATE
Reverend Sherita M. Seawright, WMS - SUPERVISOR
Reverend Alvelyn Sanders, EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Ms. Nell Hayes, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT to the BISHOP
Rev. Johnny Rutledge, PRESIDENT, PRESIDING ELDERS’ COUNCIL
Rev. Oliver Allen, TREASURER
Rev. Brian Blackwell, ACCOUNTANT
Mrs. Susie Jones Bonner, PRESIDENT, WMS
Mr. Devan Elder, PRESIDENT, YPD
Mrs. Djuana Duncombe Wilson, DIRECTOR, YPD
Mrs. Bernella Knight Rose, PRESIDENT, LAY ORGANIZATION
Dr. John Campbell, CO-COORDINATOR, SONS OF ALLEN
Mr. Robert L. Turner, CO-COORDINATOR, SONS OF ALLEN
Mrs. Johnnita Bryant, PRESIDENT, MINISTERS’ SPOUSES
Mrs. Hattie Nathan, DIRECTOR, CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Rev. Sheri Smith Clayborn, ASST. DIRECTOR, CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Rev. Dr. Patrick Clayborn, CO-COORDINATOR, NICHOLS THOMAS GRADY
CLERGY INSTITUTE
Rev. Dr. Patricia Outlaw, CO-COORDINATOR, NICHOLS THOMAS GRADY
CLERGY INSTITUTE
Rev. Agnes Lover, CDMC COORDINATOR
Rev. Maurice Wright, II, CO-DIRECTOR, EVANGELISM MINISTRY
Rev. Dr. Lugenia Johnson, CO-DIRECTOR, EVANGELISM MINISTRY
Rev. Dr. Mary Hudson, PRESIDENT, W OMEN IN MINISTRY
Mrs. Latoya Kizito, CO-COORDINATOR, KOINONIAS MINISTRY
Dr. Monica Dillihunt, CO-COORDINATOR, KOINONIAS MINISTRY
Rev. Dr. Farrell Duncombe, CO-DIRECTOR, MUSIC MINISTRY
Mrs. Rosemary Buffer, CO-DIRECTOR, MUSIC MINISTRY
Rev. Alvelyn Sanders, CO-COORDINATOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS/REPORTER,
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
Mrs. Marge Simmons, CO-COORDINATOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS/EDITOR,
THE 9TH HOUR NEWSLETTER
Rev. Anre’ Fausch, ASST. REPORTER, THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
Ms. Tammy Davis, COORDINATOR OF HEALTH MINISTRY
Rev. Warren Anderson, CHIEF MARSHAL
Ms. Lottie Summerville, TECHNOLOGY COORDINATOR
Mrs. Allie Reddick, REPORTER OF CLERGY INFORMATION
Mrs. Bernella Knight Rose, CHAIR, SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE
13 | P a g e
The Episcopal District Presiding Elders
NORTHWEST ALABAMA CONFERENCE
Birmingham-Florence……………………… Rev. Dwight E. Dillard
Tuscaloosa District
P. O. Box 11170
205.785.2727 (Home) ~ 205.527.5863 (Cell)
South Birmingham-Huntsville…………… Rev. Oliver Allen
Bessemer District
P. O. Box 22346
Huntsville, AL 35814
256.585.1521 (Home) ~ 334.797.5386 (Cell)
West Birmingham-Ensley………………… Rev. Cleophas Guice, Sr.
Greensboro District
1625 5th Avenue, West
205.337.6478 (Cell)
SOUTHEAST ALABAMA CONFERENCE
Dothan-Eufaula District…………………… Rev. David E. Reddick
P. O. Box 311048
Enterprise, AL 36331
334.308.1400 (Home) ~ 334.494.0308 (Cell)
Ozark-Troy District………….……………… Rev. Johnny Rutledge
2004 38th Court
Phenix City, AL 36870
334.297.4460 (Home) ~ 706.587.4232 (Cell)
ALABAMA RIVER REGION CONFERENCE
Montgomery Selma District…… …….…… Rev. Albert L. Hyche
933 Woodbrook Road
205.520.0295 (Home) ~ 205.616.2970 (Cell)
NORTHEAST ALABAMA CONFERENCE
Phenix City District………….……………… Rev. Samuel Smith
168 Reyes Street
Ozark, AL 36360
334.774.8810 (Home) ~ 334.798.1703 (Cell)
Tuskegee District………….………………… Rev. Dr. Letitia Watford
1718 South Perry Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
334.224.8795 (Cell)
SOUTHWEST ALABAMA CONFERENCE
Mobile District…………….…………………. Rev. Johnnie Bryant
6754 Mauvilla Drive W
Eight Mile, AL 36613
251.675.7715 (Home) ~ 251.610.2928 (Cell)
Camden District……………………………… Rev. Dr. Jacquelyn L. Denson
P. O. Box 333
Andalusia, AL 36420
334.427.7235 (Home) ~ 334.207.8331 (Cell)
14 | P a g e
The Episcopal District Component Leaders
2016-2017
WMS CONFERENCE PRESIDENTS
Mrs. Patricia R. Smith
Northwest Alabama Conference
Mrs. Dorothy Sconiers-Bevel
Southeast Alabama Conference
Mrs. Joyce P. O’Neal
Alabama River Region Conference
Mrs. Stephanie Bender
Northeast Alabama Conference
Mrs. Betty Davis
Southwest Alabama Conference
YPD CONFERENCE DIRECTORS
Mrs. Ann Sharp
Ms. Tammy Booth
Mrs. Yvonne Kelly
Ms. Valerie C. Wright
Ms. Debra Weatherspoon
YPD CONFERENCE PRESIDENTS
Brittney Edison
Christian Hinton
Tigah Grayson
Cortez Thomas
Cameron Robinson


15 | P a g e
2016-2017
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION DIRECTORS
Rev. Christopher Burnett
Rev. LaKenya Anderson
Rev. Agnes Lover
Mrs. Hattie Nathan
Rev. Charlotte Greene
LAY ORGANIZATION CONFERENCE PRESIDENTS
Dr. Wayman Shiver
Ms. LaJosipha McLeod
Mr. Kenneth Strong
Mr. Robert Turner
Mr. Gary Hart
SONS OF ALLEN COORDINATORS
Mr. Jeremy Joseph
Mr. Franklin Simmons
Mr. John Campbell
Mr. Robert Turner
Mr. Terry Jones
16 | P a g e
KOINONIAS COORDINATORS
Bridget Sims & Lakeshea Taylor
Jason Morris
Mia Cole
Kendra Jacobs
Wendy Washington

