June 2015 - Home Cascade District

Transcription

AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL ZION CONNECTIONAL LAY COUNCIL
TH E CON N E CT ION
Rh a ndi M . Stith, Editor
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2016 GENERAL
CONFERENCE LEGISLATION AND
SUMMIT MEETING
Wed Nov. 18 - Sat Nov 21, 2015
HILTON NORTH RALEIGH/MIDTOWN
3415 Wake Forest Road
Raleigh, NC 27609
THE CONNECTION, JUNE 2015 - PAGE 2
2016 General Conference Legislation and Summit
Meeting
The International Ministers and Lay Association, Rev. Dr. Kevin McGill, President in partnership with the
Connectional Lay Council, Ms. Mary Matthews, President, are planning a two day intensive work session of interested lay and clergy of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church to develop legislation for the 50th Quadrennial
Session of the General Conference in Raleigh, NC. The 2016 General Conference Legislation and Summit Meeting
is chaired by Rev. Melvin Tate and Dr. Yvonne A. Tracey.
The meeting is meant to be a-political and proactive in its effort to collaborate and build consensus in the development of relevant legislation to strengthen our beloved ZION. It is also designed to be instructional as it pertains
to understanding the legislative process.
We are encouraging all interested Zionites to attend this joint endeavor, especially General Conference
Delegates. Participants must be a member of the International Ministers and Lay Association or the Connectional
Lay Council. There is a modest registration fee to cover two meals and other expenses. At the last meeting, meals
were included with the room rate and tickets were sold on site for those who did not stay at the Dorothy Walls
Retreat Center. This time we are offering a more equitable means for covering the cost of meals.
Appropriate committees will be formed based on the need to develop relevant resolutions that impact major
aspects of the denomination, with the exception of the areas which are under the authority and jurisdiction of the
Board of Bishops.
We are resolute that the time spent will focus on improving the process of emerging legislation that will honor
the following tenets:
1. All resolutions developed will be fashioned in the best interest of the denomination and not aligned with
special interest groups.
2. Appropriate research will be performed and used to eliminate inconsistency with existing legislation.
3. Resolutions with budget implications will be interfaced with the proposed budget legislation committee.
4. The appropriate Legislation Committees will work collaboratively with the Restructuring Committee, chaire
by Bishop W. Darin Moore.
Our goal is that the summit will affect a more thorough understanding of the legislative process and significantly
reduce the number of resolutions generated. It is our prayer and desire that the Legislative Summit and Meeting
will most importantly lend itself to a more efficient and productive 50th Quadrennial Session of the General
Conference. We welcome and encourage your attendance and invaluable input.
Event Details
Hilton North Raleigh/Midtown Raleigh, North Carolina
Rates: $105.00 plus 12.75% tax
For Reservations Call: 1-800 Hilton
Reservation Code: AMZ
Deadline for Reservations: 10/15/2015
Complimentary transfers to and from RDU International Airport
Complimentary wireless internet access in each guest room
Registration:
$100.00 ($110.00 after 10/15) &
Current Membership with International Ministers and Lay Association or Connectional Lay Council
(Includes: two meals, program, committee materials and other amenities)
See Summit .pg 8
THE CONNECTION, JUNE 2015- PAGE 3
A Word From Our President
From the President’s Desk
Greetings:
It is a glorious privilege to serve you. The spirit of “Dynamic Leadership”
is in the air. Leadership is serious business and should not be taken lightly.
I employ all, from the local church to the regional lay council to keep your
focus on the “Leadership” component of our theme as you conduct lay academies. If we ever needed real committed Christian leadership, now is the
time. A commitment is your pledge to do whatever it takes, within reason,
to get the job done--no matter what!
We need strong leaders in every area of life, starting in our homes and
reaching to the highest level of the church and government. I want you
to know, if it is to be, it’s up to you! If this African Methodist Episcopal Zion
Church is to be effective in its endeavors, there must be bold Christian lay
leadership in every local church and serving at all levels of this church. The
Lay Council has become an effective, progressive, dynamic and indispensable arm of the A.M.E. Zion Church. Proper leadership training and development will help to ensure that the church gets the very best from its lay leadership.
We continue to make great strides in the Connectional Lay Council ministry. We will again partner with
the International Ministers and Lay Association in a General Conference Legislation and Summit meeting,
November 18-20, 2015 in Raleigh, NC. This meeting is a work session, so come prepared to serve on one of the
committees as we prepare resolutions to be submitted to the General Secretary Auditor for the 2016 General
Conference.
Plans are underway for our Quadrennial Lay Convocation to be held in Rock Hill, SC, March 17-19, 2016.
Therefore, I sound the clarion call for all of Zion’s laity and clergy, General Conference delegates and alternates,
who love God and His Church to start preparing now to join us.
To the local, district, conference, regional and connectional leadership “lay and clergy”, thanks for continuously supporting the ministry of the Connectional Lay Council; and for continuing to renew your Lay Council
memberships. As for those who are not a member yet, there is no better time than now. I extend to you a
special invitation to join. God’s blessing for all you do to reach others for Christ!
BOOK RELEASE
“I WAS THERE!”
A teaching tool written as an episodic drama that is highly recommended
for Lay Academies, Sunday School, Christian Education, Bible Study Groups,
Prison Ministries, Mission work, and personal edification. Hear fifteen (15)
inanimate objects progressively used in the crucifixion, death, and burial of
Jesus Christ brought to life. These objects admit, with dismay, the cruel part
of each played in the death of the noted Galilean, and say, “I Was There!” They
then ask the question of the reader, “Were you there when they crucified your
Lord?” The crucifixion story is a year round lesion.
Purchases can be requested
Via e-mail – jfairleach3671@sbcglobal.net
Or telephone (937) 372-1079
THE CONNECTION, MARCH 2015- PAGE 4
A Glance At Memberships
by Effie Woodard, 2nd Vice President and Membership Chairperson
Hats off to all the Episcopal Districts, Regional Directors and Membership chairpersons for your continued support in promoting campaigns to help achieve
our projected goal ; 50,000 Memberships. As the record show now we are 38,000
stateside. Grrrrrrreat!!
As we continue to soar with our Membership numbers follow –up with our new
procedure on all expired and delinquent memberships. Our notification letters
serve as a “picker upper” in getting the word out to the local churches. Two of
our objectives disseminating information and cultivating denominational loyalty
plays an important part on Membership. Our goal is to get as many who want to
become active in this ministry. For It is the bedrock for re-discovering personal
spiritual gifts with a renewed and accelerated desire for spiritual growth and service We must reach the masses as we sail on to vast territory in getting people to
join in with this ministry and become a vital part of this denomination. You make
up the stacks! It does not cost a lot, but becoming a member your financial contributions can help spread the
good news of Jesus Christ both stateside and abroad. If the church only lives for itself, it is not truly a Christian. We
must be dedicated to Christian missions and sharing God’s word. Being that mass majority we have the meat to
spread good works! Through Jesus Christ.
Remember we are worker together for the greater. Sail on! Sail on! In keeping your membership campaigns
going. Soar above the norm and achieve your goals for your Episcopal area. You’ve proven that you can do it!
As we continue to gallop toward our goal in our membership campaigns please be reminded that when you
are sending in your memberships, please!!, please!! Use black ink, type and/or write legible so that it will be clear.
The Bishop George J. Leake III Endowed
Scholarship
by Anita Pearson Royster, Esquire Scholarship Committee Chairman
As laity under the current leadership of Ms. Mary Matthews, we are now called for
“...A New Experience…Transformational Leadership: Engage, Empower, Energize”. In
this new experience, the laity must continue to support the development of transformational leaders for our churches and communities in the 21st century. The Bishop
George J. Leake, III Endowed Scholarship is just one of the many ways that we can enable our leaders, through their religious studies, to effectively serve our church in this
present age.
Appeals for donations and help in raising donations are made to Episcopal Districts/
CLC Regions, Lay Councils on all levels, churches and individuals. All laity and clergy
are strongly encouraged to support and freely give to the scholarship fund so that the
goals of the scholarship can be reached during the current CLC administration.
The promotion of the Bishop George J. Leake, III Endowed Scholarship emphasizes one of the continuing priorities of the Connectional Lay Council to support the development of transformational leaders in our churches and
communities.
We appeal to all laity, as well as clergy, to support the Bishop George J. Leake, III Endowed Scholarship. Please
send all donations from individuals, Districts and/or Conferences to the Connectional Lay Council, Post Office Box
26770, Charlotte, NC 28221-6770 and include “Bishop Leake Scholarship” on the check.
Thank you for your investment in transformational leadership.
Leadership and Character
by Joyce Perry Edwards, Ph.D. Chairperson Education Committee
Much has been discussed, written and studied about the characteristics of
effective leadership. Perhaps the first cause of effective leadership, however,
is good character. When we use the term “first cause” in this context, we mean
the ultimate cause or the first source for everything that follows. To be a good
leader one must have good character.
A leader may know many strategies for getting people to cooperate, but
unless these strategies are rooted in good character, the strategies will only be
used to manipulate people. They will not benefit the people or the organization.
The elements of good character are many. Perhaps three are essential if a
leader to at least follow one of principles taught by John Wesley: DO NO HARM.
The first essential element of good character for a leader is to have concern for
the physical and psychological safety of the followers. The leader must be concerned that no one is hurt physical or
emotionally. The good leader first works to make sure that the environment is safe,assuring that the environment
is free of obvious safety hazards. Then the leader tries to assure that people are treated well. The leader himself/
herself must be fair to all persons over which they have power. While a leader must adhere to a high quality of work
standards, the leader should have empathy for people’s life circumstances and be sensitive to their feelings, values,
and interests. In other words, a good leader is not self-centered. Good leaders do not believe that the group or
organization exists for them to get their needs met. Good leaders also do not take advantage of the people. They
do not get the followers to do things for them or give them things in order to get special treatment.