BROTHERHOOD COMMITTEE
Rev. Dwight E. Dillard, Treasurer
Rev. Damien Littlejohn
Rev. Freddie Flowers
Rev. Dr. Farrell Duncombe
Rev. L.C. Green
Rev. John L. Dees, Jr.
SUPERINTENDENTS
Dr. Simpson Berry, Sr.
Sis. Faye McLeod
Bro. Ira Simmons
Sis. Jewel Harris
Sis. Mary Turner
17 | P a g e
Conference Agenda & Daily Schedule
NORTHWEST, SOUTHEAST, ALABAMA RIVER REGION, NORTHEAST
AND THE SOUTHWEST ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCES
All Pastors’ Annual Reports are available online at www.ninthamec.org and
must be submitted electronically. Completed reports must be sent via e-mail to
ninthdistrictame@gmail.com. Please contact your Presiding Elder for the
deadline submission date for your Annual Conference.
TUESDAY
8:00am
9:00am
9:30am*
10:00am
10:45am
PRE-CONFERENCE ACTIVITIES & SERVICES
Presiding Elders will meet with the Bishop
Conference Finance Committee, District Accountant and Treasurer
will meet with the Bishop
Bishop’s Moment with the WMS
Conference Secretaries & Statistician will meet with the Bishop
Board of Examiners and all candidates will meet with the Bishop.
(Please be on time and ready to report.)
3:00pm
4:30pm
Bishop Meets With All Clergy
OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE 7TH SESSION OF THE
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
 Roll Call
 Transfers
 Organization
 Conference Boundary
 Presiding Elders’ Summary Report
6:30pm
Business Session Adjournment
WOMEN’S MISSIONARY SOCIETY CONFERENCE (8am – 5pm)
8:00am
9:30am*
Registration/Fellowship/Breakfast/Devotion
WMS Annual Conference Meeting
*Bishop’s Moment with the WMS
12:00pm
WMS Noon Day Worship Service
LUNCH / RECESS
1:30pm
2:45pm
7:00pm
WMS Annual Conference Meeting/Election
WMS NIGHT IN WHITE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE
WEDNESDAY
7:30am
8:20am
8:30am
9:00am
BREAKFAST
9:45am
BUSINESS SESSION
Devotion (4th Year Candidates)
Morning Glory Bible Study
Conference Institute
Reading of the Minutes
Financial Reports
 9th District Budget Presentation
 9th District Audit Report
 Brotherhood
 Conference Treasurer
18 | P a g e
11:00am
Pastors’ Reports
12:00pm
Conference Component Reports
 Social and Political Action
 Women in Ministry
 Health Ministry
 M-SWAWO+ PKs
 Christian Debutante & Masters
12:30pm
HOUR OF POWER WORSHIP SERVICE
1:30pm
LUNCH / RECESS
3:00pm
BUSINESS SESSION
Devotion (3rd Year Candidates)
Administrative Committee Reports
 Board of Examiners
 Employee Security
 Church Growth
 Christian Education
 Church School
 Youth & Young Adult Concerns
4:30pm
Pastors’ Reports
5:45pm
DINNER / RECESS
7:00pm
OPENING WORSHIP SERVICE
THURSDAY
7:30am
8:20am
8:30am
9:00am
BREAKFAST
9:45am
BUSINESS SESSION
Devotion (2nd Year Candidates)
Administrative Committee Reports
 Conference Trustees
 Deeds, Abstracts and Abandoned Property
 Missions, Circuits and Stations
 Conference Boundaries
10:30am
Pastors’ Reports
12:30pm
HOUR OF POWER ~ Women in Ministry
1:30pm
LUNCH / RECESS
2:50pm
Devotion (1st Year Candidates)
3:00pm
5:30pm
TOWNHALL MEETING
DINNER / RECESS
7:00pm
ORDINATION WORSHIP SERVICE
19 | P a g e
FRIDAY
7:30am
8:15am
8:30am
9:00am
BREAKFAST
Devotion (Class on Admission)
9:45am
BUSINESS SESSION
10:00am
Pastors’ Reports
11:00am
Daniel Payne College Reports
12:30pm
HOUR OF POWER ~ Sons of Allen
1:30pm
LUNCH / RECESS
(Bishop will have private consultation with Pastors and
congregations as needed)
2:45pm
Retirement Service
3:30pm
Pastors’ Reports
4:00pm
Memorial Service
4:45pm
Church School
6:00pm
DINNER / RECESS
7:00pm
LAY ORGANIZATION WORSHIP SERVICE
SATURDAY
8:00am
BREAKFAST
YPD Session
9:30am
YPD PROGRAM
7:00am
11:15am
Praise Service
11:30am
CLOSING & COMMISSIONING SERVICE
Resolutions
Accountant’s Finance Report
Expressions of Gratitude
Commissioning Service
Presentation of Certificates
Reading of Appointments
Benediction
20 | P a g e
SEVENTH SESSION
Northwest Alabama Annual Conference
September 6 - 10, 2016
DANIEL PAYNE COMMUNITY PLAZA
Allen Chapel AME Church, Woodlawn
Rev. Venita Farness, Host Pastor
St. Mark AME Church, Dora
Rev. Sheila Williams, Host Pastor
St. Mark AME Church, Mason City
Rev. Gloria Patrick, Host Pastor
SERMONS AND SERVICES
WMS (Night in White)
ANNUAL ………………..………………………......….THE REV. CHRIS WALKER
Pastor, St. Paul AME Church, Eastlake
MID-DAY SERVICE (Wednesday)
WOMEN IN MINISTRY MID-DAY WORSHIP SERVICE (Thursday)
ORDINATION SERVICE (Thursday Night)
SONS OF ALLEN MID-DAY WORSHIP SERVICE (Friday)
LAY ORGANIZATION WORSHIP SERVICE (Friday Night)
COMMISSIONING CLOSING
BOARD OF EXAMINERS
All Conference Presiding Elders serve as Advisors to the Board
DEAN …………………….…………..
The Rev. T. Eric Nathan
SECRETARY …………….…….…….
The Rev. Raymond Swafford
ADMISSIONS …..………………….
The Rev. Bruce Hunter
The Rev. Gloria A. Hall
FIRST YEAR ………………………..
The Rev. Mashod A. Evans
The Rev. Percy Jones, Sr.
SECOND YEAR ……….……………
The Rev. Dr. Ronald D. Sterling
THIRD YEAR …………………..……
The Rev. Alfonso Colvin
The Rev. James Platt
FOURTH YEAR ……….……..…….
The Rev. Dr. Patricia Outlaw
The Rev. Dr. Patrick Clayborn
The Rev. Christopher Burnett
The Rev. Deborah Peppers
The Rev. Alvelyn Sanders
The Rev. Dr. Robert R. A. Turner
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD ……
MEMORIALS: The Revs. Charles Marie Davis, Debra A. Ballard, Victor Baugh, James
Davis, Sr., Addie L. Deviner, Myers Hawkins, Willis N. Huggins, Percy W. Jones, Sr.,
21 | P a g e
Nancy H. Seay and Glenn E. Smiley Sisters Rebecca Buggs, Mildred I. Hardy, Sharon
V. Thornton and Brenda Clayton Brothers William Mark, Zion Phllips, Kevin Partte,
James Robinson and Robert Tolliver.
MINISTERIAL EFFICIENCY: The Revs. Mashod A. Evans, Gloria A. Hall, Bruce W. Hunter,
Betty C. Robinson, Raymond B. Swafford, Robert R.A. Turner and Johnnie L. Edison.
JUDICIARY: Revs. Dwight E. Dillard, T. Eric Nathan, Anre’ Faush, Richard Carter and Dr.
Patricia Outlaw.
EMPLOYEE SECURITY COMMITTEE: Revs. Damien R. Littlejohn, Levi A. Billups, III, T. Eric
Nathan, Roosevelt Williams, III, John Russell and Alvelyn Sanders, Sisters Daisy Walker,
Kaye Burrows, Daphne Garrett and Shirley Osborne, Brothers Larry Searcy, James
Elmore and Perry Washington.
BUDGET COMMITTEE: Revs. Gloria Hall, Bruce Hunter and Brother James C. Bonner.
CONFERENCE TRUSTEES: Revs. T. Eric Nathan, Dwight E. Dillard and Roosevelt Williams,
III, Sisters Brenda Clayton and Dr. Jeanette Jones Brother James O. Heyward.
FINANCE COMMITTEE: To Be Elected
DEEDS, ABSTRACTS AND ABANDONED PROPERTY: Revs. Wm. Jermaine Richardson,
Claudewell Campbell, Steve R. Caver, Vicki L. Mayberry, Tony W. Latham, Raymond E.
Mayes, Sharon J. Hearn, Jerry Wilder and Sandra Cole Sisters Glenda Baites, Flora
Parker, Mattie Bonds and Johnnie Pratt Brothers Ralph Minor, Thomas Hamner and Ben
Colston..
CONFERENCE BOUNDARIES: Revs. Ronald D. Sterling, Venita Farness, Willis N. Huggins,
Sr., Roderick Callins, Willie Mae Salter, Christopher P. Burnett, Roland U. Brown and
Doris West Sisters LaDonna Amos, Sheila Williams, Joyce Thomas, Ethel Gray,
Brothers, Mark Spencer, Edward Green, and Johnny Edward.
PRESIDING ELDERS’ ASSESSMENT: Revs. Bruce W. Hunter, Mashod A. Evans, Patrick
Clayborn, John A. Russell, Sheila Williams, Deborah Peppers and Zachary Watkins
Sisters Gloria Vail, Rita Goodson and Loretta Martin Brothers Pleas White, Jr., Edward
Colvin and Edward Scott.
DANIEL PAYNE COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES: Revs. Oliver Allen Brothers James C.
Bonner, Jr., Wayman Shiver, Jr. and Edward Scott Sisters Shirley A. Mitchell and Marian
Kiel.
MISSIONS, CIRCUITS AND STATIONS: Revs. Damien Littlejohn, James H. Barnett, Betty
Robinson, Ronald Sterling, Raymond B. Swafford and Darryl Ervin Sisters Adrienne
Rowland, Dorothy Davis and Charlie Evans Brothers Toney Tolbert, Simpson Berry and
Otis Penick. (This committee must be prepared to make their report in unison with the
Mirroring Study Committee).
CHURCH GROWTH: Revs. Robert R. A. Turner, Roderick Callins, Tony W. Latham, Joseph
Hall, Roosevelt Williams, III, and Sheila D. Williams Sisters Wilma Nelson, Patricia Wilson
and Shirley Mitchell Brothers Thomas Jackson, James Hawkins, Guy Ginn and Wayman
Shiver, Jr.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION: Revs. Christopher Burnett, Ronald Sterling, Patricia A. Outlaw,
Karen Y. Jarman, Eric Walker, Michelle Jefferson Sisters Estella Whitfield, Thelma
Snodgrass, Dyona Watkins and Loretta Martin Brothers Derrick Franklin, Forest
Rutledge and Marcus Hatchett.
CHURCH SCHOOL: Dr. Simpson Berry Brother Anderson Todd, III.
22 | P a g e
MISSIONARY SOCIETY: Rev. Sherita M. Seawright Sisters Melissa Grayson, Mary Allen,
Christine Dillard, Carolyn Guice, Patricia Smith, Susie S. Jones Bonner, Mary W. Porter,
Lolita Seltzer, Patty Gibson, Rita Goodson and Shelia Grier.
LITERARY COMMITTEES
STATE OF THE CHURCH: Revs. Gloria Patrick, Alfonso Colvin and Rhonda Tolliver Sisters
Mary C. Garrett, Michelle Reed, Cherly McNealey, Aisha Sanders and Shirley Osborn
Brothers Frankie Davidson, Roderick Callin, Pleas White, Jr. and Anthony Spaulding.
STATE OF THE COUNTRY: Revs. Ronald D. Sterling, Steven Barnett, Richard Davis, Sandra
Cole, William Hamilton, Myers Hawkins, Jr., Irvin Leonard and Gloria Patrick Sisters
Linda Kimbrough, LaTosha Mars, Alma Gamble, Doris Fuller and Laurel J. Thornton
Brothers Peter Kimbrough, James Elmore and Jack Jackson.
ECOLOGY, TEMPERANCE AND HEALTH: Revs. Darryl Ervin, Vicki L. Mayberry, Antioine V.
Perrier, Patricia W. Smith, Michael Stanford and Richard L. Davis Sisters Vivian Giddins,
Elsie Haley, Chris Morrow, Joyce Ray and Brother Guy Ginn.
SOCIAL, CIVIL AND POLITICAL ACTION: Revs. Robert R. A. Turner, Levi Billups III, , Richard
L. Davis , William E. Hamilton, Russell A. Jones, Betty C. Robinson and Jerry Wilder
Sisters Lovell Edwards, Lavernice Garrett, Diane Carey and Shirley Mitchell Brothers
Larry Searcy and Jessie Moore.
The first name of each committee represents the Committee Chair,
who is responsible for organizing.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
23 | P a g e
SEVENTH SESSION
Southeast Alabama Annual Conference
September 13 - 17, 2016
Johns Chapel AME Church
601 Geneva Highway, Enterprise, AL 36331
Reverend Trevor Woolridge, Host Pastor
Reverend Johnny Rutledge, Host Presiding Elder
ANNUAL ………………..………………………......…. THE REV. CARLTON WORTHEN
Pastor, St. John AME Church, Eufaula