A second essential element of good character of a leader is honesty and integrity. An effective leader tells people
the truth even when the truth is not easy. When the truth is difficult, the good leader will try to find the best way to
tell the people the truth. Integrity involves matching what one says with what one does. An honest leader does not
say one thing and do another. Also, a leader with integrity will not ask the followers to do something that s/he is not
willing to do or something that is wrong.
A third essential element of good character for effective leadership is being responsible. A responsible leader will
never abandon the group to go off and “do his/her own thing.” A responsible leader will not “put his/her hoe down
in the middle of the garden before the weeding is completed“ because s/he got tired. Being responsible as a leader
means assuming responsibility for whatever decisions are made and working for the best possible outcome. A
responsible leader sticks with the goals even when some in the group want to forget about them. Also, the responsible leader does not let people take him/her off the track away for the goals and purposes of the group or organization. Sometimes it is just easier to let a group lapse into being just a means of fellowship when there is real work
that needs to be done. This is especially true in the church where everyone works on a volunteer basis. However, a
leader with good character is concerned with more than being popular. A leader with good character wants to carry
out the mission of the church—winning souls for Christ and reaching out to a sin sick and weary world.
Elements of good character manifest themselves in the actions of the leader. The leader may be able to deceive
some of the followers for a while, but not forever. The old adage about deceiving people applies here. “You can
fool some of the people all of the time, and you can fool some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all
the people all the time.”When people realize that they have been deceived by the leader, the people loose heart.
Unfortunately, sometimes nothing will be said; but surely nothing productive will be accomplished.
Although we as lay leaders understand that we have our ministries in “earthen vessels,” which are “inclined toward
evil continually,” let us pray for the strength of the Holy Spirit that our motivations and ultimate purposes will be to
do good, to live right, and to maintain the elements of good character.
Voting Rights Act: Major Dates in History
Queen Degraphenreid, Social Political Action Committee Chairperson
The Voting Rights Act is a
historic civil rights law that is
meant to ensure that the right
to vote is not denied on account of race or color.
1866 - Civil Rights Act of
1866 grants citizenship, but
not the right to vote, to all
native-born Americans.
1869 - Congress passes the
Fifteenth Amendment giving
African American men the
right to vote.
1896 - Louisiana passes “grandfather clauses” to keep former slaves and their descendants from voting. As a result,
registered black voters drops from 44.8% in 1896 to 4.0% four
years later. Mississippi, South Carolina, Alabama and Virginia
follow Louisiana’s lead by enacting their own grandfather
clauses.
1940 - Only 3% of eligible African Americans in the South are
registered to vote. Jim Crow laws like literacy tests and poll
taxes were meant to keep African Americans from voting.
Here is an example of real literacy test:
The State of Louisiana Literacy Test (this test is to be given to
anyone who cannot prove a fifth grade education)
Do what you are told in each statement, nothing more, nothing less. Be careful as one wrong answer denotes failure of
the test. You have 10 minutes to complete the test.
• 1. Draw a line around the number of letter of this sentence.
• 2. Draw a line under the last word of this line.
• 3. Cross out the longest word of this line.
• 4. Draw a line around the shortest word of this line.
• 5. Circle the first letter of the alphabet in this line
• 6. In the space below draw three circles, one inside by
(engulfed by) the other.
1964 - Poll taxes are outlawed with the adoption of the 24th
Amendment.
Here is an example of a real sign:
PAY YOUR POLL-TAX NOW!
Deadline January 31st
Vote! And Protect Your Rights and Privileges
Be Ready for Every Election
Local Options and Other Special Elections are in Prospect for
This Year
1965 - More than 500 non-violent civil rights marchers are
attacked by law enforcement officers while attempting to
march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama to demand the
need for African American voting rights.
1965 - President Lyndon B. Johnson signs the Voting Rights
Act into law, permanently barring barriers to political participation by racial and ethnic minorities, prohibiting any election practice that denies the right to vote on account of race,
and requiring jurisdictions with a history of discrimination in
voting to get federal approval for changes in their election
laws before they can take effect.
1965 - By the end of 1965, 250,000 new black voters are registered, one third of them by federal examiners.
1970 - President Richard Nixon signed an extension of the
Voting Rights Act.
Nixon: “The Voting Rights Act of 1965 has opened participation in the political process.”
1972 - Barbara Jordan of Houston and Andrew Young of Atlanta become the first African Americans elected to Congress
from the South since Reconstruction.
1975 - President Gerald Ford signed an extension of the Voting Rights Act.
1982 - President Ronald Reagan signed a 25-year extension
of the Voting Rights Act.
1990 - Due, in part, to the enforcement of the Voting Rights
Act, the number of black elected officials in Georgia grows to
495 in 1990 from just three prior to the VRA.
2006 - Congress extended Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act
for an additional 25 years.
2011 - Restrictions to voting passed in South Carolina, Texas
and Florida are found to disproportionately impact minority
voters.
2010 to Present - Since 2010 alone, the Department of Justice
has had 18 Section 5 objections to voting laws in Texas,
South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina, Mississippi and
Louisiana.
2011 - A record number of restrictions to voting were introduced in state legislatures nationwide, including photo ID
requirements, cuts to early voting and restrictions to voter
registration. Many of these states have histories of voter
discrimination and are covered under the VRA.
States requiring federal approval: New Hampshire, New York,
Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida,
Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Arizona, South Dakota,
California, Alaska.
2011 - Restrictions to voting passed in South Carolina, Texas
and Florida are found to disproportionately impact minority
voters.
2011 - Florida passed a law that restricts voter registration and made cuts to early voting. The majority of African
Americans in Florida rely on early voting to cast a ballot, and
register to vote through community based registration.
2011 - Texas passed one of the nation’s most restrictive voter
ID laws. Under the VRA, the state was required to submit the
law to DOJ or the DC federal district court for approval. The
court blocked the law, citing racial impact.
2011 - Under the VRA, the DOJ blocked South Carolina’s voter
ID law, saying it discriminates against minority voters. The
DC federal district court later precleared the law but only because the state agreed that an ID was not required for voting.
2011 - South Carolina passed a restrictive voter ID law that
would keep more than 180,000 African Americans from casting a ballot.
2013 - The ACLU represented the NAACP’s Alabama chapter in Shelby v. Holder. In the decision, the Supreme Court
crippled one of the most effective protections for the right
to vote by rendering ineffective the requirement that certain
jurisdictions with a history of voting discrimination get preapproval for voting changes. States have wasted no time
enacting potentially discriminatory laws including Texas, Mississippi, North Carolina, Florida, Virginia, South Dakota, Iowa,
and Indiana.
See Voting Rights Act .pg 11
Special Projects
LeLe Davis, Special Projects Committee Chairperson
A BIG thanks to all of you that have placed and paid for orders for your
Region, Conference, District and Local Church.
Remember as you decide to place an order on consignment, Regional
Directors must sign off or e-mail me to let me know that your consignment
is approved and they will know what merchandise is outstanding in their
respective region. Only Local, District and Conference Presidents may take
orders on consignment.
Individuals placing orders are asked to send a check or money order
made payable to the CLC and including shipping along with your order.
Please remember to place your order in a timely manner. We will do all
that we can to ensure that your order is received on time.
Some items may be limited in size and number. Feel free to e-mail me or contact the office to make sure the items
you are ordering are in stock.
Send in monies monthly (10th) if you have a consignment order. Also, make contact with other Presidents in
your area to let them know you have materials, to see if they may need or want something to help you move your
merchandise.
Are you Lay Council Ready?
1. Quadrennial Study Guides are 10.00. These books are very informative and a must have for your Lay
Academies. We recommend that each church, local, district and conference officers all should have one in their
possession. See your Regional Director to get one or e-mail me.
2. Pad-folios, Insulated lunch totes, Purse hangers, Gold T-shirts and Messenger bags are also available for
$10.00 each. If you plan to recognize Lay Persons of the year or need a special gift, consider giving one or some of
these items.
3. Medallions are $15.00. Have you considered having a LC Medallion Day?….A great way to show off our
colors when you are having your Regional, Conference and District Lay Council Programs and of course when you
observe Connectional Lay Day in October. Don’t delay….Order yours today!
4. Life Member Stoles are $50.00 each and Life Membership is $125.00 - Yes, we have stoles in stock. If you are
a Life Member and you would like to have a stole for your next district, conference or a connectional meeting…
now is the time to place your order. If you plan to stole Life Members at your District or Annual Conference, send
in the names to verify Life Membership so that your stole(s) may arrive on time. If there are persons interested in
purchasing a stole along with becoming a Life Member, send all information and monies to the CLC office together,
so there will not be a delay in processing your order.
A Facebook page has been created for Special Projects for those of you that enjoy Social Media. I will post ideas
and pictures of items we have in stock as well as give you updates, so please take a minute to like our page. Add it
to your local church bulletin, your District and conference programs…so all may take a look to see the items we
have in stock. Check us out at CLC/Special Projects. Please DO NOT place orders on the Facebook page. Remember
to share!
If you have any questions, you can reach me 704.562.0402 call/text Lpsivad @gmail.com (new e-mail address).
....Summit
Continued from page 2
Wednesday – November 18th
Preliminary Overview - Program/Activities
Thursday – November 19th
Registration/Information 3:00 PM
Registration/Information 8:00 AM
Official Opening 7:00 PM
o Worship Service
o Organization of Committees
•
Committees at Work in break-out
rooms 9:00 AM
• Lunch 12 Noon
• Dinner 5:00 PM
• General Session 7:00 PM
o Presentation/Discussion of
Committee Work
Friday – November 20th
•
General Session 9:00 AM–
12:00 Noon
o Final Committee
Reports
o Closing
Included in this issue of the Connection is a Legislative Committee Sign-up Sheet (on last page) requesting:
1. Personal Directory Information
2. Legislative Committee (i.e. Financial Administration, Budget, Ministerial Concerns, General Administration,
Laity, Local Church, Education and Conference Boundaries)
3. Areas of concern
4. Remit to Dr. Yvonne A. Tracey. Fax 704-636-4567 or 502 Ferndale Dr., Salisbury, NC 28147
This form will also be available on the CLC Website.
Suggested list of Legislative Committees:
Clergy/Ministers
Ministerial Concerns
Ministers Bill of Rights
Conferences
Conference Boundaries
Education
Schools, Colleges & Seminaries
Financial Admin
Budget
Allocation
General Admin
Laity
Local Church
This List of Senior Discounts for People
Over 50 Might Be The Best Thing You Learn
All Day
This list may not only be useful for you, but for your
friends and family too. Remember, YOU must ASK for your
discount!
RESTAURANTS:
Applebee's: 15% off with Golden Apple Card (60+)
Arby's: 10% off ( 55 +)
Ben & Jerry's: 10% off (60+)
Bennigan's: discount varies by location (60+)
Bob's Big Boy: discount varies by location (60+)
Boston Market: 10% off (65+)
Burger King: 10% off (60+)
Captain D’s Seafood: “Happy Wednesday Offer” choice
of 8 meals + drink for $4.99 or less- varies by loc. (62+)
Carrabba’s Italian Grill: 20% off on Wednesdays to AARP
Members
Carrows Restaurants: Golden 55 Menu offers discounted bfast, lunch & dinner (55+)
Chick-Fil-A: 10% off or free small drink or coffee ( 55+)
Chili's: 10% off ( 55+)
CiCi's Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Country Kitchen: Great Senior Menu (55+)
Culver's: 10% off
Dairy Queen: 10% off for seniors (15% for coaches) varies by location (free small drink at some locations)
Dunkin' Donuts: 10% off or free coffee ( 55+)
Einstein's Bagels: 10% off baker's dozen of bagels (60+)
El Pollo Loco: 10% off senior discounts varies by location (55+)
Fuddrucker's: 10% off any senior platter ( 55+)
Gatti's Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Golden Corral: 10% off (60+)
Hardee's: $0.33 beverages everyday (65+)
IHOP: 10% off ( 55+)
Jack in the Box: up to 20% off ( 55+)
Kagle’s Barbecue: 10% off (50+)
KFC: free small drink with any meal ( 55+)
Krispy Kreme: 10% off ( 50+)
Long John Silver's: various discounts at locations ( 55+)
McDonald's: discounts on coffee everyday ( 55+)
Mrs. Fields: 10% off at participating locations (60+)
Outback Steakhouse: 15% off AARP members for meals
Monday through Thursday (alcohol excluded)
Old Country Buffet: Daily discounts for seniors(55+)
Papa John’s: 25% off (55+) for online orders. Enter the
code “AARP25″ when placing your order
Ponderosa Steak Houses: Senior DiscountsVary- Senior
menu available (60+)
Shoney's: 10% off
Sonic: 10% off or free beverage (60+)
Steak 'n Shake: 10% off every Monday & Tuesday ( 50+)
Subway: 10% off (60+)
Sweet Tomatoes: 10% off (62+)
Taco Bell : 5% off; free beverages for seniors (65+)
TCBY: 10% off ( 55+)
Tea Room Cafe: 10% off ( 50+)
Traditions Restaurant (East TX): Senior platter meal: for
$4.71 (50+)
Village Inn: 10% off (60+)
Waffle House: 10% off every Monday (60+)
Wendy’s: 10% off (55+)
Whataburger: Free drink w/ purchase of a meal- varies
by loc. (55+)
White Castle: 10% off (62+)
RETAIL & APPAREL:
Banana Republic: 30% off ( 50 +)
Bealls: 20% off first Tuesday of each month ( 50 +)
(http://www.beallsoutlet.com/)
Belk’s: 15% off first Tuesday of every month ( 55 +)
Bon-Ton Department Stores: 15% off on senior discount
days ( 55 +)
C.J. Banks: 10% off every Wednesday (50+)
Clarks : 10% off (62+)
Dress Barn: 20% off ( 55+)
Goodwill: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Hallmark: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kohl’s: 15% off (60+)
Marshalls: 10% off on Tuesdays (varies by location)
Michael’s: 10% off on Tuesdays (with AARP card)
Modell’s Sporting Goods: 30% off
Rite Aid: 10% off on Tuesdays & 10% off prescriptions
Ross Stores: 10% off every Tuesday ( 55+)
The Salvation Army Thrift Stores: up to 50% off ( 55+)
Stein Mart: 20% off red dot/clearance items first Monday of every month ( 55 +)
TJ Maxx: 10% on Tuesdays (varies by location)
Walgreens: 20% off once a month (55+ and AARP) “Balance Rewards” Card require)
GROCERY:
Albertson’s: 10% off first Wednesday of each month ( 55
+)
American Discount Stores: 10% off every Monday ( 50
+)
Compare Foods Supermarket: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)
DeCicco Family Markets: 5% off every Wednesday (60+)
Fry’s Supermarket: free Fry’s VIP Club Membership & 10% off
every Monday ( 55 +)
Fred Meyer: 10% first Tuesday of each month (55+)
Great Valu Food Store: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Gristedes Supermarket: 10% off every Tuesday (60+)
Harris Teeter: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Hy-Vee: 5% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kroger: 10% off (date varies by location)
See Senior Discounts. pg 17
THE CONNECTION, MARCH 2015 - PAGE 10
Four
SHIPS of Zion
Penned by Patricia Lewis
Four ships of Zion like cornerstones
Capped and crowned with The Christ at the helm.
In reverence acknowledge and bow to Him—
There being nothing not in His realm.
We Worship Him seated at the right
Of God the Father, the Eternal.
Accept Him both as Lord and Savior;
Or be cast in fiery infernal.
2) He is our model of Leadership
As we ‘put on’ Him to His glory.
Serving one another as we lead—
Let the life you live tell the story.
3) Discipleship must put Jesus first.
Sharing our faith through each stormy sea.
Put death to ourselves and vain ambition—
We are to cause disciples to be.
4) Stewardship is managing something—
It’s what God has placed in our care.
Gifts, abilities, time, and money—
Commit to the Lord, be blessed;and share.
These four ships of Zion yet do sail
‘Though at times waves and billows are rough.
God made a promise of ‘good’ to us
And by His grace—‘tis more than enough.
Keep sailing on four ships of Zion.
Christ the Lord died for you and for me.
‘Though winds of adversity toss us—
He did calm the obedient sea!
May 19, 2015
All rights reserved.
Permission granted by author for re-printing.
Connectional Lay Council 2013-2017
Fortifying our Faith while Focusing on Our Future through…
....Voting Rights Act
The good news is that we have the chance to fix it now. Congress can pass a new, flexible and forward-looking set of protections that
work together to guarantee our right to vote — and it’s not just wishful thinking. Since 2006, Congress extended the key sections of the
Voting Rights Act on four occasions in overwhelming, bipartisan votes. Once again, a bipartisan group of lawmakers have come together
to work on these critical protections. The Voting Rights Act is a historic civil rights law that is meant to ensure that the right to vote is not
denied on account of race or color.
Unless Congress acts quickly, this could be the first election in 50 years without full protection of the right to vote for minority voters. We
need Congress to act fast – to pass the Voting Rights Amendment Act and protect the right to vote for all people.
Be An Active, Informed Citizen!
Spotlights on CLC Executive Board Members
Trubbie R. Leeper and Glenda Davis-Canteen
“And whatsoever
you do, whether in
word or deed, do it
all in the name of
the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the
Father through him.”
(Colossians 3:17 NIV)
Trubbie R. Leeper,
born June 16, 1950,
the third of five children born to Joseph
Porter Leeper, Jr. and
Winnie Crawford
Leeper in Gastonia,
North Carolina. As the
middle child with two
older sisters and two
younger brothers, I
was the peacemaker.
I was born at home
and at the age of 16
when attempting to secure my birth certificate to get my
driver’s license, I discovered that my birth certificate contained the name “Baby Boy Leeper”. It was at that time
that my name became official.
I have had the privilege to serve on the
CLC Executive Board
as a Regional Director
(RD) for the South
Atlantic Episcopal
District (SAED) since 2008. During this time span, I’ve
worked with three different administrations leading
us through succession planning, leadership growth
and development to empower our laity, and encouraged mobilizing our partnership with the Bureau of
As an infant, I was baptized as a member of Neely’s Evangelism and the International Minister and Lay
Grove A.M.E. Zion Church. Growing up in the church, I Association to “bring others to Christ.”
was very active as a Junior Usher, member of the Youth
Choir and Junior Trustee. I remember being selected
I have had the opportunity to chair the Challenge
from my youth group to attend summer camp at Camp Luncheon during our 2012 Lay Convocation, coordiDorothy Walls, an experience I will never forget.
nating the Cultural Tour during our 10th Quadrennial
Lay Convention, serving on the Membership, and
As a young adult and my continued love for the church, Steering Committee for the 2016 Convocation.
I served Superintendent of the Sunday School and a
Servant Leadership:
member of the Steward Board. Currently, in my local
• Former Leader of Leaders of the Class Leader
church, I serve as Preacher Steward, Class Leader and Ministry
President of the Lay Council. On the District, I served 10
• Former member of the Mass/Women’s Choir
years at President of the Lincolnton District Lay Council
• Former member of the Assimilation Ministry
(1999 – 2009); member of the Finance Committee and
• Former member of Publicity/Marketing
Presiding Elder’s Executive Board. On the Conference,
(Currently)
I served as a Trustee of Dorothy Walls Conference and
• Deaconess Board
Retreat Center and was elected to service as a Delegate
• Conference Lay Council President
to the General Conference for the 48th and 49th sessions.