BOARD OF EXAMINERS
DEAN ……………………….…………..
SECRETARY ……..……….…….…….
ADMISSIONS …..……..…………….
FIRST YEAR …………………………..
SECOND YEAR ………………….……
THIRD YEAR ………………..…………
FOURTH YEAR ……………….……….
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD ………
The Rev. Rodney D. Smith
The Rev. LaKenya Anderson
The Rev. Paul Phillips
The Rev. Carlton Worthen
The Rev. Rodney Smith
The Rev. Freddie Flowers
The Rev. Elijah Shafah
The Revs. Frederick Sherrod and Ulysses Kincey
MEMORIALS: Revs. Frederick Sherrod III, Joe Smith, Johnny C. Saffold, Timothy Holmes,
Wendy Morgan and Frederick Walker Sisters Annie Youngblood, Sarah Mays, Christine
Caldwell and Joyce Jones Brothers Jim Guildford, Adolphus Thompson and Dennis
Bogen.
MINISTERIAL EFFICIENCY: Revs. James Redding, Kenneth Rhodes, Rodney Smith,
Freddie Flowers, Carlton Worthen, LaKenya Anderson, Johnny C. Saffold, Rodney Smith.
JUDICIARY: Revs. David E. Reddick, Willie White, Jr., Paul Phillips, Trevor Woodridge and
J. T. Hines.
EMPLOYEE SECURITY COMMITTEE: Revs. Ulysses Kincey, Jr., Timothy Holmes, James
Booth, Paul Horn, Jimmie E. Reeves, Warren Anderson and J. T. Hines Sisters Sheryl
Whiting and Barbara McNealy Brothers John Davis and Joe Crossley.
BUDGET COMMITTEE: Rev. Paul Phillips, Freddie Flowers and Ms. Fernesa “Nikki” Mills
24 | P a g e
(Youth) Brother Johnny Knight.
CONFERENCE TRUSTEES: Revs. Oscar Lane, Freddie Flowers, Johnny Saffold and Charles
Atkins Sister Mary Alice Walker.
DEEDS, ABSTRACTS AND ABANDONED PROPERTY: Revs. Jimmie Reeves, Pamela Edwards,
Paul Phillips, Kenneth Rhodes and Melissa Smith Sisters Linda Simpson, Janet Pray and
Betty Johnson, Beverly Smith Brothers Marvin Martin, and Lorenzo Hammonds.
CONFERENCE BOUNDARIES: Revs. J. T. Hines, Tony Price, Antonio James, Clementine
Warren and Annie Mayes Sisters Emma Christian, Constance Brown and Kathleen
Forbish Brothers Edward Register and Robert Campbell.
PRESIDING ELDERS’ ASSESSMENT: Revs. Trevor Woodridge, Freddie Flowers, Elijah
Shafah, Johnny C. Saffold, Paul Horn Sisters Emma Shaw, Kristie Balcom, Helen Grant
Brothers Johnny Logan, Zack Allen and David White.
DANIEL PAYNE COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES: Revs. Paul Phillips, David E. Reddick and
Kenneth Rhodes Sister Helen Nichols Brother James Roberts.
MISSIONS, CIRCUITS AND STATIONS: Revs. Freddie Flowers, Frederick Sherrod, J. T.
Hines, Sisters Marge Simmons, Sheryl Whiting, Bernella Rose-Knight, Mary Walker,
Geraldine Sanders and Helen Grant Brother Lonnie Hawkins (This committee must be
prepared to make their report in unison with the Mirroring Study Committee)
CHURCH GROWTH: Revs. Frederick Sherrod, LaKenya Anderson, Timothy Holmes,
Jimmie Reeves, Kenneth Rhodes and James Williams Sisters Jewel Woodard and Elaine
Flowers Brothers S. M. McLeod, Willie Green and Arthur Richardson.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION: Revs. LaKenya Anderson, Gregory Huff, Carlton Worthen and
Elijah Shafah Sisters Lela Baker, Liz Flowers, Evadna Kincey and Tikisha Whitehurst
Brother Myron Grimsley.
CHURCH SCHOOL: Sister Faye McLeod and Brother Johnny Logan.
WOMEN’S MISSIONARY SOCIETY: Rev. Sherita M. Seawright, Sisters Susie Bonner,
Tammy Booth and Dorothy Sconiers-Bevel.
LITERARY COMMITTEES
STATE OF THE CHURCH: Revs. Paul Horn, Rodney Smith, Willie White, Jr., Johnny C.
Saffold, J. T. Hines, Joshua Mann and Charles Atkins Sisters Laura Burnell, Mary
Fleming and Betty Jackson Brother Michael Lightner.
STATE OF THE COUNTRY: Revs. Johnny C. Saffold, Trevor Woodridge, Dwight Ingram,
Marcus Sims and Celeste Adams, Sisters Sheala Foster, Annette McCain, Rometha
Norton and Lakiesha Rankin Brother Thornton Warmack.
ECOLOGY, TEMPERANCE AND HEALTH: Revs. James Redding, Gregory Huff, Pamela
Edwards, Joshua Mann, Lasagne Smith, James Booth and Deborah Butler Sisters Mary
Ann Davis, Dorothy James and Rometha Norton Brothers Ira Lewis and Adolphus
Thompson.
SOCIAL, CIVIL AND POLITICAL ACTION: Revs. Ulysses Kincey, Jr., Ronald Thompson, J. T.
Hines, Willie Thompson, Johnnie Edison, Jr. and Clementine Warren Sisters Gwen
Lampley and Lauree Cowart Brothers Ira Lewis and Dennis Bogen.
25 | P a g e
SEVENTH SESSION
Alabama River Region Annual Conference
October 4 – 8, 2016
St. Paul AME Church, Montgomery
706 East Patton Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36111
Reverend Dr. Farrell Duncombe, Host Pastor
Reverend Albert L. Hyche, Host Presiding Elder
ANNUAL ………………..………………………...... THE REV. LEODIS STRONG
Pastor, Brown Chapel AME Church, Selma

BOARD OF EXAMINERS
DEAN ……………………….…………..
SECRETARY …………….…….…….
ADMISSIONS …..………………….
FIRST YEAR ………………………..
SECOND YEAR ………………….…
The Rev. Yvonne Howze
The Rev. Jessica Durr
The Rev. Ruby Heard-Bustamonte
The Rev. Agnes Lover
The Rev. James E. Arnell
FOURTH YEAR …………….………. The Rev. Dr. Farrell Duncombe
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD…… The Rev. James E. Jackson
MEMORIALS: Revs. George Cyrus, Terry McCreary and Dexter Patterson Sister Barbara
Motley and Brother Jerry Pratt.
MINISTERIAL EFFICIENCY: Revs. Dr. Farrell Duncombe, Agnes Lover, James E. Arnell,
Leodis Strong, Ronnie Cook, Cynthia Jones and Vernon McLeod.
JUDICIARY: Revs. Dr. Farrell Duncombe, Albert L. Hyche, James Arnell, John Leonard
and Agnes Lover.
EMPLOYEE SECURITY COMMITTEE: Revs. Leodis Strong, Vernon McLeod and Jessica
Durr, Sisters Lois Brown and Shannon Fletcher Brothers Richard Bowden and Jimmie
Lott.
CONFERENCE TRUSTEES: Revs. James E. Arnell, Farrell Duncombe, John Leonard and
Agnes Lover Brother Lamar Higgins.
BUDGET COMMITTEE: Rev. Farrell Duncombe Sister Yvonne Saxon and Brother Quinton
McGhee (Youth).
26 | P a g e
DEEDS, ABSTRACTS AND ABANDONED PROPERTY: Revs. John Leonard, Sandra Anderson,
Xavier Beasley, James Jackson, Terry McCreary and Michael Roundtree, Sisters Ora
Cummings, Brothers Lamar Higgins, Wendell Saxon and Dale Gamble.
CONFERENCE BOUNDARIES: Revs. James E. Arnell, Ruby Heard-Bustamonte and Alex
Nelms Sisters Linda McKinney and Melinda Page Brothers Lamar Higgins and Dale
Gamble.
PRESIDING ELDERS’ ASSESSMENT: Revs. James E. Arnell, Farrell Duncombe, Agnes
Lover, James McCoy, Vernon McLeod and Leodis Strong, Sisters Doris Gant, Lois Brown
and Hattie Bennett Brother Lamar Higgins.
DANIEL PAYNE COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES: Revs. James E. Arnell and Albert Hyche
Brothers Don Clemons, Richard Bowden and Andrew Hayden Sister Juanda Maxwell.
MISSIONS, CIRCUITS AND STATIONS: Revs. Ruby Heard-Bustamonte, John Leonard,
Cynthia Jones, LaChaune N. Slater and Sandra Anderson Sisters LaToya Kizito and
Darlene Burt Brothers Don Clemons and Dale Gamble. (This committee must be
prepared to make their report in unison with the Mirroring Study Committee)
CHURCH GROWTH: Revs. Cynthia Jones, Valtoria Jackson, Grandville Anderson and John
Leonard Sisters Sherry Harris and Tunda Ray Brother Clarence Seay.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION: Revs. Agnes Lover Sisters Cynthia Green, LaToya Kizito and
Linda McKinney Brother Sawaski Jackson.
CHURCH SCHOOL: Brothers Ira Simmons and Don Clemons.
WOMEN’S MISSIONARY SOCIETY: Rev. Sherita M. Wright Sisters Joyce O’Neal, Djuana
Wilson and Ann Clemons.
LITERARY COMMITTEES
STATE OF THE CHURCH: Revs. Yvonne Howze, Terry McCreary, Alex Nelms and James
McCoy Sisters Ida James and Doris Ghant Brothers Ezekiel Price and Alfred Smith.
STATE OF THE COUNTRY: Revs. Sheryl Shipman, Charles Boswell, LaChaune N. Slater and
Valtoria Jackson Sisters Gladys Davis and Jeanette Johnson Brother Lamar Higgins.
ECOLOGY, TEMPERANCE AND HEALTH: Revs. Cynthia Jones, Ronnie Cook, Dexter
Patterson and Alex Nelms Sisters Ruby Gilbert and Melinda Page Brothers Sawaski
Jackson and Don Clemons.
SOCIAL, CIVIL AND POLITICAL ACTION: Revs. Farrell Duncombe, John Leonard, Grandville
Anderson, Sandra Anderson and John Campbell Sisters Nettie Brown, Gladys Davis, and
Bernice Rose Brothers Jackie Baker, Lamar Higgins and Clarence Seay.
27 | P a g e
SEVENTH SESSION
Northeast Alabama Annual Conference
October 11 - 15, 2016
Washington Chapel AME Church, Tuskegee
2508 Old Montgomery Road, Tuskegee, AL 36088
Reverend Andrew Holtz, Jr., Host Pastor
Reverend Dr. Letitia Watford, Host Presiding Elder
ANNUAL ………………..………………………......…. THE REV. CHRISTOPHER REEVES
Pastor, Persons Chapel AME Church, Midway