• WHOMS
In 2009 In Portsmouth, VA, I was elected to my first term
• Conference Finance Committee
as Treasurer of the Connectional Lay Council and was reelected in Montgomery, AL for a second term.
I received a special invitation to attend an annual
CLC Executive Board meeting by my former Regional
My formal education was in Gaston County, graduat- Director, Mrs. Danella Hillian in 2006. I remember being from Belmont High School in 1968. I continued my ing impressed by the manner in which the meeting
education at Durham College, Durham, NC, graduat- was conducted, duly noting the amount of business
ing with a diploma in Business Administration in 1970. that was addressed and strategically handled. During
After graduation, I entered the United States Air Force in my “debriefing” sessions afterwards with Danella, afAugust 1970 with my basic training at Lackland Air Force fectionately known as “Miss Dan,” I didn’t realize she
Base in San Antonio, Texas. After basic training, I married was “preparing, recruiting, and grooming” me for
my college sweetheart, Priscilla Hickman from Winston- such a time as this.
Salem in 1971 and to this union, three sons were born,
James, Timothy and Christopher. My first military duty
See Leeper. pg 13
See Canteen. pg 13
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS IN THE VOTING RIGHTS
MOVEMENT
An Interview with Queen Degraphenreid
1995 Inductee, “An Invisible Giant of the Voting Rights Movement” into
the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute in Selma, AL at the 30th
Anniversary of the Selma To Montgomery March.
Q. Where are you
from and when did
you first become
aware of inequalities and social injustices?
A. I was born in
Union County, SC
and grew up in adjacent Spartanburg
County. At an early
age, I became keenly aware that “something was wrong with this race picture”, as I had to walk
5 miles to school,while buses carrying white children
who would throw things and spit at us.
Q. When did you decide to become a civil rights and
voting rights activist?
A. I didn’t decide. Those early experiences and subsequent poignant experiences of segregation and denial
of equal access, including drinking water, made that
decision for me. So, as I graduated high school in 1963,
I entered Allen University with a determined resolve to
“break the yoke” of economic and social justices that
bound my family and my community. It was just Divine
Order that the NAACP Office was directly across the
street from the college giving me ongoing accessibility
to NAACP leaders and voter rights advocates. This gave
me the support and guidance necessary for my path
into the Civic Rights Movement during the 1960’s.
Are there differences or similarities?
A. We use a range of terms interchangeably when
making references to the plight of the African American
experience. To me, inequalities refers to unequal treatment under the law. Social injustice can refer to the written law, but mainly to those experiences, like racial profiling, where theremay be no law, butthe social patterns
and practicesnegatively impact citizens and entire communities. For people of color, the unfair legal practices
and the unjust societal patterns are often compound
with a range of long-term effects, such as those experienced by our own young Black men, resulting in to
criminal records, unemployment, incarceration, absentee fatherhood, and the lack of necessary survival skills
to sustain themselves in family and community life.
Q. Who were your influencers in your life? What lasting impact did they make?
A. I like the phrase that Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune
used in describing those who make a difference in the
lives of others. What we now call ‘role models’ and ‘mentors’, Dr. Bethune termed “purposeful people” - those
well-intended persons committed to making meaningful, permanent changes in the lives of others. While
I never met her, Dr. Bethune undoubtedly impacted
my life. The fact that she was from a large poor, rural SC
family and walked 5 miles to school, those similarities
resonate with my own life. If she could experience the
degradation of being born 2 years out of slavery, and go
on to both attend college and to found one, advisefour
US Presidents (of both political parties), and to found
an organization, the National Council of Negro Women
(NCNW), that pulled all Black women organizations
under one umbrella; then surely, Icanovercome my
segregation experience and help somebody else along
the way. There are many others, both women and men,
who influenced my life, and in turn, I try to carrying on
the legacies of those whose shoulders I stand on.
Q. What was the “spark” that gave impetus to this tenacious and enduring legacy of addressing
inequalities and social injustices for more than 50
years?
A. The 1963 March on Washington was definitely
the pivotal point for me. While I was with like-minded
people throughout the civil rights and voting rights
movement of the 1960’s, growing up poor in a shareTo answer the question about lasting impact, I am
cropping family of twelvecan be a challenging personal founder of two NCNW sections (chapters)and currently
experience. Participating in this historic event gave me serving my 2nd term as President of the North Carolina
the assurance that I was not alone in my struggles.
Coalition of the National Council of Negro Women. She
not only influenced my life, but permeated it. I have
Q. You use both the terms “inequalities” and “social chosen to carry forth the “Bethune Legacy”.
injustices”. Why both references?
See Degraphenreid. pg 14
....Leeper
continued from page 11
assignment was Myrtle Beach Air Force Base where I served 3 ½ years as an aircraft crew chief. This assignment allowed me to be home in Gastonia, NC most weekends.
After my military service in 1974, I gained employment with First Union National Bank/Wachovia/Wells Fargo
Bank as a Management Trainee rising to Vice President, Consumer Loan Department, prior to my retirement in
2008 with 34 years of continued service.
After completing my obligation of educating my three sons, I continued my education at Belmont Abbey
College in Belmont, NC. I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management in May 2010.
Lastly, I am the proud “Poppi” of three granddaughters, Jessica, Lauren and Hailey Leeper, who I love dearly and
enjoy the time we spend together.
I am humble in the ways that the Lord is using me to serve the A.M.E. Zion Church and to God be the glory for
....Canteen
My lay service began over 50 years ago, “rooted” in the New Jersey Conference, Camden PE District at St. Paul
AME Zion Church in Trenton, NJ under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. O.R. Lyons. I became an active member
of the Buds of Promise (receiving a life member stole financed by an 80 year old Buds of Promise Superintendent,
Miss Dora C. Worthy at the age of 9), Young Women’s Missionary Society (prior to the name change to Youth
Missionary Society), member of the youth choir, and Christian Education Department.
I’m standing on the shoulders of some faithful Zionites – I am thankful for my Centurion grandmother Lois
who taught me “perseverance,” my beloved mother, Dorothy who instilled in me my godly beliefs and principles
teaching me “humility, honesty, and to be a cheerful giver.” I attribute my inspiration from my love of God, Zion
and family.
I believe my leadership qualities are most aligned with Nehemiah – I’m a “planner” and “administrator” seeking
God to order my steps, my purpose, my ministry; I’m a Decision-maker, “Delegator of work,” and most importantly
a “Motivator.” One of the first tasks I did when I became Regional Director was to bridge the generation gap of our
lay leaders/members. We invested time in our Region to learn the characteristics associated with each generation – of Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Millennials, discussed how it impacts our ministry and recognized the
benefits that each generation has a lot to offer; learning from each other.
To Obtain the Complete CLC By-Laws Articles 1 - 16
visit www.CLC.org
....Degraphenreid
Q. How were you able to use the civil rights and voting rights work in your life?
A. The advent of the new laws, like the Civil Rights Act (CRA) of 1964, opened doors for many low-income and
people of color, including me. As a college student, I was one of the college interns selected to work in the SC Office
of Head Start of the federal programs emanating from the CRA of 1964. For the first time on paper, I saw how much
poverty was in South Carolina. After gradation, I was fortunate again to work for another federal CRA initiative –
Upward Bound, a pre-college program for low-income students. One might say that I was a direct beneficiary of
the changes that I had fought for. My mission in life had now become my professional career. I had become one
of Dr. Bethune’s “purposeful people”. My life has been both blessed and enriched, and now I can enrich the lives of
others along my way.
Q. How did your civil rights and voting rights work transition to the AME Zion Church?
A. Another Divine appointment, just like entering college during the birth of the Civil Rights Movement, I attended the Connectional Lay Council Convention in New Orleans 2005 just asthe Social Political Action Committee
was moving to another level. This ministry is a prime manifestation of our Freedom Church Legacy. We’ve come
this far by Faith, leaning on the Lord. I’ve always been grateful to David Aiken for seeing my passion, and to his
successors, Yvonne Tracey and Mary Matthews, for continuing to believe in me. I’ve had the opportunity of serving with these three great leaders of our African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. My Zion walk has been a most
fruitful andspirit-filled journey.
Over the last 50 years, you would become a many of “Firsts” to include the following:
• First (and only) of 12 children to graduate from college,
• First woman director of an Upward Bound Project in the State of Ohio,
• First recipient of the Ohio Rankin Award (named in honor of Ohio’s first Black legislator) for my work in developing federal program education opportunities.
• First woman President, and a Co-founder, of the Ohio Association of Educational Opportunity Program
Personnel (OAEOPP) –a statewide professional association,
• Founding President of the Fayetteville Area Sections (both Adult and Youth) of the National Council of Negro
Women, Inc.,
• First African-American woman to serve as Chair of the Cumberland County Women’s Agenda Assembly
(serving 3 terms), and
• First (and only) woman to implement an annual series of “Celebrating the African-American Woman in the
Carolinas”. This 10-year celebration was in partnership with the Sojourner Truth United Order #770 and the
Cumberland County Library.
• Awards, Accolades and Achievements
• 2013 Recipient, The Lamplighter “Lifetime Achievement Award” - 50 years in civil & voting rights,
• 2013 Recipient, United Way of Cumberland Co. “10 Years of Excellence in Leadership” Award,
• 2012 Recipient, Dr. Lorine C. McLeod Community Service Award. (in honor of Dr. McLeod, President Emeritus,
United Order of Tents – Southern District #1),
• 2009 Honoree, United Order of Tents – Sojourner Truth and Tent Sister of Year.