BOARD OF EXAMINERS
DEAN ……………………….…………..
SECRETARY …………….…..….…….
ADMISSIONS …..………..………….
FIRST YEAR …………………………..
SECOND YEAR ………………………
THIRD YEAR …………….……………
FOURTH YEAR ……….………..…….
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD ………
The Rev. Dr. Isaac N. Hudson, Jr.
The Rev. Carmen Walker
The Rev. Christopher Reeves
The Rev. Brian Blackwell
The Rev. Maurice Wright
The Rev. Wayne L. Baker, Sr.
The Rev. Nathaniel Copeland
The Revs. Miriam Harlan, Eugene Johnson, Mattie
Edwards and Jonathan Benton.
MEMORIALS: The Revs. Willie Lyles, John Cofield, James Parker, Miriam Harlan, Tommy
Person, Herbert Newsome, Sisters Tracy Day, Cheryl Perkins, Brothers Roger Harris
and Arthur Rumph.
MINISTERIAL EFFICIENCY: Revs. Nathaniel Copeland, Brunhilde Mitchell-Paul, Brian
Blackwell, Isaac N. Hudson, Ronald Smith and Maurice Wright.
JUDICIARY: Revs. Dr. Isaac N. Hudson, Jr., Letitia Watford, Alphonso Turner, Nathaniel
Copeland and Thomas Fortson.
EMPLOYEE SECURITY COMMITTEE: Revs. Jessie Grooms, Mattie Edwards, Kendra Jacobs,
Brunhilde Mitchell-Paul Sisters Shelby Flakes and Doris Foster.
BUDGET COMMITTEE: Revs. Christopher Reeves, Brian Blackwell, Sister Cordelia Moffett
and Brother Vester Marable (Youth).
28 | P a g e
CONFERENCE TRUSTEES: Bishop Harry L. Seawright, Elders Samuel Smith, Letitia Watford,
Revs. Wayne Baker, Jonathan Benton, Maurice Wright, II, Sisters Jewel Harris Irene
James (secretary) and Rae Patrick Brother Robert Turner.
DEEDS, ABSTRACTS AND ABANDONED PROPERTY: Revs. Jessie Grooms, Alphonso Turner,
Eugene Johnson, Wayne Baker Sister Cattie Epps, Katherine Williams, Savannah Ivory,
Brothers Eddie Willis, Quevis Crawford, Robert Turner.
CONFERENCE BOUNDARIES: Revs. Jonathan Benton, Christopher Reeves, Debbie
Dowdell, Sister Barbara Mitchell Brothers James Geddis, Bernard Thomas and Odies
Perry.
PRESIDING ELDERS’ ASSESSMENT: Revs. Nathaniel Copeland, Maurice Wright, Jesse
Grooms, Isaac Hudson, Eugene Johnson, Willie Lyles, Andrew Holtz Sister Cordelia
Moffett Brothers Kenneth Burton, Lenell Harris and George Hughley.
DANIEL PAYNE COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES: Revs. Nathaniel Copeland, Sisters Barbara
Mitchell, Cordelia B. Moffett Brothers Ernest Harris and James H. Patrick.
MISSIONS, CIRCUITS AND STATIONS: Revs. Eugene Johnson, John Cofield, Willie Harley,
and Patricia Walton Sisters Savannah Ivory and Brother William Laney, Jr.
CHURCH GROWTH & EVANGELISM: Revs. Maurice Wright, II, Jonathan Benton and
Monique Summers, Sisters Clara Jackson and Rosie Johnson, Brothers Calvin Sanders
and Kenneth Burton.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION: Sister Hattie Nathan, Revs. Patricia Walton, Sarah Calhoun and
Christine Thomas Sisters Rosie Johnson, Denise Word and Linda Murry Brother James
Washington.
CHURCH SCHOOL: Sisters Jewel Harris and Gloria Woods Brother Winston Felton.
WOMEN’S MISSIONARY SOCIETY: Rev. Sherita M. Seawright, Sisters Stephanie Bender,
Susie Bonner, Cattie Epps, Helen Crossley, Irene James, Vivian Lyles and Valerie Wright.
LITERARY COMMITTEES
STATE OF THE CHURCH: Revs. Christopher Reeves, Cynthia Johnson, James Levert,
Charles Lewis, Sisters Donna Fletcher, Edna Hawkins and Savannah Ivory Brothers
Winston Felton, Ennon Hayden, Stanford None and Robert Turner.
STATE OF THE COUNTRY: Rev. Monique Summers, Carmen Walker, Isaac N. Hudson, Jr.,
and Brandon Thornton Sisters Alice Mahone and Gwen Moore Brothers Eddie Chapelle,
M. L. Fortson and Willie Washington.
ECOLOGY, TEMPERANCE AND HEALTH: Revs. Ronald Smith, Jonathan Benton, Jacqueline
Bowie-Hayter, Kimberly Martin, Jerry Robinson, Melvin Stafford and Joretha Wright Sister
Elaine Burton Brothers Jimmy Brown and Kenneth Burton.
SOCIAL, CIVIL AND POLITICAL ACTION: Revs. Kendra Jacobs, Michael Miller, Sarah
Calhoun and L. C. Green Sisters Jessie Smith and Cordelia Moffett Brothers William
Laney and Artie Jenkins.
29 | P a g e
SEVENTH SESSION
Southwest Alabama Annual Conference
October 18 - 22, 2016
St. Paul AME Church, Mobile
1251 Rev. AT Days Street, Mobile, AL 36605
Reverend Robert J. Rumley, Host Pastor
Reverend Johnnie M. Bryant, Host Presiding Elder
ANNUAL ………………..………………………......…. THE REV. BOBBY COX
Pastor, Bethel AME Church, Mobile