• In addition, the Recipient of the Civic Awareness certificates (for two prior years),
• 2007 Delegate – Women at the Table of Power. Involved in the political strategy and lobbying processes for
addressing Congress on issues impacting women, children and families,
• 2007 Recipient, the “Dr. Joseph D. Lewis Trailblazer Award” – presented by OAEOPP,
• 2007, Honoree, North Carolina Woman of Note (along with two other NC women) –presented by the North
Carolina African-American Cultural Center Complex),
The Connection
Reporters
com
PIEDMONT - Gloria Joyner Johnson gloriajoynerjohnson@yahoo.com
MID ATLANTIC II - Gail Wade gail.wade@
comcast.net
NORTH EASTERN - Joyce Harrington Jhat17@
aol.com
EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA - Sheila Johnson
ladysj61@gmail.com
MID WEST - Joanne Collins mommajmc@gmail.
MID ATLANTIC I - Anita Rankin skipperrankin@aol.com
ALABAMA-FLORIDA - Alesia W. Ross leestigul@yahoo.com
SOUTH ATLANTIC - Elvira Faulkner-McIlwain
Karimah_Vira@comporium.net
SOUTHWESTERN DELTA - Lena Golden lenabgolden@aol.com
Annual Harriet Tubman Pilgrimage, May 29-30, 2015
by Susan Johnson, New York Conference Harriet Tubman President
While the tradition of the Harriet Tubman Pilgrimage reaches back 41 years, this year might have felt a little different. It's
been a big year for Tubman news, leaving much for the hundreds traveled to Auburn to discuss and celebrate for the life of
this great woman.
It was in that backdrop that people drove or came in buses from around New York and beyond to attend a memorial
service at Tubman's grave in Fort Hill Cemetery Saturday. Following the memorial, there was an extended service at the
Harriet Tubman Home .
Both events recognized and celebrated Tubman's legacy: The "Moses of Her People" and an Union Army spy and nurse,
to today, where she will soon become the first African-American woman to have a national park named in her honor.
The festivities began on Friday evening, at the Thompson Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church (host pastor, Rev. Daren Jaime).
Our presiding prelate, Bishop Dennis V. Proctor, Board Chairman of the Harriet Tubman Home, Episcopal Missionary
Supervisor, D. Diane Proctor, and Missionary Supervisor, Lovetta J. Holmes were in attendance to experience an inspiring
intergenerational presentation from the Greater Centennial Drama Ministry. We were also blessed with the presence of the
great-great grandnieces of Harriet Tubman, Pauline Copes Johnson and Geraldine Daniels who were accompanied by their
families.
The dramatization entitled “Our History, Our Harriet”, was produced and directed by Rev. Keisha J. Agard. Harriet’s history
was augmented with an overview of the background of slavery including the experience of being a slave for sale, Nat Turner,
Charles Nalle of Troy, NY, Frederick Douglass and others. The presentation was truly inspiring.
Saturday morning we traveled to Fort Hill Cemetery, Auburn, New York, for the graveside memorial service led by Bishop
Proctor with Rev. Dr. Stephen Pogue, presiding. Zion Chorale of Western New York, under the direction of Pamela Sharpe,
harmoniously sung one of Harriet’s favorite songs, “When They Ring Those Golden Bells”. Bishop and our Missionary
Supervisors laid a wreath in Harriet’s memory. In addition, Harriet’s great-great-grandnieces placed a flag at her grave.
The festivities continued at the Harriet Tubman property. Bishop Dennis V. Proctor Presided over the official program. The
Occasion was presented by Ms. Karen Hill, CEO, Harriet Tubman Home, Inc. She apprised everyone concerning the status
of the National Historical Park, Harriet Tubman winning the $20.00 bill contest and announced that HBO and DreamWorks
will be presenting a biopic of Harriet Tubman who will be portrayed by actress Viola Davis.
Karen Hill, the executive director of the Harriet Tubman home, said this year's memorial was especially historic, but noted
there was still much to be done to see the accomplishments of the past year fully realized. "We know what the reward of
hard work: More hard work," Hill said. She said more advocacy needs to be done to get the national park completed. While
the online poll for the $20 bill had no official government backing, Hill discussed pushing to make its goal of Tubman on
the $20 bill a reality. "We will do the work behind the scenes to make sure that in 2020, on the 100th anniversary of woman
suffrage, that we'll all have that $20 bill," she said.
Greetings were brought by Rev. Paul Carter who has served as Resident Manager of the Harriet Tubman Home for 25
years, preserving the grounds with his lovely wife, Christine. He described Tubman's legacy as being at a "tipping point,"
ready to become even more widely recognized than it is today.
Mayor Michael D. Quill, Sr. of Auburn, NY, and Congressman John Katko of 24th Congressional District, both staunch
supporters of the Harriet Tubman Home, have aligned themselves with Karen Hill and pledged to forge ahead to see that
Harriet is a recipient of all that she has earned in her lifetime. They'll have help in high places. U.S. Rep. John Katko spoke at
the event and pledged support for Tubman on the $20. "I will do everything in my power to make sure that every time you
reach into your wallet a few years from now, you see Harriet Tubman's face," Katko said. "Of all the great female Americans,
I think it's only right and just that someone as tough as her will be the first on the $20 bill."
See Harriet Tubman. pg 25
....Senior Discounts
Morton Williams Supermarket: 5% off every Tuesday
(60+)
New Season’s: 10% off every Wednesday most items
(65+)
Pathmark: 5% on Monday (60+)
The Plant Shed: 10% off every Tuesday ( 50 +)
Publix: 5% off every Wednesday (55 +)
Rogers Marketplace: 5% off every Thursday (60+)
SuperFresh: 5% off on Tuesdays on purchases over $30
(55+)
Uncle Guiseppe’s Marketplace: 15% off (62+)
Waldbaum’s: 5% off Tuesdays on purchases over $30
(55+)
TRAVEL :
Airlines: call and check on the status of the update
Alaska Airlines: 10% off (62+)
American Airlines: various discounts for 50% off nonpeak periods (Tuesdays - Thursdays) (62+)and up (call
before booking for discount)
America West: 10% off (62+)
Hawaiian Airlines: 10% off (60+)
Midwest: (55+) discount only available by phone
Southwest Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up
(call before booking for discount)
United Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up
(call before booking for discount)
U.S. Airways: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call
before booking for discount)
Rail:
Amtrak: 15% off (62+)
Bus:
Greyhound:: 5% off (62+)
Trailways Transportation System: 10% off 65+
Car Rental:
Alamo Car Rental: up to 25% off for AARP members
Enterprise Rent-A-Car: 5% off for AARP members
Hertz: up to 25% off for AARP members
National Rent-A-Car: up to 30% off for AARP members
Avis: up to 25% off for AARP members
Budget Rental Cars: 10% off; up to 20% off for AARP
members ( 50+)
Dollar Rent-A-Car: 10% off ( 50+)
Overnight Accommodations:
Holiday Inn: 62 and older; member of retired persons
organization TBD (amount)
Best Western: 10% off (55+)
Cambria Suites: 10% off (60+)
Waldorf Astoria:62 and older; AARP members TBD)
Clarion Motels: 10% off (60+)
Comfort Inn: 10% off (60+)
Comfort Suites: 10% off (60+)
Econo Lodge: 10% off (60+)
Hampton Inns & Suites: 10% off when booked 72 hours
in advance
Hyatt Hotels: 25%-50% off (62+)
InterContinental Hotels Group: various discounts at all
hotels (65+)
Mainstay Suites: 10% off with Mature Traveler’s Discount
(50+); 20%-30% off (60+)
Marriott Hotels: 15% off (62+)
Motel 6: 10% off (60+)
Myrtle Beach Resort: 10% off ( 55 +)
Quality Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Rodeway Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Sleep Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Travelodge: 10% off (50+)
ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT:
AMC Theaters: up to 30% off ( 55 +)
Bally Total Fitness: $100 off memberships (62+)
Busch Gardens Tampa, FL: $13 off one-day tickets ( 50 +)
Carmike Cinemas: 35% off (65+)
Cinemark/Century Theaters: up to 35% off
U.S. National Parks: $10 lifetime pass; 50% off additional
services including camping (62+)
Regal Cinemas: 50% off Ripley’s Believe it or Not: @ off
one-day ticket ( 55 +)
SeaWorld Orlando, FL: $3 off one-day tickets (50+)
CELL PHONE DISCOUNTS:
Jitterbug: $14.99 /month cell phone service ( 50 +)
Verizon Wireless: Verizon Nationwide 65 Plus Plan
$29.99/month (65+).
MISCELLANEOUS:
Great Clips: $8 off hair cuts (60+)
NOW, go out there and claim your discounts -- and
remember -- YOU must ASK for discount -- no ask, no
discount.
I know everyone knows someone over 50. Please pass
Editorial Observation Reminders
When using the Lay Council Theme Song “Onward Christian Laity”, Affirmation for Laity or Lay Council Closing
Prayer on anything that is to be distributed, please don’t forget to give the author credit.
Please do not use the Lay Council logo with the lines going thru the Bible. That logo was replaced years ago. If you
do not have access to the correct logo, you can go to the CLC web site www.CLC.org and cut and paste it from there.
Click on the word Information and then General Information on the drop down menu..
Regional News
Mid Atlantic II Episcopal
District
Their presentation was very informative with interaction with the audience. It was much appreciated by
those who attended.
Bishop Richard K. Thompson
The second Lay Academy was presented by the Rev.
Presiding Prelate
Dr.
Adrian V. Nelson, II and Rev. Dr. Evalina Huggins.
Mrs. Katherine Burrell, Regional Director
Rev. Nelson presented on “Lay Ministry, Did You
News from Mid Atlantic II, Philadelphia and Know”
Baltimore Conference Lay Council
• The foundation for Lay Ministry is based upon
Submitted by
Katherine Burrell
The Philadelphia and Baltimore Conference Lay
Convocation was held prior to the opening of the 186th
Session of the Philadelphia and Baltimore Conference
with Mrs. Katherine Burrell, Lay Council President presiding. Ms. Wilma Newby, Lay Council Chaplain led the
devotions. Scripture was read by Mrs. Anne Williams
and prayer was given by Dr. E Dewey Wiseman. Mr.
Donald Ballwin, 1st Vice president gave the greeting.
•
•
•
•
•
the Priesthood of All Believers as derived from 1
Peter 2:9-10.
Those in Lay Ministry, the laity, have a different
calling than those in the clergy, but they are no
less called into ministry by Jesus, the Christ.
So, what can the laity in Lay Ministry do?
Preach – Exhortation is a licensed form of lay
preaching.
Teach – The main purpose of the Christian
Education Department. A purpose of the
WH&OMS.
Reach – Evangelism and outreach are primary
purposes of the WH&OMS and the Bureau of
Evangelism.
Care – Congregational care is a primary duty of a
Class Leaders. Deaconesses also have as one of
their duties to visit the sick.
Serve – “To serve this present age, my calling to
fulfill . . .” (Charles Wesley)
The slate of elected officers for Conference year
•
2015-2016 was presented by Mrs. Yvonne Baskerville,
with only one name presented for each position, Mrs.
Baskerville moved that the persons bring present for
•
each office be excepted by acclamation. The motion
was carried. The officers for 2015-2016 are: Katherine
Burrell, president; Larry Johnson, 1st Vice President;
In preparation for the 2016 General Conference,
Mrs. Lorraine Toler, 2nd Vice president; Joan Kelley,
Rev. Huggins presented on “Laity Representation,
Secretary; Barbara E. Johnson, Financial Secretary;
Delores Lancaster, Treasurer; Ms. Wilma Newby, What Does it Mean?”
Chaplain.
Rev. Huggins began with explaining the roll and
The report from the Membership Committee was participation of the Laity beginning with the Members
given. A membership campaign “Each one, Reach Meeting and moving into the laity’s role at the
One” ran from March 1 to May 1. One thousand eight Quarterly Conference, District Conference, Annual
hundred and fifty eight (1858) new Connectional Lay Conference and the General Conference. Being an
Council members were added to the roll, with more elected delegate at the District, Annual and General
to come. Many thanks to Ms. Lorraine Toler and Chuck Conferences gives laity equal voice, but we must speak
up. Rev. Higgins encouraged the laity to study the
Williams in leading this successful effort.
Discipline to know the polity of the church. There are
There were ten (10) life members stoled, including many things that the laity can do but we must prepare
ourselves and be ready to serve.
one (1) clergy. To God be the Glory!
Mrs. Katherine Burrell gave her first report as presiTwo Lay Academy were presented. Ms. Renee Pullen
dent in a most original, innovative and unforgettable
was the moderator.
presentation. Questions were taken from the floor
The first Lay Academy was presented by Larry because she had forgotten to bring her glasses and
Johnson and Patricia Griffin. They introduced our could not read her report. Her report was received with
new theme component for Conference year 2015- thanks.
2016 “Discipleship.” Using the “Facilitator’s Guide for
The Lay Convocation was well attended by both Laity
Conducting interactive Thematic Academies”they
demonstrated how to use the guide to have an effec- and Clergy.
tive Lay Academy on the district and local church level.
Regional News
North Eastern Episcopal
District
Bishop Dennis V. Proctor,
Presiding Prelate
(New York, Western New York and
England)
Bishop Mildred Hines
Presiding Prelate
(New England and the Bahama
Islands)
Ms. Shelly Henry Regional Director
Laity, What’s Working, What Are The
Challenges
Submitted by Shelly Henry
On April 18th the Northeast Region which consist
of New York, Western New York and New England
Conferences had its annual regional meeting. All conferences were well represented. After opening with
devotion we proceeded with the Affirmation of Laity
then to the School of Laity which consist of reading the
AME Zion Church Mission Statement and the 25 Articles
of Religion.
Old business was completed and I am pleased to say
we now have two young adults, Angela McNeil of the
New York Conference and Stacey Haynes of the New
England Conference who have taken the responsibilities of Northeast Regional Secretary and Northeast
Regional Chairperson of the Young Adult Initiative
respectively. To God be the Glory! We continued with
short reports from the annual conference presidents,
Rhandi Stith, New York Conference and James West,
New England Conference. Joyce Harrington, president
of the Western New York Conference was not able to
attend but thought it not robbery to send a report
by Carl Lovelady, past Northeast Regional Director.
Updates on membership was given by Adrienne RouseSenior, Northeast Regional Membership Chairperson
and special projects report was given by Geraldine
Swift-Dennison, Northeast Regional Special Projects
Chairperson.
Laity would not be laity if we did not give to the community in which we were having our meeting. Our
outreach recipient was the Interfaith Aids Ministry “The
Living Pantry”, directed by Michael Green of Greater
Danbury. We are thankful to Faye Bunn of Mt. Pleasant
for choosing this ministry. We raised $288.00 in cash
and checks along with 14 gift cards from Walmart and
Target. The medication given to Aids patients burns a
lot of calories and this puts a strain on the food budget
of patients and their families when feeding the house
hold. Therefore we learned from Mr. Green that food
rescuing works for the community and the businesses
within the communities. Pounds of good food is given
to needy families which otherwise would have been
thrown out. It’s a blessing when we work together for a
greater cause.
One of the highlights of this meeting was the discussion of “What’s working. What are the Challenges?”As
Laity.” At this time the floor was open to all to speak
about what they are doing in their local, district and annual lay councils. Many suggestions, ideas and break
thoughts were presented before us, for example:
1. Notify the Presiding Elder of the churches who
are falling behind in membership and get on the
Presiding Elder’s calendar
2. Combine lay meetings with CED meetings. Use
conference call meeting when the weather and
distance gets in the way of meetings
3. B e p r e p a r e d t o e x p l a i n w h e r e t h e
$5.00/$20.00/$125.00 (life member dues) dues
go when encouraging people to join.
4. Report membership by way of percentage. This
might be more catchy than numbers
5. Young adults look for meetings that are organized and meaningful to everyday life including
our walk with the Lord.
6. Include parliamentary procedures; as leaders we
need to know what we are doing.
7. Make sure there is a reason to “Come with us to
Christ”. Meetings should include the Word of God.
8. Having a political action committee, NAACP, political and social community involvement, voter’s
registration, etc... Could help encourage young
adults to get involve with laity.
After lunch we went into our lay academy, “Putting
Leadership into Action”. I was the trainer and I used the
training that was given to all regional directors at the regional meeting this past February in Baltimore Marilyn.
We broke into three groups and three different scenarios were given to discuss then present to the body.
This was a perfect opportunity to continue a personal
lay connection within the meeting and with each other.
The meeting closed with a special thank you to Rev.
Terrance Jones, pastor of Mt. Pleasant AME Zion Church
of Danbury, Connecticut for opening the doors of his
church for our annual meeting, especially during his absence. May God continue to shower His blessing on Sis
Juanita McCarley, local lay council president and all laity
who helped with the registration, food and being the
gracious host at this meeting. Thank you to Rev. Robert
Linder for his support, blessing of the food and words
of encouragement. To God be the glory for all who
Regional News
traveled near and far to help this meeting to be a
great success.
Matthews to return to give another academy or just to
visit. We could feel her love for us and it is greatly appreciated and we love her in return.
A Leadership Academy at “The Spot”
Submitted by Shelly Henry
Leadership is important in the makings of any organization. The Connectional Lay Council and our
Connectional Lay President Mary Matthews know just
how important it is to be trained and to have the proper tools to be good Zion leaders. Mary Matthew was at
Spottswood AMEZ Church in New Britain Connecticut
where the Rev. John Morris is the pastor of this great
church that he and the Hartford District calls the “Spott”
to present the leadership academy. It is at this academy we learned the importance of reciting the AME
Zion Mission Statement and reading the 25 Articles of
Religion which are now a part of the “School of Laity”.
As Mary so nicely put it, if we don’t bring these items to
our attention we would not know and we can’t grow.
She has asked that at each lay meeting we recite and
read the “School of Laity”.
The topic of the academy was “Developing Effective
Leadership”. Mary stated that as leaders we need to be
clear about our goals. When we have completed the
academy what do you want the participants to take
with them? We are to know the content; review, read
additional information and re-read. The last thing you
want to happen during any academy is not to know
what you’re talking about. Plan carefully and thoroughly. She went over the different leadership styles.
As leaders it is helpful to know your style of leaders so
we can assist or be assisted when needed. The CLC and
a team of educators put together the Facilitator’s Guide
for Conducting Interactive Thematic Lay Academies.
This guidebook was used to help present this lay
academy and Mary encouraged everyone present to
purchase and use the guidebook to help their local lay
councils to conduct informative and effective lay academies. There is no reason to re-invent the wheel; all the
work has been done for us. We just need to use it.
Mary also noted it is good to have visual aids such
as a projector with a computer when possible. As you
know not all people are technical savvy and at times we
just can’t get the equipment to work properly; therefore printing paper copies of the topic works just as
good and a great backup for equipment malfunction.
Make sure there is room on the handouts for writing
personal notes.