BOARD OF EXAMINERS
DEAN ……………………….…………..
SECRETARY …………….……..…….
ADMISSIONS …..…………….…….
FIRST YEAR ……………..…………..
SECOND YEAR ………………………
THIRD YEAR ……………….…………
FOURTH YEAR ……….………..…….
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD …….……
The Rev. Bobby B. Cox, Jr.
The Rev. Rosalind Amos
The Rev. Charlotte Greene
The Rev. Cleitis Walker
The Rev. John L. Dees
The Rev. Dr. Lugenia Johnson
The Rev. T. W. Parker
The Revs. Marilyn King, James Harris & Ivory James
MEMORIALS: The Revs. Dane Robinson, Jessie Rivers, Tommy Dorsey, Irmatine
Chastang, Franklin Robinson, Carl L. Greene, Sr., Sisters Wanda McCall and Synetta
Taylor Brothers Herman Gamble and Nolan Boykin.
MINISTERIAL EFFICIENCY: Revs. Bobby Cox, Lugenia Johnson, Amos Smith, T. W. Parker,
Marilyn King and Dane Robinson.
JUDICIARY: Revs. John L. Dees, Johnnie Bryant, Marilyn King, Bobby B. Cox, Jr., W. W.
Nixon and Amos Smith.
EMPLOYEE SECURITY COMMITTEE: Revs. Cleitis Walker, Carl Martin, R. J. Rumley, W. W.
Nixon, James Allen and Gladys Stallworth Sisters Everlean Banks and Jean Daffin
Brothers Johnnie Campbell and Richard Boykins.
BUDGET COMMITTEE: Rev. Cleitis Walker Sisters Everlean Banks and Kenesia T. Cade
(Youth).
CONFERENCE TRUSTEES: Revs. Bobby B. Cox, Jr., Ivory James, Johnnie Bryant, T. W.
30 | P a g e
Parker, James Harris and Amos Smith Brother Robert Beasley.
DEEDS, ABSTRACTS AND ABANDONED PROPERTY: Revs. Amos Smith, Johnathan Baker,
Wendell Jones, James Green, Lugenia Johnson, Ivory James Sisters Regina McCaskill
and Elaine Taylor Brothers J. C. Lucas and John Smith.
CONFERENCE BOUNDARIES: Revs. Antonio Thomas, Bobby B. Cox, Jr., Marilyn King, W.
W. Nixon and Richard Collins Sisters Sarah Darnell and Mary Singleton, Brothers
Nathaniel Hicks, Charlie Taylor and Shedrick Thomas.
PRESIDING ELDERS’ ASSESSMENT: Revs. Bobby B. Cox, Jr., James Harris, Ivory James,
Lugenia Johnson, T. W. Parker Sisters Cassandra Hughley, Hattie Boglin and Margaret
Johnson Brothers Curtis Malone and Sergio Washington.
DANIEL PAYNE COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES: Revs. Bobby B. Cox, Jr., Cleitis Walker,
Amos Smith and Sisters Betty Davis, and Mary Toney.
MISSIONS, CIRCUITS AND STATIONS: Revs. Bobby B. Cox, Jr, Dr. Lugenia Johnson, Mia
Cole and Irmatine Barrie Sisters Lillie Robinson, Louise Bell and Gwen Washington
Brother Ervin Simmons
CHURCH GROWTH & EVANGELISM: Revs. Lugenia Johnson, Marilyn King, Rosalind Amos,
E. Francine Constant and Wendell Jones Sister Monique Curtis Brothers Burl Bonner,
Robert Sanders, Eddie Jones and John Howard.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION: Revs. Charlotte Greene and W.W. Nixon Sisters Kenesia Cade,
Francine Davis, Sharon Kennedy and Arvella Young.
CHURCH SCHOOL: Sister Mary M. Turner and Brother Ronnie Slaughter.
MISSIONARY SOCIETY: Rev. Sherita M. Seawright Sisters Betty Davis, Sylvia Grace, Mary
James and Deborah Weatherspoon.
LITERARY COMMITTEES
STATE OF THE CHURCH: Revs. W. W. Nixon, Antonio Thomas, Albert Robinson and Gladys
Stallworth Sisters Urla Bioggan, Patricia Owens and Annie Ray Brother Shedrick
Thomas.
STATE OF THE COUNTRY: Revs. Marilyn King, Willie Denson, Donna James and Tommy
Dorsey Sisters Cynthia Washington and Barbara Benjamin Brothers Burl Boykin Michael
Clemmons.
ECOLOGY, TEMPERANCE AND HEALTH: Revs. Franklin Robinson, Leo Taylor, LaDarrell
Thames, Willie Denson and Willie Burns Sisters Lonnie Jones and Raven Whittaker
Brothers Kenny Benjamin and John White.
SOCIAL, CIVIL AND POLITICAL ACTION: Revs. T. W. Parker, R. J. Rumley, Lawrence O’Neal,
James Allen and Dane Robinson Sisters Julia McCaskill and Mable Barron Brother
Richard Jemison.
31 | P a g e
The Opening Worship
Service
THE DOXOLOGY (Tune - AME Hymnal #37 “Hursley”)
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him all creatures here below; Praise
Him above, ye heavenly host, Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
THE CALL TO WORSHIP
Minister:
People:
Minister:
People:
Minister:
People:
Minister:
People:
I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord, our
feet shall stand within Your gates, O Jerusalem.
For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand, I had rather be a
doorkeeper in the house of my God than to dwell in the tents of
wickedness.
Because of the house of the Lord, our God, I will seek Your good.
Those that be planted in the house of the Lord, shall flourish in the
courts of our God.
Blessed are they that dwell in Your house Lord, I have loved Your habitation,
the place where Your honor dwells.
For the Lord is in His Holy Temple, let all the earth keep silence before
Him.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in
Your sight. O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.
O sing unto the Lord a new song for He has done marvelous things.
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth and sing praises.
THE OPENING PRAISE …………….………..……………“AND ARE WE YET ALIVE” (PG 45)
PREPARATION FOR PRAYER …………..…… CONFERENCE CHOIR & CONGREGATION
“YOU PRAY FOR ME”
I pray for you, you pray for me and watch God change things
I pray for you, you pray for me and watch God change things
THE INVOCATION
THE CHORAL RESPONSE …………………………..…………….……… “THANK YOU, LORD”
Thank you, Lord, thank you, Lord, thank You, Lord - I just want to thank You, Lord.
Been so good, been so good, been so good, I just want to thank You, Lord. Amen.
THE WORSHIP THROUGH MUSIC
THE SCRIPTURE READING
THE PREFACE TO THE DECALOGUE………………………“FROM ALL THAT DWELLS”
(Tune - A.M.E. Hymnal No. 69 – Woodworth)
From all that dwell below the skies, let the Creator’s praise arise;
Let the Redeemer’s name be sung, Through every land by every tongue.
THE DECALOGUE (SUMMARY)
Hear what Christ our savior says, you shall love the Lord Your God with all
your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first
and great commandment. The second is like unto it. You shall love your
neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law and
32 | P a g e
the prophets.
THE GLORIA PATRI
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, Amen.
THE MISSION HYMN …………..… “ONLY WHAT YOU DO FOR CHRIST WILL LAST”
You may build great cathedrals large or small,
You can build sky scrapers grand and tall,
You may conquer all the failures of the past,
But only what you do for Christ will last.
Remember only what you do for Christ will last.
Only what you do for Him will be counted at the end;
only what you do for Christ will last!
You may seek earthly power and fame,
the world might be impressed by your great name,
Soon the glories of this life will all be past,
Though you songs and prayers are heard and praised by man,
they’ve no meaning unless you’ve been born again,
Sinner, heed these words, don’t let this harvest pass,
for only what you do for Christ will last.
THE MISSION OFFERING
THE PRESENTATION OF THE PREACHER
THE SERMONIC HYMN……………….“I’VE A MESSAGE FROM THE LORD” (PG 45)
THE ANNUAL SERMON
THE INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP HYMN
“I SURRENDER ALL” (PG 46)
THE OFFERING (Finance Committee)
THE CHANT ………………..………………..……………. “WE GIVE THEE BUT THINE OWN”
(Tune - A.M.E. Hymnal No. 646 – St. Andrew)
We give Thee but Thine own, Whate’er the gift may be;
All that we have is Thine alone A trust, O Lord, from Thee. Amen.
THE ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF VISITORS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
THE CONSECRATION HYMN …………………………“KING OF MY LIFE” (PG 47-48)
33 | P a g e
THE HOLY COMMUNION SERVICE
THE GENERAL CONFESSION
Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all things, Judge of all
people, we acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness which we
from time to time most grievously have committed by thought, word and deed
against Your Divine Majesty, provoking most justly your wrath and indignation
against us. We do earnestly repent and are heartily sorry for these our
misdoings; the remembrance of them is grievous unto us. Have mercy upon us,
have mercy upon us, most merciful Father, for your Son our Lord Jesus Christ’s
sake; forgive us all that is past, and grant that we may ever hereafter serve and
please You in the newness of life, to the honor and glory of your name, through
Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.
THE COMMUNION HYMNS
“KING OF MY LIFE” (PG 47-48)
“WHEN I SURVEY THE WONDROUS CROSS” (PG 48)
“HE WILL REMEMBER ME” (PG 48)
“THERE’S ROOM AT THE CROSS FOR YOU” (PG 48)
“DOWN AT THE CROSS” (PG 49)
“AT THE CROSS” (PG 49)
THE FELLOWSHIP SONG ………………………………………… “WHAT A FELLOWSHIP”
What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.
O how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,
O how bright the path grows from day to day,
What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,
THE BENEDICTION
34 | P a g e
The Ordination Service
THE PROCESSIONAL……………………..….……“WE’RE MARCHING TO ZION” (PG 50-51)
THE DOXOLOGY (Tune – AME Hymnal #37 – Hursley)
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him all creatures here below; Praise
THE CALL TO WORSHIP
Minister:
People:
Minister:
People:
Minister:
People:
Minister:
People:
God calls us out of our sameness and boxed living to a new perspective
and way in God.
We come to this worship out of tradition but not locked in it.
God calls us to worship with freshness because God’s mercies are new
every day.
We come giving praise for what God has done and expecting to see
God’s new mercy for us today.
Will you worship today standing on the tiptoe of a Holy Spirit renaissance?
Yes, we come in excitement to be in the living presence of God.
How shall we begin?
By declaring Holy Spirit you are welcome in this place, have your way.
THE OPENING PRAISE …….….…... “COME, HOLY SPIRIT, HEAVENLY DOVE” (PG 50-51)
PREPARATION FOR PRAYER …………………………... CHOIR AND CONGREGATION
“EVERY TIME I FEEL THE SPIRIT”
Ev’ry time I feel the Spirit moving in my heart, I will pray.
Ev’ry time I feel the Spirit moving in my heart, I will pray.
THE PRAYER OF INVOCATION
THE CHORAL RESPONSE ………………….………….………… “SWEET HOLY SPIRIT”
Sweet heavenly Dove, Stay right here with us, Filling us with Your love;
And for these blessings We lift our hearts in praise; Without a doubt we’ll know that we
have been revived When we shall leave this place.
THE SCRIPTURE
The Epistle – I Timothy 3:8-13 (Deacon)
Deacons likewise must be serious, not double tongued, not indulging in
much wine, not greedy for money; they must hold fast to the mystery of
faith with a clear conscience. And let them first be tested; if they prove
themselves blameless, let them serve as deacons. Let deacons be
married only once, and let them manage their children and households
well; for those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for
themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
The Epistle – Ephesians 4:7-13 (Elder)
But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ’s gift.
Therefore it is said, ‘When he ascended on high he made captivity itself a
captive; he gave gifts to his people.’ (When it says, ‘He ascended,’ what does
it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? He
who descended is the same one who ascended far above all the heavens,
so that he might fill all things.) The gifts he gave were that some would be
apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to
35 | P a g e
equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,
until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son
of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ.
THE GLORIA PATRI
THE WORSHIP THROUGH GIVING (FINANCE COMMITTEE)
THE PRESENTATION OF THE PREACHER
THE SERMONIC HYMN ……………..….……. “O THOU IN WHOSE PRESENCE” (PG 51)
THE ORDINATION SERMON
THE INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP
“WE OFFER CHRIST TO YOU”
We offer Christ to you, oh, my brother, We offer Christ to you, oh, my sister.
He will give you brand new life Through life abundantly;
Oh come, come on to Christ.
THE ORDINATION OF DEACONS
Elder:
Bishop ___________, I present to you these person(s) to be admitted
deacon(s).
Bishop: Take heed that the persons whom you present to us be apt and meet,
by their godly conversation, to exercise their ministry duly to the
honor of God and the edifying of the Church.
Elder:
I have inquired concerning them, and also examined them, and think them
so to be.
The name(s) being read aloud, the bishop shall say to the people:
Bishop: Members of the Conference, If there be any of you who know any
impediment or crime in any of these person(s) presented to be
ordained deacon(s) for which they ought not be admitted to that
office, let them come forth in the name of God and show what the
crime or impediment is.
Elder:
The Collect
Almighty God, who by your Divine Providence has appointed diverse
orders of ministers of your Church, and did inspire your Apostles, to
choose to the order of deacons the first martyr, St. Stephen, with others,
mercifully behold these your servants now called to the like office and
administration; replenish them so with the truth of your doctrine and adorn
them with the innocence of life that both by word and good example they
may faithfully serve you in this office to the glory of your holy name, and
the edification of your Church, through the merits of our Savior Jesus
Christ who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit now and forever.
Amen.
Then shall the bishop examine every one that is to be ordained, in the presence
of the people, in the following manner:
Bishop
Do you trust that you are inwardly moved by the Holy Spirit to take
upon you the Office of the Ministry in the Church of Christ, to serve
God for the promotion of his glory, and the edifying of his people?
Candidate: I trust so.
Bishop: Do you believe unfeigned all the canonical Scriptures of the Old
and New Testaments?
36 | P a g e
Candidate: I do believe them.
Bishop: Will you diligently read and expound the same unto the people
whom you shall be appointed to serve?
Candidate: I will.
Bishop:
It appertains to the office of a deacon to assist the elder in Divine
Service. And especially when he or she administers the Holy
Communion, to help him or her in the distribution thereof and to
read and expound the Holy Scriptures; to instruct the youths, and
in the absence of the elder, to baptize. And furthermore, it is his or
her office to search for the sick, poor and impotent, that they may
be visited and relieved. Will you do this gladly and willingly?
Candidate: I will do so, by the help of God.
Bishop:
Will you frame and fashion your own lives and the lives of your
families according to the doctrine of Christ and to make both
yourselves and them, as much as in you lies, wholesome examples
of the flock of Christ?
Candidate: I will do so, the Lord being my helper.
Bishop:
Will you reverently obey them to whom the charge and
government over you is committed, following with a glad mind
and will their godly admonition?
Candidate: I will endeavor to do so, the Lord being my helper.
Then shall the bishop,
laying his hand upon every one of them severally, say:
Bishop:
Take your authority to execute the office of a deacon in the
Church of God in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Then shall the bishop,
Deliver to every one of them the Holy Bible: saying
Bishop:
Take thou authority to read the Scriptures, and to preach the
same in the Church of God in the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Then one of the elders, appointed by the bishop,
shall read the Gospel, Luke 12:35-38:
Elder:
Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; be like those who are waiting
for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open
the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. Blessed are those
slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will
fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve
them. If he comes during the middle of the night, or near dawn, and finds
them so, blessed are those slaves.
Then shall the bishop proceed in the Communion,
and all shall receive the Holy Communion.
The Communion ended, immediately before the benediction shall be said the
following Collects:
Bishop:
The Collects
Almighty God, giver of all good things, who of your great goodness has
vouchsafed to accept and take these your servants into the office of
deacon of your Church; make them, we beseech you, O Lord, to be
modest, humble, and consistent in their ministration, and to have a ready
37 | P a g e
will to observe all spiritual discipline; that they, having always the testimony
of a good conscience, and continuing ever stable and strong in your Son
Jesus Christ, may so well behave themselves in this inferior office, that
they may be found worthy to be called to the higher ministries of the
church, through the same, your Son and our Savior Jesus Christ, to whom
be the glory, and honor world without end. Amen.
Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with your most gracious favor, and
further us with your continued help, that in all our works, begun, continued,
and ended in you, we may glorify your holy name and finally by your mercy,
obtain everlasting life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and
minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our
Lord, and the blessings of God Almighty the Father, the Son and the Holy
Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen.
THE ORDINATION OF ELDERS
Bishop ___________, I present to you this person/these
to be ordained elder(s).
Elder:
persons
Bishop: Take heed that the person(s) whom you present to us be apt and
meet, by their godly conversation, to exercise their ministry duly to
the honor of God and the edifying of the Church.
Elder:
I have inquired concerning them, and also examined them, and think
them so to be.
Then, their names being read aloud, the bishop shall say to the people:
Bishop: Members of the Conference, these are they whom we propose, God
willing, this day to ordain elders; for after due examination we find
not the contrary, but that they are lawfully called to this function and
ministry, and that they are persons meet for the same. But if there
be any of you who knows any impediment or crime in any of them,
for which they ought not be received into this holy ministry, let them
come forth in the name of God and show what the crime or
impediment is.
The Collect
Almighty God, giver of all good things, who by the Holy Spirit has appointed
diverse orders of ministers in your Church, mercifully behold these your
servants now called to the office of elder(s) and replenish them with the
innocence of life, that both by word and good example they may faithfully
serve you this office to the glory of your name and the edification of your
Church, through the merits of our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, world without end. Amen.
And that done, the bishop shall say to them
as hereafter follows:
Bishop: You have heard, as well in your private examination as in the
exhortation which was just made to you, and in the writings of the
apostles, of what dignity and of how great importance this office is,
to which you are now called. And how again we exhort you in the
name of our Lord Jesus Christ that you have in remembrance into
how high a dignity and to how weighty an office you are called; that
is to say to be messengers, watchers, and stewards of the Lord; to
teach and to admonish, to feed and provide for the Lord’s family; to
seek for Christ’s sheep that are dispersed abroad, and for his
38 | P a g e
children who are in the midst of this evil world, that they may be
saved through Christ forever.
Have always, therefore, printed in your remembrance how great
treasure is committed to your charge. For they are the sheep of
Christ which he bought with his death, and for whom he shed his
blood. The church and congregation, whom you must serve, are his
Spouse, and his Body. And if it should happen the same church or
any member thereof, do take any hurt or hindrance by reason of your
negligence, you know the greatness of the fault, and also the horrible
punishment that will ensue. Wherefore consider within yourselves
the end of the ministry towards the children of God, towards the
Spouse and Body of Christ, and see that you never cease your labor,
your care, and diligence until you have done all that lies in you,
according to your bounden duty, to bring all such as are or shall be
committed to your charge unto that agreement in the faith, and to that
ripeness and perfectness of age in Christ, that there may be no place
left among you, either for error in religion or for viciousness in life.
Bishop: Forasmuch then as your office is both of so great excellence, and of
so great difficulty, you see with how great awe and study you ought
to apply yourselves, as neither you yourselves offend, nor be
occasion that others offend. Howbeit ye cannot have a mind and will
thereunto of yourselves for that will and ability are given of God
alone; therefore you ought, and have need, to pray earnestly for His
Holy Spirit. And seeing that you cannot by any other means compass
the doing of so weighty a work pertaining to the salvation of people,
with doctrine and exhortation taken out of the Holy Scriptures, and
with a life agreeable to the same, consider how studious you ought
to be in reading and learning the Scriptures and in framing the
manners both of yourselves and of them that specially pertain to you,
according to the rules of the same Scriptures; and for this self-same
cause how you ought to forsake and set aside as much as you may
all worldly care and studies.
We have good hope that you have all weighed and pondered these
things with yourselves long before this time; and that you have
clearly determined by God’s grace to give yourselves to this office
whereby it has pleased God to call you, so that as much as lies within
you, you will apply yourselves wholly to this one thing and draw all
your cares and studies this way, and that you will continually pray to
God the Father by the mediation of our only Savior Jesus Christ, of
the heavenly assistance of the Holy Spirit; that by daily reading and
weighing of the Scripture you may wax riper and stronger in your
ministry, and that you may so endeavor yourselves, from time to
time, to sanctify the lives of you and yours, and to fashion them after
the rule and doctrine of Christ that you may be wholesome and
goodly examples and patterns for the people to follow.
And now that this present congregation of Christ here assembled
may also understand your minds and wills in these things, and that
this your promise may the more move you to do your duties, you
shall answer plainly to these things which we, in the name of God
and his Church, shall demand of you touching the same.
Bishop: Do you think in your heart that you are truly called, according to the
will of our Lord Jesus Christ, to the order of elder?
Candidate: I do so believe.
39 | P a g e
Bishop:
Are you persuaded that the Holy Scriptures contain sufficiently all
doctrines required of necessity for eternal salvation through faith in
Jesus Christ? Are you determined out of the said Scriptures to
instruct the people committed to your charge, and to teach nothing,
as required of necessity to salvation, but that which you shall be
persuaded may be conducted and proved by Scriptures?
Candidate: I am so persuaded, and have so determined by God’s grace.
Bishop:
Will you then give faithful diligence always so to minister the
doctrine and sacraments and discipline of Christ as the Lord hath
commanded?
Candidate: I will do so, by the help of the Lord.
Bishop:
Will you be ready with faithful diligence always to banish and drive
away all erroneous and strange doctrines contrary to God’s Word,
and to use both public and private monitions and exhortations as
well to the sick as to the whole within your charge as need shall
require and occasion shall be given?
Candidate: I will, the Lord being my helper.
Bishop:
Will you be diligent in prayer and in reading of the Holy Scriptures,
and in such studies as help to the knowledge of the same, laying
aside the study of the world and the flesh?
Candidate: I will endeavor so to do; the Lord being my helper.
Bishop:
Will you be diligent to frame and fashion yourselves and your
families according to the doctrine of Christ and to make both
yourselves and them, as much as in you lies, wholesome examples
and patterns to the flock of Christ?
Candidate: I shall apply myself thereto, the Lord being my helper.
Bishop:
Will you maintain and set forth, as much as lies in you, sweetness,
peace and love among all Christian people, and especially among
them that are or shall be committed to your charge?
Bishop:
Will you reverently obey your chief ministers to whom is committed
the charge and government over you, following with a glad mind
and will their godly admonitions, submitting yourselves to their
godly judgments?
Then shall the bishop say:
Almighty God, who has given you this will to do all these things, grant
also unto you strength and power to perform the same, that He may
accomplish His work, which He has begun, through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
After which shall be said by the bishop (the persons to be ordained elders all
kneeling), Veni Creator Spiritus (Latin: Come Creator Spirit), the bishop
beginning and the elders and others that are present answering by verse as
follows:
Bishop:
Response:
Bishop:
Response:
Bishop:
Response:
Bishop:
Come Holy Ghost, our hearts inspire
And lighten with celestial fire;
Thou the anointing Spirit art
Who doth thy sevenfold gifts impart
Thy blessed unction from above