This was a very good lay academy. There were about
70 lay and clergy that was in attendance. Mary engaged the audience and the audience was receptive
with questions and comments. The Hartford District
Lay Council can’t wait for Madam President Mary
“A Dynamic Weekend at ‘The Spot’ with CLC
General President Mary Jane Matthews”
Submitted by Madonna Burns, Local Lay President,
Spottswood A.M.E. Zion Church (“The Spot”)
“
“Our Connectional Lay Council General President,
Sister Mary Jane Matthews was in top form as she
continued a weekend of teaching and spreading the
message on ‘Effective Leadership”, in New Britain,
Connecticut, at the Spottswood A.M.E. Zion Church,
affectionately known as “The Spott”. General President
Matthews thanked our Pastor, Rev. John C. Morris, Jr.
and First Lady Marcella Morris, for inviting her to bring
the message and entrusting his pulpit and congregation to her.
As a follow-through from Saturday, General
President Mary Jane Matthews pointed out to the
congregation, that genuine leadership is becoming
more and more difficult to accomplish; instead of focusing on money as our number one need after God,
we should focus on “quality, moral, discipline-centered
leadership”. The message from our General President
was very clear, as she pointed out that we, as leaders,
cannot lead others to a place we have never been.
We will know effective leadership when “...it inspires,
motivates with a passion, generates by a vision, and
produces by our conviction.” Sister Matthews stated
that we receive the power to lead when we have a twoway communication with God, because without good
leadership there is no vision, and without a vision the
people will perish. We don’t want our laity to perish, so
we must focus on the greatest leader of all times, our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
According to Sister Matthews, “leadership has
become a role one plays rather than a life one lives”.
Dictating to an individual does not result in effective
leadership, so it is best to lead by lifetime examples. We
becomes effective leaders only when we know where
God wants us to be, then relying on God’s methodical
guidance and power to get us there. Let us not aim to
please man, but let us aim to please God.
Our General President closed her message with the
perfect scripture in accordance with our theme on “effective leadership”: “Create in me a clean heart, O God;
and renew a right spirit within me”.... (Psalm 51:10).”
Regional News
Eastern North Carolina
Episcopal District
Bishop Louis Hunter Sr.,
Presiding Prelate
(Cafe Fear Conference)
Bishop Kenneth Monroe,
Presiding Prelate
(Central North Carolina and Virgin
Islands Conferences)
Bishop Darryl B. Starnes,
Presiding Prelate
(Albermarle Conference)
Bishop W. Darin Moore,
Presiding Prelate
(North Carolina Conference)
Mr. Hank Dobson, Regional Director
Albermarle Conference Lay Council Holds 3rd
Annual Black and Gold Awards Banquet
who had gone the extra mile. The honoree this year
was Mrs. Brenda M. Overton of Mt. Lebanon AME Zion
Church.
Closing remarks were given by special guest Mr. Hank
Dobson, Regional Director of the Eastern NC Episcopal
District. Greetings were sent on behalf of our General
President, Mrs. Mary Matthews. Other remarks were
given by Ms. Jessie M. Riddick, Conference President,
Reverend Jerry, Chairman of the Board of Lay Activities.
North Carolina Conference Lay Council
Lay Day with Our Youth
St. Matthew AME Zion Church
Reverend Willie Jones, Pastor
Submitted by Virginia B. Gaddy, President
North Carolina Conference Lay Council
The North Carolina Conference Lay Council was
blessed to have Rayshad Grimes appointed as the Youth
Representative. Rayshad has already started working
The Albemarle Conference Lay Council held their 3rd hard to make sure that our Lay Council has activities,
Annual “Black & Gold” Awards Banquet on Saturday, April workshops, and services that the youth across the
25, 2015, at Mount Lebanon AMEZ Church, in Elizabeth Conference can enjoy and benefit from.
City, North Carolina. Ms. Jessie M. Riddick, Conference
President, Reverend Dr. Lenton D. Rhodes, Pastor. Mrs.
The North Carolina Conference Lay Council made hisAlice Clagon, served as the Mistress of Ceremonies for tory on Saturday, April 11, 2015 with the first project for
the evening.
our youth. The Lay Council Lay Day with our Youth was
successful. They had games that consisted of kickball,
The processional of each honoree was led off by Ms. basketball, football, jumping rope; Face painting; and
Jessie M. Riddick, Conference President. The opening many other activities as they fellowshipped together, reselection was “Guide O Thou Great Jehovah.”
gardless of age. The age began from one through twenty-one, including the ones who were young at heart. All
Prayer was offered by 1st Vice President-David Parker. ages participated in activities and played well together.
The welcome was given by Mrs. Delsey R. Curtis, 2nd Vice
President, and the Occasion was given by Mrs. Sharon
They enjoyed the cookout. The menu consisted of
McNair, President of the Edenton District.
hotdogs, hamburgers, chips, popcorn, assorted candies,
soda and water. We gave gifts to the children, consisting
Musical selection was rendered by Mrs. Claudia of jump ropes, bubbles, pin wheels, books, balls, etc.
Jordan, “Precious Lord.” A lustrous dinner was served.
We are proud to say that our children came from
Persons receiving awards were: Mrs. Stella Brothers across the North Carolina Conference and the various
of Oak Hill AME Zion Church-The Clayvonne Blackwell communities, our three districts were well represented.
Spirit Award., Mrs. Marilene E. Dobie of St. Paul AME Zion
Church-The John Faulk Service Award, and Mrs. Jane
We thank the adults for your help. We could not have
S. Brickhouse of Mt. Lebanon AME Zion Church-The pulled this off without you. Thanks to Rayshad Grimes
Buford Dunlap Leadership Award. Each honoree was in- our youth Representative, the Presiding Elders, Pastors,
troduced by their pastors. This year the President, Jessie Conference and District Officers, Lay Council Local and
Riddick implemented a new award and special award; District Presidents, and the Laity for all that you do.
The Special Presidential Award to an Outstanding Laity,
Regional News
TO: Mr. Eric Smith, Mr. Deron Wilson, Ms. Bea Smith,
Mrs. Ann Henredon, Ms. Zeda Trice, Mr. Bobby Gaddy,
Mrs. Kimberly Gaddy Butler, Ms. Timmery Bryant, Mrs.
Lucy Moseley-Bell, Ms. Wanda Poole, Ms. Ruby Brown,
Mr. David Jones, Mrs. Helen Dillahunt, Ms. Judy Taylor,
Ms. Martha Watkins, Rev. Willie and Mrs. Phyllis Jones,
Presiding Elder EC and Mr. Hank Dobson, Ms. Shirley
Murphy, Mrs. Lelia Becton and Mr. John (Pop) and Mrs.
Margaret Murrell for all the food , drinks, gifts, and
games donated to the Lay Council, so that our children
would have enough food to eat, games to play and gifts
to take home. A special thanks to Pop Murrell for bringing his grill and preparing the food.
I know Etiquette does not demand that you call
people by name when you are thanking them, but
Gratitude requires you to make a personal Thank You
to them when they have gone beyond the call of duty
to help you be successful with whatever you are doing.
Every now and then a person need to see their name
and know that you did not take it lightly, the help that
they render to you. So on behalf of Mr. Rayshad Grimes
and myself we Thank You from the bottom of our heart.
If I had to hand pick a person to supervise me, I could not
have found a better person than Dr. Robert, Little. I find
him to be a beautiful person of sound mind and strong
integrity.
Her presentation was entitled “Perfecting
K i n g d o m
Leadership: A 21st
Centur y Model
for Lay Ministry
Increase. Ms.
Littlejohn utilized
by book authored
by Rev. Dr. J. Elvin
Sadler as the basis for Power Point Knoxville District makes a presentaspeaker, Ms. Pat Littlejohn
Presentation and tion to ouron
the far right.
discussion.
The youth presenter was Sis.
Sharon Hannum,
t h e Te n n e s s e e
Conference director of Christian
Education. Sis.
Hannum also
had an outstanding presentation
prepared for the Chattanooga District Lay Leaders/Pasyouth in atten- tors with District President Mr. David
Thank you Dr. Little for your support. Bishop Moore, dance. Both pre- Jenkins and Roslyn Eskridge, Tennessee
Conference President.
we thank you and Mrs. Moore for your direction, be- sentations were
cause an organization is only as good as its leaders, and outstanding and
certainly we have two of the best.
greatly enjoyed by
all the attendees.
In addition to
the presentations,
A l l C o n fe r e n c e
W o r k s h o p
Presenters, Officers,
Pastors and Local
Lay Leaders were
Tennessee Conference
presented with
Certificates of
Submitted by Lynda Byrd , President
A p p r e c i a t i o n Sis. Sharon Hannum, TN Conference
f o r t h e i r e f - Christian Education Director and student Delilee Gadzekpo.
The Annual Lay Academy of the Tennessee Conference for ts on behalf
was held at the St. Mark A.M.E. Zion Church in Athens, of the Tennessee
Tennessee, on Saturday, March 21, 2015. The meeting Conference Lay
was hosted by the pastor, Rev. Roxianne Sherles and Mr. Council by the President, Ms. Roslyn Eskridge
Earnest Powell, Lay Leader at St. Mark. The Connectional
Theme “Fortifying our Faith While Focusing On Our
Following the business portion of the meeting, a deliFuture Through Leadership,” was employed by the Lay cious lunch was served providing those attending an
Academy presenters.
opportunity to fellowship over a meal.
Mid West Episcopal
District
Bishop Darryl B. Starnes,
Presiding Prelate
Ms. Lynda Byrd, Regional Director
The adult facilitator was Ms. Patricia Littlejohn,
the Knoxville District director of Christian Education.
Regional News
Michigan Conference
Chicago District
The Chicago District Lay Council report to the Michigan
Annual Conference – June 23, 2015
It is with a great deal of humility that I submit this report
of the efforts of the Chicago District Lay Council for the year
2014 – 2015.
The Chicago District Lay Council enjoyed a productive year! Working with the other Departments:
Christian Education and Women’s Home and Overseas
Missionary Society, the Lay Council participated in three
Super Saturdays (September 20, 2014 – Greater Walters,
December 13, 2014 - St. Andrew and May 16, 2015, - St.
Luke) and celebrated Black history month with its 30th
Annual Seminar in African-American History hosted by
Martin Temple.
The Chicago District Lay Council followed its pattern of
working with the CLC theme, hymn/Bible study and “Know
Your Church.”
Following the CLC theme, “Fortifying Our Faith by
Focusing on our Future through Leadership, three academies were conducted as the theme of Leadership was
fully explored. The “types” of leadership: Democratic,
Authoritarian, Laissez Faire, Paternalistic, Transactional,
Transformational, were studied through scripture
and a variety of group activities. The “styles” of leadership, Pacesetting, Visionary, Affiliation, Coaching, and
Commanding, were viewed through the same lens. Crucial
to the discussion was the lessons of importance to developing the skills needed to successfully provide leadership in
our lay ministries.
Additionally, the Chicago District continued its exploration of the hymns of the church by highlighting the writing
and background of: “He Leadeth Me”, “Where He Leads Me,
I Will Follow, “and gospel and contemporary music, “Lead
Me, Guide Me, and “I Will Wear A Crown.”
Exploring the recommendations of the 38th General
Conference, the Lay Council studied the liturgical colors –
their meaning and symbolic notation.
The highlight of the year was the annual Black History
Seminar. This was the 30th annual offering of the Chicago
District Lay Council and the chosen theme was “Tracing
Black History through Music.” This year’s seminar was
dedicated to the memory of Mr. Theodore E. Shaw who was
one of the founding members of the Chicago District Lay
Council and architect and director of this seminar for many
years.
Hosted by Martin Temple A.M.E. Zion Church in Chicago
pastored by Rev. Dr. Eric L. Leake the seminar examined
Black History in America through music from African drums
to Rap and hip Hop. With the use of narrative, video and live
performance, the Chicago District enjoyed a day of learning
and immersion in the Black experience through its musical
roots.
The Chicago District continues to work on membership
and is pleased to have added three new Life Members this
year. The goal is to establish a Lay Council in every church
as we continue to “...do the work of Him who sent me.”
The Regional Director was honored to speak at two of
our churches this year as they celebrated Connectional
Laity Sunday. Both Martin Temple and Daniel Chapel were
gracious in their reception. We humbly bow in memory of
Mrs. Dorothy Carter of Daniel Chapel who was an ardent
supporter of the Lay Council and its work.
As always my thanks go to the officers of the Chicago
District Lay Council:
Vice President – Charlotte Griffin (Greater Walters)
Secretary – LaFaye Thurmon (Martin Temple)
Treasurer – Sue Watson (Martin Temple)
Financial Secretary – Minnie Stokes (Martin Temple)
Chaplain – Fran Alexander (St. John)
Thanks also to the Presiding Elder Rev. Joel D. Miles for
his unwavering support and encouragement and to the
Pastors and churches of the Chicago District for their participation.
To God Be The Glory!
Fisher Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church
Local President Peggy Bryant indicates that she is exceptionally proud to have served with an awesome ministry
team of Men, Women and Young adults this conference
year at Fisher Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church. From the teachings and examples of Jesus Christ we learned that being a
servant leader in the most general sense means being:
•
•
•
•
A voluntary servant, who submits themselves to a
higher purpose, which is beyond their personal interests or the interests of others.
A leader who uses the power that is entrusted to
them to serve others.
A servant who, out of love, serves others needs before their own.
A teacher who teaches their followers, in word and
deed, how to become servant leaders themselves.
Regional News
To the glory of God we were able to have four Lay
Academy’s which branched out into Men and Women’s
Bible study teams that met weekly. The teams went through
a six month bible study plan concentrating on leadership,
covenant living and covenant communities. The men’s team
was headed by Brother Jernone Smith one of our young
adult leaders. The Lay leadership continues to foster vision
keepers with a focus on Discipleship, not membership in the
kingdom of God.
In addition, Fisher Memorial Lay Council will conduct the
morning service on Sunday, May 31, 2015.
South-West Delta Episcopal
District
Bishop Mildred B. Hines
Presiding Prelate
Ms. Stephany Ricks-Fields,
Regional Director
tion of the insulation.
The insulation will
help keep the hostel
warm in the Winter
and comfortably cool
in the Summer. Little
Rock / Hot Springs
Youth worked a total of 14 hours in the
Firehouse Hostel restoration project.
Many lessons in the
use of recycled materials, history of the
area, hostelling and
international travel were learned. However, it was the
partnering of college students and Little Rock / Hot
Springs Youth which proved to yield the most fruit. Our
youth met students from Senegal, Argentina, Nepal
and Nigeria and learned how these students came to
the United States to further their education. Our youth
were able to educate the students about the history of
the A.M.E. Zion Church. We are excited to be a part of
history in the making and look forward to staying in the
Firehouse Hostel once it opens in Summer 2015.
Western Episcopal
District
Bishop W. Darin Moore
Presiding Prelate
Mrs. Rynette Nixon, Regional Director
“Revitalizing Revival in the Rockies ”
The Little Rock / Hot Springs Youth are making history. The youth recently partnered with the Arkansas
Submitted by Willene Long Collins
Firehouse Hostel Preservation Society (FHS) in their
efforts to create the first hostel in Arkansas. The hostel
A revitalizing revival in Colorado set everyone’s soul
is scheduled to open in June 2015 and will be the first
on
fire with the Holy Spirit, in spite of the cold and
hostel ever opened in Arkansas. The Firehouse Hostel
snowy
weather.
is located in MacArthur Park in Little Rock, which is
centrally located near Grace Temple and Payne Chapel
The revival which was sponsored by the Denver
A.M.E. Zion churches. The hostel will offer economicallyDistrict
Lay Council was held Monday, March 2, and
priced lodging for Arkansas Conference visitors.
Tuesday March 3, 2015. The Monday night service was
FHS was glad to see so many youth coming out to hosted by The Miracle Mountain A.M.E. Zion church, Rev.
volunteer and shared stories of their worldwide travels Kay Blount, Pastor. The dynamic speaker of the night on
staying in hostels. Many of our youth had never heard March 2, was Apostle Ralph E. Beechum of the House of
of hostelling and the FHS was glad to educate the youth Joy Miracle Deliverance Church. Apostle Beechum not
about hostelling as an economical means of travel. FHS only gave us some very deep things to think about, but
received a donation of environmentally friendly insula- he blessed us with his talented voice and bass guitar.
tion made from 100% recycled denim from the Clinton Apostle Beechum said the problems of our people today
Foundation and our youth assisted with the installa- are not caused by racism, but are caused by a lack of
Regional News
you.”
knowl edge of the Holy Bible. He referred to Epeshians 6:12 as the cause for many of our stresses. Apostle
Bishop Moore emphasized the importance of thankBeechum said our resistance to authority is not scrip- ing God for what he has done.
ture. He preached about talented giants in the Bible
days and instructed us to get back in control of our
After the powerful message, Bishop Moore prayed a
families and follow God’s word.
powerful prayer and he and the ministers anointed all
of us. Everyone who was at the Revival could not stop
Our spirit continued to burn on Tuesday, March 3, talking about the blessing we received.
2015 our very own Bishop Darin W. Moore set the house
The Lay Council in the Western Episcopal District
on the edge of it’s seat with a message about the 10 lep- continues to help support “ Know Your Church Classes”,
ers. Spottswood was the host church and Rev. Darwin as well as, disseminate information regarding officers
Little was the host pastor. Bishop Moore spoke from a of the church and their duties. We will be hosting a
topic , “Would you be the One?” The scripture was Luke Lay Academy for the Colorado Annual Conference on
17:11-19. He helped us to see how we need to be more June 4, 2015 at 6:00p.m. We continue to pray for our
thankful when it comes to how God blesses us. Of the Connectional Lay Council across Zion and please pray
ten lepers that lifted their voices to Jesus and cried “have for us.
mercy on us”, Only one of the 10 came back to say “thank
...Harriet Tubman
The Greater Centennial Mass Choir sang “Glory” from the movie “Selma”, under the direction of Minister of Music,
Mel Reeburg and Worship Leader, Nicole Phifer, featuring soloist Orville Barrow and Rev. Simon Ajose who did a
phenomenal rapping performance. Kimberly Jones, Greater Centennial Director of Liturgical Dancing was accompanied by Tiana Phillips and Kayla Ulmstead ministering their interpretation of “Glory” through dance. The choir also
rendered two additional selections “I Am Determined” and “Oh But God” (soloist Mel Reeburg).
Rev. Isidoa Branch, Sr., Presiding Elder of the Westchester District, introduced Bishop Dennis V. Proctor, and acknowledged the presence of Missionary Supervisor, Lovetta Holmes and Episcopal Missionary Supervisor, D. Diane
Proctor and the President of the Connectional Lay Council, Ms. Mary Matthews was in attendance.
Bishop Proctor introduced our dynamic guest speaker – Reverend Suzan Johnson Cook who was nominated by
president Barack Obama for the post of United States Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom in
the State Department. She is the first woman and first African-American to hold the post. Her scripture and was
from Judges 4:3, & 9; subject – “From Doom to Destiny”. Deborah was fearlessly faithful and faithfully fearless taking people from doom to destiny in the capacity of wife, liberator and prophetess. Harriet assumed the same role
as wife, liberator and educator. Both Deborah and Harriet left a legacy for future generations fighting battles with
boldness. She told us that 1. You should have an understanding of the time period; 2. Know your Point of Power Get in the game – You build on others; and 3. Remember there is always something the Lord has for you to do. She
also made referenced to Ecclesiastes 3; Not matter what the circumstances or situation God
Annual Harriet Tubman Pilgrimage, May 29-30, 2015

June 2015 - Home Cascade District

Transcription

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