Is comfort, light, and fire of love.
Enable with perpetual light
40 | P a g e
Response:
Bishop:
Response:
Bishop:
Response:
Bishop:
Response:
Bishop:
Response:
Bishop:
Response:
The dullness of our blinded sight.
Anoint and cheer our soiled face
With the abundance of thy grace.
Keep far our foes; give peace at home,
Where thou art guide, no ill can come.
Teach us to know the Father, Son,
And thee of both to be but one!
That through the ages all along
This may be our endless song:
Praise to Thy eternal merit,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
That done, the bishop shall pray saying:
Let Us Pray
Almighty God, Heavenly Father, who of your infinite love and goodness
towards us has given us your only and most dearly beloved Son, Jesus
Christ, to be our Redeemer and the author of everlasting life; who, after
he had made perfect our redemption by his death and was ascended into
the heaven, sent abroad into the world his apostles, prophets, evangelists,
teachers, and pastors by whose labor and ministry he gathered together
a great flock in all parts of the world, to set forth the eternal praise of your
holy name; for these so great benefits of your eternal goodness, and for
that you have vouchsafed to call these your servants here present to the
same office and ministry appointed for the salvation of mankind, we
render to you most hearty thanks; we praise and worship you, and we
humbly beseech you by your same blessed Son to grant to all, who either
here or elsewhere call upon your name, that we may continue to show
ourselves thankful to you of these and all your other benefits, and that we
may daily increase and go forward in the knowledge and faith of you and
your Son, by the Holy Spirit. So that as well by these your ministers as by
them over whom they shall be appointed your ministers that your holy
name may be forever glorified and your blessed kingdom enlarged
through the same, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns
with you in unity of the same Holy Spirit, world without end. Amen.
After this prayer, the bishop with seven elders present shall lay their hands
severally upon the head of everyone that receives the order of elder, the receivers
humbly kneeling upon their knees, and the bishop saying:
Bishop: The Lord pour upon you the Holy Spirit for the office and work of an
elder in the Church of God, now committed to you by the imposition
of our hands. Be a faithful dispenser of the Word of God and of His
holy sacraments in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit. Amen.
The bishop shall deliver to each of them kneeling the Bible into his or her
hands, saying:
Bishop: Take thou authority to preach the word of God and to administer the
holy sacrament in the congregation in the name of the Father, and of
the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
The bishop shall go on with the service of the Communion,
which all they who receive orders shall take together and remain
in the same place where hands were laid upon them until
such time as they have received the Communion.
41 | P a g e
THE HOLY COMMUNION SERVICE
THE GENERAL CONFESSION
Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all things, Judge of all
people, we acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness which we
from time to time most grievously have committed by thought, word and deed
against Your Divine Majesty, provoking most justly your wrath and indignation
against us. We do earnestly repent and are heartily sorry for these our
misdoings; the remembrance of them is grievous unto us. Have mercy upon us,
have mercy upon us, most merciful Father, for your Son our Lord Jesus Christ’s
sake; forgive us all that is past, and grant that we may ever hereafter serve and
please You in the newness of life, to the honor and glory of your name, through
Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.
THE COMMUNION HYMNS
“KING OF MY LIFE” (PG 51)
“WHEN I SURVEY THE WONDROUS CROSS” (PG 52)
“HE WILL REMEMBER ME” (PG 52)
“THERE’S ROOM AT THE CROSS FOR YOU” (PG 52)
“DOWN AT THE CROSS” (PG 52-53)
“AT THE CROSS” (PG 53)
THE CONSECRATION
THE SHARING OF THE ELEMENTS
THE LORD’S PRAYER
The Communion being done, after the last Collects and immediately
before the Benediction, shall be said these Collects:
COLLECTS
Bishop: Most merciful Father, we beseech you to send upon these your
servants your heavenly blessings that they may be clothed with
righteousness and that the word spoken by their mouths may never
be spoken in vain. Grant, also, that we may have grace to hear and
receive what they shall deliver out of Your most holy Word; or
agreeably to the same, as the means of our salvation; and that in all
our words and deeds may seek the glory and the increase of your
kingdom through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Bishop: Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings, with your most gracious favor;
and further us with your continual help that in all our works begun,
continued, and ended in thee we may glorify your holy name, and
finally by your mercy obtain everlasting life through Jesus Christ,
our Lord. Amen.
The peace of God which passes understanding keep your hearts and
minds in the knowledge and love of God and of his Son, Jesus Christ,
our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty the Father, the Son, and
the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
42 | P a g e
THE FELLOWSHIP SONG ………………………………………… “WHAT A FELLOWSHIP”
What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,
Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.
O how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,
O how bright the path grows from day to day,
What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,
THE BLESSING OF THE BENEDICTION
43 | P a g e
The Retirement Celebration Service
THE STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
We come now in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to give God the
praise for the life and labors of this/these preacher(s) who is/are retiring from
the itinerancy and to acknowledge his/her/their service in the ministry of the
church.
THE INVOCATION
Let us pray. Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings, with your most gracious favor,
and further us with your continual help, that in all our works, begun, continued,
and ended in you, we may glorify your Holy Name, and finally by your mercy
obtain everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE PRESENTATION OF PREACHER(S)
Reverend Father in God, the _____ Annual Conference desires formally to
recognize at this session the completion of the active service of _____ of its
ministers. As Secretary of the Annual Conference, I present unto you these
faithful ministers for this service of recognition and honor, in appreciation of their
untiring labors in the Christian ministry.
THE RESPONSE
“He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come
again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Psalm 126:6
THE TESTIMONIES TO THE LIFE OF MINISTRY
THE RESPONSE AND EXPRESSIONS FROM THE RETIREES
THE MESSAGE OF TRIBUTE
Beloved, the record of your active ministry is written. It is written in the records
of God.
Your Church is deeply grateful for your ministry and for the care which you have
exercised in faithfully fulfilling your vows of ordination. May the precious
memories of your years of sacrificial service and fruitful labor be blessed and
hallowed.
And now, as you yield your official responsibilities in the active ministry of the
African Methodist Episcopal Church, be assured that the years that are yet to be,
may be filled with good works and become the crown of all your ministry, bringing
glory and honor to you and to the Church. The congregation of which you will be
a member will look to you for spiritual guidance and godly example. Your
brethren in the ministry will continue to seek and respect your counsel. They will
annually listen for your answer to the Roll Call of the Conference.
THE SOLO: IT IS WELL
THE FINAL WORD OF APPRECIATION & THE BISHOP’S BLESSING
44 | P a g e
The Memorial Moment Service
THE CALL TO PRAISE
THE HYMN OF PRAISE
THE PRAYER
THE SCRIPTURE
THE SELECTION
THE PRESENTATION OF NAMES OF THOSE BEING MEMORIALIZED
WORDS OF REMEMBRANCE
THE LORD’S PRAYER
THE EXPRESSIONS FROM THE BISHOP
THE BENEDICTION
In Loving Memory
NORTHWEST CONFERENCE
SOUTHEAST CONFERENCE
ALABAMA RIVER REGION CONFERENCE
NORTHEAST CONFERENCE
SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE
Rest in Peace, Servants!
* PRESIDING ELDERS – PLEASE NOTIFY THE FAMILIES OF THIS SERVICE
45 | P a g e
The Closing Worship Service
THE PRAISE AND WORSHIP
THE DOXOLOGY
Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise
THE CALL TO WORSHIP
Minister:
People:
Minister:
People:
Minister:
People:
We give thanks within his holy sanctuary.
For the blessings of life and the strength of God’s love, we worship
our God.
We sing as a people who have the joy of Jesus in our lives.
For the goodness of his grace and the power of his mercy, we sing
hallelujah to the Lamb.
So let us celebrate the liberation we have in God’s divine spirit.
Give thanks with a triumphant voice and worship in spirit and
truth.
THE OPENING PRAISE …………….……..….... “WE’LL PRAISE THE LORD” (PG 54)
PREPARATION FOR PRAYER ……………“IT’S ME, STANDING IN THE NEED OF PRAYER”
It’s me, it’s me, O Lord, Standin’ in the need of prayer;
It’s me, it’s me, O Lord, Standin’ in the need of prayer.
THE PRAYER OF INVOCATION
THE CHORAL RESPONSE ………………………………………..…“PRAISE HIM”
Praise Him! Praise Him! Praise Him! Praise Him!
Jesus, blessed Savior He’s worthy to be praised.
THE SCRIPTURE READINGS
THE GLORIA PATRI
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, Amen.
THE MISSION OFFERING
What shall I render unto God for all His blessings?
What shall I render, (Tell me) What shall I give?
God has ev’ry thing; Ev’ry thing belongs to Him.
God has ev’ry thing; Ev’ry thing belongs to Him.
What shall I render, Tell me what shall I give?
THE CHANT ………………..……………………………..……………. “ALL THINGS COME OF THEE”
(Tune - A.M.E. Hymnal No. 644)
All things come of Thee, O Lord; and of Thine own have we given Thee. Amen.
THE SERMONIC HYMN
……………………………….“BLESSED ASSURANCE” (PG 54)
THE PROCLAMATION OF THE WORD
THE INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP
46 | P a g e
“WE OFFER CHRIST TO YOU”
We offer Christ to you, oh, my brother, We offer Christ to you, oh, my sister.
He will give you brand new life Through life abundantly;
Oh come, come on to Christ.
THE WORSHIP THROUGH OFFERING (Finance Committee)
THE ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF VISITORS & EXPRESSIONS OF
APPRECIATION
THE RESOLUTIONS
THE FINANCE REPORT
The Commissioning Service
THE HYMN……………………………….………… “A CHARGE TO KEEP I HAVE” (PAGE 54)
THE PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES
THE PRAYER
THE SCRIPTURE – (II TIMOTHY 4:1-5)
THE DISPATCHING HYMN ………………...…“GO, PREACH MY GOSPEL” (PG.54-55)
THE READING OF APPOINTMENTS
“TILL WE MEET AGAIN”
Till we meet, till we meet, Till we meet at Jesus’ feet;
Till we meet, till we meet; God be with you till we meet again. Amen.
THE BENEDICTION
47 | P a g e
The Annual Conference Singing
AN D AR E W E Y E T AL I V E
And are we yet alive, And see each other’s face?
Glory and praise to Jesus give, For His redeeming grace!
Preserved by power divine, To full salvation here,
Again in Jesus’ praise we join, And in His sight appear.
What troubles have we seen, What conflicts have we passed,
Fightings without, and fears within, Since we assembled last.
But out of all the Lord, Hath brought us by His love;
And still He doth His help afford, And hides our life above.
Then let us make our boast, Of His redeeming power,
Which saves us to the uttermost, Till we can sin no more.
O N L Y W H AT Y O U D O F O R C H R I S T W I L L L AS T
You may build great cathedrals large or small,
You can build sky scrapers grand and tall,
You may conquer all the failures of the past,
Only what you do for Him will be counted at the end;
only what you do for Christ will last!
You may seek earthly power and fame,
the world might be impressed by your great name,
Soon the glories of this life will all be past,
Though you songs and prayers are heard and praised by man,
they’ve no meaning unless you’ve been born again,
Sinner, heed these words, don’t let this harvest pass,
for only what you do for Christ will last.
H O W F I RM A F O U N D AT I O N
How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord, Is laid for your faith in His
excellent Word! What more can He say than to you He hath said,
You, who unto Jesus for refuge have fled?
In every condition, in sickness, in health; In poverty’s vale,
or abounding in wealth; At home and abroad, on the land, on the sea,
As thy days may demand, shall thy strength ever be.
Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed, For I am thy God and will still give
thee aid; I’ll strengthen and help thee, and cause thee to stand
Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.
The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose, I will not, I will not desert to its
foes; That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.
48 | P a g e
I SURRENDER ALL
All to Jesus I surrender, All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him, In His presence daily live.
I surrender all, I surrender all. All to Thee,
my blessed Savior, I surrender all.
All to Jesus I surrender, Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken, Take me, Jesus, take me now.
All to Jesus I surrender, Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
May Thy Holy Spirit fill me, May I know Thy power divine.
All to Jesus I surrender, Lord I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power, Let Thy blessing fall on me.
All to Jesus I surrender, Now I feel the sacred flame;
O the joy of full salvation! Glory, glory to His name.
WE’RE MARCHING
TO
ZION
Come, we that love the Lord, And let our joys be known,
Join in a song with sweet accord, Join in a song with sweet accord,
And thus surround the throne, And thus surround the throne.
We’re marching to Zion, Beautiful, beautiful Zion;
We’re marching upward to Zion, The beautiful city of God.
Let those refuse to sing Who never knew our God;
But children of the heavenly King, But children of the heavenly King,
May speak their joys abroad, May speak their joys abroad.
The hill of Zion yields A thousand sacred sweets
Before we reach the heavenly fields, before we reach the heavenly fields,
Or walk the golden streets, Or walk the golden streets.
Then let our songs abound, And every tear be dry;
We’re marching through Immanuel’s ground,
We’re marching through Immanuel’s ground,
To fairer worlds on high, To fairer worlds on high.
COME , HOLY SPIRIT, HE AV ENLY DOVE
Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove, With all Thy quickening powers;
Kindle a flame of sacred love In these cold hearts of ours.
Look how we grovel here below, Fond of these earthly toys;
Our souls, how heavily they go. To reach eternal joys.
In vain we tune our formal songs, In vain we strive to rise;
Hosannas languish on our tongues, And our devotion dies.
Father, and shall we ever live At this poor dying rate,
Our love so faint, so cold to thee, And Thine to us so great!
Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove, With all Thy quickening powers;
Come, shed abroad a Savior’s love, And that shall kindle ours. Amen.
O THOU IN WHOSE PRESENCE
O Thou, in whose presence my soul takes delight,
On whom in affliction I call, My comfort by day and my song in the night,
My hope, my salvation, my all!
Where dost thou, dear Shepherd, resort with Thy sheep,
49 | P a g e
To feed them in pastures of love? Say, why in the valley of death
Should I weep, Or alone in this wilderness rove?
O why should I wander, an alien from Thee, Or cry in the desert for bread?
Thy foes will rejoice when my sorrows they see,
And smile at the tears I have shed.
He looks! And ten thousands of angels rejoice, And myriads wait for
His word; He speaks! And eternity, filled with His voice;
Reechoes the praise of the Lord.
Dear Shepherd, I hear, and will follow Thy call;
I know the sweet sound of Thy voice. Restore and defend me,
For Thou art my all, And in Thee I will ever rejoice. Amen.
COMMUNION HYMNS
KING OF MY LIFE
King of my life, I crown Thee now, Thine shall the glory be;
Lest I forget Thy thorn-crowned brow, Lead me to Calvary.
Lest I forget Gethsemane; Lest I forget Thine agony;
Lest I forget Thy love for me, Lead me to Calvary.
Show me the tomb where Thou wast laid, Tenderly mourned and wept; Angels
in robes of light arrayed Guarded Thee whilst Thou slept.
Let me like Mary, through the gloom, Come with a gift to Thee;
Show to me now the empty tomb, Lead me to Calvary.
May I be willing, Lord, to bear Daily my cross for Thee;
Even Thy cup of grief to share, Thou hast borne all for me.
WHEN I SURVEY THE WONDROUS CROSS
When I survey the wondrous cross On which the Prince of Glory died, My richest
gain I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, Save in the death of Christ my God; All the vain
things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to His blood.
See from His head, His hands, His feet, Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet, Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were an offering too small; Love so
amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all.
HE WILL REMEMBER ME
When on the cross of Calvary The Lord was crucified,
The Mob stood ‘round about Him, And mocked until He died. Two thieves were
nailed beside Him, To share the agony,
But one of them cried out to Him, “O Lord remember me.”
Will the Lord remember me When I am called to go? When I have crossed
death’s chilly sea Will He His love there show? O, yes, He heard my feeble cries,
From bondage set me free; And when I reach the pearly gates, He will remember
me.
O, what a shame to kill Him There on that rugged cross; But such a death was
needed To rescue all the lost. His blood was made a ransom To set the
captives free; I know that I’m included and
He will remember me.
50 | P a g e
At His dear feet I’m kneeling, My sins I now confess; I bow in deep repentance,
My soul He’ll surely bless. My blinded eyes He opens So that the light I see;
And when I reach the pearly gates
He will remember me.
THERE’S ROOM AT THE CROSS
The cross upon which Jesus died Is a shelter in which we can hide. And its
grace so free Is sufficient for me And deep is its fountain as wide as the sea.
There's room at the cross for you, There's room at the cross for you Tho’millions
have come, There's still room for one Yes, there's room at the cross for you.
Tho’ millions have found him a friend, And have turned from the sins they have
sinned The Savior still waits To open the gates
And welcome a sinner before it's too late.
The hand of my Savior is strong, And the love of my Savior is long; Through
sunshine or rain, Through loss or in gain,
The blood flows from Calv’ry to cleanse ev’ry stain.
DOWN AT THE CROSS
Down at the cross where my Savior died, Down where for cleansing from sin I
cried, There to my heart was the blood applied; Glory to His Name!
Glory to His Name, Glory to His Name: There to my heart was the blood applied;
Glory to His Name!
I am so wondrously saved from sin, Jesus so sweetly abides within; There at the
cross where He took me in; Glory to His Name!
Oh, precious fountain that saves from sin, I am so glad I have entered in; There
Jesus saves me and keeps me clean; Glory to His Name!
Come to this fountain so rich and sweet, Cast thy poor soul at the Savior’s feet;
Plunge in today, and be made complete; Glory to His Name!
AT THE CROSS
Alas! and did my Savior bleed, And did my Sovereign die?
Would He devote that sacred head For sinners such as I?
At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light,
And the burden of my heart rolled away, It was there by faith I received my sight,
And now I am happy all the day.
Was it for crimes that I had done He groaned upon the tree? Amazing pity!
grace unknown! And love beyond degree!
Well might the sun in darkness hide, And shut his glories in,
When Christ the mighty Maker died For man, the creature’s sin.
But drops of grief can ne’er repay The debt of love I owe;
Here, Lord, I give myself away; ‘Tis all that I can do.
WE’LL PRAISE THE LORD
We’ll praise the Lord for He is great, And in His presence angels wait;
All heaven is swelling with His praise, Shall we not, to, our anthems raise?
O we will praise Him, O we will praise Him, O we will praise His holy name!
O we will praise Him, O we will praise Him, O we will praise His holy name!
We’ll praise the Lord for He is wise; His wisdom shines through all the skies;
The earth He measures with a span, And crowns us with His image, man.
51 | P a g e
We’ll praise the Lord for He is just, And in Him we may ever trust;
Princes and kings may turn aside, But God by right will e’er abide.
We’ll praise the Lord for He is true, His word the same all ages through;
Earth, sea and sky may pass away, But firm God’s truth will ever stay.
O praise Him for His name is love, And from His glorious throne above
He bends to welcome our weak praise; Shall we not, then, I anthems raise?
BLESSED ASSURANCE, JESUS IS MINE
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His spirit, washed in His blood.
This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long.
Perfect submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending, bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
Perfect submission, all is at rest; I in my Savior am happy and blessed,
Watching and waiting, looking above, Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
A CHARGE
TO KEEP
I
HAV E
A charge to keep I have, A God to glorify,
A never dying soul to save And fit it for the sky.
To serve the present age, My calling to fulfill;
O may it all my powers engage To do my Master’s will!
Arm me with jealous care, As in Thy sight to live,
And O, Thy servant, Lord, prepare, A strict account to give!
Help me to watch and pray, And on Thyself rely
Assured, if I my trust betray, I shall forever die. Amen.
GO PREACH MY GOSPEL
“Go, preach My gospel,” saith the Lord. “Bid the whole earth
My grace receive. Explain to them My sacred word;
Bid them believe, obey, and live.
“I’ll make My great commission known, And ye shall prove
My gospel true By all the works that I have done
And all the wonders ye shall do.
“Go, heal the sick; go, raise the dead; Go, cast out devils in
My name; Nor let My prophets be afraid,
Though Greeks reproach and Jews blaspheme.
“While thus ye follow My commands I’m with you till
the world shall end; All power is trusted in My hands;
I can destroy and can defend.”
He spake, and light shone round His head, On a bright cloud to heaven He rode.
They to the farthest nation spread
The grace of their ascended God.
52 | P a g e
The Missionary Benediction
In the Name of the Triune God, May the Spirit of Christian Missions
Enter every heart. This we ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
The Lay Benediction
May God bless us with the true spirit of Christianity,
That we may live together, not as man over man,
but as Lay persons working with God. Amen.
The District Benediction
Every Member a Christian, Every Christian a Worker
Every Worker Trained, Every Trained Worker Saved
Every Saved Worker a Tither
This we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
The Disciplinary Questions
1. Who are the preachers admitted on trial?
2. Who remain on trial?
3. Who are admitted or readmitted to full connection?
4. Who have been elected and ordained deacons?
5. Who have been elected and ordained elders?
6. Who have been located this year?
7. Who have been elected by the General Conference to exercise
the Episcopal Office and to superintend the African Methodist
Episcopal Church?
8. Who are the supernumerary preachers?
9. Who are the superannuated preachers?
10. Who have been expelled from the Connection by this
Conference?
11. Who have withdrawn this year from this Conference and the
Connection?
12. Are all the preachers blameless in life and conversation?
13. What members of the Conference have died this year?
53 | P a g e
14. Have all the preachers subscribed to The Christian Recorder
and also to The A. M. E. Church Review, The Voice of
Missions, The Journal of Christian Education, The Secret
Chamber, or The Missionary Magazine?
15. What preachers are indebted to any of the departments or the
church publications?
16. (A) Does each station, circuit, or mission in this Annual
Conference have a Lay Organization? (B) If not, what stations,
circuits, or missions do not have a Lay Organization?
17. (A) Does each station, circuit, or mission in this Annual
Conference have a Koinonias Ministry? (B) If not, what stations,
circuits, or missions do not have a Koinonias Ministry?
18. When shall this Annual Conference next meet?
19. Where shall our next Annual Conference be held?
20. Where are the preachers stationed this year?
54 | P a g e
Notes
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
55 | P a g e
56 | P a g e

Annual Conference - Camden District | Southwest Conference

Transcription

Similar documents

knox presbyterian church crieff

A Nativity Scene Prayer - Catholic Relief Services Fair Trade

Rocker Bank Air Eliminator Head for the Air Eliminator Model T2A

what`s for sale? - Alabama Butterbean Festival

5:00 pm - St. James Episcopal Church

SENDING * HYMN 248 * BENEDICTION In Loving Memory of Jane

program for Saturday`s Mass (click here)

New . . . St. Joseph SUNDAY MISSAL

Come…come…come